lEx  Htbra 


SEYMOUR  DURST 


When  you  leave,  please  leave  this  book 

Because  it  has  been  said 
" Ever'lhing  comes  f  him  who  waits 

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Avery  Architectural  and  Fine  Arts  Library 
Gu  t  of  Seymour  B.  Durst  Old  York  Library 


I 


1 


♦ 


t 


JOURNALS 


OF  THE 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS, 


PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION, 


COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY  AND  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY 


OF  THE 


STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 


1775-1776-1777 


Vol.  I. 


ALBANY: 

PRINTED  BY  THURLOW  WEED,  PRINTER  TO  THE  STATE. 

1842. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2014 


https://archive.org/details/journalsofprovin01  newy 


These  Journals  are  printed  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Legislature. 

WILLIAM  H  SEWARD. 

Albany,  January  1st,  1842. 


STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 

In  Senate,  April  17,  1841. 
Resolved,  (if  the  Assembly  concur,)  That  the  Governor  be  authorized  to  procure  the  printing  of  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  copies  of  the  Journals  of  the  New-York  Provincial  Congress  and  Convention,  and  Committee  of 
Safety,  from  May,  1775,  to  the  adoption  of  the  State  Constitution,  in  1777,  in  order  to  complete  the  series  of  Legis- 
lative Journals  of  the  Colony  and  State  of  New- York ;  and  that  twelve  copies  thereof  be  deposited  in  the  Senate 
Chamber  ;  twelve  copies  in  the  Assembly  Chamber  ;  three  copies  in  the  State  Library  ;  one  copy  in  the  Comptrol- 
ler's office ;  one  copy  in  the  Attorney-General's  office  ;  one  copy  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  each  county  of  the 
State ;  one  copy  in  the  State  Library  of  each  State  of  the  Union ;  and  the  remaining  copies  in  the  Secretary  of 
State's  office,  to  be  distributed  or  sold  by  him. 

By  order, 

SAMUEL  G.  ANDREWS,  Clerk. 

STATE  OP  NEW-YORK. 

In  Assembly  May  24,  1841. 
Resolved,  That  the  Assembly  do  concur  with  the  Senate  in  their  said  resolution. 

By  order. 

P.  B.  PRINDLE,  Clerk. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


CITY  OF  NEW-YORK, ) 
April  20th,  1775.  J 

The  Deputies  hereinafter  named,  from  the  following 
counties,  assembled  at  the  Exchange  in  this  city,  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  a  Provincial  Convention,  vizt : 

Philip  Livingston,  Esquire,  John  Alsop,  Esquire,  James  Duane, 
Esquire,  John  Jay,  Esquire,  Colo.  Leonard  Lispenard,  Mr.  Francis 
Lewis,  Mr.  Abraham  Walton,  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Alexander 
McDougall  and  Mr.  Abraham  Brasier — For  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Colo.  Philip  Schuyler,  Colo.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  and  Abraham 
Yates,  Junr.  Esquire — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Charles  D.  Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawling  Esqrs. — For 
Ulster  county. 

Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  John  Herring, 
Esquire,  Mr.  Peter  Clowes  and  Mr.  Israel  Seely — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Lewis  Morris,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esquire,  Robert  Graham, 
Esquire,  Major  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  Samuel  Drake,  Esquire  and  Mr. 
Stephen  Ward — For  West  Chester  county. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Major  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  and  Egbert 
Benson,  Esquire — For  Dutches  county. 

Simon  Boerum,  Esquire,  Capt.  Richard  Stillwell,  Mr.  Theodorus 
Polhemus,  Mr.  Denice  Denice  and  Mr.  John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings 
county. 

Colo.  William  Floyd,  Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Colo.  Phineas  Fan- 
ning, Thomas  Tredwell,  Esquire  and  John  Sloss  Hubbard,  [Hobart,] 
Esquire — For  Suffolk  county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell  and  Mr.  John  Talman — From  New  Town  and 
Flushing,  in  Queens  county. 

The  Convention  unanimously  chose  Philip  Livingston, 
Esquire,  to  be  their  President. 

Ordered,  That  the  sense  of  this  Convention  upon  every 
question  be  taken  and  determined  by  the  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  counties  here  represented. 

That  the  votes  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  be 
considered  as  four,  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  as  three, 
and  that  of  each  of  the  other  counties  respectively  as  two, 
and  that  this  arrangement  shall  not  upon  any  future  occa- 
sion be  drawn  into  precedent. 

The  Convention  then  unanimously  elected  John  McKes- 
son, Esquire,  to  be  their  Secretary. 

The  Deputies  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  pro- 
duced the  poll  lists  taken  the  fifteenth  day  of  March  last, 
in  each  ward  of  the  said  city,  certified  under  the  hands  of 
the  vestrymen  of  the  respective  wards,  and  others  before 

1 


whom  they  were  taken,  by  which  it  appears  that  Philip 
Livingston,  Esquire,  John  Alsop,  Esquire,  James  Duane, 
Esquire,  John  Jay,  Esquire,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Esquire, 
Messrs.  Francis  Lewis,  Abraham  Walton,  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, Alexander  McDougal,  and  Abraham  Brasier,  all 
now  present,  together  with  Mr.  Isaac  Low,  who  is  not 
present,  were  elected  by  a  very  great  majority  of  voices,  to 
be  the  Deputies  of  the  said  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  appointing  delegates  to  attend  the 
next  Continental  Congress,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  on  the 
tenth  day  of  May  next. 

Colo.  Philip  Schuyler,  Colo.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck, 
and  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  produced  a  certificate 
subscribed  by  John  N.  Bleecker,  clerk  of  the  committee 
of  correspondence  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  cer- 
tifying that  they,  together  with  Colo.  Peter  R.  Living- 
ston and  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  were  unanimously  elect- 
ed by  the  said  committee,  (which  committee  was  express- 
ly empowered  for  that  purpose,)  as  Deputies  for  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany,  to  attend  the  Provincial  Convention 
to  be  held  in  the  city  of  New-York  on  this  day,  for  the 
purpose  of  choosing  delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  at 
the  next  Continental  Congress,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  on 
the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  which  certificate  bears  date  at 
Albany  on  the  twenty-first  day  of  March  last  past,  and 
being  read  and  accepted,  is  filed  with  the  Secretary. 

Charles  De  Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawling, 
Esquires,  produced  a  certificate,  bearingdatethe  seventh  day 
of  April  instant,  subscribed  by  Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh, 
chairman  or  president  of  all  the  committees  of  the  respec- 
tive towns  and  precincts  in  Ulster  county,  (except  the  towns 
of  Rochester  and  Mamacoting,)  which  several  committees 
were  therein  named,  and  declared  to  have  been  elected  and 
appointed  to  meet,  nominate  and  appoint  Deputies  for  the 
said  county,  to  serve  in  [the]  Provincial  Convention  at  the 
city  of  New-York  on  this  day,  or  at  such  other  time  and 
place  as  might  be  agreed  on,  and  were  then  assembled  at 
the  New  Paltz,  in  the  said  county,  for  that  purpose.  And 
the  said  credentials  certify  that  they,  the  said  Charles  De 
Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawlin,  Esquires,  were 
unanimously  elected  by  all  the  said  committees,  as  Depu- 
ties for  the  said  county  of  Ulster,  to  attend  the  Provincial 


2 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Convention  to  be  held  at  the  city  of  New- York  on  this  day, 
or  at  such  other  time  and  place  as  may  be  agreed  on,  for 
the  purpose  of  electing  delegates  to  represent  this  Colony 
in  Continental  Congress,  to  meet  at  Philadelphia  on  the 
tenth  day  of  May  next,  or  at  such  other  time  and  place  as 
may  be  agreed  on  for  that  purpose. 

The  same  gentlemen  from  Ulster  county  also  produced 
a  letter  signed  by  Jacob  Hoornbeek  and  Jochum  Schoon- 
maker,  (the  committee  elected  by  the  said  town  of  Roches- 
ter,) bearing  date  at  Rochester,  the  eleventh  day  of  April 
instant,  consenting  to  and  approving  of  the  appointment  of 
the  said  gentlemen,  and  reposing  the  same  trust  in  them  as 
the  other  towns  and  precincts  in  the  said  county  of  Ulster 
had  done. 

And  the  said  credentials  being  read  and  approved  of  by 
this  Convention,  are  filed  with  the  Secretary. 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  five  o'clock  P.  M. 

5  o'clock  P.  M.  April  20th,  1775. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Philip  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Messrs.  Francis  Lewis,  Alexander  McDougall,  Abraham  Brasier, 
John  Jay,  Esquire,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Esquire,  Messrs.  Isaac  Roose- 
velt and  Abraham  Walton — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yales,  Junr.  Esqr.,  Colo.  Philip  Schuyler  and  Colo.  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Charles  De  Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawling,  Esqrs. — For 
Ulster  county. 

Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  John  Herring, 
Esquire,  Mr.  Peter  Clowes  and  Mr.  Israel  Seely — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Lewis  Morris,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.  Robert  Graham, 
Esquire,  Major  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  Samuel  Drake,  Esquire  and  Mr. 
Stephen  Ward — For  West  Chester  county. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Ma  jr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  and  Egbert 
Benson,  Esquire — For  Dutches  county. 

Simon  Boerum,  Esquire,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  Esqr.  and  Mr. 
John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings  county. 

Colo.  William  Floyd,  Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hubbard, 
Esqr.  Thomas  Tredwell,  Esquire,  and  Colo.  Phineas  Fanning — For 
Suffolk  county. 

Mr.  John  Tallman  and  Mr.  Joseph  Robinson — From  Flushing  and 
Jamaica  in  Queens  county. 

The  Deputies  for  Orange  county  produced  here  several 
credentials  from  the  respective  towns  and  precincts  in  that 
county,  in  substance  as  follows,  to  wit : 

A  certificate  signed  by  Gilbert  Cooper,  clerk,  setting 
forth  that  at  a  town  meeting  of  the  precinct  of  Haver- 
straw,  in  the  said  county  of  Orange,  held  at  the  New  City, 
on  Tuesday,  the  fourth  day  of  April  instant,  it  was 

Resolved,  First,  That  that  meeting  did  highly  approve 
of  a  Convention  of  Deputies  from  the  different  counties, 
to  meet  at  the  city  of  New-York  on  this  day,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  choosing  Delegates  for  the  next  Continental  Con- 
gress, to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  in  the  month  of  May  next, 
as  the  most  effectual  means  to  promote  the  honour  and 
happiness  of  this  Colony,  and  to  unite  the  Colony  in  the 
common  cause  for  the  preservation  of  our  Rights  and 
Liberties. 

And  secondly,  That  it  was  then  and  there  resolved,  that 
Colonel  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  should  be,  and  was  thereby, 
appointed  a  Deputy  to  represent  that  precinct  at  such  Pro- 
vincial Convention,  to  meet  at  this  city  of  New- York  on 
this  day,  and  was  thereby  authorized  and  appointed  to  join 
with  the  Deputies  who  should  meet  in  such  Convention,  in 
the  appointment  of  delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  at 
the  next  Continental  Congress,  and  also  to  concur  with  the 
said  Deputies  in  such  other  measures  as  might  be  thought 
necessary  to  promote  the  honor,  happiness  and  interest  of 
this  Colony. 

Secondly ,  The  same  gentlemen.  Deputies  for  Orange  coun- 
ty, produced  a  certificate  signed  by  Daniel  Everett,  precinct 
clerk  of  the  precinct  of  Goshen,  in  the  said  county,  certi- 
fying that  at  an  annual  town  meeting  held  at  Goshen,  in 
and  for  the  precinct  of  Goshen,  on  Tuesday  the  fourth 
day  of  April  instant,  it  was  moved  and  unanimously  voted 
in  the  affirmative,  that  Henry  Wisner  and  Peter  Clowes, 
Esquires,  be  appointed  Deputies  for  the  said  precinct  of 


Goshen,  to  meet  such  other  Deputies  as  should  be  appoint- 
ed by  other  parts  of  the  Colony,  in  a  Provincial  Conven- 
tion to  be  held  in  this  city  of  New-York  on  this  day,  for 
the  purpose  of  electing  Delegates  for  the  next  Continental 
Congress,  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  tenth  day  of 
May  next. 

Thirdly,  The  said  Deputies  for  Orange  county  pro- 
duced a  certificate  subscribed  by  Thomas  Outwater,  town 
clerk,  setting  forth  that  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  of 
the  town  of  Orange,  in  Orange  county,  was  held  at  the 
house  of  Jost  Mabee,  in  the  said  town,  on  the  seventeenth 
day  of  April  instant,  agreeable  to  notice  given  and  request 
made  by  public  advertisements  for  that  purpose  ;  that  the 
freeholders  then  and  there  assembled,  took  into  considera- 
tion the  necessity  of  their  being  duly  and  properly  repre- 
sented at  the  Provincial  Convention  to  be  held  at  the  city 
of  New-York  on  this  twentieth  day  of  April,  for  the 
purpose  of  electing  and  appointing  Delegates  to  represent 
this  Colony  of  New- York  at  the  next  Continental  Con- 
gress, to  be  held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  tenth 
day  of  May  next. 

That  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  freeholders 
there  assembled,  should  send  a  deputy  to  represent  the 
said  town  of  Orange  at  this  Convention  ?  and  that  the  same 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative.  And  therein  also  setting 
forth  and  certifying  that  it  was  thereupon  voted  and  order- 
ed, that  John  Herring,  Esquire,  should  be  a  Deputy  for 
the  said  town  of  Orange,  to  represent  the  said  town  at 
this  Convention  ;  and  that  he  act  and  vote  on  behalf  of  the 
inhabitants  thereof,  in  all  such  matters  and  things  as  should 
by  the  said  Convention  be  taken  into  consideration. 

Lastly,  The  said  Deputies  from  Orange  county  produced 
a  certificate  signed  by  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esquire,  setting 
forth  that  at  an  annual  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  in- 
habitants of  the  precinct  of  Cornwall,  in  the  said  county, 
held  at  the  house  of  John  Brewster,  in  Blooming-Grove,  on 
the  fourth  day  of  April  instant,  the  said  Jesse  Woodhull, 
Esquire,  was  chosen  moderator.  That  the  said  freehold- 
ers then  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from 
the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  signed 
by  Isaac  Low,  their  chairman,  recommending  the  choosing 
of  Deputies  for  the  several  counties  in  this  Colony,  to 
meet  in  Provincial  Convention  at  the  city  of  New-York, 
on  this  twentieth  day  of  April,  for  the  sole  purpose  of 
choosing  Delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  in  the  next 
Continental  Congress,  to  be  held  at  Philadephia  on  the 
tenth  day  of  May  next  ensuing.  That  it  was  then  pro- 
posed to  the  freeholders,  whether  the  subject  matter  of  the 
said  letter  should  be  taken  into  consideration  immediately 
or  postponed  to  another  day,  and  that  debates  arising  there- 
on, and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  voted  by  a  large 
majority  that  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  letter  should 
be  considered  immediately. 

That  it  was  then  proposed  to  the  said  freeholders,  whe- 
ther a  Deputy  should  be  sent  from  that  precinct  to  this 
Convention  or  not?  and  that  debates  arising  thereon,  and 
the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by 
a  large  majority. 

And  the  said  certificate  sets  forth  and  certifies  that  Mr. 
Israel  Seely  was  then  and  there  chosen  as  one  of  the  Depu- 
ties of  that  county  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

And  all  the  said  credentials  and  certificates  produced  by 
the  said  Deputies  for  Orange  county  being  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  accepted  by  this  Convention,  are  filed  with 
the  Secretary. 

Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  Mr.  Stephen  Ward,  Samuel 
Drake,  Esquire,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esquire,  Robert  Gra- 
ham, Esquire  and  Major  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  the  Deputies 
from  West  Chester  county,  produced  credentials  bearing 
date  at  the  White  Plains,  in  West  Chester  county,  on 
the  eleventh  day  of  April  instant,  signed  by  Lewis  Morris, 
chairman,  therein  reciting  and  setting  forth,  that  on 
the  twenty-eighth  day  of  March  last  past,  a  number  of 
gentlemen  therein  particularly  named,  from  different  dis- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


3 


tricts  in  the  county  of  West  Chester,  having  received  let- 
ters from  the  Chairman  of  the^Committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  relative  to  the  appointment  of  Depu- 
ties for  the  county  of  West  Chester,  to  this  Convention, 
met  at  the  White  Plains  aforesaid,  for  the  purpose  of  de- 
vising means  to  take  the  sense  of  the  people  of  the  county 
upon  the  subject.  That  they  had  sent  letters  of  notifica- 
tion to  the  principal  freeholders  in  the  different  towns  and 
districts  in  the  county,  acquainting  them  that  they  had  then 
met  to  consider  of  the  most  proper  method  to  obtain  the 
sense  of  the  freeholders  of  the  county  upon  the  expedien- 
cy of  choosing  Deputies  to  meet  the  Deputies  of  the 
other  counties,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Delegates  to 
represent  this  Colony  in  the  Continental  Congress,  to  be 
held  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  and 
therein  recommending  a  general  meeting  of  the  freeholders 
of  the  said  county  to  be  held  at  the  White  Plains,  on  Tues- 
day the  eleventh  day  of  April  instant,  at  ten  of  the  clock 
In  the  forenoon,  at  the  Court  House,  and  therein  and  there- 
by requesting  each  such  principal  freeholder  to  give  notice 
of  the  said  meeting  to  all  the  freeholders  in  his  district 
without  exception,  as  those  who  did  not  appear  and  vote  on 
that  day  would  be  presumed  to  acquiesce  in  the  sentiments 
of  the  majority  of  those  who  should  vote.  And  therein 
also  farther  setting  forth  and  certifying,  that  such  notices 
as  aforesaid  had  been  generally  given  and  distributed  ;  and 
that  a  very  numerous  body  of  the  freeholders  of  the  county 
had  assembled  at  the  Court  House,  at  the  White  Plains, 
on  the  said  eleventh  day  of  April  instant,  in  pursuance 
thereof,  and  chose  Colonel  Lewis  Morris  for  their  chair- 
man ;  that  an  inconsiderable  number  of  persons,  (among 
whom  were  many  tenants  not  entitled  to  a  vote,)  with  Isaac 
Wilkins,  Esqr.  and  Colonel  Philipse  at  their  head,  then 
appeared,  and  Mr.  Wilkins  in  their  behalf,  as  he  said,  de- 
clared that  they  would  not  join  in  the  business  of  the  day, 
or  have  any  thing  to  do  with  Deputies  or  Congresses.  But 
that  they  came  there  for  the  sole  purpose  of  protesting 
against  such  illegal  and  unconstitutional  proceedings  ;  after 
which  they  departed. 

That  the  following  question  was  then  put  to  the  free- 
holders by  the  chairman,  vizt :  Whether  they  would  ap- 
point Deputies  for  that  county  of  West  Chester,  to  meet 
the  Deputies  of  the  other  counties  at  the  city  of  New- York 
on  the  twentieth  day  of  April  then  instant,  for  the  purpose 
of  electing  Delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  in  the  Ge- 
neral Congress  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia  on  the  tenth  day 
of  May  next  ?  That  the  freeholders  then  there  met,  unani- 
mously answered  in  the  affirmative  ;  and  thereupon  ap- 
pointed the  said  Colonel  Lewis  Morris,  Mr.  Stephen  Ward, 
Samuel  Drake,  Esquire,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.  Robert 
Graham,  Esquire,  and  Major  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  together 
with  Colonel  James  Holmes  and  Jonathan  Piatt,  Esquire,  or 
the  majority  of  them,  to  be  the  Deputies  of  the  said  county 
of  West  Chester  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

The  same  credentials  being  read,  and  heard,  and  ac- 
cepted by  this  Convention,  are  now  filed  with  the  Secre- 
tary. 

The  Deputies  for  Kings  county  produced  here  proceed- 
ings of  a  meeting  of  the  several  committees  chosen  by  the 
freeholders  of  the  townships  of  Flat  Bush,  Brookland, 
Bushwick,  New  Utrecht  and  Gravesand,  held  at  the  Coun- 
ty Hall  in  Flat  Bush,  in  Kings  county,  on  the  fifteenth  day 
of  April  instant,  for  the  purpose  of  choosing  deputies  to 
meet  with  the  deputies  from  the  other  counties  at  New- 
York  on  the  twentieth  day  of  April  instant,  to  choose  dele- 
gates to  attend  the  Continental  Congress  to  be  held  at  Phi- 
ladelphia on  the  tenth  day  of  May  next. 

The  said  proceedings  certified  by  Abraham  Van  Ranst, 
clerk  to  the  said  several  large  and  respectable  committees 
there  met,  do  certify,  that  Simon  Boerum,  Esquire,  having 
been  elected  their  chairman,  they  unanimously  resolved, 
that  the  said  Simon  Boerum,  Richard  Stilwell,  Theodorus 
Polhemus,  Denice  Denice  and  John  Vander  Bilt,  or  the 
major  part  of  them,  be  appointed,  and  they  were  thereby 


appointed  Deputies  for  Kings  county,  to  meet  the  Deputies 
of  the  other  counties  within  this  Colony  at  New-York,  on 
the  twentieth  day  of  April  instant,  to  choose  Delegates  to 
attend  the  Continental  Congress  at  Philadelphia,  on  the 
tenth  day  of  May  next.  And  the  same  certified  proceed- 
ings being  now  read,  and  heard,  and  accepted,  and  approved 
of  by  this  Convention,  are  filed  with  the  Secretary. 

The  Deputies  for  Suffolk  county  produced  a  certificate 
signed  by  Robert  Hempstead,  chairman,  atameeling  of  the 
committees  from  the  different  towns  in  the  county  of  Suffolk, 
held  at  the  County  Hall  on  the  sixth  day  of  April  instant, 
certifying  that  it  was  then  and  there  unanimously  voted 
and  agreed,  that  Colonel  William  Floyd,  Colonel  Natha- 
niel Woodhull,  Colonel  Phineas  Fanning,  Thomas  Tred- 
well  and  John  Sloss  Hubbard,  Esquires,  all  now  present, 
together  with  Thomas  Wickham,  Esqr.  were  then  and  there 
appointed  Deputies,  on  the  part  and  behalf  of  that  county, 
to  meet  the  Deputies  of  New- York  and  the  other  counties 
within  this  Colony  in  a  Provincial  Convention  at  the  city  of 
New- York,  on  the  twentieth  day  of  April  instant,  (as  recom- 
mended in  a  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  in 
the  said  city,)  there  to  unite  with  the  other  Deputies  in  ap- 
pointing Delegates  to  attend  the  Continental  Congress  at 
Philadelphia,  or  elsewhere,  in  May  next.  And  thereby 
also  farther  certifying,  that  the  said  Deputies  were  thereby 
empowered  to  unite  with  the  other  Deputies  in  Provincial 
Convention  in  entering  into  such  resolves,  and  giving  such 
instructions  to  the  Delegates  that  shall  be  there  chosen,  as 
in  their  judgment  shall  tend  to  the  preservation  of  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  America,  and  to  restore  harmony  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies  And  the  said  certified 
proceedings  and  appointment  being  read  and  heard,  and 
accepted  by  this  Convention,  are  now  filed  with  the  Se- 
cretary. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  make  an  order  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit ; 

It  having  been  reported  that  Mr.  Isaac  Low,  who  ap- 
pears to  have  been  elected  one  of  the  Deputies  for  the  city 
and  county  of  New- York,  and  has  not  attended,  does  not 
intend  to  act  in  that  capacity,  and  as  the  Convention  are 
restrained  in  the  appointment  of  Delegates  to  the  persons 
of  whom  it  is  composed  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  upon  Mr.  Low  and 
request  the  favour  of  him  to  inform  the  Convention  whether 
they  are  to  consider  him  as  one  of  their  Members  1 

The  Convention  then  adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  hora  a.  m. 

fclst,  1115. 

The  Convention  assembled  at  the  Exchange,  in  New- 
York,  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

John  Alsop,  James  Duane  and  John  Jay,  Esquires,  and  Colo.  Leo- 
nard Lispenard,  Messrs.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Alexander  McDougall.  Abra- 
ham Brasier,  Francis  Lewis  and  Abraham  Walton — For  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Colo.  Philip  Schuyler,  Colo.  Abraham  Ten  JJroeck,  and  Abra- 
ham Yates,  Junr.  Esquire — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Charles  De  Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawling,  Esquires — For 
Ulster  county. 

Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  John  Herring,  Esquire, 
Messrs.  Peter  Clowes  and  Israel  Seely — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Lewis  Morris,  Mr.  Stephen  Ward,  Samuel  Drake,  Esqr.  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.  Robert  Graham,  Esqr.  and  Major  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt—  For  West  Chester  county. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Major  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  and  Eg- 
bert Benson,  Esquire — For  Dutches  county. 

Simon  Boerurn,  Esquire,  Capt.  Richard  StillweU,  Messrs.  Theodorus 
Polhemus  and  John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings  county. 

Colo.  William  Floyd,  Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Colo.  Phineas 
Fanning,  Thomas  Treadwell,  Esquire,  and  John  Sloss  Hubbard, 
Esquire — For  Suffolk  county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Capt.  Zebulon  Williams,  Messrs.  John 
Tallman  and  Joseph  Robinson — From  New  Town,  Oyster  Bay,  Flush- 
ing and  Jamaica,  in  Queens  county. 


4 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  John  Tallman,  of  Flushing,  in  Queen's  county,  pro- 
duced to  this  Convention  a  certificate  signed  by  John  Rod- 
man, town  clerk,  and  by  Mr.  Steph.  Van  Wyck,  certifying 
that  on  the  fourth  day  of  April  instant,  after  due  notice  had 
been  given  to  the  freeholders  of  Flushing,  at  an  annual 
town  meeting,  it  was  proposed  that  a  Deputy  should  be 
be  chosen  to  represent  the  said  town  at  a  Provincial  Con- 
vention, to  be  held  at  the  city  of  New-York,  on  the  twen- 
tieth day  of  April  instant;  that  after  some  debates,  the 
matter  was  put  to  vote,  and  that  Mr.  John  Tallman  was 
by  a  great  majority  chosen  their  Deputy,  to  represent  the 
said  town  of  Flushing,  in  the  said  Provincial  Convention. 

Mr.  Joseph  Robinson  produced  to  the  Convention  a  poll 
list  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-six  of  the  freeholders  of 
the  town  of  Jamaica,  in  Queens  county,  eighty-two  where- 
of, who,  though  a  minority  of  the  freeholders  of  the  said 
town  who  polled  on  that  occasion,  have  requested  him  to 
attend  this  Convention,  and  signify  their  willingness  to  ac- 
quiesce in  the  choice  of  the  Deputies  who  attend  this 
Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  electing  Delegates  to  re- 
present this  Colony  at  the  next  Continental  Congress. 

Capt.  Zebulon  Williams  produced  two  certificates, 
signed  by  forty-three  of  the  freeholders  of  the  town  of 
Oyster  Bay,  in  Queens  county,  dated  the  twelfth  day  of 
April  instant,  who,  though  a  minority  of  the  freeholders 
who  polled  on  that  occasion,  have  thereby  appointed  him 
their  Deputy,  to  attend  this  Convention,  and  act  on  their 
behalf. 

Colonel  Jacob  Blackwell  produced  to  this  Convention  a 
poll  list  of  freeholders  of  the  township  of  New  Town,  where- 
by it  appears  that  one  hundred  freeholders  in  the  said  town, 
(who  were  all  that  did  poll  on  that  occasion,)  have  elected 
him  their  Deputy,  to  attend  this  Convention.  The  said 
certificates  and  poll  list  being  read,  heard  and  considered, 
Resolved,  That  the  Convention  allows  Colo.  Jacob 
Blackwell,  Capt.  Zebulon  Williams,  and  Messrs.  John  Tall- 
man and  Joseph  Robinson  to  be  present  at  its  deliberations, 
and  will  take  into  consideration  any  advice  they  may  offer. 

Colonel  Morris  Graham,  Major  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Junr.  and  Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  laid  before  the  Convention 
a  certificate  signed  by  the  respective  committees  of  the 
precincts  of  Rumbout,  North-East,  Amenia  and  Rynbeck, 
in  the  said  county  of  Dutches,  at  a  meeting  held  by  them 
at  Charlotte  precinct  in  the  said  county,  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  April  instant,  certifying  that  they,  the  said  Morris 
Graham,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  and  Egbert  Benson 
were  elected  Deputies  to  represent  the  said  county  in  the 
Provincial  Convention,  at  the  city  of  New-York,  on  the 
twentieth  day  of  April  instant,  or  to  represent  the  re- 
spective precincts  who  had  sent  committees  to  that  meet- 
ing, as  this  Convention,  from  a  state  of  facts  to  be  laid 
before  them,  should  determine. 

The  same  gentlemen  from  Dutchess  county  then  laid 
before  the  Convention  the  said  state  of  facts,  which  are  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

1st.  That  at  a  meeting  in  August  last,  held  for  the  pur- 
pose of  nominating  Delegates  to  represent  the  county  of 
Dutchess  in  the  last  Continental  Congress,  committees  at- 
tended from  seven  precincts. 

2nd.  That  shortly  after,  a  committee  was  chosen  in  an- 
other precinct,  who  approved  of  the  proceedings  of  this 
meeting,  and  wrote  to  the  committee  of  correspondence 
informing  them  of  the  same. 

3rdly.  That  at  this  meeting,  Messrs.  Anthony  Hoffman, 
John  Van  Ness  and  Egbert  Benson  were  constituted  a 
standing  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  whole  coun- 
ty, with  directions  to  communicate  to  the  other  commit- 
tees, whatever  intelligence  should  from  time  to  time  be  re- 
ceived, with  a  power  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  other  com- 
mittees, when  they  should  think  it  expedient ;  and  for  that 
purpose  a  place  was  appointed  where  the  next  meeting 
should  be  held. 

Athly.  That  immediately  upon  the  receipt  of  the  letter 
from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York  of  the  six- 


teenth of  March  last,  circular  letters  were  despatched  to 
the  several  precincts  in  the  county,  mentioning  the  time 
when  another  meeting  would  be  held  at  the  place  appointed 
as  above. 

5thly.  That  town  meetings  for  the  purpose  of  taking 
the  sense  of  the  inhabitants  with  respect  to  sending  Depu- 
ties to  attend  this  Convention,  have  been  held  in  only  six 
precincts. 

Gthly.  That  taking  the  six  precincts  throughout,  of  the 
persons  who  actually  appeared  and  gave  their  voices  either 
for  or  against  the  measure,  a  majority  were  in  favor  of  it. 

And  the  said  certificate  and  state  of  facts  having  been 
read,  and  heard,  and  duly  considered,  they  were  accepted 
of  by  this  Convention,  and  filed  with  the  Secretary. 

The  Secretary  being  then  called  on  for  that  purpose, 
reported  to  the  Convention,  that  in  pursuance  of  their  or- 
der, he  yesterday  evening  waited  on  Mr.  Low,  who  in  sub- 
stance informed  him  that  as  he  could  not  attend  the  com- 
mittee, when  the  measure  of  having  eleven  deputies  for 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York  was  in  agitation,  he 
got  a  friend  to  signify  to  the  committee  his  disapprobation 
of  the  measure,  and  that  if  he  was  nominated  he  should 
think  himself  obliged  to  refuse  to  serve.  That  he  had  af- 
terwards published  a  declaration  that  he  would  not  serve 
as  a  Deputy,  that  the  city  might  have  an  oppoituniiv  to 
supply  his  place  if  it  was  thought  necessary  to  have  eleven 
Deputies ;  and  that  therefore  the  Convention  are  not  to 
consider  him  as  a  member. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention,  sensible 
of  the  services  of  the  Delegates  from  this  Colony,  who  at- 
tended the  Continental  Congress,  in  order  to  express  their 
approbation  of  their  conduct,  and  as  a  mark  of  the  confi- 
dence reposed  in  them,  have  unanimously  re-elected  all  of 
them  Delegates  to  attend  the  next  Continental  Congress 
at  Philadelphia,  except  Mr.  Isaac  Low,  who  had  previously 
declared  that  the  Convention  was  not  to  consider  him  as  a 
member  of  this  Convention,  and  is  therefore  ineligible. 

John  Herring,  Esquire,  declined  attending  at  the  next 
Continental  Congress,  as  a  Delegate,  and  assigned  his 
reasons  to  the  Convention,  which  are  approved  of,  and  he 
is  therefore  excused. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  five  gentlemen  be  added 
as  Delegates  to  those  who  attended  at  the  last  Continental 
Congress  and  re-elected  by  this  Convention,  and  that  they 
be  chosen  by  ballot.  And  the  following  gentlemen  were 
then  elected  by  ballot,  nemine  con.  vizt : 

Colonel  Philip  Schuyler,  George  Clinton,  Esqr.,  Colo. 
Lewis  Morris,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  Esqr.  and 
Francis  Lewis,  Esquire. 

Resolved,  therefore,  unanimously,  That  Philip  Living- 
ston, James  Duane,  John  Alsop,  John  Jay,  Simon  Boerum, 
William  Floyd,  Henry  Wisner,  Philip  Schuyler,  George 
Clinton,  Lewis  Morris,  Francis  Lewis  and  Robert  R.  Li- 
vingston, Junr.  Esquires,  be  Delegates  to  represent  this 
Colony  at  the  next  Continental  Congress,  to  be  held  at  the 
city  of  Philadelphia  on  the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  with  full 
power  to  them,  or  any  five  of  them,  to  meet  the  Delegates 
from  the  other  Colonies,  and  to  concert  and  determine  upon 
such  measures  as  shall  be  judged  most  effectual  for  the  pre- 
servation and  re-establishment  of  American  rights  and  pri- 
vileges, and  for  the  restoration  of  harmony  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  Colonies. 


DIE  SABATTI,  11  hora  a.  nr. 

A\m\,  ttd, 

The  Convention  assembled  at  the  Exchange  in  New- 
York,  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Philip  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

John  Alsop,  Esquire,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Esquire,  Francis  Lewis, 
Esquire,  Messrs.  Abraham  Walton,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Alexander  Mc- 
Dougall,  Abraham  Brasier  and  James  Duane,  Esquire— For  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


5 


Colo.  Philip  Schuyler,  Colo.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Abraham  Yates, 
Junr.  Esqr.  and  Walter  Livingston,  Esquire, — For  the  city  and  county 
of  Albany. 

Charles  De  Witt,  George  Clinton  and  Levy  Pawling,  Esquires — For 
Ulster  county. 

Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  John  Herring,  Esqr. 
Messrs.  Peter  Clowes  and  Israel  Seely — For  Orange  county. 

Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  Esqr.,  Colo.  Morris  Graham  and  Egbert 
Benson,  Esquire — For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Lewis  Morris,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.  Robert  Graham, 
Esqr.,  Major  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  Samuel  Drake,  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Ste- 
phen Ward — For  West  Chester  county. 

Simon  Boerum,  Esquire,  and  Mr.  John  Vanderbilt — For  Kings 
county. 

Colo.  William  Floyd,  Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Colo.  Phineas  Fan- 
ning, John  Sloss  Hubbard,  Esqr.  and  Thomas  Tredwell,  Esquire — For 
Suffolk  county. 

Colo.  Joseph  Blackwell,  Zebulon  Williams,  Esquire,  Messrs.  John 
Talman  and  Joseph  Robinson — From  the  townships  of  New  Town,  Oys- 
ter Bay,  Flushing  and  Jamaica,  in  Queens  county. 

A  draft  of  credentials  for  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony, 
elected  and  appointed  to  attend  at  the  next  Continental 
Congress  at  Philadelphia  being  read  and  approved,  was 
agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

At  a  Provincial  Convention,  formed  of  Deputies  from 
the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  and  the  counties  of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Orange, 
West  Chester,  Kings  and  Suffolk,  held  at  the  city  of  New- 
York,  the  twenty-second  day  of  April,  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-five,  for  the  purpose  of  appointing 
Delegates  to  represent  the  Colony  of  New- York  in  the 
next  Continental  Congress,  to  be  held  at  the  City  of  Phila- 
delphia on  the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  Philip  Livingston, 
Esquire,  James  Duane,  John  Alsop,  John  Jay,  Simon 
Boerum,  William  Floyd,  Henry  Wisner,  Philip  Schuyler. 
George  Clinton,  Lewis  Morris,  Francis  Lewis,  and  Ro- 


bert R.  Livingston,  Junr.  Esquires,  were  unanimously 
elected  Delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  at  such  Con- 
gress, with  full  power  to  them  or  any  five  of  them,  to  meet 
the  Delegates  from  the  other  Colonies  and  to  concert  and 
determine  upon  such  measures  as  shall  be  judged  most 
effectual  for  the  preservation  and  re-establishment  of  Ame- 
rican rights  and  privileges,  and  for  the  restoration  of  har- 
mony between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  subscribed  by  the  members 
of  this  Convention,  and  that  fair  copies  be  made  of  the  re- 
solutions of  this  Convention,  appointing  the  Delegates,  as 
also  a  list  of  the  Deputies  who  attended  thereat,  and  that 
the  same  be  signed  by  the  President,  and  published  in  the 
New-York  newspapers. 

Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  given 

to  the  Secretary  for  his  services  on  this  occasion,  which 

was  accordingly  done. 

Phil.  Livingston,  John  Haring, 

John  Alsop,  Lewis  Morris, 

Jas.  Duane,  John  Thomas,  Junr. 

Frans.  Lewis,  Robt.  Graham, 

Abrm.  Walton,  Philip  Cortlandt, 

Isaac  Roosevelt,  Samll.  Drake, 

Alexr.  McDougall,  Stephen  Ward, 

Ab.  Brasher,  Morris  Graham, 

Leonard  Lispenard,  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Junr. 

Ph.  Schuyler,  Egbt.  Benson, 

Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  S.  Boerum, 

Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  John  Van  Derbelt, 

Walter  Livingston,  Wm.  Floyd, 

Ch.  D.  Witt,  Nathel.  Woodhull, 

Geo.  Clinton,  Phineas  Fanning, 

Levi  Pawling,  Jno.  Sloss  Hobart, 

A.  Hawkes  Hay,  Thomas  Tredwell, 

Henry  Wisner,  Zebn.  Williams, 

Peter  Clowes,  Jacob  Blackwell, 

Israel  Seely,  John  Talman, 
Joseph  Robinson. 


Letter  from  the  New-York  Committee  to  the  counties,  requesting  to  elect 
Delegates  to  a  Provincial  Congress. 

Committee  Chamber,  ) 
New-York,  April  28,  1775.  S 

Gentlemen — The  distressed  and  alarming  situation  of  our  country, 
occasioned  by  the  sanguinary  measures  adopted  by  the  British  Minis- 
try, (to  enforce  which  the  sword  has  been  actually  drawn  against  our 
brethren  in  the  Massachusetts)  threatening  to  involve  this  Continent  in 
all  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war,  obliges  us  to  call  for  the  united  aid  and 
council  of  the  Colony,  at  this  dangerous  crisis. 

Most  of  the  Deputies  who  composed  the  late  Provincial  Congress, 
held  in  this  city,  were  only  vested  with  powers  to  choose  Delegates  to 
represent  the  Province  at  the  next  Continental  Congress  ;  and  the  Con- 
vention having  executed  that  trust,  dissolved  themselves. 

It  is  therefore  thought  advisable  by  this  committee,  that  a  Provincial 
Congress  be  immediately  summoned  to  deliberate  upon,  and  from  time 
to  time,  to  direct  such  measures  as  may  be  expedient  for  our  common 
safety. 

We  persuade  ourselves  that  no  arguments  can  now  be  wanting  to 
evince  the  necessity  of  a  perfect  union ;  and  we  know  of  no  method  in 
which  the  united  sense  of  the  people  of  the  Province  can  be  collected, 
but  the  one  now  proposed.  We  therefore  entreat  your  county  hearti- 
ly to  unite  in  the  choice  of  proper  persons  to  represent  them  at  a  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  to  be  held  in  this  city,  on  the  22d  of  May  next. 
Twenty  deputies  are  proposed  for  this  city ;  and  in  order  to  give 
the  greater  weight  and  influence  to  the  councils  of  the  Congress,  we 
could  wish  the  number  of  deputies  from  the  counties  may  be  conside- 
rable. 

We  can  assure  you,  that  the  appointment  of  a  Provincial  Congress, 
approved  of  by  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  in  general,  is  the  most  pro- 


per and  salutary  measure  that  can  be  adopted  in  the  present  melan 
choly  state  of  this  Continent ;  and  we  shall  be  happy  to  find  that  our 
brethren  in  the  different  counties  concur  with  us  in  opinion. 
By  order  of  the  committee. 

ISAAC  LOW,  Chairman. 

New- York,  April  29th,  1775. 

A  General  Association,  agreed  to,  and  subscribed  by  the  freeholders, 
Freemen  and  Inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Persuaded  that  the  salvation  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America 
depends,  under  God,  on  the  firm  union  of  its  inhabitants,  in  a  vigo- 
rous prosecution  of  the  measures  necessary  for  its  safety;  and  convinc- 
ed of  the  necessity  of  preventing  the  anarchy  and  confusion  on  which 
attend  a  dissolution  of  the  powers  of  government :  We,  the  freemen, 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  be- 
ing greatly  alarmed  at  the  avowed  design  of  the  Ministry  to  raise  a 
revenue  in  America  ;  and  shocked  by  the  bloody  scene  now  acting  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  do,  in  the  most  solemn  manner  resolve,  never 
to  become  slaves  ;  and  do  associate  under  all  the  ties  of  religion,  ho- 
nour and  love  to  our  country,  to  adopt  and  endeavour  to  carry  into 
execution  whatever  measures  may  be  recommended  by  the  Continental 
Congress,  or  resolved  upon  by  our  Provincial  Convention  for  the  pur- 
pose of  preserving  our  Constitution,  and  opposing  the  execution  of 
the  several  arbitrary  and  oppressive  acts  of  the  British  Parliament, 
until  a  reconciliation  between  Great  Britain  and  America,  on  constitu- 
tional principles,  (which  we  most  ardently  desire,)  can  be  obtained  : 
And  that  we  will,  in  all  things,  follow  the  advice  of  our  General 
Committee,  respecting  the  purposes  aforesaid,  the  preservation  of 
peace,  and  good  order,  and  the  safety  of  individual  and  private  property 

Dated  in  New-York,  April  and  May,  1775. 


2 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


City  of  New-York,  > 
May  22nd,  1775.  $ 

A  number  of  gentlemen,  Deputies  from  several  coun- 
ties in  this  Colony,  assembled  at  the  Exchange  in  the  city 
of  New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  forming  a  Provincial 
Congress ;  but  as  they  conceived  there  were  not  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  members,  they  agreed  to  meet  here  at 
the  Exchange  to-morrow,  al  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

At  a  meeting  of  a  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony 
of  New-York,  at  the  Exchange  in  the  city  of  New-York, 
on  Tuesday,  the  twenty-third  day  of  May,  1 775 — 

The  Deputies  of  a  majority  of  the  counties  appearing, 
they  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  the  following  officers,  who 
were  unanimously  elected,  vizt : 

PETER  VANBRUGH  LIVINGSTON,  Esqr.  President. 
VOLKERT  P.  DOUW,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 

John  McKesson,  Esqr.  and  )  Secr,tarie, 

Mr.  Robert  Benson,  \  Secretaries. 

Thomas  Pettit,  Doorkeeper. 

The  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  pro- 
duced the  poll  lists  taken  on  the  day  of 
last,  in  the  several  wards  of  the  said  city,  certified  under 
the  hands  of  the  vestrymen  of  the  respective  wards,  and 
others  before  whom  they  were  taken,  by  which  it  appears 
that  the  following  persons  were  elected  Deputies  for  the 
said  city  and  county,  vizt : 

Isaac  Low,  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Alexander  McDougall, 
Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Bra- 
sier,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Ver 
Planck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kis- 
sam,  John  Morin  Scolt,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John 
Marston,  George  Folliot,*  and  Walter  Franklin — City  and  county  of 
New-York. 

The  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  of  the  committees  of  the  city  and  nine- 
teen out  of  twenty  districts  of  the  county,  by  which  it  ap- 
pears that  the  following  persons  were  elected  Deputies  for 
the  said  city  and  county,  vizt : 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Volkert  P.  Douw,  Jacob  Cuyler, 
Peter  Silvester,  Dirck  Swart,*  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Ranse- 
laer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  and  Francis  Nicoll— City 
and  county  of  Albany. 

The  Deputies  of  the  county  of  Dutchess  produced  the 
certificate  of  the  judges  and  sundry  of  the  justices  and  two 
other  persons,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  coun- 


ty, whereby  it  appears  that  the  following  persons  were 
elected  Deputies  for  the  said  county  for  six  months,  to  wit : 

Dirck  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,*  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard 
Montgomerie,*  Ephraim  Paine,*  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,* 
Gysbert  Schenck,*  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett— Dutches 
county. 

The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  Ulster  produced  the 
certificate  of  Charles  De  Witt,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
several  committees  of  all  the  several  towns  and  precincts 
in  the  said  county,  whereby  it  appears  that  the  following 
persons  were  elected  Deputies  for  the  said  county,  vizt : 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Esqr.  Charles  Clinton,*  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson  and 
Jacob  Hoornbeek — Ulster  county. 

The  Deputies  for  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw,  in  the 
county  of  Orange,  produced  a  certificate  of  Johannes  Isa. 
Blauvelt,  moderator  of  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  said  precinct,  whereby  it  appears,  that 
the  following  persons  were  elected  Deputies  for  the  said 
precinct,  vizt : 

John  Coe  and  David  Pye— In  Orange,  Haverstraw. 

The  deputies  for  Goshen  precinct,  in  the  said  county, 
produced  the  certificate  of  Balthazar  De  Haert,  clerk  of  a 
meeting  [of  J  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  pre- 
cinct, whereby  it  appears  that  the  following  persons  were 
elected  Deputies  for  the  said  precinct  vizt : 

Michael  Jackson,*  Benjamin  Tusteen,*  Peter  Clowes  and  William 
Allison — Goshen. 

The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  Suffolk  produced  the 
following  certificates,  to  wit :  The  certificate  of  William 
Smith,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  committees  of  all  the 
towns  in  the  said  county,  except  Brook  Haven  and  Islip ; 
the  certificates  of  four  companies  of  the  militia  of  the 
said  town  of  Brook  Haven,  and  the  certificate  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  said  town  or  district  of  Islip  ;t  whereby  it 
appears  that  the  following  persons  were  elected  Deputies 
for  the  said  county  for  one  year,  to  wit : 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,*  Thomas  Tredwell* 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'homruedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  James  Havens* 
and  Selah  Strong— Suffolk  county. 


t  Note.— The  certificate  of  the  town  of  Islip  was  returned  to  Colo. 
Woodhull,  because  it  is  annexed  and  subjoined  to  their  association. 


8 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  West  Chester  produced 
the  certificate  of  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  wheie- 
by  it  appears  that  the  following  persons  were  elected  Depu- 
ties for  the  said  county,  vizt : 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David 
Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Robert  Graham,*  and  William  Paulding* 
—  West  Chester  county. 

The  Deputies  for  the  township  of  Broeck  Lyn,  in  Kings 
county,  produced  the  certificate  of  Leffcrls  Leffertse,  Es- 
quire, chosen  clerk  of  a  meeting  of  the  magistrates  and 
freeholders  of  the  said  township,  whereby  it  appears  that 
the  following  persons  were  elected  Deputies  for  the  said 
township,  vizt : 

Henry  Williams,  Esqr.  Jeremiah  Reinsen,  Esqr. — Brooklyn  in 
Kings  county. 

The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  Richmond  produced  a 
certificate  of  Paul  Micheau,  clerk  of  [the]  county  of  Rich- 
mond, whereby  it  appears  that  the  following  persons  were 
(at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  of  the  said  county  for 
that  purpose,)  elected  deputies  for  the  said  county,  vizt : 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence* — Richmond  county. 

[Note. — Those  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  respectively 
with  an  asterisk,  have  not  appeared,  and  are  absent.] 

Ordered,  That  the  sense  of  this  Congress  upon  every 
question  be  taken  and  determined  by  a  majority  of  the 
votes  of  the  counties  here  represented  ;  and  that  for  the 
present  the  votes  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  be 
considered  as  four,  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  as  three, 
and  that  of  each  of  the  other  counties  respectively  as  two. 
But  that  this  arrangement  shall  continue  only  till  some  other 
arrangement  shall  be  made  and  agreed  on  by  this  Con- 
gress. 

The  following  rules  are  agreed  to,  and  resolved  to  be 
the  rules  of  this  Congress,  vizt : 

1st.  That  the  President,  and  in  his  absence  the  Vice-Pre- 
sident, and  in  the  absence  of  both,  a  President  to  be  ap- 
pointed pro  tempore,  shall  preside  at  every  meeting,  and 
keep  order  and  decorum  ;  and  that  it  shall  be  his  duty  to 
sign  all  letters  from  this  Congress. 

2nd.  That  all  motions  and  addresses  be  made  to  the 
chair,  and  standing. 

3rd.  That  if  more  than  one  shall  rise  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  the  president  shall  determine  who  shall  first  be 
heard. 

4th.  That  the  substance  of  every  motion  made  and  se- 
conded shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

5th.  That  no  interruption  shall  be  suffered  while  a  mem- 
ber is  delivering  his  sentiments. 

6th.  That  every  question  shall  be  determined  by  a  ma- 
jority of  voices  ;  and  after  the  determination  of  any  measure 
or  thing,  the  same  question  shall  not  be  re-assumed  but 
with  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  voices  of  this  board 
at  a  subsequent  meeting ;  and  that  notice  be  given  of  the 
motion  for  re-assuming  such  matter  at  least  one  day  before 
such  motion  be  made,  and  notice  thereof  given  to  the  mem- 
bers representing  each  county,  who  shall  then  be  in  the 
city  of  New-York. 

7th.  That  when  any  question  shall  be  determined  upon 
a  division,  the  names  of  the  respective  counties  shall  be 
entered  as  they  shall  vote,  on  each  side.  But  any  mem- 
ber for  any  county  may  be  at  liberty  to  have  his  name  and 
dissent  from  the  vote  of  his  county,  entered  on  the  minutes. 

8th.  That  this  Congress  shall  from  time  to  time  meet  on 
their  own  adjournments  for  the  present. 

9th.  That  for  the  despatch  of  business  and  to  prevent 
interruptions,  the  doors  at  our  meetings  shall  be  shut,  and 
that  none  but  members  be  permitted  to  take  copies  of  the 
proceedings  of  this  Congress. 

10th.  That  no  question  shall  be  determined  on  the  day 
that  it  is  agitated,  if  three  counties  shall  request  that  it  be 
deferred  to  the  next  day. 

1 1th.  That  no  member  shall  be  at  liberty  to  speak  more 


than  twice  to  the  same  point,  without  leave  of  the  President 
for  the  time  then  being. 

1 2th.  That  no  member  shall  absent  himself  from  this 
Congress  without  leave  of  the  Congress. 

13th.  That  every  member  of  this  Congress  shall  keep 
secret  all  such  matters,  proceedings  and  things  in  this 
Congress,  as  shall  be  enjoined  from  the  Chair  to  be 
kept  secret. 

14th.  That  whenever  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress 
shall  be  published  at  the  close  of  this  session,  all  the  mi- 
nutes shall  be  published,  and  no  part  concealed,  unless  such 
as  the  unanimous  voice  of  the  counties  shall  declare  to  be  of 
a  secret  or  unimportant  nature.  But  that  extracts  of  the  pro- 
ceedings may  nevertheless  be  published,  from  time  to 
time,  as  the  Congress  shall  think  fit. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  five  o'clock  P.  M. 

5  ho.  P.  M.  May  23d. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  V.  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  Walter  Franklin — For  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Ranselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton 
Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutchess  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Esqr.  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson,  Esqr.  and  Jacob  Hornbeek 
— For  Ulster  county. 

John  Coe,  Esqr.  David  Pye,  Esqr.  William  Allison,  Esqr.  Mr.  Peter 
Clowes,  Colo.  Abraham  Lent,  John  Herring,  Esqr. — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  Thomas  Tred- 
well,  Esqr.  John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esqr.  Thomas  Wickham 
and  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Esqr.  Lewis  Graham,  Esqr.  James  Van  Cort- 
landt, Esqr.  Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Colo.  Phil.  Van  Cortlandt, 
Colo.  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton  and  John  Thomas,  J  unr. — For 
West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Esqr.  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Esqr. — For  the  township 
of  Broeklyn  in  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — 
For  Richmond  county. 

The  Deputies  for  Orange  Town  produced  a  certificate 
signed  by  Jacob  Concklin,  Esquire,  chairman,  and  Thomas 
Outwater,  clerk,  at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  inhabi- 
tants of  Orange  Town,  there  held  on  the  third  day  of  May 
instant,  whereby  it  appears  that  Colo.  Abraham  Lent,  and 
John  Herring,  Esquire,  were  unanimously  chosen  Depu- 
ties to  represent  them  in  this  Provincial  Congress,  to  be 
held  at  the  city  of  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Abraham  Lent,  and  John  Herring, 
Esquire,  take  their  seats. 

Mr.  Isaac  Low  moved,  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Mor- 
ris,) that  this  Congress  enter  into  a  resolution  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  implicit 
obedience  ought  to  be  paid  to  every  recommendation  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  for  the  general  regulation  of  the  asso- 
ciated colonies  ;  but  that  this  Congress  is  competent  to  and 
ought  freely  to  deliberate  and  determine  on,  all  matters  re- 
lative to  the  internal  police  of  this  Colony.  And  debates 
arising  thereon,  Mr.  Scott  (seconded  by  Mr.  Clarkson) 
moved  for  the  previous  question,  to  wit :  Whether  the 
question  on  Mr.  Low's  motion  shall  be  now  put  ?  and  the 
said  previous  question  being  put,  was  determined  in  the 
following  manner,  vizt : 

For  the  previous  question.  dgainst  the  previous  question. 

4  The  city  and  county  of  New-York.         2  Richmond  county. 

3  City  and  county  of  Albany.  — 

2  County  of  Dutchess.  2 

2  County  of  Ulster. 

2  County  of  Orange. 

2  County  of  Suffolk. 

2  Kings  county. 

2  West  Chester  county 

19 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


9 


Resolved,  Therefore,  that  the  question  on  Mr.  Low's 
motion  be  not  now  put. 

A  copy  of  a  recommendation  and  directions  from  the 
Continental  Congress,  signed  by  their  Secretary,  bearing 
date  on  the  18th  instant,  and  certified  by  Henry  Remson, 
deputy  chairman  of  the  committee  of  New-York,  to  be  a 
true  copv,  relating  to  the  artillery  and  stores  now  in  Ti- 
conderoga,  was  handed  to  the  President,  and  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  Thursday,  May  18th,  1775. 

"  Whereas,  There  is  indubitable  evidence  that  a  de- 
sign is  formed  by  the  British  Ministry  of  making  a  cruel 
invasion  from  the  Province  of  Quebeck  upon  these  Colo- 
nies, for  the  purpose  of  destroying  our  lives  and  liberties, 
and  some  steps  have  actually  been  taken  to  carry  the  said 
design  into  execution :  And  whereas,  several  inhabitants  of 
the  northern  Colonies,  residing  in  the  vicinity  of  Ticonde- 
roga,  immediately  exposed  to  incursions,  impelled  by  a  just 
regard  for  the  defence  and  preservation  of  themselves  and 
their  countrymen,  from  such  imminent  dangers  and  cala- 
mities, have  taken  possession  of  that  post,  in  which  was 
lodged  a  quantity  of  cannon  and  military  stores,  that  would 
certainly  have  used*  in  the  intended  invasion  of  these  Co- 
lonies :  This  Congress  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  com- 
mittees of  the  cities  and  counties  of  New-York  and  Albany, 
immediately  to  cause  the  said  cannon  and  stores  to  be  re- 
moved from  Ticonderoga  to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George, 
and  if  necessary  to  apply  to  the  Colonies  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, Massachusetts  Bay  and  Connecticut,  for  such  an 
additional  body  of  forces  as  will  be  sufficient  to  establish  a 
strong  post  at  that  place,  effectually  to  secure  the  said  can- 
non and  stores,  or  so  many  of  them  as  it  may  be  judged 
proper  to  keep  there,  and  that  an  exact  inventory  be  taken 
of  all  such  cannon  and  stores,  in  order  that  they  may  be 
safely  returned,  when  the  restoration  of  the  former  harmony 
between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies  so  ardently  wished 
for  by  the  latter,  shall  render  it  prudent  and  consistent  with 
the  overruling  law  of  self-preservation. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMPSON,  Sec'y. 

"  New-York,  20th  May,  1775. 
"  A  true  copy. 

"  HENRY  REMSEN,  Dep.  Chairman." 

The  President  then  gave  some  farther  information  re- 
lating to  the  matters  mentioned  in  the  said  recommendation 
from  the  Continental  Congress,  and  particularly  what  had 
been  done  by  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York  ;  and  also  enjoined  and  gave  it  in  charge  from  the 
chair,  to  the  members  of  this  Congress,  that  the  business 
concerning  the  artillery  and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  and 
every  thing  else  relating  thereto,  is  to  be  consideied  and 
kept  as  matters  of  secrecy. 

The  subject  matter  of  the  said  recommendation,  or  di- 
rections from  the  Continental  Congress,  was  then  taken  in 
consideration  and  debated,  and  thereupon. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  immediately  comply 
with  the  direction  of  the  Continental  Congress  respecting 
the  cannon  and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  other  mat- 
ters recommended  in  their  order  of  the  eighteenth  of  May 
instant :  And 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  David  Clarkson,  Alexander 
McDougall,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Yates,  Henry  Glen, 
Zephania  Piatt,  Egbert  Dumond,  Peter  Clowes,  John 
Sloss  Hobart,  Paul  Micheau  and  Governeur  Morris,  be  a 
committee  to  report  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient 
speed,  the  methods  best  adapted  to  carry  the  above  resolu- 
tion into  execution. 

Benjamin  Kissam,  Esqr.  dissented  from  the  above  resolu- 
tion, and  prayed  his  dissent  might  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

Mr.  McDougal  moved,  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston,)  that  two  members  of  this  Congress  be 
directed  to  apply  to  all  the  ministers  in  this  city,  who  can 

•  Original  thus. 
3 


pray  in  English,  and  to  request  them  to  make  such  an 
arrangement  among  themselves  as  will  enable  them  alter- 
nately to  open  the  Congress  every  morning  with  prayer, 
which  was  agreed  to  and  ordered  accordingly ;  and  ordered 
that  Mr.  Beekman  and  Mr.  Brasher  be  a  committee  for 
that  purpose. 

The  following  gentlemen  dissented,  vizt :  Colo.  Lispe- 
nard,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Micheau, 
Mr.  Walton,  Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey, 
Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Richard  Yates,  Mr.  Governeur  Morris,  Mr. 
Lewis  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Verplanck,  Mr. 
De  Lancey,  Mr.  Franklin,  Mr.  Clowes,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo. 
Holmes,  Mr.  Ward  and  Mr.  Thomas. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  this  place,  at  nine 
o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  <m\  W5. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  John  Marston — For  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Colo.  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck  and  Major  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Jllbany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sack- 
ett — For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond,  Chris- 
topher Tappen.  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hornbeeck — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pyc,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham 
Lent  and  John  Haring. — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong 

— For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris.  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David 
Dayton,  and  John  Thomas,  Junr. — For  West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen — For  the  township  of  Broecklyn 
in  Kings  county, 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou  and  Richard  Conner 

— For  Richmond  county. 

John  Williams  and  William  Marsh,  from  Charlotte 
county,  appeared  in  Congress  and  produced  a  certificate, 
signed  by  fourteen  gentlemen,  the  respective  committees 
of  White  Creek,  Cambden,  Arlington,  Manchester,  Dorset, 
Ruport,  Pawlett  and  Wells,  in  Charlotte  countv,  certify- 
ing that  the  said  John  Williams  and  William  Marsh  are 
appointed  Deputies  to  attend  this  Congress.  The  same 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  they  take  their  seats. 

Colonel  Blackwell,  Samuel  Townshend,  Esqr.  Messrs. 
Joseph  Robinson  and  Jonathan  Lawrence,  attending  in 
Congress,  produced  a  certificate  of  Daniel  Kissam,  Esquire, 
chairman  of  a  meeting  of  a  number  of  the  freeholders  of 
Queens  county,  met  at  Jamaica  pursuant  to  public  notice, 
certifying  that  Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence, 
Daniel  Rapalje,  Esquire,  Zebulon  Williams,  Esqr.  Samuel 
Townshend,  Esqr.  Joseph  French,  Esqr.  Joseph  Robinson, 
Nathaniel  Tom,  Thomas  Hicks,  Esqr.  and  Capt.  Richard 
Thorne,  were  unanimously  chosen  and  elected  Deputies 
for  the  said  county,  to  meet  in  Provincial  Congress  with 
the  Deputies  from  the  other  counties  in  this  Colony.  The 
same  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  appointed  Deputies  from 
Queens  county,  as  they  respectively  attend,  do  take  their 
seats. 

Mr.  David  Clarkson,  chairman  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed yesterday  to  report  the  methods  best  adapted  to 
comply  with  the  directions  of  the  Continental  Congress, 


10 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


respecting  the  cannon  and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the 
other  matters  recommended  in  their  order  of  the  18th  in- 
stant, delivered  in  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which 
was  read.  And  the  said  report  being  again  read,  by  para- 
graphs, was  approved  of  and  ordered  to  be  entered  in  the 
minutes,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  We  do  report,  that  we  conceive  that  it  will  be  proper 
to  appoint  persons  in  whom  this  Congress  can  confide,  to 
superintend  the  removal  of  the  cannon  and  stores  (men- 
tioned in  the  minutes  of  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,) 
to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George. 

"  That  it  will  be  proper  to  furnish  supplies  of  provisions 
to  the  garrisons  now  stationed,  or  hereafter  to  be  stationed 
at  those  places. 

"  That  it  will  be  proper  to  appoint  a  committee  to  esti- 
mate the  expense  of  these  services,  and  a  committee  to 
consider  of  ways  and  means  for  providing  moneys  for  the 
purpose  of  defraying  the  same.    And  lastly, 

"  That  it  will  be  proper  to  write  a  letter  to  the  Governor 
and  company  of  the  English  Colony  of  Connecticut,  on  the 
matters  recommended  in  the  minute  aforesaid." 

The  said  committee  had  also  prepared,  and  then  reported 
a  draft  of  the  letter  above  mentioned,  which  was  also  read. 
[Adopted  and  entered  in  minutes  of  the  afternoon.] 

Benjamin  Kissam,  Esquire,  dissented  from  the  said  report 
and  letter,  and  desired  that  his  dissent  might  be  entered  on 
the  minutes. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  four  o'clock. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  May  24th. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President- 
Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham  Wal- 
ton, Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Ver  Planck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Tho- 
mas Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt 
and  John  Marston — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 
Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester, 
Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abraham 
Ten  Broeck,  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sackett 
— For  Duches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Duniond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hornbeek — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham 
Lent  and  John  Herring — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong 
— For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David 
Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  and  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester 
county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Rerasen,  Esqr. — For  Broeklyn,  in  Kings 
county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou  and  Richard  Conner — 

For  Richmond  county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townshend  and 
Joseph  Robinson — Queens  county. 

John  Williams  and  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 
The  gentlemen  who  are  Deputies  from  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany,  at  the  request  of  the  Congress,  recom- 
mended, and  the  Congress  nominated  and  appointed  John 
N.  Bleeker,  Henry  I.  Bogert,  George  Palmer,  Dirck 
Swart  and  Peter  Lansingh,  of  the  county  of  Albany,  or 
any  one  or  more  of  them,  to  superintend  the  removal  of  the 
cannon  and  stores  (mentioned  in  the  minutes  of  the  Grand 
Continental  Congress)  to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George. 
And  in  case  of  the  inability  or  refusal  of  those  gentlemen, 
this  Congress  does  authorize  and  request  the  sub  commit- 
tee of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  to  appoint  proper  per- 
sons to  superintend  the  removal  of  the  said  cannon  and 
stores  to  the  place  aforesaid. 

A  letter  to  the  President,  subscribed  by  Nathaniel  Wales, 
Thaddeus  Burr  and  Pierpont  Edwards,  Esqrs.  informing 


the  Congress  that  they  are  a  committee,  from  the  House 
of  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  appointed 
to  wait  on  this  Congress  in  order  to  procure  intelligence  of 
the  measures  that  may  be  adopted  by  this  Congress  re- 
specting the  common  cause  of  the  British  Colonies  ;  to 
communicate  a  true  state  of  the  measures  taken  by  that 
Colony,  and  to  cultivate  the  friendship  and  harmony  which 
subsists  between  this  Colony  and  the  Colony  of  Connecti- 
cut ;  and  informing  that  they  are  attending  in  New-York 
for  the  purposes  of  their  appointment,  was  read  and  filed ; 
and  thereupon  Mr.  Richard  Yates  and  Mr.  Morris  are  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  wait  on  those  gentlemen  immedi- 
ately, and  to  introduce  them  to  this  Congress. 

Nathaniel  Wales,  Thaddeus  Burr  and  Pierpont  Ed- 
wards, Esquires,  before  mentioned,  as  a  committee  from 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of  Connecti- 
cut, being  introduced  into  this  Congress,  produced  their 
credentials,  signed  by  the  Honourable  William  Williams, 
Esquire,  the  Speaker,  and  Richaid  Law,  Esquire,  the 
clerk  of  the  said  House  of  Representatives,  and  the  same 
were  read. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Woodhull,  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Scott, 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Richard  Yates 
and  Mr.  Morris,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  said 
committee  from  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Co- 
lony of  Connecticut,  on  the  subject  matter  of  their  letter  to 
this  Congress,  and  of  their  commission  from  the  said  House 
of  Representatives,  and  to  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will,  before  they  rise,  pro- 
vide the  best  ways  and  means  in  their  power,  as  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  People,  for  the  discharge  of  such  money 
as  is  now  lent  or  shall  be  subscribed,  or  otherwise  advanced 
or  supplied  on  the  public  faith,  to  defray  the  charges  that 
are  or  shall  be  incurred  in  the  present  exigencies  of  the 
Colony,  or  that  shall  hereafter  be  expended  or  incurred  in  the 
present  exigencies  of  the  colony,  or  that  shall  hereafter  be 
expended  or  incurred  by  recommendation  of  the  Continen- 
tal or  of  this  Provincial  Congress. 

Ordered,  The  last  preceding  resolution  be  published  in 
the  public  newspapers. 

The  Congress  then  took  in  consideration  that  part  of  the 
report  of  the  committee  concerning  the  removal  of  the  can- 
non and  stores,  which  relates  to  the  estimate  of  the  expense 
of  removing  the  same,  and  the  ways  and  means  of  raising 
money  to  defray  the  expense  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  David  Clarkson,  Alexander  Mc- 
Dougall, Walter  Livingston,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Henry  Glenn, 
Richard  Montgomery,  Egbert  Dumond,  Peter  Clowes, 
John  Sloss  Hobart,  Paul  Micheau,  Isaac  Low  and  Gover- 
neur Morris,  be  a  committee  for  both  those  purposes,  and 
that  they  make  their  reports  on  those  respective  matters 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  draft  of  the  letter  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of 
the  Colony  of  Connecticut  being  read,  paragraph  by  pa- 
ragraph, was  approved  of,  and  ordered  to  be  entered  in  the 
minutes,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

To  the  Honourable  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the 
English  Colony  of  Connecticut. 

"  Brethren, 

"  By  a  minute  of  the  Grand  Continental  Con- 
gress of  the  eighteenth  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five,  a  copy 
whereof  we  do  herewith  transmit  to  you,  we  are  informed 
that  Ticonderoga  hath  been  taken  by  sundry  inhabitants  of 
the  northern  Colonies  ;  and  from  the  minute  aforesaid, 
we  are  assured,  that  this  measure  was  for  the  common 
safety  of  the  American  Colonies. 

"  In  pursuance  of  the  directions  contained  in  that  minute, 
we  have  given  the  necessary  orders  for  removing  the  can- 
non and  stores  (taken  in  that  important  fortress)  to  the 
south  end  of  Lake  George,  and  for  securing  them  there, 
and  we  have  appointed  John  N.  Bleeker,  Henry  I.  Bogert, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


11 


Birck  Swart,  George  Palmer  and  Peter  Lansing,  superin- 
tendents of  this  business.  There  is  no  doubt  but  that  our 
brethren  in  Connecticut  will  feel  great  reluctance  at  the 
idea  of  ordering  any  of  their  troops  to  march  within  the 
bounds  of  this  Colony  for  the  purpose  of  defending  the 
Fort  at  Ticonderoga  and  the  cannon  and  stores  above  men- 
tioned at  Fort  George.  But  we  pray  you  to  cast  away  all 
fears  of  offending  us  on  this  occasion.  We  shall  be  happy 
to  hear  that  you  have  placed  a  part  of  your  forces  in  these 
posts,  with  intent  to  defend  them  until  they  shall  be  relieved 
by  troops  from  this  Colony. 

"  In  further  pursuance  of  the  directions  of  the  Grand 
Congress,  we  have  ordered  provisions  to  be  conveyed  to 
Ticonderoga  and  Lake  George,  and  we  shall  continue  to 
furnish  such  supplies  as  we  shall  deem  necessary. 

"  You  will  be  pleased,  gentlemen,  to  appoint  trusty  com- 
manders over  your  forces  destined  for  the  purposes  above 
mentioned ;  and  we  do  assure  you,  of  our  willingness  that 
they  shall  take  the  command  at  those  places  while  garri- 
soned by  your  troops. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  in  this  and  all  other 
matters,  we  will  pay  the  highest  attention  to  every  recom- 
mendation of  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,  and  that  we 
have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servts. 

"  P.  S.  We  pray  you  to  use  every  effort  to  preserve  and 
improve  the  present  peaceable  dispositions  of  the  Cana- 
dians and  Indians,  for  which  purpose  we  think  it  will  be 
necessary  to  keep  up  the  strictest  vigilance,  to  prevent  any 
incursions  from  being  made  into  the  province  of  Quebeck." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  who  are  Deputies  from 
the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  be  a  committee  to  prepare 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  N.  Bleeker,  and  the  other  four 
agents  for  superintending  the  removal  of  the  cannon  and 
stores  from  Ticonderoga,  and  also  a  draft  of  instructions  to 
the  said  agents,  and  that  they  prepare  and  bring  in  the 
same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


THURSDAY,  9  ho.  a.  m. 
Moj 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Walton,  Abraham  Brasher.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benja- 
min Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  John  Marston  and  Walter  Franklin — For  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Ranselaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Jllbany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sack- 
ett — For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson,  and  Jacob  Hornbeek—  For  Ul- 
ster county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John 
Foster,  Ezra  L'Hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong — For 
Suffolk  county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pye.  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Colo.  Abra- 
ham Lent  and  John  Herring — For  Orange  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Colo.  James  Van  Cortlandt.  Ste- 
phen AVard,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David 
Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  and  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester 
county. 

Johannes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Richard  Still- 
will,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  John  Leffertse,  Esqr.  Nicholas  Covenhoven 
and  John  Vanderbilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou  and  Richard  Con- 
ner— For  Richmond  county. 


Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrance,  Samuel  Townshend, 
Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

The  draft  of  a  postscript  to  the  letter  to  be  sent  to  the 
Governor  and  Company  of  the  English  Colony  of  Connec- 
ticut, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  We  pray  you  to  use  every  effort  to  preserve  and  im- 
prove the  present  peaceable  dispositions  of  the  Canadians 
and  Indians,  for  which  purpose  we  think  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  keep  up  the  strictest  vigilance  to  prevent  any  in- 
cursions from  being  made  into  the  Province  of  Quebec." 

And  the  same  being  approved  of,  and  agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  postscript  be  added  to  the  said 
letter. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  for  that  purpose, 
brought  in  and  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter,  and  also  a  draft 
of  instructions,  to  the  agents  for  superintending  the  re- 
moval of  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticonderoga. 

Mr.  Low  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  been  in- 
formed that  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  coun- 
ties in  this  Colony  have  designs  of  making  incursions  into 
the  province  of  Quebec,  and  that,  therefore,  he  moved  (and 
was  seconded  by  Abraham  Yates,  Esqr.)  that  a  letter  be 
wrote  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  counties  to  the 
same  purport,  as  the  postscript  to  the  letter  to  the  Gover- 
nor and  Company  of  Connecticut ;  and  the  same  being 
unanimously  agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  John  Williams,  Mr. 
Marsh,  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  Morris,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  prepare  and  report  to  the  Congress  a  draft  of  such 
letter. 

The  Deputies  for  Kings  county  produced  a  certificate, 
subscribed  by  Abraham  E.  Lolt,  clerk  of  a  meeting  of  the 
Deputies  of  the  several  townships  in  Kings  county,  assem- 
bled at  Flat  Bush,  on  the  twenty-second  day  of  May  in- 
stant, whereby  it  appears  that  Richard  Stillwell,  Theodo- 
rus Polhemus,  John  Lefferts,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  Jo- 
hannes E.  Lott,  John  Vanderbilt,  Henry  Williams  and 
Jeremiah  Remsen,  Esquires,  or  any  three  of  them,  are  ap- 
pointed Deputies,  fully  to  represent  and  act  in  behalf  of 
that  county.    The  same  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  take  their  seats. 

A  written  request  from  the  gentlemen  who  are  a  com- 
mittee from  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  requesting  a  conference  with  Mr.  Scott  and 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Colo.  Ten  Broeck  have 
leave  to  wait  on  the  said  committee  immediately. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Tom  from  Queens  county,  one  of  the 
Deputies  named  in  the  credentials  from  that  county,  filed 
with  the  secretaries,  appeared  in  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tom  take  his  seat. 

The  Reverend  Doctor  Auchmuty  and  the  Reverend 
Doctor  Rodgers  attending  at  the  door,  were  called  in,  and 
they  delivered  to  the  President  an  arrangement  of  the 
clergy,  who  in  compliance  with  the  request  of  this  Con- 
gress, have  agreed  in  the  following  order  alternately,  to 
attend  at  nine  o'clock  every  morning  to  open  this  Congress 
with  prayer,  vizt :  Dr.  Auchmuty,  Dr.  Rodgers,  Mr.  Ga- 
no,  Mr.  Inglis,  Dr.  Laidly,  Mr.  Mason,  Mr.  Treat,  Dr. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Bowden,  Mr.  Moore. 

Messrs.  Ten  Broeck  and  Scott,  who  with  leave  went  to 
confer  with  Messrs.  Wales,  Burr  and  Edwards  the  com- 
mittee of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut,  returned  and  reported  fromtheirmemory  to  this 
Congress,  that  they  had  conferred  with  those  gentlemen, 
who  informed  them  they  had  detained  Mr.  President's  let- 
ter to  their  Governor  and  company  relating  to  Ticonderoga, 
till  this  Congress  could  be  informed  of  the  following  facts, 
to  wit :  That  their  Assembly  is  not  now  sitting ;  that  their  re- 
cess was  supplied  by  a  council  of  war  with  limited  powers  ; 
that  the  said  council  have  only  authority  to  direct  the 
movements  of  their  troops,  but  not  to  appoint  any  com- 
mand. 


12 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


That  their  Assembly  had  destined  three  hundred  men 
to  be  quartered  at  Salisbury,  who  probably  would  be  al- 
lotted to  assist  in  maintaining  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga 
if  necessary  ;  that  the  persons  who  had  taken  that  post 
were  not  any  part  of  their  regular  troops  but  adventurers  ; 
that  among  these  Colo.  Arnold  from  Massachusetts,  and 
Capt.  Douglas  who  lives  on  the  line  between  that  Colony 
and  this,  were  present  at  the  capture  ;  that  Capt.  Douglass 
was  a  principal  and  had  great  merit  in  the  success  of  the 
enterprise  ;  that  almost  all  the  rest  of  the  adventurers  were 
inhabitants  of  this  Colony  ;  that  they  were  confident  their 
council  of  war  would  not  take  upon  them  to  appoint  any 
person  to  take  the  command  of  that  post ;  that  besides 
they  were  apprehensive  that  the  people  now  there  probably 
would  dispute  the  delivering  up  that  fortress  to  any  per- 
son appointed  by  their  council  of  war  ;  that  it  was  impos- 
sible for  the  said  council  of  war  to  grant  us  any  other  as- 
sistance than  the  three  hundred  men  above  mentioned, 
which  they  judged  insufficient  to  maintain  that  post ;  that 
Captain  Douglass  is  guardian  of  the  Stockbridge  Indians, 
and  has  great  influence  over  and  almost  the  entire  direction 
of  them  ;  that  he  is  a  person  of  great  influence  in  that 
quarter  ;  that  he  had  raised  for  the  enterprise  two  hundred 
men  at  his  own  expense,  and  could  in  ten  or  twelve  days 
augment  them  to  seven  hundred,  all  of  which  except  about 
one  hundred  would  be  inhabitants  of  this  Colony ;  that 
they  recommended  Capt.  Douglas  as  meriting  the  attention 
of  this  Congress  ;  that  they  thought  it  necessary  for  this 
Congress  to  appoint  to  the  command  of  the  above  mentioned 
post,  and  that  in  that  case  their  council  of  war  would  have 
it  in  their  power  to  supply  the  above  mentioned  assistance 
for  that  service. 

Which  report  being  made,  Mr.  Scott  moved  that  the 
letter  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the  English  Co- 
lony of  Connecticut  be  withheld,  and  the  subject  matter 
thereof  reconsidered.  This  motion  being  seconded,  a  de- 
bate thereon  arose,  after  which  the  question  was  put 
whether  the  said  letter  should  be  withheld  and  the  subject 
matter  thereof  reconsidered,  and  on  a  division  the  said 
question  carried  in  the  negative. 

Dessentient. — Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Nicholson, 
Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  Silvester,  Mr.  Henry  Williams,  Mr.  Ho- 
bart,  Mr.  Treadwell,  Mr.  Marsh,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Tom,  Mr.  Van  Renselaer  and  Doctor  John  Williams. 

The  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  agents  for  the  superintending 
the  removal  of  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticonderoga, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Ik  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"M  New-York,  May  2m,  1775.  5 

"  Gent — By  the  recommendation  of  the  Continental 
Congress  respecting  Ticonderoga,  already  forwarded  to  the 
committee  of  your  countv,  and  by  our  resolution  thereon, 
you  will  readily  perceive  the  expediency  of  appointing 
proper  persons  to  superintend  the  business  therein  men- 
tioned, who  will  undertake  it  with  cheerfulness,  diligence 
and  despatch.  This  Congress  being  convinced  that  per- 
sons in  the  vicinage  of  Albany  would  be  most  proper  to 
put  in  execution  the  directions  of  the  Congresses,  left  it 
to  the  Deputies  of  your  county  now  here  convened,  to 
propose  some  fit  men  for  the  approbation  of  this  Congress. 
And  you,  gentlemen,  were  accordingly  nominated  and  ap- 
pointed. We  hope,  therefore,  that  you  will  not  hesitate, 
but  enter  upon  what  is  enjoined  you  by  both  Congresses 
with  all  expedition,  and  in  doing  of  which  you  will  please 
to  have  regard  to  the  enclosed  instructions  for  your  better 
government. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  most  humble  servts. 

"  N.  B.  You  will  please  to  be  as  secret  as  the  nature  of 

this  work  will  allow  you. 

"  To  Messsrs.  John  N.  Bleeker  and  Henry  I. 
Bogert  of  the  city  of  Albany,  and  George 
Palmer  and  Dirk  Swart  of  Still  Water,  and 
Peter  Lansingh  of  Saraghtoga,  in  the  county 
of  Albany." 


The  draft  of  instructions  to  the  said  agents  was  also 
read  and  approved,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

Instructions  for  John  N.  Bleeker,  Henry  I.  Bogert, 
Dirk  Swart,  George  Palmer  and  Peter  Lansingh,  com- 
missioners or  agents  to  superintend  and  put  in  execution 
the  recommendation  of  the  Grand  Continental  Congress 
of  the  18th  May,  1775,  relative  to  Ticonderoga,  &c. 

1st.  You  will  immediately  endeavour  to  have  a  meeting 
together  if  possible,  and  see  which  of  you  it  will  suit  best, 
and  can  most  conveniently,  reasonably  and  expeditiously 
discharge  this  trust  reposed  in  you. 

2.  After  that  is  fixed  upon  among  yourselves,  that  you 
will  then  immediately  repair  to  these  places  either  by  your- 
selves or  such  fit  persons  as  you  know  can  and  will  com- 
plete the  business  effectually  and  reasonably. 

3.  It  will  be  necessary  that  you  have  an  armourer  or 
engineer  whose  skill  ought  to  determine  which  of  the  can- 
non are  useless,  that  such  may  remain  where  they  be,  and 
no  expenses  arise  from  them. 

4.  One  at  least  of  you  ought  to  attend  from  time  to 
time  at  the  different  stations,  as  occasion  may  require. 

5.  You  will  please,  whenever  you  employ  labourers, 
wagoners  or  others  in  the  service,  that  you  engage  none, 
if  it  possibly  can  be  avoided,  but  industrious  and  sober 
men,  and  such  us  have  or  will  sign  the  association. 

6.  You  will  agree  with  every  man  for  the  sum  to  be  al- 
lowed him  for  his  wages,  and  show  him  the  resolution  of 
this  Congress  of  yesterday  respecting  the  mode  of  pay- 
ment, that  no  person  may  be  ignorant  of  that  point.  You 
will  also  keep  books  of  accounts  and  make  exact  entries 
and  take  just  and  true  vouchers  of  all  the  expenses  and 
proceedings,  so  that  you  may  be  able  to  swear  as  to  the 
rectitude  of  your  conduct  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  public 
when  thereunto  required. 

7.  You  will  endeavour  as  much  as  in  you  lies,  to  culti- 
vate harmony  and  friendship  between  the  New-England 
troops  and  all  others  that  are  or  may  be  engaged  by  the 
Northern  Governments  in  those  services,  and  such  persons 
as  are  or  may  be  employed  by  this  government. 

8.  That  you  will  keep  exact  lists  and  inventories  of  all 
such  artillery,  ordnance  and  stores,  likewise  their  condi- 
tion, as  you  may  find  on  your  arrival  at  those  posts,  vizt. 
Ticonderoga  and  Lake  George — of  all  such  things  as  may 
be  left  there  or  removed  from  there. 

9.  You  will  be  also  careful  in  providing  boats  and  mate- 
rials for  water  carriage  in  transporting  such  cannon  as 
should  upon  examination  be  thought  useful,  to  the  south 
end  of  Lake  George. 

10.  It  may  be  necessary  to  inform  you  that  there  is 
lately  sent  up  from  this  city  for  the  use  of  the  people  at  the 
garrisons,  and  others  engaged  in  these  services,  one  hundred 
barrels  of  pork  and  some  stores  and  materials,  of  which  an 
inventory  will  be  handed  to  you  ;  you  will  take  all  these 
things  under  your  care,  direction  and  inspection,  and  see 
that  they  are  forwarded  and  properly  used  and  applied  ac- 
cording to  the  true  intention,  and  also  procure  such  other 
provisions,  materials  and  things  as  may  be  deemed  by  you 
absolutely  necessary  to  fulfil  the  design  the  Grand  Conti- 
nental and  this  Congress  have  in  view. 

1 1.  It  is  the  determination  of  this  Congress  not  to  coun- 
tenance any  person  to  make  any  incursions  into  Canada, 
and  in  order  to  prevent  as  much  as  in  us  lies  any  projects 
of  that  kind,  you  are  hereby  directed  to  withhold  any  suc- 
cours or  supports  from  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever 
for  such  an  expedition. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  instructions  be  en- 
grossed and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with 
all  convenient  speed. 

Benjamin  Kissam,  Esqr.  dissented  to  the  said  letter  and 
instructions,  and  desired  that  his  dissent  might  be  entered 
on  the  minutes. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  five  o'clock  P.  M. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


13 


5  ho.  P.  M.  May  25. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Abraham  Walton,  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, John  De  Lancey,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clark- 
son,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Eissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobs.  Van 
Zandt,  John  Marston  and  Walter  Franklin— For  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirck 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Al- 
bany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sackett 
— For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenberg,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hoornbeeck — For 
Ulster  county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham 
Lent — Fcr  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong 
— For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Drake, 
Philip  V.  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas, 
Junr.  and  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  county. 

Johanes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus 
Polhemus,  John  Leffertse,  Nicholas  Covenhoven  and  John  Vanderbilt 
— For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner 
— For  Richmond  county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams, 
Samuel  Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson  and  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens 
county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

The  committee  appointed  this  morning  to  prepare  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  northern  counties,  to  the 
same  purport  as  the  postscript  to  the  letter  to  the  Governor 
and  Company  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  reported  such 
draft ;  and  the  same  being  taken  into  consideration  and 
amended,  was  unanimously  changed  into  a  resolution,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  the  enemies  of  American  liberty  are  indefa- 
tigable in  their  endeavours  to  disunite  these  Colonies,  and  in 
the  prosecuting  of  this  measure  evil  minded  persons  may 
insinuate  that  the  northern  Colonies  have  hostile  intentions 
against  our  fellow  subjects  in  Canada : 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  most  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  to  all  persons  whatsoever  not  to  commit  any  hos- 
tilities against  the  people  of  that  country  ;  and  do  hereby 
declare  to  the  world  that  we  do  consider  every  such  step 
as  infamous,  and  highly  inimical  to  all  the  American  Colo- 
nies. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolution  be  published. 

"Whereas,  this  Congress  has  resolved  to  comply  with 
the  directions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the 
cannon  and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  other  matters 
recommended  in  their  order  of  the  eighteenth  of  May  in- 
stant, and  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of 
the  Colony  of  Connecticut  on  that  subject, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  necessary  that  a  letter  on  the  same 
subject  be  wrote  to  the  Colony  of  Massachussetts  Bay, 
and  a  like  letter  to  the  Colony  of  New  Hampshire  :  and 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  drew  and  reported 
the  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  Colony  of  Massachussetts  Bay,  and  a 
draft  of  a  like  letter  to  the  Colony  of  New-Hampshire,  and 
that  they  proceed  to  prepare  and  report  such  drafts  imme- 
diately. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Thomas  Smith, 
Esqr.)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

As  this  Colony  has  not  as  yet  given  that  public  testi- 
mony of  their  entire  and  cordial  accession  to  the  confede- 
racy of  the  Colonies  on  this  Continent  which  has  been 
given  by  the  other  Colonies  in  their  express  approbation 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  last  Continental  Congress  ;  I 
move  that  it  be 

4 


Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  fully  approve  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  Congress. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  it  was  thereupon 
deferred  for  farther  consideration. 

A  letter  to  the  President  from  the  committee  of  the  pre- 
cinct of  Mamacoting,  in  Ulster  county,  signed  by  John 
Young,  their  chairman,  informing  that  they  had  chosen  a 
committee  and  signed  the  association,  and  containing  some 
matters  on  the  subject  of  militia  officers  and  other  things 
local  to  them,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


FRIDAY,  9  ho.  a.  h. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  opened 
with  prayer,  by  the  Reverend  Doctor  Auchmuty. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  John  Marston — For  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirck 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Al- 
bany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sackett 
— For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hoornbeeck — For  Ul- 
ster county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent 
and  John  Herring — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong — 

For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  David  Dayton,  John  Tho- 
mas, Junr.  and  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  JohnLef- 
ferts,  John  Vanderbilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond 

county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Sa- 
muel Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson  and  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens 

county. 

John  Williams  and  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

Capt.  Asa  Douglas,  by  a  message  in  writing  directed 
and  delivered  to  the  President,  requested  to  be  admitted  to 
the  Congress,  to  communicate  a  matter  of  some  moment. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  desire  Mr.  Douglass  to 
attend. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Colo. 
Woodhull)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

As  hostile  measures  have  been  carried  on  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Canada,  I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
draw  up  a  letter  or  address,  in  order  to  convince  the  Cana- 
dians that  nothing  hostile  is  intended  against  their  persons, 
liberty  or  property. 

And  the  same  being  unanimously  agreed  to ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Kissam,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  McDougal 
and  Mr.  Clarkson,  be  a  standing  committee  of  correspon- 
dence ;  that  the  subject  matter  of  the  last  motion  be  re- 
ferred to  that  committee  ;  and  that  they  prepare  a  draft  for 
the  purpose  above  mentioned,  and  report  the  same  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Capt.  Asa  Douglas,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in 
and  heard  ;  and  Messrs.  Lewis  Graham,  Walter  Living- 
ston, Joseph  Robinson  and  Henry  Williams,  are  appointed 
a  committee  to  receive  such  farther  information  from  the 
said  Asa  Douglas,  as  he  may  have  to  communicate,  and  to 


14 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


know  what  he  expects  of  this  Congress ;  and  report  the 
same  to  this  Congress. 

Mr.  Clarkson,  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed 
yesterday  for  that  purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to 
the  committee  of  safety  for  the  Colony  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  and  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the 
Colony  of  New  Hampshire  ;  and  the  same  being  read  and 
approved  of,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Brethren — Having  received  a  minute  of  the  Grand 
Continental  Congress,  of  which  we  send  you  a  copy  here- 
with, we  wrote  a  letter  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of 
the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  of  which  we  also  send  you  a 
copy. 

"  We  do  not  doubt  of  your  ready  concurrence  in  the 
measures  recommended  by  that  august  body,  in  which  we 
do  entirely  acquiesce. 

"  We  pray  you  to  act  on  this  occasion  with  prudence 
and  expedition,  especially  as  we  have  received  intimations 
from  our  brethren  in  Connecticut,  that  they  cannot  send  a 
sufficient  force  for  the  purposes  mentioned  to  them  in  our 
letter.  And  we  beg  leave  to  assure  you  that  we  are  affec- 
tionately your  friends  and  brethren  in  the  generous  cause 
of  freedom. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants. 
"New-York,  26th  May,  1775.    In  Provincial  Congress. 
"To  Joseph  Warren,  Esqr.  and  others,  the 
Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of 
Massachusetts  Bay." 

"  A  copy  of  the  above  to  the  committee  of  correspon- 
dence for  the  Colony  of  New-Hampshire." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  all  conve- 
nient speed,  one  directed  to  Joseph  Warren,  Esqr.  and 
others,  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  Colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay ;  and  the  other  to  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence for  the  Colony  of  New-Hampshire. 

Benjamin  Kissam,  Esqr.  dissented  from  the  said  letters. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Franklin,  Mr.  McDougal, 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Verplanck,  Mr.  Richard  Yates,  Colo.  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Tappen,  Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  L'hommedieu 
and  Mr.  Foster,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration 
the  expediency  of  emitting  a  Continental  paper  currency, 
and  to  make  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  to  the  Delegates  representing  this  Colony  in  the 
Grand  Continental  Congress,  was  prepared,  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  26th  May,  1775. 
"  Gent. — Upon  considering  the  present  state  of  these 
Colonies,  it  naturally  occurred  to  this  Congress,  that  an  un- 
common levy  of  money  will  soon  be  necessary  for  Conti- 
nental service,  and  that  therefore  an  universal  paper  cur- 
rency may  probably  become  the  subject  of  consideration  in 
your  respectable  body.  To  this  scheme  it  may  naturally 
be  objected,  that  it  will  be  imprudent  in  one  Colony  to  in- 
terpose its  credit  for  the  others.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is 
clearly  impossible  to  raise  any  sum  adequate  to  the  service 
by  tax,  and  the  necessary  intercourse  of  expenditures 
throughout  the  Colonies  will  be  obstructed  by  separate 
emissions  on  the  respective  credits  of  the  several  colonies, 
which  cannot,  in  their  nature,  gain  universal  circulation. 
We  have  this  important  subject  under  serious  deliberation, 
and  are  still  at  a  loss  for  the  best  expedient,  most  effectually 
to  answer  the  purpose  ;  we  have,  therefore,  appointed  a 
committee  of  our  body  to  give  it  their  closest  attention,  and 
to  report  their  opinion  to  us  with  all  possible  despatch  ; 
the  result  of  which,  and  our  final  resolution  thereon,  we 
shall  communicate  to  you  without  loss  of  time.  In  the 
mean  time,  should  this  matter  be  now  in  contemplation  in 
the  Continental  Congress,  we  earnestly  request  that  its  de- 
termination may  be  so  postponed  as  to  furnish  an  opportu- 
nity of  acquainting  you  with  our  more  mature  sentiments 
on  this  important  point.  We  beg  leave,  through  our  Dele- 
gates, to  inform  the  Grand  Representative  Body  of  the 


Continent,  that  we  have  in  the  best  manner  in  our  power, 
executed  their  order  to  the  committees  of  New-York  and 
Albany,  respecting  the  post  at  Ticonderoga,  and  for  fur- 
ther satisfaction  we  enclose  copies  of  our  proceedings  on 
that  subject. 

"  We  are,  gent,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  now  repre- 
senting this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  this  Con- 
gress, in  pursuance  of  the  minutes  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress of  the  18th  May  instant,  be  transmitted  to  the  Dele- 
gates from  this  Colony  at  the  Continental  Congress. 

Mr.  Williams,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer 
with  Asa  Douglass,  returned  a  report  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

1.  The  purport  of  Mr.  Douglass's  desiring  to  be  heard 
by  this  Congress,  was  to  take  the  sense  of  this  Congress 
whether  they  would  choose  to  receive  the  letter  he  brought 
from  Collo.  Allen  for  the  Continental  Congress,  or  whether 
he  ought  to  proceed  with  the  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

2.  He  was  requested  by  the  troops  who  took  Ticonde- 
roga, Crown  Point,  &c.  to  solicit  this  Congress  would 
take  their  services  into  consideration,  and  reward  them 
with  money  or  provisions,  as  they  shall  think  meet. 

3.  He  was  desired  by  a  number  of  the  officers  of  Kings 
district,  to  apply  to  this  Congress  to  appoint  him  the  com- 
mander of  such  forces  as  are  or  may  be  raised  in  that  dis- 
trict. 

4.  He  begs  leave  to  inform  this  Congress  that  he  has 
expended  £18  in  advancing  money  to  the  troops  and  de- 
fraying the  charges  of  his  journey  in  going  to  Ticonderoga 
and  in  coming  here. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  lay  on  the  table  for  the 
perusal  of  the  members. 

At  the  request  of  the  committee  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  re- 
port made  by  Collo.  Ten  Broek  and  Mr.  Scott,  of  the  con- 
ference between  them  and  of  the  determination  of  this  Con- 
gress thereon,  and  a  copy  thereof  was  accordingly  deli- 
vered. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  May  26th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  John  De  Lancey,  Samuel 
Ver  Planck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Marston,  Walter  Franklin — 
For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester, 
Dirck  Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glen, 
Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Al- 
bany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — 
For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbcrgh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson,  Jacob  Hornbeck — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham 
Lent,  John  Herring — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Foster,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Colo.  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Ste- 
phen Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Phil.  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David 
Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — For 
West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  John 
Lefferts,  John  Vandcrbilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — 
For  Richmond  county. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


15 


Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams, 
Samuel  Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathanel  Tom,  Richard  Thorne 
— For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams  and  AVilliam  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  (seconded  by  Mr.  De  Lancey)mov- 
ed  that  a  committee  (consistingof  a  memberfrom  each  coun- 
ty,)be  appointed  to  draw  up  and  report  a  proper  resolve  of  this 
Congress,  recommending  to  the  different  counties  in  this 
Colony,  to  form  themselves  into  county  committees,  and 
also  into  sub-committees  for  their  respective  townships  and 
districts,  and  recommending  the  signing  of  the  General 
Association ;  and  also  to  prepare  and  report  to  this  Congress 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  committees  and  other 
persons  in  the  several  counties  for  the  above  purposes,  and 
with  copies  of  such  resolution;  which  was  unanimously 
agreed  to  :  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Delancey,  Mr.  Silvester,  Colo.  Har- 
denbergh,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  John 
Williams,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Zebulon  Williams,  Mr. 
Micheau,  Major  Phil.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Vanderbilt  and 
Mr.  Smith,  be  and  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  to 
prepare  drafts  of  such  resolve  and  letter  as  above  mention- 
ed, and  report  the  same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Clarkson  (seconded  by  Colo.  Ten  Broeck,)  moved 
that  every  member  of  this  Congress  be  desired  to  sign  the 
General  Association ;  which  was  agreed  to  and  approved 
of. 

The  following  members  had  leave  of  absence,  vizt :  Mr. 
John  Thomas,  Junr.  till  next  Monday  se'nnight ;  Doctor 
David  Dayton  till  the  same  time ;  Stephen  Ward  and 
David  Clarkson,  Esqrs.  respectively  until  Monday  next. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  at,  1115. 

The  Congress  met  according  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Rogers. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey, 
James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  Thomas  Smith, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt — For  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Volkert  P.  Dow,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirk 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Henry  Glenn,  Abraham  Ten  Broek,  Francis 
Nicoll — City  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  J  ona.  Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathl.  Sacket — For  Dutch- 
ess county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond,  Christr.  Tap- 
pen,  John  Nicholson,  Jacob  Hornbeek — For  Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent,  John 
Herring — For  Orange  county. 

Nathl.  Woodhull,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu, 
Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  Joseph 
Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding — For  Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  John  Van 
Derbilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — 
Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome — Queens 
county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

The  minutes  as  far  as  the  proceedings  of  Thursday 
morning  were  read. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  contractor  for  sup- 
plying his  Majesty's  ships  in  this  port,  to  this  Congress,  (co- 
vering an  order  of  this  day  from  the  purser  of  the  ship  Asia, 
for  provisions,)  and  requesting  the  favour  that  this  Congress 
will  be  pleased  to  signify  their  opinion,  whether  the  order 
shall  be  complied  with  ?  and  also  whether  he  shall  be  at 


For  the  amendment. 

2  Orange  county. 
2  Dutchess  county. 

Messrs.  Hoffman  and  Plait 
dissent  from  their  county. 
2  Ulster  county. 
2  Charlotte  county. 


liberty  to  supply  the  said  ship  with  such  other  provisions 
as  she  may  from  to  time  have  occasion  for,  for  her  own 
use,  during  her  stay  in  this  Colony  ?  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  be  at  liberty  to  com- 
ply with  the  order  for  provisions,  now  laid  before  the  Con- 
gress, and  the  Congress  declare  that  Mr.  Lott  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  furnish  such  other  provisions  as  above  mentioned, 
to  the  said  ship  Asia,  for  her  own  use,  while  in  this  port, 
he  laying  before  this  Congress  (or  the  General  Committee 
of  New- York,  if  this  board  should  not  be  sitting,)  a  list  of 
the  supplies  so  made  from  time  to  time. 

To  this,  amendments  were  proposed,  to  wit  :  to  add  the 
word  (first)  between  the  word  he  and  the  word  laying,  and 
to  obliterate  the  words  (so  made.) 

And  debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  question  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  against  the  amendment  in  the  manner 
following,  vizt : 

Against  the  amendment. 

3  Albany. 
Msrs.  Walt.  Livingston,  Swart, 

Van  Renselaer  and  Robt. 
Yates,  dissent  from  their 
city  and  county. 
2  Suffolk. 
2  Queens. 

8  2  Richmond. 

2  West  Chester. 

Mr.  Drake  dissents  from  his 
county. 
2  Kings. 

4  New- York. 

—     dissentients  to  the  vote  of  their 
17        city  and  county :  Messrs. 
Smith,  Brasher,  McDougall, 
Hallett  and  Beekman. 

Therefore,  this  Congress  declares  that  Mr.  Lott  shall  be 
at  liberty  to  furnish  such  other  provisions  as  above  men- 
tioned, to  the  said  ship  Asia,  for  her  own  use,  while  in 
this  port,  he  laying  before  this  Congress,  (or  the  General 
Committee  of  New-York,  if  this  Congress  should  not  be  sit- 
ting,) a  list  of  the  supplies  so  made  from  time  to  time. 

Mr.  Smith,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  a  resolve,  recommending 
to  the  different  counties  in  this  Colony,  the  signing  of  the 
General  Association,  and  the  choosing  of  committees  and 
sub-committees,  and  also  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  sent  to 
the  committees  of  each  county  for  that  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  and 
report  on  the  expediency  of  a  Continental  paper  currency, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  received  : 
And  on  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  (seconded  by  Mr.  Low,) 

Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  report  be 
resumed  on  next  Tuesday  morning  at  nine  o'clock  :  That 
the  doors  be  open  for  the  merchants  and  others  of  this  city 
and  Colony  :  And  that  the  merchants  of  this  city  be  desired 
to  attend  at  the  bar  of  the  House  on  that  occasion. 

Mr.  Micheau  has  leave  of  absence  till  Wednesday  next; 
Mr.  Pye  has  like  leave  till  Tuesday  morning ;  and  Mr. 
Drake  has  leave  of  absence  all  next  week. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  Monday  next  at  4 
o'clock  P.  M. 


DIE  LUNiE,  4  ho.  p.  m. 


May  £9V\\,  1Y15. 


The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett, Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortland,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt— 
City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Dow,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirk 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broek,  Francis  Nicoll—  City  and  county  of  Albany. 


16 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Me- 
Iancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket— Dutchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher 
Tappen,  John  Nicholson,  Jacob  Hornbeek — Ulster  county. 

Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison— Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John 
Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Nicholas  Covenhoven — Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jona.  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph  Robin- 
son— Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Gysbert  Schenck  and  Ephraim  Payne,  Esqr.  from 
Dutchess  county,  appeared  in  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  they  take  their  seats. 

A  letter  from  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey, 
to  this  Congress,  dated  at  Trenton  on  the  26th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-Jersey,  Trenton,  May  26th,  1775.  ] 
"Gent. — We  the  Deputies  appointed  by  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Province  to  meet  in  Provincial  Congress,  are  now 
convened  here  for  the  purpose  of  pursuing  such  measures 
as  may  be  thought  expedient,  in  the  present  unhappy  situa- 
tion to  which  the  Colonies  are  reduced,  and  which  the  pe- 
culiar exigencies  of  the  times  may  require.  As  nothing 
can  tend  more  to  ensure  success  to  the  steps  that  may  at 
this  critical  juncture  be  adopted  by  the  several  Provinces, 
than  a  uniform  plan  of  conduct,  we  conceived  it  neces- 
sary to  look  up  to  the  Continental  Congress  for  their  advice 
and  direction,  which  we  have  accordingly  applied  for,  and 
hope  soon  to  receive.  We  also  think  it  of  consequence 
that  a  correspondence  should  be  established  with  you, 
and  our  other  sister  Colonies,  and  a  free  communication 
be  had  from  time  to  time,  of  such  measures  as  may  be 
judged  most  conducive  to  the  interest  of  the  common  cause  ; 
and  request  that  we  may  be  favoured  with  such  intelligence 
as  occur  to  you,  worthy  of  attention,  and  of  which  our 
situation  may  probably  deprive  us. 

"  We  are  gent,  your  humble  servts. 

"  HENDK.  FISHER,  Presid't. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence,  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of 
an  answer  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,  signed  by 
John  Hancock,  Esquire,  President,  directed  to  this  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  and  bearing  date  on  the  26th  instant,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  26th  May,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  enclose  you  the  resolves  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  respecting  the  measures  they  conceive  more 
immediately  necessary  for  the  defence  and  safety  of  your 
city  and  Province,  and  which  it  is  expected  will  be  carried 
into  execution  with  all  possible  despatch,  and  with  as  much 
secrecy  as  to  the  particular  operations  intended,  as  the  na- 
ture of  the  service  will  possibly  admit  of. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial 

Convention  at  New-York." 

The  said  Resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  men- 
tioned in  the  above  letter,  were  also  read,  and  are  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  May  25th,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  a  post  be  immediately  taken  and  forti- 
led,  at  or  near  King's  Bridge,  in  the  Colony  of  New-York  ; 
hat  the  ground  be  chosen  with  a  particular  view  to  pre- 
sent the  communication  between  the  city  of  New-York 
md  the  country  from  being  interrupted  by  land. 


"  2.  Resolved,  That  a  post  be  also  taken  in  the  High- 
lands, on  each  side  of  Hudson's  river,  and  batteries  erected 
in  such  manner  as  will  most  effectually  prevent  any  vessels 
passing,  that  may  be  sent  to  harass  the  inhabitants  on  the 
borders  of  said  river  ;  and  that  experienced  persons  be  im- 
mediately sent  to  examine  said  river,  in  order  to  discover 
where  it  will  be  most  advisable  and  proper  to  obstruct  the 
navigation. 

"  3d.  That  the  militia  of  New-York  be  armed  and  train- 
ed, and  in  constant  readiness  to  act  at  a  moment's  warning; 
and  that  a  number  of  men  be  immediately  embodied  and 
kept  in  that  city,  and  so  disposed  of  as  to  give  protection 
to  the  inhabitants,  in  case  any  insult  should  be  offered  by 
the  troops,  that  may  land  there,  and  to  prevent  any  at- 
tempts that  may  be  made  to  gain  possession  of  the  city, 
and  to  interrupt  its  intercourse  with  the  country. 

"  4.  That  it  be  left  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New- 
York  to  determine  the  number  of  men  sufficient  to  occupy 
the  several  posts  above  mentioned,  and  also  that  already 
recommended  to  be  taken  at  or  near  Lake  George,  as  well 
as  to  guard  the  city,  provided  the  whole  do  not  exceed  the 
number  of  three  thousand  men,  to  be  commanded  by  such 
officers  as  shall  be  thereunto  appointed  by  said  Provincial 
Congress,  and  to  be  governed  by  such  rules  and  regula- 
tions as  shall  be  established  by  said  Congress,  until  farther 
order  is  taken  by  this  Congress  ;  provided,  also,  that  if  the 
said  Provincial  Congress  should  be  of  opinion  that  the  num- 
ber proposed  will  not  be  sufficient  for  the  several  services, 
above  recommended,  that  the  said  Congress  report  their 
sentiments  upon  this  subject  to  this  Congress,  as  soon  as 
may  be. 

"  5.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  Provincial 
Congress,  that  in  raising  those  forces  they  allow  no  boun- 
ties or  clothing,  and  that  their  pay  shall  not  exceed  the 
establishment  of  the  New-England  Colonies. 

"6.  That  it  be  further  recommended  to  the  Provincial 
Congress  aforesaid,  that  the  troops  be  enlisted  to  serve  un- 
til the  last  day  of  December  next,  unless  this  Congress 
shall  direct  that  they  be  sooner  disbanded. 

"  7.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Congress  aforesaid, 
to  persevere  the  more  vigorously  in  preparing  for  their  de- 
fence, as  it  is  very  uncertain  whether  the  earnest  endeavours 
of  this  Congress,  to  accommodate  the  unhappy  differences 
between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies,  by  conciliatory 
measures,  will  be  successful. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry 

A  letter  of  the  27th  instant  by  express  from  the  Hono- 
rable Jonathan  Trumbull,  Governor  of  the  colony  of  Con- 
necticut, on  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly  of  that  Colo- 
ny, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Hartford,  May  21th,  A.  D.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — The  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony, 
now  sitting  in  this  place,  having  received  intelligence  of 
the  imminent  danger  of  the  people  of  Ticonderoga  and 
Crown  Point,  by  reason  of  a  threatened  attack  from  the 
Province  of  Quebec,  in  a  letter  from  Col.  Arnold,  who 
at  present  commands,  of  the  23d  instant,  a  copy  of  which 
we  send  you  enclosed,  which  may  deprive  the  Colonies  of 
those  important  posts  before  the  resolve  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  respecting  them  could  be  carried  in[to]  exe- 
cution in  your  Provinces,  have,  from  the  pressing  and 
urging  necessity  of  the  case,  given  orders  that  5001b.  of 
powder  should  be  sent  there,  and  that  four  companies  of 
one  hundred  men  each  should  march  immediately  for  [the] 
support  and  defence  of  the  men  there,  and  for  the  security 
and  defence  of  the  artillery  and  stores  there,  until  they  may 
be  removed  and  secured  agreeable  to  the  resolve  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  or  until  relieved  by  your  Province. 
This  Assembly  acquiesce  in  the  resolve  of  Congress,  that 
puts  the  said  fortresses  under  the  direction  of  the  Province  of 
New- York ;  and  in  the  steps  they  have  now  taken,  would 
by  no  means  be  considered  as  invading  the  Province,  or 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


17 


intermeddling  with  the  service  intrusted  to  the  Province, 
but  as  they  first  had  the  intelligence  of  their  danger,  and  had 
troops  ready,  which  might  be  spared  for  the  present,  they 
thought  it  their  duty  to  provide  against  the  present  danger, 
until  you  might  be  advised  of  their  situation,  and  take 
such  measures  as  your  wisdom  and  prudence  shall  sug- 
gest for  their  safety  and  defence. 

"  I  am  in  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut, 
"  With  great  truth  and  regard,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 
"JONA.  TRUMBULL. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Provincial  Congress 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

The  copy  of  the  letter  above  mentioned  to  be  enclosed, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Crownpoint,  23d  May,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — My  last  was  the  19th  instant,  per  Capt. 
Oswald.  I  then  advised  you  of  my  taking  possession  of 
the  King's  sloop  at  St.  John's,  and  that  on  the  1 8th  instant 
I  met  Col.  Allen  with  80  or  100  men,  who  were  proceed- 
ing to  St.  John's  with  intention  to  make  a  stand  there,  and 
not  being  able  to  dissuade  them  from  their  rash  purpose, 
I  supplied  them  with  provisions,  &c. ;  yesterday  they  re- 
turned to  Ticonderoga  with  his  party,  and  says  that  on  ihe 
evening  of  the  18th  he  arrived  at  St.  John's  and  heard  of  a 
detachment  of  men  on  the  road  from  Montreal,  lay  in  am- 
bush for  them  ;  but  his  party  being  so  much  fatigued  when 
the  detachment  were  at  about  two  miles  distance,  he 
thought  proper  to  retreat,  and  crossed  the  Lake  at  St. 
John's,  where  they  continued  the  night,  and  at  dawn  of 
day  were  saluted  with  a  discharge  of  grape  shot  from  six 
field  pieces,  and  a  discharge  of  small  arms  from  about  200 
regulars ;  they  made  a  precipitate  retreat,  and  left  three 
men  behind.  Immediately  on  this  intelligence,  I  proceed- 
ed to  this  place  with  the  sloop  and  schooner,  as  well  arm- 
ed as  possible,  under  circumstances,  and  80  men,  which 
with  the  party  here  before,  makes  near  150  men,  with 
whom  am  determined  to  make  a  stand  here  to  secure  the 
cannon,  &c.  As  the  regulars  have  got  advice  of  our 
strength  and  movements,  I  am  apprehensive  of  their  pay- 
ing us  a  visit,  (provided  they  can  get  batteaux  from  Mon- 
treal to  St.  John's.)  I  shall  make  every  possible  prepara- 
tion to  give  them  a  warm  reception.  We  have  plenty  of 
ball  of  every  kind,  but  have  no  more  than  1501b.  of  pow- 
der here.  I  have  wrote  repeatedly  to  Albany  for  powder, 
and  can  get  none.  I  must  entreat  you,  gentlemen,  to  send  me 
four  or  five  hundred  weight  as  soon  as  possible.  Out  of 
26brls.  found  here,  there  is  not  one  pound  found  good. 
"  I  am  with  great  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

"  P.  S. — This  will  be  delivered  you,  gentlemen,  by 
Captain  Phelps,  who  has  been  very  serviceable  here,  who 
must  refer  you  to  for  particulars.  Must  beg  leave  to  ob- 
serve, I  think  it  highly  necessary  for  Connecticut  to  send 
here  immediately  1,500  men  at  least,  with  good  arms,  am- 
munition, &c. 

(Signed)  "B.  A. 

"  The  Hon'ble  Gen.  Assembly,  Connecticutt." 

"  Gentlemen — Since  writing  the  foregoing,  one  of  Colo. 
Allen's  party  taken  at  St.  John's,  made  his  escape  the  19th 
instant,  and  says  there  was  then  400  regulars  at  St. 
John's  making  all  possible  preparation  to  cross  the  Lake, 
and  expected  to  be  joined  by  a  number  of  Indians,  with  a 
design  of  retaking  these  places,  and  I  have  sent  to  alarm 
the  country  for  50  miles  below  Skeenesborough,  and  50 
miles  below  Fort  George  towards  Albany  ;  the  men  from 
that  distance,  will  be  sufficient  for  the  present  if  we  are 
well  supplied  with  powder.  We  are  making  all  possible 
preparation,  and  hope,  with  the  smiles  of  Providence,  to 
keep  our  ground,  if  not  overpowered  by  numbers. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c.  (Signed) 

"  B.  ARNOLD." 

5 


The  committee  of  correspondence  reported  a  draft  of 
an  answer  to  the  letter  from  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-Jersey,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  May  29th,  1775.  £ 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  letter  of  the 
26th  instant,  informing  us  that  your  body  is  formed.  We 
agree  with  you  in  opinion  that  nothing  can  tend  more  to 
ensure  success  to  the  steps  that  may  be  taken  by  the  seve- 
ral Colonies  at  this  critical  juncture,  than  an  uniform  plan 
of  conduct.  And  we  are  equally  convinced,  that  to  this 
end,  we  ought  to  look  up  to  the  Continental  Congress  for 
advice  and  direction.  We  are  ready  to  establish  a  corres- 
pondence with  you,  and  our  other  sister  Colonies,  and 
a  free  communication  of  such  measures  as  may  from  time 
to  time  be  judged  most  conducive  to  the  common  cause. 

Every  intelligence  to  this  end,  we  shall  most  readily 
communicate  ;  at  the  same  time  permit  us  to  observe  that 
either  the  directions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the  na- 
ture of  a  particular  measure  may  render  its  secrecy  abso- 
lutely necessary. 

"We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  at  Trenton." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the 
President  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  representing  this 

Colony  in  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,  was  prepared, 

read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  May  29th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  be  pleased  to  communicate  to 
the  Continental  Congress  that  we  have  received  their  letter 
of  the  26th  instant,  with  the  resolves  of  the  25th  therein 
enclosed,  to  which  a  proper  attention  will  be  given,  and  the 
Continental  Congress  informed  of  the  result  in  due  time. 

"  At  the  same  time  we  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that 
there  is  no  powder  to  be  purchased  in  this  city,  and  scarce 
any  in  the  whole  Colony,  and  that  a  very  considerable 
number  of  the  inhabitants  are  without  arms. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  be  informed  whether  we  could  be 
supplied  with  any  powder  from  Philadelphia,  or  any  other 
of  the  associated  Colonies. 

"  Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  we  received  this  after- 
noon from  Governor  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut,  dated  the 
27lh  instant,  and  also  a  copy  of  a  letter  to  that  government, 
from  Colo.  Arnold,  dated  at  Crown  Point  on  the  23d  instant. 

"  To-morrow  morning  we  are  to  take  in  consideration 
the  expediency  of  Continental  paper  currency,  the  result 
of  which  will  be  communicated  to  you. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

„  Your  very  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  New- York  Delegates  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  now  repre- 
senting this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  by  a  mes- 
senger for  that  purpose,  and  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  committee  of  correspondence,  (according  to  order,) 
brought  in  and  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Governor 
and  General  Court  of  Connecticut,  in  answer  to  the  letter 
from  Governor  Trumbull,  above  mentioned,  which  being 
read  and  approved  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  May  29th,  1775.  5 
"  Sir — We  have  been  honoured  with  ihe  receipt  of  your 
favour  of  the  27th  instant,  containing  information  and  en- 
closing despatches  relating  to  the  important  posts  of  Ticon- 
deroga and  Crown  Point.  We  are  sorry  to  hear  of  the 
imminent  danger  of  the  people  at  those  posts  from  a  threa- 
tened attack  from  Quebec,  which  might  be  attended  with 
the  loss  of  them  before  any  resolve  of  the  Continental 
Congress  for  their  preservation  could  be  carried  into  exe- 
cution by  your  Colony. 


18 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"  Though,  therefore,  we  agree,  sir,  in  opinion  with  your 
Assembly,  that  the  said  fortresses  are  properly  under  the 
direction  of  this  Colony,  yet  we  are  satisfied  that  the  press- 
ing and  urgent  necessity  of  the  case,  and  our  present  ina- 
bility to  take  the  command,  fully  justify  the  arrangements 
mentioned  in  your  letter  to  have  been  taken  by  your  respec- 
table body  for  their  immediate  defence.  We  are,  there- 
fore, far  from  considering  them  as  an  invasion  of  this  Co- 
lony, or  an  intermeddling  with  the  service  entrusted  to  it 
as  you  may  collect  from  our  former  letter  on  this  subject, 
but  rather  esteem  them  as  a  friendly  interposition  for  the 
safety  of  our  frontiers,  and  as  a  wise  improvement  of  your 
early  intelligence,  and  your  state  of  readiness  to  provide 
against  immediate  danger,  as  in  consequence  of  those  ar- 
rangements and  the  succours  we  may  be  able  to  supply, 
till  we  are  in  a  condition  to  take  that  direction  of  the  above 
mentioned  fortresses,  which  their  situation  and  the  deter- 
mination of  the  Continental  Congress  have  allotted  to  us, 
we  shall  attend  to  a  proper  supply  of  provisions  for  the 
posts. 

"  We  beg  leave,  at  the  same  time,  to  present  you  our 
unfeigned  thanks  for  your  most  friendly  and  seasonable  re- 
inforcement, from  the  burden  of  which  we  shall,  without 
loss  of  time,  endeavour,  in  pursuance  of  further  directions 
from  the  Continental  Congress,  to  relieve  our  brethren  of 
Connecticut ;  and  should  your  stock  of  ammunition  per- 
mit the  increase  of  that  supply  which  you  have  generously 
destined  for  that  service,  we  shall  exert  ourselves  in  re- 
placing it  as  soon  as  we  shall  have  it  in  our  power. 
"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  Sir,  your 

"  Honors',  and  the  General  Courts'  most 
"  Obedient  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  Hono'ble  J.  Trumbull,  Esquire, 
and  the  General  Court  of  the  Colony 
of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President  and  transmitted  with  all  convenient  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  to  report  the  ways  and 
means  for  removing  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticonde- 
roga,  do  without  delay  and  as  privately  as  possible,  direct 
one  hundred  barrels  of  pork,  two  hundred  barrels  of  flour 
and  twenty  barrels  of  rum  to  be  sent  forward  to  Albany  to- 
wards supplying  the  garrisons  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticon- 
deroga. 

The  draft  of  a  resolve  reported  by  the  committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose,  recommending  the  choosing  of 
committees  and  sub-committees  and  signing  the  associa- 
tion, being  read  and  amended,  was  approved,  agreed  to 
and  resolved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended,  and  it  is  hereby 
accordingly  recommended  to  all  the  counties  in  this  Colony, 
(who  have  not  already  done  it,)  to  appoint  county  commit- 
tees, and  also  sub-committees  for  their  respective  town- 
ships, precincts  and  districts,  without  delay,  in  order  to 
carry  into  execution  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  and 
this  Provincial  Congress. 

And  that  it  is  also  recommended  to  every  inhabitant  of 
this  Colony,  who  has  hitherto  neglected  to  subscribe  the 
General  Association,  to  do  it  with  all  convenient  speed. 
And  for  these  purposes  that  the  committees  in  the  respec- 
tive counties  in  which  committees  have  been  formed,  do 
tender  the  said  Association  to  every  inhabitant  within  the 
several  districts  in  each  county.  And  that  such  persons  in 
those  counties  or  districts,  who  have  not  appointed  com- 
mittees as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  members  of  this  Con- 
gress, representing  such  counties  and  districts  respectively, 
do  make  such  tender  as  aforesaid  in  such  counties  and  dis- 
tricts respectively  ;  and  that  the  said  committees  and  per- 
sons respectively  do  return  the  said  Association  and  the 
names  of  those  who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  sign  the  same, 
to  this  Congress,  by  the  fifteenth  day  of  July  next,  or 
sooner,  if  possible. 

The  draft  of  a  letter  to  attend  the  said  resolution,  and 
recommending  to  carry  the  measures  therein  mentioned 


into  execution,  was  also  read,  amended  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  May  29,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  resolution 
of  this  Congress,  that  it  is  recommended  to  such  of  the 
counties  as  have  not  already  formed  committees,  to  do  it 
without  delay,  and  that  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Co- 
lony as  have  hitherto  neglected  to  subscribe  the  General 
Association,  do  it,  so  as  to  enable  you  to  make  a  return 
within  the  time  limited  in  the  resolution. 

"As  the  execution  of  this  resolve  is  committed  to 
your  care,  we  request  you  to  use  your  best  endeavors  to 
see  that  this  recommendation  be  complied  with.  It  may 
nevertheless  be  proper  to  inform  you  that  it  is  the  sense  of 
this  Congress  that  no  coercive  steps  ought  to  be  used  to 
induce  any  person  to  sign  the  Association.  The  propriety 
of  the  measure,  the  example  of  the  other  counties  and  the 
necessity  of  maintaining  a  perfect  union  in  every  part  of 
this  Colony,  it  is  presumed  are  sufficient  reasons  to  induce 
the  inhabitants  of  your  county  to  comply  with  this  requi- 
sition." 

Ordered,  That  five  hundred  copies  of  the  said  resolve 
and  of  the  said  letter  be  printed,  and  that  as  many  copies 
of  the  said  letter  as  may  be  necessary  be  signed  by  the 
President  and  delivered  with  the  copies  of  the  said  resolve 
to  the  members  of  this  Congress,  to  be  by  them  directed. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 
Mas 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  opened 
with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidl. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal.  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard 
Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin 
Scott,  John  Van  Cortland,  John  Marston — City  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirk 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broek,  Francis  Nicoll — City  and  county  of  Albany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Mont- 
gomerie,  Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gys- 
bert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson,  Egbert  Du- 
mond,  Christopher  Tappen,  Jacob  Hornbeek — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent — Orange 

county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John 
Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Pol- 
hemus,  John  Leffertsc,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings 
county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

The  mode  of  taking  the  votes  of  this  Congress  for  the 
present,  and  the  rules  were  read. 

The  order  for  the  business  of  the  day  being  read,  the 
Congress  took  into  consideration  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee on  the  expediency  of  a  Continental  paper  currency, 
which  report  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  most  humbly  report, 
"  That  having  made  the  best  inquiry  which  the  short 
time  would  admit  of,  they  find  that  the  proportion  of  gold 
and  silver  in  this  Colony,  compared  with  her  sister  Colo- 
nies, does  vary  according  to  the  price  of  bills  of  exchange 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


19 


in  the  several  Colonies,  (owing  to  the  relative  quantity  of 
paper  money  circulating  amongst  them,  their  several  debts, 
and  the  several  balances  of  their  trade,)  but  that  upon  the 
whole,  there  is  a  smaller  proportion  of  gold  and  silver  in 
this  Colony  than  in  several  others. 

"  That  as  to  the  mode  of  raising  money  for  the  exigency 
of  our  affairs,  it  will  be  impossible  to  collect  a  sufficient 
sum  without  issuing  a  paper  currency  of  some  sort  or 
other. 

"  That  the  neighbouring  Colonies  of  Connecticut  and 
New-Jersey  are  indebted  to  this  Colony  in  very  conside- 
rable sums. 

"  That  in  the  prosecution  of  measures  necessary  for  our 
defence,  large  sums  of  the  money  levied  or  issued  for  that 
purpose  must  undoubtedly  centre  in  this  Colony  as  an  ex- 
change for  the  necessaries  of  life,  and  other  articles  which 
this  Colony  must  furnish. 

"  That  considering  the  two  facts  last  mentioned,  it  fol- 
lows clearly  that  this  Colony  will  at  first  possess  a  much 
greater  proportion  of  the  general  paper  currency  than  her 
sister  Colonies. 

"  That  of  consequence  it  is  necessary  that  the  utmost 
precaution  be  used  to  give  the  highest  credit  to  such  emis- 
sion, in  order  to  prevent  the  depreciation  of  it. 

"  That  it  is  also  necessary  the  paper  currency  when 
emitted  should  be  as  much  as  possible  general,  that  it  may 
at  once  answer  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  instituted,  and 
with  greater  ease  flow  from  one  Colony  to  another,  and  pre- 
serve the  commercial  equality  of  money. 

"  That  the  emission  of  paper  currency  in  any  conside- 
rable quantity,  will  necessarily  tend  to  exclude  from  com- 
mercial circulation  the  gold  and  silver  now  current,  either 
by  sending  it  to  Britain  for  payment  of  debts  there,  or  by 
encouraging  private  persons  to  secrete  it. 

*'  That  if  the  emissions  be  very  great,  then  exchange  will 
undoubtedly  rise,  and  consequently  the  paper  money  be 
depreciated. 

"  That  these  considerations  will  abate  the  disposition  of 
the  inhabitants  of  America  to  receive  such  paper  money. 

"  That,  therefore,  whether  it  be  a  currency  or  not,  will 
depend  upon  the  security  which  can  be  given  for  the  re- 
payment of  it. 

"  That  the  gold  and  silver  being  excluded,  as  is  above 
mentioned,  a  general  paper  currency  will  naturally  supply 
the  place  of  it,  provided  it  can  obtain  a  general  credit. 

"  After  premising  these  things,  your  committee  proceed 
to  observe,  that  a  paper  currency  being  necessary,  there 
are  but  three  modes  by  which  it  can  be  issued. 

"  First.  That  every  Colony  should  strike  for  itself  the 
sum  apportioned  by  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  Secondly.  That  the  Continental  Congress  should  strike 
the  whole  sum  necessary,  and  each  Colony  become  bound 
to  sink  its  proportionable  part :  or, 

"  Thirdly.  That  the  Continental  Congress  should  strike 
the  whole  sum,  and  apportionate  the  several  shares  to  the 
different  Colonies,  every  Colony  become  bound  to  dis- 
charge its  own  particular  part,  and  all  the  Colonies  to  dis- 
charge the  part  which  any  particular  Colony  shall  be  un- 
able to  pay. 

"  Your  committee  observe,  upon  the  first  mode,  that  if 
it  be  followed,  this  Colony  may  not  perhaps  be  under  the 
same  necessity  of  receiving  the  emission  of  any  Colony 
which  may  appear  unable  to  sink  the  money  issued  by  it, 
as  in  the  other  instances  ;  that,  therefore,  there  may  not, 
on  that  account,  be  the  same  danger  of  subjecting  this  Co- 
lony to  the  risk  of  losing  moneys  issued  by  its  neighbours 
and  circulating  within  this  Colony. 

"  That,  nevertheless,  it  is  highly  probable,  the  debts 
due  to  this  Colony  will  be  eventually  paid  in  the  paper 
money  so  issued  by  the  Colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New- 
Jersey,  or  that  such  moneys  confined  within  the  bounds  of 
those  Colonies  will  be  so  depreciated  that  the  persons  in 
trade,  who  are  possessed  thereof,  will  be  rendered  unable 
to  pay  their  debts  in  any  other  way. 


"  That  your  committee  have  great  reason  to  believe,  that 
emissions  of  those  Colonies  will  be  depreciated  in  such  man- 
ner, by  reason  of  the  doubts  which  will  arise  in  men's  minds 
about  the  sinking  of  them,  wherefore  a  very  considerable 
loss  will  happen  to  this  Colony  from  receiving  such  money. 

"  That  your  committee,  nevertheless,  are  of  opinion, 
that  in  order  to  answer  the  purposes  of  striking  such  paper 
money  in  these  Colonies,  it  will  be  necessary  for  this  Co- 
lony, and  all  others,  to  give  a  general  credit  to  every  emis- 
sion. Your  committee  do  therefore  disapprove  of  the  first 
mode,  because  they  conceive  that  moneys  issued  in  that 
way  will  not  have  the  necessary  general  credit  aforesaid, 
but  that  this  Colony,  in  particular,  will  be  under  the  neces- 
sity of  receiving  very  considerable  sums  of  money  from  the 
Colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New- Jersey,  which  those  Co- 
lonies may  not  be  able  to  repay  ;  and  if  so,  that  then  the 
circulation  of  such  money  in  this  Colony  will  prevent  the 
future  admission  of  gold  and  silver,  and  consequently  raise 
the  par  of  exchange  between  this  Colony  and  Great  Bri- 
tain, so  as  greatly  to  distress  the  general  commerce  of  this 
Colony,  besides  the  loss  which  must  be  sustained  by  those 
individuals  who  become  possessed  of  such  depreciated 
moneys. 

"  As  to  the  second  mode,  your  committee  observe  that 
it  will  give  much  greater  credit  and  currency  to  the  moneys 
so  issued  than  the  first,  and  consequently  will  better  an- 
swer the  ends  for  which  it  is  designed. 

"  That  such  credit  and  currency  will  also,  in  a  great 
measure,  prevent  the  accumulation  of  it  in  this  Colony, 
and  dissipate  it  through  those  channels  of  trade  in  which 
the  gold  and  silver  now  flow,  so  as  to  preserve  the  com- 
mercial equality  of  money  above  stated. 

"  That,  nevertheless,  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that 
if  any  default  shall  happen  in  sinking  the  moneys  issued 
by  this  mode,  such  default  will  be  made  by  the  adjacent 
Colonies  of  Connecticut  and  New-Jersey,  or  one  of  them, 
and  that,  therefore,  although  there  are  greater  advantages 
attending  this  mode  than  the  former,  yet  it  is  subject  to  all 
the  same  inconveniences  with  respect  to  this  Colony. 

"  Your  committee  do  now  observe  upon  the  last  mode, 
that  it  will  be  attended  with  the  advantage  of  higher  and 
more  universal  credit  than  either  of  the  former,  and  con- 
sequently, as  to  the  general  cause,  will  best  answer  the 
great  end  of  its  institution. 

"  That  this  advantage  is  attended  with  a  very  great  dis- 
advantage as  to  this  Colony,  because  this  Colony  may,  by 
that  means,  be  subjected  to  the  payment  of  her  own  pro- 
portion, and  also  to  a  proportion  of  the  part  of  such  Colony 
as  may  become  bankrupt  by  her  over-exertions  in  this  con- 
troversy. 

"  Your  committee  however  do  conceive  that  if  any  Co- 
lony or  Colonies  shall  be  deficient  in  this  respect,  it  will 
most  probably  be  those  which  are  immediately  adjacent  to 
this ;  that  the  greater  part  of  the  moneys  designated  for 
them  to  refund,  will  necessarily  circulate  in  this  Colony, 
and  therefore  in  it  the  deficiencies  which  shall  so  happen, 
will  be  most  sensibly  felt. 

"  That  in  such  case,  if  the  Colonies  are  generally  pledged 
for  each  other,  and  do  severally  perform  their  engagements, 
then  this  Colony  will  be  greatly  relieved  by  sinking  a  part 
thereof  in  Pennsylvania,  Maryland,  Virginia,  &c.  That 
if  such  engagements  are  not  performed,  this  Colony  will 
not  be  in  a  worse  situation  by  this,  than  by  either  of  the 
other  modes,  but  continue  precisely  in  the  same  predica* 
ment. 

"  Before  your  committee  determine  their  choice,  they 
pray  leave  to  observe,  that  there  are.  only  two  obstacles  to 
an  emission  of  paper  money. 

"  First.  To  give  it  an  immediate  and  ready  currency  : 

"  Secondly.  To  provide  ways  and  means  for  sinking  it. 

"  As  to  the  first,  your  committee  observe,  that  if  the 
Continental  Congress  shall  strike  a  paper  currency,  they 
have  no  doubts  but  that  it  will  be  very  readily  received 
throughout  this  continent ;  yet  they  have  very  great  doubts 


20 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


whether  the  same  determination  ought  to  be  made  with  re- 
spect to  money  issued  by  a  lesser  authority. 

"  As  to  the  second  point  your  committee  observe,  that 
whenever  a  paper  currency  has  been  emitted  and  obtained 
a  general  credit,  it  will  be  a  new  bond  of  union  to  the  as- 
sociated Colonies ;  and  every  inhabitant  thereof  will  be 
bound  in  interest  to  endeavour  that  ways  and  means  be 
fallen  upon  for  sinking  of  it. 

"  Now,  therefore,  since  moneys  issued  in  the  last  of  those 
three  modes  above  mentioned,  will  afford  higher  security 
to  those  who  receive  them,  and  of  consequence  obtain  a 
more  ready,  general  and  confidential  circulation,  your  com- 
mittee do  approve  of  that  mode  : 

"  First,  Because  it  will  most  effectually  answer  the  end 
of  its  emission  : 

"  Secondly,  Because  most  probably  this  Colony  will  not 
be  burthened  with  so  great  a  proportion  of  it : 

"  Thirdly,  Because  the  other  Colonies  will  be  more 
deeply  interested  in  preventing  its  depreciation  :  And, 

"  Fourthly,  Because  the  losses  to  be  apprehended  by 
this  Colony,  will  be  alleviated  by  the  participation  of 
others. 

"  If  this  plan  should  be  adopted,  then  your  committee 
are  of  opinion,  that  it  will  be  necessary  the  moneys  issued 
should  on  one  side  have  some  general  device  ;  and  the 
moneys  proportioned  to  any  particular  Colony,  have  the 
arms,  signature,  &c.  of  such  Colony  on  the  other  side  ; 
and  that  the  proportions  now  established  be  stated  as  a 
fixed  proportion  to  estimate,  in  case  of  deficiency  in  one 
Colony,  the  aids  of  the  others. 

"  All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted." 

The  said  report  of  the  committee  being  fully  debated 
and  considered,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  whether  the 
Congress  does  agree  with  their  committee  in  the  said  re- 
port? 

Resolved,  nemine  contradicente,  That  this  Congress 
does  agree  with  the  said  committee  in  their  report. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  report  be  immediately 
transmitted  to  the  Delegates  representing  this  Colony  in 
the  Continental  Congress  ;  and  that  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  sent 
to  the  said  Delegates  with  the  said  report. 

And  the  committee  of  correspondence  having  reported  a 
draft  of  such  letter  to  the  said  Delegates,  the  same  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"At  New-York,  May  30th,  1775."  $ 

"Gentlemen — Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  the  report  of 
our  committee  upon  the  expediency  of  a  paper  currency, 
and  the  approbation  of  that  report  by  this  Congress. 

"  Upon  a  perusal  of  it  you  will  readily  perceive  the  im- 
propriety of  laying  it  before  the  Continental  Congress. 
We  send  it  to  shew  you  our  sense  and  the  reasons  on 
which  it  is  founded,  out  of  which  you  will  select  such  for 
use  as  you  may  think  proper. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"To  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  now  sitting  in  Continental  Congress 
at  the  "  [city  of  Philadelphia.] 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  five  o'clock,  P.  M. 

5  ho.  P.  M.  May  20th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Alexander  McDougal,  Abraham  Walton,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Ver  Planck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Esqr. 
Benjamin  Kissam,  Esqr.  John  Morin  Scott,  Esqr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
John  Marslon— For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 


Volkcrt  P.  Douw,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirck 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Rcnselaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Plait,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim 
Paine,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Me- 
lancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson,  Esqr.  Jacob  Hornbeeck,  Esqr. 
— For  Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Colo.  Abraham  Lent — 
For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — 
For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Colo.  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Ste- 
phen Ward,  Majr.  Phil.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  James  Holmes,  Robert 
Graham  and  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  county. 

Johannes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus 
Polhemius,  John  Lefferts,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John  Vanderbilt — For 
Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — .For  Richmond 
county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Jo- 
seph Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  that  the  subject  matter  of  the  resolves 
of  the  Continental  Congress  on  the  25th  of  May  instant, 
and  transmitted  to  this  Congress,  be  immediately  taken 
into  consideration  ;  and  that  part  of  the  said  resolves  which 
directs  the  fortifying  a  post  at  King's  Bridge,  was  accord- 
ingly taken  into  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Montgomerie,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ro- 
bert Yates,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Colo.  Holmes  be  a 
committee  to  view  the  ground  at  or  near  King's  Bridge,  and 
report  to  this  Congress  whether  the  ground  near  King's 
Bridge  will  admit  of  making  a  fortification  there,  that  will 
be  tenable  ;  and  at  what  particular  place  the  ground  will 
admit  of  making  the  best  and  most  tenable  fortification ; 
and  that  they  call  to  their  assistance  such  persons  as  they 
shall  think  necessary,  and  make  report  to  this  Congress 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  that  part  of 
the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  which  directs 
the  erecting  of  fortifications  in  the  Highlands  on  Hudson's 
river. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Clinton  and  Mr.  Tappen  be  a 
committee  (and  that  they  take  to  their  assistance  such 
persons  as  they  shall  think  necessary,)  to  go  to  the  High- 
lands and  view  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  there ;  and 
report  to  this  Congress  the  most  proper  place  for  erecting 
one  or  more  fortifications  ;  and  likewise  an  estimate  of  the 
expense  that  will  attend  erecting  the  same. 

Mr.  Kissam  moved,  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Silves- 
ter,) in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  Forasmuch  as  a  re- 
conciliation between  Great  Britain  and  these  Colonies  on 
constitutional  principles  is  essential  to  the  well  being  of 
both  countries  and  will  prevent  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war, 
in  which  this  continent  is  now  about  to  be  involved,  it  is 
therefore  the  indispensable  duty  of  this  Congress  to  com- 
municate to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in  Continental 
Congress,  their  sentiments  respecting  the  terms  of  such 
reconciliation  ;  I  therefore,  move  that  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  and  state  the  terms  on  which  such  re- 
conciliation may  be  tendered  to  Great  Britain,  consistent 
with  the  just  liberties  and  freedom  of  the  subject  in  Ame- 
rica, to  the  intent  that  the  same  when  approved  of  by  this 
Congress,  may  be  laid  before  the  said  Delegates,  as  our 
sense  on  this  important  subject,  to  be  humbly  submitted  to 
their  consideration. 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  motion,  at  the  request  of 
the  deputies  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  the 
counties  of  Ulster,  Suffolk  and  Charlotte, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  deferred. 

Mr.  Clarkson,  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  re- 
ported an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  removing  the  cannon 
and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  which  was  read. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


21 


Ordered,  That  the  same  lie  on  the  table  for  the  peru- 
sal of  the  members. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dumond,  be  desired  to  purchase 
200  barrels  of  flour  at  Kingston  in  Ulster  county,  and  have 
the  same  transported  to  Albany,  with  all  possible  despatch, 
and  deliver  to  the  agents  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  su- 
perintend the  removal  of  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticon- 
deroga,  and  that  Mr.  Dumond  have  leave  of  absence  for 
that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDougal  be  desired  to  purchase 
100  barrels  of  pork,  and  have  the  same  sent  to  Albany  with 
all  possible  despatch,  to  be  delivered  to  the  same  agents, 
and  that  Mr.  Dirk  Swart  have  leave  of  absence  to  attend 
upon  his  agency  in  superintending  the  removal  of  the  can- 
non and  stores  from  Ticonderoga,  and  such  other  matters 
as  are  given  in  charge  to  him  and  the  other  agents  for  that 
purpose  by  instructions  from  this  Provincial  Congress. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  Slst, 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Inglis. 

Present — Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey, 
James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Marston,  Walter  Franklin — For  city  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Abraham  Tenbroek,  Frances  Nicoll — City  and  county  of 
Albany. 

Dirk  Brinkerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  GysbertSchenck,  Melanc- 
ton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — Dutchess  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Colo.  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond, 
Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hornbeek — For  Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent — For 
Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Forster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Selah  Strong 
— For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  Phil.  Van  Cort- 
landt,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  county. 

Johannes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus 
Polhemius,  John  Lefferts,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John  Vanderbilt — For 
Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond 
county. 

Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams, 
Samuel  Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson  and  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens 
county. 

John  Williams  and  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 
The  petition  of  James  Arden,  Richard  Outenbogert, 
John  West,  and  six  other  persons  setting  forth  their  dis- 
tresses and  praying  for  relief,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lie  on  the  table  for  the 
perusal  of  the  members. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  to  estimate  the  expense  of  removing 
the  cannon  and  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  and  their  report  on 
the  ways  and  means  for  that  purpose  ;  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein, 

Resolved,  That  as  Messrs.  David  Clarkson,  Leonard 
Lispenard  and  Alexander  McDougall  have  offered  to  be- 
come bound  to  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  this  Co- 
lony for  all  such  money  (not  exceeding  one  thousand  five 
hundred  pounds,)  as  may  be  advanced  to  this  Congress  by 
the  said  Treasurer  for  the  present  exigency  ;  all  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Congress  do  agree  to  be  responsible  for  their 
several  proportions  of  such  advance  in  case  those  gentle- 
men should  be  called  upon  for  it,  except  Mr.  Henry  Wil- 
liams, who  dissents. 


The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  25th  of  May 
instant,  and  particularly  that  part  of  the  third  resolve,  which 
directs  "  That  the  militia  of  New-York  be  armed  and 
trained,  and  in  constant  readiness  to  act  at  a  moment's 
warning." 

And  thereupon,  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  in  general,  immediately  to 
furnish  themselves  with  necessary  arms  and  ammunitions ; 
to  use  all  diligence  to  perfect  themselves  in  the  military 
art ;  and  if  necessary  to  form  themselves  into  companies 
for  that  purpose,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolve  be  printed  in  the  newspapers, 
and  that  five  hundred  copies  thereof  be  printed  in  handbills. 

This  Congress  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of 
the  residue  of  the  third  resolve,  and  of  the  fourth  resolve 
of  the  Continental  Congress  ; 

And  thereupon,  Resolved,  That  in  compliance  with  the 
resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  25th  instant, 
this  Congress  will  use  all  possible  diligence  in  embodying 
men  according  to  the  said  resolution.  And 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lispenard,  Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo. 
Holmes,  Colo.  Lent,  Capt.  Hornbeeck,  Colonel  Blackwell, 
Colo.  Brinkerhoff,  Colo.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.Mi- 
cheau,  Mr.  John  Williams,  Mr.  Montgomerie,  Mr.  Hobart 
and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee  to  report  an  arrangement 
of  the  troops  to  be  embodied  for  the  defence  of  this  Co- 
lony ;  and  to  report  such  rules  and  regulations  as  would  be 
proper  to  be  established  by  this  Congress  for  the  govern- 
ment of  such  troops. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  directed  to  some  gentlemen  in 
Tryon  county  was  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  President,  and  that  one  be  directed  and  sent 
to  Christopher  Yates,  Esquire,  and  the  other  to  Major  Jellis 
Fonda,  in  Tryon  county. 

Ordered,  That  letters  to  the  same  purport  be  prepared, 
signed  by  the  President,  and  sent  to  the  following  gentle- 
men, vizt :  to  Colo.  James  Rogers,  at  Kent  in  Cumber- 
land county ;  to  Jacob  Bayley,  Esquire,  at  Newbury  in 
Gloucester  county  ;  and  to  John  Taplin,  Esqr.  at  New- 
bury in  Gloucester  county  ;  and  that  the  drafts  of  such 
letters  respectively  be  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kissam's  motion  of  yesterday  be 
deferred  until  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning.   

DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho. 

3une  1st,  \YVb. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Laidley. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
let,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortland,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt,  John  Marston — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirk  Swart,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Abraham  Ten  Broek,  Fran- 
cis Nicoll — City  arid  county  of  Albany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Me- 
lancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Ni- 
cholson, Jacob  Hornbeek — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent — Orange 
county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John 
Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  Van  Cort 
land,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus 
Polhemus,  John  Leffertse,  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — 
Kings  county. 


22 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom— Queens  county. 
John  Williams,  William  Marsh— Charlotte  county. 
Major  Richard  Lawrence  from  Richmond  county  ap- 
peared in  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  he  take  his  seat. 

A  letter  signed  Joseph  Warren,  President,  from  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  at  Water 
Town,  to  this  Congress  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Phovincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Watertown,  May  26th,  1775.  $ 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  letter  be  sent  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New- York,  now  sitting 
in  that  Colony. 

"  Gent — Enclosed  are  copies  of  a  letter  from  Collo.  Ar- 
nold, and  a  list  of  military  stores  at  Ticonderoga,  &c. 
You  cannot  fail  to  observe  that  Mr.  Arnold,  for  the  defence 
of  this  Colony,  is  endeavouring  that  such  ordnance  as  he 
judges  can  be  spared  from  that  quarter,  should  be  trans- 
ported to  the  army  in  this  Colony.  This  step  is  taken  in 
consequence  of  orders  given  by  our  Committee  of  Safety. 
Perhaps  this  may  appear  to  you  extraordinary,  but  we 
trust  you  will  candidly  overlook  such  a  mistake,  (if  it  is 
one)  being  made  in  the  hurry  and  confusion  of  war,  and 
we  most  solemnly  declare  to  you,  that  this  Congress  and 
the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  are  at  the  utmost  removed 
from  any  disposition  or  design  to  make  any  the  least  in- 
fraction upon  or  usurpation  of  the  jurisdiction  of  any  of 
our  sister  Colonies ;  and  if  any  of  those  cannon,  &c.  ta- 
ken at  the  Lake  Champlain,  should  happen  through  the 
exertions  of  enterprising  spirits  to  be  brought  within  the 
allowed  limits  of  this  Colony  and  come  to  our  use,  we 
shall  hold  ourselves  accountable  for  them  to  the  Represen- 
tatives of  the  Continent,  and  whenever  they  shall  inform 
us  that  they  are  more  needed  for  the  general  defence  at  any 
other  part  of  the  Continent  than  in  this  Colony,  we  shall 
endeavour  that  they  be  removed  thither  with  the  utmost 
despatch. 

"  As  to  the  expediency  and  policy  of  endeavouring  to 
maintain  those  old  fortresses  near  Lake  Champlain,  or 
leaving  them  and  erecting  others  in  some  other  places 
upon  the  same  lake,  or  abandoning  those  posts  and  bring- 
ing off  all  the  ordnance  and  warlike  stores  in  those  parts,  we 
conceive  that  the  advice  of  the  Continental  Congress  ought 
to  be  obtained  ;  and  we  have  therefore  addressed  them  in 
the  most  pressing  manner,  being  of  opinion  that  the  main- 
taining a  post  there  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  de- 
fence of  your  and  all  the  New-England  Colonies. 

"Gentlemen  and  Brethren,  could  you  have  seen  the  horrid 
devastation  and  carnage  in  this  Colony,  committed  by  mini- 
sterial troops — those  sons  of  violence — whothrough  surprise 
have  got  some  footing  here  ;  the  breach  of  a  most  solemn 
treaty  with  respect  to  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  when  they 
had  surrendered  their  arms  and  put  themselves  wholly  in 
the  power  of  a  military  commander,  relying  upon  his  faith 
then  pledged,  that  they  should  immediately  depart  the  town 
with  their  effects  as  stipulated  ;  which  was  no  sooner  done 
than  they  were  not  only  refused  to  carry  out  the  most 
valuable  part  of  those  effects,  but  their  persons  detained 
under  the  most  idle  pretences,  and  suffered  only  to  scatter 
from  their  prison  a  few  in  a  day,  hardly  to  be  seen  or  no- 
ticed. We  say,  gentlemen,  could  you  see  and  realize 
these  scenes  of  distress,  you  could  not  remain  one  mo- 
ment from  doing  every  thing  in  your  power  to  prevent  the 
like  distress  from  happening  to  your  metropolis,  and  avail- 
ing yourselves  of  every  article  which  our  enemies  can  im- 
prove with  the  least  advantage  to  themselves  for  effecting 
the  like  desolation,  horrors  and  insults  on  the  inhabitants 
of  your  city  and  Colony,  or  which  might  enable  you  to 
make  the  most  effectual  defence.  Have  you  not,  gentle- 
men, divers  of  those  articles  as  it  were,  under  your  hand  ? 


If  you  should  delay  securing  them  until  they  should  be 
out  of  your  power,  and  within  a  few  days  you  should  be- 
hold those  very  materials  improved  in  murdering  you,  and 
yourselves  perishing  for  the  want  of  them,  will  not  the 
chagrin  and  regret  be  intolerable  ?  Brethren,  pardon  our 
importunity :  it  is  our  own  case.  Don't  we  daily  behold 
Castle  William,  and  realize  the  ample  warlike  provisions 
and  apparatus  therein  held  by  our  enemies,  to  our  infinite 
and  inexpressible  mortification  ?  We  wish  to  heaven  that 
you  may  be  timely  admonished  by  the  consequence  of  our 
delay. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servants, 

"  JOS.  WARREN,  Presl.  P.  T." 

The  copy  of  a  letter  from  Benedict  Arnold,  mentioned 
to  be  enclosed  in  the  above,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Crown  Point,  Wth  May,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — My  last  was  of  the  14th  inst.  by  Mr. 
Romans,  via  New-Haven.  I  then  acquainted  you  of  the 
occasion  of  delay  in  not  carrying  your  orders  into  execu- 
tion. The  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  being  joined  by 
Captains  Brown  and  Oswald  with  50  men  enlisted  on 
the  road,  they  having  taken  possession  of  a  small  schoo- 
ner at  Skeensborough,  we  immediately  proceeded  on  our 
way  for  St.  John's,  and  at  8  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  17th  inst. 
arrived  within  30  miles  of  St.  Johns  ;  the  weather  proving 
calm,  manned  out  two  small  batteaux  with  35  men,  and  the 
next  morning  at  6  o'clock,  arrived  at  St.  John's  ;  surprised 
and  took  a  sergeant  and  his  party  of  12  men,  the  King's 
sloop  of  about  70  tons,  with  2  brass  6  pounders  and  7  men, 
without  any  loss  on  either  side.  The  capt.  was  gone  to 
Montreal,  and  hourly  expected  with  a  large  detachment  for 
Ticonderoga,  a  number  of  guns  and  carriages  for  the 
sloop,  which  was  just  fixed  for  sailing.  Add  to  this,  there 
was  a  captain  and  40  men  at  Chamblee,  12  miles  distant 
from  St.  John's,  who  was  expected  there  every  minute, 
with  his  party ;  so  that  it  seemed  a  mere  interposition  of 
Providence  that  we  arrived  in  so  fortunate  an  hour.  We 
took  such  stores  on  board  as  were  valuable,  and  the  wind 
proving  favourable,  in  2  hours  after  our  arrival  weighed  an- 
chor for  this  place,  with  the  sloop  and  4  of  the  King's 
batteaux  ;  having  destroyed  5  others,  so  that  there  is  not 
left  a  single  batteau  for  the  King's  troops,  Canadians  or 
Indians  to  cross  the  lake  in,  if  they  have  any  such  inten- 
tion. I  must,  in  justice  to  Collo.  Allen,  observe  that  he 
left  Crown  Point  soon  after  me  for  St.  John's  with  150 
men,  and  on  my  return  met  him  5  leagues  this  side,  and 
supplied  him  with  provisions,  his  men  being  in  a  starving 
condition.  He  informed  me  of  his  intention  of  proceed- 
ing on  to  St.  John's  with  80  or  100  men,  and  keeping  pos- 
session there.  It  appeared  to  me  a  wild,  impracticable 
scheme ;  and  provided  it  could  be  carried  into  execution, 
of  no  consequence,  so  long  as  we  are  masters  of  the 
lake  ;  and  of  that  I  make  no  doubt,  as  I  am  determined 
to  arm  the  sloop  and  schooner  immediately.  I  wrote  you, 
gentlemen,  in  my  former  letters,  that  I  should  be  ex- 
tremely glad  to  be  superseded  in  my  command  here,  as  I 
find  it  next  to  impossible  to  repair  the  old  fort  at  Ti- 
conderoga, and  am  not  qualified  to  direct  in  building  a 
new  one.  I  am  really  of  opinion  it  will  be  necessary 
to  employ  1,000  or  1,500  men  here  this  summer,  in  which 
I  have  the  pleasure  of  being  joined  in  sentiment  by  Mr. 
Romans,  who  is  esteemed  an  able  engineer.  I  [am]  mak- 
ing all  possible  provision  for  wheel  carriages,  &c.  to  car- 
ry such  cannon  to  Albany  as  can  be  spared  here,  and  will 
be  serviceable  to  our  army  at  Cambridge.  I  must  refer 
you  for  particulars  to  the  bearer,  Capt.  Jona.  Brown,  who 
has  been  very  active  and  serviceable,  and  is  a  prudent, 
good  officer ;  and  beg  leave  to  observe  I  have  had  intima- 
tions given  me  that  some  persons  had  determined  to  apply 
to  you  and  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  injure  me  in  your 
esteem,  by  misrepresenting  matters  of  fact. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


23 


"  I  know  of  no  other  motive  they  can  have  only  my  re- 
fusing them  commissions  ;  for  the  very  simple  reason  that 
I  did  not  think  them  qualified.  However,  gentlemen,  I  have 
the  satisfaction  of  imagining  I  am  employed  by  gentlemen 
of  so  much  candour,  that  my  conduct  will  not  be  condemn- 
ed until  I  have  the  opportunity  of  being  heard. 
"  I  am  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Gent.  yr.  most  devoted, 
"  Very  humble  servt, 

"  BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 
"  P.  S.  Enclosed  is  a  memorandum  of  such  cannon,  &c. 
as  I  intend  sending  to  Cambridge  ;  also  of  such  as  are 
here. 

"  By  a  return  from  Montreal  to  Genl.  Gage,  I  find  there 
are  717  men  in  Canada,  of  the  7th  and  26th  Regiments, 
including  70,  which  we  have  taken  prisoners. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  Cambridge." 

The  list  of  stores  above  mentioned,  was  read,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  A  list  of  Cannon,  fyc.  taken  at  Crown-Point. 
2   Iron  24  pounders,  wt.  74  and  88  cwt. 
1  do  useless. 

1  Brass      do  serviceable. 

4  Iron  18    do  not  examined,  but  appear  good. 

14          12    do  not  examined,  but  appear  good. 

4  French    do  useless. 

8  12  and  18  not  examined,  but  appear  good. 

7  Long    9  double  fortified,  good. 

12     do  serviceable. 

2  do  mounted. 
33  6  and  9  useless. 

7  9  and  12  do 

2  Long  6  good. 

2  Short  do  bad. 

3  do  not  examined. 
3      do  useless. 

1  English  13  inch  mortar,") 

1  FrdonCh  8°inch  Unserviceable. 

2  8  inch  howitz.  J 


111 

3 
2 
2 
6 
2 

12 
5 

18 
9 
1 

19 
2 
2 

1 
1 
1 

86 


"  A  list  of  Cannon,  fyc.  taken  at  Ticonderoga. 


18  Pounders,  good. 
French  do  bad. 
12       do  good. 

12  double  fortified,  do 
do  useless. 

9  good, 
do  bad. 
6  do 
1  good. 

6  do 
Swivels,  do 
Wall  pieces,  do 
French  12  pounders,  bad. 

1 3  inch  mort'r  and  bed,  good. 

7  do  and  bed,  do 
7  do  howitz.  do 


28 
10 


Iron  truck  wheels. 
Carriages  fit  for  use. 


"  N.  B.  I  shall  send  to  Cambridge  the  24  pounders,  12  and  6  poun- 
ders, howitz.  &c.  as  directed  by  Collo.  Gridley.  4  brass  howitz.  on  the 
edge  of  the  Lake,  are  buried  with  water,  and  cannot  be  come  at,  at 
present. 

"BENEDT.  ARNOLD." 

A  letter  from  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  the 
Governor  and  Company  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Hartford,  May  29th,  1775. 

"Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  25th  instant,  May,  came 
safe,  per  M.  Brown.  This  Assembly  have  entered  into 
the  consideration  of  its  contents,  and  have  come  into  the 
following  resolutions  in  consequence  thereof :  That  one 
thousand  men,  (including  those  4  companies  which  were 
before  sent  forward,)  under  the  command  of  Colo.  Benja- 
min Hinman,  march  as  soon  as  possible  to  Ticonderoga 
and  Crown  Point,  for  the  support  and  defence  of  those 
fortresses,  and  that  they  there  continue  till  they  are  reliev- 
ed by  the  Province  of  New- York,  or  are  otherwise  ordered 
by  this  Assembly.  That  Colo.  Hinman  take  the  command 
of  our  troops  destined  to  those  stations.  That  the  troops 
be  furnished  with  one  pound  of  powder  and  three  pounds 


of  bullets  to  each  soldier.  That  Colo.  Hinman  be  ordered 
to  keep  up  the  strictest  vigilance  to  prevent  any  hostile  in- 
cursions from  being  made  into  the  settlements  of  the  Pro- 
vince of  Quebec ;  and  that  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New- York  and  Massachusetts  Bay  be  advised  of  these 
measures,  and  the  N.  York  Congress  be  requested  to 
forward  the  necessary  supplies  for  said  troops,  and  such 
further  supplies  of  ammunition  as  they  shall  judge  neces- 
sary. 

"  The  above  transactions  will  manifest  the  readiness  with 
which  this  Assembly  have  complied  with  your  desires. 

"  I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  in  behalf  of  the 
Govr.  and  Company  of  Connecticut, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  at  the  city  of  Albany,  co- 
vering the  papers  therein  mentioned,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
«  26th  May,  1775.  J 
"Gentlemen — We  have  received  a  letter  from  the  New- 
York  committee,  of  the  20th  inst.  enclosing  the  resolution 
of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  18th  inst. 

"  We  have  likewise  received  some  material  information 
from  the  north  and  westward,  which  we  shall  now  lay  be- 
fore you.  And  first,  respecting  our  western  intelligence  ; 
we  are  so  much  crowded  with  business  and  despatches 
from  different  quarters,  that  we  can  not  so  copiously  en- 
large on  every  different  subject  as  we  could  wish.  We 
shall,  therefore,  only  state  the  necessary  facts  to  you,  in- 
terspersed with  such  remarks  as  we  conceive  of  conse- 
quence. 

"  The  first  of  our  intelligence  from  the  west,  was  that 
the  Indians  were  exceedingly  uneasy,  and  more  of  them 
daily  coming  in  to  Coll.  Johnson's  place  at  Guy  Park  ; 
occasioned,  as  he  alleges,  by  reason  of  a  report  in  his 
neighbourhood  that  the  New-England  people,  with  some 
others,  '  intended  seizing  and  taking  him  captive  to  New- 
England,'  and  by  this  means  extinguish  the  Indian  Council 
fire.  And  that  this  was  to  be  done  in  consequence  of  an- 
other report,  that  Coll.  Johnson  was  setting  up  the  Indians 
to  destroy  the  inhabitants,  &c. 

"  Next  we  received  a  letter  wrote  by  four  of  the  Mo- 
hawks to  the  Oneydas,  whereof  we  enclose  you  a  copy 
translated  from  the  Mohawk  into  English,  No.  2. 

"  Next  we  received  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Pa- 
latine District,  in  Tryon,  whereof  we  enclose  you  a  copy, 
No.  3  ;  our  answer  to  which  you  have  enclosed,  No.  3,  A. 

"  Next,  five  persons  from  Tryon  county  here,  who  made 
oath  of  their  being  stopped  on  the  road  at  Coll.  Johnson's 
on  the  17th  inst.  We  enclose  [a]  copy  of  the  affidavit, 
No.  4. 

"  On  the  same  day  we  also  received  from  the  commit-  • 
tee  of  Schenectady  [a]  copy  of  Coll.  Johnson's  letter  to 
them,  dated  the  18th,  which  you  have  enclosed,  No.  5; 
and  to  which  the  committee  of  Schenectady  wrote  him  an 
answer,  whereof  we  have  no  copy. 

"  Next  we  received  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  John- 
son to  the  magistrates  and  others,  of  Palatine,  Canajohary, 
and  the  upper  districts,  dated  20th  inst.  which  you  have 
enclosed,  No.  6  ;  and  of  the  answer  to  which  we  have  no 
copy. 

"  Next  we  received  copy  of  another  letter  from  Coll. 
Johnson,  without  a  date,  directed  to  the  magistrates,  &c. 
of  Schenectady,  and  the  mayor  and  corporation,  &c.  of 
Albany,  which  you  have  enclosed,  No.  7  ;  whereupon  we 
wrote  to  him  a  letter:  dated  23d  instant,  copy  whereof  you 
have  enclosed,  No.  8 ;  and  one  to  the  same  effect  was 
wrote  to  him  on  the  same  subject  by  the  corporation  here. 

"  Next  we  received  copy  of  the  speech  of  the  Mohawks, 
interpreted  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Kirkland,  20th  inst. 
whereof  you  have  a  copy  enclosed,  No.  9 ;  whereto  we 
wrote  an  answer,  dated  23d  instant,  and  appointed  two 


24 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


fersons  of  our  committee,  to  wit:  Gisbert  Marselis  and 
'eter  Schuyler,  to  go  to  the  Mohawks,  with  Mr.  Martin 
Lidius  as  an  interpreter.  Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  there- 
of, No.  10. 

"  Next  we  received  a  reply  from  the  Mohawks  to  our 
answer,  dated  25th  ;  copy  whereof  you  have  enclosed,  No. 
1 1  ;  wherein  is  contained  the  reply  of  the  Indians,  and  the 
sub-committee's  answer  thereto. 

"  We  shall  now  proceed  to  communicate  our  northern 
intelligence,  the  substance  of  which  you  will  fully  collect 
from  Coll.  Arnold's  letter  to  us,  dated  22d  instant ;  where- 
of we  enclose  you  a  copy,  No.  12. 

"  2d.  Coll.  Arnold's  letter  to  Capt.  Noah  Lee,  dated 
23d  instant ;  whereof  we  enclose  you  a  copy,  No.  13. 

"  3d.  We  yesterday  received  the  Quebec  mail  opened, 
and  sent  to  us  by  some  of  our  people  from  above  ;  and  such 
letters  as  were  already  open  were  inspected  by  two  of  our 
members,  who  made  an  extract  of  such  passages  in  them 
as  respected  their  public  commotions.  A  copy  of  which 
extract  we  enclose  you,  No.  14. 

"  We  now  shall  take  notice  of  the  New-York  commit- 
tee's letter  to  us,  of  the  28th  instant,  enclosing  the  resolu- 
tion of  the  Continental  Congress,  from  which  we  find  that 
the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga  by  our  forces  is  approved  of, 
and  recommending  us  to  proceed  with  all  possible  despatch, 
with  a  sufficient  body  of  forces,  &c.  to  the  northward,  and 
to  remove  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticonderoga  to  the 
south  end  of  Lake  George.  We  are  now  busy  to  raise 
two  companies,  each  company  composed  of  fifty  men,  in 
order  to  go  up  on  said  expedition,  whom  we  expect  will 
be  in  readiness  to  march  in  two  or  three  days.  But,  gen- 
tlemen, there  are  a  number  of  very  material  difficulties  that 
immediately  arise.  We  have  no  ammunition ;  all  the  pow- 
der already  gone  up,  with  what  we  can  possibly  collect, 
yet  among  us,  will  not  amount  to  above  2501b.  And  with 
so  small  a  quantity  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  do  anything  of 
consequence.  Nor  can  we  possibly  conceive  how  the  Pro- 
vincial forces  can  maintain  these  northern  posts,  or  with- 
stand the  attack  of  the  British  troops  from  Quebec,  who 
are,  from  the  best  intelligence  we  can  collect,  preparing  as 
fast  as  possible  to  come  down,  in  order  to  retake  those  pla- 
ces from  us — an  enterprise,  if  by  them  undertaken  and 
completed,  will  introduce  our  enemies  into  the  very  bowels 
of  our  country.  We  beg  of  you,  gentlemen,  without  delay 
to  take  these  important  matters  into  your  most  serious  and 
immediate  consideration,  and  afford  us  the  necessary  assis- 
tance in  this  our  distressed  situation  ;  and  send  us  up,  with 
all  possible  speed,  a  sufficient  quantity  of  powder,  without 
which  nothing  can  possibly  be  done.  We  likewise  stand 
in  need  of  blankets,  pitch,  tar,  oakum,  nails,  spikes,  gin, 
ropes,  camp  kettles,  intrenching  tools,  &c.  and  some  rice, 
oatmeal  and  barley,  &c.  Also,  for  the  sloop  and  schoo- 
ner, two  mates,  two  gunners,  two  gunners'  mates,  two 
boatswains,  and  eighteen  seamen,  agreeable  to  Colo.  Ar- 
nold's list;  copy  enclosed,  No.  15.  All  which  you  will 
be  pleased  to  cause  to  be  sent  up  to  us  with  all  possible 
despatch. 

"  We  would  beg  you  likewise  to  take  into  consideration 
some  mode  or  plan  for  raising  and  paying  our  forces.  The 
one  which  we  have  adopted  here  pro  hac  vice,  until  you 
conclude  upon  a  better  one,  we  enclose  you  a  copy  of,  No. 
16. 

"  We  would  mention  another  matter  to  you,  which,  in 
our  humble  opinion,  requires  your  immediate  consideration. 
That  as  the  vessel  from  St.  John's  has  lately  been  taken  by 
our  forces,  and  whereof  the  Continental  Congress  have 
had  no  intelligence  on  the  18th  instant,  when  they  entered 
into  the  resolution  respecting  Ticonderoga,  and  removing 
the  stores  and  cannon  from  thence  to  Lake  George,  whether 
it  would  not  be  expedient  to  fortify  the  latter  instead  of  the 
former,  as  Ticonderoga  is  by  far  the  strongest  and  most 
important  fortress.  We  beg  the  favour  of  you,  that  you 
will  immediately  after  your  perusal  of  this  our  letter,  and 
the  papers  herewith  sent,  be  pleased  to  forward  the  same 


to  the  Continental  Congress,  by  the  most  speedy  and  eli- 
gible mode  of  conveyance. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  obedt.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"SAML.  STRINGER,  Chairman  P.  T." 

The  several  papers  referred  to  in  the  letter  from  the  said 
committee  at  Albany,  were  read ;  the  particular  numbers 
and  endorsements  of  them  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

No.  2.  A  translation  of  a  letter  from  the  Mohawk  In- 
dians to  the  Oneydas. 

No.  3.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Palatine  District  to 
the  committee  at  Albany,  dated  18th  May,  1775,  and  an- 
swer thereto,  No.  3,  A. 

No.  4.  Copy  of  affidavit  of  Hendrick  Eckler  and  four 
other  persons,  dated  19th  May. 

No.  5.  Copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  G.  Johnson  to  the 
committee  at  Albany,  dated  May  18th,  1775. 

No.  6.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  G.  Johnson  to  the 
magistrates,  and  of  Palatine,  Canjohary  and  other  districts, 
dated  May  20th,  1775. 

No.  7.  Copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  G.  Johnson  to  the 
committee  of  Schenectady,  and  the  mayor  and  corporation 
of  Albany,  without  date. 

No.  8.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany 
to  Colo.  Johnson,  May  23d. 

No.  9.  A  copy  of  the  Indians'  speech  translated,  inter- 
preted May  20th,  received  at  Albany,  22d. 

No.  10.  A  copy  of  an  answer  to  the  Indians'  speech, 
dated  May  23d. 

No.  11.  A  copy  of  the  Mohawks'  reply,  dated  25th 
May  ;  a  copy  of  the  committee's  speech  in  return,  and  of 
the  Mohawks'  concluding  speech. 

No.  12.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  Arnold  to  the 
committee  of  Albany,  May  22d. 

No.  13.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  Arnold  to  Capt. 
Noah  Lee,  dated  at  Crownpoint,  May  23d. 

No.  14.  Extracts  of  sundry  letters  from  Quebec,  ex- 
tracted May  25th. 

No.  1 5.  A  list  of  officers  and  men  wanted  for  the  two 
vessels  on  the  lake. 

No.  16.  The  method  proposed  by  the  Albany  commit- 
tee for  raising  men. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  delegates  representing  this  Co- 
lony in  Continental  Congress,  to  attend  copies  of  all  the 
despatches  this  day  received  and  before  mentioned,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June  1st,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  this  morning  received  despatches 
from  Albany,  Watertown  and  Hartford,  which  contain  as 
you  will  observe  very  important  intelligence.  We  think  it 
our  duty,  through  you,  to  lay  it  before  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  for  that  purpose  have  prepared  copies  of  the 
several  papers  which  we  received  as  aforesaid.  We  shall 
make  no  comments  on  them,  being  convinced  that  your 
own  pood  understanding,  and  the  knowledge  of  the  state  of 
these  Colonies,  will  render  any  such  attempts  useless. 

"  Our  business  proceeds  with  great  heaviness  for  want 
of  the  sinews  of  war,  which  we  have  not ;  neither  have  we 
any  powder.  Money  we  cannot  have  until  we  receive  the 
directions  of  your  body,  as  you  will  easily  believe. 

"  Besides  this,  we  would  be  extremely  happy  to  know 
that  your  body  had  taken  into  their  serious  consideration 
the  several  circumstances  of  the  associated  Colonies,  and 
that  they,  in  their  wisdom,  had  assigned  the  several  quotas 
of  men  and  money  to  each.  This  information  will  guide 
our  deliberations  to  a  proper  object,  for  the  want  of  which 
our  present  attention  is  distracted  by  the  uncertainty  of 
what  shall  be  determined,  with  respect  to  this  Colony. 
"  We  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  With  great  respect,  your  most 
"  Obedient,  and  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  at  the 

Continental  Congress  at  Philadelphia." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


25 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  letter  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  (with  copies  of 
all  the  despatches  received  this  day,)  to  the  Delegates  re- 
presenting this  Colony  at  the  Continental  Congress,  by  a 
messenger  for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  sub-committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Is  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  Seta-York,  June  1st,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Agreeable  to  the  minute  of  the  Grand 
Congress,  we  (being  unable  as  you  know  to  garrison  Ti- 
conderoga,  Crown  Point  or  Fort  George,)  made  application 
to  the  eastern  Colonies  for  their  assistance.  In  our  letter 
to  Governor  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut,  we  desire  him  to 
order  troops  on  that  service,  and  inform  him  that  it  is  our 
intention  that  the  commanding  officer  of  those  troops  should 
be  the  commander  of  the  forts  by  them  garrisoned.  We 
moreover  requested  him,  to  give  orders  to  such  officer  to 
use  great  diligence  to  prevent  any  inroads  into  Canady. 
This  morning  we  have  received  his  Honor's  and  the  As- 
sembly's answer,  of  which  we  send  you  a  copy. 

"  You  will  find  that  one  thousand  men  are  already  on 
their  way  to  the  frontier  country  ;  their  commanding  officer 
is  Colo.  Hinman,  wherefore  we  beg  you  will  inform  all 
persons  in  that  part  of  the  country  of  his  appointment. 

"  We  have  at  present  no  powder  in  this  city,  nor  can 
we  possibly  tell  you  when  we  shall  have  any.  The  reason 
of  this  uncertainty  is,  that  the  British  Ministry  have  taken 
measures  to  prevent  supplies  of  powder  from  coming  to 
America,  from  any  part  of  Europe.  But  you  will  easily 
see  that  though  such  attempts  may  delay,  they  cannot  pre- 
vent us  from  getting  some.  Should  the  Indians  again  men- 
tion their  uneasiness  on  the  subject  of  powder,  it  will,  as 
we  conceive,  be  proper  to  mention  to  them  the  endeavour  of 
Great  Britain  to  hinder  both  them  and  us  from  obtaining 
any. 

"  We  have  received  your  despatches  of  the  26th  ulto. 

and  already  forwarded  copies  to  the  Grand  Congress. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  hum.  servants. 

''•  To  Doctr.  Samuel  Stringer.  Chairman  of 
the  Sub-Committee  of  the  City  and  County 
of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  said  letter  to  the  sub-committee 
at  Albany  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the  President,  and  trans- 
mitted with  all  convenient  despatch. 

Mr.  Low  delivered  a  petition  of  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  on 
behalf  of  himself  and  the  independent  company  of  artillery 
in  the  city  of  New- York,  setting  forth  that  they  have  not 
any  carriages  for  such  cannon  as  they  have  pitched  on  to 
use  until  brass  field  pieces  be  provided  ;  and  that  they  are 
destitute  of  ammunition. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Tudor  be  desired  to  provide 
carriages,  rammers  and  sponges,  and  such  other  things  as 
are  necessary  for  four  guns  for  training  his  company. 

Mr.  Kissam,  with  leave  of  the  Congress,  withdrew  his 
motion  of  the  30th  of  May  instant,  in  order  to  amend  the 
same. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  h. 


June  2nd,  lVlo. 


The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  pravers  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Mason. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brush  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scolt,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt  and  John  Marston — For  the  city  and  county  of  Neve- 
York. 

7 


Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirck 
Swart,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Rensetaer,  Henry  Glenn,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck  and  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Al- 
bany. 

Dirck  Brinkerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard 
Montgomerie,  Ephraim  Paine,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon, 
Gysbert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith  and  Nathaniel  Sackett — For 
Dutches  county. 

Colo.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  John  Nicholson,  Jacob  Hornbeeck — 
For  Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent  and 
Jeremiah  Clarke — For  Orange  county. 

Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart.  Thomas  Tredwell, 
John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah  Strong — 
For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — For 
West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemius,  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  John  Vanderbilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — For  Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson  and  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens 
county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Clarke,  from  Cornwall  precinct,  in  Orange 
county,  produced  a  certificate  signed  by  Jesse  Woodhull, 
Esquire,  chairman  of  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  of  Corn- 
wall, in  Orange  county,  whereby  it  appears  that  Israel 
Seelv,  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esqr.  and  Jeremiah  Clarke,  are 
chosen  and  appointed  Deputies  for  that  precinct,  to  repre- 
sent them  in  this  Provincial  Congress  as  part  of  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  county  of  Orange.  The  said  certificate 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarke  take  his  seat. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  representing  this  Colony  in 
the  Continental  Congress  bearing  date  on  the  thirtieth  day 
of  May  ulto.  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

Philadelphia,  30fft  May,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  favor  of  the 
26th  instant,  and  have  the  pleasure  of  informing  you  that 
the  manner  in  which  you  have  executed  your  trust  was 
very  acceptable  to  the  Congress  to  whom  we  communi- 
cated it.  We  shall  pay  a  particular  attention  to  what  you 
say  on  the  subject  of  a  paper  currency,  since  we  are  well 
apprised  both  of  its  difficulty  and  importance,  and  we  wish 
you  to  be  speedy  in  your  determinations  upon  it,  as  it  may 
throw  some  light  upon  the  subject  that  we  may  otherwise 
want.  You  see  by  the  order  of  the  Congress,  heretofore 
sent  you,  that  they  have  trusted  to  your  prudence  the  ap- 
pointment of  officers.  As  we  have  the  pleasure  to  hear  that 
the  principal  people  in  every  county  have  stepped  forth 
upon  this  important  occasion,  we  make  no  doubt  that  they 
will  continue  the  same  conduct,  and  not  refuse  to  accept 
those  commands,  which  we  imagine  you  will  see  the  pro- 
prietv  of  placing  in  no  other  hands,  both  on  account  of  the 
influence  they  will  have  among  yourselves  and  the  effect 
it  may  probably  have  in  England.  If,  gentlemen,  there  is 
any  thing  that  you  may  think  serviceable  to  you,  either  on 
the  subject  of  the  above  resolves,  or  any  other,  you  will 
oblige  us  by  a  free  communication  of  your  thoughts  upon 
the  same,  to  which  you  may  be  persuaded  we  shall  pay 
the  greatest  deference.  We  would  just  hint,  that  if  there 
are  any  counties  in  which  no  committees  have  been  cho- 
sen, as  we  are  informed  there  are,  that  it  would  be  proper 
to  recommend  that  they  be  immediately  elected,  as  the 
numbers  interested  will  give  strength  to  the  cause.  We 
observe  that  Tryon  county  has  not  sent  Deputies  to  your 
Convention,  and  would  submit  it  to  your  consideration  whe- 
ther it  would  not  be  proper  to  send  them  a  message  sug- 
I  gesting  the  inconveniences  attending  such  conduct,  and  the 
necessity  it  will  lav  you  under  of  breaking  off  all  connec- 
tions with  them. 

"  We  should  be  glad  to  have  a  particular  account  from 


26 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


you  of  any  measures  that  you  may  have  taken  to  establish 
post  riders  ;  and  are, 

"  Gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 
(Signed,)  "JAS.  DUANE, 

"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"  GEO.  CLINTON, 
"  LEWIS  MORRIS, 
"ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

Jacob  Shafer,  who  was  sent  a  messenger  to  Philadel- 
phia, delivered  in  an  account  of  his  disbursements,  amount- 
ing to  four  pounds  ten  shillings  and  4d. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  pay  to  the  said  Jacob  Sha- 
fer, for  his  disbursements  and  time,  six  pounds  eight  shil- 
lings. 

The  committee  of  correspondence,  according  to  order, 
brought  in  and  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  people  of 
Canada,  both  in  French  and  English,  which  drafts  were 
read  and  approved  of. 

"  An  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Province  of  Quebec. 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  2,  1775.  $ 
"  Friends  and  Countrymen — 

"  The  Parent  of  the  Universe  hath  divided 
this  earth  among  the  children  of  men,  and  drawn  out  the 
line  of  their  habitations.  This  great  God  having  ordained 
that  all  our  joys  and  sorrows  here  below  should  proceed 
from  the  effect  of  human  actions  upon  human  beings,  our 
situation  has  drawn  together  this  great  bond  of  human  de- 
pendence and  enabled  us  to  deal  out  injuries  and  kindnesses 
to  each  other.  We  consider  you  as  our  friends,  and  we 
feel  for  you  the  affection  of  brothers. 

"  The  great  question  between  Britain  and  her  Colonies 
is  whether  they  are  subjects  or  whether  they  are  slaves  ? 

"  The  rights  delivered  down  to  us  from  our  forefathers — 
the  venerable  laws  of  our  country — have  subjected  our  own 
property  to  our  own  disposal,  nor  hath  any  earthly  power 
a  right  to  take  it  away.  Mankind  ought  to  be  governed  by 
the  dictates  of  justice,  not  by  the  hand  of  oppression. 
The  peaceable  enjoyment  of  what  we  yet  call  our  own, 
and  that  liberty  which  confers  on  every  man  the  right  of 
adoring  his  God  in  the  manner  which  he  humbly  thinks 
most  agreeable  to  the  divine  nature — these  are  the  objects  of 
all  our  labours  and  all  our  cares. 

"  Ministerial  tyranny  hath  endeavoured  throughout  all 
these  Colonies  to  rend  from  us  the  dearest  rights  of  hu- 
manity, and  in  the  defence  of  those  rights  some  persons 
have  taken  certain  posts  in  this  Colony,  which  are  near 
your  frontiers. 

"  We  have  heard  that  others  have  made  an  attack  upon 
the  post  of  St.  John's — an  attempt  without  our  counsel  or 
participation.  And  although  we  have  taken  measures  for 
the  defence  of  our  own  fortresses,  yet  our  only  intention  is 
to  prevent  any  hostile  incursions  upon  us  by  the  troops  of 
your  Province. 

"  Confident  that  the  enemies  of  our  King  and  his  peo- 
ple will  take  every  opportunity  to  excite  jealousies  and  dis- 
cord amongst  us,  we  beseech  you  not  to  be  imposed  upon 
by  their  artifices,  but  call  to  your  remembrance  the  com- 
plicated horrors  of  a  barbarous  war — avoid  those  mea- 
sures which  must  plunge  us  both  into  distress,  and  instead 
of  consenting  to  become  miserable  slaves,  generously  dare 
to  participate  with  your  fellow  subjects  in  the  sweets  of 
that  security  which  is  the  glorious  lot  of  freedom. 
"  We  are,  with  sincere  affection, 

"  Your  brethren  and  friends. 
"P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  President. 

"  To  the  inhabitants  of  the  Province  of  Quebec." 

Ordered,  That  fifteen  hundred  copies  of  the  said  letters 
be  printed  in  French  and  five  hundred  copies  in  English, 
with  the  name  of  the  President  printed  to  each  of  them, 
and  that  they  be  transmitted  to  be  distributed  among  the 
people  of  Canada,  with  all  possible  despatch. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarkson  wait  upon  Abraham  Lott, 
Esquire,  Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  and  obtain  from  him  on 
loan  any  such  sum  of  money  as  he  may  be  able  to  lend 
out  of  the  Colony  Treasury,  that  the  same  may  be  applied 
towards  the  present  exigencies  of  the  Colony,  and  Mr. 
Clarkson,  for  the  present,  give  his  note  to  the  Treasurer, 
to  be  accountable  to  him  for  such  sum  as  he  may  receive 
until  farther  security  shall  be  given  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Clarkson  returned  and  reported  that  he  had  obtained 
two  hundred  pounds  from  the  Treasurer  upon  his  own  note 
given  for  that  sum. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarkson  pay  the  said  two  hundred 
pounds  to  Dirck  Swart,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 
And 

Resolved,  That  all  the  members  of  this  Congress  do 
agree  to  be  responsible  to  Mr.  David  Clarkson  for  their 
several  proportions  of  the  said  two  hundred  pounds,  until 
Mr.  Clarkson  shall  be  repaid,  or  otherwise  secured  for  the 
same. 

Mr.  Kissam  moved,  (and  was  seconded,)  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Forasmuch  as  a  reconciliation  between  Great  Britain 
and  the  these  Colonies,  on  constitutional  principles,  is  es- 
sential to  the  well  being  of  both  countries,  and  will  prevent 
the  horrors  of  a  civil  war,  in  which  this  Continent  is  now 
about  to  be  involved  :  I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  prepare  a  plan  of  such  accommodation,  and  report  the 
same  to  this  House. 

And  debates  arising  thereon,  Mr.  McDougal,  (seconded 
by  Mr.  Brasher,)  moved  for  the  previous  question  ;  and  the 
question  being  put  and  the  votes  of  the  counties  represented 
taken,  it  was  carried  against  the  previous  question  in  the 
manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  previous  question.  Against  the  previous  question. 

2  Ulster  county.  2  Kings  county. 

2  Orange  county.  3  Albany  city  and  county. 

2  Suffolk  county.  2  Richmond  county. 

2  Dutches  county,  Mr.  Hoffman  2  Queens  county,  Mr.  Robinson 

dissenting.  dissenting. 
—  2  Charlotte  county. 

8  votes.  2  West  Chester  county,  Phil.  V. 

Cortlandt  dissenting. 
4  New-York,  dissentients,  Messrs. 
Scott,  McDougal,  Van  Zandt, 
Brasier,  Lispenard,  Beek- 
man,  Hallet,  John  V.  Cort- 
landt. 

17  votes. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  said  motion,  and  it 
was  carried  for  the  motion,  in  manner  following,  to  wit  : 
For  the  motion.  Against  the  motion. 

3  Albany  city  and  county.  2  Suffolk  county. 
2  Kings  county.                         2  Ulster  county. 
2  Queens  county.                        2  Orange  county. 

2  Richmond  county.  2  Dutches  county,  Mr.  Hoffman 

2  West  Chester  county,  dissent-  dissenting. 

ing,  Phil.  V.  Cortlandt.  — 
2  Charlotte  county.  8  votes. 

4  New-York  city  and  county. 

17  votes. 

Colo.  Woodhull  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Tredwell,  that  an  amendment  be  made  to  the  said  motion, 
by  adding  thereto  the  following  words,  to  wit : — "  That 
we  may  be  ready,  if  we  shall  think  it  necessary,  to  com- 
municate our  sentiments  upon  that  subject  to  our  Delegates 
at  Philadelphia."  Which  amendment  being  read  a  second 
time,  was  approved  of  and  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  although  we  would  by  no 
means  presume  to  dictate  to  the  General  Continental  Con- 
gress, yet  it  is  highly  necessary  that  this  House  be  pre- 
pared to  give  our  sentiments  to  our  Delegates  in  the  said 
Congress,  upon  such  plan  of  accommodation.  And 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Low,  Mr. 
McDougall,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Kissam,  Mr.  Hobart, 
Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Mr.  Silvester,  Mr.  Paine,  Colo.  Wood- 
hull,  Mr.  John  Williams,  Mr.  Micheau  and  Mr.  Tredwell, 
be  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  and  do  make  report  with 
all  convenient  speed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


27 


A  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esquire,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  being  received,  was  read,  and  it  is 
in  the  words  following  : 

"Philadelphia,  3Ut  May,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Congress  to  transmit  [to] 
your  Convention  their  resolve,  and  to  desire  an  immediate 
compliance  with  it,  respecting  the  furnishing  batteaux,  pro- 
visions, stores,  &c. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servt. 

'■•  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Convention  of  New- York." 

The  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  received  en- 
closed in  the  above  letter,  was  also  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  May  31st,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  be  re- 
quested immediately  to  send  a  strong  reinforcement  to  the 
garrisons  of  Crownpoint  and  Ticonderoga,  and  that  so 
many  of  the  cannon  and  other  stores  be  retained  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  immediate  defence  of  those  posts,  until 
further  orders  from  this  Congress  :  And  that  the  Provin- 
cial Convention  of  New-York  be  informed  of  this  resolve, 
and  desired  to  furnish  those  troops  with  provisions  and  other 
necessaries,  and  to  take  effectual  care  that  a  sufficient 
number  of  batteaux  be  immediately  provided  for  the  lakes. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHA.  THOMSON,  Seen/." 

The  committee  appointed  to  view  the  ground  near  King's 
Bridge,  delivered  in  their  report,  and  a  map  or  draft  of  the 
place  thereto  annexed.* 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  lay  on  the  table  for  the 
perusal  and  information  of  members. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Ten  Broeck  and  Mr.  Dirck  Swart 
wait  on  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  the  Colony,  and 
obtain  from  him  an  order  on  the  loan  officers  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany,  for  a  sum  of  money  to  be  applied  for 
the  public  exigencies  of  the  Colony,  in  such  manner  as  this 
Congress  shall  direct ;  and  that  Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  for  the 
present,  give  his  note  to  the  Treasurer  for  such  order,  or 
the  amount  of  the  sum  to  be  therein  mentioned,  until  far- 
ther security  shall  be  given  for  the  same. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck  returned  and  produced  to  this  Con- 
gress an  order  on  the  loan  officers  at  Albany  for  the  sum 
of  seven  hundred  pounds,  payable  to  Mr.  Dirck  Swart, 
and  informed  that  he  had  given  his  note  to  the  Treasurer 
for  that  sum. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  members  of  this  Congress  do 
agree  to  be  responsible  to  Colo.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  for 
their  several  proportions  of  the  said  seven  hundred  pounds, 
until  Colo.  Ten  Broeck  shall  be  repaid,  or  otherwise  se- 
cured for  the  same. 

In  pursuance  of  the  engagements  made  by  this  Congress 
in  their  letter  to  the  Governor  and  General  Court  of  Con- 
necticut, of  the  29th  ulto.  and  of  the  resolve  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  bearing  date  on  the  31st  May,  directing 
that  this  Congress  furnish  provisions  and  stores  for  the 
garrisons  at  the  posts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  it 
is  conceived  necessary  to  employ  a  Commissary  at  New- 
York,  and  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  merchant,  being  mentioned  and  esteemed  a  proper 
person  to  be  Commissary,  the  Congress  sent  for  Mr.  Cur- 
tenius, who  attended  ;  and  being  called  in  by  order  of  the 
Congress,  he  was  informed  by  the  President  that  the  Con- 
gress thought  it  necessary  to  have  a  Commissary  to  pro- 
vide and  forward  provisions  and  stores  of  sundry  kinds  to 
the  commissioners  at  Albany,  for  the  use  of  the  garrisons 
at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  and  such  other  parts  or 
places  as  may  be  necessary  ;  and  also  to  provide  and  for- 
ward materials  for  the  building  of  batteaux,  and  to  provide 
artificers  and  mariners  to  proceed  to  Lake  Champlain. 
That  if  he  would  accept  of  that  trust,  he  should  purchase 

*  For  report  see  page  31. 


such  provisions  and  stores  as  the  Congress  should  from 
time  to  time  direct ;  and  that  he  should  be  allowed  a  com- 
mission of  one  and  an  half  per  cent,  until  he  shall  be  sup- 
plied with  cash  to  purchase  such  stores  and  provisions  with  ; 
and  that  after  he  is  supplied  with  cash  to  purchase  such 
stores  and  provisions,  and  to  pay  all  such  disbursements 
as  may  be  necessary,  that  he  shall  be  allowed  a  commis- 
sion of  one  per  cent. 

Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  agreed  to  be  Commissary,  and 
to  accept  and  perform  that  trust  and  business  for  the  com- 
missions above  mentioned  :  Whereupon,  it  is 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  and  is 
hereby  appointed  the  Commissary  to  purchase,  procure 
and  provide  such  provisions  and  stores  of  every  kind,  and  to 
engage  such  artificers  and  mariners  as  he  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  directed  by  this  Congress,  and  to  forward  the  same 
to  the  said  commissioners  at  Albany,  or  any  other  such  place 
or  places,  as  he  shall  be  directed  by  this  Congress,  or  by  any 
committee  they  may  appoint  for  that  purpose.    And  also 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius  shall  have 
for  his  services  the  commissions  above  mentioned,  beside 
all  his  disbursements.  And 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  to  indem- 
nify the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius  for  all  his  disbursements 
and  commissions  in  the  premises  ;  and  that  all  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Congress  do  agree  to  become  responsible  to 
the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius  for  their  several  respective 
proportions  of  all  disbursements  that  may  be  made  by  him, 
and  of  all  moneys  that  shall  become  due  to  him  as  a  Com- 
missary, and  in  the  execution  of  the  trust  aforesaid,  until 
he  shall  be  repaid,  or  otherwise  secured  and  indemnified 
for  the  same. 

And  it  is  farther  resolved  and  agreed,  that  for  any  sums 
of  money  that  shall  be  advanced  or  lent  by  the  said  Peter 
T.  Curtenius,  for  the  services  aforesaid,  he  shall  be  al- 
lowed a  lawful  interest  until  the  same  shall  be  repaid. 

Messrs.  Clarkson,  Collo.  Holmes,  Thos.  Smith  and 
Colo.  Lent,  have  leave  of  absence. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho.  a.  h. 

J\me  SA,  1TO. 

The  Congress  met. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Treat. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Joseph  Hallet,  Abraham  Walton, 
Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Van  Cortland,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt — City  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robt.  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Abraham  Ten  Broek, 
Francis  Nicoll — City  and  county  of  Albany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richd.  Mont- 
gomerie,  Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gys- 
bert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenberg,  John  Nicholson  and  Jacob  Hornbeek — Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange 
county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wiekham — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  Stephen 
Ward — Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Polhe- 
mus,  John  Leffertse,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Richard  Thome — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Collo.  Hardenberg  and  Capt.  Hornbeek,  from  Ulster  ; 
and  Mr.  Townsend,  Capt.  Williams  and  Mr.  Thome,  have 


28 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


leave  of  absence.  Collo.  Ten  Broek  and  three  others, 
members  for  Albany,  have  leave  of  absence  ;  they  always 
leaving  seven  members. 

The  Congress  ordered  the  stores,  men  and  things  (here- 
after mentioned)  to  be  provided  by  Peter  T.  Curtenius  and 
forwarded  to  Albany,  and  that  the  several  articles  for  that 
purpose  hereinafter  mentioned,  be  provided  by  the  com- 
missioners at  Albany,  that  the  whole  may  be  forwarded  to 
the  south  end  of  Lake  George,  vizt : 

A  list  of  men  and  articles  to  be  procured  by  Peter  T.  Curtenius  and 
forwarded  to  the  agents  at  Albany  : 

2  mates  for  two  vessels,  2  gunners,  2  carpenters  capable  of  making 
carriages,  2  gunners'  mates,  2  boatswains,  20  seamen. 
200  barrels  of  pork,  10  barls.  pitch, 

20  casks  rice,  4  barls.  tar, 

5001b  powder,   (if  so  much  10001b.  oakum, 

can  be  got,)  3  casks  nails,  one  of  12d. 

100  shovels,      ]     Tq  be  20d.  and  24d.  each, 

50  spades         !    marked  100  camp  kettles. 

12  crow  bars,  [  «N.  York  „ 

50  pick  axes,  ) 

The  following  articles  to  be  procured  at  Albany : 
Spikes,  a  gin,  rope,  6  grindstones,  cart  boxes,  100  American  falling 
axes,  marked  "  N.  York." 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  report  of  the 
committee  who  viewed  the  ground  at  King's  Bridge  and 
places  adjacent. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  report  (with  the  map 
annexed  thereto)  be  transmitted  to  the  New- York  Dele- 
gates at  Philadelphia,  and  that  Mr.  Monis  and  Capt. 
Montgomerie  be  a  committee  for  drafting  a  letter  to  the 
said  Delegates  on  the  subject  matter  of  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  draft 
an  answer  to  Govr.  Trumbull's  letter,  Dated  May  29th 
1775. 

A  letter  from  James  Rivington,  printer,  directed  to  this 
Congress,  as  also  a  copy  of  his  address  to  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  a  copy  of  his  letter  to  the  general  commit- 
tee of  the  city  of  New-York,  were  read,  and  the  subject 
matter  taken  into  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  deferred. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  draw 
an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  dated  at  Walertown,  Mav  26th, 
1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Christopher  Blundell  be  desired  to 
deliver  one  of  the  gins  under  his  care  to  Abraham  P. 
Lott,  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Thomas  Ivers,  and  take  their  receipt 
for  the  same. 

Whereas,  The  Continental  Congress  in  their  resolu- 
tion of  the  15th  ulto.  have  recommended  to  the  inhabitants 
of  this  city,  that  if  the  troops  whicli  are  expected  should 
arrive  here,  this  Colony  act  in  the  defensive  so  long  as  it 
may  be  consistent  with  their  safety  and  security  : 

And  Whereas,  The  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New- York  in  their  address  to  the  Lieutenant- 
Governor  of  this  Colony,  have  requested  that  in  case  any 
troops  from  Great  Britain  should  arrive  here,  that  he  would 
endeavour  to  procure  orders  from  Genl.  Gage  to  prevent 
their  landing  or  encamping  in  this  city  and  county  :  and 
this  Congress  being  informed  that  orders  have  been  re- 
ceived from  the  General  for  the  embarkation  of  the  troops 
now  in  this  city  :  we  do  therefore,  as  well  in  conformity  to 
what  we  conceive  to  be  the  spirit  of  the  above  order  of 
the  Continental  Congress  as  the  intention  of  the  above 
address,  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
city  and  county  and  all  others,  not  to  obstruct  the  embarka- 
tion of  the  said  troops,  but  to  permit  them  to  depart  this 
city  peaceably. 

Ordered,  That  one  thousand  of  the  above  resolves  be 
printed  in  handbills. 

In  pursuance  of  the  letter  from  the  Delegates  for  this 
Colony,  now  at  the  Provincial  Congress,  of  the  30th  May, 
1775,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  inhabitants  of  Tryon 
county  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  the  3rd  June,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen— We  lately  wrote  to  a  few  individuals  of 
your  county,  representing  the  use  and  necessity  of  your 
appointing  Deputies  to  associate  with  us  in  this  present 
Convention,  upon  a  presumption  that  you  have  already 
chosen  committees,  with  a  view  that  our  thoughts  on  the 
subject  might  be  made  known  to  the  public  and  the  mea- 
sure recommended  carried  into  execution,  by  a  ready  and 
speedy  compliance  at  least  of  those  who  are  friendly  to  the 
liberties  of  the  subject,  and  consequently  foes  to  tyranny 
and  oppression. 

"  Since  those  letters  sent  up  to  your  county,  we  yes- 
terday received  one  from  our  Delegates  in  the  Grand  Con- 
gress at  Philadelphia,  in  which  among  other  things,  there 
is  a  paragraph  in  substance  following  :  '  That  if  there  are 
any  counties  in  which  no  committees  have  been  chosen  as 
we  are  informed  there  are,  that  it  would  be  proper  to  re- 
commend that  they  be  immediately  elected.  We  observe 
that  Tryon  county  has  not  sent  Deputies  to  your  Conven- 
tion, and  would  submit  it  to  your  consideration  whether  it 
would  not  be  proper  to  send  them  a  message,  suggesting 
the  inconveniences  attending  such  conduct,  and  the  ne- 
cessity it  will  lay  you  under  of  breaking  off  all  connections 
with  them.' 

"  The  day  rapidly  approaches  which  will  determine  the 
important  point  of  American  Freedom,  and  though  there 
are  but  very  few  comparatively  speaking  who  still  have  not 
signified  their  union  with  their  brethren  in  this  glorious 
cause,  yet  we  would  have  every  reasonable  effort  used  to 
increase  the  numbers  of  our  friends,  as  it  will  not  only  af- 
ford additional  weight  to  the  controversy,  but  probably 
will  most  effectually  destroy  the  expiring  hopes  of  our  ad- 
versaries. 

"  We  once  more  call  upon  you  for  your  own  reputation 
sake — for  the  love  of  your  country,  and  as  you  tender  your 
own  happiness  and  welfare — the  prosperity  of  the  whole 
Continent,  and  of  millions  yet  unborn — that  you  will  not 
separate  from  your  brethren  upon  this  momentous  occa- 
sion who  are  embarked  and  deeply  engaged  in  this  grand 
struggle. 

"  Permit  us  to  entreat  you  not  to  omit  or  delay  this  es- 
sential requisition,  but  co-operate  with  us  cheerfully ;  by 
redoubled  vigilance  and  activity,  make  up  for  your  long 
negligence  and  backwardness.  Perhaps  this  will  be  the 
last  application  to  you,  as  the  time  is  almost  come  that 
we  should  be  able  to  distinguish  those  who  are  inimical 
among  us ;  we  should  with  reluctance  be  compelled  to 
hold  your  county  up  to  the  public  as  a  disjointed  and  dis- 
affected part  of  the  community. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  most  humble  servts. 

"  To  Messrs.  John  Fry,  Peter  Wagener, 
Jacob  Clock,  Anthony  Van  Veghten, 
Christopher  Yates,  and  the  rest  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Tryon." 

Ordered,  That  four  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  G.  Johnson  was  also  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Provincial  Congress,  > 
" New-York,  June  3d,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — At  a  time  when  the  American  subjects  on  this  ex- 
tensive Continent  are  almost  with  one  voice  and  united  effort 
nobly  exerting  themselves  in  the  glorious  cause  of  liberty, 
and  endeavouring  to  reconcile  the  unnatural  and  unhappy 
differences  between  the  parent  State  and  these  Colonies, 
upon  permanent  and  constitutional  principles,  we  cannot 
help  lamenting  that  we  have  received  disagreeable  accounts 
from  your  quarter  that  there  are  individuals  officiously  in- 
terrupting the  mode  and  measures  conceived  necessary  to 
bring  about  these  salutary  purposes. 
?».  "  On  the  one  hand  you  may  depend  upon  it  that  we 
shall  discourage  and  discountenance  every  attempt  against 
your  person  and  property,  and  shall  use  our  utmost  en- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


29 


deavours  to  render  them  safe  and  secure.  But  on  the  other  I 
hand  we  expect  you  will  not  counteract  any  of  the  mea- 
sures expedient  for  the  commonweal,  recommended  by 
the  Continental  or  Provincial  Congress,  or  by  the  com- 
mittees formed  or  to  be  formed.  Should  you  take  so  un- 
friendly a  part,  we  cannot  answer  for  the  consequences  of 
such  a  conduct ;  on  the  contrary,  if  you  and  your  Indian 
brethren,  under  your  superintendency,  do  not  interfere  in  this 
controversy,  you  may  promise  yourselves  all  the  protec- 
tion that  this  House  can  afford  you.  The  dispute  is  be- 
come so  serious  now,  that  we  cannot  silently  suffer  our 
plan  to  be  frustrated  by  our  own  countrymen. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  Colo.  Guy  Johnson,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  signed  by  the  President, 
and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  resolve  of  this  Board  of  the.  26th  of 
May  ulto.  respecting  the  people  of  Canada,  be  translated 
into  French,  and  that  a  copy  thereof  in  French,  and  the 
copy  of  the  resolve  in  English,  be  prefixed  to  the  printed 
copies  of  the  letters  to  the  people  of  Canada. 

A  letter  from  John  Lamb  to  this  Congress  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  make  an  arrangement  of  the  troops  to 
be  embodied  in  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  next  Tuesday  morning,  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Jvme  ©til, 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Livingston. 

Present — Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Alexr.  M'Dougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet,  Abraham 
Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Ben- 
jamin Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Marston — [City  and  county  of 
New- York.] 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ler Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  coun- 
ty of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk  county. 

Stephen  Ward,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr. —  Westchester 
county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Richmond  county — [all  absent.] 

Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom — -Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 
A  letter  from  the  committee  at  Albany  to  this  Congress 
being  read,  was  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  2d  June,  1775. 
"  Gents. — In  consequence  of  a  letter  from  this  com- 
mittee to  Govr.  Trumbull,  dated  27th  ult.  we  received  his 
answer  of  the  30th,  whereof  you  have  a  copy  enclosed, 
and  from  which  it  appears  that  you  have  sent  them  a  re- 
solve with  a  request  to  send  up  forces  to  Ticonderoga,  &c. 
in  consequence  whereof,  one  thousand  of  them  are  now  on 
their  way.  You  will  therefore  be  pleased  to  send  up  with 
all  possible  despatch,  a  sufficient  supply  of  provisions  (ex- 
cept flour,  peas  and  bread,  which  we  can  supply  them  with) 
and  other  necessaries,  for  which  purpose  we  send  you  en- 
closed copy  of  a  list  from  Colo.  Arnold's  letter  to  us  of  the 
29th  ult. 

"  We  have,  in  the  alarm  above,  raised  several  companies 
to  go  up  to  Ticonderoga,  &c.  two  of  which  are  on  their 
way  up.  This  we  did  in  consequence,  first,  of  the  reso- 
lution of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  18th  ulto.;  se- 
condly, of  the  letter  from  the  New- York  committee,  en- 
closing said  resolve,  dated  the  20th  ult. ;  and  thirdly,  Colo. 
Arnold's  letter  to  us  requiring  immediate  assistance.  But 

8 


on  our  receipt  of  the  above  letter  from  Govr.  Trumbull, 
we  are  in  great  doubts  with  respect  to  our  men  already 
raised  in  this  county,  and  those  who  stand  ready  to  march 
up.  As  we  know  not  the  nature  of  the  resolve  you  have 
sent  to  Govr.  Trumbull,  and  his  letter  contains  a  clause 
that  these  one  thousand  forces  are  to  continue  at  Ticonde- 
roga, &c.  until  relieved  by  troops  from  this  Colony,  &c. 

"We  should  be  extremely  glad  to  have  plain,  explicit 
instructions  from  time  to  time,  that  we  need  not  wander 
astray,  and  act  contrary  to  your  intentions  and  the  general 
good  of  the  public. 

"  There  are  some  troops  (twelve  in  number)  taken  by 
the  Provincial  forces  from  St.  John's,  who  are  now  in  this 
citv,  and  who  daily  call  upon  this  committee  for  the  com- 
mon necessaries  of  life — but  can  give  the  commissioners 
or  agents  no  directions  in  the  premises,  as  these  instruc- 
tions from  you  will  not  warrant  them  to  supply  them  with 
provisions,  although  they  have  been  hitherto  supplied  out 
of  the  Provincial  store.  But  we  would  be  glad  of  your  reso- 
lution on  this  matter,  and  let  us  know  whether  we  should 
supply  these  troops  any  longer,  or  let  them  be  supported 
from  the  provisions  here  in  the  King's  store;  and  upon  the 
whole,  what  you  would  have  us  do  with  them,  as  they  are 
only  a  burthen  to  us.  Please  to  take  these  matters  into 
your  immediate  consideration,  and  send  us  your  resolution 
in  consequence  thereof,  and  you  will  oblige,  gent. 

"  Your  most  humble  servt. 
("  By  order  of  the  committee,) 

"  SAML.  STRINGER, 
"  Chairman,  P.  T." 

The  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Governor  and  Company 
of  Connecticut  to  the  said  committee  at  Albany,  and  a 
list  of  men,  implements  of  war  and  stores,  from  Colo. 
B.  Arnold,  wanting  at  Ticonderoga,  and  enclosed  by  the 
committee  of  Albany,  were  separately  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esquire,  President  of  the 
Grand  Continental  Congress,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philada.  June  1st,  1775. 

"  Sir — The  Congress  have  a  full  confidence  that  the 
Colonies  of  New-York  and  Connecticut  will  heartily  unite 
their  endeavours  in  carrying  into  execution  the  measures 
necessary  for  the  common  defence.  Under  this  confidence 
the  state  of  preparation  in  the  two  Colonies,  as  represented 
to  the  Congress,  induced  them  yesterday  to  direct  the  troops 
ready  raised,  immediately  to  march,  in  order  to  reinforce 
the  garrisons  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  which  are 
in  imminent  danger,  and  that  these  troops  be  furnished  with 
provisions,  &c.bythe  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  That  this  may  be  effectually  carried  into  execution  so 
as  to  answer  the  end  proposed,  the  Congress  have  this 
day  come  to  the  enclosed  resolution,  which  I  am  desired 
to  transmit  to  you. 

"  I  also  enclose  you  another  resolve  of  Congress,  for 
the  direction  of  the  commander  at  Ticonderoga,  which 
please  to  forward. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President." 

The  resolve  of  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,  first 
above  mentioned,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  Thursday,  June  1,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Govern- 
ment of  Connecticut,  or  the  general  of  the  forces  of  that 
Colony,  to  appoint  commissaries  to  receive  at  Albany  and 
forward  the  supplies  of  provisions  for  the  forces  on  Lake 
Champlain,  from  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New- York, 
and  that  the  said  Convention  do  their  utmost  endeavours  in 
facilitating  and  aiding  the  transportation  thereof  from 
thence  to  where  the  said  commissaries  may  direct. 
"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry." 


30 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  resolve  to  be  transmitted  to  the  commander  at  Ti- 
conderoga,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

'■  In  Congress,  June  1st,  1775. 
"  As  this  Congress  has  nothing  more  in  view  than  the 
defence  of  these  Colonies, 

"  Resolved,  That  no  expedition  or  incursion  ought  to  be 
undertaken,  or  made  by  any  Colony,  or  body  of  colonists, 
against,  or  into  Canada ;  and  that  this  resolve  be  imme- 
diately transmitted  to  the  commander  of  the  forces  at  Ti- 
conderoga. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  Governor  and  Company  of 
Connecticut,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"New-York,  June  6th,  1775.  $ 

"May  it  please  Your  Honour, 

"  We  take  leave  to  enclose  a  resolution  of 
the  Grand  [Continental]  Congress,  the  thirty-first  of  May, 
and  at  the  same  time  to  present  you  our  acknowledgments 
for  the  letter  which  we  had  the  honour  to  receive  from  you, 
dated  the  twenty-ninth.  Be  assured,  sir,  that  we  are  most 
gratefully  sensible  of  the  cheerfulness  with  which  the  go- 
vernment of  Connecticut  has  exerted  itself  to  support  the 
important  posts  of  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  until  our 
abilities  may  enable  us  to  execute  that  trust,  which  the 
Continental  Congress  has,  on  that  subject,  thought  proper 
in  the  first  instance  to  repose  in  us.  We  are  sorry  to  pre- 
sent you  with  the  very  disagreeable  intelligence  that  we 
have  not  a  sufficient  quantity  of  powder  in  this  Colony,  to 
enable  us  at  present  to  contribute  in  the  least  towards  sup- 
plying those  posts  with  that  article  ;  a  circumstance  which 
is  the  more  distressing,  as  we  have  great  reason  to  believe 
that  a  very  considerable  quantity  will  be  required  for  the 
defence  of  the  northern  frontier. 

"  In  compliance  with  the  requisition  made  upon  us,  we 
have  expedited  our  orders  for  the  several  things  contained 
in  the  enclosed  list ;  at  the  bottom  whereof  is  an  account 
of  the  several  articles  already  sent  for  that  service,  and  the 
persons  employed  in  it.  We  pray  your  honour  to  believe 
that  we  feel  the  utmost  desire  of  co-operating  with  our 
sister  Colonies,  in  executing  the  resolves  of  the  Congress, 
and  that  we  are,  with  great  respect,  your  honours' 

"  Most  obedt.  and  humble  servts. 
"To  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esqr. 

"  Govr.  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  the  powder  which  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curte- 
nius  has  in  his  custody,  be  sent  to  the  committee  at  Al- 
bany, to  be  by  them  retained ;  and  that  Mr.  Curtenius 
write  to  the  committee  and  acquaint  them  therewith. 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  who  are  Deputies  for  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  Mr.  Richard  Lawrence, 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  let- 
ter this  day  received  from  the  committee  at  Albany,  and 
that  they  make  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Henry  Watkeys,  a  gunsmith,  was  sent  for,  by  order  of 
the  Congress,  and  attended.  After  conversing  with  him 
on  the  subject  of  making  gun  barrels,  he  agreed  to  go  to 
New-Windsor,  to  consult  with  Mr.  Robert  Boyd  about  the 
forging  of  gun  barrels,  and  making  muskets. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Henry  Watkeys  proceed  to 
New-Windsor  and  endeavour  to  fix  a  proper  plan  with  Ro- 
bert Boyd,  for  carrying  on  gun  and  musket  making  ;  and 
on  his  return  report  to  this  Board  his  proceedings  in  the 
premises.  And, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  defray  the  expen- 
ses of  the  said  Henry  Watkeys,  in  his  journey  to  New- 
Windsor,  or  allow  him  such  daily  wages  during  that  time, 
as  he  can  usually  earn  at  his  trade. 

A  letter  from  the  New- York  Delegates,  in  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  was  received,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 


Gent. — We  have  received  your  several  letters,  and 
communicated  such  of  your  papers  to  the  Congress  as  were 
intended  for  their  inspection.  Your  plan  for  raising  money 
we  are  much  pleased  with,  though  we  have  some  doubt  of 
its  being  adopted  ;  however,  as  the  reasons  on  which  it  is 
founded,  appear  to  us  to  be  conclusive,  we  shall  use  our 
endeavours  to  carry  it  through.  Till  the  success  is  known, 
you  will,  we  dare  say,  see  a  propriety  in  keeping  the  whole 
secret. 

"  We  observe  with  pleasure  the  attention  of  our  Colony 
to  Indian  affairs,  as  they  are  really  of  the  highest  impor- 
tance. Should  you  conceive  the  interposition  of  the  Con- 
gress necessary,  you  will  let  us  know  the  mode  in  which 
you  think  it  will  be  most  effectual. 

"  You  inquire  whether  the  direction  relative  to  the  mi- 
litia of  New-York  was  intended  to  extend  farther  than  that 
city  and  county.  In  answer  to  this,  we  must  inform  you 
that  it  was  the  design  of  the  Congress  that  the  whole  Pro- 
vince should  be  well  armed  and  disciplined. 

"  We  wish  to  hear  that  you  have  received  some  supply 
of  powder,  as  we  fear  that  none  is  to  be  procured  here ; 
the  people  conceiving  they  have  not  a  sufficient  stock  for 
their  own  defence.  We  believe,  however,  that  Connecti- 
cut will  take  care  to  supply  their  troops  at  Ticonderoga 
with  that  article,  as  the  command  of  that  post  is  for  the 
present  vested  in  their  officers,  owing  to  your  repeated  de- 
claration of  your  inability  to  furnish  the  arms  and  ammu- 
nition necessary  for  its  defence. 

"  We  think  it  an  object  of  great  consequence,  to  know 
in  whom  you  would  wish  to  vest  the  command  of  the  Con- 
tinental Army  in  our  Province,  which  is  to  be  maintained 
at  the  general  charge,  and  hope  you  will  not  be  at  a  loss 
to  fix  on  men  among  yourselves,  who  may  be  intrusted 
with  that  important  charge.  As  general  officers  will  in 
all  probability  be  shortly  appointed  by  this  Congress,  your 
express  should  return  immediately,  with  a  warm  recom- 
mendation of  those  persons  in  our  Province,  who  you  think 
may  safely  be  trusted  with  the  first  and  second  commands, 
as  major  and  brigadier-generals.  If  possible,  let  us  have 
an  answer  to  this  by  Tuesday  morning,  drawn  up  in  such 
a  manner,  that  if  necessary,  it  may  be  offered  to  the  Con- 
gress, with  the  reasons  on  which  such  choice  is  founded. 
We  know  of  nothing  farther  that  may  require  your  atten- 
tion, unless  it  be  to  recommend  a  profound  secrecy  with 
respect  to  any  advice  we  may  offer,  particularly  on  the 
subject  of  this  letter,  though  we  conceive  that  your  own 
prudence  will  render  any  such  recommendation  unneces- 
sary. 

"  If  you  wish  for  any  other  direction,  pray  be  speedy 
and  explicit  in  your  application. 

"  We  remain,  with  great  respect, 

"Your  most  ob.  hum.  servts. 
"JAS.  DUANE, 

"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"PH.  SCHUYLER, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"FRANCS.  LEWIS, 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"  S.  BOERUM, 
"HENRY  WISNER. 
"  Philadelphia,  3rd  June,  1775. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the 

Colony  of  New-York." 

Mr.  Scott  (seconded  by  Mr.  Morris)  moved  that  that 
part  of  the  letter  of  the  New-York  Delegates  in  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  dated  on  the  3d  inst.  which  respects  the 
recommendation  of  a  major  and  brigadier-general  for  the 
Continental  army  be  immediately  taken  into  considera- 
tion. 

And  debates  arising  thereon,  it  was  postponed  till  the 
morning,  at  the  request  of  the  Deputies  of  Albany,  Suffolk 
and  Richmond  counties. 

Dissentients.—  Colo.  Van  Renselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Albany ;  Mr.  Ho- 
bart,  Suffolk. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


31 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  lOa,  1T\5. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Boden. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leond.  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher, Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  John  Morin 
Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Marston — City  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Henry  Glenn,  Peter 
Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer — City  and  county 
of  Albany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gysbert 
Schenck,  Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Na- 
thaniel Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

Peter  Clowes,  Wm.  Allison,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwcll,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas, 
Junr. —  Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lolt,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Polhe- 
mus,  John  Leffertse — Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Richard  Conner,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 
Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom — Queens  county. 
John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  report- 
ed a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates,  at  the 
Continental  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  erecting  a  fortifica- 
tion at  King's  Bridge.  The  same  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June  7th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Upon  receiving  the  resolutions  of  the 
Congress  which  relate  to  the  fortifying  King's  Bridge,  &c. 
we  appointed  committees  to  view  those  places.  Our  com- 
mittee from  King's  Bridge  made  a  report  the  third  instant, 
of  which  we  send  you  a  copy  ;  we  have  only  to  add,  that  by 
reason  of  the  easiness  of  approach,  which  will  arise  from 
the  great  irregularity  of  the  ground  on  Manhattan's  Island, 
especially  to  the  northward,  no  fortification  can  be  so  con- 
structed as  to  be  tenable  for  any  length  of  time  ;  and  even 
if  such  thing  were  practicable,  yet  if  the  enemy  are  supe- 
rior in  the  field,  then,  as  they  must  necessarily  command 
the  rivers,  such  fortification  might  be  reduced  by  famine,  if 
not  otherwise  taken.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  if  the  post 
is  to  be  fortified  with  a  view  to  render  it  a  magazine,  or 
place  of  arms,  that  no  part  of  the  island  is  properly  adapted 
to  that  purpose. 

"  Considering  it  in  the  light  of  a  post  for  preserving  the 
communication  between  the  city  and  country,  upon  a  sup- 
position that  the  rivers  are  occupied  by  ships  of  war,  then 
if  the  place  marked  A  were  strong  and  capable  of  sustain- 
ing a  regular  siege,  still  a  body  of  forces  on  the  island  could 
as  effectually  cut  off  the  communication  in  many  other 
places.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  enemy  should  possess 
themselves  of  the  post  A,  besides  that  it  is  commanded  by 
the  two  heights  marked  B,  particularly  Tippet's  Hill,  yet 
it  would  by  no  means  serve  to  cut  off  the  communication  ; 
because  that  it  would  be  easy  to  cross  Harlem  river  in 
boats  with  a  body  of  forces  in  several  places,  where  no  vessel 
of  war  could  lay  without  being  exposed  to  fire  from  such 
very  high  grounds,  as  to  be  quite  out  of  the  reach  of  her 
artillery.  And  also,  because  that  river  is  fordable  in  places 
which  are  covered  from  any  fire  which  can  be  made  from 
the  said  post. 

"  And  not  only  would  the  enemy's  possession  be  ineffec- 
tual for  their  purposes,  it  would  also  bring  on  them  certain 
destruction ;  for  that  it  would  be  very  easy  to  cut  off  their 
retreat  to  the  town,  and  from  the  great  elevation  of 
ground  above  the  river,  to  prevent  any  relief  which  they 


could  receive  from  vessels  of  war ;  wherefore  if  we  have 
the  superiority  in  the  field,  they  would  be  with  great  ease 
driven  from  that  post,  or  starved  in  it. 

"This  place,  therefore,  (the  only  one  which  can  secure 
the  bridges,)  being  of  little  consequence  to  us,  and  of  little 
less  to  them,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  very  im- 
prudent to  fortify  it  at  present,  because  the  expense  will  be 
much  greater  than  after  we  have  troops  embodied  who  can 
perform  much  of  the  labor ;  and  also  for  a  reason  mention- 
ed in  the  report  of  our  committee. 

"  You  will  take  notice,  gentlemen,  that  we  have  no 
ammunition,  nor  any  engineer,  two  most  necessary  imple- 
ments of  war  you  will  certainly  acknowledge.  The  first 
we  hope  for  from  the  endeavours  of  our  merchants,  the  last 
you  will  take  some  care  to  procure  if  to  be  had  amongst 
you. 

"  Be  assured  that  we  have  the  greatest  willingness  to 

obey  the  resolutions  of  the  Grand  Congress,  and  if  in  their 

wisdom  they  shall  think  fit  to  overrule  the  reasons  which 

we  have  offered,  doubt  not  that  we  shall  use  our  utmost 

efforts  to  comply  with  their  requisitions. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servts. 

"  To  the  New- York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  letter  be  engrossed,  signed 
by  the  President,  and  together  with  a  copy  of  the  report 
therein  mentioned,  and  a  copy  of  a  draft  or  plan  theiein 
mentioned,  be  transmitted  by  the  first  conveyance. 

The  report  above  mentioned  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit  : 

"  We,  your  committee  appointed  to  view  the  ground  in 
the  environs  of  King's  Bridge,  do  most  humbly  report,  that 
in  obedience  to  your  commands  we  have  examined  the 
heights  in  that  neighbourhood,  taken  such  assistance  as  the 
shortness  of  the  notice  permitted  us  to  procure,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  a  post  (capable  of  containing  300  men,)  erected 
on  the  high  ground  adjoining  Mr.  Hyat's  house,  (marked  A 
in  the  annexed  map,)  will  answer  the  purpose  proposed  by 
the  Continental  Congress  in  their  requisition,  so  far  as 
the  occupying  that  bridge  can  contribute  to  the  keeping  up 
a  communication  between  the  country  and  this  city.  For 
we  beg  leave  to  observe  that  an  enemy  may  land  and  seize 
on  several  posts  in  this  island  capable  of  interrupting, 
though  not  totally  cutting  off  that  communication,  held  up 
as  a  point  of  so  much  importance  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. We  are  farther  of  opinion,  that  this  work  should  be 
constructed  by  the  troops  when  embodied,  and  ready  to 
occupy  it ;  your  committee  being  humbly  of  opinion  it 
would  be  the  highest  imprudence  to  erect  a  fortification 
before  we  have  the  means  of  defending  it :  by  this  mode 
of  proceeding  the  expense  will  also  be  very  much  reduced. 
We  believe  that  though  there  be  no  water  immediately  on 
the  spot  proposed  for  this  post,  yet  means  may  be  fallen 
upon  to  cover  those  who  go  to  a  well  sunk  in  the  ad- 
joining low  ground,  near  Mr.  Hyat's  house,  especially  as 
we  conceive  this  post  is  not  supposed  to  sustain  any  regu- 
lar attack,  or  of  many  hours  duration  without  relief. 

"  We  think  fascines  the  cheapest  and  best  materials  to  face 
this  work,  and  that  an  abattie  or  fallen  wood  will  contribute 
much  to  the  security  of  the  post.  With  respect  to  the  par- 
ticular form  and  dimensions,  your  committee  dare  not  ven- 
ture (without  the  assistance  of  an  engineer,)  to  recommend 
any  particular  plan  to  your  consideration,  and  therefore 
pray  your  attention  to  provide  a  person  of  experience  in 
this  line  of  military  science. 

"  All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"JAMES  VAN  CORTLANDT, 

"  Chairman.'1'' 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  resumed 
the  consideration  of  the  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this 
1  Colony,  at  the  Continental  Congress,  and  after  some  time 


32 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


10  men  of  the  train  of  artillery. 
12  ship  carpenters  and  caulkers. 
2  gun  smiths. 
2  blacksmiths. 
2  masons. 
100  hatchets. 
20  broad  axes. 
50  spades. 
50  hoes. 

The  iron  work  for  4  gins  and 
blocks;  8  falls  for  do.  of  44 
inch  rope. 


100  fathoms 
each. 


spent  therein,  the  Congress  unanimously  resolved  and 
agreed,  that  Collo.  Philip  Schuyler  is  the  most  proper  per- 
son in  this  Colony  to  be  recommended  as  a  major-general, 
and  Richard  Montgomerie,  Esqr.  as  a  brigadier-general. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  and  report  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  our 
Delegates  at  the  Continental  Congress,  informing  them  of 
our  sentiments  on  this  subject,  and  the  reasons  of  our 
choice. 

The  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  reported  a 
draft  of  a  report  of  additional  artificers  and  stores  to  be 
forwarded  to  Ticonderoga.  The  same  was  lead  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  in  the  words  and  figures  following,  to  wit: 

"  The  committee  having  considered  the  requisition  on 
this  Colony,  made  by  Colo.  B.  Arnold,  commandant  at 
Ticonderoga,  for  provisions,  stores,  &c.  transmitted  to  this 
Congress  by  the  committee  of  Albany,  and  at  the  same 
time  compared  it  with  the  list  of  supplies  already  ordered 
to  be  sent,  do  report  that  the  following  additional  stores, 
&c.  ought  to  be  provided  and  sent : 

1  coil  2J  inch  rope. 
1  do  2  do 
1   do  1£  do 
4  ps  ravens  duck. 
40  lb.  sewing  twine. 
10  doz.  of  sail  and  colt  rope  needles 

1  doz.  palms. 

2  seines,  30  fathom  long,  capt.  12 
feet,  and  arms  6  feet  deep,  of 
coarse  twine,  meshes  1$ 
inches  square. 

2  doz.  nail  hammers. 
1  fagot  of  steel. 

"  As  to  the  oxen,  carts,  &c.  mentioned  in  the  said  requi- 
sition, your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  those  can  be 
procured  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  post." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  made  and  delivered  to 
Peter  T.  Curtenius,  and  that  he  be  desired  to  obtain  the 
said  artificers,  men  and  stores,  and  forward  the  same  to  Al- 
bany with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  same  committee  also  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter 

to  the  committee  of  Albany,  which  was  read  and  approved 

of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  June  7  th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gent. — Before  this  comes  to  hand  you  will  be  fur- 
nished with  our  directions,  dated  lstinst.  We  are  con- 
vinced of  the  necessity  of  giving  you  explicit  instructions 
respecting  your  conduct,  but  the  variety  of  business  in 
which  this  Congress  has  been  engaged,  and  the  time  which 
is  necessarily  taken  up  in  our  friendly  intercourse  with  the 
Continental  Congress  and  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  does 
necessarily  occasion  at  times  an  apparent  delay  in  our  direc- 
tions to  yon.  We  highly  approve  of  your  zeal  and  activity 
in  raising  troops,  but  request  you  not  to  proceed  in  making 
farther  levies,  until  further  orders. 

"  The  two  companies  raised  in  your  county,  and  already 
on  their  march,  you  will  suffer  to  proceed  to  join  the  forces 
at  Ticonderoga  ;  but  must  observe  to  you,  that  by  ihe  di- 
rections of  the  Continental  Congress,  their  pay  will  stand 
on  the  same  footing  with  that  of  the  eastern  Colonies,  with- 
out allowing  bounties  or  clothing  to  the  men  ;  and  that  they 
are  to  continue  in  the  service  until  the  last  day  of  Decem- 
ber next,  unless  the  Continental  Congress  shall  direct  that 
they  be  sooner  disbanded. 

"  Those  companies  which  arc  under  your  direction, 
formed,  and  not  sent  up,  you  will  continue  in  pay,  if  your 
engagement  with  them  will  not  justify  your  discharging 
them,  and  request  that  you  send  to  this  Congress  a  return 
of  the  officers  and  men  in  each  company. 

"  The  troops  taken  at  St.  John's,  who  are  with  you, 
should  remain  at  liberty,  and  they  may  probably  be  of  ser- 
vice in  instructing  your  inhabitants  the  military  exercise. 
If  they  refuse  earning  their  bread,  in  this  or  any  other 
way,  it  is,  however,  the  intention  of  this  Congress  that 


they  shall  receive  their  subsistence  out  of  the  Colony  pro- 
visions. 

"  Enclosed  we  send  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  their  resolve  respecting  the  appoint- 
ment of  commissaries  for  receiving  supplies  of  provisions 
at  Albany. 

"  Enclosed  is  also  a  copy  of  a  resolve  of  the  Grand  Con- 
gress to  discourage  any  incursions  into  Canada,  but  this  has 
in  some  measure  been  anticipated  by  a  former  resolution 
of  this  House,  (already  published,)  as  well  as  your  request 
respecting  our  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull,  a  copy  of  which 
has  been  sent  you  by  Colo.  Ten  Broek. 

"  We  are,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Albany  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the  President,  and 
transmitted. 

The  gentlemen  appointed  a  committee  for  that  purpose, 
reported  drafts  of  two  several  letters  to  the  Delegates  of 
this  Colony,  at  the  Grand  Continental  Congress,  which 
were  severally  read  and  approved,  and  are  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  June  7  th,  1775.  $ 

"  To  the  Delegates  in  Congress  : 

"Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  third  instant  we 
have  received,  and  are  happy  to  find  that  we  have  the  ho- 
nour of  your  concurrence  in  our  sentiments  on  the  subject 
of  emitting  a  paper  currency.  We  pray  leave  to  add,  that 
unless  your  respectable  body  shall  make  some  speedy  or- 
der with  relation  to  the  levying  of  money,  it  will  be  impos- 
sible for  us  to  comply  with  their  further  requests.  Public 
faith  has  been  stretched  as  far  as  it  will  go,  and  the  pledge 
of  a  future  fund  to  be  hereafter  devised  has  been  trusted 
to  its  full  value.  We  have  engaged  ourselves  personally, 
and  farther  we  cannot  proceed,  unless  every  private  gen- 
tleman amongst  us  will  consent  to  sacrifice  his  own  pro- 
perty to  the  pressing  calls  made  upon  him  by  the  public. 

"  The  importance,  the  necessity,  of  attention  to  Indian 
affairs  is  deeply  impressed  on  our  minds  ;  because  our  pub- 
lic peace  is  more  endangered  by  the  situation  of  the  bar- 
barians to  the  westward  of  us,  than  it  can  be  by  any  inroads 
made  upon  the  sea  coast.  Britain  will  spare  the  last  for 
her  own  sake,  and  policy  will  teach  her  Ministers  to  light 
up  an  Indian  war  upon  our  frontiers,  that  we  may  be  driven 
for  protection  to  embrace  their  terms  of  slavery.  To  obvi- 
ate such  evils  will,  we  hope,  occupy  a  considerable  share 
of  your  wise  attention.  We  do  not  presume  to  dictate  any 
measure  to  you,  being  confident  of  your  prudence  and 
knowledge.  At  the  same  time,  we  submit  it  to  your  con- 
sideration whether  it  is  proper  to  leave  the  management  of 
the  numerous  tribes  of  Indians  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
persons  appointed  and  paid  by  the  Crown.  If  it  be  not, 
then  you  will  best  be  able  to  determine  the  proper  remedy 
for  this  evil,  and  whether  it  will  not  be  both  politic  and 
just  to  nominate  a  Continental  Superintendent  of  Indian  Af- 
fairs, and  provide  ways  and  means  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  his  office  ;  or  whether  we  may  not  have  greater  cause 
to  apprehend  danger  from  such  appointment,  than  by  suf- 
fering these  things  to  flow  in  their  former  channel :  seeing 
that  the  Indians  have  already  declared  their  willingness  to 
preserve  peace,  unless  their  superintendent  shall  be  mo- 
lested. 

"  We  have  hitherto  received  no  sufficient  supply  of  pow- 
der or  other  ammunition,  for  the  defence  of  our  Colony, 
and  whilst  we  regret  our  present  inability,  we  beg  leave  to 
assure  you  that  if  Connecticut  can  furnish  a  sufficient  store 
for  the  garrisons  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  (posts 
which  arc  necessary  for  our  mutual  protection,)  as  soon  as 
it  is  in  our  power  we  shall  gladly  replace  the  expenditure. 

"  The  extensive  qualifications  necessary  to  form  the  ge- 
neral, arc  far  beyond  the  reach  of  our  humble  abilities,  and 
belter  fitted  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Continental  Congress. 
We  feel  ourselves  under  the  deepest  obligations  to  you  for 
enabling  us  to  recommend  persons  to  the  offices  of  major 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


33 


and  brigadier-general.  We  are  sensible  of  the  extent  of 
this  condescension,  and  are  equally  affected  by  the  honour 
of  the  trust  and  our  incapacity  to  execute  it. 

"  Courage,  prudence,  readiness  in  expedients,  nice  per- 
ception, sound  judgment  and  great  attention — these  are 
a  few  of  the  natural  qualities  which  appear  to  us  to  be  pro- 
per. To  these  ought  to  be  added  an  extensive  acquaint- 
ance with  the  sciences,  particularly  the  various  branches 
of  mathematic  knowledge,  long  practice  in  the  military  art, 
and,  above  all,  a  knowledge  of  mankind.  On  a  general, 
in  America,  fortune  also  should  bestow  her  gifts,  that  he 
may  rather  communicate  lustre  to  his  dignities  than  receive 
it ;  and  that  his  country,  in  his  properly,  his  kindred  and 
connections,  may  have  sure  pledges  that  he  will  faithfully 
perform  the  duties  of  his  high  office,  and  readily  lay  down 
his  power  when  the  general  weal  shall  require  it.  Since 
we  cannot  do  all  that  we  wish,  we  will  go  as  far  towards 
it  as  we  can  ;  and,  therefore,  you  will  not  be  surprised  to 
hear  that  we  are  unanimous  in  the  choice  of  Colo.  Philip 
Schuyler  and  Captain  Richard  Montgomerie  to  the  offices 
of  major  and  brigadier-generals.  If  we  knew  how  to  re- 
commend them  to  your  notice  more  strongly  than  by  tell- 
ing you,  that  after  considering  the  qualifications  above  stal- 
ed, these  gentlemen  were  approved  of  without  a  single  dis- 
sent, our  regard  to  the  public  service  would  certainly  lead 
us  to  do  it  in  the  most  forcible  terms.  Nor  will  we  enter 
into  a  minute  detail  of  the  characters  and  situations  of  two 
gentlemen  with  whom  our  Delegates  cannot  but  be  ac- 
quainted. In  a  word,  we  warmly  recommend,  because  we 
have  no  doubts  but  their  appointment  will  give  general  sa- 
tisfaction. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  gent. 

"  That  we  are,  &c." 

"  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  7  th,  1775.  $ 

"  To  the  Delegates  in  Congress. 

"  Gentlemen — The  Colonies  of  Massachusetts 
and  Connecticut  have  formed  their  respective  armies,  and 
nominated  to  the  general  command  of  them.  The  supposi- 
tion that  in  case  a  Continental  army  should  be  established 
by  authority  of  your  respectable  body,  their  officers  will  be 
permitted  to  preserve  their  respective  ranks,  appears  to  us 
highly  probable.  In  this  view,  we  think  it  not  improbable 
that  we  shall  be  called  on  for  a  recommendation  to  fill  the 
offices  in  the  military  appointment  of  this  Colony.  We  take 
the  liberty  for  the  present,  to  furnish  you  with  our  sentiments 
on  the  appointment  of  a  major  and  brigadier-general,  and 
submit  them  to  your  superior  wisdom,  either  for  use  or 
concealment ;  our  only  motive  is  to  prevent  a  delay  that 
might  otherwise  be  occasioned  by  an  opinion  you  may  en- 
tertain of  the  necessity  of  asking  our  sentiments  on  that 
subject. 

"  Courage,  prudence,  readiness  in  expedients,  nice  per- 
ception, sound  judgment,  and  great  attention — these  are  a 
few  of  the  natural  qualities,  which  appear  to  us  to  be  pro- 
per. To  these  ought  to  be  added  an  extensive  acquaint- 
ance with  the  sciences,  particularly  the  various  branches 
of  mathematic  knowledge,  long  practice  in  the  military 
art,  and  above  all  a  knowledge  of  mankind.  On  a  general, 
in  America,  fortune,  also,  should  bestow  her  gifts,  that  he 
may  rather  communicate  lustre  to  his  dignities,  than  re- 
ceive it ;  and  that  his  country,  in  his  property,  his  kindred 
and  connections,  may  have  sure  pledges  that  he  will  faith- 
fully perform  the  duties  of  his  high  office,  and  readily  lay 
down  his  power  when  the  general  weal  requires  it.  Since 
we  can  not  do  all  that  we  wish,  we  will  go  as  far  towards 
it  as  we  can.  And,  therefore,  you  will  not  be  surprised  to 
hear,  that  we  are  unanimous  in  the  choice  of  Colo.  Philip 
Schuyler  and  Capt.  Richard  Montgomerie,  to  the  offices  of 
major  and  brigadier-generals.  If  we  knew  how  to  recom- 
mend them  to  your  notice  more  strongly  than  by  telling 
you  that  after  considering  the  qualifications  above  stated, 
these  gentlemen  were  approved  of,  without  a  single  dissent, 
our  regard  to  the  public  service  would  certainly  lead  us  to 


do  it  in  the  most  forcible  terms.  Nor  will  we  enter  into  a 
minute  detail  of  the  characters  and  situations  of  two  gentle- 
men, with  whom  our  Delegates  can  not  but  be  acquainted. 
In  a  word,  we  warmly  recommend  them,  because  we  have 
no  doubts  but  that  their  appointment  will  give  general  sa- 
tisfaction. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  you  gent. 

"  That  we  are,  with  the  profoundest  respect,  &c." 

Ordered,  A  copy  of  each  of  the  said  letters  be  engross- 
ed, and  signed  by  the  President  and  transmitted  to  the  De- 
legates from  this  Colony,  in  Continental  Congress,  by  Jo- 
seph Stevens,  as  a  messenger  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that 
the  President  write  a  private  letter  to  the  Delegates,  to  in- 
form them  of  the  reason  of  sending  both  these  letters,  and 
requesting  them  to  produce  either,  and  suppress  the  other, 
as  they  may  see  fit. 

Resolved,  That  whensoever  doubts  shall  arise,  with  re- 
spect to  the  recommendations  or  resolutions  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  or  of  this  board,  in  the  minds  of  private 
persons,  it  is  the  duty  of  such  persons  to  apply  to  this 
board  for  an  explanation  thereof.  And  that  any  attempts 
to  raise  tumults,  riots  or  mobs,  either  under  colour  of  a  du- 
bious interpretation  of  such  recommendations  or  resolu- 
tions, or  for  any  other  reasons  or  purposes,  is  a  high  infrac- 
tion of  the  general  association,  and  tends  directly  to  the 
dissolution  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  published  in  the  news- 
papers, and  that  two  thousand  copies  thereof  be  printed  in 
handbills. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  7th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougatl,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman, 
Samuel  Verplanck,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  John  Marston — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston, 
Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of  Mb  any. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie, 
Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert 
Schenck,  Nathaniel  Sackel — Dutchess  county. 

John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison — Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  David  Day- 
ton, John  Thomas — Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Pol- 
hemus,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 
John  Journey,  Richard  Conner,  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond  conn- 

ty- 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 
Ordered,  That  Capt.  Montgomerie,  Colo.  Holmes  and 
Mr.  Hallet,  be  a  commitlee  to  examine  the  list  of  sundry 
articles  retained  by  the  merchants  of  New-York,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  city  committee,  and  report  whether  any  and 
what  part  of  those  goods  may  be  necessary  to  be  retained 
for  the  use  of  this  Colony. 

Mr.  Kissam  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Joseph  War- 
ren, Esqr.  and  others,  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  Co- 
lony of  ihe  Massachusetts  Bay,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  7th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — The  multiplicity  of  business  brought 
before  us  by  the  Continental  Congress,  and  a  short  adjourn- 
ment of  our  body,  from  Saturday  until  Tuesday  morning, 
have  rendered  it  impossible  for  us  to  give  a  more  early 
attention  to  your  favour  of  the  26th  ulto. 

"  We  have  little  to  say  upon  the  principal  subject  of 
your  letter,  as  we  conceive  that  the  Provincial  Congresses 


34 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


of  both  Colonies  are  concluded  from  any  discretionary  provi- 
sion relative  to  the  ordnance  and  other  stores  taken  at 
Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  of  which  you  must  be  fully 
convinced,  by  the  acts  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  that 
subject,  copies  of  which  are  enclosed. 

"  We  are  fully  apprised  of  the  dangerous  consequence 
that  would  await  this  capital  of  our  Colony,  either  from 
supinencss,  or  a  confidence  in  the  honour  of  those,  who, 
bein<r  the  avowed  instruments  of  ministerial  vengeance,  we 
can  not  expect  will  hold  any  faith  with  us.  Whatever  ar- 
ticles we  are  now  possessed  of,  that  may  be  used  to  the 
injury  of  this  city  in  particular,  or  of  the  Continent  in  ge- 
neral, we  shall  be  studious  to  prevent,  if  possible,  from 
falling  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies.  In  sympathizing 
with  you,  for  the  unhappy  town  of  Boston,  we  shall  do 
every  thing  in  our  power  to  prevent  this  city  from  being 
reduced  to  the  same  deplorable  situation,  and  shall  watch- 
fully attend  to  every  means  of  defence  which  our  present 
or  future  circumstances  may  enable  us  to  improve. 
"  We  are,  gent,  and  brethren, 

"  With  great  respect  and  sincere  affection, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.  and  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  Watertown. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  letter  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  the  first  opportunity. 

Capt.  Montgomerie,  from  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  brought  in  a  report  of  such  parts  of  the  goods 
retained  by  the  merchants  of  this  city,  at  the  request  of 
the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  be  retained  at  the  expense  of  the  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  lay  on  the  table  for  the 
perusal  of  the  members. 

Whereas  James  Rivington  of  this  city,  printer,  hath 
signed  the  general  association,  and  has  lately  published  a 
handbill,  declaring  his  intention  rigidly  to  adhere  to  the 
said  association,  and  also  asked  the  pardon  of  the  pu- 
blic who  have  been  offended  by  his  ill-judged  publica- 
tions : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  James  Rivington  be 
permitted  to  return  to  his  house  and  family,  and  that  this 
Congress  doth  recommend  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Co- 
lony not  to  molest  him  in  his  person  or  properly. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  case  of 
Robert  and  John  Murray,  which  lies  before  this  Congress 
by  a  general  reference  from  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
after  some  time  spent  therein,  it  was  ordered  to  be  deferred 
for  further  consideration. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 


June  1V15. 


The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Moore. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
let  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  John  Marslon,  James  Beekman, 
Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Monn 
Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandl,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt— City  and  county  of 
New- York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn— City  and  county 
of  Jlbany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie, 
Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert 
Schenck,  Nathl.  Sacket—  Dutchess  county. 

John  Nicholson— Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Jeremiah  Clarke— Or- 
ange county. 

Nathanl.  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham— Suffolk  county. 
Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  Stephen 


Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  David  Day- 
ton, John  Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Pol- 
hemus,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Richard  Conner,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond  coun- 
ty. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 

Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

A  letter  from  Artemus  Ward,  general  of  the  Massachu- 
setts army,  Joseph  Warren,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
safety,  and  Moses  Gill,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  To  the  Honble.  Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  noble  exertions  in  the  com- 
mon cause,  your  zeal  for  the  maintenance  of  the  rights  of 
America,  and  the  sympathizing  concern  with  which  we 
know  you  look  on  our  sufferings,  encourages  us  to  repre- 
sent to  you  the  distressed  state  of  this  Colony. 

"  Our  capital  is  filled  with  disciplined  troops,  thoroughly 
equipped  with  every  thing  necessary  to  render  them  formi- 
dable ;  a  train  of  artillery  as  complete  as  can  be  conceived 
of ;  a  full  supply  of  arms  and  ammunition,  and  an  absolute 
command  of  the  harbour  of  Boston  ;  which  puts  it  in  their 
power  to  furnish  themselves  with  whatever  they  shall  think 
convenient  by  sea — are  such  advantages  as  must  render  our 
contest  with  them,  in  every  view,  extremely  difficult. 

"  We  suffer  at  present  the  greatest  inconveniences  from 
a  want  of  a  sufficient  quantity  of  powder.    Without  this, 
every  attempt  to  defend  ourselves,  or  annoy  our  enemies, 
must  prove  abortive ;  we  have  taken  every  step  to  avail 
ourselves  of  this  article,  by  drawing  into  our  general  maga- 
zines whatever  could  be  spared  from  the  respective  towns 
of  this  Colony  ;  but  the  frequent  skirmishes  we  have  had 
has  greatly  diminished  our  stock,  and  we  are  now  under 
the  most  alarming  apprehensions,  that  notwithstanding  the 
bravery  of  our  troops,  (whom  we  think  we  can,  without 
boasling,  declare  are  ready  to  encounter  every  danger  for  the 
preservation  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,)  we 
shall,  barely  for  the  want  of  the  means  of  defence,  fall  at 
last  a  prey  to  our  enemies.    We,  therefore,  most  earnestly 
beseech  you  that  you  would  if  possible  afford  us  some  relief 
in  this  respect,  by  lending  or  selling  to  us  some  part  of  the 
powder  in  your  Colony.    We  readily  conceive  the  unwil- 
lingness with  which  you  must  part  with  so  necessary  an 
article  at  this  time  ;  we  know  you  have  not  the  quantity 
you  would  wish  to  keep  for  your  own  use  ;  we  apply  to  you 
not  because  we  suppose  you  have  a  surplusage,  but  be- 
cause we  are  in  the  most  distressing  want.    We  beg,  there- 
fore, that  we  may  not  be  suffered  to  perish  ;  we  have  taken 
such  steps  as  we  have  great  reason  to  hope  will  in  a  short 
time  furnish  us  sufficiently  with  powder,  and  if  we  can  be 
assisted  until  that  arrives,  we  doubt  not  but  we  shall  be 
able  to  baffle  the  designs  of  our  enemies,  and  be  greatly 
instrumental  in  preserving  the  rights  and  liberties  of  all 
America.    We  must  request,  that  whatever  aid  you  shall 
find  it  in  your  power  to  give  us,  may  be  in  the  most  secret 
manner,  as  a  knowledge  of  our  deficiency  in  the  article  of 
powder,  before  we  are  supplied,  might  be  attended  with 
the  most  fatal  consequences. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  affectionate  brethren, 

"And  very  humble  servants. 

"ARTEMAS  WARD,  General  of  the  Massachu- 
setts army. 

"  JOS.  WARREN,  Chairman  of  the  commee.  of 
safety. 

"MOSES  GILL,  Chairman  of  the  comee.  of  sup- 
plies. 

"  P.  S.  We  beg  what  powder  you  possibly  can  spare, 
may  be  immediately  conveyed  to  us  by  land,  in  the  way 
least  liable  to  be  suspected  by  any  persons  who  may  cor- 
respond with  the  enemy. 
"  Camb.  4  June,  1775." 

An  answer  to  the  above  letter  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


35 


"  In  Provincial  Congbess, 

"  At  New-York,  June  8th,  1775, 

"  Brethren  and  Countrymen  : — 

"  Your  letter  of  the  4th  instant  hath  afflicted  and 
astonished  us.  We  did  console  ourselves  in  our  want  of 
ammunition  with  an  assurance  that  you  were  possessed  of 
a  very  ample  quantity  for  your  defence.  We  expected  a 
supply  with  patience  because  we  had  a  good  hope  that  the 
absolute  necessity  would  not  arise  before  it  was  provided 
against,  and  incautiously  the  whole  of  what  was  in  the  Co- 
lony of  New- York  hath  been  so  disposed  of,  that  there  is 
not  now  one  hundred  weight  to  be  purchased  for  any  price. 
We  have  forwarded  your  letter  to  the  American  Congress, 
and  hope  that  the  Colony  of  Pennsylvania  may  be  able  to 
succor  you  though  we  can  not ;  you  have  our  warmest 
wishes  in  the  great  cause  of  American  liberty,  and  we 
pray  you  to  believe  that  we  are  firmly  resolved  to  with- 
stand the  encroachments  of  ministerial  tyranny  to  the  ut- 
most of  our  abilities,  and  to  labour  for  the  restoration  of 
that  harmony,  between  these  Colonies  and  the  parent  state, 
which  is  essential  to  the  peace,  the  glory,  the  existence,  of 
the  whole  British  empire. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servants. 
'•'  To  the  Honoble.  Artemas  Ward,  General 
of  the  Massachusetts  army,  Joseph  War- 
ren, Chairman  of  the  committee  of  safety, 
Moses  Gill,  Chairman  of  the  committee 
of  supplies,  at  Cambridge,  Massachusetts 
Bay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  President,  with  the  leave  of  the  Congress,  left  the 
chair  and  went  to  Elizabethtown,  to  confer  with  the  com- 
mittee there,  on  the  above  mentioned  letter  from  Gene- 
ral Ward,  and  the  Vice-President  took  the  chair. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honorable  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, to  attend  a  copy  of  the  above  mentioned  letter  from 
General  Ward,  and  Messrs.  Warren  and  Gill,  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

[The  above  is  an  extract  from  the  original  minutes,  but  the  draft  of 
the  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  not  found.] 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  Vice-President  and  transmitted. 

Whereas  by  an  order  of  the  Continental  Congress  of 
the  15th  May,  ulto.  and  the  explanation  of  the  Continental 
Delegates  of  this  Colony,  accompanying  the  said  order,  it 
appears  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  are  directed  not  to 
remove  any  military  stores  belonging  to  the  Crown  :  And 
whereas  this  Congress  is  well  informed  that  some  persons 
have  lately  seized  and  removed  the  military  stores  belong- 
ing to  the  Crown  at  Turtle  Bay.    This  Congress  doth 

Resolve,  That  such  step  is  a  direct  violation  of  the  Con- 
tinental order,  and  tends  to  destroy  their  and  our  authority  ; 
is  inimical  to  the  true  interest  of  the  Colonies,  and  tends 
to  involve  this  city  in  the  utmost  confusion  and  distress. 
And,  also, 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  Van 
Cortlandt,  Alexander  McDougall,  David  Clarkson,  Joseph 
Hallett,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Governeur  Morris  and  Isaac 
Low,  be  a  committee  to  repair  immediately  to  Turtle  Bay, 
to  signify  this  resolution  to  the  persons  that  may  be  assem- 
bled there  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  to  order  them  im- 
mediately to  disperse  and  desist  from  the  further  execution 
of  the  said  measure.  And 

Resolved,  also,  That  such  of  the  said  stores  as  may  have 
been  removed,  be  immediately  replaced. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  8th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Ppesent — Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Joseph  Hallett,  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  John 
Marston — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 


Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — For  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany. 

Dirck  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Ephraim  Paine,  Gilbert  Li- 
vingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Guysbert  Schenck  and  Nathaniel  Sackett — 
For  Dutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent,  Jere- 
miah Clarke — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu  and  Thomas  Wickham — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt.  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Polhemus,  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Richard  Conner,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond 
county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Scott,  (seconded  by  Mr.  McDougal,)  moved  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Mr.  President,  as  I  am  of  opinion  that  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  dismantle  the  fort,  and  to  secure  certain  im- 
plements and  other  accommodations  for  war  in  this  city, 
to  the  end  that  they  may  not  be  hostilely  used  against  us,  I 
move  that  application  be  immediately  made  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  to  authorize  this  Congress  to  exercise  a 
discretionary  power  with  respect  to  every  measure  that 
may  appear  to  us  necessary  to  prevent  the  said  fort  and 
other  fortifications,  implements  and  accomodations  for  war 
in  this  city,  from  being  offensively  used  against  it. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner,  to  wit : 

For  the  motion.  Against  the  motion. 

2  Orange  county.  2  Kings  county. 

2  Ulster.  2  Richmond. 

2  Suffolk.  4  New-York. 

2  Dutchess.  3  Albany. 

2  Charlotte.  2  Westchester. 


10 


13 


Dissentients — Mr.  McDougal,  Walter  Livingston,  Colo.  Hoffman, 
against  the  vote  of  the  counties  they  respectively  represent. 

Mr.  Kissam,  from  the  committee  who  went  to  Turtle 
Bay,  reported  that  the  committee  went  to  Turtle  Bay,  and 
found  no  person  there  ;  that  having  been  informed  that 
sundry  persons  were  at  the  house  of  David  Devore,  the 
committee  went  there,  and  found  some  persons  there 
armed  ;  that  upon  informing  them  of  the  resolve  of  this 
Congress,  in  consequence  of  which  the  said  committee 
was  appointed,  the  persons  there  armed  acknowledged  that 
some  military  stores  had  been  removed  from  Turtle  Bay, 
and  they  did  engage  that  the  said  stores  should  be  return- 
ed, if  carts  were  sent  up  to  Turtle  Bay  for  that  purpose. 
And  Mr.  Kissam  farther  reported,  that  Mr.  Low  and  him- 
self had  sent  up  cartmen  with  carts  to  Turtle  Bay,  to 
carry  back  and  replace  the  said  stores. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  report  of  the 
committee  who  were  appointed  to  examine  the  list  of  the 
goods  retained  by  the  merchants,  at  the  request  of  the 
committee  of  the  city  of  New-York  ;  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  it  was  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Thomas  Wickham,  having  the  care  of  Gardner's  island, 
which  is  much  exposed  to  having  the  stock  taken  off  by 
armed  vessels  for  the  use  of  the  King's  troops  at  Boston 
or  elsewhere,  and  the  said  island  being  in  a  defenceless 
state,  desires  the  advice  of  this  board,  whether  he  be  per- 
mitted to  take  pay  for  said  stock,  in  case  it  is  not  in  his 
power  to  prevent  their  taking  the  same. 

After  some  time  spent  in  consideration  thereof,  it  was 
deferred  for  further  consideration. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


36 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  9V\\,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Auchmuty. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John 
Marston,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of 
Albany. 

Dirck  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie, 
Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert 
Schenck,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  William  Allison,  Abraham  Lent,  Jeremiah  Clarke — 
Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  David  Day- 
ton, John  Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Leffertse,  John  Van  Der- 
bilt — Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Richd.  Conner,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  Isaac  Sears,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in, 
and  produced  a  certificate  from  the  general  committee  of 
association  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  signed  by 
Henry  Remsen,  deputy  chairman,  which  being  read,  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New- York  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  8th  June,  1775.  $ 
"  In  pursuance  of  an  order  of  this  committee  at  their 
last  meeting,  a  poll  was  this  day  opened  at  the  City  Hall, 
for  the  electing  of  a  Deputy  to  represent  this  city  and 
county  in  Provincial  Congress,  in  the  place  of  Mr.  George 
Folliot,  who  declines  serving  ;  and  by  a  return  of  the  said 
poll,  it  appears  that  Mr.  Isaac  Sears  was  elected  by  a 
great  majority,  as  a  Deputy  for  the  purpose  above  men- 
tioned. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"HENRY  REMSEN,  Dep.  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  certificate  be  filed,  and  that  Mr. 
Sears  take  his  seat  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sears,  Mr.  Delancey  and  Mr.  Mc 
Dougal  be  a  secret  committee  to  examine  what  quantity  of 
saltpetre  is  in  the  hands  of  the  apothecaries  in  this  city, 
and  to  make  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  list  of  goods 
retained  by  the  merchants  of  this  city  at  the  request  of  the 
general  committee,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Montgomerie,  Colo.  Holmes, 
Mr.  Hallet,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Glen  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  be 
a  committee  to  estimate  and  repoTt  to  this  Congress  the 
quantity  of  every  article  necessary  for  equipping  three 
thousand  effective  men,  including  officers,  and  that  they 
make  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  case  of  Robert  and  John 
Murray,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  deferred  for  farther  consideration. 

Mr.  Sears  informed  this  Congress  that  the  following 
small  quantities  of  gunpowder,  formerly  delivered  out  of 
the  magazines  in  this  city  for  sale,  yet  remain  unsold, 
to  wit  :  One  hundred  weight  in  ihe  care  of  Messrs.  Wood- 
ward and  Kipp,  one  hundred  weight  in  the  care  of  Jere- 
miah Piatt,  about  twenty  pounds  in  the  care  of  Messrs. 
Berrian  and  Fish,  1 001b.  of  damaged  powder  in  the  care 
of  Comfort  Sands,  and  501b.  do.  in  the  care  of  Thomas 
Hazard. 


Ordered,  That  those  several  gentlemen  who  have  the 
care  of  the  said  powder,  be  respectively  directed  to  keep 
the  whole  now  in  their  custody  until  the  farther  order  of 
this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  damaged  powder  now  in  this  city, 
and  also  the  damaged  powder  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown- 
point,  be  sent  to  the  powder  mill  near  Hudson's  river  in 
Khynbeck  precinct,  to  be  remanufactured,  and  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  at  Ticonderoga,  and 
also  the  following  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  Albany, 
appointed  to  superintend  the  removal  of  the  cannon  and 
stores  from  Ticonderoga  and  Crownpoint,  being  respec- 
tively read,  were  approved  of,  and  the  said  letter  to  the 
said  Commander-in-Chief  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  At  New-York,  June  9th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — This  Congress  have  received  credible  informa- 
tion that  there  is  a  very  large  quantity  of  damaged  gun 
powder  under  your  care  at  Ticonderoga,  which  can  be 
so  cured  and  manufactured  as  to  render  it  fit  for  use. 
There  is  a  mill  erected  near  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river 
in  Rynbeck  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  for  the  purpose 
of  making  gunpowder.    We  have,  therefore,  requested  our 
commissioners  at  Albany,  with  all  diligence  and  despatch, 
to  send  the  said  damaged  powder  to  that  place,  and  we  re- 
quest you  will,  on  their  application,  assist  in  forwarding  it, 
and  that  this  matter  may  be  kept  as  secret  as  possible. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  serv'ts. 
"  By  order,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  P.  S.    We  enclose  a  resolve  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, certified  by  their  Secretary,  enclosed  to  us  to  be 
forwarded." 

And  the  said  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  Albany  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  June  9th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  well  informed  that  there  is  a 
large  quantity  of  damaged  gunpowder  at  Ticonderoga  which 
may  be  rendered  fit  for  use  ;  and  that  there  is  a  mill  erected 
in  Rhynbeck  precinct,  near  Hudson's  river,  for  that  pur- 
pose. That  article  is  now  become  an  object  of  great  im- 
portance. This  Congress  do  therefore  request  that  you 
will,  without  delay,  give  directions  that  all  the  damaged 
powder  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point  be  immediately 
brought  down  to  the  said  manufactory,  and  that  you  ac- 
quaint us  with  the  quantity  which  you  shall  have  sent  to 
the  said  manufactory. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  serv'ts, 
"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  To  Messrs.  John  N.  Bleecker,  Henry  I. 
Bogert,  George  Palmer,  Dirk  Swart, 
and  Peter  Lansing,  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  each  of  the  said  letters  be  en- 
grossed, signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  all 
convenient  speed,  and  that  a  copy,  (certified,)  of  the  above 
order  of  this  Congress  for  the  removal  of  the  said  damag- 
ed powder  be  enclosed  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  at  Ti- 
conderoga, and  also  that  a  certified  copy  thereof  be  sent 
to  the  said  commissioners  at  Albany. 

Whereas,  Sundry  mills,  and  other  manufactories  for 
the  making  of  gunpowder  and  muskets,  are  now  erected 
and  about  to  be  erected  within  this  Colony  ;  and  forasmuch 
as  all  such  manufactories  will  greatly  tend  both  to  the  im- 
mediate defence  and  the  future  wealth  of  this  Colony : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  for  every  hundred  weight  of 
good  gunpowder,  which  upon  due  proof  shall  be  certified  by 
the  committee  of  the  county  where  any  powder  mill  is  or 
shall  be  erected,  to  have  been  manufactured  within  this  Co- 
lony, and  to  have  been  delivered  to  the  said  committee,  the 
bounty  of  five  pounds  shall  be  paid  to  the  manufacturer 
thereof,  over  and  above  the  price  of  such  powder.  And 
for  every  hundred  good  muskets  of  proof,  so  certified,  the 
bounty  of  twenty  pounds.  The  bounties  aforesaid  to  con- 
tinue for  twelve  months  from  the  date  of  this  resolve. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


37 


Mr.  Tredwell  made  a  motion  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

As  it  may  hereafter  be  necessary  to  dismantle  the  fort 
in  this  city  for  the  preservation  of  the  inhabitants  from  the 
insults  of  soldiery  in  the  case  of  the  arrival  of  troops 
from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland,  and  as  the  cannon  and  other 
implements  of  war  in  said  fort,  and  upon  the  battery,  and 
in  other  parts  of  this  city,  will  be  necessary  for  the  com- 
pleting those  fortifications  which  the  Continental  Congress 
have  ordered  us  to  erect ;  and  as  by  an  early  order  from 
that  respectable  body  we  conceive  that  we  are  not  at  liber- 
ty to  take  possession  of  any  of  the  King's  munitions  or 
stores  of  war  :  I  move  that  we  do  immediately  despatch 
a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  praying  their  most 
speedy  advice  and  directions  in  the  premises. 

The  said  motion,  being  seconded  by  Mr.  Scott,  debates 
arose  thereon,  and  it  was  insisted  by  those  members  who 
opposed  the  motion  that  it  was  the  same  in  substance  with 
a  motion  made,  voted  on  and  carried  in  the  negative  on 
yesterday  ;  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  whether 
this  motion  is  the  same  in  substance  with  that  of  yester- 
day? It  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  manner  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

That  it  is  the  same  motion.  That  it  is  not  the  same  motion. 

Albany,   3    Dutches,   2 

Kings,   2    Orange,   2 

WestChester,   2    Charlotte,   2 

Richmond,   2   Ulster,   2 

Suffolk,   2  — 

New- York,   4  8 

15 

Queens  county  Deputies,  being  equally  divided,  could 
not  vote.  Mr.  Tredwell,  Colo.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Henry 
Williams,  respectively,  dissented  from  the  votes  of  their 
respective  counties,  and  desired  their  dissents  to  be  entered. 

The  President  of  this  Congress,  who  went  to  Elizabeth 
Town  to  confer  with  the  committee  there  on  the  subject 
matter  of  the  letter,  received  yesterday  from  General  Ward, 
returned  and  reported  to  this  Congress  that  the  committee 
at  Elizabeth  Town  have  only  eight  quarter  casks  of  gun- 
powder, which  they  are  ready  to  spare  for  the  Provincial 
army  of  Massachusetts  Bay  ;  that  the  said  committee  of 
Elizabeth  Town  have  expectations  to  obtain  a  farther  supply 
of  powder  at  Brunswick,  which,  if  obtained,  shall  be  sent  to 
New- York,  for  the  use  of  the  said  Provincial  army  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary 
of  this  Congress,  give  a  receipt  for  the  said  eight  quarter 
casks  of  powder;  and  also  that  the  said  Commissary  give  a 
receipt  for  such  farther  quantity  of  powder  as  may  be  re- 
ceived from  the  said  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town  or  from 
Brunswick,  and  put  the  same  into  the  powder  house  at  this 
city,  until  the  farther  order  of  this  Congress. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  that  the  motion  made  by  Mr.  Tredwell 
this  day,  as  before  entered  on  the  minutes,  be  taken  in  con- 
sideration to-morrow,  and  the  same  being  seconded  by  Mr. 
Tredwell,  debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being 
put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
vizt : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   2    Kings,    2 

Orange,   2      Mr.  H.  Williams  dissenting. 

Albany,   3    Richmond.   2 

Charlotte,   2  — 

West  Chester,   2  4 

Dutchess   2 

Ulster,   2 

.New-York,   4 

19 

Queens  county  Deputies,  being  equally  divided,  could  not 
vote. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Cortlandt  and 
Colo.  Van  Renselaer,  be  added  to  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement of  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  and 
that  the  said  committee  sit  this  afternoon. 

10 


Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  David  Clarkson  obtaine  d 
leave  of  absence  for  to-morrow. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 


morning 


DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho. 

June  lOth,  1Y15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Rogers. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 
Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey, 
James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  Thomas  Smith, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Mars- 
ton,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county 
of  Albany. 

Dirk  Brinkerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Natha- 
niel Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Abraham  Lent,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Thos.  Tredwell,  '1  hos.  Wickham— Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Drake, 
Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas, 
Junr.  William  Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  JohnLef- 
fertse,  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Jno.  Journey,  Richard  Conner,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jona.  Lawrence,  Nathl.  Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  the  commit- 
tee of  Elizabeth  Town  had  been  so  alert  as  to  send  the  ad- 
dition of  six  quarter  casks  and  two  half  barrels  of  powder 
for  the  use  of  the  Massachusets  army,  and  a  letter  from 
Abraham  Clarke,  which  attended  the  same,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  powder,  together  with  that  re- 
ceived yesterday,  be  committed  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Mc- 
Dougal, to  be  forwarded. 

Ordered,  That  he  purchase  such  other  quantity  as  he 
can  get  for  the  same  purpose,  and  forward  the  whole  in 
such  manner  as  he  shall  think  most  safe  and  prudent. 

Colo.  Tusteen  appeared  in  Congress  as  a  member  for 
Orange  county,  in  pursuance  of  his  election  and  return, 
as  appears  by  a  certificate  formerly  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  he  take  his  seat. 

Ordered,  That  any  cooper  in  this  city  of  New-York, 
be  at  liberty  to  go  to  Turtle  Bay,  or  any  place  adjacent 
thereto,  and  cooper  and  put  in  order  the  Crown  stores 
which  were  lately  removed  from  thence,  in  such  manner 
as  Francis  Stevens,  Esquire,  shall  direct. 

The  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  attending  at  the 
door,  was  called  in,  and  informed  the  Congress  that  ap- 
plication had  been  made  to  him  respecting  some  arms  late- 
ly taken  out  of  the  baggage  carts  of  the  troops,  lately  em- 
barking from  this  city  ; — and  he  delivered  a  letter  from  his 
Honor  the  Lieutenant-Governor  to  him  on  that  subject, 
which  was  read — and  thereupon  Mr.  Morris  moved  (and 
was  seconded  by  Mr.  Low)  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

I  move  that  the  arms  and  military  accoutrements  taken 
from  His  Majesty's  troops  on  Tuesday  last,  be  restored  ; 
and  for  that  purpose,  that  a  resolve  of  the  Congress  be 
made  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress  that 
every  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  is  possessed  of  any 
of  the  said  arms  and  accoutrements,  should  immediately 
deliver  them  to  the  Mayor  of  New-York,  and  that  a  com- 
mittee be  appointed  to  see  that  this  resolve  be  complied 
with. 


38 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


And  debates  arising  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative, 
in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   3    Orange,   2 

West  Chester,   2   Ulster,'   2 

Kings,                                   2  — 

Queens,                                 2  4 

New-York,                             4  Messrs.  Scott,  McDougall,  Lis- 

Charlotte                               2  penard  and  Sears  dissented 

Richmond,                             2  from  New-York  ;  Mr.  Tom 

Dutchess,                               2  from  Queens  county;  Mr. 

—  Tappen   from  Ulster ;  and 

19  Messrs.  Landon,  Paine  and 
Sackett  from  Dutches  county. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress that  every  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  is  possess- 
ed of  any  of  the  said  arms  or  accoutrements,  taken  from 
His  Majesty's  troops,  on  Tuesday  last,  should  immediate- 
ly deliver  them  to  the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Mr.  John  DeLan- 
cey  and  Mr.  John  Marston,  be  a  committee  to  see  this 
resolution  complied  with. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolve  be  delivered  to 
the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New- York. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull  of  the  Colony 
of  Connecticut,  on  the  subject  of  our  supply  of  powder  to 
the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"New-York,  June  10th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — Since  our  former  letter  to  your  Company  on  the 
subject  of  gunpowder,  by  application  to  a  neighbouring  Co- 
lony, we  have  procured  a  quantity  which  we  cheerfully 
spare,  as  we  apprehend  it  will  be  most  acceptable  to  our 
brethren  of  the  Massachusetts.  For  the  more  speedy  de- 
spatch, we  would  ask  the  favour  of  you  to  issue  out  of  your 
most  eastwardly  magazines  weight,  and  forward 

to  the  American  camp  at  Boston,  and  we  shall  immediate- 
ly replace  it,  the  like  quantity  being  already  on  the  way 
to  your  Colony. 

"  We  are,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  humble  servts. 

"  P.  S.  As  we  have  given  a  receipt  for  the  powder  we 
received  from  a  neighbouring  Colony,  you  will  please  to 
direct  the  like  to  be  given  us. 
"  To  the  Honoble  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esqr. 

"  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  delivered  to  Mr.  McDougall  to  be  for- 
warded. 

This  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
case  of  Robert  and  John  Murray,  and  the  memorial  of 
Robert  and  John  Murray,  on  the  subject  of  their 
breach  of  the  association  of  the  late  Continental  Congress, 
and  the  several  papers  annexed  to  it,  whereby  they  pray 
to  be  restored  to  their  former  commercial  privileges,  being 
read,  on  a  reference  thereof  to  us  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress ;  and  it  appearing  that  they,  the  said  Robert  and 
John  Murray,  have  published  a  printed  handbill,  express- 
ing their  contrition  for  their  said  offence,  and  their  resolu- 
tion for  the  future  strictly  to  adhere  to  the  said  association, 
and  to  the  further  orders  of  the  Continental  Congress,  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  the  general 
committee  of  association  for  this  city  and  county,  with  a 
saving  for  the  said  Robert  (who  is  one  of  the  people  call- 
ed Quakers,)  as  to  his  religious  principles  ;  and  they  hav- 
ing voluntarily  paid  the  expense  that  accrued  for  boat  hire 
and  otherwise,  in  the  attendance  of  the  committee  of  ob- 
servation for  the  purpose  of  preventing  any  goods  from 
being  landed  from  on  board  the  said  ship  Beulah  ;  and  they 
having  also  by  letter  under  their  hands,  requested  the  com- 
mittee of  Elizabeth  Town  in  New-Jersey,  to  keep  in  their 
custody,  at  the  costs  and  risk  of  them,  the  said  Robert  and 
John  Murray,  the  several  goods  by  them  landed  from  on 


board  the  said  ship,  contrary  to  the  said  association,  until 
two  vessels  shall  arrive  from  London  with  goods  into  this 
Colony,  after  a  general  importation  from  Great  Britain  to 
the  Colonies  shall  take  place. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Robert  and  John 
Murray  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  fully  restored  to  their 
commercial  privileges,  and  declared  to  be  entitled  to  the 
forgiveness  of  the  public. 

Ordered,  That  Robert  and  John  Murray  may  have  a 
copy  of  this  resolve. 

Colo.  Clinton  and  Mr.  Tappen,  who  were  a  committee 
to  examine  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  through  the  High- 
lands, and  report  the  most  proper  place  for  erecting  one  or 
more  fortifications,  and  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  erect- 
ing the  same,  delivered  in  their  report,  with  a  map  or  plan 
of  the  said  river  through  the  Highlands,  which  report  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  lay  for  the  perusal  and  far- 
ther consideration  of  the  members  of  this  Congress,  and  that 
a  copy  of  the  said  report,  and  of  the  said  map  or  plan  of 
Hudson's  river,  together  with  a  letter  on  that  subject,  to 
accompany  the  same,  be  forwarded  to  the  Delegates  from 
this  Colony  at  the  Continental  Congress  ;  and  that  Colo. 
Clinton  and  Mr.  Tappen  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and 
report  a  draft  of  such  letter. 

Mr.  Abraham  Brasher  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
report  an  estimate  of  articles  necessary  to  complete  three 
thousand  effective  men  including  officers,  delivered  in  their 
report  and  estimate,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  remain  for  farther  considera- 
tion. 

This  Congress  having  this  morning  received  intimations 
that  provisions  were  lading  on  board  of  a  vessel,  whereof 
one  Coffin  is  master,  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy  at 
Boston,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  from  this  Co- 
lony at  the  Continental  Congress,  on  that  subject,  being  pre- 
pared, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  10th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — A  certain  Captain  Coffin  being  suspect- 
ed of  taking  on  board  his  vessel  provisions  for  the  army 
and  navy  at  Boston,  though  consigned  to  persons  in  Rhode 
Island,  we  have  thought  proper  to  delay  his  voyage  until 
we  have  the  sentiments  of  the  General  Congress  on  the 
subject.  Our  reason  of  suspicion  is  this  :  that  it  hath  been 
intimated  to  us  that  Messrs.  Lopez  and  Rome,  to  whom 
great  part  of  the  cargo  is  consigned,  are  commissionated  to 
supply  those  articles  to  the  army  and  navy,  which  is  done 
as  is  alleged  by  suffering  vessels  which  contain  provisions 
to  lie  in  the  harbour  unladen,  until  seized  by  a  ship  of 
war,  according  to  agreement  for  that  purpose. 

"  We  should  [have]  made  inquiry  and  order  in  the  pre- 
mises, but  that  one  of  our  sisler  Colonies  being  concerned, 
it  might  tend  to  create  divisions  among  us  at  a  time  when 
unanimity  is  so  necessary  to  the  public  safety. 
"  We  are,  gent. 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates 

at  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President  and  sent  by  the  first  conveyance. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  four  o'clock  next  Monday 
afternoon. 


DIE  LUN^,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

Monday,  J\mc  l^Vlcv,  1115. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Joseph  Hallett,  Abraham  Walton, 
Abraham  lirasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt, James  Beckman,  Samuel  Verplanck, 
Richard  Yates,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
Isaac  Sears — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


39 


Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — For  the  city  and 
county  of  Jllbany. 

Dirck  Brinckerhotf,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Plait,  Ephraim 
Paine,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For 
Dutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Benjamin  Tusteen,  Abraham  Lent,  Jeremiah  Clark — 
For  Orange  county. 
Thomas  Tredwell— For  Suffolk  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodoras  Polhemius,  John  Lef- 
fertse— For  Kings  county. 

Joseph  Drake,  James  Holmes  and  Robert  Graham — For  West 
Chester  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner 
and  Richard  Lawrence — For  Richmond  county. 
Samuel  Townshend  and  Joseph  Robinson — For  Queens  county. 
John  Williams  and  William  Marsh — For  Charlotte  county. 

The  President  informed  this  Congress  that  he  had  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  the  New-York  Delegates  at  [the]  Con- 
tinental Congress,  the  contents  and  subject  matter  whereof, 
ought  to  be  kept  a  profound  secret,  and  the  said  letter  being 
read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  now  to  acknowledge  the  honour 
of  your  despatches  of  the  7th  inst. 

"  We  have  long  foreseen  the  difficulties  you  must  be  re- 
duced to,  for  want  of  money.  They  will  not  be  lessened 
by  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress  of  yesterday,  recom- 
mending it  to  you  to  procure  and  forward  five  thousand 
barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Boston.  We 
communicated  the  paragraph  of  your  letter,  in  which  you 
complain  that  unless  the  Congress  shall  make  some  speedy 
order  with  relation  to  the  levying  of  money,  it  will  be  im- 
possible for  you  to  comply  with  their  farther  requests. 
They,  however,  seem  persuaded  that  their  vote  of  credit 
which  accompanies  the  order  for  the  supply,  will  remove 
every  obstruction,  and  relying  on  your  zeal  for  the  common 
cause,  they  hope  you  will  be  able  to  throw  in  this  provi- 
sion, which  we  are  apprehensive  will  soon  become  highly 
necessary. 

"  We  may  venture  to  hint  to  you  that  the  emission  of 
paper  money  will  be  discussed  on  Monday  ;  and  we  ex- 
pect in  the  course  of  next  week,  to  be  able  to  present  you 
with  a  determination  of  this  important  business,  which  will 
free  us  from  much  anxiety. 

"  We  shall  not  fail  to  attend  to  what  you  suggest  con- 
cerning the  Indians.  This  is  an  object  to  our  Colony  of 
the  highest  moment ;  and  we  hope  in  due  time  it  will  be 
considered  by  the  Congress.  We  think  the  Indians  will 
not  be  disposed  to  engage  in  this  unhappy  quarrel,  unless 
deceived  and  deluded  by  misrepresentation  ;  and  this,  with 
vigilance  and  care  on  our  part,  can  be  prevented.  As  one 
step  towards  it,  which  we  much  applaud,  are  the  assu- 
rances you  have  given  the  superintendent  of  his  safety. 

"From  the  temper  and  customs  of  the  Indians,  they  would 
illy  brook  the  extinguishing  of  their  council  fire,  and  had  it 
been  damped  by  any  violence  to  Colo.  Johnston's  person 
or  property,  they  must  have  been  alarmed,  and  very  pro- 
bably excited  to  extremities. 

"  It  is  much  to  be  lamented  that  we  are  still  destitute  of 
ammunition.  The  Government  of  Connecticut  have  been 
more  provident,  or  more  fortunate,  and  will  be  able  to  sup- 
ply the  forces  at  Ticonderoga  with  powder. 

"  We  commend  your  caution  in  addressing  two  letters 
to  us  upon  the  subject  of  general  officers  to  command  our 
troops  ;  what  we  wrote  to  you  was  in  the  character  of  your 
own  immediate  Delegates,  and  with  a  view  to  discover  the 
sense  of  our  Colony,  that  we  might  when  this  matter  comes 
to  be  debated  in  Congress,  be  fortified  with  your  opinion 
and  arguments,  which  having  obtained,  we  shall,  to  the  ut- 
most of  our  power,  enforce  your  recommendations. 

"Your  remarks  on  the  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  relative  to  the  taking  post  at  King's  Bridge,  ap- 
pear to  be  conclusive.    We  shall,  however,  lay  them  before 


our  body  as  soon  as  the  other  important  matters  under  con- 
sideration are  determined. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentn. 

"  Your  most  humble  servts. 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"FRANS.  LEWIS, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"WM.  FLOYD, 
"  Phila.  10th  June,  1775.  "  JNO.  ALSOP. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

The  President  having  also  received  a  letter  from  the 
Continental  Congress,  desired  that  the  contents  and  sub- 
ject matter  thereof  be  kept  a  profound  secret,  and  the  same 
being  read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  10th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  resolutions  of  this  Con- 
gress, I  am  directed  to  transmit  you,  and  to  desire  you 
will  order  it  to  be  executed  in  as  expeditious  and  secret 
manner  as  possible,  referring  your  judgment  the  most  sui- 
table places  for  landing  it,  and  where  there  will  be  the 
least  risk  of  interruption  from  the  ships  of  war.  You  will 
please  to  consign  it  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  in 
each  place,  with  a  direction  to  forward  the  flour  to  the 
army  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  have  it  also  in  charge  to  recommend  to  you,  that  the 
flour  be  transported  in  small  quantities,  as  there  may  be 
danger  of  the  enemy. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the  Provincial 

Congress,  New- York." 

The  resolutions  mentioned  in  the  above  letter  from  the 
Congress,  being  also  read,  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Iff  Congress,  June  9th,  1775. 

"Resolved,  That  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New-  York 
be  requested  to  convey,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  Providence, 
in  Rhode  Island,  or  to  any  part  in  the  government  of  the 
Massachusets  Bay,  five  thousand  barrels  of  flour,  for  the 
use  of  the  Continental  army. 

"  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Providence, 
or  in  the  government  of  Massachusets  Bay,  where  the  said 
flour  may  be  carried,  be  desired  to  receive  the  same,  and 
to  forward  it  to  the  camp  before  Boston  as  soon  as  may  be, 
and  to  lodge  such  part  thereof  as  cannot  immediately  be 
sent  thither,  in  places  of  security.  That  this  Congress 
will  make  provision  for  defraying  the  expenses  incurred  for 
this  service. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry." 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Robert  Boyd,  at  New-Windsor,  (dated 
the  10th  instant,)  on  the  subject  of  making  muskets,  was 
read  and  filed. 

William  Ustick,  attending  at  the  door,  sent  in  a  bill  of  ex- 
change, appearing  by  its  date  to  be  drawn  at  Boston  on 
the  14th  ulto.  May,  on  the  said  William  Ustick,  by  John 
Monlresor,  in  favour  of  Jonathan  Hampton,  for  thirty 
pounds,  New-York  currency,  endorsed  by  Jonathan  Hamp- 
ton, to  Jonathan  Blake,  and  appearing  to  be  accepted  by 
the  said  William  Ustick,  on  the  3d  day  of  June,  instant ; 
and  the  said  William  Ustick  desired  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress, whether  he  could  pay  the  said  bill  consistent  with  the 
resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  2nd  of  June, 
instant.  And  the  said  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress 
being  read,  it  is  declared  to  be  the  sense  and  opinion  of 
this  Congress,  that  the  said  bill  comes  within  the  intent 
and  meaning  of  the  said  resolve. 

This  Congress  then  proceeded  lo  the  consideration  of 
ways  and  means  to  carry  into  execution  the  resolve,  re- 
quest and  order  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  9th  inst. 
for  supplying  five  thousand  barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of 
the  Continental  army,  and  forwarding  the  same  towards 
the  camp  before  Boston.    And  thereupon, 


40 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Isaac  Sears,  Abraham  Walton 
and  Joseph  Hallet,  be  a  committee  to  purchase  the  said 
quantity  of  flour  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  or  so  much 
thereof  as  they  can  obtain,  and  to  ship  and  forward  the 
same  agreeable  to  the  said  resolution. 

And  it  is  now  resolved  and  agreed  nem.  con.  that  every 
member  of  this  Congress  will  be  responsible  to  Messrs. 
Sears,  Walton  and  Hallet  for  their  respective  proportions 
of  all  moneys  that  they  may  disburse,  or  hereafter  be  obliged 
to  pay  by  means  of  the  purchase  of  the  said  flour,  or  of 
their  appointment  to  comply  with  the  said  resolution  and 
request  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary 
of  this  Congress,  be  directed  to  purchase,  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  purchase,  three  hundred  barrels  of  pork,  of  such 
persons  as  will  sell  the  same  on  the  credit  of  this  Congress, 
and  to  forward  the  same  to  Albany  in  parcels  with  all  pos- 
sible despatch. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
Mr.  Price,  of  Montreal,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the 
merchants  of  Canada,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  \2th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Mr.  Price,  one  of  the  inhabitants  of 
your  Province,  has  signified  to  us  the  absolute  necessity  of 
keeping  up  a  communication  between  New-York  and  Ca- 
nada, by  the  establishment  of  a  regular  post.  The  friendly 
sentiments  which  we  feel  for  our  brethren  in  the  northern 
parts  of  this  Continent,  commanded  our  ready  acquies- 
cence in  those  reasons  which  that  gentleman  assigned  in 
favour  of  such  a  communication,  as  the  necessary  commer- 
cial intercourse  between  you  and  the  rest  of  the  world, 
seems  evidently  to  require.  You  may  easily  conceive  that 
our  ability  is  equal  to  our  wishes  to  support  that  communi- 
cation up  to  Crown  Point.  To  establish  that  place  or  Ti- 
conderoga  for  the  exchange  of  the  mails  between  your 
country  and  ours,  is  the  most  proper  expedient  to  obtain 
the  end  proposed  ;  and  the  means  of  communication  be- 
tween Montreal  and  the  place  to  be  agreed  on  for  exchange 
of  the  mails,  rest  entirely  with  you.  Upon  the  first  infor- 
mation you  may  be  pleased  to  afford  us  of  an  establishment 
in  your  quarter,  we  shall  not  fail  in  conspiring  with  you  by 
a  similar  establishment  on  our  part. 

"  We  should  be  extremely  sorry  should  the  misrepresen- 
tations of  the  enemies  of  America  impress  our  brethren  in 
Canada  with  an  opinion  that  the  Confederated  Colonies  on 
this  Continent  aim  at  independence.  Our  allegiance  to  our 
Prince,  and  our  attachment  to  the  illustrious  House  of 
Hanover,  we  rank  among  our  most  singular  blessings.  A 
due  subordination  to  Parliament,  in  matters  for  which  they 
alone  are  competent,  we  wish  firmly  to  maintain.  Our  re- 
sistance to  ministerial  measures  proceeds  not  either  from  a 
desire  to  oppose  the  rightful  authority  of  our  Sovereign  or 
the  constitutional  acts  of  the  supreme  legislative  of  the 
British  Empire  : — but  while  we  are  contented  that  Great 
Britain  should  enjoy  that  pre-eminence  alone  which  pro- 
perly belongs  to  the  parent  state  as  individuals,  we  are  re- 
solved to  stand  upon  the  same  secure  basis  of  liberty  with 
our  fellow  subjects  on  the  oilier  side  of  the  Atlantic,  which 
can  never  be  obtained  under  taxations  by  authority  of  Par- 
liament. In  prosecuting  this  idea  of  freedom,  we  include 
our  brethren,  the  inhabitants  of  the  Province  of  Quebec, 
as  far  as  will  consist  with  the  utmost  of  I  heir  wishes.  For 
a  further  evidence  of  the  sincerity  of  our  intentions,  we  beg 
leave  to  refer  you  to  Mr.  Price,  and  to  assure  you  that  we 
are, 

"  Gentlemen  and  brethren, 

"  With  ihe  most  undissembled 

"  Friendship,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Congress. 

"  To  the  Gentlemen  Merchants 

of  the  Province  of  Quebec." 


Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
signed  by  the  President  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Price  un- 
sealed, to  be  by  him  sealed  at  such  time  and  place  as  he 
shall  think  most  prudent. 

Ordered,  That  one-half  of  the  printed  letters  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Quebec  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Price,  and  that  he 
be  requested  to  have  them  distributed  in  the  most  advan- 
tageous manner. 
The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning, 9  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  m\  \TXb. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers,  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal.  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clark- 
son,  Thos.  Smith,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jno.  Van  Cortland,  Isaac  Sears 
— City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of 
Albany. 

Dirk  Brinckerhoff,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Mont- 
gomerie,  Ephraim  Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Me- 
lancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackel — Dutchess  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen,  Jno.  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Abraham  Lent,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange  county. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  Jno.  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu — Suffolk  county. 

Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van 
Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  Wm.  Paulding — Westches- 
ter county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Pol- 
hemus,  John  VanDerbilt — Kings  county. 

Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence, 
Richard  Conner — Richmond  county. 

Jona.  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph  Ro- 
binson— Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 
Colo.  Clinton  and  Mr.  Tappen,  a  committee  for  that 
purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  De- 
legates, which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  June  13th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  one  of  your  resolves, 
we  appointed  a  committee  to  view  the  post  in  the  High- 
lands, whose  report,  with  a  map  thereto  annexed,  you  have 
enclosed,  which  is  all  as  yet  we  have  been  able  to  do  re- 
specting that  mailer.  As  soon  as  the  proper  measures  on 
that  head  are  concluded  we  will  transmit  them  to  you. 
"  We  are,  gentn.  with  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  and  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  New- York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

The  report  mentioned  in  the  above  letter  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee,  in  obedience  to  your  order  of  the 
30th  ulto.  do  most  humbly  report,  that  taking  to  their  as- 
sistance Capt.  Samuel  Bayard  and  Capt.  Erasmus  Wil- 
liams, they  proceeded  to  the  Highlands  and  made  a  sur- 
vey of  the  ground  adjoining  to  Hudson  river,  for  the 
purposes  mentioned  in  the  said  order,  and  do  report  it  as 
their  opinion,  that  a  post  (capable  of  containing  300  men) 
erected  on  the  east  bank  of  Hudson's  river,  marked  A, 
and  another  on  the  west  side  of  the  said  river,  to  contain 
200  men,  marked  B  in  the  annexed  map,  will  answer  the 
purposes  proposed  and  directed  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. As  it  is  not  only  the  narrowest  part  of  the  said 
river,  but  best  situated  on  account  of  the  high  hills  con- 
tiguous to  it,  as  well  on  the  west  as  east  side  of  the  river, 
which  cover  those  parts,  so  that  without  a  strong  easterly 
wind  or  the  tide  no  vessel  can  pass  it ;  and  the  tide  in  said 
part  of  the  river  is  generally  so  reverse  that  a  vessel  is 


4 

JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


41 


usually  thrown  on  one  side  of  the  river  or  the  other,  by 
means  whereof  such  vessels  lay  fair  and  exposed  to  the 
places  your  committee  have  fixed  on.  Your  committee 
are  further  of  opinion,  that  the  cheapest  and  best  materials 
to  face  these  works  would  be  stone  and  lime,  as  there  are 
plenty  of  stone  on  the  same  and  adjoining  to  it,  and  lime 
can  be  had  from  a  little  distance  up  the  river. 

"  Your  committee  begs  leave  to  observe,  that  they  are 
informed  that  by  means  of  four  or  five  booms  chained  to- 
gether on  one  side  of  the  river  ready  to  be  drawn  across, 
the  passage  can  be  closed  up  to  prevent  any  vessels  pass- 
ing or  repassing. 

"  Your  committee  are  further  of  opinion,  that  if  the  last 
measure  should  be  adopted,  it  would  be  requisite  and 
highly  prudent  to  place  one  or  two  cannon  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Highlands,  under  the  care  and  inspection  of  a  faithful 
man,  to  alarm  the  troops  to  be  embodied  at  the  places  pro- 
posed in  time  of  danger.  Your  committee  are  also  further 
informed,  and  are  of  opinion  that  there  is  on  the  east  side 
of  the  said  river,  near  the  place  fixed  on  in  the  said  annexed 
map,  marked  A,  a  good  and  convenient  place  to  build  a 
magazine  for  the  lodgment  of  gunpowder  and  other  stores. 
We  believe  that  though  there  is  no  fresh  water  on  the 
spot  proposed  for  the  east  post,  yet  a  good  spring  is  near 
it,  so  that  it  can  be  conveyed  thereto  with  a  very  small  ex- 
pense. We  think  it  would  be  also  necessary  to  build  a 
number  of  small  boats  for  maintaining  a  communication 
between  the  two  posts. 

"  Your  committee  are  unable  to  make  a  true  estimate 
of  the  expense  that  will  attend  the  erecting  the  said  fortifi- 
cations, but  from  the  best  computation  they  are  able  to 
make,  it  will  at  least  amount  to  £1,500. 

"  All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted  by  your  com- 
mittee. 

"JAMES  CLINTON, 
"  CHRISTR.  TAPPEN." 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  letter  to  the  New- York 
Delegates  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the  President,  and 
(together  with  a  copy  of  the  above  report)  transmitted  by 
the  first  opportunity. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  letter  from 
Robert  Boyd,  and  the  proposals  of  Henry  Watkeys  relat- 
ing to  the  making  of  muskets  and  bayonets,  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  agree  with  Robert 
Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  that  they  shall  make  one  thou- 
sand good  muskets,  with  steel  ramrods  and  bayonets  with 
scabbards,  at  the  price  of  three  pounds  fifteen  shillings, 
New-York  money,  for  each  good  musket  with  a  steel  ram- 
rod and  bayonet  with  a  scabbard,  including  the  bounty 
agreed  to  be  allowed  by  this  Congress.  And 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  immediately  advance 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  New-York  money,  to 
assist  them  in  procuring  necessary  tools  and  materials  for 
carrying  on  the  said  business.  And 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lispenard,  Capt.  Montgomerie 
and  Colo.  Clinton  be  a  committee  to  treat  with  the  said 
Robert  Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  and  agree  with  them 
accordingly- 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lispenard  and  Mr.  McDougal  be 
a  committee  to  agree  with  any  person  in  this  city  for  im- 
porting without  delay  any  quantity  of  gunpowder  not  ex- 
ceeding thirty  tons,  allowing  such  importer  one  hundred 
per  cent  upon  the  first  cost  for  the  quantity  to  be  imported, 
he  being  at  all  charges  and  risk,  and  the  powder  to  be  de- 
livered in  good  and  merchantable  order.* 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Graham  and  Mr.  Verplanck  be 
a  committee  to  confer  with  Messrs.  Van  Vleck  and  Kip  on 
the  subject  of  making  saltpetre,  and  to  know  what  en- 
couragement they  would  expect  from  this  Congress  for 
carrying  on  a  manufacture  of  saltpetre. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDougal  apply  to  the  genl.  com- 

•  Their  agreement  with  John  Vanderbilt  for  that  purpose  on  file. 

11 


mittee  of  New- York  for  two  hundred  pounds  of  the  money 
raised  by  subscription,  and  that  when  he  has  received  that 
sum  he  pay  one  hundred  pounds  thereof  to  Robert  Boyd 
and  Henry  Watkeys  to  enable  them  to  carry  on  the  busi- 
ness of  musket  and  bayonet  making,  after  the  committee 
for  that  purpose  above  named  shall  have  perfected  an 
agreement  with  them  ;  and  that  he  pay  the  other  one  hun- 
dred pounds  to  the  President  of  this  Congress,  to  be  ex- 
pended in  paying  messengers  and  other  necessary  dis- 
bursements. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  few- 
days. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  YWb. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Inglis. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Saml.  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smilh,  Benj.  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobs. 
Van  Zandt,  John  Marston,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Wal- 
ter Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county 
of  Albany. 

Antho.  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona.  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Melanc- 
ton  Smith,  Nathl.  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen  and  John  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 
David  Pye,  Benj.  Tusten,  Abraham  Lent,  Jeremiah  Clarke — 
Orange  county. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph 
Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  Wil- 
iam  Paulding — Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Theods.  Polhemus,  Jno.  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathl.  Tom — Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

Messrs.  Christopher  Miller  and  Patrick  Dennis,  attend- 
ing at  the  door  were  called  in,  when  they  informed  this 
Congress  that  they  were  requested  by  a  number  of  the 
members  of  the  Marine  Society  of  this  city,  to  inform  this 
Congress  that  they  were  about  to  form  themselves  into 
an  artillery  company,  and  that  they  had  nominated  Mr. 
Anthy.  Rutgers  of  this  city  for  their  captain,  and  prayed 
the  approbation  of  this  Congress  in  the  said  nomination. 

The  Congress  having  taken  the  same  into  consideration, 
do  unanimously  approve  of  the  nomination  ot  Mr.  Anthony 
Rutgers,  to  be  captain  of  the  said  company,  and  recom- 
mend to  the  said  society  to  nominate  for  the  approbation 
of  this  Congress,  such  persons  for  their  other  officers  as 
may  be  confided  in. 

The  Congress  this  day  received  sundry  informations  that 
one  Angus  McDonald  is  giving  a  bounty  and  enlisting 
men  to  be  employed  against  the  liberties  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  country  ;  and  therefore  the  Congress  does  appoint 
Mr.  McDougal  to  have  the  said  Angus  McDonald  brought 
before  this  Congress  ;  and  they  direct  an  order  to  Colo. 
Lashar,  signed  by  the  President,  and  countersigned  by  the 
Secretaries,  to  be  issued  and  sent  to  Colo.  Lashar,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Colo.  Lashar,  You  are  desired  to  furnish  Mr.  Alex- 
ander McDougall  with  a  sergeant's  guard,  properly  ap- 
pointed to  attend  him,  and  in  all  things  to  obey  him  im- 
mediately. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 

"  PETER  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  Presidt. 

"  Done  in  Congress. 

"  John  McKesson,  )  Secretaria  n 
"  Robeet  Benson,  i  aeeraanw. 


42 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Capt.  Thompson,  at  the  request  of  this  Congress  at- 
tended at  the  door,  and  being  called  in,  gave  the  following 
information  in  substance,  to  wit :  That  he  left  Cove,  near 
Cork  in  Ireland,  on  the  sixth  of  May  last ;  that  six  regi- 
ments had  sailed  in  twenty-four  transports  for  Boston,  in- 
cluding a  regiment  of  horse  ;  and  three  regiments  had  em- 
barked, and  a  fourth  was  embarking  or  ready  to  embark 
for  New-York  ;  that  it  was  reported  that  the  regiments 
coming  to  New- York  had  been  wrote  for  by  persons  here 
to  support  public  property  and  assist  against  mobs  ;  and 
the  other  parts  of  the  information  given  by  Capt  Thomp- 
son appears  in  the  short  notes  taken  thereof  and  filed  among 
the  papers  of  this  Congress. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates 
at  Philadelphia  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June  14<ft,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Capt.  Thompson  arrived  here  in  a  ship 
from  Cork  last  evening,  and  as  we  understood  he  had  re- 
ported that  several  regiments  had  sailed  from  thence  for 
Boston,  and  four  other  regiments  embarked  and  embarking 
for  New-York,  the  Congress  desired  him  to  attend  their 
Board  this  morning  to  examine  him  upon  the  subject.  Upon 
his  attendance  we  took  notes  of  the  substance  of  the  in- 
telligence he  gave,  and  enclose  a  copy  thereof  to  you,  in 
order  that  it  may  be  laid  before  the  Continental  Congress. 
We  also  intend  to  forward  the  intelligence  to  the  Governor 
of  Connecticut,  that  he  may  forward  the  same  to  the  camp 
at  Cambridge. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order,  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  To  the  Delegates  from  the  Colony  of  New-York, 

at  Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  together  with  the  notes  of  Capt. 
Thompson's  information,  sent  by  the  first  conveyance. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June  Mh,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — Capt.  Thompson  arrived  here  in  a  ship  from 
Cork  last  evening,  and  as  we  understood  he  had  reported 
that  several  regiments  had  sailed  from  thence  for  Boston, 
and  four  other  regiments  were  embarked  and  embarking 
for  New-York,  this  Congress  desired  him  to  attend  their 
Board  this  morning  to  examine  him  upon  the  subject.  Upon 
his  attendance  we  took  notes  of  the  intelligence  he  gave, 
and  enclose  a  copy  thereof  to  you,  and  beg  you  will  for- 
ward the  same  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge.    We  have  for- 
warded the  intelligence  to  the  Continental  Congress. 
"  And  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order,  and  in  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"To  the  Honoble.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esqr. 

Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and,  together  with  the  notes  of  Capt.  Thomp- 
son's information,  be  transmitted  by  the  first  conveyance. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  June  14th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — We  embrace  the  opportunity  that  now  offers  to 
acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letters  of  the  26th  and 
31st  of  May  last,  and  of  the  1st  and  10th  of  June  instant, 
covering  several  important  resolves  of  your  respectable 
body.  We  have,  as  far  as  in  our  power,  endeavoured  to  com- 
ply with  these  requisitions.  Copies  of  some  of  our  proceed- 
ceedings  have  already  been,  and  such  as  were  not,  are 
now  transmitted  to  our  Delegates.  Upon  the  receipt  of  the 
resolution  of  the  9th  of  June,  relative  to  the  sending  5,000 
barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  we  im- 


mediately appointed  a  committee  to  carry  it  into  execution, 
as  will  appear  from  the  enclosed  resolve ;  but  it  is  at  pre- 
sent uncertain  whether  we  shall  be  able  to  comply  with 
it — flour  being  an  article  which  hath  generally  been  sold 
for  cash,  and  we  being  unable  to  offer  better  security  to 
the  vender  than  the  faith  of  our  own  body.  However,  the 
Congress  may  rest  assured,  that  our  best  endeavours  shall 
not  be  wanted  to  complete  the  order. 

"  We  find  ourselves  much  embarrassed  on  a  variety  of 
other  occasions  for  want  of  money.  Many  articles  neces- 
sary to  be  furnished  are  not  to  be  got  on  credit. ;  and  you 
must  be  sensible  that  in  order  to  embody  troops  for  the 
service,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  have  large  sums  in 
hand.  Without  money  we  fear  the  service  will  suffer  from 
our  inability  to  comply  with  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress. 
We  have  already  contracted  a  load  of  debts,  and  stretched 
our  credit  to  the  utmost.  Our  zeal  for  the  public  service 
therefore  leads  us  to  wish  a  speedy  advice  on  this  impor- 
tant subject. 

"  We  are,  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Esqr. 
Presidt.  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
signed  by  the  President,  and  together  with  a  copy  of  the 
resolve  therein  mentioned,  transmitted  by  the  first  convey- 
ance. 

William  Duer,  Esqr.  sent  in  a  letter  to  the  President  and 
Congress,  which  was  read.  He  therein  complains  of  sun- 
dry insinuations  against  his  conduct,  with  relation  to  the 
northern  frontier  of  this  Colony,  and  of  such  reports  having 
been  industriously  circulated  as  deeply  to  endanger  his  per- 
son and  property,  and  praying  that  a  committee  may  be 
appointed  to  examine  into  his  conduct  this  afternoon.  The 
Congress  considering  that  Mr.  Duer  must  attend  a  court 
in  Charlotte  county,  which  is  speedily  to  sit,  and  can  not 
conveniently  be  held  without  his  attendance,  do  therefore 
appoint  Mr.  Montgomery,  Mr.  Silvester,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Marsh  and  Mr.  John  Williams, 
a  committee  to  hear  and  examine  into  the  case  of  Mr.  Duer, 
and  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 

Mr.  McDougal  returned  into  Congress,  and  reported  that 
Angus  McDonald,  who  had  been  armed,  and  made  resis- 
tance when  called  on  by  him,  was  in  custody  of  a  sergeant's 
guard ;  and  a  letter  found  in  his  custody,  from  him  to 
Alexander  McDonald,  was  read. 

The  said  Angus  McDonald  being  brought  before  the 
Congress  and  examined,  confessed  that  he  had  taken  the 
names  of  upwards  of  forty  men,  who  had  promised  to  en- 
list in  a  battalion,  to  wear  Highland  dress  ;  and  also  con- 
fessed sundry  other  matters,  of  which  notes  are  taken 
and  filed.  And  the  said  Angus  McDonald  having  consent- 
ed voluntarily  to  make  oath  to  the  substance  of  the  infor- 
mation by  him  given  to  this  Congress,  his  affidavit  was 
drawn,  and  to  which  he  subscribed  and  was  duly  sworn, 
and  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss. — Angus  McDonald  of  this  city, 
being  duly  sworn  upon  the  holy  evangelists  of  Almighty 
God,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  some  time  last  fall  this  de- 
ponent was  at  the  town  of  Boston,  and  had  a  conversation 
with  Major  John  Small,  upon  the  subject  of  raising  a  regi- 
ment in  America  to  serve  against  the  inhabitants  of  Ame- 
rica in  the  present  contest.  That  the  plan  laid  for  that  pur- 
pose, was  that  such  officers  as  are  now  on  half-pay  in  the  se- 
veral Colonies  should  be  promoted  in  consequence  of  enlist- 
ing such  persons  as  had  formerly  served  as  soldiers  in  this 
country.  That  Major  Small  informed  this  deponent,  that 
the  deponent  should  be  taken  notice  of  and  promoted,  if  the 
scheme  should  take  place  :  and  mentioned  to  this  deponent 
the  being  sutler  to  the  regiment  so  raised.  That  this  de- 
ponent then  told  him  that  he  was  not  possessed  of  sufficient 
property  to  engage  in  that  business,  and  therefore  could 
not  accept  of  that ;  whereupon  the  said  major  told  this  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


43 


ponent  that  he,  the  deponent,  should  be  taken  notice  of,  if 
called  upon.  And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  in  con- 
sequence of  the  plan  so  laid,  a  number  of  men  have  en- 
gaged themselves  in  the  service,  but  that  they  have  not  yet 
received  any  bounty  money  for  their  enlistment.  And  this 
deponent  further  saith,  that  he  verily  believes  many  half- 
pay  officers  are  acquainted  with  the  aforesaid  plan.  That 
the  said  plan  can  not  take  place  without  orders  from  home  ; 
and  this  deponent  believes  that  no  such  orders  will  be  ob- 
tained. That  Captain  Alexr.  McDonald  is  also  concerned 
in  the  said  scheme,  and  hath  corresponded  with  Major 
Small  on  that  subject.  That  this  deponent  had  seen  and 
read  one  of  the  said  Major  Small's  letters,  to  the  said  Alex- 
ander McDonald,  which  letter  came  by  the  Asia  man  of  war. 
That  one  encouragement  held  up  to  those  soldiers  who 
should  enlist,  was,  that  they  should  have  each  of  them 
one  hundred  acres  of  land  when  the  troubles  in  America 
should  be  over.  That  the  deponent  does  not  believe  any 
men  are  engaged  in  the  county  of  Albany,  because  that 
there  is  no  person  there  to  engage  them.  That  this  depo- 
nent is  unwilling  to  serve  against  his  countrymen  and  fel- 
low-subjects in  America,  and  is  sorry  the  disturbances  have 
risen  to  so  great  a  height.  And  further  this  deponent  saith 
not. 

"Angus  Mcdonald. 

"  Sworn  this  14th  June,  1775,  before  me. 

"  John  McKesson,  Noty.  Pub." 

It  appearing  to  this  Congress,  by  a  letter  found  in  the 
custody  of  Angus  McDonald,  and  by  the  deposition  of  the 
said  Angus  McDonald,  and  by  the  examinations  of  sundry 
witnesses  before  this  Congress,  that  Alexr.  McDonald,  now 
or  late  of  Richmond  county,  has  been  concerting  measures 
and  employing  agents  to  enlist  men  to  be  employed  against 
the  liberties  of  America  ; 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  Alexander  McDonald 
be  secured,  and  kept  in  safe  custody  ;  and  that  all  his  pa- 
pers be  secured  and  examined ;  and  that  Messrs.  Abraham 
Brasher,  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Melancton  Smith,  be  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  Colo.  Lashar  be  desired 
to  send  a  sergeant's  guard  (with  those  gentlemen)  properly 
appointed  to  attend  them,  and  to  obey  Mr.  Brasher  in  all 
things. 

Whereas  from  the  information  of  Capt.  Thompson  re- 
ceived this  day  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  that  troops 
may  soon  arrive  here  from  Ireland,  and  from  the  evidence 
before  this  Congress  it  appears  that  it  would  be  very  unsafe 
and  imprudent  to  permit  or  suffer  so  dangerous  a  person  as 
Angus  McDonald  to  remain  in  this  Colony  and  enjoy  his 
liberty  at  this  juncture  : 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  Angus  McDonald  be 
sent  to  Genl.  Wooster's  camp,  with  a  request  from  this 
Congress  that  he  may  be  put  in  such  a  state  of  security  as 
may  effectually  prevent  any  mischief  that  might  arise  from 
his  being  left  at  large.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  request  be  sent  to  Colo.  Lashar  to  send 
a  guard  of  twelve  trusty  men,  properly  equipped  and  arm- 
ed, to  take  the  custody  and  charge  of  Angus  McDonald, 
and  to  convey  him  to  Genl.  Wooster's  camp  at  Greenwich, 
in  Connecticut,  and  that  the  whole  guard  go  with  the  said 
Augus  McDonald  to  King's  Bridge;  that  half  of  the  guard 
be  at  liberty  to  return  from  thence,  and  that  the  other  half 
of  the  said  guard  proceed  with  the  said  Angus  McDonald, 
by  the  way  of  the  White  Plains,  to  Genl.  Wooster's  camp. 

A  letter  to  General  Wooster,  covering  a  copy  of  the 
affidavit  of  the  said  Angus  McDonald,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  lilh,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — From  the  enclosed  affidavit,  you  will  be  able  to 
collect  the  design  of  sending  Angus  McDonald  to  you  un- 
der guard.  We  have  received  information  by  Capt.  Thom- 
son, who  arrived  here  last  night  from  Cork  in  Ireland,  that 
four  full  regiments  have  embarked  in  Ireland  for  this  city, 
and  may  be  expected  here  every  hour.    We,  therefore, 


think  it  unsafe  to  suffer  so  dangerous  a  person  to  enjoy  his 
liberty  at  this  juncture,  and  beg  leave  to  recommend  it  to 
you  to  put  him  in  such  a  state  of  security  as  may  effectually 
prevent  any  mischief  that  might  arise  from  his  being  left 
at  large. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  Major-Genl.  Woosteh." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  to  Genl.  Woos- 
ter be  engrossed,  signed  by  the  President  and  transmitted 
with  the  said  guard. 

Mr.  Foster  (seconded  by  Colo.  Clinton)  moved  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  a  message  be  immediately  despatched  to 
Major-Genl.  Wooster,  commanding  a  body  of  troops  in 
the  southern  part  of  Connecticut,  requesting  him  forth- 
with to  march  the  said  troops  to  the  distance  of  five  miles 
of  this  city. 

Agreeable  to  the  tenth  rule  of  this  Congress,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  Deputies  of  three  counties,  to  wit,  the  coun- 
ties of  Albany,  Richmond  and  Charlotte, 

Ordered,  That  this  matter  be  deferred  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  IBfld,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Mason. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
let,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Saml.  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac 
Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Volkert  P.  Douw,  Esqr.  Vice-Presidt. 

Robert  Yates,  Abraham  Yates,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter 
Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of 
Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona.  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen  and  Jno.  Nicholson — Ulster  county. 

David  Pye,  Benj.  Tusten,  Jeremiah  Clarke — Orange  county. 

Thos.  Tredwell,  John  Foster  and  Ezra  L;hommedieu — Suffolk  county. 

Govt.  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  CorUand,  Joseph  Drake, 
Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  William  Pauld- 
ing—  Westchester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Polheraus,  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jona.  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Town- 
send,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom — Queen*  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh — Charlotte  county. 

A  letter  from  Ethan  Allen  bearing  date  at  Crown  Point, 
June  2d,  inst.  with  a  small  addition  wrote  on  the  cover 
was  read.  Also  another  letter  from  Ethan  Allen  and 
James  Easton,  which  appears  to  be  a  copy  of  a  letter  by 
them  sent  to  the  people  of  Canada,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  filed. 

Mr.  Sears  informed  the  Congress  that  there  is  reason  to 
believe  that  there  is  ammunition  in  a  store  near  the  Bat- 
tery, and  delivered  in  a  certificate  of  George  Campbell 
which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  George  Campbell  and  his  servantmaid 
Elizth.  Randon  be  sent  for. 

Mr.  Silvester  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
into  the  case  of  William  Duer,  Esqr.  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  being  read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  report  that  agreeable  to  your  order 
of  this  day,  they  have  made  a  full  inquiry  into  Mr.  Duer's 
case,  which  they  conceive  to  be  of  a  most  delicate  nature. 
They  are  fully  of  opinion  that  insinuations  against  his  con- 


44 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


duct  with  relation  to  the  Northern  Frontier  of  this  Colony, 
have  by  some  means  been  circulated,  which  in  their  nature 
deeply  endanger  his  person  and  property  ;  that  nevertheless 
they  are  fully  convinced  that  those  insinuations  are  entirely 
groundless  ;  that  they  are  altogether  satisfied  of  his  inte- 
grity and  attachment  to  American  liberty,  and  do  therefore 
recommend  him  as  really  meriting  the  public  countenance 
and  protection  of  this  Congress. 

"  The  above  is  the  sentiments  of  your  committee,  which 
is  nevertheless  submitted  to  the  better  opinion  of  the  Con- 
gress. 

"  By  order, 

"P.  SILVESTER,  Chairman. 
"  New-York,  June  Ulh,  1775." 

The  Congress  agreed  with  the  committee  in  their  said 
report,  and 

Ordered,  That  it  be  recommended  by  this  Congress  to 
all  persons  within  this  Colony  and  other  inhabitants  of 
America,  not  to  injure  William  Duer,  Esqr.  either  in  his 
person  or  property. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarkson  and  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  wait 
on  Mr.  Alderman  Filkin,  and  desire  him  to  get  two  con- 
stables and  search  a  store  near  Bowden's  house,  to  see 
whether  there  is  anv  gunpowder  lodged  there  contrary  to 
law,  and  to  report  to  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Foster's 
motion  of  yesterday  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  a  message  be  immediately  despatched 
to  Major-Genl.  Wooster  now  commanding  a  body  of  troops 
in  the  southern  part  of  Connecticut,  requesting  him  forth- 
with to  march  the  said  troops  with  their  tents  and  other 
necessaries  to  the  distance  of  five  miles  from  this  city,  to 
be  subject  to  the  orders  and  directions  of  the  Continental 
or  this  Congress,  while  the  said  troops  shall  continue  in 
this  Colony.  And 

Resolved.,  That  we  will  assist  the  commissaries  of  the 
said  forces  in  procuring  such  necessaries  for  their  accom- 
modation as  shall  be  procured  within  this  Colony. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Wooster  on  that  subject 
being  read  and  approved  of,  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  15th  June,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  order,  that  this 
Congress  think  it  expedient  to  request  you  to  march  to 
this  Colony  with  the  troops  under  your  command.  If  you 
are  not  at  liberty  to  comply  with  the  terms  of  this  order 
until  you  consult  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Connec- 
ticut on  this  subject,  we  beg  you  would  immediately  de- 
spatch this  requisition  to  them,  and  transmit  to  us  their 
determination  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  As  we  have  at  present  but  few  tents,  we  beg  you 
would  order  such  as  you  have  to  be  sent  to  the  place  in- 
tended for  their  encampment,  and  make  such  other  dis- 
positions for  the  support  of  your  troops  as  are  in  your 
power. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Yr.  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  Major-Genl.  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the 
said  order,  transmitted  by  the  first  conveyance. 

Mr.  Sears  had  leave  of  absence  for  a  few  days. 

Joseph  Stephens  delivered  to  the  President  his  account, 
amounting  to  £12,  for  going  a  messenger  to  Philadelphia 
at  two  different  times. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  pay 
the  said  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Messrs.  Clarkson  and  Van  Derbilt  returned  and  reported 
that  Aldermen  Filkin  with  a  constable  had  attended  them  ; 
that  they  had  searched  Bowden's  house  and  cellar  and  a 
store  adjoining,  and  that  they  found  no  powder  or  ammu- 
nition there. 

Mr.  Brasher  from  the  committee  appointed  to  go  to 


Staten  Island,  reported  that  they  had  executed  the  order 
of  the  Congress  ;  that  they  had  searched  the  house  of 
Alexander  McDonald  and  found  no  papers  relating  to  the 
raising  of  troops  ;  that  they  did  not  find  Alexr.  McDonald, 
and  were  informed  that  he  is  gone  to  Boston.  He  also 
informed  the  Congress  that  the  expense  of  the  boat  and 
provisions  for  the  men  who  attended  on  the  said  committee 
amounted  to  three  pounds  five  shillings,  which  was  dis- 
bursed by  Mr.  Melancton  Smith. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
repay  Mr.  Smith  the  said  three  pounds  five  shillings  and 
take  his  receipt,  all  which  he  did  immediately. 

The  memorial  and  petition  of  Ebenezer  Hazard  relating 
to  a  post  office,  and  praying  to  be  appointed  postmaster, 
was  read.  Also  a  letter  from  William  Goddard,  (covering 
several  large  packages  of  papers,)  on  the  same  subject 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Verplanck,  Roosevelt  and  Rich- 
ard Yates  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  petition,  letter 
and  papers  into  consideration,  and  report  to  this  Congress 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  no  person  whatsoever  presume  to  inocu- 
late for  the  small  pox  within  this  Colony  before  the  first  day 
of  December  next,  and  that  the  several  committees  within 
their  respective  districts  carefully  observe  that  there  be  a 
punctual  compliance  with  this  order. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  order  be  published  in  the 
newspapers. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Marsh  have  leave  of  absence  ;  and 
it  is  agreed  that  Mr.  Williams  shall  have  a  vote  and  repre- 
sent Charlotte  county. 

Ordered,  That  two  members  of  those  present  from 
Albany  county,  have  leave  of  absence. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  five  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  5  ho.  P.  M.  June  \bth,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Thomas  Smith,  Esquire,  obtained  leave  of  absence 
during  the  residue  of  this  week. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  the  City  Hall 
at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  lGtii,  1V15. 

The  Congress  met  at  the  City  Hall  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Treat. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougail,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  John  Morin  Scott,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Marston — For  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn— For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Ephraim 
Payne,  Jonathan  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith  and  Na- 
thaniel Sackett— For  Dutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson— For  Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Benjamin  Tusleen,  John  Herring— For  Orange  county. 
Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Fosterand  Ezra  L'hommedieu— For  Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph 
Drake,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding — For  West  Chester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Lefiertse,  Nicholas  Coven- 
hoven,  John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — For  Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townshend,  Joseph  Robinson  and  Nathaniel  Tom— For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams,  William  Marsh— For  Charlotte  county. 

Mr.  John  N.  Bleecker  sent  in  a  return  of  stores  and 
provisions  which  have  been  received  at  Albany  from  New- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


45 


York,  of  the  quantities  forwarded  to  Fort  George,  and  of 
such  as  yet  remain  at  Albany  or  have  been  there  expended. 
The  said  return  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  propo- 
sals of  Robert  Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Robert  Boyd  on 
the  subject  of  making  gun  barrels  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June  16th,  1775.  J 

"  Sir — It  will  be  impossible  for  us  to  give  the  due  encou- 
ragement to  the  business  which  you  mention  in  your  letter, 
without  first  conversing  with  you  on  the  subject ;  we  beg, 
therefore,  you  would  come  to  New- York  with  the  utmost 
despatch,  and  then  when  we  shall  have  heard  what  are  the 
expenses  of  the  undertaking,  and  what  work  can  be  per- 
formed in  a  given  time,  we  shall  be  able  to  contract  with 
you  for  such  number  as  will  render  the  business  prac- 
ticable. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
'•'  To  Mr.  Robert  Boyd,  New- Windsor." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  as  Commissary 
of  this  Congress,  be  desired  to  purchase  the  following 
quantities  of  raven's  duck  ticking  and  bell  tents  of  such 
persons  as  will  sell  the  same  on  the  public  credit,  to 
wit :  427  pieces  of  good  ravens  duck,  182  yards  of 
ticking  fit  to  make  bell  tents,  and  twenty-six  bell  tents 
which  are  at  Hayman  Levys,  if  they  are  of  a  proper  fash- 
ion, good  and  of  a  cheap  or  reasonable  price.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  examine  a  number  of  ha- 
versacks which  are  at  Hayman  Levys ;  that  if  he  finds 
them  of  good  quality  and  proper  shape  and  cheap,  that  he 
purchase  them  if  to  be  sold  on  the  public  credit. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Montgomery,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Beekman  and  Mr.  Brasher  be  a  committee  to  get  as 
many  tents  as  they  shall  think  necessary,  made  with  all 
possible  despatch. 

Mr.  Payne  and  Mr.  Piatt  have  obtained  leave  of  ab- 
sence. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  McDou- 
gall  and  Mr.  Paulding  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the 
depth  of  water  in  Hudson's  river  from  the  city  of  New- 
York  to  New- Windsor. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SATURNII,  HO.  A.  M. 

June  Hln, 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Livingston. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  £sqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Ver- 
planck,  Richard  Yates,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt— For 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Jona- 
than  Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett 
— Dutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson— For  Ulster 
county. 

David  Pye,  Benjamin  Tusteen,  John  Herring,  Jeremiah  Clarke  

For  Orange  county. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu — For  Suffolk 
county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt.  James 
Holmes,  Robert  Graham — For  West  Chester  county. 

Johannes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  John  Lefferts,  Nicholas  Coven- 
hoven — For  Kings  county, 

12 


Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner, 
Richard  Lawrence — For  Richmond  county. 

Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townshend — For 
Queen*  county. 

John  Williams — For  Charlotte  county. 

The  President  mentioned  that  a  gentleman  who  is  a 
member  of  a  committee  in  New-Jersey  and  a  Delegate  to 
New-Jersey  Congress,  has  informed  him  that  he  conceives 
it  will  be  of  great  use  in  some  part  of  the  Colony  of 
New-Jersey  to  let  him  have  a  copy  of  the  affidavit  of  An- 
gus McDonald. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  delivered  to  that  gen- 
tleman by  the  President. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  from  the  committee  appointed  to  get  as 
many  tents  made  as  they  shall  think  necessary,  reported 
that  they  had  agreed  with  sundry  upholsterers  to  make  250 
tents  and  to  furnish  all  materials  (duck  excepted)  for  making 
the  said  tents,  with  tent  poles,  mallets  and  other  neces- 
saries for  the  said  tents,  at  the  rate  of  fifteen  shillings  for 
each  tent ;  that  the  said  upholsterers  have  agreed  with  them 
to  have  the  said  two  hundred  and  fifty  tents  finished  by 
the  latter  end  of  next  week,  and  some  of  them  will  be 
finished  fit  for  use  by  next  Wednesday  or  Thursday. 

Mr.  McDougal  informed  the  President  in  public  Con- 
gress, that  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of  this  Congress  of 
the  9th  instant,  he  had  applied  to  the  committee  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  and  received  of  the  said  committee  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  and  Mr.  McDougal  immedi- 
ately paid  one  hundred  pounds  of  the  said  money  to  Peter 
Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  the  President,  and  took 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  letter  received  from  Major-Genl.  Wooster  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Greenwich,  June  15th,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  have  just  received  your  favour  of  the  14th  in- 
stant, with  the  enclosed  affidavit ;  also  Angus  McDonald, 
who  shall  be  kept  in  such  a  state  of  security  as  may  effectu- 
ally prevent  any  mischief  that  might  otherwise  be  expected 
from  him.  Be  good  enough  to  give  my  compliments  to 
the  gentlemen  of  the  Congress,  and  tell  them  that  I  am 
sorry  you  are  obliged  to  send  your  prisoners  so  far.  I 
should  be  much  better  pleased  to  receive  them  within  a 
few  miles  of  your  city,  especially  as  you  so  soon  expect 
the  arrival  of  four  regiments  from  Ireland.  I  am,  sir, 
with  great  esteem,  both  for  you  and  the  gentlemen  of  the 
Congress. 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

DAVD.  WOOSTER,  Majr.  Genl. 
"To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr. 

"  President  of  the  Congress." 

Doctor  Graham  and  Mr.  Van  Vleck  delivered  in  the  pro- 
posals of  Messrs.  Van  Vleck  and  Kip  for  undertaking  a 
saltpetre  works  in  this  city. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  proposals  lay  for  farther  consi- 
deration. 

Capt.  Jeffrey,  the  captain  of  the  packet,  being  request- 
ed to  attend  this  Congress,  and  attending  at  the  door,  was 
called  in,  and  in  substance  informed  the  Congress,  that  on 
Tuesday  last,  about  thirty  leagues  to  the  southeast  of  San- 
1  dy-Hook,  he  saw  the  old  Spry  man  of  war,  now  a  trans- 
port, with  a  part  of  the  forty-fourth  regiment  on  board. 
That  he  was  informed  by  some  of  the  officers  of  the  troops 
on  board  the  Spry,  that  the  Mercury  man  of  war  had  ordered 
the  Spry  transport  to  Boston,  and  was  cruising  thereabout 
to  order  all  the  transports  with  troops  which  were  destined 
to  New-York,  to  proceed  to  Boston.  That  he  has  also 
had  the  like  information  from  some  of  the  officers  of  the 
Mercury.  Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major  General 
Wooster  was  read,  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  the  17th  June,  1775.  $ 
"Sir — Being  well  informed  that  four  regiments,  contain- 
'  ing  near  three  thousand  effective  men,  were  sailed  in 


46 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


transports  for  this  city,  we  took  the  liberty  to  request  the 
assistance  of  those  brave  sons  of  freedom  who  are  under 
your  command. 

"  We  are  this  instant  farther  informed,  that  the  Mercu- 
ry ship  of  war  was  cruising  upon  our  coast,  and  is  now  at 
Sandy-Hook,  to  order  those  transports  to  Boston  immedi- 
ately, and  did  on  Tuesday  last,  30  leagues  to  the  south- 
east of  the  Hook,  deliver  his  orders  to  the  old  Spry  man 
of  war,  now  a  transport,  with  part  of  the  44th  regiment  on 
board,  which  immediately  altered  her  course.  From  hence 
we  conclude  that  a  very  capital  stroke  is  meditated  against 
our  brethren  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay. 

"  You  best  can  determine,  sir,  whether  it  is  proper  on 
this  occasion  for  the  forces  under  your  command  to  march 
westward  ;  but  we  are  led  to  believe  that  it  is  of  more 
important  consequence  to  secure  the  several  passes  with 
which  nature  has  bounteously  fortified  the  eastern  country ; 
that  if  some  unexpected  chance  of  war  should  prove  fatal 
to  us  in  the  first  contest,  the  enemy  may  by  such  means, 
receive  a  check  in  his  career  of  vengeance. 

"  We  beg  you  to  trasmit  this  intelligence  to  the  Provin- 
cial camp  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  To  Major  Genl.  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Jacob  Shafer,  as  a  mes- 
senger for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  from  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  also  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  June  17  th,  1775.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  this  day  informed  by  Mr.  Jef- 
frey, capt.  of  the  Lord  Hyde  packet,  that  the  Mercury 
ship  of  war  was  cruising  off  our  coast,  and  is  now  at  San- 
dy-Hook to  order  the  transports  from  Ireland  with  troops, 
destined  to  this  city,  to  proceed  immediately  to  Boston ; 
and  did  on  Tuesday  last,  about  thirty  leagues  to  the  south- 
east of  Sandy-Hook,  deliver  those  orders  to  the  old  Spry 
man  of  war,  now  a  transport,  with  part  of  the  44th  regi- 
ment on  board,  who  immediately  altered  her  course.  Capt. 
Jeffery  told  us  he  had  this  information  both  from  the  offi- 
cers of  the  troops  on  board  of  the  Spry,  and  from  some  of 
the  officers  of  the  Mercury  man  of  war.  From  this  infor- 
mation, we  are  induced  to  conclude  that  some  capital  stroke 
is  meditated  against  our  brethren  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay.  We  therefore,  gentlemen,  think  it  our  duty  to  de- 
spatch this  information  to  you,  that  it  may  be  known  to 
the  Continental  Congress. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  P.  S.  We  enclose  you  copies  of  the  two  letters  to 
Genl.  Wooster. 
"  To  the  New- York  Delegates 

in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  that  a  copy  of  the  resolve  and  order 
of  this  Congress  of  the  15th  inst.  for  introducing  the 
Connecticut  forces  under  the  command  of  Genl.  Wooster; 
a  copy  of  the  letter  to  General  Wooster  from  this  Con- 
gress of  the  same  date,  and  the  before  written  letter  to 
Genl.  Wooster  of  this  day,  be  enclosed  to  the  said  dele- 
gates, and  that  the  same  be  forwarded  by  the  messenger 
from  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  now  on  his  way  to  Philadel- 
phia. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a 
plan  of  accommodation  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
Colonies,  in  order  to  be  prepared  to  give  the  sentiments  of 
this  Congress  thereon  to  the  delegates  of  this  Colony, 
bring  in  their  report  on  Wednesday  next. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  Monday  next,  at  4  o'clock, 
P.  M. 


die  hVtUE,  June  ]9th,  1775,  5th  ho.  P.  M. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  ad' 
journed  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

3une  £0tt\,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Bowden. 

Present — Peter  V.  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  President. 

Issac  Low,  Alexander  M'Dougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
John  Marston — For  the  City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  V.  Ren- 
selaer,  Henry  Glenn — For  the  City  and  county  of  jllbany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutches 

county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen — For  Ulster  county. 
John  Coe,  David  Pye,  Benjamin  Tusteen,  Peter  Clowes,  John  Her- 
ring, Jeremiah  Clarke — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  John 
Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Phil.  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Tho- 
mas, Junr. — For  West  Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemius,  John 
Lefferts — For  Kings  county. 

Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence — For  Richmond  county. 

Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townshend,  Joseph 
Robinson — For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams — For  Charlotte  county. 

Tryon  County — The  deputies  from  Tryon  county  at- 
tending at  the  door,  were  called  in  and  produced  a  certifi- 
cate signed  by  Nicholas  Herkimer,  chairman  pro  tempore, 
and  Andrew  Finck,  Jr.  clerk  of  a  meeting  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Tryon  county,  held  on  the  eleventh  day  of  June 
instant,  whereby  it  appears  that  Christopher  P.  Yates  and 
John  Mallett,  Esquires,  were  appointed  Deputies  to  attend 
this  Provincial  Congress  without  delay,  and  to  act  in  con- 
junction with  the  members  thereof  upon  this  very  alarming 
and  calamitous  situation  of  British  America. 

The  said  certificate  being  read  and  filed, 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  take  their  seats. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  re- 
ceived sundry  letters  from  Philadelphia,  by  a  messenger 
returned  from  thence,  and  who  had  been  sent  there  with 
despatches  from  this  Congress,  by  John  Jay,  Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
the  President,  pay  the  said  messenger ;  and  it  is  farther 
ordered,  that  the  President  for  the  future  pay  all  messen- 
gers who  shall  be  employed  by  this  Congress,  taking  their 
respective  receipts  for  the  sums  paid  to  them. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  himself 
and  the  other  Delegates  from  this  Colony,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  by  ex 

press,  came  to  hand  yesterday,  and  the  papers  you  enclosed 
have  been  communicated  to  the  Congress,  who  cannot  but 
approve  of  your  generous  and  spirited  conduct. 

"  You  have  by  this  conveyance  two  packets  from  the 
President  of  the  Congress :  on  the  subjects  to  which  they 
relate  I  need  make  no  remark. 

"  As  it  was  found  that  you  had  made  no  progress  in  rais- 
ing men,  the  Congress  have  thought  fit  that  the  posts  di- 
rected to  be  taken  in  our  Government,  should  immediately 
be  occupied  by  the  troops  of  Connecticut,  which  are  ready 
for  service  and  unemployed.  We  enclose  you  by  order  of 
the  Congress,  a  certified  copy  of  their  resolution  on  that 
head. 

"  Your  great  complaint  of  the  want  of  money  will,  I 
hope,  be  soon  removed.  For  your  present  satisfaction,  we 
have  obtained  leave  of  the  Congress  to  inform  you  that  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


47 


general  cemmittee  of  the  whole  body  have  reported  a  re- 
solution, to  emit  in  Continental  paper  currency  a  sum  not 
exceeding  the  value  of  two  millions  of  Spanish  dollars,  for 
the  redemption  of  which,  all  the  Colonies  are  to  be  pledged. 
Upon  revolving  the  effect  of  this  resolution,  you  will  find 
to  agree  in  the  main  point,  the  stability  of  the  fund,  with 
your  own  judicious  system.  We  hope  soon  to  furnish  you 
with  the  particulars  of  this  important  transaction.  We  are 
likewise  at  liberty  to  acquaint  you  that  the  Congress  have 
agreed  to  raise  at  the  Continental  expense,  a  body  of  15,000 
men,  10,000  for  the  defence  at  the  Massachusets,  and  the 
remainder  to  be  employed  in  New-York,  for  keeping  open 
the  communication  between  the  northern  and  southern  Co- 
lonies; and  that  Colo.  George  Washington  is  appointed 
Capt.-General,  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  forces 
raised,  and  to  be  raised  in  the  common  cause  ;  you  are 
under  no  further  obligation  of  secrecy  on  these  points,  than 
to  prevent  their  being  inserted  in  any  newspaper,  from 
which  it  is  apprehended  some  prejudices  might  arise. 

"  The  letters  for  Govr.  Trumbull  and  Genl.  Wooster, 
relate  to  the  removal  of  the  Connecticut  troops  into  our  Go- 
vernment, and  are  to  be  forwarded  with  your  despatches 
on  that  subject,  but  they  are  only  from  their  Delegates  and 
not  authoritative,  the  Congress  having  referred  it  to  you, 
to  make  the  application  to  that  government. 

"  I  have  retired  from  the  Congress  at  the  request  of  my 
brethren,  to  send  off  these  despatches,  for  which  reason  I 
have  alone  the  honor  of  subscribing  myself, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  JAS.  DUANE. 

"  Philad.  17th  June,  1775. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New- York." 

The  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress  therein  men- 
tioned of  the  16th  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  June  16th,  1775. 
"Resolved,  That  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New- York 
be  desired  immediately  to  apply  to  Governor  Trumbull  to 
order  the  Connecticut  troops  now  stationed  at  Greenwich, 
Stamford,  and  places  adjacent,  to  march  towards  New- 
York,  and  that  part  of  them  occupy  such  posts  upon  that 
island  as  the  said  Provincial  Convention  shall  judge  best 
adapted  to  prevent  the  communication  between  the  town 
and  country  from  being  cut  off.  The  remainder  of  the 
troops  to  be  employed  in  securing  the  navigation  of  Hud- 
son's river,  by  erecting  batteries  at  such  places  as  the  said 
Convention  shall  judge  most  proper  to  answer  that  purpose. 
"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry." 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Wooster,  dated  the  17th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Greenwich,  June  17th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  15th  instant  in  behalf  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  with  the  enclosed  order,  I  received 
yesterday  morning,  and  immediately  despatched  the  requi- 
sition to  the  Governor,  who,  together  with  the  council  of 
war,  are  empowered  by  our  Assembly  to  order  the  desti- 
nation of  the  troops.  I  shall  hold  myself  in  readiness  to 
march  whenever  I  receive  the  Governor's  orders. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  DAVD.  WOOSTER. 

"To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

Another  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Wooster  of  the  18th 
instant  was  also  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Greenwich,  June  \9,th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Your  favour  in  behalf  of  your  Congress  I  have 
just  received,  a  copy  of  which  I  have  transmitted  by  ex- 
press, both  to  the  camp  near  Boston  and  to  our  Governor. 
I  should  be  very  glad  to  hear  that  your  proportion  of  men 
for  the  defence  of  the  country  were  raised  and  well  equip- 
ped, as  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  a  place  of  such 


consequence  as  New-York,  should  be  put  in  the  best  pos- 
ture of  defence. 

"  I  am  in  haste,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  DAVD.  WOOSTER,  Major-Genl. 
"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  about  thir- 
teen hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  is  brought  to  this  city, 
and  that  the  Congress  may  have  it  to  purchase  if  they  think 
fit. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDougal  agree  for  and  purchase 
the  said  powder,  and  that  he  forward  one  thousand  weight 
thereof  to  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  for  the  use  of  the 
Provincial  army  near  Boston,  with  a  letter  to  Governor 
Trumbull,  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  of  the  16th  instant,  and  therein  request  of 
him  to  forward  from  their  most  easterly  magazine  the  like 
quantity  to  the  camp  of  the  Provincial  army  of  the  Massa- 
chusets Bay.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDougal  forward  the  remaining 
three  hundred  weight  of  the  said  powder  to  the  agents  at 
Albany,  to  be  forwarded  to  Ticonderoga. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull  on  the  subjects 
above  mentioned  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  20th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — We  enclose  you  a  letter  forwarded  from  the  Con- 
gress to  our  care,  a  part  of  the  contents  whereof  we  are 
made  acquainted  with.  You  will  observe,  sir,  that  the  re- 
solutions of  the  Congress  on  the  subject  of  marching  your 
troops  hither,  are  previous  to  the  important  intelligence 
communicated  to  General  Wooster  last  Saturday;  how  the 
Congress  would  have  determined  if  they  had  known  that 
the  troops  intended  for  this  post  were  ordered  to  Boston, 
we  know  not;  but  we  desire  you,  sir,  to  use  your  own  good 
judgment  upon  the  whole  of  the  intelligence  conveyed  to 
you,  and  be  confident  that  we  shall  heartily  acquiesce.  We 
nave  lately  received  a  small  supply  of  gunpowder,  and  shall 
very  soon  forward  to  Genl.  Wooster  half  a  ton  for  the  Pro- 
vincial army  near  Boston,  that  it  may  be  despatched  with 
the  utmost  speed ;  we  pray  you  to  send  so  much  thither 
from  your  easternmost  magazine. 

"  We  are,  sir, 
"  Yr.  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Congress. 
™  To  the  Honoble.  Jona.  Trumbull,  Esqr. 

Govr.  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of 
the  Continental  Congress  of  the  sixteenth  instant  to  be 
therein  enclosed,  sent  by  Mr.  Bradford,  who  offers  his 
service,  as  a  messenger  for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Wooster  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  June  20th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — We  have  received  your  favours  of  the  17th  and 
18th  instant,  and  beg  leave  to  testify  to  you  our  high  sense 
of  the  readiness  which  you  show  to  assist  our  Colony. 
That  honest  zeal  which  inspirits  the  bosom  of  our  country- 
men in  Connecticut,  commands  our  admiration  and  praise. 
With  the  warmest  affection  for  them,  the  most  fervent  at- 
tention to  the  public  welfare,  and  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 
for  you, 

"  We  are  your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  P.  S.  We  enclose  a  letter  for  you  received  by  your 
messenger  from  Philadelphia. 
"  To  Major-General  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  sent  by  Mr.  Bradford. 

A  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  bearing  date  on  the  12th  instant, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


48 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"  Philadelphia,  12th  June,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — By  order  of  the  Congress  I  forward  you 
the  enclosed  resolves,  the  importance  and  propriety  of 
which  you  will  readily  perceive,  as  the  safety  of  America 
greatly  depends  on  our  having  it  in  our  power  to  supply 
ourselves  with  the  means  of  defence. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the 

Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

The  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  received  en- 
closed in  the  above  letter,  were  also  read  and  filed,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  June  10th,  1775. 
"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committees  of  the  seve- 
ral towns  and  districts  in  the  Colonies  of  the  Massachsetts 
Bay,  New-Hampshire,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Plan- 
tations, Connecticut,  New- York,  and  the  Eastern  Division 
of  New-Jersey,  to  collect  all  the  saltpetre  and  brimstone  in 
their  several  towns  and  districts,  and  transmit  the  same 
with  all  possible  despatch  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-York. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  to  have  the  powder  mills  in 
that  Colony  put  into  such  a  condition  as  immediately  to 
manufacture  into  powder,  for  the  use  of  the  Continent, 
whatever  materials  may  be  procured  in  the  manner  above 
directed. 

"  That  the  saltpetre  and  sulphur  to  be  collected  in  con- 
sequence of  the  resolves  of  Congress  for  that  purpose,  be 
paid  for  out  of  the  Continental  fund. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHA.  THOMSON,  Secry." 

The  mayor  of  the  city  informed  the  President  that  with- 
out the  aid  of  this  Congress  Capt.  Vandeput,  of  the  ship 
Asia,  cannot  get  any  small  necessaries  for  himself  or  his 
ship  ;  and  that  Capt.  Vandeput  requests  such  aid  of  this 
Congress  as  may  give  him  relief  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire,  be  at  liberty  to 
supply  Capt.  Vandeput  and  the  ship  Asia,  with  such  small 
necessaries  as  may  be  wanted  from  time  to  time. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Brook  Watson  to  the  President,  set- 
ting forth  that  he  is  going  into  Canada,  mentioning  his 
suite  and  the  letters  in  his  custody,  and  requesting  such 
letter  from  this  Congress  as  may  facilitate  his  journey, 
and  also  a  card  from  Lord  and  Lady  Chatham  were  read  ; 
and  thereupon  a  draft  of  a  recommendatory  passport  for  the 
said  Brook  Watson  and  his  suite  was  prepared,  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  June  20th,  1775.  $ 

"  To  all  officers  in  the  service  of  the  Colonies,  members 
of  committees  and  others,  the  friends  of  American  Li- 
berty, Greeting  : 

"  Brethren,  take  notice,  that  Mr.  Brook  Watson,  now 
about  to  depart  hence  for  the  Province  of  Quebec,  having 
applied  to  this  Congress  for  a  passport :  We,  well  con- 
vinced that  the  said  Brook  Watson  is  a  true  friend  to  this 
country  and  its  rights,  do  desire  you  to  give  him  every  as- 
sistance, and  shew  him  all  the  civilities  in  your  power,  and 
that  you  forward  him  and  his  suite,  being  Messrs.  Joseph 
Marie  Tonnencour  and  Louis  Perras,  companions  of  the 
said  Brook  Watson,  and  Daniel  McKinzie,  his  servant. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Congress. 
"  Attest." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  countersigned  by  the  Secretaries, 
and  delivered  to  Mr.  Watson  ;  and  that  Messrs.  Morris, 
Richard  Yates,  Clarkson  and  Low,  be  a  committee  to  wait 
on  him  and  receive  of  him  such  information  as  he  can  give 
that  may  be  useful  for  the  interests  of  America. 


A  copy  of  a  letter  bearing  date  at  Newport,  on  the  14th 
instant,  from  Jonathan  Otis,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
inspection  there,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committees  of  East  and  South 
Hampton,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Neiv-  York,  June  20th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — A  copy  of  the  letter  from  the  commit- 
tee of  Newport  to  your  committee,  concerning  certain  per- 
sons now  under  inoculation  in  your  town,  being  laid  before 
us,  we  earnestly  recommend  to  you  that  you  would  be 
very  careful  that  they  be  so  secured  and  sent  off  as  not  to 
have  it  in  their  power  to  spread  the  infection.  You  have 
enclosed  the  resolution  of  this  Congress  prohibiting  the 
inoculation  for  the  small  pox  until  the  first  of  December  next. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Committees  of  Observation 

of  the  towns  of  East  and  South  Hampton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and,  with  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of  this  Con- 
gress against  inoculation  for  the  small  pox,  be  delivered  to 
Mr.  L'hommedieu  to  be  forwarded. 

A  certificate  from  Jonathan  Wells,  Samuel  Wadsworth 
and  Epaps.  Bull,  the  committee  of  Hartford,  bearing  date 
the  13th  inst.  certifying  that  Richard  Sharpless,  the  bearer, 
is  one  of  the  soldiers  lately  taken  at  Ticonderoga,  and  was 
coming  to  New-York  to  collect  money  due  to  him,  was 
read  ;  and  the  soldier  mentioned  in  the  said  certificate  at- 
tending at  the  door,  and  being  lame, 

Ordered,  That  the  door-keeper  provide  lodgings  for  him 
at  the  cheapest  rate,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Mr.  Verplanck,  (seconded  by  Mr.  Melancton  Smith,) 
moved  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  the  sum  of  £2,000,  when  we  receive  the 
Continental  currency,  be  lent  to  Messrs.  Van  Vleck  and 
Kip,  at  5  per  cent,  for  the  term  of  two  years,  they  giving 
security  for  the  same,  to  enable  them  to  manufacture  salt- 
petre, and  that  this  Congress  engage  to  take  from  them 
any  quantity  of  saltpetre,  under  twenty  tons,  they  may 
manufacture  in  this  Colony  within  a  twelve  month,  at  the 
rate  of  2s.  6d.  per  pound. 

And  debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put, 
it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  motion.  Against  the  motion. 

County  of  Dutchess,  City  and  county  of  Albany, 

County  of  Ulster,  County  of  Richmond, 

County  of  Suffolk,  County  of  Charlotte, 

County  of  Orange — 3.  County  of  Kings. 

County  of  Westchester, 
County  of  Tryon, 
City  and  county  of  New- York, 
County  of  Queens — 19. 

A  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  bearing  date  the  15th  instant,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  15th,  1775. 

"Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  10th  inst.  to  the 
Delegates  of  New- York  has  been  laid  before  the  Con- 
gress, in  consequence  of  which  I  am  directed  to  return 
you  the  thanks  of  the  Congress  for  your  vigilance  in  the 
case  of  Capt.  Coffin's  vessel,  and  to  recommend  to  you 
that  the  vessel  be  unloaded  and  the  cargo  safely  stored, 
until  all  just  suspicions  concerning  the  destination  of  it 
shall  be  removed. 

"  I  am,  gent. 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the  Provincial 

Congress,  New- York." 

A  letter  from  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Hamp- 
shire, together  with  a  certified  copy  of  a  resolve  of  that 
Congress,  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tappen  and  Mr.  Christopher  P. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


49 


Yates  be  added  to  the  committee  for  arrangement  of  troops 
to  be  raised  in  this  colony. 
The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  aist,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Moore. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham  Wal- 
ton, Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Saml.  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Tho- 
mas Smith,  Benj.  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobs.  Van  Zandt, 
John  Marston — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of  Mbany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Gysbert  Schenck,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathl.  Sacket— 
Dutchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton  and  Christr.  Tappen—  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  Benj.  Tusten,  John  Herring— Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Wickham,  Tho- 
mas Tredwell  and  John  Foster — Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Tho- 
mas, Junr.  William  Paulding—  Westchester  county. 

Theods.  Polhemus,  John  Leffertse,  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  John  Van 
Derbilt— Kings  county. 

Paul  Mecheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richd.  Lawrence — Richmond 
county. 

Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Saml.  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson — Queens  county. 

John  Williams — Charlotte  county. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon  county. 

John  Hazeltine,  Paul  Spooner  and  William  Williams — Cumberland 
county. 

A  letter  from  John  Hazeltine,  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Cumberland  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  gentlemen  who  are  Deputies  from  Cumberland 
county  produced  a  set  of  resolves  entered  into  by  the 
delegates  of  the  several  towns  in  the  said  county,  con- 
vened at  the  court-house  at  Westminster  on  the  sixth  in- 
stant, signed  by  John  Hazeltine,  chairman,  and  Sol. 
Phelps,  dep.  clerk  ;  and  by  the  conclusion  of  the  sixth  and 
last  resolve  it  appears  and  is  certified,  that  Colo.  John 
Hazeltine,  Doctor  Paul  Spooner  and  William  Williams, 
Esqr.  were  voted  and  elected  Deputies  for  that  county,  to 
attend,  meet  and  join  in  this  Congress.  The  said  resolves 
and  certificate  were  read  and  filed,  and 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  take  their  seats. 

The  petition  of  Joseph  Johnson  on  behalf  of  himself 
and  three  other  Indians  therein  named,  praying  for  a  pass- 
port and  letter  of  safe  conduct  for  himself  and  the  said 
three  Indians  to  New-London  in  Connecticut,  and  some 
small  aid  in  money  to  assist  them  in  their  journey,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  passport  and  letter  of  safe  conduct  be 
made  and  delivered  to  the  said  Joseph  Johnson  and  his 
three  companions,  by  name,  in  their  journey  to  New-Lon- 
don ;  and  that  the  President  give  him  ten  pounds  to  assist 
him  and  his  companions  in  their  journey. 

A  letter  from  John  Bay,  Secretary  of  the  committee  of 
Albany,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  16th  June,  1775. 

"  Sir — By  order  of  the  committee  of  this  city  and 
county,  of  the  15th  inst.  you  have  enclosed  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  the  Revd.  Samuel  Kirkland,  missionary  among 
the  Onida  Indians. 

"  I  am,  Sir,  your  humble  servt. 

"  JOHN  BAY,  Secry.  P.  T. 

(Endorsed  thus,) 
"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President 

of  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

The  copy  of  the  letter  from  Mr.  Kirkland,  therein  en- 

13 


closed,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Cherry-Vally,  9th  June,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — This  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  your 
favour,  with  an  enclosed  paper,  the  authenticity  of  which 
I  have  no  doubt.  I  am  much  embarrassed  at  present. 
You  have  doubtless  heard  Colo.  Johnston  has  orders  from 
Government  to  remove  the  dissenting  missionaries  from 
the  Six  Nations  till  the  difficulties  betwixt  Great  Britain 
and  the  Colonies  are  settled.  In  consequence  of  which 
[he]  has  forbid  my  return  to  my  people  at  Oneida  ;  he  has 
since  given  encouragement  that  I  may  revisit  them  after 
the  Congress.  But  to  be  plain,  I  have  no  dependance  at 
all  upon  his  promises  of  this  kind.  In  particular,  he  ap- 
pears unreasonably  jealous  of  me,  and  has  forbid  my 
speaking  a  word  to  the  Indians,  and  threatened  me  with 
confinement  if  I  transgress.  All  he  has  against  me  I  sup- 
pose to  be  this  :  a  suspicion  that  I  have  interpreted  to  the 
Indians  the  doings  of  the  Continental  Congress,  which  has 
undeceived  and  too  much  opened  the  eyes  of  the  Indians 
for  Colo.  Johnston's  purposes.  I  confess  to  you,  gentle- 
men, that  I  have  been  guilty  of  this,  if  it  be  any  trans- 
gression. The  Indians  found  out  that  I  had  received  the 
abstracts  of  said  Congress,  and  insisted  upon  knowing  the 
contents.  I  could  not  deny  them,  notwithstanding  my 
cloth ;  though  in  all  other  respects  I  have  been  ex- 
tremely cautious  not  to  meddle  in  matters  of  a  political 
nature. 

"  I  apprehend  my  interpreting  the  doings  of  the  Con- 
gress to  a  number  of  their  Sachems  has  done  more  real 
service  to  the  cause  of  the  country,  or  the  cause  of  truth 
and  justice,  than  five  hundred  pounds  in  presents  would 
have  effected. 

"  If  you  think  proper,  you  may  acquaint  your  Provincial 
Congress  with  the  contents  of  this,  but  you  must  be  cau- 
tious in  exposing  my  name.  You  cannot  but  be  sensible 
my  situation  is  extremely  difficult. 

"  You  may  expect  either  to  see  or  hear  from  me  again 
very  soon.    Wishing  you  the  blessings  of  peace,  and  that 
we  may  all  be  disposed  to  acquiesce  in  the  Divine  govern- 
ment, in  utmost  haste  [I]  subscribe,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  obedt.  and  very  humble  servt. 

"SAML.  KIRKLAND. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany. 

"  A  true  copy. 

"  John  Bay,  Secry.  P.  T." 

Ordered.  That  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Colo.  Harden- 
bergh, Mr.  Silvester,  Mr.  Glenn  and  Mr.  Christopher  P. 
Yates,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  directions  as  may 
be  proper  for  this  Congress  to  give,  and  such  measures  as 
may  be  useful  to  be  by  them  adopted  with  respect  to  the 
Oneidas  and  other  Indian  nations,  and  that  they  report 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Tusten  and  Colo.  Hazeltine  be 
added  to  the  committee  for  arrangement  of  the  troops  to 
be  raised  in  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  the  following  gentlemen,  to  wit :  Benja- 
min Carpenter,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  New-Marl- 
borough,  Samuel  Brewster,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
New-Windsor,  and  Isaac  Belknap,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Newburgh,  pro  tempore,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  Mr.  John  Williams, 
Mr.  Richard  Yates  and  Mr.  Verplanck  be  [a]  committee 
to  consider  of  the  best  methods  to  carry  into  execution  the 
resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  with  relation  to  salt- 
petre and  sulphur  and  to  make  report  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Mr.  McDougal  reported  a  list  of  the  persons  in  the  city 
of  New-York  who  have  got  saltpetre,  and  of  the  quantity 
that  each  person  has  on  hand,  by  which  it  appears  that  the 
whole  quantity  of  saltpetre  now  in  town  amounts  to  2871b. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  to  attend  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of  the  Continental 


50 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Congress  of  the  10th  instant,  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  21st,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  see  from  the  enclosed  order 
that  the  committees  of  the  respective  counties  are  request- 
ed to  collect  all  the  saltpetre,  sulphur  and  brimstone,  in 
their  several  towns  and  districts,  and  to  transmit  the  same 
with  all  possible  despatch  to  this  Congress. 

"  We  recommend  this  matter  to  your  immediate  atten- 
tion, and  beg  you  will  purchase  up  all  the  saltpetre  in  this 
city  and  county,  and  communicate  to  this  Congress  the 
quantity  of  brimstone  and  sulphur  that  may  be  purchased 
in  town,  that  we  may  be  able  to  carry  into  execution  the 
resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  To  the  Genl.  Committee  of  Association  for 

the  city  and  county  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  state  of  Queens  county  be  taken  in- 
to consideration  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  preparing  a  draft  of 
the  sentiments  of  this  Congress,  on  the  terms  of  a  reconci- 
liation with  Great  Britain,  at  their  request,  be  indulged  in 
bringing  in  their  said  report  till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  JOVIS, 


9  HO.  A.  M. 

Jvme  Ml,  \V15. 


The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Auchmuty. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexx.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham  Wal- 
ton, Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beek- 
man,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kis- 
sam,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Marston,  Isaac 
Sears— City  and  county  of  New- York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glenn—  City  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Jonathan 
Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket—  D utchess  county. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen—  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  Benjamin  Tusten,  John  Herring— Orange. 
Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham,  James  Havens,  Selah  Strong— Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding—  Westchester  county. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Polhe- 
mus,  John  Leffertse,  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 
Paul  Mecheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence— Richmond. 
Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson — Queens. 
John  Williams— Charlotte. 
Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett—  Tryon. 
John  Hazeltine,  Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams— Cumberland. 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  be  requested  to 
have  all  the  barracks  in  this  city  immediately  cleansed  and 
made  wholesome,  so  that  they  may  be  ready  to  receive 
such  troops  as  this  Congress  shall  direct. 

A  draft  of  a  passport  for  Mr.  Joseph  Johnson  and  his 
Indian  companions,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  June  22d,  1775.  $ 
"  To  all  Officers  in  the  service  of  the  Colonies,  Members  of  Committees 
and  others,  friends  of  American  Liberty,  Greeting: 
"  Brethren — Know  ye,  that  Mr.  Joseph  Johnson,  an 
Indian  of  the  Mohegan  tribe,  and  a  licensed  preacher  of  the 
gospel,  amongst  the  New-England  and  Oneida  Indians, 
having  applied  to  this  Congress  for  a  passport  for  himself 
and  three  other  Indians,  his  companions  now  here,  on  a 
journey  from  the  Oneida  country  to  New-London,  in  Con- 
necticut ;  we,  well  convinced  of  the  friendly  disposition 


of  the  said  Joseph  Johnson  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Ame- 
rican Colonies,  and  of  his  intentions  and  good  offices  to 
preserve  and  maintain  peace  and  harmony  between  them 
and  the  Indian  nations,  do  request  and  desire  you  to  afford 
all  necessary  aid  and  protection  to  the  said  Joseph  Johnson, 
and  his  three  Indian  companions,  being  James  Shattock, 
John  Skesuck  and  Samuel  Tallman,  and  to  permit  them 
to  pass  freely  and  safely  in  their  journey  to  New-London 
aforesaid. 

"  We  do,  also,  hereby  request  the  said  Joseph  Johnson 
in  our  names,  and  on  behalf  of  the  whole  Colony  of  New- 
York,  to  assure  the  Oneida  Nation,  and  all  other  our  old 
friends  and  allies  of  the  Confederated  Indian  Nations,  that 
we  love  and  esteem  them  as  our  brethren,  that  we  desire 
to  maintain  with  them  the  old  friendship  which  subsisted 
between  us  from  the  time  of  our  forefathers,  and  that  the 
path  between  us  may  be  kept  free  and  open  at  all  times  ; 
and  that  we  desire  they  do  not  give  ear  to  any  false  reports, 
whatsoever  to  the  contrary. 

"  By  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  Attest." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  countersigned  by  the  Secretaries,  and 
delivered  to  the  said  Joseph  Johnson. 

It  is  recommended  by  this  Congress  to  the  general  com- 
mittee of  association  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York, 
that  they  do  immediately  take  the  most  effectual  means  in 
their  power  to  prevent  the  small  pox  from  spreading  in  this 
city  or  county,  and  for  securing  the  city  as  much  as  possi- 
ble from  the  danger  of  infection  from  that  disease. 

The  order  of  the  day  for  consideration  of  the  state  of 
Queens  county,  being  read,  and  after  some  time  spent 
therein, 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Hicks,  Joseph  French  and 
Daniel  Rapalye,  Esqrs.  who  were  elected  Deputies  to  re- 
present Queens  county  in  this  Congress,  and  have  not  as 
yet  attended,  be  requested  to  take  their  seats  in  this  Con- 
gress on  Tuesday  next,  or  assign  their  reasons  for  neglect- 
ing to  attend.    And  it  is 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Richard  Thome,  who  has  ne- 
glected to  attend  this  Congress  for  some  time  past,  be  also 
requested  to  attend  on  Tuesday  next. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  for  Queens  county  do,  on 
Tuesday  morning  next,  report  to  this  Congress  their  opi- 
nion of  the  conduct  of  their  constituents,  with  regard  to  the 
controversy  now  subsisting  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
American  Colonies,  and  what  steps  have  been  taken  by 
any  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county  to  defeat  the  measures 
adopted,  or  necessary  to  be  adopted,  by  the  Continental 
and  this  Congress,  for  the  preservation  of  our  rights  and 
privileges. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  the  subject  matter  of 
a  proper  plan  of  accommodation  with  Great  Britain,  de- 
livered in  their  report,  which  was  read  ;  and  the  same  be- 
ing read  a  second  time, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  taken  into  consideration  on 
Saturday  morning  next ;  that  the  members  of  each  county 
have  leave  to  take  one  copy  thereof,  each  copy  to  be  num- 
bered by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  who  shall  take  a  memo- 
randum of  the  name  of  the  member  who  shall  take  with 
him  such  copy,  and  the  number  of  the  copy  by  him  taken, 
that  all  the  said  copies  may  on  Saturday  next  be  returned 
to  and  filed  with  the  Secretaries  ;  and  all  the  members  are 
directed  by  the  President,  from  the  chair,  to  take  the  ut- 
most care  to  preserve  the  said  copies  secret,  and  to  keep 
secret  the  subject  matter  thereof.  And  it  is  agreed  that  no 
member  shall  transcribe  the  said  report,  or  take  any  copy 
from  the  copies  taken  out  of  the  House  for  the  use  of  the 
members  of  each  county  ;  and  that  all  the  said  copies  shall 
on  Saturday  next  be  returned  to  the  Secretaries. 

Mr.  Thomas  Wickham  delivered  the  general  association 
in  a  book,  signed  by  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  East-Hampton,  with  a  certificate  thereto,  subscrib- 
ed by  John  Chatfield,  chairman,  certifying  that  every  male 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


51 


in  the  town  of  East-Hampton,  capable  of  bearing  arms, 
has  signed  the  said  association. 

Mr.  McDougal  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Yates) 
that  the  sense  of  this  Congress  be  taken  whether  the  troops 
to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  shall  be  clothed  in  uniform. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  it  was  deferred  for  farther 
consideration. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  1V15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Rogers. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Prcsidl. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey, 
James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith, 
Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac 
Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abm.  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Rense- 
laer,  Henry  Glenn — City  and  county  of  Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Jonathan 
Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton.  Christr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

John  Coe,  Benj.  Tusten,  John  Herring — Orange. 

Nathl.  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah 
Strong — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James 
Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding — West- 
chester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen — Kings. 
Paul  Mecheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 
Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson — Queens. 
John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon. 
John  Hazelline,  Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 
A  memorial  of  William  Elphinston,  a  conductor  of  ord- 
nance stores,  taken  at  Ticonderoga,  setting  forth  his  pover- 
ty and  want  of  subsistence,  and  praying  for  relief. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  advance  twenty  shillings 
per  week  to  the  said  William  Elphinstone,  for  his  sub- 
sistence, until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress,  and  that 
the  said  William  Elphinstone  have  leave  to  take  the  use 
of  a  room  in  the  lower  barracks. 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  ought  not 
to  kill  any  lamb  until  the  first  day  of  November  next. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  (and  was  seconded  by  several  mem- 
bers from  the  northern  counties,)  that  this  Congress  enter 
into  and  publish  a  resolution  to  restrain  the  killing  of  sheep 
until  the  first  day  of  November  next. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  according  to  a  rule  of  this 
Congress,  at  the  request  of  the  Deputies  of  Albany,  Suf- 
folk and  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  postponed  till  Wednesday 
next.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolution,  with  respect  to 
lamb,  shall  not  be  published  until  Wednesday  next. 

Robert  Boyd,  in  pursuance  of  the  letter  from  this  Con- 
gress of  the  sixteenth  instant,  attending  at  the  door,  was 
called  in.  He  informed  this  Congress  that  he  could  set 
on  foot  a  manufactory  of  gun  barrels,  bayonets  and  steel 
ramrods,  and  deliver  them  at  the  price  of  thirty-five  shil- 
lings for  each  barrel,  ramrod  and  bayonet.  Henry  Wat- 
keys,  attending  at  the  door,  was^also  called  in,  and  offered 
to  furnish  locks  for  the  muskets,  and  to  mount,  stock  and 
to  finish  them  in  complete  workmanlike  manner,  as  the 
sample  shewn  to  him,  at  the  rate  of  forty-five  shillings  each. 
And  a  saddler,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in,  and  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  the  expense  of  making  scabbards 
for  bayonets  would  be  two  shillings,  and  straps  and  buckles 
for  the  muskets  would  be  one  shilling  and  six  pence. 

Ordered,  That  the  former  committee  appointed  to  agree 


with  Robert  Boyd,  to  wit :  Colo.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Montgo- 
mery and  Colo.  Clinton,  together  with  Thomas  Smith, 
Esqr.  be  a  committee  to  agree  with  the  said  Robert  Boyd 
for  all  the  musket  barrels,  ramrods  and  bayonets  that  he 
shall  make  within  six  months  ;  and  that  the  same  commit- 
tee agree  with  Henry  Watkeys  for  such  of  the  said  mus- 
kets as  he  shall  stock  and  finish,  in  manner  aforesaid,  with- 
in the  same  time. 

Mr.  Sears  has  a  leave  of  absence,  (after  to-morrow 
noon,)  to  go  to  Philadelphia. 

Mr.  John  Williams  has  the  like  leave  to  go  home. 

Mr.  McDougal  moved,  (seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,)  in  the 
words  following  :  I  move  that  this  Congress  recognize  the 
act  of  the  Provincial  Convention  of  this  Colony,  which 
elected  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  and  others  Delegates  to 
represent  the  Colony  in  the  Continental  Congress,  now 
sitting  in  Philadelphia. 

The  subject  matter  of  the  said  motion  being  unanimously 
agreed  to  and  approved  of, 

Resolved,  nemine  contra  dicenle,  That  this  Congress 
does  fully  recognize  the  act  of  the  Provincial  Convention 
of  this  Colony,  which  elected  Philip  Livingston,  James 
Duane,  John  Alsop,  John  Jay,  Simon  Boerom,  William 
Floyd,  Henry  Wisner,  Philip  Schuyler,  George  Clinton, 
Lewis  Morris,  Francis  Lewis  and  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Junr.  Delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  in  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  now  sitting  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  23d,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Alexr.  McDougal,  Leond.  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet,  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
James  Beekman,  Thos.  Smith,  Benj.  Kissam,  John  Van  Cortland,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robt.  Van  Ren- 
selaer,  Henry  Glenn — Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert 
Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Benjn.  Tusten,  John  Herring — Orange. 

Nathl.  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thos.  Wickham, 
Selah  Strong — Suffolk. 

Govt.  Morris,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes, 
David  Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen — Kings. 

Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson — Queens. 

Paul  Mecheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Christr.  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  General  Washington, 
Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  forces  raised,  and  to  be 
raised  in  the  American  confederated  Colonies,  is  on  his 
way  from  Philadelphia  to  this  city,  and  expected  to  be 
near  at  hand. 

Ordered,  That  the  door-keeper  wait  on  Colo.  Lashar 
and  request  him  to  attend  this  Congress  immediately. 

And  Colo.  Lasher  attending  at  the  door,  being  called  in 
by  desire  of  the  Congress,  the  President  requested  Colo. 
Lasher  to  send  one  of  his  field  officers  to  meet  Genl.  Wash- 
ington and  to  know  when  he  will  be  in  this  city.  And  far- 
ther requested  Collo.  Lasher  to  make  such  orders  as  to 
have  his  battalion  ready  to  receive  General  Washington 
when  he  shall  arrive. 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  and  repoit  an  arrange- 
ment of  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read.  The  Congress  immediately 
proceeded  to  the  consideration  thereof;  and  after  some 
time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  deferred  for  further  consi- 
deration. 

Doctor  Dayton  had  leave  of  absence. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 


♦ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Jvme  %Xi\ 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin 
Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears — City  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Henry  Glenn, 
Robert  Van  Renselaer — Albany. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Natha- 
niel Sacket,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton  Smith 
— Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenburgh,  James  Clinton,  Christr.  Tappen,  John  Nichol- 
son— Ulster. 

John  Coe,  Benj.  Tusten,  John  Herring — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham,  Selah  Strong— Suffolk. 

Govr.  Morris,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  Van  Cortland,  James  Holmes, 
David  Dayton,  John  Thomas,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Leffertse 
— Kings. 

Paul  Mecheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Jona.  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph  Robinson — Queens. 

John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams. — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  to  the  President  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Lebanon,  June  19th,  1775. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  29th  May  have  received  and 
note  the  contents.  Am  also  favoured  with  yours  of  the 
6th  instant,  enclosing  the  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress  of  the  31st  of  May,  with  the  lists  of  articles,  or- 
dered to  be  sent  to  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga  and  the 
persons  employed  in  that  service.  We  hope  soon  to  hear 
you  are  well  supplied  with  the  necessary  article  of  powder, 
and  are  able  to  furnish  others  with  it.  As  to  the  supplies 
of  our  troops,  the  necessary  provisions  must  be  furnished 
from  us,  if  not  done  by  you.  On  application  for  fresh  pro- 
visions, have  ordered  a  drove  of  fat  cattle  to  move  forward, 
to  furnish  them  with  fresh  beef  for  the  present.  You  have 
enclosed  an  extract  of  our  act  of  Assembly  directing  the  sup- 
plies of  our  troops.  Am  also  to  acknowldedge  your  fa- 
vour of  the  10th  instant,  wherein  you  mention  the  forward- 
ing a  quantity  of  powder,  which  I  am  advised  is  arrived  at 
Stamford.  Shall  immediately,  agreeable  to  your  desire, 
forward  from  hence  the  like  quantity,  6551b.  to  the  camp 
at  Cambridge.  The  proceedings  of  your  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  the  14th  instant,  inclosing  the  intelligence  given 
them  by  Capt.  Thomson  came  safe  to  hand ;  a  copy  of 
which  intelligence  have  forwarded  to  the  camp  at  Cam- 
bridge ;  and  in  compliance  with  your  request  to  Major 
General  Wooster,  have  ordered  seventeen  hundred  men 
under  his  command  to  march  immediately  within  five  miles 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  subjected  to  the  orders  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  Provincial  Congress  in  New- 
York.  Have  appointed  Capt.  Elisha  Phelps,  Commissary, 
to  receive  at  Albany  and  forward  the  supplies  of  provisions 
for  the  forces  on  Lake  Champlain  agreeable  to  resolve  of 
the  Continental  Congress  the  first  instant.  This  gentle- 
man was  one  of  the  first  in  taking  possession  of  those  for- 
tresses, and  doubt  not  he  will  conduct  with  prudence  and 
to  good  satisfaction.  Have  directed  him  to  correspond 
with  Colo.  Hinman,  to  employ  persons  already  engaged, 
especially  George  Palmer,  Esqr.  and  in  such  manner  as  to 
give  no  uneasiness  to  our  friends  in  Albany. 
"  I  am  with  great  truth  and  regard, 

"  Sir,  your  obedient,  and  most 
"  Humble  servant, 

JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"To  the  Honble.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esquire, 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New- York." 


The  extract  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Connecticut 
(enclosed  in  the  last  before  mentioned  letter)  mentioning 
the  particular  provisions  enacted  to  be  made  for  their 
troops  was  read  and  filed. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  resumed 
the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the 
subject  matter  of  a  plan  of  accommodation  with  Great  Bri- 
tain ;  and  the  same  was  read,  and  by  order,  being  again 
read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  the  first  paragraph  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  all  the  statutes  and  parts  of  statutes  of  the  Bri- 
tish Parliament  which  were  held  up  for  repeal  by  the  late 
Continental  Congress,  in  their  association,  dated  the  twen- 
tieth day  of  October,  1774,  and  all  the  statutes  of  the  Bri- 
tish Parliament  passed  since  that  day,  restraining  the  trade 
and  fishery  of  Colonies  on  this  Continent,  ought  to  be  re- 
pealed." 

The  said  first  paragraph  being  read,  debates  arose  there- 
on, and  Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  following  be  substituted  instead  of  the  whole  first 
paragraph,  to  wit : 

"  That  such  acts  of  Parliament  as  the  present  Congress 
think  fatal  to  the  liberties  of  America  ought  to  be  repealed." 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  amendment,  and  the 
question  being  put,  it  was  carried  against  the  amendment, 
in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  amendment.  Jlgainst  the  amendment. 

Kings  County,  2   Dutchess,   2 

Richmond,    2  Suffolk,    2 

Westchester,    2   Ulster,   2 

Orange,   2   Queens,   2 

—   Albany  3 

8    Cumberland,    2 

New-York,   4 

Dissentient — Mr.  De  Lancey.        Charlotte,   2=19 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  amendment  be  re- 
jected. 

The  said  first  paragraph  being  again  read,  and  the  ques- 
tion put,  whether  the  Congress  does  agree  to  the  said  first 
paragraph,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   2    Cumberland,  2 

Kings,   2   Suffolk,   2 

New-York,   4  — 

Albany,   3  4 

Tryon,   2  Dissentients — Mr.  Sacket,  Co- 
Orange,                                  2      lo.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Sears,  Mr. 

Charlotte,   2      Scott,  Mr.  Brasher,Mr.  Beek- 

Dutchess,   2  man. 

Queens,   2 

Richmond,  2=23 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  does  agree 
with  their  committee  in  the  first  paragraph  of  the  said  re- 
port. 

Then  the  2nd,  3rd  and  4th  paragraphs  of  the  said  re- 
port being  read,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  from  the  necessity  of  the  case,  Britain  ought  to 
regulate  the  trade  of  the  whole  Empire. 

"  That  from  the  natural  right  of  property,  the  powers 
of  taxation  ought  to  be  confined  to  the  Colony  Legislatures 
respectively  :  Therefore, 

"  That  the  moneys  raised  as  duties  upon  the  regulations 
of  trade,  ought  to  be  paid  into  the  respective  Colony  trea- 
suries, and  be  subject  to  the  disposal  of  their  assemblies." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  whe- 
ther the  Congress  does  agree  to  the  said  2nd,  3rd  and  4th 
paragraphs,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   3   Suffolk,   2 

Dutchess,   2   Ulster,   2 

Westchester,   2    Cumberland,   2 

Kings   2  — 

Tryon,   2  6 

Richmond,   2  Dissentients — Colo.  Woodhull, 

Queens   2  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Sears,  Mr. 

New-York,  • .  4  Scott,  Mr.  Brasher,Mr.  Beek- 

Orange,   2  man. 

Charlotte,   2=23 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


53 


For  the  affirmative. 

WestChester,  2 

Charlotte,   2 

Dutches,   2 

Mr.  Sacket  dissenting. 

Queens,   2 

Kings,   2 

Tryon,   2 

New- York,   4 

Dissentients — from  the 
vote  of  New-York, 
Messrs.  Sears,  Scott, 
Brasher,  Beekman. 

Orange,  2 

Richmond,   2 

Albany,  3 

23 


For  the  negative. 

Ulster   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Colo.  Woodhull  dissenting. 
Cumberland,   2 

6 


For  the  affirmative. 

Kings,   2 

Dutches   2 

Mr.  Sacket  dissenting. 

Richmond,   2 

Charlotte,  2 

Tryon,   2 

Albany,   3 

New-York,   4 

Dissentients-Mess.  Sears, 
Brasher,  Scott  and  Beek- 
man. 

WestChester,   2 

Queens,   2 


21 


.For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   2 

Orange,    2 

Cumberland,   2 

Suffolk,    2 

Colo.  Woodhull  dissenting. 

8 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  does  agree 
with  their  committee  in  the  second,  third  and  fourth  para- 
graphs of  the  said  report. 

The  fifth  paragraph  of  the  said  report  being  then  read, 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  in  those  Colonies  whose  Representatives  in  Ge- 
neral Assembly  are  now  chosen  for  a  greater  term  than 
three  years,  such  assemblies  for  the  future,  ought  in  their 
duration  not  to  exceed  that  term." 

And  the  same  being  read,  debates  arose  thereon,  and 
the  question  being  put  whether  the  Congress  agrees  to  the 
said  fifth  paragraph,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,  4 

Charlotte,   2 

Dutches,   2 

Richmond,   2 

West  Chester,  2 

Queens,   2 

Kings,   2 

Orange,   2 

Votes  18 


For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Cumberland,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Dissenting — Colonel  Wood- 
hull. 

Albany,   3 

Votes  11 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with 
their  committee  in  the  fifth  paragraph  of  their  said  report. 

The  sixth  paragraph  of  the  said  report  being  then  read, 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  the  Colonies  are  ready  and  willing  to  support 
the  civil  government  within  the  respective  Colonies,  and 
on  proper  requisitions,  to  assist  in  the  general  defence  of 
the  Empire  in  as  ample  manner  as  their  respective  abilities 
will  admit  of." 

The  same  being  read,  debates  arose  thereon,  and  the 
question  being  put  whether  the  Congress  does  agree  to 
the  said  sixth  paragraph,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative, 
in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


Resolved,  Therefore  that  this  Congress  does  agree  with 
their  committee  in  the  said  seventh  paragraph  of  their  re- 
port, as  now  amended. 

Mr.  Morris  (seconde'd  by  Colo.  Woodhull,)  then  moved 
that  a  resolution  be  entered  into  by  this  Congress  and 
added  to  those  mentioned  in  the  said  report  of  the  com- 
mittee on  the  plan  of  accomodation  with  Great  Britain,  to 
wit : 

Resolved,  That  no  one  article  of  the  aforegoing  report 
be  considered  as  preliminary  to  another,  so  as  to  pre- 
clude an  accommodation  without  such  article,  and  that  no 
part  of  the  said  report  be  deemed  binding  or  obligatory  upon 
the  Representatives  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  Con- 
gress ;  the  same  being  merely  intended  to  testify  our  sense 
of  a  mode  by  which  the  unhappy  differences  between 
Great  Britain  and  America  may  be  finally  accommodated, 
and  of  the  propriety  of  an  overture  for  that  purpose. 

And  the  same  being  read  a  second  time  was  unanimous- 
ly resolved  and  agreed  to. 

The  Congress  being  informed  by  several  members,  that 
nothing  has  as  yet  been  done  towards  cleansing  the  bar- 
racks in  this  city  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Gerrit  Roorback  and  John  Lamb 
be  requested  to  have  all  the  barracks  in  this  city  immediately 
cleansed  and  made  wholesome,  so  that  they  may  be  ready 
to  receive  such  troops  as  this  Congress  shall  direct. 

Mr.  Melancton  Smith  (seconded  by  Mr.  Hobart,)  then 
moved  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  I  move  for  the  fol- 
lowing addition  to  the  report.  "  And  as  the  free  enjoy- 
ment of  the  rights  of  conscience  is  of  all  others  the  most 
valuable  branch  of  human  liberty,  and  the  indulgence  and 
establishment  of  Popery  all  along  the  interior  confines  of 
the  old  Protestant  Colonies  tends  not  only  to  obstruct  their 
growth,  but  to  weaken  their  security ;  all  concerns  of  a 
religious  and  ecclesiastical  nature,  so  far  as  tliey  may  be 
under  the  cognizance  and  controul  of  civil  authority,  ought 
to  remain  exclusively  with  the  respective  Colony  Legisla- 
tures as  the  most  inestimable  object  of  their  internal  po- 
lice." 

The  said  motion  being  delivered  in  at  the  table  and  read 
a  second  time,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  moved  for  the  follow- 
ing amendment,  to  wit :  that  from  the  word  "  security"  to 
the  end  of  the  said  motion  be  obliterated,  and  instead 
thereof  the  following  words  inserted,  to  wit :  "  That  the 
Parliament  of  Great  Britain  cannot  constitutionally  or  of 
right  interfere  or  interpose  in  any  wise  howsoever  in  the 
religious  and  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  the  Colonies." 

Which  amendment  being  read,  Mr.  Morris  proposed  the 
following  additional  amendments  which  were  read  and 
agreed  to,  to  wit :  that  between  the  words  "  that"  and 
"  the"  the  word  "  neither"  be  inserted,  and  that  the  words 
"  cannot  constitutionally  or"  be  obliterated,  and  instead 
thereof  the  words  "  nor  any  other  earthly  legislature  or 
tribunal  ought  or  can"  be  inserted  in  their  stead. 

And  both  the  said  amendments  being  together  read,  and 
agreed  to,  nemine  contra  dicente,  the  said  motion  as  before 
amended  was  again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  And  as  the  free  enjoyment  of  the  rights  of  conscience 
is,  of  all  others,  the  most  valuable  branch  of  human  liberty, 
and  the  indulgence  and  establishment  of  Popery  all  along 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  does  agree 
with  their  committee  in  the  said  sixth  paragraph  of  their 
report. 

The  seventh  paragraph  of  the  said  report  being  then 
read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Colonies  are  ready  and  willing  to  assent  to  a 
Continental  Congress  deputed  from  the  several  Assem- 
blies, to  meet  with  a  President  appointed  by  the  Crown, 
for  the  purpose  of  raising  and  apportioning  their  general 
aids,  upon  application  made  by  the  Crown  according  to 
the  advice  of  the  British  Parliament,  to  be  judged  of  by  the 
said  Congress." 

On  reading  the  same,  debates  arose,  and  on  motion  of 
Mr.  Piatt,  seconded  by  Messrs.  Hobart  and  Scott,  the 
following  amendments  were  proposed  and  agreed  to,  to 
wit:  The  word  "from"  between  the  word  "deputed," 
and  the  word  "  the "  obliterated,  and  the  word  "  by," 
there  inserted;  and  that  the  word  "  Assemblies  "  be  oblite- 
rated, and  the  word  "  Colonies"  inserted  in  its  stead,  &c. 

And  the  question  being  put,  whether  the  Congress  does 
agree  to  the  said  seventh  paragraph,  with  those  amend- 
ments, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

14 


54 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  interior  confines  of  the  old  Protestant  Colonies,  tends 
not  only  to  obstruct  their  growth,  but  to  weaken  their  se- 
curity ;  that  neither  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  nor 
any  other  earthly  legislature  or  tribunal  ought  or  can  of 
right  interfere  or  interpose  in  any  wise,  howsoever,  in  the 
religious  and  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  the  Colonies." 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  motion  as  now  amended, 
and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  whether  the  Congress 
agrees  thereto,  and  will  order  it  to  be  added  to  and  made  a 
part  of  their  said  plan  of  accommodation,  it  was  carried  in 
the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

WestChester,   2      Kings,    2 

Dissentients-Messrs.  Mor-  Mr.  H.  Williams,  dissent- 

ris,  Thomas,  Ward.  ing. 

Suffolk,  2      Richmond,   2 

Tryon,   2      Albany,   3 

Charlotte,   2       Cumberland,   2 

Dutches   2  — 

Orange,'   2  9 

New-York,  4 

Dissentients—  Messrs.  Ver- 
planck,  Kissam,  Low,  De 
Lancey,  Lispenard,  Wal- 
ton. 

Ulster,   2 

18 

Ordered,  Therefore,  that  the  same  motion  as  amended 
and  last  read,  be  added  to  and  made  a  part  of  the  said  plan 
of  accommodation  ;  and  that  it  be  inserted  therein,  imme- 
diately following  that  part  of  the  said  plan  of  accommoda- 
tion which  was  reported  by  the  committee,  and  preceding 
the  resolution  last  before  made  and  entered  into. 

Mr.  McDougall  then  made  a  motion,  (which  was  se- 
conded by  Mr.  Brasher,)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

As  I  conceive  it  would  be  presumptuous  in  this  Con- 
gress to  offer  our  sentiments,  either  directly  or  indirectly, 
to  the  Continental  Congress  on  a  plan  of  accommodation 
with  Great  Britain  until  the  same  be  called  for  by  that 
honorable  body ;  I  move  that  our  committee's  report  on 
that  subject  be  not  transmitted  to  our  Delegates  until  a 
private  letter  be  wrote  to  them  signifying  that  we  have  di- 
gested our  sentiments  on  that  subject,  and  are  ready  to  fur- 
nish them  to  those  gentlemen  when  called  for  by  them  or 
by  the  Continental  Congress,  or  until  we  have  received 
their  answer  to  such  letter. 

This  Congress  being  about  to  adjourn, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  motion  be  postponed  for  farther 
consideration. 

Colo.  Hoffman  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  £5t\i,  1V15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Inglis. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

List  of  the  members  was  not  called. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  New-Bruns- 
wick, June  24th,  1775,  informing  this  Congress  that  Gene- 
ral Washington,  with  his  retinue,  would  be  at  New-Ark 
this  morning,  and  requesting  this  Congress  to  send  some 
of  its  members  to  meet  him  there,  and  advise  the  most  pro- 
per place  for  him  to  cross  Hudson's  river  in  his  way  to 
New-York. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Thos.  Smith,  Hobart,  Morris 
and  Montgomerie,  go  immediately  to  Newark,  and  recom- 
mend to  Genl.  Washington  the  place  which  they  shall 
think  most  prudent  for  him  to  cross  at. 

And  information  being  received  that  Governor  Tryon  is 
at  the  Hook,  and  will  land  at  about  one  o'clock,  Colo. 
Lasher  was  called  in  and  requested  to  send  one  company 
of  the  militia  to  Powle's  Hook  to  meet  the  Generals. 


That  he  have  another  company  at  this  side  [of]  the  ferry 
for  the  same  purpose  ;  that  he  have  the  residue  of  his  bat- 
talion ready  to  receive  either  the  Generals  or  Governor 
Tryon,  which  ever  shall  first  arrive,  and  to  wait  on  both 
as  well  as  circumstances  will  allow. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  President  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  at  Water  Town,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Water  Town  June  13th,  1775.  $ 

"  To  the  Honoble  Delegates  of  the  Congress  of  the  Province  of  New- 
York. 

(CIRCULAR.) 

"  Gentlemen  :  Considering  the  exposed  state  of  the 
Frontiers  of  some  of  the  Colonies,  the  danger  that  the  inha- 
bitants of  Canada  may  possibly  have  disagreeable  appre- 
hensions from  the  military  preparations  making  in  some  of 
the  other  Colonies,  and  the  rumours  that  there  are  some 
appearances  of  their  getting  themselves  in  readiness  to  act 
in  a  hostile  way,  this  Congress  have  made  application  to 
the  Honble.  Continental  Congress  desiring  them  to  take 
such  measures  as  to  them  shall  appear  proper,  to  quiet 
and  conciliate  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  and  to  pre- 
vent such  alarming  apprehensions.  We  also  have  had 
the  disagreeable  accounts  of  methods  taken  to  fill  the  minds 
of  the  Indian  Tribes  adjacent  to  those  Colonies  with  sen- 
timents very  injurious  to  us.  Particularly  we  have  been 
informed  that  Colo.  Guy  Johnson  has  taken  great  pains 
with  the  Six  Nations,  in  order  to  bring  them  into  a  belief 
that  it  is  designed  by  the  Colonies  to  fall  upon  them  and  cut 
them  off.  We  have  therefore  desired  the  Honble.  Con- 
tinental Congress  that  they  would  with  all  convenient  speed 
use  their  influence  in  guarding  against  the  evil  intended 
by  this  malevolent  misrepresentation,  and  we  desire  you 
to  join  with  us  in  such  application. 

"JOS.  WARREN,  President. 

"  Att. 

"  Saml.  Freeman,  Secretary." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  at  Albany  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Many,  llth  June,  1775. 

"  Gent. — You  have  enclosed,  by  order  of  the  committee, 
a  request  of  Adonijah  Strong,  (Deputy  Commissary,)  to 
the  committee  of  this  city  and  county. 

"  I  am  genl.  your  humble  servt, 

"  JOHN  BAY,  Secry.  P.  T." 

The  request  of  Adonijah  Strong  mentioned  and  enclosed 
in  Mr.  Bay's  letter,  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  put  on  the  file. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  at  Albany  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  June  2\st,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Mr.  Dirck  Swart,  a  member  of  this 
board,  who  is  just  returned  from  Crown  Point,  brings  us 
the  following  intelligence  :  That  one  Mr.  Hay,  who  lives 
about  forty  miles  up  Lake  Champlain,  came  down  to  Crown 
Point,  who  told  Colo.  Benedict  Arnold,  and  others,  that 
he  had  been  at  Montreal  for  some  flour  ;  that  Governor 
Carleton  had  him  seized  and  confined  for  several  days  ; 
that  by  the  interposition  of  the  English  merchants  of  that 
place,  he  received  liberty  to  return  home,  and  that  the  mer- 
chants who  procured  him  the  pass  from  the  Lieutenant- 
Governor,  desired  him  to  go  down  to  Crown  Point  and 
Ticonderoga  with  all  speed,  and  communicate  to  the  com- 
mander of  those  fortresses  that  the  French  Cachnawaga 
Indians  had  taken  up  the  hatchet,  but  that  they  refused  to 
go  out  upon  any  scouts,  until  nine  of  their  men  who  were 
then  out  returned,  and  that  Governor  Carleton  was  giving 
them  presents  daily. 

"  We  are  very  sorry  to  inform  you  that  from  a  number 
of  corroborating  circumstances,  we  have  but  too  much  rea- 
son to  believe  the  above  information  to  be  true,  and  more 
especially  as  the  troops,  which  amount  to  about  six  hun- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


55 


dred  men,  suffer  no  persons  coming  up  the  lake  to  pass 
St.  John's,  if  they  can  avoid  it,  where  they  are  building 
floating  batteries  and  boats.  Mr.  Swart  also  acquaints  us 
that  Mr.  Hay  said  that  Governor  Carleton  had  asked  the  En- 
glish merchants  to  take  up  arms  against  the  Yankees,  (to 
make  use  of  his  own  phraseology,)  that  the  merchants  re- 
fused, upon  which  he  told  them  he  would  set  the  town  on 
fire,  which  the  merchants  said  he  was  welcome  to  do ;  and 
added  they  could  carry  as  much  fire  as  himself.  Mr.  Hay 
also  desired  Mr.  Swart,  if  he  should  happen  to  meet  Mr. 
Price,  he  should  request  him  not  to  proceed,  as  the  English 
merchants  in  Canada  conceive  it  unsafe  for  him. 

"  The  forces  above  are  in  no  proper  state  of  defence, 
principally  owing  to  the  scarcity  of  powder,  of  which  article 
we  have  not  been  able  to  send  up  more  with  the  supply  we 
have  received  from  you,  than  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds, 
which  quantity  is  altogether  insufficient  to  answer  the  pur- 
poses intended,  and  of  little  service  in  case  of  an  attack. 
We  can  further  inform  you,  this  city  is  not  half  supplied, 
nor  have  the  frontier  inhabitants  either  powder  or  arms,  for 
which  applications  have  been  and  daily  are  making  to  us. 
We  must  therefore  beg  you  will  afford  us  all  the  assistance 
in  your  power,  and  send  us  per  the  first  opportunity,  such 
an  additional  quantity  as  you  can  conveniently  spare. 

"  We  must  also  beg  of  you  to  send  us  seventy-eight 
blankets,  for  so  many  of  the  men  enlisted  in  this  county, 
who  are  now  at  Fort  George,  without  any.  As  also  some 
money  to  pay  the  companies,  as  they  are  very  uneasy  and 
threaten  to  desert ;  two  of  their  officers  are  now  in  town, 
and  declare  that  they  dare  not  return  without  some  cash 
to  satisfy  their  men. 

"  We  thought  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  inform  you  of 
these  matters ;  therefore,  send  them  you  per  express. 
"  We  are,  gent. 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"SAML.  STRINGER,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  gentlemen  of  the  Provincial 

Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  purchase  seventy- 
eight  blankets  and  forward  the  same  to  the  committee  at 
Albany,  with  all  possible  despatch.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  write  a  private  let- 
ter to  the  committee,  in  answer  to  their  letter. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning.   

DIE  LUNiE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  IT15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Reverend  Doctor  Laidley. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Heary 
Glen — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan 
Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — ForDutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  Benjamin  Tusteen — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas 
Wickham,  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  V.  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes, 
David  Dayton,  John  Thomas,  Junr.  and  William  Paulding — For  West 
Chester  county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorns  Polhemus,  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond  county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Joseph  Robinson — For  Queens  county. 

John  Williams — For  Charlotte  county. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — For  Tryon  county. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — For  Cumberland  county. 


The  Committee  appointed  to  contract  with  Robert  Boyd 
and  Henry  Watkeys,  reported  the  drafts  of  contracts  with 
the  said  Robert  Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  which  were 
read  and  approved  of  by  the  Congress:  whereupon  it  is  re- 
solved and  ordered,  that  Leonard  Lispenard,  Richard  Mont- 
gomerie,  James  Clinton  and  Thomas  Smith,  Esqrs.  execute 
the  same  on  behalf  of  this  Congress,  and  that  this  Congress 
will  provide  the  money  necessary  to  discharge  the  said 
contracts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McDougal  apply  to  Mr.  Gabriel  W. 
Ludlow  for  fifty  pounds  of  the  money  raised  by  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  that  he  deliver  the 
said  fifty  pounds  to  the  committee  appointed  to  agree  with 
Henry  Watkeys  for  his  use,  in  pursuance  of  the  said  agree- 
ment. 

Mr.  McDougal  then  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had 
received  of  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  the  said  fifty  pounds,  and 
by  order  of  the  Congress,  delivered  one  hundred  pounds  to 
the  said  committee,  to  be  given  to  Robert  Boyd,  agreeable 
to  an  order  of  the  13th  instant,  and  delivered  to  the  said 
committee  the  said  £50,  for  the  use  of  Henry  Watkeys. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  Esqr. 
President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  Watertown,  of  the 
13th  instant,  also  the  letter  from  the  committee  at  Albany, 
of  the  21st  instant,  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  this 
Congress,  appointed  for  Indian  affairs,  on  the  21st  instant. 

A  draft  of  an  address  to  his  Excellency  General  Wash- 
ington, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit: 

"  To  his  Excellency  George  Washington,  Generalissimo  of  all  the 
forces  raised,  and  to  be  raised  in  the  confederated  Colonies  of  Ame- 
rica : 

"  The  address  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony 
of  New- York. 

"  May  it  please  your  Excellency — 

"  At  a  time  when  the  most  loyal  of  his  Ma- 
jesty's sujects,  from  a  regard  to  the  laws  and  constitution 
by  which  he  sits  on  the  throne,  feel  themselves  reduced  to 
the  unhappy  necessity  of  taking  up  arms  to  defend  their 
dearest  rights  and  privileges,  while  we  deplore  the  calami- 
ties of  this  divided  empire,  we  rejoice  in  the  appointment 
of  a  gentleman,  from  whose  abilities  and  virtue  we  are 
taught  to  expect  both  security  and  peace.  Confiding  in 
you,  sir,  and  in  the  worthy  generals  immediately  under  your 
command,  we  have  the  most  flattering  hopes  of  success 
in  the  glorious  struggle  for  American  liberty;  and  the  ful- 
lest assurances  that  whenever  this  important  contest  shall 
be  decided,  by  (that  fondest  wish  of  each  American  soul,) 
an  accommodation  with  our  mother  country,  you  will  cheer- 
fully resign  the  important  deposite  committed  into  your 
hands,  and  reassume  the  character  of  our  worthiest  citizen. 
"  June  26th,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Low  be  a  commit- 
tee to  wait  on  General  Washington,  and  know  when  he 
will  be  waited  on  by  this  Congress,  with  their  address. 

Messrs.  Morris  and  Low  returned,  and  informed  the 
Congress  that  General  Washington  would  be  ready  to  re- 
ceive this  Congress,  with  their  address,  at  half  an  hour 
past  two  this  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  address  be  engrossed  to 
deliver. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  reports 
of  the  committee  of  arrangement,  and  proceeded  to  the 
examination  of  the  three  first  columns  of  the  arrangement  of 
officers,  and  approved  of  many  gentlemen  for  officers,  whose 
names  are  marked  on  the  margins  of  the  columns. 

The  Congress  being  informed  by  sundry  members,  that 
they  have  viewed  the  ground  about  five  miles  from  this 
city,  where  it  was  first  intended  that  General  Wooster's 
troops  should  encamp,  and  find  that  the  ground  is  damp, 
and  unfit  for  the  purpose.  Colo.  Lispenard,  Mr.  McDou- 
gal and  Mr.  Beekman  informed  the  Congress  that  they 
have  viewed  an  orchard,  part  of  the  estate  late  of  Elbert 
Herring,  deceased,  which  they  conceive  to  be  a  proper 


56 


JOURNAL  OF  THE 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


place  for  an  encampment,  and  that  the  owner  is  willing  that 
General  Wooster's  troops  may  encamp  there. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Beekman  wait  on  General  Wooster, 
or  any  other  officer  that  he  may  appoint  for  that  purpose, 
to  show  him  the  ground  in  the  orchard  above  mentioned. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  five  o'clock,  and  went 
to  wait  on  Genl.  Washington,  with  their  address. 

5  ho.  P.  M.  June  26,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low.  Alexander  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Walton,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Samuel  Verplanck,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt;  Jacobus  Van  Zandt — 
For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Henry 
Glenn — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutches  county. 

James  Clinton,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe.  Benjamin  Tusteen — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster.  Thomas 
Wickham  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Lewis  Graham.  Stephen  Ward,  David  Dayton.  John  Thomas.  Junr. 
William  Paulding — For  West  Chester  counnty. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Vander  Bilt — For  Kings 
county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond 
county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Nathaniel  Tom — For  Queens 
county. 

Christopher  P.  Yates  For  Tryon  county. 

Paul  Spooner.  William  Williams — For  Cumberland  county. 
The  President  informed  the  Congress,  that  to  prevent 
mistakes  he  had  obtained  a  copy  of  the  answer  of  General 
Washington  to  the  address  of  this  Congress.  The  same 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  Gentlemen — At  the  same  time  that  with  you  I  de- 
plore the  unhappv  necessity  of  such  an  appointment  as  that 
with  which  I  am  now  honoured,  I  cannot  but  feel  senti- 
ments of  the  highest  gratitude  for  this  affecting  instance  of 
distinction  and  regard. 

"  Mav  vour  warmest  wishes  be  realized  in  the  success 
of  America  at  this  important  and  interesting  period ;  and 
be  assured,  that  every  exertion  of  my  worthy  colleagues 
and  myself,  will  be  equally  extended  to  the  re-establish- 
ment of  peace  and  harmony  between  the  mother  country 
and  these  Colonies,  as  to  the  fatal  but  necessary  opera- 
tions of  war. 

"  When  we  assumed  the  soldier,  we  did  not  lay  aside 
the  citizen,  and  we  shall  most  sincerely  rejoice  with  you 
in  that  happv  hour  when  the  establishment  of  American 
Liberty  on  the  most  firm  and  solid  foundations,  shall  enable 
us  to  return  to  our  private  stations  in  the  bosom  of  a  free, 
peaceful  and  happy  country. 

' "  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

■  June  26«,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  the  address  and  answer  be  published. 

The  Congress  then  re-assumed  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  the  committee  of  arrangement,  and  proceeded  to 
the  consideration  of  the  fourth  column,  and  approved  of 
such  gentlemen  as  are  marked  on  the  report  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Mr.  McDougal  had  leave  to  withdraw. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Walton  call  on 
the  gentlemen  of  the  city  of  New- York,  who  are  named  by 
the  committee  to  be  captains  of  companies,  to  know  whe- 
ther they  will  consent  and  agree  to  accept  of  that  service, 
and  that  the  said  committee  report  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  from  Albany  county  write 
to  the  committee  of  Albany,  and  request  them  to  have  the 
arms  belonging  to  the  Colony,  cleaned  and  put  in  good  re- 
pair, at  the  expense  of  the  Colony,  with  all  convenient 
despatch. 


The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  ^th,  1V15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Livingston. 

Present — Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall, Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham  Walton, 
Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,John  De  Lancey,  Samuel  Verplanck, 
Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam, 
John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  John  Marston — City  and  county 
of  Neu>York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glen — Albany. 

Zephaniah  Plait,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 
Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson — Ulster. 
John  Coe,  Benjamin  Tusten — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham, Selah  Strong — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  Philip  V.  Cort- 
landt, William  Paulding,  James  Holmes,  David  Dayton,  John  Thomas, 
Junr.  Robert  Graham — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen.  Theodorus  Polhemus — Kings. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom — Queens. 

Charlotte — [all  absent.] 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Montgomerie  and  McDougal  be 
a  committee,  and  that  they  take  to  their  assistance  Messrs. 
Anthony  Rutgers  and  Samuel  Tudor,  for  superintending 
and  employing  some  person  in  trying  the  experiment  of 
casting  one  brass  field  piece. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  intelligence  for  Charles- 
ton, So.  Carolina,  enclosing  a  copy  of  an  intercepted  letter 
from  General  Gage,  dated  at  Boston,  April  12th,  1775, 
directed  to  Governor  Martin  of  No.  Carolina;  also  a  printed 
copy  of  the  association  entered  into  by  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  So.  Carolina  were  read,  filed,  and  are  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Charles  Town,  So.  Carolina,  > 
"  June  6th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — 

"  We  are  to  thank  you  for  your  intelli- 
gence of  the  5th  ultimo,  and  do  most  heartily  congratulate 
you  upon  that  proper  spirit  which  now  appears  in  your  Co- 
lony. The  apprehension  of  a  defection  in  you,  which  we 
are  happy  to  find  was  unjustly  formed,  occasioned  in  us, 
and  must  undoubtedly  have  given  to  all  America  inex- 
pressible anxiety,  and  at  the  same  time  have  encouraged 
[the]  ministry  to  proceed  in  their  measures.  As  a  proof  of 
the  confidence  which  our  enemies  placed  in  you  ;  and  as  a 
mean  to  prevent  their  diabolical  purpose,  we  are  ordered 
by  Provincial  Congress  now  sitting,  to  transmit  to  you  an 
authentic  copy  of  an  original  letter  from  Genl.  Gage  to 
Govr.  Martin,  which  has  just  fallen  into  our  hands.  We 
have  also  received  intelligence,  that  the  latter,  by  his 
agents,  has  been  secretly  enlisting  a  number  of  those  men 
in  the  back  parts  of  his  Province,  formerly  called  Regula- 
tors, whose  vengance  against  the  lower  inhabitants  may 
induce  them  to  oppose  in  return  for  past  injuries.  We  are 
not  apprehensive  that  he  will  succeed  to  any  great  degree, 
but  depend  upon  your  vigilance  to  prevent  his  getting  arms 
and  ammunition  for  them  through  your  Province,  as  in- 
tended. We  also  enclose  a  copy  of  the  association  entered 
into  on  the  4th  instant,  by  the  fullest  representation  of  this 
Colony  ever  known,  which  has  been  signed  by  every  mem- 
ber. We  would  hint  to  you  the  necessity  of  sending  your 
letters  by  some  particular  person,  and  not  trusting  them  to 
the  fate  of  common  letters  in  a  ship's  bag.  We  also  beg 
leave  to  recommend  to  you  secrecy  in  relation  to  the  above 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


57 


letter,  as  we  would  not  wish  to  put  them  upon  their  guard 
in  future. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  WM.  HY.  DRAYTOX, 
"  ARTHUR  MIDDLETON, 
«  WILLIAM  TENNENT, 
"  JOHN  LEWIS  GERVAIS, 
"  CHARLES  COTESWORTH  PINCKNEY, 
"  Committee  of  Intelligence. 
"  To  the  Graad  Committee  of  New- York. 

To  the  care  of  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

The  following  is  the  copy  of  Genl.  Gage's  letter  : 
(  COPY.  ) 

"  Boston,  12th  April,  1775. 
"Sir — Your  letter  of  the  16th  March,  I  have  had  the 
pleasure  to  receive,  and  am  glad  to  hear  many  of  the  peo- 
ple in  your  Province  are  beginning  to  find  they  have  been 
misled,  and  that  they  seem  inclined  to  disengage  themselves 
from  the  arbitrary  power  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
of  their  committees  ;  I  wish  I  could  say  much  for  the  people 
of  this  Province,  who  are  more  cool  than  they  were,  but 
their  leaders  by  their  acts  and  artifices  still  keep  up  that 
seditious  and  licentious  spirit  that  has  led  them  on  all  oc- 
casions to  oppose  government,  and  even  to  acts  of  rebel- 
lion. The  late  accounts  from  England  has  embarrassed 
their  councils  much  ;  they  have  applied  to  the  New-En- 
land  Governments,  and  doubtless  will  to  those  of  the  south- 
ward to  assist  them ;  but  I  hope  the  madness  of  the  latter 
is  wearing  off,  and  that  they  will  get  no  encouragement 
from  thence. 

"  This  Province  has  some  time  been  and  now  is  in  the 
new  fangled  Legislature  termed  a  Provincial  Congress, 
who  seem  to  have  taken  the  Government  into  their  hands. 
What  they  intend  to  do  I  cannot  pretend  to  say,  but  they 
are  much  puzzled  how  to  act.  Fear  in  some,  and  want  of 
inclination  in  others  will  be  a  great  bar  to  their  coming  to 
extremities,  though  their  leaders  use  every  measure  to 
bring  them  into  the  field. 

"  I  am  very  sorry  that  it  is  not  in  my  power  to  supply 
you  with  the  number  of  arms  you  request,  I  have  them 
not  to  spare  in  the  present  conjuncture  of  the  service  here, 
I  may  assist  you  with  some  powder  but  can  get  no  safe  op- 
portunity from  this  to  send  it  to  you.  I  shall  order  you  a 
supply  by  way  of  New-York.  And  whatever  may  be  in 
my  power  to  assist  you,  to  keep  up  the  present  good  dis- 
position of  the  loyal  part  of  your  Province,  I  shall  be 
happy  to  do,  and  am  sorry  I  cannot  at  present  do  more. 
"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  esteem,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient, 

"  And  most  humble  servant, 

"THOS.  GAGE. 

"  His  Excellency,  Governor  Martin." 

The  above  copy  of  the  letter  from  General  Gage  being 
recommended  by  the  committee  of  Charleston,  South  Car- 
olina, as  necessary  to  be  kept  secret ;  the  President  recom- 
mended to  the  members  of  this  Congress,  that  the  subject 
matter  of  the  said  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  kept  a  pro- 
found secret. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  letter  from  the  Charles 
Town  committee,  and  the  letter  from  Genl.  Gage  to  Go- 
vernor Martin,  be  transmitted  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  warrant  to  such  gentlemen  as  are  intended  to 
be  officers  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  June,  1775.  J 
«  To  Gentlemen,  Greeting: 

"  Know  you  that  the  grand  Continental  Congress  of  the 
associated  Colonies  have  resolved  and  ordered  that  a  cer- 
tain number  of  troops  should  be  embodied  in  this  Colony, 
to  give  protection  to  the  inhabitants,  and  to  be  employed 
as  part  of  the  American  Continental  army.  We,  therefore, 
reposing  special  confidence  in  your  prudence,  courage  and 
affection  to  the  liberties  of  this  country,  do  request  and  au- 
thorize you  to  enlist,  and  raise  a  company  of  seventy-two 
able  bodied  sober  men  of  good  reputation,  (including  three 

15 


sergeants,  three  corporals,  one  drummer  and  one  fifer,)  to 
serve  as  part  of  the  said  troops,  and  that  from  time  to  time 
you  report,  your  progress  in  the  premises,  to  this  Con- 
gress, for  which  this  shall  be  your  warrant ;  and  we  here- 
by give  you  assurance  that  you  will  be  appointed  a 
in  the  said  troops,  when  raised  and  embodied,  if  the  num- 
ber of  men  enlisted  by  you,  (and  intended  to  be 
the  other  officers  of  one  company)  and  received  into  the 
said  troops  by  such  proper  officer  or  muster-master,  as 
shall  be  appointed  for  that  purpose,  shall  amount  to  the 
number  above  mentioned. 

"  A  draft  of  instructions  to  the  several  officers  to  be 
employed  in  raising  troops,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Instructions  for  the  enlisting  of  men. 

"  First.  You  are  not  to  enlist  any  man  who  is  not  able 
bodied,  healthy  and  a  good  marcher;  but  as  men  of  good 
appearance  may  have  ruptures  and  venerial  complaints 
which  render  them  incapable  of  soldier's  duty ;  you  must 
give  attention  that  you  be  not  imposed  upon,  and  take  the 
opinion  of  a  surgeon  where  there  is  room  for  suspicion. 

"  Second.  You  will  have  great  regard  to  moral  charac- 
ter, sobriety  in  particular  ;  let  our  manners  distinguish  us 
from  our  enemies,  as  much  as  the  cause  we  are  engaged  in, 

"  Third,  Those  who  engage  in  defence  of  their  country's 
liberties  shall  be  enlisted  till  the  last  day  of  December  of 
the  present  year,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

"Fourth.  You  shall  appoint  such  men  sergeants  and 
corporals  as  recommend  themselves  by  their  ability,  acti- 
vity and  diligence. 

"  Fifth.  You  will  use  all  diligence  in  completing  your 
company,  and  report  to  the  President  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  to  the  end  that  you  may  receive  orders  to  join 
your  regiment. 

"  Sixth.  During  the  time  you  are  filling  up  your  com- 
pany, you  will  engage  at  the  cheapest  rate  for  the  provi- 
sions of  such  men  as  are  already  enlisted,  (if  there  be  no 
public  magazines  of  provisions  from  whence  you  may  be 
supplied,)  not  exceeding  eight  shillings  per  week. 

"  Seventh.  You  will  lose  no  time  in  disciplining  your 
men,  so  far  as  your  situation  will  admit. 

"  Eighth.  You  will  take  notice  that  proper  persons  will 
be  appointed  to  inspect  your  men,  and  reject  such  as  do 
not  answer  to  your  instructions. 

"  Ninth.  You  will  furnish  the  subalterns  appointed  to 
your  company  with  a  copy  of  those  instructions,  who  are 
hereby  ordered  to  put  themselves  under  your  command. 

"  Tenth.  You  will  observe  that  the  troops  raised  by  this 
Colony  will  be  placed  precisely  upon  the  same  footing,  as 
to  pay,  clothing,  &c.  with  the  other  Continental  troops 
now  raised,  or  hereafter  to  be  raised,  for  the  general  de- 
fence. 

"  Eleventh.  No  apprentice  or  servant  to  be  enlisted, 
without  the  consent  of  the  master." 

Ordered,  That  five  hundred  copies  of  the  said  warrants, 
and  as  many  copies  of  the  said  instructions,  be  printed. 

Colo.  Holmes  has  leave  of  absence. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  muskets  and  bayonets,  belonging 
to  this  Colony,  which  are  in  the  different  counties  in  this 
Colony,  (except  Albany,)  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  with  all  convenient  speed,  and  in  such 
manner  as  that  they  may  come  with  the  greatest  safety. 
And  the  committees  of  the  respective  counties,  where  any 
such  muskets  and  bayonets  now  are,  are  hereby  requested 
and  desired  to  take  all  such  arms  into  their  care,  and  to 
see  that  this  order  be  complied  with  immediately. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

4  ho.  p.  m.  Die  Martis,  June  21th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 
Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Abraham  Brasher,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kis- 


58 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


sam,John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt.Jphn 
Marston — For  the.  city  and  county  of  NcwYork. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Rensclaer,  Henry  Glenn — For  the  city  and  county  of  Mbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan 
Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutches  county. 

Johannes  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  Benjamin  Tusteen — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham,  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen  Ward,  James  Holmes, 
John  Thomas,  Junr.  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — For  West- 
chester county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus — For 
Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond 
county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom,  Richard  Thome—  For  Queens  county. 

Charlotte  county — [All  absent.] 

Cristopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon  county. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland  county. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  subject  matter  of  a  plan  of  ac- 
commodation with  Great  Britain.  The  same  was  read, 
and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Scott  moved,  and 
was  seconded  by  Mr.  Verplanck,  that  the  following  words 
be  added  to  the  2d  parapraph,  at  the  end  thereof,  to  wit : 
"  For  the  general  benefit  of  the  whole,  and  not  for  the  se- 
parate interest  of  any  particular  part."  The  same  was 
unanimously  approved  of  and  agreed  to. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  therefore,  That  this  addition  be 
made  to  the  said  second  paragraph. 

Mr.  Scott  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Colo.  Har- 
denburgh,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  I  move  that  the 
following  article  be  added  to  the  report  of  the  committee  upon 
the  plan  of  accommodation  with  the  mother  country,  vizt : 

"  That  the  Colonies,  respectively,  are  entitled  to  a  free 
and  exclusive  power  of  legislation  within  themselves  respec- 
tively, in  all  cases  of  internal  polity  whatsoever,  subject 
only  to  the  negative  of  their  Sovereign  in  such  manner  as 
has  been  heretofore  accustomed." 

And  the  same  was  unanimously  resolved  and  agreed  to, 
and  ordered  to  be  added  to  and  made  a  part  of  the  said  plan 
of  accommodation,  and  that  it  be  inserted  therein  previous 
to  the  resolution  of  this  Congress  on  that  subject,  entered 
into  on  the  24th  instant,  that  no  one  article  thereof  shall 
be  considered  as  preliminary  to  another." 

The  report  of  the  committee,  as  amended,  with  the  re- 
solutions subjoined  thereto,  are  as  follows  : 

"  Your  committee,  appointed  to  prepare  a  plan  of  accom- 
modation between  Great  Britain  and  America,  do  report, 

"  That  all  the  statutes  and  parts  of  statutes  of  the  Bri- 
tish Parliament,  which  are  held  up  for  repeal  by  the  late 
Continental  Congress  in  their  Association,  dated  the  20th 
day  of  October,  1774,  and  all  the  statutes  of  the  British 
Parliament,  passed  since  that  day,  restraining  the  trade 
and  fishery  of  Colonies  on  this  Continent,  ought  to  be  re- 
pealed. 

"  That  from  the  necessity  of  the  case,  Britain  ought  to 
regulate  the  trade  of  the  whole  Empire  for  the  general  be- 
nefit of  the  whole,  and  not  for  the  separate  interest  of  any 
particular  part,  and  that  from  the  natural  right  of  property 
the  powers  of  taxation  ought  to  be  confined  to  the  Colony 
Legislatures  respectively. 

"  Therefore,  That  the  moneys  raised  as  duties  upon  the 
regulations  of  trade,  ought  to  be  paid  into  the  respective 
Colony  treasuries,  and  be  subject  to  the  disposal  of  their 
Deputies. 

"  That  in  those  Colonies,  whose  representatives  in  Gene- 
ral Assembly  are  now  chosen  for  a  greater  term  than  three 
years,  such  Assemblies,  for  the  future,  ought  in  their  du- 
ration not  to  exceed  that  term. 

"  That  the  Colonists  are  ready  and  willing  to  support 
the  civil  government  within  their  respective  Colonies,  and 


on  proper  requisitions,  to  assist  in  the  general  defence  of 
the  Empire,  in  as  ample  manner  as  their  respective  abili- 
ties will  admit. 

"  That  if  objections  be  made  that  a  resort  to  a  variety 
of  Colony  Legislatures  for  general  aids,  is  inconvenient, 
and  that  large  unappropriated  grants  to  the  Crown  from 
America  would  endanger  the  liberty  of  the  Empire,  then 
the  Colonies  are  ready  and  willing  to  assent  to  a  Continental 
Congress,  deputed  from  the  several  Colonies,  to  meet  with 
a  President  appointed  by  the  Crown,  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  and  apportioning  their  general  aids,  upon  applica- 
tion made  by  the  Crown  according  to  the  advice  of  the 
British  Parliament,  to  be  judged  of  by  the  said  Congress. 

"  And  as  the  free  enjoyment  of  the  rights  of  conscience 
is,  of  all  others,  the  most  valuable  branch  of  human  liberty, 
and  the  indulgence  and  establishment  of  Popery  all  along 
the  interior  confines  of  the  old  Protestant  Colonies,  tends 
not  only  to  obstruct  their  growth  but  weaken  their  security, 
that  neither  the  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  or  any  other 
earthly  legislature  or  tribunal,  ought  or  can  interfere  or  in- 
terpose in  any  wise  howsoever,  in  the  religious  and  eccle- 
siastical concerns  of  the  Colonies. 

"  That  the  Colonies  respectively  are  entitled  to  a  free 
and  exclusive  power  of  legislation  within  themselves,  re- 
spectively, in  all  cases  of  internal  polity  whatsoever,  sub- 
ject only  to  the  negative  of  their  Sovereign,  in  such  man- 
ner as  has  been  heretofore  accustomed. 

"  Resolved,  That  no  one  article  of  the  aforegoing  report 
be  considered  preliminary  to  another,  so  as  to  preclude  an 
accommodation  without  such  article,  and  that  no  part  of 
the  said  report  be  deemed  binding  or  obligatory  upon  the 
Representatives  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress." 

Mr.  McDougall,  with  the  unanimous  leave  of  the  Con- 
gress, withdrew  his  motion  of  the  24th  instant,  for  retain- 
ing the  copy  of  the  plan  of  accommodation  until  the  Dele- 
gates from  New-York  can  be  written  to  and  their  answer 
received. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  state  of  Queens 
county  be  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

J\me  mVi, 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  ihe  Revd.  Mr.  Treat. 

Ppesent — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougal,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  James  Beek- 
man,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kis- 
sam,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt — City  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glen — Jllbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 
Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson—  Ulster. 
John  Coe,  Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Wickham,  Selah 
Strong— Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Joseph  Drake,  David  Dayton, 
John  Thomas,  Junr.  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 
Henry  Williams,  Theodorus  Polhemus — Kings. 
John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel 
Tom,  Thomas  Hicks,  Richard  Thorne — Queens. 

Charlotte — [All  absent.] 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 
The  order  for  taking  in  consideration  the  state  of  Queens 
county  being  read,  the  Congress  took  into  consideration  the 
state  of  Queens  county,  and  it  appearing  that  a  great  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  of  the  said  county  are  not  disposed  to 
a  representation  at  this  board,  and  have  dissented  therefrom, 

Resolved,  That  inasmuch  as  the  people  of  this  Colony 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


59 


have  appointed  us  to  watch  over  their  preservation  and  de- 
fence, and  delegated  unto  us  the  powers  necessary  for  that 
purpose,  such  dissent  ought  not  to  be  of  any  avail,  con- 
sidered as  an  objection  to  the  exercise  of  those  powers,  but 
that  the  said  county,  as  well  as  every  other  part  of  this 
Colony,  must  necessarily  be  bound  by  the  determination 
of  this  Congress  ;  and,  therefore,  inasmuch  as  the  mem- 
bers chosen  for  the  said  county  were  elected  by  a  conside- 
rable part  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  same,  and  the  dissent 
of  others  is  not  to  the  persons  chosen,  but  to  the  choice  of 
any  persons : 

Ordered,  That  the  members  do  take  and  hold  their 
seats  at  this  board  notwithstanding  such  dissent. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  Queens  county  who 
have  not  attended  this  Congress,  be  served  with  a  copy  of 
the  above  resolution  and  order. 

Mr.  Beekman  reported,  that  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of 
this  House  on  Monday  last,  he  had  shewn  the  ground 
therein  mentioned  to  the  proper  officer  of  the  Connecticut 
troops,  appointed  for  that  purpose,  that  the  ground  is  ap- 
proved of",  that  fifteen  hundred  of  the  said  troops  are  ar- 
rived, and  that  he  has  procured  covering  for  them  in  barns 
and  other  out-houses  near  the  ground. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  affidavit  of  Angus  McDonald  be  pu- 
blished in  the  newspapers. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  for  taking  into  conside- 
ration Mr.  Morris's  motion  of  last  Friday,  to  restrain  the 
killing  of  sheep, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  postponed  till  to-morrow 
morning.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  will  then  reconsider  the 
resolution  made  on  Friday  last,  to  restrain  the  killing  of 
lambs. 

Mr.  Morris  has  leave  of  absence  for  two  days. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  reported,  that  Mr.  Walton  and  himself, 
by  order  of  this  Congress,  had  called  on  the  gentlemen  in 
this  city,  mentioned  in  the  report  of  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement for  officers  in  the  troops  to  be  raised  ;  that  se- 
veral of  them  had  consented  to  accept  of  the  service  ;  that 
Messrs.  Helme  and  Stockholm  had  declined  the  service  ; 
that  several  others  had  desired  some  time  to  consider  of 
the  proposal,  and  that  some  of  the  gentlemen  named  for 
lieutenants  were  very  anxious  that  their  particular  situa- 
tions, as  to  the  captains  they  were  to  serve  under,  might 
be  changed.  And  the  Congress  being  informed  that  John 
Quackenboss  is  a  proper  person,  and  very  anxious  to  be  in 
the  service, 

Ordered,  That  the  name  of  John  Quackenboss  be  in- 
serted in  the  room  and  stead  of  Andrew  Stockholm.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lispenard,  with  Messrs.  Roose- 
velt and  Walton,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  present  ar- 
rangement of  the  lieutenants,  and  to  make  such  arrange- 
ment or  alterations  in  the  stations  of  lieutenants  as  they 
may  think  will  give  the  most  satisfaction  to  the  officers, 
and  that  they  report  to  this  Congress  what  they  shall  have 
done  in  the  premises. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
committee's  report  for  estimating  the  articles  necessary  to 
complete  :},000  effective  men;  and  after  some  time  spent 
therein, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  as  Commissary  of 
this  Congress  be  desired  to  purchase,  on  the  public  credit, 
the  following  quantities  of  coarse  broadcloths,  vizt :  coarse 
blue  broadcloth  sufficient  to  make  712  short  coats,  and 
crimson  cloth  sufficient  for  cuffs  and  facings  for  the  said 
coats,  and  that  if  blue  cloth  can  not  be  had,  that  in  such 
case  he  purchase  blue  coating  for  that  purpose  ;  light  brown 
coarse  broadcloth  sufficient  to  make  712  short  coats  with 
blue  cloth  sufficient  for  cuffs  and  facings  ;  gray  coarse 
broadcloth  sufficient  to  make  712  short  coats,  with  green 
cloth  sufficient  for  cuffs  and  facings  ;  dark  brown  coarse 
broadcloth  sufficient  to  make  712  short  coats,  with  scarlet 
cloth  sufficient  for  cuffs  and  facings  for  the  same  ;  and  that 


he  be  also  desired  to  purchase  1,000  stand  of  arms,  20,000 
oil  flints,  8,0001bs.  of  lead,  40  reams  of  cartouch  paper, 
2,852  gun  worms,  2,852  screw-drivers,  ticking  or  Russian 
drilling  to  make  14  bell  tents,  169  pieces  of  ravens  duck  as 
soon  as  it  can  be  got ;  and,  also,  520  camp  kettles,  2,852 
canteens,  2,852  haversacks,  800  small  hatchets,  400  falling 
axes,  80  pick  axes,  and  400  spades  ;  and  that  he  be  de- 
sired to  get  all  the  ravens  duck  (which  he  has  on  hand) 
made  up  into  soldiers'  tents. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the 
Continental  Congress  to  accompany  the  resolves  of  this 
Congress  on  the  subject  of  a  plan  of  accommodation  with 
Great  Britain,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  June  28th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Deeply  impressed  with  the  importance, 
the  utility  and  necessity,  of  an  accommodation  with  our 
parent  state,  and  conscious  that  the  best  service  we  can 
render  to  the  present  and  all  future  generations,  must  con- 
sist in  promoting  it,  we  have  laboured  without  intermission 
to  point  out  such  moderate  terms,  as  may  tend  to  reconcile 
the  unhappy  differences  which  threaten  the  whole  Empire 
with  destruction. 

"  We  now  take  the  liberty  of  enclosing  to  you  the  result 
of  our  deliberations ;  and  although  we  have  not  the  pre- 
sumption to  suppose  that  our  weak  ideas  on  this  momen- 
tous subject  will  be  entirely  approved  of  by  you,  much  less 
by  that  august  body  of  which  you  are  members,  yet  we 
take  leave  to  observe  that  the  breach  hath  been  much  wi- 
dened since  our  first  dispute  on  the  subject  of  taxation,  and 
that  as  this  was  the  source  of  all  our  grievances,  so  we 
have  the  hope  that  the  temptation  being  taken  away,  our 
civil  and  religious  and  political  rights  will  be  easily  ad- 
justed and  confirmed. 

"  You  will  observe,  gentlemen,  that  by  resolution  of  the 
House,  subjoined  to  the  report  of  our  committee,  we  con- 
sider the  whole  as  entirely  subjected  to  your  better  judg- 
ment, and  each  article  as  far  independent  of  every  other  as 
you  may  think  most  proper  or  convenient.  We  must  now 
repeat  to  you,  the  common  and  just  observation,  that  con- 
tests for  liberty,  fostered  in  their  infancy  by  the  virtuous 
and  wise,  become  sources  of  power  to  wicked  and  design- 
ing men  ;  from  whence  it  follows  that  such  controversies  as 
we  are  now  engaged  in,  frequently  end  in  the  demolition 
of  those  rights  and  privileges  which  they  were  instituted 
to  defend.  We  pray  you,  therefore,  to  use  every  effort  for 
the  compromising  of  this  unnatural  quarrel,  between  the 
parent  and  child  ;  and  if  such  terms  as  you  may  think  best 
shall  not  be  complied  with,  earnestly  to  labour  that  at  least 
some  terms  may  be  held  up,  whereby  a  treaty  shall  be  set 
on  foot  to  restore  peace  and  harmony  to  our  country,  and 
spare  the  further  effusion  of  human  blood.  So  that  if,  even 
at  the  last,  our  well  meant  endeavours  shall  fail  of  effect, 
we  may  stand  fair  and  stand  unreproachable,  by  our  own 
consciences,  in  the  last  solemn  appeal  to  the  God  of  battles. 
"  We  are,  gent. 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of  New- 
York  in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  the  above  letter  be  en- 
grossed and  signed  by  the  President ;  that  one  copy  there- 
of, together  with  a  copy  of  the  report  of  the  committee  of 
accommodation,  be  sent  to-morrow  by  express  to  our  De- 
legates at  the  Continental  Congress,  and  the  other  copy 
of  the  said  letter  and  report  be  sent  by  Francis  Lewis, 
Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  the  Commissary  deliver  any  articles 
which  he  shall  at  any  time  have  purchased,  and  have  in 
his  custody,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  to  Gene- 
ral Schuyler  on  his  request,  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

A  letter  to  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  at  Philadelphia,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


60 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"In  Provincial  Conokessl_  | 


"New-York,  June  28th,  1775,  , 

«Sir  We  are  informed  that  you  have  engaged  the 

refusal  of  a  number  of  blankets.  We  have  now  to  tell 
vou,  that  for  the  three  thousand  men  we  are  desired  to 
raise  we  shall  want  two  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty- 
two  blankets,  and  that  there  are  not  any  to  be  purchased 
here.  We  beg,  therefore,  that  you  will  procure  so  many, 
which  may  be  paid  for  out  of  the  public  money  with  you. 

"  We  are,  Sir,  your  most  obedt.  servt. 
«  To  John  Axsor,  Esqr.  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  sent  by  the  first  opportunity. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  5  ho.  P.  M.  June  28lh,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Peter  Van  Brugh,  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

A  letter  from  Elisha  Phelps,  commissary  for  the  Connec- 
ticut troops,  at  Ticonderoga,  &c.  bearing  date  at  Albany, 
22d  June,  1775,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  desired  to  pur- 
chase 50  firkins  of  butter  and  10  hogsheads  of  molasses, 
and  forward  the  same  to  Elisha  Phelps,  commissary  at 
Albany,  by  [the]  first  conveyance. 

The  warrants  for  the  purpose  of  raising  troops  in  this 
Colony  being  prepared, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  sign  the  same  on  behalt 
of  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o  clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 


June  £9t\v,  1T15. 


The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Bowden. 
.    Present— Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham  Wal- 
ton, Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beek- 
man,  John  Marston,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clark- 
eon,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van 
Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt—  City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glen — ilbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket—  Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenberg,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson—  Ulster. 

Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen— Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas 
Wickham,  Selah  Strong—  Suffolk. 

Governr  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  V.  Cortlandt,  Stephen 
Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,Theodorus  Pol- 
hemus,  John  Lefl'ertse,  John  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner— Richmond. 

Jacob  Black  well,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Thomas  Hicks,  Richard  Thome— Queens. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams— Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  was  read,  and  is  in  the 

words  following,  to  wit : 

65  "  New-York,  29th  June,  1775. 

«  SiR — As  I  propose  that  the  troops  from  Connecticut 
should  encamp  this  morning,  permit  me  to  beg  of  you  to 
give  orders  that  tents  to  the  number  of  250,  with  the 
poles,  be  sent  as  soon  as  possible  to  the  ground  the  troops 
are  to  occupy  ;  they  will  also  be  in  immediate  want  of 
fuel  for  dressing  their  victuals,  and  of  straw  to  lie  on. 

"  Pray  be  so  good  as  to  let  me  know  at  what  hour  you 
think  the  tents  can  be  at  the  place  destined  for  the  en- 
campment. 

"  I  am,  Sir,  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"To  Peter  V.  Bruoh  Livingston,  Esqr. 

Presidt,  &c." 


Mr.  Mayor,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in,  and  in- 
formed the  Congress,  that  Mr.  Francis  Stephens,  the 
King's  storekeeper  in  this  city,  had  applied  to  His  Excel- 
lency, Govr.  Tryon,  declaring  his  apprehensions  that  the 
stores  in  Turtle  Bay  are  not  in  a  state  of  safety,  and  his 
inclination  to  remove  them  ;  that  the  Governor  had  ex- 
pressed to  the  Mayor  his  wish  and  inclination,  that  Mr. 
Stephens  might,  at  his  own  expense,  be  permitted  to  re- 
move those  stores  without  tumult  or  opposition,  and  put 
them  on  board  of  a  vessel,  and  that  Mr.  Mayor  now  ap- 
plies to  this  Congress  for  their  countenancing  that  mea- 
sure.   And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  an  offer  be  made  to  the  Mayor,  that  this 
Congress  will,  (if  it  be  agreeable  to  Government)  request 
Major-General  Schuyler  to  keep  a  sufficient  command  at 
Turtle  Bay  to  guard  the  King's  stores,  which  are  now 
there ;  and  that  in  case  the  said  offer  be  accepted  of,  and  such 
guard  can  be  obtained,  the  said  stores  be  delivered  into 
their  care  by  inventory,  and  that  in  such  case  this  Con- 
gress will  be  accountable  for  the  redelivery  of  the  said 
stores  when  the  present  unhappy  commotions  in  North 
America  shall  be  at  an  end. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  wait  upon  his 
worship  the  Mayor,  and  serve  him  with  a  copy  of  the 
foregoing  order. 

In  pursuance  of  the  order  of  the  day,  the  Congress  re- 
sumed the  consideration  of  Mr.  Morris's  motion  for  re- 
straining the  killing  of  sheep,  and  the  order  for  reconsid- 
ering the  resolution  for  restraining  the  killing  of  lamb,  and 
after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  McDougall  moved  in 
the  following  words  : 

I  move  that  killing  of  lamb  be  restrained  to  the  first 
of  August  next,  instead  of  the  first  of  November,  as  de- 
termined by  a  resolution  of  the  Congress  on  the  23d  day 
of  June  instant. 

And  the  said  motion  being  read,  Mr.  Morris  moved  that 
the  said  motion  be  amended  thus  : 

"  That  the  question  be  put,  whether  it  is  the  sense  of 
this  House  that  the  killing  of  sheep  and  lambs  be  re- 
strained to  a  certain  time  ?" 

And  the  question  being  put  on  the  said  amendment,  it 
was  carried  against  the  amendment  in  manner  following  : 

Jlgainst  the  amendment.  For  the  amendment. 

Albany,   3       Westchester,   2 

Suffolk,   2       Tryon,   2 

Dutchess,   2       Orange,   2 

New-York,   4       Cumberland   2 

Kings,    2  — 

Ulster,    2  8 

Queens,   2 

Richmond,   2 


19 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  amendment  be  re- 
jected. 

The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  McDougall's  mo- 
tion, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following, 
to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Suffolk,   2 

Orange,   2 

Queens,   2 

Kings,    2 

Richmond,   2 

New-York,   4 


14 


For  the  negative. 

Tryon,   2 

Albany,   3 

Cumberland,   2 

Ulster,   2 

Westchester,   2 

Dutchess,    2 

13 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  no  person  in  this  Colony  kill 
any  lambs  until  the  first  day  of  August  next.  And 

Ordered,  That  five  hundred  copies  of  this  resolution  be 
published  in  handbills,  and  that  it  be  also  published  in  the 
newspapers. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  to  cover 
a  copy  of  the  letter  of  the  sixth  of  June  from  the  com- 
mittee of  intelligence  at  Charlcstown,  in  So.  Carolina, 
and  a  copy  of  General  Gage's  letter  to  Governor  Martin, 
of  the  twelfth  of  April  last,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


61 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  29th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — We  lately  received  a  letter  from  the 
committee  of  intelligence  at  Charles  Town,  in  South  Ca- 
rolina, covering  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Gage  to 
Governor  Martin. 

"  From  the  importance  of  the  contents  of  those  letters, 
we  have  thought  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  transmit 
copies  of  them  to  your  respectable  body. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"Most  respectfully, 
"Your  faithful  friends  and  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Honorable,  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  copies  of  the  letters 
therein  mentioned,  be  sent  by  the  first  conveyance. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Elisha  Phelps  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  29th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  22d  instant  was  ihis  day  re- 
ceived in  Congress,  and  the  contents  observed.  The  em- 
barrassments you  and  the  troops  stationed  at  Lake  Cham- 
plain  might  have  met  with  in  respect  to  the  provisions  and 
stores  at  Albany,  we  are  persuaded  did  not  arise  from  any 
other  design  than  that  of  fulfilling  the  orders  the  commis- 
saries, appointed  by  this  Provincial  Congress,  received 
previous  to  your  appointment  as  Commissary,  in  conse- 
quence of  a  later  order  of  the  Continental  Congress.  Your 
difficulties,  if  they  are  not  already,  will  now,  we  trust,  be 
removed  ;  and  that  you  may  have  no  farther  trouble  on 
that  head,  we  have  wrote  a  letter  and  order  to  the  com- 
missaries heretofore  appointed  by  this  board,  to  deliver  up 
all  the  provisions  and  stores  in  their  custody  for  that  ser- 
vice to  you,  and  have  enclosed  to  them  a  copy  of  the  order 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  by  which  they  will  perceive 
they  are  superseded  in  that  business. 

"We  also  received  a  letter  dated  the  15th  instant,  from 
your  deputy,  Adonijah  Strong,  directed  to  the  committee 
of  Albany,  couched  in  terms  not  so  very  suitable.  How- 
ever, for  answer  to  the  most  necessary  parts,  we  remark, 
that  two  of  the  articles  mentioned  in  it  as  wanting,  to  wit, 
rice  and  rum,  were  sent  up  some  time  ago.  A  sufficiency 
of  peas,  we  suppose,  can  be  procured  at  Albany.  You 
will  please,  therefore,  to  buy  there  as  much  as  is  requisite 
on  the  public  credit  of  this  Colony.  Butter  and  fresh 
meat  we  know  to  be  scarce  commodities  at  Albany ;  the 
former  we  shall  endeavour  to  send  you  a  proper  supply  of 
from  this  city,  and  the  latter  article  we  imagine  you  do 
not  for  the  present  stand  so  much  in  need  of,  as  it  appears 
by  Governor  Trumbull's  letter  of  the  19th  instant,  to  us, 
that  a  drove  of  fat  cattle  was  forwarded  up  to  you.  We 
shall  also  send  you  from  hence  ten  hogsheads  of  molasses 
to  brew  beer  with. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  hum.  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Mr.  Elisha  Phelps,  Commissary  of  Provisions." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  N.  Bleecker  and  four  other 
persons,  formerly  appointed  agents  at  Albany,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  June  29th,  1775.  5 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Elisha  Phelps  of  the  22d  instant,  informing  us,  that  in 
the  absence  of  Mr.  Bleecker,  he  was  refused  the  provisions 
and  stores  left  in  his  custody,  and  designed  for  the  troops 
at  Lake  Champlain,  &c. 

"  You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  copy  of  an  order  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  that  the  appointment  of  Com- 
missary in  that  department,  is  left  to  the  disposal  of 

16 


that  government,  or  the  General  of  the  forces  of  Connec- 
ticut. 

"  And  it  appears  to  us  by  a  letter  from  Governor  Trum- 
bull, dated  the  19th  instant,  that  Mr.  Phelps  is  appointed 
Commissary,  and  that  he  doubts  not  he  will  conduct  with 
prudence  and  good  satisfaction  ;  that  he  has  directed  him 
to  correspond  with  Colo.  Hinman,  to  employ  persons  al- 
ready engaged,  especially  George  Palmer,  Esqr. 

"  You  will  please,  therefore,  to  deliver  up  to  him,  or 
his  order,  all  the  supplies  of  provisions  and  stores  in  your 
hands  and  custody  for  the  said  forces,  and  take  his  receipt 
for  everything  you  deliver  him,  and  send  us  an  account 
of  all  such  stores  as  you  have  issued  to  the  troops  or  shall 
deliver  to  the  said  Commissary,  and  your  account  of  ex- 
penses to  this  time. 
"  To  the  Commissaries  at  Albany, 

"  Appointed  by  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  5  ho.  June  29th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall.  Leonard  Lispenard,  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt — For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Francis 
Nicholls — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel 
Sackett — For  Dutches  county. 

Johannes  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson — For  Ulster 
county. 

John  Coe,  Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — For  Orange  county. 
Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham,  Selah  Strong — For  Suffolk  county. 

Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding— For  West  Chester  county. 

HeDry  Williams,  John  Vanderbilt — For  Kings  county. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — For  Richmond 
county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townshend,  Thomas 
Hicks,  Richard  Thorne — For  Queens  county. 
Christopher  P.  Yates — For  Tryon  county. 
Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — For  Cumberland  county. 

A  memorandum  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire,  of  the  ar- 
ticles by  him  supplied  to  His  Majesty's  ship,  between  the 
twenty-third  day  of  April  and  the  sixteenth  day  of  May 
last,  was  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Lott  also  sent  in  a  memorandum  or  list  of  provisions 
now  wanted  for  His  Majesty's  ship  the  King's  Fisher,  to 
wit:  2,0001b.  of  bread,  two  barrels  of  beef,  two  barrels  of 
pork,  one  barrel  of  flour,  and  four  barrels  of  butter. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lott  be  at  liberty  to  supply  the 
above  quantities  of  provisions  to  the  said  ship  King's 
Fisher. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  on  the 
subject  of  saltpetre  and  sulphur,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  June  29th,  1775.  $ 

"Gentlemen — 

"  In  compliance  with  the  resolve  of  the 
Congress  of  the  tenth  of  June  instant,  we  have  wrote  to 
the  proprietors  of  the  powder  mills  in  this  Colony,  request- 
ing them  immediately  to  put  their  mills  in  a  condition  to 
manufacture  powder  for  the  use  of  the  Continent. 

"  Upon  inquiry,  we  find  there  can  be  purchased  in  this 
city,  sixteen  or  twenty  tons  of  sulphur,  which  we  conceive 
will  be  more  than  sufficient,  for  the  saltpetre  that  may  be 
collected  in  the  different  Colonies.  If  the  Congress 
should  be  of  this  opinion,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give 
directions  to  the  other  Colonies  not  to  send  to  this  city  any 
sulphur,  but  to  direct  their  attention  to  the  article  of  salt- 


62 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


petre  only.  Of  this  article  there  is  but  2501b.  to  be  pur- 
chased here  at  present.  We  submit  this  matter  to  the 
consideration  of  the  Congress. 

"  And  are  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  Honoble.  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

3\me  S0V\v,  1V15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers,  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Moore. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  John  Marston,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck, 
Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smilh,  Benjamin  Kissam, 
John  Morin  Scott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Walter  Livingston,  Robert  Van 
Renselaer,  Henry  Glen,  Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson—  Ulster. 

John  Coe,  Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas  Wick- 
ham,  Selah  Strong — Suffolk. 

Govr.  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Stephen  Ward, 
Joseph  Drake,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theods.  Pol- 
hemus,  John  Leffertse,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Thomas  Hicks,  Richard  Thorne — Queens. 

Christopher  P.  Yates — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress,  that  Genl.  Schuy- 
ler had  been  under  the  necessity  to  send  the  messenger, 
(who  was  provided  yesterday,)  to  Philadelphia,  and  there- 
fore was  under  the  necessity  of  having  another  messenger 
to  go  to  Albany,  whom  the  President  was  desired  to  order 
and  to  pay,  in  pursuance  of  the  former  order  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Mr.  Walter  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Verplanck,  Van  Zandt  and  Beek- 
man, be  a  committee  for  auditing  all  accounts  that  may  be 
brought  into  this  Congress,  and  that  the  report  of  them,  or 
any  two  of  them,  on  any  account  of  the  sum  that  ought  to 
be  paid  thereon,  shall  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to  the  Presi- 
dent to  pay  the  same. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  arrange- 
ments of  the  battalions,  and  thereupon  agreed  and  ordered 
that  the  New-York  regiment  be  considered  as  the  first 
regiment,  and  have  rank  accordingly.  Albany,  Ulster  and 
Tryon  counties  dissented. 

The  Congress  then  unanimously  approved  of  Alexander 
McDougal  for  colonel,  Rudolphus  Ritzma  for  lieutenant- 
colonel,  and  John  Brogden  for  adjutant  of  the  first  regi- 
ment. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  was  read,  requesting  a 
small  committee  of  this  Congress  to  meet  him  as  soon  as 
possible.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Montgomerie,  Mr.  Hicks  and  Mr. 
Clarkson,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  General  Schuyler  im- 
mediately, and  bring  their  report  in  writing. 

Agreed  and  ordered,  that  Colo.  Rooseboom's  regiment 
be  the  second  regiment,  and  take  rank  accordingly. 

The  Congress  unanimously  agreed  and  approved  of 
Myndert  Rooseboom  for  colonel  ;  Goosie  Van  Schaack, 
lieutenant  colonel  ;  Barent  I.  Ten  Eyck,  adjutant,  and  John 
W.  Wendal,  quarter-master,  of  the  second  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  pay  into  the 
hands  of  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  the  balance, 
of  the  moneys  subscribed  on  the  public  faith  and  by  him 


collected,  and  that  the  receipt  of  the  said  Peter  V.  B.  Li 
vingston  be  a  sufficient  discharge  to  Mr.  Ludlow  for  the 
same. 

Samuel  Cooke,  Ebenezer  Haviland  and  John  Williams, 
are  respectively  approved  as  surgeons,  if  they  respectively 
shall  be  found  properly  and  sufficiently  qualified  for  those 
stations;  and  that  they  be  examined  by  Doctors  John  Jones 
and  Samuel  Bard,  who  are  requested  to  make  such  exa- 
mination. 

Agreed  and  ordered,  that  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment  be 
the  third  regiment,  and  take  rank  accordingly. 

The  Congress  then  unanimously  approved  of  Colo.  James 
Clinton  for  colonel,  Edward  Flemming  for  lieutenant-colo- 
nel, and  Cornelius  D.  Wyncoop  for  major,  of  the  third 
regiment. 

The  committee  who  waited  on  General  Schuyler,  re- 
turned, and  their  report  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  is  directed  by  the  Continental 
Congress,  to  repair,  as  soon  as  conveniently  he  can,  to  the 
posts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  to  examine  into 
the  state  thereof,  and  of  the  troops  now  stationed  there, 
and  how  they  are  supplied  with  provisions  and  necessary 
stores  ;  into  the  state  also  of  the  sloop  and  other  navigation 
on  the  lakes.  Also  to  obtain  the  best  intelligence  he  can 
of  the  disposition  of  the  Canadians  and  Indians  in  Canada; 
and  that  he  give  orders  for  the  necessary  preparation  of 
boats  and  stores  for  securing  the  United  Colonies  the  com- 
mand of  those  waters  adjacent  to  Crown  Point  and  Ticon- 
deroga. 

"In  order  to  carry  this  service  into  execution,  he  will 
require  the  stores,  of  which  General  Schuyler  will  furnish 
the  Congress  with  an  estimate  as  soon  as  possible  ;  as  it  is 
probable  the  troops  which  are  now  here  will  be  ordered  to 
the  northward,  and  as  some  of  their  arms  are  out  of  repair, 
he  wishes  that  armourers  may  immediately  be  provided  to 
put  those  arms  which  may  require  it  into  repair." 

Ordered,  That  every  gunsmith  in  the  city  of  New-York 
be  requested  to  repair,  with  all  possible  despatch,  any  arms 
of  the  troops  from  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  now  here, 
which  may  be  brought  to  them  by  the  quarter-master  of  the 
said  troops,  or  either  of  them,  for  that  purpose. 

Agreed  and  ordered,  that  Colo.  Holmes's  regiment  be 
the  fourth  regiment,  and  take  rank  accordingly. 

The  Congress  then  unanimously  approved  of  James 
Holmes  for  colonel,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt  for  lieutenant- 
colonel,  and  Barnabas  Tulhill  for  major,  of  the  said  fourth 
regiment. 

Mr.  President,  at  his  request,  has  leave  of  absence  till 
Monday  next,  and  Mr.  Lispenard  is  unanimously  chosen 
President  pro  tempore.  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  has  leave  of 
absence,  to  depart  to-morrow  evening;  and  Mr.  Walton 
has  leave  of  absence  to  depart  this  evening,  and  to  return 
early  on  Monday  morning. 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
treat  with  Robert  Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  reported  the 
draft  of  an  article  of  agreement  in  the  following  words,  to 
wit : 

"  Articles  of  agreement  made  and  concluded  this  day 
of  June,  1775,  between  Henry  Watkeys,  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  gunsmith,  of  the  one  part,  and  Leonard  Lis- 
penard, Pichard  Montgomerie,  James  Clinton  and  Tho- 
mas Smith,  Esqrs.  by  order  and  on  behalf  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New- York,  of  the 
other  part. 

"  1st.  The  said  Henry  Watkeys  doth  hereby  agree  to 
and  with  the  said  Leonard  Lispenard,  Richard  Montgome- 
ry, James  Clinton  and  Thomas  Smith,  that  he,  the  said 
Henry  Watkeys,  shall  and  will  use  his  utmost  diligence  to 
finish  all  the  muskets  (the  barrels,  ramrods  and  bayonets 
being  first  provided  by  the  Congress,)  in  the  following 
manner,  to  wit:  The  lock  to  be  made  agreeable  to  the 
lock  now  delivered  to  him,  marked  "  Grice  1760,"  and  the 
stock  and  mounting  to  be  finished,  and  the  musket  barrel 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


63 


polished  agreeable  to  the  musket  now  delivered  him,  mark- 
ed "  N.1'  20,"  and  the  said  Henry  Watkeys  agrees  to  de- 
liver the  said  muskets  in  small  parcels  as  they  are  finished, 
and  complete  the  whole  work  with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  2dly.  The  said  Leonard  Lispenard,  Richard  Mont- 
gomerie,  James  Clinton  and  Thomas  Smith  in  behalf  of 
the  said  Congress  do  agree  to  pay  to  the  said  Henry  Wat- 
keys  for  every  musket  which  he  shall  deliver  within  six 
months  completely  finished  in  manner  aforesaid,  the  sum 
of  two  pounds  five  shillings ;  provided  the  number  does 
not  exceed  one  thousand  :  and  in  order  to  enable  the  said 
Henry  Watkeys  to  comply  with  this  contract,  it  is  agreed 
to  advance  to  him  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds,  which  sum  is 
to  be  accounted  for  out  of  money  that  may  be  due  to  him, 
on  the  first  parcel  of  muskets  that  shall  be  delivered  by 
him.  And  it  it  is  understood  by  the  parties  that  the  said 
Henry  Watkeys  is  not  to  be  entitled  to  the  bounty  offered 
by  the  Congress  to  encourage  the  making  of  muskets  in 
this  Colony,  upon  the  muskets  to  be  delivered  by  virtue  of 
this  contract." 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Clinton,  Colo.  McDougal,  Mr.  Bra- 
sher, Colo.  Woodhull,  Colo.  Tusteen,  Colo.  Cortlandt,  Colo. 
Renselaer,  Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Christopher 
Yates,  Colo.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  and  Major  Wil- 
liams be  a  committee  to  form  and  determine  the  rank  of 
the  captains  and  inferior  officers  in  each  regiment,  and  of 
the  captains  and  inferior  officers  of  the  several  regiments. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing-   

DIE  SATURN1I,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  1st,  1Y15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  Revd.  Dr.  Auchmutv. 

Present — Leonard  Lispenard,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher, Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard 
Yates,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott — City  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Robert  Van  Renselaer,  Francis 
Nicoll — Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  John  Nicholson — Ulster. 

Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  John  Foster,  Thomas 
Wickham— Suffolk. 

Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortland,  William  Paulding-  Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  John  Van 
Derbilt — Kings. 

John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Samuel  Townsend,  Richard  Thome — Queens. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  Presi- 
dent of  the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  24th  June,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — By  order  of  the  Congress,  I  enclose 
you  certain  resolves  passed  yesterday,  respecting  those 
who  were  concerned  in  taking  and  garrisoning  Crown  Point 
and  Ticonderoga.  As  the  Congress  are  of  opinion  that 
the  employing  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  in  the  American 
army  would  be  advantageous  to  the  common  cause,  as 
well  on  account  of  their  situation  as  of  their  disposition 
and  alertness,  they  are  desirous  you  should  embody  them 
among  the  troops  you  shall  raise.  As  it  is  represented  to 
the  Congress  that  they  will  not  serve  under  any  officers 
but  such  as  they  themselves  choose,  you  are  desired  to 
consult  with  General  Schuyler,  in  whom  the  Congress 
are  informed,  these  people  place  great  confidence,  about 
the  field  officers  to  be  set  over  them. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  To  the  Members  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 


The  resolves  mentioned  and  enclosed  in  the  foregoing 
letter,  were  also  read,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Congress,  June  23d,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  officers 
commanding  in  the  New-Yoik  Department,  to  procure  as 
soon  as  possible,  a  list  of  the  men  employed  in  taking  and 
garrisoning  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  and  keeping 
possesion  of  the  lakes  ;  and  also  of  their  disbursements, 
in  order  that  they  may  be  paid. 

"  Resolved,  That  their  pay  be  the  same  as  that  of  the 
officers  and  privates  in  the  American  army  ;  the  highest 
of  the  officers  not  to  exceed  that  of  a  captain,  and  that 
the  pay  commence  the  third  day  of  May  last,  and  continue 
until  they  are  discharged. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention 
of  New- York,  that  they,  consulting  with  Genl.  Schuyler, 
employ  in  the  American  army  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of 
America,  those  called  Green  Mountain  Boys,  under  such 
officers  as  the  said  Green  Mountain  Boys  shall  choose. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

«« CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Secry. 
Another  letter  from  the  President  of  the  Continental 
Congress  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  27th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — By  the  unanimous  vote  of  this  Con- 
gress, I  am  directed  to  assure  you  that  they  have  a  high 
sense  of  your  services  in  the  common  cause  of  the  United 
Colonies,  and  to  inform  you  of  the  appointment  of  the  se- 
veral general  officers  to  command  the  Continental  forces  ; 
a  list  of  whom  I  now  enclose  you.  The  subordinate  offi- 
cers to  be  recommended  by  the  Provincial  Congresses  to 
the  General,  to  whom  commissions  from  this  Congress  are 
sent,  to  be  filled  up  agreeable  to  such  recommendation. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Preside. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 

at  New-York." 

The  list  of  officers  mentioned  and  enclosed  in  the  above 
letters,  was  also  read,  and  is  follows  : 

"  Officers  appointed  by  the  Congress. 
"  GEORGE  WASHINGTON,  Esqr.  General  and  Commander-in- 
Chief  of  all  the  forces  raised  or  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  Ameri- 
can liberty. 

Artemas  Ward,  Esq.  first  Major-General. 
Charles  Lee,  Esq.  second  Major-General. 
Philip  Schuyler,  Esq.  third  Major-General. 
Israel  Putnam,  Esq.  fourth  Major-General. 
Seth  Pemeroy,  Esq.  first  Brigadier-General. 
Richard  Montgomerie,  Esq.  second  Brigadier-General. 
David  Wooster,  Esq.  third  Brigadier-General. 
William  Heath,  Esq.  fourth  Brigadier-General. 
Joseph  Spencer,  Esq.  fifth  Brigadier-General. 
John  Thomas,  Esq.  sixth  Brigadier-General. 
John  Sullivan,  Esq.  seventh  Brigadier-General. 
Nathaniel  Green,  Esq.  eighth  Brigadier-General. 

Horatio  Gates,  Esq.  Adjutant-General,  and  with  the  rank  of  Brigadier-Ge- 
neral." 

A  letter  from  Edward  Flemming,  Esqr.  signifying  to 
this  Congress  his  reasons  for  declining  to  accept  of  a  com- 
mission appointing  him  lieutenant-colonel  in  the  regiment 
whereof  James  Clinton,  Esqr.  is  colonel,  and  raised  for 
the  defence  of  American  liberty. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott  and  Colo. 
Clinton,  be  a  committee  to  meet  and  confer  with  Messrs. 
Ethan  Allen  and  Seth  Warner,  and  report  the  same  with 
all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Glenn  has  leave  of  absence  to  go  home,  and  re- 
turn as  soon  as  he  conveniently  can. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  on  Mon- 
day next. 

DIE  LUNiE,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

3u\y  3rd,  VTO. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Leonard  Lispenard,  Esqr.  Presidt.pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  the  New-York  Delegation  at  the  Conti- 


64 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


nental  Congress,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen— We  have  received  your  letter  of  the  23rd 
inst.  and  are  sorry  to  be  informed  of  your  being  retarded 
by  any  difficulties  in  completing  your  levies. 

"  It  would  be  extremely  imprudent  to  suggest  the  least 
hint  of  your  objections  to  the  Congress.  Be  assured  that 
the  northern  and  some  other  Colonies,  are  ready  to  raise 
men  almost  on  any  terms,  and  would  be  happy  in  an  op- 
portunity of  furnishing  troops  without  any  allowance  for 
bounty  or  clothes. 

"  Permit  us  earnestly  to  recommend  to  you  to  proceed 
in  this  business  with  alacrity  and  despatch.  The  honor  as 
well  as  the  interest  of  the  Province,  is  much  concerned  in 
the  success  of  this  measure.  Your  neighbours  of  Con- 
necticut boast  of  their  having  raised  their  men  in  ten  days' 
time.    Endeavour  not  to  be  behind  with  them. 

"We  have  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  a  Continen- 
tal currency  is  forming,  and  when  completed,  you  will  be 
immediately  supplied  with  a  sum  adequate  to  your  exigen- 
cies. 

"  If  forces  cannot  be  raised  without  bounties,  we  beg 
leave  to  submit  it  to  your  consideration,  whether  it  would 
not  be  better  to  do  it  at  the  expense  of  the  Province  or  by 
advancing  it  on  the  credit  of  their  pay,  than  lose  the  op- 
portunity of  signalizing  your  attachment  to  the  cause,  and 
provide  for  a  great  number  of  your  poor. 

"  From  the  intelligence  which  we  have  received  of  the 
state  of  ammunition  in  your  city  and  Province,  we  are  ap- 
prehensive that  you  are  so  destitute  of  powder,  as  to  be 
exposed  to  very  imminent  danger  in  case  of  an  attack, 
against  which  we  think  it  extremely  necessary  that  provi- 
sion be  speedily  made. 

"  We  fear  there  are  too  many  in  New-York  who  flatter 
themselves  with  safety  and  security  from  the  removal  of 
the  troops.  For  our  parts,  we  consider  it  is  a  mere  tem- 
porary suspension  of  danger,  and  that  this  opportunity  of 
putting  the  country  in  a  posture  of  defence  is  very  fortu- 
nate, and  by  all  means  to  be  improved. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  and  h'ble.  servts. 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"  JOHN  JAY. 
"WM.  FLOYD, 

"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"  Philadelphia,  30th  June,  1775. 

"  P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  the  Congress  have 
requested  the  Com.  of  Philadelphia,  immediately  to  send 
forward  50  quarter  casks  of  powder  ;  it  set  out  this  day, 
consigned  to  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town,  who  will 
send  it  to  Dobbs'  ferry — you  will  provide  for  its  being  im- 
mediately taken  from  thence  ard  carried  to  Albany,  for 
the  use  of  the  troops  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point. 
"  To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

Mr.  Pye  offered  to  go  to  Dobbs'  ferry  to  take  care  of 
the  powder  mentioned  in  the  letter  from  the  New- York 
Delegates  ;  and  thereupon  an  order  was  signed  by  the  Pre- 
sident pro  tempore,  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Pye  as  the  bear- 
er, directing  the  person  or  persons  who  shall  have  the  said 
powder  to  deliver  it  to  Mr.  Pye,  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same.  And  also  another  order  was  made,  signed  as  afore- 
said, and  delivered  to  Mr.  Pye,  directing  him  to  deliver 
the  said  fifty  quarter  casks  of  powder  to  such  person  or 
master  of  a  sloop  as  may  have  an  order  from  this  Con- 
gress for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Alba- 
ny concerning  the  said  50  quarter  casks  of  powder,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Provincial  Congress.  ) 
"New-York,  July  3d,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — You  will  receive  by  the  bearer  50  quar- 
ter casks  of  gunpowder,  sent  from  Philadelphia  by  the 


Continental  Congress,  for  the  use  of  the  forts  at  Crown- 
point  and  Ticonderoga.  You  are  sensible  of  the  necessity 
of  forwarding  it  with  all  possible  despatch  and  safety,  and 
will  doubtless  duly  attend  to  a  matter  of  so  much  impor- 
tance. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  oif  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  To  Samuel  Stringer,  Esqr.  Chairman  of 

the  Committee  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President  pro  tempore,  and  delivered  to  the  Albany 
members,  to  be  transmitted  by  such  skipper  as  they  shall 
direct  to  stop  for  and  receive  the  said  powder. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  3rih,  IV15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Doctor  Rodgers. 

Present — Leonard  Lispenard,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougal],  Joseph  Hallett,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher, Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard 
Yates,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott — For  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and 

county  of  Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomery,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan 
Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — For  Dutches  county. 

Johannes  Hardenberg,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — For  Ulster 

county. 

David  Pye,  Benjamin  Tusteen — For  Orange  county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Wickham — For 

Suffolk  county. 

Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van 
Cortland,    Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — For  West  Chester 

county. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  John 
Vander  Bilt — For  Kings  county. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,   Aaron  Cortelyou — For  Richmond 

county. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thorne — For  Queens  county. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett — For  Tryon  county. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — For  Cumberland  county. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  was  read,  and  is  in  the 

words  following,  lo  wit  : 

"  New-York,  July  3d,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  do  myself  the  honour  to  enclose  you 
an  estimate  of  such  stores,  &c.  as  at  present  appear  to  me 
necessary  to  be  forwarded  to  Albany.  The  pitch,  oakum 
and  nails,  I  wish  to  have  sent  with  all  possible  despatch. 
I  am  very  certain  that  a  variety  of  other  articles  will  be 
wanted  which  I  shall  be  better  able  to  ascertain  after  my 
arrival  at  Albany,  for  which  place  I  propose  setting  out  to- 
morrow. 

"  I  am  informed  that  a  considerable  quantity  of  lead  was 
found  at  Ticonderoga ;  but  if  it  should  not  equal  my  ex- 
pectations, I  may  be  exposed  to  insurmountable  difficulties. 
I,  therefore,  wish  that  at  least  half  of  the  quantity  which  I 
have  estimated,  may  be  ordered  up  without  delay,  together 
with  50  casks  of  powder,  which  I  am  advised  will  be  sent 
you  from  Philadelphia. 

"  As  it  is  probable,  from  the  manoeuvres  of  Govr.  Carl- 
ton, that  I  shall  speedily  want  a  reinforcement  of  troops  at 
Ticonderoga,  and  not  being  at  liberty  to  remove  the  Con- 
necticut troops  from  hence,  I  entreat  that  you  will  be  pleas- 
ed to  forward  whatever  men  may  levied  in  this  Colony  im- 
mediately to  Albany,  without  waiting  until  the  corps  are 
completed. 

"  I  hope,  gentlemen,  on  every  occasion  to  be  favoured 
with  your  advice  ;  and  indeed,  as  the  important  charge 
conferred  on  me  by  the  Continental  Congress,  was  done 
in  deference  to  you,  your  polite  and  honourable  (yet  alto- 
gether unmerited)  recommendation  of  me,  I  shall  with  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


65 


fullest  confidence  look  up  to  you  for  your  aid  and  counte- 
nance, at  once  to  promote  the  public  service  and  to  prevent 
me  from  sinking  under  the  weighty  concerns  of  my  office. 
And  give  me  leave  to  assure  you  that,  though  I  have  the 
clearest  conviction  that  I  shall  never  be  able  to  equal  the 
high  opinion  you  have  induced  the  Congress  to  entertain 
of  me,  yet  no  effort  shall  be  wanting  on  my  part,  to  deserve 
it  as  far  as  possible,  that  I  may  not  draw  disgrace  on  you, 
my  country  or  myself. 
"  1  am.  gentlemen, 

"  With  sentiments  of  the  most  profound  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  most  hble.  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  the  gentn.  of  the  New-York 

Provincial  Congress." 

The  estimate  of  stores,  &c.  mentioned  in  the  foregoing 
letter  of  General  Schuyler  was  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Henry  Williams  then  moved  (seconded  by  Mr.  John 
Van  Cortlandt)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  orders  be  immediately  issued  by  this  Con- 
gress for  making  uniform  coats  for  all  the  men  to  be  raised 
in  this  Colony. 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question 

being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the 

following  manner,  to  wit  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   2   Albany,    3 

Richmond,   2    Suffolk,   2 

Westchester,   2  — 

New-York,   4  5 

Queens,   2 

Tryon,....   2      Orange  county  being  equally 

Cumberland,   2   divided_no  vote. 

Ulsler,   2 

Kings,   2 

20 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  get 
uniform  coats  made  for  all  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  men  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  :  that  the  coats  of 
each  regiment  be  made  with  different  cuffs  and  facings. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  be  at  liberty  to  purchase 
any  goods  for  the  use  of  this  Colony  of  Robert  and  John 
Murray,  which  were  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be  kept  in 
store  until  the  second  ship  shall  arrive  from  Great  Britain 
with  goods,  after  the  non-importation  agreement  is  dissolv- 
ed, if  Messrs.  Murray  will  consent  to  wait  for  their  money 
until  that  time. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Low,  Clarkson  and  Kissam,  be 
a  committee  to  wait  on  General  Schuyler  and  confer  with 
him  on  the  subject  of  his  letter,  received  and  read  this  day, 
and  the  list  of  stores  therein  enclosed  ;  and  inform  him  that 
it  may  be  disadvantageous  to  remove  the  new  levied  troops 
immediately. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  send  to  Phila- 
delphia for  proper  parchments  for  drumheads,  and  when 
he  obtains  them,  that  he  get  good  drums  made  for  the  re- 
giments now  raising  in  this  Colony,  in  such  manner  as  the 
field  officers  shall  direct. 

Ordered,  also,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  (for  the 
present)  provide  provisions  for  the  men  now  enlisted  and 
raising  in  this  city,  and  deliver  the  same  in  such  quantities 
as  may  be  necessary,  to  the  quarter-master  of  the  first  re- 
giment, and  that  he  deliver  out  such  tents  as  he  has  or 
may  have  ready,  to  Colo.  McDougall,  or  his  order,  for  the 
use  of  his  men. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougall  have  leave  to  nomi- 
nate such  persons  to  fill  up  the  vacancies  in  his  regiment, 
below  the  rank  of  a  captain,  as  he  may  think  proper,  and 
that  he  report  to  this  Congress  such  persons  as  he  shall  so 
nominate. 

A  receipt  from  Philip  Lansingh  to  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr. 
for  200  barrels  of  flour,  to  be  by  him  conveyed  to  Albany, 
for  the  use  of  the  troops  at  Ticondcroga,  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  Genl.  Schuyler  re- 

17 


turned,  and  reported  in  substance  that  Genl.  Schuyler  hav- 
ing conceived  that  it  might  be  disadvantageous  to  remove  the 
new  levied  men  immediately,  had  wrote  to  the  Congress 
on  that  subject,  and  received  positive  orders  not  to  remove 
from  hence  the  Connecticut  troops,  under  the  command  of 
Genl.  Wooster,  but  that  he  will  leave  the  new  levied  men 
here  for  the  present.  That  with  respect  to  the  list  of  stores 
delivered  in  by  General  Schuyler,  that  he  had  made  a  list  of 
all  the  stores  of  the  several  kinds  therein  mentioned,  that 
he  conceived  necessary  for  the  present,  and  that  such  quan- 
tities of  the  several  articles  therein  mentioned,  as  are  al- 
ready sent,  are  to  be  considered  as  part  of  the  stores  men- 
tioned in  the  said  list. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  resolves 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  bearing  date  the  23d  instant ; 
and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  the  Congress  was  in- 
formed that  Ethan  Allen  was  at  the  door  and  desired  ad- 
mittance. 

Mr.  Sears  then  moved,  (seconded  by  Mr.  Melancton 
Smith,)  in  the  following  words  :  I  move  that  Ethan  Allen 
be  permitted  to  have  an  audience  at  this  Board. 

And  debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put, 

it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   2      Albany,   3 

Queens,   2      Richmond,   2 

Kings,   2      New-York,   4 

Ulster,  2  _ 

Orange,   2  9 

Westchester,   2 

Dutchess,    2 

Tryon,   2 

Cumberland,   2 

18 

Ordered,  That  Ethan  Allen  be  admitted. 

Seth  Warner  was  also  admitted  at  the  same  time.  He 
delivered  a  list  of  officers,  which  is  filed. 

Ethan  Allen  and  Seth  Warner  having  been  heard,  they 
withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  in  consequence  of  a  recommendation 
from  the  Continental  Congress,  a  body  of  troops  not  ex- 
ceeding five  hundred  men,  officers  included,  be  forthwith 
raised  of  those  called  Green  Mountain  Boys  ;  that  they 
elect  all  their  own  officers,  except  field  officers  ;  that  Ma- 
jor-General  Schuyler  be  requested  to  forward  this  order  to 
them,  and  receive  from  them  a  list  of  such  officers  as  they 
shall  elect,  to  be  communicated  to  this  Congress  ;  and  that 
General  Schuyler  be  further  requested,  without  delay,  to 
procure  the  sense  of  those  troops  concerning  the  persons 
who  will  be  most  agreeable  to  them  for  field  officers,  and 
to  make  other  inquiry,  and  upon  the  whole  advise  this 
Congress  what  persons  will  be  most  proper  to  be  appointed 
as  field  officers  to  command  those  troops.  That  the  said 
troops,  when  raised,  be  considered  as  an  independent  body, 
their  field  officers  taking  rank  after  the  field  officers  of  the 
other  troops  to  be  raised  by  this  Colony  for  the  Continental 
service.  That  their  corps  of  officers  consist  of  one  lieute- 
nant-colonel, one  major,  seven  captains  and  fourteen  lieu- 
tenants, and  that  the  General  be  furnished  with  blank  war- 
rants, to  be  filled  up  by  him  agreeable  to  such  election,  as 
above  mentioned. 

The  county  of  Albany  and  Mr.  John  De  Lancey  dis- 
sented to  the  above  order  and  resolve. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  above  be  given 
to  General  Schuyler  by  the  secretaries. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  5  ho.  P.  M.  July  1th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Leonard  Lispenard,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"Gentlemen — As  I  am  ordered  by  the  Continental 
Congress  to  liquidate  the  accounts  of  the  people  employed 
in  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga,  that  they  may  be  paid, 


66  JOURNAL  OF  THE  PR 

and  as  Messrs.  Allen  and  Warner  were  concerned,  there 
will  be  money  due  to  them,  and  as  they  are  in  want  of 
some,  I  could  wish  you  to  advance  them  thirty  pounds,  and 
to  make  it  a  Continental  charge,  to  which  I  shall  debit  them 
in  their  account  with  the  public. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  New- York,  June  4,  1775. 

"  To  the  gentl.  of  the  New-York  Provincial  Congress." 

Thereupon  an  order  was  made  to  the  President  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  General  Schuyler  has  requested  that  this 
Congress  would  advance  £30  to  Ethan  Allen  and  Seth 
Warner,  and  make  a  Continental  charge  thereof,  for  which 
he  will  debit  them  in  their  account  with  the  public  : 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  be 
requested  to  advance  £30  to  the  said  Ethan  Allen  and  Seth 
Warner,  and  take  their  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  every  person  who  has  one  or  more  of 
the  muskets,  bayonets  and  accoutrements,  belonging  to  the 
corporation  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  lately  delivered 
out  of  the  City-Hall  of  the  said  city,  bring  the  same  to 
the  house  of  Abraham  Vandyck,  in  the  Broadway,  and  de- 
liver them  to  Messrs.  Abraham  Walton  and  Isaac  Sears, 
or  their  order,  who  are  appointed  a  committee  to  receive 
the  same,  and  that  each  person  deliver  to  those  gentlemen, 
at  the  same  time,  an  account  of  the  expense  they  have 
been  at  for  iron  ramrods  for  the  said  muskets,  that  this 
Congress  might  make  provisions  for  the  payment  thereof ; 
and  ordered  that  this  order  be  published  in  handbills  and 
distributed  about  this  city. 

Then  the  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at 
9  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCUR1I  9  ho.  a.  m. 

3u\y  5tii,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
let,  Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De 
Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David 
Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt, 
John  Marston.  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — llbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — Dutchess. 

Johannes  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk. 

Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van 
Cortlandt,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding —  Westchester. 

Johans.  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Van 
Derbilt — Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 
French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome — Queens. 

Christopher  P.  Yates,  John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 
Joseph  French,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Members  of  Queens 
county,  who  hitherto  has  neglected  to  attend  this  Congress, 
appeared  and  took  his  seat,  and  was  charged  by  the  Pre- 
sident from  the  chair  that  sundry  matters  in  this  Congress 
are  to  be  kept  secret,  particularly  all  such  as  relate  to  Ti- 
conderoga  and  the  northern  posts. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  a  number 
of  men  enlisted  in  this  city,  as  part  of  the  troops  to  be  rais- 
ed in  this  Colonv,  are  ready  to  be  encamped,  but  that  tents 
and  other  necessaries  for  the  officers,  and  many  articles  for 
the  soldiers,  are  yet  wanting  ;  that  part  of  the  upper  bar- 
racks are  ready  for  use  ;  and  that  a  muster-master  is  want- 
ed to  muster  the  men  now  enlisted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Brasher  and  Doctor  Lynn, 


)VINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

proceed  immediately  to  muster  the  men  who  are  enlisted, 
and  that  such  men  as  pass  muster,  and  such  others  as  shall 
be  enlisted,  be  lodged  in  the  barracks  in  this  city,  until 
their  tents  and  other  necessaries  are  ready,  or  until  the  fur- 
ther order  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  wait  on  Doctor  John 
Jones  and  Doctor  Treat,  and  request  them  to  make  and 
deliver  to  him  a  list  of  such  medicines  and  instruments  as 
will  furnish  a  complete  medicine  chest  for  a  regiment  of 
750  men,  officers  included,  and  that  Mr.  Curtenius,  when 
he  has  received  such  list,  provide  a  medicine  chest  agree- 
able thereto. 

Mr.  Curtenius  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in,  and 
produced  to  the  Congress  an  order  of  General  Schuyler 
to  supply  sundry  utensils,  (which  are  mentioned  in  a  list 
attending  the  said  order,)  for  an  armourer  of  the  Connec- 
ticut troops. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  supply  the  sundry  arti- 
cles mentioned  in  the  said  list  and  order  to  the  said  ar- 
mourer, and  that  he  keep  a  separate  account  of  the  amount 
of  those  articles,  and  charge  them  as  supplied  to  the  troops 
of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  that  it  may  be  placed  to  the 
account  of  that  Colony,  in  a  settlement  of  the  Continental 
expenses. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  be  supplied  with  a  copy 
of  the  list  or  inventory  of  stores  sent  to  this  Congress,  on 
the  4th  instant,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  compare  that 
inventory  with  the  inventories  of  the  provisions  and  stores 
already  forwarded  to  Albany,  and  that  he  purchase  on  the 
public  credit,  and  forward  to  Albany,  such  quantities  of 
the  respective  articles,  matters  and  things,  mentioned  in  the 
said  list  or  inventory,  as  are  not  already  purchased  and 
forwarded  to  Albany. 

This  Congress  being  informed  that  the  corporation  of 
the  city  of  New-York  intend  to  address  his  Excellency 
Governor  Tryon, 

Resolved,  Though  this  Congress  entertains  the  highest 
respect  for  his  Excellency,  yet  it  will  be  altogether  impro- 
per for  the  said  corporation,  or  any  other  body  corporate 
or  individuals  in  this  Colony,  to  address  his  Excellency  at 
this  most  critical  juncture. 

Resolved,  also,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Con- 
gress do  forthwith  serve  his  worship  the  mayor  with  a  copy 
hereof. 

Mr.  De  Lancey  dissented  to  the  foregoing  resolutions. 

A  certificate  from  Daniel  Tillinghast,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  safety  at  Providence,  Rhode  Island,  bearing 
date  the  27th  of  June  last,  certifying  that  Asher  Cook  had 
that  day  imported  there  in  the  sloop  Liberty,  Henry  Pal- 
mer, master,  168  barrels  of  flour,  and  44  casks  of  bread, 
and  disposed  of  them  to  the  committee  of  safety,  was  read 
and  filed. 

William  Tapp  was  mentioned  to  this  Congress  as  a 
proper  person  for  quarter-master  of  the  first  regiment  of 
troops  now  raising  in  this  Colony;  and  the  Congress  being 
informed  that  Lieutenant-Collo.  Ritzma  recommends  him 
as  a  proper  person  for  that  office  :  agreed  that  he  is  ap- 
proved of,  and  that  he  be  appointed  to  the  said  office. 

John  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  informed  the  Congress  that 
the  artillery  company  of  the  marine  society,  agreeable  to 
the  recommendation  of  this  Congress,  had  nominated  their 
officers  to  serve  under  Captain  Anthony  Rutgers,  to  wit : 
Christopher  Miller  for  their  captain  lieutenant,  Patrick 
Dennis  first  lieutenant,  Anthony  Griffiths  second  lieuten- 
ant, and  William  Ritchie  third  lieutenant,  and  request  the 
approbation  of  this  Congress  in  the  said  nomination.  The 
Congress  are  of  opinion  that  those  gentlemen  will  be  pro- 
per officers,  and  do  approve  of  and  confirm  the  choice  of 
the  said  company  in  their  officers. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  Indian  affairs,  which  was 
brought  in  last  Saturday,  was  read,  and  the  draft  of  a 
speech  proposed  to  be  made  to  the  Indians  was  also  read, 
and  in  sundry  places  amended.    And  thereupon 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


67 


Ordered,  That  the  said  report  of  a  speech  to  be  made 
to  the  Indians,  be  recommitted  to  such  members  of  the  said 
committee  as  are  now  present,  together  with  Mr.  Scott  and 
Mr.  Hobart,  who  are  added  to  the  said  committee  for  that 
purpose,  and  that  they  proceed  to  take  the  same  into  con- 
sideration immediately. 

Resolved,  That  no  vessel  now  in  port,  nor  any  that  may 
hereafter  arrive,  belonging  to  any  port  in  Great  Britain,  or 
Ireland,  or  the  isles  of  Guernsey  or  Jersey,  which  send 
vessels  to  the  Newfoundland  fishery,  be  permitted  to  load 
any  bread  or  flour,  beef  or  pork,  unless  the  property  of 
those  articles  be  in  some  merchant  or  inhabitant  of  this 
Colony,  and  not  intended  for  Newfoundland,  until  it  shall 
be  otherwise  ordered  by  this  or  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  published  in 
the  newspapers,  and  that  the  resolution  of  the  committee 
of  the  city  of  New- York,  be  republished  at  the  same  time 
immediately  preceding  this  resolution. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at 
9  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  6th,  1T15. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Mason. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Ver- 
planck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Van 
Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — Ultler. 

Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Thomas 
Wickham— Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt, Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen — Kings. 

Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 
French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome — Queens. 

John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams— Cumberland. 

Application  having  been  made  to  the  President,  also  to 
the  deputy  chairman  of  the  general  committee  of  New- 
York,  for  the  payment  of  a  messenger,  who  was  sent  to 
Albany  by  General  Schuyler,  and  is  returned,  it  is  agreed 
that  nine  pounds  be  a  stated  allowance  to  a  messenger  for 
going  to  Albany,  and  that  the  President  pay  the  said  mes- 
senger who  has  been  to  Albany  nine  pounds. 

Resolved,  That  the  Revd.  John  Peter  Testard  be  em- 
ployed as  French  interpreter  to  General  Schuyler,  and  as 
chaplain  for  the  troops  of  this  Colony,  and  that  his  pay  as 
interpreter  and  chaplain  be  equal  to  a  major's  pay. 

Messrs.  Melancton  Smith,  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Henry 
Williams  dissent  from  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Testard  as 
chaplain. 

Mr.  McDougal  moved  (seconded  by  Mr.  Sears,)  that  a 
committee  be  appointed  to  convene  all  the  blacksmiths  in 
town,  and  inquire  of  them  whether  they  can  make  gun  bar- 
rels, bayonets,  and  iron  ramrods,  and  what  number  any  of 
them  can  make  in  a  given  time. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  McDougal,  Colo. 
Lispenard  and  Mr.  Hallet  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose, 
and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  be  authorized,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  and  requested  on  behalf  of  this  Congress 
to  contract  with  any  such  person  as  he  shall  think  proper, 
for  procuring  two  thousand  good  gun-locks,  such  as  are 
used  for  the  King's  muskets,  to  be  procured  with  all 


possible  despatch,  not  to  exceed  the  price  of  16s  each. 
And 

Resolved,  That  the  same  shall  be  paid  for  by  this  Con- 
gress. 

Mr.  McDougall  moved  (was  seconded,)  that  a  committee 
be  appointed  to  write  to  Great  Britain  for  four  complete 
set  of  locksmiths,  to  make  gun-locks,  and  that  the  same 
committee  agree  to  pay  the  passages  of  smiths  from  Britain 
to  America  :  and  the  same  being  agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Hallet,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt  and  Colo.  McDougall  be  a  committee  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  that  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  requested  to 
write  for  four  set  of  good  locksmiths,  to  make  gun-locks, 
and  to  engage  to  pay  the  expense  of  their  passages  from 
Britain  to  this  Colony. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  That  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence write  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  on  the 
subject  of  saltpetre,  and  informing  them  of  the  proposals  of 
Messrs.  Kipp  and  Van  Vleck,  that  the  Continental  Con- 
gress may  give  such  encouragement  and  directions  in  the 
premises  as  they  in  their  wisdom  shall  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  ten  shillings  shall  be  allowed  to  every 
soldier  that  shall  enlist  in  the  Continental  Congress  in  this 
Colony  for  the  present  campaign,  who  shall  furnish  himself 
with  a  good  musket,  to  be  approved  of  by  the  muster-mas- 
ter and  armourer  for  each  regiment. 

Mr.  Morris  moved  (and  was  seconded,)  that  the  Congress 
reconsider  their  resolve  of  yesterday,  to  prevent  any  ad- 
dress being  delivered  to  his  Excellency  Governor  Tryon. 
Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 
carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  following  : 

For  the  negative. 

Suffolk   2 

Westchester,   2 

Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Dutchess,   2 

Cumberland,   2 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   4 

Albany,   3 

Richmond,   2 

Queens,   2 

Mr.  Robinson  dissenting. 


—      Ulster,   2 

11       Kings,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Orange,   2 

16 

Resolved,  Therefore,  that  this  Congress  will  not  recon- 
sider their  resolution  of  yesterday,  to  prevent  any  address 
being  delivered  to  his  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Scott  to  the  President,  informing  him 
of  the  distressed  state  of  his  family,  was  read,  and  praying 
that  some  person  be  put  in  his  stead  on  the  committee  of 
Indian  affairs. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  be  added  to  that  committee 
in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Scott. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  6th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Alexr.  McDougall,  Abraham  Walton,  James  Beekman,  Richard 
Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac 
Sears — City  New-York. 

Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

Michael  Jackson,  Benjamin  Tusteen — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Thomas 
Wickham— Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Drake,  Robert  Graham, 
William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen — Kings. 

Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 

French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome — Queens. 

Panl  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Girard  Bancker,  the  barrack-mas- 
ter, deliver  to  Colo.  McDougall  all  such  beds,  blankets  and 


68 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


other  utensils  for  soldiers,  now  in  the  custody  of  the  said 
barrack-master,  and  belonging  to  this  Colony,  as  Colo. 
McDougal  shall  call  for,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  now 
raising  in  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  at  Philadelphia,  in  an- 
swer to  the  letter  from  this  Congress  on  the  subject  of 
blankets  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Thompson,  of  Islip,  covering  a  copy 
of  the  general  association  signed  by  the  greatest  part  of 
the  inhabitants  of  that  district  was  read  and  filed — the  said 
general  association  signed  as  aforesaid,  and  also  a  list  of 
the  names  of  such  persons  as  have  refused  to  sign  the 
same,  subjoined  therelo,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Charles  Thompson,  Esqr.  on  behalf  of  the 
committee  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  was  yesterday  intercept- 
ed by  the  committee  of  this  city,  and  laid  before  the  Con- 
gress, who  have  recommended  that  it  be  forwarded  to  you. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servt. 
"CHA.  THOMSON. 
"  In  behalf  of  the  Com.  of  Philad. 

"  Philada.  4th  July,  1775. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Convention  or 

Congress  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Governor  Martin  (enclosed  in  the  forego- 
ing letter  from  Charles  Thomson,)  to  Henry  White  Esqr. 
was  read  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"  No.  Carolina,  Cape  Fear,  June.  \Zth,  1775. 

"  My  Dear  Sir — I  take  the  liberty  to  enclose,  herewith 
a  letter  to  Mrs.  Martin,  whose  safe  arrival  I  am  most 
anxious  to  learn,  the  winds  having  been  easterly  almost 
ever  since  her  departure. 

"  I  shall  be  extremely  obliged  to  you  if  you  can  contrive 
to  send  me,  with  the  royal  standard  I  mentioned  to  you  some 
time  ago,  or  without  it  if  that  is  not  to  be  had,  a  good  tent  and 
marquee  of  the  size  of  the  Colonel's  tent  in  the  army,  with 
a  tent  bed,  to  fit  the  boot  of  it,  and  furniture,  vizt :  mat- 
trass,  bolster  and  pillow ;  to  be  sent  by  any  vessel  bound 
to  Cape  Fear  river,  or  in  default  thereof  to  Newbern,  di- 
rected to  the  care  of  Mr.  Cornell. 

"  I  should  rejoice  to  see  a  prospect  of  a  happy  termina- 
tion of  the  present  deplorable  times,  that  more  or  less 
threaten  the  happiness  of  every  man  throughout  the  British 
dominions. 

"  My  compliments  and  warmest  good  wishes  attend  you, 
Mrs.  White  and  all  your  family. 

"  And  am,  dear,  Sir,  ever  yours. 

JO.  MARTIN. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Henry  White,  Esqr. 

"  I  forbear  to  give  you  your  due  additions  on  the  outside 
of  my  letter,  to  obviate  prying  curiosity." 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  no.  a.  m. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Inglis. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clark- 
son,  Benjamin  Kissara,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears — City  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — ilbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Richard  Montgomerie,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona- 
than Landon,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 
Johans.  Hardenburgh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 
Michael  Jackson — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'Hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Joseph  Drake,  Lewis  Graham,  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding—  Westchester. 


Henry  Williams,  John  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 
Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 
Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 
French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thorne — Queens. 
John  Marlett — Tryon. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  letter  from  Chailes  Thomson  and  the  letter  from 
Governor  Martin  to  Henry  White,  Esqr.  therein  mention- 
ed, were  again  read  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Sears,  Morris  and  Low  be  a 
commitiee  to  wait  on  Mr.  While  and  receive  from  him 
such  intelligence  as  they  can  obtain  and  report  to  this  Con- 
gress, with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Pye  returned  from  Dobbs'  Ferry,  and  reported  to 
the  Congress  that  he  had  proceeded  to  the  said  ferry  and 
waited  there  until  last  evening ;  that  no  powder  is  ar- 
rived ;  that  the  sloop  which  was  to  have  taken  in  the  said 
powder  was  gone  to  Albany,  and  that  he  has  left  the  order 
of  this  Congress  with  Mr.  and  ordered  the  powder 

when  it  arrives  to  be  left  at  Jonathan  Lawrence's. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  a  quantity  of  powder 
lately  passed  through  Hackensack  in  wagons, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pye  be  requested  to  inquire  of  some 
gentlemen  of  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town  now  in 
New- York  whether  they  can  give  any  information  of  the 
said  powder  ;  and  also  that  Mr.  Pye,  if  he  find  it  requisite, 
go  to  Bull's  Ferry  to  receive  and  forward  the  said  powder 
to  Albany,  if  it  should  be  there. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Wooster  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  near  New-York,  July  7th,  1775. 

"  Sir — We  have  among  the  Connecticut  troops  a  num- 
ber of  apprentices  and  indented  servants  who  ran  away  from 
their  masters  in  this  city,  and  have  enlisted  themselves 
and  received  their  pay  in  Connecticut.  Since  our  arrival 
at  this  place  many  of  them  have  been  detained  in  town  by 
their  masters.  As  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  has  sub- 
jected me  and  the  troops  under  my  command  to  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Continental  and  this  Provincial  Congress,  I  de- 
sire you,  sir,  to  take  the  opinion  of  your  Congress  and  ad- 
vise me  what  plan  of  conduct  I  shall  pursue  with  regard 
to  such  persons,  and  you  will  oblige, 

"  Sir,  your  hble.  servt. 

"  DAVID  WOOSTER. 

''To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration  and  re- 
solved to  advise  General  Wooster,  that  the  masters  of  such 
servants  or  apprentices  belonging  to  this  Colony  as  are  en- 
listed in  his  troops  be  restored  to  their  masters,  provided 
their  masters  pay  to  him  the  disbursements,  deducting 
therefrom  the  pay,  if  any  be  due. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Wooster  signifying  the 
sense  of  this  Congress  on  the  subject  of  apprentices  and 
servants,  was  read  and  approved. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  Mr.  White,  re- 
turned and  reported  that  Henry  White,  Esqr.  informed 
them  that  he  had  received  the  former  letter  from  Governor 
Martin,  mentioned  in  the  letter  of  Govr.  Martin  now  be- 
fore this  Congress  ;  that  he  never  sent  the  standard  therein 
mentioned  and  did  not  intend  to  send  it ;  that  he  has  at  pre- 
sent mislaid  Governor  Martin's  first  letter;  that  he  will  send 
the  letter  when  he  can  find  it  to  this  Congress  ;  that  he  is 
not  privy  to  Governor  Martin's  intentions  as  to  the  matters 
suspected  from  his  letter,  and  that  he  will  send  in  writing 
to  this  Congress  an  account  of  the  correspondence  and 
transactions  between  him  and  Govr.  Martin  and  attest  it 
upon  oath  if  desired. 

A  sub-committee  from  the  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York  being  at  the  door,  were  admitted, 
and  delivered  to  the  President  a  letter  (which  was  read,) 
from  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town,  setting  forth  that 
William  McCleod  (an  ensign  in  the  fifty-second  regiment 
of  foot  now  at  Boston,)  who  had  resided  at  or  near  Elizabeth 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


69 


Town  for  some  time  past,  was  about  embarking  for  Boston  1 
in  order  to  join  his  said  regiment ;  that  the  said  committee 
of  Elizabeth  Town  had  stopped  his  baggage,  and  that  he 
was  now  in  the  city  of  New-York  waiting  for  a  passage 
to  Boston. 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration  ;  and 
thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York  do  take  the  body  of  William  McCleod,  ensign 
in  the  fifty-second  regiment  of  foot  at  Boston,  and  send 
him  in  safe  custody  to  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Eli- 
zabeth Town ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  committee 
of  New-York  not  to  use  unnecessary  violence,  but  to 
treat  him  with  all  possible  lenity  as  a  gentleman  and  soldier. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  McDou- 
gall  and  Major  Williams  be  a  committee  to  form  a  proper 
method  for  an  arrangement  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony, 
and  proper  instructions  for  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  and 
that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Major  Williams  and  Doctor  Spooner  agreeable  to  a  no- 
tice for  that  purpose  given  yesterday,  proceeded  to  inform 
the  Congress  of  the  state  of  Cumberland  county  which 
they  represent,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Low  and  Mr.  Silvester 
be  a  committee  to  receive  information  of  the  members  of 
that  county  and  of  any  other  persons  of  the  state  of  that 
county,  and  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 

Whereas.  This  Congress  on  the  fourth  day  of  July 
instant,  published  a  resolution,  ordering  that  the  arms  be- 
longing to  the  corporation  of  this  city  be  returned  to  Messrs. 
Abraham  Walton  and  Isaac  Sears,  who  are  appointed 
a  committee  to  receive  them  : 

And  Whereas,  Few  of  those  arms  have  as  yet  been  re- 
turned, and  it  is  essentially  necessary  for  the  public  ser- 
vice that  a  compliance  with  that  order  be  no  longer  delayed  : 

Resolved,  That  every  person  to  whom  such  arms  were 
originally  delivered,  or  who  is  now  possessed  of  any  of 
them  and  does  not  on  or  before  Friday  the  14th  instant, 
deliver  the  same  to  the  committee  aforesaid  or  their  order, 
at  the  Upper  Barracks,  shall  be  deemed  and  treated  as  an 
enemy  to  his  country. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 


DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer,  by  the  Revd.  Dr.  Laidley. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexr.  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallet, 
Abraham  Walton,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lan- 
cey,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin 
Kissam,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

Peter  Silvester,  Francis  Nicoll — Jllbany. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sacket — Dutchess. 

Johans.  Hardenbergh,  James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

Michael  Jackson — Orange. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra 
L'hommedieu,  Thomas  Wickham — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van 
Cortlandt,  Robert  Graham,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 
Henry  Williams,  John  Van  Derbilt,  Theodorus  Polhemus — Kings. 
Paul  Mecheau,  John  Journey,  Richard  Conner — Richmond. 

Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph  French,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome 
— Queens. 

Paul  Spooner,  William  Williams — Cumberland. 
A  letter  from  Henry  White,  Esqr.  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Three  gentlemen  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
called  upon  me  with  an  intercepted  letter  from  Governor 
Martin  of  North  Carolina,  dated  the  13th  June,  to  send 
him  a  royal  standard  from  hence.    They  desired  to  know 

18 


if  I  had  complied  with  his  request,  and  whether  I  could 
inform  them  respecting  the  measures  he  was  now  pursu- 
ing. In  answer  to  which  I  have  to  observe,  that  he  some 
time  ago  wrote  to  me  to  send  him  such  a  standard,  which  I 
declined  to  do,  lest  it  might  be  disagreeable  to  the  people 
of  this  place,  and  wrote  him  to  that  purpose,  which  letter  I 
apprehend  miscarried  or  he  must  have  received  it  before  the 
13th  of  last  month.  With  regard  to  the  steps  he  is  now 
taking  in  his  government,  I  am  utterly  unacquainted. 
He  has  not  communicated  to  me  any  particulars.  Gover- 
nor Martin  is  a  gentleman  I  am  intimately  acquainted  with, 
and  have  transacted  business  for  him  ever  since  he  has  been 
at  North  Carolina,  which  accounts  for  his  applying  to  me 
for  the  above  standard.  I  imagine  it  will  be  believed  that 
I  did  not  solicit  the  commission. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  ser't. 

HENRY  WHITE. 

"  Saturday,  8th  July,  1775. 
"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.-"' 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Charles  Thomson,  Esqr.  in  answer 
to  his  letter  read  yesterday,  was  read  and  approved,  as  is 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  July  8th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — The  Congress  received  yours  enclosing  Gover- 
nor Martin's  letter  to  Mr.  Henry  White,  and  immediately 
appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  him  on  the  subject. 
From  the  answers  he  gave  the  committee  and  a  letter  re- 
ceived from  him,  (a  copy  of  which  is  enclosed,)  the  Con- 
gress are  fully  satisfied  that  Mr.  White's  conduct  in  this 
matter  has  been  unexceptionable,  and  such  as  becomes  the 
character  of  a  good  citizen. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 
"  To  Charles  Thomson,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  together  with  a  copy  of  Mr.  White's 
letter  of  this  day,  be  transmitted  by  the  first  opportunity. 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Congress  that  priming  wires 
and  brushes  are  wanting  for  the  Connecticut  troops, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  be  requested  to  assist 
the  quarter-master  of  the  Connecticut  troops  to  get  prim- 
ing wires  and  brushes  for  the  said  troops,  the  said  quar- 
ter-master paying  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
President  of  this  Congress,  be  Treasurer  for  this  Con- 
gress, of  all  money  received  or  to  be  received  in  this  Co- 
lony for  the  general  defence  of  America  or  the  Continen- 
tal service,  until  some  other  Treasurer  shall  be  appointed 
by  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  Continental  Congress  having  recommended  it  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Colonies  to  keep  the  twentieth  day  of 
July  instant,  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  this  Congress 
does  strictly  enjoin  all  persons  in  this  Colony,  religiously 
to  observe  the  said  recommendation,  and  we  being  taught 
by  that  holy  religion  declared  by  the  merciful  Jesus  and 
sealed  by  his  blood,  that  we  ought  to  acknowledge  the 
hand  of  God  in  all  public  calamities,  and  being  thoroughly 
convinced  that  the  great  Disposer  of  Events  regardeth  the 
hearts  of  his  creatures,  do  most  earnestly  recommend  it 
to  all  men  to  conform  themselves  to  the  pure  dictates  of 
Christianity,  and  by  deep  repentance  and  the  sincere  amend- 
ment of  their  lives,  to  implore  of  our  Heavenly  Father 
that  favor  and  protection  which  he  alone  can  give. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  adjourn  until  next 
Tuesday  fortnight;  and  that  a  Committee  of  Safety  be  ap- 
pointed during  the  recess  of  this  Congress  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit :  That  New-York  appoint  three  members 
to  give  two  votes,  and  every  other  county  each  one,  to 
give  one  vote.  And  that  such  other  members  of  the  se- 
veral counties  as  shall  attend  may  join  in  the  vote  of  their 
respective  counties,  or  give  such  vote  in  the  absence  of 
the  member  or  members  so  appointed.  And  Peter  Van 
Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.,  Colo.  Lispenard  and  Colo.  Mc- 
Dougall being  appointed  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


70 

York,  Mr.  Morris  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  Jona- 
than Landon  for  Dutchess  county,  Egbert  Dumond  for 
Ulster  county,  David  Pye  for  Orange  county,  Abraham 
Brasher  for  Suffolk  county,  Governeur  Morris  for  West- 
chester county,  Henry  Williams  for  Kings  county,  Rich- 
and  Lawrence  for  Richmond  county,  Colo.  McDougall  for 
Queens  county,  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston  for  Try  on 
county,  and  John  Morin  Scott  for  Cumberland  county  : 

Resolved,  That  all  the  said  votes,  or  major  part  thereof, 
shall  constitute  such  committee  ;  and,  that  the  said  com- 
mittee when  met,  shall  be  empowered  to  open  all  letters 
directed  to  the  said  Congress,  and  to  answer  the  same  ; 
that  they  be  farther  empowered  to  take  such  measures  as 
they  shall  think  proper,  to  carry  into  execution  all  orders 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  all  resolutions  and  re- 
commendations of  this  Congress,  and  to  comply  with  any 
requisitions  made  by  the  generals  of  the  Continental  army, 
or  any  of  them,  as  far  as  they  shall  think  proper ;  that 
they  be  authorized  to  give  directions  to  General  Wooster, 
or  the  commander  and  commanders  for  the  time  being  of 
the  Continental  troops  stationed  in  this  Colony,  as  from 
this  Congress,  provided  that  such  directions  do  not  contra- 
vene the  orders  of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  of  his  or 
their  superior  officers  respectively ;  and  lastly,  that  they 


have  authority  to  appropriate  such  moneys  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  as  may  arrive  in  payment  of  the  debts  already 
contracted  for  the  public  service,  and  for  the  use  of  the 
said  service  as  they  shall  think  necessary,  the  accounts 
being  first  audited  and  allowed  by  the  committee  of  ac- 
counts. 

Ordered  and  agreed,  That  Jacobus  Swartwout  be  and 
is  appointed  by  this  Congress,  muster-master  of  the  troops 
which  shall  be  raised  in  defence  of  American  liberty  by 
the  following  captains,  to  wit :  Lewis  Duboys,  Andrew 
Billings,  Henry  B.  Livingston  and  Rufus  Herrick. 

A  copy  of  this  order  was  made,  and  signed  by  P.  V.  B. 
Livingston,  President. 

Ordered  and  agreed,  That  Col.  Phineas  Fanning,  Da- 
vid Melford,  Esquire,  of  East-Hampton,  and  Capt.  Timo- 
thy Earle  be  and  are  appointed  by  this  Congress  muster- 
masters  of  the  troops  that  shall  be  raised  in  Suffolk  county 
in  defence  of  American  liberty. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  to  meet  at  the  City 
Hall  of  the  city  of  New-York,  on  Tuesday  next  at  9 
o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  next  Tuesday  fort- 
night, then  to  meet  again  at  the  city  of  New-York,  at  nine 
of  the  clock  in  the  morning  of  that  day. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  the  City  Hall 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  on  Tuesday,  the  11th  day  of 
July,  1775,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Present. — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Col.  McDougall, 
Col.  Lispenard,  Abraham  Brasher — For  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Egbert  Dumond  and  Christopher  Tappen — Ulster. 

Jonathan  Langdon  and  Ephraim  Payne — Dutchess. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Henry  Williams— Kings. 

Richard  Lawrence— Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  V.  B.  Livingston  and  John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

The  committee  unanimously  elected  Henry  Williams, 
Esq.  Chairman. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Wooster  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  viz : 

"  Camp  near  New-York,  July  11,  1775. 
"  Sir — Peter  Herring,  the  man  who  last  night  assisted 
in  conveying  on  board  the  Asia  man  of  war  one  of  the 
prisoners  sent  here  by  the  Continental  Congress,  is  now 
under  guard  at  our  camp.  I  would  beg  the  immediate 
advice  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  concerning  what  is 
best  to  be  done  with  him ;  his  brother  is  willing  and  de- 
sirous that  he  should  be  sent  away  somewhere,  that  he 
may  be  out  of  the  way  of  the  enraged  people  ;  some  have 
proposed  that  he  be  sent  on  board  the  Asia  ;  others  think 
it  best  to  have  him  sent  to  Connecticut  with  Gov.  Skeene, 
who  will  go  off  as  soon  as  this  matter  can  be  determined. 
I  hope,  therefore,  to  be  assisted  with  your  advice  as 
speedily  as  possible,  and  am,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"  DAVID  WOOSTER. 

"To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Thereupon  an  order  to  Gen.  Wooster  was  made  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  this  you  are  re- 
quired to  send  the  body  of  Peter  Herring,  under  safe  and 
secure  guard,  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  at  the  City 
Hall  of  the  city  of  New-York,  for  which  this  shall  be  a 
sufficient  warrant. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  Gen.  Wooster." 


An  answer  to  Gen.  Wooster's  letter  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety.  > 
"  New-York,  July  Uth,  1775.  5 

"  Sir — We  this  instant  received  your  favour,  and  took 
the  same  into  consideration. 

"  We  think  it  highly  necessary  that  Mr.  Herring  should 
be  brought  before  us  in  order  to  be  examined  touching  his 
accomplices,  for  which  purpose  we  have  enclosed  an  order 
of  this  Board. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"P.  S.  If  there  are  any  witnesses,  please  to  send  them 
also. 

"  To  Gen.  David  Wooster,  at  the  camp." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  said  letter  and  order  be 
signed  by  the  Chairman  and  sent  immediately. 

A  letter  from  Guysbert  Schenck  and  Dirck  Brinckerhoff, 
Esqrs.  of  Dutchess  county,  two  of  the  members  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  bearing  date  the  5th  instant,  and  also 
a  recommendation  from  many  others  of  the  respectable 
freeholders  of  Dutchess  county,  of  which  Cornelius  Adri- 
ance  is  one,  recommending  Andrew  Teller  Lawrence  for 
second  lieutenant,  in  the  stead  of  the  said  Cornelius  Adri- 
ance,  who  declines  the  service,  were  read  and  filed. 

Agreed,  That  the  said  Andrew  Teller  Lawrence  is  ap- 
proved of  as  second  lieutenant  in  the  company  of  troops  to 
be  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Lewis  Dubois,  and  that  a 
warrant  for  that  purpose  shall  be  made  as  soon  as  the 
warrant  granted  to  the  said  Cornelius  Adriance,  on  the 
28th  of  June  last,  is  returned  to  this  committee  or  the 
Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  William  Duer,  Esq.  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  esteem  it  a  duty  which  I  owe  to  the  Province 
to  inform  you  that  my  apprehensions  with  respect  to  the 
designs  of  the  people  in  this  county  to  stop  the  courts  of 
justice  were  not  ill  founded.  A  party  of  the  people  on 
the  New-Hampshire  grants,  strengthened  by  some  persons 
of  desperate  fortunes  and  bad  character  in  the  Western 
Districts,  had  formed  a  resolution  of  abolishing  the  law, 
and  to  effect  their  purpose,  had  actually  marched  on  their 
way  to  Fort  Edward.  Yesterday  fortnight  I  had  intelli- 
gence of  their  design,  and  by  a  lucky  incident  put  a  stop 


72 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


to  their  proceedings,  at  least  for  the  present.  Capt.  Mottc, 
who  is  the  bearer  of  this  was  marching  his  company  to 
join  the  forces  at  Ticonderoga,  I  mentioned  to  him  the  in- 
telligence I  had  received,  and  applied  to  him  for  his  as- 
sistance. This  gentleman  coincided  with  myself  in 
opinion  of  the  absolute  necessity  there  was  of  keeping  up, 
at  least,  the  shadow  of  order  and  justice,  and  detained  his 
company  at  Fort  Edward  in  order  to  protect  the  bench. 
The  rioters'  party  getting  information  of  this  unlooked  for 
relief,  desisted  from  their  attempt. 

"  As  Capt.  Motte  is  on  his  way  to  your  Congress,  I  es- 
teem myself  bound  in  gratitude  to  mention  his  alacrity  in 
supporting  good  order  within  our  Province,  not  doubting 
that  such  a  line  of  conduct  will  recommend  him  to  your 
attention.  I  have  likewise  to  submit  it  again  to  your  con- 
sideration, whether  it  might  not  be  proper  for  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  to  make  public  their  sentiments  with  respect 
to  courts  of  justice.  However  daring  many  of  the  people 
are  in  this  county,  I  scarcely  imagine  they  would  dare  to 
counteract  the  avowed  opinions  of  the  Congress.  It  is 
merely  owing  to  chance  and  Capt.  Motte's  conduct  that  this 
last  court  was  not  broke  up  ;  and  should  this  attempt  once 
succeed,  it  will  not  be  an  easy  matter  to  restore  order 
among  a  people  of  so  turbulent  a  spirit ;  our  county  will 
then  be  reduced  to  a  worse  dilemma  than  any  other  ;  we 
shall  not  only  have  to  oppose  the  incursions  of  the  enemy 
on  the  frontier,  but  shall  be  torn  to  pieces  with  intestine 
anarchy  and  coufusion.  I  am  conscious,  from  the  know- 
ledge I  have  of  your  personal  character,  of  your  aversion 
to  such  proceedings,  and  have  therefore  thought  it  advisa- 
ble to  write  to  you  on  the  subject.  Your  interposition  in 
this  matter  may  save  the  spilling  of  blood  the  next  court ; 
for  so  long  as  I  know  it  to  be  the  sense  of  the  country  that 
the  courts  of  justice  should  be  supported,  and  that  I  have 
the  honor  of  sitting  as  one  of  the  judges,  I  shall  endea- 
vour to  keep  them  open,  even  at  the  risk  of  my  life. 
"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  obedt.  humble  servt, 

"WM.  DUER. 

"  Fort  Miller,  June  5,  1775. 
"  To  Petek  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  William  Duer,  Esq.  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ~i 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  July  Uth,  1775.  S 
"  Sir — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  5th 
June,  and  are  to  inform  you  that  our  Provincial  Congress, 
after  having  appointed  a  Committee  of  Safety,  adjourned 
for  a  fortnight  from  this  day.    When  it  convenes,  we  doubt 
not,  they  will  take  into  their  most  mature  consideration 
the  matters  contained  in  your  letter,  which  we  shall  lay 
before  them  ;  in  the  mean  time,  we  beg  leave  to  assure 
you,  that  we  highly  esteem  and  approve  of  your  care  and 
vigilance  in  keeping  open  and  protecting  the  last  court  in 
your  county.    We  conceive  it  to  be  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance that  good  order  be  supported,  as  internal  divisions 
must  prove  injurious  to  the  common  cause. 

"  We  are  with  much  respect, 

"  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant. 
"  To  William  Duer,  Esq.  one  of  the 

Judges  of  Charlotte." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  William  Marsh,  Esq.  and  Samuel  Rose, 
the  committee  of  Manchester,  in  Charlotte  county,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Manchester,  June  28tA,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — To  my  great  surprise,  I  found  sundry 
men  in  our  county  of  Charlotte  about  to  form  themselves 
into  a  mob  to  stop  the  court ;  they  were  from  different 
parts  of  the  county,  and  we  have  heard  that  some  in  the 
county  of  Albany  were  about  to  join  them ;  although  many 
were  dissuaded  from  their  proceedings,  yet  some  were  on 


their  way  to  Fort  Edward  to  carry  into  execution  their  evil 
designs;  but  when  they  heard  that  Capt.  Motte,  from  Con- 
necticut, was  at  Fort  Edward  with  his  company,  and  Re- 
member Baker  and  Robert  Cochran,  all  with  an  intent  to 
protect  the  court,  gave  over  their  intended  expedition. 
Those  men,  we  think,  are  mostly  debtors,  and  design  to 
put  a  period  to  common  law.  Therefore  we  do  most 
humbly  pray  that  a  resolve  may  be  made  at  your  honorable 
board  that  will  encourage  and  strengthen  the  well  minded 
and  weaken  the  ill  minded,  without  which  we  fear  we  shall 
fall  into  the  utmost  confusion. 

"  Many  of  our  inhabitants  were  greatly  alarmed  by  the 
Congress  ordering  all  the  cannon  to  be  removed  from  Ti- 
conderoga, which  would  have  laid  us  open  to  an  enemy 
to  the  northward  ;  and  in  that  surprise,  called  the  people 
together  and  chose  a  man  to  send  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, alleging  that  they  feared  that  some  designing  men 
would  make  an  ill  use  of  their  names  relative  to  the  title 
of  our  lands.  This  last  objection  seems  to  weigh  heavy 
in  the  minds  of  many,  however  groundless  in  the  opinion 
of  others.  Therefore  we  do  pray  your  indulgence  rela- 
tive to  the  return  of  the  association,  till  we  can  better 
unite  this  people  ;  all  which  we  shall  submit  to  your  wise 
deliberation,  only  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves  your 
most  obedient  and  humble  servants, 

"WILLIAM  MARSH, 

"SAMUEL  ROSE, 

"  Committee,  Manchester. 
"  P.  S.  It  it  should  be  necessary  to  appoint  officers  for 
the  army  in  this  part,  we  think  Mr.  Gideon  Brunson  and 
Mr.  Potter  and  Mr.  Joseph  Lockwood,  suitable  men  and 
will  accept. 

"  To  Mr.  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  William  Marsh  and  Samuel 
Rose,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  July  Uth,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  having  adjourned  for  a. 
fortnight,  and  appointed  us,  during  their  recess,  a  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  we  have  to  acknowledge  your  letter  of 
the  28th  June,  which  advises  us  of  the  measures  that  had 
been  pursued,  in  order  to  prevent  the  holding  the  courts  of 
justice  in  your  county.    We  are  happy  to  find  they  have 
proved  ineffectual,  and  can  assure  you  that  it  is  the  inten- 
tion of  the  Congress  to  assist  the  civil  magistrate  in  the 
exercise  of  his  office,  and  the  support  of  government,  as 
far  as  may  be  practicable  in  our  present  critical  situation. 
We  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  Congress  will  immediately 
upon  their  meeting,  enter  into  a  resolution  for  effecting 
these  salutary  purposes. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  &c. 

"  Messrs.  William  Marsh  and  Samuel  Rose." 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  agent  for  His  Ma- 
jesty's ships  in  this  port,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Having  received  a  demand  from  John 

Collins,  Esq.  commander  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Nautilus, 

now  at  Sandy-Hook,  for 

"  4,000  pounds  bread,  200  pounds  butter, 

300    "      beef,  200     "  cheese, 

500    "      pork,  200  gallons  rum, 

12  bushels  peas, 

"You  will  be  pleased  to  signify  your  opinion,  whether 
or  no  I  shall  supply  the  provisions,  &c.  pursuant  to  the 
demand.  I  am  authorized  to  assure  the  honourable  the 
Committee,  that  the  Nautilus  is  not  going  to  Boston,  but 
to  the  southward. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servt. 

"  ABRM.  LOTT. 

"  To  the  Honorable  the  Committee  of  the 

New- York  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  be  at  liberty  to  sup- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


73 


ply  the  quantities  of  provisions  and  rum  above  mentioned 
to  the  ship  Nautilus  for  the  use  of  the  said  ship's  company. 

Col.  McDougall  on  behalf  of  New-York,  and  as  commis- 
sioner for  Queens  county,  dissents.  Mr.  Brasher  on  be- 
half of  New-York  and  as  commissioner  of  Suffolk  county, 
dissents. 

A  letter  from  William  Hooper  and  Joseph  Hewes,  Esqs. 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Sir — The  committee  of  this  city,  a  few  days  ago, 
transmitted  to  you  an  original  letter  from  Gov.  Martin  to 
Henry  White,  Esq.  from  the  contents  of  which  it  is  very 
obvious  that  Gov.  Martin  has  formed  designs  highly  inimi- 
cal to  the  friends  of  America.  From  authentic  information 
we  learn  that  he  is  to  receive  a  supply  of  gunpowder  from 
Gen.  Gage,  via  New-York,  and  that  he  has  sent  from 
North-Carolina  a  cutter  well  armed  to  receive  it.  She  is 
a  small  boat,  rigged  like  a  schooner,  mounts  a  few  swivels, 
and  is  commanded  by  a  Mr.  Bridges,  the  lieutenant  of  the 
Tamar  man  of  war ;  the  vessel  we  believe  was  formerly 
purchased  in  New-York  by  a  Capt.  Vollet.  We  beg  your 
particular  care,  in  case  she  should  arrive  in  your  port,  to 
take  the  steps  you  may  think  prudent  to  secure  her  and 
her  cargo.  She  is  probably  to  receive  the  gunpowder 
from  the  Asia,  or  some  other  man  of  war  lying  in  your 
harbour. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"WILL.  HOOPER, 
"  JOSEPH  HEWES. 

"  Philadelphia,  June  8th,  1775." 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  William  Hooper  and  Joseph 
Hewes,  Esqs.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  July  Uth,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  lavour  of  the 
8th  of  the  last  month,  which  came  to  our  hands  last  night. 
Our  Congress  have  adjourned  for  a  fortnight  from  this  day, 
and  appointed  us  a  Committee  of  Safety,  to  act  during  the 
recess.  We  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  we  will  do  eve- 
ry thing  in  our  power  relative  to  the  schooner  which  you 
have  described. 

"  We  are,  with  much  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  William  Hooper  and  Joseph 

Hewes,  Esqs.  of  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  Chairman  and 
transmitted. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  at  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  6th  July,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  the  honour  of  your  favour  of 
the  29th  of  June,  accompanying  your  plan  and  proceedings 
respecting  an  accommodation  with  the  parent  state.  No- 
thing could  be  more  interesting  or  acceptable  to  us,  than  a 
communication  of  the  sentiments  and  wishes  of  our  worthy 
constituents  on  this  most  important  subject;  and  while  we 
applaud  the  wisdom  of  your  decisions,  we  beg  you  to  be 
assured  that  they  shall  command  our  most  earnest  and  re- 
spectful attention. 

"  Deeply  sensible  of  the  calamities  of  a  civil  war,  we 
have  nothing  more  at  heart  than  to  be  instrumental  in  com- 
promising this  unnatural  quarrel,  between  the  two  coun- 
tries, on  the  solid  basis  of  mutual  justice  and  constitutional 
liberty ;  and  the  most  strenuous  efforts,  on  our  part,  shall 
be  exerted  with  unremitting  ardour,  to  accomplish  this  sa- 
lutary purpose. 

"  We  acknowledge,  with  the  utmost  gratitude,  the  de- 
ference you  are  pleased  to  pay  to  our  judgment,  and  your 
delicacy  in  leaving  us  unrestrained  in  a  point,  of  all  others, 
the  most  essential  to  yourselves  and  your  posterity,  to  the 
Continent  of  America,  and  the  whole  British  Empire  ;  and 
happy  shall  we  esteem  ourselves,  if,  in  the  discharge  of 

19 


this  difficult  and  arduous  trust,  we  shall  merit  your  appro- 
bation and  the  confidence  of  our  country. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"HENRY  WISNER, 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"JOHN  JAY, 
"PHIL  LIVINGSTON, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 

"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York. 

"  P.  S.  We  have  unanimously  agreed  to  be  silent  on 
that  article  in  the  plan  of  accommodation,  which  asserts 
'  that  no  earthly  legislature  or  tribunal  ought,  or  can  of 
right,  interfere  or  interpose  in  any  wise  howsoever,  in  the 
religious  and  ecclesiastical  concerns  of  the  Colonies;1  as 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Continent  are  happily  united  in  a  po- 
litical creed,  we  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  highly  im- 
prudent to  run  the  risk  of  dividing  them,  by  the  introduc- 
tion of  disputes  foreign  to  the  present  controversy  ;  espe- 
cially as  the  discussion  of  them  can  be  attended  with  no 
one  single  advantage.  They  are  points  about  which  man- 
kind will  forever  differ,  and  therefore  should  always,  and 
at  least  in  times  like  these,  be  kept  out  of  sight.  We  are 
the  more  confirmed  in  these  sentiments  by  this  circum- 
stance :  That  both  this  and  the  former  Congress  have  cau- 
tiously avoided  the  least  hint,  on  subjects  of  this  kind,  all 
the  members  concurring  in  a  desire  of  burying  all  disputes 
on  ecclesiastical  points,  which  have  for  ages  had  no  other 
tendency  than  that  of  banishing  peace  and  charity  from  the 
world. 

"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"LEWIS  MORRIS, 
"ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON.  Junr. 
"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"JOHN  JAY 
"  8th  July,  1775.  "  FRANCIS  LEWIS. 

"  N.  B.  The  other  Delegates  are  absent." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  New- York  De- 
legates, at  the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  } 
"July  llth,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  having  adjourned  for  a 
fortnight,  and  appointed  us,  during  their  recess,  a  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  we  have  the  honour  of  acknowledging 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  6th  instant.  It  gives  us 
much  pleasure  to  find  that  our  plan  of  accommodation  has 
been  favoured  with  your  approbation. 

"  We  are  sorry  to  inform  you  that  a  supply  of  the  arti- 
cle (which  according  to  your  advice  of  the  31st  June,)  was 
to  have  been  sent  to  the  committee  of  Elizabethtown,  has 
yet  not  been  received,  and  that  the  want  of  it  prevents  our 
answering  some  very  pressing  demands  from  the  place  for 
which  it  was  ordered  to  be  forwarded. 

"  We  meet  many  difficulties,  in  carrying  into  execution 
the  resolutions  of  your  honourable  body,  from  the  want  of 
money  ;  an  inconveniency  we  hope  now  soon  to  be  reliev- 
ed from. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

A  letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Hartford,  7th  July,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  received  your  letter  of  the  27th  of  June  last, 
respecting  a  quantity  of  a  necessary  article  which  was  for- 
warded by  you.  I  immediately  took  care  to  make  the  ne- 
cessary provision  for  its  being  sent  on  the  way  to  the  place 
of  its  destination,  where,  no  doubt,  it  has  arrived  before 
this. 

"  Mr.  James  Dean,  the  bearer  of  this,  is  a  young  gen- 


74 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


tlcman  who  has  lately  returned  from  a  mission  among  the 
tribes  of  Indians  in  Canada.  He  appears  to  have  made 
some  careful  observations  of  the  state  of  that  country,  and 
is  able  to  give  some  important  intelligence.  I  take  the 
liberty  to  recommend  him  to  your  notice,  that  he  may  com- 
municate his  information  for  your  use. 

"  I  am,  with  truth  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston." 

An  account  of  the  men  who  went  from  Manchester  to 
Ticonderoga,  and  of  the  money  expended  by  Lieut.  Joseph 
Lockwood,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Manchester,  June  10th,  1775. 
"  A  list  of  the  men  who  went  from  Manchester  to  Ti- 
conderoga, under  the  command  of  Mr.  Joseph  Lockwood. 

"  Nathan  Smith,  sergoant ;  John  Roberts,  Peter  Roberts,  Abel  Saw- 
yer, Benjamin  Bears,  William  Dye,  Christopher  Roberts,  Garmand 
Bulley,  Thomas  Hyneman,  Hayns  Jery  Beamer,  Dan  Alen,  Solomon 
iioaper,  Josiah  Brolton,  Lemuel  Bishop  ;  lor  15  days  service  each  man. 

"For  cash  paid  out  for  expenses,  the  sum  of  £4  10s.  lOd. 
"  Commanded  by  me, 

"  JOSEPH  LOCKWOOD,  Lieut." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Hinman  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  3d,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  would  inform  you  that  Lieut.  Col.  Samuel 
Motte,  who  is  appointed  engineer  by  the  Cdony  of  Con- 
necticut, arrived  here  yesterday.  He  has  taken  a  survey 
of  the  fortresses  at  Fort  George  and  this  place,  and  is  of 
the  opinion  that  they  are  altogether  indefensible,  should  an 
attempt  be  made  with  artillery. 

"Should  a  number  of  troops  arrive  from  Canada  sufficient 
to  keep  the  field,  a  thing  not  improbable,  these  posts  must, 
of  consequence,  fall  into  their  hands.  You  will,  therefore, 
see  the  necessity  of  an  augmentation  of  troops  being  im- 
mediately sent,  as  well  as  a  supply  of  gunpowder,  of  which 
we  are  almost  destitute.  The  importance  of  maintaining 
these  posts,  for  the  benefit  of  your  Province  in  particular, 
and  of  the  United  Colonies  in  general,  is  such  that  no  ar- 
guments need  to  be  used,  to  enforce  the  speedy  execution 
of  some  wise  and  spirited  measures  for  their  defence. 

"  It  is  my  opinion  that  a  sufficient  number  of  troops 
should  be  stationed  at  Fort  George,  with  a  constant  scout- 
ing party,  in  order  to  prevent  any  sudden  attack  from  the 
enemy,  and  to  keep  open  a  safe  communication  with  Alba- 
ny. I  propose  forthwith  to  throw  up  an  entrenchment 
around  the  redoubt  at  Crown  Point,  in  order  to  render  the 
place  more  defensible. 

"  My  men  are  daily  on  fatigue  in  repairing  bridges, 
mending  highways,  removing  the  cannon,  and  other  neces- 
sary employments  ;  so  that  you  will  readily  see  how  in- 
adequate my  numbers  are  to  the  performance  of  all  these 
duties,  with  that  speed  and  safety  the  necessity  of  the  case 
requires. 

"  I  think  it  absolutely  necessary  that  a  captain's  company 
of  those  intended  for  this  department,  with  suitable  imple- 
ments, be  immediately  directed  to  repair  the  roads  and 
bridges,  in  their  way  to  Fort  George,  since  it  will  be  im- 
practicable for  the  wagons  to  pass  much  longer,  in  the 
wretched  condition  they  are  in  at  present,  especially  that 
part  between  Halfmoon  and  Fort  George. 

"  The  troops  to  be  forwarded  should  be  furnished  with 
tents,  a  thing  of  absolute  necessity,  inasmuch  as  the  bar- 
racks are  more  crowded  already  than  is  either  for  the  con- 
venience or  health  of  the  soldiery. 

"  Sundry  gentlemen  of  late  have  made  application  to 
pass  these  posts,  with  letters  of  recommendation  from  the 
several  Congresses.  1  should  therefore  think  it  proper  that, 
the  letters  they  bring  with  them  should  Lie  certified,  as  to 
their  number,  and  to  whom  directed,  in  order  to  prevent  the 
communicalion  of  any  intelligence  which  might  disserve  the 
interest  of  the  United  Colonies.    Capt.  Edward  Motte,  who 


will  wait  on  you  with  this,  will  give  you  farther  informa- 
tion to  whatever  questions  you  will  think  proper  to  ask,  as 
to  the  state  and  condition  of  these  fortresses,  and  will  for- 
ward any  commands  you  will  think  proper  to  send. 
"I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  BENJ'N  HINMAN,  Col." 
A  letter  from  Elisha  Phelps,  Commissary  at  Albany  for 
the  Connecticut  troops,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  Albany,  July  7th,  1775. 
"  Hon'd  Sir— Received  your  favour  dated  June  29th, 
1775,  on  the  6th  day  of  July  instant.  I  also  received  the 
stores  of  provisions  in  place  of  Mr.  Bleecker,  who  I  was 
in  hopes  might  have  been  ordered  to  purchase  provisions 
and  deliver  to  me  to  forward.  Sir,  flour  is  either  very 
scarce  in  this  city  or  can  not  be  purchased  without  money. 
I  have  been  throughout  this  city,  with  the  assistance  of 
Esq.  Palmer,  and  could  get  but  twenty  barrels  ;  also  have 
been  to  Schenectady  and  could  not  get  but  ten  barrels  there. 
I  am  much  afraid  the  troops  will  suffer  if  they  can  not  be  im- 
mediately supplied.  I  wrote  by  the  post  to  one  of  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  committee  for  two  or  three  hundred  barrels  of 
flour ;  should  be  glad  your  Honor  would  see  and  order  as 
you  think  proper.  Col.  Hinman  has  wrote  orders  to  me 
for  hospital  stores,  and  they  can  not  all  be  got  in  this  city. 
Capt.  Motte  will  inform  you  more  particularly.  Sir,  should 
be  glad  to  know  who  in  particular  to  write  to  for  provi- 
sions, &c.  at  New-York,  that  is  and  will  be  wanted. 

"  Sir,  I  am  with  esteem,  your  most 

"  Humble  servant  at  command, 

"ELISHA  PHELPS. 

"To  the  Honorable  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  letter  from  John  N.  Bleecker,  at  Albany,  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Albany,  4th  July,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — I  received  your  letter  of  the  29th  ult. 
and  have,  agreeable  to  your  directions,  delivered  up  all  the 
stores  and  provisions  in  my  care,  an  account  whereof  you 
have  enclosed.  I  can't  omit  observing  that  the  person  in 
whose  care  I  have  left  the  stores,  &c.  during  my  absence 
did  not  think  himself  justified  to  deliver  them  without  an 
order  from  you,  especially  as  it  appears  by  Mr.  Phelps' 
warrant  that  he  is  only  appointed  for  one  regiment,  a  copy 
of  which  is  enclosed.  A  number  of  different  accounts  for 
provisions  and  necessaries,  purchased  as  well  by  me  as  in 
my  absence,  have  not  yet  been  delivered  in,  which  pre- 
vents my  transmitting  an  account  at  present  of  the  expenses 
which  we  have  been  at,  but  I  shall  not  fail  to  render  an  ac- 
count in  a  few  days.  Five  barrels  damaged  powder  from 
Ticonderoga  is  sent  to  Judge  Livingston's  mill.  The  gar- 
rison will  be  in  want  of  flour  very  soon,  and  none  to  be 
had  here  before  I  delivered  up  the  stores. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most 

"  Obedient  and  most  humble  serv't. 

"JOHN  N.  BLEECKER. 

"To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

The  account  of  provisions  and  stores,  and  also  the  ap- 
pointment of  Elisha  Phelps,  mentioned  in  Mr.  Bleecker's 
letter  were  also  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Burnet  Miller  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  South-Hampton,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"South-Hampton,  July  oth,  1775. 
"Gentlemen — The  committee  of  East  and  South-Hamp- 
ton, taking  into  their  serious  consideration  the  remote  situ- 
ation from  the  head-quarters  at  New- York,  and  much  ex- 
posed to  the  ravages  of  our  unnatural  enemy  at  this  day, 
with  regard  to  our  stock  in  our  common  field  at  the  Point 
of  Montauck,  it  being  remote  from  the  inhabitants,  where 
any  number  may  land,  and  at  pleasure  take  away  our 
slock  which  is  large,  not  less  than  two  thousand  neat  cattle 
and  three  or  four  thousand  sheep,  which  if  taken  away  would 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


75 


greatly  distress  us  and  give  them  support,  which  we  would 
by  no  means  do. 

"  Now  considering  our  situation  we  request  your  Hono- 
rable House  to  petition  Gen.  Schuyler  that  a  number  of 
troops  be  stationed  at  Montauck,  and  that  the  company 
now  raising  here  may  be  a  part,  until  a  matter  of  more  im- 
portance shall  call  them  away.  We  are  of  the  opinion 
that  our  inhabitants  would  do  what  in  them  lies  to  give  as- 
sistance in  case  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  take  off  the 
stock  ;  but  the  distance  of  the  inhabitants  is  1 8  or  20  miles  ; 
and  as  Gardner's  Island  lies  adjacent,  and  is  much  exposed  ; 
also  Shelter  Island,  Plumb  Island  and  Oyster  Pond  Point, 
we  think  a  number  of  whale  boats  would  be  proper  to  em- 
ploy, that  assistance  may  be  given  from  one  part  to  the 
other.  We  have  a  number  of  boats  that  are  of  no  use  in 
this  season,  that  might  be  got  for  the  design,  if  the  General 
should  think  proper  to  order  troops  at  this  part  of  the  island, 
which  we  humbly  petition  may  be  done,  &c. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"BURNET  MILLER,  Chairman. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress, 

now  sitting  at  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Johnson  an  Indian  preacher  to  the 
Mohegan  tribe,  bearing  date  the  5th  day  of  July  instant, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  petition  of  Samuel  Faulkenham  and  David  Woolhaup- 
ter,  praying  to  be  employed  in  making  drums  and  fifes, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Peter  Herring  being  brought  before  the  committee,  Gen. 
Wooster  charged  and  accused  him  of  being  aiding  and  as- 
sisting to  one  Lundin  yesterday  evening  in  making  his  es- 
cape from  the  confinement  he  was  under  by  order  of  the 
Continental  Congress.  Several  witnesses  were  examined 
as  to  the  charge,  in  the  presence  of  the  said  Peter  Herring. 

Resolved,  That  it  fully  appears  to  this  committee,  by 
the  testimony  of  several  witnesses,  as  also  by  the  exami- 
nation and  confession  of  Peter  Herring,  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  that  he,  the  said  Peter  Herring,  was  aiding  and  as- 
sisting to  one  Lundin,  yesterday  evening,  in  making  his 
escape  from  the  confinement  he  was  in,  by  order  of  the 
Continental  Congress  ;  and  the  said  Peter  Herring  assisted 
him  to  get  on  board  the  Asia  man  of  war,  and  was  the 
means  of  gelling  him  on  board  of  the  said  ship. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  Peter 
Herring  be  sent,  under  such  guard  as  Gen.  Wooster  shall 
appoint,  to  Connecticut,  to  be  there  confined  in  close  goal, 
at  the  Continental  charge,  until  he  shall  be  thence  discharg- 
ed by  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Henry  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  informing  that 
he  accepts  of  the  warrant  sent  him  for  the  commission  of 
a  captain,  and  has  begun  to  enlist  his  men,  was  read  and 
filed. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  Wednes- 
day the  12th  day  of  July,  1775. 

Present — Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman  and  Representee  from 
Kings. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston.  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Lispenard — A'eio- 
Tork. 

Jonathan  Langdon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond  and  Christopher  Tappen—  Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Andrew  Billings,  at  Poughkeepsie, 
setting  forth  his  having  enlisted  72  men,  and  that  he  waits 
for  directions  how  to  proceed. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  and  forwarded  to  Capt. 
Billings,  diiecting  him  to  inform  Col.  Clinton  of  the  pro- 


gress he  has  made,  and  to  put  himself  and  his  company 
under  his  command,  and  follow  his  directions. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  have  such  arms  as  are 
or  may  be  provided  for  his  regiment,  reduced  to  the  length 
of  the  King's  muskets,  and  that  he  have  steel  ramrods, 
made  for  such  of  them  as  have  not  already  steel  ramrods  ; 
and  ordered  that  every  gunsmith  in  the  city  of  New- York, 
on  application  to  him  made  for  that  purpose,  do  immedi- 
ately make  such  alterations,  repairs  and  ramrods  for  the 
said  muskets,  as  shall  be  directed  by  Col.  McDougall,  or 
his  order,  in  preference  to  any  other  work  or  business  what- 
soever. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brasher  wait  on  his  worship  the 
Mayor  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  request  him  to  get  a 
just  estimate  made  of  the  value  of  the  muskets  and  bay- 
onets, the  arms  of  the  corporation  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  to  have  the  same  delivered  in  to  this  Committee, 
or  the  Provincial  Congress,  in  order  that  so  many  of  them 
as  may  be  appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army, 
may  hereafter  be  restored,  or  the  value  of  them  accounted 
for  to  the  corporation. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be 
requested  to  purchase  Russia  drilling,  sufficient  to  make 
one  thousand  five  hundred  waistcoats,  and  as  many  pair  of 
breeches,  and  have  them  made  up ;  and  that  he  also  pur- 
chase as  much  low  priced  linen  as  will  make  three  thou- 
sand shirts,  and  get  that  number  of  shirts  made  ;  that  he 
purchase  one  thousand  five  hundred  hats,  one  thousand  five 
hundred  pair  of  shoes  and  three  thousand  pair  of  coarse 
woollen  homespun  knit  hose  ;  that  he  also  purchase  a  cheap 
and  proper  linen,  or  other  material,  sufficient  to  make 
three  thousand  cravats. 

Ordered,  That  Egbert  Dumond,  Esq.  wait  on  Abraham 
Lott,  Esq.  Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  and  obtain  from  him 
an  order  on  the  loan  officers  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  for  a 
sum  of  money,  now  in  their  hands,  to  be  applied  for  the 
public  exigencies  of  the  Colony  ;  and  that  Mr.  Dumond, 
for  the  present,  give  his  note,  or  obligation,  to  the  Trea- 
surer for  such  order,  or  the  amount  of  the  sum  to  be  there- 
in mentioned,  until  the  same  shall  be  repaid,  or  farther  se- 
curity given  for  the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dumond,  when  he  has  received  such 
money  from  the  loan  officers,  pay  for  the  flour  which  he 
formerly  purchased  and  sent  to  Albany,  and  the  expenses 
attending  the  same,  and  that  he  expend  the  residue  of  the 
said  money  in  flour,  and  forward  the  same  to  Albany  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Dumond  return  an  account  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  the  sum  he  shall  have  so  received,  and  of  his  ex- 
penditure thereof,  that  the  same  may  be  repaid  when  the 
Continental  money  shall  come  to  hand. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

5  ho.  P.  M.  Wednesday,  July  \2th>  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Col.  McDougall,  Abraham 
Brasher — New-York. 

Jonathan  Langdon — Dutchess. 
Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 
David  Pye — Orange. 
Abraham  Brasher— Suffolk. 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond- 
Col.  McDougall — Queens. 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

Mr.  Henry  Williams  being  absent,  David  Pye,  Esq.  was 
unanimously  elected  Chairman  pro  tempore. 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  Col.  Hinman  of  the  3d  inst. 

was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  S 
"  July  12th,  1775.  > 

"  Col.  Hinman, 

"  Sir — We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  fa- 
vour of  the  3d  of  July,  instant.  In  answer  thereto  we  beg 
leave  to  inform  you  that  Gen.  Schuyler  has  proceeded  to 


7t> 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  northward ;  we  shall  forward  a  copy  of  your  letter  to 
him  without  delay,  and  we  have  the  highest  confidence 
that,  on  your  application  to  him,  he  will  make  every  arrange- 
ment in  stationing  the  troops  at  the  different  posts  you  , 
mention,  that  will  be  for  the  general  defence  of  the  United  , 
Colonies. 

"The  troops  of  this  Colony  to  be  forwarded,  will  be  , 
furnished  with  tents. 

"  We  shall  pay  a  particular  attention  to  what  you  men- 
tion, as  to  the  letters  in  custody  of  any  gentleman,  who 
may  hereafter  obtain  a  pass  from  this  Congress. 
"  By  order, 

"  DAVID  PYE,  Chairman  P.  T." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  pro  tempore,  and  sent  by  Mr.  Motte. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curlenius  purchase  and  send  to  Al- 
bany, to  the  care  of  Elisha  Phelps,  commissary  at  Albany, 
for  the  Connecticut  troops,  the  following  necessaries  as 
hospital  stores,  to  wit :  3  quarter  casks  of  Madeira  wine, 
3  quarter  casks  of  claret,  3  casks  of  raisins,  to  be  cased  in 
tight  casks,  12  kegs  of  oatmeal  and  6  kegs  of  pearl  barley. 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  Elisha  Phelps,  of  the  7th  in- 
stant, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
-"  July  12th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — We  have  before  us  your  favour  of  the  7th  in- 
stant, and  are  to  inform  you  that  a  quantity  of  flour  has 
been  ordered  up  to  Albany,  in  different  parcels,  which  we 
doubt  not  will  come  to  your  hands  in  due  time.    We  will 
give  the  proper  orders  about  those  hospital  stores,  which 
you  inform  us  are  not  to  be  obtained  in  Albany,  and  have 
them  forwarded. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  Mr.  Elisha  Phelps,  Commissary  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man pro  tempore,  and  sent  by  Mr.  Motte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  from  this  Colony  at 
the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
"  July  12th,  1775.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — We  beg  leave  for  your  information,  to 
enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  instructions  and  warrant,  which 
we  have  given  to  the  officers  employed  in  raising  our 
troops.    We  have  formed  an  arrangement  of  the  3,000 
men,  (exclusive  of  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,)  which  the 
Continental  Congress  have  ordered  us  to  raise,  into  4  bat- 
tallions,  of  750  men  each,  including  their  officers,  and 
would  be  glad  to  be  informed  what  their  pay  is  to  be.  We 
are  at  a  loss  about  this  matter,  because  the  accounts  we 
have  of  the  pay  of  the  Colonies  of  Massachusetts,  Con- 
necticut and  Rhode  Island,  differ  so  as  to  reduce  us  to  an 
uncertainty,  which  we  could  wish  to  have  removed.  We 
think,  with  submission,  it  would  have  a  tendency  to  pro- 
mote the  service,  if  our  levies  could  be  informed  of  the 
quantum  of  their  pay.    We  have  reason  to  believe  that 
the  four  battalions  will  be  completed  soon,  but  are  sorry  to 
inform  you  that  we  have  no  powder  for  them  when  raised. 

"  We  are,  yours,  &c. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates 
at  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  Chairman,  and 
transmitted  by  the  first  opportunity. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  be  requested  from  time 
to  time,  to  purchase  such  quantities  of  straw  for  the  use  of 
the  troops  of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,  as  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall  may  think  necessary. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Burnet  Miller, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  East  and  South-Hampton,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit: 


"  Committee  of  Safety,  i 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  S 
"  July  12th,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  dated 

South-Hampton  the  5th  instant,  signed  by  Mr.  Miller, 

Chairman  of  the  committee  of  East  and  South-Hampton, 

and  are  to  inform  you  that  we  will  forward  a  copy  of  the  same 

to  Major  General  Schuyler  to  whose  consideration  we  must 

refer  your  request. 

"  We  are,  with  much  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committees  of 

East  and  South-Hampton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing— Thursday. 

THURSDAY,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  Vith,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Henry  Williams  Esqr,  Chairman  and  Commissioner  for 

Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Col.  McDougall,  Abraham  Brasher — 
New-York.  (Isaac  Low,  Joseph  Hallett,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt.  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  John  Van  Cortlandt.) 

Gouverneur  Morris — Albany. 

Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  Ward  and  Joseph  Drake  inform  - 
ing that  Nehemiah  Marshall  nominated  a  second  lieute- 
nant in  Westchester  county,  had  declined  the  service  and 
recommending  Samuel  Tredwell  Pell  in  his  stead,  was 
read  and  filed  with  the  warrant  formerly  issued. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  the  said  Sam- 
uel Tredwell  Pell,  in  the  place  and  stead  of  the  said  Ne- 
hemiah Marshall. 

Col.  McDougall  applied  to  the  committee  for  an  order 
to  Mr  Curtenius  to  furnish  the  following  articles  for  the 
armourers  of  the  first  regiment,  viz  :  150  steel  rods,  150 
bell  pipes,  12lb.  sheet  brass,  lib.  of  borax,  4  dozen  of  dif- 
ferent sorts  of  files,  6  rasps,  4lb.  emery,  6lb.  glue,  25lb. 
of  steel,  2lb.  binding  wire,  25lb.  of  iron,  2lb.  of  spelter 
solder,  1  glue  pot,  1  grindstone,  1  oil  stone,  2  small  hand 
vices,  6lb.  of  coarse  wire,  1  small  screw  plate  and  taps. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  purchase  the 
before  mentioned  articles  and  furnish  or  deliver  them  to 
Col.  McDougall,  or  his  order. 

A  letter  from  Hezekiah  Howell,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Cornwall  precinct,  giving  information  that  Ste- 
phen Howell,  of  that  precinct,  who  was  appointed  a  se- 
cond lieutenant,  had  declined  the  service  was  read,  and  a 
letter  from  the  said  Stephen  Howell  declaring  his  resigna- 
tion of  his  warrant,  was  also  read  and  filed ;  and  the  said 
committee  of  Cornwall  precinct,  by  their  letter,  having 
warmly  recommended  Jonas  Bellows  to  be  a  second  lieu- 
tenant in  the  place  of  the  said  Stephen  Howell. 

Resolved  and  agreed,  That  a  warrant  be  signed  by  the 
President  of  this  Congress,  and  delivered  to  the  said  Jo- 
.  nas  Bellows  for  his  use,  as  soon  as  the  warrant  to  Stephen 
Howell  is  returned. 

A  letter  from  Walter  Spooner,  chairman  of  a  committee 
at  Springfield,  Massachusetts  Bay,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"To  the  Honourable,  the  President  and  Members 

"of  the  convention  of  the  Colony  of  New- York. 

"  Gentlemen — Notwithstanding  the  many  calamities 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


77 


that  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  now  struggles 
under  ;  the  Congress  there  are  resolutely  determined  to 
leave  nothing  within  their  power  undone  which  may  have 
a  probable  tendency  to  preserve  the  rights  and  property  of 
the  American  Colonies.  In  puisuance  of  this  resolution, 
they  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  June  last,  appointed  a  com- 
mittee whereof  I  have  the  honour  to  be  chairman,  to  pro- 
ceed to  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  to  inquire  into  the 
importance  of  holding  those  posts,  and  among  other  things 
respectfully  to  signify  to  you  their  thoughts  on  the  subject. 

"  The  committee  have  made  those  inquiries,  as  they 
were  directed,  and  have  ordered  me  to  lake  leave  to  inform 
you,  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  should  the  fortresses  on 
Lake  Champlain  fall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  the 
Colony  of  New-York  with  the  New-England  Colonies 
must  be  in  the  utmost  insecurity,  for  the  enemy  might  land 
at  the  southern  end  of  a  part  of  the  waters  of  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  called  South  Bay  ;  from  whence,  as  Fort  Edward  is 
razed  to  the  foundation,  there  is  nothing  to  check  them  or 
prevent  their  spreading  fire  and  devastation  down  to  Alba- 
ny, and  over  all  the  frontier  towns  eastward,  in  New-York 
and  the  New-England  Colonies. 

"  Wherefore  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  that  all 
possible  care  ought  to  be  taken  to  keep  the  command  of 
Lake  Champlain,  which,  perhaps,  may  be  more  easily 
effected  by  armed  vessels  of  various  constructions,  than 
otherwise. 

"  The  committee  has  established  on  the  lakes,  in  the  pay 
of  the  Massachusetts  Colony,  four  hundred  effective  men 
with  proper  officers,  which  are  all  that  the  distressed  state 
of  the  Colony  can  at  present  admit  of ;  which  regiment, 
from  the  peculiar  embarrassment  which  that  Colony  is  now 
labouring  under,  must  look  for  present  supplies  of  provi- 
sions to  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"While  the  committee  was  at  the  posts  above  mention- 
ed, there  was  a  dangerous  meeting  set  on  foot  by  some 
persons  employed  by  Col.  Arnold,  an  officer  of  our  Colo- 
ny, who  appeared  to  have  their  own  interest  more  at  heart 
than  the  public  good  ;  which,  had  it  not  been  for  the  influ- 
ence and  well  timed  exertions  of  Judge  Duer,  a  gentleman 
of  the  county  of  Charlotte  in  your  Colony,  and  the  prin- 
cipal officers  of  the  Connecticut  forces,  might  have  been 
attended  with  fatal  consequences.  As  the  committee  sup- 
pose the  Colony  they  serve,  to  be  under  great  obligations 
to  that  worthy  gentleman,  they  cannot  but  inform  his  own 
Government  of  his  zealous  exertions  for  the  public  good. 
"  I  am,  with  due  respect,  in  behalf  of  the  committee, 
"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"WALTER  SPOONER. 

"Springfield,  July  3d,  1775." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler  to  cover  a 
copy  of  Col.  Hinman's  letter,  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  or  Safety,  j) 
'•'  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"July  13th,  1775.  ) 

"  Sir — We  beg  leave  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter 
from  Col.  Hinman,  which  we  received  yesterday. 

"  We  have,  in  substance  by  our  answer,  informed  him 
that  we  would  forward  a  copy  of  his  letter  to  you,  and  that 
we  have  the  highest  confidence  that,  on  his  application, 
you  mill  make  every  arrangement  in  stationing  the  troops 
at  the  different  posts  mentioned  in  his  letter,  that  would  be 
for  the  general  defence  of  the  United  Colonies. 
"  We  arc,  Sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants, 

"  By  order,  &c. 

'•'  Major-General  Schpyleb." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, and  together  with  a  copy  of  Col.  Hinman's  letter,  be 
transmitted  by  the  first  conveyance. 

Alderman  Matthews  and  Alderman  Brewerton,  applied 
to  the  committee  and  delivered  a  letter  from  Capt.  Van 
Deput  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia  to  Governor  Tryon, 

20 


complaining  that  one  of  his  boats  is  brought  on  shore  and 
the  crew  detained  prisoners;  and  the  committee  being  in- 
formed that  the  boat's  crew  are  prisoners  in  Gen.  VVooster's 
camp  ;  and  also,  that  His  Majesty's  store  near  Hudson's 
river  was  broken  open  during  last  night,  and  divers  effects 
carried  away  from  thence  by  violence ; 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Verplanck,  Isaac  Low  and  Go- 
verneur  Morris,  Esqs.  be  a  sub-committee  from  this  com- 
mittee, to  wait  on  Gen.  Wooster,  in  order  to  make  inquiry 
and  to  receive  information  on  those  subjects,  and  also  to 
give  such  directions  therein  as  they  shall  think  proper,  that 
right  may  be  done  without  delay.  Thereupon  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  Gen.  Wooster  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as 
follows  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  i 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  } 
"  July  13th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — Complaint  has  been  made  to  our  board,  that  a 
boat  belonging  to  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia  has  been  drawn 
on  shore,  and  the  boat's  crew  detained  as  prisoners,  at  your 
camp  ;  and  also,  that  His  Majesty's  store  house  near  Hud- 
son's river  was,  during  last  night,  broken  open,  and  divers 
effects  carried  away  from  thence  by  violence.    It  is  alleged 
that  some  of  the  troops  under  your  command,  have  been 
concerned  in  both  those  acts. 

"  We  have,  therefore,  appointed  Samuel  Verplanck, 
Isaac  Low  and  Governeur  Morris,  Esqs.  a  committee  from 
our  Board  to  wait  on  you,  in  order  to  make  inquiry  and 
receive  information  on  those  subjects  ;  and  also,  to  give 
such  directions  therein  as  they  shall  think  proper,  that  right 
may  be  done  without  delay. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"  Major-General  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  signed  by  the  Chairman, 
be  delivered  to  the  sub-committee. 

Doctor  Samuel  Bard  at  his  request  was  admitted,  and 
informed  the  committee  that  he  had  received  some  dis- 
agreeable language  from  some  of  his  fellow  citizens,  for 
receiving  and  attending  the  sick  mariners  from  his  Majes- 
ty's ships,  and  requested  to  know  whether  it  is  the  sense 
of  this  committee  that  his  acting  as  physician  for  the  sick 
mariners  is  inconsistent  with  the  conduct  and  duty  of  a 
good  citizen  under  the  present  circumstances  of  this  Co- 
lony. Doctor  Baid  further  declared  that  he  had  been  par- 
ticularly careful  not  to  receive  any  patients  from  the  ships 
with  any  infectious  disorders.  But  that  if  it  is  the  sense 
of  this  committee  that  he  ought  not  to  attend  such  sick 
mariners,  he  is  ready  to  resign  his  office. 

Rtsolved,  That  Doctor  Bard's  conduct  is  fully  consis- 
tent with  the  conduct  and  duty  of  a  good  citizen ;  and  he 
is  requested  not  to  suffer  any  patient  to  be  brought  into 
his  hospital  with  any  infectious  disorders,  particularly  the 
smallpox. 

Mr.  Low,  from  the  committee  who  waited  on  Gen. 
Wooster,  reported  that  Gen.  Wooster  informed  them,  that 
the  matter  of  complaint  relating  to  the  boat  and  boat's  crew 
belonging  to  the  ship  Asia,  had  arose  through  some  mis- 
take of  the  master  of  the  Connecticut  armed  schooner. 
That  he  had  ordered  the  boat  to  be  restored,  and  sent  a 
party  to  put  her  in  the  water,  and  that  the  boat's  crew  he 
had  discharged  as  soon  as  he  heard  of  their  being  detained. 

That  as  to  the  effects  brought  to  his  camp  last  night,  he 
had  ordered  them  to  be  taken  care  of,  and  that  they  are 
preserved  under  a  guard  ;  that  they  were  brought  there  by 
some  persons  without  his  knowledge  or  directions ;  that 
one  Brasher  informed  him  that  Col.  Ritzma  had  desired 
him  to  to  receive  and  protect  those  effects  ;  and,  therefore, 
he  had  set  a  guard  over  them,  and  they  were  ready  to  be 
delivered  to  the  owner,  or  to  the  order  of  this  committee. 

The  Recorder  and  Aldermen  Brewerton  and  Matthews, 
were  called  in,  and  they  informed  the  committee  that  the 
boat  belonging  to  the  Asia  man  of  war  is  burnt. 

Whereupon  the  committee  made  the  following  order. 

Whereas,  Information  hath  been  given  to  this  com- 


78 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


mittee  by  some  of  the  civil  magistrates  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  that  an  attack  was  made  without  provocation,  upon 
a  boat  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  and  the  boat 
wantonly  destroyed ;  and  also  that  the  house  and  stores  of 
Mr.  Francis  Stevens,  have  been  violently  broken  open  and 
robbed  of  private  property,  and  military  stores  taken  from 
thence:  And  Whereas  the  said  magistrates  have  request- 
ed the  advice  of  this  committee  in  the  premises, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  civil  magis- 
trates, to  examine  strictly  into  the  several  matters  and 
things  above  mentioned,  and  to  punish  all  persons  who  are 
guilty  of  perpetrating  the  same,  as  the  law  directs ;  and 
that  it  be,  and  hereby  it  is,  recommended  to  all  the  citizens 
and  others  to  aid  and  assist  the  magistrates  in  the  execution 
of  their  offices. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  order  be  published  in  hand- 
bills, and  distributed. 

The  committee  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  Uth,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman  and  Commissioner  for 
Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall, 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Abraham  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Governeur  Morris — Albany 

Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

Stephen  Seaman  and  Obadiah  Seaman  attending  at  the 
door,  were  called  in  and  gave  the  committee  such  informa- 
tion, as  affords  great  reason  to  suspect  that  George  Youngs 
and  his  son,  and  Capt.  Brush  and  one  Conklin,  all  of  Hun- 
tington, are  concerned  in  shipping  provisions  to  supply 
Gen.  Gage's  fleet  and  army.  Short  notes  of  their  exami- 
nations were  taken  and  filed. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esq. 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
July  Uth,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — We  have  received  such  information  as  gives  us 
great  reason  to  suspect,  that  one  George  Youngs  and  his 
son,  and  one  Capt.  Brush  and  one  Conklin,  all  of  or  near 
Huntington,  are  concerned  in  shipping  provisions  in  such 
manner  as  that  they  must  inevitably  serve  to  supply  Gen. 
Gage's  fleet  and  army  at  Boston. 

"  We  enclose  you  notes  taken  from  two  witnesses  on 
that  subject. 

"  We  need  not  suggest  to  you  that  it  is  incumbent  on 
those  people  to  show  where  they  have  unloaded  their  for- 
mer cargoes,  and  where  they  are  now  going  ;  and  that  they 
have  complied  with  the  association  without  fraud. 

"  We  have  the  highest  confidence  that  your  committee 
will  exert  themselves  on  this  occasion. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  John  Sloss  Hobakt,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the 
Chairman,  and  together  with  a  copy  of  the  examination  of 
Obadiah  and  Stephen  Seaman,  be  transmitted  by  the  first 
conveyance. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  desired  to 
purchase  three  hundred  barrels  of  pork,  and  forward  the 


same  to  Albany ;  and  that  he  forward  a  complete  set  of 
tents  to  Col.  Rooseboom,  at  Albany,  sufficient  for  one  re- 
giment, and  inform  this  committee  when  those  tents  are 
ready  and  forwarded. 

A  memorial  of  John  Sparding,  bearing  date  at  Ticonde- 
roga  Landing,  on  the  first  of  June,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  memorialist  sets  forth  the  great  trouble  and  pains 
he  had  taken  to  forward  the  service  there,  with  boats  and 
teams,  and  his  ability  to  perform  the  same  ;  also  sets  forth 
that  seventeen  pounds  are  due  him  for  his  services.  That 
the  agents  now  refuse  to  employ  his  teams;  that  he  is 
likely  to  be  a  great  sufferer  ;  and  prays  the  same  may  be 
taken  into  consideration. 

A  letter  to  the  said  John  Sparding  was  thereupon  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
July  Uth,  1775.  ) 

"  Sir — This  morning  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  presented 
your  memorial,  which  was  immediately  read  and  taken  in- 
to consideration. 

"  Gen.  Schuyler,  who  has  the  command  of  the  northern 
posts,  is  now  there ;  to  him  we  must  refer  you,  and  doubt 
not  but  that  he  will  redress  your  grievances  ;  and  such  ac- 
counts as  he  shall  recommend  for  payment,  we  presume 
will  be  honored  by  the  Provincial  Congress. 
"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  friends  and  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  Mr.  John  Sparding,  at  Ticonderoga  Landing." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers 
and  Mr.  Samuel  Tudor  be  authorized  to  purchase  old  cop- 
per, brass,  and  other  materials  for  casting  a  brass  field 
piece,  at  such  prices  as  they  can  obtain  the  said  materials. 

A  letter  from  John  Grennel,  of  Huntington,  was  read 
and  filed.  Mr.  Grennel.  by  his  letter,  informs  that  Wil- 
liam Phillipse  and  Philip  Concklin,  who  were  nominated 
his  subalterns,  from  their  particular  circumstances  decline 
the  service.  He  recommends  Mr.  Samuel  Smith,  of 
Smith  Town,  for  first  lieutenant,  and  Alexander  Ketchum, 
of  Huntington,  for  second  lieutenant.  He  also  farther  in- 
forms that  several  stand  ready  to  enlist,  and  have  arms, 
ammunition  and  blankets.    Agreed  and 

Ordered,  That  warrants  be  issued  for  Samuel  Smith 
and  Alexander  Ketchum,  as  subalterns  under  John  Gren- 
nell. 

Mr.  Abraham  Van  Wyck  having  declined  serving  in  the 
troops  as  a  captain,  and  two  days  ago  returned  his  warrant; 
and  Mr.  David  Lyon,  of  Elizabeth  Town,  in  New-Jersey, 
having  offered  his  services,  with  a  complete  company  of 
men  by  him  enlisted  ; 

Ordered,  That  the  said  David  Lyon  be  taken  into  ser- 
vice as  a  captain  in  the  first  regiment,  in  the  stead  of  the 
said  Abraham  Van  Wyck,  and  that  a  warrant  be  issued 
to  him  accordingly. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  John  Grennell  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  1 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 

"  July  Uth,  1775.  ) 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  eleventh  instant  is  now  be- 
fore us.  We  have  attentively  perused  it,  and  from  the 
great  confidence  we  place  in  you,  sir,  and  a  firm  reliance 
that  you  have  recommended  gentlemen  fit  for  the  trust  to 
be  reposed  in  them,  we  have  enclosed  warrants  for  them. 

"  We  recommend  to  you,  sir,  to  make  all  possible  de- 
spatch in  enlisting  your  men,  and  to  pay  a  particular  atten- 
tion to  their  health,  strength  and  abilities. 

"  By  a  resolve  of  our  Congress,  the  men  you  enlist  will 
be  allowed  for  the  use  of  their  arms,  if  they  are  approved 
of  by  the  muster-master,  armourer  and  field  officers  of  the 
regiment  as  good  and  fit  for  service.    As  to  the  blankets 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


79 


and  other  matters  you  mention,  we  are  not  at  present  in  a 
condition  to  advise. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"  To  Capt.  John  Grenneix,  at  Huntington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  and  transmitted  with  the  warrants  therein 
mentioned  enclosed. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

My  15th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman,  Commissioner  for  Kings 
county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall 
and  Abraham  Brasher — For  New-York. 
Gouverneur  Morris — ilbany. 
Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 
Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 
David  Pye — Orange. 
Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 
Gouverneur  Morris — Westchester. 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 
Col.  McDougall — Queens. 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston—  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  of  the  eleventh  of  July 
inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  person  that  commanded  the  sloop  on  Lake 
Champlain  has  left  her.  It  is  more  than  probable  that  I 
shall  not  be  able  to  procure  at  Ticonderoga  such  a  person 
as  I  should  wish  to  command  her.  I  entreat  you,  there- 
fore, to  send  me,  with  all  possible  despatch,  a  person  fit  to 
confer  such  an  important  command  upon.  You  will  please  to 
transmit  me  an  account  of  the  agreement  you  may  enter 
into  with  him. 

"You  will  please  to  observe  that  I  have  ordered  one 
hundred  fat  cattle  from  Connecticut,  and  five  hundred  bar- 
rels of  flour  to  be  purchased  here,  as  part  of  the  estimate 
I  gave  in  to  you  at  New- York. 

"  The  powder  from  Pennsylvania  is  not  yet  arrived  ; 
please  to  forward  it  by  the  first  opportunity. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"Albany,  July  Uth,  1775. 

"  P.  S.  Please  to  forward  the  packet  that  will  be  de- 
livered you  to  Mr.  Hancock,  by  a  safe  hand. 
"  To  Petek  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  New-York  Provincial  Congress." 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  of  the  twelfth  of  July 
inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"Albany,  July  12th,  1775. 
"  Dear  Sir — The  troops  to  the  northward  are  so  few 
and  under  so  little  discipline  that  I  begin  to  be  apprehen- 
sive of  consequences  should  Gov.  Carlton  make  an  at- 
tempt. I  must  therefore  entreat  you  to  send  up  all  such 
as  may  be  raised  in  this  Colony  without  delay,  with  such 
camp  equipage  as  may  be  ready  ;  the  remainder  must  fol- 
low. If  the  entrenching  and  other  tools,  which  I  desired 
might  be  sent  up,  have  not  yet  left  New-York,  pray  let  them 
be  forwarded  by  the  very  first  opportunity,  as  we  stand  in 
great  need  of  them. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  New-York  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq. 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  pay 
into  the  hands  of  Col.  McDougall  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred pounds,  out  of  the  moneys  he  shall  receive  from  the 


general  committee  of  association  for  the  city  and  county 
of  New- York. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates  at  Phila- 
delphia, to  accompany  copies  of  two  letters  received  this 
day  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  1 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  S 
"  July  15th,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  the  copies  of  two  let- 
ters from  Gen.  Schuyler.  In  addition,  we  must  observe 
to  you  our  enlisted  men  grow  uneasy  for  want  of  money, 
which  prevents  the  enlistment  of  others. 

"  We  have  no  arms,  we  have  no  powder,  we  have  no 
blankets.  For  God's  sake  send  us  money,  send  us  arms, 
send  us  ammunition.  Burgoyne  we  learn  is  gone  to  Que- 
bec. If  Ticonderoga  is  taken  from  us,  fear,  which  made 
the  savages  our  friends,  will  render  them  our  enemies. 
Ravages  on  our  frontiers  will  foster  dissensions  among  us 
ruinous  to  the  cause.  Be  prudent,  be  expeditious. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 

"  P.  S.  You  will  observe,  gentlemen,  that  Peter  Van 
Brugh  Livingston  is  our  Treasurer  until  an  appointment  by 
your  Board.  We  hear  from  good  authority,  that  Col.  Guy 
Johnson  is  at  Oswego  with  1,000  or  1,200  Indians,  (men, 
women  and  children)  and  that  they  have  plenty  of  pro- 
visions. We  should  be  glad  to  have  the  blank  commis- 
sions for  the  officers  sent  forward  to  us." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  Chairman  and 
transmitted,  together  with  copies  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  let- 
ters, by  Joseph  Stevens,  a  messenger. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  in  answer  to 
his  two  letters  received  this  day,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  July  15th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — We  have  received  your  letters  and  written  to 
the  Continental  Congress  on  those  subjects.    We  shall, 
with  all  despatch,  send  the  officer  you  mention.    We  have 
already  ordered  to  Albany  tents  for  one  regiment.  Our 
troops  can  be  of  no  service  to  you  ;  they  have  no  arms, 
clothes,  blankets  or  ammunition  ;  the  officers  no  commis- 
sions ;  our  Treasury  no  money  ;  ourselves  in  debt.    It  is 
in  vain  to  complain  ;  we  will  remove  difficulties  as  fast  as 
we  can,  and  send  you  soldiers  whenever  the  men  we  have 
raised  are  entitled  to  that  name.    The  entrenching  tools 
shall  be  sent  soon,  some  immediately,  and  all  the  pork  that 
can  be  had,  about  100  barrels  ;  use,  we  pray  you,  the  bad 
troops  at  Ticonderoga  as  well  as  you  can. 
"  We  are,  very  sincerely, 

"  Your  countrymen  and  friends. 
"  P.  S.  General  Burgoyne  has  not  been  seen  in  Boston 
since  the  17th  ult.  and  it  is  currently  reported  and  believed 
that  he  is  gone  to  Quebec. 
"  To  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  William  Elphinstone,  Esq.  have  liberty 
to  use  two  rooms  in  the  lower  barracks. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Wooster  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit ; 

"  Camp  near  New-York,  July  loth,  1775. 
"  Sir — Having  found  by  experience,  that  the  troops 
under  my  command,  from  the  situation  of  their  encamp- 
ment, are  subjected  to  many  difficulties,  which  render  it 
next  to  impossible  to  maintain  that  good  order  and  disci- 
pline which  is  entirely  necessary  in  the  regulation  of  an 
army,  my  officers  agree  with  me  in  sentiment,  that  it  will 
be  much  for  the  benefit  of  the  service  to  remove  the  troops 
to  a  farther  distance  from  the  town.  I  have  viewed  a  plat 
of  ground  belonging  to  Mr.  Sickle,  of  Harlem,  which  I 
think  very  proper  for  an  encampment,  and  which  he  is 
willing  should  be  made  use  of  for  that  purpose.    I  there- 


80 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


fore  desire  you  to  take  the  opinion  and  advice  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safely,  and  if  they  think  proper,  I  shall  be 
obliged  to  them  if  they  appoint  somebody  to  contract  with 
Mr.  Sickle  for  the  place  and  assist  us  with  wagons,  carts, 
&c.  that  we  may  remove  next  Monday. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

Your  very  humble  servant, 
DAVID  WOOSTER,  Maj.  Gen. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 

Safety,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  James  Beekman  be  appointed  com- 
missioner to  agree  with  Mr.  John  Sickles  for  his  field  at 
Harlem  for  the  use  of  the  troops  under  the  command  of 
Gen.  Wooster  to  encamp  on. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  be  appointed  commis- 
sioner to  agree  with  and  employ  as  many  cartmen  as  may 
be  necessary  for  transporting  the  camp  equipage  of  Gen. 
Wooster's  troops  to  Harlem. 

Thereupon  a  letter  to  Gen.  Wooster  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  July  Ibth,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — Mr.  James  Beekman  is  appointed  commissioner 
to  treat  with  John  Sickles  for  his  ground  at  such  rate  and 
time  as  he  shall  think  proper.    Be  pleased  to  furnish  him 
with  the  dimensions  of  the  spot  and  the  use  to  which  it  is 
to  be  applied  in  entrenching,  &c. 

"  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  is  commissioner  to  provide 
carriages  for  your  tents,  baggage,  &c.  Be  pleased  to  in- 
form him  how  many  carts  are  necessary. 

"  We  have  thought  proper  to  defer  your  march  until 
Tuesday  morning,  in  as  much  as  the  time  would  not  other- 
wise have  permitted  our  commissioners  to  make  the  ne- 
cessary arrangements. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  most  obt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  General  Wooster. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  chairman,  and  sent  by  Gen.  Wooster's  officer  now  in 
waiting. 

Gen.  Schuyler  having  by  his  letter  of  the  eleventh 
instant  requested  this  Committee  to  appoint,  a  proper  person 
to  command  the  Sloop  on  Lake  Champlain  and  send  him 
up  with  all  convenient  speed,  and  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis 
being  sent  for  to  confer  with  on  the  subject,  recommended 
Capt.  James  Smith  for  the  above  service.  Capt.  James 
Smith  attended  and  expressed  his  great  willingness  and 
cheerfulness  to  undertake  that  service,  and  is  thought  by 
this  Committee  to  be  a  very  proper  person. 

"  Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  warrant  to  the  said  James 
Smith  was  made  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-Fork,  } 
"During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  July  \bth,  1775.  ) 

"  Mr.  James  Smith — 

"  You  are  hereby  appointed  captain  of  an  armed  vessel 
in  the  Continental  service.  You  will  receive  the  pay  of  a 
major  in  the  service  of  the  Continental  forces,  and  to  take 
your  orders  from  Major-Gen.  Schuyler  or  other  command- 
ing officers  of  the  Continental  troops  for  the  time  being. 
The  General  will  designate  the  vessel  you  are  to  com- 
mand, and  you  will  receive  a  commission  from  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  chairman,  to  be  delivered  to  the  said  James  Smith. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler  to  be  delivered  by 
the  said  James  Smith,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  1 
"  During  the  Recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  > 
"  July  loth,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — The  bearer  of  this  letter  is  James  Smith,  a  gen- 
tleman of  excellent  character  as  a  sea  officer,  who  willing- 


ly undertook  the  command,  refusing  a  ship  he  was  offered, 
and  left  it  to  us  to  settle  his  pay,  &c.  We  agree  to  a  ma- 
jor's pay,  and  at  the  same  time  we  submit  it  to  you  whether 
he  will  not  be  entitled  to  that  rank  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  very  humble  servts. 
"  To  Major-Gen.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  chair- 
man and  transmitted  by  the  said  James  Smith. 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  Herman  Zedwilz  shall  be 
major,  and  is  hereby  appointed  major  of  the  first  regiment 
of  the  troops  now  raising  in  this  Colony. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  16th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  but  not 
having  any  business  absolutely  necessary  to  be  done  this 
day,  they  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colo- 
ny of  New-York,  July  17th,  1775,  Monday,  9  o'clock  A.  M. 

Present — Henry  Williams,  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for  Kings 
county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingonst,Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall,  Abra- 
ham Brasher — New-York. 

Governeur  Morris — Jllbany. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

Mr.  Samuel  Broome  having  declined  the  commission  of 
a  captain  in  the  first  battalion  of  the  troops  now  raising  in 
this  Colony, 

Ordered  and  agreed,  That  Benjamin  Ledyard  be  ap- 
pointed captain  in  the  stead  and  place  of  the  said  Samuel 
Broome. 

A  draft  of  articles  of  agreement  between  the  committee 
appointed  to  procure  lock-smiths  to  make  gun  locks,  of  the 
first  part,  and  Thomas  Blockley  of  the  second  part,  for 
the  importation  of  artificers,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 
Articles  of  agreement  made  and  concluded  this  seventeenth 
day  of  July,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
five,  between  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallett,  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt  and  Alexander  McDougall  of  the  city 
of  New-York,  Esquires,  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York  of  the  first  part, 
and  Thomas  Blockley  now  in  New-York,  and  intend- 
ing speedily  to  go  to  Britain,  of  the  second  part  : 
First ;  the  said  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hallett,  Ja 
cobus  Van  Zandt  and  Alexander  McDougall,  on  behalf  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  do 
authorize  and  request  the  said  Thomas  Blockley  to  procure 
ten  good  artificers  in  the  gun-smiths'  and  lock-smiths'  bu- 
siness, to  wit :  lock-smiths,  good  workmen  in  the  trade 
and  business  of  making  musket  or  gun  locks,  and  other 
good  workmen  at  the  trade  and  business  of  forging,  weld- 
ing and  making  gun  barrels,  and  other  good  workmen  at 
the  trade  and  business  of  boring  gun  barrels  ;  in  the 
whole,  ten  artificers  in  number,  to  come  to  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  to  dwell  and  reside,  and  there  to  carry  on  their 
respective  trades  and  occupations.    And  the  said  parlies 
of  the  first  part,  do  request  and  authorize  the  said  Tho- 
mas Blockley  to  advance  to  each  of  the  said  workmen,  two 
guineas,  to  defray  the  expense  of  their  removal  from  their 
respective  places  of  abode,  on  board  of  the  ship  in  which 
they  shall  come  as  passengers. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


And  the  said  parties  of  the  first  part,  do  covenant  and  | 
agree  to  and  with  the  said  Thomas  Blockley,  to  repay  to 
him  or  his  order,  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  so  by 
him  advanced  to  the  said  workmen,  not  exceeding  two 
guineas  each.  And  also  to  pay  and  discharge  the  passa- 
ges of  such  workmen  to  the  city  of  New-York,  at  the  rate 
and  price  of  steerage  passengers,  in  any  ship  or  vessel  in 
which  they  shall  arrive,  provided  that  each  of  the  said  ar- 
tificers at  the  time  of  or  immediately  before  the  payment 
of  their  respective  passages,  do  enter  in  bond  to  the  said 
parties  of  the  first  part,  in  double  the  sum  so  advanced 
and  paid  for  each  of  them,  with  a  condition  to  repay  the 
money  so  advanced  for  each  of  them  respectively,  if  the 
obligor  shall  not  set  up  and  carry  on  his  trade,  occupation 
and  business  in  the  Colony  of  New-York,  or  shall  remove 
to  dwell  and  reside  in  any  place  not  within  the  said  Colo- 
ny. And  it  is  recommended  to  the  said  Thomas  Block- 
ley,  to  engage  and  send  out  sober,  prudent  men,  in  their 
respective  occupations,  and  such  as  will  bring  with  them 
the  usual  and  necessary  tools  of  their  respective  occupa- 
tions, that  may  be  put  into  small  room  or  compass.  And 
that  as  many  of  them  as  may  conveniently  be  had  be  single 
men. 

A  letter  from  John  Lamb,  dated  this  day,  setling  forth 
many  inconveniences  that  will  attend  drafting  the  men 
for  an  artillery  company  to  be  by  him  commanded  ;  and 
praying  that  he  may  have  leave  to  enlist  his  own  men, 
and  that  their  clothing  may  be  blue  with  buff  cuffs  and 
facings. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  John  Lamb  raise  a  company  of 
one  hundred  men,  including  officers,  to  serve  in  the  Conti- 
nental army  as  an  artillery  company  ;  that  their  clothing 
be  blue,  faced  with  buff,  and  that  they  have  such  pay  as 
shall  be  determined  by  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Angus  McDonald,  complaining  of  his 
confinement. 

Thereupon  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Fairfield  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  3 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  July  17th,  1775.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — Angus  McDonald  having  presented  a 
petition  to  this  board,  praying  a  relaxation  of  his  confine- 
ment, we  shall  esteem  it  a  favour  if  you  will  grant  him  as 
much  indulgence  in  the  premises  as  you  think  consistent 
with  the  public  safety. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to 
procure  duck,  and  get  as  many  tents  made  as  will  supply 
the  number  now  lent  to  Gen.  Wooster.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  purchase  so  many  blan- 
kets or  some  other  substitute,  as  with  those  already  pur- 
chased, and  those  now  in  the  hands  of  the  barrack  mas- 
ter, will  furnish  the  four  regiments  of  this  Colony  with 
blankets. 

A  draft  of  a  circular  letter  to  the  respective  colonels  of 
the  regiments  of  troops  now  raising  in  this  Colony,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  } 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  July  17th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — You  are  requested  to  prepare  and  lay  before  the 
Congress  of  this  Colony  at  New-York,  a  state  of  your 
regiment,  and  of  the  number  of  men  ready  and  fit  for  ser- 
vice in  each  company,  with  all  possible  despatch.  You 
will  also  be  pleased  to  inform  the  Congress  when  you  ex- 
pect your  regiment  will  be  completed  and  ready  to  take 
the  field.    We  pray  you  to  give  all  possible  despatch  in 
this  business ;  the  present  circumstances  admit  of  no  de- 
lay.   The  sooner  your  answer  and  return  can  be  received 
the  more  acceptable  it  will  be. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servts." 
21 


81 

Ordered,  That  copies  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, and  sent  to  the  respective  colonels  of  the  different 
regiments. 

The  committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  18th,  1775. 
The  committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Henry  Williams.  Esquire,  Chairman,  and  Commissioner 
for  Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  Col.  McDougall,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher— New- York. 

Governeur  Morris — -Albany. 

Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Watkins  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in.  He 
produced  a  certificate  signed  by  Archibald  Campbell,  Esq. 
chairman  of  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Charlotte 
county,  held  at  Fort  Edward,  on  ihe  twenty-ninth  day  of 
June  last,  whereby  it  appears  that  Doctor  George  Smyth, 
the  said  David  Watkins,  and  Archibald  Campbell,  Esq. 
were  duly  elected  to  represent  that  county  in  Provincial 
Congress,  together  with  John  Williams  and  William 
Marsh,  Esq.  and  that  they  or  either  of  them  represent  the 
said  county  in  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York.  The 
said  certificate  was  read  and  filed,  and, 

Ordered,  That  David  Watkins  take  his  seat. 

The  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  attending  in  the 
next  room,  informed  some  of  the  members  that  the  ma- 
gistrates had  applied  to  a  carpenter  to  build  a  boat  for  the 
ship  Asia,  to  replace  that  lately  burnt,  belonging  to  the 
said  ship  Asia.  That  the  carpenter  desired  an  order  or 
protection  from  this  Board  for  that  purpose,  to  convince 
any  of  his  fellow-citizens  who  might  inquire,  that  he  is 
doing  that  work  with  the  approbation  of  the  committee. 

Thereupon  an  order  was  made  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  This  committee  do  hereby  signify  their  approbation  of 
the  conduct  of  the  civil  magistrates  in  ordering  the  build- 
ing of  a  boat  to  replace  that  lately  burnt  in  this  city,  be- 
longing to  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia ;  and  require  the  car- 
penter which  they  have  or  shall  employ  for  that  purpose,  to 
perform  the  same." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  this  order  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  one  of  the  secretaries  and  delivered  to  Mr. 
Mayor. 

A  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committees  of  New- 
burgh  and  New-Windsor  precincts,  was  read  and  filed,  and 

is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  now  convened  in  the  cily  of  New-York. 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  extremely  sorry  to  be  under 
the  disagreeable  necessity  of  troubling  you  on  this  occa- 
sion. Nothing  but  dke  necessity  could  have  induced  us 
to  take  any  step  which  may  be  construed  by  this  Honour- 
able Congress  to  be  aside  from  the  path  of  duty.  We 
herewith  send  you  three  persons  who  not  only  possess 
principles  very  inimical  to  the  grand  cause  in  which  we 
are  embarked,  but  whose  conduct  ever  since  the  first  of 
these  unhappy  times,  have  been  such  as  to  disturb  the 
public  tranquillity  and  destroy  that  unanimity  so  necessary 
for  the  preservation  of  our  liberties.  Their  names  are 
John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick,  and  Isaiah  Purdy.  Here- 
with you,  gentlemen,  will  also  receive  several  depositions 
taken  before  John  Nicoll,  Esq.  relative  to  the  matter, 


I 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


82 

which  is  all  we  have  time  to  take  at  present.  These  we  i 
submit  to  the  judgment  of  the  Honourable  Congress, 
whether  either  or  all  of  these  persons  accused  be  worthy 
of  confinement  or  not — on  the  supposition  that  the 
Congress  shall  judge  it  expedient  that  either  or  all  of  them 
should  be  liberated.  In  that  case  we  humbly  conceive  it  to 
be  necessary  that  such  security  be  taken  of  them  as  shall 
render  those  easy  in  their  minds  who  are  afraid  of  their 
persons  and  property.  We  would  only  add,  gentlemen, 
that  while  we  are  contending  for  liberty,  it  is  with  the 
greatest  reluctance  that  we  would  offer  to  deprive  the 
meanest  of  our  brethren  of  that  inestimable  blessing  in  the 
least  degree  ;  but  in  this  instance,  the  safety  of  our  coun- 
try, and  that  first  and  strongest  of  laws,  self  preservation, 
calls  us  to  this  act  of  disagreeable  duty.  We  are,  gentle- 
men, in  behalf  of  the  committees  for  the  precincts  of  New- 
burgh  and  New-Windsor, 

"  Your  most  obedient 
"  Humble  servants, 
"  WO L VERT  ECKAR,  Chairman. 
"  SAML.  BREWSTER,  Chairman." 

Sundry  affidavits  in  writing  taken  before  John  Nicoll, 
Esq.  of  the  threatenings  and  ill  conduct  of  John  Morrell, 
Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah  Purdy,  in  opposition  to  the  liber- 
ties of  the  American  Colonies,  were  read  and  filed ;  and 
the  said  three  persons  brought  in  the  custody  of  an  officer 
and  a  guard  of  armed  men,  were  examined,  and  confessed 
many  of  the  matters  wherewith  they  were  charged  by  the 
said  affidavits,  to  be  true.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  receive  the  bodies  of 
John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah  Purdy  at  the  bar- 
racks, and  keep  them  in  safe  custody  until  the  further  or- 
der of  this  committee.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  order  be  delivered  to  Col. 
McDougall. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Elizabethtown  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  New-York,  acquainting  him 
of  the  arrival  of  gunpowder  from  Philadelphia,  and  that 
it  would  be  at  Dobbs'  Ferry  by  nine  o'clock  this  morning, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Pye  offered  to  go  up  Hudson's  river  and  get  the 
said  gunpowder  put  on  board  of  a  sloop  for  Albany  ;  and 
thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  July  ISth,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — With  this  you  will  receive  four  hogsheads  said 
to  contain  fifty-two  quarter  casks  of  gunpowder.  It  is 
sent  by  the  Continental  Congress  to  go  to  Ticonderoga. 
Pray  inform  Gen.  Schuyler  of  it,  and  pray  forward  it  to 
Ticonderoga  with  all  possible  despatch, 

"  We  are  sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"  To  Samuel  Stringer,  Esq.  at  Albany." 

Mr.  Beekman  came  into  committee  and  reported  that  he 
had  been  with  Gen.  Wooster  and  his  first  field  officer  to 
Harlem  ;  that  John  Sickles  demanded  such  an  exorbitant 
price  for  his  ground  that  they  could  not  agree  with  him, 
but  that  they  had  agreed  with  Arent  Bussing  for  a  proper 
field  for  an  encampment,  at  the  rate  of  four  pounds  per  month 
and  that  Gen.  Wooster  with  his  troops  are  all  removed. 

John  Morin  Scott,  Esq.  came  into  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  and  brought  in  the  report  of  the  committee  on  In- 
dian affairs  ;  and  also  the  proposed  draft  of  a  speech  to 
the  Indians,  which  were  read. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  1 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"July  t&tk,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  had  a  Congress  with  the  Five 
Nations  in  contemplation.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
prepare  the  necessary  papers  to  be  laid  before  your  body. 
But  the  necessities  of  the  season  required  an  adjournment 


of  the  Congress  till  next  Tuesday,  and  we  now  sit  only 
in  a  Committee  of  Safety.  The  proceedings  on  the  sub- 
ject we  send  you,  imperfect  as  they  are,  in  draft,  that  if 
the  Continental  Congress  think  they  may  be  of  any  use 
they  may  have  the  materials  in  their  possession. 

"  We  are  gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of  New- York, 

at  Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  at  Continental  Congress,  together  with  the  drafts 
therein  mentioned. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  19th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Bmgh  Livingston,  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall,  Joseph 
Hallett,  Abraham  Brasher — New-York. 

Governeur  Morris — Albany. 

Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Bayley,  Esq.  at  Newbury  in  Glo- 
cester  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"Newbury,  June  29th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — Lately  we  received  a  desire  from  you 
to  send  a  member  or  two  to  the  Provincial  Congress  at 
New-York  ;  we  met  and  chose  one,  viz.  myself :  but  con- 
sidering our  distance  and  the  danger  we  might  be  in  of  a 
visit  from  Canada,  thought  best  that  I  did  not  yet  attend 
until  we  were  prepared  to  meet  with  an  enemy  at  home. 
I  am  taking  what  pains  I  can  to  be  prepared  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  but  as  yet  to  but  little  purpose.  Am  still  ap- 
prehensive of  danger  from  Canada  and  cannot  be  absent. 
I  have  had  intelligence  from  an  Indian  to  be  depended 
on,  who  informs  that  they  shall  be  forced  to  take  up  arms, 
if  we  don't  help  them  by  sending  an  army  to  Canada,  and 
say  they  are  both  threatened  and  flattered  ;  says  that  the 
French  and  Indians  will  join  us,  and  make  no  doubt  but 
Quebec  might  be  taken  (which  is  their  desire,)  but  if  it 
is  neglected  much  longer  it  may  be  fatal  to  them  and  us. 
I  have  employed  him  to  bring  intelligence  from  Canada 
and  must  meet  him  myself,  and  shall  transmit  to  you.  I 
should  think  that  if  orders  were  sent  to  me  I  could  raise 
two  or  three  hundred  men  from  the  neighboring  govern- 
ments, which  must  be  necessary  either  for  our  defence  or 
to  proceed  to  Canada. 

"  If  it  is  thought  best  to  raise  men,  arms,  at  least  two 
hundred,  and  powder  and  flints  must  be  sent.  Mr.  Har- 
vey will  inform  more  and  take  care  of  whatever  is  sent  me 
at  any  time.  I  am  endeavouring  to  supply  ourselves  from 
seaports  eastward. 

"  We  acknowledge  with  gratitude  the  notice  taken  of 
us  by  you.  Shall  acquiesce  in  the  measures  which  shall  be 
taken  by  you.  Shall  attend  as  soon  as  we  are  in  a  posture 
of  defence. 

"  Wish  prosperity  to  the  cause  of  liberty  and  truth, 
"  Am,  gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servt. 

"JACOB  BAYLEY. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  for  New-York." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Jacob  Bayley  Esq.  at  Newbury  in 
Glocester  county,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  29th  of  June, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


83 


ult.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  &c.  ) 
"July  19th,  1775.  1 
"  Sir — It  gives  us  great  pleasure  to  hear  of  your  ap- 
pointment to  represent  the  county  of  Glocester.  The 
raising  of  troops  in  your  county  to  serve  in  the  Continental 
pay,  is  what  we  cannot  authorize,  nor  indeed  would  it  be 
at  all  useful  to  yourselves  but  rather  the  contrary,  inasmuch 
as  they  might  be  ordered  at  a  distance  from  you  on  other 
service  and  thereby  weaken  your  security.  For  these  rea- 
sons we  think  it  would  be  much  more  expedient  to  arrange 
your  able  bodied  men  into  a  respectable  militia,  and  let 
one  or  two  hundred  of  them  be  embodied  by  turns  weekly, 
whereby  you  will  have  always  a  body  of  men  ready  to  re- 
pel injuries  and  at  the  same  time,  by  assembling  your 
county  at  large,  return  any  insults  you  may  receive  in 
kind. 

"  We  cannot  express  to  you  our  concern  at  being  obliged 
to  inform  you  that  at  present  neither  arms  nor  ammunition 
can  be  expected  from  us,  as  we  have  not  so  many  as  to 
serve  the  troops  raised  by  our  Colony,  and  intended  for  the 
defence  of  our  northern  and  eastern  frontier ;  but  we  have 
done  every  thing  men  could  do.  We  have  advanced  mo- 
ney for  and  established  a  manufactory  of  arms,  and  con- 
tracted for  a  considerable  number.  We  have  contracted 
with  merchants  for  great  numbers  of  them.  We  have  ta- 
ken measures  to  procure  manufacturers,  and  we  have 
written  to  Philadelphia  for  as  many  as  are  necessary  for 
our  troops.  Similar  measures  we  have  taken  to  procure 
powder ;  and  depend,  sir,  that  for  your  sakes  as  well  as 
our  own,  we  shall  use  every  precaution  to  enable  you  to 
provide  the  means  of  defence,  and  at  the  same  time  to  pre- 
vent you  the  necessity  of  using  those  means. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Jacob  Bailey,  Esq.  at 

Newbury,  Glocester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  Chairman  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  Harvey. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Dutchess  county,  covering  the  returned  war- 
rants of  Roswell  Wilcocks  and  Cornelius  Adriance,  who 
decline  serving  in  the  troops,  and  recommending  Isaac 
Paddock  in  the  place  of  Wilcocks,  and  James  Betts  in  the 
place  of  Adriance,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Corne- 
lius Adriance,  being  already  supplied. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  made  for  Isaac  Paddock 
in  the  place  of  Roswell  Wilcocks,  and  enclosed  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee.  Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  let- 
ter to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words,  following, 
to  wit. 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  &c.  ) 
"  July  19th,  1775.  J 
"Sir — We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of 
the  13th  inst.  Agreeable  to  the  recommendation  of  your 
committee  we  have  enclosed  a  warrant  for  Mr.  Isaac 
Paddock.  On  the  11th  instant  Mr.  Adriance's  lesignation 
was  produced  to  this  Committee,  together  with  a  recom- 
mendation of  Mr.  Andrew  Teller  Lawrence  in  his  stead. 
As  Mr.  Lawrence  was  recommended  by  two  members  of 
the  Provincial  Congress,  and  a  number  of  other  freehol- 
ders of  your  county,  we  gave  him  a  certificate  from  the 
Committee  of  Safety  that  he  was  approved  of,  and  that  a 
warrant  should  be  made  for  him  as  the  warrant  to  Mr.  Ad- 
riance was  returned. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 
"  Bv  order. 
"  To  Egbert  Benson,  Esq  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Dutchess  County." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  of  this  Committee  of  Safety  and  trans- 
mitted. 


The  committee  having  heard  Alexander  Ellis  at  their 
Board  on  the  subject  of  a  certain  boat  by  him  furnished  to 
Lieutenant  Parks  to  transport  him  with  his  baggage  to  Ni- 
agara ;  do  declare  it  as  their  sentiment  that  the  said  Alex- 
ander Ellis  appears  to  them  guiltless  with  relation  to  that 
transaction. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  this  declaration  be 
delivered  to  the  said  Alexander  Ellis. 

A  letter  from  John  Nicholson  Esq.  of  Ulster  county  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"New  Windsor,  13th  July,  1775. 
"Sir — Agreeable  to  my  warrant  and  instructions  from  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  I  have  enlisted  a  com- 
pany of  seventy-two  men  to  serve  in  the  Continental  army, 
and  now  wait  for  the  further  directions  of  the  Congress. 

"  I  am,  your  obedient  servant. 

"JOHN  NICHOLSON. 

"To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  John 
Nicholson  Esq.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  i 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York  July  19th,  1775.  ) 
"Sir — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  13th 
inst,  we  are  happy  to  be  informed  that  you  have  been  so 
industrious  and  successful  in  enlisting  your  men.  Please 
to  make  a  return  of  your  company  to  Col.  Clinton,  who 
will  take  to  his  assistance  a  surgeon  or  such  other  person 
as  he  will  think  proper,  and  muster  your  men  and  receive 
and  approve  of  such  of  them  as  are  fit  for  service. 

"  You  will  then  keep  your  men  in  training  and  learning 
discipline  with  all  possible  care,  and  hold  yourself  with  your 
company  in  readiness  to  follow  such  directions  as  you  may 
receive  from  Col.  Clinton. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"  To  John  Nicholson  Esq.  New- Windsor. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  delivered  to  Robert  Boyd. 

Committee  adjourned  to  Friday  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  2lst,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.,  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Brasher— New-York. 

Governeur  Morris — Jllbany. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Aaron  Corlelyou — Richmond. 

Col.  McDougall — Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cortelyou  and  Mr.  Beekman  be  a 
committee,  (in  conjunction  with  two  officers  of  the.  Con- 
necticut troops,  which  shall  be  appointed  by  Gen.  Woos- 
rer,)  to  examine  and  estimate  what  damage  hath  been  done 
to  the  ground  and  fencing  of  Mr.  Herring,  on  which  the 
said  troops  were  lately  encamped,  and  that  they  get  the 
same  certified  by  the  said  officers,  which  shall  be  appoint- 
ed by  Gen.  Wooster,  and  report  the  same  with  all  conve- 
nient speed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  be  at  liberty  to  take  as 
much  of  the  wood  now  in  the  barrack  yards,  for  the  use  of 
his  troops,  as  they  may  want  or  have  occasion  for.  And 


84 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


that  he  keep  and  render  an  account  of  the  quantity  there- 
of which  shall  be  used,  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  of  the  17th  inst. 
received  by  Joseph  Stephens,  the  messenger  returned  from 
Philadelphia,  and  also  a  resolve  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress of  the  same  date,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"  Philadelphia,  17th  July,  1775. 
"  Sir — Major  Gen.  Schuyler  having  represented  to  the 
Congress  the  necessity  of  appointing  a  deputy  adjutant-gene- 
ral, or  a  brigade-major,  for  the  troops  under  his  command, 
I  am  ordered  to  send  you  the  following  resolve,  passed  this 
day. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  I  enclose  you  an  authenticated  commission,  to  be  rilled 
up  with  the  name  of  the  gentleman  appointed  by  your  Con- 
gress.   You  will  please  to  make  a  return  to  me  of  the  per- 
son so  appointed. 

"  The  enclosed  letter  for  Gen.  Schuyler,  I  beg  you  will 
immediately  forward  to  him  by  express. 

"  '  In  Congress,  July  17th,  1775. 
"  '  Resolved,  That  the  Convention  of  New-York  be  de- 
sired to  recommend  a  proper  person  for  a  deputy  adjutant- 
general,  or  a  brigade-major,  for  the  army  in  the  New-York 
department. 

"  :  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  '  CHA.  THOMPSON,  Sec'y.' 
"  Please  to  forward  by  the  express  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  a 
number  of  the  articles  of  war.  I  forwarded  them  to  New- 
York,  directed  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  but  apprehend  they  did 
not  meet  him  there,  as  he  has  wrote  me  for  them  from  Al- 
bany. The  commission  referred  to  is  sent  by  Mr.  Lewis. 
"  To  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  at  New-York,  ) 
July  21st,  1775.  5 
"  Sir — The  enclosed  papers  from  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, was  received  last  evening,  by  the  return  of  our  ex- 
press from  Philadelphia.    We  forward  them  by  express. 

"  We  are,  yours,  &c. 
"  To  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the 
Chairman,  and  transmitted,  (with  all  the  papers  received 
for  Gen.  Schuyler,)  by  Sampson  Dikeman. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  at  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  18th  July,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  honoured  with  your  despatches 
of  the  12th  and  15th  inst.  and  detained  the  express  till 
after  the  rising  of  the  Congress  this  day,  in  expectation  of 
giving  you  the  establishment  of  the  army,  which  is  report- 
ed, but  not  fully  confirmed  and  perfected  ;  but  to  our  great 
concern,  such  was  the  state  of  the  business  before  the 
House  that  we  were  disappointed.  We  shall,  however, 
seize  the  first  opportunity  to  draw  this  important  point  to  a 
conclusion.  In  the  mean  time,  as  your  troops  are  sure  of 
being  placed  on  an  equal  footing  with  their  neighbours,  it  is 
hoped  the  difficulty  will  not  be  insurmountable.  This  is 
all  the  satisfaction  which  we  can  at  present  give  you  on 
that  head. 

"  From  a  want  of  proper  directions  from  those  who  had 
the  charge  of  transporting  the  powder  for  the  use  of  Maj. 
Gen.  Schuyler's  department,  from  this  city  to  Elizabeth- 
town,  it  has,  unfortunately,  been  delayed  on  the  road.  We 
could  do  no  more  than  complain.  The  fault  will  be  repair- 
ed, and  you  may  expect  it  soon. 

"  We  are  not  insensible  of  the  distress  to  which  you  must 
be  reduced,  for  the  want  of  money,  arms  and  powder — 
with  the  first  you  will  soon  be  supplied.  The  difficulties 
attending  an  emission  so  uncommon,  of  which  the  neces- 
sary guards  against  counterfeits  is  not  the  least,  has  ren- 


dered its  progress  very  tedious.  We  can  give  you  no  as- 
surances of  a  supply  of  arms  and  ammunition  from  this 
quarter.  Every  scheme  which  could  be  devised  to  pro- 
cure them  from  abroad  has  been  pursued,  and  on  their  suc- 
cess, and  the  efforts  of  the  different  Colonies  we  must  de 
pend,  for  in  the  southern  Provinces  there  is  very  little,  and 
none  to  be  spared.  Some  blankets  are  to  be  had  in'  this 
city,  which  will  be  purchased  as  soon  as  the  money  is  is- 
sued. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servts. 
"LEWIS  MORRIS, 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE, 
"HENRY  WISNER. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety." 

A  letter  from  Elisha  Benedict  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — According  to  your  instructions,  I  went  into  Cum- 
berland county  to  deliver  a  copy  to  the  lieutenant,  Samuel 
Fletcher,  who  was  appointed  first  lieutenant.  I  found  he 
was  in  the  army  at  Cambridge.  I  took  the  advice  of  the 
leadi  ng  men  there,  and  they  nominated  William  McCune 
in  his  place,  and  he  is  enlisting  men.  Alexander  Brink, 
the  second  lieutenant,  lives  at  the  upper  part  of  the  county! 
1  sent  a  man  with  his  instructions.  I  have  enlisted  forty 
men,  and  if  I  had  the  money  to  pay  the  men  a  small  mat- 
ter, my  company  would  be  full  in  two  or  three  days  time. 

"From  your  humble  servant. 

"  ELISHA  BENEDICT. 

"  Albany,  July  14th,  A.  D.  1775." 

"  N.  B.  Sir— I  should  be  glad  if  Mr.  McCune  might 
be  the  first  lieulanant  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Fletcher. 

"E.  B. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President  of 

the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

An  answer  to  the  letter  of  Elisha  Benedict  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  at  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  } 
New-York,  July  21,  1771.  S 

Captain  Elisha  Benedict  : 

"  Sir — This  morning  we  are  favoured  with  yours  of  the 
14th  instant.  The  Committee  of  Safety  have  approved  of 
Mr.  William  McCune  for  your  first  lieutenant,  in  the  place 
of  Samuel  Fletcher.  A  warrant  shall  be  sent  to  you  for 
William  McCune,  as  first  lieutenant,  as  soon  as  you  return 
to  us  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  warrant  that  was  sent 
to  you  for  Fletcher. 

"  We  shall  have  money  about  ten  days  hence,  as  soon 
as  the  money  is  ready.  Money  will  be  sent  to  Albany, 
and  you  will  receive  cash  for  your  men. 

"  Please  to  complete  your  company  as  soon  as  possible, 
and  make  return  thereof  to  the  colonel  or  lieutenant-colo- 
nel of  your  regiment,  who  will  muster  your  men,  or  cause 
them  to  be  mustered,  and  give  you  directions  how  to  pro- 
ceed. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  Capt.  Elisha  Benedict,  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  sent  by  Sampson  Dyckman. 

Two  letters  from  Elisha  Phelps  were  received  and  filed, 
and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

„„     ,     _  _  ,       "  Albany,  July  11th,  1775. 

Hon  d  Gentlemen — Before  your  favour  of  the  29th 
June  last  come  to  hand,  I  was  possessed  of  the  little  stores 
Mr.  Bleecker  had  on  hand,  which  was  pork,  principally; 
and  as  it  did  not  in  any  wise  answer,  agreeable  to  the  act 
of  our  Assembly,  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  apply  immedi- 
ately to  the  committee  here  ;  they  informed  me  they  had  no 
orders  to  purchase  for  the  army,"  though  some  of  the  gen- 
tlemen gave  it  as  their  private  opinion  that  I  should  pro- 
vide agreeable  to  act  of  Assembly,  whose  advice  I  have 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


85 


followed  as  far  as  lay  in  my  power,  as  I  was  informed  the 
army  suffered  to  that  degree  as  threatened  mutiny,  if  flour 
&c.  &c.  could  not  be  forwarded  ;  it  was  with  difficulty  I 
procured  10  barrels  at  that  time,  and  10  more  at  Schenec- 
tady. I  have  forwarded  with  all  possible  despatch  all  the 
provisions  I  could  obtain. 

"  Since  my  return  to  the  general  of  the  10th  instant,  T 
have  sent  forward  62  barrels  of  flour,  and  Mr.  French  about 
30  barrels  more.  The  general  has,  to  my  great  satisfac- 
tion, ordered  the  Committee  to  purchase  flour  for  me. 

"I  am  desired  by  Col.  Hinman  to  send  up  rum  and  hos- 
pital stores  agreeably  to  act  of  our  Assembly,  but  these 
articles  are  not  to  be  had  here,  and  the  army  thinks  me  in 
the  fault,  and  I  cannot  conceive  that  I  am  authorized  by 
my  commission  to  purchase  stores,  though  I  have  presum- 
ed it  on  myself  on  this  emergency,  as  I  am  expressly  or- 
dered to  receive  and  forward,  &c.  &c.  from  the  Provincial 
Convention  of  New-York  to  the  fourth  regiment,  &c. 

"I  have  likewise,  a  few  days  ago,  received  a  commis- 
sion as  commissary  for  the  Boston  forces  on  this  station, 
to  receive  and  forward,  &c.  &c.  1  hope  you,  gentlemen, 
in  your  wisdom,  will  point  out  ways  and  means  that  those 
necessaries  may  be  purchased  and  forwarded,  agreeable  to 
what  the  soldiers  may  reasonably  expect  from  the  acts  of 
the  New-England  Provinces,  and  you  may  rely  on  my  do- 
ing my  utmost  in  the  execution  of  my  office  and  trust. 
"  While  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant. 

"  ELISHA  PHELPS. 
"  N.  B.  I  have  thought  to  transmit  a  copy  of  the  above 
to  his  honor  the  Governor  of  Connecticut." 

"Albany,  July  13th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Tf  you  have  any  provisions  or  hospital 
stores,  I  beg  you  will  lake  this  safe  and  convenient  oppor- 
tunity to  forward  them  by  Mr.  Benjamin  French's  sloop, 
as  these  articles  are  much  wanted. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  ELISHA  PHELPS. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Convention,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  take  possession  of  the 
lower  barracks  for  such  of  the  troops  now  under  his  com- 
mand, as  he  shall  think  proper  to  place  there  ;  and  that 
Mr.  Curtenius  be  desired  to  furnish  provisions  for  such 
men  as  Col.  McDougall  shall  place  there. 

The  petition  of  Philip  Henning,  setting  forth  his  know- 
ledge in  physic  and  surgery,  to  be  admitted  and  appointed 
surgeon's  mate  was  read, 

Ordered,  That  Philip  Henning  wait  on  Dr.  John  Jones 
and  Dr.  Bard,  to  be  examined  as  to  his  knowledge  in 
physic  and  surgery,  and  his  knowledge  of  the  practice 
thereof. 

A  certificate  of  Drs.  John  Jones  and  Samuel  Bard,  bear- 
ing date  on  the  18th  inst.  was  read.  Those  gentlemen 
certify  that  they  thereby  have  examined  Mr.  Hunlock 
Woodruff,  respecting  his  knowledge  in  physic  and  surgery, 
and  that  they  find  him  qualified  to  act  in  the  capacity  of 
surgeon's  male.    Agreed  and 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Hunlock  Woodruff  be  appoint- 
ed surgeon's  mate  to  the  first  regiment  of  troops  now  rais- 
ing in  this  Colony.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  above  minutes  be 
delivered  to  the  said  Hunlock  Woodruff. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Brunswick,  in 

New-Jersey,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 

following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  July  21st,  1175.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  had  intelligence  that  boats 

have  sundry  times  loaded  flour  at  or  about  your  city,  and 

have  run  down  to  the  west  bank,  and  there  met  boats  to 

take  it  from  them  for  the  use  of  the  men  of  war  and  the 

army  at  Boston. 

22 


"  As  this  is  contrary  to  the  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  it  is  a  matter  that  requires  your  strictest  inspec- 
tion to  prevent  such  traders  from  pursuing  a  business  ini- 
mical to  the  cause,  of  liberty  in  the  United  Colonies.  We 
have  been  informed  that  Mr.  Merrill,  opposite  to  or  near 
Brunswick,  can  give  you  farther  information  on  this  sub- 
ject. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  Per  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  Committee  at  New-Brunswick." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  22d,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Ppesent — Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Jeremiah  Remsea> 
Esq. — For  Kings  county. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.,  Col.  Lispenard,  Abraham  Bra- 
sher— New-  York. 

Jonalhan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

David  Pye — Orange. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq. — Tryon. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York  at  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  1 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  July  22d,  1775.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — We  expect  that  our  troops  will  soon  be 
all  enlisted,  but  we  labour  under  great  difficulties  on  ac- 
count of  arms,  and  have  not  by  any  means  we  could  de- 
vise been  able  to  procure  near  as  many  as  are  necessary 
for  them.    The  arms  we  have  procured  are  of  the  best 
sort. 

"We  have  thought  of  the  following  expedient,  which 
we  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  you.  The  Colony  of  New- 
Jersey  has  a  very  considerable  number  of  muskets  and 
bayonets,  which  we  are  informed  are  good.  They  are 
deposited  at  the  respective  court-houses,  or  some  other 
particular  places  in  each  county,  as  Hackensack,  Eliza- 
bethtown,  &c.  If  the  Continental  Congress  would  please 
lo  direct  those  arms  to  be  cleaned  and  valued,  and  put  up 
into  boxes  and  sent  lo  convenient  places  on  Hudson's  river, 
that  they  might  be  put  into  the  hands  of  such  of  our  troops 
as  can  not,  at  present,  be  otherwise  properly  furnished,  we 
conceive  it  would  be  of  general  benefit  to  the  Continental 
service.  Those  arms  may  either  be  at  the  Continental 
charge,  or  replaced  some  months  hence  with  others  of  equal 
quality,  from  those  which  we  shall  have  made  in  this  Colo- 
ny. The  Jersey  Congress  is  lo  meet  next  week,  and  by 
that  means  the  arms  may  easily  be  collected  and  ordered 
as  above  mentioned. 

"  If  you  approve  of  this  measure,  we  pray  you  to  use 
your  best  influence  in  Congress  to  have  it  carried  into  ex- 
ecution. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  Bv  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  at  Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia. 

"  P.  S.  Gentlemen — We  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that 
as  soon  as  we  began  to  purchase  provisions,  &c.  we  em- 
ployed Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  as  our  Commissary  at  New- 
York.    He  purchased  provisions,  stores,  tents,  entrench- 


86 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


ing  tools,  &c.  &c.  He  has  been  indefatigable  in  the  pu- 
blic service,  run  every  risk  that  was  requested  of  him,  dis- 
bursed his  own  cash,  and  succeeded  beyond  our  most  san- 
guine expectations.    We  think  him  one  of  the  most  pro- 

(>er  persons  among  us  for  that  business,  and  would  earnest- 
y  wish  he  might  be  continued  in  such  manner  as  will  not 
be  disagreeable  to  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  sent  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Peter  Tetard,  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  or  Safety,  &c.  ) 
"  July  22d,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — You  will  observe  by  the  enclosed  order  of  our 
Provincial  Congress,  their  intention  of  employing  you  as  in- 
terpreter to  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  a  chaplain  to  the  troops  of 
this  Colony.    If  you  are  determined  to  engage  in  the  ser- 
vice in  those  characters,  and  on  the  terms  mentioned  in  the 
said  order,  it  is  expected  that  you  will  repair  to  Albany 
and  from  thence  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  with  all  possible  speed. 
"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Rev.  John  Peter  Tetard." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  the  first  conveyance. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  on  Monday  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  LUNjE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  24th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.,  Col.  Lispenard,  Col. 
McDougall,  Abraham  Brasher,  John  Morin  Scott — For  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York. 

Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Col.  McDougall  -  Queens. 

Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston — Tryon. 

John  Morin  Scott,  Esq. — Cumberland. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

Henry  Williams,  Esq.  being  very  much  indisposed  was 
obliged  to  withdraw,  and  Mr.  Brasher  was  chosen  Chair- 
man pro  tempore. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher,  at  the  review  of  his  regi- 
ment this  afternoon,  or  at  the  first  review  that  may  happen, 
when  his  troops  have  grounded  their  arms,  cause  a  strict 
search  to  be  made  for  any  of  the  muskets  belonging  to  the 
corporation  of  New-York,  which  may  be  among  the  said 
arms,  and  cause  every  such  musket  to  be  delivered  to  Col. 
McDougall,  or  his  order,  for  the  use  of  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  at  Philadelphia, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — By  advice  from  the  army  before  Bos- 
ton, a  supply  of  gunpowder  would  be  very  acceptable,  and 
greatly  contribute  to  promote  the  common  cause. 

"Iam,  theiefore,  desired  by  the  Congress,  who  have 
had  an  intimation  that  a  quantity  of  that  article  was  lately 
imported  into  your  city,  to  apply  to  you  and  to  request 
you  to  send  forward  as  speedily  and  safely  as  possible, 
what  you  can  spare,  to  the  camp  before  Boston. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"Your  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  Congress  Chamber,  July  19th,  1775." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  above  letter  of  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of  New-York.  1 
"  During  the  recess  of  their  Congress,  > 
'•  New-York.  '2Ath  July,  1775.  ) 
"Sir — We  have  been  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the 


19th  inst.  which  informs  us  that  you  have  an  intimation 
that  a  quantity  of  gun  powder  had  lately  arrived  here,  we 
are  sorry  to  say  it  is  without  foundation. 

"  You  may  be  assured,  sir,  that  should  a  quantity  ar- 
rive we  shall  be  attentive  to  the  wants  of  our  brethren  to 
the  eastwaid  and  forward  as  much  as  possible  that  way. 
"  We  are,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants, 
"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  by  George 
Clinton,  Esq. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  25th,  1775. 
The  President  and  several  members  met  pursuant  to 
adjournment,  but  the  numbers  not  being  sufficient  to  form 
the  Congress,  the  members  present  proceeded  to  business 
as  a  Committee  of  Safety,  and  agreed  to  meet  a°-ain  to- 
morrow morning. 

Henry  Williams,  Esq.  being  indisposed  and  absent, 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston  was  appointed  Chairman. 

Present— Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Thomas 

Smith,  Jacob  Van  Zandt,  Richard  Yates,  Isaac  Sears  New-York. 

Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polheraus — Kings. 
Col.  Philip  Van  Cortland  t— Westchester. 
Joseph  French,  Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Jonathan  Langdon,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — Dutchess. 

Christopher  Tappen,  Egbert  Dumond — Ulster. 

William  Allison,  John  Herring — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

John  Marlett — Tryon. 

The  Committee  having  advice  that  four  hogsheads  of 
Continental  gunpowder  is  gone  from  Elizabethlown  to 
be  forwarded  to  Albany,  under  the  direction  of  this  Com- 
mittee, Mr.  Herring  was  sent  to  take  care  of  it,  and  an  or- 
der given  to  him  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  Daniel  Lawrence  of  Orange  county,  or 
any  other  person  or  persons  having  received  the  four  hogs- 
heads of  powder  from  Elizabethlown  to  be  forwarded^to 
Albany,  deliver  the  same  to  John  Herring,  Esq.  or  his  or- 
der, if  it  is  not  already  forwarded  to  Albany. 

P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON. 

A  letter  from  Col.  James  Clinton  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Little  Britain  July  2lst,  1775. 

"  I  have  just  now  received  your  letter  dated  Julv  I7lh,  re- 
questing me  to  prepare  and  lay  before  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony  at  New- York,  a  state  of  my  regiment  and  of  the 
number  of  men  ready  and  fit  for  service  in  each  company  ; 
and  likewise  requesting  me  to  inform  the  Congress  when 
the  regiment  will  be  complete  and  ready  to  take  the  field 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  I  can  only  acquaint  you  that  I  have  mustered  Capt. 
Nicholson's  company  and  Capt.  Denton's  ;  Nicholson's  is 
complete;  Denton  wants  but  four  men  ;  Capts.  Brown  and 
Hasbrouck  at  Kingston  has  made  but  small  prooress  as 
they  have  but  lately  begun  to  enlist,  but  I  make  no  doubt 
they  will  soon  get  thrir  men.  I  have  seen  Capt.  Billings 
at  Poughkeepsie,  who  says  his  company  is  complete,  and 
I  suppose  Capt.  Dubois'  is  by  this  time.  I  ordered  him 
to  apply  to  Capt.  Swartwout  to  muster  the  two  last  com- 
panies, as  he  was  appointed  for  thai  purpose. 

"  I  have  had  no  account  from  Capt..  Johnston,  at  Orange- 
town,  nor  the  three  captains  on  Long  Island,  but  I  suppose 
they  have  made  a  return  to  the  Congress  agreeable  to  the 
directions  given  them  in  their  warrants;  as  the  companies 
appointed  to  my  regiment  are  at  so  great  a  distance  from 
each  other,  it  is  almost  imposible  for  me  to  make  a  return 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


87 


of  the  regiment  till  I  meet  the  Congress  in  New-York  next 
Tuesday,  which  I  intend  to  do  as  near  the  time  as  possi- 
ble. 

'  I  am,  sir, 

"Your  humble  servant, 

"JAMES  CLINTON. 
"  P.  S. — I  find  arms  a  scarce  article  amongst  the 
men,  thev  not  having  a  sufficient  quantity  to  exercise 
them." 

The  petition  of  George  Cook  of  the  city  of  New-York 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  prays  that  he  may  be  em- 
ployed in  making  pouches  and  belts. 


A  letter  from  Ebenezar  Hazard  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  :* 

Ordered,  That  the  saddlers  who  contracted  with  the 
committee  to  make  pouches,  belts  and  slings,  deliver  to 
Col.  McDougall  or  his  order  720  pouches,  720  belts  and 
720  slings  for  muskets,  and  take  receipts  for  the  same. 

The  petition  of  Jacob  Bamper  was  read  and  filed.  He 
prays  to  be  appointed  to  some  office  in  the  regiments  rais- 
ing for  the  defence  of  the  liberties  of  America. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  meet  in  Convention  to- 
morrow morning  at  9  o'clock. 

*  The  said  letter  has  been  lost. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


At  a  meeting  of  a  Provincial  Congress,  held  for  the  Co- 
lony of  New-York,  in  the  city  of  New- York  on  the  26th 
day  of  July,  1775. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Auchmuty. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Abraham 
Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel 
Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin 
Kissam,  John  Marston,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel 
Sackett,  Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  John  Foster — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Philip 
Van  Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  John  Thomas,  Jr.  Joseph  Drake—  West- 
chester. 

Johannes  E.  Lott,  Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Lef- 
fertse,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt,  Theodoms  Polhemus— 
Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  John  Journey — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Joseph 
French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Richard  Thome,  Samuel  Townsend — 
Queens. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

John  Marlett—  Tryon. 

A  certificate  of  Archibald  Campbell,  Esq.  chairman  of 
a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Charlotte  county,  held  at 
Fort  Edward,  on  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  June  last  was 
read  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  Dr.  George  Smith,  the 
said  David  Watkins  and  Archibald  Campbell,  Esq.  were 
duly  elected  to  represent  that  county  in  Provincial  Con- 
gress, together  with  John  Williams  and  William  Marsh, 
Esqs.  and  that  they  or  either  of  them  represent  the  said 
county  in  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York.  The  said  cer- 
tificate is  filed  among  the  papers  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  David  Watkins  take  his  seat. 

James  Alexander,  a  messenger  from  Philadelphia  to 
Cambridge  applied  with  an  order  from  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  di- 
recting all  persons  to  assist  him.  The  President  gave  an 
order  for  any  person  to  assist  him  and  call  on  him  for  pay- 
ment. 

A  letter  from  the  Committee  at  Elizabethtown,  which 
accompanied  three  persons  sent  from  thence  under  guard 
as  deserters  from  Col.  Waterbury's  regiment  was  read. 

23 


The  return  of  the  officer  of  the  city  military  watch  last 
night,  was  also  read  whereby  it  appears  that  the  said  three 
persons  are  under  guard  at  the  upper  barracks.  Thereup- 
on, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Gen.  Wooster,  in- 
forming him  of  the  said  three  prisoners,  and  requesting  him 
to  send  one  of  his  officers  to  the  barracks  in  order  to  make 
the  proper  inquiry  respecting  them. 

A  letter  from  Daniel  Lawrence,  of  the  24th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  whereby  he  informs  that  the  4  hogsheads  of 
stores  (being  the  gunpowder  sent  from  Philadelphia)  was 
on  the  18th  inst.  received  by  him  and  forwarded  on  board 
of  Captain  Cornelius  Swits  to  Albany. 

A  letter  from  Marinus  Willett  and  others  of  the  officers 
of  the  troops  now  raising  in  this  Colony,  soliciting  for 
some  allowance  for  clothing,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Rufus  Herrick  of  Dutchess  county, 
dated  the  21st  inst.  informing  that  his  company  is  ready 
and  that  he  waits  for  further  orders,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Daniel  Everitt  and  others  of  the  Commit 
tee  of  Goshen,  bearing  date  on  the  18th  inst.  and  a  certi- 
ficate of  Col.  Clinton  recommending  Mr.  George  Hamil- 
ton Jackson  as  a  second  lieutenant  in  Daniel  Denton's 
company,  was  read  and  filed  :  the  Congress  approves  of  the 
recommendation  of  George  Hamilton  Jackson  as  a  second 
lieutenant.  » 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  made  for  him  as  soon  as 
the  other  warrant  issued  for  the  gentleman  who  has  resign- 
ed, is  returned  to  the  Secretaries. 

A  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esq.  received  this  day,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  July  19th,  1775. 

"Sir — Enclosed  is  the  commission  to  be  filled  up  with  the 
name  of  the  gentleman  whom  your  Congress  shall  please 
to  appoint  to  the  department  of  deputy  adjutant-general  or 
brigade  major,  referred  to  in  mine  of  yesterday.  I  beg 
you  to  forward  by  express  the  letter  I  yesterday  inclosed 
for  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  I  am  sir,  your  most  obt.  servt. 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston." 

The  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esq.  of  the  17th  inst. 
received  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  was  also  read — and 


90 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  blank  commission  contained  in  Mr.  Hancock's  letter 
of  the  19th  inst.  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  the  New-York  Delegates  at  Philadelphia 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  11th  July,  1775. 
"  Sir — As  the  appointment  of  a  brigade  major  to  the 
army,  under  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler's  command  is,  by  the 
Continental  Congress  recommended  to  your  choice,  we 
beg  leave  to  introduce  Mr.  Morgan  Lewis  to  your  favour 
for  that  appointment,  being  informed  it  would  be  agreeable 
to  Gen.  Schuyler,  who  has  promised  him  that  office,  with 
the  approbation  of  your  Convention. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be 

"  Sir,  your  very  hum.  servts. 

"  HENRY  WISNER, 

"  LEWIS  MORRIS, 

"  JOHN  JAY, 

"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 

"  JOHN  ALSOP, 

"  WM.  FLOYD. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq. 

"  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

After  some  time  spent  in  deliberating  on  a  proper  person 
to  be  appointed  a  deputy  adjutant-general  or  a  brigade  ma- 
jor, the  Congress  agreed  to  defer  the  appointment  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York 
during  the  recess  of  this  Congress  delivered  in  a  report  of 
their  proceedings.  The  Congress  proceeded  to  hear  a  part 
of  the  said  report,  and  the  proceedings  of  the  said  Com- 
mittee on  the  llth  July.  The  Congress  ordered  that  the 
respective  letters  of  William  Duer,  Esq.  and  of  William 
Marsh  and  Joseph  Rose,  received  by  the  Committee  of 
Safety  on  the  1 1  th  July,  lie  on  the  table  for  perusal  of  the 
members  of  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  5  o'clock  P.  M. 

5  o'clock  P.  M.  July  26th,  1775. 
Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Joseph  Hallett,  Abraham  Brasher, 
James  Beekman,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Benjamin  Kissam, 
John  Marston,  Isaac  Sears,  Samuel  Verplanck — City  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel 
Sackett,  Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher  Tappen — Ulster. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  John  Foster — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Philip  Van 
Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  John  Thomas,  Joseph  Drake — Westchester. 

Theodorus  Polhemus,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  John  Journey — Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Zebulon  Williams,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Rich- 
ard Thome — Queens, 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

John  Marlett — Tryon. 

The  petition  of  John  Fisher,  saddler,  was  read  and  filed. 
The  certificate  of  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Samuel 
Bard,  bearing  date  yesterday,  certifying  that  they  have 
examined  Philip  Hanning,  respecting  his  qualifications  to 
practise  physic  and  surgery,  and  that  they  find  him  very 
deficient  in  his  knowledge  of  them  both,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  certificate  of  Brigadier-General  Montgomerie,  that 
Sampson  Dyckman  had  delivered  to  him  at  Albany  the  de- 
spatches for  Major-General  Schuyler,  on  the  23d  instant, 
was  read,  and  delivered  to  the  President. 

A  return  from  Lieutenant  David  Palmer,  bearing  date 
this  day,  was  read  and  filed,  whereby  it  appears  that  he 
has  enlisted  23  volunteers,  and  waits  for  further  orders. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  subject  of  the  post  office,  which  was 
read. 

The  memorial  of  Ebenezer  Hazard,  of  the  13th  of  June, 
ult.;  two  letters  from  Gurdon  Sallonstal,  one  bearing  date 
the  22d  of  June,  and  the  other  the  3d  of  July  ;  the  letter 


of  Ebenezer  Hazard,  of  the  25th  inst. ;  and  the  memo- 
rial of  John  Holt,  of  the  16th  June,  ult.  were  severally 
read  and  considered. 

Thereupon  a  question  arose  whether  this  Congress  will 
recommend  any  person  to  the  office  of  post-master  at  New- 
York,  or  submit  the  appointment  of  the  person  to  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  without  such  recommendation  ?  And 
the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative, 
to  wit :  that  this  Congress  will  recommend  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   2 

Dutchess,    2 

Richmond,   2 

Tryon.   2 


8 


For  the  negative. 

Queens,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk,  2 


For  Mr.  Holt. 

Charlotte,   2 

Queens,   2 

Westchester,   2 


6 


The  members  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  and 
county  of  Cumberland,  are  not  yet  arrived  ;  several  mem- 
bers of  the  county  of  Ulster,  being  absent  on  business  by 
order  of  this  Congress,  and  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  and  counties  of  Orange  and  Kings,  not  having  a  ma- 
jority of  their  members  now  present,  were  respectively  un- 
able to  vote  on  the  above  question. 

The  question  was  then  put  whether  Mr.  Ebenezer  Ha- 
zard, of  the  city  of  New-York,  bookseller,  or  Mr.  John 
Holt,  of  the  said  city,  printer,  should  be  the  person  to  be 
recommended  for  post-master  at  New- York,  and  it  was 
carried  in  favour  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

For  recommending  Mr.  Hazard. 

Dutchess,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

New- York,   4 

Richmond,   2 

Tryon,   2 

12 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard  be  re- 
commended as  a  most  fit  and  proper  person  to  be  post- 
master and  keep  the  post-office  at  the  city  of  New- York. 
And 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  for  that  purpose  be  wrote  to  the 
Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
transmitted  immediately  with  the  original  papers  on  that 
subject  now  before  this  Congress,  and  copies  of  our  votes 
on  this  subject. 

The  city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  the  counties  of 
Cumberland,  Ulster,  Orange  and  Kings,  could  not  vote  on 
the  last  question,  for  the  reasons  respectively  assigned  for 
their  not  voting  on  the  next  preceding  question. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates,  on  the 
subject  of  a  post-office,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  July  26th,  1775.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  the  report  of  our  com- 
mittee on  the  subject  of  the  post-office,  with  the  sundry  pa- 
pers which  remained  before  us  and  the  votes  of  our  House 
this  evening  on  that  subject. 

"  We  are  sorry  that  by  occasion  of  our  late  adjournment, 
and  of  sundry  matters  more  immediately  pressing  before 
the  adjournment,  this  matter  has  been  so  long  delayed  with 
us. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  recommend  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard, 
as  a  most  careful,  fit  and  proper  person  to  be  post-master 
at  New-York,  and  hope  the  Continental  Congress  may  ap- 
point him. 

"  We  conceive  our  present  eastern  riders  proceed  too 
far  to  the  eastward. 

"  General  Schuyler,  some  time  ago,  mentioned  to  us 
the  necessity  of  having  couriers  from  hence  to  Albany,  or 
Ticonderoga.  We  are  frequently  obliged  to  send  messen- 
gers to  Albany,  which  a  regular  post  to  the  northward 
would  often  prevent. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


91 


"  We  submit  the  necessity  and  utility  of  northern  post- 
riders  or  couriers  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  are  most  respectfully, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient, 

"  Humble  servants. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates 

at  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9 
o'clock.   

DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  27,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rogers. 

Present. — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  John  Mars- 
ton,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clark- 
son,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  Isaac  Sears 
— City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith,  Nathaniel 
Sackett,  Jonathan  Landon — Dutchess. 

Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher  Tappen — Ulster. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra  L'Hommidieu,  John  Foster — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris,  Lewis  Graham,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt.  John  Thomas,  Jr.  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Robert  Graham,  William 
Paulding,  James  Holmes — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  John 
Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — 
Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Samuel 
Townsend,  Joseph  French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Zebulon  Williams, 
Richard  Thome — Queens. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 
John  Marlett — Try  on. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  appointment 
of  a  deputy  adjutant-general  or  a  brigade-major,  and  the 
several  letters  from  the  Continental  Congress,  and  the  let- 
ter from  the  New-York  Delegates,  on  that  subject. 

And  thereupon  agreed  unanimously,  that  this  Congress 
will  appoint  a  deputy  adjutant-general,  as  being  the  su- 
perior officer.  And  after  considering  the  merits  of  diffe- 
rent gentlemen  who  were  mentioned,  it  is  unanimously 
agreed  that  William  Duer,  Esq.  is  a  proper  person  for  a 
deputy  adjutant-general.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  blank  commission  for  that  office  re- 
ceived from  the  Continental  Congress,  be  immediately 
filled  up  for  that  gentleman,  which  was  accordingly  done. 

An  account  of  Sampson  Dyckman,  for  horse  hire  and 
stabling,  was  delivered  in  and  handed  to  the  committee  of 
accounts. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  was  read 

and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress.  ) 
"  New-York,  July  27th,  177:).  $ 

"  Sir — In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Congress, 
which  you  did  us  the  honour  to  mention  in  your  letters 
of  the  17th  and  19th  inst.  we  have  appointed  William 
Duer,  Esq.  deputy  adjutant-general,  and  taken  the  liberty 
to  give  him,  in  his  commission,  which  we  received  yes- 
terday, the  rank  of  colonel.  We  beg  leave  to  submit  to 
the  wisdom  of  the  Congress,  whether  or  not  it  will  be  proper 
to  have  a  major  of  brigades  appointed  also ;  and  should  it 
be  deemed  necessary,  we  would  readily  decline  the  honor 
of  nominating  a  person  to  fill  that  office,  having  full  confi- 
dence in  the  wisdom  and  integrity  of  our  Delegates,  and 
being  well  convinced  that  they  will  recommend  no  man 
who  is  not  endowed  with  every  qualification  necessary  to 
discharge  any  trust  which  you  may  think  proper  to  repose 
in  him. 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect, 

"  Sir,  your  countrymen  and  servants. 
"  By  order. 
'To  John  Hancock,  Esq.  President,  &c." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates  at  the 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  July  21th,  1775.  <, 
"  Gentlemen — You  will  readily  recollect  your  former 
recommendation  of  Mr.  Duer  to  some  members  of  our 
board  for  a  colonelcy  and  therefore  will  not  be  surprised 
that  we  have  seized  the  opportunity  of  appointing  him  de- 
puty adjutant-general  with  the  rank  of  colonel  and  we 
trust  you  will  not  consider  this  as  any  disrespect  to  your 
late  recommendation  of  Mr.  Lewis.  We  have  submitted 
it  to  your  body,  in  our  letter  to  the  President,  whether  the 
appointment  of  a  major  of  brigade  will  not  be  proper,  and 
at  the  same  time  submitted  the  person  to  your  nomination. 
You  will  therefore  have  an  opportunity  of  filling  up  the 
commission  with  such  person  as  you  think  most  capable 
of  performing  the  duties  of  his  office. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"To  the  New-York  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

A  muster  roll  of  Capt.  Daniel  Griffin's  company,  raised 
in  Suffolk  county,  signed  by  Phineas  Fanning  and  Thomas 
Conckling,  muster-masters,  bearing  date  on  the  25th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  return  from  Capt.  Ambrose  Horton,  dated  at  the  White 
Plains  on  the  26th  inst.  informing  that  he  has  enlisted 
fifty-six  able  bodied  men,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"  White  Plains,  July  7th,  1775. 

"  Sir — The  committee  of  Westchester  county,  sensible 
of  the  great  consequence,  in  our  present  struggle  for  liberty, 
of  having  officers  of  the  militia  who  are  sincere  friends  to 
their  country  ;  and  also  that  many,  if  not  a  majority  of  the 
militia  officers  in  this  county,  upon  account  of  their  oath 
of  allegiance,  or  from  sinister  motives,  endeavour  to  coun- 
teract the  present  measures,  as  far  as  possible  ;  do  request 
the  Provincial  Congress  to  take  the  same  into  considera- 
tion and  do  what  they  shall  think  proper  in  so  important  a 
matter. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servts, 

"GILBERT  DRAKE,  Chairman. 

"  To  Peter  Van  Brt/gh  Livingston,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will,  on  Thursday  next, 
next,  take  into  consideration  the  stale  of  the  militia  of  this 
Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Lieutenant  David  Palmer,  of  Richmond 
county,  bring  the  men  he  has  enlisted  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  with  all  convenient  speed,  and  place  them  in  the 
lower  barracks,  and  apply  to  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  for 
provisions  and  necessaries,  who  is  hereby  requested  to  fur- 
nish him  therewith. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall,  Col. 
Holmes,  Col.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Graham,  be  a  military 
committee,  for  fourteen  days  from  this  day,  with  full  power 
during  that  time  to  order  and  dispose  of  all  things  whatso- 
ever, relating  to  or  concerning  the  troops  raised  or  to  be 
raised  in  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Cannon  to  Col.  Cortlandt,  in- 
forming that  he  had  not  influence  sufficient  to  raise  a  com- 
pany and  therefore  resigning  his  warrant  as  a  captain,  was 
read  and  filed.  Col.  Cortlandt  returned  the  said  warrant, 
and  Col.  Holmes  and  Col.  Cortlandt  recommended  Joseph 
Benedict  as  a  proper  person  in  his  stead  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  issued  for  the  said  Joseph 
Benedict  as  a  captain,  and  delivered  to  Col.  Holmes. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  report  of  the 


92 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  12th,  13th, 
14th,  15th  and  16th  of  July  inst. 

Then  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  28th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Isaac  Low,  Alexander  McDougall,  Leonard  Lispenard,  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Koosevelt,  John  De  Lancey,  James 
Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates,  David  Clarkson,  Thomas 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  Isaac  Sears — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Anthony  Hoffman,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jonathan  Landon,  Melancton 
Smith,  Nathaniel  Sackett — Dutchess. 

James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nichol- 
son—  Ulster. 
John  Herring — Orange. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  John  Foster,  Ezra  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Governeur  Morris.  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Joseph  Drake,  Philip  Van 
Cortlandt,  James  Holmes,  John  Thomas,  Jr.  William  Paulding — 
Westchester. 

Henry  Williams,  Jeremiah  Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner— 
Richmond. 

Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel  Townsend,  Joseph 
French,  Joseph  Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thome — Queens. 
David  AVatkins — Charlotte. 
John  Marlett — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Lebanon,  25th  July,  1775. 

"  Sir — Yesterday  I  received,  per  express,  a  letter  from 
Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  Ticonderoga,  18th  July,  copy  of  part 
of  which  I  herewith  send  you. 

"  '  I  find  the  troops  from  your  Colony,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  Hinman,  destitute  of  tents,  an  article  they 
much  stand  in  need  of,  being  now  crowded  into  bad  bar- 
racks, which,  I  fear,  will  be  productive  of  disease.  Should 
it  be  impossible  to  procure  the  materials  for  making  tents 
in  your  Colony,  they  may  possibly  be  furnished  by  the 
New-York  Congress,  which  can  make  no  material  diffe- 
rence, as  it  will  probably  be  a  Continental  expense.' 

"  On  consideration  that  this  Colony  is  so  far  exhausted 
of  materials  for  making  tents,  that  it  will  be  very  difficult, 
if  not  impossible,  to  furnish  them  in  any  tolerable  season  ; 
and  considering  the  much  greater  convenience  in  point  of 
conveyance,  with  which  they  may  be  had  from  New-York, 
I  have  thought  proper  to  desire  that  your  Province  will 
furnish  our  troops,  under  command  of  Col.  Hinman,  with 
such  number  of  tents  as  will  be  necessary  for  their  use. 
The  complement  of  men  to  his  said  regiment  is  1000,  in- 
cluding officers. 

"  You'll  please  to  inform  me,  per  return  of  this  express, 
whether  my  request  may  be  complied  with,  as  on  failure 
we  shall  endeavour  to  exert  ourselves  in  the  best  manner 
we  can. 

"  I  am,  with  truth  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obed.  humble  servant, 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
the  Continental  Congress  on  the  subject  of  tea,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  July  28th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen  —You  must  be  sensible  that  our  exer- 
tions in  the  public  cause  have  subjected  us  to  a  very  large 
expense,  of  which  certainly  the  greatest  part  is  justly  pay- 
able by  the  Continent;  and  at  the  same  time,  you  cannot 
but  perceive  that  a  large  sum  of  money  is,  and  will  be, 
expended  in  articles  purely  at  the  cost  of  our  Colony. 
These  considerations  show  us  the  necessity  of  laying  a 


tax  on  our  Colony  ;  but  prudence  or  policy  will  impress 
as  strongly  on  your  minds  as  on  our  own,  the  propriety  of 
doing  this  in  the  manner  least  liable  to  popular  disgust  or 
perhaps,  opposition. 

"  These  observations  will,  we  hope,  introduce  to  you  in 
a  favourable  light,  some  things  which  we  now  proceed  to 
mention. 

"  Sundry  of  our  merchants  have  on  hand  a  considera- 
ble quantity  of  tea,  imported  from  Holland,  which  cannot 
be  sold,  for  reu^ons  which  we  need  not  repeat.  The  con- 
sequence of  this  situation  is,  that  our  Dutch  traders  are 
deprived  of  the  means  of  introducing  into  our  Colony, 
sail  duck,  Russia  drilling,  Osnaburgs,  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion, all  of  them  highly  necessary  for  us,  and  easily  to  be 
obtained  from  Holland,  notwithstanding  the  late  placart  of 
the  States  General. 

"  Should  the  retail  price  of  bohea  tea  be  fixed  at  six 
shillings  per  pound,  from  six  pounds  and  upwards,  and  six 
and  sixpence  by  the  single  pound,  and  the  wholesale  price 
at  five  and  sixpence,  with  a  tax  of  one  shilling  on  the 
pound,  payable  by  the  vendor,  and  similar  regulations  for 
green  tea,  we  might  raise  a  considerable  sum  from  the 
obstinate  consumers  of  this  article  ;  and  at  the  same  time, 
the  precautions  taken  by  us  in  giving  permission  to  mer- 
chants to  sell,  under  certain  restrictions,  will  prevent  a 
trade  which,  as  to  the  recommendations  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  may  well  be  called  illicit,  and  which  does 
now,  most  undoubtedly  obtain,  as  will  readily  be  acknow- 
ledged by  those  who  perceive  the  general  consumption  of 
it  throughout  the  Colony. 

"  We  have  already  furnished  to  Connecticut  almost  all 
the  tents  which  we  had  provided  for  our  own  troops,  and 
we  have  not  now  any  materials  to  make  more ;  and  we 
farther  precaution  you,  that  we  do  not  mean  to  encourage 
the  future  introduction  of  tea  into  the  Colony.  Should 
you,  gentlemen,  and  the  Congress,  perceive  force  in  what 
we  have  just  now  hinted  to  you,  we  humbly  conceive  it 
would  be  proper  for  the  Congress  to  refer  to  our  determi- 
nation, in  general  terms,  certain  petitions,  which  have,  as 
we  are  informed,  been  presented  to  them  by  those  who 
have  quantities  of  tea  in  their  possession. 

"The  prudence,  the  reason,  the  policy  of  making  provi- 
sions which  will  prevent  those  gentlemen  from  being  in- 
fluenced by  the  strong  temptation  to  a  clandestine  sale, 
with  many  other  considerations  to  the  same  effect  which 
will  naturally  arise  in  your  minds,  we  modestly  forbear  to 
mention  ;  but  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  gentlemen,  that, 
with  the  highest  deference  to  the  superior  judgment  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  we  are  your  most  obedient  humble 
servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New- York  Delegates  in  the 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  at 
the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  flaxseed,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following  to 
wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  July  28th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — As  considerable  quantities  of  flaxseed 
will,  in  all  probability,  be  ready  for  shipping  long  before 
the  tenth  of  September  next,  we  submit  it  to  the  Congress, 
whether  it  will  not  be  proper  to  inhibit  the  exportation  of 
that  article  immediately. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  in 
answer  to  his  letter  of  the  25th  inst.  received  this  day, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


93 


was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"lx  Provincial  Coxgriss,  \ 
■  Wtm-Tork,  July  2SfA,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — We  have  received  vour  letter  of  the  25ih  inst. 
requesting  that  this  Congress  will  furnish  Col.  Hin- 
man's  troops  at  Ticonderoga  with  tents.  Convinced  ot 
the  absolute  necessity  of  such  supply,  and  of  the  inabi- 
lity of  your  Colonv  to  furnish  it,  although  our  own  troops 
will  soon  want  them,  and  we  are  in  doubt  whether  we 


shall  be  able  to  get  materials  to  make  others,  yet  we  shall  Richmond 
lake  care  to  send  up  the  tents  with  all  possible  despatch, 
expecting  that  as  they  are  taken  on  account  of  your  Colony 
that  vou  will  remit  us  the  money  to  pay  for  them  and  some 
other  expenses  incurred  for  your  Colony,  of  which  we 
shall  send  you  an  account. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 
"  p.  S.  We  supplied  Gen.  Wooster  with  upwards  of 
two  hundred  tents,  made  of  the  very  best  materials. 
■  To  the  Hon.  Joxatrax  Trumbull. 

Governor  of  ihe  Colony  of  Connecticut" 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah 
Purdv,  praving  to  be  discharged  from  confinement,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah 
Purdv  be  brought  to  the  bar  of  this  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Wolvert  Acker  and  Samuel  Brews- 
ter, chairmen  of  the  committees  of  Newburgh  and  New- 
Windsor,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 


Anthony  Hoffman.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Melancton  Smith.  Nathaniel 
Sackett — Dutchtts. 

James  Clinton,  Egbert  Dumond,  Christopher  Tappen,  John  Nichol- 
son— Clster. 

John  Herring — Orange. 

Thomas  Tredwell,  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  John  Foster — Suffolk. 

Gouverneor  Morris,  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Philip  Van  Cortlandt, 
James  Holmes,  John  Thomas,  William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Jeremiah  Remsen,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  Theodorus  Polhemus — 
Kings. 

Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey,  Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Conner — 


following,  to  wit 


Lx 


Pbovtxcial  Coxgress, 
"New-York,  July  25fA,  1775 
"Gentlemen — John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah 
Purdy  are  liberated  from  their  confinement  upon  their  con- 
trition and  promises  of  amendment.  You  will,  therefore, 
endeavour  to  prevent  any  injuries  to  their  persons  or  pro- 
perty, and  at  the  same  time,  if  you  think  it  necessary,  we 
recommend  it  to  you  to  take  security  for  their  keeping  of 
the  peace,  which  may  be  done  according  to  the  common 
course  of  the  law ;  at  the  same  time,  if  you  shall  be  of 
opinion  that  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  county  cannot 
otherwise  be  preserved,  you  will  take  from  them  all  arms 
of  offence ;  but  this,  as  it  is  a  punishment  in  its  nature, 
ought  to  be  inflicted  only  with  the  utmost  caution,  and 
therefore  we  recommend  to  you  the  utmost  deliberation 
and  tenderness  on  this  occasion. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 
•  To  Messrs  Wolvert  Acker  and  Samuel 
Brewster.  Chairmen  of  the  committees  of 
Newburgh  and  New-Windsor  precincts." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

John  Morrell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah  Purdy  being 
brought  to  the  bar  of  this  Congress,  were  informed  that 
this  Congress  had  wrote  a  letter  to  the  committees  of 
Newburgh  and  New-Windsor  to  take  securities  of  the 
peace  of  them  and  to  disarm  them  if  they  thought  proper; 
and  that  the  letter  should  be  sent  by  Mr.  Robert  Boyd. 
They  were  then  admonished  by  the  President  of  their 
past  imprudent  conduct,  of  the  evils  thereof  to  society, 
and  the  dangers  they  had  run,  and  charged  to  behave  in 
such  manner  for  the  future  as  to  give  no  offence  or  uneasi- 
ness to  their  neighbours  or  any  others,  and  were  then  dis- 
charged. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  this  afternoon. 


Die  Veneris,  5  ho.  P.  Af.  July  29ifi,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Presext — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston.  Esq.  President. 

Isaac  Low.  Alexander  McDougall,  Abraham  Brasher.  John  DeLan-  , 
eey,  James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates.  Thomas  ; 
Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam.  Isaac  Searc — City  and  county  of  Neu>Tork.  \ 

24 


Jonathan  Lawrence,  Samuel   Townsend,  Joseph  French,  Joseph 
Robinson,  Nathaniel  Tom,  Richard  Thorne — Queens. 

John  Marlett — Tryo-n. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  hear  the  report  of  the  re- 
sidue of  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  read. 
The  same  being  fully  and  completely  read  and  heard, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  heartily  approve  of 
the  conduct  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  during  our  late 
recess  ;  and  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  be  rendered  to 
them  for  their  faithful  services. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of 
this  Congress,  have  soldiers'  tents,  made  of  English  duck, 
sufficient  for  one  thousand  men,  and  forward  the  same  to 
1  the  commissary  of  the  Connecticut  troops  at  Albany,  with 
directions  to  him  to  forward  them  to  Col.  Hinman  at  Ti- 
conderoga. 

Mr.  Beekman  and  Mr.  Cortelyou  reported,  that  in  obe- 
dience to  the  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  they  had 
been  with  Andrew  Ward,  Jr.  lieutenant-colonel,  and 
Capt.  James  Arnold,  two  officers  appointed  by  Gen. 
Wooster  for  that  purpose,  to  view  and  estimate  what  dama- 
ges had  been  done  to  the  ground  and  fencing,  &c.  of  Mr. 
Nicholas  Herring,  on  which  the  Connecticut  troops  were 
lately  encamped. 

That  they  estimate  the  damages  which  the  said  Nicho- 
las Herring  has  sustained  on  his  land,  fences,  orchards, 
&c.  by  the  said  troops,  together  with  the  use  of  the  said 
land,  at  eighty  pounds.  And  that  the  said  Lieut.  Col. 
Andrew  Ward  and  Capt.  James  Arnold  had  signed  a  cer- 
tificate and  estimate  of  the  said  damages,  and  agreed  to 
allow  the  same  :  which  certificate  and  allowance  being 
read  and  filed,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  We  the  underwritten,  do  agree  to  allow  Mr.  Herring 
eighty  pounds  for  the  damages  which  he  has  sustained  on 
his  land,  fences,  and  orchard,  by  the  late  encampment  of 
Gen.  Wooster's  troops,  together  with  the  use  of  said  land. 

"  ANDREW  WARD,  Jr.  Lieut.  Col. 
"JAMES  ARNOLD,  Capt. 

"  Nev>Tork,  T.th  July,  1775." 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  on  Monday  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  LUN-E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  3\st,  1775. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

The  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  pro- 
duced new  credentials,  which  were  read  and  filed,  and  are 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

'•'  Albaxt  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  July  13<n,  1775.  > 
"  The  committee  of  this  city  and  county  having  here- 
tofore appointed  Messrs.  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Robert 
Yates.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Henry  Glenn, 
Francis  Nicoll,  Peter  Silvester,  Dirck  Swart,  Walter  Li- 
vingston, Volkert  P.  Douw  and  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  the 
Deputies  of  this  city  and  county  to  attend  the  Provincial 
Congress,  with  general  powers  to  represent  this  city  and 
county  ;  but  by  reason  of  the  inconvenience  attending  the  at- 
tendance of  all  the  Deputies  in  the  said  Provincial  Con- 


gress, it  is  therefore 


Resolved,  That  for  the  future  the  said  deputies  attend 


94 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  said  Congress,  or  any  four  or  more  of  their  number, 
for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  with  the  same  power  and  au- 
thority as  if  all  the  said  deputies  were  present. 

"  ABRAHM.  YATES,  Junr.  Chairman. 
"  John  Bay,  Secry.  P.  T." 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  the  men 
raised  for  his  regiment  were  very  pressing  for  money,  and 
that  unless  he  be  provided  with  some  more  money,  many 
of  them  will  leave  the  service. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  have  leave  to  borrow 
as  much  money,  on  the  credit  of  this  Congress,  (and  give 
his  obligation  for  the  same,)  as  will  enable  him  to  pay  the 
men  enlisted  for  his  regiment,  to  the  first  day  of  August. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New-York  Delegates  at  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  money,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  :* 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  at  Saratoga  on  the  16th 
instant,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Saratoga,  July  16th,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  did  myself  the  honour  to  write  to  you  from  Al- 
bany on  the  12th,  urging  the  sending  the  troops  to  join  me 
with  all  despatch.  Every  intelligence  I  receive  evinces 
the  necessity  of  strengthening  the  garrisons  of  Ticonderoga 
and  Crown  Point.  The  fatal  consequences  that  would 
follow,  should  we  be  obliged  to  abandon  those  places,  are 
too  glaringly  evident  to  need  illustration.  Let  me  there- 
fore again  entreat  you  to  issue  orders  to  every  corps  of 
your  troops,  in  whatever  part  of  the  Colony  they  may  be, 
to  march  without  delay  ;  and  be  pleased,  sir,  to  forward  the 
tents  for  those  already  at  the  forts.  I  again  beg  leave  to 
remind  you  that  the  powder  from  Philadelphia  is  not  yet 
come  to  hand. 

"  I  am,  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 
"  Be  pleased  to  forward  the  enclosed. 
"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq. 

"  President  of  New-York  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Treat  be  re- 
quested to  examine  all  the  medicines  purchased  or  put  up 
for  the  use  of  the  regiments  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  to 
designate  and  reject  such  as  are  not  of  a  proper  quality  for 
that  use  ;  and  that  they  be  requested  to  send  to  this  Con- 
gress a  report  of  such  their  examination. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested, 
without  delay,  to  send  to  Albany,  for  the  use  of  the  second 
regiment,  720  pouches  and  belts,  720  bayonet  belts,  720 
brushes  and  wires,  4,320  flints,  120  camp  kettles,  720  can- 
teens, 720  haversacks,  and  the  clothing  for  the  said  regi- 
ment, and  medicine  chest  examined  by  Dr.  John  Jones 
and  Dr.  Treat,  and  completed  agreeable  to  their  appro- 
bation and  directions. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Guy  Johnson,  dated  Ontario  on  the 
8th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Ontario,  July  8th,  1775. 

"  Sir  : — Though  I  received  your  letter  from  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  several  days  ago,  I  had  not  a  good  opportu- 
nity to  answer  it  till  now.  I  suppose,  however,  this  will 
reach  you  safe,  notwithstanding  all  the  rest  of  my  corres- 
pondence is  interrupted  by  ignorant  impertinents. 

"  As  to  the  endeavours  you  speak  of  to  reconcile  the  un- 
happy differences  between  the  parent  State  and  these  Co- 
lonies, be  assured  I  ardently  wish  to  see  them  ;  as  yet,  I 
am  sorry  to  say,  I  have  not  been  able  to  discover  any  at- 
tempt of  that  kind,  but  that  of  the  Assembly,  the  only  true 
legal  representatives  of  the  people  ;  and  as  to  individuals 
who  you  say  officiously  interrupt  (in  my  quarter)  the  mode 
and  measures  you  think  necessary  for  these  salatary  pur- 
poses, I  am  really  a  stranger  to  them.  If  you  mean  my- 
self, you  must  have  been  grossly  imposed  on.    I  once  in- 

*  The  said  letter  has  been  lost. 


deed  went  with  reluctance  at  the  request  of  several  of  the 
principal  inhabitants,  to  one  of  the  people's  meeting,  which 
I  found  had  been  called  by  an  itinerant  New-England  lea- 
ther dresser,  and  conducted  by  others  if  possible  more  con- 
temptible. I  had  therefore  little  inclination  to  revisit  such 
men  or  to  attend  to  their  absurdities  ;  and  although  I  did 
not  incline  to  think  that  you,  gentlemen,  had  formed  any 
designs  against  me,  yet  it  is  most  certain  that  such  designs 
were  formed.  Of  this  I  received  a  clear  account  by  ex- 
press from  a  friend  near  Albany,  which  was  soon  corrobo- 
rated, by  letters  from  other  quarters,  particularly  one  from 
a  gentleman  of  the  committee  of  Philadelphia,  a  captain 
in  your  levies,  who  was  pretty  circumstantial ;  and  since,  I 
have  had  the  like  from  many  others.  I  have  likewise  found 
that  mean  instruments  were  officiously  employed  to  dis- 
turb the  minds  of  the  Indians,  to  interrupt  the  ordinary 
discharge  of  my  duties,  and  prevent  their  receiving  mes- 
sages they  had  long  since  expected  from  me.  To  enter 
into  a  minute  detail  of  all  the  falsehoods  propagated,  and 
all  the  obstructions  I  met  with,  though  it  would  not  fail  asto- 
nishing any  gentlemen  disposed  to  discountenance  them, 
would  far  exceed  the  limits  of  a  letter,  or  the  time  I  have 
to  spare.  As  I  am  now  finishing  my  Congress  entirely  to 
my  satisfaction  with  1340  warriors,  who  came  hither  to  the 
only  place  where  they  could  transact  business  or  receive 
favours  without  interruption,  and  who  were  much  dissatis- 
fied at  finding  that  the  goods  which  I  was  necessitated  to 
send  for  to  Montreal,  were  obliged  to  be  ordered  back  by 
the  merchant  to  prevent  his  being  insulted  or  his  property 
invaded  by  the  mistaken  populace  ;  that  their  ammunition 
was  stopped  at  Albany ;  the  persons  on  this  communica- 
tion employed  in  purchasing  provisions  for  the  Congress 
insulted,  and  all  my  letters,  as  well  as  even  some  trifling 
articles  for  the  use  of  my  own  table  stopped;  and  this  mo- 
ment the  mayor  of  Albany  assured  me  that  he  was  the 
other  night  aroused  out  of  his  bed  at  a  certain  Mr.  Thomp- 
son's, above  the  German-Flats,  by  one  Herkimer  and  15 
others,  who  pursued  him  to  search  for  any  things  he  might 
have  for  me. 

"  You  may  be  assured,  sir,  that  this  is  far  from  being 
agreeable  to  the  Indians  ;  that  it  might  have  produced  very 
disagreeable  consequences  long  since,  had  not  compassion 
for  a  deluded  people  taken  place  of  every  other  considera- 
tion ;  and  that  the  impotent  endeavours  of  a  missionary 
(who  has  forfeited  his  honour  pledged  to  me,)  with  part  of 
one  of  their  tribes,  is  a  circumstance,  that,  however  trifling, 
increases  their  resentment. 

"  I  should  be  much  obliged  by  your  promises  of  dis- 
countenancing any  attempts  against  myself,  &c.  did  they 
not  appear  to  be  made  on  conditions  of  compliance  with 
Continental  or  Provincial  Congresses,  or  even  commit- 
tees, formed  or  to  be  formed,  many  of  whose  resolves  may 
neither  consist  with  my  conscience,  duty  or  loyalty.  I 
trust  I  shall  always  manifest  more  humanity  than  to  pro- 
mote the  destruction  of  the  innocent  inhabitants  of  a  Colo- 
ny, to  which  1  have  been  always  warmly  attached  ;  a  de- 
claration that  must  appear  perfectly  suitable  to  the  charac- 
ter of  a  man  of  honour  and  principle,  who  can,  on  no  account 
neglect  those  duties  that  are  consistent  therewith,  however 
they  may  differ  from  sentiments  now  adopted  in  so  many 
parts  of  America. 

"  I  sincerely  wish  a  speedy  termination  to  the  present 
troubles  ;  and  am,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"G.  JOHNSON. 

"  I  shall  have  occasion  to  meet  the  Indians  of  my  de- 
partment in  different  quarters  this  season. 
"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  made,  and  enclosed  to 
the  New-York  Delegates  at  Philadelphia. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  was  read,  and 
filed. 

A  letter  from  John  N.  Bleecker,  at  Albany,  with  the  ac- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


95 


counts  enclosed,  were  read  and  filed.  The  letter  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Mbany,  21st  July,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Although  I  intimated  in  mine  of  the  3d 
inst.  that  I  would  soon  transmit  accounts  of  the  expen- 
ses in  my  department  here,  yet  it  is  not  in  my  power  at 
present  to  give  an  exact  state  of  the  charges  as  I  could 
wish,  as  several  of  the  accounts  have  not  been  delivered  in 
for  provisions,  &c.  supplied  for  the  Provincial  service. 
But  being  desirous  to  render  accounts  under  these  circum- 
stances, I  enclose  you  general  accounts  of  stores  and  pro- 
visions received,  purchased  on  credit,  forwarded,  issued, 
&c.  You  have  also  enclosed  an  account  of  expenses  so 
far  as  have  come  to  my  hands,  by  which  a  balance  of 
£1,225  remains  due,  which  I  have  in  some  measure  en- 
gaged would  be  soon  paid;  and  as  those  with  whom  the 
debts  are  contracted  make  daily  application  to  me  for  mo- 
ney, in  particular  the  wagoners  who  have  been  employed, 
intimate  that  unless  their  demands  are  satisfied  very  soon, 
they  must  decline  riding,  since  they  have  not  wherewith 
to  purchase  hard  fodder  for  their  horses,  I  therefore  hope 
you  will  be  pleased  to  put  it  in  my  power  to  fulfil  my  pro- 
mises, by  furnishing  me  with  a  sufficient  sum  of  money  to 
discharge  the  above  mentioned  balance ;  and  all  public 
moneys  which  have  or  may  be  delivered  into  my  hands,  I 
shall  account  for  in  a  future  settlement,  by  producing  such 
vouchers  for  disbursements,  as  I  doubt  not  will  meet  your 
approbation. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedient 

"  And  most  humble  servant, 
JOHN  N.  BLEECKER. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq. 

"President  of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Mr.  Robert  Yates  of  Albany,  delivered  into  Congress 
sundry  papers  relating  to  Indian  affairs,  which  were  read, 
and  are  marked  and  numbered  as  follows,  to  wit: 

No.  1.  A  speech  of  four  Oneida  chiefs  to  the  committee 
of  Albany,  dated  at  the  Committee  Chamber  at  Albany, 
June  24th,  1775. 

No.  2.  A  speech  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Al- 
bany, drawn  up  by  the  committee  of  Albany,  spoken  at 
the  German  Flats  to  the  Oneida  Indians. 

No.  3.  A  speech  to  the  inhabitants  of  Albany,  being  the 
answer  of  the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  at  the  German 
Flats,  dated  July  1st,  1775. 

No.  5.  A  speech  of  the  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county  to 
the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras  in  a  meeting  at  the  German 
Flats,  29th  June,  1775. 

No.  6.  A  speech  from  the  Oneida  Indians,  dated  24th 
June,  1775,  in  answer  to  the  speech  delivered  by  the  in- 
habitants of  Tryon  county. 

No.  7.  A  history  of  an  embassy  of  the  Stockbridge  In- 
dians with  the  Caughnawagas. 

No.  8.  A  conference  between  the  Stockbridge  and  the 
Caughnawagas  Indians. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  mentioned  copies  of  speeches 
and  papers  relating  to  Indian  affairs,  be  enclosed  to  the 
New-York  Delegates  at  Continental  Congress. 

Copy  of  a  letter  appearing  to  have  been  written  from 
Joseph  Reade,  Esq.  secretary  to  Gen.  Washington,  was 
read,  giving  advice  of  the  sailing  of  three  men  of  war,  &c. 
from  Boston. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence 
for  East-Hampton  and  Southhold,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  31st  July,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — By  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  letter  from 
Gen.  Washington  to  Gen.  Wooster,  we  think  not  unlikely 
the  designs  of  these  ships  may  be  to  take  provisions  from 
different  parts  ;  as  Montauck,  and  other  parts  of  the  east 
end  of  Long  Island  are  much  exposed,  we  judged  it  proper 
to  give  this  intelligence  that  you  might  take  such  methods 
for  securing  the  stock  there,  as  you  shall  judge  necessary. 


Hulbert  and  Griffing's  companies  can  be  employed  for  that 
purpose  till  otherwise  ordered. 

"  I  am,  &c. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Correspondence 

for  East-Hampton  and  Southhold." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  1st,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Inglis. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  John  Taplin,  Esq.  of  Newbury,  one  of  the 
judges  of  the  court  of  common  pleas  in  Gloucester  county, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Newbury,  New- York  Province,  ) 
"  July  15th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  31st  May  I  did  not  receive  till 
the  14th  inst.  which  was  broke  open,  and  the  general  as- 
sociation taken  out.    We  have  formed  a  county  committee, 
as  also  in  each  town  and  precinct.    Also  we  have  chose 
Col.  Bailey  to  represent  us  in  the  Congress.    The  county 
seems  to  be  very  well  united  and  firm  to  one  another,  and 
also  in  the  cause  of  liberty,  and  I  make  no  doubt  but  they 
will  cheerfully  join  in  whatever  measures  and  directions 
the  honourable  Congress  may  point  out  from  time  to  time. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  TAPLIN. 

"To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  the  city  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  John  Burger  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  bear- 
ing date  at  Ticonderoga  Landing  the  19th  July  ult.  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  return  of  provisions  from  Elisha  Phelps,  commissary 
at  Albany,  dated  the  21st  July  ult.  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Clarkstown,  July  31st,  1775. 
"  Sir — The  bearer  hereof,  Capt.  Robert  Johnston,  has 
his  company  now  full,  and  as  he  is  a  sum  of  money  out, 
by  this  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  him  to  you  for  di- 
rection, where  he  may  have  the  necessary  supplies  for  the 
company. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"  DAVID  PYE. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  letter  from  Elisha  Benedict  of  the  24th  ult.  was  read 
and  filed  ;  he  thereby  informs  that  his  company  is  full,  and 
that  he  has  some  men  to  spare.  Encloses  a  warrant  to 
Samuel  Fletcher  now  returned  agreeable  to  the  order  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  requests  a  warrant  to  Wil- 
liam McCune  of  Cumberland  county,  as  first  lieutenant  in 
his  stead. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  issue  to  the  said  William 
McCune  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  of  the  21st  ult.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  21st,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  am  just  favoured  with  aline  from  Gov.  Trum- 
bull ;  the  enclosed  is  part  of  what  he  writes  me,  and  of 
what  I  have  said  on  that  subject  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

"  It  is  not  easy  to  conceive  the  difficulties  I  labour  under 
for  want  of  many  of  the  articles  contained  in  the  estimate, 
which  I  had  the  honour  to  deliver  you  on  the  3d  inst.  espe- 
cially for  the  entrenching  tools,  and  materials  for  building. 
The  swivel  guns  and  the  lead  I  find  a  sufficiency  of  here. 
You  will  therefore  please  to  order  these,  if  not  already  sent, 
to  be  stopped  ;  instead  thereof,  to  add  one  ton  of  oakum, 


96 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


twenty  barrels  of  pitch,  ten  lanthorns,  and  two  pair  of  fort 
colours. 

"  The  truck  carriages  were  to  be  sent,  provided  they 
were  ready  made.  As  they  are  not,  you  will  please  to 
take  no  further  notice  of  them. 

"  By  a  letter  from  Mr.  Curtenius  of  the  10th,  I  find  he 
has  delayed  sending  the  oars  on  account  of  the  heavy  ex- 
pense of  carriage,  but  even  in  that  case  they  would  come 
cheaper  than  to  make  them  here,  by  the  workmen  from 
New-York. 

"  I  am  very  anxious  to  have  the  New- York  troops  with 
me  ;  their  arrival  will  therefore  afford  me  great  satisfaction ; 
I  hope  some  are  on  their  way  up.  I  have  appointed  a  very 
good  man  as  a  sutler  to  supply  them  here,  who  is  now  pre- 
paring for  their  reception  ;  too  many  of  them  are  very  dis- 
advantageous to  the  soldiers  and  destructive  to  the  service. 

"  Intelligence  which  I  have  received  from  Canada  ad- 
vises that  a  numerous  body  of  Indians  are  there  ;  that  Gov. 
Carleton  attempted  to  engage  them  against  us ;  that  he 
believed  he  would  have  little  success  ;  that  some  of  the 
young  men  inclined  to  take  up  the  hatchet  but  that  the  el- 
derly opposed  it ;  that  the  Canadians  are  averse  to  enter- 
ing into  the  controversy,  the  noblesse  and  very  lower  order 
excepted. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedient,  humble  servant, 
PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

The  extracts  of  the  letters  therein  enclosed,  were  read 
and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Extract  of  a  letter,  dated  Lebanon,  17th  July,  1775, 
from  the  Hon.  Gov.  Trumbull  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the 
10th  inst.  which  came  by  Benet ;  per  same  hand  I  receiv- 
ed a  letter  from  Col.  Hinrnan,  at  Ticonderoga,  in  which 
he  says  :  '  there  are  many  things  which  the  act  of  Assem- 
bly provides  for  the  soldiers  which  they  never  have  as  yet 
received,  which  occasions  murmurings  and  discontents,  and 
much  weakens  my  authority  among  them.'  Copy  of  the 
act  of  our  Assembly  has  been  forwarded,  some  time  ago, 
to  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New-York.  Our  com- 
missary, Mr.  Elisha  Phelps,  has  also  a  copy.  If  New- 
York  does  not  supply  our  troops  as  they  have  a  right  to 
expect,  this  Colony  must  fulfil  their  engagements  them- 
selves. 

"  I  pray  your  interposition  in  this  matter." 

Extract  of  a  letter,  dated  Ticonderoga,  July  21st,  1775, 
from  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  I  have  just  received 
from  Gov.  Trumbull.  I  am  very  sorry  that  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut  has  made  such  large  allowance  for  the  daily 
subsistence  of  their  men.  It  is  difficult  and  expensive  to 
procure  the  things  here,  which  they  are  to  have  agreeable 
to  the  law  of  their  Colony,  and  what  is  worse,  other  troops 
that  may  join  will  certainly  expect  the  like  allowance,  and 
a  discrimination  can  not  be  made  in  favour  of  the  troops  of 
any  particular  Colony. 

"  A  resolve  of  Congress,  what  shall  be  the  Continental 
allowance,  and  that  no  Colony  shall  send  their  troops  any 
thing  more  than  what  shall  be  so  prescribed,  would  settle 
the  matter  and  prevent  that  jealousy,  which  will  otherwise 
take  place." 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  of  the  22d  day  of  July, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  22d,  1775. 

"Sir — I  am  just  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  13th 
inst.  enclosing  a  copy  of  Col.  Heermans'  to  the  Congress. 
Every  consideration  induces  me  to  take  all  the  precaution 
possible,  more  especially  as  I  have  four  important  posts  to 
maintain,  with  a  small  number  of  troops,  and  those  very 
ill  armed  and  with  little  ammunition.  In  this  disagreeable 
situation,  I  feel  very  sensibly  the  exceeding  slowness  with 
which  the  levies  are  made  in  every  part  of  our  Colony. 
Capt.  Motte  informs  me  that  I  need  not  expect  a  reinforce- 


ment in  less  than  a  month.  Should  Gen.  Burgoyne  (as  is 
reported)  be  gone  with  a  body  of  troops  to  Canada,  and 
make  an  attack  in  this  quarter,  in  our  present  weak  and 
defenceless  situation,  what  the  consequences  would  be  to 
the  country,  are  easier  conceived  than  described.  I  hope 
such  as  are  raised,  although  the  regiments  may  not  be 
completed,  will  be  ordered  up  without  delay  with  camp 
equipage. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Henry  Williams,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  the  New- York  Congress." 

The  warrant  of  Morris  Hazard  was  returned,  and  Mr. 
John  Lawrence  of  Newtown,  being  recommended  in  his 
stead,  is  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  issued  to  the  said  John 
Lawrence,  in  the  stead  and  place  of  the  said  Morris  Ha- 
zard. 

Ordered,  That  Jacob  Cuyler  be  added  to  the  military 
committee  which  was  appointed  on  the  27th  ult. 

Resolved,  That  every  officer  who  has  already  enlisted 
or  who  shall  hereafter  enlist,  a  soldier  in  the  regiments' 
now  raising  in  this  Colony,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  dollar  for 
each  such  soldier  who  shall  pass  muster,  and  be  received 
into  the  service,  the  officer  paying  the  expense  of  such  en- 
listment. 

A  copy  of  a  conference  between  two  Oneidas  and  the 
Albany  committee,  on  the  25th  ult.  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  this  copy  of  a  conference  be  sent  to  the 
New-York  Delegates  at  Congress,  by  the  first  conveyance. 

A  letter  from  Goose  Van  Schaick,  colonel  of  the  second 
regiment,  bearing  date  on  the  24th  inst.  with  a  return  of 
the  present  state  of  his  regiment  as  far  as  known  to  him 
were  read  and  filed. 

The  petition  of  Sampson  Dyckman  was  read.  He  there- 
in sets  forth  that  he  had  suffered  great  damages  by  one 
Hesington,  a  messenger  from  Massachusetts  to  Philadel- 
phia, greatly  injuring  his  horse  in  a  journey  to  Philadel- 
phia. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thome  and  Mr.  Paulding  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  into  the  damages  Sampson  Dyckman  has 
sustained  by  occasion  of  the  premises  mentioned  in  his  pe- 
tition, and  to  make  a  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Peter  Lent  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Coo- 
per of  Orange  county,  be  appointed,  and  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed muster-masiers  for  Capt.  Robert  Johnson's  com- 
pany of  soldiers  now  enlisted  in  the  Continental  service, 
and  that  they,  or  either  of  them,  carefully  muster  the  men, 
and  pass  none  but  such  as  they  deem  useful,  active,  spright- 
ly men,  and  fit  for  service. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Holmes  and  Col.  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt,  or  either  of  them,  be  appointed,  and  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed, to  muster  any  soldiers  raised,  or  to  be  raised,  for 
Col.  Holmes'  regiment,  and  who  shall  not  have  been 
mustered  by  some  other  person  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gress. And 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Clinton,  in  like  manner,  be  ap- 
pointed to  muster  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  of  the  26lh  July  ult.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  26th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  just  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Williams,  as  Chairman  of  your  Committee  of  Safety  in 
the  recess  of  the  Congress.  The  difficulties  you  labour 
under,  with  respect  to  your  equipping  the  troops  for  the 
field,  are  really  very  distressing.  But  yet  I  should  hope 
that  at  least  some  part  of  the  troops  might  be  furnished 
with  arms,  clothing  and  blankets,  and  such  might  be  sent 
up.  Would  it  not  be  proper  that  those  raising  at  Albany 
should  have  clothing  sent  to  them,  if  you  have  any  at  New- 
York  beyond  what  will  clothe  such  as  have  arms  ? 

"  For  want  of  a  variety  of  the  articles,  which  I  begged 
might  be  sent  up,  I  can  not  by  any  means  prosecute  the 
intentions  of  the  Continental  Congress.    If,  therefore,  they 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


97 


are  not  yet  sent,  pray  let  no  delay  be  made,  lest  we  should 
lose  an  opportunity  of  doing  a  service  very  essential  to  the 
Colonies,  to  this  in  particular,  and  in  which  delay  will  be 
fatal. 

"  I  am  informed  by  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  that  the 
Congress  has  recommended  to  you  the  appointment  of  an 
adjutant-general  or  brigade-major,  for  this  department. 
An  active  man,  and  a  good  disciplinarian,  is  much,  very 
much  wanted  indeed,  to  fill  the  first  mentioned  office.  I 
beg  that  whomsoever  you  may  appoint,  that  you  will  order 
him  without  delay  to  join  me.  I  stand  in  great  need  of  his 
services. 

"  Could  not  a  gentleman  be  got  to  accept  of  a  commis- 
sion as  commander  of  artillery  1  Perhaps  if  rank  was 
given,  it  would  induce  some  good  man  to  undertake.  Such 
an  officer  is  so  evidently  necessary,  that  I  hope  this  recom- 
mendation will  claim  your  attention. 

"  I  am  very  sensible  of  your  spirited  exertions  in  this 
critical  day  ;  and  if  I  press  you  for  farther  assistance,  with 
a  seeming  importunity,  it  is  because  the  force  of  necessity 
obliges  me  to  it ;  it  is  because  I  wish  to  see  my  country- 
men about  me,  that  I  may  have  their  testimony  of  my  con- 
duct. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  with 
the  best  wishes, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and 

"  Most  humble  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

A  second  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  of  the  27th  of  July, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  27th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Since  my  letter  of  yesterday  I  have  re- 
ceived such  intelligence  as  makes  it  indispensably  neces- 
sary that  not  one  moment's  delay  should  be  made,  in  for- 
warding me  the  stores  mentioned  in  the  estimate  I  deliver- 
ed you  on  the  3d  of  July.  I  have  a  number  of  carpenters 
and  no  materials  to  employ  them.  A  thousand  of  the 
Connecticut  troops  are  ordered  to  join  me,  and  I  do  most, 
most  earnestly  entreat,  that  such  of  the  me'n  raised  in  this 
Colony,  as  are  furnished  with  arms,  may  be  sent  to  Alba- 
ny without  any  delay.  Gen.  Montgomery  is  there  to  for- 
ward them  to  me. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  With  great  esteem  and  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  the  New- York  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Ten  Broeck  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee of  rank,  in  place  of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  who  is 
absent. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  the  Recorder 
had  waited  on  him  at  the  door,  and  informed  him  that  the 
boat  which  had  been  building  by  order  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety  was  sawed  to  pieces,  and  entirely  destroyed. 

Ordered,  That  this  matter  be  taken  into  consideration 
to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  be  at  liberty  to  settle 
with  such  of  his  officers  who  are  going  on  service,  for  two 
months'  pay. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  2d,  1775. 
Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mason. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  John  Lamb,  recommending  Isaiah  Wool 
as  lieutenant  fire-worker  of  his  company,  was  read  and 
filed.    The  said  Isaiah  is  approved  of. 

25 


Ordered,  That  he  be  appointed  lieutenant  fire-worker  of 
Capl.  Lamb's  company. 

As  there  is  not  any  ravens  duck  or  osnaburgs  to  be  pur- 
chased in  the  city  of  New-York,  and  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curte- 
nius  informs  this  Congress  that  without  osnaburgs  and  ra- 
vens duck  he  cannot  complete  the  tents  for  the  troops,  and 
that  none  can  be  obtained  but  what  is  in  the  hands  of  Ro- 
bert and  John  Murray  ;  and  as  the  service  would  otherwise 
suffer  greatly,  and  the  necessity  of  the  cause  renders  it  ab- 
solutely necessary  ;  therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  purchase  as 
much  ravens  duck  and  osnaburgs  of  Messrs.  Robert  and 
John  Murray  as  he  may  want  for  the  public  service,  on  the 
terms  they  offered  them  to  him. 

A  letter  of  General  Schuyler  to  the  Albany  committee, 
advising  them,  from  the  necessity  of  the  case  and  to  save 
time,  to  fill  up  the  vacancies  of  such  officers  in  the  second 
regiment,  as  had  declined  the  service,  was  read.  Also  a 
list  of  the  officers  of  the  second  regiment,  as  now  fixed, 
with  the  changes  that  had  been  made  therein  by  the  Albany 
committee,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  list  be  delivered  to  the  commit- 
tee of  rank,  and  that  the  following  gentlemen  be  added  to 
the  said  committee  of  rank,  to  wit :  Mr.  John  Sloss  Ho- 
bart,  in  ihe  stead  of  Col.  Woodhull ;  Mr.  Herring,  in  the 
place  of  Col.  Tusteen  ;  Mr.  Marlett,  in  the  place  of 
Christopher  P.  Yates  ;  and  David  Watkins,  in  the  stead  of 
Major  Williams. 

A  letter  from  John  Dennis,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  New-Brunswick,  in  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  of  the  21st  ult.  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  21st  instant,  came 
safe  to  hand,  the  contents  of  which  was  duly  observed. 
Application  was  immediately  made  to  Mr.  Merrill,  who 
says,  about  three  weeks  past  a  person  coming  from  Egg 
Harbour,  when  within  the  Hook,  he  saw  a  boat  standing 
down  our  bay  that  he  thought  was  loaded  with  flour,  which 
boat  he  believes  went  along  side  the  man  of  war.  This  is 
all  he  ever  heard  or  knows  of  the  matter.  Every  other  in- 
quiry in  our  power  has  been  made,  but  can  make  no  fur- 
ther discovery. 

"  All  intelligences,  discoveries  of  every  action  inimical 
to  American  liberty,  and  every  matter  of  instruction  for  our 
better  preservation,  will  ever  be  paid  a  due  regard  to  and 
cheerfully  received  by  the  committee  of  this  city.  Assure 
yourselves,  gentlemen,  that  this  committee  has,  and  ever 
will  be  ready  to  render  to  their  couniry  every  service  in 
their  power,  and  will  continue  to  give  a  strict  attention  to, 
and  duly  observe  all,  resolutions  formed  by  the  Continen- 
tal Congress. 

"  We  are,  with  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obedient,  humble  servants, 

"JOHN  DENNIS,  Chairman. 

"  City  of  New-Brunswick,  July  27th,  1775. 
"  To  Mr.  Henry  Williams." 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  formerly  appointed  to 
contract  for  pouches,  bells  and  slings,  do  contract  for  880 
pouches  and  belts,  and  880  bayonet  belts,  and  880  slings 
for  muskets,  besides  the  quantity  of  2,000  each  of  those 
articles  already  contracted  for  ;  and  that  the  said  commit- 
tee get  the  said  articles  made  with  all  possible  speed. 

Mr.  Low  moved  that  this  Congress  make  a  resolution  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
August  2d.  1775.  $ 
Whereas,  it  appeared  to  the  committee  of  safety  ap- 
pointed by  this  Congress  during  their  late  recess,  that  a 
barge  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  was,  without 
any  provocation,  attacked  and  most  wantonly  destroyed  : 
And  whereas,  the  corporation  of  this  city  had,  under  the 
sanction  of  the  said  committee,  ordered  another  barge  to 
be  built  in  order  to  replace  the  barge  so  destroyed  as  afore- 
said :  And  whereas,  this  Congress  had  approved  of  that 


98 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCEIAL  CONGRESS. 


and  the  other  conduct  of  their  said  committee,  and  voted 
them  their  thanks  for  their faithful  services :  And  whereas, 
the  corporation,  notwithstanding  some  disorderly  and  evil 
disposed  persons  did,  in  the  night,  destroy  and  render  use- 
less the  said  barge  so  ordered  to  be  built,  as  aforesaid,  by 
sawing  it  in  pieces  :  And  whereas,  the  corporation  have 
since  formally  applied  to  this  Congress  for  their  directions 
in  the  premises  : 

Resolved,  That  the  perpetrators  of  the  said  act  are 
guilty  of  a  high  offence  and  insult  against  this  Congress 
and  the  Colony  they  represent,  as  endeavouring  to  contra- 
vene the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  their  appointment ; 
that  they  are  base  violators  of  the  association  subscribed  by 
this  Congress,  and  by  them  recommended  to  the  adoption 
of  their  constituents.  In  order,  therefore,  that  the  sense 
of  this  Congress  may  be  fully  known  relative  to  such  out- 
rageous acts, 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  immediately  made  pu- 
blic, not  doubting  but  that  the  good  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony  will  duly  assist  and  support  this  Congress  in  de- 
tecting, convicting  and  bringing  to  condign  punishment  all 
such  factious  offenders,  as  disturbers  of  the  public  peace 
and  enemies  of  their  country. 

Mr.  Lows'  motion  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Walton,  after 
some  time  spent  in  consideration  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  Friday  morning  next. 

A  letter  from  the  New-York  Delegates  at  Continental 
Congress  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  letters  of  the 
18th  and  22d  inst.  and  though  sensible  of  the  inconveni- 
ence arising  from  a  scarcity  of  arms,  are  much  at  a  loss 
respecting  the  best  measures  for  a  supply.  As  we  have 
good  reason  to  believe  that  an  application  to  the  Congress 
to  recommend  a  loan  of  the  Jersey  arms  would  not  suc- 
ceed, we  have  agreed  not  to  make  it.  No  Colony  has,  as 
yet,  given  the  Congress  any  trouble  on  that  head,  and  we 
are  unwilling  that  New-York  should  be  the  first. 

"  We  advise,  however,  that  accurate  accounts  for  dis- 
bursements for  arms  be  kept,  so  that  should  any  charges  of 
that  kind  be  made  against  the  Continent  in  the  Colony, 
our  constituents  may  be  prepared  to  support  their  claim. 
Besides  it  is  easy  to  foresee  that  New-Jersey,  under  the 
present  circumstances  of  public  affairs,  would  very  reluc- 
tantly part  with  their  arms,  and  be  displeased  with  any  re- 
commendation for  that  purpose. 

"  Permit  us  to  recommend  to  your  most  serious  atten- 
tion, the  necessity  of  laying  your  hands  on  all  the  powder 
that  is  or  may  be  imported  into  the  Colony.  We  think 
none  should  be  permitted  to  go  out  of  the  Province,  but  by 
the  express  direction  of  the  Congress,  or  your  committee, 
and  that  magazines  of  that  article  should  be  formed  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  Province,  and  not  that  the  whole  be 
risked  in  one  place. 

"  We  hope  our  Province  will  depend  for  defence  on  their 
own  exertions,  and  without  delay  put  the  militia  on  the 
footing  recommended  by  Congress. 

"  The  Delegates  of  New-Jersey  are  charged  with  the 
transportation  of  two  tons  and  a  half  of  powder  to  Dobbs' 
ferry,  where  the  Congress  desire  you  to  have  a  boat  ready 
to  receive  and  forward  it  to  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  As  to  a  treaty  or  conference  with  the  Five  Nations,  the 
Congress  has  already  provided  for  it,  and  consequently  it 
would  be  improper  to  lay  the  papers  you  sent  us  on  that 
subject  before  the  Congress. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  the 

"  Greatest  respect,  your  most 

"  Obedient  and  humble  serv'ts, 

"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JOHN  JAY, 
"LEWIS  MORRIS, 
"JAMES  DUANE, 
"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

■  Philadelphia,  29th  July,  1775. 


"  P.  S.  We  recommend  to  you  to  collect  all  your  ac- 
counts against  the  Continent  with  all  convenient  speed.  It 
is  probable  a  committee  will  be  appointed  to  examine  them. 
Mr.  Hazard  is  appointed  deputy  post-master  for  New- 
York.  The  Continental  money  is  signing,  and  will  be 
ready  next  week. 
"  The  Committee  of  Safety  of 

the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  John  Herring,  Esq.  go  up  to  Dobbs' 
ferry  and  see  the  said  powder  forwarded  ;  and  that  Mr.  Ja- 
cob Cuyler  appoint  an  Albany  sloop  to  stop  at  Dobbs' 
ferry,  and  that  he  write  a  private  letter  to  the  committee 
of  Albany  informing  them  of  the  said  powder,  and  desiring 
them  to  forward  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  D.  Wynkoop  be  lieutenant- 
colonel  in  the  third  regiment ;  and 

Ordered,  That  he  muster  Captain  Hasbrouck's  and 
Capt.  Brown's  company. 

A  committee  of  the  officers  of  the  first  regiment,  (infe 
rior  to  field  officers,)  attending  at  the  door,  were  admitted 
and  by  Capt.  Goforlh,  delivered  in  writing  to  the  Presi- 
dent, three  questions,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Whether  the  Congress  will  favour  this  committee  with 
an  answer  to  the  memorial,  presented  some  days  ago,  from 
the  officers  of  the  first  regiment  ? 

"  We  shall  be  glad  to  be  informed  what  our  pay  is  to 
be,  from  the  captain's  down  to  the  privates,  the  adjutants 
and  quarter-masters  included  ?  And  whether  the  officers 
are  to  receive  their  commissions  before  they  embark?" 

The  said  committee  of  officers  being  withdrawn,  the 
Congress  took  their  queries  into  consideration,  and  deliver- 
ed them  an  answer,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

To  the  queries  of  the  committee  of  officers  of  the  first 
regiment,  the  Congress  gives  the  following  answers,  to  wit : 

1st.  That  they  are  not  at  liberty  to  make  any  allowance 
for  the  clothing  and  arms,  mentioned  in  their  letter  of  the 
26th  ult. 

2d.  That  the  pay  of  the  troops  raised  in  the  Colony  will 
be  ascertained  by  the  Continental  Congress  ;  but  we  have 
received  assurances  that  it  will  not  be  less  than  the  pay  of 
the  Connecticut  troops. 

3d.  That  the  warrants  given  to  the  officers  are  to  re- 
main with  them,  instead  of  commissions,  until  their  com- 
missions arrivefrom  the  general. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  5  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  5  ho.  P.  M.  August  2d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Jesse  Woodhull,  Esq.  of  Cornwall  precinct,  in  Orange 
county,  appeared  in  Congress.  The  minutes  of  the  re- 
turn of  Deputies  were  read  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  Is- 
rael Seely,  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esq.  and  Jeremiah  Clarke, 
were  appointed  Deputies  for  that  precinct,  to  represent 
them  in  this  Provincial  Congress,  as  part  of  the  represen- 
tation from  Orange  county. 

Ordered,  That  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esq.  take  his  seat. 

A  majority  in  the  3d  regiment  being  now  vacant,  the 
following  question  was  put,  to  wit  : 

Who  shall  be  major  of  the  third  regiment  ? 

And  the  votes  of  the  counties  present  being  taken,  were 
delivered  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  Henry  Livingston,  Jr.  For  Robert  G.Livingston. 

Dutchess,   2      Albany,   3 

Kings,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Queens,     2 

New- York,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Westchester,    ...  2 

Richmond,   2 

Ulster,   2 

22 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Henry  Livingston,  Jr.  be  ap- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


99 


pointed  major  of  the  third  regiment  of  troops,  now  raising 
in  this  Colony,  as  a  part  of  the  army  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies, raised  for  the  defence  of  American  liberty,  and  for 
repelling  every  hostile  invasion  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  warrants  be  made  out  in  Capt.  Nichol- 
son's company,  for  1st  lieutenant,  David  Dubois;  2d  lieu- 
tenant, James  Grigg  ;  and  for  captain,  Jacobus  Bruyn  ;  1st 
lieutenant,  Thos.  De  Witt;  2d  lieutenant,  Albert  Pawling. 

In  Capt.  Daniel  Denton's  company  for  2d  lieutenant, 
George  Hamilton  Jackson. 

In  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrook's  company,  for  1st  lieutenant, 
Cornelius  T.  Jansen  ;  2d  lieutenant,  Petrus  Roggin. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Job  Mulford,  gentlemen,  be  appoint- 
ed adjutant  of  the  fourth  regiment  of  troops,  now  raising 
in  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Lamb  proceed  with  his  artil- 
lery company  to  Ticonderoga,  and  join  the  army  under  the 
command  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clk.  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  3d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 
Ordered,  That  the  chairman,  or  deputy  chairman,  of 
tne  general  committee  of  association  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  be  requested  immediately  to  summon  the  Com- 
mittee, in  order  to  take  into  consideration  the  papers  relat- 
ing to  George  Coffin's  vessel  and  cargo,  now  delivered  to 
him,  in  order  to  make  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 
And  that  if  a  sufficient  number  of  the  members  of  that 
committee  to  make  a  quorum  cannot  be  convened,  that 
such  number  as  can  be  immediately  convened,  do  make 
such  report,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  letter  from  Waller  Livingston,  Esq.  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Gentlemen — I  lately  received  a  commission  from  the 
Continental  Congress,  a  copy  of  which  I  shall  enclose  you, 
appointing  me  deputy  commissary-general  for  this  Pro- 
vince. I  must  therefore  request  you  to  order  all  stores, 
&c.  which  are  purchased  by  order  of  Congress  for  the 
army  in  this  Colony,  to  be  consigned  to  me,  or  my  assis- 
tant deputies,  at  Albany.  And  also,  that  I  be  furnished 
with  an  account  of  all  stores  and  provisions  which  are  now 
ordered  to  be  purchased. 

"  I  was  at  Ticonderoga  last  week.  The  fortress  there 
is  in  a  most  ruinous  situation.  For  want  of  many  officers, 
such  as  quarter-master,  muster-master,  surgeons,  &c.  the 
general  is  under  the  necessity  of  acting  in  all  those  de- 
partments. I  dread  the  consequence,  should  he  be  attack- 
ed by  any  considerable  army ;  and  if  he  is  defeated  the 
garrison  must  all  fall  victims — for  retreat  they  cannot,  for 
want  of  batteaux.  He  had  neither  carpenters  to  build 
boats,  nor  materials  to  make  them  of.  Two  saw-mills  are 
now  cutting  boards,  with  one  saw  each.  I  yesterday,  by 
request  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  sent  up  twenty  carpenters,  and 
shall,  from  time  to  time,  furnish  him  with  such  articles  as 
he  shall  order  and  I  can  procure,  although  they  should  not 
belong  to  my  department,  until  proper  officers  are  ap- 
pointed. 

"  I  remain,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
WALTER  LIVINGSTON, 

Dep.  Com.  Gen. 

"  Albany,  July  29th,  1775. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

A  copy  of  the  commission  of  Walter  Livingston  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Clinton  be  authorized  to  receive 
from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  for  his  regiment,  720  pouches 


and  belts,  720  bayonet  belts,  720  brushes  and  wires, 
720  gun  worms  and  720  screw  drivers,  4,320  flints, 
140  camp  kettles,  720  canteens,  720  haversacks,  and  the 
clothing  for  the  third  regiment,  and  a  medicine  chest  and 
instruments,  when  examined  and  approved  of  by  Dr.  John 
Jones  and  Dr.  Treat.  And  ordered  that  Col.  Holmes  be 
authorized  to  get  the  like  articles  for  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Israel  Evans  be  appointed,  and  is 
hereby  appointed,  chaplain  to  the  first  regiment  of  the 
troops  now  raising  in  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  of  this  day,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  is  a  note  I  received  from 
Capt.  Lamb,  and  should  be  glad  to  have  an  order  from  the 
Congress  about  this  matter.  I  have  waited  on  Messrs. 
Murrays  about  the  20  pieces  of  duck  and  60  pieces  of  os- 
naburgs  ;  they  request  an  order  from  the  Congress  to  the 
committee  at  Elizabethtown. 

"  I  have  made  an  inquiry  about  oars,  and  cannot  find 
above  150  in  town,  97  of  which  I  sent  up  yesterday  ;  for 
the  remainder,  I  have  contracted  with  Capt.  Bradley,  of 
New-Haven,  to  deliver  them  in  10  or  12  days. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obdt.  servt. 

"  PETER  T.  CURTENIUS. 

"  August  3d,  1775." 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Lamb,  therein  enclosed,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Elizabethtown, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  August  3d,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  spared  a  great  number  of  our 
tents  to  the  Connecticut  troops  and  cannot  now  procure 
osnaburgs  and  duck  sufficient  to  make  tents  for  the 
troops  of  this  Colony  in  the  Continental  service,  without 
raking  that  which  was  impoited  by  Robert  and  John  Mur- 
ray. Necessity  has  therefore  obliged  us  to  agree  to  pur- 
chase those  goods,  that  the  service  of  the  United  Colonies 
may  not  be  delayed.  We  therefore  request  you  gentlemen, 
to  permit  the  said  osnaburgs  and  ravens  duck  of  Robert 
and  John  Murray,  to  be  delivered  out  of  your  store,  to  Mr. 
Peter  T.  Curtenius,  or  his  order,  for  the  uses  aforesaid. 

"  We  are  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  hum.  servts. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Elizabethtown." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Washington,  requesting  blank 
commissions  to  be  sent  for  the  officers  of  the  New-York 
regiments,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  3d,  1775.  5 
"  Sir — We  are  informed,  in  a  letter  from  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  that  the  General  would  make  out  the  com- 
missions for  our  regiments,  to  such  persons  as  this  Con- 
gress should  recommend — but  are  at  a  loss  to  know 
whether  you  or  Gen.  Schuyler  are  to  issue  the  commis- 
sions. We  understand,  however,  that  they  have  been 
transmitted  to  you.  If  this  should  be  the  case,  and  the 
commissions  are  to  be  filled  up  by  Gen.  Schuyler,  we  beg 
you  will  send  them  to  him  or  us  without  delay.  If  they 
are  to  be  filled  up  by  your  Excellency,  we  submit  it 
whether,  to  prevent  delay,  it  would  not  be  proper  to  send 
them  in  blank  to  Gen.  Schuyler  or  to  us,  that  the  names 
may  be  filled  up  agreeable  to  the  arrangement  made  by 
this  Congress.  The  number  of  commissions  wanted  will 
be  about  200. 

"  We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 
"  His  Excellency,  Gen.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 


100 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Col.  Holmes  has  leave  of  absence.  Volkert  P.  Dow, 
Esq.  has  leave  of  absence  on  account  of  his  being  one  of 
the  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs. 

A  warrant  to  Isaac  Van  Waert  as  second  lieutenant  or- 
and  issued  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  made  out  to  Jacobus  Rose- 
krans,  as  captain — a  warrant  to  Samuel  Van  Veghten,  as 
first  lieutenant  and  a  warrant  to  Thos.  Lee,  as  second 
lieutenant. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  5  o'clock  P.  M. 

5  ho.  P.  M. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  Capt.  Patrick  Sin- 
clair, is  appointed  lieutenant  Governor  and  superintend- 
ent at  Missilimacana :  The  said  Patrick  Sinclair  being 
sent  for  and  attended,  and  acknowledged  that  he  was  in- 
formed by  authority  from  His  Majesty  that  he  was  so  ap- 
pointed, and  that  he  did  expect  to  receive  his  commission 
and  instructions  for  that  purpose.  And  it  being  highly  im- 
prudent at  this  critical  juncture,  to  permit  any  gentleman  un- 
der the  influence  of  the  British  ministry  to  proceed  to  that 
post  to  exercise  those  offices,  who  might  prejudice  the  In- 
dians against  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Colonies  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair  shall 
not  be  at  present  permitted  to  proceed  to  Missilimacana. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Patrick  Sinclair  go  to  any  part 
of  Suffolk  county,  on  Nassau  Island,  and  reside  there,  on 
his  giving  his  promise  parol  on  his  honour,  that  he  will  not 
take  any  part  in  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  United  Colonies  ;  and  that  he  will 
not  depart  from  or  go  out  of  such  part  of  the  said  county 
of  Suffolk  without  permission  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
or  of  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress,  until  the 
present  unhappy  controversy  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  Colonies  shall  be  determined. 

Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair  declared  on  his  honour  that  he 
would  not  take  any  part  in  the  present  controversy  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies,  and  that  he  will  not  depart 
the  limits  above  mentioned,  without  such  permission  as 
above  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  state  of  the  mi- 
litia of  this  Colony  be  postponed  until  Monday  next. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt  have  leave  to 
borrow  as  much  money,  on  the  credit  of  this  Congress,  (and 
give  his  obligation  for  the  same)  as  will  enable  him  to  pay 
two  companies  of  the  men  enlisted  in  the  fourth  regiment, 
until  the  first  day  of  August  next. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  4th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bowden. 

Mr.  Harper  of  Harpersfield  near  Cherry  Valley,  hav- 
ing represented  the  defenceless  state  of  that  part  of  the 
county  of  Tryon,  for  want  of  a  small  quantity  of  gunpow- 
der, and  requested  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  purchase 
one  hundred  weight  of  powder  at  the  powder-mill  of  the 
Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  on  his  paying  the  money 
for  the  same  : 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Harper  have  leave  to  purchase  one 
hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  accordingly,  for  the  use  of 
the  inhabitants  of  that  part  of  Tryon  county — and  the 
gentleman  who  has  the  direction  of  the  said  powder-mill  is 
requested  to  sell  one  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  to  the 
said  Mr.  Harper,  on  his  paying  the  cash  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Walton  came  into  Congress  and  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair  alleges  that  Lord  Dart- 


mouth's card  does  not  warrant  the  inserting  the  words  of 
Indian  affairs,  in  the  slate  of  his  appointment,  as  it  stands 
on  the  minutes  of  this  Congress  ;  and  the  same  being 
compared  with  the  copy  of  Lord  Dartmouth's  card,  as  it 
appears  in  the  letter  of  Sir  Charles  Thompson  to  Capt. 
Sinclair,  is  found  not  to  be  warranted  thereby. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  words  of  Indian  affairs, 
be  struck  out  of  the  minutes  in  the  recital  of  his  appoint- 
ment, and  also  in  the  certified  copies  thereof,  and  that  the 
said  certified  copies  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Walton. 

Mr.  Walton  soon  came  into  Congress  and  informed  that 
he  had  shown  the  amended  copies  of  the  minutes  to  Capt. 
Patrick  Sinclair,  and  informed  him  that  the  minutes  were 
amended  accordingly.  That  Capt.  Sinclair  declared  that 
he  could  not  consent  to  the  general  tenor  of  that  part  of  the 
minutes  concerning  him,  which  related  to  Indian  affairs, 
and  could  not  sign  it,  and  that  the  Congress  may  do  as  they 
please  with  him. 

Mr.  Walton  being  asked  whether  he  had  desired  Capt. 
Sinclair  to  sign  the  one  of  those  copies,  declared  on  his 
honour  that  he  had  not  asked  or  desired  him  to  sign  it. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  McDougall  send  a  guard  to  take 
the  said  Patrick  Sinclair  into  custody. 

Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair  being  taken  into  custody,  and 
brought  into  Congress,  declared  he  never  had  solicited  to 
be  superintendant  of  Indian  affairs. 

Ordered,  That  he  withdraw  into  the  next  room  and  re- 
main there  under  guard. 

Mr.  Sears  (seconded  by  Mr.  Beekman)  moved  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

That  the  order  of  yesterday,  for  sending  Capt.  Sinclair 
to  Suffolk,  be  reconsidered. 

The  same  being  agreed  to,  nemine  con. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  order  of  yesterday,  for  sending 
Capt.  Sinclair  to  Suffolk  county,  be  reconsidered. 

Mr.  Sears  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  or- 
der of  yesterday  relating  to  Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair,  be 
amended  by  obliterating  therein  the  words,  any  part  of 
Suffolk  county,  on  Nassau  Island,  and  inserting  instead 
thereof  the  words,  Hartford,  in  Connecticut, — and  de- 
bates arising  thereon,  it  was  carried  against  the  amend- 
ment, in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  amendment.  Jlgainst  the  amendment. 

Dutchess,    2  Albany,   3 

Ulster,   2  Kings,  2 

Orange,   2  Richmond,   2 

Suffolk,  2  New-York,   4 

Tryon,   2  Queens,   2 

Charlotte,  2  — 

—  13 
12 

Dissentients  from  the  vote  of  New- York,  Messrs.  Sears,  Beekman, 
Hallett,  Scott  and  McDougall. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  proposed  amendment  be 
rejected. 

Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair,  at  his  request,  being  then  admit- 
ted into  Congress,  alleged  that  he  had  misapprehended 
part  of  the  order  of  this  Congress  of  yesterday,  and  hav- 
ing received  a  certified  copy  thereof  and  perused  and  ex- 
amined the  same,  he,  on  his  honour,  in  public  Congress, 
declared  that  he  would  comply  with  and  strictly  obey  the 
injunctions  therein  contained. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Livingston  and  George  Clinton, 
Esqrs,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  received  your  letter  by  express,  this  morn- 
ing, in  answer  to  which,  we  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that 
we  have  obtained  an  order  of  Congress  on  the  Continental 
Treasury  in  your  favour,  for  f$  175,000]  dollars;  but  as 
there  is  not  yet  a  sufficient  number  of  the  bills  signed  to 
answer  the  most  pressing  occasions,  we  imagine  your  draft 
cannot  be  answered  before  the  latter  end  of  next  week. 
We  have,  however,  been  able  to  borrow  about  £8,000 
for  you,  which  we  will  bring  with  us,  expecting  to  set  out 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


101 


for  New-York  this  afternoon — the  Congress  having  ad- 
journed this  morning  till  the  5th  of  September  next. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servts. 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"GEORGE  CLINTON. 

"  Philadelphia,  2d  Jlugust,  1775. 
"  To  Peter  Van  Bkugh  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  letter  from  John  Hulbert,  of  the  27th  ult.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  South-Hampton,  July  27th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  wrote  to  you  the  20th  inst.  inform- 
ing you  that  I  had  enlisted  49  men.  I  would  now  acquaint 
that  I  have  added  to  that  number,  so  that  this  day  sixty- 
eight  have  passed  muster.  In  a  day  or  two,  I  hope  to 
make  a  return  of  the  whole. 

"I  am,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  HULBERT. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Albany,  relative  to  George  Sullivan, 
and  covering  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Wooster  to  Col. 
Waterbury,  relating  to  the  same  person,  was  read  and 
filed.  The  copy  of  Gen.  Wooster's  letter  was  also  read 
and  filed. 

Whereas,  those  counties  which  are  now  represented  in 
this  Congress  by  a  majority  of  the  Delegates  sent  hither 
for  that  purpose,  may  be  deprived  of  their  weight  of  re- 
presentation by  the  absence  of  members  upon  the  public 
service  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  all  members  who  are  absent 
by  the  order  of  this  House  or  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
shall  be  counted  with  those  who  actually  appear  ;  and 
when  a  majority  shall  appear  upon  such  counting,  then 
those  members  actually  present  shall  give  their  vote  for 
the  said  county,  as  if  a  real  majority  were  present  at  this 
Board. 

Mr.  John  De  Lancey  having  insulted  Mr.  Scott,  a  mem- 
ber in  this  House,  while  the  Congress  was  sitting,  by  call- 
ing him  a  scoundrel,  and  attempting  to  run  his  fist  in  his 
face, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  De  Lancey  be  reprimanded 
by  the  President  for  his  conduct,  and  that  he  ask  the  par- 
don of  this  Congress  for  his  offence. 

Mr.  Low  then  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Fos- 
ter,) that  the  Congress  also  make  and  enter  on  their  mi- 
nutes, an  order  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  they  be  enjoined  to  let  the  dispute  stop 
here,  and  that  they  proceed  no  farther  in  it. 

And  debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put, 

whether  the  House  will  agree  to  such  order,  it  was  carried 

in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,    2      Westchester,   2 

Albany,   3       Orange,   2 

Kings   2  — 

Richmond,   2  4 

Queens,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Ulster,...   2      Messrs.  Sears,  Smilh  and  Beek- 

«ew-YorK,  Ji         man;  dissent  from  the  vote  of 

03  New-York. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  De  Lan- 
cey be  enjoined  to  let  the  dispute  stop  here,  and  that  they 
proceed  no  farther  in  it. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  De  Lancey  be  each 
of  them  served  with  a  certified  copy  of  the  said  orders  by 
one  of  ihe  Secretaries. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Lamb  be  authorized  to  get 
the  clothes  of  his  company  from  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
when  they  are  made. 

A  certificate  of  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard,  bear- 
ing date  on  this  day,  was  read  and  filed.  Those  gentle- 
men thereby  certify  that  they  have  examined  Dr.  Ebene- 

26 


zer  Haviland  respecting  his  knowledge  of  physic  and  sur- 
gery, and  that  they  find  him  very  competently  qualified  to 
act  as  surgeon  of  a  regiment.    Agreed  and 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Ebenezer  Haviland  be  appoint- 
ed surgeon  to  the  fourth  regiment  of  the  troops  raised  in 
this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  resolutions 
moved  by  Mr.  Low  on  Wednesday,  the  second  inst. 
with  respect  to  the  insult  offered  to  this  Congress  by  de- 
stroying the  boat  ordered  to  be  built  for  the  use  of  His 
Majesty's  ship  Asia,  and  which  was  appointed  for  this 
day,  be  taken  into  consideration  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 


ing. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  5th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Without  prayers. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  Dirck  G.  Brinckerhoff,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Rombout's  precinct  in  Dutchess  county,  re- 
questing longer  time  to  get  the  association  signed,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esq.  write  a  private 
letter  to  the  committee,  informing  them  that  the  Congress 
agrees  to  their  request. 

Mr.  Low  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Henry  Wil- 
liams,) in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  of 
and  report  as  soon  as  possible,  the  ways  and  means  best 
adapted  to  discharge  the  debts  already  contracted,  and 
which  hereafter  may  be  contracted,  by  this  Congress  for 
the  exigencies  of  this  Colony  in  its  present  critical  and 
alarming  situation. 

The  same  being  unanimously  agreed  to,  the  following 
gentlemen  were  appointed  a  committee  for  that  purpose, 
to  wit : 

Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Tappen,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Go- 
verneur  Morris,  Mr.  Lefferts,  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Verplanck, 
Mr.  Thomas  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Jackson,  Mr. 
French,  Mr.  Micheau,  Mr.  Marlett  and  Mr.  Watkins. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  report  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

Mr.  John  Foster  informed  the  Congress  that  the  com- 
mittees of  the  several  towns  in  Suffolk  county,  have  re- 
solved not  to  permit  any  cattle  or  live  stock  to  be  shipped 
off  from  Suffolk  county;  and  further  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  if  he  may  be  permitted  to  send  a  cargo  of  live 
stock  to  the  West  Indies,  he  does  engage  to  bring  back  in 
return,  military  stores  for  the  benefit  of  this  Colony,  if  the 
same  can  be  obtained  at  the  port  or  ports  to  which  the  ves- 
sel shall  touch,  and  give  the  first  offer  of  the  sale  thereof 
to  this  Provincial  Congress  or  such  other  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony  as  shall  then  be  sitting.  Mr.  Foster's 
proposal  being  agreed  to  by  the  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Foster  be  permitted  to  ship  a  cargo 
of  live  stock  to  the  West  Indies,  that  he  may  be  thereby 
enabled  to  procure  military  stores. 

Resolved,  That  the  troops  enlisted  by  this  Colony  shall 
be  allowed  fifty-three  shillings  and  four  pence  per  month, 
in  such  manner  as  the  troops  of  Connecticut  and  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  receive  their  pay.  That  they  be  allowed  one 
blanket  and  one  regimental  coat :  that  they  be  allowed  ten 
shillings  for  the  use  of  their  arms,  and  that  those  who  have 
no  arms  shall  have,  arms  purchased  for  them  by  the  Colo- 
ny, and  that  such  arms  shall  be  returned  at  the  end  of  the 
campaign,  in  good  order ;  and  if  not  returned,  shall  be 
paid  for  by  such  soldiers  as  shall  be  in  default  on  that  ac- 
count. 


102 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  President  produced  a  warrant  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  bearing  date  on  the  first  day  of  August  inst. 
for  the  payment  of  175,000  dollars  to  this  Congress; 
which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  August  1st,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  sum  not  exceeding  one  hundred  and 
seventy-five  thousand  dollars  be  paid  to  the  Provincial 
Convention  of  New-York,  to  be  applied  towards  the  dis- 
charge of  the  moneys  advanced  and  debts  contracted  for 
the  public  service  by  the  said  Provincial  Convention  and 
the  committee  of  Albany  in  pursuance  of  the  directions  of 
this  Congress ;  and  that  the  said  Provincial  Convention 
account  to  this  Congress  at  their  next  meeting  for  the  ap- 
plication of  the  said  money. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President:' 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  resumed 
the  consideration  of  the  resolutions  moved  by  Mr.  Low  on 
the  second  inst.  The  same  were  read,  and  being  again 
read  paragraph  by  paragraph,  on  the  reading  the  second 
resolution,  to  wit,  the  last  paragraph,  Mr.  McDougall 
moved  that  the  word  base  be  obliterated  and  the  word  in- 
solent inserted  in  its  stead.  And  the  same  being  unani- 
mously agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  amendment  be  made. 

The  last  paragraph  being  read,  Mr.  McDougall  then 
moved  that  the  words,  "  and  enemies  to  their  country,"  be 
obliterated  ;  and  debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  question 
being  put  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   2      Richmond,   2 

Dutchess,   2  — 

Orange,   2  2 

Albany,   3 

Westchester,  2 

Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 
New- York,   4 

Marston  and  Low  dissent-         Kings  county  equally  divided ; 
ing.  Queens  county  has  not  a  quo- 

Tryon,   2         rum  ;  Charlotte  county  did  not 

Suffolk,   2  vote. 

19 

Ordered,  Therefore  that  the  words  "  and  enemies  to 
their  country,"  be  obliterated. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  then  moved,  (and  was  seconded 
by  Mr.  Melancton  Smith,)  that  the  said  motion  and  reso- 
lutions be  wholly  rejected;  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon,  it  passed  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  resolutions.  Against  the  resolutions. 

Kings,    2      Suffolk,   2 

New-York,  4      Orange,   2 

Albany,   3       Ulster,   2 

Westchester,    2      Tryon,   2 

Morris  dissenting.  — 

Charlotte,    2  8 

Richmond,    2 

15 

Resolved  and  ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  resolu- 
tions, with  their  preambulary  recitals  or  introductions,  as 
amended  and  agreed  to,  be  entered  on  the  journals  as  part 
of  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress,  and  that  the  same  be 
published  in  the  newspapers  ;  which  said  resolutions,  as 
amended,  with  their  recitals  are  in  the  words  following, 
viz : 

Whereas,  it  appeared  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  ap- 
pointed by  this  Congress,  during  their  late  recess,  that  a 
barge  belonging  to  his  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  was,  without 
any  provocation,  attacked  and  most  wantonly  destroyed  : 
And  whereas,  the  corporation  of  the  city  had,  under  the 
sanction  of  the  said  committee  ordered  another  barge  to  be 
built,  in  order  to  replace  the  barge  so  destroyed  as  afore- 
said :  And  whereas,  this  Congress  had  approved  of  that 
and  the  other  conduct  of  their  said  committee  and  voted 
them  their  thanks  for  their  faithful  services :  And  whereas, 
notwithstanding  some  disorderly  and  evil  disposed  persons 


did,  in  the  night,  destroy  and  render  useless  said  barge,  so 
ordered  to  be  built  as  aforesaid,  by  sawing  it  in  pieces  : 
And  whereas,  the  corporation  have  since  formally  applied 
to  this  Congress  for  their  directions  in  the  premises  : 

Resolved,  That  the  perpetrators  of  the  said  act  are 
guilty  of  a  high  offence  and  insult  against  this  Congress 
and  the  Colony  they  represent,  as  endeavouring  to  contra- 
vene the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  their  appointment. 
That  they  are  insolent  violators  of  the  association  sub- 
scribed by  this  Congress  and  by  them  recommended  to 
the  adoption  of  their  constituents. 

In  order  therefore  that  the  sense  of  this  Congress  may 
be  fully  known  relative  to  such  outrageous  acts, 

Ordered,  That  this  lesolution  be  immediately  made  pu- 
blic ;  not  doubting  but  that  the  good  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony  will  duly  assist  and  support  this  Congress  in  de- 
lecting, convicting  and  bringing  to  condign  punishment  all 
such  factious  offenders,  as  disturbers  of  the  public  peace. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York 
be  requested  to  send  for  any  such  persons  before  them  as 
they  shall  think  proper  to  examine  ;  and  that  they  take 
examinations  and  every  other  such  measure  as  they  shall 
devise  or  think  proper,  to  discover  the  persons  who  sawed 
and  destroyed  the  boat  lately  ordered  to  be  built  for  the  use 
of  his  Majesty's  ship  Asia.  And  that  they  report  their  pro- 
ceedings and  discoveries  therein  to  this  Congress,  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Three  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in  Continental 
Congress  informed  this  Congress  that  they  have  received 
a  sum  of  money  of  a  particular  fund,  which  they  will  lend 
to  this  Congress  for  a  few  days,  on  receiving  security  for 
the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  the 
President  of  this  Congress,  receive  from  the  said  Delegates 
such  sum  as  they  can  lend,  and  give  his  note  or  obligation 
for  the  same.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston  pay  four  thousand 
pounds  of  that  money  to  the  colonels  of  the  respective  re- 
giments, or  for  their  use,  in  such  proportion  as  he  shall 
think  expedient,  and  that  he  pay  the  residue  thereof  to 
Mr.  Joseph  Hallett. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  write  a  letter  to 
Charles  Thompson,  Esq.  Secretary  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  requesting  of  him  a  certified  copy  of  the  rates 
of  the  pay  of  the  troops  in  the  Continental  army,  from  a 
colonel  downwards. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 


DIE  LUN.E,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  1th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Wooster  was  read  and  ap- 
proved before  a  sufficient  number  of  members  appeared  to 
constitute  a  Congress.  Soon  after,  a  sufficient  number  of 
members  appeared  in  the  Congress  chamber,  and  the  said 
draft  being  again  read  and  a  postscript  added  thereto,  the 
said  letter  and  postscript  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — The  Congress  are  not  now  sitting  ;  we  are  un- 
der a  necessity  of  applying  to  you  for  the  loan  of  2001bs  of 
gutipowder. 

"  Please  sir,  to  deliver  to  the  order  of  Ezra  L'homme- 
dieu  and  John  Foster  Esqs.  two  hundred  weight  of  pow- 
der on  account  of  this  Colony,  for  which  the  Congress 
here  will  send  you  an  order,  and  see  it  replaced  as  soon  as 
possible. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 
"  PETER  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  Presl. 

«  August  1th,  1775. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


J  03 


"  TV.  B.  The  Congress  are  since  met,  and  request  you 
immediately  to  send  off  four  companies  of  your  troops  to 
march  to  the  east  end  of  Long  Island,  to  assist  the  inhabi- 
tants there  in  preventing  the  stock  from  being  taken 
off  by  the  King's  troops  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Bos- 
ton. 

"  N.  B.  They  are  to  be  under  the  command  there  of 
Col.  Phineas  Fanning." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  sent  to  (Jen.  Wooster. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Phineas  Fanning  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  Col.  Fanning  : 

"  Sir — You  are  requested  immediately  to 
repair  to  the  east  end  of  Long  Island  and  take  the  com- 
mand of  the  militia  to  be  raised  there  and  the  troops  that 
will  be  sent  from  Gen.  Wooster's  camp,  and  also  the  for- 
ces raised  by  this  Colony,  now  on  the  island,  and  use  your 
best  endeavours  to  prevent  the  cattle  from  being  taken  off 
the  island  by  the  ministerial  army,  and  protect  the  inhabi- 
tants from  insult. 

"We  depend  on  your  activity  and  courage,  and  hope 
you  will  be  able  to  give  a  good  account  of  Gen.  Gage's 
detachment. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 
"  To  Col.  Phineas  Fanning,  at  Southhold." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President  and  sent  by  the  messenger  from  Suf- 
folk county. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  John  Chatfield,  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  East-Hampton,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Si*t — We  have  received  your  express,  and  request 
you  would  use  your  best  endeavours  to  prevent  the  minis- 
terial army  from  taking  off  the  cattle  from  your  island. 
As  Col.  Fanning  is  near  the  spot,  we  desire  that  he  take 
the  command  of  the  troops  that  may  be  raised  for  this 
service.  Powder,  &c.  will  be  sent  you  immediately  with 
four  companies  from  Gen.  Wooster's  camp  ;  these  troops 
are  also  to  act  under  Col.  Fanning. 

"  Orders  have  been  sent  to  Capt.  Grinnel  to  march  to 
vour  assistance  immediately.  We  depend  on  your  ac- 
tivity, and  are 

"  Your  humble  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"  P.  S.  It  is  requested,  that  the  officers  that  you  may 
employ  in  this  service  be  under  Col.  Fanning's  command, 
and  that  you  would  provide  the  troops  with  all  neces- 
saries. 

"To  John  Chatfield,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Correspondence,  East-Hampton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 

by  the  President  and  sent  by  the  messenger  from  Suffolk 

county. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  Sth,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Auchmuty. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  the 
15th  ult.  was  read  and  filed  ;  whereby  they  inform  the 
Congress  that  John  Fry,  Anthony  Van  Vechten  and  Mat- 
thew Warmood,  the  officers  appointed  to  a  company  in 
that  county,  have  declined  the  service,  and  that  the  said 
committee  have  appointed  Christopher  P.  Yates,  captain, 
Andrew  Fink,  Jr.  and  John  Keyser,  Jr.  lieutenants. 

A  letter  from  Christopher  P.  Yates,  of  the  25th  ult. 
was  read,  whereby  it  appears  that  he  had  raised  fifty-one 


soldiers  for  his  company,  and  expected  to  have  the  com- 
pany full  in  ten  days. 

Ordered,  That  warrants  be  made  out  to  those  gentle- 
men in  Tryon  county,  to  wit  :  Christopher  P.  Yates,  cap- 
tain, Andrew  Fink,  Jr.  1st  lieutenant,  and  John  Keyser,  Jr. 
2d  lieutenant,  and  that  the  said  warrants  be  dated  on  the 
15th  ult. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  committees  and  sub-com- 
mittees of  the  different  counties  within  this  Colony  be  di- 
rected immediately  to  purchase  or  hire  all  the  arms,  with 
or  without  bayonets,  that  are  fit  for  present  service,  (upon 
the  credit  of  the  Colony)  and  to  deliver  them  to  the  re- 
spective colonels  in  this  Colony,  employed  in  the  Conti- 
nental service,  or  their  order,  for  the  use  of  the  Continen- 
tal army. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  colonels  execute  the  above  re- 
solution in  those  districts  where  the  committee  shall  neg- 
lect or  be  unable  to  comply  with  the  above  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Joseph  Hallett  and  Egbert 
Dumond  proceed  forthwith  to  Philadelphia  with  the  war- 
rant from  the  Continental  Congress  for  175,000  dollars,  to 
receive  and  remit  the  same  in  parcels  to  this  Congress  by 
safe  conveyances.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  warrant  be  delivered  to  those 
gentlemen,  or  one  of  them,  by  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Esq.  the  President  of  this  Congress ;  and  it  is  requested 
that  the  Continental  Treasurers  discharge  the  said  war- 
rant with  all  possible  despatch,  as  the  public  creditors  are 
very  pressing  for  their  demands. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  pay  to 
Thomas  Pettit,  as  door-keeper  of  this  Congress,  twenty 
pounds  on  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Jour- 
ney, Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  James  Van  Cortlandt,  Col. 
Hoffman,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Herring,  Mr.  Williams,  Capt. 
Hornbeck,  Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Marlett  and  Mr.  Watkins 
be  a  committee  to  form  and  report  a  proper  arrangement 
of  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  and  that  they  report  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

A  memorial  of  Philip  Van  Rensselear,  of  Albany,  ap- 
pointed by  Robert  Livingston,  Esq,  Deputy  Commissary 
General,  to  purchase  barrelled  pork  for  the  use  of  the 
Continental  army,  was  read. 

The  said  memorial  set  forth  that  pork  cannot  be  pur- 
chased in  this  Colony,  and  requests  that  this  Congress 
would  write  to  Gov.  Trumbull  for  leave  to  purchase  450 
barrels  of  good,  merchantable  pork  in  Connecticut,  and 
have  the  same  shipped  to  Messrs.  Dennis  &  Dawson,  in 
New- York. 

Ordered,  That  Gov.  Trumbull  be  requested,  and  he  is 
hereby  requested  by  this  Congress,  to  permit  the  quantity 
of  four  hundred  and  fifty  barrels  of  good  merchantable  pork 
to  be  sent  to  New-York,  to  the  care  of  Messrs.  Dennis  & 
Dawson,  to  be  forwarded  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army  in  the  northern  part  of  this  Colony. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  have  received  your  several  letters  of  the 
16th,  21st,  22d,  26th  and  27th  of  July,  the  first  of  which  was 
received  on  the  31st  of  July,  and  the  others  all  on  the  1st 
of  August.  Although  we  have  deferred  answering  them 
till  now,  yet  be  assured  that  we  have  paid  the  most  unre- 
mitted attention  to  the  subject  matter  of  them,  and  have 
been  doing  every  thing  in  our  power  to  comply  with  the 
requisitions  contained  in  them.  We  are  sensible  of  the 
necessity  you  urge  of  strengthening  the  garrisons  at  Ti- 
conderoga  and  Crown  Point,  and  have  been  indefatigable  in 
preparing  our  regiments  to  embark  for  that  purpose,  but 
find  ourselves  much  embarrassed  in  procuring  arms.  This 
day  four  companies  of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,  under 
the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Ritzma,  are  embarked  for 
Albany,  completely  equipped  ;  and,  rest  assured  sir,  that 
no  time  shall  be  lost  in  forwarding  the  remainder  of  them 
as  soon  as  they  have  arms.    The  Albany  regiment  we  un- 


104 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


derstand  is  full  and  nearly  supplied  with  arms.  Col.  Clin- 
ton's, though  full,  have  scarcely  any  arms  at  all.  Orders 
have  been  given  to  the  several  colonels  to  send  such  of 
their  men  as  are  furnished  with  arms,  and  they  will  be  fol- 
lowed by  the  rest  as  soon  as  possible.  The  greater  part 
of  the  clothing  and  other  necessaries  have  already  been 
forwarded  for  the  regiment  at  Albany.  We  enclose  Mr. 
Curtenius'  account  of  all  the  supplies  he  has  furnished, 
from  which  it  will  appear  that  almost  all  the  articles  in 
your  estimate  are  sent ;  the  rest  will  be  forwarded  in  a  few 
days. 

"  We  have  appointed  Mr.  Duer,  deputy  adjutant-general, 
and  his  commission  has  been  sent  to  him  by  Col.  Camp- 
bell, so  that  we  hope  he  has  joined  or  will  join  you  soon. 

"  With  respect  to  the  appointment  of  a  commander  of 
the  artillery,  recommended  by  you  to  our  attention,  we  are 
utterly  at  a  loss  for  a  proper  person  to  fill  that  office,  and, 
therefore,  have  as  yet  done  nothing  in  the  matter.  Capt. 
Lamb  has  orders  for  marching;  he  has  about  thirty  men 
enlisted  in  his  company  of  artillery,  and  orders  to  fill  it  up 
by  drafts  out  of  the  four  regiments  at  Ticonderoga. 

"  We  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  in  addition  to 
what  was  before  sent,  two  tons  and  an  half  of  powder  was 
forwarded  from  Dobbs'  ferry  last  week  by  Capt.  Dowe. 

"The  Congress,  in  order  to  procure  a  supply  of  arms, 
have  resolved  that  every  soldier  who  finds  his  own  arms, 
shall  be  allowed  ten  shillings  for  the  use  of  them,  and  that 
such  as  have  them  not  shall  be  furnished  by  the  Province  ; 
and  for  this  purpose  we  have  authorized  the  several  com- 
mittees in  the  counties  to  hire  or  purchase  such  arms  as 
can  be  got  for  the  use  of  the  Province. 

"  We  are,  sir,  yours,  &c. 

"  P.  S.  We  should  be  glad  to  know  what  progress  has 
been  made  in  the  enlistment  of  the  Green  Mountain  Boys." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  the  accounts  there- 
in mentioned,  enclosed,  by  the  first  conveyance. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  9th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 
A  letter  from  Robert  Hemstead,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Southhold,  in  Suffolk  county,  of  the  seventh  inst. 
was  read  and  filed.    The  said  letter  informs  that  thirteen 
sail  of  vessels,  eight  of  which  were  supposed  to  be  ships  of 
war,  had  been  cruising  between  Montauk  and  Fisher's 
island,  and  were  then  riding  at  anchor  between  that  island 
and  the  oyster  ponds.    The  said  letter  prays  for  an  addi- 
tional supply  of  gunpowder. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  to  form  an  arrangement 
of  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  delivered  in  a  report,  and 
asked  leave  to  sit  again.  The  said  report  was  read  ;  and 
being  again  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  and  amended, 
was  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Your  committee  do  report,  that  it  be  recommended, 
"  1 .  That  every  county,  city,  manor,  town,  precinct  and 
district  within  this  Colony,  where  the  same  is  not  already 
done,  be  divided  into  districts  or  beats,  by  the  respective 
committees,  in  such  manner  that  out  of  each  may  be  form- 
ed one  military  company,  ordinarily  to  consist  of  about 
eighty-three  able  bodied  and  effective  men,  officers  includ- 
ed, between  sixteen  and  fifty  years  of  age.  The  battalion 
commanded  by  Col.  Lasher,  the  companies  of  artillery, 
light  horse  and  hussars  in  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  and  the  troops  of  horse,  companies  of  grenadiers, 
and  the  associated  companies  already  formed  in  the  several 
cities  and  counties  within  this  Colony,  excepted. 

"  2.  That  in  each  company,  so  to  be  formed,  there  be 
chosen  (in  the  manner  hereinafter  mentioned)  one  captain, 


two  lieutenants,  one  ensign,  four  sergeants,  four  corporals, 
one  clerk,  one  drummer  and  one  fifer. 

"  3.  That  two  committeemen,  at  the  least,  attend  in 
each  district  or  beat,  on  a  day  to  be  by  them  appointed  for 
the  purpose  of  choosing  the  above  mentioned  officers,  who 
shall  be  persons  within  such  beat  or  district,  who  have 
signed  the  general  association  recommended  by  this  Con- 
gress; that  such  choice  or  election  be  made  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit:  After  the  company  is  drawn  up,  the 
committeemen,  who  preside  at  the  election,  may  repair  to 
a  station  at  some  convenient  distance  from  the  company  ; 
then  let  the  men  pass  in  a  single  file  between  them,  each 
man  giving  in  the  name  of  the  person  he  chooses  to  fill  the 
office  in  question,  the  majority  of  such  votes  to  determine 
the  election.  But  in  case  the  votes  shall  be  so  divided 
that  no  one  has  the  majority,  then  the  presiding  committee- 
man to  acquaint  the  company  therewith  and  call  them  to  a 
new  election  ;  the  same  to  be  repeated  till  such  majority 
be  obtained,  or  the  company  agree  upon  some  other  mode 
of  choosing  the  officers.  The  names  of  the  captains,  lieu- 
tenants and  ensigns  so  chosen,  to  be  returned  with  all  con- 
venient speed,  to  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  or  during  their  recess  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  to  be  commissioned  by  them. 

"  4.  That  whenever  a  vacancy  shall  happen  in  any  com- 
pany, by  the  promotion,  death  or  resignation  of  an  officer, 
such  vacancy  to  be  filled  up  in  the  before  mentioned  manner. 

"  5.  That  those  companies,  in  the  above  excepted  bat- 
talion commanded  by  Col.  Lasher,  which  are  now  under 
the  direction  of  field  officers,  shall  for  the  future  be  com- 
manded by  captains,  who  are  to  be  chosen  in  the  manner 
above  directed. 

"  6.  That  for  the  purpose  of  completely  carrying  into 
execution  the  recommendation  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
after  the  whole  militia  is  formed  as  above,  that  every 
fourth  man  of  each  company  be  selected  for  minute  men, 
of  such  persons  as  are  willing  to  enter  into  this  necessary 
service.  That  the  officers  of  the  militia  make,  with  all 
convenient  speed,  a  return  of  the  names  of  those  persons 
to  the  committee  of  their  respective  counties,  who  shall 
thereupon  arrange  those  men  into  companies,  and  who  are 
to  recommend  to  such  new  arranged  companies  the  choice 
of  their  officers  in  the  manner  above  mentioned.  Provided 
that  where  whole  companies  offer  their  service  as  minute- 
men,  they  shall  be  commanded  by  the  officers  already  cho- 
sen ;  and  the  remaining  number  of  the  minutemen  shall  be 
completed  out  of  the  other  companies  as  above. 

"  7.  That  the  several  committees  do  return  to  the  Se- 
cretary of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  the 
names  of  such  persons  as  do  refuse  to  conform  to  the  above 
resolve. 

"  All  which  is  humbly  submitted." 

Ordered,  That  Congress  do  agree  with  the  said  com- 
mittee in  their  report.  And 

Ordered,  That  it  be  published  as  resolutions  of  this 
Congress  in  all  the  newspapers. 

The  mayor  and  some  other  of  the  magistrates  attending 
at  the  door,  informed  one  of  the  members  that  Capt.  Van- 
deput,  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  had  requested  to  know 
whether  he  will  receive  a  boat  in  lieu  of  that  lately  de- 
stroyed. 

Ordered,  That  the  mayor  and  magistrates  be  informed 
that  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress  that  a  new  boat  be  built 
for  the  use  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia. 

Thereupon  the  Congress  entered  into  a  resolution  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  the  barge  ordered  to  be  built  to  replace  the 
one  belonging  to  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  lately  destroy- 
ed, was,  when  lately  finished,  sawed  to  pieces  in  the  night 
by  some  disorderly  persons  : 

Resolved,  That  the  mayor  and  magistrates  of  this  city 
be  requested  to  procure  another  barge  to  be  built  in  this 
city  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  ;  and  all  persons  are  strictly 
enjoined  not  to  obstruct  the  building  the  said  barge,  or  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


105 


delivery  thereof  to  the  commander  of  His  Majesty's  said 
ship,  as  those  who  shall  give  any  obstruction  thereto  will 
be  considered  and  treated  as  enemies  to  their  country. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius  was  read  and  filed. 
He  therein  encloses  an  invoice  of  certain  bales  of  goods 
which  may  be  purchased  for  cash  at  Philadelphia,  and  set- 
ting forth  his  great  difficulties  for  want  of  money. 

Many  of  the  goods  mentioned  in  the  said  invoice  being 
unnecessary  for  the  supplies  now  wanted  in  this  Colony, 
and  others  of  extremely  high  prices, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  be  desired  not  to  purchase 
them. 

Captain  Thomas  Wickham  having  at  present  the  care  of 
Gardiner's  Island  and  the  stock  thereon  : 

Ordered,  That  he  have  leave  to  go  there  to  endeavour 
to  prevent  the  stock  from  being  taken  on  board  of  the 
ships  now  there,  for  the  use  of  Gen.  Gage's  army  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Wickham  be  considered  as  present  and  Suffolk 
county  members  have  a  vote  while  he  is  absent  on  that 
business. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

August  10th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayer,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gano. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Phineas  Fanning,  dated  the  8th 
inst.  informing  of  the  situation  of  thirteen  sail  of  vessels 
at  Gardiner's  Island  point,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Sears  of  the  8th  inst.  excusing 
his  absence,  and  informing  that  he  will  be  necessarily  ab- 
sent this  month. 

Ordered,  That  the  powers  of  the  military  committee  be 
continued  for  one  week  from  this  day. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


officers  as  they  shall  think  necessary  to  leave  to  recruit 
men,)  and  that  they  there  wait  the  directions  of  their  general 
officer  or  officers. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  pay  of  the  officers  em- 
ployed in  the  troops  now  raised  or  raising  in  this  Colony, 
shall  commence  from  the  time  they  were  respectively  taken 
into  the  service. 

Mr.  Low  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report  the 
ways  and  means  best  adapted  to  discharge  the  debts  con- 
tracted for  the  exigences  of  this  Colony,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read  arid  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion next  Tuesday  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Verplanck  be  a 
committee  to  reconsider  the  bounty  agreed  by  this  Con- 
gress to  be  given  on  gunpowder,  and  to  report  a  proper 
resolve  for  applying  the  said  bounty  to  the  making  of  salt- 
petre. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Broome  bearing  date  this  day, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  the  Congress 
that  he  had  withdrawn  his  company  from  Col.  Lasher's 
battalion  to  prevent  some  dispute  with  another  company. 
That  when  he  returns  from  the  country  he  will  with  plea- 
sure join  any  other  battalion. 

The  Congress  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  llth,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Inglis. 
On  motion  of  Col.  McDougall, 

Ordered,  That  125  pouches,  belts,  bayonet  belts  and 
slings,  be  made  for  the  officers  of  the  four  regiments  and 
for  the  officers  of  the  artillery  company. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Helme,  chairman  pro  tempore, 
of  the  committee  of  Brookhaven,  bearing  date  the  3d 
day  of  August,  inst.  was  read  and  filed.  The  said  let- 
ter informs  that  Parson  James  Lyon,  Benjamin  Floyd, 
Dr.  Gilbert  Smith,  Joseph  Denton,  Richard  Floyd  and 
John  Baylies,  innkeeper,  are  counteracting  every  measure 
recommended  for  redress  and  grievances,  and  opposing  the 
measures  of  Congresses  and  committees ;  that  they  have 
declared  they  will  furnish,  and  that  it  is  suspected  they 
have  furnished  the  men  of  war  and  cutters  with  provisions. 
The  said  committee  request  the  Congress  to  direct  such 
measures  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  suppress  such  con- 
duct. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kissam,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr. 
Low,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Herring  and  Mr.  Ward,  be 
a  committee  to  take  the  subject  matter  of  the  letter  into 
consideration,  and  that  they  report  such  general  resolutions 
or  regulations  as  may  be  proper  to  be  entered  into  or  or- 
dered by  this  Congress  to  be  done  in  cases  of  this  nature. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Colonels  McDougall, 
Clinton  and  Holmes,  do  respectively  march  to  Albany 
with  all  convenient  speed,  with  the  men  now  raised  and 
under  their  respective  commands,  (except  the  three  com- 
panies at  the  east  end  of  Long  Island,  and  such  recruiting 

27 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  12th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Laidley. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 
Major  William  Williams  one  of  the  deputies  of  Cum- 
berland county,  produced  a  certificate  of  James  Clay, 
chairman  pro  tempore,  of  Cumberland  county  Congress, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Westminister  County  Hall,  > 
"  July  26,  1775.  $ 
"  In  Congress — Resolved,  nem.  con.  That  our  dele- 
gates chosen  on  the  7th  day  of  June  last,  be  qualified  to 
to  act  in  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York,  singly,  in 
as  ample  and  full  a  manner  when  but  one  is  present  as  the 
whole  of  said  Delegates,  when  the  whole  are  present  at 
said  Provincial  Congress. 

"Attest.  "JAMES  CLAY, 

"  Chairman  pro.  tern,  of  said  County  Congress." 

A  letter  for  Gen.  Montgomery  of  the  8th  instant  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  August  8th,  1775. 

"  Sir — Finding  by  a  letter  from  your  Congress  to  the 
committee  here,  that  a  return  is  required  of  the  number 
of  blankets  wanting  to  furnish  the  battalion  raising  in  this 
quarter,  and  being  extremely  apprehensive  the  service 
will  be  retarded  by  such  a  delay,  I  venture  to  request,  by 
express,  that  the  following  articles  may  be  forwarded  with 
the  utmost  expedition,  as  without  them  the  regiment  can 
not  possibly  take  the  field,  and  Gen.  Schuyler  is  exceed- 
ingly anxious  to  be  joined  by  the  York  troops  with  the  ut- 
most despatch  :  600  blankets  or  something  equivalent, 
600  tomp  lines  to  cany  packs,  130  camp-kettles,  pouches 
for  the  whole  regiment,  88  stand  of  arms,  a  large  quantity 
of  shoes.  Should  not  all  those  articles  be  completed  in  a 
short  time,  I  beg  any  proportion  of  them  may  be  forwarded 
immediately,  which  can  be  suddenly  obtained. 

"  I  can't  pass  this  opportunity  of  expressing  my  appre- 
hensions that  some  bad  consequence  may  attend  our  indul- 
gence to  officers  in  His  Majesty's  service,  and  others 
whose  principles  are  suspicious.  You  know,  without 
doubt,  that  Capt.  Hutchinson  left  Gen.  Haldiman  and  re- 
turned to  Boston,  after  informing  himself  perfectly  of  our 
situation.    It  now  appears  by  the  affidavit  of  a  batteau- 


106 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


man  that  Lieut.  Col.  Allen  McLean  (upon  half-pay)  who 
came  to  York  about  two  months  since  in  the  packet,  upon 
pretence  of  taking  up  lands,  and  went  to  Boston  on  matters 
relative  to  that  business,  returned  from  thence  to  New- 
York,  and  passed  in  disguise  through  the  country  to  Os- 
wego, where  he  boasted  of  his  exploit,  put  on  a  red  coat, 
seemed  to  take  upon  him  some  command,  and  went  to  Ca- 
nada with  Col.  Guy  Johnson. 

"  I  must  beg  to  refer  you  to  a  letter  I  had  the  honour  to 
enclose  you  the  other  day  for  Mr.  Sears,  touching  some 
other  suspicious  persons.  Should  Mr.  Sears  not  have  been 
in  the  way,  I  beg  you  will  open  it.  Mr.  Sears'  activity, 
zeal  and  industry  in  the  cause,  induced  me  to  trouble  him 
upon  this  occasion,  well  knowing  you  have  more  business 
than  you  can  find  time  to  go  through. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  highest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  and  very  humble  servt 
"RICHD.  MONTGOMERY,  Brig-Gen. 

"  To  Peter  Van  Brcgh  Livingston,  Esq. 

P.  S.  As  soon  as  any  part  of  the  first  regiment  is  ready, 
let  them  proceed  ;  we  are  told  powder  is  no  longer  scarce. 
Tryon  county  wants  it  exceedingly.  I  have  ventured  to 
send  them  a  little  of  what  is  come  from  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to 
purchase  600  blankets,  and  to  purchase  and  procure  to  be 
made  600  tomp  lines,  and  720  pair  of  shoes,  and  forward 
the  same  to  Albany  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  copy  of  the  examination  of  Gerrit  Rooseboom  of 
the  city  of  Albany,  taken  before  the  sub-committee  of  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany  on  the  15th  July  last ;  and  also 
a  copy  of  the  examination  of  Benjamin  Davis,  (alias  John 
Johnson,)  sworn  before  John  Ten  Broeck,  Esq.  at  Albany, 
both  relating  to  Indian  affairs,  were  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  from  the  committee  to  reconsider  of  the 
bounty  resolved  to  be  given  on  gunpowder,  delivered  in 
their  report,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Your  committee  for  considering  the  resolution  of  this 
Congress,  of  the  9th  of  June  last,  for  allowing  a  bounty 
on  all  gunpowder  manufactured  in  this  Colony,  and  also 
of  proper  encouragement  to  be  given  for  the  manufacture 
of  saltpetre,  do  report : 

"  That  they  conceive  that  this  Congress  cannot  consis- 
tent with  honour,  recede  from  the  resolution  entered  into 
respecting  the  bounty  on  gunpowder.  That,  notwith- 
standing proper  encouragement  ought  to  be  given  for  the 
manafacture  of  saltpetre.  That  therefore  they  are  of 
opinion  that  this  Congress  do  enter  into  a  resolution  to 
stipulate  the  price  of  good  and  merchantable  salt-petre 
at  half  a  dollar  for  each  pound  that  shall  be  made  in 
this  Colony,  before  the  1st  day  of  October,  1776  ;  and  that 
they  will  purchase  on  account  of  the  United  Colonies,  all 
that  the  respective  manufacturers  cannot  dispose  of,  at 
that  rate,  to  the  manufacturers  of  gunpowder  during  the 
period  aforesaid. 

"Your  committee  do  further  report,  that  such  a  resolution 
is  agreeable  to  a  recommendation  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress of  the  28th  of  July  last. 

"  All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted, 

"  By  your  committee, 
"ISAAC  ROOSEVELT." 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Henry  B.  Livingston  informing  that 
his  company  is  ready,  and  requesting  to  know  who  is  his 
Col.  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Hoffman  write  a  private  letter  in 
answer  to  Mr.  Livingston's  letter  and  enclose  him  copies 
of  such  papers  and  such  extracts  of  the  minutes  as  will 
give  him  proper  information. 

A  memorial  of  Peter  Clopper  and  sundry  other  mer- 
chants of  the  city  of  New-York,  was  read  and  filed.  The 
memorialists  set  forth  that  a  difference  of  opinion  hath 
arisen  in  this  city,  with  respect  to  the  propriety  of  ship- 
ping flax-seed  to  Ireland  from  this  Colony,  and  beg  that  the 
Congress  will  by  some  act  or  publication  of  theirs,  declare 
whether  the  people  of  this  Colony  are  or  are  not  at  li- 


berty to  ship  flax-seed  as  aforesaid  ;  and  also  to  satisfy  the 
public  of  the  sense  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  that 
subject  ;  if  such,  their  sense  has  been  communicated  to 
this  Congress  as  before  suggested.  Thereupon  the  Con. 
gress  entered  into  aresolution  in  the  words  following  to  wit 

Whereas,  doubts  have  arisen  in  the  minds  of  some  of 
the  good  people  in  this  Colony,  respecting  the  propriety  of 
exporting  flax-seed  before  the  10th  of  September  next : 

And  Whereas,  the  respectable  Continental  Congress 
thought  proper  not  to  make  any  alteration  in  the  non-expor- 
tation system  agreed  to  last  year :  in  order  to  remove  such 
doubts, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  are  clearly  of  opinion 
that  every  person  hath  an  undoubted  right  to  export  that 
article  before  the  10th  of  September  next. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolution  be  published  in  the 
newspapers. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-General  Montgomery,  in 
answer  to  his  letter  received  this  day,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
/  "August  12th,  1775."  I 
"  Your  letter  of  the  8th  August  has  been  considered  by 
the  Congress,  and  agreeable  to  your  request  they  have  di- 
rected Mr.  Cuitenius  to  forward  you  with  all  possible  des- 
patch, such  of  the  articles  of  your  order  as  have  yet  not 
been  sent  up ;  they  are  doubtful  if  the  whole  can  be  pro- 
cured immediately,  but  as  fast  as  they  can  be  obtained  you 
will  have  them  sent  to  you.  Arms  cannot  be  had  here, 
but  the  committee  of  Albany  are  furnished  with  a  resolu- 
tion which  will  readily  enable  them  to  purchase  or  hire  as 
many  as  you  want.  Four  companies  of  the  first  regiment 
of  New-York  troops  are,  we  hope,  before  this  time  with  you, 
and  the  others  are  preparing  to  follow  with  all  expedition. 
We  shall  pay  a  proper  attention  to  the  apprehensions  you 
express  from  the  half-pay  officers,  and  others  who  are  not 
well  affected  to  American  liberties  ;  and  we  trust  to  the 
vigilance  of  the  Albany  committee  that  they  will  use  every 
necessary  precaution  to  render  abortive  the  designs  of  our 
enemies. 

"  P.  S.  You  have  been  misinformed  with  respect  to  the 
arrival  of  gunpowder  here.  We  are  sorry  to  inform  you  we 
are  entirely  destitute,  as  yet,  of  that  very  necessary  article. 
"  We  are,  sir,  yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Brigadier  General  Montgomery." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  messenger  who 
brought  Gen  Montgomery's  letter. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  next  Tuesday  morning 
at  9  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  y  HO.  A.  M. 

August  1 5th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  of  the  31st  of  July  last, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  July  31st,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — I  do  myself  the  honour  to  enclose  you 
copy  of  a  letter  and  paper,  I  have  received  from  the  peo- 
ple called  Green  Mountain  Boys,  together  with  a  copy  of 
my  letter  in  answer.  I  am  apprehensive  that  the  contro- 
versy that  has  arisen  amongst  them,  relative  to  the  field 
officers  will  cause  delay  in  the  levies.  Whilst  at  New- 
York  and  even  after  my  arrival  here,  on  conversing  with 
Allen  and  Warner,  I  did  not  conceive  there  would  have 
been  any  contest  between  them,  or  that  a  third  person 
would  have  been  recommended  by  the  people  as  a  field 
officer ;  on  that  supposition  and  believing  the  people  unan- 
imous in  their  favor,  I  should  not  have  hesitated  to  have 
recommended  them. 
You  will  please  to  send  up  the  warrants  for  the  captains 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


107 


and  lieutenants  without  being  filled  up,  lest  any  that  are 
nominated  should  decline  the  service.    The  warrants  com- 
pleted for  such  field  officers  as  you  may  appoint,  you  will 
also  please  to  furnish  me  with. 

I  have  got  some  New-England  men  to  make  oars  in  this 
quarter.  If  therefore  you  order  me  six  hundred  it  will  be 
sufficient ;  these  I  wish  up  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  Some  of  the  stores  are  arrived,  and  I  hope  the  remain- 
der will  soon  be  here. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  remind  you  that  the  proper  officers  and 
necessaries  for  an  hospital,  will  be  most  indipensably  ne- 
cessary. The  troops  already  here,  begin  severely  to  feel 
the  want  of  them. 

"  Please  to  order  all  the  powder  that  is  made  at  Judge 
Livingston's  powder  mill,  to  Albany,  with  as  much  de- 
spatch as  possible,  directed  to  the  care  of  the  Deputy  Com- 
missary-General, Walter  Livingston,  Esq. 

"  The  clothing  and  tents,  for  the  Green  Mountain  Boys, 
I  wish  you  to  forward  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  &c." 

The  several  papers  referred  to  in  the  preceding  letter 
from  Gen.  Schuyler,  were  respectively  read  and  filed,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  May  it  please  your  Honour  : 

"  In  compliance  with  the  orders  of  Congress, 
as  well  as  your  recommendation,  I  enclose  the  proceed- 
ings of  our  committee  meeting  on  the  New-Hampshire 
grants,  upon  due  notice  to  the  towns  in  general.  All  which 
is  humbly  submitted  to  your  wisdom,  not  doubting  but  the 
warrants  will  issue  agreeable  to  our  wishes. 

"  We  are  your  most  obedient, 

"  In  behalf  of  the  committee, 
"  NATHAN  CLARK,  Chairman. 

"  Dorset,  July  28th,  1775. 
"  To  the  Hon.  Gen.  Schuyler." 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  the  several  town- 
ships on  the  New-Hampshire  grants,  west  of  the  range  of 
Green  Mountains,  convened  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Cephas 
Kents,  in  the  township  of  Dorset,  July  27th,  1 775  ;  voted 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  1st  chose,  Mr.  Nathan  Clark,  Chairman. 

"  2d  chose,  John  Fasset,  Clerk. 

"  3d.  The  motion  being  made,  and  seconded,  whether  this 
convention  shall  prosecute  in  choosing  field  and  other  offi- 
cers, according  to  the  Provincial  Congress  and  your  Ho- 
nour's direction  ? 

"  Passed  in  the  affirmative,  then  proceeded  as  follows  : 
"  4th.  Chose  Mr.  Seth  Warner  lieutenant-colonel  for  the 
regiment  of  Green  Mountain  Boys,  by  a  majority  of  forty- 
one  to  five. 

"  5th.  Chose  Mr.  Samuel  Saffbrd  major  for  said  regi 
ment,  by  a  majority  of  twenty-eight  to  seventeen. 

"  Then  proceeded  and  chose  seven  captains  and  four 
teen  lieutenants,  by  a  great  majority,  viz  : 
Captains. 

Weight  Hopkins,  William  Fitch, 

Oliver  Potter,  Gideon  Brownson, 

John  Grant,  Micha  Vail. 

Heman  Allen, 

First  Lieutenants. 
John  Fasset,  Jille  Bleaksley, 

Ebenezer  Allen,  Ira  Allen, 

Barnabas  Barnam,  Gideon  Warren. 

David  Galusha, 

Second  Lieutenants. 
Johan  Noble,  Nathan  Smith, 

James  Claghorn,  Jesse  Sawyer, 

John  Chipman,  Joshua  Stanton. 

Philo  Hard, 

NATHAN  CLARK,  Chairman:' 

"  Head-Qcarters,  \ 
"  Ticonderoga,  July  21,  1775.  5 
"Sir — Your  letter,  dated  Dorset  28th,  July,  has  been 
delivered  to  me  by  Capt.  Fitch,  together  with  the  votes 
that  were  enclosed. 


"  The  choice  of  the  captains  and  lieutenants  being  left 
unconditional  to  the  people,  those  chosen  will  receive 
their  warrants  as  soon  as  they  come  to  my  hands  ;  and  that 
the  levying  of  the  men  may  not  be  retarded,  you  will  sig- 
nify to  them  that  I  hereby  empower  them  immediately  to 
proceed  to  that  business,  without  waiting  for  the  warrants. 

"  And  in  order  to  prevent  any  confusion  that  may  take 
place,  the  captains  and  lieutenants  must  immediately  sig- 
nify to  me,  in  writing,  that  they  accept  or  decline  the  offi- 
ces to  which  they  have  been  elected. 

"  The  votes  I  shall  immediately  transmit  to  Congress, 
that  they  may  approve  of  the  field  officers,  or  appoint  oth- 
ers out  of  your  body,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  Mr.  Nathan  Clark,  Chairman,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  blank  warrants  be  sent  to  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler for  the  seven  captains  and  fourteen  lieutenants,  of  the 
troops  to  be  raised  by  this  Colony,  from  among  those  call- 
ed the  Gleen  Mountain  Boys. 

Ordered,  That  Gen.  Schuyler  be  requested  and  autho- 
rized to  appoint  a  lieutenant-colonel,  or  major,  or  both,  for 
the  troops  to  be  raised  by  this  Colony,  from  among  those 
called  Green  Mountain  Boys,  when  such  a  number  of  them 
are  raised  as  (in  his  opinion)  shall  make  it  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  when  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  are 
raised,  each  of  them  shall  be  furnished  with  a  coat,  and 
that  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to  purchase 
coarse  green  cloth  for  that  purpose,  and  red  cloth  sufficient 
to  face  those  coats,  and  to  have  two  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  coats,  of  a  large  size,  made  of  the  said  cloth. 

Messrs.  Low,  Walton,  Micheau,  Conner,  Journey  and 
Polhemus  dissent.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to 
purchase  proper  materials  for  tents,  and  get  a  sufficient 
number  of  tents  made  for  225  men  of  the  Green  Moun- 
tain Boys,  as  soon  as  proper  materials  for  tents  can  be  pro- 
cured. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Hon.  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  requesting  that  all  the  gunpowder,  now  at  the 
powder  mill  at  Rhinebeck,  be  sent  to  Walter  Livingston, 
Esq.  Deputy  Commissary-General,  at  Albany,  to  be  by  him 
forwarded  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  at  Ticonderoga,  or  his  order, 
agreeable  to  Gen.  Schuyler's  request. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Ethan  Allen,  bearing  date  at  Ticon- 
deroga, on  the  20th  July  ult.  was  read  and  filed.  He 
thereby  assures  the  Congress  that  he  will  use  his  influ- 
ence to  promote  a  reconciliation  between  this  Government 
and  its  former  discontented  subjects  on  the  New-Hamp- 
shire grants. 

A  letter  from  Angus  McDonald,  bearing  date  at  Fair- 
field on  the  11th,  directed  to  any  printer,  and  complaining 
of  ill  treatment  by  one  of  the  riflemen,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  memorial  of  Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop,  dated  this  day, 
alleging  that,  considering  his  age  and  former  services,  he 
conceives  himself  aggrieved  in  his  rank  and  situation  in  the 
troops  now  raised  in  this  Colony,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  bearing  date 
the  10th  inst.  informing  that  the  soldiers  in  his  company 
are  dissatisfied  because  they  are  not  allowed  under  clothes, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  of  William  Duer,  Esq.  bearing  date  this  day, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  expresses  his  respect  and 
gratitude  for  the  confidence  this  Congress  placed  in  his 
zeal  for  the  public  service,  in  appointing  him  deputy  adju- 
tant-general, and  requesting  an  indulgence  of  three  days  to 
determine  whether  his  connections  with  his  brothers  in  Do- 
minica will  admit  of  his  accepting  the  commission,  with- 
out risking  their  fortune  by  his  political  conduct. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Montgomery,  of  the  10th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  requests  that  each  of  the  Pro- 
vincial troops  sent  forward  to  Ticonderoga,  may  be  fur- 
nished with  gunpowder  at  the  rate  of  a  quarter  of  a  pound 
per  man. 


108 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Two  copies  of  the  association,  signed  by  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Atnenia  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  were  return- 
ed and  filed. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o  clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  16th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 
A  muster  roll,  or  return  of  Goose  Van  Schaick's  regi- 
ment, signed  by  Col.  Van  Schaick,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  'letter  from  Johannes  Sleght,  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
Committee  at  Kingston,  to  the  Deputies  of  Ulster  county, 
bearing  date  the  14th  inst.  was  read  and  filed.  He  there- 
by informs  that  the  soldiers  raised  in  that  part  of  the  coun- 
ty have  been  promised  by  their  officers  to  have  a  drilling 
waistcoat  and  breeches,  two  shirts,  two  pair  of  hose,  a  pair 
of  shoes  and  hat.  That  the  soldiers  are  now  dissatisfied 
and  uneasy,  and  refuse  to  march  before  they  receive  what 
was  promised  to  them  ;  and  requests  directions  by  the  re- 
turn of  the  messenger. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Johannes  Sleght,  Esq.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  16th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — The  Delegates  from  your  county  laid  before  the 
Congress  a  letter  from  you,  dated  the  14th  inst.  informing 
them  that  dissatisfaction  has  arisen  among  the  soldiers  rais- 
ed among  you,  on  account  of  their  not  receiving  jackets, 
breeches,  &c.  over  and  above  their  monthly  pay,  as  you 
say  their  officers  promised  them.  In  answer  to  which  the 
Congress  inform  you,  that  the  officers  had  no  authority 
from  them  to  make  any  such  promises,  and  that  they  have 
resolved  to  furnish  them  with  no  other  part  of  their  cloth- 
ing than  a  coat,  which  is  at  the  particular  expense  of  this 
Colony,  and  is  more  than  any  others  of  the  Continental 
troops  are  allowed. 

"  Four  companies  of  the  New-York  regiment  have  alrea- 
dy proceeded  to  Ticonderoga,  and  three  more  will  proceed 
in  a  day  or  two,  who  were  furnished  with  only  a  coat  at  the 
public  expense. 

"  You  will  be  pleased  therefore  to  direct  the  officers  to 
proceed  with  their  troops  to  Albany  with  all  possible  speed, 
as  no  further  allowance  for  clothing  will  be  made. 
"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  P.  S.  A  blanket  is  allowed  to  each  soldier  at  Conti- 
nental charge. 
"To  Johannes  Sleght,  Esq. 

"  Chairman  of  the  Committee  at  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  Benjamin  Franklin,  and 
the  other  members  of  the  committee  of  secrecy  at  Phila- 
delphia, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Neio-York,  August  16th,  1775.  $ 
«  g1R — it  js  with  reluctance  that  we  make  the  present 
application.  But  being  disappointed  in  the  arrival  of  a 
vessel  which  we  had  despatched  about  three  months  since 
for  a  supply  of  gunpowder,  and  having  freely  exhausted 
our  small  stock  for  the  Continental  service,  we  now  find 
ourselves  necessitated  to  ask  some  immediate  assistance 
from  you.  We  have  supplied  the  Continental  camp  before 
Boston,  with  16551b.  of  powder,  and  Ticonderoga  with 
3001b.  and  have  been  obliged  to  send  to  the  east  end  of 
Long  Island  all  that  we  could  procure  in  this  city,  so  that 
we  now  remain  perfectly  destitute. 


"  We  must  therefore  entreat  that  you  would  oblige  us 
with  the  loan  of  about  one  ton  of  gunpowder,  or  as  much 
more  as  you  conveniently  can  spare  ;  we  shall  take  care 
to  replace  it  from  the  first  we  shall  receive. 

"The  present  exigency  of  this  Colony,  we  make  no 
doubt  will  induce  your  immediate  compliance  with  the 
above  request,  and  we  therefore  only  further  add  our  de- 
sire that  the  powder  may  be  sent  with  all  despatch  to  the 
care  of  the  Committee  at  Newark. 

"  By  order. 

"  P.  S.  We  beg  that  the  powder  to  be  sent  may  be  put 
up  in  tight  casks. 

"The  Hon.  Benjamin  Franklin,  and  the  other 
gentlemen,  members  of  the  Committee  of  Safely 
or  Secrecy,  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Bedford  Williams  of  Philadelphia,  having  sent  in- 
to Congress  several  credentials  certifying  his  having  attend- 
ed lectures  in  physic  and  surgery  : 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bedford  Williams  be  appointed  sur- 
geon's mate  to  the  second  regiment  of  the  troops  now  rais- 
ed in  this  Colony,  if  a  surgeon's  mate  is  not  already  ap- 
pointed to  that  regiment,  subject  to  the  general  order  of  this 
House  for  the  examination  of  all  surgeons  and  their  mates, 
by  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  companies  of  the  troops  of 
this  Colony  raised  in  Suffolk  county,  proceed  to  Ticonde- 
roga with  all  possible  despatch  to  join  the  Continental  army 
under  the  command  of  Major-Gen.  Schuyler.  Queens 
county  dissents. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Wooster,  was  read  and  filed 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  16th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — It  being  absolutely  necessary  that  the  troops  le- 
vied on  Long  Island,  march  immediately  to  join  Gen. 
Schuyler,  and  as  it  is  probable  future  attempts  will  be  made 
by  order  of  Gen.  Gage  to  take  the  live  stock  from  the  east 
end  of  Long  Island  and  the  islands  near  it;  it  is  conceived 
by  the  Congress  that  to  prevent  such  depredations  it  is 
proper  that  you  should  continue  there  with  your  troops  till 
further  order,  which  you  are  hereby  desired  to  do  accord- 
ingly. 

"  We  are  sir,  your  most  obt.  hum.  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"Gen.  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  of  ways 
and  means  be  recommitted  to  the  same  committee. 

Whereas,  agreeable  to  a  resolution  of  this  Congress, 
the  mayor  and  magistrates  of  this  city  have  been  requested 
to  procure  a  barge  to  be  built  for  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia, 
to  replace  the  one  lately  destroyed  ;  and  this  Congress  be- 
ing informed  that  the  carpenters  in  this  city  decline  under- 
taking to  build  the  said  barge  ;  being  apprehensive,  by 
threats  given  out  by  some  persons,  if  they  should  under- 
take to  build  the  said  barge,  that  the  same  may  not  only  be 
destroyed,  but  that  their  persons  or  property  may  be  injur- 
ed or  insulted 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  who  have  given  such  ob- 
struction by  threats,  to  the  execution  of  the  aforesaid  order, 
or  shall  hereafter,  by  threats  or  violence  oppose  the  same, 
ought  to  be  considered  as  factious,  disorderly  members  of 
thecommunity,  and  are  guilty  of  a  dangerous  attempt  to  de- 
stroy the  authority  of  this  Congress,  and  to  render  them 
contemptible. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  purpose  of  effectually  carrying 
into  execution  the  said  order,  and  to  defeat  the  malicious 
designs  of  such  as  dare  to  contemn  or  oppose  the  authori- 
ty and  orders  of  this  House,  Mr.  Henry  Sheaf  be  ordered 
immediately  to  set  about  building  a  proper  barge  for  the 
said  ship  Asia,  and  to  finish  her  with  all  possible  despatch. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


109 


And  that  Col.  Lasher  be  ordered  to  furnish  a  sufficient 
guard,  who  are  to  be  relieved  at  the  discretion  of  the  co- 
lonel, to  protect  the  said  barge  while  building,  and  to  see 
her  safely  delivered  for  the  use  of  the  said  ship.  And  the 
magistrates  as  well  as  the  other  inhabitants  of  this  city,  are 
requested  to  give  all  necessary  aid  in  this  business  ;  that  it 
may  be  known  whether  a  few  rash  and  restless  individuals 
out  of  doors,  or  the  representative  body  of  the  Colony  in 
this  Congress  are  to  direct  the  measures  for  our  public 
safety  at  this  dangerous  and  critical  juncture. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  be  found 
threatening  or  attempting  to  destroy  the  said  barge,  they 
be  taken  into  custody  by  the  said  guard  and  detained  'till 
the  order  of  this  Congress  shall  be  made  respecting  them. 

Ordered,  That  those  resolutions  be  published  in  Holt's 
and  Revington's  newspapers,  to-morrow. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

August  17 th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Cambridge,  August  10,  1775. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  2d  inst.  is  duly  received,  but 
it  is  out  of  my  power  to  comply  with  the  request  it  con- 
tains of  forwarding  commissions.  All  those  I  have  yet 
received  from  the  Hon.  Continental  Congress  are  far  short 
of  the  number  required  in  this  army  ;  for  which  reason, 
when  at  New-York,  and  by  letter  from  this,  I  directed 
Gen.  Schuyler  to  apply  to  the  Congress  at  Philadelphia 
for  those  of  his  department,  as  the  shortest  and  easiest 
mode,  to  which  I  must  also  now  refer  you. 

"  We  have  had  no  occurrence  in  the  camp  for  several 
days  worthy  of  notice  ;  but  by  some  advices  from  Boston, 
and  several  concurring  circumstances,  we  have  great  rea- 
son to  suspect  a  part,  or  the  whole,  of  the  ministerial 
troops  are  about  to  remove.  New-York  is  the  place  gene- 
rally talked  of  as  their  destination.  I  give  you  the  intelli- 
gence as  it  came  to  me,  but  do  not  vouch  for  its  authenti- 
city. 

"  I  am,  with  the  most  respectful  regard  to  ycurself  and 
the  body  over  whom  you  preside,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and 
"  Very  humble  servant, 

"GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  The  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  Gen.  Washington's  letter  be 
sent  to  General  Schuyler. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler  was  read  and 

approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"New-York,  August  17th,  1775.  S 

"  Sir — We  have  received  your  favour  dated  the  31st 
July  last,  covering  the  proceedings  of  the  Green  Mountain 
Boys,  in  their  choice  of  officers,  and  agreeable  to  your  re- 
quest enclose  you  twenty-one  blank  warrants,  to  be  filled 
up  agreeable  to  their  choice.  The  field  officers  were  to  be 
recommended  jointly  with  you  by  this  Congress,  but  as  we 
are  ignorant  of  the  merits  and  qualifications  of  those  among 
them,  who  would  be  equal  to  the  appointment,  we  have 
therefore  concluded  to  leave  the  appointment  to  you.  The 
disputes  already  subsisting  amongst  their  chiefs,  the  prin- 
ciples whereof  we  are.  strangers  to,  is  an  additional  induce- 
ment in  determining  us  to  this  reference.  Your  acquain- 
tance with  them,  we  hope,  will  enable  you  to  fix  the  choice 
on  such  persons  as  may  be  least  exceptionable,  and  who 
will  most  effectually  promote  the  service. 

"  The  appointing  officers,  and  supplying  necessaries  for 
an  hospital,  is  a  Continental  expense,  for  which  this  Con- 
gress are  not  competent,  but  at  the  same  time  are  of 

28 


opinion  that  you,  as  commander  in  chief,  are  fully  autho- 
rized to  order  all  matters  necessary  for  that  purpose  ;  and 
be  assured  that  we  shall  gladly  give  you  all  the  assistance 
in  our  power. 

"  We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  our  resolves  entered  into  on 
the  15th  inst.  which  we  expect  will  fully  answer  the  re- 
maining particulars  of  your  letter ;  as  also  a  copy  of  a  let- 
ter we  received  of  Gen.  Washington,  dated  the  10th  inst. 
"  With  respect,  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  copies  of 
the  minutes  of  this  Congress  on  the  fifteenth  inst.  in  pur- 
suance of  the  requisitions  in  Gen.  Schuyler's  letter. 

Col.  McDougall  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Col.  Lis- 
penard,  that  two  brass  kettles,  to  contain  ten  gallons  each, 
be  provided  for  each  company  of  the  troops  raised  in  this 
Colony,  agreeable  to  the  arrangement  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut. 

Objections  being  made  to  the  said  motion,  and  the  ques- 
tion put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  in  the  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

For  the  motion.  Against  the  motion. 


Queens,   2      Albany,   3 

—      Richmond,    2 

2      Suffolk,  2 

Ulster,  2 

New-York,    Westchester  and      Kings,   2 

Orange  counties  had  no  votes      Tryon,   2 

for  want  of  a  sufficient  num-       Cumberland,  2 

ber  of  members.  Dutchess,    2 


17 

Ordered,  That  the  following  gentlemen  be  of  the  com- 
mittee to  form  an  arrangement  of  the  militia,  to  wit :  Col. 
Woodhull,  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Hobart ;  Mr.  Jackson,  in 
the  place  of  Mr.  Herring ;  and  Mr.  Covenhoven,  in  the 
place  of  Henry  Williams. 

A  certificate  of  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard,  bearing 
date  this  day,  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  certify, 
that  they  have  examined  Edwaid  Sands  respecting  his 
knowledge  and  qualifications  for  surgeon's  male  in  one  of 
the  New-York  regiments,  and  that  they  admit  him  as  com- 
petent to  the  office. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Edward  Sands  be  appointed  sur- 
geon's mate  of  the  fourth  regiment  of  troops  raised  in  this 
Colony. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Benjamin  Franklin,  Esq.  and  the 
secret  committee  at  Philadelphia  ;  and  also  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Elizabethtown,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Aug.  17th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — You  will  easily  see  the  propriety  of  en- 
closing to  you  a  paragraph  of  Gen.  Washington's  letter  of 
the  1 0th  inst.  and  you  will  not  need  the  hint  which  we  take 
the  liberty  to  give  you,  that  the  intelligence  ought  to  be 
communicated  to  the  several  committees  of  your  Colony. 
"  We  are,  gent,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and 

"  Humble  servants. 
"To  Benjamin  Franklin,  Esq.  and  the 
Members  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or 
Secrecy,  Philadelphia." 

Another  copy  directed 

"  To  Jonathan  Hampton,  Esq.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee,  Elizabethtown." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed  and 
signed  by  the  President ;  one  to  be  directed  to  Benjamin 
Franklin,  Esq.  and  the  secret  committee  at  Philadelphia  ; 
and  the  other  to  be  directed  to  the  committee  at  Elizabeth- 
town  ;  and  that  a  copy  of  the  paragraph  of  Gen.  Wash- 
ington's letter,  which  mentions  Gen.  Gage's  removal,  be 
enclosed  in  each  of  them. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


110 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  18th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mason. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  of  their  inquiry  relating  to  the  destroying  of 
the  boat  lately  ordered  to  be  built  for  His  Majesty's  ship 
Asia,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  said  committee  reports  the  names  of  a  number  of 
witnesses  by  them  examined,  and  the  substance  of  the  exa- 
minations of  the  said  witnesses  ;  whereby  it  appears  that 
the  said  committee  could  not  discover  any  of  the  persons 
who  were  concerned  in  destroying  the  said  boat. 

A  muster  roll  of  Capt.  John  Hurlberts'  company,  dated 
the  9th  inst.  and  certified  by  David  Mulford,  one  of  the 
muster-masters  in  Suffolk  county,  was  brought  in  and 
filed. 

That  part  of  Gen.  Washington's  letter,  which  informs 
that  he  has  not  any  blank  commissions,  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Charles  Thompson, 
Esq.  at  Philadelphia,  requesting  him  to  send  blank  com- 
missions for  the  troops  raised  in  this  Colony. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Charles  Thompson, 
Esq.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  18th,  1775.  J 

"  Sir — We  applied  to  Gen.  Washington  for  commis- 
sions for  the  officers  of  the  troops  raised  by  this  Colony. 
He  has  informed  us  that  the  commissions  he  received  are 
far  short  of  the  number  required  for  the  army  at  Cam- 
bridge, and  that  when  at  New- York,  he  directed  Gen. 
Schuyler  to  apply  to  the  Continental  Congress  for  those  of 
his  department,  and  refers  us  there. 

"  We  imagine  Gen.  Schuyler  has  not  received  the  com- 
missions. If  they  have  not  been  sent  to  him,  and  you 
have  blank  commissions,  we  request  you  to  send  us  about 
two  hundred. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 
"  To  Charles  Thompson,  Esq.  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  fortifications  formaly 
ordered  by  the  Continental  Congress,  and  reported  by  a 
committee  of  this  Congress,  as  proper  to  be  built  on  the 
banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands,  be  immediately 
erected. 

(Mr.  Walton  dissents.) 

And  that  Mr.  Isaac  Sears,  Mr.  John  Berrien,  Col.  Ed- 
ward Flemming,  Mr.  Anthony  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Christo- 
pher Miller  be  commissioners  to  manage  the  erecting  and 
finishing  the  said  fortifications.  That  any  three  or  more  of 
them  be  empowered  to  act,  manage  and  direct  the  building 
and  finishing  thereof. 

David  Pye,  Esq.  informed  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Mar- 
tinus  Goetchius  declines  the  service,  and  has  returned  his 
warrant.    At  the  request  of  Mr.  Pye, 

Ordered,  That  Philip  Du  Bois  Bevier  be  appointed  first 
lieutenant  in  Robert  Johnson's  company,  in  the  place  of 
Martinus  Goetchius,  who  has  declined,  and  that  William 
Martin  be  appointed  second  lieutenant  in  the  place  of  Phi- 
lip Du  Bois  Bevier.  That  a  copy  of  this  minute  be  made 
on  Mr.  Bevier's  warrant,  and  that  a  warrant  be  issued  to 
William  Martin,  as  second  lieutenant. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  re- 
questing him  to  forward  all  the  gunpowder  from  the  pow- 
der mill  at  Rhinebeck,  under  the  care  of  Mnj.  Zedwitz, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"August  18th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — In  consequence  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler 
for  that  purpose,  we  request  that  all  the  powder  at  the  pow- 
der mill  at  Rhinebeck  may  be  forwarded  to  Gen.  Schuyler 
as  soon  as  possible.  Such  powder  as  can  be  delivered  into 
the  care  of  Maj.  Zedwitz,  he  will  take  with  him  into  Ti- 
conderoga. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir. 
"  To  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esq. 

at  Clermont,  Manor  of  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  East-Hampton 
and  Southhold,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  18/ h,  1775.  5 
"  Gentlemen — The  recent  transactions  of  the  ministe- 
rial army  and  navy  within  your  district,  will  sufficiently 
apprise  you  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  taking  such  precau- 
tions as  will  prevent  the  ill  effects  of  their  future  piratical 
descents  on  our  coasts.  The  most  probable  and  effectual 
means  for  this  purpose  we  conceive,  will  be  to  remove  the 
cattle  and  sheep  from  Gardiner's  and  Plumb  Island,  and  we 
therefore  recommend  that  you  will  take  proper  steps  for 
their  removal,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  odedt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  East-Hampton  and  Southhold." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Wooster,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  August  18th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  paragraph  in  Gen. 
Washington's  letter  of  the  10th  inst.  in  consequence  of 
which,  we  desire  you  to  return  to  your  camp  at  Harlem, 
with  the  utmost  speed,  to  assist  in  the  defence  of  this  city 
and  Province. 

"  We  are  sir. 

"  To  Brig.-Gen.  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  L'Hommedieu. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Col. 
Holmes,  for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  all  the  arms  he  has 
already  got,  or  shall  speedily  procure,  except  fifty,  which 
he  is  to  reserve,  to  complete  the  arms  of  seven  companies 
of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Dr.  Franklin,  and  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Elizabethtown,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  August  18th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Upon  reconsidering  that  paragraph  of 
Gen.  Washington's  letter,  a  copy  of  which  we  sent  you 
yesterday,  we  have  too  much  reason  to  believe  that  the 
troops  which  are  about  to  remove  from  Boston,  are  des- 
tined for  this  city.  Considering  how  important  the  securi- 
ty of  this  post  is  to  the  common  cause,  we  conceive  that 
no  pains  should  be  spared  to  render  it  as  secure  as  possi- 
ble, in  case  of  the  arrival  of  the  ministerial  troops.  We 
therefore  earnestly  request  you  to  keep  your  militia  pro- 
perly arrayed,  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning,  as  we  shall 
be  obliged  to  call  on  you  for  your  immediate  assistance  as 
soon  as  we  can  be  well  informed  of  the  destination  of  those 
troops  for  this  city. 

"P.  S.  We  did  not  know  that  your  Provincial  Congress 
were  sitting  when  we  wrote  you  yesterday.  Therefore,  if 
they  are  still  sitting,  please  to  forward  this,  with  our  letter 
of  yesterday,  and  Gen.  Washington's  intelligence,  to  them 
immediately." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Sears  employ  two 
prime  sailing  boats,  with  proper  persons,  to  go  to  the  east- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Ill 


ward,  to  observe  if  they  can  discover  any  fleet  steering  to- 
wards the  westward.  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Sears 
direct  the  masters  of  such  boats  as  they  may  employ,  to 
give  the  speediest  intelligence  to  this  Congress  of  any  fleet 
they  may  discover ;  and  give  them  such  other  directions 
as  they  may  think  proper. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a  m. 

August  19th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bowden. 
Present— Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 
A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  of  the  8th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Cambridge,  August  8th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — It  must  give  great  concern  to  every 
considerate  mind,  that  when  this  whole  Continent,  at  a  vast 
expense  of  blood  and  treasure,  is  endeavouring  to  establish 
its  liberties  on  the  most  secure  and  solid  foundations,  not 
only  by  a  laudable  opposition  of  force  to  force,  but  denying 
itself  the  usual  advantages  of  trade  ;  there  are  men  among 
us  so  basely  sordid,  as  to  counteract  all  our  exertions  for 
the  sake  of  a  little  gain.  You  cannot  but  have  heard  that 
the  distresses  of  the  ministerial  troops  for  fresh  provisions, 
and  many  other  necessaries  at  Boston,  were  very  great. 
It  is  a  policy,  justifiable  by  all  the  laws  of  war,  to  endea- 
vour to  increase  them.  Desertions,  discouragement  and  a 
dissatisfaction  with  the  service,  besides  weakening  their 
strength,  are  some  of  the  natural  consequences  of  such  a 
situation  ;  and  if  continued  might  afford  the  fairest  hope  of 
success  without  farther  effusion  of  human  blood.  A  ves- 
sel cleared  lately  out  of  New-York  for  St.  Croix,  with  fresh 
provisions,  and  other  articles,  has  just  gone  into  Boston, 
instead  of  pursuing  her  voyage  to  the  West  Indies.  I  have 
endeavoured  to  discover  the  name  of  the  captain  or  owner, 
but  as  yet  without  success.  The  owner  (it  is  said)  went 
to  St.  Croix  before  the  vessel,  from  which  and  her  late  ar- 
rival, I  make  no  doubt  you  will  be  able  to  discover  and 
expose  the  villain.  And  if  you  could  fall  upon  some  effec- 
tual measure  to  prevent  the  like  in  future,  it  would  be  do- 
ing a  signal  service  to  our  common  country. 

"  I  have  been  endeavouring  by  every  means  in  my  power 
to  discover  the  future  intentions  of  our  enemy  here.  I  find 
a  general  idea  prevailing  through  the  army,  and  in  the  town 
of  Boston,  that  the  troops  are  soon  to  leave  the  town  and 
go  to  some  other  part  of  the  continent.  New-York  is  the 
place  generally  mentioned  as  their  destination.  I  should 
think  a  rumour  or  suggestion  of  this  kind  worthy  of  very 
little  notice,  if  it  was  not  confirmed  by  some  corresponding 
circumstances.  But  a  four  weeks'  total  inactivity,  with  all 
their  reinforcements  arrived  and  recruited,  the  daily  di- 
minution by  desertions,  sickness  and  small  skirmishes,  in- 
duce an  opinion  that  any  effort  they  propose  to  make  will 
be  directed  elsewhere. 

"  I  thought  it  proper  just  to  hint  to  you  what  is  probably 
intended.  You  will  then  consider  what  regard  is  to  be 
paid  to  it,  and  what  steps  will  be  proper  for  you  to  take,  if 
any. 

"  I  am.  with  great  respect  and  regard,  gent. 
"  Your  most  ob't.  and  very  hum.  servant, 
"GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Provincial  Congress 

of  the  Province  of  New- York." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  paragraph  of  Gen. 
Washington's  letter  relative  to  a  vessel  that  arrived  at  Bos- 
ton with  fresh  provisions  and  other  articles  supposed  to  be 
from  New-York,  be  sent  to  the  general  committee  of  New- 
York,  and  that  they  be  directed  to  make  strict  inquiry 
whether  the  said  vessel  did  sail  from  hence,  and  who  are 


the  owners  and  master  of  the  said  vessel,  and  report  the  re- 
sult thereof  to  this  Congress. 

Resolved,  7'hat  no  cattle,  sheep,  poultry  or  live  stock 
of  any  kind,  except  horses,  be  exported  from  this  Colony, 
(save  only  such  ship  stores  for  which  the  chairman  or  de- 
puty chairman  of  the  committee  at  the  port  or  place  from 
whence  any  vessel  may  sail,  shall  give  permission,)  until 
it  shall  be  otherways  ordered  by  this  or  the  Continental 
Congress  ;  and  the  committees  of  the  cities,  counties, 
towns  and  precincts  on  this  Colony,  are  hereby  strictly  en- 
enjoined  to  cause  this  resolution  to  be  complied  with  and 
obeyed  within  their  respective  districts. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  last  resolution  be  published 
in  the  newspapers. 

Mr.  John  Carter  lately  from  Boston,  being  requested, 
attended  in  Congress.  Short  notes  of  his  information  was 
taken  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and  being  read  to  the  said 
John  Carter,  and  by  him  acknowledged  to  be  truly  taken, 
were  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Philadelphia, 

was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
11  At  New- York,  August  19th,  1775.  5 

"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  short  notes  of  infor- 
mation we  received  of  Mr.  John  Carter  who  left  Boston  a 
few  days  since.  Mr.  Carter  will  speedily  be  at  Philadel- 
phia, and  can  give  you  more  fully  and  particularly  the  in- 
formation we  received  of  him. 

"  You  will,  no  doubt,  gentlemen,  make  such  inquiries 
as  to  discover  whether  the  owners  of  the  ship  Sally,  as 
well  as  of  Mr.  White's  schooner,  did  not  ship  their  re- 
spective cargoes  with  design  to  supply  the  ministerial  fleet 
and  army  at  Boston,  which  there  is  but  too  much  reason 
to  suspect. 

"  We  are  are  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servants. 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  letter  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  together  with  a  copy  of 
the  notes  of  the  examination  of  Mr.  John  Carter,  as  far 
as  relates  to  the  ship  Sally  and  White's  brig,  be  transmitted 
to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia. 

Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  on  Monday  morning. 


DIE  LUN^E,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  21st,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Sears,  Mr.  Thomas 
Smith  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be  a  committee  to  examine 
-Giipt.  Lawrence ;  that  the  said  committee  have  power  to  dis- 
charge and  liberate  Capt.  Lawrence  if  they  think  pro- 
per ;  that  they  take  with  them  the  letters  found  with  Capt. 
Lawrence,  and  that  they  make  report  to  this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  works  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  August  \Uh  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  I  was  favoured  with  a  line 
from  Mr.  Francis  Lewis,  dated  Philadelphia  the  2d  Au- 
gust. He  advises  me  that  Congress  was  adjourned,  and 
that  in  future  I  was  to  address  myself  to  you.  That  he 
had  received  several  of  my  letters  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, which  he  would  lay  before  you.  But  as  he  does 
not  mention  of  what  date,  I  suppose  there  are  none  later 
than  the  27th  ult.  and  that  the  subsequent  ones  of  the  28th 
and  31st  ult.  2d  and  6th  inst.  had  not  come  to  hand; 
copies  of  the  two  first  of  which  I  enclose  you,  with  copies 
of  such  of  the  papers  alluded  to  as  may  be  of  conse- 
quence, lest  those  letters  should  not  be  delivered  you. 
Since  my  last  Maj.  Brown  is  returned  from  Canada  ;  he 
did  not  complete  my  wishes  ;  enclosed  you  have  his  re- 
ports.   I  cannot  learn  that  either  the  regular  troops  or  In- 


112 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


dians  have  been  farther  south  the  latitude  45°.  I  suppose 
they  are  apprehensive  of  an  attack.  Capt.  Smith  fell  in 
with  an  officer,  sergeant  and  ten  Indians.  He  wished  to 
speak  to  them,  but  they  retired  to  their  boats,  and  on  his 
approach  they  fired  three  volleys  but  did  not  kill  or  wound 
any. 

"  I  shall  soon  have  boats  sufficient  to  move  what  men  I  am 
likely  to  have  here,  and  therefore  wish  that  any  of  the  ar- 
ticles requested  in  my  estimate  and  which  have  not  yet 
been  sent,  together  with  such  as  I  have  subsequently  ap- 
plied for,  may  be  immediately  forwarded  to  me.  Cart- 
ridge paper  and  the  various  articles  necessary  in  the  ar- 
tillery branch  (except  guns,  I  have  none  of,  and  as  I  can- 
not make  a  substitute  for  any,  I  wish  that  not  one  moment's 
delay  may  be  made  in  sending  those  from  New-York,  with 
orders  that  they  may  not  be  detained  at  any  place. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obed't  humble  serv't, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  The  New- York  Provincial  Congress." 

No.  1,  2,  3,  copies  of  letters  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  were  read  and  filed. 

A  copy  of  the  report  of  Capt.  James  Smith  was  read 
and  filed. 

No.  4.  A  copy  of  a  letter  of  the  6th  of  August  from 
Gen.  Schuyler  to  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  copy  of  the  report  of  Major  Brown  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  copy  of  the  affidavit  of  John  Duquid  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  affidavit  of  John  Shatforth  was  also  read  and  filed. 
The  report  of  James  Stewart  was  read  and  filed. 
A  copy  of  the  affidavit  of  Benjamin  Uavis  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  at  Albany  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  10th  August,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  find  ourselves  once  more  obliged 
to  trouble  you  with  respect  to  the  soldiers  who  were 
taken  prisoners  at  St.  Johns,  who  have  been  furnished 
with  provisions  by  Elisha  Phelps,  Esq.  commissary,  (ap- 
pointed by  the  Governor  of  Connecticut)  till  a  few  days 
ago,  when  Mr.  Phelps  went  into  Connecticut  on  business 
and  left  no  order  with  his  deputy  to  supply  them,  who 
being  unwilling  to  supply  them  without  orders  from  our 
Board,  spoke  to  the  chairman,  who  told  him  he  thought  as 
the  army  was  now  properly  organized,  it  was  their  busi- 
ness to  give  orders  concerning  prisoners,  and  referred  him 
to  Gen.  Montgomery,  who,  (as  the  said  deputy  informed 
us)  found  much  fault  with  their  insolence,  and  thought  it 
improper  that  they  should  be  suffered  to  remain  in  this 
town,  as  being  a  frontier  place  where  they  might  do  dis- 
service to  the  public  cause,  and  therefore  declined  doing 
any  thing  in  the  affair.  Upon  which,  Mr.  Phelps'  deputy 
made  application  to  us  again,  advising  us  at  the  same  time, 
that  the  soldiers  were  so  insolent  as  to  threaten  to  take 
provisions  by  force  if  he  refused  to  supply  them.  We 
have  come  to  a  resolution  to  supply  them  as  formerly,  till 
we  have  your  farther  instructions  in  the  premises. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Ihe 

Colony  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Rannald  McDonald,  sergeant  of  the  26th 
regiment  was  read  and  filed. 

The  state  of  facts  of  Abraham  Gardiner,  Thomas 
Wickham  and  David  Mulford,  the  executors  of  the  last  will 
and  testament  of  David  Gardiner,  deceased,  setting  forth 
the  loss  the  estate  of  the  testator  had  suffered  by  late  de- 
predations by  part  of  Gen.  Gage's  fleet  and  army,  was 


read.  They  therein  set  forth  that  a  number  of  persons 
who  have  estates  in  the  Province  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
were  principal  actors  in  the  robbery,  and  requesiing  a  let- 
ter from  this  Congress  to  be  wrote  to  the  House  of  Re- 
presentatives of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  desiring  them  to 
secure  so  much  of  their  estates  as  shall  be  sufficient  to 
make  compensation  to  the  injured  children  of  David  Gar- 
diner, deceased. 

The  certificate  of  the  chairman  of  the  committees  of 
South-Hampton,  East-Hampton  and  Shelter  Island  was 
read.  They  certify  that  the  executors  of  the  will  of  Da- 
vid Gardiner,  deceased,  was  not  concerned  in  assisting  or 
consenting  to  the  seizing  and  taking  the  stock  off  Gardi- 
ner's Island  by  (Jen.  Gage's  fleet  and  army. 

The  separate  affidavits  of  Benjamin  Miller  and  William 
Read,  proving  the  removal  of  ihe  stock  from  Gardiner's 
Island  by  force,  and  that  a  number  of  persons  from  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay  were  therein  concerned,  were  read  ;  and 
an  account  of  the  damages  suffered  by  the  executors  of 
David  Gardiner  was  also  read. 

The  muster-roll  of  Capt.  Rufus  Herrick's  company,  re- 
turned by  Mr.  Jacobus  Swarlwout,  was  filed. 

The  muster-roll  of  Capt.  Andrew  Billing's  company, 
and  the  muster-roll  of  Capt.  Lewis  Dubois'  company,  and 
the  muster-roll  of  Henry  B.  Livingston's  company,  re- 
turned by  Mr.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  were  respectively  filed. 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Rosekrans,  of  the  19ih  inst.  was 
read  and  filed  with  the  papers  enclosed  therein. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  if  Samuel  Van  Veghten 
declines  the  service  in  Capt.  Rosekrans'  company,  in  the 
troops  of  this  Colony,  that  Thomas  Lee  be  appointed  first 
lieutenant  in  the  stead  of  Samuel  Van  Veghten,  and  that 
William  B.  Alger  be  appointed  second  lieutenant  in  the 
said  company  in  the  place  of  Thomas  Lee  as  first  lieuten- 
ant, as  soon  as  the  warrant  to  Samuel  Van  Veghten  and 
the  former  warrant  to  Thomas  Lee  are  returned  to  this 
Congress, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jacobus  Swartwout 
be  appointed  muster-master  to  muster  the  company  of 
Capt.  Jacobus  Rosekrans,  in  Dutchess  county  ;  and  that 
Mr.  Swartwout  be  requested  to  muster  the  said  company. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  forward  to  the 
Deputy  Commissary- General  at  Albany,  twenty  reams  of 
cartouch  paper,  to  wit :  ten  reams  of  the  best  cannon  car- 
touch  paper  and  ten  reams  of  musket  cartouch  paper,  and 
that  he  write  to  the  Deputy  Commissary-General  to  for- 
ward it  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Col.  McDougall  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Maj. 
Williams,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  wait  on  the 
Governor  to  know  of  him  whether  he  has  any  intelligence 
from  Boston  of  Gen.  Gage's  intention  to  remove  his  troops, 
or  any  part  of  them,  to  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman  and  Maj. 
Williams  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  they 
report  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Tho- 
mas Randall  be  added  to  the  committee  to  inspect  casting 
brass  cannon. 

A  letter  from  the  officers  and  men  of  a  company  at  Ma- 
macoting  Precinct  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Capt. 
Hornbeck  and  Mr.  Jackson. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  Aug.  21st,  1775.  J 
"  Sin — We  have  been  honoured  with  the  receipt  of 
your  favour  of  the  15th  inst.  wherein  you  inform  us,  that 
by  letter  from  Mr.  Lewis,  you  have  been  advised  of  the 
recess  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  that  in  future  you 
was  to  address  yourself  to  us.  The  copies  of  your  letters 
of  the  28th  and  31st  ult.  and  the  2d  and  6th  inst.  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  the  papers  attending  them,  we 
have  duly  considered. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


113 


"  With  respect  to  the  information  contained  in  those  let- 
ters and  papers,  it  is  out  of  our  power  to  furnish  you  with 
any  instruction  on  thathead,  which  we  conceive  to  be  the  less 
necessary,  as  we  are  assured  by  a  member  of  that  respec- 
table body  now  present,  that  discretionary  orders  have  been 
transmitted  to  you  for  conducting  the  department  of  the 
public  service  under  your  command  according  to  the  dic- 
tates of  your  own  judgment ;  and  we  suppose  those  orders 
had  not  reached  you. 

"  We  hope  that  before  this  can  reach  you,  your  troops 
will  be  much  more  numerous  than  your  last  letter  to  the 
Continental  Congress  mentions,  and  that  you  will  have  re- 
ceived the  several  articles  of  your  estimate,  which  from 
time  to  time  have  been  sent  you  as  fast  as  they  could  be 
provided  ;  of  what  remains,  you  have  a  report  enclosed  by 
Mr.  Curtenius. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  assure  you  of  our  readiness  to  com- 
ply, with  all  possible  despatch,  with  whatever  you  may 
think  proper  to  request  of  us. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  servants. 

"  To  Gen.  Schtoylxr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  messenger  from 
Albany. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany  was  read 

and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Aug.  21st,  1775.  $ 

"Gentlemen — We  received  your  letter  of  the  10th  inst. 
in  answer  to  which  we  inform  you,  that  it  is  the  direction 
of  the  Congress  that  provisions  be  furnished  for  the  pri- 
soners, for  which  you  will  apply  to  the  commissary. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants. 
"  To  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  Albany  messenger. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  Deputy 
Commissary-General  at  Albany,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Aug.  21st,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — By  several  late  letters  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  and 
particularly  one  of  the  15th  inst.  he  complains  that  he 
had  not  received  many  articles  absolutely  necessary  for  the 
service.  The  articles  wanted,  have  been  forwarded  from 
hence,  and  many  of  them  so  long  since,  that  we  expected 
he  had  received  them  at  Ticonderoga. 

"  We  pray  you,  sir,  to  make  inquiry  whether  they  are 
not  delayed  at  Lake  George,  or  at  some  other  place  on 
their  way  from  Albany ;  and  to  give  such  directions  for 
their  immediate  despatch,  that  they  may  not  be  detained 
at  any  place,  but  be  forwarded  without  delay,  that  the  ser- 
vice may  not  suffer,  and  the  general  be  relieved  from  his 
anxiety  for  want  of  them. 

"  We  are,  respectfully, 

"  Sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Walter  Livingston,  Esq. 

Deputy  Commissary-General,  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


"  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  Aug.  12th,  1775.  $ 

"  County  of  Tryon,  ss. 

"  Hon.  Gent'n — As  we  are  entirely  without  regulations 
for  our  committees,  and  especially  how  to  act  against  the 
transactions  either  in  words  or  deeds,  of  the  enemies  of 
the  association  ;  and  also  against  the  transgressors  of  our 
orders,  either  in  military  or  civil  matters  ;  and  alike  how 
the  expenses  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  the  com- 
mon cause  shall  be  defrayed ;  we  apply,  therefore,  to 
you,  and  request  for  your  instructions  as  soon  as  possible, 
that  we  may  be  able  to  proceed  with  authority,  to  the  pre- 
servation of  peace  and  union  in  the  common  cause,  as  need 
requires.  Otherwise,  despise,  and  other  disturbances 
might  soon  exist.  We  remain,  with  great  esteem,  and  re- 
lying on  your  despatching  favour, 

"  Hon.  gentlemen,  your  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"NICHOLAS  HERKIMER, 

"  P.  T.  Chairman." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and 
Mr.  Sears,  the  committee  authorized  to  employ  two  prime 
sailing  boats  to  go  to  the  eastward  to  observe  and  make 
discoveries  if  any  fleet  should  be  approaching  New-York, 
be  authorized,  and  that  either  of  them  be  authorized  at  the 
risk  and  on  the  behalf  of  this  Congress,  to  insure  the  said 
two  boats  against  any  seizures  by  men  of  war  or  other- 
wise, provided  such  boats  or  either  of  them,  be  seized 
without  having  any  contraband  goods  on  board,  and  to 
agree  with  the  master  of  each  such  boat  at  the  rate  of 
three  pounds  per  day. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  Col.  Edward  Flem- 
ming  and  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers  cannot  attend  as  com- 
missioners to  manage  erecting  and  finishing  the  fortifica- 
tions ordered  to  be  erected  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson 
river  in  the  Highlands. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Samuel  Bayard, 
and  Capt.  William  Bedlow,  be  and  they  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed commissioners  for  that  purpose,  instead  of  Col. 
Edward  Flemming  and  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers,  with  the 
like  powers  as  the  other  commissioners. 

Mr.  Sears  then  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Major 
Williams,)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  the  committee  appointed  to  superintend 
the  building  of  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  be  authorized  to 
procure  such  cannon  and  other  stores  as  may  be  necessary 
for  completely  fortifying  and  equipping  the  said  forts. 
And  the  same  being  unanimously  agreed  to, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  nemine  con.  that  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  superintend  the  building  of  the  forts  in 
the  Highlands,  be  authorized  to  procure  such  cannon  and 
other  stores  as  may  be  necessary  for  completely  fortifying 
and  equipping  the  said  forts. 

Mr.  Low  then  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Coven- 
hoven,)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  the  sense  of  this  Congress  be  taken,  whe- 
ther the  cannon  on  the  Battery  of  this  city  are  understood 
to  be  comprehended  in  the  resolution  just  made,  authoriz- 
ing the  committee  to  procure  cannon  for  the  fortifications 
on  Hudson's  river. 

And  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  determined 
in  the  affimative,  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  22d,  1775. 

The  C  ongress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Livingston. 

Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  Nicholas  Herkimer,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Tryon,  bearing  date  on  the  12th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

29 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   2 

Orange   2 

Dutchess,   2 

Suffolk,    2 

Ulster,  2 

Cumberland,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Queens,   2 

Mr.  French  dissenting. 

16 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress, that  the  cannon  on  the  Battery  of  this  city  are  un- 


For  the  negative. 

Kings  county,    2 

Mr.  Henry  Williams  dis- 
senting. 

New-York,  4 

Richmond,   2 

Albany  divided.  — 

8 


114 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


derstood  to  be  comprehended  in  the  resolution  just  made, 
authorizing  the  committee  to  procure  cannon  for  the  fortifi- 
cations to  be  erected  on  the  banks  of  Hudson  river  in  the 
Highlands. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Lamb,  dated  this  day,  solicit- 
ing this  Congress  to  ascertain  the  pay  of  the  artillery  com- 
pany under  his  command,  was  read  and  filed. 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  the  artillery  company  rais- 
ed in  this  Colony  as  part  of  the  Continental  army,  and  en- 
listed under  Capt.  John  Lamb,  shall  have  such  pay  as  the 
Continental  Congress  shall  agree  to  and  order ;  and  that 
in  the  mean  time,  Capt.  Lamb's  company  shall  have  the 
like  pay  as  the  Rhode  Island  company  of  artillery  are  al- 
lowed, until  the  Continental  Congress  shall  have  fixed  and 
ascertained  the  pay  of  Capt.  Lamb's  company.  And 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Lamb  and  his  company  be 
considered  as  an  additional  company  to,  and  a  part  of  Col. 
McDougall's  regiment,  and  subject  to  his  commands. 

MILITIA  BILL. 

[Note. — This  bill  reported  by  A.  Hoffman,  chairman,  and  adopted  on 
the  22d  of  August.] 

In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
New-York,  August  22d,  1775.  J 

Whereas,  the  well  ordering  and  regulating  the  militia 
of  this  Colony  is  become  an  object  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance to  the  preservation  of  the  lives  and  liberties  of  its  in- 
habitants :  And  whereas,  the  Continental  Congress  held 
at  Philadelphia  on  the  10th  day  of  May  last,  taking  into 
consideration  the  necessity  of  such  a  regulation  have  re- 
commended the  same  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  associated 
Colonies  :  And  whereas,  this  Congress  on  the  ninth  day 
of  this  instant,  August,  by  several  resolutions  recommend- 
ed to  their  constituents  the  expediency  of  forming  them- 
selves into  companies  and  choosing  their  officers,  in  the 
manner  following,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  every  county,  city,  manor,  town,  pre- 
cinct and  district  within  this  Colony,  (where  the  same  is 
not  already  done,)  be  divided  into  districts  or  beats,  by  their 
respective  committees,  in  such  manner  that  out  of  each 
may  be  formed  one  military  company,  ordinarily  to  consist 
of  about  eighty-three  able  bodied  and  effective  men,  officers 
included,  between  sixteen  and  sixty  years  of  age,  (the  batta- 
lion commanded  by  Col.  Lasher,  the  companies  of  artillery, 
light-horse  and  hussars,  in  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  and  the  troops  of  horse,  companies  of  grenadiers, 
and  associated  companies  already  formed  in  the  several 
cities  and  counties  within  this  Colony,  excepted.) 

Resolved  secondly,  That  in  each  company  so  to  be 
formed  there  be  chosen,  (in  the  manner  hereinafter  men- 
tioned,) one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  one  ensign,  four  ser- 
geants, four  corporals,  one  clerk,  one  drummer  and  one 
fifer. 

Resolved  thirdly,  That  two  committee  men,  at  the 
least,  attend  in  each  district  or  beat,  on  a  day  to  be  ap- 
pointed, for  the  purpose  of  choosing  the  above  mentioned 
officers,  who  shall  be  persons  within  such  district  or  beat, 
who  have  signed  the  general  association  recommended  by 
this  Congress. 

That  such  choice  of  election  be  made  in  the  manner 
following,  viz  :  After  the  company  is  drawn  up,  the  com- 
mittee men  who  preside  at  the  election  may  repair  to  a 
station  at  some  convenient  distance  from  the  company ; 
then  let  the  men  pass  in  a  single  file  between  them,  each 
man  giving  in  the  name  of  the  person  he  chooses  to  fill  the 
office  in  question,  the  majority  of  such  votes  to  determine 
the  election ;  but  in  case  the  votes  should  be  so  divided 
that  no  one  has  the  majority,  then  the  presiding  committee 
men  to  acquaint  the  company  therewith,  and  call  them  to 
a  new  election  :  the  same  to  be  repeated  till  such  majority 
be  obtained,  or  the  company  agree  on  some  other  mode  of 
choosing  the  officers.  The  names  of  the  captains,  lieute- 
nants and  ensigns  so  chosen  to  be  returned  with  all  con- 
venient speed  to  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress 


of  this  Colony,  or  during  their  recess,  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  to  be  commissioned  by  them. 

Resolved  fourthly,  That  whenever  a  vacancy  shall 
happen  in  any  company,  by  the  promotion,  death  or  re- 
signation of  an  officer,  such  vacancy  to  be  filled  up  in  the 
before  mentioned  manner. 

Resolved  fifthly,  That  those  companies  in  the  above 
excepted  battalion  commanded  by  Col.  Lasher,  which  are 
now  under  the  direction  of  field  officers,  shall  for  the  future 
be  commanded  by  captains,  who  are  to  be  chosen  in  the 
manner  aforesaid. 

Resolved  sixthly,  That  for  the  purpose  of  completely 
carrying  into  execution  the  recommendation  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  after  the  whole  militia  is  formed  as  above, 
every  fourth  man  of  each  company  be  selected  for  minute 
men,  of  such  persons  as  are  willing  to  enter  into  this  ne- 
cessary service  :  that  the  officers  of  the  militia  make,  with 
all  convenient  speed,  a  return  of  the  names  of  those  per- 
sons to  the  committee  of  their  respective  counties,  who 
shall  thereupon  arrange  those  men  into  companies,  and 
who  are  to  recommend  to  such  new  arranged  companies 
the  choice  of  their  officers  in  the  manner  above  mentioned  ; 
provided  that  where  whole  companies  offer  their  service  as 
minute  men  they  shall  be  commanded  by  the  officers  al- 
ready chosen,  and  the  remaining  number  of  minute  men 
shall  be  completed  out  of  the  other  companies  as  above. 

Resolved  seventhly,  That  the  several  committees  do 
return  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  the  names  of  such  persons  as  do  refuse  to  con- 
form to  the  above  resolves. 

First.  That  the  several  companies  so  formed  be  joined 
into  regiments,  each  regiment  to  consist  of  not  less  than 
five  nor  more  than  ten  companies,  (the  battalion  command- 
ed by  Col.  Lasher  excepted.) 

Second.  That  a  major-general  be  appointed  and  com- 
missioned by  this  Congress,  to  command  the  militia  of  the 
Colony  of  New-York. 

Third.  That  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant-colonel  and  two 
majors,  an  adjutant  and  quarter-master,  be  commissioned 
by  this  Congress  for  each  regiment. 

Fourth.  That  the  militia  of  this  Colony  be  formed  into 
brigades,  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit : 

The  militia  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and 
counties  of  Kings  and  Richmond,  one  brigade. 

The  militia  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  the 
county  of  Tryon,  one  other  brigade. 

The  militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westches- 
ter, one  other  brigade. 

The  militia  of  the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  one 
other  brigade. 

The  militia  of  the  counties  of  Queens  and  Suffolk,  one 
other  brigade. 

The  militia  of  the  counties  of  Charlotte,  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester,  one  other  brigade, 

Fifth.  That  a  brigade-general,  with  a  major  of  brigade, 
be  commissioned  to  the  command  of  each  brigade. 

Sixth.  That  every  man  between  the  ages  of  sixteen 
and  fifty,  do,  with  all  convenient  speed,  furnish  himself  with 
a  good  musket  or  firelock  and  bayonet,  sword  or  toma- 
hawk, a  steel  ramrod,  worm,  priming  wire  and  brush,  fitted 
thereto,  a  cartouch  box,  to  contain  twenty-three  rounds  of 
catridges,  twelve  flints  and  a  knapsack,  agreeable  to  the 
directions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  under  the  forfei- 
ture of  five  shillings  for  the  want  of  a  musket  or  firelock, 
and  of  one  shilling  for  the  want  of  a  bayonet,  sword  or 
tomahawk,  cartridge  box,  cartridge  or  bullet ;  the  whole  to 
be  judged  of  and  determined  by  the  captain,  or  next  com- 
manding officer.  That  every  man  shall,  at  his  place  of 
abode,  be  also  provided  with  one  pound  of  powder  and 
three  pounds  of  bullets,  of  proper  size  to  his  musket  or 
firelock. 

Seventh.  That  each  company,  (not  minute  men)  do 
meet  the  first  Monday  in  every  month,  and  spend  at  least 
four  hours  in  each  of  the  said  days  to  perfect  themselves 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


115 


in  military  discipline.  Provided  that,  if  the  commissioned 
officers  of  any  company  shall  judge  it  inexpedient  to  meet 
on  that  day,  they  have  power  to  put  off  the  meeting  to 
some  other  day,  notifying  the  company  thereof. 

Eighth.  That  the  colonels  and  commanding  officers  of 
each  regiment  do  assemble  and  exercise  their  respective 
regiments,  at  least  two  days  in  every  year,  at  some  conve- 
nient place,  to  be  fixed  upon  by  the  field  officers. 

Ninth.  That  the  several  companies  of  horse,  already 
formed  and  to  be  formed  in  this  Colony,  shall  be  under  the 
direction  of  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  where  their  respec- 
tive captains  do  reside,  and  be  considered  as  part  of  such 
regiment ;  that  the  officers  and  privates  shall  assemble  as 
often  as  by  these  regulations  it  is  required  of  the  compa- 
nies of  foot,  (not  minute  men,)  and  be  subject  to  the  same 
penalties  and  forfeitures  for  non-attendance  ;  that  every  sol- 
dier belonging  to  the  horse  shall,  with  all  convenient  speed, 
provide  himself  with  a  good  serviceable  horse,  not  less 
than  14  hands  high,  with  a  good  saddle,  bridle,  holsters, 
housing,  breast-plate  and  crupper,  a  case  of  pistols,  a  sword 
or  hanger,  one  pound  of  gunpowder  and  three  pounds  of 
sizeable  bullets,  a  pair  of  boots,  with  suitable  spurs,  and  a 
carbine,  well  fixed  with  a  good  belt,  swivel  and  buckle*  un- 
der the  penalty  of  10  shillings  for  the  want  of  a  sizeable 
horse,  and  of  5  shillings  for  the  want  of  each  or  either  of 
the  articles  of  the  troopers  furniture.  And  also,  that  every 
trooper  be  provided,  at  their  respective  places  of  abode, 
with  one  pound  of  gunpowder  and  three  pounds  of  bullets. 

Tenth.  That  in  case  any  person  shall  refuse  or  neglect 
to  serve  as  sergeant,  corporal  or  drummer,  in  any  company, 
being  thereunto  requested  by  the  captain  or  commanding 
officer,  or  shall  refuse  or  neglect  to  warn  the  men  to  ap- 
pear under  arms,  when  required  by  the  captain  or  com- 
manding officer,  shall  for  every  such  neglect  forfeit  the  sum 
of  forty  shillings. 

Eleventh.  That  all  officers  commissioned  by  this  Con- 
gress do  subscribe  the  following  declaration  :  We  the  sub- 
scribers, the  officers  of  the  battalion,  or  regiment,  in 
the  county  of  and  Colony  of  New- York,  do  hereby 
promise  and  engage,  under  all  the  ties  of  religion,  honour 
and  regard  to  our  country,  that  we  will  respectively  duly 
observe  and  carry  into  execution,  to  the  utmost  of  our 
power,  all  and  every  the  orders,  rules  and  recommenda- 
tions, made,  or  to  be  made,  by  the  Continental  Congress 
and  the  Congress  or  Convention  of  this  Colony.  That  we 
will  also  give,  in  our  respective  ranks,  due  obedience  to 
the  regulations  by  them  established,  for  the  forming  of  the 
militia  of  this  Colony,  as  also  due  obedience  to  such  officers, 
who,  either  by  rank  or  superiority,  are  placed  above  us  in 
such  order  as  is  directed  by  the  said  Continental  or  Pro- 
vincial Congress. 

Twelfth.  That  the  following  penalties  be  inflicted  on 
those  who  do  not  attend  and  obey  orders  on  the  days  ap- 
pointed for  exercise,  not  having  a  reasonable  excuse,  to  be 
allowed  of  by  the  officer  commanding,  to  wit :  A  colonel 
£5,  lieutenant-colonel  £i,  major  £3,  captain  £2,  lieute- 
nants and  adjutants  30  shillings  each,  ensign  and  quarter- 
master 20  shillings  each,  sergeant,  corporal,  drummer,  fifer 
and  privates  10  shillings  each,  for  the  first  default,  and 
double  for  the  second.  And  in  case  any  person  make  de- 
fault three  times  successively,  or  refuses  to  enlist  and  do 
duty,  such  person  shall  be  advertised  and  held  up  as  an 
enemy  to  his  country.  All  fines  under  the  degree  of  a 
captain  to  be  levied  on  the  goods  and  chattels  of  the  offen- 
der, by  warrant  from  the  captain,  directed  to  a  sergeant  of 
his  company ;  and  those  of  the  captain,  and  all  field  offi- 
cers, under  the  degree  of  a  colonel,  to  be  levied  on  the 
goods  and  chattels  of  the  offender  by  a  warrant  from  the 
colonel  of  the  regiment,  directed  to  the  adjutant ;  and  those 
of  a  colonel  by  a  warrant  from  a  brigadier-general,  directed 
to  the  major  of  brigade  ;  and  for  want  of  the  goods  and 
chattels,  to  take  the  body  of  the  offender,  and  him  keep  in 


•  Illegible  in  the  original,  but  supposed  to  be  "  buckle." 


safe  custody  until  such  fine,  together  with  the  charges,  be 
paid.  The  moneys  arising  by  the  fines  in  any  company, 
be  applied  by  the  captain,  (after  paying  for  drum  and  fife 
for  the  company,)  towards  purchasing  arms,  ammunition 
and  accoutrements  for  such  persons  in  such  company  as 
are  unable  to  furnish  themselves.  The  moneys  arising  by 
the  fines  of  the  field  officers,  (after  paying  for  a  set  of  co- 
lours for  each  battalion,)  be  equally  divided  between  the 
several  companies  for  the  above  mentioned  use. 

Thirteenth.  That  the  members  of  his  Majesty's  council, 
judges  of  the  supreme  court,  of  the  vice-admiralty  court, 
of  the  mayor's  courts  and  inferior  courts  of  common  pleas, 
his  Majesty's  attorney-general,  secretary  of  the  Province, 
or  his  deputy,  clerks  of  the  courts,  the  collector,  comp- 
troller, naval  officer  and  searcher  and  surveyor  of  his  Ma- 
jesty's customs,  ministers  of  the  gospel,  physicians  and 
surgeons,  members  of  the  Continental  Congress  and  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  and  the  several  committees,  while 
immediately  engaged  in  the  public  service,  sheriffs,  goal- 
ers,  all  ferrymen,  one  miller  to  each  mill,  and  the  people 
called  Quakers,  be  excused  from  military  duty,  except  in 
cases  of  invasion  ;  and  that  in  case  of  an  invasion  in  any 
part  of  this  Colony,  the  physicians  and  surgeons  there,  or 
such  of  them  as  shall  be  directed  by  the  officer  command- 
ing the  militia,  (that  shall  march  to  oppose  the  enemy,) 
shall  attend,  with  proper  medicines,  instruments  and  other 
necessaries,  to  take  care  of  the  sick  and  wounded. 

Fourteenth.  That  the  commissioned  officers  of  each 
company  of  minute  men  form  their  companies  into  four 
subdivisions,  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  think  most  con- 
venient for  their  frequent  meetings.  The  subdivisions,  un- 
der their  respective  officers,  to  meet  once  in  every  week, 
and  to  employ  half  a  day,  or  at  least  four  hours  each  time, 
in  perfecting  themselves  in  military  discipline  ;  the  whole 
companies  to  meet  once  every  fortnight,  to  spend  the  same 
time  for  the  same  purpose  ;  that  the  several  companies  of 
minute  men  be  formed  into  regiments  to  consist  of  about 
seven  companies  each  ;  that  there  be  commissioned  by  this 
Congress,  to  each  regiment,  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant- 
colonel  and  two  majors,  an  adjutant  and  quarter-master. 

Fifteenth.  That  those  regiments  be  formed  into  bri- 
ades,  each  brigade  to  consist  of  about  regiments. 
That  there  be  commissioned  by  this  Congress,  to  each 
brigade,  one  brigadier-general  and  a  major  of  brigade. 

Sixteenth.  That  the  whole  body  of  minute  men  shall 
be  under  the  direction  of  the  major-general,  appointed  by 
this  Congress,  while  within  the  Colony,  unless  a  Continen- 
tal officer  of  superior  or  equal  rank  be  present. 

Seventeenth.  That  the  minute  men,  when  called  out 
in  defence  of  their  country,  shall  be  subject  to  the  articles 
of  war,  established  by  the  Continental  Congress,  and  be 
entitled  to  the  same  allowance,  as  to  pay  and  provisions, 
with  the  Continental  forces  ;  to  be  under  the  direction  of 
the  Commander-in-Chief  of  those  forces. 

Eighteenth.  That  they  be  subject  to  the  like  penalties 
and  forfeitures  for  not  attending  on  the  days  appointed  for 
exercise,  as  above  mentioned.  The  said  fines  to  be  levied 
and  applied  as  above  directed. 

Nineteenth.  That  in  case  of  any  alarm,  invasion  or  in- 
surrection, every  subaltern  and  soldier  is  immediately  to 
repair,  properly  armed  and  accoutred,  to  his  colours  or 
parade,  (which  parade  shall  be  understood  to  be  the  habi- 
tation of  his  captain,  unless  otherwise  ordered ;)  and  the 
captain  or  commanding  officer  of  the  company  nearest  to 
the  place  where  such  invasion  or  insurrection  shall  be,  shall 
immediately  march  his  company  to  oppose  the  enemy,  at 
the  same  time  send  off  an  express  to  the  commanding  offi- 
cer of  the  regiment  or  brigade  to  which  he  belongs,  who 
is  to  march  with  the  whole  or  part  of  the  militia  under  his 
command  as  he  shall  judge  necessary,  and  use  all  possible 
diligence  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  landing  or  penetrating 
into  any  part  of  the  country,  and  to  quell  every  insurrec- 
tion ;  and  also  to  send  immediate  intelligence  to  the  ma- 
jor-general and  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  counties 


116 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


adjacent,  informing  them  of  the  strength  and  motions  of 
the  enemy.  That  every  non-commissioned  officer  and  pri- 
vate who  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  perform  his  duty  in  this 
case  required,  shall  be  subject  to  such  pains,  penalties  and 
forfeitures  as  shall  be  adjudged  by  a  general  court  martial. 

Twentieth.  That  at  least  twice  in  every  year  the  cap- 
tains, or  in  their  absence  the  next  commanding  officer  of 
every  company  of  militia,  as  well  of  the  minute  menas  others, 
shall  deliver  to  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  a  true  and  com- 
plete roll,  containing  the  names  of  all  the  men  belonging  to 
his  company,  under  the  penalty  of  £2,  to  be  recovered 
and  applied  as  is  herein  before  directed.  And  the  colonels 
of  the  regiments  shall,  within  one  month  after  the  receipt 
of  every  such  roll,  deliver  or  send  a  copy  of  every  such 
roll  to  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  to  which  he  be- 
longs, who  is  directed  to  send  the  same  or  a  copy  to  the 
major-general  of  the  Colony. 

Twenty-first.  That  in  case  of  an  alarm  or  invasion,  the 
officer  commanding  in  each  district  shall  leave  a  proper 
detachment  of  his  company  to  guard  against  the  insurrec- 
tion of  slaves,  or  if  judged  more  expedient  and  safe  may 
take  the  slaves  or  part  of  them  with  him,  and  employ  them 
in  carrying  baggage,  drawing  cannon,  or  the  like. 

Twenty-second.  That  all  persons,  as  well  minute  men 
as  others,  able  to  bear  arms,  who  shall  leave  or  attempt  to 
leave  a  place  actually  invaded,  without  leave  of  the  officer 
commanding  such  place,  or  who  shall  refuse  to  obey  order 
in  time  of  actual  invasion  or  insurrection,  shall  be  liable  to 
such  punishment  as  shall  be  inflicted  by  a  court  martial. 

Twenty-third.  That  in  case  it  shall  be  judged  necessary, 
at  any  time  and  place,  by  this  Congress,  by  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  or  by  the  several  committees  of  the  respec- 
tive counties  or  districts,  that  a  military  watch  be  esta- 
blished, all  persons  able  to  bear  arms  when  such  watch  is 
judged  to  be  necessary,  shall,  upon  due  warning,  be  obliged 
to  serve  on  such  watch,  under  the  penalty  of  12s.  for  every 
neglect.  A  commissioned  officer  in  turn  to  mount  said 
guard  in  person,  under  the  penalty  of  40s. 

Twenty-fourth.  That  every  sentinel  who  shall  leave  his 
post — be  found  asleep  when  he  is  posted — shall  be  liable 
to  such  punishment  as  shall  be  inflicted  by  a  court  martial. 

Tiuenty-fiflh.  That  when  the  militia,  as  well  minute 
men  as  others,  in  case  of  invasion  or  insurrection  shall  be 
called  out  on  actual  service,  they  shall  be  subject  to  the 
same  rules  and  orders  as  directed  and  ordered  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  of  the  associated  Colonies,  held  at  Phila- 
delphia on  the  10th  day  of  May  last  for  the  better  govern- 
ment of  the  Continental  troops. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  23d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  the  Rev.  Mr.  Moore. 

Peesent — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Hallett  and  Egbert  Dumond  being  re- 
turned from  Philadelphia  with  175,000  dollars  of  the  Con- 
tinental money. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  delivered  to  Peter  Van 
Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Treasurer  for  this  Congress. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Richard  Yates  and  Abraham 
Brasher  be  added  to  the  former  committee  for  auditing  ac- 
counts. And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
James  Beekman,  Samuel  Verplanck,  Richard  Yates  and 
Abraham  Brasher,  or  any  majority  of  them,  audit  all  ac- 
counts which  are  or  shall  be  payable  or  produced  for  pay- 
ment in  this  Colony  for  any  charges  or  disbursements  ac- 
crued, or  by  means  or  on  account  of  the  United  Colonies, 
or  by  means  or  on  account  of  any  order  of  this  Congress. 
And  that  they  or  a  majority  of  them  do  certify  on  every 


account  by  them  audited,  how  much  shall  be  paid  on  or 
for  such  account.  And, 

Resolved  and  Ordered  farther,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh 
Livingston,  Esq.  as  Treasurer,  be  authorized  to  pay  and 
discharge,  on  all  such  accounts  so  audited,  such  sum  or 
sums  as  shall  be  certified  by  the  said  committee  or  a  major 
part  of  them,  to  be  due  and  payable  on  or  for  such  accounts. 

Messrs.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Robert 
Yates,  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Al- 
bany, which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  16th  August,  1775.  \ 
"  Whereas  the  endeavours  of  this  committee  in  collect- 
ing the  accounts  and  charges  of  this  county,  chiefly  accru- 
ed by  the  recommendation  of  this  committee,  have  as  yet 
proved  ineffectual,  and  sundry  people  are  daily  very  press- 
ing for  their  money: 

"  Be  it  Resolved  by  this  committee,  immediately  to  ap- 
ply to  Provincial  Congress,  by  draft,  for  one  thousand 
pounds,  to  enable  them  to  discharge  such  of  their  debts  as 
are  now  most  pressing,  and  that  the  said  committee  shall 
hereafter  lay  before  the  Congress  proper  vouchers  for  such 
disbursements. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"MAT.  VISSCHER,  Clerk." 
The  same  gentlemen,  Deputies  from  Albany,  produced 
the  draft  mentioned  in  the  said  resolve  of  the  committee  of 
Albany,  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  16th  August,  1775.  I 
"  Gentlemen — Please  to  pay  to  Messrs.  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck,  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Robert  Yates,  or  either  of  them, 
or  order,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  for  the  use  of 
this  committee,  to  be  applied  towards  defraying  part  of  the 
public  charge,  as  per  advice  of  a  resolve  from  the  com- 
mittee. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"ABM.  YATES,  Junr. 

"  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  pay  to 
Messrs.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Robert 
Yates,  or  either  of  them,  or  their  order,  one  thousand  pounds, 
on  account  of  the  use  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  to  be  ap- 
plied towards  defraying  the  public  charge,  accrued  in  that 
part  of  the  Colony,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  pay 
to  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  six  thousand  pounds,  on  account, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same  to  be  applied  towards 
discharging  the  debts  he  has  contracted  in  purchasing  and 
forwarding  flour,  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Cambridge,  in 
obedience  to  an  order  of  the  honourable  Continental  Con- 
gress to  this  Congress. 

Mr.  Beekman  made  a  motion,  which  was  seconded,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Mr.  President,  I  move  that  the  following  resolves  be  en- 
tered into,  viz  : 

Whereas  the  success  of  measures  necessary  to  be 
adopted  and  pursued  by  this  Congress,  may  in  many  in- 
stances depend  on  their  being  kept  secret  unlil  their  exe- 
cution :  And  whereas  it  is  often  necessary,  for  the  public 
good,  that  intelligence  received  by  this  Congress  should 
also  be  kept  secret,  at  least  for  a  time: 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  President  of  this  Con- 
gress, do  in  full  Congress,  administer,  or  cause  to  be  admi- 
nistered by  some  magistrate,  to  each  member  of  this  Con- 
gress, and  that  he  do  take  the  following  oath,  to  wit  : 

"  You  do  solemnly  and  sincerely,  in  the  presence  of  Al- 
mighty God,  swear  that  you  will  not  directly  or  indirectly 
divulge  or  make  known  any  resolve,  order,  act  or  debate 
of,  or  in  this  Congress,  or  of  any  committee  thereof,  or  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


117 


matter  of  the  same,  or  any  thing  relating  thereto,  or  any 
part  thereof,  or  any  act,  matter  or  thing  to  be  done  in  or 
towards  the  execution  thereof;  except  to  such  person  or 
persons,  not  of  this  Congress,  as  shall  by  them  or  their 
committee  be  necessarily  employed  in  or  relating  to  such 
execution  ;  nor  give  any  advice  or  information  to  any  per- 
son or  persons,  that  may  in  any  wise  obstruct  or  tend  to 
obstruct  the  execution  thereof;  nor  divulge  or  make  known 
to  any  person  or  persons,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  any 
information  or  intelligence  which  shall  be  received  by  this 
Congress  or  any  committee  thereof,  (if  the  same  or  any  part 
thereof  shall  be  enjoined  by  resolve  or  order  of  this  Con- 
gress, or  of  such  committee,  to  be  kept  secret,)  until  such 
secrecy  be  dispensed  with,  by  further  resolve  or  order  of 
this  Congress,  or  by  such  committee,  so  help  you  God." 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  like  oath  be  administered  to  and 
taken  by  each  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Congress. 

3.  Resolved,  That  the  following  oath  be  administered 
by  a  magistrate  to,  and  taken  by,  every  person  or  persons, 
not  of  this  Congress,  who  shall  be  in  any  wise  employed 
bv  this  Congress,  or  any  committee  thereof,  in  any  matter, 
business  or  thing  whatsoever,  in,  or  relating  to  which  se- 
crecy shall  have  been  so  enjoined,  by  resolve  or  order  of 
this  Congress,  to  wit :  "  You  do  solemnly  and  sincerely, 
in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  swear  that  you  will  well 
and  faithfully  execute  such  trust  as  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  or  any  committee  thereof  shall  repose  in 
you,  and  you  shall  accept  of ;  and  that  in  the  execution  of 
the  said  trust  you  will  conduct  yourself  with  all  possible 
care,  secrecy  and  despatch,  and  also  that  in  the  execution 
thereof  you  will  faithfully  obey  and  perform  all  such  orders 
and  directions  as  you  shall  from  time  to  time  receive  from 
the  said  Congress  or  committee,  and  that  you  will  not, 
without  leave  of  the  said  Congress  or  committee,  in  any 
wise  howsoever,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  divulge  or 
make  known  any  matter  or  thing  whatsoever,  in,  or  any 
wise  relating  to  the  said  trust,  or  the  execution  thereof, 
whether  you  accept  the  same  or  not ;  except  such  matter 
or  things  as  may  necessarily  consist  in  or  arise  from  the 
execution  thereof,  so  help  you  God." 

The  same  motion  being  read  a  second  time,  debates 

arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  motion.  Jlgainst  the  motion. 

Queens,  2      Kings,    2 

New-York,  4      Richmond,    2 

Suffolk,   2  — 

Westchester,   2  4 

Orange,   2      Albany,  divided. 

Tryon,   2      Ulster,  divided. 

Cumberland,   2  Dissentients — Messrs.  Clark- 
Dutchess,                             2      son,  Low,  Kissam,  Verplanck, 

—  Yates,  De  Lancey  and  Roose- 
18      velt,  New-York  ;  Col.  Hoffman, 

Dutchess ;  Col.  James  Van  Cort- 

landt,    Westchester ;  Messrs. 

French  and  Townsend,  Queens; 

Mr.  Williams,  Kings. 

Mr.  Kissam,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer 
with  Col.  Duer,  delivered  their  report,  which  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Duer, 
report : 

"  That  it  appears  to  the  committee  that  Mr.  Duer's  pri- 
vate affairs  are  so  peculiarly  circumstanced,  as  to  render 
it  extremely  imprudent  for  him  to  accept  of  his  appointment 
to  the  office  of  deputy  adjutant-general,  in  the  Continental 
army  in  this  Colony.  That  the  committee  are  fully  satis- 
fied that  the  said  Mr.  Duer  has  the  utmost  willingness 
to  enter  into  the  service,  and  that  he  is  a  hearty  friend 
to  the  cause  of  America  in  her  present  contest  with 
Great  Britain.  That  he  proposed  a  mode  for  the  remov- 
ing the  difficulties  that  lie  in  the  way  of  his  acceptance  of 
the  aforesaid  appointment,  which,  though  it  affords  a  strong 
proof  of  his  readiness  to  accept  the  office,  yet  is  of  such  a 
nature  as  that,  the  committee  are  of  opinion,  it  would  be 
inconvenient  to  comply  with  ;  and,  therefore,  do  farther 

30 


report  it  as  their  opinion  that  he  ought  to  be  permitted  to 
decline  the  appointment,  and  to  be  furnished  with  a  copy 
of  this  report,  as  a  testimony  that  his  so  declining  proceeds 
not  from  any  motive  unfriendly  to  this  country,  but  from  a 
necessity  that  results  from  the  particular  state  of  his  pri- 
vate affairs.  That  it  appears,  that  the  embarrassment  to 
which  Mr.  Duer  is  exposed,  has  arisen  from  a  circumstance 
that  has  occurred  since  his  last  return  from  Philadelphia." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  the  said 
committee  in  their  said  report;  and, 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  this  report  be  deli- 
vered to  Mr.  Duer  by  one  of  the  Secretaries. 

Resolved-  and  agreed,  nem.  con.  That  Robert  G.  Li- 
vingston, Jr.  be  appointed  deputy  adjutant-general,  with 
the  rank  of  colonel,  in  the  place  of  William  Duei,  Esq. 
and  that  he  be  directed  to  join  the  army  under  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Schuyler,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  August  23d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

The  President  with  leave  of  the  Congress,  went  to  re- 
ceive the  money  brought  from  Philadelphia  by  Messrs. 
Hallett  and  Dumond,  two  members  of  this  Congress  ;  and 
Col.  Woodhull  is  elected  President  pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  Col.  William  Bayard  was  read  and  filed, 
complaining  that  his  house  is  surrounded  by  armed  men  of 
the  new  levies,  and  requesting  to  know  if  they  are  posted 
there  by  order  of  the  Congress  or  committee,  or  what  the 
meaning  of  it  can  be,  which  would  much  oblige  his  family, 
who  are  greatly  alarmed  by  it. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  and  Mr.  Thomas  Smith 
proceed  to  Col.  Bayard's  immediately,  and  make  inquiry 
of  the  cause  of  those  troops  surrounding  Mr.  Bayard's, 
and  discharge  them  unless  they  see  cause  to  detain  them 
there,  and  that  they  report  to  this  Congress  with  all  pos- 
sible speed. 

A  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  Philadelphia, 
of  the  19th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  Philadelphia,  August  19th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  and  considered  your 
application  for  a  supply  of  gunpowder.  We  had  already 
furnished  to  the  army  and  to  the  neighbouring  Colonies  all 
we  could  safely  spare,  when  an  express  arriving  from 
Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  2d  August,  at  Ticonderoga,  expres- 
ing  his  great  want  of  gunpowder,  we  forwarded  to  him 
22001b  wt.  directed  to  the  care  of  the  committee  at  Al- 
bany. At  the  time  we  sent  it  we  were  not  informed  that 
a  large  quantity  which  arrived  in  New-Jersey  from  South 
Carolina  had  been  forwarded  to  him  a  short  time  before, 
which  it  is  likely  he  had  not  heard  of  when  he  wrote,  but 
which  would  make  our  last  supply  unnecessary.  As  pro- 
bably that  may  not  be  gone  from  Albany,  we  leave  it  to 
your  consideration  whether  it  may  not  on  an  application  to 
Gen.  Schuyler  be  brought  back  from  thence  for  your  use. 
"  We  are  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order, 
"  B.  FRANKLIN,  President. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  and  the 
Members  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
New-York." 

Another  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  Phila- 
delphia, of  the  21st  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  Philadelphia,  August  21  si,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  much  obliged  to  your  commu- 
nication of  the  intelligence  from  Gen.  Washington,  and 
shall  forward  it  to  the  committees  down  the  river.  As 
possibly  the  enemy  may  think  of  calling  upon  us,  it  ren- 


118 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ders  it  more  necessary  for  us  to  keep  the  little  powder  we 
have,  but  when  any  fresh  supply  shall  arrive  here,  we 
shall  readily  spare  you  a  part  of  it. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order, 
"  B.  FRANKLIN,  President. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  and  the  Members 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Mr.  Robert  Yates  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Messrs. 
Polhemus  and  Verplanck,  that  the  resolutions  of  this  Con- 
gress entered  into  this  day,  that  the  members  shall  take 
the  oath  therein  mentioned,  be  reconsidered  to-morrow 
morning.     The  same  being  unanimously  agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  reconsidered  to-morrow 
morning. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Dayton,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr. 
Townsend  and  Capt.  Wickham  be  a  committee  to  take 
into  consideration  the  state  of  the  stock  on  Gardiner's 
island  and  Montauk,  and  report  to  this  Congress  what 
they  think  proper  to  be  ordered  or  done  relating  to  the  said 
stock. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr.  Melancton  Smith 
be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
the  executors  of  the  last  will  of  David  Gardiner  deceased, 
and  report  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  House  of 
Representatives  of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
agreeable  to  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  letter  of  the  committee  of  Brookhaven, 
of  the  3d  inst.  and  to  report  such  general  resolutions  or  re- 
gulations as  may  be  proper  to  be  entered  into  or  ordered 
by  this  Congress,  to  be  done  in  cases  of  this  nature,  do 
make  report  to-morrow. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  24th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers,  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Rodgers. 

A  letter  from  the  President  to  the  Secretary  was  read 
and  filed,  informing  the  Congress  that  he  is  overcome  with 
fatigue  and  want  of  sleep,  and  unable  to  attend. 

The  Congress  then  unanimously  chose  Col.  Woodhull 
President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Sears  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  a  letter 
sealed,  which  he  showed,  directed  to  His  Worship  The 
Mayor  of  this  city,  and  said  to  be  from  Capt.  George  Van- 
deput  of  the  ship  Asia. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Verplanck  and  Mr.  Sears,  wait  on 
the  Mayor  with  the  said  letter  and  request  to  know  the 
contents. 

Mr.  Verplanck  returned  with  the  letter  directed  to  the 
Mayor,  and  with  his  leave  to  take  a  copy  thereof,  which 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Asia,  August  24th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — After  the  event  of  last  night  I  think  it 
necessary  to  inform  you  that  having  had  information  that 
it  was  intended  by  some  people  in  New-York  to  take 
away  the  guns  from  the  Battery,  which  as  stores  belonging 
to  the  King,  it  was  my  duty  to  protect,  I  sent  a  boat  to 
lie  near  the  shore  to  watch  their  motions.  Soon  after  twelve 
they  began  to  remove  the  guns  from  the  Battery,  which 
being  observed  by  the  officer  in  the  boat,  he  left  his  sta- 
tion to  come  on  board  to  inform  me  thereof,  but  being  per- 
ceived from  the  shore,  he  was  fired  upon  by  a  great  many 
musketry  by  which  one  of  the  men  in  the  boat  was  shot 
dead.  My  duty  called  upon  me  to  repel  an  act  of  this 
sort,  as  well  as  to  defend  the  guns,  which  occasioned  me 
to  fire  upon  the  battery. 

"  I  acquaint  you  of  this,  that  the  people  of  the  town  may 


not  imagine  it  is  my  intention  to  do  them  any  hurt,  winch 
I  wish  as  much  as  possible  to  avoid  ;  but  if  they  will  per- 
sist in  behaving  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  their  safety 
and  my  duty  incompatible,  the  mischief  that  may  arise 
must  lay  at  their  doors  and  not  at  mine.  An  answer  is  de- 
sired. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  GEO.  VANDEPUT. 

"  To  the  Mayor  and  other 

Magistrates  of  the  city  of  New-York. ;' 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith 
and  Mr.  Kissam,  be  a  committee  to  examine  witnesses 
and  take  affidavits  relating  to  the  attack  mentioned  in  Capt. 
Vandeput's  letter,  and  the  attack  made  by  him  on  this 
city. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  that  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston 
Esq.  pay  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius  twenty  thousand  pounds, 
to  be  applied  towards  discharging  the  debts  contracted  by 
purchasing  provisions,  military  stores  and  other  necessa- 
ries in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  this  Congress,  and  that 
Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Curtenius'  receipt  for  the  same 
on  account. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Suffolk  county,  bearing  date  the  22d  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Suffolk  county,  August  22d,  A.  D.  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  committee  of  this  county  are  now 
met  to  give  proper  directions  for  taking  the  stock  from 
Gardiner's  and  Plum  islands,  according  to  your  direction 
of  the  18th  of  this  inst.  It  is  with  the  greatest  concern 
that  we  find  the  troops  at  the  east  end  of  this  island  are 
ordered  away,  whereby  we  shall  be  left  defenceless.  Gen. 
Wooster  was  prevailed  on  before  the  receipt  of  your  let- 
ter to  tarry  with  his  troops  a  few  days ;  he  is  now  present 
with  us  and  lets  us  know  that  he  purposes  to  depart  to- 
morrow. There  are  now  three  cutters  at  the  east  end  of 
this  island  cruising,  and  we  must  beg  leave  to  inform  you 
that  the  stock  on  Montauk,  Shelter  island  and  Oyster 
Pond  Point,  will  be  in  the  utmost  danger  of  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  besides  the  constant  alarms  and  ex- 
pense the  inhabitants  of  this  part  of  the  county  will  be  ex- 
posed to,  unless  your  honourable  House  will  take  our  situ- 
ation under  your  consideration,  and  allow  us  at  least  such 
number  of  men  as  may  be  sufficient  to  secure  these  parts 
from  the  depredations  of  the  enemy. 

"  The  companies  raised  here  we  presume  will  not  diso- 
bey your  orders  ;  but  we  pray  you  to  consider  how  desti- 
tute we  shall  be  left  when  our  men  are  gone,  our  arms  put 
into  their  hands  and  carried  from  us.  With  the  advice  of 
Gen.  Wooster  we  have  ventured  to  desire  the  captains 
not  to  march  until  we  can  send  an  express  to  you,  to  let  us 
know  whether  we  can  have  any  hopes  of  relief ;  and  far- 
ther we  think  we  cannot  at  present  get  off  the  stock  with- 
out a  sufficient  guard  upon  the  Islands.  Gen.  Wooster  in- 
forms us  that  he  had  advice  from  Gov.  Trumbull  to 
return  to  New-York  before  he  received  your  letter,  and 
we  cannot  think  it  could  be  the  design  of  the  Continental 
Congress  that  this  county  should  be  left  in  this  situation. 
Col.  Gardiner  of  Plum  island,  says  that  Col.  Abijah  Wil- 
lard  in  the  ministerial  fleet,  informed  him  that  they  should 
come  again,  and  would  bring  a  sufficient  force  to  take  the 
stock  from  Long  island. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"  By  order, 

"  WM.  SMITH,  Chairman. 

"  To  Peter  Van  Bkugii  Livingston, 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  delivered  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  take  into  consideration,  the  state  of  the 
stock  on  Gardiner's  island  and  Montauk. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  cover  the  petition  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


119 


the  executors  of  David  Gardiner,  Esq.  and  the  papers  which 
attend  the  same,  was  read  and  filed,  and  it  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New  York,  August  24th,  1775.  S 
"  Gentlemen — You  will  readily  perceive  the  propriety 
of  our  referring  to  your  honourable  House  a  petition  from 
the  executors  of  David  Gardiner,  Esq.  deceased,  which  we 
send  you  enclosed,  together  with  the  evidences  which  we 
are  possessed  of,  facts  therein  stated,  and  an  account  of 
the  things  taken  and  damages. 

"  If  you  should  approve  of  the  mode  pointed  out  by  the 
petitioners  for  obtaining  the  desired  satisfaction,  we  doubt 
not  but  you  will  be  ready  to  grant  them  all  the  assistance 
and  relief,  in  your  power. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  Honourable  the  House  of  Representatives 

of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted,  together  with  the  peti- 
tion, affidavits  and  papers  therein  mentioned. 

Congress  then  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  24th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Marlett.Mr.  Thomas  Smith  and  Mr. 
John  Van  Cortlandt  severally  took  the  general  oath  of  se- 
crecy. Mr.  Clarkson  and  Mr.  Walton  respectively  took 
the  particular  oath  of  secrecy  with  respect  to  the  exami- 
nation of  Melancton  Lawrence  and  the  letters  found  in  his 
custody. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Capt.  Melancton 
Lawrence  delivered  in  the  examination  of  said  Lawrence, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  The  examination  of  Capt.  Melancton  Lawrence  before 
a  committee  of  the  Congress  on  the  24th  day  of  August, 
1775. 

"  That  he  was  appointed,  on  the  24th  April  last,  com- 
mander of  the  schooner  Neptune,  and  believes  she  belongs 
to  the  Government.  That  he  left  Boston  on  the  23d  of 
July  last  with  despatches  from  Gen.  Gage  to  Capt.  Van- 
deput ;  that  he  had  orders  from  the  general  to  put  himself 
under  the  command  of  one  Lieut.  Evans,  agent  of  the 
transports  ;  that  when  he  went  on  board  of  Evans'  trans- 
ports, he  received  from  him  two  letters  directed  to  one 
Wallace,  captain  of  the  Rose  man  of  war  at  Newport ; 
that  if  Capt.  Wallace  gave  him  no  particular  orders  to  the 
contrary  he  was  to  cruize  south,  off  Block  island,  until  he 
heard  from  the  said  Evans  ;  that  he  arrived  at  Newport  in 
three  days,  and  not  finding  Wallace,  he  stood  out  and  fell 
in  with  the  King  Fisher,  the  captain  whereof  took  him  un- 
der his  command  and  conveyed  him  into  Rhode  Island, 
where  he  found  Capt.  Wallace,  to  whom  he  delivered  his 
letters  ;  that  he  then  ordered  him  to  follow  him  and  pro- 
ceed to  Block  island,  where  they  fell  in  with  a  fleet  of  trans- 
ports and  proceeded  with  the  fleet  to  Fisher's  island  ;  that  he 
was  told  by  one,  Col.  Willard,  that  he  had  planned  the  ex- 
pedition to  take  the  cattle  from  the  islands  ;  that  cattle  and 
sheep  were  taken  off  from  Gardiner's  and  Fisher's  islands, 
to  wit:  36  head  of  horned  cattle  and  1,100  sheep  from 
Fisher's  island,  as  he  was  informed ;  from  Gardiner's 
island,  between  40  and  50  horned  cattle,  and  between 
1,800  and  2,000  sheep,  as  the  examinant  was  informed  ; 
that  the  examinant  did  not  assist  in  taking  the  cattle  and 
sheep  from  either  of  the  islands,  nor  received  any  of  them 
except  four  sheep,  which  were  sent  aboard  for  the  use  of 
the  men  who  were  sent  on  board  of  this  examinant  by 
Col.  Willard.  That  the  examinant  understood  from  Col. 
Willard,  that  the  man  on  Gardner's  island  was  very  sulky 
at  first  and  refused  to  sell,  but  that  afterwards  he  insisted 
that  whatever  they  took  away  they  were  to  give  an  account 


of ;  that  he  also  understood  from  Willard,  and  from  other 
circumstances  he  has  reason  to  believe,  that  the  man  on 
Fisher's  island  was  willing  to  sell  cattle  ;  that  Evans,  the 
agent,  gave  this  examinant  orders  to  take  all  vessels  he 
might  fall  in  with,  and  particularly  those  loaded  with  salt ; 
that  this  examinant  met  with  several  vessels,  particularly  a 
brig  loaded  with  salt,  bound  to  Rhode  Island,  but  did  not 
take  or  molest  them  in  their  voyage  :  that  he  could  not 
discover  that  there  were  any  intentions  of  the  army,  or  any 
part  of  it,  to  remove  from  Boston  ;  but  on  the  contrary, 
there  was  all  the  appearance  of  their  intentions  to  stay, 
as  they  were  strengthening  their  fortifications ;  that  no 
troops  had  been  sent  from  Boston  to  Quebec,  but  that  he 
has  understood  that  one  Gamble,  an  officer,  was  gone  to 
recruit  there  ;  that  when  this  examinant,  in  May  or  June 
last,  was  on  his  return  from  here  to  Boston  near  the 
Hook,  a  sloop  from  Staten-Island  came  down  with  sheep, 
hogs  and  hay ;  that  Capt.  McDonald  was  on  board  the 
sloop,  who  insisted  on  their  being  taken  on  board  the 
schooner ;  but  upon  this  examinant's  refusing  to  take  them 
on  board,  they  were  sent  back,  though  the  said  McDonald 
proceeded  with  him  to  Boston ;  and  that  the  said  McDo- 
nald at  Boston  informed  him  he  was  going  to  Quebec,  and 
that  he  was  on  full  pay  ;  that  Allen  McLean  also  went 
passenger  with  this  examinant  to  Boston,  and  returned  to 
to  New-York  with  the  examinant,  when  he  brought  Gen. 
Haldimand  to  New- York ;  that  the  said  McLean  brought 
with  him  a  bag  of  money  which  he  took  ashore  with  him  ; 
that  from  papers  which  he  left  on  board,  the  examinant  dis- 
covered from  the  contents  of  one  of  which  subscribed  by 
Gen.  Gage,  authorizing  him  to  enlist  a  regiment  of,  he 
thinks,  Highlanders,  in  the  Provinces,  for  His  Majesty's 
service  ;  that  at  Tarpaulin  Cove,  he  received  a  package  of 
letters  from  Evans,  directed  to  Governor  Tryon  ;  and  that 
Evans  told  him  they  were  letters  he  had  received  from 
Gen.  Robinson,  which  he  delivered  on  board  the  Asia  man 
of  war ;  that  this  examinant  is  willing  to  declare  on  oath 
that  he  has  at  no  time  carried  any  provisions  other  than 
his  own  stores  for  the  use  of  the  vessel  from  this  or  any 
other  port  to  Boston,  though  he  has  had  opportunities  to 
do  it  (except  seven  sheep,  which  were  put  on  board  of  him 
by  Montague  at  the  Hook.) 

"MELANCTON  LAWRENCE." 

A  letter  from  Dr.  J.  Mallett  to  Mr.  William  Allman,  of 
the  18th  July,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Robertson  to  Capt.  Montague  of  the 
20th  July,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Boston,  20th  July,  1775. 
"  Dear  Sir — Two  turtles,  at  a  time  when  a  bit  of  beef 
or  mutton  is  a  rare  feast,  command  my  gratitude  ;  but  let 
me  assure  you,  I  enjoyed  the  reflection  that  I  owed  them 
to  your  friendly  regard  far  above  the  relish  of  a  well 
dressed  dish. 

"  Your  health  was  drunk  by  a  company  whose  good 
wishes  you  would  value.  I  wish  I  could  send  you  any 
thing  in  return  that  would  be  grateful  to  you.  The  state 
of  poor  Parsons'  health  affords  nothing  of  this  kind  ;  he  is 
very  weak,  in  much  pain  and  great  danger  indeed  ;  the 
heat  of  the  season  and  the  want  of  fresh  provisions  made 
many  officers'  cases,  though  judged  slight,  dangerous. 

"  It  would  not  be  proper  to  put  in  writing  my  sentiments 
about  the  state  of  the  war,  or  the  mode  of  carrying  this 
on.  I  may,  however,  say  the  enemy  are  multiplying  im- 
mense works  all  round  this  country  ;  every  hill  has  gothic 
fortifications  like  those  in  the  west  of  England.  With 
these  they  seem  to  intend  to  shut  up  every  access  from 
this  place.  All  their  works,  except  those  they  began  on 
Bunker's  hill  have  been  of  the  defensive  kind  ;  so  far  they 
seem  sensible  that  they'll  be  ruined  if  they  give  us  an 
opportunity  of  charging  them  with  bayonets  in  a  fair  field 
— numbers  can  not  save  them — behind  works  and  walls 
they  may  kill  ten  men  and  then  fly;  and  this  repealed 
often  would  make  a  dozen  victories  equal  to  a  defeat.  I 


120 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


send  you  some  letters  that  have  passed.  If  you  were  ad- 
miral here,  land  and  sea  would  be  on  better  terms,  the 
town  better  supplied,  and  convoys  better  guarded.  The 
Yankees  have  brought  about  fifty  whale  boats  over  Dor- 
chester neck  by  Roxbury  church,  and  put  them  in  the  wa- 
ter near  Charlestown  river ;  with  fourteen  others  they 
landed  on  Thursday  and  burnt  the  light  house,  and  it  be- 
ing calm  afterwards,  set  fire  to  some  fishing  boats — and  all 
this  in  open  day  in  sight  of  our  fleet. 

"The  Congress  edicts  direct  the  people  in  all  the  Colo- 
nies to  refuse  us  supplies  ;  the  committees  enforce  the 
edicts  with  attention  and  severity.  To  prevent  our  suffer- 
ing by  want  of  fuel  and  barrack  bedding,  I  sent  Mr.  Page 
to  London  to  purchase  and  send  out  these  necessary  arti- 
cles. Even  candles  are  ordered  from  home — we  are  dis- 
tressed a  little  by  a  scarcity  of  these  already.  I  have  in 
Sergeant  Bouden's  care  140  boxes  ;  if  you  could  get  these 
on  board  under  the  pretence  of  your  ship's  service,  and 
then  give  them  to  Capt.  Evans,  who  commands  the  Spy 
armed  vessel,  and  will  be  the  bearer  of  this,  you  would 
oblige  me,  and  what  you  value  more,  serve  the  public  by 
saving  it  from  a  double  loss,  as  these  candles  may  not  only 
be  lost  to  us,  but  be  taken  for  the  use  of  the  rebels  ;  how- 
ever, if  moving  them  would  endanger  the  quiet  of  the 
town  or  be  productive  of  a  riot,  it  is  not  an  object  deserv- 
ing such  a  risk. 

"  Mr.  Page  returns  from  London  as  soon  as  he  can  finish 
the  business  he  goes  on,  his  address  will  be,  to  the  care 
of  James  Parliament-street.    He'll  be  here  in 

October,  and  he  would  be  happy  to  direct  his  attention  to 
any  commands  you  may  give  him. 

"  I  am,  with  much  regard,  ever, 

"  Dear  sir,  your  obliged  and  obt.  servt. 

"  JAMES  ROBERTSON. 

"  To  Capt.  Montague,  commanding  His 

Majesty's  ship  King  Fisher,  New-York. 

"  I  wish  poor  Mrs.  Acray  and  Betsey  well ;  bid  them 
have  patience  ;  her  civility  will  make  her  friends,  and  times 
may  soon  mend." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  and  Mr.  Sears  take  into 

custody   Bowden,  and  send  him  in  custody  to  this 

Congress  to-morrow,  and  that  they  take  and  carry  away 
all  the  candles  in  the  store  adjoining  to  Bowden's  house, 
and  other  stores  mentioned  in  Col.  Robertson's  and  Mr. 
Mallett's  letters. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Ash,  at  Boston,  of  the  23d  July, 
to  John  Shaw,  of  New-York,  merchant,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  25th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  President. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
Capt.  Melancton  Lawrence,  have  power  to  take  such  secu- 
rity of  him  as  they  shall  think  proper  ;  and  also  to  take  his 
declaration  that  he  will  not  enter  again  into  the  ministerial 
service,  and  discharge  him. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  each  town  from 
hence  to  Cambridge,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 

words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  Aug.  25lh,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — This  will  be  produced  to  you  by  the 
Capts.  Willing  and  Wharton,  who  have  the  charge  of  three 
prisoners  and  two  servants,  taken  at  Philadelphia ;  and  as 
they  may  want  carriages  or  other  assistance  to  transport 
them  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  we  therefore  request  you 
to  give  them  such  aid  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  to  exe- 
cute the  command  with  which  they  are  now  entrusted,  they 
paying  for  the  same.  "  By  order. 

■"To  the  Committee  in  each  Town  from 

New-York  to  the  Camp  at  Cambridge." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the 
stock  on  Gardiner's  island  and  Montauk  point,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  report,  that  a  letter  of  the  follow- 
ing contents  be  sent  to  the  general  committee  of  the  county 
of  Suffolk. 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Aug.  25th,  1775. $ 

"Gentlemen — We  are  fully  sensible  of  the  necessity  of 
providing  against  the  future  depredations  of  the  ministerial 
army;  and  we  see  the  danger  of  your  defenceless  condition, 
after  the  removal  of  the  companies  raised  in  your  county. 

"  We  do,  therefore,  earnestly  recommend  that  you  im- 
mediately form  the  militia  of  your  county  into  companies 
agreeable  to  the  late  regulations  of  the  Continental  and 
this  Congress,  and  that  you  place  two  companies  of  mi- 
nute men,  or  any  less  number  which  you  may  think  suf- 
ficient, at  or  near  the  pass  by  the  little  pond  near  Mon- 
tauk ;  and  one  other  company,  if  you  think  so  many  ne- 
cessary, at  or  near  Shelter  island,  with  directions  to  them, 
upon  the  discovery  of  any  vessels  which  may  be  suspected 
to  have  a  design  against  you,  immediately  to  drive  the  cat- 
tle from  Montauk  point  and  Shelter  island  into  the  interior 
part  of  your  island. 

"  The  disposition  of  guards,  signals,  the  manner  of  driv- 
ing off  the  cattle,  and  to  what  place  of  security,  we  must 
leave  entirely  to  your  directions  and  care. 

"  The  minute  men,  while  in  actual  service,  are  entitled 
to  the  same  pay  with  the  Continental  troops,  which  will  be 
an  inducement  to  them  to  undertake  this  necessary  service. 
The  repeated  orders  from  Gen.  Schuyler  for  the  march  of 
the  troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  makes  it  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  the  companies  raised  in  your  county  should  im- 
mediately march.  We  will,  however,  venture  to  recom- 
mend their  stay  ten  days  from  the  date  hereof  at  the  most, 
to  give  you  an  opportunity,  in  the  mean  while,  to  complete 
the  companies  of  minute  men. 

"  We  do  also  recommend  to  you,  that  you  remove  from 
Gardiner's  island  the  English  hay. 
"  By  order. 

"  SAMUEL  TOWNSEND,  Chairman. 

"To  Wm.  Smith,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Suffolk  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Tom,  Mr.  Hallett,  appeared 
in  Congress,  and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy.  Col. 
Lispenard  and  Mr.  Marston,  Mr.  Lefferts,  Mr.  Lott,  Mr. 
Polhemus,  Lewis  Graham  and  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Esq.  took  the  particular  oath  of  secrecy  as  to  examination  of 
Melancton  Lawrence,  and  the  letters  taken  in  his  custody. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  examine  wit- 
nesses and  take  affidavits  relating  to  the  attack  made  on 
this  city  by  Capt.  Vandeput,  delivered  in  affidavits  of  ele- 
ven different  persons  in  this  city,  proving  that  the  first 
firing  and  attack  began  from  Capt.  Vandeput's  boat  from 
the  ship  Asia,  which  were  read. 

A  letter  from  Col.  James  Clinton,  of  the  19th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Major  Henry  Livingston,  Jr.  of  the  21st 
inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"  Poughkeepsic,  August  21si,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  am  desired  by  Col.  Clinton,  to  inform  the  Hon. 
the  Provincial  Congress,  that  drums  are  wanting  for  the 
respective  companies  that  compose  his  regiment.  He  also 
desired  me  to  mention  our  medicine  chest.  Suppose,  how- 
ever, we  shall  find  that  and  the  drums  at  Albany.  With 
respect  to  Dr.  Samuel  Cooke,  the  gentleman  nominated 
surgeon  to  our  regiment,  I  am  authorized  to  inform  you, 
sir,  that  he  attended  several  days  in  New-York  for  his  ex- 
amination, but  at  length  by  one  contingency  or  other  came 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


121 


away  without  it.  He  at  first  applied  to  Dr.  Jones,  who 
would  not  examine  him  unless  Dr.  Bard  (who  was  out  of 
town,)  was  present.  The  matter  was  stated  to  the  Con- 
gress, who  ordered  that  one  of  the  members  should  wait 
on  Dr.  Jones  and  inform  him,  that  an  examination  by  him 
alone  would  satisfy  them  ;  Dr.  Jones,  however,  declined. 
After  Dr.  Bard's  return  there  was  a  day  appointed  for  the 
business,  but  that  day  both  Drs.  Jones  and  Bard  were  called 
to  Long  island.  Dr.  Cooke  being  very  unwell  at  the  time, 
could  stay  no  longer,  having  attended  several  days  to  no 
purpose. 

"  Those  officers  and  soldiers  who  are  acquainted  with 
Dr.  Cooke  and  his  practice,  and  good  success  both  as 
physician  and  surgeon,  are  very  desirous  to  have  his  ap- 
pointment confirmed ;  and  as  we  expect  to  march  in  two 
or  three  days,  are  exceedingly  anxious  that  he  may  be  ac- 
quainted with  it,  and  follow  us  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  am,  sir,  vour  obt.  humble  servant, 
"  HENRY  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 

"  To  the  Hon.  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Samuel  Cooke  be  appointed  sur- 
geon, and  he  is  hereby  appointed  surgeon  to  the  third  re- 
giment of  troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  at  the  request 
of  Mr.  Henry  Livingston,  Jr.  the  major  of  the  said  regi- 
ment, which  he  says  is  with  the  consent  of  a  considerable 
number  of  the  said  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  examination  of  Dr.  Samuel  Cooke 
be  dispensed  with,  and  that  he  be  appointed  surgeon,  not- 
withstanding he  has  neglected  to  be  examined  according  to 
the  standing  order  of  this  Congress,  but  that  this  shall  not 
be  a  precedent  in  any  other  instance. 

Mr.  John  Stephenson  sent  into  Congress  a  certificate  of 
Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard,  which  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  we,  the  subscribers,  agreeable 
to  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  have  examined 
Mr.  John  Stephenson,  respecting  his  knowledge  in  physic 
and  surgery,  and  that  we  find  him  competently  qualified  to 
act  as  a  surgeon's  mate. 

"  JOHN  JONES,  AT.  D. 
"  SAML.  BARD,  M.  D." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Stephenson  be  appointed,  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  surgeon's  mate  to  the  third  regi- 
ment of  troops  now  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  ordered  that 
he  join  his  regiment  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Mr.  Bedford  Williams,  who  was  on  the  16th  inst.  ap- 
pointed surgeon's  mate  to  the  second  regiment,  agreeable 
to  a  standing  order  of  this  house,  produced  a  certificate  of 
Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard,  which  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  This  is  to  certify  that  we,  the  subscribers,  agreeable 
to  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  have  examined  Mr. 
Bedford  Williams,  respecting  his  knowledge  in  physic  and 
surgery,  and  that  we  find  him  competently  qualified  to  act 
as  a  surgeon's  mate. 

"  JOHN  JONES,  M.  D. 
"  SAML.  BARD,  M.  D." 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bedford  Williams'  appointment  of 
surgeon's  mate  stand  confirmed,  and  that  he  join  his  regi- 
ment with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  of  the 
21st  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing: 

"  Lebanon,  Aug.  2\st,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  received  your  favour  of  the  28th  last,  long 
since,  and  with  pleasure  noted  the  contents,  and  the  noble 
forward  disposition  of  your  respectable  Congress,  to  pro- 
mote a  service  of  so  great  a  necessity  and  importance  as 
supplying  the  northern  army,  among  many  other  necessa- 
ries, with  tents  which  I  should  not  have  asked  of  you 
for  the  troops  of  this  Colony,  but  from  a  sense  that  the 
cause  is  common,  and  that  we  are  extremely  exhausted  of 
materials  for  tents  ;  and  that  it  was  proposed  to  me  by 
Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  that  you  could  probably  do  it  with 

31 


ease,  and  from  your  favourable  assurances  I  hoped  they 
were  received  at  the  camp  before  this ;  but  am  unhappy 
to  find,  by  letters  of  the  14th  inst.  received  this  morning 
from  Gen.  Schuyler  and  Col.  Hinman,  that  they  have  not 
received  nor  heard  of  any  coming  to  them  ;  and  expressing 
fears  that  the  proposed  progress  of  the  army  may  be  im- 
peded, disappointed,  or  Col.  Hinman's  regiment  very 
greatly  suffer  for  want  of  them. 

"  I  must  beg  the  favour  of  you,  since  you  were  pleased 
to  undertake  it,  and  in  confidence  thereof  we  have  neglect- 
ed any  attempt  to  supply  them,  and  as  it  is  of  so  great 
importance  to  the  whole  Continent,  and  very  peculiarly 
so  to  your  city  and  Province,  that  they  should  be  supplied 
and  succeed  in  their  designs,  that  you  will  be  pleased  to 
forward  those  tents,  in  the  most  speedy  manner  possible, 
the  season  being  far  advanced. 

"  You  are  pleased  to  mention  our  remitting  the  money 
for  them  ;  you  may  rely  that  if  the  expense  is  not  season- 
ably defrayed  by  the  Continental  Congress,  this  Colony 
will  not  fail  of  doing  it,  although  they  have  already  without 
grudging  advanced  near  £150,000  of  this  currency. 

"  On  motion  of  Mr.  Livingston,  I  lately  gave  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer  a  permit  to  purchase  in  and  carry  out  of  this 
Colony,  for  the  use  of  said  northern  army,  450  barrels  of 
pork,  although  there  is  a  scarcity  of  it  among  us,  and  in 
pursuance  of  an  advisory  caution  from  his  Excellency  Gen. 
Washington,  have  since  wrote  and  required  of  Mr.  Van 
Rensselaer  not  to  suffer  any  of  it  to  be  water  borne  to  New- 
York,  lest  it  might  fall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  but 
to  transport  it  directly  to  the  North  river,  almost  as  near 
as  the  Sound,  to  any  place  where  it  can  be  purchased.  1 
doubt  not  you  will  approve  of  this  precaution,  and  cause 
the  same  pork  to  be  forwarded  with  all  possible  expedition 
to  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  I  am,  with  esteem  and  regard,  sir, 
"  Your  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

''To  the  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  President 

of  the  Hon.  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Gov.  Trumbull  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  dug.  25th,  1775.  S 

"  Sir — We  have  been  honoured  with  your  favour  of  21st 
inst.  and  are  very  sorry  to  learn  the  apprehensions  you  ex- 
press that  the  progress  of  the  army  may  be  impeded,  if 
not  disappointed,  for  the  want  of  tents. 

"  The  fact  is,  that  all  the  tents  we  had,  and  all  the  mate- 
rials that  could  be  procured,  have  been  made  up  into  tents, 
and  forwarded  with  part  of  our  own  troops  ;  and  Gen. 
Schuyler  has  undoubtedly  ere  now  disposed  of  them  as 
circumstances  or  the  necessity  of  the  service  may  require. 
We  can  only  add  on  that  subject,  that  we  shall  procure 
materials  for  more  tents  by  every  means  in  our  power,  and 
send  them  up  to  Gen.  Schuyler  as  soon  as  possible  ;  but 
we  see  no  probability  of  being  able  to  provide,  at  any  rate, 
a  sufficient  number  for  the  northern  army. 

"  If,  therefore,  materials  can  be  collected  in  any  due 
season  in  your  government,  it  will  promote  the  general 
service  to  give  the  necessary  orders  for  that  purpose  with- 
out delay. 

"  The  precaution  about  the  pork  which  you  permitted 
Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  to  purchase,  may  be  a  wise  one  ;  but 
unless  proper  orders  are  lodged  at  the  different  landings  to 
which  it  may  be  carted,  the  purpose  for  which  it  is  wanted 
may  be  in  a  great  measure  defeated.  Permit  us  therefore 
to  request  the  favour  of  you,  to  give  such  directions  as  you 
shall  judge  necessary,  to  prevent  such  inconveniences  and 
disappointments. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  remain 

"  With  much  respect,  sir,  yours,  &c. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon.  Jona.  Trumbull,  Governor 

of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 


122 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Charles  Thompson,  Esq.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Aug.  25th,  1775.  $ 
«  gIR — We  are  informed  by  our  Delegates  that  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  ordered  a  ton  of  their  powder  to  be  sent 
here,  to  replace  what  we  had  lent  for  the  common  service ; 
as  our  defence  may  probably  very  soon  require  a  supply 
of  that  article,  we  must  beg  the  favour  of  you  either  to  be 
at  the  trouble  of  forwarding  it,  or  inform  us  without  delay 
by  letter,  where  and  to  whom  we  are  to  apply  for  it. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves  that  your  zeal  for  the  service  will 
call  your  attention  to  the  business. 

"  And  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  Charles  Thompson,  Esq.  Secretary  to 

the  Continental  Congress." 

A  return  of  the  election  of  militia  officers  in  the  borough 
of  Westchester,  was  filed. 

A  return  of  the  election  of  militia  officers  in  the  pre- 
scind of  Mamacoting,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  return  of  the  election  of  militia  officers  in  the  south 
district  of  New-Marlborough,  was  read  and  filed. 

Johan  Christian  Drewidz  being  brought  before  this  Con- 
gress, and  examined  concerning  his  vessel  lately  returned 
from  sea  to  Sandy  Hook,  or  the  watering  place ;  and 
many  suspicious  circumstances  appearing  which  induce  a 
belief  that  this  vessel  has  been  to  Boston  : 

Ordered,  That  Johan  Christian  Drewidz  be  committed 
to  the  care  of  Col.  McDougall,  and  that  he  take  care  that 
the  said  Johan  Christian  Drewidz  be  kept  with  the  greatest 
safety. 

A  letter  from  Francis  Stevens  of  the  12th  of  August 
inst.  to  Gen.  Gage,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Office  of  Ordnance,  ) 
"New-York,  Aug.  12th,  1775.  J 

"  Sir — Since  my  letter  to  your  Excellency  of  the  31st 
July,  I  have  been  honoured  with  yours  of  the  18th,  pre- 
ceding, which  has  given  me  much  uneasiness,  as  it  seems 
to  imply  a  remissness  on  my  part  in  not  getting  more  of 
the  stores  removed  from  hence  agreeable  to  your  Excel- 
lency's wishes.    I  must  beg  leave  to  observe  that  I  always 
used  my  utmost  endeavours  to  comply  with  the  orders  I 
received,  as  far  as  circumstances  would  admit.    But  the 
multiplicity  of  bulky  articles  shipped  on  board  the  vessels, 
such  as  battering  plank,  boards,  joists,  brick,  straw,  and 
many  other  particulars  belonging  to  different  departments, 
(the  want  of  which  is  as  strongly  urged  to  me)  took  up  so 
much  room  as  to  render  it  entirely  out  of  my  power  to 
forward  a  further  quantity  of  ordnance  stores.    Had  the 
shipping  ordered  for  that  service  been  in  a  proper  condi- 
tion to  have  received  their  full  load,  I  am  well  persuaded 
there  would  not  in  that  case  have  any  thing  remained  ;  but 
as  some  of  them,  particularly  the  ship  Henry,  had  all  her 
water,  provisions,  &c.  on  board,  which  the  master  refused 
to  disembark,  I  was  by  that  means  prevented  from  send- 
ing many  more  articles  which  I  should  have  otherwise 
certainly  done.    If  your  Excellency  will  be  pleased  to  or- 
der the  several  bills  of  lading  to  be  laid  before  you,  or  an 
account  of  the  many  articles  which  were  shipped  from 
hence  on  board  the  different  vessels  (exclusive  of  the  ord- 
nance stores,)  you  will  judge  of  the  vast  deal  of  room 
they  must  have  necessarily  taken  up  on  board  these  ves- 
sels, and  which  of  course  prevented  my  forwarding  those 
stores  that  have  since  very  unfortunately  fallen  into  the 
hands  of  the  rebels.    The  brig  Countess  of  Darlington, 
arrived  in  the  Sound,  a  few  miles  above  Turtle  bay,  on  the 
25th  April,  and  had  I  been  permitted  to  have  loaded  her, 
should  no  doubt  have  sent  to  Boston  every  species  of 
stores  I  stood  charged  with,  (the  largest  sizes  of  shot  and 


shells  only  excepted,)  but  the  violent  commotions  which  at 
that  time  prevailed  among  the  people,  were  such  as  to 
render  it  impossible,  and  the  vessel  was  obliged  for  safety, 
immediately  to  depart,  without  my  being  able  to  put  the 
least  article  on  board  her. 

"  With  respect  to  the  saltpetre,  it  was  at  the  time  depo- 
sited at  Turtle  bay,  where  I  conceived  it  to  be  equally  se- 
cure with  the  rest  of  His  Majesty's  property,  and  that 
moving  it  might  excite  the  jealousy  of  the  people,  who  as- 
siduously watched  that  no  supplies  should  be  sent  to  Bos- 
ton. At  this  period  I  had  no  idea  of  powder  mills  being 
erected,  or  that  they  would  ever  have  the  audacity  to 
rob  and  plunder  the  store  houses  in  the  manner  they 
have  since  done.  Their  declared  intention  at  the  time, 
being  to  prevent  all  supplies  going  to  Boston,  that 
might  enable  your  Excellency  to  act  with  greater  effect 
against  their  brethren  and  fellow  subjects  in  New-Eng- 
land. I  entreat  your  Excellency,  therefore,  to  believe 
me,  when  I  assure  you  that  every  thing  was  done  which 
lay  in  my  power,  towards  expediting  and  other  ways  for- 
warding the  good  of  His  Majesty's  service. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient, 
"  And  most  humble  servant, 

"FRANCIS  STEVENS. 

"  To  His  Excellency,  the  Hon.  General  Gage." 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Allicock,  of  the  23d  inst.  to  Hen- 
ry Lloyd,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed. 

Another  from  Joseph  Allicock,  of  the  23d  inst.  to  Lieut. 
Butricke,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  pay  to  Jo- 
seph Hallett,  Esq.  the  farther  sum  of  £2,000  on  account, 
in  addition  to  the  sums  he  has  already  received,  and  take 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  August  25,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  That  no  more  cannon  or  stores 
be  removed  from  the  Battery,  until  further  orders  from  this 
Congress. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Pye,  se- 
verally dissented. 

Resolved,  That  the  guard  be  strengthened  this  night  by 
an  additional  company,  in  order  to  prevent  any  insult  be- 
ing offered  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor.  And 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Lasher  be  desired  to  strengthen 
the  guard  intended  for  this  evening,  by  adding  the  Grena- 
dier company  to  that  guard.  That  the  whole  guard  be  un- 
der the  command  of  Capt.  Brasher — and  that  upon  a  mes- 
sage from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  they  repair  to 
his  house  and  protect  him  from  insults. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing-   

DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  26th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Joseph  Allicock,  according  to  a  direction  from  this 
Congress,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in.  He  pro- 
duced three  receipts,  one  tenor  and  date,  for  provisions  late- 
ly delivered  to  Capt.  Mclancton  Lawrence,  for  the  armed 
sloop  then  under  his  command,  and  acknowledged  that  he 
had,  in  the  course  of  the  business  of  the  contractors  for 
victualling  the  army,  supplied  all  the  armed  vessels  ex- 
cept the  men  of  war — he  had  supplied  such  provisions  in- 
advertently and  without  any  design  to  injure  the  country. 

Capt.  De  Kay,  according  to  a  direction  from  this  Con- 
gress, attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in  and  examined, 
and  notes  taken  of  his  examination,  which  are  filed.  Capt. 
De  Kay  gave  an  order  in  writing  to  the  pilot  and  mate  of 
the  vessel,  to  bring  up  his  vessel. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


123 


Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  take  Capt.  Charles  De 
Kay  into  custody,  and  keep  him  safely  until  the  farther 
order  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  letter  from 
the  Brookhaven  committee  of  the  3d  inst.  and  to  report 
such  general  resolutions  or  regulations  as  may  be  proper 
to  be  entered  into  or  ordered  by  this  Congress,  to  be  done 
in  cases  of  the  like  nature,  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  filed. 

Whereas,  there  is  great  reason  to  suspect  that  vessels 
with  provisions  from  some  parts  of  this  Continent,  have 
been  put  in  the  way  of  some  of  His  Majesty's  armed  ves- 
sels, with  design  that  they  might  be  taken.  To  prevent 
any  thing  of  the  like  kind  from  thus  accruing, 

Resolved,  That  no  vessel  depart  this  Colony  with  pro- 
visions unless  the  permit  of  this  Congress  or  of  their  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  be  first  had  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  published  in  the  news- 
papers, and  in  hand-bills. 

Mr.  Sears  delivered  in  an  inventory  of  all  the  articles 
by  them  taken  from  the  stores  adjoining  to  Bowden's 
house,  in  obedience  to  the  orders  of  this  Congress,  which 
is  as  follows,  to  wit :  140  boxes  candles,  7  blankets,  80 
pair  sheets,  24  bed  ticks  and  26  bolsters,  14  halberts,  5 
cartmen's  loads  of  medicines — that  the  medicines  are  in  a 
room  at  the  barracks. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Treat  and  Dr.  Thomas  Jones  be  re- 
quested to  have  an  inventory  made  of  all  the  medicines, 
and  to  examine  their  qualities,  and  set  a  valuation  on  them, 
and  return  a  copy  thereof  signed  by  them,  to  this  Con- 
gress, that  this  Congress  may  be  able  to  preserve  testimo- 
ny of  the  value  of  those  medicines. 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  be  requested  to  meet  every  day, 
(Sundays  excepted,)  in  order  to  expedite  such  business  as 
falls  in  their  department,  which  frequently  arise  in  this  ex- 
igency of  the  public  affairs. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  having  thought  it  expedi- 
ent to  remove  some  of  the  cannon  from  the  Battery  to  the 
place  where  they  now  are,  they  will  again  remove  them, 
as  they  shall  find  it  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  The  report  of  the  committee  of  ways  and 
means  to  discharge  the  debts  of  this  Colony,  be  taken  in- 
to consideration  on  next  Tuesday  morning, 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  LUN-/E,  9  ho.  a.  m 

August  28th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

No.  1.  A  letter  from  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  dated 
this  day,  was  read  and  filed. 

Col.  Woodhull  is  elected  President,  pro  tempore,  until 
Mr.  Livingston  is  able  to  attend. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  dated  at  Cambridge,  on 
the  3d  August,  to  his  brother  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  was 
read.  He  thereby  directs  him  to  purchase  large  quantities 
of  flour,  beef  and  pork  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Cam- 
bridge. 

Another  letter  to  Joseph  Trumbull,  of  same  date,  to  any 
merchants  in  New-York  or  Philadelphia,  as  a  letter  of  cre- 
dit to  his  brother  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  until  the  Conti- 
nental currency  issues,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Nathaniel  Shaw,  Jr.  dated  at  New-Lon- 
don, 7th  inst.  and  directing  Mr.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr. 
the  safest  way  of  transporting  flour,  was  read. 

The  members  generally  sworn  were  charged  to  keep  se- 
cret the  contents  of  those  letters,  and  Messrs.  Van  Derbilt, 
Woodhull,  Lispenard,  Polhemus,  Ten  Broeck,  Hoffman, 
Kissam,  Marston,   Cuyler,  Richard  Yates,  Roosevelt, 


Verplanck,  Rensselaer,  Dumond,  Walton  and  Hornbeck, 
were  sworn  to  secrecy  in  this  particular  matter. 

Mr.  Governeur  Morris  came  into  Congress  and  took  the 
general  oath  of  secrecy. 

Richard  Jenkins,  late  master  of  a  vessel  of  Thomas 
Ludlow,  came  into  Congress  and  gave  information  :  Thai 
relating  to  the  vessel  and  cargo  is  on  oath,  and  that  relating 
to  the  state  of  Quebec  the  best  information  he  can  give, 
b  ut,  not  on  oath. 

The  application  of  Murray,  Sansom,  Murray  &  Co.  and 
of  Frederick  Rhynlander  to  permit  the  ship  Peggy  and 
cargo  of  wheat  to  sail  for  Falmouth,  in  England :  Tha 
application  of  Charles  McEvers  &  Co.  to  permit  the  ship 
Albany  and  cargo  of  wheat  to  sail  for  Lisbon.  The  ap- 
plication of  Walter  Buchannon  &  Co.  to  permit  a  vessel 
and  cargo  for  Madeira,  and  another  vessel  and  cargo  for 
Barcelona,  to  sail :  The  application  and  affidavit  of  Thomas 
Arden,  Jr.  and  David  Bemus,  owner  and  master  of  the 
sloop  Liberty,  to  obtain  a  permit  for  her  to  sail;  and  an 
application  from  Robert  Bryson,  of  Bermuda,  to  Mr» 
Samuel  Verplanck,  for  six  dozen  bottled  beer,  a  keg  of  Al- 
bany white  peas,  half  a  barrel  mess  pork,  and  a  good 
American  cheese,  were  severally  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Nicholas  Cooke,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  inspection  at  Providence,  and  from  John  Smith 
and  Daniel  Tillinghast,  committee  of  safety,  bearing  date 
the  21st  inst.  was  read,  and  they  requesting  that  Messrs. 
Clarke  &  Nightingale,  might  have  leave  to  purchase  and 
import  at  Providence,  a  quantity  of  flour  and  provisions 
for  the  use  of  the  town  of  Providence  and  the  American 
army. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  the  afternoon. 

A  letter  of  this  day  from  Samuel  Burling,  requesting 
liberty  to  supply  the  flour  and  provisions  desired  at  Provi- 
dence, and  to  send  the  same  by  Capt.  Lindsay  and  Capt. 
Whitney. 

A  letter  from  William  McAdam,  requesting  leave  for 
the  sloop  Jean,  Capt.  Bascombe,  master,  to  sail  with  her 
cargo  for  Kingston,  in  Jamaica,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  no  bread,  flour,  beef  or  pork,  be  shipped 
or  laden  after  the  publication  hereof  (Mr.  Walton  and  Mr. 
Kissam  dissenting)  without  an  express  permission  from  this 
Congress  or  their  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  the  ship  Peggy  may  have  leave  to  sail 
with  her  cargo  of  wheat  completed,  and  that  subject  to  such 
instructions  as  shall  be  given  by  the  committee  of  this 
Congress  to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose  ;  provided  that 
the  present  captain  or  master  be  not  permitted  to  proceed 
in  the  said  vessel,  and  that  she  sail  under  such  captain  or 
master  as  shall  be  approved  of  by  the  said  committee. 
Capt.  Sears  dissented. 

Ordered,  That  Charles  McEvers  &  Co.  have  leave  to 
complete  the  loading  of  the  ship  Albany,  James  Bunyan 
master,  bound  to  Lisbon,  with  wheat  only,  subject  to  such 
instructions  as  shall  be  given  by  the  committee  of  this 
Congress  to  be  appointed  for  that  purpose.  Capt.  Sears 
dissents. 

Ordered,  That  Walter  and  Thomas  Buchannon  &  Co. 
have  leave  to  load  the  vessel  mentioned  in  their  application 
to  Congress  of  this  day,  and  let  her  sail  to  Barcelona  with 
wheat  only,  subject  to  such  instructions  as  shall  be  given 
by  the  committee  of  this  Congress  to  be  appointed  for  that 
purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Walter  Buchannon  &  Co.  have  leave  to 
load  the  brigantine  Catharine  and  Elizabeth,  to  Madeira, 
with  wheat,  corn  and  staves,  30  casks  rye  meal,  beeswax, 
spermaceti  candles  and  spruce  ;  but  not  with  any  flour  and 
leather,  to  sail  subject  to  such  instructions  as  shall  be  given 
by  the  committee  of  this  Congress  to  be  appointed  for  that 
purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Liberty,  belonging  to  Thomas 
Arden  and  James  Arden,  David  Bewes  master,  be  per- 
mitted to  sail  subject  to  like  instructions. 


124 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Verplanck,  to  ship  to 
and  12  barrels  of  bread  and  8  barrels  of  flour. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Richard  Yates 
and  Mr.  Morris,  be  a  committee  to  report  such  regulations 
as  they  conceive  proper  for  the  owners  and  masters  of  all 
vessels  sailing  out  of  this  port,  with  any  kind  of  provisions 
on  board. 

Ordered,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  have  leave  of  absence 
on  Wednesday  next. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  4  o'clock. 

4  ho.  P.  M. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

A  letter  from  James  and  Alexander  Stewart,  requesting 
permission  to  ship  three  thousand  bushels  of  rye  ;  the 
proceeds  of  which  with  what  bills  they  shall  ship,  they 
mean  to  have  brought  back  in  articles  that  will  be  much 
wanted. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Remsen  and  John  Read,  request- 
ing permission  for  the  sloop  Charlotte,  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  Nathaniel  Harriot,  to  depart  for  Kingston,  in  Ja- 
maica, with  a  cargo  of  380  barrels  of  flour  and  thirty  bar- 
rels of  lamp  oil.  And  they  mention  that  they  had  agreed 
to  purchase  a  quantity  of  ship  bread  in  tierces  and  barrels, 
and  also  some  lumber. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Charlotte  have  leave  to  sail 
with  her  cargo  of  330  barrels  of  flour  and  such  quantities 
of  lamp  oil,  ship  bread  and  lumber  as  her  owners  have  en- 
gaged or  shall  think  proper  to  put  on  board  subject  to  such 
instructions  as  shall  be  given  by  the  committee  of  this  Con- 
gress appointed  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  V.  Pearse  Ashfield,  bearing  date  this  day, 
was  read,  setting  forth  that  he  has  laden  on  board  the  brig 
Patty,  Bedford  Ashfield  master,  4000  bushels  Indian  corn, 
and  asking  permission  for  the  said  brig  to  complete  her 
lading  and  to  depart  for  Madeira. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Burling  have  leave  to  ship  flour 
alone  for  the  use  of  the  town  of  Providence,  in  Rhode 
Island. 

Ordered,  That  G.  W.  Beekman,  D.  Beekman  and  C. 
P.  Low,  be  permitted  to  ship  on  board  the  sloop  Pennsyl- 
vania Farmer,  William  Newton  master,  already  cleared 
and  bound  to  the  island  of  St.  Croix,  a  cargo  to  consist  of 
Indian  meal,  rye  meal,  ship  bread,  staves,  heading,  hoops 
and  boards,  subject  however  to  the  instructions  of  the 
committee  of  this  Congress  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Brown,  of  the  British  army, 
dated  the  26th  inst.  was  read,  setting  forth  that  in  conse- 
quence of  the  indisposition  of  Mrs.  Brown,  he  was  pre- 
vented from  embarking  in  the  ship  Monimia  for  Europe. 

The  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  delivered  in 
their  report  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following: 

"  Your  committee  do  report  that  they  conceive  it  will  be 
proper  that  the  owners  and  masters  of  all  vessels  sailing 
out  of  this  port,  with  any  kind  of  provision,  should  give 
security  to  this  Congress  that  they  will  proceed  to  the 
place  for  which  they  shall  report  such  vessels  to  be  de- 
stined, and  that  no  security  less  than  an  oath  of  such 
owners  and  masters  ought  to  be  accepted  of.  Your  com- 
mittee, therefore,  do  propose  for  vessels  bound  to  Europe, 
the  following  oath,  to  wit : 

"  For  the  Owner. 
"  '  I,  A.  B.  do  promise  and  declare,  that  the 
now  bound  to  and  laden  with  shall  pro- 

ceed directly  on  her  voyage  to  the  said  place  of  her  desti- 
nation, for  which  purpose  I  will  strictly  order  the  master 
of  the  said  to  sail  from  the  Hook  into  the  latitude 

of  thirty-five  degrees  north,  and  keep  in,  or  to  the  south- 
ward of  that  latitude,  until  she  shall  reach  the  fiftieth  de- 
gree of  west  longitude  from  London,  and  thence  proceed 
with  all  despatch  to  the  said  port  of  thereby  to 

avoid  a  caption  by  any  of  His  Majesty's  vessels  of  war ; 


the  unavoidable  accidents  of  the  seas  only  excepted :  So 
help  me  God.' 

"  For  the  Master. 
"  '  I,  A.  B.  master  of  the  do  swear,  promise 

and  declare,  that  I  will  proceed  with  the  said  now 
bound,  with  God's  assistance,  to  immediately, 
and  take  every  precaution  in  my  power  to  prevent  the  said 
vessel  from  being  taken  by  any  vessel  of  war  in  his  Ma- 
jesty's service  ;  and  for  this  purpose  I  will  use  my  utmost 
efforts  to  go  so  far  to  the  southward,  immediately  after  I 
shall  leave  the  Hook,  as  to  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of  north 
latitude,  and  keep  to  the  northward  of  that  latitude,  until  I 
shall  reach  the  fiftieth  degree  of  west  longitude  from  Lon- 
don, and  thence  to  proceed  to  the  said  port  of  with 
the  utmost  despatch  in  my  power,  the  dangers  of  the  seas 
only  excepted,  and  as  I  keep  this  oath,  promise  and  decla- 
ration, so  help  me  God.' 

"  For  vessels  bound  to  the  West-Indies,  the  following 
oath  to  wit : 

"  For  the  Owner. 
"  '  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  swear  and  declare, 
that  I  will  take  every  precaution  in  my  power  to  prevent 
the  now  bound  from  New-York  to  from 

falling  into  the  possession  of,  or  being  taken  by  any  vessel 
of  war  belonging  to  His  Majesty  ;  and  for  this  purpose  I 
will  direct  the  master  of  the  said  vessel,  to  pro- 

ceed immediately  from  the  Hook  to  the  aforesaid  place  of 
his  destination,  without  delay,  the  danger  of  the  seas  only 
excepted  :  So  help  me  God.' 

"  For  the  Master. 
"  '  I,  A.  B.  do  promise  and  swear  that  I,  the  master  of 
the  now  bound  on  a  voyage  to  will  im- 

mediately proceed  with  the  said  vessel  to  the  said  place  of 
destination  with  the  utmost  despatch  in  my  power,  the 
danger  of  the  seas  only  excepted,  and  will  take  every  pre- 
caution in  my  power  to  prevent  the  said  vessel  from  being 
taken  by  any  armed  vessel  belonging  to  His  Majesty  :  So 
help  me  God.' 

"  All  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

"  ALEX.  McDOUGALL, 
"  GOVER.  MORRIS, 
"RICHD.  YATES." 

Resolved,  That  the  owner  or  owners,  and  master  of 
each  vessel,  for  the  lading  and  sailing  whereof  application 
has  been  made  to  this  Congress  and  a  permit  ordered,  do 
respectively  take  such  oath  as  above  directed  :  that  is  to 
say,  the  master  and  owners  of  such  vessels  as  are  to  bound 
to  the  West-Indies,  the  oath  for  that  purpose  directed,  and 
the  master  and  owners  of  the  other  vessels  the  oaths  for 
that  purpose  above  mentioned. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Kissam,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  are  appoint- 
ed a  committee  to  report  to  this  Congress  the  mode  to  sup- 
ply the  ship  Asia  with  provisions,  that  will  be  least  incon- 
venient to  the  inhabitants  of  this  city. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  29th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present— Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro.  tem. 
Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  unto  Capt.  Robert  Johnston, 
(of  Col.  Clinton's  regiment,)  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  for  the  use  of  his  company :  and  that  the  said 
Robert  Johnston  do  give  a  receipt  to  the  said  Peter  V.  B. 
Livingston  and  an  order  on  the  deputy  paymaster-general 
for  the  repayment  of  the  said  sum. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Woostcr  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


J  25 


"  Oyster  Ponds,  21th  August,  1775. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  18lh  inst.  came  duly  to  hand, 
and  I  should  have  sailed  for  Harlem  without  loss  of  time, 
had  I  not  received  the  following  important  intelligence 
from  General  Washington,  viz  : 

"  '  Aug.  23d,  1775 — Yesterday  I  received  advice  from 
Boston  that  a  number  of  transports  have  sailed  on  a  second 
expedition  for  fresh  provisions.  As  they  may  pursue  the 
same  course,  only  advancing  farther,  we  think  Montauk 
Point  on  Long  island  a  very  probable  place  of  their  landing. 
I  have,  therefore,  thought  it  best  to  give  you  the  earliest  in- 
telligence, but  I  do  not  mean  to  confine  your  attention  or 
vigilance  to  that  place ;  you  will  please  to  extend  your 
views  as  far  as  the  mischief  may  be  probably  extended.' 

"  Thus  far  the  intelligence.  I  would  further  inform  you 
that  the  King  Fisher  last  Wednesday  went  up  the  Sound, 
with  several  small  cutters,  reconnoitering  the  north  side  of 
the  island,  and  Thursday  there  followed  past  this  place  two 
topsail  vessels,  which  I  apprehend  to  be  transports,  as  they 
fired  two  signal  guns  when  they  went  through  the  race.  I 
would  therefore  recommend  it  to  the  Provincial  Congress 
to  keep  a  good  guard  over  Queens  county,  as  I  imagine 
their  design  is  to  get  stock  from  Huntington,  Lloyd's  Neck 
or  Flushing ;  and  as  we  hope  to  secure  all  the  stock  upon 
this  part  of  the  island,  you  may  expect  the  Boston  fleet 
will  proceed  further  up  the  Sound. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt,  humble  servt. 

"DAVID  WOOSTER. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  Gen.  Woosters's  letter  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  following  persons,  to  wit :  Col.  Blackwell,  to  the 
committee  of  Huntington  and  to  Mr.  Townsend,  by  express. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Saratoga,  on  the 
19th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Saratoga,  Aug.  19th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Yesterday  Lt.  Col.  Ritzma  delivered  me  your 
favour  of  the  8th  inst.  with  the  papers  referred  to  and  en- 
closed in  it.  The  mode  of  procuring  arms  which  you  have 
adopted,  I  believe  will  afford  a  sufficient  and  an  immediate 
supply  ;  but  after  all  I  fear  they  will  be  but  very  indifferent, 
if  I  may  judge  from  the  Connecticut  arms,  many  of  which 
were  procured  in  the  same  way.  This  induces  me  to  hint 
that  no  time  ought  to  be  lost  in  supplying  ourselves  with 
this  necessary  article,  and  that  they  should  be  made  in 
every  part  of  the  Colony  where  there  is  any  artist  that  un- 
derstands it.  I  have  ordered  an  hundred  gun  barrels  to 
New-York,  and  as  many  as  the  gunsmiths  at  Albany  and 
Schenectady  can  repair,  to  those  places,  of  those  that 
were  found  at  Crown  Point. 

"  Col.  Ritzma,  with  the  four  companies  under  his  com- 
mand, is  to  march  this  morning  from  McNeil's,  two  miles 
above  this.  His  detachment  has  a  quantity  of  baggage 
sufficient  for  three  complete  regiments.  I  hope  the  re- 
mainder of  the  troops  will  leave  New-York  less  burthened. 

"  I  am  very  happy  that  you  have  appointed  Mr.  Duer 
deputy  adjutant-general.  Should  that  gentleman  refuse  to 
accept,  you  will  I  hope  immediately  appoint  another,  as  I 
stand  much  in  need  of  one. 

"  Without  an  artillery  officer,  it  will  be  almost  needless 
to  have  cannon,  for  I  cannot  find  any  person  amongst  the 
troops  that  was  ever  employed  in  that  branch.  There  are 
gentlemen  who  have  practised  in  New-York,  and  I  should 
hope  that  if  the  request  was  made,  that  none  would  refuse 
to  serve  his  country  on  this  occasion. 

"  Please  to  favour  me  with  a  list  of  your  military  ar- 
rangement that  I  may  know  what  gentlemen  are  appointed. 
Those  with  Col.  Ritzma  I  had  not  the  pleasure  of  being 
acquainted  with  at  New-York.  Fourteen  of  Col  Ritzma's 
men  have  already  deserted  since  his  arrival  at  Half-Moon, 
and  I  believe  he  will  lose  many  more  before  he  reaches 
Ticonderoga.  If  those  gone  are  like  some  that  remain, 
we  have  gained  by  their  going  off. 

"  If  it  be  determined  that  Ticonderoga  is  the  place  to  be 

32 


kept,  I  should  know  it  the  soonest  possible,  that  such  men 
as  may  be  left  there  may  be  set  to  work  in  making  the  ne- 
cessary repairs. 

"  I  arrived  here  yesterday  (on  a  visit  to  Mrs.  Schuyler 
who  has  been  dangerously  ill,  but  is  happily  out  of  dan- 
ger,) and  propose  to  return  to-morrow  to  Ticonderoga. 
"  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Saratoga  on  the 
20th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Saratoga,  Aug.  20th,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  did  myself  the  honour  to  write  to  you  yester- 
day, but  forgot  to  answer  your  request  relative  to  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys.  Since  my  last  to  you  on  that  subject,  I 
have  heard  nothing  immediately  from  them. 

"  Reports  prevail  that  the  controversy  between  Allen 
and  Warner  is  carried  to  such  a  length  that  few  men  will 
be  raised,  and  that  of  those  that  may  enlist,  very  few  will 
have  arms. 

"  I  have  just  now  received  an  express  from  Gen.  Mont- 
gomery, enclosing  the  examination  of  a  Canadian,  which 
confirms  our  former  accounts  of  the  friendly  sentiments  of 
the  Canadians  ;  that  the  vessels  building  at  St.  John's  were 
ten  days  ago  not  began  planking  ;  that  a  number  of  Cana- 
dians are  ready  to  join  us  on  our  arrival  at  St.  John's. 

"  Pray  send  up  the  cartridge  paper  and  artillery  stores 
with  the  utmost  speed,  as  I  should  be  sorry  to  remain  a 
moment  longer  at  Ticonderoga  than  what  is  absolutely  ne- 
cessary. 

"  I  am,  sir,  most  respectfully,  your  obedt  servt. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Albany,  on  the 
23d  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 

"  Albany,  Aug.  23d,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  your  favour  of 
the  17th  inst.  enclosing  the  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the 
15th,  and  a  copy  of  Gen.  Washington's  letter  of  the  10th. 

"  This  morning  Mr.  Warner  was  with  me  for  the  cloth- 
ing and  blankets  of  the  Green  Mountain  Boys.  I  read 
your  resolution  to  him  and  delivered  him  six  sets  of  warrants 
filled  up  agreeable  to  the  choice  made  by  them  ;  the  seventh 
remains  blank  as  one  of  the  captains  declined  the  service. 
And  as  these  people  could  not  take  the  field  without  some 
money  to  procure  blankets  and  arms,  I  have  advanced  him 
£500  on  their  pay. 

"  I  did  not  mention  to  him  your  resolution  authorizing  me 
to  appoint  the  field  officers,  as  1  cannot  possibly  comply  with 
that  requisition.  The  peculiar  situation  of  these  people 
and  the  controversy  they  have  had  with  this  Colony  or  with 
gentlemen  in  it,  renders  that  matter  too  delicate  for  me  to 
determine,  and  it  was  in  this  view  that  I  begged  that  the 
warrants  for  the  field  officers  might  be  sent  me  complete, 
which  I  shall  still  hope  to  receive  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  am  at  a  loss  to  reconcile  the  spirit  of  Mr.  Lewis'  let- 
ter (to  which  I  referred  in  one  of  mine  to  you,)  with  what 
you  say  relative  to  an  hospital  in  your  last.  By  the  for- 
mer I  was  directed  to  address  myself  to  you  in  the  recess 
of  Congress,  by  the  latter  it  would  appear  that  you  have 
received  no  directions  from  the  Continental  Congress  re- 
specting this  department.  This  alarms  me  much,  lest 
you  should  not  be  able  to  decide  on  the  several  matters 
contained  in  the  letters,  copies  of  which  I  had  the  honour  to 
transmit  you  from  Ticonderoga. 

"  Our  arms  are  of  such  a  variety  of  bores,  and  as  the 
ball  we  have  were  designed  only  for  muskets,  we  cannot 
do  any  thing  without  the  bullet  moulds.  I  beg  they  may 
be  forwarded  without  delay. 

"  Immediately  on  my  first  arrival  at  Ticonderoga  I  ac- 
quainted Gov.  Trumbull  that  Col.  Hinman's  regiment 
wanted  tents.    I  have  since  been  informed  that,  on  the 


126 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Governor's  application,  you  were  to  furnish  them.  If  so,  I 
hope  they  are  on  the  way  up.  Half  of  the  troops  are 
without  tents  and  should  they  not  arrive  in  time  I  tremble 
for  the  consequences,  as  they  must  necessarily  be  exposed 
to  the  rains  and  dews  which  I  fear  will  make  dreadful  ha- 
voc amongst  them. 

"  About  700  Indians  are  now  here  and  we  open  the  con- 
ference with  them  to-morrow. 

"  I  am,  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  very  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Resolved,  That  the  company  of  artillery  raised  by  Capt. 
Lamb,  be  considered  as  part  of  the  three  thousand  men 
directed  by  the  Continental  Congress  to  be  raised  in  this 
Colony.  That  the  officers  and  men  belonging  to  the  said 
company  be  entitled  to  pay,  agreeable  to  the  Continental 
arrangement  now  established.  That  the  officers  of  the 
said  company  be  entitled  to  the  same  rank  and  be  under 
the  same  command  as  other  artillery  companies  in  the  Con- 
tinental army.  That  Col.  McDougall  be  ordered  to  re- 
ceive from  the  treasurer  of  this  Congress  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds  to  pay  off  the  officers  and  men 
belonging  to  the  said  company  up  to  this  day  ;  and  that 
the  said  company  do  forthwith  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,  and 
join  the  army  under  Gen.  Schuyler  ;  and  that  Col.  McDou- 
gall see  that  this  order  be  complied  with,  with  all  possible 
despatch. 

William  Malcom,  by  request  in  writing,  prayed  permis- 
sion for  the  sloop  Thistle,  Roger  Haddock  master,  bound 
for  St.  Eustatia,  with  a  cargo  of  16  barrels  ship  bread,  40 
do.  apples,  300  bushels  Indian  corn,  30  boxes  spermaceti 
candles,  8  cases  furniture,  15,000  feet  of  lumber,  4,000 
hoops,  20,000  shingles,  30  barrels  Cornell,  and  a  parcel  of 
bunches  of  onions. 

Ordered,  That  he  have  a  permit  to  ship  the  said  cargo, 
and  for  the  said  vessel  to  sail  subject  to  such  orders,  and 
on  having  such  affidavits  made  and  filed  as  have  in  such 
case  been  directed  by  tlrs  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Thomas  Wicks,  Esq.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Huntington,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"29th  Aug.  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — We  thought  proper  to  communicate  to  your  com- 
mittee, the  intelligence  contained  in  the  enclosed  letter  from 
Gen.  Wooster,  which  we  received  this  morning.  Be 
pleased  immediately  to  call  your  committee  together  ;  and 
we  expect  you  will  use  every  measure  to  prevent  the  mi- 
nisterial troops  from  obtaining  a  supply  of  provisions  from 
the  places  mentioned  in  Gen.  Wooster' s  letter.  Depend- 
ing on  your  prudence  and  zeal  in  the  common  cause, 
"  We  are  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"  To  Thomas  Wicks,  Esq. 

"  Chairman  of  the  Committee  at  Huntington. 

"  P.  S — We  beg  you  would  immediately  communicate 
this  intelligence  to  the  committees  of  Smithtown  and  Brook- 
haven,  and  also  to  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Lloyd." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  by  the  re- 
turn of  the  express. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Jacob  Blackwell  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  29th  Aug.  1775. 

"  Sir — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  we  just  now 
received  from  Gen.  Wooster,  and  beg  you  would  imme- 
diately so  dispose  of  the  militia  under  your  command  as 
to  prevent  the  ministerial  troops  from  obtaining  a  supply  of 
provisions  from  the  places  mentioned  in  Gen.  Wooster's  let- 
ter. We  rely  on  your  zeal  and  utmost  exertions  to  defeat 
the  designs  of  our  common  enemy. 

"  And  are  your  humble  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"  To  Col.  Jacob  Blackwell,  at  Newtown." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  sent  by  return  of  the 
messenger. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  the  Commis- 
sary, do  immediately  purchase  all  the  sail  cloth  in  this 
city  that  comes  cheaper  than  Russia  duck,  and  that  he 
purchase  the  residue  of  Russia  duck  to  complete  the  num- 
ber of  tents.  That  all  the  tent  and  sailmakers  in  this  city 
be  immediately  set  to  work  to  complete  the  said  tents,  and 
that  they  be  forwarded  up  as  fast  as  they  are  made,  by 
twenty  or  thirty  at  a  time,  until  the  whole  number  are  com- 
pleted, to  the  Commissary  at  Albany,  to  be  forwarded  with 
all  possible  expedition  to  Gen.  Schuyler  at  Ticonderoga. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
committee  at  Albany,  bearing  date  the  1 7th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
committee  at  Albany,  bearing  date  on  the  21st  inst.  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  state  of  the  case  of  Alexander  White,  Esq.  was  read 
and  filed. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Sir  John  Johnson,  to  A.  White, 
Esq.  dated  at  Johnson  Hall,  on  Sunday  morning,  was  read 
and  filed. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Sir  John  Johnson,  to  A.  White, 
bearing  dale  on  the  25th  July  last,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Albany,  dated  the  11th  inst.  was  read  and  filed. 

The  copy  of  the  examination  enclosed  in  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler's letter,  was  read  and  filed. 

Resolved  and  agreed,  nem.  con.  That  Edward  Flem- 
ming,  Esq.  be  appointed  deputy  adjutant-general  in  the 
Continental  army,  with  the  rank  of  colonel ;  and  that  he 
be  directed  to  join  the  forces  under  the  command  of  Maj. 
Gen.  Schuyler,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Whereas,  the  commander  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia, 
under  pretence  of  protecting  the  King's  property,  did  in 
the  dead  of  the  night  of  the  23d  inst.  most  unwarrantably 
fire  on  the  south  part  of  this  defenceless  city,  whereby 
three  of  His  Majesty's  subjects  were  wounded,  the  proper- 
ty of  several  destroyed  and  the  lives  of  many  exposed  to 
the  most  imminent  danger  : 

And  Whereas,  many  of  the  inhabitants  under  appre- 
hensions that  the  like  hostile  conduct  may  be  in  future  pur- 
sued by  the  commander  of  the  said  ship,  have  been  induced 
to  move  their  wives,  children  and  property  out  of  this  city  : 

And  Whereas,  from  the  present  temper  of  the  people 
it  is  apprehended  that  the  peace  of  this  city  may  be  inter- 
rupted and  that  the  lives  and  property  of  many  be  exposed, 
in  case  the  officers  or  crew  belonging  to  any  of  His  Majes- 
ty's ships  should  come  with  their  boats  to  this  city  : 

In  order  therefore  to  preserve  the  peace,  quiet  the  minds 
of  the  inhabitants  and  prevent  the  officers  and  men  belong- 
ing to  any  of  His  Majesty's  ships  that  now  are,  or  hereaf- 
ter may  arrive  in  this  port  from  coming  to  this  city  un- 
der pretence  of  procuring  supplies,  this  Congress  have 
thought  proper  to  permit,  and  they  do  hereby  permit, 
(agreeable  to  the  former  directions  of  this  Congress)  that 
Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  contractor  for  His  Majesty's  navy,  do 
in  future  supply  His  Majesty's  ships  stationed  here,  with 
all  necessaries,  as  well  fresh  as  salt,  for  the  use  of  the  said 
ships  ;  that  such  supplies  be  by  him  sent  to  the  Governor's 
island  ;  that  they  may  be  taken  from  thence  on  board  the 
said  ships. 

And  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  and  Colony  are  hereby 
enjoined  from  using  any  attempt  to  prevent  the  said  sup- 
plies from  being  furnished  by  the  said  Abraham  Lott  or  his 
agent ;  or  for  obtaining  satisfaction  for  the  injury  they  have 
received ;  as  this  Congress,  duly  impressed  with  a  sense 
thereof,  are  determined  to  pursue  every  prudent  and  proper 
measure  for  preventing  the  like  insults  in  future  ;  and  for 
obtaining  satisfaction  and  redress. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolution  be  published  in 
hand  bills. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


127 


A  petition  of  John  Candell,  praying  to  be  heard,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  be  directed  to  have 
John  Candell,  brought  to  the  bar  of  this  House  this  after- 
noon, and  that  the  witnesses  respecting  him  do  attend  at 
the  same  time. 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  De  Peyster,  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  merchant,  have  a  permit  to  load  the  sloop 
Charity  with  two  hundred  bushels  of  corn,  four  tons  of 
ship  bread,  two  hogsheads  of  dried  cod,  and  ten  dozen  of 
poultry  to  the  island  of  Antigua,  or  some  other  of  the  West 
India  islands,  subject  to  such  orders,  and  on  having  such 
affidavits  made  and  filed  as  have  in  such  cases  been  direct- 
ed by  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Verplanck  and  Richard  Yates, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  applications  of  the 
owners  of  vessels  which  are  going  to  sea,  and  to  give  them 
permits  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  and  orders  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  furnish  arms  for  the 
fourth  regiment,  as  fast  as  may  be  conveniently  done,  and 
that  he  forward  such  a  number  of  arms  to  Albany  for  the 
fourth  regiment,  as  Col.  Holmes  shall  advise  to  be  necessa- 
ry, as  fast  as  they  can  be  procured. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  be  requested  to  furnish  a 
guard  of  twenty-four  men  to  proceed  from  New- York  to 
the  Highlands,  when  requested  by  Messrs.  Isaac  Sears, 
Samuel  Bavard,  William  Bedlow,  John  Berrien  and 
Christopher  Miller  (commissioners  appointed  to  erect  forti- 
fications on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  in  the  Highlands) 
or  any  three  or  more  of  them,  and  to  attend  upon  and  be 
subject  to  the  direction  of  the  said  commissioners,  who 
will  agree  to  pay  the  said  guard. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  Esq.  was 

read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  Naa-Yorh,  .lug.  29th.  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — Several  companies  belonging  to  the  regiments 
raised  in  this  Colony,  refuse  marching  until  they  receive 
their  pay  ;  and  as  Gen.  Schuyler  is  very  pressing  for  their 
joining  him  with  all  possible  expedition,  we  are  confident 
he  will  readily  excuse  your  dispensing  with  forms  in  order 
to  promote  the  general  service. 

"  We  therefore  cannot  hesitate  earnestly  to  request  the 
favour  of  you  to  advance  Col.  James  Holmes  six  hundred 
pounds,  to  enable  him  to  pay  his  men,  that  they  may  im- 
mediately march  according  to  the  pressing  requisition  of 
Gen.  Schuyler. 

"I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant. 

"  By  order. 
"  To  Jonathan  Trumbull.  Jr.  Deputy 
Paymaster-General  of  the  Conlinental 
forces." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Trumbull. 
The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  August  29th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  be  a  committee  on  behalf  of  this  Congress  to 
contract  with  some  merchant  or  merchants,  for  fifteen  tons 
of  gunpowder,  and  if  gunpowder  cannot  be  obtained,  then 
to  contract  for  the  value  of  fifteen  tons  of  gunpowder  in 
fourteen  hundred  stand  of  good  arms  and  in  salt  petre.  or 
either,  that  can  be  had  or  obtained.  And  that  they  have 
leave  to  contract  for  the  same,  to  be  paid  for  at  the  rate  of 
one  hundred  per  cent  on  the  European  invoice,  provided 
the  same  arrive  here  before  the  first  day  of  March  next. 

Messrs.  Low,  Walton,  Lefferts,  French,  Cortelyou, 
Richard  Lawrence,  Richard  Yates  and  Polhemus,  dis- 
sent. 


A  letter  from  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  Esq.  deputy  pay- 
maste-general,  assigning  his  reasons  and  excusing  himself 
from  advancing  any  money  to  pay  troops. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of 
the  letter  of  the  committee  of  Brookhaven,  of  the  third 
inst.  and  of  what  is  proper  to  be  done  with  persons  whose 
conduct  is  inimical  to  the  interests  of  this  Colony,  was  read 
and  ordered  to  be  postponed  for  farther  consideration. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Arden  and  James  Arden,  having  filed 
such  affidavits  taken  by  them  with  respect  to  the  sloop  Li- 
berty and  her  cargo,  and  is  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be 
taken  by  the  owners  of  vessels  intended  for  the  West  In- 
dies, and  having  also  sent  into  Congress  and  filed  such  af- 
fidavit of  David  Bewes,  the  master  of  the  said  sloop  Liber- 
ty, as  in  such  cases  are  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be  ta- 
ken by  the  master  of  every  such  vessel. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Liberty  with  her  cargo  now  on 
board  be  permitted  to  sail. 

Mr.  William  Malcom  having  delivered  in  such  affidavit 
taken  by  him,  with  respect  to  the  sloop  Thistle,  and  her 
cargo,  as  is  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be  taken  by  the 
I  owners  of  vessels  intended  for  the  West  Indies  ;  and  also 
i  delivered  in  such  affidavit  of  Roger  Haddock,  the  master 
of  the  said  sloop  Thistle,  as  is  in  such  cases  directed  by 
|  this  Congress  to  be  taken  by  the  master  of  every  such 
vessel,  which  affidavits  are  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Thistle  with  her  cargo  now  on 
board,  be  permitted  to  sail. 

Messrs.  Henry  Remsen  and  John  Read  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  merchants,  having  delivered  in  such  affidavits 
taken  by  them  with  respect  to  the  sloop  Charlotte,  and  her 
cargo,  as  is  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be  taken  by  the 
owners  of  vessels  intended  for  the  West  Indies  ;  and  also 
delivered  in  such  affidavit  of  Nathaniel  Harriot,  the  master 
of  the  said  sloop  Charlotte,  as  in  such  cases  is  directed  by 
this  Congress  to  be  taken  by  the  master  of  every  such 
vessel,  which  affidavits  are  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Charlotte,  with  her  cargo  now 
on  board,  be  permitted  to  sail. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  30th,  1775. 

Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President,  pro  tern. 
A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  deputy  commis- 
sioner genera],  was  read  and  filed.    He  assures  the  Con- 
gress that  the  stores  he  has  received  have  been  forwarded 
without  delay. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

'"'In  Provincial  Congress,) 
"New-York,  Aug.  30th.  1775. J 

"Gentlemen — We  received  your  letters  of  the  11th 
and  1 7th  inst.  together  with  the  several  enclosed  papers. 

"  As  White  the  late  sheriff  of  Tryon  county  is  detained 
in  your  jail  by  process  issued  out  of  court,  it  is  the  opin- 
ion of  this  Congress  that  he  ought  not  to  be  removed  be- 
fore he  satisfies  the  demand,  or  otherwise  discharged  from 
actual  custody,  upon  his  giving  bail  to  the  suit ;  when  he 
performs  either  you  will  then  send  him  down. 

"  As  you  are  best  acquainted  with  the  circumstances  of 
Boon  and  Clement,  we  must  therefore  leave  it  to  your  dis- 
cretion either  to  acquit  or  detain  them. 

"  Conner  was  brought  down  yesterday  and  he  is  secured 
under  guard. 

"  We  approve  the  lenient  measures  you  pursued  with 
the  Indians  who  escorted  those  prisoners  in  their  escape. 


128 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Their  friendship  at  this  critical  conjuncture  is  become  an 
object  of  the  utmost  moment  to  the  Colonies. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 

"  To  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  at  Albany." 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith  and  Mr.  DeLancey  dissent  from  that 
part  of  the  letter  which  directs  While  to  be  sent  down  to 
New- York  when  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  unto  Col.  James  Holmes, 
the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds  for  the  use  of  his  regiment, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  certificate  of  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Bard,  was 
read  and  filed.  They  thereby  certify  that  they  have  ex- 
amined Mr.  Joseph  Marvin,  respecting  his  knowledge  in 
physic  and  surgery,  and  find  him  well  qualified  for  the  of- 
fice of  a  first  mate  to  a  provincial  regiment. 

One  mate  having  heretofore  been  appointed  to  each  re- 
giment, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Marvin  be  appointed  an  ad- 
ditional surgeon's  mate  to  the  first  regiment  of  troops 
raised  in  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  report  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  report  the  ways  and  means  best 
adapted  to  discharge  the  debts  of  this  Congress  in  the  pre- 
sent exigencies  of  this  Colony.  The  same  was  read,  and 
being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  the  first  paragraph  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  in  obedience  to  the  directions  of 
the  Congress,  do  report,  that  they  are  of  opinion  that 
the  moneys  requisite  to  defray  the  expense  incurred  by 
this  Congress  ought  to  be  raised  by  a  tax.  That  at 
least  fifteen  thousand  pounds  is  required  for  that  purpose." 
Which  being  read,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  moved,  and  was 
seconded,  that  the  following  amendment  should  be  made, 
viz :  that  all  that  part  of  the  report  which  is  from  the 
word  moneys  to  the  word  purpose,  be  obliterated,  and  the 
following  words  there  inserted,  viz  :  "means  requisite  to 
defray  the  expenses  incurred  by  this  Congress  and  to  be 
incurred  by  the  Colony,  be  supplied  by  an  emission  of 
fortv-five  thousand  pounds,  to  be  sunk  in  manner  follow- 
ing, viz  :  one- third  part  the  first  of  March,  1776,  one  other 
third  part  on  the  first  of  March,  1777,  and  the  remaining 
third  part  on  the  first  of  March,  1778." 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  amendment  and  the 

question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative 

in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  amendment.  Jgainst  the  amendment. 

Dutchess,    2      Albany,   3 

Suffolk,  2      Ulster,   2 

Tryon,   2      Richmond,   2 

Westchester,                        2  — 

Cumberland,                        2  7 

Kings,                                2  Queens  and  Orange  have  no  votes 

—  for  want  of  a  sufficient  number 

12  of  members. 

New-V ork  equally  divided. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  that  part  of  the  report  which 
is  from  the  word  moneys  to  the  word  purpose  be  oblite- 
rated, and  the  following  words  there  inserted,  viz  :  "  means 
requisite  to  defray  the  expenses  incurred  by  this  Con- 
gress, and  to  be  incurred  by  the  Colony,  be  supplied  by 
an  emission  of  forty-five  thousand  pounds,  to  be  sunk  in 
the  manner  following,  viz  :  one-third  part  on  the  first  of 
March,  1776,  one  otherthird  part  on  the firstof  March,  1777, 
and  the  remaining  third  part  on  the  first  of  March  1778." 

Dissentients — Messrs.  Roosevelt,  Verplanck,  Walton, 
Low,  Kissam,  Lispenard,  Richard  Yates  and  De  Lancey. 

Adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  August  mth,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Hanson  be  appointed  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  one  of  the  commissioners  to  erect  forti- 
fications on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  High- 
lands. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  pay  to  the 
said  commissioners  or  any  three  or  more  of  them,  one  hundred 
pounds  to  be  expended  in  the  necessary  business  of  pre- 
paring for  and  erecting  the  said  fortifications  on  the  banks 
of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to 
forward  to  Albany  immediately,  a  sufficient  number  of 
tents  foi  Col.  Hinman's  regiment  at  Ticonderoga. 

Mr.  Sears  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  company 
of  artillery  under  the  command  of  Capt.  John  Lamb, 
should  have  the  same  pay  as  the  Rhode  Island  company 
of  artillery,  and  debates  arising  thereon  and  the  question 
being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,    2      Richmond,   2 

Westchester,   2      Albany,  3 

Cumberland,   2      Ulster,   2 

New- York,    4   

Mr.  Walton,  Thos.  Smith  ^ 
and  Mr.  Kissam,  dissent.  Kings,  Queens  and  Orange 

Suffolk,   2  counties  could  not  vote  for 

Tryon,   2  want  of  a  sufficient  number 

—  of  deputies. 

14 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  so  many  of  the  artillery  com- 
pany under  the  command  of  Capt.  John  Lamb  as  are  now 
enlisted,  shall  have  the  same  pay  as  the  Rhode  Island 
company  of  artillery  until  the  time  for  which  they  were 
enlisted  does  expire  in  December  next,  but  no  longer ; 
that  the  said  John  Lamb  be  directed  and  enjoined,  and  he 
is  hereby  enjoined  not  to  enlist  any  more  men  in  his  com- 
pany at  that  rate  ;  but  if  he  enlist  any  other  man  or  men 
than  those  he  has  already  enlisted,  that  they  shall  have 
or  be  entitled  to  such  pay  only  as  is  agreeable  to  the  ar- 
rangement of  pay  established  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of 
the  report  of  the  committee  of  ways  and  means  to  dis- 
charge the  debts  of  this  Congress  in  the  present  exigencies 
of  this  Colony.    After  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  residue  of  the  said  report  be  com- 
mitted, and  that  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Gilbert 
Livingston  and  Mr.  Tredwell  be  a  committee  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  that  they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

August  Zlst,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Franklin  of  26th  August,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  the  committee  at 
Philadelphia  have  at  the  request  of  this  Congress,  sent 
them  a  ton  of  powder  which  is  forwarded. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Franklin,  Esq  dated  at  Perth 
Amboy,  29th  inst.  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  in- 
forms that  having  information  at  Brunswick  that  powder 
had  arrived  and  passed  through  that  place  for  this  Colony, 
he  had  countermanded  the  powder  and  sent  it  back. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  have  leave  to  agree  with 
Thomas  Oakes,  Jr.  a  tinman,  on  the  best  terms  he  can, 
to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,  to  be  employed  there  in  the 
army  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Schuyler;  and  that  Col. 
McDougall  also  have  leave  to  purchase  such  tin  and  other 
materials  as  he  shall  think  necessary  to  send,  and  forward 
the  same  to  Ticonderoga. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair  be  at  liberty  to 
go  to  Lloyd's  Neck  in  Queens  county  on  Nassau  Island, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


129 


at  his  pleasure,  in  addition  to  his  former  limits  in  Suffolk 
county,  on  his  former  promise  parol  on  his  honor  pledged 
and  given  to  this  Congress. 

Messrs.  Leonard  Lispenard,  Isaac  Roosevelt  and  Ja- 
cobus Van  Zandt  brought  into  Congress  a  contract  by 
them  made  on  behalf  of  this  Congress  with  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Jr.  for  the  importing  of  fifteen  tons  of  gunpowder  and 
1400  stand  of  arms,  and  for  any  quantity  of  saltpetre 
which  he  may  import  in  lieu  of  the  said  gunpowder. 

The  said  contract  was  read  and  approved  of  and  ordered 
to  be  filed. 

The  examination  of  Jacobus  Stouienburgh,  Jr.  a  mes- 
senger from  Dutchess  county,  with  relation  to  Peter  Dop 
and  his  sloop,  was  taken  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  be  directed  to  furnish  a  suf- 
ficient detachment  of  his  battalion  to  take  and  seize  the 
sloop  and  people  on  board,  which  is  charged  with  having 
supplied  necessaries  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy,  and 
now  lying  at  anchor  near  the  Asia  ship  of  war. 

Ordered  farther,  That  Col.  Lasher  use  his  discretion 
with  respect  to  the  mode,  time  and  place  of  seizing  the 
said  sloop ;  and  that  the  said  sloop  when  seized,  be  taken 
to  some  secure  place  up  the  river,  and  stripped  of  her 
sails,  rudder,  &c.  and  that  such  persons  as  shall  be  found 
on  board,  be  immediately  brought  to  this  Congress  by 
land. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  consider  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  letter  from 
the  committee  of  Brookhaven  of  the  3d  inst.  and  of  what 
is  proper  to  be  done  with  persons  whose  conduct  is  inimi- 
cal to  the  interests  of  this  Colony ;  and  after  having  pro- 
ceeded to  hear  and  amend  the  preamble,  and  the  first  pa- 
ragraph, which  was  changed  into  two  paragraphs,  and  after 
some  time  spent  therein,  it  is  deferred  for  further  conside- 
ration. 

John  Candell  was  brought  to  the  bar  of  the  Congress 
from  the  guard  room  at  the  upper  barracks. 

The  following  persons  were  examined  as  witnesses 
against  the  said  John  Candell,  in  his  presence,  to  wit : 
John  Johnson,  James  Moore,  David  Dixon,  Cornelius  I. 
Bogert,  Allen  Rodgers,  Uzal  Meeker. 

The  examinations  of  those  persons  were  filed,  and  John 
Candell  ordered  to  be  confined  until  the  House  meet  this 
afternoon. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Aug.  31,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  agent-victualler  for 
His  Majesty's  ships  in  this  port,  was  read  and  filed  ;  also 
an  account  of  provisions  supplied  the  ship  Asia  with,  be- 
tween the  27th  of  July  and  the  2d  of  August  ;  also  an 
account  of  provisions  required  for  the  use  of  the  said  ship. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  testi- 
mony of  the  witnesses  against  John  Candell.  And  there- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Candell  be  taken  back  to 
the  barracks  and  there  kept  under  guard  until  the  further 
order  of  this  Congress.  Messrs.  Walton,  French,  Cortel- 
you  and  Lawrence  dissenting. 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  agent  for  victual- 
ling His  Majesty's  ships,  be  requested  to  attend  this  Con- 
gress to-morrow  morning,  and  also  to  furnish  this  Congress 
with  an  estimate  of  the  quantity  of  provisions  the  ship  Asia 
will  require  per  week,  and  the  number  of  men  on  board. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis  and  Mr.  Anthony 
Griffiths  be  requested  to  go  to  the  house  of  Linton,  the 
innkeeper,  at  the  sign  of  the  Blue  Bell  in  this  city,  to 
search  for  the  baggage  of  Alexander  Bell  ;  and  that  at 
their  discretion,  they  search  the  house  of  the  said  Linton  ; 
that  they  retain  such  papers  as  they  shall  find  and  think 
necessary ;  and  that  they  report  to  this  Congress  to-mor- 
row morning. 

33 


Linus  King,  Thomas  Marston  and  Hamilton  Young  filed 
affidavits  with  respect  to  the  brig  Polly,  bound  to  the  West 
Indies,  and  also  a  list  of  her  cargo,  as  is  directed  ;  also  an 
affidavit  of  Bernard  McDavit,  the  master  of  the  said  brig 
Polly,  as  is  directed  by  this  Congress  to  be  taken  by  the 
master. 

Ordered,  That  the  brig  Polly  with  her  cargo  now  on 
board,  be  permitted  to  sail. 

Archibald  Mercer,  filed  a  like  affidavit  as  owner  of  the 
sloop  Greyhound,  bound  to  Curracoa,  with  a  list  of  her 
cargo  ;  also  the  affidavit  of  William  Montanye,  master  of 
said  sloop  Greyhound,  as  directed  and  required  by  this 
Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sloop  Greyhound  with  her  cargo 
now  on  board,  be  permitted  to  sail. 

Samuel  Burling  filed  an  affirmation  respecting  the  sloop 
Joseph,  bound  to  Providence,  in  Rhode-Island,  with  flour  ; 
also  an  affidavit  of  Benjamin  Lindsay,  master  of  the  said 
sloop  Joseph,  as  required  and  directed  by  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sloop  Joseph  with  her  cargo 
now  on  board,  be  permitted  to  sail. 

John  Murray  filed  such  affidavit  as  owner  of  the  ship 
Peggy,  bound  to  Falmouth  and  laden  with  wheat,  as  is  re- 
quired to  be  taken  by  an  owner. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  1st,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 
Ordered,  That  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  be  requested  and 
empowered  to  deal  out  the  powder  lately  received  in  this 
city,  according  to  the  directions  of  this  Congress  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  and  to  keep  accounts  of  the  distri- 
bution thereof. 

An  estimate  or  account  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  agent- 
victualler  for  His  Majesty's  ships  in  this  port,  was  read  ; 
and  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  being  so  indisposed  as  to  be  con- 
fined to  his  house,  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  requested  a 
conference  with  some  member  or  members  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarkson,  Mr.  Walton  and  Mr. 
Sears,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Abraham  Lott,  Esq. 
and  also  to  report  to  this  Congress  on  the  letter  of  Abra- 
ham Lott,  Esq.  requesting  to  permit  the  ship  Asia's  boats 
to  get  beer  and  water  at  Brooklyn  ;  and  also  on  the  quan- 
tities of  provisions  proper  to  be  supplied  to  the  said  ship. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  have  one  hundred 
weight  of  gunpowder  for  the  use  of  the  troops  under  his 
command  ;  and  that  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  be  requested 
to  let  the  same  be  delivered  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Alexander  Bell  and  his  examination,  and 
the  notes  or  memorandums  found  on  Bell,  be  delivered 
over  to  the  city  committee,  and  that  the  chairman  or  de- 
puty chairman  of  the  committee  be  informed  that  the  said 
Alexander  Bell  is  confined  in  the  barracks. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Abraham  Lott, 
Esq.  agent  for  victualling  His  Majesty's  ships,  reported 
that  they  had  conferred  with  him,  and  are  of  the  opinion 
that  the  best  method  of  supplying  the  said  ship  with  beer 
and  water,  is  to  let  her  be  supplied  from  Brooklyn  ferry, 
with  beer  and  water  as  usual ;  and  that  she  be  supplied 
with  provisions  weekly,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  this 
Congress. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  ship  have  leave  to 
be  supplied  with  beer  and  water  from  Brooklyn  ferry  as 
usual  ;  and  that  they  be  supplied  with  provisions  weekly, 
agreeable  to  the  former  resolution  of  this  House. 

Whereas,  Gen.  Schuyler,  by  his  letter  to  this  Con- 
gress, of  the  23d  ult.  has  declined  to  nominate  any  field 


130 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


officer  or  officers  to  the  regiment  of  Green  Mountain  Boys, 
the  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  appointment  of 
such  field  officers. 

Debates  arising  thereon,  the  question  was  put,  whether 
the  Congress  will  now  proceed  to  nominate  the  field  offi- 
cers for  the  regiment  of  Green  Mountain  Boys,  or  defer 
that  nomination  until  the  men  are  raised,  or  farther  infor- 
mation obtained  ?  and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  that 
Congress  will  now  proceed  to  nominate  the  said  officers 
in  manner  following : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,                              2  Richmond,   2 

Dutchess,                            2  Ulster,   2 

Cumberland,                        2  Kings,   2 

Albany,                              3  — 

Tryon,                               2  6 

Westchester,                        2  New- York  and  Queens  coun- 

Orange,                              2  ty  have  not  votes  for  want 

—  of  a  sufficient  number  of 

15  members  present. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  will  now  pro- 
ceed to  nominate  and  appoint  field  officers  for  the  said  re- 
giment of  Green  Mountain  Boys. 

Dissentients — Mr.  Richard  Yates,  Mr.  Walton,  Mr. 
Kissam,  Mr.  Low  and  Mr.  Verplanck. 

And  Resolved,  That  Seth  Warner  be  appointed  lieute- 
nant-colonel of  the  said  regiment  of  Green  Mountain 
Boys, 

Dissentients — Mr.  Walton,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Kissam, 
Mr.  Low  and  Mr.  Verplanck. 

And  Resolved,  That  Samuel  Safford  be  appointed  ma- 
jor of  the  said  regiment. 

Dissentients — Mr.  Walton,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Kis- 
sam and  Mr.  Low. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq. 
as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
the  further  sum  of  five  thousand  pounds,  to  be  applied  to- 
ward discharging  the  debts  contracted  by  purchasing  pro- 
visions, military  stores,  and  other  necessaries,  in  obedi- 
ence to  the  orders  of  this  Congress  ;  and  that  Mr.  Living- 
ston take  Mr.  Curtenius',  receipt  for  the  same,  on  account. 

Ordered,  That  John  Berrien  be  commissary  for  the 
agenls  for  building  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and 
such  persons  as  they  shall  employ. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  September  Isty  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  dated  the  29th 
August,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"Albany,  August  29th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  at  present  stationed  in  Albany  by 
Gen.  Schuyler  to  forward  the  troops  that  arrive  here,  to  Ti- 
conderoga,  and  it  gives  me  pain  to  inform  you  that  Col. 
Clinton  arrived  here  with  the  other  field  officers  and  six 
companies  of  his  battalion,  five  of  which  are  armed,  but  in 
bad  repair.  They  have  been  supplied  with  blankets  at 
this  place — other  necessaries  are  wanted. 

"  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  is  also  arrived  here  with  five  com- 
panies of  Holmes'  battalion,  who  have  not  arms  sufficient 
to  supply  one  company,  and  are  totally  destitute  of  all 
other  tents,  accoutrements  and  necessaries,  saving  their 
regimental  coats.  We  shall  endeavour  to  procure  as  ma- 
ny stand  of  arms  as  possible,  upon  terms  of  the  resolve 
published  by  you  ;  but  am  very  well  persuaded  that  the 
number  will  greatly  fall  short  of  the  number  wanted  to 
supply  the  companies  that  are  now  here  and  those  expect- 
ed. 

"  As  Gen.  Schuyler  is  returned  to  Ticonderoga,  this 
matter  I  conceive,  comes  within  my  province ;  and  I 
should  ever  accuse  myself  of  inhumanity  and  a  want  of 
love  to  my  country,  should  1  be  backward  in  giving  you  a 
true  account  of  the  situation  and  distress  of  these  compa- 


nies, when  I  consider  how  much  they  are  wanted  at  the 
forts  above.  I  therefore  look  up  to  you,  and  beg  that  you 
will,  without  delay,  send  up  such  or  so  many  arms,  tents, 
blankets  and  other  necessaries  as  will  supply  those  com- 
panies, so  that  they  may  be  forwarded  with  the  greatest 
despatch. 

"  I  must  also  inform  you,  the  men  are  much  discontent- 
ed for  want  of  their  pay,  and  do  assure  you  that  the  ser- 
vice greatly  suffers.  There  is  scarce  any  thing  to  be  heard 
in  the  camp  but  mutinies.  I  have  for  that  purpose,  wrote 
to  Mr.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  who,  I  am  informed,  is  ap- 
pointed deputy-paymaster-general,  which  letter  I  enclose 
you,  as  I  do  not  know  where  he  is  at  present.  I  beg, 
therefore,  that  you  will  forward  it  to  him  by  express. 

"  I  am  very  happy,  however,  to  inform  you  that,  not- 
withstanding the  clamours  and  discontent  of  my  men  at 
first,  there  is  at  present  nine  of  my  companies  up  at  Ti- 
conderoga, with  the  other  two  field  officers  in  actual  ser- 
vice, and  the  last  will  march  to-morrow. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient 

"  Humble  servant, 
"  GOOSE  VAN  SCHAICK." 

A  letter  from  Henry  Livingston,  Jr.  major  of  the  third 
regiment,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Albany,  August  29th,  1775. 
"Sir — I  am  desired  by  Col.  Clinton  to  inform  you  that 
he  arrived  here  last  Saturday,  and  has  now  with  him  six 
companies,  encamped  about  a  mile  out  of  town — that  there 
are  guns  enough  to  equip  about  three  companies — that 
there  are  two  companies  beside  that  have  arms,  but  want 
some  repairs  ;  and  as  there  are  not  armourers  sufficient  at 
Ticonderoga,  must  wait  here  'till  they  can  be  repaired. 
That  there  is  great  want  of  officers'  tents,  there  being  here 
only  sufficient  for  2  companies,  and  1  tent  for  the  lieuten- 
ant-colonel. Of  soldiers'  tents  for  our  regiment  there  is  a 
sufficiency,  (but  no  more  than  barely  for  our  7  companies.) 
That  the  soldiers  murmur  much  for  want  of  pay,  and  are 
very  unwilling  to  march  from  here  without  it.  That  the 
medicine  chest  is  not  yet  arrived,  or  a  surgeon,  and  that 
drums  and  fifes  are  wanting.  However,  3  companies  will 
be  equipped  with  all  speed,  and  sent  off  immediately. 
"  I  am,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant, 
"HENRY  LIVINGSTON,  Jr. 
"  To  Hon.  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston." 

It  being  represented  to  this  Congress,  that  Barnabas 
Tuthill,  major  of  the  fourth  regiment  of  troops  now  rais- 
ed in  this  Colony,  and  Job  Mulford,  adjutant  of  the  said 
regiment,  are  both  in  this  city,  and  unable  to  proceed  to- 
Ticonderoga,  for  want  of  money  to  defray  their  expenses  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Living- 
ston, Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  major 
Barnabas  Tuthill,  twenty-six  pounds,  thirteen  shillings  and 
four  pence,  for  his  pay  for  two  months,  to  enable  him  to 
proceed  to  Ticonderoga  to  join  the  army  under  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Schuyler.  And  that  the  said  Peter  Van 
Brugh  Livingston,  pay  to  the  said  major  Barnabas  Tuthill, 
the  further  sum  of  fourteen  pounds,  thirteen  shillings  and 
four  pence,  on  account,  as  two  months  pay  for  Job  Mulford, 
the  adjutant  of  the  said  fourth  regiment,  to  enable  him  to 
join  the  army  at  Ticonderoga.  And  that  Mr. Livingston  take 
major  Tuthill's  receipt  for  those  two  sums,  amounting  to- 
gether to  the  sum  of  forty-one  pounds,  six  shillings  and 
eight  pence,  on  account  of  pay.  And 

Ordered,  That  Maj.  Barnabas  Tuthill  do  without  delay, 
give  information  in  writing  of  the  money  by  him  received 
by  the  virtue  of  this  order,  both  to  Col.  James  Holmes,  of 
the  fourth  regiment,  and  to  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jun.  Esq. 
deputy-paymaster-general. 

Resolved,  That  no  person  other  than  the  deputy  post- 
master, appointed  by  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


131 


puties  that  shall  be  appointed  by  them,  or  the  Post-Master 
General,  shall  demand  any  postage  for,  or  receive  any  let- 
ters in  this  Colony  with  intent  to  receive  pay  for  the  same, 
(such  letters  which  shall  or  may  arrive  by  the  packet  from 
Great  Britain  excepted.)  And  the  several  committees  of 
this  Colony  are  hereby  directed  to  cause  this  resolution  to 
be  faithfully  observed. 

Mr.  Walton  and  Mr.  Kissam  dissent. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  resolution  be  published. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  your  letters  of  the  19th,  20th  and  23d  ult.  and  are  to 
observe  in  answer  to  them,  that  the  difficulty  of  procuring 
arms  obliged  us  to  adopt  the  mode  we  have  done,  as  the 
best  and  only  expedient  for  an  immediate  supply.  Nor 
have  we  been  inattentive  to  what  you  recommend,  having 
taken  every  means  in  our  power  to  encourage  the  manu- 
facturing of  arms  in  this  Colony ;  and  we  shall  not  fail  in 
future  to  attend  duly  to  an  object  of  so  much  importance. 
We  are  to  inform  you  that  from  the  peculiar  situation  Mr. 
Duer  is  in  respecting  some  of  his  private  affairs,  (which 
were  communicated  to  a  secret  committee,)  the  Congress 
thought  it  rather  proper  that  he  should  decline  the  appoint- 
ment, and  have  appointed  Col.  Flemming  in  his  stead,  who 
we  hope  will  be  acceptable  to  you,  and  who  will  proceed 
to  join  you  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  our  military  arrangement,  which 
you  request.  As  to  what  you  mention  with  respect  to  Ti- 
conderoga's  being  the  place  to  be  kept,  we  know  not  what 
directions  to  give  you  on  that  head,  and  must  therefore 
leave  you  upon  the  general  orders  you  have  from  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  the  exigency  of  the  case,  to  deter- 
mine what  is  proper  as  to  that  matter. 

"  We  are  happy  to  find  from  your  intelligence  that 
affairs  in  Canada  wear  so  favourable  an  aspect,  and  in  far- 
ther confirmation  of  it,  we  enclose  the  copy  of  an  exami- 
nation of  a  person  lately  returned  from  Quebec,  as  we  think 
it  of  importance  to  apprize  you  of  this  information. 

"  A  sufficient  quantity  of  cartridge  paper  has  been  for- 
warded. The  order  for  artillery  stores  Mr.  Curtenius  says 
was  so  general,  that  he  did  not  know  what  particulars  nor 
of  what  sizes  to  send,  but  supposes  that  Mr.  Van  Rensse- 
laer procured  what  was  necessary.  We  are  endeavouring 
to  procure  blankets  for  the  troops,  that  article  being  difficult 
to  be  got.  As  to  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  we  see  no 
method  for  our  supplying  them  with  arms  or  blankets. 
We  have  ordered  250  coats,  and  would  be  glad  to  know 
what  progress  the  Green  Mountain  Boys  have  made  in 
their  enlistment. 

"  Since  you  decline  appointing  the  field  officers  the  Con- 
gress have  taken  it  upon  themselves,  and  determined  upon 
the  best  information  they  can  get. 

"When  we  first  wrote  you  concerning  the  hospital,  Mr. 
Lewis  had  not  informed  us  of  the  determination  of  the 
Continental  Congress  ;  we  therefore  thought  that  matter 
to  be  without  our  department,  and  declined  giving  any  di- 
rections about  it.  And  although  in  a  subsequent  letter  to 
you  we  expressed  our  approbation  of  the  measure,  yet  we 
submitted  the  expediency  of  it  entirely  to  your  own  discre- 
tion and  judgment. 

"  As  to  the  artillery  department,  we  are  obliged  to  rely 
on  Capt.  Lamb  ;  not  being  able  to  procure  any  person  who 
we  think  better  qualified,  he  will  march  with  his  company 
in  a  day  or  two. 

"  We  have  been  a  good  deal  embarrassed  with  the 
troops,  they  having  refused  to  march  without  their  pay 
We  applied  to  Mr.  Trumbull,  the  paymaster,  to  advance  a 
sufficient  sum  for  the  purpose,  but  thought  he  could  not  do 
it  consistent  with  the  orders  he  had  from  you.  The  money 
we  have  been  and  shall  be  obliged  to  advance  for  the  pay 
and  subsistence  of  the  troops,  we  think  will  amount  to 
£10,000.  We  must  beg,  sir,  that  you  will  give  us  an 
order  on  the  Continental  Congress  for  that  sum,  to  reim- 


burse us,  which  we  will  duly  account  for  to  you  or  the 
paymaster,  as  you  shall  direct.  The  following  articles 
were  sent  to  you  about  the  latter  end  of  July  :  3  quarter- 
casks  Madeira  wine  ;  1  hhd.  claret;  4  barrels  oatmeal;  3 
kegs  of  raisins,  and  12  kegs  of  barley  :  4  barrels  of  vinegar 
were  sent  a  few  days  ago.  We  fear  they  have  been  de- 
layed on  the  way. 

"  Some  bullet  moulds  will  be  sent  you  by  Capt.  Goforth. 
They  would  have  been  sent  sooner  had  not  the  commissary 
been  obliged  to  get  them  made  here  ;  the  rest  will  be  for- 
warded as  soon  as  they  are  finished.  We  have  lost  no 
time  in  getting  tents  made  of  all  the  materials  that  could 
be  procured  for  that  purpose.  We  have  forwarded  such 
as  are  done,  and  will  send  the  others  as  soon  as  complete. 
There  will  be  tents  enough  for  our  four  regiments,  and 
Col.  Hinman's,  but  we  have  not  yet  materials  for  tents  for 
the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  but  think  we  shall  soon  be  able 
to  supply  them. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obedient 

"  And  very  humble  servants. 
"New-York,  1st  Sept.  1775." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  by  the  mes- 
senger from  Albany. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  of  the 
third  regiment,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Is  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Sept.  1st,  1775.  I 

"  Sir — We  received  your  letter  by  express,  dated  the 
29th  ult.  We  have  given  the  necessary  orders  in  this  city 
to  collect  all  the  arms  that  can  be  got,  but  we  are  sorry  to 
inform  you  that  there  is  no  probability  of  receiving  a  sup- 
ply sufficient  to  answer  immediately  the  demand  of  the 
companies  of  the  3d  and  4th  regiments  now  at  Albany. 
No  other  expedient,  therefore,  remains  to  obtain  a  sufficient 
quantity  than  by  endeavouring  to  purchase  or  hire  them. 

"  Mr.  Curtenius  informs  us  that  all  the  necessaries  for 
those  companies  are  sent,  or  will  be  sent  by  the  first  op- 
portunity. He  will  also  forward  to-morrow,  by  Capt. 
Cooper,  for  Albany,  most  of  the  other  necessary  accoutre- 
ments for  Col.  Holmes'  companies  now  with  you,  arms 
excepted. 

"  Your  letter  directed  to  Mr.  Trumbull  we  have  deliver- 
ed to  him,  and  you  will  receive  his  answer  by  this  oppor- 
tunity. If  Gen.  Schuyler  has  left  no  directions  to  Mr. 
Trumbull  to  pay  the  men  at  Albany,  it  may  be  necessary 
for  you  to  send  an  express  to  Ticonderoga  in  order  to  pro- 
cure such  an  order  by  the  time  he  comes  up,  as  it  is 
probable  he  will  not  conceive  himself  authorized  to  pay 
them  without  such  an  order. 
"  To  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  by  the  mes- 
senger from  Albany. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  letter  of 
the  3d  inst.  from  the  committee  of  Brookhaven,  and  what 
is  proper  to  be  done  with  persons  whose  conduct  is  inimical 
to  this  country  ;  which  report  being  corrected  and  amended, 
was  adopted  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Whereas  attempts  may  be  made  to  promote  discord 
among  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  and  to  assist  and  aid 
the  ministerial  army  and  navy  in  their  endeavours  to  carry 
into  execution  the  cruel  and  oppressive  acts  of  parliament 
against  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Continent :  And  as  the  immutable  laws  of  self-defence 
and  preservation,  justify  every  reasonable  measure  entered 
into  to  counteract  or  frustrate  such  attempts  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  be  found 
guilty,  before  the  committee  of  any  city  or  county,  of  at- 
tempting, (after  the  date  of  this  resolution,)  to  furnish  the 
ministerial  army  or  navy  with  provisions  or  other  necessa- 
ries, contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  or  of  this 


132 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


Congress ;  or  of  holding  a  correspondence,  by  letter  or 
otherwise,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  information  to  the  said 
army  or  navy  of  the  measures  pursued  by  the  United  Co- 
lonies, or  any  of  them  ;  or  of  advising  expedients  which  the 
said  army  or  navy  might  or  ought  to  pursue  against  the 
said  Colonies  or  any  of  them,  such  person  or  persons,  so 
found  guilty,  shall  be  punished  at  the  discretion  of  the 
committee  before  whom  he  or  they  shall  be  so  found  guilty, 
or  at  the  discretion  of  the  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety 
of  this  Colony,  so  as  the  punishment  by  them,  at  their  dis- 
cretion inflicted,  shall  not  exceed  three  months  imprison- 
ment or  other  the  punishments  hereinafter  mentioned,  for 
the  first  offence. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  be  found 
guilty  before  the  committee  of  any  city  or  county  in  this 
Colony  of  having  furnished  the  ministerial  army  or  navy, 
(after  the  date  of  this  resolution,)  with  provisions  or  other 
necessaries,  contrary  to  any  resolution  of  the  Continental 
or  of  this  Congress,  such  person  or  persons,  so  found  guilty 
thereof  upon  due  proof  thereof,  shall  be  disarmed,  and  for- 
feit double  the  value  of  the  provisions  or  other  necessaries 
so  furnished,  to  be  applied  to  the  public  exigencies  of  this 
Colony,  in  such  manner  as  the  Congress  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being,  shall  order  and 
direct.  And  that  such  person  or  persons,  so  found  guilty, 
shall  be  put  into,  and  detained  in  close  confinement,  at  his 
or  their  own  expense  and  charge,  until  three  months  after 
he  or  they,  respectively,  shall  have  paid  such  forfeiture. 
And  that  every  such  person  or  persons,  who  shall  be  found 
guilty  of  a  second  offence  of  the  same  kind,  shall  be  ba- 
nished from  this  Colony  for  the  term  of  seven  years  from 
the  time  of  such  second  conviction. 

Although  this  Congress  have  a  tender  regard  to  the 
freedom  of  speech,  the  rights  of  conscience,  and  personal 
liberty,  as  far  as  an  indulgence  in  these  particulars  may  be 
consistent  with  our  general  security ;  yet,  for  the  public 
safety,  be  it 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  hereafter 
oppose  or  deny  the  authority  of  the  Continental  or  of  this 
Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  the  committees 
of  the  respective  counties,  cities,  towns,  manors,  precincts 
or  districts  in  this  Colony,  or  dissuade  any  person  or  per- 
sons from  obeying  the  recommendations  of  the  Continental 
or  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  the  com- 
mittees aforesaid,  and  be  thereof  convicted  before  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county,  or  any  thirteen  or  more  of  their  num- 
ber, who  shall  or  may  meet  upon  a  general  call  of  the  chair- 
man of  such  committee  where  such  person  or  persons  may 
reside,  that  such  committee  shall  cause  such  offenders  to 
be  disarmed  ;  and  for  the  second  offence  they  shall  be  com- 
mitted to  close  confinement,  at  their  respective  expense. 
And  in  case  any  of  the  said  committees  are  unable  to  carry 
this  or  any  resolution  into  execution,  they  are  hereby  di- 
rected to  apply  to  the  next  county  committee  or  command- 
ing officer  of  the  militia,  or  to  the  Congress  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  for  necessary  assistance, 
as  the  case  may  require.  But  if  it  shall  so  happen  that  any 
violators  of  this  resolution  shall  reside  in  a  county  where 
there  is  no  committee  of  the  county,  in  that  case  the  mat- 
ter shall  be  triable  before  the  committee  of  the  next  coun- 
ty :  provided  that  no  person  shall  be  tried  before  the  gene- 
ral committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  upon 
the  resolutions  herein  contained,  unless  the  stated  quorum 
be  present ;  and  in  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  unless 
there  are  present  twenty-five  members. 

Resolved  farther,  That  the  respective  committees,  and 
the  militia  of  the  several  counties  by  order  of  the  respec- 
tive committees,  or  of  the  commissioned  officer  of  the  mi- 
litia then  nearest,  are  hereby  expressly  enjoined  to  appre- 
hend every  inhabitant  or  resident  of  this  Colony,  who  now 
is  or  shall  hereafter  be  discovered  to  be  enlisted  or  in  arms 
against  the  liberties  of  America ;  and  to  confine  such  of- 
fender or  offenders  in  safe  custody  :  and  his  or  their  pu- 
nishment is  reserved  to  the  determination  of  this  or  some 


future  Provincial  Congress.  And  the  committee  nearest 
to  any  person  who  shall  be  so  enlisted,  or  have  taken  up 
arms  against  the  liberties  of  America  are  hereby  directed 
to  appoint  some  discreet  person  to  lake  the  charge  of  the 
estate,  both  real  and  personal,  of  any  such  person  or  per- 
sons ;  which  person  so  appointed  shall  be  invested  with 
such  estate,  and  render  on  oath  a  just  and  true  account 
thereof  to  this  or  some  future  Congress,  or  to  commis- 
sioners by  them  to  be  appointed,  and  pay  the  issues  and 
profits  thereof  to  the  Treasurer  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gress for  the  use  of  the  associated  Colonies. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  be  taken  up  on  suspicion 
of  any  of  the  crimes  in  the  above  resolutions  specified,  he 
shall  immediately  be  taken  before  the  committee  of  the 
city,  town,  manor,  precinct  or  district  where  the  offender 
shall  have  been  taken  up ;  and  if  upon  examination  the 
suspicion  shall  appear  to  the  said  committee  to  be  ground- 
less, that  he  be  discharged  :  provided  also  that  no  person 
charged  to  be  an  offender  shall  be  tried  upon  any  of  the 
foregoing  resolves  until  the  persons  to  be  judges  of  the  of- 
fence be  first  severally  sworn,  to  try  and  adjudge  the  per- 
son so  charged  without  partiality,  favour  or  affection  or 
hope  of  reward,  according  to  evidence ;  and  that  every 
witness  who  shall  be  examined  on  such  trial  shall  have 
the  charge  distinctly  and  clearly  stated  to  him,  and  be 
thereupon  sworn  to  speak  the  truth,  the  whole  truth  and 
nothing  but  the  truth. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  2d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  prayers. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

Messrs.  Lispenard,  Roosevelt,  Beekman,  Verplanck,  Sears,  Mc- 
Dougall,  Yates,  Kissam,  Brasher,  Low,  Clarkson,*  Van  Zandt — New- 
York. 

Messrs.  Yates,  Cuyler,  Ten  Broeck,  Rensselaer — Albany. 
Messrs.  Livingston,  Smith,  Sackett,  Hoffman — Dutchess. 
Messrs.  Dumond,  Hornbeck — Ulster. 
Messrs.  Pye,  Tusteen,  Allison,  Haring — Orange. 
Messrs.  Woodhull,  Tredwell,  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Messrs.  Morris,*  Lewis  Graham,  Ward,  Thomas,  Paulding — West- 

Chester. 

Messrs.  Williams,*  Remsen,  Polhemus,  Leffertse,*  Covenhoven,* 
Van  Derbilt,* — Kings. 

Messrs.  Cortelyou,  Conner,  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Messrs.  Lawrence,*  French,  Robinson* — Queens. 

Mr.  Marlett—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Verplanck  advance  to  John 
Mason,  a  soldier  taken  prisoner  at  Ticonderoga  and  now 
on  his  way  to  Philadelphia  with  his  wife  and  two  children, 
the  sum  of  twenty-four  shillings,  and  bring  in  an  account 
to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  for  payment  of  the  same. 
The  said  John  Mason  and  his  family  having  permission  to 
proceed  to  Philadelphia  from  Ezekiel  Williams,  Samuel 
Wadsworth  and  Epaphrus  Bull,  the  committee  at  Hart- 
ford, as  appears  by  their  certificate  now  produced,  and 
dated  the  24th  ult. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Col.  Alexander  McDou- 
gall  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  to  be  by  him  applied 
towards  paying  the  first  regiment ;  and  that  Mr.  Livingston 
take  Col.  McDougall's  receipt  for  the  same,  on  account  of 
the  pay  of  the  first  regiment. 

A  letter  from  David  Burger,  in  Partition  street,  New- 
York,  of  the  1st  inst.  complaining  of  sundry  persons  in 
Richmond  county,  who  have  supplied  a  transport  now  here 
with  live  stock. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  be  delivered  to  the  Richmond 
county  members,  to  make  inquiry  on  that  subject. 

*  These  members  were  not  present  in  the  afternoon  session. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


133 


Ordered,  That  Joseph  Robinson  of  Jamaica,  on  Nassau 
island  have  leave  to  receive  one  hundred  weight  of  gun- 
powder, on  paying  the  cash  for  the  same  to  Gabriel  W.  Lud- 
low, or  his  order;  and  the  said  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  is 
hereby  requested  to  deliver  the  same  accordingly. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appoint- 
ed on  Wednesday  last  to  reconsider  and  report  on  the  resi- 
due of  the  report  of  the  committee  of  ways  and  means, 
delivered  in  the  said  report,  with  their  amendments,  which 
was  read,  and  the  same  being  again  read  by  paragraphs, 
the  preamble  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas,  an  heavy  expense  has  accrued  on  the  cre- 
dit of  this  Colony,  and  the  same  is  likely  to  increase  in  our 
important  struggle  for  the  defence  of  our  rights  and  privi- 
leges against  tyranny  and  oppression,  and  as  a  large  sum 
of  money  is  immediately  wanted  to  answer  the  above  im- 
portant purposes, 

The  first  paragraph  which  was  agreed  to  on  Wednesday 
the  30th  ult.  was  again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  I.  That  the  means  requisite  to  defray  the 
expenses  incurred  by  this  Congress,  and  to  be  incurred  by 
the  Colony,  be  supplied  by  an  emission  of  one  hundred  and 
twelve  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  (amounting  to  the 
sum  of  forty-five  thousand  pounds,  New-York  currency,) 
to  be  sunk  in  the  manner  following,  viz  :  56,250  dollars, 
or  one  half,  the  first  day  of  March,  1776  ;  and  the  remain- 
ing half  part  the  first  day  of  March,  1777. 

The  same  being  read  and  approved  of, 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  does  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  said  resolution. 

The  second  paragraph  being  then  read  and  amended,  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  II.  That  bills  of  credit  to  the  amount  of 
112,500  be  immediately  printed,  as  follows,  viz  : 
5,000  bills  of  10  dollars  each  is  50,000  dollars. 


5,000 
5,000 
5,000 
10,000 
5,000 


25,000 
15,000 
10,000 
10,000 
2,500 

112,500 


Upon  the  face  of  each  of  which  bills  shall  be  impressed  the 
arms  of  the  city  of  New-York,  together  with  such  other 
devices  as  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  shall 
direct ;  and  the  said  bills  shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  '  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony  for  Spanish  milled  dollars,  or  the  value  thereof 
in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  New- York,  the  second  day  of  September 
1775.' 

"  Which  bills  shall  be  numbered  by  Theodoras  Van 
Wyck,  Robert  Ray,  Evert  Bancker,  John  Broome,  Elea- 
zer  Miller,  William  Denning,  John  Sebring,  John  Reade, 
Jeremiah  Brewer,  Thomas  Tucker,  Abraham  Brinckerhoff, 
Garrit  Abeel,  Anthony  L.  Bleecker,  Abraham  Livingston 
and  William  Mercey,  and  signed  by  any  three  of  them. 
The  said  signers  respectively  to  deliver  said  bills  to  the 
Treasurer  appointed  by  this  Congress,  as  soon  as  finished." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  resolution. 

The  third  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  III.  That  the  said  signers  or  any  three  of 
them  are  hereby  directed  and  required,  upon  the  delivery 
of  the  said  bills  to  them  by  the  printer  of  the  same,  to  cause 
to  be  administered  to  him  by  a  magistrate,  the  following 
oath,  viz  : 

"  'I,  A.  B.  do  declare,  that  from  the  time  that  the  letters 
were  set  and  fit  to  be  put  in  the  press,  for  printing  the  bills 
of  credit  now  by  me  delivered  to  you,  until  the  bills  were 
printed,  and  the  letters  afterwards  distributed  into  the 
boxes,  I  went  at  no  time  out  of  the  room  in  which  the  said 

34 


letters  were  without  locking  them  up,  so  that  they  could 
not  be  come  at  without  violence,  or  a  false  key,  or  other 
art,  unknown  to  me ;  and  therefore,  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge,  no  copies  were  printed  off  but  in  my  presence  ; 
and  that  all  the  blotters  and  other  papers  whatsoever,  im- 
pressed by  the  said  letters,  whilst  set  for  printing  the  said 
bills,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  are  here  delivered  to 
you,  together  with  the  stamps  ;  and  in  all  things  relating 
to  this  affair  I  have  demeaned  myself  honestly  and  faith- 
fully, according  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  under- 
standing :  So  help  me  God.'  " 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  resolution. 

The  fourth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  IV.  That  if  any  more  of  the  said  bills  are 
printed  than  is  hereby  directed,  when  the  above  mentioned 
signers,  or  any  three  of  them,  have  signed  the  number 
hereby  directed  to  be  issued,  they  shall  immediately  burn 
and  destroy  all  the  remainder." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  fourth  paragraph. 

The  fifth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  V.  That  ,  or  such  other  person 

as  the  major  part  of  said  signers  of  the  said  bills  of  credit 
shall  agree  with,  shall  engrave  so  many  stamps  for  the 
said  bills,  with  such  devices,  and  so  many  stamps  for  the 
arms  of  the  city  of  New-York,  as  the  majority  of  the  said 
signers  shall  direct,  which  engraver  shall  take  the  follow- 
ing oath,  to  wit : 

"  '  I,  A.  B.  do  declare  that  I  have  not  engraved  more 
plates  than  I  deliver  to  the  Treasurer,  as  directed  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New- York,  of  the  like  kind  or  in 
imitation  of  the  same  ;  neither  have  I  kept  copies  and 
drafts  of  the  said  plates  ;  neither  will  I  engrave  more  of 
the  like  kind  without  the  orders  of  this  or  some  future 
Congress,  or  House  of  Assembly  :' 

"  and  shall  deliver  them  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 

Congress,  who  shall,  in  the  presence  of  the  majority  of 
the  said  signers,  deliver  them  unto  John  Holt,  printer,  or 
such  other  printer  as  shall  be  directed  by  this  Congress  or 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same.  And  when  the  said  John  Holt,  or  such  other  prin- 
ter as  shall  be  employed,  has  finished  and  completed  the 
printing  the  quantity  and  sorts  of  bills  hereby  directed  to 
be  struck  and  issued,  he  shall  redeliver  the  said  stamps  to 
the  said  signers  and  Treasurer,  who  are  hereby  directed 
and  required  to  seal  them  up  with  their  several  seals,  and 
they  are  so  to  remain  with  the  said  Treasurer  until  further 
order  of  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress  ;  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  said  Treasurer  to  the  said  John  Holt,  or  such 
other  printer  shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  for  such  re- 
delivery." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
said  committee  in  the  said  fifth  resolution. 

The  sixth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  VI.  That  before  the  said  signers  do  re- 
ceive any  of  the  said  bills,  they  shall  each  of  them  take 
an  oath  or  affirmation,  before  a  proper  magistrate,  well 
and  truly  to  perform  what  is  hereby  required  as  their  duty; 
and  that  they  will  knowingly  sign  no  more  of  the  said  bills 
of  credit  than  is  above  directed." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  sixth  resolution. 

The  seventh  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  VII.  That  the  said  Treasurer  shall  pay  out 
of  the  said  bills  of  credit  all  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be 
ordered  by  this  Congress,  and  all  such  accounts  as  shall 
have  been  audited  and  approved  by  the  committee  for  that 
purpose  by  the  same  Congress  appointed  or  to  be  ap- 
pointed." 


134 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  seventh  resolution. 

The  eighth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  VIII.  That  the  said  sums  of  56,250  dollars 
hereby  directed  to  be  sunk  on  the  days  and  times  before 
mentioned,  shall  be  raised,  levied  and  paid  by  the  free- 
holders, inhabitants  and  residents  in  the  several  and  re- 
spective cities  and  counties  within  this  Colony,  at  or  within 
the  two  several  periods  before  mentioned,  according  to  the 
quotas  and  proportions  following  :  that  is  to  say, 

City  and  county  of  New-York. .  Ulster,  

City  and  county  of  Albany,. . . .  Dutchess,  

Kings,   Orange,  

Queens,   Tryon,  

SufTolk,   Cumberland,  

Richmond,   Gloucester,  

Westchester,   Charlotte,   

(The  quotas  referred  till  the  Congress  meet  after  the 
adjournment.") 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  eighth  resolution.  And 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  that  part  of  the  eighth  reso- 
lution which  respects  the  quotas  of  the  respective  counties 
shall  remain  to  be  determined  when  this  Congress  meets 
again. 

The  ninth  paragraph  being  read,  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

"  Resolved,  IX.  That  the  committees  of  the  several 
cities,  towns,  manors,  precincts  and  districts  do  respect- 
ively appoint  two  or  more  assessors  and  one  or  more  col- 
lectors." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  ninth  resolution. 

The  tenth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  X.  That  the  county  committees  be  consi- 
dered as  supervisors  according  to  the  police  of  the  city, 
county,  town,  district  or  precinct  in  which  they  have  been 
chosen  ;  and  that  they,  with  the  assessors,  under  oath,  and 
collectors,  do  proceed  to  assess,  raise  and  collect  their  re- 
spective quotas,  in  the  method  which  in  each  respective 
county  has  heretofore  been  practised." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  tenth  resolution. 

The  eleventh  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  XI.  That  if  any  person  or  persons,  so  rated 
as  aforesaid,  shall  refuse,  delay  or  neglect  to  pay  the  said 
rate,  that  the  said  collectors  be  authorized  to  collect  and 
levy  the  same  by  distress  upon  the  goods  and  chattels  of 
the  defaulters,  as  heretofore  practised." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  eleventh  resolution. 

The  twelfth  paragraph  of  the  said  report  being  then 
read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Resolved,  XII.  That  the  respective  general  county 
committees  do  appoint  a  county  treasurer,  into  whose 
hands  the  respective  collectors  be  enjoined  and  required  to 
pay  the  money  collected  in  each  county  by  a  certain  day, 
preceding  the  first  day  of  March  then  next  ensuing  ;  which 
said  county  treasurer  shall  forthwith  transmit  the  money 
by  him  received  to  the  Colony  Treasurer,  appointed  for 
that  purpose  by  this  Congress.  That  the  several  county 
committees  shall  regulate  the  fees  of  the  respective  county 
treasurers  and  their  collectors;  the  treasurers'  fees  not  to 
exceed  three  pence,  and  the  collectors'  not  to  exceed  six 
pence  on  the  pound,  for  the  respective  sums  by  each  of 
them  received,  paid  and  collected  ;  such  fees  to  be  added 
to  the  quotas  of  the  respective  counties." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  docs  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  twelfth  resolution. 

The  thirteenth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  XIII.  That  the  moneys  to  be  paid  into  the 


hands  of  the  Treasurer,  by  virtue  of  the  above  resolu- 
tions, shall  be  by  him  applied  to  sinking  the  moneys  above 
mentioned  at  the  times  herein  above  particularly  speci- 
fied." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  thirteenth  resolution. 

The  fourteenth  paragraph  being  then  read,  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"Resolved,  XIV.  That  in  such  counties  where  commit- 
tees have  not  already,  or  shall  not  be  appointed  by  the  first 
day  of  November  next,  for  the  purpose  of  choosing  per- 
sons they  can  confide  in  for  apportioning  the  quotas  and 
rates  and  choosing  or  appointing  collectors,  this  Con- 
gress will  take  proper  measures  for  rating  and  collecting 
such  taxes. 

"  And  also  if  there  be  any  district  or  districts  in  any  coun- 
ty that  have  not  chosen  committees,  where  notwithstanding 
the  majority  of  the  districts  have  chosen  committees — in 
such  case  the  county  committee  are  to  proceed  in  regard  to 
such  delinquent  district  or  districts  in  like  manner  as  if 
said  district  or  districts  were  actually  represented  in  said 
county  committee, — the  assessors  of  the  remaining  dis- 
tricts to  assess  the  inhabitants  of  such  delinquent  district 
or  districts,  according  to  the  best  of  their  skill  and  under- 
standing. The  county  committees  in  such  case  to  choose 
a  collector  for  such  precinct  or  precincts,  who  is  hereby 
fully  empowered  to  execute  his  office  as  effectually  as  any 
other  collector  herein  before  directed  to  be  chosen. 
"Which  is  humbly  submitted. 

"GILBERT  LIVINGSTON, 
"Chairman  of  the  Committee" 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  their  said  fourteenth  resolution. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  2d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President,  pro  tern. 

Resolved,  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  do  pay  to  Col.  Alexan- 
der McDougall,  one  thousand  and  six  pounds  eleven  shil- 
lings and  a  penny,  to  repay  the  like  sum  by  him  borrowed 
of  Mr.  John  Broome,  to  advance  to  the  first  regiment  as 
part  of  their  pay,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  CoJ.  Mc- 
Dougall's  receipt  for  the  same.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  are 
due  to  and  are  hereby  given  to  Mr.  John  Broome,  for  his  zeal 
in  the  common  cause,  evinced  by  lending  without  interest, 
a  large  sum  of  money  for  the  public  service.  And  order- 
ed that  one  of  the  Secretaries  deliver  a  copy  of  this  resolu- 
tion to  Mr.  Broome. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress  that 
Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  David  Clarkson  and  Egbert  Du- 
mond,  Esqs.  do  respectively  refuse  to  pay  or  discharge  the 
moneys  they  have  respectively  become  bound  for,  to  Abra- 
ham Lott,  Esq.  the  Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  for  cash  or 
orders  for  cash,  which  have  been  applied  for  the  public 
exigencies  of  this  Colony,  until  the  further  order  of  this 
Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safetv. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  two  hundred  watch  coats 
be  provided  for  the  use  of  the  sentinels  of  the  regi- 
ments of  this  Colony,  and  that  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be 
desired  to  provide  the  same  immediately.  And, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress, 
that  the  expense  of  these  watch  coats  ought  to  be  a  Conti- 
nental charge,  and  that  the  Continental  Congress  be  here- 
after informed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety,  that  these 
watch  coats  are  provided,  and  that  this  Congress  conceives 
that  the  expense  thereof  ought  to  be  a  Continental  charge. 

Egbert  Dumond,  Esq.  delivered  in  a  list  of  the  field  and 
staff  officers  of  four  regiments  of  the  militia  in  Ulster 
county,  which  was  read  and  filed  ;  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


135 


A  list  of  the  field  officers  for  the  county  of  Ulster,  viz  : 

Col.  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Lieut.  Col.  Abraham  Has- 
brouck,  Maj.  Johannes  Snyder,  Maj.  Jonathan  Elmen- 
dorf,  Adjt.  Petrus  J.  Elmendorf,  Quarter-Master  Abra- 
ham A.  Hasbrouck. 

Col.  James  Clinton,  Lieut.  Col.  James  Claughry,  Maj. 
Jacob  Newkerk,  Maj.  Moses  Phillips,  Adjt.  George  Den- 
niston,  Quarter-Master  Alexander  Trimble  ;  commissions 
dated  25th  Oct.  1775.* 

Col.  Levi  Pawling,  Lieut.  Col.  Jacob  Hornbeck,  Maj. 
Johannes  Cantine,  Maj.  Joseph  Hasbrouck,  Adjt.  David 
Bevier,  Quarter-Master  Jacobus  Bruyn,  Jr ;  commissions 
dated  25th  Oct.  1775. 

Col.  Jonathan  Hasbrouck,  Lieut.  Col.  Johannes  Harden- 
bergh, Jr.,  Maj.  Johannes  Jansen,  Jr.,  Maj.  Lewis  Du 
Bois,  Adjt.  Abraham  Schoonmaker,  Quarter-Master  Isaac 
Belknap;  commissions  dated  25th  Oct.  1775. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  be  re- 
spectively appointed  and  commissioned  in  the  respective 
offices  for  which  they  are  respectively  above  named. 

Gilbert  Livingston,  Esq.  delivered  in  a  motion  and  a  list 
of  the  field  and  staff  officers  of  two  regiments  of  minute 
men  in  Dutchess  county,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  the  following  gentlemen  be  appointed  field 
officers  in  two  regiments  of  minute  men  in  Dutchess 
county. 

Col.  John  Van  Ness,  Lieut.  Col.  Cornelius  Humphrey, 
Majs.  Robert  I.  Livingston  and  James  Reed,  Adjt ,  Reu- 
ben Hopkins,  Quarter  Master  Joseph  Ketcham,  Jr. 

Col.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  Lieut.  Col.  John  Bailey,  Jr. 
Majs.  Malcom  Morrison,  Henry  Schenck,  Adjt.  Joshua 
Carman,  Jr.,  Quarter-Master  Henry  Godwin. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  that  those  gentlemen  be  respec- 
tively appointed  and  commissioned  in  the  respective  offices 
for  which  they  are  respectively  above  named. 

The  petition  of  John  McKenny,  praying  for  the  enlarge- 
ment of  John  Candell,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  discharge  John  Can- 
dell, and  that  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Sears  take  such  se- 
curity of  the  said  John  McKenny  for  the  conduct  of  the 
said  John  Candell,  as  is  mentioned  in  the  said  petition,  and 
in  such  manner  as  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Sears  think 
proper. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  be  a 
committee  to  receive  and  collect  all  the  damaged  gunpow- 
der to  be  had  or  obtained,  and  to  forward  the  same  to  the 
powder-mill  at  Rhynbeck  to  be  manufactured  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

Resolved  and  Ordered  That  the  gunpowder  imported 
and  now  in  store  for  the  use  of  this  Colony  be  distributed 
in  the  following  proportions,  viz  : 


To  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  (already  or-  wt. 

dered  to  the  captains  of  the  militia,)    1000 

To  Queens  county,    200 

(100  whereof  is  delivered  to  Joseph  Robinson.) 

To  Kings  county,    100 

To  Richmond  county,   100 

To  Orange  county,    150 

To  Dutchess  county,    200 

To  Ulster  county,    150 

To  Westchester  county,   150 

To  Cumberland  county,    100 

To  Albany  city  and  county,    250 

To  Tryon  county,    100 

To  Charlotte  county,    100 

To  Gloucester  county,    100 

Delivered  to  Col.  McDougall  for  the  use  of  the 

troops  in  his  regiment,    100 

To  be  kept  in  store  at  New- York,    800 


36001b. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow 
be  requested  to  direct  the  said  gunpowder  to  be  distributed 
and  delivered  out  to  the  Deputies  of  the  respective  coun- 
ties above  mentioned,  or  their  order,  in  the  quantities  above 

*  The  dates  of  commissions  are  memoranda  made  on  the  return  of 
one  of  the  Secretaries. 


mentioned,  on  receiving  cash  for  the  same  before,  or  at  the 
time  of  the  delivery  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  firemen  of  the  city  of  New-York  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  exempted  from  the  military  night- 
watch,  and  being  called  upon  as  minute-men,  or  of  the  mi- 
litia to  go  out  of  the  said  city. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sears  be  and  he  is  hereby  desired 
to  consult  with  Col.  Lasher,  with  respect  to  seizing  and 
taking  the  sloop  (and  people  on  board)  charged  with  hav- 
ing supplied  necessaries  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy, 
and  now  laying  at  anchor  near  the  Asia  ship  of  war. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr.  Esq.  and  to 

Augustus  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 

in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Sept.  2d,  1775.  \ 

"  Sir — The  alarming  state  of  public  affairs  command 
our  attention  to  the  safety  of  the  records  under  your  care, 
and  although  we  do  not  at  present  perceive  any  immediate 
danger  to  this  city  ;  yet  we  are  of  opinion  that  matters  of 
such  vast  importance  should  not  be  entrusted  to  an  uncer- 
tain contingency.  You  must  be  sensible  that  if,  by  any 
mischance,  the  office  should  be  destroyed,  it  would  unhinge 
the  property  of  numbers  in  this  Colony,  and  throw  all  our 
legal  proceedings  into  the  most  fatal  confusion. 

"  We  do,  therefore,  request  you  to  inquire  for  some 
place  of  security  to  deposit  the  records  under  your  care, 
and  that  you  inform  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  such  place, 
that  they  may  give  further  directions  on  this  subject." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  that  one  copy 
thereof  be  directed  and  delivered  to  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr.  Esq. 
and  the  other  copy  delivered  to  Augustus  Van  Cortlandt, 
Esq.  clerk  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  to  consider  of  the  bill  of  exchange 
drawn  on  Col.  William  Bayard,  by  Loring,  and  to 

determine  whether  the  same  ought  to  be  paid. 

The  President  pro  tempore,  by  order  of  the  House,  gave 
it  in  charge  to  the  members  to  keep  secret,  that  pork  is 
purchased  in  Connecticut,  and  is  coming  from  Connecti- 
cut for  the  use  of  the  northern  army.  And  the  members 
and  Secretaries  of  this  Congress  are,  with  the  consent  of 
the  House,  absolved  from  their  obligations  to  secrecy  with 
respect  to  Capt.  Melancton  Lawrence,  and  the  letters  ta- 
ken with  him. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  adjourn  this  day,  un- 
til the  2d  day  of  October  next ;  and  that  a  Committee  of 
Safety  be  appointed  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  in 
manner  following,  to  wit : 

That  New-York  appoint  three  members  to  give  four 
votes ;  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  appoint  one  mem- 
ber to  give  three  votes,  and  every  other  county  one  mem- 
ber to  give  two  votes  each  ;  and  that  such  other  members 
of  the  several  counties  as  shall  attend  may  join  in  the  vote 
of  their  respective  counties,  or  give  such  vote,  in  the  ab- 
sence of  the  member  or  members  so  appointed. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Beekman — For  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Francis  Nicoll — For  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — For  Dutchess  county. 
William  Paulding — For  Westchester  county. 

Isaac  Roosevelt,  (until  one  of  their  own  Deputies  comes) — For  Ul- 
ster county. 

John  Haring — For  Orange  county. 

Paul  Micheau — For  Richmond  county. 

Jeremiah  Remsen — For  Kings  county. 

Col.  Blackwell  and  Jonathan  Lawrence,  or  either  of  them — For 

Queens  county. 

William  Brasher,  (until  one  of  their  Deputies  shall  come) — For  Suf- 
folk county. 

Isaac  Sears — For  Tryon  county. 

William  Williams — For  Cumberland  county. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  said  votes,  or  a  major  part 

thereof,  shall  constitute  such  committee,  and  that  the 


136 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


said  committee,  when  met,  shall  be  empowered  to  open 
all  letters  directed  to  the  said  Congress,  and  to  answer  the 
same.  That  they  be  further  empowered  to  take  such  mea- 
sures as  they  shall  think  proper  to  carry  into  execution  all  j 
orders  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  all  resolutions  and 
recommendations  of  this  Congress ;  and  to  comply  with  ( 
any  requisitions  made  by  the  generals  of  the  Continental 
army,  or  any  of  them,  as  far  as  they  shall  think  proper.  | 
That  they  be  authorized  to  give  directions  to  Gen.  Wooster, 
or  the  commander  or  commanders  for  the  time  being,  of 
the  Continental  troops  stationed  in  this  Colony,  now  under 
his  command,  as  also  to  the  colonels  and  officers  of  the 
militia,  as  well  minutemen  as  others,  in  this  Colony,  to 
march,  and  carry  into  execution  the  orders  and  recommen- 
dations of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  of  this  Congress  ; 
provided  that  such  directions  do  not  contravene  the  orders 
of  the  Continental  generals.  And  that  they  have  authority 
to  appropriate  such  moneys  of  the  Continental  Congress 
as  is  now  in  the  hands  of  the  President  of  this  Congress, 
in  payment  of  the  debts  already  contracted  for  the  public 


service,  and  for  the  use  of  the  said  service,  as  they  shall 
think  necessary,  the  accounts  being  first  audited  and  allowed 
by  the  committee  of  accounts.  And  further,  that  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  be  empowered  to  issue  commissions  to 
such  persons,  as  by  the  committees  of  the  several  counties 
shall  be  recommended,  for  field  officers  of  the  militia  in 
the  said  counties  respectively.  And,  also,  that  the  said 
Committee  of  Safety  be  enabled  to  summon  this  Congress 
at  such  day  and  place  as  they  shall  think  necessary. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be 
empowered  to  appoint  the  signers  of  the  bills,  and  do  every 
other  act  which  may  be  necessary  to  carry  the  resolution 
for  emitting  a  paper  currency  into  execution. 

The  members  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  now  present, 
agreed  to  meet  here,  at  the  City-Hall  in  New- York,  on 
Monday  next,  at  four  of  the  clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  the  second  day  of  Oc- 
tober next,  then  to  meet  at  the  City-Hall,  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  at  nine  of  the  clock  in  the  forenoon  of  that 
day. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony 
of  New- York  during  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, Sept.  4th,  P.  M.  1775. 

Present. — Messrs.  Roosevelt,  Scott,  Beekman,  Van  Zandt, 
Sears,  Brasher,  Richard  Yates — City  and  county  of  New-York. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates — ilbany. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Col.  Hoffman — Dutchess. 

Messrs.  Williams  and  Remsen — Kings. 

Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 

Mr.  Haring — Orange. 

Mr.  Brasher — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — Ulster. 

The  Committee  unanimously  chose  John  Haring,  Esq. 
Chairman. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  of  the  29th  ult. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"Jug. 29th,  1775.  < 
"  Gentlemen — We  expected  when  the  army  was  once 
organized,  we  should  not  be  so  frequently  called  upon 
about  matters  not  in  our  province.  But  the  situation  of  Col. 
Van  Cortlandt  and  the  men  under  his  command,  in  a  great 
measure  obliges  us  to  give  him  all  the  assistance  in  our 
power — not,  however,  that  it  is  to  be  made  a  precedent  of. 
The  enclosed  letter  from  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  will  show 
you  the  posture  he  is  in,  and  the  necessity  of  a  speedy  re- 
lief. We  fear  we  shall  be  able  to  afford  him  but  little  as- 
sistance. The  hospital  and  barracks  are  filled  with  In- 
dians attending  the  congress  ;  the  barns  about  the  town 
loaded  with  the  crops  of  the  season,  and  the  city  crowded 
continually  with  a  numerous  concourse  of  people.  The 
former  and  frequent  applications  for  ammunition  has  drain- 
ed us  in  short  of  almost  every  thing  of  that  sort. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"  ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  Chairman. 

"  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  President 

of  the  Congress." 
35 


A  letter  from  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  lieutenant-colonel  of 
the  fourth  regiment,  dated  at  Albany,  August  28th,  1775, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Albany,  Aug.  2$th,  1775. 

"  Dear  Sir — Agreeable  to  verbal  orders  received  from 
Col.  Holmes  when  last  in  New-York,  made  all  the  de- 
spatch in  my  power  to  this  place,  where  I  arrived  the  26th 
inst.  finding  Capt.  Henry  B.  Livingston  with  his  company 
in  a  small  house  in  town.  He  wants  many  things — such 
as  shoes,  stockings,  shirts,  under  clothes,  haversacks  and 
cash,  having  advanced  all  himself  that  has  been  paid  his 
men  as  yet.  The  day  I  arrived,  came  up  the  following 
captains  with  their  companies :  Capt.  Herrick,  Capt. 
Palmer,  Capt.  Horton  and  Capt.  Mills — all  without  blan- 
kets, excepting  Capt.  David  Palmer — many  of  the  men 
wanting  shirts,  shoes,  stockings,  under  clothes,  and  in  short 
without  anything  fit  for  a  soldier,  except  a  uniform  coat, 
and  not  more  than  thirty  guns  with  four  companies  fit  for 
service. 

"  They  are  now  on  board  of  the  small  boats  that  brought 
them  up,  having  no  place  for  them  to  go  into,  as  there  is 
not  one  tent  that  I  can  find  for  our  battalion  ;  and  three 
companies  without  blankets,  and  none  to  be  had  at  this 
place.  I  do  not  know  how  to  act,  or  what  to  do  with  them. 
They  begin  to  ask  for  cash  and  better  lodgings,  being  much 
crowded  in  the  small  boats  in  which  I  am  obliged  to  keep 
them. 

"  I  this  morning  made  application  to  the  committee  of 
Albany,  who  will  do  all  in  their  power  for  me,  which  I  be- 
lieve, is  but  very  little. 

"  I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  the  Honourable  Congress 
to  send  me  with  all  convenient  speed,  arms,  blankets,  tents, 
shoes,  stockings,  haversacks,  and  cash  by  all  means.  I 
want  to  be  going  forward,  where,  by  what  I  can  learn,  we 
shall  be  wanting  if  we  can  go  soon  or  not  at  all. 

"  The  men  say,  1  Give  us  guns,  blankets,  tents,  &c.  and 
we'll  fight  the  devil  himself,  but  do  not  keep  us  here  in 
market  boats,  as  though  we  were  a  parcel  of  sheep  or 
calves.'  In  short  nothing  can  give  me  more  pleasure  than 
the  arrival  of  the  aforesaid  articles  ;  until  which,  I  shall 
do  all  in  my  power  to  keep  the  men  together,  and  in  as 


138 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


good  order  as  clubs  and  canes  can  keep  them,  without 
arms  to  keep  a  proper  guard  ;  as  I  have  orders  from  the 
general  to  collect  all  the  arms  together,  and  send  as  many 
men  off  directly  to  Ticonderoga,  (and  that  without  tents) 
which  will  not  be  a  full  company,  unless  I  can  purchase 
some  arms  here. 

"  I  remain,  dear  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  hum.  servt. 

"  PHILIP  VAN  CORTLANDT, 
"Lieut.  Col.  of  the  Ath  battalion. 
"P.  S.  The  cash  I  received,  I  was  obliged  to  pay  to  the 
mutinous  men  in  the  lower  barracks  ;  and  I  sent  by  Lieut. 
Riker  to  Capt.  Woodard,  at  Newtown,  Long-Island,  some 
part  of  it." 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York 
be  requested  to  search,  or  cause  search  to  be  made  through 
the  city  of  New- York  for  spare  arms  with  or  without  bay- 
onets, and  cause  them  to  be  purchased  at  such  prices  as 
they  may  be  reasonably  obtained,  for  the  use  of  the  troops 
of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  James  Hallett  deliver  to  Mr.  Isaac 
Sears,  sixteen  wheelbarrows,  or  any  less  number  which  he 
has  ready  made ;  and  that  Mr.  Hallett  employ  as  many 
persons  as  may  be  necessary,  and  with  all  possible  de- 
spatch replace  the  same  number  for  Mr.  Samuel  Franklin. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  appoint  a  sufficient 
guard  out  of  any  of  the  troops  of  this  Colony,  now  in  this 
city,  to  attend  upon  and  guard  the  sloop  with  the  pork  ex- 
pected to  arrive  this  evening  or  to-morrow  from  Connecti- 
cut. And  that  the  said  guard  be  in  such  readiness  as  to 
attend  when  Mr.  Isaac  Sears  shall  give  him  information 
that  the  pork  is  arrived. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  give  such  orders  as  that 
the  guard  at  the  upper  barracks  be  ready  to  go  immediately 
to  the  jail  to  guard  it,  and  to  seize  any  prisoners  that  may 
be  directed  by  Mr.  Francis  Child,  at  any  time  when  Mr. 
Child,  or  any  person  by  him  sent,  shall  request  the  assis- 
tance of  that  guard. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  be  requested  to 
put  in  proper  order,  one  of  the  rooms  in  the  upper  barracks 
for  the  reception  and  storing  of  such  stores  as  are  now  in 
the  barrack  master's  store-room  in  the  jail,  and  that  Mr. 
Bancker  render  an  account  of  the  expenses  to  this  commit- 
tee for  payment. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Dutchess  county,  informing  that  Messrs.  Lester, 
Doughty  and  Berghs  are  said  to  heve  enlisted  men  and 
purchased  supplies  for  the  enemy,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,,  That  Col.  Lasher  detach  a  sufficient  party  of 
the  militia  under  his  command,  to  apprehend  Mordecai 
Lester  of  Dutchess  county,  wherever  he  may  be  found, 
and  keep  him  in  safe  custody  to  answer  before  this  com- 
mittee for  certain  misdemeanours  against  the  liberties  of 
America  charged  against  him,  and  for  so  doing,  this  shall 
be  a  sufficient  warrant. 

Mr.  Richard  Yates,  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
dissent. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  deli- 
vered to  Col.  Lasher. 

Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  5th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  Commissioners  for  Orange 
county,  2. 

James  Beekman,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Isaac  Sears,  Mr.  Brasher,  Joseph 
Hallett,  Col.  McDougall— New  York,  4. 
Robert  Yates,  Esq.— Albany,  3. 

Gilbert  Livingston  and  Melancton  Smith — Dutchess,  2. 
William  Paulding—  Westchester,  2. 
Isaac  Roosevelt—  Ulster,  2. 
Jeremiah  Remsea — Kings,  2. 


Isaac  Sears — Try  on,  2. 

William  Williams — Cumberland,  2. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk,  2. 

Dr.  Treat  and  Dr.  Thomas  Jones  sent  in  an  inventory  of 
the  medicines  and  hospital  stores  now  in  a  room  at  the  bar- 
racks, with  the  prices  annexed  to  the  same,  which  is  now 
filed. 

A  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  manor  of  Fordham 
and  West  Farms,  setting  forth  the  inconvenience  of  their 
being  joined  in  one  company  with  those  of  the  borough  of 
Westchester,  and  praying  that  they  may  be  formed  into 
one  company. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  said  pe- 
tition, be  sent  to  the  committee  of  Westchester. 

Thereupon,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  &c.  ) 

"  Sept.  5th,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  petition 
from  the  inhabitants  of  the  manor  of  Fordham  and  the 
West  Farms.  If  the  facts  therein  set  forth  are  true,  we 
think  it  reasonable  they  should  be  formed  into  a  separate 
company,  and  choose  their  officers.  However  by  the  re- 
solutions of  our  Congress,  the  division  of  the  county  into 
beats  or  districts,  is  referred  to  you,  but  we  must  observe 
to  you  that  each  company  is  ordinarily  to  consist  of  about 
83  men,  officers  included,  and  by  their  representation  it 
appears  that  there  is  a  sufficient  number  to  form  a  com- 
pany, and  the  beat  or  district  to  which  you  have  assigned 
them  as  part,  far  exceeds  that  number.  We  therefore  re- 
commend to  you  an  inquiry  into  this  matter. 

"We  are,  &c. 

"  To  Gilbert  Drake,  Esq. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Westchester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Dr.  McClean  of  this  city,  attending  at  the  door,  request- 
ed the  sense  of  this  committee  whether  he  be  at  liberty  to 
supply  the  ship  Asia  with  drugs  and  medicines  as  he  has 
heretofore  done. 

Agreed,  That  Dr.  McClean  be  at  liberty  to  supply  the 
said  ship  with  drugs  and  medicines  in  the  same  manner, 
and  under  the  like  restrictions  that  Mr.  Lott  is  directed  to 
observe  in  supplying  the  said  ship  with  beer  and  water. 

The  committee  having  ordered  some  of  the  persons  now 
in  custody,  and  who  were  taken  on  board  of  the  sloop  com- 
manded by  one  Dop,  seized  (by  order  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,)  last  Sunday  by  Col.  Lasher,  proceeded  to  the 
examination  of  Daniel  Rivers,  one  of  them.  Henry  Acker, 
Jr.  next  examined ;  Abraham  Freeligh  next  examined ; 
Timothy  Doughty  next  examined. 

A  letter  from  Augustus  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  informing 
the  Committee  that  he  had  deposited  the  records  of  his 
office  in  a  dry  arched  cellar  in  boxes.  That  he  had  intend- 
ed, if  this  city  should  be  invaded,  to  remove  them  to  his 
brother's  at  the  Yonkers,  in  Westchester  county. 

Agreed,  That  the  disposition  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt  has 
made  of  the  records  of  his  office,  are  satisfactory  to  this 
Committee  for  the  present ;  and  that  he  be  informed 
thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  of  application  from  William 
McAdam,  for  a  permit  for  the  sloop  Jean,  to  proceed  to 
sea,  and  the  inventory  of  her  lading  sent  into  Congress, 
and  the  short  notes  of  examination  of  David  Morris,  the 
pilot,  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  as  a  matter  within  their  particular  province,  to  which 
they  are  competent ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  in- 
formed that  David  Morris,  a  pilot,  is  a  material  witness  to 
be  examined  with  respect  to  the  sloop  Jean.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  notes  of  examination  of  Alexander 
Bell,  and  the  bill  for  fifty  pounds  found  on  him,  be  also 
delivered  to  the  said  Committee  of  the  city  of  New-York. 

Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


139 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  6th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

James  Beekman,  Joseph  Hallett,  John  Morin  Scott— New-York,  4. 

Robert  Yates — ilbany,  3. 

Gilbert  Livingston,  Col.  Hoffman — Dutchess,  2. 

Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens,  2. 

Jeremiah  Remsen,  John  Van  Derbilt,  Henry  Williams — Kings,  2. 

William  Paulding — Westchester,  2. 

Maj.  John  Williams — Cumberland,  2. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon,  2. 

Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster,  2. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk,  2. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Grennell  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  a  commissioner,  (in  addition  to  the  num- 
ber heretofore  appointed,)  to  superintend  the  erecting  and 
finishing  the  fortifications  on  Hudson's  river,  in  the  High- 
lands. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esa^.  pay- 
to  Mr.  William  Bedlow,  one  of  the  commissioners,  for 
erecting  fortifications  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in 
the  Highlands,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds 
on  account,  to  be  expended  in  preparing  necessaries  and  in 
erecting  the  said  fortifications. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county  of  the  26lh 
ult.  was  read  and  filed.  They  therein  enclose  a  copy  of 
sundry  resolutions  of  their  committee  ;  also  a  list  of  officers 
of  the  militia  by  ihem  elected,  viz  : 

"  Tryon  County  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  August  26,  1775.  5 

"  Return  of  field  officers,  captains  and  subalterns,  in  the 
county  of  Tryon. 

First  Battalion — Canajoharie. 

Nicholas  Herkheimer  colonel,  Ebenezer  Cox  lieutenant- 
colonel,  Robert  Wells  major,  Samuel  Clyde,  adju- 
tant. 

1st  company.  Samuel  Clyde  captain,  John  Campbell,  Jr. 
1st  lieutenant,  James  Cannon  2d  lieutenant. 

2d.  Michael  Grass  captain,  Robert  Campbell  1st  lieuten- 
ant, Peter  Bowman  2d  lieutenant. 

3d.  Peter  S.  Tygert  captain,  Henry  Zimmerman  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Benjamin  Mackey  2d  lieutenant. 

4th.  Jacob  W.  Seeber  captain,  Francis  Ute  1st  lieutenant, 
Adam  Libe  2d  lieutenant. 

5th.  Henry  Diefendorf  captain,  Jacob  Diefendorf  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Henry  Mayer  2d  lieutenant. 

6th.  Abraham  Copeman  captain,  Yoost  House  1st  lieute- 
nant, Jacobus  Resner  2d  lieutenant. 

7th.  Renier  V.  Everen  captain,  Martin  C.  Van  Alstyne  1st 
lieutenant,  James  Guinall  2d  lieutenant. 

8th.  Jacob  Miller  captain,  Peter  Summer  1st  lieutenant, 
Matthias  Brown  2d  lieutenant. 

9th.  Nicholas  Wesen  captain,  Henry  Bratt  1st  lieutenant. 

Second  Battalion — Palatine. 

Jacob  Clock  colonel,  Peter  Waggoner  lieutenant-colonel, 
Hermanus  Van  Slyck  major,  Anthony  V.  Vechten 
adjutant. 

1st  company.  William  Fox,  Jr.  captain,  John  Hess  1st 
lieutenant,  Peter  Waggoner,  Jr.  2d  lieutenant,  Ma- 
thew  Wormdod  ensign. 

2d.  Christopher  P.  Fox  captain,  John  J.  Clock  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Jacob  J.  Clock  2d  lieutenant. 

3d.  Christopher  W.  Fox  captain,  Peter  Laucks  1st  lieute- 
nant, Henry  Miller  2d  lieutenant,  Samuel  D.  Elten 
Ensign. 

4th.  John  Kayser,  Jr.  captain,  Andreas  Dillenbagh  1st 
lieutenant,  Severinus  Cook  2d  lieutenant,  Richard 
Coppernoll  ensign. 


5th.  John  Breadbake  captain,  John  Siely  1st  lieutenant, 
Jacob  Ekert  2d  lieutenant. 

6th.  Nicholas  Richter  captain,  John  Williams  1st  lieute- 
nant, George  Smith  2d  lieutenant,  John  Sholl  en- 
sign. 

7th.  Christian  House  captain,  John  Zimmerman  1  st  lieu- 
tenant, John  Bellinger,  Jr.  2d  lieutenant. 
Third  Battalion — Mohawk. 

Frederick  Fisher  colonel,  Adam  Fonda  lieutenant-colonel, 

John  Bliven  major,  Robert  Yates  adjutant. 
1st  company.  Jacob  Gardinier  captain,  Abraham  D.  Quack- 

inbush  1st  lieutenant,  Willliam  Hall  2d  lieutenant, 

Gideon  Marlatt  ensign. 
2d.  John  Davis  captain,  Abraham  Vedder  1st  lieutenant, 

Jacob  Simon  2d  lieutenant. 
3d.  Robert  Yates  captain,  Cobus  Crommel  1st  lieutenant, 

Peter  Yates  2d  lieutenant,  Hendrick  Lewis  ensign. 
4th.  John  Fisher  captain,  John  Wemple  1st  lieutenant, 

Mindert  W.  Quackenbush  2d  lieutenant,  Garret  G. 

Van  Blockler  ensign. 
5th.  Samuel  Pettingill  captain,  Thomas  Caine  lieutenant, 

Samuel  Bamhart,  Jr.  ensign. 
6th.  Abner  French  captain,  David  McMaster  lieutenant, 

Peter  Van  Der  Lenden  ensign. 
7th.  Lewis  Croat  captain,  Jeremiah  Swarts  1st  lieutenant, 

Christian  Earnest  2d  lieutenant,  Emanuel  De  Graff 

ensign. 

8th.  Abraham  Hodges  captain,  Joseph  Hamans  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Abel  Hunt  2d  lieutenant,  Amos  Bennet  en- 
sign. 

Fourth  Battalion — German  Flats  and  Kingsland. 

Hanyoost  Herkheimer  colonel,  Peter  Bellinger  lieutenant- 
colonel,  Hanyoost  Shoemaker  major,  John  De- 
mooth  adjutant. 

1st  company.  John  Eisenlord  captain,  John  Keyser  1st 
lieutenant,  Adam  Bellinger  2d  lieutenant,  John 
Smith  ensign. 

2d.  John  Petry  captain,  Hanyoost  Mx.  Petry  1st  lieutenant, 
Hanyoost  H.  Petry  2d  lieutenant,  William  Em- 
pie  ensign. 

3d.  Daniel  Petry  captain,  Peter  Volts  1st  lieutenant,  Marx 
Raspach  2d  lieutenant,  George  Helmer  ensign. 

4th.  Frederick  Bellinger  captain,  Henry  Harter  1st  lieute- 
nant, John  Demooth  2d  lieutenant,  Peter  Ja.  Wea- 
ver ensign. 

5th.  Peter  Bellinger  captain,  Jacob  Basehawn  1st  lieute- 
nant, Nicholas  Staring  2d  lieutenant,  John  P.  Bel- 
linger ensign. 

6th.  Hanyoost  Herkheimer  captain,  Frederick  Ahrendorf 
1  .st  lieutenant,  Tinus  Clapsaddle  2d  lieutenant. 

7th.  Rudolph  Shoemaker  captain,  Deiterick  Stale  1st 
lieutenant,  Frederick  Shoemaker  2d  lieutenant. 

8th.  George  Herkheimer  captain,  Frederick  Fox  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Archibald  Armstrong  2d  lieutenant,  Han- 
yoost Tygert  ensign. 

9th.  William  Tygert  captain,  Jacob  Volts  1st  lieutenant, 
George  Wents  2d  lieutenant,  Frederick  Frank  en- 
sign. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"  NICHOLAS  HERKHEIMER, 

Chairman." 

The  resolutions  enclosed  in  the  letter  from  the  commit- 
tee of  Tryon  county,  are  as  follows  : 

"  In  Tryon  County  Committee  Chamber,  \ 
'•'  August  26th,  1775.  5 

"  Extract  of  Resolves. 
"  Resolved  and  agreed  unanimously,  That  the  follow- 
ing new  chosen  members  by  the  freeholders  and  inhabi- 
tants of  Palatine  district,  adjoining  the  old  committee 
agreeable  to  a  late  advertisement,  dated  the  12th  inst.  shall 
be  admitted  and  sworn  by  the  oath  formerly  prescribed  by 
the  general  committee,  viz : 


140 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Sworn  this  day — John  Eisenlord,  Christian  Nelles, 
William  Fox,  Jr.,  John  James  Clock. 

"  Resolved  That  if  any  disputes,  trespasses,  or  other 
misdemeanours  in  civil  matters  should  arise  among  neigh- 
bours, freeholders,  inhabitants  and  residents  within  our 
county,  the  same  shall  be  determined  and  decided  by  three 
members  of  committee  of  such  district  where  the  case 
shall  exist.  But  if  the  members  are  too  distant,  then  by 
one  of  the  committee  and  a  jury  of  six  freeholders  chosen 
by  the  parties  themselves  ;  or  if  the  parties  cannot  agree, 
chosen  by  said  member  of  the  committee  within  such  dis- 
trict where  the  disputes  and  disorders  arose.  The  case 
not  exceeding  £5  New-York  currency. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  damages  and  forfeitures,  as  well 
as  the  costs  of  suit  by  such  trials,  shall  be  recovered  by 
distraining  goods  and  chattels  in  manner  as  provided  in  the 
acts  of  Assembly  ;  but  in  want  of  goods  and  chattels,  the 
transgressor  shall  be  brought  before  the  committee  of  his 
district,  where  and  by  whom  he  shall  be  sentenced. 

"  A  true  copy,  examined  by 

"JOHN  EISENLORD, 

"  Com.  Clk." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county, 

was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  ) 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  } 
"  September  6th,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  letter  of  the 
26th  ult.  together  with  the  enclosed  resolves  and  list  of  the 
officers  of  the  militia  in  your  county,  agreeable  to  which, 
we  shall  expedite  commissions  for  those  officers.  By  the 
directions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  two  majors  and  a 
quarter-master  are  to  be  appointed  to  each  regiment  or  bat- 
talion. As  you  have  only  recommended  one  to  each  of  your 
battalions,  and  no  quarter-master,  you  will,  therefore, 
with  all  convenient  speed,  recommend  to  us  four  addition- 
al majors  and  quarter-masters. 

"  The  Congress  of  this  Colony  have  hitherto  avoided 
interfering  in  the  administration  of  justice  in  civil  matters, 
or  arresting  the  cognizance  from  the  officers  of  justice. 
We  cannot,  therefore,  approve  of  the  resolve  by  you,  en- 
tered into  respecting  the  trial  of  civil  causes  in  your  coun- 
ty, and  find  it  highly  expedient  to  recommend  to  you  its 
repeal. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  Nicholas  Herkimer,  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Tryon  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  and  deputy  chairman  of 
the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  be  requested  to  cause  an  account  of  all  the  moneys 
borrowed  by  them  for  the  use  of  this  Colony  to  be  laid 
before  this  Committee,  together  with  an  account  of  the 
manner  in  which  the  several  sums  have  been  disposed  of. 

The  Committee  having  ordered  the  commanding  officer 
at  the  barracks  to  cause  the  following  persons,  viz  :  Da- 
niel Rivers,  Abraham  Freligh,  Henry  Acker  and  Peter 
Dop,  all  taken  on  board  the  sloop  seized  last  Sunday  by 
Col.  Lasher,  to  be  brought  before  this  Committee  to  be 
examined  ;  also  James  Hicks  and  Thomas  Cains,  who 
were  taken  by  the  city  guard  last  night,  as  they  were 
landing  from  on  board  the  packet. 

Peter  Dop,  a  lad  of  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  was 
examined.  Henry  Acker,  Abraham  Freligh  and  Daniel 
Rivers  were  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists,  by  al- 
derman Blagge,  who  came  into  the  Committee  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  their  examinations  being  taken  in  writing,  they 
were  discharged. 

And  thereupon  an  order  was  made  to  captain  Beauman, 
requesting  him  to  deliver  one  chest  and  one  bed  belonging 
to  him,  which  was  taken  out  of  a  sloop  on  last  Sunday.* 


Ordered,  That  John  Conner,  now  a  prisoner  in  the 
guard  room  in  the  upper  barracks,  be  committed  to  the 
jail  set  apart  for  the  prisoners  of  this  Congress. 

The  report  of  the  officer  of  the  city  guard  who  took 
James  Hicks  and  Thomas  Cams,  was  read  and  filed. 

James  Hicks  and  Thomas  Cams  after  they  were  exa- 
mined by  two  of  the  members,  were  ordered  to  be  dis- 
charged. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Van  Vechten,  dated  the  17th  ult. 
resigning  his  warrant  as  a  lieutenant,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  of  the  3 1st  of  Au- 
gust was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  incloses  Samuel  Van 
Vechten's  warrant,  returned,  and  requests  some  person 
may  be  appointed  in  his  stead. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  6,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq. — Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county,  2. 

Isaac  Sears,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  James  Beekman — New-York,  4. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess,  2. 

Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster,  2. 

Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens,  2. 

Richard  Lawrence — Richmond,  2. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon,  2. 

John*  Williams — Cumberland,  2. 

The  Committee  proceeded  to  the  examination  of  other 
of  the  prisoners  taken  on  board  the  sloop  last  Sunday  by 

Col.  Lasher.   Martin,  Simeon  and  Christian  Dub  were 

respectively  examined,  and  after  a  severe  reprimand  from 
the  chair,  and  also  particular  advice  from  many  of  the 
members,  were  respectively  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Bayard,  Esq.  Deputy  Secretary 
of  this  Colony,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, viz  : 

"  New-York  Secretary's  Office,  6th  Sept.  1775. 

"  Sir — I  received  the  favour  of  your  letter  upon  the 
subject  of  the  public  records  under  my  care,  and  am,  with 
you,  duly  sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  them  to  the 
Province,  and  the  fatal  consequence  to  private  property 
which  would  arise  from  their  destruction. 

"  How  far  any  such  event  may  be  probable  at  this  time 
I  cannot  form  any  judgment,  and  you  must  be  sensible,  sir, 
of  the  difficulty  of  my  situation,  when,  if  I  should,  in  the 
exercise  of  my  discretion,  depart  from  the  line  of  my  duty, 
I  might  subject  myself  to  very  disagreeable  consequences. 

"  Whenever  the  removal  of  the  records  is  absolutely  ne- 
cessary, I  shall  not  fail  to  continue  my  care  of  them,  and 
hope  my  attention  to  their  security  will  evince  my  desire 
to  discharge  the  trust  reposed  in  me  with  the  strictest  fide- 
lity. And  with  respect  to  the  place  where  they  should  in 
that  case  be  deposited,  I  can  only  say  that  as  it  is  out  of  my 
power  to  tell  from  what  quarter  danger  may  arise,  so  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  assign  any  place  where  they  will  be 
free  from  danger. 

"  I  have  not  the  least  preference  for  one  place  above 
another,  but  shall  all  times  and  at  all  places  use  my  best 
endeavours  to  preserve  them  from  injury  ;  und  that  nothing 
on  my  part  may  be  wanting,  I  shall  provide  proper  boxes 
for  the  most  important  parts  of  the  records,  to  be  ready  on 
any  emergency. 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient 

"  And  humble  servant, 

"SAM.  BAYARD,  Junr. 

"  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bayard's  letter  be  deferred  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  9  o'- 
clock. 


The  last  order  as  in  the  original  minutes. 


•  Wm.  Williams  in  original  minutes. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


141 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

September  7  th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— John  Haring,  Esq.— Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county,  2. 

Joseph  Hallett,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Isaac  Sears,  John 
Morin  Scott — New-York,  4. 

Robert  Yates — Albany,  3. 

Gilbert  Livingston— Dutchess,  2. 

Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens,  2. 

Theodorus  Polhemus  and  Henry  Williams— Kings,  2. 

Major  John  Williams— Cumberland,  2. 

Richard  Lawrence — Richmond,  2. 

Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk,  2. 

Joseph  Drake  and  William  Paulding—  Westchester,  2. 
Isaac  Roosevelt—  Ulster,  2. 
Isaac  Sears—  Try  on,  2. 

Mr.  James  Beekman  brought  into  the  Committee  a  cer- 
tificate, signed  by  Isaac  Stoutenburgh,  certifying  that  five 
hundred  and  twenty-two  muskets  belonging  to  the  corpora- 
lion  of  this  city  were  taken  out  of  the  City-Hall,  and  twen- 
ty-eight muskets  left  at  Mr.  Isaac  Stoutenburgh's  were 
also  taken  by  sundry  persons  at  the  time  of  receiving  the 
account  of  Lexington  battle.  That  each  of  the  said  mus- 
kets with  their  accoutrements  were  well  worth  three  pounds 
five  shillings.  Aiso,  that  six  iron  bullet  moulds  were  taken 
away  at  the  same  time. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands,  requesting  the  instructions  of  this 
Committee  with  regard  to  the  plan  and  expense  of  the  said 
fortifications. 

Mr.  Bedlow,  one  of  the  commissioners  attending  at  the 
door,  was  called  in  and  informed  that  it  was  the  sense  of 
this  Committee  to  have  a  conference  with  the  commission- 
ers, and  the  engineer  who  is  expected  from  Philadelphia, 
previous  to  the  giving  them  any  instructions. 

The  Committee  having  sent  for  the  persons  belonging  to, 
and  taken  on  board  the  North  river  sloop  last  Sunday,  pro- 
ceeded to  their  examination.  After  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  taken  back  to  jail,  and  there 
confined  until  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  the  people  called  Quakers,  residing  in 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  be  requested  to  deliver 
in  to  this  committee  without  delay,  a  list  of  all  the  males 
belonging  to  their  society,  from  the  age  of  sixteen  to  sixty. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  order  be  served 
on  one  or  more  of  the  most  respectable  of  the  society  of 
people  called  Quakers. 

A  draft  of  a  commission  to  be  given  to  the  officers  of  the 
militia,  independent  companies  and  minute  men  of  this  Co- 
lony, was  read  and  approved,  viz  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  ) 
of  New-York,  the      day  of,  in  > 

the  year  of  our  Lord,  1775."  ) 
"  To  Gentlemen,  Greeting. 

"By  virtue  of  the  authority  reposed  in  us  by  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  the  said  Colony,  we  do  hereby  nomi- 
nate, authorize,  constitute  and  appoint  you  of 
the  hereby  requiring  you,  before  you  enter 

into  the  exercise  of  your  said  office,  to  make  in  writing, 
and  subscribe  in  the  presence  of  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city,  town,  district  or  precinct,  wherein  you 
reside,  the  declaration  appointed  and  directed  by  the  ninth 
section  of  the  seventh  resolve,  contained  in  the  rules  and 
orders  for  regulating  the  militia  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  recommended  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  22d 
day  of  August,  1775,  and  authorizing  you  fully  to  execute 
all  the  powers  belonging  to  your  said  office  by  virtue  of 
the  said  rules  and  orders,  and  the  said  declaration.  And 
we  do  hereby  require  all  persons  under  your  command  to 
pay  due  obedience  to  you  according  to  the  said  rules  and 
orders,  and  such  further  rules  and  orders  as  shall  be  made 
and  recommended  for  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  by  the 

36 


present  or  any  future  Continental  Congress  or  Provincial 
Congress  of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  one  thousand  copies  thereof  be  imme- 
diately printed  for  the  use  of  this  Committee. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  af- 
ternoon. 

Thursday  4  o'clock  P.  M.  September  1th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for  Orange 
county,  2. 

Isaac  Roosevelt,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr. 
Isaac  Sears,  Mr.  Scott — New-York,  4. 
William  Paulding — Westchester,  2. 
Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens,  2. 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond,  2. 
Theodorus  Polhemus — Kings,  2. 
A.  Brasher—  Suffolk,  2. 
Major  John  Williams — Cumberland,  2. 
Isaac  Sears — Tryon,  2. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess,  2. 
Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster,  2. 

Mr.  Isaac  Sears  informed  the  committee  that  by  an  or- 
der from  the  general  committee,  he  had  been  with  several 
others  in  quest  of  Capt.  Isaac  L.  Winn,  who  sailed  in  a 
sloop  bound  to  the  eastward,  and  suspected  of  a  design  of 
furnishing  the  army  and  navy  with  necessaries  ;  that  they 
overtook  the  said  sloop  above  Hellgate,  and  that  Capt.  Winn 
requested  to  be  examined  by  this  Committee.  Whereupon 
Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Livingston  were  appointed  to  examine 
Capt.  Winn,  who  reported  that  Capt.  Winn  had  given 
them  such  sufficient  satisfaction  of  his  friendly  disposition 
to  the  liberties  of  America,  as  induced  them  to  believe  the 
suspicions  against  him  to  be  entirely  groundless. 

Capt.  Winn  informed  the  Committee  that  a  paragraph 
had  appeared  in  Mr.  Holt's  journal  of  this  day,  to  his  pre- 
judice, and  requested  that  a  certificate  be  given  to  him 
certifying  the  sense  of  this  Committee  with  respect  to  his 
conduct. 

Thereupon  a  certificate  was  prepared,  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  ordered  to  be  signed  by  the  chairman  and  de- 
livered to  Capt.  Winn. 

Mr.  Sears  having  brought  into  the  Committee  a  number 
of  letters  taken  from  Capt.  Winn,  and  directed  to  gentle- 
men of  the  army  and  others  in  Boston. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Sears  be  a  com- 
mittee for  opening  and  examining  the  said  letters,  and  that 
they  report  immediately. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Sears  reported  that  they  had  ex- 
amined the  said  letters,  and  that  they  were  all  on  private 
business.  But  that  an  anonymous  letter  directed  to  major 
Moncreif  at  Boston,  which,  from  the  handwriting  and 
other  circumstances  they  believe  to  be  wrote  by  Mr.  The- 
ophalact  Bache  of  this  city,  merchant,  which  letter  being 
read  and  filed,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit. 

"New-York,  3d  Sept.  1775. 

"  Dear  Major — I  wrote  to  you  a  few  days  ago  by  the 
transport  which  sailed  from  hence.  I  hope  vou  have  re- 
ceived it.  It  is  now  decreed  by  the  Congress  criminal  to 
speak,  and  as  it  would  be  equally  so  to  write,  not  knowing 
into  whose  hands  this  may  fall  before  this  reaches  you, 
I  am  determined  not  to  transgress,  as  I  wish  to  remain  in 
the  country  as  long  as  I  can  and  not  to  do  any  thing  that 
may  cause  a  banishment  or  the  punishment  of  being  sent 
to  the  mines  of  Symsbury,  which  are  punishments  daily 
inflicted  on  those  poor  culprits  who  are  found  or  even  sup- 
posed to  be  inimical. 

"  Don't  think  of  returning  here  while  this  unhappy  con- 
test continues.  You  will  be  ferreted  and  exposed  to  in- 
sults, I  would  wish  you  to  avoid.  I  will  take  care  of  your 
wife  as  much  as  a  brother  or  friend  can  do.  She 
is  well  and  as  happy  as  can  be  expected.  I  expect  that 
she  will  lay-in  at  Flatbush,  as  I  think  it  would  be  danger 
ous  to  bring  her  to  town.    The  late  firing  of  the  Asia  has 


142 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


been  fatal  to  many  women  in  her  situation.  The  family 
join  me  in  love  to  you,  and  believe  me,  to  be  dear  Moncreif, 

"  Yours. 

"  To  Major  Thomas  Moncreif,  Boston." 

Mr.  Beekman  moved,  seconded  by  Mr.  Sears,  that  Mr. 
Bache  be  ordered  immediately  to  attend  the  committee  to 
be  examined  respecting  the  said  letter  ;  on  which  debates 
arose  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried 
in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   4 

Cumberland  ,   2 

Kings   2 

Dutchess,   2 

Tryon,   2 

12 


For  the  negative. 

Richmond,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Ulster,   2 

6 

Mr.  Roosevelt  dissenting 
from  the  vote  of  New- 
York. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  summon  Mr.  Bache  to 
attend  this  Committee  immediately. 

The  doorkeeper  returned  and  informed  the  Committee 
that  Mr.  Bache  has  gone  out  of  town. 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


FRIDAY,  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

September  8th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for  Or- 
ange county. 

Mr.  Yates — Albany. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Messrs.  Williams  and  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 
Mr.  Roosevelt — Ulster. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Messrs.  James  Beekman,  Sears  and  Roosevelt — New-York. 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  deliver  to  Mr.  Sa- 
muel Tudor  one  quarter  cask  of  gunpowder,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  proving  the  brass  field  pieces  made  by  order  of 
the  Provincial  Congress,  and  charge  the  same  to  this  Com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
unto  Lieut.  William  Crane  of  Capt.  Palmer's  company  in 
Col.  Holmes'  regiment,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  for  the 
purpose  of  paying  off  the  billeting  money  and  paying  the 
men  under  his  command,  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  join 
his  regiment,  and  that,  the  said  William  Crane  do  give  a 
receipt  to  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  and  an  order 
on  the  deputy  paymaster-general  for  the  repayment  of  the 
said  sum. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Watkeys,  gunsmith,  provide  for 
William  Mariner  a  musket  equal  in  value  to,  and  in  lieu 
of  the  musket  lent  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, by  the  said  William  Mariner  as  a  pattern  musket, 
and  that  the  said  Watkeys  charge  the  same  to  this  Com- 
mittee or  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  be  empowered  to  engage 
Mr.  John  Griffiths  to  go  to  the  neighbourhood  of  Goshen 
or  any  other  part  of  this  Colony,  and  examine  into  the  na- 
ture of  the  lead  mines  there,  and  that  he  return  and  make 
report  to  this  Committee  with  all  convenient  speed,  and 
that  this  Committee  will  provide  for  the  payment  of  his 
services. 

A  memorial  signed  by  Peter  Bogerl,  William  Harden- 
brook,  Charles  Philips,  Guilliam  Varick,  Andrew  Bell, 
Theo.  Hardcnbrook,  George  Stanton,  Isaac  Mead  and 
William  J.  Elsworth,  the  officers  or  foremen  of  the  fire- 
men of  the  city  of  New-York,  praying  that  they  may  be 
excused  from  being  drawn  out  in  the  military  service  ex- 
cept in  case  of  a  general  attack,  was  read  and  filed. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  which  exempts  the  firemen  from  certain  military 
duty,  be  served  on  one  of  the  memorialists. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Suffolk  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Suffolk  county,  Aug.  31si,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  25th  of  this  inst.  we 
have  received,  wherein  you  recommend  that  we  place 
two  companies  of  minute  men  at  Montauk  and  one  at  or 
near  Shelter  island.    There  are  no  companies  of  minute 
men  yet  formed  in  this  county,  and  when  formed  we  are 
of  opinion  that  such  companies  cannot  be  prevailed  on  to 
be  stationed  at  those  places,  as  those  persons  at  the  east 
end  of  the  county  who  could  be  spared  from  their  families 
are  already  enlisted  in  the  service  of  the  Continent,  and 
the  western  part  of  the  county  are  unwilling  that  any  per- 
sons should  go  from  them  on  account  of  the  danger  of  the 
enemy  and  the  people  in  an  adjacent  county.    We  are  ex- 
ceedingly sorry  that  we  shall  be  unable  to  protect  the  stock 
at  the  east  end  from  the  ravages  of  our  enemies  when  the 
troops  are  all  gone  from  us.    The  stock  is  taken  from 
Gardiner's  and  Plumb  islands.    The  hay  on  Gardiner's 
island  we  judge  will  be  of  no  service  to  Gen.  Gage  if  they 
cannot  get  stock,  as  they  took  no  more  than  just  sufficient 
to  keep  the  stock  to  Boston  and  said  they  wanted  no  more. 
We  beg  leave  to  observe  to  you  that  this  county  is  under 
considerable  disadvantages  on  account  of  having  no  post 
that  rides  through  Long  island,  and  should  be  exceeding 
glad  if  a  post  might  be  established  in  such  manner  as  your 
honourable  House  shall  direct. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  ob't.  and  very  hum.  servants, 
"  By  order. 

WM.  SMITH,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 


Ordered,  That  the  prisoners  now  in  jail,  and  who  were 
taken  from  on  board  the  sloop  last  Sunday,  be  brought  to 
the  bar  of  this  Committee  this  afternoon. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  8th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for  Or- 
ange county. 

Joseph  Hallett,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Isaac  Sears,  Abraham  Brasher, 
James  Beekman — New-York. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 
Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster. 
Major  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 
Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Johnson,  an  Indian  preacher,  of 
the  Mohegan  tribe,  was  read,  setting  forth  his  having  been 
among  the  western  Indians  for  the  purpose  of  influencing 
them  in  favour  of  the  cause  of  American  liberty,  that  he  is 
in  necessitous  circumstances,  and  praying  some  relief  from 
this  Committee,  and  that  a  letter  of  safe  conduct  and  pass- 
port may  be  given  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  a  passport  and  letter  of  safe  conduct  be 
made  and  delivered  to  the  said  Joseph  Johnson,  and  that 
an  order  be  made  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  sum  of  fifteen 
pounds,  to  assist  him  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  journey. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  collect  the  accounts  of  the 
expenses  attending  the  watching  for,  and  taking  of  the 
sloop  from  Dutchess  county,  which  was  lately  taken  near 
Speyt  den  Duyvel,  and  lay  them  before  this  Committee. 

The  Committee  having,  from  the  examination  of  George 
Nicholson,  good  reasons  to  believe  that  George  Bethune, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


143 


now  of  Jamaica,  in  Queens  county,  late  of  Boston  in  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  lias  been  carrying  on  a  correspondence 
with  His  Majesty's  army  and  navy  against  the  liberties  of 
America ; 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  George  Bethune,  with 
such  letters  and  papers  as  may  be  found  in  his  house,  be 
taken  and  brought  before  this  Committee,  and  that  the  me- 
thod of  taking  him  and  direction  of  that  matter  be  commit- 
ted to  Mr.  Sears. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  dissents. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

DIE  SATURNII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  9th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  from 
Orange  county. 
James  Beekman,  Isaac  Sears,  Col.  McDongall — New-York. 
Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster. 
Abraham  Brasher — Suffolk. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
William  Paulding,  Lewis  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Polhemus,  Henry  Williams — Kings. 
Major  Williams — Cumberland. 
Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 
Jonathan  Lawrence — Queens. 
Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

It  being  represented  to  this  Committee  that  Mr.  William 
Becker,  a  citizen  of  this  city,  is  confined  in  irons  on  board 
the  Asia  ship  of  war  ; 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Roosevelt  and  Beekman  wait 
on  His  Worship  the  Mayor,  and  request  him  to  demand  the 
immediate  discharge  of  the  said  William  Becker,  and  to 
assure  Capt.  Vandeput,  that  unless  such  discharge  be 
immediately  made,  this  Committee  will  take  proper  mea- 
sures for  resenting  the  indignity  offered  to  this  city,  and 
the  injury  done  to  one  of  its  inhabitants. 

This  Committee  being  informed,  that  Abraham  Law- 
rence, of  Queens  county  was  taken  in  custody  some  days 
ago  by  some  of  the  new  levies,  and  is  now  confined  in  jail ; 
thereupon  an  order  was  made  out  to  the  commanding 
officer  at  the  upper  barracks,  to  cause  the  said  Lawrence 
to  be  brought  before  this  Committee. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  dated  at  Cambridge 
Aug.  30th,  requesting  ammunition,  was  read  and  filed. 

David  Hawley,  master  of  the  sloop  Sally,  and  Aaron 
Jennings,  master  of  the  sloop  Lady,  who  arrived  here  with 
their  vessels  laden  from  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  bound 
for  the  West  Indies,  finding  it  impracticable  for  them  to 
proceed  on  their  voyage,  requested  of  this  Committee  a 
passport  for  them  and  their  vessels  to  return  to  Connec- 
ticut. 

Ordered,  That  passports  be  given  to  the  said  captains, 
David  Hawley  and  Aaron  Jennings,  to  return  to  the  Colony 
of  Connecticut  with  their  vessels,  and  that  the  Chairman  do 
sign  the  same. 

Abraham  Lawrence  being  brought  to  this  Committee 
was,  (after  being  reprimanded  from  the  Chair,)  discharged. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  his  Excellency  Gen.  Washington, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  and  figures 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety,  } 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York.  } 
"  Sept.  9th,  1775.  S 
"  Sir — In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  it  is 
the  duty  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  answer  your  favour 
of  30th  ult.  to  our  President.    We  perfectly  agree  with 
you  that  the  instances  of  collusion  you  mention,  are  such 
instances  of  avarice  at  such  a  time  and  in  such  a  cause  as 
call  for  a  severe  scrutiny  and  exemplary  punishment.  Be 
assured,  sir,  that  we  are  vigilant  for  the  discovery  of  such 


delinquents  ;  and  that  those  who  may  fall  in  our  way  will 
not  escape  their  just  deserts. 

"  The  gentleman  who  informed  you  of  the  arrival  of  a 
large  quantity  of  powder  and  500  stand  of  arms,  perhaps 
did  not  know  that  though  they  were  landed  on  the  east  end 
of  Long  island,  they  were  immediately  transported  to  New- 
London,  and  did  not  belong  to  this  Colony  or  any  of  its 
inhabitants.  We  have  had  indeed  about  36,000  weight  of 
powder  brought  in,  and  before  its  arrival  we  had  not  a  bar- 
rel in  the  Colony,  except  what  was  most  sparingly  distri- 
buted among  the  individuals.  We  deplore  the  situation  of 
the  army  under  your  command,  and  were  our  abilities  equal 
to  our  wishes,  we  should  not  fail  to  contribute  to  your  im- 
mediate assistance  and  supply.  We  are  heartily  sorry  that 
your  poverty  in  the  necessary  article  in  question,  prevents 
you  from  availing  yourself  of  the  advantages  of  situation 
you  have  lately  gained.  But  be  assured,  sir,  we  have  not 
powder  enough  for  the  necessary  defence  of  this  Colony ; 
especially  if  any  disaster  should  happen  to  Gen.  Schuyler, 
which  would  render  it  requisite  to  give  additional  strength 
and  security  to  the  northern  parts  of  this  Colony,  the  in- 
habitants of  which  at  this  juncture  are  most  sparingly  sup- 
plied with  arms  and  ammunition.  We  shall  immediately 
forward  a  copy  of  your  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress, 
and  write  to  them  on  the  subject ;  the  quantity  of  powder 
transported  from  Long  island  to  New-London  was  8  tons 
as  we  have  been  informed  ;  perhaps  an  application  to  that 
Colony  might  prove  successful. 

"  We  are,  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  hum.  servts. 
"  By  order. 
"To  His  Excellency  Gen.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  or  Safett,  } 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  9th  Sept.  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  which 
we  have  this  day  received  from  Gen.  Washington,  to  which 
we  beg  leave  to  refer  you.  As  the  general  stands  in  need  of 
a  supply  of  gunpowder,  and  as  we  are  informed  that  a  con- 
siderable quantity  has  lately  been  received  in  Philadel- 
phia, we  doubt  not  you  will  forward  as  much  as  can  be 
spared  for  this  necessary  service.  We  have  about  eight 
hundred  weight  in  our  magazine,  which  we  would  willing- 
ly part  with  if  our  citizens  had  a  supply ;  be  assured  we 
shall  be  attentive  to  every  requisition  from  the  general. 
We  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  a  commission  is  wanting 
for  Deputy-Adjutant  Fleming,  who  has  proceeded  upon  the 
service.  You  will  be  pleased  to  furnish  us  with  it,  that  it 
may  be  forwarded  to  him. 

"  The  first  commission  which  we  received  for  that  ap- 
pointment, was  filled  up  for  a  gentleman  whose  affairs 
would  not  permit  him  to  accept  it,  and  it  is  since  returned 
to  us.  We  are  informed  that  the  blank  commissions  with 
which  Gen.  Washington  has  been  furnished,  have  been 
made  use  of.  Gen.  Schuyler  has  not  been  supplied  with 
any  for  this  department ;  we  request  you  will  be  pleased 
to  furnish  us  with  four  hundred.  Some  time  since  we 
forwarded  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  nineteen  hundred 
and  fifty-five  pounds  of  gunpowder  ;  we  submit  it  to  you, 
whether  it  would  not  be  proper  to  replace  us  that  quantity 
from  Philadelphia,  as  we  know  not  what  demand  there 
may  be  for  that  article  from  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  ABM.  BRASHER. 

"  To  the  Delegates  of  the 

Colony  of  New-York,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 


144 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


by  the  chairman  pro  tempore,  and,  together  with  a  copy 
of  the  letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  be  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  certificate  to  Robert  C.  Livingston,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of  New-York, "I 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  I 
"  At  the  city  of  New- York.  ( 
"  September  9th,  1775.  J 
"  Robert  C.  Livingston.  Esq.  of  this  city,  several  days 
ago  informed  this  Committee  of  his  intention  to  go  to  Bri- 
tain for  the  recovery  of  his  health,  at  present  very  much 
impaired. 

"  The  Committee  firmly  persuaded  of  his  attachment  to 
the  liberties  of  this  country,  approve  of  his  intended  voy- 
age, wish  him  the  restoration  of  his  health,  and  a  happy 
return  to  his  native  country. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  attested  by  the  Secretaries,  and  deli- 
vered to  Mr.  Livingston. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  Monday  afternoon,  4  o'- 
clock. 


MONDAY,  4  o'clock,  p.  m. 

September  l\th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  but  for 
want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members,  adjourned  till  to- 
morrow morning  at  9  o'clock. 


TUESDAY,  9  o'clock,  a.  m. 

September  \2th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Lispenard,  J ohn  Van 
Cortland t,  Mr.  Scott—  New-York. 

Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Van  Derderbilt— Kings. 
Mr.  Tom — Queens. 
Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Roosevelt — Ulster. 
Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 
Major  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  Committee  proceeded  to  the  examination  of  the 
letters  and  papers  of  George  Bethune,  Esq.  who  is  now 
at  the  door,  in  custody  of  the  persons  employed  by  this 
Committee  to  seize  his  person  and  papers  agreeable  to  the 
order  of  this  Committee  of  the  8  inst. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Donkin,  aid-de-camp,  of  the  8th 
October,  1775,  directed  to  Col.  Cleveland,  was  read  ;  he 
thereby  directs  Mr.  Bethune  may  have  liberty  to  go  into 
the  south  battery  and  mark  his  own  ten  pieces  of  cannon, 
and  that  they  may  be  placed  in  such  order  as  he  shall  direct. 

A  letter  from  Joycelyn  Felthausen,  lieutenant  26th  re- 
giment, to  "  Waterhouse,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed. 
He  therein  applies  for  the  purchase  of  a  horse  and  sulky 
for  Mr.  Stephens  of  Amboy. 

A  letter  of  the  11th  August  last,  from  Mr.  Brimmer  to 
George  Bethune,  was  read. 

A  letter  of  the  19th  August  last,  from  the  said  George 
Brimmer  to  the  said  George  Bethune,  was  read.  He 
therein  mentions  that  bills  are  at  15  percent  discount,  and 
that  he  will  transmit  him  a  bill  of  exchange. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  said  George  Bethune  to  Mr. 
Samuel  Waterhouse,  of  the  8th  July  last,  was  read.  He 
therein  mentioned  that  he  is  well  settled  at  Jamaica,  and 
that  the  whole  country  are  remarkable  for  their  attachment 
to  good  government. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  George  Bethune  of  the  10th 
July  last,  to  Mr.  Samuel  Prince,  mentioning  several  bills 


of  exchange,  and  that  he  had  sent  a  bill  to  Billy  Simpson 
to  be  negotiated,  was  read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  George  Bethune  of  27th  July 
last,  to  Messrs.  Lane,  Son  &  Frazer  of  London,  relating 
to  money  in  the  public  funds,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  George  Bethune  to  Messrs.  Lane,  Son  & 
Frazer,  of  the  12lh  May,  1775,  was  read. 

Another  letter  from  George  Bethune  to  Joseph  Waldo, 
of  the  fourteenth  May,  1775,  was  read. 

Mr.  George  Bethune  being  called  in  and  heard,  gave  his 
promise  parol  on  his  honour,  to  return  and  deliver  him- 
self up  to  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  or  the  Committee, 
on  notice,  when  requested,  and  he  is  discharged  for  the 
present. 

Maj.  Ethrington  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in. 
He  produced  a  certificate  of  his  parol  of  honour  as  a 
gentleman  and  a  soldier,  that  he  will  not  lake  arms  for 
twelve  months,  or  give  any  information  to  the  army  or  na- 
vy, which  was  read. 

Maj.  Ethrington  declared  that  he  is  going  immediately 
to  Philadelphia.  Thereupon,  Maj.  Ethrington  was  dis- 
charged. 

Capt.  William  Kelly  of  the  2nd  battalion  of  His  Ma- 
jesty's Royal  American  regiment,  attending  at  the  door, 
was  brought  in.  He  was  asked  if  he  would  give  the  like 
obligations  to  this  Committee  which  Maj.  Ethrington  gave 
to  the  committee  at  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Kelly  agreed  to 
give  the  like  engagement,  and  deliver  it  in  writing  this 
afternoon,  on  which  he  is  permitted  to  go  at  large  'till  the 
afternoon. 

Mr.  Kelly  delivered  in  his  engagement,  by  him  signed, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  I,  William  Kelly,  captain  in  the  second  battalion  of 
His  Majesty's  Royal  American  regiment,  a  prisoner  in  the 
power  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Province  of 
New- York,  and  being  kindly  treated  and  protected  by 
them,  and  enlarged  on  parol,  do  hereby  solemnly  promise 
and  engage,  on  the  honour  of  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman, 
that  I  will  not  bear  arms  against  the  American  United  Co- 
lonies, in  any  manner  whatever,  for  the  space  of  twelve 
months,  or  until  I  may  be  exchanged  ;  nor  will  I,  during 
that  time,  take  any  measures  to  give  intelligence  to  Gen. 
Gage  or  the  British  Ministry,  or  to  any  person  or  persons 
whatsoever,  relative  to  American  affairs.  Also,  in  case 
this  my  parol  is  not  accepted  in  exchange  for  any  officer 
of  equal  rank  in  the  American  service,  who  may  be  taken 
prisoner  by  the  British  troops,  I  do  hereby,  in  such  case, 
on  notice,  promise  to  repair  to,  and  give  myself  up  to  the 
said  Committee  of  Safety,  as  a  prisoner. 

"  WM.  KELLY. 

"  New-York,  12th  Sept.  1775." 

A  copy  thereof  with  a  certificate,  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, was  delivered  to  Capt.  Kelly;  which  certificate  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  These  are  to  certify  to  all  persons  to  whom  these  pre- 
sents may  appear,  that  the  above  writing,  is  a  true  copy 
of  the  parol  of  honour  given  by  the  bearer,  Capt.  Kelly, 
of  the  second  battalion  of  the  Royal  American  regiment, 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York. 
It  therefore  is  recommended  to  such  persons,  that  the  said 
Capt.  Kelly  be  permitted  to  pass  where  his  business  may 
lead  him,  without  any  hindrance  or  molestation. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  New-York,  12th,  Sept.  1775." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  concerning  George  Bethune,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
"  Sept.  12th,  1775.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — Mr.  George  Bethune,  a  gentleman  from 
the  town  of  Boston,  has  resided  with  his  family  in  Queens 
county  on  Long-Island,  since  some  time  in  May  last.  He 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


145 


has  long  been  suspected  as  friendly  to  ministerial  mea- 
sures ;*  we  have  had  him  before  us,  but  the  evidence  not 
being  sufficiently  full  to  enable  us  to  proceed  judicially 
against  him,  we  have  dismissed  him  for  the  present  upon 
his  parol  to  be  ready  at  our  call,  and  given  him  leave  to 
write  to  you  for  a  certificate  in  his  favour  if  he  can  ob- 
tain it.  We  informed  him  also  of  our  intention  to  write 
to  you  for  his  true  political  character  ;  which  we  beg  you 
will  be  pleased  to  give  us  without  delay,  as  it  may  be  the 
means  of  enabling  us  to  deal  properly  with  him,  if  we 
should  think  it  necessary  to  convene  him  before  us  again. 
"  We  are,  gent,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Ihe  Gentlemen,  Delegates  in 

Congress  for  Massachusetts  Bay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  proposal  from  James  Byers  of  this  city,  brass-found- 
er, for  making  any  number  of  brass  field  pieces  for  the 
use  of  this  Colony  at  the  rate  of  four  shillings  per  pound, 
being  read. 

Resolved,  That  this  committee  do  agree  with  the  said 
James  Byers  to  take  of  him  such  brass  field  pieces,  six 
pounders  and  of  good  proof,  to  the  number  of  five,  as  he 
shall  make  at  the  rate  of  four  shillings  per  pound,  provided 
the  weight  of  each  piece  does  not  exceed  6501b. 

Ordered,  That  the  Capts.  Rutgers,  Tudor  and  Dennis 
be  requested  to  superintend  the  casting  and  proving  of  the 
said  field  pieces. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  wait  on  Mr.  Theophi- 
lact  Bache  and  request  him  to  attend  this  Committee  with- 
out delay. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  unto 
Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esq.  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds  on  account  towards  defraying  the 
expenses  of  removing  the  cannon  from  this  city  to  King's 
Bridge. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Wells,  Esq.  of  Cumberland 
county,  be  requested  to  attend  before  this  Committee  of 
Safety  at  five  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Tuesday,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  12th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Messrs.  Scott,  Hallett,  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  McDougall — New-York. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Messrs.  Tom  and  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Williams — Kings. 

Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 

Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 

Samuel  Wells,  Esq.  according  to  order,  attending  at 
the  door  was  called  and  examined.  Says,  "  That  no  arms 
were  sent  to  Cumberland  county  by  government — did  hear 
that  Gov.  Colden  applied  to  Gen.  Gage  for  arms,  and  heard 
the  arms  came — but  the  affair  at  Lexington  put  an  end  to 
it — of  the  £1,000  granted  for  Cumberland  county,  £200 
of  the  money  has  been  received — it  was  employed  to  re- 
imburse the  sheriff  and  Mr.  Gale,  the  expense  of  them- 
selves and  the  other  prisoners  and  expresses — heard  the 
arms  were  put  on  board  of  the  King's  Fisher — has  forgot 
how  he  heard  it,  and  does  not  know  how  they  were  dis- 
posed of." 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Drake,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Westchester,  of  the  11th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


*  The  words  in  italic  are  omitted  or  rather  obliterated  in  one  of  the 
originals  on  the  files. 

37 


"White  Plains,  Sept.  11th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — None  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  manor 
of  Fordham  or  West  Farms  having  appeared  to  support  the 
allegations  of  their  petition,  the  consideration  of  which 
you  referred  to  us,  we  have  appointed  a  sub-committee  to 
inquire  into  the  matter  and  report  to  us  at  our  next  meet- 
ing, how  they  find  the  case  circumstanced. 

Complaints  having  been  made  to  this  committee  that  an 
independent  company  is  now  forming  in  this  county,  and 
that  the  person  who  is  most  active  about  raising  the  com- 
pany expects  a  commission  from  the  Committee  of  Safety 
this  week,  we  are  induced  to  request  that  no  commission 
for  independent  companies  may  be  given  out  for  this  coun- 
ty, as  it  will  make  the  raising  of  minute  companies  exceed- 
ingly difficult,  if  not  impossible,  and  put  the  county  into 
great  confusion. 

"  We  enclose  you  the  affidavit  of  Mr.  William  Hadley, 
one  of  our  committee,  a  man  of  unblemished  character,  re- 
specting the  conduct  of  John  Cock,  who  was  chosen  a 
captain  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Yonkers.  Affidavits  will 
also  be  forwarded  as  soon  as  possible,  of  Mr.  Cock's  speak- 
ing very  disrespectfully  of  the  Congress. 

"  If  the  Committee  of  Safety  are  of  opinion  that  it  is 
improper  to  give  Mr.  Cock  a  commission,  we  submit 
whether  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  acquaint  those  of  our 
body  who  live  in  the  Yonkers  therewith,  that  they  may 
proceed  to  a  new  election. 

"  We  inclose  a  list  of  the  field  officers  nominated  by  the 
committee  of  this  county,  which  we  beg  leave  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Provincial  Congress  as  persons  properly  quali- 
fied for  the  several  places  for  which  they  are  nominated. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"GILBT.  DRAKE,  Chairman. 

"To  John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety,  at  New- York  " 

An  affidavit  of  William  Hadley,  therein  enclosed  was 
also  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Westchester  County,  ss. — William  Hadley,  of  the 
said  county,  yeoman,  personally  appeared  before  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  for  the  county  aforesaid,  and  being  duly 
sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  the  Almighty  God,  saith 
that  he  the  deponent  being  appointed  one  of  the  sub-com- 
mittee for  the  superintending  the  signing  of  the  general  as- 
sociation of  this  Province,  carried  the  same  to  one  John 
Cock,  of  the  Yonkers,  in  said  county,  and  asked  the  said 
John  Cock  to  sign  the  same ;  he,  the  said  John  Cock  tak- 
ing the  pen  in  his  hand  uttered  the  following  words,  viz  : 
"  I  sign  this  with  my  hand,  but  not  with  my  heart,  for  I 
would  not  have  signed  it  had  it  not  been  for  my  wife  and 
family's  sake,"  and  this  he  several  times  repeated  in  the 
hearing  of  him  the  deponent.  And  further  the  said  de- 
ponent saith  not. 

"WILLIAM  HADLEY. 
"  Sworn  the  11th  Sept.  1775,  ) 
before  me.  > 
"Gilbt.  Drake." 

A  list  of  the  field  officers  for  the  different  regiments  in 
Westchester  county,  sent  in  by  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county  in  the  said  letter,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Henry 
Remsen  and  Lewis  Pintard,  be  a  committee  to  employ  a 
vessel  and  despatch  her  with  proper  directions  to  purchase 
gunpowder  and  arms.  And, 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  be  supplied  with  four 
thousand  pounds  by  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  Trea- 
surer of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  that  purpose,  and 
that  a  certified  copy  of  this  entry  be  a  sufficient  warrant 
to  the  said  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Treasurer  as 
aforesaid,  to  deliver  to  the  gentlemen  above  named  the  sum 
of  four  thousand  pounds  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  be  requested  to 
deliver  1001b.  of  gunpowder  to  Col.  Lasher,  for  the  use  of 


146 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  minute  men  of  his  battalion,  to  be  by  Col.  Lasher  dis- 
tributed and  delivered  to  his  minute  men  gratis,  in  such 
quantities,  and  at  such  times  when  they  are  ordered  on  ser- 
vice, as  Col.  Lasher  shall  think  necessary. 

Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  mh,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Joseph  Hallett,  James  Beekman,  Isaac  Sears,  Isaac  Roosevelt — New- 
York. 

Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

William  Paulding —  Westchester. 

Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Henry  Williams  —  Kings. 

Nathaniel  Tom — Queens. 

John  Foster  and  John  Sloss  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Aletter  from  the  committee  of  South-Hampton  and  East- 
Holdston,  dated  at  East-Hampton,  on  the  9th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Bridgehampton,  Sept.  9th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  25th  August  we 
duly  received  and  note  the  contents.  We  would  cheerful- 
ly comply  with  your  request  in  respect  to  raising  two  com- 
panies of  minute  men  for  the  defence  of  the  stock  at 
Montauk,  but  we  think  it  entirely  out  of  our  power,  as 
we  are  but  a  small  number  of  people  here  ;  and  a  con- 
siderable part  of  our  strength  is  already  gone  in  the  ser- 
vice. We  have  called  a  meeting  of  the  joint  committee  of 
South  and  East-Hampton,  this  day,  and  have  voted  to  call 
our  militia  together  in  the  second  battalion,  in  order  to  en- 
list a  company  if  possible,  to  send  directly  off  to  Montauk, 
as  it  is  at  present  without  even  a  soldier  to  guard  it,  and 
we  are  fearful  we  shall  not  have  sufficient  ammunition 
amongst  us  to  fix  out  one  company ;  and  should  General 
Gage's  troops  come  upon  us  in  this  destitute  condition  we 
shall  be  absolutely  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  com- 
plying with  their  terms.  Therefore,  gentlemen,  we  must 
beg  the  favour  that  we  may  have  two  companies  sent  here 
as  soon  as  possible.  It  is  the  opinion  of  Gen.  Wooster 
that  we  are  in  the  most  defenceless  condition  of  any  part 
of  this  Continent. 

"By  order  of  the  committee. 

"  DAVID  PEIRSON,  Chairman:' 

A  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  to  the  committees  of  South- 
Hampton  and  East-Hampton,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Sept.  13th,  1775. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  9th  current  in  behalf  of  the 
united  committees  of  East  and  South-Hampton  came  to 
hand  this  morning,  in  answer  to  which  we  advise  that  a 
number  of  men  not  exceeding  twenty-five,  be  placed  upon 
Montauk,  with  orders  to  drive  the  cattle  off  in  case  a  fleet 
from  Boston  should  arrive  to  rob  at  that  end  of  the  island 
again.  We  recommend  it  to  you  to  be  diligent  in  embody- 
ing your  minute  men,  that  should  an  attack  be  made  upon 
any  part  of  your  county  they  may  be  ready  to  march  im- 
mediately. You  will  see  by  the  regulations  which  the 
Congress  have  published  for  the  militia,  that  the  minute 
men,  when  called  out  to  service,  will  be  upon  Continental 

pay- 

"We  can  say  nothing  to  you  on  the  subject  of  ammuni- 
tion, further  than  that  we  are  not  able  to  supply  you  with 
any. 

"  We  are  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

William  Ritchie  requests  permission  from  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety  to  employ  a  small  vessel  commanded  by  him- 
self in  carrying  provisions  and  such  articles  as  may  be 
wanted  at  the  camp  from  this  port,  to  be  landed  at  Dart- 
mouth, Sandwich,  or  such  port  as  he  may  find  most  safe 
and  convenient. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  William  Ritchie  be  at  liberty  to  em- 
ploy a  small  vessel  commanded  by  himself  in  conveying 
such  articles  (except  provisions)  as  may  be  wanted  at  the 
camp  at  Cambridge,  to  be  landed  at  Dartmouth,  Sandwich, 
or  such  other  port  as  he  may  find  most  safe  and  conve- 
nient. 

A  letter  from  Captain  John  Hulbert,  dated  at  South- 
Hampton,  on  the  9th  September  inst.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  South-Hampton,  Sept.  9th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  would  inform  you  that  I  marched  with 
my  company  from  Montauk,  the  7th  inst.;  am  preparing  to 
march  and  shall  set  off  by  the  middle  of  next  week. 

"  My  company  will  want  a  number  of  guns,  as  the  in- 
habitants that  supplied  them  will  not  let  them  go  away, 
pleading  the  want  of  them  themselves.  I  give  you  this 
timely  notice  that  the  company  may  not  be  detained  long 
when  we  come  to  New-York,  &c. 

"  I  am  gentlemen,  your  hum.  servt. 

"JOHN  HULBERT. 

"  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer, to  pay  to  Henry  Roome  three  hundred  and  twenty- 
five  pounds  for  his  account,  as  audited  for  pork  bought  by 
order  of  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  for- 
warded to  Ticonderoga. 

Ordered,  That  Gen.  Wooster  be  requested  to  order  a 
full  company  of  the  troops  under  his  command  to  proceed  to 
the  fortifications  erecting  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  in 
the  Highlands,  to  be  there  employed  in  erecting  and  guard- 
ing the  same  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  to  be  under  the  directions  of  the  agents  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  by  the  Provincial  Congress  at 
New-York. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

September  14/A,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Joseph  Hallett,  James  Beekman,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  Alexander  McDougall,  Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt — For 

the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Issac  Roosevelt — Ulster. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Henry  Williams — Kings. 

John  Foster,  John  Sloss  Hobart — Suffolk. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  deliver  to  Mr. 
Ebenezcr  Piatt  100  pounds  of  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of 
the  people  in  Suffolk  county,  on  receiving  the  cash  for  the 

same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  aa 
treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
unto  Messrs.  Henry  Remsen,  Lewis  Pintard,  Thomas 
Marston,  Jacobus  Leffertse  and  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  or 
either  of  them,  the  sub-committee  appointed  by  the  gene- 
ral committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York  for  the 
purpose  of  borrowing  money  for  defraying  the  public  exi- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


147 


gencies  of  this  Colony,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  sixteen  pounds  three  shillings  and  eight  pence, 
to  enable  the  said  sub-committee  to  discharge  the  moneys 
borrowed  of  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  city  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer  take  a  re- 
ceipt from  the  said  sub-committee,  or  either  of  them,  for 
the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Mr.  Ro- 
bert Ray  the  sum  of  seventy-eight  pounds,  to  be  applied 
to  pay  and  discharge  the  cartmen  and  others,  for  carting 
guns  to  King's  Bridge  ;  that  being  the  amount  of  an  ac- 
count now  brought  in  audited,  on  which  a  copy  of  this  mi- 
nute is  entered. 

A  letter  from  Richard  Woodhull  and  Samuel  Thomp- 
son, committeemen  at  Brookhaven,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Congress  : 

"  We  beg  the  favour  of  you  to  send  us  a 
few  lines  from  under  your  hands,  to  let  us  know  whether 
it  is  our  business  to  attend  to  the  choosing  of  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  by  the  military  company,  or  whether  it 
is  the  prerogative  of  the  commissioned  officers  to  appoint, 
from  time  to  time,  such  persons  as  they  shall  think  most 
proper  to  serve  in  the  militia  as  sergeants,  corporals,  drum- 
mer, fifer  and  clerk. 

"RICHARD  WOODHULL, 
"  SAMUEL  THOMPSON, 

"  Committeemen. 

"Brookhaven,  Uth  Sept.  1775. 
'  To  the  Congress  at  New-York." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Richard  Woodhull  and  Samuel 
Thompson,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  Uth  Sept.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — In  answer  to  yours  of  the  11th  current, 
we  can  only  inform  you  that  the  resolution  of  the  Congress 
directs  that  all  the  officers  of  a  company  as  well  commis- 
sioned as  non-commissioned,  are  to  be  chosen  by  the  men 
who  compose  the  company. 

"  We  are  your  humble  servants, 

"By  order  of  the  Committee." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  resolutions  of  the  committee  of  Cambridge,  Hosac 
and  Bennington,  on  the  third  and  seventh  days  of  August 
last,  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  districts  of  Cam- 
bridge, Hosac  and  Bennington,  held  at  Mr.  Waite's,  in 
Wallumscock,  on  Thursday  the  3d  of  August,  1775,  vot- 
ed, viz  : 

"  1st.  Chose  Mr.  Nathan  Clark,  chairman. 
"  2d.  Moses  Robinson,  clerk. 

"  3d.  Voted  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee  that 
the  civil  law  be  continued  as  heretofore,  and  that  they  will 
do  what  they  can  to  encourage  the  same,  by  assisting  offi- 
cers to  officiate  in  their  respective  offices,  as  circumstances 
may  call  for,  until  the  Continental  or  Provincial  Congress 
shall  see  fit  to  advise  otherwise. 

"  4th.  To  adjourn  this  meeting  till  Monday  the  7th  inst. 
at  10  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  to  the  house  of  Mr.  John 
Rensselaer,  in  St.  Coick." 

"  Being  met  at  time  appointed, 

"  1st.  Chose  Capt.  John  Wood,  chairman. 

"  2d.  Having  taken  into  consideration  the  alarming  af- 
fair that  lately  happened  in  this  place,  which  occasioned 
the  death  of  one  man  and  another  wounded,  we  find  that 
certain  wicked  and  vicious  persons,  to  gratify  their  revenge 
of  a  certain  private  quarrel,  seduced  others,  under  a  pre- 
tence of  defending  the  county's  liberty,  to  join  them  in 
night  walking,  house  breaking  and  assaulting  men's  per- 


sons in  a  violent  manner,  and  on  mature  deliberation  had 
on  the  premises,  came  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  1st.  That  we  disapprove  and  protest  against  all  such 
unlawful  assemblies  on  any  such  occasion,  unless  judged 
necessary  by  the  major  part  of  the  committee  of  the  said 
town  or  district. 

"  2d.  That  the  law  have  its  full  power  against  all  such 
offenders,  as  heretofore. 

"  3d.  That  we  will  assist  magistrates  and  constables  in 
the  due  execution  of  their  offices,  as  occasion  may  call  for 
or  require,  until  the  sense  of  our  Continental  or  Provincial 
Convention  can  be  obtained,  whose  advice  and  direction  in 
this  important  affair  we  most  earnestly  implore. 

"4th.  That  if  any  person  is  suspected  to  be  a  tory  or 
an  enemy  to  his  country,  they  are  to  be  complained  of  to 
the  committee  of  the  district  or  town  in  which  such  person 
or  persons  may  reside.  And  that  said  committee  cite  said 
person  or  persons  to  come  before  them,  and  the  complainant 
also,  is  to  then  appear,  with  his  evidence,  for  trial. 

JOHN  WOOD,  Chairman. 

"  Sancoyack,  August  7th,  1775." 

A  letter  to  the  said  committee  of  Cambridge,  Hosac  and 
Bennington,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

In  Committee  of  Safety,  i 
"  During  the  recess  of  Congress,  > 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  resolutions  of 
the  third  and  seventh  of  August,  and  are  very  glad  to  ob- 
serve your  determinations  to  assist  and  support  the  civil 
magistrates  in  the  execution  of  their  offices.   We  are  firmly 
persuaded  that  you  will  exert  yourselves  to  prevent  all  un- 
lawful riots,  and  protect  all  those  who  have  signed  the  as- 
sociation, in  their  persons  and  properties,  and  the  courts  in 
the  full  exercise  of  their  powers  in  the  administration  of 
justice. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 
"  New-York,  Sept,  Uth,  1775. 
"  To  the  committee  of  Cambridge, 

Hosac  and  Bennington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  14,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Joseph  Hallett,  James  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall,  Jacobus  Van 
Zand  t — Ne  w-  York. 

Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

John  Foster,  John  Sloss  Hobarl — Queens. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Elias  Nixon,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  merchant, 
having  occasion  to  go  into  Boston  to  obtain  payment  of 
moneys  due  to  him,  has  requested  our  permission  to  pro- 
ceed there.  The  Committee  hereby  signify  their  consent 
to  Mr.  Nixon's  going  to  Boston  ;  and  the  Committee  being, 
by  several  of  their  present  members,  well  informed  and  as- 
sured that  Mr.  Nixon  has  on  all  occasions  shown  himself  a 
warm  and  zealous  friend  to  the  liberties  of  his  country, 
and  approved  himself  a  good  citizen,  do  recommend  him 
accordingly. 

The  residue  of  this  afternoon  was  spent  in  considering 
and  examining  sundry  accounts  on  which  the  committee  of 
accounts  desired  advice,  and  in  filling  up  some  military 
commissions. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


148 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  15th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Mr.  Beeknian,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Lispenard,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr. 
John  Van  Cortlandt — New-York. 
Major  Nicoll — Albany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
William  Paulding — Westchester. 
Aaron  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Henry  Williams — Kings. 
John  Sloss  Hobart — Suffolk. 
William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Adolph  Waldron  at  Brookland  ferry  de- 
liver to  John  Cornell  the  horse  of  the  said  Cornell  left  at 
Mr.  Waldron's  stable  by  George  Nicholson.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  George  Cornell  and  George 
Nicholson  attend  on  this  Committee  immediately. 

Mr.  John  Griffith,  by  reason  of  the  indisposition  of  his 
family,  having  declined  going  to  view  the  lead  mines  : 

Ordered,  That  John  McDonald  be  furnished  with  five 
dollars  to  enable  him  to  proceed  to  Thomas  Palmer's  at 
Newborough,  to  examine  the  lead  mines  claimed  by  the 
said  Palmer  or  belonging  to  him,  and  report  the  value  and 
state  of  said  mines  to  this  Committee,  and  account  to  this 
Committee  how  the  said  money  shall  be  expended,  and  pay 
the  balance  to  this  committee  or  their  order  when  demand- 
ed ;  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  said  Thomas  Palmer 
on  that  subject.  And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  advance 
40s.  to  the  said  John  McDonald  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  said  Thomas  Palmer  was  read 

and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of) 
"  New-York  during  the  recess  of  Congress,  > 
"  Sept.  15th,  1775.  ) 

"  Mr.  Thomas  Palmer, 

"  Sir — We  have  been  informed  that  you  are 
proprietor  of  a  lead  mine  which  you  esteem  valuable,  and 
that  you  wanted  a  proper  person  to  work,  manage  and  di- 
rect the  same. 

"  In  confidence  that  our  information  is  true,  we  send 
to  you  the  bearer,  Mr.  John  McDonald,  who  came  here 
well  recommended  as  a  good  artist  in  lead  mines,  and  a 
proper  judge  of  the  appearances  and  value  of  such  mines. 

"  If  your  mine  is  valuable  and  you  should  think  fit  to 
open  and  work  it,  we  will  contract  with  you  for  a  consi- 
derable quantity  at  such  price  as  may  be  reasonable. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  and  transmitted. 

John  Cornell  and  George  Nicholson  attending  at  the  door, 
were  called  in  and  heard. 

Ordered,  That  John  Cornell's  horse  be  delivered  to 
him  but  that  he  shall  not  be  entitled  to  any  horse  hire  or 
pay  for  the  use  of  his  horse ;  and  agreed  that  Mr.  Wal- 
dron ought  to  be  paid  for  keeping  the  said  horse,  and  that 
Mr.  Henry  Williams  call  on  Mr.  Waldron  and  pay  him 
and  bring  in  the  account  to  this  Committee. 

Mr.  Hobert  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Henry 
Williams,  that  commissions  be  immediately  issued  to 
Capt.  Anthony  Rutger's  company  of  artillery.  The  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  be  requested  to  cause  a  re- 
turn to  be  made  and  delivered  to  this  Committee,  of  the 
officers  of  his  battalion  with  all  convenient  speed,  in  order 
to  be  commissioned. 

A  letter  from  the  Friends  or  people  usually  called  Qua- 
kers, was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  allege  that  they 
cannot  make  a  return  to  this  Committee  of  all  their  males 


from  sixteen  to  sixty,  consistent  with  their  religious  prin- 
ciples. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  reserved  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  \5lh,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 

Orange  county. 

Messrs.  Hallett,  Van  Zandt,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Beekman — New- 
York. 

Maj.  Nicoll — Albany. 

William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Col.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  Committee  unanimously  agreed  to  consider  their  or- 
der of  the  twelfth  inst.  appointing  a  committee  to  procure 
gunpowder  and  arms,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
they  agreed  to  continue  the  said  order  with  the  following 
amendments,  to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Henry 
Remsen  and  Lewis  Pintard  be  a  committee  to  employ  a 
vessel  and  despatch  her  with  proper  directions  to  purchase 
gunpowder  and  arms.  And 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  be  supplied  with  four 
thousand  pounds  by  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  Trea- 
surer of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  for  that  purpose. 
And 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  give  directions  to  pur- 
chase muskets  and  not  more  than  seven  hundred,  if  pow- 
der can  be  obtained,  and  to  invest  the  residue  of  the  mo- 
ney in  gunpowder ;  and  if  muskets  are  not  to  be  obtained 
then  to  lay  out  the  whole  money  in  gunpowder  ;  if  no  gun- 
powder is  to  be  had,  that  they  direct  the  whole  money  to 
be  laid  out  in  muskets  ;  if  neither  gunpowder  or  muskets 
are  to  be  obtained,  that  they  direct  the  whole  money  to  be 
laid  out  in  saltpetre  ;  if  saltpetre  cannot  be  purchased,  that 
they  direct  twenty  tons  of  lead  to  be  purchased  and  the 
residue  of  the  money  invested  in  2^  and  3  point  blankets 
fit  for  a  soldier  to  cover  himself  with  or  wrap  himself  in ; 
and  if  blankets  cannot  be  procured,  that  they  direct  the 
money  to  be  invested  in  such  coarse  woollens  as  are  fit  for 
soldiers  coats,  the  cloths  to  be  blue,  brown  or  drab  co- 
lours. And 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  this  entry  be  a  suffi- 
cient warrant  to  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq. 
as  Treasurer  as  aforesaid,  to  deliver  to  the  gentlemen 
before  named  the.  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds  for  the  pur- 
poses above  mentioned. 

The  Committee  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  their 
resolve  or  order  of  the  12th  inst.  for  making  of  five  brass 
field  pieces,  and  after  some  lime  spent  therein  and  on  ex- 
amination of  the  accounts  of  the  sundry  charges  of  the 
brass  gun  already  made,  the  committee  conceived  4s.  per 
pound  too  high  a  price  for  brass  guns. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  treat  with  James  Byers 
on  that  subject. 

George  Nicholson  having  requested  that  this  Committee 
might  apply  to  Thomas  Johnson,  William  Paca  and  Sa- 
muel Chase,  Esqs.  Delegates  from  Maryland,  for  his  cha- 
racter, a  draft  of  a  letter  was  read  and  approved  and  is 
is  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  1 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  Sept.  15th,  1775.) 
"  G  entlemen — A  stranger  who  calls  himself  Dr.  George 
Nicholson  is  now  in  this  city.    He  has  given  some  impor- 
tant intelligence  which  has  raised  him  some  enemies  here. 

"  He  tells  us,  gentlemen,  that  you  are  acquainted  with 
him,  and  he  has  requested  us  to  write  to  you  for  his  cha- 
racter, as  we  would  choose  to  be  well  informed  with  re- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


149 


spect  to  this  gentleman's  character,  that  his  information 
may  have  its  proper  weight. 

"  We  therefore  pray  you  to  let  us  know  by  a  line,  his 
true  political  character,  and  whatdependance  we  may  have 
on  his  veracity. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  With  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  Thomas  Johnson,  William  Paca  and 
Samuel  Chase,  Esqs.  Delegates  from 
the  Colony  of  Maryland,  at  Congress, 
Philsdelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  and  Iransmitted. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  mh,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 
Messrs.  Van  Zandt,  McDougall,  Roosevelt — New-York,  4. 
Maj.  Nicoll — Albany,  3. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess,  2. 
Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester,  2. 
Isaac  Roosevelt — Ulster,  2. 
Col.  Cortelyou— Richmond,  2. 
Mr.  Henry  Williams— Kings,  2. 
John  Foster,  John  Sloss  Hobart— Suffolk,  2. 
David  Watkins— Charlotte,  2. 
William  Williams— Cumberland,  2. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  call  on  Capt.  Beau- 
man  and  receive  from  him  five  small  arms,  which  were  ta- 
ken from  on  board  of  the  North  river  sloop  seized  by  Col. 
Lasher,  that  he  have  them  valued  and  put  in  proper  order 
for  the  use  of  the  troops  raised  by  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Wooster,  of  this  day,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Harlem,  ) 
"  September  15th,  1775.  5 
"  Sir — I  have  before  me  the  order  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  the  13th  inst.  directing  me  to  order  a  full 
company  of  the  troops  under  my  command  to  proceed  to 
the  fortifications  erecting  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river, 
in  the  Highlands,  to  be  employed  there  in  erecting  and 
guarding  the  same,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  &c.  I  have  lately  received  instructions 
from  Gen.  Washington,  consistent  with  which,  I  can  not 
disperse  my  troops,  unless  ordered  by  him,  or  the  Conti- 
nental Congress ;  therefore,  think  it  necessary  that  the 
order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  upon  which  yours  is 
predicated,  should  be  sent  to  me,  before  I  can  determine 
whether  to  order  a  company  to  the  Highlands  or  not.  I 
have  no  objection  to  employing  my  troops  in  any  service 
that  shall  be  judged  of  public  utility,  consistent  with  my 
orders. 

"  I  am,  sir, 

"  With  truth  and  regard, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 

"DAVD.  WOOSTER. 

"  To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brig.  Gen.  Wooster,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  i 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  September  16th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — In  answer  to  your  favour  of  yesterday,  we  en- 
close you  the  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  respect- 
ing the  marching  of  the  troops  under  your  command  into 
this  Colony,  and  the  dispersion  of  them  after  their  arrival, 
by  which  you  will  see  that  it  was  expected  that  those 

38 


troops  should  occupy  such  posts  in  the  Colony,  as  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  should  judge  necessary  to  be  taken. 
"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  Brig.  Gen.  Wooster." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the 
resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  ICth  of 
June  last,  be  delivered  to  the  general's  secretary,  now  in 
waiting. 

In  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
For  the  Colony  of  New-Y ork,  > 
September  16th,  1775.  ) 
Whereas,  a  great  number  of  the  men  enlisted  in  the 
Continental  service  in  this  Colony  are  destitute  of  arms, 
and  in  order  to  carry  into  execution  the  resolutions  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  have 
those  troops  armed  :  And  whereas,  every  method  to  hire 
or  purchase  arms,  hitherto  attempted,  has  failed  to  procure 
a  sufficient  number  of  arms  for  the  said  troops,  and  the  on- 
ly method  remaining  is  to  impress  arms  for  their  use, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  ali  such  arms  as  are  fit  for  the 
use  of  the  troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  which  shall  be 
found  in  the  hands  or  custody  of  any  person  who  has  not 
signed  the  general  association  in  this  Colony,  shall  be  im- 
pressed for  the  use  of  the  said  troops.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  person  or  persons,  who  shall  have 
the  charge  of  the  carrying  this  resolution  into  execution  in 
each  county,  shall  direct  all  the  arms  that  shall  be  so  im- 
pressed, to  be  collected  at  some  place  in  the  county  where 
they  are  impressed,  and  there  valued  and  appraised  by 
three  indifferent  men  of  reputation  of  the  county,  any  two 
of  whom  agreeing,  shall  be  sufficient  to  ascertain  the  price; 
that  an  account  be  kept  from  whom  every  musket,  gun  or 
firelock,  so  impressed  shall  have  been  taken,  and  each 
such  gun,  musket  or  firelock  caused  to  be  marked  with 
the  initial  letter  of  the  name  of  the  county  where  it  is  im- 
pressed and  numbered,  the  numbers  following  each  other 
successively,  and  that  the  same  be  entered  in  a  book  pro- 
vided for  that  purpose,  with  the  name  of  the  owner  oppo- 
site to  the  number  marked  on  each  musket,  gun  or  fire- 
lock respectively.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  certificate,  specifying  the  value  and 
the  mark  of  the  musket,  gun  or  firelock,  so  impressed, 
appraised  and  marked,  shall  be  signed  by  the  appraisers 
and  impressers,  which  shall  entitle  the  owner  thereof  to 
receive  the  appraised  value  from  the  Treasurer  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony  :  provided  the  same  be 
not  returned  at  or  before  the  conclusion  of  the  present  un- 
happy controversy  between  Great  Britain  and  the  united 
Colonies.  And  that  an  account,  signed  by  the  said  ap- 
praisers and  impressers,  of  all  such  muskets,  guns  and 
firelocks,  so  impressed,  shall  be  sent  forthwith  to  the  Se- 
cretaries of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  either  of  them,  to 
be  filed.  And  that  all  the  muskets,  guns  and  firelocks, 
so  impressed  on  Nassau  island  be  delivered,  without  de- 
lay, to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  the  Commissary  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  those  that  shall  be 
impressed  in  the  other  counties  of  this  Colony,  to  be  depo- 
sited with  their  respective  committees,  subject  to  the  order 
of  the  said  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  captains  of  the  respective  companies 
of  the  third  regiment  of  the  troops  of  this  Colony  who  are 
now  in  Suffolk  county,  be  authorized  to  carry  these  reso- 
lutions into  execution  in  Queens  county.  That  Col.  La- 
sher be  requested  to  send  two  or  more  companies  of  his 
battalion  to  give  such  assistance  in  Queens  county,  as  may 
be  necessary,  at  such  time  and  to  such  place  or  places  as 
Col.  McDougall  and  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esq.  shall  direct 
or  advise.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  Chairmain  of  the  Committee 
and  Capt.  Dutcher,  with  such  drafts  from  the  militia  as  he 


150 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


shall  think  necessary,  or  with  the  assistance  of  some  of 
Gen.  Wooster's  troops,  be  enabled  to  carry  the  said  reso- 
lutions into  effect  in  Westchester  county.  And  that  these 
resolutions  be  carried  into  execution  in  every  other  county 
by  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee,  with  the  assis- 
tance of  the  militia  officers,  who  are  hereby  ordered  to  be 
aiding  therein,  with  such  parts  of  the  militia  as  each  such 
chairman  shall  think  necessary.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  several  persons  who  shall  be  dis- 
armed by  virtue  of  the  above  resolutions,  shall  be  exempt- 
ed from  doing  duty  in  the  militia,  as  ordered  by  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony-    And  farther 

Ordered,  That  in  case  any  of  the  non-associators  afore- 
said, shall  resist  those  persons  authorized  to  put  these  re- 
solutions into  execution,  they  (the  persons  hereby  autho- 
rized to  put  in  execution  the  above  resolves)  are  hereby 
authorized  to  repel  force  by  force,  and  to  take  into  custody 
such  person  or  persons  so  resisting,  and  cause  him  or  them 
to  be  brought  before  this  Committee,  or  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  this  Colony. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  Villi,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  McDougall — For  New- York. 
Mr.  Nicoll— Jllbany. 
Gilbert  Livingston  —  Dutchess. 
William  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Henry  Williams — Kings. 
Messrs.  Hobart  and  Foster — Suffolk. 
Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

The  Chairman  being  absent,  Mr.  Henry  Williams  was 
chosen  Chairman  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  William  Remsen,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  mer- 
chant, and  Mr.  John  A.  Remsen,  of  the  said  city,  merchant, 
each  of  them  a  lieutenant  in  a  militia  company  in  this  city, 
intending  to  proceed  to  Cambridge,  applied  for  certificates 
from  this  Committee. 

A  draft  of  a  certificate  for  that  purpose,  was  read  and 

approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  } 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  Sept  Y1th,  1775.  ) 

"  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  or  may  con- 
cern : 

"These  are  to  certify  that  the  bearer,  Mr.  John 
A.  Remsen  of  the  city  of  New-York,  merchant,  who  in- 
tends to  proceed  as  far  as  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  is  a 
gentleman  of  good  character  and  reputation,  and  lately 
elected  an  officer  in  one  of  the  militia  companies  in  the 
city  of  New- York,  in  fursuance  of  the  regulations  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  is  esteemed  a  son 
of  liberty  among  the  friends  to  their  country  in  this  place. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  attested  by  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
and  delivered  to  the  said  John  A.  Remsen  ;  and  that  ano- 
ther certificate,  mutatis  mutandis,  be  made  and  signed  by 
the  Chairman,  and  attested  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and 
delivered  to  William  Remsen. 

A  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Rhom- 
boul's  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  and  copies  of  sundry 
certificates  relating  to  arms  procured  for  the  troops  raised 
in  this  Colony  by  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  were 
read  and  filed. 

Ordtred,  That  the  same  be  postponed  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

Return  of  officers  chosen  for  beat  No.  29,  to  wit :  Samp 
son  Benson,  captain;  John  Meyer,  1st  lieutenant;  John 


S  ickles,  Jun.  2d  lieutenant ;  Abraham  Bussing,  ensign, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  LVNJE.  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  18th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 

Orange  county. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  McDoueall— F or  New- 
York. 

Maj.  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Henry  Williams  and  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Foster,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

A  report  of  the  resolves  of  the  committee  of  Kingston, 
in  Ulster  county,  of  the  fifth  inst.  and  of  the  report  made 
thereon  to  the  said  committee  on  the  sixth  inst.  were  read 
and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Kingston, 
on  Tuesday  the  fifth  day  of  September,  1775  : 
"  Egbert  Dumond  reported  to  this  committee  that  he 
was  credibly  informed  that  Christian  Bergen,  Jr's  sloop, 
of  Dutchess  county,  now  lying  near  the  east  shore  of  Hud- 
son's river,  is  now  taking  a  freight  on  board,  in  order  to 
supply  the  King's  troops,  or  the  men  of  war  now  lying  at 
New-York. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended,  and  it  is  hereby 
accordingly  recommended  that  Capt.  John  Elmendorph, 
with  a  sufficient  number  of  men  belonging  to  his  company, 
or  any  other,  go  and  take  the  said  sloop  and  bring  her  to 
the  landing  of  this  town  at  Roundout  creek." 
"  At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Kingston, 
on  Wednesday  the  sixth  day  of  September,  1776. 

"  Capt.  John  Elmendorph  reported  to  the  committee 
that  he  and  the  men  who  went  with  him  had  taken  the 
above  said  sloop  Sarah  of  Christian  Bergen,  Jr.  and 
brought  her  safe  to  the  Esopus  landing,  agreeable  to  the 
above  resolve ;  and  also  delivered  an  inventory  of  what 
they  found  on  board  the  said  sloop,  to  wit : 

"  2  anchors,  and  2  old  cables  ;  1  old  main  sheet ;  1  old 
gib  sheet ;  1  small  feather  bed  ;  3  old  blankets  ;  1  small 
fire  tongs  ;  1  small  iron  pot  and  trammel ;  6  ropes  belong- 
ing to  her  sheets,  &c. ;  1  small  auger ;  1  sheet  block. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  above  sloop  be  laid  up,  and  that 
her  rigging  and  goods  above  specified  be  under  the  care  of 
Mr.  Tunis  Houghtaling,  until  such  time  as  it  shall  be  other- 
wise ordered  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  Committee 
of  Safety  or  this  committee  ;  and  that  the  above  proceed- 
ings be  transmitted  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  now  sit- 
ting at  New-York. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"JOSEPH  GASHERIE, 

"  Clerk." 

A  letter  from  the  said  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster 
county,  covering  their  proceedings  relating  to  Bergh's 
sloop,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster 
county,  was  read  and  aproved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  September  18th,  1775  $ 
"  Gentlemen — The  resolves  of  the  committee  of  Kings- 
ton, of  fifth  current,  are  before  us  ;  in  answer  to  the  letter 
accompanying  the  same  resolves  all  we  can  say  is,  that  a3 
the  evidence  relating  to  the  fact  of  Bergh's  sloop  loading, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


151 


or  intending  to  load,  to  supply  our  enemies,  must  lay  with 
you,  we  shall  leave  the  matter  entirely  to  your  direction. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 

"To  Johannis  Sleght,  Chairman 

"of  the  Committee  of  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Wooster  of  the  17th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Camp  at  Harlem,  Sept.  17th,  1775. 

"Gentlemen — T  received  your  favour  of  yesterday,  en- 
closing the  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  say  in 
answer — the  order  was  given  the  16th  of  June,  which  was 
before  the  Continental  forces  were  properly  organized  ; 
since  that  time  the  Congress  have  ordered  about  two-thirds 
of  my  troops  to  the  northward,  and  should  I  divide  the  re- 
maining few  into  detached  parties,  scattered  about  the 
country,  and  any  disagreeable  consequences  should  follow 
from  it,  as  my  orders  from  Gen.  Washington  are  to  be 
here,  it  might  possibly  be  difficult  for  me  to  vindicate  my 
conduct. 

"  I  have  authority  to  say  that  no  Provincial  Congress  can 
with  any  propriety  interfere  in  the  disposition  of  Continen- 
tal troops,  much  less  controul  the  orders  of  any  general 
officer.  If  the  Continental  Congress  or  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  think  proper  to  employ  the  whole  or  part  of  the 
troops  under  my  command  in  erecting  and  defending  bat- 
teries at  the  Highlands,  or  elsewhere,  I  shall  expect  their 
orders  direct,  and  no  man  will  with  greater  alacrity  obey 
the  lawful  summons. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt, 

"  DAVD.  WOOSTER. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  New- York.' 

Ordered,  That  certified  copies  of  all  the  letters  between 
Gen.  Wooster  and  this  Committee,  relative  to  his  sending  up 
an  hundred  of  his  men  to  assist  in  erecting  the  fortifications 
in  the  Highlands,  and  a  certified  copy  of  the  resolve  of  the 
Continental  Congress  on  that  subject,  be  transmitted  to  the 
Continental  Congress  ;  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
Continental  Congress  on  that  subject. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  desired  to  pur- 
chase immediately  one  hundred  pair  of  pistols  and  200 
cutlasses,  and  forward  the  same  to  Ticonderoga  with  all 
possible  despatch. 

The  petition  of  Daniel  Dean  and  others  of  Yonkers, 
praying  that  John  Cock  may  be  appointed  their  captain, 
was  read  and  filed. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Monday,  September  \  8th,  1775. 
Thefollowing  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  viz: 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  McDougall— Neva-York. 

Major  Nicoll — ilbany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

No  other  members  appearing  and  not  having  a  sufficient 
number  to  form  the  Committee,  they  agreed  to  meet  here 
to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock  ;  and  the  afternoon  was 
spent  in  filling  up  commissions  for  the  militia,  and  in  exa- 
mining the  plans  and  estimate  of  the  expenses  of  the  forti- 
fications in  the  Highlands. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho  a.  m. 

September  19  th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment; 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 


i     Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougal,  Mr.  Scott— Neto- York. 
Major  Nicoll — ilbany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester. 
Henry  Williams — Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Foster  and  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Walkins— Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  the  following  captains  in  the  3d  regi- 
ment, to  wit,  Daniel  Griffin,  John  Hulbert  and  John  Gren- 
nell  do  respectively  send  such  arms  of  their  respective 
companies  as  need  repairs,  to  the  gunsmiths  in  this  city, 
to  be  repaired,  and  that  each  of  the  said  captains  do  sign 
an  account  certifying  the  particular  repairs  made  to  each 
gun,  musket  or  firelock  in  their  respective  companies,  and 
send  the  same  to  this  Committee  of  Safety,  or  deliver  it  to 
the  respective  gunsmiths  who  shall  have  made  such  repairs. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock  of  the  1 6th  inst. 
received  by  express  yesterday  afternoon,  covering  a  com- 
mission for  Col.  Flemming  and  accompanying  400  blank 
commissions  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

Philadelphia,  September  16th,  1775. 

"  Sir — Herewith  I  transmit  you  a  commission  for  Mr. 
Flemming,  deputy  adjutant-general,  with  the  rank  of  colonel 
agreeable  to  the  recommendation  of  your  Congress,  which 
I  have  dated  the  day  of  his  appointment. 

"  I  also  forward  you  four  hundred  commissions  for 
the  officers  of  your  forces  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Schuyler,  which  you  will  please  to  have  regularly  filled  up 
with  the  names  of  those  gentlemen  who  were  appointed  by 
your  Congress,  and  transmit  them  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  to  be 
delivered  them.  You  will  observe  they  are  not  dated  ;  you 
will  please  to  supply  the  dates  according  to  the  time  of  the 
appointment  of  each,  as  their  pay  should  commence  from 
that  time,  and  as  I  was  not  furnished  with  the  list  of  the 
names  nor  the  time,  was  obliged  to  give  you  the  trouble  of 
completing  the  commissions.  You  will  please  to  acknow- 
ledge the  receipt  of  them. 

"I  have  nothing  in  charge  from  Congress  to  communi- 
cate ;  when  I  have,  you  shall  be  early  acquainted  there- 
with. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  much  esteem,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"Hon.  P.  V.  B.  Livingston." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  Hon.  John  Hancock  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  } 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  > 
"  New-York,  September  18th,  1775.  S 
"Sir — We  gratefully  acknowledge  your  favour  of  the 
16th  current,  with  Col.  Flemming's  commission,  and  four 
hundred  blank  commissions. 

"  We  did  not  presume,  sir,  to  trouble  you  with  the  ma- 
terials for  filling  up  the  commissions,  as  by  your  letter  of 
the  27th  June,  ult.  you  informed  us  '  that  the  subordi- 
nate officers  were  to  be  recommended  to  the  general,  to 
whom  commissions  from  your  Congress  were  sent  to  be 
filled  up  agreeable  to  such  recommendation.' 

"  The  commissions  for  the  officers  of  the  troops  raised  in 
this  Colony,  shall  be  filled  up  with  all  possible  despatch, 
agreeable  to  your  directions,  and  an  arrangement  long 
since  delivered  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  the  residue  of  the 
commissions  transmitted  to  the  general  for  the  use  of  his 
department. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  the 

"  Greatest  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  the  express  from  Phi- 
ladelphia now  in  waiting. 


152 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


The  estimate  of  the  expenses  of  erecting  fortifications  in 
the  Highlands,  delivered  in  yesterday  P.  M.  by  B.  Romans, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  the  Continental  Congress, 
to  cover  three  plans  and  an  estimate  of  the  fortifications  er- 
ecting at  the  Highlands,  and  the  copies  of  the  correspon- 
dence between  this  committee  and  Gen.  Wooster  on  that 
subject,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  1 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Sept,  19th,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — This  serves  to  cover  the  copies  of  the 
different  plans  of  Hudsons'  river  and  the  fortifications  there 
begun  in  obedience  to  an  order  of  the  Hon.  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  and  an  estimate  of  the  expense ;  all  made 
by  Mr.  Romans,  the  engineer,  which,  he  says,  is  com- 
puted at  the  lowest  rate  possible,  exclusive  of  the  expense 
of  transportation,  ropes,  and  many  small  incidental  charges 
which  cannot  well  be  estimated. 

"  Some  of  our  agents  appointed  to  superintend  this  bu- 
siness, conceive  that  one  thousand  five  hundred  pounds 
will  be  necessary  for  incidental  charges,  gun  carriages, 
&c.  besides  cannon,  which  we  hope  may  be  supplied  with- 
out purchase. 

"  Gen.  Wooster  is  at  Harlem  with  about  400  men, 
which  appear  to  us  to  be  unemployed.  In  obedience  to 
the  order  of  the  Hon.  Continental  Congress  of  the  16th 
June  last,  we  thought  it  our  duty  to  request  him  to  send 
one  full  company  of  his  men  up  to  assist  in  erecting  the 
fortifications,  hoping  thereby  to  save  a  great  expense  in 
labour.  The  general  declines  sending  any  of  his  troops  on 
that  service,  unless  he  has  a  further  order  from  your  honou- 
rable House.  We  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  you  copies  of 
the  correspondence  between  Gen.  Wooster  and  us  on  that 
subject,  to  which  we  beg  leave  to  refer.  The  Congress 
will,  in  their  wisdom,  direct  what  is  best  for  the  general 
cause,  and  we  will  exert  ourselves  to  follow  their  direc- 
tions. 

"  We  have  the  honor  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  President  and  Members 

of  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted,  with  the  copies  therein 
mentioned. 

His  Worship  the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  attend- 
ing at  the  door,  was  called  in,  and  informed  this  Commit- 
tee that  His  Excellency  Gov.  Tryon  sent  for  him  yesterday 
and  informed  him,  that  he  received  a  letter  from  Lord 
Dartmouth,  informing  him  that  orders  had  been  given  to 
the  commanders  of  His  Majesty's  ships  in  America,  that  in 
case  any  more  troops  should  be  raised,  or  any  fortifica- 
tions erected,  or  any  of  His  Majesty's  stores  taken,  that  the 
commanders  of  the  ships  of  war  should  consider  such  ci- 
ties or  places  in  a  state  of  rebellion. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Beverly  Robinson,  Esq.  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  Sept.  19th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — By  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  founded 
on  the  necessities  of  the  present  times,  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony  has  undertaken  to  erect  a  fortification 
on  your  land,  opposite  to  the  West  Point,  in  the  Highlands. 
As  the  Provincial  Congress  by  no  means  intend  to  invade 
private  property,  this  Committee,  in  their  recess,  have 
thought  proper  to  request  you  to  put  a  reasonable  price 
upon  the  whole  point  of  dry  land,  or  island,  called  Marte- 
lair's  Rock  island  ;  which  price,  if  they  approve  of  it,  they 
are  ready  to  pay  you  for  it. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"  To  Beverly  Rodinson,  Esq. 

at  his  seat  in  the  Highlands." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  affadavits  of  Isaac  Green  and  George  Hadley,  sworn 
before  Gilbert  Drake  on  the  14th  inst.  were  read  and  filed. 
The  said  affidavits  prove  that  John  Cock,  lately  elected 
captain  of  a  company  of  militia,  at  the  Yonkers,  in  West- 
chester county,  had  damned  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
this  Colony,  and  spoke  disrespectfully  of  them. 

The  Committee  considering  these  affidavits,  and  the 
former  affidavit  of  George  Hadley,  and  the  letter  of  the 
committee  from  Westchester  on  that  subject,  are  of  opi- 
nion that  it  is  very  improper  to  give  John  Cock  a  commis- 
sion, and  that  a  new  election  should  be  held  for  the  officers 
of  that  company. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Yon- 
kers was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
'•'  NeivYork,  Sept.  19th,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — Having  considered  your  report,  and  also 
the  report  of  your  county  committee,  concerning  the  elec- 
tion of  John  Cox  as  a  captain  of  the  company  of  militia  at 
Yonkers.  We  have  determined  him  to  be  disqualified  for 
a  commission,  not  only  because  at  the  time  of  his  signing 
the  association  he  declared  it  to  be  an  involuntary  act,  but 
also  because  he  has  spoke  most  contemptuously  of  the 
Provincial  Congress.  And  in  order  that  the  other  officers 
in  the  company  may  have  a  chance  of  promotion,  which 
cannot  be  done  according  to  the  letter  of  ihe  militia  regu- 
lations, you  are  hereby  desired  to  cause  a  new  election  to 
be  made  of  all  the  officers  of  the  company,  pursuant  to  the 
said  regulations,  taking  care  to  give  public  notice  that  the 
said  John  Cocks  cannot  be  admitted  to  any  office  whatso- 
ever. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  Frederic  V.  Cortlandt,  Benjamin 
Drake,  Stephen  Sneden,  Thomas  Em- 
mons, William  Betts  and  William 
Hadley,  at  Yonkers,  Westchester." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  19th,  1775. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall — New-York. 
Maj.  Nicoll — Albany. 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Foster  and  Mr.  Hobart — Suffolk. 
Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Commissions  were  made  and  delivered  for  the  following 
gentlemen,  as  officers  of  the  company  of  light  horse  in 
Kings  county,  on  Nassau  island,  to  wit :  Adolph  Wal- 
dron,  captain,  Rem.  A.  Remsen,  first  lieutenant,  William 
Boerum,  second  lieutenant,  Thomas  Everet  and  Jacob 
Sebring,  Jr.  quarter-masters. 

Pursuant  to  a  return  of  Elisha  Mervin  and  Archibald 
Little,  inspectors,  which  is  now  filed,  commissions  were 
made  and  transmitted  for  the  following  gentlemen,  as  offi- 
cers of  the  company  of  minute  men  in  the  precinct  of 
Cornwall,  in  Orange  county,  to  wit :  Thomas  Moffit,  Esq. 
captain,  Seth  Mervin,  first  lieutenant,  James  Little,  second 
lieutenant,  and  Nathan  Strong,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress,  pay  to  Thomas  Petit,  as 
door-keeper,  twenty  pounds,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same,  on  account  of  his  pay  as  door-keeper  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  apply  to  James  By- 
ers,  and  inform  him  that  the  Committee  will  agree  with 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


153 


him  for  five  brass  field  pieces,  at  the  price  of  3s.  9d.  per 
pound,  each  field  piece  to  be  a  six  pounder  and  not  to  exceed 
620  weight.  Mr.  Byers  to  run  all  risks,  and  to  deliver  the 
field  pieces  well  proved. 

In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
New-York,  Sept.  19th,  1775.  $ 
Ordered,  That  Messrs.  John  Sloss  Hobart  and  Gilbert 
Livingston  be  a  sub-committee  to  wait  on  His  Excellency 
the  Governor,  to  inform  him  that  His  Worship  the  Mayor 
signified  to  this  Committee,  this  day,  that  His  Excellency 
told  him  he  had  received  a  letter  from  Lord  Dartmouth, 
one  of  His  Majesty's  principal  Secretaries  of  State,  in- 
forming him,  that  orders  had  been  given  to  the  command- 
ers of  His  Majesty's  ships  in  America,  that  in  case  any 
more  troops  should  be  raised,  or  any  fortifications  erected, 
or  any  of  His  Majesty's  stores  taken,  the  commanders  of 
the  ships  of  war  should  consider  such  cities  or  places  in  a 
state  of  rebellion  ;  and  to  acquaint  His  Excellency  that  the 
terms  of  their  information  from  Mr.  Mayor  are  extremely 
ambiguous  and  require  an  explanation  ;  and  that,  therefore, 
His  Excellency  be  requested  by  the  said  sub-committee  to 
furnish  this  Committee  with  an  extract  of  that  part  of 
Lord  Dartmouth's  letter ;  and  in  case  he  should  not  be 
willing  to  give  such  extract,  that  he  would  be  pleased  to 
furnish  the  said  sub-committee  with  the  exact  purport  of 
that  part  of  the  said  letter  which  relates  to  the  above  men- 
tioned subject. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock,  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  20th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Peesent — JohnHaring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall — New- 
York. 
Maj.  Nicoll — Sib  any. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Henry  Williams — Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell— Queens. 
Mr.  Foster  and  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  reported  that  James  Byers  is  ready 
to  agree  to  make  five  brass  field  pieces,  six  pounders,  of 
good  proof  and  deliver  them  at  3s.  9d.  per  pound. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  does  agree  with  James 
Byers  for  five  brass  field  pieces,  six  pounders,  to  be  made 
of  the  best  metal,  and  full  proof,  at  the  rate  of  3s.  9c?.  per 
pound,  provided  the  weight  of  each  field  piece  does  not 
exceed  six  hundred  and  twenty  weight.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  captains  Rutger,  Tudor  and  Dennis 
be  requested  to  superintend  the  proving  the  said  brass  field 
pieces. 

A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  Deputy  Com- 
missary-General at  Albany  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  September  6th,  1775. 

"Gentlemen — I  lately  received  a  number  of  gun  bar- 
rels, which  were  sent  by  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler's  orders  from 
the  garrisons  above,  to  be  stocked,  locked  and  made  fit  for 
the  service  ;  as  many  of  them  as  could  be  repaired  in  this 
city  and  in  Schenectady  I  have  delivered  to  the  armour- 
ers ;  180  are  sent  to  Connecticut,  the  remainder  were  or- 
dered to  be  sent  to  the  Provincial  Congress  ;  they  shall  be 
sent  down  and  consigned  to  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius. 

"  Those  repaired  in  this  city  and  Schenectady  I  cannot 
with  propriety  pay  for  ;  I  must  therefore  request  the  Con- 

fress  will  give  orders  for  it.  I  know  of  nobody  to  whom 
can  apply  for  that  purpose,  it  being  in  the  general's  opinion 

39 


a  Provincial  charge,  ultimately  to  be  paid  by  the  associated 
Colonies. 

"  The  number  of  barrels  sent  are  237. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedient  humble  servant, 
"  WALTER  LIVINGSTON,  D.  C.  Genl. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  bearing 
date  the  seventh  current,  was  read  and  filed.  They  there- 
by inform,  that  it  would  greatly  oblige  the  freeholders  of 
the  county,  if  His  Excellency  the  Governor  would  be 
pleased  to  grant  the  sheriff's  commission  to  John  Frey, 
Esq.  for  the  ensuing  year.  And  they  also  complain  of 
the  insolence  of  about  200  Highland  settlers  in  that 
county. 

An  affidavit  of  William  Biddle  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Cochnawaga,  24th  May,  1775. 

"  Then  personally  appeared  before  me  the  subscriber, 
being  one  of  His  Majesty's  justices  of  the  peace  in  the 
county  of  Tryon,  William  Biddle,  and  then  and  there 
made  solemn  oath  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty 
God,  that  about  the  seventeenth  of  this  instant,  being  in 
company  with  Alexander  White,  sheriff  of  the  county, 
that  he  profanely  swore  that  he  would  protect  and  defend 
all  slaves  and  negroes  that  would  resort  to  him  and  put 
themselves  under  his  protection. 
"  Sworn  before  me, 

"  JOHN  MARLATT,  Esq. 

"  A  true  copy,  examined  by 

"  John  Esenlord,  Com.  Clk." 

Three  of  the  members  of  the  committee  at  Smithtown 
made  a  return  of  the  militia  officers  of  the  company  at 
Smithtown,  and  commissions  bearing  date  the  13th  current 
were  issued  to  them  accordingly,  to  wit :  to  Phililus 
Smith,  captain,  Edmund  Smith,  Jr.  first  lieutenant,  Daniel 
Tillotson  second  lieutenant,  and  Richard  Smith  ensign. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  21st,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall— New-York. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — Ulster. 

Mr.  Remsen — Kings. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Foster—Suffolk. 

Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins — Charlotte. 

The  petition  of  David  Purdy  and  John  O'Conner  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  direct  John  O'Conner, 
David  Purdy  and  Alexander  Bell  to  be  brought  before  this 
Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  Francis,  William  Ritchie  mas- 
ter, belonging  to  Mr.  William  Lowther,  bound  for  Eden- 
ton,  in  North  Carolina,  be  permitted  to  sail  with  her  lading 
on  board,  as  reported  to  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Day  be  permitted  to  go  on 
board  of  the  ship  Asia  to  deliver  a  letter  to  Capt.  Vande- 
put. 

Alexander  Bell  being  called  in  and  severely  reprimand- 
ed for  his  past  ill  conduct  and  bad  company,  and  charged  to 
avoid  such  practices  as  are,  or  may  be  deemed  to  be, 
injurious  to  this  country  or  its  liberties,  on  penalty  of 
such  punishment  as  he  may  deserve,  was  thereupon  dis- 
charged. 


154 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


David  Purdy  being  called  in  and  examined,  was  repri- 
manded for  his  conduct,  and  charged  to  conduct  himself 
well  for  the  time  to  come,  and  was  discharged. 

John  O'Conner  was  examined  and  recommitted  till  the 
afternoon. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  21s*,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman— For  Orange  county. 
Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 
Maj.  Nicoll — Albany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Remsen — Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 
Maj.  Williams— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins—  Charlotte. 

John  O'Connor  being  brought  in  and  examined,  says 
that  three  Indians  were  hired  to  guide  him  through  the 
woods  ;  that  he  went  with  Whyte  to  Montreal  to  get  some 
money  of  one  Bennet,  who  went  with  Guy  Johnson ; 
that  he  knew  Bennet  went  with  Guy  Johnson,  and  expect- 
ed he  was  at  Montreal ;  he  knew  that  he  went  with  Guy 
Johnson  ;  that  he  has  a  brother  at  Montreal ;  that  he  was 
the  person  who  carried  Sir  John  Johnson's  letter  to  Whyte 
on  a  Sunday  evening  ;  that  a  negro  of  Sir  John's  went  with 
him  to  Whyte  ;  that  no  person  at  Johnstown,  or  in  Tryon 
county  ever  asked  him  to  sign  the  association,  or  threatened 
him  in  any  manner;  that  he  did  tell  Sir  John  Johnson  that 
he  was  threatened  and  wanted  to  leave  the  place ;  that  he 
told  Sir  John  so  to  answer  his  own  private  ends  ;  that  Cle- 
ment and  Cone  [or  Bone]  carried  the  provisions  to  Whyte  ; 
that  he  never  threatened  Mr.  Gillelleland.  The  said  John 
O'Conner  was  thereupon  discharged. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  22d,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brasher — New- 
York. 
Mr.  Nicoll — Albany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Remsen,  Mr.  Williams— Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell— Queens. 
Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 
Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Maj.  Nicoll  informed  the  Committee  that  the  commis- 
sioners for  Indian  affairs  at  Albany,  having  occasion  for 
gunpowder  to  make  presents  to  the  Indians,  the  committee 
of  Albany  had,  on  application  of  the  said  commissioners, 
spared  to  them  the  gunpowder  which  was  lately  ordered 
for  the  county  of  Albany,  and  Maj.  Nicoll  informed  that 
Albany  is  entirely  destitute  of  powder. 

Ordered,  That  two  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  be 
supplied  to  Maj.  Nicoll,  or  his  order,  from  the  powder 
mill  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  to  be  delivered  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  that  the  said 
committee  pay  for  the  said  gunpowder  to  the  manufacturer 
thereof  at  the  rale  of  £"20  per  hundred. 

A  letter  to  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  } 
"  Sept.  22d,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — The  committee  of  Albany  have  spared  their 
small  supply  of  gunpowder  to  the  commissioners  for  In- 
dian affairs,  and  earnestly  requested  of  us  an  order  for 
2001b. 

"  We  have  given  an  order  for  two  hundred  weight  at 
your  mill  to  Maj.  Nicoll,  or  his  order.  The  committee  of 
Albany  are  to  pay  for  it  to  you  or  your  order. 

"  We  are,  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"To  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 

at  his  seat,  Manor  of  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  brigantine  Elliot,  William  Hallock 
master,  now  nearly  ready  to  put  to  sea,  be  permitted  and  is 
hereby  permitted  to  proceed  on  a  whaling  voyage. 

A  letter  of  John  Weatherhead,  dated  the  17th  September, 
put  under  cover  directed  to  this  Committee,  was  read  and 
filed.  He  therein  mentions  sundry  reports,  which  he  says 
have  been  propagated  and  are  injurious  to  his  character, 
and  declares  that  said  reports  are  not  true. 

A  certificate  of  Capt.  Vandeput,  dated  the  3d  inst.  cer- 
tifying that  John  Weatherhead  did  not  give  him  the  intel- 
ligence that  the  guns  were  to  be  removed  from  the  Battery 
on  the  23d  ult.  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Clarkstown,  Sept.  2lst,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — By  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Fairchild, 
the  committee  here  have  information  of  several  of  Capt. 
Johnson's  men  having  deserted,  and  some  of  them  are  alrea- 
dy returned  here.  The  committee  will  be  glad  of  your 
advice,  how  to  proceed  in  apprehending  them  and  sending 
them  again  to  Albany ;  and  if  any  provision  will  be  made 
to  defray  the  expenses  that  will  accrue  in  so  doing.  I 
have  furnished  the  bearer  with  a  horse,  and  you  may  fur- 
nish the  committee  with  an  answer  when  he  returns  again. 
"  I  am,  gent,  in  behalf  of  the  committee, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"  DAVID  PYE. 

"  To  the-  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  9 
o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  23d,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present. — Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Lispe- 
nard,  Col.  McDougall — New-York. 

Mr.  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Henry  Williams — Kings. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 

Maj.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

The  Chairman  being  absent,  Col.  Blackwell  was  unani- 
mously elected  Chairman  pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  dated  the  20th  inst.  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  Sept.  20th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — As  Gen.  Schuyler  is  engaged  in  an 
expedition  of  immense  consequence  to  the  United  Colonies, 
and  it  being  of  the  last  importance  that  he  be  properly  sup- 
ported, in  order  to  ensure  success,  or  at  least  prevent  a 
repulse,  I  am  directed  by  the  Congress  to  write  to  you, 
and  direct  you  immediately  to  send  forward  the  whole  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


155 


the  troops  ordered  to  be  raised  in  your  Colony,  properly 
equipped,  in  order  to  join  Gen.  Schuyler  as  soon  as  possible. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servt, 
"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  gentlemen  of  the  Provincial  Congress 

or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Mrs.  Hingston,  now  residing  at  Hallet's 
Cove,  on  Nassau  island,  be  permitted  to  depart  this  Colo- 
ny, with  her  wearing  apparel  and  household  furniture,  un- 
molested. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continental 
Congress,  dated  the  20th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  the  honour  of  your  favour  of 
the  9th  inst.  which  we  instantly  communicated  to  the  Con- 
gress. Deputy-Adjutant  Flemming's  commission  with  the 
rank  of  colonel,  and  a  number  of  blanks,  which  you  request, 
have  already  been  forwarded  ;  and  you  may  be  assured 
that  we  shall  be  attentive  to  your  want  of  powder,  and  em- 
brace every  opportunity  to  supply  it. 

The  article  of  tea  gives  us  real  anxiety.    We  sincerely 
wish  to  relieve  our  suffering  fellow  citizens  by  enabling 
them  to  dispose  of  what,  so  much  to  their  misfortune,  lies 
useless  and  perishing  upon  their  hands.    You  cannot  be  in- 
sensible of  the  delicacy  of  this  subject,  and  how  many  dif- 
ficulties we  have  to  struggle  with  to  accomplish  your  hu- 
mane request ;  whether  we  shall  succeed  or  not,  it  is  out 
of  oar  power  to  determine  ;  we  are  not  without  hopes,  but 
whatever  may  be  the  event,  you  may  rely  upon  our  utmost 
exertions  to  obtain  the  permission  which  you  solicit. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"JAMES  DTJANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
u JOHN  JAY 

"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Je. 
"  FRANS.  LEWIS. 
"  Philadelphia,  20th  Sept.  1775. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Johnson,  Jr.  Samuel  Chase  and 
William  Paca,  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of  Maryland,  dated 
the  20th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  20th  Sept.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — George  Nicholson  came  a  stranger  into 
Annapolis,  in  Maryland,  about  two  years  ago,  in  the  cha- 
racter we  believe  of  doctor,  in  a  ship  which  imported  ser- 
vants ;  he  remained  in  Annapolis  and  its  neighborhood  till 
lately  ;  he  was  amongst  the  first  to  enrol  himself  in  a  com- 
pany of  militia  last  winter,  and  has  uniformly  as  far  as  we 
have  ever  understood  expressed  himself  friendly  to  the 
cause  of  American  liberty ;  as  to  his  veracity  or  moral 
character,  though  he  is  personally  known  to  each  of  us, 
neither  of  us  know  of  any  thing  remarkable  or  particular 
on  either  side. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedient  servants, 

"  THS.  JOHNSON,  Junr. 
"SAMUEL  CHASE, 
"WM.  PACA." 
Be  pleased  to  have  the  enclosed  letter  delivered  by  a 
safe  hand;  it  is  an  answer  to  his,  to  Mr.  Johnson. 

The  petilion  of  Chrisiian  Bergh,  Jr.  Adam  Bergh,  Da- 
vid Dol,  John  Dol  and  Timothy  Doughty,  praying  to  be 
discharged,  was  read  and  filed. 

William  Deane  of  this  city,  about  to  proceed  to  Wil- 
liamsburgh  in  Virginia,  applied  to  this  Committee  for  a  cer- 
tificate for  himself  and  John  Newport  his  assistant;  where- 
upon a  certificate  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Congress  of  the  Colony,  > 
"New-York,  September  23rd,  1775.  ) 

"  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  or  may  concern : 

"  These  are  to  certify,  that  William  Deane,  the  bearer 


hereof,  who  is  about  to  proceed  to  Williamsburgh,  in  Vir- 
ginia, is  a  citizen  of  New- York,  of  good  character  and  re- 
putation ;  that  he  was  the  first  who  signed  the  general  as- 
sociation in  this  Colony,  and  that  he  is  generally  esteemed 
amongst  us  a  son  of  liberty,  and  a  friend  to  the  rights  of 
this  country.  The  said  William  Deane  proposes  also  to 
take  with  him  as  an  assistant  in  his  present  business, 
James  Newport,  who  is  a  clerk  to  Mr.  Richard  Deane  of 
this  city,  distiller. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"Attest." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  their  Congress.  y 
"  New-York,  Sept.  23rd.  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of 
the  20th  inst.  we  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  the  almost  in- 
surmountable difficulty  of  procuring  arms  has  been  the 
only  reason  that  any  of  our  troops  have  been  delayed. 

"  Before  we  were  enabled  to  purchase  arms  very  few 
remained  to  be  purchased  ;  no  pains  were  spared  or  expe- 
dients omitted  to  procure  arms.  Only  six  companies  re- 
main who  have  not  been  forwarded  ;  three  of  those  are 
now  ready,  their  baggage  embarked  before  the  receipt  of 
your  letter,  and  they  will  proceed  immediately.  The 
others  we  hope  to  despatch  within  a  week  at  farthest. 
"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants. 

"By  order. 
"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed. 

In  Committee  of  Safety,  f 
For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
Sept.  23rd,  1775  ) 
Resolved,  That  any  soldier  belonging  to  the  Continental 
army  who  shall  be  absent  from  his  corps  in  this  Colony, 
wilhout  a  furlough  or  discharge  from  the  commanding  of- 
ficer of  the  regiment  or  company  to  which  he  belongs, 
shall  be  deemed  a  deserter ;  and  the  committee  of  every 
county,  city,  town  and  precinct  within  this  Colony,  are 
hereby  respectively  directed  to  cause  each  and  every  such 
soldier  who  shall  be  found  in  their  respective  districts,  to 
be  apprehended  and  sent  to  his  or  their  regiment  or  com- 
pany. But  if  they  cannot  be  informed  to  what  corps  such 
soldier  belongs,  they  are  to  publish  his  name  and  the  place 
where  he  shall  be  apprehended,  in  the  newspapers,  to  the 
end,  that  the  captain  from  whom  he  deserted  may  be  in- 
formed where  he  may  be  found,  and  the  committees  above 
mentioned  are  also  directed  to  transmit  to  the  Congress  or 
the  Committee  of  Safely  of  this  Colony,  for  the  time  be- 
ing, without  delay,  an  account  of  the  expenses  incurred  in 
apprehending,  securing  and  sending  such  soldier  to  his 
corps. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  in  this  Colony  shall  know- 
ingly harbour  or  conceal  any  soldier  belonging  to  the  Conti- 
nental army  without  his  having  a  furlough  or  discharge 
from  his  commanding  officer,  or  neglect  to  inform  the  com- 
mittee of  the  district  where  he  resides,  of  the  appearance 
of  such  soldier  in  it,  he  shall  be  deemed  and  treated  as  an 
enemy  to  his  country,  and  be  subject  to  pay  all  the  expen- 
ses that  shall  accrue  in  apprehending  and  sending  such 
soldier  to  his  corps. 

It  being  represented  by  this  committee  that  Capt.  John 
Hulbert,  of  the  third  regiment  of  the  troops  raised  in  this 
Colony,  and  Capt.  Daniel  Griffin  of  the  said  regiment 
with  their  respective  subaltern  officers  are  all  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  and  unable  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga  for  want 
of  money  to  defray  their  expenses: 

Resolved  und  Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Capt.  John 
Hulbert,  thirty  seven  pounds  six  shillings  and  eight  pence, 


156 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


for  two  months  pay  for  himself  and  John  Davis  and  Wil- 
liam Havens  his  two  subalterns  to  enable  them  to  proceed 
to  Ticonderoga,  or  elsewhere  to  join  the  army  under  the 
command  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take 
Capt.  Hulbert's  receipt  for  the  same  sum  on  account  of 
pay.  And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  pay 
to  Capt.  Daniel  Griffin,  the  like  sum  of  thirty-seven  pounds 
six  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  two  months  pay  for  him- 
self and  Benjamin  Marvin,  and  Nathaniel  Norton  his  sub- 
alterns, to  enable  them  to  proceed  to  join  the  army  afore- 
said ;  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Capt.  Griffin's  receipt 
for  the  same  on  account  of  pay.  And 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Hulbert  and  Capt.  Daniel 
Griffin,  do  respectively  without  delay,  give  information  in 
writing  of  the  moneys  by  them  respectively  received  by 
virtue  of  this  order,  both  to  Col.  James  Clinton  of  the  3rd 
regiment,  and  to  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr.  Esq.  deputy  pay- 
master-general. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  2Uh,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

As  no  business  appears  so  necessary  as  to  require  the 
committee  to  go  to  business,  they  adjourned  to  9  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  LUNjE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  25th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Messrs.  "Van  Zandt,  Beekman  and  Brasher— New-York. 

Major  Nicoll — ilbany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Roosevelt—  Ulster. 

Henry  Williams — Kings. 

John  Foster— Suffolk. 

The  Chairman  being  absent,  Mr.  Henry  Williams  was 
chosen  chairman,  pro  tempore. 

Francis  James,  one  of  the  pilots  sent  out  by  order  of 
the  Congress  to  observe  any  fleet  that  might  be  approach- 
ing any  part  of  this  Colony,  being  returned,  gave  infor- 
mation that  on  the  21st  inst.  they  saw  several  ships,  which 
came  out  of  Boston  harbour,  steering  westward,  and  the 
journal  kept  on  board,  was  delivered  in  and  filed.  There- 
upon a  letter  to  the  committee  of  East  and  South-Hampton, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety  ) 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  September  25th,  1775.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — One  of  our  boats  (employed  to  watch 
the  motions  of  the  fleet  and  army  at  Boston,)  is  just  arriv- 
ed from  the  eastward,  and  inform  us,  that  on  the  21st  inst. 
in  the  morning,  off  the  harbour  of  Chatham,  near  Cape 
Cod,  they  saw  a  large  ship  of  war  standing  to  the  west- 
ward ;  and  about  three  hours  after,  they  saw  four  ships, 
one  brig  and  1  schooner,  all  standing  the  same  course, 
over  the  shoals.  Our  boatmen  could  not,  with  any  safety, 
go  near  enough  to  make  a  perfect  discovery,  but  we  ap- 
prehend they  are  part  of  a  fleet  destined  for  Suffolk  coun- 
ty, for  the  purpose  of  getting  more  stock.  We  give  you 
this  notice  to  the  end  that  you  may  be  prepared  to  protect 
the  stock  and  prevent  their  being  taken  off,  if  possible.  It 
is  expected  by  this  Board,  that  all  the  militia  officers,  as 
well  those  in  nomination  as  those  in  commission,  will 
attentively  obey  and  execute  the  orders  of  the  chairman 
of  the  committee,  and  use  all  their  influence  in  spiriting 
the  men,  in  protecting  the  stock,  and  repelling  by  force, 
any  hostile  acts  of  the  ministerial  army  and  navy.  The 


Colony  troops  raised  in  your  county,  being  ordered  by  the 
Continental  Congress  to  join  the  army  to  the  northward 
without  any  excuse  or  delay,  you  will  therefore  be  under 
the  necessity  of  acting  with  redoubled  vigilance  and  reso- 
lution. Please  send  copies  of  this  by  express,  to  the 
committees  of  Southold  and  Shelter  island. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 
"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committees 

of  East  and  South  Hampton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd  of  the  23d  inst.  was  read  and 
filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  he  will  send  down  some 
gun  barrels  in  a  short  time,  and  attend  personally  if  in  his 
power. 

The  petition  of  George  Nicholson  was  read  and  filed. 
He  therein  sets  forth  his  former  employments  as  a  surgeon 
and  as  an  officer  in  the  East  India  service,  and  his  know- 
ledge of  the  French  tongue,  and  prays  for  some  employ- 
ment in  the  army,  or  a  little  support  as  a  volunteer. 

The  petition  of  Timothy  Doughty,  John  Dob  and  oth- 
ers, dated  this  day,  was  read  and  filed;  they  thereby  pray 
to  be  heard  and  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Ebenezer  Hazard,  dated  this  day,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  sets  forth  the  necessities  of 
the  eastern  post-riders,  and  prays  the  attention  of  this 
Committee  to  their  accounts. 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  3  o'clock  in  the  after- 
noon. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  September  25th,  1775. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Messrs.  Van  Zandt,  Beekman,  Verplanck,  Brasher  and  McDougall- 
New-York. 
Mr.  Nicoll— Albany. 
Mr.  Roosevelt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Abraham  Skinner  informed  the  Committee  that  the  per- 
sons sent  to  Jamaica  had  collected  a  few  arms  ;  that  he 
saw  several  people  in  Queens  county  mustering  and  in 
arms,  and  apprehends  that  those  gentlemen  will  meet  with 
opposition,  and  that  they  wish  to  have  a  battalion  sent  up 
from  New-York  to  their  assistance. 

Col.  McDougall  shewed  his  directions  to  Col.  Lasher, 
with  relation  to  sending  his  troops  to  Queens  county,  which 
were  read,  and  Col.  McDougall  requested  the  direction  of 
the  Committee  whether  he  should  deliver  those  instruc- 
tions. A  difference  of  sentiment  appearing  as  to  the  ad- 
vice to  be  given  by  the  Committee,  the  question  was 
put  whether  Col.  McDougall  shall  deliver  the  said  orders 
to  Col.  Lasher. 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   2         Albany,   3 

Suffolk,   2         Ulster,   2 

New-York,   4  — 

—  5 
8 

The  Committee  therefore  advised  Col.  McDougall  to 
carry  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safely  into  exe- 
cution ;  but  that  he  defer  the  sending  over  Col.  Lasher's 
battalion  until  the  Committee  hear  farther  advice  from  Maj. 
Williams,  and  the  gentlemen  sent  to  Queens  county.  And 

Or dered,  That  Mr.  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  pro- 
ceed to  Jaimaca  to  know  the  true  state  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  gentlemen  who  are  there  to  collect  arms. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  26th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman— For  Orange  county. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


157 


Mr.  Van  Zandt  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Mr.  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Richard  Yates—  New- York. 
Mr.  Nicoll — Albany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Henry  Williams — Kings. 
John  Foster— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Benson  returned  from  Jamaica,  reported  that  he 
had  seen  Maj.  "Williams  and  the  other  gentlemen  at  Jamai- 
ca ;  that  to  prevent  mistakes,  he  had  obtained  the  report  of 
Maj.  Williams  in  writing,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Jamaica,  September  25th,  10  o'clock,  P.  M. 
"  Sir — I  have  endeavoured,  in  the  towns  of  Jamaica 
and  Hempstead,  to  carry  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress 
into  execution ;  but  without  the  assistance  of  the  batta- 
lion shall  not  be  able  to  do  it  to  any  good  purpose  ;  the 
people  conceal  all  their  arms  that  are  of  any  value  ;  many 
declare  they  know  nothing  about  the  Congress,  nor  do 
they  care  any  thing  for  the  orders  of  the  Congress,  and 
say  that  they  would  sooner  lose  their  lives,  than  give  up 
their  arms ;  and  that  they  would  blow  any  man's  brains 
out  that  should  attempt  to  take  them  from  them. 

"We  find  there  are  a  number  of  arms  that  belong  to  the 
county  in  the  hands  of  the  people.  Some  persons  are  so 
hardy  and  daring  as  to  go  into  the  houses  of  those  that  are 
friendly  and  take  away  by  force  those  county  arms,  that 
our  friends  have  received  from  the  clerk  of  the  county. 

"  We  are  told  that  the  people  have  been  collecting  to- 
gether, and  parading  in  sundry  places  armed,  and  firing 
their  muskets  by  way  of  bravado. 

"  We  also  have  it  from  good  authority,  that  Gov.  Col- 
den  yesterday  sent  his  servant  round  to  some  of  the  lead- 
ing people,  advising  and  directing  them  to  arm  and  defend 
themselves  and  not  deliver  their  arms,  in  consequence  of 
which,  a  number  of  people  collecting  themselves  this 
morning  to  retake  the  few  arms  we  collected  yesterday, 
for  some  reason  did  not  proceed. 

"  Capt.  Hulet  of  Hempstead  told  us  he  had  his  com- 
pany together  last  Monday,  and  said,  had  your  battalion 
appeared  they  should  have  warmed  their  sides. 

"  On  the  whole,  had  we  the  battalion  we  believe  we 
should  be  able  to  collect  a  very  considerable  number  of 
good  arms,  and  support  the  honour  of  the  Congress  ;  but 
without  it  shall  not — and  think,  that  if  the  battalion  is  sent 
up,  the  sooner  the  better. 

"  Some  of  the  leading  men  of  Hempstead,  whom  we 
this  day  had  together,  proposed  to  call  the  town  together 
on  Monday  next,  and  consult  on  the  matter  and  return 
some  answer  or  other  on  Tuesday  next,  and  seemed  desi- 
rous to  put  off  the  matter  till  the  whole  Congress  met. 
Whether  they  mean,  by  this  put  off,  to  gain  time  to  arm 
and  prepare,  or  what  else,  we  know  not. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 

"  WILLIAM  WILLIAMS." 

On  reading  the  above  report  of  Maj.  Williams,  it  is 
Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed 
to  collect  arms  in  Queens  county,  be  desired  to  send  to 
this  committee  all  the  arms  already  collected,  and  that  they 
proceed  in  collecting  all  the  arms  they  can,  and  return  with 
them  to  this  city  on  or  before  Friday  next.  That  Samuel 
Verplanck,  Thomas  Smith,  David  Clarkson,  John  Van 
Derbilt  and  Benjamin  Kissam,  Esqs.  be  a  committee  to 
proceed  on  Friday  next  to  Queens  county,  and  use  every 
prudent  measure  in  their  power  to  collect  arms  in  the  said 
county  ;  and  that  they  attend  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants 
intended  to  be  held  at  Hempstead  on  Monday  next,  and 
endeavour  to  prevail  on  them  to  comply  with  the  former 
resolutions  of  this  Committee  ;  and  also  that  they  report 
to  this  Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  names 
of  all  such  as  have  or  do  oppose  the  measures  of  the  Con- 
tinental or  Provincial  Congresses,  or  of  this  Committee. 

40 


The  Committee  then  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  27th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 

Messrs.  Hallet,  Beekman,  Thomas  Smith,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Col. 
McDougall — New-York. 

Francis  Nicoll — Jllbany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Henry  Williams,  John  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

John  Foster — Suffolk. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

A  number  of  letters  taken  from  on  board  of  the  Rhode- 
Island  packet,  were  brought  into  Committee.  Several  of 
them  which  were  directed  to  different  persons  of  the  cus- 
toms and  to  other  persons,  were  opened  and  inspected,  and 
nothing  inimical  to  the  Colonies  being  discovered,  they 
were  released,  put  into  a  wrapper  with  an  endorsement 
that  they  had  been  examined  by  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
and  together  with  all  the  other  packets  and  letters  returned 
to  the  captain  of  the  packet. 

Mr.  Robert  Rodgers,  commonly  called  Maj.  Rodgers, 
according  to  directions  for  that  purpose,  attended  on  the 
Committee.  He  assured  the  Committee  that  he  was  a 
prisoner  on  his  parol  of  honour  to  the  Committee  of  Safety 
at  Philadelphia  ;  that  he  received  from  the  said  Commit- 
tee, a  certified  copy  of  his  parol,  with  a  certificate  thereto, 
signed  by  Benjamin  Franklin,  which  he  unfortunately  lost ; 
and  Mr.  Rodgers  declared  to  this  Committee,  upon  his 
honour  as  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman,  that  he  will  not  de- 
part this  city  without  leave  of  this  Committee,  until  he 
shall  have  recovered  the  said  certified  copy  of  his  parol, 
or  another  certified  copy  thereof,  and  produced  the  same  to 
this  Committee  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time,  he  will  on  re- 
quest attend  upon  this  Committee.  Mr.  Rodgers  informed 
the  Committee  that  he  lodges  at  Dr.  Harrison's  in  Broad- 
way. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the 
Colony  of  New-Jersey,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
"  Sept.  21th,  1775.  > 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  informed  that  a  number  of  men 
from  your  Colony,  who  enlisted  in  the  regiments  raised  in 
this  Colony  for  the  Continental  service,  have  deserted,  and 
are  now  lurking  in  New-Jersey  ;  we  submit  it  to  your  con- 
sideration whether  proper  steps  should  not  be  taken  to  ap- 
prehend them,  and  whether  it  will  not  be  proper  for  your 
committee  to  adopt  measures  similar  to  those  we  have  taken 
for  apprehending  deserters,  which  are  printed  in  the  public 
papers.    We  request  that  you  would  direct  such  deserters 
as  may  be  taken  in  your  Colony  to  be  forwarded  immedi- 
ately to  this  city,  that  they  may  be  sent  to  the  regiments  to 
which  they  respectively  belong. 

"We  are,  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  The  Committee  of  Safety  for  the 

Colony  of  New-Jersey." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  sent  for  Mr.  Watkeys,  and  had  a  con- 
ference with  him  in  respect  to  the  procuring  locks  for  mus- 
kets, and  the  residue  of  the  morning  was  spent  in  the  pre- 
paring Continent  and  Provincial  commissions,  and  auditing 
accounts. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  9 
o'clock. 


158 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

September  28th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Messrs.  Hallett,  Van  Cortlandt,  Van  Zandt,  McDougall— Aeu>- York. 
Major  Nicoll — Jllbany. 
Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Henry  Williams — Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell  and  Joseph  Robinson— Queens. 
Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 
Major  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Thaddeus  Burr,  sheriff  of  Fairfield  county, 
in  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fairfield,  26th  Sept.  1775. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York  : 

"Gentlemen — It  is  now  13  weeks  since  Angus 
McDonald  was  committed  to  the  jail  in  this  place,  as  1 
suppose  by  your  order;  but  of  this  I  have  no  certainty: 
nor  do  I  know  where  my  jailer  is  to  get  his  pay  for  board- 
ing and  attending  upon  him  in  close  jail.  If  you  mean  to 
do  it  I  should  be  glad  to  know  it.  I  think  it  very  unrea- 
sonable that  I  should  have  the  trouble  of  him  any  longer, 
considering  you  have  very  good  jails  in  your  city.  I  hope 
therefore,  you  will  take  him  off  my  hands.  I  have  wrote 
to  you  twice  before  this  concerning  this  man,  and  have  had 
no  answer.  If  I  have  none  to  this  I  shall  dismiss  him 
without  any  ceremony. 

"  I  am  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient,  hum.  servt. 

" THADDEUS  BURR, 
"  Sheriff  of  Fairfield  county." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrew  Moodie  be  appointed,  and 
is  hereby  appointed  adjutant  of  the  third  regiment  of  troops 
raised  in  this  Colony,  as  part  of  the  Continental  army,  in 
the  stead  and  place  of  Adam  Schroter.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  pay  of  the  said  Andrew  Moodie, 
commence  on  Monday,  the  25th  inst.  when  he  engaged  in 
the  service  and  left  his  other  employment,  and  that  he  pro- 
ceed to  join  the  army  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler, with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutchess  county,  inclosing  15  affidavits  sent 
as  testimony  against  Timothy  Doughty,  Adam  Bergh, 
Christian  Bergh,  Jr.  and  others  was  read,  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Avery,  Foster  Lewis,  Christo- 
pher Duyckink,  Capt.  James  Alner  and  Henry  Tiebout,  be 
requested  to  attend  this  Committee  to-morrow  morning  at 
ten  o'clock,  to  be  examined  on  oath  as  to  the  particular 
persons  who  opposed  their  obtaining  arms  in  Queens  coun- 
ty, and  the  opposition  given  to  them,  and  the  insults  offer- 
ed to  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  by  whom. 

Mr.  Berrien  applied  to  the  Committee  with  sundry  let- 
ters from  the  commissioners  at  the  Highlands,  by  which  it 
appears  they  want  labourers. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Berrien  be  authorized  to  pro- 
cure fifty  able  bodied  men,  good  labourers,  at  wages  not 
exceeding  50s  per  month  each,  besides  their  provisions,  to 
proceed  immediately  to  assist  in  erecting  the  fortifications 
on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands  ;  that  he 
procure  as  many  of  them  who  have  and  will  take  arms 
with  them  as  he  conveniently  can  ;  that  he  order  and  di- 
rect at  least  twelve  carriage  guns  to  be  mounted  there  im- 
mediately, and  provided  with  shot,  cartridges,  rammers, 
sponges  and  every  other  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  said 
guns.  And, 

Ordered  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  deliver  to  Mr. 
John  Berrien  two  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  for  the 
use  of  the  people  at  the  said  fortifications. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to 


Maj.  Francis  Nicoll,  the  sum  of  forty-eight  shillings  to  re- 
imburse the  said  Maj.  Nicoll,  for  so  much  money  advanced 
by  him  to  a  poor  Indian  by  order  of  this  Committee. 
The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  4  P.  M.  Sept.  28th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt 
Col.  McDougall— AW  York. 

Major  Nicoll — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Foster—  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  2Ut  Sept.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Be  pleased  by  the  first  opportunity  to 
favour  us  with  a  particular  account  of  the  number  of  men 
raised  in  our  Colony  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of  the  Con- 
gress; when  the  several  detachments  marched  ;  where  they 
are  at  present ;  whether  they  are  armed,  and  what  steps 
were  taken  for  that  purpose  ?  We  also  wish  to  know  the 
progress  made  in  erecting  the  works  in  the  Highlands  ; 
whether  the  materials  are  purchased,  or  what  proportion  ; 
and  when  they  may  probably  be  completed?  Inform  us 
also  of  the  exact  quantity  of  powder  our  Colony  has  at 
at  their  own  expense  forwarded  to  either  army,  that  it  may 
be  replaced  out  of  the  Continental  stock,  as  soon  as  it  can 
be  afforded. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servts. 
"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"JOHN  JAY 

"  ROBERT  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Jr. 

"WM.  FLOYD, 

"FRANS.  LEWIS. 
"  P.  S.  Acquaint  us  likewise  of  the  prices  you  gave  for 
the  different  sort  of  cloth  for  tents  and  the  making. 
"  To  Committee  of  Safety  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Bayard  and  others,  dated  25th 
September,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  received  last  night  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Berrien,  informing  us  that  the  plan  for  building  the  fortifi- 
cation, with  the  estimation  of  the  expenses,  was  transmit- 
ted to  the  Continental  Congress.  We  should  have  esteem- 
ed ourselves  happy  had  we  been  consulted  on  this  subject 
before  it  had  been  sent  forward.  It  was  easy  for  one  of 
our  body  to  have  waited  upon  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
to  have  given  them  full  satisfaction  relative  to  the  situation 
of  the  ground,  which  it  is  not  possible  for  them  to  know 
by  the  plan.  We  conceive  that  an  operation  of  this  kind 
is  intended  for  the  defence  of  the  Colony  and  for  the  ad- 
vantage of  America  in  general.  If  we  are  right  in  our 
conjecture,  Mr.  Romans'  plan  is  not  sufficient — it  will  only 
be  a  temporary  expedient  to  prevent  vessels  going  up  the 
river,  and  should  the  fortification  fall  into  the  hands  of  the 
ministerial  troops  it  will  prove  the  ruin  of  the  Province. 
Therefore  it  was  not  possible  for  him  to  give  you  any  cal- 
culation relative  to  the  whole  expense,  as  it  will  be  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  extend  the  works;  and  the  place,  we 
are  convinced,  maybe  made  impregnable,  and  the  expense 
not  enormous.  It  appears  to  us  that  it  would  have  been 
much  better  to  have  calculated  the  amount  of  what  it  would 
cost,  than  be  obliged  hereafter  to  apply  a  second  time  to 
the  Continental  Congress.  However,  we  submit  our  ideas 
to  your  judgment.  It  is  our  duty  to  be  faithful  to  the  im- 
portant charge  committed  to  our  care,  as  we  will  not  be 
answerable  for  measures  we  cannot  conduct ;  therefore  re- 
quest the  favour  of  you,  gentlemen,  to  inform  us  whether 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


159 


we  are  under  Mr.  Roman's  direction,  or  whether  he  is  oblig- 
ed to  consult  with  us  upon  the  measures  to  be  pursued. 
You  cannot  blame  us  for  this  request,  as  the  safety,  honour 
and  interest  of  our  country,  and  its  future  welfare,  depend 
upon  this  important  post.  We  think  it  our  duty  to  give 
you  a  hint  which  seems  to  merit  your  consideration,  viz  : 

"Gov.  Tryon,  Mr.  William  Bayard  and  Maj.  Bayard,  have 
been  up  in  our  neighborhood  ;  his  Excellency  did  not  say 
any  thing,  but  both  the  Bayards  examined  Capt.  Palmer, 
our  captain,  with  great  scrutiny,  in  the  presence  of  his  Ex- 
cellency, about  the  fortification,  the  nature  of  the  ground, 
the  state  it  was  in,  how  many  guns  were  mounted  and  how 
many  men  watched.  This  happened  on  Saturday,  at  Ha- 
verstraw.  We  shall  keep  a  look  out,  for  we  expect  them 
near  to  us.  Will  it  not  be  prudent  that  we  should  have  a 
guard.  The  minute  men  at  New-Windsor  want  powder  ; 
they  are  ready  to  come  to  our  assistance  if  they  had  it. 
We  ought  to  have  powder  and  shot  for  our  guns,  as  we 
shall  mount  six  this  week,  nine  pounders. 
"  We  are,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants, 
"SAML.  BAYARD, 
"  WILLIAM  BEDLOW, 
"  JOHN  HANSON. 

"  At  Constitution  Fort,  ? 
"  Monday  25th  Sept.  1775."  J 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Plenderleath,  Esq.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  26th  Sept.  1775. 
"  Sir — I  arrived  this  day  from  England,  and  am  sorry 
to  find  the  country  in  its  present  unhappy  state.  That  my 
arrival  may  not  afford  anxiety  to  any  person,  nor  I  be  ex- 
posed to  any  inconveniences,  I  take  the  liberly  to  assure 
you  that  the  purpose  of  my  voyage  is  barely  to  visit  my 
family  and  not  to  act  in  any  military  capacity,  and  propose 
when  my  leave  of  absence  is  out,  to  return  to  England. 
You  will  therefore  do  me  the  favour  to  declare  the  contents 
of  this  letter  in  such  a  way  you  think  best,  for  preventing 
any  trouble  from  the  jealousies  of  the  people  relating  to,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  PLENDERLEATH." 

Ordered,  That  Monsieur  N.  Perree,  Esq.  an  elderly 
gentleman,  an  invalid,  now  in  New-York,  who  came  from 
Gaudaloupe  for  his  health,  be  excused  from  serving  on  the 
night  watch  and  doing  military  duty  in  New- York. 

A  letter  from  Dr.  George  Nicholson  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  waited  on  Dr.  Treat,  who  advises  me 
to  go  up  a  cadet  by  all  means,  in  preference  to  doctor's 
mate.  I  hope,  gentlemen,  you  will  favour  me  with  recom- 
mendatory letters  to  the  generals,  which  recommendations 
I  shall  endeavour  to  do  honour  to  by  my  behaviour.  I 
have  likewise  met  an  intimate  friend,  who  promises,  pro- 
vided I  go,  to  recommend  me  to  Dr.  Stringer,  who  I  have 
some  acquaintance  with,  and  as  he  is  head  surgeon  to  the 
army  make  no  doubt  but  I  shall  be  well  received,  provided 
you  grant  me  an  order.  Col.  McDougall  has  consented  to 
my  going  with  Capt.  Johnson.  I  hope,  therefore,  you  will 
grant  my  request,  as  I  act  from  principle. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 
"GEORGE  NICHOLSON. 

"  September  28th,  1775. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Mr.  William  Powell  was  read  and  filed, 
for  the  reasons  therein  set  forth,  requesting  permission  to 
have  his  wife  inoculated  for  the  small  pox. 

On  perusing  the  resolve  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony 
against  inoculation  for  the  small  pox,  the  Committee  in- 
formed Mr.  Powell  that  they  could  not  give  any  permission 
for  that  purpose. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  29th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman — For  Orange  county. 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  James  Beekman,  Mr.  Verplanck, 
Mr.  Kissam,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Smith — New-York. 

Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 

Major  Williams— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Robinson—  Queent. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

John  Foster— Suffolk. 

Wm.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Williams — Kings. 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Drake,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Westchester  county,  dated  White-Plains,  Sept.  29th, 
1775,  enclosing  an  affidavit  of  Eunice  Purdy,  of  Rye,  in 
the  said  county,  whereby  it  appears  that  Godfrey  Haines 
(who  is  sent  down  by  the  said  committee  under  a  guard  to 
this  city,)  is  guilty  of  having  opposed  the  resolutions  of 
Congresses  and  committees,  and  threatening  the  lives  of 
several  persons. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Godfrey  Haines  be  sent  back 
to  the  committee  of  Westchester,  under  the  care  of 
the  persons  who  brought  him  to  this  city,  and  that  Mr. 
Paulding,  a  deputy  for  the  said  county,  be  requested  to 
write  a  letter  to  the  said  committee,  informing  them  that  it 
is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee,  that  agreeable  to  the  re- 
solutions of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  the 
county  committees  are  altogether  competent  for  punishing 
and  confining  persons  guilty  of  a  breach  of  the  said  reso- 
lutions, or  either  of  them. 

Samuel  Avery,  Foster  Lewis,  Henry  Tiebout  and  Chris- 
topher Duyckink,  attending  at  the  door,  were  called  in  and 
examined  relating  to  the  conduct  of  the  people  at  Jamaica 
and  Hempstead,  at  the  time  they  went  up  for  arms.  After 
some  time  spent  therein,  they  were  respectively  directed 
to  deliver  their  testimony  in  writing  to-morrow  morning. 

Samuel  Burling,  by  order  of  the  Committee,  was  called 
in  and  charged  with  advising  John  Dunbar  to  refuse  deli- 
vering one  of  the  Colony  arms  in  his  custody  to  the  com- 
mittee sent  to  Jamaica  for  that  purpose.  Messrs.  Foster 
Lewis  and  Samuel  Avery,  present,  gave  their  testimony  on 
that  subject.  Samuel  Burling  was  heard  what  he  had  to 
say  in  his  defence.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  de- 
ferred until  the  testimony  of  the  witnesses,  who  attended 
this  morning,  is  delivered  in  writing. 

A  petition  of  Col.  Lasher  and  a  number  of  other  gen- 
tlemen, militia  officers  in  the  city  of  New- York,  was  read 
and  filed  ;  they  thereby  pray  that  the  militia  in  this  city 
may  be  ordered  to  train  at  least  once  a  week  for  three 
months. 

Mr.  Bernard  Romans,  attending  at  the  door,  was  admit- 
ted ;  he  delivered  in  proposals  to  contract  for  erecting  the 
fortifications  begun  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the 
Highlands,  which  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  I  will  propose  to  undertake  that  the  whole  work  be 
done  by  me  for  £5,000,  the  ordnance  only  excepted  ;  that 
I  may  have  the  whole  management  under  my  direction  and 
accept  the  work  already  done,  at  the  rate  expressed  in  my 
own  estimate,  and  the  tools  necessary,  already  purchased 
at  the  cost ;  that  the  commissioners  only  have  the  trouble 
of  supervising  my  execution  and  answering  the  orders  I 
draw  from  time  to  time  in  favour  of  the  workmen  and  fur- 
nishers of  materials,  and  that  £150  or  £200  be  advanced 
to  be  applied  to  such  incidental  matters  as  are  immediately 
wanted  and  do  not  occur  directly  to  the  memory,  and  espe- 
cially to  furnish  the  people  with  articles  they  may  want, 
as  blankets,  &c.  and  perhaps  some  small  advance  to  en- 
courage them  to  enter  into  the  service." 


160 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  The  consideration  of  the  said  proposals  be 
postponed  till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  Walter  and  Thomas  Buchannan  was  read 
and  filed.  They  inform  that  the  snow  Georgia,  Capt.  Bolton, 
is  at  Sandy-Hook  where  she  has  discharged  forty  passen- 
gers ;  that  she  is  bound  to  Georgia ;  that  on  the  11th  inst. 
in  a  gale  she  had  lost  her  mainmast  and  all  the  sails  and 
spars  belonging  thereto,  and  cannot  proceed  without  re- 
pairs, and  that  the  captain  has  applied  to  them  to  furnish 
the  necessaries,  if  agreeable  to  the  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  snow  Georgia,  Thomas  Bolton  mas- 
ter, be  permited  to  come  up  into  the  East  river  at  New- 
York,  to  be  refuted  in  such  manner  that  she  may  proceed 
again  to  sea;  and  that  she  be  repaired  under  the  inspection  of 
such  guard  as  may  be  put  or  ordered  to  be  put  on  board 
by  this  Committee,  at  the  expense  and  charge  of  the  mas- 
ter or  consignee  of  the  said  snow. 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  29th,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 
Orange  county. 

Col.  McDougall,  Thomas  Smith— New-York. 

Major  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

William  Paulding — Westchester. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

John  Foster — Suffolk. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins — Charlotte. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  the  second  sur- 
geon's mate  of  the  first  regiment,  now  at  the  barracks,  is 
ordered  to  join  the  regiment  to  which  he  is  appointed,  and 
that  there  are  several  sick  soldiers  at  present  in  the  bar- 
racks. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Treat  be  requested  to  take  the 
care  of  the  said  sick  soldiers,  as  soon  a3  the  surgeon's 
mate  departs  ;  and  that  Dr.  Treat  from  time  to  time  take 
care  of  any  sick  soldiers  in  the  barracks,  or  such  as  may 
stand  in  need  of  a  surgeon  or  physician,  when  they  have 
no  surgeon  or  surgeon's  mate  present. 

The  petition  of  Col.  Heyer  was  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit. 

"  To  the  Honorable  the  Committee  of  Safety 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  The  officers  of  the  battalion  commanded 
by  Col.  Heyer  in  this  city,  with  great  deference  humbly 
beg  leave  to  represent  that  experience  points  out  to  them 
a  material  imperfection  in  the  act  for  regulating  the  militia  of 
this  Province.  They  mean,  that  article  of  their  being  sub- 
ject to  appear  only  once  a  month.  The  associated  com- 
panies in  this  city  are  particularly  affected  thereby  ;  many 
well  disciplined  men  taking  the  advantage  of  the  law,  de- 
cline appearing  in  the  companies  which  have  been  formed 
and  trained  with  much  trouble,  and  at  a  considerable  ex- 
pense to  their  officers.  They  would  also  take  the  liberty 
to  suggest  that  the  militia  cannot  be  disciplined  to  any  use- 
ful degree  unless  the  officers  arc  directed  to  call  the  com- 
panies out  at  least  once  a  week,  and  each  battalion  together 
once  a  month.  This  they  conceive  may  very  easily  be 
done  in  the  cities  and  towns  of  this  Province  ;  as  to  the 
dispersed  companies  in  the  counties,  the  case  may  be  dif- 
ferent. They  doubt  not  but  the  attention  of  the  Honor- 
able Committee  will  readily  be  paid  to  a  matter  which 
so  nearly  concerns  the  advantage  and  safety  of  this  Pro- 
vince. 

"  Signed  in  behalf  of  the  officers  of  the  battalion. 

"WM.  HEYER." 
The  Committee  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

September  30th,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  and  Commissioner  for 

Orange  county. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Brasher— New-York. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Major  Nicoll — Albany. 

Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Robinson,  Mr.  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Williams — Kings 

Mr.  Foster— Suffolk. 

Major  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Capt.  Sears — Tryon. 

It  being  represented  to  this  Committee  by  Daniel  Win- 
ter, the  person  who  had  the  charge  of  conducting  Godfrey 
Haines  from  Westchester  county  to  this  city,  by  order  of 
the  committee  of  the  said  county,  that  the  taking  the  said 
Godfrey  Haines  back  will  be  attended  with  danger  of  his 
being  rescued  by  persons  inimical  to  the  cause  of  liberty. 
The  Committee  thereupon  reconsidered  their  order  of  yes- 
terday. And 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Godfrey  Haines 
be  committed  to  the  jail  in  this  city  till  further  order  of  this 
Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

George  Nicholson  having  been  on  board  the  Asia,  ship 
of  war,  the  transport  ship,  and  other  vessels  employed  in 
the  ministerial  service,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  intel- 
ligence and  discovering  the  intentions  of  our  enemies,  and 
he  having  rendered  himself  useful  and  of  service  to  the 
cause  of  American  liberty,  by  his  intelligence  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livings- 
ton, Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  George  Nicholson  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  as  a  re- 
ward for  his  services  and  intelligence  brought  from  on 
board  the  Asia,  man  of  war. 

Mr.  Andrew  Moodie  appointed  adjutant  of  the  third  re- 
giment having  given  three  orders  of  one  tenor  and  date,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Sept.  20th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Please  to  pay  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esq.  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony 
of  New-York,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  five  pounds  per 
month  out  of  my  pay  as  adjutant  to  the  third  regiment  of 
the  New-York  forces,  in  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies, 
and  charge  the  same  to  my  account,  this  being  the  first 
order  of  this  tenor  and  date. 

"  ANDW.  MOODIE. 

"  To  the  Paymaster-General  of  the  Continental  forces, 
his  deputy,  or  the  paymaster  of  the  said  third  re- 
giment." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Andrew  Moodie,  on  account  of  pay,  the  sum  of 
ten  pounds,  and  that  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esq.  pay  to  Margaret  Moodie,  the  wife  of  the  said  Andrew 
Moodie,  five  pounds  per  month  as  part  of  his  pay  as  adjutant 
of  the  third  regiment,  computing  his  pay  to  commence  on 
the  twenty-fifth  inst.  and  that  the  said  ten  pounds  now  to 
be  advanced  to  him  be  considered  as  the  advance  of  five 
pounds  per  month  hereby  ordered,  for  two  months.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  colonel  or  whoever  else  shall  be  pay- 
master of  the  said  third  regiment,  take  care  to  retain  five 
pounds  per  month  of  the  pay  of  the  said  Andrew  Moodie, 
in  such  manner  as  that  the  same  may  be  accounted  for  and 
repaid  to  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  and 
that  a  copy  of  this  order  be  forwarded  to  the  colonel  of  the 
said  third  regiment,  and  that  Andrew  Moodie  inform  his 
colonel  of  this  order. 

Mr.  Bernard  Romans  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in. 
The  Committee  conversed  with  him  on  the  subject  of  his 
being  an  engineer  at  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


161 


Hudson's  river  in  the  Highlands,  and  Mr.  Romans  with- 
drew. After  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Romans  was 
called  in,  and  the  Chairman  by  order  of  the  Committee, 
informed  Mr.  Romans  that  the  Committee  would  not  con- 
tract with  him  for  building  the  said  fortifications  ;  that  he 
should  be  paid  for  his  services  as  an  engineer ;  that  as 
the  Continental  Congress  was  sitting  and  the  Provincial 
Congress  to  meet  in  a  few  days,  the  Committee  could 
not  make  any  proposal  of,  or  any  answer  to,  establishing 
him  as  an  engineer,  during  the  unhappy  controversy  in 
America ;  but  that  if  his  merits  in  the  present  business 
should  appear  to  be  such  as  to  recommend  him,  it  would 
be  an  advantage  to  his  reputation  ;  and  that  should  the 
controversy  unfortunately  continue  long,  it  was  probable 
his  future  services  might  be  wanted  ;  that  the  Committee 
had  been  informed  that  twelve  shillings  a  day  sterling  (and 
not  twenty  shillings  sterling  as  he  alleged,)  was  the  value 
of  the  pay  and  perquisites  of  an  engineer  on  the  British 
establishment ;  but  that  the  infancy  and  present  circum- 
stances of  the  country  will  not  admit  of  allowing  pay 
equal  to  that  given  in  old  settled  States  ;  that  the  Commit- 
tee could  not  encourage  him  to  expect  more  than  the  pay 
of  a  colonel  in  the  Continental  army,  and  that  only  for  the 
present ;  but  that  this  proposal  shall  not  stand  in  the  way 
of  any  better  provision  for  him,  if  the  Continental  Con- 
gress should  think  proper  to  make  any  better ;  and  that  as 
he  stood  in  need  of  cash,  he  should  have  an  order  on  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  some  money. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  Treasurer 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to 
Bernard  Romans  as  engineer  at  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  on  account. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  agents  for  erecting  the  fortifi- 
cations in  the  Highlands  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Congress  of  the  Colony,  > 
"  New-York,  Sept.  30th,  1775.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  were  favoured  with  yours  of  the 
25th  inst.  In  answer  thereto  we  beg  leave  to  observe  that 
Mr.  Romans  was  brought  to  assist  in  planning  and  directing 
the  fortifications  by  your  advice  and  request.  The  esti- 
mate and  plans  he  delivered  to  us,  we  sent  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  with  a  letter  mentioning  that  at  least  fif- 
teen hundred  pounds  beyond  the  estimate  might  be  neces- 
sary for  incidental  charges  exclusive  of  cannon.  Mr.  Ro- 
mans is  now  to  proceed  to  you  and  give  you  his  best  ad- 
vice and  assistance  as  an  engineer. 

The  Congress  of  this  Colony  will  meet  next  week.  We 

also  soon  expect  directions  from  the  Continental  Congress, 

and  in  the  meantime  we  hope  the  works  may  be  carried 

on  with  all  your  joint  wisdom,  advice  and  assistance. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  Messrs.  Samuel  Bayard,  William 
Bedlow  and  John  Hanson,  at  the 
Highlands." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning. 

DIE  LVNJE. 

October  2d,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring  Esq.  Chairman— For  Orange  county. 

James  Beekman,  Richard  Yates,  Col.  McDougall,  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt — New-York. 

Francis  Nicoll — Albany. 

Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

William  Paulding—  West  Chester. 

Richard  Lawrence,  Col.  Cortelyou— Richmond. 

John  Foster— Suffolk. 

41 


Isaac  Sears — Tryon. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

David  Watkins — Charlotte. 

Thomas  Henderson  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in 
and  examined  relating  to  the  snow  Georgia  :  says  that 
Capt.  Cole,  and  another  gentleman  who  came  to  this  port 
with  the  said  Capt.  Cole,  informed  him  that  a  letter  for 
the  captain  of  the  Asia  was  sent  on  board  the  brig  Juno, 
the  vessel  they  were  in,  from  the  snow  Georgia ;  that  a 
boat  from  the  Asia  afterwards  came  near  and  then  the  let- 
ter was  sent  for  on  board  of  the  Georgia  ;  that  soon  after 
some  trunks  were  taken  out  of  the  snow  Georgia  and  sent 
off  in  the  Asia's  barge  ;  that  he  the  examinant  has  interro- 
gated Capt.  Bolton  of  the  snow  Georgia,  who  after  some 
conversation  acknowledged  that  he  had  brought  over  a  gen- 
tleman who  went  from  his  vessel  on  board  a  boat  from  the 
Asia  with  his  baggage,  and  that  Capt.  Bolton  said  that  he 
believed  that  passenger  belonged  to  the  army,  and  that  he 
did  not  know  his  name. 

Miss  Janet  Clarke  being  also  examined,  says  that  she 
was  a  passenger  in  the  snow  Georgia ;  that  she  un- 
derstood that  John  Buchannan,  Jr.  of  Greenock  was 
owner  of  the  snow ;  that  she  paid  her  passage  to  him  ; 
that  from  hearsay  she  understood  that  Walter  and  Thomas 
Buchannan  were  owners,  but  does  not  certainly  know  it ; 
that  a  man  of  wai's  barge  came  on  board  of  the  snow 
Georgia  ;  that  she  did  not  see  any  passenger  leave  the  snow 
Georgia  in  that  barge  ;  she  understood  that  John  Buchan- 
nan, Jr.  was  owner  of  part  of  vessel  and  cargo ;  that  a 
passenger  came  in  the  snow  who  was  called  captain  ;  his 
name  is  Thomas  Peters  ;  she  supposes  he  is  in  the  King's 
service  ;  that  Mr.  Archibald  Lunde  and  Mr.  Spence  were 
cabin  passengers,  and  one  Mr.  Campbell  and  one  Mr.  Gor- 
don a  parson  ;  heard  in  Greenock  that  Mr.  Lunde  owned 
part  of  the  cargo  of  the  snow  Georgia,  and  that  they  were 
to  be  landed  in  Georgia ;  she  understood  that  Spence  was 
a  merchant  and  Mr.  Campbell  a  lawyer. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esq.  of  the  30th  ult.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Charlestown,  September  30th,  1775. 

"  Sir — Enclosed  is  the  account  of  the  expenses  at- 
tending taking  up  deserters,  belonging  to  Capt.  Johnston's 
company.  The  money  when  paid  is  best  to  be  sent  to  the 
committee,  as  it  is  to  be  paid  to  several  persons.  The 
pay  of  the  officers  and  minutemen  is  not  charged ;  that 
matter  to  be  left  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  or  the  Con- 
gress. 

"  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  DAVID  PYE. 

"  To  John  Hahing,  Esq." 

The  account  of  expenses  of  apprehending  deserters, 
therein  enclosed,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Col.  McDougall  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  and  saventy-seven  pounds,  one  shil- 
ling and  nine  pence,  to  enable  him  to  pay  off  the  two  com- 
panies of  the  first  regiment  now  here.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esq.  as  Treasurer  as  aforesaid,  pay  to  Col.  McDougall 
the  farther  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  to  enable  him  to 
advance  money,  as  part  of  their  husbands'  pay,  to  the  wives 
of  such  soldiers  of  his  regiments  as  remain  here,  and  have 
powers  of  attorney  from  their  husbands. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  3d,  1775. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  William  Allison,  Isaac 
Woodhull,  Col.  Lent— for  Orange  county. 

Col.  McDougall— New-York. 


162 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Abraham  Yates,  Peter  Silvester,  Henry  Glenn— Albany. 

William  Paulding— Westchester. 

Col.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Henry  Williams— Kings. 

John  Foster,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sears—  Tryon. 

Mr.  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

Capt.  John  Hamilton,  from  Liverpool,  being  called  in, 
gave  the  following  information,  to  wit : 

"  That  he  sailed  from  Liverpool  the  8th  of  August,  last, 
and  arrived  here  last  night ;  says  that  it  was  reported  and 
believed  at  Liverpool,  and  that  he  saw  it  in  the  London 
papers,  that  30  battalions  and  4  squadrons  of  dragoons,  in 
all  10,000  men  were  to  embark  at  Embden  for  Boston  ; 
that  a  part  of  their  baggage  was  already  at  Embden.  That 
some  transports  were  already  arrived  at  Embden.  That 
by  the  common  report,  they  were  to  sail  the  middle  of  Au- 
gust. That  they  were  to  be  commanded  by  a  general 
officer  of  their  own  country." 

Extract  of  a  letter  dated 

"  Falmouth,  July  26th,  1775. 

"It  is  confidently  said  that  10,000  Hanoverians,  and 
some  regiments  from  Great  Britain,  are  to  be  sent  out  to 
Boston,  as  a  re-inforcement  to  Gen.  Gage's  army  ;  that 
Gen.  Gage  is  to  be  recalled,  at  his  own  request,  and  Sir 
Jeffrey  Amherst  is  to  succeed  him." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof,  and  also  a  copy  of  the 
extract  of  a  letter  from  Falmouth,  be  transmitted  to  the 
Continental  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Shearjashub  Bourn,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  inspection  for  Bristol,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode- 
Island,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Bristol,  September  29th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Messrs.  Charles  De  Wolf,  Anthony  De 
Wolf,  Josiah  Finney  and  Stephen  Smith,  charterers  of  the 
sloop  Hannah,  bound  to  New-York,  informing  us  the  com- 
mittee of  inspection  for  Bristol  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode- 
Island,  of  their  intention  to  purchase  a  load  of  flour  for  the 
use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  place,  and  requesting  our  ap- 
probation of  their  design,  and  a  recommendatory  letter 
from  us  to  you  ;  we,  considering  the  great  scarcity  of  flour 
in  this  town,  do  approve  of  their  undertaking  as  aforesaid, 
and  recommend  the  said  Charles  De  Wolf  and  company 
as  true  friends  to  the  liberty  of  America,  and  from  their 
well  known  firm  attachment  to  the  rights  of  their  country, 
we  are  confident  to  assure  you,  that  if  they  obtain  leave 
from  you  to  purchase  said  load  of  flour,  all  possible  care 
will  be  taken  to  convert  it  to  the  use  aforesaid,  and  secure 
it  from  the  piratical  seizure  of  our  common  enemy. 
"  In  the  name  of  the  committee, 

"SHEARJASHUB  BOURN, 

"  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Inspection  for 

the  city  of  New-York." 

Thereupon  an  order  for  liberty  to  purchase  180  barrels 
of  flour  was  delivered  to  Messrs.  De  Wolf,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  October  3d,  1775.  ) 
"  Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Charles  De  Wolf  and  Antho- 
ny De  Wolf,  of  Bristol  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island,  be 
permitted  to  load  on  board  the  sloop  Hannah,  one  hundred 
and  eighty  barrels  of  flour,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  town  of  Bristol ;  that  the  said  Charles  De  Wolf 
and  Anthony  De  Wolf  take  every  precaution  that  the  said 
sloop  with  her  cargo,  be  not  taken  by  any  of  the  armed 
vessels  employed  by  Gen.  Gage,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing provisions  for  the  use  of  the  army  and  navy  at  Bos- 
ton ;   that  the  said  Charles  De  Wolf  and  Anthony  De 
Wolf  stop  at  the  port  of  New-London,  and  take  the  advice 
of  the  committee  there,  or  at  Stonington,  whether  it  will 


be  safe  for  them  to  proceed  with  the  said  sloop  and  cargo 
to  Bristol." 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  at  Albany  be  requested 
to  have  the  barracks,  or  hospital  at  Albany,  or  both,  as  the 
committee  shall  think  proper,  repaired  with  all  possible 
despatch,  in  the  cheapest  and  least  expensive  manner,  so 
as  to  make  them  fit  for  the  reception  of  the  troops  of  the 
Continental  army  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  farther 
requested  to  direct  such  a  quantity  of  firewood  to  be  pro- 
cured for  the  use  of  the  said  barracks  as  they  shall  think 
necessary  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  send  an  account, 
with  the  most  authentic  vouchers,  of  the  expense  and  dis- 
bursements occasioned  by  making  such  repairs  and  pro- 
curing firewood,  to  the  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety 
of  this  Colony,  that  the  same  may  be  audited  and  paid. 

Capt.  Thomas  Bolton,  master  of  the  snow  Georgia,  be- 
ing at  the  door,  was  called  in  and  examined.  He  produced 
the  register  of  the  snow,  says  that  the  greatest  part  of  the 
cargo  belongs  to  the  owners  of  the  ship :  that  Archibald 
Lunde  is  on  board  as  a  factor,  and  Spence,  as  he  thinks, 
came  out  to  take  care  of  his  own  goods.  Capt.  Bolton 
also  produced  a  manifest  of  his  cargo  :  that  one  Mr.  Peters 
from  Glasgow,  was  a  passenger  on  board  of  his  vessel  and 
went  on  board  of  the  Asia ;  that  Peters  is  about  26  years 
of  age  ;  that  he  does  not  know  his  business.  Capt.  Bol- 
ton also  produced  copies  of  the  bills  of  lading  and  his  in- 
structions from  his  owners.  Capt.  Bolton  was  ordered  to 
withdraw. 

After  some  time  spent  in  consideration  of  the  papers  and 
information  received  about  the  snow  Georgia, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Buchannan,  Mr.  Archibald 
Lunde  and  Mr.  Spence  attend  this  committee  at  three 
o'clock  this  afternoon,  and  that  Mr.  Thomas  Buchannan  be 
requested  to  bring  with  him  the  seven  letters  mentioned  in 
the  list  of  letters,  from  on  board  of  the  said  snow,  directed 
to  him  and  his  partner. 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  3  o'clock,  this  after- 
noon. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  October  3d,  1775. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr  Hallett,  Mr.  Beekman,  Richard  Yates — For  New- 
York. 

Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Mr.  Silvester,  Henry  Glenn — Albany. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Lent  and  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 

Paul  Micheau,  Col.  Cortelyou,  Richard  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Foster,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sears — Tryon. 

William  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Watkins— Charlotte. 

John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman,  being  absent,  Abraham 
Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  was  unanimously  chosen  and  appointed 
Chairman. 

Mr-  Thomas  Buchannan  attended  with  seven  letters  to 
himself  and  company  and  to  the  co-partners  severally  ; 
six  of  them,  at  his  request,  were  read  publicly,  and  the 
other  read  by  a  committee  of  two  gentlemen. 

Mr.  Archibald  Lunde,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called 
in  and  examined,  and  produced  the  invoice  of  his  goods  ; 
declares  that  he  does  not  know  of  any  gunpowder  on 
board  ;  that  he  knew  Thomas  Peters,  a  merchant  in  Vir- 
ginia ;  that  after  the  Asia's  boat  came  to  the  vessel,  he 
declared  he  was  an  ensign  in  one  of  the  regiments  at 
Boston. 

Mr.  Walter  Spence,  attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in 
and  examined,  and  produced  the  invoice  of  his  cargo ;  de- 
clared that  he  did  not  know  of  any  gunpowder  on  board. 

A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  of  the  24th  ult.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  September  24th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed,  for  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, I  received  this  morning  from  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler, 
requesting  me  to  forward  it  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-York,  by  some  very  safe  hand,  with  an  intention  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


163 


it  should  be  sent  from  thence  in  such  manner  as  it  may  be 
least  liable  to  miscarry. 

"  The  general  is  extremely  ill  with  a  complication  of 
disorders  ;  notwithstanding  every  effort  he  has  made  to 
bear  up  against  the  severity  of  them,  he  was  reduced  to 
the  distressing  necessity  of  leaving  the  army  at  the  Isle 
aux  Noix  and  repairing  to  Ticonderoga,  to  try  if  possible 
to  get  a  re-establishment  of  his  health. 

"  I  am,  with  due  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"WALTER  LIVINGSTON. 

"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

The  petition  of  Elizabeth  White,  wife  of  Alexander 
White,  sheriff  of  Tryon,  praying  that  her  husband  may  be 


discharged  from  Albany  jail  on  his  parol  of  honour,  or  be 
heard  before  the  committee  of  Albany,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esq.  at  Continental  Con- 
gress, dated  28th  September,  enclosing  the  articles  of 
agreement  for  the  due  regulation  and  government  of  the 
associators  in  Pennsylvania,  and  also  as  to  saltpetre,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esq.  dated  the  30th  Sep- 
tember, was  also  read  and  filed. 

The  military  articles  of  Pennsylvania  therein  mentioned, 
and  the  reasons  of  the  associators  against  signing  them, 
also  therein  mentioned,  were  respectively  read  and  filed. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  1th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Sears  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Henry 
Williams,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  "  Whereas, 
upon  information  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  from  Tho- 
mas Buchannan,  that  the  snow  Georgia,  Capt.  Bolton,  from 
Greenock  in  Scotland,  with  some  passengers  for  this 
place  and  a  cargo  of  dry  goods  for  Georgia,  was  arrived  at 
the  Hook  in  distress,  and  that  the  captain  desired  leave  to 
land  his  passengers  and  refit  his  vessel,  the  Committee 
gave  leave  for  that  purpose :  And  whereas  it  since  appears 
by  the  captain's  orders,  the  bills  of  lading,  and  a  letter  to 
said  Thomas  Buchannan  &  Co.  that  the  said  cargo  of  dry 
goods  were  to  be  landed  at  this  place  if  the  people  would 
receive  them,  I  move  that  it  be 

"  Resolved,  That  the  above  said  snow  Georgia  be  not 
permitted  to  break  bulk  in  this  Colony,  and  that  she  be 
ordered,  as  soon  as  fitted  for  sea,  to  depart  this  port,  and 
return  with  her  cargo  from  whence  she  came." 

Mr.  Walton  then  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Low)  for  the  following  amendment  to  Mr.  Sears'  motion, 
to  wit :  that  the  words,  "  and  return  with  her  cargo  from 
whence  she  came,"  be  struck  out,  and  instead  thereof,  the 
words,  "  with  her  cargo  without  delay,"  be  inserted  ;  and 
debates  arising  on  the  proposed  amendment,  it  was  carried 
in  the  negative  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   4      Richmond   2 

Albany   3         Mr.  Micheau  dissenting. 

Comberland,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Kings,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

15 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  proposed  amendment  be 
rejected. 

The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  Sears'  motion,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative  unanimously. 

42 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  snow  Georgia  be  not 
permitted  to  break  bulk  in  this  Colony,  and  that  she  be 
ordered,  as  soon  as  fitted  for  sea,  to  depart  this  port  and 
return  with  her  cargo  from  whence  she  came. 

The  petition  of  Godfrey  Haines,  Timothy  Doughty, 
John  Dob,  Adam  Bergh,  Christian  Bergh,  Jr.  and  David 
Dob  was  read  ;  they  thereby  pray  to  be  brought  to  an  im- 
mediate trial  or  released  from  their  confinement. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  M  New-York,  October  4th,  1775.  J 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  yours  of  the  21st 
ult.  and  agreeable  to  your  request,  we  inform  you  of  the 
state  of  the  troops  raised  by  this  Colony  for  the  Continen- 
tal service.  Eight  companies  of  the  first,  or  Col.  McDou- 
gall's  regiment,  completely  appointed,  are  now  in  actual 
service  in  the  northern  department.  The  ninth  company 
is  ready,  completely  armed  and  equipped,  and  wind  and 
weather  permitting,  will  sail  for  Albany  to-morrow.  The 
tenth  company  will  be  armed  and  equipped,  and,  we  hope, 
ready  to  depart,  next  week. 

"  The  first  detachment  of  this  regiment,  under  Lieut. 
Col.  Ritzma,  had  proceeded  as  far  as  Halfmoon  before  the 
10th  of  August.  The  second,  or  Col.  Van  Schaick's  regi- 
ment, is  completely  equipped  and  in  service  at  the  out- 
posts ;  four  companies  of  this  regiment  were  raised  early 
in  the  month  of  June,  and  three  of  those  companies  then 
proceeded  as  far  as  Lake  George.  The  other  companies 
of  this  regiment  were  at  and  about  Albany  under  the  com- 
I  mand  of  Gen.  Montgomery,  and  we  cannot  ascertain  the 
times  of  their  departure.  Seven  companies  of  the  third, 
or  Col.  Clinton's  regiment,  are  also  in  service  at  the  out- 
posts. The  eighth  and  ninth  companies  proceeded  early 
last  week  from  hence  on  their  way  to  Isle  aux  Noix.  The 
tenth  company  of  this  regiment  is  come  to  New-York, 
wants  a  few  muskets,  and  will  be  ready  and  proceed  this 
week.  It  may  be  proper  to  inform  you,  that  the  three  last 
mentioned  companies  of  this  regiment  were  sent  to,  and 
detained  for  some  time  at,  the  east  end  of  Nassau  island, 


166 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


by  order  of  the  Congress,  to  prevent  the  ministerial  troops 
from  carrying  off  the  sheep  and  cattle  from  thence,  the  in- 
habitants of  Suffolk  county  having  armed  them  while  in 
that  service.  The  fourth,  or  Col.  Holmes'  regiment,  is 
now  at  the  out-posts  ;  part  of  this  regiment  was  obliged  to 
be  delayed  at  Albany  until  arms  could  be  procured  for 
them  ;  but  the  last  company  proceeded  down  lake  George 
the  27ih  of  September. 

"  We  are  informed  that  four  companies  of  the  Green 
Mountain  Boys  were  raised  and  in  service,  about  the  mid- 
dle of  September,  and  that  the  others  were  getting  ready 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  The  first  and  second  regiments,  and  some  part  of  the 
other  regiments,  are  armed  with  the  best  of  muskets  and 
bayonets,  and  the  others  with  firelocks  of  the  widest  bores 
which  could  be  found,  repaired  where  it  was  necessary, 
and  fitted ;  all  our  troops  are  furnished  with  belts,  and 
pouches  for  nineteen  cartridges,  bayonet  belts,  musket 
slings,  blankets,  coats,  canteens,  haversacks,  &c.  A  great 
part  of  our  arms  have  been  procured  by  purchase ;  some 
have  been  hired,  and  from  necessity,  to  complete  some 
companies,  a  few  arms  have,  in  some  places,  been  im- 
pressed. 

"  As  to  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  we  have  taken  every 
step  to  complete  them  ;  a  number  of  cannon  are  sent  up, 
with  many  of  the  necessary  materials  ;  the  plans  have  been 
transmitted  to  you.  Several  cannon  are  mounted  to  pre- 
vent any  enemy  from  passing  through  the  Highlands. 

"  You  have  enclosed  an  account  of  the  prices  we  gave 
for  the  different  sorts  of  cloth  for  tents,  and  the  expense  of 
making. 

"  We  have  furnished  the  Continental  army  at  our  own 
expense,  with  the  following  quantities  of  gunpowder,  to 
wit:  On  the  23d  of  June  we  sent  1,0001b.  of  powder  to 
the  Continental  army  at  Cambridge  ;  on  the  24th,  we  sent 
3001b.  to  Albany  for  the  public  use,  being  wanted  at  Ti- 
conderoga,  and  by  the  company  sent  up  to  remove  the  can- 
non and  stores.  We  have  since  delivered  1001b.  to  the 
troops  marching  to  the  northern  frontier;  and  235lb.  (in 
part  borrowed  of  Gen.  Wooster,  (to  the  troops  sent  to  the 
east  end  of  Long  island,  and  which  they  have  preserved 
and  taken  with  them  to  the  northward. 

"  We  have  sent  2001b.  to  the  post  in  the  Highlands, 
and  have  procured  by  loan  from  New-Jersey,  4551b.  of 
gunpowder,  which,  together  with  2001b.  furnished  by  us, 
was  forwarded  on  the  13th  of  June  to  the  camp  at  Cam- 
bridge. The  above  parcels  amount  to  2,490  weight.  Be- 
sides the  above  quantity,  the  committee  at  Albany  fur- 
nished to  the  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs,  375lb.  ; 
2001b.  of  which  has  been  replaced  by  our  Congress.  Gen. 
Wuoster  now  requires  us  to  repay  him  the  powder  we 
borrowed  of  him. 

"  We  earnestly  request,  gentlemen,  that  you  would  use 
your  best  endeavours  to  get  this  powder  replaced  as  soon 
as  possible,  as  we  cannot  at  this  time  command  above  two 
hundred  weight.  If,  in  addition  to  this  quantity,  you  could 
purchase  for  us  for  cash,  or  borrow  on  our  credit,  one  or 
two  tons  of  powder,  it  will  greatly  oblige  us,  as  we  are  in 
much  want  of  this  article.  You  know  our  exposed  situa- 
tion, and  therefore  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  press  you  to 
use  your  interest  in  procuring  it  for  us. 

"  It  may  be  proper  to  mention  to  you,  that  besides  the 
troops  above  mentioned,  we  raised  a  company  of  artillery, 
consisting  of  70  men,  completely  appointed  ;  they  are  now 
with  the  army.  When  this  company  was  formed,  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  had  not  made  an  establishment  for  artil- 
lery. The  Congress  of  New-York  put  this  company  on 
the  footing  of  the  Rhode-Island  establishment  as  to  their 
pay,  which  was  the  only  one  known  at  that  time.  They 
are  a  good  company  well  armed,  many  of  them  bred  in  ar- 
tillery service  and  much  wanted  ;  they  were  raised  on  the 
faith  of  being  put  and  kept  on  the  like  pay  as  the  Rhode- 
Island  artillery,  before  we  knew  what  the  Continental  pay 
was.    We  entreat  you  would  intimate  this  to  the  Congress, 


and  get  the  Rhode-Island  establishment  confirmed  for  this 
company. 

"  We  are,  with  the  highest  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obt.  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  P.  S.  We  are  apprehensive  that  the  army  under  Gen. 
Schuyler  will  suffer  greatly  for  want  of  warm  under  clothes  ; 
many  of  the  men  raised  in  this  Colony  are  badly  provided 
in  that  respect,  and  we  submit  it  to  you  whether  it  may  not 
be  proper  to  mention  to  the  Congress,  lest  it  should  escape 
their  attention." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  to  cover 
a  copy  of  Capt.  John  Hamilton's  information,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Provincial  Congress  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New- York,  > 
"  Oct.  3d,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — The  enclosed  state  of  information  is  of  such  a 
nature  that  it  is  conceived  highly  proper  to  communicate  it 
with  all  despatch  to  the  Congress. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  the  said  informa- 
tion and  extract  of  a  letter  from  Falmouth. 

Ordered,  That  a  like  letter  be  engrossed  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  with  a  copy  of  the  said  information, 
and  extract  of  a  letter,  transmitted  to  Gen.  Washington. 

The  proposal  of  a  merchant  of  New-York  to  load  500 
barrels  of  flour  to  Hispaniola,  and  to  bring  in  return  five 
tons  of  gunpowder,  was  read. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  to  accom- 
pany the  said  proposal,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"At  New-York,  Oct.  4th,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  a  propo- 
sal made  by  a  merchant  of  New-York,  for  obtaining  gun- 
powder. 

"  As  we  are  not  competent  to  give  permission  for  the 
voyage  proposed,  we  submit  the  same  to  you,  and  request 
your  directions  as  soon  as  possible. 

"~We  are,  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  with  a  copy  of  the  said  proposal  be 
transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Albany,  to  cover 
the  order  for  repairing  the  barracks  and  hospital,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Provincial  Congress  1 
"  For  the  Colony  of  New-York,  > 
"  Oct.  4th,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — By  the  enclosed  resolutions,  you  will 
see  that  the  barracks  and  hospital,  or  either  of  them,  as 
you  may  think  proper,  are  to  be  prepared  and  firewood  to 
be  procured.  It  is,  however,  the  sense  of  this  Congress, 
that  the  burthen  of  this  commission  should  not  be  trouble- 
some to  your  committee,  unless  you  incline  to  act  therein, 
as  it  may  be  now  expeditiously  and  effectually  done  by  ap- 
pointing two  persons  ;  Messrs.  Guysbert  Merselis  and  Cor- 
nelius Santfort,  of  your  committee,  are  recommended  to 
superintend  this  business,  under  your  direction.  If  you 
approve  of  this  appointment,  you  can  immediately  set  them 
about  the  work.  We  think  it  not  improper  to  hint  to  you, 
that  the  less  expensive  the  operation  is,  will  be  the  most 
agreeable  to,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


167 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  with  a  copy  of  the  said  order,  trans- 
mitted. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

October  5th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tempore. 

John  De  Lancey,  Esq.  one  of  the  members,  applied  to 
the  Congress  requesting  their  opinion,  whether  Ralph 
Izard,  Esq.  intending  to  come  to  and  reside  in  this  Co- 
lony, can,  consistent  with  the  American  association,  bring 
with  him  from  Great  Britain  his  coach,  furniture,  plate, 
books  and  other  things  intended  for  the  use  of  himself  and 
family. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress that  Ralph  Izard,  Esq.  may,  consistently  and  without 
violating  the  American  associaiion,  bring  with  him  from 
Great  Britain  his  coach,  furniture,  plate,  books  and  other 
effects  intended  for  the  use  of  himself  and  family. 

On  reading  and  taking  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
Elizabeth  White,  wife  of  Alexander  White,  confined  in  the 
jail  of  the  county  of  Albany,  it  is 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred 
to  the  general  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  and  that 
they  hear  the  charges  brought  or  that  may  be  brought 
against  the  said  Alexander  White,  and  finally  determine 
thereon  ;  and  for  this  purpose  it  is  further 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition,  and  all  the  papers  now 
before  this  Congress  relative  to  the  said  Alexander  White, 
be  sent  to  the  said  committee. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Palmer  relating  to  his  lead  mine, 
and  the  accounts  of  John  McDonald,  were  delivered  in 
and  read. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  advance  and  pay  to  John  McDonald 
the  sum  of  five  pounds  four  shillings  and  sixpence  in  full 
for  his  wages  and  expenses  in  going  to  examine  a  lead 
mine  in  Ulster  county,  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer to  this  Congress,  advance  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius  as 
Commissary  of  this  Congress,  the  sum  of  seven  thousand 
pounds  on  account,  to  be  applied  to  discharge  the  debts 
contracted  for  the  public  service  and  by  order  of  this  Con- 
gress, and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Curtenius'  receipt 
for  the  same  on  account. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Baker  on  the  subject  of  making 
saltpetre,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Provincial  Congress 

convened  at  New- York  : 
"  Gentlemen  : — Gen.  Montgomery  when  in  Albany, 
heard  of  my  attempts  towards  the  production  of  nitre,  sent 
for  me  to  his  lodging,  and  after  some  examination  and  in- 
quiry, requested  of  me  to  make  application  to  the  commit- 
tee for  their  assistance  towards  establishing  a  manufactory. 
Colonel  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  requested  me  to  write  you 
somewhat  of  my  pretensions  in  that  way,  for  your  far- 
ther consideration.  In  conformity  to  his  request,  I  have 
wrote  you  as  follows  : 

"  From  repeated  trials  and  experiments  have  strong  rea- 
sons to  believe  that  saltpetre  may  in  these  parts  of  America 
be  made  in  as  large  quantities  as  now  pot  and  pearl  ashes 
are,  or  even  to  intercept  in  a  great  measure  the  East  India 
trade  in  that  article.  Common  alkaline  salts  and  wood 
otherwise  concentrated  into  an  acid  juice, — these  two  op- 
positions, and  yet  affinities,  form  a  neutral  commixture,  and 
become,  as  it  were,  a  proper  magnet  for  the  attraction  of 
nitrous  particles.    These  two  materials  only  with  circula- 


tory vessels  properly  adapted,  and  other  apparatus  conve- 
nient, large  quantities  assuredly  may,  atone  work  be  made, 
even  to  20  or  30  tons  a  year,  and  at  the  same  time,  the 
method  so  simple  that  the  country  people  may  easily  learn 
the  process,  to  the  benefit  of  themselves  and  Continent. 
A  capital  work  to  make  the  above  quantity,  would  require 
a  stock  at  least  of  £1000,  and  so  on  in  proportion  for 
lesser  quantities.  It  is  not  the  want  of  business  induces 
me  to  make  this  application,  but  on  the  other  hand  to  serve 
the  country,  and  oblige  the  gentleman  that  applied  to  me. 
I  am  already  established  in  business  in  an  art  peculiar  to 
myself,  in  preparing  in  such  purity  alkaline  salts,  as  to  an- 
swer all  the  different  purposes  in  pharmacy,  which  may 
hereafter  bring  in  great  emoluments  to  America. 

"  I  am,  gent,  with  due  obedience, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 
"BENJN.  BAKER. 

"  N.  B.  It  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  art  yet  known  to 
make  from  its  origin,  saltpetre  in  that  limited  time  you  are 
pleased  to  offer  a  price  so  extraordinary  for." 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  who  are  members  from 
Albany,  write  to  the  said  Benjamin  Baker,  to  know  what 
quantity  of  saltpetre  he  can  make  by  the  first  day  of  May 
next,  and  on  what  terms. 

A  certified  copy  of  Maj.  Robert  Rogers'  parol  received 
by  post,  from  the  Committee  of  Safety,  Philadelphia,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I,  Robert  Rogers,  major,  on  half  pay  in  His  Majesty's 
army,  a  prisoner  in  the  custody  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
for  the  Province  of  Pennsylvania,  and  being  kindly  treated 
and  protected  by  them,  enlarged  on  parol,  do  hereby  so- 
lemnly promise  and  engage  on  the  honour  of  a  soldier  and  a 
gentleman,  that  I  will  not  bear  arms  against  the  American 
United  Colonies  in  any  manner  whatever,  during  the  pre- 
sent contest  between  them  and  Great  Britain,  and  that  I 
will  not  in  that  time  attempt  to  give  intelligence  to  Gen. 
Gage,  the  British  Ministry,  or  any  other  person  or  persons 
of  any  matters  relative  to  America. 

"  A  true  copy. 

(Signed.)        "ROBERT  ROGERS. 

"  Philadelphia,  23d  Sept.  1775." 

"  These  are  to  certify  to  all  persons  to  whom  these  pre- 
sents may  appear,  that  the  above  writing  is  a  true  copy  of 
the  parol  of  honour  given  by  the  bearer,  Maj.  Robert  Ro- 
gers, to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Province  of 
Pennsylvania.  It  is  therefore  recommended  to  such  per- 
sons, that  the  said  Maj.  Rogers  be  permitted  to  pass 
where  his  business  may  lead  him,  without  any  hindrance 
or  molestation. 

"  Extracts  from  the  minutes  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

WM.  GOVETT,  Secy. 

"  Philadelphia,  23d  Sept.  1775." 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  6th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  pro  tempore- 

A  letter  from  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Sept.  29th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  still  confined  with  the  remains  of 
an  inveterate  disorder.  I  have  this  moment  received  a  line 
from  Gen.  Montgomery  ;  he  holds  St.  John's  besieged,  but 
the  weak  state  of  our  army  and  artillery  cause  the  opera- 
tions to  go  on  slowly.  The  Canadians  are  friendly  to  us, 
and  join  us  in  great  numbers,  but  unless  we  succeed  against 
St.  John's,  all  other  operations  in  that  quarter  will  avail 
little.    We  are  in  want  of  powder,  and  I  send  this  by  ex- 


168 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


press,  that  you  may  forward  me  five  tons  if  you  can.  It 
should  come  in  boats  that  can  be  rowed,  that  no  delay  may 
be  made.  Several  rascals  of  the  first  battalion  have  de- 
serted to  the  enemy,  and  Capt.  Mott  of  the  same  corps, 
shamefully  run  away  from  our  bomb  battery,  when  not  one 
of  the  enemy  was  near  him. 

"  Pray  let  the  powder  be  sent  to  the  care  of  Col.  Van 
Schaick,  at  Albany. 

"  We  have  taken  fifteen  prisoners,  seven  of  which  are 
soldiers,  the  rest  unfriendly  Canadians  and  Scotchmen,  in 
the  service  of  the  ministry. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  With  the  most  profound  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 
"  Be  pleased  to  forward  the  enclosed  by  express. 
"  To  the  New-York  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  deliver  with  all 
possible  despatch,  fourteen  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder 
to  John  Van  Cortlandt,  and  Joseph  Hallett,  Esqs.  or  their 
order. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  the  Continental  Congress, 

to  cover  a  copy  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  letter,  received  this  day, 

was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  Jit  New-York,  Oct.  the  6lh,  1775.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  packets  we  this  hour  re- 
ceived by  express,  from  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler.  We  have 
also  enclosed  a  copy  of  the  general's  letter  to  this  Congress. 
In  consequence  thereof,  we  have  ordered  up  under  the  care 
of  Mr.  Watkins,  one  of  our  members  from  Charlotte  coun- 
ty, fourteen  hundred  weight  of  powder,  in  a  convenient 
boat  rowed  with  oars.  This  quantity,  except  two  hundred 
weight,  belongs  to  the  different  counties  of  the  Colony,  and 
was  ordered  to  be  delivered  some  weeks  ago  ;  but  finding 
it  yet  in  ihe  magazines,  we  have  in  this  necessity  taken  it. 
It  is  the  whole  that  can  be  obtained  in  the  Colony. 

"  We  have  written  to  the  committee  of  Albany  for  their 
aid  in  forwarding  this  necessary  article  with  all  despatch. 

"  We  have  communicated  this  intelligence  to  Governor 
Trumbull. 

"  From  the  importance  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  requisition, 
and  the  situation  of  the  army  to  the  northward,  you  will 
judge  of  the  necessity  of  completing  the  general's  request. 

"  Pray  devise  some  ways  and  means  to  replace  our  pow- 
der with  all  expedition,  as  we  may  be  distressed,  and  should 
not  remain  in  this  defenceless  state,  if  it  can  be  avoided. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  serv'ts. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  with  a  copy  of  Gen.  Schuyler's  let- 
ter transmitted  by  as  a  messenger. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull  of  Connecticut 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  October  6th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — We  enclose  an  extract  of  a  letter  received  this 
moment  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  shall  send  forward  im- 
mediately to  the  army  1,4001b.  of  powder,  (which  is  all 
we  have,)  but  from  the  vast  importance  of  this  object,  we 
have  depatched  an  express  to  the  Continental  Congress, 
requesting  that  a  further  supply  may  be  sent  from  thence  ; 
we  are  however  apprehensive  that  no  considerable  quantity 
can  be  got  for  this  purpose,  from  Philadelphia ;  as  we 
shall  want  our  powder  replaced,  and  have  therefore  thought 
proper  to  forward  the  intelligence  to  you,  and  to  beg  that 
you  will,  with  all  possible  despatch,  give  such  aid  in  this 
necessary  article  as  may  be  in  your  power. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obedient 

"  And  very  humble  servants. 
"To  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esq. 

Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  with  an  extract  of  Gen.  Schuyler's 
letter  received  this  day,  transmitted  by  as  a  mes- 

senger for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Gen.  Schuyler's  letter  was  read 

and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"  New-York,  October  6th,  1775.  5 

"  Sir — We  have  received  your  letter  of  the  29th  ult. 
and  have  forwarded  to  you  fourteen  hundred  weight  of 
powder,  which  is  all  we  have.  We  have  also  sent  an  ex- 
press to  the  Continental  Congress,  requesting  them  to  fur- 
nish an  additional  supply ;  but  as  we  shall  want  our  pow- 
der replaced  by  them,  (being  now  destitute,)  we  are  afraid 
that  no  great  quantity  can  be  got  from  thence  for  the  army  ; 
and  have  therefore  sent  an  express  to  Governor  Trumbull, 
requesting  him  immediately  to  give  all  the  aid  he  can  in 
this  article.  From  these  different  quarters  we  hope  you 
will  have  a  timely  supply  to  prevent  any  ill  consequences 
from  the  want  of  it. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obedient 

"  And  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Capt.  Robert  Wallace  attending  at  the  door,  was  called 
in.  He  informs  that  he  sailed  from  Baltimore,  in  Maryland, 
with  the  brig  Mary  on  the  14th  of  September ;  that  the 
brig  was  cleared  out  on  the  ninth,  was  loaded  before  the 
tenth,  and  passed  the  Capes  on  the  23d  ;  that  she  is  loaded 
with  wheat,  flour,  and  sixty  casks  of  flaxseed  ;  that  her 
owners  live  in  Baltimore,  and  she  is  bound  to  Falmouth,  in 
Britain  ;  that  he  put  in  here  in  distress,  to  save  his  life  and 
the  cargo ;  that  his  vessel  was  brought  to  by  the  Asia ; 
that  Capt.  Vandeput  had  pressed  six  of  his  hands ;  and 
that  the  brig  Mary  now  lies  along  side  of  the  Asia.  Capt. 
Wallace  prays  leave  to  refit  his  vessel. 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Wallace,  master  of  the  brig 
Mary  from  Baltimore,  bound  to  Great-Britain,  be  permit- 
ted to  bring  the  said  brig  up  into  the  East  river,  in  order  to 
be  refitted,  and  if  necessary  for  that  purpose,  to  unload  her. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  inform- 
ing the  state  of  the  brig  Mary,  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 

"  New-York,  October  6th,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — Capt.  Robert  Wallace,  in  the  brig  Mary, 
sailed  from  Baltimore,  in  Maryland,  the  14th  of  September 
last ;  cleared  out  the  9lh,  was  loaded  before  the  10th,  and 
passed  the  Capes  on  the  23d  ;  she  is  bound  to  Falmouth 
for  orders,  and  put  in  here  by  distress,  and  wants  repairs ; 
her  cargo  consists  of  wheat  and  flour,  and  sixty  casks  of 
flaxseed  ;  she  was  brought  to  by  the  Asia  ship  of  war  in 
our  harbour,  who  has  pressed  six  of  his  men,  but  has  pro- 
mised to  return  them,  or  supply  him  with  others  in  their 
stead.  The  captain  of  this  brig  has  applied  to  us  for  leave 
to  come  into  this  harbour  to  unload  and  refit,  and  when  she 
is  repaired  she  may  be  allowed  to  prosecute  her  intended 
voyage.  From  principles  of  humanity  we  consented  to  his 
coming  to  unload  and  repair;  but  shall  give  no  further  or- 
der until  we  are  favoured  with  your  sentiments  on  the  sub 
ject,  as  it  may  possibly  be  construed  a  breach  of  the  regu- 
lations of  the  last  Congress  relative  to  exportations. 
"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servts. 

"  Bv  order. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  messenger  to 
Philadelphia. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


169 


"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  At  New-York,  October  6th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — Gen.  Schuyler  has,  by  express,  sent  to  us  for 
five  tons  of  powder ;  we  have  sent  forwaid  1,400  weight, 
all  that  we  have,  in  a  boat,  rowed  with  oars,  to  make  de- 
spatch. 

"  We  pray  you  to  order  all  the  powder  at  the  mill  at 
Rhynbeck,  to  be  forwarded  by  this  conveyance. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 

at  his  seat,  Clermont." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Committee  at  Albany,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  6th  October,  1775.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  Maj.  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler's despatches  this  day  received  by  express,  we  have  sent 
up  to  Albany  by  a  boat,  expeditiously  to  be  rowed  up, 
14001b.  of  powder  for  the  use  of  the  Northern  army.  We 
have  acquainted  the  Continental  Congress  of  this,  and  in- 
formed them  that  we  would  request  you  to  give  aid  to  the 
forwarding  of  this  necessary  article,  in  the  best  and  most 
speedy  manner  ;  and  if  you  can  by  the  help  of  your  ma- 
gazine or  any  other  way,  augment  the  quantity,  it  would 
be  very  acceptable.  We  have  urged  the  Grand  Congress 
to  send  a  further  supply,  if  it  is  procurable,  and  to  re- 
place what  we  lend  on  this  necessitous  occasion,  as  soon 
as  possible. 

"  You  will  please  to  advise  with  the  Commissary-Gene- 
ral or  his  deputies,  and  Col.  Van  Schaick.  if  at  Albany, 
respecting  the  mode  of  conveying  up  the  powder  in  safety 
and  with  despatch. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Hendrick  Fisher,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  New-Jersey,  dated  the  30th  tilt, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  informs  that  their  Provincial  Con- 
gress is  to  meet  speedily,  and  that  he  will  lay  the  letter 
from  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  apprehending  deserters,  before  the  Congress  of 
New-Jersey. 

A  letter  from  Beverly  Robinson,  Esq.  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Highlands,  October  2nd,  1775. 
"Sir — Your  letter  of  the  nineteenth  of  September,  I  re- 
ceived a  few  days  ago,  in  answer  to  which,  I  must  inform 
you  that  the  point  of  land  whereon  the  fort  is  erecting, 
does  not  belong  to  me,  but  is  the  property  of  Mrs.  Ogil- 
vie  and  her  children.  Was  it  mine,  the  public  should  he 
extremely  welcome  to  it.  The  building  a  fort  there  can 
be  no  disadvantage  to  the  small  quantity  of  arable  land  on 
the  island.  I  have  only  a  proportion  of  the  meadow  land, 
that  lays  on  the  east  side  of  the  island. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant. 

"BEV.  ROBINSON. 

"To  John  Haring,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety,  at  New- York." 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  \lth,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

The  petition  of  Abner  Briggs  to  the  committee  of  the 

43 


city,  praying  leave  to  ship  180  barrels  flour  to  Falmouth, 
for  the  use  of  the  people,  of  Nantucket,  referred  to  this 
Congress  by  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and 
also  an  order  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  of  the  28th  of  September  last,  signed  by  J. 
Warren,  Speaker,  whereby  it  is  resolved  that  the  commit- 
tee of  correspondence  for  the  town  of  Falmouth,  in  the 
county  of  Barnstable,  be  and  were  thereby  empowered 
and  directed  by  written  permit  under  their  hands,  to  grant 
license  to  the  said  inhabitants  to  purchase  so  much  provi- 
sion and  other  necessary  supplies  as  is  sufficient  for  their 
internal  consumption,  and  for  those  voyages  which  they 
may  prosecute,  consistent  with  the  resolves  of  Congress 
and  of  that  Court,  and  no  more  ;  and  that  such  permits 
shall  specify  the  quantities  each  person  has  liberty  to  pur- 
chase. Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Abner  Briggs  be  allowed  to  lade  180 
barrels  of  flour  for  Falmouth,  in  the  Colony  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  upon  condition  that  the  said  Abner  Briggs 
do,  within  three  months,  return  to  the  Secretary  of  this 
Congress  a  certificate  from  the  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  said  town  of  Falmouth,  that  the  said  flour  was  re- 
ported to,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  said  committee, 
the  danger  of  the  seas  and  seizures  excepted.  And  if  the 
said  Abner  Briggs  does  not  comply  with  the  condition 
aforesaid,  that  then  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  an  in- 
fringement of  the  resolution  of  this  Congress,  and  an  ene- 
my to  this  country.  Mr.  Thos.  Smith  and  Henry  Wil- 
liams dissenting. 

A  letter  from  Volckert  P.  Douw,  Esq.  of  Albany,  dat- 
ed the  fourth  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  October  4th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  the  journal  and 
proceedings  of  the  four  Indians  sent  by  the  commission- 
ers of  Indian  affairs,  appointed  by  the  twelve  United  Co- 
lonies to  the  Caughnawagas  to  acquaint  them  of  the  treaty 
that  had  been  held  here  with  their  brethren  of  the  Six  Na- 
tions and  the  commissioners. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  VOLCKERT  P.  DOUW. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  Provincial  Cougress." 

The  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Indians  therein 
mentioned  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Albany,  Saturday,  30th  September,  1775. 

"A  meeting  with  the  four  warriors  of  the  Six  Nations  who 
were  sent  by  the  commissioners  (appointed  by  the  twelve 
United  Colonies,)  of  Indian  affairs,  (after  the  treaty  held 
with  the  Six  Nations  at  Albany,)  to  the  Caughnawagas. 

"  They  were  asked  by  Volckert  P.  Douw,  Esq.  one  of 
the  commissioners,  what  they  brought. 

"  Answered  by  Sarisltago  (alias  Peter,)  by  George  Ful- 
mer,  the  interpreter,  that  they  were  sent  by  the  Six  Na- 
tions at  the  request  of  the  twelve  United  Colonies  to  the 
Caughnawagas,  to  inform  them  what  had  been  done  here, 
which  we  undertook  and  have  performed.  We  came  to 
the  Isle  aux  Nois  and  delivered  the  letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler, 
which  we  had  from  the  commissioners,  and  the  belts  of 
wampum  we  took  along  and  others  which  we  prepared  by 
the  way  ;  Gen  Schuyler  fitted  us  out  with  provisions  and 
money  to  go  to  Caughnawaga.  We  were  brought  with  a 
batteaux  ten  miles,  with  three  Canadians  as  guides,  as  we 
were  unacquainted  with  the  road;  notwithstanding  we  went 
at  least  six  miles  out  of  our  road,  where  we  lay,  next 
morning  we  came  on  the  road  that  leads  from  St.  John's  to 
Laprairie  ;  from  thence,  we  went  on  'till  we  came  to  a 
house,  and  the  people  there  put  us  on  another  road  ;  they 
feared  if  we  went  on  that  road  we  should  be  taken  priso- 
ners ;  from  thence,  the  people  on  the  road  used  us  well, 
yet  we  lay  in  the  woods  out  of  choice.  Next  morning  we 
proceeded ;  about  nine  o'clock,  we  came  to  the  river  St. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


170 

Lawrence,  eight  or  ten  miles  below  Caughnawaga,  where 
we  set  up  a  white  flag,  which  we  had  from  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler as  a  token  ;  from  thence,  we  proceeded  about  a  mile 
or  two,  where  we  met  a  hundred  warriors  (of  different 
nations,)  who  came  from  Caughnawaga  at  the  request  of 
Guy  Johnson,  (as  they  said,)  and  were  going  to  St.  John's 
to  join  the  regulars  to  fight  against  the  Continental  army  ; 
as  soon  as  they  saw  our  flag  they  immediately  came  to  us, 
on  which  we  desired  them  to  hearken  to  what  we  had  to 
say  to  them  from  the  commissioners  of  the  twelve  United 
Colonies  and  Six  Nations.  On  delivering  which,  there 
was  a  great  dispute  among  the  warriors  ;  some  were  for 
proceeding,  others  for  returning  ;  the  majority  were  for 
returning  to  the  castle  :  on  which  two  runners  were  de- 
spatched to  acquaint  the  chiefs  of  the  castle  that  four  of 
the  Six  Nations  were  come  to  speak  to  them.  When  we 
arrived  within  two  miles  of  the  castle,  we  were  met  by 
some  on  horseback  to  know  if  it  was  true  that  we  were 
coming  ;  and  on  seeing  us  immediately  returned  to  the 
castle,  (as  we  supposed,)  to  acquaint  the  chiefs  that  it  was 
true.  When  we  arrived  at  the  castle,  one  of  the  princi- 
pal chiefs  came  to  us,  took  the  white  flag  from  us  and 
brought  it  in  the  council  house,  and  introduced  us  at  the 
same  time.  When  we  arrived  in  the  council  house,  all  the 
chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  Seven  Nations  were  assembled 
and  desired  to  know  our  messages  ;  as  they  were  very  in- 
quisitive to  know  what  had  been  done  at  Albany  by  the 
Six  Nations  and  the  commissioners  of  the  twelve  United 
Colonies  ;  we  then  desired  (as  we  were  fatigued)  that 
they  would  indulge  us  three  or  four  hours  to  rest,  and  then 
they  might  call  us.  About  four  hours  thereafter,  we  went 
to  the  council  house. 

"  We  then  informed  them  of  all  that  we  were  charged 
with  from  the  Six  Nations  and  commissioners  of  the 
twelve  United  Colonies,  on  which  they  heartily  thanked  us 
for  the  information,  as  they  were  now  convinced  that  Guy 
Johnson  had  told  them  nothing  but  lies.  We  then  deliver- 
ed General  Schuyler's  request  to  them,  that  two  of  their 
chiefs  and  two  of  their  warriors  would  come  to  him  and 
confer  farther  on  the  matter,  as  he  desired  that  they  would 
stand  on  one  side,  that  no  Indian  blood  might  be  spilt.  Af- 
ter which  a  party  of  Guy  Johnson's  Indians  with  Colonel 
Claus,  came  with  strings  of  black  wampum,  to  invite  us  to 
come  to  him  in  Montreal,  as  he  had  understood  that  we  were 
come  from  the  Six  Nations,  on  which  we  answered,  we 
had  no  order  to  go  to  Guy  Johnson,  but  that  we  were  sent 
to  Caughnawaga,  and  did  not  intend  to  go  any  farther,  which 
made  a  great  confusion  in  the  castle  among  the  Indians  ; 
and  we  were  informed  by  the  Caughnawaga  Indians  that 
Col.  Johnson  was  about  making  up  a  company  to  take  us 
prisoners,  and  advised  us  not  to  lay  in  the  castle  that  night, 
but  that  we  should  go  about  three  or  four  miles  out  of  the 
place  to  a  plantation  there  ;  and  some  of  the  Caughnawagas 
went  with  us,  where  we  lodged  and  were  well  used.  The 
next  morning  the  Caughnawaga  Indians  returned  with  us  to 
the  castle,  where  we  received  an  answer  to  our  speech, 
which  we  had  delivered  in  behalf  of  the  Six  Nations. 
That  they  should  be  quiet  till  St.  John's  was  taken,  and 
then  they  should  come  to  Onondaga  to  speak  with  them ; 
and  as  General  Schuyler  was  desirous  to  speak  with 
them  they  would  now  go  with  us  to  him  to  hear  what  he 
had  to  say  to  them  ;  they  then  again  conducted  us  three  or 
four  miles  out  of  the  castle,  and  said  that  early  next  morn- 
ing they  would  make  up  seven  of  the  chiefs  and  warriors 
to  go  with  us  to  the  Isle  aux  Nois  to  Gen.  Schuyler.  In  the 
morning  they  came  and  went  with  us  to  the  Isle  aux  Nois. 
When  we  came  to  the  island,  Gen.  Schuyler  was  gone  from 
thence,  on  which  we  and  the  Caughnawagas  and  Fulmer, 
our  interpreter,  went  by  water  toward  St.  John's,  where  the 
army  lay  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Montgomery.  Gen. 
Montgomery  prayed  the  Caughnawagas  that  they  would 
keep  their  people  on  one  side,  as  he  would  be  very  sorry  to 
shed  any  of  the  blood  of  his  brethren ;  on  which  the 
Caughnawagas  thanked  General  Montgomery  for  his 


speech,  and  gave  him  a  belt  of  wampum,  and  assured  him 
that  he  might  depend  that  not  one  of  the  Seven  Nations  of 
Canada  Indians  should  in  the  least  molest  them  ;  on  which 
Gen.  Montgomery  thanked  them,  and  made  them  a  present 
for  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada  Indians,  besides  a  gratui- 
ty to  the  seven  ambassadors." 

Ordered,  That  the  brass  field  pieces  last  cast  by  James 
Byers,  be  delivered  to  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers,  for  the  use 
of  the  artillery  company  under  his  command,  and  that  he 
get  good  carriages  and  other  necessaries  for  the  said  two 
field  pieces  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  application  of  Capt.  Benjamin  Lindsay  of  Provi- 
dence, was  read  ;  he  therein  sets  forth  that  in  the  month  of 
August  last  he  delivered  to  this  Congress  a  letter  from  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  the  town  of  Providence,  signed  by 
deputy  Gov.  Cook  and  others,  requesting  to  load  his,  the 
said  Lindsay's  sloop,  and  Capt.  Whitney's  sloop;  that  pro- 
visions were  purchased  for  both  cargoes,  and  but  only  one 
to  wit,  the  cargo  of  Lindsay's  sloop  shipped  ;  and  that 
the  other  cargo  now  lays  in  store,  which  he  prays  leave  to 
lade  and  take  to  Providence. 

Ordered,  That  Benjamin  Lindsay  be  allowed  to  lade 
the  said  provisions  on  board  for  Providence,  upon  condition 
that  the  said  Benjamin  Lindsay  do  deliver  a  manifest  of  the 
said  provisions  to  the  Secretary  of  this  Congress,  and  with- 
in three  months  return  to  the  said  Secretary  a  certificate 
from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  at  Providence ;  that 
the  said  provisions  were  reported  to  and  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  said  committee,  (the  danger  of  the  seas,  and 
seizures  excepted  ;)  and  if  the  said  Benjamin  Lindsay  does 
not  comply  with  the  condition  aforesaid,  that  then  he  shall 
be  deemed  guilty  of  an  infringement  of  the  resolution  of 
this  Congress  and  an  enemy  to  his  country. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  of  the  5th  inst.  directed 
to  Isaac  Low,  Esq.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Cambridge,  Oct.  5th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — By  an  intelligent  person  from  Boston, 
the  3d  inst.  I  am  informed  that  a  fleet  consisting  of  one  64 
and  one  20  gun  ship  ;  2  sloops  of  18  guns  ;  2  transports 
with  600  men,  were  to  sail  from  Boston  yesterday ; 
their  destination  a  profound  secret ;  that  they  took  on  board 
2  mortars  and  4  howitzers,  with  other  artillery  calculated 
for  the  bombardment  of  a  town.  I  have  thought  it  proper 
to  apprize  every  considerable  town  on  the  coast  of  this  ar- 
mament, that  they  may  be  upon  their  guard.  Should  I  re- 
ceive any  farther  account  of  their  destination  it  shall  be 
forwarded. 

"  The  same  person  also  informs  that  an  express  sloop 
arrived  4  days  before  from  England  at  Boston,  which  she 
left  the  8th  August.  Gen.  Gage,  and  most  of  the  officers 
who  were  at  Lexington  are  recalled,  and  sail  this  day. 
Gen.  Howe  succeeds  to  the  command.  Six  ships  of  the 
line  and  2  cutters  under  Sir  Peter  Dennis  are  coming  out. 
Five  regiments  and  1000  marines  may  be  expected  at  Bos- 
ton in  3  or  4  weeks.  No  prospect  of  accommodation, 
but  on  the  other  hand  every  appearance  of  the  war  being 
pushed  with  the  utmost  vigour. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hum.  servt. 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Hasbrouck,  and  the  returns  of  the 
election  of  the  officers  of  the  several  companies  of  the  mi- 
litia in  that  part  of  Ulster  county,  which  is  intended  to  be 
in  the  regiment  of  Col.  Hasbrouck,  at  the  south  end  of 
Ulster  county. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  all  the  gentlemen 
named  in  those  returns. 

A  return  of  militia  officers  on  the  south  side  of  the 
mountain  in  Orange  county,  signed  by  Thomas  Outwater 
chairman,  was  delivered  in  and  filed. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


171 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

October  \2th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

A  certified  copy  of  the  notes  of  examination  of  Capt. 
William  Thompson,  was  sent  by  post  to  the  New-York 
Delegates  at  Congress,  and  another  copy  to  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, each  enclosed  in  a  private  letter  from  the  President. 

Capt.  John  Lawrence  being  by  request  attending  at  the 
door,  was  called  in  and  examined,  and  notes  of  his  exami- 
nation taken  which  are  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Capt.  John  Lawrence  sailed  from  London  the  2d  of 
August ;  left  Falmouth  the  14th:  says,  he  made  it  his  bu- 
siness to  get  all  the  intelligence  he  could  with  respect  to 
the  intentions  of  Government  against  the  Colonies.  That 
23  ships  from  40  guns  and  under  were  fitting  out  for  the 
American  service,  to  relieve  the  ships  which  were  deemed 
too  large,  which  he  understood  were  to  be  recalled.  That 
they  were  not  all  to  come  out  this  fall  on  account  of  the 
carpenters'  leaving  the  yards  ;  that  he  understood  5  regi- 
ments were  to  come  from  Ireland,  3  regiments  from  En- 
gland and  Scotland,  and  5  companies  of  artillery ;  that  a 
large  quantity  of  ordnance  was  shipping  for  America,  and 
that  five  transports  with  provisions  were  sailed  for  Boston 
before  he  sailed  ;  that  he  understood  the  troops  were  destin- 
ed for  Boston ;  that  he  heard  that  4  or  5  of  the  transports  had 
sailed  for  Ireland,  to  take  the  troops  on  board  before  he 
sailed  ;  that  he  saw  4000  stand  of  arms  shipped  for  Que- 
bec ;  that  2  brigs  sailed  out  of  the  Downs  in  company 
with  him  laden  with  warlike  stores  ;  that  they  sailed  with- 
out convoy  ;  that  thev  had  a  lieutenant  on  board  each,  but 
no  troops  ;  that  he  understood  the  arms  were  for  the  use 
of  the  Canadians  ;  that  he  did  not  hear  of  any  troops  go- 
ing to  Quebec ;  that  he  did  not  hear  of  any  artillery  or 
stores  or  troops  were  to  be  sent  to  the  southern  Colonies, 
or  to  this  Province  ;  that  he  understood  that  10,000  tons  of 
transports  were  taken  up  to  go  to  Embden,  and  16,000 
Hessians  and  Hanoverians  were  intended  for  America. 
But  whether  they  were  to  proceed  immediately  to  America 
or  touch  in  England  was  not  certain  ;  reports  differing  re- 
lative thereto.  That  the  report  of  employing  Hessians  and 
Hanoverians  took  place  before  the  account  of  Bunker  Hill 
battle  ;  that  the  people  seemed  to  be  much  exasperated 
against  the  Americans  on  receiving  the  account  of  Bunker 
Hill  ;  that  the  merchants  in  general  were  opposed  to  the 
Americans  ;  that  they  were  much  pleased  on  hearing  that 
15,000  of  the  provincials  were  killed  and  taken  prisoners 
by  about  1700  regulars;  but  when  the  true  state  of  the 
battle  arrived  they  made  long  faces  ;  that  he  did  not  hear  of 
their  building  any  flat  bottomed  boats  ;  that  the  news  of  tak- 
ing Ticonderoga,  &c.  was  by  no  means  relished  ;  that  it 
was  supposed  the  Parliament  would  be  called  sooner  than 
usual,  on  account  of  calling  the  Hessian  and  Hanoverian 
troops  ;  that  Capt.  Effingham  Lawrence  told  him  that  he 
had  been  informed  by  Lord  Gage,  that  they  intended  to 
make  up  their  army  in  America  to  30,000  men  this  fall ; 
that  there  was  no  complaint  of  the  manufacturers  wanting 
employ,  and  it  was  generally  supposed  that  the  administra- 
tion kept  them  employed ;  that  the  people  in  general  thought 
New-York  worse  than  any  of  the  other  Colonies  for  disap- 
pointing them,  not  only  by  joining  the  other  Colonies,  but 
by  acting  more  vigorously  than  the  rest ;  that  he  heard 
there  was  more  than  ordinary  demands  for  British  goods 
by  the  Mediterranean ;  that  the  manufacturers  in  Ireland 
were  quiet,  but  wished  well  to  the  Americans  ;  that  the 
people  in  England  were  anxious  to  hear  from  the  Congress, 
expecting  some  offer  of  accommodation.  That  it  was  re- 
ported that  on  the  news  of  Bunker  Hill,  the  stocks  fell  a 
little,  but  afterwards  rose  again  ;  that  he  heard  of  no  dis- 
union in  the  councils  of  administration  ;  that  great  num- 
bers of  vessels  were  laid  up  in  the  Thames  owing  to  the 


stopping  of  the  American  trade  ;  that  it  was  generally  ex- 
pected in  England  that  the  next  news  from  America  would 
be  that  Maj.  Skeene  was  hanged. 

This  Congress  having  frequently  been  unable  to  pro- 
ceed to  business  for  want  of  sufficient  number  of  members, 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  each  county  present 
who  have  not  a  quorum  of  their  county,  do  immediately 
write  to  their  absent  fellow  deputies  to  attend  this  Con- 
gress without  delay. 

Col.  McDougall  moved  and  was  seconded  by  Maj.  Wil- 
liams in  the  words  following  to  wit : 

I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine  all  the 
resolutions  and  advices  of  the  Continental  Congress  relative 
to  this  Colony,  and  report  without  delay,  their  opinion  of 
the  best  means  to  carry  the  said  resolutions  into  execution, 
and  also  what  use  should  be  made  of  that  advice  for  the 
safety  of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,,  unanimously,  that  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Kis- 
sam,  Mr.  Hubbard,  Mr.  Low  and  Mr.  Silvester  be  a  com- 
mittee for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  foregoing  motion 
of  Col.  McDougall. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  of  the  9th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  9th  October,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — We  received  your  favour  of  the  4th  inst. 
containing  an  account  of  the  troops  raised  in  our  Colony, 
of  which  we  shall  make  the  proper  use.  The  Congress 
approve  highly  of  your  diligence  in  the  erection  of  fortifi- 
cations on  Hudson's  river.  You  will  we  believe  receive  by 
this  conveyance,  their  sentiments  on  this  subject,  as  well 
as  extracts  of  some  letters  that  show  its  propriety  and  the 
designs  of  administration  against  us. 

"  We  sincerely  lament  the  necessity  to  which  the  want 
of  gunpowder  may  reduce  us,  and  have  endeavoured,  as 
far  as  lies  in  our  power,  to  remove  it  by  procuring  for  you,  at 
the  Continental  expense,  one  ton,  which  was  all  that  could 
be  obtained.  You  will  take  care  not  to  forward  this,  unless 
you  know  how  to  supply  yourselves  ;  for  it  is  not  the  de- 
sign of  the  Congress  that  you  should  at  any  time  be  en- 
tirely at  the  mercy  of  the  enemy. 

"  We  will  take  care  to  get  your  artillery  company  put 
upon  a  proper  footing,  in  which  we  apprehend  no  difficul- 
ty. As  to  the  want  of  clothing  for  our  troops,  we  are  not 
without  hopes  that  that  may  be  provided  for  in  Canada,  of 
which  we  can  not  but  flatter  ourselves  they  will  shortly  be 
in  possession. 

"  We  remain,  gentlemen, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 

"Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"  JAS.  DTJANE, 

"  ROBERT  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junb. 
"  To  the  Hon.  the  Convention  of 

the  Province  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  of  the  9th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  October  9th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letters  of  the  6th  inst.  have  been 
laid  before  Congress  ;  they  have  issued  an  order  for  one 
ton  of  powder  to  be  sent  to  New- York.  But  I  am  direct- 
ed to  inform  you,  if  you  can  with  safety  spare  it,  or  any 
part,  it  is  the  wish  of  Congress,  you  immediately  forward 
it  to  Gen.  Schuyler. 

"  In  answer  to  your  letter  respecting  the  brigantine  Ma- 
ry, Capt.  Wallace,  which  put  into  your  port  to  repair,  I 
am  ordered  to  acquaint  you  that  the  Congress  recommend 
that  she  proceed  on  her  voyage,  with  the  cargo,  after  being 
refitted. 

"  In  consequence  of  your  letter  to  Congress,  enclosing 
a  plan  and  estimate  of  the  fort  erecting  on  the  Highlands 
of  North  river,  I  now  enclose  you  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress thereon,  to  which  I  refer  you.  I  also  enclose  you  a 
resolve  of  Congress,  respecting  those  who  are  in  your 


172 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


opinion  dangerous,  by  being  at  large,  to  which  also  refer 
you. 

"  Your  proposal  enclosed,  respecting  the  importation  of 
gunpowder,  is  submitted  to  a  committee  ;  the  resolution  of 
Congress  thereon  shall  be  transmitted  you. 

"I  have  written  to  Gen.  Wooster  at  Albany,  by  order 
of  Congress,  to  proceed  to  the  fort  now  building  at  North 
river,  and  there  leave  as  many  of  his  troops  as  the  con- 
ductor of  the  works  shall  think  necessary  to  expedite  the 
works,  and  with  the  remainder  to  proceed  to  New- York 
and  there  remain. 

"  By  desire  of  your  Delegates,  I  enclose  you  some  ex- 
tracts of  letters  from  London  laid  before  Congress. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 
"  To  the  Convention  of  New-York." 

The  resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  therein  enclos- 
ed, relating  to  the  erecting  of  fortifications  in  the  Highlands 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  report  of  a  committee  appointed  to  lake  into  con- 
sideration the  letters  from  New- York,  and  the  plans  for 
obstructing  Hudson's  river : 

"  That  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New-York  be  di- 
rected immediately  to  render  Hudson's  river  defensible  ; 
that  in  doing  this  they  be  particularly  attentive  to  form 
such  works  as  may  be  finished  before  the  winter  sets  in; 
as  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  any  stone  work  can  be  pro- 
perly made  at  this  advanced  season,  it  is  submitted  to  the 
judgment  of  the  said  Convention,  whether  it  would  not  be 
more  cheaply  and  expeditiously  done  by  works  of  wood  or 
fascines.  If  they  should  think  otherwise,  that  they  be  di- 
rected to  go  on  with  the  work  in  the  way  which  they  think 
best,  since  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Congress  that  the  work 
should  by  no  means  be  neglected. 

"  But  if  the  work  be  already  begun  on  the  plan  sent  us, 
that  they  render  such  parts  as  can  be  first  finished,  defen- 
sible, so  that  their  labour  be  not  thrown  away,  if  an  attack 
should  be  made  before  the  whole  can  be  finished. 

"  That  the  Convention  be  directed  to  inquire  whether 
there  are  not  some  other  places,  where  small  batteries  might 
be  erected  so  as  to  annoy  the  enemy,  on  their  passage, 
particularly  a  few  heavy  cannon  at  or  near  Moore's  house, 
and  at  a  point  on  the  west  shore  a  little  above  Verplanck's 
point. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  said  Convention  to  esta- 
blish at  proper  distances,  posts  to  be  ready  to  give  intelli- 
gence to  the  country,  in  case  of  any  invasion,  or  by  signals 
to  give  alarms  in  case  of  danger  ;  and  that  they  confer  with 
the  Assembly  of  Connecticut,  and  the  Convention  of  New- 
Jersey,  on  the  speediest  manner  of  conveying  intelligence 
in  such  cases,  and  receiving  assistance  when  necessary. 

"That  the  Convention  be  farther  directed  to  take  the 
most  effectual  method  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  the 
said  river,  if  upon  examination  they  find  it  practicable. 

"  Agreed  to  in  Congress,  October  7th,  1775. 

"CHAS.  THOMPSON,  S*cy." 

The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  also  there- 
in enclosed,  respecting  persons  dangerous  to  the  communi- 
ty, was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Congress,  October  6th,  1775. 

"  On  motion  made, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several 
Provincial  Assemblies,  or  Conventions  and  Councils,  or 
Committees  of  Safely,  to  arrest  and  secure  every  person 
in  their  respective  Colonies,  who  is  going  at  large,  as  may, 
in  their  opinion,  endangei  the  safely  of  the  Colonies,  or  the 
liberties  of  America. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Sec'y. 
"  To  be  kept  as  secret  as  its  nature  will  admit." 

The  extracts  of  the  letters  from  London  of  the  31st  of 


July  last,  therein  mentioned,  were  also  read  and  filed,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Extract  of  a  letter  before  Congress,  dated 

" '  London,  July  31st,  1775. 

"'I  have  lately  heard  a  person  intimately  connected 
with  the  administration,  lament  that  20,000  men  had  not 
been  at  first  sent  to  America,  one-half  to  have  remained 
wilh  Gen.  Gage  at  Boston,  5,000  to  have  kept  possession 
of  New-York,  and  cut  off  all  assistance  from  the  southern 
Colonies,  and  5,000  to  have  been  employed  under  Bur- 
goyne,  or  Howe,  in  making  descents  in  different  parts  of 
New- England,  and  ravaging  and  burning  the  towns.  And 
I  have  good  information  that  it  is  yet  intended  to  endeavour 
to  recover  the  possession  of  New-York,  Albany,  &c.  so  as 
to  open  a  communication  with  Canada,  and  prevent  the 
New-Englanders  from  receiving  any  succour  from  the 
southward.  There  is  a  talk  that  more  of  the  train  of  ar- 
tillery and  some  regiments  of  foot  are  going  to  America.'  " 

"  Extract  of  another  letter,  by  the  said  conveyance,  laid 
before  Congress,  dated 

"  '  July  31st,  1775. 
"  '  It  is  fit  I  should  convey  to  you  a  more  particular  de- 
tail of  what  I  have  collected,  and  more  especially  as  it  is 
from  unquestionable  authority.  The  British  American  ge- 
nerals differ,  I  am  informed,  as  to  the  number  of  men 
which  they  now  think  it  will  require  to  subdue  the  Massa- 
chusetts rebels.  Gage  says  15,000  more  than  he  already 
has,  and  Burgoyne  says  20,000  more.  But  all  the  gene- 
rals, however,  agree  in  desiring  a  large  reinforcement  of 
artillery,  and,  therefore,  orders  were  yesterday  sent  to 
Woolwich  for  four  companies  to  embark  immediately  for 
North  America,  with  a  large  train  of  field  pieces,  &c.  and 
a  faither  supply  of  clothing,  more  than  I  mentioned  in  my 
letter  of  the  15th  for  the  Canadians,  which  Government  is 
assured  by  Gen.  Carleton,  he  shall  raise  in  the  Province  of 
Quebec.  Parliament  is  prorogued  till  September,  and 
then  will  be  farther  prorogued  to  meet  the  beginning  of 
November.  In  the  mean  time,  Lord  North  thinks  he  pos- 
sesses power  and  credit  sufficient  to  order  more  forces  to 
America  and  push  matters  to  the  greatest  extremity  before 
winter  sets  in.'  '  I  have  been  well  assured  that  if  the  Spa- 
nish armada  should  not  visit  Gibraltar,  which,  from  the  re- 
pulse it  is  said  they  have  met  with,  will  be  the  case,  Go- 
vernment proposes  composing  that  garrison  of  three-fourth 
Hanoverians,  and  one-fourth  British  troops,  in  order  that 
they  may  send  the  remainder  of  the  latter  now  there  to 
America.  But  the  secret,  as  they  imagine,  plan  of  opera- 
tion they  have  at  present  in  agitation,  or,  which  I  perhaps 
might  properly  say,  actually  determined  on  and  trans- 
mitted to  Boston,  is  as  follows. 

"  '  Wilh  the  assistance  of  Gov.  Tryon,  who  is  much  relied 
on  for  the  purpose,  to  get  immediate  possession  of  New- 
York  and  Albany  ;  to  fill  both  :hese  cities  with  very  strong 
garrisons  ;  to  declare  all  rebels  who  do  not  join  the  King's 
forces  ;  to  command  the  Hudson's  and  East  rivers  with  a 
number  of  small  men  of  war  and  cutlers  stationed  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  it,  so  as  wholly  to  cut  off  all  communica- 
tion by  water  between  New-York  and  the  Provinces  to  the 
northward  of  it,  and  between  New-York  and  Albany  ex- 
cept for  the  King's  service,  and  to  prevent  also  all  commu- 
nication between  the  city  of  New-York  and  the  Provinces 
of  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and  those  to  the  southward 
of  them.  By  these  means,  the  administration  and  their 
friends  fancy  that  they  shall  soon  eilher  starve  out  or  re- 
take the  garrison  of  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  and 
open  and  maintain  a  safe  intercourse  and  correspondence 
between  Quebec,  Albany  and  New- York,  and  thereby  af- 
ford the  fairest  opportunity  to  their  soldiery  and  the  Cana- 
dians in  conjunction  with  the  Indians,  to  be  procured  by 
G.  J.  to  make  continual  irruplions  into  New-Hampshire, 
Massachusetts  and  Connecticut,  and  so  distract  and  divide 
the  provincial  forces,  as  to  render  it  easy  for  the  British 
army  at  Boston  to  defeat  them,  break  the  spirits  of  the 
Massachusetts  people,  depopulate  their  country,  and  com- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


173 


pel  an  absolute  subjection  to  Great  Britain.  Another  good 
effect  to  be  deduced  from  this  extensive  plan,  as  Govern- 
ment apprehend,  is,  that  as  New-York  wdl  by  this  method 
be  prevented  from  supplying  the  Massachusetts  army  near 
Boston  with  flour,  &c.  as  they  heretofore  have  done  through 
the  medium  of  Connecticut ;  and  the  New-Jersey  and 
Pennsylvania  people  will  not  be  able  to  transport  provisions 
across  the  country  ;  and  as  the  Colony  of  Connecticut 
does  not  raise  corn  sufficient  for  the  supply  of  herself  and 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  the  inhabitants  and  troops  of  this 
Province  must  inevitably  of  course,  be  in  a  short  time  de- 
stroyed by  diseases  and  famine.  And  to  this  train  of  facts, 
let  me  add,  that  in  consequence  of  Gen.  Gage's  desire, 
brought  by  Capt  Chadd,  [or  Chudd]  one  hundred  flat-bot- 
tomed boats  are  at  present  building  at  Deptford,  &c.  in  or- 
der to  be  immediately  sent  to  America  ;  but  for  what  par- 
ticular purpose,  I  have  not  yet  been  able  to  learn.  Many 
American  gentlemen,  however,  have  been  asked  by  a  lord 
high  in  the  American  department,  'What  sized  vessels  can 
go  loaded  from  hence  to  Albany  ?'  '  What  is  the  depth  of 
water  at  the  Overslaugh  ? '  I  think  that  is  the  name  of  the 
shallowest  place  in  the  North  river.  '  Whether  the  ship 
belonging  to  Albany  in  the  London  trade,  is  always 
obliged  to  unload  part  of  her  cargo  before  she  can  get  to 
Albany,  and  what  proportion  of  it  ? '  '  Whether  if  batte- 
ries were  erected  at  the  Highlands,  they  would  not  pre- 
vent vessels  from  going  up  and  down  the  North  river  ? ' 
and  where  would  be  the  best  places  on  that  river  to  hinder 
the  New-Jersey  people,  &c.  from  sending  flour,  &c.  in  the 
winter  through  Connecticut  to  the  Massachusetts  army  ?'  " 
Extract  of  a  letter  from  London,  7th  Aug.  1775. 
"  The  design  last  spring  was  to  have  divided  the  troops 
sent  out,  as  it  is  said,  according  to  a  plan  of  Gov.  Tryon's, 
which  he  gave  to  the  ministers,  for  carrying  on  the  Ameri- 
can war  ;  but  Gage's  necessity  has  altered  that  plan  for 
the  present,  and  has  obliged  him  to  collect  all  the  troops 
together  at  Boston,  and  Tryon  with  all  his  malignity  of 
heart,  is  compelled  to  sit  still  this  season.  As  Tryon  for 
his  conduct  in  North  Carolina,  is  in  high  estimation  with 
the  ministry,  his  plan  of  attacking  the  different  Colonies  at 
the  same  time,  is  still  to  be  followed  ;  and  the  talk  is,  that 
troops  will  be  sent  to  New- York,  Pennsylvania  and  Vir- 
ginia. 

"  It  is  long  since  Carleton  has  received  orders  to  enter 
the  frontiers  of  the  northern  Colonies  with  the  Canadians ; 
and  by  his  proclamation  of  martial  law,  he  is  endeavour- 
ing to  put  his  orders  in  practice.  'Twas  part  of  Tryon's 
scheme  to  meet  Carleton  with  the  four  regiments  that  were 
ordered  to  New-York.  This  idea  is  not  yet  given  up  ; 
for  I  understand  'tis  intended,  if  the  shipwrights  can  be 
forced  or  cajoled  to  work  again,  to  construct  a  number  of 
flat-bottomed  boats  here,  so  contrived  as  when  they  touch 
the  shore,  to  throw  down  a  platform  that  will  land  at  once 
six  armed  men,  or  may  be  used  to  fire  field  pieces  or  swi- 
vel guns  from.  They  are,  when  completed  here,  to  be 
taken  to  pieces,  and  sent  to  Canada  to  be  used  on  the  lakes. 

"  Besides  the  armies  on  foot,  every  Colony  should  dili- 
gently attend  to  training  their  militia  for  their  own  internal 
defence.  All  valuable  goods  should  be  removed  from 
Rhode-Island  into  the  country,  that  the  island  may  not  be 
surprised  as  Boston  was.  The  same  thing  should  be  done 
in  the  city  of  New-York  ;  and  at  the  same  time  fortify 
some  strong  passes  to  prevent  any  troops  getting  into  the 
country.  It  would  be  a  capital  stroke  to  get  possession  of 
Tryon's  person.  Philadelphia  must  also  look  to  itself  in 
time." 

Ordered,  That  the  master  of  the  brigantine  Mary  have 
notice  that  he  has  leave  to  depart  this  Colony  as  soon  as 
she  is  refitted  and  fit  for  sea. 

A  letter  from  John  Farmer,  clerk  of  a  meeting  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Great-Neck,  Cow-Neck,  and  all  such  as 
lately  belonged  to  the  company  of  Capt.  Stephen  Thorn, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  us  the  inhabitants  of  Great-Neck, 
44 


Cow-neck,  and  all  such  as  lately  belonged  to  the  company 
of  Capt.  Stephen  Thorn  in  Queens  county,  being  duly 
warned  on  Saturday,  the  23d  of  September,  1775,  and 
taking  into  our  serious  consideration  our  distressed  and  ca- 
lamitous situation,  and  being  fully  convinced  of  our  total 
inability  to  pursue  proper  measures  for  our  common  safety, 
while  we  in  all  cases  are  considered  as  part  of  the  town- 
ship of  Hempstead  ;  and  being  conscious  that  self-preser- 
vation, the  immutable  law  of  nature  is  indispensable :  do 
therefore 

"  Resolve,  first,  That  during  the  present  controversy,  or 
so  long  as  their  general  conduct  is  inimical  to  freedom, 
we  be  no  further  considered  as  a  part  of  the  township  than 
is  consistent  with  peace,  liberty  and  safety  ;  therefore,  in 
all  matters  relative  to  the  congression  plan,  shall  consider 
ourselves  as  an  entire  separate,  independent  beat  or  district. 

"  Resolved,  secondly,  That  Mr.  Daniel  Kissam,  Mr. 
Henry  Stocker,  Mr.  William  Thorn,  Mr.  Benjamin  Sands, 
Mr.  William  Cornwell,  Mr.  John  Cornwell,  Mr.  John 
Mitchell,  Sen.  Mr.  John  Burtiss,  Mr.  Simond  Sands,  Mr. 
Martin  Schenk,  Mr.  Daniel  Whitehead  Kissam,  Mr.  Peter 
Onderdonk,  Mr.  Adrian  Onderdonck  and  Mr.  Thomas 
Dodge  be  a  committee  for  this  beat  or  district. 
"Attest,  JOHN  FARMER, 

"  Clerk  of  Meeting. 

"  In  committee  for  the  district  of  Great-Neck,  Cow-Neck, 
&c.  in  Queens  county,  the  4th  of  October,  1775. 

"  Present — Joha  Cornwell,  William  Cornwell,  Thomas  Dodge,  Si- 
mond Sands,  Adrian  Onderdonk,  Daniel  Whitehead  Kissam,  Peter  On- 
derdonck, John  Burtiss  and  Benjamin  Sands. 

"  Then  proceeded  and  chose  Benjamin  Sands,  chair- 
man. 

"  Then  adjourned  to  the  7th  inst. 

"  In  committee  according  to  adjourment. 
"  Present — The  same  members  as  before,  and  also  Martin  Schenck. 

"  When  the  following  resolves  were  passed  nem.  con. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  the  meeting  on  the 
23d  September,  for  enabling  this  part  of  the  county,  to 
pursue  congressional  measures,  and  the  committee  chosen 
in  consequence,  be  immediately  laid  before  the  honorable 
Provincial  Congress,  or  in  their  recess,  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  for  their  approbation. 

"  Resolved  secondly,  That  the  following  gentlemen  hav- 
ing signed  the  general  association,  and  being  duly  elected 
as  officers  of  the  militia  company  lately  formed  in  this  dis- 
trict, agreeable  to  the  recommendation  of  the  honorable 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  are  hereby  returned 
accordingly  : 

"John  Sands,  captain;  Henry  Allen,  1st  lieutenant; 
Thomas  Mitchell,  2d  lieutenant;  Aspinwall  Cornwell,  en- 
sign. 

("  Signed.)       By  order. 

"BENJ.  SANDS,  Chairman. 

"  Attest. 

"John  Farmer,  Clerk  of  the  Committee." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  John  Farmer  at  Cow-Neck 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"At  New-York,  October  12th,  1775.  ) 
"  Sir — The  Congress  have  received  the  state  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  inhabitants  of  Great-Neck,  Cow-Neck,  &c. 
relative  to  the  choice  of  a  committee  and  officers  for  that 
district,  and  highly  approve  of  their  conduct  therein.  The 
commissions  are  enclosed  to  the  officers,  agreeable  to  the 
choice  made  ;  and  the  Congress  doubt  not  that  your  com- 
mittee and  the  other  associators,  will,  in  their  conduct,  ma- 
nifest a  due  attention  to  the  important  interests  of  their 
country  in  its  present  alarming  and  critical  situation. 

"  We  are  your  humble  servants. 
"  P.  S.  You  are  requested  to  return  a  list  of  the  asso- 
ciations as  soon  as  may  be  convenient. 
"  To  Benjamin  Sands,  Esq.  Chairman  of  the 

Committtee  of  Great-Neck  and  Cow-Neck." 


174 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  the  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  October  12th,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  resolution  which  we  re- 
ceived last  evening  from  the  Continental  Congress  will 
show  you  the  objects  they  have  in  view,  with  regard  to  the 
fortifications  now  building  in  the  Highlands,  and  also  their 
sentiments  as  to  the  necessity  of  fortifying  several  other 
places  on  the  river.  We  desire  that  you  would  take  the 
matters  recommended  by  the  Congress  into  consideration, 
without  loss  of  time  ;  go  to  the  several  places  mentioned  in 
the  resolution  ;  give  us  your  opinions  as  to  the  fortifications 
necessary  to  be  built  at  these  places,  with  an  estimate  of 
the  expenses,  and  what  will  be  wanting  from  this  city  to 
complete  the  works.  You  will  take  Mr.  Romans  to  your 
assistance,  and  use  all  possible  despatch  in  making  your 
report  to  this  Congress.  We  have  only  to  add,  that  you 
conduct  this  business  with  as  much  secrecy  as  the  nature 
of  the  transaction  will  admit. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Gentlemen  Commissioners 

at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  unto  Capt.  John  Grennell, 
of  Col.  James  Clinton's  regiment,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  seventy-seven  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  nine 
pence,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  officers  and  men  belong- 
ing to  his  company,  that  the  said  company  may  be  enabled 
to  join  the  regiment ;  and  that  the  said  Capt.  John  Gren- 
nell do  give  a  receipt  to  the  said  Treasurer,  and  an  order 
to  the  depuly-paymaster-general  for  the  repayment  of  the 
said  sum,  and  to  acquaint  Col.  James  Clinton  therewith. 
The  sum  above  mentioned  being  the  amount  of  the  pay  of 
the  officers  of  that  company  for  Iwo  months,  and  the  pay 
of  the  private  men  to  the  thirtieth  day  of  September  last, 
included.  The  account  of  the  men  and  their  pay  sent  to 
the  Treasurer  to  be  filed. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings  of  the 
Committee  of  Safely  on  the  fourth  and  fifth  days,  and  of 
the  morning  of  the  sixth  day  of  September,  which  were 
read. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  IBtk,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President,  fyc. 
A  letter  from  the  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esq.  Go- 
vernor of  Connecticut,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Lebanon,  9th  October,  1775. 
"  Sir — Have  this  moment  received  your  favour  of  the 
6th  inst.  enclosing  an  extract  of  your  letter  from  Gen. 
Schuyler,  also  requesting  me  to  give  such  aid  in  the  ne- 
cessary article  you  mention  as  may  be  in  my  power.  I 
have  just  received  Gen.  Washington's  letter  of  the  fifth 
inst.  advising  that  a  small  fleet,  consisting  of  a  64  gun 
ship,  a  20,  two  sloops  of  18  guns,  two  transports,  and 
about  600  men,  with  two  mortars  and  four  howitzers  on 
board,  had  just  sailed  from  Boston  ;  from  which  he  sus- 
pects they  intend  to  bombard  some  town  on  the  coast.  We 
have  this  day  received  by  report  a  transient  account  that 
some  ships  were  cannonading  the  town  of  Bristol  as  the 
last  Saturday,  but  have  not  got  any  certain  intelligence  of 


the  matter  ;  we  are  in  expectation  they  may  appear  soon  on 
our  coast ;  that  under  the  present  situation  of  affairs  we 
are  not  able  to  lend  any  aid  in  the  necessary  articles  vou 
mention,  having  made  so  many  disbursements  of  that"  ar- 
ticle already. 

"  I  am  most  respectfully, 

"  Sir,  your  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 
"JONTH.  TRUMBULL." 

"  To  Honourable  President  Woodhull." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  October  the  13th,  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  letter  from  Gov.  Trum- 
bull, we  received  this  morning. 

"  In  our  application  to  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  for 
aid  in  the  article  Gen.  Schuyler  requested  might  be  for- 
warded to  him,  have  failed,  and  thought  proper  to  enclose 
Gov.  Trumbull's  letter  to  the  Congress. 

"  We  are  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obedient  servts. 

"By  order. 

To  the  Honourable  John  Hancock, 

President  of  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  with  a  copy  of  Gov.  Trumbull's  let- 
ter enclosed,  sent  by  post. 

A  copy  of  the  information  received  from  Capt.  John 
Lawrence,  was  enclosed  to  the  New- York  Delegates  by 
post  in  a  private  letter  from  the  President. 

A  letter  from  John  Berrien,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Oct.  13th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  have  to  acquaint  you  that  the  money 
received  by  the  commissioners,  amounting  to  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds,  is  expended,  and  that  I  am  consi- 
derable in  advance  ;  have  sundry  orders  from  the  above 
gentlemen  laying  against  me,  and  some  considerable 
accounts  of  provision,  stores,  &c.  Must  therefore  beg 
your  honourable  House  to  furnish  me  with  five  hundred 
pounds  on  account  by  an  order  on  your  Treasurer,  to  ena- 
ble me  to  answer  the  above  demands. 

"  I  am  with  respect, 

"  Your  obedient  hum.  servt. 

"JOHN  BERRIEN. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Mr.  John  Berrien,  as  com- 
missary of  the  commissioners  for  erecting  the  fortifications 
in  the  Highlands,  and  one  of  the  said  commissioners,  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  to  be  applied  for  the  necessa- 
ry purposes  of  erecting  the  said  fortifications  ;  and  that 
Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Berrien's  receipt  for  the  same  on 
account. 

A  letter  from  B.  Romans,  dated  12th  inst.  was  read  and 
filed  ;  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Honourable  gentlemen — By  order  from  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  I  am  up  here  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
structing this  fort ;  said  gentlemen  gave  me  their  words 
that  I  should  be  appointed  principal  engineer  for  this  Pro- 
vince, with  the  rank  and  pay  of  colonel.  As  I  have  been 
now  actually  engaged  in  this  work  since  the  29th  August 
last,  I  should  be  glad  to  know  the  certainty  of  my  appoint- 
ment, and  therefore  humbly  pray  that  my  commission  may 
be  made  out  and  sent.  I  have  left  the  pursuit  of  my  own 
business,  which  was  very  considerable,  and  endangered 
my  pension  from  the  crown,  by  engaging  in  our  gieat  and 
common  cause ;  these  matters  considered,  I  hope  my  re- 
quest will  be  thought  reasonable,  and  therefore  complied 
with. 

"  I  remain,  with  the  utmost  respect, 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 
"Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"B.  ROMANS. 

"Fort  Constitution,  October  12th,  1775." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


175 


Ordered,  That  the  same  be  taken  into  consideration 
when  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  on  that  subject 
are  read. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  James  Byers,  who 
is  casting  brass  field  pieces,  by  order  of  this  Congress, 
the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  on  account,  and 
that  Mr.  Livingston  take  James  Byers'  receipt  for  the 
same  on  account. 

A  long  letter  in  French  from  Jean  Viellatt,  on  behalf  of 
himself  and  some  other  French  gentlemen  from  Canada, 
who  are  prisoners  at  Albany,  was  read  in  English  by  Mr. 
Morris. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  enclosed  to  the  New- York 
Delegates  at  Congress. 

Thereupon,  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Al- 
bany, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Oct.  13th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — The  Canadian  prisoners  in  your  city 

have  applied  to  us,  in  order  to  obtain  their  liberty,  which 

it  certainly  is  not  in  our  power  to  give  them.    The  Gens. 

Schuyler  and  Montgomery,  must  have  had  good  reason  to 

take  them  into  custody ;  yet  it  is  our  duty  to  alleviate  as 

much  as  possible  the  evils  of  their  confinement.  We 

therefore  request  this  of  you,  and  also  to  provide  them 

with  lodgings  and  board  at  the  public  expense,  taking  the 

necessary  precautions  to  prevent  their  escape. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  Committee  of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  said  Jean  Viellatt,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Oct.  13th,  1775.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  sorry  that  the  fortune  of  war 
hath  deprived  you  of  liberty,  and  are  unacquainted  with 
the  reasons  which  have  induced  the  generals  to  take  that 
step.  It  is  our  misfortune  equally  with  yours  that  we  are 
not  authorized  to  take  this  matter  into  our  consideration  ; 
and  therefore  we  have  sent  your  memorial  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  who  are  alone  competent.  All  that  is  in 
our  power  is  to  obey  the  dictates  of  humanity  by  endea- 
vours to  alleviate  the  rigours  of  your  captivity  ;  for  this 
purpose  we  enclose  you  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Alba- 
ny, which  you  will  be  pleased  to  deliver  them  ;  and  believe 
that  we  are  with  regret, 

"  Your  countrymen. 

"  To  Mr.  Jean  Viellatt  and  his 

companions,  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  in  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Oct.  13th,  1775.  $ 
"Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  the  memorial  from  some 
prisoners  in  Albany  ;  our  answer,  and  also  a  letter  on  the 
subject  to  the  committee  at  Albany,  on  neither  of  which 
shall  we  make  any  comment ;  you  will  lay  such  of  them 
before  the  Congress  as  you  think  proper. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of 

New- York,  at  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  together  with  the  papers  therein 
mentioned,  transmitted. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  afternoon  of  the  sixth  day 
of  September  last. 

On  reading  the  letter  of  Samuel  Bayard,  Esq. 


Ordered,  That  the  same  remain  for  further  consideration. 

On  reading  the  letter  of  Nicholas  Low,  of  the  6th  Sept. 
last  for  leave  to  ship  flour. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, requesting  their  directions,  whether  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Colony  ought  to  be  prevented  from  exporting  pro- 
visions or  any  other  articles  to  any  other  places  whatso- 
ever, except  those  interdicted  by  the  general  association  of 
the  Congress. 

Thereupon,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"New-York,  Oct.  13th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  request  the  favour  of  you  to 
take  the  sense  of  the  Hon.  Congress,  and  to  give  us  their 
answer  by  return  of  the  post,  or  first  other  good  convey- 
ance, whether  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  ought  to  be 
prevented  from  exporting  provisions  or  other  articles  to  any 
places  whatsoever,  except  those  interdicted  by  the  general 
association  of  the  Congress. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 

"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock, 

President  of  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  report  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  on  the  7th  of 
September  last,  and  on  reading  the  certificate  of  Jacobus 
Sioutenburg,  the  Congress  conceived  his  estimate  of  the 
arms  therein  mentioned  to  be  too  high.  And, 

Ordered,  That  inquiry  be  made,  what  is  become  of  the 
accoutrements  mentioned  in  that  certificate  ;  and  that  the 
same  be  farther  considered  hereafter. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  last  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  seventh, 
and  their  proceedings  on  the  eighth  day  of  September  last. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  Low  moved  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Verplanck,  in  the  words  following  to  wit  :  I  move  that 
the  sense  of  this  Congress  be  taken,  whether  the  evidence 
which  appears  to  this  Congress,  was  sufficient  to  authorize 
the  taking  of  Mr.  Bethune. 

Debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  day  being  near  elapsed, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low's  motion  be  postponed  till  to- 
morrow morning. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  9  a.  m. 

October  14th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President,  fyc. 

Mr.  John  Moore,  of  Tryon  county,  attending  at  the  door, 
was  called  in ;  he  produced  a  certificate  from  the  committee 
of  Tryon  county,  signed  by  Nicholas  Herkimer,  chairman, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Tryon  County  Committee  Chamber,  ? 

"  September  13th,  1775.  $ 
"  Hon.  Gentlemen — Agreeable  to  a  resolve  of  this 
committee,  instead  of  our  late  Delegate  at  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  New-York,  Mr.  John  Moore,  a  member  of 
our  committee,  was  chosen  by  a  majority  of  votes  to  re- 
present our  county  in  the  said  Provincial  Congress  of  New- 
York,  as  our  Delegate,  whom  we  recommend  to  be  ac- 
cordingly accepted  on  that  purpose  ;  and  we  are  of  our 
humble  opinion  that  one  will  suffice  as  representative  for 
our  county,  as  the  expenses  for  two  would  be  too  burden- 
some for  our  small  county.  Relying  on  your  favourable 
grant,  we  are  always  with  much  regard,  hon.  gentlemen, 
"  Your  obedient  hum.  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"  NICHOLAS  HERCKHEIMER,  Chairman." 


176 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CORGRESS. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Moore  take  his  seat. 

Francis  James,  owner  of  a  pilot  boat,  named  the  Bishop 
of  Landaff,  lately  employed  in  services  to  the  eastward, 
was  called  in  and  examined.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  wardens  of  the  port  of  New-York, 
do,  on  their  oath  of  office,  value  the  said  pilot  boat  as  she 
now  lays,  and  return  their  valuation  thereof,  signed  by  them- 
selves, to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Lansing,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
committee  at  Albany,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  October  9th,  ]775. 
"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  vour  letter  respect- 
ing the  repairing  of  the  barracks,  we  have  appointed  those 
persons  whom  you  recommended  to  us,  who  we  judge  are 
competent  for  the  purpose  ;  we  will  give  them  all  the  ad- 
vice they  may  stand  in  need  of,  in  order  to  complete  this 
business  with  expedition.  And  as  many  articles  cannot 
be  got  without  cash,  viz :  firewood,  lime,  brick,  &c.  we 
have  therefore  taken  the  liberty  to  draw  upon  you  in  fa- 
vour of  Messrs.  Peter  Silvester,  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  and 
Henry  Glenn,  Esqs.  for  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds, 
for  which  sum  this  committee  will  be  accountable  for  after 
the  work  is  completed. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  esteem, 

"  Your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"JACOB  LANSING,  Jun.  Chairman:1 

The  draft  for  two  hundred  pounds,  mentioned  in  the  let- 
ter of  Jacob  Lansing,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Albany,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Albany,  October  9th,  1775. 
"  Sir — Please  to  pay  or  cause  to  be  paid  unto  Messrs. 
Peter  Silvester,  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  and  Henry  Glenn, 
Esqs.  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  New- York  cur- 
rency, for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  our  letter  of  this  day's 
date. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"  JACOB  LANSING,  Jun.  Chairman. 

"  To  N.  Woodhull,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  do  pay  to  Peter  Sil- 
vester, Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  and  Henry  Glenn,  Esqs.  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  New- York  currency,  for  the 
purpose  of  repairing  the  barracks  at  Albany,  and  that  Mr. 
Livingston  take  a  receipt  from  those  gentlemen  for  that 
sum. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  powder  from 
Philadelphia  for  this  Congress  is  passed  or  passing  through 
Elizabethtown  to  Dobbs'  ferry. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  be  authorized  and  is 
hereby  authorized  to  take  such  methods  to  get  that  powder 
safe  to  town  as  he  shall  think  proper. 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Saturday  morning. 
"  Sir — We  think  it  will  be  prudent  of  the  Congress  to 
order  Col.  Lasher  to  procure  twenty  men  to  guard  the 
Congress  money  without  Sandy  Hook,  as  the  man  of  war 
boat  may  lay  in  wait  for  her  near  that  place.  Although  the 
Viper  may  be  at  sea  by  way  of  decoy. 

"  I  am,  in  behalf  the  committee,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 
"JACOBUS  VAN  ZANDT. 

"  P.  S.  The  vessel  will  be  ready  to  sail  this  evening  or 
to-morrow. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  Chairman  of 

Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Col.  McDougall 
confer  with  Mr.  Van  Zandt  on  the  subject  of  his  letter,  and 
that  they  agree  upon  such  methods  relative  thereto  as  they 


shall  think  proper,  and  carry  the  same,  or  direct  the  same 

to  be  carried  into  execution. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 

motion  of  Mr.  Low  of  yesterday,  seconded  by  Mr.  Ver- 

planck,  which  motion  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  I 

move  that  the  sense  of  this  Congress  be  taken  whether  the 

evidence  which  appears  to  this  Congress  was  sufficient  to 

authorize  the  taking  of  Mr.  Bethune.    And  debates  arising 

thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  whether  the  evidence 

which  appears  to  this  Congress  was  sufficient  to  authorize 

the  taking  of  Mr.  Bethune,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative, 

in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,. . .    4      Suffolk,   2 

Mr.  McDougall,  Thomas         Cumberland,  2 

Smith,  John  Van  Cortlandt,  — 
James  Beekman,  dissenting.  4 

Queens,   2      Kings  divided. 

Mr.  Thome  dissenting. 

Richmond,    2 

Tryon,  2 

Albany,   3 

13 

Resolved  therefore,  That  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress that  the  evidence  which  appears  to  this  Congress  was 
not  sufficient  to  authorize  the  taking  of  Mr.  Bethune. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Micheau, 

Ordered,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  made  on  the 
8th  of  July  last  of  a  plan  for  a  dissolution  of  this  Congress 
and  the  election  of  a  new  Provincial  Congress  for  this  Co- 
lony, except  that  part  which  was  then  agreed  to,  be  taken 
into  consideration  on  Wednesday  next. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  Monday  morning, 
but  not  then  able  to  make  a  House. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  nth,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 
A  letter  from  Walter  Franklin  &  Co.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York  October  17th,  1775. 

"Respected  Friend  : 

"  We  have  a  sloop  which  we  propose  sending 
to  Georgia,  one  of  the  United  Colonies,  and  to  put  her  in 
a  set  of  ballast  with  about  one  hundred  barrels  of  flour, 
some  bread,  rum,  and  perhaps  some  other  small  articles, 
but  shall  not  proceed  to  take  any  thing  on  board  until  a  per- 
mission is  first  obtained  from  the  honourable  Provincial 
Congress. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  thy  friends, 

WALTER  FRANKLIN  &  Co." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  un- 
til to-morrow. 

Mr.  Kissam,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
all  the  resolutions  and  advices  of  the  Continental  Congress 
relative  to  this  Colony,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read,  and  the  same  being  again  read,  paragraph  by  para- 
graph, and  amended  and  approved  of,  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  report  that  they  have  perused  all  the 
resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  (which  more  im- 
mediately respect  this  Colony,)  from  the  18th  May  to  the 
17lh  inst.  and  find  that  the  resolution  relative  to  the  col. 
lecting  saltpetre  and  brimstone  hath  not  been  fully  compli- 
ed with,  and  therefore  do  report  it  as  their  opinion, 

"  1.  That  all  the  brimstone  and  sulphur  in  this  city,  not 
exceeding  20  tons,  (except  about  two  tons  to  be  reserved 
for  the  use  of  vessels,)  be  purchased  and  deposited  with 
all  convenient  despatch  at  some  secure  place  near  the  pow- 
der mills  in  this  Colony,  under  the  care  of  the  respective 
committees  of  the  county  or  district  where  the  mills  are. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


177 


"  2.  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  respective  colonels  of 
the  militia  and  minute  men  in  this  Colony,  requesting  them 
to  appoint  and  notify  to  their  respective  regiments  some 
convenient  place  of  rendezvous,  where  they  are  to  muster, 
completely  equipped,  upon  any  public  alarm,  and  to  remain 
until  marching  orders  shall  be  received  by  their  respective 
colonels,  or  commanding  officers  ;  and  that  the  colonels  be 
desired  to  acquaint  this  Congress  of  the  places  they  shall 
so  respectively  appoint  for  that  purpose. 

"  3.  That  in  order  to  give  a  general  alarm  throughout 
the  Colony  in  case  of  invasion,  and  for  the  purpose  of  mus- 
tering the  regiments  aforesaid,  that  beacons  be  erected  at 
convenient  places  and  distances  throughout  the  Colony  ; 
and  where  convenient  places  cannot  be  found  to  erect  bea- 
cons, that  cannon  be  fixed  instead  of  them,  and  that  some 
fit  person  be  employed,  under  the  direction  and  with  the 
advice  of  the  several  county  committees,  to  make  a  proper 
arrangement  for  this  business,  and  to  report  thereon  to  the 
Congress. 

"  4.  And  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  intelligence  in 
case  of  invasion,  your  committee  report,  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  several  county  committees  in  this  Colony, 
to  appoint  and  engage  some  one  or  more  of  their  own  body, 
(whose  place  of  residence  shall  be  convenient  for  the  pur- 
pose, or  any  other  discreet  person  or  persons  who  shall  live 
on  or  near  the  most  public  roads  that  lead  from  New-York 
through  their  respective  counties,)  to  have  a  person  and 
horse  in  readiness  to  forward  intelligence  in  case  of  inva- 
sion :  and  that  the  commiltees  fix  the  several  stages  in  their 
respective  counties,  from  10  to  about  15  miles  distance,  and 
make  a  return  thereof  to  the  Congress,  with  the  names  and 
places  of  abode,  of  the  persons  to  be  employed  as  aforesaid. 

"  5.  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  commissioners  ap- 
pointed for  erecting  a  battery  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's 
river,  requesting  them  to  examine  whether  it  is  practicable 
to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  [river]  between  this 
city  and  the  said  battery  ;  and  if  so,  in  what  place  and 
how,  and  that  they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient 
speed  ;  and  that  the  said  commissioners  be  also  desired  to 
report  whether  there  are  any  other  places  on  Hudson's  ri- 
ver, where  small  batteries  may  be  erected  so  as  to  annoy 
the  enemy  in  their  passage,  and  particularly  whether  the 
point  on  the  west  shore,  a  little  above  Verplanck's  point, 
and  at  or  near  Moore's  house,  would  not  be  a  proper  place 
for  that  purpose,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  report  to 
this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed,  such  places  as 
they  shall  think  may  be  advantageously  fortified,  with  an 
estimate  of  the  expense,  and  an  account  of  the  number  and 
weight  of  ordnance  that  will  be  wanting,  and  when,  in  their 
opinion,  the  works  could  be  completed. 

"  6.  Your  committee  further  report,  that  it  is  their  opi- 
nion, that  four  companies  of  matrosses,  consisting  of  80 
men  each,  will  be  necessary  to  occupy  the  forts  on  Hud- 
son's river,  when  completed,  and  that  one  company  at  least 
should  be  immediately  enlisted  for  that  purpose,  and  that  it 
will  be  proper  to  write  to  the  Continental  Congress  for 
their  direction  on  this  subject. 

"  7.  That  a  copy  of  the  Continental  resolution  of  the  7th 
inst.  together  with  such  parts  of  this  report  as  respect  the 
said  resolution,  be  sent  to  the  Assembly  of  Connecticut 
and  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  together  with 
a  letter  requesting  their  advice  on  the  subject  of  conveying 
intelligence  in  cases  of  invasion,  and  of  receiving  assistance 
when  necessary." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  report. 

The  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  colonels  of  the  militia  and  mi- 
nute men,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  Oct.  17/A,  1775.  \ 
"  Sir — In  order  that  timely  assistance,  may  be  had  in 
case  of  an  invasion  on  this  Colony,  directions  will  be  given 

45 


by  the  Congress  for  erecting  beacons  at  some  and  cannon 
in  other  places  of  the  Colony  to  alarm  the  country.  These 
signals,  when  erected,  will  be  so  arranged  as  to  prevent 
any  mistakes  in  the  alarm. 

"  You  are  requested  to  give  orders  to  your  regiments, 
that  upon  any  alarm  so  made,  they  muster  completely 
equipped,  (and  with  provisions,)  at  some  convenient  place 
of  rendezvous,  to  be  appointed  by  you,  and  remain  there 
till  you  shall  receive  marching  orders  from  the  Congress  or 
your  commanding  officer.  Please  to  acquaint  us  with  the 
place  you  shall  appoint  for  the  rendezvous. 

"  We  are, 

"  Your  humble  servants. 

"  To  the  Colonels  of  the  Militia 

and  Minute  Men." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  and 
to  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Connecticut,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  an  order  of  Congress, 
directing  us  to  confer  with  you  on  the  speediest  manner  of 
conveying  intelligence  in  cases  of  invasion,  and  of  receiv- 
ing assistance  when  necessary.  We  also  enclose  a  plan 
for  that  purpose  for  your  consideration,  and  beg  you  will 
favour  us  with  your  sentiments  on  the  subject,  with  such 
amendments  or  additions  to  it  as  you  may  think  neces- 
sary. 

"  We  are  your  very  humble  servants." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed  and 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  one  copy  thereof  be  di- 
rected to  the  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  and  another  copy 
to  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Connecticut. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  was  read 

and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  October  17th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — We  have  used  all  possible  despatch  to  complete 
the  fortifications  on  Hudson's  river,  and  we  expect  they 
will  be  in  such  forwardness  in  about  six  weeks,  as  to  have 
most  of  the  cannon  mounted. 

"  The  commissioners  have  been  directed  to  make  the 
necessary  inquiries  respecting  the  other  small  batteries, 
and  in  the  obstructing  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river, 
mentioned  by  Congress  in  their  order  of  the  7th  inst.  to 
which  due  attention  shall  be  paid. 

"  We  are  of  opinion  that  four  companies  of  matrosses, 
consisting  of  at  least  eighty  men  each,  will  be  wanted  to 
occupy  these  forts  when  completed,  and  that  one  company 
at  least  should  be  immediately  raised,  that  we  may  in  time 
have  more  properly  trained  to  the  use  of  cannon,  as  the  uti- 
lity of  our  fortifications  will  much  depend  upon  it. 

"  We  are,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  above 
reports  of  the  committee,  be  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  requested  to 
purchase  fifty  thousand  flints  and  five  tons  of  lead  for  the 
use  of  this  Colony. 

Messrs.  John  Griffith  and  Thomas  Vardell,  two  of  the 
wardens  of  the  port  of  New-York,  delivered  in  an  estimate 
of  the  pilot  boat  named  the  Bishop  of  Landaff,  which  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"New-York,  Oct.  ISth,  1775. 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  have  examined  the  pilot  boat 
named  the  Bishop  of  Landaff,  and  find  her  to  be  worth  the 
sum  of  four  hundred  and  ninety-six  pounds  this  currency. 

"  £496. 

"JOHN  GRIFFITH, 
"  THOMAS  VARDELL." 
A  receipt  from  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick  to  Christopher 

Dunyckink,  for  14001b  of  powder,  delivered  at  Albany  on 

the  10th  inst.  was  read  and  filed. 


178 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


A  letter  from  John  Hanson,  one  of  the  commissioners 
for  erecting  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  dated  and 
received  yesterday,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — I  shall  esteem  it  a  very  particular  favour 
if  you  will  appoint  somebody  to  act  in  my  place  as  one  of 
the  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifications  on  Hudson's 
river,  as  I  have  always  intended  going  to  the  West  Indies 
the  last  of  this  month.  I  shall  return  up  the  river  and  give 
you  every  assistance  in  my  power  during  my  stay  here, 
and  bring  with  me  the  joint  opinion  of  all  the  gentlemen 
relative  to  the  new  instructions  sent  to  us  from  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

"  I  am  with  esteem  and  respect,  gent. 
"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANSON. 

"  Monday,  Oct.  16th,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  remain  for  consideration 
until  a  proper  person  can  be  thought  of  as  a  commissioner. 

Robert  North  and  Terboss,  two  of  Hudson's 

river  skippers,  came  into  Congress,  and  complained  of 
some  disagreeble  treatment  which  they  received  at  the  new 
fortifications. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  said  commissioners 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  Oct.  \lth,  1775.  5 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  complaints  from  sun- 
dry persons,  with  relation  to  the  conduct  of  some  among 
you,  who  have  maltreated  the  commanders  and  passengers 
of  vessels  navigating  Hudson's  river,  for  not  lowering  the 
peak  of  their  mainsail  upon  passing  the  fort.  Those  who 
have  been  provoked  by  this  demand,  complain  that  you 
should  of  your  own  authority,  without,  the  recommendation 
of  the  Congress,  exact  instances  of  respect  from  your  fellow 
citizens.  You  must  at  once  be  sensible,  that  so  trivial  a 
token,  or  the  omission  of  it,  can  never  mark  out  our  friends 
from  our  foes,  or  answer  any  other  valuable  purpose.  At 
the  same  time  it  is  evident  that  great  disgusts  have  arisen 
from  the  peremptory  demand,  and  probably  bloodshed  may 
ensue.  The  Colonies  have  sufficiently  suffered  through 
punctilio,  and  we  beg  you  will  desist  from  exacting  marks 
of  submission  or  respect  of  any  kind,  until  a  plan  which  is 
now  in  agitation  shall  be  completed,  which  may  tend  to 
obviate  the  future  intentions  of  our  foes  to  pierce  into  the 
interior  of  the  Colony,  through  the  natural  communication 
which  the  river  affords ;  to  prevent  this,  is  the  intention  of 
the  fortification  which  you  superintend,  and  therefore  all 
signals  from  vessels  going  backwards  and  forwards  should 
in  our  opinion  be  singly  [or  simply]  confined  to  that  ob- 
ject, and  be  by  no  means  used  as  instances  of  complaisance 
to  the  Congress  or  its  officers,  when  the  peace  and  safety 
of  the  community  so  loudly  forbid  it. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 
"NATHL.  WOODHULL,  President." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  John  Hunter  for  assistance  in  cash,  and 
his  plan  for  carrying  on  a  linen  manufactory,  with  the 
scheme  for  appointing  managers  delivered  in  therewith, 
were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  and  plans  amending  the 
same,  lay  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 

The  petition  of  Richard  Lightfoot,  a  pinmaker,  propos- 
ing a  plan  for  carrying  on  the  business  of  pin-making,  and 
requesting  money  and  the  aid  of  Congress  to  set  that  busi- 
ness on  foot,  and  carry  it  on. 

Ordered*  That  the  said  petition  and  the  papers  attending 
the  same,  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  nine  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  18th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 
A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Philadelphia,  Oct.  16th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — By  some  late  advices  from  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler, we  understand  that  he  is  in  great  distress  for  want  of 
powder ;  and  as  so  much  depends  on  the  success  of  that 
expedition,  indeed  as  the  safety  of  all  America  depends 
upon  it,  the  Congress  have  unanimously  agreed  that  the 
ton  of  powder  forwarded  to  you  last  week  from  Philadel- 
phia, be  with  all  possible  expedition  depatched  to  Gen. 
Schuyler.  In  the  mean  time  the  Congress  will  fall  upon 
all  the  measures  in  their  power  to  furnish  you  with  what 
they  possibly  can. 

"  You  will  please  immediately  to  put  this  recommendation 
in  execution. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  hum.  servt. 
"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  To  the  Provincial  Congress  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  ton  of  powder  mentioned  in  Presi- 
dent Hancock's  letter  of  the  16th  inst.  and  now  in  the 
powder  house  at  New- York,  be  forwarded  to  Gen.  Schuyler 
immediately,  and  that  John  Van  Cortlandt  and  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  Esqs.  or  either  of  them,  be  empowered  to  receive  the 
said  powder  from  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  Esq.  and  forward 
the  same  to  Col.  Van  Schaick,  at  Albany,  and  in  his  ab- 
sence, to  the  commissary  there,  to  be  forwarded  to  Gen. 
Schuyler  immediately,  and  that  those  gentlemen  forward 
the  said  gunpowder  in  such  manner  as  they  think  best. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  Esq.  deliver  the 
said  ton  of  gunpowder  to  John  Van  Cortlandt  and  Joseph 
Hallett,  Esqs.  or  either  of  them,  or  their  or  either  of  their 
order. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Van  Schaick,  at 
Albany,  and  in  his  absence,  to  Walter  Livingston,  Esq. 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  At  New-York,  Oct.  18th,  1775."  \ 
"  Sir — We  send  by  this  conveyance  a  ton  of  gunpow- 
der, which  by  order  of  the  Hon.  the  Continental  Congress, 
is  to  be  forwarded  to  Gen.  Schuyler  with  all  possible  de- 
spatch, which  we  pray  you  to  see  performed. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order. 
"  To  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  at  Albany,  and  in 
his  absence,  to  Walter  Livingston,  Esq. 
or  his  deputy." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  the  said  gunpowder. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  letter  of  the  Hon.  John  Han- 
cock, President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Oct.  18th,  1775.  \ 

"  Sir — We  are  this  moment  honoured  with  your  favour 
of  the  16lh  inst.  advising  us  of  the  unanimous  resolution  of 
Congress  to  forward  to  Gen.  Schuyler  the  ton  of  powder 
you  lately  sent  us,  which  was  immediately  ordered  to  be 
carried  into  execution,  although  we  cannot,  beside  that, 
command  2001b  of  powder,  if  it  would  save  the  Colony 
from  destruction.  We  have  frequently  spared  all  the  pow- 
der in  our  Colony  to  supply  the  urgent  calls  of  the  Conti- 
nental army  at  Cambridge  and  Ticonderoga,  and  thereby 
exposed  ourselves  to  insult  and  ruin. 

"  We  therefore  intreat  you  to  represent  to  Congress  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


179 


absolute  necessity  of  their  replacing,  without  delay,  the 
powder  we  have  furnished  to  the  Continental  army,  for 
otherwise  we  shall  not  be  able,  in  case  of  an  invasion,  to 
make  that  defence  which  might  be  expected  from  us  by  our 
neighbours,  or  even  to  prevent  insults.  Should  the  Con- 
gress be  unable  to  order  us  the  powder  out  of  the  Conti- 
nental magazine,  we  submit  to  their  consideration,  whe- 
ther the  city  of  Philadelphia  cannot,  with  greater  safety  to 
the  confederated  Colonies,  spare  the  quantity  we  have  sent 
to  the  army,  than  we  can  want  it. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock, 

President  of  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  president  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  from  the  members  of  Albany  brought 
in  a  draft  to  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  the  Deputy  Commis- 
sary-General at  Albany,  relating  to  the  accounts  of  ferry- 
men for  ferrying  soldiers  in  that  county,  which  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  At  New-York,  Oct.  18th,  1775.  <, 

"  Sir — Upon  application  of  the  members  from  Albany, 

representing  the  unsettled  state  of  the  ferrymen's  charges 

for  carrying  over  the  troops  on  their  way  to  the  seat  of 

action,  we  think  proper  to  inform  you  that  we  conceive 

those  charges  should  be  a  Continental  charge,  and  would 

recommend  it  to  you  to  settle  the  same,  that  no  obstruction 

may  arise  to  the  troops  passing  and  repassing  to  and  from 

that  quarter. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humbly  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Walter  Livingston,  Esq. 

Deputy  Commissary-General,  at  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  president,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Congress  that  in 
obedience  to  their  parol  instructions  given  to  him  in  Con- 
gress yesterday,  he  had  agreed  with  Francis  James  for  the 
purchase  of  the  pilot  boat  named  the  Bishop  of  Landaff. 
That  the  said  Francis  James  on  behalf  of  himself  and 
the  other  owners  of  the  said  pilot  boat,  had  disposed  of 
her  to  him  for  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  ninety-six 
pounds  the  value  at  which  she  has  been  appraised  by  two 
of  the  wardens  of  this  port. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  do  immediately  advance  to  Mr. 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt  the  said  sum  of  four  hundred  and 
ninety-six  pounds,  to  pay  for  the  said  pilot  boat  named  the 
Bishop  of  Landaff. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  to  thank  you  for  your  favour  of  the  4th  inst. 
enclosing  the  advices  from  England  of  26th  July  and  8th 
August. 

"  A  few  days  ago  I  apprised  the  Committee  of  New- 
York  of  the  sailing  of  a  small  fleet  from  Boston  with  artil- 
lery to  bombard  a  town.  I  did  not  then  know  that  the 
Provincial  Congress  was  sitting,  or  the  advice  would  have 
been  directed  to  them.  I  now,  sir,  beg  leave  to  acquaint 
you  that  the  fleet  then  mentioned  has  been  seen  standing 
N.  N.  E.  so  that  we  apprehend  it  is  destined  against  some 
town  on  the  coast  of  this  Province,  New-Hampshire,  or 
perhaps  to  Quebec. 

"  We  have  no  occurrence  in  the  camp  worthy  of  notice. 
Both  sides  are  making  all  preparation  for  winter. 

"  I  am,  with  the  most  respectful  regards  to  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

Camp  at  Cambridge,  Oct.  13th  1775. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congiess,  New- York." 


A  letter  from  Samuel  Bayard  and  William  Bedlow,  com- 
missioners at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  bearing 
date  the  15th  inst.  was  read  and  filed.  They  therein  com- 
plain of  much  ill  treatment  from  Robert  North,  master  of  a 
sloop  from  Poughkeepsie. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Samuel  Bayard  and  William  Bed- 
low,  two  of  the  commissioners  of  the  fortifications  at  the 
Highlands,  bearing  date  on  the  16th  inst.  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Yours,  in  Provincial  Congress  of  the  12th  inst. 
enclosing  sundry  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
we  yesterday  received,  and  on  consulting  with  Mr.  Ro- 
mans the  engineer,  have  made  the  several  remarks  thereon, 
which  we  now  send  you  enclosed.  As  soon  as  time  will 
permit,  we  shall  view  the  places  recommended,  more 
strictly  than  we  have  had  an  opportunity  to  do  at  present ; 
the  engineer  informs  us  he  cannot  give  an  estimate  of  the 
charge  of  a  further  work  that  may  be  necessary  at  Poop- 
loop's  kill. 

"  We  shall  exert  ourselves  in  forwarding  the  works  car- 
rying on  here,  and  every  other  order  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress may  command.  We  beg  leave  to  request  that  you 
will  communicate  this,  with  the  enclosed,  unto  the  honour- 
able Provincial  Congress. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"SAMUEL  BAYARD, 
"WILLIAM  BEDLOW. 

"  Hudson's  river,  October  16th,  1775. 
"  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

The  remarks  of  the  engineer  and  commissioners  at  the 
Highlands,  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Remarks  to  answer  the  report  of  a  committee  appointed 
to  take  into  consideration  the  letters  from  New-York, 
and  the  plans  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  Hud- 
son's river. 

"  If  it  be  considered  that  the  season  when  this  work  was 
undertaken  was  very  far  advanced,  I  think  that  we  are  in 
as  forward  a  situation  as  can  be  wished  for,  and  I  make 
no  doubt  but  the  work  begun  will  in  three  weeks  time  be 
of  sufficient  strength  to  stand  the  brunt  of  as  large  a  ship 
of  rank  as  can  come  here,  and  two  or  three  small  fry. 

"  Heavy  cannon,  such  as  of  18,  24  and  32lb.  seem  to  be 
all  that  is  wanted,  I  think  on  Saturday  next  to  be  able  to 
mount  from  12  to  18  cannon,  8  of  which  at  least  might  be 
heavy  ones.  We  are  in  a  miserable  timber  country,  even 
fascines  are  with  more  difficulty  got  than  stones ;  of  the 
last  we  have  such  plenty  that  in  four  days  1 50  perches  of 
wall  has  been  properly  laid  by  12  masons.  We  want  more 
workmen,  especially  masons,  and  our  [men]  require  a  re- 
gulation prescribed  to  them,  which  it  seems  impossible  to 
bring  them  under,  until  they  be  properly  officered  and  dis- 
tributed, each  division  having  its  proper  department  allotted. 

"  It  is  not  only  the  difficulty  of  getting  timber,  but  we 
have  fully  experienced  that  the  part  of  the  work  which  is 
done  in  timber  advances  slower  than  the  stone,  by  a  degree 
beyond  all  comparison. 

"  A  battery  at  Moore's  house  seems,  at  present,  to  me 
entirely  useless.    I  will  examine  further  into  this  article. 

"  The  point  on  the  west  side  above  Verplanck's  point, 
is  too  easy  of  access,  and  in  the  vicinity  of  many  ill  dis- 
posed people  ;  besides  this,  it  can  be  of  little  use.  But  at 
Pooploop's  kill,  opposite  to  Anthony's  nose,  it  is  a  very 
important  pass ;  the  river  narrow,  commanded  a  great 
ways  up  and  down,  full  of  counter  currents,  and  subject  to 
almost  constant  fall  winds  ;  nor  is  there  any  anchorage  at 
all,  except  close  under  the  works  to  be  erected.  It  is  a 
very  easy  matter  to  establish  posts  for  intelligence  with  the 
upper  country  and  Connecticut;  for  the  last  I  intend  to  go  in 
person,  in  about  two  or  three  weeks  time.  With  those  in  the 
Jerseys  I  am  not  so  perfectly  acquainted,  but  if  the  coun- 
try people  are  well  affected,  I  know  the  roads  admit  of  the 


180 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


most  expeditious  intelligence,  and  of  our  receiving  the 
readiest  assistance. 

"  I  understand  that  it  will  be  an  easy  matter  to  obstruct 
the  navigation  of  the  river,  so  as  to  confine  it  to  12  or  14 
feet ;  and  in  that  case  it  remains  large  enough  for  our  use, 
and  without  new  inventions  and  conslructions  the  enemy 
can  then  do  us  very  little  hurt. 

"B.  ROMANS,  Engineer. 

"  Highlands,  October  16th,  1775. 

"  We  have  considered  the  above  remarks  and  fully  con- 
cur in  opinion  with  the  engineer. 

"SAMUEL  BAYARD, 
"WILLIAM  BEDLOW. 

"  Highlands,  October  16th,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  and  remarks  be 
made,  to  be  sent  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  proceed- 
ed to  take  into  consideration  the  report  of  the  committee 
on  the  8th  of  June  last,  of  a  plan  for  the  dissolution  of  this 
Congress,  and  the  election  of  a  new  Provincial  Con- 
gress for  this  Colony.  The  same  was  read,  and  being 
again  read  by  paragraphs,  and  amended  ;  on  reading  that 
part  of  the  said  report  which  directs  to  choose  such  per- 
sons as  they  can  confide  in  to  represent  them,  &c. 

Col.  Hardenbergh  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Maj. 
Williams,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  elections  for  Delegates  for  the  next  Pro- 
vincial Congress  shall  be  by  ballot,  in  the  several  cities  and 
counties  in  this  Colony. 

Whereupon  Mr.  De  Lancey  moved,  and  was  seconded 
by  Mr.  Clarkson,  the  previous  question,  whether  the  ques- 
tion on  Col.  Hardenbergh's  motion  should  be  now  put. 

And  the  previous  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  for 
the  previous  question  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  previous  question.  .Against  the  previous  question. 

Westchester,   2  Ulster,    2 

New-York,   4  Cumberland,   2 

Messrs.   McDougall    and  Suffolk,    2 

Thomas  Smith  dissent-  — 
ing  from  their  county.  6 

Tryon,   2 

Albany,   3 

Kings,   2 

13 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  question  on  Col.  Harden- 
bergh's motion  be  not  now  put. 

The  said  report  being  then  read  through  and  agreed  to, 
and  approved  of,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  [Report 
not  entered.] 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their  said 
committee  in  their  said  report.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  published  in  all  the  news- 
papers. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Hanson  one  of  the  commission- 
ers for  erecting  the  fortifications.  Reasons  he  therein  as- 
signs, that  he  declines  acting  any  further  as  commissioner, 
and  requesting  that  some  other  person  can  be  appointed 
in  his  stead. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  enclose  to 
you  the  paper  delivered  to  me  by  Mr.  Yates,  and  Mr. 
Glenn.  Those  gentlemen  behaved  with  the  greatest  po- 
liteness, and  I  imagined  that  their  observations  would  have 
been  sufficient  to  have  set  every  thing  at  the  fort  in  proper 
order.  As  for  my  part,  when  I  undertook  that  business 
it  was  from  pure  love  to  my  country,  and  to  the  rights  of 
mankind,  without  any  views  of  self-interest ;  and  never  ex- 
pected any  pay  for  what  I  did  ;  and  I  believe  that  those 
who  were  joined  with  me  acted  from  the  strictest  princi- 
ples of  honour.  I  can  with  truth  say,  that  never  any  man 
was  ill  used  passing  that  river,  by  any  of  us,  unless  he 
abused  us  ;  and  then  to  receive  but  a  small  check,  not 
equal  to  his  demerits.  It  would  have  been  acting  genteel 
to  have  inquired  into  the  complaint  laid  before  Congress, 
before  passing  a  censure  upon  the  gentlemen  at  the  fort, 
contained  in  the  four  first  lines  of  your  letter  to  them. 


When  men  act  upon  principle,  and  are  placed  at  any  par- 
ticular post  of  consequence,  and  find  themselves  in  a  pre- 
carious situation,  it  naturally  follows  they  must  exercise 
their  own  judgment  for  the  good  of  the  post,  and  ought  to  be 
supported  by  those  who  placed  them  there  ;  which  has  not 
been  the  case  in  this  instance.  An  insult  offered  to  them 
was  offered  to  the  Congress,  and  the  abuse  of  the  complain- 
ants in  Congress  ought  not  to  have  been  permitted.  Had 
the  Congress  answered  our  letter  relative  to  the  very  thing 
complained  of,  this  never  would  have  happened.  I  must 
therefore  request,  gentlemen,  the  favour  of  the  Congress 
to  appoint  somebody  in  my  room,  for  I  will  never  more 
go  back  to  the  fort. 

"  I  am  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obedient  humble  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANSON. 

"  October  the  18th,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  till 
to-morrow. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  19th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  WoodhulJ,  Esq.  President. 

A  petition  from  Samuel  Tudor,  praying  for  rank  for 
himself  and  company  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarkson  and  Mr.  Thomas  Smith 
and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  preten- 
sions of  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Capt.  Tudor,  and  their  respec- 
tive companies,  and  report  their  opinion  with  respect  to 
the  rank  of  those  gentlemen  and  their  companies. 

A  draft  of  instructions  to  the  superintendents  at  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands,  respecting  vessels  passing  the 
said  fortifications,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Oct.  19th,  1775.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  yours  of  the  15th 
inst.  and  are  pleased  with  your  activity  in  forwarding  the 
fort  and  works  under  your  charge  in  the  Highlands.  To 
obviate  all  disputes  relative  to  your  conduct,  it  is  our  de- 
sire that  you  would  dispense  with  the  ceremony  of  vessels 
lowering  their  peak  as  they  pass  the  fort;  we  think  it  can- 
not answer  the  purpose  of  detecting  the  foe,  and  that  for 
the  future  you  would  observe  the  following  rules  : 

1.  In  general  we  do  not  apprehend  any  danger  can  arise 
from  vessels  coming  from  the  northward  ;  you  may  there- 
fore let  them  pass  unmolested  unless  you  shall  have  evi- 
dence on  oath,  or  a  certificate  from  some  committee  pre- 
viously given,  that  they  are  intended  to  supply  the  minis- 
terial army  or  navy  with  succours  or  necessaries,  in  which 
case  you  are  to  detain  them  until  you  can  give  the  Con- 
gress or  the  Committee  of  Safety  notice  thereof,  together 
with  such  evidence  or  certificate  and  receive  their  orders. 

2.  You  will  permit  all  vessels  from  the  southward  to 
pass  by  unmolested,  unless  you  shall  have  good  reason  to 
suspect  that  they  are  prosecuting  designs,  inimical  to  the 
general  cause,  and  in  such  case  you  will  prevent  them 
from  proceeding  until  you  shall  be  satisfied  that  they  have 
no  such  designs  : 

3.  We  recommend  it  to  the  superintendents  of  the  fort, 
and  also  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Colony  by  their  general 
conduct,  to  use  their  endeavours  to  cultivate  a  good  un- 
derstanding with  each  other.  Being  confident  that  the  su- 
perintendents will  not  permit  those  employed  under  them 
to  use  illiberal  language  to  persons  navigating  the  river, 
and  that  they  will  in  the  exercise  of  their  office  give  as  lit- 
tle trouble  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Colony  as  is  possible. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

'  To  the  Commissioners  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


181 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Timothy  Doughty  and  all  the  other  pri- 
soners now  in  the  jail,  by  order  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  be  brought  down  before  this  Congress  to-morrow 
morning  to  be  heard,  and  that  Col.  McDougall  be  requested 
to  furnish  a  sufficient  guard  for  that  purpose. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  9th,  1 1th,  12th,  13lh, 
14th  and  part  of  the  1 5th  days  of  September  last,  and  on 
reading  that  part  of  the  minuies  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
which  relates  to  John  Cornell  and  George  Nicholson, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  John  Cornell  be  at  liberty 
to  prosecute  George  Nicholson,  or  any  other  person  he 
thinks  proper,  for  a  certain  horse  said  to  be  let  to  the  said 
George  Nicholson,  or  for  the  hire  of  the  said  horse. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of  the 
minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  said  Committee  of  Safely 
as  far  as  the  end  of  their  proceedings  on  the  morning  of 
the  said  fifteenth  day  of  September  last. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Newport,  dated  October 
12th,  and  signed  by  Samuel  Dyre,  chairman  pro  lem.  was 
read,  setting  forth  the  distresses  of  the  said  town,  through  the 
want  of  bread,  and  praying  that  Capt.  John  Andrews  and 
Mr.  Nathan  Beebee  may  be  permitted  to  purchase  a  load 
of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town  of 
Newport. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Andrews  and  Mr.  Nathan 
Beebee  be  allowed  to  purchase  and  lade  on  board  of  their 
vessel,  a  cargo  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  of  Newport,  upon  the  condition  that  the  said 
John  Andrews  and  Nathan  Beebee  do  deliver  a  manifest 
of  the  said  flour  to  the  Secretary  of  this  Congress,  and 
within  three  months  return  to  the  said  Secretary,  a  certifi- 
cate from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Newport,  that 
the  said  flour  was  repotted  to  and  under  the  direction  of  the 
said  committee,  (the  dangers  of  the  seas  and  seizures  ex- 
cepted); and  if  the  said  John  Andrews  and  Nathan  Beebee 
do  not  comply  with  the  condition  aforesaid,  that  then  they 
shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  an  infringment  of  the  resolution 
of  this  Congress  and  enemies  to  this  country. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

[Report  of  committee  of  8th  June  last  of  a  plan  for  the 
dissolution  of  this,  and  electing  a  new  Provincial  Con- 
gress, wanted.] 

DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  20th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 
A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress,  dated  Philadelphia  the  16th  inst.  was  read,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  16th  Oct.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Four  of  your  Delegates  being  absent  on 
public  business,  and  another  detained  by  ill  health,  we  are 
at  present  reduced  to  five,  less  than  which  number  are  in- 
sufficient to  form  a  representation,  so  that  in  case  of  sick- 
ness or  the  necessary  absence  of  any  one  of  us,  our  Pro- 
vince remains  unrepresented. 

"We  submit  it,  therefore,  to  your  consideration,  whether 
a  delegation  of  the  power  to  three,  when  the  rest  are  ab- 
sent, would  not  be  advantageous  to  the  Colony. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  be  favoured  with  your  answer  to  this 
as  soon  as  possible ;  and  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the 
greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"JAS.  DTJANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"  ROB.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"  JOHN  JAY. 

"  The  Honourable  the  Provincial 

Congress  of  New-York." 

46 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  October  20th,  1775.  5 
"  Gentlemen — Although  we  do  much  regret  the  chance 
you  mention  that  our  Colony  may,  perhaps,  be  unrepre- 
sented ;  yet  it  is  our  misfortune  to  conceive  ourselves  in- 
capable of  complying  with  the  mode  you  have  pointed  out 
to  prevent  this  untoward  circumstance.  Although  we  should 
not  hesitate  to  confer  the  important  trust  with  which  you 
are  invested,  upon  five  gentlemen,  or  any  three  of  that 
five,  upon  the  supposition  that  it  was  now  a  question  to 
nominate  our  trustees  de  novo ;  and  although  we  have  no 
apprehensions  but  that  five  such  gentlemen  might  at  once 
be  named,  from  among  those  who  now  represent  us  ;  yet, 
when  we  consider  that  twelve  were  originally  designated, 
of  whom  five  to  be  a  quorum,  we  necessarily  supposed 
that  this  last  number  was  particularly  pointed  out  with  a 
general  view  to  the  several  members,  and  in  the  confi- 
dence that  every  five  of  them  would  be  amply  sufficient 
for  that  beneficial  purpose.  We  cannot  pretend,  there- 
fore, to  lessen  that  number,  unless,  indeed,  upon  the  most 
cogent  necessity,  and  perhaps  not  then. 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  gentlemen, 

"Your  most  obedient  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"P.  S.  We  should  be  glad  to  be  informed  of  the  deter- 
mination of  Congress  on  the  application  lately  made  by  us 
with  relation  to  the  commerce  of  this  city. 
''  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  in 

answer  to  his  of  the  9th  inst.  was  read  and  approved  of, 

and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  October  20th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  9th  inst.  has  been  laid  before 
our  Congress.  They  are  happy  to  learn  that  10201b.  of 
very  good  powder  has  been  made  and  sent  up  to  Albany, 
out  of  the  wet  powder  sent  you  for  that  purpose. 

"  With  regard  to  the  2001b.  of  powder  sent  to  the  com- 
mittee at  Albany,  the  Congress  think  it  highly  reasonable 
that  you  should  receive  £25  per  cwt.  for  it,  the  same  as 
you  get  from  other  purchasers,  at  your  mill,  and  you  will 
besides  be  entitled  to  the  premium  of  five  pounds  per  cwt. 
agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  this  Congress  of  the  9th  June 
last,  for  all  powder  which  you  have  manufactured  or  shall 
manufacture  in  this  Colony,  within  one  year  from  the  date 
of  the  said  resolution. 

"  The  9001b  of  saltpetre  sent  from  Connecticut  by  Mr. 
Hamlin,  and  the  4001b.  from  the  committee  at  Albany, 
you  will  be  pleased  to  have  worked  up,  and  kept  at  your  mill 
until  further  orders,  for  the  use  of  this  Colony. 

"  The  Congress  cheerfully  agree  to  your  proposal  of 
being  allowed  the  same  price  for  manufacturing  it  as  is  gi- 
ven to  the  powder  makers  in  Pennsylvania. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 
"  To  the  Honourable  Rodert  R.  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Berrien  dated  this  day,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  October  20th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  commissioners  at  the  post  have 
wrote  me  that  they  are  in  want  of  a  sum  of  money  to  an- 
swer the  demands  of  the  country  workmen  and  labourers, 
and  to  pay  for  sundry  supplies  from  that  quarter.  I  would 
submit  it  to  your  wisdom  whether  it  would  not  be  proper 
to  order  them  supplied  with  two  or  three  hundred  pounds 
for  those  purposes,  as  the  transmission  of  orders  drawn  in 


182 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


their  favour  by  the  commissioners,  is  attended  with  many  I 
inconveniences  to  them,  and  may  in  its  consequences,  ob-  j 
struct  the  public  business. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  obedient  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  BERRIEN. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Provincial  Congress." 

Thereupon  ordered  that  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, do  advance  to  Mr.  John  Berrien,  one  of  the  com- 
missioners for  erecting  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of 
Hudson's  river  in  the  Highlands,  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
pounds  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  said  commission- 
ers to  pay  off  the  demands  of  the  country  workmen  and 
labourers  at  the  said  fortifications,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston 
take  Mr.  Berrien's  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick  of  the  15th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Albany,  October  15th,  t775. 
"  Sir — Agreeable  to  Gen.  Schuyler's  orders  to  me,  I 
send  down  sergeant  Niel  McFall  of  the  26th  regiment  and 
William  Elphiston,  both  taken  in  Canada.  Those  priso- 
ners will  be  delivered  you  by  Thomas  Batts,  sergeant  in 
the  Connecticut  troops  ;  hope  he  will  deliver  them  safe  to 
your  custody. 

"  I  am,  with  perfect  esteem, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  humble  servant, 

"  GOOSE  VAN  SCHAICK. 

"  To  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingson,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Provincial  Congress  in  New-York." 

Niel  McFall  and  William  Elphinston  were  called  in  and 
examined.  And  thereupon  Niel  McFall,  a  sergeant  in  the 
26th  regiment  of  foot,  a  prisoner  taken  in  the  Colony  of 
Canada  or  Province  of  Quebec,  and  now  in  the  power  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York,  being  enlarged  on 
the  promise  of  himself  and  of  Thomas  Mason  of  the  city 
of  New-York,  innholder,  his  father-in-law,  given  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  that  he  the  said  Niell 
McFall  will  not  bear  arms  against  the  American  United 
Colonies  in  any  manner  whatever,  during  the  present  un- 
happy controversy  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies, 
and  that  he  will  not  give  any  intelligence  to  Gen.  Gage  or 
the  British  ministry,  or  any  officer  in  ministerial  army  or 
navy,  or  any  other  person  or  persons  whatever,  relative  to 
American  affairs  until  the  said  controversy  shall  be  deter- 
mined; and  that  he  will  on  demand  deliver  himself  up  a 
prisoner  to  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty for  the  Colony  of  New-York.  It  is  therefore  recom- 
mended to  all  persons,  that  the  said  Niel  McFall  be  per- 
mitted to  remain  peaceable  and  unmolested  in  the  city  of 
New-York. 

By  order. 
NATHL.  WOODHULL,  Prest. 
Attest.  J.  McK.  Sec'y. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  presi- 
dent and  countersigned  by  one  of  the  secretaries,  and  deli- 
vered to  the  said  Niel  McFall. 

William  Elphingston,  Jr.  was  informed  that  his  former 
conduct  did  not  entitle  him  to  the  like  treatment  or  favour 
as  Niel  McFall,  because  that  when  he  was  taken  by  Col. 
Arnold  and  liberated  he  had  entered  a  second  time  into  the 
ministerial  service.  But  this  Congress  have  such  a  high 
sense  of  liberty,  that  they  are  determined  to  permit  him  to 
go  at  large  on  the  like  engagement  of  himself  and  of  his 
father  here  present  as  that  given  bv  Niel  McFall  and 
Thomas  Mason.  Thereupon,  the  said  William  Elphing- 
ston, Jr.  and  William  Elphingston  his  father  did  promise 
and  engage  to  this  Congress  that  the  said  William  Elphing- 
ston, Jr.  will  not  bear  arms  or  serve  in  anv  other  manner 
against  the  American  United  Colonies  in  any  manner 
whatever  during  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies,  and  that  he  will  not  give 


any  intelligence  to  Gen.  Gage  or  the  British  ministry,  or 
any  officer  in  the  ministerial  army  or  navy,  or  any  other 
person  or  persons  whatever,  relative  to  American  affairs, 
until  the  said  controversy  shall  be  determined.  There- 
upon, the  said  William  Elphingston,  Jr.  was  discharged, 
and  informed  that  he  might  go  to  sea  in  the  merchants' 
service,  or  pursue  any  business  for  his  support. 

In  pursuance  of  the  order  of  yesterday,  Timothy  Dough- 
ty, a  prisoner,  being  brought  to  the  door,  was  called  in.  The 
letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutchess 
county,  and  all  the  affidavits  and  proofs  against  the  said 
Timothy  Doughty  were  read  in  his  presence  ;  and  the  said 
Timothy  Doughty  who  declined  a  trial  by  the  committee 
of  the  county  where  he  resides,  and  put  himself,  as  to  all 
the  charges  against  him,  on  this  Congress,  was  fully  heard 
in  his  denial  of  the  charges  against  him,  and  his  defence, 
and  ordered  to  withdraw ;  and  the  Congress  came  to  a  de- 
termination thereon,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  Oct.  20th,  1775.  5 

"  The  Congress  having  taken  the  case  of  Timothy 
Doughty,  now  a  prisoner  before  them,  into  their  serious 
consideration,  do  determine,  that  notwithstanding  his  con- 
stant denial  of  the  matters  laid  to  his  charge,  they  are  of 
opinion  that  the  said  Timothy  Doughty  hath  formerly  en- 
tertained designs  and  opinions  inimical  to  the  great  cause 
of  American  liberty,  and  been  a  principal  instigator  of  the 
disturbances  which  have  of  late  prevailed  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  and  that  therefore  he  hath  merited  the  hardships 
and  sufferings  which  he  hath  sustained  during  his  impri- 
sonment. Nevertheless  as  he  did  continue  in  prison  when 
he  had  an  opportunity  to  escape,  and  did  voluntarily  re- 
pose himself  upon  the  equity  of  this  Congress,  and  hath 
farther  promised  that  he  will  for  the  future  demean  himself 
in  a  peaceable  and  orderly  manner,  the  Congress  do  re- 
solve to  acquit  the  said  Timothy  Doughty  from  any  further 
punishment  and  recommend  it  to  their  constituents  to  re- 
ceive him  again  as  a  member  of  the  community." 

The  said  Timothy  Doughty  was  thereupon  called  in  and 
the  determination  of  the  Congress  read  to  him,  and  by  or- 
der of  Congress  a  certified  copy  thereof  was  delivered  to 
him,  and  he  was  thereupon  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  another  certified  copy  thereof  be  deli- 
vered to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of 
this  Congress,  be  requested  with  all  possible  despatch  to 
procure  for  the  use  of  this  Colony  the  following  intrench- 
ing tools,  viz  :  100  spades,  400  pickaxes,  300  bill-hooks 
and  five  hundred  falling  axes,  and  that  he  have  each  of 
them  marked  C.  N. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of  the  Continental 
Congress  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Oct.  20th,  1775.  J 
"  Sir — Over  and  above  the  necessary  expenditures,  by 
reason  of  the  different  services  recommended  to  us,  we 
are  in  advance  to  the  general  concern  for  moneys  paid 
to  the  troops,  and  also  for  provisions  and  other  necessaries 
forwarded  by  the  order  of  the  Continental  generals,  and 
te i it s  furnished  to  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Gen. 
Woosler  and  Col.  Hinman,  and  many  other  expenditures, 
which  several  articles  in  the  departments  of  the  paymas- 
ters and  commissaries,  amount  in  the  whole  to  a  very  con- 
siderable proportion  of  the  moneys  sent  us  by  your  body. 
We  have  now  not  above  five  thousand  dollars  remaining, 
and  arc  continually  called  upon  for  cash,  on  several  occa- 
sions interesting  to  the  service.  We  beg  therefore  that 
you  will  forward  us  money  by  the  first  opportunity,  the 
necessity  of  which  we  doubt  not.  will  be  immediately  per- 
ceived. We  shall  as  soon  as  possible,  lay  before  the  com- 
missioners, paymasters,  &c.  our  accounts,  and  send  dupli- 
cates to  the  Congress  in  order  to  check  the  drafts  which 
they  may  make,  and  in  the  interim  pray  your  advice,  whe- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


183 


ther  those  gentlemen  are  to  repay  unto  us  the  moneys  ad- 
vanced in  their  departments. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servants. 
"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock, 

President  of  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Colonel  Hardenbergh,  from  Ulster  county,  applied  to 
this  Congress  relative  to  sundry  disputes  and  controversies 
about  the  elections  and  commissions  of  the  militia  officers 
of  Ulster  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  returns  and  papers  relating  thereto 
be  redelivered  to  Col.  Hardenbergh,  and  that  the  members 
of  Ulster  and  Queens  counties  be  a  committee  to  examine 
into  the  said  disputes  and  controversies  and  report  thereon 
to  the  Congress. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence  of  the  city  of  New- York,  being 
highly  recommended  to  this  Congress  for  his  great  vigilance, 
activity,  care,  prudence,  skill,  management  and  unremitted 
industry,  as  a  proper  person  for  a  commissioner  to  carry 
on  and  forward,  with  the  utmost  despatch  and  vigour,  the 
fortifications  erecting  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  in  the 
Highlands,  in  this  Colony,  and  that  he  is  cheerfully  wil- 
ling to  undertake  that  service  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Jonathan  Lawrence  be  appointed 
a  commissioner  for  that  purpose,  in  the  stead  and  to  sup- 

Ely  the  place  of  Mr.  John  Hanson,  whose  private  affairs 
ave  obliged  him  to  decline  that  servive. 
The  Congress  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  21  si,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Samuel  Patridge,  by  direction  of  a  member,  attend- 
ing at  the  door,  was  called  in  and  examined.  He  says  that 
he  applied  to  Isaac  Garrison  to  cart  ore  for  him,  which  he 
declined,  because  he  was  engaged  in  carting  lumber  for 
the  fort ;  that  Garrison  informed  him  that  he  was  allowed 
twelve  shillings  for  each  piece  for  carting  said  timber,  that 
each  piece  of  timber  was  fourteen  feet  long,  and  as  he  un- 
derstood eight  inches  square ;  that  Garrison  told  him  the 
farthest  load  to  cart  did  not  exceed  half  a  mile ;  that  the 
said  Garrison  lives  at  Pooploop's  kill ;  that  he,  the  exami 
nant,  told  said  Garrison  that  he  could  cart  eight  loads  a  day, 
and  Garrison  answeied  he  did  not  know  but  he  could  if  he 
had  good  luck  ;  that  the  roads  there  are  very  bad,  and  that 
it  is  his  opinion  that  two  such  sticks  of  logs,  in  those  roads, 
will  be  a  load  for  a  team. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  information  be  given  to 
Mr.  Berrien,  that  he  may  make  inquiry,  least  the  said  Isaac 
Garrison  should  attempt  to  impose  on  the  commissioners. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  Vergereau  be  appointed  an 
ensign  in  Captain  Ledger's  company,  in  the  first  regiment 
of  New-York  forces,  and  that  his  commission  be  dated  at 
the  time  he  entered  into  the  service. 

Mordecai  Lester  having,  through  a  member,  applied  to 
this  Congress  for  liberty  to  attend  and  be  heard  concerning 
certain  matters  alleged  against  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Mordecai  Lester  appear  before 
this  Congress  on  Thursday  the  twenty-sixth  insl.  and  that 
no  person  hinder  or  molest  him  during  his  journey  to,  or 
continuance  in  this  city. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  afternoon  of  the  fifteenth 
day  of  September  last. 

On  reading  the  order  appointing  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
Lewis  Pintard  and  Henry  Remsen  a  committee  for  the 
purposes  therein  mentioned,  and  to  furnish  them  with 


£4,000,  the  Congress  requested  information  what  was 
done  with  the  money,  and  what  contract  was  made  for  im- 
porting the  articles  mentioned  in  that  order. 

The  Congress  was  then  informed  by  Mr.  Van  Zandt  that 
the  £4,000  is  sent  out  on  the  account  and  risk  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  and  whatever  profits  arise  on  said 
goods  the  Congress  are  to  have  the  benefit  of ;  that  a  ves- 
sel is  chartered  by  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Henry 
Remsen  and  Lewis  Pintard,  to  go  to  sundry  places  to  ob- 
tain those  goods  for  the  sum  of  £550  sterling,  payable  on 
delivery  of  the  said  goods  in  any  place  within  particular 
limits  for  that  purpose  mentioned  in  the  charter  party  ;  but 
that  in  case  of  her  being  seized  or  taken  on  her  voyage  the 
owner  of  the  vessel  is  to  receive  £300  sterling  for  her  ; 
that  the  vessel  is  to  lay  40  working  days  to  receive  her 
cargo,  after  which  she  is  to  receive  40s.  per  day  demur- 
rage ;  that  whatever  room  may  be  in  the  vessel  after  the 
goods  ordered  by  the  freighters  for  the  benefit  of  this  Con- 
gress are  laded  on  board,  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  vessel 
have  the  liberty  to  fill  up  with  any  goods  on  their  own  ac- 
count, without  any  deduction  from  the  freight  agreed  for. 

The  Congress  having  received  the  above  information,  ap- 
prove of  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  there- 
in, and  direct  that  an  entry  be  made  that  the  Congress  does 
approve  of  the  contract  made  by  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  Lewis  Pintard  and  Henry  Remsen,  on  behalf  of  the 
Congress  ;  and  that  in  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  the 
said  contract  is  a  judicious,  good  contract,  and  on  behalf  of 
the  Congress. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  said  fif- 
teenth day  of  September  last. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  Tuesday  the  twenty- 
fourth  inst.  at  9  o'clock  in  the  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  24th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

A  letter  from  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
of  the  17th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  17th  October,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — As  to  the  Congress,  I  apprehend  there 
may  be  a  design  of  an  attack  upon  New-York,  I  am  di- 
rected by  them  to  desire  you  will  give  directions  for  the 
immediate  removal  of  all  the  sulphur  now  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  to  a  place  of  greater  safety,  at  a  distance  from 
the  city,  and  you  will  please  to  inform  Congress  to  what 
place  you  have  ordered  it. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  President  and  Members  of  the 

Convention  at  New-York." 

Thereupon  ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Com- 
missary of  this  Congress,  be  requested  immediately  to  pur- 
chase any  quantity  of  sulphur  and  brimstone,  not  exceed- 
ing twenty  tons,  (except  about  two  tons  for  the  use  of  ves- 
sels, agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  this  Congress  of  the 
17th  inst.)  and  that  he  forward  the  same  with  all  possible 
despatch  up  Hudson's  river ;  one  part  of  it  to  be  placed  in 
such  place  of  safety,  under  the  care  of  the  committee  of 
Rhynbeck  precinct,  as  the  said  committee  shall  think  fit ; 
and  the  other  half  of  it  to  be  placed  under  the  care  of  the 
committee  of  Walkill  precinct,  in  Ulster  county,  whereof 
Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  Esq.  is  chairman. 

A  certified  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, relating  to  some  saltpetre  lately  removed  to  Turtle 
bay,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 


184 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"  In  Congress,  October  16,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  all 
persons  who  are  possessed  of  the  saltpetre  lately  removed 
From  Turtle  bay,  on  the  island  of  New- York,  forthwith  to 
send  the  same  to  the  President  of  the  Convention  of  New- 
York,  to  be  manufactured  into  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of 
the  Continental  army. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Secretary." 

On  motion  of  Colonel  McDougall,  seconded  by  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  make  provision  for 
the  expense  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  who  have  re- 
presented it,  and  now  represent  it,  in  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart.  Col.  Lispenard,  Mr.  Cor- 
telyou,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.,  Col.  Hardenbergh  and 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  consider  thereof, 
and  report  thereon  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Col.  McDougall,  and  some  other  members,  informed  the 
Congress  that  gunpowder  is  now  to  be  obtained  in  the  West 
Indies. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  and  Mr.  Roo- 
sevelt, be  a  committee  to  make  inquiry,  and  plan  a  proper 
voyage  for  the  pilot  boat,  the  Bishop  of  Landaff,  and  report 
thereon  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Washington  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Mth  October,  1775. 

«  sIR — We  were  honoured  by  the  receipt  of  your  Ex- 
cellency's favour  of  the  13th  inst.  on  the  18th.  We  beg 
leave  to  return  our  sincere  thanks  for  ihe  kind  attention  you 
shew  to  this  Colony  in  apprising  us  of  the  dangers  where- 
with we  are  threatened,  and  are  happy  to  find  that  the  ex- 
pedition of  our  foes  was  not  intended  against  this  city. 

"  We  take  the  liberty  to  inform  your  Excellency,  that 
three  deserters  from  the  corps  of  the  riflemen  in  your  camp, 
are  now  confined  in  the  common  goal  of  Ulster  county,  at 
Kingston  ;  and  notwithstanding  that  the  committees  of  that 
town  and  of  New- Windsor  precinct,  have  written  to  the 
captains  of  their  respective  companies  on  that  subject,  yet 
we  are  still  at  a  loss  how  to  dispose  of  them.  We  there- 
fore entreat  your  Excellency's  instructions  on  this  subject, 
and  beg  leave  to  assure  you, 

"  That  we  are,  with  the  highest  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient 

"  And  humble  servants." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  on  the  16th  day  of  September 
last;  and  on  reading  the  resolutions  of  the  committee  re- 
lating to  the  impressing  of  arms,  debates  arose  thereon  ; 
and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  and  the  resolutions  read 
a  second  time,  several  members  disapproved  of  the  said  re- 
solutions. The  question  was  then  put  whether  the  Con- 
gress approves  or  disapproves  of  said  resolutions,  and  car- 
ried in  the  negative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,  4       Cumberland,   2 

Col.  McDougall  dissenting.         Kings,   2 

Tryon,  2  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  dissented. 

Richmond,                           2  — 

Albany,                              3  4 

11 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  disapprove  of 
the  said  resolutions  of  the  Commitlee  of  Safety,  on  the 
16th  day  of  September  last,  relating  to  the  impressing  of 
arms. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  further  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  seventeenth, 
eighteenth,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth  days  of 
September  last,  and  approved  thereof. 


Mr.  Low,  seconded  by  Mr.  Marston,  made  a  motion  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Mr.  President,  sundry  affidavits  having  been  exhibited, 
and  being  now  in  possession  of  this  Congress,  relative  to 
ihe  conduct  of  a  certain  Timothy  Doughty  of  Dutchess 
county  ;  and  the  said  Doughty  having  applied,  through  a 
member  of  this  Congress,  for  copies  of  the  said  affidavits, 
I  move  that  copies  thereof  be  accordingly  furnished  to  the 
said  Doughty,  on  his  paying  the  Secretaries  for  their  trou- 
ble. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  whether  the  said  copies  shall  be  furnished  by  the 
Secretaries,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  in  the  manner 
following  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Kings,    2      Richmond,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Cumberland,   2 

Albany,  3 

Ulster   2 

New-York,   4 

Messrs.  Low,  Marston,  Wal- 
ton &  De  Lancey  dissenting. 

15 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  no  copies  of  the  said  affida- 
vits be  delivered  to  the  said  Timothy  Doughty. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 

DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  26th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 
A  certificate  of  John  Smith  and  Daniel  Tillinghast,  of 
the  said  committee  of  safety  in  Providence,  in  the  Colony 
of  Rhode-Island,  bearing  date  the  17th  inst.  was  read  and 
filed  ;  they  thereby  certify  that  the  provisions  shipped  by 
Capt.  Benjamin  Lindsay  was  safe  arrived  there. 

A  letter  from  John  Smith  and  Daniel  Tillinghast  of  the 
said  committee  of  safety  at  Providence,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Providence,  October  19th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — Application  being  made  to  the  commit- 
tee of  safety  for  this  town  by  Messrs.  Clark  and  Nightin- 
gale, merchants  here,  for  letters  of  recommendation  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  requesting  permission 
to  take  on  board  their  sloop  Fly,  Capt.  Benjamin  Lindsay, 
a  quantity  of  provision,  &c.  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army,  we  recommend  to  your  body,  that  they  would  be 
pleased  to  grant  them  liberty  for  taking  on  board  such  a 
quantity  of  the  above  goods  as  they  may  want ;  as  we 
doubt  not  but  these  gentlemen  will  use  every  precaution 
for  securing  it  from  the  enemy  and  getting  it  safe  here. 
Your  compliance  with  the  above  will  greatly  oblige, 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  JOHN  SMITH, 

"  DANL.  TILLINGHAST, 

Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  Honourable  Provincial  Congress 

at  the  city  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Benjamin  Lindsay,  on  behalf  of 
Messrs.  Clark  and  Nightingale,  merchants  at  Providence, 
have  permission  to  lade  on  board  of  the  sloop  Fly,  a  quan- 
tity of  provisions  for  the  Continental  army,  upon  condition 
that  the  said  Benjamin  Lindsay  do  deliver  a  manifest  of 
the  said  provisions  to  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Con- 
gress, before  his  departure,  and  within  three  months  return 
to  such  Secretary  a  certificate  from  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  that  the  said  provisions  were  reported  to  and 
under  the  direction  of  the  said  committee,  the  dangers  of 
the  seas  and  seizures  excepted ;  and  if  the  said  Benjamin 
Lindsay  does  not  comply  with  ihe  condition  aforesaid,  that 
then  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  an  infringement  of  the 
resolutions  of  this  Congress  and  an  enemy  to  this  country. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


185 


An  application  of  William  Ritchie  bearing  date  yester- 
day, was  read  and  filed  :  he  thereby  informs  that  the  peo- 
ple of  Dartmouth  are  in  great  want  of  flour,  and  requests 
permission  to  carry  flour  to  Dartmouth  for  the  use  of  the 
inhabitants. 

Ordered,  That  William  Ritchie  have  permission  to  ship 
flour  to  Dartmouth,  upon  the  condition  as  that  before  writ- 
ten in  the  case  of  Benjamin  Lindsay. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Henry  Williams, 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  issued  to  William  Boe- 
rum  as  1  st  lieutenant  of  the  troop  of  horse  in  Kings  coun- 
ty, elected  by  the  said  corps  instead  of  Abraham  Remsen, 
who  has  declined  ;  and  that  commissions  be  issued  to  the 
following  gentlemen,  promoted  by  election  of  said  corps, 
viz :  Thomas  Everet,  2nd  lieutenant ;  Jacob  Sebring,  Jr. 
cornet,  and  Isaac  Sebring,  quarter-master. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  of  the  14th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Oct.  Uth,  1775. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  sixth  inst.  was  delivered  me 
yesterday.  It  gives  me  great  satisfaction  to  learn  that  you 
have  sent  me  1, 4001b.  of  powder.  It  will  be  very  wel- 
come, but  I  fear  not  sufficient  even  with  7501b.  which  is 
arrived  from  Albany.  If  more  can  be  procured,  I  hope  it 
will  be  forwarded  without  delay. 

"  My  last  accounts  from  St.  John's  were  of  the  6th  ; 
Gen.  Montgomery  is  carrying  on  his  approaches  as  fast  as 
the  difficulties  he  hath  to  struggle  with  will  permit.  Eve- 
ry species  of  artillery  stores  are  in  some  measure  wanted. 
The  Canadians  are  not  only  friendly,  but  join  in  conside- 
rable numbers  ;  and  the  garrison  of  St.  John's  is  so  com- 
pletely invested,  that  not  the  least  succours  can  be  thrown 
in  of  any  kind.  I  hope  soon  to  give  you  an  account  of  the 
reduction. 

"  My  disorders  have  taken  such  deep  root  that  I  now 
begin  to  have  little  hopes  of  a  recovery,  so  as  to  take  an 
actual  part  in  the  future  operations  of  the  campaign.  I 
hope,  however,  that  I  shall  not  be  obliged  to  leave  this 
place,  unhealthy  and  unfavourable  to  my  recovery  as  it  is, 
lest  it  should  involve  Gen.  Montgomery  in  irremediable 
inconveniencies. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 
"  Yours  and  the  Congress's  most  obliged, 

"  Obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"To  Col.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  President 
pro  tern,  of  the  New-York  Provincial 
Congress,  at  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Ver- 
planck  and  Mr.  Brasher  be  a  committee  to  consider  of,  and 
devise  ways  and  means  for  the  safety  of  the  women  and 
children  in  this  city  in  case  of  necessity,  in  obedience  to 
the  order  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the 
day  of  last  past,  and  report  thereon  with 

all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  taking  into  further  consideration  their 
resolutions  and  recommendations  of  the  eighteenth  inst. 
touching  the  election  of  a  future  Provincial  Congress,  and 
convinced  that  many  persons  interested  for  the  fate  of  this 
country,  in  the  present  unhappy  controversy,  may  be  de- 
prived of  the  privilege  of  a  representation  by  the  said  re- 
solutions and  recommendations,  do  further  recommend  that 
all  the  tenants  possessed  of  lands  or  tenements  within  this 
Colony  of  the  value  of  eighty  pounds,  be  permitted  to  vote 
in  the  said  election. 

Col.  Hardenbergh  from  the  committee  appointed  yester- 
day to  consider  of  a  provision  to  be  made  for  the  delegates 
of  this  Colony  at  Continental  Congress,  and  report  thereon, 
delivered  in  their  report  which  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion on  Friday  next. 

An  anonymous  letter  said  to  be  delivered  by  John  Suffern 
to  David  Pye,  Esq.  a  member  of  this  house,  and  by  him 
delivered  to  John  Coe,  Esq.  a  member  now  here,  was  read 

47 


and  filed.  The  said  letter  informs  that  there  is  a  conspira- 
cy of  a  great  number  of  people  from  Haverstraw  to  Hack- 
ensack,  to  join  the  King's  troops.  Thereupon  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Haverstraw  precinct  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Net*  York,  25th  Oct.  1775. 
"  Sir — You  will  see  by  the  copy  of  a  letter  which  you 
have  enclosed,  that  there  are  apprehensions  of  a  conspiracy 
having  been  formed  against  the  Congress  and  Commit- 
tee. The  Congress  therefore  recommend  it  to  your  com- 
mittee, to  inquire  without  delay  into  the  truth  of  the  subject 
matter  of  that  letter,  and  report  the  result  thereof  to  them, 
with  all  convenient  speed.  They  also  recommend  that  this 
inquiry  be  made  with  as  much  regularity  and  as  little  vio- 
lence as  the  nature  of  it  will  permit. 
"  To  Johannes  Blaavelt,  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  said 
anonymous  letter  delivered  to  Mr.  Coe,  be  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Drake,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Westchester  county  was  read  and  filed. 

A  list  of  officers  therein  enclosed  in  the  said  letter,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  for  the  field  offi- 
cers and  the  other  officers  of  the  two  companies  of  minute 
men  therein  mentioned,  and  that  blank  commissions  be  also 
sent  up  to  the  said  committee  for  the  two  companies  of  mi- 
nute men  in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  afternoon  of  the  nine- 
teenth and  on  the  twentieth,  twenty-first,  twenty-second, 
twenty-third,  twenty-fourth  and  twenty-fifth  days  of  Sep- 
tember last,  and  approved  thereof. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

October  26th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

Mordecai  Lester  at  his  request  being  permitted  to  attend 
the  Congress,  and  attending  at  the  door  was  ordered  to  be 
admitted.  The  principal  charges  against  the  said  Mor- 
decai Lester  were  read  to  him,  and  he  was  heard  in  his 
defence,  and  ordered  to  withdraw,  and  a  determination  on 
his  case  was  drawn  up  and  agreed  to  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  The  Congress  taking  into  consideration  the  proofs 
exhibited  against  Mordecai  Lester,  Esq.  of  Dutchess  coun- 
ty, and  having  heard  what  he  had  to  offer  in  his  defence, 
are  of  the  opinion  that  the  said  Mordecai  Lester  hath  be- 
haved inimical  to  the  liberties  of  this  country,  and  thereby 
exposed  himself  to  the  resentment  of  the  public.  But  as 
the  said  Mordecai  Lester  hath  promised  to  behave  himself 
in  a  peaceable  and  orderly  manner  for  the  future,  and 
signified  his  desire  to  return  to  his  family  in  Dutchess 
county ; 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Mordecai  Lester  be  repri- 
manded by  the  President  for  his  past  conduct  and  dis- 
charged; and  it  is  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony  to  permit  the  said  Mordecai  Lester  to  remain  in 
peace,  he  behaving  in  a  peaceable  and  orderly  manner,  and 
complying  with  such  orders  and  directions  as  shall  be 
given  by  this  or  any  future  Congress  of  this  Colony." 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  determination  of 
this  Congress  be  delivered  to  the  said  Mordecai  Lester, 
and  he  being  reprimanded  from  the  chair  was  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  get  a  sufficient  number  of 


186 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  letters  to  the  colonels  of  the  militia  printed  on  good  pa- 
per, and  signed  by  the  President. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  twenty-sixth,  twenty-se- 
venth, twenty-eighth,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  twenty- 
ninth  days  of  September  last,  and  approved  thereof. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  27th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of  the  mi- 
nutes of  the  Committee  of  Safely,  and  having  read  that 
part  of  the  minutes  of  the  said  committee,  to  wit :  the 
minutes  of  the  committee  on  the  30th  of  September  last, 
which  relate  to  Bernard  Romans  ;  and  also  his  memorial 
since  delivered  to  this  Congiess. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  on  that 
subject  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  October  27th,  1775.  $ 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety,  during  the  recess  of 
the  Provincial  Congress,  held  a  conference  with  Mr.  Ber- 
nard Romans,  and  engaged  his  services  as  an  engineer  in 
building  the  fortification  on  Hudson's  river.  He  objected 
to  them,  that  his  pension  from  the  Crown  of  about  £50 
sterling  per  year  as  botanist  for  one  of  the  Floridas  might 
be  taken  away,  when  it  was  known  that  he  had  assisted 
this  country,  and  therefore  prayed  that  he  might  be  engag- 
ed as  an  engineer  in  the  Continental  service.  The  Com- 
mittee thereupon  promised  him  the  pay  of  fifty  dollars  per 
month  for  the  present,  and  informed  him  that  it  was  pro- 
bable his  services  would  be  wanted.  We  are  not  compe- 
tent to  the  perfecting  this  business,  and  therefore  pray  that 
the  Congiess  will  make  some  order  in  the  premises. 

"  As  to  the  quantum  of  his  pay,  if  fifty  dollars  is  thought 
too  liltle,  the  Congress  will  be  pleased  to  fix  upon  the  sum 
which  they  think  adequate  to  the  duties  he  is  to  perform. 

•  '    "  We  are,  sir,  respectfully,  your 

"  Most  obedient  and  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Hon'ble  John  Hancock, 

President  of  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  ihe  residue  of  the 
minutes  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  until  the  3d  day  of 
October  inst.  included,  and  approved  thereof. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  returns  of  militia  offi- 
cers and  the  commissions  issued  by  the  Committee.  On 
reading  the  returns  from  Orange  county,  with  respect  to 
field  officers,  the  following  letter  was  drawn  up  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Congress,  unwilling  to  determine  the  con- 
troversy subsisting  among  you  relative  to  the  appointment 
of  field  officers  to  command  the  militia  in  the  south  part  of 
Orange  county,  do  recommend  it  to  the  committees  of  Ha- 
verstraw  and  Orange  precinct  to  meet  together  without  de- 
lay, and  by  plurality  of  voices  nominate  the  field  officers 
for  the  regiment  to  be  formed  on  the  south  side  of  the  High- 
lands, and  send  down  the  return  with  all  possible  despatch, 
that  the  commissions  may  be  made  out." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  president,  and  transmitted. 

On  reading  the  returns  of  officers  recommended  by  the 
committee  of  Tryon  county,  and  the  letters  from  the  com- 
mittee of  Kingsland  and  German  Flats, 


Ordered,  That  commissions  for  field  officers  of  that 
district  issue  to  the  gentlemen,  recommended  by  the  com- 
mittee of  that  district. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Nicholas  Low  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  have  received  from  Mr.  Isaac  Gouverneur,  of 
Curracoa,  a  pair  of  nine  pound  cannon,  which  he  has  di- 
rected me  to  present  to  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  use 
of  this  Colony,  and  to  pray  your  acceptance  of  them,  with 
his  best  wishes  for  your  happiness  and  prosperity.  Please 
to  direct  me  to  whom  I  shall  deliver  them. 
"  I  am,  respected  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"NICHOLAS  LOW. 

"New-York,  21th  October,  1775. 
"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Isaac  Gouverneur  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York  October  21th,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — The  Congress  have  received  from  your  agent, 
Mr.  Nicholas  Low,  a  pair  of  nine  pound  cannon,  sent  by 
you  as  a  donation  to  this  Colony.    I  am  directed  to  return 
you  their  hearty  thanks  for  them,  and  to  assure  you  of  the 
high  sense  they  have  of  your  attention  and  regard  for  the 
welfare  of  your  native  country,  and  beg  you  to  accept  their 
sincere  wishes  for  your  happiness  and  prosperity. 
"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Isaac  Gouverneur,  Esq.  at  Curragoa." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Berrien  receive  from  Mr.  Ni- 
cholas Low  the  pair  of  cannon  sent  to  this  Congress  as  a 
present  by  Mr.  Isaac  Gouverneur,  and  pass  his  receipt  for 
the  same.  That  he  get  the  initial  letters  of  Mr.  Gouver- 
neur's  name,  and  also  the  letters  C.  N.  Y.  marked  on  the 
said  cannon  and  send  them  forthwith  to  the  fort  now  build- 
ing in  the  Highlands.  1 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Berrien,  with  memorandums 
therein  enclosed,  were  read  and  filed. 

William  McHard,  of  Newburyport,  produced  a  certificate 
of  the  Hon.  Governor  Trumbull,  at  New-Haven,  dated  23d 
inst.  which  was  a  permit  to  him  to  load  any  quantity  of 
flour  in  New-York  and  to  bring  it  in  boat  or  boats  to  the 
sloop  Speedwell,  Levi  Carman,  master,  in  that  Colony,  and 
to  put  into  any  harbour  in  that  Colony  and  depart  with- 
out molestation,  the  embargo  notwithstanding.  And  the 
said  William  McHard  requested  of  this  Provincial  Con- 
gress leave  to  purchase  flour  in  this  Colony  to  be  carried 
to  Newburyport  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  there,  agree- 
able to  the  said  permit. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  William  McHard  have  permission 
to  purchase  and  transport  to  Fairfield  or  Norwalk,  or  any 
other  place  in  Connecticut,  three  hundred  barrels  of  flour, 
or  any  less  quantity,  and  to  convey  the  same  to  Newbury- 
port for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  there,  upon  condition 
that  the  said  William  McHard  do  deliver  a  manifest  of  the 
said  flour  to  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Congress  before 
his  departure,  and  within  three  months  return  to  such  Se- 
cretary a  certificate  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  at 
INcwburypoit  aforesaid,  that  the  said  flour  was  repotted  to 
and  under  the.  direction  of  the  said  committee,  (ihe  danger 
of  the  seas  and  seizures  excepted,)  and  if  the  said  William 
McHard  does  not  comply  with  the  condition  aforesaid,  that 
then  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  an  infringement  of  the 
resolution  of  this  Congress  and  an  enemy  to  this  country. 

An  application  of  William  Ritchie,  bearing  date  yester- 
day, was  read  and  filed  ;  he  thereby  informs  that  the  peo- 
ple at  Dartmouth  are  in  great  want  of  flour,  and  requests 
permission  to  carry  flour  to  Dartmouth  for  the  use  of  the 
inhabitants. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  William  Ritchie  have  permission 
lo  lade  and  ship  a  quantity  of  flour  for  Dartmouth,  in  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  upon  condition  that  the  said  William 
Ritchie  deliver  a  manifest  of  cargo  to  one  of  the  Secreta- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


187 


ries  of  this  Congress  before  his  departure,  and  within  three 
months  return  to  such  Secretary  a  certificate  from  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  at  Dartmouth,  that  ihe  said  flour  and 
cargo  safely  landed  and  reported  to  the  said  committee,  (the 
dangers  of  the  seas  and  seizures  excepted  ;)  and  if  the  said 
William  Ritchie  does  not  comply  with  the  conditions  afore- 
said, that  then  he  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  an  infringe- 
ment of  the  resolution  of  this  Congress  and  an  enemy  to 
his  country. 


DIE  SABBATI, 

October  28th,  1775. 

Several  members  met,  but  there  not  being  a  sufficient 
number  present  to  form  a  House,  the  gentlemen  present 
prepared  the  following  letters,  the  drafts  of  which  are  on 
the  files  but  are  not  mentioned  on  the  minutes. 

"  New-York,  Oct.  28th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  sorry  to  inform  you  that  by  rea- 
son of  the  absence  of  a  number  of  the  members  we  are  un- 
able to  make  a  Congress  so  as  to  despatch  the  public  busi- 
ness ;  many  things  are  to  be  done  preparatory  to  our  dis- 
solution, which  must  be  despatched.  We,  therefore,  en- 
treat that  you  would  attend  on  Tuesday  next  that  we  may 
go  on  with  the  business. 

"  We  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  finish  in  three  or  four 
days  if  we  can  make  a  Congress. 

"  And  are  your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Faul  Micheau. 

"  P.  S  — Pray  notify  your  fellow  members  of  this. 
'•To  Orange,  Queens,  Richmond,  Kings." 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Oct.  28th,  1775.  5 
"  Suspicions  having  arisen  in  the  minds  of  many  of  the 
citizens  that  the  Congress  have  received  intimations  which 
they  are  ignorant  of,  that  this  city  will  be  made  a  garrison 
town  or  destroyed,  by  reason  whereof,  the  inhabitants  are 
subject  to  great  apprehensions  for  their  future  safety  ; 
this  Congress  do  therefore  conceive  it  their  indispensable 
duty  to  assure  the  citizens  that  they  have  received  no  pri- 
vate intelligence  of  any  danger,  and  that  whenever  they  do 
they  will  take  the  earliest  method  of  informing  them  of  it, 
that  the  citizens  may  provide,  in  the  best  manner  they  can, 
for  the  security  of  their  families  and  effects." 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Oct.  28th,  1775.  $ 

"Gentlemen — On  the  13lh  inst.  we  requested  the 
sense  of  the  Congress,  by  the  first  opportunity,  whether  the 
inhabitants  of  New-York  ought  to  export  their  produce  to 
the  places  not  interdicted  by  the  association  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  last  year.  This  commercial  object  is  of 
the  highest  importance  to  the  Colony  ;  you  will,  therefore, 
pardon  our  importunity,  and  favour  us  with  an  answer  as 
soon  as  possible. 

"  We  are,  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servants, 
"By  order. 
"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 

at  Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Note — There  were  not  sufficient  members  present  to 
form  a  quorum  on  the  28th  or  29th  of  October,  therefore 
those  present  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  2d  day  of  November  next. 

DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  H. 

November  2d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  was  unanimously  appointed 
President  pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  Silas  Deane,  John  Adams  and  George 
Wythe,  of  the  19th  October,  was  read  and  filed,  and°is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  Philadelphia,  19th  October,  1775. 
"  Sir — The  Continental  Congress  having  been  pleased  to 
appoint  us  a  committee  for  collecting  an  account  of  the  hosti- 
lities committed  by  the  ministerial  troops  and  navy  in  Ame- 
rica, since  last  March,  with  proper  evidence  of  the  truth 
of  the  facts,  relating  the  number  and  value  of  the  build- 
ings destroyed,  and  of  the  vessels  inward  and  outward 
bound,  seized  by  them,  as  nearly  as  can  be  ascertained, 
and  also  the  stock  taken  by  them  from  different  parts  of 
the  continent,  as  you  may  see  by  the  resolve  enclosed. 
We  entreat  the  assistance  of  the  Convention  of  your  Colo- 
ny in  this  business,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  perform 
what  is  required  of  us  in  the  manner  and  with  the  expedi- 
tion the  Congress  expects  ;  and  to  that  end,  that  you  will  be 
pleased  to  furnish  us  with  the  necessary  materials,  send- 
ing to  us  clear,  distinct,  full  and  circumstantial  details  of 
the  hostile  and  destructive  acts,  and  the  captures  or  sei- 
zures and  depredations  in  your  Colony  ;  an  accurate  esti- 
mate of  the  loss  and  damage,  with  the  solemn  examina- 
tions of  witnesses,  and  other  papers  and  documents  offi- 
cially authenticated. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  SILAS  DEANE, 
"  JOHN  ADAMS, 
"  GEORGE  WYTHE. 
"  The  Hon.  Nathaniel  Woodhcxl,  President, 

and  the  Convention,  New-York." 

The  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  18th 
October,  therein  enclosed,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  October  18th,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  just  and  well  authenticated  account 
of  the  hostilities  committed  by  the  ministerial  troops  and 
navy  in  America  since  last  March,  be  collected  with  pro- 
per evidence  of  the  truth  of  the  facts  related,  the  number 
and  value  of  the  buildings  destroyed  by  them  ;  also  the 
number  and  value  of  the  vessels  inward  and  outward 
bound,  which  have  been  seized  by  them  since  that  period, 
as  near  as  the  number  and  value  can  be  ascertained  ;  also 
the  stock  by  them  taken  from  different  parts  of  the  Conti- 
nent. 

"  Mr.  Deane,  Mr.  Adams  and  Mr.  Wythe  a  committee 
for  this  purpose. 

"  CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Secretary." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  that  resolve  and  letter  be  sent  to 
the  committee  of  Suffolk  county  ;  and  that  the  said  commit- 
tee of  Suffolk  county  do,  in  the  best  manner,  ascertain  the 
damages  sustained  by  the  people  of  that  county,  with  all 
necessary  particulars  thereof,  and  with  proper  proofs  to 
support  the  same  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  transmit 
the  same  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  with 
all  convenient  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  resolve  and  letter  be 
delivered  to  the  chairman  or  deputy-chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee do  ascertain  in  best  manner  possible,  the  damages 
sustained  by  the  people  of  this  city  and  county,  with  all 
necessary  particulars  thereof,  and  with  proper  proofs  to 
support  the  same  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  transmit 
the  same  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  with 
all  convenient  despatch. 

A  certificate  of  Dr.  John  Jones,  of  the  bad  state  of  the 
health  of  Capt.  John  Norbury,  who  is  a  Continental  pri- 
soner, was  read  :  it  is  thereby  certified  that  Capt.  Nor- 
bury cannot  probably  obtain  relief  in  America,  and  Capt. 
Norbury  through  a  member,  requests  leave  to  go  to  Britain. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Norbury  be  informed  that  he  may 
be  exchanged  for  an  officer  of  Gen.  Wooster's  regiment, 
now  a  prisoner  on  board  the  ship  Asia,  and  that  he  have 
leave  to  apply  to  Capt.  Vandeput  for  that  purpose- 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  David  Clarkson,  Esq.  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  discharge 
his  note  to  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  Treasurer  of  this  Colony, 
for  the  like  sum  formerly  borrowed  by  order  of  this  Con- 


188 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ess  for  the  public  service  ;  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take 
r.  Clarkson's  receipt  for  the  same. 
Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Henry  Glen,  Esq.  the  sum 
of  seven  hundred  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  discharge  the 
note  of  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esq.  given  to  Abraham 
Lott,  Esq.  Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  for  that  sum  former- 
ly borrowed  by  the  said  Ten  Broeck  of  Mr.  Lott,  by  or- 
der of  this  Congress,  for  the  public  service  ;  and  that  Mr. 
Livingston  take  Mr.  Henry  Glen's  receipt  for  the  same — 
and  that  Mr.  Henry  Glen  take  a  receipt  of  Mr.  Lott  on 
the  said  note. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Christopher  Tappen,  Esq. 
the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  twenty-eight  pounds,  to  ena- 
ble him  to  discharge  the  note  of  Egbert  Dumond,  Esq. 
given  to  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  Treasurer  of  this  Colony, 
for  that  sum  formerly  borrowed  by  Mr.  Egbert  Dumond 
of  Mr.  Lott,  by  order  of  this  Congress,  for  the  public  ser- 
vice, and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Tappen's  receipt 
for  the  same,  and  that  Mr.  Tappen  take  a  receipt  of  Mr. 
Lott  on  the  said  note. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  chairman  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  disputed  elections 
of  the  militia  officers  of  the  districts  of  New  Paltz  and 
Hurley  in  Ulster  county,  [made  a  report,]  which  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee,  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
letters  from  the  committees  of  the  townships  of  Hurley 
and  New  Paltz  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  the  petition 
of  the  inhabitants  of  said  townships,  do  report  that  it  is 
the  opinion  of  this  committee  that  the  election  of  officers 
held  on  the  9th  of  June  last,  in  the  township  of  Hurley, 
and  that  held  in  the  township  of  New  Paltz  on  the  31st  of 
May  last,  were  not  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  Con- 
tinental and  this  Congress  ;  and  in  compliance  with  the 
prayer  of  the  petitions  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  town- 
ships. Your  committee  are  of  opinon  that  it  should  be 
recommended  to  the  committees,  that  polls  be  held  in  con- 
venient places  in  said  townships,  for  the  election  of  offi- 
cers of  militia  agreeable  to  the  directions  of  this  Congress, 
the  time  and  places  being  first  duly  notified  by  the  commit- 
tees of  said  townships. 

"  And  your  committee  do  further  report,  that  as  they 
have  been  informed,  a  dispute  hath  arose  between  the  in- 
habitants of  two  different  parts  of  the  township  of  Hur- 
ley, of  their  rights  of  nomination  of  said  officers,  if  the 
Congress  would  give  it  as  their  opinion,  that  said  officers 
should  be  elected  from  the  different  parts  of  said  town- 
ship, it  would  give  satisfaction  and  again  restore  friend- 
ship and  unanimity.    All  which  is  most  humbly  submitted. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"JON'N.  LAWRENCE,  Chairman." 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  report,  and  that  the  said  report  stand 
confirmed. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  report  and  of  this  re- 
solve be  sent  to  the  committee  of  Ulster  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  make  out  their  accounts, 
at  20s.  per  diem  each,  for  their  services  from  the  com- 
mencement of  this  Congress  until  the  fourteenth  inst.  to- 
gether with  their  respective  accounts  of  disbursements, 
and  that  the  same  be  audited  by  three  of  the  auditors,  and 
that  the  same,  when  audited,  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of 
this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  of  Thomas  Pettit  be  made 
out  at  8s.  per  day  for  his  services  in  time  past,  and  his 
future  services  till  the  14th  inst.  together  with  an  account 
of  any  disbursements  he  may  have  made  ;  that  the  same 
be  audited  by  three  of  the  auditors,  that  the  same  may  be 
paid  by  the  Treasurer. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Col.  McUougall  the  sum 
of  six  hundred  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  pay  off  Capt. 


Ledyard's  company  to  the  first  ult.  and  the  wives  and  at- 
torneys of  the  men  of  his  regiment ;  and  to  reimburse  him 
for  paying  the  men  discharged  by  Gen.  Schuyler  and  the 
other  commanding  officers  at  the  posts  above. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  John  Berrien,  as 
commissary  for  the  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifica- 
tions on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands, 
and  one  of  the  said  commissioners,  the  sum  of  twelve 
hundred  pounds,  on  account,  to  be  applied  for  the  neces- 
sary purposes  of  erecting  the  said  fortifications,  and  dis- 
charging the  debts  already  contracted  or  to  be  contracted 
thereby,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Berrien's  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  on  account. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  of  the  twen- 
tieth of  October,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  20th  October,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — A  letter,  appearing  in  the  New-York 
paper  of  the  16th  inst.  said  to  be  wrote  by  Gov.  Tryon  to 
the  Mayor  of  New-York,  expressing,  '  That  this  Congress 
had  recommended  it  to  the  Provincial  Congress  to  seize  or 
take  up  the  officers  of  that  Government,  and  particularly 
himself  by  name,'  I  am  directed  by  the  Congress  to  re- 
quest that  you  will  immediately  send  them  a  genuine  copy 
of  the  letter  above  mentioned,  together  with  a  copy  of  any 
order  or  proceedings  of  yours,  or  of  the  mayor  and  cor- 
poration, in  consequence  of  the  said  letter  of  Gov. 
Tryon. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  Continental  Congress,  of  the  26th  of 
October,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  26th  October,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — A  transport,  with  two  officers  and  a 
number  of  marines,  having  been  cast  away  on  the  coast  of 
New-Jersey,  near  Brigatine  beach,  the  captain,  officers, 
and  a  number  of  the  men  were  taken  prisoners  and 
brought  to  this  place,  where  they  have  been  examined  by 
the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Province.  By  order  of 
the  Congress,  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  their  examination, 
by  which  you  will  see  the  dangerous  practices  the  officers 
have  been  engaged  in,  and  it  is  not  doubted  but  you  will 
take  effectual  measures  to  put  a  stop  to  them. 

"  It  is  intimated  that  there  is  one  Grant,  in  Dutchess 
county,  now  employed  in  raising  recruits.  The  Congress 
expect  you  will  inquire  into  this  matter  and,  if  possible, 
secure  the  said  Grant. 

"  It  being  represented  to  the  Congress,  that  a  large 
quantity  of  blankets  and  shirts  remain  in  the  King's  stores 
in  New-York,  the  Congress  came  to  the  following  resolu- 
tion : 

"  '  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention  of  New- 
York,  immediately  to  take  possession  of  the  said  blankets 
and  shirts,  and  forward  so  many  of  them  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  Gen.  Schuyler,  for  the  use  of  the  army  under  his 
command.' 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most,  obedt.  servant, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest." 

The  examinations  therein  mentioned  and  enclosed,  were 
also  read  and  filed,  and  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Capt.  Duncan  Campbell  says,  he  is  a  captain  in  the 
army  and  was  sent  out  on  service  ;  has  a  captain's  com- 
mission ;  sailed  from  Boston  6th  inst.  for  New- York  on 
board  a  transport  ship,  which  was  cast  away  ;  was  sent 
only  to  receive  such  of  the  King's  subjects  as  chose  to 
join  the  army  at  Boston  ;  was  asked  if  he  had  no  emis- 
saries on  shore  to  procure  men  ;  said  it  was  a  question  he 
did  not  choose  to  answer ;  went  from  New- York  about 
16th  June,  arrived  at  Boston  about  12th  July;  was  a  lieu- 


si 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


189 


tenant  on  half  pay  since  1774;  his  commission  for  com- 
pany was  made  out  before  he  went  to  Boston. 

"  He  returned  to  New-York,  and  took  to  Boston  a  num- 
ber of  volunteers  ;  that  there  was  no  particular  part  of  the 
country  that  lie  expected  recruits  from  ;  no  particular 
county  promised  to  volunteer ;  this  was  left  till  they  ar- 
rived at  head-quarters  ;  supposed  they  were  to  have  same 
grants  as  soldiers  had  at  conclusion  of  last  war,  but  never 
made  promises  of  forfeited  lands. 

"He  belongs  to  71  st  regiment;  there  is  a  regiment 
raising  called  the  Fensible  Americans,  which  is  the  72d  ; 
his  commission  of  captain  is  in  the  Royal  regiment  of  High- 
land Emigrants,  dated  14th  June,  1775,  at  Boston,  Lieut. 
Col.  Com.  Allen  McLean." 

His  instructions,  dated  18th  July,  1775,  which  were 
produced,  as  follows  : 

"  By  His  Excellency  the  Honourable  Thomas  Gage,  Ge- 
neral and  Commander-in-Chief  of  all  His  Majesty's  for- 
ces in  North  America,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

"  To  Capt.  Duncan  Campbell  and  Lieut.  Symes. 
"You  are  hereby  directed  to  embark  on  board  the  Re- 
becca and  Frances  transport,  George  Hastings  master,  and 
to  proceed  as  fast  as  possible  to  New-York,  where  you 
are  to  receive  on  board  your  ship  such  men  as  may  be 
inclined  to  serve  His  Majesty  ;  and  you  are  particularly  to 
attend  to  the  arrival  of  ships  expected  from  Scotland,  and 
to  procure  as  many  men  out  of  them  as  you  possibly  can  ; 
anj  you  are  to  do  your  endeavours  not  to  suffer  any  of 
those  emigrants  to  join  the  rebels  on  shore  ;  and  to  give 
every  encouragement  to  all  the  Scotch  and  other  nations 
that  will  join  you.  Capt.  Vandeput,  of  His  Majesty's  ship 
Asia,  will  give  you  all  the  assistance  in  his  power,  and 
with  whom  you  will  confer  when  there  may  be  occasion. 
You  will  continue  at  New- York  as  long  as  the  service  you 
are  upon  may  require,  when  you  are  to  return  to  this 
place  with  all  expedition,  bringing  as  many  volunteers  with 
you  as  you  can  procure. 

"  Given  under  my  hand,  at  head-quarters  in 
Boston,  this  eighteenth  day  of  July, 
1775. 

Signed,  "THOMAS  GAGE. 

"  By  His  Excellency's  command. 
Signed,  "  Saml.  Kemble." 

"  He  says  he  was  not  compellable  to  enter  into  service, 
but  knew  he  must  join  one  side  or  the  other,  or  be  insulted 
by  every  person  that  thought  proper.  Lieutenant  Symes 
was  surgeon's-mate  in  the  42d,  was  now  appointed  a  lieu- 
tenant. A  Lieut.  Grant,  on  half  pay,  went  with  him  to 
Boston.  Grant  is  returned  and  lives  in  Dutchess  county. 
The  ship  was  armed  for  defence,  as  they  expected  an  at- 
tack from  some  armed  vessels  along  the  coast.  The  men 
were  put  on  board  for  defence.  There  were  a  number  of 
letters  for  different  persons  that  were  destroyed  when  they 
struck.  Was  asked  if  any  other  vessels  or  officers  were 
sent  on  the  like  errand  ;  said  [he]  could  not  answer  such 
questions  with  propriety." 

"  Lieutenant  Symes  says  he  has  left  his  commission  in 
Boston,  was  ordered  suddenly  on  board  ship,  brought  no 
papers.  Was  appointed  14th  June.  Commissions  for  this 
new  regiment  made  out  13th  and  14th  June.  Another  re- 
giment is  formed,  called  the  Royal  Fencible  Americans. 
Capt.  Campbell  expected  to  get  recruits  at  New-York,  or 
from  vessels  coming  from  Scotland.  Having  seen  Grant's 
name  among  papers,  asked  about  him." 

"  Capt.  Campbell  said  he  was  on  half  pay  and  was  to 
have  a  commission  in  the  regiment ;  he  came  with  43d  re- 
giment in  the  year  1774.  Part  of  the  recruits  of  the  regi- 
ment were  sent  to  Halifax  ;  expected  that  Halifax  or  Que- 
bec would  be  head-quarters.  The  person  with  him,  named 
Cameron  was  a  steerage  passenger,  lived  a  neighbour  to 
Capt.  Campbell  in  Dutchess  county." 

"  Angus  Cameron  of  Argyleshire,  came  to  New- York 
government  2  years  ago ;  has  no  settlement,  has  been  in 

48 


Virginia,  has  followed  farming  since  he  came,  was  a  drover 
in  Scotland,  lives  near  Capt.  Campbell's,  to  whom  he  left 
some  money,  about  £50,  on  interest ;  at  New-York,  lent 
Capt.  Campbell  some  money  also,  about  £100;  got  part 
of  his  money  from  Alexander  Campbell." 

"  Roderic  McDonald  examined,  says  he  was  enlisted  at 
Boston,  the  beginning  of  this  month  of  October,  went  to 
Boston  in  Capt.  Hastings  ;  in  September  Capt.  Duncan 
Campbell  and  Lieut.  Symes  were  coming  with  them  to 
recruit  at  New-York.  That  in  August  last  Capt.  Camp- 
bell was  at  his  house  in  Dutchess  county,  and  told  him  he 
was  going  aboard  the  Asia,  and  to  come  to  him  there. 
About  60  volunteers  went  with  Capt.  Campbell  to  Boston  ; 
one  Foster  a  sergeant,  McNeill,  Conway  and  two  more 
of  the  volunteers,  were  Provincial  soldiers,  some  in  their 
uniforms.  Foster  supposed  to  be  a  sergeant  in  Wooster's 
army ;  came  from  Milford,  New-England.  Capt.  Camp- 
bell advised  and  encouraged  him  to  enter  into  the  service." 

"  James  Neill  says  he  entered  the  King's  service  at 
New-York;  he  met  Capt.  Hastings  at  New-York,  who 
persuaded  him  to  go  aboard  his  ship,  and  said  he  should 
have  good  encouragement ;  went  aboard  ;  Capt.  Campbell 
there  told  him,  if  he  would  enter  into  the  King's  service, 
he  should  have  200  acres  of  forfeited  land,  fight  or  not 
fight." 

"  Thomas  Firm  says  he  went  on  board  a  man  of  war  at 
New-York  ;  afterwards  Capt.  Campbell  came  on  board 
and  enlisted  him  ;  promised  him  200  acres  of  land.  He 
was  not  sworn.  Did  not  know  Capt.  Campbell  before  he 
saw  him  on  board  the  man  of  war  at  New- York." 

"  David  Carsan  says  he  has  been  in  this  country  about 
six  or  seven  months  ;  lived  at  McCollison's  in  New- York  ; 
heard  they  wanted  men  on  board  the  transport ;  got  put  on 
board  and  enlisted.  Was  to  have  two  guineas  advance, 
and  200  acres  of  land,  not  in  the  back  parts  but  cultivated 
forfeited  lands  ;  was  promised  by  Capt.  Campbell  and  the 
officers  on  board." 

"  Richard  Wilson  says  he  came  from  England  last.  May; 
was  a  year  at  Capt.  Sadler's  ;  lived  with  Lucas  and  with 
Smart,  smiths  in  New-York.  Galbreath,  a  lieutenant  of 
the  Asia,  persuaded  him  to  go  on  board  the  Asia  ;  went 
from  that  ship  to  the  transport.  Capt.  Campbell  promised 
him  200  acres  forfeited  lands.  Capt.  Campbell  was  now 
coming  to  bring  off  a  number  of  Highlanders  that  lived  near 
his  place  in  New-York  government.  Heard  Capt.  Camp- 
bell and  Lieut.  Symes,  on  whom  he  waited,  talk  of  it. 
They  expected  about  200  men  to  come  in  small  parties  ; 
three  or  four  men  were  sent  up  from  the  transport  before 
they  left  New-York,  one  of  whom  was  Rod.  McDonald,  to 
engage  the  above  people  and  come  back  ;  could  not  get 
them  down  at  that  time.  Capt.  Campbell  left  some  peo- 
ple at  his  plantation  to  bring  the  rest  down." 

"  Robert  Saunderson  says  he  worked  along  shore  at 
New-York  about  a  twelve  month  ago  ;  was  pressed  on 
board  a  man  of  war,  carried  to  Boston  ;  came  in  the  sum- 
mer in  the  Mercury  to  New-York,  got  discharged,  in  order 
to  go  to  Boston  to  enlist ;  was  enlisted  by  Maj.  Small  ; 
came  wiih  Capt.  Campbell  in  the  Rebecca  and  Frances  to 
New-York,  got  a  number  of  men  there,  carried  them  to 
Boston,  and  were  now  coming  back  to  get  more." 

"  George  Hastings  says  he  is  master  of  the  ship  Rebec- 
ca and  Frances  of  London,  owned  by  James  Mather;  left 
Boston  the  5th  October,  bound  for  New-York  with  com- 
missioned officers,  Capt.  Duncan  Campbell,  Lieut.  Symes, 
two  sergeants,  named  Hugh  Morrison  and  William  Foster, 
and  twenty-one  privates,  belonging  to  a  regiment  raising 
in  America.  That  he  understood  they  were  coming  to 
New-York  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  ;  that  there  sailed 
with  him  the  Fowey,  a  20  gun  ship,  and  one  transport, 
bound  to  Halifax.  That  last  Monday  morning,  before  day, 
the  weather  being  hazy,  the  said  ship  Rebecca  and  Frances 
struck  on  the  shore  at  Brigantine  beach,  where  she  lies 
stranded.  That  Capt.  Campbell  parted  with  him  at  the 
beach  on  Tuesday  evening  and  he  supposes,  made  the  best 


190 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


of  his  way  to  New- York  in  some  boat ;  did  not  see  him  in 
any  boat ;  parted  with  him  at  his  tent  after  dark.  The 
Lieut,  went  away  in  a  small  boat  with  one  man,  an  elderly 
man  dressed  like  a  fisherman,  on  Tuesday  about  noon. 
That  they  had  on  board  about  60  muskets,  with  bayonets 
and  cartouch  boxes,  and  two  barrels  and  a  half  of  powder, 
all  which  were  thrown  into  the  sea.  That  the  20th  July 
last  the  said  Capt.  Campbell  sailed  with  him  from  Boston 
to  New-York,  and  carried  between  50  and  60  recruits  from 
New-York  to  Boston  ;  that  he  was  chartered  293  tons  bur- 
then. That  the  said  Campbell  had  been  in  the  42d  regi- 
ment; lived  in  Dutchess  county,  New-York,  has  a  wife 
and  children  there.  That  he  was  not  ordered  to  apply  to 
any  person  in  New-York,  but  to  be  under  the  protection  of 
the  Asia.  That  Capt.  Campbell,  while  the  ship  lay  at 
New-York,  remained  on  board  and  frequently  sent  the  boat 
ashore  for  the  recruits  that  were  raised  for  him.  The  offi- 
cers of  the  48th  and  49th  regiments  are  going  home. 
Gen.  Gage  going  home  in  a  transport  vessel  of  16  guns. 
No  men  of  war  or  troops  gone  to  Quebec  ;  no  account  of 
an  expedition  intended  against  Quebec  ;  but  talk  of  one 
against  Halifax.  The  soldiers  now  brought  were  some  of 
those  enlisted  at  New- York  and  carried  by  Capt.  Camp- 
bell to  Boston.  Has  no  written  instructions  ;  was  to  be  di- 
rected by  Capt.  Campbell." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  in  an- 
swer to  the  two  last  lelters,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  November  2d,  1775.  ) 

"  Sir — Your  letters  of  the  twentieth  and  twenty-sixth  of 
October,  did  not  come  to  hand  till  Saturday  last.  For  want 
of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  make  a  Congress, 
we  have  been  obliged  to  postpone  an  answer  until  this 
time.  As  to  Governor  Tryon's  letter  of  the  13th,  mention- 
ing that  the  Continental  Congress  had  recommended  it  to 
us  to  seize  the  officers  of  this  Government  and  particularly 
himself,  we  are  to  inform  you  that  no  application  rela- 
tive to  that  affair  was  made  to  this  Congress,  nor  have  we 
taken  any  part  therein.  The  whole  was  conducted  between 
the  Governor  and  the  mayor  and  corporation  of  this  city;  the 
committee  for  the  city  was  applied  to  by  the  mayor,  and 
from  the  best  inquiry  we  are  able  to  make,  the  whole  of 
the  correspondence  on  this  subject  is  contained  it  the  en- 
closed printed  sheets. 

"  We  are  sensible  of  the  dangerous  practices  made  use 
of  to  procure  recruits  for  the  army  at  Boston,  and  you 
may  rest  assured  that  our  best  endeavours  shall  not  be 
wanting  to  frustrate  those  designs.  Proper  orders  have 
been  given  for  the  securing  Grant  of  Dutchess  county. 

"  It  is  with  real  concern  that  we  find  the  Congress  have 
recommended  it  to  us  to  seize  the  shirts  and  blankets  in 
the  King's  stores  in  this  city,  and  flatter  ourselves  they 
must  have  been  imposed  upon  relative  to  this  matter,  or 
such  a  recommendation  would  never  have  issued.  We 
think  it  our  indispensable  duty  as  well  for  our  own  justifi- 
cation as  for  the  information  of  the  Congress,  to  slate  the 
matter  in  its  true  light. 

"  There  were  in  our  lower  barracks  a  number  of  hospi- 
tal stores,  consisting  of  shirts,  blankets  and  sheets;  some 
persons  without  the  knowledge  or  approbation  of  this  Con- 
gress, in  the  night  time  removed  them  to  the  house  of  our 
Commissary,  who  the  next  morning  informed  us  of  this 
transaction  ;  upon  inquiry  from  him,  we  found  the  whole 
number  of  blankets  did  not  exceed  one  hundred  and  fifty, 
some  of  them  had  been  used  in  the  hospital  and  the  rest 
were  destroyed  by  the  moth. 

"As  to  the  shirts  we  have  not  been  able  to  ascertain  the 
number,  though  the  object  is  of  very  inconsiderable  value 
From  this  stale  of  facis,  the  Congress  thought  proper  to 
order  these  things  to  be  relumed,  and  among  other,  for 
the  following  reasons  : 

"  1st.  Because  the  stores  had  been  taken  away  without 
the  order  or  knowledge  of  the  Congress  who  ought  to  have 


been  made  acquainted  with  the  transaction,  which  in  its 
consequences  might  endanger  the  lives  and  properties  of 
the  inhabitants  of  this  city. 

"  2nd.  For  that  the  stores  were  at  that  time  entirely  in 
our  power  and  more  safe  than  in  the  custody  of  our  Com- 
missary, as  our  military  watch  was  kept  in  the  same  house 
where  the  stores  were  lodged. 

"  3rd.  Because  if  we  had  sent  the  blankets  up  to  the 
army  we  might  in  all  probability  have  poisoned  the  northern 
army  by  sending  the  small  pox  among  them.  And 

"  4thly.  Because  we  are  not  in  a  situation  without  expos- 
ing the  lives  and  properties  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city 
to  inevitable  destruction,  should  we  attempt  to  execute  or- 
ders that  will  bring  on  a  cannonading  from  the  ships  of 
war.  Our  zeal  for  ihe  public  cause  has  induced  us  to  part 
with  all  the  powder  we  have  procured  for  the  defence  of 
the  Colony,  and  we  are  sorry  to  find  that  there  is  but  little 
prospect  of  having  it  replaced. 

"  We  hope  these  reasons  will  be  satisfactory  to  the  Con- 
gress. 

"  And  are  your  most  ob't  servants, 
"  By  order. 
"  To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  the  printed 
copies  therein  mentioned. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress,  dated  the  26lh  October,  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  26lh  Oct.  1775. 

"  Sir — We  have  the  pleasure  of  enclosing  you  a  resolve 
passed  this  day  in  Congress,  which  we  hope  will  enable 
our  Province  to  provide  ammunition  with  certainty  and  des- 
patch. 

"  You  will  easily  perceive  the  propriety  of  keeping  it  as 
secret  as  the  nature  of  the  business  will  admit,  and  we 
have  particular  reasons  for  wishing  that  the  vessels  intended 
for  the  voyage  may  be  soon  despatched. 

"  We  have  declined  informing  Mr.  Fine  of  the  purport 
of  this  resolve,  thinking  it  more  prudent  to  refer  the  whole 
to  your  discretion.    It  will  not  be  long  before  you  will  be 
made  acquainted  with  the  sentiments  of  the  Congress  re- 
specting the  general  slate  of  trade.    As  to  a  certain  neces- 
sary article,  it  is  not  as  yet  to  be  procured  here. 
"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  The  Convention's  and  your 
"  Very  humble  servants, 
"  ROB.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  JAY. 

"  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq." 

A  certified  copy  of  a  resolution  of  Continental  Congress 
therein  enclosed,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit  : 

"In  Congress,  26th  October,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Pro- 
vincial Assemblies,  Conventions  or  Councils  of  Safely  of 
the  United  Colonies,  to  export  to  the  foreign  West  Indies, 
on  account  and  risk  of  their  respective  Colonies,  as  much 
provision  or  any  oliier  produce,  except  horned  cattle,  sheep, 
hogs  and  poultry,  as  they  may  deem  necessary  for  the  im- 
portation of  arms,  ammunition,  sulphur  and  saltpetre. 
"Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Secretary." 

In  pursuance  of  the  said  letter  and  resolve, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low,  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Van 
Derbilt,  or  any  two  of  ihem,  be  a  committee  to  treat  with 
Mr.  Fine  for  the  benefit  of  his  contract  for  obtaining  pow- 
der; ami  that  they  report  to  this  Congress  wilh  all  con- 
venient speed.  By  a  charge  from  the  Chair  this  letter  and 
resolve  to  be  kept  secret. 

A  letter  from  the  honourable  John  Hancock,  President 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  dated  the  28lh  October,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


191 


"Philadelphia,  28th  October,  1775. 
"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  17th  inst.  lias  been  laid  before 
the  Congress,  and  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  thev 
approve  of  your  immediately  raising  a  company  of  ma- 
trosses,  to  consist  of  sixty-eight  privates  ;  they  prefer  that 
number  as  it  is  the  fixed  establishment  of  the  companies  in 
the  Continental  service. 

"  You  will  please  to  appoint  and  forward  the  list  of 
the  officers  proper  to  command  them,  and  their  commis- 
sions shall  be  made  out  and  sent  you.  The  Congress  de- 
sire vou  will  inform  them  when  this  company  shall  be  com- 
pleted, and  they  will  take  under  consideration  your  pro- 
posals for  raising  a  larger  number.  Enclosed  is  the  reso- 
lution of  Congress. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your 

"  Most  obedient,  humble  servant. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"To  the  President  of  Congress  of  New-York." 

The  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  28th  October,  therein 
enclosed,  was  also  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  October  28th,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  a  company  of  matrosses,  to  consist  of 
one  captain  ;  one  captain  lieutenant ;  a  first  and  second 
lieutenant ;  a  lieutenant  fire  worker  ;  four  sergeants  ;  four 
corporals  ;  eight  bombardiers  ;  sixty-eight  matrosses  ;  one 
drummer  and  one  fifer,  be  immediately  raised  in  New- 
York,  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river,  and  to  occupy  the 
fortifications  now  erecting  in  the  Highlands  ;  and  that  the 
President  write  to  the  Convention  of  that  Province,  recom- 
mending it  to  them  immediately  to  raise  the  said  company 
and  to  appoint  the  proper  officers. 

"A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secretary. 
"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and 
Mr.  Brasher,  be  a  committee  to  arrange  the  company,  and 
report. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  William  Bedlow,  of  the  30lh  October, 
ult.  to  Mr.  Richard  Yates,  was  read  and  filed.  He  there- 
by requests  this  Congress  to  ascertain  the  pay  to  be  allow- 
ed per  diem  to  each  of  the  commissioners  employed  in 
erecting  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river, 
in  the  Highlands. 

As  the  said  fortifications  are  erecting  at  a  Continental 
charge,  and  this  Congress  a  dissolution, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Bedlow's  letter 
be  deferred  for  the  present,  and  referred  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  next  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  of  the  24th  of  October, 
ult.  was  read  and  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Camp  at  Cambridge,  October  24,  1775. 
"Sir — The  enclosed  information  being  of  the  highest 
importance  I  thought  it  proper  to  transmit  it  to  you  with 
all  despatch 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Nathaniel  Woodhull, 

President  of  the  Prorincial  Congress,  New- York." 

The  information  therein  enclosed  was  also  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Falmouth,  Monday,  \6th  October,  1775. 

"The  Oanceux  ship  of  sixteen  guns,  commanded  by 
Captain  Mowatt,  a  large  ship,  schooner  and  sloop,  armed, 
anchored  before  the  town,  the  17th  at  3  P.  M.  They  weigh- 
ed and  came  up  and  anchored  within  gun  shot,  and  imme- 
diately Captain  Mowatt  sent  a  letter  on  shore  to  the  town, 
giving  them  two  hours  lo  move  their  families  out,  as  he 
had  orders  to  fire  the  town  ;  the  town  immediately  chose 
a  committee  of  three  gentlemen  and  sent  them  on  board  to 
know  the  reason  of  that  town's  being  set  on  fire ;  he  re- 
turned for  answer  that  his  orders  were  to  set  fire  lo  all  the 


seaport  towns  between  Boston  and  Halifax,  and  that  he  ex- 
pected New-York  was  then  burnt  to  ashes.  He  further 
said  that  when  he  received  orders  from  the  admiral  he  de- 
sired that  he  might  shew  some  favour  to  the  town  of  Fal- 
mouth, which  the  admiral  granted,  (I  suppose  as  Captain 
Mowatt  was  under  particular  obligations  to  some  gentle- 
men at  Falmouth,  for  civilities  shewn  him  when  in  capti- 
vity amongst  them,)  and  which  favour  was  to  spare  the 
town  till  nine  o'clock  Wednesday  morning,  in  case  we 
would  send  him  off  eight  small  arms,  which  the  town  im- 
mediately did.  Wednesday  morning,  being  the  18th  the 
committee  went  on  board  Captain  Mowatt  again,  in  order 
to  save  the  town.  He  said  he  would  save  the  town  till  he 
heard  from  the  admiral,  in  case  we  would  send  off  four 
carriage  guns,  deliver  up  all  our  arms,  ammunition,  &c. 
and  send  four  gentlemen  of  the  town  as  hostages,  which 
the  town  would  not  do.  About  half  past  nine  in  the  morn- 
ing he  began  to  fire  from  the  four  armed  vessels,  and  in 
five  minutes  set  fire  to  several  houses.  He  continued  firing 
till  after  the  same  day,  which  destroyed  the  largest  part  of 
the  town. 

"  He  further  informed  the  committee  that  he  should  pro 
ceed  to  Portsmouth,  and  destroy  that  place  also. 

"  The  foregoing  is  as  near  the  facts  as  I  am  able  to  re- 
member, as  witness  my  hand. 
"  Signed. 

"PEARSON  JONES. 

"  Cambridge,  October  24,  1775." 

Another  copy  of  the  said  information,  received  via  Rhode- 
Island,  together  with  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Nathaniel 
Greene,  at  Prospect  Hill,  to  Deputy  Governor  Cooke, 
was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Ebenezer  Hazard,  postmaster,  dated  the 
31st  ult.  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs,  that  he 
has  in  charge  from  the  Comptroller  of  the  Constitutional 
Post-Office,  that  the  keeper  of  the  ferry  across  North  river 
charges  the  post  riders  for  ferriage,  while  he  suffers  the 
rider  from  the  old  office  to  cross  gratis,  and  that  he  is  di- 
rected to  request  the  interposition  of  the  authority  of  this 
Congress  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hazard  be  informed  that  this  Con- 
gress does  not  think  proper  to  interfere  at  present. 

A  long  letter  from  Benjamin  Baker,  at  Albany,  on  the 
subject  of  making  saltpetre,  was  read  and  filed.  The  gentle- 
men who  are  Deputies  from  Albany  are  requested  to  write 
him  an  answer,  that  the  Congress  does  not  at  present  in- 
cline to  comply  with  his  proposals. 

The  remonstrance  of  the  associated  company  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  copy  of  their  association  was  also  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  to  the  officers  of  that 
company,  as  minute  men,  be  delivered  to  the  Secretaries, 
and  that  new  commissions  issue  lo  them  as  an  associated 
company  ;  and  the  said  commissions  were  issued  accord- 
ingly. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  Esq.  chairman  of  a  meet- 
ing of  sundry  committees  of  towns  in  which  the  first  regi- 
ment in  Suffolk  county  is  composed,  signed  by  order  of  the 
said  committees,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs 
that  Nathan  Woodhull  and  Edmund  Smith,  Jr.  Esqrs.  re- 
spectfully declined  accepting  the  offices  of  first  and  second 
majors  of  the  said  regiment ;  and  that  the  said  committees 
nominated  and  recommended  Jeffrey  Smith,  Esq.  lo  be 
first  major,  and  Jesse  Brush,  Esq.  lo  be  second  major  of 
the  said  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  lo  those  gentlemen 
respectively,  and  that  their  commissions  bear  date  on  the 
27th  ult. 

Mr.  Joseph  Hallett.  informed  the  Congress,  that  he  has 
more  money  than  will  be  sufficient  to  discharge  the  con- 
tracts he  has  made  on  behalf  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
and  that  he  will  be  enabled  in  a  few  days  to  close  his  ac- 
counts, but  is  desirous  to  pay  the  balance  in  hand  to  the 
Treasurer. 


192 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  pay  the  balance  of  the  money 
in  his  hands  to  the  Treasurer,  and  that  he  lake  the  Treasur- 
er's or  his  agent's  receipt  for  such  sum  as  shall  be  so  re- 
turned. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  3d,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  President. 

The  return  of  the  field  officers  of  three  regiments  of  the 
city  militia,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Joseph 
Hallett  be  a  committee  to  purchase  flour,  and  load  the  pilot 
boat  named  the  Bishop  of  Landaff,  and  send  her  to  such 
port  or  place  as  they  think  best,  on  the  account  and  risk 
of  this  Congress,  to  procure  arms  and  ammunition,  or  ei- 
ther that  may  be  obtained,  and  that  they  make  such  con- 
tract or  contracts  in  the  premises  as  they  think  fit. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  dated  26th  October,  was 

read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Oct.  26th,  1775,  ) 
"  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  3 

"  Sir — I  am  favoured  with  an  express  from  Gen.  Mont- 
gomery ;  the  fort  and  garrison  at  Chamblee,  in  which  Maj. 
Stopford  of  the  Hoyal  Fusileers  commanded,  has  surren- 
dered to  our  troops ;  one  hundred  and  twenty-four  barrels 
of  powder,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of  prepared  ammu- 
nition, together  with  a  quantity  of  provisions,  has  fell  into 
our  hands. 

"  The  reduction  of  St.  John's  seems  of  course  ;  we  have 
already  sunk  their  best  vessel  of  force.  A  party  of  ours, 
consisting  of  about  five  hundred,  that  were  stationed  at  La 
Prairie,  has  been  attacked,  but  the  assailants  were  re- 
pulsed with  some  loss.  I  hope  the  success  which  attends 
and  promises  to  attend  the  American  arms,  will  induce  a 
misinformed  ministry  to  adopt  measures  to  bring  about  a 
reconciliation. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  most  respectful 

"  Sentiments,  yours  and  the  Congress's 

"  Most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant. 
"Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  November  3d,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — We  received  your  letter  unsigned  of  the  26th 
ult.  confirming  the  important  intelligence  that  the  fort  and 
garrison  at  Chamblee  has  surrendered  to  our  troops,  with 
a  very  considerable  quantity  of  provisions  and  military 
stores.    This  victory,  together  with  the  favourable  pros- 
pect it  affords  of  the  acquisition  of  St.  John's,  gives  us 
pleasure,  and  we  most  heartily  concur  with  you  in  the 
hopes  you  express,  that  the  success  of  our  arms  may  in- 
duce the  ministry  to  adopt  measures  of  reconciliation. 
"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants. 

"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  protest  of  Francis  James,  one  of  the  owners  of  the 
pilot  [boat]  Hamden,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  John  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
draw  an  affidavit  of  Francis  James,  one  of  the  owners  of 
the  pilot  boat  named  the  Hampden,  that  the  said  boat  was 
taken  without  any  collusion. 

A  letter  from  a  sub-committee  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  White  Plains,  November  1st,  1775. 
"  Sir — The  committee  of  Westchester  county,  having 
been  called  together  upon  a  request  of  some  of  their  body, 


upon  suspicion  of  a  plot  being  contrived  to  carry  off  seve- 
ral of  the  members,  and  some  others,  who  had  shewed 
themselves  zealously  attached  to  the  liberties  of  this  coun- 
try, Mr.  Philip  Pinkney,  (who  had  given  very  full  infor- 
mation to  some  of  the  committee,  of  the  plot,  and  had  of- 
fered to  swear  to  it,  provided  he  was  brought  by  the  com- 
mittee, by  an  appearance  of  force,  and  had  engaged  not  to 
be  out  ot  the  way,)  upon  being  sent  for  by  some  of  the 
guard  attending  the  committee,  was  not  to  be  found ;  where- 
upon some  of  the  committee,  by  order  of  the  whole,  waited 
upon  Mr.  Pinkney,  who,  after  refusing  to  come  before  the 
committee,  and  after  a  great  deal  of  equivocation,  made 
the  enclosed  affidavit  before  a  magistrate,  which  we  have 
reason  to  think  is  not  the  whole  truth  ;  for  which  reasons 
we  refer  you  to  Col.  Budd  and  Mr.  Gill  Budd  Horton, 
with  whom  Mr.  Pinkney  has  conversed.    As  we  are  only 
a  sub-commiltee,  appointed  to  take  the  examination  of  Mr. 
Pinkney,  and  such  other  persons  as  might  be  necessary, 
and  to  make  a  report  of  our  proceedings  to  the  honourable 
the  Provincial  Congress,  we  beg  leave  to  request  that  Mr. 
Pinkney  may  be  sent  for  and  critically  examined  by  the 
Congress  respecting  the  above  matter,  and  with  relation  to 
oars  being  made  by  the  request  of  Captain  Vandeput ;  and 
also  that  William  Davis,  (who  was  employed  in  making 
the  oars,)  and  Sarah  Williams,  the  wife  of  Isaac  Williams, 
of  Westchester,  may  be  also  sent  for  and  examined  as  a  wit- 
ness respecting  them.    We  also  request  that  Mr.  William 
Lounsberry,  Isaac  Gedney,  Jr.  and  three  hired  men  who 
work  at  Justice  Sutton's,  may  be  sent  for  on  account  of 
what  Mr.  Pinckney  has  related,  though  not  sworn  to,  that 
they,  among  others,  were  minute  men,  as  he  called  them  ; 
that  they  were  to  be  ready  at  a  moment's  warning,  to  take 
off  some  persons  who  were  the  most  obnoxious. 

"We  would  also  request,  when  the  others  are  sent  for, 
that  the  before  mentioned  Isaac  Gedney,  Jr.  and  William 
Nelson,  Joshua  Boyea,  Joshua  Ferris,  Bartholomew  Hains, 
Elijah  Hains,  William  Hains  and  John  Hains  be  also  taken 
and  brought  before  the  honourable  Congress,  for  taking 
up  arms  to  rescue  Elijah  Weeks,  who  was  brought  before 
the  commiitee  upon  a  charge  asainst  him. 

"  Upon  the  charge,  we  would  mention  the  widow  Mar- 
garet Gedney  of  the  While  Plains,  (where  they  left  their 
arms)  Job  Haddon  of  Harrison  precinct,  Benjamin  Morrell 
of  New-York,  and  Isaac  Sniffen  of  Rye-Neck,  as  wit- 
nesses. For  evidence  to  the  other  charges,  we  beg  leave 
to  refer  you  to  Col.  Budd  and  Mr.  Gill  Budd  Horton. 

"  We  would  not  have  troubled  the  Congress  about  ap- 
prehending the  above  named  persons,  but  that  we  look 
upon  ourselves  at  present  [as]  loo  weak  to  do  it,  without 
great  danger ;  and  we  beg  leave  to  submit  it,  whether  it 
be  not  necessary  for  the  security  of  many  amongst  us,  as 
well  as  to  prevent  provisions  being  conveyed  to  the  minis- 
terial army,  that  a  guard  be  placed  along  the  Sound  in  this 
county. 

"We  are,  sir, 
"  Your  most  humble  servts. 

"JONATHAN  G  THOMPSON, 
"  THOMAS  THOMAS, 
"JESSE  HUNT, 
"MICAH  TOWNSEND, 
"ANTHONY  MILLER. 

"  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress  in  New-York." 

The  affidavit  therein  mentioned  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Westchester  County,  ss.  Personally  appeared  before 
me,  James  Horton,  Jr.  one  of  His  Majesty's  justices  of 
the  peace  in  and  for  said  county,  Philip  Pinkney  of  full 
age,  who  deposeth  and  saith,  that  on  Wednesday,  ihe 
twen'v-fifih  day  inst.  being  in  company,  he  heard  one  say 
that  Godfrey  Haines  was  determined  to  have  satisfaction 
on  some  particular  persons,  and  that  there  was  a  tender 
expected  to  lake  them  off  instantly  ;  and  that  this  depo- 
nent was  asked  if  he  would  assist  in  taking  off  Judge  Tho- 
mas privately,  and  that  they  were  determined  to  have  him 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


193 


if  possible,  and  that  there  was  a  person  to  be  in  a  particu- 
lar place  to  receive  him  from  those  that  took  him. 

"  PHILIP  PINCKNEY. 
"  Taken  and  sworn  before  me  this  ) 
first  day  of  November,  1775.  J 

"James  Horton,  Junr." 
Ordered,  That  Col.  Budd  and  Mr.  Gilbudd  Horton  be 
requested  to  attend  this  Congress  at  five  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Mr.  Melancton  Smith  delivered  in  an  account  of  the  ex- 
pense of  apprehending  and  transporting  to  Albany  three 
deserters  from  Col.  Holmes'  regiment,  who  were  appre- 
hended at  Poughkeepsie  and  sent  to  Albany. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  account  be  transmit- 
ted to  Col.  Holmes,  that  he  may  stop  the  said  expenses 
out  of  the  pay  of  the  said  deserters,  to  prevent  the  loss  of 
that  sum,  and  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  reimburse  this 
Congress  for  the  same. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Holmes  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  November  3rd,  1775.  $ 
"Sir — Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  an  account  of  expenses 
paid  to  a  detachment  of  the  independent  company  at 
Poughkeepsie  for  apprehending  and  conveying  to  Albany 
Thomas  Hampton,  James  Devenport  and  Henry  May, 
three  deserters  belonging  to  Cnpt.  Wyncoop's  company  of 
your  regiment.  The  Congress  request  that  you  will  make 
an  immediate  stoppage  in  their  pay,  to  reimburse  the  sum 
paid  for  that  service,  that  you  may  account  to  the  Congress 
for  the  same. 

"  We  are,  sir,  &c. 

"  Col.  Jakes  Holmes." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the 
said  account,  and  of  the  above  order,  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  request- 
ing an  aid  in  money,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  November  Zrd,  1775.  J 

"  Sir — We  are  obliged  to  trouble  the  Congress  once 
more  on  the  subject  of  cash,  as  we  are  apprehensive  the 
public  service  will  suffer  greatly  unless  we  have  an  imme- 
diate supply  from  the  Congress.  When  Mr.  Trumbull 
the  paymaster  for  the  northern  army  passed  through  this 
city  we  applied  to  him  for  a  reimbursement  of  the  cash  we 
had  advanced  in  his  department;  he  then  informed  us  that 
he  could  pay  no  money,  as  Gen.  Schuyler  had  ordered  him 
to  exchange  what  money  he  had  into  gold  and  silver  and 
bring  the  same  with  him,  as  it  would  be  wanted  in  Ca- 
nada. Since  this  we  have  applied  to  Gen.  Schuyler  for  a 
warrant  on  the  Continental  Treasurer,  but  as  yet  we  have 
not  received  an  answer  from  him,  owing,  we  suppose,  to 
his  indisposition  and  the  hurry  of  business.  Our  accounts 
will  be  made  up  and  transmitted  with  all  possible  despatch, 
but  as  the  public  creditors  are  pressing,  we  beg  the  Con- 
gress will  pay  to  our  Delegates  at  Philadelphia  the  sum  of 
fifty  thousand  dollars  to  enable  us  to  discharge  the  public 
debt,  for  which  this  Colony  will  be  accountable. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President 

of  the  honble.  the  Continental  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDongall  be  directed  to  cause 
1501b.  of  the  gunpowder  now  in  the  magazine  [to]  be  made 
up  into  cartridges  of  different  sorts,  in  readiness  for  the 
common  defence,  and  that  Mr.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  deliver 
to  him  or  his  order  the  above  quantity. 

A  petition  of  Abraham  H.  V.  Vleck  was  read  and  filed. 
He  thereby  declares  his  contrition  for  his  offence  in  a 
breach  of  one  of  the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress, 

49 


and  his  engagement  [to]  prove  himself  a  sincere  friend  to  his 
country. 

Thereupon  the  Congress  came  to  a  resolution  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit:  [Resolution  not  entered.] 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  certified  by  one  of  the 
Secretaries  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Henry  Van  Vleck  to  be 
published. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  proceedings 
of  the  members  met  on  the  27th  and  28ih  days  of  October 
last,  which  were  all  read,  because  the  Congress  on  each 
of  those  days  wanted  one  or  more  members,  and  the  Con- 
gress having  fully  heard  the  same,  approved  thereof  and 
confirmed  the  same  and  every  part  thereof. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  five  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon. 

5  ho.  P.  M. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abraham  Yates,  Esq.  President. 

Thomas  Pearsall,  by  order  of  the  Congress,  attending 
at  the  door  was  called  in  and  examined,  and  notes  of  his 
examination  were  taken  and  filed,  and  are  as  follows  : 

Thomas  Pearsall  examined  touching  raising  the  price  of 
goods,  says  that  about  six  weeks  or  two  months  ago, 
Samuel  Weat  of  Norwich  purchased  of  Robinson  &  Price 
of  this  city  for  account  of  Messrs.  Christr.  Leffenwell  and 
Company  about  fifty  blankets,  at  the  rate  of  sixteen  shil- 
lings per  blanket ;  that  they  were  striped  blankets  of  a 
middling  good  quality  and  size  ;  that  from  his  knowledge 
of  the  sterling  price  of  such  blankets  he  supposes  they 
must  have  cost  75  or  80*.  per  ps.  of  fifteen  in  a  piece ; 
that  Robinson  and  Price  charged  the  said  blankets  to  said 
Pearsall's  account,  and  that  he  charged  the  same  to  Leffen- 
well and  Company  at  the  same  rate. 

Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  attending  at  the  door  was  called 
in  and  examined,  and  notes  of  his  examination  were  taken 
and  filed,  and  are  as  follows  : 

Peter  T.  Curtenius  says  that  he  purchased  of  Robin- 
son &  Price  last  week  45  blankets  for  Capt.  Ledyard's 
company  at  the  rate  of  19s.  6d.  per  blanket;  that  from 
the  size  and  quality  he  supposes  they  cost  £3  10s.  ster- 
ling per  ps.;  that  within  a  fortnight,  he,  Curtenius,  sup- 
plied blankets  of  a  better  quality  to  the  poorhouse  at  12s. 
per  blanket;  that  Robinson  and'Price  told  him  they  im- 
ported said  blankets  from  Philadelphia  and  paid  16s.  for 
them  there ;  that  he,  Curtenius,  bought  of  said  Robinson 
and  Price  for  the  use  of  said  company,  duffets  at  the  rate 
of  8s.  per  yard,  such  as  he  bought  in  the  course  of  a 
month  out  of  a  retail  shop  at  the  rate  of  6s.  and  6s.  6d. 
and  in  the  month  of  July  last  of  Mr.  Hamilton  Young  by 
wholesale,  at  the  rate  of  5s.  6d.;  that  Robinson  and  Price 
told  him  the  duffels  had  cost  6s.  6d.  per.  yard. 

Col.  Gilbert  Budd  and  Gilbudd  Horton  from  Westches- 
ter county,  attending  according  to  order,  were  called  in 
and  examined,  and  the  examination  of  Gilbert  Budd  was 
taken  in  writing  and  filed,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Gilbert  Budd  of  Mamaroneck,  says  that  the  tories 
are  getting  the  upper  hand  of  and  threaten  them  daily, 
and  have  injured  their  private  property  by  throwing  down 
stone  fences  and  cropping  his  horses' tails  and  manes;  that 
Philip  Pinckney  told  him  last  Sunday  that  he  was  in  com- 
pany on  the  25th  October  last,  with  a  man  who  told  him 
that  there  would  be  bad  times  in  Mamaroneck  before  long, 
and  said  that  some  of  the  people  of  the  place  would  be 
taken  off;  that  he,  Pinckney,  asked  the  man  that  told  him 
how  they  were  to  be  taken  off?  he  answered  that  they  ex- 
pected a  lender  in  the  harbour  in  a  few  days  and  that  she 
would  send  barges  on  shore  in  order  to  carry  the  people  off; 
that  he,  Pinckney,  further  asked  the  man  where  they 
were  to  be  carried  to,  he  answered  to  Gage  ;  Mr.  Budd 
told  Pinkney  that  Gage  was  not  there ;  he  answered,  to 
Gage's  army  ;  that  Pinckney  said  he  asked  the  man  who 
the  men  were  that  were  to  be  taken  off ;  that  the  man  in- 
timated to  him  that  Mr.  Gilbert  Budd  and  Mr.  Samuel 


194 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Townscnd  were  the  men  that  were  to  be  taken  off,  and 
that  there  was  another  that  they  would  have  at  all  events ; 
that  Pinckney  told  Budd  that  he  asked  the  man  who  the 
other  man  was  that  was  to  be  taken  off;  that  the  man  an- 
swered him  that  Judge  Thomas  was  the  man,  who  they 
would  have  if  it  cost  them  the  lives  of  fifty  men ;  that 
Pinckney  told  the  said  Mr.  Budd  that  there  was  a  number  of 
his,  Budd's  neighbours,  who  stood  ready  to  assist  the 
tender  in  order  to  take  them ;  that  Mr.  Budd  asked  Pinck- 
ney if  he  knew  who  those  neighbours  were,  he  answered 
that  one  of  them  was  William  Lounsberry  and  one  Isaac 
Geclney,  Jr.  and  all  Sutton's  men,  alluding  to  some  hired 
servants  of  Sutton's  ;  that  Pinckney  said  he  came  as  a  friend 
and  advised  Mr.  Budd  to  keep  out  of  the  way,  for  that  he 
did  not  think  it  safe  for  him  to  sleep  in  his  house  one  night ; 
Mr  Budd  further  says  that  he  heard  that  Godfrey  Haines 
said  that  he  was  going  to  get  a  parcel  of  oars  made  for  the 
man  of  war  ;  that  Haines  came  to  Marnaroneck  and  that 
the  next  day  Isaac  Gedney  set  about  making  oars  ;  that 
they  were  making  (as  Budd  understood)  by  Haines'  order 
for  Capt.  Vandeput ;  Mr.  Budd  says  the  tories  are  equipped 
and  constantly  in  arms  walking  about  at  night,  6,  8  and  10 
at  a  time  ;  Mr.  Budd  further  says  that  it  is  reported  that 
those  toiies  say  they  are  determined  to  defend  themselves, 
and  that  if  any  body  came  to  their  houses  to  take  away 
their  arms  they  would  fire  upon  them. 

A  charge  was  then  given  from  the  Chair  to  keep  the 
whole  of  this  matter  a  secret. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  West- 
chester, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congrf.ss,  > 
"  M  New-York,  November  3d,  1775.  $ 
"Gentlemen — We  received  a  letter  of  the  1st  inst. 
from  the  sub-committee  of  your  county,  relative  to  the 
conduct  of  the  people  of  Rye,  and  the  Congress  have  di- 
rected me  to  recommend  to  your  committee  to  make  an 
immediate  and  strict  inquiry  into  the  matters  to  which  the 
letter  refers,  and  take  the  examinations  on  oath  of  the  wit- 
nesses ;  and  if  you  find  satisfactory  reasons  to  suppose  the 
persons  threatened  to  be  in  danger,  that  you  lake  the 
proper  means  to  protect  them  ;  perhaps  the  binding  over 
to  the  peace  such  persons  as  may  be  strongly  suspected  of 
a  design  to  injure  the  persons  or  estates  of  those  gentle- 
men may  be  a  useful  expedient.  If  any  thing  afterwards 
shall  be  thought  necessary  to  be  done  for  their  further  pro- 
tection the  committee  will  attend  to  it.  If  you  should  find 
the  county  unable  to  give  the  necessary  protection,  you 
will  transmit  the  examinations  to  us,  that  the  Congress 
may  take  such  order  therein  as  may  be  proper.  The 
committee  may  rest  assured,  that  this  Congress  will  sup- 
port the  friends  of  liberty  to  the  utmost  of  their  power. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"To  Gilbert  Drake,  Esq.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Westchester  county." 

Mr.  Melancton  Smith  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
that  part  of  the  letter  to  the  committee  of  Westchester 
which  refers  them  to  the  civil  magistrate  be  struck  out  by 
consent  of  the  Congress.  The  question  was  put  by  ris- 
ing, and  carried  in  the  negative.  Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Tho- 
mas, Mr.  Sears  and  Mr.  Melancton  Smith  dissenting. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress,  that  on  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  letters,  examinations,  and  resolve  or  recom- 
mendation of  the  Continental  Congress,  relating  to  Grant, 
of  Dutchess  county,  as  the  Congress  was  not  sitting,  and 
not  a  probability  of  their  being  able  to  have  a  House  for 
some  days,  several  members,  who  assembled,  were  of 
opinion  that  the  business  therein  mentioned  would  not  ad- 
mit of  delay,  had  desired  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  him- 
self to  take  proper  measures  to  have  the  said  Grant  se- 
cured, and  the  said  recommendations  carried  into  execu- 
tion. That,  thereupon,  they  had  wrote  a  letter,  of  which 
they  delivered  in  a  draft,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  New-York,  29th  October,  1775. 
"  Sir — You  may  remember,  before  you  went  out  of 
town,  that  the  transport  which  went  from  hence  some  time 
ago  to  Boston,  was  cast  away  at  Brigantine  inlet,  in  Jer- 
sey, in  returning  to  this  place,  and  the  captain  and  crew, 
as  well  as  Capt.  Campbell,  late  of  your  county,  with 
several  marines,  were  taken  prisoners  and  carried  to  Phila- 
delphia, where  they  were  examined  before  the  Committee 
of  Safety  of  Pennsylvania  ;  which  examination  was  handed 
up  to  the  Continental  Congress,  from  which  the  enclosed 
extract,  No.  1,  is  made.  The  Congress,  in  consequence 
of  it,  wrote  ours  upon  the  subject,  an  extract  of  which  you 
have  herewith,  (marked  No.  2  ;)  our  Congress  being  ad- 
journed till  Tuesday  next,  and  it  being  uncertain  whether 
a  Congress  will  then  be  made,  a  number  of  the  members 
convened,  and  opened  the  above  letter,  and  from  the  ne- 
cessity of  the  case  advised  us  to  write  you  to  secure  the 
Mr.  Grant  mentioned  in  the  examination,  and  all  suspicious 
persons  about  Capt.  Campbell's  house,  and  examine  them 
touching  the  enlisting  men  for  the  ministerial  army,  and 
transmit  the  result  thereof  to  our  Congress  by  express. 
As  we  understand  there  are  several  of  the  Grants  in  your 
county,  we  think  it  will  be  proper  to  endeavour  to  desig- 
nate the  Grant  herein  mentioned  from  others  of  that  name, 
and  that  two  parties  should  be  sent  on  this  business,  one  to 
Grant's  and  the  other  to  Campbell's  house.  It  will  prevent 
suspicion  and  alarm,  if  they  appoint  a  place  of  rendezvous 
near  each  of  those  houses,  and  not  go  in  bodies  along 
the  road  for  some  distance  before  they  reach  the  houses. 
It  will  also  insure  success,  if  those  parties,  when  they  get 
to  their  respective  places  of  rendezvous,  stop  all  the  ave- 
nues leading  to  those  houses,  and  prevent  any  person  get- 
ting to  them  to  give  notice  of  the  approach  of  the  party  ; 
great  care  should  be  taken  that  no  rudeness  should  be  of- 
fered to  the  families  of  any  person  your  party  shall  find  it 
necessary  to  take.  We  submit  it  to  you  and  the  friends 
of  our  common  cause,  to  determine  what  number  and  who 
will  be  proper  to  carry  the  intentions  of  the  Continental 
Congress  into  execution. 
"  We  are  sir, 

"  With  great  truth  and  regard, 
"  Your  humble  servants, 
Signed,         "  ALEXR.  McDOUGALL, 

"GILBERT  LIVINGSTON. 

"  To  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Poughkeepsie." 

The  Congress  approved  of  their  proceedings  and  con- 
firmed the  same. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  defence- 
less state  of  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's 
river  in  the  Highlands.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  send  Capt.  Grennell 
and  Capt.  Ledyard,  with  their  companies,  up  to  the  said 
fortifications  immediately,  to  be  and  remain  until  matrosses 
are  raised  or  further  orders. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Continental  Congress 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  November  3d,  1775.  $ 
"  Sir — As  the  fort  in  the  Highlands  is  at  present  in  a 
defenceless  state  for  want  of  troops,  and  as  it  will  take 
some  time  to  raise  the  company  of  matrosses,  directed  by 
the  Congress,  we  have  ordered  two  incomplete  companies, 
now  here,  of  the  Continental  forces  from  which  drafts 
have  been  made,  to  that  post  until  the  company  of  matros- 
ses is  raised.  We  hope  this  step  will  meet  with  the  ap- 
probation of  the  Congress. 

"  And  are,  sir, 

*'  Your  humble  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"To  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  certificate  of  Simon  Cook  and  Lewis  Delavergne,  re- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


195 


turning  the  officers  of  the  second  minute  company  in 
Amenia  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  was  read  and  filed. 
The  officers  returned  are  Roswell  Kinne  captain,  Judah 
Burton  first  lieutenant,  Ebenezer  Carter  second  lieuten- 
ant, Andrew  Shaw  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  to  those  officers  issue, 
which  were  issued  accordingly. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  4th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Abraham  Yates,  President. 

Mr.  Hallett  produced  two  bills  of  exchange,  drawn  on 
Col.  Robinson,  one  of  350  dollars,  and  the  other  of  105 
dollars  and  a  letter  from  his  agent  at  Pensacola,  of  the 
10th  September  last,  informing  that  he  took  those  bills  be- 
fore he  knew  of  the  resolve  of  Congress  against  the  bills 
of  military  officers,  and  cannot  make  demand  for  those  bills 
until  they  are  returned  protested.    Debates  arose  thereon. 

For  paying  the  bills.  Against  paying  the  bills. 

Albany,   3      Dutchess,   2 

Queens,   2 

Richmond,   2 

New- York,   4 

Tryon,   2 

Kings,   2 

15 

Ordered,  That  the  examinations  of  P.  T.  Curtenius  and 
Thomas  Pearsall  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  the  city 
of  New-York,  and  that  the  said  committee  be  requested  to 
call  the  said  persons  before  them  and  make  proper  inquiries 
therein,  and  to  treat  all  such  persons  as  they  find  offend- 
ing against  the  Continental  resolves  agreeable  to  their  de- 
merits. 

Ordered,  That  any  three  of  the  auditors  audit  the  ac- 
count of  E.  W.  Kiers,  amounting  to  £27  lis.  2d.  that  it 
may  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Col.  Jas.  Clinton, 
covering  a  copy  of  this  account,  and  requesting  him  to  stop 
the  pay  of  the  deserters  therein  mentioned,  and  retain  the 
amount  thereof  out  of  the  pay  of  the  said  deserters  to  en- 
able him  to  reimburse  the  same  to  this  Congress,  their 
Treasurer  or  order. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  James  Clinton  was 

read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Nov.  4th,  1775.  J 

"  Sir — Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  an  account  of  expenses 
paid  and  expended  for  apprehending  and  conveying  to 
Albany  thirteen  deserters,  belonging  to  Capt.  Johnston's 
company,  of  your  regiment. 

"  The  Congress  request  you  will  make  an  immediate 
stoppage  in  their  pay  to  reimburse  the  sum  paid  for  that 
service,  that  you  may  be  enabled  to  account  to  the  Con- 
gress for  the  same. 

"  We  are,  respectfully  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 

"  To  Col.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  certified  copy  of  the 
said  account  and  the  above  order,  be  transmitted. 

The  affidavit  of  Francis  James  of  this  day  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  Francis  James  be  paid  for  one  half  of 
the  pilot  boat  the  Hampden,  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
pounds,  and  for  one  half  of  the  wages  or  hire  of  the  said 
boat  and  her  mariners,  the  sum  of  £45,  on  his  executing 


a  proper  conveyance  for  one  moiety  of  the  boat,  and  deliver- 
ing over  the  papers  relating  to  the  said  boat,  to  Mr.  Jacobus 
Van  Zandt,  and  entering  into  covenants  to  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
that  if  any  money  should  be  allowed  for  the  said  boat,  or 
for  the  service  or  detention  of  the  said  boat  while  employed 
in  His  Majesty's  service,  that  he  will  pay  a  moiety  thereof 
to  Jacobus  Van  Zandt.  And  also,  a  covenant  that  if  it 
shall  hereafter  appear  that  the  said  boat  was  taken  by  col- 
lusion, or  any  deceit  of  the  master  or  owners  or  either  of 
them,  that  then  he  will  repay  the  said  moneys  to  the  said 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt.  And, 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress,  to  pay  the  said  moneys. 

Ordered,  That  the  pilots  of  this  city  do  not  go  on  board 
of  any  vessels  with  troops  on  board,  but  that  any  pilot  who 
may  discover  any  vessel  with  troops  on  board,  do  imme- 
diately give  intelligence  thereof  to  this  Congress,  or  to  the 
Committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  to  the  inhabitants, 
with  the  utmost  expedition,  and  that  Mr.  Beekman  and 
Mr.  Yates  be  a  committee  to  give  directions  to  the  pilots 
for  that  purpose,  and  direct  the  pilots  to  keep  this  order 
secret. 

Henry  Glenn,  Esq.  produced  to  this  Congress  the  note 
of  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esq.  dated  the  2d  of  June  last, 
to  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  or  his  order,  for  the  sum  of  seven 
hundred  pounds,  with  a  receipt  endorsed  thereon  for  the 
whole  amount  received  of  the  said  Henry  Glenn,  dated  this 
day,  and  signed  Andrew  Lott,  deputy  treasurer.  The 
said  note  is  given  to  Mr.  Glenn  for  the  use  of  Abraham 
Ten  Broeck. 

Christopher  Tappen,  Esq.  produced  to  this  Congress 
the  note  of  Egbert  Dumond,  Esq.  dated  the  12th  July  last, 
to  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  or  his  order,  for  £428,  received  in 
an  order  on  the  loan  officers  of  Ulster  county,  with  a 
receipt  endorsed  thereon  signed  by  Andrew  Lott,  deputy 
treasurer,  for  the  amount  of  the  said  note,  this  day  received 
of  the  said  Christopher  Tappen.  The  said  note  is  given 
to  Mr.  Tappen  for  the  use  of  Egbert  Dumond. 

David  Clarkson,  Esq.  produced  to  this  Congress  his  note 
to  Abraham  Lott,  Esq.  Treasurer  of  this  Colony,  dated  the 
second  day  of  June  last,  for  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
pounds  borrowed  by  order  and  for  the  use  of  this  Congress, 
and  at  that  time  delivered  to  Dirck  Swart,  for  the  public 
services  in  removing  cannon,  stores  from  Ticonderoga, 
and  disbursements  attending  the  same.  Mr.  Clarkson  also 
delivered  in  Swart's  receipt  for  the  said  200  pounds,  dated 
on  said  second  day  of  June  last,  which  is  filed  with  the 
Secretaries. 

A  letter  from  the  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  recommending 
an  Indian,  the  bearer  thereof,  for  money  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  returned  to  the  bearer, 
and  that  he  be  referred  to  the  Continental  commissioners 
for  Indian  affairs. 

Capt.  Hutchinson,  captain  of  a  company  of  minute  men 
in  Haverstraw  precinct,  attending  at  the  door  was  admitted. 
He  informs  that  he  had  formerly  taken  up  three  deserters 
from  Capt.  Robert  Johnson's  company,  who  were  not  then 
sent  up  to  the  regiment  because  they  were  sick  ;  that 
they  are  now  recovered  and  fit  for  duty,  and  he  requests 
to  be  directed  what  shall  be  done  witli  them.  Capt. 
Hutchinson  was  directed  to  send  them  to  the  new  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands,  as  soon  as  he  shall  hear  that  any 
company  of  the  Continental  troops  are  there. 

Ordered,  That  a  proper  shed  be  built  in  or  near  the 
barracks'  yard,  to  deposite  the  artillery  of  the  Colony. 
And  it  is  also 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Anthony  Griffiths  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by appointed  a  commissary  to  purchase  stores  necessary 
for  the  cannon  of  the  two  artillery  companies,  and  that  he 
superintend  the  building  of  the  said  shed. 


MINUTES 

OF  THE 

Proceedings  during  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
BY  THEIR  ADJOURNMENT  ON  THE  4th  OF  NOVEMBER,  1775, 

Until  a  sufficient  number  of  the  newly  elected  Delegates  attended  to  represent  a 
majority  of  the  counties  and  form  a  Congress  on  the  6th  of  December,  1775. 

Note. — The  new  Congress  were  to  have  met  on  the  14th  of  November;  they  were  to  be  elected  on  the  7th  of  No- 
vember, according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  27th  of  October. 


A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress  was  received  by  express,  after  the 
Provincial  Congress  had  adjourned,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  Nov.  9th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  several  letters  lately  received  have 
been  laid  before  Congress ;  those  that  respect  the  fort  in 
the  Highland  have  been  acted  upon,  and  I  here  enclose 
you  the  resolutions  of  Congress  thereupon,  which  you  will 
please  to  put  in  immediate  execution.  As  soon  as  Con- 
gress have  determined  upon  the  other  matters  mentioned 
in  your  letters,  the  result  shall  be  communicated  to  you. 
As  I  am  directed  to  forward  immediately,  by  express,  the 
enclosed,  I  have  not  time  to  add  but  that 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presdt. 
"  To  the  Members  of  the  Convention  of  New- York." 

The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  8th 
of  November,  enclosed  in  the  said  letter,  are  as  follows,  viz: 

"  In  Congress,  Nov.  8th,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  a  commander  with  the  rank  of  a  colonel 
be  appointed  to  take  the  command  of  the  fortifications  or 
fortresses  in  the  Highlands,  on  Hudson's  river. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention 
of  New- York  to  empower  the  said  commander  to  call  to- 
gether and  command  200  men  of  the  militia  of  Dutchess, 
Orange  and  Ulster  counties,  and  one  company  of  artillery 
from  the  city  of  New-York,  who  shall  be  stationed  in  the 
Highlands  until  relieved  by  the  company  of  artillery  di- 
rected by  this  Congress  to  be  raised  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  such  other  Continental  troops  as  may  hereafter 
be  directed  to  take  possession  of  the  same. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  minute  men  or  militia,  while  on 
service  be  maintained  and  paid  at  the  same  rate  as  the  rest 
of  the  Continental  forces. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  number  of  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster  be  formed  into  inde- 
pendent companies  under  the  direction  of  the  commander 
of  the  said  fortresses,  and  in  case  of  alarm  be  directed  to 

50 


repair  to  the  several  stations  in  the  Highlands,  which,  in 
order  to  prevent  confusion,  should  be  immediately  assigned 
to  them. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  troops  which  shall  at  any  time 
hereafter  be  directed  to  garrison  the  fortresses  in  the  High- 
lands be  put  under  the  direction  of  the  commander  of  the 
fortresses,  except  when  headed  by  a  general  officer. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Deputy  Commissary-General  be 
directed  to  provide  sufficient  provisions  for  1000  men  for 
one  month  and  keep  that  quantity  in  stock. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  powder  sent  from  this  place  to 
Gen.  Schuyler  be  remanded,  if  it  can  be  any  ways  spared, 
and  left  at  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  of  this  city 
be  requested  to  furnish  the  Colony  of  New-York  with 
5001b.  of  powder,  and  to  forward  the  same  immediately 
to  Dobbs'  ferry  ;  that  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New- 
York  give  orders  to  receive  it  there,  and  send  it  as  soon  as 
possible  to  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention 
of  New- York,  if  they  have  not  already  sent  forward  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  cannon  for  the  defence  of  the  fortresses 
erecting  in  the  Highlands,  that  they  immediately  send  for- 
ward to  those  fortresses  so  many  of  the  cannon  at  King's 
Bridge,  of  the  best  quality  and  largest  bore,  as  they  may 
think  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

"  Thursday,  Nov.  9th,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  the  appointment  of  the  commander  of 
the  fortresses  on  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands  be  post- 
poned to  Wednesday  next,  and  that  Capt.  John  Hanson 
take  and  keep  the  command  of  the  said  fortresses  and  the 
troops  there  until  the  Congress  shall  appoint  a  commander 
of  said  fortresses. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 
"  By  order  of  the  Congress, 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 
The  Provincial  Congress  having  adjourned  to  the  14th 
of  November  when  the  new  elected  members  are  to  meet ; 
such  of  the  members  of  the  new  Congress  as  were  present 


198 


MINUTES  DURING  THE 


RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 


in  New-York  forwarded  copies  of  said  resolutions  to  the 
committees  of  Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster  counties  en- 
closed in  a  letter  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Nov.  lZlh,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  see  by  the  enclosed  copy  of 
sundry  resolutions,  received  by  express  from  the  honourable 
Continental  Congress,  that  your  county  together  with  the 
other  two  counties  therein  mentioned  are  to  furnish  imme- 
diately two  hundred  men  to  the  fortifications  on  Hudson's 
river,  to  be  maintained  and  paid  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  Continental  troops,  and  to  remain  there  until  relieved. 
That  you  are  also  to  form  a  number  of  your  militia  into 
companies  to  be  ready  in  case  of  alarm  to  proceed  to  any 
post  on  the  river  and  perform  duty  at  a  minute's  warning. 

"  We  conceive  that  you  will  think  it  your  duty  to  fur- 
nish immediately  at  least  one-third  of  the  number  required, 
to  wit :  a  company  of  sixty-seven  men,  including  officers, 
properly  armed,  accoutred  and  equipped,  to  proceed  with- 
out delay  to  the  said  fortifications,  and  remain  there  till 
relieved  by  order  of  the  Continental  Congress.  If  you 
shall  find  it  convenient  to  raise  and  send  to  the  forts  more 
than  your  proportion,  or  inconvenient  to  furnish  your  pro- 
portion, we  request  that  in  either  such  case  you  would  imme- 
diately despatch  one  or  more  of  your  most  judicious  mem- 
bers to  the  committees  of  the  other  two  counties  mentioned 
in  the  said  resolutions,  and  make  such  an  arrangement  as 
to  have  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  fully 
complied  with.  This  will  no  doubt  be  most  easily  done 
by  stationing  one  of  your  best  companies  of  minute  men  or 
independent  companies  at  the  forts,  or  such  other  places  as 
shall  be  directed  for  the  present  by  the  commanding  officer 
of  the  Continental  forces  at  the  fort. 

"  As  the  Deputy  Commissary-General  is  directed  to  pro- 
vide and  keep  there  a  sufficient  stock  of  provisions  for  a 
thousand  men,  we  presume  that  beside  your  proportion  of 
200  men,  now  ordered  to  garrison  those  forts,  the  propor- 
tion of  the  militia  of  your  county,  which  is  to  be  formed 
in  readiness  to  march  to  the  fortresses,  or  such  stations  in 
the  Highlands  as  shall  be  assigned  them  in  case  of  any 
alarm,  cannot  be  less  than  three  hundred.  We  therefore 
pray  you  also  to  make  a  proper  arrangement  in  the  militia 
of  your  county  for  this  service,  and  to  take  especial  care 
that  the  officers  be  such  as  feel  the  cause  of  their  country 
and  will  defend  it ;  and  that  you  send  us  by  the  return  of 
your  members  to  Congress,  or  sooner  if  possible,  a  full 
account  of  your  proceedings  in  the  premises,  that  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  as  soon  as  met,  may  be  enabled  to  give 
a  proper  and  satisfactory  answer  to  the  honorable  Conti- 
nental Congress,  and  convince  both  our  friends  and  foes 
that  we  are  as  willing,  as  ready  and  as  brave  as  any  of  our 
sister  Colonies  on  the  Continent. 

"As  our  Provincial  Congress  was  adjourned  before  the 
arrival  of  the  express  from  Philadelphia,  to  the  14th  inst. 
when  new  elected  members  are  to  meet,  we  thought  it  our 
duty  to  forward  to  you  a  copy  of  the  resolutions,  as  far  as 
they  respect  your  county,  with  our  sentiments  on  the  sub- 
ject, and  are  most  respectfully, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servants, 

(Signed,)  "  P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON, 

"ALEXR.  McDOUGALL, 
"  JACOBUS  VAN  ZANDT, 
"JAMES  BEEKMAN, 
" EGBERT  DUMOND, 
"WM.  ALLISON, 
"  THOMAS  SMITH." 

The  same  gentlemen  also  addressed  a  letter  to  Walter 
Livingston,  Esq.  Deputy  Commissary-General,  in  the  words 
following,  viz  : 

"  Sir — We  received  by  express  from  Philadelphia  sun- 
dry resolutions  of  Congress.  We  enclose  you  a  copy  of 
such  of  them  as  will  show  you  the  necessity  of  furnishing 
and  keeping  up  a  stock  of  provisions  for  a  thousand  men 
for  a  month,  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands.  Those 
posts  have  been  hitherto  supplied  from  hence. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  suggest  it  as  our  opinion,  that  though 


a  proper  stock  of  salt  provision  must  be  laid  in  store,  yet 
fresh  beef  for  present  daily  consumption  will  be  most  heal- 
thy for  the  troops,  and  much  the  cheapest,  and  may  be 
easily  obtained  in  great  plenty  from  Orange  county  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  fort. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  ALEXR.  McDOUGALL, 
"JACOBUS  VAN  ZANDT, 
"JAMES  BEEKMAN, 
"EGBERT  DUMOND, 
"WM.  ALLISON, 
"THOS.  SMITH. 

"  New-York,  November  13th,  1775. 
"  To  Walter  Livingston,  Esq." 


New-York,  November  22d,  1775. 

Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York  and  the  counties  of  Westchester,  Ulster  and 
Dutchess,  in  Provincial  Congress,  met,  and  there  not 
being  a  majority  of  the  counties  represented,  the  gentle 
men  present  requested  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  late 
Provincial  Congress  to  address  a  letter  to  the  members 
chosen  to  represent  King's  county,  in  the  words  following  : 

"  New-York,  November  22d,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  members  chosen  to  represent  the 
counties  of  New-York,  Westchester,  Ulster  and  Dutchess 
in  Provincial  Congress,  have  met  several  days  past,  but 
cannot  proceed  to  business  for  want  of  more  members  ;  I 
am  therefore  directed  by  those  met  to  request  of  you  that 
a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  represent  your  county, 
do  attend  and  take  their  seats  as  soon  as  possible,  that  the 
business  of  the  great  cause  we  are  engaged  in  may  be  no 
longer  delayed  or  neglected. 

"  I  am  gent,  your  most  obdt.  humble  servt." 

The  Deputies  present  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


New-York,  November  23d,  1775. 

Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  counties  of  New- York, 
Albany,  Dutchess,  Westchester,  Kings,  Suffolk  and  Ul- 
ster in  Provincial  [Congress]  convened,  but  there  not  be- 
ing a  majority  of  the  counties  represented,  the  gentlemen 
present  requested  Mr.  Robert  Benson,  one  of  the  Secre- 
taries of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  to  address  a  letter 
to  the  committee  of  Orange  county  in  the  words  follow- 
ing : 

"  New-York,  November  23d,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — The  Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the 
counties  of  New-York,  Albany,  Dutchess,  Westchester, 
Kings,  Suffolk  and  Ulster  in  Provincial  Congress  are  met, 
but  as  they  are  not  a  majority  of  the  counties  cannot  pro- 
ceed to  business.  I  am  therefore  directed  by  the  mem- 
bers present  to  write  you  by  express,  requesting  that  a 
representation  of  your  county  may  be  sent  down  to  the 
Congress  without  loss  of  time,  that  the  measures  neces- 
sary to  be  carried  into  execution  may  not  be  delayed  or 
neglected. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"R.  BENSON. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  members  of  the 

Committee  of  Orange  county." 

The  Deputies  present  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


New-York,  November  24th,  1775. 

The  Deputies  from  several  of  the  counties  met,  but 
there  not  being  a  majority  of  the  counties  represented,  the 
gentlemen  present  requested  Mr.  Benson  to  address  a  let- 
ter to  the  Representatives  of  the  county  of  Richmond,  in 
the  late  Provincial  Congress,  in  the  words  following,  viz : 


MINUTES  DURING  THE  RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 


199 


"New-York,  November  24th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — The  Deputies  from  most  of  the  coun- 
ties have  met  during  the  course  of  this  week,  and  with 
the  addition  of  a  few  members  who  are  hourly  expected, 
will  undoubtedly  form  a  Congress  next  Monday  or  Tues- 
day at  farthest,  and  proceed  to  business. 

"  A  report  prevails,  that  the  people  of  your  county  will 
not  send  members  to  represent  them  in  Provincial  Con- 
gress. I  am  directed  by  the  members  present  to  inform 
you  of  this,  and  to  request  that  you  will  inform  them  as 
soon  as  you  possibly  can  of  the  state  of  your  county  rela- 
tive to  the  choice  of  Deputies  to  represent  them  in  the 
ensuing  Congress. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  R.  BENSON. 

"To  Paul  Micheau,  John  Journey, 
Aaron  Cortelyou,  Richard  Con- 
nor and  Richard  Lawrence,  Esqs. 
Richmond  county." 

The  Deputies  present  then  adjourned  from  day  to  day 
until  Friday,  the  1st  day  of  December. 


New-York,  Friday,  Dec.  1st,  1775. 

The  Deputies  of  several  counties,  chosen  to  represent 
the  said  counties  in  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony 
of  New-York,  having  met  several  days,  but  the  Represen- 
tatives of  a  majority  of  the  counties  not  being  present, 
could  not  proceed  to  business  as  a  Congress ;  wherefore, 
for  the  sake  of  order  and  for  the  purpose  of  reading  and 
answering  several  letters  which  have  been  received  since 
the  dissolution  of  the  last  Congress,  and  for  taking  such 
measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  calling  such  other 
members  as  are  chosen  and  have  not  attended,  chose 
Col.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Chairman. 

The  members  present  are  as  follows,  viz  : 

Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Maj.  Nicoll,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  Humphreys — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Graham,  Mr.  Thomas,  Mr.  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wyncoop,  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Palmer — Ulster. 

Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hohart— Suffolk. 
Agreed,  That  circular  letters  be  wrote  and  transmitted 
by  express  to  the  counties  of  Tryon,  Charlotte  and  Cum- 
berland, requesting  that  the  Deputies  chosen  to  represent 
the  said  counties  in  Provincial  Congress,  may  be  sent 
down  to  attend  said  Congress  without  delay. 

Agreed,  That  letters  similar  be  wrote  and  sent  by  ex- 
press to  Orange,  Kings  and  Dutchess  counties. 

By  order  of  the  Deputies  attending,  a  letter  was  ad- 
dressed to  the  committees  of  some  of  the  counties,  and 
signed  by  John  McKesson,  their  Secretary,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  December  1st,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — The  Deputies  of  New  York,  Albany, 
Dutchess,  Westchester,  Ulster  and  Suffolk  have  attended 
a  considerable  time  in  New-York,  and  have  not  been  able 
to  form  a  Congress.  They  have  directed  me  to  write  to 
you,  and  press  the  necessity  that,  your  county  do  immedi- 
ately send  Deputies  to  attend  the  Provincial  Congress,  so 
as  to  represent  the  county. 

"  The  public  business  has  long  been  delayed  for  want 
of  members.  The  gentlemen  present  hope  that  there  is 
no  occasion  to  represent  to  you  the  disagreeable  state  that 
this  Colony  must  be  reduced  to  without  a  Provincial  Con- 
gress. On  the  one  hand,  should  the  reins  of  Government 
be  let  loose,  and  the  mob  direct  matters  at  their  pleasure, 
the  horrors  of  our  situation  may  be  more,  easily  conceived 
than  described.  And  on  the  other  hand,  should  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  find  it  necessary  for  the  public  service, 
and  for  the  want  of  a  Congress,  to  put  the  Colony  under 
a  military  government,  directed  by  a  major-general  and  an 


army,  (and  that  at  the  sole  expense  of  this  Colony,)  you 
may  easily  imagine  what  disagreeable  consequences  will 
ensue.  Many  gentlemen  present  are  apprehensive  that 
one  or  the  other  of  the  above  events  will  be  the  conse- 
quence if  a  Congress  is  not  speedily  formed,  so  as  to  pro- 
ceed to  business  and  direct. 

"  I  am,  (by  order  of  the  gentlemen  present,) 
"  Most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  McKESSON." 

One  copy  whereof  was  addressed  to  the  committee  of 
Tryon  county  ;  another  copy  was  addressed  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Charlotte ;  and  another  copy  to  the  committee 
of  Cumberland. 

By  order  of  the  Deputies  present,  a  letter  was  addressed 
to  the  committee  of  Orange  county  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, viz  : 

"  New-York,  December  1st,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  extremely  sorry  to  inform  you 
that  we  have  not  yet  been  able  to  make  a  Congress,  and 
as  we  suppose  that  your  county  have  now  held  the  election 
for  Deputies  to  represent  you  here,  we  beg  that  you  will 
not  delay  sending  down  your  members  by  next  Monday 
morning,  that  the  public  business  may  no  longer  suffer  for 
the  want  of  a  representation  of  your  county.  For  such  is 
the  perilous  state  of  America,  and  this  Colony  in  particular, 
that  a  Convention  of  the  Deputies  is  absolutely  necessary 
with  the  utmost  despatch.  But  if  after  such  repeated  ap- 
plications to  your  county  to  be  in  Congress  by  their  Depu- 
ties, if  you  continue  to  neglect  a  measure  so  necessary  for 
your  reputation  and  safety,  you  must  not  complain  if  the 
Congress  determine  upon  matters  relative  to  your  county, 
in  common  with  others,  although  yours  should,  by  your  in- 
attention, be  unrepresented. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Orange  county." 

Letter  from  Paul  Micheau,  one  of  the  Deputies  from 
Richmond  county  in  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  directed 
to  Mr.  Robert  Benson,  Secretary  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, New-York. 

"  Richmond  county,  December  1st,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  received  yours  of  the  24th  ult.  last  night,  and 
expected  that  our  committee  had  acquainted  the  Congress, 
ere  this,  of  the  state  of  the  county  relative  to  the  choosing 
new  Deputies. 

"  When  I  returned  from  Congress,  I  immediately  ac- 
quainted them  that  the  Congress  was  dissolved,  and  had 
ordered  the  committees  in  each  county  to  convene  the  peo- 
ple to  elect  new  Deputies,  and  desired  them  to  advertise 
all  such  persons  in  the  county  as  had  a  right  to  choose 
Representatives  in  General  Assembly. 

"  I  am  now  to  inform  you  that,  agreeable  to  my  request, 
a  meeting  of  the  committee  was  called,  in  order  to  adver- 
tise, and,  not  a  majority  appearing,  those  that  did  appear 
concluded  that  they  were  not  empowered  to  act ;  since 
which  nothing  has  been  done. 

"  I  should  be  glad  the  Congress  would  write  the  com- 
mittee to  send  their  reasons  for  not  convening  the  people  ; 
a  list  of  their  names  you  will  see  at  bottom. 

"  The  situation  of  my  family  is  such  at  present,  that  if 
the  people  should  think  proper  to  choose  me  again,  I  can 
by  no  means  serve. 

"  That  the  present  Congress  may  endeavour  to  keep 
tranquillity  and  good  order  in  our  Province,  and  make 
peace  with  our  mother  country,  is  the  sincere  and  fervent 
wish  of 

"  Your  most  sincere  friend  and  humble  servant, 

"PAUL  MICHEAU. 
"  P.  S.  Please  to  communicate  this  to  Congress. 
"  Committee's  Names. — Capt.  John  Kittletas,  Capt. 
Christian  Jacobson,  Capt.  Cornelius  Dussosway,  Henry 
Perine,  David  Latourelle,  Esq.,  Peter  Messereau,  John 
Poillon,  Moses  Depuy,  Lambert  Merrill,  John  Tysen,  Jo- 
seph Christopher,  George  Barns  and  Daniel  Corson." 


200  MINUTES  DURING  THE 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in  Continen- 
tal Congress,  was  read  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  3d  November,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — On  perusing  our  credentials  we  find  the 
continuance  of  our  Delegation  unlimited.  As  this  appears 
to  us  an  omission  of  great  importance,  we  think  it  our  duty  to 
apprise  you  of  it,  and  hope  that  no  delicacy,  with  respect 
to  us,  may  influence  you  to  decline  a  new  appointment. 

"  We  have  been  informed  that  compensation  for  our  ex- 
penses and  loss  of  time  is  under  your  consideration,  and  as 
we  presume  an  account  of  the  provision  made  by  the  other 
Colonies,  for  their  respective  Delegates,  would  be  agreea- 
ble to  you,  we  take  the  liberty  of  subjoining  it. 

"  Georgia.— £100  sterling  to  each  Delegate  per  month. 

"  South  Carolina.— £300  to  each  for  the  last  Congress. 

"  North  Carolina.— £500  currency  to  each  per  year. 

"  Virginia. — A  half  Johs.  per  day  to  each. 

"  Maryland. — 40  shillings  to  each  per  day,  Proc. 

"  Pennsylvania— 20  shillings  to  each  per  day  besides  the  allowance 
to  such  of  the  members  as  come  from  the  counties. 

"  Connecticut. — 3  dollars  to  each  per  day  for  loss  of  time  besides 
all  expenses,  allowing  each  Delegate  a  servant  and  two  horses. 

"  Rhode-Island. — Exactly  the  same  as  Connecticut. 

"  Massachusetts. — All  expenses  as  above  and  two  dollars  to  each 
per  day. 

"  New-Hampshire.— All  expenses  as  above  and  half  a  guinea  per 
day  to  each. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  The  Congress's  and  your  humble  servants, 

"  ROB.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"  FRANCIS  LEWIS, 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"JOHN  JAY." 

A  letter  from  James  Duane  and  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Jr.  two  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continental 
Congress,  was  read  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  have  taken  the  resolu- 
tion to  appoint  a  commander  of  the  fortress  in  the  High- 
lands, with  the  rank  of  colonel,  and  Wednesday  is  fixed 
for  the  purpose. 

"  As  it  must  be  of  moment  that  this  command  should  be 
vested  in  a  person  of  abilities,  and  in  whom  the  inhabitants 
place  confidence,  we  wish  you  would  name  three  or  four 
gentlemen,  who  are  competent  for  the  trust,  and  we  shall 
endeavour  to  get  one  of  them  preferred. 

"  You  will,  however,  be  pleased  to  observe  that,  as  these 
works  are  erected  at  Continental  expense,  the  Congress 
claim  an  absolute  right  to  appoint  the  officers. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 

"ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 

"  Philadelphia,  9th  Nov.  1775. 
"  Honourable  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to 
the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  dated  at  Philadelphia  on  the  4th  of  November 
last,  and  signed  A.  was  read  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  Philadelphia,  4th  of  Nov.  1775. 

"  Gentlemen  of  the  Committee — 

"  I  sincerely  sympathize  with  you  in  your 
distress,  and  from  the  inhuman  proceedings  of  those  tyrants 
that  infest  America,  I  am  afraid  your  valuable  town  of 
New-York  is  in  danger  of  being  burnt.  I  would,  there- 
fore, recommend  to  you  to  prepare  fire  vessels,  which, 
properly  made  use  of,  will  defend  you  against  your  infer- 
nal enemies,  and  save  your  town,  which  is  valuable.  1 
am  of  opinion  that  I  am  possessed  of  a  knowledge  that 
would  be  efficacious  in  burning  such  vessels  as  may  come 
to  do  you  damage ;  but  as  my  situation  requires  me  to 
conceal  my  name  at  present,  it  would  not  be  prudent  it 
should  yet  be  known,  as  it  may  be  attended  with  ill  conse- 
quences to  me  ;  neither  would  it  be  prudent  to  risk  my 
advice  without  an  advantage,  in  proportion  to  the  service  I 


RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 

may  do.    Should  you,  therefore,  gentlemen,  conceive  tha 
above  proposal  to  be  of  any  importance  and  deserving  of 
an  answer,  be  pleased  to  direct  to  A.  at  the  London  Coffee 
House,  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Hugh  James,  the  bar-keeper. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servant, 

A. 

Directed  "  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety  in  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  dated  at  Albany 
on  the  2d  November  ult.  informing  Congress  of  the  death 
of  John  Keyser,  second  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Christopher 
Yates'  company,  and  recommending  that  Mr.  Tobias  Van 
Vechten,  may  be  appointed  to  supply  the  vacancy. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  was  read,  in  the 
words  following,  viz  : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  having  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  purchase  clothing  for  the  army,  in  the  northern 
department,  and  the  committee  having  purchased  them,  I 
am  directed  to  inform  you,  that  they  are  ordered  to  be  sent 
by  land  to  Dobbs'  ferry,  where  you  are  requested  to  have 
a  boat  ready  to  take  them  in  and  transport  them  immedi- 
ately to  Albany.  The  wagons  set  out  to-morrow  morning. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  Philadelphia,  10th  Nov.  1775. 
"  To  the  gentlemen  of  the  Congress  at  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Tucker,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Trenton,  was  read  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  Trenton,  10th  Nov.  1775. 
"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  17th  ult.  covering  several  re- 
solutions of  the  Continental  and  your  Provincial  Congress, 
was  delivered  to  me  this  afternoon  under  a  new  blank  co- 
ver, the  hand  writing  of  the  superscription  to  me  unknown. 
And  Congress  adjourned  on  the  28th  of  last  month,  to  the 
first  Tuesday  in  April  next,  unless  sooner  convened  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety. 

"  The  Assembly  of  this  Colony  meets  at  Burlington  on 
Wednesday  next,  at  which  time  I  shall  have  the  opportu- 
nity of  seeing  several  members  of  our  Committee  of  Safety, 
to  whom  I  shall  communicate  the  contents  of  your  letter  ; 
at  present  the  mode  of  forwarding  all  intelligence,  ex- 
presses, &c.  is  by  our  town  committees  who  on  the  first 
notice,  furnish  horses  and  proper  persons  from  one  town 
to  the  other,  which  has  answered  very  well  as  far  as  I  have 
heard  in  times  past,  although  I  am  convinced  a  further  re- 
gulation is  necessary,  and  horses  and  proper  persons  ought 
to  be  in  readiness,  kept  at  every  stage  for  the  purpose.  I 
have  only  to  add  that  I  am,  although  unknown, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"SAML.  TUCKER. 
"  P.  S.  Direct  in  future  to  me  at  Trenton." 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  Clopper,  one  of  the  Deputies 
elected  to  represent  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and 
dated  the  14th  ult.  informing  Congress  that  the  remoteness 
of  his  situation  from  town,  renders  it  highly  inconvenient 
for  a  person  of  his  advanced  life  and  infirm  constitution  to 
give  his  attendance,  and  hoping  they  will  accept  of  his  re- 
signation, was  received  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  John  Van  Ness,  dated  at  Rynebeck 
the  14th  Nov.  1775,  informing  Congress  of  the  place  of 
rendezvous  of  his  regiment  in  case  of  an  alarm,  and  that 
powder  and  lead  is  much  wanted,  was  received  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  advising  of  the  reduction 
of  St.  John's,  was  read  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Nov.  7th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  am  this  moment  honoured  wtth  Gen. 
Montgomery's  despatches,  advising  me  of  the  reduction  of 
St.  John's,  which  surrendered  on  the  third  inst.  On  this  in- 
teresting event  I  congratulate  you  with  all  that  satisfaction 
which  arises  from  a  hope,  that  it  will  be  another  step  to- 
wards inducing  the  ministry  to  hearken  to  the  wish  of 
America  for  a  reconciliation.    And  that  Gen.  Montgomery 


MINUTES  DURING  THE 


RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 


201 


commanded,  whom  you  recommended  in  such  a  polite 
manner  to  Congress.    The  difficulties  he  has  had  to  sur- 
mount would  be  too  long  for  a  letter  at  a  time  when  I  wish 
his  success  should  be  known  the  soonest  possible. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 
"  Gen.  Carlton  attempted  our  posts  at  L'Onguiel  and 
although  he  had  a  considerable  body,  has  been  beat  back 
with  loss. 

"  The  New-York  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  said  letter  be  re- 
ferred to  the  Provincial  Congress.  [This  letter  answered 
December.] 

Another  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  was  read  in  the 
words  following,  viz  : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Nov.  18th,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  congratulate  you  on  the 
success  of  our  arms  in  the  reduction  of  Montreal,  which 
was  delivered  up  to  Gen.  Montgomery  on  the  13th  inst. 
You  will  feel  a  particular  satisfaction  in  the  reflection  that 
you  recommended  this  brave,  experienced  and  sensible 
gentleman  to  a  command.  May  indulgent  Heaven  smile  on 
our  honest  endeavours  in  every  future  contest,  that  an  in- 
fatuated ministry  may  see  the  errors  they  have  gone  into, 
and  that  peace,  mutual  love  and  interest  may  again  unite 
Britons  and  Americans  in  the  most  indissoluble  ties,  and 
erect  one  mighty  empire  which  the  hand  of  the  Great  Ar- 
chitect of  the  Universe  only  will  be  able  to  crush. 

"I  am,  sir,  with  sentiments  of  great  respect  for  you  and 
the  respectable  body  in  which  you  preside, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble,  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to 
the  Provincial  Congress. 

Another  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  was  read  in  the  words 
following,  viz  : 

"  Ticonderoga,  Nov.  20th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — As  I  am  not  advised  of  what  money  has 
been  advanced  the  troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  I  find  it 
impossible  to  pay  them  without  the  hazard  of  going  be- 
yond what  they  ought  to  have,  especially  as  several  of  the 
officers  do  not  know  what  they  have  received.  You  will 
therefore  please  with  all  possible  despatch  to  transmit  me 
an  account  of  what  has  been  paid  by  Congress,  their  agents 
or  committees,  specifying  the  officers'  names,  to  whom,  by 
whom  and  when,  and  distinguishing  between  billetting  mo- 
ney and  pay. 

"  The  frost  is  so  intense  that  this  lake  is  already  in 
many  parts  covered  with  ice,  and  if  it  continues  a  few 
days  longer  I  fear  our  intercourse  with  Canada  will  be  cut 
off  for  this  year. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  this  letter  be  also 
referred  to  the  next  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  was  read  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Cambridge,  16th  November,  1775. 
"  Sir — It  was  determined  at  the  conference  held  here  in 
the  last  month,  that  such  military  stores  as  could  be  spared 
from  New-York,  Crown  Point,  Ticonderoga,  &c.  should 
be  sent  here  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army.  As  it  was 
not  clear  to  me  whether  I  was  to  send  for,  or  that  they  were 
to  be  sent  to  me,  I  desired  Mr.  Reed,  on  his  way  to  Phi- 
ladelphia, to  inquire  into  this  matter.  As  I  have  not 
heard  from  him  on  this  subject,  and  the  season  advancing 
fast,  I  have  thought  it  necessary  to  send  Henry  Knox, 
Esq.  who  will  deliver  you  this.  After  he  forwards  what 
he  can  get  at  your  place,  he  will  proceed  to  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler, on  this  very  important  business.    I  request  the  favour 

51 


of  you,  sir,  and  the  gentlemen  of  your  Congress,  to  give 
Mr.  Knox  all  the  assistance  in  your  power.  By  so  doing, 
you  will  render  infinite  service  to  your  country,  and  vastly 
oblige, 

"  Sir,  your  most  ob.  hum.  servt. 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  Deputy  Com- 
missary General,  in  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  gentlemen 
assembled  on  the  13th,  was  read  in  the  words  following : 

"  Gentlemen — 1  received  your  favour  of  the  13th  inst. 
and  am  of  opinion  that  fresh  beef  will  soon  be  scarce  un- 
less I  purchase  stall  fed  cattle  ;  I  shall  however  waive  my 
own  judgment  and  order  some  to  be  purchased,  together  with 
some  flour  and  pork.  The  Congress  have  resolved  that  Mr. 
Phelps  is  one  of  my  deputies,  and  having  no  business  for 
him  here,  have  ordered  him  to  repair  to  the  battery  erect- 
ed in  the  Highlands,  with  all  convenient  speed.  Mr.  Eg- 
bert Dumond  has  applied  to  me  to  purchase  some  flour, 
to  whom  be  pleased  to  deliver  the  enclosed.  I  wish  you 
much  joy,  with  the  surrender  of  Montreal. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 
"Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"WALTER  LIVINGSTON, 

"  D.  C.  Genl. 

"  Jlbany,  Nov.  22,  1775. 
"  To  Genl.  McDougall,  and  the  other  gentlemen." 

A  letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  as  to  the  proposed  plan  of 
communicating  intelligence,  was  read  and  filed  in  the 
words  following,  viz  : 

"  Lebanon,  23d  November,  1775. 
"Sir — Your  letter  of  October  17  last,  enclosing  copy 
of  the  minutes  of  Congress,  directing  concerning  the 
manner  of  conveying  intelligence  in  case  of  invasion,  and 
receiving  assistance  when  necessary,  and  a  plan  for  that 
purpose  for  our  consideration,  was  not  received  till  the 
10th  inst. — and  this  day  is  the  first  opportunity  I  have  to 
lay  it  before  the  Council  of  Safety.  Your  plan  is  approv- 
ed ;  and  I  am  desired  by  them  to  write  to  and  employ 
proper  persons  in  the  western  towns  to  procure  persons  to 
be  in  readiness  at  a  minute's  warning,  to  carry  any  intelli- 
gence of  alarm  or  invasion  to  the  towns  where  occasion 
may  require.  I  have  accordingly  written  to  Abraham  Da- 
venport of  Stamford,  and  Thaddeus  Burr  of  Fairfield,  Es- 
quires, to  make  the  necessary  provisions. 

"  I  am,  most  respectfully,  sir, 
"Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Hon.  President  Woodhull." 


December  1,  1775. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  Junr.  in  answer  to  a 
letter  of  the  20th  of  October  last,  on  the  subject  of  gun- 
powder, was  read  and  filed  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"Manor  of  Livingston,  4th  Nov.  1775. 
"  Sir — I  have  received  your  favour  of  the  20th  of  last 
month.  I  now  send  down  the  receipts  from  Mr.  Walter 
Livingston  for  the  10201b.  of  powder  by  my  son  John  Li- 
vingston, as  I  have  made  no  account  of  it,  and  don't  know 
what  the  Philadelphia  manufacturers  take  for  remanufac- 
turing.  I  suppose  that  you  have  been  informed  that  this 
powder  was  sent  to  me  in  as  bad  a  state  as  well  could  be 
imagined  ;  the  casks,  some  of  them  having  nearly  as  much 
water  as  powder  in  them,  besides  nails  and  other  things  in 
it,  which  made  the  working  it  somewhat  dangerous.  As 
Mr.  Livingston  told  me  he  had  no  orders  to  pay  for  it,  I 
desire  you  would  inform  my  son  who  is  to  pay  for  it.  If 
there  is  any  person  appointed  at  New-York,  I  desire  you 
would  direct  him  where  he  must  apply;  I  shall  leave  the 
settlement  of  the  price  to  you.  I  have  not  got  the  receipt 
for  the  2001b.  sent  by  your  order  to  the  committee  of  Albany. 


202 


MINUTES  DURING  THE  RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 


I  had  given  an  order  to  Dr.  Van  Dyck,  with  whom  I  sent 
a  part  of  it,  to  receive  the  money,  but  the  committee  in- 
formed him  they  had  no  cash  in  hand  at  present.  As  I  sup- 
pose they  will  according  to  your  first  order  pay  no  more 
than  £20  per  cwt.  I  should  be  obliged  to  you  if  you  would 
inform  my  son  who  is  to  pay  the  other  five  pounds,  and 
the  bounty;  whether  the  bounty  will  be  allowed  on  the  re- 
manufactured  powder  I  know  not,  but  if  it  is  not,  I  believe 
you  will  consider  it  in  the  allowance,  as  the  bounty  might 
have  been  earned  in  nearly  the  same  time  the  manufacturer 
was  employed  in  this  business. 

"  I  remain  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  ob't  humble  servant, 

"  ROBT.  LIVINGSTON,  Junr. 

Directed  "  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Congress,  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  was  received  and  read  in  the  words 
following,  viz  : 

"  Philadelphia,  Nov.  21th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  Congress  to  write  to 
you  and  request  you  to  use  your  utmost  endeavours  to  fur- 
nish the  troops  raised  in  New-Jersey  for  the  defence  of 
New-York,  with  as  many  fire  arms  as  your  Colony  can 
conveniently  spare,  and  that  you  will  please  to  send  them 
to  Lord  Stirling,  who  commands  the  forces  in  the  Jerseys. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the  Convention  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  one  of  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  was  received  and  read  in 
the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  the  honour  of  transmitting  to  you 
the  enclosed  resolutions  of  the  Congress,  in  obedience  to 
their  order.  Our  letter  on  the  subject  of  the  fortress  on 
Hudson's  river  remains  unanswered.  It  is  of  so  much 
importance  that  our  Colony  should  be  satisfied  of  the  fide- 
lity and  abilities  of  the  officer  to  whom  this  command  is 
entrusted,  that  we  wait  impatiently  for  your  recommenda- 
tion, flattering  ourselves  that  it  will  have  its  full  weight. 
We  have  procured  an  order  in  your  favour  for  50,000  dol- 
lars, agreeable  to  the  request  of  the  late  Congress,  and  as 
soon  as  the  bills  are  signed,  which  has  been  unaccountably 
protracted  by  the  gentlemen  who  undertook  this  business, 
the  money  will  be  forwarded. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 
"  JAS.  DUANE. 

"  Philadelphia,  28th  November,  1775. 
"  Hon.  Convention  of  New-York. 

"P.  S.  The  resolution  referred  to  in  the  enclosed  ex- 
tracts is  in  the  press  and  will  speedily  [be]  published 
among  other  acts  of  Congress.  500  weight  of  powder  is 
now  forwarded  ;  it  was  borrowed  from  Pennsylvania  by  the 
Congress  with  difficulty." 

The  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  the  sub- 
jects of  manufacturing  firelocks,  saltpetre,  and  punishing 
persons  harbouring  deserters,  enclosed  in  Mr.  Duane's  let- 
ter, were  read  and  filed,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  Nov.  4<A,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  As- 
semblies or  Conventions  of  the  Colonies  respectively,  to 
set  and  keep  their  gunsmiths  at  work  to  manufacture  good 
firelocks,  with  bayonet  [to]  each  firelock,  to  be  made  with 
a  good  bridle  lock,  three  quarters'  of  an  inch  bore,  and  of 
a  good  substance  at  the  breech,  the  barrel  to  be  three  feet 
eight  inches  in  length,  the  bayonet  to  be  eighteen  inches 
in  the  blade,  with  a  steel  ramrod,  the  upper  end  thereof 
to  be  trumpet-mouthed  ;  that  the  price  to  be  given,  be  fixed 
by  the  Assembly  or  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety 
of  each  Colony  ;  and  that  [until]  a  sufficient  quantity  of 


good  arms  can  be  manufactured,  they  import  as  many  as 
are  warned  by  all  the  means  in  their  power. 

"Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Le- 
gislatures, Assemblies  or  Conventions  of  the  Colonies,  to 
enact  a  law,  or  pass  an  ordinance  inflicting  the  following 
punishments  upon  such  as  harbour  deserters,  knowing 
them  to  be  such,  viz  :  a  fine  upon  all  such  offenders  not  less 
than  30  nor  more  than  50  dollars  ;  and  in  case  of  inability 
to  pay  the  fine,  to  be  punished  with  whipping  not  exceed- 
ing thirty-nine  lashes,  for  each  offence  ;  also,  that  they 
empower  the  Commander-in-Chief  or  the  officer  command- 
ing a  detachment  or  any  outpost,  to  administer  an  oath  and 
swear  any  person  or  persons  to  the  truth  of  any  informa- 
tion or  intelligence  or  any  other  matter  relative  to  the  pu- 
blic service. 

"Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Le- 
gislatures of  New-England  to  empower  the  generals  to 
impress  carriages,  vessels,  horses  and  other  things  neces- 
sary, at  a  reasonable  rate,  for  the  transportation  or  march 
of  the  army  or  any  part  of  it,  or  on  any  other  emergency ; 
and  that  this  power  may  be  deputed  in  writing  under  the 
hand  of  the  general  to  the  quarter-master-general  or  to 
any  inferior  officer,  who  are  to  be  accountable  for  any  abuse 
thereof. 

"  Nov.  10,  1775. 

"Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Assemblies, 
Conventions  and  Committees  of  Safety  of  the  Thirteen 
United  Colonies,  to  appoint  certain  persons  within  each  of 
the  said  Colonies,  whose  business  it  shall  be  to  employ 
and  set  to  work  so  many  persons  as  they  may  think  pro- 
per, both  to  work  up  such  earth  as  is  now  fit  for  making 
saltpetre,  and  to  collect  together  and  place  in  beds  or  walls 
under  sheds,  all  such  earth  and  composition  of  materials  as 
are  suitable  to  produce  saltpetre,  after  being  duly  exposed 
to  the  air  in  order  to  increase  the  produce  of  it ;  and  that 
the  Delegates  of  the  respective  Colonies  be  directed  to 
send  this  resolution,  together  with  the  resolution  of  last 
session  respecting  saltpetre,  to  their  respective  Colonies, 
and  cause  them  to  be  printed  and  made  public  there. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane's  letter,  together  with  the  re- 
solves of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  be  deferred  for  the 
consideration  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Bayard,  William  Bedlow,  Thomas 
Grennell  and  Jonathan  Lawrence,  commissioners  at  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands,  dated  the  11th  ult.  explaining 
the  progress  they  had  made  in  the  said  works  and  request- 
ing directions,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to 
the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Silas  Marsh,  chairman  of  Amenia  precinct 
in  Dutchess  county,  dated  the  25th  Oct.  last,  enclosing  an 
association  signed  by  Josiah  Morse  and  Andrew  L.  Har- 
vey, Jr.  and  informing  that  they  are  true  friends  and  desire 
to  be  entered  among  the  faithful,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  return  signed  by  Charles  Clinton,  chairman  of  Hano- 
ver precinct  in  Orange  county,  and  dated  the  3d  ult. 
whereby  it  appears  that  at  an  election  of  officers  for  a  com- 
pany of  minute  men  in  the  said  precinct,  Peter  Hill,  was 
elected  captain  ;  James  Latter,  1st  lieutenant;  Nathaniel 
Milligan,  2d  lieutenant ;  and  William  Gudgean,  ensign,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Dutchess  county,  dated  the  7th  ult.  informing  that 
pursuant  to  an  order  from  the  Continental  Congress,  Col. 
Brant  has  been  apprehended,  and  other  particulars  respect- 
ing said  Brant,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Tobias  Stoutenburgh,  dated  8th  ult.  inform- 
ing Congress  that  his  age  and  infirmity  will  not  admit  of  his 
accepting  the  command  of  a  regiment,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  return  signed  by  Matthew  Carpenter,  chairman,  and 
Joseph  Morey,  clerk,  certifying  that  at  a  meeting  of  the 
New-Marlborough  precinct  in  Ulster  county,  on  the  18th 


MINUTES  DURING  THE 


RECESS  OF  CONGRESS. 


203 


Nov.  last,  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected  officers  of 
a  company  of  minute  men  in  said  precinct,  to  wit :  Silas 
Purdy,  captain  ;  Wolvert  Ackert.  1st  lieutenant ;  Zophar 
Perkins,  2d  lieutenant,  and  Leonard  Smith,  Jr.  ensign, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Outwater,  chairman  of  Orange 
precinct  in  Orange  county,  mentioning  a  mistake  in  the 
election  of  Delegates,  and  requesting  directions  thereupon, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  bill  of  sale  of  the  pilot  boat,  Hampden,  made  and 
executed  by  Francis  James  and  William  Massel  to  Jacobus 
Van  Zandt,  and  bearing  date  the  21st  Nov.  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  Delegates  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 


Saturday,  December  2d,  1775. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Chairman  ;  and  Delegates  from  the 
counties  of  New-York,  Albany,  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Westchester,  Suffolk 
and  Kings. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  addressed  to  the  committee 
of  Richmond  county,  in  the  words  following : 

"New-York,  2d  Dec.  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — A  quorum  of  the  Deputies  from  the 
counties  of  New- York,  Albany,  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Suffolk 
and  Westchester,  have  met  every  day  for  a  fortnight  past 
without  being  able  to  do  any  of  the  public  business  for 
wa.it  of  a  representation  of  other  of  the  counties.  Orange 
county  by  a  mistake  in  their  election  have  been  obliged  to 
hold  a  new  election,  which  has  delayed  the  attendance  of 
their  members,  but  they  are  daily  expected,  as  are  also 
those  of  the  northern  counties. 

"  I  am  directed  by  the  members  present  to  request  you 
to  cause  an  election  to  be  held  (without  delay)  for  Deputies 
to  represent  your  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  and  that 
as  many  of  them  as  your  people  please  to  direct  to  form  a 
quorum,  be  sent  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  The  evil  consequences  that  will  attend  the  not  having 
a  Provincial  Congress  to  determine  on  the  measures  ne- 
cessary to  be  adopted  and  carried  into  execution  at  this 
unhappy  crisis  are  more  easily  conceived  than  expressed  ; 
and  rest  assured  gentlemen,  that  the  neighbouring  Colonies 
will  not  remain  inactive  spectators  if  you  show  a  disposi- 
tion to  depart  from  the  Continental  Union. 

"  Confusion  and  disorder  with  numberless  other  evils 
you  must  suppose,  will  attend  the  want  of  a  Congress  for 
the  government  of  this  Colony,  until  a  reconciliation  with 
the  mother  country  can  be  obtained. 

"  We  beg  gentlemen,  you  will  consider  this  matter  with 
that  seriousness  which  the  peace,  good  order  and  liberties 
of  your  country  require. 
"  To  John  Pollion,  John  Tyson  and  Lam- 
bert Merril  of  the  committee  for  Rich- 
mond county." 


A  letter  from  Theodorus  Van  Wyck  one  of  the  Dele- 
gates elected  to  represent  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  excusing  his  non-attendance,  was  read  as  follows, 
viz  : 

"  New-York,  Dec.  2d,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  be  elected  a  member  of 
this  Congress,  but  am  sorry  the  public  did  not  consider 
my  infirmity  in  respect  of  my  hearing,  which  renders  me  a 
very  unfit  person  to  discharge  that  important  trust,  as  I 
am  not  able  to  distinguish  or  understand  any  arguments  or 
debate,  (unless  the  speakers  are  very  near  me)  which  al- 
ways gives  me  extreme  pain  and  uneasiness.  I  humbly 
beg,  therefore,  in  case  of  my  non-attendance,  that  the  gen- 
tlemen of  the  Congress  will  not  impute  it  to  any  unwil- 
lingness in  me  to  serve,  for  I  can  assure  them  that  I  am  a 
friend  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  my  country,  aud  will 
cheerfully  bear  my  part  of  the  burthen  to  preserve  invio- 
late in  any  thing  that  I  am  capable  of  or  properly  qualified 
for. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  and  their  very  humble  servt. 

"THEOD.  VAN  WYCK. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  President 

of  the  N.  York  Provincial  Congress." 

A  letter  from  William  Miller,  chairman  pro  tern,  of 
the  committee  of  White  Plains,  dated  22d  Nov.  last,  stat- 
ing the  inimical  conduct  of  Jeremiah  Francis  and  Jeremiah 
Francis,  Jr.  in  opposing  the  measures  of  Congress,  and 
requesting  instructions  thereon,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Remsen,  dated  22d  Nov.  1775,  to 
the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York  respecting  saltpetre 
purchased  by  the  desire  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  the 
consideration  whereof  was  referred  to  this  Congress,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Proceedings  of  a  meeting  of  the  Governor  and  Council 
of  Connecticut  on  the  3d  Nov.  last ;  a  letter  from  Gov. 
Trumbull  of  the  4th  Nov.  and  a  letter  from  Adam  Babcock, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  New-Haven,  requesting  a 
loan  of  cannon  for  the  defence  of  said  town,  and  addres- 
sed to  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
and  by  them  referred  to  the  considertion  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  were  received  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  John  Dennis,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  New-Brunswick,  was  received  and  filed,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-Brunswick,  Nov.  28,  1775. 
"  Sir — By  your  orders  received  per  Mr.  Abraham 
Clark,  I  sent  you  6  qr.  casks  of  powder  which  is  all  1 
could  collect.  The  persons  I  had  it  from  are  impatient  and 
beg  the  powder  may  be  returned,  as  our  inhabitants  are 
destitute  of  that  article.  Your  assistance  will  be  duly  ac- 
knowledged by 

"  Your  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  DENNIS. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq." 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


At  a  Provincial  Congress,  held  for  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  on  Wednesday  morning,  December  6lh,  1775  : 
The  Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  counties  of  New- 
York,  Albany,  Dutchess,  Westchester  and  Suffolk,  in  Pro- 
vincial Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  having  met 
frequently  since  the  14th  day  of  November  last  past,  (that 
being  the  day  appointed  by  the  dissolution  of  the  late  Pro- 
vincial Congress  lor  the  meeting  of  this  Congress,)  but  a 
representation  of  a  majority  of  the  counties  not  having 
sooner  attended,  they  could  not  proceed  to  business  until 
this  day,  when  the  Deputies  from  a  majority  of  the  coun- 
ties appeared,  and  the  gentlemen  hereafter  named  were 
present,  to  wit : 

Alexr.  McDougall,  James  Beekman,  Abraham  Brasher,  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  John  Ray,  Anthony  Rutgers,  Comfort  Sands, 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Isaac  Roosevelt — For  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York. 

Gilbert  Livingston,  Corns.  Humphreys,  Junr.  Henry  Schenck 
— Dutchess  county. 

Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Francis  Nicoll,  Leo- 
nard Gansevoort,  John  J.  Bleecker — For  the  city  and  county  of 
Mb  any. 

Thomas  Palmer,  Matthew  Cantine — For  the  county  of  Ulster. 
Lewis  Graham,  Gilbert  Drake,  Joseph  Drake — Westchester 
county. 

Nathaniel  Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Ezra  L'hommedieu 
— Suffolk  county. 
John  Leffertse — Kings  county. 
Peter  Clowes — For  Goshen  Prect.  in  Orange  county. 
The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  the  fol- 
lowing officers,  who  were  unanimously  elected,  vizt. 
COLO.  NATHANIEL  WOODHULL,  President. 

John  McKesson,  Esqr.  and  )  Secretarie, 
Mr.  Robert  Benson,  $  secretaries. 

Thomas  Pettit,  Door-keeper  and  Messenger. 

The  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  from  the  general  committee  of  the  said 
city  and  county,  dated  November  10th,  1775,  and  signed 
by  John  Broome,  chairman  pro  tempore,  whereby  it  ap- 
pears, that  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Cornelius  Clop- 
per,  Alexander  McDougall,  Joseph  Hallett,  Thomas  Smith, 
Abraham  Brasher,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  James  Beekman,  Ben- 

52 


jamin  Kissam,  John  Morin  Scott,  John  Van  Cortlandt, 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Morton,  Isaac  Sears,  John  Ray, 
Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  Anthony  Rutgers,  John  Imlay, 
Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  Benjamin  Helme  and  Comfort  Sands, 
were,  by  a  great  majority  of  voices,  elected  Deputies  for 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York  ;  and  that  they,  or  any 
seven  of  them,  do  represent  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York  in  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

The  Deputies  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  from  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Al- 
bany, dated  Novr.  11th,  1775,  signed  Mat.  Visscher,  Sec'y, 
certifying  that  Abraham  Ten  Broek,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr. 
Jacob  Cuyler,  Francis  Nicoll,  Robert  Yates,  Henry  Glen, 
Peter  Silvester,  Peter  R.  Livingston,  John  James  Bleecker, 
Leonard  Gansevoort,  Henry  Oothout  and  Robert  Van 
Rensselaer,  were,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  elected  Deputies 
for  the  said  city  and  county  ;  and  that  they,  or  any  five  of 
them,  represent  the  said  city  and  county  in  Provincial  Con- 
gress. And  by  another  certificate  from  the  said  commit- 
tee, dated  Novr.  23d,  1775,  and  signed  by  Mat.  Visscher, 
Sec'y,  a  resolution  appears,  that  the  above  mentioned  gen- 
tlemen, or  any  four  of  them,  do  attend  and  represent  the 
said  city  and  county  in  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony 
of  New- York. 

The  Deputies  of  the  county  of  Dutchess  produced  a  cer- 
tificate from  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  dated  Novr. 
8th,  1775,  and  signed  by  Egbert  Benson,  chairman,  whereby 
it  appears  that  Petrus  Ten  Broek,  Beverly  Robinson,  Cor- 
nelius Humphreys,  Henry  Schenck,  Gilbert  Livingston, 
John  Kaine,  Jacob  Everson,  Morris  Graham  and  Robert 
G.  Livingston,  Esqrs.  were  elected  Deputies  for  the  said 
county,  with  power  to  them,  or  any  three  of  them,  to  re- 
present the  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Co- 
lony of  New-York. 

The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  Ulster  produced  a  certi- 
ficate from  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  dated  the  7th 
Novr.  1775,  and  signed  by  Johans.  Sleght,  chairman  pro 
tempore,  whereby  it  appears  that  Henry  Wisner,  Matthew 
Rea,  Dirk  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Matthew  Cantine,  Andries 
Dewitt  and  Andries  Lefever,  Esqrs.  Messrs.  Thos.  Palmer 
and  Samuel  Brewster,  were  elected  Deputies  to  represent 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


206 

the  said  county  ;  and  by  a  resolution  of  the  said  commit- 
tee, that  they,  or  any  three  of  them,  be  entitled  to  act  and 
give  their  votes  for  the  said  county. 

The  Deputies  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  produced  a 
certificate  from  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  dated 
7th  Novr.  1775,  and  signed  by  Gilbert  Drake,  chairman, 
whereby  it  appears  that  Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Stephen 
Ward,  Esqr.  Colo.  Joseph  Drake,  Robert  Graham,  Esqr. 
John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.,  Mr.  William  Paulding,  Major 
Ebenezer  Lockwood,  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandtand  Colo. 
Gilbert  Drake,  weie  duly  elected  Delegates  to  represent 
the  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  with  power  to  any 
three  of  them  to  act  for  the  said  county. 

The  Deputies  for  the  county  of  Suffolk  produced  a  cer- 
tificate from  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  dated  Novr. 
7th,  1775,  and  signed  by  William  Smith,  chairman, 
whereby  it  appears  that  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas  Tred- 
well,  Selah  Strong,  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Ezra  L'homme- 
dieu,  David  Gelston,  Thomas  Wickham  and  Daniel  Brown, 
Esqrs.  were  unanimously  elected  Deputies  to  represent 
the  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  with  power  for  any 
three  of  them  to  be  a  quorum,  and  give  the  vote  of  the  said 
county. 

Peter  Clowes,  Esqr.  a  Deputy  for  Orange  county,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  of  Benjamin  Tusteen,  Benjamin  Gale 
and  Daniel  Everett,  Esqrs.  three  of  the  committee  of  Go- 
shen precinct,  who  inspected  the  election  ;  and  also  a  cer- 
tificate from  the  said  committee  of  Goshen  precinct,  signed 
by  Daniel  Everett,  chairman,  each  dated  27th  Novr.  last, 
whereby  it  appears,  that  at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders 
and  tenants  in  Goshen  precinct,  entitled  to  vote  for  Depu- 
ties, Peter  Clowes  and  William  Allison,  Esqrs.  were  una- 
nimously elected  Deputies  for  the  said  precinct,  as  their 
proportion  of  the  representation  of  the  said  county,  and  to 
complete  the  number  of  Deputies  alloted  to  the  said  county 
of  Orange  ;  and  that  at  the  same  meeting  it  was  unani- 
mously agreed  that  any  two  of  the  Deputies  for  said  county 
represent  them  in  said  Congress,  vizt :  one  on  the  south 
and  one  on  the  north  side  of  the  mountains.  The  same 
two  certificates  were  approved  and  ordered  to  be  filed  with 
the  Secretaries  ;  but  it  is  agreed  and  understood  that  Mr. 
Clowes  cannot  have  a  vote  for  Orange  county,  until  one 
or  more  Deputies  arrive  from  Orange  county. 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  the  sense  of  this  Congress 
upon  every  question  be  taken  and  determined  by  a  majo- 
rity of  the  counties  then  having  Deputies  in  Congress;  and 
that  for  the  present  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  be 
considered  as  four ;  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  as 
three  ;  and  that  of  each  of  the  other  counties  respectively, 
as  two ;  but  that  this  arrangement  shall  continue  only  till 
some  other  arrangement  shall  be  made  and  agreed  on  by 
this  Congress. 

The  following  rules  are  agreed  to,  and  resolved  to  be 
the  rules  of  this  Congress,  vizt : 

1st.  That  the  President,  and  in  his  absence  a  President 
to  be  appointed  pro  tern,  shall  preside  at  every  meeting 
and  keep  order  and  decorum,  and  that  it  shall  be  his  duty 
to  sign  all  letters  from  this  Congress. 

2nd.  That  all  motions  and  addresses  be  made  to  the 
chair,  and  standing. 

3rd.  That  if  more  than  one  shall  rise  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  the  President  shall  determine  who  shall  first  be 
heard. 

4th  That  the  substance  of  any  motion  made  and  se- 
conded, shall  be  entered  on  the  minules. 

5th.  That  no  interruption  shall  be  suffered  while  a  mem- 
ber is  delivering  his  sentiments. 

6th.  That  every  question  shall  be  determined  by  a  ma- 
jority of  voices  ;  and  after  the  determination  of  any  matter 
or  thing,  the  same  question  shall  not  be  reassumed  but 
with  the  consent  of  a  majority  of  this  Congress  at  a  subse- 
quent meeting,  and  that  upon  notice  having  been  given  of 
the  motion  for  reassuming  such  matter  at  least  one  day 
before  such  motion  be  made,  and  notice  thereof  given  to 


the  members  representing  each  county,  who  shall  then  be 
in  the  city  of  New-York. 

7th.  That  when  any  question  shall  be  determined  upon 
a  division,  the  names  of  the  respective  counties  shall  be 
entered  as  they  shall  vote,  on  each  side  ;  but  any  member 
for  any  county  may  be  at  liberty  to  have  his  name  and 
dissent  from  the  vote  of  his  county  entered  on  the  minutes. 

8th.  That  this  Congress  shall,  from  time  to  time,  meet 
on  their  own  adjournments  for  the  present. 

9th.  That  for  the  despatch  of  business,  and  to  prevent 
interruptions,  the  doors  at  our  meetings  shall  be  shut,  and 
that  none  but  members  be  permitted  to  take  copies  of  the 
proceedings  of  this  Congress. 

10th.  That  no  question  shall  be  determined  on  the  day 
that  it  is  agitated,  if  three  counties  shall  request  that  it  be 
deferred  to  the  next  day. 

1 1th.  That  no  member  shall  be  at  liberty  to  speak  more 
than  twice  to  the  same  point,  without  leave  of  the  Presi- 
dent for  the  time  then  being. 

12th.  That  no  member  shall  absent  himself  from  the 
Congress  ;  that  no  member  shall  depart  from  the  chamber 
until  the  Congress  be  adjourned  ;  and  that  no  member  shall 
depart  from  the  city  of  New-York,  during  an  adjournment 
of  this  Congress,  without  leave  first  obtained. 

13th.  That  every  member  of  this  Congress  shall  keep 
secret  all  such  matters,  proceedings  and  things  in  this  Con- 
gress as  shall  be  enjoined  from  the  Chair  to  be  kept  secret. 

14th.  That  whenever  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress 
shall  be  published  at  the  close  of  this  session,  all  the  mi- 
nutes shall  be  published  and  no  part  concealed,  unless  such 
as  the  unanimous  voice  of  the  counties  shall  declare  to  be 
of  a  secret  or  unimportant  nature  ;  but  that  extracts  of  the 
proceedings  may  nevertheless  be  published  from  time  to 
time  as  the  Congress  shall  think  fit. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  meet  every  morning, 
Sundays  excepted,  at  ten  o'clock ;  that  the  Congress  shall 
adjourn  at  one  o'clock,  and  meet  again  at  three  o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Palmer  and  Mr. 
Bleecker  be  a  committee  to  examine  and  liquidate  the  ac- 
counts of  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  and  prepare  a 
slate  of  them,  to  be  laid  before  the  Continental  Congress, 
and  that  they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'Hommedieu,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr. 
Gansevoort  and  Mr.  Schenck  be  a  committee  to  examine 
all  the  letters  and  papers  received  since  the  dissolution  of 
the  last  Provincial  Congress,  and  to  report  the  steps  neces- 
sary to  be  taken  thereon. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  James  Beekman,  Abraham  Brasher,  John  Ray 
and  Comfort  Sands,  or  any  majority  of  them,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  audit  all  accounts  which  are  or  shall  be  payable  or 
produced  for  payment  in  this  Colony,  for  any  charges  or 
disbursements  accrued,  or  that  may  accrue,  on  account  of 
the  United  Colonies,  or  by  means  or  on  account  of  any  or- 
der of  this  Congress  ;  and  that  they,  or  a  majority  of  them, 
do  certify  on  every  account  by  them  audited,  how  much 
shall  be  paid  on  or  for  such  account :  And  Resolved  and 
Ordered  farther,  That  the  Treasurer  appointed  by  this 
Congress  be  authorized  to  pay  and  discharge  on  all  such 
accounts  so  audited,  such  sum  or  sums  as  shall  be  certified 
by  the  said  committee,  or  a  major  part  of  them,  to  be  due 
and  payable  on  or  for  such  accounts. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livings- 
ton, Esqr.  be  Treasurer  for  this  Congress  of  all  money  re- 
ceived or  to  be  received,  or  that  shall  be  issued  in  this  Co- 
lony for  the  general  defence  of  America  or  the  Continental 
service,  or  the  particular  defence  or  service  of  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

December  6th,  P.  M. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Ray,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


207 


Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  Brasher,  Colo.  McDougall— For  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Van 
Rensselaer — ilbany. 
Colo.  Graham,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Lefferts — Kings. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schenck— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Palmer,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Wynkoop—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Clowes — For  Goshen  precinct,  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Palmer  delivered  in  the  return  of  the  officers  of 
three  companies  of  minute  men  in  Ulster  county,  which 
were  read,  approved  of,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  of 
the  said  three  companies,  as  elected  and  returned. 

Agreed,  unanimously,  that  Capt.  John  Grennell  be  re- 
commended to  the  Continental  Congress  to  be  released 
from  his  present  duty,  and  recommended  for  captain  of  a 
company  of  matrosses,  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
Continental  Congress  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Palmer  and  Mr.  Schenck  be  a  com- 
mittee to  view  the  arms  at  Allen's,  the  gunsmith's,  wanted 
to  be  purchased  for  Lord  Sterling ;  and  that  they  agree  for 
them,  or  such  of  them  as  they  think  proper,  and  at  such 
price  as  they  think  reasonable. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
additional  barracks  lie  immediately  built  at  the  fortifica- 
tions on  ihe  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands, 
which,  with  those  already  buill,  will  be  capable  of  quar- 
tering one  thousand  men  ;  and  also  a  magazine  sufficient 
to  contain  provisions  for  the  like  number  of  men  for  one 
month. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  to  superin- 
tend the  building  of  the  said  fortifications  do  provide  the 
materials  necessary  for  building  the  said  barracks  and  ma- 
gazine ;  and  they  do  cause  the  same  to  be  built  and  com- 
pletely finished  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  all  the  papers  and 
letters  between  the  commissioners  at  the  fortifications  and 
Bernard  Romans,  engineer  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Nicoll,  Palmer  and  Joseph 
Drake  be  a  commitlee  to  repair  to  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands  and  endeavour  to  accommodate  the  difference 
subsisting  between  the  commissioners  for  erecting  the  said 
fortifications  and  the  engineer ;  and  in  case  they  shall  not 
be  able  to  accommodate  the  said  difference,  to  give  such 
directions  as  they  may  think  necessary  for  expediting  the 
work  of  the  said  fortifications,  in  such  manner  as  they  shall 
judge  best  for  the  public  service,  and  make  report  as  well 
of  the  true  causes  of  such  difference,  with  all  necessary 
facts  relating  to  the  same,  as  of  such  directions  as  they 
shall  have  given  for  expediting  the  said  work. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  do  advance  and  pay  to  Mr. 
John  Berrien,  as  commissary  for  the  commissioners  for 
erecting  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river 
in  the  Highlands,  and  one  of  the  said  commisioners,  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  on  account,  to  enable  him  to 
discharge  the  like  sum  lately  borrowed  in  the  recess  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  by  Mr.  Berrien 
and  two  other  gentlemen,  to  discharge  debts  necessarily 
contracted  for  necessaries  for  the  said  fortifications. 

Whereas  great  inconveniences  may  arise  if  any  sut- 
tlers  or  retailers  of  liquor  should  be  permitted  to  sullle  or 
retail  liquors  among  the  artificers  and  labourers  at  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  at  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  do  not  permit  or  suffer 
any  suttler  or  retailer  of  liquor  of  any  kind,  or  under 
any  denomination  whatever,  to  remain  at  or  near  the  said 
fortifications,  amongst  the  mechanics,  lahorours,  or  other 
persons  at  or  about  the  said  fortifications,  (except  such 
as  are  specially  appointed  by  the  commanding  officer  of 
the  Continental  troops,)  for  the  time  being  among  his 


own  troops,  only  under  his  direction  and  subject  to  military 
law. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


THURSDAY,  a.  m. 

December  1th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Brasher,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Corllandt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Scott — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr. 
Gansevoort — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Graham,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  G.  Livingston.  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Strong — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Lefferts — Kings. 

Mr.  Clowes — For  Goshen  precinct,  Orange  county. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutchess  county,  informing  the  Congress  of 
a  new  committee's  being  chosen  for  the  said  county  ;  that 
they  had  again  honoured  him  with  the  chair  ;  that  as  he  re- 
sides in  the  extreme  part  of  the  county,  many  inconveninces 
might  arise,  if  all  matters  respecting  the  said  county  should 
be  directed  to  him,  and  therefore  at  a  meeting  of  the  said 
committee  they  had  appointed  Colo.  Freer,  Capt.  Piatt, 
and  Messrs.  John  Child,  Paul  Schenck  and  Peter  Tappen, 
(all  residing  at  Poughkeepsie.)  a  committee  of  correspon- 
dence, and  requesting  that  all  letters,  &c.  from  this  Con- 
gress respecting  their  county,  be  directed  in  future  to  those 
gentlemen,  was  read  and  filed. 

Another  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  dated  Novemr.  28th, 
1775,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Sir — I  am  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  a  letter 
from  some  individual  members  of  our  late  Congress,  en- 
closing copies  of  certain  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
Congress  of  the  8th  inst.  respecting  a  number  of  men  to  be 
furnished  by  this  county,  for  the  use  of  the  fortress  in  the 
Highlands. 

"The  letter  came  to  hand  the  18th  inst.  and  I  would  im- 
mediately have  called  the  county  commitlee  together,  but 
found  it  would  be  the  saving  only  of  a  few  days,  the  stated 
meeting  being  the  27th,  and  therefore,  with  the  unanimous 
advice  of  the  friends  of  the  cause  in  the  neighbourhood,  I 
thought  proper  to  defer  the  matter  till  that  time,  especially 
as  the  calling  a  special  meeting,  the  members  being  dis- 
persed through  the  county,  is  attended  with  considerable 
expense.  There  was  a  circumstance  also  of  which  I  sup- 
posed the  Congress  ignorant,  that  induced  me  to  think  that 
the  business  did  not  require  such  immediate  despatch, 
namely,  that  Capt.  Havens,  with  50  men  belonging  to  the 
Continental  forces,  (the  parly  that  escorted  the  Chambly 
garrison  to  Connecticut,)  were  on  their  march  to  garrison 
the  fortifiration. 

"  I  laid  the  letter  before  our  general  committee  on  Monday 
last,  who  ordered  me  to  write  to  the  colonels  of  the  two 
minute  regiments  in  the  county,  desiring  them  each  to  hold 
a  company  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  minute's  warning, 
with  a  request  also  that  those  gentlemen  would  immediate- 
ly write  to  the  commanding  officer  at  the  fortress,  inform- 
ing him  of  the  places  of  rendezvous  of  their  respective 
regiments. 

"  This  measure  was  advised  by  three  members  of  the 
Continental  Congress  whom  I  saw  as  they  passed  through 
this  county  on  their  way  to  the  northward  ;  thev  informed 
me  that  they  had  been  at  the  fort,  where  they  had  left  part 
of  two  companies,  and  that  when  Mr.  Havens  arrived 
with  his  party,  there  would  be  men  sufficient  for  its  present 
defence,  or  at  least  as  many  as  could  conveniently  be  ac- 
commodated, and  therefore  proposed  that  we  should  only 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


208 

hold  a  company  or  two  ready  to  march  upon  an  emer- 
gency. 

"  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  the  Congress  that  several 
companies  have  not  only  turned  out  as  volunteers,  but  have, 
both  men  and  officers,  solicited  the  service. 

"I  remain  (by  order  of  the  committee,) 

"  Your  verv  humble  servant, 
(Signed,)        "  EGBERT  BENSON,  Chairmn. 

"  Red-Hook,  Dutchess  county,  Nov.  28th,  1775. 

"  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Roosevelt  and  John  Van  Cort- 
landt  wait  on  the  Speaker  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
Colony,  and  inform  him  that  the  Provincial  Congress,  (find- 
ing it  inconvenient  to  meet  in  the  Exchange,)  intend  to  re- 
move to  the  Assembly  Chamber,  and  request  him  to  direct 
the  clerks  of  the  Assembly  to  lake  proper  care  of  the  books 
and  papers  of  the  General  Assembly,  in  such  manner  as 
he  shall  direct. 

Messrs.  Roosevelt  and  Van  Corllandt  returned  and  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  the  Speaker  of  the  General  As- 
sembly has  ordered  Mr.  Bancker  to  take  care  of  the  books 
and  papers  of  the  General  Assembly,  and  that  the  Con- 
gress may  use  the  said  room  immediately. 

The  letter  or  note  of  Lieutenants  Borough  and  Richard- 
son of  yesterday  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"New-York,  Deer.  6th,  1775. 

"  Lieuts.  Borough  and  Richardson  of  the  26th  regiment, 
now  upon  their  parol  in  this  town,  request  to  be  informed 
by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  what  route  the 
garrison  of  St.  John's  has  taken,  and  also  request  that  they 
would  lengthen  the  enclosed  papers  fourteen  days,  with 
permission  to  remain  a  few  days  at  Perth  Amboy.  Their 
answer  to  the  above,  sent  to  Mrs.  Airy's,  will  much  oblige 
those  gentlemen." 

The  certificates  of  Gen.  Schuyler  of  the  parol  of  those 
gentlemen  enclosed  in  the  note  or  card  above  copied,  were 
also  read. 

An  answer  to  Lieutenants  Borough  and  Richardson  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"The  Provincial  Congress  inform  Lieutenants  Borough 
and  Richardson  that  they  are  not  apprized  of  the  route 
the  garrison  of  St.  John's  have  taken.  That  they  conceive 
it  out.  of  their  province  to  lengthen  the  parol  of  Gen. 
Schuyler,  and  that,  the  Congress  conceive  Colo.  McDou- 
gall  as  commanding  officer  in  this  city,  to  be  the  proper 
person  to  be  applied  to  with  respect  to  their  going  to  the 
westward." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  answer,  with  the  certificates  of 
the  general,  be  sent  to  Lieutenants  Borough  and  Richard- 
son by  the  door-keeper. 

Colo.  McDougall  moved,  (seconded  by  Capt.  Cuyler,) 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  I  move  that  Jacobus  Oostrum,  Johannes  Medlar  and 
Barnt  Lewis  be  kept  in  close  confinement  in  the  jail  of 
Dutchess  county,  at  their  respective  expense,  until  the  fur- 
ther order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress,  and  that  such 
of  them  who  have  not  means  to  support  themselves,  be 
maintained  at  the  public  expense,  provided  the  want  of 
such  means  shall  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  commit- 
tee of  that  county." 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  being 
put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,    3      Kings,    2 

Suffolk,   2 

Westchester,   2 

Ulster   2 

New-York,   4 

Dutchess,   2 

15 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Jacobus  Oostrum,  Johannes 


Medler  and  Barnt  Lewis  be  kept  in  close  confinement  in 
the  jail  of  Dutchess  county  at  their  respective  expense, 
until  the  further  order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress,  and 
that  such  of  them  who  have  not  the  means  to  support  them- 
selves, be  maintained  at  the  public  expense,  provided  the 
want  of  such  means  shall  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
committee  of  that  county. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  forwarded  to 
the  committee  of  that  county. 

Messrs.  Palmer  and  Schenck,  the  committee  appointed 
for  purchasing  100  stand  of  arrr)3  for  the  Jersey  forces, 
reported  that  they  have  agreed  with  Jacamiah  Allen  for 
sixty,  three-quarter  bore,  and  40  of  £ths  bore  muskets, 
with  double  bridle  locks,  bayonets  and  scabbards  complete 
at  four  pounds  each,  to  be  complete  in  ten  days. 

Mr.  Hobart  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  report  that  they  have  examined  the 
Treasurer's  accounts,  and  find  that  the  money  has  been  re- 
gularly paid  in  consequence  of  orders  from  the  committee 
of  accounts,  but  that  no  separation  has  been  made  between 
the  Continental  charges  and  those  which  are  merely  Pro- 
vincial, which  your  committee  are  of  opinion  ought  to  be 
done." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pettit,  the  door-keeper  of  this  Con- 
gress, do  wait  upon  Messrs.  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Joseph  Hallelt,  Thomas  Smith,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John 
Morton,  Isaac  Sears,  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  and  Benjamin 
Helme,  Deputies,  with  others  chosen  to  represent  the  city 
and  county  of  New- York  in  this  Congress,  and  desire 
them  to  take  their  seats  in  Congress,  or  assign  their  rea- 
sons for  their  non-attendance,  without  delay  ;  and  that  the 
Secretaries  do  furnish  the  said  Deputies  with  a  copy  of 
this  order. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Thursday,  P.  M.  December  1th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Ray,  Colo.  McDougall,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Graham,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Capt.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Nicoll,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Colo. 
Van  Rensselaer — For  Albany. 

Mr  Robert,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schenck — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Plumer — Ulster. 

Mr.  Van  Derbelt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  do  advance  to  John  Berrien  as 
commissary  of  the  commissioners  for  erecting  the  fortifi- 
cations on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  in  the  Highlands, 
and  one  of  the  said  commissioners,  the  sum  of  one  thou- 
sand pounds  for  the  necessary  purposes  of  erecting  the  said 
fortifications  and  defraying  the  debts  contracted  on  account 
thereof;  that  Mr.  Berrien  send  up  such  part  thereof  to  the 
other  commissioners  as  he  may  think  proper  or  necessary, 
and  retain  the  residue  thereof  in  his  own  hands,  to  dis- 
charge the  debts  already  contracted,  or  that  may  necessa- 
rily be  contracted  by  him  as  commissary  for  the  said  com- 
missioners, and  one  of  the  said  commissioners. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

8th  December,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Woodhull,  President. 

Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Brasher,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt— For 
New-York. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Palmer—  Ulster. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


209 


Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Colo.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker, 
Capt.  Cuyler — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Clowes — for  Goshen  precinct,  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck— Dutchess. 
Colo.  Graham,  Colo.  G.  Drake,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Van  Derbelt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Pre- 
sident of  the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  8th  Deer.  1775.  J 

"  Sir — We  are  honoured  with  your  favour  of  JNovr.  the 
3d,  enclosing  resolves  of  Congress  respecting  the  exporta- 
tion of  the  produce  of  the  United  Colonies,  the  conduct 
to  be  observed  by  the  Colonies  which  are  not  included  in 
the  restraining  act,  &c.  ;  of  the  9th,  by  express,  enclosing 
resolves  of  Congress,  touching  the  fortresses  on  Hudson's 
river  in  the  Highlands  ;  of  the  10th  concerning  the  cloth- 
ing of  the  army  in  the  northern  department ;  and  of  the 
27th,  requesting  us  to  furnish  Lord  Sterling  with  what  fire 
arms  we  could  conveniently  spare. 

"  It  gives  us  pain  that  letters  of  such  great  importance 
should  remain  so  long  unanswered,  but  the  late  Provincial 
Congress  having  broke  up  without  appointing  a  Committee 
of  Safety,  and  the  present  Congress  not  meeting  till  yes- 
terday, has  prevented  their  being  properly  noticed  ;  how- 
ever, a  considerable  number  of  the  members  who  were  in 
town,  took  upon  themselves  to  give  directions  for  the  ex- 
ecuting such  parts  of  the  resolves  respecting  the  fortresses 
in  the  Highlands  as  would  not  admit  of  delay,  and  for  ex- 
pediting the  clothing  of  the  army,  which  we  hope  is  before 
this  safely  arrived  in  Albany. 

"  Not  having  any  fire  arms  belonging  to  the  Colony 
which  could  be  spared,  a  committee  has  been  appointed 
to  purchase  them  in  the  city,  who  have  engaged  100  stand 
to  be  ready  in  ten  days. 

"  We  shall  use  the  utmost  despatch  to  complete  every 
thing  committed  to  our  care,  respecting  the  fortifications  on 
Hudson's  river.  The  delay  in  our  meeting  has  prevented 
the  raising  the  artillery  company  directed  by  Congress. 
We  have  nominated  Capt.  John  Grenell  of  Colo.  Clinton's 
regiment,  as  the  most  proper  person  we  can  meet  with  for 
the  command  of  an  artillery  company.  He  now  commands 
a  detachment  of  that  regiment  at  the  post  in  the  Highlands, 
from  whence  we  cannot  call  him  without  leave  of  the  Con- 
gress. As  his  company  is  at  present  incomplete  and  the 
time  of  enlistment  is  nearly  expired,  we  beg  leave  to  sug- 
gest whether  it  would  not  be  proper  to  leave  the  company 
under  the  command  of  his  first  lieut.  for  the  present. 
We  pray  the  sense  of  Congress  on  this  matter  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  at  the  same  time  to  be  informed  what  is  the 
establishment  of  the  artillery  with  respect  to  pay,  clothing 
and  arms. 

"We  doubt  not  but  the  resolves  of  Congress  of  1st 
Novr.  will  be  most  religiously  observed  by  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Colony. 

"  It  gives  us  the  highest  satisfaction  to  find  that  our  con- 
duct respecting  the  commerce  of  this  Colony  meets  with 
the  approbation  of  the  Congress,  and  the  polite  manner  in 
which  you  are  pleased  to  communicate  their  vote  of  thanks 
demands  our  most  grateful  acknowledgments. 

"We  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  highest  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servts. 

"  P.  S.  We  beg  leave  to  inform  the  Congress  that  in 
obedience  to  their  order,  three  companies  of  minute  men 
they  directed  with  their  proper  officers,  are  stationed  in  the 
Highlands,  near  the  fortifications,  and  under  the  command 
of  Capt.  John  Grennel,  the  present  commanding  officer  of 
the  Continental  forces  at  the  fortress. 

"To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock, 

President  of  the  Continental  Congress." 

53 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Deer.  8th,  1775.  £ 

"  Gentlemen — At  this  late  date  we  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  favours  of  3d,  9th,  and  28lh  Novr.  last ; 
having  been  till  the  6th  inst.  in  the  unhappy  predicament 
of  not  having  members  sufficient  to  make  a  Congress. 

"  We  are  much  obliged  to  you  for  putting  it  in  our 
power  to  recommend,  through  you,  an  officer  to  command 
at  the  fortress  in  the  Highlands.  We  are  fully  of  opinion 
with  you,  gentlemen,  that  the  person  to  fill  that  important 
office  should  be  not  only  of  the  strictest  honesty  and  fideli- 
ty, but  also  well  acquainted  with  the  pass  he  must  defend. 
We,  therefore,  recommend  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esq.  Mr. 
William  Bedlovv,  Mr.  Thomas  Greenel  and  Mr.  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  as  persons  qualified  for  that  service. 

"  We  are  pleased  to  find  there  has  been  an  order  passed 
in  our  favour  for  50,000  dollars,  and  heartily  wish  the  mo- 
ney here,  as  we  have  many  pressing  calls,  and  not  a  far- 
thing to  satisfy  them.  We  earnestly  entreat  your  utmost 
endeavours  to  have  it  forwarded  to  us  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  The  5001b.  of  powder  sent  to  the  fort  in  the  Highlands 
was  a  very  seasonable  supply,  as  that  pass  would  have  re- 
mained in  an  almost  defenceless  state  without  it.  This 
Colony  is  so  destitute  of  powder  that  we  are  obliged  to 
take  the  liberty  of  desiring  you  to  be  extremely  pressing  in 
Congress  for  the  repayment  of  the  debt  due  to  us  in  that 
article. 

"  Yours  of  the  3rd  inst.  we  shall  duly  notice  as  soon  as 
we  have  expedited  the  many  very  pressing  matters  which 
have  grown  on  our  hands  by  occasion  of  our  not  being  a 
body  sufficient  to  do  business  for  so  long  a  time. 

"We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Capt.  John  McNachten  (who  arrived  last  evening  from 
London)  being  requested  by  Congress  to  attend,  and  at- 
tending at  the  door,  was  called  in  and  examined,  and  his 
examination  being  reduced  to  writing  and  read  to  him, 
he  declared  it  was  truly  taken,  and  was  thereupon  filed. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"New-York,  Deer.  5,  1775.  $ 
"  The  general  committee  hereby  recommend  Win.  Lea- 
ry  as  a  suitable  person  for  a  town  major,  and  request  he 
may  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

"  JOHN  BROOME,  Ch.  P.  T. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial 

Congress,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  issued  to  the  said  Wil- 
liam Leary,  as  town  major  of  the  city  of  New-York,  agree- 
able to  the  said  recommendation. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Committee  Chamber,  > 
"  New-York,  Deer.  5th,  1775.  S 
"  The  general  committee  hereby  recommend  Peter  Pra 
Van  Zandt  for  first  major,  and  Patrick  Welsch,  adjutant,  to 
the  said  regiment  of  militia,  and  request  they  may  be  com- 
missioned accordingly. 

"JOHN  BROOME,  Ch.  P.  T. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial 

Congress  in  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gentle- 
men accordingly. 


210 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  one  S. 
Speight,  a  druggist,  who  formerly  lived  in  this  city,  and 
returned  here  last  evening  from  London,  and  had  in  ma- 
ny instances  shewn  himself  inimical  to  the  interest  and 
liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,  was  last  evening  ap- 
prehended by  some  of  the  militia  officers  ;  that  he  had 
thought  [it]  his  duty  to  have  him  confined  at  the  guard- 
house, until  he  should  have  the  orders  of  this  Congress. 
That  a  number  of  letters  which  had  been  taken  in  custody 
of  the  said  Speight  had  been  sealed  up  in  a  wrapper  in 
presence  of  the  said  Speight,  and  were  now  delivered  into 
the  Congress  for  their  order.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  open,  examine  and  in- 
spect all  the  said  letters,  and  report  such  of  them  to  this 
Congress  as  they  shall  find  relating  to  public  matters,  or 
necessary  to  be  read  by  this  Congress. 

A  petition  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Pro- 
vince of  Neiv-York. 

"  The  petition  of  the  general  committee  for  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  Humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  your  petitioners  having  been  informed  that  a  body 
of  troops,  from  a  neighbouring  Colony,  did  lately  make 
their  public  entry  into  this  city  at  noonday,  and  did  seize 
and  carry  off  the  types  belonging  to  one  of  the  public 
printers  of  this  Colony,  without  any  authority  from  the 
Continental  or  this  Congress,  your  petitioners,  or  any  other 
body  having  power  to  grant  such  authority;  and  being  ap- 
prehensive that  such  incursions,  should  they  be  repeated, 
will  be  productive  of  many  great  and  evil  consequences  to 
the  inhabitants  of  such  place  into  which  they  may  be  here- 
after made  ;  do,  therefore,  conceive  it  highly  necessary  in 
the  present  situation  of  public  affairs,  as  well  for  the  sake 
of  the  internal  peace  and  harmony  of  each  Colony,  as  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  general  union  of  the  Continent,  now 
happily  subsisting,  and  so  essential  at  this  juncture,  that 
each  of  the  associated  Colonies  on  the  Continent  should 
have  the  sole  management  and  regulation  of  its  public 
matters,  by  its  Congress  or  Committee,  unless  otherwise 
directed  by  the  honourable  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  Your  petitioners,  therefore,  do  most  humbly  pray  that 
this  honourable  house  of  Delegates  would  be  pleased  to 
take  the  premises  into  their  consideration,  and  devise  some 
expedient  to  prevent,  for  the  future,  the  inhabitants  of  any 
of  the  neighbouring  Colonies  coming  into  this,  to  direct  the 
public  affairs  of  it,  or  to  destroy  the  property,  or  invade  the 
liberty  of  its  inhabitants,  without  the  direction  of  the  Con- 
tinental or  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or 
the  committee  of  the  county  into  which  such  inhabitants 
may  come,  or  of  the  Continental  generals,  unless  there 
should  be  an  invasion  made  into  this  Colony. 

"  And  your  petitioners  shall  forever  pray,  &c. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
(Signed)       "  JOHN  BROOME,  Chairman  P.  T." 

The  said  petition  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  de- 
bates arose  thereon,  and  after  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith, 
Mr.  Ganscvoort  and  Mr.  Brasher,  be  a  committee  to  take 
the  said  petition  into  consideration,  and  report  thereon  with 
all  convenient  speed. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Congress  that  Mr.  John  Ber- 
rien, commissary  for  the  commissioners  for  erecting  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  one  of  the  said  com- 
missioners, is  entirely  disinterested  in  any  controversies  or 
difficulties  that  have  arisen  or  subsisted  between  the  other 
commissioners  and  the  engineer,  and  at  the  same  time  well 
acquainted  therewith  ;  that  the  said  John  Berrien  has  also 
some  influence  with  the  other  commissioners  and  with  the 
engineer,  and  is  properly  qualified  to  assist  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  go  up  to  the  said  fortifications,  to  take 


examinations,  and  reduce  them  to  writing  if  necessary ; 

therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Berrien  be  requested  to  pro- 
ceed with  the  committee  of  this  Congress,  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  to  the  said  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  to 
assist  the  said  committee  in  taking  examinations,  and  in 
every  other  matter  relating  to  the  said  fortifications,  in 
which  they  may  need  his  aid  and  assistance,  or  find  it  use- 
ful. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Ber- 
nard Romans  is  in  want  of  cash,  and  requests  an  order  for 
a  month's  pay. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Bernard  Romans  the 
sum  of  50  dollars,  on  account  of  his  pay,  and  take  his  re- 
ceipt for  the  same. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  December  8th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  President. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Scott.  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Ray,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings  county. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Colo.  Nicoll,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Bleecker — For  Albany. 

Colo.  L.  Graham,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — Dutchess  county. 
Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Hobart — Suffolk  county. 

Mr.  Clowes — For  Goshen  precinct  in  Orange  county. 
Ordered,  That  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Treat  be 
requested  to  make  out,  with  all  convenient  speed,  a  list  or 
estimate  of  instruments  and  medicines  necessary  for  the 
Colony  in  its  present  alarming  state,  and  report  the  same 
to  this  Congress. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  to  examine  the  Trea- 
surer's accounts,  and  to  state  the  sums  paid  to  the  Conti- 
nental troops  by  this  Congress,  that  the  account  may  be 
sent  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  proceeded  to  report  the  sums  paid 
by  this  Congress  to  the  Continental  t#oops  ;  after  having 
proceeded  through  a  considerable  part  of  the  said  ac- 
counts, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  recommitted  to  the  same  com- 
mittee to  state  and  finish  the  same,  and  prepare  a  draft  of 
a  letter  to  General  Schuyler  to  attend  the  said  accounts. 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
James  Beekman)  that  this  Congress  immediately  take  into 
consideration  His  Excellency  Governor  Tryon's  letter  of 
the  fourth  inst.  addressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony, 
and  express  the  sense  of  their  constituents  by  the  following 
resolves,  vizt : 

"  Resolved,  I.  That  the  disturbed  state  of  this  Colony 
owes  its  origin  to  the  misconduct  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  of  His  Majesty's  forces  in  America,  in  proceeding 
to  acts  of  open  hostility  against  the  inhabitants  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay  at  a  time  when  he  and  all  the  other  Go- 
vernors on  the  Continent  were  possessed  of  the  parliamen-  , 
tary  resolutions  of  the  20th  February  last,  and  before  the 
same  had  been  tendered  for  the  consideration  of  the  Colo- 
nies ;  that  as  that  resolution  was  designed  to  compose  the 
present  ferments  in  the  Provinces,  and  intended  for  the 
basis  of  an  accommodation,  it  was  but  reasonable  to  ex- 
pect that  all  hostilities  would  cease  till  the  result  of  their 
determinations  was  known  ;  that  the  news  of  the  attack  at 
Lexington  immediately  threw  this  Colony  into  convulsions, 
inflamed  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants,  led  them  to  distrust 
the  justice  and  candour  of  Government,  and  filled  them 
with  alarming  apprehensions  that  it  was  the  design  of  [the] 
administration  to  force  their  assent  to  a  requisition  of  the 
last  importance  to  them  and  their  posterity  with  the  point 
of  the  bayonet ;  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  con- 


1 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


211 


sidered  General  Gage's  conduct  in  this  instance  as  not  only 
reflecting  the  highest  dishonour  on  Government  and  inju- 
rious to  the  character  of  the  British  nation,  but  highly  in- 
sulting and  disgraceful  to  a  free  people  ;  and  therefore, 
justly  alarmed  and  incensed  by  the  slaughter  of  their  fel- 
low subjects,  ihey  naturally  fled  to  arms  for  their  defence. 

"Resolved,  II.  That  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  justly 
boast  the  most  unshaken  loyalty  to  their  Sovereign,  the 
warmest  attachment  to  the  succession  of  the  crown  in  the 
illustrious  House  of  Hanover,  the  highest  veneration  for  the 
principles  of  the  revolution,  the  most  tender  affection  for 
their  brethren  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  an  ardent 
desire  to  maintain  the  ancient  union  of  the  two  countries 
on  constitutional  principles,  notwithstanding  the  unexam- 
pled severities  of  the  present  administration  ;  that,  retain- 
ing the  principle  of  their  ancestors,  that  allegiance  and 
protection  are  so  inseparably  connected  that  the  former 
cannot  exist  where  the  latter  is  withheld,  if  any  thing  has 
appeared  in  the  conduct  of  any  that  would  countenance  a 
charge  of  withholding  their  allegiance  from  their  Sove- 
reign, it  must  be  attributed  to  an  apprehension  that  all  pro- 
tection was  withdrawn  from  them  ;  that  when  the  present 
unhappy  controversy  is  settled  on  equitable  principles, 
which  is  the  sincere  wish  of  every  good  man,  His  Majesty 
will  find  his  American  subjects  as  ready  to  afford  him 
every  mark  of  their  affection  and  loyalty  as  they  mani- 
fested before  the  commencement  of  the  present  troubles, 
unless  by  the  long  continuance  of  this  unnatural  war,  their 
affection  should  be  stifled  by  acts  of  oppression  and 
drowned  in  blood. 

"  That  this  Congress  conceive  it  highly  necessary  and 
expedient  that  His  Majesty  should  know  the  sense  of  this 
Colony  on  the  parliamentary  resolutions  of  the  24th  Feb- 
ruary in  such  a  way  as  His  Excellency  may  conceive  to 
be  most  constitutional,  and  they  cannot  but  consider  the 
Governor's  address  to  the  inhabitants  as  a  mark  of  his  af- 
fection to  them,  and  as  proceeding  from  an  anxious  desire 
for  a  re-establishment  of  that  harmony  that  has  been  so 
long  interrupted  by  the  misrepresentations  and  artifices  of 
evil  and  designing  men. 

"  Resolved,  IV.  That  this  Congress  but  express  their 
concern  that  His  Excellency  has  thought  it  expedient  for 
his  personal  safety  to  withdraw  for  some  time  past  from 
the  usual  place  of  his  residence  ;  that  should  he  think  pro- 
per to  return  to  this  city,  which  is  the  sincere  wish  of  the 
people,  this  Congress  conceive  it  to  be  the  bounden  duty 
of  the  inhabitants  to  protect  him  both  in  his  person  and 
property." 

After  many  debates  on  the  said  motion  and  the  resolu- 
tions thereto  annexed,  in  pursuance  of  one  of  the  rules  of 
this  Congress,  at  the  request  of  the  members  of  Albany, 
Ulster  and  Dutchess  counties, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  next  Monday. 

The  committee  appointed  to  open  and  examine  all  the 
letters  taken  from  Speight,  reported  that  they  had 
opened  and  examined  all  the  said  letters,  that  they  are  of 
opinion  that  only  two  of  the  said  letters  contain  any  such 
public  intelligence  as  that  they  should  be  read  in  Congress, 
to  wit:  a  letter  from  Colo.  Maunsell  to  Peter  Van  Schaack, 
and  a  letter  from  Miles  Cooper  to  Doctor  Auchmuty  ;  each 
of  the  said  letters  were  accordingly  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  take  a  copy  of  the  said 
letter  from  Colo.  Maunsell  to  Mr.  Van  Schaack,  and  a 
copy  of  the  letter  from  Miles  Cooper  to  Doctor  Auchmuty, 
and  that  all  the  other  letters  be  sealed  by  the  said  commit- 
tee who  examined  them,  and  put  them  in  such  way  that 
they  may  be  forwarded  agreeable  to  their  respective  direc- 
tions. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  9th,  1775. 

Present — Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 


Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman. 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Ray,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands 
Mr  Scott— For  NeuiYork.  ' 

Colo.  Nicoll,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr. 
Gansevoort — For  Albany. 

Colos.  L.  Graham,  Jos.  Drake,  Gilbt.  Drake — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Clowes — For  Goshen  in  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee for  examining  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress,  instead  of  Mr.  Palmer,  who  is  one  of  the  com- 
mittee ordered  to  go  up  to  the  new  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands. 

"   A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler  was  read  and 

approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"New-York,  Deer.  9th,  1775.  * 

"Sir — Your  favours  of  7th,  18th  and  20th  Noverr' 
came  duly  to  hand,  but  our  not  being  able  to  form  a  Con- 
gress till  the  6th  inst.  has  occasioned  their  remaining  so 
long  unanswered. 

"Herewith  you  have  enclosed  an  account  of  the  moneys 
advanced  by  us  for  the  payment  of  the  Continental  troops. 
We  have  frequent  applications  from  discharged  soldiers 
for  arrears  of  pay  ;  as  nothing  is  mentioned  about  it  in 
their  discharges  we  are  at  a  loss  how  to  conduct  towards 
them ;  we  beg  you  will  please  to  give  directions  to  the 
proper  officers  to  prevent  this  inconvenience  for  the  fu- 
ture. 

"  We  receive,  with  very  great  satisfaction,  your  con- 
gratulations on  the  glorious  success  of  the  Continental 
army  in  Canada,  and  we  can  assure  you  that  it  is  much 
heightened  by  the  consideration  that  we  recommended  the 
generals  who  have  with  so  much  activity  and  success  con- 
ducted an  expedition,  which  was  attended  with  difficulties 
thought  to  be  insuperable  by  those  who  were  acquainted 
with  them. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  very  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servants." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  account  of  the  moneys  advanced  to  the  troops 
raised  in  this  Colony,  enclosed  in  the  said  letter,  is  in  the 


words  and  figures  as  below : 

1775.  £.   s.  d. 
July  5.   Colo.  McDougall,  subsistence  for  the  first  regi- 
ment,   300  00  00 

Aug.  7.  Colo.  Clinton,  subsistence  for  his  regiment,.. .  1,500  00  00 
"     Colo.  McDougall,     "               "            ...  500  00  09 
"     Colo.Van  Cortlandt,  "      of  Col.  Holmes'  re- 
giment,  200  00  00 

"     Colo.  Van  Schaick,   "      of  his  regiment,. . .  1,000  00  00 

Aug  12.  Colo.  Holmes,          "              "             ...  800  00  00 

29.  Robert  Johnson,  of  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment, 

subsistence  for  his  company,   100  00  00 

30.  Colo.  Holmes,  subsistence  for  his  regiment,. .  600  00  00 

31.  Colo.  McDougall,  subsistence  of  Capt.  Lamb's 

company  of  artillery.   250  00  00 

Sept.  2.  Major  Tuthill,  of  the  4th  regiment,  2  months' 
subsistence  for  himself  and  Job  Mulford, 

adjutant  of  said  regiment,   41    6  g 

Colo.  McDougall,  subsistence  for  his  regiment.  500  00  00 

4.  Colo.  McDougall,  "  "  i;006  11  1 
8.  Lieut.  Wm.  Crane,  of  Colo.  Holmes'  regiment, 

subsistence  of  his  company,   30  00  00 

23.  Capt.  John  Hulburt,  subsistence  for  his  com- 
pany  192  15  11 

"    Capt.  John  Hulburt,  2  months'  subsistence  for 

him  and  two  subalterns,   37   6  8 

"    Capt.  Daniel  Griffin,  2  months'  subsistence  for 

him  and  two  subalterns   37   6  8 

"    Capt.  Griffin,  subsistence  for  his  company,  .. .  217  00  1£ 
30.  Capt.  John  Grinnel,  "                  "         ...  31    1  33 
Oct.   2.  Andw.  Moodie,  adjutant  of  3d  regiment,  sub- 
sistence,  10  00  00 

"  Colo.  McDougall,  subsistence  of  1st  regiment,.  377    1  9 

13.  Capt.  John  Grinnell,  subsistence  his  company,  177  13  9 

Nov.  2.  Colo.  Mc  Dougall,         "        his  regiment,.  600  00  00 


£8,508    3  11' 


212 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Thomas  Smith  moved  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Lef- 
fertse,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draft  a  letter 
to  our  Delegates  stating  the  present  situation  of  this  Colo- 
ny, and  the  sense  of  this  Congress  on  the  measures  neces- 
sary to  be  taken  in  the  present  alarming  state  of  our  public 
affairs.    And  the  same  being  agreed,  nem.  con. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith, 
Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  be  a 
committee  for  that  purpose,  and  that  they  report  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

James  Beekman  has  leave  of  absence  for  the  residue  of 
this  day. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Bee.  9th,  1775. 

"  Gentlemen — It  must  appear  very  obvious  to  you, 
that  this  Colony  will  require  a  fund  to  defray  such  expen- 
ses as  have  arisen  or  may  be  incurred  on  its  particular  ac- 
count ;  the  last  Congress  attentive  to  this,  resolved  to  emit 
the  sum  of  £45,000  for  that  purpose.  The  bills  are  now 
ready  for  signing,  but  this  Congress  are  apprehensive  that 
the  great  variety  of  paper  emissions  now  in  circulation, 
with  the  addition  of  such  others  as  may  be  emitted  may 
endanger  a  depreciation,  or  prevent  so  extensive  a  circula- 
tion as  may  be  necessary  to  answer  the  ends  for  which 
they  were  intended. 

"  Those  evils  they  think  will  be  prevented  by  making 
all  paper  money  to  be  issued  for  the  defence  of  America, 
whether  general  or  particular,  Continental  currency.  They 
therefore,  request  you  to  take  the  sense  of  Congress,  whe- 
ther they  will  lend  this  Colony  the  sum  above  mentioned, 
for  the  sinking  of  which  they  are  ready  to  engage  the  Co- 
lony. As  this  money  is  immediately  wanted,  and  as  our 
bills  are  ready  for  signing,  we  beg  you  to  obtain  the  deter- 
mination of  the  Congress  on  this  matter  as  speedily  as  pos- 
sible, and  transmit  it  to  us. 

"  We  are,  with  great  truth  and  regard, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"  To  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of  New- York 
in  Congress,  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  be  requested  to 
enter  in  bond  to  Nathl.  Woodhull,  John  Van  Derbilt,  Isaac 
Roosevelt,  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqrs. 
in  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  pounds,  New- York  money, 
with  such  security  as  those  gentlemen  shall  approve  of, 
with  a  condition  faithfully  to  execute  the  said  office  of 
Treasurer  and  to  render  accounts  of  all  moneys  by  him  re- 
ceived, when  thereunto  required.  And, 

Resolved,  That  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  per  annum, 
and  at  the  same  rate  for  any  longer  or  shorter  time,  be  al- 
lowed to  him  as  a  salary  for  his  trouble  in  executing  the 
office  of  Treasurer,  to  be  computed  from  the  8th  day  of 
July  last,  on  which  he  was  first  appointed  Treasurer. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  (to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county) 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New- York,  9th  Deer.  1775.  \ 
"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  have  this  day  entered  into 
the  consideration  of  your  letter  of  28th  October,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  your  application  to  Sir  John  Johnson,  request- 
ing an  answer  from  him  whether  he  would  allow  his  tenants 
to  form  themselves  into  companies  and  associate  with  their 
brethren  of  your  county,  according  to  the  resolves  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  for  the  defence  of  our  liberties,  was 
improper  with  respect  to  him,  and  loo  condescending  on 
your  parts,  as  it  was  a  matter  that  came  properly  within 
your  province,  and  to  which  we  doubt  not  but  you  are 


competent,  as  you  have  a  line  of  conduct  prescribed  to  you 
by  Congress. 

"  With  respect  to  your  second  question  to  him,  whether 
he  would  take  any  active  pari  in  the  controversy  at  present 
subsisting  between  Great  Britain  and  her  Colonies,  we 
conceive  to  be  very  proper,  and  thank  you  for  your  infor- 
mation on  that  head.  As  to  the  third  question,  we  con- 
ceive that  he  can  claim  no  title  to  the  court-house  and  jail 
in  your  county,  as  we  are  credibly  told  that  his  father,  Sir 
William  Johnson,  did  in  his  lifetime  convey  the  same  to 
two  gentlemen  in  trust  for  the  use  of  your  county ;  how- 
ever, as  an  attempt  to  use  the  same  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
fining persons  inimical  to  our  country  may  be  productive 
of  bad  consequences,  we  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  you 
to  procure  some  other  place  which  may  answer  the  end  of 
a  jail,  and  give  you  our  advice  not  to  molest  Sir  John  as 
long  as  he  shall  continue  inactive  and  not  impede  the  mea- 
sures necessary  to  be  carried  into  execution  from  being 
completed. 

"  We  are  extremely  sorry  that  Mr.  White  has,  by  his 
imprudent  conduct,  rendered  himself  justly  obnoxious  to 
you.  The  best  advice  we  can  give  you  in  this  unhappy 
affair  is,  that  if  you  are  of  opinion  that  his  exercising  his 
office  will  be  dangerous  to  your  liberties  and  security,  that 
you  permit  the  office  to  be  exercised  by  his  deputy,  and 
that  you  draw  up  a  petition,  get  as  many  persons  of  your 
county  to  sign  it  as  possible,  and  present  it  to  the  Governor 
of  the  Colony,  setting  forth  that  it  is  very  disagreeable  to 
the  people  in  general  that  he  should  execute  that  office, 
and  praying  that  he  may  be  displaced,  and  his  place  sup- 
plied by  a  person  who  would  be  acceptable  to  the  people 
of  your  county. 

"  We  are,  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servants. 
"  To  Nichs.  Herkimer,  Esqr. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Tryon  county." 

"  P.  S.  The  credentials  from  your  county  for  Mr.  Moore 
are  not  yet  arrived,  though  several  letters  have  been  for- 
warded to  you  for  that  purpose." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved  and  ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
John  Van  Derbilt  and  Comfort  Sands,  be  a  committee  to 
plan  a  voyage,  or  voyages,  for  at  least  two  or  more  vessels, 
to  be  laden  and  sent  out  on  account  of  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  and  for  the  benefit  of  this  Colony,  to  procure  am- 
munition, arms,  and  such  other  articles  as  will  be  neces- 
sary for  the  general  defence  of  this  Colony,  and  to  procure 
proper  vessels  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  the  said  commit- 
tee report  such  plan  or  plans  as  they  shall  think  proper  or 
propose,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  day  being  far  advanced,  the  Congress  adjourned 
till  Monday  next,  at  10  o'clock  A.  M. 


DIE  LUNLE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  llth,  1775. 
The  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands— For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 

For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Colo.  L.  Graham,  Colo.  G.  Drake — For  Westchester. 

Colo.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  David  Gelston— 

For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  John  Moore— For  Tryon. 

Benjamin  Lindsay,  attending  at  the  door,  in  obedience 
to  the  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  when  he  ob- 
tained permission  to  lade  his  last  cargo  for  Rhode-Island, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


213 


sent  in  a  certificate  of  Governor  Cooke,  in  the  words  and 
figures  following,  to  wit : 

"Providence,  December  4th,  1775. 
"This  may  certify,  that  Capt.  Benjamin  Lindsay  has  im- 
ported and  landed  in  Providence,  one  hundred  and  twelve 
barrels  of  flour,  it  being  the  whole  quantity  that  he  brought 
from  New-York  in  the  sloop  Fly. 

"NICHS.  COOKE,  Governor." 

Benjamin  Lindsay  also  produced  a  certificate  from  Go- 
vernor Cooke,  under  the  seal  of  the  Colony  of  Rhode- 
Island,  requesting  a  further  supply  of  provisions,  and  he 
was  directed  to  apply  therewith  to  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  of  New-York. 

The  members  of  Kings  county,  and  two  members  of 
Dutchess  county,  being  by  the  violence  of  the  wind  de- 
tained on  Long  island,  and  without  them,  or  some  of  them, 
there  is  not  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  form  a  Con- 
gress, the  members  present  adjourned  to  3  o'clock. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  December  Uth,  1775. 

The  gentlemen  above  named,  who  attended  this  morning, 
attended  again  this  afternoon,  together  with  Mr.  Schenck, 
for  Dutchess  county,  but  for  want  of  another  member  for 
Dutchess,  or  a  representation  for  Kings  county,  they  could 
not  proceed  to  any  material  business,  which  required  a  full 
representation. 

Mr.  Elias  Nixon,  lately  returned  from  Boston,  by  re- 
quest attending  at  the  door,  was  called  in,  and  his  infor- 
mation reduced  to  writing  and  filed. 

The  gentlemen  present  then  adjourned  till  1 0  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  12th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Thos  Smith,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Ray,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  McDougall— For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  L.  Graham,  Colo.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Stephen  Ward— For  West- 
chester. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort— 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt— For  Kings. 

Mr.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Wickham— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Wynkoop— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Clowes,  Mr.  Haring— For  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

John  Haring,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Deputies  for  Orange 
county,  produced  a  certificate  of  Thomas  Outwater,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  the  county  committee,  whereby  it  is  certified, 
that  at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  of  the  town  of  Orange, 
in  Orange  county,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Jost  Mabee,  on  the 
9th  day^of  Decemr.  1775,  it  was  resolved  that  John  Ha- 
ring, Peter  Clowes,  William  Allison,  Ann  Hawke  Hay, 
The'unis  Cuyper  and  Jeremiah  Clarke,  Esqrs.  or  any  two 
or  more  of  them,  be  and  are  fully  authorized  to  represent 
the  said  county  of  Orange  in  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  now  convened  in  the  city  of  New-York.  The 
same  being  read  and  approved,  was  ordered  to  be  filed  ; 
and 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Haring  take  his  seat. 

And  the  Congress  being  well  informed  that  the  two  other 
precincts  in  Orange  county  have  elected  the  same  mem- 
bers, and  agreed  that  any  two  members  shall  represent  ihe 
county,  and° that  the  returns  will  speedily  be  sent  into  Con- 
gress ; 

Ordered  and  Agreed,  That  Mr.  Clowes  and  Mr.  Ha- 
ring represent  Orange  county,  and  be  received  to  give  the 
vote  of  the  county. 

54 


Mr.  John  Moore,  the  Deputy  for  Tryon  county,  pro- 
duced a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  bear- 
ing dale  the  7th  Novr.  last,  and  signed  by  Ebenezer  Cox, 
chairman  pro  tempore,  whereby  it  appears  that  they  had 
elected  two  Delegates  to  represent  their  county  in  this 
Congress  ;  that  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  freeholders 
assembled,  the  said  John  Moore  and  Isaac  Paris  were 
elected  ;  and  the  said  letter  also  directs  him  to  lay  sundry 
matters  before  this  Congress,  whereby  it  appears  to  Con- 
gress that  it  is  the  design  of  the  county  that  Mr.  Moore 
should  represent  that  county  until  another  member  arrives. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  filed,  and  that  Mr. 
Moore  take  his  seat  and  be  received  to  represent  Tryon 
county. 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
reported  it  as  their  opinion,  that  a  letter  should  be  wrote  to 
the  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  on  the  subject 
matter  of  the  said  petition  ;  and  they  reported  a  draft  of 
such  letter,  which  was  read.  And  the  question  being 
asked  whether  the  Congress  will  receive  the  said  report, 
it  was  agreed  to  be  received,  and  by  order  was  read  a  se- 
cond time.  And  many  debates  arose  thereon,  and  amend- 
ments made  and  debated  on,  until  the  morning  is  so  far 
elapsed  that  the  further  consideration  thereof  is  ordered  to 
be  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  plan  a 
voyage,  or  voyages,  for  two  or  more  vessels,  in  order  to 
procure  ammunition  and  other  necessaries,  reported  a  plan 
of  a  voyage  for  three  vessels  to  Europe.  The  same  was 
read,  and  after  some  debates  thereon  the  same  was  recom- 
mitted to  the  same  committee  for  reconsideration  and 
amendments. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  \2th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tho.  Smith,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Zandt— For 
New-York. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker 
— For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clowes,  Mr.  Haring — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 
Colo.  G.  Drake,  Colo.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward — For  Westchester. 
Mr.  John  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Colo.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston 
—For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  draft  of 
the  letter  to  the  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut, 
which  was  reported  in  the  morning  by  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  consider  the  petition  from  the  city  of  New-York. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  and  many  amendments 
made  thereto,  the  same  was  again  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  12th  Deer.  1775.  J 
"  Sir — It  gives  us  concern  that  we  are  under  the  neces- 
sity of  addressing  you  on  a  subject  lhat  has  given  great 
discontent  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York.  We  are  informed  by  a  petition  from  the  general 
committee,  that  a  body  of  troops  from  your  Colony  lately 
made  a  public  entry  into  this  city  at  noon  day,  and  seized 
and  carried  off  the  types  belonging  to  one  of  the  public 
printers,  without  any  authority  from  the  Continental  or  this 
Congress  or  their  committee  ;  while  we  consider  this  con- 
duct as  an  insult  offered  to  this  Colony,  we  are  disposed 
to  attribute  it  to  an  imprudent  though  well  intended  zeal  for 
the  public  cause,  and  cannot  entertain  the  most  distant 
thought  that  your  Colony  will  approve  of  the  measure.  It 
is  unnecessary  to  use  arguments  to  show  the  impropriety 


214 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


of  a  proceeding  that  has  a  manifest  tendency  to  interrupt 
that  harmony  and  union  which  at  present  happily  subsists 
throughout,  and  is  so  essential  to  the  interest  of  the  whole 
Continent.  It  is  our  earnest  desire  that  you  would  take 
the  most  effectual  steps  to  prevent  any  of  the  people  of 
your  Colony  from  entering  into  this  for  the  like  purposes, 
unless  invited  by  our  Provincial  Congress,  a  Committee 
of  Safety,  or  the  general  committee  of  one  of  our  counties, 
as  we  cannot  but  consider  such  intrusions  as  an  invasion  of 
our  essential  rights  as  a  distinct  Colony;  and  common  jus- 
tice obliges  us  to  request  that  you  would  give  orders  that 
all  the  types  be  returned  to  the  chairman  of  the  general 
committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York.  We 
beg  you  will  not  consider  this  requisition  as  an  attempt  to 
justify  the  man  from  whom  the  types  were  taken  ;  we  are 
fully  sensible  of  his  demerits,  but  we  earnestly  wish  that 
the  glory  of  the  present  contest  for  liberty,  may  not  be 
sullied  by  an  attempt  to  restrain  the  freedom  of  the  press. 
The  same  body  of  troops,  we  are  informed,  seized  the 
mayor  of  the  Borough  of  Westchester,  the  rector  of  that 
parish,  and  one  of  the  justices  of  the  county,  and  carried 
them  to  your  Colony.  Mr.  Seabury,  we  are  informed,  is 
still  detained.  If  such  should  be  the  case,  we  must  en- 
treat your  friendly  interposition  for  his  immediate  dis- 
charge ;  the  more  especially  as  considering  his  ecclesi- 
astic character,  which,  perhaps,  is  venerated  by  many 
friends  to  liberty,  the  severity  that  has  been  used  towards 
him  may  be  subject  to  misconstructions  prejudicial  to  the 
common  cause,  and  the  more  effectually  to  restrain  such 
incursions  which,  if  repeated,  may  be  productive  of  mis- 
chief of  the  most  serious  consequence  ;  and  as  we  would 
be  exceedingly  sorry  to  give  room  for  jealousies  among  in- 
dividuals in  your  Colony,  that  we  are  desirous  to  damp 
the  spirit  of  liberty  or  countenance  any  of  its  enemies 
among  us  ;  we  propose  to  apply  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, not  by  way  of  complaint,  but  for  such  a  general 
regulation  on  this  subject  as  may  as  well  prevent  such  jea- 
lousies, as  any  future  incursions  by  the  inhabitants  of  either 
Colony  into  the  other  for  the  apprehending  or  punishing 
any  enemy  or  supposed  enemy  to  the  cause  of  liberty, 
without  application  to  the  Congress,  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  or  the  committee  of  the  county,  within  the  juris- 
diction of  which  such  persons  shall  reside  or  command  of 
the  Continental  Congress. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  utmost  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Jona.  Trumbull, 

Gov.  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut." 

And  debates  arising  on  the  said  letter  as  now  amended, 
and  the  question  being  asked  whether  the  said  letter  is  ap- 
proved of,  and  shall  be  ordered  to  be  engrossed  and  sent,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner,  vizt. 


For  the  letter  being  engrossed  and 
sent  to  Gov.  Trumbull. 


New-York,,    4 

Kings,    2 

Albany,   3 

Ulster,   2 

Dutchess,     2 

Suffolk,   2 


15 


Against  the  letter. 

Tryon,   2 

Westchester,   2 

4 

Dissentients — Colo.  Graham, 
from  Westchester ;  Colo. 
McDougall,  Mr.  Sands, 
from  New-York. 


Ordered  therefore,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  the  President,  so  as  to  be  ready  to  be  trans- 
mitted when  directed. 

Mr.  Hobart  informed  the  Congress  that  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Huntington  reported  that  the  captain  of 
the  second  company  of  the  first  regiment  was  promoted 
to  a  majority,  and  that  the  following  gentlemen  were  there- 
upon elected  officers  of  that  company,  to  wit :  Jonathan 
Titus,  captain ;  Joshua  Rogers,  first  licut.  and  Thos. 
Brush,  2d  lieut.  And  that  the  chairman  of  the  said 
committee  of  Huntington  reported  that  the  captain  of  the 
3rd  company  of  the  said  third  regiment  had  resigned,  and 
that  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected,  to  wit :  Joel 


Scudder,  capt. ;  Nathl.  Buffett,  first  lieut. ;  Epenetus 
Smith,  2nd  lieut. ;  John  Hart,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gentle 
men  in  the  order  above  named. 

Col.  Hay,  from  Haverstraw  precinct,  in  Orange  coun- 
ty, produced  a  certificate  of  the  joint  committee  of  Orange 
Town  and  Haverstraw,  signed  by  Thomas  Outwater,  their 
chairman,  and  dated  the  7th  inst.  which  being  read,  is  to 
the  following  effect : 

"  Orange  County — At  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and 
inhabitants  of  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw,  the  7lh  day  of 
Novr.  ulto.  and  also  at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  in- 
habitants of  Orange  Town,  the  same  day,  and  by  several 
adjournments  after,  in  Orange  Town,  the  following  persons 
were  chosen  to  represent  the  south  part  of  the  said  county  in 
particular,  and  the  said  county  in  general,  in  Provincial 
Congress  of  this  Colony.  In  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw, 
Colo.  A.  Hawks  Hay  and  Theunis  Cuyper,  Esqrs.  ;  and 
in  Orange  Town,  John  Haring,  Esqr.  and  that  any  one  of 
the  said  Deputies  shall  represent  the  south  side  of  the 
mountains  in  the  said  county  in  particular.  And  that  any 
two  of  the  six  Deputies  chosen  in  the  said  county,  to  repre- 
sent the  said  county  in  general. 

"  That  in  pursuance  thereof,  the  joint  committee  of  the 
towns  of  Orange  and  Haverstraw,  do  certify  that  return 
to  be  a  sufficient  voucher  for  the  said  Deputies,  as  they 
may  severally  attend  at  this  Provincial  Congress." 

The  same  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  ordered  to  be 
filed.  And 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hay  take  his  seat. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Con- 
gress be  and  they  are  hereby  given  to  those  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  who  so  cheerfully 
gave  their  aid  at  the  request  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county,  in  the  late  suppression  of  the  insurgents 
in  that  county  against  the  cause  of  liberty. 

Mr.  Scott  then  moved  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Ho- 
bart,) that  the  Congress  enter  into  and  add  a  resolution  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

And  whereas,  Considering  the  situation  of  some  of 
the  counties  in  this  Colony,  aid  for  the  like  purposes  may 
often  be  most  conveniently  had  from  a  neighbouring  Colo- 
ny or  a  distant  county  within  this  Colony,  that  the  pow- 
er heretofore  given  to  committees  for  calling  in  the  assist- 
ance of  a  neighbouring  county,  be  extended  so  far  as  to 
enable  the  county  committees  respectively  to  apply  for  as- 
sistance from  a  neighbouring  Colony  or  any  county  within 
this  Colony. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  whether  the  Congress  will  add  such  resolution  to 
the  next  preceding,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   2      Kings,  2 

Dutchess,    2 

Albany,   3 

Suffolk,    2 

Tryon  2 

New-York,  4 

Mr.  T.  Smith  and  Roose- 
velt dissenting. 

Orange,   2 

Ulster    2 

—19 

Ordered,  Therefore,  that  a  resolution  be  entered,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

And  whereas,  considering  the  situation  of  some  of  the 
counties  in  this  Colony,  aid  for  the  like  purposes  may  often 
conveniently  be  had  from  a  neighboring  Colony,  or  a  dis- 
tant county  within  this  Colony, 

Resolved,  That  the  power  heretofore  given  to  commit- 
tees for  calling  in  the  assistance  of  a  neighboring  county 
be  extended  so  far  as  to  enable  the  county  committees,  re- 
spectively, to  apply  for  assistance  to  a  neighboring  Colony, 
or  any  county  within  this  Colony. 

Major  Brush,  from  Huntington,  was  admitted,  and  gave 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


215 


some  information  of  reports  of  the  disaffection  of  sundry 
people  in  Queens  county,  and  of  a  suspicion  that  they  had 
about  enlisting  negroes. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  dated 
the  5th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Some  few  days  past  three  men  were 
committed  to  jail,  in  consequence  of  an  order  from  the  gene- 
ral committee  of  Dutchess  county,  on  a  charge  of  having 
aided  and  assisted  Peter  Harris  in  enlisting  men  for  the 
ministerial  army.  The  committee  of  Poughkeepsie  pre- 
cinct having  reason  to  believe  that  some  further  discovery 
might  be  made  of  the  pernicious  scheme  carrying  on  in 
this  county  against  the  friends  of  American  liberty,  as 
well  to  procure  further  evidences  against  said  prisoners, 
the  Chairman  issued  citations  for  a  number  of  persons 
to  appear  before  said  committee  the  4th  inst.  on  which 
day  most  of  them  appeared,  and  Mr.  Justice  Ellis  being 
called  in  to  qualify  them,  three  persons  whom  the  commit- 
tee deemed  the  most  material  witnesses,  refused  to  be 
sworn  and  contemned  the  authority  of  the  committee,  say- 
ing they  had  taken  good  counsel  so  to  do.  And  the  com- 
mittee being  of  opinion  that  there  are  several  very  officious 
ministerial  agents  in  this  county  who  have  corrupted  the 
minds  of  many  of  the  ignorant  and  baser  sort  of  men  among 
us,  maliciously  telling  them  the  whigs  were  in  rebellion  ; 
the  King  would  conquer  them,  and  their  estates  be  for- 
feited, and  if  they  take  up  arms  against  them  the  King,  for 
their  services,  will  give  them  the  whigs'  possessions  : 
The  committee  taking  these  matters  into  consideration  and 
being  of  opinion  that  the  denial  of  their  authority  is  of  the 
last  importance ;  and  not  being  clear  that  any  particular 
rule  is  pointed  out  by  Congress,  think  it  expedient  to  so- 
licit their  advice  in  the  premises. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hble.  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
(Signed,)        "  SAML.  DODGE,  Chairman. 

"  Poughkeepsie,  Deer.  5th,  1775. 
<:  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

The  same  being  read  and  considered,  thereupon, 
Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  persons,  being  brought 
before  the  committee  of  any  county,  town,  manor,  precinct 
or  district  within  this  Colony,  to  give  in  his,  her  or  their 
evidence  on  oath,  or  by  affirmation,  according  to  the  best 
of  his,  her  or  their  knowledge,  in  any  matter  or  charge 
within  the  authority  or  jurisdiction  of  such  committee, 
brought  against  any  other  person  or  persons,  shall  refuse 
to  give  his,  her  or  their  evidence,  respectively,  on  oath  or 
affirmation,  he,  she  or  they  so  refusing  shall  be  immedi- 
ately committed  lo  safe  custody,  at  his,  her  or  their  own 
private  expense,  there  to  remain  until  he,  she  or  they  con- 
sent lo  be  qualified  and  give  in  his,  her  or  their  evidence 
or  testimony  as  aforesaid. 

Mr.  Clowes  obtained  leave  of  absence  to  go  to  Queens 
county. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  ISth,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Kathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  T.  Smith,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  Bra- 
sher, Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers—  For  New-York. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Wynkoop — For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt— For  Kings. 
Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 
Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Haring — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Jno.  Moore— For  Tryon. 


Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston 
—For  Suffolk. 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Potter,  of  Huntington,  of  the  10th 
inst.  which  was  read  yesterday,  was  again  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  lo  wit : 

"  Huntington,  Deer.  10th,  1775. 
"Sir — This  you  will  receive  by  Major  Brush,  who  is 
appointed  by  the  committee  of  this  town  to  lay  before  the 
Congress  the  state  of  the  town  ;  and  as  there  is  a  number  of 
commissions  wanted,  should  be  glad  they  may  be  sent  up 
by  the  major,  for  the  following  gentlemen,  vizt :  For  the 
2d  company,  Jonathan  Titus,  capt. ;  Joshua  Rogers,  first 
lieut. ;  Thomas  Brush,  second  lieut.  For  the  3d  com- 
pany, Joel  Scudder,  capt.  ;  Nathl.  Buffet,  first  lieut. ; 
Epinetus  Smith,  second  lieut. ;  John  Heart,  ensign.  And 
as  Mr.  Brush  is  acquainted  with  [the J  state  of  the  town,  as  to 
their  slackness  in  military  preparations,  as  also  that  we 
have  great  reason  to  believe  all  methods  used  by  our  neigh- 
bours to  make  them  indifferent  in  this  great  contest,  we  not 
only  beg  your  advice  but  assistance,  for  it  is  my  opinion  if 
there  is  not  a  sufficient  number  of  men  immediately  sent 
lo  effectually  subdue  Queens  county  and  to  intimidate  the 
people  amongst  us,  great  many  from  here  will  soon  be  in 
a  little  better  ruffell  than  the  rebels  of  Queens  county, 
which  we  have  great  reason  [to  believe]  is  making  interest 
with  our  slaves  and  other  servants.  Sir,  I  should  have 
wrote  to  the  Prest.  but  hearing  of  your  not  making  a 
House,  you  will  be  pleased  to  communicate  this  to  Con- 
gress. I  would  further  add,  I  have  exerted  myself  in  my 
station,  but  if  nothing  is  done  by  your  House  1  must  be 
obliged  lo  desist ;  but  as  to  myself,  as  an  individual,  I  am 
determined  to  live  and  die  free. 

"I  am,  sir,  your  most  hble.  servt. 
(Signed,)  "  GILBERT  POTTER. 

"  To  John  S.  Hoiiart,  Esqr. 

in  Provincial  Congress." 

The  affidavit  of  Samuel  Nostran  and  Isaac  Loosie  of 
the  3rd  inst.  was  also  again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"Samuel  Nostran  and  Isaac  Loosie  deposeth,that  on  the 
30th  day  of  Novr.  last  they  were  at  Hamstead  at  the  house 
of  John  Nostian,  who  told  them,  the  said  deponents,  that 
there  was  a  great  quantity  of  powder  at  Capt.  Richard 
Hulale's  at  Rockway,  and  that  he,  the  said  John  Nostran, 
was  one  that  mounted  guard  over  the  powder  the  night  be- 
fore. 

"  The  said  deponents  further  saith,  that  they  saw  Jacob 
Nostran,  who  told  them,  the  said  deponents,  that  there  was 
a  great  quantity  of  powder,  ball,  small  arms  and  some 
cannon,  which  came  from  the  Asia  man  of  war,  with  the 
lieut.  of  the  man  of  war  and  some  other  officers,  and  land- 
ed at  Rockway  ;  and  that  it  was  carried  to  Capt.  Hulate's 
who  came  from  on  board  the  Asia  with  the  said  stores, 
and  that  he,  the  said  Jacob  Nostran,  mounted  guard  over 
the  said  military  stores  the  night  before.  And  the  said  de- 
ponents further  saith,  that  they  were  at  the  house  of  Isaac 
Denton,  Jr  at  Rockway,  who  told  them,  the  said  depo- 
nents, that  there  was  a  vast  quantity  of  powder  and  ball, 
and  a  plenty  of  small  arms  and  some  cannon  at  Capt.  Hu- 
late's, which  came  from  on  board  the  Asia  man  of  war, 
and  that  Capt.  Hulate  and  the  lieut.  of  the  man  of  war 
came  with  it ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Denton,  had  some  of 
the  powder  which  cost  him  nothing,  and  that  whenever 
they  wanted  more,  they  could  have  it  by  making  applica- 
tion for  it ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Isaac  Denton,  mounted 
guard  over  the  said  military  stores  the  night  before,  and 
that  he,  the  said  Denton  would  fight  against  the  country 
while  he  could  see  a  damned  whig  left. 

"  And  the  said  deponent  further  saith,  that  they  saw 
Benjamin  Eldred  and  a  number  of  others  who  told  them 
much  to  the  same  effect. 

"  The  said  deponents  further  saith,  that  on  the  2nd  inst. 
they  saw  William  Nostran  of  Hamstead,  who  told  them, 
the  said  deponents,  that  the  captains  of  the  several  compa- 


216 


JOURNAL  OF  THE 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


nies  met  at  Capt.  Hulate's  on  Thursday  last,  to  take  each 
of  them  a  quantity  of  powder  to  distribute  in  their  several 
companies  ;  and  that  they  expected  a  number  of  people 
from  Connecticut,  to  land  at  Huntington  and  march 
amongst  them  ;  and  that  upon  the  arrival  of  the  Connec- 
ticut people,  they  expected  intelligence  would  be  given  by 
some  person  from  Huntington  to  John  Hulate,  Esqr.  and 
that  he,  the  said  John  Hulate,  would  carry  intelligence 
immediately  to  Hamstead,  and  that  there  they  would  fire  a 
cannon  to  alarm  the  country  in  general  to  oppose  them. 

"  The  said  deponents  further  saith,  that  they  saw  Wil- 
liam Nostran  and  John  Smith  of  Hamstead,  who  told  them 
that  there  was  a  man  who  belonged  on  board  the  Asia, 
called  a  gunner,  left  amongst  them  to  work  the  cannon. 
On  Monday  next  they  were  to  meet  to  agree  where  to 
place  their  cannon.    And  further  saith  not. 

(Signed,)        "  SAMUEL  NOSTRAN, 
"ISAAC  LOOSIE. 

"  Sworn  before  me,  in  Huntington,  > 
this  3rd  of  December,  1775.  > 

(Signed,)      "  Zophar  Platt, 

"Justice  of  the  Peace." 
The  affidavit  of  Samuel  Nostran  of  the  11th  inst.  was 
also  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Suffolk  county,  Huntington,  Deer.  11th,  1775. 
"  Then  Samuel  Nostran,  yeoman,  appearing  before  me, 
Jesse  Brush,  one  of  His  Majesty's  justices  of  the  peace 
for  said  county,  and  declaring  on  oath  as  follows  :  that  is, 
Mr.  Nostran  says,  that  he  was  at  Hemstead  on  Thursday, 
the  30th  day  of  Novr.  that  John  Smith,  Isaac  Denton  and 
Benjn.  Eldert  told  him  that  they  were  informed  by  the 
lieut.  of  the  man  of  war,  that  there  were  five  thousand  of 
the  regular  troops  expected  either  from  Boston  or  from 
home,  and  that  they  were  to  land  at  Rockway  ;  and  that 
John  Smith  further  told  him,  that  they  kept  their  fat  cattle 
on  that  account,  and  did  not  sell  any  expecting  a  market 
there  at  home  ;  and  that  the  said  John  Smith  had  then  a 
considerable  quantity  of  fat  cattle  by  him. 

(Signed,)       "  SAMUEL  NOSTRAN. 
"  Sworn  before  me. 

(Signed,)        "  Jesse  Brush." 

The  Congress  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  the 
said  letter  and  affidavits  and  the  information  of  Major 
Brush  on  the  state  of  Queens  county ;  and  thereupon  a 
motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Hobart,  and  seconded,  that  the 
Congress  come  to  a  determination  in  the  following  words, 
to  wit : 

Whereas  this  Congress  has  received  information  that  a 
number  of  disaffected  persons  in  Queens  county  have  been 
supplied  with  arms  and  ammunition  from  on  board  [the] 
Asia  ship  of  war,  and  are  arraying  themselves  in  military 
manner  to  oppose  the  measures  taken  by  the  United  Colo- 
nies for  the  defence  of  their  just  rights  and  privileges,  and 
have  thrown  out  many  threatening  expressions  against  sun- 
dry persons  in  that  and  the  neighbouring  counties  : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
such  conduct  is  inimical  to  the  common  cause  of  the  Uni- 
ted Colonies  and  ought  not  by  any  means  to  be  suffered, 
but  that  measures  should  be  immediately  taken  to  put  a 
stop  to  it.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  inhabitants  of  said  county  do  appear 
by  a  committee  before  this  Congress  on  Wednesday  next, 
at  ten  of  the  clock  in  the  morning,  to  give  satisfaction  in  the 
premises.  And 

Ordered,  That  sundry  copies  of  the  above  resolution 
and  order  be  delivered  to  some  of  the  principal  inhabitants 
in  Queens  county. 

Mr  Thomas  Smith  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Leffertse,  the  said  resolve  and  orders  relating  to  Queens 
county  be  turned  into  a  letter,  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon  it  was  determined  in  the  negative  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 


For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   2      Tryon,   2 

Dutchess,   2 

Albany,   3 

Suffolk,   2 

Ulster   2 

New-York   4 

T.  Smith  dissenting. 

15 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  determination  be  made 
a  part  of  the  minutes,  and  that  the  Secretaries  get  one  hun- 
dred copies  thereof  printed,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  following  is  one  of  the  printed  notices  sent  pursuant 
to  the  order  of  the  Congress,  vizt : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Dec.  12,  1775.  5 
"  Whereas  this  Congress  has  received  undoubted  in- 
formation, that  a  number  of  disaffected  persons  in  Queen's 
county,  have  been  supplied  with  arms  and  ammunition, 
from  on  board  the  Asia  ship  of  war,  and  are  arraying  them- 
selves in  military  manner  to  oppose  the  measures  taking  by 
the  United  Colonies,  for  the  defence  of  their  just  rights  and 
privileges  ; 

"  Ordered,  That  of  Jamaica  toionship,  Captain  Benja- 
min Whitehead,  Charles  Ardin,  Joseph  French,  Esq.  Jo- 
hannes Polhemus ;  Newtown,  Nath.  Moor,  John  Moor, 
senior,  Capt.  Samuel  Hallet,  John  Moor,  junior,  Wil- 
liam Weyman,  John  Shoals,  Jeromus  Rapalye  ;  Flushing- 
township,  John  Willet ;  Hempstead  loivnship,  Justice  Gil- 
bert Van  Wyck,  Daniel  Kissam,  Esq.  Cowneck,  Captain 
Jacob  Mott,  Thomas  Cornell  of  Rockaway,  Gabriel  G. 
Ludlow,  Richard  Hewlet,  Captain  Charles  Hicks,  Doctor 
Martin,  Justice  Samuel  Clowes  ;  Oyster-Bay,  Justice 
Tho.  Smith,  Hog  island,  Justice  John  Hewlet,  Captain 
George  Weeks,  Doctor  David  Brooks,  Justice  John  Town- 
send,  being  charged  as  principal  men  among  the  disaffected 
in  said  county,  do  attend  this  Congress,  at  ten  o'clock, 
Tuesday  morning  next,  the  19th  inst.  to  give  satisfaction 
to  this  Congress  in  the  premises,  and  that  they  be  protected 
from  any  injury  or  insult  during  their  coming  to  and  return- 
ing from  this  Congress." 

Agreed,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  and 
Mr.  Sands  while  absent  on  the  business  of  planning  a  voy- 
age and  fitting  out  and  lading  one  or  more  vessels,  be  con- 
sidered in  the  service  of  this  Congress,  and  as  attending. 

Ordered,  That  those  members  returned  to  represent  the 
city  and  county  of  New-York  in  this  Congress,  who  have 
not  yet  taken  their  seats,  be  desired  to  take  their  seats  on 
Friday  next,  or  that  their  seats  be  declared  vacant.  And, 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  order  be  served  on 
Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Benj.  Kissam,  Esqr.  Messrs.  John 
Morton,  Isaac  Sears,  Gab.  W.  Ludlow,  and  that  if  any  of 
them  cannot  be  found  in  town,  that  a  copy  of  the  said  order 
be  left  at  the  last  usual  place  of  abode  in  this  city,  of  any 
of  those  gentlemen  who  are  absent  from  the  city. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer,  mh,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nalhl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Helme,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Ray — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort 

— For  Jilbany. 

Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 
Colo.  G.  Drake,  Colo.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 
Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Col.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gels- 
ton,  Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Leffertse — For  Kings. 
Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay—  For  Orange. 
Mr.  John  Moore— For  Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  no  person  whatsoever  do  inoculate  for 
the  small-pox  within  this  Colony,  until  the  further  order  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


217 


this  Congress,  and  that  the  several  committees  in  this  Co- 
lony within  their  respective  districts,  carefully  observe  that 
there  be  a  punctual  compliance  with  this  order. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  Mr. 
Thomas  Smith's  motion  on  the  8th  inst.  and  the  resolves 
thereunto  annexed,  and  the  same  were  read  through ;  and 
on  reading  the  motion  or  introduction  a  second  time,  Mr. 
Hobart  moved,  (and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,) 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  for  the  following  amendment  to  Mr.  Smith's 
motion,  vizt :  that  after  the  words  "  Governor  Tryon"  the 
remainder  be  struck  out,  and  the  following  be  substituted 
in  its  stead  : — "  paper  of  the  fourth  inst.  containing  his  sen- 
timents on  the  present  convulsed  state  of  this  country,  and 
addressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  New-York,  and  express 
the  sense  of  the  Colony  upon  the  same,  in  the  following 
resolves  :" 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that 
none  of  the  people  of  this  Colony  have  withdrawn  their 
allegiance  from  His  Majesty,  or  desire  to  become  indepen- 
dent of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  or  to  change  the 
ancient  form  of  Government,  under  which  this  Colony 
hath  grown  up  from  its  infancy  to  its  present  stale. 

Resolved,  secondly,  That  this  Colony  has,  in  conjunction 
with  the  other  United  Colonies,  taken  up  arms,  not  to 
oppose  that  just  and  equal  rule  to  which,  by  the  British 
Constitution  and  their  respective  established  forms  of  go- 
verrment  they  were  subject,  but  solely  for  the  defence  of 
their  most  undoubted  rights  and  privileges,  against  the 
arbitrary  and  tyrannical  encroachments  of  His  Majesty's 
ministers. 

Resolved,  thirdly,  That  though  for  the  same  valuable 
purpose,  this  Colony,  in  conjunction  with  the  other  United 
Colonies,  had  recourse  to  the  appointment  of  Committees 
and  Congresses,  for  the  more  orderly  and  effectual  redress 
of  their  numerous  and  heavy  grievances,  yet  it  is  by  no 
means  the  desire  or  design  of  its  inhabitants  to  disuse, 
much  less  to  oppose  or  obstruct  the  ordinary  course  of 
government  or  legislation,  but  that  on  the  contrary  they 
highly  esteem,  and  will  not  willingly  cede  their  right  of 
being  represented  in  General  Assembly. 

Resolved,  fourthly,  That  this  Congress  are  of  opinion 
that  the  neglect  to  convene  the  Legislature  of  the  Colony 
since  the  last  winter  session,  and  the  probability  that  the 
ordinary  season  for  their  sitting  will  pass  without  a  ses- 
sion, furnishes  at  this  critical  juncture  ground  of  uneasiness 
to  the  good  people  of  this  Colony. 

Resolved,  fifthly,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress 
that  there  is  not  the  least  danger  of  insult  or  interruption  to 
either  of  the  branches  of  the  Legislature  should  an  Assem- 
bly be  called,  but  that  on  the  contrary  it  would  be  extreme- 
ly agreeable  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  to  the  end 
not  only  that  the  ordinary  business  of  the  country  may  be 
despatched,  but  also  that  their  sense  may  be  expressed,  as 
well  by  their  representatives  in  Assembly  as  in  Congress, 
on  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between  Great  Britain 
and  the  United  Colonies. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion  for  an  amendment,  and 
after  long  arguments  thereon,  and  the  question  put,  on 
Mr.  Hobart's  motion  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,  2      Kings,   2 

Tryon,   2  — 

Westchester,   2  2 

New-York,  4         Orange  divided. 

Suffolk,   2 

Albany,   3 

Capt.  Cuyler  dissenting. 
Ulster,   2 

17 

Resolved  and  Agreed,  That  the  amendment  moved  by 
Mr.  Hobart  be  made  to  Mr.  Smith's  motion,  and  that  the 

55 


amendment  moved  for  by  Mr.  Hobart,  remain  for  farther 
consideration. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 


DIE  JOVIS,   10  HO.  A.  M. 

Decemr.  14th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDougall, 
Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 
Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck— For  Dutchess. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— .For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Jno.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt— For  Kings. 

Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring — For  Orange. 

Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Gelston — For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Captain 
Ledyard,  with  his  company,  (which  is  incomplete,)  is  in 
New- York,  and  has  been  of  use  in  sundry  duties  here  since 
he  came  down  from  the  fort  in  the  Highlands,  and  request- 
ed the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  whether  he  should  send 
him  with  his  company  up  to  the  fort,  or  detain  him  here. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  detain  Capt.  Ledyard 
here,  or  give  him  such  other  directions  as  he  shall  think 
proper. 

Mr.  Hobart  on  application  obtained  leave  of  absence, 
the  county  of  Suffolk  having  a  representative  without  him. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Mulford,  dated  the  9th  inst.  mention- 
ing the  places  appointed  for  the  rendezvous  of  his  regiment, 
was  read  and  filed. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
amendments  to  Mr.  Smith's  motion  of  the  8th  inst.  which 
were  moved  for,  and  are  contained  in  Mr.  Hobart's  motion 
of  yesterday,  and  the  same  were  read,  and  being  read,  pa- 
ragrah  by  paragraph,  the  first  paragraph  being  read,  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that 
none  of  the  people  of  this  Colony  have  withdrawn  their  al- 
legiance from  His  Majesty,  or  desire  to  become  indepen- 
dent of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  or  to  change  the 
ancient  form  of  Government,  under  which  this  Colony 
hath  grown  up  from  its  infancy  to  its  present  state. 

The  second  paragraph  being  read,  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing to  wit : 

Resolved  secondly,  That  this  Colony  has,  in  conjunction 
with  the  other  United  Colonies,  taken  up  arms,  not  to 
oppose  that  just  and  equal  rule  to  which,  by  the  British 
Constitution  and  their  respective  established  forms  of  go- 
vernment, they  were  subject,  but  solely  for  the  defence  of 
their  most  undoubted  rights  and  privileges,  against  the  ar- 
bitrary and  tyrannical  encroachments  of  His  Majesty's 
ministers. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  then  moved  (and  was  seconded,)  for  the 
following  amendment,  to  wit:  that  all  that  part  of  the  first 
proposed  resolution  which  is  from  the  word  Majesty  to  the 
end,  and  also,  the  whole  of  the  proposed  2nd  resolution,  be 
obliterated,  and  the  following  substituted  in  its  stead,  to 
wit : 

"  Resolved,  secondly,  That  the  supposed  present  '  tur- 
bulent state'  of  this  Colony,  arises  not  from  the  want  of  a 
proper  attachment  to  our  Prince,  and  the  establishment  in 
the  illustrious  House  of  Hanover,  nor  from  a  desire  to  be- 
come independent  of  the  British  Crown,  or  a  spirit  of  op- 
position to  that  just  and  equal  rule  to  which,  by  the  British 
Constitution,  and  our  ancient  and  established  form  of  go- 
vernment, to  which  we  are  subject,  but  solely  from  the 


218 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


inroads  made  on  both  by  oppressive  acts  of  the  British 
Parliament,  devised  for  enslaving  His  Majesty's  liege  sub- 
jects in  the  American  Colonies,  and  the  hostile  attempts 
of  the  ministry  to  carry  those  acts  into  execution." 

And  the  same  being  read  a  second  time,  was  unanimous- 
ly agreed  to,  and  ordered  accordingly.  Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
Congress,  that  none  of  the  good  people  of  this  Colony, 
have  withdrawn  their  allegiance  from  His  Majesty. 

Resolved,  secondly,  That  the  supposed  present  turbu- 
lent state  of  this  Colony,  arises  not  from  the  want  of  a  pro- 
per attachment  to  our  Prince,  and  the  establishment  in  the 
illustrious  house  of  Hanover,  nor  from  a  desire  to  become  in- 
dependent of  the  British  Crown,  or  "  a  spirit  of  opposition" 
to  that  just  and  equal  rule  to  which  by  the  British  Con- 
stitution, and  our  ancient  and  established  form  of  Govern- 
ment we  are  subject,  but  solely  from  the  inroads  made  on 
both  by  appressive  acts  of  the  British  Parliament,  devised 
for  enslaving  His  Majesty's  liege  subjects  in  the  American 
Colonies,  and  the  hostile  attempts  of  the  ministry  to  carry 
those  acts  into  execution. 

The  3rd  paragraph  being  read,  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

Resolved,  thirdly,  That  though  "  for  the  same  valuable 
purposes,"  this  Colony  in  conjunction  with  the  other  United 
Colonies  had  recourse  to  the  appointment  of  "  commit- 
tees" and  "  Congresses"  for  the  more  orderly  and  effec- 
tual redress  of  their  numerous  grievances,  yet  it  is  by  no 
means  the  desire  or  design  of  its  inhabitants  to  disuse, 
much  less  to  oppose  or  obstruct  the  ordinary  course  of  go- 
vernment or  legislation,  but  that  "  on  the  contrary"  they 
highly  esteem  and  "  will  not  willingly  cede"  their  right  of 
being  represented  in  General  Assembly. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  words  "for 
the  same  valuable  purposes"  and  the  words  "government 
or"  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "  and  Congresses"  trans- 
posed and  placed  before  the  word  committees,  and  the 
same  was  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  ordered  accordingly. 

Colo.  McDougall  then  moved  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Sands,  that  the  words  "  on  the  contrary"  and  the  words 
"  will  not  willingly  cede"  be  obliterated,  and  the  same  was 
unanimously  agreed  to,  and  ordered  accordingly. 

The  said  third  proposed  resolution  as  thus  amended  was 
again  read  and  agreed  to  nem.  con.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  thirdly,  That  though  this  Colony  in  conjunc- 
ture with  the  other  United  Colonies  has  had  recourse  to  the 
appointment  of  Congresses  and  committees  for  the  more 
orderly  and  effectual  redress  of  their  numerous  and  heavy 
grievances,  yet  it  is  by  no  means  the  desire  or  design  of 
its  inhabitants  to  disuse,  much  less  to  oppose  or  obstruct 
the  ordinary  course  of  legislation,  but  that  they  highly  es- 
teem their  right  of  being  represented  in  General  Assembly. 

The  fourth  proposed  resolution  being  read,  Mr.  Hobart 
moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  whole  fourth  paragraph 
be  expunged.  The  same  was  unanimously  agreed  to,  and 
ordered  accordingly. 

The  fifth  proposed  resolution  being  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,,  fifthly,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
gress that  there  is  not  the  least  danger  of  insult  or  interrup- 
tion to  either  of  the  branches  of  the  legislation,  should  an 
Assembly  be  called,  but  that  on  the  contrary  it  would  be 
extremely  agreeable  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  to 
the  end,  not  only  that  the  ordinary  business  of  the  country 
may  be  despatched,  but  also  that  their  sense  may  be  ex- 
pressed as  well  by  their  representatives  in  Assembly  as  in 
Congress,  on  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  United  Colonies. 

Mr.  Haring  moved  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Sands, 
for  the  following  amendment,  to  wit:  that  all  that  part  of 
the  fifth  paragraph  which  follows  the  word  "  called"  be 
obliterated.  Debates  arose  on  the  amendment  moved  by 
Mr.  Haring,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit  : 


For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   2      Kings,   2 

New-York,   4 

Mr.  Roosevelt  dissenting. 

Westchester,  2 

Orange,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Dutchess,   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Albany,   3 

19 

Ordered,  Therefore  that  that  part  of  the  fifth  paragraph 
which  follows  the  word  "  called"  be  obliterated. 

Mr.  Sands  then  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  re- 
mainder of  the  said  fifth  resolution,  to  wit,  from  the  be- 
ginning thereof  to  the  end  of  the  word  "  called"  be  obli- 
terated ;  and  debates  arising  thereon,  and  the  question  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  follow- 
ing, to  wit: 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess   2      Kings,   2 

Orange,   2 

Westchester,    2 

Ulster,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Suffolk,    2 

New-York,   4 

Albany,   3 

19 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  remainder  of  the  said  fifth 
paragraph,  to  wit,  from  the  beginning  thereof  to  the  end 
of  the  word  called,  be  obliterated. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  December  \Ath,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  President. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Scott,  Col  McDou- 
gall, Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands— For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort— 

For  Albany. 

Mr.  J.  Moore—  For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt— For  Kings. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck— For  Dutchess. 
Col.  Hay,  Mr  Haring — For  Orange. 

Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr  Tred 
well,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

A  letter  from  John  Jay,  Esqr.  dated  the  26th  Novemr. 
last,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  of  transmitting  to  you  the  en- 
closed resolutions  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  island  of 
Bermuda. 

"  We  have  not  yet  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  that  you 
had  made  a  House,  and  are  not  without  some  anxiety  on 
that  head. 

"  In  a  few  days  we  shall  write  to  you  collectively,  and 
should  be  glad  frequently  to  be  informed  of  the  state  of  the 
Province. 

"  The  New-England  exploit  is  much  talked  of,  and  con- 
jectures are  numerous  as  to  the  part  the  Convention  will 
take  relative  to  it ;  some  consider  it  as  an  ill  compliment 
to  the  Government  of  the  Province,  and  prophesy  that  you 
have  too  much  christian  meekness  to  take  any  notice  of  it. 
For  my  own  part,  I  don't  approve  of  the  feat,  and  think  it 
neither  argues  much  wisdom  or  much  bravery  ;  at  any  rate 
if  it  was  to  have  been  done,  I  wish  our  own  people",  and 
not  strangers,  had  taken  the  liberty  of  doing  it. 

"  I  confess  I  am  not  a  little  jealous  of  the  honour  of  the 
Province,  and  am  persuaded  that  its  reputation  can  not  be 
maintained  without  some  little  spirit  being  mingled  with 
its  prudence.    I  am,  sir,  with  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 
(Signed)       "JOHN  JAY. 

"  Phila.  26th  Novr.  1775. 
"  To  Colo.  Natiil.  Woodhull,  at  New-York." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  22d 
Novr.  relative  to  the  island  of  Bermuda,  and  therein  en- 
closed were  also  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  November  22d,  1775. 

"  The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
from  the  committee  of  the  whole,  and  the  same  was  agreed 
to,  as  follows  : 

"  The  committee  of  the  whole  House,  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  several  petitions  from  the  island  of  Bermuda, 
representing  the  distress  to  which  they  are  exposed  by  the 
non-exportation  agreement,  and  praying  to  be  relieved  in 
such  manner  as  the  Congress  may  deem  consistent  with 
the  safety  of  America,  report  that  they  have  considered  the 
same,  and  thereupon  come  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  of  Bermuda  appear 
friendly  to  the  cause  of  America,  and  ought  to  be  supplied 
with  such  and  so  great  a  quantity  of  the  produce  of  the  Co- 
lonies, as  may  be  necessary  for  their  subsistence  and  home 
consumption  ;  that,  in  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  they 
will  annually  require,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  72,000 
bushels  of  Indian  corn,  2,000  barrels  of  bread  or  flour, 
2,100  bushels  of  peas  or  beans,  300  tierces  of  rice,  and 
that  they  be  permitted  to  export  the  same  yearly. 

"  That  the  said  inhabitants  ought  to  pay  for  the  above 
annual  allowance  in  salt,  but  it  is  not  the  design  of  this  re- 
solution to  exclude  them  from  the  privilege  of  receiving 
American  produce  to  any  amount,  in  exchange  for  arms, 
ammunition,  saltpetre,  sulphur  and  field  pieces,  agreeable 
with  resolutions  of  Congress,  passed  the  15th  of  July  last. 

"  That,  to  enable  such  of  these  Colonies  as  can  conve- 
niently furnish  the  said  island  of  Bermuda  with  the  above 
mentioned  annual  allowance,  to  divide  whatever  advanta- 
ges may  result  therefrom  in  proportion  to  their  respective 
shares  of  the  general  expense,  it  is  further  the  opinion  of 
this  committee, 

"  That  the  Colony  of  South  Carolina  supply  them  with 
300  tierces  of  rice  ; 

"  That  the  Colony  of  North  Carolina  supply  them  with 
16,000  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  and  468  bushels  of  peas 
or  beans  ; 

"  That  the  Colony  of  Virginia  supply  them  with  36,000 
bushels  of  Indian  corn,  and  1,050  bushels  of  peas  or 
beans ; 

"  That  the  Colony  of  Maryland  supply  them  with 
20,000  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  and  582  bushels  of  peas  or 
beans  ; 

"  That  the  Colony  of  Pennsylvania  supply  them  with 
1,200  barrels  of  flour  or  bread,  and  600  barrels  of  beef  or 
pork  ; 

"  That  the  Colony  of  New-York  supply  them  with  800 
barrels  of  flour  or  bread,  and  400  barrels  of  beef  or  pork. 

"  That  the  conventions  or  committees  of  supply  of  the 
above  mentioned  Colonies  ought  to  superintend  the  expor- 
tation, provide  against  fraud,  and  take  care  that  in  exchang- 
ing the  said  commodities  of  salt  and  provisions,  no  undue 
advantage  be  taken  by  cither  party  of  their  mutual  wants ; 
and  further  that  no  vessel  employed  in  the  business  ought 
to  load  without  their  permission;  and  that  when  they  shall, 
in  pursuance  of  these  resolutions,  permit  any  of  the  said 
vessels  to  load,  they  do  give  notice  thereof  to  the  commit- 
tee of  inspection  of  the  county,  city  or  town,  where  such 
vessel  shall  load,  and  inform  ihem  that  the  same  is  done 
under  the  authority  and  by  order  of  this  Congress. 

"  That  these  resolutions  ought  to  be  kept  as  private  as 
the  execution  of  them  will  admit ;  that  they  should  be 
transmitted  to  the  several  Conventions,  Assemblies  or  Com- 
mittees of  Safely  of  the  United  Colonies,  and  to  the  island 
of  Bermuda  ;  and  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  latter  be  in- 
formed that  the  Congress  will  afford  them  other  necessa- 
ries (such  as  lumber,  soap  and  candles)  whenever  the 
quality  and  quantity  of  each  of  those  articles  used  in  the 
island  shall  be  ascertained. 

"  That  Edward  Stiles  be  permitted,  under  the  direction 


219 

of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  Colony  of  Pennsylvania, 
to  send  the  brig  Sea  Nymph,  Saml.  Stobel,  master,  with 
4,000  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  300  barrels  of  flour,  100  bar- 
rels of  bread,  20  barrels  of  pork,  8  barrels  of  beef,  30 
boxes  of  soap,  and  15  barrels  of  apples,  to  Bermuda,  for 
the  immediate  supply  of  the  inhabitants  ;  and  that  the  said 
cargo  be  considered  as  part  of  the  annual  allowance  afore- 
said, for  the  year  ensuing. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

(Signed)       "  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Mr.  Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  a  resolution 
be  entered  into  in  the  words  following,  and  added  to  those 
agreed  on  this  forenoon,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  nevertheless,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this 
Congress,  that  nothing  of  a  salutary  nature  can  be  expect- 
ed from  a  separate  declaration  of  the  sense  of  this  Colony 
on  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Commons  on  the  20th 
February  last,  and  that  as  the  motion  whereon  the  same 
was  grounded,  was  confessedly  framed  to  disunite  the  Co- 
lonies, it  would  be  highly  dangerous  to,  and  totally  incon- 
sistent with  the  glorious  plan  of  American  union,  should 
this  Colony  express  their  separate  sense  on  the  above  men- 
tioned supposed  conciliatory  proposal  on  the  part  of  Great 
Britain. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  Orange  divided. 

Dutchess,   2      Mr.  Haring  for  the  affirmative. 

New- York,   4       Colo.  Hay  for  the  negative. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  dissenting. 

Ulster  2 

Westchester,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Albany,  3 

Capt.  Cuyler  dissenting. 
Suffolk,   2 

17 

Therefore  Resolved,  nevertheless,  That  it  is  the  opinion 
of  this  Congress,  that  nothing  of  a  salutary  nature  can  be 
expected  from  a  separate  declaration  of  the  sense  of  this 
Colony  on  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Commons  of  the 
20th  February  last,  and  that  as  the  motion  whereon  the 
same  was  grounded,  was  confessedly  framed  to  disunite 
the  Colonies,  it  would  be  highly  dangerous  to,  and  totally 
inconsistent  with  the  glorious  plan  of  American  union, 
should  this  Colony  express  their  separate  sense  on  the 
above  mentioned  supposed  conciliatory  proposal  on  the 
part  of  Great  Britain. 

Colo.  McDougall  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  are- 
solution  be  entered  into  [in]  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that 
this  Colony  is  fully  and  effectually  represented  in  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  the  sense 
of  its  inhabitants  on  any  overtures  for  a  reconciliation,  and 
that  the  Continental  Congress  has  fully  and  dispassionate- 
ly expressed  the  sense  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  on 
the  above  mentioned  resolution  of  the  20th  of  February 
last. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question 
being  put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  all  the 
counties  present.  Mr.  Roosevelt  dissenting  against  the 
vote  of  New- York  and  Capt.  Cuyler  against  the  county  of 
Albany.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
this  Colony  is  fully  and  effectually  represented  in  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  the  sense 
of  its  inhabitants  on  any  overtures  for  a  reconciliation,  and 
that  the  Continental  Congress  has  fully  and  dispassionately 
expressed  the  sense  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  on 
the  above  mentioned  resolution  of  the  20th  February  last. 

Several  citizens  at  the  door  to  give  information  of  sun- 
dry matters  to  the  Congress  were  admitted.  They  inform- 
ed the  Congress  that  they  had  discovered  a  parcel  of 
sheep,  swine  and  poultry  at  Myford's  tavern  at  one  of  the 


220 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ferrys,  which  they  have  reason  to  believe  is  intended  for 
His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  or  for  being  shipped  "and  exported 
contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  and  of  this 
Provincial  Congress  ;  and  that  they  had  apprehended  there 
three  very  suspicious  persons  with  many  memorandums 
about  them  relating  to  their  being  on  board  the  ship  Asia. 
Thereupon  a  warrant  was  made  to  Major  Malcom  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  Information  has  been  given  to  this  Congress 
that  a  number  of  sheep,  hogs  and  poultry  are  in  the  house, 
barn  and  inclosures  of  John  Myford,  innkeeper  at  one  of  the 
ferries  in  Brooklyn,  and  intended  to  be  shipped  and  ex- 
ported contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  and 
of  this  Congress  : 

Ordered,  That  Major  Malcom,  with  such  guard  as  he 
may  think  necessary,  proceed  to  the  said  John  Myford's, 
and  take  and  secure  the  said  stock  in  such  manner  as  he 
may  think  most  safe,  and  that  he  apprehend  the  said  John 
Myford  and  keep  him  in  safe  custody,  and  report  his  pro- 
ceedings in  the  premises  to  Congress  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  five  resolutions  of  this  Congress 
made  and  entered  into  as  amendments  to  Mr.  Smith's  mo- 
tion, and  on  the  consideration  of  Gov.  Tryon's  paper  of 
the  fourth  inst.  be  fairly  engrossed  together  and  brought  to 
the  Congress  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  15th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Imlay,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Scott— For  New- York. 

Col  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Capt.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort 
— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Jno.  Moore— For  Tryon. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 

Col.  Woodhull,  Mr  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Capt.  Wickham,  Mr. 
Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Covenhoven — For  Kings. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Haring— For  Orange. 

The  engrossed  copy  of  the  five  resolutions  of  yesterday 
made  and  entered  into  as  amendments  of  Mr.  Smith's  mo- 
tion, and  on  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Tryon's  publication 
of  the  4th  inst.  were  read  and  ordered  that  they  be  pub- 
lished. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt.  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Mr.  Covenhoven  and  Capt.  Cuyler,  dissent  to 
the  two  last  resolutions,  and  dissent  to  the  publication  of 
any  of  the  said  resolutions. 

Major  Malcom  attending  at  the  door  was  admitted.  Ma- 
jor Malcom  delivered  in  his  report  in  writing,  of  his  pro- 
ceedings on  the  warrant  issued  to  him  yesterday  evening, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  obedience  to  the  order  of  Congress  last  night,  I 
went  with  a  party  of  men  in  two  boats  to  the  house  of  John 
Myford,  for  whom  we  made  a  strict  search,  but  found  him 
not.  I  found  8  sheep,  which,  as  it  was  difficult  to  bring 
over  the  river,  I  gave  in  charge  to  Capt.  Seabring  of  the 
light  horse,  and  herewith  deliver  his  receipt  for  them. 
There  were  two  men,  Hunt  and  Oakley,  from  Eastchester 
in  the  house,  who  refused  giving  any  account  of  them- 
selves, and  being  in  a  suspicious  house,  I  brought  them  to 
town  prisoners.  The  Delegates  from  Westchester,  Messrs. 
Drake  and  Ward  answered  for  their  appearance  at  5  o'clock 
this  afternoon,  when,  if  the  Congress  think  proper,  they 
shall  be  brought  up  for  examination. 

(Signed,)  "  WILLIAM  MALCOM. 

"  To  the  Honbl.  the  Provincial  Congress, 

Colony  of  New-York." 


He  also  delivered  in  the  receipt  of  Isaac  I.  Sebring,  an 
officer  of  the  light  horse,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  of  Westchester  county  be 
a  committee  to  examine  the  persons  taken  by  Major  Mal- 
com, on  oath,  and  to  liberate  them,  or  order  them  into  con- 
finement, as  they  may  think  proper. 

The  memorial  of  John  Norberg,  Esqr.  together  with  the 
several  certificates  attending  the  same,  were  read,  and  the 
memorial  and  certificate  of  B.  Romans  were  filed.  It  ap- 
pearing thereby  to  this  Congress  that  Capt.  Norberg  is  in 
such  a  slate  of  health  as  that  tenderness  and  humanity  to 
him  demand  our  consent  to  his  going  to  Great  Britain  for 
the  restoration  of  his  impaired  constitution ;  and  it  also 
appearing  to  the  Congress  that  Capt.  Norberg  has  with 
the  strictest  honour  behaved  towards  the  inhabitants  of  the 
American  Colonies  as  a  soldier  and  a  gentleman  : 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Norberg  be  permitted  to  go  to 
Great  Britain  with  all  or  any  such  of  his  effects  as  he  may 
choose  to  remove  ;  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  all 
persons  in  this  Colony  not  to  interrupt  Capt.  Norberg  in 
his  removal  with  his  said  effects. 

Colo.  McDougall  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Capt. 
Cuyler,  that  each  of  the  Delegates  who  have  represented 
this  Colony,  and  now  represent  it  in  Continental  Con- 
gress, be  allowed  for  his  services  in  his  quality  of  Dele- 
gate, five  dollars  per  day,  for  each  day  he  shall  have  been 
or  may  be  from  his  place  of  abode  on  the  public  service. 

Mr.  Hobart  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Strong, 
for  the  following  amendment  to  Colo.  McDougall's  motion, 
to  wit :  that  the  words  Jive  dollars  be  obliterated,  and  the 
words  three  dollars  inserted. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  proposed  amendment,  and 
the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  nega- 
tive, in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative,  or  amendment.    For  the  negative,  or  against  the 

amendment. 

Suffolk,    2      Dutchess,   2 

Ulster,   2      Albany,  3 

Kings,    2      New-York,   4 

Tryon,   2      Westchester,   2 

Orange,   2  — 

—  11 

10 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  proposed  amendment 
be  rejected. 

Mr.  John  Moore  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Humphreys,  for  the  following  amendment  to  Colo.  Mc- 
Dougall's motion,  to  wit :  that  the  words  Jive  dollars  be 
obliterated,  and  the  words  Jour  dollars  inserted  in  its 
stead. 

Debates  arose  on  the  last  proposed  amendment,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  [was]  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Kings,   2 

Westchester,   2 

Dutchess,   2 

Ulster,   2  7 

Suffolk,   2 

Orange,    2 

Tryon,   2 

14 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  each  of  the  Delegates  who 
have  represented  this  Colony,  and  now  represent  it  in  Con- 
tinental Congress,  be  allowed  for  his  services,  in  his  qua- 
lity of  Delegate,  Jour  dollars  per  day  for  eacli  day  he 
shall  have  been  or  may  be  from  his  usual  place  of  abode  on 
that  service.  And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  or  the  Treasurer  for  the  time  be- 
ing, be  directed,  and  he  is  hereby  directed  and  authorized 
to  pay  unto  each  of  the  Delegates  who  represented  this 
Colony  at  the  late  Continental  Congress,  and  to  each  of 
the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  for  the  time  being,  or  his 
legal  representatives,  four  dollars  per  day,  for  every  day 
that  he  hath  been  or  shall  be  from  his  usual  place  of  abode 
on  that  service. 


For  the  negative. 

New-York,   4 

Albany,   3 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


221 


Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  15th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Iralay— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — For  Kings. 

Capt.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler 
— For  Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Schenck— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Canton,  Mr.  Wynkoop — For  Ulster. 
Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore— For  Tryon. 

Col.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay— For  Orange. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Dennis,  of  the  city  of  New- 
Brunswick,  dated  Novr.  28th,  1775,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-Brunswick,  Novr.  28ih,  1775. 

"  Sir — By  your  orders,  received  by  Abraham  Clark,  I 
sent  you  6  quarter  casks  of  powder,  which  was  all  I  could 
collect  ;  the  persons  I  had  it  from  are  impatient,  and  beg 
the  powder  may  be  returned,  as  our  inhabitants  are  desti- 
tute of  that  article.  Your  assistance  will  be  duly  acknow- 
ledged by 

"  Your  obt.  humble  servt. 

(Signed,)  "  JOHN  DENNIS. 

"  To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  at  New- York.1' 

William  Sutton,  Esqr.  of  Westchester,  attending  at  the 
door,  was  admitted,  and  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has 
been  obliged,  for  fear  of  injuries,  to  leave  his  place  of  abode, 
and  made  the  requests  and  engagements  contained  in  a  pro- 
tection given  to  him,  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  William  Sutton,  Esqr.  of  Westchester  county,  now  ap- 
pears before  this  Congress  and  requests  protection  to  return 
to  his  house,  and  engages  to  apply  to  and  deliver  himself 
up  to  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Westchester  at  their 
next  meeting,  and  at  any  other  time  when  they  shall  send 
for  him,  to  answer  all  such  charges  as  may  be  made  against 
him,  and  abide  the  judgment  and  determination  of  the  said 
committee ;  and  Mr.  Joseph  Bull,  now  present,  engages 
that  the  said  William  Sutton  shall  go  to  Westchester 
county  and  deliver  himself  up  to  the  said  committee  at 
their  next  meeting.  Therefore, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  William  Sutton  be  permitted  to 
return  to  his  house  in  safety,  and  submit  himself  to  the 
committee  of  Westchester  county,  and  that  in  the  interim 
his  boat  be  considered  as  under  the  protection  of  this  Con- 
gress." 

The  agreement  made  and  entered  into  between  Colo. 
Alexr.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  on  behalf  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  one  part,  and  Cornelius 
Atherton  of  the  other  part,  on  the  23d  Novr.  last,  for  the 
making  of  muskets  and  bayonets,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  November  23d,  1775. 
"  Articles  of  agreement  made,  agreed  to  and  concluded  by 
and  between  Colo.  Alexr.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Cur- 
tenius, of  the  city  of  New-York,  by  and  on  behalf  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  of  the 
one  part,  and  Corns.  Atherton,  of  Amenia  precinct,  in 
Dutchess  county,  gunsmith,  of  the  other  part. 
"  Witnesseth,  That  the  said  parties,  for  the  conside- 
rations hereinafter  mentioned,  have  covenanted  and  agreed 
together  in  manner  following  :  that  is  to  say — 

"First.  The  said  Corns.  Atherton,  in  consideration  of 
the  sum  of  sixty  pounds,  lawful  money  of  New-York,  now 
advanced  to  him  ;  and  in  farther  consideration  of  the  cove- 
nants and  agreements  of  the  said  parties  of  the  second  part 
herein  contained,  doth  for  himself,  his  executors  and  admi- 
nistrators, covenant,  grant  and  agree,  to  and  with  the  said 
Alexr.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  jointly  and  se- 

56 


verally,  and  to  and  with  the  survivor  of  them,  and  the  exe- 
cutors and  administrators  of  such  survivor,  that  he,  the  said 
Corns.  Atherton,  his  executors  or  administrators,  shall  and 
will,  with  the  utmost  diligence,  make,  finish  and  deliver 
to  the  said  Alexr.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  or 
their  order,  as  many  good  muskets  and  bayonets  as  he  shall 
be  able  to  make  and  finish,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of 
May  next  ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Corns.  Atherton,  his  exe- 
cutors or  administrators,  shall  and  will,  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  April  next,  deliver  to  the  said  Alexr.  McDou- 
gall and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  at  least  two  hundred  good 
and  well  finished  muskets  and  bayonets  ;  that  the  barrel  of 
each  of  the  said  muskets  shall  be  3  feet  6  inches  in  length, 
and  the  bore  three-fourth  parts  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and 
that  each  of  the  said  barrels  shall  be  made  of  the  best  iron 
for  that  purpose,  and  of  full  proof,  and  be  well  and  fully 
proved  before  they  shall  be  stocked  ;  that  the  stocks  shall 
be  made  of  good  wood,  and  finished  in  a  neat  and  work- 
manlike manner  ;  that  the  locks  shall  be  of  the  best  quality, 
the  muskets  brass  mounted,  and  furnished  with  good  steel 
ramrods,  and  the  muskets  finished  like  the  pattern  delivered 
to  the  said  Cornelius  ;  that  the  blade  of  each  bayonet  shall 
be  18  inches  in  length  from  the  shoulder,  the  bayonet  to  be 
made  in  the  best  manner,  with  a  good  bayonet  sheath  ;  that 
each  of  the  said  muskets  shall  be  marked  as  follows  :  '  Co. 
N.  York,'  and  delivered,  at  the  price  of  £3  14s.  Od.  current 
money  of  New-York,  for  each  musket  and  bayonet,  steel 
ramrod  and  bayonet  sheath,  mounted,  finished  and  deliver- 
ed as  aforesaid.  And  the  said  Alexr.  McDougall  and  Pe- 
ter T.  Curtenius,  for  themselves,  their  executors  and  ad- 
ministrators, do  covenant,  grant  and  agree,  to  and  with  the 
said  Corns.  Atherton,  his  executors  and  administrators, 
that  as  soon  as  the  said  Corns,  shall  deliver,  or  cause  to 
be  delivered  to  them,  good  securities  for  the  sum  of  £350, 
to  be  repaid  in  such  muskets  and  bayonets  as  aforesaid,  at 
the  price  before  mentioned  ;  or  on  failure  of  the  delivery  of 
the  said  muskets  and  bayonets  before  the  1st  day  of  April 
next,  then  the  sum  in  arrear  to  be  repaid  in  money  ;  that 
they,  the  said  Alexr.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
will  advance  to  the  said  Corns.  Atherton,  the  farther  sum 
of  two  hundred  and  ninety  pounds,  in  addition  to  the  sum 
of  £60,  now  advanced  to  him,  to  enable  him  to  carry  on 
the  business  of  making  and  finishing  the  said  muskets  and 
bayonets  ;  and  also,  that  they,  the  said  parties  of  the  se- 
cond part,  will  allow  to  the  said  Corns.  Atherton,  his  exe- 
cutors or  administrators,  the  price  of  £3  14s.  Od.  for  each 
such  musket  and  bayonet,  with  a  steel  ramrod  and  sheath, 
finished  in  manner  aforesaid,  as  he  shall  deliver  to  them 
on  or  before  the  1st  day  of  May  next,  and  pay  him  for  the 
same,  whatever  sum  the  price  of  such  muskets  and  bayo- 
nets shall  exceed  the  sum  of  £350. 

"  In  witness  whereof,  the  said  parties  to  these  presents 
have  to  these  presents  interchangeably  set  their  hands  and 
seals,  the  day  and  year  on  this  indenture  first  written  ;  and 
the  said  Corns.  Atherton  agrees  to  put  swivels  to  the  said 
muskets. 

(Signed,)     "  CORNS.  ATHERTON.  [l.  s.] 

"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  us, 
on  this  23d  day  of  Novr.  1775.  The  18th 
line  of  this  page  being  mostly  struck  out 
with  a  pen  and  left  an  entire  blank  line. 


(Signed,) 


"  Robt.  Benson, 
"  John  McKesson. 


"  Received  of  Comfort  Sands,  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
merchant,  by  order  of,  and  on  account  of,  the  Provincial 
Congress,  and  on  account  and  at  the  request  of  Alexr.  Mc- 
Dougall and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds, 
mentioned  in  the  preceeding  indenture.  November  23rd, 
1775. 

(Signed,)       "CORNS.  ATHERTON." 

Thereupon  Resolved,  That  this  Congress  fully  approves 
of  the  said  contract  made  on  their  account,  and  declare 
they  think  it  a  beneficial  contract,  and  made  and  in  pursu- 


222 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ance  of  the  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  that 
they  take  the  contract  on  account  and  risk  of  the  Congress 
of  this  Colony.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  advance 
and  pay  to  Colo.  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  or 
their  order,  the  sum  of  £350,  agreed  to  be  advanced  to 
the  said  Corns.  Atherton,  as  soon  as  the  said  Corns,  shall 
have  given  such  security  as  is  mentioned  in  the  said  con- 
tract. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  the  business  appointed  for 
this  afternoon,  to  wit,  the  appointing  a  Committee  of 
Safety  for  this  Colony,  and  limiting  their  powers,  and  Mr. 
Scott  and  Mr.  Hobart,  who  were  named  a  committee  for 
that  purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  powers  for  a  Committee 
of  Safety,  which  were  read,  amended  and  approved  of, 
and  many  additional  powers  to  the  said  Committee  of 
Safety  were  moved  for  and  approved  of,  agreed  to  and  add- 
ed thereto. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  name  and  appoint  the 
members  of  the  said  Committee  of  Safety. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  Gansevoort  moved  (and  was  seconded 
by  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer)  for  the  sense  of  Congress,  whether 
one  of  the  Deputies  of  the  county  of  Albany,  now  present, 
may  be  permitted  to  serve  as  a  member  in  the  Committee 
of  "Safety  until  one  other  Deputy  of  the  said  county  shall 
relieve  him,  the  said  Deputy  who  shall  come  to  relieve 
the  other  to  continue  as  the  member  of  said  Committee 
until  the  Congress  shall  meet  again  ?  The  question  being 
put  on  said  motion,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

The  Congress  then  named  and  appointed  Col.  Alexr. 
McDougall,  John  Morin  Scott,  William  Allison,  Peter  R. 
Livingston,  Morris  Graham,  Abraham  Brasher,  John  Lef- 
fertse,  Comfort  Sands,  James  Beekman,  John  Imlay, 
Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Samuel  Brewster  to  be  a  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  and  any  seven  or  more  of  them  to  be  a 
quorum. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  powers  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  as  now  agreed  to  and  resolved  on,  be  considered 
as  perfect  powers  to  the  said  Committee  so  far  as  they  are 
agreed  to,  and  that  they  be  engrossed,  and  taken  up  for 
further  additional  powers  if  necessary  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  this  Congress,  to-morrow  morning,  take 
into  consideration  the  state  of  the  Provincial  currency  or- 
dered to  be  issued  by  the  late  Provincial  Congress. 

Colo.  Woodhull  obtained  leave  of  absence,  the  county 
of  Suffolk  being  represented  without  him. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  16th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Imlay— .For  New- 
York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Capt.  Bleecker — 
For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  Wyncoop,  Mr.  Cantine — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 
Col.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

John  Haring,  Esq.  was  unanimously  elected  President 
pro  tern. 

The  members  of  Westchester  county  reported  that  they 
had  examined  Benjamin  Hunt  on  oath,  and  had  his  depo- 
sition taken  before  Alderman  Blagge,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  deposition  be  delivered  to  the 
Deputies  of  Westchester  county  to  be  delivered  to  the 
committee  of  Westchester  county. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
powers  to  the  Committee  of  Safety ;  the  same  was  read 


and  amended,  with  some  additions  thereto,  and  fully  agreed 
to  and  resolved  on,  are  ordered  to  be  entered,  and  are  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  members  of  this  Con- 
gress, to  wit :  Col.  Alexr.  McDougall,  John  Morin  Scott, 
Jeremiah  Clarke,*  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Morris  Graham, 
Abm.  Brasher,  John  Leffertse,  Comfort  Sands,  Thomas 
Tredwell,  John  Imlay,  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Samuel 
Brewster  be,  and  hereby  are,  constituted  and  appointed  a 
Committee  of  Safely,  whereof  seven  shall  be  a  sufficient 
quorum,  with  the  following  power  and  authority,  and  under 
the  following  regulations,  to  wit : 

"  1st.  A  standing  power  to  grant  all  commissions  in  the 
militia  of  this  Colony,  subject  to  the  regulations  thereof, 
as  established  by  the  Provincial  Congress. 

"  2d.  Power  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  in  case 
of  any  alarm,  insurrection  or  invasion,  or  where  any  mat- 
ter or  thing,  for  the  executing  whereof  military  force  shall 
or  may  be  necessary,  to  order  and  direct  the  militia  of  the 
Colony  or  any  part  thereof,  subject  nevertheless  to  the 
controul  of  this  and  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  3d.  The  like  power,  during  such  recess  from  time  to 
time  in  such  cases  as  are  last  mentioned,  to  order  and  di- 
rect any  of  the  Continental  forces  that  shall  be  within  this 
Colony,  and  be  put  by  appointment  of  the  Continental 
Congress  under  the  order  and  direction  of  this  Congress, 
subject  nevertheless  to  such  controul  as  afore  mentioned. 

"  4th.  A  standing  power,  by  drafts  on  the  Treasury,  to 
apply  all  such  moneys  as  shall  be  appropriated  to  uses, 
but  not  actually  applied  by  this  Congress. 

"  5th.  A  standing  power,  by  like  drafts,  to  appropriate 
and  apply  any  such  moneys  as  shall,  from  time  to  time,  be 
by  them  judged  necessary  for  contingent  and  secret  ser- 
vices, provided  the  same  do  not  in  the  whole  exceed 
£5,000. 

"  6th.  A  standing  power  to  execute  or  cause  to  be  ex- 
ecuted orders,  resolves  and  recommendations  as  well  of  the 
Continental  as  of  this  Congress. 

"  7th.  A  standing  power  for  the  care,  direction  and  dis- 
position of  the  magazines,  arms,  ammunition  and  other 
military  stores  and  implements  belonging  to  this  Colony, 
or  which  shall  be  committed  by  the  Continental  Congress 
to  the  care  and  direction  of  this  Congress. 

"  8th.  A  power  in  the  recess  of  this  Congress  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  same  when  and  where,  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Committee,  any  emergency  shall  require  it,  and  on 
every  such  call  to  give  at  least  14  days'  notice  of  the  meet- 

inB- 

"  9th.  A  power  to  enjoin  secrecy  on  their  members  and 
others  under  their  direction,  as  to  all  matters  in  the  execu- 
tion of  their  trust,  wherein  they  shall  judge  it  necessary ; 
and  as  the  due  execution  of  many  things  for  the  public 
safety  may  require  the  utmost  secrecy,  that  in  all  cases 
wherein  they  shall  esteem  such  secrecy  is  required,  they 
shall  have  the  power  of  withholding  the  discovery  of  their 
proceedings  from  this  Congress  until  one  month  after  the 
danger  which  may  attend  such  discovery  is  past. 

"  10th.  To  keep  an  exact  journal  of  their  proceedings, 
subject  to  the  inspection  of  this  Congress  in  certified 
copies  thereof,  with  power  to  withhold  out  of  such  copies 
matters  of  secrecy,  as  above  stated. 

"  1 1th.  A  power,  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  to 
open  and  answer  all  letters  directed  to  this  Congress  or  the 
President  thereof. 

"  1 2th.  A  power  to  comply,  as  far  and  as  often  as  they 
shall  think  proper,  with  any  requisition  by  the  generals  of 
the  Continental  forces,  or  any  or  either  of  them. 

"  A  power  to  take  up  and  examine  persons  suspected  to 
have  broken  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  or  this  Con- 
gress, and  according  to  their  discretion,  to  discharge  or 
send  such  persons  to  the  general  committee  of  the  county 
to  whom  it  belongs,  to  determine  the  matter. 

*  William  Allison  first  named,  and  J.  Clarke  substituted  on  the  19th. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


223 


"  A  power  to  carry  into  execution  a  settlement  of  ac- 
counts with  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  A  power  to  carry  into  execution,  if  necessary,  the  re- 
solutions of  the  late  Congress  for  the  emission  of  paper 
currency,  subject  however  to  such  alterations  as  this  Con- 
gress shall  think  proper  to  make. 

"  A  discretionary  power  to  purchase  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion, and  apply  the  same  to  the  public  service. 

"  A  power,  in  case  of  deficiency  of  the  Provincial  Trea- 
sury to  answer  the  appropriations  and  applications  hereby 
intrusted  to  the  Committee,  to  supply  such  deficiency,  as 
often  as  it  may  happen,  by  a  vote  of  credit,  to  be  made 
good  by  provision  hereafter  to  be  made  by  Congress. 

"  A  power  to  settle  and  determine  all  questions  to  be 
put  to  them  by  the  committee  of  accounts  arising  in  their 
department." 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  hereby  ap- 
pointed, do  continue  to  be  invested,  as  a  body  distinct  from 
Congress,  with  all  the  powers  above  mentioned,  until  the 
said  Committee  shall  be  dissolved  by  order  of  this  Con- 
gress, or  until  the  second  Tuesday  of  June  next,  unless  a 
future  Congress  of  this  Colony  shall  be  sooner  convened. 

Dissentients  to  that  part  of  the  last  resolution  contained 
in  the  words,  or  until  the  second  Tuesday  of  June  next, 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Col. 
Brasher,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Schenck. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  seconded  by  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  mov- 
ed in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

That  if  it  should  so  happen  that  any  member  appoint- 
ed as  one  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  should  be  prevent- 
ed either  by  sickness  or  other  unforeseen  accident,  from 
attending  the  said  Committee,  whereby  the  public  business 
may  be  delayed,  that  his  place  may  be  supplied  by  one 
other  of  the  Deputies  of  the  county  where  such  member 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  resides,  to  be  appointed  by 
the  general  committee  of  the  same  county. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative. 
Suffolk, 
Dutchess, 

Orange,  Albany,  equally  divided. 

Ulster, 

Westchester, 

New-York, 

Tryon. 

Ordered,  therefore.  That  the  said  motion  be  rejected. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be,  and  here- 
by are  fully  empowered  to  issue  orders  to  the  respective 
counties  in  this  Colony  to  elect  Deputies  for  a  Provincial 
Congress  of  this  Colony,  to  meet  on  the  2nd  Tuesday  in 
May  next.  The  said  Committee  by  their  order  appointing 
the  day  of  election  in  each  county,  to  be  at  least  21  days 
before  the  said  second  Tuesday  in  May  next. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration 
the  emission  of  the  paper  currency  agreed  to  be  issued  by 
the  late  Congress,  and  after  a  considerable  time  spent 
therein,  the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  agreed 
to,  to  wit  : 

Resolved,  That  the  periods  of  sinking  of  112,500  dol- 
lars by  two  payments,  the  first  of  56,250  dollars  on  the 
first  day  of  March,  1776,  and  the  remaining  56,250  dol- 
lars the  first  day  of  March,  1777,  agreeable  to  the  resolve 
of  the  late  Provincial  Congress  of  the  2nd  day  of  Sep- 
tember last  past,  be  altered,  and  that  the  said  first  sum  of 
56,250  dollars  be  sunk  on  the  first  day  of  March,  1777, 
and  the  remaining  56,250  dollars  on  the  first  day  of  March 
1778. 

And  whereas,  The  late  Provincial  Congress  directed 
that  the  bills  by  them  ordered  to  be  emitted,  should  be 
signed  by  at  least  three  persons,  and  it  appears  that  there 
is  not  room  sufficient  on  each  of  the  said  bills  for  three 
signers,  therefore 


Resolved,  That  any  two  of  the  said  signers  be  sufficient 
to  sign  each  of  the  said  bills. 

And  whereas,  This  Congress  have  applied  to  the 
Continental  Congress  to  lend  this  Colony  the  sum  of 
112,500  dollars;  if  the  Continental  Congress  shall  make 
that  loan  to  this  Colony, 

Resolved,  That  in  such  case,  the  Committee  of  Safety 
are  not  to  take  any  measure  towards  issuing  the  money 
above  mentioned,  and  that  the  sum  so  lent  shall  be  sunk 
in  equal  moieties  at  the  respective  periods  last  above  men- 
tioned. 


DIE  LUNtE.  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  18th,  1775. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Scott,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Rutgers— For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Graham,  Mr.  Lockwood — For  Westchester. 
Mr.  J.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Clowes — For  Orange. 

No  other  members  appearing,  and  Dutchess  and  West- 
chester not  being  a  quorum,  the  Congress  could  not  pro- 
ceed to  business,  and  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Die  Lvnje,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  18,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esq.  Prest.  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Imlay,  Mr. 
Scott,  Col.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Mr.  J.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Clowes — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Palmer  from  the  committee  who  went  up  to  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands,  delivered  in  the  report  of  the 
said  committee,  together  with  a  draft  or  plan  to  explain  the 
same.  The  said  report  was  read,  and  being  read  a  second 
time,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Constitution,  Uth  Deer.  1775. 

"  The  committee  appointed  by  an  order  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  bearing  date  the  7th  inst.  to  repair  to  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  endeavour  to  accommo- 
date the  difference  subsisting  between  the  commissioners 
for  erecting  said  fortifications  and  the  engineer ;  and  in 
case  they  should  not  be  able  to  accommodate  the  said  dif- 
ference, to  give  such  directions  as  they  should  think  ne- 
cessary for  expediting  the  works  of  the  said  fortifications,  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  judge  best  for  the  public  ser- 
vice, and  make  report  as  well  of  the  true  cause  of  such 
difference  as  of  all  necessary  facts  relating  to  the  same, 
and  of  such  directions  as  they  shall  have  given  for  expe- 
diting the  said  work,  Do  Report  : 

"  That  after  examining  into  the  matters  of  complaint 
from  both  parties,  they  are  of  opinion  that  Mr.  Romans 
must  either  have  mistaken  the  charge  committed  to  him 
by  the  honourable  Committee  of  Safety  by  request  of  the 
commissioners,  or  as  appears  from  his  conduct,  has  as- 
sumed powers  with  which  he  knew  he  was  not  intrusted, 
as  it  appears  that  the  commissioners  objected  to  the  man- 


224 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ner  of  erecting  some  works  that  are  nearly  finished,  and 
refused  their  consent  to  the  erecting  of  others  begun,  es- 
pecially that  called  the  Grand  Bastion,  in  which  we  think 
they  judged  right ;  which  nevertheless,  he  was  determin- 
ed to  carry  on,  declaring  that  they  had  no  vote  nor  authori- 
ty in  any  matters  at  the  post,  more  than  to  furnish  stores 
and  workmen,  and  pay  them.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
commissioners,  from  the  authority  with  which  they  con- 
ceived the  honourable  the  Provincial  Congress  had  invest- 
ed in  them  to  erect  fortifications,  thought  themselves  re- 
sponsible in  a  great  degree  for  the  misapplication  of  the 
public  moneys  appropriated  for  that  use,  in  which  we  also 
think  they  judged  right ;  and  therefore  that  Mr.  Romans 
was  to  blame  in  refusing  to  consult  the  commissioners  on 
every  matter  of  importance  before  he  attempted  to  carry 
it  into  execution.  (For  further  particulars  relative  to  this 
report,  we  refer  the  honourable  House  to  the  copies  of  the 
directions  given  to  the  commissioners  and  engineer.) 

2ndly.  That  on  observing  the  situation  of  the  works 
erected  and  planned  by  the  engineer,  we  do  further  report, 
that  with  respect  to  the  battery  nearly  finished,  with  mar- 
lins,  &c.  we  find  that  none  of  the  cannon  can  be  pointed 
so  as  to  obstruct  any  vessel  on  her  passage  up,  until  she 
passes  the  West  Point  1 00  or  1 50  yards  ;  and  when  she  has 
passed  the  aforesaid  battery,  none  can  be  brought  to  bear 
on  her  any  distance  up  the  river ;  especially,  should  she 
border  on  the  east  shore  :  upon  the  whole,  we  are  of  opi- 
nion no  vessel  would  be  under  the  command  of  the  batte- 
ry more  than  half  the  reach  from  the  West  Point  to  the 
point  of  Martle's  rock. 

"  With  respect  to  the  Grand  Bastion  (so  called,)  we  do 
further  report,  that  on  examination  of  the  work  still  to  be 
erected  to  finish  the  same,  we  find  two  lines  which  togeth- 
er will  consist  of  a  wall  of  300  feet  in  length,  30  feet  on 
an  average  in  height,  and  in  breadth,  18  feet  high,  toge- 
ther with  another  wall  of  like  dimensions  as  to  height  and 
and  breadth,  and  will  consist  of  200  feet  in  length,  which 
is  to  encircle  the  block-house  and  join  the  former,  which 
in  its  area  is  to  contain  bombproof  arches  of  brick,  and  a 
grand  magazine,  which  is  to  cover  men  in  time  of  en- 
gagement (as  the  engineer  informed  us,)  all  which  we 
conceive  will  be  impracticable  to  complete  in  season,  even 
should  the  expense  be  approved  of,  which  in  our  opinion 
would  not  amount  to  less  than  8  or  £10,000  ;  and  when 
completed,  would  not  effect  any  vessel  until  she  came 
abreast  with  the  West  Point. 

"  The  committee  do  further  report  that  they  are  of  opi- 
nion, that  instead  of  erecting  the  above  described  work, 
it  would  better  answer  the  use  and  safety  of  the  post  for 
the  present  to  throw  up  a  breastwork  in  the  hollow  of  the 
above  mentioned  area,  facing  the  West  Point,  sufficient 
to  contain  four  or  six  cannon  ;  and  also  to  erect  a  bumbert 
battery  on  a  gravel  hill,  marked  on  the  late  draft  of  Mr. 
Romans,  H.  sufficient  to  mount  8  large  cannon,  eighteen 
pounders,  two  of  which  to  be  mounted  on  a  short  curtain 
facing  the  reach  above  the  West  Point ;  the  breastwork  to 
be  composed  of  timber  filled  in  with  earth,  with  a  good 
platform  ;  the  advantage  of  which  will  fully  appear  by  the 
river  draft.  When  this  is  completed,  we  would  recom- 
mend that  a  low  constructed  block-house  be  erected  on  an 
eminence,  abreast  of  the  West  Point — which  will  serve 
to  keep  up  a  line  of  communication  between  the  last  men- 
tioned battery  and  the  other  works. 

"  3dly.  With  respect  to  the  state  of  the  barracks  the  com- 
mittee do  further  report,  that  they  find  one  of  80  by  20 
feet  of  one  story,  and  one  of  100  by  20  feet,  one  and  a 
half  story  high,  both  which  when  cleared  of  workmen  and 
labourers  will  contain  about  300  men.  The  foundation  of 
another  barrack  80  by  20  feet,  two  stories  high,  and  when 
completed  will  contain  160  men.  This  latter  barrack  we 
find  will  be  well  covered  by  the  eminence  on  which  stands 
the  block-house.  The  former  stands  much  exposed  to  the 
fire  of  the  enemy  as  soon  as  they  open  the  West  Point, 
especially  the  one  of  100  feet,  nor  would  it  be  fully  co- 


vered in  our  opinion,  was  the  expensive  Grand  Bastion 
aforesaid  completely  finished  agreeable  to  Mr.  Romans' 
plan. 

"  After  going  through  with  the  business  above  reported, 
we  went  down  the  river  in  the  barge  as  far  as  Puplope's 
kill  on  our  way,  about  3^  miles  below  the  fortress  on  the 
west  side  of  the  river,  a  landing  place  of  easy  access  from 
the  river  to  the  height  of  the  land  above,  which  may  be 
occupied  by  an  enemy  to  our  damage.  We  then  pro- 
ceeded and  took  a  view  of  the  height  and  situation  of  the 
ground  forming  the  north  chop  of  Puplope's  kill,  which 
projects  itself  so  far  into  the  river  that  the  distance  across 
to  the  other  shore  does  not  exceed  100  perches.  We  are 
clearly  of  opinion  that  this  is  by  far  the  most  advantageous 
situation  in  the  Highlands  for  a  fortification,  as  one  erected 
on  this  point  would  command  the  reach  of  the  river  down- 
wards to  the  point  of  the  Dunderbarragh,  being  the  distance 
of  nearly  3  miles,  and  from  the  same  point  the  reach  up- 
wards may  be  commanded  as  far,  and  is  environed  in  its 
adjacent  and  contiguous  situations  with  marshes  and  inac- 
cessible mountains,  which  renders  it  impracticable  for  the 
enemy  to  land.  We  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  a  bat- 
tery of  16  or  18  guns  ought  to  be  erected  on  this  point, 
and  that  barracks  be  erected  there  to  make  it  a  post  of 
about  150  or  200  men. 

(Signed,)  "FRANCIS  NICOLL, 

"JOSEPH  DRAKE, 
"  THOS.  PALMER." 
The  same  report  being  read  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon, 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  does  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Palmer  draw  up  such  further  direc- 
tions relating  to  the  fortifications  necessary  to  be  made  in 
the  Highlands,  as  may  be  necessary  to  be  directed  and 
resolved  on  by  this  Congress,  and  report  the  same  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Whereas  by  a  letter  of  the  28th  ulto.  from  James 
Duane,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the 
honourable  the  Continental  Congress,  this  Congress  is  in- 
formed that  an  order  had  passed  in  their  favor  for  50,000 
dollars,  and  by  a  paragraph  of  a  letter  from  Philip  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  another  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  the 
President  is  informed  that  the  said  money  is  ready  to  be 
paid  to  an  order  of  this  Congress  on  the  Delegates  of  the 
Colony  of  Pennsylvania,  and  that  to  send  some  proper 
persons  for  the  said  money  will  prevent  the  expense  of  a 
guard  to  conduct  it.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Abraham  Brasher  and  Thomas 
Palmer,  two  of  the  members  of  this  Congress,  proceed  to 
Philadelphia  to  receive  the  said  sum  of  50,000  dollars  from 
the  Pennsylvania  Delegates,  and  to  bring  or  remit  the  same 
to  this  Congress.  And 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  entry,  order  and  resolve, 
signed  by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  attested  by  the 
Secretaries,  be  a  draft  or  voucher  from  this  Congress  to 
the  Pennsylvania  Delegates  for  payment  thereof,  and  that 
the  receipt  of  the  said  Abraham  Brasher  and  Thos.  Pal- 
mer be  a  sufficient  discharge  from  this  Congress  to  the 
Pennsylvania  Delegates  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Malcom  be  requested  to  authorize 
and  desire  Capt.  Waldron  to  sell  the  sheep  taken  at  Brook- 
lyn ferry,  for  the  best  price  he  can  and  to  retain  the  ex- 
pense of  keeping  them  in  his  hands,  and  pay  the  balance 
to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Major  Lockwood, 
Mr.  Treadwell  and  Mr.  Scott  be  a  committee  to  revise  and 
amend  the  militia  law  or  regulations  for  the  militia  of  this 
Colony,  made  and  published  by  this  Congress,  and  [that] 
they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  return  from  Lewis  Dubois  and  Michael  Wygant,  two 
of  the  committee  of  New-Marlborough  precinct  in  Ulster  j 
county,  dated  the  6th  inst.  was  read.    They  certify  that 
there  was  chosen  that  day  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


225 


Honble.  Congress,  the  following  officers  for  the  southeast 
district  of  New-Marlborough :  Stephen  Case,  captain ; 
Matthew  Wygant,  1st  lieut. ;  John  Bond,  2d  lieut.  ; 
Alexander  Cropsey,  ensign  ;  and  Mr.  Palmer  inform- 
ed the  Congress  that  Stephen  Case  who  had  been  1st 
lieut.  was  elected  in  the  place  of  Caleb  Merrit  who 
had  resigned  ;  that  Mathew  Wygant  and  John  Bond  were 
promoted  by  election,  and  Alexander  Cropsey  elected  in 
the  stead  of  the  ensign  promoted,  and  the  commission  of 
Caleb  Merrit  who  resigned,  was  returned  to  the  Secreta- 
ries. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gentle- 
men accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  be  authorized  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  to  purchase  such  a  quantity  of  cartouch 
paper  as  he  may  think  necessary  for  the  use  of  this  Co- 
lony, and  to  lodge  the  same  with  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  the 
Commissary,  to  be  distributed  to  the  counties. 

Whereas  Mr.  Isaac  Bellknap  of  Newburgh  in  Ulster 
county,  on  the  2d  day  of  Sepr.  last  past,  was  upon  suffi- 
cient information  of  his  merit,  nominated  in  Congress  to 
the  office  of  quarter-master  of  the  regiment  whereof  Jona- 
than Haasbrouck,  Esqr.  is  colonel,  and  ordered  to  be  put 
into  commission  in  that  office,  but  by  some  mistake  the 
name  of  another  gentleman  was  inserted  in  the  said  com- 
mission : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
the  said  Mr.  Isaac  Bellknap  is  fully  qualified  to  fill  the 
said  office  ;  and  to  testify  a  proper  sense  of  his  merit,  that 
it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress  that  he  be  preferred  to  the 
first  suitable  vacancy  that  may  offer  in  the  militia  or  minute 
men  of  the  southern  part  of  that  county. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  19th,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Imlay,  Capt.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  Humphrey — For  Dutchess. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Lockwood — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Clowes,  Mr.  Clark — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Derhilt — For  Kings. 

Mr.  J.  Moore— For  Tryon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  plan  a  voyage  or  voyages 
for  one  or  more  vessels,  delivered  in  a  report  which  was 
read,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein  and  some  advice 
given  thereon,  it  was  returned  to  the  said  committee  for 
their  further  consideration. 

The  return  of  the  committee  of  Cornwall  precinct  in 
Orange  county,  signed  by  Thos.*  Outwater,  chairman 
of  the  county  committee,  was  brought  into  Congress 
by  Jeremiah  Clarke,  Esqr.  and  read.  It  is  thereby 
certified  that  at  a  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  ten- 
ants of  the  precinct  of  Cornwall  in  the  county  of  Orange, 
held  at  the  house  of  John  Brewster  in  Blooming-Grove, 
on  Tuesday,  7th  Novr.  1775,  agreeable  to  certain  re- 
solves of  the  Honorable  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Co- 
lony of  New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  dissolving  the  Con- 
gress then  silting,  and  also  for  electing  a  new  Congress  to 
serve  until  the  10th  day  of  May  next  coming,  at  which 
time  the  freeholders  and  tenants  legally  qualified,  did  una- 
nimously choose  the  bearer,  the  said  Jeremiah  Clarke,  for 
one  of  the  Deputies  to  represent  the  county  of  Orange  in 
Provincial  Congress,  agreeable  to  the  resolves  aforesaid, 
and  did  also  at  the  same  time  unanimously  agree  that  any 


•The  certificate  is  signed  Thomas  Moffat,  clerk. 
57 


two  of  the  Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  said  county  for 
the  purposes  aforesaid,  should  be  a  quorum  to  represent 
the  said  county  in  Congress. 

The  same  being  read  and  approved  of,  by  order  was 
filed;  and 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Clarke  take  his  seat. 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jeremiah  Clarke  be  ap- 
pointed, and  he  is  hereby  appointed  a  member  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  in  the  stead  of  William  Allison,  Esqr.  and 
that  Mr.  Allison's  name  be  struck  out  of  the  said  commit- 
tee, and  Mr.  Clarke's  there  inserted. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  purchase  five  hundred 
copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Continental  Congress  in 
low  Dutch,  and  that  Col.  Brasher  purchase  500  copies 
thereof  printed  in  the  German  tongue,  to  be  distributed 
gratis  in  the  different  parts  of  this  Colony  ;  and  if  there 
are  not  any  copies  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Continental 
Congress  in  the  German  language,  that  Col.  Brasher  pur- 
chase 500  copies  of  any  other  publication  in  the  German 
tongue  which  are  instructive  on  the  present  controversy  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  the  Colonies,  that  they  may  be 
distributed  gratis. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  appointed  by 
this  Congress  be  authorized,  and  the  said  Committee  here- 
by is  authorized,  to  cause  such  a  collection  to  be  made  of 
the  sundry  acts  of  Parliament  complained  of  as  grievances 
to  the  Colonies,  with  remarks  thereon,  as  they  may  think 
useful  to  inform  the  people  of  this  Colony,  and  to  have 
such  a  number  thereof,  as  they  may  think  proper,  publish- 
ed and  dispersed  through  this  Colony  gratis. 

Mr.  Clowes  obtained  leave  of  absence,  Orange  county 
being  fully  represented  without  his  attendance. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  19th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rut- 
gers, Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Imlay— For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 

— For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Lockwood — For  Westchester. 

Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  Humphreys — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Clarke— For  Orange. 
The  Committee  appointed  to  employ  two  or  more  ves- 
sels for  a  voyage  to  Europe  reported,  that  they  think  it  ne- 
cessary to  load  two  vessels  with  wheat  on  account  and  risk 
of  this  Congress,  for  some  port  or  ports  in  Europe  on  the 
customary  freight ;  that  the  owners  run  the  risk  of  the  ves- 
sels out,  and  be  allowed  three  pence  sterling  per  bushel 
extraordinary  for  such  risk ;  that  the  common  freight  of 
such  vessels  is  as  follows,  to  wit :  For  any  port  without 
the  Straits  as  far  as  Gibraltar  \3d.  stg.  per  bushl. ;  to  Ma- 
laga, 14c?.  do  ;  to  Allicant  1 5c?.  do  ;  to  Barcelona  \6d.  do  ; 
to  Marseilles  17c?.  do. 

That  the  said  committee  had  agreed  to  let  one  of  the 
two  vessels  return  with  the  return  cargo  to  St.  Eustatius 
or  St.  Martin's  for  one  hundred  pounds  currency  ;  and  that 
the  said  committee  would  give  directions,  that  the  said 
goods  brought  in  return,  as  soon  as  they  arrived  in  the  West 
Indies  be  shipped  on  board  of  different  vessels  to  bring 
them  to  the  Continent ;  which  the  committee  conceive  to 
be  the  most  advantageous  method.  That  the  committee 
have  proposed  to  direct  the  whole  property  adventured  to 
be  invested  in  gunpowder  ;  and  if  gunpowder  is  not  to  be 
purchased,  to  be  invested  in  saltpetre ;  if  neither  saltpetre 
or  gunpowder  is  to  be  had,  then  to  be  laid  out  in  good 
muskets ;  and  if  none  of  the  before  mentioned  articles  are 
to  be  got,  or  not  sufficient  to  expend  the  value  of  the  car- 
goes adventured,  then  the  property  or  so  much  thereof  as 
shall  remain  unexpended  in  those  articles,  to  be  laid  out  in 


226 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


goods  of  the  following  kinds,  vizt :  Russia  drilling,  ravens 
duck,  osnaburgs,  coarse  linens  from  12  to  15c/.  stg.  pryard, 
sheetings  from  10  to  I2d.  do.  coarse  thread  hose  from  20s. 
to  25s.  stg.  pr  doz.  coarse  tandem  silesias  from  17s.  to  20s. 
pr  piece,  vittery  fit  for  soldier's  shirting,  or  any  other  arti- 
cles they  may  think  will  be  wanting. 

The  said  report  being  read  a  second  time  and  approved 
of,  the  Congress  unanimously  agreed  that  the  said  report 
stand  confirmed,  and  that  the  committee  carry  the  said 
report  into  execution.  And 

Resolved,  That  John  Van  Derbilt,  Comfort  Sands  and 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  and  each  and  every  of  them  shall  be 
fully  indemnified  by  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  or  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being, 
against  any  bonds  which  they  or  either  of  them  will  be  un- 
der the  necessity  to  enter  into  at  the  custom  house  in  New- 
York,  for  the  said  vessels  and  cargoes ;  and  that  in  case 
any  costs  or  damages  shall  accrue  by  means  of  entering  in- 
to such  bonds,  that  all  such  costs  and  damages  as  may 
arise,  happen  or  accrue  by  means  thereof,  shall  be  borne 
by  this  Colony.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  pay  to 
Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Comfort  Sands  and  John  Van  Derbilt, 
the  sum  of  £5,000  in  part,  to  enable  them  to  load  the  said 
vessels. 

Mr.  Palmer,  in  pursuance  of  the  direction  of  this  Con- 
gress of  yesterday,  delivered  a  farther  report  respecting 
the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  which  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  after  the  committee  had  finished  their  report  in 
writing  which  has  been  delivered  in,  it  was  agreed  by  Colo. 
Nicoll  and  Col.  Drake,  that  Mr.  Palmer  should  deliver  in 
their  said  report ;  and  that  after  the  same  should  be  read, 
that  Mr.  Palmer  should  further  report  to  this  Congress, 
as  their  unanimous  opinion  with  him,  that  the  fortifi- 
cations erected,  and  those  pointed  out  by  them  to  be 
erected  on  Martlar's  point  will  not  be  sufficient  for  the  se- 
curity of  the  post,  because  of  two  large  eminences  over- 
looking the  works,  situate  the  one  within  less,  and  the 
other  not  more,  than  half  a  mile  from  the  works,  and  so 
situated  that  an  enemy  might  improve  them  much  to  our 
damage.  That  they  were,  therefore,  jointly  of  opinion 
that  a  redoubt  ought  to  be  erected  at  each  of  those  places 
for  the  security  of  the  garrison  ;  and  that  the  committee 
were  farther  agreed  in  opinion,  that  it  was  the  indispensa- 
ble duty  of  Mr.  Romans  accurately  to  have  observed  those 
matters  in  his  first  report  to  the  Continental  and  Provincial 
Congresses,  which  the  committee  told  him  when  there  on 
the  places  ;  to  which  Mr.  Romans  answered,  he  had  point- 
ed out  the  necessity  of  the  one,  and  the  other  he  had  but 
lately  thought  of." 

The  said  report  being  read,  this  Congress  agrees  there- 
to as  to  the  redoubts  necessary  to  be  erected  on  the  said 
two  eminences. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  report  with  a  certified 
copy  of  the  report  of  the  same  committee  made  yesterday, 
be  transmitted  to  the  Honble.  the  Continental  Congress  for 
their  perusal,  and  that  their  directions  may  be  obtained 
thereon.  And 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Palmer  carry 
those  copies  to  the  Continental  Congress  ;  and  as  Capt. 
John  Grennell  has  for  some  time  past  been  on  duty  and 
commanding  at  the  said  fortifications,  and  may  for  the  pre- 
sent be  spared,  an  older  officer  being  now  there,  and  it  is 
conceived  he  may  also  be  able  to  give  useful  information 
relating  to  the  places  necessary  to  be  fortified  in  order  to 
obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river ; 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Grennell  do  attend  the  other  two 
gentlemen  to  Philadelphia,  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  be  appointed  bri- 
gadier-general of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties 
formed  into  one  brigade,  and  that  a  commission  be  issued 
to  him  accordingly. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  20th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Imlay — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker 

— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,.  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Wm.  Paulding — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Clarke — For  Orange. 

Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  J.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Dr.  Spooner — For  Cumberland. 

Doctor  Paul  Spooner,  from  Cumberland  county,  appear- 
ed in  Congress,  and  produced  the  following  credentials,  to 
wit :  first,  a  certificate  from  the  committee  of  that  county, 
dated  at  Westminster,  on  the  1st  day  of  Deer,  last,  and 
signed  by  John  Barrett  the  clerk,  whereby  it  is  certified 
that  the  committee  of  the  said  county  had  proceeded  in  the 
election  of  Deputies,  pursuant  to  the  resolves  of  the  Con- 
gress for  the  Colony  of  New- York  of  the  18th  October 
last ;  and  it  is  thereby  further  certified,  that  Major  William 
Williams  and  Doctor  Paul  Spooner  are  chosen  by  the 
county  to  represent  the  people  thereof  in  this  Provincial 
Congress  at  the  city  of  New- York. 

The  said  committee  thereby  also  recommend  a  brigadier- 
general,  and  their  other  field  and  staff  officers,  for  the  mi- 
litia of  the  said  county. 

Mr.  Spooner  also  produced  another  certificate  of  the 
county  committee  bearing  date  on  the  30th  of  Novemr. 
last,  and  signed  by  John  Barrett  their  clerk,  whereby  it  is 
certified  that  the  Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  county 
of  Cumberland  at  this  Provincial  Congress  in  the  city  of 
New-York,  are  thereby  qualified,  and  have  full  power  to 
act  in  the  said  Congress  singly,  in  as  ample  and  full  a 
manner,  when  but  one  is  present,  as  both,  when  both  are 
present  at  the  said  Congress.  The  said  certificates  being 
read  and  approved,  were  ordered  to  be  filed.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Spooner  take  his  seat. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Wm.  Bedlow,  dated  at  Fort  Constitu- 
tion, on  the  14th  Deer.  inst.  on  the  subject  of  the  pay  of 
the  commissioners,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Mr.  Nathaniel  Woodhull, 

"  Sir — About  the  latter  end  of  October,  Mr. 
Richard  Yates  delivered  into  the  Honble.  Provincial  Con- 
gress a  letter  requesting  they  would  be  so  kind  as  to  fix 
what  they  should  judge  I,  with  my  brother  commissioners 
on  service  here,  should  merit  per  day.  As  that  was  at  the 
very  latter  end  of  the  last  session,  I  suppose,  through  the 
hurry  of  business,  [it]  was  not  thought  on. 

"  Permit  me  now  to  request  the  favour  of  you  to  make 
this  application  known  to  this  Honble.  Provincial  Congress, 
in  hopes  they  will  let  the  commissioners  here  know  what 
they  are  to  have.  This  will  lay  us  under  grateful  obliga- 
tions to  you  and  them.  In  particular  him,  who  is,  with 
respect, 

"  Sir,  your  humb.  servt. 

"WILLIAM  BEDLOW. 

"Fort  Constitution,  Deem.  Ulh,  1775. 
"  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esqr.'' 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  subject  matter 
of  the  said  letter,  and  after  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  to  each  of  the  com- 
missioners employed  in  erecting  the  said  fortifications  on 
the  bank  of  Hudson's  river,  in  the  Highlands,  ten  shillings 
per  day,  for  every  day  that  he  has  been  or  shall  be  em- 
ployed in  that  service  ;  and  to  prevent  any  expense  that 
may  by  any  means  be  avoided,  agreed  that  only  three 
commissioners,  for  the  present,  be  continued  in  that  ser- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


227 


vice,  to  wit  :  Mr.  John  Berrien  in  New-York,  and  two  at 
the  fortifications  ;  and  as  Messrs.  Wm.  Bedlow  and  Thos. 
Grennell  were  first  employed  in  that  service, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  continued  ;  and  if  Mr.  Gren- 
nell's  state  of  health  should  become  such  as  to  prevent  his 
attendance  on  that  service,  that  in  his  absence  his  place  be 
supplied  by  Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence. 

Mr.  John  Broome  chairman  pro  tern,  of  the  committee 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  attending  at  the  door,  was  ad- 
mitted ;  he  delivered  in  the  several  papers  hereafter  men- 
tioned, which  were  read,  and  Mr.  Broome  withdrew. 

The  first  matter  delivered  in  by  the  said  chairman  of  the 

committee,  is  an  application  for  the  loan  of  money  which, 

being  read  and  filed,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York  Committee  Chamber,  ? 

"  Deer.  19,  1775.  $ 

"  The  chairman  having  informed  the  committee  that 
there  were  several  demands  upon  this  board,  which  have 
been  due  some  considerable  time,  requested  they  would 
take  them  under  consideration,  and  concert  some  means 
for  discharging  them. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  chairman  be  authorized  to  apply 
to  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  loan  of  £1,000,  (sub- 
ject to  no  interest,)  and  to  give  a  receipt  for  the  same,  and 
to  engage  that  the  same  shall  be  repaid  out  of  the  first  mo- 
nies that  shall  be  raised  by  way  of  a  tax  in  this  city  and 
county,  for  defraying  the  necessary  charges  incurred  for 
the  public  service,  in  defending  our  rights  and  privileges. 
(Signed)       "  JOHN  BROOME,  Ch.  P.  T." 

The  Congress  took  the  said  application  of  the  city  com- 
mittee in  consideration,  and  are  unanimously  of  opinion 
that  the  small  supply  of  money  expected  speedily  to  be  re- 
ceived in  the  Treasury  of  this  Congress,  and  their  present 
heavy  debts,  will  not  admit  of  making  a  loan  of  one  thou- 
sand pounds,  but  that  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  the  com- 
mittee, an  order  be  made  on  the  Treasurer  of  this  Con- 
gress, for  the  sum  of  £500,  payable  to  the  chairman. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  send  to  Mr.  John  Broome,  as  chair- 
man pro  tern,  of  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
or  to  the  chairman  for  the  time  then  being,  the  sum  of 
£500,  and  take  such  receipt  and  engagement,  for  the 
same  as  proposed  by  the  said  committee,  in  their  applica- 
tion to  this  Congress  for  a  loan. 

Mr.  Broome  also  delivered  in  a  list  and  arrangement  of 
of  the  officers  of  Colo.  Heyer's  regiment,  which  was  read 
and  approved  of  and  filed.  And 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  accordingly. 

Mr.  Broome  also  delivered  in  a  list  of  officers  of  Col. 
Heyer's  battalion  of  three  beats  of  the  militia  of  the  city  of 
New-York. 

Ordered.  That  commissions  be  issued  accordingly. 

The  case  of  John  Blackler,  referred  to  this  Congress 
from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  a  letter 
from  the  said  John  Blackler  to  Governor  Tryon,  which 
were  this  morning  delivered  by  Mr.  Broome,  as  chairman 
pro  tempore,  were  read. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Richmond  county,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Richmond  county,  Beer.  15th,  1775. 

"  Mr.  President, 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  2d  Decemr.  we  hereby  ac- 
knowledge came  safe  to  our  hand,  and  with  the  majority  of 
our  committee  considered  the  contents.  We,  agreeable  to 
your  request,  have  caused  by  advertisement  the  freehold- 
ers and  inhabitants  in  our  county  to  be  convened  on  this 
day,  in  order  that  their  sense  might  be  taken,  whether  they 
would  choose  Deputies  to  represent  them  in  Provincial 
Congress  or  not.  Accordingly  a  number  of  the  said  free- 
holders and  inhabitants  did  appear  ;  a  regular  poll  was 
opened  and  continued  till  6  o'clock  ;  at  the  conclusion  of 
which  it  appeared  that  a  majority  was,  for  the  present,  for 
sending  no  Deputies. 


"  Our  former  conduct  in  sending  of  Deputies  to  repre- 
sent us  in  Provincial  Congress,  was  elevated  with  en- 
couraging hopes  of  having,  ere  this,  obtained  the  so  much 
desired  point  in  our  view,  namely,  a  reconciliation  with 
Great  Britain.  But,  with  anxiety  we  express  it,  that  the 
hopes  of  obtaining  so  desirable  an  event,  is  now  almost 
vanished  out  of  our  sight ;  and,  instead  of  which,  we  be- 
hold with  horror,  every  appearance  of  destruction,  that  a 
war  with  Great  Britain  will  bring  upon  us.  Under  these 
apprehensions,  and  in  our  particular  situation,  we  hope 
you  will  view  us,  and  when  candidly  considered,  we  trust 
will  furnish  you  with  sufficient  reason,  for  the  present,  to 
forbear  with  us. 

"  We  wish  and  pray  that  if  yet  any  hopes  of  reconcilia- 
tion is  left,  that  measures  might  be  adopted,  if  possible,  to 
obtain  that  desirable  end,  in  wishing  of  which  we  conclude 
ourselves, 

"  Your  most  obt. 

"  And  most  humble  servts. 

"JOHN  TYSON, 
"CHRISTIAN  JACOBSON. 
"DANIEL  CORSEN, 
"PETER  MERSEREATJ, 
"JOSEPH  CHRISTOPHER, 
"LAMBERT  MERRILL, 
"JOHN  POILLON. 

'•  To  Nathl.  Woodhull, 

Prest.  of  Provl.  Congress  New-York. 
"  P.  S.  Should  the  Congress  think  it  necessary  for  fur- 
ther information  of  the  state  of  our  county,  they  will  please 
to  order  two  of  our  committee  to  appear  before  them  for 
that  purpose. 

After  sundry  proposals  mentioned  relating  to  the  people 
of  Richmond  county,  the  further  consideration  thereof  is 
deferred  until  the  state  of  Queens  county  is  taken  into  con- 
sideration. 

Capt.  Skidmore,  of  Queens  county,  attending  at  the  door 
for  an  order  for  the  arms  of  such  men  in  his  company  as 
have  not  been  sent  into  the  Continental  service, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt.  Skid- 
more  such  arms  of  the  people  of  Queens  county  as  remain 
in  his  custody,  and  were  received  from  the  men  belonging 
to  Capt.  Skidmore's  company,  to  wit.  from  William  Mills, 
Dirk  Amerman  and  John  Stanson,  alias  John  Steine  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Curtenius  pay  to  Jonah  Roades,  Cornelius  Loosie, 
Mary  Mills,  Peter  Fredericks  and  Fredk.  Amerman,  re- 
spectively, the  appraised  value  of  the  arms  received  of 
them,  respectively,  and  sent  into  the  public  service. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the 

Continental  Congress  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"  New-York,  Deer.  20th,  1775.  5 

"  Gentlemen — A  dispute  having  unhappily  taken  place 
between  the  commissioners  appointed  to  superintend  the 
work  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands  and  the  engi- 
neer, which  we  apprehended  might  retard  the  works  ne- 
cessary to  be  done,  we  thought  proper  to  depute  a  com- 
mittee of  three  of  our  body  to  repair  to  the  said  fortifica- 
tions and  endeavour  to  accommodate  the  said  difference, 
and  in  case  they  should  not  be  able  to  effect  that,  to  give 
such  directions  for  expediting  the  necessary  work  as  they 
should  judge  best  for  the  public  service.  In  consequence 
whereof  Messrs.  Palmer,  Nicoll  and  Drake,  who  were  ap- 
pointed the  committee,  went  to  the  place,  and  have  report- 
ed their  proceedings  and  sentiments  in  the  premises,  a 
copy  of  which  we  now  enclose  you,  for  the  consideration 
of  Congress.  We  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  you  that  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  respecting  the  expediency  of  erect- 
ing a  fortification  on  the  eminence  at  Puplope's  kill  de- 
mands your  most  serious  attention. 

"  The  bearers  hereof,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Palmer  and 
Capt.  Grennell  are  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  lay  a 
state  of  the  above  matter  before  the  Continental  Congress, 
and  if  it  should  be  approved  of,  we  are  of  opinion  that  no 
time  ought  to  be  lost  in  carrying  it  into  execution. 


228 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"We  have  drawn  on  the  Pennsylvania  Delegates  for 
50,000  dollars,  (you  have  procured  an  order  for,)  in  favor 
of  Col.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Palmer." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro.  tem.  and  transmitted. 

Doctor  Spooner  delivered  in  sundry  letters  and  papers, 
which  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

A  letter  from  Col.  James  Rogers,  of  Cumberland  county, 
of  the  14th  Sept.  last,  whereby,  for  political  reasons,  he 
declines  the  office  of  brigadier-general  of  the  militia. 

A  paper  signed  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  township  of 
Putney,  in  Cumberland  county,  dated  the  6th  of  Decem- 
ber inst.  stating  objections  against  the  gentlemen  named 
and  recommended  by  the  county  committee  for  field  offi- 
cers of  the  militia  of  that  county. 

A  paper  signed  by  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  West- 
minster, dated  7th  of  Deer.  inst.  setting  forth  similar  ob- 
jections to  the  same  gentlemen  as  field  officers  of  the  mi- 
litia of  that  county. 

A  paper  signed  by  the  inhabitants  of  Fulham,  dated  the 
13th  Deer.  inst.  setting  forth  similar  objections  to  the  same 
gentlemen  as  field  officers  of  the  militia  of  that  county. 

A  paper  subscribed,  containing  the  association  of  all  the 
males  in  Townshend,  in  Cumberland  county. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  consist  of  thir- 
teen members,  and  that  Doctor  Paul  Spooner  be  added  to 
be  a  member  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  John  Abeel  had  de- 
clared that  William  Bayard  had  informed  him  and  others 
that  the  Deputies  who  compose  this  Congress  had  agreed 
to  pay  themselves  four  dollars  per  day  each,  while  they  at- 
tend the  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  John  Abeel  attend  this  Congress  at  4 
o'clock  this  afternoon. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  20th,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tem. 

Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Mr.  Imlay — For  New-York. 
Dr.  Spooner—  For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Palmer — For  Ulster. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker— 
For  Albany. 

Dr.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding— For  Westchester- 
Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  J.  Moore— For  Tryon. 

Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Clarke— For  Orange. 

Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  case  of  John 
Blackler.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  kept  in  confinement  until  the  fur- 
ther order  of  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  necessity 
and  advantage  of  a  small  armed  vessel  to  be  maintained  in 
the  East  river  or  sound,  to  prevent  persons  inimical  to  the 
liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,  supplying  the  Minis- 
terial army  and  navy  with  provisions. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  and  Capt.  Rutgers  be 
and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  to  purchase  a  pro- 
per vessel  for  that  purpose,  and  to  have  her  properly  armed 
and  fitted  out.  And, 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  do  not  expend  on  the 
purchase  and  outfit  of  such  vessel  more  than  the  sum  of 
six  hundred  pounds. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  amendments  to  the 
resolves  for  regulating  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  brought 
in  their  report  which  was  read,  and  according  to  order  be- 
ing read  a  second  time,  and  many  amendments  made 
thereto,  was  agreed  to  and  resolved  on,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Appendix  to  the  rules  and  orders  for  regulating  the 
militia  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 


1st.  As  the  desire  of  promotion  in  the  public  service  is 
extremely  laudable,  and  therefore  should  be  so  far  incou- 
raged  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  safety  of  the  public, 
and  at  the  same  time  may  not  be  construed  into  a  design 
of  countenancing  promotions,  of  course  it  is  earnestly  re- 
commended to  every  company,  to  have  a  regard  in  elec- 
tions, to  promote  to  offices  according  to  rank,  so  far  as 
may  be  consistent  with  true  merit  and  ability  to  serve  the 
public. 

2nd.  That  where  ever  a  sufficient  number  of  minute 
men  do  not  voluntarily  turn  out  of  any  regiment  of  the  mi- 
litia of  this  Colony,  to  complete  the  proportion  in  the 
aforesaid  rules  and  orders  required,  the  deficiency  be  made 
up  by  lot  from  those  companies  in  which  such  deficiency 
shall  happen. 

3rd.  That  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and 
Westchester,  be  two  separate  brigades. 

4th.  That  when  any  person  shall  think  himself  ag- 
grieved with  respect  to  his  being  fined  in  consequence  of 
the  above  mentioned  regulations,  the  committee  of  the 
city,  town,  manor,  precinct  or  district,  where  the  cause 
of  complaint  ariseth,  upon  complaint  made  to  them,  shall 
have  power  to  hear  and  determine  the  matter,  and  if  said 
complaint  shall  appear  to  be  groundless  and  vexatious,  the 
complainant  shall  forfeit  a  sum  equal  to  the  fine  in  dispute, 
to  be  levied  upon  his  goods  and  chattels  by  warrant  from 
the  chairman,  directed  to  a  Serjeant  of  the  company^  The 
said  forfeiture  to  be  applied  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
fines  in  the  before  said  regulations  are  applied ;  and  that  no 
man  shall  be  fined  for  want  of  powder  and  ball,  who  shall 
produce  a  receipt  from  his  captain  of  his  having  de- 
posited in  his  hands  six  shillings  and  nine  pence  for  the 
purchase  of  those  articles. 

5th.  That  besides  the  stated  meetings  of  the  companies 
of  the  militia,  it  be  recommended  to  the  commissioned  and 
non-commissioned  officers,  to  use  all  possible  diligence  to 
perfect  their  companies  in  the  military  art,  bv  inviting  them 
together  in  small  parties  as  often  as  they  conveniently  can 
meet. 

6th.  That  although  persons  above  50  years  of  age  are 
not  required  to  be  enrolled  in  the  militia,  yet  it  is  most 
earnestly  recommended  to  them  that  they  be  respectively 
provided  with  arms,  accoutrements  and  ammunition,  as 
though  they  were  required  to  be  enrolled. 

7th.  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  every  man 
in  the  militia  to  provide  himself  with  a  bayonet  properly 
fitted  to  his  musket  or  firelock. 

8th.  That  no  new  troops  of  horse  be  formed  unless  an 
augmentation  be  recommended  by  Congress  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety. 

9th.  That  all  persons  incurring  the  penalties  for  non-at- 
tendance and  disobedience  of  orders  specified  in  the  twelfth 
clause,  shall  for  every  default  incur  the  forfeitures  therein 
annexed  to  the  first  default,  notwithstanding  their  being 
held  up  as  enemies  of  their  country. 

1  Olh.  That  the  minute  men  meet  in  their  respective 
companies  on  the  first  and  third  Mondays  in  every  month, 
and  pass  through  the  necessary  military  exercise  under 
their  proper  officers,  and  that  for  the  second  meeting  in 
every  month  the  officers  and  privates  be  respectively  al- 
lowed the  pay  of  the  Continental  troops  agreeable  to  the 
new  establishment;  provided  that  the  commanding  officer 
of  each  minute  company  who  shall  be  present  at  the  muster 
and  exercise  of  each  respective  minute  company,  do  de- 
liver to  the  committee  of  the  city,  town,  precinct  or  district 
in  which  they  shall  so  meet  to  exercise,  a  muster  roll  of  the 
commissioned  and  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
of  their  respective  companies,  who  did  actually  appear  and 
exercise  until  they  were  dismissed  by  the  commanding 
officer,  sworn  to  by  the  officer  who  was  present  and  com- 
manded for  the  day;  and  that  besides  these  regulations  it 
be  recommended  lo  them  to  meet  in  such  subdivisions  of 
each  company  under  a  proper  officer,  as  will  be  most  con- 
venient for  their  frequent  meeting. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


229 


llth.  That  if  any  officer  should  omit  to  meet  and  exer- 
cise his  men  upon  the  days  appointed,  or  shall  through  fa- 
vour or  affection  neglect  to  levy  any  fines  in  the  said  rules 
and  orders  for  regulating  the  militia  required  to  be  levied, 
he  shall  forfeit  for  every  such  neglect  the  sum  of  40s.  to 
be  levied  and  applied  as  is  directed  in  the  twelfth  clause  of 
the  before  referred  to  regulations. 

12th.  Resolved,  That  the  officers  of  the  minute  compa- 
nies that  are  already  chosen,  do  continue  their  offices  'till 
the  further  orders  of  this  or  some  future  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Levi  Pauling,  of  Marble  Town,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Marble  Town,  Deer.  Uth,  1775. 
"Gentlemen — Yours  of  the  l?th  Octor.  I  have  re- 
ceived, in  answer  to  which,  I  have  given  orders  to  the  re- 
giment I  have  the  honour  to  command,  that  whenever  the 
alarm  shall  be  given  they  muster  (according  to  desire) 
equipped  and  with  provisions  in  Marble  Town,  the  place 
of  my  residence,  which  is, 

"  Gentlemen,  from  your  assured  friend, 

"  And  humble  servant, 

"  LEVI  PAULING. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress." 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Swartwout,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee at  Fish  Kill  was  read  and  filed,  it  contains  a  return 
of  the  following  officers,  to  wit : 

George  G.  Brinckerhoof,  first  lieut.  Stephen  Osborne  and 
Benjn.  Kosekrans,  ensigns,  of  Capt.  Stephen  Brinckerhoff's 

company- 
Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  accordingly. 
The  Congress  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

Deer.  21st,  1775. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esquire,  President  pro  tern. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Scott,  (Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Brasher,  absent  on  duty) — For  New- 
¥ork. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  (Mr.  Palmer  absent  on  duty) — For 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Spooner—  For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 

Dr.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — Ftr  Westchester. 

Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Clark — For  Orange. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  state  of  Queens 
county,  and  after  some  considerable  time  spent  thereon,  it 
was  postponed  till  the  afternoon. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  fix  and  determine  the 
rank  of  the  militia  officers  of  the  several  counties  in  this 
Colony,  in  order  to  enable  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose  to  form  and  report  a  general  regulation  for  the 
militia  of  the  Colony,  and  after  some  time  spent  thereon, 
the  Congress  determined  the  officers  of  the  respective 
counties  to  have  rank  in  the  following  order,  to  wit : 


1st — Xew-York, 
2nd — Albany, 
3rd— Suffolk, 
4th— Ulster, 
5th — Westchester, 
6th — Orange, 
7th — Dutchess, 


8th — Kings, 

9th — Queens, 
10th — Richmond, 
llth — Tryon, 
12th— Cumberland. 
13th— Charlotte, 
14th — Gloucester. 


The  Congress  then  proceeded  for  the  same  purpose  to 
fix  and  ascertain  the  rank  of  the  respective  brigadier-gene- 
rals of  the  several  brigades  in  this  Colony.  And,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade 
which  consists  of  the  militia  of  New-York,  Kings  and  Rich- 

58 


mond  counties,  be  considered  as  the  first  brigadier-general 
of  this  Colony,  and  lake  rank  accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  which  consists 
of  the  militia  of  Albany  and  Tryon  counties  be  considered 
as  the  second  brigadier-general  of  this  Colony,  and  take 
rank  accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  which  consists 
of  the  militia  of  Suffolk  and  Queens  counties  be  considered 
as  the  third  brigadier-general  of  this  Colony,  and  take  rank 
accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  which  consists 
of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties  be  considered 
as  the  fourth  brigadier-general  of  this  Colony,  and  take 
rank  accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Westchester 
county  be  considered  as  the  fifth  brigadier-general  of  this 
Colony,  and  take  rank  accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Dutchess 
county  be  considered  as  the  sixth  brigadier-general  of  this 
Colony,  and  take  rank  accordingly. 

That  the  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  the  counties 
of  Cumberland,  Gloucester  and  Charlotte,  be  considered 
as  the  seventh  brigadier-general  of  this  Colony,  and  take 
rank  accordingly. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Decemr.  21st,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Jno.  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr  Scolt,  Col.  McDougal,  Mr.  Imlay,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Rut- 
gers, (Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Brasher,  absent  on  business)—  For  NewYork. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker — 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  (Mr.  Palmer,  absent  on  duly,) — For 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Schenck — For  Dutchess. 
Dr.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay.  Mr.  Clarke— For  Orange. 

Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Dr.  Spooner — For  Cumberland. 

On  application  of  the  members  of  Ulster  county  now 
present, 

Ordered,  That  Thomas  Palmer,  Esqr.  be  appointed 
colonel,  Thos.  Johnson,  Junr.  lieut.  colonel,  Arthur  Parks 
first  major,  and  Saml.  Logan  2nd  major,  Sovereign  Bruyn 
adjutant  and  Isaac  Bellknap  quarter-master  of  the  southern 
regiment  of  minute  men  in  Ulster  county,  and  that  com- 
missions be  issued  to  those  gentlemen  accordingly. 
And  on  application  of  the  same  members, 
Ordered,  That  Charles  Dewitt,  Esqr.  be  appointed 
colonel,  Andrius  Dewitt,  Junr.  lieut.  colonel,  Christopher 
Tappen  first  major,  Corns.  E.  Wynkoop  2nd  major,  Oake 
Sudam  adjutant,  and  Corns  I.  Elmendorph  quarter-master 
of  the  northern  regiment  of  minuie  men  in  Ulster  county, 
and  that  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gentlemen  accord- 
ingly. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
state  of  Queen's  county  and  of  Richmond  county,  and 
after  some  considerable  time  spent  thereon,  came  to  a  de- 
termination and  resolutions  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Whereas,  on  the  1 3th  inst.  on  information  that  a  num- 
ber of  disaffected  persons  in  Queens  county  had  been  sup- 
plied with  arms  and  ammunition  from  on  board  the  Asia 
ship  of  war,  and  had  been  arraying  themselves  in  military 
manner  to  oppose  the  measures  taken  by  the  Uniied  Colo- 
nies for  the  defence  of  their  just  rights  and  privileges,  and 
thrown  out  many  threatening  expressions  against  sundry 
persons  residing  in  that  and  the  neighbouring  counties,  it 
was  resolved  by  this  Congress,  as  their  opinion,  that  such 
conduct  is  inimical  to  the  common  cause  of  the  United 
Colonies  and  ought  not  by  any  means  to  be  suffered,  but 
that  measures  should  be  immediately  taken  to  put  a  stop 


230 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


to  it.  And  it  was  therefore  ordered  that  the  inhabitants 
of  the  said  county  should  appear  by  a  committee  before 
this  Congress  on  Wednesday  then  next,  at  10  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  to  give  satisfaction  in  the  premises  ;  with 
which  order  the  said  inhabitants  of  Queens  county  have 
not  complied  :  And  whereas  the  persons  above  mentioned 
and  their  adherents  have  opposed  the  election  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  that  county,  in  this  Congress,  on  a  poll 
opened  for  that  purpose,  whereby  that  county  remains  un- 
represented in  this  Congress  :  And  whereas,  a  prevailing 
party  prevented  the  election  of  Delegates  for  the  county 
of  Richmond,  at  a  late  poll  there  opened  for  that  purpose, 
by  means  whereof  the  said  county  is  not  represented  in 
this  Congress  :  And  whereas,  the  poll-list  for  Queens 
county  has  been  returned  to  this  Congress,  whereby  the 
persons  opposing  such  representation  as  aforesaid,  and  ap- 
pearing to  this  Congress  to  be  inimical  to  the  interest  of 
the  United  Colonies,  may  be  ascertained  : 

"  Resolved,  I.  That  such  inimical  persons  as  aforesaid 
have  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  the  general  association, 
and  of  an  open  contempt  of  the  authority  of  this  Congress, 
as  effectually  representing  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Colony. 

"  Resolved,  II.  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of 
Richmond,  by  neglecting  to  elect  Representatives  in  this 
Congress,  have  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  the  general  as- 
sociation. 

"  Resolved,  III.  That  the  committee  of  the  said  county 
of  Richmond  do,  and  shall,  within  fifteen  days  after  the 
publication  hereof,  return  to  this  Congress,  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  a  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  oppose 
a  representation  of  the  said  county  in  this  Congress,  to 
the  end  that  the  delinquents  against  the  common  cause  in 
that  county  may  be  ascertained  ;  and  that  in  default  thereof 
the  whole  county  of  Richmond  be  deemed  delinquent. 

"  Resolved,  IV.  That  the  said  delinquents  in  the  said 
two  counties,  respectively,  and  each  and  every  of  them, 
be,  and  hereby  are,  entirely  put  out  of  the  protection  of 
this  Congress. 

"  Resolved,  V.  That  all  friendly  and  commercial  inter- 
course between  the  said  persons,  so  put  respectively  out 
of  the  protection  of  this  Congress,  and  the  other  inhabi- 
tants of  this  Colony,  ought  to  be,  and  the  same  as  far  as 
can  be  effected  by  the  recommendation  of  this  Congress, 
hereby  is,  and  shall  continue  to  be,  totally  interdicted  until 
further  order  of  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
And  to  the  end  that  no  persons  may  plead  ignorance  of 
the  aforegoing  resolves  and  this  order,  it  is 

"  Ordered,  The  same,  together  with  a  list  of  such  de- 
linquents as  aforesaid,  in  each  of  the  said  counties,  be 
without  delay  respectively  printed  and  dispersed  in  hand- 
bills, and  inserted  in  all  the  public  newspapers  of  this 
Colony." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolves  and 
orders  be  enclosed  in  the  following  letter  to  the  Delegates 
of  this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  Deer.  2Ut,  1775.  } 

"  Gentlemen — We  lake  the  liberty  to  enclose  to  you  a 

copy  of  our  proceedings  respecting  the  delinquents  in 

Queens  and  Richmond  counties.    We  apprehend  we  have 

proceeded  against  them  as  far  as  a  prudent  regard  to  the 

present  circumstances  of  the  capital  of  this  Colony,  and 

the  safety  of  the  Colony  in  general,  as  far  as  it  depends 

upon  the  security  of  its  capital,  will  permit,  and  for  this 

assertion  we  beg  leave  to  suggest  the  following  reasons,  to 

wit : 

"  1st.  The  power  which  the  King's  ships  have  for  de- 
stroying the  property  in  this  city. 

"  2d.  Our  being  almost  utterly  destitute  of  powder  for 


a  defence  of  the  city,  were  it  in  other  respects  defensible, 
against  naval  force. 

"  3d.  The  great  probability  that  an  array  of  troops 
against  the  above  mentioned  delinquents,  by  authority  of 
this  Congress,  even  were  we  sufficiently  provided  for  the 
purpose  with  powder,  would  bring  on  a  firing  upon  the 
city. 

"4th.  We  are  now  expediting  vessels  for  the  importa- 
tion of  powder,  &c;  this  object  (should  it  be  known,  would 
necessarily  incense  the  navy,)  we  may  lose,  as  well  as  the 
opportunity  of  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  this  city  with 
the  necessaries  of  life  in  a  severe  season,  whichnecessa- 
ries  it  is  well  known  we  are  almost  entirely  supplied  with 
by  water. 

"  If  in  the  judgment  of  the  Continental  Congress,  the 
delinquents  in  the  above  mentioned  counties  ought  to  be 
further  dealt  with,  we  flatter  ourselves  that,  however  ready 
we  are  to  sacrifice  the  property  of  this  capital,  in  the  de- 
fence of  the  common  rights  of  America,  the  above  reasons, 
and  such  others  as  may  occur  to  you,  will  have  their 
weight  with  Congress  to  show  the  impropriety  of  employ- 
ing any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  and  particularly 
of  this  city,  in  active  service  against  the  said  delinquents, 
if  others  can  be  employed  for  the  purpose.  Their  oppo- 
sition to  the  common  cause  is  of  dangerous  example,  and 
therefore  ought,  in  our  opinion,  to  be  quelled,  if  by  pru- 
dent means  it  can  be  done,  for  we  have  little  reason  to  believe, 
that  should  they  by  any  means  be  induced  to  send  Dele- 
gates to  this  Congress,  their  true  characters  would  be  no 
other  than  that  of  spies  of  our  conduct.  We  desire  you 
to  communicate  this  and  the  enclosed  without  delay  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  are, 

"  Gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Their  and  your  most  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Gentlemen  in  Delegation  for  the 

Colony  of  New-York  in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tern,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  in  case  the  Continental  Congress  shall 
rise  without  having  made  any  determination  on  the  above 
subject,  that  the  Committee  of  Safety  be  empowered,  and 
in  such  case  hereby  is  empowered,  to  write  to  the  com- 
mittees of  the  neighbouring  Colonies  respectively  as  the 
case  may  require,  informing  them  of  the  inimical  conduct 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  aforesaid  counties  to  the  security 
of  the  United  Colonies,  whereby  they  have  forfeited  the 
protection  of  this  Congress,  and  therefore,  that  the  com- 
mittees aforesaid  be  at  liberty  to  take  such  measures  with 
the  enemies  of  America  in  those  counties  as  they  shall 
judge  necessary,  to  put  it  out  of  their  power  to  assist  our 
common  enemy.  Provided  the  innocent  and  helpless  be 
not  injured  in  life  or  property,  nor  the  lives  or  properly  of 
the  guilty  unnecessarily  or  wantonly  destroyed  ;  and  to 
this  end,  that  they  enclose  in  said  letter  or  letters  a  list  of 
the  delinquents. 

The  committee  appointed  to  form  a  regulation  or  ar- 
rangement for  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read,  and  the  same  "being  read  a  second 
time,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  and  many  amendments  and 
additions  made  thereto,  and  finally  agreed  to  and  resolved 
"•on,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  RULES  AND  ORDERS, 

"  For  arranging  the  rank  of  the  officers  of  the  militia  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York  : 

"  1st.  The  major-general  to  be  commander-in-chief  of 
all  the  militia  now  embodied  and  hereafler  to  be  embodied 
within  this  Colony. 

"  2d.  The  brigadier-general  for  the  brigade  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New- York,  the  counties  of  Kings  and  Rich- 
mond to  be  the  second  in  command. 

"  3d.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany  and  county  of  Tryon  to  be  the  third 
in  command. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


231 


"  4th.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Suffolk  and  Queens  to  be  the  fourth  in  command. 

"  5th.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Ulster  and  Orange  to  be  the  fifth  in  command. 

"  6th.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Westchester  to  be  the  sixth  in  command. 

"  7th.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Dutchess  to  be  the  seventh  in  command. 

"  8th.  The  brigadier-general  of  the  counties  of  Char- 
lotte, Cumberland  and  Gloucester  to  be  the  eighth  in  com- 
mand. 

"  9th.  The  majors  of  brigade  to  take  rank  in  the  man- 
ner above  mentioned  according  to  the  priority  of  the  bri- 
gade they  shall  respectively  belong  to. 

"  10th.  That  the  commissioned  officers  of  equal  dignity 
of  the  several  regiments  of  militia  in  the  different  counties 
shall  take  rank  and  precedence  according  to  the  following 
arrangement : 


"  Of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,   1 

"               "            Albany   2 

"            Suffolk,   3 

"            Ulster   4 

"            Westchester,   5 

"             Orange,   6 

"            Dutchess,   7 

"            Kings,   8 

"            Queens,     9 

"            Richmond,   10 

"            Tryon   11 

"            Cumberland,   12 

Charlotte,   13 

"            Gloucester,   14 


"  1 1th.  The  rank  of  some  of  the  battalions  or  regiments  and 
companies  in  some  of  the  counties  being  settled,  either  by 
the  colonel  already  chosen  or  appointed,  or  by  the  gene- 
ral committee  of  the  county,  it  is  recommended  that  the 
several  committees  in  this  Colony  where  such  arrange- 
ments are  not  already  made,  do  follow  the  example  in  ar- 
ranging the  battalions  and  companies  within  their  respec- 
tive counties,  and  transmit  a  copy  of  such  arrangements  to 
the  Secretary  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee 
of  Safety  for  the  time  being. 

"  12th.  That  the  colonel  of  the  first  regiment  in  any 
county  in  this  Colony  shall  take  rank  of  a  colonel  of  any 
second  regiment  of  any  other  county,  notwithstanding  the 
seniority  of  said  county,  and  so  on  with  respect  to  second, 
third,  &c.  regiments,  and  that  the  same  rule  be  observed 
with  respect  to  the  rank  of  inferior  officers. 

"  13ih.  That  the  officers  of  the  minute  men  when  in  ac- 
tual service  do  take  rank  of  the  officers  of  the  militia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  given 
to  a  printer  to  be  published  in  the  same  size  with  the  other 
regulations  for  the  militia. 

Resolved,  That  the  present  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in 
Continental  Congress  be  requested  to  make  such  an  ar- 
rangement among  themselves  as  that  five  of  them  only 
continue  at  Congress  and  represent  this  Colony  at  any  one 
time,  and  that  in  case  of  the  necessary  absence  of  any 
one  or  two  of  the  Delegates  so  attending  accordingly  to  such 
arrangement,  that  three  or  four  of  them  be  a  quorum  and 
enable  dto  represent  the  Colony  during  such  absence. 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  of  Orange  Town  and  precinct 
of  Orange,  be  formed  into  and  constitute  one  regiment, 
and  that  the  militia  of  Haverstraw  precinct  be  formed  into 
and  constitute  another  regiment,  any  thing  in  the  former 
resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  to 
the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Resolved,  with  the  consent  of  the  members  of  Ul- 
ster county  now  present,  That  Ulster  county  jail  or  such 
part  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  be  used  and  taken 
as  the  jail  of  this  Congress,  and  for  the  confinement  of  any 
such  prisoners  as  may  be  ordered  to  be  confined  by  this 
Congress  or  their  Committee  of  Safety,  that  such  prison- 
ers as  shall  be  there  confined,  shall  be  confined  at  their 
own  expense  respectively,  but  if  they  are  unable  to  pay  the 
expense,  then  that  they  be  confined  at  the  public  expense  of 
this  Colony.  And 


Ordered  farther,  That  John  Blackler  be  sent  to  Ulster 
county  jail,  and  there  confined  until  the  farther  order  of 
this  Congress  or  their  Committee  of  Safety. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

December  22d,  1775. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Scotl,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Imley, 
Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Beekman,  (Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  absent  on 
duty,  by  order.) — For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Cuyler,  .Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker— 
For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Cantine,  (Mr.  Palmer  absent  on  duty,  by  order.) 
—For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Humphreys — For  Dutchess. 

Dr.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding — For  Westchester. 
Capt.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Clarke— For  Orange. 
Mr.  John  Moore—  For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Spooner — For  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington  of  the  17th  De- 
cember inst.  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Cambridge,  December  17th,  1775. 

"  Sir — I  yesterday  received  the  enclosed  information 
from  several  persons  who  lately  came  out  of  Boston, 
which  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  transmit  to  you. 

"  Whether  these  troops  are  embarked  I  cannot  undertake 
to  say,  but  if  they  are,  it  is  more  than  probable  that  their 
destination  mav  be  very  different  from  what  they  gave  out 
in  Boston,  and  that  they  were  only  used  as  a  feint.  It  is 
certain  that  several  ships  sailed  from  thence  yesterday 
morning. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"  G.  WASHINGTON. 

,!  To  the  President  of  the 

Honble.  Convention  at  New- York." 

The,  information  therein  enclosed  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

i"  Chelsea,  December  16th,  1775. 

"  Last  evening  eight  men  came  in  a  boat  from  Boston  to 
our  guard  at  the  ferry.  They  say  that  one  regiment  of 
foot  and  three  companies  of  light  horse  were  to  sail  for 
Halifax  this  day,  and  that  the  troops  were  putting  water  on 
board  the  transports." 

"  Dorchester,  Deer.  16th,  1775. 

"  This  morning  eight  large  and  two  small  vessels  taken 
for  tenders,  sailed  out  of  Boston  harbour.  By  their  firing 
they  appeared  to  be  going  a  voyage  to  sea. 

"  Mr.  Joshua  Pies  came  out  of  Boston  last  night  and 
informs  that  a  regiment  of  foot  and  some  companies  of 
light  horse  were  preparing  to  embark  for  Halifax." 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony, 
appointed  by  this  Congress  be  empowered  to  apply  £1000 
to  the  relief  of  such  indigent  poor  of  the  city  of  New- 
York  for  whom  the  corporation  may  not  have  made  provi- 
sion, and  that  it  be  determined  by  this  or  some  future 
Congress  to  what  account  this  sum  shall  be  placed. 

Whereas  discontents  have  arisen  in  the  minds  of  many 
of  the  citizens  of  New-York  by  a  practice  of  some  of  the 
inhabitants  to  visit  the  King's  ships  of  war,  which  if  con- 
tinued may  be  productive  of  disorder  among  the  citizens 
and  disputes  between  them  and  the  officers  and  men  be- 
longing to  such  ships,  which  this  Congress  wish  to  pre- 
vent. Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  Colony  to  refrain  from  going  on  board  of  any  of  the 
King's  ships  or  vessels  of  war,  without  leave  of  the  com- 
mittee of  a  county  in  this  Colony  or  the  Committee  of 


232 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Safety  or  their  respective  chairmen,  until  the  further  order 
of  this  or  some  future  Congress. 

Whereas  sundry  persons  whose  conduct  in  the  neigh- 
bouring Colonies  of  which  they  are  respectively  inhabi- 
tants, have  been  unfriendly  to  liberty  and  occasioned  their 
removal  into  this  Colony,  and  should  such  removals  con- 
tinue, the  number  of  disaffected  persons  in  this  Colony 
will  be  increased,  and  the  same  be  disreputably  considered 
as  an  asylum  for  enemies  to  the  liberties  of  America : 

Resolved,  That  every  person,  not  an  inhabitant,  enter- 
ing into  this  Colony,  shall  be  furnished  with  a  certificate 
from  the  committee  of  the  jurisdiction  wherein  he  last  re- 
sided, lhat  he  is  friendly  to  the  liberties  of  America,  or 
be  subject  to  be  dealt  with  as  a  person  inimical  thereto. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be  empower- 
ed, and  hereby  is  empowered  to  purchase,  and  secure  and 
lodge  in  places  of  safety,  at  the  public  expense,  as  much 
pitch,  tar  and  turpentine  as  the  said  committee  may  think 
necessary  for  the  public  use  and  public  safety. 

A  return  from  William  Smith  and  Josiah  Smith,  two 
of  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  and  members  of  the 
sub-committees  of  St.  George's  and  Merrites,  which  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Mere.  St.  George's,  December,  15th,  1775. 
"  Gentlemen — There  has  enlisted  as  minute  men,  se- 
venty able  bodied  men  within  the  bounds  of  Brookhaven, 
Smith  Town,  Mare.  St.  George's  and  the  pattenship  of 
Meretches,  who  have  chose  Danl.  Roe  of  Brookhaven, 
their  capt. ;  Hugh  Smith  of  Merilches  their  first  lieut.  ; 
Caleb  Brewster  their  2nd,  of  Brookhaven  ;  and  their  en- 
sign, Ebenezer  Phillips,  of  Smith  Town  :  and  as  Hugh 
Smith  and  David  Fanning,  the  first  and  second  lieuts.  of 
the  3rd  company  in  Brookhaven,  whereof  Nathan  Rose  is 


capt.  have  enlisted  in  the  minute  service,  the  company  ^she  should  return  with  arms  and  ammunition 


ed  at  any  of  the  French  islands,  he  proposes  to  dispose  of 
said  cargo  at  St.  Eustatia,  or  any  other  Dutch,  Danish  or 
French  port.  We  also  report  that  a  vessel  can  be  had  on 
the  following  conditions,  vizt : 

A  vessel  lhat  will  carry  about  40  tons  provisions,  is  entitled  for  com- 
mon freight,    £150 

Insurance  on  vessel  valued  at  £700,  at  10  per  ct.  including  allow- 
ance for  common  risk,   70 

1  mo's.  hire  in  going  from  island  to  island  to  dispose  of  her  cargo 
and  to  obtain  the  powder,   60 

.£280 

We  further  report  in  case  this  powder  is  to  be  had,  and  this  vessel  is 
to  return  with  the  same,  that  she  be  allowed  for  her  common  freight 
home,  the  sum  of   £100 

Insurance  on  said  vessel  to  run  all  risks  of  vessel,  valued  £700, 
at  20  per  cent,   140 

£240 

"  We  further  propose,  in  case  there  should  be  opportuni- 
ty, to  ship  the  said  powder  in  any  other  fast  sailing  vessel, 
that  privilege  be  granted  for  the  same,  and  the  above  vessel 
be  discharged  :  this  plan  we  conceive  will  be  much  to  the 
Congress's  advantage — as  it  may  be  freighted  home  for 
less  than  half  what  must  be  paid  this  vessel  for  ;  but  in 
case  there  should  not  be  an  opportunity  to  ship  it  home  in 
another  vessel,  that  then  this  vessel  agrees  to  bring  it  for 
the  above  sum  of  £240." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  to  the  above 
report,  and  direct  the  said  committee  to  carry  the  same 
into  execution  at  the  risk  and  on  the  behalf  of  the  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony ;  and  the  Congress  agrees  to  allow 
the  sum  of  £280  for  the  outward  bound  voyage  of  the 
said  vessel,  or  so  much  thereof  as  shall  become  due — and 
£240  for  her  freight  and  insurance  back  to  this  Colony,  if 


have  chose  John  Smith  of  the  Mare.  St.  George's,  theii 
1st  lieut.  ;  Wm.  Baker  of  Brookhaven,  their  2nd  lieut.  ; 
and  Doxey  Lane  of  the  Manr.  of  St.  George's,  their  en- 
sign. The  choice  of  each  of  the  above  companies  was 
made  in  the  presence  of  us,  the  subscribers,  who  are  of 
the  committee.  The  minute  men,  (who  there  appears  to 
be  great  need  of  to  still  intestine  disaffection  to  our  com- 
mon cause,)  want  powder,  balls,  guns,  drums,  colours,  and 
other  necessaries  which  here  are  not  to  be  had,  and  if  to 
be  bought,  a  great  part  of  the  company  not  able  to  pur- 
chase. Your  supply  or  direction  in  these  points  will  be 
agreeable  to 

"  Your  humble  servants, 

"WILLIAM  SMITH, 
"JOSIAH  SMITH. 
"  P.  S.  Pray  let  the  commissions  be  handed  down  soon. 
"  The  President  of  the  Provincial 

Congress,  now  sitting  in  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gen- 
tlemen accordingly. 

The  first  paragraph  of  the  powers  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  relating  to  militia  commissions  was  read  and  ex- 
plained, and  sundry  debates  [arose]  thereon.  And  there- 
upon, 

Resolved  and  agreed,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety 
have  the  same  powers  as  to  the  nomination  and  election  of 
officers,  and  the  granting  and  refusing  of  commissions  to 
officers  of  every  rank,  as  this  Provincial  Congress  while 
sitting. 

Mr.  Sands  from  the  committee  appointed  to  plan  and 
report  a  voyage  to  the  West  Indies  to  obtain  ammunition, 
delivered  in  a  report  of  such  voyage,  which  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  sub-committee  appointed  to  employ  a  sloop  for  the 
Island  of  Martinico  Gaudeloupe  or  St.  Eustatia,  Keport  : 

"  That  they  think  it  necessary  to  load  her  with  provi- 
sions on  account  and  risk  of  this  Congress,  and  proceed 
first  to  said  French  islands  in  order  to  get  permission  to 
sell  her  cargo  there.    If  no  permission  should  be  grant- 


A  letter  from  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Esqr.  of  the  15th 
inst.  directed  to  this  Congress  was  read  ;  he  therein  men- 
tions that  he  had  had  a  meeting  with  sundry  gentlemen 
therein  mentioned,  and  requests  commissions  for  Colo- 
nel Abraham  Haasbrouck  as  colonel,  Johannes  Snyder 
lieut.  colonel,  and  Jonathan  Elmendorph  and  Adrian  Wyn- 
koop,  majors. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston,  dated  on  the 
said  15th  day  of  December  inst.  was  also  read  ;  the  said 
committee  thereby  request  that  the  committees  of  King- 
ston and  Hurly  may  be  permitted  to  nominate  and  recom- 
mend proper  gentlemen  for  field  officers  for  the  said  regi- 
ment. 

The  Congress  took  the  said  letters  into  consideration, 
and  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  referred  to  the  county 
committee  of  Ulster  county.  That  the  chairman  of  the 
said  committee  be  directed  by  written  notices  to  the  mem- 
bers, to  summon,  or  cause  to  [be]  summoned,  the  whole 
county  committee  at  some  proper  time  and  place  for  that 
purpose,  giving  full  notice  of  such  meeting  at  least  one 
week  before  the  time  of  such  meeting ;  and  it  is  recom- 
mended to  the  said  county  committee  to  use  their  best  en- 
deavours to  settle  all  disputes  and  difficulties  about  the  field 
officers  in  the  most  amicable  manner,  and  to  recommend 
such  gentlemen  to  this  Congress  or  their  Committee  of 
Safely  for  field  officers  of  that  regiment  as  will  be  most 
fit  to  do  the  duty  to  each  of  them  respectively  belonging, 
and  be  most  acceptable  to  the  inhabitants  and  to  the  mili- 
tia to  be  under  their  command. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  besides  the  powers  heretofore  vested  in 
the  Committee  of  Safely  for  appropriating  and  applying 
moneys,  they  be  authorized  to  appropriate  and  apply  any 
sum  not  exceeding  £50,000,  to  be  laid  out  in  such  man- 
ner as  they  shall  think  proper  for  the  defence  and  security 
of  this  Colony,  and  to  be  raised  by  drafts  on  the  treasury 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony ;  and  in  case  of 
a  deficiency  of  the  said  treasury  to  answer  the  said  pur- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


233 


pose,  such  deficiency  to  be  supplied  by  a  vote  or  votes  of 
the  said  committee  on  the  credit  of  this  Colony,  to  be 
made  good  by  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress. 

Dissentients — Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer 
and  Mr.  Paulding. 

Resolved  unanimously,  and  Ordered,  That  if  John  Lef- 
fertse,  Esqr.  should  refuse  to  act  as  a  member  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  in  such  case  Joseph  Hallelt  be  a  mem- 
ber of  the  said  Committee  of  Safety  in  his  stead  ;  and 
that  on  the  refusal  of  Mr.  Leffertse,  the  committee  shall 


be,  and  hereby  is  empowered  to  call  in  Mr.  Hallett  to  take 
his  seat.  And 

Resolved  and  Ordered  unanimously,  That  in  case  of 
the  inability  or  refusal  of  Peter  R.  Livingston  to  attend 
the  said  Committee  of  Safety  and  take  his  seat  as  a  mem- 
ber, Mr.  Henry  Othoudt  be  a  member  of  the  said  com- 
mittee in  stead  of  Peter  R.  Livingston  ;  and  the  first  of 
those  two  gentlemen  who  attends  and  acts  as  a  member, 
shall  continue  the  member  of  the  said  committee,  and  not 
be  changed  for  the  other  of  them. 


59 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  during 
the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

DIE  MERCURII,  a.  m. 

January  3d,  1776. 

Several  gentlemen  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  have  at- 
tended daily  since  the  recess  of  Congress,  but  have  not  had 
members  sufficient  to  form  a  quorum  until  this  day,  when 
the  following  gentlemen  attended,  to  wit : 

Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Spooner. 

The  gentlemen  present  unanimously  chose  Col.  Pierre 
Van  Cortlandt,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  attended  on  the  Committee  and  offered 
to  them  465  quarter  casks  of  gun  powder.  The  Commit- 
tee agreed  to  pay  Mr.  Low  £20  per  hundred  for  the  said 
gun  powder,  which  is  the  price  Mr.  Low  requests. 

Mr.  Low  agrees  to  deliver  18  quarter  casks  of  the  said 
gun  powder  to  the  order  of  this  Committee  in  Elizabeth- 
town,  and  the  residue  in  the  city  of  New-York  to  the  order 
of  tbis  Committee,  in  two  equal  moieties  in  two  different 
nights. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  3  o'clock  P.  M. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  January  3d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark, 
Mr.  Spooner. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Jonathan  Hampton,  Esqr.  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Elizabethtown,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ~1 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  Jan.  3d,  1776.  S 
"  Jonathan  Hampton,  Esqr. 

"  Sir — We  have  obtained  a  very  small  supply  of  pow- 
der, which  enables  us  to  repay  that  so  kindly  lent  us  by  the 
good  people  of  your  Colony,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army.   We  have  directed  18  quarter  casks  to  be  delivered 


to  you  or  your  order,  to  repay  the  quantities  borrowed  of 
the  respective  committees  of  Elizabethtown,  Woodbridge 
and  New-Brunswick,  and  request  you  to  take  the  trouble 
of  delivering  to  each  their  proper  quantity. 

"  We  were  only  a  conveyance  of  that  loan  to  the  Con- 
tinental army,  and  we  take  this  first  opportunity  in  our 
power  to  repay  it,  with  our  most  grateful  acknowledg- 
ments, which  we  pray  you  to  communicate. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 
"  To  Jonathan  Hampton,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Elizabethtown." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  so  much  of  the  said  gun  powder  now 
purchased  by  this  Committee  as  shall  be  sold,  be  sold  at 
the  rate  of  5s.  per  pound,  and  that  no  greater  quantity  than 
half  a  pound  be  sold  to  any  one  person. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  some  days 
ago  he  received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Lewis  Pintard  informing 
him  that  a  vessel  from  Hispaniola  with  gunpowder  on 
board,  was  on  this  coast ;  that  he  apprehended  Delaware 
river  was  so  obstructed  with  ice  that  the  vessel  would  not 
be  able  to  enter  there,  and  that  therefore  there  is  reason  to 
expect  her  to  attempt  coming  into  this  port ;  and  that  Mr. 
Pintard  had  farther  informed  him,  that  if  this  vessel  suc- 
ceeded in  her  voyage,  an  armed  vessel  was  ready  at  His- 
paniola to  follow  her  with  a  like  cargo. 

Col.  McDougall,  farther  informed  the  Committee,  that 
no  proper  pilot  boat  could  be  obtained  to  go  to  Sandy- 
Hook  to  look  out  for  the  said  vessel,  to  navigate  her  to  a 
place  of  safety ;  and  that  by  the  advice  of  the  other  members 
of  the  Committee  then  present  he  had  purchased  a  whale 
boat,  with  oars,  for  $27,  and  had  employed  Capt.  William 
Dobbs  at  10s.  per  day,  and  four  other  men  at  5s.  per  day 
each,  besides  their  necessary  provisions  and  expenses,  and 
given  them  proper  directions  and  sent  them  to  Sandy-Hook 
to  watch  and  look  out  for  the  said  vessel,  there  to  remain 
8  days,  if  the  said  vessel  did  not  arrive  sooner. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  fully  approved  of  and  ratified 


236 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  said  agreement  made  by  Col.  McDougall,  and  direct 
him  to  return  an  account  of  the  expenses  to  this  Committee, 
as  soon  as  he  can  ascertain  the  same. 

Col.  McDougall  farther  informed  the  Committee  that  by 
advice  of  the  other  members  of  the  Committee  then  pre- 
sent, he  had  detained  Robert  Barber,  John  Bain  and  James 
Henry,  three  persons  experienced  in  preparing  artillery 
stores,  (and  who  had  been  determined  to  go  to  Philadel- 
phia ;)  that  he  had  agreed  with  them  at  3s.  per  day  each, 
besides  some  allowance  for  provisions,  and  they  are  now 
gone  to  work,  in  the  laboratory  at  the  upper  barracks. 

The  Committee  fully  approve  of,  and  confirm  this  agree- 
ment. 

Mr.  Bernard  Romans,  the  engineer,  attending  at  the 
door  was  called  in  ;  he  produced  a  plan  of  the  fortifica- 
tions at  the  Highlands,  which,  with  Mr.  Romans'  expla- 
nations thereof,  were  considered  by  the  Committee.  After 
some  time  spent  therein,  the  Committee  conceived  it  pro- 
per that  Mr.  Romans  be  permitted  to  lay  his  plan,  with  his 
explanations  thereof,  before  the  Continental  Congress,  that 
they  may  have  every  information  that  can  be  offered  them 
relating  to  the  state  of,  and  place  of  erecting  the  said  forti- 
fications. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honble.  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — As  it  is  an  object  of  great  moment  with  us  as 
well  as  the  Continental  Congress,  to  have  the  important 
pass  on  Hudson  river  properly  secured  and  fortified,  we 
think  it  our  duty  to  furnish  them  with  all  possible  informa- 
tion on  the  subject ;  for  this  purpose  we  send  Mr.  Romans, 
the  engineer  employed  in  that  department,  who  is  prepared 
to  lay  before  Congress  his  drafts,  with  the  necessary  infor- 
mation. We  beg  leave  to  mention  that  the  place  at  which 
the  works  are  erected  was  fixed  before  Mr.  Romans  was 
employed  in  the  service,  and  from  his  ideas  of  the  matter, 
the  place  can  not  be  rendered  sufficiently  secure  for  a  lodg- 
ment of  troops,  and  to  answer  the  end  of  a  fortified  pass, 
without  more  expense  than  our  commissioners  appointed 
to  superintend  that  business,  think  prudent,  besides  which 
they  observe  that  his  scheme  cannot  be  completely  ex- 
ecuted with  that  despatch  the  service  may  require.  Mr. 
Palmer,  in  conjunction  with  the  rest  of  the  committee 
appointed  by  our  Congress  to  remove  the  difficulties  oc- 
casioned by  a  difference  of  opinion  between  the  commis- 
sioners and  engineer,  has  doubtless  pointed  out  to  Congress 
certain  places  on  the  river  which  would  better  answer  the 
purposes  of  a  temporary  defence,  and  at  much  less  expense 
than  will  necessarily  attend  the  execution  of  Mr.  Romans' 
scheme.  We  are  fully  of  opinion  that  the  places  in  Mr. 
Palmer's  proposal,  ought  by  all  means  be  covered  with 
fortifications  that  will  cost  but  little,  and  command  two 
considerable  reaches  of  the  river.  We  at  the  same  time 
submit  it  to  the  consideration  of  Congress,  how  far  the 
completion  of  the  fortifications  already  begun  ought  be  car- 
ried on,  either  upon  Mr.  Romans'  plan,  or  that  which  has 
doubtless  been  proposed  by  Mr.  Palmer,  as  the  sense  of 
our  committee  who  were  sent  to  view  the  works.  We 
hope  that  this  application,  while  Mr.  Palmer  is  attending  on 
the  Congress,  will  not  be  construed  to  his  disadvantage. 
Had  we  been  possessed  of  Mr.  Romans'  plan  in  its  present 
complete  state,  and  had  he  been  in  town  at  the  time  of  Mr. 
Palmer's  departure,  we  should  have  required  his  accom- 
panying that  gentleman,  and  as  there  is  some  prospect  that 
Mr.  Romans  may  reach  Philadelphia  before  the  plan  of 
fortification  is  finally  determined  by  Congress,  we  should 
think  ourselves  inexcusable  in  withholding  from  them  any 
means  for  enabling  them  to  determine  so  important  a  mat- 
ter, on  the  best  lights  in  our  power  to  furnish. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
«  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Mr.  Bernard  Romans, 
as  engineer  at  the  fortifications  on  the  banks  of  Hudson 
river,  in  the  Highlands,  the  sum  of  fifty  dollars  on  account 
of  his  pay,  and  take  Mr.  Romans'  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wm.  Lowther  be  permitted  to  sup- 
ply one  hhd.  of  rum,  or  spirits,  to  the  purser  or  officers  of 
His  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix,  and  to  have  the  same  conveyed 
on  board  of  the  said  ship. 

The  petition  of  George  Coffin  expressing  his  contrition 
for  his  past  conduct,  asking  pardon  of  his  countrymen,  and 
praying  to  be  restored,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Committee  conceive  they  are  not  enabled  to  grant 
the  prayer  of  the  said  petition. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  deferred  for  the  consideration  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  and  recommended  to  the  Congress 
by  this  Committee. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

Jany.  4th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke, 
Mr.  Spooner. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  respective  com- 
mittees in  several  counties,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  January  2d,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  are  well  informed  that  the  late  General  As- 
sembly of  this  Colony  is  dissolved,  and  that  writs  are  already 
made  out  for  electing  representatives  in  the  several  counties 
so  early  as  that  they  may  meet  in  General  Assembly 
at  New-York  on  the  14th  of  next  month,  and  that  they  will 
be  summoned  to  meet  on  that  day.  Government  for  some 
reasons  has  thought  proper  as  yet  to  delay  the  publication 
of  the  dissolution  of  the  late  Assembly.  We  will  not  take 
upon  us  to  assign  any  reasons  for  this  secrecy  ;  you  may 
easily  conjecture  the  cause.  We  have  thought  it  our  in- 
dispensable duty  to  give  you  the  above  intelligence,  that 
you  and  the  friends  to  liberty  in  your  county  may  not  be 
taken  unaware,  and  surprised  into  an  election  without  time 
to  consult  and  prepare  for  it.  We  pray  you  to  speak  to 
the  leading  friends  of  liberty  in  your  county  ;  get  some  of 
them  to  meet  and  determine  on  men  of  real  spirit  and  inte- 
grity, and  friends  to  their  country,  to  represent  you  in  this 
perilous  day.  When  you  have  fixed  on  proper  men,  let  no 
time  be  lost  in  taking  every  necesssary  care  and  pains  to 
secure  their  election." 

Ordered,  That  five  several  copies  thereof  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  Chairman,  and  that  one  be  directed  to 
Dirck  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  at  Kingston  ;  another  to  Abraham 
Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  at  Albany  ;  another  to  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Tryon  county ;  another  to  Jonathan  G. 
Tompkins,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Westchester 
county  ;  and  another  to  Col.  Jos.  Drake  at  New-Rochell. 

Which  was  done  accordingly. 

Mr.  Thomas  McFarran  attending  was  called  in.  The 
Committee  conversed  with  him  on  the  subject  of  shipping 
flaxseed  to  Ireland,  to  obtain  gunpowder. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  Congress,  \ 
"  January  4th,  1776.  ) 
"Gentlemen — We  have  engaged  two  vessels  to  de- 
spatch with  produce  to  Europe,  for  the  purpose  of  procur- 
ing arms  and  ammunition,  but  the  season  of  the  year  has 
prevented  wheat  from  coming  to  market  to  expedite  them 
so  early  as  we  could  wish,  to  have  a  return  in  proper  time. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


237 


In  these  difficulties  we  are  unable  to  get  bills  of  exchange, 
or  gold  and  silver  to  despatch  those  vessels,  which  we  fear 
will  totally  defeat  our  design.  We  have  therefore  been  led 
to  cast  our  attention  on  flaxseed,  as  the  only  commodity  in 
our  power  which  will  rid  us  of  our  difficult  ies,  but  find  that 
the  resolution  of  Congress  permitting  the  exportation  of 
produce  for  ammunition,  is  confined  to  the  foreign  islands. 
As  our  safety  depends  upon  the  country  being  well  sup- 
lied  with  powder,  we  submit  it  to  you  whether  the  sense 
of  Congress  should  not  be  taken  without  delay,  on  our 
exporting  two  cargoes  of  flaxseed  to  purchase  powder. 
The  measure  recommends  itself  by  several  considerations  ; 
there  is  the  highest  probability  of  procuring  powder  in 
Ireland  at  a  moderate  rate.  If  this  should  not  be  the  case, 
the  flaxseed  will  sell  at  an  advanced  price  there,  and  be  a 
fund  upon  which  we  can  draw  from  any  quarter  of  the 
world.  And  if  the  enemy  should  take  the  vessels,  the 
supply  will  not  be  so  prejudicial  to  us,  or  beneficial  to  them, 
as  the  loss  of  provision  vessels.  We  request  you  to  get  a 
speedy  answer  on  this  point,  and  transmit  it  to  us  by  ex- 
press for  our  government. 

"  We  are,  with  great  truth  and  regard, 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants.  t 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Joseph  Hallet  to  John  McKesson,  one 
of  the  Secretaries,  (in  answer  to  a  letter  by  order  of  the 
members,)  excusing  his  non-attendance  by  reason  of  indis- 
position, and  accompanying  his  accounts  with  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  was  rtad  and  filed. 

A  stitched  book,  containing  Mr.  Hallett's  said  accounts 
with  the  Provincial  Congress,  was  also  delivered  to  the 
Secretary. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  <ith,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke, 
Dr.  Spooner. 

The  petition  of  Thomas  Place  of  Queen's  county  was 

read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York  : 

"  The  petition  of  Thos.  Place  of  Queens  county,  Long 
island,  most  humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  your  petitioner  by  the  persuasion  of  those  whom 
he  looked  upon  to  be  his  friends,  voted  against  Provincial 
Delegates  in  the  last  election  held  in  Queens  county,  for 
which  he  is  extremely  sorry,  and  sincerely  repents  of  his 
conduct. 

"  That  your  petitioner  without  giving  himself  time  to 
reflect  upon  the  ill  consequences  of  opposing  the  choice  of 
Provincial  Delegates,  (the  choosing  of  which  he  is  now 
well  convinced  was  highly  necessary  for  the  preservation 
of  the  liberties  and  properties  of  the  inhabitants  of  Ameri- 
ca,) was,  by  the  artful  insinuations  of  designing  men,  led 
to  oppose  the  election. 

"  That  your  petitioner  is  a  sincere  friend  to  the  liberties 
of  America,  and  would  go  as  far  as  any  man  in  the  defence 
of  those  liberties. 

"Your  petitioner,  therefore,  most  humbly  prays  that 
this  Honourable  Committee  would  be  pleased  to  take  his 
case  into  consideration,  and  restore  him  to  the  good  opi- 
nion of  those  who  are  friends  to  the  liberties  of  this  Conti- 
nent, by  declaring  to  the  world  that  your  petitioner  is  ex- 
tremely contrite  for  his  late  conduct,  in  opposing  the 
choice  of  Provincial  Delegates,  which  your  petitioner  can- 
didly acknowledges  was  occasioned  by  the  artful  persua- 
sion of  others,  and  not  from  a  principle  of  opposition  in 
your  petitioner  ;  or  do  such  other  things  in  the  premises, 
as  to  this  Honourable  Committee  shall  seem  meet  for  the 

60 


restoration  of  your  petitioner  to  the  favour  of  his  country- 
men. 

"THOS.  PLACE. 

"  New-York,  3rd  Jan.  1776." 

A  like  petition  of  Gabriel  Van  Cott,  of  Queens  county, 
was  also  read  and  filed. 

Upon  due  consideration  of  the  submission  tendered  by 
the  said  petitioners,  and  well  knowing  that  the  late  resolves 
of  the  Congress  against  the  delinquents  of  Queens  county 
were  intended  to  convince  them  of  their  demerits,  and 
bring  them  to  a  just  sense  of  their  duty  to  the  public.  It 
is  hereby 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petitioners  be  restored  to  the 
state  and  condition  in  which  they  were  before  the  pass- 
ing of  those  resolves,  during  their  respective  future  good 
behaviour. 

The  nomination  of  field  officers,  recommended  for  Cum- 
berland county,  by  the  committee  of  said  county,  being 
read  and  taken  into  consideration,  as  also  the  several  peti- 
tions of  sundry  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  of  Fulham, 
Westminster  and  Putney,  the  inhabitants  of  which  towns 
belong  to  the  lower  regiment  of  the  militia  of  the  said 
county  ;  and  it  appearing  that  no  objections  have  been  of- 
fered by  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  who  belong  to 
the  upper  regiment  of  the  militia  of  the  said  county,  to  the 
nomination  in  which  they  are  interested, 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  immediately  made  out, 
aud  signed  by  the  Chairman  of  this  Committee,  to  the  re- 
spective persons  following,  to  wit :  to  Capt.  Joseph  Marsh, 
as  colonel ;  John  Berrett,  lieut.  colonel ;  Lieut.  Hilkiah 
Grout,  first  major  ;  Capt.  Joel  Mathews,  second  major  ; 
Mr.  Timothy  Spencer,  adjutant,  and  Mr.  Amos  Robinson, 
quarter-master. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  of  this  Committee,  for  the  following  per- 
sons, as  field  officers  of  the  minute  men  of  the  said  county, 
to  wit :  for  Joab  Hoisington,  as  colonel ;  Mr.  Seth  Smith, 
lieut.  colonel ;  Mr.  Joseph  Tyler,  first  major ;  Mr.  Joel 
Marsh,  second  major  ;  Mr.  Timothy  Phelps,  adjutant,  and 
Mr.  Elisha  Hawley,  quarter-master. 

Ordered,  further,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  com- 
mittees of  the  three  counties  of  Cumberland,  Charlotte  and 
Gloucester,  to  join  in  the  nomination  of  a  brigadier-general 
of  the  brigade  of  militia,  of  the  said  three  counties,  and 
report  the  same  with  all  convenient  speed  to  this  Commit- 
tee, or  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  the  end  that  if  they 
are  approved  of,  their  commissions  may  be  issued. 

Ordered,  further,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of 
Cumberland  do  return  with  all  convenient  speed  to  this 
Committee,  or  to  the  Congress,  a  list  of  the  officers  of  the 
militia  of  the  said  county  under  the  rank  of  field  officers, 
who  have  been,  or  shall  be  elected,  pursuant  to  the  resolves 
of  Congress,  to  the  end  that  commissions  may  be  issued 
to  them  respectively. 

And  with  intent  to  remove  all  ground  of  disquiet  in  the 
minds  of  those  inhabitants  of  the  said  county  of  Cumber- 
land, who  belong  to  the  lower  regiment  of  the  said  county, 

Ordered,  That  a  full  meeting  be  had  of  the  committee 
of  the  said  county,  after  public  and  sufficient  notification 
of  these  several  orders,  and  that  at  the  said  meeting  such 
a  nomination  of  field  officers  for  the  lower  regiment  be 
made  by  the  said  committee,  as  may  be  best  qualified  for 
the  service  of  their  country,  and  as  agreeable  as  may  be 
to  the  general  sense  of  the  persons  to  be  under  their  com- 
mand, and  reported  as  above  mentioned.  This  Committee 
hereby  earnestly  recommending  peace  and  unanimity  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  and  giving  assurance 
that  in  default  of  such  nomination,  this  Committee  will, 
during  the  recess  of  Congress,  commission  such  field  offi- 
cers for  the  said  lower  regiment,  as  they  shall  think  proper; 
and  to  the  end  that  these  orders  may  be  made  public  as 
aforesaid,  and  serve  as  a  rule  of  conduct  to  the  committee 
of  the  said  county  of  Cumberland, 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  same  be  enclosed  by  the 


238 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Chairman  of  this  Committee,  in  a  letter  directed  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  said  county,  and  des- 
patched without  delay. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Jonathan  Hasbrouck,  of  Ulster  coun- 
ty, dated  the  18th  ulto.  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby 
informs  that,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  he  has  fixed  on  and  appointed  the  house  of  Mar- 
tin Wygond,  in  Newburgh,  as  the  place  of  rendezvous  of 
his  regiment,  in  case  of  an  alarm.    (Postage  1  shilling.) 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  5th,  1776. 

The  Committee,  pursuant  to  adjournment,  met. 

Present  — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Scott, 
Mr,  Spooner,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  return  from  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Orange  county,  of  the  field  officers  of  the 
regiment  of  minute  men  in  Orange  county,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  county  committee  of  the  county 
of  Orange,  the  committee  [having]  taken  into  consideration 
the  appointment  of  the  field  officers  of  minute  men,  and 
conceive  that  the  former  appointment  was  not  legal,  do  re- 
commend the  following  persons  as  proper  men,  and  re- 
quest the  Provincial  Congress  to  send  the  commissions  by 
the  bearer,  Mr.  John  Carpenter. 

"  Isaac  Nicoll,  colonel,  of  Goshen. 

"  Gilbert  Cooper,  lieut.  col.  of  Haverstraw. 

"  Hendrick  Vanderlinder  Verbryck,  first  major,  from 
Tappan. 

"  Hezekiah  Howell,  Junr.  second  major,  of  Blooming- 
Grove. 

"  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  adjutant,  of  Blooming-Grove. 
"  Nehemiah  Carpenter,  quarter-master,  of  Goshen. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee, 
(Signed)       "  ELIHU  MARVIN,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  commissions  be  made  out  and 
sent  by  the  messenger  of  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  and  enclosed 
to  Col.  Marvin,  chairman  of  the  county  committee  of 
Orange  county. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  of  Goshen,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Goshen,  January  3rd.  1776. 

"  Sir — Enclosed  you  have  the  return  for  officers  in 
Capt.  Hetfield's  minute  company.  By  the  date  you  will 
undoubtedly  perceive  that  justice  has  not  been  done  to 
Capt.  Hetfield,  or  his  return  would  sooner  [have]  been 
made,  so  as  to  have  it  entered  on  the  minutes  before  the 
19th  Octr. ;  nor  did  Capt.  Hetfield  know  the  reason  of 
the  commissions  not  coming,  until  the  receipt  of  your  let- 
ter to  me,  and  Mr.  Clarke's  to  Col.  Allison.  Capt.  Het- 
field is  so  far  from  making  any  disturbance  about  the  af- 
fair, that  he  is  quite  willing  to  accept  of  commissions 
agreeable  to  the  date  you  mentioned,  and  desires  you  will 
send  them  by  the  bearer  ;  on  doing  which,  you  will  great- 
ly oblige 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"ISAAC  NICOLL. 
"N.  B.  You  will  be  pleased  to  send  the  enclosed  return 
back  by  the  bearer,  and  commissions  for  the  field  officers 
of  minute  men,  if  they  can  be  made  out. 
"To  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  at  New- York." 

A  return  of  the  officers  of  Goshen  minute  men,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  [Return 
not  entered.] 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  for  Capt.  Hetfield  and 
his  officers,  be  issued  and  dated  the  19th  October  last,  and 
enclosed  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  at  Goshen. 


Similar  letters  to  those  wrote  yesterday  to  several  com- 
mittees were  wrote  ;  one  directed  to  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Orange  county,  and  the  other 
directed  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Goshen  pre- 
cinct. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  letters  be  signed  by  the  chair- 
man, and  transmitted  by  Col.  Nicoll's  messenger. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Stevens,  of  the  18th  ulto.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Charleston,  Deer.  18th,  1775. 
"  Sir — I  am  requested,  by  some  of  the  people  of  the 
county  of  Cumberland,  to  acquaint  you,  as  Secretary  of 
the  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  that  the  major 
part  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county  are  desirous  that  the 
Congress  do  not  make  out  commissions  to  any  person  or 
persons  in  either  of  the  regiments  of  militia  in  that  county, 
until  a  candid  representation  be  made  of  the  minds  of  the 
people  with  respect  to  the  several  nominations  and  appoint- 
ments made  by  their  county  congress  and  committee  of 
safety,  except  it  be  to  those  persons  who  were  chosen  by 
the  people  of  the  several  towns  in  June  last,  by  order  of 
the  county  congress,  when  upwards  of  40  members  were 
present;  they  recommended  that  the  county  be  formed  into 
two  regiments  of  militia,  for  which  purpose, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  respective  towns 
in  each  regiment  meet  and  make  a  choice  of  one  captain, 
one  lieutenant  and  one  ensign  in  each  town  ;  that  the  said 
officers  should  afterwards  meet  and  make  choice  of  proper 
persons  for  field  officers  of  each  regiment,  which  was  ac- 
cordingly done,  and  the  people  in  general  as  well  satisfied  as 
the  nature  of  such  a  proceeding  will  ever  admit  of.  I  sup- 
pose there  may  be  a  few  disaffected  persons,  who  expected 
to  have  been  chosen  to  office.  The  persons  made  choice 
of  in  the  lower  regiment  for  field  officers,  were,  vizt :  James 
Rogers,  colonel ;  Eleazer  Pattison,  lieutenant  colonel,  and 
Mr.  Lovejoy,  major.  Upper  regiment,  Simon  Stevens, 
of  Springfield,  colonel  ;  Joseph  Marsh,  of  Hartford,  lieu- 
tenant colonel ;  and  Benjn.  Waite,  of  Windsor,  major.  A 
return  of  this  proceeding  was  delivered  to  Major  Wm. 
Williams,  and  by  him  to  be  delivered  to  the  Congress  at 
New-York,  that  the  commissions  might  accordingly  issue 
if  the  choice  was  approved  of  by  the  Congress. 

"  I  understand  that  about  14  or  15  of  the  said  congress 
met  sometime  in  September  and  made  a  new  choice  of 
field  officers,  and  left  out  the  most  of  those  first  chosen,  at 
which  time  they  made  choice  of  a  standing  committee  of 
safety,  and  then  dissolved  themselves  as  a  congress.  I 
am  informed  that  at  a  meeting  of  the  said  committee  of 
safety  about  three  weeks  ago,  consisting  of  14  members, 
among  other  things,  nominated  another  set  of  gentlemen  to 
be  field  officers  of  the  militia  and  minute  regiment,  so  that 
if  they  are  all  commissioned  about  one-third  of  the  men  in 
the  county  will  be  officers.  The  two  last  choices  have 
created  a  great  deal  of  uneasiness  in  the  county.  I  intend 
shortly  to  pay  you  a  visit. 

"  I  am,  sir,  in  haste, 

"  Your  humble  servt. 

"SAML.  STEVENS." 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  5th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Spooner. 

A  similar  letter  to  those  wrote  this  morning  to  the  com- 
mittees of  Orange  county,  was  wrote  to  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  the  county  committee  of  Suffolk  county. 
Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed  and  signed 
i    by  the  chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  William  Smith,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  giving  him  directions 
about  the  gunpowder  allotted  to  that  county,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY, 


239 


"New-York,  January  5th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Providence  has  favoured  us  with  a  small  supply 
of  powder.  As  your  county  is  a  frontier,  and  may  be  sooner 
called  upon  than  others,  we  have  sent  you  40  quarter  bar- 
rels, containing  ^  cwt.  each,  which  you  are  to  put  into 
the  hands  of  a  discreet  person,  to  be  sold  at  5s.  a  pound; 
and  for  the  present  no  one  should  have  any  but  a  friend  to 
the  cause,  and  none  more  than  half  a  pound.  You  are  to 
be  careful  that  the  person  into  whose  hands  you  put  the 
powder,  be  a  man  of  substance,  to  be  able  to  account  for 
the  money  arising  from  the  sale  thereof,  otherwise  your 
county  will  be  answerable  for  it ;  besides  we  shall  want 
the  money  to  send  for  more  of  that  necessary  article. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"P.  S.  The  powder  is  sent  to  New-Rochell,  and  we 

have  ordered  the  Huntington  committee  to  send  for  it. 

"  To  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Suffolk  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Thomas  Wicks,  Esqr.  relating  to 
the  said  gunpowder,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  New-York,  January  5th,  1776.  5 
"  Sir — When  you  have  read  the  enclosed  letters,  please 
to  seal  and  despatch  them  to  Mr.  Smith,  the  chairman, 
without  delay.    It  is  hoped  you  will  make  the  best  use  of 
the  intelligence  in  your  power. 

"  The  1,0001b.  of  powder  mentioned  in  one  of  the  above 
letters,  is  lodged  at  New-Rochell,  in  the  hands  of  Col. 
Jos.  Drake,  and  the  committee  of  Huntington  are  desired 
to  despatch  a  vessel  with  a  sufficient  guard  to  transport  it 
to  your  county.  You  will  readily  perceive  the  necessity 
of  being  as  secret  as  possible  in  this  matter.  We  enclose 
you  an  order  upon  Col.  Drake  for  the  powder. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
'■  To  Thomas  Wicks,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Huntington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Thereupon  an  order  to  Col.  Joseph  Drake  to  deliver  the 
said  powder  was  made,  and  signed  by  the  Chairman,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  the  powder  sent  to  Col.  Drake  by  this 
Committee,  be  delivered  to  the  order  of  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Huntington,  and  that  Col.  Drake  take  a 
receipt  for  the  same." 

Ordered,  That  the  colonels  of  the  different  regiments  of 
the  militia  of  the  city  of  New- York,  be  requested  to  attend 
this  committee  on  Thursday  next,  at  1 1  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  to  give  such  information  as  may  be  necessary  of 
the  state  of  their  respecive  regiments. 

Mr.  Phoenix  and  Mr.  William  Denning,  of  the  city 
committee,  and  two  of  the  sub-committee  of  inspection, 
attended  by  request ;  they  went  to  make  inquiry  about 
British  goods  supposed  to  be  imported  Irom  JSt.  Eustalia  ; 
they  returned  and  gave  some  information  on  that  subject, 
and  went  to  make  further  inquiry  and  report  to-morrow. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  6ih,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Spooner. 

Messrs.  Phoenix,  Denning  and  Abraham  De  Peyster, 
three  of  the  city  committee,  atlended  and  gave  some  farther 
information  relating  to  the  British  goods  supposed  to  be  im- 
ported from  St.  Eustatia. 


Whereas,  Col.  McDougall,  one  of  the  members  of  this 
committee,  has  been  informed  by  Thomas  Cushing,  Esqr. 
one  of  the  members  of  the  Continental  Congress,  that  the 
Continental  Congress  will  not  make  the  loan  to  this  Co- 
lony for  which  application  was  made  by  this  Congress : 
And  whereas,  the  public  service  will  greatly  suffer  for 
want  of  money,  and  cannot  be  carried  on  without  a  further 
supply  of  current  cash,  whereby  it  is  become  necessary  to 
issue  the  emission  of  paper  currency,  which  was  resolved 
on  and  ordered  by  the  late  and  the  present  Provincial  Con- 
gress :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt  be  requested  to  get 
the  said  emission  of  paper  money  signed  with  all  possible 
despatch,  that  the  same  may  be  ready  to  issue  as  soon  as 
an  answer  shall  be  received  from  the  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

Doctors  John  Jones  and  Malachi  Treat,  have,  agreeable 
to  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  8th  day  of 
December  last,  returned  an  estimate  of  those  instruments 
and  utensils  which  will  be  more  immediately  necessary  for 
the  Colony  in  its  present  alarming  state.  They  also  re- 
ported an  estimate  of  medicines  for  an  hospital,  which  were 
respectively  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  despatch 
three  vessels  for  ammunition,  despatch  two  separate  orders 
or  invoices  of  the  said  medicines  to  different  ports,  to  wit : 
one  to  such  port  or  place  in  the  foreign  West  Indies,  as 
they  shall  think  best ;  and  another  to  Europe  to  obtain  the 
said  medicines,  and  to  prevent  a  disappointment  in  obtain- 
ing them.  And 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Treat  be  re- 
quested to  speak  to  proper  persons  to  make  or  procure  the 
instruments  and  utensils  mentioned  in  their  said  estimate; 
that  they  direct  them  to  be  good  of  their  kind  and  quality  ; 
and  that  none  be  purchased  or  paid  for  but  such  as  those 
gentlemen  approve  of. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  defenceless 
state  of  this  Colony  and  the  capital  thereof,  and  that  they 
have  not  any  proper  persons  to  use  and  manage  the  field 
artillery  of  the  Colony,  or  any  other  artillery  that  may  be 
necessary  to  be  placed  in  other  parts  of  the  Colony.  Af- 
ter some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved  and  Agreed,  That  it  will  be  useful  and  neces- 
sary for  the  general  defence  of  the  Colony  to  raise  and  em- 
ploy an  artillery  company,  and  put  them  immediately  into 
pay  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  lhat  the  said  company 
may  be  acquiring  experience  in  their  duty  and  be  employ- 
ed in  preparing  necessary  artillery  stores. 

And  whereas,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
an  artillery  company  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  safety 
and  defence  of  Suffolk  county  and  for  the  protection  of  the 
Continental  cruisers  in  the  Sound  ;  that  some  of  the  inlets 
in  that  county  be  fortified  with  cannon,  and  to  those  ends 
that  a  regular  company  of  artillery  be  constituted  out  of 
the  militia  of  the  said  county. 

Resolved  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  most 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  committee  of  the  said  county 
without  delay,  to  form  such  a  company  as  aforesaid,  to 
consist  of  one  captain,  one  captain  lieutenant,  two  lieute- 
nants, one  lieutenant  fire  worker,  and  95  non-commission- 
ed officers  and  privates,  and  that  without  delay  the  said 
committee  cause  to  be  examined  all  the  inlets  in  the  Sound 
that  may  be  thought  necessary  to  fortify  as  aforesaid  ;  and 
that  the  said  committee,  without  delay,  make  report  as  well 
of  the  officers  of  the  said  company,  to  the  end  that  they 
may  be  commissioned,  as  of  the  said  inlets,  with  such 
sketches  of  the  said  inlets  as  may  enable  this  Committee 
to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  fortifying  the  same,  or  any  of 
them.  This  Committee  hereby  giving  assurance  that  they 
will  supply  the  cannon  necessary  for  that  purpose  ;  and 
that  the  said  artillery  company,  when  formed,  shall  to  all 
intents  and  purposes  be  considered  as  minute  men. 


240 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


3  ho.  P.  M.  January  6th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Spooner. 

The  Committee  sent  for  Mr.  Peter  Curtenius,  who  at- 
tended ;  he  informed  that  he  had  employed  Jecamiah  Allen 
'  to  furnish  him  with  lead  and  bulletts.  They  directed  him 
to  make  proper  inquiries  how  far  he  can  complete  the  last 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  report  thereon  on 
Tuesday. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  apply  to  Capt.  Anthony 
Rutgers  concerning  the  small  cannon  which  he  formerly 
declared  his  willingness  to  spare  to  the  Continental  army, 
and  if  it  is  agreeable  to  the  proprietors  of  those  guns  and 
they  choose  to  spare  them. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  take  proper  measures 
to  have  those  guns  forwarded  to  General  Washington. 

Capt.  Kennedy,  attending  at  the  door,  was  admitted  ;  he 
informed  the  Committee  that  the  ships  of  war  in  the  har- 
bour had  despatched  three  boats  up  the  East  river,  or  Sound, 
with  both  sails  and  oars. 

Thereupon  a  letter  was  wrote  to  Col.  Joseph  Drake  in- 
forming him  thereof,  and  that  the  Committee  are  anxious 
for  the  safety  of  the  powder  for  Suffolk  county,  sent  to  his 
care,  and  requesting  him  to  take  means  for  its  preservation, 
and  to  forward  it  with  a  boat  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee at  Huntington. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  sent  to  Col.  Jos.  Drake 
Sa.  Dyckman,  as  a  messenger,  and  it  was  delivered  to  the 
said  Sampson  Dyckman  accordingly. 

Capt.  John  Hodge,  who  arrived  last  night  from  Lisbon 
by  request,  attended  this  Committee.  Notes  of  his  infor- 
mation were  taken  and  read  to  him  and  filed. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m 

January  7th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  spent 
one  hour  in  the  chamber.  No  business  appearing  so  ur- 
gent as  to  require  the  attendance  of  the  Committee  during 
this  day,  they  adjourned  till  1 0  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  LUN^E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  8th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Fierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Spooner. 

Col.  McDougall  delivered  in  three  receipts  for  gunpow- 
der, which  were  read  and  filed,  the  substance  of  which  are 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

A  receipt  from  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  dated  at  New-Rochell 
on  the  5th  inst.  for  40  quarter  casks  received  of  this  Com- 
mittee bv  the  hands  of  Joseph  Crane.  Also  a  receipt  of 
the  same  date  from  Jonathan  G.  Tomkins,  of  Scarsdale, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Westchester  county,  for  40 
quarter  casks  of  powder,  containing  1,000  weight,  deliver- 
ed to  him  by  Thomas  I  vers  ;  and  also  a  receipt  from  Robt. 
Ogden,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town, 
for  18  quarter  casks  of  powder,  received  of  this  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  by  the  hands  of  Christopher  Dyckinck,  to 
replace  the  powder  due  to  Elizth.  Town,  Woodbridge  and 
New-Brunswick,  by  them  lent  to  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army. 

Mr.  Sands,  with  leave,  went  to  the  city  committee  as  a 
member. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  absent  members  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  to  the  chairmen  of 
such  committees  as  may  be  thought  necessary,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  Gentlemen — Although  a  certain  day  is  fixed  for  the 
session  of  Congress,  which  we  beg  leave  to  remind  you  is 
the  1st  of  February,  and  although  we  have  no  prospect  of 
a  necessity  of  calling  the  Congress  sooner,  yet  we  have 
abundant  reason  to  request  that  the  meeting  may  be  as  full 
as  possible  on  that  day.  We  have  already  notified  you  of 
the  dissolution  of  the  late  Assembly,  and  of  the  issue  of 
writs  for  an  election,  returnable  the  14th  day  of  February 
next. 

"  From  what  you  could  not  but  have  observed,  the  design 
of  Government  in  calling  an  Assembly  must  be  extremely 
obvious  to  you.  Its  evident  intention  is  to  take  the  sense 
of  the  good  people  of  this  Colony,  in  what  the  Governor 
calls  a  Constitutional  way,  on  Lord  North's  motion,  and 
the  Parliamentary  resolution  thereon  of  the  20th  of  Febru- 
ary last.  You  will  remember  our  late  resolves  on  that 
head.  Should  they  have  escaped  your  memory  we  beg 
leave  to  remind  you  that  on  the  14th  Decemr.  1775,  it  was 
resolved  as  the  opinion  of  the  Congress  that  nothing  of  a 
salutary  nature  can  be  expected  from  a  separate  declaration 
of  the  sense  of  this  Colony  on  the  aforesaid  Parliamentary 
resolution,  and  that  as  the  motion  whereon  the  same  was 
grounded  was  confessedly  framed  to  disunite  the  Colonies, 
it  would  be  highly  dangerous  to,  and  totally  inconsistent 
with  the  Glorious  plan  of  American  Union,  should  this 
Colony  express  their  separate  sense  on  the  supposed  con- 
ciliatory proposal  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  contained 
in  the  above  mentioned  motion  and  resolution  in  Parlia- 
ment ;  and  that  on  the  same  day  it  was  resolved  in  Con- 
gress that  this  Colony  is  fully  and  effectually  represented 
in  the  Continental  Congress  for  the  purpose  of  expressing 
the  sense  of  its  inhabitants  on  any  overtures  for  a  recon- 
ciliation ;  and  that  the  Continental  Congress  has  fully  and 
dispassionately  expressed  the  sense  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  Colony  on  the  above  mentioned  resolution  of  the  20th 
February  last. 

"  The  above  resolves  we  cannot  suffer  to  be  rescinded 
by  any  body  of  men  in  this  Colony,  without  betraying  the 
high  trust  reposed  in  us.  What  members  we  shall  have 
returned  in  Assembly  we  know  not,  nor  consequently  how 
successful  the  machinations  of  the  enemies  of  American 
liberty  may  be  in  procuring  such  measures  in  Assembly  as 
may  destroy  that  union  of  the  Colonies,  on  the  support  of 
which  our  common  safety  entirely  depends.  That  the  ses- 
sion of  a  full  Congress  will  effectually  awe  a  corrupt  As- 
sembly, should  we  be  so  unfortunate  in  that  representation, 
from  interfering  with  political  subjects,  must  be  extremely 
evident,  and  we  think  it  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the 
public  safety  that  the  Congress  should  meet  punctually  on 
the  day  to  which  they  are  adjourned,  to  the  end  that  if  Go- 
vernment should  by  any  steps  on  their  part  compel  our 
Assembly  into  those  subjects ;  the  representatives  of  the 
people  in  that  body  should  take  their  complexion  from  the 
Provincial  Congress,  so  as  to  go  into  a  similarity  of  senti- 
ments with  those  expressed  in  the  above  mentioned  reso- 
lution of  our  body.  And  for  this  purpose  you  must  easily 
perceive  that  a  full  session  of  all  the  Deputies  of  every 
county  in  Congress  at  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly,  will 
be  absolutely  necessary,  for  these  reasons — as  you  value 
the  inestimable  blessings  of  liberty — as  you  esteem  the  per- 
fect union  of  the  Colonies,  under  the  Continental  Con- 
gress— as  the  grand  representative  of  the  United  Colonies, 
to  be  our  only  security  in  this  dangerous  and  important  cri- 
sis ;  and  as  you  ardently  desire  that  a  sameness  of  sentiment 
may  prevail  throughout  the  different  representative  bodies 
in  this  Colony ;  we  beseech,  we  obtest,  we  adjure  you  by 
a  just  sense  of  your  duty,  by  your  desire  to  promote  the 
union  of  the  Colonies  to  the  utmost  of  your  power,  and  by 
that  ardent  love  which  you  have  for  the  liberties  of  Ame- 
rica, that  you  meet  punctually  in  Congress  on  the  first  day 
of  the  next  month,  that  we  may  take  such  measures  as  will 
be  necessary  to  secure  the  honour  of  the  people  of  this 
Colony,  and  contribute  to  the  firmest  support  of  the  com- 
mon cause,  by  assisting  our  Representatives  in  Assembly  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


241 


tread  the  path  of  union  and  Continental  liberty.  Never- 
theless, gentlemen,  we  mean  not  that  you  should  give  so 
punctual  an  attendance  as  to  prevent  such  of  you  from  su- 
perintending the  business  of  election,  whose  presence  in 
the  country  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose.  But  we 
beg  leave  once  more  to  express  the  sentiment  that  a  full 
session  of  Congress  at  the  meeting  of  the  Assembly  is  of 
the  utmost  moment. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servants, 
"  Signed  by  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety. 

"PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 

Chairman. 

"  To  the  Members  of  the  Provincial 

Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  employ  a  printer  to 
print  110  copies  thereof  for  this  Committee,  under  the 
strictest  guard  of  secrecy  ;  that  when  printed  they  may  be 
signed  by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  to  the  absent 
members  respectively. 

Die  L.UNJ3,  3  o'clock  P.  M.  Jany.  8th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Treadwell,  Mr. 
Spooner,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands. 

Whereas  Mr.  Isaac  Governeur  has  imported  into  this 
Colony  465  quarter  casks,  containing  116  cwt.  and  25lb. 
of  gunpowder,  and  by  Mr.  William  Cannon,  his  consigna- 
tory, sold  the  same  to  this  Committee,  for  public  use  :  And 
whereas  the  Honble.  the  Continental  Congress  by  their 
resolve  of  15th  day  of  July  last  past,  that  every  vessel 
importing  gunpowder  within  nine  months  from  the  date 
thereof,  shall  be  permitted  to  load  and  export  the  produce 
of  those  Colonies  to  the  value  of  such  gunpowder ;  and  it 
is  thereby  recommended  to  the  Committees  of  the  several 
Provinces  to  inspect  the  military  stores  so  imported,  and 
to  estimate  a  generous  price  for  the  same  according  to 
their  goodness,  and  permit  the  importer  of  such  powder  to 
export  the  value  thereof  and  no  more,  in  produce  of  any 
liind :  the  Committee  having  by  some  of  their  members 
and  other  persons,  inspected  the  said  gunpowder,  do  esti- 
mate the  same  at  the  value  of  £30  New-York  money  per 
ton,  and  do  hereby  permit  Mr.  Isaac  Governeur,  by  Mr. 
Wm.  Cannon  his  agent,  to  export  the  value  thereof  at  that 
estimate,  to  wit :  the  amount  of  the  sum  of  £3,487  10s. 
Od.  New-York  money,  and  no  more,  in  produce  of  any 
kind  which  he  may  think  proper. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  9  th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairn. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Tread- 
well,  Mr.  Spooner,  Mr.  Sands. 

Whereas  full  information  has  been  given  to  this  com- 
mittee by  Capt.  Nat.  Tyler  of  this  city,  and  sundry  other 
witnesses  that  Lieut.  Edward  Tyler  an  officer  of  the  Con- 
tinental army  now  a  prisoner  on  board  the  ship  Asia,  had 
planned  a  method  to  escape  from  thence,  and  for  the  pur- 
pose of  effecting  his  escape  delivered  a  letter  to  Lawrence 
Hartwick  directed  to  James  Tyler  of  New  York,  and  that 
the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick  betraying  the  trust  reposed  in 
him,  had  delivered  the  said  letter  to  Capt.  George  Vandeput, 
whereby  the  said  prisoner  was  prevented  from  making  his 
escape  :  And  whereas  this  Committee  has  also  been  in- 
formed by  the  same  witnesses  that  the  said  Lawrence  Hart- 
wick affirms  that  he  will  continue  to  go  on  board  of  the 
King's  ships  of  war  without  leave  of  any  chairman,  con- 
trary to  the  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, and  made  many  other  declarations  highly  inimical  to 

61 


the  measures  pursued  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  American 
Colonies  for  the  defence  of  their  liberties  ;  thereupon  a 
draft  of  a  warrant  to  Capt.  Nat.  Tyler  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  Januy.  9th,  1776.  ) 
"  Whereas  full  information  has  been  given  to  this  Com- 
mittee, that  Lawrence  Hartwick  betrayed  a  trust  reposed 
in  him  by  Lieut.  Edward  Tyler,  an  officer  of  the  Conti- 
nental army,  now  a  prisoner  on  board  the  ship  Asia  : 
And  whereas  further  information  has  been  given  to  this 
Committee  that  of  other  particular  conduct  and  declara- 
tions of  the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick,  highly  inimical  to 
the  present  measures  pursued  by  the  inhabitants  of  the 
American  Colonies  for  the   defence  of  their  liberties : 
Therefore, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick  be  appre- 
hended by  Capt.  Natl.  Tyler  or  by  any  other  militia  officer  of 
this  city,  with  a  sufficient  guard  for  that  purpose,  and  car- 
ried to  the  guard  house  at  the  upper  barracks  in  this  city, 
and  there  confined  until  the  further  orders  of  this  com- 
mittee. 

"  Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  delivered  to  Captain  Tyler." 

A  letter  to  each  of  the  following  absent  members  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  a  copy  of  that  drawn  and  agreed  to 
on  the  8th  instant,  was  sealed  and  forwarded,  to  wit : 

To  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esqr.  at  Southold ; 
David  Gelston,  Esqr.  at  Bridge-Hampton  ; 
John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  Manor  of  Eaton; 
Brigadier-Genl.  Nathl.  Woodhull,  at  South-Haven ; 
Thomas  Wickham,  Esqr.  at  Brook-Haven; 
David  Brown,  Esqr.  at  Shelter  Island. 

An  introduction  to  the  copies  of  the  petition  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  to  His  Majesty,  and  the  address  of  the 
Lord  Mayor  and  Livery  of  London,  to  the  Electors  of 
Great  Britain,  intended  to  be  reprinted  in  this  Colony, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit: 

"  To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Colony  of  New-York  : 

"  To  prevent  as  much  as  possible  the  evil  consequences 
which  may  arise  from  the  assertion  that  the  '  Continental 
Congress  have  made  no  approaches  towards  an  accommo- 
dation with  Great  Britain,'  the  Committee  of  Safety  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  have  directed  the  following  pe- 
tition of  the  Continental  Congress  to  His  Majesty,  and 
the  address  of  the  Lord  Mayor  and  Livery  of  London  to 
the  Electors  of  Great  Britain,  occasioned  by  that  petition, 
to  be  published. 

"  In  the  present  unhappy  controversy  we  can  call  for  no 
evidence  so  unexceptionable  to  the  deluded  enemies  of 
America,  as  the  testimony  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  capi- 
tal city  of  Great  Britain.  Every  information  on  this  sub- 
ject coming  from  among  us,  might  perhaps  be  considered 
as  passing  through  a  suspicious  channel  ;  but  when  we 
appeal  to  those,  who,  if  we  have  engaged  without  grounds 
in  the  present  contention,  are  immediately  interested 
against  us,  every  unprejudiced  reader  must  be  convinced 
that  their  voluntary  testimony  in  our  favour  is  full  proof  of 
the  justice  of  our  cause. 

"  And  it  is  for  this  purpose  that  the  above  mentioned 
address  is  recommended  to  the  serious  consideration  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee, 

"  PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 

"  Chairman. 

"Jan.  9,  1776." 

[  The  contents  of  the  pamphlet  above  referred  to  were, 
1st.  The  above  address  or  introduction. 

2d.  The  petition  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  July  8,  1775,  to  His 
Majesty. 

3d.  Address  of  the  corporation  of  the  city  of  London  to  the  electors 
of  Great  Britain. 

4th.  Part  of  the  speech  of  the  Earl  of  Chatham  in  the  House  of 
Lords,  Jan.  20,  1775.] 


242 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  9,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Spooner. 

Pursuant  to  return  of  an  election  in  the  presence  of 
Garret  Abeel  and  Abraham  Brinckerhoff,  two  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New- York,  commissions  were  issued 
for  the  officers  of  beat  No.  13  in  the  said  city,  to  wit: 
To  David  Wolf  capt.,  Joseph  Winter  1st  lieut.,  Christ. 
Wolf  2d  lieut.  and  Philip  Phoenix  ensign. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Cumberland 
county  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Jany.  Wi,  1776.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  enclose  you  a  certified  copy  of  sun- 
dry resolutions  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  as  to  your 
county ;  they  are  so  plain  they  need  no  comment. 

"  We  are  extremely  sorry  to  find  that  jealousies  and  di- 
visions subsist  in  your  county  at  this  late  day,  when  your 
whole  militia  ought  to  have  been  fully  organized  and  regu- 
lated and  in  the  best  order  and  discipline.  This  gives  us 
the  greater  chagrin  and  anxiety,  because  we  expected  your 
county  was  so  firmly  attached  to  ihe  cause  of  American 
liberty,  that  in  proportion  to  your  numbers  and  strength, 
you  would  have  been  more  forward  and  in  greater  readi- 
ness than  other  parts  of  the  Colony  where  ministerial 
measures  might  be  expected  to  have  spread  their  baneful 
influence. 

"  We  entreat,  we  pray  and  obtest  you,  as  you  tender  not 
only  your  own  welfare  and  happiness,  but  also  the  success 
of  the  American  Colonies  in  their  present  struggle  for 
liberty,  that  you  exert  yourselves  to  put  an  amicable  period 
to  all  dissensions  in  your  county,  and  bring  about  a  perfect 
union  among  the  inhabitants,  and  for  this  purpose,  that  you 
cause  a  large,  respectable  county  committee  to  be  elected 
in  your  county,  (if  that  has  not  already  been  done).  All 
the  difficulties  arising  in  smaller  matters,  we  would  hope 
your  county  committee  would  easily  accommodate,  and 
that  their  determinations  would  be  cheerfully  acquiesced  in. 
At  the  same  lime  that  we  earnestly  recommend  unanimity 
and  harmony  to  all  the  good  people  of  your  county,  and  a 
proper  spirit  of  prudence,  discretion  and  direction  to  your 
county  committee,  and  their  sub-committees,  if  they  have 
any  such,  give  us  leave  to  press  on  you  to  distinguish 
yourselves  by  setting  an  example  of  obedience  to  your 
military  officers,  and  of  care  in  acquiring  military  disci- 
pline, and  that  you  inculcate  the  same  good  conduct  on  all 
the  people  of  your  county. 

"  Let  every  son  of  freedom  employ  his  utmost  efforts 
that  our  attachment  to  the  rules  of  Congress,  our  military 
subordination  and  skill,  according  to  their  plan  and  direc- 
tions, and  our  attachment  to  good  order  and  government 
may  distintinguish  us  from  our  enemies  as  much  as  the 
glorious  cause  we  are  engaged  in. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the  County 
Committee,  Cumberland  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Doctor  Spooner. 

Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  delivered  in  an  account  of  the 
lead  which  he  has  as  yet  been  able  to  procure  in  obe- 
dience to  the  late  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  amount- 
ing to  8,5081b.    The  same  was  filed. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  the  \0th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  Mc.  Dougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Spooner. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low,  attending  at  the  door,  was  admitted ; 
he  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  received  informa- 
tion that  Lord  Sterling  had  a  design  to  use  the  vessel  of 
Mr.  Isaac  Governeur,  now  at  Elizabeth  Town  Point,  to 
seize  despatches  from  on  board  of  the  ship  bound  for  Lon- 
don, and  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Cooper. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Lord  Sterling  was  read 

and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  1 
"  During  the  recess  of  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  lOlh  Jany.  1776.  ) 

"  My  Lord — While  we  entertain  the  highest  sense  of 
your  zeal  in  the  public  service,  permit  us  to  inform  you, 
that  we  have  this  moment  received  advice  of  your  design 
to  employ  a  sloop  now  loading  at  Elizabeth  Town  Point, 
under  the  protection  of  this  Committee  and  the  direction 
of  Mr.  Nichs.  Low,  of  this  city,  to  seize  the  despatches 
now  on  board  Capt.  Cooper ;  though  we  do  not  altogether 
rely  on  this  advice,  yet,  lest  it  should  be  well  founded,  we 
beg  leave  to  inform  you,  that  such  an  expedient  will,  in 
our  opinion,  be  prejudicial  to  the  common  cause.  You 
doubtless  know,  my  lord,  upon  what  errand  she  came  to 
this  Continent.  Should  any  steps  be  taken  on  our  part 
that  may  embarrass  those  of  our  friends  abroad,  who  are 
running  risks  to  serve  us,  we  must  necessarily  lose  their 
assistance  in  an  article  of  the  utmost  importance  to  us. 
We  can  divine  no  reason  why  that  sloop  should  be  pre- 
ferred to  many  others  in  New-Jersey  equally  fit  for  the 
service,  unless  it  is  that  the  few  swivels  she  has  mounted 
may  denominate  her  an  armed  vessel ;  should  this  be  the 
reason  for  preferring  her  to  any  other,  the  purpose  may  be 
effectually  answered  by  borrowing  those  swivels  and 
mounting  them  in  some  other  vessel.  If  your  design 
should  be  such  as  we  have  mentioned,  we  beg  that  the  ex- 
pedient proposed  by  us  may  be  adopted  in  preference  to 
the  one  which  will  naturally  discourage  our  friends  abroad 
from  continuing  their  friendship  towards  us. 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  my  lord, 

"  Your  lordship's  mo.  obt.  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  P.  S.  We  beg  leave  to  inform  your  lordship,  that  we 
have  understood  the  ship  will  be  convoyed  to  sea  by  a 
company  of  marines  in  a  pilot  boat." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Low. 

N.  B.  Mr.  Low  having  discovered  that  the  information 
he  had  received  was  without  any  foundation,  and  this  let- 
ter unnecessary,  returned  it  to  the  Committee  of  Safety 
on  the  1 1th,  and  it  was  ordered  to  be  destroyed. 

Thomas  Merrit,  who  was  apprehended  and  brought  be- 
fore the  Committee  by  some  of  the  inhabitants,  on  infor- 
mation of  persons  from  Westchester  county,  that  he  had 
declared  he  had  seen  people  casting  great  quantities  of 
bullets  to  kill  the  whigs,  and  that  he  knew  where  great 
quantities  of  those  bullets  were,  was  examined. 
Notes  of  his  examination  are  filed. 
The  witnesses  against  him  were  examined  in  his  pre- 
sence, and  Merrit  and  the  witnesses  withdrew.  There- 
upon 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thos.  Merrit  be  discharged, 
and  he  was  charged  from  the  Chair  to  be  more  cautious  of 
his  declarations  and  reports  for  the  future. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


243 


Pursuant  to  a  return  of  an  election  of  officers  in  beat 
No.  14  of  the  city  of  New-York,  in  the  presence  of  Gar- 
ret Abeel  and  Abraham  Brinckerhoff,  two  of  the  committee 
of  the  said  city,  commissions  were  issued  to  the  following 
officers,  to  wit :  Pardon  Burlingham  captain,  Henry  York 
first  lieutenant,  Thomas  Van  Pelt  second  lieutenant,  and 
Anthony  Ford  ensign. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  January  \Qlh,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Spooner. 

Letters  to  sundry  members  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
each  letter  being  a  copy  of  that  drawn  and  agreed  to  on 
the  eighth  inst.  were  sealed,  directed  and  despatched. 

Col.  Palmer  returned  from  the  Continental  Congress 
and  brought  to  the  committee  chamber  the  money  sent 
from  Congress  by  him  and  Col.  Brasher.  The  Deputy 
Treasurer  being  this  evening  from  home,  with  the  consent 
of  Mr.  Sands, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  money  be  deposited  in  a  strong 
iron  chest  at  his  house,  and  the  key  of  the  said  chest  given 
to  Col.  Palmer  or  Col.  Brasher. 

A  certified  copy  of  resolutions  of  Congress,  dated  the 
5th  Jany.  inst.  respecting  the  fortifications  in  the  High- 
lands, were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  January  5th,  1776. 
"  The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  New-York,  and  having 
consulted  the  gentlemen  sent  to  Congress  by  the  conven- 
tion of  New- York,  the  same  was  agreed  to,  as  follows,  to 
wit  : 

"  Resolved,  That  for  the  reasons  contained  in  the  pa- 
pers hereunto  annexed,  this  committee  are  of  opinion  that 
no  further  fortifications  ought  to  be  erected  at  Martler's 
Rock,  on  the  Hudson  river,  and  that  a  point  of  land  at 
Pooplopen's  kill,  on  the  said  river,  ought,  without  delay,  to 
be  effectually  fortified. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention, 
or  in  their  recess,  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York, 
to  carry  into  execution  the  above  resolution. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Col.  Brasher,  who  is  a  member  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  being  returned  from  Philadelphia,  Doctor  Spooner 
renewed  his  solicitation  for  leave  to  return  to  his  county, 
and  which  he  had  for  several  days  been  encouraged  to  ex- 
pect when  another  member  should  arrive.  The  Commit- 
tee being  of  opinion  unanimously  that  it  is  necessary  Dr. 
Spooner  should  return  to  his  county  to  carry  up  the  writ 
for  an  election  of  Representatives  in  General  Assembly  ; 
the  commissions  for  the  field  officers  of  the  militia ;  and 
the  letter  from  this  Committee  ;  and  to  endeavour  to  re- 
store unanimity  and  harmony  among  the  inhabitants,  it  is 
agreed  that  he  have  leave  of  absence. 

And  whereas,  it  is  inconvenient  for  Dr.  Paul  Spooner 
to  return  to  the  county  of  Cumberland,  which  is  very  dis- 
tant, without  a  small  supply  of  cash  for  that  purpose,  and 
it  appears  to  the  Committee  that  his  return  there  at  pre- 
sent may  be  useful,  and  he  has  solicited  aid  from  the 
Treasury  of  the  Provincial  Congress  on  the  credit  of 
Cumberland  county,  for  his  relief,  to  be  repaid  in  such 
manner  as  the  Provincial  Congress  shall  direct : 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Dr.  Paul  Spooner  or  his  order  the  sum  of  twenty 
pounds,  on  the  credit  of  Cumberland  county  and  of  him- 
self, to  be  repaid  in  such  manner  as  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony  shall  direct,  and  that  a  copy  of  this 
order  be  a  warrant  to  the  Treasurer  for  that  purpose.  And 
Ordered  farther,  That  until  such  payment  made,  Mr. 
Paul  Sp  ooner  be,  and  remain,  indebted  unto  the  said  Peter 


V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  for  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  for 
so  much  cash  lent,  and  at  all  events  to  be  repaid  by  him- 
self if  not  repaid  by  the  county  of  Cumberland. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  Committee  that  a  few  copies  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  Continental  Congress  first  publish- 
ed, and  also  of  their  late  proceedings,  would  be  very  use- 
ful in  the  committees  of  the  respective  towns  and  districts 
in  Cumberland  county. 

Ordered,  That  John  Holt  furnish  35  copies  to  Dr. 
Spooner  for  that  purpose. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  Wth,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clarke, 
Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster. 

A  letter  from  the  delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Congress 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  has  been  so  much  in- 
cumbered with  business,  that  it  has  not  'till  now  been  in 
our  power  to  write  to  you  decisively  on  the  subject  of  your 
several  favours ;  indeed  the  appointment  of  an  officer  to 
command  in  the  Highlands  still  remains  undetermined, 
though  we  doubt  not  the  recommendation  communicated 
in  your  letter  of  the  8th  of  December  will  have  its  due 
weight. 

"  We  highly  applaud  the  spirit,  and  at  the  same  time, 
respectful  manner  in  which  you  have  supported  the  dignity 
and  independence  of  our  Colony,  and  demanded  reparation 
on  the  subject  of  the  Connecticut  inroad.  An  interposition 
so  rash,  officious  and  violent  gave  us  great  anxiety,  as  it 
was  not  only  a  high  insult  to  your  authority,  but  had  a  di- 
rect tendency  to  confirm  that  fatal  spirit  of  jealousy  and 
distrust  of  our  eastern  brethren,  which  has  done  so  much 
injury  to  our  cause,  and  which  every  wise  and  virtuous 
patriot  should  study  to  suppress.  The  government  of 
Connecticut  we  are  persuaded  will  not  only  do  you  the  jus- 
tice which  you  have  required,  but  adopt  effectual  means 
to  restrain  their  inhabitants  from  similar  attempts  in  future. 
In  this  expectation  we  shall  lake  the  liberty  to  defer  the 
application  to  Congress  which  you  direct,  until  we  are 
favoured  with  a  copy  of  Govr.  Trumbull's  answer  to  your 
letter. 

"  The  enclosed  resolution  of  Congress  respecting  the 
loan  of  £45,000  pounds  on  the  credit  of  our  Colony  will 
we  hope  be  no  disappointment ;  it  is  in  our  opinion  founded 
on  good  reasons.  The  precedent  would  have  justified 
every  other  Colony  in  soliciting  the  like  indulgence,  which 
could  not,  without  gross  partiality,  have  been  refused.  The 
faith  of  all  must  in  every  instance  have  been  pledged  to 
secure  the  payment,  and  consequently  all  exposed  to  the 
effects  of  mismanagement  and  want  of  economy  in  each 
separate  government.  The  quantity  of  paper  money  would 
not  have  been  diminished,  the  sum  thus  borrowed  must  in 
the  course  of  the  present  contest  have  become  enormous. 
Those  objections,  among  others,  operated  so  strongly 
against  the  measure  that  if  we  had  thought  ourselves  at  li- 
berty to  exercise  discretion,  in  the  case  of  a  positive  in- 
struction, we  should  have  declined  an  application,  to  which 
in  our  judgment  we  could  not  wish  success. 

"  The  deputation  from  your  convention  respecting  the 
fortification  in  the  Highlands,  was  very  proper  and  season- 
able ;  they  have  conferred  with  a  committee  of  Congress, 
and  been  heard  by  the  House,  and  will  inform  you  of  every 
thing  which  occurred,  so  that  it  is  needless  for  us  to  be 
explicit. 

"  A  copy  of  the  resolution  of  Congress  will  be  delivered 
to  you  by  your  Deputies  to  which  we  have  nothing  to  add. 

"  Mr.  Secretary  McKesson  has  furnished  us  with  a  copy 
of  your  resolutions  respectingyour  Delegates.  This  arrange- 
ment or  something  similar  we  had  much  at  heart,  as  the 


244 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


constant  attendance  of  so  large  a  quorum  as  five  would  na- 
turally be  precarious,  especially  when  only  that  number 
were  in  town. 

"  The  defection  of  Queens  and  Richmond  is  much  to 
be  lamented  ;  a  committee  of  Congress  has  that  subject 
now  under  consideration,  and  it  will  not  be  long  before  their 
resolutions  on  that  head  will  be  communicated  to  you. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  hble.  servts. 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAMES  DUANE, 
"JOHN  JAY, 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"  WM.  FLOYD. 
"  P.  S. — You  have  likewise  enclosed  a  resolution  of 
Congress  respecting  the  enlistment  of  soldiers. 

"  Philadelphia,  5th  January,  1776." 

The  resolution  of  Congress  on  the  request  of  a  loan  to 
this  Colony  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

"  In  Congress,  23rd  Deer.  1775. 
"  The  committee  to  whom  the  application  from  the  Con- 
vention of  New-York  for  the  loan  of  £45,000  pounds  was 
referred,  brought  in  their  report,  which  being  read  was 
agreed  to,  as  follows  : 

"  '  That,  notwithstanding  it  appears  to  this  committee 
that  the  credit  of  the  Colony  of  New- York  is  unquestion- 
able, and  their  application  for  the  loan  of  £45,000  was 
suggested  by  disinterested  principles,  yet,  that  it  would 
not  be  advisable  in  the  opinion  of  this  committee  for  the 
Congress  to  make  the  loan  proposed.' 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Resolutions  of  Congress  respecting  the  enlistment  of 
soldiers,  therein  enclosed,  was  also  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  26th  December,  1775. 

"  The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a 
paragraph  of  Lord  Sterling's  letter  to  the  Congress,  com- 
plaining that  several  of  his  recruits  had  been  arrested  and 
imprisoned  for  trifling  debts,  being  taken  into  consideration 
was  agreed  to,  as  follows  : 

"  '  This  committee  have  reason  to  believe  that  divers 
persons,  either  from  inattention  to  the  public  good  or  with 
a  design  to  retard  the  recruiting  service,  have  arrested  and 
imprisoned  for  very  trifling  debts,  many  soldiers  who  had 
engaged  to  risk  their  lives  in  defence  of  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  America  ;  and  as  it  has  always  been  found  ne- 
cessary in  time  of  war  to  regulate  and  restrain  a  practice 
of  such  pernicious  tendency,  and  in  such  cases  to  abate 
the  rigour  of  law  ; 

"'Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  se- 
veral Legislatures  in  these  Colonies,  whether  Assemblies  or 
Conventions  to  pass  acts  or  ordinances  prohibiting  the  ar- 
rest of  Continental  soldiers  for  small  debts,  and  in  order  thai 
the  same  rule  may  pervade  all  the  Colonies,  that  no  such  sol- 
dier be  arrested  at  the  suit  of  any  of  his  creditors,  unless 
the  said  creditor  make  oath  that  the  said  soldier  is  justly 
indebted  to  him  in  the  sum  of  35  dollars  over  and  above 
all  discount ;  and  that  the  estate  of  no  such  soldier  be  lia- 
ble to  attachment  at  the  suit,  or  for  the  benefit  of  all  his 
creditors,  unless  their  debts  in  the  whole  on  being  ascer- 
tained by  their  oaths,  shall  amount  to  more  than  150  dol- 
lars.' 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 
Col.  Brasher  and  Col.  Palmer  informed  the  committee 
that  they  had  obtained  the  sum  of  50,000  dollars  in  Con- 
tinental bills  at  Philadelphia ;  that  four  of  the  Delegates 
of  this  city,  being  in  want  of  cash  at  Philadelphia,  had 
requested  a  small  sum  thereof  in  part  of  their  respective 
Demands  for  their  services  and  disbursements  as  Delegates, 
which  they  had  accordingly  paid  them  and  taken  their  se- 
parate receipts  ;  that  they  had  brought  with  them  bills  to 


the  amount  of  48,400  dollars,  and  four  receipts  of  the  De- 
legates to  the  treasurer,  amounting  together  to  1600  dol- 
lars. 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  deliver  the  said  bills 
and  receipts  of  the  Delegates,  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of 
50,000  dollars,  to  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Treasurer 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  take  a  receipt  of  the  said 
Treasurer,  or  his  deputy,  for  the  whole  amount  thereof. 

Col.  Lasher,  Col.  Heyer  and  Col.  Lott,  according  to 
order,  iespectively  attended  the  committee  to  give  informa- 
tion of  the  states  of  their  respective  regiments. 

Col.  Lasher  and  Col.  Heyer  respectively  informed  the 
committee  their  regiments  were  properly  armed,  accoutred 
and  equipped. 

Col.  Lott  informed  that  a  number  of  the  privates  of  his 
regiment  are  without  muskets  or  firelocks,  and  some  of 
them  unable  to  purchase,  and  that  arms  are  so  scarce  that 
it  is  difficult  to  purchase. 

Those  gentlemen  farther  informed  the  committee  in 
substance,  that  the  privates  of  the  two  first  mentioned  re- 
giments in  particular,  had  done  a  great  deal  of  duty,  at 
much  expense  of  time  and  money  ;  that  the  whole  city  mi- 
litia through  the  multiplicity  and  largeness  of  the  guards 
required,  have  a  considerable  share  of  duty.  That  the 
least  share  thereof  is  borne  or  done  by  the  most  wealthy  ; 
that  many  of  their  men  are  unable  to  purchase  gunpow- 
der, and  that  others  think  they  ought  not  to  submit  to  that 
expense. 

Thereupon  the  committee  agreed  on  two  orders  intro- 
duced by  a  recital,  all  which  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

Whereas,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee  that  it 
will  be  necessary  for  the  immediate  safety  of  the  Colony, 
that  an  half  pound  of  powder  be  delivered  out  at  the  public 
expense  to  the  several  effective  officers  and  privates  of  the 
militia  and  minute  men  of  this  Colony  who  are  well  af- 
fected to  the  public  cause  ;  to  the  end  that  they  may  not 
have  reason  to  complain  of  the  want  of  means  to  answer 
the  good  purpose  aforesaid:    It  is  therefore, 

Ordered,  That  such  quantities  of  the  public  powder  be 
delivered  out  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  under  the  following 
regulations,  that  is  to  say  : 

1st.  That  every  colonel  or  in  his  absence,  the  next  com- 
manding officer  of  militia  and  minute  men  in  this  Colony, 
do  without  delay  make  a  return  of  the  effective  officers  and 
privates  in  their  respective  regiments  to  this  Committee, 
distinguishing  therein  such  as  are  well  affected  as  afore- 
said, to  the  end  that  such  distribution  as  aforesaid  may  be 
made. 

2dly.  And  to  prevent  any  unnecessary  expenditure  of 
powder,  it  is  hereby  declared  that  the  militia  and  minute 
men  are  not  to  depend  on  any  farther  supplies  at  the  public 
expense.    And  it  is  further 

Ordered,  That  at  every  regimental  or  other  muster,  re- 
view, training  or  other  military  service,  each  militia  and 
minute  man  whose  duty  it  will  be  to  attend  the  same,  do 
attend  furnished  with  as  many  cartridges,  filled  properly 
with  powder  and  ball,  as  the  quantity  of  half  a  pound  of 
powder  will  be  sufficient  to  fill  in  manner  aforesaid  ;  and  to 
prevent  and  punish  neglects  in  those  instances,  that  every 
commanding  officer  do  at  every  such  muster,  review,  train- 
ing or  other  military  service,  cause  strict  search  to  be  made 
whether  every  person  attending  the  same  be  duly  provided 
in  manner  aforesaid. 

A  letter  from  Tryon  county  committee  received  by  the 
Albany  post  rider,  was  read  and  filed;  this  letter  informs 
of  their  election  of  Deputies. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  reported  and  read  to  the  Provincial 
Congress  at  their  first,  meeting  after  the  recess. 

Sundry  large  accounts  of  Capt.  John  Grennell  and 
Capt.  John  Hurlbut,  who  served  in  the  last  northern  cam- 
paign were  produced  to  the  committee,  and  payment  there- 
of solicited. 

The  committee  took  the  said  accounts  into  examination 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


245 


and  consideration,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  are 
of  opinion  that  as  to  sundry  disbursements  charged  therein, 
the  committee  have  not  sufficient  information  to  determine 
thereon  ;  that  of  other  parts  of  those  accounts  they  are 
not  proper  judges.  That  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  only  is 
competent,  and  this  committee  incompetent  for  the  settle- 
ment thereof. 

That  it  is  the  business  and  duty  of  a  paymaster  to  pay 
those  accounts,  and  the  payment  of  military  accounts  ne- 
cessarily renders  the  accounts  of  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony more  complex  and  intricate,  and  may  in  the  end  be 
attended  with  loss  of  the  Colony. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  are  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  point  out  to  you 
a  defect  in  the  conduct  of  the  paymaster  under  your  depart- 
ment, which  has  in  your  multiplicity  of  business,  doubtless 
escaped  your  attention,  and  proves  a  subject  of  great  in- 
convenience to  us,  and  delay  to  the  public  service.  Our 
situation  subjects  us  necessarily  to  the  transaction  of  many 
matters  purely  of  a  Continental  nature,  in  the  course  of 
which,  repeated  applications  to  the  Continental  Congress 
for  money,  are  unavoidable.  To  this,  however,  we  cheer- 
fully submit,  but  think  it  a  great  hardship  that  while  a 
Continental  paymaster  is  handsomely  appointed,  we  should 
be  under  a  necessity  of  making  expenditures  properly 
within  the  compass  of  his  duty.  By  this  means  our  ac- 
counts are  rendered  unnecessarily  complex  and  intricate, 
which  may,  in  the  end,  be  attended  with  loss  to  this  Co- 
lony. The  disagreeable  task  of  applying  for  money  may 
be  more  frequent  than  we  could  wish,  and  the  public  ser- 
vice properly  within  our  department  is  too  often  delayed 
by  the  expenditure  of  large  sums  to  uses  not  regularly 
under  our  direction  ;  we  therefore  earnestly  request  you  to 
direct,  that  the  paymaster  do  for  the  future  attend  at  this 
important  post  either  in  person  or  by  deputy,  to  the  end 
that  we  may  be  rid  of  a  very  disagreeable  service,  which 
in  no  wise  belongs  to  us,  and  by  that  means  be  enabled  to 
forward  with  more  expedition  those  matters  which  properly 
fall  under  our  direction. 

"  We  beg  leave  also  to  inform  you  that  no  resolutions  of 
Congress  for  fitting  up  and  clothing  the  troops  in  your 
department,  have  hitherto  reached  us,  and  to  request  of 
you  to  furnish  us  with  such  lights  on  this  head,  as  may 
enable  us  most  effectually  to  advance  the  public  service. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  highest  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 
Adjourned. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  Uth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Col.  McDougall, 
Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands. 

The  consideration  of  the  great  importance  to  the  Co- 
lonies of  having  powder  mills  for  the  manufactory  of  gun- 
powder immediately,  and  the  more  especially  as  a  large 
quantity  of  saltpetre  is  confidently  said  to  be  arrived  at 
Philadelphia : 

Agreed,  To  recommend  to  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr. 
the  re-erection  of  the  powder  mills,  formerly  built  by  the 
late  Mr.  Justice  Livingston. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Robert  R.  Livingston, 

Esqr.  on  that  subject,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- York,  ) 
"  In  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Uth  January,  1776."  ) 

"  Sir — While  we  most  heartily  condole  with  you  on  the 

62 


loss  of  so  significant  a  public  character  as  that  of  your  late 
worthy  father,  your  known  attachment  to  the  public  cause, 
will  readily  excuse  our  intermixing  a  few  considerations  of 
public  utility,  with  our  sympathetic  expressions,  on  that 
distressing  event. 

"  We  have  full  evidence  of  a  large  importation  of  salt- 
petre into  Philadelphia.  Our  friends  in  New-England  are 
pushing  the  manufacture  of  that  article,  and  we  hope  our 
Congress  at  their  next  meeting  will  give  all  due  encourage- 
ment to  so  useful  a  manufacture  in  this  Colony. 

"  In  this  view  it  is  probable  that  there  will  be  full  em- 
ploy for  powder  mills,  and  for  this  reason  we  beg  leave  to 
recommend  the  re-erection  of  the  patriotic  work  of  the  late 
Mr.  Justice  Livingston,  to  your  immediate  attention. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servants. 
"  Rob.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  at  his  seat,  Claremont." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  consisting  of  only  a  quorum,  directed  a 
letter  to  be  wrote  to  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  and  request 
his  attendance. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Peter  R.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  11th  Jany.  1776.  ) 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety,  by  the  absence  of 
yourself  and  another  member,  and  the  indisposition  of  some 
other  members,  are  generally  reduced  to  a  bare  quorum. 
Many  things  of  importance  are  necessary  and  ought  to  be 
taken  into  consideration  immediately. 

"  If  any  of  the  members  present  should  be  indisposed, 
the  committee  may  be  without  even  a  quorum,  and  the 
public  business  entirely  suffer.  The  committee  expected 
your  attendance  and  assistance  long  before  this  day. 

"  In  case  of  your  indisposition,  or  inability  to  attend,  Mr. 
Henry  Othout  was  appointed  in  your  stead. 

"  We  pray  that  you  attend,  or  that  you  endeavour  that 
Mr.  Othoudt  attend  without  delay. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts." 

A  similar  letter,  omitting  those  parts  which  relate  to  Mr. 
Othoudt,  was  sent  to  Mr.  Imlay  and  Mr.  Morris  Graham. 

Sundry  accounts  were  produced  to  the  Committee,  for 
billeting  and  pay  of  commissioned  and  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates  of  the  companies  of  minute  men,  who 
who  have  been  stationed  near  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  for  payment,  and  requests  were  made  whether 
any,  and  how  much  if  any  thing  is  allowed,  for  the  billeting 
of  officers  ?  The  billeting  money  for  officers  in  the  late 
campaign,  having  also  been  in  part  the  subject  of  some  late 
applications,  the  Committee  determined  to  write  to  the 
Delegates  of  this  Colony  on  those  subjects  ;  and  to  request 
the  resolutions  of  Congress  as  to  the  pay,  clothing  and  es- 
tablishment of  the  new  levies  ordered  to  be  raised. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 

Colony  at  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  January  11th,  1776.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — The  winter  is  wearing  fast,  and  perhaps 
the  approaching  campaign  may  be  an  active  one.  In  this 
view  we  conceive  that  every  attention  should  be  paid  to 
promote  the  public  service. 

"  The  commissioned  and  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  of  the  minute  men  employed  for  the  defence  of  the 
fortifications  on  Hudson's  river  are  left  at  an  uncertainty 
with  respect  to  their  pay,  and  for  their  billeting  money, 
until  they  are  provided  for  at  the  post,  for  which  ihey  are 
now  applying  to  us.  How  discouraging  this  uncertainty 
will  be  to  the  service,  and  how  much  it  is  out  of  our  power 
to  remedy  the  evil,  must  be  obvious.    We  must  therefore 


246 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


request  the  most  immediate  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress  on  that  head. 

"  The  commissioned  Officers  in  the  late  New-York  bat- 
talions of  Continental  troops,  think  it  a  piece  of  justice  to 
them  to  reimburse  them  for  their  billeting  money,  before 
they  were  supported  on  the  public  provisions.  You  will 
readily  conceive  how  disheartening  it  must  be  to  them  to  be 
left  saddled  with  a  certain  loss  to  which  they  must  infal- 
libly be  subject  if  public  provision  be  not  made  for  their 
reimbursement ;  without  this,  they  will  engage  afresh  with 
great  reluctance  :  they  are  continually  applying  to  us  on 
this  head,  but  you  well  know  we  are  incapable  of  giving 
them  the  relief  sought  for.  This  must  be  had  from  the 
Continental  Congress.  We  beg  you  to  procure  their 
speedy  resolution  on  this  head. 

"  The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  as  to  the 
pay,  clothing  and  billeting  money,  for  recruiting  the  four 
battalions  with  the  utmost  despatch,  we  most  ardently  re- 
quest. 

"  We  are,  with  the  highest  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of 

New-York  at  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  12th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clarke,  Col.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutchess  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit :    [Letter  not  entered.] 

A  bond  of  Cornelius  Atherton  and  Brinton  Paine,  to 
Col.  Alexander  McDougall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  in  the 
penal  sum  of  £700,  dated  the  20th  day  of  December  last, 
and  conditioned  that  the  said  Cornelius  Atherton  will  fulfil 
his  contract  made  with  the  obligee,  on  behalf  of  this  Con- 
gress, on  the  23d  day  of  Novem.  last  for  the  making  and 
delivery  of  a  certain  number  of  muskets,  &c.  was  read  and 
filed.* 

A  bond  of  the  said  Cornelius  Atherton  and  of  John 
Chamberlain,  to  the  said  obligees,  and  of  the  like  tenor, 
date,  sum  and  condition  of  the  bond  above  recited,  was 
read  and  filed.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  to  Colonel  McDou- 
gall and  Col.  Curtenius,  a  certified  copy  of  the  order  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  on  their  Treasurer, 
made  and  passed  on  the  15th  day  of  December  last,  for 
the  sum  of  £350,  which  was  to  be  advanced  to  the  said 
Cornelius  Atherton,  when  proper  security  was  given  to 
fulfil  his  contract.  And  that  the  Secretary,  also,  give 
therewith  a  certificate  that  the  said  bonds  are  filed  with 
him  ;  that  Col.  McDougall  and  Col.  Curtenius,  or  their  or- 
der, may  be  enabled  to  receive  of  the  Treasurer,  as  well 
the  moneys  by  Comfort  Sands  at  their  request  as  the  resi- 
due of  the  moneys  now  to  be  advanced,  amounting  in  the 
whole  to  the  sum  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  agree- 
able to  the  said  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  took  into  consideration 
the  report  of  a  sub-committee  of  the  general  committee  of 
the  city  of  New-York,  delivered  in  parol  some  days  past, 
to  the  following  effect,  to  wit :  That  a  certain  Benjamin 
James,  who  had  been  chosen  captain  of  one  of  the  compa- 
nies of  militia  in  the  city  of  New- York,  had  refused  to  sub- 
scribe the  declaration  mentioned  in  his  commission,  as  ne- 
cessary to  his  entering  on  the  executing  that  office.  That 
on  a  new  election  being  ordered  in  the  said  company  for  a 

•  See  contract  entd.  15th  Deem,  and  order. 


captain,  the  company  re-elected  the  same  person,  and  re- 
fused to  elect  any  other.  That  there  are  some  other  in- 
stances of  the  like  kind,  and  the  persons  exercising  mili- 
tary offices  in  the  [like]  predicament. 

This  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  best  remedy  for 
[this]  inconvenience,  would  be  a  resolution  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  or  in  their  recess  the  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty for  the  time  being,  to  exercise  their  discretion  in  ap- 
pointing proper  officers,  without  such  election,  whenever 
occasion  may  require. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony,  on  the  subject  of  appointing  officers  in  such  cases, 
and  on  the  subject  of  giving  aids  to  expresses  or  messen- 
gers, who  travel  without  certificates,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  1 
"During  the  recess  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  J  any.  12th,  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — We  apprehend,  for  reasons  too  tedious 
to  mention,  great  danger  of  the  want  of  a  proper  arrange- 
ment of  the  militia  in  some  of  our  districts,  from  making 
the  election  of  the  people  necessary  for  the  appointment  of 
officers  under  the  degree  of  field  officers.    We,  therefore, 
earnestly  request  you  immediately  to  procure  a  resolve  of 
Congress  to  authorize  our  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of 
Safety  for  the  time  being,  to  exercise  their  discretion  in 
appointing,  without  such  election,  whenever  occasion  may 
require. 

"  We  are  put  to  repeated  difficulties  with  applications 
by  expresses,  to  and  from  Congress,  on  the  Continental 
service.  In  complying  with  which,  without  proper  certifi- 
cates, specifying  the  aids  required  of  us  to  be  given  to 
such  expresses,  we  apprehend  ill  consequences.  By  this 
means  our  prudence  in  disposing  of  the  Continental  money 
may  be  exposed  to  be  called  in  question,  and  abuses  put 
upon  the  public,  by  taking  advantage  of  our  readiness  to 
advance  the  service.  For  these  reasons,  we  have  been 
obliged  to  determine  to  give  no  such  aids  for  the  future,  to 
any  person  applying  to  us  in  the  character  of  an  express, 
unless  he  produce  a  certificate  from  Congress,  specifying 
the  particular  aids  required  of  us.  Our  late  Congress 
wrote  early  in  the  summer  on  this  subject,  but  were  not 
favoured  with  an  answer. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"With  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 
"By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"To  the  Delegates  for  the  Colony  of 

New-York  at  Congress,  Phila." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Col.  Brasher  produced  a  deputation  from  Peter  V.  B. 
Livingston,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
this  Colony,  to  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  his  deputy,  which 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  and  figures  following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  have  nominated 
me  their  Treasurer,  I  do  hereby  appoint  my  friend  Mr. 
Gerard  Bancker,  Junr.  my  deputy,  hereby  promising  to 
confirm  every  act  he  shall  do  in  my  name  in  the  execution 
thereof. 

"  As  witness  my  hand  and  seal  this  28th  day  of  August, 
1775. 

"P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  [l.  s.] 

"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of 
"  Sterling, 
"Phil.  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  appointment  be  returned  to  the 
Deputy  Treasurer. 

Col.  Brasher  and  Col.  Palmer  produced  the  receipt  of 
Gerard  Bancker,  the  Deputy  Treasurer,  for  the  cash  and 
receipts  for  cash  paid  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  by 
them  bro't  from  Phila.  for  the  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
amounting  together  to  the  sum  of  50,000  dollars,  which 
receipt  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  hereunto  annexed,  in  the 
words  and  figures  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


247 


"Received,  January  12th,  1776,  from  Messrs.  Thos. 
Palmer,  Abrm.  Brasher  and  Capt.  John  Grennell,  fifty 
thousand  dollars  in  Continental  bills,  in  behalf  of  Peter  V. 
B.  Livingston. 

" GERARD  BANCKER. 

"  Bills,    48,400 

"4  Receipts,.  1,600 

"  50,000  dollars." 

Mr.  Christian  Jacobson  of  Richmond  county,  attending 
at  the  door  was  admitted  ;  he  alleged  that  a  majority  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Richmond  county  were  not  averse,  but 
friendly  to  the  measures  of  Congress.  He  attempted  to 
state  their  difficulties  and  fears  ;  answers  were  given  to 
him  by  the  members  of  this  Committee. 

Col.  Brasher,  a  member  of  this  Committee,  informed 
the  Committee  that  he  had  lately  seen  Mr.  Richard  Law- 
rence, one  of  the  late  Deputies  of  Richmond  county  ;  that 
Mr.  Lawrence  told  him  he  expected  that  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  county  would  very  speedily  elect  Deputies  to  re- 
present them  in  Provincial  Congress,  and  requested  him 
to  inform  this  Committee  thereof.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  late  intended  interdiction  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  against  all  delinquents  in  that  county,  be 
delayed  until  Monday  the  22nd  inst. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  a  certified  copy  of 
the  information  received  of  Colonel  Brasher,  relating  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,  and  of  the  above  re- 
solution thereon,  to  Mr.  Christian  Jacobson,  one  of  the 
committee  of  Richmond  county. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  12,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke, 
Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher  the  latter  part  of  the  evening. 

Mr.  Richard  Lawrence,  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Rich- 
mond county  to  the  former  Provincial  Congress,  attended 
and  conversed  with  the  Committee  on  the  state  of  Rich- 
mond county,  of  his  own  mere  motion,  as  he  said,  and 
without  any  request  from  the  committee  or  the  inhabitants 
to  attend  for  that  purpose. 

After  a  full  conversation  with  Mr.  Lawrence,  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  unanimously  came  to  the  following  reso- 
lutions, as  to  the  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  notwithstanding  any  thing  contained  in 
the  resolution  of  this  day  respecting  the  county  of  Rich- 
mond, the  same  was  not  intended  to  give  them  any  ground 
of  assurance  that  their  Deputies  will  be  received  in  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  but  only  to  enable  them  to  put  the  con- 
duct of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county  in  as  favourable  a 
light  before  the  Continental  Congress  as  the  nature  of  their 
case  will  admit  of,  the  same  having  been  submitted  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  to  the  consideration  of  that  respecta- 
ble body,  by  whose  determination  the  inhabitants  of  that 
county  must  be  bound. 

Resolved,  nevertheless,  That  whether  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  county  should  or  should  not  proceed  to  an  election 
of  Deputies,  that  in  either  case  the  committee  of  the  said 
county  do  report  to  this  Committee  the  names  of  those 
who  do,  or  shall  either  directly  or  indirectly  oppose  such 
election,  as  also  the  names  of  those  who  do  not  attend  such 
election,  in  case  a  poll  shall  be  opened  for  that  purpose, 
and  that  the  said  committee  report  their  proceedings,  and 
those  of  the  county,  in  the  premises,  to  this  Committee  on 
Monday  the  22nd  inst. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  to  Mr.  Richard 
Lawrence,  or  his  order,  certified  copies  of  the  resolution 
of  this  Committee,  passed  this  morning,  and  of  the  two 
last  preceding  resolutions,  as  to  the  inhabitants  of  Rich- 
mond county. 

Copies  of  three  affidavits  as  to  the  ill  conduct  and 
threatenings  of  Samuel  Devine,  certified  by  Captain  John 


Wisner,  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Ulster  County  : — Stephen  Semour,  of  full  age,  be- 
ing duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelist  this  4th  day  of  Ja- 
nuary, 1776,  saith  that  on  Monday  evening  the  1st  inst. 
being  at  the  house  of  Daniel  McGiden,  he  heard  Samuel 
Devine  repeatedly  drink  damnation  to  the  Congress  and  all 
the  whigs  ;  that  last  year  was  whig  year,  but  this  would 
be  tory  year,  and  likewise  that  all  the  whigs  would  be 
hanged  in  the  spring  ;  and  furthermore  repeatedly  called  the 
whigs  a  pack  of  damn'd  rebels  ;  and  further  saith  that  he 
would  not  obey  his  officers  more  than  he  would  a  dog,  or 
to  that  purpose  ;  and  further  saith  not. 

"STEPHEN  SEMOUR." 

"Ulster  Countv  : — George  Lean,  of  full  age,  being 
duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelist  this  4th  day  of  Ja- 
nuary, 1776,  saith,  that  being  sent  with  a  warrant  from 
Capt.  Turpaney  to  the  house  of  Samuel  Devine,  to  levy  on 
his  goods  and  chattels  for  not  appearing  under  arms  ac- 
cording to  military  law,  at  which  time  he  levied  on  two  ox 
chains  ;  Devine  then  threatened  that  if  he  took  the  chains 
he  should  immediately  be  a  dead  man.  After  going  some 
rods  from  said  Devine's  house,  was  followed  by  him,  who 
desired  to  see  his  warrant,  which  the  deponent's  brother  had 
in  his  hand,  and  shewing  it  to  him*  said  Devine  snatched  it 
out  of  his  hand  and  destroyed  it ;  and  further  saith,  that 
Devine  said  if  satisfaction  was  not  made  for  his  chains  he 
would  come  up  and  kill  a  half  a  dozen  of  them  ;  and  fur- 
ther saith  not. 

"  GEORGE  LEAN." 

"  Ulster  County  : — Henry  Lockwood,  of  full  age,  be- 
ing duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelist  this  4th  day  of  Ja- 
nuary, 1776,  saith,  that  on  his  way  from  Newburgh  home- 
ward, he  met  with  some  persons,  among  whom  was  a  cer- 
tain Samuel  Devine,  who  then  asked  him  if  he  did  not 
know  there  was  a  reward  for  taking  up  a  committeeman 
and  sending  him  on  board  the  man  of  war  ;  who  then  threat- 
ened to  take  said  deponent,  he  being  one  of  the  committee 
of  New-Malborough  precinct,  and  lhat  he  could  have  £40 
in  cash,  or  50  acres  of  land,  for  delivering  a  committeeman 
on  board  the  man  of  war ;  and  further  saith  not. 

"  HENRY  LOCKWOOD." 
"  A  true  copy  of  the  oaths,  ) 

given  under  my  hand.  5 

"  Capt.  John  Wisner." 

Application  was  again  made  to  this  Committee  on  the 
subject  of  Capt.  John  Hulbert  and  Capt.  John  Grennel's 
accounts.  Hulbert  and  Grennel  attending  at  the  door,  were 
admitted  with  their  accounts ;  many  articles  in  their  ac- 
counts were  pointed  out  to  them,  to  the  settlement  whereof 
this  Committee  is  by  no  means  competent.  Capt.  Gren- 
nel and  Capt.  Hulbert  withdrew.  After  some  considerable 
time  spent  in  attention  to  those  accounts,  and  sundry  de- 
bates thereon,  to  enable  those  gentlemen  fully  to  pay  off  and 
discharge  all  moneys  due  to  the  privates  and  non-commis- 
sioned officers  of  their  companies,  this  Committee  agreed 
and  resolved  to  allow  them  one  thousand  pounds  on  ac- 
count, and  came  to  a  determination  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

Whereas  Capt.  Grenell  and  Capt.  Hulbert,  of  the  third 
battalion  of  the  New- York  Continental  troops,  under  the 
command  of  Col.  Clinton,  now  in  actual  service  in  Canada, 
have  applied  to  this  Committee  with  their  respective  ac- 
counts ;  that  of  Capt.  Grenell  exhibiting  a  balance  of 
£624  4s.  lid.  and  that  of  Capt.  Hulbert  a  balance  of 
£826  2s.  8^d.  the  liquidation  of  which  accounts  this  Com- 
mittee conceive  does  not  properly  fall  within  their  depart- 
ment :  And  whereas,  for  reasons  unknown  to  us,  no  pay- 
master attends  this  post  to  whom  they  can  be  referred  for 
their  respective  balances  ;  and  as  this  Committee  has  strong 
apprehensions  that  any  delay  of  the  means  to  enable  them 
to  pay  the  men  of  their  respective  companies  may  prove  a 
great  discouragement  to  persons  who  would  otherwise  wil- 
lingly engage  in  the  service  of  the  United  Colonies : 


248 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved,  That  the  gross  sum  of  £450  on  Capt.  Gre- 
nell's  account  and  £550  on  Capt.  Hulberl's,  be  advanced 
to  them  respectively  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  on  the  account  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
be  accordingly  passed  to  the  debit  of  their  account,  and 
that  a  copy  of  this  resolve  be  transmitted  to  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  with  a  request  to  them  to  take  effectual  order 
that  such  advances  by  this  Committee,  or  the  Provincial 
Congress,  may  not  be  made  necessary  in  future. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  this  entry  and  resolve 
be  given  Messrs.  Hulbert  and  Grennell. 

Mr.  Sands,  who  had  informed  the  Committee  that  he 
had  been  disappointed  as  to  the  vessel  he  was  about  to 
charter  to  proceed  to  the  West  Indies,  in  pursuance  to  the 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  was  then  endeavour- 
ing to  procure  another  suitable  vessel,  reports,  that  he  has 
engaged  a  sloop,  belonging  to  Stephen  Thome,  to  go  to  the 
Island  of  St.  Eustatia,  at  70s.  per  ton,  merchants'  tonnage, 
the  Congress  to  take  the  risk  of  seizures.  Vessel  valued  at 
£500.  That  he  could  also  engage  Abm.  P.  Lott's  schooner 
to  go  to  Martinico,  Guadalupe  or  St.  Eustatia,  at  70s.  The 
Congress  to  take  the  risk  of  seizures.  Vessel  valued  at 
£500. 

The  Committee  approve  of  Mr.  Sand's  agreement  for 
the  first  above  mentioned  vessel,  made  in  pursuance  of  the 
directions  of  this  Provincial  Congress,  and  submit  it  to  the 
care  and  prudence  of  Mr.  Sands,  (with  such  advice  as  he 
may  from  time  to  time  request  of  this  Committee,)  to  make 
the  most  advantageous  agreement  for  the  public  benefit  as 
to  the  other  vessel. 

A  case  of  the  committee  of  Huntington  was  stated  by 
Mr.  Tredwell  to  this  Committee  of  Safety,  and  the  letters 
to  Mr.  Tredwell  on  that  subject,  and  all  the  other  certifi- 
cates and  writings  relative  thereto,  produced  by  Mr.  Tred- 
well, were  read  and  considered,  and  after  full  considera- 
tion thereof,  the  Committee  of  Safety  gave  a  state  of  the 
case  and  a  determination  thereon,  to  be  transmitted  to  the 
committee  at  Huntington  in  hcec  verba  videlicit. 

P.  M.  J  any.  12th,  1776. 

The  following  case  was  stated  on  behalf  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Huntington  for  the  opinion  of  this  Committee,  to  wit : 
Capt.  Barnabas  Swain,  in  the  sloop  Bellona,  having  taken 
in  part  of  his  lading  for  Nantucket,  at  New-York,  with 
leave  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  proceeded  with  the  same  to  Huntington,  with 
intent  to  complete  his  cargo  there.  The  leave  he  obtain- 
ed at  New-York  was  founded  on  a  permit  produced  by 
him  from  under  the  hands  of  the  committee  of  Falmouth, 
dated  2d  of  October,  1775,  which  permit  was  produced  to 
the  committee  of  Huntington,  to  induce  them  to  consent  to 
the  completion  of  his  cargo  there  ;  this  consent  was  op- 
posed by  some  of  the  committee  of  Huntington.  After- 
wards the  committee  and  inhabitants  became  acquainted 
with  the  resolutions  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  of  Nov.  3,  1775,  and  the  committee 
are  still  of  opinion  that  notwithstanding  any  thing  contain- 
ed in  those  resolutions  Capt.  Swain  should  be  permitted  to 
complete  his  cargo,  with  which  opinion  the  aforesaid  inha- 
bitants are  displeased. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that  notwithstanding 
the  date  of  Captn.  Swain's  permit  precedes  that  of  the  afore- 
said resolutions,  and  will  be  inconsistent  with  a  just  respect 
to  the  said  House  of  Representatives  and  a  due  regard  to 
the  union  of  the  Colonies  to  attempt  to  unravel  the  prin- 
ciples upon  which  the  aforesaid  resolutions  are  founded, 
and  that  as  by  the  said  resolutions  the  inhabitants  of  the 
other  Colonies  are  desired  to  withhold  further  supplies  of 
provisions,  fuel  or  other  necessaries  from  Nantucket  until 
the  further  recommendation  of  the  said  Court  of  Represen- 
tatives, and  contains  no  saving  in  behalf  of  former  permits, 
it  is  Captn.  Swain's  misfortune  that  he  did  not  complete 
his  cargo  before  the  receipt  of  the  said  resolutions,  and 
that  the  committee  of  Huntington  ought  not  to  permit  him 


to  complete  his  said  cargo  ;  but  that  nevertheless  he  be  per- 
mitted to  depart  on  his  voyage,  without  molestation,  with 
the  provisions  and  other  necessaries  which  he  was  permit- 
ted to  take  on  board  at  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  a  certified  copy  of 
the  afore  written  case  and  opinion  of  this  Committee  there- 
on to  Mr.  Tredwell,  to  be  by  him  transmitted  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Huntington. 


DIE  SABBATI, 

Jany.  13th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

This  day  is  set  apart  for  the  hearing  and  trial  of  priso- 
ners. Several  prisoners  in  the  guard-house  were  ordered 
to  be  brought  before  the  Committee  to  be  heard,  and  a  re- 
port from  the  barrack  guard  delivered  in  and  filed.  Wil- 
liam Weyman,  who  had  been  confined  by  the  city  com- 
mittee, for  going  on  board  the  ship  Asia  and  procuring  bar- 
rels and  assisting  to  ship  a  sloop  load  of  pork  for  the  mi- 
nisterial army  and  navy  :  he  acknowledged,  voluntarily, 
that  he  was  guilty  of  the  whole  charge  ;  appearing  contrite 
and  penitent  for  his  ill  conduct,  the  tendency  of  which  was 
fully  represented  to  him,  he  was  reprimanded  and  charged 
to  tarry  at  home  and  behave  prudently,  and  give  no  offence 
to  his  fellow  countrymen.  Thereupon  a  certificate  was 
given  to  him,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  William  Weyman,  of  Westchester  county,  who  has 
been  confined  in  the  upper  barracks  in  New- York,  was  this 
day  brought  before  the  Committee  of  Safety  and  heard  ;  he 
acknowledged,  voluntarily,  the  charges  against  him,  and  ap- 
peared contrite  and  penitent  for  his  past  ill  conduct,  the 
tendency  of  which  was  fully  represented  to  him ;  he  was 
reprimanded,  charged  to  tarry  at  home,  behave  prudently 
and  give  no  offence  to  his  fellow  countrymen,  and  not  to 
act  against  the  liberties  of  his  country,  all  which  he  has 
solemnly  engaged  to  do  do  ;  he  is  therefore  hereby  dis- 
charged, and  permitted  to  return  to  his  place  of  abode,  and 
it  is  recommended  to  all  friends  to  liberty  and  their  country 
to  keep  a  watchful  eye  on  his  future  conduct." 

Azor  Betts  was  next  brought  before  the  Committee,  and 
charged  by  Christopher  Duyckinck  with  having,  in  his 
presence,  damned  the  Congresses  and  Committees,  both 
Continental  and  Provincial,  and  said  that  they  were  a  set 
of  damned  rascals  and  acted  only  to  feather  their  own  nests, 
and  not  to  serve  their  country ;  that  they  had  shut  up  his 
shop,  but  that  he  hoped  to  see  the  day  when  he  would  shut 
them  up,  or  overturn  them  :  and  mentioned  Capt.  Bucha- 
nan and  others  as  witnesses  to  support  the  charge.  The 
said  Betts  does  not  in  general  deny  the  charge,  or  desire 
any  other  witnesses  to  be  called,  but  alleges  that  he  did 
not  mean  to  include  all  the  members  of  Congresses  and 
Committees,  and  supposes  there  are  some  good  men  among 
them,  and  at  same  time  confesses  that  Capt.  Buchanan 
will  give  the  like  testimony  as  Christopher  Duyckinck  has 
done. 

Thomas  Service,  who  had  been  committed  for  carrying 
some  person  on  board  of  one  of  the  ships  of  war  without 
any  permit :  he  was  admonished  for  his  bad  conduct,  and 
informed  of  the  consequences  if  he  should  be  taken  in  the 
like  act  hereafter,  and  was  discharged. 

Robert  Simmons,  confined  by  the  city  committee,  was 
brought  in  before  the  Committee. 

Simon  Cox,  a  person  recommended  to  the  Committee 
for  his  integrity,  was  produced  as  a  witness  ;  he  declares 
that  Simmons,  the  prisoner,  offered  him  2  pr.  of  silver 
buckles,  which  he  said  were  worth  40s.  if  he  would  suffer 
him  to  escape. 

Robert  Simmons  was  recommitted. 

Capt.  John  Buchanan  says  he  heard  Azor  Betts  damn 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


249 


the  Congresses  and  comnvfttees,  and  say  they  had  taken 
the  bread  out  of  his  moutm  ;  that  his  business  was  inocu- 
lution  ;  that  the  said  Azor  fMtts  has  taken  great  pains  to 
prevent  Joseph  Hunt,  an  ensygn  in  Capt.  Tylee's  company, 
from  taking  his  commission. 

Peletiah  Haws  gives  the  like  testimony  as  to  Azor  Betts. 

Lawrence  Hartwick,  brought  before  the  Committee. 

Capt.  John  Buchanan  says,  that  he  has  heard  that  Law- 
rence Hartwick  is  very  unfriendly  to  the  liberties  of  Ame- 
rica, and  that  he  frequently  went  on  board  of  the  man  of 
war ;  and  it  is  reported  that  he  carried  the  names  of  per- 
sons in  this  city  on  board  who  are  active  for  their  country. 
Capt.  Buchanan  says  that  he  has  heard  Lawrence  Hart- 
wick declare  that  he  had  been  on  board  of  the  man  of  war, 
would  go  on  board  again  when  he  pleased,  and  would  see 
who  would  hinder  him. 

Mr.  Scott  departed  with  leave. 

Lawrence  Hartwick  says  he  wanted  a  musket,  and  went 
on  board  to  buy  a  musket,  and  bought  one  of  the  armourer 
and  paid  the  money  for  it ;  that  the  gun  was  to  be  sent  to 
him  by  the  pilot,  but  was  not  sent,  and  he  went  on  board 
afterwards  at  different  times  for  his  money  ;  that  when  he 
was  on  board  the  ship  Asia,  Mr.  Tylee  was  there,  who 
asked  him  if  he  knew  Capt.  Tylee  at  the  shipyards,  and 
answered  yes ;  and  told  him  that  he  wanted  to  speak  to 
him ;  that  he  told  him  he  was  not  yet  going  on  shore,  and 
he  might  have  an  opportunity  to  speak  to  him  ;  that  after 
he  came  on  shore  he  found  a  letter  in  his  pocket  directed 
to  Capt.  Tylee,  which  he  delivered  two  days  afterwards, 
but  does  not  know  how  he  received  it ;  that  he  never 
showed  the  letter  to  Capt.  Vandeput,  or  any  of  his  officers. 

Capt.  Nat.  Tylee  says,  he  received  a  letter  from  the 
prisoner  on  a  Sunday  morning  in  November  last ;  that 
Hartwick  told  him  Lieut.  Tylee  had  put  it  in  his  pocket 
in  the  gun  room ;  that  the  letter  had  been  sealed  with  a 
wafer  and  broken  open,  and  resealed  with  a  very  large  seal 
of  wax  ;  that  on  that  evening  the  ship's  decks  were  cleared 
and  some  person  informed  him  they  expected  a  party  and 
were  in  readiness  ;  the  letter  was  read ;  it  has  evident 
marks  of  being  opened  and  resealed  ;  that  he  charged  Hart- 
wick with  breaking  open  the  letter,  and  Hartwick  denied  it. 

Capt.  Tylee  gave  the  same  information  which  was  given 
to  the  committee  a  few  days  ago,  to  wit :  that  Capt.  Van- 
deput told  Tylee,  the  prisoner,  in  the  ship  Asia,  that  he 
had  seen  his  letter,  and  his  friend  had  betrayed  him ;  that 
he  would  not  use  him  ill,  but  that  he  set  another  sentry 
over  him. 

John  Rutter  says,  that  about  the  same  time  McDonnald 
and  Hampton  got  on  board  the  man  of  war,  Hartwick 
came  several  times  from  on  board  of  the  man  of  war  ;  that 
one  evening  when  Hartwick  and  Leonard  came  from  on 
board,  they  were  told  it  was  very  wrong,  and  they  said 
they  would  go  on  board  when  they  pleased,  and  they  would 
see  who  would  hinder  them  ;  that  Hartwick  in  particular 
said  so  ;  that  he  has  understood  in  general  that  Hartwick 
is  very  much  opposed  to  the  measures  of  the  Congress. 
Hartwick  denies  that  he  told  Tylee  that  the  letter  was  put 
in  his  pocket  in  the  gun  room. 

John  Hunter  says,  that  Hartwick's  wife  declared  that 
when  he  found  the  letter  in  his  coat  pocket,  he  said  he 
would  send  it  back  on  board  of  the  man  of  war. 

John  Kell  says,  that  one  day  last  fall  Lawrence  Hart- 
wick told  him  there  was  a  fine  wind,  and  troops  expected  ; 
that  they  would  give  the  whigs  a  drubbing  presently  ;  that 
he  had  advised  Hartwick  not  to  go  on  board  of  the  man  of 
war,  but  he  persisted  that  he  would  go. 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  the  case  of 
Azor  Betts,  and  after  some  time  spent  in  consideration 
thereof,  the  Committee  conceived  that  he  is  a  dangerous 
person,  and  to  prevent  the  bad  tendency  of  his  wicked 
praclices  ought  not  to  be  permitted  to  go  at  large,  and  that 
by  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  they  are 
authorized,  and  that  it  is  their  duty,  to  have  him  confined. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Azor  Betts  be  sent 

63 


to  Ulster  county  jail,  to  be  there  confined  in  close  jail, 
until  the  further  order  of  the  Continental  or  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  of  this  Committee. 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  the  case  of 
Robert  Simmons,  and  are  of  opinion  that  his  many  mis- 
chievous machinations  and  wicked  praclices  are  so  dange- 
rous that  he  ought  to  be  kept  in  safe  custody,  and  that  by 
the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  2nd  Jany. 
inst.  they  are  authorized,  and  that  it  is  their  duty,  to  have 
him  confined  in  close  jail ;  and  that  as  he  has  attempted 
to  corrupt  the  sentry  at  the  barrack  where  he  has  been  con- 
fined, that  it  will  be  unsafe  to  keep  him  as  a  prisoner  with- 
out having  him  fettered  or  manacled. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Robert  Simmons  be 
conveyed  to  Ulster  county  jail,  to  be  there  confined  in 
close  jail  until  the  further  order  of  the  Continental  or  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  or  of  this  Committee.  And 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  cause  the  said  Robert 
Simmons  to  be  fettered  or  manacled  so  as  to  prevent  his 
escape,  until  he  can  be  sent  to  Ulster  county. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  Uth,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  at  the  City  Hall,  pursuant 
to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman,  and  the  other 
members  in  the  city,  except  Mr.  Scott. 

As  no  business  of  so  much  importance  appeared  imme- 
diately necessary,  as  to  require  the  Committee  to  continne 
their  attendance  this  day,  the  Committee  therefore  ad- 
journed to  meet  at  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  LVNJE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  15th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  are  informed  by  a  member, 
that  a  fleet  of  eighteen  sail  of  transports,  two  men  of  war 
and  two  bomb  ships,  are  sailed  from  Boston  ;  that  they 
sailed  from  Boston  on  last  Saturday  week,  and  that  a  letter 
from  General  Washington,  advising  this  Committee  there- 
of, is  on  the  way,  and  may  be  hourly  expected. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  thought  it  necessary  to  have 
a  proper  person  sent  to  the  Narrows,  with  a  glass,  to  look 
out  for  any  fleet  that  may  be  approaching  this  port ;  and 
Capt.  Austin  Lawrence  being  sent  for,  attended  the  Com- 
mittee ;  he  agreed  to  proceed  to  the  Narrows  immediately 
for  that  purpose,  and  proper  directions  were  given  to  him 
and  signals  agreed  on,  which  shall  be  made  at  the  ferry  to 
give  notice  to  the  city. 

Capt.  William  Dobbs  was  also  sent  for  and  attended  ;  he 
was  directed  to  take  the  whale  boat  lately  purchased  by 
this  Committee,  with  a  proper  number  of  men  to  row  her, 
and  proceed  to  the  light-house,  and  there  observe  carefully 
the  approach  of  any  fleet,  and  to  give  immediate  notice 
thereof  to  this  Committee.  Mr.  Dobbs  was  directed  to 
tarry  one  week  if  no  fleet  appears  sooner,  and  to  be  very 
frugal  in  his  disbursements,  which  were  particularly  enu- 
merated. 

Ordered,  That  none  of  the  pilots  at  this  port  shall  go  to 
Sandy  Hook,  or  to  any  other  place  towards  the  Hook, 
without  the  permission  of  this  Committee,  until  the  further 
order  of  this  Committee.  And 

Ordered,  That  no  pilot  do  presume  to  pilot  into  the 
Hook,  or  towards  this  port,  any  transport  with  troops  on 
board,  or  any  ship  of  war,  or  ministerial  armed  vessel 
whatever.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  pilots  be  directed  to  attend  this  Com- 


250 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


mittee  to-morrow  forenoon,  in  order  that  they  may  be 
charged  with  the  matter  of  this  order,  and  to  keep  the 
same  secret. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Wm.  Floyd  and  Henry 
Wisner,  Esqrs.  of  the  11th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  honoured  with  your  favour  of 
4th  inst.  requesting  the  permission  of  Congress  to  ex- 
port a  quantity  of  flaxseed  to  Ireland,  for  the  purpose  you 
mentioned.  However  important  the  object,  we  are  per- 
fectly satisfied  that  it  will  be  in  vain  to  expect  an  indul- 
gence so  repugnant  to  the  non-exportation  system,  and 
particularly,  to  the  motives  of  this  article  of  our  commer- 
cial restriction,  which  were  thought  to  be  very  cogent. 
Not  relying  entirely  on  our  own  judgment,  we  have  con- 
sulted several  of  the  members,  and  find  them  so  averse  to 
the  proposition  that  we  despair  of  its  being  seconded  by  a 
single  Colony.  We  think  it  bad  policy  and  an  humilia- 
tion of  our  respectable  constituents,  to  ask,  in  their  names, 
for  what  we  foresee  must  be  rejected.  Upon  these  con- 
siderations, we  shall  take  the  liberty  to  defer  any  applica- 
tion, 'till  informed  of  our  apprehensions,  we  shall  be  fa- 
voured with  your  further  commands.  If  you  should  still 
incline  to  hazard  the  attempt,  we  shall  most  cheerfully 
obey  your  directions. 

"  We  enclose  you  two  resolutions  of  this  Congress, 
which  respect  our  Colony,  and  a  third  for  the  exchange  of 
Lieut.  Tylee  of  Genl.  Wooster's  regiment,  now  a  priso- 
ner on  board  the  Asia. 

"  We  are,  with  the  highest  regard,  gents. 
"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  humble  servts. 

"  JAMES  DUANE, 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"HENRY  WISNER. 

"  Phila.  lWi  Jany.  1776. 
"  The  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

"  P.  S.  We  also  enclose  you  several  resolutions  of 
Congress  which  passed  the  8th  inst.  which  we  are  directed 
to  communicate  since  we  closed  the  preceding  letter." 

The  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  8th 
inst.  relating  to  the  construction  of  batteaux  at  Ticonde- 
roga,  and  sending  salt  thither,  and  relating  to  the  practi- 
cability of  lessening  the  depth  of  water  at  the  Narrows, 
was  read  and  filed. 

The  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  same 
date,  on  the  subject  of  raising  troops  for  Canada,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Congress,  January  8th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  to  make  up  the  battalions  voted  for 
the  defence  of  Canada,  one  battalion  be  immediately  rais- 
ed in  New  Hampshire,  one  in  Connecticut,  and  one  in 
New-York ;  that  two  battalions  be  formed  out  of  the 
troops  now  in  Canada,  and  that  General  Montgomery  be 
desired  to  recommend  proper  persons  for  officers  in  said 
battalions. 

"  The  other  three  battalions  to  be  sent  from  Pennsylva- 
nia and  New-Jersey. 

"  That  Col.  Van  Schaick,  Lieut.  Col.  Yates  and  Major 
Gansevoort,  be  continued  in  the  service  of  the  United  Co- 
lonies, and  that  they  take  the  command  of  the  above  bat- 
talion to  be  levied  in  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  Extracts  from  the  minutes. 

" CHARLES  THOMSON, 

"  Secy. 

The  resolve  of  Congress  of  the  9th  Jany.  relating  to 
the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster  counties  at  the  new  gar- 
rison, was  read  and  filed. 

A  resolve  of  Congress  of  the  11th  inst.  recommending 
to  procure  the  exchange  of  Lieut.  Tylee,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  resolve  of  Congress  directing  General  Schuyler  to  be 
furnished  with  an  account  of  moneys  advanced  to  the  troops 
of  his  department,  was  read  and  filed. 

Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Delegates  of  this 


Colony,  came  into  the  Committee  and  conferred  with  them 
on  sundry  matters,  and  delivered  to  them  certified  copies 
of  sundry  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  dif- 
ferent days  from  25th  Novr.  to  the  2nd  inst.  which  were 
read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  November  25th,  1775. 

I  he  Congress  resumed  the  report  of  the  committee 
on  General  Washington's  letter,  and  the  same  being  de- 
bated by  paragraphs,  was  agreed  to  as  follows  : 

The  committee  to  whom  so  much  of  the  letter  from 
General  Washington  to  the  President,  dated  the  8th  inst. 
as  relates  to  the  disposal  of  the  vessels  and  cargoes  be- 
longing to  the  enemy,  which  shall  fall  into  the  hands  of, 
or  be  taken  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Colonies, 
and  so  much  of  the  report  of  the  committee  of  Con- 
gress which  lately  went  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  as 
related  to  that  subject,  were  referred,  have  examined  the 
matter  thereof,  and  directed  the  same  as  it  appears  to  them, 
together  with  the  resolutions  of  the  committee  thereupon, 
to  be  reported  as  followeth  : 

'"It  appears  to  your  committee  from  undoubted  informa- 
tion, that  many  vessels  which  had  cleared  at  the  respec- 
tive custom  houses  in  these  Colonies,  agreeable  to  the 
regulations  established  by  acts  of  the  British  Parliament, 
have  in  a  lawless  manner,  without  even  the  semblance  of 
just  authority,  been  seized  by  His  Majesty's  ships  of  war, 
and  carried  into  the  harbour  of  Boston  and  other  ports, 
where  they  have  been  rifled  of  their  cargoes  by  order  of 
His  Majesty's  naval  and  military  officers  there  command- 
ing, without  the  said  vessels  having  been  proceeded 
against  by  any  form  of  trial,  and  without  the  charge  of 
having  offended  against  any  law. 

"  '  It  farther  appears  to  your  committee  that  orders  have 
been  issued  in  His  Majesty's  name,  to  the  commanders  of 
ships  of  war,  '  to  proceed  as  in  the  case  of  actual  rebellion, 
against  such  of  the  seaport  towns  and  places  being  acces- 
sible to  the  King's  ships,  in  which  any  troops  shall  be  rais- 
ed or  military  works  erected  ;'  under  colour  of  which  said 
orders,  the  commanders  of  His  Majesty's  said  ships  of  war 
have  already  burned  and  destroyed  the  flourishing  and  po- 
pulous town  of  Falmouth,  and  have  fired  upon  and  much 
injured  several  other  towns  within  the  United  Colonies, 
and  dispersed  at  a  late  season  of  the  year,  hundreds  of 
helpless  women  and  children,  with  a  savage  hope  that 
those  may  perish  under  the  approaching  rigours  of  the 
season,  who  may  chance  to  escape  destruction  from  fire 
and  sword — a  mode  of  warfare  long  exploded  among  civi- 
lized nations. 

"  '  It  also  appears  to  your  committee  that  the  good 
people  of  these  Colonies,  sensibly  affected  by  the  des- 
truction of  their  property  and  other  unprovoked  injuries, 
have  at  last  determined  to  prevent  as  much  as  possible  a 
repetition  thereof,  and  to  procure  some  reparation  for  the 
same,  by  fitting  out  armed  vessels  and  ships  of  force.  In 
the  execution  of  which  commendable  designs,  it  is  possi- 
ble that  those  who  have  not  been  instrumental  in  the  un- 
warrantable violences  above  mentioned  may  suffer,  unless 
some  laws  be  made  to  regulate,  and  tribunals  erected  com- 
petent to  determine  the  propriety  of  captures,  whereupon 
your  committee  came  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  '  1st.  That  all  such  ships  of  war,  frigates,  sloops,  cut- 
ters and  armed  vessels,  as  are  or  shall  be  employed  in  the 
present  cruel  and  unjust  war  against  the  United  Colonies, 
and  shall  fall  into  the  hands  of,  or  be  taken  by  the  inhabi- 
tants thereof,  be  seized  and  forfeited  to  and  for  the  purpo- 
ses hereinafter  mentioned. 

"  '  2.  On  motion  made  and  the  question  put, 

"  '  Resolved,  That  the  second  article  or  resolution  be  re- 
committed. The  same  (as  brought  in  and  agreed  to  the 
19th  Deer.)  is  as  follows  : 

"  '  Resolved,  That  all  transport  vessels  in  the  same  ser- 
vice, having  on  board  any  troops,  arms,  ammunition,  cloth- 
ing, provisions  or  military  or  naval  stores  of  what  kind  so- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


251 


ever,  and  all  vessels  to  whomsoever  belonging  that  shall 
be  employed  in  carrying  provisions  or  other  necessaries  to 
the  British  army  or  armies  or  navy  that  now  are,  or  here- 
after shall  be  within  any  of  the  United  Colonies,  or  any 
goods,  wares  or  merchandize,  for  the  use  of  such  fleet  or 
armies  shall  be  liable  to  seizure,  and  with  their  cargoes 
shall  be  confiscated. 

" 1  3rd.  That  no  master  or  commander  of  any  vessel 
shall  be  entitled  to  cruise  for  or  make  prize  of  any  vessel 
or  cargo  before  he  shall  have  obtained  a  commission  from 
the  Congress,  or  from  such  person  or  persons  as  shall  be 
for  that  purpose  appointed  in  some  one  of  the  United  Co- 
lonies. 

" '  4th.  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  se- 
veral Legislatures  in  the  United  Colonies,  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible to  erect  courts  of  justice,  or  give  jurisdiction  to  the 
courts  now  in  being,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  con- 
cerning the  captures  to  be  made  as  aforesaid,  and  to  pro- 
vide that  all  trials  in  such  case  be  had  by  a  jury  under  such 
qualifications  as  to  the  respective  Legislatures  shall  seem 
expedient. 

'"5th.  That  all  prosecutions  shall  be  commenced  in  the 
court  of  that  Colony  in  which  the  capture  shall  be  made  ; 
but  if  no  such  court  be  at  that  time  erected  in  the  said  Co- 
lony, or  if  the  capture  be  made  on  open  sea,  then  the 
prosecution  shall  be  in  the  court  of  such  Colony  as  the 
captor  may  find  most  convenient,  provided  that  nothing 
contained  in  this  resolution  shall  be  construed  so  as  to  en- 
able the  captor  to  remove  his  prize  from  any  Colony  com- 
petent to  determine  concerning  the  seizure,  after  he  shall 
have  carried  the  vessel  so  seized  within  any  harbour  of 
the  same. 

"  '  6th.  That  in  all  cases  an  appeal  shall  be  allowed  to 
the  Congress,  or  such  person  or  persons  as  they  shall  ap- 
point for  the  trial  of  appeals ;  provided  the  appeal  be  de- 
manded within  five  days  after  definitive  sentence,  and  such 
appeal  be  lodged  with  the  Secretary  of  Congress  within 
forty  days  afterwards ;  and  provided  the  party  appealing 
shall  give  security  to  prosecute  the  said  appeal  to  ef- 
fect ;  and  in  case  of  the  death  of  the  Secretary  during  the 
recess  of  Congress,  then  the  said  appeal  to  be  lodged  in 
Congress  within  twenty  days  after  the  meeting  thereof. 

"  '  7th.  That  when  any  vessel  or  vessels  shall  be  fitted 
out  at  the  expense  of  any  person  or  persons,  then  the  cap- 
tures made  shall  be  to  the  use  of  the  owner  or  owners  of 
the  said  vessel  or  vessels  ;  that  where  the  vessels  employed 
in  the  capture  shall  be  fitted  out  at  the  expense  of  any  of 
the  United  Colonies,  then  one-third  of  the  prize  taken 
shall  be  to  the  use  of  the  captors,  the  remaining  two-thirds 
to  the  use  of  the  said  Colony  ;  and  where  the  vessels  so 
employed  shall  be  fitted  out  at  the  Continental  charge,  then 
one-third  shall  go  to  the  captors,  and  the  remaining  two- 
thirds  to  the  use  of  the  United  Colonies  ;  provided,  never- 
theless, that  if  the  capture  be  a  vessel  of  war,  then  the 
captors  shall  be  entitled  to  one-half  of  the  value  and  the 
remainder  shall  go  to  the  Colonies  or  Continent,  as  the 
case  may  be  ;  the  necessary  charges  of  condemnation  of 
all  prizes  being  deducted  before  any  distribution  is  made. 

"  '  8th.  That  the  captures  heretofore  made  by  vessels 
fitted  out  at  the  Continental  charge  were  justifiable,  and 
that  the  distribution  of  the  captors'  share  of  the  prizes  by 
General  Washington  be  confirmed. 

"  '  Resolved,  That  in  case  of  recaptures,  the  recaptors 
ought  to  have  and  retain,  in  lieu  of  salvage,  one-eighth  part 
of  the  true  value  of  the  vessel  and  cargo  or  either  of 
them,  if  the  same  hath  or  have  been  in  the  possession  of 
the  enemy  twenty-four  hours  ;  one-fifth  part  if  more  than 
twenty-four  and  less  than  48  hours  ;  one-third  part  if  more 
than  48  and  less  than  96  hours,  and  one-half  if  more  than 
96  hours,  unless  the  vessel  shall,  after  the  capture,  have 
been  legally  condemned  as  a  prize  by  some  court  of  admi- 
ralty, in  which  case  the  recaptor  ought  have  the  whole  ; 
in  all  which  cases  the  share  retained  or  prizes  to  be  divided 
between  the  owners  of  the  vessel  making  the  recapture,  the 


Colony  or  the  Continent,  as  the  case  may  be,  and  the  cap- 
tors, agreeable  to  a  former  resolution. 

"  '  Resolved,  That  in  the  present  situation  of  affairs  it 
will  be  very  dangerous  to  the  liberties  and  welfare  of  Ame- 
rica, if  any  Colony  should  separately  petition  the  King  or 
either  House  of  Parliament.' 

"In  Congress,  December  Uth,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Sher- 
bourn,  in  Nantucket,  prepare  an  estimate  of  the  quantity 
of  fuel  and  provisions  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  said  island,  and  lay  it  before  three  or  more  justices 
of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Barnstable  in  the  Co- 
lony of  Massachusetts  Bay,  attested  by  the  oath  or  affir- 
mation of  the  said  selectmen,  and  that  the  said  justices  be 
empowered  to  grant  licenses  under  their  hands  to  any  mas- 
ter or  owner  of  vessels  in  the  said  island  to  import  fuel  and 
provisions  from  the  Colonies  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode 
Island,  Connecticut,  New-York,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylva- 
nia, lower  counties  on  Delaware  or  Maryland,  not  exceed- 
ing the  quantities  specified  in  said  estimate." 

"  December  26th,  1775. 

"  Whereas,  an  estimate  hath  lately  been  formed  of  the 
public  expense  already  arisen  and  which  may  accrue  in 
defence  of  America  to  the  10th  day  of  June  next,  in  pursu- 
ance whereof  this  Congress  on  the  24  th  day  of  November 
resolved  that  a  further  sum  of  three  millions  of  dollars  be 
emitted  in  bills  of  credit : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  thirteen  United  Colonies 
be  pledged  for  the  bills  of  credit  so  directed  to  be  emitted  ; 
that  each  Colony  provide  ways  and  means  to  sink  its  pro- 
portion of  the  said  bills  in  such  manner  as  may  be  most 
effectual  and  best  adapted  to  the  condition,  circumstances 
and  equal  mode  of  levying  taxes  in  each  Colony.  That 
the  proportion  or  quota  of  each  respective  Colony  be  de- 
termined according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants  of  all  ages, 
including  negroes  and  mulattoes  in  each  Colony. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Assemblies, 
Conventions,  or  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety  of  the 
respective  Colonies  to  ascertain  by  the  most  impartial  and 
effectual  means  in  their  power,  the  number  of  inhabitants 
in  each  respective  Colony,  taking  care  that  the  lists  be 
authenticated  by  the  oaths  of  the  several  persons  who  shall 
be  entrusted  with  this  service ;  and  that  the  said  Assem- 
blies, Conventions,  Councils  or  Committees  of  Safety  do 
respectively  lay  before  this  Congress  a  return  of  the  num- 
ber of  inhabitants  of  their  respective  Colonies  as  soon  as 
the  same  shall  be  procured. 

"  That  each  Colony  pay  its  respective  quota  in  four 
equal  payments,  the  first  to  be  made  on  or  before  the  last 
day  of  November,  1783  ;  the  second  on  or  before  the  last 
day  of  November,  1784;  the  third  on  or  before  the  last 
day  of  November,  1885  ;  and  the  fourth  or  last  on  or  before 
the  last  day  of  November,  1786.  And  that  for  this  the 
several  Assemblies  or  Conventions  provide  for  laying  and 
levying  taxes  in  their  respective  Colonies  towards  sinking 
the  Continental  bills  ;  that  the  said  bills  be  received  by  the 
collectors,  in  payment  of  such  taxes,  and  be  by  the  col- 
lectors paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Provincial  Treasurers, 
with  all  such  other  moneys  as  they  may  receive  in  lieu  of 
Continental  bills  ;  which  other  moneys  the  Provincial  Trea- 
surers shall  endeavour  to  get  exchanged  for  Continental 
bills,  and  where  that  cannot  be  done  shall  send  to  the  Con- 
tinental Treasurers  the  deficiency  in  silver  and  gold,  with 
the  bills  making  upthe  quota  to  be  sunk  that  year,  takingcare 
to  cut  by  a  circular  punch  of  an  inch  diameter  a  hole  in 
such  bills  and  to  cross  the  same,  thereby  to  render  them 
impassable,  though  the  sum  or  value  is  to  remain  fairly 
legible  ;  and  the  Continental  Treasurers,  as  fast  as  they  re- 
ceive the  said  quotas,  shall,  with  the  assistance  of  a  com- 
mittee of  five  persons  to  be  appointed  by  the  Congress 
if  sitting,  or  by  the  Assembly  or  Convention  of  the  Province 
of  Pennsylvania,  examine  and  count  the  Continental  bills, 
and  in  the  presence  of  the  said  committee  burn  and  destroy 
them  ;  and  the  silver  and  gold  sent  them  to  make  up  the 


252 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


deficiencies  of  quotas  they  shall  retain  in  their  hands  until 
demanded  in  redemption  of  Continental  bills  that  may  be 
brought  to  them  for  that  purpose,  which  bills  so  redeemed 
thev  shall  also  burn  and  destroy  in  the  presence  of  the  said 
committee  ;  and  the  Treasurers  whenever  they  have  silver 
and  gold  in  their  hands  for  the  redemption  of  Continental 
bills  shall  advertise  the  same,  signifying  that  they  are  ready 
to  give  gold  or  silver  for  such  bills  to  all  persons  requiring 
it  in  exchange. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  Le- 
gislatures in  these  Colonies,  whether  Assemblies  or  Con- 
ventions, to  pass  acts  or  ordinances  prohibiting  the  arrest 
of  Continental  soldiers  for  small  debts ;  and  in  order  that 
the  same  rule  may  pervade  all  the  Colonies,  that  no  such 
soldier  be  arrested  at  the  suit  of  any  of  his  creditors  un- 
less the  said  creditors  make  oath  that  the  said  soldier  is 
justly  indebted  to  him  in  the  sum  of  35  dollars,  over  and 
above  all  discounts  ;  and  that  the  estate  of  no  such  soldier 
be  liable  to  attachment  at  the  suit  or  for  the  benefit  of  all 
his  creditors,  unless  their  debts  in  the  whole  on  being  as- 
certained by  their  oaths  shall  amount  to  more  than  150 
dollars. 

"  Whereas,  This  Congress  by  a  resolution  passed  the 
15th  day  of  July  last,  did  direct  that  every  vessel  importing 
into  these  Colonies,  gunpowder,  saltpetre,  sulphur  and 
other  military  stores  therein  specified,  within  nine  months 
from  the  date  thereof,  should  be  permitted  to  load  and  ex- 
port the  produce  of  these  Colonies  to  the  value  of  such 
powder  and  stores  aforesaid,  the  non-exportation  agree- 
ment notwithstanding,  by  permits  from  the  committees  of 
the  several  Colonies  ;  to  the  end  therefore,  that  this  Con- 
gress may  be  the  better  informed  of  the  quantity  of  mi- 
litary stores  which  are  or  shall  be  so  imported,  and  of 
the  produce  exported  in  consequence  of  the  resolution 
aforesaid  : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  all  committees 
by  whom  any  permits  under  the  said  resolution  have  been 
or  may  be  granted,  to  transmit  to  this  Congress  from  time 
to  time,  a  true  account  of  the  military  stores,  &c.  import- 
ed, and  of  the  produce  exported,  with  the  price  and  value 
of  both." 

"December  29th,  1775. 
"  Resolved,  That  as  the  importation  of  any  universally 
necessary  commodity,  and  the  exportation  of  our  produce 
to  purchase  the  same,  must  give  a  proportionably  greater 
opportunity  to  our  enemies  of  making  depredations  on  the 
property  of  the  inhabitants  of  these  Colonies,  and  of  oc- 
casionally distressing  them  by  intercepting  snch  commo- 
dities, it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the  several  Assem- 
blies or  Conventions,  immediately  to  promote  by  sufficient 
public  encouragements  the  making  of  salt  in  their  respec- 
tive Colonies." 

"  January  2nd,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  the  Assemblies,  Conventions,  or  Com- 
mittees or  Councils  of  Safety  be  requested  forthwith  to  trans- 
mit to  this  Congress,  copies  of  all  the  petitions,  memorials 
and  remonstrances  which  have  been  by  the  respective  Co- 
lonies presented  to  the  Throne  or  either  House  of  Parlia- 
ment since  the  year  1762,  and  that  they  also  inform  the 
Congress  whether  any,  and  what  answers  were  given  to 
them. 

"  Extracts  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

The  committee  then  spent  a  considerable  time  in  exa- 
mining a  draft  of  the  soundings  of  the  most  likely  place  to 
obstruct  the  navigation  to  this  city,  which  had  on  their  first 
meeting  this  morning  been  produced  to  them  by  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall,  and  considering  of  means  to  carry  that  matter 
into  execution. 

Die  LtjnjE,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  15th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — P.  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 


Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clarke. 

It  being  represented  by  Col.  McDougall  to  this  Commit- 
tee that  he  has  information  from  undoubted  authority  which 
he  also  named,  that  Alexander  Lesslie  of  this  city,  peruke 
maker,  has  been  carrying  on  a  correspondence  dangerous 
to  the  liberties  of  America,  with  some  person  or  persons 
in  Philadelahia.    It  is 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  do  without  delay  cause 
the  said  Alexander  Lesslie,  and  all  other  persons  to  be 
found  in  his  house,  to  be  apprehended  and  kept  in  safe  cus- 
tody till  further  order  of  this  Committee  ;  and  also  at  the 
same  time  to  cause  diligent  search  for,  and  to  be  secured, 
all  papers  that  may  be  found  in  the  said  house,  in  any  wise 
relating  to  such  correspondence,  and  that  Col.  McDougall 
make  report  in  the  premises  with  all  convenient  speed. 

This  Committee  being  informed  that  a  number  of  the 
late  Continental  soldiers  who  were  enlisted  in  Capt.  Den- 
ton's company,  are  returned  to  Orange  county  with  their 
muskets,  bayonets  and  cartouch  boxes  and  accoutrements, 
which  belong  to  the  Colony, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  each  committee  in  the 
county  of  Orange  be  requested  immediately  to  secure  the 
arms  and  accoutrements  of  each  of  the  said  soldiers,  and 
from  time  to  time  to  secure  the  public  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments of  every  discharged  soldier  who  shall  come  within 
their  respective  districts,  and  place  the  same  in  the  hands 
of  the  respective  chairmen  of  the  said  committees,  or  such 
other  prudent  and  trusty  persons  as  by  the  said  committees 
respectively  shall  be  appointed. 

The  Committee  then  heard  the  letter  from  the  Delegates 
of  this  Colony  now  at  Continental  Congress,  and  the  seve- 
ral resolves  of  Congress  lately  received,  read,  and  spent 
some  time  in  consideration  thereof. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  16,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Tredwell,Mr.  Clarke. 

The  petition  of  Capt.  Jacob  Mott,  Jackson  Mott,  and 
Jacob  Weeks  of  Queens  county,  acknowledging  the  im- 
prudence of  their  past  conduct,  engaging  their  future  at- 
tachment to  their  country,  giving  a  certificate  of  their  hav- 
ing signed  the  association. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  gave  them  a  certificate  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  petition  of  Capt.  Jacob  Mott,  Jackson  Mott  and 
Seaman  Weeks  of  Queens  county  was  read,  setting  forth 
that  they,  by  the  persuasion  of  persons  conceived  by  them  to 
be  their  friends,  voted  against  the  election  of  Provincial  De- 
legates in  the  late  election  in  that  county,  for  which  they  de- 
clare their  extreme  sorrow  and  sincere  repentance.  That 
they,  without  reflecting  on  the  ill  consequence  of  opposing 
such  election  (which  they  now  arc  convinced  was  highly  ne- 
cessary for  the  preservation  of  American  liberty)  were  led  to 
such  opposition  by  the  artful  insinuations  of  designing  men. 
They  therefore  pray  this  Committee  to  consider  their  case, 
and  restore  them  to  the  good  opinion  of  the  friends  to  liber- 
ty on  this  Continent  by  declaring  to  the  world  that  the  pe- 
titioners are  extremely  contrite  for  their  late  conduct  in  op- 
posing the  aforesaid  election,  and  to  do  such  other  things 
for  restoring  them  to  the  favour  of  their  countrymen  as  to 
this  Committee  shall  seem  meet." 

Which  petition  was  attended  with  a  certificate  of  Ben- 
jamin Sands,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Cow-neck  and 
Great-neck,  purporting  that  the  petitioners,  since  they  were 
advertised  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  had  expressed  their 
sorrow  for  their  past  conduct,  and  that  they  were  led  on  by 
wicked  and  designing  men,  and  that  they  have  signed  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


253 


general  association  and  promised  obedience  to  all  orders  of 
Congress.  Upon  due  consideration  of  the  premises,  and 
well  knowing  that  the  late  resolves  of  the  Congress  against 
the  delinquents  of  Queens  county  were  intended  to  con- 
vince them  of  their  demerits  and  bring  them  to  a  just  sense 
of  their  duty  to  the  public.    It  is 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petitioners  be  restored  to  the 
state  and  condition  in  which  they  were  before  the  passing 
of  these  resolves,  during  their  respective  future  good  be- 
haviours. 

The  Committee  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
resolves  of  Congress  relating  to  the  fortifications  at  the 
Highlands,  and  thereupon  agreed  upon  instructions  to  the 
commissioners  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Instructions  to  the  commissioners  for  the  fortifications 
on  Hudson's  river : 

;'  In  consequence  of  a  resolve  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, of  the  5th  inst.  that  no  further  fortifications  ought  to 
be  erected  at  Martler's  rock,  on  Hudson's  river,  and  that  a 
point  of  land  at  Pooplopen's  kill  on  the  said  river  ought, 
without  delay,  to  be  effectually  fortified  ;  it  is 

"  Ordered,  1st.  That  the  timber  designed  for  the  addi- 
tional barracks  at  Martler's  rock,  and  not  yet  erected,  be 
removed  by  the  first  opportunity  to  Pooplopen's  kill,  there 
to  be  applied  to  use,  pursuant  to  some  future  order. 

"  2nd.  That  the  timber  now  laying  at  Martler's  rock, 
destined  for  the  line  now  under  construction,  be  not  remov- 
ed, or  applied  to  any  use,  till  further  order,  and  for  that 
purpose. 

"  3rd.  As  this  Committee  is  informed  that  the  line  for 
intended  battery  on  Martler's  rock  is  very  near  being  fi- 
nished, and  as  perhaps  it  may  be  completed  with  a  base  of 
15  feet  thick,  without  much  additional  expense,  that  the 
commissioners  do  immediately  return  a  very  particular  and 
minute  state  and  condition  of  the  said  line,  describing  its 
length  and  its  thickness  at  the  base  ;  whether  it  be  filled 
up  to  the  height  to  which  it  is  now  raised,  and  all  the  ma- 
terials of  which  it  consists  ;  with  a  computation  of  the  ex- 
traordinary expense  that  may  attend  the  extension  of  its 
base  to  the  thickness  of  15  feet,  and  all  other  circumstan- 
ces relating  to  the  same,  that  may  tend  to  enable  this 
Committee  to  judge  whether  it  would  be  best  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Continental  Congress  the  completing  of  the 
said  line. 

"  4th.  That  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  of  the  minute  men  in 
Orange  county,  who  is  nominated  to  the  command  of  the 
fortifications  on  Hudson's  river,  be  received  and  obeyed  in 
that  command  until  the  arrival  of  a  proper  Continental  offi- 
cer, or  till  further  order,  pursuant  to  a  commission  given 
to  him  by  this  Committee  for  that  purpose. 

"  5th.  As  this  Committee  is  informed  that  the  powder 
lately  sent  to  Martler's  rock  can  not  be,  as  yet,  placed  in 
the  magazine,  on  account  of  its  dampness,  that  the  com- 
missioners, in  conjunction  with  Col.  NicolPs,  take  effectual 
means,  by  tightening  the  roof  and  keeping  constant  fires 
and  otherwise  as  in  their  discretion  shall  seem  fit,  to  fit  it 
without  delay  for  the  reception  of  the  powder ;  and  in  the 
mean  time  that  the  powder  be  kept,  with  all  due  care,  from 
waste  and  damage." 


DIE  MERCURII. 

Jany.  17th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brew- 
ster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands,  a  very  short  time. 

Mr.  Curtcnius  delivered  in  a  state  of  his  accounts,  and 
also  a  separate  memorandum  of  moneys  due  from  him,  on 
the  public  accounts,  whereby  it  appears  that  a  balance  of 
£3,658  3s.  9d.  is  due  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of 
this  Congress,  purchase  on  Continental  account  3,000 

64 


bushels  of  salt,  and  forward  the  same  to  Walter  Livings- 
ton, Esqr.  or  his  order,  at  Albany,  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Commissary  examine  the  arms 
now  at  the  gunsmiths,  preparing  for  Lord  Sterling's  troops, 
and  take  care  that  they  are  good  and  properly  finished ; 
and  that  he  direct  the  gunsmiths  in  this  city  not  to  sell  any 
arms  to  any  person  who  resides  out  of  this  Colony,  until 
the  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  of  this 
Committee. 

Ordered,  further,  That  the  said  Commissary  purchase 
70  blankets  for  soldiers,  on  the  best  terms  which  he  can 
procure  them. 

Mr.  Curtenius  was  requested,  by  marks  in  day-book, 
and  by  every  other  proper  method  to  distinguish  between 
Continental  and  Provincial  charges,  so  as  to  keep  them  in 
separate  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to  Peter  T. 
Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
the  sum  of  £6,000,  to  enable  him  to  comply  with  the  or- 
ders given  to  him  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  this 
Committee  ;  that  the  said  Treasurer  pay  this  order  out  of 
the  Provincial  money  of  this  Colony,  and  take  Mr.  Curte- 
nius's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to  Col. 
Alexr.  McDougall  the  sum  of  £500,  on  account  for  the 
subsistence  of  his  regiment ;  that  the  said  Treasurer  pay 
this  order  out  of  the  Provincial  money  of  this  Colony,  and 
take  Col.  McDougall's  receipt  for  the  same. 

This  Committee  being  fully  convinced  that  it  is  their  in- 
dispensable duty  to  endeavour  to  encourage  and  procure 
the  making  of  saltpetre  in  this  Colony,  in  order  to  supply 
the  means  of  its  defence,  and  that  the  manufacture  of  that 
article  will  ultimately  tend  to  the  great  advantage  of  the  Co- 
lony, conceive  they  can  not  better  discharge  their  duty  on 
that  matter  at  present,  than  by  having  a  small  collection  of 
the  most  plain  and  easy  experiments  for  the  manufacture 
of  saltpetre  published  ;  and  Mr.  Tredwell,  one  of  the  mem- 
bers, having  collected  copies  of  the  said  experiments,  a 
draft  of  an  introduction,  or  preface  to  the  same,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  During  the  recess  of  Congress,  > 
"  17th  January,  1776.  ) 
"  The  wicked  practices  of  a  corrupt  administration  and 
their  hostile  attempts  to  compel  an  obedience  to  several 
acts  of  the  British  Parliament,  evidently  subversive  of  all 
the  rights  and  privileges  which  as  God's  rational  crea- 
tures, we  are  entitled  to,  and  have  as  Englishmen  inherit- 
ed by  the  laws  of  our  country,  have  constrained  the  inha- 
bitants of  these  Colonies  to  take  up  arms  for  the  defence 
of  their  lives,  liberties  and  property.  The  ministry,  flat- 
tering themselves  that  so  young  a  country,  unused  to  ma- 
nufactures of  every  kind,  will  not  be  able  to  procure  the 
means  of  defence  within  itself,  have  made  and  will  un- 
doubtedly continue  to  make  it  a  principal  object  of  their  at- 
tention to  preclude  us  from  foreign  supplies  of  military 
stores.  This  committee  would,  therefore,  conceive  them- 
selves most  culpably  deficient,  in  the  discharge  of  their 
important  trust  as  guardians  to  the  public  security,  should 
they  not  do  all  in  their  power  to  promote  the  manufacture 
of  those  articles.  Without  these,  the  greatest  unanimity, 
virtue  and  fortitude,  can  afford  us  little  prospect  of  suc- 
cess, in  the  present  interesting  struggle.  To  that  end  this 
Committee  have  thought  it  necessary  to  publish  the  fol- 
lowing essays  upon  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  and  gun- 
powder, not  doubling  that  a  due  consideration  of  the  dan- 
ger of  resting  the  liberties  and  future  happiness  of  this 
large  and  growing  country  upon  foreign  supplies,  which 
will  be  extremely  precarious,  and  at  all  events  very  expen- 
sive, will  induce  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  to  do  every 
thing  in  their  power  to  supply  the  Continent  with  those 


254 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


necessary  articles ;  and  the  more  effectually  to  urge  indi- 
viduals to  attempt  those  manufactures,  this  Committee 
have  thought  it  proper  to  preface  those  essays  with  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  call  on  one  of  the  printers 
in  this  city,  and  engage  him  to  print  3,000  copies  thereof, 
on  the  account  of  this  Colony,  and  to  send  that  number  of 
copies  to  this  Committee. 

The  Committee  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
many  resolves  received  from  the  Continental  Congress; 
and  thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler,  re- 
lating to  shipwrights,  carpenters,  scows,  batteaux,  salt,  pro- 
visions, reduction  of  old  troops  and  raising  of  new  levies, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  11th  Jany.  1776.  \ 

"  Sir — Lest  copies  of  the  enclosed  have  not  been  for- 
warded to  you,  our  attention  to  the  public  service  points 
out  the  necessity  of  communicating  them,  with  such  obser- 
vations as  occur  to  us  on  their  different  subjects. 

"  In  the  resolves  respecting  the  transportation  of  troops, 
provisions  and  stores,  several  things  are  left  indeterminate, 
upon  which  perhaps  it  may  be  proper  for  us  to  have  your 
particular  sentiments  to  enable  us  to  execute  such  part  of 
the  business  as  may  fall  within  our  department. 

"  The  number  of  shipwrights  for  building  batteaux  are 
not  mentioned,  and  we  submit  it  to  your  consideration, 
whether  all,  or  how  many  should  be  shipwrights,  or  house 
carpenters  ;  the  wages  of  the  latter  will  be  lowest,  and 
therefore  ought  to  be  preferred,  if  they  can  sufficiently  per- 
form the  service,  and  perhaps  many  may  probably  be  en- 
gaged near  you  who  are  acquainted  with  that  kind  of  work  ; 
yet  we  would  beg  leave  to  mention  it  as  necessary  to  em- 
ploy as  many  of  the  carpenters  of  this  city  as  possible,  to 
prevent  them  and  their  families  from  starving  by  means 
of  the  stagnation  of  business,  which  is  more  severely  felt 
in  this  city  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  Province. 

"  With  respect  to  batteaux  men,  many  may  probably  be 
engaged  in  the  upper  part  of  the  country  ;  such  as  may  be 
necessary  to  be  supplied  by  us,  we  will  endeavour  to  pro- 
cure. We  also  beg  leave  to  hint,  that  in  the  present  de- 
clension of  trade,  the  seamen  of  this  port  ought  to  be  em- 
ployed upon  this  article  of  service,  as  well  as  that  of  build- 
ing batteaux.  We  beg  you  to  inform  us  of  the  number  of 
hands  you  would  desire  us  to  procure,  as  also  to  know 
your  sentiments  about  the  pay  we  are  to  allow  carpenters 
and  batteaux  men. 

"  The  large  quantity  of  provisions  mentioned  in  one  of 
the  resolves  is  entirely  indeterminate  ;  we  beg  to  know 
what  you  expect  of  us  on  that  head.  We  have  given  or- 
ders for  the  immediate  purchase  of  3,000  bushels  of  salt, 
which  we  shall  send  up  the  river  as  far  as  the  season  will 
permit. 

"  We  would  only  add,  that  we  beg  leave  to  trouble  you 
with  forwarding  the  resolves  relating  to  the  reduction  of 
the  old  troops  to  two  battalions,  and  the  new  levies  to  Ge- 
neral Montgomery,  and  to  assure  you  that 
"  We  are,  sir, 
"With  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  You  mo.  obt.  servants, 

"By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler.'' 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  post ;  and  that  the 
Secretary  enclose  therein  certified  copies  of  the  resolves  of 
the  Continental  Congress  of  the  eighth  inst.  therein  re- 
ferred to. 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  Lord  Ster- 
ling's letter  of  the  12th  inst.  and  the  same  being  again  read, 
a  draft  of  an  answer  thereto  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 


"  Ik  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  Jany.  17lh,  1776.  \ 

"  My  Lord — We  have  to  acknowledge  your  favour  of 
12th  inst.  which  we  should  have  answered  sooner,  had  the 
order  necessary  for  the  despatching  our  multiplicity  of  bu- 
siness permitted  it. 

"  We  shall  this  day  appoint  a  barrack-master,  leaving 
the  settlement  of  his  pay  to  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
shall  give  immediate  orders  that  the  barracks  be  prepared 
for  the  reception  of  the  troops  under  your  command,  and 
will  inform  you  when  they  are  ready ;  but  we  beg  leave 
to  hint  that  the  troops  must  come  provided  with  the  arti- 
cles of  bedding,  except  straw,  as  we  shall  not  able  to  sup- 
ply them. 

"  About  70  or  80  of  the  firelocks  are  ready,  and  we  have 
given  the  necessary  orders  for  their  inspection  ;  the  rest 
we  will  get  finished  as  soon  as  possible.  But  your  Lord- 
ship has  forgot  to  inform  us  whether  we  are  to  look  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  or  your  Provincial  Congress,  for 
their  cost.  We  have  already  been  at  great  charge,  in  the 
purchase  of  arms  for  our  own  troops,  and  at  whose  ex- 
pense it  is  still  undetermined.  It  behooves  us,  therefore, 
to  be  cautious  of  extensive  advances  on  that  head. 

"  With  respect  to  the  people  of  Staten  island,  we  have, 
for  certain  reasons,  suspended  the  interdiction  against  them 
'till  next  Monday,  the  22nd  inst.  Their  cases  is  now  be- 
fore the  Continental  Congress,  and  we  beg  you  to  desist 
from  any  measures  against  those  people  'till  the  expiration 
of  that  term,  unless  you  shall  have  received  orders  con- 
cerning them  from  the  Continental  Congress. 
"  We  are,  my  lord,  your  lordship's 

"  Most  obt.  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  Right  Honble.  Earl  of  Sterling." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted,  and  that  the  Secretary 
enclose  therein  a  copy  of  his  Lordship's  letter,  agreeable  to 
his  request. 

A  letter  from  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  of  the  2nd 
inst.  assigning  the  ill  state  of  health  of  Mrs.  Livingston, 
and  the  particular  circumstances  of  his  family,  as  the  rea- 
sons of  his  not  attending  this  Committee. 


DIE  JOVIS,   10  HO.  A.  M. 

January  18th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well, Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands  a  very  short  time. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  attending  the  Committee,  delivered  in 
an  account,  in  the  words  and  figures  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York, 

"  Bought  of  William  Cannon, 
"462  quarter  casks  of  powder,  (9  loads,)  25  pounds  each,  is  115J  cwt. 

at  £20,   £2,310  00  00 

"  Paid  cartage,  9  loads,  to  the  lower  magazine,   3  08  00 

£2,313  08  00 

"  New-York  January  18th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Treasurer 
of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Mr.  Nicholas  Low 
£2,313  8s.  Od.  for  the  above  account,  and  that  he  take  Mr. 
Low's  receipt  for  the  same. 

By  advice  received  by  Lord  Sterling's  letter,  that  part  of 
the  troops  under  his  command  are  to  be  stationed  in  the 
city  of  New- York  as  soon  as  the  barracks  can  be  ready  to 
receive  them,  and  firewood  and  other  necessary  materials 
furnished  for  their  lodgment.  It  is  become  necessary  to 
appoint  a  barrack-master  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  in  the  stead  of  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  whose  ser- 
vices to  the  public  are  necessary  in  other  departments,  and 
Mr.  Garret  Roorback,  of  the  said  city,  being  recommend- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


255 


ed  as  very  active  and  careful,  and  a  proper  person  for  that 
purpose, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Garret  Roorback  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  barrack-master  for  the  said  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  and  that  he  apply  to  Gerard  Bancker, 
Esqr,  and  request  of  him  an  account  of  the  stores  belong- 
ing to  the  said  barracks,  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  or  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, requesting  that  the  pay  of  a  barrack-master  may  be 
fixed  by  that  honble.  body. 

William  Allen  requested  permission  to  go  on  board  one 
of  his  Majesty's  ships  to  take  directions  to  make  shoes  for 
the  crew  on  board.  Thereupon  an  order  was  given  to  him 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Liberty  is  hereby  given  to  William  Allen  to  go  on  board 
the  man  of  war  on  business. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  came  into  the  Committee  and  in- 
formed them  that  the  shipwrights  who  were  to  be  applied 
on  the  Continental  account,  had  fixed  on  a  place  on  the 
shore,  a  part  of  or  adjoining  to  land  of  James  Livingston, 
Esqr.  whereon  to  go  to  work,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  said 
he  had  not  any  objection  to  their  using  that  place,  but  re- 
quested an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  for  that  purpose. 

The  Committee  conceive  they  are  not  authorized  for 
that  purpose,  but  at  Mr.  Lewis'  request,  who  urged  it  as 
necessary,  they  conceived  they  might  recommend.  There- 
upon a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Livingston  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of.  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  18th  Jany.  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — We  have  been  applied  to  by  proper  authority  to 
obtain  for  certain  ship  builders  employed  by  order  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  a  convenient  spot  on  your  shore  for 
public  service. 

"  We  are  also  informed  that  you  make  some  difficulties 
about  complying  with  the  request  made  to  you  by  the  ship 
builders.  Though  neither  the  Continental  or  Provincial 
Congress  would  choose  to  possess  themselves  of  any  man's 
property  against  his  will,  yet  you  will  readily  see  that  your 
refusal  to  comply  with  the  request  above  mentioned  will 
render  you  obnoxious  to  all  the  friends  of  liberty. 

"  It  is  therefore  recommended  to  you  by  this  Committee 
to  permit  the  ship  builders  to  occupy  the  spot  they  have 
applied  for,  and  we  engage  to  make  you  a  proper  compen- 
sation for  the  same. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

f  Jas.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  January  \8th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brews- 
ter, Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Wickes,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Huntington,  of  the  12th  inst.  to  the  Chair- 
man of  this  Committee,  and  which  was  received  on  the 
15th  inst.  requesting  commissions  for  two  companies  of  the 
militia  there,  was  taken  into  consideration. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  return  is  not 
made  agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  militia  law ;  that 
therefore  the  commissions  be  delayed,  and  that  Mr.  Tred- 
well write  a  letter  to  Mr.  Wickes  informing  him  of  the  ir- 
regularity of  the  return,  that  the  same  may  be  regularly 
returned. 

Mr.  Brewster  produced  a  letter  from  John  Young,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Mamacoting  precinct,  requesting 
commissions  for  two  companies  of  militia  in  Ulster  county, 
one  of  which  companies  is  the  Mamacoting  militia  com- 
pany of  foot,  and  alleging  that  the  former  return  sent  to 


Congress  of  the  election  of  officers  of  that  company  was 
a  counterfeit. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Mr.  Young  inform- 
ing him  of  all  the  returns  on  file  signed  with  his  name, 
and  that  the  commissions  applied  for  by  Mr.  Young  be  de- 
layed until  Mr.  Young's  answer  is  received. 

The  Committee  then  ordered  Alexander  Lesslie  to  be 
brought  before  them,  (and  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Col. 
Brasher,  by  order,  having  examined  James  Lesslie,  and 
made  report  that  they  had  not  thereby  obtained  any  infor- 
mation ;)  and  the  said  Alexander  Lesslie  in  the  strongest 
manner  averring  his  innocence  in  the  presence  of  Philip 
Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Continental  Delegates,  who, 
on  request  of  the  Committee,  was  attending  to  hear  his  ex 
amination,  the  Committee  permitted  the  said  Alexander 
Lesslie  to  go  at  liberty  on  his  parol,  to  return  and  appear 
before  this  Committee  to-morrow  at  noon,  and  prepared  to 
give  security  for  his  future  appearance,  if  such  security 
should  be  required. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  19th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Col.  Brasher, 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  return  of  officers  of  a  company  of  militia  at  the  White 
Plains  and  the  manor  of  Scarsdale,  in  Westchester  county, 
was  read  and  filed.  Anthony  Miller,  Esqr.  is  returned  for 
captain,  Nichs.  Fisher  1st  lieut.  and  John  Crumpton  2d 
lieut. 

A  return  of  officers  of  a  company  of  militia  for  the  north 
end  of  Salem,  in  Westchester  county,  was  also  read  and 
filed. 

The  gentlemen  returned  are  Jesse  Trusdell  for  capt. 
Ezekiel  Hawley  1st  lieut.  Solomon  Close  2nd  lieut.  and 
Elijah  Deane  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
immediately. 

Lieutenant  David  Reynolds  from  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  brought  returns  of  Capt.  Saml.  Raymond's 
and  Capt.  Burns'  companies  of  minute  men,  now  on  duty 
at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands. 

Lieut.  Reynolds  was  also  charged  with  mentioning  to 
the  Committee  the  want  of  bowls  and  plates,  and  some 
other  necessaries  for  the  troops  at  the  fortifications,  and 
letters  from  the  captains  of  the  minute  companies  to  Col. 
McDougall,  were  read. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Capt.  Samuel  Raymond, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  Jany.  19th,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — Your  several  favours  to  Col.  McDougall,  have 
been  communicated  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  as  well  as 
the  matters  with  which  Lieut.  Reynold  was  charged.  The 
Continental  and  Provincial  Congress  having  directed  by 
sundry  resolutions,  what  shall  be  done  with  such  persons 
as  discover  a  temper  unfriendly  to  the  Colonies,  you  are 
to  secure  the  violators  of  those  resolutions,  and  send  them 
with  the  evidences  by  a  sufficient  guard  to  the  committee 
of  the  county  where  the  delinquents  shall  reside. 

"  It  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee  that  the  minute 
companies  now  in  the  fort,  do  remain  there  until  they  are 
relieved  by  the  Continental  troops,  and  that  no  change  of 
minute  companies  be  made,  unless  any  of  the  companies 
now  there  should  decline  the  service.  As  Lieut.  Reynolds 
informs  us  you  want  some  wooden  platters  and  bowls  for 
the  troops,  you  are  hereby  requested  to  purchase  a  suffi- 
cient number  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  draw  an  order  on 
Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  our  commissary,  and  transmit 
the  account  for  them,  which  he  will  be  directed  to  pay. 


256 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


You  may  provide  cider  in  the  neighbourhood  for  the  troops, 
and  you  are  to  be  particularly  careful  to  purchase  those 
articles  on  reasonable  terms.  Shoes  may  be  purchased 
cheaper  in  the  country  than  in  the  city,  and  if  the  men 
provide  them  and  their  clothes,  no  stoppages  will  be  made 
for  them. 

"  You  have  herewith  copies  of  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress above  mentioned.  Col.  iNicoll  of  the  Orange  county 
minute  regiment,  is  appointed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety 
to  command  at  the  fort  till  a  commandant  shall  be  appoint- 
ed by  the  Continental  Congress,  or  till  he  shall  be  relieved 
by  a  Continental  officer. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servts. 
(Signed,)       "  By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the 

"  Committee  of  Safety. 

"  Capt.  Saml.  Raymond." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Lieut.  Reynolds. 

The  Committee  taking  into  consideration  the  distress 
this  Colony  may  soon  be  reduced  to  for  want  of  canvass 
or  some  other  proper  materials  to  make  tents  of,  and  also 
the  high  probability  of  obtaining  gunpowder  at  Curacoa  ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands,  with  all  possible  despatch 
on  behalf  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  by  order  of 
this  Committee,  do  employ  a  proper  vessel  and  load  her 
with  flour  for  Curacoa,  with  proper  letters  and  orders  to 
procure  gunpowder  and  ravens  duck. 

Alexander  Lesslie  attended  according  to  the  order  of 
yesterday.  Mr.  Tobias  Stoutenburgh  attended  with  the 
said  Alexr.  Lesslie,  and  the  said  Alexander  Lesslie  en- 
gaged to  attend  on  this  Committee  at  any  time  when  called 
on  ;  and  Mr.  Tobias  Stoutenburgh  here  present  in  the 
committee,  engaged  that  the  said  Alexr.  Lesslie  will  attend 
this  Committee  when  called  on  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that 
he,  the  said  Tobias  Stoutenburgh  on  notice  for  that  pur- 
pose, will  bring  the  said  Alexander  Lesslie  before  the  said 
Committee. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  J  any.  19th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark. 

This  Committee  being  informed  by  Lieut.  Tilghman,  of 
the  light  infantry  in  the  3rd  battalion  of  the  militia  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, of  the  repulse  of  the  Continental  troops  at  Que- 
bec, and  of  certain  disorders  in  the  county  of  Tryon  in  this 
Colony,  which  he  received  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  the 
Committee  thought  it  necessary  to  order  one  half  ton  of 
gunpowder  from  the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands  to  Ge- 
neral Schuyler.  (General  Schuyler  informed  Col.  McDou- 
gall  by  letter,  that  he  had  sent  this  powder  into  Canada.) 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  and 
to  the  commanding  officer  at  the  said  fortifications,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"New-York,  Jany.  19th,  1776. 
"  Sm — You  are  on  sight  of  this  to  procure  as  many 
sleighs  as  will  carry  one  half  ton  of  powder  to  General 
Schuyler  at  Albany,  and  despatch  it  with  the  utmost  expe- 
dition, and  with  a  guard,  and  the  officer  of  the  guard  is  to 
call  on  the  committees  on  the  road  for  assistance  of  fresh 
horses  and  a  guard.  Great  care  should  be  taken  to  cover 
the  powder,  and  no  fire  or  other  materials  should  be  suffer- 
ed to  come  near  it,  and  the  guard  should  be  careful  of  their 
arms  when  they  approach  it. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 
(Signed,)  "  By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the 

"  Committee  of  Safety. 

"To  Mr.  Tuos.  Grenneix  and  to  Col.  Js.  Nicoix, 
and  in  his  absence,  to  the  commanding  officer 
at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 


by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Sampson  Dyckman, 

an  express. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany  to  accom- 
pany the  said  half  ton  of  gunpowder,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  Jany.  19th,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — The  account  of  the  unhappy  disaster  of 
our  army  at  Quebec,  we  fear  will  give  heart  to  the  ene- 
mies of  America  in  Tryon  county,  against  whom,  we  un- 
derstand, General  Schuyler  has  marched.  Lest  there 
should  be  a  deficiency  of  ammunition  in  your  quarter  to 
supply  his  wants,  we  send  you  by  express,  for  his  use, 
half  a  ton  of  powder.  He  may  not  be  on  the  spot,  there- 
fore either  convey  it  to  him  or  send  him  intelligence  of  its 
arrival,  according  to  your  discretion  ;  we  need  not  recom- 
mend despatch. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

One  Decker,  a  boatman  from  Staten  Island,  applied  to 
the  Committee,  and  informed  them  that  he  was  coming  to 
market  with  a  boat  load  of  wood,  which  had  been  taken 
from  him  by  one  of  the  ships  of  war.  He  and  two  other 
persons  made  oath,  before  Alderman  Filkin,  that  the  said 
wood  was  taken  without  his  consent,  and  thereupon  the 
Committe  gave  him  a  certificate  to  prevent  his  being  blamed 
in  this  instance. 

Johnson  being  recommended  as  a  proper  person,  and 
having  served  as  a  lieutenant  of  artillery  in  the  Continental 
army, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  appointed  2nd  lieut.  of  the  artil- 
lery company  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  for  the  defence 
of  the  Colony. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  20th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brew- 
ster, Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Scott. 

The  Committee  being  well  informed  that  the  cannon  be- 
yond King's  Bridge,  near  Williams's,  are  spiked  up,  and 
thereby  rendered  unfit  for  use  ;  and  as  it  is  absolutely  ne- 
cessary to  have  those  spikes  drilled  out  that  the  cannon  be 
ready  for  use, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  employ  proper  persons 
to  have  the  spikes  drilled  out  of  those  cannon,  or  such  of 
them  as  are  otherwise  fit  for  use  ;  and  that  Col.  McDou- 
gall be,  and  he  is  hereby  empowered,  to  emply  a  proper 
guard  of  the  militia  to  take  care  of  those  cannon,  in  such 
manner  as  he  shall  direct.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  Col.  McDougall  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  to  have  carriages,  and  all  other  necessa- 
ries provided  for  the  said  cannon,  so  as  to  have  them  ready 
for  use  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Col.  Lott  came  into  the  committee  and  conferred  with 
them  relating  to  his  vessel,  which  is  to  go  to  the  foreign 
W.  Indies  for  gunpowder ;  and  the  material  parts  or  out- 
lines being  fixed,  the  agreement  was  left  to  be  completed 
by  Mr.  Sands.  Col.  Lott  also  produced  a  sample  of  bis- 
cuit by  him  prepared,  as  fit  for  a  magazine,  agreeable  to  a 
former  request  of  this  Committee. 

Thomas  Henderson,  Esqr.  a  major  of  minute  men  in 
Monmouth  county,  in  New-Jersey,  attended  on  the  Com- 
mittee, and  informed  that  he  was  sent  by  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  New-Jersey,  with  a  guard,  to  conduct  several 
prisoners  taken  in  New-Jersey,  being  inhabitants  of  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


257 


Colony,  who  had  been  proceeding  in  the  sloop  Polly  and 
Ann,  from  this  port,  to  Boston. 

Major  Henderson  delivered  to  the  Committee  the  affida- 
vit of  James  Webb,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"James  Webb,  of  full  age,  being  duly  sworn  on  the 
Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  deposeih  and  saith, 
that  in  Deer,  last,  he,  this  deponent,  with  his  wife,  entered 
on  board  a  small  sloop  in  New- York  harbour,  called  the 
Polly  and  Ann,  whereof  one  Hains  was  captain,  bound  (as 
this  deponent  was  then  informed)  to  Boston,  which  vessel 
was  laden  with  provisions.  That  on  or  about  the  20th  of 
said  Deer,  the  said  vessel  sailed  from  New-York,  and  that 
he  never  heard  that  said  vessel  was  bound  to  any  other 
port  than  Boston,  until  said  vessel  soon  after  met  with  bad 
weather,  when  it  was  said  on  board  said  vessel  that  she 
was  bound  to  the  West  Indies  ;  that  on  the  23d  Deer,  the 
said  vessel  was  stranded  on  the  Jersey  shore  ;  that  the 
captain  of  the  said  sloop,  one  Isaac  Gidney  master,  Bar- 
tholomew Hains  a  passenger,  one  Palmer  who  owned 
part  of  the  cargo,  all  from  Mamaroneck,  in  Westchester 
county,  Moses  Marden,  one  Graham,  this  deponent  and 
his  wife,  with  one  Sanford  and  two  more,  were  on  board 
said  vessel  when  she  stranded.  That  this  deponent  verily 
believes  said  vessel  was  bound  to  Boston  ;  that  since  the 
said  vessel  was  on  shore,  this  deponent  observed  that  the 
labels  on  the  packages,  casks  and  boxes,  were  torn  off, 
but  that  he  does  not  remember  to  have  taken  notice  of  any 
marks  or  labels  on  any  of  the  freight  so  as  to  describe  them, 
before  taken  off ;  that  most  of  the  persons  on  board  left  the 
said  vessel  to  go  by  land  to  New-York,  soon  after  they  got 
on  the  shore,  among  whom  this  deponent  went  to  New- 
York,  from  whence  he  lately  returned  to  this  Province  for 
his  wife  and  several  small  effects  he  had  on  board ;  and 
further  this  deponent  saith  not. 

"  JAMES  WEBB. 

"Sworn  the  11th  Jany.  1776,  > 
before  me.  > 

"  JonN  Dennis." 

Major  Henderson  also  delivered  a  copy  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  the  Commiitee  of  Safety  of  New-Jersey,  with  re- 
spect to  those  prisoners,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  or  Safety,  ) 
"Prince  Town,  January  lHh,  1776.  J 
"  This  Committee  received  information  from  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Monmouth,  by  Dr.  Scudder  and  Dr. 
Henderson,  and  also  by  letter  from  the  chairman  of  said 
commiitee,  that  a  small  sloop  called  the  Polly  and  Ann,  one 
Hains  captain,  was,  on  the  23d  of  December  last,  stranded 
on  Squam  beach,  on  board  of  which  was  a  quantity  of  beef, 
pork,  and  other  provisions  ;  which  vessel  and  cargo  is  now 
in  the  care  and  custody  of  Col.  Furman,  except  such  arti- 
cles as  were  perishable,  which  the  committee  directed  to 
be  sold  by  Dr.  Scudder  and  Dr.  Henderson  ;  an  inventory 
of  which  cargo,  as  well  such  as  were  sold  as  such  as  re- 
main, was  laid  before  this  Committee  ;  and  one  James 
Webb,  a  passenger  on  board  said  vessel  which  is  stranded, 
appeared  before  this  Committee,  by  whose  deposition  it 
appears  that  said  vessel  was  bound  from  New-York  to  Bos- 
ton, and  from  all  circumstances  the  provisions  on  board 
were  designed  for  the  ministerial  army.    The  committee, 
taking  the  above  matters  into  consideration,  think  it  proper 
that  the  whole  of  said  cargo  be  immediately  sold  and  the 
vessel  secured  ;  which  vessel,  with  the  amount  of  the  sales, 
after  deducting  the  necessary  expenses,  be  referred  to  the 
disposal  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  at  their  next  sit- 
ting ;  and  that  Col.  David  Furman,  Dr.  N.  Scudder  and 
Dr.  Thomas  Henderson,  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  and 
empowered  to  secure  the  above  said  vessel,  and  complete 
the  sales  of  the  cargo,  in  some  convenient  time,  and  ac- 
count for  their  sales  and  report  their  proceedings  to  the 
Congress  of  this  Province  at  their  next  sitting ;  and  may 
deliver  to  the  seamen  and  passengers  belonging  to  said 

65 


vessel,  all  such  clothing  and  other  effects  as  belong  to 
them,  (exclusive  of  the  cargo,)  provided  they  in  a  reason- 
able lime  call  for  the  same  ;  and  that  the  thanks  of  this 
Committee  be  returned  to  Col.  Furman  for  his  extraordina- 
ry care  and  vigilance  in  securing  the  said  vessel  and  cargo. 

"  And  whereas,  it  appears  that  the  captain,  master  and 
passengers  of  the  said  sloop  Polly  and  Ann,  stranded  on 
Squam  beach,  are  inhabitants  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 
it  is  therefore, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  captain,  master  and  passen- 
gers, or  such  of  them  as  are  in  this  Province,  be  conveyed 
under  a  guard  as  Col.  David  Furman  may  think  proper,  to 
New-York,  and  delivered  to  the  Provincial  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety,  to  be  dealt  with  as  they  may  think 
proper. 

"  A  true  copy,  bv  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  ABRA.  CLARK,  D.  Secy." 

James  Webb  being  personally  brought  before  the  Com- 
mittee says,  that  he  intended  to  go  to  Britain  to  lake  care 
of  a  relation  and  her  estate,  and  expected  to  be  enabled  to 
return  to  this  country  at  some  future  time  and  carry  on  his 
business  with  spirit ;  that  he  was  going  to  Boston  to  ob- 
tain a  passage  from  thence  to  Britain ;  that  he  went  on 
board  the  sloop  Polly  and  Ann  before  she  sailed  ;  that  he 
did  not  then  see  the  captain,  but  that  a  person  then  on 
board  informed  him  that  the  sloop  was  to  go  to  Boston, 
and  that  they  would  take  him  and  his  wife  passengers ; 
thereupon  he  went  on  board  of  the  vessel  the  next  day, 
which  was  the  day  before  she  sailed  ;  that  the  vessel  sail- 
ed on  Wednesday  and  was  stranded  on  Saturday  night  fol- 
lowing ;  that  the  captain  told  him  that  his  cousin  Bartholo- 
mew Hains  fled  from  home,  and  that  in  running  away  he 
fell  down  and  lost  either  his  gun  or  bayonet  or  both,  and 
would  not  stay  to  take  it  up. 

Major  Henderson  says  that  James  Webb  appeared  open 
and  candid  in  his  examination  before  the  Commitee  of 
New-Jersey. 

James  Webb  requested  a  certificate  to  protect  him  while 
he  tarries  in  this  Colony.  Thereupon  a  certificate  was 
given  to  him  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  This  Committee  have  heard  and  examined  the  case  of 
James  Webb,  in  his  presence,  and  nothing  appearing 
against  him  he  is  discharged  ;  and  this  certificate  is  given 
to  him  as  a  protection  whilst  he  tarries  in  this  Colony  and 
demeans  himself  well  and  consistent  with  the  liberties  of 
this  Colony." 

Major  Henderson  says  that  Hains,  the  captain  of  the  said 
sloop,  broke  jail  in  New-York  a  few  weeks  ago,  and  stole 
a  boat  and  got  on  board  of  the  man  of  war,  and  was  there 
protected  until  the  vessel  sailed,  and  the  said  Haines  con- 
fessed this  to  one  of  the  guard  on  the  way  to  New-York. 
He  farther  says,  that  the  casks  and  boxes  found  on  board 
of  the  said  sloop  had  had  labels  nailed  to  them,  but  that  all 
the  labels  were  torn  off;  that  among  the  labels  torn  off  he 
found  one  directed  to  Genl.  How,  Boston,  turnips  ;  another 
to  Mrs.  Ann  Wood,  Boston  ;  another  to  Genl.  Ruggles, 
Boston  ;  several  to  one  Willard,  at  Boston  ;  and  a  back  of 
a  letter  directed  to  Genl.  How  ;  that  the  directions  to  Genl. 
Ruggles  is  lost,  but  that  the  directions  to  General  How 
and  Mrs.  Wood  can  be  sent  here. 

That  he  was  informed  by  Wm.  Taylor  that  several  per- 
sons who  had  been  passengers  in  the  sloop  Polly  and  Ann 
had  informed  John  Morris,  of  Shrewsbury,  that  ihree  quar- 
ter casks  of  Madeira  wine  and  other  things  which  were  on 
board  for  Genl.  How  were  shipped  by  Governor  Tryon, 
and  by  a  bit  of  an  invoice,  found  it  cost  £22  10s.  per  quar- 
ter cask. 

That  John  Graham  declared  he  had  shipped  on  board  to 
go  to  the  West  Indies,  but  that  he  verily  believed  the  sloop 
was  bound  to  Boston. 

Major  Henderson  says  that  it  appears  to  him  the  sloop 
must  have  been  intended  to  go  only  coastwise,  for  that  it 
is  testified  by  the  late  master  and  people  on  board  that  they 
did  not  keep  any  reckoning  or  heave  a  log-line. 


258 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


David  Rhea  says  that  Capt.  Hains  told  him  he  was  put 
in  jail  because  he  refused  to  deliver  up  his  arms,  and  that 
his  punishment  had  been  determined ;  that  he  should  not 
eat  nor  drink  until  he  had  delivered  them  up.  That  he 
broke  jail  by  breaking  six  grates  out  of  a  window,  and 
stole  a  boat  about  midnight,  and  got  on  board  of  the  man  of 
war.  That  the  sloop  Polly  and  Ann  was  purchased  for 
him  about  three  days  or  less  before  the  time  of  her  sailing, 
and  that  she  was  purchased  of  Isaac  Gidncy. 

Die  Sabbati,  3  ho.  P.  M.  January  20th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scotl,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands  a  very  short  time. 

One  Pettit  of  New-Haven,  by  request,  attended  on  the 
Committee  ;  he  informed  in  substance,  that  Genl.  Lee  is 
at  New-Haven  ;  that  he  is  raising  troops  ;  that  it  is  re- 
ported currently  that  he  is  to  raise  1,500  men  and  to  come 
to  New-York.  That  he  did  not  see  Genl.  Lee,  and  has 
not  any  other  information  than  common  report.  That  Genl. 
Lee  did  not  bring  any  tioops  with  him  to  New-Haven. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance and  pay  to  Mr.  John  Holt,  one  hundred  pounds,  on 
account  of  the  moneys  due  to  him  from  the  Provincial 
Congress  and  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  and 
that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Holt's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  John  Foster  of  Suffolk  county,  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  applied  to  the  Com- 
mittee to  continue  the  permit  given  to  him  last  summer, 
to  export  live  stock  in  order  to  purchase  gunpowder. 

The  Committee  informed  him  it  was  not  in  their  power. 
Mr.  Foster  then  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  a  vessel 
which  he  intended  to  offer  for  sale  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  requested  a  letter  to  introduce  him  to  the  Dele- 
gates, as  well  relative  to  the  sale  of  the  said  vessel  as  to  the 
said  permission,  and  this  Committee  having  occasion  to 
write  to  the  Delegates  on  other  matters,  the  following  draft 
of  a  letter  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  J  any.  20th,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — This  will  be  delivered  to  you  by  Mr. 
John  Foster,  who  was  a  member  of  our  last  Provincial 
Congress,  and  is  a  warm  friend  to  American  liberty. 

"In  the  last  summer,  during  the  continuance  of  our  Pro- 
vincial Resolves  against  the  exportation  of  live  stock,  and  be- 
fore the  non-exportation  ordered  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress took  effect,  he  obtained  from  the  Provincial  Congress 
license  to  export  live  stock  for  the  purpose  of  importing 
powder,  the  execution  of  which  he  suspended  until  he 
could  send  his  vessel  out  without  danger  of  molestation 
from  the  men  of  war ;  and  as  the  season  of  the  year  now 
gives  him  security  against  that  danger,  he  is  desirous  of 
pursuing  his  object,  for  which  end  he  has  put  himself  to 
considerable  expense.  He  therefore  applied  to  us  for  a 
continuance  of  his  permission,  conceiving  that  as  it  was 
originally  granted  before  the  non-exportation  took  effect, 
this  committee  has  a  power  to  give  such  continuance.  We 
informed  him  that  we  were  clearly  of  opinion  that  he  had 
lost  his  opportunity,  and  that  we  could  not  relieve  him  ;  he 
thereupon  signified  his  intention  of  applying  to  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  on  that  subject,  as  well  as  concerning  a 
large  ship  which  he  is  now  building,  and  which  he  intends 
to  offer  for  sale  to  Congress,  and  requested  our  recommen- 
dation in  hopes  it  would  give  his  application  weight.  We 
therefore  beg  leave  to  recommend  him  through  you  to  the 
Congress,  as  a  gentleman  worthy  of  the  notice  of  that  re- 
spectable body. 

"We  have  it  much  at  heart  to  prevent  as  effectually  as 
possible  the  importation  of  British  and  Irish  goods  ;  to  this 
object  our  attention  has  been  called  by  a  late  importation 


by  the  way  of  St.  Eustatia  ;  according  to  the  present  re- 
gulation, the  reshipping  of  the  goods  is  the  only  punish- 
ment in  point  of  property  to  be  inflicted  on  the  offender, 
and  we  think  it  absolutely  necessary  to  substitute  confis- 
cation instead  of  the  reshipping  of  the  goods,  as  the  most 
effectual  means  to  check  offenders  of  that  kind,  and  in 
this  view  we  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  proposed  amend- 
ment to  your  attention. 

"  We  have  thought  it  necessary  to  appoint  a  barrack 
master  for  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  in  order  that 
the  barracks  in  this  city  may  constantly  be  kept  in  a  pro- 
per state  for  the  comfortable  accommodation  of  the  Con- 
tinental troops  that  may  from  time  to  time  be  posted  here, 
or  be  marching  through  this  city.  We  have  nominated 
Garret  Roorback  to  that  office,  and  therefore  entreat  you 
to  procure  the  settlement  of  his  salary  by  the  Congress. 

"  In  the  resolves  of  Congress  of  the  8th  inst.  it  is  re- 
commended to  this  Committee  to  inquire  '  whether  the 
depth  of  water  in  Hudson  river  below  the  battery  may  not 
be  easily  lessened,  so  as  to  prevent  large  ships  passing.' 
We  are  at  a  loss  to  determine  with  any  certainty  what  bat- 
tery is  meant,  and  request  an  explanation  on  that  head. 

"  We  have  appointed  a  person  agreeable  to  the  resolve 
of  Congress  of  the  2nd  inst.  for  collecting  copies  of  all 
petitions,  memorials  and  remonstrances  which  have  been 
presented  to  the  Throne  or  either  of  the  Houses  of  Par- 
liament since  1762,  and  the  answers  to  them. 

"  We  agree  that  the  reasons  you  assign  against  making 
application  for  liberty  to  export  flaxseed  are  sufficient,  and 
therefore  think  it  best  to  withhold  such  application. 

"The  business  recommended  to  us  in  the  former  part  of 
the  resolve  of  the  8th  inst.  for  securing  the  port  of  New- 
York,  has  been  some  time  under  our  consideration;  we 
have  had  an  accurate  sounding  of  the  channel,  which  with 
the  plan  for  securing  the  port  and  a  calculation  of  the  ex- 
pense that  will  attend  it,  we  shall  communicate  to  you  as 
soon  as  possible. 

"  On  the  subject  of  the  resolve  of  Congress  for  an  ex- 
change of  Lieut.  Tylee,  we  beg  leave  to  inform  the  Con- 
gress, that  a  few  days  before  the  receipt  of  that  resolve, 
application  was  made  to  Capt.  Vandeput  under  our  direc- 
tion, by  a  person  connected  with  Lieut.  Tylee  to  procure 
his  exchange,  Capt.  Vandeput  answered  that  it  was  not 
in  his  power  to  exchange  him  at  present ;  that  he  had 
long  since  wrote  to  his  admiral  for  directions  on  that 
subject,  the  answer  to  which  had  miscarried,  and  that  he 
had  not  any  directions  to  exchange.  We  have  appointed 
a  member  to  request  the  mayor  of  this  city  to  use  his  in- 
fluence with  Capt.  Vandeput  or  Captn.  Parker,  to  make 
a  second  application  to  the  admiral  on  that  matter. 

"  We  have  received  from  you,  gentlemen,  sundry  re- 
quests about  our  accounts.  We  are  so  few  in  number, 
and  continually  so  over  pressed  with  the  despatch  of  pub- 
lic matters,  that  it  has  not  yet  been  in  our  power  to  give 
due  attention  to  that  affair.  We  will  endeavour  to  employ 
assistance  and  have  the  accounts  prepared  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  Colony 

of  New-York,  at  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  John  Foster. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

January  2ist,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Scott. 

The  Committee  were  informed  by  some  of  their  mem- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


259 


bers,  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  are  removing  their  fa- 
milies and  effects  from  this  city  at  great  expense.  That 
the  inhabitants  are  alarmed  by  the  confident  reports  that 
Genl.  Lee  is  at  New-Haven  or  on  his  way  thither,  with  a 
considerable  body  of  troops.  The  Committee  are  of  opi- 
nion that  it  may  occasion  great  difficulties  and  inconveni- 
ences to  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  should  any  body  of 
forces  arrive  here  for  active  service,  and  it  would  tend  to 
the  peace  and  happiness  of  the  inhabitants  for  this  Com- 
mittee to  obtain  some  information  on  that  subject. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major  Genl.  Lee  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  21st  Jany.  1776.  J 

"  Sir — The  inhabitants  of  this  cily  are  much  alarmed 
at  various  confident  advices  of  your  destination  with  a  con- 
siderable body  of  forces  for  active  service  here.  Confident 
however  as  those  advices  may  appear  to  people  without 
doors,  we  cannot  readily  credit  them,  as  we  conceive  it 
most  probable  that  were  you  preparing  to  execute  any  plan 
of  that  kind,  it  would  be  preceded  by  some  intimations  to 
us  on  the  subject  from  the  Continental  Congress,  General 
Washington  or  yourself.  We  therefore  should  not  have 
troubled  you  with  this  application,  had  it  not  been  to  pro- 
cure such  information  from  you  as  may  enable  us  in  a  pru- 
dent use  of  it,  to  allay  the  fears  of  our  inhabitants,  who 
at  this  inclement  season  of  the  year  will  continue,  as  they 
have  already  begun,  to  remove  their  women  and  children, 
and  which  if  continued  may  occasion  hundreds  to  perish 
for  want  of  shelter. 

This  Committee  and  the  Congress  whose  place  we  fill 
in  their  recess,  are,  we  flatter  ourselves,  as  unanimously 
zealous  in  the  cause  of  America  as  any  representative 
body  on  the  Continent,  so  truly  zealous  that  both  the  one 
and  the  other  will  cheerfully  devote  this  city  to  sacrifice 
for  advancing  that  great  and  important  cause.  But  to 
acquit  ourselves  in  the  judgment  of  the  Continent,  which 
in  point  of  public  aid  is  deeply  interested  in  the  preservation 
of  this  metropolis,  and  to  our  constituents  who  expect  our 
prudent  care  of  their  lives  and  properties,  we  think  it  our 
indispensable  duty  to  inform  you  that  though  we  have  advi- 
ces that  Genl.  Washington  has  been  informed  of  the  arri- 
val of  a  large  quantity  of  powder  among  us,  we  have  not 
a  sufficiency  to  enable  you  to  act  hostilely  against  the  ships 
of  war  now  in  port ;  our  whole  quantity  of  public  powder 
is  less  than  three  tons.  No  works  are  erected  to  annoy  the 
enemy  in  their  present  situation.  Should  it  be  practicable 
at  this  juncture  to  erect  hasty  works  for  that  purpose,  to 
what  shift  are  we  to  betake  ourselves  after  our  trifling 
supply  of  ammunition  shall  be  expended  ?  The  commence- 
ment of  hostilities  for  which  we  are  now  so  unprepared 
will  preclude  the  possibility  of  a  supply  even  for  our  mus- 
ketry in  the  ensuing  campaign.  The  strict  guard  against 
the  exportation  of  ammunition  from  the  foreign  ports  in 
Europe,  we  have  great  reason  to  fear  will  cut  off  all  hopes 
of  supply  from  that  quarter,  as  well  to  us  as  the  Continen- 
tal Congress.  We  have  sent  sundry  adventures  thither, 
some  of  which  have  failed  ;  for  this  reason  we  are  daily  push- 
ing adventures  to  the  West  Indies,  with  the  article  of  provi- 
sions, as  a  necessary  expedient  in  the  present  uncommon 
scarcity  of  bullion.  The  ships  of  war  give  no  interrup- 
tion to  our  vessels  despatched  on  those  adventures  ;  a  fa- 
vour we  cannot  expect,  should  hostilities  begin,  and  even 
should  we  be  fortunate  enough  to  oblige  the  ships  of  war 
to  quit  this  port,  by  expending  the  little  powder  we  have, 
an  event  which  our  most  sanguine  hopes  cannot  promise 
us,  the  attention  of  our  enemies  will  effectually  prevent 
our  expected  importations.  For  those  reasons  we  conceive 
that  a  just  regard  to  the  public  cause,  and  our  duty  to  take 
a  prudent  care  of  this  city,  dictate  the  impropriety  of  pro- 
voking hostilities  at  present,  and  the  necessity  of  saving 
appearances  with  the  ships  of  war  till  at  least  the  month 
of  March.  Though  we  have  been  unfortunate  in  our  dis- 
appointments with  respect  to  some  of  our  adventures,  yet 


be  assured  sir,  we  have  not  been  idle  ;  our  intrenching 
tools  are  almost  completed  to  a  sufficient  number ;  we  are 
forming  a  magazine  of  provisions  for  5,000  men  for  a 
month,  in  a  place  of  safety,  and  at  convenient  distance 
from  this  city  ;  we  have  provided  ourselves  with  six  good 
brass  field  pieces;  have  directed  carriages  to  be  made  for 
our  other  artillery,  and  are  raising  a  company  of  artillery 
for  the  defence  of  the  Colony  on  the  Continental  establish- 
ment. These  things  when  accomplished,  with  other  smaller 
matters,  and  with  the  arrival  of  some  gunpowder,  the 
prospect  of  which  is  not  unpromising,  will  enable  us  to 
face  our  enemies  with  some  countenance  ;  we  therefore 
ardently  wish  to  remain  in  peace  for  a  little  time,  and  doubt 
not  we  have  assigned  sufficient  reasons  for  avoiding  at 
present  a  dilemma  in  which  the  present  entrance  of  a 
large  body  of  troops  into  this  city,  will  almost  certainly  in- 
volve us.  Should  you  have  such  an  entrance  in  design,  we 
beg  at  least  that  the  troops  may  halt  on  the  western  con- 
fines of  Connecticut  till  we  shall  have  been  honoured  by 
you  with  such  an  explanation  on  this  important  subject,  as 
you  conceive  your  duty  may  permit  you  to  enter  into  with 
us,  the  grounds  of  which  you  will  easily  see  ought  to  be 
kept  an  entire  secret,  and  to  assure  you  that, 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"  Major  Genl.  Lee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Gerret  Vandenbergh, 
as  an  express  for  that  purpose. 

That  particular  instructions  be  given  to  Vandenbergh  to 
inquire  on  the  road,  at  proper  stages,  for  Major-General 
Lee  ;  if  he  should  meet  him  at  any  stage,  or  come  near 
him  to  deliver  him  the  letter  with  which  he  is  charged. 
That  if  Major-Genl.  Lee  was  not  at  New  Haven,  and  in 
Connecticut,  he  should  proceed  to  him  with  the  letter ; 
but  that  if  General  Lee  had  departed  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut, he  should  return  with  the  said  letter  to  this  com- 
mittee. 

Die  Solis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  2lst,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Clark. 

Mr.  William  Leary  the  town  major  came  and  informed 
this  Committee  of  Safety  that  part  of  the  city  guard  under 
his  direction,  had  apprehended  a  certain  Joseph  Wool- 
combe,  who  was  come  from  on  board  of  a  transport  ship 
off  Sandy  Hook  to  go  on  board  of  the  ships  of  war  in  port ; 
and  that  he  had  also  apprehended  Capt.  William  Dobbs, 
the  pilot,  who  had  brought  him  on  shore  for  that  purpose, 
and  that  he  had  sent  them  to  the  guard-house.  That  he 
caused  the  said  Joseph  Woolcombe  to  be  searched,  and 
had  found  in  his  custody  five  letters,  which  he  had  brought 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  their  inspection  or  direc- 
tion. 

The  said  several  letters  being  opened  and  read,  appeared 
to  be  wrote  and  directed  to  the  persons  for  that  purpose 
hereinafter  named,  and  to  the  following  effect,  to  wit  : 

1st.  A  letter  from  I.  H.  Dempster,  captain  of  the  ship 
Blue  Mountain  Valley,  dated  January  22nd,  1776,  and  di- 
rected to  his  brother,  George  Dempster,  Esqr.  Oxford- 
street,  London.  He  therein  informs  him  "  that  he  was 
now  preparing  to  send  an  officer  on  shore  to  be  fully  satis- 
fied of  the  propriety  of  going  into  New-York.  That  he 
had  been  three  weeks  on  the  coast  without  seeing  or  speak- 
ing with  any  of  the  King's  ships. 

"  That  he  was  greatly  amazed  at  not  yet  seeing  any  of 
the  men  of  war  ;  his  instructions  strictly  forbidding  him  to 
enter  Boston  or  any  other  port  or  harbour  in  America  'till 
he  had  spoke  with  some  of  His  Majesty's  ships,  proper 
orders  having  been  sent  out  for  that  purpose.    That  the 


260 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


ship  was  in  a  bad  state ;  he  feared  that  her  rudder  must  be 
unhung  before  he  could  proceed  any  further,  and  that  they 
were  in  want  of  water." 

2nd.  Letter  from  the  said  I.  H.  Dempster  of  the  same 
date,  directed  to  Robert  Hunter,  Esqr.  Coleman-street, 
London.  In  this  letter  he  says  "  they  had  been  three 
weeks  on  the  coast,  that  they  had  not  seen  any  of  the 
King's  vessels,  though  by  the  tenor  of  his  instructions  from 
the  board  he  had  reason  to  suppose  he  should  long  ere  this 
time  have  met  some  of  them." 

3rd.  A  letter  from  the  said  I.  H.  Dempster,  of  the  same 
date  as  the  others,  directed  to  Richard  Cardin,  Esqr.  Buck- 
lersbury,  London ;  containing  advices  to  the  same  effect 
as  the  letters  before  mentioned. 

4th.  A  letter  from  I.  H.  Dempster,  of  the  same  date,  di- 
rected to  his  brother,  I.  Townshend,  London  ;  containing 
the  like  advices  as  the  others. 

5th.  A  letter  dated  said  22nd  January,  from  Joseph 
Woolcombe,  the  mate  (and  now  in  the  barrack)  to  his  father, 
containing  advices  of  a  long  passage,  very  bad  weather, 
loss  of  sails,  ship  in  bad  order  ;  that  they  had  80  hogs  when 
they  sailed,  and  had  now  only  ten  left ;  that  pork  would 
come  dear  to  the  soldiers. 

Capt.  William  Dobbs,  by  order  of  the  Committee,  was 
brought  before  them  and  examined  :  He  described  the 
ship  Blue  Mountain  Valley,  says  she  is  a  transport  from 
England  with  porter  and  coal  for  the  ministerial  army  ; 
that  Joseph  Woolcombe  is  mate  of  the  said  ship  ;  that  he 
did  not  promise  to  put  said  Woolcombe  on  board  of  one  of 
the  ships  of  war,  but  only  promised  to  bring  him  to  the 
city  ;  that  Woolcombe  did  not  mention  any  thing  about  the 
going  on  board  of  the  ships  of  war,  or  either  of  them,  until 
he  was  near  the  city,  and  that  he,  the  said  William  Dobbs, 
refused  to  put  him  on  board. 

Capt.  William  Dobbs  returned  with  a  guard  to  the  guard- 
house, at  the  upper  barracks. 


DIE  LVNJE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  22nd,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr. 
Clark,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands  a  very  little  time. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Thomas  Grennell,  one  of  the  commis- 
sioners at  the  fortifications,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  received  yours  of  the  16th  inst.  and  shall  en- 
deavour to  comply  with  the  contents.  The  foundation  of 
the  intended  battery  was  completed  on  Sunday  last,  the 
length  of  which  is  140  feet,  the  breadth  at  bottom  12  feet, 
and  at  the  top  10  feet,  and  its  height  is  4  feet  on  an  ave- 
rage. The  materials  are  chiefly  large  rocks  from  500  to  a 
1,000  weight  and  some  much  larger,  filled  in  with  the 
largest  stones  it  would  take,  and  the  small  vacancies  filled 
with  coarse  gravel  instead  of  mortar,  as  that  could  not  be 
used  at  this  season  of  the  year.  I  had  the  misfortune  to 
have  the  first  range  of  timber  for  the  breast  work  laid  be- 
fore I  received  your  order  to  stop  going  on  with  the  same  ; 
with  respect  to  the  extension  of  the  base  to  15  feet,  it  may 
be  done,  if  thought  necessary,  at  a  very  small  expense,  as 
the  materials  are  handy,  and  shall  leave  you  to  judge  of, 
from  the  cost  in  wages  of  what  has  been  done  already,  of 
which  you  have  in  the  annexed  account,  with  the  first 
charge  of  the  timber  and  plank  for  the  breast-work  and  plat- 
form. The  breast  work  was  proposed  to  be  3  feet  thick 
and  well  braced,  trundled ;  the  height  will  be  suitable  to 
the  gun  carriages  ;  as  to  the  magazine,  it  still  continues 
very  damp,  though  there  has  been  three  fires  constantly  in 
it  for  these  three  or  four  weeks,  and  I  doubt  whether  it 
will  be  fit  for  use  this  winter  ;  the  powder  I  shall  take  all 


the  care  in  my  power  of ;  but  am  obliged  to  supply  the 
minute  men  out  of  our  old  stock,  for  they  came  here  with- 
out any. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 

"THOS.  GRENELL. 

"  Highlands,  Jany.  19th,  1776." 

"  I  also  mention  that  the  intended  battery  is  714  yards 
from  the  West  Point ;  and  from  Bunn's  Hill  to  the  West 
point  is  740  yards. 

"  An  account  of  what  charge  the  intended  battery  has, 
in  some  measure,  already  been  : 

jE  s.  d. 

The  wages  to  workmen  and  labourers  completing  the  line 

about   20  00  00 

To  12  inch  square  timber  for  the  breast-work,  16,200  feet, 

Sleepers  for  the  platform,   2,000  " 

Plank  for  ditto   4,000  " 

First  cost  of  the  above  timber  6s.  pr.  100  feet,   66  12  00 

It  may  be  finished  by  10  carpenters  we  have  here  on  the 
spot,  in  about  10  days,  at  5s.  6d.  per  day,   27  10  00 

£114    2  00 

"  Some  few  other  necessaries,  such  as  deck  nails  and 
trundles,  will  be  wanted. 

"THOS.  CRENEL. 

"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Safety.  New-Yoik." 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Elizabeth  Town,  January  20th,  1776. 

"  SiR-^-Your  letter  of  the  17th  I  have  received.  What 
you  mention  with  regard  to  the  barracks  at  New-York,  I 
shall  communicate  to  the  Continental  Congress.  The  100 
firelocks  which  your  Congress  have  been  so  good  as  to 
spare  us,  will  be  paid  for  by  the  Congress  of  this  Province 
at  their  next  meeting  the  31st  of  this  month,  agreeable  to 
an  order  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  2nd  inst. ; 
such  of  them  as  are  finished,  you  will  be  pleased  to  order 
to  be  delivered  to  Major  De  Hart  of  my  regiment,  whom 
I  shall  desire  to  call  for  them  in  his  way  back  from  Long 
island. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  STERLING. 

"To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety  of  New- York." 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  the  captain 
of  the  man  of  war  had  despatched  a  pilot  boat  with  mari- 
ners and  marines  to  the  relief  of  the  transport  ship  at  the 
Hook. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  notice  thereof  should 
be  given  to  Lord  Stirling  by  express. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  his  lordship  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  Jany.  22d,  1776— 12  o'clock.  $ 

"My  Lord — This  minute  the  captains  of  the  men  of  war 
have  taken  a  pilot  boat,  and  sent  her  down  towards  the 
Hook  with  mariners  and  marines  on  board  from  20  to  25 
in  number. 

"  If  your  party  goes  to  secure  the  ship,  they  should  se- 
cure the  pilot  boat  first ;  or,  in  our  opinion,  there  should 
be  two  or  more  boats  with  men,  to  contain  at  least  50  or 
more  men  in  the  whole,  otherwise  they  may  fail  of  suc- 
cess. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  most  respectfully, 
"  Your  lordship's  most  obt.  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"  To  the  Right  Honble.  Wm.  Earl  of  Sterling, 
and  in  his  absence  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  at  Elizth.  Town." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Sampson  Dyckman. 

Hart  Jacobs,  a  Jew,  attending  at  the  door,  requests  an 
exemption  from  doing  military  duty  on  the  city  watch  on 
Friday  nights,  which  is  part  of  his  Sabbath,  thereupon  a 
certificate  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Hart  Jacobs  of  the  Jewish  religion,  having  signified 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


261 


to  this  Committee,  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  his  religious 
profession  to  perform  military  duty  on  Friday  nights,  being 
part  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath ;  it  is 

"  Ordered,  That  he  be  exempted  from  military  duty  on 
that  night  of  the  week,  to  be  subject  nevertheless  to  the 
performance  of  his  full  tour  of  duty  on  other  nights." 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had 
purchased  the  sloop  Sally  to  be  made  an  armed  vessel,  for 
the  sum  of  £325,  and  requested  an  order  for  that  sum. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Col.  McDougall  the  sum  of  £325  to  enable  him  to  pay 
for  the  sloop  or  vessel  called  the  Sally,  which  he  has  pur- 
chased in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  Provincial  Congress  of 
the  20th  day  of  December  last  past.  And, 

Ordered,  farther,  That  the  said  Treasurer  advance  and 
pay  to  Commodore  James  Smith,  on  Continental  account, 
the  sum  of  £26  13s.  4.d.  for  2  months'  pay,  in  part  of  his 
pay  while  in  the  Continental  service  at  Lake  Champlain, 
and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  a  receipt  or  receipts  for  the 
same. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  necessity 
and  advantage  of  having  sundry  small  armed  vessels  to 
protect  trade  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  and 
also  to  seize  transports  with  provisions  intended  for  the 
ministerial  army  and  navy,  and  to  prevent  the  same  from 
being  exported  by  persons  unfriendly  to  the  measures  of 
the  Colonies. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  at  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  New-York,  Jany.  22nd,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — With  the  utmost  anxiety  we  have  be- 
held the  supply  of  provisions  collected  last  autumn  on  board 
the  ship  of  war,  by  the  means  of  small  boats  from  Queens 
and  Westchester  counties,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the 
ministerial  army  at  Boston.  Our  Congress,  impelled  by  a 
desire  to  prevent  so  great  a  mischief,  authorized  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall to  equip  a  small  armed  vessel,  to  watch  those  and 
other  dangerous  supplies  of  the  like  kind. 

"  We  are  informed  by  one  of  our  Delegates  that  Con- 
gress will  readily  take  this  vessel  into  the  Continental 
service  ;  should  it  be  so  determined,  her  flag  should  be 
described  to  us,  marine  articles  of  war  provided,  with  a  roll 
of  pay,  and  sent  to  us  without  delay.    An  acquaintance  with 
the  navigation  in  our  neighbourhood,  points  out  the  necessity 
of  immediately  equipping  three  other  small  vessels  of  easy 
draught  of  water,  sufficiently  manned  and  provided  both  to 
attack  and  repulse  the  barges  of  the  men  of  war  with  suc- 
cess, and  constructed  in  such  manner  as  to  take  shelter  in 
coves  and  inlets  out  of  the  reach  of  superior  force,  and  under 
cover  of  the  musketry  of  the  country.    Those  vessels  will 
effectually  scour  the  navigation  of  this  port  and  its  environs, 
and  besides  procuring  offensive  advantages,  will  prevent 
the  above  mentioned  mischiefs.    One  of  them  should  be 
stationed  at  Amboy,  to  watch  the  navigation  from  thence 
to  Sandy  Hook  ;  another  at  Elizabeth  Town,  to  attend  that 
between  Staten  island  and  New-Jersey  and  the  southward- 
most  parts  of  our  bay ;  another  on  Hudson's  river  ;  and  a 
fourth,  the  parts  of  the  Sound  to  the  eastward  of  this  har- 
bour, and  they  all  might  be  occasionally  used  as  express 
boats.    The  one  already  provided,  is  commanded  by  James 
Smith,  who  was  commodore  on  the  lakes  the  last  summer 
with  the  rank  of  major.    He  has  approved  himself  a  man 
of  worth  in  the  naval  service  of  the  Continent,  and  as  he 
has  yet  received  no  pay,  we  shall  advance  him  some  money 
on  that  score  for  his  last  year's  service.    Should  the  Con- 
gress approve  of  the  proposed  plan,  we  will  cheerfully  en- 
gage under  their  direction  in  the  equipment  of  three  more 
vessels  ;  but  to  answer  the  good  ends  proposed,  their  order 
should  be  handed  to  us  without  delay.    The  vessels  com- 
pletely equipped,  except  the  artillery  and  musquetry  which 
we  will  supply,  will  cost  about  £600  each. 

66 


"  Egg  Harbour  is  now  known  to  our  enemies  as  a  place 
of  debarkment  for  certain  necessaries.  We  therefore  think 
that  a  small  redoubt  should  be  there  built,  garrisoned  always 
by  a  proper  captain's  guard,  with  barracks  to  contain  200 
men,  so  situated  as  to  command  the  entrance  of  the  harbour, 
and  provided  with  cisterns  to  take  rain  water.  Cedar  wood 
is  plenty  there,  which  will  answer  all  the  purposes  of  wood 
work ;  and  to  complete  the  defence,  a  galley  to  mount  a 
six  pounder  in  her  stem  should,  we  think,  be  provided. 

"  We  have  no  grape  shot  for  our  field  pieces,  six 
pounders,  nor  coals  to  manufacture  them.  We  beg  to  be 
informed  if  we  can  be  supplied  with  that  article  in  Phila- 
delphia ?  If  so,  be  pleased  to  send  two  tons  to  Elizabeth 
Town  without  delay,  to  our  direction,  together  with  the 
amount  of  the  cost,  which  we  shall  remit  without  delay. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress,  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Joseph  Woolcomb,  mate  of  the  ship  Blue  Mountain 
Valley,  was  brought  before  the  Committee  and  examined. 
He  says  he  was  chief  mate  of  the  ship  Blue  Mountain 
Valley ;  that  she  is  laden  with  hogs,  provisions,  &c.  for 
Boston  ;  left  London  13  weeks  ago  ;  that  he  was  sent  up 
to  New-York  by  the  captain,  to  put  some  letters  for  En- 
gland on  board  of  the  men  of  war,  and  to  return  ;  that  the 
ship  was  to  lie  off  and  on  14  hours  for  him  ;  that  they  have 
had  bad  weather  ;  that  36  sail  of  transports  with  stores  and 
provisions  came  out  with  them  ;  that  as  many  more  tran- 
sports were  ready  to  sail  ;  that  they  have  had  such  weather 
that  he  believes  many  other  transports  are  gone  to  the  West 
Indies  ;  that  the  Blue  Mountain  Valley  is  a  sharp  built 
ship,  and  would  make  as  good  weather  on  a  winter  coast 
as  any  ship  ;  that  two  troops  of  light  horse  came  out  in 
transports  with  their  vessel,  and  were  to  winter  in  the  West 
Indies. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Woolcombe  remain  in  custody  in 
Capt.  Ledyard's  room,  for  farther  examination. 

The  Committee  conceiving  it  too  great  a  burthen  on  the 
minute  men,  or  detachments  from  this  city,  to  continue  long 
on  the  duty  of  guarding  the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge,  con- 
cluded that  it  would  be  most  convenient  to  have  a  guard  of 
Westchester  minute  men  at  that  place. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  on  that  subject  to  Lieut. 
Col.  Graham,  of  the  minute  men  in  Westchester  county, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

=J!  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  Jany.  22nd,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — Having  received  information  that  some  evil  mind- 
ed persons  have  spiked  up  the  cannon  near  King's  Bridge, 
to  prevent  their  being  further  damaged  or  rendered  entirely 
unfit  for  service,  we  think  it  necessary  that  a  continual 
guard  should  be  kept  over  them.  For  their  immediate  se- 
curity, we  have  sent  out  a  company  from  one  of  the  inde- 
pendent battalions  of  this  city,  but  as  they  are  too  much 
harrassed  with  continual  duty  upon  the  large  guards  it  is 
necessary  to  keep  up  in  this  city,  we  desire  that  you  would 
as  soon  as  possible,  cause  them  to  be  relieved  by  a  com- 
pany of  minute  men  out  of  your  regiment,  to  be  upon 
constant  duty  till  further  orders  ;  their  pay  and  billeting 
to  be  the  same  allowed  for  the  Continental  troops  now 
raising. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  N.  B. — This  business  is  committed  to  you,  sir,  as 
your  colonel's  remote  residence  would  make  it  inconvenient 
to  direct  it  to  him.    You'll  please  to  apologise  to  him  for 
the  same. 

"To  Lieut.  Col.  Lewis  Graham,  of  the  regiment 

of  minute  men  in  Westchester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


262 

Die  LuNiE,  3  ho.  P.  M.  22d  Jany.  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands. 

Two  letters  from  Thomas  Grennell,  one  of  the  commis- 
sioners at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  to  Mr.  John 
Berrien,  were  read  in  order  to  ohtain  information  of  the 
state  of  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  of  the  peo- 
ple at  work  there. 

Mr.  John  Berrien  delivered  in  a  memorandum  of  balan- 
ces of  accounts,  and  moneys  due  from  the  commissioners 
for  the  said  fortifications,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Balance  of  carpenters'  bills,   £178  110 

do    of  mason's       do    299    5  0 

Draft  of  commissioners  at  the  fort  to  pay  up  accts. 

of  provisions,  &c   350  00  0 

Cash  in  advance  by  John  Berrien   200  00  0 

The  blacksmiths'  draft  in  his  favor,  coppersmiths'  acct. 
iron  mongers'  and  nailers'  account  not  paid ;  he  supposes 
these  amount  to  £70  ;  that  the  commissioners  have  not 
drawn  any  pay,  and  that  any  commissions  are  not  included. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Mr.  John  Berrien,  as  commissary  of  the  commissioners 
for  erecting  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  and  one  of  the 
said,  commissioners,  the  sum  of  £1,250,  on  acount  of  the 
expenses  and  disbursements  of  erecting  the  said  fortifica- 
tions, and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Berrien's  receipt 
for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Grennell,  who  was  recom- 
mended by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  as  a  captain  of  an  artillery  company, 
be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  accordingly,  and  that  a  war- 
rant issue  to  the  said  Capt.  John  Grennell  for  that  purpose. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  23d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr. 
Brewster,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt  being  under  a  necessity  to  go  to  his 
seat  in  Westchester  county,  and  the  gentlemen  present 
conceiving  his  attendance  there  will  be  of  use  to  the  public 
tranquillity  in  that  part  of  the  county,  consented  to  his  de- 
parture ;  and  thereupon  unanimously  chose  Mr.  Joseph 
Hallett  Chairman  pro  tempore  in  his  stead. 

Mr.  Sands  informed  the  committee  that  Monsieur  Var- 
rass,  a  French  gentleman,  came  here  from  Granada  for  his 
health,  and  requests  a  permission  for  himself  and  his  inter- 
preter, to  travel  to  or  through  the  Colony  of  Connecticut ; 
thereupon  a  passport  was  given  to  Mr.  Sands  for  him  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  bearer,  Monsieur  Varrass,  and  his  interpreter  Oli- 
ver Besly,  are  permitted  to  pass  unmolested.." 

A  bill  of  sale  from  Robert  Wosan,  master  and  part 
owner  of  the  sloop  Sally,  and  from  Isaac  Scudder,  Hooker 
St.  John  and  Sarah  Isaac,  executors  of  the  last  will  and 
estate  of  Benjamin  Isaac,  deceased,  the  other  owners,  to 
Col.  Alexander  McDougall  and  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers, 
for  the  said  sloop  and  her  appurtenances,  was  prepared 
and  delivered  to  Capt.  James  Smith  to  take  to  Norwalk  to 
have  it  executed. 

John  Fowler  was  taken  and  brought  before  the  Commit- 
tee, and  charged  with  having  purchased  a  parcel  of  old 
files,  which  it  is  conceived  were  used  for  spiking  up  the 
cannon  in  Westchester  county  ;  he  readily  declared  that 
he  purchased  30  old  files  ;  that  he  was  requested  by  Wm. 
Lownsbury,  of  Mamaroneck,  to  purchase  some  old  files  for 
him  ;  that  he  purchased  30  ;  that  they  were  all  flat  files, 
to  the  best  of  his  remembrance  ;  that  he  bought  16  pounds 


weight  of  Michael  Ganter,  and  5  pounds  weight  of  a  brass 
founder,  in  the  Broadway  near  St.  Paul's  chuich. 

Peter  Valentine  says  he  was  present  when  John  Fowler 
spoke  for  the  files,  and  they  were  collected  together,  and 
that  there  were  some  rat-tails  among  them.  John  Fowler 
says  that  he  took  out  the  rat-tails,  and  did  not  buy  them  ; 
that  as  soon  as  he  heard  the  guns  were  spiked  up  he  im- 
mediately told  his  wife  that  he  should  be  blamed,  and  that 
Lownsbury  had  used  him  ill ;  that  he  knows  not  the  use 
for  which  the  said  files  were  purchased. 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Jecamiah  Allen,  of  the  light  horse 
of  the  city  of  New- York,  take  with  him  a  guard  of  12  of 
the  said  light  horse,  and  proceed  immediately  to  Mamaro- 
neck, and  take  Wm.  Lownsbury  and  his  accomplices,  and 
bring  them  immediately  before  this  Committee  to  be  heard, 
and  to  answer  such  things  as  may  be  charged  against  them 
concerning  the  cannon  that  have  been  spiked  up  beyond 
King's  Bridge,  in  Westchester  county.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Allen  call  on  Col.  Joseph  Drake 
at  New-Rochelle,  or  on  any  olher  officer  of  the  militia  or 
minute  men  in  Westchester  county,  for  any  assistance  he 
may  want ;  and  all  the  officers  of  the  militia  and  minute 
men  of  the  said  county  are  hereby  requested  to  give  all 
necessary  aid,  of  men  or  otherwise,  to  Mr.  Allen  and  his 
party  in  the  aforesaid  service.  And, 

Ordered  further,  That  the  said  John  Fowler  be  kept 
in  safe  and  sure  custody  at  the  upper  barracks,  until  the 
further  order  of  this  Committee,  and  in  the  interim  that 
no  person  be  suffered  to  speak  to  him  but  in  the  presence 
and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  the  guard  ;  and  that  no  letters 
or  paper  writings  be  permitted  to  pass  between  the  said 
John  Fowler  and  any  person  out  of  the  barracks  ;  and  that 
he  be  denied  the  use  of  pen,  ink  and  paper,  and  that  Col. 
McDougall  cause  this  order  to  be  duly  executed,  with  di- 
rections to  treat  the  said  John  Fowler  with  as  much  cour- 
tesy as  may  be  consistent  with  this  order. 

Mr.  John  Berrien  and  Andrew  McCormick,  by  request, 
attended  the  Committee,  and  informed  them  of  the  state 
of  ground  within  or  to  the  northward  of  the  line  of  fortifi- 
cations mentioned  in  Mr.  Thomas  GrennelPs  letter  of  the 
19th  inst. ;  and  of  such  other  matters  relating  to  the  tim- 
ber and  materials  there  as  the  Committee  requested,  and 
they  could  inform  or  explain,  in  order  to  enable  the  Com- 
mittee to  give  answer  to  the  said  letter. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  2Srd  Jany.  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDou- 
gall, Col.  Brasher. 

Joseph  Woolcombe,  mate  of  the  ship  Blue  Mountain 
Valley,  was  brought  before  the  Committee  ;  he  says  he 
had  not  any  other  letters  than  those  taken  from  him  when 
searched.  That  he  was  mate  of  the  ship  ;  that  25  or  26 
transports  sailed  with  their  vessel,  which  was  the  whole 
number  then  in  the  Downs.  There  were  other  transports 
taken  up  ;  that  their  ship  was  loaded  with  porter  and  coals; 
that  two  transports  with  horse  came  out  and  went  to  the 
West  Indies  for  winter  quarters  ;  that  he  had  no  verbal 
instructions,  but  to  deliver  the  letters  on  board  of  the  man 
of  war  ;  that  the  ship  was  to  stand  in,  in  the  night  for  him, 
which  would  be  about  24  hours  after  he  left  her,  and  if  he 
did  not  arrive  in  four  hours  after,  the  ship  was  to  put  off 
for  Boston. 

Joseph  Woolcombe  says  he  chooses  to  go  on  board  ot 
one  of  the  men  of  war  :  thereupon  he  was  discharged,  and 
the  letters  found  with  him  were  delivered  to  him,  and  a 
permit  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Ordered,  That  Joseph  Woolcombe  be  permitted  to  go 
on  board  either  of  His  Majesty's  ships  of  war,  (now  laying 
in  the  habour  of  New-York)  unmolested." 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  Capt. 
Benjamin  Ledyard  has  unavoidably  been  at  sundry  expen- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


263 


ses,  by  reason  of  his  having  the  care  and  charge  of  pri- 
soners committed  to  the  guard-house  in  this  city. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  unto 
Capt.  Benjn.  Ledyard,  of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,  the 
sum  of  £8,  to  reimburse  him  for  sundry  expenses  he  has 
necessarily  been  at,  by  having  the  charge  of  several  pri- 
soners confined  in  the  guard-house  in  this  city. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Richmond  county  of  the 
19th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Richmond  county,  Jany.  19th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — Whereas  the  committee  for  this  county 
have  caused  by  advertisement  the  freeholders  to  be  con- 
vened on  this  day,  in  order  to  elect  two  members  to  repre- 
sent this  county  in  Provincial  Congress  ;  accordingly  a 
poll  was  opened  for  that  purpose,  without  any  opposition, 
at  the  close  of  which  it  appeared  by  a  majority,  that  Messrs. 
Adrian  Banker  and  Richard  Lawrence  was  duly  elected 
to  represent  this  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  until  the 
second  Tuesday  in  May  next,  which  we  hope  will  be 
agreeable  to  the  rest  of  that  body. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"Your  mo.  obt.  and  most  humble  servts. 

"CHRISTIAN  JACOBSON, 
"LAMBERT  MERRELL, 
"  JOHN  TYSON, 
"PETER  MERSEREAU, 
"GEORGE  BARNES, 
"MOSES  DUPUY, 
"DAVID  LA  TOURRETTE, 
"DANIEL  CORSEN, 
"HENRY  PERINE, 
"JOSEPH  CHRISTOPH. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  in  recess 

of  the  Provincial  Congress  in  New- York." 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  case  of 
Godfrey  Hains,  lately  apprehended  and  sent  here  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  New- Jersey ;  are  of  opinion  that 
his  many  and  mischievous  machinations  are  so  dangerous, 
that  he  ought  to  be  kept  in  safe  custody  and  close  jail ; 
and  that  by  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of 
the  2nd  day  of  January  inst.  they  are  fully  authorized,  and 
that  it  is  their  duty  to  the  country  to  have  him  confined,  and 
as  the  said  Godfrey  Haines  lately  broke  the  jail  of  this 
city  and  escaped,  when  he  was  there  confined  as  a  pri- 
soner, and,  continuing  his  evil  practices,  set  off  to  navigate 
a  vessel  loaded  with  provisions  to  supply  the  ministerial 
army  and  navy  at  Boston,  they  conceive  it  will  be  very 
dangerous  to  keep  or  convey  the  said  Godfrey  Hains  to 
Ulster  county  jail,  unless  he  is  fettered  or  manacled  ;  there- 
fore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Godfrey  Hains 
be  conveyed  to  Ulster  county  jail,  to  be  there  confined  in 
safe  and  secure  custody,  in  close  jail,  until  the  further  or- 
der of  the  Continental  or  Provincial  Congress,  or  of  this 
Committee.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Godfrey  Hains  be  sent  mana- 
cled or  fettered,  under  guard,  to  Ulster  county  jail ;  and  that 
Col.  McDougall  be  requested  to  procure  an  officer,  with  a 
proper  guard  of  the  militia,  or  minute  men  of  this  city,  to 
guard  the  said  prisoner,  and  the  other  prisoners  heretofore 
ordered  to  jail,  to  Kingston  in  Ulster  county. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  King- 
ston, in  Ulster  county,  which  was  formerly  drawn,  and 
read  and  approved  of,  in  the  Committee  on  yesterday,  was 
again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  23rd  Jany.  1776.  $ 
"Gentlemen — By  a  determination  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  with  the  consent  of  the  Deputies  from  your 
county  then  present,  the  jail  of  your  county  at  Kingston 
was  determined  on,  to  be  the  jail  for  such  prisoners  whose 
wicked  practices  forbid  their  being  permitted  to  go  at 
large. 

"  In  pursuance  thereof,  we  send  you  by  this  guard  three 
prisoners,  to  wit :  John  Blackler,  who  was  ordered  to  be 


there  confined  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  Azor  Betts 
and  Godfrey  Hains  sent  by  us. 

"  We  pray  you  to  direct  that  they  be  kept  in  safe  custo- 
dy to  prevent  their  escape  ;  and  that  very  particular  di- 
rections for  this  purpose  be  given  as  to  Hains,  as  he  for- 
merly broke  the  jail  in  this  city  and  made  his  escape. 

"  Take  care  to  secure  such  part  of  the  jail  as  you  shall 
have  them  confined  in,  at  your  absolute  command  ;  and 
secure  any  person  who  may  attempt  to  procure  their  es- 
cape. 

"  Appoint  some  person  whom  you  shall  think  proper,  to 
supply  them  with  the  necessaries  of  life,  at  their  own  ex- 
pense, if  they  can  pay  for  them  ;  and  if  they  can  not,  then 
at  the  public  expense.  If  any  or  all  of  them  must  be  sup- 
ported at  the  public  expense,  let  the  accounts  be  laid  before 
your  committee,  and,  when  you  find  them  just  and  reasona- 
ble, let  the  person  to  whom  the  money  is  due  make  oath 
to  the  account,  and  let  a  certificate  of  your  committee, 
or  chairman,  that  the  account  is  reasonable  and  due,  be 
added,  and  the  accounts  sent  to  this  Committee  or  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  that  they  may  be  ordered  to  be  paid. 
"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of 

the  Committee  of  Kingston,  Ulster  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  farther  examined  Andrew  McCormick, 
on  the  subject  of  the  situation  of  the  new  line  at  the  fortifi- 
cations in  the  Highlands.  And,  thereupon,  an  answer  to 
Thos.  Grennell's  letter  of  the  19th  inst.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"  New-York,  Jany.  23d,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — We  are  favoured  with  yours  of  the  19th  inst.  by 
Mr.  Andrew  McCormick,  to  which  we  have  paid  due  at- 
tention, and  have  also  examined  him  and  conversed  with 
Mr.  Berrien,  on  the  situation  of  the  ground,  to  which  we 
are  in  a  great  measure  strangers. 

"  Upon  the  whole,  we  are  of  opinion  that,  as  the  founda- 
tion of  the  intended  battery  mentioned  in  your  letter  is 
completed,  and  the  timber  and  materials  so  far  prepared 
that  the  battery  may  be  finished  at  small  expense,  it  will 
be  best  to  finish  it ;  at  the  same  time  we  are  of  opinion 
that  a  breast  work  of  wood,  of  three  feet  thick,  will  by  no 
means  answer  any  good  purpose.  Therefore,  we  desire 
you  to  have  the  breast  work  made  about  20  feet  thick,  in 
the  following  manner,  to  wit :  let  the  timber  in  front  be  at 
least  3  logs  or  pieces  thick,  and  in  the  inside  at  least  2 
pieces  thick,  and  the  inside  of  the  parapet  perpendicular ; 
the  distance  between  the  front  and  the  inside  pieces  of  the 
parapet  will  be  about  15  feet,  and  that  intermediate  space 
filled  up  with  fascines  and  earth. 

"  We  wish  to  expend  as  little  money  as  possible,  and 
therefore  you  need  not  employ  labourers  to  get  fascines  ; 
for  as  we  expect  Continental  troops  to  garrison  the  fort  in 
a  short  lime,  it  now  is  and  will  be  the  proper  duty  of  the 
troops  there,  to  make  the  fascines  and  fill  up  the  parapet. 
Please  to  take  care  that  the  upper  part  of  the  parapet 
be  made  so  sloped,  or  descending,  that  the  guns  may, 
when  necessary,  be  brought  to  bear  on  the  water  nearest 
to  the  battery,  and  the  ground  there,  adjoining  to  the  wa- 
ter ;  and  the  outer  face  or  front  of  the  parapet  should  be 
built  battering  or  tend  inwards,  to  prevent  the  weight  of 
the  earth  from  forcing  the  timber  out  of  its  place.  A  work 
should  also  be  added  at  the  left  of  the  line,  to  secure  the 
troops  on  the  line,  and  the  cannon  and  carriages  from  being 
flanked  by  an  enemy  on  the  left. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"By  order. 

"To  Mr.  Tuos.  Grenneix  at  the 

fortifications  in  the  Highlands." 


264 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  the  said  Andrew  Mc- 
Cormick. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  2Ath,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  Brasher,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brew- 
ster, Mr.  Clark. 

Capt.  Van  Wyck  having,  by  order,  prepared  a  guard  at 
8s.  each  per  man  per  day,  defraying  his  own  expenses,  to 
proceed  with  the  three  prisoners  now  in  the  barracks,  to 
Ulster  county  jail,  attended  at  the  Committee  to  receive  co- 
pies of  the  several  orders  for  the  confinement  of  the  respec- 
tive prisoners,  and  the  letter  to  the  committee  of  King- 
ston, which  were  delivered  to  him. 

Thereupon,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committees  and  mi- 
litia officers  of  this  Colony,  to  be  given  to  Capt.  Van  Wyck, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  New-York,  Jany.  24th,  1776.  J 

"  Gentlemen — Capt.  Van  Wyck,  with  a  guard  under 
his  command,  is  sent  to  conduct  three  prisoners  to  Ulster 
county  jail.  Capt.  Van  Wyck  and  his  guard  are  hereby 
recommended  to  the  aid  of  every  committee  and  militia 
officer  in  this  Colony  for  any  assistance  he  may  want  at 
any  lime  to  strengthen  or  relieve  his  guard ;  and  also  for 
any  assistance  he  may  want  to  hire  sleighs  or  other  car- 
riages. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  every  Committee  and  to  each  and  every 

Militia  Officer  in  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

It  being  represented  to  this  Committee  that  Mr.  John 
Ramsey  and  Col.  Isaac  Stoutenburgh  are  willing  to  under- 
take to  be  managers  of  employing  the  industrious  poor  in 
this  city  in  spinning  and  making  manufactures,  and  the 
Committee  being  unanimously  of  opinion  that  they  cannot 
in  any  other  way  so  advantageously  employ  the  sum  of 
£1,000,  which  they  by  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  the  22nd  day  of  December  last  past  were  authorized  to 
expend  for  the  relief  of  the  poor  of  the  city  of  New-York. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sum  of  £1,000  be  paid  into  the 
hands  of  the  said  John  Ramsey  and  Isaac  Stoutenburgh, 
for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  entry  be 
a  sufficient  warrant  to  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  to 
pay  the  said  sum  of  £1,000  to  Messrs.  John  Ramsay  and 
Isaac  Stoutenburgh,  and  take  their  receipt  for  the  same. 

Donald  McLane,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  druggist,  at- 
tended with  a  letter  from  Capt.  Vandeput,  of  the  ship  Asia, 
requesting  him  to  receive  the  body  of  the  late  purser  of  the 
said  ship,  and  have  him  buried  in  Trinity  church  yard. 

Thereupon  a  permit  was  given  to  him,  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Mr.  Donald  McLean,  of  this  city,  druggist,  is  hereby 
permitted  to  go  on  board  of  the  Asia  ship  of  war,  and  also 
to  have  the  body  of  Mr.  George  Claypen,  late  purser  of 
the  said  ship,  brought  on  shore  and  buried. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 
Mr.  Jecamiah  Allen,  the  officer  of  the  light  horse,  who 
was  sent  out  by  order  of  this  Committee  of  yesterday,  re- 
turned with  William  Lownsberry,  a  prisoner  ;  he  informed 
that  the  prisoner,  when  taken,  appeared  struck  with  guilt ; 
that  some  short  time  afterwards  he  denied,  in  the  presence 
of  sundry  of  the  guard,  that  he  ever  employed  John  Fow- 
ler to  buy  files.  That  some  time  afterwards  he  confessed 
that  he  had  employed  John  Fowler  to  buy  the  files,  but 
had  never  brought  them  home ;  that  they  afterwards  dis- 
covered that  the  files  went  up  in  a  boat  with  himself,  and 
that  his  son  brought  them  home  ;  that  the  prisoner  after- 


wards said  that  he  bought  the  files  to  shoe  horses,  and  af- 
terwards that  he  bought  them  to  make  skeens  for  carts  ; 
that  one  Hains  told  the  prisoner  to  his  face  that  on  last 
Wednesday  night  he  met  him  with  three  other  persons, 
with  handkerchiefs  on  their  heads,  about  ten  at  night,  go- 
ing towards  and  near  the  cannon. 

Wm.  Lowndesberry  examined,  says  he  lives  at  Mamaro- 
neck,  is  a  farmer  by  occupation,  that  Mr.  John  Fowler 
bought  30  files  for  him ;  that  he  did  not  inform  Fowler  for 
what  use  they  were  purchased  ;  that  the  files  are  not  at 
his  house,  but  are  all  in  being  ;  that  he  was  not  on  the  road 
with  a  handkerchief  on  his  head  on  last  Wednesday  night ; 
that  he  bought  the  files  to  make  skeens  for  carts,  and  to  lay 
axes  ;  that  he  has  a  neighbour,  one  Joseph  Purdy,  who  is 
a  blacksmith,  and  poor,  and  in  his  debt,  and  intended  to 
get  him  to  work  for  him.  Being  asked  at  whose  house 
the  files  are,  says  they  are  not  at  any  house.  Being  seve- 
ral times  asked  where  they  are,  he  obstinately  sat  silent — 
refused  to  answer. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Wm.  Lownsberry  be  shackled 
and  manacled,  hands  and  feet,  and  kept  in  safe  and  secure 
custody  at  the  upper  barracks,  until  the  further  order  of  this 
Committee,  and  in  the  interim  that  no  person  [be]  suffered 
to  speak  to  him,  but  in  the  presence  and  hearing  of  the 
officer  of  the  guard  ;  and  that  no  letter  or  paper  writings 
be  permitted  to  pass  between  the  said  William  Lownsberry 
and  any  persons  out  of  the  barracks,  and  that  he  be  denied 
the  use  of  pen,  ink  and  paper ;  and  that  Col.  McDougall 
cause  this  order  to  be  duly  executed.  And, 

Ordered,  That  John  Fowler  be  discharged  out  of  cus- 
tody and  charged  to  attend  this  Committee  when  directed. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Allen  cause  the  said  Wm.  Lowns- 
berry's  horse  to  be  taken  care  of. 

Messrs.  Low  Bancker,  John  Reade  and  Denning,  a  sub- 
committee from  the  city  committee,  attending,  were  admit- 
ted. They  informed  this  Committee  that  they  were  charg- 
ed with  two  different  matters  from  the  committee  of  the  city. 
The  one,  that  the  military  night  watch  in  this  city  is  very 
frequently  not  to  be  depended  on.  That  it  very  frequently 
happens  that  the  captains  or  officers  do  not  know  the  greater 
part  of  the  guard,  and  that  there  are  some  companies,  many 
of  which  are  not  trustworthy  ;  and  Mr.  Denning  said  that 
when  he  lately  had  the  care  of  the  guard  he  had  many  per- 
sons in  his  guard  to  whom  he  could  not  think  it  prudent  to 
communicate  the  countersign.  That  the  city  committee  are 
of  opinion  that  the  most  proper  method  to  guard  this  city  is 
to  raise  a  regiment  in  this  city  in  Continental  pay  ;  and  Mr. 
Denning  alleges  that  there  is  a  great  number  of  men  in  this 
city  who  would  willingly  enlist  for  that  purpose,  provided 
it  can  be  ascertained  that  they  will  not  be  ordered  out  of 
the  Colony  on  any  Continental  duty. 

The  said  sub-committee  mentioned  that  a  great  inconve- 
nience arises  from  vessels  loading  in  this  port,  by  order  of 
the  Continental  and  Provincial  Congress,  and  of  this  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  by  their  not  having  certificates  for  that 
purpose.  That  many  of  the  inhabitants,  not  knowing  why 
any  such  vessels  are  lading,  apply  to  the  laders  and  to  the 
city  committee  with  complaints  ;  that  it  is  also  in  the  pow- 
er of  the  laders  of  such  vessels  to  lade  other  produce  or 
greater  quantities  than  they  are  permitted,  and  that  there- 
fore that  it  is  the  request  of  the  city  committee  that  some 
proper  person  be  appointed  to  inspect  and  superintend  the 
loading  of  all  such  vessels,  and  to  report  thereon  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety. 

The  sub-committee  withdrew,  and  the  Committee  of 
Safety  requested  the  Chairman  to  speak  to  Capt.  William 
Mercier,  to  know  whether  he  will  undertake  to  manage  and 
inspect  the  lading  of  vessels  laded  in  this  port ;  and  also, 
whether  he  will  inspect  the  work  done,  and  materials  used 
in  making  carriages  for  cannon. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  dated  the 
1 2lh  January  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


265 


"  Philadelphia,  January  12th,  1776. 
*'  Gentlemen— The  discoveries  made  of  the  designs  of 
our  enraged  enemies,  fully  evince  not  only  the  propriety, 
but  the  absolute  necessity  of  securing  Canada,  to  prevent 
our  frontiers  from  desolation  and  destruction. 

"  Providence  has  hitherto  been  pleased  to  crown  our 
attempts  with  success,  but  from  the  steps  taken  by  Gover- 
nor Carlton  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  our  enemies, 
among  their  first  attempts  in  the  spring,  will  endeavour  to 
recover  the  possession  of  that  country,  as  well  to  retrieve 
their  honour  as  to  carry  into  execution  their  execrable  de- 
signs against  us.  I  need  not  mention  the  consequences 
that  would  ensue  should  they  effect  their  purpose,  and 
thereby  be  enabled  to  turn  the  force  of  that  Province,  as 
well  as  the  savages,  against  our  defenceless  frontiers. 

"  To  counteract  their  designs,  and  prevent  this  calamity, 
the  Congress  have  resolved  to  employ  nine  battalions  the 
present  year  for  the  defence  of  Canada.  One  of  these  is 
to  be  composed  of  Canadians,  under  Col.  J.  Livingston, 
who  has  so  eminently  signalized  himself  in  the  cause  of 
America.  Two  are  to  be  composed  of  the  troops  now 
serving  there — an  honour  due  to  the  merit  of  those  brave 
men,  to  have  an  opportunity  of  defending  a  country  which 
their  valour  has  rescued  from  slavery.  Three  are  to  be 
sent  from  Pennsylvania  and  New- Jersey,  of  which  two  are 
now  under  marching  orders.  The  other  three  are  to  be 
raised  to  the  eastward,  as  you  will  see  by  the  enclosed  re- 
solution, vizt :  one  in  your  Colony,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  V.  Schaick,  Lieut.  Col.  Yates  and  Major  Gansevoort, 
who,  as  Genl.  Schuyler  informs  Congress,  are  desirous  of 
continuing  in  the  service  ;  one  in  Connecticut  and  one  in 
New-Hampshire. 

"  As  the  arrival  of  the  troops  in  due  time  will  greatly 
conduce  to  the  preservation  of  that  country  and  baffling  the 
designs  of  our  enemies  ;  and  as  the  month  of  February, 
which  is  fast  approaching,  is  the  best,  and  indeed  the  only 
time  before  summer,  of  crossing  the  lakes,  the  Congress 
rely  that  you  will,  according  to  your  usual  zeal,  exert  your 
utmost  endeavours  to  have  the  battalion  from  your  Colony 
raised  and  sent  forward  with  all  possible  expedition. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  Convention  of  New- York,  or  Committee." 

Another  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  bearing 
date  the  20th  day  of  January,  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  20th  January,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  the  honour  of  enclosing  you  sun- 
dry resolutions  passed  by  Congress,  as  well  for  the  defence 
of  your  Colony  as  for  repairing  the  loss  lately  sustained  in 
Canada,  and  succouring  our  friends  there. 

"  The  shortness  of  the  time  will  not  permit  me  to  en- 
large ;  I  must,  therefore,  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  en- 
closed extracts,  and  just  inform  you  the  Congress  rely  with 
confidence  on  your  zeal  for  the  cause,  that  you  will  exert 
your  utmost  endeavours  to  hasten  the  march  of  the  troops 
ordered  to  Canada,  and  to  raise  those  destined  for  the  de- 
fence of  your  Colony.  Herewith  I  send  you  blank  com- 
missions for  the  officers  under  the  rank  of  majors,  which 
you  will  please  to  fill  up.  On  the  recommendation  of 
Genl.  Schuyler,  the  Congress  have  continued  Col.  V. 
Schaick,  Lieut.  Col.  Yates  and  Major  Gansevoort,  in  the 
service  of  the  United  Colonies,  and  appointed  them  to  the 
command  of  the  battalion  to  be  raised  in  your  Colony  for 
the  defence  of  Canada  ;  and  they  have  directed  me,  agree- 
able to  an  established  rule,  to  request  you  would  please,  as 
soon  as  possible,  to  transmit  the  names  of  a  number  of  gen- 
tlemen, whom  you  shall  judge  duly  qualified,  at  least  two 
for  each  command,  out  of  whom  they  may  elect  field  offi- 
cers for  the  other  battalions. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 
67 


I  "  P.  S.  I  enclose  you  the  commissions  for  the  officers 
under  the  rank  of  a  major,  for  the  Canada  battalion  ;  those 
for  your  other  battalions  shall  follow,  as  I  am  pinched  for 
time. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention,  or  Committee 

of  Safety,  New-York." 

A  copy  of  resolves  of  Congress  of  the  8th  Jany.  which 
were  before  received  and  read,  and  forwarded  to  General 
Schuyler  on  the  day  of  January  inst.  were  read  and 

filed. 

A  certified  copy  of  sundry  resolves  of  the  Continental 
Congress  of  different  dates,  from  the  8th  to  the  20th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  January  8th,  1776. 

"  Resolved*  That  General  Schuyler  be  desired  to  have 
the  river  St.  Lawrence,  above  and  below  Quebec,  well 
explored,  and  to  determine  upon  proper  places  for  oppos- 
ing by  armed  boats,  or  otherwise,  any  attempts  of  the 
enemy  to  penetrate  that  country  by  the  river  ;  and  that  he 
give  orders  for  constructing  speedily  as  many  such  boats 
as  he  shall  judge  necessary. 

"  That  two  shipwrights  be  immediately  sent  from  Phila- 
delphia, to  be  employed  under  the  direction  of  the  commit- 
tee of  inspection  at  Albany,  in  constructing  scows  for  faci- 
litating the  passage  over  Hudson's  river. 

"  That  the  Convention  of  New-York  be  desired  to  send 
3,000  bushels  of  salt,  besides  what  Genl.  Schuyler  hath 
already  ordered,  to  be  brought  to  Ticonderoga. 

"  That  this  Congress  does  approve  of  the  raising  a  bat- 
talion of  Canadians,  and  of  the  appointment  of  James  Li- 
vingston, Esqr.  colonel  thereof. 

"  That  nine  battalions,  including  that  of  Canadians  un- 
der Col.  Livingston,  be  kept  up  and  maintained  the  pre- 
sent year  for  the  defence  of  Canada." 

"  In  Congress,  January  19th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  four  battalions  be  raised  in  the  Colony 
of  New- York,  for  the  defence  of  that  Colony,  upon  the 
same  pay  with  those  directed  to  be  raised  in  the  Colony  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  that  they  be  stationed  as  the  command- 
ing officer  of  the  New-York  department  shall  think  best,  to 
garrison  the  several  forts  in  that  Colony  from  Crown  Point 
to  the  southward,  and  to  prevent  depredations  upon  Long 
island,  and  promote  the  safety  of  the  whole. 

"  Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolution  be 
transmitted  to  the  Council  of  Safety  of  New- York,  and 
that  they  be  requested,  with  all  possible  expedition,  to 
transmit  to  Congress  the  names  of  a  number  of  gentlemen, 
at  least  two  for  each  command,  out  of  whom  the  Congress 
may  elect  field  officers  for  said  battalions. 

"  That  General  Washington  be  requested  to  detach  from 
the  camp  at  Cambridge,  one  battalion,  if  the  service  there 
will  permit  him  to  spare  one,  with  orders  to  march,  with 
the  greatest  expedition  possible,  to  Canada. 

"  That  for  the  more  speedy  raising  the  battalions  or- 
dered on  the  8th  of  January  to  be  raised  in  the  Colonies  of 
New-Hampshire,  Connecticut,  New- York  and  Pennsylva- 
nia, for  the  defence  of  Canada,  it  be  recommended  to  the 
General  Assemblies,  Conventions,  or  Councils,  or  Com- 
mittees of  Safety  of  those  Colonies  respectively,  to  exert 
their  utmost  endeavours  in  raising  the  said  battalions,  upon 
the  same  pay  and  subsistence  as  the  army  at  Cambridge, 
and  to  furnish  them  with  provisions,  ammunition,  and  other 
necessaries,  for  expediting  their  march  to  Canada  ;  and  for 
further  encouraging  the  men  more  cheerfully  to  enter  into 
the  service  of  their  country,  to  give  a  bounty  of  6f  dollars 
to  every  able  bodied  effective  man,  properly  clothed  for 
the  service,  and  having  a  good  firelock  with  a  bayonet,  and 
other  accoutrements ;  and  4  dollars  to  every  soldier  not 
having  the  like  arms  and  accoutrements  ;  the  arms  to  be 
supplied  by  the  Colony,  and  the  cost  to  be  deducted  out 


*  These  compared  and  probably  abstracted  from  the  printed  jour- 
nals of  Congress.  Are  the  right  resolutions  abstracted  ?  the  copy  sent 
not  being  found. 


266 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


of  the  soldier's  pay  ;  and  also  to  provide  a  blanket  and  ha- 
versack for  every  enlisted  soldier  ;  and,  moreover,  to  ad- 
vance one  month's  pay  to  every  officer  and  soldier  before 
their  march,  that  they  may  be  able  to  purchase  necessary 
clothing. 

"  That  the  first  two  companies  which  shall  be  complete 
of  every  battalion,  do  march  to  that  country  so  soon  as  they 
shall  be  ready,  and  be  followed  in  the  same  numbers  with 
like  expedition  by  the  rest  of  the  corps  ;  and  that  it  be  re- 
commended to  the  General  Assemblies,  Conventions  and 
Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety,  of  the  Colonies  in 
which  battalions  are  directed  to  be  raised,  that  they  re- 
spectively attend  to  this  business." 

A  printed  copy  of  sundry  resolves  of  Congress,  bearing 
date  on  the  17th  inst.  relating  to  the  raising  of  troops,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  January  17th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  colonels  of  the  several  battalions 
ordered  to  be  raised,  do  immediately  order  their  officers 
on  recruiting  service  to  such  parts  where  they  are  best 
known,  and  have  the  greatest  probability  of  success. 

"  That  the  recruiting  officers  ought  to  be  careful  to  enlist 
none  but  healthy,  sound  and  able  bodied  men,  not  under 
sixteen  years  of  age. 

"  That  the  colonels  of  the  several  battalions  aforesaid  ap- 
point some  place  or  places  of  rendezvous  to  which  the 
recruits  may  be  sent,  and  where  the  battalions  may  be 
quartered. 

"  That  the  greatest  attention  ought  to  be  paid  to  the  be- 
haviour of  the  troops  in  quarters,  that  they  may  give  no 
reasonable  cause  of  complaint. 

"  That  the  quarters  of  the  troops  be  duly  discharged  once 
every  week. 

"  That  an  allowance  of  10s.  per  man  be  made  to  the  re- 
cruiting officers  in  lieu  of  their  expenses  in  recruiting, 
exclusive  of  the  subsistence  money  allowed  them  ;  and  that 
in  case  any  man  be  enlisted  contrary  to  the  foregoing  re- 
gulations, the  pay  they  may  have  received,  and  the  sub- 
sistence money  that  may  be  paid  for  them  shall  be  stopped 
from  the  pay  of  such  recruiting  officers. 

"  That  no  bought  indented  servants  be  employed  on 
board  the  fleet,  or  in  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies, 
without  the  consent  of  their  masters. 

"  Extracts  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  letters  and  resolutions  of  the  Honble. 
the  Continental  Congress,  be  taken  into  farther  considera- 
tion this  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  in  answer  to  the  one 
addressed  to  him  by  the  Committee  on  the  21st  inst.  was 
received  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Yesterday  on  the  road  I  had  the  honour  of  re- 
ceiving yours,  and  ought  to  make  a  thousand  apologies 
for  not  having  answered  it  immediately,  but  the  circum- 
stance of  being  on  the  road,  together  with  the  necessity  of 
finishing  some  despatches  to  General  Washington,  and  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  rendered  it  almost  impossible. 

"  I  should  certainly,  sir,  have  apprized  you  of  my  march, 
had  I  not  concluded  that  you  would  have  learnt  it  time 
enough  from  the  Congress.  The  letter  I  have  from  the 
general,  directed  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  I  was  ordered  to  deliver  with  my  own  hand. 

"  With  respect,  sir,  to  the  alarms  of  the  inhabitants,  on 
the  suspicion  that  my  business  was  to  commence  active 
hostilities  against  the  men  of  war  in  your  harbour,  I  can 
assure  you  that  they  may  be  perfectly  easy.  Such  never 
was  the  intention  of  the  general,  and  I  hope  you  will  be- 
lieve that  I  never  entertained  a  thought  of  transgressing 
the  letter  of  my  instructions.  The  motive  of  the  general 
for  detatching  me,  was  solely  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
taking  post  in  your  city,  or  lodging  themselves  in  Long 
island,  which  we  have  the  greatest  reason  to  think,  sir,  is 
their  design. 


"  Some  subordinate  purposes  were  likewise  to  be  exe- 
cuted, which  are  much  more  proper  to  communicate  by 
word  of  mouth  than  by  writing ;  but  I  give  you  my  word 
that  no  active  service  is  proposed,  as  you  seem  to  appre- 
hend. If  the  ships  of  war  are  quiet  I  shall  be  quiet ;  but 
I  declare  solemnly  that  if  they  make  a  pretext  of  my  pre- 
sence to  fire  on  the  town,  the  first  house  set  in  flames  by 
their  guns,  shall  be  the  funeral  pile  of  some  of  their  best 
friends  ;  but  I  believe,  sir,  the  inhabitants  may  rest  in  se- 
curity on  this  subject.  I  am  convinced,  and  every  man 
who  considers  a  moment  must  be  convinced,  that  the  de- 
struction of  the  seaport  towns,  would,  if  possible,  be  a 
severer  stroke  to  the  ministry  and  their  instruments,  than 
to  the  inhabitants  themselves.  The  seaport  towns  are  the 
only  holds  they  have  in  America ;  they  are  considered  as 
the  pledges  of  servitude ;  the  menacing  destruction  to  them 
may  indeed  be  of  admirable  use,  but  the  real  destruction 
of  them  must  extinguish  all  hopes  of  success. 

"  In  compliance,  sir,  with  your  request,  I  shall  only  carry 
with  me  into  town  a  force  just  strong  enough  to  secure  it 
against  any  designs  of  the  enemy,  until  it  shall  please  the 
Continental  Congress  to  take  measures  for  its  permanent 
security.  The  main  body  I  shall  leave  on  the  western 
frontiers  of  Connecticut,  according  to  your  directions.  I 
hope,  sir,  and  persuade  myself,  that  the  Committee  and 
inhabitants  can  have  no  objection  to  this  plan.  If  Mr. 
Tryon  and  the  captains  of  the  ships  of  war  are  to  pre- 
scribe what  numbers  are,  and  what  numbers  are  not,  to 
enter  the  town,  they  are  absolute  directors  to  all  intents  and 
purposes.  The  condition  is  too  humiliating  for  freemen 
to  put  up  with. 

"  You  take  pains  to  assure  me,  sir,  that  your  Congress 
and  Committee  are  not  less  zealous  in  the  cause  of  Ameri- 
can liberty  than  any  representative  body  on  the  Continent. 
I  give  you  my  word,  sir,  that  this  assurance  was  unneces- 
sary. I  am  not  one  of  those  who  have  entertained  a  bad 
opinion  of  the  virtue  of  New-York,  or  made  it  my  business 
to  asperse  them  ;  on  the  contrary  I  have  condemned  loudly 
the  illiberal,  impolitic  and  unjust  reflections  I  have  heard 
frequently  thrown  out.  I  should  not  have  taken  the  liberty 
of  troubling  you  with  the  opinion,  good  or  bad,  which  an 
unimportant  individual  like  myself  may  entertain  of  so 
respectable  a  body  as  your  Committee  or  Congress,  had 
not  this  particular  paragraph  of  your  letter  thrown  the 
temptation  in  my  way. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  and  devoted  servt. 

"  CHARLES  LEE. 

"  Stanford,  23rd  January,  1776. 
"  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman  of 

the  Committee  of  Safety." 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  24,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Joseph  Drake,  requesting  him 
to  endeavour  to  find  out  the  persons  concerned  in  spiking 
up  the  cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  Jany.  24th,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — William  Lownsberry  purchased  a  parcel  of  files 
and  had  them  carried  up  to  your  county  in  a  boat.  The 
boatmen  delivered  them  to  his  son.  We  have  good  reason 
to  believe  they  were  used  to  spike  up  the  cannon  in  your 
county.  Lownsberry  declares  they  are  not  in  his  house, 
but  refuses  to  tell  where  they  are  ;  and  Hains,  who  met 
our  party  of  horsemen,  told  Lownsberry  in  their  presence, 
that  he  met  him  going  towards  the  cannon,  beyond  the 
bridge,  in  company  with  three  other  persons,  last  Wednes- 
day night.  This  Lownsberry  denies.  We  request  you  to 
cause  the  son  of  Lownsberry  to  be  apprehended,  and  ex- 
amined before  some  committee,  or  members  of  your  com- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


267 


mittee,  and  that  you  cause  Purdy,  the  blacksmith,  and  all 
other  suspicious  persons  in  that  part  of  your  county,  to  be 
critically  examined,  and  endeavour  to  have  such  discoveries 
made,  as  to  find  out  and  fix  on  all  the  persons  who  were 
concerned  in  spiking  up  the  cannon  beyond  and  near  King's 
Bridge,  and  secure  all  such  persons  against  whom  you  shall 
obtain  evidence,  and  send  to  us  all  the  information  that 
may  be  obtained  in  the  premises. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"To  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  New-Rochelle." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman  and  transmitted. 

Joseph  French,  Esqr.  of  Jamaica,  attended  this  Com- 
mittee and  informed  them  that  he  had  been  told  that  a  ci- 
tation had  issued  for  him  to  appear  before  this  Committee, 
and  that  he  had  engaged  to  Col.  Herd  to  attend  ;  and  Mr. 
French  requested  to  know  if  there  was  any  charge  against 
him. 

Thereupon  a  certificate  was  given  to  Mr.  French,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Joseph  French,  Esqr.  attended  on  this  Committee  and 
informs  that  he  has  engaged  to  Col.  Herd  to  attend  this 
Committee.  This  is  to  certify  that  this  Committee  hath 
not  issued  any  citation  for  Mr.  French,  and  that  no  evi- 
dence has  been  offered  to  this  Committee  or  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  against  Mr.  French.  But  as  the  case  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Queens  county  is  not  before  us,  but  be- 
fore the  Continental  Congress,  this  certificate  is  not  to  be 
understood  to  interfere  with  any  directions  Col.  Herd  may 
have  from  the  Continental  Congress,  or  from  any  other 
person  under  their  authority." 

Messrs.  James  Reid,  Robert  Leonard,  Francis  Cunning- 
ham, John  Burns  and  Francis  Dominick,  all  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  personally  appeared  before  the  Committee,  and 
engaged  jointly  and  severally  for  Lawrence  Hartwick,  that 
the  said  L.  Hartwick  will  from  time  to  time  personally 
appear  before  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  or 
this  Committee  of  Safety,  when  thereunto  requested,  and 
in  the  mean  time  that  the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick  will 
demean  himself  peaceably,  and  be  of  good  behaviour  to- 
wards all  the  friends  of  liberty  in  this  city,  and  not  do  any 
act  contrary  to  the  measures  directed  by  the  Continental 
Congress  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick  be  dis- 
charged ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  all  friends  of  liberty, 
that  the  said  Lawrence  Hartwick  be  not  molested  in  his 
person  or  property  while  he  complies  with  the  above  men- 
tioned engagements. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  subject  of 
the  second  matter  mentioned  to  them  this  morning  by  the 
sub-committee  of  this  city,  and  after  consideration  there- 
of, this  Committee  do  hereby  appoint  Capt.  William  Mer- 
cier  to  superintend  and  inspect  the  lading  of  all  such  ves- 
sels as  shall  lade  in  this  port.  And 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Mercier  be  empowered,  and  he  is 
hereby  empowered  to  inspect  all  permits  to  vessels  to  lade 
in  this  port,  and  see  that  all  such  vessels  lade  only 
agreeable  to  the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
with  such  matters  or  produce  only  as  may  be  agreeable  to 
the  said  resolves  and  their  permits  from  the  Provincial 
Congress  and  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  and 
from  time  to  time  to  report  to  this  Committee  or  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony  what  vessels  are  lading 
or  shall  have  laded,  and  with  what  particular  commodities 
and  by  what  authority.  And 

Whereas,  this  Committee  of  Safety  have  authorized 
Col.  McDougall  to  have  carriages  made  for  cannon,  in  or- 
der to  prevent  any  impositions  on  the  public  by  any  per- 
son employed  in  making  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Mercier  be  appointed,  and  he  is 


hereby  appointed  to  superintend  the  making  of  those  car- 
riages, so  as  to  see  that  they  are  made  of  good  timber, 
and  that  the  iron  work  be  well  made,  and  to  see  it  weigh- 
ed, and  to  take  every  other  necessary  caution  to  prevent 
any  imposition  on  the  public  in  that  business.  And 

Ordered  and  agreed,  That  Capt.  Mercier  be  allowed 
20  dollars  per  month  as  pay,  while  continued  in  this  and 
the  service  of  inspecting  the  lading  of  vessels  in  this  port. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  and  certify  co- 
pies of  all  the  resolves  and  letters  this  day  received  from 
the  Continental  Congress,  and  forward  the  same  to  Major 
General  Schuyler,  to-morrow  morning,  by  post. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  25th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  came  into  the  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty and  informed  them  that  the  schooner  Success,  Jonathan 
Bowne,  master,  was  laded  by  his  order  on  Continental 
account,  and  requested  a  permit  for  her  to  sail. 

Thereupon  a  certificate  [was]  given  to  Col.  McDougall 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  schooner  Success,  whereof  Jonathan  Bowne  is 
master,  being  laden  on  Continental  account,  by  order  and 
under  the  direction  of  some  of  the  Continental  Delegates, 
is  hereby  permitted  to  sail  to  sea." 

Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  and  Francis 
Lewis,  Esqr.  came  into  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  de- 
livered in  their  respective  accounts  of  the  time  they  have 
attended  Continental  Congress ;  and  Mr.  Philip  Living- 
ston also  delivered  in  the  account  of  John  Jay,  Esqr.  The 
said  accounts  were  delivered  to  Col.  Brasher  to  be  audited. 

On  reading  the  resolve  of  Congress  for  payment  of  the 
Delegates  of  this  Colony,  are  of  opinion  that  they  are  not 
authorized,  nor  their  auditors  authorized  to  audit  or  order 
payment  to  any  of  the  Delegates  while  at  their  places  of 
abode  respectively,  though  then  employed  in  the  service 
of  the  Continent,  and  by  order  of  Continental  Congress. 

A  certain  Jonathan  Booth  attended  at  the  door,  and 
complained  to  some  members  of  the  Committee  that  a 
drove  of  cattle  which  he  was  driving  to  New-York  mar- 
ket was  detained  by  the  Committee  of  Bedford,  in  pursu- 
ance of  an  order  of  the  Committee  of  Bedford,  Pound- 
ridge  and  Salem  ;  and  the  said  order  of  the  Committee  of 
Bedford,  Poundridge  and  Salem,  being  printed  in  Holt's 
newspaper,  was  read  and  taken  into  consideration. 

Thereupon  this  Committee  came  to  a  resolution  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  by  a  publication  in  Mr.  Holt's  newspaper, 
(the  New-York  Journal,)  of  the  25th  of  January,  1776, 
dated  at  Poundridge,  the  10th  of  the  same  month,  it  is 
purported  that  the  committee  of  observation  for  the  unit- 
ed town  of  Bedford,  and  precinct  of  Poundridge  and  Sa- 
lem, in  Westchester  county,  conceiving  that  bad  conse- 
quences do  arise  to  this  distressed  country  from  supplying 
the  markets  at  New-York  on  supposition  that  the  common 
enemy  may  by  that  means  be  furnished  with  provisions, 
have 

"  Resolved,  That  from  and  after  the  date  thereof,  the 
said  committee  do  thereby  strictly  forbid  any  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  said  town  and  precincts,  directly  or  indirect- 
ly, to  carry  or  cause  to  be  carried  by  land  or  water,  pro- 
visions of  any  kind  to  the  said  market,  and  do  thereby  di- 
rect the  minute  men,  and  all  others  that  are  friends  to  their 
country  to  do  their  utmost  to  stop  all  drovers  of  fat  cattle, 
sheep,  hogs,  poultry,  or  any  other  provisions  whatsoever, 
and  from  being  drove  or  carried  through  either  said  town  or 


268 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


precinct,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  without  leave  of  the 
said  committee,  on  the  penalty  of  being  deemed  enemies 
to  their  country." 

And  whereas  this  Committee  not  doubting  the  good 
intentions  of  the  said  committee  met  at  Poundridge,  do 
nevertheless  conceive  that  the  said  resolve  has  a  manifest 
tendency  to  distress  in  the  article  of  provisions  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  city  and  other  friends  to  liberty  whose  busi- 
ness may  call  them  hither  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Com- 
mittee that  no  committee  of  any  city,  borough,  town  or 
precinct  in  this  Colony  ought  to  prevent  any  such  supplies 
of  provisions  to  this  city  as  aforesaid,  unless  they  shall 
have  due  proof  that  such  supplies  are  intended  to  be  fur- 
nished to  persons  engaged  in  service  against  the  liberties 
of  America ;  nor  in  such  case  any  longer  than  until  such 
committees  respectively  shall,  in  cases  where  such  proof 
shall  have  been  made,  have  duly  certified  this  Committee 
or  the  Provincial  Congress  thereof,  and  until  order  shall 
have  been  made  thereon  by  this  Committee  or  the  Provin- 
cial Congress. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  this  order  be  delivered 
to  the  said  Jonathan  Booth. 

An  orderly  sergeant  of  Major  De  Hart  having  called  on 
a  member  to  be  informed  if  the  muskets  engaged  to  Lord 
Stirling  are  ready,  the  Committee  conceive  that,  as  the 
Colony  are  to  raise  several  regiments  in  pursuance  of  the 
orders  of  Congress,  received  yesterday,  that  it  is  their  duty 
to  request  Lord  Sitrling  to  be  released  from  the  engage- 
ment of  this  Colony,  as  to  those  arms  :  thereupon  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  Lord  Stirling  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety,  ? 
"  New-York,  Jany.  25th,  1776.  5 

"  My  Lord — Since  the  last  communication  between 
your  Lordship  and  us  concerning  the  arms  we  undertook 
to  supply  you  with,  for  the  troops  under  your  command, 
we  have  orders  from  Congress  to  raise  four  new  battalions, 
besides  one  which  we  before  that  time  were  under  orders 
to  raise.  We  are  also  informed  that  there  are  still  30 
stand  of  public  arms  in  the  town  of  New  Ark,  which  are 
not  appropriated  to  the  use  of  your  troops  ;  and  there  may 
be  others  in  the  same  situation  in  other  parts  of  your  Co- 
lony ;  and  we  conceive  it  a  hardship  to  be  obliged  to  for- 
ward a  department  of  service  out  of  our  Colony,  by  sup- 
plying those  arms  which  we  intended  for  you,  which,  with 
many  more,  will  be  wanted  for  equipping  our  own  batta- 
lions. We  can  assure  you,  my  Lord,  with  the  greatest 
truth,  we  are  totally  at  a  loss  how  to  supply  our  new  levies 
with  arms,  without  taking  them  from  our  militia,  which 
nothing  but  the  most  urgent  necessity  will  justify,  as  by 
that  means  the  defence  of  this  important  post  will  be  wea- 
kened. We  therefore  earnestly  request  you  to  release  us 
from  our  former  engagements  to  you. 

"  And  are,  my  Lord,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  Lordshp's  obt.  hble.  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"To  the  Right  Honble.  the  Earl  of  Stirling." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Major  De  Hart's  or- 
derly sergeant. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clark. 

The  Committee  being  of  opinion  that  prudence  and  care 
of  this  Colony  and  of  the  capital  and  inhabitants  thereof  re- 
quire that  a  proper  person  be  kept  at  the  Hook,  to  keep  a 
look  out  if  any  fleet,  or  any  transports  or  ships  of  war 
should  be  approaching  this  Colony ;  and  having,  on  consi- 
dering that  matter  yesterday,  thought  it  best,  to  prevent 
jealousy  among  the  pilots,  and  to  give  different  persons 


among  them  a  chance  of  earning  a  subsistence  in  the  pre- 
sent times  of  difficulty,  agreed  to  employ  Samuel  Isleton, 
(who  was  recommended  for  that  purpose,)  in  the  place  of 
Wm.  Dobbs.  Samuel  Isleton  attending,  by  request,  re- 
ceived his  instructions.  He  is  directed  to  take  the  pilot 
boat  and  oars  lately  purchased  by  this  Committee,  with  4 
men  to  row  her,  and  proceed  to  the  Hook,  and  stay  there 
and  diligently  look  out  for  one  week,  if  no  fleet  or  transports 
or  ships  of  war  appear  sooner  ;  if  any  appear  he  is  to  give 
the  most  immediate  notice  to  this  Committee.  Samuel 
Isleton  is  to  have  10s.  per  day  ;  and  James  Burns,  Robert 
Bennet,  John  Besly  and  William  Mullinger,  his  oarsmen, 
are  to  have  8s.  per  day,  each,  and  they  are  to  find  them- 
selves all  necessaries  and  bear  their  own  expenses. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  necessity 
this  Colony  will  be  under  of  having  a  quantity  of  heavy 
cannon,  and  that  there  is  not  at  present  any  furnace  large 
enough  and  fitted  to  the  purpose  ;  that  it  will  be  vastly 
more  expensive  to  have  heavy  cannon  brought  from  Phila- 
delphia than  to  have  a  furnace  made  for  the  purpose,  be- 
sides the  advantage  of  establishing  a  work  of  that  kind  in 
the  Colony,  and  of  supplying  the  vessels  building  in  this 
Colony  for  the  Continental  service  and  the  neighbouring 
Colonies  ;  after  some  time  spent  therein  they  are  of  opinion 
that,  considering  the  nature  of  the  ore  and  the  advantages  of 
transportation,  such  a  work  may  most  probably  be  effected 
by  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr. :  thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter 
to  R.  Livingston.  Esqr.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  or  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  Jany.  25th,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — In  all  probability  this  Colony  will  stand  in  need 
of  a  number  of  heavy  ordnance,  from  25  to  50  hundred 
weight,  for  its  defence. 

"  On  casting  about  for  a  place  best  calculated  for  erect- 
ing a  foundry,  yours  appears  to  be  the  most  proper. 

"  You  will  please  to  take  this  matter  into  immediate  con- 
sideration, and  inform  us  as  soon  as  possible,  whether  you 
can  prepare  your  furnace  for  casting  such  cannon  and  shot, 
as  also  the  terms  on  which  you  would  undertake  to  cast 
them,  and  when  you  will  be  ready  for  expediting  this  busi- 
ness. 

"  As  we  are  informed  the  Continental  Congress  have 
under  consideration  an  estimate  of  the  ordnance  necessary 
for  the  defence  of  the  different  Colonies,  we  are  desirous 
of  being  prepared  with  the  terms  on  which  they  may  be 
manufactured,  and  of  preserving  to  our  Colony  the  credit 
and  advantage  of  such  a  manufactory. 

"  We  earnestly  request  your  most  speedy  answer,  and 
are, 

"  Most  respectfully,  sir, 

"Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"To  Col.  Roet.  Livingston, 

at  Calender  House,  Manor  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  spent  the  residue  of  the  evening  in  con- 
sidering the  resolves  and  letters  received  yesterday  from 
the  Continental  Congress. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr. 
Clark. 

No  other  members  appeared,  whereby  the  Committee 
could  not  proceed  to  any  active  business,  and  spent  the 
whole  morning  in  considering  the  resolves  of  Continental 
Congress,  and  forming  an  extract  of  them  for  regulations 
for  recruiting  officers  ;  and  considering  of  proper  persons 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


269 


for  officers  in  the  four  battalions  ordered  to  be  raised  in 
this  Colony. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brew- 
ster, Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands  came  in  J  past  7  o'clock. 

The  Committee  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  re- 
solves and  letters  received  from  the  Continental  Congress, 
on  the  subject  of  raising  troops  ;  after  some  time  spent 
therein,  the  Committee  sent  for  Col.  Lasher  to  know  his 
sentiments  on  a  declaration  lately  made  by  him  to  one  of 
the  members,  that  if  any  more  troops  were  raised,  the  bat- 
talion now  under  his  command  would  in  general  be  very 
desirous  to  be  taken  into  the  public  service  and  pay.  After 
a  short  conference  with  Col.  Lasher,  and  delivering  to  him 
a  copy  of  the  resolves  of  Congress  for  raising  four  bat- 
talions for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  he  was  desired  to 
confer  with  the  officers  of  his  battalion  and  report  the  re- 
sult thereof  to  this  Committee. 

This  Committee  conceiving  that  the  speediest  method 
of  fixing  on  proper  officers  for  the  four  regiments  to  be 
raised  in  this  Colony,  and  of  being  informed  of  the  number 
of  men  that  may  probably  be  enlisted  in  each  county,  is  to 
write  to  the  county  committee  of  the  respective  counties 
in  this  Colony  ;  thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  for  that  pur- 
pose was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — By  resolves  of  the  Honble.  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  lately  come  to  hand,  this  Colony  is  to 
raise  four  regiments  in  Continental  pay  for  the  defence  of 
the  Colony. 

"  We  conceive  that  the  troops  will  be  most  speedily 
raised,  by  having  proper  officers  taken  from  different  coun- 
ties where  there  are  proper  men  who  will  enlist. 

"  We  therefore  request  you,  with  all  possible  despatch, 
to  inform  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  this  Committee,  of 
the  number  of  men,  which  you  have  good  reason  to  believe 
may  be  speedily  raised  and  armed  in  your  county,  and  at 
the  same  time  that  you,  with  the  advice  of  as  many  of  the 
Deputies  of  your  county  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  as 
may  conveniently  be  obtained,  recommend  several  proper 
persons  for  captains,  lieutenants  and  ensigns,  who  will  be 
most  likely  to  raise  the  men. 

"  We  request,  in  all  cases  where  it  can  conveniently  be 
done,  that  you  recommend  two  proper  persons  for  each 
office,  that  the  Provincial  Congress  may  have  an  opportu- 
nity to  choose  the  one  they  think  best  qualified. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Ordered,  That  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  one  copy  directed  to  each  county 
committee. 

Instructions  for  enlisting  the  troops  directed  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  were  read 
and  agreed  to,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  or  Safety,  } 
"New-York,  Jany.  27th,  1776.  { 
"  Instructions  to  the  Colonels,  and  other  Officers  for  Enlistment  of 
four  new  Battalians  in  the  Continental  service,  for  the  defence  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York  : 

"  Whereas,  in  order  to  the  regular  enlistment  of  the 
troops  intended  to  be  raised  for  the  Continental  service,  it 
was  resolved  in  Continental  Congress,  on  the  17th  inst.  to 
wit : 

"  That  the  colonels  of  the  several  battalions,  ordered  to 
be  raised,  do  immediately  order  their  officers  on  recruiting 
service  to  such  parts  where  they  are  best  known,  and  have 
the  greatest  probability  of  success. 

"  That  the  recruiting  officers  ought  to  be  careful  to  en- 
list none  but  healthy,  sound  and  able  bodied  men,  not  un- 
der 16  years  of  age. 

68 


"  That  the  colonels  of  the  several  battalions  aforesaid, 
appoint  some  place  or  places  of  rendezvous,  to  which  the 
recruits  may  be  sent,  and  where  the  battalions  may  be 
quartered. 

"  That  the  greatest  attention  ought  to  be  paid  to  the  be- 
haviour of  the  troops  in  quarters,  that  they  may  give  no 
reasonable  cause  of  complaint. 

"  That  the  quarters  of  the  troops  be  duly  discharged 
once  every  week. 

"  That  an  allowance  of  10s.  per  man  be  made  to  the  re- 
I  cruiting  officers,  in  lieu  of  their  expenses  in  recruiting,  ex- 
clusive of  the  subsistence  money  allowed  them  ;  and  that 
in  case  any  men  be  enlisted  contrary  to  the  foregoing  regu- 
lations, the  pay  they  may  have  received,  and  the  subsis- 
tence money  that  may  be  paid  for  them,  shall  be  stopped 
from  the  pay  of  such  recruiting  officer. 

"  That  no  bought  indented  servants  be  employed  on 
board  the  fleet,  or  in  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies, 
without  the  consent  of  their  masters. 

"And  whereas  the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  19th 
of  Jany.  inst. 

"  'Resolved,  That  four  battalions  be  raised  in  the  Colo- 
ny of  New-York,  for  the  defence  of  that  Colony,  upon  the 
same  pay  with  those  directed  to  be  raised  in  the  Province 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  that  they  be  stationed  as  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  New- York  department  shall  think 
best,  to  garrison  the  several  forts  in  that  Province,  from 
Crown  Point  to  the  southward,  and  to  prevent  depreda- 
tions upon  Long  island,  and  to  promote  the  safety  of  the 
whole.' 

"  The  pay  and  other  regulations,  of  which  said  Penn- 
sylvania troops,  and  the  said  four  battalions,  are  establish- 
ed by  the  Continental  Congress  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  each  battalion  consist  of  eight  companies,  each 
company  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  one  ensign,  four 
sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drum,  one  fife,  and  seventy- 
six  privates  ;  the  pay  as  follows  : 

"Colonel,  50      dollars  per  calender  month. 

"  Lieut.  Colonel,  40         "      "        "  " 

"  Major,  33  1-3     "      "        "  " 

"Captain,  26  2-3     "      "        "  " 

"Lieutenants,     18  " 

"  Ensign,  13  1-3     "      "        "  '• 

"Sergeant,  8  "      "        "  " 

"  Corporal,  drum  and  fife,  7  1-3  dollars  per  calender  month. 

"Privates,  5  "      "        «  " 

"Staff  of  Battalion. 
"  One  Adjutant,  18  1-3  dollars  per  calender  month. 

"  One  Quarter-master,  18  1-3  "  "  "  " 
"  One  Chaplain,  20         "      "        "  " 

"One  Surgeon,  25         "      "        "  " 

"  The  privates  liable  to  be  discharged  at  any  time,  on 
allowing  them  one  month's  pay  extraordinary. 

"  That  each  of  the  privates  be  allowed,  instead  of  a 
bounty,  a  felt  hat,  a  pair  of  yarn  stockings  and  a  pair  of 
shoes  ;  they  to  find  their  own  arms. 

"  The  men  also  to  be  furnished  with  a  hunting  shirt,  not 
exceeding  in  value  lj  of  a  dollar,  and  a  blanket,  provided 
it  can  be  procured  ;  but  not  to  be  made  a  part  of  the  terms 
of  enlistment.  Every  man  who  furnishes  himself  with  a 
good  new  blanket  to  be  allowed  therefor  two  dollars,  and 
have  liberty  to  take  it  away  at  the  end  of  the  campaign. 

"  Each  captain,  or  other  commissioned  officer,  while  in 
the  recruiting  service,  or  on  their  march  to  join  the  bat- 
talion, shall  be  allowed  2f  dollars  per  week  for  their  sub- 
sistence ;  and  the  men  who  enlist  while  in  quarters,  before 
they  join  their  battalion,  1  dollar  per  week  ;  and  when  on 
their  march  to  join  their  battalion,  1^  dollar  per  week. 

"  That  a  ration  consist  of  the  following  kinds  and  quan- 
tities of  provision,  vizt :  lib.  of  beef,  or  fib.  pork,  or  lib. 
of  salt  fish  per  day ;  lib.  of  bread  or  flour  per  day  ;  3 
pints  of  peas  or  beans  per  week,  or  vegetables  equivalent, 
at  one  dollar  per  bushel  for  peas  or  beans  ;  1  pint  of  milk 
per  man  per  day,  or  at  the  rate  of  T*7  part  of  a  dollar  ;  1 
quart  of  spruce  beer  or  cider  per  man  per  day,  or  9  gallons 
of  molasses  per  100  men  per  week  ;  \  a  pint  of  rice,  or  1 
pint  of  Indian  meal  per  man  per  week;  31b.  of  candles  to 


270 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


100  men  per  week  for  guards  ;  24lb.  soft  or  8lb.  hard  soap 
for  100  men  per  week.  Men  in  barracks  to  be  provided 
with  crocus  and  straw  for  bedding,  fire  wood  and  iron  pots. 
"  For  their  march  or  campaign. 

"A  camp  kettle  for  every  six  men,  and  a  canteen  for 
each  man  ;  arms  and  accoutrements  for  the  men,  vizt : 
each  a  good  gun  and  bayonet,  cartouch  box,  tomahawk, 
knapsack,  or  haversack,  and  two  bills. 

"  Colours,  drums,  fifes  arid  a  pitching  axe  for  every  ten 
men,  and  entrenching  tools,  to  be  provided  at  the  public 
expense." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  get  300  copies  of  the 
said  instructions  printed  with  all  possible  despatch. 

David  Barclay  at  the  door  was  admitted  ;  he  delivered  a 
letter  from  Col.  Joseph  Drake,  by  order  of  some  members 
of  the  committee  of  that  county,  which  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New  Rochelle,  January  26th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Agreeable  to  your  directions,  which  I 
received  12  o'clock  last  night,  I  went  with  a  number  of  the 
members  of  the  committee  of  this  county,  and  others,  in 
search  of  the  persons  named  in  your  letter,  but  have  not 
had  the  good  fortune  to  find  them ;  the  neighbours  inform 
us  that  Lownsberry's  son  and  Jos.  Purdy  are  both  in  town  ; 
the  first  went  down  by  land,  the  latter  by  water,  in  Flood's 
boat.  William  Armstrong  and  William  Sutton,  both  of 
Mamaroneck,  are  both  suspicious  persons,  and  also  in 
town  ;  we  imagine  they,  with  the  two  former,  are  there  to 
hear  what  transpires  from  Lownsberry,  in  order  to  fly  on 
board  the  man  of  war  if  suspected.  To  prevent  their 
having  information  from  this  quarter,  we  send  this  with  all 
haste  by  Mr.  Barkley,  that  you  may  take  such  steps  as  you 
think  best. 

"  We  shall  use  our  utmost  endeavours  to  find  out  the 
aiders  and  abettors  of  so  diabolical  a  piece  of  work  ;  and 
are, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  JOSEPH  DRAKE. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of 

Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Thereupon  an  order  was  made  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Information  being  received  by  letter  from  Westchester, 
that  Isaac  Purdy,  William  Armstrong,  Wm.  Sutton  and 
James  Lownsberry,  son  of  William  Lownsberry,  are  all  in 
this  city,  and  are  persons  suspected  of  being  concerned  in 
spiking  up  the  cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  in  West- 
chester county, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  Isaac  Purdy,  William  Arm- 
strong, William  Sutton  and  James  Lownsberry,  son  of 
William  Lownsberry,  be  apprehended  and  kept  in  safe 
custody,  until  they  are  respectively  brought  before  this 
committee  to  be  examined,  or  the  further  order  of  this 
committee  ;"  and 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  cause  this  order  to  be 
duly  executed. 

Mr.  Sands,  who  is  managing  the  lading  of  the  sloop 
Sally,  requested  a  permit.  Thereupon  a  permit  was  given 
to  him  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Mr.  Comfort  Sands  is  permitted  to  load  the  sloop 
Sally,  Wilkie  Dodge  master,  for  the  West  Indies,  with 
flour,  pork,  hams  and  bread." 


DIE  SABBATI, 

January  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Urewster,  Mr.  Tredwcll, 
Mr.  Clarke. 

Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  the  Chairman,  much  indisposed,  is 
unable  to  attend,  and  Mr.  Sands  forwarding  the  lading  of 
the  sloop  Sally. 


The  members  of  Committee  present  conceive  it  their 
duty  to  pay  some  attention  to  the  introduction  of  Genl.  Lee 
into  this  city  as  a  Continental  general ;  and  they  are  also 
of  opinion  that  it  will  be  politic.    It  was 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Leary  be  requested  to  cause  his 
company  of  light  horse  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to 
ride  out  to  meet  Genl.  Lee,  and  attend  him  to  this  city. 

John  Flood,  the  boatman,  at  request  attended,  and  being 
examined,  says,  that  soon  after  he  came  to  town  Oliver 
Roosevelt  pressed  him  to  go  to  see  Lownsberry  ;  that  he 
went  with  Roosevelt,  and  Joseph  Purdy  went  with  him  ; 
that  Lownsberry  asked  Joseph  Purdy  to  go  to  Mamaro- 
neck to  bring  down  the  files,  and  insisted  on  his  going ; 
that  the  examinant  was  unwilling  to  spare  Purdy,  and 
Purdy  did  not  appear  inclined  to  go ;  that  Wm.  Sutton, 
Lownsberry,  Armstrong,  and  James  Vincent,  who  assisted 
him  as  a  boatman,  went  up  with  him  in  his  boat  last  trip  ; 
that  Lownsberry  went  ashore  at  Frog's  point ;  that  he,  the 
said  examinant,  afterwards  delivered  all  the  things  Lowns- 
berry left  on  board  to  his  son  James  Lownsberry  ;  that  he 
does  not  recollect  that  he  knew  that  Lownsberry  had  any 
files  on  board ;  that  the  examinant  the  other  day  told 
Lownsberry  he  had  used  him  unkindly  to  bring  him  into 
question,  and  asked  him  if  he  had  carried  up  the  files  in 
his  boat ;  that  Lownsberry  said  yes,  but  that  he  believed 
that  he  (Flood)  did  not  know  it ;  that  he,  the  examinant, 
left  Joseph  Purdy  at  the  barracks,  when  he  left  Lowns- 
berry ;  that  Joseph  Purdy  afterwards  informed  him,  that 
Lownsberry  told  him  the  files  were  either  at  Isaac  Ged- 
ney's  shop  or  at  Flood's  store-house,  he  did  not  know 
which  ;  that  his  son  had  taken  them  from  the  boat,  and  he 
did  not  know  at  which  of  those  places  he  had  left  them. 

Joseph  Purdy  says,  that  he  was  down  at  New-York  be- 
tween three  and  four  weeks  ago  ;  that  he  does  not  remem- 
ber who  were  passengers  in  the  boat  at  the  time  ;  that 
Lownsberry  was  not  on  board  ;  that  he  went  with  Flood 
to  see  William  Lownsberry  ;  that  John  Flood  accused  him 
with  having  carried  up  the  files  in  his  boat ;  that  Lowns- 
berry said  Purdy  could  go  and  bring  the  files  back  ;  that 
Lownsberry  whispered  to  him  that  the  files  were  either  at 
Flood's  store  house  or  in  Isaac  Gidney's  shop  ;  that  if  he 
went  up  he  could  find  them  ;  that  he  is  a  smith  by  trade ; 
that  Nichs.  Morrell,  reputed  a  tory,  is  intimate  with 
Lownsberry ;  that  he  is  not  in  debt  a  single  copper  to 
Lownsberry  ;  that  Lownsberry  did  speak  to  him  to  make 
skeens  for  a  cart,  or  to  do  other  work ;  that  Isaac  Gidney 
is  reputed  a  tory  ;  that  he  has  heard  that  Lownsberry  has 
made  himself  very  busy  in  public  matters. 

William  Sutton  says,  that  William  Lownsberry  is  re- 
puted a  tory,  and  said  to  be  warm  on  that  side  ;  that  he 
does  not  know  who  are  his  most  intimate  friends  now  ;  that 
when  last  in  town  he  came  down  with  cattle  ;  never  heard 
him  say  any  thing  about  the  files  ;  has  heard  him  disapprove 
of  the  present  measures,  and  think  them  wrong  ;  that  Isaac 
Gidney  has  been  very  much  opposed  to  the  American  mea- 
sures, but  of  late  is  more  quiet ;  that  Gidney  lives  about 
a  mile  from  Lownsberry  ;  that  he  heard  from  a  neighbour 
that  one  Strang,  who  was  travelling  in  disguise,  first  men- 
tioned the  cannon  being  spiked  in  his  neighbourhood ;  that 
Strang  is  of  very  indifferent  character,  and  much  in  debt. 

William  Armstrong  says,  that  he  lives  on  Rye  neck ; 
went  up  with  Lownsberry  lately  in  Flood's  boat ;  Lowns- 
berry had  a  handkerchief  on  board ;  went  on  shore  with 
Lownsberry  and  Sutton  at  Frog's  point ;  left  Lownsberry 
at  Capt.  Brown's ;  that  Lownsberry  never  took  an  active 
pait  in  the  present  troubles ;  disapproves  of  the  present 
American  measures  ;  lives  a  mile  and  a  half  from  the  exa- 
minant ;  that  the  examinant  does  not  know  who  is  intimate 
with  Lownsberry. 

Joseph  Purdy,  Wm.  Sutton  and  Wm.  Armstrong  were 
respectively  and  separately  discharged  as  they  were  exa- 
mined. 

Lieutenant  Jacob  Wright,  of  the  company  of  minute 
men  in  Jamaica,  on  Nassau  island,  came  into  the  commit- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


271 


tee  ;  he  agreed  with  them  to  make  200  cartouch  boxes  and 
pouches  and  belts,  of  the  best  sort ;  each  of  the  cartouch 
boxes  to  have  holes  for  23  cartridges,  to  be  made  of  good 
leather,  equal  to  the  pattern  given  to  him  ;  the  belts  to  have 
a  convenience  for  carrying  a  sword.  The  price  of  the  car- 
touch  box  and  belt  to  be  16s.  each,  and  he  is  to  have  them 
ready  in  three  weeks. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  29th,  1776. 
The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Col.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands. 

Mr.  Sands  informed  the  Committee  that  the  sloop  Sally 
is  ready  to  sail,  and  requested  a  permit  for  Wilkie  Dodge, 
master  of  the  said  sloop,  to  go  on  board  of  the  ships  Asia 
and  Phoenix. 

Thereupon  a  certificate  was  given  to  him  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  29th  Jany.  1776.  I 

"  Permit  Wilkie  Dodge,  master  of  the  sloop  Sally,  to 
go  on  board  both  His  Majesty's  ships  in  the  harbour  of 
New-York." 

William  Allen,  cordwainer,  attended  and  informed  the 
Committee,  that,  agreeable  to  their  permission,  he  had 
been  on  board  of  the  ship  Asia ;  that  the  captain  desired 
him  to  make  20  or  30  pair  of  shoes  and  bring  them  on 
board,  and  informed  him  he  should  want  an  hundred  pair. 
The  said  William  Allen  was  told  he  might  make  those 
shoes  and  take  them  on  board. 

A  letter  from  a  sub-committee  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester, dated  the  26th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  January  26th.  1776. 

"  A  sub-committee  of  the  committee  of  safety  for  the 
county  of  Westchester,  met  at  the  house  of  James  Besloy, 
New-Rochelle,  to  wit :  Abraham  Guion,  Esqr.,  Col.  Jos. 
Drake,  Stephen  Ward,  Jose  Hunt,  Henry  R.  Mire,  Theos. 
Bartow. 

"  John  Gidney  of  New-Rochelle,  yeoman,  sworn  and 
examined,  saith,  that  on  Wednesday  (one  day  last  week) 
Wm.  Lownsbury  was  at  his  house  a  little  before  sunset, 
went  away,  and  returned  again  late  at  night,  he  supposed 
about  9  or  10  o'clock,  in  company  with  one  Joshua  Gidney, 
son  of  Isaac  Gidney,  of  Rye,  and  four  others  unknown  to 
him,  the  deponent,  and  that  they  went  from  his  house  he 
knew  not  where,  but  returned  about  a  little  before  day 
light  the  next  morning. 

"  John  Haynes  of  the  same  place,  yeoman,  sworn,  saith 
that  on  Wednesday  the  17th  inst,  he  saw  the  said  William 
Lownsberrv  at  the  house  of  John  Gidney  of  New-Rochelle, 
tavern  keeper,  a  little  before  sunset ;  he  saw  him  go  away 
towards  Mamaroneck ;  the  deponent  saith  he  afterwards, 
the  same  night  about  9  or  10  o'clock,  met  the  said  Wm. 
Lownsberry  with  five  other  men  all  on  foot,  in  New-Ro- 
chelle aforesaid,  going  towards  New- York ;  they  all  ap- 
peared to  have  handkerchiefs  about  their  heads,  and  belts 
round  their  waists  over  their  coats. 

"  Gentlemen — We  also  examined  several  others,  but 
could  not  discover  any  thing  from  them  of  any  consequence. 
We  also  despatched  a  company  of  men  in  quest  of  Joshua 
Gidney,  but  could  not  find  him,  but  we  believe  we  shall 
be  able  to  give  to  some  account  of  him  before  many  hours. 
John  Gidney  has  promised  to  appear  before  your  honble. 
House  if  called  for. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  sub  committee, 

" JOSEPH  DRAKE. 

<:  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  said  sub-committee  of  Westchester 


county  dated  the  27th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-Rochelle,  21th  Jany.  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — We  send  you  herewith,  under  safe 
guard,  the  person  of  Joshua  Gidney,  whom  we  mentioned 
in  our  letter  to  you  yesterday,  which  we  doubt  not  you 
have  received ;  he  has  passed  through  an  examination  by 
us,  but  will  not  give  us  the  least  information  about  the 
people  that  were  with  him  and  Lownsberry  at  the  house  of 
John  Gidney,  though  he  acknowledges  that  he  was  there 
with  Lownsberry ;  we  think  him  guilty  from  his  evasive 
answers  and  obstinacy,  though  we  should  be  sorry  that  any 
person  should  suffer  innocently  through  our  channel,  yet 
we  think  he  deserves  to  suffer,  at  least  what  he  must  in 
being  conveyed  to  you,  and  probably  a  great  deal  more, 
for  he  said  to  us  once  that  he  did  not  choose  to  discover 
his  companions  ;  he  did  not  choose  to  bring  trouble  on  his 
neighbors.     It  is  needless  to  recite  what  has  passed  in 
every  particular.    Therefore  subscribe  ourselves, 
"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  JOSEPH  DRAKE, 
"THEOS.  BARTOW, 
"HENRY  R.  MYER, 
"  ABRAM  GUION. 

"To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Joshua  Gidney  be  brought  before  the 
Committee  in  the  afternoon,  to  be  examined. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling,  dated  on  the  28th  inst.  re- 
lating to  100  stand  of  arms  and  other  matters,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Elizabeth  Town,  January  28th,  1776. 

"  Sir — 1  received  your  letter  of  25th  respecting  the  100 
stand  of  arms  which  you  were  to  have  supplied  me  with. 
I  shall  lay  the  letter  before  the  Continental  Congress  and 
the  Convention  which  meets  this  week  at  Brunswick,  in 
hopes  that  some  other  means  may  be  taken  for  providing 
an  equal  number.  A  certain  ship  is  lately  arrived  here 
with  stores,  some  of  which  perhaps  maybe  of  use  to  the  pub- 
lic service,  under  your  direction.  I  therefore  subjoin  a  list  of 
her  cargo,  in  order  that  you  may  know  whether  any  part 
of  it  will  be  useful  for  that  purpose.  The  ship  is  about 
100  feet  long  on  the  main  deck,  and  will  commodiously 
carry  20  six  and  10  three  pounders.  W.  R.  is  well  wor- 
thy of  your  confidence. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  Your  most  humble  servant, 

"  STIRLING. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 

at  New-York." 
"  107  chaldron  of  coal. 
100  butts  porter,  marked  '  Calvert.' 
225  bags  beans. 
156  sacks  potatoes. 
10  casks  sour  krout. 
80  hogs. 

35  empty  puncheons  for  water." 

Die  Lun^e,  3  ho.  P.  M.  January  29th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  McDougall  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clark. 

Joshua  Gidney,  who  was  ordered  to  be  brought  down  to 
be  examined,  was  brought  in  before  the  Committee  and 
examined. 

Joshua  Gidney  says  that  he  lives  at  the  hither  end  of 
Rye  Neck ;  being  asked  where  he  was  on  last  Wednesday 
night  a  week,  says  he  does  not  remember ;  that  he  was  in 
company  with  Mr.  Wm.  Lownsberry  a  day  or  two  before 
he  was  apprehended  ;  that  he  neither  knows  who  spiked 
the  cannon,  and  was  not  concerned  in  it.  Being  asked  how 
he  spent  last  Wednesday  night  a  week,  to  wit,  the  night  of 
Wednesday  the  inst.  and  where,  he  refused  to  answer 
or  discover — at  length  answered  that  is  nothing  to  cause. 
He  was  asked  if  he  was  with  Lownsberry  that  night — he 
was  frequently  asked,  but  gave  no  answer — after  a  long 


272 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


time,  answered  he  was  with  him  one  night,  but  does  not 
know  what  night ;  was  then  asked  at  what  time  of  the  night 
and  at  what  place  he  was  with  him  ;  after  frequent  asking 
was  silent.  Being  asked  if  he  was  at  John  Gidney's  house 
lately,  in  the  night,  with  Lownsberry,  answered  yes,  but 
does  not  know  in  what  night.  Being  asked  who  also  was 
with  them,  after  frequent  asking,  was  silent  and  did  not  an- 
swer. Being  asked  where  he  was  towards  day  that  night, 
was  silent.  Being  asked  if  he  has  any  estate,  says  yes, 
about  £500.  He  was  repeatedly  told  not  to  accuse  him- 
self, but  to  answer  as  to  all  other  persons.  Being  asked  if 
he  was  at  John  Gidney's  about  day  breaking,  was  entirely 
silent.  Being  asked  who  was  with  him  at  John  Gidney's, 
is  silent.  Being  asked  whether  he  is  under  any  oath  to 
keep  secret,  says  he  is  not.  Was  charged  not  to  accuse 
himself  or  any  innocent  man.  On  appealing  to  God  for 
his  innocence,  was  asked  if  he  would  appeal  to  God  that 
he  does  not  know  who  was  at  John  Gidney's  with  him, 
refused  to  answer.  He  was  frequently  assured  of  the  pro- 
tection of  the  Committee,  and  other  protection  that  should 
be  necessary,  if  [he]  answered  truly  and  frankly  the  ques- 
tions asked  of  him. 

Ordered,  That  Joshua  Gidney  be  manacled  and  shackled, 
hands  and  feet,  and  kept  in  safe  and  secure  custody  at  the 
upper  barracks,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Committee, 
and  in  the  interim  that  no  person  be  suffered  to  speak  to  him, 
but  in  the  presence  of  the  officer  of  the  guard,  and  that  no  let- 
ter or  paper  writings  be  permitted  to  pass  between  the  said 
Joshua  Gidney  and  any  other  person  or  persons  whomso- 
ever ;  and  that  he  be  denied  the  use  of  pen,  ink  and  pa- 
per. And, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  see  that  this  order  be 
duly  executed. 

Col.  Lasher  attending,  informed  the  Committee,  or  mem- 
bers present,  that  the  greater  part  of  his  corps  of  officers 
have  agreed  that  it  will  not  suit  them  to  go  into  the  Conti- 
nental service  on  the  terms  offered. 

William  Lownsberry  examined,  says  that  he  and  Joshua 
Gidney,  and  others,  went  to  disarm  the  cannon  with  sledges ; 
that  when  they  came  to  a  house  near  the  cannon  they  heard 
people  at  work  at  them  ;  that  they  waited  some  time,  heard 
them  at  work  and  turning  them,  as  they  judged  by  the 
noise  ;  that  when  he  came  to  the  guns  he  found  them  spik- 
ed and  the  touch  holes  turned  downwards  ;  that  when  he 
and  the  others  went  up  towards  the  cannon  the  men  went 
off:  that  he  called  to  them,  but  they  went  off  down  a  hill 
towards  the  blacksmith's,  and  then  into  the  road  and  to- 
wards King's  Bridge  ;  that  there  was  light  in  the  smith's 
kitchen  ;  that  the  people  who  went  with  him  had  caps  on  ; 
that  Gidney  was  concerned  in  the  design,  and  went  with  him 
with  design  to  disarm  the  cannon  with  sledges ;  that  he  had 
the  files  bought  with  design  to  spike  up  the  cannon  ;  that  he 
is  uncertain  whether  he  or  Joshua  Gidney  first  concerted 
the  design  of  disarming  the  cannon  ;  that  he  does  not  know 
the  other  persons  who  went  with  him  ;  that  they  were  in 
Mamaroneck,  on  the  road  ;  that  they  were  at  John  Gid- 
ney's about  10  o'clock  that  night,  and  at  daylight  as  they 
returned  ;  that  he  and  Joshua  Gidney  had  spoken  and  con- 
ferred on  the  subject ;  that  Joshua  Gidney  spoke  to  the 
other  persons  of  the  party  ;  that  two  of  those  persons  were 
Josiah  Burrell  and  William  Hains  ;  that  he  is  not  certain, 
but  that  he  believes  the  two  others  were  the  sons  of  James 
Hains  ;  that  they  had  caps  on,  he  had  the  cape  of  his  coat 
about  his  head  ;  that  the  light  was  at  Valentine's  kitchen, 
and  about  one  or  two  o'clock  in  the  morning ;  that  he  was 
not  put  on  this  scheme  by  any  person ;  that  he  and  his 
party  had  two  sledges  with  them  ;  that  they  got  one  sledge 
out  of  Flandereau's  shop,  and  the  other  out  of  Guion's  shop, 
at  New-Rochelle  ;  that  some  of  the  company  went  and 
got  the  sledges  ;  that  Flandereau's  was  taken  without  the 
consent  of  the  owner  ;  that  he  dropped  the  design  of  spik- 
ing the  guns,  because  he  found  it  would  be  troublesome,  and 
thought  the  other  would  do  as  well ;  that  he  spoke  to  Isaac 
Gidney  to  work  the  files  and  make  the  spikes,  but  he  said 


it  would  be  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  and  declined  it ;  that 
there  were  5  or  6  persons  who  went  off  from  the  guns  ;  that 
this  was  on  last  Wednesday  night  a  week,  a  very  cold 
night,  so  cold  that  men  could  not  stand  longer  than  half  or 
three-quarters  of  an  hour,  in  his  opinion  ;  that  he  intended 
to  disarm  the  guns  that  the  communication  between  the 
country  and  city  might  be  kept  open. 

Joshua  Gidney,  called  in  again  to  be  examined,  and  ask- 
ed how  many  sledges  his  party  had,  at  first  did  not  answer, 
and  then  said  he  did  not  do  the  fact.  After  some  time 
confessed  that  he  went  from  John  Gidney's  with  a  party 
towards  the  cannon,  near  Valentine's,  with  a  party  who  de- 
signed to  render  them  useless  ;  came  there  and  found  men 
at  work  at  them  ;  that  there  were  two  or  three  of  his  party 
went  up  towards  the  cannon,  and  the  party  went  off  to  the 
westward  from  the  cannon  ;  that  then  he  and  his  party 
came  to  the  cannon  and  found  them  spiked  ;  that  he  heard 
of  the  scheme  of  disarming  the  cannon  of  Josiah  Burrell, 
who  came  down  to  the  man  of  war  ;  that  the  first  person 
he  ever  heard  speak  of  rendering  the  cannon  useless  was 
William  Lownsberry,  and  afterwards  Josiah  Burrell  spoke 
to  him  about  it,  and  other  people  also  ;  that  Josiah  Burrell 
lives  at  Rye  Neck  ;  that  J.  Burrell  went  on  board  of  a  ship 
to  the  Governor,  and  said  he  spoke  to  the  Governor,  who 
said  it  must  be  done,  to  render  those  cannon  useless  ;  that 
Lownsberry  afterwards  told  him  the  same,  and  he  believed 
spoke  to  the  Governor  also ;  that  Issac  Gidney  also  spoke 
to  him  about  having  the  cannon  destroyed  ;  that  Lowns- 
berry and  Wm.  Sutton,  Esquire,  spoke  about  disarming 
the  cannon ;  that  Esqr.  Sutton  seemed  to  be  fond  of  it ; 
that  this  is  since  Sutton  went  home  to  appear  before  the 
Committee  ;  that  Wm.  Lownsberry  was  the  first  person  he 
ever  heard  propose  the  disabling  of  them  with  sledges  ; 
that  this  was  soon  after  Godfrey  Hains  came  home  from 
on  board  of  the  man  of  war ;  that  Burrell  told  him  he  had 
had  conversation  with  the  Governor,  and  that  he  advised 
disabling  the  cannon  ;  that  he  heard  Lownsberry  had  been 
on  board  of  the  Governor's  ship  about  a  week  before  this 
affair  happened  ;  that  Isaac  Gidney  informed  him  of  this, 
and  that  the  Governor  advised  him  to  destroy  the  cannon, 
and  said  it  would  save  the  city  and  prevent  its  being  burnt 
down  ;  that  Burrell  and  Lownsberry  told  him  if  it  was 
done  they  would  be  well  paid  for  it ;  that  there  were  six 
persons  in  his  party  to  the  cannon,  to  wit,  Wm.  Lowns- 
berry, himself,  Josiah  Burrell,  Wm.  Hains,  James  Hains, 
Junr.  and  Thomas  Hains  ;  that  one  sledge  was  taken  out 
of  a  shop  at  Flanderau's,  and  John  Gidney  borrowed  the 
other  sledge  of  Guion,  a  blacksmith  ;  that  they  found  the 
cannon  near  Valentine's  spiked  up  ;  that  he  carried  spikes 
a  part  of  the  way,  which  he  received  of  Lownsberry  to 
carry  ;  that  it  is  his  opinion  that  Isaac  Gidney  made  them  ; 
that  Isaac  Gidney  and  Joseph  Purdy  had  been  at  work  at 
night,  and  they  gave  him  a  bag  with  iron  and  said,  here  is 
something  for  Wm.  Lownsberry  ;  that  he  gave  it  Lowns- 
berry, and  he  assisted  Lownsberry  to  carry  them  ;  that 
when  they  came  to  a  parcel  of  guns,  on  the  "hill  near  Va- 
lentine's, they  found  five  or  six  men  at  work  there,  and  the 
guns  spiked  up ;  that  they  returned  and  spiked  those  at 
Williams' ;  that  William  Hains  and  James  Hains,  Jur. 
spiked  them;  that  there  were  upwards  of  50  spiked  there; 
that  he  believes  Wm.  Lownsberry  had  the  management 
and  direction  of  their  party,  and  that  he  was  called  their 
general. 

That  when  they  came  to  a  little  house  near  Valentine's 
they  heard  people  at  work  ;  that  when  he  and  his  party 
came  near  Valentine's  there  was  light ;  that  the  party  at 
work  at  the  guns,  left  them  and  came  towards  King's 
Bridge,  and  passed  by  him  walking  very  fast,  and  close 
together ;  that  he  did  not  before  know  that  any  party  but 
his  own  were  engaged  to  spike  up  the  cannon  ;  that  he 
supposes  they  live  in  that  neighbourhood  ;  that  he  believes 
the  bag  of  spikes  he  received  were  made  in  Isaac  Gid- 
ney's shop  ;  that  Tsaac  Gidney  and  Joseph  Purdy  went 
in  there  to  work  one  evening,  and  the  next  evening  they 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAETY. 


273 


were  brought  out  of  the  shop  and  delivered  to  him,  near 
Isaac  Gidney's  shop,  a  little  time  before  he  and  his  party 
set  off  to  go  to  the  cannon  ;  that  the  party  who  left  the  can- 
non near  V  alentine's,  were  in  dark  coloured  clothes  ;  that 
he  thinks  they  were  countrymen  of  their  county,  and  that 
William  Lownsberry  said  he  believed  he  knew  one  of 
them  ;  that  he  believes  it  was,  and  took  it  to  be  the  same 
bag  which  he  received  of  Isaac  Gidney  and  Jos.  Purdy, 
which  they  brought  with  them  to  the  cannon  ;  that  he  re- 
ceived it  a  little  before  they  set  off  to  the  cannon  ;  that  it 
was  a  violent  cold  night ;  that  Burrell  assisted  to  turn  over 
the  cannon ;  that  Lownsberry  had  a  hand  spike  ;  that  he 
assisted  to  turn  over  some  of  them ;  that  they  concluded 
it  would  make  too  much  noise  if  they  struck  on  the  arms, 
to  disarm  them,  and  break  off  the  trunnions,  and  therefore 
spiked  them. 

William  Lownsberry,  being  again  called  in  and  examin- 
ed, says,  the  last  time  he  saw  Govr.  Tryon,  was  after  New- 
Year  ;  that  the  first  lime  he  saw  Govr.  Tryon  was  on  board 
of  Sutton's  sloop ;  that  he  went  to  see  Sutton,  and  the 
Governor  came  there  ;  that  in  January  when  he  came 
down  with  cattle,  he  went  on  board  of  the  Governor's  ship  ; 
went  to  see  how  things  were  ;  saw  the  Attorney-General 
there  ;  that  he  had  not  any  conversation  about  spiking  up  the 
cannon  ;  that  he  does  not  remember  that  he  told  any  person 
that  he  had  had  a  conversation  with  the  Governor  about  the 
cannon  ;  that  he  was  not  concerned  in  spiking  up  any  can- 
non. Being  asked  how  many  cannon  his  party  spiked  up,  he 
was  silent;  at  length  said  the  guns  at  Williams's  were  spiked 
up  ;  that  Joshua  Giduey  and  Josiah  Burrell  went  down  to 
spike  up  the  cannon,  and  as  he  understood  they  found  so 
many  cannon  they  had  not  spikes  enough  ;  that  Joshua  Gid- 
ney told  him  so  ;  that  he  had  no  hand  in  getting  the  spikes 
made,  and  does  not  know  who  made  them  ;  that  he  does 
not  know  who  brought  the  spikes  ;  that  on  the  day  before 
the  spiking  the  cannon,  Burrell  spoke  to  him  about  [it,]  and 
said  he  had  a  mind  to  have  it  done  ;  and  that  he  the  exami- 
nant  told  him  that  he  did  not  think  any  smith  in  the  county 
would  make  the  spikes  ;  that  when  he  received  the  spikes 
he  did  not  know  who  made  them  ;  that  he  understood  then 
that  all  the  guns  at  Williams's  were  spiked  ;  that  Gidney 
and  the  Hains's  spiked  the  cannon  at  Williams's,  and  that 
he  assisted  in  turning  them  ;  that  he  had  not  any  business 
on  board  of  the  Govenor's  ship  ;  did  not  go  to  sell  beef,  and 
went  alone. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  prisoners  be  recommitted  to  the 
barracks.  That  the  order  as  to  the  confinement  of  Joshua 
Gidney  be  mitigated  as  to  his  being  manacled  and  fettered 
in  the  day. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  unanimously,  that  Josiah 
Burrell,  Wm.  Hains,  James  Hains,  Junr.  and  Thos.  Haines 
the  persons  who  assisted  to  spike  the  cannon  at  Williams's, 
and  Isaac  Gidney  and  Joseph  Purdy,  the  smiths  who  made 
the  spikes,  ought  to  be  apprehended  and  brought  before 
the  Committee.  And  that  Valentine  and  all  the  men  in  his 
family  should  be  examined,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  dis- 
cover the  persons  concerned  in  spiking  the  cannon  at 
Valentine's. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Joseph  Drake  re- 
questing him  to  apprehend  the  first  party  above  named,  and 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  officer  of  the  guard  at  the  Bridge 
were  respectively  read  and  approved,  and  are  respectively 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  • 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  J  any.  29th.  1776.  \ 

"  Col.  Jos.  Drake  : 

"  Sir — We  have  obtained  evidence  against  Josiah  Bur- 
rell, Wm.  Hains,  James  Hains,  Junr.  Thomas  Hains,  (sons 
of  James  Hains,)  Tsaac  Gidney  the  blacksmith,  and  Joseph 
Purdy,  that  they  have  been  concerned  in  spiking  up  the 
cannon  near  Williams's. 

"  We  request  you  to  have  all  those  persons  apprehended 
and  sent  here  under  a  proper  guard.    We  send  you  this 

69 


by  express  to  prevent  delay,  or  any  of  them  having  a  lon- 
ger opportunity  to  escape. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Sampson  Dyckman, 
as  an  express. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  officer  of  the  guard  at  the  can- 
non at  King's  Bridge,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — You  are  hereby  requested  to  apprehend  Isaac  Va- 
lentine, the  blacksmith,  with  his  servant  or  journeyman, 
and  all  the  men  which  belong  to  his  family,  and  send"  them 
down  to  this  Committee  to  be  examined.  Endeavour  to 
have  them  prevented  from  having  any  conversation  with 
each  other  after  they  are  apprehended,  or  on  the  way  to 
New-York. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  Officer  commanding  the  guard 

at  the  cannon,  near  King's  Bridge." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  Sampson  Dyckman. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  30th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brews- 
ter, Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Clark. 

George  Shannon  was  brought  before  the  Committee 
with  a  number  of  proclamations  and  papers  and  pamphlets, 
which  he  says  he  received  of  Governor  Tryon.  He  says 
he  lives  at  Dover  in  Dutchess  county  ;  that  a  horse  was 
stole  from  one  Ross  in  Dutchess  county  ;  that  they  came 
to  look  for  the  horse  ;  that  the  Governor  gave  him  the 
pamphlets  and  King's  speech  and  proclamation  to  take  to 
the  country. 

 Ross. — That  they  were  in  pursuit  of  a  thief  who 

stole  a  horse  ;  that  they  supposed  the  thief  was  on  board 
of  the  men  of  war  ;  that  the  thief  stole  oxen  and  sold  them 
and  went  off  to  New-York  ;  that  a  horse  of  his  brother  is 
since  stole,  they  suppose,  by  the  same  thief;  that  they 
came  to  search  after  the  horse  and  thief;  supposed  that 
the  thief  was  on  board  of  the  King's  ships  ;  that  they 
asked  if  there  was  any  harm  to  go  on  board,  and  was  in- 
formed there  was  not ;  that  they  went  on  board  and  waited 
till  they  had  an  opportunity  to  see  the  Governor,  and  in- 
quire if  he  knew  any  person  who  had  come  on  board  of 
his  or  the  other  ships  who  had  stole  a  horse  ;  that  he  did 
not  receive  any  papers  of  the  Governor  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon 
inquired  how  the  people  stood  affected  in  the  county  where 
he  lived  ;  that  he  is  to  bear  the  expense  of  Shannon. 

John  Buchanan  and  Nichs.  Carmer  were  examined. 
Thereupon  the  said  George  Shannon  and  Ross  were  dis- 
charged, and  their  papers  redelivered  to  them. 

Capt.  John  Sands  from  Cow-neck  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  Jacob  Mott,  who  had  made  his  submission  to 
this  Committee  of  Safety  and  been  restored,  was  taken 
into  custody  and  detained  by  Col.  Herd,  and  is  now  under 
bonds  of  £500  and  his  arms  demanded. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  not  good  policy 
to  use  those  severities  to  Jacob  Mott,  unless  he  has  mis- 
behaved since  his  restoration. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Herd  was  read  and 

approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  Jany.  30th,  1776.  $ 

"  Col.  Herd: 

"  Sir — Jacob  Mott  of  Queens  county,  who  by  the  re- 
solves of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  was  ad- 


274 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY*. 


vertised  and  put  out  of  protection,  made  his  submission  to 
this  Committee,  acknowledged  his  contrition  for  his  past 
conduct,  and  engaged  to  behave  amicably  to  the  cause  of 
his  country,  whereupon  he  was  publicly  restored  to  his 
former  standing  during  his  good  behaviour. 

"  We  have  not  the  least  information  that  the  said  Jacob 
Mott  has  by  any  means  forfeited  the  protection  of  his  coun- 
try, or  swerved  from  his  engagements  since  his  restoration. 
In  our  opinion,  sound  policy  dictates  the  most  tender  treat- 
ment of  a  reformed  penitent. 

"  We  are  informed  that  the  said  Jacob  Mott  has  been  in 
custody  and  is  under  bonds  to  you. 

"We  request,  sir,  that  the  said  Jacob  Mott  may  be  re- 
leased and  permitted  to  retain  his  arms,  unless  you  should 
find  that  he  has  forfeited  his  late  engagements,  and  that 
the  said  Jacob  Mott  may  be  treated  with  as  much  lenity  as 
you,  in  your  prudence,  may  conceive  to  be  consistent  with 
your  duty  and  instructions,  with  which  we  would  by  no 
means  be  thought  to  interfere  in  any  article  whatever. 
"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servants." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  carried 
to  the  Chairman  to  be  read  and  signed,  and  transmitted  by 
Capt.  John  Sands. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  30th  January,  1776. 

Present— Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  letter  from  Jonathan  Blake,  commanding  the  cannon 

guard  beyond  King's  Bridge,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Guard  at  the  Liberty  Pole,  ) 
"  29th  Jany.  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — According  to  your  desire  I  have  sent 
down  Mr.  Valentine  and  son  and  journeyman  under  guard 
of  seven  men,  and  should  be  glad  of  a  small  reinforcement, 
as  the  duty  of  the  men  is  very  hard  on  account  their  num- 
bers. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  humble  servant, 

"JONATHAN  BLAKE. 

"  Joseph  Hallet,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York.'' 

Ordered,  That  all  the  said  persons  be  brought  before 
this  Committee  for  examination. 

Isaac  Valentine  being  brought  before  the  Committee  to 
be  examined,  says,  that  he  lives  in  Westchester  county  ; 
that  the  guns  lie  about  400  or  500  yards  from  his  house, 
in  a  field  ;  that  he  does  not  know  whether  his  son  or  ser- 
vant was  at  home  on  last  Wednesday  night  a  week  ;  that  on 
Sunday  his  brother,  who  lives  near  the  guns,  informed  him 
that  if  he  had  been  at  his  house  last  night  he  would  have 
heard  music  ;  and  informed  him  that  he  heard  the  guns 
every  now  and  then  ring,  sometimes  at  one  end  of  the  par- 
cel of  guns  and  sometimes  at  the  other;  that  he  knows 
William  Lownsberry  ;  did  not  see  him  or  Joshua  Gidney 
at  his  house  that  night ;  does  not  know  who  spiked  the 
guns  ;  that  John  Williams  came  down  to  his  house  and 
informed  him  that  the  guns  at  Williams's  were  spiked  up  ; 
that  at  his  request  they  went  to  the  guns  in  his  field  and 
found  them  spiked. 

William  Dickiii  says  he  is  an  Englishman  ;  lives  with 
Isaac  Valentine  ;  was  at  home  on  last  Wednesday  night  a 
week  ;  had  not  a  light  at  1  or  2  o'clock  that  night;  that  he 
sleeps  in  the  old  house  now  called  the  kitchen  ;  that  he 
thinks  Mr.  Valentine's  son  was  at  home  that  night ;  did 
not  see  any  persons  come  in  there  late  ;  that  his  young  mas- 
ter says  a  drover  came  to  their  house  and  first  told  him  the 
guns  at  Williams's  were  spiked  up. 

Isaac  Valentine,  Junr. — That  he  has  not  signed  the  asso- 
ciation, but  is  hearty  in  the  cause  of  his  country  ;  does  not 
know  William  Lownsberry  ;  has  seen  Joshua  Gidney  but 
once  to  his  knowledge ;  was  at  home  last  Wednesday 
night  a  week  ;  does  not  know  what  light  was  in  the  house  ; 


knows  nothing  about  spiking  up  the  guns ;  that  the  guns 
are  250  yards  from  his  father's  house  ;  that  a  drover  from 
New-England  first  told  him  in  an  evening,  that  the  guns 
were  spiked  ;  that  next  morning  John  Williams  came  down 
and  informed  his  father  that  the  guns  near  his  house  were 
spiked  ;  that  they  went  and  found  them  spiked. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  31st,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Clark. 

A  letter  from  Col.  James  McClaughry,  of  Little  Britain, 
Ulster  county,  dated  23rd  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Little  Britain,  23rd  January,  J776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  received  a  letter  from  the  Honble.  the 
Provincial  Congress,  bearing  date  the  1 6th  Octor.  last,  re- 
lative to  fixing  a  place  of  rendezvous  for  the  regiment  under 
my  command,  in  case  of  an  alarm.  In  consequence  of 
which,  I  called  together  all  the  officers  of  my  regiment, 
and  have  fixed  the  place  of  our  rendezvous  at  New-Windsor, 
but  find,  on  examination,  that  it  is  impossible  the  men  can 
appear  properly  equipped  for  want  of  ammunition ;  there- 
fore, request  that  a  small  magazine  be  formed  at  the  place 
of  rendezvous,  under  the  direction  of  such  persons  as  you 
shall  judge  proper. 

"  1  am,  gentlemen,  with  much  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hble.  servant, 
"  JAMES  McCLAUGHRY. 

"  P.  S. — Should  have  answered  the  Honble.  Congress 
sooner  of  this  matter,  but  did  not  receive  their  favour  until 
the  24th  ulto. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the 

Province  of  New- York,  in  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Judah  Harlow  of  the  26th  inst.  covering  a 
receipt  or  certificate  from  Capt.  Danl.  Denton,  late  captain 
in  the  3rd  regiment  of  the  New-York  troops,  and  also  the 
said  receipt  or  certificate,  certifying  that  the  late  company 
of  the  said  Daniel  Denton,  had  eat  315  meals  of  victuals 
at  the  said  Judah  Harlow's,  for  which  he  had  not  been 
paid,  were  read. 

A  letter  from  Moses  Gale  of  the  27th  inst.  covering  a 
certificate  of  Danl.  Denton,  late  captain  of  the  3rd  regiment, 
dated  26th  of  August  last,  and  also  the  said  certificate  cer- 
tifying that  the  late  company  of  the  said  Danl.  Denton,  had 
eaten  164  meals  of  victuals  at  the  house  of  the  said  Moses 
Gale,  for  which  he  had  not  been  paid,  were  read. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  consistent  with  their 
late  resolution,  and  letter  to  their  Delegates,  they  ought 
not  now  to  take  up  their  time  with,  or  interfere  in  ac- 
counts. The  committee  farther  conceive  that  they  are  not 
authorized  by  any  resolve  of  Continental  or  Provincial  Con- 
gress, to  pay  for  billeting  at  Is.  per  meal ;  and,  therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  and  certificates  be  re- 
turned to  the  owners,  by  Mr.  Brewster. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  applied  for  a  permit  to  lade  the  bri- 
gantine  New-York,  on  account  of  Mr.  Isaac  Govemeur. 
Thereupon  a  permit  was  delivered  to  him  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  Jany.  31st,  1776.  $ 
"  The  brigantine  New-York,  Capt.  John  Walker  master, 
is  hereby  permitted  to  lade  at  this  port  with  provisions  and 
lumber." 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  this  day  received  a  letter 
from  Genl.  Lee,  apprizing  us  of  his  intended  march  into 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


275 


New-York,  in  obedience  to  orders  from  Genl.  Washington, 
favouring  us  at  the  same  time  with  a  copy  of  your  letter 
to  him,  on  this  subject. 

"As  we  perceived  it  was  Genl.  Lee's  intentions  imme- 
diately to  proceed  to  your  city,  and  that  you  thought  such 
a  measure  dangerous  to  the  lives  of  the  inhabitants,  and  in 
other  respects  unseasonable,  we  thought  it  our  duty  to 
apply  for  a  committee  of  Congress,  to  examine  into  the 
expediency  of  the  expedition,  and  to  give  such  directions 
as  upon  consulting  you  and  the  general,  might  appear  most 
prudent  and  advisable. 

"  Col.  Harrison,  Mr.  Lynch  and  Mr.  Allen,  are  entrusted 
with  this  important  business ;  a  choice  which  we  approve, 
having  the  highest  sentiments  of  their  humanity,  patriotism 
and  judgment.  We  are  well  satisfied  that  every  mark  of 
respect  will  be  shown  to  them  by  your  body  as  well  as  by 
individuals,  not  only  on  account  of  their  great  merit,  but 
because  the  employment  in  which  they  are  now  engaged,  im- 
mediately regards  the  safety  and  preservation  of  the  capital 
of  our  own  Colony. 

"  We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favour  this  day 
respecting  the  scheme  of  protecting  the  navigation  by 
cruisers,  at  the  Continental  expense.  When  you  are  made 
acquainted  that  this,  and  other  Colonies  have  engaged  in 
a  similar  plan  at  their  own  Provincial  charge,  you  will 
perceive  the  proposition  to  be  attended  with  difficulty,  as 
proceeding  from  us.  The  deputation  from  Congress  will, 
however,  give  you  an  opportunity  of  representing  the 
propriety  of  such  a  measure,  as  calculated  to  prevent 
the  supply  of  provisions  to  the  fleet  and  army  employed 
for  the  enslaving  these  Colonies ;  and  the  necessity  of 
stationing  some  of  the  Continental  cruisers  in  the  places 
you  may  suggest.  This  will  bring  on  the  inquiry,  where 
such  vessels  can  most  conveniently  be  had,  and  your  pur- 
poses may  be  answered  very  effectually,  as  we  are  con- 
fident that  every  thing  which  they  recommend,  will  have 
the  greatest  weight  with  the  Congress. 

"  The  several  matters  communicated  in  your  letter  by 
Mr.  Foster,  will  be  answered  by  that  gentleman  when  he 
returns,  which  will  not  be  till  the  beginning  of  next  week. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servants, 
"JAMES  DUANE, 
"WM.  FLOYD, 
"  HENRY  WISNER. 

"  Phila.  27th  Jany.  1776. 
"Honble.  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

A  letter  from  William  Floyd  and  Henry  Wisner,  Esq. 
two  of  the  Delegates  at  Congress,  was  also  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  27th  January,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — We  send  you  by  favour  of  the  Com- 
mittee, who  are  going  to  New-York,  12,500  dollars,  for 
the  raising  a  regiment  destined  for  Canada.  The  other  is 
for  Mr.  Lewis,  from  the  marine  committee,  which  be 
pleased  to  deliver  to  him,  and  you'll  oblige 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"  HENRY  WISNER. 
"  Also  129TV  dollars,  to  be  disposed  of  by  Mr.  Lewis. 
"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York.,: 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Col.  McDougall  be  a 
committee,  to  wait  on  the  Honble.  Committee  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  inform  them  that  this  Committee  is 
ready  to  wait  on  them  to  confer  with  them  at  such  time  and 
place  as  they  may  please  to  appoint. 

Messrs.  Scott  and  McDougall  returned  and  informed  this 
Committee  that  the  gentlemen  from  the  Continental  Con- 
gress request  a  copy  of  Genl.  Lee's  letter  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, and  that  as  soon  as  they  shall  have  heard  from  Gen). 
Lee,  they  will  inform  this  Committee  of  the  time  and  place 
to  confer  with  them. 


Messrs.  Scott  and  McDougall  farther  informed  the 
Committee,  that  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  is  Teady  to  take 
care  of  the  money  brought  for  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  and 
has  directions  from  Mr.  Lewis  for  that  purpose.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  or 
his  Deputy,  wait  on  Col.  Harrison,  Mr.  Lynch  and  Mr. 
Allen,  the  committee  from  the  Honble.  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  receive  from  them  12,500  dollars,  sent  from 
Continental  Congress,  for  the  regiment  to  be  raised  for  the 
service  in  Canada,  and  give  those  gentlemen  a  receipt  for 
the  same.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  said  Treasurer  or  his  Depu- 
ty receive  of  those  gentlemen  the  farther  sum  of  129T\ 
dollars,  and  pay  the  same  to  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  on 
account  of  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  and  take  Mr.  Livingston's 
receipt  for  the  same.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  furnish  a  copy  of  Genl. 
Lee's  letter  to  the  committee  of  Congress,  with  all  possible 
despatch. 

Ordered,  That  Jacamiah  Allen  get  the  cannon  near  the 
house  of  John  Williams,  and  also  those  near  King's  Bridge 
removed  to  the  larger  parcel  at  Valentine's,  so  as  to  have 
them  all  brought  together,  for  the  greater  convenience  of 
guarding  them  and  drilling  out  the  spikes. 

The  Committee  agrees  with  Mr.  Allen  to  allow  him  20s. 
a  piece  for  clearing  and  unspiking  the  cannon  beyond 
King's  Bridge,  and  removing  the  cannon  from  John  Wil- 
liams's to  the  larger  parcel ;  and  Mr.  Allen  agreed  to  remove 
those  guns,  and  clear  and  unspike  the  whole  at  20s.  each. 
Mr.  Allen  is  also  requested  to  remove  the  guns  at  or  near 
King's  Bridge  to  the  larger  parcel  at  as  little  expense  as 
possible,  for  which  he  is  to  be  paid  the  expense.  And 
Mr.  Allen  is  farther  directed  not  to  clear  or  unspike  any 
gun,  but  such  as  when  cleared  will  be  fit  for  use. 

Col.  Lasher  delivered  in  a  memorandum  of  such  officers 
in  his  regiment  as  are  willing  to  go  into  the  Continental 
service,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

Col.  Lasher  was  informed  that  a  committee  of  the 
Honble.  the  Continental  Congress  are  come  to  this  city, 
on  a  service  relating  to  the  city  and  Colony  only ;  that  it 
would  be  a  requisite  honour  to  them  to  station  a  guard  of 
at  least  two  sentinels  at  their  door  in  the  day,  and  a  ser- 
geant's guard  to  attend  there  as  a  guard  every  night. 

A  memorial  of  Frederick  Hartell,  setting  forth  his  for- 
mer rank  and  services  in  the  army,  offering  his  services, 
and  requesting  a  commission  of  not  inferior  rank  to  that  in 
which  he  had  formerly  served,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  memorial  of  John  Wylley,  offering  his  services  as  a 
captain  in  the  Continental  service,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  memorandum  delivered  in  by  Col.  La- 
sher, and  the  memorials  of  Fredk.  Hartell  and  John  Wyl- 
ley remain  on  file  to  be  taken  up  again  when  an  arrange- 
ment of  officers  may  be  forming  for  officers  of  the  regi- 
ments to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  for  the  Continental  ser- 
vice. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  January  31s*,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Col.  Bra- 
sher, Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  return  of  an  election  of  the  officers  of  a  company  of 

militia,  signed  by  Arthur  Parks,  chairman  of  a  committee 

in  Hanover  precinct,  was  read  and  filed.     The  officers 

thereby  returned  are  James  Milligan  capt.  John  Hunter 

first  lieut.  Matthew  Hunter  second  lieut.  and  Robert  Burns 

ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
according  to  the  return. 

James  Lattin,  a  lieutenant  in  one  of  the  minute  companies 
in  Ulster  county,  who  delivered  in  the  above  mentioned 
return,  informed  the  committee  that  William  Goodgion, 


276 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  ensign  of  the  minute  company  of  which  he  is  lieutenant 
had  unfortunately  lost  his  commission  and  earnestly  re- 
quested that  another  commission  might  be  given  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  make  out  another  com- 
mission for  ensign  William  Goodgion,  of  the  same  date  and 
tenor  as  his  former  commission. 

Whereas,  The  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  ap- 
pointed Messrs.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  John  Van  Derbilt  and 
Comfort  Sands,  to  load  certain  vessels  on  Provincial  ac- 
count, and  despatch  them  in  order  to  obtain  articles  neces- 
sary for  the  defence  of  the  Colonies,  and  Mr.  John  Van 
Derbilt  having  undertaken  and  nearly  completed  the  load- 
ing of  one  of  the  said  vessels,  so  that  she  will  be  speedily 
ready  to  sail,  informs  the  committee  that  he  has  advanced 
a  large  sum  of  money  and  stands  in  need  of  cash,  as  well 
to  reimburse  the  cash  he  has  already  advanced  as  to  com- 
plete the  lading  of  the  said  vessel,  and  requests  an  order 
on  the  Treasurer  for  £1,800  on  account.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Mr.  John  Van  Derbilt  the  sum  of  £1,800  on  ac- 
count, and  take  Mr.  Van  Derbilt's  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  3lst  Jany.  1776.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  favour  by  the  committee  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
who  are  arrived  in  this  city  ;  you  may  be  assured  of  our 
readiness  to  pay  them  that  attention  which  is  due  to  them 
both  in  office  and  person.  We  have  ordered  our  Trea- 
surer to  receive  of  them  the  money  which  they  had  in 
charge  to  deliver  to  us. 

"  That  part  of  it  which  is  destined  for  raising  the  batta- 
lion intended  for  the  Canada  service,  we  shall  despatch 
under  proper  care  and  without  delay  to  Genl.  Schuyler. 
The  battalion  must,  for  the  most  evident  reasons,  be  raised 
in  the  northern  quarter,  and  for  the  same  reasons  the  money 
must  be  there  lodged.  Lest  Genl.  Schuyler  should  not  have 
been  furnished  with  the  resolves  of  Congress  on  the  subject 
of  that  battalion,  we  have  long  since  transmitted  copies  to 
him. 

"  The  other  small  sum  we  shall  take  care  to  have  hand- 
ed to  the  marine  department. 

"  The  people  of  Richmond  have  been  so  far  compliant, 
as  will  be  seen  by  the  enclosed  papers  ;  we  mean  not,  nor 
do  we  suppose  our  Congress  will,  determine  on  their  case, 
which  is  now  before  the  Continental  Congress  ;  we  intend 
only  to  state  to  that  respectable  body  the  case  as  it  now 
stands,  and  on  this  head  would  only  add  that  the  interdict 
now  operates  against  them,  and  that  probably  their  Depu- 
ties will  not  be  received  by  our  Congress  'till  the  sense  of 
the  Continental  Congress  can  be  had  on  the  subject,  which 
we  beg  to  be  furnished  with,  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  renew  your  attention  to  the  want  of 
a  paymaster  at  this  post,  about  which  we  wrote  to  you  at 
least  three  weeks  ago.  We  find  inconveniences  increase 
upon  us  daily,  from  our  being  obliged  to  go  into  that  de- 
partment of  service,  which  gives  us  more  pain  from  a  con- 
sideration that  we  may  for  want  of  due  information  err, 
than  from  an  unwillingness  to  do  business  that  does  not 
properly  fall  to  our  lot. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  respectfully, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  post. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler  was  read  and 

approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  Jany.  31ji,  177G.  \ 

"  Sir — We  had  the  honour  some  time  since  of  trans- 


mitting to  you  a  resolve  of  Congress  for  reducing  the  bat- 
talions now  in  Canada  to  two,  and  for  raising  a  new  bat- 
talion for  the  Canada  service,  under  the  command  of  Co- 
lonel Van  Schaick.  This  regiment  must  for  the  most  evi- 
dent reasons  be  raised  in  the  northern  quarter,  and  we  flat- 
ter ourselves  you  will  look  to  the  appointment  of  the  offi- 
cers, for  whom  we  shall,  without  delay,  make  out  the  ne- 
cessary commissions,  (for  which  we  are  possessed  of 
blanks)  as  soon  as  you  will  favour  us  with  a  roll  for  that 
purpose. 

"  We  have  received  from  Congress  12,500  dollars,  to  be 
employed  in  recruiting  Mr.  Van  Schaick's  regiment.  The 
same  reasons  which  show  the  necessity  of  raising  it  in 
your  country,  points  out  to  us  the  propriety  of  sending  to 
you  the  money  allotted  for  that  service ;  we  accordingly 
send  it  to  you  by  Messrs.  Joseph  Jadwin  and  Gilbert 
Giles.  We  beg  you  will  take  the  necessary  receipt  in  du- 
plicate, and  transmit  one  to  us. 

"  We  must  beg  leave  to  remind  you  of  the  inconven- 
ience arising  from  the  want  of  a  paymaster  at  this  post. 
We  cannot  as  well  from  a  regard  to  our  own  ease,  as  an 
attention  to  the  safety  and  despatch  of  public  business,  any 
longer  engage  in  the  discharge  of  a  duty  in  which  for  want 
of  proper  information  we  may  err,  and  which  is  totally 
without  our  department. 

"  We  are,  sir,  respectfully, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"  Major  Genl.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 


DIE  JO  VIS,    10  HO.  A.  M. 

February  1st,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark 
Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Jonathan  Blake,  an  officer  of  the  guard  at 
the  cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Head  Quarters,  ) 
"In  Westchester,  Jany.  31st,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — Col.  Drake  having  delivered  Joseph  Purdy  into 
our  custody,  I  take  this  early  opportunity  of  sending  him  to 
New-York  under  a  proper  guard,  which  I  hope  will  meet 
with  your  approbation. 

"  I  remain,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 

"JONATHAN  BLAKE." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Joseph  Purdy  be  brought  im- 
mediately before  this  committee  to  be  examined. 

Joseph  Purdy  examined,  says,  he  was  going  to  Mama- 
roneck  ;  lhat  Isaac  Gidney  asked  him  to  stop ;  that  he 
stopped  about  two  hours  ;  that  he  was  in  the  shop  ;  that 
Isaac  Gidney  was  making  something  of  steel,  which  he 
said  was  hatchel  teeth  ;  that  they  were  as  large  as  pipe 
stales,  or  larger,  like  those  now  shown  to  him  ;  that  he  as- 
sisted to  make  some  ;  that  it  was  in  the  latter  part  of  the 
afternoon  ;  that  he  does  not  know  who  they  were  for  ;  that 
he  does  not  know  that  he  was  not  there  next  day  or  next 
evening;  that  Gidney  did  not  tell  him  who  the  spikes  were 
for ;  lhat  he  drew  the  teeth  out  sharp  ;  that  he  thought 
they  were  finished  ;  that  Isaac  Gidney  put  the  teeth  in  a 
bag  in  the  shop  and  they  went  down  together  to  Mama- 
roncck  ;  that  he  does  not  know  Isaac  Gidney's  business  to 
Mamaroneck  ;  that  a  cordvvainer  from  Westchester  was  at 
Flood's,  one  that  run  away  on  account  of  Weyman's  boat, 
and  Joseph  Todd  was  there  ;  that  he  did  not  ever  hear  any 
conversation  about  the  cannon  until  he  heard  they  were 
spiked  ;  that  the  spikes  were  in  a  two  bushel  bag,  and  he 
supposes  there  were  8  or  9  pounds  weight  in  it ;  that  he 
did  not  then  suspect  what  the  pipes  were  designed  for,  but 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


277 


did  afterwards  suspect  that  they  were  designed  to  spike  up 
the  cannon. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Joseph  Purdy  be  sent  to  the 
guard  house  at  the  upper  barracks,  and  that  he  be  prevent- 
ed from  speaking  to  any  person,  or  receiving  or  giving  out 
any  paper  writings  whatever,  or  having  the  use  of  pen,  ink 
or  paper. 

Col.  Waterbury  of  Connecticut,  being  at  the  door,  was 
introduced,  he  delivered  a  letter  from  His  Excellency, 
Ceneral  Washington,  and  Col.  Waterbury  informed  the 
Committee  that  the  Gentlemen  who  are  a  committee  of  the 
Honorable  Continental  Congress,  request  that  Mr.  Scott 
and  Col.  McDougall  do  wait  on  them  immediately.  Col. 
Waterbury  withdrew. 

The  letter  from  General  Washington  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Cambridge,  January  8th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Having  undoubted  intelligence  of  the  fitting  out  of 
a  fleet  at  Boston,  and  the  embarkation  of  troops  from 
thence,  which,  from  the  season  of  the  year  and  other  cir- 
cumstances, must  be  destined  for  some  expedition  south  of 
this  ;  and  having  such  information  as  I  can  rely  on,  that 
the  inhabitants  of  Long  island  in  your  Government,  (or  a 
greater  part  of  them,)  are  not  only  inimical  to  the  rights 
and  liberties  of  America,  but  by  their  conduct  and  public 
professions  have  discovered  an  apparent  inclination  to  lend 
an  helping  hand  to  subjugate  their  fellow  citizens  to  minis- 
terial tyranny,  there  is  a  greater  reason  to  believe  that 
this  armament,  if  not  designed  immediately  against  the 
city  of  New-York,  is  nevertheless  intended  for  Long- 
island. 

"  1  have  therefore  thought  it  expedient  to  despatch  Major- 
Genl.  Lee,  with  such  volunteers  as  he  can  quickly  as- 
semble on  his  march,  (for  I  have  not  troops  to  spare  from 
hence,  if  the  distance  and  time  would  admit  of  it,)  in  or- 
der to  put  the  city  of  New-York  in  the  best  posture  of  de- 
fence, the  season  and  circumstances  will  admit  of. 

"  To  his  instructions  which  I  have  desired  him  to  lay  be- 
fore you,  I  shall  beg  leave  to  refer,  firmly  pursuaded*  that 
your  Honble.  Body  will  give  every  assistance  in  their 
power  to  facilitate  the  end  of  his  coming  ;  as  there  needs 
no  other  argument  than  a  retrospective  view  of  the  conduct 
of  the  ministerial  troops  in  Boston,  and  the  consequences  re- 
sulting from  it,  to  prove  what  a  fatal  stab  it  would  give  to 
the  interests  of  America,  to  suffer  the  city  of  New-York 
to  fall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemy. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  G.  WASHINGTON. 

"  The  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety,  New- York." 

Col.  McDougall  and  Mr.  Scott  went  to  wait  on  and  confer 
with  the  committee  of  the  Continental  Congress.  After 
some  time  those  gentlemen  returned  and  reported,  that  the 
said  committee  informed  them  that  they  were  sent  here  by 
Congress,  and  that  Genl.  Lee  with  his  troops  were  coming 
here  to  take  measures  and  consult  with  this  committee, 
for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  and  not  to  com- 
mence any  actual  hostilities.  That  700  men  of  Genl. 
Lee's  troops  are  on  their  march  to  this  city ;  that  part  of 
those  troops  will  be  in  town  this  evening,  and  the  others  to- 
morrow, and  those  gentlemen  request  to  know  whether 
this  committee  will  provide  for  the  reception  of  those  troops, 
and  receive  them  into  the  barracks. 

Debates  ensued  on  the  said  report  and  request,  and 
thereupon  Mr.  Sands  moved  "that  the  troops  now  on  their 
march  from  Connecticut  to  this  city,  shall  be  stopped  in 
their  march  until  this  Committee  shall  confer  with  the 
Committee  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  that  matter, 
and  consider  thereof." 

Debates  ensued  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative,  in  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

70 


For  the  negative. 
Mr.  Scolt, 
Mr.  Brewster, 
Mr.  Clark, 
Mr.  Tredwell — 4. 


For  the  affirmative. 
Col.  Brasher, 
Col.  McDougall, 
Mr.  Sands — 3. 


For  the  negative. 
Col.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Sands— 2. 


Mr.  Scott  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  Genl. 
Lee's  troops  be  admitted  to  come  into  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  be  lodged  in  the  barracks,  as  they  can  not  be 
otherwise  provided  for  ;  but  that  they  come  into  this  city 
upon  condition  that  they  be  under  the  direction  of  this 
Committee,  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  until  a  full  confe- 
rence of  this  Committee,  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  with 
the  committee  from  the  Continental  Congress  and  Major- 
General  Lee,  and  until  further  order  to  be  taken  thereon, 
with  the  consent  of  this  Committee  or  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  further  direction  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 
Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Brewster, 
Col.  McDougall, 
Mr.  Clark— 5. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  General  Lee's  troops  be  ad- 
mitted to  come  into  the  city  of  New- York,  and  be  lodged 
in  the  barracks,  as  they  can  not  otherwise  be  provided  for ; 
but  that  they  come  into  the  city  expressly  upon  the  condi- 
tion that  they  be  under  the  direction  of  this  Committee,  or 
the  Provincial  Congress,  until  a  full  conference  of  this 
Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  with  the  commit- 
tee from  the  Continental  Congress  and  Major-Genl.  Lee, 
and  until  further  order  to  be  taken  thereon,  with  the  con- 
sent of  this  Committee,  or  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  fur- 
ther direction  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Thomas  Palmer,  dated  25th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"To  the  Honhle.  Committee  of  Safety 

for  the  Province  of  New-York." 
"  Gentlemen — The  convention  for  this  county,  at  their 
last  session,  passed  a  resolve  that  no  person  shall  enlist 
under  a  minute  captain  in  any  other  town  or  precinct  with- 
in this  county,  except  that  in  which  he  resides.  What 
views  the  convention  had  in  passing  this  resolve  I  know 
not.  But  the  consequences  resulting  from  it  is  already  too 
conspicuous  to  our  damage  ;  as  it  is  the  only  means  where- 
by two  minute  companies  now  recruiting  (the  one  in  New- 
Windsor  and  the  other  in  Newburgh  precinct)  can  not  be 
filled  up,  as  their  former  mode  having  been,  to  fill  up  their 
companies  out  of  the  different  precincts,  in  such  manner  as 
to  be  nearest  their  officers,  and  most  compact  and  handy 
for  exercising  their  men,  which  in  my  opinion  is  the  most 
eligible  ;  and  in  that  way  the  companies  which  are  already 
raised,  and  whose  time  wont  expire  until  spring,  were  fill- 
ed up  ;  and  a  considerable  part  of  those  companies,  made 
up  out  of  the  precincts  of  New-Windsor  and  Newburgh ; 
so  that  the  two  companies  now  recruiting  being  under  the 
restriction  of  the  said  county  resolve,  can  not  obtain  a  com- 
petent number  of  men.  And  even  suppose  we  were  just 
now  setting  out  to  raise  minute  men  ;  under  the  limits  of 
such  a  resolution,  it  would  be  most  absurd  in  its  nature,  as 
the  number  of  the  militia  are  more  or  less  according  to  the 
extent  and  popularity  of  the  town  and  precincts,  and  the 
fourth  of  the  militia,  in  some,  may  not  amount  to  a  compa- 
ny ;  and  in  others  more,  and  perhaps  not  quite  two  compa- 
nies ;  so  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  minute 
captains  may  raise  their  companies  any  where  (at  least) 
within  one  militia  regiment  in  which  he  may  reside.  This 
affair  is  likely  to  make  much  uneasiness  ;  and  had  this  not 
happened,  the  companies  would  easily  been  made  out, 
without  the  disagreeable  necessity  for  balloting,  agreeable 
to  your  late  resolve,  which  will  be  a  step  that  many  be- 
gin to  grumble  at ;  for  some  say  by  that  means  there  is 
a  compulsion  on  men  who  are  disaffected  to  the  cause,  as 


278 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


well  as  to  such  other  persons  as  the  circumstances  of  their 
families,  &c.  may  render  it  disagreeable  to  be  obliged  to 
turn  out,  and  acts  of  constraint  ought  (if  possible)  to  be 
avoided.  I  must,  therefore,  beg  you  will  take  the  premi- 
ses into  your  immediate  consideration,  and  should  you  be 
of  opinion  with  me,  that  the  said  resolve  is  attended  with 
the  consequences  aforesaid,  that  you  will  be  pleased  by  a 
resolution  of  your  House  to  counteract  the  same  by  a  line 
to  the  chairman  of  the  said  convention,  or  by  some  such 
other  ways  and  means  as  in  your  wisdom  you  may  judge 
best.  I  need  not  remind  you  that  the  resolves  of  the 
county  convention  and  sub-committees  within  this  Pro- 
vince are  ever  subject  to  your  approbation  or  disapproba- 
tion. 

"  I  beg  leave  to  observe,  with  the  utmost  concern,  that 
no  measures  are  yet  going  on  for  expediting  our  fortifica- 
tion at  Puplope's  point.  The  river  being  now  frozen,  so 
that  the  timber  for  the  barracks,  which  now  chiefly  lies  at 
New-Windsor,  may  be  carried  in  sleds  down  to  Puplope's 
point,  which  is  most  necessary,  in  order  for  a  house  for  la- 
bourers, and  no  better  time  than  the  present  for  collecting 
other  necessaries  back  in  the  woods,  and  bringing  them  on 
the  spot,  in  order  for  the  fortification. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  due  respect, 

"Your  most  obt.  and  most  humble  servant, 
"  THOMAS  PALMER. 

"  Newburgh,  25th  J  any.  1776. 
"  The  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  February  1st,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clark, 
Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Brewster. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  had  the  honour  of  writing  to  you 
yesterday  by  Mr.  Lynch  ;  we  now  set  down  to  say  a  word 
or  two  respecting  the  case  of  Mr.  Foster.  Sorry  as  we 
are  that  the  privilege  granted  by  our  Convention  to  that 
gentlemen  has  led  him  into  inconveniences,  yet  the  re- 
straint upon  exporting  live  stock  is  grounded  upon  such 
solid  reasons,  and  appeared  so  essential  to  Congress,  that 
we  are  persuaded  that  it  will  be  in  vain  to  ask  for  a  relaxa- 
tion in  this  or  any  instance.  We  have  consulted  some  of 
our  Congress  friends  who  are  of  the  same  opinion,  and 
have  satisfied  Mr.  Foster  that  it  will  be  to  no  purpose  to 
make  the  proposition. 

"  We  hope,  however,  you  may  think  of  some  method 
of  putting  it  in  his  power,  in  another  way,  to  make  up  his 
losses,  which  will  give  us  particular  pleasure. 

"  The  other  matters  contained  in  that  despatch  we  shall 
consider  and  act  upon  with  all  diligence. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 

"Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servts. 
"JAMES  DUANE, 
"HENRY  WISNER, 
"WM.  FLOYD. 

"  Phila.  30th  Jany.  1776. 
"  Honble.  Committee,  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Kingston  in  Ulster 
county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

''  Kingston,  January  27th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  the  prisoners  sent  to 
us  by  Capt.  Van  Wyck  ;  after  perusing  your  letter,  and 
orders  relative  to  the  prisoners,  we  ordered  a  guard  of  our 
Grenadiers  to  take  them,  and  sent  them,  pursuant  to  your 
orders,  to  our  jail,  where  they  will  be  safe,  we  think.  In 
any  respect  where  we  can  be  of  service  to  the  cause  of 
American  liberty,  we  cheerfully  and  willingly  will  do,  to 


guard  against  the  machinations,  schemes  and  stratagems 
of  the  common  foes  of  the  American  liberty. 

"  We  respectfully  remain,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  mo.  obt. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee  present, 
"  WM.  ELSWORTH,  Chairman. 

"  The  Honble.  Committee 

of  Safety,  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  in 
answer  to  the  order  of  this  Committee  relating  to  the  in- 
troduction of  Genl.  Lee's  troops,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  present  their 
compliments  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony  ; 
they  have  received  the  order  of  their  Board,  but  are  un- 
der a  necessity  of  informing  them  that  they  cannot  under- 
take that  the  troops  commanded  by  Genl.  Lee,  shall  be 
under  the  entire  direction  of  the  Committee  or  Provincial 
Congress,  as  that  would  be  to  exceed  any  powers  lodged 
in  them  by  the  Continental  Congress.  They  cannot  see 
the  propriety  of  this  order,  after  the  conference  had  by 
them  with  Col.  McDougall  and  Mr.  Scott,  and  the  assu- 
rances given  those  gentlemen  this  morning. 

"  New- York,  1st  February,  1776." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Waterbury  on  the  same  subject,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  received  your  orders  respecting 
the  admission  of  the  troops  under  Genl.  Lee  into  the  bar- 
racks of  this  city,  and  in  reply  must  inform  you  that  I 
have  no  authority  to  give  up  the  entire  direction  of  them 
to  the  Committee  without  orders  from  the  General.  In 
the  meantime,  the  troops  are  hourly  expected,  and  as  the 
weather  requires  that  they  should  be  put  immediately  un- 
der cover,  I  shall,  on  their  arrival,  march  them  into  the 
barracks.  Every  care  shall  be  taken  to  preserve  good  or- 
der and  exact  discipline  among  them,  until  the  General 
comes  ;  when  I  shall  submit  this  affair  to  his  determination. 

"  This  by  yours,  to  serve, 
"  DAVID  WATERBURY,  Jr.  Col. 

"  Feb.  1st,  A.  D.  1776. 
"  To  the  Honbl.  the  Committee 

of  Safety,  New- York." 

On  reading  the  letter  of  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and 
Allen  a  committee  of  the  Honble.  Continental  Congress, 
and  the  letter  of  Col.  Waterbury  now  received,  this 
Committee  requests  the  favour  of  an  immediate  confe- 
rence with  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  and  hereby 
inform  them  that  they  are  now  met  in  Committee  at  the 
Assembly  Chamber  in  the  City  Hali  and  are  ready  to  at- 
tend such  conference  at  any  place  those  gentlemen  may 
please  to  appoint. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  wait  on  Messrs. 
Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen  with  a  copy  of  the  above  re- 
quest. 

Mr.  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  returned  and  inform- 
ed the  Committee  that  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and 
Allen  will  wait  on  this  Committee  in  the  Assembly  Cham- 
ber. 

Mr.  Sands  one  of  the  sub-committee  appointed  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  to  freight  a  vessel  to  the  West  Indies 
with  provisions,  &c.  to  purchase  arms  and  ammunition, 
Reports : 

"  That  in  pursuance  of  said  appointment  he  has  freighted 
the  sloop  James  Richard,  Pooler,  master,  for  St.  Eustatia, 
belonging  to  Stephen  Thome,  and  loaded  her  with  provi- 
sions as  per  invoice,  amounting  to  £777  7s.  9d.  consigned 
to  Mr.  Samuel  Curson,  merchant  there  ;  that  the  freight 
of  said  sloop  is  as  per  agreement  £3  10s.  per  ton,  mer- 
chants' tonnage ;  and  in  case  said  sloop  is  seized  by  the 
ministerial  army  or  navy  in  consequence  of  carrying  pro- 
visions to  said  island,  the  Congress  are  to  pay  to  Stephen 
Thome  for  said  sloop  the  sum  of  £500,  as  per  agreement 
annexed.    He  further  Reports  : 

"  That  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  he  has 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


279 


loaded  the  schooner  Polly,  Matthew  Van  Alstyne,  master, 
whereof  Abm.  P.  Lott  and  Matthew  Van  Alstyne  are  ow- 
ners, for  Martinico,  Guadaioope  and  St.  Eustatia,  with 
provisions  as  per  invoice,  amounting  to  £1,278  2s.  I0d. 
consigned  to  said  master  to  purchase  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion ;  that  the  freight  agreed  for  is  £3  10s.  per  ton,  mer- 
chants' tonnage  ;  and  in  case  said  schooner  is  seized  in  con- 
sequence of  carrying  provisions  to  said  islands,  the  Con- 
gress are  to  pay  to  Abm.  P.  Lott  and  M.  Van  Alstyne,  the 
sum  of  £500,  as  per  agreement,  also  annexed.  Has  also 
loaded  the  sloop  Sally,  Wilkie  Dodge,  master,  whereof 
himself  is  owner,  for  Coracoa,  with  provisions  as  per 
invoice,  amounting  to  £1,132  8s.  lid.  consigned  to  Mr. 
Isaac  Governeur,  merchant  there,  to  purchase  duck, 
flints  and  ammunition ;  that  the  freight  of  said  sloop 
is  as  the  former,  at  £3  10s.  Od.  per  ton,  merchants'  ton- 
nage; and  in  case  said  sloop  is  seized  in  consequence  of 
carrying  provisions  to  said  island,  the  Congress  are  to  pay 
for  said  vessel  to  said  Comfort  Sands,  the  sum  of  £650. 
He  further  Reports  : 

"  That  in  order  to  get  said  vessels  out  of  this  port,  he  has 
been  obliged  to  give  bonds  to  the  Custom  House  to  land 
said  cargoes  in  some  of  the  English  islands  in  the  West 
Indies,  and  requests  the  Committee  of  Safety  will  indem- 
nify him  from  said  bonds." 

Mr.  Sands  delivered  in  the  agreements  made  by  him  for 
the  respective  vessels  above  mentioned,  and  the  invoices 
and  bills  of  lading  and  papers  relating  to  the  said  several 
vessels  and  cargoes,  which  are  now  filed. 

The  above  report  being  read  and  fully  approved  of,  the 
Committee  agrees  that  the  said  report  and  the  several 
agreements  therein  mentioned,  stand  confirmed,  and  be 
considered  as  the  agreements  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
made  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  and  on  their  account  and  risk.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Comfort  Sands  shall  be,  and 
hereby  is,  fully  indemnified  by  this  Committee  of  Safety 
and  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  for  the  time 
being,  against  any  bonds  which  he  has  entered  into  at  the 
Custom  House  for  the  said  vessels  and  cargoes,  or  on  ac- 
count of  lading  and  sending  them  to  sea  or  either  of  them  ; 
and  that  in  case  any  costs  or  damages  shall  accrue  or  be 
suffered  by  the  said  Comfort  Sands  or  his  representatives 
by  means  of  entering  into  such  bonds  or  either  of  them  ; 
that  all  such  costs  and  damages  as  may  arise,  happen  or 
accrue  by  means  thereof,  shall  be  borne  by  this  Colony  ; 
and  the  said  Comfort  Sands  having  now  delivered  in  the 
accounts  of  the  cargoes  or  ladings  of  the  said  several  ves- 
sels amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  three  thousand 
one  hundred  and  eighty-seven  pounds  eighteen  shillings 
and  eleven  pence,  and  therein  credited  the  sum  of  £2,500 
received  by  virtue  of  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  the  19th  December  last,  whereby  a  balance  of  £687 
18s.  11  d.  is  stated  as  due  to  the  said  Comfort  Sands  ; 
the  Committee  not  having  hitherto  had  time  to  examine 
and  audit  the  said  account,  that  Mr.  Sands  may  not  con- 
tinue so  large  a  sum  in  advance  for  the  public  service  ; 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to 
Comfort  Sands  on  account  of  the  moneys  he  has  advanced 
for  the  public  service  by  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
and  of  this  Committee  of  Safety,  in  purchasing  the  car- 
goes for  sundry  vessels,  the  sum  of  £600  on  account, 
and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Sands'  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  the  committee  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  attended  the  Committee,  and 
were  introduced.  The  Committee  of  Safety  informed 
those  gentlemen  that  their  answer  to  the  order  of  this  com- 
mittee occasioned  this  conference.  The  Committee  of 
Safety,  on  their  part,  suggested,  that  as  Genl.  Lee,  by  his 
letter,  had  informed  them  that  he  would  delay  the  main 
body  of  his  troops  on  the  frontiers  of  Connecticut  until 
after  his  arrival ;  that  as  those  troops  are  introducing  into 


the  Colony  without  any  particular  order  of  the  Continental 
Congress  known  to  this  Committee,  and  Major-Genl.  Lee, 
who  was  to  have  preceded  those  troops,  and  had  the  com- 
mand of  them,  detained  by  indisposition,  the  Committee 
of  Safety  conceive  that  those  troops  ought  not  to  be  intro- 
duced into  the  city  on  any  other  condition  than  under  their 
direction  ;  that  the  dignity  of  this  Colony  in  the  Continen- 
tal Union,  and  their  duty  to  their  constituents  to  preserve 
their  liberties,  and  prevent  any  manoeuvre  or  accident  that 
may  endanger  the  safety  of  the  city,  or  cause  the  removal 
of  the  inhabitants  at  this  inclement  season  of  the  year,  in 
their  opinion  forbids  the  introduction  of  those  troops  on  any 
other  condition  for  the  present. 

The  gentlemen  of  the  committee  of  Continental  Con- 
gress then  informed  this  Committee,  that  Congress,  in  con- 
sequence of  having  received  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  to  Genl.  Lee,  had  appointed  them  a 
committee  to  confer  with  General  Lee  and  this  Committee. 
That  no  service  or  matter  whatever  should  be  undertaken 
by  those  troops  until  such  conference  had. 

They  then  produced  their  credentials  from  Congress, 
whereby  the  directions  of  those  troops  are  given  to  the 
gentlemen  of  that  committee.  They  farther  assured  the 
Committee,  that  Genl.  Lee,  knowing  that  they  were  here, 
by  his  instructions  to  Col.  Waterbury  had  directed  those 
troops  to  be  under  their  command  ;  that  they  would,  as  far 
as  in  their  power,  take  care  that  the  troops  should  be  kept 
under  good  government  and  discipline  until  Genl.  Lee's 
arrival,  and  for  that  purpose  they  had  given  particular  di- 
rections to  Col.  Waterbury. 

The  Committee  thereupon  were  satisfied,  and  declared 
they  were  contented,  as  those  troops  are  under  the  com- 
mand of  the  committee  of  Continental  Congress. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Fehj.  2nd,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tred- 
well,  Mr.  Clarke. 

Col.  Curtenius  attended  by  request;  he  informed  the 
Committee  that  he  had  examined  the  100  muskets  at  Mr. 
Jecamiah  Allen's,  which  were  directed  for  Lord  Stirling, 
and  that  they  are  good  and  in  order. 

The  Committee  being  further  informed  that  Jecamiah 
Allen  has  50  other  muskets  ready,  and  that  he  requests  an 
order  for  £100  on  account :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Mr.  Jecamiah  Allen  the  sum  of  £100,  on  account  of 
moneys  due  to  him  from  the  Provincial  Congress  for  mus- 
kets, and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Mr.  Jecamiah  Allen's 
receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  purchase  all  the  good 
muskets  and  firelocks  fit  for  use  that  he  can  procure,  and 
that  he  direct  the  gunsmiths  not  to  sell  any  muskets  out  of 
this  Colony. 

8  ho.  P.  M.  February  2nd,  1776, 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr,  Tredwell,  Mr.  Clark,  Col.  Bra. 
sher,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Joseph  Drake,  dated  the  31st  January, 
and  received  yesterday,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — I  received  yours  per  express  yesterday;  last  night 
sent  and  apprehended  Josiah  Burrell,  Thos.  Hains  and 
Isaac  Gidney,  whom  I  have  sent  forward  to  you  under 


280 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


guard  ;  the  others  have  not  been  apprehended  yet,  but 
shall  endeavour  to  have  them  secured  if  possible. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant, 

"JOS.  DRAKE. 

"  Jany.  31s/,  1776. 
"  To  Jos.  Hallelt,  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Josiah  Burrell,  Thomas  Hains 
and  Isaac  Gidney,  be  brought  down  to  this  Committee  for 
examination. 

Josiah  Burrell  says,  he  lives  on  Rye-neck ;  that  he 
knows  William  Lovvnsberry.  Being  asked  who  was  with 
him  when  he  spiked  up  the  guns,  answered  that  he  does  not 
know  who  was  with  him ;  that  he  knows  nothing  about 
spiking  up  the  guns.  On  Wednesday,  the  17th  ult.  in  the 
night,  William  Lovvnsberry,  Joshua  Gidney,  Thomas  Hains, 
James  Hains,  Junr.  William  Hains  and  himself,  were  at 
John  Gidney's  ;  that  he  did  not  carry  any  sledge  or  sledges; 
does  not  know  whether  any  were  carried ;  does  not  know 
who  spiked  up  the  guns.  Being  asked  if  the  company  had 
any  sledges,  answered  that  it  could  not  be  worth  while  to 
carry  sledges. 

Isaac  Gidney  says,  he  lives  on  Rye-neck  ;  is  a  smith  ; 
never  worked  up  any  files  for  Wm.  Lownsberry  ;  does  not 
know  of  any  person  who  did  work  them ;  that  Wm.  Lowns- 
berry and  Josiah  Burrell  employed  him  to  make  hatchel 
teeth ;  that  he,  made  them  of  steel ;  that  he  made  about 
200  ;  made  them  of  bar  steel ;  that  he  did  part  of  the  work 
in  the  day  and  part  in  the  evening ;  that  he  worked  only 
one  evening  ;  that  Joseph  Purdy  assisted  him  that  evening  ; 
that  he  had  not  any  intimation  from  Lovvnsberry  what  those 
hatchel  teeth  were  for,  or  that  they  weie  for  spiking  the 
cannon  ;  that  he  never  delivered  them  in  a  bag  ;  that  he 
never  declared  to  any  person  that  they  were  in  a  bag  ;  that 
Joshua  Gidney  came  to  his  shop  and  took  the  bag  ;  that 
after  the  hatchel  teeth  were  made,  he  had  a  mistrust  what 
they  were  for ;  that  Lownsberry  asked  him  to  work  files 
to  make  hatchel  teeth  ;  that  he  told  him  they  were  unhandy 
to  work  ;  that  this  was  before  Lownsberry  brought  him  the 
steel  ;  that  he  made  about  200  spikes  ;  that  he  did  not 
think  they  looked  like  hatchel  teeth,  but  that  Lownsberry 
gave  him  a  sample  to  make  them  by ;  that  he  never  saw 
any  hatchel  teeth  so  large  ;  that  people  call  him  a  tory  ; 
that  no  other  person  to  his  remembrance  was  present  when 
Joshua  Gidney  took  the  bag  ;  that  Joshua  Gidney  took  the 
bag ;  that  he  is  uncertain,  but  thinks  he  asked  for  Lowns- 
berry's  bag ;  that  he,  this  examinant,  answered  it  was 
there,  he  could  take  it ;  that  Joseph  Purdy  assisted  to  make 
them. 

Thomas  Hains. — That  he  lives  at  Rye-neck  ;  is  a  son  of 
James  Hains  ;  that  he  did  not  go  with  Wm.  Lownsberry 
and  others  to  spike  up  the  guns  ;  was  not  with  them  at 
John  Gidney's  ;  that  he  knows  nothing  about  the  matter ; 
never  was  at  the  cannon. 

Josiah  Burrell,  being  again  examined,  says  he  never  saw 
any  cannon  spiked,  and  does  not  know  who  spiked  them — 
after  some  time  acknowledged  that  he  did  meet  with  Wm. 
Lownsberry,  Joshua  Gidney,  Thomas  Hains,  Isaac  Hains, 
Junr.  and  William  Hains,  at  Joshua  Gidney's  ;  that  they 
came  as  far  as  Valentine's,  and  in  return  some  of  their 
party  went  to  the  guns  ;  that  he  did  employ  Isaac  Gidney 
to  make  hatchel  teeth  very  large  ;  that  he  had  about  60 
made  ;  that  he  afterwards  threw  them  away,  and  does 
not  know  where  they  are  ;  being  frequently  asked,  ac- 
knowledged that  their  party  did  set  out  with  a  design  to 
spike  up  the  guns ;  that  he  came  to  New-York  when  the 
vessel  laid  up  in  the  North  river;  that  he  went  on  board 
of  a  vessel  there  ;  that  a  person  there  spoke  to  him  about 
spiking  the  guns  ;  that  he  does  not  know  the  man  ;  that  he 
went  on  board  of  a  sloop  to  see  Hains  ;  that  he  went  on 
board  of  the  Governor's  ship  to  deliver  a  letter  for  Avery, 
the  minister  at  Rye  ;  that  James  Hains  told  that  he  after- 
wards went  on  board  of  the  said  sloop,  and  heard  the  same 
matter  about  spiking  the  guns  spoke  of  by  some  person. 


Thos.  Hains  called  in  and  confronted  with  Josiah  Bur- 
rell. Thomas  Hains  says  he  knows  Josiah  Burrell ;  Jo- 
siah Burrell  says  he  is  the  Thomas  Hains  who  went  with 
them  to  the  guns,  and  was  along  with  them.  Josiah  Bur- 
rell says  he  never  was  promised  any  reward  for  spiking 
the  guns  ;  that  he  has  signed  the  association  soon  after  its 
first  appearance  for  that  purpose  ;  that  he  does  not  know 
who  got  the  spikes  ;  they  all  assisted  to  carry  them  ;  that 
he  does  not  know  who  got  the  sledge  ;  that  he  never  saw 
the  guns  spiked,  and  does  not  know  who  did  it ;  that  there 
were  six  of  the  party,  and  does  not  know  which  of  them 
spiked  them  ;  that  after  going  from  Valentine's  he  threw 
the  hatchel  teeth,  which  he  got  made,  into  Bronx  river. 

Thomas  Hains  called  in  again  and  examined,  acknow- 
ledges that  he  was  at  Joshua  Gidney's  in  an  evening  about 
a  month  ago  ;  that  James  Hains  came  in  there  ;  that  they 
said  they  were  going  to  take  a  walk — asked  him  to  go  and 
did  not  know  what  they  were  going  about ;  that  they 
walked  12  miles  from  where  they  set  out,  and  so  far  back; 
that  he  came  to  Gidney's  about  evening  ;  that  William 
Lownsberry,  Joshua  Gidney,  Josiah  Burrell,  William  Hains 
and  James  Hains,  were  with  him  ;  that  he  does  not  know 
who  spiked  up  the  guns  ;  that  they  had  caps  on  ;  that  he 
had  a  Dutch  Kilmarnock  cap  on — wore  it  to  keep  his  head 
warm  ;  did  not  know  that  his  party  spiked  up  the  guns.  .., 

Ordered,  That  the  prisoners,  Josiah  Burrell,  Thos. 
Hains  and  Isaac  Gidney,  be  remanded  prisoners  to  the  bar- 
racks, and  kept  in  safe  and  secure  custody.  And 

Ordered,  \  hat  the  said  Josiah  Burrell  and  Thomas 
Hains  be  severally  manacled  and  shackled,  hands  and  feet, 
and  strictly  guarded,  until  the  farther  order  of  this  Com- 
mittee, and  in  the  interim  that  no  person  be  suffered  to 
speak  to  them,  or  either  of  them,  or  to  the  said  Isaac  Gid- 
ney, but  in  the  presence  and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  the 
guard  ;  and  that  no  letter  or  paper  writings  be  permitted  to 
pass  between  either  of  the  said  prisoners  and  any  other 
person  or  persons  whomsoever  ;  and  that  each  of  them  be 
denied  the  use  of  pen,  ink  and  paper. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  see  that  this  order  be 
duly  executed. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Febrny.  3rd,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Othout,  Mr.  Scott. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  have  2  pair  of  brass  field  pieces  here, 
but  not  entirely  finished  ;  that  one  pair  of  those  cannon  are 
wanted  immediately  at  the  camp  at  Cambridge  ;  that  the 
Continental  guns  are  at  least  as  good  as  those  of  this  Co- 
lony ;  that  it  will  forward  the  service  to  send  off  two  of 
the  brass  field  pieces  of  this  Colony,  with  their  carriages, 
immediately,  to  be  replaced  by  those  now  finishing  for  the 
Continent,  if  that  should  be  agreeable  to  this  Committee. 

Thereupon  this  Committee  freely  consents  that  one  pair 
of  the  brass  field  pieces,  with  their  carriages,  be  immedi- 
ately forwarded  to  Genl.  Washington,  in  such  manner  as 
Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  shall  think  proper  to  direct. 

A  letter  from  Arondt  Van  Hook,  setting  forth  his  merits, 
offering  his  service  as  a  captain  in  the  troop  lo  be  raised  in 
this  Colony,  and  a  letter  from  Henry  G.  Livingston  and 
Wm.  Smith  Livingston,  recommending  the  said  Aaron 
Van  Hook  for  his  mental  qualifications,  were  read  and 
filed. 

Messrs.  Garret  Abeel,  Patrick  Dennis  and  Abm.  Brinck- 
erhoff,  a  sub-commiltee  of  the  city  committee,  attended 
and  came  into  this  Committee  and  informed  lhat  a  motion 
was  yesterday  evening  made  and  seconded  in  their  com- 
mittee to  delay  the  exportation  of  flaxseed,  by  Smith  Ra- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


281 


madge,  who  has  purchased  from  Nichs.  Low  a  privilege 
to  export  that  article  tor  Ireland,  as  part  of  the  exports  al- 
lowed for  the  powder  imported  in  a  vessel  of  Isaac  Gover- 
neur's,  until  the  sense  of  the  Continental  Congress  is 
known.  That  finally  the  city  committee  had  directed  their 
sub-committee  to  make  inquiry  on  that  subject  of  all  the 
Continental  Delegates  now  in  this  city,  and  of  this  Com- 
mittee of  Safety.  They  also  farther  inform  that  Mr.  Har- 
rison, one  of  the  Continental  Delegates,  had  informed  them 
that  the  Committee  of  Philadelphia  had  laid  that  matter 
before  Congress  very  lately,  but  that  no  determination  was 
given  thereon  when  he  left  Congress. 

The  said  sub-committee  farther  mentioned,  as  given  to 
them  in  charge  to  inform  this  Committee,  that  their  com- 
mittee have  a  sub-committee  to  examine  and  inspect  all  ex- 
ports ;  that  sundry  vessels  are  lading  and  have  been  laded  ; 
that  when  called  on  by  their  committee  the  shippers  only  an- 
swer that  they  have  leave  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  by 
means  whereof  the  association  may  be  eluded,  and  that  at- 
tempts of  that  kind  have  been  made. 

Thereupon  this  Committee  informed  the  sub-committee 
that  they  would  write  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  on 
the  subject  of  the  flax  seed.  And, 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  give  a  certificate 
to  Messrs.  Bancker  and  Ray,  the  sub-committee  of  this 
city,  for  exports  of  the  amount  in  value  to  which  Isaac 
Governeur's  consignatory  is  allowed  to  export  produce,  and 
that  the  like  certificates  be  given  by  the  Secretaries  in  any 
future  cases  of  this  kind. 

Two  prisoners  were  brought  to  the  door  by  several  of 
the  inhabitants,  and  were  ordered  to  be  brought  in. 

Thos.  Vernon,  one  of  the  prisoners  brought  in.  Ste- 
phen Steel,  examined  as  witness,  says  that  last  summer  as 
he  was  returning,  at  different  times,  from  training,  this 
Thomas  Vernon  told  him  he  hoped  to  see  light  horse  rais- 
ed here,  and  that  as  he  had  been  formerly  of  such  a  corps 
Govr.  Tryon  would  put  him  into  the  light  horse  and  they 
would  drive  the  Americans  ;  that  he  has  heard  him  often 
say  he  would  take  up  arms  against  the  Americans  when- 
ever he  had  an  opportunity,  and  spoke  of  spilling  their 
blood  ;  that  Vernon  frequently  goes  on  board  of  the  ships 
of  war  ;  that  since  he  was  taken  up  and  carried  before  the 
city  committee,  he  heard  him,  near  Doctor  Jones'  threaten 
the  Americans,  and  very  often  speak  against  the  Ameri- 
cans. Thomas  Vernon  says  he  went  on  board  of  the  men 
of  war  by  Govr.  Tryon's  order,  and  was  on  board  of  them 
yesterday,  and  delivered  2,000  oysters  on  board  of  each 
ship.  Vernon  says  he  will  fight  for  either  King  or  coun- 
try, wherever  he  can  get  pay.  Stephen  Steel  farther  says 
that  Vernon  was  with  his  boat  at  the  off  side  of  the  man 
of  war,  and  laid  along  some  lime  ;  that  the  man  of  war 
did  not  bring  his  boat  too  that  evening,  as  she  was  return- 
ing to  the  city,  though  she  brought  the  other  boats  too ; 
that  when  he  came  on  shore  Vernon  acknowledged  he  had 
been  on  board,  and  said  it  was  to  carry  his  bedding  on 
board.  Stephen  Steel  further  says,  he  saw  60  shot  in  his 
yard,  and  a  boy  told  him  afterwards  that  they  were  carried 
on  board  of  the  man  of  war,  and  that  they  were  then  gone 
out  of  his  yard. 

Lawrence  Brasher,  another  witness,  declares  he  has  fre- 
quently, at  different  times,  heard  Stephen  Steel  declare  the 
same  facts  about  Vernon  which  he  has  now  testified. 

Gerney  Ten  Eyck  says  he  was  hired  by  Thos.  Vernon  ; 
has  been  three  days  in  the  boat ;  that  he  assisted  the  said 
Thos.  Vernon,  and  by  his  order,  to  put  2,000  oysters  on 
board  of  the  Dutches,  and  2,000  on  board  of  the  Asia,  and 
2,000  on  board  of  the  Phoenix  ;  that  this  was  yesterday  ; 
that  the  night  before  last  they  lay  with  their  boat  along  side 
of  the  Dutches  of  Gordon,  and  the  ship's  boats  from  the 
man  of  war  came  and  they  delivered  4,000  oysters  on  board 
of  their  boats  ;  that  yesterday  Vernon,  with  his  boat,  went 
along  side  of  the  different  men  of  war ;  that  he,  the  said 
Guerney  Ten  Eyck  went  by  order  of  Vernon,  and  hopes 
he  is  not  culpable.    Ten  Eyck  further  says,  that  he  did 

71 


not  know  that  the  boat  was  to  go  on  board  of  or  to  the 
man  of  war  when  he  left  the  shore  in  the  boat.  The  pri- 
soners were  taken  out. 

Guerney  Ten  Eyck  called  in,  was  told  from  the  chair 
that  if  he  is  found  going  on  board  again  he  will  be  punish- 
ed according  to  his  demerits,  as  it  is  against  a  resolution 
of  Congress  ;  that  he  be  very  careful  for  the  future  of  his 
conduct ;  he  was  thereupon  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Thos.  Vernon  be  conveyed  to  the  guard 
house  at  the  barracks,  and  that  he  be  there  confined  in  safe 
custody ;  and  that  he  provide  himself  with  provisions  at 
his  own  expense,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Committee. 

Die  Sabbati,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feby.  3d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Brewster,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Col.  McDou- 
gall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Oothout. 

Samuel  Iselton,  the  pilot,  returned  from  the  Hook,  and 
informs  that  he  is  just,  landed  from  the  Hook ;  that  about 
11  o'clock  the  day  before  yesterday,  vizt.  on  Thursday 
last,  he  saw  a  large  ship  off,  about  E.  S.  E.  from  the  light- 
house, 12  or  14  leagues  from  the  Hook  ;  appeared  so  large 
that  he  took  her  for  a  man  of  war ;  that  yesterday  morning 
she  lay  at  anchor  without  the  outward  middle ;  that  yes- 
terday afternoon  about  3  or  4  o'clock  Francis  James'  pilot 
boat  came  near  said  ship  and  beat  round  under  her  lee,  and 
as  he  supposes  put  a  pilot  on  board ;  that  the  said  pilot 
boat  beat  round  her  several  times,  and  about  4  o'clock  the 
ship  got  under  way  and  came  up  within  the  middle,  and 
came  to  an  anchor  about  8  o'clock  last  night  within  the 
middle ;  that  they  saw  a  second  large  ship  this  morning, 
off  about  8  or  9  leagues  from  the  Hook,  as  he  imagined  ; 
that  the  ship  he  left  at  anchor  has  bright  sides  and  quarter 
pieces  ;  no  head ;  has  a  mizen-top-gallant  yard  across  ; 
does  not  appear  deep  loaded ;  that  James'  boat  took  the 
pilot  out  of  the  Pennsylvania  Farmer  and  proceeded  to  the 
ship ;  that  James'  boat  came  up  yesterday  and  went  down 
to-day  ;  that  the  schooner  Tender  went  down  this  morning 
with  a  pennant  hoisted,  and  jack  at  bowsprit  end  ;  when  the 
schooner  came  within  a  mile  of  the  ship  he  hove  her  en- 
sign out,  and  the  ship  hove  her  ensign  out ;  that  the  schoo- 
ner proceeded  and  anchored  near  the  ship,  and  was  there 
when  he  came  away ;  that  he  met  James'  boat  near  the  buoy 
at  the  west  bank  this  day  as  she  was  going  down  ;  that  they 
heard  one  gun  fired  on  their  way  up ;  Killigrove,  or  one  of 
his  company,  carried  out  the  Farmer ;  Jack  Squillion  was 
also  taken  out  of  Mr.  Lowther's  sloop  by  James'  boat. 

A  draft  of  a  letter,  (at  the  request  of  Philip  Livingston, 
Esqr.)  to  the  committee  of  Stanford,  in  Connecticut,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — By  the  bearers,  whose  names  are  un- 
der written,  we  send  you  2  pieces  of  brass  ordnance,  with 
their  carriages  and  harnesses,  for  the  Continental  service 
at  Cambridge.  Please  to  give  a  particular  receipt  for  them 
to  the  bearers,  and  forward  them,  with  all  possible  expedi- 
tion, to  Genl.  Washington,  directing  the  persons  by  whom 
you  forward  them  to  take  receipts  for  them  as  they  deliver 
them. 

"  We  have  been  directed  to  forward  them  in  carts  or  wa- 
gons to  prevent  jarring  the  felloes  of  the  wheels,  or  injuring 
the  carriages,  and  to  forward  them  by  land. 

"  It  will  be  necessary  to  forward  them  by  every  means 
that  will  be  most  expeditious,  and  to  take  great  care  that 
the  trunnions  of  the  field  pieces  are  not  broken  or  injured, 
nor  the  carriages  defaced. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  serv'ts. 
"  To  the  Committee  for  the  town 

of  Stanford,  Connecticut." 

Mr.  Comfort  Sands  informed  the  Committee  that  Mr. 
John  Ramsay  is  willing  to  devote  his  whole  time  to  ma- 
nage and  direct  the  manufacturing  of  linen  and  tow  cloth,  and 


282 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  employing  the  poor  with  the  money  put  into  his  hands 
for  that  purpose,  for  5  per  cent  as  a  compensation  for  his 
trouble  in  the  premises.  The  Committee  are  of  opinion 
Mr.  Ramsay  is  a  very  proper  person  for  that  business,  and 
agrees  to  allow  to  him  5  per  cent  for  his  trouble  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

Ordered,  That  Comfort  Sands  purchase  wood  in  small 
parcels  as  he  may  have  opportunity,  not  to  exceed  in  the 
whole  the  sum  of  50  cords,  and  distribute  the  same  among 
the  very  necessitous  poor ;  and  that  he  bring  in  the  ac- 
count to  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Foster  purchase  all  the  good 
tow  cloth  which  he  can  procure,  on  account  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  this  Colony,  not  to  exceed  2s.  per  yard  in 
price ;  and  that  Mr.  Foster  send  the  same  in  small  quan- 
tities, as  fast  as  he  can  procure  it,  by  safe  conveyances  to 
Mr.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  at  New-York.  And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Rrugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Mr.  John  Foster,  for  the  purchase  of  such  tow 
cloth,  the  sum  of  £50  upon  account,  and  take  Mr.  Foster's 
receipt  for  the  same. 

Die  Solis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feby.  4th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met,  on  summons  for  that  purpose. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brewster.  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Oothout, 
Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott  came  past  4  o'clock,  Mr.  Clark,  in  ill 
health,  came  past  6  o'clock. 

The  Committee  met  on  the  account  of  the  transport  that 
came  up  into  the  harbour,  and  the  report  that  the  Mercury 
and  two  other  transports  are  below. 

A  request  in  the  words  following,  was  sent  to  the  Honble. 
Hugh  Wallace  : 

"  3  ho.  P.  M.  February  4th,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety,  now  met  in  the  As- 
sembly Chamber  at  the  City  Hall,  present  their  compli- 
ments to  the  Honble.  Hugh  Wallace,  and  request  the  fa- 
vour of  him  to  call  on  the  Committee  as  soon  as  possible." 

A  like  request,  mutatis  mutandis,  was  sent  to  his  wor- 
ship Mr.  Mayor. 

Ordered,  That  John  Atherton,  the  pilot  who  was  taken 
up  by  some  of  the  inhabitants  this  morning,  and  sent  to  the 
guard  house,  be  brought  down  for  examination. 

John  Atherton  being  examined  says,  in  substance,  that 
he  went  on  board  of  his  boat  to  lodge  ;  that  some  persons 
came  on  board  of  his  boat  and  took  him  on  board  of  Gov. 
Tryon's  ship,  and  from  thence  on  board  of  the  armed 
schooner  Tender ;  that  he  could  not  avoid  piloting  her  down 
and  up  again  ;  that  he  did  not  pilot  the  ship  Sally,  or  the 
transport  Brigantine. 

William  Frundan  of  the  city  of  New-York,  branch  pilot, 
says,  that  two  or  three  days  [since]  he  desired  John  Atherton 
and  Nichs.  James,  to  draw  their  boat  to  the  shore  and  haul 
her  up  ;  and  that  he  also  desired  Wm.  Marriner  and  Robt. 
Cocks  to  speak  to  them  and  give  them  the  same  advice  ; 
that  they  said  the  man  of  war  had  her  in  possession,  and 
that  they  would  not  do  any  thing  with  her  ;  that  lie  has 
very  frequently  seen  the  said  John  Atherton  and  Nichs. 
James  going  on  board  of  the  Phoenix,  and  that  they  keep 
passing  and  repassing  from  the  boat  to  the  Phoenix  every 
day.  That  this  morning  he  charged  John  Atherton  that 
he  went  down  with  the  schooner  Tender ;  that  Atherton 
at  first  denied  it ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  said  to  Atherton 
that  he  could  prove  it ;  that  after  some  time  Atherton  ac- 
knowledged that  he  had  gone  down  with  the  schooner,  and 
asked  him  what  could  he  do,  he  would  starve  in  the  city 
without  employ,  and  attempted  to  justify  his  conduct ;  that 
Francis  James  came  and  took  his  clothes  off  the  wharf 
and  has  got  his  boat  off,  and  told  his  sons  there  were  200 
men  on  board  the  brig,  but  that  he,  Fundran,  thinks  there 
are  no  troops  on  board  ;  that  the  other  day  after  Atherton 
was  sent  to  this  Committee,  after  he  relumed  Fundran 
asked  him  how  he  had  settled  with  the  Committee,  and 


Atherton  said  he  had  clubbed  with  the  Committee  and  set- 
tled the  account. 

Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  came  to  visit  the  Committee ; 
he  then  informed  them  that  Atherton  goes  frequently  on 
board  of  the  Phoenix  ;  that  he  told  him  the  other  day  he 
would  not  lose  business  for  any  Committee,  &c.  &c.  The 
substance  of  further  particulars  of  Mr.  Van  Zandt's  testi- 
mony could  not  be  reduced  to  writing. 

Ordered,  That  Atherton  be  sent  back  to  the  guard 
house. 

The  Honble.  Hugh  Wallace  attended,  says  he  has  not 
heard  any  thing  but  what  he  has  heard  on  shore,  as  to  any 
transports  being  below.  That  a  midshipman,  who  came 
with  Capt.  Parker  on  board  the  Governor's  ship,  told  him 
the  Mercury  is  below  and  from  Boston,  in  about  a  fortnight, 
and  had  letters  on  board  for  him.  That  a  gentleman  came 
on  board  the  Dutches  with  Capt.  Parker;  the  Governor  was 
called  out  into  Harvey's  dining  room,  and  that  he,  Mr. 
Wallace,  was  informed  that  when  that  gentleman's  cloak 
opened  he  had  red  lapels  ;  that  he  believes  this  brig  is 
from  Boston  and  a  transport ;  that  he  heard  the  address  of 
the  House  of  Commons  read,  that  it  re-echoes  the  King's 
speech ;  that  he  intends  to  go  on  board  of  the  Governor's 
ship  this  afternoon,  and  has  promised  some  gentlemen  on 
the  bridge  that  if  he  hears  any  thing  of  importance  to  the 
city  will  inform  of  it. 

Mr.  Mayor  says  that  he  has  not  heard  any  thing  but 
what  he  heard  on  the  bridge.  That  he  should  have  wait- 
ed on  the  Governor  but  that  the  Governor  has  sent  him  a 
card  requesting  him  to  wait  on  him  to-morrow.  That  if 
he  hears  of  any  thing  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  city 
he  will  make  the  best  use  of  it. 

William  Fundran  is  directed  to  proceed  immediately  to 
the  Narrows,  and  to  take  a  trusty  person  with  him  who  can 
ride,  and  with  a  good  spy  glass ;  that  he  stay  at  Cortel- 
you's,  and  that  on  sight  of  any  fleet  he  immediately  de- 
spatch his  rider  with  information  to  this  Committee  ;  and 
a  proper  signal  to  be  made  in  the  day,  and  also  a  proper 
signal  to  be  made  in  the  night,  in  case  the  weather  should 
not  permit  to  cross  the  ferry  immediately,  were  fixed  on 
with  the  said  Fundran. 

Samuel  Isleton  the  pilot  was  also  called  in  and  directed 
to  proceed  immediately  with  the  whale  boat  and  his  oars- 
men to  the  Hook,  and  to  keep  the  best  look-out  if  any  fleet 
is  approaching,  and  to  examine,  if  any  fleet  appears,  whe- 
ther there  are  any  troops  on  board,  and  to  give  the  most 
immediate  notice  of  his  discoveries  to  this  Committee. 

Saml.  Iselton  is  to  tarry  one  week,  if  no  fleet  appears 
sooner  ;  is  to  have  the  same  pay  as  before,  to  wit,  10s.  a 
day  for  himself,  and  8s.  a  day  for  each  of  his  men.  They 
are  to  find  their  own  provisions  and  bear  their  own  expense. 

Col.  McDougall  went  to  wait  on  Genl.  Lee,  and  to  form 
an  arrangement  of  duty  for  the  night. 

Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  came  into  the  Committee  and 
informed  them  that  he  has  good  information  and  to  be  re- 
lied on,  that  Genl.  Clinton  has  come  ;  but  whether  it  was- 
Genl.  Clinton,  or  his  aid-de-camp,  who  came  on  board  of 
the  Governor's  ship  he  has  not  yet  discovered. 

Philip  Livingston  returned  to  the  Committee,  with 
Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  the  Committee  of  the 
Continental  Congress  ;  after  a  short  conversation  on  the 
present  state  of  the  city,  and  the  intelligence  received, 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  of  the 
8th  of  January  last  be  read,  and  the  same  was  read  ac- 
cordingly. 

Thereupon  the  committee  from  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, together  with  Phil.  Livingston,  Esqr.  from  Conti- 
nental Congress,  and  John  M.  Scott,  Esqr.  from  this 
Committee,  and  Mr.  Hobart  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
departed  to  wait  on  Major-Genl.  Lee,  and  confer  with  him 
on  the  present  situation  of  affairs,  and  an  arrangement  for 
the  evening. 

Mr.  Mayor  came  into  the  Committee  and  informed  that 
the  Governor  had  sent  for  him  ;  that  he  waited  on  the  Gover- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  283 


nor  and  saw  Genl.  Clinton  there ;  that  he  is  authorized  by  the 
Governor  to  assure  the  inhabitants  that  no  troops  are  coming 
here  ;  Genl.  Clinton  declared  the  same  ;  that  the  Governor 
said  Genl.  Clinton  called  to  pay  him  a  short  visit ;  that  if 
any  transports  with  troops  should  by  accident  or  stress 
of  weather  put  in  here,  they  are  not  intended  to  remain 
here. 

Col.  Brasher  was  despatched  to  inform  Genl.  Lee  and 
the  gentlemen  there  assembled,  of  the  information  received 
from  his  Worship  the  Mayor. 

Messrs.  Scott  and  McDougall  returned,  separately,  from 
Genl.  Lee.  Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that 
the  arrangement  of  the  duty  and  guard  for  the  night,  is 
settled  by  Genl.  Lee,  and  that  he  has  delivered  the  same 
to  the  town  major. 

The  Committee  conceive  it  necessary  to  inform  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  through  the  New-York  Delegates,  of 
Genl.  Lee's  arrival,  and  of  the  arrival  of  the  transports 
and  Genl.  Clinton  of  the  ministerial  troops. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  the 
Colony  of  New- York,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  think  it  our  duty  to  inform  the 
Continental  Congress  through  you,  that  Genl.  Clinton  of 
the  ministerial  troops,  and  one  transport,  are  this  day  ar- 
rived here  ;  but  we  do  not  know  that  she  contains  any 
troops.  That  the  Mercury  ship  of  war  is  near  Nutten 
island  coming  into  port.  We  are  well  informed  that  those 
vessels  left  Boston  not  more  than  14  days  ago. 

"  The  mayor  has  this  evening  declared  to  us  that  he  was 
then  come  from  Govr.  Tryon,  and  is  authorized  by  the  Go- 
vernor to  assure  the  inhabitants  that  no  troops  are  coming 
here ;  that  Genl.  Clinton  was  present,  and  said  that  no 
troops  are  coming  here  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  farther  told  him, 
that  Genl.  Clinton  had  only  called  to  pay  him  a  short  visit ; 
that  if  any  transport  with  troops  should  by  accident  or  stress 
of  weather  put  in  here,  they  are  not  intended  to  remain 
here.  We  do  not  rely  on  this  information  ;  but  if  it  be 
true,  we  conceive  that  the  most  natural  conclusion  is,  that 
he  is  going  to  the  southward. 

"  Major-Genl.  Lee  is  arrived  here  this  day,  (ill  with  the 
gout.)  He  has  about  700  men  now  here,  and  has  sent 
over  for  Lord  Stirling's  regiment. 

"  We  are,  most  respectfully, 
"  Gentlemen, 

"  Your  obt.  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order." 

The  colonels  and  lieutenant-colonels  of  three  regiments 
of  the  city  being  assembled  near  the  hall,  were  requested 
to  come  into  the  Committee.  After  some  conversation  on 
the  state  of  their  respective  regiments,  they  were  requested 
and  directed  to  call  out  their  respective  regiments  to-mor- 
row, to  know  the  state  and  number  of  their  arms,  and  of 
the  men  in  their  respective  regiments  fit  for  duty  ;  and  to 
enable  them  to  make  proper  returns  to  this  Committee. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered  further,  That  Col.  Curtenius  be  directed,  and 
he  is  hereby  directed,  to  deliver  to  the  colonels  of  the  re- 
giments of  the  militia  of  this  city  respectively,  so  many 
flints,  as  will  enable  them  to  provide  each  man  in  their 
respective  regiments  with  three  flints.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  colonels  respectively  do,  at  their  dis- 
cretion, distribute  three  flints  to  each  such  man  in  their 
respective  regiments,  as  they  may  think  ought  to  be  sup- 
plied therewith. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  being  informed  that  the  first 
battalion  of  the  city  of  New-York,  is  on  duty  this  night, 
and  considering  that  they  cannot  want  the  assistance  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Brasher  to-morrow,  and  that  he  must  attend 
the  Committee  sooner  than  usual,  and  having  entire  con- 
fidence in  the  field  officers  of  that  battalion,  as  equal  to  any 
emergency,  the  Committee  enjoin  Lieut.  Col.  Brasher  that 
he  do  not  attend  duty  with  his  regiment  this  night. 


10  HO.  A.  M. 

Feb/.  5th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Col.  McDou- 
gall, Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Oothout. 

The  Committee  sent  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  their  Secre- 
taries, to  inform  Messrs.  Harrison,  Lynch  and  Allen,  the 
committee  of  Congress,  that  they  conceive  that  as  Genl. 
Lee  is  to  remove  this  morning,  that  it  may  be  most  agree- 
able to  his  situation  to  wait  on  him  at  3  o'clock  or  after ; 
but  that  the  committee  are  ready  to  attend  the  general  and 
those  gentlemen  at  any  hour. 

The  Secretary  returned  and  informed  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  that  the  committee  of  Congress  would  prefer  the 
morning  to  wait  on  Genl.  Lee,  and  requests  the  Committee 
of  Safety  to  send  to  Genl.  Lee  to  know  when  he  can  re- 
ceive them.  The  committee  of  Congress  request  an  ex- 
press to  be  furnished  to  them,  to  proceed  immediately  to 
Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  the  door-keeper  go  immediately  and  pro- 
cure an  express.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  wait 
on  Genl.  Lee,  and  know  when  it  will  be  convenient  for 
him  to  receive  the  committee  of  Congress  and  this  Com- 
mittee ? 

Mr.  Benson  returned  and  informed  that  he  found  Genl. 
Lee  in  bed,  and  not  yet  removed.  But  that  he  said  he 
would  be  taken  out  of  bed  and  be  ready  to  receive  both 
committees  in  an  hour. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson  inform  the  committee  of 
Congress  thereof. 

John  Lamb,  the  cartman,  being  here  ready  to  go  express 
to  Philadelphia,  at  the  request  of  the  committee  of  Con- 
gress, was  sent  to  the  gentlemen  of  that  committee,  (with 
Mr.  Benson,)  to  receive  their  despatches.  He  returned 
with  the  despatches,  and  the  Committee  of  Safety  having 
nothing  to  transmit,  he  was  ordered  to  proceed  with  all 
possible  despatch. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  Messrs.  Joseph 
Jadwin  and  Gilbt.  Giles  are  going  to  Albany,  and  several 
of  the  members  being  well  acquainted  with  those  gentle- 
men, believe  them  prudent  and  trusty,  and  very  proper 
persons  to  take  the  care  of  and  convey  the  money  designed 
for  the  use  of  the  Canadian  regiment,  to  Genl.  Schuyler. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  or  his 
deputy,  deliver  to  Messrs.  Joseph  Jadwin  and  Gilbert 
Giles,  the  sum  of  12,500  dollars,  and  take  their  receipt 
for  the  same,  to  be  conveyed  to  Genl.  Schuyler  for  the  use 
of  the  Canadian  regiment,  and  that  they  convey  the  same 
with  the  greatest  watchfulness,  care  and  attention,  and  de- 
liver the  same  to  Genl.  Schuyler. 

The  committee  of  the  Continental  Congress  having  called 
on  the  Committee  of  Safety,  they  proceeded  to  wait  on 
Genl.  Lee.  After  some  considerable  time  spent  with  Genl. 
Lee  in  conference,  Genl.  Lee  informed  the  other  gentlemen 
that  Mr.  Smith,  the  engineer,  had  been  out  to  view  the 
ground  about  Horn's  Hook,  and  that  he  is  now  gone  to 
Long  island  for  the  same  purpose.  Genl.  Lee  also  pro- 
posed to  go  to-morrow  to  view  Hellgate.  And  thereupon 
the  conference  was  adjourned  till  to-morrow  evening. 

Die  Lunjs,  5  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  5th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pbesent— Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Cel.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Brew- 
ster,  Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Sands. 

A  letter  from  Willm.  Smith,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Suffolk  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit  i 


284 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Suffolk  county,  Jany.  24th,  1778. 

"  Gentlemen — In  pursuance  to  your  order,  we  have 
appointed  the  field  officers  for  the  minute  men  in  this 
county,  and  also  the  officers  for  the  artillery  company, 
which  companies,  we  trust,  will  be  some  security  to  this 
county.  At  the  same  time  this  committee  beg  leave  to 
mention,  that  the  militia  of  this  county  but  little  exceeds 
2,000.  The  great  exposedness  of  the  east  end,  and  the  ex- 
tensiveness  of  the  county,  induces  us  to  desire  such  number 
of  Continental  troops  may  be  stationed  here  as  the  Con- 
gress, in  their  wisdom,  shall  judge  necessary.  We  make 
no  doubt  the  Continent  proposes  to  protect  and  defend  this 
island,  and  hope  you  will  use  your  endeavours  that  a  suf- 
ficient force  may  be  posted  here  for  that  purpose. 

"  We  have  a  number  of  poor  men  in  this  county  who  are 
good  soldiers,  and  friends  to  the  cause,  and  would  be  glad 
to  enlist  as  minute  men,  but  have  no  guns  ;  we  should  be 
glad  to  know  if  a  number  can  be  procured  at  the  public  ex- 
pense for  such  persons  as  are  unable  to  purchase  them. 

"  The  situation  of  this  county  in  many  parts,  makes  it 
extremely  difficult  to  raise  and  train  the  minute  men  ;  they 
complain  they  are  not  sufficiently  paid,  considering  the 
great  distance  they  have  to  travel,  many  8,  10  and  12 
miles,  and  that  on  foot,  to  exercise.  The  officers  also, 
on  the  same  account,  are  at  considerable  expense,  besides 
the  expense  of  raising  their  companies,  and  pray  they  may 
be  considered. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"  WM.  SMITH,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial 

Congress,  New- York. 

"  A  list  of  the  officers  of  the  minute  men  approved  and  chosen  by  the 
county  committee. 

"  Josiah  Smith,  Col. 

"  John  Hulbert,  2nd  Col. 

"  Isaac  Reeve,  1st  Major. 

"  Jonathan  Baker,  2nd  Major. 

"  Isaac  Overton,  Adjutant. 

"  Ebenezer  Dayton,  Quaitcr-Master. 

"  Officers  of  the  Artillery. 
"  Wm.  Rogers,  Capt. 
"  John  Franks,  Capt.  Lieut. 
"  Jeremiah  Rogers,  1st  Lieut. 
"  Thos.  Baker,  2d  Lieut. 
"  John  Tuthill,  Lieut.  Fire  Worker. 

"  Commissions  issued,  dated  ) 
20thFebruy.  1776.  $ 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"WM.  SMITH,  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  gentlemen 
therein  named,  and  that  the  residue  of  that  letter  remain 
for  the  consideration  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  6th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Oothout,  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling,  sent  by  a  corporal  of  his 

troops,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 

to  wit : 

"  Elizabeth  Town,  Feby.  5lh,  1776. 
"  Sir — By  the  powder  ordered  for  us  by  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  not  being  yet  arrived  at  this  place,  I  am  un- 
der the  necessity  of  asking  the  favour  of  the  New-York 
Committee  of  Safety  to  send  five  thousand  cartridges,  (of 
the  size  of  the  New-Jersey  Provincial  arms,)  to  Paule's 
hook,  to  be  there  by  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humb.  servt. 

"  STIRLING. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety,  New-York." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Lord  Stirling,  in  answer 
to  his  letter,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 


"My  Lord — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  yester- 
day ;  we  have  examined  the  bearer  and  can't  discover  the 
bore  of  the  arms  of  your  troops,  or  the  size  of  the  cartridges 
that  would  be  useful  for  them.  We  are  informed  that  your 
troops  are  at  present  supplied  with  six  rounds  each. 

"  If,  sir,  you  will  direct  a  cartridge  of  the  size  necessary 
for  your  troops  to  be  sent  over  to  us  as  a  sample,  we  will 
send  you  the  number  desired,  if  so  many  of  that  size  we 
have  or  can  procure. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the 

"  Highest  respect  and  esteem,  my  lord, 
"  Your  lordship's  most  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee." 

Two  of  the  members  being  necessarily  obliged  to  go  out 
with  Major  Genl.  Lee,  on  business  of  importance,  for  want 
of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  form  a  quorum,  no 
material  business  could  be  done,  and  the  Committee  ad- 
journed. 

As  soon  as  the  Committee  could  form  a  quorum  in  the 
afternoon,  they  were  requested  to  attend  a  conference  at 
Major-Genl.  Lee's. 

At  a  conference  held  at  Major-  Genl.  Lee's,  in  New-  York, 
February  the  6th,  1776. 

Present — Col.  Harrison,  Mr.  Lynch,  Mr.  Allen — A  committee  of  the 
Honble.  Continental  Congress. 

Major-Genl  Lee — Of  the  Continental  army. 

Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Oothout,  Col.  McDougall, 
Col.  Brasher,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New- 
York. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  the  gentlemen  present : 

1st.  That  a  secure  fortified  lodgment  for  the  troops  that 
now  are  or  may  hereafter  be  at  the  city  of  New- York, 
should  be  made  at  such  place  or  places  as  Major-Genl. 
Lee,  or  such  other  Continental  officer  as  may  command 
here,  shall  think  most  proper  for  preventing  the  ministerial 
troops  from  taking  possession  of  this  city. 

That  to  the  same  end,  as  well  as  for  the  protection  of 
Nassau  island  : 

2nd.  Such  intrenched  encampment,  and  such  other 
works,  should  be  made  on  Nassau  island,  and  at  such 
place  or  places  on  that  island  as  Major-Genl.  Lee,  or  such 
other  Continental  officer  as  may  command  at  New-York, 
shall  think  necessary. 

And  that  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  : 

3rd.  Such  works  should  be  erected  near  Hellgate  as 
will  entirely  secure  that  pass. 

"  Memorandum. — The  Committee  of  Safety  at  New- 
York,  are  informed  by  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  one  of 
their  members,  that  the  powder  mill  of  the  late  Judge  Li- 
vingston is  now  re-erected  and  in  the  completest  order  for 
manufacturing  gunpowder,  and  that  a  proper  manufacturer 
and  workmen  are  there  attending,  but  that  the  manufac- 
turer proposes  to  depart  soon  unless  saltpetre  can  be  pro- 
cured. The  Committee  of  Safety  conceive,  that  if  there 
is  saltpetre  at  Philadelphia,  it  might  safely  be  conveyed 
through  New-Jersey  to  New- Windsor,  Kingston,  or  any 
part  on  Hudson's  river  ;  and  are  humbly  of  opinion,  that  at 
this  critical  juncture  every  opportunity  of  manufacturing 
gunpowder  should  be  embraced. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"JOHN  McKESSON,  Secy. 

"  N.  B.  There  is  a  large  quantity  of  sulphur  deposited 
near  the  said  powder  mill." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  McKesson  deliver  a  certified 
copy  of  the  matters  of  this  conference  to  the  committee  of 
the  Honble.  Continental  Congress,  and  receive  from  those 
gentlemen  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  which 
these  gentlemen  have  as  credentials,  and  which  they  have 
proposed  to  deliver. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  returned  to  the  Assembly 
Chamber  in  the  City-Hall,  and  afterwards  adjourned. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


285 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  1th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Bra- 
sher, Mr.  Oothout,  and  many  members  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  but 
not  number  sufficient  to  make  a  Congress. 

Mr.  Saml.  Franklin  informed  the  Committee  and  the 
Members  of  Congress  present,  that  his  ship  Sally,  loaded 
with  salt  and  in  the  custody  of  Capt.  Parker  or  his  order, 
is  in  great  danger  from  the  ice  ;  that  Capt.  Parker  is  will- 
ing that  he  should  cause  the  said  ship  to  be  brought  to 
Lupton's  wharf,  on  his  giving  security  to  have  her  kept 
safe  and  returned  to  Capt.  Parker  on  his  request ;  and  Mr. 
Franklin  requested  the  advice  and  direction  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  in  that  matter.    Mr.  Franklin  withdrew. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  Committee  of  Safety 
and  the  Members  of  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  they 
ought  not  to  give  any  directions  therein  to  Mr.  Franklin, 
for  which  they  assigned  to  him  their  reasons. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  to  Simmons's  with- 
out separating. 

A  message  was  sent  to  Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  and 
Agustus  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  respectively,  requesting 
them  to  attend  this  Committee. 

Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  attended  the  Committee,  he 
was  informed  that  this  Committee  and  the  inhabitants  in 
general  are  of  opinion  that  the  records  of  the  Colony  un- 
der his  care  are  in  danger  in  their  present  situation,  and 
that  they  ought  to  be  removed  to  a  place  of  safety  under 
the  care  and  direction  of  Mr.  Bayard.  That  there  is  not 
any  intention  to  take  the  records  out  of  his  care  and  pro- 
tection. Mr.  Bayard  was  asked  if  he  had  any  place  for 
that  purpose  in  view,  and  was  informed  that  he  could  con- 
sider of  this  matter  till  to-morrow  noon,  and  advise  with 
his  friends  and  request  the  direction  of  His  Excellency  the 
Governor  and  the  Council,  if  he  thought  it  necessary,  and 
inform  the  result  to  this  Committee  to-morrow  at  noon. 

A  letter  of  this  morning  from  Henry  Remsen,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city,  was  read  and  filed 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Wednesday  morning. 
"  Sir — I  have  this  morning  had  an  application  for  a 
permit  to  send  on  board  the  Asia  2  hhds.  of  spirits,  2  doz. 
of  coffee,  and  1  doz.  of  chocolate.  I  beg  leave  by  your 
means  to  receive  the  sense  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on 
this  matter,  to  serve  as  a  guide  on  future  application  of  the 
same  nature. 

"  A  Mr.  Serle  applied  last  evening  to  the  city  commit- 
tee for  a  pass  to  go  on  board  the  Dutches  of  Gordon,  un- 
der pretence  of  procuring  a  patent  for  lands  ;  but  on  exa- 
mining him,  he  discovered  an  intimate  knowledge  of  Col. 
Warner's  proceedings  in  raising  men  to  march  into  Cana- 
da, and  the  proceedings  of  the  townships  in  the  northern 
parts  of  this  and  Boston  governments,  he  is  to  call  for  an 
answer  this  day,  and  many  of  our  committee  were  of  opi- 
nion that  it  was  not  advisable  to  grant  him  a  permit,  with- 
out leave  from  our  superiors. 

"  I  am  respectfully,  sir, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  HENRY  REMSEN. 

"  Being  detained  by  several  people,  I  cannot  wait  on  you 
in  person. 

"To  Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Henry  Remsen,  Esqr.  was  read 
and  filed  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  are  this  morning  favoured  with  your  letter. 
We  are  much  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  by  whose  means  an 
application  was  made  to  you  for  supplying  the  ship  Asia 
with  the  stores  mentioned  in  your  letter,  as  all  supplies  for 
the  ships  stationed  here,  have  hitherto  been  made  bv  order 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety 
in  pursuance  of  their  order,  and  through  Abram  Lott,  Esqr. 

72 


"  We  could  more  readily  form  a  judgment  on  this  matter, 
if  we  knew  by  whom  the  application  was  made.  We 
therefore  delay  giving  our  sentiments  on  this  subject  until 
we  hear  farther  from  you. 

"  We  highly  approve  of  your  having  refused  permission 
to  Mr.  Serle  to  go  on  board  of  the  Dutches ;   and  we 
wish  the  city  committee  would  give  such  effectual  direc- 
tions as  that  he  might  be  prevented  from  going  on  board. 
"We  are  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  John  Remsen,  Esqr.  present." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  John  Cozine,  deputy  to  Augt.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. 
the  town  clerk,  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  waited 
on  the  Committee  of  Safety.  He  informed  the  Commit- 
tee that  all  the  records  of  the  town  clerk's  office  are  for 
the  present  removed  to  a  proper  place  for  that  purpose  at 
the  Yonkers  in  Westchester  county,  which  is  satisfactory 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Febry.  1th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present —Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Sands.  Mr.  Scott  a  little  before  the  Committee  ad- 
journed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  procure  three  medi- 
cine chests  for  the  regiments  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  ; 
and  that  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Treat  be  requested  to 
give  an  inventory  of  the  medicines  and  instruments  neces- 
sary for  each  of  the  said  medicine  chests  ;  and  that  those 
gentlemen  be  farther  requested  to  give  proper  directions 
that  the  said  instruments  be  good,  and  such  as  they  shall 
approve  of;  and  to  see  that  the  said  instruments  and  me- 
dicines, respectively,  be  good  of  their  kinds  and  qualities. 

A  return  of  Gilbert  Potter,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Huntington,  was  read  and  filed  :  it  is  thereby  certified 
that  Stephen  Kelly  and  Ebenezer  Piatt,  two  of  the  com- 
mittee, had  inspected  the  election  of  officers  at  Cow  Har- 
bour, the  5th  company  of  Huntington  ;  that  Piatt  Veal  was 
chosen  captain;  Michl.  Heart  was  chosen  1st  lieutenant; 
Isaac  Dennis,  2d  lieutenant,  and  Jacob  Concklin,  ensign. 
Another  return  of  Thos.  Weeks  and  Jesse  Brush,  two  of 
the  committee  of  Huntington,  was  read  and  filed  :  they 
thereby  certify  that,  upon  due  notification,  the  following 
gentlemen  were  duly  elected,  according  to  the  resolves  of 
Congress,  to  wit :  John  Buffet,  captain  ;  Isaac  Thompson, 
1st  lieutenant;  Zebulon  Ketchum,  2d  lieutenant;  and  Jo- 
seph Ketchum,  ensign  ;  commissions  issued  accordingly. 


A.  M.  Feby.  8th,  1776. 

Present' — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Tredwell.  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  M.  Graham. 
Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  agreeable  to  the  proposal  of 
yesterday,  that  he  should  consider  of  removing  the  records, 
consult  his  friends  and  the  Governor  and  Council,  if  he 
thought  necessary,  and  report  the  result  this  day  at  noon, 
called  on  the  Committee.  Mr.  Bayard  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  he  had  waited  on  Govr.  Tryon  yesterday, 
and  informed  him  that  the  Committee  were  of  opinion  that 
the  records  of  the  Colony  were  unsafe,  in  their  present  situ- 
ation, and  ought  to  be  removed  to  a  place  of  safety,  and 
were  willing  that  his  Excellency  should  give  order  therein 
for  their  removal  to  a  place  of  safely  ;  that  his  Excellency 
replied  that  he  did  not  conceive  the  records  were  in  any 
danger,  unless  there  was  an  intention  to  annoy  His  Majes- 
ty's ships  in  the  harbour,  or  remove  the  artillery  ;  but  that 
if  either  of  those  matters  were  in  contemplation,  his  Excel- 
lency was  willing  to  charter  any  ship  in  the  harbour,  and 
deposite  the  records  therein  ;  and  that  they  should  be  kept 


286 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


there  in  safety  for  the  public,  and  should  not  receive  any 
injury  from  the  King's  ships  :  but  that  he  would  not  assent 
to  their  removal  from  their  present  situation  to  any  place 
on  shore,  as  he  did  not  conceive  there  was  any  other  place 
of  greater  security. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Febry.  8th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Oot- 
houdt,  Mr.  M.  Graham. 

The  Committee  were  informed,  by  a  member,  that  Major- 
Gen.  Lee  stands  in  present  need  of  some  cash  for  the  Con- 
tinental troops,  and  requests  the  Committee  of  Safety  to 
advance  him  some  money  on  Continental  account.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
$1,000  to  Major-Genl.  Lee,  on  account  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take  Major-General 
Lee's  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  of  25th  Jany.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Jllbany,  January  25th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  honoured  with  your  letters  of  the  11th  and 
17th  inst.  Your  observations  in  the  first,  respecting  the 
paymaster,  appear  to  me  to  be  founded  in  error.  The  pay- 
master-general's duty  is  to  receive  money  from  the  treasury 
and  to  issue  that  money  upon  my  warrant.  He  has  it  not 
in  his  power  to  issue  a  single  farthing  without  such  a  war- 
rant, so  that  if  he  was  with  you,  you  would  be  under  the 
necessity  of  an  equal  trouble  in  the  applications,  and  I 
could  only  grant  money  for  expenditures  immediately  con- 
nected with  the  army.  Hence  you  see  that  the  attendance 
of  such  a  paymaster  at  New-York  would  avail  you  little. 

"  The  resolutions  of  Congress,  a  copy  of  which  you  en- 
closed in  yours  of  the  17th,  I  had  already  before  received 
from  Mr.  Hancock.  By  the  resolution  respecting  the  pro- 
visions and  stores  to  be  sent  to  Fort  George,  I  cannot  be- 
lieve Congress  intended  any  thing  more  than  that  you 
should  supply  me  with  what  I  might  want  on  application  ; 
the  almost  impossibility  of  sending  a  large  quantity  from 
New-York  to  Fort  George,  at  this  season,  will  countenance 
this  construction. 

"  The  resolutions  for  sending  up  shipwrights  to  build 
batteaux,  appears  to  me  to  have  proceeded  from  a  want  of 
information.  I  have  requested  Congress  to  countermand 
this  order,  and  have  given  the  following  reasons  :  That  one 
Albany  shipwright  will  do  nearly  as  much  at  that  kind  of 
work  as  two  that  are  not  accustomed  to  it,  and  I  can  also 
make  them  work  early  and  late,  which  the  others  will  not ; 
besides  there  will  be  a  great  saving  in  the  travelling 
charges.  You  will  therefore  please  not  to  send  me  any 
until  I  apply  for  them.  I  can  easily  conceive  that  it  is  very 
difficult  at  New-York  for  artificers  to  procure  a  subsistence 
for  their  families — the  like  difficulty  prevails  here.  I  shall 
write  to  Congress  by  this  post  respecting  the  batteau  men  ; 
before  your  letter  came  to  hand  I  conceived  that  I  was  to 
have  issued  orders  for  engaging  them. 

"  I  expect  soon  to  hear  from  Congress  on  the  subject  of 
the  naval  department,  and  shall  then,  unless  I  am  other- 
wise ordered,  apply  to  you  for  seamen. 

"  Be  assured,  sir,  that  I  shall  at  all  times  with  the  great- 
est alacrity,  consent  to  any  requisition  you  may  be  pleased 
to  make,  provided  I  can  do  it  consistent  with  my  duty  ;  be- 
yond that  1  know  you  will  never  wish  me  to  go. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  most  respectful  sentiments, 
"  Yours  and  the  Committee's  mo.  obt.  hble.  servants, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Ritzema,  dated  at  Montreal  the  3rd 
of  January,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 


"  Montreal,  3rd  January,  1776. 
"  Dear  Sir — This  morning  we  experienced  a  sad  re- 
verse of  fortune.    Mr.  Antill  arrived  here  express  from 
Quebec  with  the  following  intelligence  :  That  Genl.  Mont- 
gomery on  the  31st  ulto.  between  the  hours  of  5  and  7  in 
the  morning,  after  a  previous  disposition  of  his  small  army, 
made  two  attacks  upon  the  lower  town,  under  a  feigned 
one  upon  the  upper ;  the  first  was  conducted  by  one  Capt. 
Browne  with  94  men  ;  one  of  the  real  attacks  by  the  gene- 
ral himself  at  or  below  Cape  Diamond,  with  466  men  ;  and 
the  other  by  Col.  Arnold,  with  the  men  he  brought  with 
him  by  the  way  of  Kennebec,  and  Lamb's  artillery  com- 
pany, amounting  to  560  men,  through  St.  Roque's  at  the 
other  end  of  the  town.    The  general  forced  his  way 
through  the  first  piquet  or  barrier,  without  receiving  a 
shot ;  at  the  next,  which  if  he  had  also  forced,  would  have 
given  him  a  free  passage  into  the  town,  he  was  received 
with  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry  and  2  field  pieces,  which 
caused  his  troops  to  fall  back  in  disorder.    The  general, 
while  he  was  endeavouring  to  rally  these  dastardly  scoun- 
drels, received  his  coup  de  grave,  as  did  also  his  aid-de- 
camps, McPherson  and  Capt.  Cheesman,  of  my  regiment. 
Thus  fell  one  worthy  and  brave  general.    Weep  America, 
for  thou  hast  lost  one  of  thy  most  virtuous  and  bravest  sons  ! 
When  the  general  was  missing,  though  the  surviving  offi- 
cers exerted  themselves  to  the  utmost,  they  found  it  in 
vain  to  attempt  bringing  the  men  to  a  charge,  which  induc- 
ed Col.  Campbell  to  bring  them  off.    Col.  Arnold,  with 
his  party,  passed  the  St.  Roque's  and  approached  near  a 
2  gun  battery,  well  piquetted  in,  without  being  discovered  ; 
his  men  forced  the  piquets  and  carried  the  batterv,  after  an 
hour's  resistance.    In  the  attack  the  colonel  was  shot 
through  the  leg,  and  was  obliged  to  be  carried  off  after 
gaining  the  battery.    His  detachment  pushed  on  to  a  se- 
cond barrier,  running  from  Limeburner's  wharf  in  the  low- 
er town,  which  they  possessed  themselves  of,  where  they 
now  maintain  themselves  in  the  houses,  without  any  pos- 
sibility of  being  supported  ;  so  that  they  must  either  carry 
the  lower  town,  be  made  prisoners,  or  be  cut  to  pieces. 

"  This,  sir,  is  all  the  account  we  have  hitherto  received 
of  this  disastrous  event.  We  are  momently  under  the  ut- 
most anxiety  of  mind,  expecting  to  hear  the  fate  of  those 
brave  men.    God  grant  it  may  be  happy. 

"  Our  misfortune  is  in  a  great  measure  owing  to  the 
anxiety  some  of  the  troops  were  under  of  returning  home  ; 
they  having  declared,  (Arnold's  men,)  that  they  would  re- 
main no  longer  than  to  the  1st  of  this  month,  for  which 
time  they  were  engaged,  which  obliged  the  general  to  pre 
cipitate  matters  and  to  change  his  intended  mode  of  attack, 
which  was  to  have  attacked  the  upper  and  lower  town  at 
the  same  time,  the  main  attack  to  be  upon  the  upper,  which 
it  was  impossible  for  him  to  effect  at  that  juncture,  from 
the  notice  the  enemy  had  of  his  intention  by  deserters  from 
us.  This  I  trust  will  be  a  warning  to  America  not  to  en- 
list men  for  any  limited  time,  but  for  so  long  a  time  as  they 
shall  be  wanted.  No  man,  but  one  in  the  service,  can  be 
sensible  how  fatal  this  limitation  of  time  is  to  all  military 
operations.  Before  the  soldiers  can  be  in  any  way  disci- 
plined, their  time  of  service  is  expired,  and  as  that  ap- 
proaches they  become  mutinous  and  disobedient.  I  will 
venture  to  say,  that  unless  a  change  takes  place  in  this  re- 
spect, America  must  fall  a  sacrifice  to  her  enemies.  With- 
out discipline,  no  obedience — without  obedience,  no  duty — 
in  short,  discipline  gives  confidence,  and  is  the  very  soul 
of  an  army. 

"  Two  months  have  now  elapsed  since  we  have  had  the 
least  intelligence  from  the  southward.  Genl.  Montgomery, 
before  he  set  out  for  Quebec,  acquainted  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  his  friends  in  New-York,  with  our  then 
miserable  situation  ;  the  troops  in  general  going  home — 
those  who  remained,  naked  and  without  clothing,  and  not 
1  a  farthing  to  pay  them  with.  I  myself  at  the  general  in- 
•  stance,  acquainted  Col.  McDougall  with  our  weak  state, 
and  pressed  him  with  all  the  rhetoric  I  was  master  of,  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


287 


exert  himself  to  the  utmost,  that  we  not  only  [should  have] 
money  sent  us  to  pay  the  troops,  but  men  to  reinforce  our 
different  garrisons  and  augment  the  army.  Our  few  English 
friends  have  been  stripped  of  their  money  and  goods  to 
clothe  the  men  and  pay  them  their  wages  in  part.  French 
friends  to  assist  us,  we  have  none.  The  peasantry  are  in 
general  at  present  for  us,  but  I  believe  from  no  other  motive 
than  that  we  are  the  strongest  side — some  few  may  be  at- 
tached to  us  from  principle  ;  sure  I  am  the  majority  are  not, 
and  would,  on  the  least  reverse,  as  soon  take  arms  against  as 
for  us.  We  are  now  in  a  wretched  plight — our  excellent 
general  dead  and  defeated — a  great  probability  that  the 
flower  of  his  army  is  cut  to  pieces — our  garrisons  weak 
and  feeble,  not  able  to  spare  a  man  for  the  assistance  of 
our  friends — the  soldiers  mutinous,  and  with  little  disci- 
pline, not  a  sous  to  pay  them  with,  which  makes  them  so, 
and,  shall  I  say  it,  no  one  capable  to  command  them.  For 
God's  sake,  sir,  exert  yourself;  I  have  exaggerated  no- 
thing ;  let  us  have  men  and  money,  otherwise,  by  Hea- 
vens, Canada  is  lost.  Cast  about  for  a  general  to  com- 
mand us ;  he  must  be  a  military  man  of  sound  intellects 
and  an  affable  deportment.  Genl.  Lee,  in  my  opinion,  is 
the  man — I  speak  my  sentiments  freely — I  mean  to  give 
no  offence,  nor  to  attack  the  character  of  any  gentleman  ; 
but  what  I  say  proceeds  from  a  real  regard  for  the  welfare 
of  my  country. 

"  I  have  more  to  write,  but  as  the  express  is  going  off 
I  am  obliged  to  stop.  Pray  be  so  kind  as  to  remember  me 
to  my  father,  and  acquaint  him  that  1  continue  in  health  ; 
desire  him,  if  there  is  no  probability  of  a  peace,  that  he 
gives  up  my  house. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  esteem,  your  humble  servt. 

"RUDOLPHUS  RITZEMA. 

"  P.  S.  Though  I  have  taken  the  liberty  of  addressing 
these  lines  to  you,  I  shall  be  glad  if  you'd  communicate  it 
to  our  friends  in  Congress." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Ritzema,  dated  at  Montreal  on  the 
5th  of  January,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Montreal,  5th  January,  1776. 

"  Dear  Sir — I  acquainted  you  the  3rd  inst.  with  the 
disastrous  event  at  Quebec  ;  the  fate  of  Arnold's  detach- 
ment is  determined,  it  was  obliged  to  surrender  at  discre- 
tion ;  thus  the  madness  of  one  man  has  nearly  ruined  our 
cause  in  this  country,  to  which  our  worthy  general  has 
fallen  a  sacrifice.  For  God's  sake  let  us  have  men  and 
money,  and  above  all  a  general,  that  we  may  take  the  town 
before  the  enemy  can  come  to  its  relief,  and  relieve  our 
worthy  brethren  in  it. 

"  Pray  be  so  kind  as  to  inform  Judge  Livingston  of  the 
death  of  Genl.  Montgomery  ;  he  was  shot  through  the  head 
and  both  his  thighs.  Genl.  Carlton  buried  him  with  mili- 
tary honours,  as  also  McPherson  and  Cheesman.  The  ene- 
my has  taken  all  the  artillery  we  had  before  Quebec,  and  I 
am  very  apprehensive  if  they  make  a  sortie  that  they  will 
either  cut  to  pieces  or  take  prisoners  the  rest  of  the  army 
there,  it  being  impossible  for  us  send  them  any  assistance 
from  hence  ;  if  we  should  do  it,  we  hazard  all  we  have  done 
the  last  summer  ;  the  most  that  can  be  expected  from  us 
is  to  maintain  our  ground  here,  and  keep  a  watchful  eye 
towards  the  Canadians;  this  we  are  bent  upon  doing  till 
succour  arrives,  be  the  consequence  what  it  may  to  our- 
selves. Our  garrison  does  not  exceed  400  effective  men, 
a  small  number  to  awe  such  a  country  as  this. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 
"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  RUDOLPHUS  RITZEMA. 

"To  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  or  in  his  absence, 

to  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

A  letter  from  John  R.  Livingston,  dated  27th  Jany.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Claremont,  21th  January,  1776. 

"  Sir — Some  time  since  I  received  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Van  Cortlandt,  President  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  dur- 


ing the  recess  of  Congress,  desiring  that  the  powder  mill 
might  again  be  built,  as  it  was  in  some  measure  of  public 
utility  ;  I  have  accordingly  pushed  the  building  of  it,  and 
am  now  happy  to  inform  you  that  it  is  finished,  but  am, 
notwithstanding,  still  obliged  to  be  idle  for  want  of  salt- 
petre ;  as  there  is  a  large  quantity  of  that  article  arrived  at 
Philadelphia,  should  think  myself  under  obligations  if  you 
would  procure  a  part  of  it  to  be  sent  across  the  country  to 
the  mill,  which  may  easily  be  effected,  as  great  part  of  the 
way  they  will  have  snow. 

"  I  remain,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  JOHN  R.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Honble.  the 

Provincial  Congress,  sitting  at  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  the 
letter  from  John  R.  Livingston,  relating  to  his  powder  mill, 
and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Congress. 

A  letter  from  William  Floyd,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Dele- 
gates of  this  Colony  at  Congress,  dated  the  5th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Philadelphia,  Febry.  5th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  forwarded  by  Mr.  Lynch  and  Mr.  Allen  a  sum 
of  money  to  the  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety,  with  a  few 
lines  advising  what  that  money  was  intended  for,  and  by 
your  letter  to  us  wherein  you  mention  you  would  forward 
it  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  and  the  small  sum  to  the  marine  com- 
mittee, I  fear  our  letter  must  have  been  misunderstood, 
therefore  I  trouble  you  with  this.  The  forty  thousand  dol- 
lars was  for  Mr.  Lewis,  from  the  marine  committee ;  the 
Si 2,500  dollars  for  the  raising  the  battalion  for  Cannada  ; 
and  the  small  sum  of  100  and  some  odd  dollars  were  sent 
to  Mr.  Lewis  to  pay  off  some  accounts  charged  against  the 
rifle  companies  in  passing  through  our  Province.  I  hope 
it  is  not  yet  otherwise  disposed  of,  if  it  is,  it  may  impede 
Mr.  Lewis's  proceedings  agreeable  to  his  directions. 
"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"  WILLIAM  FLOYD. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Congress  or 

Committee  of  Safety,  N.  York. 
"  P.  S. — If  it  is  not  sent  off  please  deliver  it  to  Mr. 
Lewis's  son." 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Thomas,  Esqr.  chairman  of  a  com- 
mittee at  the  White  Plains,  dated  the  25th  Jany.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  Chamber,  > 
"  White  Plains,  25th  Jany.  1776.  J 
"  Sir — We  received  your  favour  of  the  8th  inst.  respect- 
ing the  powder  sent  for  the  use  of  the  county,  and  observ- 
ed its  contents.  Are  sensible  of  the  propriety  of  our  coun- 
ty's being  furnished  with  that  article,  and  beg  that  you  in 
your  wisdom  would  order  that  it  be  a  Provincial  charge, 
for  we  conceive  it  to  be  extremely  hard,  as  we  are  a  fron- 
tier county,  that  we  should  purchase  ammunition  and  ex- 
pend it  to  the  advantage  of  the  Province  in  general  ;  as  to 
disposing  of  it  to  individuals,  many  that  will  take  an  active 
part  are  not  able  to  purchase  it,  and  we  will  see  that  it  be 
deposited  into  discreet  hands,  to  be  distributed  when  ne- 
cessary to  be  used  in  the  defence  of  the  liberties  of  the 
country. 

"  I  am,  very  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 
"  Signed  by  order  of  the  committee, 
"  THOS.  THOMAS,  Chairman." 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  9th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  Genl.  Lee 
is  of  opinion  that  the  two  Connecticut  regiments  and  Lord 


•288 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Stirling's,  will  not  be  sufficient  for  the  services  he  will 
have  to  perform  ;  and  had  desired  to  know  whether  it 
would  be  agreeable  to  the  Committee  that  he  should  send 
to  Pennsylvania  for  a  regiment  from  thence.  After  some 
time  spent  in  consideration  thereof, 

Resolved,  That  if  Genl.  Lee  shall  think  it  necessary  to 
call  in  the  aid  of  any  other  troops  than  the  two  Connecti- 
cut regiments  and  Lord  Stirling's  regiment,  that  he  be  au- 
thorized, and  in  such  case  is  hereby  authorized,  to  call  in 
as  many  of  the  minute  men  of  this  Colony  as  he  shall  at 
any  time  think  necessary. 

Mr.  Sands  brought  in  an  account  of  wood,  and  other 
necessaries  of  various  kinds,  supplied  to  the  poor  by  him- 
self and  Petrus  Byvanck,  Abrm.  P.  Lott,  and  others,  under 
his  direction,  by  order  of  this  Committee  of  Safety,  agree- 
able to  a  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress  ;  the  said 
account  being  examined  and  approved  of,  amounts  to 
£130  0s.  3d. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Ramsay  pay  to  Comfort  Sands 
£130  0s.  3d.  out  of  the  moneys  put  into  his  hands  for  em- 
ploying the  necessitous  poor  of  this  city,  and  that  Mr. 
Ramsay  take  Mr.  Sands'  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  purchase  such  a 
number  of  saws,  and  of  such  sizes  and  qualities  as  Col. 
McDougall  shall  direct,  and  that  he  have  the  same  collect- 
ed at  his  store,  for  the  use  of  Genl.  Lee's  troops,  as  soon  as 
possible. 

A  return  of  Robert  Graham  and  John  Thomas,  Junr. 
two  of  the  committee  of  Westchester  county,  was  read  and 
filed  ;  they  thereby  certify,  that  at  an  election  for  militia 
officers  in  Harrisson's  precinct,  in  Westchester  county, 
under  their  inspection,  John  Thomas,  minor,  was  chosen 
captain;  Gilbert  Dusenbury,  first  lieutenant;  Wm.  Wood- 
ward, second  lieutenant,  and  James  Miller,  Junr.  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen 
immediately,  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

A  return  of  Michl.  Hays,  Elijah  Miller  and  Andw.  Snif- 
fen,  three  of  the  committee  for  North-Castle,  in  West- 
chester county,  bearing  date  the  25th  Jany.  was  read  and 
filed.  They  thereby  certify  that  they  superintended  an 
election  for  officers  in  the  third  company  of  North-Castle  ; 
that  upon  such  election  Joseph  Green  was  chosen  captain 
and  Henry  Pears  first  lieutenant ;  and  they  thereby  re- 
quested that  two  blank  commissions  might  be  sent  for  the 
second  lieutenant  and  ensign,  as  the  second  lieutenant, 
since  the  choice,  declines  serving. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  two  commissions  be  issued  and 
that  two  blank  commissions  be  given  to  the  said  committee 
at  North-Castle,  for  the  second  lieutenant  and  ensign  of 
the  third  company  of  North-Castle. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling,  dated  this  day,  was  read 
and  filed.  He  therein  mentions  that  it  serves  to  cover  a  let- 
ter from  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  President  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  New-Jersey,  relating  to  the  trade  of  that  Colo- 
ny. The  said  letter  from  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  was  also 
read  and  filed. 

A  copy  of  sundry  resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  New-Jersy,  therein  enclosed,  regulating  the  trade  of  the 
Colony  of  New-Jersey,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  were  also  read  and  filed. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  lOlh,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  M.  Graham, 
Col.  Brasher,  Col.  McDougall,  a  part  of  the  morning. 

Present  also  several  members  of  Congress,  vizt  : 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Gilbt.  Liv- 
ingston, Capt.  Rutgers. 


A  letter  from  Col.  Robert  Livingston,  of  manor  Livings- 
ton, dated  the  5th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Manor  Livingiton,  5th  February,  1776. 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  25th  ulto.  did  not  come  to  hand 
before  this  morning,  and  I  am  now  set  down  to  answer  it. 

"  I  intend,  please  God,  my  furnace  shall  begin  her  blast 
early  in  April  ;  sooner  it  will  be  inconvenient,  for  want  of 
pasture,  as  I  have  but  a  month's  stock  now  on  the  spot  to 
work  upon  ;  and  can  not  cart  ore  or  coal  before  the  middle 
of  May,  for  want  of  grass  ;  so  that,  should  I  begin  sooner, 
it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  continue  the  blast ;  con- 
sequently very  detrimental  to  my  interest.  We  have  cast 
great  quantities  of  shot  for  the  army  last  war,  but  no  great 
guns.  This  we  can  do ;  but  whether  we  can  cast  great 
guns,  1  dare  not  take  upon  myself  to  determine.  The 
hearth  of  my  furnace  lays  low ;  fear  there  is  not  sufficient 
depth  of  earth  between  the  surface  and  the  bottom  of  the 
creek,  if  the  guns  are  to  be  cast  on  one  end.  As  I  am  en- 
tirely a  stranger  to  the  casting  of  ordnance,  and  desirous 
of  assisting  my  country  in  any  thing  in  my  power,  wish 
the  gentlemen  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  if  they  think  it 
the  interest  of  the  community,  to  send  up  proper  "and  skill- 
ful men,  who  are  acquainted  and  had  experience  in  casting 
and  moulding  of  guns,  for  I  have  none  such,  to  examine 
my  conveniences.  If  approved  of,  my  furnace  and  slock 
shall  be  at  their  service  on  reasonable  terms,  for  I  know 
not  how  to  fix  a  price  ;  my  metal  is  good,  perhaps  the 
best  in  America.  I  can  not  be  more  particular  at  present, 
and  am,  respectfully, 

"  Sir,  your  and  the  Committees, 

"  Most  humble  servant, 

"ROBT.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett." 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutches  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  committee  of  this  precinct  having  been  in- 
formed that  Timothy  Doughty,  notwithstanding  his  pro- 
mise to  the  Congress,  upon  his  dismission  on  the  20th 
October  last,  that  he  would  demean  himself  in  a  peaceable 
and  orderly  manner,  hath  since  declared  his  intentions  to 
join  the  ministerial  troops  in  the  spring,  and  in  other  re- 
spects testified  a  disposition  still  inimical  to  the  cause  of 
liberty,  have  ordered  him  to  be  apprehended  and  confined, 
till  the  pleasure  of  the  Congress  shall  be  known. 

"  Not  only  from  the  disaffection  of  the  county,  but  as 
there  will  be  an  election  at  Poughkeepsie  on  Tuesday 
next,  and  a  vast  number  of  people  necessarily  assembled, 
we  thought  it  prudent  to  commit  him  to  the  jail  in  Kings- 
ton. 

"  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  of  this  matter,  with  a  re- 
quest that  you  will  please  to  lay  it  before  the  Congress, 
and  acquaint  them  that  we  can  furnish  them  with  the  most 
ample  proofs  against  Mr.  Doughty. 
"  I  remain, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"EGBERT  BENSON,  Chairman. 

"  Rhinebeck  precinct,  Dutchess  county, 

Jany.  29th,  1776." 

Benjamin  Walker  informed  the  Committee  that  Mr. 
Yates  was  informed  that  his  ship  was  below  ;  that  he,  Mr. 
Walker,  went  down  in  a  pilot  boat,  expecting  it  was 
Mr.  Yates'  ship ;  that  when  the  pilot  boat  came  within  a 
mile  of  the  ship,  they  sent  out  a  boat  and  pressed  John 
Carleton  to  pilot  the  ship  up  ;  that  he,  Benin.  Walker,  was 
present  and  knows  that  they  did  press  him  as  a  pilot ;  that 
an  officer  on  board  informed  him  that  they  had  200  men 
on  board  and  were  part  of  7,000  men  from  England,  and 
had  been  nine  weeks  at  sea. 

John  Carleton  examined,  says,  he  frequently  told  the 
captain  that  there  was  not  any  person  on  board  of  his  boat 
who  could  pilot  the  ship  up ;  but  that  they  insisted  on  it 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


289 


and  obliged  him  to  go  on  board  ;  that  Capt.  Kennedy  told 
him  he  was  under  the  necessity  to  press  him,  and  did  press 
him  to  carry  up  the  ship,  and  charged  him  on  pain  of  death 
not  to  run  her  aground  ;  that  between  the  banks  they  saw 
a  wood  boat ;  that  a  jolly  boat  put  off  from  her  and  rowed 
towards  the  ship  and  came  within  20  yards  ;  that  they  then 
ordered  men  into  the  main  tops  and  on  deck ;  that  there- 
upon a  pilot  on  board  of  the  jolly  boat,  who  said  he  had 
served  his  time  with  Fundran,  was  taken  on  board  ;  that 
near  Staten  island  he  got  on  board  of  his  own  boat ;  that 
the  ship  Caty  is  from  Boston ;  that  they  said  there  were 
200  men  on  board ;  that  he  saw  between  40  and  50  men, 
as  he  thinks ;  that  there  were  8  or  9  officers  on  board ; 
that  he  told  them  Genl.  Lee  was  in  New-York,  and  that 
he  supposed  there  were  6,000  forces  there  ;  that  he  under- 
stood that  ships  in  the  whole  had  sailed  with  them ;  that 
Capt.  Kennedy  told  him  that  the  night  before  he  got  down 
they  had  40  men  on  deck,  and  some  men  in  the  main  tops. 
Carlton  had  a  certificate  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I,  Capt.  Kennedy,  of  the  44th  regiment,  commanding 
his  Majesty's  troops  on  board  of  the  Kitty  transport,  do 
certify  that  I  pressed  and  by  force  obliged  the  bearer,  John 
Carleton,  to  pilot  the  above  mentioned  ship  from  Sandy 
Hook  to  New-York.  Given  under  my  hand  on  board  the 
Kitty,  Feb.  9th,  1776. 

"KENNEDY,  Capt.  Uth  Regt. 
"  We  certify  the  above. 

"  Lieut.  Benson,  >  ..  -^  „g  ^  „ 

"  Lieut.  John  Campbell,  5  °  ' 

Thereupon  a  certificate  was  given  to  the  said  John  Carle- 
ton  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  or  Safetj,  > 
"New-York,  Feb.  10th,  1776.  $ 
"  The  case  of  John  Carleton,  as  to  his  having  piloted  up 
the  transport  ship  Caty,  has,  at  his  own  request,  been  heard 
by  this  Committee,  and  Benjn.  Walker,  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  merchant,  who  went  down  with  him  in  his  boat,  was 
examined  as  a  witness.  The  Committee  of  Safety  are  of 
opinion  that  the  said  John  Carleton  was  innocently  brought 
into  such  a  situation  as  to  be  necessarily  obliged  to  pilot  the 
transport  ship  Caty,  with  troops  ;  and  from  any  evidence 
that  has  appeared  to  us,  the  said  John  Carleton  ought  not 
to  be  injured,  or  considered  in  a  worse  light  or  esteem  by 
the  public  on  that  account." 

Col.  Herd  attended  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  pro- 
duced the  several  obligations  of  Saml.  Clowes,  George 
Weeks,  with  their  securities,  and  of  Charles  McEvers, 
for  Gab.  G.  Ludlow,  Esqr.  inhabitants  of  Queens  county, 
whose  conduct  has  been  conceived  to  be  inimical  to  the 
liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,  which  were  read  and 
filed. 

Col.  Herd  also  delivered  in  a  certified  extract  from  the 
minutes  of  Continental  Congress,  relating  to  sundry  per- 
sons, inhabitants  of  Queens  county,  in  the  aforesaid  predi- 
cament, which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  February  6th,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  Captain  Benjamin  Whitehead,  Joseph 
French,  Esqr.  John  Polhemus,  Nathl.  Moor,  Saml.  Hallett, 
Wm.  Weyman,  John  Shoals,  John  Willett,  Gilbert  Van 
Wyck,  Esqr.  Daniel  Kissam,  Esqr.  Jacob  Mott,  Charles 
Hicks,  Gabriel  G.  Ludlow,  Saml.  Martin,  Samuel  Clowes, 
Esqr.  Thos.  Smith,  Esqr.  George  Weeks,  David  Brooks 
and  John  Townsend,  be  sent  to  New-York  and  delivered 
to  the  order  of  the  Convention  of  that  Colony,  who  are  re- 
quested to  confine  or  secure  the  said  persons,  until  an  in- 
quiry be  had  by  the  Convention  into  their  conduct,  and  re- 
port thereof  made  to  this  Congress. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy." 
Col.  Herd  earnestly  requests  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
as  the  Provincial  Congress  is  not  convened,  to  give  order 
as  to  the  prisoners  in  his  charge,  so  as  that  he  may  be  dis- 

73 


charged  of  the  care  of  those  prisoners  :  And  whereas  Mr. 
Jacob  Mott,  one  of  those  persons  in  custody  of  Col.  Herd, 
having  some  time  ago  by  his  petition  to  this  Committee, 
testified  his  contrition  for  his  past  conduct,  and  signed  the 
general  association  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  and 
engaged  to  demean  himself  consistent  thereto,  during  the 
present  struggles  for  the  liberties  of  his  country,  and  was 
thereupon  restored  by  this  Committee  to  his  former  stand- 
ing in  the  community  :  And  whereas  it  does  not  appear 
that  the  said  Jacob  Mott  has  at  any  time  since  his  restora- 
tion, acted  or  done  any  thing  inconsistent  with  his  engage- 
ments :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Jacob  Mott  be  discharged  by 
Col.  Herd,  on  his  first  giving  his  promise  parol  to  this 
Committee,  to  appear  before  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
this  Colony,  or  this  Committee,  when  thereunto  required. 
And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  other  prisoners  above  named, 
except  Gab.  G.  Ludlow,  Saml.  Clowes  and  Geo.  Weeks, 
who  are  not  in  custody,  be  placed  in  any  one  house,  or 
place  in  this  city,  altogether  at  their  own  expense,  which 
they  shall  choose,  and  that  they  be  there  confined  under  a 
guard  at  their  own  expense,  until  the  order  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  in  the  premises  ;  and  that  Col.  Lasher  be 
requested  to  furnish  a  sufficient  guard  to  receive  the  said 
prisoners  from  Col.  Herd,  and  to  guard  them  until  further 
order.  And  this  Committee  of  Safety  do  hereby  signify 
their  high  sense  of  the  care  and  prudence  of  Col.  Herd,  in 
the  execution  of  his  duty  as  an  officer. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  February  10th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  M.  Gra- 
ham, Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDougall. 
Present  also,  Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Col.  G.  Drake. 

Col.  Gil.  Drake  informed  the  Committee  that  sundry 
persons  from  Connecticut,  are  purchasing  up  the  barrelled 
beef  and  pork  in  Westchester. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  came  to  the  following  reso- 
lution, to  wit : 

Whereas  the  Continental  Congress  by  their  resolution 
of  the  first  day  of  November  last,  have  resolved  that  no 
produce  of  the  United  Colonies  be  exported  except  from 
Colony  to  Colony,  under  the  directions  of  the  committees 
of  inspection  and  observation,  and  except  from  one  part  to 
the  other  of  the  same  Colony,  before  the  first  day  of  March 
next,  without  the  permission  or  order  of  the  Continental 
Congress  : 

And  whereas  this  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony 
of  New-York,  conceives  that  it  is  necessary  to  prevent  the 
sale  of  all  the  barrelled  beef  and  pork  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  and  retain  the  same  for  the  Continental  ser- 
vice in  this  Colony,  as  such  provisions  may  be  necessary 
for  the  Continental  army  in  this  Colony  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  West- 
chester, be  requested  to  take  effectual  means  to  prevent  the 
sale  and  transportation  of  any  barrelled  beef  or  pork  out 
of  Westchester  county,  to  any  person  or  persons  residing 
out  of  this  Colony,  or  for  the  use  of  any  person  or  persons 
residing  out  of  this  Colony,  until  the  further  order  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  or  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Westchester 
county,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  been  informed  by  a  gentleman 
from  your  county,  that  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  your 
county  are  disposing  of  their  barrelled  beef  and  pork,  to 
persons  out  of  the  Colony.  We  apprehend  that  such  pro- 
visions will  be  wanted  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army 
in  this  Colony,  and  that  the  service  may  possibly  suffer 
if  all  the  barrelled  provisions  are  taken  out  of  the  Colony. 


290 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


We  therefore  request  you  to  take  the  most  effectual  mea- 
sures to  carry  the  enclosed  resolution  into  execution. 
"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  the  County  of  Westchester." 

John  Bridgwater,  James  Holden  and  Thomas  Hyat,  all 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  inn-keepers,  personally  came  and 
appeared  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  jointly  and 
severally  engaged  for  John  Graham,  now  a  prisoner  at  the 
upper  barracks,  in  manner  following :  "  That  the  said 
John  Graham  will  demean  himself  peaceably,  and  be  of 
good  behaviour  towards  all  the  friends  of  liberty  in  Ame- 
rica ;  and  not  to  do  any  act,  matter  or  thing,  contrary  to 
any  measure  directed  by  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the 
Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safely  of  this 
Colony,  or  any  committee  of  any  cily,  town,  precinct  or 
district  in  this  or  any  other  of  the  United  Colonies  ;  and  on 
failure  of  the  said  John  Graham,  having  complied  with  this 
engagement  in  any  instance,  that  they  the  said  John  Bridg- 
water, James  Holden  and  Thos.  Hyat,  will  surrender  the 
said  John  Graham  a  prisoner,  to  any  guard  directed  by 
the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony,  or  commander  of  the  Continental  army  in  this  Co- 
lony, or  in  default  thereof,  severally  bear,  pay,  sustain  and 
suffer  such  pains  and  penalties  as  the  said  John  Graham 
shall  in  such  case  be  adjudged  to  bear,  pay,  sustain  or  suffer." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Graham,  now  a  prisoner 
in  the  guard  house,  at  the  upper  barracks,  be  discharged. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  took  into  consideration  the 
state  of  Staten  island,  and  the  danger  of  the  stock  being 
taken  off  by  the  ministerial  army  and  navy.  After  some 
time  spent  therein,  Genl.  Woodhull  and  Mr.  Hobart  who 
were  present,  were  requested  to  confer  with  Genl.  Lee  on 
that  matter.  Genl.  Woodhull  and  Mr.  Hobart  returned 
from  Genl.  Lee,  and  reported  that  Genl.  Lee  is  of  opinion 
that  the  stock  on  Staten  island  ought  to  be  protected,  but 
whether  by  driving  them  off,  or  placing  a  guard  there,  he 
cannot  determine  ;  but  that  he  is  ready  to  give  any  aid  in 
his  power  to  carry  into  execution  any  measure  thought 
necessary  by  this  Committee. 

After  considering  farther  of  the  state  of  Staten  island, 
and  the  report  of  Brigr.  Genl.  Woodhull  and  Mr.  Hobart, 
they  are  of  opinion  that  the  most  prudent  step  is,  to  request 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  to  send  Col.  Herd's 
regiment  of  minute  men  to  Staten  island,  to  prevent  depre- 
dations on  the  stock. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  New-Jersey,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
" New-York,  Feb.  10th,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — Upon  communication  with  Maj.  Genl.  Lee,  we 
are  fully  convinced  that  the  live  stock  on  Staten  island 
should  be  immediately  taken  care  of.  The  entrance  of 
Genl.  Clinton  into  our  port  on  pretence  of  merely  paying 
a  visit  to  Govr.  Tryon,  though  he  has  been  followed  by  a 
transport  with  troops,  which  we  have  good  reason  to  be- 
lieve are  only  a  part  of  600  that  embarked  with  him  at 
Boston,  renders  it  highly  probable  that  some  lodgment  of 
troops  was  intended  to  be  made  in  or  near  this  city.  The 
precautions  that  have  been  taken  to  prevent  the  execution 
of  such  intentions,  will,  it  is  hoped,  render  it  ineffectual. 
And  it  is  now  given  out  that  the  general  intends  to  depart 
from  us  without  loss  of  lime  ;  however,  it  must  be  most 
obviously  improper  to  strip  this  city  at  present  of  any  part 
of  its  defence.  Col.  Herd  and  his  regiment  are  near  at 
hand,  to  secure  Staten  island  from  depredations.  We  think 
his  regiment  will  readily  undertake  that  service  ;  and  Genl. 
Lee  thinks  nothing  less  than  a  regiment  will  suffice.  We 
therefore  most  earnestly  request  you,  to  furnish  without 
delay,  the  assistance  of  that  regiment  to  secure  the  live 
stock  of  that  island  from  a  depredation  that  may  be  at- 
tempted on  Genl.  Clinton's  departure  from  this  port,  by 


guarding  it  on  the  island  till  we  have  opportunity  to  de- 
termine on  the  expediency  of  removing  it,  hereby  declaring 
our  readiness  to  be  answerable  in  the  first  instance,  for  the 
expense  of  that  service. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  The  Honble.  Saml.  Tdcker,  Esqr. 

Prest.  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-Jersey." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  chairman,  and  transmitted. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  Committee  that  Genl.  Lee  will 
have  occasion  for  the  intrenching  tools  of  this  Colony  for 
the  use  of  his  troops  while  employed  here  ;  that  it  will  be 
necessary  for  their  preservation  and  the  convenience  of  the 
army  to  have  a  person  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  said 
intrenching  tools,  and  the  other  military  stores  of  the  Co- 
lony ;  and  Richard  Norwood  being  recommended  for  that 
purpose, 

Ordered,  That  Richard  Norwood  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
appointed  a  Commissary,  to  take  the  care  and  delivery 
out  of  all  such  military  stores  and  implements  of  war,  ex- 
cept cannon,  in  this  city  and  county  of  New-York,  as  shall 
be  from  time  to  time  committed  to  his  care  by  order  of  this 
Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress  ;  to  make  no  issues 
without  order  of  the  said  Congress  or  this  Committee,  or 
the  commanding  officer  for  the  time  being,  of  the  Conti- 
nental troops  in  this  Colony  ;  to  take  receipts  for  every  is- 
sue ;  to  keep  exact  accounts  of  every  receipt  and  issue, 
and  to  attend  when  and  where  necessary  to  receive  back 
any  stores  that  may  be  from  time  to  time  issued,  and  be 
returnable  after  service  to  the  said  Commissary,  for  the 
use  of  this  Colony  ;  and  that  he  be  paid  for  his  services  in 
his  said  office,  as  long  as  he  shall  be  continued  in  the  same, 
at  and  after  the  rate  of  18^  dollars  per  month.  And  it  is 
further 

Ordered,  That  he  receive  all  such  military  stores  and 
implements  of  war  as  aforesaid  into  his  care,  as  are  now 
in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Curtenius,  exchanging  proper  vouchers 
with  him  in  that  case,  and  with  all  others  in  all  other  fu- 
ture cases  of  receipts  and  issues. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  this  Committee,  that  Major- 
Genl.  Lee,  on  consulting  his  engineer,  was  of  opinion, 
that  the  intrenching  tools  lately  made  in  this  Colony,  are 
not  sufficiently  numerous  for  the  service,  and  that  Genl. 
Lee  has  requested  him  to  inform  the  Committee  that  an 
addition  of  the  following  articles  will  be  necessary,  to  wit : 
600  pick  axes,  300  hatchets,  500  hand  barrows,  300  wheel 
barrows,  200  crow  bars,  (in  such  form  as  Capt.  Smith,  the 
engineer,  shall  direct,)  500  iron  shod  shovels,  or  others 
equally  useful. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  do,  with  all  pos- 
silbe  despatch,  procure  the  said  intrenching  tools  and  bar- 
rows for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army  in  this  Colony. 

Whereas,  the  poor  of  this  city  are  in  great  distress, 
and  many  of  them  unable  to  procure  subsistence  at  this  in- 
clement season, 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  £200  be  deposited  in  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Wm.  Vanderwater  and  Capt.  Geo.  Janeway, 
to  be  applied  by  them  in  purchasing  barrelled  beef  and  ship 
bread,  to  be  delivered  in  bags  ;  turnips  and  potatoes,  In- 
dian corn  meal  and  oak  wood,  for  and  towards  the  support 
of  such  poor  inhabitants  of  this  city  as  may  stand  in  need 
of  assistance  for  their  immediate  subsistence.  That  when 
the  said  articles  are  purchased,  Mr.  Vanderwater  and  Capt. 
Janeway  do  convene  the  vestrymen  of  the  several  wards  in 
this  city,  to  the  end  that  they  together  may  proportion  the 
quantity  of  the  said  articles  so  purchased,  which  the  poor 
of  each  ward,  from  their  circumstances,  may  require.  And 
the  said  vestrymen,  in  their  respective  wards,  are  requested 
to  assist  Mr.  Vanderbelt  and  Capt.  Jeneway  to  dispose  of 
the  said  articles  to  the  poor  inhabitants,  in  such  proportion 
as  to  them  shall  appear  to  be  necessary  ;  and  that  a  copy 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


291 


of  this  order,  certified  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  be  a  suffi- 
cient order  to  Mr.  Vanderwater  and  Capt.  Jeneway,  on  Mr. 
John  Ramsey,  for  the  sum  of  £200,  out  of  the  moneys  put 
into  his  hands  by  this  Committee,  for  the  employment  and 
support  of  the  industrious  poor  of  this  city  ;  and  that  Mr. 
Ramsey  take  the  receipt  of  Mr.  Vandewater  and  Capt.  Je- 
neway for  that  sum. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  llth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  M.  Graham. 

Mr.  Henry  Oothoudt  was  unanimously  chosen  chairman 
pro  tempore. 

This  Committee  observing  that  the  cannon  and  military 
stores  on  and  near  the  battery  are  now  under  removal  to 
other  parts  of  the  city,  and  knowing  that  this  transaction, 
both  in  its  design  and  execution,  is  without  the  consent  of 
this  Committee,  and  even  without  their  knowledge,  other- 
wise than  as  discovered  from  the  transaction  itself;  and  as, 
perhaps,  such  removal  may  bring  on  a  firing  upon  the  city 
from  the  ships  of  war  in  this  port,  which  may  greatly  en- 
danger the  public  records  of  this  Colony,  the  Committee 
is  fully  of  opinion  that  the  public  records  ought  to  be  im- 
mediately removed  to  a  place  of  greater  safety  than  that  in 
which  they  now  are  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  public  records  of  this  Colony, 
together  with  Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  the  Deputy  Secre- 
tary of  this  Colony,  be  forthwith  conveyed,  under  a  proper 
guard  of  the  militia  of  the  city  of  New-York,  to  the  dwell- 
ing house  of  Nichs.  Bayard,  Esqr.  alderman  of  the  out 
ward  of  the  said  city,  and  be  there  securely  kept  under  such 
guard,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  or  of  this  Committee  of  Safety.  And  the 
said  guard  are  hereby  expressly  required  to  permit  the  said 
Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  to  have  continual  access  to  and 
the  direction  of  the  said  records,  except  that  he  and  every 
other  person  be  prevented  from  removing  them,  or  any  of 
them,  from  the  place  where  they  are  hereby  ordered  to  be 
deposited,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
or  of  this  Committee.  And 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  be  requested  to  furnish  a 
proper  guard,  and  see  this  order  executed.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  Col.  Lasher  fix  on  such  officers 
and  company  of  his  regiment  for  this  and  any  other  duty 
that  may  be  directed,  as  he  shall  think  proper,  and  report 
the  same  to  this  Committee,  the  Committee  hereby  giving 
assurance  that  provision  will  be  made  for  the  pay  and  sub- 
sistence of  such  company  equal  to  the  Continental  esta- 
blishment, while  continued  in  service. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  February  llth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Henry  Othoudt,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Brasher, 
Col.  McDougall. 

A  member  of  the  Committee  mentioned  that  Major-Genl. 
Lee  had  informed  him  that  troops  were  expected  in  town 
very  speedily,  and  requested  that  barracks  or  rooms  should 
be  provided  for  them. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  placing  of  the 
troops  in  empty  houses  will  be  less  inconvenience  to  the 
inhabitants  than  any  other  method.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  following  gentlemen,  to  wit :  Victor 
Bicker,  Francis  Bassett,  Nichs.  Carmer,  Isaac  Marschalk, 
Anthony  Abrams,  Henry  Roome,  Jacobus  Bogert,  Francis 
Bassett,  Petrus  Byvanck,  Evert  Byvanck  and  John  Elliot, 
be  requested  to  pass  through  the  several  streets  of  the  city, 
and  make  a  list  of  the  empty  houses  in  this  city,  and  re- 
port the  same  to  this  Committee  as  soon  as  possible.  Sun- 
dry of  those  gentlemen  being  sent  for,  attended,  and  on 


request  engaged  to  undertake  that  service  ;  they  agreed  to 
meet  for  that  purpose  to-morrow  at  9  o'clock,  and  they  are 
desired  to  take  to  their  assistance  any  other  prudent  citi- 
zens whom  they  may  think  necessary  and  find  willing  to 
assist  them. 

Col.  Ritzema  from  Montreal,  came  to  the  Committee 
and  gave  information  of  the  present  state  of  Canada  and 
the  troops  there. 

Col.  Lott  came  to  the  Committee  and  informed  that 
the  Mercury,  sloop  of  war,  and  the  two  transports  which 
sailed  with  her,  are  anchored  near  Staten  Island  ;  that 
he  met  several  suspicious  persons  passing  from  Powle's 
Hook  toward  Killvankull  ferry  ;  that  he  was  informed  by 
a  person  near  Killvankull  that  he  apprehended  that  the  ship 
of  war  and  transports  will  commit  depredations  on  the 
stock  there.  The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  most 
effectual  measure  to  prevent  such  depredations,  is  to  [write 
to]  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town  to  request  them  to 
send  a  parcel  of  men  to  protect  the  stock  on  Staten  Island 
from  depredations. 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  Feb.  llth,  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — The  Mercury,  ship  of  war,  with  two 
transports  under  her  convoy,  are  departed  from  this  city 
this  afternoon,  and  we  are  well  informed  that  they  are  an- 
chored near  Staten  island. 

•'  We  are  apprehensive  that  they  intend  to  commit  de- 
predations on  the  stock  on  Staten  island.  We  applied  to 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  your  Colony  yesterday,  re- 
questing that  Col.  Herd  with  some  of  his  troops  should  be 
sent  to  the  island  for  a  few  days,  and  sent  that  letter  by 
Col.  Herd.  We  are  apprehensive  that  Col.  Herd  will 
come  too  late  to  prevent  any  attempt  that  may  be  made  to 
take  off  the  stock.  We,  therefore,  earnestly  request  you, 
on  receipt  hereof,  to  despatch  a  part  of  your  militia  to  such 
parts  of  the  island  where  it  is  most  likely  any  attempts  of 
that  kind  may  be  made,  to  guard  the  island  until  the  said 
vessels  are  gone  off  or  Col.  Herd  can  arrive  to  their  relief. 

"  If  their  design  should  be  such  as  we  suspect,  they 
may  perhaps  be  able  to  land  about  200  men. 

"  Please  to  inform  Col.  Herd  of  this  intelligence,  and 
your  proceedings  in  the  premises. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee,  Elizabeth  Town." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  express. 


DIE  LUN7E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  12th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Henry  Oothoudt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  M.  Graham. 

An  order  from  Major-Genl.  Lee  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Feby.  12th,  1776. 
"  Sir — You  will  give  orders  to  the  sentinels  on  the 
wharfs  to  suffer  those  who  produce  a  pass  from  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  to  go  on  board  the  Governor's  ship. 

"  CHAS.  LEE,  Major-Genl. 
"  To  the  Officer  commanding  the  port  guards." 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  came  into  the  Committee  and  informed 
the  Committee  that  he  desires  to  go  on  lading  the  brig 
New-York.  The  Committee  informed  him  that  they  think 
he  may  proceed  to  lade  the  said  brigantine.  Mr.  Low  also 
requested  a  permit  to  lade  the  schooner  Polly,  Wm.  Mon- 
tanje,  master,  on  account  of  Mr.  Nichs.  Governeur  with 
flaxseed  and  lumber.  Thereupon  a  permit  was  given  him 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


\ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


292 

"  Mr.  Nichs.  Low  is  hereby  permitted  to  lade  the 
schooner  Polly,  Wm.  Montanye,  master,  with  flaxseed 
and  lumber  on  account  of  Mr.  Isaac  Governeur." 

Col.  Curtenius  by  request  attended  the  Committee.  He 
was  directed,  and  is  hereby  requested  and  directed  to  have 
an  exact  inventory  made  of  all  the  shirts,  blankets,  osna- 
burgs,  bedding,  linen  and  other  stores,  which  now  are,  or 
were  lately  in  a  room  at  the  lower  barracks  ;  that  he  have 
those  goods  put  in  a  secure  store  under  his  care  ;  and  that 
he  return  an  inventory  thereof  to  this  Committee.  Col. 


Curtenius  informed  the  Committee  that  Major-Genl.  Lee 
had  informed  him  that  he  has  not  any  commissary  for  his 
guard,  and  has  applied  to  him  to  supply  the  said  guard 
with  provisions. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  apply  to  Major-Genl. 
Lee  for  his  order  or  directions  what  rations  he  will  order 
for  his  guard  ;  and  that  Col.  Curtenius  supply  the  gene- 
ral's guard  with  provisions  according  to  his  order,  and 
charge  the  same  to  Continental  account. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  LUNjE,  a.  m. 

February  12th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  their  adjournment  of  the 
22d  day  of  December  last. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Helme,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Bra- 
sher, Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Cort- 
landt — for  Neto-York. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Oothoudt — For 
Albany. 

Col.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  Livingston,  Col.  Graham — Dutches. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell— 
I  For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewit — for  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills — Tryon. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  William  Wills  from  Tryon  county  produced  a  cer- 
tificate from  the  committee  of  said  county,  dated  the  25th 
of  Novr.  last,  whereby  it  appears  that  Mr.  Isaac  Paris 
having  for  sufficient  reasons  resigned  his  seat  as  deputy  for 
said  county,  Mr.  William  Wills  of  Harpersfield,  was 
duly  elected  to  represent  said  county,  in  the  room  of  said 
Isaac  Paris. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wills  take  his  seat. 

Messrs.  Matthew  Rhea,  Andries  Lefever  and  Andries 
Dewit,  Deputies  for  Ulster  county ;  Wm.  Allison,  for 
Orange  county  ;  Henry  Oothout,  for  Albany  county  ;  Col. 
Petrus  Ten  Brook  and  Morris  Graham,  for  Dutches  coun- 
ty, not  having  appeared  in  Congress  before,  the  creden- 
tials of  those  counties  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  take  their  seats. 

P.  M.  February  \2th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Van 
CorUandt,  Mr.  Ray,  Capt.  Rutgers— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Gansevoort.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Oothout— for  Albany. 

74 


Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewit — for  Ulster. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — 
for  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham,  Col.  Jos. 
Drake — For  IVestchcstcr. 

Col.  B.  Tenbroock,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  G.  Livingston,  Col. 
Graham — For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison— For  Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills— for  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  dated  the  12th  Jany.  received 
by  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  before  entered  on  their 
minutes  24th  day  of  Jany.  last,  was  read. 

Resolves  of  Continental  Congress  of  the  8th  Jany.  last, 
as  formerly  received  and  entered  by  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
20th  January  last,  entered  on  the  minutes  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety  on  the  24th  day  of  January  last  past,  was  read. 

The  sundry  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of 
the  8th  and  9th  and  10th  of  January  last,  relating  to  the 
raising  of  troops  for  Continental  service,  were  also  read. 

The  letters  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  11th  and 
17th  of  January  last  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  were  read. 

The  letter  of  Genl.  Schuyler  to  the  Committee  of  Safety 
of  the  25th  Jany.  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler  dated  the  6th  Feb.  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Albany,  6th  Febry.  1776. 

"  Sir — The  Continental  Congress  having  ordered  one 
regiment  to  be  raised  in  this  Province  to  go  into  Canada,  I 
requested  of  that  respectable  body  to  know  if  the  compa- 
nies that  I  ordered  to  be  raised  for  garrisoning  Crown 
Point,  Ticonderoga,  Fort-George,  &c.  were  to  be  consi- 
dered as  part  of  them.  You  will  probably  receive  direc- 
tions on  this  head,  and  that  no  delay  may  be  made  in  the 
arrangement  of  the  officers  to  the  regiment,  I  do  myself 
the  honour  to  enclose  you  the  names  of  such  as  I  gave  re- 
cruiting orders  to.  If  Major  Gansevoort  should  be  pro- 
vided for,  or  Col.  Yates  promoted,  and  if  Capt.  Curtis  had 


294 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  majority  given  him,  I  believe  it  would  tend  to  fill  up 
the  regiment  with  much  expedition,  as  he  has  great  influ- 
ence in  the  part  of  the  country  where  he  resides,  which  is 
about  Canaan. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servt. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  The  President  of  the  New- York  Congress." 

A  return  or  list  of  persons  who  have  had  warrants  from 
General  Schuyler,  and  therein  enclosed,  was  also  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"A  return  of  the  names  of  persons  to  whom  enlisting  orders  have 
been  delivered  by  Major  General  Philip  Schuyler. 

1775,  Nov.  16  To  Capt.  Eleazer  Curtis,  an  old  Capt.  in  Col.  Hin- 

raan's  regiment,  now  with  his  company  at  Fort- 
George. 

"     "    To  Capt.  Danl.  Mills. 

"     27.  To  Capt.  Joseph  McCracken. 

"     30.  To  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck. 

"      "    To  Capt.  Andrew  Billings. 

1st.  Lieutenants. 
"     27.  To  Lieut.  Martin. 
"      "    To  Lieut.  Barnes. 
Nov.  28.  To  Lieut.  Anthony  Welph. 

1776,  Jany.   8.  To  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hill. 

"     27.  To  Lieut.  Chas.  Graham. 

2nd.  Lieutenants. 

1775,  Nov.  24.  To  Serjeant  Cook. 

Dec.    2.  To  Mr.  Van  Veghten, 

1776,  Jany.   8.  To  Mr.  James  Clark. 

"      "  To  Mr.  Wm.  Moulton. 

Ensign. 

1776,  Jany.   8.  To  Mr.  Luther  Bessel." 

A  letter  from  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Orange  county,  dated  Oxford,  Feb.  9th,  1776, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Oxford,  February  9th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  your  letter  of  26th 
ulto.  I  convened  our  county  committee  on  Tuesday  the  6th 
inst.  and  laid  the  matter  before  them  relative  to  the  raising 
of  men  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony.  The  same  being 
taken  into  consideration,  the  committee  are  unanimously  of 
opinion  that  there  can  be  three  companies  raised  in  this 
county,  vizt.  two  on  the  north  and  one  on  the  south  side  of 
the  mountains,  and  have  nominated  the  following  persons 
for  officers  to  raise  the  two  companies  on  the  north  side,  to 
wit,  in  Goshen  regiment,  Danl.  Denton,  capt.;  Belthazer 
Dehart,  1st  lieut.;  George  H.  Jackson,  2d  lieut.;  and  Sa- 
muel Carpenter,  ensign.  In  Cornwall  regiment,  Seth  Mar- 
vin, capt.;  James  Little,  1st  lieut.;  Nathan  Strong,  2d  lieut.; 
and  Stephen  Halsey,  ensign.  But  at  the  same  time  the 
committee  think  it  will  be  out  of  their  power  to  arm  any 
considerable  part  of  the  men  they  raise,  on  account  of  the 
quantity  they  furnished  last  year,  none  of  which  have  been 
returned,  and  must  therefore  leave  that  matter  with  the 
Congress.  They  are  also  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  of 
bad  consequence  to  nominate  more  than  one  set  of  officers 
to  each  company,  and  have  therefore  declined  it. 

"  The  ensign  of  Capt.  Raymond's  company  having 
moved  out  of  this  county,  the  company  have  regularly  elect- 
ed Vincent  Helme  to  that  office,  for  whom  a  commission  is 
requested  to  be  made  out  and  sent  up  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  If  the  Congress  could  furnish  each  recruiting  captain 
with  the  terms  upon  which  men  are  to  enlist,  willi  regard 
to  time,  pay  and  clothing,  the  committee  are  of  opinion  it 
would  tend  to  facilitate  the  raising  the  companies  now  to 
be  filled. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  very  hble.  servt. 

"ELIHU  MARVIN,  Chairman. 

"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  now  sitting  in  New- 
York,  or  in  his  absence  to  the  Chairman  pro 
tempore." 

Mr.  Scott  them  moved,  and  was  seconded,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Mr.  President,  I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  im- 
mediately, to  take  into  consideration  those  matters  which  the 
Continental  Congress  have  recommended  for  execution  to 
this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  in  relation  to  the 


ensuing  campaign,  and  that  to  this  end  they  have  power  to 
send  for  all  the  papers  which  have  reference  to  that  subject, 
whether  in  the  hands  of  this  Congress  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  to  be  appointed  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid,  do  make  report  upon  each  respec- 
tive branch  of  the  subject  to  be  committed  to  their  consi- 
deration, with  all  possible  speed.  The  same  being  unani- 
mously agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Gansevort,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  and  that 
they  make  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  member  suggested  that  the  time  in  which  Robert  Boyd 
was  to  have  completed  his  contract  for  arms,  is  nearly  ex- 
pired ;  that  he  has  as  yet  delivered  a  very  few  musket  bar- 
rels, &c.  agreeable  to  his  contract. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  said  Robert 
Boyd,  directing  him  to  send  down  all  the  gun  barrels  he 
has  made,  and  desiring  him  to  inform  the  Congress  when 
he  can  complete  his  contract. 

Watkeys,  the  gunsmith,  was  sent  for,  and  charged  to 
finish  the  gun  barrels  now  in  his  custody  ;  he  says  lie  can 
finish  them  in  seven  days  ;  he  is  charged  to  finish  them  in 
ten  days  at  all  events. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Robert  Boyd,  on  the  subject  of  arms, 

was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Feb.  12th,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — It  is  now  a  considerable  time  since  we  have  had 
any  intelligence  from  you  respecting  the  completing  the 
contract  made  with  you  by  the  last  Congress.  The  sea- 
son is  near  when  we  shall  want  all  the  arms  that  can  be 
procured  ;  we  therefore  desire  that  you  advise  us,  without 
delay,  how  many  barrels  and  bayonets,  and  steel  ramrods, 
you  have  made,  and  to  send  down  steel  ramrods  for  the 
barrels  sent  down  last  autumn  ;  and  as  the  time  in  which 
the  arms  were  to  be  made  is  now  expired,  we  wish  to  be 
advised  whether  you  mean  to  go  on  in  making  arms  upon 
the  strength  of  that  contract,  and  if  you  do,  to  inform  us 
what  number  you  can  complete  before  the  first  day  of 
April. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Mr.  Robert  Boyd,  New- Windsor." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Brasher  and  John 
Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  Major- 
Gen].  Lee,  and  inform  him  that  the  Provincial  Congress  is 
now  formed  ;  that  if  he  has  any  thing  relative  to  the  public 
service  or  safety,  to  propose,  they  are  ready  to  take  the 
same  into  consideration,  and  that  they  are  ready  to  give  him 
any  necessary  aid  in  the  public  service. 

A  petition  of  John  Willett  and  14  other  persons,  inha- 
bitants of  Queens  county,  now  prisoners  under  a  guard  in 
the  city  of  New-York,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony 
of  Neio-York,  convened  in  the  city  of  New-York  : 
"  The  petition  of  the  subscribers,  inhabitants  of  Queens 
county,  on  Nassau  island,  humbly  shewelh  ;  that  your  pe- 
titioners have  been  obliged  to  attend  the  Honble.  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  at  Philadelphia,  in  obedience  to  an  order 
from  that  body,  as  verbally  delivered  by  Col.  Herd  ;  that 
they  have  been  at  great  expense  in  their  journey  to  and 
from  Philadelphia,  and  are  now  confined  in  this  city  at 
their  own  expense,  and  denied  the  pleasure  of  visiting  their 
families  ;  that  when  they  left  their  several  homes  to  attend 
the  Honble.  the  Continental  Congress,  they  were  admitted 
to  go  and  return  to  this  Congress  on  parol  of  honour ;  that 
they  are  ready  and  willing  to  pledge  their  honours  to  ob- 
serve such  orders  as  this  honourable  body  shall  direct,  re- 
specting their  appearance,  provided  they  are  admitted  to 
go  at  large,  or  if  bail  should  be  required,  they  are  ready 
and  willing  to  give  such  reasonable  security  as  to  this  ho- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


295 


nourable  body  shall  seem  meet,  for  their  appearance  when- 
ever required.  The  petitioners  therefore  humbly  pray  that 
this  honourable  body  will  give  them  such  relief  in  the  pre- 
mises as  to  them  shall  seem  meet ;  and  the  petitioners  shall 
ever  pray,  &c. 

"  John  Willett,  John  Townsend, 

"  Ben.  Whitehead,       Joseph  French, 
"  Thos.  Smith,  Chas.  Hicks, 

"Danl.  Kissam,  Saml.  Hallett, 

"  Gilbert  Van  Wyck,    Jno.  Shoals, 
"Nathl.  Moore,  David  Brooks, 

"  John  Polhemus,        Saml.  Martin. 
"  Wm.  Weynman, 
"  New-York,  12th  Feby.  1776." 

After  reading  the  said  petition  and  prayer  thereof,  Mr. 
Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  prayer  thereof  be 
granted.  Debates  arose  upon  the  said  motion,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative 
by  a  great  majority. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt  requested  a  permit  to  complete  the  lad- 
ing of  the  brigantine  Defiance,  John  Waldron  master. 
Thereupon  an  order  was  made,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

Mr.  John  Van  Derbilt  is  hereby  permitted  to  complete  the 
lading  of  the  brigantine  Defiance,  whereof  John  Waldron 
is  master. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  13th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Gent.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Brasher,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Scott—  New-York. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 
Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Rhea— Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hohart,  Mr.  Wickham.— 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Lefferts— Kings. 

Col.  P.  Ten  Brook,  Major  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  M. 
Graham— Dutches. 

Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward—  Westchester. 
A  certified  extract  of  the  proceedings  of  the  committee  of 
Ulster  county,  dated  Nevv-Paltz,  19th  Jany.  1776,  and 
signed  by  I.  Bruyn,  chairman,  whereby  the  said  commit- 
tee do  recommend  for  field  officers  in  the  northern  regi- 
ment in  said  county,  Mr.  Abm.  Haasbroek  for  colonel,  Jo- 
hans.  Snyder  lieut.  colonel,  Jonathan  Elmendorf  and  Adrian 
Wynkoop  majors,  Abrm.  A.  Haasbroek  adjutant,  and  John 
Van  Duersen,  Junr.  for  quarter-master,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  for  the  above 
officers  immediately. 

A  letter  from  Severyn  T.  Bruyn,  dated  Ulster  county, 
Bruynswick,  Feb.  5th,  1776,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ulster  county,  Bruynswick,  Feby.  5th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  herewith  return  to  your  honours  a 
commission  which  was  handed  to  me,  to  be  adjutant  of  the 
regiment  of  minute  men,  of  the  southern  part  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Ulster,  of  which  Thos.  Palmer,  Esqr.  is  colonel ; 
whereof  I  must  acquaint  your  honours,  I  can  not  in  justice 
to  myself  accept,  as  I  was  informed,  some  time  last  fall,  I 
was  recommended  to  your  House  (by  two  of  the  Deputies 
of  this  county  then  in  Congress)  to  be  first  major  of  a  re- 
giment of  minute  men,  of  which  Geo.  Clinton,  Esqr.  was 
to  be  colonel,  which  was  resolved  on  and  entered  in  your 
minutes,  which  proceedings  were  communicated  to  me, 
and  I  accepted  to  serve  my  country  in  that  capacity,  which 
was  made  public  at  sundry  meetings  of  officers,  and  parti- 
cularly at  a  meeting  of  the  field  officers  of  this  county,  for 
the  choosing  or  nominating  a  brigadier-general,  where  I 
was  desired  to  meet,  and  accordingly  did,  and  gave  my 
vote  as  a  major.  And  now  to  be  tossed  out,  and  put  into 
a  lower  commission,  I  can  not  accept  thereof,  without  de- 


grading myself  to  the  lowest  degree.  However,  I  still  can 
serve  the  country  as  a  private,  and  not  be  dependent  for 
my  living  on  a  commission. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  hble.  servant, 

"SEVERYN  T.  BRUYN. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial 

Congress  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  S.  T.  Bruyn  be  referred 
to  the  members  of  Ulster  county,  and  that  they  make  re- 
port with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Marble  Town,  dated 
Jany.  29th,  signed  by  Levi  Pawling,  chairman,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We,  the  committee  of  the  township  of 
Marble  Town,  are  under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of 
troubling  your  honourable  body,  though,  as  it  is  the  first  of 
the  kind,  we  expect  to  be  excused. 

"  The  matter  we  have  to  lay  before  your  honourable 
board  is,  that  in  compliance  to  a  resolve,  passed  bv  the  ho- 
nourable Provincial  Congress,  the  22d  of  August  last, 
there  was  an  election  for  choosing  of  officers  in  the  com- 
pany of  the  southwest  district  of  said  town,  and  the  follow- 
ing persons  was  chose  by  a  very  great  majority,  vizt : 
Corns.  E.  Wynkoop,  captain  ;  Charles  W.  Brodhead,  first 
lieutenant ;  Moses  M.  Contine,  second  lieutenant,  and  Ja- 
cob Chambers,  ensign  ;  which  your  honourable  board  has 
been  pleased  to  commission.  These  gentlemen  officiated, 
each  in  their  respective  ranks,  with  great  satisfaction,  as 
far  as  we  know,  until  it  pleased  your  honourable  body  to 
promote  Capt.  Wynkoop  to  a  major  in  Col.  De  Witt's  re- 
giment of  minute  men  ;  after  which  there  was  a  day  ap- 
pointed, agreeable  to  said  resolve,  for  filling  up  the  vacan- 
cy by  the  company's  choice,  when  John  Hasbrouck,  a  per- 
son not  belonging  to  the  company,  nor  even  to  the  regi- 
ment, sot  up,  or  intended  to  set  up,  for  captain  of  said 
company,  which  caused  a  great  deal  of  confusion. 

"  We  therefore  pray  that  we  may  be  informed,  as  soon 
as  possible,  whether  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  honourable 
body,  that  a  captain  should  be  chose,  or  that  the  first  lieu- 
tenant should  be  promoted,  and  the  other  subalterns  rise 
in  rank,  and  then  an  ensign  to  be  chosen,  which  we  think 
is  the  most  natural  construction  to  be  laid  on  the  resisted 
resolve  ;  and  if  a  procedure  of  that  kind  can  not  take  place, 
your  honours  may  be  assured  that  Mr.  Brodhead  will  re- 
sign, and  then  a  new  election  must  ensue,  and  in  course 
more  troubles  of  that  kind  ensue  ;  but  at  the  same  time  we 
are  willing  to  comply  with  such  directions  as  we  may  re- 
ceive from  your  honourable  body. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"Your  honours'  very  hble.  servts. 

"Signed,  bv  order  of  the  Committee, 

"LEVI  PAWLING,  Chairman. 

"  Marble  Town,  Jany.  29th,  1776. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress 

in  New- York." 

The  petition  of  John  Haasbroek  and  others,  dated  at 
Marbletown,  January  the  30th,  1776,  was  read  and  filed; 
they  therein  remonstrate  against  the  committee  of  said  town, 
in  denying  them  the  privilege  of  electing  a  captain  in  the 
place  of  Cornelius  E.  Wynkoop  promoted  to  a  majority. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Marble 
Town,  as  also  the  petition  of  John  Haasbroek  and  others, 
be  referred  to  the  members  of  Orange  and  Dutches,  and 
that  they  make  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Col.  McDougall,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  wait 
on  Genl.  Lee,  reported  that  they  had  waited  on  Genl.  Lee 
and  delivered  him  the  Congress's  message  of  yesterday, 
and  that  the  general  was  pleased  to  answer,  that  he  thank- 
ed the  Congress  for  their  politeness,  and  would  avail  him- 
self of  the  tender  of  their  services,  as  circumstances  shall 
make  it  necessary. 

As  the  following  gentlemen  (being  among  the  number  of 
Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  city  and  county  of  New- 


296 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


York,  in  this  Congress,)  have  not  taken  their  seats,  to  wit: 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Benjamin  Kissam,  John 
Morton,  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow,  Isaac  Sears,  Cornelius  Clop- 
per  and  Theodorus  Van  Wyck ;  and  as  it  is  necessary  for 
the  public  service  that  the  representation  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York  be  complete  ;  it  is,  therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York  be  directed  to  cause,  by  election  of 
the  inhabitants  entitled  to  vote,  a  return  to  be  made  of 
seven  Deputies  to  serve  in  this  Congress,  with  the  other 
Deputies  of  the  said  city  and  county  in  the  room  of  the 
above  mentioned  persons  who  have  not  taken  their  seats, 
and  that  the  said  return  be  made  on  or  before  the  20th 
inst. 

Ordered,  further,  That  such  members  who  have  taken 
their  seats  in  Congress  be  requested  to  give  their  atten- 
dance. 

Mr.  Mayor,  of  the  city  of  New- York,  attending,  was 
requested  to  come  into  Congress  ;  he  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  the  passage  to  His  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon's 
ship  is  impeded  by  sentinels  ;  that  His  Majesty's  Council, 
and  some  of  the  magistrates  of  this  city,  may  have  occa- 
sion to  wait  on  His  Excellency  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Honble.  Cadwallader  Colden,  Lieut. 
Govr.  and  the  Honble.  Danl.  Horsmanden,  Oliver  DeLan- 
cey,  Chas.  Ward  Apthorpe,  William  Smith,  Hugh  Wal- 
lace, William  Axtell  and  John  Harris  Cruger,  Esqrs.  of  His 
Majesty's  Council  for  this  Colony,  the  Worshipful  White- 
head Hicks,  Esqr.  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and 
Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  Deputy  Secretary,  and  Deputy 
Clerk  of  the  Council,  or  any  of  his  stated  clerks,  who  may 
by  his  order  attend  the  Council  of  this  Colony,  and  each 
and  every  of  them,  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Ex- 
cellency's ship,  until  the  further  order  or  direction  of  this 
Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  that  a  copy 
hereof,  delivered  to  the  officer  of  the  port  guard,  be  a  suf- 
ficient pass  for  each  and  every  of  the  aforesaid  public  offi- 
cers, without  any  other  pass  or  copy  hereof  in  the  custody 
of  either  of  those  gentlemen  ;  and 

Ordered,  That  the  copy  hereof  delivered  to  the  officer 
of  the  port  guard,  be  delivered  over  to  each  successive  of- 
ficer of  the  port  guard. 

A  letter  from  Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  Deputy  Secre- 
tary of  this  Colony,  was  again  read  ;  he  therein  mentions 
his  inclination  to  have  it  in  his  power  to  use  any  recrea- 
tion, on  his  engagement  not  to  quit  the  records  ;  and  Mr. 
John  McKesson  informed  Congress  that  His  Majesty's 
Council  is  to  set  to-morrow,  and  that  the  attendance  of 
Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  as  Clerk  of  the  Council,  may 
be  necessary  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Saml.  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  the  Deputy 
Secretary  of  this  Colony,  be  permitted  to  come  to  the  city 
of  New-York,  or  to  depart  from  the  house  of  Nichs.  Ba- 
yard, Esqr.  at  any  time  he  shall  think  proper,  on  his  leav- 
ing one  of  his  slated  clerks  there  during  his  absence  on 
every  such  occasion. 

On  request  of  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and 
Major  R.  G.  Livingston  are  added  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed yesterday  to  take  into  consideration  the  matters 
which  the  Continental  Congress  have  recommended  for 
execution  to  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Col.  Jos.  Drake  applied  for  some  blank  commissions  for 
officers  of  militia  in  Westchester  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  send  to  the  committee  of 
Westchester  county,  by  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  such  blank  com- 
missions, signed  by  the  President  of  this  Congress,  as  they 
have  here  in  the  Congress  Chamber. 

Thereupon  three  blank  commissions,  (which  are  all  the 
Secretaries  had  here,)  were  delivered  to  Col.  Jos.  Drake, 
to  be  delivered  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county,  to  be  filled  up. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Thompson,  chairman  of  the.  com- 
mittee of  Islip,  in  Suffolk  county,  bearing  date  the  9th 
inst.  was  read  and  filed, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 


"  Sir — There  never  has  been  a  militia  company  formed 
in  this  precinct ;  but  they  that  bore  arms  in  the  east  part 
of  this  precinct  have  been  in  the  Smith  Town  company, 
and  thos^  of  the  west  part  of  this  precinct  have  been  under 
a  Huntington  captain,  which  has  been  disagreeable  to  the 
greatest  part  of  the  people  of  this  precinct,  and  it  has  been 
the  cause  of  uneasiness  amongst  us.  We  informed  Col. 
Potter  of  what  we  were  going  to  do  before  we  proceeded 
to  form  a  company  ;  the  colonel  said  the  company  would 
not  be  so  large  as  he  should  choose,  but  if  it  would  unite 
the  people,  and  if  they  did  proceed  to  choose  their  officers, 
&c.  that  he  would  order  the  names  of  those  of  the  east  part 
of  this  precinct  to  be  taken  out  of  the  list  at  Smith  Town. 
The  way  thus  being  laid  open,  the  people  of  this  precinct 
assembled  together,  and  in  our  presence  proceeded  to  the 
choice  of  their  officers.  They  unanimously  chose  Benajah 
Strong  for  their  captain,  Jeremiah  Terry  for  their  1st  lieu- 
tenant, Saml.  Oakley  for  their  2d  lieutenant  and  Annen 
Mobroy  for  their  ensign. 

"  The  above  named  persons  have  signed  the  association. 
We  desire  that  commissions  may  be  granted  to  the  above 
named  persons,  as  we  believe  it  will  lend  very  much  to 
unite  the  people  in  this  precinct. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  committee  of  Islip, 

"ISAAC  THOMSON,  Chairman. 

"  Islip,  in  Suffolk  county,  Feby.  9th,  A.  D.  1776. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial 

Congress,  at  New- York. 

"  P.  S.  There  are  about  36  to  37  that  would  belong  to 
this  company. 

"  ISAAC  THOMSON." 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  inhabitants  of  Islip  be  formed  into  a 
militia  company  agreeable  to  their  request,  and  that  com- 
missions issue  to  the  following  gentlemen,  to  wit :  Bena- 
jah Strong,  capt.,  Jeremiah  Terry,  1st  lieut.,  Samuel  Oak- 
ley, 2d  lieut.,  Annen  Mobrey,  ensign,  agreeable  to  the 
election  of  the  company  and  the  return  of  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  bearing 
date  the  1 1th  January  last,  and  requesting  the  loan  of  £500 
for  their  county,  payable  to  Mr.  John  Moore,  one  of  their 
Deputies,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Tryon  County,  J 
"  Committee  Chamber,  January  11th,  1776.  \ 

"  Honble.  Gentlemen — We  took  into  mature  con- 
sideration the  defraying  of  our  committee  expenses  for  se- 
veral services  of  scouting  parties,  guards  and  other  neces- 
sary duties  performed  upon  orders  of  our  board  since  27th 
Augt.  1774,  to  this  day  ;  and  as  it  is  to  be  feared  that  if  in 
case  we  should  levy  such  wanting  money  in  a  tax  from  our 
constituents,  our  association  would  be  hurt,  or  entirely  bro- 
ken ;  therefore  it  is  resolved  by  our  board,  that  such  sum 
of  money  as  is  wanted  for  that  purpose,  might  be  drawn 
out  of  the  Provincial  Treasury  in  New- York,  and  to  charge 
the  same  to  this  board  until  a  future  time,  in  order  of 
which  we  apply  to  you  with  the  humble  request  for  your 
kind  assistance  in  granting  such  reasonable  desire  ;  and  re- 
lying thereon,  we  do  hereby  appoint  and  authorize  our  De- 
legate, Mr.  John  Moore,  to  receive  out  of  the  fund  above 
mentioned,  the  sum  of  £500,  to  the  use  of  defraying  such 
necessary  payments  already  due,  on  account  and  charge  of 
our  board  as  aforesaid. 

"  Your  favourable  compliance  will,  in  particular,  oblige, 
who  are,  esteemfully, 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obt.  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"ISAAC  PARIS,  Chairman. 

"  Attest. 
"  John  Eisenlord,  Clk. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Congress,  New-York." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


297 


The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration,  and  af- 
ter some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  deferred  for  farther  conside- 
ration, on  the  arrival  of  the  accounts  of  Tryon  county  com- 
mittee, which  are  speedily  expected. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esqr.  chairman  of  a  commit- 
tee on  the  south  side  of  the  mountains  in  Orange  county, 
recommending  sundry  gentlemen  for  officers  in  the  troops 
to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  County  Committee,  south  side  of  the  mountains,  i 
"  in  the  county  of  Orange,  > 
"  Feb.  10th,  1776.  ) 
"  In  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  a  recommendation  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
of  New-York,  now  before  us,  we  do  recommend  the  un- 
dernamed persons  for  officers  for  two  companies  to  be 
raised  in  this  part  of  the  said  county,  upon  probability  that 
they  will  be  completed,  vizt :  Amos  Hutchings,  capt.,  Pat- 
tan  Jackson,  1st  lieut.,  Robert  Wood,  2nd  lieut.,  Geo. 
Johnson,  ensign,  nominated  for  officers  for  one  company  for 
the  Continental  service.   Arie  King,  capt.,  Wm.  Sicher,  1st 
lieut.,  John  D.  Coe,  2nd  lieut.,  Peter  Oblenus,  ensign,  nomi- 
nated for  officers  for  one  company  for  the  Continental  ser- 
vice. 

"  Gentlemen — The  above  nomination,  if  accepted  by 
the  Congress,  the  persons  concerned  request  to  know  when 
they  must  commence,  and  what  clothing  is  to  be  allowed, 
and  what  will  be  allowed  for  sufficient  arms,  which  may 
amount  to  one-third  the  number  of  men. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order, 
"  DAVID  PYE,  Dep.  Chairman. 

*  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial 

Congress,  New-York. 

"  The  bearer  hereof,  Amos  Hutchings,  will  wait  your 
answer  hereunto ;,  pray  use  the  utmost  despatch." 

A  letter  from  John  W.  Watkins,  offering  his  services  to 
his  country,  and  requesting  a  commission,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  two  last  mentioned  letters  be  referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
matters  recommended  from  Continental  Congress,  to  be 
carried  into  execution. 

Mr.  Isaac  Marschalk,  from  the  gentlemen  requested  by 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  delivered  in  a  list  of  empty  or 
uninhabited  houses  in  this  city. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  February  \3th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Beekman — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — For  Albany. 

Dr.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward,  Col.  L.  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— 
For  Suffolk. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  De  Witt— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills — Tryon. 

Mr.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that  Dr.  Middleton  in- 
formed him  that  Govr.  Tryon  is  indisposed,  and  that  it  is 
necessary  that  Dr.  Middleton,  as  his  physician,  should  go 
on  board.  Thereupon  a  permit  was  given  to  Dr.  Middle- 
ton  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Dr.  Middleton  is  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  of 
His  Excellency's  ship,  the  Dutches  of  Gordon. 

"  By  order. 
"  To  the  Officer  of  the  port-guard." 

Doctor  John  Williams,  of  Charlotte  county,  appeared  in 
Congress,  and  produced  his  credentials,  which  were  read 

75 


and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  and  figures  following,  to 
wit : 

"  At  a  general  meeting  held  in  White-Creek,  Jany.  25th, 
1776,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  that  Dr.  John  Williams 
and  Mr.  Alexr.  Campbell,  should  represent  the  county  of 
Charlotte  in  Provincial  Congress,  till  the  2d  Tuesday  in 
May  next. 

"  Bv  order  of  this  meeting. 

"  "ALEXR.  WEBSTER,  Clerk." 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson.  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutches  county  bearing  date  the  8th  inst. 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Dutches  County  Committee,  Feby.  8lh,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  compliance  with  a  letter  from  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  26th  ulto.  this  committee  proceeded 
to  deliberate  on  every  part  of  your  directions  respecting  the 
4  regiments  to  be  raised  and  in  Continental  pay,  for  the  de- 
fence of  this  Colony,  and  are  of  opinion  that  (notwithstand- 
ing there  are  now  in  this  county  six  recruiting  officers,  in 
the  service  of  the  Continent,  vizt.  Captains  Billings,  Rose- 
krams  and  Graham,  and  Lieuts.  Burton  and  Doty,  and  En- 
sign Johnson,)  we  shall  be  able  to  complete  three  compa- 
nies. Accordingly  we  have,  with  ihe  utmost  caution  and 
circumspection,  recommended  the  following  gentlemen,  in 
the  different  precincts,  as  proper  officers  for  this  most  es- 
sential service,  vizt : 

"  William  Barker,  capt. ;  John  Lloyd,  1st  lieut.  ;  Nathl. 
Meade,  2d  do. ;  John  Punderson,  ensign.  Abraham  Swart- 
wout,  capt. ;  John  Durling,  1st  lieut. ;  Eli  Pierson,  2d 
do.;  George  Brooks,  ensign.  Nathan  Pearce,  Junr.  capt. ; 
Joshua  Barnum,  1st  lieut. ;  Josiah  Crosby,  2d  do. ;  Thos. 
Ostrander,  ensign.  At  the  same  time  we  could  wish  to 
have  complied  more  particularly  with  the  tenor  of  your  di- 
rections, respecting  the  advice  of  our  Deputies,  which  we 
would  most  readily  have  done,  had  we  had  the  opportunity 
of  procuring  their  attendance.  The  latter  part  of  your  re- 
spectable favour  directs  us  to  nominate  two  gentlemen  for 
each  office,  that  you  may  have  an  opportunity  of  choosing 
the  one  you  shall  think  best  qualified.  In  this  particular 
instance  we  beg  leave  to  observe  that  the  inconveniences 
to  us  appear  insurmountable,  and  therefore  have  thought 
proper  to  desist  from  the  mode. 

"  We  remain  your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"EGBERT  BENSON,  Chairman." 

"To  the  Provincial  Congress 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  the  other  letters  recommending  officers  are 
referred  to. 

Col.  McDougall  and  Col.  Brasher,  who  by  order  of  the 
Congress  had  gone  to  wait  on  Genl.  Lee,  to  request  a 
change  in  the  mode  of  his  order  to  the  officer  of  the  port 
guard,  returned  and  reported  that  Genl.  Lee  had  given  a 
new  order  to  the  officer  of  the  port  guard  with  respect  to 
persons  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Excellency's  ship, 
the  Dutchess  of  Gordon. 

The  said  order  being  read,  was  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Feby-  13th,  1776. 
.„   "  Sir — You  will  give  orders  to  the  sentinels  posted  on 
the  wharfs  to  permit  all  persons  who  have  leave  or  liberty 
from  the  Provincial  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
to  pass  on  board  the  ship  where  Mr.  Tryon  resides. 

"  CHAS.  LEE,  Major-General. 
"  To  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the  port  guard." 

Ordered,  That  Major-Genl.  Lee's  said  order,  and  a  cer- 
tified copy  of  the  permit  or  order  of  this  Congress  of  this 
morning,  that  His  Majesty's  Council  of  this  Colony,  the 
Mayor  of  this  city  and  the  Deputy  Secretaries  of  the  Co- 
lony, be  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Excellency's  ship, 
be  delivered  to  the  officer  of  the  port  guard  by  one  of  the 
Secretaries. 


298 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Some  accounts  for  billeting  a  part  of  Major-Genl.  Lee's 
guards,  were  produced  and  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  all  accounts  contracted  by  Major-Genl. 
Lee,  for  the  Continental  service,  be  audited  for  payment 
by  Col.  McDougall,  and  being  so  audited  that  they  be 
paid  by  Col.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  until  a  proper  person  is 
appointed  for  that  purpose  by  the  Continental  Congress. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  Uth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Helme,  Co).  McDou- 
gall, Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Col.  Nichols.  Mr.  Oothout,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Mr.  Gansevort — For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills— Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart — 
For  Suffolk. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  P.  Ten  Brook,  Majr.  R.  G.Livingston,  Mr. 
G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Rhea— For  Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Dr.  Williams— For  Charlotte. 

The  Congress  considering  that  the  writs  for  electing 
Representatives  in  this  Colony  are  returnable  this  day,  and 
that  the  General  Assembly  may  have  occasion  to  meet  in 
the  Chamber : 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Roosevelt  and  Abm.  Yates,  re- 
quest of  the  mayor  of  this  city  the  use  of  the  common 
council  room  for  the  Congress. 

Messrs.  Murray,  Sansom  &  Co.  sent  in  a  request  by 
Mr.  Robert  Murray,  for  leave  to  send  provisions  and  cer- 
tain other  articles  in  their  request  mentioned,  on  board  of 
the  ship,  Dutches  of  Gordon. 

The  Congress  consented  that  part  of  the  said  provisions 
be  sent  on  board,  together  with  the  other  articles.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Murray,  Sansom  &  Co.  be  per- 
mitted to  put  on  board  of  the  ship,  Dutches  of  Gordon, 
5  barrels  pork,  5  barrels  beef,  1  box  candles,  1  coil 
of  3  inch  rope,  some  blocks,  1  bolt  of  canvass,  No.  1, 
and  2  cords  of  firewood,  for  the  use  of  the  said  ship  and 
her  crew. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Godwin,  dated  yesterday,  offer- 
ing his  services  to  his  country  as  a  captain,  and  alleging 
that  he  had  enlisted  the  best  part  of  his  company,  was  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  with  the  other  letters  on 
that  subject. 

The  petition  of  John  De  Went,  of  Orange  Town,  in 
the  county  of  Orange,  praying  leave  to  export  provisions 
to  the  island  of  St.  Thomas  in  the  Danish  West  Indies, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  rejected. 

A  petition  of  Guert  Spt.  De  Wint,  Esqr.  was  read.  He 
thereby  requests  leave  to  export  a  large  quantity  of  pro- 
visions and  lumber  for  the  use  of  his  estate  in  the  island 
of  St.  Thomas  in  the  Danish  West  Indies  ;  likewise  leave 
to  export  his  household  furniture,  horses  and  carriages  and 
his  family,  and  a  generous  supply  of  all  the  good  things 
of  this  country,  for  the  use  of  himself  and  family  at  sea. 

Ordered,  That  that  part  of  the  petition  of  Guert  Spt. 
Dewint,  Esqr.  which  relates  to  removal  of  his  family, 
horses,  carriages  and  household  furniture,  and  a  necessary 
supply  of  provisions  only  for  their  use  at  sea,  be  referred 
to  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  and  that  all  the  other  part  of  the  said  petition  be 
rejected. 


A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  submitting  to  the  Con- 
gress the  case  of  Jean  Baptiste  D'Gas,  and  the  establish- 
ment of  a  company  of  artificers,  &c.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  February  Ulh,  1776. 

w  Sir — Enclosed  I  take  the  liberty  of  sending  the  case 
of  Jean  Baptiste  DeGas,  a  Canadian,  submitting  to  the 
consideration  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  whether  it  would 
not  be  proper  to  furnish  him  with  a  necessary  sum  of  mo- 
ney to  enable  him  to  proceed  to  Mr.  Hancock  to  whom  he 
has  been  recommended. 

"  Sir,  as  in  all  probability  a  considerable  body  of  troops 
will  be  stationed  in  this  city  and  its  environs  during  the 
present  contest,  I  would  take  the  liberty  to  propose  to  the 
Congress  the  establishment  of  a  corps  of  artificers ;  such 
an  establishment  is  not  only  necessary  for  the  different  mi- 
litary works,  but  I  apprehend  it  will  answer  very  mate- 
rially in  point  of  economy.  There  is  another  circumstance  I 
must  beg  leave  to  mention ;  it  is,  sir,  to  appoint  some  person 
as  commissary  to  receive,  take  care  of  and  be  responsible 
for  the  various  sorts  of  military  stores  now  in  our  hands. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servant, 

" CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York." 

"  New-York,  Jpril  13th,  1776. 

"General  Wooster  employed  Jean  Baptiste  DeGas, 
the  4th  of  Jany.  as  conductor  and  interpreter  of  the  pri- 
soners who  were  sent  from  Montreal  to  Albany  ;  in  conse- 
quence he  conducted  them  to  Albany.  General  Wooster 
advanced  him  no  money,  but  he  received  from  Lieut. 
Cook  at  Ticonderoga,  225.  New- York  money  ;  that  this  is 
the  only  money  he  has  received  ;  that  as  Genl.  Montgo- 
mery had  promised  to  recommend  him  to  the  Congress  for 
a  commission  in  a  regiment  of  Canadians  to  be  raised  for 
the  Continental  service,  and  as  Genl.  Wooster  assured  him 
he  had  written  in  his  favour  to  Mr.  Hancock,  he  thought 
both  his  interest  and  his  duty  obliged  him  to  proceed  to 
Philadelphia  in  order  to  make  application  in  person  to  the 
gentlemen  of  the  Congress  for  their  favour  and  protection, 
but  at  Poughkeepsie  he  fell  sick,  where  having  no  money 
he  was  obliged  to  sell  part  of  his  clothes  to  pay  his  doctor 
and  the  expenses  of  his  living." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  Jean  Baptiste  DeGas,  recommended  by  General  Lee, 
(who  appears  to  have  been  employed  by  General  Wooster 
as  conductor  and  interpreter  to  the  prisoners  from  Montreal 
to  Albany,  and  for  which  he  has  not  been  fully  satisfied,) 
the  sum  of  20  dollars,  to  assist  him  on  his  journey  from 
this  city  to  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  and  Mr.  Sands  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  that  part  of  Major- 
Genl.  Lee's  letter  to  this  Congress,  relative  to  the  estab- 
lishment of  a  corps  of  artificers,  and  the  appointment  of  a 
commissary  to  receive,  take  care  of,  and  be  responsible 
for  the  various  sorts  of  military  stores  now  in  the  general's 
hands,  and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  William  Bedlow  and  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  commissioners  in  the  Highlands,  bearing  date 
the  12th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — As  we  have  now  weather  to  finish  the  battery 
recommended  in  a  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Safety,  of 
23rd  Jany.  last,  we  were  desirous  to  set  about  it  by  em- 
ploying the  minute  men  in  garrison  here.  Col.  Nichol  in- 
forms us  the  men  seem  unwilling,  unless  allowed  some 
small  compensation.  We  have  agreed  to  allow  them  one 
shilling  per  day,  when  at  work  ;  if  it  is  not  with  your  ap- 
probation, shall  desist  from  giving  them  any  thing. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  remark  on  the  order  of  the  Commit- 
tee in  the  above  mentioned  letter,  that  to  make  the  breast 
work  of  said  battery  20  feet  thick,  we  must  make  the 
stone  work  of  the  wall  equal  to  support  such  a  breast  work, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


299 


which  will  be  as  expensive  and  take  as  much  time  as  has 
already  accrued  on  it.  If  it  be  agreeable  we  can  make  the 
breast  work  with  three  pieces  of  timber  thick  12  by  12  on 
the  outer  face,  and  two  the  inside,  taking  in  the  whole 
width  of  the  crown  of  the  wall,  except  6  inches  for  the 
sleepers  of  the  platform  to  rest  on,  and  to  fill  the  space  be- 
tween the  timber  with  earth  well  rammed  down.  Your  an- 
swer from  the  Committee  of  Safety  will  oblige, 
"  Sir,  your  humble  servts. 

"  WILLIAM  BEDLOW, 
"  JONAN.  LAWRENCE. 

"Fort  Constitution,  Feb.  12th  1776. 
"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  commanding  officer  at 
the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  was  read  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York. 
"  Gentlemen — The  commissioners  for  carrying 
on  the  works  at  this  garrison  have  applied  to  me  to  order 
out  workmen,  parties  out  of  the  men  under  my  command 
here  for  that  purpose ;  I  am  heartily  disposed  to  comply 
with  their  request,  being  assured  it  will  promote  the  pub- 
lic service,  and  be  a  great  saving  ;  yet,  I  fear,  unless  the 
men  have  some  little  extra  allowance,  they  will  rather  en- 
ter upon  their  duty  with  reluctance,  and  am  the  more  in- 
duced to  think  so,  as  the  soldiers  who  have  been  employed 
by  the  commissioners  have  had  an  allowance  of  1*.  per 
day  each.  I  shall  be  glad  therefore  to  be  informed  whe- 
ther the  men  are  to  expect  such,  or  any  allowance  ;  being 
at  any  rate  determined  to  exert  myself  in  forwarding  the 
business  by  every  means  in  my  power.  Enclosed  you  have 
a  return  of  the  minute  men  now  stationed  here. 
"  And  am,  gentlemen,  with  profound  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 
"  ISAAC  NICOLL. 

"  Fort  Constitution,  12th  Feby.  1776." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu  be  a 
committee  to  take  the  said  letters  and  the  subject  matter 
thereof  into  consideration,  and  to  prepare  answers  thereto, 
and  report  thereon,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Joseph  Outen  Bogert  informed  the  Congress  that  the 
sentinels  of  the  port  guard  have  prevented  him  from  sup- 
plying to  His  Excellency  the  Governor  and  the  people  on 
board  of  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon,  the  ordinary  supplies 
of  fresh  provisions.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Joseph  0.  Bogert,  butcher,  be  permitted 
to  supply  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon  with  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  fresh  provisions  ;  and  that  the  said  Joseph  0. 
Bogert  do  furnish  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier  with  an  account 
from  day  to  day  of  the  quantity  of  provisions  so  supplied 
by  him,  and  that  a  certified  copy  of  this  order  be  given  to 
the  said  Joseph  0.  Bogert. 

The  Congress  was  informed  that  the  barrack-master  is 
in  want  of  beds,  or  crocus  or  canvas  to  make  beds  for  the 
troops  hourly  expected,  and  that  materials  fit  for  that  pur- 
pose are  not  to  be  purchased.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  deliver  to  the  barrack- 
master,  as  many  of  the  coarsest  sheets  as  he  shall  apply 
for,  to  cover  straw  beds  for  the  troops  expected,  and  that 
Mr.  Curtenius  take  the  barrack  master's  receipt  for  the 
same. 

John  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Capt. 
Rutgers  are  appointed  a  committee  to  examine  the  lists  of 
empty  houses  in  this  city,  made  by  sundry  citizens  at  the 
request  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  and  returned  to  this 
Congress,  and  to  ascertain  such  as  they  may  think  most 
proper  for  the  use  of  the  troops. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  Ulh,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 


Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Brasher,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Roose 
veil,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison— For  Orange- 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Jr.,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Mr.  Othoudt — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Rhea—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — For  Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart — 
For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Ward,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Dr.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake—  West- 

Chester. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  P.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R. 
G.  Livingston—  For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills — Tryon. 

Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  a  member  that  amongst 
other  stores  lately  removed  and  put  into  the  care  of  Col. 
Peter  Curtenius,  there  is  a  chest  of  excellent  lint  for 
wounds,  which  ought  to  be  carefully  preserved,  on  account 
of  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  that  article,  and  that  some 
linen  for  bandages  is  also  necessary.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Treat,  be  re- 
quested to  take  the  charge  and  care  of  all  the  said  lint,  and 
so  much  of  the  medicines  and  sheets  now  in  the  possession 
of  Col.  Curtenius,  as  they  may  think  necessary  for  dres- 
sing of  wounds  ;  to  be  preserved  for  the  use  of  such 
hospital  and  troops  as  shall  hereafter  be  directed  bv  the 
Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Co- 
lony. And, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  P.  T.  Curtenius  deliver  the  said 
lint,  medicines  and  sheets  to  those  gentlemen,  when  it  may 
be  convenient  for  them  to  receive  the  same. 

A  letter  from  the  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  dated  at 
New-Brunswick  on  the  12th  inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  Brunswick,  Feby.  12th,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — This  Congress,  sincerely  desirous  of  rendering 
every  possible  assistance  to  promote  the  common  cause  of 
America,  have  most  cheerfully  complied  with  the  request 
of  your  Committee  of  Safety,  as  signified  to  us  by  your 
letter  of  the  10th  inst.  and  Col.  Herd,  with  a  detachment 
of  700  men  under  his  command,  is  now  under  orders  to 
march  immediately  to  Staten  island,  to  secure  it  from  de- 
predations. 

"  It  will  always  be  a  pleasure  to  this  Congress  to  co- 
operate with  your  Colony  in  any  measures  which  concern 
the  common  interest;  and  we  hope,  as  soon  as  this  par- 
ticular service  is  completed,  that  Col.  Herd  will  have  per- 
mission to  return  with  the  troops  under  his  command. 

"  I  am  your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 
"  By  order. 
"  SAMUEL  TUCKER,  Prest. 

"  The  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress,  dated  lllh  Feby.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Agreeable  to  your  instructions  we  have 
represented  to  Congress  the  case  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Richmond  county ;  as  our  Convention  might  be  embarras- 
ed,  while  it  seemed  doubtful  to  you  whether  they  ouo-ht, 
without  the  intervention  of  Congress,  to  decide  on  the  pro- 
priety of  admitting  the  Deputies  elected  for  that  county,  it 
became  our  duty  to  press  for  a  speedy  decision  on  this 
subject.  It  was  readily  agreed  that  the  Convention  ought 
to  be  the  sole  judges  of  their  own  members,  and  on  this 
principle  the  resolutions  which  we  have  the  honour  to  en- 
close were  granted.  We  have  obtained  a  warrant  on  the 
Continental  Treasurer  for  1 2,000  dollars  to  strengthen  your 
hands  in  raising,  within  our  Colony,  the  four  battalions  in- 
tended for  its  immediate  protection  and  defence.  The  first 
opportunity  which  presents  itself  to  you,  or  us,  shall  be 
embraced  to  forward  you  the  money. 

"  The  great  difficulties  with  which  our  Convention  was, 
on  a  similar  occasion  pressed  the  last  year,  will,  we  hope, 


300 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


be  avoided  by  this  expedient ;  and  for  which  we  were  the 
more  solicitous  from  our  ignorance,  whether  the  state  of 
our  Provincial  finances  would  admit  of  your  performing 
this  essential  service  to  advantage  without  such  aid. 

"  Some  lime  since  we  were  favoured  with  an  order  of 
our  Convention,  authorizing  us  to  draw  on  the  Provincial 
Treasury  for  the  allowance  they  were  pleased  to  provide 
for  their  Delegates.  To  such  of  us  as  have  conlinued  here 
since  the  last  recess  of  Congress,  it  would  be  convenient, 
and  prevent  the  risk  and  difficulty  of  double  carriage, 
should  we  be  directed  to  deduct  out  of  the  money  which 
will  pass  through  our  hands,  agreeable  to  the  above  men- 
tioned warrant,  our  respective  balances.  In  that  case  the 
residue  shall  be  accompanied  by  our  receipt  to  the  Provin- 
cial Treasurer  as  his  voucher. 

"  We  expect  soon  to  have  the  honour  of  writing  to  you 
again  on  other  subjects  of  your  despatches,  on  some  of 
which,  we  think  it  probable  you  may  have  consulted  the 
Deputies  of  Congress,  who  arrived  this  day  from  your  city. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servants, 
"  JAMES  DUANE, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"WILLIAM  FLOYD, 
"  FRANS.  LEWIS. 

"  Philadelphia,  Uth  Feby.  1776. 
"  The  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York." 

The  case  of  Richmond  county  and  resolve  of  Continen- 
tal Congress  thereon,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  Feby.  8th,  1776. 

"  The  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,  in  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  having  refused  to  send  Deputies  to  represent 
them  in  Provincial  Convention,  and  otherwise  manifested 
their  enmity  and  opposition  to  the  system  and  measures 
adopted  for  preserving  the  liberties  of  America ;  and  as  a 
just  punishment  for  their  inimical  conduct,  the  inhabitants 
of  that  Colony  having  been  prohibited  by  the  Convention 
from  all  intercourse  and  dealings  with  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  county  ;  and  this  Congress  being  informed  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  that  Colony,  that  the  freeholders 
of  the  said  county  did  afterwards,  without  any  opposition, 
elect  Deputies  to  represent  them  in  Provincial  Convention  ; 
but  as  the  proceedings  against  them  had  been  submitted  to 
the  consideration  of  Congress,  it  was  apprehended  Depu- 
ties would  not  be  received  until  the  sense  of  Congress 
thereupon  should  be  communicated  : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  said  Provincial 
Convention,  to  take  such  measures  respecting  the  admis- 
sion of  the  Deputies,  and  revoking  the  interdict  on  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  as  they  shall  judge  most 
expedient,  provided  that  the  said  Deputies  and  major  part 
of  the  inhabitants  of  said  county  shall  subscribe  the  asso- 
ciation entered  into  by  that  Colony. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the.  Secretaries  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
resolve  of  Continental  Congress  on  the  case  of  Richmond 
county,  to  the  Deputies  lately  elected  by  the  people  of 
that  county. 

Resolves  of  Continental  Congress  of  the  5th  inst.  relat- 
ing to  batteau  men,  and  the  regiment  for  the  service  of 
Canada,  enclosed  in  the  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony,  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  Feby.  5th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  8th 
of  last  month,  for  sending  sundry  shipwrights  from  the 
cities  of  New-York  and  Philadelphia,  to  build  batteaux  at 
Ticonderoga,  be  superseded,  and  that  Genl.  Schuyler  be 
desired  to  employ  any  such  artificers  as  he  shall  think  pro- 
per in  that  business. 

"  That  Genl.  Schuyler  be  desired  to  issue  warrants  for 
completing  the  regiment  directed  to  be  raised  in  New- 


York  for  the  service  of  Canada;  and  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  Convention  of  that  Colony,  to  appoint  such 
officers  thereof  as  General  Schuyler  hath  nominated. 

"  That  Genl.  Schuyler  be  desired  to  employ  such  bat- 
teau men  as  are  in  or  near  Albany,  instead  of  those  it  was 
recommended  to  the  Convention  of  New-York  to  procure. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  a  copy  thereof 
to  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lispenard  be  permitted  to  supply 
and  put  on  board  of  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon,  beer  for 
the  use  of  said  ship. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee  respecting  a  report  of  a 
fleet  at  the  Hook,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"February  Uth,  2  o'clock,  P.  M.  1776. 
"  Sir — I  would  humbly  propose  to  the  Congress  not  to 
lose  a  single  instant  in  despatching  a  whale  boat  to  the 
Hook,  to  reconnoitre  the  fleet  whether  they  are  friends  or 
enemies,  for  should  they  be  the  latter,  and  intend  a  visit  to 
this  place,  we  should  make  an  awkward  figure,  unless  we 
are  prepared  for  their  reception. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  CHAS.  LEE. 

"  To  the  President  of  Provincial  Congress 

of  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

A  copy  of  an  answer  which  had  been  immediately  re- 
turned to  the  general  by  the  President  and  Col.  McDou- 
gall,  informing  that  proper  care  has  already  been  taken  on 
that  subject,  was  read  and  approved  of  by  the  Congress. 


DIE  JOVIS,  a.  m. 

Feby.  15th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  T.  Smith,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison — Orange.  . 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wills — Tryon. 

Gen.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— 

For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 
Dr.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Col. 
Ten  Broek. — For  Dutches. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Dr.  Graham,  Stephen  Ward — West- 
chester. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  several  persons  in  Queens  county, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following: 

"  Sir — By  an  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  Col. 
Herd  has  apprehended  the  following  persons,  to  wit :  Jo- 
seph French,  Esqr.  Wm.  Weyman,  Danl.  Kissam,  Esqr. 
Saml.  Clowes,  Esqr.  John  Townsend,  John  Polhemus, 
John  Shoals,  Chas.  flicks,  Thos.  Smith,  Esqr.,  Capt.  Ben- 
jamin Whitehead,  Nathl.  Moore,  John  Willet,  Gabriel  G. 
Ludlow,  Geo.  Weeks,  Saml.  Hallet,  Gilbert  Van  Wyck, 
Saml.  Martin,  David  Brooks,  inhabitants  of  your  county 
who  are  now  in  our  custody  ;  they  were  considered  by  the 
Congress  as  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  America,  and  were 
ordered  to  be  continued  in  our  custody  until  an  inquiry 
should  be  made  by  this  Convention  into  their  conduct,  and 
a  report  thereof  made  to  the  Congress.  Wherefore  we 
desire  you  would  immediately  collect  what  evidence  you 
can  against  those  persons,  respecting  their  denying  or  re- 
fusing to  obey  the  directions  of  the  Continental  or  this 
Congress,  what  part  they  have  taken  in  procuring  powder 
from  the  Asia  man  of  war,  and  distributing  the  same, 
their  taking  up  arms  against  the  country,  or  any  other  act 
they  may  have  done  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  the  United 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


301 


Colonies,  and  transmit  the  same  to  us  in  writing,  together 
with  the  names  of  the  principal  witnesses  to  prove  the 
same  with  all  possible  speed." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  aforegoing  letter  be  engros- 
sed and  transmitted  to  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  Queens 
county,  as  are  most  likely  to  execute  the  service  required 
therein. 

Mr.  Moore  moved  in  the  words  following  to  wit : 
Mr.  President,  I  move  for  the  loan  of  £400  out  of  the 
Treasury  of  this  Congress  to  defray  accounts  charged 
against  the  committee  of  Tryon  county  for  expresses,  ser- 
vices of  minute  men  on  alarms,  and  other  necessary  ex- 
penses, the  sum  so  lent  to  be  secured  by  the  bond  of  Isaac 
Paris,  Esqr.  William  Wills,  and  myself,  to  Peter  V.  B. 
Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  and 
charged  to  the  account  of  Tryon  county.  Whereupon, 
it  was 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  1st,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress  pay  to  Messrs.  Isaac  Paris,  Wm.  Wills  and 
John  Moore,  the  sum  of  £400,  New-York  money,  and 
that  he  take  their  joint  and  several  obligations  for  the  same 
in  his  own  name,  payable  on  demand. 

Resolved,  2nd,  That  the  obligors  do,  with  all  convenient 
speed,  produce  to  this  Congress  an  account  of  the  moneys 
expended  by  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  with  the 
proper  vouchers,  and  that  they  shall  have  credit  on  the 
said  obligation  for  such  expenditures,  as  shall  hereafter  be 
adjudged  by  this  Congress  to  be  a  proper  charge  against 
this  Colony.    And  it  is  further 

Resolved,  That  the  said  obligors  apply  to  the  commis- 
sioners for  Indian  affairs,  for  the  payment  of  such  expendi- 
tures as  has  been  made  by  the  committee  in  their  depart- 
ment, and  pay  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress, 
in  discharge  of  the  said  obligation  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

Col.  Brasher  brought  into  Congress  a  request  from  Hugh 
and  Alexr.  Wallace,  Esqr.  requesting  a  permit  to  put  on 
board  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon,  H  pipe  of  wine  for  the 
use  of  His  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  a  permission  be  made  out  for  those  gen- 
tlemen, or  their  agent,  to  put  the  said  wine  on  board  for 
His  Excellency's  use,  and  that  one  of  the  Secretaries  do 
attest  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Palmer,  Esqr.  enclosing  an  agree- 
ment, and  the  names  of  a  number  of  men  who  have  agreed 
to  enlist,  under  Mr.  Wm.  Martin  as  their  captain,  in  the 
troops  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  as  also 
an  extract  of  the  proceedings  of  the  committee  of  New- 
Marlborough,  approving  of  and  recommending  the  said 
William  Martin  as  a  captain  in  the  said  troops  to  be  raised, 
was  Tead. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  with  the  papers  enclosed, 
be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consi- 
deration the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  rela- 
tive to  ihe  raising  the  troops  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony. 

A  letter  signed  by  Capt.  Samuel  Jones  and  several 
others,  dated  at  Goshen,  Feby.  9lh,  1776,  was  read,  and 
they  thereby  request  that  this  Congress  will  favour  the 
county  of  Orange  with  part  of  the  field  officers  for  the 
troops  intended  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  they  re- 
commended Mr.  Israel  Wells  as  one  of  the  majors. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  letter  be  referred  to  the 
committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  resolutions  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  raising  the  troops  for 
the  defence  of  this  Colony. 

Whereas  a  large  body  of  troops  are  daily  expected  from 
the  neighbouring  couties  and  Colonies,  for  the  defence  of 
this  city  against  the  ministerial  army  and  navy,  in  which 
case  it  will  be  necessary  (as  the  barracks  are  already  filled 
with  those  already  arrived.)  to  provide  proper  houses  for 
their  reception  :  It  is  therefore 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  for 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York  be  requested  forthwith  to 
cause  a  return  to  be  made  to  them  of  all  the  empty  houses  in 

76 


this  city,  and  that  they,  or  a  sub-committee  of  their  body, 
select  a  sufficient  number  of  the  said  houses  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  the  troops  that  shall,  from  time  to  time 
arrive.  That  in  the  choice  of  the  said  houses  such  be  ta- 
ken as  may  be  least  liable  to  be  injured  by  the  troops. 
That  the  said  committee,  or  their  sub-committee,  be  care- 
ful to  take  a  survey  of  the  condition  of  the  said  houses,  at 
the  time  they  shall  be  taken  possession  of,  and  at  the  time 
such  houses  shall  be  left  by  the  said  troops,  to  the  end  that 
proper  satisfaction  may  be  made  to  the  proprietors  for  any 
injury  the  said  houses  may  receive  by  reason  of  quarter- 
ing troops  therein.    And  it  is  further 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack  master,  for  the  time  being, 
be  subject  to  and  under  the  direction  of  the  said  committee, 
or  their  sub-committee,  and  that  the  chairman  of  the  said 
committee  be  requested  to  cause  the  said  general  commit- 
tee to  be  convened  immediately,  that  this  order  may  be  ex- 
ecuted. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  order 
be  sent  to  the  chairman  of  the  general  committee  of  the 
city  and  county  of  New- York. 

Whereas  a  number  of  the  troops  commanded  to  this 
city  by  Major-Genl.  Lee  are  arrived  from  Westchester 
county,  and  there  is  not  any  barrack  room,  or  proper  lodg- 
ment for  them,  wherein  to  put  them  under  cover  :  And 
whereas  others  of  the  said  troops  commanded  to  this  city 
from  Westchester  and  Dutches  counties  are  hourly  ex- 
pected, and  lodgings  must  also  be  provided  for  the  whole  of 
those  troops  :  And  whereas,  from  the  necessity  of  the 
case,  the  Congress  must  direct  those  troops  already  ar- 
rived, and  such  as  shall  arrive,  to  be  put  into  the  empty 
houses  in  this  city  :  Therefore 

Ordered,  That  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Mr.  Isaac 
Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Col.  McDougall,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  place  all  the  before  mentioned  troops  under  cover ; 
that  the  said  committee  or  any  one  or  more  of  them  be 
fully  authorized  to  open  and  enter  into  any  uninhabited 
houses  in  this  city,  which  they  shall  think  proper  for  that 
purpose  ;  that  they  or  either  of  them  be  empowered,  where 
necessary,  to  take  any  goods  or  effects  out  of  any  such 
house  or  houses,  as  they  may  think  proper,  to  have  used 
for  placing  soldiers,  and  have  the  same  safely  stored  ;  that 
the  said  committee  be  authorized  to  take  to  their  assistance 
any  freeholders  or  inhabitants  of  the  said  city,  they  shall 
think  proper,  and  that  the  barrack  master  of  the  "city  of 
New-York  for  time  being,  subject  to  the  directions  of  the 
committee  before  named,  be  and  hereby  is  authorized  to 
place  troops  in  all  such  houses  as  the  said  committee  or 
any  one  or  more  of  them  shall  direct. 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  Feb.  \bth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  T.  Smith, 
Col.  McDougall— Kew- York. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring.  Col.  Hay — Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Brock,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Col.  P.  R. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Oothoudt,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 
Mr.  Moore.  Mr.  Wills — Tryon. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart — 
Suffolk. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  P.  Ten  Brock,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  £ver- 
son,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Dewitt — Ulster. 

Dr.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward,  Col.  L.  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Curtenius  was  read  and  filed.  He 
therein  mentions  that  the  quarter-master  of  Col.  Drake's 
regiment  had  applied  to  him  for  provisions  ;  that  he  had 
none  in  store  ;  that  his  other  engagements  in  the  public 
business  will  not  admit  of  his  attending  to  that  matter,  and 
requesting  the  Congress  to  appoint  a  person  pro  tern,  until 
a  deputy  commissary  arrives  here.    Lieut.  Col.  Lewis 


302 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS: 


Graham,  of  Col.  Drake's  regiment,  now  in  Congress,  of- 
fered to  procure  provisions  for  the  said  regiment  until  the 
quarter-master  can  provide  for  them.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Col.  Lewis  Graham  be  enabled 
and  he  is  hereby  empowered  and  requested,  to  purchase 
provisions  for  Col.  Drake's  regiment  for  the  present ;  and 
to  direct  the  quarter-master  to  take  care  of  and  distribute 
the  same  agreeable  to  Continental  allowance,  and  that  he 
bring  in  an  account  for  the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  resolves  of 
Congress,  relating  to  the  ensuing  campaign,  delivered  in 
their  report,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  re- 
solves : 

"  1st.  That  for  the  more  expeditiously  completing  the  en- 
listment of  the  four  battalions,  to  be  raised  for  the  defence 
of  this  Colony,  it  is  necessary  that  a  proportionable  num- 
ber of  men  be  alloted  to  each  county. 

"  2d.  That  a  sufficient  number  of  officers  be  appointed  in 
each  county  to  command  the  men  to  be  raised  in  the  same. 

"  3d.  That  in  the  appointment  of  such  officers  those  who 
have  served  their  much  injured  country  in  the  last  cam- 
paign ought  to  have  the  preference. 

"  4th.  That  when  there  are  not  a  sufficient  number  of  old 
officers  who  choose  to  serve,  in  any  one  county,  the  defi- 
ciency ought  to  be  made  up  out  of  those  who  are  recom- 
mended by  the  respective  county  committees. 

"  5th.  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  several  county  com- 
mittees, enclosing  the  3d  and  4th  of  these  resolves,  together 
with  blank  warrants  for  the  officers  to  be  appointed  in  each 
respective  county. 

"  6th.  That  two  gentlemen  be  held  up  by  this  body,  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  to  fill  each  place,  as  field  officers  in 
the  four  battalions  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  ;  and  that 
such  field  officers  as  have  not  been  in  actual  service  be 
chosen  from  the  several  counties  where  the  men  are  raised, 
in  as  equal  proportions  as  may  be. 

"  7th.  That  the  colonel  of  each  regiment  appoint  the  ad- 
jutant and  quarter-master. 

"  8th.  That  the  chaplains,  surgeons  and  surgeons'  mates 
be  appointed  by  this  Congress. 

"  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted." 

The  said  report  being  read,  was  ordered  to  be  read  a 
second  time ;  and  being  again  read  paragraph  by  para- 
graph, the  Congress  agrees  with  their  committee  in  their 
said  report :  Mr.  Covenhoven  dissents. 

A  letter  from  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Claremont,  3d  Feby.  1776. 

"  Sir — I  had  the  honour  of  your  letter,  with  your  polite 
condolence  on  the  death  of  my  father,  and  am  extremely 
obliged  by  your  favourable  mention  of  him  ;  as  his  life  was 
a  continued  endeavour  to  deserve  the  good  opinion  of  his 
country,  so  the  most  grateful  offering  to  his  memory  is  the 
commendation  of  free  and  good  men. 

"  The  sentiments  you  are  pleased  to  express  of  me  re- 
quire my  most  grateful  acknowledgments,  and  will  I  hope 
animate  me  to  merit  your  approbation — a  reward  adequate 
to  the  worthiest  actions. 

"  My  brother  John  has  finished  the  powder-mill,  and  will 
be  obliged  to  you  for  procuring  him  the  necessary  materi- 
als to  render  it  as  useful  as  I  wish  it  to  be. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your's  and  the  committee's 
"  Most  obt.  servant, 

"ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON. 

"To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  ttie  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  draw 
an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  commissioners  at  the  fortifi- 
cations in  the  Highlands,  accordingly  reported  a  draft, 
which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  said  draft  be  post- 
poned till  lo-morrow  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time  Mr.  Thos. 
Grennel  be  requested  to  attend  this  Congress  to-morrow,  I 


to  give  information  relating  to  the  breadth  of  the  founda- 
tion of  the  parapet  of  the  battery  now  erecting,  and  such 
other  information  as  may  be  necessary. 

A  petition  of  nine  soldiers  of  Capt.  Johnson's  company, 
praying  that  their  under  clothes  might  not  be  deducted  out 
of  their  pay,  and  they  be  allowed  their  expenses  returning 
from  Albany,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  un- 
til Col.  McDougall  shall  receive  an  answer  to  a  letter  he 
has  wrote  to  Genl.  Schuyler  on  that  subject. 

Col.  McDougall,  from  the  committee  appointed  yester- 
day to  report  on  Major-Genl.  Lee's  letter  relating  to  the 
appointment  of  a  commissary  for  the  Continental  artillery 
stores,  and  the  appointment  of  a  company  of  artificers,  de- 
livered in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  The  eommitttee  appointed  to  consider  of,  and  report  on 
the  subjects  recommended  to  Congress  by  Genl.  Lee's  let- 
ter of  the  14th  inst.  do  report: 

"  That  a  commissary  is  necessary  to  take  the  charge  of 
the  Continental  stores  in  this  city  and  the  neighbourhood ; 
that  they  recommend  Mr.  Hugh  Hughes  for  that  office  ;  and 
that  a  letter  should  be  wrote  to  the  Continental  Congress 
informing  them  of  this  appointment,  and  requesting  them 
to  determine  what  pay  he  shall  have. 

"That  a  company  of  artificers  is  also  necessary  to  be  im- 
mediately embodied,  because  the  works  to  be  erected  will 
require  the  assistance  of  carpenters  and  blacksmiths  with- 
out delay,  and  unless  this  company  is  embodied,  the  Ge- 
neral will  be  obliged  to  employ  a  number  of  tradesmen  at 
daily  wages,  which  will  incur  a  greater  expense  to  the 
public  than  would  be  created  by  the  company  above  men- 
tioned. That  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  company  should 
consist  of  about  00  men,  officers  included  ;  that  one  cap- 
tain and  two  assistants  will  be  necessary  ;  that  the  cap- 
tain of  this  company  should  be  a  carpenter,  and  have  the 
pay  of  a  captain  of  a  marching  regiment ;  that  one  of  the 
assistants  should  be  a  blacksmith,  the  other  a  carpenter ; 
that  the  assistants  should  have  a  lieutenant's  pay  in  the 
marching  regiments;  that  they  are  informed  the  privates  of 
the  company  of  artificers  at  the  camp  near  Cambridge, 
have  10  dollars  per  month,  and  that  the  privates  of  this 
company  should  have  the  same  pay.  That  from  the  in- 
formation they  have  received  from  the  officers  of  the  train 
with  the  General,  the  captain  of  artificers  has  three  ra- 
tions, the  assistants  two,  and  the  privates  one.  That  they 
recommend  Mr.  Anthony  Post  as  a  fit  person  to  be  the 
captain  of  the  company  of  artificers.  All  which  is  hum- 
bly submitted  to  the  Congress." 

The  said  report  being  read  was  ordered  to  be  read  a  se- 
cond time,  and  being  read  again  paragraph  by  paragraph 
and  amended,  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that  David  Mathews, 
Esqr.  is  appointed  Mayor  of  this  city,  and  that  it  is  ne- 
cessary that  several  magistrates  be  present  before  the  Go- 
vernor to  see  him  qualified.  Thereupon  a  pass  was  given 
to  Mr.  Mathews  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Ordered,  That  David  Mathews,  Esqr.  one  of  the  ma- 
gistrates, as  also  all  the  other  magisttates  of  this  city  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  the  ship 
Dutchess  of  Gordon,  on  public  business  with  his  Excellen- 
cy Govr.  Tryon." 

A  petition  of  John  Willett  and  14  other  persons,  pray- 
ing to  be  relieved  from  their  present  confinement,  was 
read.  Debates  arose  thereon.  Thereupon  the  question 
was  put  whether  the  same  should  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion immediately,  and  carried  by  a  majority,  but  being 
late,  the  same  is  deferred  'till  to-morrow. 

DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  16th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prof. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


303 


Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  CapL 
Ruigers — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Cooper,  Col.  Hay — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Oulhout,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer.  Mr. 
Gmnsevort,  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston— Albany. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'Hommedieu— 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr,  Dewit,  Mr.  Lefever—  Ulster. 
Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Major  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Brock,  Mr.  Everson,  Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
Col.  M.  Graham— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Ward—  Westchester. 
Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  he  under- 
stood that  the  floors  were  laid  in  the  hospital  lately  erect- 
ed in  this  city — that  the  troops  already  arrived  and  those 
expected  to  arrive,  would  stand  in  need  of  quarters.  There- 
upon 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Swartwout  be  authorized  to  de- 
mand the  keys  of  the  hospital  lately  erected  in  this  city 
and  open  the  same — that  he  examine  the  rooms  and  apart- 
ments, and  if  he  thinks  them  proper  for  quartering  troops 
in,  that  he  be  authorized  to  make  use  of  the  same  for  his 
regiment  of  minute  men. 

A  letter  from  Andries  Onderdonck,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Haverstraw  precinct,  dated  30th  Jany.  1776, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  ) 
"  Haverstraw  Precinct,  January  30th,  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — Enclosed  is  a  list  of  the  names  of  the 
field  officers  nominated  for  the  battalion  in  this  precinct, 
and  the  return  of  the  captains  and  officers  chosen  by  the 
respective  companies,  except  one  lieutenant  and  the  offi- 
cers of  one  company,  which  is  not  yet  settled,  the  late 
captain  being  advanced.  You  will  be  pleased  to  send 
blank  commissions  for  those  that  may  be  chosen. 

"  It  is  now  a  long  time  since  the  nomination  and  choice, 
and  have  long  expected  the  commissions  by  return  of  Tho- 
mas Outwater,  chairman  of  the  joint  committees  of  this 
precinct  and  Orange  Town,  and  have  not  known,  many 
days,  that  no  returns  had  been  made  on  our  account. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  ANDRIES  ONDERDONCK, 

Dy.  Chairman. 

"  To  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

A  list  of  the  field  and  other  officers  of  the  militia  in 
Haverstraw  precinct  was  also  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out  for  the  field 
and  other  officers  of  the  militia  in  the  precinct  of  Haver- 
straw. 

Mr.  Rapalye,  clerk  to  Henry  White,  Esqr.  delivered 
in  an  account  of  fresh  provisions  supplied  to  His  Majes- 
ty's ships  for  some  time  past,  and  requested  a  permission 
to  supply  His  Majesty's  ships  as  usual.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Henry  White,  Esqr.  by  his  agent,  be 
permitted  to  supply  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia  with  1,200 
wt.  and  the  Phoenix  with  700  weight  of  fresh  provisions, 
and  vegetables  equivalent. 

It  being  represented  to  Congress  that  the  troops  daily 
arriving  in  this  city  are  without  any  person  appointed  as  a 
commissary  to  provide  them  with  provisions,  and  Mr. 
Curtenius  by  a  letter  yesterday,  has  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  his  other  employments  for  the  public  will  not 
admit  of  his  undertaking  that  business,  and  Mr.  Abraham 
Livingston  being  recommended  as  a  proper  person  for  that 
purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abm.  Livingston  be  and  he  is  here- 
by appointed  commissary  to  supply  the  troops  from  West- 
chester and  Dutchess  counties  now  arrived  and  daily  co- 
ming into  this  city,  until  further  order,  or  the  arrival  of  a 
deputy  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  Deputy  Commissa- 
ry-General. 


Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Van  Zandt,  Roosevelt  and  Ha- 
ring,  be  a  committee  to  settle  with  John  Holt,  for  his  ser- 
vices in  printing,  and  to  ascertain  the  sum  due  to  him. 

A  petition  of  Henry  Remsen,  John  Broome,  and  13 
other  persons,  was  read  ;  they  thereby  set  forth  the  great 
loss  one  or  more  members  of  a  committee  [sustained]  in  the 
year  177  ,  for  preserving  the  then  non-importation  agree- 
ment, and  pray  relief.  The  accounts  of  the  costs  and  dama- 
ges suffered,  and  the  state  and  pleadings  of  the  court,  both 
in  a  court  of  law  and  before  the  Governor  and  Assembly  of 
Rhode  Island,  were  also  delivered  in. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith  and  Mr. 
L'hommedieu,  be  a  committee  to  take  and  examine  the 
said  petition  and  papers,  with  power  to  send  for  persons 
and  papers,  and  to  report  thereon  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  at  the  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Povincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feb.  16th,  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  1 2th 
inst.  we  are  to  inform  you  that  we  cannot  allow  the  minute 
men  extra  wages  while  on  working  parties,  as  the  example 
would  greatly  impede  the  public  service.  There  are  many 
minute  regiments  now  in  this  city,  who  are  employed  in 
working  parties,  without  any  expectation  of  wages  other 
than  the  Continental  pay,  for  should  we  admit  extra  wages 
in  one  instance  it  would  be  expected  in  every  case. 

"  As  to  the  breast  work  of  the  battery,  it  is  agreeable  to 
us  you  make  the  same  as  you  propose,  concluding  it  will 
answer  the  purpose,  and  be  attended  with  much  less  ex- 
pense than  the  former  method  we  recommended. 

"  We  are,  gentm.  your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Messrs.  Bedlow  and  Lawrence, 
Commissioners  at  the  fortifications  in 
the  Highlands." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  petition  of  Elizabeth  Atherton  was  read  ;  she  thereby 
prays  for  the  discharge  of  her  husband,  John  Atherton,  the 
pilot. 

Ordered,  That  the  facts  on  which  the  said  John  Ather- 
ton stands  committed,  as  far  forth  as  they  appear  on  the 
minutes  of  the  Committee  of  Safely,  be,  with  the  petition, 
handed  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  that 
they  may  try  and  determine  on  the  case  of  said  Atherton. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York 
be  requested  to  meet  every  other  day  for  the  despatch  of 
business,  and  to  attend  with  vigilance  to  the  public  busi- 
ness. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Wickham, 
Col.  Hay,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  P.  Ten  Broek,  Mr.  Rhea, 
Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  and  Doctor  Wil- 
liams, be  a  committee  to  settle  the  quota,  or  number  of 
men  and  officers,  under  the  rank  of  field  officers,  to  be 
raised  in  the  different  counties  in  this  Colony,  to  constitute 
the  four  regiments  ordered  to  be  raised  therein  for  the  Con- 
tinental service  and  defence  of  this  Colony,  and  that  the 
said  committee  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Haring,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Marble 
Town,  and  the  application  of  the  company  of  militia  there, 
delivered  in  their  report  and  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  com- 
mittee, which  were  respectively  read  and  approved  of,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Your  committee  report :  That  it  is  their  opinion  that 
the  committee  of  the  township  of  Marble  Town,  in  Ulster 
county,  have  put  a  wrong  construction  upon  the  resolution  of 
Congress  alluded  to  in  their  letter,  and  that  in  consequence 
thereof  they  have  erred  in  refusing  the  company  of  the 
southwest  district  of  said  town  an  opportunity  of  filling  up, 
by  an  election,  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  promotion 


304 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


of  their  late  captain.  That  all  the  commmittee  of  said 
township  can  properly  do  towards  the  promotion  of  the 
subaltern  officers  of  said  company,  is  to  advise  the  com- 
pany to  do  it  by  an  election  ;  but  in  case  the  company  elect 
any  other  person,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  committee  to  return 
his  name  in  order  to  his  being  commissioned,  provided  he 
shall  have  signed  the  association,  and  belong  to  the  beat  or 
district  of  said  company. 

"  Your  committee  further  report :  That  they  conceive  it 
necessary  that  an  answer  be  immediately  given  to  the  com- 
mittee of  said  township  upon  their  letter,  and  for  that  pur- 
pose propose  the  following  letter : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  Feb.  \6th,  1776.  J 

"  Gentlemen — Yours  of  the  29ih  ulto.  is  come  to  hand  ; 
in  answer  to  the  request  therein  made,  we  inform  you,  that 
the  words  of  the  resolution  you  allude  to  will  not  admit  of 
the  construction  you  are  inclined  to  put  thereon.  You  are, 
with  all  convenient  speed,  to  call  the  company  of  the  south- 
west district  of  your  township  together,  and  give  them  an 
opportunity  to  choose  a  new  captain  ;  at  the  same  time  you 
are  not  only  at  liberty,  but  we  think  it  your  duty,  to  ad- 
vise the  company,  in  a  friendly  manner,  to  promote  the 
subaltern  officers,  or  such  of  them  as  you  shall  think  to 
merit  it ;  but  if  they  will  not  be  advised,  you  are  to  suf- 
fer them  to  elect  any  other ;  but  you  are  not  to  return  the 
name  of  any  one  to  be  commissioned  for  that  company,  un- 
less he  belongs  to  the  beat  or  district  of  said  company,  and 
has  signed  the  association. 

"  All  which  is  humbly  submitted." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  president,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Lee,  bearing  date  this  day,  on  the 
subject  of  shutting  up  the  port,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  February  16</i,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  have  received  intelligence  that  Mr.  Tryon  has 
been  guilty  of  most  grossly  abusing  the  indulgence  shown 
to  him  ;  that  he  has  enveigled  some  of  the  gunsmiths  on 
board  his  ship,  and  that  he  is  endeavouring  to  seduce  as 
many  as  he  can,  with  a  view  undoubtedly  of  distressing  us 
in  the  article  of  arms.  I  could  wish,  as  it  has  been  thought 
proper  to  furnish  this  gentlemen  with  provisions  and  other 
necessaries  oflife,  that  he  should  be  obliged  to  give  some 
security  that  he  will  not  intrigue,  cabal,  machinate  mis- 
chief of  any  kind,  to  the  Continent  or  Province.  This  bu- 
siness of  the  gunsmiths  is  the  reason  that  I  have,  pro  tem- 
pore, interdicted  all  communication  wilh  the  Governor's 
ship,  a  measure  which  I  hope  will  be  approved  by  the 
Congress. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servt. 

"CHARLES  LEE." 

Col.  Livingston  informed  the  Congress  that  the  present 
militia  laws  of  this  Congress  are  materially  defective,  par- 
ticularly that  the  officers  are  not  enabled  to  fine  their  men 
for  disobedience  or  non-appearance  if  they  are  summoned 
as  a  regiment  more  than  twice  a  year. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Livingston  and 
Col.  Morris  Graham,  be  a  committee  to  revise  the  militia 
laws,  and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Abm.  Lolt,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  this  Co- 
lony, send  to  this  Congress  a  particular  account  of  the  pro- 
visions he  has  supplied  to  the  ship  Asia,  and  other  of  His 
Majesty's  ships  in  this  port  since  the  order  for  that  purpose 
first  made  by  the  late  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

Mr.  Haring  obtained  leave  of  absence,  the  county  of 
Orange  now  having  three  other  Deputies  attending  this 
Congress. 

Dr.  Wm.  Dusenberry  delivered  in  a  petition  requesting 
to  be  appointed  surgeon  to  a  regiment. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  1 6th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prcst. 


Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt— For 

New-York. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van 
Rensselaer,  Col.  Nicoll,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck — For  Albany. 

Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham— 

For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ever- 
son,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Lefever— For  Ulster. 
Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham—  Westchesten. 
Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Col.  Gilbt. 
Drake,  be  added  to  the  committee  appointed  this  morning 
to  revise  the  militia  laws,  and  report  thereon,  and  that  Mr. 
Ward  supply  the  place  of  Mr.  Drake  in  the  committee  to 
proportion  the  officers  and  men  to  be  raised  in  each  county. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Saml.  Drake,  of  the  Westchester  re- 
giment of  minute  men  on  service  in  the  city  of  New-York, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  Feby.  16th  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  been  informed  that  Col.  Waterbury  has 
in  charge  a  number  of  guns  taken  from  the  tories  in 
Westchester  county,  and  as  many  of  the  men  in  my  re- 
giment from  the  suddenness  of  the  call,  and  their  poverty, 
are  destitute  of  arms,  I  beg  you  will  be  pleased  to  give 
orders  that  my  men  be  supplied  with  such  of  those  arms 
as  are  fit  for  service. 

"  From  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  SAML.  DRAKE. 

"  Col.  of  the  minute  regiment  in  Westchester  county. 
"  To  Col.  Nl.  Woodhull, 

"  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Graham  and  Mr.  Ward  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  how  many  arms  Col.  Waterbury  has  ta- 
ken, where  and  by  whose  orders,  to  whom  each  particular 
firelock  belongs,  and  where  they  now  are,  and  to  report 
thereon  to  this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  chairman  of  a  committee  in 

Westchester  county,  relating  to  Capt.  James  Varian  of  one 
of  the  companies  of  minute  men  in  Col.  Drake's  regi- 
ment, was  read.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  James  Varian  with  the  men  un- 
der his  command  continue  on  duty,  receive  continental 
pay  equal  wilh  the  other  officers  and  men  in  the  regiment 
to  which  he  belongs,  until  the  dispute  of  his  election  be 
settled  or  the  farther  order  of  this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  French,  Esq.  was  read,  he  avers 
that  he  can  say  with  a  clear  conscience  that  he  has  not 
transgressed  against  the  association  since  he  signed  it,  and 
prays  to  be  released  from  confinement.  Thereupon 

"  Ordered,  That  Joseph  French,  Esqr.  be  permitted  to 
come  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  now  setting  in  the  As- 
sembly Chamber  in  the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
and  without  any  guard. 

"  To  the  officer  of  the  guard  having  the  care  of  sundry 
inhabitants  of  Queens  county,  sent  here  prisoners 
under  the  care  of  Col.  Herd." 

Joseph  French,  Esqr.  came  into  Congress,  there  volun- 
tary gave  his  promise  to  attend  on  the  Provincial  Congress, 
or  Committee  of  Safety  when  thereunto  requested,  and  he 
signed  an  engagement  to  that  purpose,  which  is  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  Feb.  16M,  1775.  J 
"  I,  Joseph  French,  Esqr.  of  Queens  county,  in  custody 
of  this  Congress  by  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  dc 
give  my  word  of  honour,  that  I  will  appear  before  the 
Provincial  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony,  when  I  shall  be  thereunto  summoned. 

"JOSEPH  FRENCH." 
Joseph  French,  Esqr.  having  given  this  Congress  satis 
factory  assurance,  that  he  will  appear  before  this  Congres: 
or  the  Committee  of  Safety  when  thereunto  required, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


305 


Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  go  at  large. 
Thereupon  a  passport  was  given  to  Mr.  French,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Joseph  French,  Esqr.  having  given  this  Congress  sa- 
tisfactory assurance  that  he  will  appear  before  this  Con- 
gress or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  when  thereunto  required. 
Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  go  at  large. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
John  Willett  and  others,  inhabitants  of  Queens  county, 
now  under  guard  in  this  city.    Thereupon  on  motion  made, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Willett,  Benjn.  Whitehead, 
Thos.  Smith,  Wm.  Weyman,  Nathl.  Moore,  Danl.  Kis- 
sam,  John  Shoals,  Saml.  Hallett,  Gil.  Van  Wyck,  John 
Townsend,  John  Polhemus,  Chas.  Hicks,  Saml.  Martin 
and  David  Brooks,  be  released  from  their  confinement 
upon  their  giving  sufficient  security  for  their  appearance 
when  required,  before  this  or  any  future  Congress,  or  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  and  also  that  they  will  in  the 
mean  time  deport  themselves  peaceably,  and  make  no  op- 
position to  the  measures  of  this  or  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, nor  instigate  others  thereunto,  and  on  their  pay- 
ing all  expenses  occasioned  by  their  confinement. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  an  obligation  to  be  given  with  se- 
curity by  the  said  John  Willett,  and  the  other  prisoners 
above  mentioned,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  of 
Queens  county  on  Nassau  island,  in  the  Province  of  New- 
York,  and  of  are  held  and  firmly  bound 
unto  in  the  sum  of  £500,  lawful  money  of  New- 
York,  for  the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our 
heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally, 
firmly  by  these  presents.  Sealed  with  our  seals.  Dated 
this       day  of          in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1776. 

"  The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such  that  if  the  above 
bounden  shall  well  and  truly  appear  before  this 

present,  or  any  future  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee 
of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  within  six  days  after  he  shall 
have  been  summoned,  or  within  six  days  after  a  notifica- 
tion for  that  purpose  shall  have  been  left  at  his  last  place  of 
abode,  and  then  and  there  abide  by  and  observe  all  such 
orders  and  directions  as  shall  be  then  and  there  enjoined 
him  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  if  he  shall  behave  himself  pea- 
ceably and  make  no  opposition  to  the  measures  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  of  the  United  Colonies,  or  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony  of  New- York,  nor  insti- 
gate others  so  to  do,  then  this  obligation  to  be  void,  but  on 
failure  of  any  or  either  of  the  above  conditions,  to  be  and 
remain  in  full  force. 

"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  ) 
the  presence  of."  S 

Ordered,  That  the  said  draft  be  delivered  to  the  said 
John  Willett  and  others,  that  they  be  informed  they  may 
prepare  copies  thereof,  and  that  when  they  have  given 
such  bonds  respectively  with  security,  they  will  be  permit- 
ted to  go  at  large. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  be  authorized  to 
go  down  to  the  said  John  Willett,  and  the  other  persons 
under  guard  with  him,  and  receive  from  them  their  re- 
spective bonds  duly  executed,  with  sufficient  securities, 
and  that  on  their  delivering  such  bonds  with  sufficient  se- 
curities, and  discharging  the  pay  and  expenses  of  the 
guard,  the  said  Secretary  do  give  them  certificates  of  their 
being  permitted  to  go  at  large,  and  that  they  be  thereupon 
permitted  to  go  at  large. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  nth,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van 
ZnnAt— New-York. 

77 


Mr.  Moore— Try  on. 
Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Genl.  Tea  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nicoll,  Col. 
P.  R.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Rhea—  Ulster. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham — 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Ward,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck— Dutches. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Cooper — Orange- 
Mr.  Ward,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  of 
Col.  Walerberry  respecting  the  arms  he  has  seized,  re- 
ported that  Col.  Waterberry  informed  them  that  he  dis- 
armed several  persons  in  Westchester  county,  who  are 
inimical  to  the  measures  pursued  by  the  Colonies  ;  that  he 
disarmed  those  persons  by  order  of  Major-Genl.  Lee. 
The  said  committee  delivered  in  an  account  of  the  said 
arms,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"A  inventory  of  guns  and  other  warlike  implements 
taken  from  the  tories  in  Westchester:  30  guns;  2  pr. 
holsters  ;  9  cutlasses  ;  3  pistols." 

Mr.  Ward  farther  informed  that  they  had  not  learned 
from  what  particular  persons  by  name  any  of  the  said  arms 
were  seized  or  taken,  and  that  Colonel  Waterberry  is  ready 
to  deliver  them  as  he  shall  be  directed,  on  getting  a  receipt 
for  them. 

Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Beekman  reported  that  they,  ac- 
cording to  order,  had  waited  on  Major-Genl.  Lee,  to  know 
the  source  of  his  information,  that  Govr.  Tryon  was  pro- 
curing gunsmiths  from  this  city,  on  board  of  his  ship  ;  that 
Genl.  Lee,  having  given  them  the  particulars  of  his  infor- 
mation, they  had  pursued  the  inquiry  to  every  person  of 
whom  any  information  could  reasonably  be  expected,  and 
found  that  it  arose  from  the  circumstance  of  two  journey- 
men gunsmiths  having  some  time  ago  left  the  city,  the 
one  in  the  last  packet  for  England,  and  the  other  now  said 
to  be  in  some  part  of  the  Jersey. 

Col.  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  revise 
the  militia  laws  of  this  Congress,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Your  committee  having  taken  under  their  consideration 
the  rules  and  orders  for  regulating  the  militia  of  this  Colo- 
ny, published  by  this  Congress  the  22nd  Augt.  1775,  and 
the  appendix  thereto  published  the  20th  Deer.  1775,  beg 
leave  to  report : 

"  That  the  following  clause  be  added  under  the  third  re- 
solve, vizt :  after  the  word  '  officers' — '  but  in  case  any 
company  when  met  should  refuse  to  elect  officers  agreeable 
to  the  above  resolution,  that  then  and  in  that  case  the  field 
officers  of  the  regiment  or  regiments  in  that  district  or 
precinct,  together  with  the  committee  of  said  district  or 
precinct,  are  hereby  directed  to  recommend  such  persons 
for  officers  for  such  companies  so  refusing  to  elect,  as  they 
or  the  majority  of  them,  shall  think  capable.' 

"  That  the  words  or  recommended  be  added  in  the 
above  resolve,  after  the  word  '  chosen.' 

"  That  the  second  clause  of  the  appendix  be  added  to 
the  sixth  resolve  of  the  rules  and  orders. 

"That  after  the  VI.  clause  in  the  rules  and  orders,  the 

VII.  of  the  appendix  be  added  at  the  word  '  and.' 

"  That  after  the  VII.  clause  in  the  rules  and  orders,  the 
V.  in  the  appendix  be  added. 

"  That  after  the  IX.  clause  in  the  rules  and  orders,  the 

VIII.  in  the  appendix  be  added. 

"  That  the  following  be  added  to  the  X.  in  the  rules  and 
orders  after  the  words  forfeit  the  sum  of  4.0s. 

"  To  be  levied  on  the  goods  and  chattels  of  the  offender 
by  warrant  from  the  captain  directed  to  a  sergeant  of  his 
company,  and  for  want  of  the  goods  and  chattels,  to  take 
the  body  of  the  offender,  and  him  keep  in  safe  custody  un- 
til such  fine,  together  with  the  charges,  be  paid,  (or  for  the 
space  of  one  calendar  month.) 


306 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


"  That  the  IX.  clause  of  the  appendix  be  incorporated 
into  the  XII.  of  the  rules  and  orders. 

"  That  the  additional  clause  at  No.  8  in  the  rules  and 
orders  be  left  out,  and  the  following  substituted  in  the  room 
of  it,  vizt : 

"  The  moneys  arising  by  the  fines  in  any  company,  to 
be  applied  by  the  captains  (who  are  to  keep  regular  ac- 
counts of  the  same,  and  annually  to  render  said  accounts 
signed  by  them  unto  their  commanding  officer,  after  paying 
for  drum,  colours  and  fife,)  towards  purchasing  arms,  am- 
munition and  accoutrements  for  such  persons  in  such  com- 
pany as  are  unable  to  furnish  themselves.  And  the  moneys 
arising  by  the  fines  of  the  field  officers,  to  be  equally  di- 
vided between  the  several  companies  for  the  above  men- 
tioned use. 

"  In  addition  to  the  exceptions  in  the  XIII.  clause  of  the 
rules  and  orders,  vizt : 

"  All  commissioned  officers  that  have  served  in  the 
Continental  service,  members  of  the  General  Assembly,  a 
founder  and  three  hands  to  each  furnace,  and  two  men  to 
each  forge,  and  the  people  called  Quakers,  upon  their 
producing  a  certificate  from  the  meeting. 

"  That  the  X.  clause  of  the  appendix  be  incorporated 
into  the  XIV.  of  the  rules  and  orders. 

"  That  the  XXI.  clause  of  the  rules  and  orders  at  the 
word  '  against,'  the  words  disaffected  persons  be  put  in. 

"  That  in  the  XI.  clause  of  the  appendix,  after  the  word 
'  officer,'  the  words  '  of  minute  men  or  militia'  be  added. 

"  That  the  following  new  clauses  be  added,  to  wit : 

"  That  the  committee  in  every  district  or  precinct,  are 
hereby  empowered  to  call  into  their  aid  when  they  shall 
think  it  necessary,  any  company  or  companies  of  minute 
men,  or  militia,  in  their  respective  districts  or  precints, 
who  shall  obey  the  order  of  their  chairman,  as  fully  and 
as  effectually,  as  if  the  same  came  from  their  commanding 
officer,  subject  to  such  penalties  for  neglect  or  refusal  of 
obeying  their  orders,  as  are  provided  for  refusal  and  neglect 
of  obeying  the  orders  of  such  commanding  officer. 

"  That  the  field  officers  and  committees  in  each  district 
and  precinct,  have  power  and  are  hereby  requested  to  call 
out  the  regiment  or  regiments  in  such  district  or  precinct 
as  often  as  they  shall  see  fit  for  the  good  of  the  service  ; 
and  all  persons  refusing  to  attend,  being  duly  warned,  or 
attending,  shall  refuse  to  obey  the  orders  of  the  command- 
ing officer  and  chairman,  shall  for  each  offence  forfeit  the 
sum  of  20.5.  to  be  levied  and  received  as  is  directed  in  the 
X.  clause  of  the  rules  and  orders. 

"  That  then  the  IV.  clause  of  the  appendix  be  added. 

"  All  of  which  is  humbly  submitted  to  the  consideration 
of  the  board  by  your  committee." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  taken  into  considera- 
tion on  Tuesday  next,  and  in  the  mean  time  that  the  same 
lay  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 

Col.  Lasher  being  sent  for,  attended.  He  was  requested 
to  make  out  an  account  of  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the 
several  guards  who  have  been  on  duty,  guarding  the  pri- 
soners from  Queens  county,  and  was  requested  to  attend 
and  receive  the  money  from  the  prisoners  before  they  are 
discharged. 

The  Congress  finding  their  more  urgent  business  fre- 
quently interrupted,  and  their  time  consumed  in  applica- 
tions of  a  military  nature,  which  might  more  easily  be 
despatched  by  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  and  at  the 
same  time  less  impede  other  public  business  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Roosevelt, 
Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  committee  of  war,  to  whom 
the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Continental  troops  in  this 
city  may  apply  for  such  advice,  direction  or  asssitance  as 
he  may  from  time  to  time  have  occasion  for  from  this  Con- 
gress ;  and  that  they,  with  all  convenient  speed,  take  ef- 
fectual measures,  in  concert  with  Major-Genl.  Lee,  to  pre- 
vent persons,  having  the  permission  of  this  Congress  or 
the  Committee  of  Safety  to  go  on  board  any  ship  in  this 
harbour,  from  being  obstructed  by  the  port  guard. 


Ordered,  That  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Gan- 
sevoort  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  a  committee  to  pre- 
pare a  draft  of  instructions  for  the  said  committee  of  war, 
and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Messrs.  William  Wilcox,  Nichs.  Fish,  Capt.  Jno.  Roose- 
velt and  Lieut.  Dixon,  of  the  first  battalion,  waited  on  Con- 
gress, as  by  authority  from  the  said  battalion,  to  offer  to  the 
Congress  their  service,  to  be  taken  into  pay  as  minute  men 
in  this  city  ;  those  gentlemen  asked  sundry  questions  of  the 
Congress,  to  all  which  they  received  answers  and  withdrew. 

Congress  was  informed,  by  a  member,  that  Micajah  Ful- 
ler, first  lieut.  and  Deliverance  Brown,  third  lieut.  in  Capt. 
Steenrod's  company,  in  Col.  Drake's  regiment,  have  had 
the  misfortune  to  lose  their  commissions,  and  request  the 
favour  of  new  commissions. 

Ordered,  That  new  commissions  be  made  for  those  gen- 
glemen. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  received  from  Col. 
Herd  yesterday  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  Feb.  nth,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — The  Congress  hereby  acknowledges  the  receipt 
of  your  letter  of  the  1 6th  inst.  and  in  answer  thereto,  informs 
you  that  as  the  danger  which  was  suspected  of  depreda- 
tions being  made  on  Staten  island  is  now  removed,  they 
sincerely  thank  you  for  the  services  you  have,  with  so  much 
alacrity,  devoted  to  your  country,  and  therefore  dismiss  you 
from  that  duty. 

"  Please  to  send  us,  by  the  first  convenient  opportunity, 
such  information  as  you  have  had,  respecting  any  person 
or  persons  who  have  supplied  the  barges  with  live  stock, 
and  of  the  threats  you  intimate  as  thrown  out  by  others. 
"  We  are  most  respectfully,  &c. 

"To  Col.  Herd." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Capt.  Barron,  of  Col. 
Herd's  regiment. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hobart, 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  appointed  yesterday  to 
settle  the  quota  of  men  and  officers  to  be  raised  in  the  re- 
spective counties  of  this  Colony  to  complete  the  four  bat- 
talions to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  be  dissolved,  and  a  new 
committee  for  that  purpose  appointed.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Wickhara, 
Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Rhea,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr. 
Moore,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Dr.  Williams  and  Mr.  Van  Der- 
bilt,  be  a  committee  to  settle  and  report  the  quota  or  num- 
ber of  men  and  officers,  under  the  rank  of  field  officers,  to 
be  raised  in  the  different  counties  in  this  Colony,  to  consti- 
tute the  four  regiments  ordered  to  be  raised  therein  for  the 
Continental  service  and  defence  of  this  Colony,  and  thai 
they  report  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  return  from  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com 
mittee  of  Orange  county,  bearing  date  at  Oxford  on  th( 
15th  inst.  returning  the  names  of  proper  persons  for  offi 
cers  in  that  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  word 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  County  Committee,  Oxford,  Feb.  15th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — When  this  committee  made  report  t 
your  Honble.  Board  of  the  number  of  men  they  conceive 
this  county  would  be  able  to  raise  for  the  defence  of  th 
Colony,  agreeable  to  the  resolves  of  the  Honble.  Continer 
tal  Congress  for  that  purpose  provided,  it  was  a  receive 
opinion  amongst  them  that  the  men  were  to  be  enlisted  f( 
not  more  than  one  year  certain,  and  a  Continental  memb< 
then  present  forwarded  the  opinion  ;  but  Mr.  Seth  Marvi 
whom  they  nominated  and  returned  for  captain  of  one 
the  companies,  informs  that  there  was  no  certain  period 
enlistment,  but  that  they  were  to  continue  in  the  servitj 
during  the  pleasure  of  Congress,  and  therefore  decline 
taking  his  permit  until  he  had  taken  the  farther  advice 
this  committee.    The  committee  would  therefore  beg  lea 
to  inform  your  Honble.  Board  that  they  think  it  very  uf 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


307 


likely  that  they  will  be  able  to  raise  the  number  of  men 
they  proposed,  upon  such  principles  ;  and  if  they  can,  they 
are  very  sure  that  none  but  the  lower  class  of  mankind  will 
enlist,  and  these  they  conceive  not  to  be  the  men  to  be  de- 
pended on  ;  whereas,  on  the  other  hand,  if  men  were  to  be 
enlisted  for  one  year  only,  they  are  very  certain  that  there 
would  be  many  volunteers  out  of  good  families,  men  that 
might  be  depended  on,  and  that  would  fight  upon  princi- 
ple, if  they  were  brought  to  a  trial. 

"  The  committee  also  conceive  that  a  certain  period  is 
necessary  to  enlist  men  upon,  and  if  it  was  two  or  three 
years  that  it  would  be  better  than  during  the  pleasure  of 
Congress  ;  they  would  be  glad  therefore  some  certain  time 
might  be  fixed  on  ;  but  if  that  can  not  be  done,  the  officers 
are  willing  now  to  take  the  permits  and  make  trial,  but 
fear  the  consequence. 

"  Mr.  Nathan  Strong,  one  of  the  officers  nominated  un- 
der Mr.  Seth  Marvin,  will  receive  the  permits  for  that 
company. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servant, 

"  ELIHU  MARVIN,  Chairman. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 
"To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr,  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  appoint- 
ed to  settle  the  quota  of  men  and  officers  to  be  raised  in 
the  different  counties  in  this  Colony. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  18th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall— For  New-York. 
Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Yates— For  Al- 
bany. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Capt.  Wickham  — 
Suffolk. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Lefever—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Dr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Col.  Hay,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  apportion 
the  different  quotas  of  men  and  officers,  under  the  rank  of 
field  officers,  to  be  raised  in  the  different  counties  of  this 
Colony  to  form  the  four  regiments  ordered  to  be  raised  in 
this  Colony,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and 
the  same  being  read  a  second  time,  and  filed,  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit: 

"  Your  committee  appointed  to  levy  the  quotas  of  men  to 
be  raised  in  the  different  counties  of  this  Colony  for  the 
service  of  the  United  Colonies,  report  that  it  is  their  opi- 
nion that  the  number  of  men  that  can  be  raised  in  each 
county  is  as  follows  : 

New-York,. .  .  8  companies.    Queens,   1  company. 

Albany,  5  do  Kings  and  Richmond,  1  do 

Tryon,  2  do  Orange,   2  do 

Charlotte,  ...  1  do  Ulster,   3  do 

Dutchess,  4  do  — 

Westchester,  .  2  do  32  companies. 

Suffolk,   3  do 

"  All  of  which  is  humbly  submitted  bv  your  committee. 

"  A.  HAWKES  HAY,  Chairman:' 
The  Congress  agreed  with  their  committee  in  their  said 
report. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Genl.  Lee 
has  information  that  the  regiment  from  Philadelphia  was 
to  march  on  Friday  last ;  that  they  may  be  expected  this 
evening  or  to-morrow  ;  that  they  will  be  posted  on  Nassau 
island  from  the  Walleboght  to  Gewanus;  that  quarters  must 
be  immediately  provided  for  them  in  that  part  of  Nassau 


island,  and  a  commissary  provided  to  furnish  them  with 
provisions,  if  they  are  not  already  provided  with  a  com- 
missary, and  a  military  chest.  The  Congress  are  there- 
fore of  opinion  that  the  Deputies  of  Kings  county  ought 
immediately  attend  the  Congress  and  fix  on  proper  persons 
well  acquainted  with  the  inhabitants  where  the  troops  are 
to  be  posted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Deputies  of  Kings  county  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  IHth  Feb.  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — A  matter  is  now  under  the  considera- 
tion of  the  Congress  of  the  utmost  importance  to  your 
county  in  particular,  as  well  as  to  the  Colony  in  general  ; 
you  are  therefore  earnestly  requested  to  attend  the  Con- 
gress immediately,  as  the  business  will  admit  of  no  delay. 
If  any  inconvenience  should  happen  to  your  constituents 
by  your  neglect,  they  will  know  to  whose  account  to  charge 
it.    We  expect  your  attendance  at  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 
"  By  order  of  Congress." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  to  Col.  McDougall, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New  Ark,  16th  February,  1776. 
"  Dear  Sir — I  did  not  receive  your  favour  of  the  9th 
inst.  until  yesterday.  I  have  applied  to  Mr.  Ogden,  one 
of  the  owners  of  the  furnace  in  this  town  ;  he  tells  me  if 
he  can  be  supplied  with  coal  from  the  ship  at  Elizabeth 
Town,  he  will  engage  to  deliver  two  tons  a  week  until  he 
has  supplied  you  with  any  quantity  not  less  than  ten  tons, 
at  £40  per  ton,  if  coal  is  to  be  had  at  £4  per  chaldron. 
If  the  coals  should  cost  £5,  then  he  must  have  £41  per 
ton.  This  is  a  very  extraordinary  price  for  grape  shot,  but 
I  fear  you  will  not  be  able  to  get  them  for  less  money  be- 
fore the  blast  furnaces  begin  to  work,  which  I  am  told  will 
not  be  until  May.  1  think  it  would  serve  the  general  cause 
if  the  coal  in  the  ship  at  Elizabeth  Town  should  be  sold 
only  to  such  persons  as  are  employed  in  making  anchors, 
cannon  shot,  or  such  other  articles  for  the  public  use  as 
cannot  be  made  with  charcoal.  The  nail  makers,  I  am 
informed,  are  endeavouring  to  purchase  the  coal ;  if  they 
get  them  the  public  will  suffer,  and  will  not  be  alile  to  cast 
your  cannon  or  shot.  In  order  to  prevent  this  I  should 
think  the  Congress  of  New-York  should  write  to  the  Con- 
gress of  this  Province,  showing  the  necessity  of  putting 
the  coal  into  such  hands  as  would  best  serve  the  general 
cause.  You  may  depend  I  shall  not  be  absent  from  the 
city  of  New-York  any  longer  than  the  situation  of  my  fa- 
mily makes  it  absolutely  necessary. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servant, 

"JOSEPH  HALLETT. 

"  To.  Col.  Alexr.  McDougai-l,  New- York." 

The  Congress,  considering  the  great  necessity  of  hav- 
ing grape  shot,  and  being  informed  by  a  member  that  there 
is  only  a  trifling  parcel  in  the  Colony,  and  that  although 
the  price  mentioned  is  at  least  double  what  the  same  article 
is  offered  to  be  delivered  for  in  April  next,  yet  it  would  be 
imprudent  to  wait  that  delay.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  be  and  he  is  hereby 
empowered  to  contract  with  Mr.  Ogden,  on  behalf  of  this 
Congress,  for  such  quantity  of  grape  shot  as  Major-Genl. 
Lee  or  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  Continental  army  at 
New-York,  for  the  time  being,  shall  direct. 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  a  member,  that  as  the 
ships  of  war  are  removed  out  of  the  East  river,  Major- 
General  Lee  thinks  this  is  a  favorable  time  and  opportunity 
to  stop  the  channel  of  the  East  river  between  the  city  and 
Nutten  island,  so  as  not  to  admit  line  of  battle  ships,  if  it 
is  practicable,  which,  if  it  can  be  done,  may  save  at  least 
the  east  part  of  the  city.  That  Genl.  Lee  desires  the  ad- 
vice of  this  Congress  in  the  premises.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  war  attend  on  Genl. 
Lee,  and  confer  with  him  on  the  practicability  of  stopping 


308 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  channel  in  the  East  river  ;  and  that  the  said  committee 
of  war  report  thereon  to  this  Congress  at  4  o'clock  this  af- 
ternoon. 

The  members  present  were  charged  from  the  chair  to 
keep  secret  the  subject  matter  of  the  last  order,  and  every 
argument,  matter  and  thing  mentioned  relating  to  stopping 
up  the  channel ;  and  the  several  members  engaged  on  their 
honours  respectively  to  keep  the  same  secret. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Swartwout  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress : 

"  Gentlemen — Whereas  Capt.  Billings,  from  Pough- 
keepsie,  has  marched  with  what  men  he  had  enlisted  for  the 
Continental  service,  without  any  orders,  I  conceive  ;  at  his 
arrival  in  town  made  application  to  me  to  join  my  regiment, 
as  he  was  entirely  destitute  where  to  go,  I  admitted  him, 
for  the  present,  to  join,  'till  I  could  have  your  sentiments 
thereon  ;  as  it  is  essential  to  know  immediately,  as  I  must 
make  a  return  to  the  general  of  my  regiment,  and  of  the 
effective  arms,  and  have  them  completed  to  20  rounds  per 
man. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servant, 

"JACOBUS  SWARTWOUT,  Col. 
"New-York,  Feby.  18th,  1776." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  Col.  Swartwout  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress.  ? 
"  New-York,  Feb.  18th,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — Your  letter  was  read  and  immediately  taken  in- 
to consideration.  The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  Capt. 
Billings,  with  his  company,  can  not  be  permitted  to  join 
your  regiment  of  minute  men,  but  that  he  ought  immedi- 
ately to  return  and  wait  the  orders  of  Genl.  Schuyler. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Col.  Swartwout." 

Col.  McUougall  informed  the  Congress  that  a  ton  of 
gunpowder  is  arrived  from  Philadelphia,  and  stored  in  one 
of  the  magazines,  in  part  of  payment  for  the  several  quan- 
tities of  gunpowder  advanced  and  lent  by  this  Colony,  at 
sundry  times,  to  the  Continental  service. 

Die  Sous,  P.  M.  Feb.  18th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt — New- York. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 
Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— 
Suffolk. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Dr.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. —  Ulster. 
Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

The  members  from  Kings  county  were  informed  of  the 
message  from  Genl.  Lee  of  this  day,  that  one  regiment  is 
on  their  march  from  Philadelphia,  and  may  be  expected 
immediately,  and  that  the  said  regiment  is  to  be  posted  on 
Nassau  island,  from  Wallabout  to  Gewanus.  The  mem- 
bers of  Kings  have  leave  of  absence  to  call  together  the 
committee  of  Brooklyn,  and  facilitate  the  procuring  lodg- 
ments for  those  troops,  in  such  manner  as  may  be  least  in- 
convenient to  the  inhabitants.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  of  Brooklyn  town- 
ship, do  immediately  assemble  and  provide  lodgments  or 
quarters  for  the  said  regiment  without,  delay  ;  which  they 
will  do  in  such  manner  as  to  be  least  inconvenient  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Brooklyn  township.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  the  said  committee  inform  this 
Congress  to-morrow  morning,  of  the  particular  places  of 


the  quarters  or  lodgments  they  shall  have  provided  for  those 
troops. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  requested  a  permit  to  finish  lading  the 
ship  Rosamond.  Thereupon  a  certificate  was  given  to  him 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  was  formerly  ordered  by  this 

Congress  to  lade  a  vessel  with  wheat,  &c.  he  is  hereby 

permitted  to  lade  the  ship  Rosamond  accordingly,  with 

wheat  and  flour,  &c. 

"  To  be  shewn  to  Messrs.  Robert  Ray  and 
Evert  Bancker,  and  to  be  delivered  to 
Capt.  William  Mercier." 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  let- 
ter to  the  county  committee,  in  each  respective  county  in 
this  Colony,  where  troops  are  to  be  raised,  which  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Feb.  18th,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — 'The  Congress  having  determined  that  your 
county  shall  have  the  opportunity  of  raising  compa- 
nies in  the  four  regiments  to  be  raised  by  order  of  Conti- 
nental Congress,  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  have  re- 
solved that  blank  warrants  for  the  officers  of  the  same  shall 
be  sent  to  your  committee.  You  will  observe  by  the  en- 
closed resolves,  that  you  are  restrained  in  the  appointments 
to  give  the  preference  to  such  persons  as  have  served  their 
country  in  the  last  campaign  ;  but  it  is  not  by  any  means 
the  design  of  Congress  that  men  who  have  misbehaved 
themselves  should  be  any  further  employed.  It  is  expect- 
ed that  the  people  will  readiiy  enlist  in  these  regiments,  as 
they  are  raised  for  the  express  purpose  of  defending  this 
Colony  ;  and  unless  we  raise  them  from  among  ourselves, 
in  all  probability  they  will  be  sent  from  other  Colonies, 
which  will  be  to  our  everlasting  disgrace.  We  have  great 
confidence  in  your  zeal  for  the  common  cause,  and  trust 
you  will  exert  yourselves  that  these  levies  be  completed 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  It  is  expected  that  each  man  furnishes  himself  with  a 
good  gun  and  bayonet,  tomahawk,  knapsack  or  haversack, 
and  two  bills.  But  those  who  are  not  able  to  furnish  them- 
selves with  these  arms  and  accoutrements  will  be  supplied 
at  the  public  expense,  for  the  payment  of  which,  small 
stoppages  will  be  made  out  of  their  monthly  pay,  till  the 
whole  are  paid  for ;  then  they  are  to  remain  the  property 
of  the  men." 

Ordered,  That  sundry  copies  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  one  of  those  letters  directed  to  the 
county  committee  in  each  county  where  troops  are  to  be 
raised,  and  the  said  letters  be  transmitted,  together  with 
blank  warrants  and  instructions  for  raising  the  men. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  of  war,  who  were  di- 
rected this  morning  to  confer  with  Genl.  Lee,  verbally  re- 
ported, in  substance,  that  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  Con- 
gress, they  had  conferred  with  the  general,  and  examined 
the  plans  of  the  city  and  harbour,  with  him  and  his  engi- 
neer and  some  other  officers ;  that  the  general  informed 
them  that  he  has  given  orders  to  take  a  survey  of  the  ves- 
sels now  in  port ;  that  this  evening  the  depth  and  breadth  of 
the  channel,  at  the  most  proper  places,  is  to  be  sounded  and 
taken  ;  that  Genl.  Lee  thinks  it  of  great  importance  to  ob- 
struct the  navigation  of  the  East  river  against  line  of  battle 
ships,  and  seems  to  have  it  much  at  heart ;  that  Genl.  Lee, 
on  being  asked  how  the  west  side  of  the  town  could  be 
protected,  allowed  that  a  ship  might  come  to  the  west  of 
the  city  and  annoy  the  city,  but  seemed  to  think  fortifica- 
tions might  be  erected  in  the  city,  which  would  greatly 
protect  the  side  of  it ;  that  Genl.  Lee  is  of  opinion  that  i 
the  Asia  should  depart  the  harbour  and  bay,  that  the  mosl 
proper  place  to  obstruct  the  navigation  is  farther  down,  oi 
between  the  banks  ;  that  Capt.  Smith,  the  engineer,  saic 
that  the  fortifications  to  be  erected  near  Hellgatc,  wil 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


309 


command  the  East  river  down  to,  or  below  Blackwell's 
island. 

Mr.  Hobart  reported  farther,  that  on  the  whole,  nothing 
certain  as  to  the  practicability  of  obstructing  the  navigation 
of  the  East  river  was  yet  determined  on. 

Mr.  Hobart  farther  informed  Congress,  that  they  had 
some  conversation  with  Genl.  Lee,  on  the  subject  of  pre- 
venting persons  having  permissions  from  this  Congress,  or 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  to  go  on  board  of  any  ship  in 
this  harbour,  from  being  obstructed  by  the  port  guard  ; 
and  that  they  had  intimated  to  the  general  that  perhaps  it 
might  be  proper  to  place  a  proper  person  near  the  sentries 
to  give  information  and  directions  concerning  such  persons 
as  may  have  such  permissions  as  above  mentioned. 

The  Congress  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  that 
matter,  and  thereupon, 

Agreed  unanimously,  That  it  is  impracticable  at  pre- 
sent, totally  to  cut  off  all  communication  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  Colony  with  the  ships  of  war  now  in  this 
port,  and  with  the  ship  on  which  his  Excellency  Govr. 
Tryon  resides. 

And  whereas,  though  it  is  in  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
gress, impracticable  at  present  totally  to  cut  off  all  com- 
munication of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  with  the  ships 
of  war  now  in  this  port,  and  the  ship  on  board  of  which 
his  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon  resides,  yet  it  appears  neces- 
sary to  confine  such  communication  to  certain  particular  ob- 
jects, to  the  end  that  the  public  service  may  not  be  injur- 
ed by  a  free  and  unlimited  intercourse  between  them  and 
this  Colony.    It  is  therefore 

Ordered,  That  all  communication  between  the  said 
ships  of  war  and  all  the  inhabitants,  be  and  is  hereby  pro- 
hibited, except  upon  special  permits,  to  be  obtained  from 
this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safely ;  and  also  ex- 
cept for  supplying  them,  the  said  ships  of  war  respective- 
ly, with  necessary  provisions  from  lime  to  time,  for  the 
use  and  consumption  of  their  respective  crews  only,  under 
the  following  restrictions  and  regulations,  to  wit : 

"  That  no  provisions  shall  be  supplied  for  their  use  and 
consumption  by  any  other  persons  than  their  respective 
agent  victuallers  in  this  city,  upon  permits  to  be  obtained 
by  them  respectively,  from  time  to  time  for  the  purpose, 
from  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  ;  which 
provisions  shall  not  in  any  case,  be  put  on  board  any  boat 
for  such  supply  as  aforesaid,  at  any  olher  place  than  the 
ferry  stairs  near  the  Exchange  in  this  city,  and  that  in  the 
presence  of  a  port  master  to  be  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gress or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  who  shall  carefully  in- 
spect the  same,  and  compare  the  provisions  with  the  per- 
mit, and  keep  an  exact  and  particular  account  of  the  same, 
to  be  reported  by  him  to  this  Congress  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety  from  time  to  time,  when  called  for." 

Ordered  further,  That  Elias  Nexen  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by appointed  port  master  for  and  during  the  pleasure  of 
this  Congress,  with  an  allowance  at  and  after  the  rate  of 
18|  dollars  per  month,  for  so  long  time  as  he  shall  conti- 
nue in  the  said  service. 

Ordered  further,  That  all  communication  between  the 
said  inhabitants  and  the  said  ship  of  his  Excellency  the 
Govr.  be  and  is  hereby  prohibited,  except  with  respect  to 
his  Honor  the  Lieut.  Govr.  the  members  of  His  Majesty's 
Council,  the  Surveyor-General,  the  Deputy  Secretary  of  this 
Colony  and  his  necessary  clerks,  and  such  other  persons 
as  shall  from  time  to  time  have  particular  permits  for  the 
purpose  from  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety; 
and  except  also  such  intercourse  as  may  be  necessary  for 
supplying  the  Governor  with  the  necessary  provisions  for 
himself  and  his  family  ;  which  supplies  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  sent  from  the  said  ferry  stairs,  and  no  other  place, 
and  that  in  the  presence  and  under  the  inspection  of  the 
said  port  master,  who  shall  keep  exact  and  particular  ac- 
counts of  the  same,  to  be  reported  as  aforesaid  ;  and  ex- 
cept also  that  the  brewers  supply  the  said  three  ships  with 

78 


beer  as  usual,  'till  further  order  of  this  Congress  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  Congress  that  Theophilus 
Hardenbrook  is  possessed  of  beds  and  quoins  for  the  can- 
non in  this  city,  which  were  made  and  procured  by  the 
Government  of  this  Colony.  That  the  said  Theophilus 
Hardenbrook  has  refused  to  deliver  the  said  beds  and  quoins 
to  General  Lee  or  his  order,  for  the  use  of  the  Continen- 
tal army  now  here. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Theops.  Hardenbrook  deliver  to 
Genl.  Lee  or  his  order,  all  the  beds  and  quoins  for  cannon, 
and  all  other  implements  or  necessaries  for  cannon  belong- 
ing to  this  Colony  and  now  in  his  custody  or  care ;  and 
that  he  give  information  to  Genl.  Lee  or  such  other  per- 
son as  he  shall  order  or  appoint,  of  any  beds,  quoins,  im- 
plements or  other  necessaries  for  cannon  belonging  to  this 
Colony,  not  in  his  custody,  as  he  knows  of  or  can  give 
information.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  Theo.  Hardenbrook  deliver  up 
the  said  beds  and  quoins,  and  other  implements  or  necessa- 
ries, and  give  such  information  as  above  mentioned,  upon 
oath  if  required. 


DIE  LUN.E,  a.  m. 

Feb.  19th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Brasher,  Col. 
McDougall — New-York. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Al- 
bany. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  Humphrey,  Col.  M.  Gra- 
ham— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Dr.  Williams—  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart — 

Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Delfit—  Ulster. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
The  members  for  Kings  county  represented  that  the 
committee  of  Kings  county  have  wailed  on  Genl.  Lee  ; 
that  he  informed  them  lhat  400  men  properly  placed  in 
Kings  county  will  answer  his  purposes  at  present.  That 
the  said  committee  are  of  opinion  that  they  may  have 
great  difficulty  in  finding  empty  houses  or  proper  places 
for  so  many  troops  in  any  other  way  than  by  billeting  some 
of  them  in  families,  which  they  are  ready  to  do  if  they 
have  the  order  of  this  Congress  for  the  purpose.  There- 
fore 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  township  of  Brook- 
lyn be  authorized,  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  provide 
proper  lodgments  or  quarters  for  such  Continental  troops, 
or  any  other  troops  in  Continental  pay,  as  Genl.  Lee  shall 
order,  or  think  necessary  to  place  there  ;  and  if  the  said 
committee  cannot  otherwise  conveniently  provide  proper 
lodgments  or  quarters  for  such  troops,  that  they  be  and 
are  hereby  authorized  to  billet  such  troops  in  families  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Mr.  Covenhoven  informed  the  Congress  that  a  person 
on  board  of  the  ship  Asia,  is  indebted  to  Jno.  Carpenter. 
That  the  said  John  Carpenter  requests  a  permission  to  go 
on  board  of  the  said  ship  to  obtain  a  bill  of  sale  for  a  slave, 
or  some  other  security  for  his  said  debt. 

Mr.  Covenhoven  therefore  moved  that  a  permit  be  given 
to  the  said  John  Carpenter,  or  his  son  John  Carpenter,  Junr. 
to  go  on  board  of  the  said  ship  Asia  to  obtain  security  for 
his  said  debt. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 


310 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Kings,   2      Dutchess,   2 

Orange,   2      Suffolk,   2 

Albany,   3      Tryon,   2 

Charlotte,   2  — 

Ulster,   2  6 

Mr.  Rhea  dissenting. 

11 

New-York  and  Westchester  having  some  members  out 
on  duty,  had  not  a  quorum  present  in  Congress. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Carpenter,  or  his  son  John 
Carpenter,  Junr.  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Ma- 
jesty's ship  Asia,  to  obtain  a  bill  of  sale  for  a  slave,  or  other 
security,  from  a  person  on  board,  who  is  indebted  to  him. 

Mr.  McKesson  informed  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Saml. 
Lowden  has,  at  sundry  times,  attended  at  the  door,  to  re- 
quest a  permission  to  go  on  board  of  the  ship  Asia,  to  re- 
cover a  servant  of  his  who  has  gone  on  board. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Saml.  Lowdon  be  permitted  to  go 
on  board  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  in  order  to  recover 
his  servant,  who  is  said  to  have  gone  on  board  of  that  ship. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Franklin,  on  behalf  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Philadelphia,  dated  the  13th  instant,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  13th  Feby.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  bearer,  John  Grace,  has  the  care 
of  a  ton  of  gunpowder,  sent  by  the  Congress  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  at  New-York.  If  he  should  need  any  ad- 
vice or  assistance  on  the  way,  you  will  be  so  good,  on  his 
application,  to  afford  it  to  him. 

"  I  am,  genln.  in  behalf  of  the  committee  here, 
"  With  much  respect,  your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  B.  FRANKLIN. 

"  To  the  Gentlemen  of  the  Commmittees  of 

Trenton,  Brunswick  and  New- York." 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  the  said  ton 
of  gunpowder  is  safely  lodged  in  the  powder-house,  at 
New-York. 

A  letter  from  Adrian  Bancker  and  Richd.  Lawrence, 
Esqrs.  the  Deputies  elected  for  Richmond  county,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Richmond  county,  Feb.  17th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Yesterday  evening  we  were  favoured  with  yours, 
dated  the  14th  inst.  enclosing  the  resolves  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  relative  to  the  county  of  Richmond,  whereby 
it  is  stipulated,  that  the  Deputies  and  major  part  of  the  in- 
habitants shall  first  subscribe  to  the  association  entered  into 
by  the  Colony,  before  a  representation  of  this  county  can 
be  accepted  in  the  Provincial  Congress. 

"  Wherefore  we  take  this  early  opportunity  to  inform 
you,  that  the  association  has  been  subscribed  by  us,  and 
about  g-ths  of  the  inhabitants  long  since,  which  we  shall  be 
ready  to  lay  before  the  Congress  when  called  on. 

"  Col.  Herd's  coming  on  the  island  with  a  large  body  of 
men  to  call  the  people  to  account  for  their  inimical  conduct 
towards  the  resolves  of  Congress,  at  this  time,  when  many 
of  them  are  coming  into  the  measures,  and  the  general 
cause  gaining  ground  daily,  we  fear  will  be  rather  a  hurt 
than  otherwise. 

"  We  are  of  opinion,  that  it  will  be  for  the  good  of  the 
common  cause  to  stop  the  proceedings  of  the  Jersey  forces, 
in  order  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  people.  We  would  not 
be  understood  to  dictate  measures  to  that  respectable  body, 
(the  Congress)  to  whose  better  judgment  we  willingly  sub- 
mit. 

"  We  arc,  with  respect,  sir, 

"Your  mo.  humble  servants, 

"  ADRN.  BANCKER, 
"  RICHD.  LAWRENCE. 

"  Signed  per  order. 

"  To  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  Secy.  New-York. 

"  Sir — Please  to  lay  the  above  before  the  Congress  the 
first  convenient  opportunity." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  from  the  Secretaries,  (by  order  of 


Congress,)  to  Adrian  Bancker  and  Richd.  Lawrence, 
Esqrs.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feb.  19th,  1776.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  17lh  inst.  was  this  day 
received  and  read  in  Congress.  We  are  directed  to  re- 
quest your  immediate  attendance,  and  that  you  bring  with 
you  such  proofs  of  a  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  your 
county  having  subscribed  the  general  association  as  will 
enable  you  to  take  your  seats,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of 
the  Continental  Congress. 

"  It  was  apprehended  that  Genl.  Clinton  on  his  depar- 
ture would  attempt  a  landing  on  Staten  island,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  depredations,  and  carrying  off  the  stock  for 
the  use  of  the  ministerial  army  and  navy ;  to  prevent  any 
attempt  of  this  kind,  our  Congress  requested  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  New-Jersey  to  send  Col.  Herd,  with 
his  regiment,  on  the  island,  and  lest  he  might  not  get 
there  in  time,  the  like  request  was  afterwards  sent  to  the 
committee  of  Elizabeth  Town.  The  inhabitants  of  Rich- 
mond county  may  rest  assured  that  those  troops  from  New- 
Jersey  were  intended  for  no  oiher  purpose  whatever,  and 
on  Saturday  last  orders  were  sent  for  their  dismission. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Most  respectfully, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Messrs.  Bancker  and  Lawrence, 

Deputies  for  Richmond  county." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  subscribe  and  despatch 
the  same. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  General 
Washington  had,  by  letters,  requested  a  quantity  of  shells 
and  shot,  and  desired  they  might  be  forwarded  ;  that  he 
had  procured  Capt.  Proby  to  take  those  stores  at  a  time 
when  the  weather  was  bad,  and  some  risk  in  the  convey- 
ance ;  that  £35  is  due  to  Jacob  Proby  for  that  service. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Jacob  Proby  the  sum  of  £35, 
for  transporting  sundry  ordnance  stores  from  Turtle  bay  to 
New-London,  by  order  of  Gen.  Washington  ;  and  that 
Mr.  Livingston  take  Capt.  Proby's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress,  that  Major-Genl. 
Lee  had  ordered  Capt.  Silleck,  in  an  armed  vessel,  of  Con- 
necticut, down  here  with  provisions ;  that  the  said  vessel 
is  without  gunpowder,  and  that  Genl.  Lee  requests  that  a 
100  weight  of  gunpowder  may  be  delivered  to  Capt.  Sil- 
leck for  the  use  of  the  said  vessel. 

Thereupon  an  order  was  given  for  his  use  in  the  word9 
to  wit : 

At  a  request  of  Major-Genl.  Lee,  communicated  by 
Col.  McDougall, 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  Commissary  of  Stores 
for  this  Colony,  deliver  to  Capt.  Silleck  100  weight  of  gun- 
powder, for  the  use  of  an  armed  tender,  (belonging  to  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut,)  under  his  command." 

A  return  from  the  committee  of  Haverstraw,  signed  by 
John  Coleman,  their  clerk,  certifying  that  at  a  meeting  of 
the  company  of  militia  at  Cakiale,  in  the  presence  and  un- 
der the  inspection  of  Jacob  Cole  and  Jonah  Halsted,  Esqrs. 
and  Jacob  Deronde  and  Thos.  Halsted,  of  the  committee, 
the  following  officers  were  elected,  to  wit :  Reynard 
Quackenboss,  capt.,  Garret  Eckerson,  1st  lieut.,  Jacob 
Ten  Eyck,  2nd  lieut.  and  Roger  Osborn,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
accordingly. 

A  letter  and  embargo  from  the  committees  of  South- 
Hamplon,  East-Hampton  and  Shelter  island,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  The  committees  of  South-Hampton,  East-Hampton  and 
Shelter  island,  convened  at  Sag-harbour,  the  8th  inst. 
humbly  beg  leave  to  address  the  honourable  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  with  the  following  memorial : 


following, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


311 


"  Gentlemen — In  the  strongest  confidence  of  your  be- 
nevolent purpose  of  raising  and  stationing  an  armed  force, 
with  sufficient  ammunition,  who,  with  our  minute  men  and 
militia,  may,  at  all  events  with  Heaven's  blessing,  deliver 
and  defend  us  from  British  attacks  and  ministerial  ven- 
geance, we  have  in  our  low  capacity,  but  in  high  spirits, 
presumed  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  to  embargo  ;  strictly 
prohibiting  the  sale  and  expoitation  of  all  provisions  on 
my  pretence  whatever  until  the  1st  day  of  March  ensuing, 
or  until  we  have  the  sense  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
thereon.  Now  gentlemen,  if  your  honourable  house  can 
condescend  to  our  politics  and  think  with  us  that  it  will 
best  promote  our  great,  our  common  cause,  to  retain  the 
provisions  which  is  now  amongst  us,  rather  than  to  per- 
mit them  to  be  sold  and  exported,  and  consequently  our  ar- 
my supported  with  provisions  purchased,  and  perhaps  with 
great  difficulty  imported,  when,  as  is  menaced,  our  un- 
natural enemies  shall  invest  us  by  land  and  sea ;  we  say, 
if  you  can  adopt  our  sentiments,  by  all  that  is  dear  to  true 
zealous  sons  of  liberty,  we  beg  you  will  not  compel  us  to 
flee  before  our  enemy,  but  detach  to  our  defence  such  am- 
ple number  of  troops,  sufficient  in  conjunction  with  our 
own,  to  answer  this  important  purpose,  and  in  your  wis- 
dom continue  and  confirm  the  above  mentioned  embargo. 
"  Signed,  by  order  of  the  Committee, 

"MALTBEY  GELSTON,  Chairman. 

"  P.  S.  The  desire  of  this  part  of  the  county  is,  that 
some  method  be  fallen  upon  to  establish  a  post  from  New- 
York  to  the  east  end  of  this  island,  that  we  may  be  favour- 
ed with  the  earliest  intelligence." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommcdieu  call  on  Mr.  Hazard 
the  post-master,  and  endeavour  to  ascertain  what  revenue 
will  arise  from  a  post  rider  on  Nassau  island,  and  what 
will  be  the  expense  to  the  public  of  such  post  rider. 

Die  Ltjnjs,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  19lh,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present—  Brigadier-Gen] .  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Scott 
— New-York. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Dewit— For  Ulster. 

Dr.  Graham,  Mr-  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 

GenL  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nieoll,  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Mr.  Gansevoort 
— Jlbany. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston— 
For  Dutchet. 
Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham — 
Suffolk. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Dr.  Williams— For  Charlotte. 

Col.  Hay  having  received  advice  that  one  of  his  children 
is  so  indisposed  that  his  life  is  dispaired  of,  obtained  on 
that  account  leave  of  absence. 

The  petition  of  Wm.  Cock  and  Thos.  Cock,  of  Oyster 
Bay,  in  Queens  county,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  honourable  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York, 
the  petition  of  William  and  Thomas  Cock,  of  Oyster 
Bay,  in  Queens  county,  Humbly  Sheweth  : 
"That  we,  your  pelitioners,  are  inhabitants  of  said  coun- 
ty, and  that  at  the  last  election  of  Deputies  for  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  we  opposed  the  election  of  Deputies  for 
said  county,  since  which  we  are  convinced  of  our  error, 
and  think  it  was  absolutely  necessary  that  there  should  be 
a  representation  of  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress, 
and  that  your  petitioners  did  not  oppose  the  choice  of  said 
Deputies  from  any  desire  or  inclination  of  injuring  this 
country,  but  was  owing  entirely  to  error  in  judgment,  and 
that  your  petitioners  are  ready  to  obey  all  orders  and  re- 
:ommendations  of  the  Continental  and  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress.   Your  petitioners,  therefore,  desire  that  your  ho- 
nourable body  will  take  our  case  into  consideration,  and 


grant  us  such  relief  in  the  present  case,  as  to  you  shall 
seem  meet. 

"WILLIAM  COCK, 
"THOMAS  COCK. 

"  Xew-  York,  Feb.  19th,  1776." 

On  hearing  the  said  petition  read,  and  upon  due  consi- 
deration thereof,  and  considering  that  any  former  resolves 
of  this  Congress  against  the  delinquents  of  Queens  county 
were  only  intended  to  convince  them  of  their  error,  and 
bring  them  to  a  just  sense  of  their  duty  to  the  public, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petilioners  be  restored  to  the 
state  and  condition  in  which  they  were  before  the  passing 
of  these  resolves,  during  their  respective  good  behaviours. 

Ordered,  1'hat  the  pelitioners  have  their  petition  and 
this  order  published  in  the  newspapers. 

A  return  of  field  officers  for  the  1st  regiment  in  Char- 
lotte county,  signed  by  their  clerk,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  At  a  general  meeting  of  the  county  committee  of  Char- 
lotte, January  the  25lh,  1776,  it  was  unanimously  agreed 
that  Dr.  John  Williams  be  recommended  to  the  Provincial 
Congress  in  New-York,  for  the  colonel  of  the  first  bat- 
talion of  militia  for  this  county  ;  Mr.  Alexander  Campbell, 
of  Argyle  township,  for  lieutenat-colonel  ;  Messrs.  Timo- 
thy Bewell,  of  Fort  Miller,  and  Mr.  Alexr.  Webster,  of 
Black  creek,  for  majors  ;  Mr.  Jonathan  Baker,  of  Black 
creek,  for  adjutant,  and  Mr.  Saml.  Fuller,  of  Scheens- 
brough,  quarter-master. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes, 

"  ALEXR.  WEBSTER,  Clerk. 

"Precinct  of  Granville,  Jos.  Ingles,  captain;  Gideon 
Squires,  1st  lieutenant ;  2d  lieutenant.  Black 

creek  precinct,  John  Hamilton,  captain  ;  Geo.  McKnight, 
1st  lieutenant ;  James  Wilson,  2d  lieutenant.  Blank  com- 
mission for  a  captain  in  Argyle  township." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen, 
agreeable  to  that  return. 

Ordered,  That  the  nomination  and  recommendation  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  of  gentlemen  proper  to  be  field 
officers  of  the  four  battalions  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony, 
be  taken  into  consideration  on  Thursday  next. 

A  certificate  of  John  Child  and  Peter  Tappen,  two  of 
the  committee  of  Poughkeepsie,  was  read  and  filed  ;  they 
thereby  certify  that  John  Tappen  was  duly  elected  en- 
sign in  Capt.  Jno.  Schenck's  associated  company  of  militia 
of  foot,  of  Poughkeepsie  precinct,  in  Dutches  county,  in 
the  place  of  Mathew  Van  Keuren,  who  had  resigned. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  for  John  Tappen  ac- 
cordingly. 

Mr.  Sands  informed  Congress  that  in  their  recess,  four 
other  members  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  and  himself 
had  advised  and  directed  a  boatman,  from  Queens  county,, 
to  sell  three-fourth  parts  of  the  wood  in  his  boat,  that  quan- 
tity being  the  property  of  whigs,  and  to  carry  back  the 
other  fourth  part,  as  being  the  property  of  a  tory.  That 
Christopher  Dyckinck  had  taken  Mr.  Sands's  watch  and 
detained  it,  on  pretence  that  he  had  a  right  to  have  seized 
the  said  one-fourth  part  of  the  said  wood,  which  he  alleges 
was  of  the  value  of  40s.  6d.:  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Christopher  Dyckinck  immediately 
attend  the  Provincial  Congress,  now  sitting  in  the  Assem- 
bly Chamber  in  the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  New- York. 

Mr.  Christopher  Duyckinck  attended ;  he  agreed  with 
Mr.  Sands  in  all  the  material  facts  stated  to  the  Congress, 
and  endeavoured  to  justify  his  conduct  on  the  4th  and  5th 
resolves  of  this  Congress,  against  the  delinquents  in 
Queens  county. 

After  some  considerable  time  spent  in  this  business,  Mr. 
Duyckinck  alleged  that  he  was  not  fully  prepared  to  answer 
the  subject,  as  the  message  of  the  House  was  unexpected : 
Therefore 

Ordered,  That  the  farther  consideration  of  this  matter 
be  postponed  'till  Friday  next,  at  1 1  o'clock,  and  that  Mr. 
Duyckinck  attend  again  at  that  time. 


312 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  20th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Phesf.nt — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Thos.  Smith,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  who  immediately 
departed  on  business — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Schenck — Dutches. 

Dr.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Thomas,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westohester. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Lefever— Ulster. 
A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee  of  this  day  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  New-York,  20th  Feb.  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  just  informed  that  the  Asia  and  Phoenix 
have  seized  several  provision  vessels  from  the  Jerseys.  I 
must  submit  it  to  the  Congress  whether  the  compact  is  not 
to  be  considered  as  broke,  and  whether  it  is  not  our  duty 
to  withhold  all  further  supplies.  For  my  own  part  the 
measure  of  suffering  ourselves  to  be  plundered,  and  at  the 
same  time  feeding  our  plunderers,  appears  a  degree  of  low- 
ness  of  spirit  which  reflects  dishonour,  and  must  encourage 
the  enemy  still  to  take  greater  liberties. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servt. 

" CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  Prest.  of 

Provincial  Congress." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Major-Genl.  Lee,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feb.  20th,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — Your  favour  of  this  morning  has  been  consider- 
ed by  Congress,  and  they  are  of  opinion  that  it  is  totally 
impossible  to  prevent  the  Asia  and  Phoenix  from  supply- 
ing themselves  with  provisions.  They  have  received  in- 
formation that  the  seizing  of  the  vessels  from  the  Jerseys 
is  occasioned  by  the  supplies  from  the  agents  in  town  be- 
ing stopped,  and  are  apprehensive,  if  it  be  continued,  that 
the  town  will  be  reduced  to  the  utmost  distress.  While 
the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  is  obstructed  by  the  ice, 
our  principal  dependence  for  corn,  provisions,  fuei  and  hay, 
is  from  Connecticut  and  the  Jerseys  ;  an  embargo  prevents 
the  supplies  from  the  one,  and  if  we  provoke  the  captains 
of  the  ships  of  war,  by  way  of  retaliation  to  prevent  them 
from  the  other,  the  inhabitants  will  not  only  be  destitute, 
but  our  commissary  will  be  incapacitated  from  procuring 
the  necessary  supplies  for  the  army  now  in  town.  You 
will  please  to  consider  that  the  ships  of  war  have  it  in  their 
power  to  seize  all  the  provisions  that  they  may  find  afloat, 
by  which  means  they  will  have  an  opportunity  of  supply- 
ing the  enemy  at  Boston. 

"  By  order. 

'  Major-Genl.  Lee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Another  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  Feb.  19th,  1776. 
"  Sir — As  it  is  established  in  camp  to  allow  all  fatigue 
men  a  gill  of  rum  each,  I  take  the  liberty  to  recommend 
to  the  Congress  to  make  the  same  allowance. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt, 

"  CHAS.  LEE. 

"To  Col.  Woodhull,  Prest.  of  the 

Provincial  Congress." 

The  consideration  thereof  is  postponed  'till  the  after- 
noon. 


Mr.  John  Murray  solicited  a  permit  to  go  board  of  the 
Dutches  of  Gordon  to  settle  some  accounts. 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Murray  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
permitted,  to  go  on  board  of  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon, 
on  board  of  which  Govr.  Tryon  resides. 
"  To  Mr.  Elias  Nixon,  Port-Master." 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  20lh,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scolt,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Brasher,  Col.  McDou- 
gall— New-  York. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Lefever— Ulster. 
Mr.  Allison— Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Schenck— Dutchess. 
Dr.  Williams  —  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— 

Suffolk. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Major-Genl.  Lee,  by  his  letter  of  the  19th,  received  and 
read  this  morning,  informed  Congress  that  it  is  established 
in  camp  to  allow  all  fatigue  men  a  gill  of  rum  each  ;  he  re- 
commended to  the  Congress  to  make  the  same  allowance. 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  respective  commissaries  of  provi- 
sions, appointed  by  this  Congress,  issue  one  gill  of  rum 
per  day  for  each  man  on  fatigue,  to  the  respective  quarter- 
master of  such  troops  now  in  the  city,  as  are  not  otherwise 
provided  for. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling,  bearing  date  this  same  day, 
requesting  the  loan  of  money,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Feb.  20lh,  1776. 
"  Sir — When  I  arrived  in  this  town  with  my  regiment 
I  expected  to  have  found  a  Continental  commissary  of  pro- 
visions here,  who  would  have  furnished  them  provisions 
and  firewood,  and  other  necessaries,  but  as  no  such  officer 
is  here,  I  ordered  my  quarter-master  to  provide  provisions 
agreeable  to  the  rations  allowed  by  Congress  ;  this  he  hath 
hitherto  done  with  his  own  money  ;  but  as  that  is  already 
exhausted,  1  am  under  the  necessity  of  asking  the  favour 
of  the  Congress  of  this  Province  to  advance  him,  as  a  loan, 
as  much  money  as  will  be  necessary  for  this  purpose,  'till 
another  provision  be  made  by  the  Continental  Congress,  to 
whom  I  have  wrote  to  regulate  this  matter  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  STIRLING. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Congress 

of  the  Province  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Swartwourt  dated  this  day,  enclosing 
returns  of  such  companies  of  his  regiment  as  are  present 
on  duty,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York,  20th  Feb,  1776. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress  at  New- York. 

"  Gentlemen — By  the  within  enclosed  returns  yoi 
will  see  that  those  captains  in  town  of  my  regiment  hav< 
small  companies,  but  at  the  same  time  nigh  a  full  sett  o 
officers.  I  expect  the  following  captains,  to  wit,  in  hourly 
Capt.  Woodford  from  Pauling's  precinct,  Capt.  Ludintoi 
from  Frbh.  precinct,  Capt.  Clearck  from  Beekman's  pre 
cinct,  Capt.  Darling  from  Rumbout  precinct.  Should  i 
be  the  same  case  with  the  last  mentioned  companies  t 
have  so  few  men  and  officers  complete,  it  will  be  neces 
sary  for  your  Honble.  Board  to  fall  on  some  plans  eilhc 
by  sending  to  the  several  colonels  of  militia  of  our  county  t 
draft  a  sufficient  number  of  men  to  fill  the  within  met 
tioned  companies,  or  by  reducing  the  officers  to  a  propi 
number.  If  you  should  judge  the  latter  to  be  best,  probab 
it  would  suit  many  of  the  officers  to  return  to  their  fam 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


313 


lies,  as  it  answers  no  good  purpose  to  have  so  many  offi- 
cers, when  so  few  men,  but  on  the  contrary  create  great 
cost,  as  it  is  natural  to  expect  where  troops  are  ceap,  there 
will  be  disorders  attending  them.  As  we  have  no  doctor  for 
said  regiment,  should  be  glad  that  Dr.  Tappen  might  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  as  we  have  an  over  plenty  of 
officers.  I  have  no  other  view  in  writing  the  foregoing 
than  to  acquaint  you  with  the  state  of  the  regiment. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servt. 
"JACOBS.  SWART WOUT,  Colonel" 


The  returns  of  the  companies  of  Col.  Swartwout's  men, 
were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  * 


Jacobs.  Swartwout,  Col. 

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Lieut.  Col 
Major. 

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lerk. 

O 

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O 

Q 

Ph 

Q 

o 

1 

2 

2 

2 

34 

Captain  Barnum,  

1 

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i 

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1 

27 

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2 

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2 

1 

18 

i 

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6 

2 

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1 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  returns  be  referred  to 
and  committed  to  the  committee  of  war. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Lord  Stirling,  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  20th  Feb.  1776.  $ 
"  My  Lord — It  gives  this  Congress  pain  to  be  obliged 
to  declare  their  inability  to  supply  your  quarter-master 
with  the  loan  of  money  for  subsisting  the  troops  under  your 
command,  until  the  Continental  Congress  shall  regulate 
that  matter.  The  Continental  drafts  on  our  treasury  for 
large  advancements,  properly  within  our  department,  ex- 
hausts it  as  fast  as  its  supplies  come  in,  and  we  find  ourselves 
under  an  absolute  necessity  of  looking  narrowly  into  the 
application  of  our  issues,  lest  our  treasury  should  be  de- 
ficient to  answer  the  proper  calls  on  it.  We  doubt  not  that 
the  Continental  Congress  will  at  your  request  make  speedy 
provision  for  the  subsistence  of  your  battalion.  Permit  us 
to  hint  that  we  think  a  provision  in  the  interim  will  more 
properly  be  made  by  the  New  Jersey  Congress,  now  sit- 
ting so  near  this  city. 

"  And  to  assure  you  that  we  are,  my  Lord, 

"  Your  Lordship's  most  obdt.  hble.  servts, 

"By  order  of  Congress. 
«  The  Right  Honble.  the  Earl  of  Stirling." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  of  the  10th  inst.  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Cambridge,  February  10th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Being  in  the  greatest  want  of  arms  at  this  alarm- 
ing and  important  crisis,  for  the  army  under  my  command, 
and  without  the  most  distant  prospect  or  hope  of  getting 
more  from  these  governments  than  what  I  already  have, 
I  beg  leave  to  solicit  the  favours  of  your  Committee  of 
Safety  in  this  instance,  and  earnestly  request  that  they  will 
use  their  exertions  to  get  and  send  to  me  in  the  most  ex- 
peditious manner,  all  that  they  can  possibly  procure.  I 
imagine  that  there  are  several  belonging  to  the  Colony, 
and  have  been  informed  of  many  tories  being  disarmed, 
and  therefore  expect  that  it  will  be  in  their  power  to  obtain 
me  a  considerable  supply.  Whatever  quantity  is  sent  me 
I  will  take  on  the  Continental  account,  and  make  payment 
for  with  the  expenses  incident  to  their  transportation. 

"  This  application  being  founded  in  necessity  and  arising 
from  the  exigency  of  our  affairs,  I  make  no  doubt  will 
meet  your  most  ready  and  early  attention,  and  that  nothing 

*  The  above  compiled  or  combined  from  scraps  or  loose  materials 
Febry.  8.  The  return  of  Schenck  and  Barnum  since  found  and  are 
correct,  Febry.  19th. 

79 


will  be  wanting  on  your  part  to  give  me  the  most  speedy 
relief. 

"  I  am,  sir,  you  most  humb.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  P.  S.  I  wish  to  have  only  such  arms  as  are  good  and 
serviceable,  and  shall  be  glad  to  have  bayonets  with  them. 

G.  W. 

"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire." 
A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Genl.  Washington,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

'■'  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York.  Feb.  20th,  1776.  \ 
"  Sir — The  Congress  have  just  now  received  your  let- 
ter of  the  10th  inst.  directed  to  the  Chairman  of  our  Com- 
mittee of  Safety.  They  are  extremely  sorry  they  have  it 
not  in  their  power  to  supply  you  with  the  article  you  men- 
tion, as  the  army  raised  here  last  summer  have  entirely 
drained  them  of  the  arms  belonging  to  the  Colony,  which 
have  never  been  returned,  and  the  more  as  they  are  by  or- 
der of  Congress  now  levying  5  new  regiments,  one  for  the 
defence  of  Canada,  and  four  for  defending  this  Colony  and 
preventing  depredations  on  Long  island,  whom  they  sup- 
pose will  chiefly  be  destitute  and  obliged  to  be  supplied  by 
them ;  and  with  respect  to  the  arms  taken  from  the  tories 
in  this  Colony,  they  inform  you  are  neither  in  their  poses- 
sion  or  at  their  disposal,  hence  you  will  perceive  that  they 
cannot  give  you  any  relief,  which  they  would  most  cheer- 
fully do  was  it  in  their  power. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  mo.  hble.  servants, 
"  By  order. 

<:  General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Peter  T.  Curtenius  delivered  in  an  inventory  of  hospi- 
tal and  other  stores  taken  out  of  the  lower  barracks  by  or- 
der of  this  Congress,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Inventory  of  sundry  stores  taken  out  of  the  lower  barracks  by  order 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  vizt : 

6,736  osnaburgs  sheets,  new, 
300  do  old, 

140  white  sheets,  new, 
20        do  old, 
92  check  sheets,  new, 
1  empty  medicine  chest, 
1  chest  with  lint, 

3  boxes  with  tow, 

370  pillow  cases,  osnaburgs,  new, 
120  bolster  cases,  do 
725  wooden  bowls, 
556     do  trenchers, 
1,700     do  spoons, 
1  large  copper  kettle, 
22  earthen  chamber  pots, 
160  old  moth  eaten  blankets,  most  of  them  fit  for  nothing 
but  making  cartridges  for  the  field  pieces, 

4  camp  colours, 

125  boxes  candles,  delivered  me  by  Mr.  Norwood  ;  they 
weigh  upon  an  average,  about  451b.  each,  6,625  lbs. 
,;  Taken  this  19th  February,  1776. 

"  PETER  T.  CURTENIUS, 

"  Commissary." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  preserve  those  stores,  or 
such  of  them  as  are  now  in  his  custody,  with  particular 
care,  for  the  use  of  a  hospital  ;  and  that  he  do  not  part 
with  or  deliver  out  any  of  those  stores  by  any  order  what- 
ever, unless  by  an  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of 
this  Colony,  and  that  only  for  the  use  of  a  hospital,  or  by 
the  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

The  members  from  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  sundry  mistakes  were  made 
through  haste  by  the  county  committee  and  field  officers 
in  arranging  the  regiments  of  militia  in  that  county,  where- 
by many  companies  were  very  inconveniently  placed  un- 
der field  officers  at  a  distance  from  them,  and  in  other  in- 
stances, companies  out  of  one  vicinity  placed  in  different 
regiments.  That  a  more  convenient  arrangement  of  the 
militia  of  that  county  is  now  made,  but  to  carry  it  into  ex- 
ecution, it  will  be  necessary  to  have  some  of  the  commis- 


314 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


sions  altered,  and  new  commissions  issued  in  other  instan- 
ces, of  all  which  alterations,  amendments  and  arrange- 
ments they  have  now  produced  a  complete  form  or  list. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  amendments  and  alterations  be 
made,  and  such  new  commissions  issued  as  will  be  neces- 
sary to  complete  the  arrangement  of  the  militia  of  the 
county  of  Albany. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Suffolk  county,  dated  the  24th  Jany.  last,  and 
which  was  received  by  the  Committee  of  Safety,  was  read. 

They  thereby  recommend  field  officers  for  their  regi- 
ment of  minute  men,  to  wit :  Josiah  Smith,  col. ;  John 
Hulbert,  lieut.  col. ;  Isaac  Reeve,  1st  major  ;  Jonathn. 
Baker,  2d  major  ;  Isaac  Overton,  adjutant,  and  Ebene- 
zer  Dayton,  quarter-master. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen 
accordingly. 

A  return  from  Lewis  McDonald,  James  Raymond,  Pe- 
ter Flemming  and  Marcus  Mosenell,  committee  men  of 
Harrison's  precinct  in  Westchester  county,  with  a  certifi- 
cate of  Wm.  Miller,  deputy-chairman,  was  read  ;  they 
return  the  officers  elected  in  a  company  of  minute  men  in 
Col.  Drake's  regiment,  to  wit :  Hezekiah  Gray,  capt.  ; 
Corns.  Clark,  1st  lieut.;  James  Miller,  2nd  lieut.  and 
Isaac  Titus,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  immediately  issued  for 
those  gentlemen,  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

On  motion  of  Lieut.  Col.  Graham, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to 
Samuel  Drake,  Esqr.  colonel  of  the  regiment  of  minute 
men  from  Westchester  county,  now  in  the  Continental 
service,  by  order  of  Major-Genl.  Lee,  the  sum  of  £100 
on  account  of  the  pay  of  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Major  Robert  Rogers  was  read  and  filed  ; 
he  thereby  prays  that  this  Congress  will  be  pleased  to  give 
him  a  permission  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gor- 
don, on  private  business  with  Govr.  Tryon. 

A  letter  of  the  9th  inst.  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Poughkeepsie,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  Feb.  9th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Enclosed  you  have  a  letter  to  Congress 
in  answer  to  one  from  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  26th 
ulto.  informing  that  4  regiments  are  to  be  raised  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  Colony,  and  desiring  to  know  what  number 
of  men  can  be  speedily  raised  and  armed  in  the  county. 
For  the  reasons  mentioned  in  our  letter,  you  will  observe 
that  we  have  resolved  that  only  3  companies  can  be  com- 
pleted ;  however,  we  conceive  that  if  it  was  stipulated 
that  these  troops  are  to  remain  within  the  Colony,  we 
would  furnish  a  greater  number  of  men,  as  many  would 
in  such  case  enter  in  the  service  who  would  otherwise  be 
deterred  through  fear  of  being  sent  upon  distant  disagree- 
able service  ;  for  this  reason  we  would  wish  you  would, 
if  you  conveniently  can,  acquaint  us  with  the  particular 
destination  of  those  regiments,  and  how  far  we  may  ven- 
ture to  engage  with  officers  and  men,  that  shall  not  be 
obliged  to  march  out  of  the  Colony.  We  are  directed  to 
inform  you  that  the  committee  recommended  Mr.  Robt. 
Freeman  for  the  commission  of  2nd  major  in  Col.  Suther- 
land's regiment,  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Mr.  Canto- 
lin  ;  you  will  please  to  procure  and  transmit  us  his  com- 
mission as  soon  as  possible. 

"  We  remain  your  very  hble.  servants, 

"By  order  of  the  committee  of  correspondence, 

"  ZEPHEMAH  PLATT, 

"  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  issued  to  Mr.  Robert 
Freeman,  as  second  major,  and  transmitted  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  2\st,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Gcnl.  Woodliull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  J.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Rhea—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Yates— For  Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck— 

Dutches. 

Dr.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'Homraedieu,  Mr.  Hobart— 

For  Suffolk. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

The  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York,  in  pursuance 
of  the  order  of  this  Congress  of  the  ]  3th  inst.  returned 
that  they  had  caused  an  election  to  be  held  at  the  City 
Hall  on  the  20th  inst.  for  seven  Deputies  to  serve  in  this 
Provincial  Congress  with  the  other  Deputies  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York.  That  thereupon  Messrs.  Adri- 
an Rutgers,  Abm.  P.  Lott,  Is.  Sloutenburgh,  Evert  Banck- 
er,  Thos.  Randall,  Saml.  Prince  and  Wm.  Denning  were 
duly  elected. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  return  be  filed,  and  that  those 
gentlemen  be  requested  to  take  their  seats  immediately. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  of  war,  to  whom  was 
committed  the  letter  from  Col.  Swartwout,  and  the  returns 
of  his  regiment  made  yesterday,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  The  committee  of  war  having  taken  into  consideration 
Col.  Swarlwout's  letter  of  the  20lh  inst.  with  the  returns 
of  the  several  companies  of  his  regiment  now  on  duty  in 
this  city,  and  finding  that  there  is  by  much  loo  great  a  pro- 
portion of  officers  for  the  men  already  here,  and  that  it  will 
probably  be  the  same  case  with  the  companies  now  on  their 
march  to  join  the  regiment,  are  of  opinion  that  Col.  Swart- 
wout be  directed  to  appoint  a  proper  number  of  officers  to  the 
several  companies,  according  to  the  regulations  for  the  mi- 
litia ;  and  that  he  order  the  supernumerary  officers  to  return, 
with  all  possible  despatch,  to  the  county,  in  order  to  com- 
plete their  companies. 

"  2dly.  That  where  any  officer  of  a  minute  company 
shall  be  unable  or  refuse  to  engage  in  this  service,  he  be 
directed  to  supply  their  place  by  officers  of  the  same  rank 
from  the  militia. 

"  3dly.  That  the  men  be  enlisted  to  continue  in  the  ser- 
vice till  the  first  day  of  May  next,  unless  sooner  dis- 
charged.'" 

Mr.  Thomas  Smith  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the 
following  amendment,  to  wit :  that  the  third  resolve  be  ob- 
literated. Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
the  manner  following,  to  wit: 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,    2      Dutches,    2 

New-York,  4  G.  Livingston  dissenting. 

Charlotte,   2      Tryon,  2 

Suffolk.   2      Ulster,  2 

Albany,                              3  Dewit  dissenting. 

13  6 
Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  third  direction  in  thi 
said  report  be  obliterated. 

The  first  and  second  directions  in  the  said  report  beini 
read  a  second  time,  the  Congress  agrees  with  their  con 
mittee  thereon. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  suggested  to  the  Congress  that  it  is  al 
solutely  necessary  that  Andrew  Elliott,  Esqr.  collector 
this  Colony,  have  permission  to  go  on  board  of  His  Exce 
lency's  ship  as  occasion  may  require,  in  order  to  let  th 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


315 


trading  vessels  of  this  Colony  be  despatched,  the  Governor 
having  refused  to  sign  any  papers  from  the  custom-house 
unless  the  collector  is  present.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Andw.  Elliot,  Esqr.  collector  of  the  port 
of  New-York,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  permitted  to  go  on 
board  of  His  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon's  ship,  at  any  time 
at  his  pleasure,  until  the  further  pleasure  of  this  Congress 
or  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Col.  Peter  T.  Curtenius  requested  to  know  to  whom  he 
shall  deliver  the  last  made  intrenching  tools. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  inquire  if  Mr.  Hugh 
Hughes  has  obtained  a  commission,  as  a  Continental  com- 
missary of  artillery  stores,  and  if  he  has  such  Continental 
commission,  that  then  he  deliver  the  said  intrenching  tools 
to  Mr.  Hughes,  otherwise  that  he  deliver  them  to  Richd. 
Norwood. 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Congress  that  His  Excellency 
Govr.  Tryon  is  indisposed,  and  that  Dr.  Middleton  is  his 
physician, 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Middleton  be  permitted  to  go  on 
board  of  the  ship  in  which  His  Excellency  resides,  at  any 
time  until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety. 

Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  who  was  lately  appointed  a 
commissary  for  a  considerable  number  of  troops,  came  and 
coming  into  this  city,  attended  and  was  admitted  into  Con- 
gress ;  he  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has  purchased  and 
contracted  for  provisions  to  the  amount  of  £2,100.  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to  Abra- 
ham Livingston,  Esqr.  as  commissary  for  sundry  Conti- 
nental troops  now  in  this  city,  the  sum  of  £2,100  on  acct. 
and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  reported  that  Wm.  Richie  had  con- 
tracted with  Beriah  Norton,  a  colonel  and  commissary  of 
some  Provincial  troops,  stationed  at  Marlin's  Vinyard,  to 
furnish  40  barrels  of  pork,  and  40  barrels  of  beef,  with  some 
other  articles  ;  that  he  has  obtained  a  permit  from  the  sub- 
committee of  the  city  of  New-York,  to  purchase  those 
articles,  and  charter  a  vessel ;  that  he  has  bought  the  pro- 
visions in  Westchester  county,  and  by  reason  of  a  resolve 
and  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  10th  inst. 
prohibiting  exportation  from  thence  out  of  the  Colony,  he 
cannot  get  the  provisions  from  thence. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wm.  Richie  be  permitted  by  the 
committee  of  Westchester  county,  to  transport  the  said  40 
barrels  of  pork,  and  40  barrels  of  beef,  and  no  more,  out  of 
Westchester  county,  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony  on  the  10th  instant,  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding. 

Adjourned. 

Die  Merctjrii,  P.  M.  Feb.  2\st,  1776. 
The  CongTess  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Bancker,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Col.  McDouaall,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt— New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nicoll—  For 
Albany. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham — 
Suffolk. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Lefever,  Mr.  Rhea,  Col.  Palmer—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas — Westchester. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Humphreys,  Mr.  Schenck 
—Dutches. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 
Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town, 
relating  to  persons  taken  from  Staten  island,  and  confined 
there.,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  Feb.  21st,  1776.  S 

"  Gentlemen — Complaint  has  been  made  to  us,  that 
Isaac  Decker,  Abm.  Harris  and  Minne  Burger,  inhabitants 
of  Richmond  county,  are  confined  in  jail,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  your  committee  in  the  borough  of  Elizabeth,  and 
that  Richard  Conner,  Esqr.  is  bound  under  a  penalty  to 
appear  before  your  committee. 

"  We  know  not  by  whose  directions  they  were  appre- 
hended. By  the  regulations  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
this  Colony,  all  persons  charged  with  any  conduct  inimical 
to  the  United  Colonies,  or  transgressing  any  resolves,  rules 
or  regulations  of  the  Continental  or  Provincial  Congress, 
are  in  the  first  instance  to  be  tried  by  the  county  commit- 
tee of  the  county  in  which  such  delinquents  reside.  We 
therefore  earnestly  request  that  the  several  persons  above 
named,  with  all  charges  and  proofs  you  have  or  may  know 
of  against  them  respectively,  may  be  returned  to  the  coun- 
ty committee  of  Richmond  county,  to  be  put  upon  their 
trials. 

"  We.  are,  respectfully,  gentn. 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 
"  The  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Elizabeth  Town." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Richmond  county 
on  the  same  subject,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"  New-York,  Feb.  21st,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — We  have,  by  a  letter  of  this  date,  re- 
quested the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town,  to  return  to  the 
county  committee  of  your  county,  Richd.  Conner,  Esqr. 
Isaac  Decker,  Abm.  Harris  and  Minne  Burger,  inhabitants 
of  your  county,  to  be  respectively  put  upon  their  trials,  and 
return  to  you  any  charges  and  proofs  against  them,  that 
they  have  or  may  know  of  against  them,  or  either  of  them, 
with  respect  to  any  conduct  inimical  to  the  United  Colonies^ 
or  the  having  transgressed  any  resolves,  rules  or  regula- 
tions of  the  Continental  or  Provincial  Congress,  or  either 
of  them. 

"  We  request  you  to  put  those  persons  on  their  trials, 
and  if  they  or  either  of  them  should  be  found  to  have  trans- 
gressed in  any  manner,  we  doubt  not  you  will  do  strict 
and  impartial  justice  ;  and  make  report  to  this  Congress  of 
your  proceedings  in  the  premises. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Richmond  county." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  at  Albany,  dated  Feb. 
15th,  1776,  on  the  subject  of  the  Canada  regiment  to  be 
raised,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Albany,  February.  15th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  your 
favour  of  the  31st  ulto.  which  was  delivered  me  on  the 
12th,  by  Messrs.  Jadwin  and  Giles,  together  with  12,500 
dollars  for  which  I  have  given  them  a  receipt. 

"  If  I  do  not  misapprehend  the  resolution  of  Congress, 
for  levying  troops  for  the  Canada  service,  the  raising  of 
Col.  Van  Schaick's  regiment,  is  recommended  to  you,  as 
well  as  the  providing  them  with  the  necessaries  to  enable 
them  to  take  the  field.  I  have  neither  arms,  blankets  or 
clothing.    These  ought  to  be  immediately  procured. 

"  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  my  letter  to  the  general  com- 
mittee of  this  county,  which  sits  to-day  ;  by  that  you  will 
see  what  I  propose  to  do.  The  nomination  of  such  officers 
as  may  be  wanted,  I  must  leave  to  that  body,  which  as  it 
is  composed  of  gentlemen  from  every  part  of  the  county,  is 
more  able  to  judge  of  those  who  are  likely  to  raise  the 
men  than  I  can  be. 

"  My  nephew,  Peter  Schuyler,  a  young  gentleman  of 


316 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


about  30  years  of  age,  wishes  to  be  employed  in  some  of 
the  regiments  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  as  a  field  officer. 
I  should  be  happy,  (provided  he  can  be  recommended 
without  injuring  others  that  may  have  a  better  claim,  or 
giving  umbrage.) 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  With  much  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  The  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York." 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler  on  the  same  sub- 
ject, to  the  committee  of  Albany,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  Febry.  14fA,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — On  the  12th  inst.  I  was  honoured  with 
a  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  da- 
ted the  31st  ulto.  extracts  of  which  I  enclose  you,  together 
with  copies  of  sundry  resolutions  of  the  Honble.  Continen- 
tal Congress. 

"  You  will  perceive  by  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  that 
the  raising  of  Col.  Van  Schaick's  regiment  was  a  service 
intended  for  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of 
Safety  ;  but  since  they  have  sent  me  the  money,  and  that 
the  delay  which  must  necessarily  be  occasioned  by  refus- 
ing my  intervention,  may  be  very  prejudicial  to  the  service 
at  this  advanced  season,  I  will  readily,  with  your  assis- 
tance, undertake  the  business,  provided  you  judge  it  prac- 
ticable to  complete  the  regiment  in  this  quarter.  If  not,  I 
would  only  issue  warrants  to  such  officers  as  served  in  that 
corps  last  campaign,  and  are  willing  to  re-engage,  which, 
together  with  such  other  officers  (of  which  enclose  a  list,) 
to  whom  warrants  were  issued  for  raising  troops  without 
designing  them  particularly  for  any  regiment,  (and  three 
of  which  have  already  enlisted  near  three  companies,)  will, 
I  apprehend,  nearly  complete  the  number  of  officers  ;  a 
list  of  which  I  would  transmit  to  the  Colony  Congress, 
that  they  may  be  sufficiently  informed  to  appoint  the  re- 
mainder. 

"  Col.  Van  Schaick  has  my  orders  to  inform  himself 
which  of  his  officers  on  this  side  of  Canada  will  re-engage. 
Those  in  Canada  will  be  provided  for  there. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  with  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Committee  of  the  City  and  County  of  Albany." 

A  letter  from  Col.  Curtenius  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentln. — Mr.  Halsted,  Q.  M.  of  the  Jersey  regi- 
ment, has  applied  to  me  for  344  wooden  bowls,  12  pair 
sheets  for  the  hospital,  and  344  wooden  spoons  ;  also  a  few 
old  blankets  for  the  sick.  I  should  be  glad  to  have  a  writ- 
ten order  for  them. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  your  most  obt.  servant, 

"P.  T.  CURTENIUS. 

"  Feby.  2Ut,  1776. 
•'  To  the  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

Thereupon  Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  deliver  to  the 
quarter-master  of  the  Jersey  regiment  24  bowls,  24  wood- 
en spoons,  12  pair  of  sheets  and  a  few  old  blankets,  for 
the  sole  and  only  use  of  the  sick  in  the  hospital,  and  that 
he  take  a  receipt  for  the  same  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Sands  and  Capt.  Denning,  be  a  committee  to  examine  and 
state  all  the  accounts,  disbursements  and  payments  made 
by  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  ;  that  they  make  par- 
ticular distinction  between  Continental  and  Provincial 
charges  ;  that  they  be  authorized  to  call  to  their  assistance 
Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  and  Col.  Curtenius,  when  necessary 
and  to  employ  at  the  expense  of  this  Congress  one  or  more 
such  clerks  as  they  shall  think  necessary,  and  that  they 
report  their  proceedings  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Evert  Bancker  be  auditor  of  ac- 
counts in  the  stead  of  Mr.  John  Ray. 


Mr.  Zacharias  Sickles,  having  a  parcel  of  bags  at  Nut- 
ten  island,  it  is  suggested  that  he  cannot  go  there  for  them 
without  a  pass  from  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Z.  Sickles  be  permitted  to  go  over 
to  Nutten  island  in  any  boat  that  he  may  think  proper. 

Col.  Palmer,  attending  as  a  member  from  Ulster,  where- 
by that  county  will  have  a  quorum  without  Mr.  Dewit, 

Ordered,  That  he  have  leave  of  absence. 

A  return,  signed  by  Thomas  Thomas  and  William  Mil- 
ler, of  Westchester  county,  was  read  and  filed.  They 
thereby  certify  that  at  a  meeting  of  the  troop  of  West- 
chester county,  held  at  the  house  of  Wilsey  Dusenbury, 
in  Harrison  precinct,  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected 
officers,  to  wit : 

"  Saml.  Tredwell,  capt.;  Thaddeus  Avory,  lieut.  chosen 
unanimously,  and  that  Abrm.  Hatfield  was  chosen  cornet, 
and  Uytendall  Allaire,  quarter-master,  each  chosen  by  a  ma- 
jority. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen. 

A  return  of  officers  of  a  company  of  minute  men  at  Sa- 
ratoga, in  the  county  of  Albany,  signed  by  Ebenezer  Mar- 
vin, chairman  of  the  committee,  and  dated  the  12th  instant, 
was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  return  the  following 
persons  for  officers  of  the  said  company,  vizt :  Alexander 
Baldwin,  captain  ;  Samuel  Bacon,  1st  lieut.;  Walter  Hewit, 
2d  lieut.  and  Elias  Palmer,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen. 

A  return  signed  by  Abm.  P.  Lott  and  Peter  T.  Curte- 
nius, two  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  dated  the  1st  Feb.  1776,  of  three  officers  being  duly 
elected  for  a  company  in  beat  No.  ,  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  to  wit :  Isaac  Johnson,  1st  lieut.;  John  Lyner,  2d 
lieut.;  Geo.  Quedou,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen, 
and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Col.  McDougalPs  motion  of  yesterday,  for  the  emission 
of  the  further  sum  of  £55,000,  Provincial  currency,  for 
the  exigencies  of  this  Colony,  and  to  be  sunk  at  different 
periods,  and  which,  by  consent  without  being  entered,  was 
postponed  to  this  day,  was  reassumed.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Gansevort,  Thos.  Smith,  Esqr.  and  Col.  Lott,  be  a 
committee  to  report  a  plan  for  the  emission  of  £55,000. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  22nd,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Major  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Sands—  New- York. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 

Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Thomas,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— 

Suffolk. 

Major  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 

.  Schenck — Dutches. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Brunt — 'Kings- 
Co].  Williams— Charlotte. 

The  order  of  the  day  for  recommending  to  Continen- 
tal Congress  field  officers  for  the  4  battalions  to  be  rais- 
ed in  this  Colony,  being  read,  the  same  was  postponed 
'till  the  afternoon. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  £ 
"  New-  York,  Feby.  22d,  1 776.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


317 


of  yours  of  the  11th  inst.  covering  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress relative  to  the  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,  and 
notifying  us  of  your  having  obtained  a  warrant  in  our  fa- 
vour on  the  Continental  Treasurer  for  12,000  dollars,  which 
will,  in  some  measure,  enable  us  to  raise  the  four  batta- 
lions intended  for  the  immediate  protection  and  defence  of 
this  Colony. 

"  It  is  agreeable  to  us  that  you  deduct  out  of  the  money 
made  payable  by  that  warrant,  what  may  be  due  to  you  as 
Delegates,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  this  Congress ; 
and  we  beg  you  to  transmit  the  residue,  with  a  state  of 
your  respective  accounts  and  receipts,  to  our  Treasurer  as 
his  voucher. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  esteem, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

John  Hastier,  mate  of  the  ship  Sally,  whereof  Capt. 
Badgley  was  late  master,  has  requested  permission  to  go 
on  board  of  the  said  ship  Sally  to  obtain  his  clothing,  bed- 
ding, and  other  necessaries  from  on  board,  (as  she  is  to 
proceed  to  Boston.) 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Hastier  be  permitted  to  go 
on  board  of  the  ship  Sally  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

A  memorial  of  Capt.  Danl.  Griffin,  Capt.  Jno.  Johnson 
and  13  other  officers,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of 
New-  York,  now  sitting  in  this  city  : 

"  The  memorial  of  several  of  the  officers  in  the  service 
of  the  United  Colonies,  by  appointment  of  this  Colony, 
for  the  duty  of  the  year  1775,  in  the  northern  army,  shew- 
eth, 

"  That  your  memorialists,  having  been  called  upon  early 
in  the  present  contest,  have  willingly  obeyed  the  summons 
and  cheerfully  entered  upon  any  command  or  duty  assign- 
ed them,  in  full  expectation  of  being  on  the  same  footing 
with  the  other  Continental  troops,  raised  for  the  general 
defence  :  And  whereas,  by  good  authority,  we  are  in- 
formed that  the  allowance  given  the  eastern  army  for  offi- 
cers' subsistence  is  much  more  than  that  received  by  your 
memorialists,  humbly  request  that  the  commissaries  may 
be  ordered  to  pay  us  the  difference  of  rations,  having 
some  of  us  received  but  one  ration,  and  others  no  provi- 
sions since  we  entered  the  service  ;  whereas  the  captains 
in  the  eastern  army  have,  from  the  first  of  July  last,  re- 
ceived three  and  the  subalterns  two,  whereby  discontents 
are  arising  to  the  prejudice  of  that  service,  where  harmony 
is  essential  for  executing  the  purpose  intended. 

"  That  your  memorialists  being  informed  an  additional 
number  of  troops  are  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  for  the 
Continental  service,  beg  leave  to  remind  this  honourable 
House  of  the  services  rendered  the  public  by  them  and 
other  officers  in  the  late  year,  hoping  that  the  appointment 
may  be  such  as  will  not  supersede  any  officer  who  served 
with  approbation  and  merit  the  late  campaign,  not  doubt- 
ing but  this  House  will  pay  a  proper  attention  in  the  same. 
We  mean  not  to  dictate,  but,  from  a  tender  concern  for  the 
character  and  honour  of  our  absent  brethren,  we  are  con- 
strained to  offer  our  sentiments  thereon,  lest,  for  want  of 
information,  an  unintended  wound  may  be  given  to  that 
delicacy  which  inspires  the  breasts  of  soldiers,  and  in  a 
great  measure  urges  them  to  noble  deeds,  and  carries  them 
through  the  fatigues  and  dangers  in  the  field  ;  and  we  must 
add,  that  a  soldier  without  a  due  sense  of  honour,  will  not 
only  be  very  unhappy  in  corps  he  may  serve  in,  but  sure- 
ly can  not  be  entrusted  with  the  defence  of  the  honour,  or 
interests  of  the  public. 

"Your  memorialists,  relying  on  the  candour  of  this 
House,  beg  leave  to  sign,  in  behalf  of  our  absent  brethren, 
praying  as  our  dutv  is  for  the  preservation  of  our  valuable 

80 


Captains. 


Jacobus  Wynkoop, 
Nathl.  Woodward, 
Benjn.  Ledyard, 
Elias  Haasbrouck, 
Jacobus  Rosekrans,, 
Thomas  Lefoy,  j) 
Jas.  M.  Hughes,      >  Lieuts. 


rights  and  privileges,  and  for  those  who  have  direction  of 
public  business  for  that  end. 

"  Danl.  Griffen, 
11  John  Johnson, 
"  John  Hulbert, 
"  John  Grenell, 
"  Andw.  Billings, 
"  Benjn.  Marvin, 
"  Wm.  Brown, 

"  Abm.  Riker, 
"  New-York,  Feb.  21st,  1776." 

The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  the  first  part  of  the 
memorial  would  be  a  proper  subject  of  application  to  Ma- 
jor-Genl.  Schuyler  and  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  but  not 
to  this  Congress,  and  that  the  latter  part  of  the  memorial 
is  already  answered  by  a  resolve  of  this  Congress  of  the 
15th  inst. 

Anthony  Post,  captain  of  a  company  of  artificers,  de- 
livered an  estimate  of  the  tools  necessary  for  each  carpen- 
ter in  his  company,  and  alleges  that  it  will  save  public  mo- 
ney to  direct  the  carpenters  to  furnish  their  own  tools,  and 
to  increase  their  wages  from  10  to  13  dollars  per  month. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Rhea  and  Mr.  Palmer, 
or  any  two  of  them,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  re- 
port thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  of  the  20th 
inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  20th  Februy.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  sun- 
dry resolutions  of  Congress,  by  which  you  will  perceive 
their  determination  as  to  the  works  on  Martler's  rock,  that 
no  additions  be  made  but  that  those  already  effected  there 
be  supported  and  garrisoned.  You  will  please  to  order  the 
execution  of  the  works  recommended  by  Congress  in  the 
enclosed  resolves,  to  which  [I]  beg  leave  to  refer  you. 

"  The  Congress  have  directed  Genl.  Lee  to  repair  to 
Canada,  to  conduct  the  military  operations  in  that  quarter, 
and  as  battering  cannon  are  much  wanted  there,  they  have ' 
ordered  him  to  request  you  to  supply  him  with  some  suita- 
ble pieces,  and  mortars  if  possible,  with  shells,  balls,  <fcc. 
I  make  no  doubt  but  your  zeal  will  readily  lead  you  to  af- 
ford the  general  your  aid  in  these  instances,  as  also  in  as- 
sisting to  forward  every  necessary  with  all  despatch.  I 
must  refer  you  to  the  resolutions,  and  have  only  time  to  re- 
quest your  particular  attention  to  them. 
"  I  am,  with  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  Genl.  Schuyler  is  to  repair  to  New-York,  and  take 
the  command.  I  shall  send  the  commissions  by  next  op- 
portunity. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention,  New- York." 

Resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  of  the  15th  inst. 
were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  In  Congress,  Febry.  15th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  no  further  works  be  erected  on  Mart- 
ler's rock,  but  that  those  already  erected  be  supported  and 
garrisoned. 

"  That  a  fascine  battery,  to  mount  not  exceeding  18  hea- 
vy cannon,  be  thrown  up  on  the  gravel  hill,  eastward  of 
Martler's  rock,  marked  in  the  draft  LL,  so  as  to  command 
the  West  Point,  the  reach  down  the  river  from  the  West 
Point,  and  a  part  of  the  reach  up  the  river,  and  that  a  con- 
venient road  be  opened  from  this  battery  to  the  barracks 
on  Martler's  rock. 

"  That  a  redoubt  of  earth  and  fascines  be  built  on  the 
eminence  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  opposite  to  the  West 
Point,  marked  in  the  draft  A,  to  mount  30  guns. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention,  or  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  forward  the  battery  at 
Pooplopen's  kill,  and  that  the  said  battery  be  made  of 
earth  and  fascines,  and  to  mount  a  number  of  guns  not  ex- 
ceeding 40. 

"  That  such  of  the  Continental  troops  as  are,  or  may  be 
stationed  at  the  aforesaid  places,  be  employed  in  erecting 


318 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


these  works  and  batteries,  under  the  direction  of  the  engi- 
neer." 

"  Feb.  17th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention, 
or  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  supply  Genl. 
Lee  with  a  quantity  of  suitable  cannon,  not  exceeding  12, 
and  1  or  more  mortars  if  to  be  had,  with  balls,  shells  and 
other  necessaries  for  the  siege  or  assault  of  Quebec,  and 
that  they  assist  him  in  forwarding  the  same  with  all  possi- 
ble expedition. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention  of  New- 
York  that  such  of  the  officers,  who  served  faithfully  in  Ca- 
nada the  last  campaign,  as  are  willing  to  continue  there, 
be  preferred  in  the  new  levies  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 
to  others. 

"  That  the  sum  of  35,000  dollars  be  advanced  to  the 
Convention,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,  for  the 
support  of  the  troops  employed  in  the  defence  of  that  Co- 
lony ;  the  said  Convention,  or  Committee  of  Safety,  to  be 
accountable  for  the  expenditure  thereof ;  and  that  an  order 
be  drawn  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  above  sum,  in  favour  of 
the  Delegates  of  that  Colony,  who  are  directed  to  forward 
the  same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention,  or  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  contract  with  proper 
persons  for  supplying  the  said  troops  with  the  rations  al- 
lowed by  Congress,  and  fuel  and  other  necessaries,  on  the 
most  reasonable  terms  in  their  power. 

"Extracts  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 
"  By  order  of  Congress, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest." 

Resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  of  the  15th  Feb- 
ruary inst.  was  also  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention, 
or  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  prosecute  the 
discovery  of  the  lead  mines  at  New  Canaan,  and  that  a 
copy  of  a  report  of  Joseph  Hopkins  to  the  General  As- 
sembly of  Connecticut,  respecting  this  mine,  be  sent  to 
them. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy. 
"Ordered  to  be  transmitted. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest." 

The  copy  of  the  report  of  Joseph  Hopkins,  referred  to 
in  the  above  resolve  and  enclosed  by  Prest.  Hancock,  is 
as  follows  : 

"  To  the  Honourable  General  Assembly,  convened  at  New 

Haven,  on  the  \Ath  December,  1775. 

"  Whereas  Capt.  Saml.  Forbes  and  the  subscriber  were 
appointed  by  your  honours,  at  your  session  in  October  last, 
a  committee  to  examine  and  explore  a  lead  mine  at  New 
Canaan,  in  the  Province  of  New- York,  and  to  report, 
&c. 

"  I,  the  said  subscriber,  ask  leave  to  report,  that  on  the 
7th  of  November  last,  on  my  journey  to  said  New  Canaan, 
I  expected  said  Capt.  Forbes  to  join  me,  but  he  being  ill 
and  unable  to  assist  in  said  business  advised  me  to  pro- 
ceed, with  which  advice  I  complied,  and  repaired  to  New 
Canaan,  where  I  found  said  mine,  the  vein  of  ore  in  which 
appears  about  50  or  60  rods  in  length,  lying  north  and  south 
in  a  ledge  of  rocks  or  limestone,  mixed  with  white  flint,  at 
the  south  end  of  which  the  ground  falls  about  26  feet,  be- 
low which  the  water  can  not  be  drawn  off  by  a  level,  which 
vein  I  found  had  been  opened  about  one  rod  in  length  and 
about  3  or  4  feet  deep,  where  I  employed  a  skilful  miner 
to  blast  the  rock,  but  found  no  continued  or  adherent  vein, 
but  found  the  ore  in  bodies  in  different  shapes  about  3  or  4 
inches  diameter  lying  about  3  or  4  feet  distant ;  the  said 
miner  also  opened  the  vein  in  several  places,  where  it  had 
not  before  been  tried,  and  it  appeared  to  be  in  the  same 
manner.    I  also  smelted  8  ounces  of  said  ore,  and  found 


when  it  was  well  refined,  it  weighed  5  ounces,  and  was 
very  malleable  and  good.    All  which  is  submitted  by 
"  Your  honours'  most  obt.  and 

"  Very  humble  servant, 
"  JOSEPH  HOPKINS. 
"  N.  B.  The  mine  aforesaid  lies  in  a  tract  of  land  called 
the  King's  district,  where  the  fee  has  never  been  granted 
or  patented  to  any  person,  and  the  inhabitants  claim  to  hold 
by  possession  only  ;  and  I  employed  the  miner  aforemen- 
tioned, with  others,  to  labour  in  said  mine  seven  days, 
about  half  of  which  time  was  spent  in  preparing  to  open 
the  vein,  and  by  the  other  half  of  the  labour  was  raised 
100  weight  of  ore. 

"  Yours  as  above. 

"J.  HOPKINS. 

"  A  true  copy, 

"  Chas.  Thomson." 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  said  resolves 
of  Congress  of  the  15th  inst.  and  Col.  McDougall  informed 
the  Congress  that  Major-Gen.  Lee,  in  pursuance  of  the  re- 
solution of  Congress  for  supplying  large  ordnance  for  the 
service  in  Canada,  requests  the  following  ordnance,  to  wit: 
2  24  pounders  ;  6  18  do. ;  4  32  do. ;  and  that  these  can- 
non may  be  forwarded  to  Canada  with  all  possible  expedi- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Nicoll,  Col.  Palmer  and  Mr.  G. 
Livingston  be  a  committee  to  forward  those  cannon,  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  think  most  expeditious.  That 
the  said  committee,  or  such  of  them  as  shall  proceed  with 
those  cannon,  be  recommended,  and  are  hereby  recom- 
mended to  the  assistance  of  every  committee  in  this  Colo- 
ny, for  any  assistance  they  may  want ;  and  the  several  com- 
mittees within  this  Colony  are  hereby  requested  and  di- 
rected to  furnish  to  those  gentlemen,  or  either  of  them, 
who  may  proceed  with  those  cannon,  teams  of  horses  and 
oxen,  carts,  wheels  and  carriages,  and  every  other  aid  they 
may  require. 

And  the  better  to  enable  the  gentlemen  named  above  as 
a  committee  to  carry  the  matters  above  mentioned  into 
execution, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Col.  Francis  Nicoll  and  Col.  Thomas  Palmer  the 
sum  of  £600  on  account  for  that  service. 

And  on  reading  that  part  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  of  the  15th  inst.  respecting  the  fortifica- 
tions built  and  to  be  built  in  the  Highlands, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Thomas  Palmer  Esqr.  be 
and  he  is  hereby  appointed  an  additional  commissioner  to 
superintend  the  building  of  the  said  fortifications  ;  that  he 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  said  resolutions  and  apply 
to  Genl.  Lee  for  an  engineer  to  assist  in  that  business ;  and 
that  he  immediately  repair  with  the  said  engineer  to  the 
Highlands  ;  and  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the  com- 
mittee to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to  carry  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Continental  Congress  into  immediate  execution. 

The  President  from  the  chair  enjoined  secrecy  on  all 
the  members,  upon  their  honour,  not  to  mention  the  send- 
ing any  cannon  or  stores  to  the  northward. 

On  reading  the  resolutions  for  making  contracts  for  sup- 
plying the  troops  with  the  rations  allowed  by  Congress  and 
fuel  and  other  necessaries  on  the  most  reasonable  terms, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lott  and  Major  Stoutenburgh  be  a 
committee  for  that  purpose. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Major-Genl. 
Lee  had  found  it  necessary  to  retain  a  number  of  cartmen 
by  the  day  to  attend  every  morning  and  go  to  work  in  one 
or  more  companies,  as  they  should  be  directed  ;  and  that 
they  were  retained  at  10s.  per  day,  for  each  cartman  with 
his  horse  and  cart ;  the  cartmen  maintaining  themselves  and 
their  horses,  whereby  a  considerable  expense  in  cartage  will 
be  saved  ;  that  Genl.  Lee  conceives  it  would  tend  to  for- 
ward business  with  much  more  despatch,  and  to  have  more 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


319 


labour  done  in  a  given  time,  if  an  industrious,  watchful  and 
active  overseer,  or  wagon  master,  was  appointed  to  call  the 
roll  of  those  cartmen  at  proper  hours,  to  see  that  they  at- 
tend in  due  season,  work  faithfully  and  cart  proper  loads  ; 
that  Genl.  Lee  requests  that  a  proper  person  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  that  office  by  this  Congress  ;  and  that  Mr.  John 
Targer  being  thought  a  proper  person  for  this  business, 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  he  be  appointed,  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  overseer  and  wagon  master,  for  the  pur- 
poses above  mentioned,  of  all  such  cartmen  as  are  or  shall 
be  so  employed  by  Major-Genl.  Lee,  or  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  Continental  troops  in  this  city  for  the  time 
being,  and  that  such  cartmen  be  under  his  direction  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Targer  return  the  names  and  conduct  of  any  such 
as  do  not  work  faithfully  and  do  their  duty.  And, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jno.  Targer  shall  have  lieutenant's 
pay  while  continued  in  this  service. 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  Feb.  22d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Major  StouteDborgh,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Bancker,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt 
— For  New-York. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring— Orange. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates — For 
Albany. 

Mr.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Rhea,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Lefever—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 
Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr. 
Hobart— -For  Suffolk. 

Major  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Thomas — Westchester. 
A  return  made  by  Col.  Saml.  Drake  and  Lieut.  Colonel 
Lewis  Graham  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

'•'  Home's  Hook,  Feb.  22d,  1776. 

"  Sir — Mr.  Storm,  who  was  appointed  1st  major  in  our 
regiment,  has  resigned,  and  we  beg  leave  to  recommend 
Mr.  Saml.  Lyon,  who  is  now  2d  major,  to  be  1st  major, 
and  Mr.  Ebenezer  Slason,  the  captain  of  the  first  company, 
to  be  2d  major.  , 

"  If  the  Congress  should  think  proper  to  grant  the  com- 
missions, we  beg  they  may  be  issued  as  speedily  as  is  con- 
venient. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servants, 
"SAML.  DRAKE,  Col. 
"  LEWIS  GRAHAM,  Lieut.  Col. 

'■  To  Col.  Nathl.  Woohhull,  Prest. 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  for  Saml.  Lyon, 
Esqr.  as  first  major,  and  Ebr.  Slason  as  2nd  major,  in 
Col.  Saml.  Drake's  regiment. 

Messrs.  Prince  and  Ray,  from  the  committee  appoint- 
ed this  morning  to  report  on  the  proposal  of  Anthy.  Post, 
captain  of  a  company  of  artificers,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  appointed  to  consider  and  report  on 
the  proposal  made  by  the  captain  of  artificers  with  respect 
lo  the  furnishing  the  company  with  tools,  Report  : 

"  That  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  list  of  tools  exhibi- 
ted by  Mr.  Post,  is  sufficient  for  two  men  at  least.  That 
it  is  their  opinion  that  it  will  be  a  saving  to  the  public  to 
illow  the  sum  of  10s.  per  month  for  the  use  of  their  own 
lools. 

"SAML  PRINCE, 
"MATTHEW  RHEA." 

The  Congress  agrees  with  their  committee  in  their  said 
eport;  and 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  stand  confirmed, 


The  order  of  the  day  being  again  read,  the  Congress 
proceeded  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  and  some  pro- 
gress therein,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  moved  and  was  second- 
ed, that  as  this  Congress  is  not  properly  informed  what 
promotions  have  taken  place  in  Canada,  without  which  we 
may  greatly  err  and  do  injustice  to  or  neglect  gentlemen 
of  character  and  merit,  who  have  served  during  the  last 
campaign,  lhat  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned for  the  present,  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continental  Congress,  and 
another  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  requesting  what  gentle- 
men are  provided  for. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  at  Continental  Congress  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  22nd  Feb.  1776.  C 
"  Gentlemen — This  Congress  earnestly  solicitous  to 
do  the  strictest  justice  to  those  worthy  gentlemen  who  so 
readily  turned  out  in  the  service  of  their  country  the  last 
campaign,  and  being  entirely  uncertain  what  promotions 
have  been  made  by  the  Continental  Congress,  or  any  act- 
ing under  their  orders,  among  the  officers  who  served  in 
the  troops  raised  by  this  Colony,  take  the  liberty  to  en- 
close to  you  the  rank  roll  of  our  4  regiments,  requesting 
that  you  by  the  first  post  will  inform  us  what  promotions 
have  been  made,  that  we  may  be  in  a  capacity  to  nomi- 
nate to  the  Congress  two  gentlemen  for  each  field  officer 
of  the  4  battalions  ordered  to  be  raised  by  this  Colony, 
You  will  easily  perceive  that  unless  we  are  furnished  with 
such  account,  we  may  neglect  some  gentlemen  whose  ser- 
vices may  be  of  the  utmost  importance  to  their  country. 
"  We  are,  gentn.  with  the  greatest  esteem, 
"  Your  very  hble.  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates 

in  Continental  Congress." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feby.  22nd,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — We  are  ordered  by  the  Continental  Congress  to 
provide  for  the  officers  who  served  in  Canada  the  last 
campaign,  and  understand  that  some  of  those  officers  have 
been  provided  for  by  that  honourable  body.  We  should  take 
it  as  a  favour  that  you  would  inform  us  who  those  persons 
are,  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  make  a  proper  arrange- 
ment of  the  officers  to  command  the  regiments  we  are  to 
raise.  We  are  sorry  to  inform  you  in  answer  to  your  let- 
ter of  the  15th  inst.  that  we  are  unable  to  supply  Col.  Van 
Schaick's  regiment  with  any  arms,  blankets  or  clothing, 
having  by  no  means  a  sufficiency  for  the  equipment  of 
those  troops  we  are  to  raise.  We  highly  approve  of  your 
application  to  the  committee  of  Albany  for  the  nomina- 
tion of  officers  for  Col.  Van  Schaick's  regiment,  at  the 
same  time  shall  give  you  every  assistance  in  our  power. 
We  concluded  that  there  was  a  large  number  of  arms 
lodged  at  Albany,  as  but  few  of  our  soldiers  have  brought 
back  their  arms,  many  of  which  belonged  to  this  city,  and 
we  expected  to  have  them  to  put  into  the  hands  of  the  troops 
to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  should  be  glad  to  know 
what  is  become  of  those  arms. 

"  As  soon  as  we  can  procure  the  necessary  information 
of  the  officers  provided  for  in  Canada,  we  shall  nominate 
the  field  officers  for  the  regiments  we  raise,  when  the  no- 
mination of  the  young  gentlemen  you  mention  will  be  ta- 
ken under  consideration. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 
"  Your  very  humble  servant, 
"  By  order. 

"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  those  letters  respectively  be 
engrossed,  and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 
A  return  of  the  officers  of  Capt.  Smith's  company  in 


320 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Col.  Van  Ness's  regiment  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  These  are  to  certify  that  the  following  persons  were 
duly  elected  officers  in  a  minute  company  in  Charlotte 
precinct,  Dutchess  county,  in  Col.  Van  Ness's  regiment, 
viz:  Melancton  Smith, capt.;  Isaac  Bloom,  1st  lieut.;  Wm. 
Mead,  2nd  lieut.  and  William  Tremper,  ensign. 

"  22nd  February,  1776. 

"JACOBUS  SWARTWOUT, 
"PETER  TAPPEN, 
"REUBIN  HOPKINS, 

"  Committee  men" 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  Melancton  Smith 
as  captain,  Isaac  Bloom  first  lieut.  William  Mead  2nd 
lieut.  and  William  Tremper  ensign. 

The  barrack  master  of  this  city  attending  at  the  door, 
was  admitted  ;  he  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has  not 
any  covers  for  straw  beds,  having  delivered  out  straw  beds 
to  all  troops  indiscriminately  as  they  have  arrived. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  as  Commissary  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  purchase  immediate- 
ly as  much  crocus  or  any  other  coarse  cloth  fit  for  cover- 
ing straw  beds  as  will  make  500  beds,  and  that  he  have 
the  same  made,  or  deliver  the  cloth  to  the  barrack  master 
to  have  them  made  ;  and  that  the  barrack  master  deliver 
out  those  beds  to  the  troops  of  this  Colony  only.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack  master  take  receipts  for 
those  beds  and  all  other  barrack  stores  delivered  out  by 
him,  and  that  he  bring  in  to  this  Congress  an  account  of 
all  the  barrack  stores  or  utensils  which  he  has  purchased 
and  of  stores  which  he  has  delivered  out. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  New-York,  February  22d,  1776. 

"Sir — As  the  carpenters  must  be  constantly  employed 
in  various  works  for  the  public  service,  I  take  the  liberty 
to  desire  the  Congress  will  furnish  or  order  to  be  furnish- 
ed, about  3,000  feet  of  boards  to  construct  a  shed  which 
may  enable  them  to  work  in  all  kinds  of  weather  ;  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  oak  timber  is  likewise  requisite  for 
platforms  and  other  works  ;  500  loads  will  not  be  an  over 
quantity.  The  regiment  here  from  Connecticut,  can  turn 
out  many  carpenters,  who  consent  to  work  upon  much 
more  reasonable  terms  than  the  artificers  of  this  city.  It 
would,  I  imagine,  be  worth  while  to  provide  if  possible, 
a  sufficient  number  of  tools  :  when  the  present  work  is 
done,  these  tools  cannot  be  considered  as  an  idle  pur- 
chase ;  they  will  always  be  useful. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servant, 

"CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

of  the  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Lee  be  informed  that  he  may  di- 
rect his  engineer  to  furnish  a  bill  of  scantling,  of  the  boards 
and  timber  mentioned  in  his  said  letter,  and  that  this  Con- 
gress will  direct  the  same  to  be  procured ;  and  that  the 
committee  of  war  wait  on  Genl.  Lee  and  confer  with  him 
on  the  other  part  of  his  letter,  and  report  to  this  Congress 
thereon  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Hobart  informed  the  Congress  there  are  several  sol- 
diers of  the  different  corps  now  here,  who  ought  to  be  put 
into  an  hospital. 

Ordered,  That  Dr.  Treat  be  requested  to  take  (he  trou- 
ble to  procure  some  proper  place  in  the  suburbs  for  their 
reception,  and  inform  this  Congress  or  some  of  the  mem- 
bers thereof. 

Col.  Humphreys  informed  the  Congress  that  the  minute 
men  of  his  regiment  in  particular,  and  the  greater  part  of 
those  of  the  other  Dutches  and  Westchester  regiments  en- 
listed in  full  confidence  [that  their  pay]  would  be  53s.  4d 
per  month,  the  Continental  pay  of  last  year  ;  that  though 
many  of  them  were  lately  enlisted,  yet  they  knew  not  of 
the  change  of  the  Continental  pay  at  the  time  of  their  en- 
listment ;  that  they  have,  since  the  publication  of  the  pre- 


sent Continental  establishment,  been  very  uneasy  ;  that  if 
their  pay  is  reduced  to  40s.  per  month,  many  of  them  will 
retire  from  the  service. 

Ordered,  That  Thomas  Smith  draw  a  letter  on  that 
subject,  stating  their  case  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Con- 
gress, and  requesting  them  to  procure  the  pay  of  last 
year's  establishment  for  those  troops. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Saml.  Drake,  requesting  that  Dr. 
Benjamin  Miller  might  be  examined,  and  if  found  properly 
qualified,  to  be  appointed  surgeon  to  his  regiment,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Home's  Hook,  Feb.  20th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Dr.  Benjamin  Miller,  at  my  request,  has  march- 
ed and  is  now  with  my  regiment  as  surgeon — he  has  al- 
ready taken  care  of  some  that  are  sick — would  be  much 
obliged  to  the  Honble.  Congress  to  have  him  examined, 
and  if  found  properly  qualified,  appointed  surgeon  of  my 
regiment.  As  Dr.  Miller  is  acquainted  with  a  considera- 
ble part  of  the  men  under  my  command,  I  suppose  he 
would  be  more  agreeable  to  the  soldiers  than  most  others. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  hble.  servant, 

"  SAML.  DRAKE,  Col. 

"  To  Col.  Nathl.  Woodhull,  President 

of  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Benjn.  Miller  be  examined  by 
Dr.  John  Jones  and  Dr.  Treat  and  obtain  from  them  such 
certificate  of  his  qualifications  as  surgeon  to  a  regiment,  as 
those  gentlemen  may,  on  such  examination,  find  that  he 
merits. 

Mr.  Robert  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  informed 
the  Congress,  that  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
he  had  attended  the  removing  the  Records  from  the  Secre- 
tary's office  ;  and  had  been  obliged  to  employ  ten  cartmen 
for  that  purpose,  who  charged  him  4s.  each  for  that  ser- 
vice. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  Robert  Benson 
40s.  to  pay  the  said  cartmen. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Febry.  23rd,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr 
Roosevelt,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Ad.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott— For 

New-York. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Genl.  Ten  Brook,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer—  Ulster. 
Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 
Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart,  Capt 

Wickham — For  Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston- 
Dutches. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring—  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

William  Lowther,  Esqr.  informed  part  of  this  Congres 
that  he  has  been  informed  that  his  sloop  and  cargo  in  cus 
tody  of  Capt.  Parker,  will  probably  be  sent  to  Boston 
that  if  he  could  be  permitted  to  go  down  to  the  Phoenix, 
might  be  of  use  to  his  interest. 

"  Ordered,  That  Wm.  Lowther,  Esqr.  be  permitted  I 
go  on  board  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix,  and  his  o\\ 
vessel,  now  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Parker. 
"  To  Mr.  Elias  Nixen,  Port-Master." 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lispenard's  servant  be  permitted 
go  on  board  of  the  Governor  ship  with  5  bags  of  buckwher 
"  To  Elias  Nixen,  Port-Master." 

"  Ordered,  That  Robert  Mcintosh,  master  of  the  scho 
ner  Sally,  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Majesty 
ship  Asia. 
"  To  Elias  Nixen,  Port-Master." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


321 


"  Ordered,  That  Willm.  Kempe  have  permission  to  go 
on  board  of  Govr.  Tryon's  ship,  to  Cortlandt  Skinner,  Esqr. 
with  a  letter  and  a  draft  of  a  charter  for  New  Ark  Aca- 
demy." 

Col.  McDougall  recommended  Mr.  Alexander  Hamilton 
for  captain  of  a  company  of  artillery ;  Mr.  James  Moore 
for  captain-lieutenant ;  and  Johnson  who  was  in 

service  last  year,  and  who  was  lately  appointed  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  for  first  lieutenant. 

Ordered,  That  the  appointment  of  those  officers  be  ta- 
ken into  consideration  to-morrow  morning. 

A  certificate  of  the  election  of  the  officers  of  a  minute 
company  in  East-Hampton,  was  read.  It  thereby  appears 
and  is  certified  that  Ezekiel  Mulford  was  chosen  captain ; 
John  Miller  first  lieutenant ;  and  Nathl.  Hand  second  lieu- 
tenant of  the  company  of  minute  men  in  East-Hampton,  in 
Suffolk  county,  in  the  regiment  whereof  Josiah  Smith,  Esqr. 
is  colonel. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen, 
and  they  were  immediately  issued  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Commissary  of 
this  Congress,  dated  yesterday,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  Feb.  22nd,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen  : — I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  enclose 
an  estimate  of  what  articles  are  wanting  to  complete  the 
4  battalions  which  are  now  raising  for  the  defence  of  this 
Province.  If  your  Honours  think  proper  to  employ  me 
in  the  purchase  of  them,  should  esteem  it  a  favour  to  re- 
ceive your  orders  early,  that  I  may  have  it  in  my  power  to 
get  them  made  in  time. 

"  I  have  let  the  barrack-master  have  (since  his  appoint- 
ment,) £574  to  purchase  wood  and  other  necessaries,  and 
he  tells  me  he  will  want  2  or  £300  more  in  a  few  days  ; 
must  I  let  him  have  it  before  he  renders  me  an  account? 
Your  orders  how  I  must  act,  and  how  often  in  the  year 
he  must  render  an  account,  will  be  agreeable  to, 

"  Gentn.  your  most  obt.  servant, 
"  PETER  T.  CURTENIUS." 

As  short  accounts  are  most  easily  examined,  and  prevent 
trouble, 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack-master  deliver  in  his  ac- 
counts, that  they  may  be  settled  and  examined  before  more 
monev  is  advanced,  and  that  for  the  future  the  barrack- 
master  deliver  in  his  accounts  weekly. 

The  estimate  enclosed  in  the  letter  of  Col.  Curtenius, 
of  sundries  wanted  for  4  battalions  to  be  raised  in  the  Pro- 
vince of  New- York,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to 
the  committee  of  war. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  military  Provincial 
commissary,  wait  on  Col.  Waterbury,  and  receive  from 
him  the  arms  lately  taken  from  sundry  disaffected  persons 
in  Westchester  county ;  that  Mr.  Norwood  have  all  those 
arms  particularly  examined  and  described,  and  have  them 
appraised  by  two  persons  who  are  proper  judges  of  their 
value,  and  a  duplicate  of  such  appraisement  and  description 
returned  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  Corns.  Atherton  has 
a  part  of  the  arms  he  contracted  for  with  Col.  McDougall 
and  Mr.  Curtenius  on  behalf  of  this  Congress,  ready  to  be 
proved,  and  that  he  cannot  prove  them  for  want  of  gun- 
powder. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  deliver,  or  cause  to  be 

delivered  to  Corns.  Atherton,  or  for  his  use,  one  quarter 
cask  of  gunpowder  for  the  proving  of  the  said  muskets  ; 
the  said  Corns.  Atherton  to  discount  the  price  of  said  gun- 
powder out  of  the  price  of  the  said  arms. 

Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esqr.  having  occasion  for  the  sum 
of  £370,  to  apply  to  public  uses  at  his  risk,  which  have 
been  mentioned  to  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 

81 


to  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £370,  and  take 
his  note  or  obligation,  payable  within  six  weeks  for  the 
same. 

Die  Veneris,  5  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  23rd,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Jr.  Col.  Nicoll  on  business,  Genl. 
Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr. 
Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Ada.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Major  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  business — Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  Ten  Broeck — 
Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Williams—  Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Leary,  town  major,  on  the  subject  of 
his  great  duty  and  small  means,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  23rd  Feb.  1776. 
"  Sir — As  I  have  a  long  time  acted  as  town  major,  I 
now  must  take  the  liberty,  and  beg  you  will  inform  the 
Congress  that  it  is  out  of  my  power  to  support  myself  in 
that  character  without  some  compensation  for  it.  I  have 
quitted  all  business  for  the  office,  and  now  supporting  my- 
self on  my  means, — which,  God  knows,  is  very  little.  I 
must  beg  you  will  excuse  this  freedom,  which  I  have  taken 
with  you.  I  remain  a  well  wisher  to  the  present  cause, 
"And  am,  your  very  humble  servant, 

"  WM.  LEARY,  Town  Major. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress." 

As  the  town  major  is  an  officer  of  this  city,  and  the  city 
members  are  absent  in  a  committee  fixing  on  proper  per- 
sons to  recommend  for  officers  in  the  battalion  to  be  raised 
in  this  city, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  for 
the  present  and  resumed,  when  the  members  for  New-York 
are  present. 

A  return  of  the  officers  of  a  company  of  minute  men  in 
South-Hampton,  in  Suffolk  county,  signed  byThos.  Cooper 
and  S.  Halsey,  the  chairman,  and  another  member  of  the 
committee,  was  read  and  filed.  They  return  that  the  follow- 
ing gentlemen  were  unanimously  chosen  in  their  presence, 
agreeable  to  the  rules  of  Congress,  to  wit :  Zephaniah 
Rogers,  capt.;  Nathl.  Howell,  Junr.  1st  lieut.  and  Matthew 
Sayer,  2d  lieut. 

Another  return  of  officers  of  another  company  of  minute 
men  in  South-Hampton,  signed  by  Maltby  Gelston,  chair- 
man, was  read  and  filed.  The  officers  thereby  returned 
are  David  Pierson,  capt.;  John  Foster,  Junr.  1st  lieut.; 
Abm.  Rose,  2d  lieut,  and  Edward  Topping,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  above  named 
gentlemen,  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feby.  24th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  E. 
Bancker.  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Rutgers — 
New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Clowes,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  NicoU—M- 

bany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer— Ulster. 

Mr.  Thomas,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 


322 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Moore— Try  on. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Gelston— Suf- 
folk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Major  W.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Col.  I.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Saml.  Franklin  infoimed  Congress  that  the  ship  Sally  is 
to  be  sent  to  Boston  in  a  few  days,  and  requests  permission 
from  this  Congress  to  send  John  Hastier  in  the  said  ship 
to  Boston,  in  order  to  make  application  to  the  admiral  for 
his  discharge,  and  in  the  interim  to  take  care  of  the  said 
ship.  Mr.  Franklin  further  requests  that  the  said  John 
Hastier  may  be  permitted  to  take  with  him  for  his  subsis- 
tence, one  barrel  of  salt  provisions,  one  cask  of  bread,  one 
barrel  of  flour,  one  quarter  of  fresh  beef,  a  few  gallons  of 
rum  or  spirits,  and  a  few  pounds  of  chocolate,  and  that  he, 
Mr.  Franklin,  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  his  Majesty's 
ship  Phoenix  to  speak  to  Capt.  Parker  relative  to  the  said 
ship  Sally. 

Ordered,  That  John  Hastier  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  go  on  board  of  the  ship  Sally,  belonging  to  Saml. 
Franklin,  and  lately  seized  by  Capt.  Parker ;  and  further, 
that  the  said  John  Hastier  be  permitted  to  go  passenger  in 
the  said  ship  to  Boston,  and  take  with  him  for  his  subsis- 
tence the  following  stores,  to  wit:  1  barrel  salt  provisions, 
1  cask  of  bread,  1  barrel  flour,  1  quarter  of  fresh  beef,  a 
few  gallons  of  rum,  and  a  few  pounds  of  chocolate.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Saml.  Franklin  be  permitted  to  go  on 
board  of  his  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix  to  speak  with  Capt. 
Parker  relative  to  the  said  ship. 

The  Deputies  for  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  de- 
livered in  a  list  or  arrangement  of  officers  for  the  regiment 
to  be  raised  in  New-York,  which  was  read  and  approved  of. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esqr.  deputy  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Orange  county,  to  the  Congress,  and  two  let- 
ters from  E.  W.  Kiers,  one  to  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esqr.  and 
the  other  to  Thomas  Smith,  Esqr.  were  read. 

They  thereby  state  their  difficulties  arising  from  the  fol- 
lowing matter,  to  wit : 

"  That  their  county  committee  had  recommended  officers 
for  two  companies  to  be  raised  on  the  south  side  of  the 
mountains  in  Orange  county  ;  that  each  of  those  officers 
had  been  at  expense  in  preparing  for  the  service  and  en- 
gaging men  for  a  company  ;  that  only  one  company  being 
allotted  by  Congress  to  be  raised  in  that  part  of  the  county, 
each  set  of  officers  claimed  the  preference,  and  that  to  rid 
themselves  of  jealousies  and  creating  divisions,  they  had 
returned  the  warrants,  and  submitted  to  Congress  to  deter- 
mine and  fill  up  the  warrants." 

Congress  determined  that  the  said  warrants  be  filled  up 
in  manner  following,  to  wit :  for  Amos  Hutchins,  capt. 

An  account  of  Bernard  Romans  for  money  claimed  by 
him  as  due  to  him  from  this  Congress,  was  read. 

A  resolve  of  Continental  Congress  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  Feb.  13th,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  t lie  Convention 
of  New-York,  to  pay  Mr.  B.  Romans  up  to  the  9th  day  of 
this  month. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy? 

The  consideration  thereof  is  deferred  until  B.  Romans 
is  called  in  and  interrogated  as  to  the  reasons  of  his  so  long 
absence  from  the  fortifications  at  different  times. 

The  Congress  was  informed  by  a  member  that  his  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor  has  sent  to  the  Mayor  to  request  his 
attendance. 

Ordered,  That  his  Worship  the  Mayor  be  permitted  to 
go  on  board  his  Excellency  Govr.  Tryon's  ship. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  requested  that  this  Congress  would 
come  to  a  determination  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  embargo 
laid  on  provisions  by  the  committee  of  some  towns  in  Suf- 
folk county  ;  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu  proposed  and  moved 


for  an  order,  in  the  words  following,  which  was  read,  to 

wit  : 

The  Congress  approving  of  the  committees  of  South- 
hampton, East-Hampton  and  Shelter  Island  having  laid  an 
embargo  on  provisions  in  those  towns  'till  the  first  of  March, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of 
Suffolk  county,  at  their  next  meeting,  to  continue  said  em- 
bargo in  those  towns  and  in  the  several  towns  in  Suffolk 
county,  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  direct,  until  the  further 
order  of  this  Congress  ;  and  that  their  proceedings  be 
transmitted  to  this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Palmer  be  considered  as  pre- 
sent while  he  is  attending  with  the  cannon,  to  the  forward- 
ing whereof  he  is  appointed  with  Col.  Nicoll — and  no 
longer. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Nicoll  be  considered  as  present  un- 
til he  may  arrive  at  Albany,  and  not  after  that  time,  until 
he  arrives  here  and  takes  his  seat. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  resolves  and 
recommendation  of  the  Honble.  the  Continental  Congress, 
to  prosecute  the  discovery  of  the  lead  mine  at  New-Canaan, 
in  this  Colony.  They  sent  for  John  McDonald,  the  miner, 
as  a  proper  person  to  pursue  such  discovery,  and  he  has 
undertaken  and  engaged  in  that  service  on  the  iollowing 
terms  and  conditions,  to  wit :  To  proceed  to  New-Canaan 
with  all  possible  despatch,  and  there  examine  into  and  pro- 
secute the  discovery  of  the  said  lead  mine  ;  to  receive  for 
his  pay  and  subsistence  20  dollars  per  month  while  in  that 
service — he  to  bear  his  own  expense,  and  to  be  furnished 
with  the  necessary  tools,  &c.  and  for  that  purpose  to  have 
a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Kings  district  requesting  them 
to  furnish  him  with  tools. 

The  said  John  McDonald  having  occasion  for  a  small 
supply  of  cash  to  defray  his  expenses  on  his  intended  jour- 
ney :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  John  McDonald,  the  miner,  (who  in  obedience  to  a  cer- 
tified copy  of  a  recommendation  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress to  this  Provincial  Congress,  dated  the  15th  inst.  is 
sent  to  prosecute  the  discovery  of  the  lead  mine  at  New- 
Canaan,)  the  sum  of  $12  on  account,  and  take  his  receipt 
for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Kings  district, 
in  the  county  of  Albany,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 

the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  Feb.  24tA,  J776.  J 
"Gentlemen — The  Congress  have  appointed  John 
McDonald  to  explore  the  lead  mine  at  New-Canaan.  He 
is  to  apply  to  you  for  any  assistance  he  may  want  to  pro- 
cure tools  and  other  necessaries  for  the  purpose,  which  they 
desire  you  will  furnish.  He  is  allowed  20  dollars  per  month 
for  his  pay  and  subsistence.  You  will  please  to  inform  us 
what  time  he  is  employed  in  the  service. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  very  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Kings  district,  Albany  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  said  John  Mc- 
Donald ;  and  that  a  certified  copy  of  the  report  of  I.  Hop- 
kins to  Continental  Congress,  and  of  their  resolve  thereon, 
be  delivered  by  the  secretaries  to  the  said  John  McDo- 
nald. 


DIE  LUJN7E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  26(h,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr. 
Denning,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Roosevelt — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Lefferts—  Kings. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


323 


Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
service — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Mr.  Ward — Westchester. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston-for  Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schenck — Dutches. 

Col.  Allison,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 
Mr.  Hobart  reported  that  Dr.  Treat  has  informed  him 
that  he  has  taken  every  measure  to  find  some  proper  place 
for  a  hospital ;  that  he  cannot  discover  any  place  that  can  be 
obtained  other  than  the  two  following,  to  wit : 

Mr.  De  Lancey's  house  in  the  out  ward,  and  three  houses 
in  and  near  Maiden-lane,  near  Mr.  Walton's  brewery.  The 
Congress  are  of  opinion  unanimously,  that  the  place  men- 
tioned in  Maiden-lane  is  very  improper,  and  will  by  no 
means  answer  the  purpose,  and  that  from  every  inquiry 
they  have  been  able  to  make,  or  information  received,  Mr. 
De  Lancey's  house  in  the  Bowery  is  the  most  proper.  But 
as  the  Congress  would  choose  to  have  the  use  of  the  said 
house,  with  the  consent  of  and  by  agreement  with  John 
De  Lancey,  the  agent  of  the  owner. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Denning  and  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  be  a 
committee  to  apply  to  John  De  Lancey  for  the  use  of  the 
said  house,  and  make  report  thereon  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

It  was  suggested  to  Congress  that  there  may  be  great 
danger  in  using  the  present  hospital  stores,  until  they  are 
carefully  washed  and  cleansed,  and  as  no  superintendent 
of  an  hospital  is  yet  appointed, 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Treat  be  requested  for  the  pre- 
sent to  procure  such  proper  persons  as  he  may  think  fit  to 
trust,  and  give  the  necessary  directions  for  washing  such 
stores  as  he  may  think  necessary. 

Col.  McDougal  informed  the  Congress  that  some  works 
will  be  necessary  to  be  erected  on  some  ground  on  the  bank 
southwest  of  Trinity  church  ;  that  three  small  houses  there 
(one  of  them  tenanted)  will  necessarily  be  taken  down. 
That  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  this  matter  kept  secret, 
jtherwise  the  erection  of  the  work  may  be  frustrated  ;  and 
submitted  to  the  Congress  whether  three  members  of  this 
Congress,  who  are  judges  of  buildings,  should  not  be  di- 
'  reeled  to  view  and  estimate  the  value  of  those  three 
nouses. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Mr. 
Beekman  be.  a  committee  to  view  and  examine  the  said 
.hree  houses,  and  ascertain  their  value  respectively,  and 
report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

And  the  members  were  strictly  charged  from  the  chair 
to  keep  this  matter  with  the  greatest  secrecy. 

A  return  from  Col.  Jacobus  Swarlwout  for  officers  for 
a  company  of  militia  in  Rumbout's  precinct,  was  read  and 
filed.  It  thereby  appears  that  the  following  officers  were 
chosen  agreeable  to  the  rules  of  Congress,  to  wit:  Evert 
Wynkoop  Swart,  capt.;  Robert  Brett,  1st  lieut.  Isaac 
Van  Wyck,  2d.  lieut.  and  Abraham  Shultz,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissioners  issue  for  those  gentlemen. 

Col.  Swartwout  also  enclosed  a  list  of  officers  chosen 
by  their  several  companies  in  his  regiment  of  minute  men, 
agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  Congress,  for  whom  he  re- 
quested commissions  as  soon  as  possible,  to  wit :  For 
JohnDorlon,  capt.;  Henry  Wykoff,  1st.  lieut.;  Robert  Hill, 
2nd.  lieut.  and  Thos.  Ostrander,  ensign. 

In  another  company,  James  Weeks,  capt.;  Hugh  Con- 
nor, 1st.  lieut.;  James  Cooper,  2nd.  lieut.  and  Theodorus 
Brett,  ensign. 

In  another  company,  Comfort  Luddington,  capt.;  Elijah 
Oakley,  1st.  lieut.;  John  Bready,  2nd.  lieut.  and  Assa  Berry, 
ensign.    All  which  returns  were  dated  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  all  those  gen- 
tlemen agreeable  to  their  respective  ranks  returned. 

Col.  Hay  produced  a  return  of  officers  for  a  company 


of  minute  men  in  the  southern  part  of  Orange  county, 
signed  by  Johannes  Is.  Blauvelt,  Chairman,  whereby  it 
appears  that  on  the  16th  Deer,  the  following  named  gen- 
tlemen were  elected  officers  of  that  company,  to  wit : 
Benjn.  Coe,  capt.;  Abm.  Onderdonck,  1st.  lieut.;  Paulus 
M.  Vandervoort,  2nd.  lieut.  and  Danl.  Coe,  Junr.  ensign; 
and  that  they  were  chosen  without  opposition,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  John  Smith  and  Rynier  Quackenboss,  two  of  the 
committee  as  inspectors. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen. 

John  Voorhis  of  Brunswick,  who  attended  the  Congress 
at  their  request  to  be  examined,  says  :  that  on  Friday 
morning  the  23rd.  inst.  he  was  coming  lo  New-York  with 
his  sloop  Brunswick,  laded  with  bread  and  flour,  and  5 
firkins  of  Butter  ;  that  he  was  brought  to  by  Capt.  Van- 
deput  in  the  ship  Asia,  who  demanded  of  him  what  his 
cargo  consisted  of.  That  Capt.  Vandeput  ordered  the 
hatches  of  the  sloop  to  be  opened,  and  took  out  42  tierces 
of  bread,  5  firkins  of  butter  and  30  barrels  of  flour,  for 
the  payment  whereof,  he  gave  this  examinant  an  order  on 
Abm.  Loll,  Esq.  and  then  put  14  or  15  men  on  board  the 
sloop  and  brought  her  along  side  of  the  ship  Dutches  of 
Gordon  ;  that  he  was  there  ordered  by  Govr.  Tryon  to  get 
his  tackles  ready  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  directed  all  the  flour 
to  be  taken  out  of  the  sloop  and  put  on  board  of  the 
Dutches;  that  149  barrels  were  taken  out  of  the  sloop  by 
Govr.  Tryon's  order  and  put  on  board  of  the  Dutches  ;  that 
2  barrels  of  the  finest  flour  was  set  by  for  the  ship's  use, 
and  the  rest  stowed  in  the  hold  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  asked 
for  his  account;  that  he,  this  examinant  asked  19s.  per 
hundred  for  his  flour,  as  he  had  been  informed  that  was 
the  market  price  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  would  pay  him  only 
18s.  per  hundred,  and  offered  to  pay  him  that  price  or 
permit  him  to  go  lo  New-York  and  get  a  certificate  that 
the  price  was  higher ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  paid  him  for  only 
147  barrels  of  flour,  though  he  kept  an  account  of  the 
weights  and  numbers,  and  is  very  confident  that  149  bar- 
rels were  put  on  board  ;  that  Capt.  Vandepul's  barge  stop- 
ped the  vessel  of  Thompson  from  Brunswick  ;  that  they 
detained  him  some  time  and  then  sent  him  back  again  ; 
that  Capt.  Vandeput  told  him,  seemingly  in  a  low  voice 
and  when  he  was  alone,  that  he  might  inform  his  country- 
men that  if  they  sent  up  provisions  fit  for  shipping  he 
would  stop  it,  but  he  would  not  stop  loose  or  unpacked 
provisions,  such  as  butter,  eggs,  or  pork  in  quarters  for 
the  use  of  the  city,  but  that  he  could  not  let  any  thing  pass 
which  was  in  barrels  ;  that  he,  the  examinant  saw  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  beef  and  mutton  in  quarters,  and 
pieces  hanging  between  decks  in  the  ship  Asia. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Swarlwout,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Feb.  26th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Be  pleased  to  let  me  have  £624  for 
the  use  of  my  regiment,  in  order  to  enable  them  to  provide 
themselves  with  blankets  and  other  necessaries. 

"JACOBUS  SWARTWOUT,  Colo. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  two  of  the  Dutches 
county  members,  that  Col.  Swartwout  had  told  them  that 
£400  will  be  sufficient  for  the  present. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esq.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Col.  Jacobus  Swartwout  of  Dutchess  county,  the  sum 
of  £400,  on  account  of  the  pay  of  his  regiment,  and  that 
the  Treasurer  take  his  receipt  for  the  same  on  account. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Ogden,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Elizabeth  Town,  dated  the  22d  inst.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Elizabeth  Town,  Feby.  22d,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  this  moment  received  yours,  dated  in 
Congress,  Feby.  21st,  1776,  and  signed  by  the  President. 
Had  there  been  a  necessity  I  would  immediately  have  con- 
vened the  committee  to  consider  the  request  of  your  letter. 


324 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  persons  mentioned  now  in  durance  in  this  town,  were 
confined  by  Col.  Heard,  not  at  our  instance  and  without 
our  knowledge.  It  is  said  Col.  Heard  received  his  autho- 
rity for  so  doing  from  your's  or  the  Continental  Congress. 
Our  committee  are  also  ignorant  of  the  crimes  of  which 
these  persons  are  accused  and  for  which  imprisoned. 
Being  convinced  of  the  strict  propriety  of  your  regulations 
respecting  delinquents,  this  committee  have  not,  nor  will 
they  be  guilty  of  the  least  violation  of  them  ;  and  therefore 
conclude  with  assuring  the  honourable  Convention  that 
we  mean  not  to  concern  ourselves  with  these  men  or  their 
conduct. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"  ROBERT  OGDEN,  Chairman. 

"To  the  Honble.  the  Congress  of  N.  York." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  till 
one  or  more  members  from  Richmond  county  arrives. 

Mr.  Adrian  Bancker  produced  a  certificate,  dated  the 
30th  of  January  last,  and  signed  by  Christian  Jacobson, 
George  Barnes,  John  Poillon,  David  Latourette,  Henry 
Perine,  Moses  Dupuy  and  Peter  Mersereau,  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Richmond  county,  whereby  it  appears  that  at  a 
convention  of  the  freeholders  of  said  county,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  choosing  Deputies  to  represent  said  county  in 
Provincial  Congress,  it  appeared  that  Adrian  Bancker  and 
Richard  Lawrence  were  by  a  majority  of  votes  duly  elected 
to  represent  said  county,  and  to  serve  to  the  second  Tues- 
day in  May  next,  with  full  powers  to  them  or  any  one  of 
them  to  represent  said  county  in  Congress  or  in  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety. 

The  committee  of  war,  to  whom  was  referred  the  esti- 
mate of  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  on  the  23d  inst.  delivered  in 
their  report  of  the  articles  necessary  to  be  provided  by  the 
commissary  for  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  vizt : 

2432  frocks  for  privates. 
128  ditto  for  sergeants. 
128  ditto  for  corporals. 

32  ditto  for  drummers. 

32  ditto  for  fifers. 


2752 

2752 
2752 
2752 
2752 
156 
2752 

156 
458 

1566 
1566 
2008 
2752 
32 
32 
32 
700 

12 

32 

32 
16 
4 
4 
4 
4 
108 
108 
458 
2688 


to  be  purchased,  if  to  be  had,  at  the  price  limited  by 
Congress. 

felt  hats. 

yarn  stockings. 

pair  of  shoes. 

blankets,  if  to  be  had. 
do      for  officers. 

canteens,  wooden  ones  preferable  to  tin  if  the  dispro- 
portion of  price  is  not  too  great. 

canteens  for  officers. 

camp  kettles,  two-thirds  of  this  number  ought  to  be 
iron  pots. 

cartouch  boxes,  (1122  being  bought  by  Mr.  Smith.) 

gun  slings. 

knapsacks. 

tomahawks, 

drums  and  slings. 

drum  cases. 

fifes. 

billhooks  in  addition  to  the  300  in  store,  will  probably 
be  sufficient. 

field  officers  tents'  to  have  walls,  booths  and  flys  com- 
plete. 

square  or  horsemens  tents'  for 
captains, 
do    for  64  lieutenants 
do   for  32  ensigns. 


The  officers  tents 
ought  all  to  have 
flys. 


adjutant's  tents 
quarter-master's  tents 
chaplain's  do 
surgeon's  do  ) 

tent  bags, 
valises. 

soldiers'  tents,  allowing  6  men  to  each  tent 
muskets  complete. 


The  foregoing  report  being  read  and  considered,  was 
unanimously  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  all  of 
the  articles  in  the  said  report  mentioned,  as  necessary  to 
be  provided,  and  deliver  the  same  to  Colonel  Curtenius, 
the  Commissary,  who  is  directed  to  cause  those  articles  to 
be  provided  with  all  possible  dispatch. 


Col.  Win.  Williams  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Cumber- 
land county,  delivered  in  a  list,  certificate  and  return  of  the 
militia  officers  of  the  first  regiment  of  Cumberland  county, 
from  the  rank  of  major  downward.  The  said  return  is 
dated  the  6lh  Feb.  1776,  and  signed  by  Benjamin  Carpen- 
ter, chairman  of  the  county  committee,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  county  of  Cumberland,  ? 

"  Guilford,  February  6lh,  1776.  ] 
"To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress, 

and  the  delegated  powers  thereof. 
"  In  compliance  to  your  order  to  us  directed,  dated  Ja- 
nuary the  4th,  and  good  instructions  for  order  and  peace, 
together  with  the  regulations  of  the  militia,  and  by  order 
of  this  committee,  we  here  send  you  the  list  of  all  officers 
that  are  returned  at  the  time,  and  they  are  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  At  a  legal  meeting,  the  town  of  Guilford  chose  Mr. 
Stephen  Shepardson,  capt.;  David  Slowel,  1st  lieut.;  Ti» 
mothy  Root,  2d  lieut.;  Dillington  Johnson,  ensign. 

At  legal  meeting  for  the  town  of  Brattleborough,  chose 
John  Sergeant,  capt.;  Oliver  Cook,  1st  lieut.;  Timothy 
Church,  2d  lieut.;  John  Alexander,  ensign. 

At  a  legal  meeting  for  the  town  of  Fulham,  chose,  Jo- 
nathan Knight,  capt.;  Josiah  Boyden,  1st  lieut.;  Daniel 
Kartheen,  2d  lieut.;  Shephard  Gates,  ensign. 

At  a  legal  meeting  for  the  town  of  Westminster,  chose 
John  Avrell,  capt.;  Jabez  Derry,  1st  lieut.;  Azariah 
Wright,  2d  lieut.;  William  Crook,  ensign. 

At  a  legal  meeting  for  the  town  of  Putney,  chose  Abi- 
jah  Moores,  capt.;  Daniel  Jewet,  1st  lieut.;  Ephraim  Clay, 
2d  lieut.;  Ephraim  Pierce,  ensign. 

"  For  the  town  of  Hallifax,  chose  David  Rich,  capt.; 
Benjamin  Henry,  1st  lieut.;  Robt.  Patterson,  2d  lieut.; 
Edward  Harris,  ensign. 

"  The  said  committee  mention  that  the  rest  of  the  towns 
have  not  made  returns  to  them,  and  request  that  Major 
William  Williams  may  be  entrusted  with  blank  commis- 
sions to  fill  up  for  officers  in  the  scattered  towns  in  the 
wilderness  ;  and  is  signed, 

"BENJAMIN  CARPENTER,  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen, 
according  to  said  return. 

A  memorial  of  Joseph  Crane,  bearing  date  the  24th 
inst.  setting  forth  his  services  in  the  last  campaign,  and 
praying  the  care  of  an  artillery  company,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
until  the  appointment  of  artillery  officers  is  resumed. 


DIE  LUNJE,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

Feb.  26th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  AVoodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning,  Cap 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Smith— Net 

York. 

Col.  Allison,  Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Clowes — Orange. 
Col.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nice 

on  service — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams— Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston 
Dutches. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  Genl.  Lee  is  anxio 
to  have  a  storehouse  or  magazine  for  military  stores,  ai 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS, 


325 


that  the  service  must  soon  suffer  if  the  Bridewell,  or  some 
other  proper  magazine,  is  not  obtained. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  employ  proper  work- 
men, and  procure  necessary  materials,  and  have  proper 
floors,  and  shutters  for  the  windows  made,  and  that  build- 
ing fitted  for  a  magazine  or  storehouse. 

Mr.  Petlit,  the  doorkeeper,  informed  the  Congress  that, 
in  obedience  to  their  order,  he  had  summoned  Christopher 
Duyckinck.  That  the  said  Chrisr.  Duyckinck  called  wit- 
nesses, and  desired  him  to  tell  the  Congress  that  he  denied 
the  authority  of  this  Congress  ;  that  he  would  not  attend 
until  Mr.  Sands  was  expelled  the  House  ;  that  Mr.  Sands 
was  an  usurper  and  a  coward,  and  that  he  would  not  at- 
tend until  he  was  brought  by  a  file  of  musketeers. 

Mr.  Hobart  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  a  letter  be 
wrote  to  Genl.  Lee  requesting  him  to  take  Chrisr.  Duyc- 
kinck into  custody.  By  consent,  the  same  was  post- 
poned till  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Smith,  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  last  Thursday 
morning,  brought  in  a  draft  of  a  letter  relating  to  the  pay 
of  the  minute  men,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Continental  Congress  formerly  di- 
rected us  to  raise  minute  companies  in  this  Colony,  and 
established  their  pay,  when  called  into  actual  service,  to 
be  the  same  with  the  pay  of  the  Continental  troops ;  at 
the  time  we  were  ordered  to  form  these  companies,  the 
pay  of  a  private  was  fixed  at  53s.  4d.  per  month,  and  the 
men  were  raised  on  assurance  that  they  were  to  receive 
this  pay ;  and  although  some  of  the  privates  have  been 
enlisted  since  the  19th  of  Jany.  when  the  new  esta- 
blishment was  formed,  which  reduced  the  pay  to  40s.  per 
month,  yet  the  officers  not  knowing  of  this  reduction,  en- 
listed their  privates  on  assurances  that  they  were  to  re- 
ceive the  pay  of  the  old  establishment.  These  companies 
are  now  called  into  actual  service,  and  are  in  this  city  ; 
they  express  great  uneasiness  at  being  reduced  to  the  pay 
of  40s.  per  month,  when  they  were  promised  53s.  4c2, 
We  are  apprehensive  that  the  service  will  suffer  by  this 
uneasiness,  and  as  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  remove  the 
difficulty,  we  should  be  glad  to  take  the  sense  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  beg  you  would  transmit  it  to  us  as 
soon  as  possible.  It  may  be  proper  to  inform  you  that  the 
officers  are  content  with  the  pay  provided  by  the  first  es- 
tablishment, though  less  than  the  last  establishment. 

"  We  are,  sirs,  your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New- York  Delegates,  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

February  27th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

1  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr. 
Van  Cortlandt,  Capt.  Rutgers  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Smith, 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  McDougall— New-York. 

Mr.  Ward,  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham— Westchester. 

Gen.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
'  service—  Albany. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harinj,  Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Clowes — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schanck— Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 

Mr.  Moore— for  Tryon. 

Col.  John  Williams— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Robinson,  of  Jamaica,  in  Queens 
county,  was  read  and  filed.  He  declines  mentioning  the 
names  of  persons  to  be  evidences  against  the  persons  of 

82 


their  county  who  were  apprehended  by  order  of  Continen- 
tal Congress,  and  having  given  in  securities.  Informs  that 
almost  every  person  in  that  county  can  be  a  witness,  and 
that  he  will  attend  on  summons. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Delegates 
of  this  Colony,  at  Congress,  dated  the  25th  inst.  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  25th  Feb.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  this  moment  received  your  fa- 
vour of  22d  inst.  The  post  did  not  get  in  till  near  7 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  will  be  despatched  back  so  soon 
that  I  can  have  no  opportunity  in  the  interim  of  conferring 
with  my  brethren,  and  one  of  the  subjects  is  too  important 
to  admit  of  delay,  I  therefore  beg  leave  to  give  you  my 
sentiments  upon  it.  If  any  thing  further  occurs,  on  a  con- 
sultation, it  will  be  transmitted  the  next  conveyance. 

"  Genl.  Schuyler,  some  time  since,  proposed  to  Con- 
gress that  our  second,  or  Albany  battalion  should  be  re- 
cruited for  the  service  of  Canada,  and  recommended  the 
former  field  officers.  Of  this  Congress  approved,  and 
12,500  dollars  were  forwarded  to  you  for  the  despatch  of 
that  business.  The  general,  in  a  subsequent  letter,  in- 
formed Congress  that  the  money  was  sent  to  him,  and 
seems  to  be  uneasy  that  the  care  of  raising  the  battalions 
should  be  superadded  to  the  other  burthens  of  his  com- 
mand. He  mentions  his  intentions  of  applying  to  the 
committee  of  Albany  for  assistance  on  that  occasion,  but 
what  progress  has  since  been  made  we  do  not  learn. 

"  The  Congress  have  also  declared  their  intention  of 
promoting  Capt.  Henry  Livingston,  who  came  express 
from  Genl.  Montgomery  with  the  news  of  the  surrender  of 
Montreal,  when  an  opportunity  should  offer,  but  nothing 
has  yet  been  done  in  his  favour. 

"  A  resolution  has  since  passed  for  raising  four  bat- 
talions in  New-York  for  its  immediate  protection  and  de- 
fence, of  which  you  have  received  a  copy.  It  was  fol- 
lowed by  another,  that  in  the  appointment  of  these  officers, 
such  as  behaved  well  during  the  last  campaign  should  be 
provided  for;  a  copy  of  which  has  likewise  been  forwarded 
for  your  direction. 

"  As  New-York  was  thought  to  be  in  a  critical  state  and 
no  recommendation  had  appeared  from  our  Committee  of 
Safety  of  the  officers  for  the  four  battalions,  it  occasioned 
much  surprise  and  uneasiness,  and  the  apology  I  was  able 
to  make,  vizt:  the  expectation  of  a  meeting  of  the  Conven- 
tion and  the  utility  of  their  advice,  which  indeed  depended 
on  my  own  conjecture,  did  not  prove  satisfactory.  It  was 
said,  that  while  every  thing  was  done  for  New-York  at  the 
public  expense,  that  could  be  wished  or  asked,  they  ne- 
glected their  own  defence,  &c.  This  produced  a  resolu- 
tion that  an  inquiry  should  be  made  into  your  progress 
with  respect  to  those  battalions.  Those  circumstances,  if 
my  memory  has  not  failed,  are  all  that  have  happened  on 
this  subject,  and  which  will  suffice  to  convince  you  that 
there  is  no  obstruction  in  the  way  of  your  nominating  the 
field  officers,  agreeable  to  the  recommendation  of  Con- 
gress. You  will  doubtless  see  the  propriety  of  despatch, 
both  on  account  of  your  security  and  your  reputation,  both 
of  which  no  man  can  have  more  sincerely  at  heart  than 
myself. 

"  Apprehensive  that  you  might  be  distressed  to  main- 
tain the  army  now  in  our  capital  from  the  lowness  of  your 
finances,  we  thought  it  advisable  to  obtain  a  warrant  in 
your  favour  for  35,000  dollars,  which  Mr.  Lewis  received, 
and  will  deliver  you. 

"  T  should  do  great  injustice  to  Congress  if  I  did  not 
assure  you  that  they  are  disposed  to  do  every  thing  which 
can  be  reasonably  required  for  your  protection. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"With  the  greatest  regard,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  JAS.  DUANE. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Convention 

of  New- York." 


326 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee  dated  this  day,  request- 
ing money,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Feb.  27th,  1776. 
"  Sir — As  we  have  here  no  Continental  paymaster,  I 
am  under  the  necessity  of  addressing  myself  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  to  assist  me  in  this  article.  I  have  a  con- 
siderable party  to  be  subsisted,  and  are  now  to  be  furnish- 
ed with  necessaries — $2,000  are  at  least  requisite.  You 
will  much  oblige  me  therefore,  sir,  in  endeavouring  to  pro- 
cure this  sum.  If  you  could  make  it  $2,500  it  would  be 
more  convenient  to, 

"  Sir,  your  mo.  obt. 

" CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  President  of 

the  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 

The  Congress  agreed  to  give  Major-Genl.  Lee  an  order 
on  the  Treasurer  for  $2,500,  and  an  order  for  that  purpose 
was  drawn  and  approved  of  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Major-Genl.  Lee  by  his  letter  of  this  day,  having  re- 
quested of  this  Congress  to  advance  him  the  sum  of  2,500 
dollars  for  the  subsistence  of  his  party.  Thereupon 

"  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress  advance  to  Major-Genl.  Lee 
$2,500  on  Continental  account." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Genl.  Lee  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  this  morning  was  received  and 
read.  The  requisition  therein  contained  was  immediately 
taken  into  consideration,  and  the  Congress  ever  ready  to 
do  all  in  their  power  to  promote  the  public  service,  agreed 
to  advance  you  $2,500.  An  order  on  our  Treasurer  for 
that  sum,  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servls. 

"  By  order. 

'■  Major-Genl.  Lee." 

Lieut.  Col.  Ritzema  by  request  attended  the  Congress. 
Being  asked  what  has  been  done  by  Congress  relative  to 
the  2  regiments  ordered  to  be  formed  out  of  the  troops  in 
Canada,  Mr.  Ritzema  says  that  there  are  about  900  men 
in  Canada  ;  that  they  are  the  remnants  of  all  corps  which 
have  been  there,  and  cannot  usefully  be  formed  into  one  or 
two  regiments  ;  that  the  Congress  have  superseded  their 
former  order  to  form  two  battalions  out  of  those  troops ; 
that  Mr.  Walker  has  informed  him  that  Genl.  Wooster 
had  attempted  to  carry  the  order  into  execution  and  has 
failed  ;  that  he  looks  upon  the  officers  in  Canada  as  un- 
provided for,  and  that  they  look  upon  themselves  so  ;  that 
a  committee  of  Continental  Congress  told  him  that  the 
officers  were  to  be  provided  for  in  the  new  levies  in  their 
respective  Colonies  from  whence  they  proceeded  in  the  ser- 
vice. That  on  the  15th  Novr.  Genl.  Montgomery  new 
arranged  the  army,  and  Mr.  Ritzema  read  a  copy  of  the 
general's  declaration  to  the  troops,  and  the  terms  of  new 
enlistments  ;  that  the  general  by  parol  appointed  the  field 
officers  ;  that  there  remains  in  the  whole  about  1500  stand 
of  arms,  about  500  belonged  to  this  Colony  ;  that  about  150 
he  left  in  three  boxes  in  his  rooms  in  Montreal ;  that  the  New 
England  troops  carried  off  with  them  about  1500  muskets 
taken  at  St.  John's  ;  and  that  Col.  Warner's  party  carried 
off  all  their  arms.  Lieut.  Col.  Ritzema  then  gave  a  par- 
ticular account  of  all  the  officers  from  this  Colony  now  in 
Canada. 

Mr.  Sands  informed  Congress  that  Mr.  John  Murray 
had  a  sloop  with  pig  metal  seized  by  Capt.  Vandeput,  and 
requests  permission  to  go  on  board  of  the  ship  Dutches  of 
Gordon  and  the  ship  Asia,  to  endeavour  to  regain  his  pro- 
perty. 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Murray  be  permitted  to  go 
on  board  of  the  Dutches  of  Gordon  and  His  Majesty's 
ship  Asia. 

"  To  Mr.  Elias  Nixen,  Port-Master." 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  requests  a  permit  to  ship  flaxseed  and 


lumber  on  board  of  the  ship  Polly,  Capt.  Thos.  Kennedy, 
master,  to  be  exported  to  Cork,  in  Ireland,  in  return  for 
stores  imported. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Low  be  permitted  to  load  flaxseed 
and  lumber  on  board  of  the  ship  Polly,  Capt.  Thos.  Ken- 
nedy, master,  to  the  amount  of  £896  0s.  9d. 

Die  Ltjn*:,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  27th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest.  (Say  Ten  Broeck.) 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt, 
Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Col.  Hay,  Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Clowes — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  duty — Ulster. 
Mr.  Ward,  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  A.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Schenck— For  Dutches. 
Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 
Co).  John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Col.  Wm.  Williams— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report 
a  plan  for  the  emission  of  £55,000  in  Provincial  paper, 
bills  of  different  denominations  of  dollars  and  shillings,  de- 
livered in  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which  was  read 
and  ordered  to  remain  for  further  consideration. 

Jabez  Fredericks  and  Jacob  Andrews,  inhabitants  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  at  the  door,  sent  in  certificates  of  Col. 
How,  and  Col.  P.  Henry,  that  they  have  been  taken  pri- 
soners by  Lord  Dunmore  and  escaped,  recommending 
them  for  assistance  to  return  to  their  places  of  abode. 
They  also  sent  in  a  pass  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  and  re- 
quested assistance. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Jabez  Fredericks  and  Jacob 
Andrews,  inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  who  have 
been  taken  prisoners  by  Lord  Dunmore,  and  made  their 
escape,  the  sum  of  40s.  to  assist  them  on  their  journey  to 
their  respective  places  of  abode. 

Capt.  Rutgers  informed  the  Congress  that  Christopher 
Duyckinck  is  at  the  door  and  desires  admittance. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  admitted. 

Christopher  Duyckinck  admitted,  says,  that  with  reluc- 
tance he  disobeyed  the  summons  of  this  Congress  yester- 
day evening  ;  and  repeated  a  long  account  of  the  contro- 
versy between  Mr.  Sands  and  himself. 

Christopher  Duyckinck  was  desired  to  withdraw. 

The  Congress  took  the  case  of  the  insult  offered  to  this 
Congress  into  consideration,  and  came  to  a  determination 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  This  Congress  is  of  opinion  that  Christopher  Duyc- 
kinck is  guilty  of  a  contempt  of  this  Congress  in  the  mes- 
sage he  sent  by  their  doorkeeper,  for  which  he  ought  to 
ask  the  pardon  of  this  Congress,  and  receive  a  reprimand 
from  the  Chair  ;  and,  although  this  Congress  would  not  in- 
terfere in  the  trial  of  private  property,  or  in  demanding  sa- 
tisfaction for  a  private  injury,  yet  they  are  of  opinion  thai 
the  said  Christopher  Duyckinck  has  acted  very  wrong  in 
taking  and  detaining  from  Mr.  Sands  his  watch,  and  do  re- 
commend it  to  him,  to  return  the  same  to  him  without  de- 
lay." 

Christopher  Duyckinck  being  called  in,  the  first  part  o 
the  opinion  of  Congress  was  read  to  him,  and  he  askec 
pardon  of  the  Congress  for  the  contempt  of  which  he  wa 
guilty.  The  second  part  of  the  opinion  and  recommenda 
lion  were  then  read  to  the  said  Chrisr.  Duyckinck  ;  where 
upon  he  requested  a  copy  of  the  entry,  a  copy  wherec 
was  certified  and  delivered  to  him. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  consider  of  and  deter 
mine  on  proper  persons  to  be  recommended  to  Continents 
Congress  for  field  officers  of  the  four  regiments  now  rais 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


327 


ing  in  this  Colony,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  Conti- 
nental Congress,  and  after  some  time  spent  and  progress 
made  therein,  the  further  consideration  thereof  is  postpon- 
ed till  to-morrow. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  28th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Gen).  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  McDougall,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Prince,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  A.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt— New-York. 

Mr.  Clowes,  Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison,  Col.  Hay — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service,  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Mr.  Ward,  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham,  Lieut.  Col.  L.  Graham — 
Westchester. 

Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schanck— Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  James  Lent,  chairman  of  Orange  Town 
committee,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  returns  Abm. 
David  Blauvelt,  2nd  major  of  the  Orange  Town  regiment  of 
militia,  and  requesting  a  blank  commission  for  an  ensign 
to  be  chosen  in  Johannes  Jacobs.  Blauvelt's  company. 

Ordered,  That  the  commission  issue  for  the  said  Abra- 
ham David  Blauvelt  as  major,  and  that  the  blank  commis- 
sion for  an  ensign  be  sent. 

Col.  Jos.  Drake  informed  Congress  that  Stephen  Sne- 
den,  who  was  chosen  captain  of  a  company  of  militia  in 
East  Chester  district,  had  refused  to  accept  the  commis- 
sion, by  which  means  new  commissions  were  necessary 
for  the  whole  company,  and  requested  that  blank  commis- 
sions may  be  sent  for  that  purpose.  The  Congress  agrees 
to  his  request,  and 

Ordered,  That  blank  commissions  be  delivered  to  Colo- 
nel Drake  for  that  company. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Hempstead,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee at  Southold,  in  Suffolk  county,  dated  23rd  inst.  was 
read  and  filed.  They  thereby  return  certain  persons  elect- 
:  ed  officers,  but  the  return  being  not  properly  formal, 

Ordered,  That  four  blank  commissions  for  the  purpose 
be  enclosed  to  the  chairman. 

A  reference  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feb.  27th,  1776.  $ 
"  The  sub-committee  appointed  by  the  general  commit- 
tee, to  make  inquiry  what  quantity  of  salt  remained  in  this 
city,  reported  that  there  are  20,700  bushels  for  sale. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  propriety  of  retaining  a  sufficient 
quantity  in  this  city  and  Province  for  the  use  of  its  inhabi- 
tants, be  immediately  referred  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Provincial  Congress. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"JOHN  BROOME,  D.  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  reference  be  reserved  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  White,  by  his  agent,  be  permitted 
to  supply  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix  with  8501b.  fresh 
beef  and  some  turnips,  and  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  with 
1,300  pounds  of  fresh  beef  and  greens,  and  some  candles. 
Also  one  barrel  of  corned  beef  for  His  Excellency  Govr. 
Tryon. 

The  members  for  Kings  county  informed  the  Congress 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn  are  desirous  to  know  whe- 


ther they  shall  have  any  recompense  for  the  trouble  of 
having  soldiers  placed  in  their  houses. 

The  Congress  is  of  opinion  that  some  allowance  ought 
to  be  made  to  those  inhabitants.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  members  from  Kings  county  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  the  quar- 
tering those  troops,  and  the  trouble  to  the  inhabitants, 
and  what  rewards  will  be  adequate  and  sufficient,  and  re- 
port with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Denning,  the  committee  appointed 
to  apply  to,  and  treat  with  John  De  Lancey  for  the  use  of 
the  house  of  James  De  Lancey  for  a  hospital,  informed  the 
Congress  that  Mr.  John  De  Lancey  is  attending  at  the 
door  and  requests  to  be  heard.  Mr.  John  De  Lancey  was 
admitted  and  heard.  He  was  informed  that  Congress  in- 
tended to  make  compensation  for  the  house  he  occupies, 
if  necessary  [to]  cause  it  to  be  taken  for  an  hospital ;  that 
he  shall  have  the  most  early  information  when  that  neces- 
sity is  known  ;  and  that  if  another  house  suitable  for  that 
purpose  can  be  obtained,  that  house  will  probably  be  spar- 
ed. 

Mr.  De  Lancey  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Denning  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  for,  and  examine  and  procure  one  or  more 
proper  house  or  houses  for  an  hospital,  and  to  treat  with 
the  owners  or  inhabitants  thereof  and  agree  for  the  same. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  make  further  progress 
in  nominating  proper  persons  to  be  recommended  to  the 
Continental  Congress  as  field  officers  for  the  regiment 
raising  in  this  Colony,  and  finished  their  arrangement 
thereof,  which  will  be  inserted  in  the  minutes  of  this  after- 
noon ;  and  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  and  Mr.  Thos.  Smith  are 
appointed  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  and  another  to  the  De- 
legates of  this  Colony  to  accompany  the  same. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  28th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Col.  Lott, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broock,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
duty — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck — Dutches. 

Col.  Allison,  Col.  Hay — Orange. 

Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Mr.  Ward,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Dr.  Graham—  WesU 
Chester. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 
Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

The  officers  proposed  for  artillery  companies  in  this  Co- 
lony having,  by  direction  from  this  Congress,  been  desired 
to  attend,  and  be  examined  by  Capt.  Smith,  the  engineer, 
Col.  McDougall  delivered  in  a  certificate  which  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Feb.  26th,  1776. 

"Agreeable  to  desire  of  Col.  McDougall,  we  have  exa- 
mined Mr.  Jas.  Moore,  and  think  him  fit  for  a  captain 
lieutenant  of  artillery. 

"  WM.  SMITH,  Chief  Engineer. 
"  S.  BADLAM,  Capt.  of  Artillery." 

The  said  certificate  being  satisfactory  to  this  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  James  Moore,  be  appointed,  and  he 
is  hereby  appointed  captain  lieutenant  of  artillery  in  this 
Colony. 

Col.  Saml.  Drake,  of  the  minute  regiment  from  the 
county  of  Westchester,  attending  at  the  door,  was  admitted. 

He  informed  the  Congress  that  four  months,  the  term  for 
which  many  of  his  men  had  enlisted,  was  fully  expired, 
and  that  they  demanded  their  pay  ;  that  if  he  is  enabled  to 


328 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


pay  them,  many  of  them  may  probably  enlist  anew.  As 
Col.  Drake  has  not  a  muster  roll  of  his  regiment  with 
him,  the  Congress  agreed  to  advance  him  £'300  on  ac- 
count. Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Col.  Saml.  Drake  the  sum  of  £300  on  account  of  the 
pay  of  his  regiment  of  minute  men,  and  take  Col.  Drake's 
receipt  for  the  same. 

Col.  Lott  informed  the  Congress  that,  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  he  had  purchased  a  large  quantity  of 
bread  ;  that  the  bakers  of  whom  he  purchased  desire  that 
it  may  be  removed,  and  that  he  is  in  advance  for  the  pur- 
chase of  said  bread,  and  requested  some  money  on  account. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lott  procure  a  store  and  have  the 
said  bread  stored  therein,  and  the  Congress  approves  of 
the  stores  of  Mr.  V.  Ranst,  on  Cowfoot  Hill,  for  that  pur- 
pose. And, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Col.  A.  Lott  the  sum  of 
£500  on  acct.  in  part  of  the  price  of  the  bread  purchased 
by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  take  a  receipt 
for  the  same. 

Mr.  Smith,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  to  cover  the  list  of  gentlemen 
recommended  for  field  officers  of  the  4  battalions  raising 
in  this  Colony,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  28th  Feb.  1776.  5 

"  Sir — In  obedience  to  the  resolution  of  Congress,  we 
have  now  the  honour  to  transmit  a  list  of  gentlemen  nomi- 
nated by  us  as  field  officers  for  the  4  battalions  ordered  to 
be  raised  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony. 

"  In  this  nomination,  we  have  endeavoured  to  pay  due 
attention  to  the  merits  of  those  officers  who  served  in  the 
last  campaign,  and  are  willing  to  continue  in  the  service. 
To  these  we  have  added  a  number  of  gentlemen  who  now 
tender  their  services  to  their  country.  As  soon  as  the 
field  officers  are  fixed  by  Congress,  we  beg  their  commis- 
sions may  be  forwarded.  The  other  officers  are  appoint- 
ed and  are  recruiting  in  different  parts  of  this  Colony. 

"  It  may  not  be  improper  to  mention  that  some  of  the 
captains  and  subalterns  who  served  in  our  regiments  last 
year  are  now  in  Canada.  Those  gentlemen  we  have  not 
been  able  to  provide  for  in  the  four  battalions  now  raising, 
as  we  were  uncertain  when  they  would  return,  or  whe- 
ther they  were  not  provided  for  in  the  Canada  regiments  ; 
we  were  apprehensive  if  we  provided  for  them  in  our  bat- 
talions, it  might  impede  the  raising  the  troops,  and  there- 
by injure  the  service.  In  justice  to  those  gentlemen,  we 
thought  it  our  duty  to  mention  this,  and  to  enclose  a  list 
of  their  names,  and  doubt  not  but  that  their  services  will 
be  duly  considered  by  Congress,  and  that  proper  provi- 
sion will  be  made  for  them  if  they  are  not  already  provid- 
ed for. 

"  We  have  the  honr.  to  be,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obt.  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"  The  Honbl.  John  Hancock, 

Prest.  of  Continental  Congress." 


The  gentlemen  nominated  out  of  which  to  elect  fieh 


ficers  for  the  4  regiments  to  be  raised  for  the 
this  Colony  are  those  that  follow,  vizt : 


of- 

defence  of 


"  For  Colonels. 
Alexr.  McDougall, 
James  Clinton, 
Rudolph  us  Ritzema, 
Peter  Yates, 
Corns.  D.  Wynkoop, 
Philip  Cortlandt, 
John  Lasher, 
Seth  Warner. 

c 

Fredk.  Van  Weissenfels, 
Henry  B.Livingston, 
John  Nicolson, 


For  Lieut.  Colonels. 
Herman  Zedwitz, 
Peter  Gansevort,  Junr. 
Barnabas  Tuthill, 
Henry  G.  Livingston, 
Peter  P.  Schuyler, 
John  Hathorn, 
Egbert  Dumont, 
Governeur  Morris. 
For  Majors. 

John  Fisher, 

Marinus  Willett, 

Jos.  Benedict." 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  on 
the  subject  of  the  appointment  of  officers  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Concress,  ) 
"  New-York,28th  Feb.  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  by  this  conveyance  transmit- 
ted to  Congress  a  list  of  the  field  officers  nominated  by  us 
for  the  4  battalions  intended  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony ; 
and  in  order  to  show  that  we  have  paid  a  proper  attention 
to  those  gentlemen  who  served  in  the  last  campaign,  we 
have  enclosed  a  state  of  the  former  regiments  raised  in 
this  Colony,  that  you  may  produce  it  in  case  it  should  be 
called  for  by  the  Continental  Congress. 

"  We  are  with  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Yours,  &c.  &c. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegotes 

in  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  said  two  letters  be  engross- 
ed, and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  the  21st 
inst.  requesting  arms,  clothing,  blankets,  pitch,  turpen- 
tine and  oakum,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  Feb.  2\st,  1776. 
"  Sir — Mr.  McKesson's  letter  by  your  order  enclosing 
the  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  5th  inst.  1  yesterday 
received. 

"  Measures  are  taken  to  complete  Col.  Van  Schaick's 
regiment,  and  hope  with  the  assistance  which  the  com- 
mittee of  this  city  and  county  affords  me,  that  it  will  be 
speedily  accomplished.  But  I  am  distressed  in  the  high- 
est degree  for  arms,  clothing,  blankets,  and  every  other 
necessary.  I  must  therefore  entreat  that  those  things  may 
be  sent  up  the  soonest  possible,  together  with  100  barrels 
pitch,  10  of  turpentine,  ami  2  tons  of  oakum.  I  wish 
these  things  to  be  put  on  board  of  a  vessel  and  sent  up  as 
soon  as  possible  ;  I  suppose  the  river  will  soon  be  open. 

"  Capt.  Horton  of  the  4th  regiment  is  willing  to  conti- 
nue in  the  service,  so  is  Capt.  Henry  B.  Livingston.  I 
wish  the  latter  could  be  promoted,  out  of  respect  to  his 
family  as  well  as  his  own  merit. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 
"  PHIL.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  the  Prest.  of  the  New-York  Congress." 

Thereupon  ordered,  that  Col.  Curtenius  purchase  im- 
mediately, vizt:  100  barrels  pitch,  10  barrels  turpentine, 
2  tons  oakum,  and  have  them  put  on  board  of  the  first 
sloop  for  Albany,  directed  to  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  or 
his  deputy. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  dated  at  New-Windsor  the 
23rd  inst.  was  read  and  filed  ;  he  therein  informs  that  he 
has  got  the  best  gunsmiths'  shop  in  the  Colonies.  That 
he  finds  it  difficult  to  get  workmen.  That  he  will  deliver 
arms  for  the  public  money  he  received,  and  that  he  is  in- 
clined to  think  he  shall  not  proceed  farther  on  his  old  con- 
tract. 

A  petition  of  Azor  Betts  was  read  and  filed.  A  certifi- 
cate or  endorsement  thereon,  signed  by  William  Elsworth, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  was  also  read  and 
filed.  The  said  Azor  Betts  begs  leave  to  return  to  a  sense 
of  his  duty  to  his  country,  and  requests  forgiveness  and 
protection.  The  said  certificate  mentions  that  he  had  of- 
fered to  sign  a  recantation  and  make  oath  for  his  futun 
good  behaviour. 


Danl.  GrifTen, 
Corns.  Van  Dyck, 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Feb.  29th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Denning 
Mr.  J.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


329 


.Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service 
— Albany. 

Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schenck— 
Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Bancker — For  Richmond. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams — For  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  W.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  return  of  officers  to  fill  up  several  vacancies  occa- 
sioned by  promotions  in  the  Florida  and  Warwick  regi- 
ments, subscribed  by  John  Hathorn,  chairman,  dated  at 
Goshen,  the  28th  inst.  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby 
return  for  officers  in  the  late  Capt.  Henry  Wisner's 
company,  Abm.  Dolson  for  capt.  ;  Henry  Bartolf,  lieut. ; 
John  Hopper  2nd  lieut. ;  and  Malhias  Dolson,  ensign.  In 
Capt.  Nathl.  Elmore's  company,  John  Sayre,  lieut.;  John 
Kennedy,  2nd  lieut.  ;  and  in  the  late  Captain  Charles 
Bardsley's  company,  John  Minthorn,  capt.;  Nathl.  Ketch- 
am  lieut.;  Geo.  Vance,  2nd  lieut.;  and  John  Benedict,  en- 
sign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen. 

Col.  John  Williams  applied  for  blank  commissions  for 
three  companies  of  minute  men  in  Charlotte  county,  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  county  committee  of  Charlotte  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  com  missions  for  three  companies,  sign- 
ed and  attested,  and  otherwise  blank,  be  delivered  to  Col. 
John  Williams,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  said  county  com- 
mittee. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  from  Continental  Congress,  came 
into  Congress  and  informed  them  that  a  quantity  of  gun- 
powder at  Brunswick  is  to  be  forwarded  to  Genl.  Wash- 
ington ;  that  he  had  given  orders  to  have  it  forwarded  to 
Powle's  Hook.  Mr.  King,  who  came  with  the  powder 
came  into  Congress.  Mr.  Lewis  and  Mr.  King  informed 
that  there  was  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  wagons,  and  that 
Mr.  Dennis  was  of  opinion  that  it  might  be  safely  sent  by 
water  to  Brown's  ferry.  This  Congress  is  of  opinion  that 
Mr.  King  should  return  and  get  the  powder  forwarded,  and 
that  this  Congress  should  not  give  any  order  about  the 
powder  in  Jersey  until  it  arrives  at  Powle's  Hook. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Prince 
be  a  committee  to  procure  wagons  to  carry  the  said  powder 
forward.  The  members  were  charged  from  the  Chair  to 
keep  this  matter  about  the  gunpowder  secret. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Feb.  29th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Smith.  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Prince. 
Mr.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Bulgers,  Col.  McDougall — New-York. 
Mr.  A.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schanck— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham,  Col.  Drake —  tVestchester. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Niles  Christain  left  England  2nd  or  3rd  Nov.  11  weeks 
ago ;  was  chief  mate  of  the  ship  Harriet,  sailed  this  day 
for  Boston  ;  that  no  other  vessel  sailed  with  them  ;  no 
troops  left  England  when  he  sailed  ;  that  some  transports 
were  gone  to  Ireland,  and  GO  or  70  transports  were  at  Dept- 
ford  to  go  to  Ireland  ;  that  they  had  80  hogs  on  board,  and 
30  are  now  alive ;  that  the  troops  from  Ireland  are  to  go 
to  Boston ;  that  Genl.  Gage  was  arrived  and  was  blamed  for 
leaving  Boston;  that  140  bushels  potatoes,  104  chaldrons 
coal  and  a  quantity  of  porter,  and  a  parcel  of  onions  ;  that 
the  people  of  London  are  in  general  in  favour  of  America  ; 

83 


that  in  Ireland  they  have  pressed  recruits  ;  that  he  did  not 
hear  of  any  recruiting  in  England  ;  trade  dull ;  the  Ame- 
rican ships  laid  up ;  did  not  hear  of  any  commissioners 
coming  over  ;  that  he  was  bred  at  Charlestovvn,  Mas- 
sachusetts ;  that  the  pilots  frequently  came  on  shore  for 
fowls  ;  that  their  ship  has  not  received  any  supply  of 
provisions  or  flour,  except  a  few  fowls  ;  that  the  captain's 
order  was  not  to  any  particular  port,  but  to  any  place  where 
the  army  is.  The  said  Niles  Christian  requested  a  pass  to 
go  to  Cambridge.  Thereupon  a  passport  was  given  to 
him  in  the  words  following  : 

"  The  bearer  hereof,  Niles  Christian,  late  mate  of  the 
transport  ship  Harriet,  who  has  escaped  from  the  said  ship, 
and  whose  former  stated  place  of  residence  was  at  Charles- 
town,  Massachusetts  Bay,  is  hereby  permitted  to  pass  to 
Cambridge,  in  Massachusetts  Bay." 

Joseph  Booth,  attending  at  the  door,  sent  in  a  certificate, 
dated  26th  inst.  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  for 
New  Town,  in  Fairfield  county,  certified  by  Caleb  Bald- 
win, clerk  of  the  said  committee,  was  read.  It  is  thereby 
certified  that  Joseph  Booth,  the  bearer,  had  lately  served 
his  country  as  a  faithful  friend  and  soldier  in  the  northern 
army,  under  the  command  of  Genl.  Schuyler  ;  that  he  had 
suffered  by  the  stoppage  of  his  cattle  at  Bedford,  on  the 
way  to  New-York  market ;  that  he  is  the  owner  of  the  said 
cattle,  and  that  the  said  committee  take  pleasure  in  recom- 
mending him  as  a  friend  to  his  country. 

The  Congress  look  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
came  to  the  following  determination,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  a  large  supply  of  fresh  provisions  will  be 
required  for  the  Continental  army  in  and  near  the  city  of 
New- York: 

"Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  no  obstruction  whatso- 
ever be  given  to  any  person  or  persons  in  passing  and  re- 
passing through  any  of  the  counties  in  this  Colony,  with 
fat  cattle,  sheep,  hogs,  or  any  kind  of  provisions,  for  the 
purpose  of  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  city  of 
New-York,  or  the  Continental  army  in  and  near  the  said 
city,  unless  such  person  or  persons  shall  have  been  adjudg- 
ed to  be,  or  held  up,  as  inimical  to  this  country." 

A  certificate  was  also  given  to  the  said  Joseph  Booth,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  the  bearer  hereof,  Joseph  Booth,  be 
permitted  to  pass  with  his  drove  of  cattle  to  the  city  of 
New-York." 

Geo.  Cook  sent  into  Congress  a  certificate  or  receipt, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Received,  New-York,  Feb.  28th,  1776,  of  Mr.  Geo. 
Cook,  50  pouches  and  50  bayonet  belts,  to  the  best  of  my 
judgment  in  good  order. 

"  RICHD.  NORWOOD, 
"  Commissary  of  Colony  stores." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Geo.  Cook  the  sum  of  £35 
for  the  said  pouches  and  bayonet  belts. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the 
subject  of  a  farther  emission  of  paper  money,  was  post- 
poned until  to-morrow  morning. 

The  case  of  the  prisoners  confined  in  the  guard  house 
for  being  concerned  or  instrumental  in  spiking  up  the  can- 
non near  King's  Bridge,  with  the  evidence  against  them,  is 
appointed  to  be  heard  and  taken  into  consideration  to-mor- 
row afternoon. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  1st,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Col.  Lott,  Major  Stoutenburgh.  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Prince,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Denning— New- 
York. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 


330 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Ad.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service— Ulster. 
Mr.  Ward,  Col.  Jos.  Drake,  Dr.  Graham—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Col.  Wra.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 
Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilb.  Livingston, 
Major  Schenck — Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Capt.  Smith,  the  engineer,  came  to  Congress  and  was 
admitted.  He  reported  that  by  order  of  Genl.  Lee,  he  had 
been  up  to  the  Highlands,  and  surveyed  the  ground  at  Poop- 
lopen  kill ;  that  the  ground  is  staked  out ;  that  he  will 
send  a  draft  of  the  fortification,  intended  to  be  erected,  to 
the  commissioners,  as  soon  as  possible  ;  that  he  thinks  the 
fort  may  be  built  at  an  easy  expense,  as  wood  and  fascines 
are  handy.  As  to  embrazures  and  the  number  of  cannon 
requisite,  he  would  send  up  a  draft  for  that  purpose  ;  that 
a  fort  is  laid  out  about  500  yards  to  the  eastward  of  Fort 
Constitution,  on  a  commanding  situation,  commanding  the 
passage  up  and  down  the  river,  and  scours  the  West  Point ; 
between  that  and  the  line  which  is  now  laid  out  at  Consti- 
tution fort,  is  a  very  commanding  height,  on  which  ought 
to  be  placed  a  redoubt,  to  prevent  the  works  being  enfi- 
laded to  the  southward;  at  the  distance  of  about  1,700 
yards  is  laid  out  a  fort  on  a  very  commanding  height,  which 
will  command  the  northern  and  western  passage,  of  which 
drafts  will  be  sent  up.  These  forts  are  recommended  to 
be  built  of  sods  and  fascines,  which  nature  has  plentifully 
supplied  at  Pooplopen's  kill.  At  Fort  Constitution  is  a 
salt  marsh  meadow,  which  will  supply  sods  necessary  to 
build  forts  at  that  spot ;  that  these  works  may  be  erected 
without  masons  or  carpenters,  the  platforms  excepted. 

The  town  major  at  the  door  was  admitted.  He  informed 
Congress  that  Rynier  Van  Hoosen  was  taken,  and  is  in 
custody. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  reported  to  Genl.  Lee. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  the  emission  of  £55,000, 
according  to  the  order  of  the  day,  was  taken  into  consider- 
ation and  read,  and  amended  ;  and  being  again  read,  para- 
graph by  paragraph,  and  many  amendments  made  and 
unanimously  agreed  to,  it  was  ordered  to  be  taken  into 
farther  consideration  to-morrow. 

The  Congress  are  informed  that  Capt.  Smith,  the  en- 
gineer, would  with  pleasure  if  commanded,  tarry  on  duty  in 
this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  commit- 
tee to  wait  on  Genl.  Lee,  and  to  request  that  Capt.  Smith, 
the  engineer,  may  be  ordered  to  remain  on  duty  for  some 
time  in  this  Colony. 

A  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey, 
made  the  28th  day  of  Feby.  repealing  their  late  embargo 
on  provisions,  from  that  Colony,  to  this  city,  was  read  and 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  Feb.  28th,  1776.  $ 
"  Whereas  the  late  resolution  of  this  Congress,  prohibit- 
ing the  export  of  provisions  and  produce  from  this  Colony 
to  New-York,  was  founded  on  information,  that  the  ships 
of  war  in  New-York  made  captures  of  vessels  so  laden  : 
And  whereas  the  Congress  are  fully  satisfied  that  the 
reason  of  making  said  prohibition  no  longer  subsists.  It  is 
therefore, 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  resolution  of  this 
Congress,  made  the  21st  day  of  this  instant  Feby.  pro- 
hibiting the  export  of  provisions  and  produce  from  this 
Colony  to  the  city  of  New-York,  be  and  is  hereby  re 
pealed. 

"  A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

"  WM.  PATTERSON,  Secy. 
"  Copy  from  the  original. 

"H.  Remsen." 


A  letter  from  Col.  Henry  Remsen,  dated  at  New  Ark, 
29th  Feb.  informing  of  part  of  the  Continental  powder  in- 
tended for  Cambridge,  being  arrived  at  New  Ark,  was 
read. 

The  committee  of  this  Congress  appointed  to  prepare 
wagons  here  to  carry  it  to  Cambridge,  reported  that  wa- 
gons stand  ready  to  receive  it  as  fast  as  it  arrives  here. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Remsen's  letter  be  committed  to 
Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  one  of  the  members  of  this  Congress  ; 
that  he  be  authorized,  and  is  hereby  authorized,  to  take 
such  methods  and  give  such  directions  for  the  forwarding 
thereof  to  this  city  as  he  shall  think  proper  or  most  safe, 
and  without  any  further  information  to  be  given  to  this 
Congress,  until  he  has  the  same  safe  in  this  city. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Curlenius  on  the  subject  of  a  demand 
of  the  hospital  stores  in  his  custody,  and  sundry  other  mat- 
ters, was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  February  24,  1776. 

"  Gentn. — Agreeable  to  your  orders  I  desired  Mr. 
Hughes  to  shew  me  by  what  authority  he  demanded  the 
stores  taken  out  of  the  lower  barracks,  upon  which  he 
shewed  me  a  recommendation  in  his  favour,  from  the  Con- 
gress of  this  Province  to  the  Continental  Congress,  which 
I  thought  was  not  a  sufficient  authority  for  me  to  deliver 
up  the  stores,  since  which  he  has  been  at  my  house  and 
told  me  that  if  I  would  not  deliver  them  to  him,  the  gene- 
ral would  send  a  file  of  soldiers  to  take  them.  I  should  be 
glad  to  know  how  to  act,  the  general  being  impatient  to 
have  an  answer.  Enclosed  are  three  accounts  for  ra- 
tions due  to  Capts.  Hulbert,  Griffin,  Grennell  and  their 
officers,  amounting  to  £179  7s.  Od.  which  sum  they  de- 
mand of  me.  Please  to  let  me  know  whether  I  must 
pay  them.  The  rations  are  rather  charged  under  than 
over  the  mark. 

"  Lieut.  Marvin  also  delivered  me  a  doctor's  bill  amount- 
ing to  32  shillings,  which  was  for  medicine  administered 
to  him  while  he  lay  at  the  east  end  of  Long  island,  where 
there  was  no  regimental  surgeon. 

"  I  have  purchased  three  thousand  bushels  of  salt  out  of 
the  ship  Lady  Gage,  to  go  up  to  Albany.  Should  be  glad 
to  have  the  advice  of  Congress  how  to  get  it  out  of  the 
kills. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  your  most  obt.  servt. 
"  PETER  T.  CURTENIUS. 
"  Please  to  return  the  accounts  by  the  Secretary." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Genl.  Lee  was 
prepared  by  one  of  the  Secretaries  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  Feb.  24th,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — We  are  informed  by  a  letter  from  Col.  Curtenius, 
our  commissary,  that  Mr.  Hughes  has  demanded  of  him, 
(by  your  command  as  he  says,)  certain  hospital  stores  in 
his  custody  by  our  order,  for  the  use  of  a  general  hospital. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  those  stores  were 
taken  into  the  care  and  direction  of  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony  the  last  summer,  by  order  of  the  Honble.  the  Con- 
tinental Congress ;  since  that  time  they  have  been  under 
continual  guard  by  our  directions,  and  that  of  one  company 
at  least  every  night,  and  the  keys  thereof  in  the  custody 
of  our  commissary. 

"  Necessity  obliged  us,  though  with  reluctance,  lately  to 
apply  some  part  of  those  stores  to  cover  straw  beds  for  the 
troops.  With  pleasure  we  lately  ordered  out  a  small  part 
of  them  for  the  use  of  a  few  indisposed  troops. 

"  Should  those  stores  be  applied  to  any  other  use  than 
that  to  which  they  have  been  devoted,  give  us  leave  to  say, 
that  it  is  scarcely  in  the  power  of  the  Continent  to  supply 
an  hospital. 

"  To  you,  sir,  we  need  not  mention  the  consequences; 
add  to  this,  sir,  we  look  upon  ourselves  responsible  for 
them  to  the  Continental  Congress,  and  that  by  their  own 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


331 


order  in  the  premises,  and  under  this  apprehension  we  have 
hitherto  acted. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  Major-Genl.  Lee." 

A  return  of  the  officers  of  a  company  of  minute  men  in 
Beekman  precinct,  dated  23rd  Feb.  last  and  signed  by  James 
Vandenburgh  and  Ebenezer  Cary,  two  of  the  committee, 
was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  return  the  following 
gentlemen  as  duly  and  unanimously  elected  by  the  com- 
pany, to  wit:  Wm.  Clark,  capt. ;  Benjn.  Noxon,  1st 
lieut. ;  Martin  Cornell,  2nd  lieut. ;  and  Nathl.  Cary,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
accordingly. 

Mr.  William  Williams,  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Cum- 
berland county,  delivered  in  a  letter  or  return  of  field  offi- 
cers recommended  by  the  county  committee  of  Cumberland 
county,  dated  the  first  day  of  Feby.  last,  signed  Benjamin 
Carpenter,  chairman,  which  was  read  and  filed.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  gentlemen  re- 
commended by  the  county  committee  for  officers  of  the 
lower  regiment  of  Cumberland  county,  as  follows,  to  wit : 
To  William  Williams,  Esqr.  as  colonel ;  Benjn.  Carpen- 
ter, Esqr.  as  lieutenant  colonel  ;  Oliver  Lovel,  Esqr.  as  1st 
major ;  Abijah  Lovejoy,  Esqr.  as  2nd  major ;  Saml.  Mi- 
nor, Junr.  gentleman,  as  adjutant ;  and  Saml.  Fletcher, 
gentleman,  as  quarter-master  of  said  regiment. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Cumberland  county, 
signed  by  Benjn.  Carpenter,  their  chairman,  dated  the  2nd 
day  of  Feb.  last,  delivered  to  the  President  by  Major  Wm. 
Williams,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Cumberland  county,  Westminster,  Feb.  2nd,  1776. 

"  Sir — As  this  is  an  infant  county  (though  heartily  dis- 
posed in  the  cause  of  American  liberty,)  we  are  at  present 
unable  to  furnish  our  Delegate  with  the  cash,  which  per- 
haps may  be  absolutely  necessary  to  supply  his  present  ne- 
cessities. The  county  is  about  raising  a  tax,  which  is 
already  voted  by  the  county  committee,  and  we  are  deter- 
mined to  raise  said  tax  as  quick  as  possibly  we  can  ;  there- 
fore should  be  exceeding  glad,  under  our  present  necessi- 
ties, that  our  Delegate,  Major  Wm.  Williams,  might  re- 
ceive out  of  the  Provincial  treasury  the  sum  of  £40,  New- 
York  currency. 

"  We  hope  soon  to  be  able  to  remit  said  sum  of  £40  to 
the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress  at  New- York. 

"  The  Congress  complying  with  our  request,  will  much 
oblige 

"Your  most  obt.  servts.  &c. 
"  Signed  by  order  of  the  committee  of 

"  Safety  for  Cumberland  county, 
"  BENJN.  CARPENTER,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

The  Congress  took  the  said  letter  into  consideration,  and 
thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  on  loan  to  Major  Wil- 
liam Williams,  on  the  credit  of  Cumberland  county  com- 
mittee in  general,  and  of  Benjamin  Carpenter,  the  chair- 
man of  the  said  committee,  in  particular,  and  Major  Wil- 
liam Williams  therein  named,  the  sum  of  £40,  to  be  repaid 
in  such  manner  as  this  or  some  future  Provincial  Congress 
or  Committee  of  Safety  shall  direct.  And  that  in  the  mean 
time,  until  such  payment  be  made  or  discounted  by  some 
order  of  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety,  that  the  said 
Benjn.  Carpenter  and  Wm.  Williams  jointly,  and  each  of 
them  separately,  be  considered  as  indebted  to  the  said  Pe- 
ter V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  his  executors  or  administrators, 
in  the  sum  of  £40,  New- York  money,  for  so  much  money 
lent,  to  be  repaid  on  demand ;  and  in  default  of  such  payment 
or  discount  by  order  of  Congress  or  of  Committee  of  Sa- 


fety, to  be  recovered  by  the  said  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston, 
his  executors  or  administrators,  by  suit  at  law  or  other- 
wise, with  all  costs  and  disbursements.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  said  original  letter  be  made 
a  part  of  the  draft  of  the  minutes  of  this  Congress,  and 
that  the  Secretaries  deliver  certified  copies  of  the  said  let- 
ter and  this  entry  to  be  filed  with  the  said  Treasurer  as  his 
voucher  for  the  said  sum  of  £40. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  March  1st,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  McDougall,  Major  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Prince,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service — Al* 
bany. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston,  Major 
Schenck — Dutches. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart -Suffolk. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service—  Ulster. 
Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker  —  Richmond. 
Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 
Mr.  LefTcrtse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

The  memorial  of  Doctor  Benjamin  Curtis,  requesting  to 
be  appointed  surgeon  to  a  regiment,  was  read  and  filed ; 
and  the  certificate  of  Dr.  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Bard, 
therein  recited,  was  also  read  and  highly  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Benjamin  Curtis  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  a  surgeon  for  one  of  the  regiments  now 
raising  in  this  Colony  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time  he  take 
the  care  of  such  indisposed  troops  of  any  of  the  said  four 
regiments  as  are  or  may  be  in  the  city  of  New-York  until 
further  order,  or  until  he  shall  be  appointed  to  attend  or 
take  the  care  of  one  regiment  in  particular. 

A  return  of  officers  of  the  militia  company  in  Col.  Drake's 
regiment,  whereof  Ebenezer  Slason  (now  promoted  to  a 
major)  was  late  captain,  dated  this  day,  and  subscribed  by 
Samuel  Drake  and  Lewis  Graham,  was  read  and  filed.  The 
following  officers  are  thereby  returned  :  Henry  Slason  is 
thereby  returned  for  captain,  Ebenezer  Schofield  to  [be]  first 
lieutenant,  Danl.  Walerbury  to  be  second  lieutenant,  and 
David  Purdy  to  be  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
accordingly. 

Mr.  Leffertse  informed  the  Congress  that  the  militia  of 
Kings  county  have  elected  their  officers  ;  that  to-morrow 
will  be  a  time  of  general  meeting  of  the  officers,  that  if 
commissions  could  be  delivered  to  him,  the  committee  of 
Kings  county  could  to-morrow  fill  up  commissions  for  such 
officers  as  are  willing  to  accept,  and  bring  in  the  returns 
without  delay.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  28  commissions  for  7  companies  be 
given  to  Judge  Leffertse. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Bedlow,  Jonathan  Lawrence  and 
Thomas  Palmer,  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Constitution,  Feb.  29th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  the  order  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  by  Messrs.  Palmer  and  Livingston,  ac- 
companied with  Col.  Smith,  the  engineer,  who  has  plan- 
ned the  fortifications  agreeable  to  the  said  order  and  much 
to  our  satisfaction,  and  you  may  be  assured  that  nothing 
shall  be  wanting  on  our  parts  to  prosecute  the  same ;  but 
in  order  to  give  the  troops  stationed  here,  and  who  are 
expected  to  perform  the  labourers'  work,  better  spirits,  we 
beg  leave  you  would  enable  us  to  give  them  such  further 
allowance  of  provisions  to  each  labourer  as  we  may  see 
necessary,  their  present  allowance  being  really  too  small 
for  labouring  men. 


332 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"  We  would  also  beg  leave  to  represent  to  you,  that  as  the 
works  are  now  laid  out,  are  extensive,  and  at  seven  miles 
distance  from  each  other,  that  four  commissioners,  two  at 
Poploop's  kill  and  two  at  this  post  will  be  necessary,  they 
acting  jointly  at  all  the  works  ;  and  if  your  honourable 
House  should  be  of  the  same  sentiment  that  we  may  have 
one  more  added  to  our  present  number,  we  would  presume 
to  recommend  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  as  a  gentleman 
from  whose  abilities  the  public  service  would  be  benefitted 
up  here. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 
"  Your  hble.  servts. 

"  WM,  BEDLOW, 

"  JONTHN.  LAWRENCE, 

"THOMAS  PALMER. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress  lor  New-York." 

Messrs.  Scott  and  Hobart  returned  from  Major-Genl. 
Lee,  and  reported  that  he  consents  that  Capt.  Smith,  the 
engineer,  shall  remain  in  this  Colony  for  some  time  ;  that 
Genl.  Lee  has  not  an  immediate  occasion  for  the  wagons 
mentioned  this  morning  ;  that  he  thanks  Congress  for  the 
offer  of  cash  to  furnisli  necessaries,  and  will  call  on  them 
if  he  should  have  occasion. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Continental  Congress  on  the  15th  of  Feb.  rela- 
ting to  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  the  letter 
from  the  commissioners  of  the  29th  February  last,  and 
after  a  considerable  time  spent  thereon,  the  Congress  came 
to  the  following  determination,  to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  for  building  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands,  be,  and  they  are,  hereby  au- 
thorized to  employ  vessels  for  quartering  the  troops  to 
build  the  fort  at  Pooplopen's  kill,  until  barracks  are 
built,  and  also  that  they  be  authorized  to  call  in  as 
many  of  the  minute  men  of  Col.  Palmer's  regiment  as 
can  be  employed  there  ;  and  in  case  they  cannot  get  a  suf- 
ficient number  of  minute  men,  to  order  as  many  of  the 
Continental  troops  raised  in  the  counties  of  Orange,  Ul- 
ster, Westchester  and  Dutches  to  that  post,  as  will  be  ne- 
cessary to  expedite  the  said  works. 

Ordered  further,  That  such  Continental  troops  as  may 
be  called  and  employed  at  the  said  works  be  continued 
there  until  the  further  order  of  the  Continental  or  this  Con- 
gress, the  Committee  of  Safety  or  the  commanding  offi- 
cer of  the  Continental  troops  in  this  department. 

And  on  considering  the  letter  from  the  said  commission- 
ers at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr. 
be,  and  he  is  hereby,  appointed  an  additional  commissioner 
to  superintend  the  building  of  the  said  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands. 

Mr.  Hobart  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Yates, 
that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draw  and  report  a  plan 
of  an  election  for  a  new  Provincial  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Yates 
be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Elias  Nixen  the  port  master,  at  the  door,  was  admitted, 
he  informed  the  Congress  that  the  officer  of  the  port 
guard  had  seized  and  taken  two  servants  of  Govr.  Tryon 
who  came  to  shore  in  a  boat  with  a  quantity  of  linen  to  be 
washed  ;  that  he  had  informed  the  officer  of  the  guard 
that  it  was  not  contrary  to  the  directions  of  this  Congress 
for  persons  to  come  on  shore  from  Govr.  Tryon's  ship  ; 
that  the  officer  persisting  that  it  was  agreeable  to  his  or- 
deis  from  the  general,  he  prevailed  on  him  to  send  up  to 
the  general.  The  officer  said  the  general  ordered  that 
they  should  not  be  discharged  ;  that  the  said  two  ser- 
vants were  sent  to  the  guard  house  and  in  custody. 

The  port  master  farther  informs  that  his  office  is  become 
useless ;  that  the  guards  have  fired  at  several  boats  this 
day  ;  that  the  general  told  him  last  night  that  no  provisions 
should  go  to  the  Governor  until  the  occasion  of  his  having 
stopped  a  large  quantity  of  flour  was  cleared  up  ;  that  he  has 
seen  the  Governor's  two  servants  put  into  the  guard  house. 


DIE  SABATTI,  a.  m. 

March  2nd,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Wm.  Denning,  Mr.  Ad.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott  12  o'clock,  Mr. 
Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Lott — New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broek,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Ganse- 
vort — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Mr.  Ward,  Dr.  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schanck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Bancker—  Richmond. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  memorial  of  Robert  Robinson  and  Michl.  Price,  set- 
ting forth  the  particular  hardships  of  their  case,  was  read 
and  filed. 

They  therein  set  forth  that  having  been  held  up  to  their 
country  for  their  conduct  in  a  breach  of  a  resolution  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  they  have  been  for  a  long  time  ex- 
cluded from  all  business  ;  that  they  are  sincerely  penitent 
for  their  offence  ;  that  they  are  willing  in  this  distressed 
season  of  the  year  to  give  £50  for  the  use  of  the  poor,  and 
pray  to  be  restored  to  their  former  standing. 

A  memorial  of  sundry  respectable  merchants  and  other 
inhabitants  on  behalf  of  the  said  Robinson  and  Price,  was 
also  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorials  be  referred  to  Col. 
Lot,  Mr.  Gansevort  and  Mr.  Ad.  Rutgers  as  a  committee  to 
report  thereon,  and  that  they  report  with  convenient  speed. 

Two  orders  from  Genl.  Lee  to  the  barrack-master  for 
10  beds  for  the  use  of  some  sick  soldiers  in  Col.  Ward's 
regiment,  and  for  20  iron  kettles  for  Ward's  regiment, 
were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Mr.  Garret 
Roorback  the  barrack-master,  10  covers  for  straw  beds 
for  the  use  of  some  sick  soldiers  in  Ward's  regiment,  and 
at  the  special  request  of  Major-Genl.  Lee. 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  barrack-master  furnish  to 
Col.  Ward  or  the  quarter-master  of  his  regiment,  20  iron 
pots  or  kettles,  and  take  a  receipt  from  Col.  Ward  or  his 
quarter-master  for  the  same,  as  delivered  by  order  of  Ma- 
jor-Genl. Lee,  on  Continental  account. 

The  members  of  Kings  county,  who  were  appointed  a 
committee  for  that  purpose,  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  to  inspect  with  regard  to  billetting  of 
troops  in  Kings  county  do  report : 

"  That  the  inhabitants  of  Kings  county  cannot  keep  offi- 
cers at  less  than  7s.  per  week  for  a  room  and  the  follow- 
ing necessaries,  allowing  two  officers  to  a  room,  and  pri- 
vates at  Is.  Ad. 

"  The  officers  and  men  to  be  supplied  with  the  follow- 
ing articles,  to  wit ;  cribs,  bed  cases,  bolsters,  pots,  tram- 
mels, tongs  and  shovels,  andirons,  axes,  candlesticks, 
benches,  buckets,  firewood,  candles,  straw,  house-room." 

The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  the  allowance  re- 
ported is  moderate  and  reasonable,  and  agrees  with  theii 
committee  in  their  said  report. 

An  order  from  Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  one  of  th< 
commissioners  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  wa: 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Constitution,  Feby.  28th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Please  to  pay  unto  Mr.  John  Van  Dei 
bilt  or  order,  £50,  it  being  part  of  my  pay  as  commis 
sioner  of  fortifications,  and  for  which  his  receipt  will  1> 
acknowledged  by,  gentlemen,  your  humble  servant, 

"JONATHAN  LAWRENCE. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Provincial  Congress,  New- York." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


333 


Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  John  Van  Derbilt 
or  his  order,  the  sum  of  £50,  on  account  of  the  pay  due 
to  Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  as  one  of  the  commissioners 
employed  in  erecting  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 
and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Capt. 
James  Smith  has  the  care,  and  charge  of  the  sloop  or  ves- 
sel which  Capt.  Rutgers  and  himself  were  directed  by  this 
Congress  to  purchase  and  arm.  That  Capt.  Smith  has 
had  sundry  disbursements  in  that  matter,  and  also  that 
wages  are  due  to  the  men  and  mariners  employed  in  and 
about  the  said  sloop.  That  Capt.  Smith  has  occasion  for 
about  £50  on  account. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance 
to  Capt.  James  Smith  the  sum  of  £50,  on  account  of 
wages  for  the  seamen,  mariners  and  marines  belonging  to 
the  sloop  Schuyler,  now  under  his  command,  and  the  ex- 
penses and  disbursements  of  the  said  James  Smith  for  and 
on  account  of  the  said  armed  sloop,  and  her  arms  and  ap- 
purtenances. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Richmond  county  was 
read  and  filed.  They  inform  that  Isaac  Decker  and  Minne 
Burger  are  returned  to  Richmond  county  from  the  jail  of 
the  borough  of  Elizabeth,  and  that  on  the  28th  Feby.  the 
day  of  the  date  of  the  postscript  of  the  said  letter,  they 
had  received  from  Col.  Thomas  the  charges  against  the 
said  Decker,  Burger  and  Richard  Conner. 

Information  having  been  given  to  this  Congress  by  se- 
veral members,  that  the  sentries  placed  near  the  wharves 
frequently  fired  at  boats  and  sloops,  with  the  inhabitants  of 
this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  as  they  are  going  out 
and  coming  into  the  docks  and  slips,  whereby  the  persons 
on  board  are  in  danger  of  losing  their  lives  ;  that  the  mas- 
ters of  some  of  those  very  boats  or  sloops  had  obtained 
passes  before  thev  attempted  to  go  out. 

Information  was  also  given  to  this  Congress  yesterday 
evening,  and  by  some  members  this  day,  that  all  commu- 
nication with,  and  the  supplies  of  necessary  provisions  to, 
the  ships  of  war,  and  Govr.  Tryon's  ship,  in  the  harbour 
or  in  the  bays  near  this  city,  is  interdicted  ;  and  Mr. 
Roosevelt  informed  the  Congress  that  Col.  Waterbury  has 
lately  declared  that  the  other  United  Colonies  ought  to 
|  crush  this  Colony  of  New-York ;  and  that  Mr.  Isaac 
i  Sears  had  spoken  of  this  Congress,  and  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New- York,  in  the  most  harsh,  disre- 
spectful and  abusive  terms,  many  of  which  were  mention- 
ed by  Mr.  Roosevelt. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Gansevort, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Ganse- 
vort be  a  committee  to  wait  on  Major-Genl.  Lee  without 
delay,  and  request  of  him  the  reason  of  his  interdicting 
the  communication  between  this  city  and  the  ships  of  war 
and  Govr.  Tryon's  ship,  in  or  near  the  harbour  of  this 
city,  contrary  to  the  resolves  of  this  Congress  ;  and  also 
to  request  the  occasion  of  the  firing  by  the  soldiery  of  this 
city  on  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  that  are  coming  to 
and  going  out  of  the  city.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Lott  and  Mr.  Roose- 
velt be  a  committee  to  inquire  into,  and  take  examinations 
on  oath  relative  to  the  soldiers  firing  on  the  inhabitants  in 
boats,  and  also  as  to  the  declarations  of  Col.  Waterbury 
and  Mr.  Isaac  Sears  inimical  to  this  Colony  and  its  inhabi- 
tants. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  2d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Vaa  Zandt,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Smith 
Mr.  Hallett  a  very  short  time—  New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort— Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service— Ulster. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

84 


Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schenck,  Col.  Hum- 
phreys— Dutches. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Col.  Van  Corllandt  only — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

N.B.  Kings  and  Cumberland  are  entirely  absent. 
Col.  Humphreys  informed  the  Congress  that  many  of 
the  minute  men  of  his  regiment  are  in  want  of  shoes  and 
other  small  necessaries,  and  he  requested  a  sum  of  money 
on  account,  for  his  regiment.  Col.  Humphreys  was  in- 
formed that  many  of  his  men  are  not  properly  accoutred, 
according  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  and  that  some  of 
them  are  not  even  armed.  That  a  sum  of  money  shall  be 
advanced  to  him,  on  condition  that  the  said  money,  or  so 
much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose,  shall 
be  laid  out  to  equip  his  men  with  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Col. 
Humphreys  the  sum  of  £300,  on  account  of  the  pay  of 
his  regiment,  now  employed  at  New- York  in  the  Conti- 
nental service,  and  take  Col.  Humphreys'  receipt  for  the 
same.  And  this  money  is  advanced  to  Col.  Humphreys 
expressly  on  the  condition  above  mentioned. 

The  committee  who  attended  on  Major-Genl.  Lee  re- 
turned and  made  a  parol  report ;  and  they  were  requested 
to  deliver  their  report  in  writing  at  the  next  meeting  of 
Congress. 

DIE  SOUS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  3d,  1776. 
Many  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Col.  Ten  Broeck  only — Dutches. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort— Albany. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 

Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelson— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

For  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  form  a 
Congress  according  to  the  standing  custom,  which  is,  to 
have  a  majority  of  counties  represented,  no  business  could 
be  done,  and  the  members  agreed  to  meet  again  at 
6  o'clock. 

Die  Solis,  6  ho.  P.  M.  March  3rd,  1776. 
Many  of  the  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Prince— New-York. 
Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Gol.  Nicoll  on  ser- 
vice— Albany. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison—  Orange. 

Mr.  Moore--2Vi/07i. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker— Richmond. 

For  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  no  business 
can  be  done,  and  therefore  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 

DIE  LUN.E,  a.  m. 

March  Ath,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  E.  Banck- 
er, Major  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Mr.  Prince — New-York. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 


334 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  A.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Genl.Ten  Broock,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  ser- 
vice— Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer,  on  service—  Ulster. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 

Col.  John  Williams— Charlotte. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Col.  Lewis  Graham,  dated  yester- 
day, was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  the 
quarter-master  of  Col.  Drake's  regiment  declines  serving 
any  longer,  and  recommending  Mr.  James  Cock  as  a  pro- 
per person. 

The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  the  colonels  of  the  dif- 
ferent regiments  of  minute  men  should  appoint  their  own 
quarter-masters,  and  give  them  warrants  accordingly  ;  and 
that  this  method  should  be  recommended  to  Col.  Drake, 
as  occasion  may  require  it,  and  order  that  Mr.  Benson  by 
letter  inform  Lieut.  Col.  Lewis  Graham  of  the  opinion  of 
this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  the  21st 
Feby.  on  behalf  of  Mr.  Paine,  informing  that  he  seems 
active  and  lively,  and  had  been  some  time  employed,  dur- 
ing some  part  of  last  campaign  in  the  artillery  service,  and 
that  if  there  is  a  vacancy  it  might  be  well  to  employ  him. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  of  27th  Feb.  was 
read  and  filed.  He  therein  says  that  Capt.  Willet,  during 
the  last  campaign,  has  acted  with  remarkable  attention  and 
propriety,  and  that  he  is  therefore  entitled  to  the  attention 
of  his  country. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  also  bearing  date 
the  27th  Feb.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Albany,  Feby.  27th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Last  evening  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your 
letter  of  the  22nd  inst.  I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  in- 
form you  what  officers  from  this  Colony  are  provided  for 
in  Canada.  I  have  never  been  able  to  get  a  return  from 
thence,  since  the  order  of  Congress  for  raising  two  bat- 
talions there;  but  as  one  of  these  battalions  I  suppose  will 
be  officered  by  the  officers  from  this  Colony,  you  may 
make  a  probable  guess  of  who  will  not  be  employed  there 
from  the  enclosed  list,  on  which  they  stand  in  the  order  of 
their  rank  in  the  army.  I  have  also  enclosed  a  list  of  such 
officers  as  served  last  campaign,  and  are  now  part  of  Col. 
Van  Schaick's  regiment.  Capt.  Billings  and  Hasbrook, 
and  Lieut.  Whelp  had  warrants  for  raising  men  ;  but  as  I 
have  never  heard  from  them  since  they  left  this,  I  took  no 
notice  of  them  in  the  arrangement  of  this  regiment.  I  am 
extremely  sorry  that  you  can  not  supply  it  with  arms.  I 
shall  not  know  how  to  furnish  them. 

"  The  arms  of  the  New-York  troops  were  ordered  to  be 
returned  into  the  public  stores  ;  such  as  were  so,  have 
since  been  issued  to  other  troops,  but  many  were  lost  and 
carried  off  by  deserters.  I  shall,  at  a  more  leisure  hour, 
send  you  an  account  of  what  were  received  at  Ticondero- 
ga  and  Fort  George.  T  do  not  suppose  an  account  was 
kept  of  those  that  were  delivered  in  Canada. 

"  You  will  please  to  order  up  600  fathoms  of  tarred 
rope  for  painters  of  batteaux,  &c.  and  two  fishing  nets  and 
ropes  for  four. 

"  I  shall  probably  send  into  Canada  some  companies  of 
Col.  Van  Schaick's  regiment  before  I  can  hear  from  you  ; 
those  officers  I  will  give  commissions  to,  as  I  have  some 
blank  ones  by  me.  I  wish  you  to  send  up  the  blank  com- 
missions for  the  remainder,  as  I  do  not  know  which  of  the 
officers  nominated  will  accept. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr. 

President,  &c. 


"  P.  S.  I  have  added  Lieut.  Col.  Yates  and  Major  Gan- 
sevort to  the  enclosed  list,  as  they  are  at  least  equally 
entitled  to  a  chance  of  preferment  with  any  of  the  other 
field  officers,  although  they  are  reappointed  to  Col.  Van 
Schaick's  regiment." 

The  list  of  officers  therein  enclosed  was  also  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  following  figures  and  words,  to  wit : 

"  A  list  of  officers  of  the  four  regiments  raised  in  New- 
York  in  1775,  now  in  Canada,  as  they  rank. 

"Feby.  28th,  1776. 

"  Field  Officers. 
"  Col.  James  Clinton. 
"  Lieut.  Col.  Peter  Yates,  at  Albany. 
"  Lieut.  Col.  John  Nicholson. 
"  Major  Herman  Zedwick. 
"Major  Peter  Gansevort,  Junr. 
"  Major  Lewis  Dubois. 


"  Captains. 
"  Frederick  V.  Weisenfels, 
"John  Vischer, 
"  Barent  I.  Ten  Eyck, 
"  William  Goforth, 
"  Gershom  Molt, 

"First  Lieutenants. 
"  Benjn.  Evans, 
"Wm.  Gilleylen, 
"  Saml.  Sacket, 
"  Derick  Hansen, 
"  Elias  Van  Bunschoten, 
"  Aaron  Austen, 
'•'  Saml.  T.  Pell, 
"  John  Copp, 

"Second  Lieutenants. 
"  Richard  Piatt, 
"  Joseph  Fitch, 
"  James  Gregg, 
"  John  G.  Lansing, 
"Ranald  S.  M.  Dougall, 
"John  Houston, 
"  Isaac  Van  Wert, 
"Daniel  Gano, 
"  Roswell  Beebe, 


Jacobus  S.  Bruyn, 
Elisha  Benedict, 
John  Graham, 
Robt.  Johnson, 
David  Palmer. 

Benjn.  Pelton, 
Thomas  Dewitt, 
Jonathan  Pearcy, 
Wm.  McCune, 
Digby  Odium, 
Corns.  I.  Jansen, 
Matthias  Clarke, 
Philip  Dubois  Bevier. 

Timothy  Hughes, 
Albert  Pawling, 
Garret  Van  Waggenen, 
Alexander  Brink, 
Nichs.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Wm.  Martin, 
Wm.  Matthewman, 
Isaac  Hubbell, 
James  Dow, 


"  Geo.  Nicholson,  now  town  major  at  Montreal." 
A  list  of  the  officers  of  the  4  New-York  battalions  raised 
in  1775,  who  have  accepted  commissions  in  Colonel  Van 
Schaick's  regiment,  vizt : 

Capt.  Daniel  Mills ;  Capt.  Joseph  McCracken ;  1st 
Lieut.  Andrew  Fink;  1st  Lieut  Charles  Graham;  1st 
Lieut.  Moses  Martin ;  second  Lieuts.  Guy  Young,  John 
Barnes. 

On  having  read  Genl.  Schuyler's  letter, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  commissary,  pur- 
chase on  Continental  account  fiOO  fathoms  of  tarred  rope, 
for  painters  for  batteaux,  &c.  and  2  good  fishing  nets,  and 
ropes  for  four  fishing  nets,  pursuant  to  a  request  of  Major- 
Genl.  Schuyler,  by  his  letter  to  this  Congress  of  the  27th 
ulto. ;  and  that  he  forward  the  same  to  Albany  by  the  first 
conveyance,  pursuant  to  the  General's  request. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Genl.  Schuyler's  several  letters 
above  mentioned  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  4th  March,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — We  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt 
of  yours  of  the  21st  and  27th  ulto.  with  a  list  of  such  offi- 
cers as  have  served  in  the  last  campaign.  We  fear,  from 
a  want  of  proper  information  and  the  necessity  we  arc  un- 
der of  immediately  completing  the  four  regiments  ordered 
to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  some  gentlemen 
now  absent  may  be  neglecled,  whose  merits  ought  to  be 
considered  ;  in  our  confused  state  we  shall  endeavour  to 
do  justice  to  individuals  as  far  as  is  consistent  with  the 
public  service.  In  this  arrangement  Mr.  Paine's  merit  wil 
be  consideied. 

"In  the  appointment  of  the  captains  to  our  four  batta 
lions  we  have,  through  mistake,  omitted  Captain  Wynkoop 
whose  services  during  the  last  summer  justly  merit  the  at 
lenlion  of  the  public.  We  could  wish,  sir,  it  was  in  ou 
power  to  provide  for  him  on  the  lake,  as  we  are  informei 
he  is  well  qualified  for  service  in  that  department ;  but  if  i 
should  not  be  in  your  power  to  provide  for  him  we  beg  t 


I 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


335 


have  the  earliest  notice,  that  we  may  appoint  him  to  the 
first  vacancy. 

"  We  have  ordered  600  fathoms  of  tarred  rope,  two  fish- 
ing nets  and  ropes  for  four,  to  be  sent  to  Mr.  Commissary 
Livingston's  at  Albany,  to  whom  we  have  also  ordered  the 
quantity  of  pitch  and  tar  you  formerly  wrote  for,  to  be  sent. 
You  will  receive  by  this  conveyance  blank  commissions  for 
Col.  Van  Schaick's  regiment. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  esteem, 

"  Your  obt.  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"  To  Major-Genl.  Schuyler, 

With  60  blank  commissions." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Mons.  De  Gas,  to- 
gether with  sixty  blank  Coniinental  commissions,  and  the 
same  were  all  transmitted  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Col.  James  Holmes  to  Capt.  Jacobus 
Wynkoop,  dated  at  Ticonderoga  on  the  7th  day  of  De- 
cember last,  was  read  and  filed.  Pursuant  to  a  resolution 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  3d  Novr.  last  he  therein 
directs  Capt.  Wynkoop  to  make  an  immediate  stoppage  in 
the  pay  of  Thos.  Hampton,  James  Davenport  and  Henry 
May,  late  deserters  from  Capt.  Wynkoop's  company  in 
Col.  Holmes'  regiment,  to  reimburse  the  sum  of  £13  8s.  Id. 
expended  and  paid  by  the  Provincial  Congress  for  appre- 
hending the  said  deserters.  Capt.  Wynkoop  at  the  door, 
informs  a  member  that  he  has  stopped  the  said  sum  out  of 
the  pay  of  the  said  deserters,  and  has  the  money  ready  to 
pay  to  this  Congress  or  their  order. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop  pay  to  Peter 
Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  this  Congress, 
the  sum  of  £13  8s.  Id.  now  in  his  hands,  stopped  out  of  the 
pay  of  Thos.  Hampton,  James  Davenport  and  Henry  May, 
three  deserters  from  his  company,  in  the  regiment  late  of 
Col.  Holmes,  to  replace  the  money  advanced  and  paid  out 
of  the  said  treasury  for  the  apprehending  and  sending  back 
of  the  said  deserters  to  their  regiment ;  and  that  Capt. 
Wynkoop,  on  behalf  of  Col.  Holmes,  take  a  receipt  of  the 
deputy  Treasurer  for  that  sum. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  having  informed  this  Congress  that 
he  has  brought  from  Philadelphia  the  separate  sums  for 
which  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  had  obtained  warrants 
from  Continental  Congress  and  requested  the  direction  of 
this  Congress  as  to  the  said  money.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  pay  to  Peter  V. 
iB.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony,  the  sum  of   $12,000 

•  And  the  further  sum  of   35,000 


Amounting  together  to  the  sum  of   $47,000 

obtained  on  two  warrants  from  the  Continental  Congress ; 
that  Mr.  Lewis  deliver  such  receipts  or  audited  accounts 
as  he  may  have  taken  for  any  part  of  that  money  to  the 
said  Treasurer  as  cash,  and  that  he  take  the  Treasurer's 
or  Deputy  Treasurer's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  appointed  on  Saturday 
last  to  call  on  Genl.  Lee,  to  know  the  reason  of  the  firing 
by  the  troops  on  persons  coming  to  or  going  out  of  this 
city,  and  the  reason  of  the  interruptions  given  to  the  per- 
sons having  passports  from  this  Congress,  delivered  in  their 
report  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  purport  of  the  conversation  between  General  Lee 
and  the  committee  : 

"  Genl.  Lee  says  that  he  inhibited  the  communication 
with  the  ships  of  war  and  the  Dutches  of  Gordon,  because 
he  was  informed  that  Govr.  Tryon  had  seized  a  quantity 
of  flour  coming  to  this  market,  which  he  considered  as 
a  breach  of  the  compact ;  which,  though  not  perhaps  ex- 
pressly made,  yet  was  undoubtedly  implied,  that  while  we 
continued  to  supply  them  with  provisions,  they  would  not  ob- 
struct any  coming  to  this  market ;  that  he  wished  the  Con- 
gress would  write  to  Govr.  Tryon,  and  demand  an  expla- 
lation  of  his  conduct ;  that  if  they  should  prefer  the  mode, 


he  would  write  himself;  that  if  upon  settling  the  matter 
the  Congress  should  incline  to  continue  the  daily  supplies 
of  provisions,  he  would  give  the  necessary  orders  to  the 
port-guard,  provided  no  person  from  the  shore  should  be 
allowed  to  go  on  board  the  said  ships,  nor  any  person  to 
come  on  shore  from  the  same,  as  he  could  not  permit  a 
personal  communication  to  be  any  longer  kept  up.  And 
as  to  the  firing  on  the  boats,  he  assured  the  committee, 
that  it  was  entirely  owing  to  a  misconstruction  of  his  ge- 
neral orders  ;  that  if  the  Congress  or  any  individual  would 
draw  up  a  set  of  instructions  for  the  direction  of  the  port- 
guard,  that  shall  effectually  prevent  such  inconvenience  for 
the  future,  he  would  readily  sign  it." 

A  part  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  William  Bedlow,  one  of  the 
commissioners  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  to  Mr. 
John  Berrien  was  read. 

Mr.  Bedlow  thereby  informs  that  they  are  in  want  of 
cash  to  pay  wages  and  discharge  some  of  the  debts  of  last 
year,  and  to  purchase  necessaries,  and  requesting  the  sum 
of  £500,  to  be  expended  for  the  use  of  the  said  fortifica- 
tions on  Continental  account.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  deliver  to  Mr.  John  Berrien  as 
commissary  to  the  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifications 
in  the  Highlands  and  one  of  the  said  commissioners,  the 
sum  of  £500  Continental  account,  towards  the  expense  of 
erecting  the  said  fortifications,  and  that  the  Treasurer  take 
Mr.  Berrien's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Nichs.  Bayard,  Esqr.  this  morning  attending,  was  ad- 
mitted. He  informed  the  Congress  that  a  grenadier  com- 
pany of  Col.  Lasher's  regiment  had  been  the  guard  of  the 
records  of  this  Colony  since  they  have  been  at  his  house  ; 
that  he  has  been  informed  it  is  to  be  changed,  and  their 
place  supplied  by  another  company  ;  that  the  said  grena- 
dier company  have  behaved  so  prudently  that  it  would 
oblige  him  to  have  them  continued. 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration.  And 
thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith.  Col.  Lott  and  Mr.  Roosevelt 
be  a  committee  to  speak  to  Col.  Lasher,  aad  with  him  de- 
termine on  what  guard  will  by  proper  and  necessary  for  a 
guard  to  the  said  records  at  Mr.  Bayard's. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  it  was  ne- 
cessary to  have  arms  for  the  men  of  the  different  compa- 
nies now  enlisting  in  this  city,  that  they  may  have  arms  if 
called  to  service,  and  that  they  may  be  inured  to  the  use  of 
arms. 

Ordered,  That  Richard  Norwood,  commissary  of  this 
Colony's  stores,  deliver  to  Col.  McDougall,  or  his  order, 
such  arms  and  accoutrements,  from  time  to  time,  in  store, 
as  he  shall  direct  for  the  troops,  and  take  the  receipts  of 
such  captains  to  whom  such  arms  and  accoutrements  are 
or  shall  be  delivered. 

Mr.  Prince,  one  of  the  members  appointed  to  forward 
the  Continental  powder  to  Cambridge,  informed  this  Con- 
gress that  the  wagoners  here  employed  in  the  Continental 
service,  going  to  Cambridge  with  the  Continental  powder, 
said  they  could  not  proceed  without  some  money  to  defray 
their  expenses  ;  that  he  had  advanced  to  the  three  wagon- 
ers, who  went  off  with  loaded  wagons  this  morning,  £20 
on  account,  in  part  of  their  pay  ;  that  the  other  three  wa- 
goners, who  are  to  set  off  this  afternoon,  expect  to  receive 
the  like  sum  in  advance.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  advance 
to  Mr.  Samuel  Prince  the  sum  of  £40  on  account,  in  part 
of  the  hire  of  the  wagoners  carrying  Continental  gun- 
powder to  Cambridge,  and  that  the  Treasurer  take  Mr. 
Prince's  receipt  for  the  same,  and  charge  it  to  Continental 
account. 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  Col.  McDougall  that 
General  Lee  has  received  letters  from  Genl.  Washington 
and  General  Green  in  substance,  giving  information  that 
Genl.  How  is  removing  their  spare  and  heavy  cannon  and 
howitzers  from  Bunker's  Hill  on  board  of  transports  ;  that 


336 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


the  transports  are  drawn  up  to  the  wharves,  and  that  the  offi- 
cer's baggage  are  taken  on  board  of  the  transports,  and  that  it 
is  probable  that  the  ministerial  troops  will  soon  leave  Boston. 

Col.  McDougall  is  requested  to  obtain  extracts  in  writ- 
ing from  Major-Genl.  Lee  of  such  parts  of  the  said  letters 
as  may  be  necessary  to  be  considered  by  Congress,  and 
that  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Col.  Van  Cort- 
landt  be  a  committee  to  take  such  extracts  into  considera- 
tion, and  report  thereon  to  this  Congress  what  they  shall 
think  necessary  to  be  done,  and  that  they  report  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Die  Lun.e,  3  ho.  P.  M.  March  Ath,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Wood  hull,  Prest. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service — Albany. 

Mr.Roosevell,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Rut- 
gers, Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Prince,  Capt.  Denning,  Col.  McDougall— New-York. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  A.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams—  Cumberland. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 
Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Col.  John  Williams— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  consider  of  and  report  a 
plan  for  a  farther  emission  of  paper  currency,  was  taken 
into  farther  consideration  and  read,  and  being  again  read, 
paragraph  by  paragraph,  was  in  many  instances  altered  and 
amended,  and  those  amendments  agreed  to,  it  was  ordered 
to  remain  for  farther  consideration  until  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Yates  reported  that  Capt.  Denning  and  himself,  with 
the  assistance  of  Dr.  Treat,  had  viewed  the  house  on  Fresh- 
water Hill,  where  John  Fowler  lately  dwelt,  with  two  barns 
adjoining.  That  Dr.  Treat  highly  approved  of  the  said 
house  and  barns  for  a  hospital ;  that  they  had  contracted 
for  the  said  house  and  barns,  &c.  for  the  rent  of  £70  from 
from  the  1st  day  of  May  next— the  said  rent  to  be  paid 
quarterly  to  the  present  tenants,  or  their  order.  This  Con- 
gress hereby  approves  of  and  ratifies  the  said  contract,  and 
assumes  the  same  as  the  contract  of  this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  bearing  date  this  day, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"March  4th,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  letters  I  received  last  night  from  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief and  Gen.  Green,  were  unfortunately  thrown 
into  the  fire ;  but  according  to  the  best  of  my  recollection 
the  reasons  given  by  the  generals  for  surmising,  or  rather 
concluding,  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  enemy  to  eva- 
cuate Boston,  were  these  :  That  they  had  withdrawn  their 
mortars  and  heavy  cannon  from  Bunker's  Hill  and  Charles- 
town  ;  that  their  transports  were  hauled  in  to  the  wharves  ; 
that  some  people,  who  had  left  the  town  lately,  declared 
that  the  officers  baggage  was  sent  on  board  ;  in  short,  it  is 
from  every  circumstance  concluded  by  those  who  are  be- 
fore the  place,  and  those  who  have  lately  left  the  place 
that  they  are  soon  to  abandon  Boston,  and  that  conse- 
quently they  will  attempt  to  establish  themselves  here. 
May  f,  sir,  take  the  liberty  to  express  my  uneasiness  on 
a  subject,  which  is  more  properly  a  matter  of  conside- 
ration for  the  Congress — the  liberation  of  the  notorious 
enemies  to  liberty  and  their  country,  on  giving  bonds  for 
their  good  behaviour,  appears  to  me,  in  our  present  situa- 
tion, extremely  ill  imagined  ;  it  is  so  far  from  a  security, 
that  it  is  rather  adding  virus  to  their  malignancy  ;  the  first 
body  of  troops  that  arrives  will  cancel  those  bonds — some 
vigorous  decisive  mode  must  be  now  adopted  of  discover- 
ing on  whom  you  may  depend — on  whom  not — the  crisis 
will  admit  of  no  procrastination.  I  cannot,  therefore,  help 
wishing  for  the  common  safety  and  the  honour  of  this  Pro- 


vince in  particular;  that  some  test  may  be  immediately  of- 
fered thai  we  may  be  enabled  to  distinguish  our  friends  from 
our  foes — the  latter  must  not  and  cannot  be  suffered  to  re- 
main within  your  walls  to  co-operate  with  those  without  in 
working  your  destruction. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  Col.  Woodhull,  President  of 

the  Provincial  Congress." 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consider 
of  the  intelligence  received  from  Major-Genl.  Lee,  by  his 
letter  above  mentioned,  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read,  and  the  same  being  read  a  s,econd  time,  para- 
graph by  paragraph,  and  amended,  was  approved  of  and 
unanimously  agreed  to  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  re- 
solves. 

"  1st.  That  a  magazine  of  provisions  and  military  stores 
be  established  in  the  county  of  Westchester. 

"  2nd.  That  the  Deputies  of  Westchester  county  pur- 
chase and  deposit  in  different  stores  in  that  county,  1,200 
barrels  of  good  salted  pork,  wherever  it  is  to  be  bought ; 
and  that  the  said  salted  pork  be  repacked  and  pickied  by 
a  sworn  packer  of  New-York ;  and  that  the  Deputies  of 
Albany  county  purchase  1,850  bushels  of  good  peas,  and 
send  them  to  the  Deputies  of  Westchester  county,  to  be 
by  them  stored  in  the  same  manner. 

"  3rd.  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  proprietors  of  the 
powder  mills  in  this  Colony,  requesting  them  to  use  all 
possible  diligence  in  manufacturing  that  article,  and  to  in- 
form the  Congress  what  quantity  they  have  now  on  hand, 
what  stock  of  materials  they  have  by  them,  and  what 
quantity  they  can  supply  weekly. 

"  4th.  That  circular  letters  be  wrote  to  the  several  colo- 
nels of  the  minute  men  and  militia  in  this  Colony,  from 
the  county  of  Albany  to  the  southward,  ordering  them  to 
hold  their  respective  regiments  in  readiness  to  march  with 
their  arms,  accoutrements,  blankets  and  five  days'  provi- 
sions, on  the  first  notice  of  an  invasion. 

"  5th.  That  Colo.  Lasher  and  Col.  Heyer,  and  the  co- 
lonels of  the  different  regiments  of  militia  in  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  be  ordered  to  examine  into  the 
state  of  their  respective  regiments,  with  respect  to  the 
number  of  men,  arms,  accoutrements  and  ammunition, 
and  report  thereon  forthwith. 

"  6lh.  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  committees  of 
South  Hampton  and  East  Hampton  in  Suffolk  county,  re- 
questing them  to  station  men  at  the  most  convenient  pla- 
cles  in  that  county  to  give  the  earliest  notice  of  the  arri- 
val of  a  fleet  upon  the  coast ;  and  that  upon  the  first  ap- 
pearance of  a  fleet  they  despatch  an  express  immediately 
to  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colo- 
ny, with  an  account  of  the  number  and  size  of  the  ships, 
and  the  course  they  steer. 

"  7th.  That  the  light-house  at  Sandy-Hook  be  disman- 
tled, the  lantern  rendered  useless,  and  all  the  oil  and 
lamps  taken  and  carried  to  some  place  of  safety  at  a  pro- 
per distance. 

"  8th.  That  postponed. 

"  9th.  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  New  Jersey,  transmitting  them  a  copy  of  the  extracts 
of  letters  to  Genl.  Lee,  and  requesting  them  to  order  their 
minute  men  and  militia  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to 
march  on  the  first  notice  of  an  invasion." 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  report.  But  as  some  of  the  resolves 
therein  reported  are  very  important, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  reassumed  and  read 
to-morrow  morning,  when  the  house  is  full — and  a  charge 
of  secrecy  as  to  the  light-house,  was  given  from  the 
Chair. 

A  draft  of  a  circular  letter  to  the  several  colonels  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


337 


minute  men  and  militia  of  this  Colony,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"New-York,  March  4th,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — This  accompanies  the  resolve  of  Congress,  re- 
questing you  to  hold  your  regiment  in  readiness  to  march 
at  a  moment's  warning.  We  are  apprehensive  that  the 
ministerial  army  in  Boston  may  attempt  to  land  in  this 
Colony  in  a  short  time.  Your  zeal  for  the  public  cause 
we  trust  will  stimulate  you  and  the  officers  under  your 
command,  to  use  all  possible  diligence  to  comply  with 
this  resolution.  We  have  only  to  add,  that  no  time  should 
be  lost  in  executing  this  order,  and  that  you  forthwith  re- 
turn to  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  ;  the 
present  state  of  your  regiment,  as  to  number  of  men, 
arms,  accoutrements  and  ammunition  ;  and  that  if  the  mi- 
nute regiments  do  not  compose  one-fourth  part  of  the  mi- 
litia of  your  county,  you  are  hereby  ordered  to  cause  the 
minute  regiments  to  be  completed,  agreeable  to  the  rules 
and  orders  of  this  Congress  of  the  20th  Deer.  last. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  esteem, 
"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  Bv  order, 
"  NATHL.  WOODHULL,  President." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  get  one  hundred  copies 
of  the  said  letter  neatly  printed,  with  a  copy  of  the  fourth 
resolution  above  reported,  which  was  unanimously  agreed 
to,  printed  at  the  foot  of  each  letter,  and  to  have  them 
ready  by  to-morrow  morning  at  the  meeting  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  owners  of  the  two  powder  mills 
in  this  Colony,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

'•'  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  March  4th,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — The  Provincial  Congress  request  that  you  will 
immediately  inform  them  what  quantity  of  gunpowder  you 
have  on  hand,  what  stock  of  materials  you  are  furnished 
with,  and  how  much  powder  you  can  manufacture  per 
week. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 
"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  one  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  President,  and  directed  and  sent  to  Henry 
Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr. ;  and  another  copy  thereof  directed 
to  John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  owners  of  the  powder  mills 
in  this  Colony. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  East  Hampton 

and  to  the  committee  of  South  Hampton,  was  read  and 

approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-Ycrk,  March  4th,  1776.  < 

"  Sir — This  covers  a  resolution  of  Congress  directing 
the  committees  of  East  and  South  Hampton  to  station 
suitable  persons  on  the  most  proper  places  for  observing 
the  approach  of  a  fleet. 

"  From  some  intelligence  we  have  received,  there  is 
reason  to  expect  that  the  British  army  are  about  to  leave 
Boston,  and  as  it  is  probable  that  they  may  attempt  to 
take  possession  of  this  Colony,  we  therefore  entreat  you 
to  use  all  possible  despatch  to  carry  this  resolve  into  exe- 
cution. 

"  We  are  your  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"  To  John  Chatfield,  Esqr.  East, 

and  Thomas  Cooper  Esqr.  South  Hampton." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted.  One  to  John 
Chatfield,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  of  East  Hamp- 
ton, and  the  other  to  Thomas  Cooper,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  South  Hampton,  and  that  a  certified 
copy  of  the  sixth  resolve  reported  by  the  committee  on  the 
news  received  by  Genl.  Lee,  be  enclosed  in  each  of  the 
said  letters. 

85 


Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  the  Colony 
artillery  company  are  much  in  want  of  clothing.  That 
Peter  T.  Curtenius  has  coarse  blue  cloth  fit  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  coats  for  the  company  ;  that  he  is  willing 
to  spare  the  cloth  for  that  purpose,  if  this  Congress  gives 
an  order  to  him  for  that  purpose,  that  he  may  charge  it  in 
his  accounts  ;  and  that  the  price  of  the  said  clothing  may 
be  retained  out  of  the  pay  of  the  men  respectively,  who 
shall  receive  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt. 
Lieut.  James  Moore,  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  said  coarse 
blue  cloth  to  make  a  coat  for  each  of  his  men.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Lieut.  James  Moore,  or  the  pay- 
master of  the  said  company  for  the  time  being,  take  care 
to  deduct  the  expense  of  the  said  coats  furnished  to  each 
of  the  said  men  out  of  his  pay. 

Die  Martis  10  ho.  A.  M.  March  5th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  E  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince, 
Col.  Lott,  Major  Stoutenbursh,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt 
Denning,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  McDougall— NeivYork. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
service — Jltbany. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Litter. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  G.  Drake.  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Abm.  Bancker— Richmond 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Gilbert  Budd,  directed  to  Mr.  Mc- 
Kesson, one  of  the  Secretaries,  was  read.  He  therein  re- 
quests permission  for  the  bearer  to  go  on  board  of  the 
ship  Asia,  to  obtain  a  boat  which  has  been  privately  taken 
from  him,  and  is  supposed  to  be  at  the  said  ship. 

As  Major-General  Lee  has  cut  off  all  communication 
with  said  ship,  and  through  his  conduct  and  orders  the  pass- 
ports of  this  Congress  are  of  no  avail,  the  Congress  re- 
fused to  give  permission. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  William  Barker  of  Amenia  precinct, 
in  Dutches  county,  was  read  and  filed  ;  he  therein  states 
his  difficulties  about  raising  a  company  in  Continental  ser- 
vice, and  in  understanding  the  Continental  terms  of  en- 
listment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  mem- 
bers from  Dutches  county,  to  give  an  answer  to  Capt. 
Barker. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  application 
made  by  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  one  of  the  members  yes- 
terday on  behalf  of  Lieut.  Lee,  with  respect  to  some  mi- 
nute men  now  in  Col.  Swartwout's  regiment,  which  he 
claims  to  have  enlisted  for  the  Continental  service,  before 
they  enlisted  in  Captain  Clark's  company  of  minute  men. 

A  letter  received  from  Col.  Swartwout  yesterday,  was 
read  and  filed,  he  therein  alledges  that  those  minute  men 
were  enlisted  in  Capt.  Clark's  company  before  Mr.  Lee 
had  any  warrant,  and  that  therefore  his  regiment  has  the 
preference  to  their  service,  but  that  he  is  cheerfully  willing 
that  they  enter  into  Continental  service  when  his  regiment 
is  discharged.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  recruiting  officers  for  the  Continen- 
tal service,  who  are  employed  in  that  business  by  virtue  of 
warrants  from  this  Congress,  be  allowed  to  enlist  men 
from  any  of  the  regiments  of  minute  men  in  this  Colony; 
but  however  under  the  following  restrictions  with  respect 
to  the  minute  regiments  now  in  actual  service  in  this  city 
and  its  environs  :  That  no  man  shall  be  allowed  to  leave 
the  minute  service  till  the  time  of  their  enlistment  as  mi- 
nute men  is  expired,  or  they  are  discharged  from  the  pre- 


338 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


sent  service,  or  until  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Con- 
tinental service  at  this  post  shall  think  it  necessary  for  the 
public  service,  that  they  should  join  their  respective  regi- 
ments into  which  they  shall  have  enlisted. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  Genl.  Lee's  letter,  rela- 
tive to  the  ministerial  army  preparing  to  leave  Boston,  as 
entered  on  the  minutes  of  yesterday  afternoon,  was  again 
read.  The  Congress  approves  thereof,  and  again  agrees 
with  their  committee  therein,  and  confirms  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  brought  in  the  said 
report  on  Genl.  Lee's  letter,  and  Mr.  Randall,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  carry  the  seventh  of  the  said  resolutions  of  that 
committee  into  execution. 

A  charge  was  given  from  the  Chair  to  keep  the  matter  of 
the  seventh  resolve  secret. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  plan 
for  a  farther  emission  of  bills  to  the  amount  of  £55,000, 
and  the  same  being  read  by  paragraphs,  amended  and 
agreed  to,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  it  is  probable  that  a  further  emission  of  bills 
of  credit  of  this  Colony  not  exceeding  £55,000,  will  soon 
be  necessary  to  discharge  the  debts  incurred  by  this  Co- 
lony, and  to  defray  the  expenses  which  may  arise  in  mak- 
ing provision  for  the  further  safely  and  defence  thereof,  it. 
is  their  opinion  that  an  emission  to  the  above  mentioned 
amount  be  prepared  for  signing  upon  the  following  plan, 
to  wit :  That  137,500  dollars  be  struck,  amounting  to  the 
said  sum  of  £55,000,  New-York  currency,  to  be  sunk  in 
manner  following,  to  wit : 

45,833  1-3  dollars,  being  1-3  thereof  on  or  before  the  1st  March,  1779 
45,833  1-3   do  1-3  do  1st  March,  1780 

45.833  1-3   do  1-3  do  1st  March,  1781 

137,500  dollars. 

Resolved,  That  bills  of  credit  to  the  said  amount  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-seven  thousand  and  five  hundred  dollars 
be  immediately  printed,  of  the  following  denominations,  to 
wit : 


2,350  bills  of  10  dollars  is  $23,500 

2,350  do  5     "    11,750 

2,350  do  3     "    7,050 

2.350  do  2     "    4,700 

30,000  do  1     "    ....  30,000 

30,000  do  2-3  "    20,000 

30,000  do  1-2"    15,000 

30,000  do  1-3"    10,000 

30,000  do  1-4"    7,500 

30,000  do  1-6"    5,000 

24,000  do  1-8"    3,000 


$137,500 

On  the  face  of  each  of  said  bills  shall  be  impressed  the 
arms  of  the  city  of  New-York,  together  with  such  other 
device,  as  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  shall 
direct.    And  the  said  bills  shall  be  in  form  following : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony  for  Spanish  milled  dollars,  or  the  value 

thereof  in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New-York  on  the  5th  day  of  March, 
1776." 

Excepting  those  of  the  denomination  of  two-thirds  of  a 
dollar,  which  shall  be  in  the  form  following : 

"This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  ihis 
Colony,  for  five  shillings  and  fourpence,  being  equal  to 
two-thirds  of  a  Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof 
in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  New-York,  on  the  5th  day  of  March,  1776." 

And  also  excepting  those  of  one-third  of  a  dollar,  which 
shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony  for  two  shillings  and  eightpence,  being  equal  to 
one-third  of  a  Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof 
in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  New-York,  on  the  5th  day  of  March, 
1776." 


Also  excepting  those  of  one-fourth  of  a  dollar,  which 
shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony,  for  two  shillings,  being  equal  to  one-fourth  of  a 
Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof  in  gold  or  silver, 
according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-York,  on  the  5th  day  of  March,  1776." 

Also  excepting  those  of  the  denomination  of  one-sixth  of 
a  dollar,  which  shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony,  for  one  shilling  and  fourpence,  being  equal  to 
one-sixth  of  a  Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof 
in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  of  New- York,  on  the  5th  day  of  March, 
1776." 

Also  excepting  those  of  one-eighth  of  a  dollar,  which 
shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
Colony,  for  one  shilling,  being  equal  to  one-eighth  of  a 
Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof  in  gold  or  silver, 
according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-York,  on  the  5th  day  of  March,  1776." 

Which  bills  under  the  value  of  two  dollars,  amounting 
to  thirty-six  thousand  two  hundred  pounds,  shall  be  num- 
bered by  and  signed  by  any  two  of  them,  the 
said  signers  respectively,  to  be  delivered  by  them  to  Mr. 
Isaac  Roosevelt,  to  be  by  him  delivered  to  the  Treasurer 
of  this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  as  soon  as 
finished.  And  all  the  bills  of  a  higher  denomination  than 
one  dollar,  being  the  further  sum  of  eighteen  thousand 
eight  hundred  pounds,  be  delivered  unsigned  into  this  Con- 
gress, to  remain  subject  to  the  future  disposal  of  this 
Congress,  or  of  the  Committee  of  Safely,  if  they  shall  be 
authorized  by  this  Congress  to  dispose  thereof. 

Col.  McDougall  dissents  to  the  above  clause. 

Resolved  2dly,  That  the  said  signers,  or  any  two  of 
them,  are  hereby  directed  and  requested  upon  the  delivery 
of  the  said  bills  to  them  by  the  printer  of  the  same,  to  cause 
to  be  administered  to  him  by  the  President  of  this  Congress, 
or  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  the  following 
oath  : 

"  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  swear,  that  from  the  time  that  the 
letters  were  set  and  fit  to  be  put  in  the  press  for  printing  the 
bills  of  credit  now  by  me  delivered  to  you,  until  the  bills  were 
printed  and  the  letters  afterwards  distributed  into  the  boxes, 
I  went  at  no  time  out  of  the  room  in  which  the  said  letters 
were,  without  locking  them  up,  so  that  they  could  not  be 
come  at  without  violence,  or  a  false  key,  or  other  art  un- 
known to  me,  and  therefore,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge 
no  copies  were  printed  off  but  in  my  presence,  and  that  all 
the  blotters  and  other  papers  whatsoever  impressed  by  the 
said  letters  whilst  set  for  printing  the  said  bills,  to  the  best 
of  my  knowledge  are  here  delivered  to  you,  together  with 
the  stamps ;  and  in  all  things  relating  to  this  affair,  I  have 
demeaned  myself  honestly  and  faithfully  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  and  understanding,  so  help  me  God." 

Resolved  3dly,  That  such  person  as  Mr.  Isaac  Roose- 
velt shall  agree  with,  shall  engage  so  many  stamps  for  the 
said  bills,  with  such  devices  and  so  many  stamps  for  the 
arms  of  the  city  of  New- York,  as  he  shall  direct,  which 
engraver  shall  take  the  following  oath,  to  wit : 

"  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  swear,  that  I  have  not  engraved 
more  plates  than  I  delivered  to  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  as 
directed  by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  of  the 
like  kind  or  in  imitation  of  the  same  ;  neither  have  I  kept 
copy  or  copies,  draft  or  drafts  of  the  said  plates  ;  neither 
will  I  engrave  more  of  the  like  kind  without  the  order  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  or  House  of  Assembly  of  the  Co- 
lony of  New- York,  and  shall  deliver  them  to  the  said 
Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  who  shall  deliver  them  unto  Samuel 
Lowden,  printer,  or  such  other  printer  as  shall  be  directed 
by  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  take 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


339 


his  receipt  for  the  same.  And  when  the  said  Saml.  Low- 
den,  or  such  other  printer  as  shall  be  employed,  has  com- 
pleted and  finished  the  printing  the  quantity  and  sorts  of 
bills  hereby  directed  to  be  struck,  he  shall  redeliver  the 
said  stamps  to  the  said  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt,  which  shall 
be  sealed  with  the  several  seals  of  the  said  Isaac  Roose- 
velt and  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  and 
deposited  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  this  Congress 
until  the  further  order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress  of 
this  Colony.  The  receipt  of  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt  to 
the  said  Samuel  Lowden,  or  such  other  printer,  shall  be  a 
sufficient  voucher  for  such  delivery." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  unanimously  agree  with 
their  Committee  in  their  said  report,  and  confirms  the 
same. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  5th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Halletl,  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Ran- 
dall, Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  McDou- 
gall— For  New-York. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
service— Albany. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 
Mr.  A.  Bancker— Richmond. 
Col.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Genl.' Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutches. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore— Try  on. 

Mr.  Smith,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
Col.  Lasher,  on  the  mode  best  to  be  pursued  for  continu- 
ing the  guard  to  the  public  records  of  this  Colony, 

Reported,  that  Col.  Lasher  be  ordered  to  provide  a 
guard  of  forty-eight  men  out  of  his  battalion  to  protect  the 
records  of  this  Colony.  That  that  guard  be  relieved  from 
time  to  time  by  detachments  from  his  battalion  or  regiment, 
| so  as  to  give  the  different  companies  in  the  battalion  their 
[proper  portion  of  duty,  and  that  twelve  men  of  such  de- 
tachment be  the  proper  guard  for  24  hours. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their  said 
committee  in  the  aforegoing  report. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  state  of  the 
militia  in  Queens  county,  and  determined  that  it  would  be 
requisite  to  have  the  friends  to  the  liberties  of  their  country 
.here,  and  particularly  those  companies  already  formed  pro- 
oerly  regimented.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  draw  and  report  a  draft  of 
i  letter  to  Col.  Blackwell,  and  such  other  persons  in  that 
:ounty  as  may  be  thought  necessary. 

Col.  David  Mulford,  of  the  second  regiment  in  Suffolk 
-.ounty,  pursuant  to  the  regulations  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony,  returned  to  Brigadier-General  VVood- 
tull  a  statement  of  his  regiment,  which  was  read  and  filed  ; 
le  thereby  returns  his  regiment  to  consist  of  nine  com- 
panies, and  the  following  number  of  officers  and  men,  to 
vit :  1  colonel,  1  lieutenant-colonel,  2  majors,  to  wit,  first 
ind  second  majors,  9  captains,  18  lieutenants,  9  ensigns, 
.  adjutant,  1  quarter-master,  1  sergeant-major,  1  drum- 
najor,  36  sergeants,  9  drummers,  9  fifers  and  670  privates  ; 
itid  in  the  said  return  all  the  officers  down  to  the  sergeants, 
lieutenants  and  ensigns  excepted,)  are  particularly  named. 

An  application  from  the  committee  of  Kings  county, 
igned  by  Englebert  Lott,  pro  tempore  clerk,  was  read  and 
iled.  They  thereby  set  forth,  that  they  had  agreed  to  al- 
ow their  Deputies  6s.  per  day  each,  for  every  day  of  their 
ttendance,  and  request  that  they  may  be  paid  out  of  the 
'rovincial  Treasury,  and  charged  as  money  advanced  to 


the  committee  of  Kings  county,  which  they  will  hereafter 
satisfy. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  said  application  was  de- 
ferred for  the  present. 

Col.  Peter  Ten  Broeck,  from  the  committee  of  war,  ac- 
cording to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  instructions  for  the  bar- 
rack master,  which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Instructions  f or  the  barrack  master. 
"  The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  and  draft  a 
set  of  instructions  for  the  barrack  master,  repoited  the  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  That  the  field  officers  of  each  corps  in  this  Colony,  be 
supplied  with  one  room.  The  captains,  with  the  subal- 
terns, of  each  company,  together  with  the  quarter-master 
and  adjutant,  to  be  entitled  to  a  room  between  each  two. 

"The  officers'  rooms  of  the  said  corps  to  be  furnished 
each  with  1  pair  andirons,  1  pair  tongs,  1  table,  2  chairs 
and  1  candlestick. 

"  For  every  room  for  non-commissioned  officers  and 
soldiers  of  the  said  corps,  each  room  to  contain  20  men, 
10  cribs,  10  bed  cases  and  10  bolsters,  to  be  filled  with 
straw  every  three  months  ;  2  iron  pots,  2  trammels,  1  pair 
tongs,  1  wood  axe,  1  iron  candlestick,  1  table,  2  benches 
and  1  bucket,  and  with  firewood  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  For  every  room  for  officers,  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates,  from  the  1st  day  Octr.  to  the  1st  April,  § 
of  a  cord  of  wood  per  week  for  each  room  so  occupied  as 
aforesaid  ;  and  for  5  weeks  preceding  the  1st  Octr.  and  5 
weeks  after  the  1  st  April,  T\  of  a  cord  of  wood  per  week  ; 
and  for  the  remaining  16  weeks  ^  of  a  cord  per  week." 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  supply  the  barrack  mas- 
ter with  cases  for  straw  beds  for  the  companies  of  militia 
as  they  arrive  in  this  city,  to  be  employed  in  the  service, 
and  that  the  barrack  master  supply  the  said  militia  with 
barrack  necessaries. 

This  report  being  again  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph, 
the  Congress  agrees  with  their  committee  in  the  said  report. 

A  letter,  with  two  long  postcripts  thereunto,  from  Saml. 
Gale,  Esqr.  clerk  of  Cumberland  county,  dated  at  Fair- 
field, 29th  Feb.  directed  to  Mr.  John  McKesson,  one  of 
the  Secretaries,  and  sent  by  Mr.  Sturges  the  deputy  sheriff 
and  jailer,  to  be  laid  before  this  Congress,  and  the  bearer 
to  wait  for  an  answer,  was  read.  The  Congress  were  in- 
formed by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and  by  what  is  therein 
set  forth,  that  the  said  Saml.  Gale  was  lately  seized  in  this 
city,  at  his  own  house  in  the  night,  and  conveyed  to  a 
guard  house  at  the  upper  barracks,  where  the  troops  from 
Connecticut  are  quartered.  That  from  thence  he  was  soon 
after  conveyed  to  Fairfield  jail,  in  Connecticut,  where  he 
is  now  in  close  confinement  in  a  common  jail,  and  in  very 
uncomfortable  circumstances.  The  Congress  being  fur- 
ther informed,  by  different  persons,  this  was  without  any 
trial,  or  adjudication  of  any  Congress  or  Committee,  or 
other  judges  whatever,  conceive  that  it  is  a  wanton  act  of 
military  power,  inconsistent  with  that  liberty  for  which  the 
Colonists  are  contending  and  highly  culpable  in  those  who 
procured,  and  those  who  ordered  said  Saml.  Gale  to  be 
seized  and  carried  away. 

Thos.  Smith,  Esqr.  delivered  in  the  affidavit  of  Jos. 
Cheesman,  as  to  some  inimical  expressions  of  Col.  Wa- 
terberry  against  this  city,  which  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Joseph  Cheesman  of  the  city 
of  New- York,  shop  keeper,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth 
and  saith,  that  this  day  being  on  board  of  a  boat  in  Peck's 
slip,  he  heard  Col.  Waterberry  say,  that  he  had  for  some 
time  thought  that  things  would  not  go  well,  unless  the 
city  of  New-York  was  crushed  down,  and  that  it  must  be 
done  by  their  people,  before  things  would  go  well ;  and 
further  this  deponent  saith  not. 

"JOSEPH  CHEESMAN. 

"  Sworn  this  2nd  March,  1776,  before  me, 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Justice  of  Peace." 


340 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Smith  also  delivered  in  the  affidavit  of  John  So- 
merindyck,  stating  the  violent  acts  of  some  of  the  soldiers 
and  the  imprudent  conduct  of  some  officers  therein  men- 
tioned, and  also  the  affidavits  of  Isaac  Bell,  Josiah  Le 
Conte,  Elias  Nixsen  and  John  Jones,  setting  forth  diffe- 
rent instances  of  the  troops  stationed  in  this  city  firing  at 
the  boats  and  the  people  on  board,  in  coming  to  and  going 
from  the  wharves  and  markets  in  this  city,  which  were  read 
and  filed.  Mr.  Smith  farther  informed  the  Congress,  that 
Mr.  John  Richards  had  told  him  that  a  number  of  shot 
were  discharged,  about  1 1  or  12  o'clock  this  morning,  at  a 
New-Jersey  sloop  or  boat  when  departing  homeward  from 
this  city. 

Ordered,  That  Ab.  Yates  and  Thos.  Smith,  Esqrs.  be 
a  committee  to  make  inquiry,  as  to  the  reasons  of  the  treat- 
ment of  Saml.  Gale,  Esqr.  and  to  prepare  a  draft  of  a  let- 
ter to  Major-Genl.  Lee  on  that  subject,  and  also  on  the 
subject  of  the  troops  firing  on  the  people  in  boats  passing 
and  repassing  to  and  from  the  wharves  and  markets  in  this 
city. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Foster  to  Mr.  John  McKesson, 
one  of  the  Secretaries,  dated  Southampton,  on  the  28th 
day  of  Feby.  was  read,  he  thereby  informs  that  he  could 
not  purchase  tow  cloth  at  less  than  2s.  2d.  and  2s.  3d.  per 
yard  ;  that  he  had  purchased  at  that  rate  to  the  amount  of 
the  money  advanced  to  him  by  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
and  requesting  to  know  whether  he  should  go  on  to  pur- 
chase more  at  the  same  rates. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  write  to  Mr.  Foster  and 
inform  him,  that  he  will  please  to  continue  to  purchase  for 
this  Congress,  tow  cloth  at  the  prices  mentioned  in  his  let- 
ter, and  to  forward  the  same  by  safe  conveyances  to  Mr. 
Curtenius. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

6  Mar.  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Randell,  Mr.  VanZandt,  Col.  McDougall— iVew York. 

Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service,  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Thomas,  Col.  G.  Drake, 
Col.  Jos.  Drake — Westchester. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major 
Schenck — Dutches. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  W.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  member,  in  behalf  of  Abm.  Livingston,  asked  leave 
to  take  up  the  floor  in  the  powder  house,  for  the  purpose 
of  taking  out  the  earth  to  make  saltpetre.  Agreed  that 
Mr.  Livingston  have  leave  when  all  the  powder  is  out. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  attended  and  informed  the  Committee 
that  a  vessel  was  arrived  with  about  1,5001b.  of  gunpow- 
der, consigned  to  him  for  sale. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr.  Randall  be  a  com- 
mittee to  agree  with  Mr.  Low  about  the  price  of  said  pow- 
der, and  purchase  the  same  in  behalf  of  this  Congress. 

A  petition  of  John  Pell,  praying  leave  to  export  some 
salt  to  New-Jersey.    Rejected  unanimously. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  furnish  a  suitable  number 
of  wooden  bowls  and  spoons  to  the  four  regiments  raising 
in  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Berrien  call  on 
the  engineer  and  get  his  directions  relative  to  the  cannon 
ordered  to  Canada. 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Lee  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  6th  March,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — We  have  now  under  consideration  the  case  of 
Mr.  Saml.  Gale,  who  was  lately  apprehended  in  this  city 
by  a  military  guard,  and  conveyed  to  Fairfield,  in  the  Co- 
lony of  Connecticut,  where  he  now  is  in  close  confinment. 
We  are  wholly  ignorant  of  the  nature  of  the  charge  brought 
against  him,  or  the  cause  of  his  commitment,  and  should 
be  glad  to  be  informed  thereof,  that  proper  steps  may  be 
taken,  either  for  his  discharge  or  punishment.  It  may  not 
be  improper  to  remind  you,  sir,  that  the  right  of  apprehend- 
ing, trying  and  punishing  citizens,  who  violate  the  resolu- 
tions of  Congress,  or  act  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  Ame- 
rica, is  by  the  Continental  Congress  delegated  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Conventions  in  the  respective  Colonies.  This 
right  we  think  it  our  duty  to  insist  upon  as  essential  to  the 
security  of  our  constituents.  We  hold  ourselves  ready  to 
co-operate  with  you  in  every  measure  that  may  be  thought 
necessary  to  promote  the  common  cause  of  the  Continent, 
and  to  frustrate  the  arbitrary  designs  of  a  wicked  ministry  ; 
at  the  same  time  it  becomes  us  as  faithful  guardians  of  the 
people,  to  protect  the  liberty  and  property  of  our  constitu- 
ents, as  much  as  possible  in  our  present  unhappy  situation. 
We  are  sensible  of  the  many  difficulties  you  have  to  strug- 
gle with,  while  commanding  an  undisciplined  soldiery  ;  but 
we  flatter  ourselves  their  irregularities  will  be  checked  up- 
on proper  information.  This  consideration,  sir,  induces 
us  to  inform  you  that  the  port  guards  continue  to  fire  upon 
the  boats  coming  to  and  going  from  this  city,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supplying  the  inhabitants  with  provisions  and  other 
necessaries.  If  this  practice  is  continued,  we  are  appre- 
hensive it  will  greatly  distress  the  inhabitants,  render  it  im- 
possible to  provide  for  the  troops,  and  prevent  our  Com- 
missary from  supplying  the  magazine  we  are  now  esta- 
blishing for  the  Continental  army.  We  therefore  entreat 
you,  sir,  to  give  such  orders  to  the  port  guards,  as  will 
prevent  such  inconveniences  for  the  future. 

"  We  are,  with  esteem, 

"  Your  obt.  servants, 

"By  order. 

"  Major-Genl.  Lee." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr.  Randall  reported  that  Mr.  Low  de- 
manded £30  per  cwt.  for  his  powder,  with  permission  to 
export  produce  at  the  rate  of  £40  for  each  hundred 
weight.  The  Congress  directed  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr. 
Randall  to  purchase  the  gunpowder  as  cheap  as  they  can 
agree  ;  but  if  Mr.  Low  should  insist  on  £30  per  cwt.  for 
the  purchase  money,  that  he  be  allowed  to  export  produce 
only  to  the  same  amount. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Lee  was  received  and  read,  and  i; 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  Col.  Ward  shonK 
be  supplied  with  the  necessary  brush  for  fascines,  woodfo 
pickets,  and  other  timber  to  complete  the  works  I  hav< 
directed  on  Long  island.  It  is  my  wish  these  material 
should  be  supplied  in  the  most  easy  way  to  the  inhabitants 
and  that  the  utmost  justice  be  done  them.  It  is  impossibl 
for  me  to  attend  to  the  regulation  of  this  matter,  and  then 
fore  must  desire  the  Congress  of  New-York  will  take  pre 
per  measures  to  conduct  this  matter,  which  I  doubt  n< 
will  forward  the  service. 

"  CHARLES  LEE,  Major-Genl. 

"  New-York,  March  5th,  1776. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Congress  of  New-York." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Kin; 
county  was  read  and  .approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow 

ing,  to  wit  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  March  6lh,  1776. J 

"  Gentlemen — General  Lee  having  informed  us  tl 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


341 


Colo.  Ward  will  want  wood  and  timber  to  enable  him  to 
carry  on  the  fortifications  now  erecting  in  your  county,  we 
recommend  to  you  to  assist  in  furnishing  him  with  these 
articles,  for  which  the  proprietors  of  the  lands  from 
whence  those  articles  may  be  taken  may  rest  assured  they 
will  receive  the  like  satisfaction  as  will  be  allowed  to  the 
proprietors  of  lands  in  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
who  have  furnished  those  articles  for  the  fortifications 
erecting  in  and  near  this  city.  The  known  zeal  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Kings  county  to  promote  the  public  cause  we 
doubt  not  will  stimulate  them  to  promote  this  necessary 
work. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Kings  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  immediately. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  examinations 
of  the  persons  concerned  in  spiking  the  cannon  beyond 
King's  Bridge,  and  which  were  taken  in  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  fully  read  :  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Waterberry  be  requested  to  send 
down  Wm.  Lownsberry,  and  the  other  persons  confined  in 
the  upper  barracks  for  making  spikes  and  spiking  up  the 
cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  in  Westchester  county,  to 
this  Congress,  at  the  City  Hall,  at  5  o'clock  this  afternoon, 
under  a  proper  guard. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 


Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  6lh,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Col.  McDougall,  Major  Stoutenburg— iVeu>- York. 

Mr.  A.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service 
— Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Col.  W.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  J.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas,  Col. 
Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Col.  J.  Williams—  Charlotte. 

Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Graham,  Major  Schenck — Dutches. 
Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Covenhoven— Kings. 
Col.  Hay,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Benson  (one  of  the  Secretaries)  informed  Congress 
that  he  had  waited  on  Genl.  Lee  with  the  regulations  for 
supplying  the  ships  of  war  and  the  Governor's  ship  with 
provisions.  That  Genl.  Lee  was  pleased  to  give  for  an- 
swer, that  he  was  to  resign  the  command  here  to  Lord 
Stirling  this  night,  but  that  if  he  was  to  continue  he  would 
not  consent  to  supply  them  with  any  provisions,  as  they  were 
at  open  war  with  us  ;  that  he  hoped  Lord  Sterling  would 
be  of  the  same  opinion  ;  that  his  instructions  from  Conti- 
nental Congress  were,  to  use  every  means  in  his  power 
for  the  defence  of  the  city. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Edwd.  W.  Kiers  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  The  glorious  6th  March,  1776.  $ 

"  We  are  informed  by  Col.  Hay,  that  you  have  in  your 
possession  a  quantity  of  gunpowder,  which  you  refuse  to 
sell  to  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  your  place  that  would 
wantonly  sport  it  away.  We  highly  approve  of  your  con- 
duct, but  as  we  now  are  in  expectation  that  the  ministerial 
troops  at  Boston  will  soon  abandon  that  town  and  attempt 
to  land  in  this  city,  we  request  that  you  will  sell  to  Col. 
Hay's  regiment  one  half  pound  of  powder  to  every  man 


when  they  are  ready  to  march,  and  return  to  the  colonel 
the  names  of  such  persons  as  you  have  supplied. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  To  Edward  Wm.  Kiers,  Esqr.  Mercht. 

Haverstraw,  Orange  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

William  Lownsberry  and  the  other  prisoners,  pursuant 
to  the  order  of  this  morning,  were  respectively  brought  to 
the  bar  and  examined.  The  examinations  are  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

William  Lownsberry  says,  that  the  first  motive  or 
movers  of  spiking  the  cannon  were  Joshua  Gidney  and 
Burrell ;  that  they  had  70  or  80  spikes  made,  and  went 
down,  and  found  so  many  cannon  that  it  was  not  worth 
while ;  that  he  had  no  conversation  with  any  person  on 
shipboard  on  that  subject ;  that  he  does  not  know  who 
spiked  up  the  large  parcel  of  guns.  Asked  what  business 
he  had  to  the  house  of  a  gentlemen  of  fortune  in  his  coun- 
try the  day  before  the  cannon  was  spiked  ?  Answered, 
that  he  went  to  Col.  Phillips's  the  day  before  to  know 
whether  he  would  set  up  again  as  a  representative  ;  that 
he  set  off  from  home  with  an  intention  to  spike  the  guns 
or  disarm  them ;  that  the  following  persons  were  with 
him,  vizt :  Joshua  Gidney,  Josiah  Burrell,  Willm.  Hayns, 
Thos.  Haines  and  James  Hanes,  Junr.;  that  they  took 
sledges  to  knock  the  arms  off;  that  his  reason  for  disabling 
the  cannon  was,  that  as  the  New-England  people  had  done 
several  acts  which  he  thought  harsh,  he  wanted  to  prevent 
the  guns  to  be  used  on  any  fortifications  that  might  be 
built  near  King's  Bridge,  as  they  would  then  be  between 
two  fires  ;  that  he  never  was  promised  any  reward  for  that 
business  ;  that  he  engaged  only  with  Jos.  Gidney ;  that 
Jos.  Gidney  engaged  the  other  persons;  that  he  was  in 
bed  when  the  other  persons  escaped  ;  that  Burrell  spoke  to 
him  two  days  before  about  spiking  the  guns,  and  that  he 
told  him  he  did  not  think  any  person  would  make  the 
spikes ;  that  one  of  the  company  took  one  sledge  out  of 
Benjn.  Flandereau's  shop  ;  that  another  was  got  when  they 
were  at  John  Gidney's  ;  that  the  company  had  greatcoats 
and  caps  on,  except  himself,  who  had  not  a  cap  on. 

Isaac  Gidney  says  that  Lownsberry  came  to  him  and 
asked  him  to  make  100  and  odd  hatchel  teeth  out  of  old 
files  ;  that  he  told  him  that  files  were  very  unhandy  to 
work ;  that  Lownsberry  brought  him  small  steel  and  he 
made  him  104  large  hatchel  teeth,  as  Mr.  Lownsberry  or- 
dered him,  and  by  his  orders  hardened  them  ;  that  Joshua 
Gidney  took  them  from  his  shop  ;  that  Josh.  Gidney  lives 
within  40  rods  of  him  and  Lownsberry,  \  a  mile  out  of  the 
country  road  ;  that  he  never  made  any  other  hatchel  teeth 
so  large  ;  that  they  were  not  filed  ;  that  when  asked  why 
they  were  made  so  large,  they  told  him  it  was  no  matter  ; 
that  he  heard  of  no  agreement  between  Lownsberry  and 
Gidney  ;  that  he  made  about  60  hatchel  teeth  for  Burrell, 
the  week  before,  of  a  smaller  size  than  Lownsberry's  ; 
that  Burrell  does  not  raise  any  flax. 

Joseph  Purdy — that  he  did  not  know  when  he  made  the 
teeth  what  use  they  were  for ;  that  Gidney  told  him  they 
were  for  hatchel  teeth  ;  that  he  does  not  know  how  many 
he  made  ;  that  he  assisted  one  spell  in  the  evening  and  one 
spell  in  the  afternoon  ;  that  some  time  after  the  guns  were 
spiked,  he  asked  Gidney  if  those  teeth  were  not  for  spik- 
ing the  guns,  and  he  said,  no;  that  he  thought  them  short 
for  hatchel  teeth  ;  that  he  asked  for  whom  he  was  making 
them,  and  that  Purdy  did  not  inform  him  ;  that  what  he 
assisted  to  make  were  made  out  of  small  bars  of  steel ; 
that  he  does  not  know  who  spiked  any  of  the  cannon,  ex- 
cept what  he  has  heard  since  he  has  been  in  confinement; 
that  one  Duyckinck  came  into  the  guard  house  and  told 
Haines  he  had  spiked  up  the  cannon  ;  that  Thos.  Haines 
or  Joshua  Gidney  told  him  that  James  Haines,  Junr.  spik« 
ed  up  all  the  cannon. 


342 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Corns.  McCartney,  says  he  lives  in  Phillip's  manor,  in 
Yonker's  township  ;  that  he  usually  keeps  school ;  that  he 
does  not  know  who  spiked  up  the  cannon  at  Valentine's  ; 
that  on  Wednesday  night  the  17th  Jany.  he  was  at  Joseph 
Oakley's,  and  kept  a  night  school  there  ;  that  he  had  some 
difference  at  a  raffle,  and  his  scholars  took  his  part,  and 
some  of  the  company,  out  of  spite,  informed  against  him 
that  he  had  been  concerned  in  spiking  the  cannon,  but  that 
it  was  not  true  ;  that  the  dispute  he  had  with  those  people 
was  about  whig  and  tory;  that  he  was  the  person  called  a 
tory  ;  on  naming  the  families  for  whom  he  taught  school, 
Corns.  McCartney  was  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Wm.  Lownsberry  and  the  other  prison- 
ers be  remanded  to  their  place  of  confinement,  and  kept 
respectively  in  the  same  state  of  confinement  as  they  were 
heretofore  kept,  until  further  order. 

Col.  McDougall's  motion  for  authorizing  the  county  and 
district  committees  to  purchase  blankets  for  the  troops  to 
be  raised  in  this  Colony,  was  taken  into  consideration  ;  it 
being  thought  expedient  that  the  purchasing  arms  should 
be  added  to  the  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart, 
and  that  he  report  a  draft  of  a  resolution  (authorizing  the 
committees  to  purchase  arms  as  well  as  blankets)  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  Ward,  Esqr.  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  hereby  acquaint  you  that  I  have  taken 
an  account  from  Capt.  Varian  what  the  expense  of  guard- 
ing the  guns  at  Valentine's  and  Williams'  will  be  this  week, 
vizt: — 1  capt.  1  lieut.  2  sergeants,  1  corporal  and  14  pri- 
vates. 6  of  the  above  men  board  at  10s.  per  week,  and 
the  others  draw  provisions  from  the  commissary,  with  a 
guard  room  and  fire  wood,  at  £3  per  week,  besides  items, 
making  in  the  whole  about  £26,  and  last  week  it  was  con- 
siderably more  ;  and  as  Mr.  David  Barclay,  who  waits  on 
you  with  this  letter,  is  willing  to  undertake  to  guard  them 
with  six  men  beside  himself,  for  half  that  expense,  I  take 
the  liberty  to  recommend  him  as  a  faithful  man,  and  should 
you  think  that  guard  sufficient,  and  he  appointed  to  that 
service,  Capt.  Varian  might  be  sent  to  the  fortification  now 
erecting  at  Hellsgate.  All  which  I  submit  to  your  supe- 
rior judgment, 

"  And  remain,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  assured  friend  and  hble.  servt. 

"STEPHEN  WARD. 

"  March  5th,  1776. 

"  P.  S.  If  Mr.  Barclay  should  be  appointed  to  guard 
the  guns,  he  expects  the  50,  which  are  at  Williams'  to  be 
moved  to  the  others  near  Valentine's.  Mr.  Williams  will 
move  them  at  2s.  each." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Jos.  Drake  and  Mr.  Thomas,  be  a 
committee  to  take  the  aforegoing  letter  of  Mr.  Ward  into 
consideration,  and  report  thereon  with  all  speed. 

Col.  Drake  and  Mr.  Thomas  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  being  read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  letter  from  Stephen  Ward,  concerning  the  expenses  of 
guarding  the  cannon  at  Valentine's,  do  report : 

"  1st.  That  it  is  unnecessary  to  continue  the  expensive 
guard  which  has  been  stationed  to  guard  those  cannon  for 
the  time  past. 

2nd.  That  when  the  said  cannon  are  all  collected  toge- 
ther at  Valentine's  that  then  seven  men  would  be  sufficient 
to  guard  said  cannon. 

"  3rd.  That  we  think  David  Barclay,  who  was  recom- 
mended by  Mr.  Ward,  is  a  suitable  person  to  have  the  care 
of  said  guard,  and  that  £13  pound  per  week  is  not  too 
much  for  the  whole  expense. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  David  Barclay  be  and  he 
is  hereby  appointed  to  have  the  care  and  charge  of  the  said 
guard,  and  that  he  allowed  £13  per  week  for  the  whole  ex- 
pense attending  said  guard. 


"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  6th,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — The  bearer  Major  Wm.  Malcom,  is  go- 
ing, by  order  of  this  Congress,  to  execute  a  commission  of 
very  great  importance  to  the  public  service  ;  the  secrecy 
with  which  it  is  necessary  this  business  should  be  conduct- 
ed renders  it  altogether  improper  for  him  to  carry  the  re- 
quisite assistance  from  hence  ;  he  will  therefore  call  upon 
you  for  such  assistance  as  he  may  want,  which  we  beg  you 
will  afford  him  ;  and 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committees  of  Inspection  and 

Observation  in  New-Jersey." 

"New-York,  6th  March,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  having 
appointed  us  a  committee  to  concert  measures  for  carrying 
into  execution  their  resolve  of  the  5th  inst.  for  the  dis- 
mantling the  light-house  at  Sandy-Hook,  we,  reposing  es- 
pecial trust  and  confidence  in  your  abilities  and  zeal  in  the 
common  cause,  have  made  choice  of  you  for  the  execution 
of  that  important  enterprise.  We  enclose  you  a  certified 
copy  of  the  resolve  for  the  purpose,  and  desire  you  will  con- 
form, as  nearly  as  may  be,  to  the  strict  letter  thereof.  You 
will  please  to  call  upon  the  committee  of  Middletown,  or 
such  other  place  in  New-Jersey  as  you  shall  judge  most 
proper,  for  the  assistance  you  shall  think  necessary.  Upon 
your  arrival  at  Sandy-Hook  you  will  endeavour  to  take  the 
glass  out  of  the  lantern,  and  save  it  if  possible  ;  but  if  you 
find  this  impracticable  you  will  bieak  all  the  glass.  You 
will  also  endeavour  to  pump  the  oil  out  of  the  cisterns  into 
casks  and  bring  it  off;  but  if  you  should  be  obstructed  by 
the  enemy,  or  not  be  able  to  procure  casks,  you  will  pump 
it  out  on  to  the  ground.  In  short  you  will  use  your  best 
discretion  to  render  the  light-house  entirely  useless. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 
(Signed,)      " PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 
"ABM.  P.  LOTT, 
"JOHN  SLOSS  HOBART. 

"  To  Major  Malcom" 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M.. 

March  7th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  McDougall— 

For  NewYork. 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Brook.  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  service,  Mr. 
Abrm.  Yates — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 
Mr.  Thomas,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Major 
Lockwood,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake — For  Westchester. 

Colo.  John  Williams— Charlotte. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Ma- 
jor Schenck — For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemius — For  Kings. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Colo.  John  Williams  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Colo. 
Wm.  Williams,  in  the  words  following,  vizt :  I  move  that 
one  hundred  weight  of  gun  powder  and  300  weight  of  lead 
be  sent  to  Charlotte  county,  to  be  given  in  charge  of  the 
county  committee,  and  to  be  distributed  to  the  minute  men 
or  militia,  when  a  case  of  emergency  shall  require  it, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  for 
the  present. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  seconded  by  Mr.  Sands,  moved  in  the 
words  following,  vizt :  1  move  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
Continental  Congress  giving  them  a  true  copy  of  [the  state 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


343 


of]  this  city  and  Colony,  occasioned  by  the  stoppage  of 
provisions  to  the  ships  of  war  by  order  of  General  Lee. 

The  same  being  considered  and  unanimously  agreed  to, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr. 
Gansevort  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of 
such  letter,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Congress  that  the 
money  he  has  already  received  towards  lading  the  ship 
Rosamond,  on  Provincial  account,  is  insufficient  for  the 
purpose,  and  that  he  wants  the  sum  of  £167  19s.  to  com- 
plete the  lading  of  the  said  ship. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Mr.  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-seven  pounds 
nineteen  shillings,  to  complete  the  lading  of  the  ship  Rosa- 
mond, Wright  Southgate,  master ;  and  that  the  said  Trea- 
surer takes  Mr.  Van  Zandt's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Samuel  Benson,  a  person  employed  to  bring  salt  from 
Staten  island,  at  the  door,  was  admitted.  He  says  that 
Thos.  Vernon,  the  hatter,  has  threatened  that  he  will  take 
his  ears  off,  and  that  he  will  do  for  him  in  four  or  five 
days. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Benson  apply  for  redress  to  the 
committee  of  the  city. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Lee  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  March  6fA,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  just  received  an  uncertified  paper,  the 
purport  of  which  seems  to  imply  that  the  men  of  war  and 
Governor  Tryon  are  to  be  supplied  as  formerly  with  provi- 
sions. Subsequently  to  this  order  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, the  Continental  Congress  have  instructed  me  to  put 
the  city  in  the  best  state  of  defence  possible.  I  am  so  un- 
fortunate as  not  to  be  able  to  discover  how  furnishing  the 
enemy  with  the  necessaries  of  life  can  contribute  to  this 
end ;  it  certainly  must  open  the  means  of  their  receiving 
every  sort  of  intelligence  which  ought  to  be  withheld  from 
them,  for  I  cannot  myself  conceive,  that  the  oath  of  the 
port  master  should  bind  his  boat's  crew.  It  is  true  they 
are  to  be  restrained  from  going  on  board,  but  I  defy  human 
cunning  to  prevent,  (when  they  are  once  alongside,)  the 
conveyance  of  a  letter.  I  must  entreat,  sir,  that  the  Con- 
gress will  not  suppose  that  I  am  aiming  at  an  authority  su- 
perior to  theirs  in  thus  giving  my  opinion,  and  raising  ob- 
jections to  any  thing  they  have  resolved.  I  respect  them 
as  the  true  representatives  of  the  people  and  proper  Legis- 
slature  of  the  Province ;  but,  sir,  the  information  I  have 
received  from  Cambridge,  and  the  orders  1  have  received 
from  the  Continental  Congress,  will  justify  me  in  most 
humbly  entreating  the  Congress  not  to  enjoin  me  to  assent, 
(so  much  against  my  conscience,)  to  any  intercourse  of  any 
kind  with  Mr.  Tryon,  who  must  be  considered  as  a  most 
dangerous  enemy. 

"  There  is  one  thing  further  I  would  submit  to  the  wis- 
dom of  the  Congress,  whether  it  will  be  prudent  to  suffer 
a  single  man  (in  our  present  circumstances)  to  remain  in 
the  city  who  will  not  enter  into  an  engagement  to  take  up 
arms  in  the  defence  of  the  common  rights.  I  took  the  li- 
berty to  address  a  letter  to  you  hinting  a  measure  some- 
what related  to  this  scheme,  but  was  not  honoured  with 
an  answer. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

" CHARLES  LEE. 
"  P.  S.  I  have  this  instant  received  your  favour  relating 
to  Mr.  Gale,  who  was  apprehended  and  conveyed  into 
Connecticut.  I  agree,  sir,  entirely  with  you,  that  the  ap- 
prehension, trial  and  punishment  of  citizens  is  not  my  pro- 
vince, but  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  But,  irregular  as 
it  was,  1  had  the  assurances  of  many  respectable  men  that 
he  was  a  most  dangerous  man,  and  ought  not  to  be  suffered 
to  remain  on  Long  island,  where  an  enemy  is  perhaps 
more  dangerous  than  in  any  other  spot  of  America.  How- 
ever, their  assurances  and  my  opinion  form  no  excuse,  and 


I  heartily  repent  that  I  did  not  refer  him  to  you,  his  proper 
judges. 

"  I  must  now  inform  you,  sir,  that  in  consequence  of 
the  last  instructions  from  the  Continental  Congress,  to  put 
this  city  and  its  environs  in  a  state  of  defence,  I  have  or- 
dered Colonel  Ward,  as  a  previous  measure,  to  secure 
the  whole  body  of  professed  lories  in  Long  island.  When 
the  enemy  is  at  our  door,  forms  must  be  dispensed  with  ; 
my  duty  to  you,  to  the  Continental  Congress,  and  to  my 
own  conscience,  have  dictated  the  necessity  of  the  mea- 
sure. If  I  have  done  wrong,  and  I  confess  the  irregula- 
rity, I  must  submit  myself  to  the  shame  of  being  reputed 
foolish,  rash  and  precipitate.  I  must  undergo  the  censure 
of  the  public,  but.  I  shall  have  the  consciousness  in  my  own 
breast  that  the  most  pure  motives  of  serving  the  public 
cause,  uncontaminated  by  pique  or  resentment  to  indivi- 
duals, have  urged  me  to  the  step.  There  is  now  a  ruffian 
under  guard,  one  John  Greg,  who  attempted  to  murder  the 
sentinels  on  their  posts  the  other  night. 

"  I  beg  to  know  your  pleasure  on  the  subject.  As  to  the 
affair  of  the  sentries  firing  on  the  boats,  I  never  heard  till 
this  moment  that  they  had  repeated  a  misdemeanor  so 
contrary  to  the  orders  they  had  received.  I  can  only  say 
that  I  am  very  sorry  that  my  orders  have  been  so  little  re- 
spected, and  that  if  I  can  find  out  the  culprits  they  shall 
be  severely  punished. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  humble  servt. 

" CHARLES  LEE. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial 

Congress  of  New- York." 

Colo.  McDougall,  who  brought  in  the  letter  from  Major- 
General  Lee,  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  some 
conversation  with  Lord  Stirling  on  the  subject  of  keeping 
up  a  uniformity,  and  preventing  any  interfering  in  the  or- 
ders given  by  this  Congress  and  the  commander  of  the 
troops  stationed  here,  and  his  lordship  was  ready  and  de- 
sirous, as  soon  as  Major-General  Lee  was  departed,  to 
confer  frequently  with  a  committee  of  this  Congress  for 
that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr. 
Gansevoort  and  General  Ten  Broeck,  be  a  committee  to 
confer  with  Lord  Stirling  on  the  subject  of  a  communica- 
tion between  the  ships  and  ihe  shore,  the  firing  of  the  sen- 
tries on  the  boats  passing  and  repassing,  and  the  subject  of 
apprehending  and  sending  into  confinement  in  this  and  ano- 
ther Colony,  sundry  inhabitants  of  this  city  and  Colony, 
without  the  knowledge  of,  or  application  to  any  committee, 
or  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  took  into  further  consideration  the  scar- 
city of  salt  in  this  Colony,  and  the  frequent  exportations 
thereof  into  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  came  to  the  follow- 
ing determination,  to  wit: 

In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
New-York,  7th  March,  1776.  \ 

This  Congress  taking  into  consideration  the  inconveni- 
ences that  may  arise  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  from 
the  want  of  a  sufficient  supply  of  salt,  and  being  informed 
that  this  necessary  article  is  daily  exported  in  great  quan- 
tities from  this  Colony  to  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  which, 
if  not  prevented,  may  prove  very  prejudicial  to  this  Colony, 
have  therefore  thought  it  highly  expedient,  for  the  present, 
to  prohibit,  and  they  do  hereby  prohibit,  the  exportation  of 
salt  from  this  Colony,  to  any  port  or  place  out  of  the  same, 
until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety.    And  it  is 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier  be 
empowered  to  take  the  most  effectual  and  necessary  steps 
to  prevent  the  exportation  of  salt  out  of  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York,  contrary  to  the  above  prohibition  ;  and  that 
a  copy  of  this  prohibition  be  sent  to  the  different  county 
committees  in  this  Colony,  who  are  hereby  required  to 
carry  the  same  into  execution  within  their  respective  coun- 


344 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


ties  ;  and  that  if  any  person  shall  violate  this  prohibition, 
having  been  previously  acquainted  therewith,  the  name  of 
such  offender  shall  be  transmitted  forthwith  to  this  Congress 
or  the  Committee  of  Safely,  that  proper  steps  may  be  taken 
with  such  offender. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  certified  copy 
of  this  entry,  and  deliver  the  same  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier  ; 
and  the  members  from  the  different  counties  now  at  Con- 
gress, make  copies  thereof  for  their  respective  county  com- 
mittees. 

A  return  of  militia  officers  from  Cornwall  precinct,  in 
Orange  county,  bearing  date  the  second  day  of  March,  in- 
stant, and  signed  by  Thomas  Moffat,  clerk  of  Cornwall 
precinct  committee,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  following  officers  are  thereby  returned  duly  elected, 
vizt:  John  McManus,  2nd  lieutenant;  Thomas  Lamme- 
reaux,  ensign,  in  Capt.  Francis  Smith's  company  of  militia. 

Gilbert  Weeks,  ensign,  in  Capt.  Christopher  Vanduer- 
sen's  company  of  militia.  William  Bradley,  ensign,  in 
Capt.  Thomas  Moffat's  minute  men. 

The  said  return  being  agreeable  to  the  rules  and  regu- 
lations of  this  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  issue  for  those  gentle- 
men according  to  the  said  return. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  Ath,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Evert 
Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning,  Colo. 
McDougall — For  New-York 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  service — For  Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Thomas—  Westchester. 

Colo.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  M.  Graham,  Major  Schenck — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  Congress  was  informed  by  Capt.  Rutgers,  one  of 
the  members,  and  by  Mr.  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
that  Capt.  John  Johnson,  as  they  are  well  informed,  had 
caned  Alexr.  Lesslie  even  in  the  Assembly  and  Congress 
Chamber,  and  had  then  sent  him  a  prisoner  to  the  barracks, 
where  he  is  now  confined. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  order  Capt.  Johnson  to 
attend  here  immediately.  Capt.  Johnson  says  that  Colo. 
Ritzema  informed  him  that  three  counties  in  Virginia  had 
joined  Lord  Dunmore,  and  said  Alexr.  Lesslie  was  his 
author ;  that  he  told  Colo.  Ritzema  he  would  cane  the 
man  who  said  so  unless  he  named  the  author ;  that  he 
saw  Lesslie,  who  said  Saml.  Burling  was  his  author.  That 
Burling  being  out  of  town,  he  met  Lesslie  again,  and 
spoke  to  him  again  on  the  subject ;  that  Lesslie  said  it 
was  no  secret,  that  it  was  mentioned  several  times  in  his 
shop  yesterday  afternoon,  and  that  he  refused  to  name  the 
persons  who  had  mentioned  it,  that  therefore  he  beat  him 
with  a  cane.  That  Lesslie  then  abused  him;  and  that  he 
came  here  to  complain,  and  met  Lesslie  here,  who  again 
had  some  words  with  him,  and  that  he  again  caned  him 
here  in  this  room  and  sent  him  to  the  guard-house. 

Mr.  Jno.  Van  Corllandt  moved,  and  was  seconded  by 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams,  that  the  warrant  to  raise  a  company 
of  the  troops  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  service,  lately 
given  to  John  Johnson,  be  taken  from  him,  and  that  as 
far  forth  as  in  the  power  of  this  Congress,  he  be  dis- 
missed the  Continental  service  and  all  employments  under 
this  Colony.  The  previous  question  being  about  to  be 
moved  on  Mr.  Van  Corllandt's  motion,  he  agreed  to  let  it 


remain  undetermined  for  the  present.  Mr.  Gansevort 
moved,  and  was  seconded  in  the  words  following  : 

I  move  that  Mr.  Lesslie  be  immediately  liberated  and 
ordered  to  appear  before  this  Congress. 

The  same  being  agreed  to  by  a  very  great  majority  of  the 
members  without  debate,  the  following  order  was  agreed 
to  and  issued  ;  sent  by  the  door-keeper,  vizt : 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  of  the  guard  having  Alexan- 
der Lesslie  (the  peruke  maker)  in  custody,  do  immediate- 
ly liberate  the  said  Alexr.  Lesslie,  and  the  said  Alexander 
Lesslie  is  hereby  ordered  immediately  to  appear  before 
the  Provincial  Congress  now  silting,  in  the  Assembly 
Chamber  in  the  City  Hall. 

This  Congress  being  informed  that  Thomas  Vernon  is 
inimical  to  the  liberties  of  America,  and  ought  not  to  be 
permitted  to  go  at  large  ;  and  being  informed  by  some  of 
the  members  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  by  one  of 
ihe  Secretaries,  that  the  said  Thomas  Vernon  was  some 
weeks  ago  committed  to  the  guard-house  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  and  has  not  since  been  discharged 
by  any  order  of  this  Congress  or  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  from  whence  'tis  most  probable  that  he  must  have 
escaped  from  confinement. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Vernon  be  immediate- 
ly apprehended  and  committed  to  custody  in  the  guard- 
house, and  there  confined  until  the  further  order  of  this 
Congress  or  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  that  Colo. 
McDougall  cause  this  order  to  be  duly  executed. 

Garret  Roorback,  the  barrack  master,  attending  at  the 
door,  was  called  in  ;  he  delivered  in  his  accounts,  and  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  a  considerable  balance  was  due 
to  him,  and  that  he  wanted  money  to  procure  wood  and 
other  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  his  accounts  be  delivered  to  the  auditors. 

Alexr.  Lesslie  being  brought  in  and  heard  and  examin- 
ed, says,  that  this  morning  opposite  Mrs.  Curtenius's  door, 
Capt.  Johnson  came  to  him  and  asked  who  was  his  author 
for  the  report  he  had  spread  ;  that  he  answered,  Saml. 
Burling,  and  Capt.  Johnson  left  him.  That  in  the  after- 
noon, in  the  Broadway,  Capt.  Johnson  asked  him  if  he 
had  found  out  the  author  of  the  report  concerning  Lord 
Dunmore's  landing,  which  had  been  told  to  him  by  a  per- 
son in  the  afternoon  preceding,  that  he  answered,  no;  that 
it  was  a  stranger  who  he  did  not  know,  who  was  shaved 
in  his  shop;  upon  which  Capt.  Johnson  answered,  you 
damned  rascal,  you  and  Saml.  Burling  deserve  to  be 
caned,  and  had  I  him  here,  I  would  cane  him  immediately ; 
and  if  you,  you  scoundrel,  do  not  get  along  about  your 
business,  I  will  cane  you,  and  at  that  instant  drove  a  cane 
in  his  face,  and  then  struck  several  blows  with  the  cane  at 
his  head  which  he  received  on  his  arms  by  defending  his 
head.  That  he  the  examinant,  then  went  to  pick  up  a  pav- 
ing stone  to  knock  him  down  with  it  in  his  own  defence ; 
that  before  he  could  get  the  stone  up,  Johnson  closed  in 
with  him,  on  which  he  took  Johnson's  stick  from  him  , 
that  immediately  thereon,  Johnson  drew  his  hanger,  on 
which  he  made  a  blow  at  Johnson  with  the  stick  and  miss- 
ed him,  and  lost  the  slick  out  of  his  hand,  and  Johnson 
then  pursued  him  with  his  hanger,  and  he  fled  from  him, 
and  finding  an  axe  in  the  street  he  took  it  up  to  defend 
himself  with,  and  Colo.  Ritzema  came  up  and  spoke  to 
Johnson. 

.  That  soon  after  returning  from  Hull's  tavern  to  his  owr 
house  and  saw  Johnson,  and  several  officers  with  him 
coming  out  of  his,  this  examinant's  house,  upon  whicl 
he  run  immediately  to  this  chamber,  to  lay  his  cas< 
before  this   Congress,   and   found  that  the  Congres: 
was  not  yet  assembled  ;  that  Johnson  pursued  him  ti 
this  chamber  and  into  the  chamber  and  beat  him  wit! 
his  slick  until  this  examinant  took  the  stick  from  him 
that  Johnson  then  beat  him  with  his  fists  and  struc 
him  many  blows  on  his  arms,  attempting  to  strike  hit 
on  the  head,  and  also  struck  him  a  blow  in  the  eye  an 
bit  his  hand  ;  that  Johnson  then  ordered  two  other  off 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


345 


cers  to  take  hold  of  him,  this  examinant,  and  tarry  him  to 
the  guard  house  ;  that  one  of  them  seized  him  by  the  col- 
lar and  forced  him  out  of  the  room,  and  that  they  forcibly 
took  him  to  the  guard  house  ;  that  Wm.  A.  Forbes  was 
one  of  the  officers  and  went  to  the  guard  house  with  him  ; 
that  the  other  officer  told  this  examinant  that  Capt.  John- 
son was  his  superior  officer,  and  that  he  was  obliged  to 
obey  him  ;  that  they  took  him  to  the  upper  barrack  guard 
room. 

The  examinant  farther  says,  that  yesterday  morning, 
Samuel  Burling  came  into  his  shop  and  mentioned  as  a  re- 
port or  news  that  Lord  Dunmore  had  landed  in  Virginia 
with  some  troops,  and  that  a  number  of  Virginians  had 
joined  him ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  soon  after  went  to 
dress  Colo.  Ritzema,  and  being  by  him  asked  what  news, 
mentioned  what  Samuel  Burling  related  ;  that  this  is  the 
matter  for  which  Capt.  Johnson  called  on  him  for  his 
author. 

Sampson  Dyckman  says,  he  was  talking  to  Capt.  John- 
son ;  that  Johnson  called  to  Lesslie,  asked  if  he  had 
found  that  man ;  that  Lesslie  said  no,  but  he  could  find 
him,  and  he  gave  substantially  the  same  account  which 
Alexander  Lesslie  has  given ;  and  he  farther  says,  that 
when  Johnson  was  beating  him  in  the  Assembly  Chamber, 
he  took  Johnson  off  and  separated  them  ;  that  Capt.  John- 
son desired  him  to  take  Lesslie  to  the  guard  house,  and 
that  he  refused  it.  Alexr.  Lesslie  and  Sampson  Dyckman 
ordered  to  withdraw. 

The  Congress  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  the 
conduct  of  Capt.  John  Johnson,  and  the  whole  examina- 
tions of  the  parties  and  the  above  memorandum  of  the 
evidence  of  Sampson  Dyckman  were  severally  read. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt  then  moved  that  his  motion  for  dis- 
missing Capt.  Johnson  from  service,  as  before  entered  on 
the  minutes  of  this  afternoon,  be  now  read  and  taken  into 
consideration;  and  the  same  again  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following  :  "  I  move  that  the  warrant  to  raise  a  com- 
pany of  the  troops  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  service, 
lately  given  to  John  Johnson  be  taken  from  him,  and  that 
as  far  forth  as  in  the  power  of  this  Congress,  he  be  dis- 
missed the  Continental  service  and  all  employments  under 
this  Congress." 

Debates  rose  thereon,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   2 

Dutches   2 

Suffolk,   2 

Ulster   2 

Orange,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Richmond,   2 


16 


For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   3 

Mr.  Gansevoort  dissenting. 

New- York,  4 

Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Lott, 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince  dis- 
senting. 

Kings,   2 

Cumberland,   2 

11 


Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  motion  be  rejected. 
Mr.  Gansevoort  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit :  "  I  move  that  Capt.  John  John- 
son be  ordered  to  the  bar  of  this  Congress,  and  that  he 
make  proper  concessions  for  the  insult  offered  to  this  Con- 
gress, by  usurping  a  power  which  is  vested  in  this  Con- 
gress. That  he  be  charged  to  behave  himself  peaceably 
towards  Alexr.  Lesslie,  whom  he  has  grossly  injured  ;  that 
he  receive  a  severe  reprimand  from  the  Chair  ;  and  that 
he  be  told,  if  he  should  be  guilty  of  the  like  behaviour  in 
future,  this  Congress  will  cause  him  to  be  displaced." 
The  same  being  read  a  second  time  and  agreed  to, 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  John  Johnson  be  ordered  to  the 
bar  of  this  Congress,  and  that  he  make  proper  conces- 
sions for  the  insult  offered  to  this  Congress  by  usurping  a 
power  which  is  vested  in  this  Congress  ;  that  he  be  charg- 
ed to  behave  himself  peaceably  towards  Alexander  Lesslie 
whom  he  has  grossly  injured  ;   that  he  receive  a  se- 

67 


vere  reprimand  from  the  Chair  ;  and  that  he  be  told,  if  he 
should  be  guilty  of  the  like  behaviour  in  future,  that  this 
Congress  will  cause  him  to  be  displaced. 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continental  Con- 
gress, requesting  permission  for  Patrick  Sinclair  to  go  to 
Britain,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"New-York,  7th  of  March,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — The  late  Provincial  Congress  having 
received  information  on  the  third  of  Augt.  last,  that  Capt. 
Patrick  Sinclair  was  appointed  Lieutenant-Governor  and 
Superintendent  at  Missilimacana,  being  a  person  of  great 
influence  with  the  Indians,  and  that  he  was  then  in  this 
city  on  his  way  to  that  post,  and  thinking  it  would  be  im- 
prudent to  permit  any  gentleman  under  the  influence  of 
the  British  ministry  to  go  into  the  interior  of  the  country 
to  exercise  those  offices,  who  might  prejudice  the  Indians 
against  the  United  Colonies,  ordered  him  to  be  taken  into 
custody,  and  sent  him  on  his  parol  to  Suffolk  county,  on 
Nassau  island,  where  he  has  since  continued  to  demean 
himself  very  unexceptionably  ;  he  has  lately  applied  by 
letter,  a  copy  of  which  you  have  enclosed,  to  this  Con- 
gress for  leave  to  return  to  Europe.    As  we  do  not  choose 
to  take  a  step  of  this  kind  without  the  advice  of  your  ho- 
nourable body,  we  beg  you  will  lay  the  state  of  this  gentle- 
man's case  before  Congress  and  let  us  have  their  directions 
thereon.    We  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  Mr.  Sinclair  was 
not  laid  under  restraint  as  an  enemy  to  the  country ;  no 
information  was  received  of  his  entertaining  sentiments 
unfriendly  to  the  United  Colonies,  but  to  the  contrary ; 
and  that  he  had  invariably  treated  our  Indian  traders  with 
the  greatest  humanity  and  politeness.    For  these  reasons, 
and  from  the  consideration  that  he  was  not  looked  upon  as 
a  prisoner  of  war,  we  wish  the  favour  he  asks  may  be 
granted,  and  are 

"  Your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order,  also  reported  a  draft  of 
a  letter  to  Colo.  Blackwell,  and  sundry  other  gentlemen  of 
Queens  county,  on  the  subject  of  forming  the  friends  to 
liberty  in  their  county  into  militia,  and  of  choosing  and  ap- 
pointing committees,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  7 
"  New-York,  March  7th,  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  being  of  opinion  that  it 
is  absolutely  necessary  that  the  inhabitants  of  your  county 
who  have  signed  the  association  and  are  friendly  to  the 
liberties  of  their  country,  should  be  formed  into  military 
companies  and  regimented,  and  be  in  a  capacity  of  defend- 
ing themselves  if  attacked  ;  and  being  informed  that  they 
have  appointed  a  county  committee,  and  likewise  that 
committees  are  chosen  in  several  districts  in  your  county, 
that  they  carry  the  resolves  of  Congress  for  regulating  the 
militia  into  execution,  and  recommend  suitable  men  for  the 
field  officers.  The  very  great  importance  of  the  rights 
for  which  we  are  contending,  added  to  the  consideration 
of  the  present  critical  situation  of  our  public  affairs,  and 
the  great  probability  that  the  enemy  will  endeavour  to  get 
possession  of  this  Colony  in  the  course  of  the  spring,  ren- 
der it  totally  unnecessary  for  us  to  use  any  arguments  with 
you  on  the  subject.  We  doubt  not  you  will  exert  your- 
selves to  have  these  matters  settled  with  all  possible  de- 
spatch in  your  county. 

"  We  remaining  your  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Colo.  Blackwell." 


346 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  8th,  1776. 

To  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Prince,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Rut- 
gers, Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDou- 
gall— For  New- York. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Colo.  Jno.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll 
on  service — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  on 
service,  Major  Schenck — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall  and  Colo.  Ten  Broeck  be 
added  to  the  committee  to  confer  with  Lord  Stirling,  on  the 
subject  of  a  communication  with  the  ships  of  war,  &c. 
and  that  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Gansevoort  be  excused  from 
attending  the  said  committee. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Joseph  Smith,  setting  forth  his  dis- 
tress, and  offering  his  service  to  his  country  particularly  in 
any  marine  department,  if  there  is  or  should  be  a  vacancy, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  remain  on  file  to  be  taken 
up  if  an  opportunity  should  offer  in  which  his  services  will 
be  useful. 

Capt.  Johnson  according  to  the  order  of  yesterday  evening 
attending  at  the  door,  the  door  was  opened  ;  he  came  to  the 
bar  of  the  House,  the  resolve  of  yesterday  evening  was  read 
to  him,  he  was  reprimanded  from  the  Chair  for  his  conduct 
and  informed  of  the  line  of  his  duty,  charged  to  behave 
himself  peaceably  towards  Alexander  Lesslie  whom  he 
had  grossly  injured,  and  informed  that  if  he  should  be 
guilty  of  the  like  behaviour  in  future,  that  Congress  will 
cause  him  to  be  displaced.  Capt.  John  Johnson  engaged 
to  demean  himself  prudently,  and  withdrew. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  lo  hear  the  minutes  and 
proceedings  of  the  present  Committee  of  Safety  from  the 
beginning  on  the  3rd  of  Jany.  last.  On  reading  the  pe- 
tition of  George  Coffin  mentioned  in  the  minutes  of  the 
Committe  of  Safety  on  the  fourth  day  of  January,  and  by 
the  minutes  of  the  said  committee  recommended  to  this 
Congress,  the  said  petition  was  read  and  heard.  The  Con- 
gress taking  his  case  into  consideration. 

[The  following  memorandum  is  in  pencil  mark.] 
"  The  rough  notes  say  George  Coffin  to  be  pardoned  on 
publishing  his  petition  and  pardon." 

On  reading  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
on  the  sixth  day  of  January,  relating  to  the  fortifying  of 
some  inlets  in  Suffolk  county, 

Ordered,  That  any  farther  prosecution  of  that  measure 
be  left  wholly  with  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

On  reading  the  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  on 
the  subject  of  the  inroads  from  Connecticut,  entered  on 
the  11th  day  Jany.  instant, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony,  informing  them  the  Governor  and  Representatives 
of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut  have  not  as  yet  given  any 
answer  to  the  letter  from  this  Provincial  Congress  on  that 
subject,  nor  returned  nor  made  any  restitution  for  the  types 
or  property  taken  away  from  James  Rivington. 

On  reading  the  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the 
1 1th  January  for  the  distribution  of  gunpowder  gratis,  in 
half  pounds,  the  Congress  being  informed  that  it  prin- 
cipally remains  to  be  carried  into  execution,  if  proper,  is 
of  opinion  and  orders,  that  it  be  not  carried  into  execution 
for  the  present,  unless  in  case  of  invasion. 


The  committee  who  went  to  confer  with  Lord  Stirling 
on  the  sundry  matters  given  to  them  in  charge,  as  appears 
by  the  entry  thereof  in  the  minutes  of  yesterday,  reported 
that  they  had  conferred  with  Lord  Stirling ;  that  he  had 
given  the  following  information  to  them  which  he  had  re- 
ceived this  morning,  to  wit : 

"That  a  brigantine  came  into  the  Hook  yesterday  even- 
ing and  came  to  anchor  under  the  stern  of  the  Phoenix, 
and  that  the  people  on  board  gave  three  cheers  ;  that  four 
sail  of  large  vessels  are  in  the  Hook,  a  snow  in  the  offing ; 
that  by  another  person  advice  was  received  from  Nassau 
island,  that  six  or  seven  top  sail  vessels  are  in  the  Hook." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Capt.  Randall  be  a 
committee  to  despatch  a  proper  person  to  the  Narrows  by 
land,  and  another  person  in  a  whale  boat  to  the  Hook  lo 
make  discoveries,  and  return  and  report  to  this  committee 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  said  committee  reported  as  to  the  matters  given  them 
in  charge,  that  they  had  settled  a  plan  with  Lord  Stirling  for 
supplying  the  ships  of  war  and  Governor  Tryon's  ship  with 
provisions,  (subject  to  the  approbation  and  confirmation  of 
this  Congress,)  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  In  order  to  prevent  any  obstructions  to  the  supply  of 
provision  and  other  necessaries  being  furnished  to  the 
ships  of  war  and  the  Governor's  ship,  pursuant  to  a  for- 
mer order  of  this  Congress,  it  is 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  whenever  provisions  or 
supplies  are  to  be  furnished  to  either  of  the  said  ships,  the 
port  master  appointed  by  this  Congress  shall  go  with  the 
said  provisions  or  supplies,  and  see  the  same  delivered  on 
board  the  said  ships,  and  that  he  take  with  him  only  such 
persons  as  are  necessary  to  navigate  the  boat  or  boats,  car- 
rying such  provisions  and  supplies,  or  such  person  or  per- 
sons as  shall  have  the  special  permission  of  the  Congress 
or  Committee  of  Safety,  countersigned  by  the  general; 
and  that  the  said  port  master  and  all  the  navigators  of  the 
said  boat  or  boats  be  under  oath  that  he  or  they  will  not 
disclose  any  matter  whatsoever  on  board  of  the  said  ships 
relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this 
Colony.  That  he  the  said  port  master  will  not  suffer  any  of 
the  men  that  he  carries  with  him  in  the  said  boat  or  boats 
to  go  on  board  either  of  the  said  ships,  and  that  he  will 
not  carry  or  suffer  to  be  carried,  any  letters  or  papers  to  or 
from  the  said  ships,  but  such  as  he  shall  be  first  satisfied 
contain  no  intelligence  of  a  public  nature. 

"  That  this  supply  is  to  take  place  and  be  continued  on 
condition  that  there  be  no  obstruction  given  to  any  boats  or 
vessels  bringing  provisions,  provender  or  firewood,  to  this 
city." 

The  Congress  agreed  with  their  committee  in  this  part  of 
their  report,  and  confirms  the  same. 

The  said  committee  farther  reported  that  as  to  the  firing 
of  the  sentinels  on  the  boats  coming  to  and  departing  from 
this  city,  they  had,  in  conjunction  with  Lord  Stirling,  set- 
tled and  agreed  on  such  orders  with  him,  to  be  issued  tc 
the  troops  by  Lord  Stirling,  as  will  prevent  that  inconve- 
nience for  the  future ;  and  that  Lord  Stirling  will,  toward! 
evening,  transmit  to  this  Congress  a  copy  of  such  orders 
and  requested  a  copy  of  the  regulations  for  supplying  pro 
visions  to  the  ships  by  them  above  reported,  if  the  sarw 
should  be  agreed  to  and  confirmed  by  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  prepare  and  cer 
tify  a  copy  of  the  said  plan  or  regulations  agreed  on,  fo 
supplying  the  ships  of  war  and  Governor  Tryon's  ship 
with  provisions,  and  transmit  the  same  to  Lord  Stirling 
And, 

Ordered,  That  another  copy  be  prepared  for  the  pori 
master,  and  that  he  attend  here  at  five  o'clock  to  receiv 
instructions. 

The  said  committee  farther  reported  that  as  lo  the  oth( 
matter  given  to  them  in  charge,  to  wit,  the  apprehendin 
and  sending  into  confinement  in  this  and  a  neighbourin 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


34T 


Colony,  sundry  inhabitants  of  this  city  and  Colony,  with- 
>ut  the  knowledge  of,  or  application  to.  this  Congress,  and 
hat  the  reasons  thereof,  that  Lord  Stirling  had  assured  them 
hat  the  like  should  not  happen  in  time  to  come ;  that  he 
nformed  them  that  John  Gregg  was  apprehended,  and  is 
low  confined  in  the  guard  house  at  the  barracks,  for  hav- 
ng,  in  the  night  time,  attacked  the  sentinels  on  duty  at  their 
>osts,  and  that  he  submits  his  trial  and  punishment  to  the 
Congress ;  that  Governor  Tryon's  two  servants  and  his 
inen  will  be  sent  to  his  ship  by  the  first  provision  boat ; 
hat  the  seamen  who  lately  came  from  the  ship  Dutches 
>f  Gordon,  and  were  apprehended,  desire  that  they  may 
lot  return  on  board ;  and  that  the  sole  occasion  for  ap- 
irehending  Saml.  Gale,  and  sending  him  to  confinement, 
trose  from  copies  of  some  letter  or  letters  which  were  in 
he  custody  of  a  certain  Colo.  William  Williams,  a  mem- 
>er  of  this  Congress ;  that  he  knows  of  no  other  evidence 
igainst  him,  and  submits  his  case  entirely  to  this  Congress, 
rhat  his  Lordship  assured  them  that  for  the  future  any 
)ersons  apprehended,  shall  not  be  sent  out  of  the  Colony, 
mt  their  cases  respectively,  (if  any  be  apprehended,)  shall 
)e  referred  to  this  Congress.  That  he  farther  declared 
hat  it  was  not  his  wish  or  desire  to  interfere  with  the  civil 
government  or  police  of  the  city  or  Colony,  but  on  the  con- 
rary  to  harmonize  with  and  aid  the  civil  government.  The 
iaid  committee  then  informed  the  Congress  that  Lord  Stir- 
ing  had  requested  them  to  inform  this  Congress  that  the 
sresent  prison  or  jail  of  this  city,  will  in  a  short  time  be 
ivithin  some  military  lines  ;  that  it  will  be  inconvenient  to 
:iave  the  jailer  and  prisoners  within  the  lines  ;  that  he  will 
De  under  a  necessity  of  applying  the  jail  to  other  uses,  and 
therefore  requests  the  Congress  to  take  into  their  considera- 
tion what  may  be  necessary  to  be  directed  as  to  the  jailer 
md  the  prisoners. 

A  memorial  of  Abraham  Lott,Esqr.  Treasurer  of  this  Co- 
lony, was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  sets  forth  that  one- 
tenth  part  of  the  emission  of  bills  of  credit  issued  by  a  law 
of  this  Colony  in  1771,  with  the  interest  thereof,  will  soon 
be  due  ;  that  money  of  that  emission  cannot  be  obtained  to 
discharge  those  debts  agreeable  to  that  law,  and  praying 
advice  on  the  premises,  and  whether  the  loan  officers  may 
receive  any  money  now  current  in  the  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart,  and  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck  be  a  committee  to  take  with  them  and  consider  the 
said  memorial,  and  report  thereon  to  this  Congress  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  8th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott.  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Sands, 
,Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — For  Richmond. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  ser- 
vice—For  Albany. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake.  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas 
—For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore—  For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service—  For  Ulster. 

Colo  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major 
Schenck—  For  Dutches. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Polhemius— Kings. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams— For  Cumberland. 

Capt.  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Randal  informed  the  Congress 
'.hat  from  various  informations  which  they  have  obtained, 
,the  particulars  whereof  they  mentioned,)  they  have  good 
reason  to  believe  that  the  report  of  a  number  of  topsail 
vessels  being  at  Sandy  Hook,  is  false.  But  they  have  not- 
withstanding despatched  Capt.  Mcllroy  to  the  Narrows  to 
nake  discovery,  and  that  this  Congress  may  expect  his  in- 
ormation  this  evening. 


Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  Major-Ge- 
neral Lee,  before  his  departure,  received  a  letter  from 
Major-General  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  state  of  the 
troops  gone  forward  to  Canada,  and  of  many  other  things 
relative  to  the  present  or  ensuing  campaign  in  that  de- 
partment. That  General  Lee  has  left  him  a  copy  of  that 
letter  to  be  laid  before  this  Congress  for  their  information, 
which  he  then  delivered  to  the  Chair. 

Thereupon  the  same  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Albany,  February  29th,  1776. 
"  Dear  General  : — Congress  having  ordered  that  I 
should  repair  to  New-York,  to  lake  the  command  there  as 
soon  as  my  health  would  permit,  I  have  taken  the  liberty 
to  represent  to  them  that  if  that  obstacle  was  immediately 
removed,  I  should  not  be  able  to  leave  this  until  the  bat- 
teaux  now  building  at  Fort  George  were  finished,  and  every 
thing  got  into  such  a  train  as  that  your  army  in  Canada 
may  not  suffer  for  want  of  provisions,  which  it  cer- 
tainly will  if  I  quit  this,  and  you  immediately  go  into 
Canada,  where  your  presence  is  much,  very  much  indeed 
wanted. 

"  At  a  moderate  calculation  the  provisions  which  we 
took,  what  was  carried  in,  and  what  has  since  been  brought 
there,  was  sufficient  to  the  month  of  June,  and  yet  they  are 
now  so  nearly  expended,  that  I  have  been  obliged  to  send 
four  hundred  barrels  of  pork  in  sleds,  at  the  enormous  ex- 
pense of  three  pounds  per  barrel.  I  have  sent  to  Canada 
one  eighteen  and  a  number  of  twelve  pounders,  with  what 
suitable  shot  were  left  at  the  upper  posts.  I  need  not  ob- 
serve to  you  that  you  will  stand  in  need  of  a  number  of 
carpenters  and  shipwrights.  I  only  mention  it  to  advise 
you  that  I  have  fifty  or  more  that  can  go  off  at  a  moment's 
warning.  The  Canadians  are  very  indifferent  workmen, 
and  besides,  will  not  take  our  paper  money,  so  that  every 
thing  considered,  I  conclude  it  will  be  best  to  take  them 
from  hence.  Besides  the  pork  above  mentioned,  I  have 
ordered  1 50  head  of  the  largest  and  best  stall  fed  cattle  to 
be  purchased,  which  I  hope  to  get  into  Canada  whilst  the 
lakes  are  still  passable  on  the  ice.  I  have  so  arranged 
matters  that  they  will  carry  their  own  fodder,  and  I  hope 
two  hundred  barrels  of  pork  besides. 

"  I  do  not  know  if  the  cannon  ordered  for  New-York  have 
travelling  carriages.  I  have  wrote  on  the  subject  to  the 
committee  to  whom  the  conveyance  of  them  is  entrusted. 
If  they  have  not,  I  think  I  could  complete  them  here  in  ten 
days,  as  I  have  employed  a  person  to  look  out  for  the  pro- 
per timber,  and  to  speak  to  all  the  wheelwrights  in  this 
place  and  its  vicinity,  to  be  ready  when  called  upon.  The 
regiments  to  be  raised  for  the  Canada  service  in  the 
Massachusetts  Bay  and  Connecticut,  are  not  yet  marched 
from  thence.  Four  companies  of  the  Pennsylvanians,  are 
gone  on  the  fifth  ;  the  only  one  left  here  will  march  to- 
morrow. Three  Jersey  companies  are  also  marched,  and 
about  one  thousand  from  this  Colony  and  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  which  I  ordered  to  be  raised  immediately 
after  our  repulse  at  Quebec.  As  the  Jersey  and  Pennsyl- 
vania companies  are  very  incomplete,  I  have  ordered  all 
the  men  that  were  raised  by  my  immediate  order,  to  be 
engaged  for  the  campaign,  and  to  remain  in  Canada.  I 
imagined  that  necessity  would  justify  this  step,  and  I  have 
advised  Congress  thereof,  and  pointed  out  the  reasons 
which  induced  me  to  it.  Three  companies  of  Col.  Van 
Schaick's  regiment  are  nearly  complete.  One  of  them  is 
at  Fort  George,  and  the  other  at  Ticonderoga,  from  whence 
they  will  move  as  soon  as  I  can  get  a  few  men  out  of  those 
others  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony  to  take  charge  of  those 
posts.  All  the  troops  that  have  hitherto  come  up  have 
been  only  half  armed,  and  I  am  greatly  distressed  to 
furnish  them.  None  of  them  had  moccasins,  and  great 
numbers  wanted  shoes,  mittens,  caps,  stockings,  &c.  I 
hope  the  New-York  Convention  will  forward  the  naval 
stores  I  wrote  for  without  delay,  as  none  are  to  be  had  in 
Canada,  and  you  will  stand  in  great  need  of  them.  Gene- 


348 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


ral  Wooster  has  pressed  me,  in  the  most  earnest  manner, 
for  a  supply  of  hard  cash.  With  difficulty,  and  by  giving 
my  own  security,  I  have  been  able  to  collect  about  .£2,100, 
which  is  gone  on  to  him.  It  will  be  well  to  bring  up  with 
you  whatever  you  can  procure  at  New-York,  as  you  will 
be  greatly  distressed  in  Canada  without  it.  Eight  tons  of 
powder  are  ordered  up,  and  I  do  not  believe  with  what  is 
in  Canada,  that  the  whole  will  exceed  twelve.  I  had 
wrote  to  Congress  for  fifteen.  You  are  a  much  better 
judge  than  I  can  pretend  to  be,  whether  you  will  have  a 
sufficiency.  Adieu,  my  dear  general,  and  believe  me  with 
the  most  respectful  sentiments  of  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER 

"  The  Honorable  Major-General  Lee." 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck  and  Major  Schenck,  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  letters  of  attorney  from  the  soldiers  now  in  Ca- 
nada, and  the  applications  of  their  wives  thereon  for  money, 
to  be  advanced  to  them  in  part  of  the  wages  of  their  re- 
spective husbands,  delivered  in  their  report,  in  the  words 
and  figures  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  for  considering  the  applications  of  se- 
veral soldiers'  wives,  whose  husbands  are  now  in  the  Con- 
tinental service,  in  the  northern  department,  do  report  that 
the  sum  of  £41  Is.  be  put  into  the  hands  of  Peter  T.  Cur- 
tenius,  to  be  advanced  to  the  several  persons  hereunder 
named,  in  the  manner  following  ;  and  that  Peter  [T.]  Cur- 
tenius  be  desired  to  pay  the  several  sums  annexed  to  their 
names,  and  take  vouchers  and  transmit  an  account  of  the 
same  to  General  Schuyler,  as  soon  as  possible.  Unto 

£    s.  d. 


Sarah  HaOaway              the  sum  of   1  4  0 

Elizabeth  Tregleth  do    1  4  0 

Mary  Linck  do    2  13  4 

Jane  Quackenbush  do    1  4  0 

Letty  .Allen  do    2  13  4 

Hannah  Grant  do    1  4  0 

Dotia  McMullen  do    1  4  0 

Elizabeth  Parker  do    1  4  0 

Sarah  Wright  do    1  4  0 

Elizabeth  Kip  do    1  4  0 

Mary  Nearn  do    1  4  0 

Mary  Barrow  do    2  13  4 

Mary  Miller  do    2  13  4 

Elizabeth  Pool  do    2  13  4 

John  Kidder  do    2  13  4 

Elizabeth  Van  Der  Feeld  do    1  4  0 

Anna  Mary  Wirth  do    2  13  4 

Sarah  Hesse  do    2  13  4 

Catharine  Ashfield  do    2  13  4 

Hany.  Lower  do    2  13  4 

Catharine  Mcintosh  do    1  4  0 

Catharine  Taylor  do    1  4  0 


£41     1  0 


"  Which  is  humbly  submitted  by 

"ABM.  TEN  BROECK, 
"HENRY  SCHENK." 

The  aforegoing  report  was  read  and  agreed  to.  There- 
upon 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  into  the  hands  of  Peter 
T.  Curtenius  the  sum  of  forty-one  pounds  one  shilling  and 
fourpence  ;  that  Mr.  Curtenius  dispose  of  the  said  money 
in  advancing  to  the  distressed  wives  and  friends  of  sundry 
soldiers  now  in  Canada,  in  the  service  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies, agreeable  to  the  list  delivered  him,  and  that  Mr.  Cur- 
tenius transmit  to  Genl.  Schuyler  an  account  of  the  same, 
to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be  stopped  out  of  the  pay  of 
those  soldiers  to  whose  wives  or  friends  such  moneys  have 
been  advanced. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  residue  of  the 
minutes  and  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  be- 
ginning where  they  had  ceased  hearing  them  in  the  former 
part  of  this  day  to,  at  the  proceedings  of  the  morning  of  the 
twelfth  day  of  January  last. 

The  Congress  having  proceeded  to  hear  the  minutes  of 
the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  as 


far  as  those  of  the  morning  of  the  twenty-fourth  day  of 
January  last ;  on  reading  the  disposition  therein  mention- 
ed to  have  been  made  of  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds 
left  at  the  disposition  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the 
support  of  the  poor,  the  Congress  were  informed  that  the 
sum  of  three  hundred  and  thirty  pounds  and  three  pence, 
of  the  said  one  thousand  pounds,  which  had  been  put  into 
the  hands  of  John  Ramsey,  had  been  since  drawn  from  him 
by  drafts  or  orders  of  the  Committee,  and  expended  in 
wood,  cheap  provisions  and  other  necessaries  distributed  to 
the  poor.  That  with  the  remaining  £669  19s.  9d.  the  said 
John  Ramsey  employs  many  poor  in  spinning,  weaving 
and  dressing  flax,  and  manufacturing  linen  cloth,  (a  sample 
whereof  was  produced,)  in  such  manner  as  to  support  se- 
veral hundreds  of  poor.  But  that  he  is  unable  to  render 
the  institution  as  extensively  useful  as  he  could  wish,  for 
want  of  a  larger  capital.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  John  Ramsey  the 
further  sum  of  one  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty 
pounds  and  three  pence,  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him 
to  employ  the  industrious  poor  in  this  city  in  spinning  and 
manufactures,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer  take  Mr.  Ram- 
sey's receipt  for  that  sum.  The  said  John  Ramsey  to  be 
accountable  for  the  same  to  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety,  when  thereunto  required,  and  to  have  the  like 
commissions  on  this  as  on  the  former  sum  which  he  has 
employed  in  the  same  way. 

On  reading  the  memorandum  of  the  sureties  taken  of 
Lawrence  Harlwick,  on  the  24th  of  Jany.  in  the  afternoon, 
for  his  appearance  when  called  for,  and  his  good  behaviour, 
the  Congress  was  informed  by  a  member  that  the  said 
Lawrence  Hartwick  is  long  since  gone  on  board  of  one  of 
the  ships  of  war. 

Ordered,  That  his  sureties  be  called  on  to  produce  him, 
and  if  they  do  not  produce  him,  that  they  be  brought  be- 
fore this  Congress. 

Christopher  Duyckinck,  who  was  sent  to  apprehend 
some  pilots  late  of  this  city,  and  now  in  the  service  of  the 
ministerial  navy,  being  at  the  door  was  admitted.  He  says 
those  pilots  came  on  shore,  but  with  a  boat  with  armed 
men  for  their  protection ;  that  they  come  on  shore  fre- 
quently in  that  manner  ;  that  they  have  been  three  times 
on  shore,  since  he  went  to  endeavour  to  apprehend  them ; 
that  without  the  assistance  of  25  or  30  men,  with  muskets, 
he  thinks  it  is  not  probable  they  will  be  apprehended  ;  that 
he  thinks  that  number,  with  three  or  four  days'  provision 
and  properly  armed  and  lodged,  may  effect  the  taking  of 
them  ;  that  a  brigantine,  having  on  board  rum,  sugar  and 
salt,  was  taken  yesterday  evening ;  that  Francis  James, 
the  pilot,  went  out  in  the  vessel  that  seized  and  took  her, 
and  was  active  therein  ;  that  the  Phoenix  has  a  number  of 
boats  about  her. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougall  give  such  directions 
as  he  may  think  necessary,  for  apprehending  the  said  pi- 
lots, and  that  that  matter  be  committed  solely  to  him,  and 
Duyckinck  take  his  directions. 

Capt.  Mclllroy,  who  was  sent  out  at  noon  by  Capt.  Rut- 
gers and  Capt.  Randall,  returned.  He  was  brought  near 
the  Chair.  He  says  that  there  is  not  any  topsail  vessel 
below,"  but  a  brigantine  which  belongs  to  one  Barnes  of 
Elizabeth  Town  and  which  is  seized  by  the  Phoenix ;  that 
four  sloop  rigged  vessels  (one  of  them  very  small)  lie  near 
the  Phoenix ;  that  a  person  informed  him  that  he  had  seen 
five  sail  off  of  the  Hook,  that  two  of  them  were  brigantines. 

A  message  was  brought  to  Congress  that  Nichs.  Low 
is  ready  to  deliver  the  gunpowder  purchased  of  him. 

Ordered,  That  Richd.  Norwood,  Commissary  of  Colo- 
ny stores,  be  directed  to  receive  and  take  the  charge  of 
some  gunpowder  which  will  be  delivered  to  him  by  Mr. 
Nichs.  Low  ;  that  he  take  a  particular  account  of  the  quan- 
tity, and  that  he  mark  it  in  such  manner  as  that  it  may  be 
distinguished  from  the  other  powder  stored  in  the  maga- 
zine. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


349 


Congress  were  informed  that  some  person  in  this  city 
has  now  some  muskets  and  other  firearms  preserved  for, 
and  which  did  formerly  belong  to,  the  ministerial  army. 
That  any  person  directed  by  Congress  to  take  them  for 
the  use  of  the  troops  may  be  informed  where  they  are. 
It  was  the  opinion  and  direction  of  Congress  that  Colo. 
McDougall  go  immediately  and  take  proper  measures  to 
have  them  secured. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  hear  the  whole  residue 
of  the  minutes  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  to  the  twelfth 
day  of  February  last  included. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  9th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Gen).  Woodhuli,  President. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Capt. 
Denning,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  McDougall— For  New- 
Fork. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Nicoll  on 
service — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Col.  Palmer  on  service — For  Ulster. 

Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas,  Major  Lockwood 
— For  Westchester. 

Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhuli,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston— 
For  Dutches. 
Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams—  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Curtenius  and  Elting  relative  to 
their  contracting  to  supply  the  Continental  troops  in  this 
Colony  with  provisions,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  remain  on  file  until  the  Congress  take 
up  the  consideration  of  that  matter. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Curtenius  relative  to  a  vast  massy 
,;hain  of  iron,  which  General  Lee  directed  him  to  have 
|nade,  to  be  sent  to  the  northward,  was  read.  He  thereby 
i  nforms  that  considerable  parts  of  it  are  made,  and  requests 
;lirections  whether  he  shall  have  the  same  completed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Curtenius  apply  to  Lord  Stirling, 
jenl.  Lee's  successor  in  command,  and  that  he  take  Lord 
Stirling's  directions  as  to  that  matter. 

The  petition  of  Robert  Robinson  and  Michael  Price,  of 
he  city  of  New-York,  merchants,  was  read  and  filed. 
They  thereby  testify  their  contrition  for  their  conduct  for 
ending  goods  at  a  very  advanced  price,  in  violation  of  the 
esolulion  of  Continental  Congress,  and  their  determina- 
ion  strictly  to  conform  to  the  regulations  of  Congress,  and 
tot  offend  their  countrymen  in  future,  and  pray  to  be  re- 
tored.  Congress  came  to  a  determination  in  the  words 
ollowing,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"  New-York,  March  9th,  1776.  } 
"  Robt.  Robinson  and  Michael  Price,  of  this  city,  iner- 
hants,  having  been  duly  convicted  by  the  general  commit- 
of  association  for  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  of 
aving  violated  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress,  by 
ending  goods  at  an  exorbitant  and  extortionate  profit ;  and 
ie  said  Robt.  Robinson  and  Mich.  Price,  by  their  peti- 
on,  having  declared  their  contrition  for  their  offence  and 
ieir  intention  for  the  future  to  conform  to  the  resolutions 
f  the  Continental  and  this  Congress,  and  their  desire  to 
lake  their  peace  with  their  countrymen  and  to  have  an  op- 
ortunity  of  proving  themselves  sincere  friends  to  the  liber- 
es  of  America," 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Robt.  Robinson  and  Michael 
rice  have  fully  satisfied  this  Congress  of  their  contrition 
>r  the  said  offence,  and  of  their  intention  for  the  future  to 

88 


act  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  and  this 
Congress.  And, 

Resolved,  That  they  be  restored  to  the  favourable  opi- 
nion of  their  countrymen  ;  and  it  is  hereby  recommended 
that  they  be  no  longer  considered  or  treated  as  enemies  to 
the  liberties  of  America. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  deliver  a  certified 
copy  hereof  to  the  said  Robt.  Robinson  and  Michael  Price 
at  their  request,  that  they  (according  to  their  desire)  may 
be  enabled  to  publish  the  same  in  the  newspapers. 

Colo.  McDougall  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  that  this  Congress  would  resolve  to  lend  mo- 
ney, without  interest,  to  proper  persons  for  a  limited  time, 
to  encourage  them  to  build  powder  mills  in  this  Colony. 
After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  Congress  unanimously 
agreed  to  the  following  resolution,  vizt  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  lend  to  any  person  or 
persons  who  shall  be  recommended  to  this  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety,  by  the  general  committees  of  the 
counties  of  Albany,  Suffolk,  Westchester,  Dutches,  Try- 
on,  Orange  or  Ulster,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  for 
two  years,  without  interest,  upon  giving  security  to  Isaac 
Roosevelt,  Nathl.  Woodhuli,  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Jacobus 
Bruyn,  Jno.  Thomas,  Junr.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck  and  John 
Haring,  and  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them,  for  the  re- 
payment of  the  same  to  them  for  the  use  of  this  or  any  fu- 
ture Congress  of  this  Colony  :  Provided  the  person  or  per- 
sons who  shall  so  apply,  do  engage  by  contract  with  this 
Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  to  erect  within  three 
months  from  the  time  of  the  said  loan,  a  powder  mill  of  the 
best  quality,  in  such  place  within  the  Colony  as  the  gene- 
ral committee  of  the  county  wherein  the  same  is  to  be 
erected  shall  approve  of :  Provided  always,  that  no  more 
be  erected  in  each  of  the  aforementioned  counties,  than  is 
hereinafter  mentioned,  viz :  The  county  of  Albany  two,  and 
each  of  the  other  counties  above  named  one  :  And  pro- 
vided also,  that  the  above  application  be  made  by  the  first 
day  of  May  next.  And, 

Resolved,  That  John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  be  the  per- 
son appointed,  and  is  hereby  appointed,  to  erect  the  pow- 
der mill  in  Dutchess  county,  agreeable  to  the  above  reso- 
lution. 

Ordered,  That  some  of  the  members  from  the  counties 
of  Albany,  Suffolk,  Westchester,  Dutchess,  Tryon,  Or- 
ange and  Ulster,  prepare  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolu- 
tions, for  encouraging  the  erecting  of  powder  mills,  for 
their  respective  county  committees,  and  that  the  Secretaries 
examine  the  said  copies  ;  and  that  the  members  of  those 
respective  counties  forward  a  copy  to  each  of  their  county 
committees  respectively. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Sands, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  armed  schooner 
Schuyler,  whereof  James  Smith  is  commander,  lately  fit- 
ted out  by  order  of  this  Congress,  be  ordered  to  cruise  on 
the  southern  shore,  between  Egg  Harbour  and  Sandy 
Hook,  to  protect  all  vessels  coming  into  this  port ;  and 
that  the  sloop  Bishop,  belonging  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony,  now  in  Egg  Harbour,  or  supposed 
to  be  there,  be  fitted  out  for  the  like  purpose  ;  and  that  Mr. 
Sands  and  Mr.  Randall  be  a  committee  to  fit  out  and  com- 
pletely arm  the  said  sloop  Bishop,  and  to  appoint  a  cap- 
tain and  officers  for  the  said  sloop. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Congress  that  the  ship 
Rosamond,  whereof  Wright  Southgate  is  master,  is  laded 
and  ready  to  proceed  to  sea  on  Provincial  account,  and 
requested  a  permit  for  the  said  master  to  apply  to  the  cap- 
tains of  the  ships  of  war  for  their  permission  to  pass  them 
and  proceed  to  sea  ;  and  also  a  permission  from  this  Con- 
gress for  the  said  ship  to  sail.  Whereupon  the  two  follow- 
ing orders  were  separately  made  and  agreed  to,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  Wright  Southgate,  master  of  the  ship 
Rosamond,  be  immediately  permitted,  and  he  is  hereby 
permitted,  to  go  down  to  his  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix  and  his 


350 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Majesty's  ship  Asia,  in  a  boat,  with  such  men  as  may  be 
necessary  to  go  down  with  the  said  boat.  And, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  ship  Rosamond,  Wright  Southgate, 
master,  with  her  cargo  and  lading,  be  permitted  to  go  to 
sea." 

The  Congress  resumed  the  matter  of  fixing  and  esta- 
blishing a  magazine  of  provisions  in  Westchester  county, 
and  after  some  time  spent  therein,  Congress  were  of  opi- 
nion the  resolution  agreed  to  on  the  day  of  for  that 
purpose  is  imperfect,  inadequate  to  the  end,  and  that 
the  method  thereby  proposed  will  create  unnecessary  ex- 
pense. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake  and  Mr. 
Thomas,  be  a  committee  to  reconsider  the  method  of  es- 
tablishing a  magazine  of  provisions,  and  to  report  thereon. 

The  committee  last  above  mentioned,  who  had  with- 
drawn for  the  purpose,  speedily  returned  and  reported  the 
following  resolution,  which  was  unanimously  agreed  to, 
vizt : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  of  West- 
chester county  purchase  and  deposite  in  different  stores 
in  that  county,  twelve  hundred  barrels  of  good  salted  pork, 
wherever  it  is  to  be  bought ;  and  that  the  Deputies  of  Al- 
bany county  purchase  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty  bushels 
of  good  peas,  and  send  them  to  the  Deputies  of  Westchester 
county,  to  be  by  them  stored  in  the  same  manner. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Richmond  county, 
on  the  subject  of  regulating  and  arranging  their  militia,  and 
occasioned  by  Mr.  Bancker's  late  motion  for  a  supply  of 
gunpowder,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"New-York,  March  9  th,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — Your  Deputy,  Mr.  Bancker,  has  applied 
to  this  Congress  to  spare  out  of  their  present  small  stock 
a  little  powder,  to  be  sent  to  some  prudent  person  or  per- 
sons in  your  county,  for  the  defence  of  the  friends  to  liberty 
and  their  country  there.  The  objection  to  the  measure  is 
that  the  militia  of  your  county  is  not  formed  agreeable  to 
the  regulations  of  the  Continental  and  this  Provincial  Con- 
gress. We  therefore  request  you,  gentlemen,  to  have  your 
county  divided  into  beats  or  districts,  and  take  proper  mea- 
sures that  the  militia  of  your  county  be  formed  as  soon  as 
possible,  agreeable  to  the  regulations  above  mentioned,  and 
the  names  "of  the  captains  and  subalterns  returned  to  this 
Congress,  without  delay,  that  their  commissions  may  be 
issued. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  sevts. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of 

the  Committee  of  Richmond  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  9th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  WoodhuU,  President. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Prince,  Captain  Denning,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  RandaU— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo. 
Wm.  Nicoll  on  service — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  William  Williams — Cumberland. 

General  WoodhuU,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk,  Colo.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  G.  Li- 
vingston  on  service — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake 
—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore—  Tryon. 


The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  and  report  on 
the  memorial  of  Abraham  Lolt,  Esquire,  Treasurer  of  this 
Colony,  appointed  by  the  General  Assembly  thereof,  deli- 
vered in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  the  same  being 
again  read  by  paragraphs  and  amended,  was  resolved  on 
and  unanimously  agreed  to  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  1st.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Es- 
quire, Treasurer,  and  the  loan  officers  of  this  Colony,  shall 
receive  in  payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  that  shall 
from  time  to  time  become  due  on  the  moneys  put  out  on 
loan,  by  virtueof  an  actof  the  Governor,  Council  and  Gene- 
ral Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  passed  the  16th 
February,  1771,  entitled  '  An  act  for  emitting  the  sum 
of  120,000  pounds  in  bills  of  credit  to  be  put  out  on  loan, 
and  to  appropriate  the  interest  arising  thereon  to  the  pay- 
ment of  the  debts  of  this  Colony,  and  to  such  public  exi- 
gencies as  the  circumstances  of  this  Colony  may  from  time 
to  time  render  necessary,'  as  well  the  bills  of  credit  here- 
tofore issued  by  virtue  of  any  law  of  this  Colony  as  those 
issued  by  order  of  the  Congress  of  these  United  Colonies, 
and  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

"  2dly.  And  whereas  by  virtue  of  the  aforesaid  act,  the 
one-tenth  part  of  the  said  sum  will  become  due  and  is  to 
be  paid  unto  the  respective  loan  officers  on  the  third  Tues- 
day of  April  next :  And  whereas  by  reason  of  the  un- 
happy war  brought  on  us  by  the  iniquitous  attemps  by  the 
British  Parliament  to  reduce  these  Colonies  to  a  state  of 
slavery,  it  may  be  inconvenient  for  the  good  people  of  this 
Colony  who  have  the  said  moneys  on  loan  to  pay  the  said 
one-tenth  part  of  the  same  according  to  the  directions  of 
the  said  act. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  payment  of  the  said 
one-tenth  part  of  the  principal  be  and  it  is  hereby  suspended 
until  the  third  Tuesday  of  April,  which  will  be  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  1777,  upon  which  day  the  annual  pay- 
ments of  the  one-tenth  part  of  the  said  principal  sum  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  pounds  shall  commence 
and  continue  from  year  to  year  until  the  whole  shall  be 
paid,  any  thing  in  the  said  act  to  the  contrary  hereof  in 
any  wise  notwithstanding.  And  whereas  doubts  may 
arise  in  the  minds  of  the  loan  officers  about  the  disposi- 
tion of  such  principal  moneys  as  may  happen  to  be  paid  in, 
it  is  hereby 

"Ordered,  That  they  put  the  same  out  on  loan,  and  that 
in  doing  thereof  they  conform  in  all  respects  to  the  direc- 
tions of  the  said  act. 

"3dly.  And  whereas  the  public  exigencies  of  the  Colo- 
ny are  so  great  as  to  require  that  all  the  public  revenues 
of  the  same  should  be  appropriated  to  defray  its  expenses: 
And  whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  have 
by  prorogation,  made  on  the  day  appointed  for  theii 
meeting,  been  prevented  from  proceeding  to  the  despatel 
of  the  ordinary  business  thereof,  it  therefore  becomes  ne 
cessary  for  the  representatives  of  the  people  in  Provincia 
Congress  to  attend  to  the  proper  application  of  the  publi* 
moneys  now  in  the  hands  of  the  said  Abraham  Lott,  Es 
quire  : 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  Abra 
ham  Lott  be  directed,  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  withi 
thirty  days  from  this  day,  to  lay  before  this  Congress  c 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  on  oath,  an  account  of  all  tb 
moneys  that  now  are  and  shall  be  in  his  hands  as  Treasi 
rer  of  this  Colony  ;  particularly  stating  to  what  funds  the 
belong,  and  whether  any  and  what  funds  are  appropriate 
to  any  and  what  uses,  and  every  other  matter  which  shf 
be  necessary  to  constitute  a  complete  state  of  the  Treas 
ry  of  this  Colony." 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Elias  Nixen,  the  port-master, 
and  he  is  permitted  to  convey  on  board  of  the  ships  As 
and  Phoenix  and  the  Governor's  ship,  the  following  ar 
cles,  vizt  :* 

•A  requisition  of  Hugh  and  Alexr.  Wallace  to  send  three  boxeif 
candles  for  the  Governor,  is  the  only  one  found. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


351 


A  letter  from  Hendrick  Garrison  of  Richmond  county, 
dated  the  8th  instant,  was  read  and  filed  ;  he  therein  com- 
plains that  while  attending  before  the  committee  of  said 
county  as  a  witness  pursuant  to  summons,  and  while  un- 
der examination,  that  the  said  committee  permitted  the 
defendants,  Cornelius  Martino,  Richard  Conner  and  John 
Burbank  to  insult  and  abuse  said  Garison,  and  asking  the 
advice  and  protection  of  Congress,  he  considering  his  situ- 
ation unsafe  as  respects  either  his  person  or  property. 

A  letter  from  John  Hall. 

A  letter  from  Malcom  Morison,  first  major  to  Col.  Ja- 
cobus Swartwout's  regiment  of  minute  men  in  Dutchess 
county,  resigning  said  appointment,  and  recommending 
Major  Henry  Ludenton  be  promoted  to  supply  the  vacan- 
cy, was  read  and  filed. 

The  commission  of  said  Malcom  Morison  enclosed  in 
said  letter,  was  filed. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Palmer. 

A  letter  from  William  Elsworth,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  and  observation  of  the  town  of  Kingston, 
setting  forth  that  they  on  the  29th  day  of  February  last, 
had  written  to  Genl.  Schuyler  informing  him  of  the  incli- 
nation of  Capt.  Elias  Haasbrouck  to  be  continued  in  service, 
and  recommending  said  Haasbrouck  for  captain ;  Moses 
Yeomans,  for  2d  lieut. ;  and  Petrus  W.  Meyer,  for  en- 
sign, in  one  of  the  4  regiments  to  be  raised,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  letter  of  Genl.  Schuyler  to  William  Elsworth,  chair- 
man of  Kingston  committee,  in  answer  to  theirs  of  the 
29lh  u'it.  respecting  captain,  and  enclosed  in  before  men- 
tioned letter,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  warrant  to  Capt.  Horton,  ordered. 


DIE  LVNJE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  11th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Den- 
ning, Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Bra- 
sher— For  New-York. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham — Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  ser- 
vice— Albany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 
Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison — Orange- 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Colo.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenck — Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Covenhoven— 
Kings. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck  informed  Congress  that  Elizabeth 
Dougherty  was  neglected  to  be  added  to  the  list  of  soldiers' 
wives  whose  husbands  are  now  in  Canada  in  the  Conti- 
nental service,  and  who  had  money  advanced  them  on 
account  of  their  husbands'  pay.  Thereupon. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  pay  to  the  said  Eliza- 
beth Dougherty  the  sum  of  53s.  4cL  on  account  of  her  hus- 
band's pay,  and  transmit  an  account  of  the  same  to  Genl. 
Schuyler  immediately. 

Mr.  John  Van  Derbilt,  a  member  of  Congress,  having 
occasion  to  go  into  the  Colonies  of  New-Jersey  and  Penn- 
sylvania on  public  business, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  go  into  those  Colo- 
nies, and  that  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  all 
persons  to  let  him  pass  unmolested. 

A  member  informed  the  Congress  that  a  very  large  mail, 
with  letters  for  many  of  the  inhabitants,  which  came  by  the 
packet,  is  on  board  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia  ;  that  His 
Worship  the  Mayor,  who  attended  for  the  purpose,  had 
informed  him  that  Mr.  Foxcroft  could  not  safely  go  on 


For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   2 

Cumberland,  2 

Dutches,    2 

Westchester,    2 

Ulster,   2 

10 


board  of  the  said  ship  Asia  and  bring  the  said  mail  on  shore 
without  the  permission  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  John  Foxcroft,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  here- 
by permitted  to  go  to  the  ship  Asia,  in  company  with  the 
port  master,  to  receive  the  mail  lately  arrived  from  Eng- 
land in  the  packet,  and  to  bring  the  same  to  his  office  in 
this  city,  in  order  to  deliver  out  the  letters. 

From  the  door-keeper  of  the  Council,  at  the  door,  the 
Congress  was  informed  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  through 
the  President,  that  His  Majesty's  Council  are  summoned 
to  meet  this  day  on  board  of  His  Excellency's  ship,  and 
requests  such  directions  as  will  enable  them  to  go  on  board 
of  the  Governor's  ship  without  molestation. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  request,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  whether  any  such  permit  shall  be  given,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   3 

Orange,   2 

Kings,   2 

New-York,   4 

Mr.  Scott  dissenting. 

Tryon,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

15 

Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  honourable  members  of  His  Majes- 
ty's Council,  and  Samuel  Bayard,  Junior,  Esqr.  the  De- 
puty Secretary  of  this  Colony,  or  any  one  of  his  stated 
clerks,  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Excellency  Go- 
vernor Tryon's  ship,  without  interruption. 

In  order  to  give  despatch  to  the  payment  of  moneys  that 
are  payable  by  this  Congress,  and  to  prevent  the  time  of 
the  Congress  from  being  so  often  consumed  on  matters  of 
account,  the  following  resolution  was  unanimously  agreed 
to : 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Sands,  be  a  committee 
to  compose  a  pay  table,  for  the  purpose  of  auditing  all  the 
accounts  against  the  treasury  of  this  Congress.  That  they, 
or  any  three  of  them,  do  endorse  every  account  they  shall 
pass  ;  that  such  endorsement  be  a  sufficient  voucher  to 
the  Treasurer  for  the  payment  of  such  account.  That  the 
said  committee  do  enter  in  a  book  or  books,  to  be  by 
them  kept  for  the  purpose,  a  regular  account  of  all  the  ac- 
counts by  them  passed.  That  they  be  empowered  to  hire 
and  employ  one  able  and  sufficient  clerk,  and  a  room  for 
the  purpose  ;  and  that  this  Congress  will  make  provisions 
for  the  payment  thereof.  That  they  be  directed  to  make 
a  separation  in  the  Treasurer's  accounts,  between  those  that 
are  of  a  Continental  nature  and  those  that  are  merely  Pro- 
vincial, and  keep  them  in  a  proper  state  to  be  transmitted 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  when  thereunto  directed  by 
this  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety.  That  they  lay 
before  this  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety,  a  state  of 
the  accounts  of  this  Colony  from  time  to  time,  as  they 
shall  be  thereunto  required.  That  the  said  committee  be 
allowed  a  reasonable  compensation  for  their  services. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Brasher,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Scott  and  Colo.  John  Williams,  be  a  committee  to  consi- 
der of  the  powers  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  report 
to  this  Congress  what  alteration  therein  or  additional 
powers  thereto  may  be  necessary,  and  that  they  report 
thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  committee  of  Kings  county  having  this  day  met, 
they  recommended  the  following  gentlemen  to  be  appoint- 
ed the  field  and  staff  officers  of  their  regiment  of  militia, 
vizt : 

Rutger  Van  Brunt,  colonel ;  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  lieut. 
colonel ;  Johannes  Titus,  first  major ;  John  Van  Derbilt, 
second  major ;  George  Carpenter,  adjutant,  and  Nicholas 
Covenhoven,  quarter-master. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
in  the  offices  to  which  they  were  respectively  elected,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


352 

that  they  be  delivered  to  John  Lefferts,  Esquire,  agreeable 
to  his  request. 

Sundry  matters  were  proposed  to  Congress  as  useful 
and  necessary  to  be  done  at  and  beyond  Sandy  Hook  for 
the  protection  of  trade.  The  Congress  were  unanimously 
of  opinion  that  those  matters  will  be  most  properly  and  be- 
neficially managed  by  a  marine  committee  appointed  out  of 
this  Congress.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Rutgers  and  Capt. 
Denning,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Hallett,  be  and  they 
are  hereby  appointed  a  marine  committee,  with  full  powers 
to  take  such  measures  and  give  such  directions,  and  em- 
ploy such  persons  for  the  protection  or  advantage  of  trade 
as  they  may  think  proper,  useful  or  necessary  ;  that  they 
apply  to  this  Congress  when  they  may  be  in  doubt,  or 
want  advice  or  directions  ;  that  they  be  empowered  to 
keep  such  matters  secret  as  they  think  necessary,  until 
they  are  executed  ;  and  that  the  said  marine  committee 
have  the  charge,  care  and  direction  of  fitting  out  the  sloop 
Bishop,  according  to  the  order  made  on  the  instant; 
that  they  be  also  authorized  to  give  directions  as  to  all  im- 
ports already  arrived,  or  that  may  arrive  in  any  of  the  Co- 
lonies on  the  account  of  this  Colony,  and  that  any  three  or 
more  of  them  be  a  quorum  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  a  draft  of 
sundry  resolves  for  an  election  of  Deputies  for  a  Provincial 
Congress.  The  same  were  read  ;  being  again  [read]  by 
paragraphs,  debates  arose  on  that  part  of  the  draft  which 
proposes  that  associators  only  shall  have  a  vote.  After 
some  time  spent  therein,  and  debates  thereon,  the  question 
was  put  whether  non-associators  shall  be  permitted  to  vote, 
and  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,  3      Suffolk,   2 

Dutches,   2 

New-York,  4 

Kings,  2 

Orange,   2 

Ulster,   2 

Tryon,   2 

Cumberland,   2 

Westchester,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

23 

That  part  of  the  resolves  which  propose  the  election  by 
ballot  being  then  read,  debates  arose  thereon.  After  some 
time  spent  therein,  it  is  agreed,  that  as  the  non-associa- 
tors are  allowed  to  vote,  that  the  election  be  not  made  by 
ballot.    Those  two  material  points  being  settled, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Gansevort  take 
with  them  the  said  plan  for  an  election  ;  that  they  make 
amendments  or  prepare  a  new  draft  of  a  plan  or  resolves 
for  that  purpose,  and  report  the  same  this  afternoon. 

Die  Lun*:,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  11,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Beekraan,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Thus. 
Smith,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker, Mr.  Lawrence  —Richmond. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Nicoll  on  service,  General  Ten 
Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Thomas — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Lcll'ertse— Kings. 
Colo.  Jno.  Williams— Charlotte. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  certificate  signed  by  the  President,  and  attested  by 


both  Secretaries,  was  given  to  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  for  the 
ship  Rosamond,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  It  is  hereby  certified,  that  the  ship  Rosamond,  whereof 
Capt.  Wright,  Southgate,  is  master,  has  been  laded  by 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  on  their 
account,  and  is  now  proceeding  to  sea  on  her  voyage  on 
the  account  and  at  the  risk  of  this  Colony  of  New-York." 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  produced  a  letter  from  Snell,  mas- 
ter of  the  sloop  Hamden,  informing  that  he  is  arrived  at 
Philadelphia,  and  specifying  his  cargo  brought  on  account 
of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  marine  committee  give  directions, 
and  take  the  management  of  that  vessel  and  cargo. 

A  letter  from  Malcom  Morison,  Esqr.  and  a  petition  of 
Archibald  Campbell,  of  Paulings  precinct,  in  Dutches 
county,  complaining  of  great  irregularities  and  outrages 
against  the  said  Archibald  Campbell,  by  some  persons 
from  Connecticut,  were  severally  read  and  filed,  and  are 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  March  11, 1776. 

"  Sir — I  make  free  to  inform  you  that  a  number  of 
people  from  Connecticut  came  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Archd. 
Campbell,  in  my  neighbourhood,  on  the  28th  ulto.  to  dis- 
possess him  of  his  farm  by  force  ;  upon  hearing  of  which 
I  went  there  and  found  about  one  dozen  persons,  some  of 
whom  were  armed,  carrying  his  furniture  into  the  street. 
I  expostulated  with  them  on  their  doings,  and  told  them  if 
they  did  not  desist,  I  must  call  the  posse  to  suppress  them. 
They  thinking  themselves  not  sufficiently  strong  to  pro- 
ceed, left  off ;  I  then  asked  them  what  caused  them  to  act 
in  the  manner  they  had  done  ;  they  told  me  they  were  de- 
termined to  repossess  all  the  people  who  had  been  turned 
off  their  places  some  years  past,  as  the  lands  belong  to 
Connecticut.  I  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  call  aid  to  se- 
cure them,  but  advised  them  to  return,  as  the  mode  they 
took  to  settle  any  controversy  that  might  be  pending,  was 
unjustifiable  ;  upon  which  they  went  off,  but  said  they 
would  return  with  greater  force.  A  number  of  others  have 
been  warned  to  remove  from  their  farms. 

"  I  believe  it  would  be  advisable  to  lay  this  affair  before 
our  Provincial  Congress,  and  if  possible  have  the  matter 
stopped,  as  I  am  apprehensive  if  something  is  not  done  to 
prevent  them,  we  shall  have  a  second  Prendergast  affair  in 
our  county. 

"  I  am,  with  deference, 

"  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"MALCOM  MORISON." 
"  To  the  Honourable  Provincial  Congress  now  setting  in 
the  city  of  New-York. 
"  The  petition  of  Archibald  Campbell,  of  Pauling's  pre- 
cinct, in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  and  Province  of  New- 
York,  gentleman,  Humbly  sheweth  :  That  on  the  twen- 
ty-eighth day  of  February,  now  last  past,  a  body  of  men, 
in  number  about  thirteen,  from  the  Colony  of  Connecticut, 
in  a  hostile  and  riotous  manner,  with  arms  and  clubs,  did 
proceed  to  the  dwelling  house  and  farm  of  your  petitioner,  ly- 
ing in  Pauling's  precinct  aforesaid,  and  did  then  and  there 
unjustly,  and  without  any  colour  of  equity,  take  away  part  of 
his  household  goods  and  furniture,  leaving  them  in  the 
street  or  road,  by  which  means  they  were  much  exposed, 
with  intention  to  dispossess  your  petitioner  of  his  right  and 
property.  That  they  proceeded  in  the  same  riotous  and 
illegal  manner  to  dispossess  others  living  in  the  said  Paul- 
ing's precinct,  of  their  goods  and  lands,  without  having  any 
legal  authority  for  that  purpose.  That  upon  the  interposi- 
tion of  the  magistrates  they  dispersed  and  were  returning 
home,  but  threw  out  many  menaces  and  threatenings  that 
they  would  soon  be  back  again  with  a  number  sufficient  to 
put  their  wicked  designs  in  execution.  By  means  where- 
of, as  well  your  petitioner  as  many  other  well  disposed 
and  peaceable  persons  living  in  said  Pauling's  precinct, 
are  kept  in  continual  fears  and  alarms,  and  are  very  un- 
easy lest  they  should  be  deprived  of  their  possessions  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


353 


goods,  and  that  unless  the  honourable  Congress  make  use 
of  some  means  to  discourage  and  prevent  such  mischiev- 
ous doings,  that  part  of  the  Province  will  be  kept  in  great 
confusion.  Your  petitioner,  therefore,  humbly  prays,  as 
well  for  himself  as  in  behalf  of  other  inhabitants  of  said 
Pauling's  precinct,  that  the  honourable  Provincial  Congress 
will  take  the  matter  under  their  mature  consideration,  and 
devise,  order  and  direct  such  ways  and  means,  as  to  them 
in  their  great  wisdom  shall  seem  most  fit  and  convenient, 
in  order  for  the  effectual  suppression  and  discouragement 
of  such  illegal  proceedings. 

"  And  your  petitioner  shall  ever  pray,  ice. 

"ARCHD.  CAMPBELL. 

■>  Fredericksburgh,  29  Feby.  J  776." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  petition  be  referred  to 
the  members  of  this  Congress  from  Dutches  county,  to 
write  to  the  committee  of  their  county,  or  the  committee  of 
Pauling's  district,  for  particular  information  on  the  matters 
mentioned  in  the  said  letter  and  petition,  and  requesting 
such  committee  to  transmit  affidavits  or  other  proof  of  such 
facts  as  shall  be  proved  to  them,  to  this  Congress,  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety.  And  that  the  said  members  from 
Dutches  county  procure  such  further  information  in  the 
premises  as  they  may  conveniently  obtain,  and  make  re- 
port thereof  to  this  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety, 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  William  Douglass, 
Andrew  Van  Tuyle  and  Isaac  Simonson,  had  made  affida- 
vit as  to  the  loss  of  the  pilot  boat  Hamden,  in  the  manner 
formerly  directed  for  the  other  owners  ;  the  said  affidavit 
being  read  and  filed,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 
[Affidavit  not  entered.] 

Ordered,  That  William  Douglass,  Andrew  Van  Tuyl 
and  Isaac  Simonsen,  be  paid  for  one-quarter  part  of  the 
pilot  boat  call  the  Hamden  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds,  and  for  one-quarter  part  of  the  wages  or 
hire  of  the  said  boat  and  her  mariners,  the  sum  of  twenty- 
two  pounds  ten  shillings,  on  their  executing  a  proper  con- 
veyance for  one-quarter  part  of  the  said  boat,  and  deliver- 
ing over  the  papers  relating  to  the  said  boat  to  Mr.  Jaco- 
bus Van  Zandt,  and  entering  into  covenants  to  Mr.  Van 
Zandt  that  if  any  moneys  shall  be  allowed  for  the  said  boat 
or  for  the  service  or  detention  of  the  said  boat  while  em- 
ployed in  His  Majesty's  service,  that  they  will  pay  one- 
quarter  part  thereof  to  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  and  also  a  covenant 
that  if  it  shall  hereafter  appear  that  the  said  boat  was  ta- 
ken by  collusion,  or  any  deceit  of  the  master  or  own- 
ers, or  either  of  them,  that  then  they  will  repay  the  said 
moneys  to  the  said  Mr.  Van  Zandt.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  hereof  be  a  sufficient  warrant  to 
Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress,  to  pay  the  said  moneys. 

Mr.  Smith  informed  the  Congress  that  Barnard,  of 
Elizabeth  Town,  is  in  this  city;  that  he  came  this  day; 
from  on  board  of  the  ship  Phoenix  ;  that  he  says  Capt.  Par- 
ker informed  him  that  he  was  about  fitting  out  his  schooner 
Tender  with  carriage  guns  and  other  necessaries  to  make 
her  a  vessel  of  force,  to  be  stationed  and  cruize  off  of  Egg 
Harbour. 

The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  the  said  schooner  may 
be  very  detrimental  to  the  trade  of  this  Colony  and  the 
neighbouring  Colonies,  and  at  this  critical  juncture  in  par- 
ticular, as  ammunition,  arms  and  other  necessary  stores 
may  thereby  be  seized  and  prevented  from  being  landed  : 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  marine  committee  of  this  Congress 
take  the  examination  of  Mr.  Barnard,  what  may  be  neces- 
sary to  be  doae  by  this  Congress,  and  report  thereon  with 
all  possible  speed. 

Mr.  Smith  Ramage,  at  the  door,  at  the  request  of  a 
member  was  admitted.  He  informed  the  Congress  that  he 
has  a  vessel  nearly  laded  with  flax-seed  intended  for  Ire- 
land, by  permission  of  the  Continental  Congress  ;  that  she 
will  soon  be  ready  to  go  to  sea ;  that  she  lies  at  a  heavy 

89 


expense  ;  that  if  she  does  sail  by  next  Friday  he  must 
pay  eight  pounds  per  day  demurrage  ;  that  by  information 
received  this  day,  Capt.  Parker  will  not  suffer  any  vessels 
to  pass  him  to  sea  ;  that  he  is  of  opinion  that  the  vessel  he 
is  lading  is  proceeding  such  a  voyage  as  that  he  can  obtain 
permission  for  her  to  sail  if  he  can  be  permitted  to  go 
down  to  Capt.  Parker.    Mr.  Ramadge  withdrew. 

The  Congress  unanimously  agreed  that  he  have  leave  to 
go  down  to  Capt.  Parker  with  the  port-master,  if  he  is 
willing  to  be  on  oath  not  to  discover  any  matters  that  will 
be  prejudicial  to  the  city  and  Colony.  Mr.  Ramage  called 
in  ;  thinks  it  proper  that  he  should  be  sworn.  Thereupon 
an  oath  was  administered  to  him  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  You  swear  that  you  will  not,  directly  or  indirectly, 
give  any  intelligence  concerning  the  preparations  that  are 
making  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  to  any  per- 
son on  board  the  ships  of  war  in  the  harbour ;  nor  will 
you  carry  on  board  any  letter  or  paper  until  you  have  first 
read  the  contents  and  find  that  it  does  not  contain  any  in- 
telligence concerning  the  same  :  so  help  you  God." 

Mr.  Smith  Ramadge  being  sworn  in  Congress,  a  certifi- 
cate or  passport  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Smith  Rammade  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship 
Phoenix,  and  to  return,  (in  company  with  the  port-master) 
he  having  been  sworn  that  he  will  not  communicate  on 
board  the  said  ship  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  prepa- 
rations making  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  or  carry  any 
letters  or  papers  relative  thereto." 

A  return  of  Capt.  Westfall  and  the  other  officers  of  his 
company,  to  wit :  the  first  company  of  the  first  regiment 
in  Dutchess  county,  was  read  and  filed.  Peter  Westfall, 
capt.;  Wilhelmus  Smith,  lstlieut.;  Christopher  Snyder, 
2d  lieut.;  Abraham  Welch,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  gentlemen 
thereby  returned  as  elected. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  a  plan 
for  the  election  of  Deputies  to  form  a  Provincial  Congress 
to  meet  when  the  present  Provincial  Congress  will  expire. 
The  same  was  read,  and  being  again  read,  paragraph  by 
paragraph,  amended,  corrected  and  approved, 

Ordered,  That  a  fair  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  by  the 
Secretaries,  and  that  the  said  plan  be  again  read  and  taken 
into  farther  consideration  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  12th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Scott, 
Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay — Orange. 

Mr.  Adrian  Bancker,  Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  ser- 
vice— Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Thomas — For  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 
Mr.  Polhemius.  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Gansevort  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Yates, 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit  :  "  I  move  that  the  money 
arising  from  the  duty  of  excise  in  the  respective  counties 
of  Albany  and  Tryon,  within  this  Colony,  in  virtue  of  an 
act  of  the  Governor,  the  Council  and  the  General  As- 
sembly of  this  Colony,  entitled  'An  act  to  lay  a  duty  of  ex- 


354 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


cise  on  strong  liquors  in  this  Colony,  and  to  appropriate  the 
money  arising  therefrom,'  may  be  appropriated  by  county 
committees  of  the  said  several  counties  towards  defraying 
the  contingent  charges  of  the  said  committees,  if  the  said 
committees  respectively  shall  think  proper  ;  and  that  a  full 
power  be  given  to  the  said  committees  respectively  to 
nominate  and  appoint  commissioners  of  excise  in  their  re- 
spective city  and  counties,  with  full  power  to  such  commis- 
sioners to  exercise  the  said  office,  and  receive  the  like 
rewards  as  are  allowed  to  the  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  said  act ;  and  that  the  said  commissioners  before  they 
enter  upon  the  execution  of  the  powers  and  authorities 
vested  in  them,  shall  respectively  enter  into  bonds  to  the 
chairman  of  the  said  committee  in  the  several  sums  fixed 
by  the  said  act  to  the  respective  counties,  and  in  the  same 
condition." 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  being 

put  thereon,  it  [was]  carried  in  the  negative  in  the  manner 

following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,  3       Suffolk,   2 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck  dissents.         New-York,   4 

Tryon,   2      Orange,   2 

—      Ulster,   2 

5       Cumberland,   2 

Richmond,   2 

Kings   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Westchester,   2 

20 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  motion  be  rejected. 

Mr.  Hobart  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Colo. 
Allison,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit :  "  I  move  that  this 
Congress  do  resolve  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress 
be  directed  to  advance,  out  of  any  moneys  that  shall  be  in 
his  hands,  to  the  several  county  committees  of  the  counties 
of  New-York,  Albany,  Ulster,  Orange,  Dutches,  West- 
chester, Richmond,  Kings  and  Suffolk,  or  their  order,  any 
sums  that  may  be  necessary  to  defray  the  incidental  char- 
ges of  their  respective  counties,  provided  the  same  does 
not  exceed  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  ;  and  that  the 
same  shall  be  laid  on  each  respective  county  with  the  first 
moneys  that  shall  be  raised  by  a  Colony  tax  for  the  pur- 
pose of  sinking  the  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  the  Conti- 
nental and  the  Provincial  Congress." 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Smith  to 
frame  such  resolve  thereon  as  he  may  think  will  be  most 
agreeable  to  a  majority  of  Deputies  of  this  Congress. 

A  member  informed  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Foxcroft  is 
under  apprehensions  that  the  order  of  this  Congress  made 
yesterday,  permitting  him  to  go  to  the  ship  Asia  for  the 
mail  from  England,  and  to  bring  the  same  on  shore,  may 
be  considered  as  obligatory  on  him  to  bring  the  same  on 
shore,  and  that  he  may  in  the  said  mail  receive  instructions 
from  his  superior  in  office,  to  the  contrary.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  this  Congress  of  yesterday 
for  permitting  John  Foxcroft,  Esqr.  to  go  to  His  Majesty's 
ship  Asia  for  the  mail  from  England,  was  by  no  means  in- 
tended to  be  obligatory  on  that  gentleman  to  do  any  act 
contrary  to  his  instructions,  or  to  oblige  him  to  bring  the 
said  mail  on  shore,  but  only  to  operate  as  a  permission  to 
him  to  go  on  board  and  return  with  the  said  mail  if  he 
should  think  proper. 

Mr.  Randall  informed  the  Congress  that  a  parcel  of  sol- 
diers were  some  time  since  quartered  in  the  house  where 
Mr.  Lambertus  De  Ronde,  one  of  the  ministers  of  the 
Dutch  church  had  for  some  years  resided.  That  at  the  time 
the  said  soldiers  were  quartered  there,  Mr.  De  Ronde  had  a 
number  of  long  Holland  pipes,  some  wine,  a  parcel  of 
Dutch  sermons  of  his  own  composition,  and  sundry  other 
articles  in  the  said  house  which  were  used  or  destroyed  by 
said  soldiers. 

t  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Anthony  Rutgers  and 


Mr.  Hobart  [be  a]  committee  to  inquire  by  whose  default 
Mr.Deronde  has  suffered  such  loss,  and  to  what  sum  his  said 
losses  amount  in  the  whole,  and  that  they  report  with  con- 
venient speed. 

Mr.  Randall  from  the  marine  committee,  reported  the  said 
committee  are  of  opinion  on  the  information  received  from 
Mr.  Bernard  of  Elizabeth  Town,  and  from  other  circum- 
stances, known  to  them,  that  a  letter  should  be  immediately 
written  to  the  Honoble.  Continental  Congress,  request- 
ing that  they  order  an  armed  vessel  fitted  out,  to  join  one 
from  this  port  for  the  protection  of  trade,  to  cruize  between 
the  Capes  of  Delaware  and  Sandy  Hook,  and  they  had 
prepared  a  draft  of  a  letter  for  that  purpose.  Thereupon 
the  draft  of  the  letter  reported  by  the  marine  committee, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  12th  March,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — As  we  are  informed  from  undoubted  authority 
that  Capt.  Barker  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix,  is  now 
fitting  out  a  Barmuda  brig  of  8  or  10  carriage  guns,  and  a 
small  schooner  4  carriage  guns  and  40  men  for  the  purpose 
of  intercepting  vessels  between  the  Capes  of  Delaware  and 
Sandy  Hook  ;  and  as  we  have  already  given  orders  for  the 
immediate  fitting  out  an  armed  vessel  for  the  protection  of 
our  trade  that  way  ;  we  think  it  necessary  to  acquaint  you 
that  such  a  one  from  Philadelphia  will  also  be  necessary 
to  be  immediately  ready  to  meet  ours  for  this  purpose,  and 
that  she  be  of  such  a  draft  of  water  as  that  she  may  run 
into  Barnegat  and  Egg  Harbour.  It  is  also  necessary  to  be 
immediately  informed  by  you  what  your  marine  committee 
regulations  are  respecting  the  wages,  &c.  of  officers  and 
men,  that  we  may  regulate  ourselves  accordingly. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Thomas  Buchannan,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  mer- 
chant, at  the  door,  was  admitted  at  the  request  of  a  mem- 
ber, who  had  previously  mentioned  his  business.  Mr. 
Buchannan  requested  permission  to  go  to  the  ship  Phcenix 
to  apply  to  Captain  Parker  for  permission  for  a  brigantine, 
belonging  entirely  to  merchants  in  Glasgow,  and  bound 
there,  to  go  to  sea. 

Mr.  Thomas  Buchannan,  having  first  heard  the  form  of 
an  oath,  as  entered  in  the  minutes  on  the  eleventh  instant, 
read,  was  duly  sworn  in  the  words  therein  contained. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Buchannan  be,  and  he  i» 
hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Majesty's  ship 
Phcenix,  (in  company  with  the  port-master,)  he  having 
been  first  duly  sworn  that  he  will  not  communicate  on  board 
of  any  other  ships  of  war  in  this  harbour  any  intelligence 
relative  to  the  preparations  making  for  the  defence  of  this 
city  or  Colony,  nor  carry  any  letters  or  papers  on  board  re- 
lative thereto. 

Daniel  Whitehead  Kissam,  one  of  the  committee  of 
Great  Neck  and  Cow  Neck,  at  the  door,  was  admitted. 
He  in  substance  informed  that  Mr.  Isaac  Sears,  with  a 
number  of  men  armed,  had  been  in  Queens  county  impos- 
ing a  very  solemn  test  on  sundry  of  the  inhabitants,  and 
amongst  others  on  Capt.  Mott,  who  had  signed  the  asso- 
ciation, made  a  public  submission  and  had  been  restored  ; 
that  this  measure  had  created  great  uneasiness  in  the 
county. 

Mr.  Kissam  also  delivered  the  following  letter  from  the 
said  committee,  which  was  read  in  these  words  following, 
to  wit :    [Letter  not  entered.] 

The  said  letter  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  bring  to  the  chamber  in 
the  afternoon  a  printed  copy  of  the  late  resolutions  of  Con- 
tinental Congress  relating  to  tories,  or  persons  disaffected  ; 
and  Mr.  Kissam  was  requested  to  attend  again  at  6  o'clock 
in  the  evening. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


355 


Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a 
resolution  for  the  procuring  of  blankets  and  arms,  deliver- 
in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended,  resolved  on  and 
unanimously  agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  \ 
"  New-York,  March  12th,  1776.  J 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committees 
of  the  several  counties,  cities,  manors,  towns,  precincts 
and  districts  within  this  Colony,  to  purchase  for  the  use  of 
the  Continental  troops  now  raising  for  the  defence  of  the 
Colony,  good  and  sufficient  blankets,  at  the  most  reasona- 
ble prices,  not  exceeding  two  dollars  for  each,  and  to  deli- 
ver the  same  to  the  commanding  officer  of  any  company 
of  said  troops,  who  shall  apply  for  them,  whose  certificate 
of  such  delivery  shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  ;  and  it  is  fur- 
ther recommended  to  the  said  committees  to  purchase  good 
muskets  or  firelocks,  of  as  large  bores  as  possible,  for  the 
use  aforesaid,  and  to  deliver  them  as  before  directed  ;  and 
the  committee  are  hereby  desired,  with  all  convenient 
speed,  to  send  with  proper  vouchers  their  accounts  to  this 
Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  in  order  for  pay- 
ment. 

"  A  true  copv  from  the  minutes. 

"ROBERT  BENSON,  Secry." 
Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  get  one  hundred  copies 
thereof  printed  by  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  March  12,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Bra- 
sher, Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Smith — For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay — Orange- 
Mi.  Adn.  Bancker,  Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  service 
— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — For  Ulster. 
Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas,  Colo.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Colo.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Lieut.  Colo.  Lewis  Graham  informed  the  Congress  that 
Colo.  Drake's  men  and  the  other  troops  stationed  at  Horn's 
Hook,  near  Hellgate,  lodge  in  an  uncomfortable  manner,  for 
want  of  cribs  for  their  beds,  and  that  it  is  necessary  that  a 
carpenter  be  sent  there  to  make  cribs  for  their  beds. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  L.  Graham  procure  a  carpenter  to 
go  to  Horn's  Hook  to  make  cribs  for  the  men — one  of  the 
company  of  artificers,  if  he  can  be  spared,  and  if  not,  any 
other  proper  carpenter. 

Mr.  Hobart  informed  the  Congress  that  Major  Malcom, 
who  was  sent  to  dismantle  the  light-house,  was  returned, 
and  had  executed  that  matter  effectually,  with  the  assis- 
tance of  Colo.  Geo.  Taylor  and  some  of  his  men  ;  that 
Major  Malcom  found  it  impossible  to  take  out  and  save 
the  glass,  as  well  for  want  of  tools  as  by  reason  of  the 
time  necessary  for  that  purpose,  and  was  therefore  obliged 
to  break  it ;  that  Major  Malcom  had  delivered  the  lamps 
and  oil,  two  tackle  falls  and  blocks,  removed  from  the  light- 
house, to  Colo.  George  Taylor,  and  taken  a  receipt  for  the 
same,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Middletown,  March  8th,  1776. 

"  Received  from  William  Malcom  eight  copper  lamps, 
two  tackle  falls  and  blocks  and  three  casks,  and  a  part  of 
a  cask  of  oil,  being  articles  brought  from  the  light-house 
on  Sandy  Hook,  and  which  I  will  deliver  to  him,  or  to  the 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  when  called  for. 

"  GEORGE  TAYLOR,  Colonel" 

Daniel  Whithead  Kissam,  one  of  the  committee  of  Cow- 


neck  and  Greatneck,  in  Queens  county,  being  examined  in 
Congress,  says,  that  on  Saturday  last,  at  the  house  of  Rich- 
ard Smith,  in  Herrick's,  he  met  Capt.  Jacob  Mott ;  that 
the  said  Mott  informed  him  that  he  had  been  apprehended 
by  order  of  Colonel  Sears,  and  had  been  sworn  ;  that  this 
examinant  there  saw  a  copy  of  the  oath  which  was  ad- 
ministered to  the  said  Jacob  Mott  and  others  ;  that  this  ex- 
aminant asked  the  said  Jacob  Mott  why  he  did  not  produce 
to  Colo.  Sears  his  restoration  or  clearance  from  the  Con- 
gress ;  that  the  said  Jacob  Mott  said  he  had  offered  to 
show  it  to  Mr.  Sears,  but  that  he  would  not  look  at  it ; 
that  the  examinant  has  been  informed  by  James  Cornell, 
Francis  Davenport  and  Jonas  Vallentine,  severally,  that 
they  had  been  sworn  ;  that  Mr.  Sears  had  with  him,  as  he 
was  informed,  a  number  of  armed  soldiers,  and  that  the 
said  soldiers  brought  up  the  people  to  be  sworn  ;  that  the 
committee  of  Cowneck  and  Greatneck  are  much  dissatis- 
fied at  this  proceeding,  and  think  there  is  no  safety  ;  that 
the  people  of  Hempstead,  and  at  the  south  side,  whom  he 
has  conversed  with,  are  distressed,  and  that  he  is  of  opi- 
nion that  such  proceedings  tend  to  convert  whigs  to  be  to- 
nes.   Mr.  Kissam  withdrew. 

Mr.  Randall  thereupon  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Yates,  that  Mr.  Sears  be  requested  to  attend  this  Congress 
and  inform  by  whose  order  he  undertook  and  transacted 
the  said  matters  in  Queens  county. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion  and  a  considerable 
time  and  considerable  time  spent  therein,  the  farther  con- 
sideration thereof  is  postponed  'till  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  read  the  proposals  for 
entering  into  contracts  for  the  maintenance  of  the  Conti- 
nental troops  in  this  Colony  ;  and  also  a  letter  on  that  sub- 
ject from  Curtenius  and  Elting,  and  another  letter  relative 
thereto  from  Abraham  Livingston.  After  having  heard 
the  whole  read,  and  some  time  spent  therein,  the  farther 
consideration  thereof  is  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  13th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  McDou- 
gall, Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo. 
Nicoll  on  service — Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Cblo.  Hay — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  William  Williams—  Cumberland. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colol.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Schenk,  Gilbt.  Livingston  on  service— 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Colo.  Lawr.  Graham,  Mr.  Tho- 
mas—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Colonel  McDougall  delivered  in  an  account  current  of 
sundry  sums  of  money  by  him  advanced  to  messengers 
and  expresses,  for  sloop  hire,  and  to  printers  for  services 
on  the  public  account,  and  for  the  use  of  the  Colony,  which 
was  read  and  filed. 

The  receipts  and  vouchers  attending  the  said  account  and 
therein  referred  to,  were  read.  By  the  said  account  cur- 
rent and  vouchers  it  appears  that  a  balance  of  one  hundred 
and  eleven  pounds  six  shillings  and  one  penny  halfpenny 
is  due  thereon  to  Colo.  McDougall.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esq.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Colo.  McDougall  one 
hundred  and  eleven  pounds  six  shillings  and  one  penny 


356 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


halfpenny,  in  full  for  the  balance  of  that  account,  and  take 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  resolution  for  the  loan  of  moneys  to  the  coun- 
ty committee  of  each  respective  county,  was  read.  Being 
again  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  Mr.  Smith  moved, 
and  was  seconded  by  Captn.  Rutgers,  that  the  words  "  and 
making  such  allowances  to  the  Deputies  in  the  Provincial 
Congress,  as  the  respective  county  committees  shall  judge 
proper,"  be  obliterated. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motions,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Every  county  present  except      New-York — 4  votes. 
New-York— 23  votes.  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Ad. 

Rutgers,  dissenting. 

Therefore,  the  same  being  resolved  on  and  agreed,  was 
ordered  to  be  entered  in  the  minutes  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

Whereas  the  several  county  committees  in  this  Colony 
may  have  occasion  to  borrow  money  to  enable  them  to 
defray  the  contingent  charges  they  are  or  may  be  put  to  in 
support  of  the  cause  of  the  United  Colonies  against  the 
iniquitous  attempts  of  the  British  ministry  and  parliament 
to  enslave  this  Continent :  And  whereas  the  imposition 
of  taxes  on  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  to  enable  the 
county  committees  to  pay  the  said  contingent  charges  may 
be  very  inconvenient  at  this  time ;  this  Congress  from  an 
earnest  desire  to  encourage  the  friends  to  liberty  in  sup- 
porting the  common  cause,  do 

Resolve  to  advance  on  loan  out  of  the  Colon)'  Treasury 
to  each  county  committee  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding 
the  sums  following,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  charges 
aforesaid,  and  of  making  such  allowances  to  the  Deputies 
in  Provincial  Congress  as  the  respective  county  committees 
shall  judge  proper :  that  is  to  say,  to  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  pounds,  to  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany  the  sum  of  eight  hundred 
pounds,  to  the  county  of  Suffolk  the  sum  of  four  hundred 
and  sixty  pounds,  to  the  county  of  Richmond  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty-nine  pounds,  to  Kings  county  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  the  county  of  Ulster  the 
sum  of  three  hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  to  the  county  of 
Orange  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  the  county  of 
Westchester  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  thirty  pounds, 
to  the  county  of  Tryon  the  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds, 
to  the  county  of  Cumberland  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  to  the  county  of  Charlotte  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  to  the  county  of  Dutches  the  sum  of  four  hundred 
and  twenty  pounds ;  and  it  is  understood  that  the  sums  of 
money  which  several  of  the  counties  had  already  received 
out  of  the  Treasury  for  their  particular  purposes,  shall  be 
deducted  by  the  Treasurer  out  of  the  respective  sums  al- 
lowed to  such  county  in  the  foregoing  resolutions,  and  that 
the  security  given  for  such  sums  be  delivered  up.  And 
it  is 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Living- 
ston, Esquire,  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  shall  and  do 
pay  to  the  chairman  of  each  respective  county  committee 
in  this  Colony,  such  sum  or  sums  of  money  as  the  said 
committees  shall  from  time  to  time  apply  for  to  discharge 
the  contingent  charges  aforesaid  of  eacli  respective  county, 
provided  the  sum  or  sums  of  money  so  applied  for,  shall 
not  in  the  whole  amount  to  more  than  the  sum  herein  be- 
fore allotted  to  each  respective  county,  and  that  an  order 
of  each  respective  county  committee,  signed  by  the  chair- 
man, and  attested  by  the  clerk  of  the  said  committee,  with 
a  receipt  from  the  person  in  whose  favour  such  order  shall 
be  drawn,  shall  be  to  the  said  treasurer  a  sufficient  voucher 
for  the  amount  of  the  said  order.    And  it  is  further 

Resolved,  That  each  respective  county  in  this  Colony 
shall  stand  charged,  and  be  accountable  to  the  Treasurer  of 
this  Congress  for  such  sum  and  sums  of  money  as  the  said 
Treasurer  shall  advance  to  each  respective  county  commit- 


I  tee  pursuant  to  the  foregoing  resolutions.  And  that  the 
same  shall  be  raised  and  repaid  into  the  treasury  of  this 
Congress  by  tax  or  assessment  on  the  inhabitants  of 
each  respective  county,  when  thereunto  required  by  this  or 
any  future  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  consider  of  a  plan  for 
constituting  a  Committee  of  Safety  during  their  next  intend- 
ed adjournment,  and  to  settle  the  powers  of  the  said  com- 
mittee. A  part  of  the  draft  of  the  said  plan  was  read,  and 
that  part  of  the  said  plan  which  forms  the  constitution  of 
the  said  Committee,  and  the  first  fifteen  powers  given  to  the 
said  Committee  were  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph,  and 
agreed  to,  except  by  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Rhea,  Mr. 
Hobart  and  Mr.  Moore,  who  dissented  to,  and  disapproved 
of,  the  constitution,  or  method  of  forming  the  said  Commit- 
tee, and  that  their  dissent  may  be  entered. 

Messrs.  Scott,  Hobart  and  McDougall,  informed  the 
President  that  they  had  received  a  message  from  a  gentle- 
man, requesting  to  see  them  on  some  matters  of  public 
importance.  They,  thereupon,  with  leave  withdrew  to  re- 
turn without  delay. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr. 
Hobart  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  manufactures  may 
be  necessary  for  the  convenience  and  defence  of  this  Co- 
lony, and  to  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Messrs.  Scott,  Hobart  and  McDougall  returned,  and  re- 
ported it  was  Lord  Stirling  who  had  sent  the  message, 
upon  which  they  had  obtained  leave  to  go  out  of  the  Con- 
gress ;  that  Lord  Stirling,  as  commander  of  the  forces 
here,  had  received  a  letter  by  order  of  General  Washing- 
ton, from  Stephen  Movlan,  his  aid-de-camp,  informing  that 
the  ministerial  army  are  embarking  from  Boston,  and  that 
his  Excellency  has  good  reasons  to  imagine  that  New-York 
will  be  the  place  of  their  destination  ;  that  the  said  letter 
was  also  accompanied  with  a  copy  of  an  application  of  the 
select  men  of  the  town  ;  that  Lord  Stirling  had  by  them 
sent  those  papers  to  this  Congress,  and  requested  that  they 
might  be  returned  to  him.  The  said  letter  was  read,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Cambridge,  9lh  March,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  have  it  in  command  from  his  Excellency  Ge- 
neral Washington,  to  inform  you  that  in  consequence  of 
his  determination  to  possess  himself  of  the  height  at  Dor- 
chester, a  cannonade  and  bombardment  was  begun  on 
Saturday  night  last  on  the  town  of  Boston,  continued  on 
Sunday  night,  and  Monday  night  a  vast  number  of  shot 
and  shells  were  thrown  into  the  town  under  the  cover  of 
which  the  intended  purpose  was  effected.  On  the  enemy 
perceiving  next  morning  that  we  had  taken  post,  they  were 
all  hurry  and  bustle,  embarking  their  troops,  as  was  expect- 
ed and  wished  for,  to  attack  us,  but  the  violent  storm  which 
came  on  that  day  prevented  them  and  disappointed  us,  who 
were  prepared  to  give  them  a  warm  reception.  The  pos- 
session of  these  heights  are  preparatory  to  our  forming  a 
fort  upon  Nook's  Hill,  which  commands  the  south  of  Bos- 
ton, and  to  which  their  shipping  will  be  much  exposed. 
This  they  seem  to  be  well  aware  of,  and  are  now  making 
every  preparation  for  moving  off.  Captain  Erwin  es- 
caped from  town  the  night  before  last,  assures  us  that  this  is 
their  intention  ;  it  is  corroborated  by  a  message  from  the 
select  men  in  that  town  to  his  Excellency,  a  copy  of  which 
you  have  enclosed. 

"  These  informations  will  not  prevent  the  General  from 
proceeding  in  his  advances  to  the  town,  so  that  if  they  do 
not  move  off  he  is  determined  to  force  them  to  a  battle,  or 
make  that  town  so  hot  that  they  will  have  but  little  rest 
therein.  His  Excellency  has  good  reasons  to  imagine  that 
New-York  will  be  the  place  of  their  destination  ;  he  there- 
fore desires  that  you  will  exert  yourself  to  the  utmost  in 
preparing  for  their  reception.  He  has  ordered  the  armed 
schooners  to  be  in  readiness  to  attend  their  motions,  and 
give  the  earliest  intelligence  of  the  course  they  steer,  by 
which  intelligence  his  motions  will  be  governed  ;  if  they 
steer  west  you  may  expect  a  large  reinforcement  from  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


357 


army,  and  in  all  probability  the  main  body  will  soon  follow. 
You  will  please  to  communicate  this  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress or  Convention,  who  the  General  doubts  not  will  co- 
operate with  you  in  using  every  endeavour  to  prevent  their 
forming  a  lodgment  before  his  Excellency  can  come  or 
send  to  your  assistance.  The  fate  of  America  depends 
upon  this  campaign,  and  the  success  of  this  campaign  will 
a  good  deal  depend  upon  your  exerting  yourselves  with  vi- 
gour upon  this  occasion. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 
"  Sir,  your  most  obdt.  h.  servt. 
"  STEPHEN  MOYLAN,  A.  D.  C. 

"To  the  Commanding  Officer  of  the 

American  forces,  New- York." 

"As  his  Excellency  General  Howe  is  determined  to  leave 
the  town  with  the  troops  under  his  command,  a  number  of 
the  respectable  inhabitants  being  very  anxious  for  its  pre- 
servation and  safety,  have  applied  to  General  Robertson 
for  this  purpose,  who,  at  their  request,  has  communicated 
the  same  to  his  Excellency  General  Howe,  who  has  assured 
him  that  he  has  no  intention  of  destroying  the  town,  unless 
the  troops  under  his  command  are  molested  during  their 
embarkation,  or  at  their  departure,  by  the  armed  force 
without ;  which  declaration  he  gave  General  Robertson 
leave  to  communicate  to  the  inhabitants.  If  such  an  oppo- 
sition should  take  place  we  have  the  greatest  reason  to  ex- 
pect the  town  will  be  exposed  to  entire  destruction.  As 
our  fears  are  quieted  with  regard  to  General  Howe's  inten- 
tions we  beg  we  may  have  some  assurances  that  so  dread- 
ful a  calamity  may  not  be  brought  on  by  any  measures 
without. 

"  As  a  testimony  of  the  truth  of  the  above  we  have  signed 
our  names  to  this  paper,  carried  out  by  Messrs.  Thomas 
and  Jonathan  Amory  and  Peter  Johannot,  who  have,  at  the 
earnest  entreaties  of  the  inhabitants,  through  the  Lieute- 
nant-Governor, solicited  a  flag  of  truce  for  this  purpose. 

"JOHN  SCOLLAY, 
"TIMOTHY  NEWELL, 
"THOMAS  MARSHALL, 
"  SAMUEL  AUSTIN. 

"  Botton,  March  8th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  keep  copies  of  the  letter 
of  Stephen  Moylan  and  of  the  application  of  the  selectmen 
of  Boston,  and  that  they  return  the  original  letter  and  the 
copy  received  from  Lord  Stilling  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Mr.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that  Lord  Sirling  re- 
quests that  a  committee  of  this  Congress  may  be  appointed 
to  confer  with  him  on  sundry  matters  relative  to  the  de- 
fence of  this  city  and  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  McDou- 
gall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  com- 
mittee of  this  Congress  to  confer  with  Lord  Stirling,  and 
that  they  report  the  result  of  such  conference  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

The  Congress  conceiving  that  the  intelligence  received 
from  Cambridge  renders  it  necessary  to  have  a  magazine 
of  provisions  immediately  laid  in  store, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake  repair  immediately 
to  Westchester  county  and  purchase  1,200  bbls.  of  the  best 
pork,  and  have  the  same  safely  stored,  agreeable  to  the  re- 
solves of  this  Congress  of  the  ninth  day  of  March  instant ; 
that  he  take  with  him  from  New-York  a  sworn  inspector 
and  repacker  of  pork,  to  inspect  and  repack  the  same  ;  and 
that  he  purchase  and  store,  at  the  cheapest  rate  in  his  power, 
flour  sufficient  for  the  use  of  five  thousand  men  for  a  month. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  13th  March,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Captain  Denning,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Evert 
Bancker,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt— New-York. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Polhemus,  Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  service,  General 
Ten  Broeck— Albany. 

90 


Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service—  Vltter. 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker,  Mr.  Lawrence— Richmond. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Col.  Allison,  Col.  Hay — Orange- 
Colo.  Lawr.  Graham,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore—  Try  on. 

Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  the  6th  day 
of  March  instant,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  take  the  liberty  to  remind  you  of  the  necessity 
of  forwarding,  without  the  least  delay,  the  naval  stores 
which  I  did  myself  the  honour  to  request  of  you  in  my  for- 
mer letters.  A  heavy  rain  has  fallen  within  these  two  days, 
and  broke  up  Hudson's  river  as  far  down  as  Halfmoon; 
a  few  warm  days  I  hope  will  clear  the  river  of  ice,  in  all 
its  extent.  Please  to  order  up  ten  sets  of  pump  boxes.  I 
fear  it  will  be  impossible  to  find  clothing  at  this  place  for 
Colo.  Van  Schaick's  regiment ;  I  wish,  therefore,  that  what 
can  be  procured  may  be  sent  up  the  soonest  poosible. 
"  I  am,  sir,  with  esteem  and  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Albany,  March  6,  1776. 
"  To  Colo.  Woodhull,  President,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius,  as  a  Commissary, 
procure  ten  sets  of  pump  boxes  and  forward  them  to  Ge- 
neral Schuyler  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esquire,  a  Delegate  for  this  Colony  in 
Continental  Congress,  informed  this  Congress  that  the  sub- 
ject of  commissionating  private  ships  of  war  and  letters  of 
marque,  was  in  contemplation  in  Congress,  and  that  the 
Delegates  for  this  Colony  requested  the  sense  of  this  Con- 
gress relative  thereto. 

Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration  and  agreed 
that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that  such  a  measure 
is  very  right  and  proper,  and  Mr.  Lewis  was  informed  of 
the  same,  and  requested  to  inform  the  other  Delegates  of 
their  opinion  in  this  particular. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Daniel  Denton,  relative  to  his 
company  raised  for  the  Continental  service,  and  now  ready 
for  duty,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York,  nth  March,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — Having  received  a  warrant  from  your 
honourable  House  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  a  company 
of  men  in  Orange  county,  to  act  in  one  of  the  four  bat- 
talions raising  within  this  Province,  for  the  service  of  the 
United  Colonies,  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  I  have  my 
company  complete  as  to  number,  and  that  I  have  enlisted 
a  number  of  genteel  young  fellows  out  of  reputable  fami- 
lies, who  would  choose  to  clothe  themselves  entirely,  receive 
the  value  of  some  things  proposed  to  be  given  them,  such 
as  hats,  shoes,  stockings,  &c.  in  cash,  and  beg  your  indul- 
gence in  that  respect.  Some  of  the  men  would  willingly 
find  their  own  guns,  if  they  are  not  already  provided,  but 
the  most  of  them  are  without  that  article.  I  am  now  in 
town  waiting  the  direction  of  Congress. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 

"DANIEL  DENTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Provincial 

Congress  for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Denton  be  informed,  that  such 
men  in  his  company  as  will  provide  themselves  with  any 
articles  promised  to  be  furnished  to  the  troops  by  Congress 
at  public  expense,  shall  be  allowed  for  the  same  the  prices 
fixed  by  the  Continental  Congress,  and  that  Captain  Den- 
ton be  requested  to  inform  his  men,  that  by  the  terms  of 
enlistment  they  are  to  provide  their  own  arms  and  accou- 
trements. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  Esquire,  offering  to  the 


358 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


public  the  use  of  his  furnace  and  hands,  to  cast  cannon  for 
the  defence  of  the  country,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Manor  Livingston,  2d  March,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  did  myself  the  honour  to  answer  your  letter  of 
the  25th.  I  answered  on  the  5th  Feby.  and  sent  it  by  my 
cousin,  Gilbert  Livingston,  who  promised  me  to  deliver  it, 
advising  that  my  furnace  would  be  ready  to  begin  her  blast 
early  in  April,  and  that  the  Committee  should  be  very  wel- 
come to  have  the  use  of  her,  with  all  my  stock  and  hands, 
to  cast  guns,  or  any  other  implements  of  war,  provided 
they  could  procure  proper  and  skilful  men  who  understood 
the  casting  and  moulding  of  them,  for  that  I  had  none 
about  my  works.  Since  which  1  have  received  no  answer. 
Am  now  to  inform  you  that  the  time  draws  near  that  we 
must  cut  the  hearth  and  put  it  in,  which  possibly  may  not 
suit  the  casting  of  great  guns,  as  we  shall  do  it  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  suit  our  business.  Wish  to  have  your  an- 
swer before  the  1 5th  current,  that  I  may  know  how  to  con- 
duct myself. 

"  Am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servt. 

"ROBT.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett." 

The  Congress  took  the  said  letter  into  consideration,  and 
considering  that  cannon  are  already  making  in  another  Co- 
lony for  the  Continental  ships  of  war,  and  that  it  is  not 
probable  any  other  cannon  would  be  cast  in  this  Colony 
than  the  few  additional  cannon  that  may  be  wanted  for  its 
own  defence,  and  that  they  have  not  proper  artificers  now 
remaining  in  the  Colony,  for  that  business,  are  of  opinion 
that  it  will  not  be  proper  to  accept  of  Mr.  Livingston's  ge- 
nerous offer,  as  it  may  do  him  a  very  great  injury. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Brasher  prepare  and  report  a 
draft  of  an  answer  to  Mr.  Livingston's  said  letter. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Robert  Livingston, 
Esqr.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  following 
words,  to  wit: 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  13th  March,  1776.  i 
"  Sir — This  day  your  letter  of  the  2d  instant  came  to 
hand.  After  returning  you  our  thanks  for  the  offer  you 
have  made  us  of  your  furnace,  for  the  purpose  of  casting 
artillery,  we  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  we  conceive  the 
season  of  the  year  is  too  far  advanced  to  admit  of  our  send- 
ing up  a  proper  person  determining  whether  your  furnace 
is  so  constructed  and  situated  as  to  answer  the  end  we  had 
in  view.  The  Committee  of  Safety  have  informed  us  that 
in  your  first  letter,  in  answer  to  theirs,  you  had  some 
doubts  on  that  head.  When  the  Committee  of  Safety 
wrote  to  you,  it  was  from  an  apprehension  that  heavy  ar- 
tillery might  be  wanted;  since  which,  you  have  doubtless 
been  informed  of  the  manner  on  which  a  supply  has  been 
obtained.  To  alter  your  works  only  for  the  purpose  of 
procuring  a  few  pieces  of  cannon,  if  it  were  practicable, 
would  not  be  worth  while.  To  desire  it  on  our  part,  would 
be  injurious  to  you,  and  inconsistent  with  the  high  sense 
we  entertain  of  your  attachment  to  the  rights  of  your  coun- 
ty- 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  esteem, 

"  Your  most  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  Rodt.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  be  transmitted. 

A  long  letter  from  Colo.  Abraham  Hasbroock,  at  King- 
ston in  Ulster  county,  alleging  that  he  is  superseded  in 
his  rank  as  an  officer  in  the  militia,  was  read  and  filed. 

Another  very  long  letter  from  said  Colo.  Abraham  Has- 
broeck,  Johannes  Snyder  and  the  other  gentlemen  lately 
appointed  to  be  field  and  staff  officers  of  the  northern  re- 
giment in  Ulster  county,  and  covering  all  the  field  and 
staff  officers  of  that  regiment,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

The  gentlemen  who  wrote  the  last  above  mentioned  let- 
ter, amongst  many  other  childish  reasons  therein  contained 


for  returning  their  commissions,  have  assigned  the  two 
following  as  the  principal.  First :  As  they  are  called  offi- 
cers of  the  northern  regiment  of  Ulster  county.  And  se- 
condly :  That  their  commissions  bear  test  on  the  date  pos- 
terior to  the  date  of  many  of  the  inferior  officers  of  their 
regiment. 

The  said  letters  and  commissions  having  been  received 
by  the  post, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  pay  the  postage,  15s. 
lOd. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  further  to  consider  of  and 
determine  the  powers  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  ;  and 
beginning  with  the  sixteenth  power  as  hereinafter  contain- 
ed, the  whole  residue  of  the  powers  of  the  said  commit- 
tee were  read  through,  amended  and  approved  of.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  remain  and  be  taken  into  fur- 
ther consideration  the  first  convenient  opportunity. 

The  committee  appointed  this  morning  at  the  request 
of  Lord  Stirling,  to  confer  with  him  on  matters  relative  to 
the  protection  and  security  of  this  city  and  Colony,  re- 
turned. The  said  committee  delivered  in  a  report  con- 
taining, 

1st.  An  account  of  several  measures  already  taken  by 
his  Lordship  as  commanding  officer  of  the  Continental 
forces  in  this  city,  for  the  security  and  defence  thereof. 

2dly.  A  draft  of  sundry  resolutions  proposed  by  the  com- 
mittee, as  necessary  to  be  entered  into  and  carried  into 
execution  by  this  Congress  for  the  safety  and  defence  of 
this  city  and  Colony.  The  second  part  of  the  said  report 
was  read,  and  being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  and  sun- 
dry amendments  therein  made,  the  same  was  ordered  to 
remain  for  farther  consideration. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  Uth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning, 
Colo.  McDougall— For  New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker—  Richmond. 

Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on 
service — For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service— For  Ulster. 

Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston  -For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk,  Colo.  Morris  Graham — For  Dut- 
ches. 

Mr.  Polhemius,  Lt.  Colo.  Covenhoven,  Colo.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 
Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

The  bond  of  John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  and  his  securi- 
ties was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  John  R.  Li- 
vingston of  Rhinebeck  precinct,  Dutchess  county,  and  Pa- 
trick Dennis  and  John  Dawson  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
merchants,  are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  John  Haring  and  Ja- 
cobus Bruyn,  and  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them,  in  the 
sum  of  two  thousand  pounds  current  money  of  New-York, 
to  be  paid  to  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Nathaniel  Wood- 
hull,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Petrus 
Ten  Broeck,  John  Haring  and  Jacobus  Bruyn,  or  the 
survivor  or  survivors  of  them,  sealed  with  our  seals.  Dat- 
ed the  fourteenth  day  of  March,  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  seventy-six. 

"  Whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  the  said  Congress, 
have  lent  to  the  above  bounden  John  R.  Livingston,  the  sum 
of  one  thousand  pounds  for  two  years  from  the  date  hereof 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


359 


without  interest,  as  an  encouragement  to  him  to  erect 
a  powder  mill  in  such  place  in  Dutchess  county  as  the  ge- 
neral committee  of  the  said  county  shall  approve  of :  Now 
therefore,  the  condition  of  the  above  obligation  is  such 
that  if  the  above  bounden  John  R.  Livingston  does  within 
three  months  from  the  date  hereof  erect  a  powder  mill 
of  the  best  quality  in  such  place  in  Dutchess  county  as 
the  general  committee  of  the  said  county  shall  approve 
of;  and  also  if  the  said  John  R.  Livingston  does  well 
and  truly  repay  the  said  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds 
so  lent  as  aforesaid,  unto  the  above  named  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  John  Haring  and 
Jacobus  Bruyn,  or  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them 
within  two  years  from  the  date  hereof,  then  the  above  obli- 
gation to  be  void ;  but  on  failure  or  non-performance  of 
any  or  either  of  the  above  conditions,  to  be  and  remain  in 
full  force. 

"  JOHN  R.  LIVINGSTON,  [l.  s.] 
"PATT.  DENNIS,  [l.  s.] 

"  JOHN  DAWSON,  [l.  s.] 

Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of 

"  Abm.  Lott. 

"  Thomas  Jones." 

John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  having  given  bond  with  secu- 
rites  to  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Abraham 
Yates,  Junr.  Esqrs.  and  the  other  gentlemen  named  in  the 
order  of  this  Congress  of  the  ninth  instant,  and  contract- 
ed to  build  a  powder  mill  within  three  months,  agreeable 
to  the  said  resolution.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  John  R.  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  and  take  his 
receipt  for  the  same. 

The  Congress  agreed  that  Colo.  Drake  permit  four  men 
in  his  regiment  enlisted  with  Capt.  Lieut.  James  Moore 
in  his  artillery  company,  to  go  into  that  service. 

A  certificate  of  Stephen  Badlam,  capt.  of  artillery,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that  he  has  examined 
Alexander  Hamilton,  and  judges  him  qualified  to  command 
a  company  of  artillery. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Alexander  Hamilton  be,  and  he 
is  hereby,  appointed  captain  of  the  Provincial  company  of 
artillery  of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr'  James  Gilleland  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by, appointed  second  lieutenant  of  the  Provincial  company 
of  artillery  of  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  considering  that  it  will  be  necessary  to 
have  some  gentleman  appointed  statedly  to  pay  the  Pro- 
vincial artillery  company  of  this  Colony,  were  of  opinion 
that  Colonel  [McDougall]  would  be  proper  for  that  ser- 
vice. Colo.  McDougall,  present,  agreed  to  undertake  that 
service.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  McDougall  pay  the  artillery  com- 
pany of  this  Colony,  as  their  [pay]  shall  become  due,  until 
farther  order  of  this  Provincial  Congress  or  their  Commit- 
tee of  Safety. 

The  petition  of  David  Shaddell,  setting  forth  his  poverty 
and  the  injury  he  received  on  the  eighteenth  ultimo  in  re- 
moving the  cannon  from  the  Battery,  and  praying  for 
some  relief  and  assistance,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  John  Charlton  for  the  present 
take  charge  of  and  attend  the  cure  of  David  Shaddell's 
hand  and  arm,  and  that  he  report  to  this  Congress  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  said  David  Shaddell. 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  a  member,  that  the 
workmen  employed  in  unspiking  the  cannon  on  the  green 
in  this  city,  are  so  negligent  in  that  business  that  it  is  ne- 
cessary to  set  a  guard  over  them  to  keep  them  at  work. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Lord  Stirling  be  authorized,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized,  to  command  as  many  blacksmiths,  or 
other  fit  persons  who  are  acquainted  with  drilling  cannon, 
as  he  may  think  proper,  to  open  the  cannon  in  this  city, 
and  place  a  guard  over  them  to  keep  them  at  work,  until 


the  said  cannon  are  unspiked,  except  for  such  time  as  shall 
be  necessary  for  their  proper  refreshment. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  county  committee  of  Ulster  to  at- 
tend six  blank  commissions,  to  be  by  the  said  committee  fil- 
led up  for  the  field  or  staff  officers  for  the  first,  or  northern 
regiment  of  the  same  county,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  Uth,  1776.  \ 
"  Gent. — We  have  now  under  consideration  the  subject 
of  two  letters  received  from  Coll.  Hasbrook  respecting  the 
regiment  of  militia  in  your  county  which  he  was  commis- 
sioned to  command.  There  appears  to  be  a  great  dissat- 
isfaction among  the  field  officers,  and  the  colonel  declines 
serving,  by  reason  of  your  altering  the  name  of  his  regi- 
ment, and  our  appointing  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  brigadier- 
general  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties.  You 
cannot  be  ignorant  of  the  multiplicity  of  business  before 
us,  and  the  impropriety  of  an  application  to  us  upon  that 
subject,  as  we  have,  by  a  letter  dated  the  22d  Decem- 
ber last,  referred  the  settlement  of  that  matter  entirely  to 
you.  The  reason  of  this  step  must  be  obvious  to  you 
when  you  reflect  that  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  judge  of  the 
qualification  of  any  person  in  your  county.  We  beg  you 
will  accommodate  this  difference,  and  that  you  may  not 
be  under  the  necessity  of  applying  to  Congress  on  the  sub- 
ject, we  enclose  you  six  blank  commissions,  which  you 
will  please  to  fill  up  for  such  persons  as  you  conceive  best 
qualified,  being  previously  assured  that  the  person  you  ap- 
point will  serve,  and  that  his  political  sentiments  are 
friendly  to  American  liberty. 

"  We  are,  yours  respectfully, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Jacobus  Bruyn,  Esqr.  Chairman  of 

Committee  of  Ulster  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted,  and  that  six  commissions 
be  signed  by  the  President,  and  countersigned  by  one  of 
the  Secretaries,  and  enclosed  therein. 

A  copy  of  the  examination  of  Craigg  was  brought 
into  the  Congress  by  Mr.  Robert  Benson,  who,  by  order, 
had  called  on  Lord  Stirling  and  had  taken  a  copy  from  the 
original,  which  was  taken  by  his  lordship.  The  said  copy 
of  the  examination  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Craig,  lately  a  soldier  in  the  first  regiment  of 
Yorkers,  declares  that  he  was  employed  by  one  Vernon,  a 
hatter,  of  this  city,  to  rig  out  a  sloop  the  said  Vernon  had 
lately  purchased,  by  order  of  Govr.  Tryon,  to  be  employ- 
ed by  the  Governor  as  a  tender  or  cutter,  and  occasionally 
to  cruise  in  the  North  and  East  rivers  ;  that  the  said  Ver- 
non was  to  be  supplied  by  the  said  Governor  with  swivels 
for  the  said  sloop  ;  that  the  said  Craig  went  on  board 
(with  the  said  Vernon)  of  the  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  and 
there  conversed  with  the  Governor  and  with  the  Attorneys- 
General  Kempe  and  Skinner,  who  urged  him  to  be  active 
in  procuring  as  many  men  as  possible,  not  only  for  the  said 
sloop,  but  for  the  Asia  and  other  men  of  war  soon  expect- 
ed here  ;  that  above  50  or  60  soldiers  now  in  town,  in  the 
Continental  service,  were  engaged  by  the  said  Vernon  for 
the  service  of  the  ministry." 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hay  and  Colo.  Morris  Graham  be 
a  committee  to  go  to  Thomas  Vernon  and  take  his  exami- 
nation, and  report  the  same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  or  memorial  from  Jacob  Bamper  was  read  and 
filed  ;  he  thereby  requests  a  captain  or  lieutenant's  com- 
mission in  the  Continental  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  member  of  King's  county  who 
brought  in  the  said  letter  inform  Mr.  Bamper  that  there  is 
not  any  vacancy. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  Uth,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President, 


360 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  E.  Bancker, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Capt.  Denning— For 
New- York. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on  duty — 
For  jilbany. 
Col.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 
Colo.  Allison — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Colo.  John  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — Ulster. 
Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  several  proposals  for  victualling  the  Continental 
troops  in  this  Colony  were  read,  and  referred  to  Mr.  Ran- 
dall, Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Paulding  and  Mr.  Sands  as  a  com- 
mittee to  report  thereon  with  all  possible  speed. 

The  committee  above  mentioned  reported,  that  the  pro- 
posal of  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  for  contracting  for  the 
Continental  troops  in  this  Colony  is  the  lowest  and  most 
advantageous.    Therefore,  it  is 

Resolved  and  Agreed,  That  his  proposals  be  accepted, 
and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  Continental  Congress,  in- 
forming that  honourable  body  of  the  terms  on  which  the 
said  troops  can  be  supplied  with  rations. 

Ordered,  That  Hamilton  Young  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
permitted  to  go  on  board  of  His  Majesty's  ship  Asia,  or 
the  packet,  in  company  with  the  port-master,  to  receive 
his  letters,  he  having  first  been  duly  sworn  that  he  will 
not  communicate  on  board  of  the  ships  of  war,  or  any  of  the 
other  ships  in  the  harbour,  any  intelligence  concerning  the 
preparations  making  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and 
Colony,  or  carry  any  letters  or  papers  relative  thereto,  or 
giving  any  intelligence  concerning  the  same. 

Mr.  Sands  and  Mr.  Hallett  are  appointed  a  committee 
to  view  such  letters  as  Mr.  Young  brings  on  shore,  before 
they  be  delivered. 

It  was  represented  to  Congress  that  Captain  Daniel 
Denton,  of  Orange  county,  has  his  company  full  and  ready 
for  service ;  that  Lord  Stirling  has  ordered  him,  with  his 
company,  to  New-York ;  and  that  he  is  in  necessity  for 
some  money  to  pay  the  wages  due  to  his  men,  that  they 
may  furnish  themselves  with  some  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Captain  Daniel 
Denton  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds  on  account  in  part  of  the 
-  pay  of  his  company,  and  take  Captain  Denton's  receipt  for 
the  same,  Captain  Denton  to  be  accountable  for  that  sum 
paid  him  on  account  for  his  company. 

A  permit  was  given  to  the  port  master  to  carry  on  board 
of  the  ships  Phoenix,  Packett,  Asia  and  Dutchess  of  Gordon 
a  great  number  of  articles,  mentioned  in  a  memorandum 
delivered  in  by  the  port  master  and  filed  ;  he  was  also  per- 
mitted to  carry  on  board,  for  the  use  of  the  ship  Asia,  cer- 
tain quantities  of  provisions  and  other  articles  specified  in 
a  list  or  memorandum  of  Abraham  Lott,  contractor,  and 
endorsed  on  the  back  of  the  port  master's  memorandum, 
rum  excepted. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Livingston,  Esquire,  was  read 
and  filed  ;  thereby  informs  that  he  has  received  a  deputa- 
tion from  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  in  the  department  of 
Commissary-General  to  furnish  all  Continental  troops  in 
this  part  of  the  Colony  with  provisions,  and  that  he  will 
continue  to  act  on  that  appointment  until  further  order, 
or  some  contract  made  for  supplying  the  said  troops. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Essex  county,  in  New- 
Jersey,  on  the  subjects  of  the  pay  and  provisions,  &c.  of 
their  militia,  ordered  into  this  Colony  by  Lord  Stirling, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Newark,  March  14,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  Earl  of  Stirling  last  night  requested  of  the 
county  of  Essex  the  assistance  of  three  or  four  hundred 


men,  to  march  to  New-York  as  soon  as  possible.  We 
think  proper  to  inform  you  of  it,  and  also  that  we  have 
agreed  to  comply  with  the  request,  provided  it  be  agreea- 
ble to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York.  You  will 
therefore  be  kind  enough  to  let  us  know  by  the  bearer  the 
sense  of  the  Congress  about  it.  We  have  given  orders  for 
the  men  to  be  raised  immediately,  and  they  will  be  ready 
to  march  by  to-morrow,  or  next  day  at  farthest.  The  Con- 
gress is  desired  also  to  inform  us  how  the  men  are  to  be 
provided  for,  and  by  whom  to  be  paid,  and  when  quarters 
and  provisions  will  be  ready  for  them.  Three  hundred 
men  are  ordered  to  [be]  raised  in  this  county. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servt. 
"WM.  BURNET,  Chairman. 
"  To  President  of  Congress,  New- York." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  to  the  committee  of  Essex 
county,  in  New-Jersey,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  Wh,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — I  have  communicated  to  Congress  your  favour 
of  this  day,  and  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  they  ap- 
prove of  the  requisition  made  by  the  Earl  of  Stirling.  The 
Congress  have  a  grateful  sense  of  the  readiness  your  peo- 
ple manifest  to  comply  with  his  request.  Quarters  will 
be  provided  for  your  troops,  but  we  wish  them  to  bring  a 
quarter-master  with  them.  An  assistant  to  the  Deputy 
Commissary-General  will  furnish  them  with  provisions. 
Who  shall  pay  the  troops  is  a  question  to  be  determined 
by  the  Continental  Congress.  When  our  aid  shall  become 
necessary  to  our  neighours  we  shall  cheerfully  give  it,  and 
put  this  question  on  the  same  issue. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant. 
"  To  Wm.  Burnet,  Esqr.  Chairman  of 

the  Committee  of  the  town  of  Newark." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  bearer  from 
New  Ark,  in  waiting. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  take  into  farther  con- 
sideration the  report  of  the  committee  who  conferred  with 
Lord  Stirling  on  the  13th  instant,  on  the  measures  neces- 
sary to  be  taken  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 
The  said  report  being  read,  and  again  read,  by  paragraphs, 
and  those  parts  of  it  that  remain  to  be  carried  into  execu- 
tion, corrected,  amended,  resolved  on  and  unanimously 
agreed  to,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Regulations  agreed  to  for  the  defence  of  the  city  of 
New-York  between  Lord  Stirling,  general  of  the  Conti- 
nental, and  a  committee  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the 
Colony  of  New- York. 

"  Lord  Stirling  has  already  ordered  Colo.  Dayton,  with 
the  third  regiment  of  the  New- Jersey  troops,  and  also  six 
companies  of  the  second  battalion  of  the  Pennsylvania 
troops,  immediately  to  proceed  to  this  city. 

"  He  also  wrote  to  the  chairmen  of  the  committees  of 
six  counties  in  New-Jersey  to  send  at  least  300  picked 
men,  well  accoutred,  from  each,  and  has  informed  the  Pre- 
sident of  the  New-Jersey  Congress  of  the  intelligence  re- 
ceived from  General  Washington  concerning  the  embarka- 
tion of  the  Ministerial  troops  at  Boston,  and  requested  him 
to  give  us  all  possible  assistance,  on  the  supposition  that 
the  troops  are  destined  hither.  He  has  also  ordered  all 
the  artillery  to  be  put  in  the  best  order  possible. 

"  Lord  Stirling  informed  the  committee  of  the  arrival  of 
a  quantity  of  powder  in  this  city,  and  that  another  quantity 
is  soon  expected,  both  directed  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress for  the  service  of  the  army  at  Cambridge.  It  is 
agreed  that  the  forwarding  of  the  said  powder  be  deferred 
'till  further  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  that  an 
express  be  immediately  despatched  to  them  by  Lord  Stir- 
ling on  the  subject. 

"  1st.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  all  the  male  inhabi- 
tants, capable  of  fatigue,  be  immediately  employed  on  the 
fortifications  of  this  city,  and  as  well  all  the  negro  men  in 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


361 


the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  in  the  manner  hereinaf- 
ter mentioned,  to  wit : 

"  That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  corps  draw  out 
one-third  of  his  respective  corps,  and  also  one-third  part  of 
all  the  male  inhabitants,  capable  of  fatigue,  within  the  dis- 
tricts or  beats  of  the  militia  whereof  he  is  the  commanding 
officer,  to  parade  in  the  common  at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning,  without  arms,  but  provided  with  as  many  in- 
trenching tools  as  they  are  possessed  of ;  and  that  they  take 
care  to  have  one-third  of  all  the  negro  men  in  their  respec- 
tive districts  turned  out,  provided  in  the  same  manner  ;  that 
they  continue  to  have  the  third  part  of  their  respective 
corps,  and  one-third  part  of  all  the  male  inhabitants  capa- 
ble of  fatigue,  and  also  one-third  part  of  all  negro  men 
within  their  respective  beats,  turned  out  every  day,  and  so 
on,  from  day  to  day,  to  work  on  the  said  fortifications  until 
further  ordered  ;  that  the  commanding  officer  of  each  re- 
spective corps,  for  the  time  being,  on  any  fatigue  or  day  of 
labour,  may  receive  an  able  bodied  hired  man  in  the  place 
of  any  other  person,  or  any  servant  or  slave  in  the  place  of 
his  master,  when  it  is  not  the  proper  tour  of  labour  or  duty 
of  such  hired  man,  servant  or  slave. 

"  2dly.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  gene- 
neral  committee  of  New-York  to  make  immediate  report 
of  all  the  provisions  and  bar  iron  in  town,  to  prevent  the 
exportation  of  either  of  those  articles  from  the  city  and 
county  of  New- York,  'till  further  order  of  this  Congress 
or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  except  such  provisions  as  the 
sub-committee  of  the  city  of  New-York  have  or  may  have 
given  permits  for  before  the  receipt  of  this  resolve,  of  which 
the  said  sub-committee  are  at  liberty  to  permit  to  be  ex- 
ported, but  from  the  city  of  New-York  only,  and  agreea- 
ble to  the  permits  they  have  already  given,  if  they  think 
proper. 

"  3dly.  Resolved,  That  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor 
Treat,  are  hereby  authorized  to  purchase  all  the  hospital 
medicines  and  stores,  and  apparatus  in  this  city,  which  they 
shall  think  necessary  in  the  premises,  and  that  they  make 
report  of  their  doings  to  this  Congress  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety ;  and  that  they  take  the  direction  and  disposition 
of  the  hospital  stores  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Commissary 
Curtenius. 

"  4thly.  Resolved,  That  the  Provincial  Congress  issue 
immediate  orders  to  the  committee  of  Kings  county  to  or- 
der the  inhabitants  of  that  county  to  give  assistance  in  fa- 
tigue to  Colo.  Ward,  thereby  turning  out  for  the  service  as 
many  of  the  male  inhabitants,  negroes  included,  every  day 
to  work  at  the  fortifications  in  that  county,  as  the  commit- 
tee of  that  county  and  Colonel  Ward  shall  think  necessary  ; 
and  that  they  take  with  them  their  spades,  pick  axes,  sho- 
vels and  hoes,  &c.  to  begin  to  work  on  Friday  next,  and 
they  be  under  the  like  regulations,  as  to  the  number  of  offi- 
cers, pay  and  provisions  as  to  the  militia  of  the  city  of 
New-York. 

"  5thly.  Resolved,  That  the  marine  committee  be  and  are 
hereby  empowered  to  take  the  directions  and  management 
of  keeping  proper  look-outs,  and  by  proper  persons,  to  dis- 
cover any  number  of  ships  on  the  coast,  or  approaching,  or 
entering  Sandy  Hook  ;  and  that  every  committee,  officer 
and  person  in  this  Colony  give  them  any  necessary  aid  for 
that  purpose  which  the  said  marine  committee  may  require. 

"  6thly.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  colonels  of 
the  regiments  in  Orange  county,  on  the  south  side  of  the 
mountains,  do  draft  out  of  their  regiments  at  least  one  hun- 
dred men,  in  the  following  proportions,  to  wit :  65  privates 
out  of  Colonel  Hay's  regiment,  and  35  privates  out  of 
Colonel  Lent's  regiment,  and  as  many  more  men  out  of 
these  two  regiments  as  will  turn  out  volunteers  for  that 
service,  to  be  immediately  sent  to  this  city,  armed  and  ac- 
coutred in  the  best  manner  possible,  who  shall  be  entitled 
to  receive  the  same  pay  and  provisions  as  the  other  Conti- 
nental forces  in  this  Colony. 

"7thly.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Joseph 
Drake  and  Colonel  Thomas  Thomas,  of  Westchester 

91 


conuty,  do  draft  out  of  their  regiments  200  men,  in  the  fol- 
lowing proportions,  to  wit :  Two  companies  of  65  privates 
each,  besides  the  captains  and  other  inferior  officers,  out  of 
Colonel  Joseph  Drake's  regiment,  and  one  company  of  65 
privates,  with  the  captain  and  other  inferior  officers,  of  Co- 
lonel Thomas'  regiment,  and  as  many  more  men  out  of 
those  two  regiments  as  will  turn  out  volunteers  for  that 
service,  to  be  immediately  sent  to  the  city  of  New-York, 
armed  and  accoutred  in  the  best  manner  possible,  and  to  be 
joined  to  Colonel  Samuel  Drake's  regiment,  and  to  receive 
the  same  pay  and  provisions  as  the  other  Continental  forces 
in  this  Colony. 

"  8thly.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  respective 
commanding  officers  be  directed,  pursuant  to  the  regula- 
tions made  for  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  to  levy  and  col- 
lect a  fine  of  ten  shillings  upon  each  of  those  who  do  not 
appear  according  to  the  above  order,  and  carefully  reserve 
the  same  for  the  disposition  of  this  Congress  or  Commit- 
tee of  Safety. 

"  9thly.  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  officers  be  in 
the  proportion  of  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant-colonel,  one  ma- 
jor, one  adjutant  and  one  quarter-master,  to  each  regiment 
consisting  of  six  hundred  and  fifty  men;  and  one  captain,  two 
lieutenants  and  one  ensign,  for  every  sixty-five  privates,  and 
non-commissioned  officers  in  the  same  proportion.  That 
the  officers  and  soldiers  so  employed  be  allowed  the  Con- 
tinental pay,  and  ten  pence  halfpenny  per  day  instead  of 
provisions,  for  each  day  they  shall  do  work. 

"  lOthly.  Ordered,  That  the  officers  commanding  the 
parties  upon  fatigue,  do  make  an  exact  return  of  all  the 
men  so  employed  to  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  every  night." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  deliver  out  copies  to  the 
colonels  of  the  respective  regiments  of  the  before  written 
resolutions  mentioned,  as  may  be  necessary  for  them  re- 
spectively. 

Captain  John  Warner,  of  the  militia  of  New- York,  attend- 
ing at  the  door,  sent  in  a  warrant  from  Lord  Stirling,  as 
commander  of  the  Continental  forces  at  present  of  this  city, 
authorizing  the  said  John  Warner  to  proceed  to  Richmond 
county  and  take  the  person  of  James  Boyd  and  bring  him 
before  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety, 
with  such  evidence  as  he  had  against  him.  The  said  John 
Warner  was  called  in  and  heard. 

Joseph  Welpley,  a  witness  against  John  James  Boyd, 
of  Richmond  county,  was  called  in  and  examined,  and  his 
examination  taken  down  in  writing  and  filed. 

The  Congress,  considering  the  evidence  offered,  are  of 
opinion,  that  the  said  John  James  Boyd  is  so  unimportant 
and  insignificant  a  person  in  the  community,  as  not  to  de- 
serve the  expense  or  trouble  of  apprehending  him,  without 
further  testimony  of  some  overt  acts  inimical  to  the  Ame- 
rican Colonies,  and  therefore  dismissed  Captain  Warner 
and  Joseph  Welpley,  with  commendations  of  their  vigi- 
lence  and  readiness,  and  directed  them  to  inform  the  Con- 
gress or  Committee  of  Safety  if  they  should  know  of  any 
future  ill  behaviour  of  the  same  John  James  Boyd. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  late  letter  of 
William  Leary,  town  major,  setting  forth  his  great  share 
of  hard  duty,  and  his  small  means  to  support  himself  and 
his  family  without  pay. 

Thereupon  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  Wil- 
liam Leary,  town  major,  be  allowed  the  pay  of  a  captain 
on  the  present  Continental  establishment,  from  the  8th  day 
of  December  last  to  the  8th  day  of  April  next,  one  of  these 
days  included.  The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 
determined  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit: 

For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   4       Westchester,   2 

Albany,   3       Kings,   2 

Cumberland,   2      Tryon,   2 

Suffolk   2      Ulster,   2 

Richmond,    2  — 

Charlotte,   2  25 

Dutchess,    2  Orange  divided. 


362 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  William  Leary,  the  town  major,  be  al- 
lowed the  pay  of  a  captain  on  the  present  Continental  esta- 
blishment, from  the  8th  day  of  December  last  to  the  eighth 
day  of  April  next,  one  of  those  days  included. 

Oliver  Templeton,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  merchant, 
at  the  door,  was  admitted  ;  he  informed  this  Congress  that 
a  ship  laded  under  his  direction,  by  order  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  bound  for  Ireland,  is  ready  to  put  to  sea  ; 
that  as  the  said  ship,  or  the  greater  part  of  her,  is  owned 
in  Britain,  and  the  lading  consigned  for  the  payment  of  Bri- 
tish debts,  as  appears  by  the  papers  relative  thereto,  he  is 
in  hopes  to  prevail  on  Captain  Parker  to  permit  the  said  ship 
to  pass  him  and  go  to  sea,  and  therefore  requests  permis- 
sion to  go  on  board  of  Captain  Parker's  ship  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

The  said  Oliver  Templeton,  having  in  Congress  taken 
the  oath  usually  administered  to  persons  going  on  board  of 
ships  of  war  in  this  harbour,  a  permit  was  given  to  him  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Oliver  Templeton  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoe- 
nix, with  the  port  master,  and  to  return,  he  having  been 
sworn  that  he  will  convey  no  intelligence  relative  to  the 
fortifications  erecting  in  or  near  this  city." 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  15th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Colo.  Lott — For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Nicoll  on 
service— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Hay,  Colo  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Evert  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  M.  Graham,  Major  R.  G.  Livingston — 
Dutchess. 

M.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  Mr.  Jacob  Le  Roy 
says,  Doctr.  Wm.  Farquar  told  him  he  might  depend  on  it 
that  the  ministry  would  exert  their  utmost  force  against  the 
Colonies,  and  that  60,000  foreign  troops  were  coming 
over. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pettit,  the  door-keeper,  call  on  Ja- 
cob Le  Roy,  Esqr.  and  Doctr.  Wm.  Farquhar,  and  request 
them  respectively  to  attend  at  the  Congress  Chamber,  in 
the  City  Hall,  immediately. 

Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  attending,  was  admitted.  He 
produced  a  draft  of  a  contract  for  victualling  the  troops  to 
[be]  employed  in  this  Colony,  which  was  read.  Mr.  Li- 
vingston then  requested  to  know  what  sum  of  money  this 
Congress  would  advance  him  to  enable  him  to  carry  on  the 
contract,  and  what  sum  per  month  they  will  agree  to  pay 
him  ?    Mr.  Livingston  withdrew. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  request.  The  sums  proposed 
were  £5,000,  as  soon  as  Mr.  Livingston  shall  have  given 
security  to  perform  his  contract,  and  five  thousand  pounds 
per  month,  if  the  supplying  of  the  troops  shall  require  that 
sum.  The  question  being  put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  Capt.  Rutgers  only  dissenting  from  the  vote  of 
his  county. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Congress  will  advance 
to  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  «£5,000,  as  soon  as  he  shall 
have  s;iven  security  to  perform  his  contract,  and  pay  him 
5,000  pounds  per  month,  if  the  supply  of  the  army  station- 


ed in  the  Colony  of  New-York  shall  amount  to  that  sum 
or  require  it. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Gansevort  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  said  draft,  and  report  thereon 
this  afternoon. 

Mr.  Jacob  Le  Roy,  attending,  was  admitted.  Jacob 
Le  Roy,  Esqr.  says,  that  Doctor  Wm.  Farquar  told  him  he 
might  depend  on  it,  that  the  ministry  would  do  what  they 
could  by  force  ;  that  there  were  60,000  foreign  troops  com- 
ing over,  among  which  were  20,000  Russians  ;  that  on  his 
asking  Doctor  Farquhar  how  he  knew,  that  he  answered 
Mr.  Temple  had  said  so  ;  that  he,  Mr.  Leroy,  then  offered, 
that  he  would  lay  a  beaver  hat  with  Mr.  Temple  that  it 
was  not  true ;  that  Doctor  Farquhar  offered  to  lay  him  a 
beaver  hat  of  the  truth  of  it ;  that  he,  this  examinant,  re- 
fused to  take  the  advantage  of  him,  but  said  he  was  ready 
to  lay  the  wager  with  Mr.  Temple  ;  that  he,  this  exami- 
nant, then  told  Mr.  Farquhar  that  he  should  make  use  of 
the  intelligence  he  had  given  him,  and  that  he  must  give 
him  leave  to  call  on  him  as  the  author. 

Doctor  Wm.  Farquar,  attending,  was  admitted.  Doctr. 
Wm.  Farquhar  says,  he  had  heard  some  countrymen  at  the 
ferry  say  that  Mr.  Temple  had  said  that  thirty  thousand  fo- 
reign troops  were  coming  over  here.  Having  heard  Mr. 
Le  Roy's  examination  read,  says  that  he  did  not  inform 
him  of  60,000,  but  of  30,000  ;  that  he  told  Mr.  Leroy  that 
he  wondered  at  the  different  reports,  that  Mr.  Temple 
should  have  told  some  that  no  troops  were  coming  over, 
and  has  told  others  that  large  numbers  were  coming  over ; 
that  he  does  not  know  the  persons  of  whom  he  heard  the 
report  at  the  ferry. 

A  permit  was  given  to  Robt.  Murray  and  Ichabod  B. 
Barnet,  (after  being  sworn,)  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Ordered,  That  Robt.  Murray  and  Ichabod  B.  Barnet, 
be  and  they  are  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Ma- 
jesty's ship  Phoenix  and  Govr.  Tryon's  ship,  (in  company 
with  the  port  master,)  and  to  return,  they  having  been 
sworn  that  they  will  give  no  intelligence  relative  to  the  for- 
tifications erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony." 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  assist  Mr.  Garret  Roorback,  the  barrack  mas- 
ter, to  provide  quarters  without  delay  for  the  following 
troops,  expected  soon  to  arrive  in  this  city,  to  wit :  For 
six  companies  of  Pennsylvania  regulars  ;  for  eight  compa- 
nies of  Jersey  regulars  ;  for  one  thousand  Jersey  militia, 
and  for  at  least  three  hundred  militia  from  different  coun- 
ties in  this  Colony,  and  that  the  troops  of  the  respective 
corps  be  placed  as  near  each  other  as  possible. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  in  the  following  words,  to  wit : 

"  Suffolk  county,  March  1,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  pursuance  to  your  recommendation, 
the  committee  of  this  county  have  ordered  that  no  wheat 
or  flour  that  shall  be  made  after  this  date,  nor  any  barrel 
pork  or  beef,  be  exported  from  this  county  until  the  first 
day  of  April  next,  unless  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  this 
committee,  shall  otherwise  order.  As  this  county  stands  in 
need  of  a  considerable  sum  of  money,  to  defray  their  past 
expenses,  and  to  pay  their  Deputies  for  their  attendance 
on  Congress  for  the  present  year,  we  beg  the  favour  of  a 
loan  of  five  hundred  pounds,  which  this  county  will  repay 
as  soon  as  it  will  be  in  their  power  to  collect  the  same, 
and  desire  the  Deputies  from  this  county  may  receive  the 
money,  they  having  our  order  for  that  purpose. 
"  We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order, 
"WM.  SMITH,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Provincial 

Congress  in  New-York." 

On  reading  the  said  letter,  the  Congress  agreed  to  lend, 
or  advance  to  the  Deputies  of  Suffolk  county,  on  their  bond 
or  the  bond  of  those  present,  £460. 

Whereupon  the  said  entry  of  that  matter  and  order  there- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


363 


on,  was  read  and  agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit: 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  15th  March,  1776.  J 
"  The  committee  of  the  county  of  Suffolk  having,  by 
letter  dated  the  first  instant,  requested  the  loan  of  a  sum 
of  money,  which  they  therein  say  their  county  will  repay 
as  soon  as  it  is  in  their  power  to  collect  the  same  :  And 
whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  by  their 
resolution  of  the  thirteenth  day  of  March  instant  resolved 
to  advance,  on  loan  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  Congress, 
to  each  county  committee  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding 
the  sum  for  that  purpose  therein  mentioned,  and  amongst 
others  to  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  the  sum  of  four 
hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  payable  to  the  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  or  his  order :  And  whereas  the  Depu- 
ties of  the  said  county  of  Suffolk,  for  want  of  such  order, 
have  requested  that  the  said  sum  of  four  hundred  and  sixty 
pounds  may  be  advanced  to  them,  on  the  bond  of  Nathaniel 
Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart  and  David  Gelston,  Esquires, 
to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress,  until  such  certificate  from  the  county  committee 
shall  be  produced  to  entitle  them  to  have  the  said  bond  re- 
turned, to  which  request  this  Provincial  Congress  unani- 
mously agrees,  and  the  said  bond  is  executed  accordingly. 
Therefore, 

"  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  the  said  Nathaniel 
Woodhull,  John  Sloss  Hobart  and  David  Gelston,  or  any  one 
or  more  of  them,  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  sixty  pounds, 
and  take  a  receipt  of  the  payment  for  the  same,  and  that 
he  receive  the  bond  before  mentioned  for  that  money,  and 
retain  the  same  until  such  certificate  as  aforesaid  from  the 
said  county  committee,  shall  be  delivered  to  him  in  lieu 
thereof,  or  until  the  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  of  the  Committee  of  Safety." 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  1 5th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt.  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Hallett—  For  New-York. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Nicoll  on 
service — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
General  WoodhuU,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Ten  Broeck,  Major  Robt.  G.  Livingston,  Colo.  Morris  Graham 
— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker— Richmond. 
Colo.  Hay,  Colo.  Allison— Orange. 

Colo.  Hay,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
Thomas  Vernon,  delivered  in  their  report  and  the  examina- 
tion of  the  said  Thomas  Vernon,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

It  thereby  appears  that  the  said  Thomas  Vernon  is  a 
worthless  fellow  of  no  consequence.  That  no  dependence 
is  to  be  put  on  his  information.  As  to  Craig,  the  said  com- 
mittee gave  it  as  their  opinion  that  he  ought  to  be  separated 
from  Vernon,  and  not  confined  in  the  same  place  with  him. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  and  read  the  constitution 
and  powers  for  a  Committee  of  Safety  during  their  recess  ; 
the  whole  were  read,  sundry  amendments  made  thereto, 
and  the  same  being  finally  determined,  resolved  on  and 
agreed  to,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  this  Colony, 
appointed  by  this  Congress  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  Decem- 
ber last,  be  and  is  hereby  entirely  dissolved  ;  and  that  a 
Committee  of  Safety  for  this  Colony  shall  notwithstanding 
any  former  order  or  resolve,  be  formed  and  is  hereby  form- 
ed, in  the  manner  and  with  the  powers  hereinafter  mention- 
ed, and  that  a  quorum  thereof  shall  consist  of  seven  coun- 
ties represented  in  committee. 


That  any  three  or  more  of  the  members  for  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York  be  a  quorum  to  represent  that  city 
and  county  in  the  said  Committee  of  Safety. 

That  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Robert  Yates  and  Jacob  Cuy- 
Ier,  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  ;  Dirck  E.  Wynkoop, 
Esqr.  Samuel  Brewster  and  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  for  the 
county  of  Ulster ;  Morris  Graham,  Jacob  Eversen,  or  any 
other  member,  for  the  county  of  Dutches  ;  Colo.  Pierre 
Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake  and  Mr.  Paulding,  for 
the  county  of  Westchester ;  Jeremiah  Clark  and  Teunis 
Cooper,  for  the  county  of  Orange  ;  Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr. 
Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  and  Mr.  Covenhoven,  for  Kings 
county  ;  Thomas  Tredwell,  or  any  other  member,  for  the 
county  of  Suffolk;  Colo.  John  Williams,  or  Mr.  Alexander 
Campbell,  for  the  county  of  Charlotte  ;  Mr.  Moore  or  Mr. 
Wills,  for  the  county  of  Tryon  ;  Mr.  Adrian  Bancker,  or 
Mr.  Richard  Lawrence,  for  the  county  of  Richmond  ;  and 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams,  for  Cumberland  county  ;  with  any 
three  or  more  members  for  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  be  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  this  Colony,  to  have 
duration  until  the  second  Tuesday  in  May  next. 

That  each  of  the  counties,  except  New-York,  be  effectu- 
ally represented  by  one  member.  That  every  vote,  order 
or  resolve  in  the  said  Committee  be  by  counties,  and  not 
by  poll,  and  that  in  estimating  every  vote,  order  or  resolve, 
the  respective  voices  be  as  follows,  to  wit  :  the  city  and 
county  of  New- York,  four  ;  the  city  and  county  of  Alba- 
ny, three  ;  and  every  other  county,  two. 

That  every  member  of  this  Congress,  who  attends  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  may  sit  in  said  Committee  and  join 
in  the  vote  of  the  county  to  which  he  belongs. 

That  in  case  any  of  the  before  named  persons  should, 
through  sickness  or  otherwise,  be  unable  to  attend  the  said 
Committee,  the  Deputies  of  the  county  where  such  person 
or  persons,  so  unable  to  attend  resides,  shall  appoint  and 
immediately  send  one  other  of  their  number  to  supply  such 
deficiency. 

That  the  said  Committee  of  Safety  be  fully  vested  with 
the  following  powers  and  authorities,  and  under  the  follow- 
ing regulations,  to  wit : 

1st.  A  power  to  grant  all  commissions  in  the  militia  of 
this  Colony,  subject  to  the  regulations  thereof  as  establish- 
ed by  the  Provincial  Congress  ;  and  the  said  Committee 
have  the  same  powers  as  to  the  nomination  and  election  of 
officers,  and  the  granting  and  refusing  of  commissions  to 
officers  of  every  rank,  as  this  Provincial  Congress  while 
sitting. 

2d.  A  power  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  in  case 
of  any  alarm,  insurrection  or  invasion,  or  for  any  matter  or 
thing  for  the  executing  whereof  military  force  shall  or  may 
be  necessary,  to  order  and  direct  the  militia  of  the  Colony 
or  any  part  thereof,  subject  nevertheless  to  the  control  of 
this  and  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

3d.  The  like  power  during  such  recess  from  time  to 
time,  in  such  cases  as  are  last  mentioned,  to  order  and  di- 
rect any  of  the  Continental  forces  that  shall  be  within  this 
Colony,  and  be  by  any  order  or  appointment  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  under  the  direction  of  this  Congress,  sub- 
ject nevertheless  to  such  control  as  aforementioned. 

4th.  A  power  by  drafts  on  the  Treasurer  to  apply  all 
such  moneys  as  shall  be  appropriated  to  uses,  but  not  ac- 
tually applied  by  this  Congress. 

5th.  A  power  by  like  drafts  to  appropriate  and  apply 
any  such  moneys  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  by  them 
judged  necessary  for  contingent  services,  provided  the  same 
do  not  in  the  whole  exceed  five  thousand  pounds. 

6th.  A  power  to  execute,  or  cause  to  be  executed,  or- 
ders, resolves  and  recommendations  as  well  of  the  Conti- 
nental as  of  this  Congress. 

7th.  A  power  for  the  care,  direction  and  disposition  of 
the  magazines,  arms  and  ammunition  and  other  military 
stores  and  implements  belonging  to  this  Colony,  or  which 
shall  be  committed  by  the  Continental  Congress  to  the 
care  and  direction  of  this  Congress. 


364 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


8th.  A  power  in  the  recess  of  this  Congress  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  same  when  and  where,  in  the  judgment  of 
the  Committee,  any  emergency  shall  require  it. 

9th.  A  power  to  enjoin  secrecy  on  their  members  and 
others  under  their  direction  as  to  all  matters  in  the  ex- 
ecution of  their  trust,  wherein  they  shall  judge  it  necessary. 

10th.  A  power  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress  to 
open  and  answer  all  letters  directed  to  this  Congress,  or 
the  President  thereof. 

11th.  A  power  to  comply  as  far  and  as  often  as  they 
shall  think  proper,  with  any  requisition  by  the  generals  of 
the  Continental  forces,  or  any  or  either  of  them. 

12th.  A  power  to  take  up  and  examine  persons  suspected 
to  have  broken  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  or  this  Con- 
gress, or  to  have  in  any  otherwise  acted  inimical  to  the  liber- 
ties of  their  country  ;  and  according  to  the  discretion  of  the 
said  Committee  of  Safety,  to  discharge  such  persons  or  to 
send  them  to  the  general  committee  of  the  county  to  whom 
it  may  belong  to  determine  the  matter. 

13th.  A  power  to  carry  into  execution  a  settlement  of 
accounts  with  the  Continental  Congress,  which  this  Con- 
gress recommends  to  their  Committee  of  Safety  to  be  done 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

14th.  A  power  to  appoint  signers  for  the  emission  of 
paper  currency  lately  resolved  to  be  issued,  and  to  insert 
their  names  in  the  plan  agreed  to  and  resolved  on  by  this 
Congress  for  that  purpose. 

15th.  A  discretionary  power  to  purchase  arms  and  am- 
munition, and  apply  the  same  to  the  public  service. 

16th.  A  power  in  case  of  a  deficiency  of  the  Provincial 
treasury  to  answer  the  appropriations  and  applications  by 
this  Congress,  entrusted  to  the  Committee  of  Safety;  to  sup- 
ply such  deficiency  as  often  as  it  may  happen  by  a  vote 
of  credit  to  be  made  good  by  provisions  hereafter  to  be 
made  by  this  Congress. 

17th.  A  power  to  answer  and  determine  all  questions 
that  may  be  inquired  of  or  put  to  them  by  the  committee 
for  accounts,  and  that  may  arise  in  their  department. 

18th,  A  power  to  purchase,  secure  and  lodge  at  the 
public  expense,  in  such  places  of  safety  as  they  may  think 
proper,  as  much  pitch,  tar  and  turpentine  as  the  said  Com- 
mittee may  think  necessary  for  the  public  use  and  public 
safety. 

19th.  A  power  to  provide  for  the  removal  of  and  to  remove 
the  poor  that  are  or  may  be  in  the  alms-house  at  the  city  of 
New-York,  and  to  place  them  in  such  a  place,  or  places  of 
safety,  as  the  said  Committee  of  Safety  may  think  proper. 

20th.  A  power  to  remove  the  records  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  and  the  records  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  and  the  treasury  of  this  Congress,  and  the  treasury 
of  the  said  Colony,  in  the  hands  of  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire, 
or  any  or  either  of  them,  to  such  place  or  places  of  safety, 
and  under  such  guards  and  directions  as  to  the  said  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  shall  seem  necessary. 

21  si.  A  power  to  restore  any  person  or  persons  who 
may  have  been  held  up  as  inimical  to  his  country,  and  who 
shall  have  made  proper  concessions  and  signed  or  sub- 
scribed the  general  association,  and  given  to  the  Committee 
of  Safety  such  asurances  of  his  or  their  future  good  con- 
duct, and  willingness  and  determination  to  conform,  and  in 
all  things  be  obedient  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  as 
shall  be  satisfactory  to  the  said  Committee  of  Safety. 

22d.  A  power  to  advance  to  Abraham  Livingston,  con- 
tractor for  the  maintenance  of  the  Continental  troops  in 
this  Colony,  the  sum  of  five  thousand  pounds  as  soon  as  he 
shall  have  given  sufficient  security  for  that  sum,  or  for  ful- 
filling such  contract,  and  farther  to  advance  to  the  said 
contractor  any  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  the  sum  of 
five  thousand  pounds,  at  the  expiration  of  every  month  from 
the  commencement  of  such  contract,  if  in  the  opinion  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety  the  supply  of  the  army  in  the 
Colony  shall  require  it. 

23d.  A  power  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  from  time  to 
time  to  make  such  dispositions  and  distributions  of  any 


quantity  or  quantities  of  gunpowder,  or  other  Colony  stores 
of  arms  or  ammunition,  as  they  shall  think  necessary  for 
the  defence  of  the  Colony. 

24th.  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  keep  exact  journals 
of  their  proceedings,  subject  to  the  inspection  of  this,  or  a 
future  Provincial  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  be  directed,  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to 
weigh  the  powder  lately  purchased  of  Mr.  Nicholas  Low, 
so  as  to  know  exactly  the  quantity  thereof,  and  to  examine, 
or  cause  to  be  examined  with  great  care,  the  quality  there- 
of, and  to  report  the  quantity  and  quality  thereof  particu- 
larly, to  this  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  with  all 
possible  speed. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  16th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Van  Corilandt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Lott— For  New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Hay  absent  on  service — For  Orange. 

General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo. 
Nicoll  on  service — For  Mbany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Lefever,  Colo.  Palmer  on  service — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Peter  Ten  Broeck,  Colo-  Morris  Graham,  Major  R.  G.  Living- 
ston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Berrien  dated  the  15th  instant 
was  read.  He  has  therein  stated  an  account  of  moneys  by 
him  advanced  to  Barnard  Romans,  while  employed  as  an 
engineer  in  this  Colony,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  seven- 
teen pounds  seven  shillings  and  seven  pence. 

Ordered,  The  said  letter  remain  with  the  Secretaries, 
and  that  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  the  auditors  of  ac- 
counts, on  a  settlement  with  Barnard  Romans  deduct 
those  moneys,  or  so  much  thereof  as  they  shall  find  him 
chargeable  with,  out  of  his  pay. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  relating  to  Cap- 
tain Wynkoop  and  the  command  of  the  vessels  on  the  lakes, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Mbany,  March  8th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  honoured  with  yours  of  the  4th  instant. 
The  Continental  Congress  have  resolved  that  Capt.  Wyn- 
koop should  be  employed  upon  the  lakes  under  Commodore 
Douglass.  Whether  the  latter  gentleman  means  to  engage 
in  the  service  I  do  not  know.  Of  this  Congress  can  very 
speedily  inform  itself,  as  he  resides  near  New-York. 
Should  he  not  engage,  there  is  no  person  I  would  more 
willingly  have  to  command  the  vessels  than  Capt.  Wyn- 
koop. At  any  rate  I  wish  you  to  send  him  up  the  soonest 
possible,  with  a  sufficient  number  of  sailors  for  the  two 
schooners  and  sloop. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient, 

"  And  very  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Nathaniel  Woodhuxl,  Esq." 

Thereupon  a  message  was  sent  to  Mr.  Wynkoop,  who 
attended.  A  copy  of  the  said  letter  was  delivered  to  him. 
He  was  requested  to  go  to  Major  Douglass  with  the  copy  of 
the  said  letter,  show  it  to  him  and  request  to  know  of  him 
whether  he  will  accept  of  that  command,  and  that  Capt. 
Wynkoop  give  an  answer  to  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
whether  he  will  proceed  to  the  lakes  in  the  station  assigned 
him. 

The  letter  from  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  dated 
the  first  day  of  March  instant,  and  inserted  in  the  minutes 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


365 


of  yesterday,  was  again  read.  The  Congress  took  into  con- 
sideration that  part  of  it — the  embargo  laid  by  the  county 
committee  on  the  provisions  in  that  county.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  entirely  submitted  to  the  care,  wis- 
dom and  direction  of  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county  to 
continue  the  said  embargo  after  the  first  day  of  April  next, 
or  otherwise,  as  they  shall  think  proper  and  best  for  the 
inhabitants  of  that  county  in  particular,  and  of  the  Conti- 
nental service  in  general",  as  occasion  and  circumstances 
may  then  point  out  or  require. 

The  Congress  was  informed  by  Mr.  Paulding,  one  of 
the  members,  that  Captain  Jonathan  Horton  has  recruited  a 
great  part  of  his  company,  and  is  in  necessity  for  a  sum 
of  money  to  pay  the  wages  due  to  his  men. 

N.  B.  A  list  of  the  names  of  the  men  enlisted  in  Cap- 
tain Horton's  company,  is  filed  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Captain  Jonathan 
Horton  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds  in  part  of  the  pay  of  his 
company  ;  that  Captain  Horton  be  accountable  for  that 
sum  in  part  of  the  pay  of  his  company,  and  give  a  receipt 
for  the  money  to  the  said  Treasurer. 

Mr.  Hobart  moved  that  a  captain-lieutenant  and  other 
lieutenants  be  appointed  to  serve  in  the  company  of  artillery 
whereof  John  Grcnnel  is  appointed  captain. 

The  Congress  thereupon  resolved  and  agreed  that  the 
under  named  gentlemen  be  appointed  officers  in  that  com- 
pany, vizt:  Joseph  Crane,  Captain-lieutenant,  on  his  pro- 
ducing a  certificate  that  he  has  been  examined  and  is  duly 
qualified;  George  Fleming,  1st  lieutenant;  Thomas 
Grennel,  Junr.  2d  lieut. ;  John  Reed,  Junr.  3d  lieutenant, 
or  lieutenant  fire-worker. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  that  part  of 
the  report  of  their  committee  on  the  8th  of  March,  which 
contained  Lord  Stirling's  answer  as  to  the  case  of  Samuel 
Gale,  and  taking  the  case  of  the  said  Samuel  Gale  into 
consideration, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  he 
ought  to  be  forthwith  discharged  from  his  confinement,  he 
having  been  taken,  carried  away  and  imprisoned  without 
any  hearing,  trial  or  adjudication  whatever.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Fairfield  county  in  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut, requesting  the  immediate  discharge  of  the  said 
Samuel  Gale. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Fairfield  county,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  enclosed  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress will  shew  you  their  opinion  in  the  case  of  Samuel 
Gale.  I  have  it  in  charge  from  the  Provincial  Congress,  to 
request  your  order  that  he  may  be  immediately  discharg- 
ed from  confinement. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 
"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Fairfield  county." 

Ordered,  That  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
Abraham  Yates,  Junior,  Morris  Graham  and  William 
Paulding,  Esquires,  members  of  this  Provincial  Congress, 
do  execute  the  contract  agreed  to  with  Mr.  Abraham  Li- 
vingston, for  supplying  all  the  Continental  troops  to  be 
employed  in  this  Colony,  with  the  rations  allowed  by 
Congress,  in  pursuance  of  the  resolutions  and  recommen- 
dations of  the  Continental  Congress  on  that  subject,  made 
and  passed  on  the  day  of  February  last  past,  a  certi- 
fied copy  whereof  is  filed  amongst  the  minutes  and  pro- 
ceedings of  this  Congress  on  the  twenty-second  day  of 
February  aforesaid. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  manufactures 
ought  lo  be  encouraged  in  this  Colony,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read  ;  and  being  again  read,  paragraph 
by  paragraph,  and  amended  and  unanimously  agreed  to, 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

92 


"Whereas  it  is  necessary  for  the  security  of  this  Colo- 
ny to  establish  manufactures  of  gunpowder  in  the  same, 
and  this  Congress  having  resolved  to  lend  money  for  the 
encouragement  thereof,  and  it  being  judged  expedient  to 
add  some  further  encouragement  to  those  who  shall  erect 
powder  mills  in  this  Colony: 

"  Resolved,  That  any  person  who  shall  on  or  before  the 
20th  day  of  May  next,  erect  a  powder  mill  in  this  Colony, 
except  in  the  counties  of  New-York,  Richmond,  Kings 
and  Queens,  capable  of  manufacturing  1,0001b.  of  good 
merchantable  gunpowder  per  week,  shall  be  entitled  to  re- 
ceive of  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  pounds. 

"Resolved,  That  the  person  who  shall  on  or  before  the 
10th  day  of  June  next,  erect  the  second  powder  mill  in  this 
Colony,  (except  as  before  excepted)  capable  of  manufactur- 
ing 1,0001b.  of  good  and  merchantable  gunpowder  per 
week,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  of  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress  the  sum  of  seventy-five  pounds. 

"Resolved,  That  the  person  who  shall  on  or  before  the 
1st  day  of  July  next,  erect  the  third  powder  mill  in  this 
Colony,  (except  as  before  excepted)  capable  of  manufac- 
turing 1,0001b.  of  good  and  merchantable  gunpowder  per 
week,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  of  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds.  Provided  that  no  per- 
son shall  be  entitled  to  receive  any  of  the  premiums  afore- 
said unless  he  shall  first  prove  to  the  satisfaction  of  the 
committee  of  the  county  in  which  such  powder  mill  shall 
be  erected,  by  his  oath  or  the  oath  of  the  principal  manu- 
facturer and  three  of  the  most  reputable  freeholders  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  the  powder  mill,  that  the  same  was 
completed  within  any  of  the  periods  aforesaid  ;  and  also 
have  proved  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  committee  by 
the  oath  of  the  proprietor  and  of  the  principal  manufacturer, 
that  the  quantity  of  1,0001b.  weight  of  good  and  merchant- 
able gunpowder  was  manufactured  at  the  same  mill  in 
one  week  or  seven  days  successively,  and  shall  produce 
to  the  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colo- 
ny for  the  time  being,  certificates  from  the  said  committee 
of  his  having  proved  the  same. 

"  Whereas  it  is  also  necessary  to  encourage  the  set- 
ing  on  foot  manufactures  of  firearms  within  this  Colony  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  lend  for  two  years 
without  interest  from  the  date  hereof,  the  sum  of  £200 
to  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony,  who  shall  enter  into 
good  and  sufficient  security  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  or  to  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress  for  the  time  being,  for  the  repay- 
ment of  the  same,  and  that  he  will  without  delay,  esta- 
blish a  manufactory  of  gunlocks  in  some  county  within 
this  Colony  to  the  northward  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  and  in  default  thereof  to  be  subject  to  repay 
the  principal  with  seven  per  cent  per  annum  interest  for 
the  sum  borrowed,  and  the  further  penalty  of  thirty 
pounds. 

"Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
at  one  or  more  periods  on  or  before  the  15th  clay  of  Au- 
gust next,  produce  for  sale  to  the  Congress  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being,  the 
greatest  number  of  good  and  sufficient  doubled  bridled  gun- 
locks,  (not  less  than  five  hundred,)  manufactured  in  this  Co- 
lony at  one  manufactory,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  premium 
of  four  shillings  for  every  good  and  sufficient  gunlock  as 
aforesaid,  so  offered  for  sale. 

"Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
manufacture  within  the  time  before  mentioned,  the  second 
greatest  number  of  gunlocks  as  aforesaid,  not  less  than 
three  hundred,  and  offer  them  for  sale  as  aforesaid,  shall 
be  entitled  to  a  premium  of  three  shillings  for  each. 

"Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
manufacture  within  the  time  before  mentioned,  the  third 
greatest  number  of  gunlocks  as  aforesaid,  not  less  than 
two  hundred  and  fifty,  and  offer  them  for  sale  as  aforesaid, 


366 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


shall  be  entitled  to  the  premium  of  two  shillings  for  each. 
Provided  that  no  person  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  any  of 
the  above  premiums  for  the  manufacturing  of  gunlocks, 
unless  he  shall  first  prove  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  where  the  same  shall  have  been  ma- 
nufactured, by  the  oath  of  the  proprietor  and  the  foreman 
of  the  work,  that  the  same  were  bona  fide  manufactured 
within  this  Colony,  and  produce  a  certificate  thereof  to- 
gether with  the  aforesaid  depositions,  to  the  Congress  or 
the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  lend  for  two  years, 
without  interest,  from  the  date  hereof,  the  sum  of  £400  to 
any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall  enter  into  good 
and  sufficient  security  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  or  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being,  for  the  repay- 
mentof  the  same,  and  that  he  will,  wilhoutdelay,  erect  works 
for  the  making  and  boring  of  musket  barrels  of  three-fourths 
of  an  inch  bore,  capable  of  boring,  by  water,  five  barrels  at 
a  time,  in  some  county  to  the  northward  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York ;  and  in  default  thereof  to  be  sub- 
ject to  repay  the  principal  with  seven  per  cent  per  annum 
interest  for  the  sum  borrowed,  and  the  further  penalty  of 
sixty  pounds. 

"  Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
at  one  or  more  periods,  on  or  before  the  1 5th  day  of  August 
next,  produce  for  sale  to  the  Congress,  or  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony  for  the  time  being,  the  greatest  number 
of  good  and  sufficient  musket  barrels,  each  of  them  three  feet 
and  a  half  in  length,  and  of  three-fourths  of  an  inch  bore,  well 
fortified  at  the  breech,  not  less  than  five  hundred,  with  an 
equal  number  of  good  bayonets,  each  of  the  length  of  one 
foot  nine  inches  from  the  shoulder,  manufactured  in  this 
Colony  at  one  manufactory,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  premium 
of  eight  shillings  for  every  good  and  sufficient  musket  bar- 
rel and  bayonet  as  aforesaid,  so  offered  for  sale. 

"  Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
manufacture  as  aforesaid  the  second  greatest  number  of 
musket  barrels  and  bayonets  as  aforesaid,  not  less  than  three 
hundred,  and  offer  them  for  sale  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  en- 
titled to  a  premium  of  six  shillings  for  a  barrel  and  bayonet. 

"Resolved,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony  who  shall 
manufacture  as  aforesaid  the  third  greatest  number  of  mus- 
ket barrels  and  bayonets  as  aforesaid,  not  less  than  two 
hundred  and  fifty,  and  offer  them  for  sale  as  aforesaid,  shall 
be  entitled  to  the  premium  of  four  shillings  for  a  barrel  and 
bayonet ;  provided,  that  no  person  shall  be  entitled  to  re- 
ceive any  of  the  above  premiums  for  the  manufacturing  of 
musket  barrels  and  bayonets  unless  he  shall  first  prove  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  committee  of  the  county  where  the 
same  shall  have  been  manufactured,  by  the  oath  of  the  pro- 
prietor and  the  foreman  of  the  work,  that  the  same  were 
bona  fide  manufactured  within  this  Colony,  and  produce  a 
certificate  thereof,  together  with  the  aforesaid  depositions, 
to  the  Congress  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony 
for  the  time  being. 

"  Resolved,  That  neither  of  the  said  premiums  for  the 
erecting  of  powder  mills,  making  of  gun  locks  or  musket 
barrels  and  bayonets,  is  intended  to  be  given  to  the  proprie- 
tor of  any  powder  mills  already  erected,  or  to  any  person 
with  whom  the  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony  have  already  contracted,  or  to  any  person  in  their 
behalf,  for  the  making  of  gun  locks  or  musket  barrels  and 
bayonets. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  contract  for  any  num- 
ber not  exceeding  five  thousand  stands  of  arms,  to  be  ma- 
nufactured in  this  Colony,  on  account  of  and  for  the  defence 
of  the  Colony. 

"  Whereas,  the  Continental  Congress  have  directed  that 
the  Assemblies,  Conventions,  orlheCommilteesor  Councils 
of  Safety  of  the  respective  United  Colonies,  do  cause  works 
to  be  erected  in  each  of  them,  at  their  respective  expense, 
for  the  manufacturing  saltpetre. 


"  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be,  and  are 
hereby  authorized  to  contract  and  agree  with  proper  per- 
sons to  erect  works  for  manufacturing  of  saltpetre,  in  the 
several  counties  of  New-York,  Albany,  Ulster,  Orange, 
Dutchess,  Westchester  and  Suffolk. 

"  Whereas,  the  ministry  of  Great  Britain  are  not  only 
depriving  us  of  the  means  of  defence  but  have  arbitrarily 
ordered,  in  a  piratical  manner,  their  ships  of  war  to  ruin 
our  commerce  and  deprive  us  of  the  necessaries  of  life, 
which  renders  it  the  incumbent  duty  of  the  representatives 
of  the  people  of  this  Colony  to  provide  for  the  comfortable 
subsistence  of  their  constituents. 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  lend  to  any  person, 
for  the  term  of  two  years  from  the  date  hereof,  a  sum  not 
exceeding  £200,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  works  without 
delay  for  the  making  of  salt  out  of  sea  water  in  this  Colony, 
upon  his  giving  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  or  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Congress  for  the  time  being,  good  and  sufficient  security 
for  the  repayment  of  the  same  ;  and  in  default  of  erecting 
such  works,  to  be  subject  to  the  repayment  of  the  princi- 
pal and  of  seven  per  cent  interest  on  the  sum  so  borrowed, 
and  the  further  penalty  of  thirty  pounds. 

"  Resolved,  That  any  person  who  shall,  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  December  next,  make  the  greatest  quantity  of 
good  merchantable  salt  in  this  Colony,  not  less  than  1,200 
bushels,  shall  be  entitled  to  £100  premium. 

"  Resolved,  That  any  person  who  shall,  on  or  before  the 
saidfirst  day  of  December,  makethesecond  greatest  quantity 
of  salt  of  the  quality  aforesaid,  in  this  Colony,  not  less  than 
900  bushels,  shall  be  entitled  to  £75  premium. 

"  Resolved,  That  any  person  who  shall,  on  or  before  the 
said  first  day  of  December,  make  the  third  greatest  quan- 
tity of  salt,  of  the  quality  aforesaid,  in  this  Colony,  not  less 
than  600  bushels,  shall  be  entitled  to  £50  premium.  Pro- 
vided that  any  person  who  shall  claim  any  of  the  above 
premiums  for  having  manufactured  salt  as  aforesaid,  shall 
produce  a  certificate  thereof,  signed  by  three  of  the  princi- 
pal freeholders  of  the  neighborhood  where  the  said  works 
shall  be  erected,  and  an  affidavit  of  the  person  who  shall 
have  made,  and  of  some  other  person  who  shall  have  mea- 
sured the  said  salt,  in  order  to  entitle  him  to  any  of  the 
premiums  above  mentioned. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be,  and  they 
are  hereby  directed  to  collect  dissertations  upon  the  making 
of  salt,  without  delay  ;  and  that  they  cause  500  of  the  said 
dissertations  to  be  printed,  in  order  that  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Colony  be  informed  of  the  process  used  in  the  making 
of  salt ;  and  that  the  said  Committee  be  also  directed  to 
publish,  with  the  utmost  despatch,  200  copies  of  these  re- 
solutions, and  the  other  resolutions  of  this  Congress  for 
the  encouraging  the  erecting  of  powder  mills  within  this 
Colony." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  have  such  part  of  the 
aforegoing  resolutions  as  relate  to  the  making  of  salt  in  this 
Colony  printed  in  the  public  newspapers. 

A  copy  of  two  resolutions  of  the  committee  of  Albany, 
on  the  first  of  March,  certified  by  Matthew  Visscher,  their 
secretary,  and  covered  in  a  short  letter  of  the  said  secre- 
tary, by  their  order,  was  read  and  filed.  By  the  first  of 
their  said  resolutions  they  recommend  Thomas  Williams, 
Junior,  for  quarter-master  of  the  regiment  raising  for  Con- 
tinental service  for  the  counties  of  Albany,  Trvon  and 
Charlotte  ;  and  by  the  second  they  recommend  Peter  A. 
Fonda  for  adjutant  of  the  said  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  from  Albany  county  inform 
their  committee  that  the  appointments  of  adjutants  and 
quarter-masters  for  the  regiments  is  given  to  the  respective 
colonels. 

The  Congress  were  informed  by  Colo.  Jesse  Woodhull 
that  through  the  unhappy  dissatisfaction  in  the  company  of 
his  regiment,  whereof  Silas  Pierson  has  been  appointed 
captain,  the  said  company  will  be  useless  in  their  present 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


367 


state,  and  he  therefore  requested  the  Congress  to  provide 
some  relief  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  a  set  of  blank  commissions  for  that  com- 
pany, signed  by  the  President,  and  countersigned  by  one  of 
the  Secretaries,  be  sent  up  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Orange  county  ;  that  he  be  requested  to  lay  this  matter 
before  the  committee  of  the  county,  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee, if  they  should  think  it  advisable,  order  a  new  elec- 
tion for  officers  of  the  said  company,  and  fill  up  the  com- 
missions for  the  officers  who  shall  be  so  elected. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Orange  county  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  16th  March,  1776.  J 
"  Sir — This  Congress  being  informed  that  a  company 
of  militia,  commanded  by  Capt.  Person  in  Col.  Jesse 
Woodhull's  regiment,  in  your  county,  is  at  present  in  an 
unhappy  situation,  occasioned  from  a  party  arisen  in  the 
election  of  a  captain,  by  which  means  the  said  company 
would  be  useless,  should  any  emergency  happen.  We 
have  therefore  enclosed  a  set  of  blank  commissions  and 
recommend  that  you  lay  this  matter  before  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  with  all  convenient  speed,  and  if  they 
should  think  it  advisable,  to  order  a  new  election,  and  fill 
up  the  commissions  for  the  persons  so  elected. 

"  We  are,  sir,  yr.  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

*  To  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr.  Chairman  of 

the  Committee,  Orange  County." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  four  blank 
commissions,  signed  and  attested  in  the  manner  above  men- 
tioned. 

A  contract  with  Abraham  Livingston  for  victualling  all 
the  Continental  troops  in  this  Colony,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Articles  of  agreement  indented  and  made  this  sixteenth 
day  of  March  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-six,  between  Abraham  Livingston  of 
the  city  of  New-York,  merchant,  of  the  one  part,  and  Na- 
thaniel Woodhull,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr. 
Morris  Graham  and  William  Paulding,  and  the  survivor  or 
survivors  of  them,  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  pursuant  to  a  resolution  of 
the  Continental  Congress  of  the  seventeenth  day  of  Fe- 
bruary last  past,  of  the  other  part,  as  follows,  to  wit :  The 
said  Abraham  Livingston  doth  hereby  covenant,  promise 
and  agree  to  and  with  the  said  parties  of  the  second  part, 
and  the  survivor  and  survivors  of  them,  that  the  said  Abra- 
ham Livingston  shall  and  will  furnish  and  supply  such 
troops  as  are  or  shall  be  employed  for  the  defence  of  this 
Colony  in  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  Kings  county 
and  at  the  fortifications  now  erecting  in  the  Highlands,  for 
the  term  of  six  months  from  the  date  hereof,  with  good  and 
wholesome  provisions,  and  with  soap  and  candles,  agreea- 
ble to  the  rations  or  quantities  allowed  by  the  Continental 
Congress,  at  ten  pence  halfpenny,  New-York  currency, 
per  ration  per  man,  each  ration  to  consist  of  the  follow- 
ing kinds  and  quantities  of  provisions,  to  wit :  One  pound 
of  beef,  or  three  quarters  of  a  pound  of  pork,  or  one  pound 
of  salt  fish  per  day  ;  one  pound  of  bread  or  flour  per  day  ; 
three  pints  of  peas  or  beans  per  week,  or  vegetables  equi- 
valent, at  one  dollar  per  bushel  for  peas  or  beans  ;  one  pint 
of  milk  per  man  per  day,  or  at  the  rate  of  one-seventy-se- 
cond of  a  dollar ;  one  quart  of  spruce  beer  or  cider  per 
man  per  day,  or  nine  gallons  of  molasses  for  a  hundred 
men  per  week  ;  half  a  pint  of  rice,  or  one  pint  of  Indian 
meal  per  man  per  week  ;  three  pounds  of  candles  to  one 
hundred  men  per  week,  for  guards  ;  and  twenty-four  pounds 
of  soft  or  eight  pounds  of  hard  soap  per  hundred  men  per 
week  ;  which  several  articles  he  the  said  Abraham  Living- 
ston is  to  deliver  at  the  city  and  county  of  New-York  and 
in  Kings  county,  and  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 


at  proper  store  houses,  to  be  provided  by  the  parties  of  the 
second  part,  in  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and  in 
Kings  county,  and  at  each  of  the  said  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  so  as  that  the  said  Abraham  Livingston  may 
not  be  put  to  the  expense  of  more  than  one  cartage  to  each 
of  the  said  store  houses,  which  rations  he  the  said  Abraham 
Livingston  doth  covenant  to  deliver  to  the  quarter-master  of 
the  troops  stationed  or  to  be  stationed  at  each  of  the  said 
places.  And  in  case  it  shall  be  thought  necessary  for  the 
public  service  to  transport  or  carry  any  of  the  said  rations 
from  the  said  store  houses,  so  to  be  provided  as  aforesaid, 
to  any  other  place  or  places,  it  is  understood  that  the 
charge  and  expense  of  such  second  carriage  or  transpor- 
tation, shall  be  paid  by  the  parties  of  the  second  part,  or 
the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them.  And  the  said  Abraham 
Livingston  doth  further  covenant,  promise  and  agree  to  and 
with  the  said  parties  of  the  second  part,  to  furnish  the 
troops  at  each  of  the  aforesaid  places  with  firewood,  at  the 
rate  of  twenty  shillings,  New-York  currency,  per  cord,  and 
straw  at  the  rate  of  thirty  shillings  for  every  hundred 
sheaves,  including  cartage  :  Provided  he,  the  said  Abra- 
ham Livingston,  is  put  to  no  more  than  one  cartage  to  either 
of  the  said  places.  And  the  said  parties  of  the  second 
part,  and  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them,  do  hereby  pro- 
mise and  agree  to  and  with  the  said  Abraham  Livingston, 
that  if  it  should  so  happen  that  any  such  provisions,  wood 
or  straw,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  should  be  taken  or  de- 
stroyed any  otherwise  than  by  the  carelessness  or  negli- 
gence of  the  said  Abraham  Livingston,  or  his  agent  or 
agents  ;  that  then  and  in  that  case  the  loss  that  shall  or  may 
thereupon  accrue  shall  be  sustained  by  the  said  parties  of 
the  second  part  and  the  survivor  or  survivors  of  them. 

"  In  witness  whereof  the  parties  to  these  presents  have 
hereunto  interchangeably  set  their  hands  and  seals  the  day 
and  year  first  above  written. 

"  AB.  LIVINGSTON,  [l.  s.] 

'*  NATHL.  WOODHULL,  [l.  s.] 

"  ISAAC  ROOSEVELT,  [l.  s.] 

"ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  [l.  s.] 

"  MORRIS  GRAHAM,  [l.  s.] 

"WILLIAM  PAULDING,  [l.  s.J 
"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of,  ) 
(the  word  '  Livingston'  in  the  5  line  be-  > 
ing  first  interlined.)  ) 
"  Robert  Benson, 
"John  McKesson." 

Resolved,  That  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
Abraham  Yates,  Junior,  Morris  Graham  and  William  Pauld- 
ing, Esquires,  shall  be  and  each  and  every  of  them  shall 
be  fully  indemnified  by  this  Provincial  Congress  or  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  for  the  time  being, 
against  all  losses,  costs,  charges,  payments,  damages  or 
demands  that  shall  or  may  happen,  arise,  accrue  or  be  to  be 
borne,  or  suffered  by  reason,  means,  or  on  account  of  their 
having  entered  into  the  said  contract  by  the  said  Abra- 
ham Livingston,  for  supplying  the  said  troops  with  rations 
as  therein  mentioned,  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the 
Continental  Congress  recommending  a  contract  for  that  pur- 
pose to  be  made.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony 
for  the  time  being,  or  any  other  such  representatives  of  the 
good  people  of  this  Colony  [as]  shall  then  represent  the 
same,  shall  and  will  use  their  utmost  endeavours,  with  the 
other  representatives  of  this  Continent  that  the  said  con- 
tract shall  be  fully  discharged,  without  any  particular  loss 
or  injury  to  the  parties  of  the  second  part  therein  named, 
or  their  or  either  of  their  legal  representatives.  And  that 
in  the  mean  time  the  said  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Isaac  Roose- 
velt, Abraham  Yates,  Junior,  Morris  Graham  and  William 
Paulding,  their  and  each  of  their  heirs,  executors  and  ad- 
ministrators, and  their  and  each  of  their  goods  and  chat- 
tels, lands  and  tenements,  shall  be  saved  harmless  and  kept 
indemnified  from  all  payments,  costs,  charges,  damages 
and  demands  whatsoever,  by  reason,  or  means,  or  on  ac- 
count of  their  having  entered  into  and  executed  the  said 
contract. 


368 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Whereas,  It  is  apprehended  by  some  persons  that  the 
regiments  or  companies  of  minute  men  in  this  Colony  are 
not  subject  to  the  command  of  the  brigadier-generals  with- 
in whose  district  they  generally  reside. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  that  the  brigadier-generals  in 
this  Colony  be  authorized,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized, 
to  command  all  regiments  or  companies  of  minute  men 
within  their  respective  districts,  in  as  full  and  ample  man- 
ner as  any  other  of  the  militia  of  their  respective  bri- 
gades. 

A  message  was  received  from  Lord  Stirling,  by  Captain 


Morris,  requesting  the  barrack  necessaries  may  be  order- 
ed by  this  Congress  to  be  supplied  to  a  company  of  mili- 
tia from  New-Jersey,  arrived  at  this  city  to  enter  on  duty. 

Thereupon,  an  order  was  made  and  directed  to  Col.  Cur- 
tenius  and  the  barrack-master  to  supply  the  said  company 
of  militia  with  barrack  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  be  authorized, 
and  are  hereby  authorized,  to  hear  and  determine  the  case 
of  John  Grigg. 

[Although  no  entry  of  any  adjournment  appears  on  the  Journal,  yet 
it  would  seem  that  the  Congress  adjourned  on  this  day.] 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  18th,  1776. 
Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  McDougall, 
Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Scott— New- York. 
Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Colo.  P.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Morris  Graham — Dutches. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison— Orange. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Hallett  was  unanimously  chosen  Chairman. 

Capt.  Denning  produced  a  certificate,  dated  14th  in- 
stant, signed  by  Abraham  Purdy,  chairman  of  the  sub- 
committee, at  Peekskill,  that  Capt.  Albert  Sevrin  had  gi- 
ven bond,  with  security,  to  offer  the  following  quantity  of 
provision  for  sale  to  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
oress,  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  to  dis- 
pose of  it  to  the  friends  of  liberty,  to  wit:  18  bbls.  beef, 
19  firkins  of  lard,  1,400  bushls.  of  wheat,  which  Capt. 
Denning  says  are  his  property. 

Capt.  Denning  also  produced  another  certificate  of  the 
like  tenor  and  date,  that  bond  of  the  like  tenor  and  date 
had  been  given  for  16  barrels  of  beef,  2  do.  tallow,  51  pork 
hams,  41  pieces  dried  beef,  27  firkins  lard.  The  said 
quantities  of  provisions  and  other  articles  were  offered  for 
sale  to  the  Committee  of  Safety.  Certificates  thereof  were 
given  to  the  said  Sevrin,  and  permits  to  land  them. 

Elias  Nixsen,  the  port  master,  showed  a  list  of  articles  to 
be  carried  on  board  of  the  ships  of  war  and  Governor  Try- 
on's  ship.  He  was  informed  that  he  might  take  them  with 
him  on  board.  He  was  also  informed  that  he  was  permitted 
to  bring  on  shore  a  list  of  all  the  letters  on  board  in  the  mail 
for  citizens  of  New-York,  [and]  any  of  the  said  letters 
which  he  might  be  requested  by  the  citizens  to  bring  on 
shore;  but  that  he  must  produce  all  such  letters  as  he  may 
bring  on  shore  to  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr.  Sands,  for  their  in- 
spection, before  he  delivers  them  out. 

93 


Major  Abeel,  the  officer  of  the  working  parties  for  the 
day,  being  at  the  door,  requested  to  know  whether  any 
allowance  of  rum  shall  be  given  to  the  working  parties  or 
fatigue  men  of  the  working  parties.  The  Committee  are 
of  opinion  that  the  fatigue  men  will  be  dissatisfied  without 
some  allowance  of  strong  liquor,  as  it  is  usually  allowed  in 
all  services,  and  was  recommended  by  General  Lee. 

Ordered,  That  the  fatigue  men  of  the  militia  of  this 
city,  be  allowed  one  quart  of  spruce  or  ship  beer  per  man 
per  day,  or  the  value  thereof  in  rum,  while  on  labour  at 
the  works  carrying  on  in  this  city. 

The  keeper  of  the  Bridewell  delivered  in  three  returns  of 
prisoners  put  in  the  goal  under  his  care. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  or  supply,  or 
cause  to  be  supplied,  to  Alexr.  Montcrief,  provisions  for 
fourteen  prisoners,  now  in  his  custody,  to  wit :  For  John 
Craig,  Rynier  Van  Housen,  Joseph  Purdy,  William  White, 
and  the  nine  prisoners  late  belonging  to  the  ship  Asia,  and 
who  were  brought  from  Suffolk  county  ;  the  provisions  to 
be  delivered  according  to  Montcrief's  returns  to  the  22d 
instant,  but  only  at  the  rate  of  §  of  a  ration  for  each  per- 
son. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  he  is  in 
want  of  cash,  as  well  to  pay  Capt.  Ledyard's  company  as 
the  other  new  levies  now  in  town. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Colo.  McDougall, 
on  Continental  account,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds, 
on  account,  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him  to  pay  troops, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  that  sum  on  Continental  account. 

The  petition  [of]  Mr.  Bernard  Romans,  attending  at  the 
door,  was  read  and  filed,  and  he  was  called  in.  He  as- 
signs such  reasons  as  he  could  give  for  his  absence,  and 
for  the  charges  he  had  made  in  his  account  against  this 
Colony.    After  he  was  heard,  he  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Berrien  be  requested  to  attend  here 
at  4  o'clock  this  afternoon,  to  give  information  as  [to]  the 
moneys  by  him  charged  as  advanced  for  Bernard  Romans. 

A  letter  received  from  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  dated  the 
fifteenth  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 


370 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Philada.  March  Mh,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — As  it  is  now  apparent  that  our  enemies 
mean  to  prosecute  this  cruel  and  unjust  war  with  unrelent- 
ing fury,  and  as  every  intelligence  assures  us  that  they 
mean  to  bend  their  force  against  your  Colony,  I  would  not 
do  you  the  injustice  to  suppose  there  will  be  any  occasion 
to  use  arguments  to  stimulate  you  to  exert  your  most  stre- 
nuous endeavours  to  expedite  the  raising  and  arming  the 
battalions  ordered  to  be  raised  in  your  Colony  for  its  de- 
fence. Enclosed  I  send  you  the  commissions  for  the  field 
officers.  If  any  of  them  are  provided  for  in  Canada,  they 
are  to  continue  there,  and  others  will  be  elected  in  their 
room.  Such  of  them  as  are  in  Canada,  and  unprovided 
for,  have  orders  immediately  to  repair  to  their  respective 
regiments. 

"  Lest  our  enemies  should  come  upon  you  before  the 
Continental  troops  can  be  in  readiness  to  receive  them  ;  or 
in  case  they  should  come  with  superior  force,  the  Congress 
have  thought  proper  to  empower  the  Continental  com- 
mander at  New-York,  to  call  to  his  assistance  the  militia 
of  your  Colony,  and  that  of  Connecticut  and  New-Jersey, 
agreeably  to  the  enclosed  resolves  ;  and  I  have  it  in  com- 
mand to  request  you  to  hold  your  militia  in  readiness  to 
march  in  such  numbers  and  at  such  times  as  he  may  de- 
sire. 

"  The  Congress  have  ordered  five  tons  of  powder  for 
the  use  of  the  troops  employed  in  your  defence,  which 
will  be  forwarded  with  the  utmost  expedition. 
"  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  very  hole.  sevt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  The  Honourable  the  Convention  of  New-York. 

"  The  colonel  of  the  3d  battalion  is  not  appointed,  for 
reasons  that  will  be  mentioned  by  your  Delegates,  to  whose 
letter  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you." 

"  In  Congress,  March  15th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Governor  of  Connecticut,  the 
Conventions  or  Councils  or  Committees  of  Safety  of  New- 
York  and  New-Jersey,  be  requested  to  hold  their  militia  in 
readiness  to  march  in  such  numbers  and  at  such  times,  for 
the  defence  of  New-York,  as  the  Continental  commander 
at  New-York  shall  desire  ;  and  that  the  pay  of  the  militia 
called  to  the  defence  of  New- York,  be  the  same  as  that  of 
the  Continental  troops  raised  and  employed  in  the  middle 
department,  to  commence  from  the  time  they  begin  their 
march. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 
"  Transmitted  to  the  Honb.  Convention  of  New-York, 
bv  order  of  Congress. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  Convention  or  Comtt.  of  Safety,  New-York." 

A  letter  from  John  Chalfield,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  East  Hampton,  was  read  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Easthampton,  March  \  Uh,  1776. 
"  Gent. — On  Wednesday,  the  6th  instant,  the  ship 
Sally  (that  belonged  to  Mr.  Samuel  Franklin,  of  New- 
York,  and  taken  by  the  men  of  war  at  New- York  and  sent 
for  Boston)  was  drove  on  shore  in  a  gale  of  wind  at  Mon- 
tauk.  The  committee  of  Easthampton  ordered  the  com- 
mander, vizt.  Charles  Smith,  mate  of  the  Asia  man  of 
war,  and  Mr.  Young,  of  Philadelphia,  Mr.  Elder  and  Mr. 
McDermott,  who  say  they  were  passengers  on  board  the 
ship,  and  that  they  were  bound  to  Boston  to  procure  a  pas- 
sage home  to  England  ;  also  Mr.  Woolcomb,  who  was 
mate  of  a  transport  lately  taken  at  Amboy,  and  served  as 
mate  of  this  ship,  and  ten  seamen  that  belong  to  the  Asia ; 
all  which  persons  we  send  to  New- York  under  a  guard 
commanded  by  Lieut.  John  Foster,  in  the  minute  service. 
"We  also  send  you  by  Lieut.  Foster,  all  the  letters  and  pa- 
pers that  we  could  procure  from  on  board  her.  We  have 
employed  a  number  of  men  to  endeavour  to  save  as  much 
of  the  sails,  rigging,  &c.  as  possible  ;  her  cargo,  being  salt, 


is  all  lost,  and  expect  to  save  very  little  of  the  ship,  as  she 
lies  upon  rocks,  with  the  surf  continually  breaking  upon 
her.  "  We  are,  gent. 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servts. 
"  Signed  by  order  and  in  behalf  of 

the  committee  of  East  Hampton, 

"  JOHN  CHATFIELD,  Chairman." 

The  examinations  of  the  prisoners,  taken  before  the 
committee  of  East  Hampton,  were  read,  and  are  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  examination  of  Mr.  John  Young,  who  saith  that 
he  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  had  been  in  New-York  about 
a  week,  took  a  passage  in  the  ship  Sally  for  Boston,  in 
order  to  gel  a  passage  to  London,  and  there  was  only  ten 
muskets  put  on  board  the  ship  Sally  ;  and  that  Capt. 
Smith  hove  a  number  of  guns  overboard  after  the  ship  got 
on  shore,  but  don't  know  how  many." 

"The  examination  of  Mr.  Wm.  Elder,  who  saith,  he 
was  born  in  Scotland,  and  came  into  this  country  about  the 
first  of  May  last,  and  that  he  has  no  recommendations  to 
Rhode  Island  or  Boston,  and  that  he  was  on  board  the 
Asia  about  three  weeks." 

"  The  examination  of  Mr.  Wm.  McDermott,  who  saith, 
he  was  born  in  Ireland,  has  been  in  America  about  five 
years  ;  has  been  a  lieutenant  in  the  47th  regiment ;  had 
sold  his  commission  about  eighteen  months  agone;  and  that 
he  was  bound  to  Rhode  Island  or  Boston  to  get  a  passage 
home." 

"  The  examination  of  Joseph  Woolcomb,  who  saith,  he 
was  born  in  England  ;  has  been  in  this  country  about  four 
years  ;  came  last  mate  of  a  transport  taken  at  Amboy, 
and  had  been  on  board  the  Asia  about  a  fortnight." 

"  Thomas  Lambo,  Willm.  Hatch,  Robert  Craw,  Wm. 
Philips,  Rowland  Waller,  Hugh  Hall  and  Patrick  Pen- 
dergrass  all  say  that  they  belong  to  the  ship  Asia,  Capt. 
Vandeput." 

"  The  above  examinations  were  taken  before  the  com- 
mittee of  Easthampton. 

"Attest.        "JOHN  CHATFIELD,  Chairman." 

A  number  of  letters  taken  from  on  board  of  the  ship 
Sally,  some  from  Governor  Tryon,  Captain  Parker  and 
others,  to  Genl.  How  and  other  persons  at  Boston,  were 
transmitted  by  the  said  committee  with  the  prisoners  taken 
from  on  board  of  the  said  ship,  were  filed. 

Die  Lun^e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  18th,  1776. 

Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands 

— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  John  De  Lancey  came  to  the  Committee  to  com- 
plain of  the  treatment  he  had  received  of  Capt.  De  Witt, 
and  informed  that  a  party  are  gone  to  levy  a  fine  by  dis- 
tiess  on  his  goods. 

Mr.  De  Lancey  engaged  to  state  his  complaint  in  writ- 
ing and  deliver  it  in  to-morrow  morning. 

"  Ordered,  That  all  proceedings  against  Mr.  John  De 
Lancey  for  not  attending  in  his  beat  on  fatigue  be  stayed 
until  further  order  of  this  Committee. 

"  To  Capt.  De  Witt  and  the  other 

officers  of  his  beat." 

Colo.  Lott  came  into  the  Committee  and  returned  Elias 
Brevoort,  Esqr.  to  be  captain  of  the  company  of  militia  of 
foot  in  beat  No.  twenty-six,  in  the  third  regiment,  whereof 
Colo.  Lolt  is  colonel,  the  said  Elias  Brevoort  having  been 
elected  in  the  stead  of  John  Gregg,  who  is  disqualified  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


371 


confined  in  the  barrack  guard  house  for  conduct  inimical 
to  his  country. 

Ordered,  That  his  commission  issue,  and  it  was  issued 
accordingly. 

A  return  from  Colo.  Jacobus  Swartwout  was  read  and 
filed.  He  thereby  returns  the  officers  of  a  company  of 
minute  men,  raised  for  his  regiment,  and  which  Lord  Stirl- 
ing has  requested  may  be  sent  to  this  city,  to  wit :  Wil- 
liam Clarke,  captain  ;  Gilbt.  Strang,  first  lieut.;  and  Abra- 
ham Hyat,  2d  lieutenant. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen, 
and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Mr.  Oliver  Templeton  applied  for  liberty  to  go  on  board 
the  ship  Phoenix,  to  obtain  leave  of  Capt.  Parker  for  his 
vessel,  laded  by  order  of  Continental  Congress,  to  go  to 
sea.  An  oath  was  administered  to  Mr.  Templeton  in  the 
words  following  : 

"  You  do  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of 
Almighty  God,  that  you  will  not  give  any  intelligence  or 
information  whatever  to  any  person  or  persons  on  board  of 
the  ships  of  war  in  this  harbour,  or  on  board  of  Governor 
Tryon's  ship,  or  the  packet  or  any  of  them,  relative  to  any 
fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colo- 
ny ;  and  that  you  will  not  carry  on  board  any  or  either  of 
the  said  vessels,  or  deliver  to  any  person  on  board  of  or  be- 
longing to  the  said  vessels  any  letter  or  paper  writing  un- 
til you  shall  have  read  the  same,  and  know  that  it  does 
not  contain  any  information  relative  to  the  said  fortifica- 
tions, or  any  of  them  :  so  help  you  God." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Oliver  Templeton  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoe- 
nix, with  the  port  master,  and  to  return,  he  having  been 
previously  sworn  that  he  will  not  convey  any  intelligence 
relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this 
city  and  Colony. 

The  account  of  Christopher  Duyckinck  and  his  com- 
pany for  going  to  Nassau  island  and  tarrying  sundry  days, 
by  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  attempt  to  take  a 
pilot,  was  brought  into  the  Committee  and  read ;  it 
amounts  to  £44  Is.  6d.  only. 

Ordered,  That  it  [be]  submitted  to  the  auditors  or  pay- 
table  board. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  case  of  John 
Young,  brought  from  East  Hampton,  now  prisoner  at  the 
barracks,  and  the  letters  and  examinations  relating  to  him, 
and  thereupon  made  the  following  order,  to  wit  : 

Ordered,  That  John  Young,  a  native,  and  the  son  of  a 
gentleman  of  Philadelphia,  who,  contrary  to  the  will  of 
his  father,  has  entered  as  a  volunteer  into  the  ministerial 
service,  and  is  now  in  custody  in  the  barracks  of  this  city, 
be  safely  conveyed  to  Philadelphia,  together  with  certified 
copies  of  the  several  letters  of  recommendation  found 
upon  him  in  his  passage  to  Boston  ;  and  the  Right  Ho- 
nourable Earl  of  Stirling  is  hereby  requested  to  supply 
such  guard  and  furnish  such  other  necessary  means  for  the 
safe  conveyance  of  the  said  John  Young  to  Philadelphia 
as  his  Lordship  shall  think  proper. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Philadelphia  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  7 
"New-York,  March  IHth,  1776.  ) 
"  Gektn. — The  unhappy  excursions  of  the  son  of  any 
gentleman  friendly  to  the  general  interests  of  America  give 
us  great  pain.  Upon  the  subject  of  Mr.  Young,  we  thought 
the  best  thing  we  could  do,  would  be,  to  secure  his 
conveyance  to  your  committee,  not  doubting  that  the  good 
sense  of  the  parent,  cooperating  with  filial  piety,  will 
bring  the  young  gentleman  to  a  proper  sense  of  his  duty. 
We  enclose  the  papers  necessary  to  elucidate  his  case,  and 
are, 

"  With  great  respect,  gentn. 

"  Your  most  obed.  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  the  Genl.  Committee  of  Asso." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  ;  and  the  Secretaries 
prepare  and  enclose  therein  copies  of  the  sundry  letters 
and  papers  brought  from  East  Hampton,  which  relate  to 
the  said  John  Young. 

A  long  letter  from  Jacamiah  Allen,  bearing  date  on  the 
16th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  that 
82  of  the  guns  beyond  King's  Bridge,  are  cleared  and  un- 
spiked  ;  that  he  will  be  able  to  complete  the  whole  in  three 
weeks  from  the  date  thereof,  and  he  thereby  offers  his  ser- 
vices to  guard  those  guns  for  one-half  of  what  David  Bar- 
clay gets. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Lent,  Esquire,  colonel  of  the 
Orange  Town  regiment,  bearing  date  the  17th  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  he  has  received  the 
resolution  and  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  13th 
instant,  for  sending  a  number  of  men  from  his  regiment  to 
New-York ;  he  theieby  proposes  to  send  a  captain  and  set 
of  officers  for  a  minute  company,  and  requests  an  explana- 
tion of  the  order  which  he  appears  to  have  misunderstood. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Colo.  Lent,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  18th,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — we  received  yours  of  yesterday,  and  have  only 
to  observe,  that  only  a  lieutenant's  party  was  to  be  taken 
from  your  regiment,  and  as  for  your  minute  men,  we  would 
remind  you  that  there  can  be  no  such  thing,  unless  a  com- 
pany is  regularly  formed  ;  therefore  advise  you  to  send 
down  with  all  convenient  speed  the  35  men  wrote  for,  with 
a  first  lieutenant  and  ensign,  with  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers in  the  same  proportion. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  Colo.  Ab.  Lent,  Orange." 

Mr.  Paulding,  one  of  the  members,  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  several  of  the  members  from  Westchester  coun- 
ty conceiving  that  they  were  directed  to  purchase  pork  for 
a  magazine,  were  purchasing  quantities  for  that  purpose  ; 
that  Colonel  Gilbert  Drake,  by  a  late  order  of  the  Con- 
gress, was  also  purchasing  the  whole  quantity  directed  to 
be  stored  in  that  county,  whereby  there  is  danger  that  the 
said  article  of  provisions  may  be  purchased  at  an  exorbi- 
tant price. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  came  to  the  determination  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

Whereas  different  appointments  have  been  made  by  the 
Provincial  Congress,  for  the  purchase  of  barrelled  pork  for 
the  public  service  in  Westchester  county ;  it  is  therefore 

Ordered,  That  no  person  employed  in  that  service  pay 
more  for  that  article  of  provision  than  four  pounds  per  bar- 
rel, subject  to  the  expense  of  the  sellers  for  cartage  to  the 
place  of  delivery  in  the  county. 

Captain  Wyncoop  attended  the  Committee  and  informed 
that,  in  pursuance  of  the  directions  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, given  to  him  on  last,  he  had  called  on  Major 
Douglass  and  delivered  to  him  a  copy  of  General  Schuy- 
ler's letter  of  the  instant,  relating  to  the  service  on 
the  lakes  ;  that  Major  Douglass  declined  giving  him  any 
definite  answer  on  that  subject,  and  intimated  that  if  he  did 
undertake  that  service,  he  would  not  be  able  to  attend  it 
sooner  than  two  months  hence. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major  Douglass  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  March  18fA,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — A  gentleman  engaged  in  the  public  service 
should  be  always  ready  to  determine  upon  any  question  of 
service  submitted  to  his  option.  Mr.  Wyncoop,  we  are  in- 
formed, communicated  to  you  the  copy  of  a  letter  from  Ma- 
jor-General Schuyler  ;  from  which  it  appears  that  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  has  reserved  for  you  the  office  of  com- 


372 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


modore  on  the  lakes,  and  designated  Capt.  Wyncoop  for 
service  under  you  in  that  department.  The  general  has 
recommended  Mr.  Wyncoop  to  that  command,  in  case  of 
vour  refusal.  Lest  you  should  have  forgot  the  contents  of 
the  general's  letter,  we  enclose  you  a  copy  of  it.  We  re- 
quest your  immediate  answer.  If  you  accept  of  the  ap- 
pointment, we  expect  that  you  will  stand  ready  at  a  minute's 
notice  for  the  execution  of  duty,  whenever  the  service  re- 
quires it. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 
"  To  Major  Douglass." 

A  long  letter  from  Colonel  Isaac  Nicoll,  at  the  fortifica- 
tion in  the  Highlands,  dated  the  fifteenth  instant,  was  read 
and  filed.  Amongst  other  things,  he  therein  complains  of 
many  inconveniences  at  the  post  for  want  of  a  commissary 
of  provisions,  and  barrack  furniture  ;  and  encloses  an  ac- 
count of  ammunition  supplied  by  the  commissioners  to 
Capt.  Samuel  Raymond,  and  not  returned  ;  which  account 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Capt.  Samuel  Raymond,  Dr. 
To  ammunition  delivered  by  the  commissioners  and  not  returned  : 

1776,  Jany.  Powder,  pounds,   16 

Musket  balls,  pounds,   29 

do     cartridge  paper,  quires,   2 

Fort  Constitution,  March  8th,  1776. 

WILLIAM  BEDLOW, 
JONTN.  LAWRENCE, 

Commissioners ." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  and  letter  remain  over  for 
consideration,  inquiry  and  answer. 

A  return  of  Capt.  Benj.  Egberts'  company,  from  beat 
No.  2,  of  the  city  of  New- York,  who  had  been  on  fatigue 
yesterday  at  the  fortifications,  was  brought  into  the  Com- 
mittee and  filed. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  19th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Hallet,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Captain  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott— For 
New-York. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Tryon. 
Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Genl.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster- 
Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemius— Kings. 

Captain  Blauvelt,  from  Orange  Town,  attending,  re- 
quested the  sense  of  the  Committee  whether  the  3.r)  men 
ordered  to  this  city  out  of  Colo.  Lent's  regiment  may  not 
come  down  under  the  command  of  a  captain  and  ensign. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  thirty-five  pri- 
vates, ordered  from  Orange  Town,  may  be  commanded  by 
Captain  Blauvelt  and  his  ensign. 

John  Griffiths  attending,  was  admitted ;  he  requested  a 
permit  to  go  on  board  the  packet  and  to  return. 

Whereupon  a  permit  was  given  him  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Griffiths  be  and  he  is  hereby 
permitted  to  go  on  board  the  packet,  with  the  port  master, 
and  to  return  ;  he  having  been  sworn  that  he  will  not  give, 
or  convey,  any  intelligence  on  board  said  ship,  or  either  of 
the  ships  of  war,  or  the  Governor's  ship,  relative  to  the 
fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Co- 
lony. 

Capt.  Mercier  applied  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  an 
order  to  take  25  water  casks  from  the  stores,  for  the  use 
of  a  vessel  purchased  by  the  marine  committee  for  an 
armed  vessel.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  William  Mercier  have  leave  to 
take  immediately  twenty-five  such  water  casks  as  he  shall 
choose  of  those  now  in  store,  or  yard,  near  Warren's  wharf 


at  Hudson's  river,  the  same  being  for  public  use  for  one  of 
the  Colony  armed  vessels. 

Capt.  Mercier  farther  informed  the  Committee  that  the 
blacksmiths,  carpenters  and  other  mechanics,  who  are  and 
have  been  employed  in  making  the  carriages  for  cannon, 
are  much  in  want  of  cash  ;  that  three  hundred  pounds  will 
be  sufficient  to  pay  them,  in  part,  for  the  present.  There- 
upon 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
advance  to  Wm.  Mercier  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds, 
on  account,  towards  paying  and  discharging  the  accounts 
and  debts  become  due  for  making  gun  carriages,  and  that 
the  Treasurer  take  Capt.  William  Mercier's  receipt  for  the 
same. 

The  Chairman  and  Capt.  Rutgers  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that,  in  pursuance  of  the  direction  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  of  the  day  of  March  instant,  they 
had  purchased  a  sloop  to  be  made  an  armed  vessel  for  the 
defence  of  the  trade  of  this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies  ; 
that  they  had  agreed  to  pay  the  sum  of  £430  for  the  said 
sloop. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  Captain  Anthony 
Rutgers  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  thirty  pounds,  to  pay 
for  the  said  vessel,  and  that  the  Treasurer  take  Mr.  Rut- 
gers' receipt  for  the  same. 

Colo.  Hyer,  Major  Malcom  and  Capt.  Wool,  of  the  se- 
cond battalion  or  regiment  of  the  city  of  New-York,  came 
into  the  Committee.  They  informed  that  they  were  au- 
thorized by  the  said  battalion,  to  offer  their  service  as  a 
regiment,  to  be  taken  into  constant  pay  as  minute  men. 
After  some  conversation  on  that  matter,  the  committee  in- 
formed those  gentlemen  that  they  would  take  that  matter 
into  consideration,  and  give  them  an  answer  as  soon  as 
conveniently  they  can  determine. 

Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  agent  victualler,  and  Thomas 
Horsefield,  the  brewer  at  Broecklyn  ferry,  at  the  door,  were 
admitted.  They  stated  the  difficulties  attending  the  send- 
ing on  board  beer  to  the  ships  of  war,  under  the  attendance 
of,  and  with,  the  port  master  only ;  as  it  happens  at 
times  that  his  other  necessary  engagements  in  his  duty  and 
going  to  the  ships  in  the  haibour,  will  not  permit  him  to 
go  at  the  hours  they  want  his  attendance.  Mr.  Lott  and 
Mr.  Horsefield  withdrew. 

The  committee  having  considered  of  the  said  application, 
are  of  opinion  and  determine  not  to  make  any  alterations 
in  the  mode  fixed  for  supplying  the  ships,  or  either  of 
them. 

Mr.  Horsefield  was  called  in  and  informed  of  the  deter- 
mination of  the  Committee. 

John  Murray  at  the  door,  was  admitted.  He  requested 
a  permission  to  send  bread  on  board  of  the  ship  Dutches  of 
Gordon.  After  having  fully  heard  Mr.  Murray,  the  Com- 
mittee consented  that  Mr.  Murray  shall  have  a  permit  de- 
livered to  the  port  master,  to  send  five  hundred  weight  of 
bread  on  board  of  the  said  ship,  but  that  he  shall  not  have 
any  further  permit  until  he  produces  an  account  of  the 
provisions  and  stores  on  board  of  the  said  ship,  for  ship's 
use. 

A  return  from  Asahel  Berry,  the  officer  of  the  port 
guard  at  the  North  river  during  last  night,  and  therein  said 
to  be  made  to  the  captain  of  the  main  guard  at  the  lower 
barracks,  was  delivered  to  the  Chairman,  and  read.  The 
prisoners  therein  mentioned,  except  James  Coffin,  being 
brought  to  the  door  by  a  guard,  David  Ketch  and  William 
Douglass  were  brought  in  and  examined.  Two  witnesses 
with  respect  to  them  were  called  in  and  examined.  It  ap- 
pears lhat  David  Ketch  flashed  his  gun  several  times  at 
some  of  the  sentinels. 

Ordered,  That  the  gun  be  examined  whether  it  is  load- 
ed, as  the  witnesses  suppose,  and  that  application  be  made 
to  a  magistrate  to  bind  over  the  said  David  Ketch,  and  take 
sureties  for  his  keeping  the  peace  and  being  of  good  be- 
haviour. And, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


373 


Ordered,  That  the  runaway  negro  therein  mentioned, 
be  sent  to  bridewell,  and  that  the  overseer  thereof,  receive 
and  advertise  him  ;  that  the  free  negro  be  discharged  ;  and 
that  until  these  matters  are  done,  and  farther  order  given, 
the  said  prisoners  (except  the  free  negro,)  be  returned  to 
the  guard  house. 

Application  being  made  for  a  permit  to  send  letters  on 
board  of  the  packet, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Colo.  Morris  Graham  be 
a  committee  to  examine  all  letters  designed  to  be  sent  on 
board  of  the  packet  before  they  are  sealed,  and  to  retain 
them  until  they  are  sent  on  board  by  the  port  master. 
That  those  gentlemen  on  their  honour  keep  secret  the  con- 
tents of  every  letter  they  may  so  examine,  unless  in  their 
opinion  it  should  so  far  concern  the  public  that  they  should 
think  it  their  duty  to  communicate  the  contents  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  inhabitants  as  occasion  may  require 
be  informed  of  this  order. 

The  case  of  Mr.  John  De  Lancey,  and  his  complaint 
against  Mr.  John  De  Witt,  captain  of  the  militia  in  the 
beat  where  Mr.  De  Lancey  resides,  was  sent  into  the 
Committee.  For  want  of  lime  to  take  the  same  into  con- 
sideration, it  is  deferred  for  the  present. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling  relating  to  the  artillery,  im- 
mediately necessary  to  be  fitted  for  use,  was  read. 

A  state  of  the  whole  artillery  on  the  island,  and  of  what 
is  necessary  to  complete  them  to  a  certain  degree  ;  and 
also  a  separate  return  of  the  cannon  down  to  six  pounders 
inclusive,  and  of  what  is  necessary  to  complete  them  to  a 
certain  degree,  received  in  Lord  Stirling's  said  letter,  were 
respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  bearer  be  discharged  from  the  door, 
and  that  the  said  letter  be  taken  into  consideration  this  af- 
ternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  19th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Joseph  Hallett — Chairman. 

Mv.  Scott,  Colo.  McDougall,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stou- 
tenburgh — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Genl.  Peter  Ten  Broeck — For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Mr.  Contine— For  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  John  Moore — Tryon. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams— Cumberland. 

The  Chairman  laid  before  the  Committee  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Moses  Ogden,  of  New  Ark,  requesting  an  advance  of 
jGlOO,  to  pay  for  coal,  to  cast  the  shot  which  Mr.  Hallett 
had  agreed  with  him  for,  by  order  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  Mr.  Moses  Ogden,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  19th  March,  1776.  \ 
"  Sir — Your  letter  on  the  subject  of  shot,  for  which  a 
verbal  contract  only  now  subsists,  I  laid  before  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety.  They  have  it  much  at  heart  to  be  im- 
mediately supplied  with  that  article,  and  are  therefore 
extremely  ready  to  enable  you,  by  a  reasonable  advance  of 
cash,  to  execute  your  part  of  the  contract.  But  they  wish 
it  should  be  reduced  to  writing,  that  nothing  may  be  left 
to  doubtful  construction.  I  am  directed  by  the  Committee 
to  request  your  immediate  attendance  on  them,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  carrying  a  contract  of  so  much  importance  into 
immediate  and  effectual  execution. 

"I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servt. 
"To  Mr.  Moses  Ogden,  at  Newark." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by  the 
Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

94 


Colonel  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  the 
wife  of  Captain  John  Lamb  of  the  artillery  (now  Major  John 
Lamb,  in  Canada,  has  a  letter  of  attorney  from  her  hus- 
band to  receive  part  of  his  pay.  That  she  has  a  family  to 
maintain  and  is  in  want  of  money  ;  and  Colonel  McDou- 
gall requests  to  know  whether  the  Committee  will  autho- 
rize him  from  time  to  time  to  advance  her  some  money  in 
part  of  her  husband's  pay.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  McDougall  be  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  advance  to  Mrs.  Lamb,  the  wife  of  Major 
John  Lamb,  such  sums  per  month  as  she  is  by  a  power  of 
attorney  from  her  said  husband  empowered  to  receive  as 
part  of  his  pay,  and  that  Colonel  McDougall  take  her  re- 
ceipt for  such  sums  as  he  shall  from  time  to  time  advance 
to  her,  and  see  that  the  same  be  deducted  out  of  Major 
Lamb's  pay. 

A  return  of  barrack  necessaries  now  wanting  for  Lieut. 
Colonel  Mathias  Ward's  battalion  of  militia  from  Essex 
county,  New-Jersey,  was  brought  in,  read  and  filed,  as 
follows  :  8  rooms  want  3  dishes  in  each  room,  24  ;  8 
rooms  want  9  spoons  in  each  room,  72. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  deliver  to  the  quar- 
ter-master of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Mathias  Ward's  regiment 
of  militia,  from  New-Jersey,  24  dishes  and  72  spoons  for 
the  use  of  his  troops  or  militia  placed  in  8  rooms  in  this  city. 

Colonel  Lott  came  into  the  Committee  half  an  hour 
past  five  o'clock. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  proposal  of 
Colonel  Hyer  and  the  other  officers  of  the  second  battalion 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  made  to  the  Committee  this  morn- 
ing, and  thereupon  came  to  the  determination  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Committee  of  Safety,  taking  into  consideration 
the  application  of  Colo.  Heyer,  respecting  the  second  bat- 
talion of  independent  companies  of  the  militia  of  this  city, 
are  willing  to  engage  the  said  battalion  as  minute  men  on 
immediate  pay,  to  continue  two  months,  upon  the  follow- 
ing terms,  vizt. 

"  The  battalion  to  consist  of  at  least  7  companies,  each 
company  to  consist  of  86  men,  including  sergeants,  cor- 
porals, drum  and  fife,  besides  officers  ;  to  have  1  colonel,  1 
lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  1  adjutant,  1  quarter-master. 
The  pay  to  be  the  same  as  the  Continental  troops,  with  an 
allowance  of  eight  shillings  per  week  for  their  rations  and 
barrack  furniture.  The  officers  to  receive  pay  in  propor- 
tion to  the  number  of  men  in  their  respective  companies — 
that  is  to  say,  that  according  to  the  whole  number  of  men 
as  many  officers  shall  receive  pay,  as  conformable  to  the 
rules  or  discipline  and  service  shall  be  a  sufficient  body  of 
officers  for  such  a  command  as  the  number  of  men  shall 
amount  to." 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  above  be  deliver- 
ed to  Major  Stoutenburgh  to  be  proposed  to  the  said  se- 
cond battalion. 

'  A  letter  from  Governor  Tryon  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony,  at  the  request  of  a  member,  was  brought  from 
Hugh  Gaines  to  the  Committee  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  keep  an  exact  copy  there- 
of and  return  the  original  to  Hugh  Gaine  with  all  possible 
despatch.    A  copy  thereof  was  taken  and  filed. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Thomas  Smith  and  Mr.  Ray,  came 
into  the  Committee  at  half  an  hour  past  six  o'clock. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  proposal  of 
Jacamiah  Allen  contained  in  his  letter  to  guard  the  can- 
non at  King's  Bridge  for  half  the  money  Mr.  David  Bar- 
clay now  gets  for  that  service. 

Ordered,  That  Jacamiah  Allen  take  the  charge  of  guards 
ing  those  guns  in  future,  while  a  guard  for  them  shall  be 
wanted,  and  on  the  conditions  he  has  offered. 

The  petition  of  Josiah  Robertson,  Johannes  Tack  and 
49  other  of  the  inhabitants  of  Marble  Town  in  Ulster 
county,  subscribers  thereto,  was  read  and  filed.  They 
pray  that  they  may  be  embodied  into  a  company  of  grena- 


374 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


diers  in  Colo.  Levy  Paulin's  regiment  in  Ulster  county. 
That  having  obtained  the  approbation  of  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  regiment,  and  of  the  committee  of  the  town- 
ship, and  of  the  officers  of  the  militia  in  Marble  Town, 
they  have  elected  Charles  W.  Broadhead  for  captain  ;  Ja- 
cob D.  Lameter  for  first  lieutenant ;  Moses  M.  Cantine 
for  2nd  lieutentant ;  and  Jacob  Chambers  for  ensign. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Levy  Pauling,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Marble  Town,  requesting  that  the  said  offi- 
cers might  be  commissioned,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
respectively. 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  the  letter 
of  Lord  Stirling,  and  returns  of  artillery  stores  wanting, 
which  were  received  at  noon.  The  same  were  again  read, 
and  are  as  follows  : 

"  New-York,  March  18th,  1776. 
"  Sir — It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  safety  of 
this  city  and  Province,  that  all  the  artillery  we  are  to  rely 
on  be  completed  in  every  article  ;  it  was  but  lately  that  I 
could  obtain  a  complete  state  of  all  the  artillery  on  this  is- 


land. It  was  then  so  near  the  adjournment  of  your  Con- 
gress that  I  did  not  care  to  introduce  to  it  a  matter  so  long 
in  detail.  1  now  enclose  you  a  return,  No.  1,  of  the 
whole  artillery  and  the  articles  wanting  to  equip  and  com- 
plete them  to  100  rounds,  by  which  you  will  observe  that 
all  the  cannon  below  six  pounders  are  in  want  of  every  ar- 
ticle, and  would  take  up  more  time  than  we  can  spare  at 
present  to  complete  them  ;  I  have  therefore  made  out  ano- 
ther return,  No.  2,  of  all  the  cannon  down  to  six  pounders 
inclusive,  and  these,  if  the  work  be  properly  distributed, 
may  soon  be  equipped  with  every  necessary  ;  and  I  must 
request  that  the  Committee  of  Safety  will  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, take  measures  to  have  all  necessaries  provided,  and 
you  may  be  assured  that  I  will  lend  every  assistance  in 
my  power  for  forwarding  the  work.  As  I  have  no  copies 
of  these  returns,  I  should  be  glad  to  have  them  sent  back 
to  me  when  you  have  taken  copies  of  them. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humbl.  servt. 

"  STIRLING. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 


"  A  return  of  the  cannon  that  are  (or  are  capable  of  being  made)  fit  for  service,  in  or  near  the  city  of  New-  York, 
with  the  articles  wanting  to  equip  them  for  action,  with  100  rounds  for  each  gun. 


GUNS  IN  THEIR  PRE- 
SENT SITUATION. 


C  «3 

O)  "U 

1/1 

u  3 

.o  o 
—  -a 


ft 


21 


3 
17 

14 
4 
9 
3 


69 


CD  U 
W  til 


17 


27 


Q.  o 
3  60 


4 
I 
4 

2 
25 
65 
19 

4 


124 


si 


0 


42 
1 
10 
18 
20 
31 
74 
22 
4 


222 


37 
1 

10 
14 
14 
1 


77 


ARTICLES  WANTING  TO  EQUIP  THEM,  ALLOWING  15  CANISTERS  FOR  A  32  POUNDER 

AND  50  FOR  THE  OTHER  PIECES. 


'J 


15 

20 


40 


6 
16 

54 
22 
4 


3N 
50 
54 
80 


112  226 


16 
12 

32 
108 
44 


01 

c  . 

C3  (A 

a  v 

r-  6o 
ft 


300 
2700 


C 

a 

a 

f-t 

pe 

a 

CI 

ft 

228 


500 
1000 
3700 
1100  1200  1200 
200  200  200 


630 
50 
500 
900 
1000 
1550 
3700 


4300  6600  9730  7650  145 


1000 
1550 
3700 
1200 
200 


t/l  QJ 

60  £5 

c  6 

3-  u 

«3 


31 

74 
22 
4 


35 
1 
7 
7 
16 
31 
74 
22 
4 


197 


22 


10 
13 

29 
74 
22 
4 


174 


a  a 
o  S 


42 
1 
10 
18 
20 
31 
74 
22 
4 


222 


300 
2700 


42 
1 
10 
18 
20 
31 
74 


1100  22 

200 


4300  222 


42 
1 

10 
18 

20 
31 
74 
22 
4 


222 


42 
1 

10 
18 
20 
31 
74 
22 
4 


222 


pi 


42 
1 
10 
18 
20 
31 
74 


22  22 
4  4 


222 


192 

648 
264 
48 


96  1125  96  96  222 


"  New-York,  March  the  Wth,  1776.  "  S.  BADLAM,  Capt.  of  Artillery. 

"  There  is  wanting,  besides  the  above  returns  : 

Sheepskins  for  sponges   100") 

Sponge  tacks,    2000  (  Ordered  to  be  provided, 

Caps  for  sponges,   222  [     March  11th,  1776. 

Horns  to  prime  guns,    200  J 

"  N.  B.  Small  shot  in  abundance  about  town,  of  private  property,  should  be  collected  ;  Mr.  Anthony  Griffith  is  thought  a  proper  person 
to  be  appointed  a  fire-master,  and  to  oversee  the  laboratory.    Lieut.  Bayne,  fire-worker  is  recommended." 


Return  of  the  Cannon  that  are  (or  capable  of  being  made)  fit  for  service  in  or  near  the  city  of  New-  York,  with  the 
articles  wanting  to  equip  them  for  action,  with  100  rounds  for  each  gun. 


GUNS  IN  THEIR  PRESENT 
SITUATION. 


-3 

a 
a 
o 


'  a 


32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 


Total,. 


1/1  ^ 
U  3 

o  o 


21 


ft-0 


17 


59  27 


„  o 
S  bo 


P.  v 

CO  J3 


°  § 

o 
H 


36 


42 
1 

lu 

18 
20 
31 


01 
60 1 


37 
1 

10 
14 
14 
1 


122  I  77 


ARTICLES  WANTING  TO  EQUIP  THEM,  ALLOWING  15  CANISTERS  FOR  A  32  POUNDER, 

AND  50  FOR  THE  OTHER  PIECES. 


15 


20 


'Si 


38 


6  50 
16  54 


32 


146 


—  60 

a  i 


16 
12 
32 


68 


s 

01 

■3 

03  . 

01 

Efl 

Ck'S 

'3 

ctf  — 

cs 

ft 

01 

01  S 
60  g 

C  l_ 
Pi 

02 


...I  500 
300 1 1000 


C30 
50 
500 
900 
1000 
1550 


1 

5 

1000 
1550 

8 
31 

2550 

45 

22 


71 


42 
1 

10 
18 
20 
31 


122 


300 


42 
1 

Id 
18 
20 
31 


300  122 


42 
1 

10 
18 
20 
31 


122 


42 
1 

10 
18 


20  I  20 
31  31 


16 


122  122  16 


192 


16 


192!  16 


o 
'S 
£ 


42 
1 

10 
18 
20 
31 

122 


Recapitulation  of  articles  wanting  to  complete  the  cannon,  according  to 
the  above  return.   New-York,  March  With,  1776. 
20  garrison  carriages,   5  for  32  pounders. 


15 

6 

do 

2 

18 

do 

8 

12 

do 

6 

9 

do 

16 

6 

do 

146  hand  spikes,   4  for  32  pounders. 


68  drag  ropes, . 


38 

12 

do 

50 

9 

do 

54 

6 

do 

8 

18 

do 

16 

12 

do 

12 

9 

do 

32 

6 

do 

JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


375 


300  flannel  cartridges,   300  for 

1,500  paper  cartridges,   500 

1,000 

4,630  canisters  filled  with  shot, ....  630 

50 
500 
900 
1,000 
1,550 

2,550  round  shot,  1,000 

1,550 

45  sponges,  with  rammers,   1 

5 
8 
31 

97  ladles,   35 

7 
7 
16 
31 


6  pounders. 
9  do 


74  worms,  .... 
122  lint  stocks, 


300  tubes,  

122  priming  irons, 


  22 

10 
13 
29 

  42 

1 
10 
18 
20 
31 

,   300 

  42 

1 
10 
18 
20 
31 

122  gimlets,   42 

10 

18 
20 
31 

122  oil  cloths,   42 

10 
18 
20 
31 

122  aprons  of  lead,    42 

1 
10 

18 
20 
31 

16  haversacks,   16 

192  port  fires,   192 

16  port  fire  sticks,   16 

16  tube  boxes,   16 

122  tompions,   42 

10 
18 
20 
31 


6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
9 
6 
24 
18 
9 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
32 
12 
9 
6 

32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 
6 
6 
6 
6 
32 
24 
18 
12 
9 
6 


do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


Lord  Stirling  sent  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  a  copy  of 
sundry  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  which 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  March  Hth,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  eight  thousand  men  be  ordered  for  the 
defence  of  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  That  orders  issue  to  Colonel  Irvine,  immediately  to 
march  with  his  battalion  to  New-York  and  put  himself  un- 
der the  command  of  the  officer  commanding  there. 

"  That  Colonel  Dayton  be  likewise  ordered  with  his  bat- 
talion to  march  to  New- York,  and  join  the  forces  there. 

"  That  Colonel  Shee  and  Colonel  Magaw,  be  also  order- 
ed to  march  with  their  battalions  to  New- York. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  As- 
semblies, Conventions  and  Councils  or  Committees  of 
Safety  of  the  United  Colonies,  immediately  to  cause  all 
persons  to  be  disarmed,  within  their  respective  Colonies, 
who  are  notoriously  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  America, 
or  who  have  not  associated  and  refused  to  associate  to  de- 
fend by  arms  these  United  Colonies,  against  the  hostile  at- 
tempts of  the  British  fleets  and  armies,  and  to  apply  the 
arms  taken  from  such  persons,  in  each  respective  Colony, 
in  the  first  place,  to  the  arming  the  Continental  troops  raised 
in  said  Colony  ;  in  the  next  place,  to  the  arming  such 


troops  as  are  raised  by  the  Colony  for  its  own  defence,  and 
the  residue  to  be  applied  to  the  arming  the  associators. 
That  the  arms  when  taken,  be  appraised  by  indifferent  per- 
sons, and  such  as  are  applied  to  the  arming  Continental 
troops  be  paid  for  by  Congress,  and  the  residue  by  the  re- 
spective Assemblies,  Conventions,  or  Councils  or  Com- 
mittees of  Safety." 

"  March  15<A,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  Captain  Nelson,  with  his  company  of 
riflemen,  be  directed  immediately  to  repair  to  New- York. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Governor  of  Connecticut,  the 
Conventions  and  Councils  of  Safety  of  New-York  and 
New-Jersey,  be  requested  to  hold  their  militia  in  readiness 
to  march  in  such  numbers,  and  at  such  times,  for  the  de- 
fence of  New-York,  as  the  Continental  Commander  at 
New- York  shall  desire,  and  that  the  pay  of  the  militia  call- 
ed for  the  defence  of  New-York,  be  the  same  as  that  of 
the  Continental  troops  raised  and  employed  in  the  middle 
department,  to  commence  from  the  time  they  begin  their 
march. 

"  Resolved,  That  Lord  Stirling  be  directed  to  order  the 
troops  destined  for  Canada,  to  proceed  in  their  march 
agreeable  to  their  former  orders. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 
(Copy)       "  By  order  of  the  Congress, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt." 

[Gov.  Tryon's  truly  antipatnotic  letter  to  the  free  inhabitants  of  New- York.] 

Ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  North  River,  \ 
"  New-York,  \6lh  March,  1776. 
"  To  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

"  Notwithstanding  prejudice,  delusion  and  faction  have 
hitherto,  among  too  many,  usurped  the  seat  of  reason  and 
reflection,  and  every  exhortation  I  have  offered  to  the  in- 
habitants of  this  Province,  (in  whose  affections  I  have  been 
taught  to  be  happy,)  has  been  reviled  and  treated  with 
neglect,  yet.  as  my  wishes  for  their  prosperity,  and  feelings 
for  their  calamities  can  not  easily  be  suppressed,  even  to- 
wards the  disobedient,  I  can  not  but  repeat  my  endeavours 
to  recall  those  who  have  revolted  from  their  allegiance  to 
a  sense  of  their  duty,  and  to  comfort  those  who  have  been 
the  objects  of  oppression  for  their  zealous  attachment  to  our 
happy  Constitution,  and  their  steady  obedience  to  the  sove- 
reignty of  the  British  Empire.  It  is  in  the  clemency  and 
authority  of  Great  Britain  only,  under  God,  that  we  can 
look  for  happiness,  peace  and  protection ;  and  1  have  it  in 
command  from  the  King  to  encourage,  by  every  means  in 
my  power,  the  expectation  in  His  Majesty's  well  disposed 
subjects  in  this  government,  of  every  assistance  and  protec- 
tion the  state  of  Great  Britain  will  enable  His  Majesty  to 
afford  them,  and  to  cherish  every  appearance  of  a  disposi- 
tion on  their  part  to  withstand  the  tyranny  and  misrule 
which  accompany  the  acts  of  those  who  have  but  too  well 
hitherto  succeeded  in  the  total  subversion  of  legal  govern- 
ment. Under  such  assurances  therefore,  I  exhort  all  the 
friends  to  good  order  and  our  justly  admired  Constitution 
still  to  preserve  that  constancy  of  mind  which  is  inherent 
in  the  breasts  of  virtuous  and  loyal  citizens,  and  I  trust  that 
a  very  few  months  will  relieve  them  from  their  present  op- 
pressed, injured  and  insulted  condition. 

"England,  Scotland,  Ireland  and  Wales  have  united  to 
place  their  whole  strength,  power  and  confidence  in  His 
Majesty's  hands.  The  numerous  addresses  from  all  parts 
of  the  King's  dominions  in  Europe  speak  the  loyalty  and 
zeal  with  which  his  subjects  there  engage  to  support  His 
Majesty  in  asserting  and  maintaining  the  just  sovereignty 
of  the  British  Empire  over  all  its  members. 

"  The  British  State  moves  not  by  sudden  and  violent 
sallies,  nor  wantonly  oppresses.  She  has  lenity  for  her 
basis,  and  is  distinguished  for  moderation  and  forbear- 
ance. But  when  her  just  indignation  is  aroused,  the  expe- 
rience of  other  nations  can  testify  her  weight  and  force. 

"  It  can  not  be  sufficiently  lamented  that  the  conduct  of 
this  country  has  called  for  so  severe  a  rod.    May  a  timely 


370 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


and  dutiful  submission  avert  its  stroke.  I  have  the  satis- 
faction to  inform  you  that  a  door  is  still  open  to  such  ho- 
nest but  deluded  people  as  will  avail  themselves  of  the  jus- 
tice and  benevolence  which  the  Supreme  Legislature  has 
held  out  to  them,  of  being  restored  to  the  King's  grace  and 
peace,  and  that  proper  steps  have  been  taken  for  passing  a 
commission  for  that  purpose,  under  the  great  seal  of  Great 
Britain,  in  conformity  to  a  provision  in  a  late  act  of  Parlia- 
ment. The  commissioners  thereby  to  be  appointed  having 
also  power  to  inquire  into  the  state  and  condition  of  the 
Colonies,  for  effecting  a  restoration  of  the  public  tranquil- 
lity. WM.  TRYON." 


DIE  MERCURII,  a.  m. 

March  20th,  1776. 
Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott,  Capt.  Rutgers— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Ms.  Graham — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Rhea,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Ordered,  That  John  Clauston,  master  of  the  sloop  Suc- 
cess, belonging  and  bound  to  Dighton  in  Massachusetts  go- 
vernment, be  permitted  to  lade  on  board  the  said  sloop  30 
bbls.  flour,  and  to  convey  the  same  to  Dighton  aforesaid. 

Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  Treasurer,  attending,  was  admitted. 
He  requested  a  permit  to  go  on  board  the  Asia  and  Phoe- 
nix ships  of  war,  to  settle  accounts  with  the  pursers  of 
each  ship. 

Thereupon  a  permission  was  given  to  Mr.  Lott  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  here- 
by permitted  to  go  on  board  the  ships  of  war  in  this  har- 
bour, (in  company  with  the  port  master,)  and  to  return,  he 
having  been  sworn  that  he  will  not  convey  any  intelligence 
relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  the 
city  and  Colony. 

Abraham  Livingston  informed  the  Committee  that  the 
committees  of  Westchester  and  Dutchess  will  not  permit 
him  to  bring  pork  from  those  counties,  and  requested  an 
order  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him  to  obtain  pork. 

Thereupon  an  order  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  mer- 
chant, has,  agreeable  to  a  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  contracted  with  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  to  supply  all  the  Continental  troops  in  this  Colony 
with  provisions  :  Therefore 

"  Ordered,  That  the  respective  committees  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Westchester  and  Dutchess  permit  Mr.  Abraham 
Livingston  to  export  provisions,  of  any  kind  whatsoever, 
from  either  of  those  counties  to  New-York,  on  his  giving, 
or  any  other  such  proper  person  as  is  employed  on  his  be- 
half, giving  such  security  as  the  committees  approve  of, 
to  land  and  store  such  provisions  in  New- York  or  Kings 
county." 

Luke  Kiersted,  Petrus  Byvanck  and  Frans.  Bassett,  a 
sub-committee  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  in  pursuance  of  a  late  order  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, delivered  in  their  report  in  writing,  by  them  sub- 
scribed, that  they  had  inspected  into  the  state  of  provisions 
and  bar  iron  in  this  city,  and  found  the  quantities  to  be  ac- 
cording to  their  return  made,  and  those  in  the  hands  of  the 
persons  therein  named  ;  they  thereby  returned  the  follow- 
ing quantities,  vizt : 

"  Pork,  106  barrels  ;  flour,  2,694  barrels  ;  beef,  97  bar- 
rels ;  bar  iron,  32^  tons." 


One  of  the  Secretaries  brought  in  a  draft  of  separate  or- 
ders to  different  gentlemen,  for  preparing  the  artillery  stores 
and  apparatus  necessary  for  the  cannon  at  this  city,  which 
was  read  and  approved  of. 

Thereupon,  the  Committee,  in  pursuance  of  the  request 
of  Lord  Stirling,  attending  the  state  of  the  artillery  and  the 
stores  at  present  wanting,  for  those  of  six  pound  shot  and 
upwards, 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  the  following  stores  be  pro- 
vided for  the  artillery  with  all  possible  despatch,  by  the 
following  persons,  vizt : 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  provide  immediately 
the  following  articles  and  stores  for  artillery,  vizt: 

68  drag  ropes,   8  for  181b.  cannon. 


122  gimlets,   42 


ry  carriages,  articles  and  apparatus,  vizt 


32  field  carriages,   2 


146  handspikes,   4 


45  sponges  with  rammers,   1 


97  ladles,   35 


74  worms,    22 


122  lint  stocks   42 


122  tompions,  42 


And,  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Anthony  Griffith  direct  the 
preparing  of,  and  have  immediately  prepared,  the  follow- 
ing necessary  artillery  stores,  vizt  : 

Flannel  cartridges,   300  for  61b.  cannon. 

1,500  paper  cartridges,   500 

4,630  canisters  filled  with  shot,  . . 


16 

12 

do 

12 

9 

do 

32 

6 

do 

.  42 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

10 

18 

do 

18 

12 

do 

20 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

ercier 

direct  and  have 

e,  the  following  artille- 

vizt : 

.    5  for  32  pounders. 

15 

6 

do 

.  2 

18 

do 

8 

12 

do 

6 

9 

do 

16 

6 

do 

32 

do 

38 

12 

do 

50 

9 

do 

54 

6 

do 

.  1 

24 

do 

5 

13 

do 

8 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

7 

18 

do 

7 

12 

do 

16 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

32 

do 

10 

12 

do 

13 

9 

do 

29 

6 

do 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

10 

18 

do 

18 

12 

do 

20 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

10 

18 

do 

18 

12 

do 

20 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

500 

9 

do 

1,000 

6 

do 

630 

32 

do 

50 

24 

do 

500 

18 

do 

900 

12 

do 

1,000 

9 

do 

1,500 

6 

do 

1,000 

9 

do 

1,550 

6 

do 

2,550  round  shot,   1,000 

1,550 

(Mr.  Hallet  has  contracted  for  them,  they  will  be  cast  and  ready  as- 
fast  as  possible.) 

300  tubes,   300  for  61b.  cannon. 


42 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

10 

18 

do 

18 

12 

do 

20 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

42 

32 

do 

1 

24 

do 

10 

18 

do 

18 

12 

do 

20 

9 

do 

31 

6 

do 

JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


377 


122  aprons  of  lead,   42  for  32  do 

1  24  do 

10  18  do 

18  12  do 

20  9  do 

31  6  do 

16  haversacks,                            16  6  do 

192  port  fires,                               192  6  do 

16  port  fire  sticks,                         16  6  do 

16  tube  boxes,                              16  6  do 

Moses  Ogden,  from  Newark  attended,  in  pursuance 
of  a  letter  for  that  purpose  from  this  Committee,  and  en- 
tered into  a  contract  [with]  Mr.  Hallet  on  behalf  of  the 
Committee,  for  making  of  grape  shot,  which  contract  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Articles  of  agreement  between  Joseph  Hallett,  Chair- 
man of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  and  Moses  Ogden,  of  New  Ark,  in  the  Colony  of 
New-Jersey.  The  said  Moses  Ogden  agrees  and  covenants 
with  the  said  Joseph  Hallett  to  perform  as  follows,  to  wit : 
The  said  Moses  Ogden  agrees  to  deliver  at  the  ferry  at 
Powle's  Hook,  the  following  quantity  of  shot  at  the  fol- 
lowing times,  and  in  the  following  proportions,  to  wit :  two 
tons  of  two  ounce  grape  shot,  two  tons  of  three  ounce  grape 
shot,  one  ton  of  four  ounce  do.,  one  ton  of  eight  ounce  do., 
one  thousand  shot  of  twelve  pounds  each,  one  thousand  of 
nine  pounds  each,  two  thousand  of  six  pounds  each ;  all 
below  six  pounds  weight  at  forty  pounds  per  ton,  the  rest 
at  twenty-eight  pounds  per  ton.  The  delivery  to  begin  at 
farthest  on  the  sixth  day  of  April  next,  and  three  tons  at 
least  to  be  delivered  in  every  week  till  the  whole  quantity 
shall  be  delivered.  Mr.  Hallett  in  behalf  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  agrees  to  pay  for  the  said  shot  at  the  above 
rates  and  prices,  and  to  advance  one  hundred  pounds  in 
cash  to  Mr.  Ogden,  towards  the  execution  of  the  above 
contract  on  his  part,  for  which  Mr.  Ogden  is  to  give  his 
bond  to  Mr.  Hallett,  to  be  cancelled  as  soon  as  he  shall 
have  delivered  shot  to  that  value. 
"New-York,  20th  March,  1776. 

"MOSES  OGDEN.  [l.s.] 

"  Sealed  and  delivered 
"  in  the  presence  of 

"  Robt.  Benson, 
"  John  McKesson." 

Moses  Ogden  and  Mr.  Hallett  having  executed  each  a 
copy  of  the  said  contract,  and  exchanged  them,  the  said 
Moses  Ogden  executed  a  bond  to  the  said  Joseph  Hallett, 
conditioned  for  the  payment  of  one  hundred  pounds  agree- 
able to  the  said  contract ;  and  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  of 
the  Provincial  Congress,  was  delivered  to  the  said  Moses 
Ogden,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Mr.  Moses  Ogden  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds, 
in  part  of  the  money  payable  to  him  on  the  contract  with 
Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  for  a  quantity  of  grape  shot  and 
cannon  ball,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army  in  this 
Colony." 

A  certain  William  Powell  sent  a  letter  to  the  Committee 
requesting  a  permit  to  go  on  board  Capt.  Parker's  ship  the 
Phoenix,  to  solicit  his  consent  to  proceed  to  sea,  that  he  may 
go  to  the  West  Indies. 

The  Committee  refused  to  give  him  a  permit. 

Otto  Parisien  brought  to  the  Committee  a  sample  of  lead, 
extracted  from  the  ore  lately  brought  to  this  city  by  John 
McDonald.  He  also  delivered  in  a  memorandum,  which 
was  filed,  in  which  he  says  that  the  said  ore  yields  at  the 
rate  of  sixty  weight  of  lead,  and  ^  an  ounce  of  silver,  from 
one  hundred  weight  of  ore. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  AT.  March  20th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sands, 
Colo.  Lott— For  New-York. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

95 


Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Captain  Caleb  Bruen  attending,  was  admitted.  He  in- 
formed the  Committee  that  the  company  of  artificers  from 
New-Jersey,  under  his  command,  were  ordered  to  Kings 
county  ;  that  they  stand  in  need  of  sundry  barrack  furniture, 
and  that  the  barrack-master  and  Commissary  Curlenius 
refused  to  supply  him  therewith  without  an  order  from  this 
Committee.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt.  Caleb 
Bruen  two  iron  pots,  eight  straw  beds,  two  trammels,  two 
pails,  two  candlesticks,  four  large  wooden  bowls  and  four 
small  wooden  bowls,  for  Captain  Bruen's  company  of  arti- 
ficers from  New-Jersey,  and  take  his  receipt  on  Continen- 
tal account. 

A  certificate  or  permit  from  John  Paul,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Berkley,  up  Taunton  river,  in  Massachusetts 
Bay,  approving  that  Abner  Rabbit,  in  the  sloop  Rainbow, 
should  come  to  New-York  for  pig  iron  and  such  other  car- 
go as  he  should  think  proper,  was  read.  The  said  certi- 
ficate is  dated  the  fifth  day  of  Feby.  last ;  and  a  request 
for  leave  to  lade  and  export  to  Berkley  40  barrels  of  flour. 

"  Ordered,  Mr.  Ray  and  Colo.  Hyer  be,  and  hereby  are, 
at  liberty  to  permit  Abner  Rabbit  to  export  forty  barrels  of 
flour  in  the  sloop  Rainbow  to  Berkley,  in  Massachusetts 
Bay,  if  they  shall  think  proper. 
"  To  Mr.  Ray  and  Colo.  Hyer,  and  to  Capt.  Mercier." 

Samuel  Lowdon  came  into  the  Committee  and  com- 
plained that  he  had  a  pamphlet  intended  as  a  refutation  of 
the  arguments  contained  in  the  pamphlet  entitled  Common 
Sense,  nearly  printed,  that  he  advertised  the  publishing  of 
in  Mr.  Gains'  newspaper  ;  that  the  committee  of  mecha- 
nics had,  yesterday  morning,  prevented  his  going  on  with 
that  work;  and  that  some  of  them  with  some  other  persons, 
have  since  destroyed  the  whole  impressions,  by  which  he 
has  sustained  the  loss  of  at  least  one  hundred  and  fifty 
pounds.    Samuel  Lowdon  withdrew. 

After  some  time  was  called  in,  and  desired  to  state  the 
whole  transaction,  and  his  complaint  in  writing,  and  make 
oath  thereto  ;  and  also,  to  have  such  parts  of  it  as  fell  with- 
in their  knowledge,  proved  by  indifferent  witnesses  who 
were  in  his  house,  and  to  bring  the  same  to  this  Commit- 
tee to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  Maryland  requesting  the 
loan  of  cannon  for  the  defence  of  Baltimore,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  dated  the 
19th  instant,  and  for  the  reasons  therein  mentioned,  recom- 
mending the  application  of  the  Colony  of  Maryland,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  draft  of  an  an- 
swer to  those  letters. 

A  return  of  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment  of  militia  in  the 
south  end  of  Ulster  county,  from  Lieut.  Colo.  James  Mc- 
Claghry,  commanding  the  said  regiment,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  scheme  for  raising  minute  men,  or  having  one-fourth 
of  the  militia  always  in  readiness  to  act  on  any  emergency, 
proposed  by  Lieut.  Colonel  McClaghry,  and  thereunto  an- 
nexed, was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  New-London,  in 
Connecticut,  dated  the  11th  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 
They  certify  that  Peter  Vandervoort  is  requested  to  ship 
100  barrels  of  superfine  and  30  barrels  of  common  flour, 
to  Nathaniel  Shaw,  Junr.  to  be  shipped  to  the  West  Indies 
on  account  of  that  Colony,  and  that  all  prudent  care  will  be 
taken  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the  hands  of  their  enemies. 
Thereupon, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  or  the  sub-committee  for  exports,  be  and  here- 


378 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


by  are  at  liberty  to  permit  Mr.  Peter  Vandervoort  to  ex- 
port to  Nathaniel  Shaw,  Junr.  in  New-London,  one  hun- 
dred barrels  of  fine  flour  and  30  barrels  of  common  flour, 
to  be  shipped  to  the  West  Indies  on  account  of  the  Colony 
of  Connecticut. 
<■  Xo  Messrs.  Kay  &  Hter  and  to  Mr.  Wm.  Mercier." 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m.. 

March  2lst,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Joseph  Hallett,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Saads,  Major  Stoutenburgh — For 
New-Xork. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Genl.  P.  Ten  Broeck— Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Elias  Nixsen,  the  port  master,  attending,  produced 
a  list  of  supplies  wanted  for  the  use  of  the  Swallow  packet. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  port-master  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  convey  on  board  the  Swallow  packet,  for  the  use 
of  the  said  packet,  the  following  supplies,  vizt :  8  barrels 
bread,  4  barrels  flour,  5  barrels  pork,  5  barrels  beef,  200 
scupper  nails,  3lb.  20d  nails,  1  quarter  fresh  beef. 

Abel  Hetfield  attending,  requested  permission  to  go  on 
board  the  Asia  ship  of  war  to  get  his  clothes,  which  he  had 
left  on  board  when  taken  in  his  boat  coming  from  New- 
Jersey,  loaded  with  iron,  and  which  was  seized  by  Capt. 
Van  Deput.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Abel  Hetfield  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  go  on  board  the  Asia  ship  of  war  with  the  port 
master,  and  to  return  ;  he  having  been  sworn  that  he  will 
not  convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications 
erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 

The  answer  of  the  2d  battalion,  with  some  remarks  on 
the  proposals  of  the  committee,  and  some  new  proposals, 
were  read. 

The  Committee  gave  such  answers  on  that  subject  as 
they  thought  proper,  to  Major  Stoutenburgh,  and  informed 
him  in  substance  that  it  was  their  opinion  that  the  regi- 
ment ought  not  to  be  paid  for  any  greater  number  of  offi- 
cers than  men  ;  that  it  was  best  for  them  to  fill  their  com- 
panies ;  that  if  all  the  privates  cannot  be  supplied  with 
arms  immediately,  that  they  can  notwithstanding  be  em- 
ployed on  the  fortifications. 

Mr.  Nicholas  Low  had  on  the  26th  day  of  Feby.  last 
obtained  from  the  Provincial  Congress  a  permit  to  ship- 
flaxseed  and  lumber  on  board  of  the  ship  Polly,  Thomas 
Kennedy,  master,  to  be  exported  to  Cork,  in  Ireland,  in 
return  for  military  stores  imported,  to  the  amount  of  eight 
hundred  and  ninety-six  pounds  and  ninepence,  which  he 
brought  back  and  returned  to  the  Committee  of  Safety.  Mr. 
Low  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  laded  the  said  flax- 
seed and  lumber,  but  that  through  the  stoppage  of  the  ports  by 
the  ships  of  war,  he  cannot  get  the  said  vessel  and  cnrgo 
out  of  port,  and  therefore  requested  that  he  might  have  a 
permit  to  export  to  the  amount  of  the  sum  above  mention- 
ed, in  provisions,  to  the  Wes't  Indies,  in  lieu  of  the  said 
flaxseed  and  lumber,  on  condition  that  the  same  shall  not 
be  exported. 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Nicholas  Low  be  permitted  to  ex- 
port provisions  to  the  West  Indies  to  the  amount  of  eight 
hundred  and  ninety-six  pounds  and  ninepence,  in  lieu  of 
the  said  flaxseed  and  lumber,  on  condition  that  the  said 
flaxseed  and  lumber  shall  not  be  exported. 
"  To  the  Genl.  Committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  to  Mr.  Ray  and  Colo.  Hyer,  their 
sub-committee,  and  to  Capt.  Mercier." 


Capt.  Dennis  attending,  informed  the  Committee  that  he 
had  purchased  about  ten  tons  of  bar  iron  in  New-Jersey, 
and  had  it  brought  to  this  city  last  evening,  and  requested 
permission  to  export  the  same  and  twenty  barrels  of  flour 
to  Norwich,  in  Connecticut. 

"  Ordered,  That  Jeremiah  Harris  be  permitted  to  laid 
on  board  his  vessel  the  said  bar  iron  and  twenty  barrels  of 
flour,  and  convey  the  same  to  Norwich  in  Connecticut. 
"  To  Messrs.  Ray  and  Hyer,  and  to  be 

delivered  to  Capt.  Mercier." 

Capt.  Amos  Hutchins  attending,  informed  the  Commit- 
tee that  he  had  forty-six  men  in  this  city  ;  that  Mr.  Sears, 
as  deputy  adjutant-general,  had  mustered  them  and  that 
they  are  on  duty  ;  that  he  expects  the  residue  of  his  com- 
pany hourly  ;  that  he  is  in  want  of  at  least  £150  to  dis- 
charge the  pay  due  to  his  men,  and  to  enable  them  to  sup- 
ply themselves  with  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Capt.  Amos  Hutchins,  on  Continental  account, 
and  on  account  in  part  of  the  pay  of  the  company  under 
his  command,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  on 
account,  and  take  Capt.  Hutchins'  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  John  Moore  delivered  to  the  Chairman  a  memoran- 
dum that  Colo.  Peter  Bellinger  had  appointed  the  place  of 
rendezvous  for  his  regiment,  (which  is  the  4th  regiment  of 
Tryon  county,)  by  the  church  at  Kingsland,  at  the  south 
side  of  the  river. 

The  said  memorandum  contained  a  list  of  officers  for  the 
whole  4th  regiment  of  Tryon  county,  but  many  of  the  for- 
mer commissions  not  being  returned,  and  blank  commis- 
sions having  been  delivered  to  Mr.  Moore  for  that  regi- 
ment, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moore  keep  the  blank  commissions 
for  the  fourth  regiment  in  Tryon  county,  until  he  goes 
home  and  see  them  delivered  to  the  persons  duly  elected, 
and  a  proper  return  of  all  the  officers  made  with  all  possi- 
ble despatch  to  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Curtenius,  with  a  long  account  of 
the  articles  he  had  been  ordered  to  purchase  for  the  troops, 
were  read  and  filed. 

Colonel  Curtenius  thereby  informs  that  he  stands  in  need 
of  a  large  sum  of  money  to  enable  him  to  complete  his  or- 
ders. 

A  letter  from  John  James  Boyd,  of  Richmond  county, 
was  read.  He  therein  says  that  any  accusation  against 
him  to  the  Provincial  Congress  was  without  foundation, 
and  unjust,  and  that  he  [is  aj  steady  and  warm  friend  to  his 
country. 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  March  21s*,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Colo.  McDougall,  Capt.  Denning — New-York. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Colo.  M.  Graham — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Joseph  Hallett  being  necessarily  absent,  Colo.  Mor- 
ris Graham  was  unanimously  chosen  Chairman  pro  tem- 
pore. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Thompson  was  received 
and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Please  to  pay  to  Lt.  Geo.  Tudor,  of  the 
3d  Penns.  battn.  the  sum  of  forty  pounds,  Pennsylvania 
currency,  for  the  use  of  the  wagoners  who  are  on  their 
way  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge  with  powder. 

"  WM.  THOMPSON,  Brigr.  Genl. 

"  New-York,  March  21st,  1776. 
"  To  the  Honbl.  Committee  of  Safety 

for  New-York.'' 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


379 


Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  Lieut.  Geo.  Tuder,  forty  pounds,  Pennsylvania  currency, 
amounting  to  forty-two  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four 

Sence  New-York  currency,  agreeable  to  the  request  of 
Irigadier-Genl.  Thompson  ;  and  that  Mr.  Livingston  take 
a  receipt  for  the  same  on  Continental  account. 

N.  B.  The  above  order  was  wrote  on  Genl.  Thomp- 
son's note,  to  be  delivered  to  the  Treasurer. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt.: 

"  Gentlemen — We  laid  before  Congress  your  repre- 
sentation in  favour  of  Mr.  St.  Clair,  which  met  with  their 
approbation,  as  you  will  observe  by  the  resolution  which 
we  have  the  honour  to  enclose.  General  Lee  informed 
Congress  by  letter,  that  he  had  imposed  a  test  upon  the 
inhabitants  of  our  Colony,  in  order  to  ascertain  their  poli- 
tical principles.  However  salutary  such  a  measure  might 
be  when  grounded  on  a  legal  and  constitutional  basis,  we 
were  much  alarmed  that  it  should  owe  its  authority  to  any 
military  officer,  however  distinguished  for  his  zeal,  his 
rank,  his  accomplishments  and  services.  We  considered  it 
as  one  of  the  most  solemn  and  important  acts  of  legisla- 
tion, and  a  high  encroachment  upon  your  rights  as  the 
representatives  of  a  free  people.  We  could  not,  therefore, 
be  silent  upon  so  momentous  a  point,  though  we  were  not 
favoured  with  your  sentiments  or  instructions,  nor  inform- 
ed of  what,  or  whether  any  thing,  had  passed  between  you 
and  the  General  respecting  the  disaffected  inhabitants. 
We  took  up  the  subject  on  general  principles.  There  can 
be  no  liberty  where  the  military  is  not  subordinate  to  the 
civil  power  in  every  thing  not  immediately  connected  with 
their  operations. 

"  Your  House,  the  natural  and  proper  tribunal  for  all 
civil  matters,  within  the  circle  of  your  own  jurisdiction, 
was  assembled,  and  Congress  itself  within  the  General's 
reach,  ready  to  enforce  every  reasonable  proposition  for  the 
public  safety  ;  to  one  or  other  he  ought  to  have  ap- 
plied. A  similar  effort  in  Rhode  Island  had  passed  over 
unnoticed.  Reiterated  precedents  must  become  danger- 
ous. We,  therefore,  conceived  it  to  be  our  unquestionable 
duty  to  assert  the  independence  and  superioritv  of  the  civil 
power,  and  to  call  the  attention  of  Congress  to  this  un- 
warrantable invasion  of  its  rights  by  one  of  their  officers. 
A  resolution  passed  in  consequence  on  the  8lh  of  March, 
'  That  no  oaths,  by  way  of  test,  be  imposed  upon,  exact- 
ed or  required  of,  any  inhabitants  of  these  Colonies,  by 
any  military  officer  ;'  and  it  was  ordered  to  be  immedi- 
ately published. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves  that  our  conduct  on  this  occa- 
sion will  meet  with  your  approbation. 

"  This  will  be  presented  by  Brigad.  General  Thomp- 
son, who  for  the  present  will  command  in  your  capital, 
General  Schuyler's  residence  at  Albany  being  deemed  in- 
dispensable. 

"  General  Thompson  is  a  gallant  officer  and  very  much 
respected  in  this  Province,  and  we  doubt  not  of  your  en- 
deavours to  make  his  command  as  agreeable  to  himself 
and  as  salutary  to  the  country  as  possible,  to  which  no- 
thing can  contribute  more  essentially  than  harmony  and 
mutual  confidence  between  him  and  the  civil  power. 

"  Congress  were  much  perplexed  in  appointing  the  offi- 
cers to  the  four  New-York  battalions,  not  knowing  whe- 
ther a  former  resolution,  directing  the  English  troops  who 
wintered  in  Canada  to  be  formed  into  two  battalions, 
had  been  carried  into  effect ;  in  that  case  a  provision  will 
be  made  for  such  of  the  gentlemen  in  that  country  as  are 
entitled  to  promotion.  However,  it  was  not  thought  best 
to  expose  them  to  any  uncertainty.  It  is  the  intention  of 
Congress,  that  if  any  of  them  should  have  been  promoted 
in  that  department  they  shall  continue  there,  and  others  be 
appointed  for  the  new  battalions  ;  if  not,  that  they  shall 


join  those  corps.   A  battalion  was  intended  for  Colo.  Ritze- 
ma,  but  some  objections  having  been  suggested,  it  is  left 
vacant  until  he  can  have  an  opportunity  of  being  heard,  of 
which  you  will  be  pleased  to  inform  him. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  utmost  regard,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"JOHN  JAY, 
"JOHN  ALSOP, 
"LEWIS  MORRIS." 

"  Philad.  1st  March,  1776. 

"  P.  S.  The  following  battalions  are  assigned  for  the 
defence  of  New-York,  besides  the  four  you  are  raising 
viz :  Pennsylvanians — Waine's,  Erwine's,  Shea's,  Magaw's ; 
New-Jersey — Lord  Stirling's  and  Dayton's. 

"  These  troops  are  raised  but  not  armed.  The  want  of 
arms  will,  it  is  thought,  be  in  a  great  degree  remedied  by 
executing  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  14th  in- 
stant, a  copy  of  which  goes  with  these  despatches  ;  it  is 
directed  to  be  kept  as  secret  as  the  nature  of  the  service 
will  admit. 

"  For  your  immediate  defence,  the  general  in  your 
department  is  authorized  to  apply  to  the  Governor  of 
Connecticut,  your  Convention  and  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  New-Jersey  for  so  many  of  the  militia  as  he 
may  judge  necessary,  who  are  to  be  paid  by  the  Conti- 
nent at  5  dollars  a  month  for  each  private. 

"  A  resolution  passed  the  8th  instant  for  supplying  you 
with  5  tons  of  gunpowder,  and  it  was  ordered  to  be  imme- 
diately forwarded  by  the  committee  of  secrecy.  We  took 
it  for  granted  that  it  had  been  sent  forward  accordingly, 
till  Mr.  Lewis's  letter  to  Mr.  Alsop  led  to  an  examination, 
when  the  chairman  of  that  committee  reported  that  it  had 
been  detained  for  want  of  carriages.  A  copy  of  the  order 
for  the  powder  is  enclosed. 

"  We  shall  be  glad  to  know  how  far  the  battalions  of 
last  year  were  completed,  as  our  Colony  is  reflected  upon 
for  a  greater  deficiency  than  we  believe  to  be  consistent 
with  truth.  It  has  also  been  represented,  that  recruiting 
for  the  present  service  goes  on  very  slowly,  which,  consi- 
dering your  danger  and  distresses,  we  scarce  think  credi- 
ble. 

"Honoble.  Provincial  Convention 

of  New-York." 

"  In  Congress,  March  6,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  the  secret  committee  be  directed  to 
send  to  New- York  5  tons  of  powder  for  the  use  of  the  Con- 
tinental troops  there. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

"In  Congress,  March  11,  1776. 

"  A  letter  from  the  Convention  of  New-York  of  the  7th 
instant,  enclosing  an  application  from  Patt.  Sinclair,  for 
leave  to  return  to  Europe.  The  Congress  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  said  letter  and  application, 

"  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Patt.  Sinclair  be  allowed  to  re- 
turn to  Europe. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

"In  Congress,  March  14,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  As- 
semblies, Conventions  and  Councils  or  Committees  of 
Safety  of  the  United  Colonies  immediately  to  cause  all 
persons  to  be  disarmed,  within  their  respective  Colonies, 
who  are  notoriously  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  America, 
or  who  have  not  associated,  and  refuse  to  associate  to  de- 
fend by  arms  these  Colonies,  against  the  hostile  attempts 
of  the  British  fleets  and  armies,  and  to  apply  the  arms  ta- 
ken from  such  persons,  in  each  respective  Colony,  in  the 
first  place  to  the  arming  the  Continental  troops  raised  in 
said  Colony  ;  in  the  next  to  the  arming  such  troops  as  are 
raised  by  the  Colony  for  its  own  defence  ;  and  the  residue 
to  be  applied  to  the  arming  the  associators  ;  that  the  arms 


380 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


when  taken  be  appraised  by  indifferent  persons,  and  such 
as  are  applied  to  the  arming  Continental  troops  be  paid  for 
by  Congress,  and  the  residue  by  the  respective  Assem- 
blies, Conventions  or  Councils  or  Committees  of  Safety. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Whereas,  Mr.  Benjamin  Curtis  was,  on  the  first  day  of 
March,  instant,  appointed  a  surgeon  for  one  of  the  regi- 
ments raising  in  this  Colony,  and  has  been  since  constantly 
employed  in  the  care  of  the  sick  of  the  first  regiment  and 
other  Continental  troops  in  this  Colony,  and  not  designated 
to  any  particular  regiment :  And  whereas,  Colo.  Mc- 
Dougall  now  requests  that  the  said  Benjamin  Curtis  may 
be  appointed  surgeon  to  the  first  regiment  of  the  said 
troops. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Benjamin  Curtis  be,  and  is 
hereby  appointed  surgeon  to  the  first  regiment  of  Conti- 
nental troops  raised  or  raising  in  this  Colony,  whereof 
Alexander  McDougall,  Esqr.  is  colonel ;  his  pay  to  com- 
mence and  continue  from  the  first  instant. 

A  certificate  of  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Bard  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  We  whose  names  are  under  written  do  hereby  certify, 
that  we  have  examined  Isaac  Ledyard,  respecting  his 
knowledge  in  physic  and  surgery,  and  find  him  well  quali- 
fied for  the  office  of  first  mate  of  a  regiment. 

"  Witness  our  hands  this  twenty-first  day  of  March, 
1776. 

"  SAMUEL  BARD,  M.  D. 
"JOHN  JONES,  M.  D" 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Isaac  Ledyard  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  surgeon's  mate  to  the  first  regiment  of 
Continental  troops,  now  raising  in  this  Colony,  whereof 
Alexr.  McDougall,  Esquire,  is  colonel. 

A  permit  from  the  Honourable  Nicholas  Cooke,  Go- 
vernor of  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island  and  Providence 
Plantations,  under  the  seal  of  the  said  Colony,  dated  the 
eleventh  instant,  was  read  ;  he  thereby  permits  Jonathan 
Carpenter,  master  of  the  sloop  Diana,  to  proceed  to  the 
Colony  of  New- York,  in  ballast,  and  return  with  a  lading 
of  provisions,  bar  iron  and  other  articles,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  committee  of  inspection  of  the  city,  town  or 
county  where  he  shall  lade ;  sufficient  bond  having  been 
given  that  the  said  Jonathan  Carpenter  shall  in  all  things 
conform  himself  to  the  Continental  association. 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  or  their  sub-committee  of  inspection  be,  and  hereby 
are  at  liberty  to  permit  Mr.  Jonathan  Carpenter  to  export 
such  quantities  of  flour  or  provisions  of  any  kind,  (except 
beef  and  pork,)  and  such  quantities  of  bar  iron  as  they 
may  think  proper  to  spare  or  to  suffer  to  be  exported. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
advance  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
pounds  on  account,  towards  enabling  him  to  fit  out  the  ves- 
sel lately  purchased  by  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
and  ordered  to  be  fitted  out  and  armed  by  the  marine  com- 
mittee, or  their  order. 

Joseph  Lindsly,  captain  of  a  company  of  artificers  from 
New-Jersey,  applied  for  barrack  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt.  Joseph 
Lindsly,  for  his  company  of  artificers  from  New-Jersey, 
two  iron  pots,  eight  straw  beds,  two  trammels,  two  pails, 
two  candlesticks,  four  large  and  four  small  wooden  bowls, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Capt.  Joseph  Lindsly  returned  and  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  Mr.  Curlenius  could  not  supply  him  with  any 
of  the  articles  mentioned  in  aforegoing  order,  except  wood- 
en bowls,  with  which  he  had  supplied  Capt.  Lindsly. 
Whereupon  it  was 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack-master  deliver  to  Captain 
Lindsly,  for  the  use  of  his  company  of  artificers  from 
New-Jersey,  two  iron  pots,  eight  straw  beds,  two  trammels, 


two  pails,  and  two  candlesticks,  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  company  be  supplied  with  the 
usual  allowance  of  wood. 

A  second  letter  from  Wm.  Powel,  requesting  a  permit 
to  go  on  board  the  ship  Phoenix,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  informed  that  this  Committee  is 
well  assured  Capt.  Parker  will  not  permit  him  to  pass  to 
sea,  and  that  therefore  the  Committee  will  not  give  him  a 
permit  to  go  on  board. 


DIE  VENERIS,  a.  m. 

March  22d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Chairman  pro  tempore. 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Cooper — Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus  —  Kings. 
Colo.  Morris  Graham — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York,  or  their  sub-committee  of  inspection, 
be  at  liberty  to  permit  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  and  Mr. 
Isaac  Sears  to  export  produce  of  any  kind,  (horned  cattle, 
sheep,  hogs,  poultry  excepted,)  to  the  amount  or  value  of 
three  hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  in  part  of  the  value  of 
military  stores  imported  from  Amsterdam  in  the  sloop  Sally, 
Brown  master. 

Capt.  Rutgers  dissents. 

Ordered,  That  Philip  Livingston,  by  his  agent  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Livingston,  be  permitted  to  export  wheat,  flour  and 
other  produce  of  the  United  Colonies,  (horned  cattle,  sheep, 
hogs,  and  poultry  excepted,)  to  the  amount  of  twenty  thou- 
sand dollars,  for  the  service  of  the  United  Colonies,  pur- 
suant to  a  permission  of  the  committee  of  secrecy  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  of  the  8th  of  Jany.  last. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dean,  of  the  Colony  of  Con- 

necticut, be  permitted  to  load  the  brigt.  Elizabeth  with 
wheat  and  flour,  on  Continental  account,  pursuant  to  an 
order  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

Capt.  Rutgers  dissents. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Capt.  Patrick  Sinclair,  was  read 

and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  t 
"New-York,  March  22d,  1776.  ) 

"  Sir — On  receipt  of  your  late  request  to  go  to  Britain, 
the  Provincial  Congress  applied  to  the  honourable  Con- 
tinental Congress,  for  a  permission  for  the  purpose. 

"  Success  having  attended  the  application,  we  enclose 
you  a  copy  of  the  permission,  and  hope  it  may  come  to 
your  hands  so  early  as  to  enable  you  to  take  the  benefit  of 
a  passage  in  the  packet,  if  it  should  be  your  desire.  We 
presume  the  committee  of  Huntington  will  accept  of  your 
parol,  that  you  will  go  to  Britain,  on  your  leaving  Suffolk 
county." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Huntington  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  honourable  the  Continental  Congress  has 
given  permission  for  Mr.  Patrick  Sinclair  to  go  to  Britain, 
of  which  we  send  you  a  copy.  You  will  be  pleased  to 
deliver  him  the  enclosed,  and  permit  him  on  his  giving 
his  promise  parol,  that  he  will  immediately  proceed  to 
Britain,  to  come  to  New- York  to  take  passage  whenever 
it  suits  his  conveniency." 

Sarah  Seborn,  the  wife  of  Frederick  Seborn,  a  private 
sentinel  in  the  company  (whereof  Frederick  Wiessenfells, 
Esqr.  was  late  captain,  now  in  the  Continental  service  at 
Quebec,)  being  in  distress  with  a  family  of  children,  pro- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


381 


duced  a  letter  of  attorney  from  her  husband  duly  executed, 
dated  the  eighth  day  of  August  last,  and  certified  by  Capt. 
Weissenfells,  enabling  her  to  receive  35s.  per  month  of  he 
husband's  pay. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  advance  to  Sarah  Se- 
born,  in  part  of  her  said  husband's  pay,  two  pounds  thir- 
teen shillings  and  fourpence,  take  her  receipt  for  the  same, 
and  that  he  inform  General  Schuyler  and  the  deputy 
paymaster-general  thereof. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll  at  the  fortifications  was 

received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Provincial  Congress 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York  : 

"  Gentlemen — There  was  a  question  arose  yesterday 
between  Colo.  Palmer  and  myself,  concerning  the  command 
of  the  troops  now  stationed  at  Popolope's  kill.  Colo.  Palmer 
is  of  opinion  that  in  consequence  of  a  resolve  of  your  ho- 
nourable house  for  calling  minute  men  out  of  his  regiment  in 
particular  to  that  station,  that  it  was  the  intent  of  Congress, 
(as  he  was  one  of  the  commissioners  to  superintend  the 
work)  that  he  should  have  the  command  of  those  troops.  I 
am  of  opinion  that  in  consequence  of  the  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  that  placed  me  here  as  commanding 
officer  of  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  that  the  com- 
mand of  the  troops  at  both  stations  comes  within  my  de- 
partment. I  would,  therefore,  beg  the  favour  of  your 
honourable  board  to  solve  the  question,  and  let  me  know 
by  the  bearer,  Capt.  Thomas  Moffat,  whether  I  have  any 
thing  to  do  with  the  troops  at  that  station  or  not,  in  order 
that  I  may  know  how  to  make  a  proper  return  of  the  num- 
ber of  men  at  that  station  now  in  the  service. 

"  I  have  sent  two  orders  by  the  bearer,  one  for  services 
done  by  a  minute  company  at  this  station,  and  another  for 
sundries,  with  which  I  stand  charged  to  particular  persons, 
(as  per  account,)  and  as  the  money  is  wanting,  should  be 
glad  to  have  it  by  the  bearer,  Capt.  Moffat,  if  possible. 
"  I  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  ISAAC  NICOLL. 

"  Fort  Constitution,  March  21,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  accounts  enclosed  in  Colo.  Nicoll's 
letter,  be  delivered  to  one  of  the  auditors. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  22d  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Chairman. 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Scott,  Capt.  Denning — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 
Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Cooper— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Colo.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Gilbert  Forbes,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  gunsmith,  at 
the  door,  was  admitted.  He  informs  that  he  has  lately  had 
a  certain  William  Clarke,  a  lock  filer  by  trade,  and  a  use- 
ful mechanic,  employed  in  his  service  ;  that  a  person  nam- 
ed Winter,  from  Chester,  in  Maryland,  has  lately  come 
here,  and  insists  on  taking  the  said  William  Clarke  to  Ches- 
ter, in  Maryland  ;  that  he  has  offered  40s.  proclamation 
money  per  week  to  the  said  Clarke  ;  that  Clarke,  having  re- 
fused to  accept  of  wages  or  go  with  the  said  Winter,  Win- 
ter now  claims  him  as  a  servant,  and  has  threatened  to  ap- 
prehend the  said  Wm.  Clarke,  and  to  commence  a  suit 
against  the  said  Gilbert  Forbes. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Gilbert  Forbes  be  protected  in 
the  employment  of  the  said  Wm.  Clarke,  and  the  said  Wil- 
liam Clarke  be  protected  in  pursuing  his  trade  and  occupa- 
tion for  the  present.  That  the  said  Gilbert  Forbes  and  the 
said  Winter  personally  appear  before  this  Committee,  to 
be  heard  in  the  premises,  and  that  in  the  mean  time  no 
suit  or  other  measures,  contrary  to  the  above  directions,  be 

96 


pursued  by  either  of  the  parties,  until  the  further  order  of 
this  Committee. 

Many  unimportant  applications  to  the  Committee  were 
not  thought  worthy  of  notice  on  the  minutes. 

Henry  Remsen,  Esqr.  came  into  the  Committee  and 
conferred  with  them  on  the  propriety  of  the  city  committee 
calling  in  the  male  inhabitants  who  are  out  of  town  for  a 
short  time,  to  take  a  tour  of  duty. 

On  the  necessity  of  either  a  sale  or  a  loan  of  a  small 
quantity  of  gunpowder  to  militia  on  Bergen  shore,  to  enable 
them  to  protect  boats  and  other  craft  against  the  barges  of 
the  ships  of  war,  and  on  sundry  other  matters.  Colo.  Rem- 
sen was  desired  to  inform  the  committees  on  Jersey  shore, 
that  they  shall  have  the  loan  of  three  quarter  casks  of  gun- 
powder, to  be  delivered  to  the  committee  at  Bergen,  and 
the  committee  of  Acquacknunck. 


DIE  SABATTI,  a.  m. 

March  23d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stout- 
enburg — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — Albany. 

Colo.  Graham — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Mr.  Cooper — Orange. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake—  Westchester. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  the  port  master  be,  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted, to  take  with  him  on  board  the  ship  Dutchess  of 
Gorden,  for  the  use  of  Govr.  Tryon,  the  following  articles  : 
Mrs.  Hatch,  one  boat  load  of  wood,  one  box  kitchen  fur- 
niture, fifty  bushels  corn,  and  one  and  an  half  tons  of  hay. 

John  Bell,  attending,  requested  permission  to  go  on  board 
the  packet  to  procure  a  passage  in  her  to  go  to  England. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  John  Bell  be,  and  he  is  hereby  permit- 
ted, to  go  on  board  the  packet,  (in  company  with  the  port 
master,)  but  not  to  return,  he  having  been  sworn  that  he 
will  not  convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications 
erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  or  carry 
any  letters  or  papers  relative  thereto,  nor  any  other  letters 
or  papers,  except  his  own  private  papers,  or  such  [as] 
shall  have  been  inspected  by  two  members  of  this  commit- 
tee. 

Gilbert  Forbes  and  Winters,  attended  the  commit- 
tee, and  were  called  in  and  respectively  heard. 

Mr.  Winter  produced  a  paper  purporting  to  be  a  sale  of 
a  certain  Wm.  Jones,  but  without  seal,  not  signed  by  the 
person  therein  mentioned,  by  the  name  of  William  Jones, 
nor  in  any  manner  authenticated  agreeable  to  any  law 
whatever. 

The  Committee  is  of  opinion,  that  is  no  evidence  what- 
ever, and  does  not  countenance  his  apprehending  Clarke. 

David  Barclay  attended  the  Committee,  and  was  ad- 
mitted ;  he  set  forth  many  difficulties  he  would  be  reduced 
to  by  dismissing  him  at  present  from  the  care  and  manage- 
ment of  the  guard  at  the  cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  as 
he  had  hired  the  men  of  that  guard  by  the  month.  He  far- 
ther declared  that  he  did  not  desire  any  advantage  from  the 
sum  reported  as  reasonable  and  agreed  to  be  allowed  him 
per  month  by  the  Congress  for  that  guard,  but  would  be 
content  with  his  pay  and  disbursements. 

Ordered,  That  David  Barclay  continue  his  guard  at  the 
cannon,  until  the  expiration  of  one  month  from  the  time  he 
took  the  care  and  management  of  that  guard. 

A  return  of  militia  officers  for  Eastchester,  in  West- 
chester county,  elected  in  the  presence  of  Daniel  Searing 
and  Stephen  Sneden,  committeemen,  was  read  and  filed. 


382 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


The  following  officers  are  thereby  returned  as  elected 
on  the  9th  instant,  vizt :  Thos.  Pinckney,  captain  ;  Wm. 
Pinckney,  1st  lieut. ;  John  Sneden,  2d  lieut. ;  and  Wm. 
Read,  ensign. 

A  return  of  militia  officers  elected  in  the  presence  of 
Fredk.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Thos.  Emans,  committeemen  in 
precinct  of  the  Yonkers,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  following  officers  are  thereby  returned  as  elected  on 
the  18th  instant,  to  wit:  John  Warner,  captain;  Jacob  Post, 
1st  lieut. ;  Samuel  Lawrence,  2d  lieut. ;  and  Isaac  Post, 
ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  officers  of 
those  two  companies  as  returned  elected  and  above  men- 
tioned, and  the  said  commissions  were  issued  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Major  Douglas,  as  to  the  service  at  the 
lakes,  and  which  was  received  yesterday,  was  read  and 
filed. 

He  says  he  will  proceed  to  the  lakes  when  [he]  receives 
the  command  of  Continental  Congress,  or  the  General,  if 
his  health  will  permit,  and  in  the  mean  [time]  will  serve  his 
country,  and  desires  the  Committee  would  assist  and  for- 
ward Mr.  Wynkoop. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  rela- 
tive to  the  command  on  the  lakes,  and  recommending  Cap- 
tain Wynkoop,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  March  23d,  1776.  $ 
"Gentlemen — On  the  16th  instant,  the  Provincial 
Congress,  then  about  to  adjourn,  received  a  letter  from  Ma- 
jor-General  Schuyler  respecting  Major  Douglass  and  Cap- 
tain Wynkoop,  of  which  we  enclose  a  copy,  No.  1. 

"  The  Provincial  Congress  immediately  sent  for  Capt. 
Wynkoop,  read  the  General's  letter  to  him,  delivered  him 
a  copy  ;  desired  him  to  call  on  Major  Douglass  with  it, 
and  return  an  answer  the  speediest  possible. 

"  On  the  18th  Capt.  Wynkoop  informed  the  Committee 
of  Safety  that  he  had  called  on  Major  Douglass,  (who  is 
in  Colo.  Ward's  regiment  in  Kings  county,)  and  delivered 
him  a  copy  of  the  General's  letter.  That  Mr.  Douglass 
had  intimated  that  he  was  now  in  service,  that  it  would 
be  at  least  two  months  before  he  could  attend  at  the  lakes 
if  his  health  would  then  permit.  The  Committee  there- 
upon wrote  to  Major  Douglass,  and  on  the  21st  received 
his  answer,  of  which  we  enclose  you  copies  No.  2  and  3. 

"  The  season  is  so  far  advanced  that  the  service  must 
suffer  if  the  vessels  on  the  lakes  are  not  immediately  em- 
ployed. We  have  prevailed  on  Capt.  Wynkoop  by  this 
reason  only,  to  engage  seamen  and  proceed  to  the  Gene- 
ral with  all  possible  despatch.  We  beg  leave  through  you, 
to  inform  Congress  that  Capt.  Wynkoop  was  bred  a  ma- 
riner, has  frequently  been  master  of  mercantile  vessels  ; 
served  with  reputation  last  war,  both  in  the  land  and  ma- 
rine departments ;  we  think  him  an  officer  of  merit, 
and  we  have  heard  his  conduct  in  the  last  campaign  highly 
applauded.  We  have  promised  to  recommend  Mr.  Wyn- 
koop to  Congress  for  the  command  of  the  vessels  on  the  lake. 
This  we  do  with  the  greatest  cheerfulness,  as  we  think 
him  equal  to  the  command  and  worthy  of  the  trust ;  and 
from  General  Schuyler's  letter,  we  are  induced  to  believe 
it  would  not  be  disagreeable  to  him.  We  do  not  wish  to 
impose  Capt.  Wynkoop's  services  on  Congress  in  this  com- 
mand if  it  is  not  perfectly  agreeable  to  them  ;  and  should 
the  Congress  think  proper  to  order  Major  Douglass  or  any 
other  gentleman  to  go  up  to  take  that  command,  we  pray 
their  determination  may  be  speedy,  that  the  service  may 
not  suffer,  as  Capt.  Wynkoop  will  not  continue  in  that 
service  under  Major  Douglass. 

"  We  are,  gent.  &c. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates 

in  Continental  Congress." 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  24^,  1776. 

Several  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
No  material  business  appearing  necessary,  the  Commit- 
tee adjourned  to  go  to  church. 

Die  Solis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  March  24,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  on  summons. 

Present— Colo.  McDougall,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Major  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr. 
John  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher— For 

New-York. 

Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston — For  Albany. 
Genl.  P.  Ten  Broeck— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Tredwell—  For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore —For  Tryon. 

Colo.  Brasher  was  unanimously  chosen  Chairman. 

The  letter  hereinafter  mentioned  from  John  Chatfield, 
chairman,  received  by  express,  which  occasioned  a  sum- 
mons of  the  members,  was  read,  and  sundry  copies  thereof 
taken. 

The  following  resolve  and  letters  for  sending  gun- 
powder to  Suffolk  county  was  read  and  agreed  to,  but  for 
want  of  another  county  represented,  the  members  present 
were  adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  LUNyE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Prince— For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Contine  —For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Genl.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Everson — For  Dutchess, 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

The  letter  from  John  Chatfield,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  East  Hampton,  received  and  read  yesterday, 
was  again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Easthampton,  March  22d,  1776. 
"  Gent. — This  day  about  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon, 
our  guard  station  at  Montauck  saw  twenty  sail  of  square- 
rigged  vessels ;  five  of  them  appeared  to  be  large,  and 
two  sloops,  bearing  about  SSE.  from  the  point  of  Mon- 
tauck, about  nine  or  ten  miles  to  sea ;  the  wind  SSE. 
the  weather  something  thick  and  hazy,  steering  about 
NE.  by  N.  and  sailed  to  the  eastward  of  Block  island,  and 
supposed  by  the  course  they  steered  that  they  were  going 
into  Rhode-Island.  This,  gentlemen,  is  all  the  informa- 
tion we  can  give  you  concerning  them,  as  about  one  o'- 
clock they  disappeared  behind  Block  island,  and  they  saw 
them  no  more.  As  we  are  a  frontier  at  the  east  end  of 
Long  island,  I  am  destitute  of  men  to  defend  us,  and  have 
but  little  ammunition  ;  should  be  very  glad  if  the  Honble. 
House  would  use  their  endeavours  that  we  have  some  as- 
sistance. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servts. 
"  Signed  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Easthampton. 

"  JOHN  CHATFIELD, 

"  Chairman." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


383 


The  Committee,  taking  into  consideration  the  defenceless 
state  of  Suffolk  county, 

Resolved,  That  1,0001b.  of  gunpowder  and  4,000lb.  of 
lead  be  immediately  despatched  by  a  boat  to  Huntington, 
for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  Suffolk  county,  to  be  charg- 
ed to  the  county,  and  the  county  to  be  accountable  for  the 
same  ;  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull, 
informing  him  of  the  supply  of  ammunition  sent  to  his 
county,  and  that  Mr.  Tredwell  have  the  management  of 
forwarding  the  same  ammunition.  And 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull  be  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  to  make  such  disposition  of  the  militia 
of  his  brigade,  on  any  sudden  invasion,  when  he  may  find 
it  necessary,  as  he  from  time  to  time  shall  think  best,  with- 
out delaying  for  directions  from  tbe  Provincial  Congress, 
Committee  of  Safety,  or  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the 
Continental  forces  in  this  Colony,  or  from  the  county  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Colony  Commissary 
of  stores,  deliver  to  Thomas  Tredwell,  Esqr.  or  his  order, 
1,0001b.  of  gunpowder,  and  4,000  weight  of  lead,  for  the 
use  of  the  inhabitants  of  Suffolk  county,  and  that  Mr.  Nor- 
wood take  Mr.  TredwelPs  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  have,  by  this  conveyance,  sent  to  Hunting- 
ton 1,0001b.  of  gunpowder,  and  4,0001b.  of  lead,  for  the 
use  of  the  inhabitants  of  your  county,  to  be  charged  to  the 
county  to  be  accountable.  We  must  add,  that  ammunition 
is  so  scarce  that  it  is  not  probable  you  will  soon  receive 
any  farther  supply. 

"  By  a  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  you  are 
authorized  to  make  such  disposition  of  the  militia  of  your 
brigade,  on  any  sudden  invasion,  as  you  from  time  to  time 
shall  think  best,  without  delaying  for  directions  from  the 
Provincial  Congress,  Committee  of  Safely,  or  of  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief of  the  Continental  forces  in  this  Colony, 
or  from  the  county  committee. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  To  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhttll." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  Commissary  of  the  mili- 
tary stores  of  this  Colony,  do  not  deliver  out  any  powder, 
ball  or  flints,  belonging  to  the  Colony,  without  the  order 
of  the  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony, 
for  the  time  being,  except  in  time  of  invasion,  and  when 
neither  the  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Co- 
lony, are  convened. 

Ordered  further,  That  the  said  Commissary  make  a  re- 
turn to  this  Committee,  of  the  powder,  ball  and  flints  he 
has  delivered,  particularly  specifying  bv  whose  order,  and 
to  whom  delivered ;  and  also  of  the  quantity  of  powder, 
ball  and  flints  he  shall  have  in  store  belonging  to  this  Co- 
lony, after  the  order  of  this  day  for  supplying  the  county 
of  Suffolk  be  completed. 

A  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  Philadel- 
phia, was  read.  They  thereby  inform  us  that  they  have 
sent  Capt.  Charles  Alexander  and  Lieut.  John  Henessey, 
two  officers  of  the  armed  boats  in  that  Province,  for  the 
purpose  of  recruiting  seaman  for  the  naval  service  of  that 
Province,  and  recommend  them  to  this  Committee  for  as- 
sistance. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  at  Continental  Con- 
gress was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  PhUad.  21st  March,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — The  bearer,  Mr.  Carpenter  Wharton, 
is  commissary  for  the  Pennsylvania  troops  ;  he  supplies 
them  by  contract,  at  seven  pence  per  ration,  Philadelphia 
currency.  He  will  probably  make  the  same  offer  for  the 
rest  of  the  army  in  the  middle  department,  and  unless 
others  will  be  equally  reasonable,  must  be  entitled  to  a  pre- 


ference, it  being  the  intention  of  Congress  to  have  their  ar- 
mies supplied  on  the  easiest  terms.  He  supports  a  very 
fair  character  in  this  place,  and  is  well  connected. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  utmost  regard,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humb.  serv. 

"JAMES  DUANE. 

"  Honble.  Convention  at  New- York." 

Mr.  Wharton  delivered  to  a  member,  who  brought  it  in- 
to the  Committee,  the  following  resolve,  to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  March  16th,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  Carpenter  Wharton,  Commissary, 
continue  agreeable  to  his  contract  to  supply  with  rations 
the  Pennsylvania  battalions  serving  in  New-York. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Seen/." 

It  appearing  necessary  that  this  Committee  should  know 
how  many  officers  and  men  are  at  the  fortifications  erecting 
at  Hellgate, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lott  and  Colo.  Brasher  be  a  com- 
mittee to  go  to  Horn's  Hook  and  muster  all  the  troops 
there,  both  officers  and  privates,  and  return  an  exact  list  of 
those  troops,  specifying  the  names  of  the  officers  and  of 
the  men  in  their  respective  companies  there  in  actual  ser- 
vice, and  that  the  said  committee  see  every  man  whose 
name  they  shall  take  down  or  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  port  master  be  and  he  is  hereby  per- 
mitted to  put  on  board  the  packet  one  barrel  of  ale,  and  on 
board  of  the  Dutches  of  Gordon  five  hundred  weight  of 
bread. 

James  Cooper,  a  boatman,  and  George  Allisony,  a  saw- 
yer, going  on  board  of  the  packet  with  the  port  master 
with  wood,  were  severally  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evange- 
lists, not  to  give  any  intelligence  to  any  person  on  board  of 
the  said  packet,  Governor  Tryon's  ship,  or  the  ships  of 
war  in  the  harbour,  relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for 
the  defence  of  the  city  or  Colony,  and  that  they  will  not 
carry  on  board  any  letters  or  paper  writings  whatsoever. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  with 
the  port  master. 

Mr.  James  Campbell,  merchant,  from  Canada,  was  ad- 
mitted ;  he  was  duly  swornon  the  Holy  Evangelists  not  to 
communicate  any  intelligence  to  any  person  or  persons  on 
board  of  the  packet,  or  of  Governor  Tryon's  ship,  the 
Dutchess  of  Gordon,  or  either  of  the  ships  of  war  in  this 
harbour,  with  respect  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for  the 
defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  and  that  he  will  not  carry 
on  board  nor  deliver  to  any  person  on  board  of  either  of 
those  vessels  any  letter  or  writings  relative  thereto,  and 
that  he  will  not  carry  on  board  any  other  letters  or  papers 
whatsoever,  except  his  own  private  papers,  or  such  as  shall 
be  first  inspected  by  order  of  this  Committee.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  James  Campbell  be  and  he  is  here- 
by permitted  to  go  on  board  the  packet,  (with  the  port 
master,)  not  to  return,  he  having  been^duly  sworn  that  he 
will  not  communicate  any  intelligence  with  respect  to  the 
fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Co- 
lony, or  carry  any  letters  or  papers  which  contain  any  in- 
telligence relative  thereto. 

Capt.  Johannis  Jacobus  Blauvelt,  attending,  informed  the 
Committee  that  he  was  come  down  with  a  party  of  minute 
men  from  Orange  Town  ;  that  he  and  his  lieutenant's  com- 
missions are  for  the  militia,  and  prayed  that  a  commission 
be  made  out  for  him  as  a  minute  captain,  and  another  for 
his  lieutenant  as  an  ensign  of  the  same  nature,  his  lieute- 
nant having  agreed  to  accept  of  ensign's  pay. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  Johannis  Jacobus 
Blauvelt  as  captain,  and  Jacobus  Smith,  as  ensign,  of  the 
Orange  Town  company  of  minute  men,  and  they  were  issu- 
ed accordingly. 

A  permit  from  Nicholas  Cooke,  Esqr.  Governor  of  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode-Island  Plantations,  un- 
der the  seal  of  the  said  Colony,  bearing  date  the  ninth 


384 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


day  of  March  instant,  was  read.  He  thereby  permits  Up- 
ton Fraser,  master  of  the  sloop  Greenwich,  to  proceed  to 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  in  ballast  only,  and  there  take 
on  board  a  lading  of  provisions  and  other  articles,  under 
the  direction  of  the  committee  of  inspection  of  the  city,  town 
or  county  where  he  shall  lade,  and  to  return  to  that  Colony, 
sufficient  bond  having  been  given  that  he  the  said  Isaac 
Upton  shall  in  all  things  conform  himself  to  the  Continen- 
tal association. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New- York,  or  their  sub-committee  of  inspection,  be  per- 
mitted, and  hereby  [are]  permitted  to  give  permission  to 
Isaac  Upton,  master  of  the  sloop  Greenwich,  to  take  on 
board  a  lading  of  flour,  bread  or  any  other  provisions  what- 
soever, (beef  and  pork  excepted,)  and  any  quantity  of  pig 
iron  that  they  may  think  proper,  and  export  the  same  to 
Rhode-Island,  under  such  directions  or  restrictions  and  in 
such  manner  as  they  may  think  proper. 
"  To  the  General  Committee  of  the  city  of 

New-York,  and  to  Mr.  Ray  and  Colo. 

Hyer,  their  sub-committee,  and  to  Capt. 

Wm.  Mercier." 

The  Committee,  finding  that  a  sufficient  quantity  of  lead 
cannot  be  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  public  service  and 
the  necessary  defence  of  this  Colony, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Prince  be  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  employ  proper  mechanics  for  that  purpose, 
and  to  take  the  leads  out  of  the  window  cases  of  the  City 
Hall  of  this  city,  and  also  out  of  the  Exchange  in  this  city 
of  New-York  ;  to  keep  an  account  of  the  weight  of  lead 
taken  out  of  each  building  separately,  that  the  weight  of 
lead  taken  out  of  each  may  be  known,  and  that  Mr.  Prince 
cause  the  said  lead  to  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Curtenius,  or 
his  order. 

Mr.  Prince  informed  the  committee  that  Mr.  John  Meyer, 
the  keeper  of  the  City  Hall,  refused  to  open  the  doors  of 
the  different  apartments  in  the  Hall,  unless  he  should  be 
ordered  by  this  Committee.    Thereupon  it  was 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Meyer  be  and  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected and  required  to  open  the  doors  of  all  the  rooms  and 
apartments  in  the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  New-York,  that 
Mr.  Samuel  Prince  may  be  enabled  to  take  the  leaden 
weights  out  of  the  window  casements,  pursuant  to  an  or- 
der of  this  Committee  of  this  day. 

Committee  adjourned  'till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Ltjnve,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  25th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  McDougall — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — Albany. 
Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Ms.  Graham— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams— Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  deliver  to  Colo.  McDou- 
gall, or  his  order,  one  quarter  cask  of  gunpowder  to  be  for- 
warded to  Cornelius  Atherton  for  the  purpose  of  proving 
the  musket  barrels  the  said  Atherton  hath  made  by  con- 
tract with  Colo.  McDougall  and  Colo.  Curtenius,  the  price 
of  the  said  gunpowder  to  be  deducted  out  of  the  first  pay- 
ment to  be  made  on  the  said  contract. 

John  McDonald,  the  person  lately  sent  by  Provincial 
Congress  pursuant  to  an  order  of  Congress  to  explore  the 
lead  mines  of  New-Canaan,  returned.  His  report  with 
several  letters  relating  thereunto,  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  John  McDonald  the  sum  of  eighteen  dollars  for  his  ser- 
vices in  going  to  explore  a  lead  mine  at  New-Canaan,  pur- 


suant to  an  order  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  take  his 
receipt  for  the  same  on  Continental  account. 

Resolved,  That  the  captains  and  inferior  officers  and  the 
mariners  of  the  armed  vessels  now  fitted  out  or  to  be  fitted 
out  by  this  Colony  for  the  protection  of  its  trade  against  the 
depredations  of  the  enemy,  be  subject  to  and  governed  by 
the  articles  of  war  made  by  the  Continental  Congress  for 
the  government  of  the  navy  of  the  United  Colonies,  and 
that  Captain  Smith  of  the  sloop  Schuyler,  and  Captain  Ro- 
gers, be  each  of  them  served  with  a  copy  of  this  resolution. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Hay,  dated  the  24th  instant,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Haverstraw,  March  24th,  1776. 

"  Sir — In  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  Congress 
of  the  13th  inst.  ordering  sixty-five  privates  to  be  drafted 
out  of  my  regiment  and  sent  to  New-York,  I  have  called 
the  regiment  together  for  the  purpose  ;  Lieut.  Colonel 
Cooper,  of  the  minute  regiment,  attended,  and  insisted  on- 
drafting  every  fourth  man  to  complete  his  regiment :  this 
created  great  uneasiness  in  my  regiment,  and  rendered  it 
impossible  for  me  to  send  down  the  detachment  required 
without  greatly  distressing  the  inhabitants,  which  made  it 
necessary  for  me  to  postpone  the  business  until  Wednes- 
day next,  which  day  the  regiment  is  again  ordered  to  at- 
tend. I  am  of  opinion  that  the  public  service  will  be 
greatly  promoted  if  the  Committee  of  Safety  would  order 
to  New- York  the  minute  regiment,  or  sixty-five  of  that 
corps,  instead  of  the  detachment  from  my  regiment ;  the 
public  by  this  means  will  be  furnished  with  young  men 
well  accoutred.  I  should  be  happy  to  have  the  sentiments- 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  subject  by  the  bearer 
hereof.  If  the  Committee  of  Safety  should  agree  in 
opinion  with  me,  be  pleased  to  forward  their  order  to 
Colonel  Cooper  by  the  bearer  of  this,  so  that  I  may  have 
it  by  Wednesday  next. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 

"  A.  HAWKES  HAY." 

An  answer  to  Colo.  Hay  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 

in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  New-York,  March  25th,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — In  answer  to  yours  of  yesterday,  we  would  just 
inform  you  that  we  shall  give  orders  to  Coll.  Cooper,  who 
is  now  in  town,  to  send  down  a  company  of  minute  men 
in  lieu  of  those  ordered  by  the  Congress  to  be  drafted  out 
of  your  regiment ;  at  the  same  time,  as  the  enemy  have 
quitted  Boston,  and  we  know  not  how  soon  they  will  be 
here,  we  would  urge  it  upon  you  with  the  greatest  earnest- 
ness to  use  your  utmost  endeavours  to  have  your  regiment 
in  all  possible  readiness  to  march  upon  the  shortest  no- 
tice. 

"  We  are  respectfully  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 

"  To  Colo.  A.  Hawkes  Hay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  [That]  Lieut.  Colo.  Cuyper,  of  the  Orange 
county  regiment  of  minute  men,  send  down  to  New-York 
as  soon  as  possible,  one  full  company  of  the  Orange  county 
regiment  of  minute  men,  completely  armed,  accoutred  and 
appointed  in  the  best  manner,  and  each  with  his  blanket ; 
that  this  company  be  sent  down  to  New-York  instead  of 
the  company  which  Colonel  Hay  was  desired  to  despatch 
from  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutch- 
ess county  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Dutchess  County  Committee,  ? 

"  March  19th,  1776.  5 
"  Sir — The  following  recruiting  officers,  vizt :  Capt. 
Swarthout,  Capt.  Barker  and  Capt.  Pierce,  came  before 
this  committee  and  informed  us  that  they  were  under  great 
difficulties  with  respect  to  raising  men  in  this  county,  by 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


385 


reason  of  the  reduction  of  the  wages  of  the  soldiers,  and 
that  many  of  the  young  men  in  this  county,  that  were  dis- 
posed to  go  into  the  service,  had  enlisted  in  the  Connecti- 
cut regiments,  as  their  pay  is  there  still  kept  up  to  the 
former  establishment,  vizt :  53s.  \d.  bounty  and  53s.  4.d. 
per  month,  and  a  month's  pay  and  the  bounty  advanced 
immediatelyupon  enlisting.  Theylikewise  informed  us  that 
they  labour  under  another  difficulty  from  this  circumstance, 
that  the  time  of  enlistment  is  not  limited,  but  left  indefinite 
in  the  instructions.  From  this  information,  and  from  our 
own  observations  of  the  dissatisfaction  throughout  the 
country,  caused  by  the  late  establishment  of  the  soldiers' 
pay,  this  committee  are  of  opinion  the  companies  cannot 
be  filled  in  this  county  without  an  augmentation  of  wages. 
You  will  please  to  favour  us  with  the  sentiments  of  Con- 
gress respecting  these  matters  as  soon  as  possible,  as  the 
officers  wait  for  our  answer. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"EGBT.  BENSON,  Chairn." 
Draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  from  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Dutchess  county  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following  to  wit : 

"In  Committee  or  Safety,  } 
"  New-York,  March  26th,  1776.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  this  day  favoured  with  your 
letter  of  the  19th  instant  stating  the  difficulties  of  the  recruit- 
ing officers  in  your  county.  We  apprehend  their  difficul- 
ties arise  from  mistake.  The  pay,  clothing  and  bounty 
allowed  to  the  Continental  troops  now  raising  in  this  Colo- 
ny are  the  same  allowed  in  Connecticut,  Jersey,  &c. 
It  is  the  Continental  establishment  for  all  troops  raised  for 
service  in  the  middle  Colonies,  and  for  all  Continental  for- 
ces whatever  that  we  know  of,  except  those  raised  for  the 
service  in  Canada.  The  troops  raised  for  the  Canadian 
service  only  have  53s.  \d.  per  month,  one  month's  pay  ad- 
vanced, but  to  be  discounted ;  and  we  conceive  that  the 
arduous  service  they  undertake,  and  the  high  prices  that 
must  be  there  paid  for  every  necessary,  render  their  pay 
and  service  not  the  most  eligible.  The  allowances  and 
regulations  published  in  this  Colony  are  in  the  very  words 
of  the  Continental  Congress :  it  is  not  in  our  power  to 
change  the  terms  given  to  the  troops  in  any  one  article. 

"  We  hope  the  gentlemen  in  your  county  may  succeed 
in  raising  their  companies,  as  we  have  some  time  ago  re- 
fused several  gentlemen  who  offered  their  services  with 
full  companies,  out  of  respect  to  your  county  committee's 
recommendations,  and  that  your  county  might  have  an  op- 
portunity of  employing  their  proportion  of  officers  and 
men.  But  if  any  of  them  cannot  raise  their  men  we  ought 
to  be  informed  of  it  as  soon  as  possible,  as  Continental 
Congress  has  more  than  once  directed  inquiries  whether 
the  troops  are  raised,  or  how  near  being  completed. 
"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

*  To  the  Chairman  and  Members 

of  the  Committee  of  Dutchess  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  trans- 
milted. 

A  letter  from  John  Barnes,  of  Charlotte  precinct,  in 
Dutchess  county,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Charlotte  Precinct,  ) 
"  Dutchess  county,  22d  March,  1776.  S 
"  Sir — In  consequence  of  a  variety  of  accidents,  the 
enclosed  alterations  have  taken  place  in  the  four  companies 
of  militia  in  this  precinct ;  I  have  therefore  to  beg  you 
will  be  pleased  to  return  me  the  several  commissions  here 
specified,  soon  as  possible,  lest  the  service  may  be  im- 
peded by  delay,  as  some  individuals  are  so  obstinate  as  to 
refuse  training  until  their  captains  produce  their  commis- 
sions. I  am  also  sorry  to  observe,  that  the  late  nomina- 
tion of  Bernard  Doughty  and  Dirck  Doty  as  captains, 
(though  conformable  to  the  rules  prescribed)  were,  I  am 

97 


persuaded,  chosen  under  an  undue  influence,  and  done 
merely  to  render  the  service  of  their  companies  useless 
and  contemptible ;  of  course  it  cannot  be  expected  the  in- 
ferior officers  named,  (who  are  good  men)  together  with  a 
number  of  men  belonging  to  these  two  companies,  (who 
would  otherwise  be  embodied)  will  obey  orders  ;  for  these 
reasons  I  have  not  troubled  you  with  their  names. 

"  These  several  circumstances  were  debated  yesterday 
in  county  committee  then  sitting,  and  Capt.  Doughty  ex- 
amined thereupon,  yet  still  we  found  it  impossible  to  set 
aside  his  election.  Capt.  Doty's,  though  not  examined  in 
person,  we  found  exactly  in  the  same  predicament.  Upon 
the  whole,  therefore,  it  was  proposed  that  their  commis- 
sions only  should  be  wrote  for,  and  when  received,  that 
Colo.  Sutherland  be  requested  to  see  that  every  part  of 
their  duty  as  captains  be  strictly  attended  to.  By  this 
mode  of  proceeding,  it  is  expected  they  will  bring  on  their 
own  dissolution,  and  thereby  create  a  new  election,  when 
it  may  reasonably  be  expected  a  better  one  will  succeed. 
"  I  am  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humb.  servt. 

"  JOHN  BARNES. 

"  Stoutenburg's,  late  Wm.  Gay,  declined — Joseph  Ha- 
german,  capt.;  John  Hagerman,  1st  lieut.;  Jonathan 
Holmes,  2d  lieut. 

"Gidney's,  late  De  La  Vernge,  preferred — Fredk.  Stritt, 
capt.;  Wiilm.  Woodworth,  1st  lieut.;  Danl.  Hamill,  2d 
lieut.;  David  Ostrom,  ensign. 

"  Christr.  Tobias,  late  Jacob  Tobias,  deceased — Ber- 
nard Doughty,  captain. 

"  Sharpstone's,  late  Isaac  Bloom,  on  minute  service — 
Dirck  Doty,  capt. 

"  Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr." 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tern. 
Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster- 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Leffertse  —Kings. 
Mr.  Tredweli— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Graham,  Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Whereas  the  allowance  made  by  the  Continental  Con- 
gress for  the  frocks  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  Colo- 
ny, appears  to  be  insufficient,  owing  to  the  great  scarcity 
of  the  proper  stuff  to  make  them  of :  And  whereas  it  is 
necessary  for  encouraging  the  raising  the  said  troops  ex- 
peditiously that  they  should  be  clothed  in  uniform  : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that, 
as  well  for  the  reputation  as  the  security  of  this  Colony, 
the  troops  should  be  raised  without  delay,  and  that  all 
encouragement  should  be  given  for  that  purpose.  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
directed  to  provide  frocks  for  the  troops  raising  for  the  de- 
fence of  this  Colony  of  the  most  proper  cloth  he  may  be 
able  to  procure,  and  on  the  most  reasonable  terms  in  his 
power. 

Mr.  Peter  Van  Dervoort,  attending,  requested  permis- 
sion to  export  twenty  barrels  flour  for  the  use  of  some 
persons  employed  in  erecting  a  fortification  at  New-Lon- 
don. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  Van  Dervoort  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  permitted  to  export  twenty  barrels  flour  for  the  use 
of  those  who  are  erecting  a  fortification  at  New-London. 


386 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr.  Moore  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  of  and  report  a  plan  for  disarming  the 
tories,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  Continental  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  the  colonels  or  commanding  officers  of 
the  respective  corps  of  minute  men  now  in  service  at 
New-York  or  the  places  adjacent,  do  permit  the  recruiting 
officers  of  the  several  regiments  now  raising  in  this  Colo- 
ny for  Continental  service,  to  enlist  any  men  they  can  out 
of  the  said  minute  regiments,  and  that  the  said  recruiting 
officers  be  permitted  to  take  such  men  as  they  may  so  en- 
list into  their  respective  corps  of  Continental  troops  im- 
mediately. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Thompson  was  received 
and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — I  must  request  you  would  furnish  me 
with  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dollars,  which  I  at  present 
stand  in  need  of  for  the  public  service.  Major  Scull,  who 
waits  on  you  with  this,  will  give  the  proper  receipt. 

"I  am,  gentlemen,  yr.  very  hble.  servant, 

"  WM.  THOMPSON,  Brigr.  Genl. 

"New-York,  26th  Mar.  1776." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Brigadier-Genl.  Thompson  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred dollars,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same  on  Continen- 
tal account. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Post  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  di- 
rected to  furnish  the  barrack  master  with  as  many  tables, 
benches,  and  other  necessary  articles,  for  the  use  of  the 
troops  in  this  city,  as  the  barrack  shall  from  time  to  time 
require  or  stand  in  need  of. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Isaac  Sears,  with  General  Lee's  or- 
ders to  him  for  his  expedition  to  Queen's  county,  were  se- 
verally read. 

Mr.  Sears  desires  that  the  bills  he  drew  while  employed 
on  that  expedition  may  be  paid. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  papers  be  filed. 

Ordered,  That  five  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  be 
sent  to  the  committee  of  Orange  county,  and  that  the  com- 
mittees of  the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Dutchess,  be  autho- 
rized, and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  to  receive  each  one 
thousand  weight  of  the  ton  of  gunpowder  lodged  at  Fort 
Constitution,  belonging  to  this  Colony,  and  that  the  re- 
spective counties  above  mentioned,  be  charged  with  the 
said  powder,  and  that  the  said  powder  be  disposed  of  by 
the  respective  committees  of  the  said  counties  in  the  best 
manner  to  prevent  the  attacks  or  ravages  of  any  enemy 
who  might  attempt  to  proceed  up  Hudson's  river.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  each  of  the  said  coun- 
ties respectively  give  such  directions  for  the  disposition  of 
the  said  gunpowder,  that  it  may  not  be  wasted  or  expend- 
ed but  in  the  defence  of  the  country,  lest  those  counties 
might  be  distressed  before  any  other  possible  supply  can 
be  afforded  to  them.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary,  de- 
liver to  Theunis  Cuyper,  Esqr.  five  hundred  weight  of  gun- 
powder for  the  county  committee  of  Orange  county,  and 
that  Mr.  Norwood  take  Mr.  Cuyper's  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Colo.  Nicoll's  letter  of  the  21st 
instant,  which  was  received  on  the  22d,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  26th,  1776.  J 

"Sir — Yours  of  the  21st  inst.  came  safe  to  hand,  and 
we  are  of  opinion  that  Palmer's  being  appointed  one  of 
the  commissioners  does  by  no  means  supersede  or  inter- 
fere with  your  appointment  as  commander  of  the  troops  at 
the  posts,  and  that  you  should  still  continue  to  command 
all  the  troops  at  the  different  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 
according  to  your  original  appointment,  until  you  shall  be 
relieved  by  some  Continental  officer,  or  until  the  further  or- 
der of  a  Committee  of  Safety,  or  Congress  of  this  Co- 


lony. But  the  commissioners  undoubtedly  have  power  to 
direct  that  the  troops  be  set  to  work  in  such  numbers,  and 
at  such  parts  of  the  fortifications,  as  they  may  think  proper 
to  carry  on  the  works.  We  have  no  reason  to  doubt  but 
you  will  so  command  the  troops  as  will  render  them  most 
useful  for  that  purpose.  The  accounts  you  sent  down 
could  not  be  audited,  for  want  of  proper  vouchers,  but  that 
you  may  have  the  money  as  soon  as  possible,  we  shall  or- 
der the  commissioners  to  audit  and  pay  them. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  26lh,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tempore. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sands— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Cooper — Orange. 

Mr.  Leffertse—  Kings. 

Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tredwell  -Suffolk. 

Colo.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Everson — Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Charles  Alexander  and  Lieut. 
John  Hennessey  be  at  liberty  to  enlist  the  mariners  late- 
ly brought  from  the  east  end  of  Nassau  island,  and  now 
confined  in  the  jail  of  this  city,  and  take  them  to  Philadel- 
phia, and  that  the  said  mariners  be  discharged  from  con- 
finement on  the  request  of  those  gentlemen. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  having  called  and  examined 
the  gentlemen  enlisting  mariners  for  the  three  vessels  on 
the  lake  by  order  of  Continental  Congress,  and  the  captains 
of  the  armed  vessels  fitting  out  by  order  of  this  Colony  for 
the  defence  of  trade  between  Sandy  Hook  and  the  Capes 
of  Delaware,  are  informed  that  there  are  but  few  mariners 
in  this  city  and  no  more,  if  so  many,  as  will  be  sufficient 
for  the  necessary  purposes  above  mentioned.  The  Com- 
mittee are  therefore  of  opinion  that  they  can  not,  with  jus- 
tice to  the  Colony,  or  to  the  public  service  to  the  north- 
ward, consent  that  Captain  Alexander  and  Lieutenant  Hen- 
nessey enlist  or  take  away  any  other  mariners  than  those 
above  mentioned. 

Thomas  Hockley  of  Philadelphia,  merchant,  and  John 
Warder  of  the  same  place,  merchant,  being  two  of  the 
people  called  Quakers  attending,  were  admitted.  Mathias 
Aspin,  of  Philadelphia,  and  William  Horner,  of  Virginia, 
also  attending,  were  admitted. 

The  said  Thomas  Hockley  and  John  Warder  were  re- 
spectively duly  affirmed,  and  the  said  Mathias  Aspin  and 
William  Horner,  were  respectively  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy 
Evangelists,  not  to  give  any  information  or  intelligence 
whatsoever,  to  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever,  on 
board  of  the  packet,  the  ship  in  which  Governor  Tryon 
resides,  the  ships  Asia  or  Phoenix,  or  on  board  of  any  other 
vessel  in  this  Colony,  under  the  care  or  direction  of,  or 
connected  with  any  person  on  board  of  either  of  the  vessels 
above  mentioned,  relative  to  any  fortifications  erecting  for 
the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  or  any  other  of  the 
United  Colonies,  nor  relative  to  the  American  fleet,  or  any 
armed  vessels  fitted  out  by  any  Colony  or  place,  and  not 
to  carry  on  board  of  either  of  the  said  vessels,  nor  deliver 
to  any  person  belonging  to  either  of  them,  any  papers  or 
writings  whatever  relative  thereto,  nor  any  other  papers  or 
writings  but  such  as  shall  have  been  first  shown  to  this 
Committee  and  permitted  to  be  taken  on  board. 

Thereupon  permits  were  given  to  the  said  four  persons 
respectively  to  go  on  board  of  the  packet  with  the  port 
master. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


387 


The  Committee  took  in  consideration  Mr.  Duane's  let- 
ter received  yesterday  by  Commissary  Wharton. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  the  contract  for  victualling  the 
troops,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  26th,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — In  the  month  of  February  last  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  this  Colony  received,  amongst  other  things, 
resolutions  of  the  Honourable  Continental  Congress,  dated 
the  17th,  under  the  hands  of  the  President  and  Secretary, 
'  that  the  sum  of  35,000  dollars  to  be  advanced  to  the  Con- 
vention or  Committee  of  Safety  of  New- York,  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  troops  employed  for  the  defence  of  that  Colony  : 
that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Convention  or  Committee 
of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  contract  with  proper  persons 
for  supplying  the  said  troops  with  the  rations  allowed  by 
Congress,  and  fuel  and  other  necessaries,  on  the  most  rea- 
sonable terms  in  their  power.' 

"  To  prevent  trouble  we  enclose  an  exact  copy  of  the 
said  two  resolutions,  marked  No.  1. 

"  The  Provincial  Congress  appointed  a  committee  to  re- 
ceive proposals  of  contracts  for  supplying  the  said  troops, 
which  committee  caused  the  rations  and  other  necessaries 
to  be  supplied,  to  be  published  in  the  New- York  newspa- 
pers, and,  agreeable  to  their  advertisements,  received  all 
proposals  offered  for  that  purpose  sealed  up,  to  prevent 
collusion  as  far  as  possible. 

"  After  every  care  and  precaution  taken,  the  Provincial 
Congress,  on  the  fifteenth  of  March,  accepted  of  the  pro- 
posals of  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  for  supplying  the  said 
troops,  his  being  the  most  reasonable  that  were  offered, 
and  on  the  sixteenth  the  contract  was  perfected  and  exe- 
cuted by  five  gentlemen  from  different  counties,  on  behalf 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  above 
mentioned,  and  by  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston. 

"  We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  contract,  No.  2,  and, 
therefore,  need  not  repeat  its  contents. 

"  Mr.  Livingston  has,  by  bond,  given  sufficient  sureties, 
in  the  sum  of  £30,000,  to  perform  his  contract,  and  the 
Provincial  Congress  have  agreed  to  advance  him  £5,000, 
and  to  pay  him  £5,000  at  the  expiration  of  every  month, 
if  the  support  of  the  troops  by  him  supplied  shall  amount 
to  that  sum. 

"  In  pursuance  of  those  agreements,  Mr.  Livingston  has 
purchased  provisions  to  a  very  large  amount.  The  Pro- 
vincial Congress  were  induced  to  make  the  said  contract, 
not  only  because  it  was  the  most  reasonable  terms  then  in 
their  power,  but  considering  the  risk  and  expense  of  trans- 
portation ;  should  any  force  obstruct  the  navigation  be- 
tween this  city  and  Kings  county,  or  between  this  city  and 
the  Highlands,  the  contract  would  be  highly  advantageous 
to  the  Continent. 

"  Yesterday  we  saw  a  resolution  of  Congress,  that  Car- 
penter Wharton,  Commissary,  continue,  agreeable  to  his 
contract,  to  supply  with  rations  the  Pennsylvania  battalions 
serving  in  New-York,  and  were  favoured  with  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Duane,  recommending  him  as  contractor  for  the  re- 
giments raised  in  this  Colony  on  the  same  terms  he  is  al- 
lowed for  the  Pennsylvania  battalions. 

"  We  are  sorry  that  it  is  now  out  of  our  power  to  con- 
tract with  that  gentleman,  even  should  he  be  willing  to 
supply  the  troops  raised  here  on  the  same  terms  he  does 
the  others. 

"  The  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York  are  not  only  di- 
rected '  to  contract  for  the  troops  employed  for  the  defence 
of  that  Colony,'  but  the  method  directed  appeared  the  most 
eligible,  as  the  larger  the  contract  offered  the  more  reason- 
able terms  were  to  be  expected,  and  could  be  offered. 

"  Should  Congress  determine  to  supersede  what  has 
been  done  in  this  Colony,  as  far  forth  as  it  relates  to  the 
Pennsylvania  battalions,  we  will  endeavour  to  make  the 
best  terms  we  can  with  Mr.  Livingston  as  to  that  part  of 


his  contract,  and  are  inclined  to  believe  he  will  not  take 
any  unreasonable  advantages  of  the  gentlemen  bound  to 
him  in  the  contract,  or  of  the  public. 

"  Whatever  further  directions  Congress  may  think  pro- 
per in  their  wisdom  to  give  in  the  premises,  we  would  wish 
to  receive  with  all  convenient  speed. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Most  respectfully,  your  most 

"  Obedient  humble  servants." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  27th,  1776. 

Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt 
— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Mr.  Everson — Dutches. 

Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Nicholas  Low  returned  to  the  Committtee  of  Safety 
with  an  order  of  this  Committee,  dated  the  2lst  instant, 
permitting  him  to  export  provisions  and  lumber  to  the  West 
Indies,  to  the  amount  of  eight  hundred  and  ninety-six 
pounds  and  nine  pence,  in  return  for  military  stores  import- 
ed into  the  Colony  of  New- York,  and  formerly  sold  and 
delivered  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  Colony.  Mr. 
Low  requests  that  Mr.  Joseph  Lewis  may  have  permis- 
sion, on  his  behalf,  to  export  the  value  of  two  hundred 
pounds  in  provisions,  lumber,  or  any  other  kind  of  produce 
of  this  Colony,  from  Suffolk  county,  in  this  Colony,  to  the 
West  Indies  ;  and  that  the  said  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds 
be  deducted  from  Mr.  Low's  said  permit. 

This  request  appearing  to  the  Committee  to  be  reasona- 
ble, and  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  and  practice  of  the 
Continental  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Lewis  be  permitted  to  ex- 
port provisions,  lumber,  or  produce  of  any  kind,  from 
Huntington,  in  Suffolk  county,  or  any  other  part  of  Suf- 
folk county,  to  the  amount  or  value  of  two  hundred  pounds, 
and  no  more  ;  and  that  the  committee  of  inspection,  or  such 
other  committee  at  Huntington,  or  in  any  other  part  of  Suf- 
folk county  as  may  have  the  care  and  direction  of  exports, 
see  that  Mr.  Lewis  do  not  exceed  this  permit  in  the  value 
of  his  exports,  and  that  Mr.  Lewis  be  accountable  to  them 
to  show  from  time  to  time  the  value  and  quantity  of  the  ar- 
ticles to  be  by  him  exported  before  they  are  exported,  and 
to  give  all  due  proof  and  satisfaction  relative  thereto  to 
such  committee  or  committees.  And 

Ordered,  That  such  committees  make  proper  returns 
thereof  to  this  Committee  of  Safety  or  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, to  enable  them  to  make  return  to  the  honourable 
Continental  Congress  of  the  quantity  and  value  of  such 
exports,  agreeable  to  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, dated  the  26th  day  of  December  last  past,  in  such 
cases  provided.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New- York,  or  their  sub-committee  for  exports, 
deduct  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  from  Mr.  Low's 
said  permission  to  export,  and  permit  him  to  export  on  his 
said  order  of  the  twenty-first  day  of  March  instant  only  the 
amount  or  value  of  six  hundred  and  ninety-six  pounds  and 
nine  pence,  and  no  more. 

Colo.  Brewer,  the  barrack  master  general,  sent  in  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety  a  memorandum  which  was  read  and 


388 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


filed.  He  thereby  signifies  that  he  would  want  834  pots 
and  100  tea  kettles,  for  five  thousand  men  hourly  expected  ; 
the  said  memorandum  or  request  also  mentions  a  supply 
of  wood,  for  which  he  will  give  a  receipt  that  will  bring 
the  money. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Brewer  be  informed  that  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Livingston  is,  by  contract,  to  supply  the  army  with 
wood ;  and  Colo.  Curtenius  is  hereby  requested  to  give 
assistance  or  directions  to  Colo.  Brewer  to  enable  him  to 
get  the  number  of  pots  he  wants,  and  to  be  so  kind  as  to 
give  any  assistance,  advice  or  directions  he  conveniently 
can  to  Colo.  Brewer,  as  to  the  procuring  any  necessaries 
Colo.  Brewer  may  have  occasion  to  procure. 

Colo.  Curtenius  attended  and  informed  the  Committee 
that  he  is  much  in  want  of  cash,  to  enable  him  to  comply 
with  the  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  for  purchasing 
necessaries  for  the  troops  raising  in  this  Colony,  and  other 
orders  which  he  has  received. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to  Peter 
T.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  the  sum  of  five  thousand  pounds,  on  ac- 
count, and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  attended  and  delivered  to  the 
Committee  a  bond  from  Philip  Livingston  and  John  Alsop, 
Esqrs.  and  himself,  in  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand  pounds, 
conditioned  for  fulfilling  his  contract  for  victualling  the 
troops  in  this  Colony. 

The  said  bond  was  read  and  filed,  and  Mr.  Abraham 
Livingston  requested  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  five 
thousand  pounds,  pursuant  to  the  agreement  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  on  the  fifteenth  day  of  March  instant,  and 
the  22d  power  given  by  the  Provincial  Congress  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, advance  to  Abraham  Livingston,  as  contractor  for 
victualling  the  Continental  troops  in  this  Colony,  the  sum 
of  five  thousand  pounds,  on  account  in  that  department, 
Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  to  be  accountable  and  to  give  his 
receipt  to  the  Treasurer  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Charles  Alexander  and  Lieut. 
John  Hennessey  be  at  liberty  to  enlist  Wm.  Craig,  a  pri- 
soner now  confined  in  the  jail  of  this  city,  and  take  him  to 
Philadelphia ;  and  that  the  said  Wm.  Craig  be  discharged 
from  confinement  on  the  request  of  those  gentlemen. 

Ordered,  That  John  McDonald  immediately  proceed  to 
Orange  county,  and  apply  to  Thomas  Smith,  Esqr.  for  in- 
formation relative  to  a  lead  mine,  formerly  mentioned  by 
Mr.  Smith  in  Congress  as  very  valuable,  in  some  part  of 
the  said  county  ;  that  Mr.  McDonald  take  Mr.  Smith's  ad- 
vice and  direction  relative  to  the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Jno.  McDonald,  (after  having 
explored  such  mine  or  mines  in  Orange  county  as  Mr. 
Smith  or  such  other  person  or  persons  as  Mr.  Smith  shall 
recommend  him  to  for  advice  and  assistance  shall  point  out 
to  him,)  proceed  to  the  Little  Nine  Partners,  in  Dutchess 
county,  and  there  apply  to  Colo.  Morris  Graham  and  Jo- 
nathan Landon,  Esqr.  and  take  their  advice  and  direction 
relative  to  lead  mines  in  Dutchess  county ;  that  Mr.  Mc- 
Donald carefully  explore  such  mines  in  Dutchess  county 
as  he  may  be  advised  to  explore  by  Colo.  Graham  and  Mr. 
Landon,  and  report  the  state  and  quality  of  all  such  mines, 
both  in  Orange  and  Dutchess,  as  he  shall  or  may  explore, 
to  this  Committee,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Christian  Jacobson,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Richmond  county,  was  read.  They  thereby  re- 
turn the  names  of  persons  for  field  officers,  and  inform  the 
Committee  that  they  have  divided  the  county  into  four  dis- 
tricts ;  that  they  will  speedily  hold  elections  for  captains 
and  subalterns,  and  return  their  names  to  be  commissioned. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker  write  a  letter  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Richmond  county,  requesting  them  to  transmit 


the  names  of  such  persons  for  field  officers  (as  they  may 
be  assured  will  serve,)  when  they  return  a  list  of  captains 
and  subalterns. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  21th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDougall— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston — For  Jilbany. 

Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Mr.  Graham — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  Capt.  Anthony 
Post  has  such  work  in  hand  to  be  done  by  his  company  of 
artificers  under  the  direction  of  the  commander  of  the 
Continental  troops  here,  that  none  of  those  artificers  can 
be  spared  to  make  cribs  for  the  Continental  troops,  and 
that  as  many  are  hourly  expected,  and  some  of  those  now 
here  not  yet  supplied. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  and  Colo.  Lott,  be  authoriz- 
ed and  hereby  are  authorized  to  employ  workmen  or  con- 
tract with  proper  persons  to  make  cribs,  tables  and 
benches  for  the  Continental  troops  coming  into  this  city  ; 
that  they  get  them  made  on  the  most  reasonable  terms  and 
with  the  greatest  despatch. 

Mr.  Joseph  Bull  attended  and  delivered  in  his  bond  ex- 
ecuted to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  in  the  sum 
of  £2,000,  with  a  condition  that  he  will  cause  Isaac  Gid- 
ney  to  be  delivered  a  prisoner  in  Westchester  jail,  and 
that  the  said  Joseph  Bull  will  procure  good  and  sufficient 
security  in  the  sum  of  £3,000  to  the  said  obligee,  that 
the  said  Isaac  Gidney  will  remain  a  prisoner  in  the  said 
jail  during  the  pleasure  of  this  Committee  of  Safety,  or 
some  future  Committee  of  Safety  or  Congress. 

The  said  bond  was  read  and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Isaac  Gidney,  a  prisoner  now  in  the  jail 
of  this  city,  be  delivered  up  to  Colo.  Joseph  Bull ;  and 
that  Joseph  Purdy,  another  prisoner  in  the  said  jail,  be 
discharged,  they  paying  the  expenses  attending  their  con- 
finement while  in  jail. 

An  association  of  a  company  in  the  township  of  Jamai- 
ca was  read  and  filed.  The  officers  elected  by  the  said 
company,  have  subscribed  a  declaration  similar  to  that  di- 
rected by  the  rules  published  by  the  Provincial  Congress, 
to  be  subscribed  by  officers  before  they  enter  upon  the  ex- 
ecution of  their  offices. 

Thereto  is  annexed  a  certificate  of  Joseph  Robinson  and 
Nathaniel  Tuthill,  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  Jamaica, 
that  the  persons  elected  officers  were  duly  chosen  in  their 
presence,  agreeable  to  the  regulations  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  and  subscribed  the  said  declaration  in  their  pre- 
sence. 

Therewith  is  transmitted  the  names  of  the  company, 
consisting  of  forty  men,  exclusive  of  commissioned  offi- 
cers, with  their  declaration,  that  they  have  associated 
themselves  into  a  company  of  militia,  and  agreeable  to  the 
rules  of  Congress,  have  chosen  Ephraim  Baylis,  captain; 
Increase  Carpenter,  first  lieut.  ;  Abraham  Van  Osdall,  2d 
lieut.  and  Othniel  Smith,  ensign  ;  and  recommend  them 
to  be  commissioned. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  officers  of  the 
said  company  without  delay  ;  and  they  were  issued  ac- 
cordingly. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  resolutions  of 
Continental  Congress  for  disarming  disaffected  persons  ; 
the  same  having  been  under  consideration  at  different 
limes.  The  Committee  came  to  a  unanimous  determina- 
tion, in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


389 


"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  March  27th,  1776.  $ 

"  Whereas  the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  14lh  inst. 
did  'recommend  to  the  several  Assemblies, Conventions  and 
Councils  or  Committees  of  Safety  of  the  United  Colonies, 
immediately  to  cause  all  persons  to  be  disarmed  within 
their  respective  Colonies,  who  are  notoriously  disaffected 
to  the  cause  of  America,  or  who  have  not  associated  and 
refuse  to  associate  to  defend  by  arms  these  United  Colonies 
against  the  hostile  attempts  of  the  British  fleets  and  armies, 
and  to  apply  the  arms  taken  from  such  persons  in  each  re- 
spective Colony,  in  the  first  place,  to  the  arming  the  Con- 
tinental troops  raised  in  said  Colony  ;  in  the  next,  to  the 
arming  such  troops  as  are  raised  by  the  Colony  for  its 
own  defence,  and  the  residue  to  be  applied  to  the  arming 
the  associators.  That  the  arms  when  taken,  be  appraised 
by  indifferent  persons,  and  such  as  are  applied  to  the  arm- 
ing Continental  troops  be  paid  for  by  Congress,  and  the  re- 
sidue by  the  respective  Assemblies,  Conventions,  or  Coun- 
cils or  Committees  of  Safety  :'  And  whereas  the  neces- 
sity of  having  the  Continental  troops  and  other  inhabi- 
tants of  these  Colonies  who  are  disposed  and  willing  to 
defend  the  rights  of  their  country  immediately  armed,  ren- 
ders it  highly  expedient  that  the  said  resolution  should  be 
carried  into  immediate  execution.  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committees 
of  the  several  cities,  counties,  manors,  townships,  pre- 
cincts and  districts  in  this  Colony,  forthwith  to  cause  to  be 
disarmed,  all  persons  within  their  respective  districts  who 
are  known  to  be  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  America,  and 
also  all  such  persons  as  shall  refuse  to  sign  the  following 
association,  to  wit : 

"  '  We,  the  subscribers,  inhabitants  of  in  the 

county  of  and  Colony  of  New- York,  do  volun- 

tarily and  solemnly  engage  and  associate,  under  all  the  ties 
held  sacred  amongst  mankind,  at  the  risk  of  our  lives  and 
fortunes,  to  defend  by  arms  the  United  American  Colonies 
against  the  hostile  attempts  of  the  British  fleets  and  armies, 
until  the  present  unhappy  controversy  between  the  two 
countries  shall  be  settled.' 

"  And  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  committees  to 
use  all  possible  prudence  and  moderation  in  carrying  said 
resolve  into  execution ;  and  that  in  such  districts  where 
the  committees  find  it  absolutely  necessary  to  call  in  an 
armed  force,  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  order  any  part 
of  the  minute  men  or  common  militia  of  their  districts  to 
their  assistance,  that  they  and  the  field  officers  of  the  forces 
shall  judge  necessary. 

"  And  that  the  arms  so  taken  be  appraised  by  indifferent 
persons,  appointed  by  said  committees,  and  that  an  account 
be  made  of  their  number,  the  persons  they  belong  to,  and 
their  appraised  value,  and  that  each  one  be  marked  with 
the  initial  letters  of  the  person's  name  from  whom  they 
were  taken  ;  and  that  the  arms,  together  with  the  account 
of  them,  be  delivered  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
the  district  in  which  they  were  so  taken,  or  to  such  person 
or  persons  as  shall  be  appointed  by  the  said  committee  for 
that  purpose,  he  or  they  giving  a  receipt  for  the  same  ; 
which  accounts  from  the  several  districts  are  to  be  forth- 
with transmitted  to  the  chairman  of,  and  to  be  laid  before,  the 
county  committee,  who  are  hereby  directed  to  transmit  an 
account  of  the  number  of  arms  so  taken,  and  how  many  of 
them  are  fit  for  immediate  service,  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  or  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  that  they 
may  be  enabled  to  make  further  order  therein  ;  and  in 
those  counties  where  there  are  skillful  artificers  for  the 
purpose  that  the  said  committees  do  cause  the  said  arms 
to  be  fitted  up  with  bayonets,  steel  rammers  and  other  ne- 
cessary repairs,  without  delay,  at  the  public  expense  ;  and 
where  there  are  no  such  artificers,  the  committees  are  to 
send  said  arms  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  Provincia 
Congress,  as  soon  as  collected." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  transmit- 
ted to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  each  county  in  the 

98 


Colony,  who  is  hereby  directed  to  furnish  the  chairmen  of 
the  committees  of  the  several  towns,  precincts  and  districts 
in  the  county,  with  copies  thereof,  without  delay. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  28th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tempore. 
Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Prince—  For  New-York. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Adrian  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Morris  Graham — Dutches. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack  master  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized,  to  supply  all  the  troops  which  are  already 
or  shall  hereafter  arrive,  as  also  those  that  may  be  ordered 
to  Kings  county,  with  the  necessary  barrack  furniture  and 
utensils,  as  far  as  those  which  he  has  already  provided  and 
in  store  will  enable  him  to  supply  them  with. 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack  master  assist  Colo.  Brewer 
in  providing  proper  stores  for  storing  provisions  and  other 
necessaries  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  troops  in  this 
city,  and  that  the  barrack  master  be  authorized  to  demand 
the  keys  of  such  stores  as  he  thinks  best  calculated  to  an- 
swer the  purpose  ;  and  further,  that  he  be  authorized  to 
enter  and  take  possession  of  all  such  stores  and  deliver 
them  to  the  care  of  Colo.  Brewer,  or  his  order. 

A  letter  from  General  Thompsson  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen  : — Please  to  give  Mr.  Hugh  Huges, 
commissary  of  military  stores,  an  order  for  10,000  flints, 
and  two  tons  of  lead,  on  the  person  who  is  entrusted  by 
you  with  those  articles,  and  you  will  much  oblige 
"  Yr.  very  hble.  servant, 

"  WM.  THOMPSON,  Brigr.  Genl. 

"New-York,  March  26,  1776. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary,  de- 
liver to  Mr.  Hugh  Hughes  10,000  flints,  and  two  tons  of  lead, 
and  that  Mr.  Norwood  take  Mr.  Hughes'  receipt  for  the 
same,  on  Continental  account,  as  being  ordered  by  the 
Continental  general  for  Continental  troops. 

John  Van  Ness,  Esqr.  colonel  of  the  first  minute  regi- 
ment of  Dutchess  county,  being  deceased,  whereby  the 
command  of  that  regiment  has  devolved  on  Cornelius 
Humphrey,  Esqr.  lieutenant-colonel  of  that  regiment ;  and 
Mr.  Humphrey  being  now  here  in  actual  service  with  the 
said  regiment,  or  a  part  thereof,  and  recommended  as  well 
qualified  to  be  colonel  of  the  said  regiment ; 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  Humphrey  be  appointed  co- 
lonel of  the  said  regiment  of  minute  men  in  the  place  of 
John  Van  Ness,  Esqr.  deceased,  and  that  a  commission 
issue  to  him  accordingly. 

Mr.  Thomas  Lefoy,  who  served  as  a  lieutenant  in  Capt. 
Wynkoop's  company  in  the  last  campaign,  being  unpro- 
vided for,  and  the  first  lieutenancy  of  Capt.  Ambrose  Hor- 
ton's  company  being  yet  vacant, 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  issue  to  the  said  Thomas  Le- 
foy, to  be  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Horton's  company, 
and  the  same  was  issued  accordingly. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  March  28th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Wm.  Paulding,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Morris  Graham — For  Dutchess. 


390 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Leffcrtse— Kings. 
Win.  Williams— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Ad.  B&ncker — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  requesting  that 
permits  might  be  given  to  his  drovers,  who  are  employed 
to  purchase  beef  cattle,  to  enable  him  to  supply  the  army 
with  provisions,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ryer  Schemerhorn,  a  person  who  has  contracted  with 
Mr.  Livingston,  or  is  by  him  employed,  applied  for  a  certi- 
ficate ;  whereupon  a  certificate  was  given  to  Ryer  Sche- 
merhorn, in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Ryer  Schemerhorn,  having 
contracted  with  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  (the  contractor 
for  supplying  the  Continental  troops  in  this  city  with  the 
rations  allowed  by  Congress,)  with  a  quantity  of  fresh  beef ; 
and  the  said  Ryer  Schemerhorne  being  under  a  necessity 
of  going  into  the  different  parts  of  this  Colony,  as  well  as 
into  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  to  purchase  and  procure 
cattle  to  fulfil  his  said  contract ;  it  is  therefore  recommend- 
ed that  he  be  suffered  to  pass  and  repass  with  such  cattle 
as  he  may  be  able  to  procure,  unmolested. 
"  To  the  Committee,  and  to  every  friend 

of  liberty  in  the  United  Colonies." 

"  Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  give  similar  passports  to 
Mr.  Livingston's  other  drovers. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Berrien,  one  of  the  commission- 
ers for  erecting  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  26lh  March,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  have  to  request  that  you  will  furnish 
me  with  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  sum  of  five  hun- 
dred pounds  on  account,  to  enable  me  to  discharge  sundry 
debts  contracted  for  ordnance  stores,  bricks,  shingles, 
boards  and  plank,  intrenching  tools,  &c.  for  the  use  of  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands. 

"  I  am,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  humble  servt. 

"JOHN  BERRIEN. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Committee  of  Safety 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Mr.  John  Berrien,  commissary  for  the  commis- 
sioners for  erecting  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  one 
of  the  said  commissioners,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds 
on  Continental  account,  to  enable  him  to  discharge  sundry 
debts  contracted  for  ordnance  stores,  brick,  shingles,  boards 
and  plank,  intrenching  tools,  and  other  necessaries  for  the 
use  of  the  said  fortifications. 

A  return  for  a  great  number  of  commissions  from  Fre- 
dericks Burgh,  in  Dutches  county,  for  the  militia  officers  in 
that  district,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Fredericksburgh  in  Dutches  county,  March  15th,  1776. 

"Pursuant  to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
New-York,  passed  the  9th  of  August,  1775,  the  Committee 
proceeded  to  call  together  the  several  companies  of  militia 
in  this  precinct,  for  a  choice  of  officers,  as  follows  : 

"Beat  No.  1. — Friday  March  8th,  the  company  did 
meet,  and  under  the  inspection  of  Joshua  Myrick,  Daniel 
Mertine  and  David  Myrick,  three  of  the  committee,  did 
choose  Ebenezer  Robinson,  capt.;  Nathaniel  Scribner,  1st 
lieut.;  Hezekiah  Mead,  Junr.  2d  lieut.;  Obadiah  Chase, 
ensign. 

"  Beat  No.  2. — Monday  March  11th,  the  company  met, 
and  under  the  inspection  of  David  Waterbury  and  Moses 
Richards,  two  of  the  committee,  did  elect  David  Water- 
bury,  capt.;  Isaac  Townsend,  1st  lieut.;  Jonathan  Webb, 
2d  lieut.;  Timothy  Delavan,  ensign. 

"  Beat  No.  3. — September  20th,  1775,  the  company 
met,  and  under  the  inspection  of  Jonathan  Paddack,  Sime- 


on Tryon,  David  Crosby,  three  of  the  committee,  made 
choice  of  Jonathan  Paddack,  capt.;  Jeremiah  Burges,  2d 
lieut.;  Joseph  Dykeman,  ensign. — N.  B.  Simeon  Tryon 
is  since  appointed  a  lieutenant  in  the  Continental  army. 

"Beat  No.  4. — Tuesday,  March  12th,  the  company  of 
met,  and  under  the  inspection  of  Solomon  Hopkins, 
David  Myrick  and  David  Smith,  did  elect  John  Crane,  capt.; 
Elijah  Townsend,  1st  lieut.;  David  Smith,  2d  lieut.  and 
John  Berry,  ensign. 

"  Beat  No.  5. — Wednesday,  March  13th,  the  company 
met,  and  under  the  inspection  of  Solomon  Hopkins  and 
Joshua  Myrick,  two  of  the  committee,  did  elect  William 
Colwell  capt.;  Joel  Mead,  1st  lieut.;  Stephen  Ludinton,  2d 
lieut.  and  David  Porter,  ensign. 

"  Beat  No.  6. — Thursday,  March  14th,  the  company 
met,  and  under  the  inspection  of  Isaac  Chapman  and 
Joshua  Crosby,  two  of  the  committee,  did  choose  David 
Hecock,  capt.;  William  Calkin,  1st  lieut.;  and  Moses  Sage, 
ensign. 

"  The  above  gentlemen  are  all  persons  of  respectable 
characters,  have  been  friendly  to  liberty,  and  have  signed 
the  general  association  recommended  by  the  Congress. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"  DAVID  SMITH,  Chairman  pro  tempore. 
"  A  true  copy.  Test 

"  Joshua  Myrick,  Clerk. 
"  N.  B.  Increas  Bennet  afterwards  refused  to  serve  as 
lieutenant." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  bearing 
date  the  27th  day  of  March  instant,  relative  to  assistance 
of  troops  and  a  magazine  of  provisions,  was  read  and  filed  ; 
and  a  resolution  of  the  said  county  committee  to  send  an 
express  with  their  letter,  and  appointing  persons  to  pur- 
chase provisions,  were  respectively  read  and  filed,,  and  are 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Suffolk  county,  March  21th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Whereas  the  east  end  of  Long  island  is  in  a 
very  defenceless  situation,  and  much  exposed  to  the  rava- 
ges of  the  Ministerial  army,  which  now  are  distressing 
these  Colonies  ;  and  as  they  have  now  quitted  the  town  of 
Boston,  we  are  very  apprehensive  they  may  attempt  to  get 
possession  of  this  part  of  the  island,  which  they  may  easily 
effect  under  our  present  defenceless  situation,  and  which 
would  be  of  great  importance  to  them.  We  therefore 
think  it  necessary  that  a  number  of  troops  should  be  sta- 
tioned there,  which  we  presume  you,  in  your  wisdom,  will 
think  a  proper  measure.  If  so,  we  depend  you  will  apply 
to  the  commanding  officer  of  New- York  for  that  purpose, 
and  as  a  quantity  of  provisions  will  be  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  support  of  such  troops,  and  as  a  supply  may  now 
be  had  in  the  county,  and  laid  up  as  a  magazine  for  that 
purpose  ;  and  as  little  or  no  loss  will  probably  attend  the 
laying  up  such  a  store,  therefore  we  hope  you  will  direct 
that  a  suitable  quantity  may  be  purchased  and  deposited  in 
such  place  or  places  in  this  county,  as  you  shall  think  pro- 
per ;  otherwise  we  are  apprehensive  that  such  provisions 
will  soon  be  exported  from  this  county. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  committee. 

"WM.  SMITH,  Chairman." 

"In  Suffolk  County  Committee,? 
"  March  21th,  1776.  5 
"  Resolved,  That  an  express  be  sent  to  the  Committee 
of  Safety  at  New-York,  to  take  their  resolve  upon  the  ex- 
pediency of  purchasing  provisions  in  this  county  for  the 
use  of  the  troops  that  may  be  ordered  or  stationed  in 
this  county  ;  and  that  Jesse  Brush,  Samuel  Philips,  Phi- 
nehas  Fanning,  Mallby  Gelston  and  Burnett  Millar,  be  a 
sub-committee  to  put  the  resolve  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  respecting  the  same  into  immediate  execution. 
"  By  order, 

"WM.  SMITH,  Chairman:' 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


391 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  29th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding.  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Prince — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Paulding- — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Colo.  Wm.  Williams — Cumberland. 
Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Mr.  Eversen — Dutches. 
Mr.  Leflertse — Kings. 

Colo.  Wm.  Williams  came  to  take  leave  of  the  Com- 
mittee and  departed  before  Mr.  Tredwell  came  in ;  and 
therefore  the  Committee,  though  they  spent  the  whole 
morning  in  considering  and  preparing  different  matters, 
could  not  do  any  acts  to  be  entered  on  the  minutes,  for 
want  of  a  quorum. 

Adjourned  till  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  29th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Colo.  MeDougall,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Scott,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Leflertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Eversou— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Pat.  Sinclair  attended  to  get  permission  to  go  on 
board  of  the  Packet.  As  the  port  master  is  gone  down  to 
the  ships,  Mr.  Sinclair  was  requested  to  call  to-morrow 
morning. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  informed  the  Committee  that  the  sloop 
James,  Richd.  Puller  master,  with  provisions  for  the  West 
Indies,  in  return  for  military  stores  imported,  is  ready  to 
sail,  and  requests  a  permit. 

Ordered,  That  the  sloop  James,  Richd.  Puller  master, 
be  permitted  to  sail,  and  it  is  recommended  to  all  friends 
to  American  liberty  to  afford  every  necessary  aid  to  the 
said  sloop  and  master. 

Colo.  Ephraim  Martin,  from  Essex  county  in  New-Jer- 
sey, delivered  in  a  return  of  the  following  barrack  neces- 
saries wanting  for  his  regiment  of  militia,  and  which  he 
says  he  can  not  obtain  by  purchase  or  otherwise,  but  by 
order  of  this  Committee  to  Colo.  Curtenius. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Colo.  Ephraim 
Martin  50  bowls,  some  large  and  others  small,  and  228 
spoons  for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  on  Continental  account, 
and  take  Colo.  Martin's  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  return  or  memorandum,  signed  by  Capt.  Peter  Dicker- 
son,  requesting  some  order  that  may  procure  him  dishes 
and  spoons  for  the  use  of  his  company,  in  Colo.  Dayton's 
regiment  from  New-Jersey  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  supply,  on  Continental 
account,  twenty  dishes  or  bowls,  some  large  and  some 
small,  and  eighty-six  spoons,  for  Capt.  Peter  Dickerson's 
company,  of  Colo.  Dayton's  regiment  from  New-Jersey, 
and  that  Mr.  Curtenius  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  long  letter  from  Messrs.  Palmer  and  Livingston,  two 
of  the  commissioners  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 
on  the  subject  of  provisions,  rum  for  fatigue  men,  and 
other  matters,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit: 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  March  28th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Fourteen  days  ago  we  began  at  this 
post,  with  carpenters  and  masons,  and  have  our  buildings 


now  in  a  fine  way.  Our  store-house  is  completed,  and  a 
barrack  of  eighty  by  twenty  feet  will,  in  a  few  days,  be  so 
far  finished  as  to  receive  one  hundred  and  sixty  men.  Our 
bake-house  also  almost  finished,  and  a  quantity  of  fascines 
made,  so  that  we  shall  soon  begin  to  erect  the  battery  ;  we 
have  now  here  about  one  hundred  and  forty  men,  and  ex- 
pect one  company  more  in  two  or  three  days  ;  the  greater 
part  have  been  at  this  post  about  six  days,  quartered  in 
vessels.  But  the  disaffection  of  the  soldiers,  with  respect 
to  their  provisions,  is  so  great  that  they  will  soon  refuse 
their  duty  as  labourers,  and  even  now  do  not  half  the  labour 
that  might  reasonably  be  expected  from  the  numbers  we 
have  here,  as  they  have  nothing  more  of  the  several  spe- 
cies of  provision  allowed  a  soldier  than  pork  and  bread ; 
this  added  to  their  uncomfortable  situation  on  board  the 
sloops  makes  them  very  uneasy  and  mutinous ;  we  have 
used  our  utmost  endeavours,  with  the  influence  of  their  offi- 
cers, to  quiet  them,  by  telling  them  they  will  soon  be  bet- 
ter provided  for.  But  we  see  no  likelihood  of  that,  as  re- 
peated applications  have  been  lately  made  to  the  commis- 
sary at  Albany,  and  the  deputy  commissary,  (Mr.  Phelps,) 
now  at  Fort  Constitution,  and  all  to  no  purpose ;  we  are, 
therefore,  under  the  necessity  of  applying  to  you,  and  beg 
that  you  will  immediately  give  such  orders  to  the  contrac- 
tors and  deputy  commissary  that  this  post  may  be  supplied 
with  every  species  allowed  to  make  the  full  rations  to  each 
soldier ;  and  if  it  can  not  soon  be  done  in  that  way,  your 
order  to  us  to  supply  the  troops  here  will  be  sufficient,  as 
every  necessary  wanting  is  to  be  had  in  great  plenty.  We 
beg  you  will  not  pass  over  this  application  unnoticed,  for 
in  case  the  soldiers  are  not  better  provided  for  they  will 
not  labour,  and  when  that  is  the  case  it  can  not  be  expect- 
ed that  we  can  carry  on  the  work. 

"  Capt.  Andrew  Billings  we  have  sent  with  this,  who 
will  be  able  fully  to  state  the  deplorable  situation  of  the 
troops  here,  if  the  Committee  will  call  on  him,  which  we 
beg  they  may  do  ;  and  if  he  returns  without  a  remedy,  it 
will  then  be  out  of  our  power  to  give  them  any  kind  of 
satisfaction. 

"  The  soldiers  know  the  errand  Capt.  Billings  goes  on, 
and  the  expectation  of  relief  on  his  return  keeps  them 
from  mutinying,  and  we  have  reason  to  think  from  quitting 
the  post  in  a  body  ;  at  least  the  greater  part  of  them. 

"  Sentiments  of  humanity  as  well  as  sound  policy  con- 
strain us  to  add,  that  in  a  plentiful  country  it  is  cruel  not 
to  provide  well  for  those  men  that  step  forth  to  defend  the 
rights  of  their  country.  Our  common  enemies,  the  tories, 
take  the  advantage  of  it,  and  secretly  retard  the  recruiting 
companies  filling,  which  for  that  and  other  reasons  goes  on 
slowly. 

"  We  are  sensible  that  the  above  application  to  your  body 
is  not  strictly  proper,  yet  as  necessity  has  and  must  war- 
rant many  things  which  have  imposed  themselves  on  you, 
we  make  the  present  application  with  full  confidence  that 
some  immediate  relief  may  be  had  in  the  premises  ;  we 
would  beg  leave  to  add  that  rum  is  an  article  very  much 
wanting  for  the  fatigue  parties.  If  a  supply  of  that  could 
be  immediately  sent  up  it  would  have  a  very  good  effect ; 
in  case  a  sufficiency  cannot  be  provided,  if  we  have  orders, 
a  plenty  of  cider  and  beer  can  be  had,  which  would  an- 
swer perhaps  as  well. 

"  We  send  enclosed  a  copy  of  an  affidavit  which  proves 
the  assiduity  of  our  enemies,  and  the  necessity  of  a  watch- 
ful eye  on  all  their  motions. 

"  In  consequence  of  the  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  the  8th  instant,  to  which  we  beg  to  refer,  we  have 
called  chiefly  Continental  troops  to  this  post,  thinking  they 
are  most  to  be  depended  upon  ;  those  troops,  we  think,  are 
and  ought  to  be  under  our  sole  directions,  as  to  the  work 
that  is  to  be  done.  As  to  what  little  military  parade  that 
is  at  present  necessary,  we  conceive  the  eldest  captain  here 


392 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


abundantly  sufficient ;  the  present  body  being  merely  a 

working  party. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  much  esteem, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  GILBERT  LIVINGSTON, 
"  THOS.  PALMER. 

"To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety,  N.  York." 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  30th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Scott,  Mr.  Prince,  Major  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Helme— For  New- 
York. 
Mr.  Lefl'ertse— Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  Colo. 
Trumbull,  the  Commissary-General,  stood  in  great  need 
of  some  place  to  store  provisions  in.  Colo.  McDougall 
further  informed  the  Committee  that  the  cellars  of  the  hos- 
pital are  well  calculated  for  the  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Trumbull,  commissary  of  provi- 
sions, be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to 
take  possession  of  the  cellars  of  the  hospital  in  this  city, 
and  make  use  of  the  same  for  the  purpose  of  storing  pro- 
visions and  other  articles  in  his  department. 

A  certificate  of  Doctor  Jones  was  read  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  This  is  to  certify,  that  Mr.  Gerards.  G.  Beekman  is  by 
my  advice  going  to  Bristol  in  Pennsylvania,  in  order  to 
drink  the  mineral  waters  of  that  place  for  the  benefit  of  his 
health,  which  for  some  time  past  has  been  sensibly  impair- 
ed.   Dated  in  New-York,  March  28th,  1776." 

Mr.  Beekman  requested  a  passport  that  he  might  be  per- 
mitted to  go  to  Bristol  and  return  unmolested.  There- 
upon the  following  certificate  was  given  Mr.  Beekman. 

"  It  is  hereby  certified  that  Mr.  Gerard  G.  Beekman  is 
permitted  to  go  to  Bristol  for  the  benefit  of  his  health  ;  that 
he  is  a  friend  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty.  It  is  there- 
fore recommended  to  all  the  friends  of  liberty  to  suffer  him 
to  pass  unmolested." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Josh.  Pots  be  permitted  to  go  on 
board  of  the  packet  (with  the  port  master,)  to  procure  a 
passage  to  England,  he  having  been  sworn  that  he  will  not 
convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications  erect- 
ing for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  or  their  sub-committee,  be  and  they  are  here- 
by authorized  to  permit  Paul  Pincknam  to  lade  on  board 
the  sloop  Royal  County,  such  provisions  as  he  may  want, 
(beef  and  pork  excepted,)  and  take  the  same  to  Falmouth, 
in  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay. 

Capt.  Andrew  Billings  of  Dutches  county  attended  and 
was  admitted,  He  informed  that  his  company  is  nearly 
completed,  and  (except  a  few  men  at  work  or  on  duty  in 
one  of  the  minute  regiments  now  at  New-York,)  are  now 
on  duty  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands  ;  that  many 
of  his  men  have  been  enlisted  a  considerable  time,  and  that 
he  stands  in  great  need  of  cash  to  pay  his  men  that  they 
may  be  enabled  to  purchase  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Billings  and  the  privates  and  non- 
commissioned officers  of  his  company  be  considered  as 
part  of  the  four  regiments  raising  in  this  Colony  for  Conti- 
nental service.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Capt.  Andrew  Billings  the  sum  of  three  hundred 


pounds  on  account,  to  be  by  him  applied  toward  the  pay 
of  his  company,  as  above  mentioned,  and  that  the  said 
Treasurer  take  Capt.  Billings'  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius,  Commissary  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  deliver  to  Capt.  Andrew  Billings  for 
his  company  in  the  Continental  troops  raising  in  this  Co- 
lony the  following  articles,  vizt :  30  wooden  bowls,  86 
wooden  spoons,  86  frocks,  86  pair  of  shoes,  86  hats,  14 
iron  pots,  86  canteens,  4  do.  for  officers,  86  pair  yam 
homespun  men's  hose,  86  soldiers  and  4  officer's  blankets, 
1  drum  and  fife ;  and  that  he  also  deliver  to  Capt.  Bil- 
lings the  like  quantity  or  number  of  each  article  (except 
blankets  and  hose)  for  Capt.  Jacobus  Rosekrans'  company; 
and  that  Mr.  Curtenius  take  Capt.  Billings'  receipt  for  the 
same. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Grennell  to  Thomas  Tredwell, 
Esqr.  dated  the  27th  March,  resigning  his  warrant  as  a 
captain  of  artillery  in  the  Continental  service,  and  declin- 
ing the  service,  was  read  and  filed. 

Major  Sebastain  Beauman  having  signified  his  willing- 
ness to  render  any  services  in  his  power  for  the  defence  of 
the  liberties  of  this  country  :  This  Committee  reposing 
especial  confidence  in  his  patriotism,  valour,  conduct  and 
fidelity,  think  him  well  qualified  to  command  an  artillery 
[company]  in  the  Continental  service. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Sebastian  Beauman,  Esqr. 
be  and  is  hereby  appointed  captain  of  the  Continental  com- 
pany of  artillery  ordered  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  which 
company  Mr.  Beauman  is  hereby  authorized  and  requested 
to  enlist  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  erecting  the  for- 
tifications near  Pooplopen,  in  answer  to  theirs  of  the  28th, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  op  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  March  30th,  1776.  S 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the 
28th  instant.  In  answer  thereto,  we  inform  you  that  Mr. 
Abraham  Livingston  has,  some  days  ago,  contracted  to 
supply  the  troops  at  the  posts  in  the  Highlands,  with  the 
rations  allowed  by  Congress. 

"  Mr.  Livingston  has  a  vessel  with  necessaries  and  a  com- 
missary ready  to  go  up  to  the  Highlands,  and  you  may  as- 
sure the  troops  that  they  will  be  supplied  with  every  part 
of  the  rations  allowed  by  Congress,  that  can  reasonably  be 
procured,  as  soon  as  wind  and  weather  will  permit.  This 
supply  has  some  days  ago  been  attended  to,  and  no  un- 
avoidable delay  will  be  made. 

"  Rum  for  fatigue  parties,  in  our  opinion,  can  not  easily 
be  obtained  at  present,  beside  the  price  is  exorbitant. 
The  commissary  will  furnish  the  troops  with  a  quart  of 
spruce  beer  per  man  per  day,  or  the  molasses  allowed  by 
Congress  ;  if  you  find  it  necessary  to  make  a  farther  al- 
lowance of  beer  or  cider,  you  are  hereby  authorized  to  pro- 
cure and  allow  the  fatigue  men  one  quart  of  small  beer  or 
cider  per  man  per  day.  But  we  beg  leave  in  this  matter 
to  recommend  frugality  as  much  as  is  consistent  with  the 
good  of  the  service,  as  an  extra  allowance  to  fatigue  men 
is  not  by  order  of  Continental  Congress,  and  may  there- 
fore be  a  Colony  charge. 

"  We  approve  of  your  calling  in  the  Continental  troops 
as  fast  as  possible. 

"  Colo.  Nicoll  was  appointed  to  command  at  the  forti- 
fications in  the  Highlands,  in  pursuance  of  an  intention  of 
Continental  Congress  that  a  gentleman  of  that  rank  should 
command  there.  We  doubt  not  but  you  will  receive  his 
aid  by  commanding  and  inspiriting  the  men  at  the  works, 
as  he  is  answerable  for  their  defence  in  case  of  an  attack. 

"We  have  not  heard  any  objections  to  Colo.  Nicoll's 
conduct  as  an  officer  or  a  gentlemen,  therefore  we  can  not 
without  injustice  abridge  his  appointment. 

"  The  Continental  Congress  having  thought  that  those 
posts  should  be  commanded  by  an  officer  of  that  rank,  we 
do  not  allow  ourselves  to  have  any  conceptions  on  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


393 


subject,  holding  it  our  duty  in  this  instance  to  obey  and 
not  to  dictate. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants." 

The  Committee  considering  of  the  best  method  to  pre- 
serve the  stock  on  Staten  island,  if  a  fleet  should  arrive 
and  attempt  depredations,  are  of  opinion  that  it  should  be 
removed  to  Jersey,  on  any  appearance  of  an  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker  get  two  good  scows  built, 
to  have  them  in  readiness  to  remove  stock,  or  ferry  troops 
to  that  island.  Thereupon 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Richmond  county 

was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words  following : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  New-York,  March  30th,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — The  ministerial  army  and  navy  having 
been  obliged  to  desert  Boston,  and  much  in  want  of  fresh 
provisions,  we  are  under  great  apprehensions  they  may 
come  this  way,  and  make,  or  attempt  to  make,  depreda- 
tions on  the  stock  in  your  island,  before  the  necessary  aids 
could  be  sent  to  you. 

"  We  are  anxious  for  the  preservation  of  the  stock  of 
your  island.  The  best  method  that  we  can  devise  is,  for 
the  owners  to  procure  places  for  their  stock  in  Jersey. 
We  therefore  earnestly  recommend  to  you  to  advise  or  di- 
rect the  inhabitants  of  your  county  to  provide  proper  places 
in  New-Jersey  for  the  reception  of  their  live  slock,  and  on 
the  approach  of  an  enemy,  or  any  proper  notification  of 
danger  to  give  directions  to  remove  all  the  live  stock  in  the 
said  county  (horses,  working  oxen,  milch  cows,  and  such 
as  are  within  a  month  of  calving,  excepted,)  to  such  places 
as  they  shall  have  so  provided. 

"  Humanity  as  well  as  our  duty  to  our  constituents  and 
our  desire  to  prevent  every  inconvenience  or  loss  to  them 
as  far  as  in  our  power,  induces  us  to  wish  that  you  would 
not  suffer  this  matter  to  be  neglected.  We  assure  you  that 
we  have  the  best  information,  that  if  the  preservation  of 
your  stock  is  not  attended  to  by  the  proprietors,  the  Con- 
tinental forces  on  the  first  approach  of  real  danger,  will 
prevent  the  ministerial  troops  from  having  any  benefit  of 
it.  We  have  authorized  Mr.  Bancker,  one  of  our  Depu- 
ties, to  get  two  good  scows  built  for  assisting  to  remove 
stock  when  necessary. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of 

"  committee  of  Richmond  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  certificate  or  passport  was  given  to  Henry  Hegeman, 
a  drover,  employed  by  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  the  con- 
tractor for  the  troops,  to  procure  cattle  and  live  stock,  a 
copy  whereof  is  filed. 

And  similar  passports  were  also  given  to  several  em- 
ployed by  Mr.  Ab.  Livingston,  as  drovers. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  30th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— William  Paulding;,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Colo.  Lott,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  McDougall— 
For  New- York. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Mr.  Everson— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  James  Campbell,  Joseph  Potts 
and  John  Lloyd  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  Govr.  Try- 
on's  ship  and  the  packet,  (with  the  port  master)  to  inquire 
whether  they  can  procure  a  passage  to  England,  with  per- 
mission to  return  on  shore  if  they  should  not  be  able  to 
procure  a  passage,  or  if  the  said  packet  should  be  likely 

99 


to  sail  soon,  they  having  been  sworn  that  they  will  not 
convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications  erect- 
ing for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Rapalye  be  permitted  to 
go  on  board  His  Majesty's  ship  Phoenix,  with  the  port  ma- 
ster, to  demand  his  schooner  lately  seized  by  order  of 
Captain  Parker,  he  having  been  sworn  that  he  will  not 
convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting 
for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  resolution 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  empowering  them  to  contract 
for  5,000  stands  of  arms. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  an  advertisement  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  having  em- 
powered this  Committee  to  contract  for  a  number  of  mus- 
kets, (to  be  manufactured  in  the  Colony,)  public  notice 
is  hereby  given,  that  this  Committee  are  ready  to  receive 
proposals  from,  and  treat  with,  any  person  or  persons  who 
are  willing  to  engage  in  manufacturing  good  muskets  or 
the  locks,  barrels  or  any  necessary  parts  thereof,  and  re- 
quest all  persons  who  choose  to  engage  to  be  speedy  in 
their  proposals." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  be  published  in  all  the 
public  newspapers  in  this  Colony. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  the  men 
enlisted  in  his  regiment  stood  in  need  of  some  cash  to  pur- 
chase necessaries,  and  that  a  large  sum  is  due  to  his  regi- 
ment. Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to 
Colo.  McDougall  on  account  in  part  of  pay  for  his  regiment, 
the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  and  lake  a  receipt  for 
the  same  on  account. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Thompson  was  read  and  filed,  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentn. — A  number  of  troops  are  arrived  and  more 
are  hourly  expected  who  must  be  quartered  in  the  city, 
and  as  I  understand  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  who  have 
quitted  the  town  have  left  part  of  their  furniture  in  their 
houses,  I  must  request  that  you  will  give  such  directions  as 
you  may  judge  best  for  securing  the  property  of  those 
people  whose  houses  are  or  shall  be  occupied  as  barracks 
for  the  troops  ;  and  you  will  much  oblige, 

"  Gentn.  your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"  WM.  THOMPSON. 

"New-York.  30th  March,  1776. 
'•'  To  the  Committee  of  Safety." 

Warrants  issued  to  Wm.  Dunn,  2nd  lieut.  and  Jno.  Gar- 
rison, ensign,  in  Capt.  Ambrose  Horton's  company. 


DIE  LUNiE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

April  1st,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  McDougall,  Colo, 
Brasher  —  For  New-York. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding  —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jonathan  Hasbrouck,  dated  at  New- 
burgh,  March  20th,  1776,  containing  a  statement  of  his 
regiment  of  militia  in  Ulster  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Newburgh,  March  the  20th,  1776. 
"  A  true  state  of  the  regiment  of  militia  in  the  county  of 


394 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ulster,  whereof  Jonathan  Hasbrouck  is  colonel,  consisting 
of  eleven  companies. 

"  My  whole  regiment  consists  of  six  hundred  and  eight 
(608)  men,  officers  included ;  likewise  four  hundred  and 
fifty  (450)  firelocks,  two  hundred  and  ninety-three  (293) 
swords,  one  hundred  and  eighty-eight  (188)  cartridge  box- 
es, thirty-two  (32)  pounds  of  powder,  one  hundred  and 
twenty  (120)  pounds  of  lead. 

"  A  true  state  of  my  regiment  after  the  fourth  man  was 
selected  as  a  minute  man,  according  to  the  resolves  of 
your  Honourable  House,  given  under  my  hand  the  day 
and  date  above  mentioned. 

«  J.  HASBROUCK,  Coll" 
A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  informing  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  progress  of  his  powder  mill,  was  read  and 
filed,  (see  same  letter  again  mentioned  on  the  following 
page  and  there  copied.) 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Heath  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-York,  April  1st,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  find  myself  necessitated  to  request  of 
you  two  thousand  and  twenty-five  dollars  and  five-ninths 
of  a  dollar,  for  Continental  purposes. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  esteem, 

"Your  most  humble  servt. 

"  WM.  HEATH,  Brigr.  Genl. 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Brigadier-Genl.  Heath  the  sum  of  two  thousand 
and  twenty-five  dollars  and  five-ninths  of  a  dollar  for  Con- 
tinental purposes,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same  on  Con- 
tinental account. 

A  letter  from  John  Haring,  Esqr.  dated  Orange  Town, 
March  28th,  1776,  enclosing  Colo.  Lent's  commission  and 
resignation,  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Orange  Town,  March  28lh,  1776. 

"  Sir — Col.  Lent  was  with  me  the  evening  before  last, 
and  appeared  to  be  much  out  of  humour  on  account  of  the 
late  behaviour  of  part  of  his  regiment.  He  says  that  his 
orders  have  been  treated  with  contempt  and  himself  slan- 
dered by  those  from  whom  he  expected  assistance. 

"  The  colonel  has  for  a  number  of  years  last  past  been 
a  militia  officer,  and  I  believe  we  never  had  one  who 
was  more  punctual  in  obeying  and  performing  the  orders 
of  his  superiors,  and  he  consequently  expected  that  those 
under  his  command  should  also  obey  him  ;  but  by  experi- 
ence he  finds  that  he  cannot  get  the  orders  of  Congress, 
which  from  time  to  time  issue,  properly  expedited  ;  and  he 
is  apprehensive  that  if  he  continues  in  office  any  longer  he 
will  be  censured  by  his  superiors  as  well  as  blamed  by  his 
inferiors. 

"  The  Orange  Town  regiment  is  chiefly  composed  of 
such  as  know  but  little  of  the  English  language  and  no- 
thing of  military  affairs,  wherefore  I  must  impute  their 
backwardness  and  delays  to  ignorance  and  ill-founded  jea- 
lousies of  being  imposed  upon  by  their  commanders,  and 
not  to  disaffection. 

"  The  commission  of  the  Colonel,  together  with  his  re- 
signation, you  have  enclosed  ;  he  brought  the  commission 
to  me,  and  would  not  be  prevailed  upon  to  take  it  home 
again,  so  that  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  send  it  to  you  by 
the  first  opportunity. 

"  The  command  of  the  above  said  regiment  now  de- 
volves upon  Lieut.  Col.  Blauvelt.  I  am  fearful  that  Lent's 
resignation  will  be  followed  by  others,  but  I  shall  do  all 
that  is  in  my  power  to  prevent  it. 

"  I  am,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  HARING. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

The  said  resignation  was  also  read. 


"  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  or  may 
concern  : 

"  Whereas  I,  the  subscriber,  have  some  time  since 
been  commissioned  by  the  Honourable  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  the  Colony  of  New-York  to  be  colonel  of  the  re- 
giment of  the  militia  foot  in  Orange  Town  :  And  where- 
as I  have  been  much  blamed  and  slandered,  by  some 
officers  and  others  in  said  regiment,  for  giving  orders  in 
pursuance  of  a  late  resolve  and  order  of  said  Congress,  I 
have  thought  proper  to  resign  my  said  commission,  and 
accordingly  do  resign  the  same,  choosing  rather  to  serve 
as  a  private,  than  command  people  who  are  prejudiced 
against  me. 

"  Given  under  my  hand  the  26th  day  of  March,  A.  D. 
1776. 

"  ABRAHAM  LENT." 

A  letter  from  Govr.  Trumbull,  dated  22d  March,  1776, 
enclosing  Mr.  Hopkins'  report  on  the  lead  mines  at  New- 
Canaan,  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Lebanon,  22d  March,  1776. 

"  Sir — Eliphalet  Dyer  and  Wm.  Williams,  Esquires,  are 
authorized  and  empowered  by  the  Governor  and  Council 
appointed  to  assist  him  in  the  recess  of  the  General  As- 
sembly, to  move  your  body  to  grant  this  Colony,  for  its 
use,  the  loan  of  such  a  number  and  sizes  of  cannon  as  you 
can  spare  without  detriment,  which  if  granted,  the  return 
of  them  or  their  value  shall  be  secured. 

The  reason  of  this  application  is,  that  we  have  under- 
taken to  set  the  furnace  at  Salisbury  in  blast  to  cast 
cannon,  &c.  for  use  at  this  important  crisis  of  public  af- 
fairs ;  that  the  hearth  is  laying,  ore,  coal  and  every  other 
necessary  preparing  ;  workmen  provided  for  every  part  of 
the  business,  and  hope  to  begin  by  casting  cannon  in  all 
next  month,  or  early  in  May. 

"  They  can  with  greater  ease  be  transported  to  New- 
York,  and  used  where  needed,  than  brought  here  ;  in  the 
mean  time,  fearing  our  necessity  of  cannon  for  use  before 
this  work  can  be  effected,  and  apprehending  that  a  great 
number,  of  various  sizes,  may  be  spared  from  your  Colony, 
without  injury  to  the  common  service,  do  therefore  hope 
for  a  compliance  with  our  motion. 

"  This  Colony  has  been  exploring  lead  mines  ;  one  at 
Middletown  is  opened,  fifty  or  sixty  tons  of  ore  raised,  a 
smelting  furnace  built  there,  and  expect  thirty  or  forty 
tons  of  lead  to  be  run  out  soon. 

"  A  committee  appointed  by  our  Assembly  in  Octr.  last 
to  explore  and  examine  a  lead  mine  at  New-Canaan,  in 
your  Colony,  made  report  at  our  session  in  December  last. 
Copy  thereof  is  enclosed.  If  worthy  your  attention,  and 
ore  raised  there,  the  furnace  at  Middletown  may  serve  for 
smelting  what  is  raised  at  both  places.  Any  service  we 
can  render  your  Colony,  in  that  or  any  other  instance,  will 
be  done  with  pleasure. 

"  I  am  with  great  truth  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servt. 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary  of  Co- 
lony military  stores,  deliver  to  Colo.  McDougall,  or  his 
order,  three  thousand  two  hundred  flints,  for  the  use  of  his 
regiment. 

The  Committee  being  applied  to  for  an  order  to  obtain 
rum  for  the  men  on  fatigue  parties  at  Home's  Hook, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  in  pursuance 
of  the  resolution  or  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the 
twentieth  day  of  February  last,  henceforth  continue  to  is- 
sue (until  further  ordered)  a  gill  of  rum  per  day,  for  each 
of  the  men  of  the  minute  regiments  at  Home's  Hook,  when 
on  fatigue.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  commanding  officer  at  Home's  Hook, 
for  the  time  being,  from  time  to  time  deliver  to  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Livingston  exact  lists  of  the  men  on  fatigue  at  that 
post,  and  that  the  commanding  officer,  and  each  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


395 


other  officers,  take  especial  care  that  no  rum  be  issued  but 
to  men  on  fatigue. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  advance 
to  the  auditors  or  committee  of  the  pay-table,  or  their  or- 
der, any  such  sum  or  sums,  from  time  to  time,  as  they 
may  think  proper,  and  keep  a  separate  account  or  memo- 
randum thereof,  until  they  include  the  same  in  some  au- 
dited accounts,  so  as  that  the  said  moneys  may  then  ap- 
pear in  the  general  accounts. 

A  return  of  the  captains  and  subalterns  of  the  four  com- 
panies of  militia  in  Richmond  county,  signed  by  Christian 
Jacobson,  chairman  of  the  committee,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  agreeable  to  the  said 
return  ;  likewise,  that  the  field  officers'  commissions  issue 
agreeable  to  the  said  return  received  and  read  March  27, 
ulto. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  dated  Goshen,  28th 
March,  1776,  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Goshen,  28th  March,  1776. 
"Dear Sir — Some  days  ago  my  son  received  a  letter  from 
you,  desiring  him  to  inform  you  what  quantity  of  powder 
we  had  then  made,  what  quantity  we  could  make  per 
week,  and  what  quantity  of  materials  we  had  by  us.  But 
as  we  had  at  that  time  but  just  began,  he  could  only  have 
given  a  partial  answer,  and,  therefore,  omitted  giving  an 
answer  till  we  had  made  further  trial,  and  to  which  I  now 
have  to  inform  you  that  we  had  made,  before  the  1 2th  of 
this  instant,  only  200  weight;  the  first  week  after  that 
time,  we  made  800  weight ;  the  second  week  we  made 
1,100  weight,  and  I  believe  this  week  we  shall  make  out 
1,200,  so  that  I  believe  by  Saturday  night  we  shall  have 
some  better  than  3,000  weight.  We  have  tried  the  quality 
of  it  by  shooting  with  a  gun.  Several  of  our  gunners  have 
tried  it,  and  all  say  it  is  of  the  best  quality.  As  to  mate- 
rials, we  have  saltpetre  enough  to  work  about  two  weeks 
only  ;  we  have  had  a  promise  of  ten  tons,  to  be  sent  from 
Philadelphia,  which  was  sent  as  far  as  Bordentown  several 
months  ago,  and  was  to  have  been  sent  forward  to  our 
works.  I  wrote  twice  to  the  Congress  about  it,  though 
the  last  letter  they  cannot  have  received.  I  hope  they  willl 
soon  send  it.  As  to  sulphur,  I  cannot  say  what  quantity 
we  have  ;  part  of  it  is  at  New-Windsor ;  I  wish  more 
might  be  had  ;  I  believe  we  have  not  got  much. 

"I  have  made  application  to  the  committee  of  our  county 
for  liberty  to  build  a  mill  in  our  county  ;  on  the  encourage- 
ment given  by  your  honourable  board  I  believe  I  shall  suc- 
ceed ;  if  so,  I  make  no  doubt  but  will  build  one  to  make  a 
ton  a  week,  and  more  if  necessary.  I  shall  be  glad  of 
your  assistance  in  procuring  materials.  I  wish  you  would 
direct  what  we  shall  do  with  the  powder  as  fast  as  it  is  fit 
for  being  sent  off. 

"  As  powder  is  an  article  that  will  take  a  considerable 
time  to  dry,  especially  at  this  time  of  the  year,  so  that  we 
shall  have  in  the  drying  house  at  least  2,000  weight  all  the 
time.  In  that  case,  query,  whether  there  will  not  be  dan- 
ger of  some  tory  setting  fire  to  it  in  the  night  by  firing  the 
house  1  If  so,  query,  whether  it  would  not  be  right  to 
keep  a  guard  1  As  the  powder  all  belongs  to  the  public, 
query,  whether  the  expense  ought  not  to  be  borne  by  the 
public  ?  I  should  be  glad  of  an  answer  by  the  first  oppor- 
tunity. 

"  I  am,  with  the  greatest  regard  and  esteem, 

"  Your  assured  friend  and  humble  servant, 

"HENRY  WISNER. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 

or  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  at  New-York. 

"  P.  S.  If  you  should  think  proper  to  order  a  guard,  I 
believe  4  men  would  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose.  I  hope 
you  will  excuse  this  scrawl ;  I  should  have  copied,  but 
have  only  3  half  sheets  more  of  paper,  and  do  not  know 
where  to  get  the  next." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr. 
was  read  and  approved. 


"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  1st  April,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — Yours  of  28th  ultimo,  in  answer  to  a  letter  wrote 
to  your  son  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  is  come  to  hand. 
It  gives  the  Committee  of  Safety  great  pleasure  that  you 
have  so  fair  a  prospect  of  manufacturing  the  article  of  gun- 
powder, and  doubt  not  but  you  will  meet  with  every  en- 
couragement which,  with  the  approbation  of  your  country, 
must  be  very  pleasing.  We  think,  that  as  fast  as  your 
powder  is  cured,  it  [should]  be  put  up  properly  and  con- 
veyed to  Fort  Constitution,  where  it  will  be  safe,  you  tak- 
ing a  receipt  from  the  commissioners  at  that  fort  for  the  dif- 
ferent parcels  you  deliver  them. 

"  In  answer  to  that  part  of  your  letter  relating  to  a  guard, 
if  it  be  necessary,  your  application  must  he  made  to  the 
commander  of  the  Continental  forces  for  the  purpose, 
as,  you  observe,  the  powder  is  the  property  of  the  Con- 
tinent. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed  and  transmitted. 

The  Committees  of  Safety  being  informed  that  com- 
missaries are  appointed  for  all  the  Continental  troops 
ordered  to  this  city,  who  are  fully  supplied  with,  and  have 
provided  large  quantities  of  provisions,  and  that  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Livingston,  the  contractor,  has  also  laid  up  considera- 
ble quantities  of  provisions,  are  of  opinion  that  a  large 
magazine  in  Westchester  will  not  be  absolutely  necessary. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake  and  the  other  mem- 
bers of  Westchester  county,  do  not  purchase  any  more 
provisions  until  farther  order,  and  that  they  return  with  all 
convenient  speed  to  this  committee  an  account  of  all  the 
provisions  they  have  purchased,  and  in  what  stores  they 
are  placed. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Heath,  was  received  and 
read.  He  therein  mentions  that  a  sloop  is  arrived  from 
Albany  with  a  number  of  women  and  children  and  baggage 
taken  at  St.  John's,  and  sent  here  by  Cenl.  Schuyler,  on 
their  way  to  New-Brunswick,  that  the  captain  was  fearful 
of  going  to  Brunswick  lest  his  vessel  might  be  detained  by 
the  ships  of  war  on  his  return,  and  he  requests  the  com- 
mittee to  take  the  management  of  obtaining  a  pass  from 
Capt.  Vandeput,  for  the  sloop  to  go  to  Brunswick  and  re- 
turn, which  he  doubts  not  will  be  readily  granted,  as  it  will 
obtain  every  convenience  for  the  prisoners. 

Ordered,  That  a  member  wait  on  the  General  and 
inform  him  that  there  are  boats  here  from  Brunswick 
who  will  readily  receive  the  prisoners  and  baggage  and 
carry  them  to  Brunswick,  and  that  he  request  the  General 
to  order  the  prisoners  and  baggage  to  be  sent  by  those 
boats. 

Die  Lun^!,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  1st,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stoutenburg— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Abner  Briggs  attending,  produced  a  certificate,  which 
being  read,  was  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Barnstable,  March  5th,  1776. 

"  These  may  certify  that  the  sloop  Defiance,  Abner  Briggs 
master,  is  bound  to  New-York,  or  Connecticut,  in  order  to 
purchase  50  barrels  of  pork,  fifty  barrels  of  beef,  thirty 
firkins  of  hogs  lard,  ten  firkins  butter,  five  hundred  bushels 
of  corn  or  rye,  fifty  bushels  beans,  four  hundred  weight 
cheese,  all  which  is  wanted  for  the  internal  consumption 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Nantucket ;  and  the  said  Briggs  is 


396 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


permitted  to  import  said  articles  for  the  internal  use  of  the 
inhabitants  of  said  island. 

"  DANIEL  DAVIS, 

"  RICHARD  BAXTER, 

"  DANIEL  TAYLOR, 

"  Justices  of  the  Peace  for  the  county  of  Barnstable." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Abner  Briggs  be  permitted  to  purchase 
the  articles  mentioned  in  the  within  certificate,  and  export 
the  same  to  Barnstable,  for  the  purpose  mentioned  in  the 
said  certificate. 

Simeon  Deane,  attended  with  a  copy  of  an  agreement, 
dated  the  11th  Jany.  last,  between  Samuel  Ward,  Ben- 
jamin Franklin  and  others,  a  committee  of  secrecy  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  Silas  Deane  and  Barnabas 
Deane  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,  authorizing  them  to 
ship  the  produce  of  the  United  Colonies  to  proper  ports  in 
the  foreign  West  Indies,  and  in  Europe,  to  the  amount  of 
thirty  thousand  dollars,  with  an  appoinment  thereon,  dated 
the  21st  of  January,  to  Simeon  Deane,  to  carry  the  said 
contract  into  execution. 

Simeon  Deane  informed  the  Committee  that  he  has  had 
separate  permits  from  Mr.  Ray,  and  other  gentlemen  of 
this  city,  as  a  sub-committee  of  the  general  committee  of 
the  city,  but  that  the  whole  exports  in  consequence  of  the 
agreement,  do  not  much  exceed  half  the  sum  permitted 
to  be  exported,  and  requested  a  farther  permit  for  230  bar- 
rels of  flour. 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New- York,  or  the  sub-committee  of  inspection  and  exporta- 
tions,  be  at  liberty  to  permit  Simeon  Deane  on  account  of 
the  said  contract,  to  export  from  New-Yoik  to  Connecticut, 
with  design  to  be  thence  exported  to  some  foreign  port,  230 
bbls.  of  flour,  (on  the  usual  terms  or  bonds  on  which  he 
formerly  exported,)  in  a  sloop  whereof  John  Reiley  is 
master. 

Capt.  Wm.  Jackson  from  Ulster  county  attending,  sent 
in  a  memorandum  subscribed  with  his  name,  which  was 
read  and  filed.  He  therein  mentions  that  he  has  enlisted 
seventy-three  men  in  the  Continental  service. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jackson  inform  the  General  that 
he  has  so  many  men  ready  for  service. 

Capt.  Abraham  Riker  made  a  return  of  the  names  and 
dates  of  enlistment  of  the  men  in  his  company,  whereby 
it  appears  that  he  has  enlisted  only  thirty-one  men.  The 
return  is  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  each  county  com- 
mittee where  any  troops  are  enlisting,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  earnestly  request  you  to  send  us  the  names 
of  the  officers  recruiting  in  your  county,  for  the  Continen- 
tal service,  and  that  you  cause  returns  to  be  made  to  us 
immediately  of  the  number  of  men  already  enlisted  for 
each  company. 

"  We  farther  request  you  to  direct  the  able  bodied  men 
that  are  or  shall  be  raised  at  the  time  of  your  receipt  here- 
of, to  be  sent  to  the  city  of  New-York  under  a  proper  officer 
or  officers,  according  to  their  number;  and  so  from  to  time 
till  the  companies  are  full,  except  such  troops  as  are,  or 
shall  be,  ordered  to  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands. 

"We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servants." 

Ordered,  That  a  number  of  copies  be  engrossed,  and 
signed,  and  one  sent  to  the  chairman  of  each  committee. 


DIE  MARTIS,  a.  m. 

April  2d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present -Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr. 
Beekman — For  New-York. 


Mr.  Adn.  Bancker— Richmond. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  C'uyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

The  Honourable  Hugh  Wallace,  being  requested  by 
some  of  the  inhabitants  to  go  on  board  the  ships  of  war 
in  this  harbour,  to  use  his  influence  with  the  commanders 
relative  to  their  vessels  seized  by  the  ships  of  war; 

Ordered,  That  the  Honourable  Hugh  Wallace,  be  and  he 
is  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  His  Majesty's  ships  of 
war  in  this  harbour. 

Ordered,  That  the  port  master  be  permitted  to  take  with 
him  on  board  the  Governor's  ship,  for  the  use  of  the  said 
ship,  1  box  candles,  1  spar  for  a  main  yard,  2  galls,  lamp 
oil,  561b.  rosin,  2  galls,  paint  oil,  3  kegs  lampblack,  1  cat 
block,  1  keg  sugar,  2  kegs  bread,  1  pr.  slings,  1  small  case 
of  wine,  1  small  box  clothes  and  1  box  books  for  Mr.  Bar- 
row, six  qrs.  beef  for  the  Phoenix,  8  qrs.  beef  and  1  mut- 
ton for  the  Asia,  1  qr.  veal  and  1  of  pork  for  the  Go- 
vernor. 

Whereas  barracks  are  necessary  for  the  troops  now 
arrived  and  daily  arriving  in  this  city,  and  cannot  be  ob- 
tained without  placing  them  in  houses  much  to  the  injury 
of  the  inhabitants  remaining  in  the  city,  as  well  as  with 
great  detriment  to  the  service  :  And  whereas  it  appears 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the  hospital  in  this  city  is 
a  proper  situation  for  troops,  and  that  a  number  of  troops 
must  necessarily  be  posted  there  for  the  defence  of  the 
works  there  and  of  the  city  in  general.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  governors  of  the  hospital  be  request- 
ed to  give  directions  to  have  the  hospital  put  in  a  proper 
state  for  the  reception  of  troops.  And 

Ordered,  That  in  case  the  said  governors  have  not  cash, 
Mr.  John  Stagg  repairs  the  hearths  in  the  hospital  where 
wanted  at  Continental  expense,  and  make  them  fit  for  the 
reception  of  Continental  troops  as  soon  as  the  governors  of 
the  hospital  shall  have  given  directions  on  the  subject. 

Whereas  the  present  guard  of  the  first  regiment  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  where  the  records  of  the  Colony  are 
deposited,  has,  by  experience,  been  found  a  very  expensive 
Colony  charge  ;  and  although  the  Committee  are  of  opi- 
nion that  the  guards  hitherto  employed  in  that  service  have 
great  merit  and  are  worthy  of  the  highest  confidence, 
yet  they  conceive  themselves  bound  in  duty  to  the  good 
people  of  this  Colony,  to  prevent  every  expense  that  can 
be  saved :  And  Whereas  the  Committee  are  fully  in- 
formed that  Capt.  Alexander  Hamilton's  company  of  ar- 
tillery raised  for  this  Colony,  now  consists  of  so  many  men 
as  that  they  may  safely  and  easily  perform  that  duty  : 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Hamilton  be  directed  to  place  and 
keep  a  proper  guard  of  his  company  at  the  Records,  until 
further  order,  and  that  one  of  the  Secretaries  deliver  a 
copy  of  this  order  to  Colo.  Lasher. 

Whereas,  Some  proper  place  is  wanted  and  absolutely 
necessary  to  be  procured  wherein  to  place  gunpowder,  as 
it  is  thought  imprudent  and  unsafe  to  keep  all  the  powder 
that  is  or  may  be  in  the  city  in  any  one  place,  and  it  is 
suggested  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  that  the  upper  part  of 
Mr.  Henry  Cuyler's  sugar  house  will  be  a  proper  place 
for  that  purpose  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  whoever  has  the  present  care  and  di- 
rection of  the  said  sugar  house  be  directed  to  place  the 
utensils  and  materials  therein  in  such  proper  or  convenient 
places  in  the  said  sugar  house  as  may  allow  the  upper  part 
thereof  to  be  used  as  a  magazine.  That  Colo.  McDougall 
be  authorized  and  is  hereby  authorized  to  see  this  order 
carried  into  execution,  and  thereupon  the  upper  part  of  the 
said  building  be  used  as  a  magazine,  for  such  purposes  as 
the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Continental  troops  for  the 
time  being  shall  at  any  time  direct. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


397 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New- 
Jersey  requesting  them  to  recommend  sending  speedy  sup- 
plies to  this  market,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — As  the  ships  of  war  in  our  harbour  are  daily 
committing  acts  of  piracy  and  depredation  on  vessels  and 
property  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  Colonies,  we 
apprehend  orders  will  soon  issue  for  stopping  all  farther 
supplies  to  them.  As  such  an  event  will  also  stop  the  inter- 
course by  water  between  your  Colony  and  us,  we  think  it 
advisable  that  you  immediately  recommend  to  all  persons 
supplying  this  Colony  with  any  kind  of  necessaries  to  be 
as  speedy  as  possible  in  sending  their  articless  to  this  mar- 
ket, especially  hay  and  fuel,  as  a  great  number  of  horses 
are  daily  expected  from  the  eastward. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  President  of 

"  the  Provincial  Congress,  New-Jersey." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  2d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Denning,  Colo.  McDougall,  Major  Stoutenburg, 
Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Eversen — Dutches. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Moore — Try  on. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Heath,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  New-York,  April  2d,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  have  an  immediate  call  for  2400  musket  car- 
tridges ;  if  you  have  them  I  shall  take  it  is  a  favour  if  you 
will  deliver  that  number  to  Major  D.  Hart,  the  bearer 
hereof. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect  your  most  humble  servt. 

"W.  HEATH. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety,  New-York." 

An  order  was  thereon  made  in  hcec  verba. 
"  Mr.  Richd.  Norwood. 

"  Sir — Deliver  on  receipt  hereof  to  Major  De  Hart  2400 
musket  cartriges  on  Continental  account,  to  be  replaced, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same." 

Capt.  William  Jackson  attended  the  committee  yester- 
day, and  informed  that  he  had  seventy-three  men  enlisted 
and  ready  for  service,  and  requested  directions  where  to 
proceed  with  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jackson  repair  to  Fort  Constitu- 
tion with  his  company,  and  there  put  himself  under  the 
direction  of  Colo.  Nicoll  the  commanding  officer  there. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  committee  that  it  would  greatly 
encourage  the  enlistment  of  troops  in  the  regiment  raising 
in  this  city,  if  those  already  enlisted  could  be  uniformed 
with  frocks,  and  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  direct  Mr. 
Curtenius  not  to  deliver  out  any  frocks  until  the  further  or- 
der of  this  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  do  not  deliver  out  any 
frocks  for  the  troops  raising  in  this  Colony  until  the  further 
order  of  this  committee,  the  order  of  the  31st  ulto.  to  the 
contrary  notwithstanding. 

Colo.  Lott  and  Colo.  Brasher  came  into  the  Committee. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  by  sundry  of 
the  members  that  there  is  a  considerable  quantity  of  bar 
iron  in  this  city.  Mr.  Cuyper  also  informed  that  forty 
tons  might  be  brought  from  Haverstraw,  and  it  was  sug- 
gested that  by  allowing  a  free  exportation  thereof,  ihe  ma- 
nufacturers of  iron  will  be  induced  to  bring  iron  to  mar- 
ket. Therefore, 

100 


Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  or  their  sub-committee  of  inspection,  be  at  li- 
berty to  give  permissions  for  the  exportation  of  bar  iron  at 
any  time  when  they  may  think  proper. 

The  letter  from  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll,  received  yesterday, 
and  which  is  an  exact  copy  of  his  letter  formerly  receiv- 
ed, dated  the  15th  of  March,  was  read  and  filed,  request- 
ing supplies.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Berrien  immediately  purchase 
on  Continental  account,  and  forward  to  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll, 
at  the  most  northwarly  fortification  in  the  Highlands,  as  bar- 
rack necessaries,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  at  the  garrison 
there,  wooden  bowls,  wooden  spoons,  iron  pots  and  other 
necessary  barrack  furniture  for  three  complete  full  compa- 
nies of  minute  men  or  Continental  troops  there. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Colo.  Nicoll,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  / 
"New-York,  April  2d,  1776.  £ 

"  Sir — We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
the  15th  of  March.  In  answer  thereto  we  inform  you 
that  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  has  contracted  to  supply  all 
the  troops  at  the  posts  in  the  Highlands  with  the  rations 
allowed  by  Congress,  and  fuel  and  straw.  A  sloop  with 
necessaries  is  gone  up  the  river  for  the  purpose,  with  a 
commissary  on  board,  and  we  hope  your  troops  will  be 
rendered  as  comfortable  as  their  situation  will  admit ;  we 
have  directed  Mr.  Berrien  to  send  you  by  the  first  convey- 
ance, barrack  necessaries  for  three  full  companies.  The 
account  of  ammunition  delivered  to  Capt.  Raymond,  is  by 
us  delivered  to  the  auditors  at  the  pay  table,  and  will  be 
settled  with  him. 

"  The  public  arms  in  the  garrison  have  always  been  in- 
tended to  be  preserved  and  kept  in  order,  but  not  be  deli- 
vered out  for  any  use  unless  in  case  of  some  attack  or  in- 
vasion. In  such  case  they  are  to  be  put  into  the  hands  of 
any  troops  there  who  are  destitute  of  arms. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir, 
"  Your  humble  servants. 

"  P.  S.  Please,  sir,  to  send  down,  by  some  convenient 
opportunity,  to  the  committee,  a  particular  account  of  the 
articles  charged  for  a  court  martial,  expresses,  &c.  with 
proper  vouchers." 


DIE  MERCURII,  a.  m. 

April  3d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Colo. 
Lott,  Capt.  Denning — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Pauldiug — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath  was  received  and  read. 
He  thereby  requests  three  or  4  guides  for  particular  pur- 
poses. A  member  was  sent  to  procure  them  and  take 
them  to  the  General. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  and  Mr.  Strong  be  a  commit- 
tee to  wait  on  Genl.  Heath  with  a  copy  of  the  letter  from 
Wm.  Smith,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Suffolk  coun- 
ty, dated  March  27,  1776,  to  confer  with  Genl.  Heath  ou 
the  subject  of  the  said  letter  and  report  to  this  Committee 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jno.  Murray  be  permitted  to  go  on 
board  the  ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  (with  the  port  master) 
and  to  return,  he  having  been  duly  sworn  that  he  will  not 
convey  any  intelligence  relative  to  the  fortifications  erect- 
ing for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony. 

The  Committee  being  informed  by  Mr.  Lawrence,  one 


398 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


of  the  members  of  this  Committee  from  Richmond  coun- 
ty, that  the  county  is  already  supplied  with  fourteen  good 
flats  or  scows,  which  are  fully  sufficient  for  the  removal 
of  the  stock  of  that  island,  and  that  any  more  scows  will 
be  an  unnecessary  expense  at  present :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  building  of  the  two  scows  or  flats 
which  Mr.  Bancker  was  empowered  to  have  made,  be  de- 
layed for  the  present,  and  that  neither  of  them  be  built 
until  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  or  of  this 
Committee. 

The  Committee  were  informed  the  brigantine  Eliza- 
beth, John  Palmer  master,  is  ready  to  sail,  and  that  a 
certificate  is  requested  as  protection  for  her  in  case  she 
should  meet  with  any  of  the  Colony  cruisers.  Thereupon 
a  certificate  was  given  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  brigantine  Elizabeth, 
Capt.  John  Palmer  master,  is  laded  on  Continental  ac- 
count at  the  port  of  New- York,  by  permission  and  direc- 
tion of  the  Continental  Congress.  The  said  brigantine  and 
master  are  hereby  recommended  to  the  favour,  aid  and 
protection  of  all  friends  to  American  liberty ;  and  all 
friends  to  these  Colonies  are  requested  to  protect  her  in 
her  voyage  or  in  port." 

A  return  made  by  Capt.  John  Davis  of  Suffolk  county, 
of  the  number  of  men  enlisted  in  his  company,  was  read 
and  filed.  He  therein  says,  he  has  enlisted  about  70  men  ; 
expects  that  he  will  soon  complete  the  whole. 

A  return  by  Benja.  Marvin,  first  lieut.  of  Capt.  Grif- 
fin's company,  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  mentions 
that  the  officers  of  that  company  have  enlisted  75  men. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  considering  the  defenceless 
state  of  this  Colony,  think  it  necessary  to  furnish  the  coun- 
ties of  Albany  and  Tryon  with  such  quantities  of  ammu- 
nition as  can  be  spared  for  that  purpose  :  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood 
deliver  to  John  Moore,  Esqr.  two  thousand  five  hundred 
weight  of  gunpowder  for  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Tryon, 
in  the  following  proportions,  to  wit :  five  hundred  pounds 
for  the  county  of  Tryon  and  two  thousand  pounds  of  gun- 
powder for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  ;  that  the  re- 
spective counties  above  mentioned,  be  charged  with  the 
respective  quantities  of  gunpowder  above  mentioned ;  that 
the  said  gunpowder  be  disposed  of  by  the  respective  county 
committees  of  the  said  counties,  in  the  most  advantageous 
manner  for  the  defence  of  the  inhabitants ;  and  that  the 
committees  of  the  said  counties  respectively  give  such 
particular  directions  for  the  preservation  of  the  said  gun- 
powder, that  it  may  not  be  wasted  or  expended  but  in  the 
defence  of  the  country,  lest  those  counties  may  be  distress- 
ed before  any  other  possible  supply  can  be  afforded  them. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany  be  informed,  that  by  reason  of  some  late  losses 
and  misfortunes,  they  are  not  to  expect  any  farther  supply 
of  gunpowder  for  several  months,  at  the  soonest. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  3d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tern. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stoutenburgh, 
Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Denning— For  New-Yoik. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Lawrence— Richmond. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  John  Murray  attending  with  a  letter  from  Gcnl. 
Heath  to  this  Committee,  wherein  he  informs  the  Com- 
mittee that  Mr.  Murray  had  applied  to  him  for  his  appro- 
bation of  the  permit  granted  to  Mr.  Murray  this  morning, 
to  go  on  board  the  Governor's  ship  ,  that  by  the  said  per- 
mit it  appears  that  Mr.  Murray  is  restricted  only  relative 


to  the  fortifications,  and  that  he,  the  General,  cannot  con- 
sistent with  his  duty,  consent  to  his  going  on  board,  un- 
less under  greater  restrictions. 

Thereupon  a  permission  was  given  to  Mr.  Murray,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"John  Murray,  of  this  city,  merchant,  attending,  re- 
quested permission  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Dutchess  of 
Gordon,  wherein  Govr.  Tryon  resides,  (with  the  port  ma- 
ster,) and  to  return." 

Thereupon  the  said  Jno.  Murray  was  solemnly  sworn 
on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  he  will 
not  communicate  any  information  or  intelligence  whatever, 
to  any  person  or  persons  on  board  any  of  the  ships  of  war, 
the  ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  the  packet,  or  any  other 
vessel  in  this  Colony  under  the  care  or  direction  of,  or  in 
connection  with,  any  person  on  board  either  of  the  vessels 
above  mentioned,  relative  to  the  fortifications  erecting  for 
the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  nor  carry  on  board  or 
deliver  to  any  person  belonging  to  any  of  the  said  ships 
or  vessels  any  papers  or  writings  relative  thereto;  and  that 
he  will  not  communicate  any  intelligence  of  any  kind,  or 
enter  into  any  conversation  on  any  subject  whatever,  with 
any  person  on  board  of  either  of  the  said  vessels,  but 
what  relates  to  his  own  private  business. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Murray  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Dutchess  of 
Gordon,  (with  the  port  master)  and  to  return. 

Michael  Conner  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  merchant, 
agent  for  the  owners  of  the  brigantine  Mary,  bound  from 
St.  Christopher's  to  Cork,  in  Ireland,  laded  with  rum, 
lately  seized  and  now  detained  by  Captain  Parker  of  His 
Majesty's  ship  Phoenix,  applied  to  the  Committee  for  a 
permission  to  go  on  board  of  the  said  ship  Phoenix,  to  de- 
mand the  said  brigantine  and  cargo. 

Thereupon  the  said  Michael  Conner  was  duly  and  so- 
lemnly sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God, 
that  he  will  not  communicate  any  information  or  intelligence 
whatever  to  any  person  or  persons  on  board  of  any  of 
the  ships  of  war,  the  ship  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  the  packet, 
or  any  other  vessel  in  this  Colony,  relative  to  the  fortifica- 
tions erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony,  nor 
carry  on  board  or  deliver  to  any  person  belonging  to  any 
of  the  said  ships  or  vessels  any  papers  or  writings  relative 
thereto  ;  and  that  he  will  not  communicate  any  intelligence 
of  any  kind  or  enter  into  any  conversation  on  any  subject 
whatever,  with  any  person  on  board  of  either  of  said  ves- 
sels but  what  relates  to  his  own  private  business. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Michael  Conner  be  permitted 
and  he  is  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  of  the  ship  Phoe- 
nix, (with  the  port  master,)  and  to  return. 

Mr.  Sands,  from  the  commiltee  appointed  to  wait  on 
General  Heath,  and  confer  with  him  on  the  subject  matter 
of  the  letter  from  the  commiltee  of  Suffolk  county,  dated 
March  27th,  1776,  reported  :  That  General  Heath  desired 
them  to  inform  the  Commiltee  of  Safety  that  if  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  thought  it  necessary  that  the  three  com- 
panies raised  in  Suffolk  county  for  the  defence  of  this  Co- 
lony in  Continental  service,  should  be  stationed  at  the  east 
end  of  Nassau  island,  he  would  give  the  necessary  orders  ; 
but  requested  that  this  commiltee  would  take  this  matter 
into  consideration,  and  give  him  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
miltee in  writing  how  and  in  what  manner  it  will  be  most 
proper  to  dispose  of  the  said  troops  to  prevent  depredations 
by  the  Ministerial  navy  and  army. 

The  committee  taking  into  consideration  the  defenceless 
state  of  the  easternmost  part  of  Suffolk  county,  are  of  opi- 
nion that  the  three  companies  raised  in  Suffolk  county  for 
the  defence  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  service,  should 
be  continued  in  that  county  until  further  order;  that  Bri- 
gadier-Genl.  Woodhull  should  be  requested,  by  his  orders 
to  Capt.  Griffin,  to  station  the  said  three  companies  in  such 
numbers  and  at  such  places  as  he  shall  think  best  to  pre- 
vent the  landing  of  any  of  the  Ministerial  troops,  or  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  [COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


399 


predations  being  committed  by  them  in  any  part  of  the  said 
county  ;  that  those  troops  be  so  stationed  on  condition  that 
the  county  committee  and  inhabitants  of  Suffolk  county 
furnish  them  with  all  necessaries  whatever,  while  so  sta- 
tioned in  the  county,  at  the  allowance  of  lOJd.  per  man 
per  day,  exclusive  of  such  quantities  of  wood  as  is  allowed 
by  Congress,  without  any  other  additional  expense,  charge, 
or  allowance  whatever. 

His  Worship,  the  Mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  at- 
tending, and  having  given  his  word  of  honour  in  terms 
similar  to  the  oath  administered  to  Messrs.  Murray  and 
Conner ; 

Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  go  on  board  the  ships 
of  war  and  the  Governor's  ship,  (with  the  port  master,)  and 
to  return. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety 
that  cartridges  are  preparing  for  the  Continental  magazine, 
but  are  not  yet  made  ;  that  he  stands  in  need  of  a  number 
of  cartridges  for  his  regiment,  and  requests  the  loan  of  a 
number  of  cartridges  out  of  the  Provincial  store,  which  he 
engages  to  replace. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richd.  Norwood  deliver  to  Colo. 
McDougall,  for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  such  number  of 
cartridges  as  he  may  want  for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  and 
take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Two  letters,  one  from  Azor  Betts,  the  other  from  John 
Blackler,  received  by  post,  and  requesting  their  discharges, 
were  read  and  filed. 

Thereupon  the  following  entry  for  their  discharge  was 
made  in  the  words  following  : 

"The  letter  of  Azor  Belts,  dated  the  21st  ultimo,  re- 
questing his  discharge,  was  received  and  read.  His  pe- 
tition to  the  Provincial  Congress,  dated  the  20th  day  of 
February  last,  with  the  certificate  of  William  Elsworth, 
Esquire,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  endorsed 
thereon,  was  also  again  read.  The  letter  of  John  Black- 
ler was  also  read. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  Azor  Betts  and  John  Black- 
ler, be  respectively  discharged  from  their  confinement, 
on  their  respectively  subscribing  the  general  association, 
acknowledging  their  penitence  for  their  past  conduct, 
and  making  oath  respectively  that  they  will  not  bear  arms 
against  the  inhabitants  of  the  American  Colonies,  or  do  any 
other  act  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  the  United  Colonies, 
or  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  during  the  pre- 
sent controversy  between  Great  Britain  and  the  American 
Colonies,  and  paying  their  expenses  while  in  confinement, 
if  they  have  any  means  wherewith  to  pay  the  same,  or  in- 
stead of  such  oath,  on  their  respectively  giving  bond  with 
two  good  and  sufficient  sureties  for  each  in  the  penalty  of 
two  hundred  pounds,  with  condition  thereto  for  their  future 
good  behaviour  in  the  terms  above  mentioned  for  their 
oath." 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  Uh,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wra.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman  pro  tern. 
Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt 
— For  New- York. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Everson— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Colo.  Mifflin,  quarter-master-general,  came  into  Com- 
mittee and  informed  the  Committee  that  in  the  course  of  8 
or  10  days,  at  farthest,  troops  will  arrive  in  this  city,  which, 
with  those  already  here,  will  amount  to  12,000  men.  He 


requested  that  proper  houses  may  be  immediately  provided 

for  the  reception  of  those  troops. 

Colo.  Mifflin  farther  requested  that  houses  in  an  airy  part 
of  the  city  may  be  immediately  prepared  for  a  general  hos- 
pital, capable  of  containing  800  sick,  and  within  a  mile  of 
the  city,  and  houses  in  a  proper  situation,  and  about  the 
same  distance,  to  contain  400  convalescents;  that  a  suitable 
house  or  houses,  in  the  city,  will  be  necessary  for  General 
Washington  ;  that  proper  stables  will  speedily  be  wanted 
for  one  hundred  horses,  and  sheds  or  proper  places  where- 
in to  put  wagons  ;  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  fix  on  a  house 
fit  for  a  guard  house,  for  a  provost  guard,  and  four  other 
separate  houses  for  main  guards  ;  that  to  prevent  inebriety 
and  neglect  of  duty  among  the  soldiery  ii  will  be  absolute- 
ly necessary  to  limit  the  number  of  innkeepers,  dramshops 
and  retailers  of  strong  liquors  in  this  city  and  its  environs, 
and  that  the  names  of  the  persons  licensed  to  retail,  and  a 
description  of  their  respective  places  of  residence  in  the 
city  delivered  to  him,  to  the  end  that  none  others,  except 
one  suttler  to  each  regiment  may  be  permitted. 

Colonel  Mifflin  farther  mentioned,  that  by  inquiry  he  has 
found  that  the  Continental  troops,  by  the  police  of  this  city, 
must  pass  at  the  common  ferries  or  pay  the  ferriage  if 
they  are  transported  across  either  of  the  rivers  by  any 
other  means.  That  however  useful  this  regulation  may 
be  in  time  of  peace,  he  conceives  that  in  the  present  situa- 
tion of  affairs,  the  expense  will  be  enormous  to  the  Con- 
tinental army,  as  it  must  frequently,  if  not  daily  happen, 
that  great  numbers  of  troops  must  be  transported  between 
the  city  of  New-York  and  Nassau  island,  and  between  the 
said  city  and  Jersey  shore. 

Colonel  Mifflin,  on  being  asked  what  means  he  could 
propose  to  remedy  ferriages,  answered  and  proposed,  that 
he  could  purchase  boats,  or  have  them  built  for  the  trans- 
portation of  troops,  and  that  the  army  could  ferry  them- 
selves, if  that  mode  was  agreeable  to  the  Committee. 

Colonel  Mifflin  farther  informed  the  Committee,  that  the 
necessary  expenditures  of  wood  which  might  be  made  by 
the  Continental  troops,  might  increase  the  price  to  the  detri- 
ment of  the  inhabitants,  as  well  as  of  the  army,  unless  some 
method  could  be  fallen  on  to  prevent  the  same ;  that  he 
should  want  not  less  than  40  or  50  cords  of  wood  per  day, 
and  was  desirous  that  the  Committee  should  fix  the  price 
which  they  would  advise  him  to  offer  for  wood. 

Colonel  Mifflin  farther  mentioned,  that  by  experience  he 
had  found  in  other  places,  that  forestalling  and  engrossing 
had  been  very  detrimental  to  the  Continental  troops,  and 
that  in  some  instances,  that  it  had  been  found  very  neces- 
sary to  prevent  the  same  by  military  force,  or  directions, 
and  that  he  requested  the  advice  of  the  Committee  what 
might  be  proper  on  this  head. 

The  Committee  took  the  matter  aforesaid  respectively 
into  consideration.    And  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York  be  requested  to  convene,  without  delay,  and  by  an 
appointment  of  sub-committees  for  the  purpose,  or  by  such 
other  methods  as  they  shall  think  proper,  to  fix  on  so  many 
houses  for  barracks  for  the  reception  of  troops,  as  will  con- 
lain  (together  with  those  now  in  the  city)  12,000  men. 
That  the  said  general  committee  be  informed  that  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  in  the  time  of  their  last  session  have  pro- 
cured the  dwelling-house,  barn  and  stable  where  John 
Fowler  did  lately  dwell,  on  the  hill  beyond  Fresh  Water,  for 
hospitals,  and  that  the  said  general  committee  be  requested 
to  fix  on  other  proper  houses  for  hospitals,  so  that  the  whole 
may  be  capable  of  containing  800  men  ;  and  also  proper 
houses  for  400  convalescents.  That  they  be  also  request- 
ed to  fix  on  stables  to  contain  100  horses  belonging  to  the 
army.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  general  committee  be  further 
requested  to  appoint  one  or  more  sub-committees  to  take 
the  names  of  all  innkeepers,  and  retailers  of  strong  liquors 
in  the  city  and  its  environs,  with  the  description  of  the 
streets  or  places  of  their  abode,  distinguishing  those  who 


400 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


are  licensed  from  those  who  are  not,  and  to  send  such  list 
of  innkeepers  and  retailers  of  strong  liquors  to  this  Com- 
mittee with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lott  and  Mr.  Prince  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  for  and  designate  proper  sheds  for  wa- 
gons in  this  city,  and  to  report  thereon. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  took  into  consideration 
the  great  expense  that  would  arise,  should  the  Continental 
troops,  or  any  persons  on  their  behalf,  be  subjected  to  the 
payment  of  ferriage  and  are  of  opinion  that  any  benefit  of 
that  kind  could  not  have  been  an  object  with,  or  expected 
by  the  tenants  of  the  ferries  at  the  times  they  respectively 
took  their  leases,  that  therefore  it  will  be  no  injustice  to  the 
tenants  of  the  ferries  that  the  Continental  troops  should 
pass  and  repass  the  rivers  without  any  emoluments  to  the 
tenants  or  keepers  of  the  ferries.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Mifflin  be  at  liberty  to  hire, 
purchase,  build,  or  procure,  as  many  ferry  boats  or  craft 
of  any  kind,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  as  he 
may  think  proper,  and  that  the  Continental  troops  be  at  li- 
berty to  pass  and  repass  the  rivers  in  such  boats  without  be- 
ing subject  to  any  ferriage  or  toll. 

And  Colonel  Mifflin  is  requested  to  give  such  order  that 
none  but  Continental  troops,  or  those  employed  in  some 
military  business  or  department,  may  be  permitted  to  pass 
in  the  boats  to  be  provided  for  the  army. 

The  Committee  then  took  into  consideration  Colonel 
Mifflin's  proposal  to  fix  the  price  of  fire  wood  in  this  city; 
and  thereupon 

Agreed,  That  it  ought  not  for  the  present  to  be  at  any 
higher  price  than  twenty-two  shillings  per  cord  for  oak 
wood,  to  be  corded  by  the  sworn  inspectors,  on  carman's 
carts,  in  the  usual  manner,  and  that  Colonel  Mifflin  may 
advertise  that  he  will  give  that  price  for  all  the  oak  wood 
which  he  can  purchase  in  this  city  before  the  first  day  of 
May  next. 

On  the  subject  that  there  is  danger  of  forestalling  and 
engrossing,  which  might  enhance  the  markets  to  the  detri- 
ment of  the  army,  Colonel  Mifflin  was  informed  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  that  the  by-laws  of  the  mayor,  al- 
dermen and  commonalty  of  this  city,  and  the  legal  modes 
of  punishing  forestallers  and  engrossers  if  duly  put  in  exe- 
cution will,  it  is  hoped,  be  a  proper  check,  and  prevent  any 
inconveniences  of  that  kind  ;  but  that  if  those  should  prove 
insufficient,  some  remedy  may  then  be  provided. 

Colonel  Mifflin  was  farther  informed,  that  the  General 
himself,  or  some  of  the  military  gentlemen,  will  be  the 
most  proper  persons  to  determine  in  what  part  or  parts  of 
the  town  the  provost  and  main  guards  ought  to  be  kept,  and 
which  of  the  houses  in  or  near  those  places  that  are  empti- 
ed and  allotted  for  use  of  the  army  may  be  most  proper  for 
and  with  the  least  injury  be  converted  into  guard  houses. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  it  is  scarcely  possi- 
ble to  provide  empty  houses,  or  barracks,  for  the  reception 
of  the  troops  already  arrived  in  this  city  ;  that  many  of  them 
are  now  so  crowded  in  small  rooms  that  it  is  not  only  incon- 
venient but  dangerous  to  the  health  of  the  troops  ;  that 
there  is  no  probability  of  procuring  barracks,  or  empty  hou- 
ses, for  the  troops  speedily  expected,  as  the  officer  whose 
proper  department  it  is  has  requested  of  this  Committee 
a  provision  of  that  kind  for  12,000  men  within  eight  days  : 
the  Committee  were  further  informed,  that  there  are  at 
present  very  few,  if  any,  students  in  the  college  in  this 
city  ;  that  it  is  a  strong  edifice  and  finished  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  be  very  little  injured  by  the  reception  of  troops  : 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  governors  of  the  college  in  this  city 
be  requested  to  remove  the  college  library,  and  every  other 
matter  in  that  building  which  might  receive  injury,  and  se- 
cure the  same  in  such  manner  as  they  may  think  proper, 
and  to  have  the  edifice  left  only  in  a  proper  state  for  the 
reception  of  troops,  within  six  days  from  this  day,  or  as 
much  sooner  as  will  be  convenient  for  the  governors  of  the 
said  college. 


The  Committee,  at  the  request  of  a  member,  resumed 
consideration  of  having  the  three  companies  of  Continental 
troops  raised  in  Suffolk  county  stationed  there  for  the  pre- 
sent.   And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  General  Woodhull  be  requested  to  see 
that  the  three  companies  of  Continental  troops  raised  or 
raising  in  Suffolk  county  be  mustered  by  some  proper  per- 
son or  persons,  by  him  to  be  appointed,  and  that  regular 
muster  rolls  be  returned  to  this  Committee  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
the  troops  above  mentioned,  while  on  their  march  to  the 
respective  stations  to  which  they  shall  be  ordered,  will  be 
entitled  to  the  allowance  of  Continental  troops  while  on 
their  march  to  join  their  regiments,  the  resolution  of  this 
Committee  yesterday  notwitstanding. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  conceiving  that  the  number 
of  Continental  troops  soon  expected  in  this  city,  with  those 
now  here,  will  be  sufficient  to  carry  on  the  military  works 
erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony,  and  for  every  other 
necessary  purpose,  except  in  cases  of  invasion,  and  that 
therefore  it  will  tend  to  the  public  benefit  that  the  yeomen- 
ry  of  the  Colony  be  permitted  to  remain  at  home  at  this 
season  of  the  year,  for  the  cultivation  of  their  farms  : 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Gilbert  Cooper  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  stop  the  marching  of  the  Haverstraw 
minute  company,  lately  ordered  to  be  recruited,  till  further 
order,  as  their  services  are  not  required  in  this  city  for  the 
present. 

A  letter  was  received  from  Colo.  Josiah  Smith,  of  the 
minute  regiment  in  Suffolk  county,  dated  the  28th  of 
March,  and  read  and  filed. 

He  thereby  informs  that  the  gentleman  formerly  appoint- 
ed adjutant  of  the  minute  regiment  is  unwilling  to  act  in 
that  department,  and  recommends  Mr.  Ephraim  Marvin  in 
his  place,  and  prays  that  his  commission  may  be  made  out 
and  sent  up  by  the  first  opportunity. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  made  out  for  Mr. 
Ephraim  Marvin,  as  adjutant  of  the  minute  regiment  in 
Suffolk. 

A  certificate  of  an  election  for  officers  of  a  minute  com- 
pany in  Brookhaven  township,  dated  March  27th,  1776, 
signed  by  Nathl.  Roe  and  Saml.  Thompson,  committee 
men,  whereby  it  appears  that  Selah  Strong  was  chosen 
captain;  William  Clark,  1st  lieut. ;  Caleb  Brewster,  2d 
lieut. ;  Nathl.  Brewster,  ensign,  of  the  said  company. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  said  gentlemen 
without  delay.  The  Revd.  Dr.  Saml.  Auchmuty  informed 
the  Committee  of  his  desire  to  go  into  New-Jersey  to  visit 
his  family,  and  requested  a  permission  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  Revd.  Dr.  Saml.  Auchmuty  be,  and  he 
is  hereby  permitted  to  go  to  New- Jersey  and  to  return  ;  and 
it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  all  the  friends  of  American 
liberty  to  permit  him  to  pass  unmolested. 

Ordered,  That  the  port  master  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
permitted  to  take  with  him  on  board  the  Asia  and  Phoenix 
ships  of  war,  the  Governor's  ship  and  the  packet,  the  fol- 
lowing articles,  vizt :  1,3001b.  beef,  for  the  Asia.  1,0001b. 
beef  for  the  Phoenix  ;  with  18s.  worth  vegetables.  Two 
qrs.  beef;  1  doz.  dishes ;  2  doz.  plates ;  1  doz.  spoons; 
2  mugs  ;  2  barls.  ale,  for  the  packet.  One  tierce  of  peas  ; 
six  barls.  beer ;  2  qrs.  beef,  for  the  Governor's  ship. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  P.  M.  April  Ath,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Lott,  Major  Stoutenburgh— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


401 


Mr.  Everson — Dutches. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

A  sufficient  number  of  counties  not  being  represented, 
adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  a.  m. 

April  5th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers— For 
New- York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  April  5,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — The  Continental  Congress,  imagining 
the  new  levies  in  this  Province  to  be  in  great  forwardness, 
and  finding,  on  inquiry,  that  none  of  the  four  regiments  to 
be  raised  in  it  are  properly  regimented  and  completed, 
1  must  request  of  you,  as  the  service  absolutely  requires 
it,  that  you  exert  yourselves  to  the  utmost  to  accomplish 
this  necessary  service,  and  that  the  troops  already  raised 
be  ordered  to  the  city  without  delay. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  humble  servant, 

"ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 

of  the  Province  of  New- York." 

A  majority  of  counties  not  appearing,  the  Committee  ad- 
journed till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 
The  same  members  met  and  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning,  10  o'clock. 


SATURDAY,  a.  m. 

April  6th,  1776. 

The  same  members  met,  and  it  appearing  that  there 
would  not  be  a  sufficient  number  of  counties  represented 
until  next  Tuesday  morning,  the  members  present  adjourned 
till  next  Tuesday  morning. 


DIE  ,  A.  M. 

April  10th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Imlay,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Rut- 
gers— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Treadwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Ms.  Graham — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Only  six  counties  appearing,  the  members  present  di- 
rected the  Secretary  to  write  to  the  Deputies  of  Rich- 
mond county,  and  request  their  attendance  to-morrow  morn- 
ing ;  and  then  the  Committee  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, 10  o'clock. 


A.  M. 

April  llth,  1776. 
The  following  members  met,  vizt : 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Imlay,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman- New-York. 

101 


Mr.  Tredwell-Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Ms.  Graham — Dutchess. 

Doct.  Treat  was  sent  for  and  attended  ;  he  was  request- 
ed to  take  care  of  and  attend  a  soldier,  who  has  got  the 
small  pox. 

Adjourned  till  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

P.  M.  April  Uth,  1776. 
Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Imlay,  Colo.  McDougall— New-York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Covenhoven— Kings. 
Mr.  Everson,  Colo.  Ms.  Graham—  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  a  man  on  board  of 
one  of  the  transports  which  brought  Genl.  Sullivan's  bri- 
gade of  troops  from  the  eastward  to  this  city,  is  taken  with 
the  small  pox ;  that  the  danger  of  such  a  disorder  spread- 
ing at  this  time  amongst  the  troops  quartered  in  and  near 
this  city,  makes  it  absolutely  necessary  that  some  proper 
place  should  be  provided  for  the  reception  of  the  person 
above  mentioned,  and  of  such  persons  as  may  be  seized 
with  the  small  pox  in  future.  And  it  being  suggested  that 
the  island  with  the  buildings  thereon,  commonly  called 
Little  Barn  island,  belonging  to  Mr.  Montresor,  is  the  most 
suitable  and  safe  place  for  that  purpose  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Malichi  Treat,  and  such  other 
person  or  persons  as  he  shall  employ,  or  such  other  per- 
son as  the  commanding  officer  of  the  Continental  troops 
at  New-York  shall  direct,  to  attend  the  sick  sent  to  the 
said  island,  be  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  set 
apart  and  make  use  of  such  parts  of  the  house  and  other 
buildings  on  the  said  island,  as  he  or  they  shall  think  most 
proper  and  best  calculated  for  the  reception  of  all  such  per- 
sons as  now  are  or  shall  be  seized  with  the  small  pox ;  and 
that  Doctor  Treat  take  the  management  and  direction  of 
such  sick  persons  as  may  be  placed  on  that  island,  until 
further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee 
of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  or  of  the  commanding  officer  of 
the  Continental  forces  at  New- York,  for  the  time  being. 

Mr.  Covenhoven  informed  the  committee  that  Colo. 
Hand,  with  his  regiment  of  riflemen,  were  stationed  at 
New-Utretch,  in  Kings  county,  to  guard  the  shore  and  to 
keep  a  look  out  there,  and  that  the  service  of  the  Kings 
county  light  horse,  employed  in  that  service,  is  now  be- 
come unnecessary  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Waldron  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  and  directed  to  discharge  his  company  of  light 
horse  from  the  service  of  keeping  a  look  out  on  the  south- 
ern coast,  in  Kings  county,  until  the  further  order  of  this 
Committee,  or  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

Many  persons  attending  daily,  for  permission  to  export 
flour  and  bar  iron  to  the  neighbourhood  Colonies,  and  the 
committee  being  of  the  opinion  that  this  Colony  is  so  well 
supplied  with  those  articles  as  to  render  the  restraint  lately 
laid  on  their  exportation  unnecessary  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New- York,  or  their  sub-committee  of  inspection,  be  at  li- 
berty to  permit  the  exportation  of  flour  and  bar  iron  until 
further  order,  subject  to  the  restrictions  and  regulations  of 
the  Continental  Congress. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  he  is  in 
want  of  cash  to  pay  Captain  Ledyard's  company  their  pay 
and  enlisting  money,  and  requested  five  hundred  pounds 
for  that  use. 

Colo.  McDougall  further  requested  that  some  gentle- 
men should  be  appointed  and  directed  to  audit  the  accounts 
of  the  public  moneys  which  he  has  received,  as  he  may 
speedily  be  sent  from  this  city  on  duty. 


402 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  1 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
advance  to  Colo.  McDougall  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
pounds  on  his  receipt  on  account  for  the  subsistence  of  his 
regiment  in  Continental  service.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  who  constitute  the  com- 
mittee of  accounts,  or  any  three  or  more  of  them,  audit 
Colo.  McDougall's  accounts  of  all  the  public  money  which 
he  has  received,  and  pass  or  certify  all  such  of  them  as 
they  shall  find  regular. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  His  Ma- 
jesty's Council  are  summoned  to  meet  on  board  of  the 
ship  Dutches  of  Gordon,  and  it  is  supposed  with  design  fur- 
ther to  prorogue  the  General  Assembly  of  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  His  Majesty's  Council 
of  this  Colony,  and  Samuel  Bayard,  Junr.  Esqr.  deputy- 
secretary,  be  and  they  are  hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board 
the  ship  Dutches  of  Gordon  and  return. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Kelly  be  permitted  and  he  is 
hereby  permitted  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Dutches  of  Gor- 
don, and  return  on  the  same  day  that  His  Majesty's  Coun- 
cil shall  first  go  on  board. 

Mr.  Nixon,  the  port  master,  delivered  in  an  estimate  of 
stores  provided  by  twelve  gentlemen  who  are  going  pas- 
sengers in  the  packet,  and  informed  the  Committee  that 
he  would  not  choose  to  go  on  board  the  packet  with  them 
without  a  permit  from  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  port  master  be  permitted  and  is  here- 
by permitted  to  go  on  board  of  the  packet  with  the  said 
stores. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam,  dated  the  ninth  instant, 
was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  N.  York,  April  9th,  1776. 
"  As  the  city  records  are  of  the  greatest  consequence, 
and  it  being  necessary  that  particular  attention  should  be 
paid  for  their  preservation,  the  General  desires  the  first 
city  battalion  of  Independents,  commanded  by  Colo.  La- 
sher, will  undertake  this  guard.  Capt.  H.  G.  Living- 
ston's company  of  fusileers  will  relieve  the  company  of 
artillery  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock.  The  General  has 
no  doubt  but  they  will  receive  the  like  consideration  the 
grenadier  and  light  infantry  companies  did. 

"ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety." 

A  letter  from  Burnett  Miller,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  East  Hampton,  dated  the  7th  instant,  informing 
that  their  guard  at  Montauk  saw  a  number  of  vessels 
about  sunset  of  the  6th,  off  Block  island  ;  and  that  at  9 
o'clock  of  the  7th,  saw  13  vessels  between  Fisher's  island 
and  Gardner's  island,  and  could  hear  their  signal  guns 
during  the  day,  the  weather  being  too  thick  and  foggy  to 
discern  their  size,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Wickes,  chairman  of  Huntington 
committee,  dated  April  the  8th,  communicating  intelli- 
gence of  a  fleet  of  30  square  rigged  [vessels]  having  been 
seen  in  the  Sound,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Buel,  dated  at  Huntington  on  the 
10th.  He  therein  mentions  that  he  left  East  Hampton  on 
Monday  morning  after  9  o'clock  ;  that  no  further  discove- 
ries of  the  fleet  mentioned  in  the  committee's  letter  of  the 
7th,  except  that  a  number  of  ships  made  a  harbour  at 
Fisher's  island  on  Sunday  evening ;  these,  he  supposes, 
were  what  is  called  Wallis's  fleet,  and  that  those  seen  from 
the  cast  end  at  sea,  on  Sunday  afternoon,  were  probably 
from  the  West  Indies  or  Boston,  who  by  their  firing  were 
collecting  their  scattered  fleet,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  A.  Hawkes  Hay,  dated  at  Haver- 
straw  on  the  4th  instant,  requesting  that  the  minute  men 
from  his  regiment  choose  their  officers,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Nathan  Fordham,  Burnet  Miller  and  Tho- 
mas Youngs,  a  sub-committee  of  Sagg  Harbour,  dated 
the  3d  instant,  representing  that  they  are  much  exposed  to 


the  ravages  of  the  Ministerial  army,  and  requesting  war- 
like stores  for  their  defence,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Jeremiah  Clark,  dated  the  5th  instant, 
with  a  certificate  of  Elihu  Marvin  annexed,  recommend- 
ing Lieutenant  William  Roe  for  captain,  and  David  Man- 
devill,  Junr.  as  his  first  lieutenant,  in  the  4  battalions  to  be 
raised,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  dated  at  Fort  Constitu- 
tion on  the  2d  instant,  mentioning  that  of  necessity  he 
had  taken  100  bushels  of  peas  out  of  Hermanus  Cuyler's 
sloop  for  the  use  of  the  garrison,  for  which  he  had  given 
Captain  Cuyler  a  receipt,  and  requesting  that  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  will  order  the  same  to  be  paid  for,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  McDermott,  a  prisoner  confined  in 
jail,  praying  to  be  heard  before  the  Committee,  was  read 
and  filed. 

A  letter  from  John  Vernon,  also  a  prisoner,  complain- 
ing of  ill  health  and  want  of  a  suitable  allowance  in  prison, 
and  praying  to  be  released,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll  was  read  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"  Fort  Constitution,  the  8th  of  April,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  done  every  thing  in  my  power  to  have 
my  regiment  filled  up  so  as  to  make  a  return,  agreeable  to 
a  letter  from  the  Congress,  dated  March  the  4th,  but  find 
it  not  possible  to  fill  them  with  good  men,  and  such  as  are 
able  to  furnish  themselves  with  arms,  &c.  by  reason  of 
their  pay  being  lowered. 

"  Last  Friday  I  went  to  Goshen  in  order  to  meet  the  of- 
ficers of  the  minute  men  and  militia,  to  know  the  state  of 
the  regiment,  as  I  had  sent  orders  and  wrote  a  number  of 
letters,  and  all  to  no  purpose,  and  by  that  means  missed 
seeing  the  Prussian  General,  Doctor  Franklin,  and  the  gen- 
tlemen with  them.  The  regiment  is  not  half  full,  and  not 
one  of  them  has  any  arms,  and  arms  are  not  to  be  had. 
I  am  well  persuaded  that  there  can  but  little  dependence 
be  put  on  the  minute  men  upon  the  plan  that  they  are  now 
raised,  for  by  the  time  a  company  is  full  their  4  months 
is  up,  which  keeps  the  officers  continually  recruiting,  and 
the  people  seem  determined  against  being  drafted. 

"  Enclosed  you  have  the  particulars  of  the  expense  of  the 
court  martial  and  Genl.  Lee's  orders  for  holding  it.  I  have 
discharged  Captain  Raymond's  company  of  minute  men 
consisting  only  of  31  men,  officers  included,  as  there  was 
a  great  uneasiness  amongst  the  men,  and  Captain  Jackson's 
company  of  standing  forces  marches  in  on  Wednesday, 
which  will  fill  the  barracks. 

"  I  have  also  enclosed  a  report  of  the  committee  of  Hano- 
ver precinct  of  John  Handley,  who  is  now  a  prisoner  here, 
and  should  be  glad  you  would  advise  me  what  is  to  be 
done  with  him. 

"  I  am  with  esteem,  sir,  your  most  humble  servt. 

"ISAAC  NICOLL. 

"  To  William  Paulding,  Esqr. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

General  Lee's  order  to  Col.  Nicoll  to  secure  Ensign 
Goodgian,  dated  the  17th  of  February  last,  and  enclosed  in 
Col.  Nicoll's  letter,  was  filed.  Genl.  Lee's  letter  to  Col. 
Nicoll  of  the  25th  of  Feb.  last,  advising  that  he  had  or- 
dered Genl.  Clinton  to  call  a  court  martial,  and  enclosed 
as  above,  was  also  filed. 

An  account  of  the  expenses  of  taking  and  trying  Wil- 
liam Goodgion,  an  ensign  in  Capt.  Peter  Hill's  company 
of  Ulster  county  minute  men,  and  certified  by  Col.  Nicoll, 
amounting  to  £7  lb's.  5d.  was  filed. 

An  order  from  the  committee  of  Hanover  precinct  sign- 
ed William  Cross,  chairman,  for  the  commitment  of  Wil- 
liam Hanley,  charged  with  having  enlisted  in  the  King's 
service,  was  also  filed. 

A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esquire,  Deputy  Com 
missary-General,  dated  at  Albany  on  the  3d  instant,  re- 
I    polling  some  misrepresentations  respecting  the  forwarding 
i   clothing  for  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  was  read  and  filed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


403 


The  Committee  of  Safety  were  also  informed  that  Nichs. 
Bayard,  Esqr.  at  whose  house  the  records  are  lodged,  is 
very  desirous  that  the  guard  be  changed  for  a  guard  of 
citizens.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lasher  be  requested  to  relieve  the 
guard  now  placed  to  guard  the  records  at  Mr.  Bayard's,  by 
a  guard  from  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Leary,  town  major,  dated  yesterday, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  the  time  of 
his  continuing  in  pay  as  town  major  is  expired,  and  re- 
quested to  know  whether  he  was  to  be  continued  in  ser- 
vice. 

Mr.  Leary  called  on  the  committee  personally  for  an 
answer,  and  was  informed  by  the  committee  that  they  did 
not  conceive  themselves  authorized  to  continue  him  in  pay, 
and  that  it  also  appeared  unnecessary  at  present  to  require 
his  services  and  continue  his  pay. 

A  certificate  from  S.  Badlam,  captain  of  artillery,  dated 
the  8th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies 
that  he  has  examined  Joseph  Crane  as  to  his  knowledge 
in  gunnery,  and  considering  his  merits  and  experience, 
thinks  him  qualified  for  a  Captain  Lieutenancy.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Joseph  Crane  pursuant  to  the 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  16th  of  March 
last,  be  captain  lieutenant  of  the  Continental  company 
of  artillery,  whereof  Sebastian  Beauman,  Esqr.  is  cap- 
tain. 

A  return  of  the  2d  regiment  of  militia  in  the  south  end 
of  Ulster  county,  commanded  by  James  McClaughry  con- 
taining a  state  of  the  arms,  accoutrements,  powder  and 
ball,  was  read  and  filed. 

It  is  thereby  returned,  that  the  regiment  has  585  guns, 
28  bayonets,  495  swords,  296  cartouch  boxes,  55  lbs.  gun- 
powder, and  191  lbs.  lead. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Ad.  Bancker,  and  return  for  commis- 
sions for  sundry  officers  of  militia  in  Richmond  county, 
therein  named,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  commissions  therein  requested  were  issued. 


10  HO.  A.  M. 

April  12th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Imlay,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDougall, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Zandt— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cupyer — Orange- 
Colo.  Covenhoven — Kings. 
Mr.  Eversen,  Colo.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Peter  Du  Bois,  who  has  attended  some  days  on  charg- 
es exhibited  against  him  by  the  Reverend  Barnard  Page, 
Ethan  Sickles  and  others,  together  with  the  said  witnesses 
and  others,  attending,  the  Committee  determined  to  pro- 
ceed thereon  ;  and  Mr.  Du  Bois  and  all  the  other  persons 
attending  thereon,  were  called  in. 

Ethan  Sickles  was  first  called  up  near  the  Chair  and  ex- 
amined. Notes  of  his  examination  taken  and  read  to  him 
in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Du  Bois  are  as  follows,  vizt : 

"Ethan  Sickles,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  being  per- 
sonally examined  says  :  that  on  last  Thursday  morning  he 
went  from  Paulus  Hook  with  Mr.  Peter  Du  Bois  and 
Colo.  Smith  and  another  gentleman  in  the  stage,  proceed- 
ed to  Woodbridge  ;  that  while  Colo.  Smith  was  with  them 
Mr.  Du  Bois  appeared  a  high  whig ;  that  by  the  way 
they  took  in  Colo.  Zedwitz  ;  that  Mr.  Du  Bois  was  con- 
tinually asking  him  questions,  and  when  he  found  any  op- 
portunity was  finding  fault ;  and  from  Mr.  Du  Bois's  con- 
versation thought  he  was  not  a  whig. 

"  That  he  heard  that  Mr.  Page  and  Mr.  Du  Bois  got  in 
a  warm  argument  at  Philadelphia,  and  differed  in  senti- 


ments ;  that  Mr.  Du  Bois  said  that  Genl.  Gage  was  a 
gentleman  and  man  of  honour ;  and  that  Mr.  Du  Bois 
acknowledged  the  dispute  and  what  the  examinant  had 
heard  on  that  subject  in  the  presence  of  the  examinant ; 
that  on  the  road  homeward,  Mr.  Du  Bois  frequently  spoke 
against  the  American  forces  ;  and  wherever  they  stopped, 
he  was  speaking  to  the  people  he  met  in  that  strain  ;  that 
he  said  the  New-England  forces  would  deceive  us,  and 
that  we  might  depend  upon  it ;  that  he,  the  examinant, 
told  Mr.  Du  Bois  not  to  continue  his  discourse,  and  told 
him  he  was  not  a  friend  to  his  country. 

"  That  it  was  mentioned  in  the  stage,  that  the  officers 
who  are  prisoners  at  Trentown  had  run  the  Congress  to 
£150  expense  in  one  week,  and  that  it  was  paid  ;  that  he, 
the  examinant,  spoke  disrespectfully  of  them  for  having 
been  in  his  opinion  so  extravagant ;  for  which,  Mr.  Du 
Bois  in  return,  treated  him  with  ill  names  and  abusive 
language  ;  that  his  conversation,  on  the  whole,  was  in- 
tolerable ;  that  he  particularly  found  fault  with  the  oaths 
that  have  been  administered  to  people  by  the  General ;  said 
it  was  no  sin  to  break  such  an  oath,  and  found  great  fault 
with  the  Congress  on  that  subject ;  that  he  spoke  of  some 
person  near  him  who  had  refused  to  bear  arms  and  had 
been  tarred  and  feathered  ;  that  he  called  the  men  who 
had  done  it  a  damned  set  of  rascals,  and  said  he  would 
have  satisfaction  of  them  at  the  risk  of  his  life.  Being 
asked  how  he  understood  Mr.  Du  Bois  when  he  said  the 
New-England  men  would  deceive  us,  he  answered,  that 
he  understood  him  to  mean  a  deceit  by  treachery. 

"  Theodorus  De  Forrest  being  examined  says,  that  Mr. 
Du  Bois  run  down  the  American  troops  very  greatly,  and 
said  they  had  no  discipline  or  order  among  them  ;  said 
the  New-England  officers  had  no  order  among  them,  that 
if  ever  they  came  to  an  engagement  the  New-England  troops 
would  deceive  the  other  Colonies  ;  that  he  understood  that 
Mr.  Du  Bois  meant  that  they  were  not  true  to  the  cause  ; 
that  Mr.  Du  Bois  embraced  the  company  of  the  regular 
officers  on  every  opportunity  ;  that  he  spoke  of  an  officer 
near  where  he  lived  who  had  been  tarred  and  feathered  ; 
said  some  of  the  Committee  were  amongst  those  who 
tarred  and  feathered  the  man,  and  that  they  were  a  parcel 
of  rascals. 

"  Mr.  Du  Bois  went  on  his  defence : — Asked  Mr. 
Sickles  whether  he  was  present  when  he  commended  or 
spoke  highly  of  Genl.  Gage  ;  was  answered  that  he  men- 
tioned it  as  what  he  had  heard. 

"  Mr.  Du  Bois  says,  he  only  meant  that  the  New-Eng- 
land troops  never  had  equal  order  or  discipline  of  the 
Pennsylvania  troops  and  others,  and  that  people  would  be 
deceived  in  their  military  character  if  they  came  to  action. 

"  That  as  to  the  matter  of  affecting  the  company  of  the 
officers  who  are  prisoners,  he  says  that  they  are  his  old 
friends  and  acquaintances,  and  that  he  was  but  a  few 
minutes  with  them. 

"  That  the  conversation  about  oaths  was  general ;  that 
he  had  spoken  against  oaths  administered  by  compulsion, 
and  had  said  many  people  did  not  conceive  themselves 
bound  by  such  an  oath. 

"  That  as  to  the  person  tarred,  he  referred  to  one  Gold- 
smith, who  had  been  captain  of  a  company  ;  that  on  Mr. 
Jackson's  being  elected  captain,  according  to  the  regula- 
tions of  Congress,  Goldsmith  refused  to  bear  arms  in  the 
company,  and  refused  that  his  son  should  bear  arms,  for 
which  he  had  been  tarred  and  feathered  ;  and  that  he  had 
execrated  such  conduct ;  Mr.  Du  Bois  says,  that  Captain 
Jackson  and  some  of  the  Committee  were  at  the  head  of 
those  young  men  who  tarred  the  said  Goldsmith. 

"  That  when  Mr.  Page  charged  him  with  being  a  tory, 
he  had  declared  he  was  not  ;  that  he  was  bred  in  revo- 
lution principles,  and  disapproved  of  the  acts  of  Parliament 
for  laying  taxes  on  America. 

"  That  what  he  said  of  General  Gage  was  in  answer  to 
illiberal  expressions  of  Mr.  Page,  against  General  Gage  as 
a  rascal  and  a  coward. 


404 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  That  what  he  said  of  the  New-England  troops  was 
speaking  of  them  in  a  comparative  view  with  the  Pennsyl- 
vania troops  :  says  that  he  has  signed  and  promoted  the 
signing  of  the  general  association  of  the  Colony." 

Bernard  Page  being  examined  says,  "  that  on  last  Sa- 
turday, or  Sunday  following,  Mr.  Du  Bois  came  into  the 
room  where  he,  the  examinant  was ;  they  fell  into  conver- 
sation on  public  matters.  In  substance  Mr.  D.  gave  Genl. 
Gage  the  highest  character  of  reputation,  honour,  integrity, 
and  the  like ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  replied  that  he  did 
not  look  on  his  character  in  that  light,  but  that  he  had 
sacrificed  his  most  honourable  engagements  and  pledges, 
particularly  in  the  affair  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  touch- 
ing his  promise  to  permit  them  to  leave  the  town  on  deliver- 
ing up  their  arms. 

"  That  Mr.  Du  Bois  got  into  a  passion  and  declared  that 
General  Gage  never  was  impeached  with  a  dishonourable 
act,  and  that  he  was  a  man  of  the  strictest  integrity  and 
impartiality,  or  other  words  to  that  effect. 

"  That  he,  the  examinant,  answered  that  his  character  was 
not  honoured,  that  he  was  rather  looked  on  as  a  coward. 
That  How  and  Burgoin,  and  the  other  officers,  were  es- 
teemed as  gentlemen  who  would  fight,  but  that  he  did  not 
think  Genl.  Gage  could  support  his  character  in  that  fa- 
vourable light.  That  Mr.  Du  Bois  told  him  he  was  a  mi- 
nister, but  that  no  other  man  would  dare  to  say  so.  That 
Mr.  Du  Bois,  with  warmth,  declared  that  the  majesty  of 
the  people  of  Great  Britain  would  never  be  insulted  or 
imposed  on  by  the  people  here,  (meaning  the  people  of 
America  as  the  examinant  understood,)  and  then  left  the 
room.  That  during  their  stay  at  a  tavern  Mr.  Du  Bois  ap- 
peared to  him  to  endeavour  to  know  of  every  strange  gen- 
tlemen who  came  there,  on  which  side  of  the  question  they 
were,  but  did  not  enter  in  any  further  conversation  there 
with  the  examinant. 

"  That  on  Monday,  at  Bristol,  Mr.  Du  Bois,  as  soon  as 
they  stopped,  seized  an  opportunity  to  speak  privately  with 
the  prisoners  there.  That  he  saw  Mr.  Du  Bois  convers- 
ing with  them.  That  at  dinner  time,  at  Mr.  Hill's,  at 
Trentown,  Mr.  Du  Bois  came  into  the  room  and  declared 
that  he  had  been  to  see  some  gentlemen  who  were  priso- 
ners there,  had  been  in  their  room,  and  been  invited  to  dine 
with  them,  but  chose  to  dine  with  the  company  who  came 
in  the  stage  with  him. 

"  In  proceeding  onward  on  the  way,  Mr.  Du  Boise  spoke 
something,  in  the  examinant's  opinion,  disrespectful  of  the 
New-England  troops,  vizt :  in  substance,  that  ihey  fought 
behind  walls,  and  in  secret  places,  and  were  afraid  to  show 
themselves  openly,  or  words  to  that  effect.  That  he,  the 
examinant,  replied  in  the  negative,  and  endeavoured  to  sup- 
port their  character  in  the  instance  at  Bunker's  Hill,  in 
which  Mr.  D.  had  thus  charged  them  with  this  cowardice. 
That  he  particularly  mentioned  having  seen  Bunker's  Hill 
at  different  times  and  not  observed  any  stone  fence  or  wall 
there  ;  that  he  observed  the  American  troops  there,  by 
every  account,  had  fought  manfully,  and  that  the  action  it- 
self demonstrated  that  the  troops  did  not  deserve  any  such 
charge  as  Mr.  Du  Bois  had  made  against  them  ;  that  Mr. 
Du  Bois  replied,  in  a  contemptuous  manner,  that  the  New- 
England  troops  would  certainly  deceive  the  rest,  meaning 
as  he,  this  examinant  apprehended,  the  other  Colonies  ; 
that  Mr.  Du  Bois  repeated  to  the  same  effect  several  times 
and  once  in  particular  said  they  would  deceive  the  people. 
That  he,  the  examinant,  alleged  that  the  New-England 
troops  were  well  disciplined,  courageous,  possessed  of  con- 
duct and  that  in  general  there  were  not  belter  troops  on  the 
Continent.  That  Mr.  Du  Bois  said  he  knew  what  troops 
were,  looked  on  the  New-England  troops  in  a  different 
light ;  he  spoke  well  of  the  Pennsylvania  troops,  but  said 
the  New-England  troops  would  deceive  the  people.  That 
Mr.  Du  Bois  got  into  a  violent  passion,  and  endeavoured 
to  browbeat  him,  and  that  he,  this  examinant,  endeavour- 
ed to  support  the  character  of  the  New-England  troops 
and  alleged  they  only  took  up  the  sword  to  support  their 


liberties.  That  he,  the  examinant,  told  Mr.  Du  Bois  that 
he  looked  on  him  as  very  unfavourable  to  the  cause,  and 
to  be  a  tory,  and  suspected  that  he  was  a  spy,  and  had 
been  abroad  to  procure  Ministerial  letters,  and  had  such 
with  or  about  him,  or  words  to  that  effect.  That  he  ground- 
ed his  charges  on  the  whole  of  Mr.  Du  Bois'  conduct. 

"  That  speaking  of  a  person  who  was  tarred  and  feather- 
ed, Mr.  Du  Bois  said  if  he  had  been  so  treated  he  would 
have  had  vengeance,  and  would  have  taken  it  privately 
if  he  conld  not  obtain  it  publicly.  That,  speaking  of 
oaths  that  were  and  had  been  tendered  by  Congresses  and 
Committees,  he  alleged  such  oaths  were  of  no  force,  and 
that  he  should  entirely  disregard  them,  or  other  words  to 
that  effect,  but  said  he  would  abide  by  an  oath  which  he 
mentioned  as  contained  in  some  statute. 

"  That  any  personal  difference  which  he  has  had  with 
Mr.  Du  Bois  does  not  influence  his  testimony  as  to  public 
matters. 

"  Mr.  Page,  cross-examined  by  Mr.  Du  Bois  one  or  two 
questions. 

"  Mr.  Du  Bois  renewed  his  defence ;  declares  he  does 
not  recollect  to  have  used  such  expression  as  to  the  majes- 
ty of  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  as  Mr.  Page  has  men- 
tioned." 

Mr.  Du  Bois  and  the  witnesses  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  called  in  and  reprimanded,  and 
that  Colo.  McDougall  deliver  the  reprimand,  and  direction 
to  be  more  careful  for  the  future. 

Mr.  Du  Bois  being  called  in  at  the  bar,  Colo.  McDougall 
informed  him,  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  that 
he  has  discovered  a  temper  inimical  to  his  country  ;  that 
such  conduct  is  inconsistent  with  the  philosopher,  the  sol- 
dier or  the  good  man  ;  and  after  summing  up  the  matters 
given  in  proof,  and  their  tendency,  and  a  charge  to  impress 
a  more  careful  conduct,  he  was  discharged. 

3  ho.  P.  M.  April  \2th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van 
Corllandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Imlay— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Everson — Dutches.  ■ 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  Lord  Stirling  dated  this  day  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"New-York,  12th  April,  1776. 

"Sir — As  I  have  General  Putnam's  orders  to  march  with 
a  brigade  of  troops  for  Staten  island,  and  as  I  shall  be  under 
a  necessity  of  quartering  them  in  the  farm  houses  there, 
until  the  season  of  the  year  will  admit  of  their  being  en- 
camped, I  shall  esteem  it  a  favour  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  if  they  will  as  soon  as  possible  desire  the  committee 
of  Richmond  county  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the  inhabi- 
tants, that  they  may  be  prepared  to  receive  the  troops  in 
the  manner  most  convenient  to  themselves  ;  and  they  may 
be  assured  that  my  best  endeavours  will  be  used  to  render 
the  residence  of  the  troops  amongst  them  as  little  burthen- 
some  as  possible ;  and  this  I  hope  will  be  the  easier 
effected,  as  house  room  is  the  only  article  that  will  be  re- 
quired, every  thing  else  they  may  stand  in  need  of  will  be 
punctually  paid  for. 

"  Colonel  Ritzema's  regiment  is  one  of  the  corps  ordered 
to  compose  my  brigade.  On  inquiry  I  find  the  companies 
of  which  his  regiment  is  to  be  composed,  are  not  yet  fixed 
or  arranged.  I  must  beg  the  favour  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  to  attend  to  this  matter,  and  fix  it  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"STIRLING. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


405 


Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  and  certify  a 
copy  of  so  much  of  Lord  Stirling's  letter  as  relates  to  the 
quartering  of  the  troops  on  Richmond  county,  to  be  sent 
to  the  committee  of  Richmond  county.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Richmond  county  be 
requested  with  all  possible  despatch  to  prepare  empty  farm 
houses  where  they  may  be  had,  and  where  those  cannot  be 
had,  that  they  prepare  quarters  and  places  for  them  in 
dwelling  houses ;  that  the  said  committee  use  their  in- 
fluence with  the  inhabitants  to  consider  the  soldiers  as  their 
countrymen  and  fellow  citizens  employed  in  the  defence  of 
the  liberties  of  their  country  in  general,  and  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Richmond  county  in  particular,  and  to  endeavour 
to  accommodate  them  accordingly. 

Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  attended  the  Committee  and 
requested  money  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  Congress, 
to  enable  him  to  comply  with  his  contract  for  victualling 
the  troops  in  this  Colony.  As  there  is  but  a  small  sum 
now  in  the  treasury,  the  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  a 
larger  sum  than  £2,500  cannot  be  advanced  to  him  at  pre- 
sent. Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
advance  to  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  in  part  of  the  money 
due  to  him  on  contract,  for  supplying  the  Continental  troops 
in  this  Colony,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred 
pounds  on  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Colo.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony,  applied  to  the  Committee  for  money, 
to  enable  him  to  provide  necessaries  for  the  army. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
advance  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  agent  or  Commissary  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  to  provide  clothing 
and  arms,  accoutrements,  &c.  for  the  troops,  the  sum  of 
five  thousand  pounds  on  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same. 

Mr.  Randall  informed  the  Committee  that  he  stands  in 
need  of  cash  to  discharge  debts  contracted  in  purchasing 
and  in  part  fitting  out  an  armed  schooner. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony, 
advance  to  Mr.  Thomas  Randall,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  nine 
hundred  pounds  on  account,  in  part  of  moneys  by  him  ad- 
vanced for  the  purchase  of  an  armed  schooner  and  her 
arms  and  outfit,  the  Treasurer  to  take  Mr.  Randall's  receipt 
for  the  same. 

The  Committee  have  for  the  present  appointed  the  fol- 
lowing seven  captains,  with  their  subaltern  officers  and 
companies,  to  be  under  the  command  of  Colo.  Ritzema,  as 
seven  companies  of  his  regiment,  to  wit :  Capt.  Andrew 
Billings,  Capt.  Daniel  Denton,  Captain  Abraham  Riker, 
Captain  Cornelius  Hardenbergh,  Captain  Jonathan  Horton, 
Capt.  Hobby,  and  Capt.  Amos  Hutchins. 

This  arrangement  to  continue  as  to  the  rank  of  captains 
in  this  regiment  until  a  general  arrangement  of  the  whole 
four  regiments  is  made  on  a  return  of  the  companies  raised. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Colo.  Ritzema  the  sum  of  eight  hundred  pounds, 
on  account,  to  enable  him  to  pay  such  troops  as  are  put 
under  his  command,  as  his  regiment,  the  Treasurer  to  take 
Colo.  Ritzema's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Thomas  Randall,  Esqr.  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty  pounds  of  gunpowder  and  three  hundred 
weight  of  lead  for  the  use  of  a  small  armed  schooner  fitted 
out  by  the  marine  committee  by  order  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  the  said  commissary  to  take  a  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Capt.  Increase  Child,  of  a  company  of  minute  men  now 
discharged  from  service,  requests  a  warrant  to  raise  a  com- 
pany in  the  Continental  service. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Increase  Child  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized,  in  conjunction  with  Mr.  John  Loyd  as  first 

102 


lieutenant,  Samuel  Dodge,  second  lieutenant,  and  John 
Punderson,  ensign,  to  raise  a  company  for  the  Continental 
service  in  this  Colony,  agreeable  to  the  warrants  issued  by 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  that  purpose, 
on  condition  that  those  gentlemen  enlist  and  raise  the  said 
company  and  make  return  thereof  in  proper  form,  or  bring 
the  said  company  to  New- York  for  actual  service  within 
three  weeks. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Ritzema  direct  the  captain  or  such 
other  officer  in  each  company  of  his  regiment  as  he  shall 
think  proper,  to  apply  to  the  county  committee,  or  any  pre- 
cinct committee,  in  the  counties  where  such  companies 
were  respectively  raised,  for  arms  for  the  said  companies, 
out  of  those  collected  by  disarming  the  disaffected  persons 
pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  Commitee  are  informed  that  Lord  Drummond  is  in 
such  a  state  of  health  that  his  physicians  advise  him  to  re- 
move to  the  island  of  Bermuda  for  the  preservation  of  his 
life,  and  that  he  requested  permission  of  this  Committee 
for  that  purpose.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Lord  Drummond  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
permitted  to  depart  this  Colony  and  go  to  the  island  of 
Bermuda  ;  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  all  the  friends 
of  America  not  to  interrupt  him  on  his  passage,  but  to  let 
him  pass  in  safety  and  without  molestation. 


DIE  SABBATI,  a.  m. 

April  13th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Imlay,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr. 
Randall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

The  memorial  of  Samuel  Lowden,  printer,  with  remarks 
on  the  subject,  were  read  and  filed. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Committee  of  Safety 

of  the  Colony  of  New- York  : 
"  The  memorial  of  Samuel  Loudon  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  printer,  Sheweth  : 

"That  some  weeks  ago  a  manuscript  composed  by  a  gen- 
tleman at  some  considerable  distance,  and  sent  in  order  to 
be  printed  here,  in  answer  to  the  celebrated  pamphlet  en- 
titled Common  Sense  was  put  into  my  hands  by  a  gentle- 
man of  this  city  who  desired  me  to  print  it.  As  a  publication 
of  this  nature  required  mature  deliberation,  I  did  not  in- 
cline, nor  did  the  gentleman  require  me  to  comply  with  his 
proposal  till  I  should  be  convinced  that  the  manuscript  was 
written  with  decency,  or  did  not  express  or  even  imply  any 
disapprobation  of  the  proceedings  of  the  Honourable  Conti- 
nental Congress,  or  the  glorious  cause  in  defence  of  which 
Americans  are  spending  their  blood  and  treasure.  Being 
satisfied  as  to  these  particulars,  I  agreed  to  print  the  manu- 
script on  my  own  account. 

"  Having  made  some  progress  in  printing  off  the  sheets, 
I  advertised  the  publication  of  the  pamphlet  in  Mr.  Gaines' 
Gazette,  not  imagining  that  any  offence  could  justly  be 
taken  by  my  fellow  citizens.  But  to  my  great  surprise  I 
soon  found  that  the  advertisement  had  given  disgust  to 
some  of  the  inhabitants,  who  highly  resented  it. 

"  On  the  evening  of  the  18th  ulto.  I  received  a  mes- 
sage to  attend  on  the  committee  of  mechanics.  I  attended 
accordingly,  and  was  interrogated  by  Mr.  Christopher 
Duyckinck,  the  chairman,  who  was  the  author  of  the  ma- 
nuscript I  was  printing,  and  who  gave  it  to  me.  I  told 
them  I  did  not  know  the  author,  and  that  I  got  the  manu- 
script from  a  gentleman  of  this  city  whose  name,  in  my 


106 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


opinion,  ihcy  had  no  right  to  demand.  Displeased  at  this  | 
reply,  they  threatened  to  burn  the  pamphlets  ;  blaming  me 
in  strong  terms  for  printing  it.  I  expostulated  with  them 
on  the  impropriety  of  condemning  a  book  before  they  had 
read  it ;  proposed  to  send  them  the  sheets  that  were  print- 
ed for  their  perusal,  and  to  refer  the  whole  affair  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  and  abide  by  their  determination.  They 
did  not  however  think  it  proper  to  regard  any  of  my  pro- 
posals, but  sent  six  of  their  number  to  my  house  who  nailed 
and  sealed  up  the  printed  sheets  in  boxes,  except  a  few 
which  were  drying  in  an  empty  house,  which  they  locked 
and  took  the  key  with  them.  The  following  evening  they 
returned  the  key  and  informed  me  that  they  had  referred 
the  matter  to  the  general  committee  of  inspection.  Same 
evening  I  received  a  note  to  wait  on  that  committee.  I  at- 
tended, and  was  informed  by  the  chairman,  Col.  Broome, 
that  a  complaint  had  been  preferred  against  me  for  printing 
an  answer  to  the  pamphlet  entitled  Common  Sense,  and 
the  committee  advised  me  not  to  persist  in  publishing  it  at 
present,  as  my  personal  safety  might  be  endangered.  I 
thanked  the  committee,  and  promised  to  comply  with  their 
advice.  This  availed  nothing  for  my  security  ;  for  some 
time  after  10  o'clock  the  same  night  the  before  mentioned 
Mr.  Duyckinck,  without  any  commission  from  commit- 
tee, attended  by  a  considerable  number,  to  appearance 
more  than  forty  persons,  who  rushed  into  my  house  ;  some 
of  them  ran  up  stairs  to  the  printing  office,  while  others 
guarded  the  door,  and  took  away  the  whole  impression  of 
said  pamphlets,  being  about  1500,  which  at  a  very  mode- 
rate calculation  amounts  to  £75,  they  carried  them  to  the 
commons  and  there  burnt  them,  as  I  have  been  informed. 

"  Your  memorialist  conceiving  the  above  mentioned 
transaction  a  violent  infraction  of  the  liberty  of  the  press 
and  an  unjustifiable  attack  on  his  private  property,  prays,  that 
the  Honourable  Committee  will  take  such  measures  and  give 
directions  in  the  premises,  as  may  secure  the  liberty  of  the 
press,  protect  private  property,  prevent  such  insults  for  the 
future,  and  enable  your  memorialist  to  recover  damages 
adequate  to  the  injuries  he  has  sustained. 

"  And  your  memorialist,  &c. 

"SAML.  LOUDON. 

"  New-York,  March  28th,  1776." 

"  I  would  not.  anticipate  the  reflections  that  will  naturally 
arise  in  the  mind  of  every  candid  and  dispassionate  reader 
of  this  plain  and  impartial  narrative  I  have  given  in  the 
memorial  to  the  Honourable  Committee  of  Safety  but  justice 
to  the  public,  and  myself  requires  me  to  subjoin  a  few  re- 
marks. 

"  As  the  question  concerning  American  independence 
hath  not,  to  the  best  of  [my]  knowledge,  been  decided  by  the 
Continental  Congress,  nor  by  any  legal  subordinate  Con- 
vention, there  can  be  no  criminality  in  publishing  the  ar- 
guments for  and  against  it ;  and  as  it  is  a  question  of  the 
greatest  importance,  it  should  not  be  decided  before  the 
arguments  are  fully  discussed. 

"  Though  a  formal  answer  to  the  phamplet  entitled  Com- 
mon Sense  hath  been  published  in  Philadelphia,  the  prin- 
ter hath  not  fell  under  the  resentment  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  which  is  a  decisive  evidence  that  the  represen- 
tatives of  North  America  do  not  judge  him  to  be  a  trans- 
gressor. My  zealous,  well  meaning,  misguided  opponents 
would  have  acted  a  consistent  part  had  they  paid  a  due  de- 
ference to  the  wisdom  and  good  sense  of  that  honourable 
body  of  men  whom  they  have  solemnly  promised  to  sup- 
port, by  suspending  all  proceedings  against  me  'till  the  Phi- 
ladelphia printer  had  been  called  to  account  and  condemn- 
ed by  them. 

"The  public  will  determine  whether  by  not  suffering 
any  other  person  to  publish  their  sentiments  but  the  author 
of  the  above  mentioned  pamphlet  and  such  as  have  adopt- 
ed his  way  of  thinking  ;  many  thousands  of  steady  friends 
to  the  common  cause  of  America  are  not  deprived  of  one 
of  their  essential  privileges— the  liberty  of  declaring  their 
opinion  upon  a  subject  of  the  greatest  moment,  and  in 


which  they  are  unspeakably  more  interested  than  the  sup- 
posed author  of  that  pamphlet. 

"  It  is  at  any  rate  self-evident  that  if  any  set  of  unau- 
thorized men  shall  be  permitted  to  assume  the  power  of 
legislating  for  their  fellow-citizens,  and  punishing  them  as 
they  please,  our  legal  conventions  and  committees,  with  all 
the  precious  liberties  for  which  we  are  contending  will  be 
in  effect  annihilated,  and  we  will  be  in  a  more  miserable 
slavery  than  would  arise  from  the  most  successful  exertion 
of  all  the  tyrannic  acts  of  the  British  Parliament. 

"  The  freedom  of  the  press  is  now  insulted  and  infringed 
by  some  zealous  advocates  for  liberty.  A  few  more  noc- 
turnal assaults  upon  printers  may  totally  destroy  it,  and 
America  in  consequence  may  fall  a  sacrifice  to  a  more  fatal 
despotism  than  that  with  which  we  are  threatened. 

"  I  have  no  consciousness  of  guilt  in  the  affair  for  which 
I  have  been  persecuted.  It  is  well  known  that  I  have  al- 
ways been  a  steady  friend  to  the  liberties  of  America,  and 
I  am  resolved  to  risk  my  all  in  their  defence,  and  cheer- 
fully submit  to  every  determination  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  the 
general  committee  of  this  city,  that  is  not  contrary  to  the 
dictates  of  religion,  justice  and  humanity — hoping  at  the 
same  time  that  the  reputation  of  American  councils  will 
never  be  contaminated  by  any  determination  of  such  an  ini- 
quitous kind  ;  I  only  claim  common  justice,  and  desire  that 
for  the  future  all  political  publications,  issued  from  any 
press,  be  legally  and  impartially  tried  by  the  publicly  avow- 
ed principles  of  the  Colonies  met  in  Continental  Congress. 
If  at  any  time  I  shall  publish  principles  opposite  to  these, 
under  any  other  predicament  than  that  of  common  news, 
let  me  be  treated  with  all  the  severity  which  an  enemy  to 
his  country  deserves. 

"  SAML.  LOUDON. 
"  The  following  are  all  the  names  I  have  as  yet  been 
able  to  collect  of  the  persons  who  took  away  and  burnt  my 
pamphlets,  viz:  Christopher  Duyckinck,  John  Gilbert, Tho- 
mas Pratt,  John  Buchanan,  tavern  keeper  at  the  new  slip, 
Brower  the  carpenter,  Bicker,  an  officer,  Malcom  McEuen, 
a  pewterer. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
'till  next  week. 

Coffin,  of  the  island  of  Nantucket,  attending,  pro- 
duced a  certificate,  signed  by  three  justices'  of  the  peace 
for  the  county  of  Barnstable,  in  Massachusetts  Govern- 
ment, permitting  him  to  export  from  New-York  or  Con- 
necticut, for  the  internal  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  island 
of  Nantucket,  the  following  articles,  vizt:  ], 0001b.  ham, 
12cwt.  hogs  lard,  1,0001b.  cheese,  601b.  feathers,  4  M. 
staves,  10  bis.  cider,  40  bis.  pork,  20  bis.  flour,  2  gross 
corks,  1  M.  bunch  onions,  30  barrels  apples. 

Ordered,  That  the  sub-committee  of  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New-York  be  at  liberty  to  permit 
Capt.  Coffin  to  export  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  articles 
mentioned  in  the  within  certificate,  and  for  the  purposes 
therein  mentioned. 

The  letter  from  Robt.  Treat  Payne,  Esqr.  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Continental  Congress,  enclosing  the  resolu- 
tions of  Congress  relative  to  the  erecting  works  for  the 
manufacturing  saltpetre,  &c.  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolves  be  taken  into 
consideration  on  Wednesday  next. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  enclosing  the 
proceeding  of  the  Continental  Congress  for  issuing  letters 
of  marque  and  commissioning  private  armed  vessels,  was 
read  as  follows,  viz  : 

"Philadelphia,  April  10th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — It  is  necessary,  in  conducting  the  war- 
like operations  on  the  part  of  America,  to  meet  our  enemy 
on  every  ground,  and  to  defend  ourselves  in  the  best  man- 
ner we  can  against  all  attempts,  in  whatever  shape,  to  de- 
prive us  of  either  liberty  or  property.  So  far,  the  British 
Ministry,  from  showing  the  least  relaxation  in  their  bar- 
barous schemes  of  reducing  the  American  Colonies  to  sla- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


407 


very,  that  they  have  passed  an  act  to  6eize  and  confiscate 
our  property  whenever  found  on  the  high  seas.  In  conse- 
quence of  this  measure  the  Congress  have  come  to  a  reso- 
lution of  fitting  out  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal.  The 
commission,  instructions,  and  bond,  preparatory  to  which, 
I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you,  and 

"  Am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedt. 

"  And  very  humble  servt. 
"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention  of  New-York." 

"  In  Congress,  April  3,  1776. 
"Resolved,  That  blank  commissions  for  private  ships  of 
war  and  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  signed  by  the 
President,  be  sent  to  the  General  Assemblies,  Conven- 
tions and  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety  of  the  United 
Colonies,  to  be  by  them  filled  up  and  delivered  1o  the  per- 
sons intending  to  fit  out  such  private  ships  of  war  formak 
ing  captures  of  British  vessels  and  cargoes,  who  shall  ap- 
ply for  the  same,  and  execute  the  bonds  which  shall  be 
sent  with  the  said  commissions,  which  bonds  shall  be  re- 
turned to  the  Congress. 

"  By  order  of  Congress, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

"  In  Congress,  April  3,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  every  person  intending  to  set  forth 
and  fit  out  a  private  ship  or  vessel  of  war,  and  applying 
for  a  commission  or  letters  of  marque  and  reprisal  for  that 
purpose,  shall  produce  a  writing  subscribed  by  him,  con- 
taining the  name  and  tonnage  or  burthen  of  the  ship  or 
vessel,  the  number  of  her  guns  with  their  weight  of  me- 
tal, the  name  and  place  of  residence  of  the  owner  or 
owners,  the  names  of  the  commander  and  other  officers, 
the  number  of  the  crew,  and  the  quantity  of  provisions 
and  warlike  stores  ;  which  writing  shall  be  delivered  to  the 
Secretary  of  Congress  or  to  the  Clerk  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  Convention  or  Council,  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  the  Colony  in  which  the  ship  or  vessel  shall  be, 
to  be  transmitted  to  the  said  Secretary  and  shall  be  re- 
gistered by  him,  and  that  the  commander  of  the  ship  or 
vessel,  before  the  commission  or  letters  of  marque  and 
reprisal  may  be  granted,  shall,  together  with  sufficient 
sureties,  seal  and  deliver  a  bond  in  the  penalty  of  five 
thousand  dollars  if  the  vessel  be  of  one  hundred  tons  or 
under,  or  ten  thousand  dollars  if  of  greater  burthen,  paya- 
ble to  the  President  of  the  Congress,  in  trust  for  the 
use  of  the  United  Colonies,  with  condition  in  the  form 
following,  to  wit :  '  The  condition  of  this  obligation  is 
such,  that  if  the  above  bounden  who  is  commander 

of  the  called        belonging  to         of         in  the 

colony  of  mounting  carriage  guns,  and  navigated 
by  men,  and  who  hath  applied  for  a  commission  or 

letters  of  marque  and  reprisal,  to  arm,  equip  and  set  forth 
to  sea  the  said  as  a  private  ship  of  war,  and  to 

make  captures  of  British  vessels  and  cargoes,  shall  not 
exceed  or  transgress  the  powers  and  authorities  which 
shall  be  contained  in  the  said  commission,  but  shall  in  all 
things  observe  and  conduct  himself,  and  govern  his  crew 
by,  and  according  to  the  same,  and  certain  instructions 
therewith  to  be  delivered,  and  such  other  instructions  as 
may  hereafter  be  given  to  him,  and  shall  make  reparation 
for  all  damages  sustained  by  any  misconduct  or  unwar- 
rantable proceedings  of  himself  or  the  officers  or  crew 
of  the  said  then  this  obligation  shall  be  void  or  else 

remain  in  force : 
" 1  Sealed  and  delivered  in  presence  of 

"  Which  bond  shall  be  lodged  with  the  said  Secretary 
of  Congress. 

"  By  order  of  Congress, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President:' 

"  In  Congress,  Wednesday,  April  3,  1776. 
"  Instructions  to  the  commanders  of  private  ships  or  vessels 
of  war,  which  shall  have  commissions  or  letters  of 
marque  and  reprisal,  authorizing  them  to  make  captures 
of  British  vessels  and  cargoes. 


"  I.  You  may  by  force  of  arms,  attack,  subdue  and 
take  all  ships  and  other  vessels  belonging  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Great  Britain  on  the  high  seas,  or  between  high 
water  and  low  water  marks,  except  ships  and  vessels 
bringing  persons  who  intend  to  settle  and  reside  in  the 
United  Colonies,  or  bringing  arms,  ammunition  or  warlike 
stores  to  the  said  Colonies,  for  the  use  of  such  inhabitants 
thereof  as  are  friends  to  the  American  cause,  which  you 
shall  suffer  to  pass  unmolested,  the  commanders  thereof 
permitting  a  peaceable  search  and  giving  satisfactory  in- 
formation of  the  contents  of  the  ladings  and  distinctions 
of  the  voyages. 

"  II.  You  may  by  force  of  arms,  attack,  subdue  and 
lake  all  ships  and  other  vessels  whatsoever,  carrying  sol- 
diers, arms,  gunpowder,  ammunition,  provisions  or  any 
other  contraband  goods  to  any  of  the  British  armies  or 
ships  of  war,  employed  against  these  Colonies. 

"  III.  You  shall  bring  such  ships  and  vessels  as  you 
shall  take,  with  their  guns,  rigging,  tackle,  apparel,  fur- 
niture and  ladings,  to  some  convenient  port  or  ports  of  the 
United  Colonies,  that  proceedings  may  thereupon  be  had 
in  due  form,  before  the  courts  which  are  or  shall  be  there 
appointed,  to  hear  and  determine  causes  civil  and  mari- 
time. 

"  IV.  You  or  one  of  your  chief  officers  shall  bring  or 
send  the  master  and  pilot,  and  one  or  more  principal  per- 
son or  persons  of  the  company  of  every  ship  or  vessel  by 
you  taken,  as  soon  after  the  capture  as  may  be,  to  the 
judge  or  judges  of  such  court  as  aforesaid,  to  be  examined 
upon  oath  and  make  answer  to  the  interrogatories  which 
may  be  propounded  touching  the  interest  or  property  of 
the  ship  or  vessel  and  her  lading  ;  and  at  the  same  time, 
you  shall  deliver  or  cause  to  be  delivered  to  the  judge  or 
judges  all  passes,  sea-briefs,  charter-parties,  bills  of  lad- 
ing, cockels,  letters  and  other  documents  and  writings 
found  on  board,  proving  the  said  papers,  by  the  affidavit  of 
yourself  or  some  other  person  present  at  the  capture  to  be 
produced  as  they  were  received,  without  fraud,  addition, 
subduction  or  embezzlement. 

"  V.  You  shall  keep  and  preserve  every  ship  or  vessel 
and  cargo  by  you  taken  until  they  shall,  by  sentence  of  a 
court  properly  authorized,  be  adjudged  lawful  prize,  not 
selling,  spoiling,  wasting  or  diminishing  the  same,  or 
breaking  the  bulk  thereof,  nor  suffering  any  such  thing  to 
be  done. 

"  VI.  If  you,  or  any  of  your  officers  or  crew,  shall,  in 
cold  blood,  kill  or  maim,  or  by  torture  or  otherwise, 
cruelly,  inhumanly,  and  contrary  to  common  usage,  and 
the  practice  of  civilized  nations  in  war,  treat  any  person  or 
persons  surprised  in  the  ship  or  vessel  you  shall  take,  the 
offender  shall  be  severely  punished. 

"  VII.  You  shall,  by  all  convenient  opportunities,  send 
to  Congress  written  accounts  of  the  captures  you  shall 
make,  with  the  number  and  names  of  the  captains,  copies 
of  your  journal  from  time  to  time,  and  intelligence  of 
what  may  occur  or  be  discovered  concerning  the  designs 
of  the  enemy,  and  the  destinations,  motions  and  operations 
of  their  fleets  and  armies. 

"  VIII.  One-third,  at  least,  of  your  whole  company 
shall  be  landmen. 

"  IX.  You  shall  not  ransom  any  prisoners  or  captains, 
but  shall  dispose  of  them  in  such  manner  as  the  Congress, 
or  if  that  be  not  sitting  in  the  Colony  whither  they  shall 
be  brought,  as  the  General  Assembly,  Convention  or 
Council,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  such  Colony  shall  di- 
rect. 

"  X.  You  shall  observe  all  such  further  instructions  as 
Congress  shall  hereafter  give  in  the  premises,  when  you 
shall  have  notice  thereof. 

"  XI.  If  you  shall  do  any  thing  contrary  to  these  instruc- 
tions, or  to  other  hereafter  to  be  given,  or  willingly  suffer 
such  thing  to  be  done,  you  shall  not  only  forfeit  your  com- 
mission and  be  liable  to  an  action  for  breach  of  the  condi- 


408 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


tion  of  your  bond,  but  be  responsible  to  the  party  grieved 
for  damages  sustained  by  sucli  malversation. 
"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  13th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Imlay,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo. 
Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  J.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Everson — For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

A  letterfrom  Major-General  Schuyler  to  General  Thomp- 
son was  read,  of  which  the  following  extract  is  the  last 
sentence,  to  wit : 

"  Will  you  be  so  good  as  to  request  the  New-York  Con- 
gress that  the  sailors  may  be  sent  up  without  delay  ?" 

Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop,  on  request,  attended  the  Com- 
mittee, and  agreed  to  accept  of  and  execute  the  following 
order : 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop  do  enlist  the 
number  of  mariners  desired  by  Major-General  Schuyler 
for  the  service  at  the  lakes,  with  all  possible  despatch ; 
that  Capt.  Wynkoop  proceed  to  Albany  with  the  said  ma- 


riners to  General  Schuyler,  and  take  his  directions  as  to 
the  vessels  on  the  lakes  until  the  Honourable  the  Conti- 
nental Congress  shall  have  appointed  him  to  that  command, 
or  some  other  gentleman  shall  arrive  at  the  Lakes,  autho- 
rized to  take  the  command. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  General  Washington. 


DIE  LVNJE,  a.  m. 

April  15th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall, 
Mr.  Rutgers,  Major  Stoutenburgh — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

No  other  members  attending,  the  Committee  could  not 
proceed  to  business  for  want  of  a  representation  from  ano- 
ther county. 

A  return  of  the  prisoners  in  the  Committee  jail,  and  by 
whom  committed,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Vernon,  one  of  the  said  prisoners, 
and  requesting  his  discharge,  was  read  and  filed. 


A  return  of  Prisoners  in  jail,  fyc.  New-York,  the  1 5th  of  April,  1776. 


When  confined. 


March 

1,  

do 

14,  

do 

17,  

do 

17,  

do 

17,  

April 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

8,  

do 

3,  

do 

8,  

Prisoners'  names. 


Ryner  Vanhuser,  

Thomas  Vernon,  

Wm.  McDermott,  

Joseph  Woolcomb,  

William  Alder,  

Thos.  Remington  Harris, 

William  Medcalf,  

Henry  Kilgrove,  

Casar  Freeman,  

Michael  Conery,   

Jeremiah  Readon,  

Francis  Climes,  

David  Shockness,  

John  Gibbons,   

Derby  Doyle,  

Isaac  Nevarra,  

William  Haselton,  

James  Moffatt,  

James  Johnson  

Thos.  Mclntire,  


By  whom  confined. 


Provincial  Congress, 
do 

Committee  of  Safety, 
do 
do 

Genl.  Putman,  

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

Col.  McDougall,  

Capt.  Ledyard,  

do   

do  .  ... 


Where  confined. 


Jail,   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

Hospital,  

Upper  barracks, . 
Jail,   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   


Occupation. 


Pilot,   

Hatter,  

Reduced  officer, 
Sailor,   

do   

Master's  mate,. . 
Midshipman,  . . . 

Pilot,  

Sailor,   

do   

do   

do   

do   

do   

Farmer,  

Oysterman,  .... 

Armourer,  

Soldier,  

do   

do   


DIE  MERCURII,  a.  m. 

April  llth,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Lott— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  William  Mercier,  (who  is  appointed  to  superintend 
the  fitting  out  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  whereof  Wm. 
Rogers  is  commandant,)  applied  for  an  order  on  the  store 
keeper  for  6  pr.  pistols,  2001b.  musket  balls,  20  cartridge 
boxes,  6001b.  gunpowder.  Mr.  Mercier  also  applied  for 
the  sum  of  £200,  to  be  applied  towards  defraying  sundry 
expenses  accrued  in  fitting  out  said  sloop.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood  deliver  to  Capt. 
Wm.  Mercier  six  pair  pistols,  2001b.  musket  balls,  20  car- 


tridge boxes,  and  6001b.  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of  the 
armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  Capt.  Rogers. 

Ordered  farther,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, advance  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier,  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  pounds,  to  be  applied  towards  paying  off  the  ac- 
counts of  expenses  accrued  in  fitting  out  the  armed  sloop 
Montgomerie,  and  take  his  receipt  on  account  for  the 
same. 

Colo.  Miflin  attending,  informed  the  Committee  that 
General  Washington  is  very  solicitous  to  have  the  great 
number  of  taverns  and  tippling  houses  in  this  city  suppress- 
ed, because  they  tend  greatly  to  debauch  the  soldiers  ;  and 
requests  that  this  Committee  will  be  pleased  to  regulate 
and  make  out  a  list  of  such  tavern  keepers  and  retailers 
of  spirituous  [liquors,]  as  this  Committee  shall  deem  ne- 
cessary for  the  convenience  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city. 
The  Committee,  taking  the  same  into  consideration, 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Evert  Bancker  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
directed  to  withhold  granting  the  excise  on  spirituous  li- 
quors, to  any  person  within  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


409 


Colo.  Miflin  farther  informed  the  Committee,  that  it 
would  be  necessary  to  erect  a  wharf  on  Nutten  island,  for 
the  more  convenient  and  safe  landing  of  the  troops  and 
stores  which  may  from  time  to  time  be  ordered  to  that  is- 
land, and  requested  the  assistance  of  this  Committee  in  pro- 
curing timber  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  said  he  would  assist  to  procure  logs. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  having 
been  requested  to  apply  to  your  Excellency  to  obtain  a  re- 
lease of  seven  citizens  now  detained  on  board  the  ships 
Phoenix  and  Asia,  as  prisoners  ;  they  are  well  informed  an 
exchange  may  be  effected  if  your  Excellency  would  be 
pleased  to  give  the  Committee  the  benefit  of  a  number  of 
your  prisoners  of  equal  rank.  Should  either  of  the  ships 
depart  with  their  prisoners  on  board,  their  respective  fami- 
lies must  labour  under  additional  misfortunes.  Some  of 
them  have  been  detained  a  long  time.  The  Committee 
enclose  a  list  of  their  names  ;  and  beg  leave  to  assure  you, 
that  they  are,  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  humble  servts. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

"  The  names  of  the  prisoners  alluded  to  in  the  aforego- 
ing letter,  are  as  follows,  to  wit :  William  Mount,  master 
of  a  vessel ;  Robt.  Johnson,  mate  ;  Wm.  Berwick,  pilot ; 
Jacob  Germaine,  pilot ;  Charles  Galatian,  Wm.  Dillon, 
boatmen  ;  Wm.  Bicker,  hatter, — Asia." 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  nth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Paulding,  Esquire,  Chairman. 
Colonel  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr. 
Kutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 
Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Lieutenant  William  Scudder  sent  into  the  Committee  of 
Safety  an  open  letter  or  memorial,  dated  on  the  15th  in- 
stant, which  was  read  and  filed. 

He  thereby  informs  that  he  had  received  a  warrant  to 
enlist  men  in  the  Continental  service  in  this  Colony,  in  the 
company  whereof  Henry  O'Hara  is  captain  ;  that  he  has 
enlisted  and  has  on  billet,  in  New- Jersey,  about  35  men  at 
his  own  expenses ;  that  Capt.  O'Hara  went  to  Albany 
about  seven  weeks  ago,  to  return  in  three  weeks,  since 
which  he  has  not  had  any  intelligence  from  him  ;  that  his 
men  call  daily  for  money,  and  will  desert  if  he  is  not  ena- 
bled to  support  them.  He  therefore  prays  the  Committee 
to  take  some  method  for  his  relief. 

To  the  said  letter  was  annexed  a  list  of  the  names  of 
forty-seven  persons,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
therein,  said  to  be  under  the  care  of  the  said  Wm.  Scud- 
der. 

William  Lightbourn,  who  was  appointed  second  lieu- 
tenant in  Capt.  John  Wyley's  company  in  the  first  regi- 
ment, having  resigned  his  warrant,  (which  was  occasioned 
by  the  decease  of  his  father,) 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Wm.  Scudder  be  appointed  and 
is  hereby  appointed  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Wyley's  com- 
pany, in  the  place  of  Mr.  Lightburn  ;  that  a  warrant  issue 
to  him  accordingly,  and  that  he  apply  to  Colo.  McDougall 
for  farther  direction  and  assistance. 

A  warrant  was  issued  for  Lieut.  Scudder. 

Mr.  Sands  produced  the  following  letters,  which  were 
read,  in  order  to  support  his  request  for  an  order  on  the 
treasury  for  the  sum  of  eleven  hundred  and  fifty  pounds, 
to  pay  for  the  sloop  Sally  and  the  schooner  Polly. 

103 


"  St.  Eustatia,  March  the  2d,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  sorry  to  relate  to  you  the  sad  misfortune  that 
I  have  met  with  on  the  high  seas.  On  the  10th  day  of 
February,  in  the  lat.  23°  09',  long.  63°  00',  I  met  with 
the  Portland  ship  of  war  of  50  guns.  In  spite  of  my  en- 
deavours, she  brought  me  to,  and  took  all  my  people  and 
sent  the  sloop  to  Anteago,  with  two  officers  and  5  men.  I 
had  the  good  fortune  to  save  part  of  my  money,  which  I 
have  lodged  in  the  hands  of  Samuel  Cousens.  I  expect 
to  sail  in  6  or  7  days  for  New-York,  in  a  fast  sailing  sloop 
belonging  to  Amboy.  I  have  enclosed  a  bill  on  Mr.  Car- 
son &  Seaton,  and  do  intend  to  bring  a  copy  of  the  same 
myself. 

"  Sir,  I  still  remain,  yours, 

"WILKIE  DODGE." 

A  letter  from  Matthew  Van  Alstyne,  to  his  brother  Abra- 
ham Van  Alstyne,  of  this  city,  merchant,  dated  St.  Eusta- 
tia, Feby.  24th,  1776,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract : 

,;  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  of  my  misfortune  of  being 
taken  by  the  Pamone  frigate.  I  had  been  at  Martineco, 
and  going  to  Guardeloop.  I  was  becalmed  under  the  land 
when  he  took  me." 

Also  another  letter,  from  Capt.  Mathew  Van  Alstyne, 
to  Abraham  Van  Alstyne,  dated  St.  Eustatia,  Feby.  4th, 
1776. 

"  I  am  going  to  St.  Christopher's,  to  take  charge  of 
Capt.  Sanders'  brig  rather  than  come  home,  for  the  sea  is 
full  of  all  kind  of  cruizers.  There  is  not  one  vessel  in  ten 
that  escapes,  going  or  coming.  On  my  arrival  here  I  wrote 
up  to  my  friends  at  St.  Christopher's,  and  related  my  mis- 
fortune of  being  taken." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  Mr.  Comfort  Sands  six  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  for 
the  sloop  Sally,  whereof  Wilkie  Dodge  was  late  master. 
And  the  further  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  for  the  schoo- 
ner Polly,  Mathew  Van  Alstyne,  master,  which  was  in- 
sured at  that  price  by  Sands,  on  account  of  this  Colony. 

The  Committee  then  proceeded  to  finish  their  resolutions 
for  encouraging  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  in  this  Colo- 
ny; and  the  following  resolutions,  reported  by  Mr.  Tred- 
well, were  read,  amended,  approved  of,  and  agreed  to  for 
that  purpose,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  April  nth,  1776.  \ 

"Whereas  the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  23d  of 
Feby.  last,  '  did  recommend  it  to  the  several  Assemblies, 
Conventions  and  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety,  and 
Committees  of  Correspondence  and  Inspection,  in  the  United 
Colonies,  to  exert  themselves  in  devising  farther  ways  and 
means  for  promoting  and  encouraging  the  manufacture  of 
saltpetre,  and  of  introducing  that  manufacture  into  private 
families,  and  to  the  several  Assemblies  and  Conventions  in 
the  United  Colonies,  that  they  establish  public  works  in 
each  and  every  county  in  their  respective  Colonies,  at  the 
expense  of  such  Colonies,  for  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre, 
and  appoint  committees  of  their  own  members  immedi- 
ately to  set  up  such  manufacture  :' 

"  And  Whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colo- 
ny have  authorized  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  carry  the 
above  resolutions  of  Congress  into  execution  :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  committees  be  appointed,  agreea- 
ble to  the  said  resolutions,  to  erect  works  for  manufactur- 
ing of  saltpetre  in  every  considerable  town  or  village  in  the 
several  counties  of  New- York,  Albany,  Suffolk,  Ulster, 
Orange,  Dutchess,  Westchester  and  Kings  ;  and  that  Isaac 
Stoutenburg,  Samuel  Prince  and  Evert  Bancker,  be  a 
committee  for  that  purpose  in  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

"  That  Henry  Glen,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  and  Leonard 
Gansevort,  be  a  committee  for  the  like  purpose,  in  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany. 

"That  Thomas  Tredwell,  David  Gelston  and  Ezra 


410 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


L'hommedieu,  be  a  committee  for  the  like  purpose,  in  the 
county  of  Suffolk. 

"  That  Dirck  Wynkoop  and  Charles  De  Witt  be  a  com- 
mittee for  the  like  purpose,  in  the  county  of  Ulster. 

"  That  William  Allison  and  John  Haring  be  a  committee 
for  the  like  purpose,  in  the  county  of  Orange. 

"  That  Peter  Ten  Broeck  and  Cornelius  Humphries  be  a 
committee  for  the  like  purpose,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess. 

"That  Ebenezer  Lockwood  and  Gilbert  Drake  be  a  com- 
mittee for  the  like  purpose,  in  the  county  of  Westchester. 

"  And  that  John  Van  Derbilt,  Nicholas  Covenhoven  and 
Rutger  Van  Brunt,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  in  the 
county  of  Kings. 

"And  the  said  committees  are  hereby  severally  authoriz- 
ed and  empowered,  in  behalf  and  on  account  of  this  Colony, 
to  contract  with  proper  persons  for  erecting  said  works,  and 
carrying  on  the  said  manufacture,  under  the  superinten- 
dence and  directions  of  the  said  committees. 

"  And  the  said  committees  are  hereby  directed  to  report 
to  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety,  from 
time  to  time,  their  proceedings  in  the  premises,  and  the 
progress  that  shall  be  made  in  said  manufacture. 

"And  to  encourage  the  setting  up  of  private  works,  and 
the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  in  private  families,  which  is 
the  only  way  of  obtaining  a  speedy  and  effectual  supply  of 
that  article,  the  committees  hereby  appointed  in  the  se- 
veral counties,  are  empowered  and  authorized  to  purchase 
on  the  account  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  all 
well  refined  saltpetre  that  shall  be  made  in  this  Colony, 
and  offered  to  them  for  sale  before  the  first  day  of  Novem- 
ber next,  at  the  rate  of  six  shillings  per  pound  ;  and  it  is 
farther  recommended  to  the  committees  of  the  several  ci- 
ties, counties,  towns,  manors,  precincts  and  districts  in  this 
Colony,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  any  places  suspected  to 
contain  mines  of  sulphur,  that  they  cause  diligent  search  to 
be  made  for  such  mines  in  their  respective  districts,  and 
report  their  discoveries  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  without  delay." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  copies  of  these 
resolutions  for  the  printers  in  this  city,  and  that  the  same  be 
printed  in  all  the  public  newspapers  in  this  Colony. 

"  Edward  Tylee  being  examined  saith,  that  he  has  been 
a  prisoner  on  board  the  Asia  seven  months ;  that  he  was 
well  treated  by  Capt.  Vandeput  during  the  whole  time,  and 
that  upon  the  whole,  he  did  not  receive  any  ill  treatment 
from  any  of  the  ship's  company.  This  examinant  farther 
saith,  that  Lord  Rosehill  informed  this  examinant  just  be- 
fore he  came  from  on  board  the  Asia,  that  he,  Lord  Rose- 
hill,  had  given  the  information  to  Captain  Vandeput  by 
the  way  of  Amboy,  which  occasioned  his  being  taken  pri- 
soner. This  examinant  being  examined  relative  to  the 
Asia's  firing  on  the  city,  said  that  he  was  not  on  board  at 
the  time, but  was  informed  after  being  on  board,  that  Captain 
Vandeput  gave  orders  for  the  first  firing,  but  that  he,  Capt. 
Vandeput,  went  down  between  decks  to  stop  the  2d  firing  ; 
that  the  next  morning  the  1st  lieutenant,  Mr.  Galbreath, 
had  loaded  an  18  pounder  with  grape  shot  to  fire  on  the 
inhabitants ;  that  Capt.  Vandeput  jumped  out  of  his  cabin 
in  his  shirt  to  prevent  it. 

"  This  examinant  further  saith,  that  one  John  Noble  of 
this  city,  came  continually  on  board  the  Asia  with  intelli- 
gence from  this  city ;  that  he  has  frequently  heard  him 
give  intelligence  on  board,  particularly  relative  to  the  troops 
taking  possession  of  Bedlow's  island  ;  that  he,  the  exami- 
nant, heard  Noble  say,  he  managed  and  brought  about  the 
escape  of  Capt.  Harris,  when  he,  said  Noble,  was  on 
guard  ;  that  the  said  Noble  the  week  before  last  brought  on 
board  3  rifle  guns  ;  that  Lawrence  Hartwick  was  another 
person  who  continually  brought  intelligence  ;  that  he  was 
one  of  the  persons  who  attempted  to  set  fire  to  the  furnace 
with  combustibles  made  on  board  the  ship  Asia,  and  gave 
the  information  which  caused  the  two  boats  with  iron  to  be 
seized  ;  that  with  respect  to  the  supply  of  fresh  provisions 
they  used  to  have  it  brought  on  board  by  many  persons 


who  he  did  not  know  ;  they  refused  to  take  Continental 
money  for  it ;  that  a  blockmakcr,  a  tall  man  with  a  snuff- 
coloured  coat,  brown  hair,  who  said  he  was  a  committee 
man,  came  on  board  twice  some  time  in  the  month  of  No- 
vember, to  the  best  of  his  knowledge,  in  company  with 
one  Lawce.  Hartwicke  ;  that  this  examinant  gave  Hart- 
wicke  a  letter  to  carry  for  him  to  Nathl.  Tylee  in  New- 
York,  and  that  in  the  presence  of  the  said  blockmaker ; 
that  the  said  blockmaker  told  this  examinant,  '  You  know 
you  and  I  are  not  of  the  same  way  of  thinking ;'  that  the 
said  blockmaker  and  Hardwicke  broke  the  said  letter  open 
and  showed  the  same  to  Captain  Vandeput,  as  Captain 
Vandeput  informed  this  examinant,  upon  which  this  exami- 
nant was  more  closely  confined,  and  suffered  considerably 
thereby. 

"  This  examinant  further  saith,  that  Mr.  Bogert,  the 
butcher,  one  or  two  nights  before  the  ship  Lady  Gage  was 
cut  out,  was  on  board  the  Asia  ;  that  two  or  three  nights 
after  the  cutting  out  of  the  said  ship,  the  said  Bogert 
was  on  board  again,  and  was  invited  by  the  gentlemen  of 
the  gun-room  to  go  down  with  them  in  the  gun-room  ;  that 
this  examinant  was  in  the  gun-room  ;  that  this  examinant 
heard  Bogert  say,  that  when  he,  Bogert,  was  coming 
from  Bedlow's  island,  he  saw  Mr.  Nixen  put  off  from 
alongside  the  Asia,  and  that  he,  Bogert,  lay  down  in  the 
boat  and  let  a  sailor  set  upon  him  to  prevent  Nixcen's  seeing 
him  ;  that  the  officers  in  the  gun-room  on  informing  Bogert 
of  the  expedition  in  cutting  out  the  Lady  Gage,  and  laugh- 
ing very  heartily  about  it,  one  of  the  officers  said  to  Bogert, 
'  We  told  you  of  our  going  upon  that  expedition  the  other 
night ;'  that  Bogert  answered,  '  Yes,  you  did,  but  I  did 
not  want  to  hear  it ;'  that  one  Nicolls,  of  Connecticut,  a 
friend  of  this  examinant,  gave  Bogert  16s.  to  purchase  ne- 
cessaries with  for  this  examinant;  that  Bogert  brought  him 
off  2  gallons  of  rum,  and  the  remainder  of  the  money  he  kept 
for  near  three  months,  though  often  solicited  to  bring  him 
some  necessaries  for  the  remainder,  which  he  never  did, 
till  a  friend  of  this  deponent  came  on  board  to  see  him,  and 
who  he  gave  an  order  on  Mr.  Bogert  to  receive  it  and  send 
him  some  necessaries,  which  he  accordingly  did." 

"Neiv-York,  nth  April,  1776. 

"  Sir — By  the  enclosed  resolutions  of  the  Honourable 
Continental  Congress  you  will  observe  that  they  have 
thought  it  expedient  to  open  the  ports  under  several  re- 
strictions ;  and  that  they  have  also  determined  to  make  re- 
prisals by  the  seizing  of  British  property.  By  the  reso- 
lutions the  Assemblies  or  Conventions  of  the  Colonies  are 
to  appoint  the  proper  officers  who  are  to  take  the  securi- 
ties of  exporters,  as  also  judges  to  determine  on  captures. 
As  the  Committee  of  Safety  are  incompetent  for  those 
purposes,  and  the  trade  of  the  Colony  as  well  as  its  repu- 
tation will  suffer  if  the  necessary  regulations  are  not  made 
to  enable  the  inhabitants  to  avail  themselves  of  the  benefit 
of  the  said  resolutions,  the  Committee  of  Safety  think  it 
absolutely  necessary  that  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  do 
meet  in  this  city  on  the  first  day  of  May  next ;  they,  there- 
fore, earnestly  entreat  you  to  attend  on  that  day  that  our 
constituents  may,  if  they  are  so  disposed,  export  their  pro- 
duce and  be  as  early  as  their  neighbours  at  market.  The 
Committee  of  Safety  would  not  choose  to  be  chargeable 
with  any  loss  this  Colony  might  sustain  in  consequence  of 
any  delay  in  complying  with  the  resolutions  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  in  making  on  our  part  as  a  Colony  the 
proper  arrangement. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
"  WILLIAM  PAULDING,  Chairman." 

James  Smith,  captain  of  the  armed  sloop  called  the  Ge- 
neral Schuyler,  and  Colo.  Alexander  McDougall,  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  executed  their  joint  and  several  bond  to 
the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  President  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  Colonies,  in  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars, 
with  condition  thereto  that  the  said  James  Smith,  com- 
mander of  the  said  sloop  shall  not  exceed  or  transgress  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


411 


powers  and  authorities  which  shall  be  contained  in  his  com- 
mission as  commander  of  the  said  sloop,  but  shall  in  all 
things  observe  and  conduct  himself,  and  govern  his  crew, 
by  and  according  to  the  same,  and  certain  instructions 
therewith  to  be  delivered,  and  such  other  instructions  as 
may  hereafter  be  given  him ;  and  shall  make  reparation 
for  all  damages  sustained  by  any  misconduct  or  unwar- 
rantable proceedings  of  himself,  or  the  officers  or  crew  of 
the  said  sloop. 

Thereupon  a  commission  was  filled  up  and  delivered  to 
the  said  James  Smith,  as  commander  of  the  said  sloop, 
and  his  instructions  were  also  delivered  to  him. 

Thomas  Cregier,  commander  of  the  armed  schooner 
Genl.  Putnam,  and  Thomas  Randall  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  duly  executed  a  similar  joint  and  several  bond  to  John 
Hancock,  Esqr.  President  as  aforesaid,  in  the  sum  of  five 
thousand  dollars,  with  a  similar  condition  thereto  as  to  the 
conduct  and  behaviour  of  the  said  Thomas  Cregier,  and 
his  officers  and  crew. 

Thereupon  a  commission  was  filled  up  and  delivered  to 
the  said  Thomas  Cregier,  as  commander  of  the  said  armed 
schooner  General  Putnam,  and  a  set  of  instructions  deliver- 
ed to  him. 

Capt.  William  Rogers,  commander  of  the  armed  sloop 
Montgomerie,  and  Joseph  Hallett  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
duly  executed  a  similar  joint  and  several  bond  to  John  Han- 
cock, Esqr.  President  as  aforesaid,  in  the  sum  of  five  thou- 
sand dollars,  with  a  condition  thereto  for  the  good  conduct 
and  behaviour  of  the  said  Wm.  Rogers,  as  commander  of 
the  said  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  and  of  his  officers  and 
crew,  in  terms  similar  to  the  condition  of  the  bond  of  the 
said  James  Smith  and  Alexr.  McDougall. 

Thereupon  a  commission  was  filled  up  and  delivered  to 
the  said  Wm.  Rogers,  as  commander  of  the  said  armed 
sloop  Montgomerie,  and  a  set  of  instructions  delivered  to 
him. 

Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  commissary  of  Colony  stores, 
made  a  return  of  the  gunpowder  purchased  of  Mr.  Nicho- 
las Low,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

It  thereby  appears  that  the  quantity  is  1,503  pounds  ; 
and  the  quality  thereof,  as  proved  and  ascertained  by  Mr. 
Jecamiah  Allen,  is  but  middling. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  dated  the  9th  instant, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  acknowledges  the  receipt 
of  the  letter  from  this  Committee  of  the  first  instant,  and 
says  he  will  stop  buying  provisions  ;  and  informs  that 
John  Thomas,  Junr.  Ebenezer  Lockwood  and  himself, 
have  bought  about  1,000  barrels  of  pork  and  600  barrels 
of  flour.  That  the  peas  ordered  from  Albany  are  in  store 
at  Peekskill  landing,  and  the  pork  stored  in  Cortlandt's 
Manor,  Bedford  and  North  Castle. 

A  letter  from  twelve  disaffected  persons  in  Queens 
county,  (usually  called  tories,)  was  read  and  filed.  They 
therein  say  they  have  been  disarmed,  and  therefore  re- 
quest that  they  may  be  excused  from  being  called  out 
when  the  militia  is  called  to  train  or  muster. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington  on  the  subject  of  put- 
ting a  stop  to  any  intercourse  with  the  ships  of  war,  was 
read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Head-Quarters,  llth  April,  1776. 

"Gentlemen — There  is  nothing  that  could  add  more 
to  my  happiness  than  to  go  hand  in  hand  with  the  civil 
authority  of  this  or  any  other  government  to  which  it  may 
be  my  lot  to  be  ordered  ;  and  if  in  the  prosecution  of  such 
measures  as  shall  appear  to  me  to  have  a  manifest  tenden- 
cy to  promote  the  interest  of  the  great  American  cause, 
I  shall  encounter  the  local  convenience  of  individuals  or 
even  of  a  whole  Colony,  I  beg  it  may  be  believed  I  shall 
do  it  with  reluctance  and  pain  ;  but  in  the  present  impor- 
tant contest,  the  least  of  two  evils  must  be  preferred. 

"  That  a  continuance  of  the  intercourse  which  has  hi- 
therto subsisted  between  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  and 
the  enemy,  on  board  the  ships  of  war,is  injurious  to  the  com- 


mon cause,  requires  no  extraordinary  abilities  to  prove.  A 
moment's  reflection  not  only  evinces  this  truth,  but  points  out 
the  glaring  absurdity  of  such  procedure.  We  are  to  consi- 
der ourselves  either  in  a  state  of  peace  or  war  with  Great 
Britain.  If  the  former,  why  are  our  ports  shut  up,  our 
trade  destroyed,  our  property  seized,  our  towns  burnt,  and 
our  worthy  and  valuable  citizens  led  into  captivity,  and 
suffering  the  most  cruel  hardships  ?  If  the  latter,  my  ima- 
gination is  not  fertile  enough  to  suggest  a  reason  in  support 
of  the  intercourse. 

"  In  the  weak  and  defenceless  state  in  which  this  city 
was  some  time  ago,  political  prudence  might  justify  the 
correspondence  that  subsisted  between  the  country  and 
the  enemy's  ships  of  war ;  but  as  the  largest  part  of  the 
Continental  troops  is  now  here,  as  many  strong  works  are 
erected  and  erecting  for  the  defence  of  the  city  and  har- 
bour, those  motives  no  longer  exist,  but  are  absorbed  in 
others  of  a  more  important  nature. 

"  To  tell  you,  gentlemen,  that  the  advantages  of  an  in- 
tercourse of  this  kind  are  altogether  on  the  side  of  the  en- 
emy, whilst  we  deiive  not  the  smallest  benefit  from  it, 
would  be  telling  what  must  be  obvious  to  every  one.  It  is 
indeed  so  glaring  that  even  the  enemy  themselves  must  de- 
spise us  for  suffering  it  to  be  continued ;  for  besides  their 
obtaining  supplies  of  every  kind  by  which  they  are  enabled 
to  continue  in  your  harbours,  it  also  opens  a  regular  chan- 
nel of  intelligence  by  which  they  are  from  time  to  time 
made  acquainted  with  the  number  and  extent  of  our  works, 
our  strength,  and  all  our  movements ;  by  which  they  are 
enabled  to  regulate  their  own  plans  to  our  great  disadvan- 
tange  and  injury.  For  the  truth  of  this,  I  could  produce 
instances,  but  as  it  may  be  the  subject  of  future  discus- 
sion, I  shall  decline  it  at  present.  It  would,  gentlemen, 
be  taking  up  too  much  of  your  time  to  use  further  argu- 
ments in  proof  of  the  necessity  of  putting  an  immediate 
and  total  stop  to  all  future  correspondence  with  the  enemy. 
It  is  my  incumbent  duty  to  effect  this,  convinced  as  I  am 
of  the  disadvantages  resulting  from  it ;  and  it  cannot  be 
thought  strange  or  hard,  that  under  such  conviction  I  should 
be  anxious  to  remove  an  evil  which  may  contribute  not  a 
little  to  the  ruin  of  the  great  cause  we  are  engaged  in,  and 
may  in  its  effects  prove  highly  detrimental  to  this  Colony 
in  particular. 

"  In  effecting  the  salutary  purposes  above  mentioned,  I 
could  wish  for  the  concurrence  and  support  of  your  Hon- 
ourable Body.  It  will  certainly  add  great  weight  to  the 
measures  adopted,  when  the  civil  authority  cooperates 
with  the  military  to  carry  them  into  execution.  It  will 
also  redound  much  to  the  honour  of  the  government  and 
of  your  Committee  in  particular,  for  the  world  are  apt  to 
judge  from  appearances  ;  and  while  such  correspondence 
exists,  the  reputation  of  the  whole  Colony  will  suffer  in 
the  eyes  of  their  American  brethren. 

"  It  is  therefore,  gentlemen,  that  I  have  taken  the  liber- 
ty to  address  you  on  this  important  subject,  relying  upon 
your  zeal  and  attachment  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty 
for  your  assistance  in  putting  a  stop  to  this  evil,  and  that 
you  will  cooperate  with  me  in  such  measures  as  shall  be 
effectual,  either  to  prevent  any  future  correspondence  with 
the  enemy  or  in  bringing  to  condign  punishment  such  per- 
sons as  may  be  hardy  and  wicked  enough  to  carry  it  on 
otherwise  than  by  a  prescribed  mode,  if  any  case  can  pos- 
sibly arise  to  require  it. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  utmost  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 

Ordered,  That  all  the  Deputies  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress now  in  this  city,  be  summoned  to  attend  this  Com- 
mittee to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock,  and  that  the 
Continental  Delegates  now  in  this  city  be  requested  to  at- 
tend, to  take  this  letter  into  consideration. 


412 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  JOVIS,  A.  M. 

April  18th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding.  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Denning,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo. 
McDougall,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Smith— 
For  New- York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Philip  Livingston  and  Francis  Lewis,  Esqrs.  were  pre- 
sent by  request  of  the  Committee. 

On  application  from  the  general  committee  of  the  city 
of  New- York, 

Ordered,  That  Alexr.  Moncrief  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
directed  to  receive  into  his  custody  all  such  persons  as 
shall  be,  from  time  to  time,  committed  by  order  of  the 
general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
and  confine  them  in  the  jail  set  apart  for  the  confinement 
of  prisoners  committed  by  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  Colony. 

Whereas  this  Committee  is  informed  that  the  public 
service  is  greatly  impeded  by  the  neglect  or  refusal  of  the 
gunsmiths  to  despatch  the  work  put  into  their  hands  by  the 
Commissary  :  it  is,  therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  do  im- 
mediately apply  to  the  several  gunsmiths  in  this  city,  and 
employ  them  in  fitting  up  the  guns  wanted  for  the  public 
service  ;  and  if  any  of  the  said  gunsmiths  shall  refuse  to 
be  employed  in  the  public  service,  or  shall  neglect  to  per- 
form the  work  assigned,  in  that  case,  the  said  Colo.  Cur- 
tenius is  hereby  ordered  and  required  to  report  to  this 
Committee  [such]  as  shall  so  refuse  or  neglect  to  despatch 
the  public  work. 

Mr.  Adjutant-General  Gates,  attending,  was  admitted. 

1st.  He  informed  the  Committee  that  the  General  con- 
ceives it  would  tend  to  public  convenience  and  the  good 
government  of  the  army  and  punishment  of  delinquents, 
if  the  provost  marshall  could  be  supplied  with  a  room  in 
the  jail  for  his  prisoners,  and  also  another  room  in  the  jail, 
or  any  other  part  of  that  building,  for  the  holding  of  a 
court  martial,  if  any  such  room  can  be  spared  in  that 
building,  and  requests  the  intervention  of  this  Committee 
in  the  premises. 

2d.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  General  that  proper  per- 
sons should  be  appointed  at  different  stations  to  make  signals 
upon  the  approach  of  any  enemy,  and  that  corps  of  minute 
men  or  militia  should  be  appointed  immediately  and  have 
their  directions  to  repair  immediately  on  any  signal  given 
or  alarm  made,  to  particular  places  or  stations  assigned 
them  respectively,  to  prevent  the  confusion  or  irregularity 
that  will  necessarily  ensue  on  any  such  occasion,  without 
such  order  or  regularity. 

Ordered,  that  these  matters  be  taken  into  consideration. 

Whereas  many  inconveniences  may  arise  by  admitting 
the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony  to  an  unrestrained  com- 
merce with  the  Continental  troops  stationed  in  this  Co- 
lony :  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  any  inhabitant  of  this  Colony 
do  not  on  any  pretence  whatever,  receive  or  purchase  from 
any  non-commissioned  officer  or  soldier  in  the  Continental 
service,  any  goods,  clothing  or  other  article  whatsoever, 
unless  such  non-commissioned  officer  or  soldier  shall  first 
produce  to  such  inhabitant  a  certificate  signed  by  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  regiment  or  company  to  which  such 
non-commissionod  officer  or  soldier  belongs,  specifying  the 
particular  goods  or  articles  which  he  or  they  are  permilled 
to  dispose  of,  together  with  the  name  or  names  of  the 
vendor  or  vendors  ;  and  the  several  committees  and  sub- 


committees in  the  respective  cities,  counties,  towns,  pre- 
cincts and  districts  in  this  Colony,  are  hereby  requested 
to  see  that  this  resolution  be  strictly  complied  with. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  published  in  the  news- 
papers. 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  April  18th,  1776.  S 

Whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  by 
their  order  of  the  18th  Feby.  last,  did  forbid  all  communi- 
cation between  the  ships  of  war  in  the  port  of  New-York 
and  the  ship  in  which  Governor  Tryon  resides,  on  the  one 
part,  and  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  Colony  on  the  other, 
except  for  supplies  of  necessary  provisions  for  the  use  of  the 
said  ships  only,  under  certain  restrictions  therein  mention- 
ed :  And  whereas  the  said  Congress  on  the  8th  of  March 
last,  did  resolve  and  order  further  regulations  for  furnishing 
such  supplies  as  aforesaid,  upon  express  proviso  however, 
that  the  said  supplies  were  to  take  place  and  be  continued 
on  condition  that  there  should  be  no  obstruction  given  to  any 
boats  or  vessels  bringing  provisions,  provender  orfirewoodto 
this  city  ;  which  obstruction  has  nevertheless  been  repeat- 
edly given,  and  the  benefit  of  such  supplies  are  thereby 
become  forfeited  :  And  whereas  the  said  Congress  by  a 
resolve  of  the  15th  of  March  last,  did,  among  other  things, 
authorize  this  Committee  to  execute  or  cause  to  be  execut- 
ed, orders,  resolves  and  recommendations  as  well  of  the 
Continental  as  of  the  said  Provincial  Congress,  and  also  to 
comply  as  far  as  this  Committee  shall  think  proper  with 
any  requisition  by  the  General  of  the  Continental  forces 
or  any  or  either  of  them  :  And  whereas  His  Excellency 
General  Washington  has  in  writing  signified  to  this  Com- 
mittee, that  he  conceives  any  intercourse  whatsoever  with 
the  enemies  on  board  the  said  ships  is  injurious  to  the  com- 
mon cause,  by  enabling  them  while  they  are  furnished 
with  provisions,  to  continue  in  our  harbours  and  maintain 
a  regular  channel  of  intelligence  advancive  of  their  own 
plans  and  to  our  great  disadvantage  and  injury,  and  has 
thereby  requested  our  assistance  in  putting  a  stop  to  this  evil 
and  to  cooperate  with  him  in  such  measures  as  shall  be 
effectual  either  to  prevent  any  future  correspondence  with 
the  enemy,  or  in  bringing  to  condign  punishment  such 
persons  as  may  be  hardy  and  wicked  enough  to  carry  it 
on  :    It  is,  therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  no  inhabitant  of  this  Co- 
lany,  upon  any  pretence  or  for  any  purpose  whatsoever, 
either  in  person  or  in  writing,  directly  or  indirectly,  do 
presume  to  have  or  maintain  any  intercourse  whatsoever 
with  any  ship  or  vessel  belonging  to,  or  employed  in, 
the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  or  any  of  his 
officers  or  ministers,  or  with  any  person  or  persons  on 
board  of  the  same,  upon  pain  of  being  dealt  with  in  the 
severest  manner  as  enemies  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
the  United  North  American  Colonies. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  this  and  the  afore- 
going order  and  resolve,  and  be  assured  that  this  Commit- 
tee will  cooperate  with  him  in  the  execution  of  the  same, 
and  any  other  measure  which  may  be  judged  by  this  Com- 
mittee advancive  of  the  salutary  purposes  of  his  requisition. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  two  afore- 
going resolves  and  orders  be  immediately  published  in 
handbills  and  in  all  the  public  newspapers  of  this  Colony, 
and  that  a  copy  of  these  resolves  be  enclosed  by  the  Chair- 
man to  the  General  in  the  following  letter,  to  wit : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"New-York,  April  18th,  1776.  { 
"  Sir — Your  recommendations  of  yesterday  we  took 
into  consideration  immediately  on  receipt  of  it,  and  there- 
upon framed  the  enclosed  resolves  and  orders.  We 
cannot  sufficiently  thank  your  Excellency  for  your  most 
delicate  attention  to  the  civil  government  of  this  Colony, 
and  beg  leave  to  give  you  the  strongest  assurances  that 
we  most  eagerly  embrace  this  as  we  shall  every  other 
opportunity  of  cooperating  with  you  in  every  measure 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


413 


which  shall  come  recommended  to  us  with  the  argument 
of  public  utility. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  To  His  Excellency  Major-General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  and 
signed  by  the  Chairman,  and  together  with  a  copy  of  the 
said  resolutions  transmitted  to  General  Washington. 

Messrs.  Van  Zandt  and  Randall,  of  the  marine  commit- 
tee, informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the  pilot  boat, 
the  Hamden,  belonging  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony  is  at  Philadelphia,  in  the  Colony  of  Pennsylvania ; 
that  she  can  not,  with  safety,  be  brought  from  thence  ;  and 
that  it  is  their  opinion  that  the  said  vessel  should  be  sold. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  further  informed  the  Committee  that  a 
small  quantity  of  goods  which  arrived  in  the  said  sloop 
Hamden,  and  belong  to  the  Colony,  are  in  his  custody  : 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  marine  committee  appointed  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  sell  the  said  sloop  at 
Philadelphia,  and  pay  the  amount  of  the  sales  to  the  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony.  And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  said  marine  committee  do 
sell  and  dispose  of  the  said  goods  and  merchandise  which 
were  imported  in  the  said  sloop,  and  pay  the  amount  of  the 
sales  thereof  to  the  said  Treasurer ;  and  that  they  deliver  in 
to  the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety,  an  ac- 
count of  the  amount  of  the  sales  of  the  said  sloop  and  goods. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Albany,  dated 
on  the  2d  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  said  committee  therein  mention  that  the  officers 
in  that  county  recruiting  for  the  four  regiments  of  Conti- 
nental troops  raising  in  this  Colony  find  great  difficulties 
for  want  of  money  ;  that  they  have  understood  that  money 
is  allotted  for  that  service,  and  they  request  that  some  mo- 
ney for  the  said  troops  may  be  sent  to  them. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  18th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Lott.  Colo. 
McDougall — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Eversen — Dutches. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  Ritzema,  by  a  letter  to  the  Chairman  which  was 
read  and  filed,  requests  an  order  to  Mr.  Norwood,  the 
commissary  of  Colony  stores,  for  arms  for  some  of  the  men 
in  his  regiment  who  are  destitute. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Colo.  Ritzema,  or  to  such  cap- 
tains in  his  regiment  as  shall  have  Colo.  Ritzema's  order, 
all  the  muskets  and  firelocks  fit  for  use,  noio  in  the  Colony 
store,  in  his  custody ;  and  that  the  said  commissary  take 
a  receipt  of  Colo.  Ritzema  or  the  captains  to  whom  such 
arms  are  delivered,  to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be  ac- 
counted for  and  paid  for  to  the  Colony. 

A  recommendation  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  was  read 
and  filed.  He  thereby  recommends  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll  as 
a  proper  person  for  a  field  officer  in  one  of  the  battalions 
to  be  raised  in  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  inform  Colo.  Nicoll  that 
there  are  not  any  directions  from  Congress  for  raising 
another  battalion. 


DIE  VENERIS,  a.  m. 

April  19th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present—  Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

104 


Colo.  McDougall,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Smith,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Randall— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Everson — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 
Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Thomas— 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Abraham  Depeyster  one  of  the  sub-committee  of 
the  city  of  New- York,  appointed  to  procure  houses  for 
hospitals,  together  with  Mr.  John  Berrien  another  of  the 
committee  of  New- York  attended.  Mr.  Depeyster  in- 
formed that  the  barrack  master  general  had  called  on  him 
for  houses  for  an  hospital,  and  that  he  requested  the  ad- 
vice of  this  committee  in  the  premises.  Mr.  Depey- 
ster was  thereupon  advised  to  endeavour  to  get  or 
procure  empty  houses  near  that  already  engaged  for  that 
use. 

Mr.  Francis  Child,  the  deputy  sheriff,  attending,  was  ad- 
mitted, he  informed  the  committee  that  Derby  Doyle  is 
confined  as  a  prisoner  in  the  jail,  and  requested  directions 
what  is  to  be  done  with  him. 

As  the  said  Derby  Doyle  was  taken  by  military  order 
for  some  correspondence  with,  and  aid  given  to  the  Minis- 
terial army  and  navy,  and  is  a  prisoner  on  that  account, 
the  particulars  whereof  are  unknown  to  this  committee, 
Mr.  Child  was  directed  to  apply  to  the  General  for  di- 
rections. 

Mr.  Child  farther  requested  that  in  fixing  on  rooms  in  the 
jail  for  the  provost  marshal  and  courts  martial,  the  sheriff's 
jail  rooms  and  the  room  in  which  he  resides  may  be  re- 
served. 

Benjamin  Waldo,  late  a  mariner  and  carpenter  on  board 
of  the  armed  schooner  Schuyler,  James  Smith  comman- 
der, was  admitted,  he  complains  in  substance, 

1  st.  That  Capt.  Smith  having  discharged  him,  and  know- 
ing that  he  had  refused  to  go  to  sea  with  him,  Capt.  Smith 
had  prevented  him  from  being  employed  as  a  carpenter  on 
board  of  the  armed  vessel,  commanded  by  Capt.  Rodgers. 

2d.  That  Capt.  Smith  had  violently  beat  and  abused  him 
very  much,  without  any  just  provocation. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  summon  Capt.  Smith  to 
attend  at  five  o'clock,  and  the  complainant  attend  at  that 
time. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Goshen  precinct  in 
Orange  county,  sent  by  Major  Hetfield  as  the  bearer, 
and  covering  the  accounts  of  the  blankets  and  arms  pur- 
chased by  the  said  committee,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Goshen  Precinct,  April  16th,  1776. 

" Gentlemen — 

"  In  obedience  to  a  request  of  the  Honourable 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  the 
committee  of  this  precinct  hath  purchased  and  delivered 
unto  Capt.  Daniel  Denton  the  number  of  guns  and  blan- 
kets agreeable  to  the  enclosed  accounts,  with  the  voucher, 
which  is  humbly  presented  with  a  request  that  the  bills 
may  be  discharged  by  paying  the  money  unto  Major  Mo- 
ses Hatfield. 

"  The  committee  also  beg  leave  to  inform  your  honoura- 
ble body  that  we  have  a  number  of  good  muskets,  or  fire- 
locks, remaining  on  our  hands,  which  Capt.  Denton  would 
not  give  us  his  receipt  for,  because  his  soldiers  did  not 
please  to  take  them.  The  committee  humbly  conceive 
that  it  was  not  the  intention  of  Congress  that  the  private 
soldiers  of  any  company  should  have  it  in  their  power  to 
reject  the  arms  purchased  by  the  committees  and  adjudged 
by  them  fit  for  the  service  ;  and  so  the  guns  consequently 
fall  upon  the  hands  of  those  committees  who  have  cheer- 
fully complied  with  the  request  of  Congress  ;  therefore 
pray  that  you  would  be  pleased  to  discharge  the  account 
which  Major  Hetfield  will  deliver  to  you  of  those  guns 
also,  and  give  farther  directions  to  this  committee  in 


414 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


what  manner  you  would  be  pleased  to  have  them  disposed 
of. 

"  I  am,  in  behalf  of  the  committee, 

"Gent,  your  most  obedient  servt. 

"JOHN  HATHORN, 

"  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  the  precinct  of  Goshen. 
"  The  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  committee  of  Goshen  pre- 
cinct, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  April  19th,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the 
16th  inst.  by  Major  Hetfield.  We  highly  approve  of  your 
conduct  in  having  so  far  supplied  Captain  Denton's  com- 
pany with  blankets  and  arms. 

"  Please  to  send  the  five  muskets  which  were  refused, 
by  some  safe,  careful  person,  and  the  first  such  opportuni- 
ty, to  New- Windsor,  with  directions  that  they  be  sent  to 
us  by  Capt.  Jackson,  or  some  other  sloop  whose  captain 
may  be  relied  on. 

"  Major  Hetfield  has  informed  us  that  these  five  arms 
are  good  muskets,  and  that  it  is  his  opinion  that  several 
more  very  good  arms  may  be  purchased  in  your  precinct. 

"  We  therefore  earnestly  request  you  to  purchase  as 
many  more  good  arms  as  you  can  get  at  reasonable  prices, 
and  transmit  them  to  us  as  above  directed. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Goshen  precinct,  &e." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  and 
transmitted. 

Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  one  of  the  members  of  Westchester 
county,  brought  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  a  bill  of  the 
money  emitted  by  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  which  is 
erased  and  altered,  having  been  issued  of  the  value  of  five 
dollars  ;  it  has  been  attempted  to  be  changed  to  a  bill  of  the 
value  of  ten  dollars,  and  the  names. 

"  Sir — This  Committee  having  received  information 
that  some  of  the  bills  of  the  late  emission  of  money  struck 
by  the  Congress,  for  the  public  service,  have  been  coun- 
terfeited, and  are  now  passing  in  your  county,  you  are 
requested  forthwith  to  call  the  general  committee  of  the 
county  together,  and  take  every  step  in  your  power  to 
discover  the  counterfeiter  or  counterfeiters,  and  those  who 
have  passed  the  said  bills  knowing  them  to  be  counterfeit. 
For  this  purpose  you  are  to  order  the  persons  accused  to 
be  brought  before  you,  and  to  examine  on  oath  the  witness- 
es for  and  against  the  accused,  and  transmit  the  whole  of 
your  proceedings  to  this  Committee,  or  to  the  Congress, 
if  then  sitting,  that  they  may  make  further  order  therein. 
If  upon  the  evidence  that  may  be  offered,  your  committee 
shall  be  of  opinion  that  any  of  the  persons  accused  are 
guilty,  in  that  case  you  are  forthwith  to  order  them  into 
close  custody ;  and  if  upon  the  whole  of  the  evidence  it 
should  appear  to  you  doubtful  whether  they  are  guilty,  in 
that  case  you  are  to  take  good  security  that  the  prisoner  or 
prisoners  appear  before  the  Congress  at  such  time  and 
place  as  they  may  appoint.  But  if,  after  hearing  the  whole 
of  the  evidence,  you  should  be  of  opinion  that  the  accused 
are  not  guilty,  you  are  to  discharge  them. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  Thomas  Thomas,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  West  Chester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  instructions  to  Capt.  William  Rodgers,  com- 
mander of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomery,  was  reported  by 
Mr.  Randall,  and  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — As  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  whereof  you 
are  commander,  is  now  completely  fitted  in  a  warlike  man- 
ner, our  orders  are  that  you  repair  on  board  with  your  offi- 
cers and  men,  and  proceed  to  sea  and  act  against  the  ene- 


mies of  the  United  Colonies,  agreeable  to  your  instructions 
from  the  Congress. 

"  You  are  to  cruise  along  shore  on  our  coasts,  any  where 
between  Sandy  Hook  and  Cape  May,  or  from  Sandy  Hook 
lo  the  east  end  of  Long  island.  You  are  always  too  keep 
some  inlet  under  your  lee,  so  that  you  may  secure  a  retreat 
from  a  superior  force.  Be  careful  to  send  such  prizes  as 
you  may  take,  into  some  place  of  safety  in  the  United  Co- 
lonies. It  is  very  necessary  to  have  a  good  pilot  on  board, 
and  also  that  you  make  yourself  well  acquainted  on  the 
coast.  You  are  to  assist  any  of  the  friends  of  the  United 
Colonies  by  every  means  in  your  power,  and  assist  to  car- 
ry them  into  some  place  of  safety  ;  and  where  different  ob- 
jects for  assistance  offer  at  the  same  time,  you  are  to  give 
the  preference  to  the  vessels  and  inhabitants  of  this  Colo- 
ny. You  are  always  and  by  every  opportunity,  to  advise 
the  Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony,  of  your  proceedings. 

"  We  wish  you  success,  and  remain, 

"  Your  friends  and  humble  servts." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  delivered  to  the  said  Wm.  Rogers. 

This  Committee  having  taken  into  consideration  the  re- 
solutions and  recommendations  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress on  the  21st  of  March  last,  for  promoting  the  growth 
of  hemp  and  flax,  and  the  increase  of  wool,  and  the  erect- 
ing and  establishing  manufactories  in  this  Colony,  agreed 
upon  an  essay  and  recommendations  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  April  19th,  1776.  $ 

"  The  Continental  Congress  have,  by  resolve,  on  the 
21st  of  March  last,  recommended  it  to  the  several  Assem- 
blies, Conventions,  and  Councils  or  Committees  of  Safety, 
and  Committees  of  Correspondence  and  Inspection,  that 
they  exert  their  utmost  endeavours  to  promote,  among  other 
things,  the  culture  of  hemp,  flax  and  cotton,  and  the  growth 
of  wool  in  the  United  Colonies. 

"  It  is  therefore  most  earnestly  recommended  to  the  in- 
habitants of  this  Colony  to  attend  to  the  following  consi- 
derations, which,  exclusive  of  the  best  regard  to  the  public 
good,  must  engage  every  farmer  from  a  just  attention  to  his 
own  private  interest,  to  the  increase  of  the  staples  of  hemp, 
flax  and  wool. 

"  By  the  restraints  which  the  Parliament  of  Great  Bri- 
tain have  most  tyrannically  imposed  on  our  commerce, 
and  the  danger  thence  arising  on  the  exportation  of  provi- 
sions, the  husbandman  has  no  inducement  to  employ  his 
skill  and  industry  in  the  produce  of  those  articles,  beyond 
the  necessity  of  home  consumption.  It  is  therefore  evi- 
dent that  the  culture  of  grain  must,  under  our  present  cir- 
cumstances, naturally  diminish.  This  diminution  ought, 
from  motives  both  of  private  interest  and  of  public  utility,  to 
be  compensated  for  by  the  improvement  of  our  lands,  in 
such  a  way  as  will  most  infallibly  be  attended  with  great 
profit  to  the  land  holder.  As  by  the  danger  to  which  our 
exports  are  exposed,  the  usual  growth  of  grain  will  neces- 
sarily be  discouraged,  it  will  be  laudable  economy  to  de- 
vote a  larger  part  of  our  lands  than  usual  to  the  culture  of 
hemp  and  flax,  and  the  pasturing  of  sheep. 

"  The  present  great  scarcity  of  linen  and  woollen  goods 
will  be  increased  to  a  distressing  degree  by  the  continuance 
of  arbitrary  parliamentary  restraints  on  our  trade  and  pru- 
dent Continental  restrictions  on  our  imports  ;  the  latter  of 
which  would  indeed  necessarily  fail,  were  there  no  other 
reasons  for  it  than  the  want  of  sufficient  exports  to  support 
them.  From  this  scarcity  we  may  in  a  great  measure  be 
relieved  without  loss  to  the  public,  and  with  manifest  pro- 
fit to  the  farmer,  by  improving  our  lands  in  such  a  manner 
as  will  furnish  both  clothing  and  employment  for  our  inha- 
bitants. 

"  Our  soil  and  climate  naturally  invite  us  to  it,  but  our 
necessities  and  the  prosperity  of  the  husbandman  clearly 
command  it.    It  is  doubtless  the  most  advantageous  use  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


415 


which,  in  ordinary  times,  we  can  apply  our  lands ;  but  at 
this  juncture  the  advantage  will  be  so  highly  improved  by 
the  enhanced  prices  of  hemp,  flax  and  wool,  that  every 
farmer  who  neglects  to  take  uncommon  pains  for  the  in- 
crease of  those  necessary  articles,  will  be  most  culpably 
inattentive  to  the  general  weal  and  his  own  private  interest. 
Little,  therefore,  would  need  to  be  said  on  this  head,  were 
we  not  urged  to  it  by  its  vast  importance.  For  this  reason 
this  committee  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  every  farmer 
in  this  Colony  to  exert  himself  to  raise  large  quantities  of 
hemp  and  flax,  and  to  increase  his  stock,  and  improve  his 
breed  of  sheep. 

"And  in  order  to  increase  the  breed  of  sheep,  it  is 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony, 
not  to  kill  any  lambs,  nor  any  ewes  under  four  years  old, 
until  further  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  And  lest 
any  farmers  or  butchers  should  be  so  far  lost  to  all  sense  of 
public  virtue,  as  to  disregard  this  recommendation  con- 
cerning the  increase  of  our  flocks  of  sheep,  it  is  most  ar- 
dently recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  totally 
to  abstain  from  the  purchase  of  lamb  and  of  such  ewe 
mutton  as  they  shall  discover  to  have  been,  at  the  time  of 
killing,  under  four  years  old  ;  and  are  requested  to  report 
to  this  Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress  all  such  per- 
sons as  shall  attempt  to  sell  or  purchase  any  lamb  or  mut- 
ton contrary  to  this  recommendation." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  recommendations  be 
forthwith  published  in  all  the  public  newspapers  in  this 
Colon)'. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  19th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Rutgers  —  For  Keic-York. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Eversen — Dutches. 

Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Garret  Kip  and  Benjamin  Burroughs  informed  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  that  Wm.  Winterton,  who  was  lately 
employed  in  the  Ministerial  service  on  the  Pest  island,  is 
in  this  city  and  may  be  apprehended. 

Thereupon  a  warrant  was  made  to  Capt.  Wm.  W.  Gil- 
bert in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Committee  of  Safety  being  informed  that  Wm. 
Winterton,  who  was  lately  employed  in  the  Ministerial 
service  on  the  Pest  island,  is  now  in  this  city,  and  may  be 
apprehended, 

"  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Wm.  W.  Gilbert,  or  any  other 
officer  of  the  militia  in  this  city,  possessed  of  a  copy  of 
this  order,  do  exert  himself  (with  such  of  his  corps  or 
company  as  he  may  think  proper  to  command  on  that  ser- 
vice) to  apprehend  the  said  William  Winterton,  and  him 
safely  keep,  and  bring  him  before  the  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty to  be  examined." 

The  warrant  issued  to  Mr.  W.  Walkins,  as  lieutenant 
in  Capt.  Van  Wyck's  company,  in  the  regiment  whereof 
Colo.  McDougall  is  colonel,  was  returned,  and  Mr.  John 
Reed  is  appointed  second  lieutenant  in  that  company  in  his 
stead,  on  condition  that  he  enlist  thirty  men  in  three 
weeks. 

Major  Malcom  Morison,  having  some  time  since  re- 
turned his  commission  as  major  and  resigned,  and  Capt. 
John  Schenk  being  recommended  as  a  proper  person  to  fill 
that  office,  and  the  next  in  rank  in  that  regiment, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Schenk  be  appointed  to  the 
vacant  majority  in  the  regiment  of 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Rhinebeeck  precinct,  Dutches  county,  dated 


the  thirteenth  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  The  said  letter 
informs  that  the  committee  of  the  said  precinct  had  lately 
committed  Mordecai  Lester,  Esqr.  and  a  certain  Frederick 
Klein  to  the  jail  in  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  as  the 
peace  and  security  of  the  precinct  rendered  the  confine- 
ment of  those  persons  absolutely  necessary  ;  that  the  com- 
mittee at  Kingston  had  requested  of  that  committee  to 
make  provision  for  the  support  of  the  prisoners  they  had 
sent  there  ;  that  in  pursuance  thereof,  the  Rhinebeeck  com- 
mittee had  personally  engaged  for  the  support  of  Doughty, 
Lester  and  Klein.  The  residue  of  the  said  letter  request- 
ed that  means  may  be  devised  to  make  the  maintenance  of 
these  prisoners  a  public  charge,  and  assigned  reasons  for 
such  request. 

On  reading  the  said  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  Rhinebeeck  precinct, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Kings- 
ton, in  Ulster  county,  be  requested  to  furnish  to  Frede- 
rick Kleyn,  a  prisoner  now  confined  in  the  jail  at  Kingston 
by  order  of  the  committee  of  Rhinebeeck  precinct,  in 
Dutchess  county,  such  provisions  as  he  may  necessarily 
stand  in  need  of  for  his  subsistence  during  his  confinement, 
and  that  the  said  committee  transmit  an  account  of  the 
expense  to  this  Committee  or  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
this  Colony  for  payment. 

Ordered  further,  That  the  said  committee  of  Kingston 
be  requested  to  provide  in  the  same  manner  for  Timothy 
Doughty  and  Mordecai  Lester,  other  prisoners  in  the  same 
jail,  provided  it  shall  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said 
committee  that  they  have  not  estates  or  means  sufficient  to 
enable  them  to  provide  for  themselves. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Rhinebeck  pre- 
cinct was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  13th  instant,  directed 
to  the  member  attending  from  the  county  of  Dutchess,  was 
this  day  presented  by  Mr.  Eversen,  and  immediately  taken 
into  consideration. 

"  The  Committee,  confiding  in  the  prudence  of  the 
Rhinebeck  committee  in  apprehending  and  securing  those 
persons  whose  conduct  is  inimical,  and  where  their  con- 
finement is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  peace  and  security 
of  the  precinct,  highly  approve  of  your  conduct  with  re- 
spect to  Doughty,  Lester  and  Klein. 

"  Enclosed  is  the  copy  of  an  order  transmitted  to  the 
committee  of  Kingston,  relative  to  the  support  of  your  pri- 
soners now  in  their  custody. 

"As  a  meeting  of  a  new  Congress  is  near  at  hand,  this 
Committee  does  not  think  it  prudent  to  make  the  order 
more  general  at  present,  leaving  the  matter  for  the  consi- 
deration of  Congress,  on  future  application. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Rhynbeeck  precinct,  Dutchess  county  " 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  20th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Rutgers— For 
New-Vcrk. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Eversen—  Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Orange  county,  dated  the 
18th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.    They  thereby  recom- 


416 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


mend  Mr.  Setli  Marvin  for  a  captain,  and  Joshua  Brown 
for  first  lieutenant  of  a  company  in  the  four  regiments  of 
Continental  troops  raising  in  this  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Seth  Marvin,  who  is  attending,  be 
informed  that  there  is  not  at  present  any  vacancy  for  a 
captain,  as  the  returns  of  the  warrants  issued  by  Congress 
are  not  received. 

Another  letter  from  the  committee  of  Orange  county 
dated  the  same  day  was  also  read.  They  thereby  request 
a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  Congress  allowing  a  certain  sum 
out  of  the  treasury  for  the  use  of  their  county  committee, 
and  have  therein  inserted  an  order  for  the  payment  of  the 
said  money  to  Mr.  Seth  Marvin,  the  bearer. 

Mr.  Seth  Marvin  was  informed  that,  for  want  of  money, 
the  said  order  can  not  be  complied  with. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Orange  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Sir — The  order  of  the  committee  of  the  18th  instant, 
for  payment  of  the  money  allotted  to  your  county,  has  been 
received  and  read. 

"  We  are  sorry  to  be  obliged  to  inform  you  that  the 
drafts  on  our  treasury  have  been  so  great  that  it  is  become 
empty.    We  hope  soon  to  have  it  replenished. 

"  A  copy  of  the  order  of  Congress  for  advancing  to  your 
county  £200  will  be  forwarded  to  you  by  the  next  oppor- 
tunity. If  you  should  appoint  any  other  person  to  receive 
the  money  hereafter,  you  will  please  to  draw  an  order  simi- 
lar to  the  one  now  sent,  mentioning  the  name  of  the  person 
whom  you  shall  direct  to  receive  it. 

"  We  are  respectfully, 

"  Sir,  your  humble  servants. 
"  To  Elihu  Marvin,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  Committee,  Orange  county." 

Capt.  Wynkoop  requested  an  order  to  the  contractor  to 
supply  him  with  rations  of  provisions  for  his  mariners  en- 
listed for  the  service  on  the  lakes. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  from  time  to 
time,  supply  Captain  Jacobus  Wynkoop  with  rations,  from 
Monday  last  included,  while  he  continues  in  this  city,  for 
the  seamen  raised  for  the  service  on  the  lakes,  and  for  the 
said  captain,  according  to  Captain  Wynkoop's  returns,  tak- 
ing receipts  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Chairman  informed  this  Committee,  that  a  certain 
Isaac  Navaro  is  confined  in  the  jail ;  that  he  has  made  in- 
quiry, and  finds  that  he  has  been  there  committed  without 
any  or  on  slight  grounds. 

Ordered,  That  Alexander  Montcrief,  the  keeper  of  the 
jail  set  apart  for  the  confinement  of  prisoners  committed  by 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  this  Committee,  or  the  ge- 
neral committee  of  this  city,  be  and  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  discharge  Isaac  Navarro  from  his  confinement,  and  that 
he  be  permitted  to  go  at  large. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  24th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr. 
Evert  Bancker,  Major  Stoutenburgh — New-York. 
Mr.  Othoudt— Mbany. 

Colo.  Van  Coi  tlandt,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Eversen— Dutches. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemius— Kings. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  was  unanimously  chosen 
Chairman. 

Captain  Jacobus  Wynkoop  attended  the  Committee,  and 
informed  that  he  had  enlisted  the  number  of  seamen  want- 
ed for  the  service  of  the  lakes,  and  is  ready  to  proceed  by 
the  first  opportunity,  which  he  expects  will  be  to-morrow, 
and  requested  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  informing  him 


on  what  conditions  Mr.  Wynkoop  has  entered  into  the  ser- 
vice. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  draft  of 
such  a  letter. 

Mr.  Randal,  of  the  marine  committee,  informed  that  he 
had  at  different  times  waited  on  the  General,  and  spoken 
to  him  about  the  armed  vessels  fitted  out  by  this  Colony, 
of  which  the  General  had  requested  the  loan.  That, 
agreeable  to  the  sentiments  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on 
a  former  day,  he  had  offered  one  or  both  of  the  sloops  to 
the  General  on  Continental  account ;  that  the  General  ap- 
peared disinclined  to  take  them,  or  either  of  them,  on  those 
conditions  ;  that  the  marine  committee  had  agreed  to  lend 
him  two  of  the  vessels  for  service  in  the  bay,  and  to  send 
the  third  to  sea. 

Mr.  Randal  farther  reported,  that  Captain  Smith  has 
only  twelve  men,  and  wants  eighteen  more  to  man  the 
sloop  Schuyler,  and  that  the  General  intimates  that  if  he 
supplies  the  other  men  wanting  in  the  said  sloop,  he  would 
expect  to  appoint  the  master  and  officers  on  board. 

Captain  James  Smith  was  called  in.  He  says  that  he 
does  not  expect  that  he  can  enlist  the  men  wanting  in  the 
said  sloop  in  this  city,  but  imagines  that  he  could  get  them 
in  the  neighborhoods  in  the  East  river. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randal  wait  on  the  General  and  in- 
form him  that  the  Committee  are  ready  to  lend  the  sloop 
Schuyler  to  the  General,  agreeable  to  former  promise,  as 
soon  as  a  sufficient  number  of  men  can  be  obtained  for  her, 
and  that  if  the  General  chooses  to  take  the  said  sloop  on 
Continental  account,  at  the  expense  of  her  purchase  and 
outfit,  she  shall  be  delivered  to  his  order. 

Colonel  McDougall  returned  to  the  Committee  the  war- 
rant formerly  issued  to  Mr.  Lightburne,  as  second  lieuten- 
ant of  Captain  Wylley's  company,  in  the  first  regiment, 
Mr.  Lightburne  having  resigned. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  issued  to  Henry  Douw  Trip, 
as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Wyley's  company,  in  the 
stead  of  Mr.  Lightburne,  on  condition  that  he  enlist  and 
bring  to  the  company  thirty  men  in  three  weeks. 

Mr.  Francis  Child  attended,  and  was  admitted ;  he  in- 
formed the  Committee  that  five  prisoners,  who  were  for- 
merly confined  below  under  the  care  of  Montcreif,  are  now 
in  the  upper  jails  among  the  debtors,  where  they  are  very 
troublesome  and  do  great  mischief.  That  the  provost  mar- 
shal refuses  to  let  them  be  below  in  the  prison ;  and  Mr. 
Child  requests  that  they  may  be  removed  out  of  the  she- 
riff's prisons. 

Mr.  Child  further  informed,  that  the  provost  marshal 
has  also  maltreated  the  turnkey  of  the  jail,  and  some  other 
persons  in  the  jail,  without  any  provocation, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randal  inform  the  General  that  the 
provost  marshal's  conduct  is  very  troublesome  to  the  jailer 
and  his  prisoners,  and  inconsistent  with  peace  and  good  or- 
der in  the  jail ;  and  that  he  farther  inform,  that  the  jail  does 
not  contain  rooms  sufficient  to  admit  the  provost  marshal 
to  continue  there  with  his  prisoners,  consistent  with  the 
safety  of  the  prisoners  in  the  custody  of  the  sheriff,  and  of 
those  committed  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety  and  the  general  committee  of  this  city,  for 
conduct  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  this  country.  And 

Ordered,  That  Alexander  Montcreif,  the  jailer  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  take  the  care  and 
charge  of  William  McDermot,  William  Alder,  Joseph 
Woolcombe,  Thomas  Rimmington  Harris  and  William 
Metcalf,  into  his  custody,  together  with  all  the  other  pri- 
soners which  were  heretofore  in  his  custody,  and  confine 
them  in  the  room  or  jail  below  where  they  were  formerly 
confined.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Alexander  Montcreif  have  and 
keep  the  key  of  the  said  room,  and  the  care  and  custody  of 
all  the  said  prisoners,  without  any  interruption,  until  fur- 
ther order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  or  of  this  Committee 
of  Safety.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  if  Thomas  Vernon  shall  hereaf- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


417 


ter  behave  refractory,  or  do  any  damage  to  the  place  of  his 
confinement  during  the  time  that  he  shall  be  a  prisoner, 
that  in  such  case  the  said  jailer  do  confine  the.  said  Thomas 
Vernon  in  irons,  or  otherwise,  at  his  discretion. 

Captain  Nathan  Pearce,  Junr.  from  Dutches  county,  at- 
tending, was  admitted.  He  produced  his  warrant,  dated 
the  27th  of  Feby.  last,  in  which  Dusenberry  and  Piatt 
are  named  as  his  lieutenants,  and  Thornton  as  his  ensign. 
Captain  Pearce  reported  that  he  has  sixty-two  men,  who 
are  enlisted  and  ready  for  service,  and  requests  directions. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Nathan  Pearce  with  his  officers 
and  company,  be  a  part  of  Colonel  Ritzema's  regiment, 
and  that  he  immediately  apply  to  Colonel  Ritzema  and 
take  his  directions.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  Captain  Pearse  apply  to  the 
county  committee  or  to  the  committees  of  the  precincts  in 
Dutchess  county,  to  supply  his  men  with  blankets,  and 
with  as  many  such  good  arms  as  are  fit  for  use,  of  those 
taken  from  disaffected  persons  in  their  county,  as  will  be 
sufficient  to  arm  his  whole  company.  And  all  committees 
in  that  county  are  requested  to  exert  themselves  to  supply 
this  company,  and  all  the  other  companies  enlisted  in  that 
County,  with  blankets  and  good  arms. 

Die  Merourii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  2±th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Randall,  Captain  Denning — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Oothout— Albany. 
Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Colonel  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Andrew  Billings  of  the  22d  of 
April  instant,  was  received  and  read  ;  he  therein  request- 
ed a  determination  of  this  Committee  that  subaltern  offi- 
cers may  continue  in  his  service.  The  recommendation 
from  the  county  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  recom- 
mending the  subaltern  officers  of  Captain  Billings'  compa- 
ny, was  also  read  ;  they  thereby  recommend  David  Bald- 
win, for  first  lieutenant ;  Elihu  Marshall,  for  second  lieu- 
tenant, and  Thomas  Cole,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen  stand  confirmed  as  the 
subaltern  officers  of  Captain  Billings'  company. 

The  letter  from  Captain  Andrew  Billings  of  the  11th 
instant,  was  read  ;  he  therein  mentions  two  guns,  to  wit : 
a  musket  and  fowling  piece,  found  by  his  men  hid  in  straw 
under  a  barn  at  Mrs.  Striker's  farm  in  the  out  ward  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  and  mentions  the  particulars  relating 
thereto.  That  he  had  left  a  billet  in  writing,  informing 
Mr.  Staple  that  he  had  taken  the  arms,  and  would  keep 
them  until  he  received  orders. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Captain  Billings, 
directing  him  to  get  the  arms  valued  by  persons  who  are 
competent  judges  of  their  price.  That  he  deliver  the 
musket  to  such  one  of  his  soldiers  as  may  choose  to  take 
it  at  the  valuation,  and  that  he  retain  the  fowling  piece  till 
further  order,  and  inform  the  Provincial  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  the  valuation  of  each. 

"  Sir — Both  your  letters  were  delivered  by  Lieutenant 
Marshall  and  immediately  taken  into  consideration  ;  en- 
closed is  a  certified  copy  of  the  determination  of  this 
Committee  with  respect  to  your  subalterns. 

"  As  to  the  arms  taken  at  Mrs.  Striker's  on  your  pas- 
sage up,  you  are  directed  to  have  them  valued  by  persons 
who  are  competent  judges  of  their  price.  The  musket 
you  may  put  in  the  hands  of  such  one  of  your  soldiers  as 
may  choose  to  take  it  at  the  valuation.  The  fowling  piece 
you  are  to  retain  till  further  order,  and  inform  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  or  Committees  of  Safety  of  the  valua- 
tion of  each.  We  are  informed  that  Mrs.  Striker  has 
made  great  complaints  of  the  rudeness  of  your  men  when 

105 


at  her  house,  by  treating  her  with  indecent  language,  and 
carrying  off  eggs  and  bed  clothes,  &c.  We  hope  you 
will  exert  yourself  and  prevent  such  behaviour  in  future, 
especially  towards  a  female  ;  and  that  you  will  see  that 
compensation  is  made  if  the  complaint  is  well  founded. 
"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  Captain  Andrew  Billings, 

Fort  Montgomerie." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Several  weeks  being  elapsed  since  the  extracts  of  the 
resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  the  recom- 
mendations of  this  Committee  for  the  disarming  of  disaf- 
fected persons  were  despatched  to  the  county  committees 
— no  returns  being  as  yet  made,  and  arms  much  wanted 
for  the  troops, 

The  following  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  county 
committees,  was  read  and  approved  of,  vizt : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  New-York,  April  24th,  1776.  ] 
"  Sir — As  it  must  be  evident  at  first  sight,  that  troops 
without  arms  will  be  only  a  useless  expense  to  the  public, 
we  hope  that  upon  the  receipt  of  the  former  directions  for 
carrying  into  execution  the  resolution  of  Continental  Con- 
gress for  disarming  disaffected  persons,  the  committees 
would  have  complied  with  a  measure  of  such  evident  ne- 
cessity without  delay  ;  but  as  we  have  not  heard  what 
steps  have  been  taken  in  consequence  thereof  in  your 
county,  we  think  it  necessary  to  request  that  you  will  ex- 
ert yourself  to  cause  the  said  resolution  of  Continental  Con- 
gress to  be  fully  executed,  if  not  already  done  in  your 
county,  according  to  said  directions,  as  soon  as  possible, 
for  arms  are  much  wanted. 

"  We  are,  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants." 

Ordered,  That  several  copies  of  the  above  letter  be  en- 
grossed, and  signed  by  the  chairman,  and  that  the  Secre- 
taries direct  and  transmit  one  to  the  chairman  of  each 
county  committee  in  this  Colony. 

Captain  Jacobus  Roosekrans  attending  with  sundry  other 
officers,  they  were  admitted.  Captain  Rosekrans  requested 
crokus  or  beds  for  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  deliver  to  Captain 
Rosekrans,  crokus  or  beds  for  a  full  company,  and  take  his 
receipt  for  the  same. 

Captain  Abraham  Swartwout,  of  Dutchess  county,  re- 
quested the  supply  of  sundry  articles  engaged  to  the  troops 
raised  in  this  Colony,  for  50  men  enlisted  in  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  deliver  to  Captain 
Swartwout  a  due  proportion  of  each  article  (ordered  to  be 
provided  for  the  troops  raising  for  the  defence  of  this  Co- 
lony,) for  50  men  of  his  company,  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  deliver  to 
Captain  John  Belknap,  a  due  proportion  of  each  article  or- 
dered to  be  provided  for  the  troops  raising  for  the  defence 
of  this  Colony,  for  a  full  company,  and  take  a  receipt  for 
the  same. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall,  Colonel  Lott,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Ma- 
jor Stoutenbergh,  Mr.  Prince,  Captain  Denning,  Mr.  Scott — For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Oothout — Albany. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 


418 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esquire,  dated  at  Alba- 
ny on  the  7th  day  of  April  inst.  was  read.  For  the  reasons 
therein  mentioned,  (requesting  that  400  barrels  of  pork  may 
be  sent  to  him  for  the  use  of  the  northern  army,  to  be  re- 
placed by  the  like  quantity  ordered  from  Connecticut  by 
contractors  appointed  by  Gen.  Lee,) 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Randall  wait  on 
General  Washington  and  shew  him  the  said  letter. 

Messrs.  Van  Zandt  and  Randall  returned  and  reported 
that  the  General  had  informed  them  that  the  400  barrels 
of  pork  ordered  from  Connecticut  were  coming  down,  and 
might  be  soon  expected,  and  that  it  will  go  to  Albany  with- 
out unlading,  but  that  the  General  requested  that  the  said 
letter  might  be  shewn  to  Colonel  Trumbull,  Commissary- 
General. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  shew  the  said  let- 
ter to  Colonel  Trumbull. 

Alexander  Montcrief  informed  the  Committee  that  the 
provost  marshal  of  the  army  refuses  to  let  him  have  the 
use  of  the  jail  room,  which  he  formerly  had,  and  that  he  is 
thereby  hitherto  prevented  from  obeying  the  order  of  this 
Committee,  given  to  him  yesterday,  with  relation  to  sun- 
dry prisoners  therein  named. 

Mr.  Randall  informed  the  Committee  that  his  son  has 
an  inclination  to  purchase  the  sloop  Bishop  of  Landaff,  and 
therefore  he  would  not  choose  to  be  concerned  in  making 
the  sale.  Mr.  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Committee  that 
Mr.  Robert  Randall  had  offered  four  hundred  pounds  for 
the  said  sloop,  and  he  requested  their  advice  in  the  premi- 
ses. The  Committee  were  of  opinion  that,  the  said  sloop 
is  worth  more,  and  desired  that  Mr.  Robert  Randall  should 
be  informed  thereof,  and  know  the  utmost  that  he  would 
offer. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  dated  the  was 
read  and  filed  ;  he  thereby  informs  that  Capt.  Hyat, 
with  his  officers,  have  seventy  men  ready  for  the  service. 
That  on  encouragement  formerly  given  him,  he  has  waited 
to  know  if  there  is  any  vacancy  for  the  company.  Capt. 
Hyat  was  desired  to  call  in  the  afternoon. 

Two  letters  from  General  Washington*,  one  dated  the 
20th,  and  the  other  the  24th,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Scott  to  pre- 
pare a  draft  of  an  answer. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougal  be  desired  to  make  a 
return  of  the  state  of  his  regiment  to  this  Committee,  with 
all  possible  despatch. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  to  be  de- 
livered by  Capt.  Wynkoop,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"New-York,  April  25th,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  8th  ultimo,  requesting  seamen 
for  the  service  on  the  lakes,  came  to  hand  on  the  16th; 
the  Provincial  Congress  on  that  day  sent  Capt.  Wynkoop 
to  Major  Douglass  on  that  subject ;  his  answer  was  not 
satisfactory.  The  Committee  of  Safety  wrote  to  him  ;  his 
letter  in  answer  was,  in  our  opinion,  indeterminate.  Capt. 
Wynkoop  was  ready  for  the  service,  but  refused  to  serve 
under  Major  Douglass.  The  Committee  of  Safety  imme- 
diately recommended  Capt.  Wynkoop  to  Congress  for  the 
command,  enclosing  copies  of  all  the  letters  on  the  subject, 
and  requesting  they  would  give  immediate  directions, 
which  we  have  not  received.  On  the  13th  instant,  on  sight 
of  your  letter  to  the  General,  we  found  that  Major  Doug- 
lass was  gone  to  Connecticut. 

"  We  then  prevailed  on  Captain  Wynkoop  to  undertake 
that  service,  on  condition  to  have  leave  to  resign  and  leave 
that  department,  if  any  person  should  arrive  there  to  take 
the  command  of  the  vessels  as  his  superior. 

"Nothing  but  the  pressing  necessity  of  the  case,  an 
attachment  to  the  service,  the  cause  of  his  country,  and 
to  you,  sir,  as  his  general,  would  have  prevailed  on  Capt. 
Wynkoop  to  enlist  the  men  and  proceed  to  put  the  vessels 
in  order  under  the  present  uncertainty  of  his  station. 


Should  the  appointment  of  a  superior  oblige  him  to  quit 
that  department,  we  hope,  sir,  it  will  not  be  considered  to 
his  disadvantage. 

"  It  was  not  in  our  power  to  send  you  seamen  without 
an  officer.  We  assure  you,  sir,  that  we  have  done  every 
thing  in  our  power  in  this  matter,  and  had  it  not  been  for 
the  difficulties  which  arose  from  the  appointment  of  Major 
Douglass,  you  would  have  had  the  seamen  in  due  season, 
and  in  the  month  of  March. 

"  We  are, 

"  With  the  highest  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servs. 

"  M*jor-Genl.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Saml.  Tucker,  Esquire,  President  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  the  Province  of  New-Jersey,  was 
read  and  filed,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  I 
"  New-Brunswick,  April  Wth,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — This  day  were  brought  before  us  three 
persons  belonging  to  Westchester  county,  in  your  Province, 
who  for  some  lime  past  have  been  on  board  the  ship  Lady 
Gage,  and  lately  deserted  from  thence  at  Sandy  Hook,  and 
put  themselves  under  the  protection  of  our  guard  at  the 
Highlands  of  Nevesink.  Their  names  are  Henry  Smith, 
Isaac  Horton  and  Stephen  Daniels,  by  whose  examinations 
it  appears  that  one  Thomas  Gibson  living  at  the  Fish  Kills, 
hath  enlisted  a  number  of  persons  in  your  government  for 
the  King's  army  ;  that  a  boat  was  lately  sent  from  the  ships 
of  war  to  Hempsted  on  Long  island,  for  provisions,  and 
not  returned  when  they  left  the  ship  two  days  past ;  that 
one  Robert  Hambleton,  a  schoolmaster,  had  enlisted  a  num- 
ber of  men  now  on  board  the  King's  ships,  and  was  gone 
to  Westchester  to  enlist  more  ;  Smith  and  Daniels  it  ap- 
pears were  enlisted  by  said  Gibson  ;  Horton  says  he  was 
impressed  on  board  the  Asia  last  month.  These  persons 
will  soon  be  sent  to  you. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-Jersey. 
"  I  am,  gentn. 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  SAML.  TUCKER,  President. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress, 

or  Committee  of  Safety,  New- York." 

A  letter  and  recommendation  from  the  committee  of 
Kings  district,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  recommending 
Thaddeus  Noble  as  a  gunsmith,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Province  of  New-York : 

"  Gent. — Thaddeus  Noble,  gunsmith,  of  this  district, 
has  made  application  to  us,  the  committee  of  the  said 
district,  for  our  recommendation  in  his  behalf  to  your 
Committee,  as  an  able  workman  at  his  trade  or  occupation 
of  gun-making. 

"  We  being  willing  to  lend  said  Noble  our  assistance  in 
such  a  necessary  and  laudable  business  at  such  a  time  as 
this,  when  muskets  are  so  much  needed,  to  defend  our  na- 
tural rights  and  liberties  against  the  potent  power  of  Great 
Britain, 

"And  do  accordingly  hereby  recommend  said  Noble  as 
a  workman  at  said  business,  so  far  as  we  are  acquainted 
therein,  and  can  inform  that  we  have  often  seen  [specimens] 
of  his  said  work,  and  that  it  has  been  generally  to  [the]  ac- 
ceptance of  the  public. 

"  And  as  the  said  Noble  may  not  be  able  to  procure  all 
such  materials  as  maybe  necessary  for  carrying  on  said  busi- 
ness, if  you,  gentlemen,  should  contract  with  said  Noble  for 
making  muskets,  &c.  if  he  should  want  money  for  any  part 
of  the  business,  we  desire  you  to  furnish  him  therewith  to 
the  amount  of  thirty  pounds,  if  he  requires  that  sum,  and 
on  his  failure  we  will  be  accountable  for  the  same  ;  and 
any  orders  that  you  shall  have  occasion  to  give  from  time  to 
time  in  the  premises,  we  shall  readily  obey.    If  you  grant 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


said  request,  please  to  let  this  Committee  know,  and  the 
terms,  &c. 

"  Gent,  we  are  your  very  obedient  servants, 
(Signed,)  "  MATT.  ADGATE, 

"  Chairman  of  said  Committee  in  the  name 
and  behalf  of  said  Committee. 
*  Dated  Kings  district,  18th  April,  A.  D.  1776." 

The  said  Thaddeus  Noble  was  called  into  the  Commit- 
tee. They  conversed  with  him  on  the  subject  of  the  said 
letter,  and  he  was  desired  to  attend  again  at  five  of  the 
clock  in  the  afternoon. 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Colonel  McDougall,  Colonel  Brasher,  Major 
Stoulenbergh,  Mr.  Prince — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Tred  well— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 
Mr.  Oothout — ilbany. 
Colonel  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Colonel  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  Gene- 
ral Washington  requested  of  the  Committee  a  copy  of  all 
the  late  resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to 
the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands. 

Ordered.,  That  the  Secretaries  transcribe  copies  of  the 
said  resolutions,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  General. 

Captain  Heman  Allen  attending,  was  admitted.  He 
delivered  a  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  as  to  sun- 
dry demands  of  Captain  Allen,  not  within  his  department. 
Also,  a  certificate  from  Richard  Varck,  the  General's  se- 
cretary, certifying  the  number  of  men  he  had  in  service 
last  year,  with  some  other  matters  relative  thereto.  He 
also  delivered  a  muster  roll  of  his  company,  and  a  number  of 
accounts  for  blankets,  the  use  of  arms,  clothing,  money  by 
him  advanced,  commissions,  and  moneys  by  him  received 
and  paid,  &c.  whereby  he  claims  a  balance  of  upwards  of 
three  hundred  and  ten  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  and  accounts  be  referred 
to  the  auditors. 

Colonel  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  Gene- 
ral Washington  had  permitted  Lord  Drummond  and  Doc- 
tor Peter  Middleton  to  go  passengers  in  a  vessel  they  pro- 
cured for  that  purpose,  to  Bermuda,  on  their  parol  of  ho- 
nour, not  to  communicate  any  information  or  intelligence 
whatever,  and  in  substance  the  same  as  the  affidavit  here- 
inafter written  ;  that  the  General  submitted  it  to  this  Com- 
mittee to  take  such  oaths  of  secrecy  of  the  master,  mari- 
ners, and  other  passengers  going  in  the  said  sloop  as  the 
Committee  should  think  proper. 

Thereupon  the  following  oath  was  administered  to  John 
Healy,  the  master ;  Thomas  McKenney,  the  mate  ;  and  to 
Nicholas  Vineyard,  Charles  Le  Telleir,  and  John  Rose- 
mary, mariners  of  the  sloop  Charming  Polly. 

"  You  do  severally  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evange- 
lists of  Almighty  God  that  you  will  not  communicate  any 
information  or  intelligence  whatever,  either  by  word  or 
writing,  to  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever,  in  any  place 
whatsoever,  relative  to  the  state  of  the  army  or  navy  of  the 
United  Colonies  in  America,  or  any  part  thereof,  or  of  any 
fortifications  erecting  for  the  defence  of  this  city  and  Colony, 
or  of  any  other  part  of  America  ;  that  you  will  take  every 
care  and  precaution  to  avoid  speaking  with  any  British  ves- 
sel or  vessels  belonging  to  the  British  navy  ;  and  that  you 
will  not  take  any  person  or  persons  on  board  of  your  ves- 
sel but  such  as  shall  have  permission  from  General  Wa- 
shington or  this  Committee." 

John  McAdam  and  Henry  Nicoll,  two  passengers  in- 
tending to  go  on  board  of  the  said  sloop  to  Bermuda,  and 
Robert  Cheesly,  a  servant  to  Lord  Drummond,  severally 


419 

attended  the  Committee,  and  were  respectively  sworn  in 
the  words  of  the  oath  above  mentioned,  except  the  last 
sentence  relative  to  taking  passengers  or  other  persons  on 
board  of  the  said  vessel. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  the  20lh  in- 
stant, which  had  been  before  read,  was  again  read,  and 
now  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"April  20th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  thank  you  for  the  polite  and  ready  at- 
tention you  paid  to  my  requisition  of"  the  17th  instant. 
When  the  civil  and  military  powers  cooperate  and  afford 
mutual  aid  to  each  other,  there  can  be  little  doubt  of  things 
going  well.  I  have  now  to  request  the  favour  of  your  in- 
formation in  what  manner  and  in  what  time  a  body  of  2,000 
or  2,500  militia  might  be  collected  from  this  Colony  for 
actual  service,  upon  any  sudden  emergency. 

"  Although  we  may  not,  and  I  trust  in  God  shall  not, 
have  occasion  for  their  aid,  common  prudence  does  never- 
theless dictate  the  expediency  of  a  preconcerted  plan  for 
calling  them  in,  that  in  case  of  necessity  they  may  be 
drawn  together  in  proper  corps,  without  tumult  or  disor- 
der, and  at  the  same  time  with  the  utmost  expedition. 
This  will  not  be  the  case  if  men  are  not  regularly  embodi- 
ed, and  notified  that  they  are  to  step  forth  at  a  moment's 
warning. 

"  The  idea  which  strikes  me  as  the  properest  to  be  pursu- 
ed at  present,  is  to  establish  out  of  the  Continental  forces 
good  look-outs  on  the  heights  and  head-lands  at  the  entrance 
of  the  harbour,  who,  upon  the  appearance  of  a  fleet,  shall 
make  such  signals  as,  being  answered  from  place  to  place, 
shall  convey  the  earliest  intelligence  to  head-quarters,  of 
the  strength  and  approach  of  the  enemy.  These  signals, 
for  greater  certainty,  to  be  followed  by  expresses,  and  then 
in  case  any  thing  formidable  should  appear,  for  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  if  sitting,  if  not,  to  those  to  whom  the 
power  shall  be  delegated,  upon  application  from  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  Continental  forces,  to  order  in  one, 
two,  or  more  battalions,  as  the  exigency  of  the  case  may 
require  ;  or  for  greater  despatch,  such  militia,  or  part  of 
them,  as  shall  be  allotted  to  this  service  by  the  Commit- 
tee might  be  assembled,  (if  the  town  or  its  vicinity,)  by 
signals  to  be  agreed  on.  A  mode  of  proceeding  of  a  simi- 
lar kind  concerted  with  Jersey,  would  bring  in  a  reinforce- 
ment speedily,  and  without  those  irregularities  and  unne- 
cessary expenses  which  but  too  frequently  attend  the  move- 
ments of  militia. 

"  Thus,  gentlemen,  I  have  expressed  my  sentiments  to 
you  upon  the  occasion.  Your  prudence  will  suggest  to 
you  the  necessity  of  adopting  these,  or  other  methods  of  a 
like  nature. 

"  And  your  wisdom  will  point  out  the  most  effectual  and 
expeditious  manner  of  carrying  them  into  execution.  I 
therefore  submit  them  to  your  consideration,  and  am,  with 
great  respect, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient, 

"  And  very  hum!,  servant, 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Safety  for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Another  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  the  24th 
instant,  was  also  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"New-York,  April  24th,  1776. 

"  Gentn. — It  being  necessary  that  I  should  know  the 
number  of  troops  to  compose  the  army  here,  I  must  request 
the  favour  of  your  honourable  body  to  inform  me  how  ma- 
ny regiments  are  raising  in  this  Province  for  the  Continen- 
tal service,  by  older  of  Congress,  and  what  their  state  is 
as  to  men  and  arms.  From  the  accounts  I  have  had,  I  have 
reason  to  fear  there  is  a  great  deficiency  in  the  latter,  which 
at  a  crisis  when  nothing  else  seems  left  to  decide  the  con- 
test  we  are  engaged  in,  is  truly  alarming,  and  calls  aloud  on 
every  power  for  their  utmost  exertions  to  procure  them. 

"  The  pleasing  and  ready  assurances  I  have  received 


420 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


from  you  to  cooperate  with  me  in  every  measure  advancive 
of  the  common  cause,  leave  me  no  room  to  doubt  but  pro- 
per steps  will  be  pursued  for  obtaining  them,  and  lead  me 
to  ask  what  expectations  and  source  you  have  for  getting  a 
supply. 

"  If  any  officers  have  been  commissioned  by  you,  I  shall 
be  obliged  by  having  a  list  of  their  appointments. 

"I  have  been  informed  that  there  is  a  number  of  arms 
at  Kingston,  that  were  taken  from  the  tories  in  Dutchess 
county ;  if  so,  are  they  not  at  your  disposal,  and  can  they 
be  had? 

"  I  am,  gentn.  with  the  greatest  respect 

"  And  esteem,  your  most  obed.  servt. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  two  letters  received  of  Ge- 
neral Washington  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"New-York,  April  25th,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — The  polite  sensibility  with  which  you  have  been 
pleased  to  treat  our  attention  to  your  requisition  of  the 
17th  instant,  affords  us  singular  pleasure  ;  convinced,  with 
you,  that  there  can  be  little  doubt  that  things  will  go  well 
under  an  harmonious  cooperation  of  the  civil  and  military 
power,  permit  us  once  more,  sir,  to  assure  you  of  our 
most  vigorous  exertions  in  seconding  your  efforts  in  the 
common  cause. 

"  We  wish  it  were  in  our  power  immediately  to  inform 
you  in  what  time  a  body  of  2,000  or  2,500  militia  might 
be  collected  from  this  Colony  for  actual  service  on  a  sud- 
den emergency  ;  although  we  do  not  at  present  foresee 
that  emergency  it  may  nevertheless  happen.  It  is,  there- 
fore, our  indispensable  duty  to  be  provided  with  a  plan  for 
calling  them  in  with  the  utmost  despatch,  well  equipped 
and  without  disorder;  and  this  we  are  fully  convinced  can- 
not be  effected  without  a  preconcerted  plan.  To  this  end, 
we  would  request  an  explanation  whether  you  would  wish 
the  proposed  aid  should  exclude  or  include  the  militia  of  this 
city.  As  soon,  sir,  as  we  are  favoured  with  an  explana- 
tion on  this  head,  we  shall  lose  no  time  in  forming  an  ar- 
rangement for  so  important  a  service.  We  flatter  our- 
selves, however,  that  in  either  case,  the  required  number 
will,  upon  such  steps  as  we  shall  lake,  be  ready  at  a  very 
short  warning ;  and  lest  necessity  should  require  the  aid 
in  any  small  interval  of  adjournment  of  this  Committee, 
we  shall  take  care  to  have  our  place  supplied  by  a  sub- 
committee to  comply  with  the  application  of  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief whenever  the  exigency  of  affairs  shall  re- 
quire it. 

"  Give  us  leave,  sir,  to  express  our  approbation  of  the 
plan  you  propose  for  establishing  good  look-outs,  and  as 
you,  very  properly,  judge  it  best  that  they  be  made  out  of  the 
Continental  forces,  we  can  only  assure  you  that  upon  no- 
tice of  the  approach  of  danger,  or  on  any  other  necessity 
for  the  assistance  of  the  militia,  all  the  succours  in  our 
power  to  command  shall  be  most  cheerfully  and  speedily 
contributed. 

"  We  shall  consider  of  a  necessary  signal  on  such  oc- 
casion, which  may  perhaps  be  best  settled  when  we  know 
that,  which  besides  expresses,  is  to  convey  intelligence  to 
the  Commander-in-Chief  from  the  look-outs  you  propose 
to  establish.  The  whole  plan  would  perhaps  be  best 
formed  in  concert  with  New-Jersey,  the  vicinity  of  which 
will  afford  this  city  as  speedy  succour  as  the  nearest  coun- 
ties in  this  Colony.  On  this  head  we  are  ready,  sir,  if 
you  should  think  it  necessary,  to  appoint  a  committee  to 
meet  you  for  settling  the  arrangement,  especially  as  while 
we  cannot  sufficiently  thank  you  for  the  confidence  you  are 
pleased  to  place  in  us,  we  cannot  think  of  taking  so  mo- 
mentous a  matter  entirely  upon  ourselves. 

"  We  heartily  wish,  were  it  in  our  power,  to  inform  you 
of  the  present  state  of  the  New-York  Continental  troops  ; 
the  number  of  troops  to  be  raised  by  us,  and  destined  by 
Congress  for  the  protection  and  defence  of  this  Colony,  is 


four  battalions  ;  besides  these  there  is  one  battalion  for  the 
Canada  service,  directed  to  be  commanded  by  Colo.  Van 
Schaick,  an  inhabitant  in  the  northern  part  of  this  Colony ; 
this  regiment  was  naturally  to  be  recruited  in  that  quarter; 
for  this  reason,  the  moneys  sent  to  us  for  that  purpose  by 
Congress,  we  immediately  sent  to  General  Schuyler,  who 
has  the  forming  of  that  battalion  solely  under  his  direction. 

"  With  respect  to  the  four  battalions,  Congress  has 
thought  proper  to  put  them  under  our  immediate  direction, 
saving,  in  the  appointment  of  field-officers,  the  right  of  ap- 
pointing out  of  our  recommendation  ;  the  field-officers  are 
all  appointed  and  a  list  of  them  is  subjoined  ;  we  have  is- 
sued warrants  to  all  the  officers  under  that  degree  ;  we 
have  taken  the  necessary  steps  for  filling  up  the  battalions 
and  for  enforcing  a  return  of  their  present  state,  with  which 
we  will  furnish  you  as  soon  as  we  are  possessed  of  them. 
The  list  of  those  under  the  degree  of  field-officers  is  so 
mutable  in  its  nature  that  it  would  answer  no  purpose  to 
trouble  you  with  it  now  ;  their  warrants  are  all  conditional 
in  their  nature ;  if  any  of  them  are  negligent  or  unfortu- 
nate in  recruiting,  they  must  give  way  to  new  appoint- 
ments, for  we  are  determined  to  fill  the  four  battalions  with 
the  utmost  expedition,  and  for  this  purpose  we  have  order- 
ed returns  ;  when  the  arrangement  is  settled  it  shall  be  laid 
before  you.  You  cannot,  sir,  feel  more  sensibly  than  we 
do,  at  the  prospect  of  a  deficiency  of  arms  at  a  crisis  when 
we  are  compelled  by  Great  Britain  to  the  last  appeal,  in 
which  we  must,  without  arms,  necessarily  prove  unequal 
combatants ;  we  should,  therefore,  esteem  ourselves  deaf 
to  the  most  alarming  call,  should  we  not  exert  our  every 
power  to  procure  them.  When  the  affair  of  Lexington 
proclaimed  the  war,  this  Colony  was  extremely  destitute 
of  arms  ;  our  brethren  of  New-England,  who  were  first 
called  on  for  the  defence  of  American  liberty,  had  purchas- 
ed many  arms  from  our  inhabitants  ;  our  Colony  troops 
were  supplied  last  year  with  arms  at  our  Provincial  ex- 
pense ;  most  of  those  still  remain  in  the  Canada  service. 
These  considerations,  together  with  our  ineffectual  at- 
tempts to  obtain  foreign  supplies,  increase  the  difficulty  of 
arming  our  battalions.  We  are  not,  however,  without 
hopes  of  succeeding  ;  we  have  made  several  contracts  al- 
ready with  manufacturers  ;  we  have  published  encourage- 
ment for  people  in  that  branch.  We  shall  continue  to 
make  as  many  contracts  for  the  purpose  as  we  shall, 
from  time  to  time,  have  in  our  power  ;  we  have  also  di- 
rected the  committees  in  the  several  counties  to  purchase 
arms  ;  and  we  hope  we  shall  be  able  to  furnish  our  four 
battalions.  The  number  already  furnished  by  our  Com- 
missary is  311  ;  he  has  still  on  hand  a  few.  We  have 
reason  to  believe  many  of  our  troops  will  come  provided  ; 
and  upon  the  whole,  we  hope  we  shall  not  be  very  defi- 
cient in  so  material  an  article.  Colo.  Ritzema  is  authoriz- 
ed to  send  an  officer  into  the  different  counties  wherein 
his  officers  have  recruited,  for  the  purpose  of  collecting 
from  the  committees  the  arms  that  have  been  taken  from 
the  disaffected  inhabitants,  and  as  we  have  given  repeated 
and  pressing  orders  to  the  committees  to  execute  the  Con- 
tinental resolve  for  disarming  tories,  we  hope  for  some 
supply  from  that  source.  Your  information  concerning  the 
arms  at  Kingston  is  well-founded,  and  we  shall  immediate 
ly  order  them  either  to  this  city  or  to  be  applied  for  arming 
the  troops  raising  in  that  quarter.  We  assure  you,  sir,  we 
shall  not  fail  to  furnish  you  with  returns  of  the  men  and 
arms  as  often  as  we  shall  be  able  to  procure  them. 

"We  would  beg  leave,  sir,  to  inform  you  that,  since  the 
commencement  of  hostilities  our  situation  and  the  public 
exigencies  have  obliged  us  to  submit  to  the  burden  of  a 
great  variety  of  departments  not  properly  within  the  sphere 
of  a  Provincial  Congress,  such  as  paymaster,  commissary, 
&c.  for  Continental  service,  in  the  course  of  which  we 
have  received  and  issued  large  sums  of  Continental  money, 
and  though  our  accounts  are  nearly  ready  to  lay  before 
Congress,  they  are  so  excessively  voluminous  that  it  will 
require  some  weeks  to  complete  them.    However,  though 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


421 


the  balance  is  not  struck,  we  are  sure  it  must  be  considera- 
bly in  our  favour.  In  the  mean  time,  sir,  we  should  think 
ourselves  inexcusable  were  we  not  to  inform  you  that  we 
have  not  one  farthing  of  Continental  money  iu  our  hands, 
and  that  the  public  service  under  our  care  is  now  suffering 
for  want  of  an  immediate  supply.  We  shall,  without  de- 
lay, apply  to  Congress,  but  we  can  not  have  the  necessary 
relief  from  that  quarter  so  soon  as  the  despatch  of  business 
requires  it.  We  are,  therefore,  constrained  to  request  of 
you  the  advancement  of  £6,000,  of  which,  if  you  please, 
you  may  estimate  the  subjoined  advancements  to  the  diffe- 
rent commanding  officers  as  a  part,  and  for  which  we  are 
ready  to  give  you  a  receipt ;  or  if  you  think  it  best  to  ad- 
vance the  whole  sum  to  us,  we  will  debit  the  Congress 
with  the  moneys  advanced  to  those  gentlemen. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the 

"  Greatest  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servts. 
"  To  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

On  a  separate  sheet  was  transmitted,  with  this  letter,  a 

list  of  the  field  officers  of  the  four  regiments  raised  for  the 

defence  of  this  Colony ;  the  list  of  the  moneys  lent  to 

general  officers,  and  a  copy  of  the  state  of  the  companies, 

as  under  named,  vizt : 

"  The  following  companies  are  placed  in  Colonel  Ritzema's  regi- 
ment: 

Captain  Billings,  a  full  company,  at  the  fortifications  in  the  High- 
lands, ordered  to  New-York. 

Captain  Denton,  a  full  company,  at  Xew-York. 
Captain  Riker,  a  few  men. 

Captn.  Hardenbergh,.  a  full  company,  at  fortifications,  ordered  to 
New-York. 

Captn.  Horton,  no  return  made. 

Captn.  Hobby  do 

Captn.  Hutchins,  nearly  full,  at  New- York. 

Captn.  Fearce,        do         ordered  to  the  city. 

Besides  the  above  regiment,  Colonel  McDougalFs,  and  that  raising  in 
Albany  and  Tryon  counties,  the  following  companies,  at  the  time  of  the 
last  returns  to  the  Committee,  consisted  of  the  following  numbers,  and 
will  be  speedily  regimented : 

Captain  Swartwout,  50  men,  at  the  fortifications. 

Captn.  Rosekrans,    77  do   at  do 

Captn.  Belknap,      full,       at  do 

Captn.  Jackson,      full,       at  do 

Captn.  Childs,  no  return  made. 

Captain  Griffin,      full,  j)  Qn  d      .   Suff  ,k  .     rf      f  G 

Captain  Davis,       fuU,  \    nera/Heath„  *  J 

Captain  Roe,  near  full,  > 

"  1776— Feb.  10.  To  General  Lee,   £400  0s.  Od. 

28.  To      ditto    1,000  0  0 

March  26.  To  General  Thompson,   120  0  0 

April  1st.  To  General  Heath,   810  4  5£ 

£2,330  4s.  54<i." 


reasonable  price  for  fixing  bayonets  to  them,  if  he  shall 
have  put  bayonets  to  them. 


Ordered,  That  Captain  Ezekiel  Hyatt,  with  his  subal- 
terns and  company,  be  a  part  of  the  first  regiment  of  this 
Colony,  in  the  Continental  service,  on  condition  that  he 
bring  a  full  company;  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  join  his 
regiment  with  as  much  despatch  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  McDougall  take  such  prudent 
measures,  as  he  may  think  proper,  to  secure  and  have 
brought  to  this  city,  such  arms  taken  from  disaffected  per- 
sons as  are  now  in  the  custody  of  Alexander  Hunt  of  Rye, 
who  has  offered  to  deliver  them  to  the  order  of  this  Com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary, 
ice.  deliver  to  Mr.  Jacamiah  Allen  12  pounds  of  gunpow- 
der, to  enable  him  to  clear  shot  and  stones  out  of  the  can- 
non near  Kind's  bridge. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  take  all  such  muskets 
and  firelocks,  which  are  in  Mr.  Norwood's  store,  and  may 
be  made  fit  for  the  use  of  the  troops,  and  have  them  mark- 
ed and  appraised,  and  then  repaired  and  made  fit  for  use. 

The  Committee  agreed  that  Mr.  Robert  Randall  shall 
have  the  sloop  Bishop  of  Landaff  at  £425. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  advance  to  Thaddeus 
Noble  thirty  pounds,  and  take  his  obligation  for  that  sum  ; 
and  that  he  contract  with  Mr.  Noble  for  thirty  muskets,  at 
eight  dollars  each,  without  bayonets,  and  to  be  allowed  a 

106 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  26th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  CorUandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Ma- 
jor Stoutenburgh — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Othondt— Albany. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Colo.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Mr.  Treadwell— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Van  CorUandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  delivered  in  a  contract  by  him  made 
with  Thaddeus  Noble,  for  the  making  of  muskets,  which 
was  read  and  filed.  The  said  Noble  has  thereby  agreed 
to  deliver  to  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  on  account  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  thirty  good  muskets,  well  finished  and  with  steel 
ramrods,  on  or  before  the  10th  day  of  June  next,  at  the 
price  of  eight  dollars  each,  and  if  he  should  deliver  bayo- 
nets fitted  to  the  said  muskets,  out  of  some  of  the  old  bayo- 
nets brought  from  Crown  Point,  Noble  is  to  be  allowed  a 
reasonable  reward  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  also  delivered  the  obligation  of  Noble, 
by  him  taken,  for  the  payment  of  thirty  pounds  advance  to 
Noble,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  this  Committee  made  yes- 
terday, and  the  same  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay 
to  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt  thirty  pounds  to  repay  him  the 
money  advanced,  (by  order  of  this  Committee  made  yes- 
terday,) on  a  contract  with  Thaddeus  Noble,  for  the  mak- 
ing of  arms. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Committee  of 
King's  district,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  by  Mr.  Noble  was  received,  read, 
and  immediately  taken  into  consideration. 

"  In  consequence  of  your  recommendation,  we  have  con- 
tracted with  Mr.  Noble  and  advanced  him  £30. 

"  We  think  the  committee  of  King's  district  have  merit- 
ed the  applause  of  their  country,  by  interesting  themselves 
in  the  promoting  a  manufactory  so  necessary  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  Mathew  Adgate,  Esqr.  Chairman, 
and  the  Members  of  the  Committee 
of  King's  district." 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Governor  Tryon,  to  the  mayor 
of  this  city,  dated  the  19th  instant,  was  read.  He  there- 
by informs  that  the  commander  of  the  King's  ships,  on  this 
station,  had  thought  it  necessary  to  burn  the  pilot  house 
near  the  light  house.  That  proper  care  has  been  taken  of 
Adam  Dobbs  and  his  family  and  effects,  and  that  if  a  sloop 
is  sent  down  to  receive  Dobbs,  his  servants  and  effects, 
she  will  be  permitted  to  return  safe. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  William  Dobbs  wait  on  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  with  the  said  copy  of  a 
letter. 

The  residue  of  the  morning  was  spent  in  hearing  appli- 
cations of  country  officers,  and  other  matters,  relative  to  the 
raising  of  the  four  regiments  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony, 
for  the  Continental  service. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  April  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Evert  Bancker.  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stontenbergb,  Colonel  McDou- 
gall— For  Keiv-York. 

Mr.  Othout— For  Albany. 


422 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Colonel  Van  Cortlandt — Westchetter. 

Mr.  Van  Brunt—  Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Sands,  from  the  committee  of  accounts,  requested 
the  advice  of  the  Committee  on  many  different  matters  in 
the  accounts  delivered  in  by  Captain  Heman  Allen.  A 
considerable  time  spent  in  the  examination  of  the  sundry 
papers  and  accounts,  and  the  general  principles  on  which 
the  accounts  should  be  settled  were  fixed,  except  as  to  the 
clothes. 

Captain  Heman  Allen,  attending  at  the  door,  was  ad- 
mitted ;  he  says  that  he  furnished  his  men  with  clothes, 
and  did  not  receive  any  clothing  for  his  men. 

The  accounts  were  left  with  the  auditors  for  further  con- 
sideration. 

Mr.  Sands  produced  the  account  of  Captain  William  W. 
Gilbert's  company,  for  guarding  the  records  one  month, 
amounting  to  £267  lis.  6d.  and  requested  the  advice  of 
the  Committee  as  to  passing  the  same. 

The  Committee  considering  that  that  guard  was  institut- 
ed by  the  Provincial  Congress  on  the  5lh  of  March  last, 
and  this  Committee  have  some  time  ago  endeavoured  to 
relieve  the  Colony  from  that  expense,  in  which  they  suc- 
ceeded for  a  few  days  only,  advised  Mr.  Sands  to  examine 
and  compare  this  account  with  that  formerly  passed  for 
the  grenadier  company,  and  if  farther  advice  should  appear 
necessary,  then  to  delay  the  account,  if  he  can,  until  the 
meeting  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  certain  Capt.  Corns.  Sleinrod,  who  lately  commanded 
a  company  of  minute  men,  and  has  formerly  applied  for  a 
warrant  to  raise  or  enlist  a  company  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice, attending,  was  admitted. 

[Two  leaves  of  the  minutes,  at  this  place,  appear  to  have 
been  cut  out.] 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Denning,  Major  Stoulenburgh,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker, 
Colo.  McDougall— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Olhoudt — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Cuyper — For  Orange. 

Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker— Richmond. 

Mr.  Adams,  an  apothecary  in  this  city,  attending,  was 
admitted.  He  requested  that  he  might  be  permitted  to  re- 
ceive from  Doctor  Treat,  such  medicines  (of  those  lately 
purchased  for  the  public  service  and  now  in  Doctor  Treat's 
possession,)  as  may  be  necessary  to  complete  the  medicine 
chests  for  the  armed  vessels  fitted  out  and  arming  on  ac- 
count of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony. 

Mr.  Adams  farther  requested  a  permission  to  purchase 
of  Doctor  Treat  a  part  of  those  medicines  on  his  own  ac- 
count. 

The  Committee  informed  Mr.  Adams  that  they  will  take 
his  applications  into  consideration. 

Capt.  Corns.  Steinrods,  of  Westchester  county,  attended, 
and  informed  the  Committee  that  he  can  enlist  a  complete 
company  of  men  for  Continental  service  in  fourteen  days. 

The  Committee,  taking  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
considering  that  a  great  many  men  are  still  wanting  to  com- 
plete the  four  regiments  ordered  to  be  raised  in  the  Colony 
for  the  defence  thereof, 

Resolved,  That  if  the  said  Cornelius  Steinrods  shall  and 
do,  within  fourteen  days  from  the  date  hereof,  enlist  a  full 
and  complete  company  of  able  bodied  men,  and  have  them 


ready  to  join  such  regiment  (of  those  raising  for  the  defence 
of  this  Colony,)  as  shall  be  determined  on  by  the  Provincial 
Congress  or  this  Committee,  in  such  case  this  Committee 
hereby  gives  him  full  assurance  that  he  and  his  subalterns, 
with  the  said  company,  will  be  employed  as  part  of  the 
troops  raising  for  the  defence  of  this  Colony. 

Major  Joseph  Benedict,  who  was  appointed  major  of  the 
first  regiment  of  the  troops  raising  for  the  defence  of  this 
Colony,  attending,  was  admitted. 

Major  Benedict  resigned  his  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  McDougall  be  authorized,  and  he 
is  hereby  authorized,  to  settle  with  and  pay  Major  Jo- 
seph Benedict,  from  the  date  of  his  commission  to  this 
day. 

Colo.  Ritzema  requested  of  the  Committee  a  more  ge- 
neral order  to  the  Commissary  for  arms. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Colonel  Ritzema,  or  to  such  cap- 
tains in  his  regiment  as  shall  have  Colonel  Rilzema's  order, 
all  the  muskets  and  firelocks  fit  for  use,  which  now  are  or 
may  come  into  the  Colony  store  in  the  course  of  fifteen 
days  from  the  date  hereof,  and  that  the  said  Commissary 
take  a  receipt  of  Colo.  Ritzema,  or  the  captains  to  whom 
such  arms  are  delivered,  to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be 
accounted  for  and  paid  for  to  the  Colony. 

"  New-York,  April  27th,  1776. 

"  Gentn. — In  answer  to  your  favour  of  the  25th,  delivered 
to  me  yesterday,  I  shall  beg  leave  to  inform  you,  that  it 
was  my  design  to  have  included  the  militia  of  this  city  in 
the  2,000  or  2,500  men  which  I  thought  might  be  wanted 
upon  an  emergency ;  but  whether  common  prudence  may 
not  dictate  the  expediency  of  extending  your  views  to  a 
greater  number,  in  case  of  necessity,  is  submitted  to  the 
wisdom  of  your  board. 

"  The  signals  which  I  intended  should  convey  the  first 
notice  of  the  approach  of  an  enemy's  fleet,  you  will  find  in 
the  enclosed  paper,  but  if  you  will  please  to  appoint  a  com- 
mittee of  your  body,  I  will  desire  the  Brigadiers  Sullivan, 
Green  and  Lord  Stirling  to  meet  them,  and  adopt  a  better, 
if  a  better  can  be  thought  of.  New- Jersey  is  already  ad- 
vertised of  these  signals. 

"  If  the  four  battalions  which  were  directed  to  be  raised 
under  the  command  of  the  Colonels  McDougall,  Clinton, 
Ritzema  and  Wynkoop,  are  placed  under  the  immediate 
care  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  this  Colony  by  Con- 
gress, I  should  be  glad  to  know  how  far  it  is  conceived 
that  my  powers  over  them  extend,  or  whether  I  have  any 
at  all.  Sure  I  am  that  they  cannot  be  subjected  to  the  di- 
rection of  both,  and  I  shall  have  no  small  reluctance  in  as- 
suming an  authority  I  am  not  vested  with  powers  to  exe- 
cute ;  nor  will  my  solicitude,  (further  than  as  a  well  wisher 
to  the  cause,)  on  account  of  arms  for  and  returns  of  these 
regiments,  continue,  if  they  are  not  considered  as  within  the 
line  of  my  command.  It  becomes,  therefore,  my  indis- 
pensable duty  to  be  ascertained  of  this  matter,  and  to  know 
whether  these  regiments  cannot  be  ordered  out  of  the  Co- 
lony, for  instance,  to  New-Jersey,  if  necessity  should  re- 
quire it. 

"It  would  give  me  singular  pleasure  to  advance  you  the 
sum  asked  for,  but  the  low  state  of  our  cash  and  heavy  de- 
mands upon  the  paymaster,  renders  it  altogether  impracti- 
cable at  this  lime.  The  quarter-master  and  commissary 
are  both  wanting  money  and  cannot  be  supplied,  nor  can 
Genl.  Ward  get  what  he  has  sent  for  to  pay  the  five  regi- 
ments to  the  eastward  till  a  fresh  supply  arrives,  of  which 
Congress  is  informed.  General  Heath,  since  my  arrival 
here,  has  obtained  a  warrant  upon  the  paymaster  for  mo- 
ney to  replace  the  sum  which  your  Committee  kindly  lent 
him;  and  to  the  best  of  my  recollection  Genl.  Thompson 
told  me  that  he  also  meant  to  do  the  same.  These  mat- 
ters shall  be  inquired  into. 

11  With  great  respect,  I  remain  gentn. 

"  Yr.  most  obed.  and  most  hble.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


423 


"  To  His  Excellency  General  Washington, 

"  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  American  army. 
"  May  it  please  your  Excellency — In  obedience  to  the 
orders  given  us,  we  have  met  and  deliberated  upon  the 
several  matters  referred  to  us  by  your  Excellency,  and  beg 
leave  to  report  that  the  following  signals  be  given  upon  the 
approach  of  any  number  of  ships  towards  this  port,  viz  : 
Upon  the  appearance  of  any  number  of  ships  by  day  from 
one  to  six,  a  large  flag  is  to  be  hoisted  on  the  highlands  of 
Neversinks ;  upon  the  appearance  of  any  number  from 
six  to  twenty,  two  flags  ;  and  for  any  greater  number,  three 
flags ;  those  flags  to  be  hoisted  upon  flagstaffs  arranged 
there  from  east  to  west  at  twenty  yards  distant  from  each 
other.  The  signals  by  night  to  be  given  by  an  equal  num- 
ber of  fires  arranged  in  the  same  order  and  at  the  same 
places  ;  these  signals  to  be  repeated  both  by  day  and  night 
on  the  heights  of  Staten  island  by  flags  and  fires  arranged 
in  the  same  manner.  The  commanding  officer  in  each  of 
those  departments  to  see  that  a  good  look-out  be  kept  for 
ships  both  by  day  and  night,  and  upon  their  appearance  he 
is  not  only  to  give  the  signals  before  mentioned,  but  is  as 
soon  as  possible  to  give  intelligence  by  express  to  the 
Commander-in-Chief. 

"  We  recommend  that  the  day  signal  be  given  by  large 
ensigns  with  broad  stripes  of  red  and  white,  and  that  upon 
the  appearance  of  three  flags  by  day  or  three  fires  by  night, 
the  country  is  to  take  the  alarm  and  communicate  it  as 
soon  as  possible,  for  the  purpose  of  calling  in  the  militia. 

"  JJNO.  SULLIVAN, 
"NATHANIEL  GREENE, 
"  STIRLING." 


DIE  SABBATI,  3  ho.  p.  m. 

April  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDougall,  Major  Stoutenbnrgh,  Mr.  Evert  Banck- 
er,  Colo.  Brasher,  Capt.  Denning — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Othoudt— For  Albany. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 
Mr.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  John  Dennis,  chairman  of  New  Bruns- 
wick committee,  with  the  three  prisoners  referred  to  in  the 
letter  of  Samuel  Tucker,  President  of  the  New-Jersey 
Committee,  received  on  the  25th  inst.  was  read  and  filed, 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  City  of  New  Brunswick,  April  23d,  1776. 

"  Sir — By  order  of  the  President  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety  for  the  Province  of  New-Jersey,  I  herewith 
send  you  three  prisoners  who  deserted  from  the  ship,  the 
Lady  Gage,  A  letter  containing  their  examination  was  sent 
you  a  few  days  ago,  but  when  you  receive  their  personal 
information  it  will  afford  you  more  satisfaction  than  could 
be  expected  from  a  letter. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  obedt.  hub.  servt. 

"JOHN  DENNIS. 

"  Directed'  To  the  President  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  the  Province  of  New-York,  or 
in  their  recess,  to  the  President  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  New-York.' " 

Henry  Smith,  late  of  North  Castle,  being  examined, 
says,  that  one  Thomas  Gibson,  who  informed  the  exami- 
nant  that  he  lived  at  Fishkill,  came  to  the  examinant  at  Jo- 
seph Golding's,  in  North  Castle,  and  persuaded  him  to  en- 
list ;  that  he  enlisted  about  the  first  of  April ;  that  about  a 
week  afterwards  he  left  home,  which  is  now  four  weeks 
ago;  that  ihe  said  Thomas  Gibson  also  enlisted  William 
"West,  John  Lownsberry,  (son  of  Henry  Lownsberry,) 
from  Cortlandt  manor,  and  John  Jones  and  Arthur  Orsen, 
(son  of  Joseph  Orsen,)  from  Sing-Sing,  and  Stephen  Da- 


niels, and  him  the  said  Henry  Smith,  from  North  Castle  ; 
that  they  travelled  in  the  night,  and  lay  by  one  day  in  the 
woods,  and  another  day  in  Purdy's  barn,  about  two  miles 
beyond  the  White  Plains  ;  that  he  thinks  Purdy  knew  they 
were  enlisted,  and  going  on  ship  board  ;  that  they  left  the 
shore  at  the  Narrows,  on  Long  island,  where  a  barge  re- 
ceived them,  and  carried  them  on  board  of  the  Lady  Gage; 
that  Jones  and  Orsen  deserted  from  the  Lady  Gage  ;  that 
Daniels  and  the  examinant  came  off  together ;  that  his  fa- 
ther did  not  know  that  he  enlisted  ;  that  Thomas  Gibson 
promised  him  £3  14s.  bounty,  20s.  a  month  pay,  besides 
clothing,  and  200  acres  of  conquered  land  ;  that  there  were 
about  100  men  on  board  of  the  Lady  Gage,  most  of  them 
country  people  and  recruits,  as  he  thinks,  and  some  of  them 
sailors  ;  that  he  saw  Wm.  Lownsberry  on  board  of  the  ship; 
that  two  of  the  Gidneys  are  on  board,  one  named  Solo- 
mon ;  that  some  men  of  the  name  of  Haynes  are  on 
board,  and  one  Robt.  Sneaden  ;  that  he  is  a  sergeant  on 
board  ;  that  one  Barnes  is  there,  said  to  be  a  lieutenant ; 
one  Campbell,  a  captain  ;  that  they  had  some  guns  brought 
from  the  Phoenix  ;  that  they  had  only  salt  provisions,  flour 
and  pork  on  board ;  that  he  signed  a  paper  which  Thomas 
Gibson  produced  to  him  when  he  enlisted  ;  that  it  contain- 
ed nothing  but  names,  to  his  knowledge  ;  that  he  met  Gib- 
son at  Jos.  Golden's  ;  that  James  Travis  is  on  board  of  the 
ship  ;  that  they  tairied  about  a  week  at  Daniel  Denton's,  be- 
low Hempstead,  and  at  a  tavern  in  the  town  of  Hempstead, 
before  they  went  on  board  of  the  ship,  and  that  Gibson 
supported  them. 

A  letter  or  recommendation  from  the  committee  of  the 
county  of  Ulsler,  dated  the  4th  day  of  April,  1776,  signed 
by  Johans.  Hardenberg,  chairman,  was  read.  They  there- 
by, pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  recommend  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr. 
and  Major  Philips  in  partnership,  as  proper  persons,  (having 
the  convenience  of  a  good  stream,)  to  erect  mills  and  carry 
on  the  manufacturing  of  gunpowder,  was  read  and  filed. 

Another  letter,  or  recommendation,  from  the  committee 
of  Orange  county,  dated  April  18th,  1776,  and  signed  by 
Elihu  Marvin,  chairman,  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby 
recommend  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  and  John  Carpenter,  as 
proper  persons  to  erect  and  carry  on  the  manufacturing  of 
gunpowder,  and  recommend  a  place  at  or  near  John  Car- 
penter's saw  mill  as  a  proper  place  for  building  the  same. 

A  letter  and  application  from  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  rela- 
tive to  the  powder  mill  to  be  erected  agreeable  to  the  re- 
commendation of  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  was 
read  and  hied.  He  thereby  applies  for  the  loan  of  the 
money  resolved  by  Congress  in  such  case  to  be  lent. 

A  certificate  or  recommendation  from  the  committee  of 
Albany,  dated  30th  March,  1776,  signed  by  Abm.  Yates, 
Junr.  chairman,  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  recom- 
mend Henry  Van  Rensselaer  and  Sons,  of  Claverack,  as 
proper  persons  for  erecting  a  powder  mill  for  manufactur- 
ing gunpowder  at  Claverack,  at  the  distance  of  more  than 
two  miles  from  Hudson's  river. 

The  said  John  Carpenter,  in  person,  and  the  said  Henry 
Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.  in  person,  applied  to  the  Committee 
for  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  each,  on  behalf  of 
themselves  and  their  partners,  according  to  the  resolution  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  ninth  day  of  March  last,  in 
such  case  made  and  provided. 

Resolved,  That  each  of  the  said  three  companies  ap- 
plying, are  entitled  to  the  loan  of  one  thousand  pounds,  and 
that  an  order  shall  be  issued  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  for  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  to 
each  company  respectively,  as  soon  as  they  give  such  se- 
curity and  enter  into  such  contract  as  is  mentioned  in  the 
said  resolution  of  the  ninth  of  March  last. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  was  read,  and  is 

in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  > 
«  11th  April,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  1st  instant,  together  with  a  copy 


424 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


of  General  Putnam's  letter  of  the  5lh,  directed  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  Province  of 
New- York,  we  have  before  us,  and  note  the  contents. 

"  We  have  now  the  officers  of  five  companies  recruiting 
in  this  city  and  county  ;  their  names  and  their  number  of 
men  by  them  respectively  enlisted,  you  have  in  the  enclos- 
ed return,  and  considering  that  nearly  the  whole  of  Colo. 
Van  Schaick's  regiment  is  recruited  in  this  county,  and 
that  General  Schuyler  has  engaged  here  a  number  of  car- 
penters and  batteaux  men  for  the  Continental  service,  we  are 
persuaded  that  no  part  of  the  censure  thrown  on  this  Colo- 
ny can  justly  be  attributed  to  this  county.  Besides,  our  offi- 
cers, without  an  advance  of  a  shilling  of  money,  must  ne- 
cessarily meet  with  difficulties  in  recruiting,  when  with 
many  the  principal  inducement  to  enlist  arises  from  the 
hopes  of  cash.  This  committee,  some  time  ago,  apprized 
of  these  difficulties,  wrote  to  Congress  for  such  a  sum  of 
money  as  they  might  conceive  necessary  to  promote  the 
service. 

"  Without  any  authority  over  the  troops,  this  Committee 
are  at  a  loss  to  know  how  they  can  order  their  march ;  they 
will  refer  the  request  to  General  Schuyler. 

"  By  the  promotion,  death  or  removal  of  several  of  the 
militia  officers  in  this  city  and  county,  it  often  hapens  that 
vacancies  arise  in  the  regiments.  We  would,  therefore,  be 
glad  if  you  would  furnish  this  Committee  with  about  one 
hundred  blank  commissions,  which  will  be  filled  up  from 
time  to  time  as  occasion  may  arise,  and  return  to  Congress 
the  names  of  such  officers  as  shall  be  so  commissioned. 

"  We  observe  a  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  re- 
questing all  tories  to  be  disarmed.    We  humbly  request  to 
receive,  with  all  speed,  your  instructions  in  the  premises. 
"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  Chairman." 

The  list  and  returns  of  the  companies  raising  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  were  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  April  11th,  1776. 
"List  of  officers  recruitingin  the  city  and  county  of  Albany, 

and  the  number  of  men  enlisted  from  each  company. 

"Corns.  Van  Santvoordt,  capt. ;  Abraham  Becker,  1st 
lieut. ;  Obadiah  Vaughan,  2d  lieut. ;  David  Becker,  en- 
sign— 89  men  enlisted. 

"  Samuel  Van  Veghten,  capt. ;  John  Hoogkirk,  1st  lieut.; 
John  Ball,  2d  lieut.  ;  Daniel  Everts,  ensign — 47  men  en- 
listed, officers  included. 

"  John  H.  Wendell,  capt.  ;  John  C.  Ten  Broeck,  1st 
lieut.  ;  John  Welch,  2d  lieut. ;  John  Ostrander,  ensign — 
49  men  enlisted,  officers  included. 

"  Gerrit  S.  Veeder,  Junr.  capt. ;  Solomon  Pendleton,  1st 
lieut. ;  David  Bates,  2d  lieut. ;  Ephraim  Snow,  ensign — 38 
men  enlisted. 

"Harman  Vossburgh,  capt.  ;  Barent  Staats  Salsbury,  1st 
lieut. ;  Isaac  Bogert,  2d  lieut. ;  Silas  Howard,  ensign — 70 
men  enlisted,  officers  included. 

"  2  companies  in  Tryon  county.  Henry  O'Harro,  cap- 
tain in  Charlotte  county. 

"  Col.  Wynkoop,  Lieut.  Col.  Van  Cortland." 

The  Committee  took  the  said  letter  and  return  from  the 
committee  of  Albany  into  consideration  ;  and  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  companies  within  mentioned,  the 
Iwo  Tryon  county  companies  and  Captain  O'Hara's  com- 
pany, compose  Colonel  Wynkoop's  regiment.  And, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  advance  to  Lieut.  Colonel  Philip  Van  Cort- 
landt,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  out  of  the  first 
moneys  that  shall  come  into  the  treasury,  for  the  recruit- 
ing and  billeting  of  Colo.  Wynkoop's  regiment ;  that  Lieut. 
Colo.  Van  Corllandt  proceed  to  Albany  to  forward  the 
recruiting  of  the  said  regiment ;  that  he  wait  on  His  Ex- 


cellency General  Washington,  for  such  directions  as  he 
may  choose  to  give,  and  that  he  call  on  Colo.  Wynkoop  in 
his  way,  for  his  aid  and  direction  and  assistance. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Doctor  Ebenezer  Havi- 
land  be  and  is  hereby  appointed  surgeon  to  Colonel  Wyn- 
koop's regiment,  and  that  he  immediately  take  the  directions 
of  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment,  as  to  his  duty  and 
attendance. 

The  committee  then  took  into  consideration  the  appoint- 
ments of  companies  to  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment,  and 
thereupon  appointed  the  following  companies  to  compose 
that  regiment,  vizt :  1 .  Capt.  Griffin's  company  ;  2.  Capt. 
Rosekrans'  company  ;  3.  Capt.  Davis'  company  ;  4.  Capt. 
Jackson's  company  ;  5.  Capt.  Bellknap's  company  ;  6. 
Capt.  Swartwout's  company  ;  7.  Capt.  Child's  company  ; 
8.  Capt.  Roe's  company. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  appointment  be  given  to 
Lieut.  Colo.  Henry  B.  Livingston. 

Colo.  McDougall  informed  the  Committee  that  there  are 
some  of  the  sentinels  of  Colo.  Ritzema's  regiment  sick, 
and  that  it  is  necessary  to  appoint  a  surgeon  or  mate  to 
take  care  of  them. 

As  Doctor  Woodruff  who  has  been  recommended  by 
Colo.  Ritzema  to  that  regiment,  is  not  yet  returned  from 
Canada,  and  is  soon  expected,  the  Committee  determine 
to  appoint  a  surgeon's  mate  to  the  regiment. 

The  certificate  of  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Saml. 
Bard,  dated  the  13th  day  of  April,  recommending  Daniel 
Menema,  and  which  has  since  remained  on  file,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Daniel  Menema  be  appointed,  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed,  surgeon's  mate  to  the  regiment  of  Con- 
tinental troops,  whereof  Rud.  Ritzema,  Esqr.  is  colonel. 

The  Committee  took  into  [consideration]  the  recommen- 
dation of  two  gentlemen  to  the  Continental  Congress,  for 
the  majority  of  Colo.  McDougal's  regiment.  And  there- 
upon 

Resolved  and  Agreed,  That  Major  Barnabas  Tuthill,  of 
Suffolk  county,  and  Capt.  Marinus  Willett,  of  this  city, 
be  recommended  to  Congress  for  that  office. 

Doctor  Treat,  at  the  request  of  the  Committee,  attend- 
ed. He  informed  the  Committee  that  he  has  reason  to 
believe  that  the  orders  to  Mr.  Adams  for  medicines  for  two 
of  the  armed  vessels  are  nearly  completed.  That  bark  is 
scarce  and  not  to  be  obtained.  That  the  quantity  pur- 
chased by  the  Colony  and  in  his  care  is  large,  being  100 
weight  or  upwards. 

That  medicines  are  provided  for  three  regiments  of 
this  Colony.  That  he  stands  in  need  of  one  or  two  pounds 
of  bark  for  the  use  of  such  Continental  troops  now  here 
as  have  not  surgeons  to  their  regiments.  That  Adams  has 
some  pretence  to  a  preference  to  a  small  part  of  those  me- 
dicines, if  any  are  spared,  because  he  made  and  furnish- 
ed to  the  importer  the  invoice  for  importing  them.  Mr. 
Adams'  application  for  part  of  the  medicines  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Treat  supply  Mr.  Adams  with 
such  medicines  out  of  those  in  his  custody,  belonging  to 
the  Colony,  as  will  complete  the  medicine  chests  for  the 
armed  vessels  ;  and  also  with  five  pounds  of  bark  for  Mr. 
Adams'  own  use.  And 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Treat  have  liberty  to  use  so 
much  of  those  medicines  as  he  shall  have  occasion  for,  for 
the  use  of  the  troops  which  he  now  does  or  shall  hereafter 
attend,  while  the  medicines  are  in  his  custody. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  29th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Bancker— For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Othoudt— For  Albany. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


425 


Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Wynkoop  —  Ulster. 

Only  six  counties  appearing,  the  members  continued 
together  till  one  o'clock,  and  adjourned  to  three  o'clock. 

Die  LuNiE,  3  ho.  P.  M.  April  29th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  McDou!*alI,  Mr.  E.  Bancker— For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Othoudt— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.  attending,  was  admitted. 
At  his  request  they  consented  and  agreed  that  Mr. 
have  four  weeks  to  complete  his  application  for  the  loan  of 
one  thousand  pounds  for  the  erection  of  a  powder  mill,  by 
giving  the  necessary  security  and  entering  into  contract, 
agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  in  an- 
swer to  their  letter  of  the  eleventh,  was  read  and  approv- 
ed of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
favour  of  the  11th  instant,  with  the  returns  of  the  com- 
panies raising  in  your  county. 

"  These  companies,  with  the  two  companies  from  Try- 
on  county  and  one  from  Charlotte  county,  are  placed  un- 
der Colonel  Wynkoop  ;  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  Van  Cort- 
landt with  one  thousand  pounds  in  cash,  proceeds  immedi- 
ately for  Albany  to  take  charge  of  the  regiment,  unless 
Colonel  Wynkoop  should  be  there. 

"  The  treasury  has  been  empty  many  days.  This  has 
rendered  us  unable  to  give  any  prior  assistance  with  cash. 

"  Enclosed  you  have  copies  of  the  resolutions  and  re- 
commendations for  disarming  disaffected  persons.  We 
again  earnestly  recommend  to  you  to  carry  them  into  exe- 
cution without  delay,  and  with  all  possible  vigour. 

"  We  expected  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  had  furnish- 
ed you  with  these  resolutions  long  since,  and  the  arms  of 
such  disaffected  persons  would  in  part  arm  the  troops  rais- 
ed in  this  Colony  for  Continental  service. 

"  We  have  not  the  number  of  blank  commissions 
you  request.  We  have  not  delivered  out  any  blank  com- 
missions hitherto,  and  hope  it  will  not  be  inconvenient  to 
your  committee  to  have  them  delayed  until  the  meeting 
of  Congress. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Yours,  &c. 
"  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman,  and  the 

Members  of  the  Committee  of  the  County  of  Albany." 

"  In  Committee  or  Safety,  ) 
New-York,  April  29th,  1776.  ] 

"  To  Genl.  Washington. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  27th  we 
have  received  ;  in  answer  to  which  we  would  inform  you 
that  we  shall,  as  soon  as  possible,  take  measures  for  put- 
ting our  militia  in  such  a  situation  as  to  afford  the  army 
the  most  speedy  and  effectual  assistance  in  our  power 
whenever  you  shall  think  it  necessary  to  call  for  their  aid, 
either  for  the  defence  of  this  or  the  neighbouring  Colonies. 
We  thank  you  for  the  information  respecting  the  signals 
fixed  upon  below  to  give  intelligence  of  the  approach  of 
an  enemy.  We  assure  you,  sir,  we  meant  not  by  our 
letter  to  intimate  the  least  desire  of  being  consulted  in 
that  matter,  for  which  the  gentlemen  of  the  army  must  be 
more  competent  than  ourselves.  But  as  you  intimated 
that  similar  signals  might  possibly  be  of  service  in  assem- 
bling the  militia  in  the  neighbourhood  of  this  city  and  the 

107 


adjacent  parts  of  New-Jersey,  we  proposed  to  appoint  a 
committee  to  wait  upon  you,  that  we  might  be  informed 
of  any  plan  that  you  might  have  thought  of  for  that  pur- 
pose. We  omitted  in  our  last  to  inform  you  that  we  have 
not  been  entirely  inattentive  to  the  subject  of  this  part  of  your 
recommendation  ;  every  regiment  of  our  militia  has  its 
place  of  rendezvous  appointed,  and  riders  are  fixed  at  dif- 
ferent stages  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  to 
alarm  the  country  in  case  of  invasion  ;  but  if  upon  consi- 
deration, we  shall  judge  that  signals  may  be  of  service  in 
calling  in  our  militia  more  speedily  than  can  be  done  in 
that  way,  we  shall  communicate  to  you  our  determination 
upon  that  head.  We  are  sorry  to  find  there  is  a  possibili- 
ty of  misunderstanding  the  passage  in  our  letter  respect- 
ing the  four  battalions  raising  in  this  Colony.  Be  assured, 
sir,  that  we  never  considered  them  as  under  our  direction 
except  so  far  as  concerned  the  forming  and  equipping  them ; 
and  if  you  will  be  pleased  to  refer  yourself  to  our  last  let- 
ter, the  distinction  taken  therein  between  the  four  battal- 
ions and  Van  Schaick's  regiments,  will  convince  you  that 
we  meant  nothing  more  than  in  obedience  to  Congress  to 
have  the  completing  of  them  for  the  command  of  the  Con- 
tinental general ;  nor  do  we  esteem  them  so  pointedly  un- 
der our  direction  in  this  respect,  as  to  exclude  your  solici- 
tude as  Commander-in-Chief,  to  have  them  speedily  com- 
pleted and  armed — a  solicitude  highly  becoming  your  sta- 
tion, and  which,  instead  of  affording  the  least  ground  for 
umbrage,  serves  to  heighten  the  opinion  which  your  for- 
mer conduct  has  invariably  taught  us  to  entertain  of  your 
vigilant  attention  to  the  important  duties  of  your  office, 
and  of  your  zeal  for  the  defence  and  security  of  the  rights 
of  this  much  injured  country.  You  have  an  unquestiona- 
ble right  to  know  the  slate  of  the  regiments  raising  in  this 
Colony,  and  it  has  given  us  no  small  concern  that  we  have 
not  been  able  to  procure  the  necessary  returns  from  the 
counties  (though  we  have  some  time  since  taken  the  pro- 
per steps  for  that  purpose)  to  enable  us  to  give  you  other 
than  a  very  partial  and  unsatisfactory  information  upon  that 
head.  We  enclose  you  a  return  in  which  you  will  find 
the  first  battalion  is  most  deficient ;  the  return  is  formed 
from  information  which  came  to  hand  since  we  had  the 
honour  of  writing  our  last  letter  to  you.  We  send  you 
herewith  a  blank  warrant  containing  our  terms  of  enlist- 
ment, which  are  substantially  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of 
Congress.  But  upon  these  we  would  observe,  that  al- 
though it  appeared  to  us  that  the  defence  of  this  Colony 
was  the  primary  or  more  immediate  object  for  which  the 
four  battalions  were  designed,  yet  we  took  particular  pains 
to  inform  the  recruiting  officers,  that  we  did  not  conceive 
that  to  be  the  only  object,  but  that  they  would  be  liable  to 
be  ordered  into  any  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies  (Canada 
excepted)  where  the  commanding  officer  in  this  department 
should  judge  their  assistance  to  be  necessary  for  repelling 
the  invasions  of  our  common  enemy.  We  hope,  sir,  that 
the  general  nature  of  the  cause  we  are  engaged  in,  the 
generous  attention  of  the  Continent  to  the  defence  and  se- 
curity of  this  Colony,  and  the  readiness  of  our  neighbours 
to  come  to  our  assistance,  from  time  to  time,  when  they 
have  apprehended  us  to  be  in  danger,  will  serve  to  exclude 
from  our  minds  the  narrow  distinction  of  Colonies,  and 
teach  us  to  esteem  the  British  fleets  and  armies  as  much 
our  enemies  while  on  the  coasts  of  Connecticut,  New- 
Jersey  or  Carolina,  as  if  they  lay  in  the  East  river. 

"  We  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of 
this  day,  enclosing  the  resolve  of  Congress,  on  the  subject 
of  arming  the  New-York  battalions,  in  answer  to  which, 
we  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  our  letter  of  the  2f>th  instant, 
and  to  assure  you  that  we  shall  exert  ourselves  by  every 
means  in  our  power  for  their  being  properly  armed  and  ac- 
coutred." 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  N.  York,  29th  April,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — On  the  23d  of  March  last,  we  wrote  to 
you  upon  a  subject  of  the  utmost  importance — the  com- 


426 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


mand  in  the  marine  department  on  the  lakes.  Our  appli- 
cation was  occasioned  by  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler, 
a  copy  of  which  we  then  enclosed  to  you.  The  General, 
in  that  letter,  informed  our  Congress  that,  in  case  Major 
Douglas  should  decline  that  command,  there  was  '  no  per- 
son he  would  more  willingly  have  to  command  the  vessels 
than  Capt.  Wynkoop,  and  requested,  at  any  rate,  to  send 
him  up  the  soonest  possible,  with  a  sufficient  number  of 
sailors  for  the  two  schooners  and  sloop.'  We  further  in- 
formed you,  that  we  immediately  sent  for  Capt.  Wynkoop, 
communicated  to  him  the  General's  letter,  and  sent  him 
with  a  copy  of  it  to  Major  Douglass.  That  he  delivered  it 
to  him,  and  received  for  answer,  from  Major  Douglass,  that 
he  was  then  in  service,  and  that  it  would  be  at  least  two 
months  before  he  could  attend  at  the  lakes,  if  his  health 
would  permit.  That  we,  thereupon,  wrote  him  a  letter,  a 
copy  of  which,  and  of  his  answer,  we  also  enclosed  to  you. 
In  our  letter  to  him,  we  gave  him  a  gentle  reproof,  for  his 
uncertain  answer  to  Wynkoop,  and  signified  that  we  ex- 
pected his  immediate  answer,  and,  in  case  of  his  accept- 
ance, he  should  stand  ready  for  the  execution  of  his  duty 
at  a  minute's  warning,  whenever  the  service  should  require 
it.  In  his  answer,  he  informed  us,  '  I  told  Capt.  Wynkoop 
what  I  now  tell  you,  that  whenever  I  should  receive  orders 
from  the  Congress,  or  the  General,  I  was  willing  to  com- 
ply if  my  health  would  permit ;  and  as  Capt.  Wynkoop  is 
desired  by  the  General  to  get  his  men  and  go  up,  I  beg 
you  would  assist  and  forward  him,  and  if  I  am  not  called 
upon,  shall  endeavour  to  serve  my  country  in  some  station 
of"  as  much  importance  as  to  command  on  the  lakes.'  We 
farther  reminded  you,  in  the  above  mentioned  letter,  that 
the  season  was  so  far  advanced  that  the  service  would  suf- 
fer, if  the  vessels  on  the  lakes  were  not  immediately  em- 
ployed ;  and  conceiving  that  Major  Douglass's  indetermi- 
nation  would  make  room  for  a  new  appointment,  we  took 
the  liberty,  through  you,  to  recommend  Capt.  Wynkoop  as 
a  person  who  was  bred  a  mariner,  had  frequently  been  mas- 
ter of  mercantile  vessels,  had  served  with  reputation  last 
war,  both  in  the  land  and  sea  service  ;  that  we  then  thought 
him  (as  we  still  do)  an  officer  of  merit,  and  that  we  had 
heard  his  conduct  in  the  last  campaign  highly  applauded, 
and  conceived  him  to  be  worthy  of  the  trust,  and  thought, 
from  General  Schuyler's  letter,  the  appointment  would  not 
be  disagreeable  to  him.  We  farther  informed  you  that 
Capt.  Wynkoop  would  not  continue  in  the  marine  service 
under  Major  Douglass  ;  but  that,  nevertheless,  we  had  pre- 
vailed on  him,  with  the  argument  of  danger  that  the  ser- 
vice would  suffer,  to  engage  seamen  and  proceed  to  the  Ge- 
neral with  all  possible  despatch.  To  this  letter  we  have 
hitherto  not  been  favoured  with  an  answer,  but  have  heard  a 
report  that  some  order  from  Continental  Congress  has  been 
sent  to  Major  Douglass  to  repair  to  the  post  assigned  him. 
General  Schuyler,  still  attentive  to  the  importance  of  the 
service  on  the  lakes,  in  a  letter  of  4ih  instant  to  General 
Thompson,  who  furnished  us  with  a  copy  of  it,  writes 
thus  :  '  Will  you  be  so  good  as  to  request  the  New-York 
Congress  that  the  sailors  may  be  sent  up  without  delay.' 
In  consequence  of  this,  we  sent  for  Capt.  Wynkoop,  be- 
ing convinced  of  the  impossibility  of  sending  up  the  sea- 
men without  an  officer,  and  engaged  him  to  enlist  the  men 
and  proceed  to  put  the  vessels  in  order,  under  the  present 
uncertainty  of  his  station,  on  condition  that  he  be  permitted 
to  quit  the  service,  in  case  he  should  be  superseded.  Of 
this  we  informed  General  Schuyler,  by  letter  of  the  25th 
instant,  of  which  Capt.  Wynkoop,  who  is  gone  up  with  his 
seamen,  is  the  bearer. 

"  After  what  has  been  said  already,  in  recommendation 
of  Capt.  Wynkoop,  we  shall  presume  to  say  no  more  than 
that  in  case  Major  Douglass  should  decline,  we  hope  that 
this  fresh  instance  of  Capt.  Wynkoop's  zeal  for  the  public 
service,  added  to  his  former  merit,  will  have  sufficient 
weight  with  the  Congress  to  confirm  him  in  that  command, 
which  was  destined  for  Major  Douglass. 


"  We  herewith  send  you  the  petitions  and  remonstrances 
of  New-York  for  redress  of  grievances. 

"  Major  Benedict  of  the  first  New-York  battalion,  con- 
ceiving himself  unfit  for  that  office,  has  made  a  voluntary 
resignation,  by  which  that  majority  has  become  vacant. 
On  this  occasion  we  conceive  it  to  be  our  duty  to  hold  up 
two  candidates  for  the  choice  of  Congress.  Major  Barna- 
bas Tuthill,  of  Colo.  Holmes'  regiment  of  the  last  year's 
service,  and  the  person  who  from  an  attention  to  rank  we 
put  on  the  list  of  lieutenant-colonels  for  the  present  levies, 
is  one.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  last  war,  and  we  have 
never  heard  any  thing  to  his  disadvantage,  either  in  civil 
or  military  character.  Capt.  Marinus  Willet  was  in  ser- 
vice during  the  last  war,  and  was  captain  in  the  last  year's 
New-York  levies  ;  and  with  an  attention  to  his  rank  as  se- 
cond captain  in  the  first  battalion,  and  when  Capt.  Wi- 
senfelt,  who  was  the  first  captain,  was  promoted  to  a  lieu- 
tenant colonelcy,  we  recommended  Capt.  Willet  for  the 
majority,  but  by  some  mistake,  as  we  conceive,  Capt.  Be- 
nedict, the  2d  captain  of  the  fourth  battalion,  was  preferred 
to  him.  Capt.  Willet  can  not,  in  our  opinion,  have  a  bet- 
ter recommendation  than  General  Schuyler's  letter  to  us  the 
4th  of  March  last,  which  is  literally  as  follows,  to  wit : 
'  When  an  officer  has  acted  with  remarkable  attention  and 
propriety,  it  becomes  a  duty  in  his  commander  to  give  pu- 
blic testimony  of  it.  Such  has  been  the  conduct  of  Capt. 
Willet  during  the  last  campaign.  He  is  therefore  entitled 
to  the  attention  of  his  country.'  For  these  reasons  we  beg 
leave  to  hold  up  Capt.  Willet  as  another  candidate  for  the 
majority  ;  and  are,  &c. 
"  To  our  Delegates  at  Phila." 

"  New-York,  29th  April,  1776. 
"  Gent. — Sometime  before  I  left  Cambridge,  I  receiv- 
ed an  order  of  Congress  to  apply  to  the  Assemblies  or 
Conventions  of  the  four  New-England  Colonies  for  arms 
to  supply  the  deficiency  of  their  respective  regiments,  and 
if  not  to  be  had,  to  discharge  the  men  that  wanted  them. 
When  I  came  to  this  place  and  was  informed  by  Colo. 
Ritzema  of  the  want  of  this  article  for  his  regiment  and 
the  other  troops  of  this  Colony,  it  became  my  duty  to 
make  this  want  known  to  Congress,  at  the  same  time  giv- 
ing it  as  my  opinion,  that  as  we  found  it  no  easy  matter  to 
recruit  men  with  the  expedition  they  were  required,  it 
might  be  disserviceable  to  discharge  any  of  the  York 
troops,  as  some  lucky  hit  might  throw  arms  into  our  hands; 
in  consequence  of  which  I  received  by  post  the  enclosed 
resolution,  which,  without  delay,  I  lay  before  your  ho- 
nourable body, 

"  And  am,  gent.  yr.  most  obedt.  hble.  serv. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 

"  In  Congress,  April  26,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  none  of  the  troops  already  raised  be 
for  the  present  disbanded  for  want  of  arms,  and  that  the 
General  apply  to  the  Convention  and  Committee  of  Safety 
of  New-York  for  such  arms  as  may  have  been  collected 
under  the  resolve  of  Congress  for  disarming  non-associa- 
tors  and  disaffected  persons,  or  any  other  arms  they  can 
supply  and  deliver  to  the  New- York  troops." 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  20th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Paulding,  Esquire,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Capt.  Denning— For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Oothout — Albany. 
Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Wynkoop — Ulster. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


427 


Mr.  Abeel,  deputy  chairman  of  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  attended  and  was  admitted.  He 
informed  that  a  number  of  fire-arms,  formerly  belonging 
to  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Captain  Clark,  are  at 
Captain  Clark's  house. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  call  on  Mr.  Clark  and  make 
inquiry  as  to  those  arms. 

Mr.  Abeel  further  informed,  that  by  the  unanimous  con- 
sent and  request  of  the  committee  he  was  directed  to  in- 
form the  Committee  of  Safety  that  Mr.  Robert  Ray  has 
had  the  management,  inspection  and  direction  of  all  per- 
mits to  vessels  permitted  to  export ;  and  that  the  general 
committee  request,  that  in  the  establishment  of  a  custom 
house,  Mr.  Ray  may  be  thought  of  as  an  officer. 

Major  Malcom,  Captain  Wool  and  Mr.  Blake,  of  the 
second  battalion,  attending,  were  admitted.  Major  Malcom 
informed  the  Committee  that,  by  the  resignation  of  seve- 
ral officers  and  the  consequent  promotion  of  other  gentle- 
men in  their  places,  new  commissions  are  become  neces- 
sary for  most  of  the  officers  of  the  said  battalion.  That 
he  and  the  gentlemen  with  him  were  sent  to  request  of  the 
Committee  the  said  commissions.  Major  Malcom  further 
informed,  that  the  officers  of  that  regiment  have  amongst 
themselves  thought  of  such  persons  as  would  be  agreeable 
to  them  for  field  officers  ;  that  the  regiment  are  fully  sensi- 
ble that  the  right  of  nomination  of  field  officers  belongs  to 
this  Committee  and  not  to  the  regiment,  but  that  the  offi- 
cers of  the  regiment,  notwithstanding,  request  to  know 
whether  it  will  be  agreeable  that  they  should  mention  in 
their  return  (by  way  of  recommendation)  the  names  of 
those  gentlemen  who  would  be  agreeable  to  the  regiment, 
for  field  officers. 

The  Committee  informed  Major  Malcom  and  those  gen- 
tlemen with  him,  that  new  commissions  should  be  made 
out  for  the  captains  and  subalterns  of  the  said  regiment 
when  a  return  of  their  names  and  rank  should  be  made  to 
this  Committee  ;  and  that  it  would  be  agreeable  to  the 
Committee  that  the  officers  of  that  regiment  should  men- 
tion in  their  return  the  names  of  those  gentlemen  of  whom 
they  approved  for  their  field  officers,  and  that  they  send 
their  return  to  this  Committee  by  Mr.  Stoutenbergh  as 
soon  as  convenient. 

Mr.  Comfort  Sands  informed  the  Committee  that  he  is 
about  to  make  a  journey  to  and  beyond  Albany  ;  that  by  a 
determination  of  the  committee  at  Albany,  it  is  become 
necessary  that  every  friend  to  liberty  travelling  through 
their  district  have  a  passport  from  some  committee  of  the 
place  from  whence  he  came  ;  that  therefore  he  requests  a 
certificate  of  this  Committee.  A  certificate  was  given  to 
Mr.  Sands  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Com- 
fort Sands,  is  a  respectable  and  useful  member  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony  and  of  this  Committee  of 
Safety ;  that  he  has  steadily  exerted  himself  as  a  sincere 
and  active  friend  to  the  liberties  of  this  country,  and  as 
such  he  is  hereby  most  cordially  recommended  to  all 
friends  to  American  liberty." 

"New-York,  30th  April,  1776. 

"  Gentn. — I  perceive  by  the  tenor  of  your  favour  of 
yesterday,  that  my  letter  of  the  25th  has  given  umbrage, 
which  I  am  sorry  for,  as  it  was  not,  most  distantly,  in  my 
ideas  to  give  any. 

"  Three  things  led  me  to  suspect  that  the  York  batta- 
lions were  not  upon  the  same  establishment  of  the  other 
Continental  troops — current  report,  an  implied  exception 
in  the  order  for  detaching  six  more  battalions  to  Canada, 
and  that  part  of  your  letter  signifying  that  four  of  these 
battalions  were  to  be  raised  under  your  immediate  direc- 
tion, which  intimation,  coming  in  corroboration  of  the  two 
first  reasons,  (for  I  never  had  any  information  of  this  mat- 
ter from  Congress)  led  me  to  believe  that  you  intended  it 
as  a  genteel  hint  that  I  was  not  to  consider  them  in  the 
same  light  I  did  the  others.  It  was  not  to  be  wondered  at, 
therefore,  that  I  should  wish  to  know  the  extent  of  my  au- 


thority over  them,  (that  my  conduct  might  be  regulated 
thereby)  or  that  I  should  be  so  solicitous  in  arming  regi- 
ments raised  for  local  purposes  as  those  for  the  general 
service,  when  the  latter  are  also  greatly  deficient  in  this 
essential  point.  These  were  the  ideas  that  filled  my  mind 
at  the  time  of  writing.  If  the  extreme  hurry,  occasioned 
by  a  variety  of  business  which  is  continually  pressing 
upon  me,  clouded  the  meaning  I  wished  to  convey,  I  can 
only  add  that  it  never  was,  and  I  hope  never  will  be,  my 
intention  to  give  unprovoked  offence.  Of  this  your  Com- 
mittee may  be  once  for  all  assured — that  it  is  my  earnest 
wish  to  cooperate  with  them  in  every  measure  which  can 
conduce  to  the  general  good,  and  that  if  I  should,  at  any 
time,  differ  from  them  in  the  means,  I  shall  feel  my  share 
of  the  concern. 

"  Being  with  respect,  gentn. 

"  Yr.  most  obed.  hble.  sert. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  1st,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Major  Sloutenburgh,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortla&dt, 
Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  E.  Bancker — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Othoudt— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop — Ulster. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Colo.  Van  Brunt,  Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 
A  letter  from  Christopher  Tappen  and  Joseph  Gasherie, 
Esqrs.  loan  officers  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  dated  at  Kings- 
ton, April  23d,  and  directed  to  Mr.  Wynkoop,  was  read  and 
filed.  They  thereby  inform  that  they  have  received  more 
of  the  money  mentioned  in  the  resolution  of  the  ninth  day 
of  March  last,  than  they  will  be  able  to  let  out.  They 
also  mention  sundry  other  difficulties  as  to  carrying  the  said 
resolution  into  execution. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  remain  for  the  considera- 
tion of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  John  Belknap,  dated  at  Fort  Mont- 
gomery, yesterday,  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  com- 
plains, that  by  the  list  or  arrangement  which  he  has  seen, 
of  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment,  he  is  placed  below  Capt.  Wm. 
Jackson  ;  that  he  is  willing  to  serve  his  country,  but  can- 
not serve  his  country  in  that  rank. 

Mr.  Stoutenburgh  delivered  in  a  return  of  the  field  offi- 
cers, captains,  subalterns  and  staff  officers,  of  the  second 
battalions,  as  at  present  arranged.  The  same  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  officers  of  that 
company,  agreeable  to  the  said  return. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bayley,  of  this  city,  cutler,  be  di- 
rected to  exert  himself  to  finish,  with  all  possible  despatch, 
the  trepanning  instruments  and  scalpels,  which  he  was  em- 
ployed to  make  for  this  Colony ;  that  he  give  that  work 
the  preference,  as  it  is  the  most  important,  and  that  one  of 
the  Secretaries  serve  Mr.  Bayley  with  a  copy  of  this  or- 
der. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  1st,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  William  Paulding,  Chairman. 
Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Denning,  Capt.  Rutgers— For  New- York. 
Mr.  Othoudt — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Wynkoop — Ulster, 
Mr.  Paulding —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper— Orange. 
Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 


428 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  of  John  Jay,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Delegates  of  this 
Colony  at  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  having  been  informed  of 
a  very  extraordinary  oath  ordered  by  Governor  Tryon  to 
be  administered  to  passengers  in  the  late  packet,  where- 
by they  bound  themselves  not  to  disclose  any  thing  relative 
to  American  affairs,  except  to  the  Ministry,  have  ap- 
pointed a  committee  (of  which  I  am  one,)  lo  ascertain  this 
fact. 

"  I  must,  therefore,  request  of  you,  gentlemen,  to  ap- 
point proper  persons  to  examine  into  this  matter,  and,  if 
possible,  ascertain  the  truth  of  the  report  by  affidavits  taken 
before  the  mayor,  or  one  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme 
court. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"JOHN  JAY. 

"Philadelphia,  27 'th  April,  1776. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Commiltee  of  Safety 

for  the  Colony  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alderman  Brasher  and  Capt.  Den- 
ning, be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  letter  and  comply 
with  the  contents  thereof,  and  report  thereon  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  or  this  Committee  of  Safety. 

Francis  Lewis,  one  of  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  attended  the  Committee,  and 
delivered  in  a  charge  against  John  Thurman  and  Nor- 
mand  Tolmie,  which  he  said  was  in  the  handwriting  of  one 
of  the  witnesses,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"On  the  evening  of  Tuesday,  the  twenty-third  inst. 
April,  Messrs.  John  Thurman  and  Normond  Tolmie,  re- 

Eorted  in  the  presence  of  Messrs.  Willm.  Maxwell,  Willm. 
lowther,  John  Ramsay  and  David  Currie,  that  Francis 
Lewis,  Esqr.  having  had  an  order  from  the  Continental 
Congress  to  make  a  purchase  of  a  considerable  quantity  of 
duck  in  this  city,  for  the  service  of  the  public,  which  he 
effected  at  the  rate  of  three  pounds  currency  per  piece, 
but  that  he  charged  and  rendered  an  account  thereof  to  the 
said  Congress,  at  the  rate  of  four  pounds  ten  shillings  said 
currency  per  piece  for  same. 

"  Also  mentioned  that  there  were  several  instances 
where  persons  had  sent  their  vessels  with  cargoes  to  sea,  of 
their  own  property,  with  whom  the  Congress  had  agreed 
to  run  the  risk  of  the  whole  interest  if  lost  or  taken,  and 
that  on  the  arrival  of  said  vessel  the  owners  were  to  receive 
one  hundred  per  ceni  advance  on  the.  cargoes  from  the 
Congress." 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  John  Thurman  and  Normond 
Tolmie,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  do  respectively  person- 
ally appear  before  this  Committee,  at  the  Assembly  Cham- 
ber in  the  City  Hall  of  the  said  city,  to-morrow  at  1 1 
o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  to  answer  to  a  charge  exhibited 
against  them  by  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  for  publicly  charg- 
ing him  with  fraud  in  the  execution  of  a  trust  to  which  he 
is  appointed  by  order  of  the  honourable  the  Continental 
Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pettit,  the  door-keeper,  serve  Messrs. 
Thurman  and  Tolmie  each  with  a  copy  hereof,  and  that 
Mr.  Pettit  summon  the  witnesses  to  attend  likewise. 

Mr.  Pettit  returned  and  informed  the  Committee  that  he 
had  been  to  the  usual  places  of  abode  of  Messrs.  Thurman 
and  Tolmie  ;  that  he  was  informed  that  Mr.  Thurman  was 
gone  to  Albany,  that  Mr.  Tolmie  was  abroad,  but  was  ex- 
pected home  in  the  morning,  and  that  he  left  a  summons 
at  his  house. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  a.  m. 

May  Id,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Capt.  Denning — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Oothout — Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Thomas,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake 

—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cuyper,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Colo.  Van  Brunt,  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 
Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond 

Normand  Tolmie,  pursuant  to  the  summons  of  this  Com- 
mittee of  yesterday,  attended. 

Mr.  Tolmie  denied  the  general  charge  as  exhibited 
against  him  by  Mr.  Lewis. 

Mr.  Maxwell  and  Mr.  Currie  attended  likewise. 

Mr.  Maxwell,  on  his  examination,  says  that  Mr.  Thur- 
man said,  in  the  hearing  of  him,  Mr.  Currie,  Mr.  Lowther 
and  Mr.  Ramsay,  that  in  several  instances  persons  had 
sent  vessels  and  cargoes  to  sea  of  their  own  property,  with 
whom  the  Congress  had  agreed  to  run  the  risk,  and  that 
the  persons  or  shippers,  were  to  have  a  profit  of  100  per 
cent  on  the  proceeds  of  the  cargo,  and  that  Mr.  Tolmie 
said  he  had  heard  the  same  story  some  months  ago.  Mr. 
Maxwell  farther  said  that  Mr.  Thurman  declared,  in  the 
hearing  of  him,  Mr.  Maxwell,  and  the  other  gentlemen, 
that  Mr.  Lewis  had  purchased  a  quantity  of  duck,  by  or- 
der and  on  account  of  the  Continental  Congress,  at  the 
rate  of  £3  per  piece  ;  and  that  Mr.  Lewis  rendered  an  ac- 
count of  the  same  at  the  rate  of  £4  10s.  per  piece  ;  that 
Mr.  Thurman  said  he  knew  this  of  his  own  knowledge. 

Mr.  Currie  being  called,  agreed  with  Mr.  Maxwell  in 
his  relation  of  the  whole  conversation. 

Mr.  Tolmie  acknowledged  that  on  Mr.  Thurman's  re- 
lating the  matter  relative  to  the  Congress  insuring  the  ves- 
sels, and  allowing  the  person  so  great  a  profit,  he  said  he 
had  heard  the  same  story  some  months  ago ;  that  he  had 
entirely  forgot  who  he  heard  it  of. 

A  letter  from  John  Lloyd,  Junr.  to  John  Sloss  Hobart, 
Esqr.  dated  the  8th  of  April,  and  another  letter  from  Mr. 
Loyd  to  Thomas  Tredwell,  Esqr.  dated  the  25th  of  April, 
the  subject  whereof  is  hereinafter  recited,  were  severally 
read. 

The  Committee  came  to  a  determination  thereon,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  Henry  Loydd,  who  is  under  the  censure  of  the 
public,  and  has  lately  fled  from  Boston,  with  the  Ministerial 
fleet  and  army,  hasleft  a  considerable  real  and  personal  estate 
in  Queens  village,  in  Queens  county,  on  Nassau  island  in 
this  Colony :  And  whereas  his  nephew  John  Lloyd,  Ju- 
nior, of  Queens  village  aforesaid  has,  through  John  Sloss 
Hobart,  Esquire,  represented,  to  this  Committee  his  wil- 
lingness to  save  the  said  estate  from  destruction  ;  and  that 
the  live  stock  belonging  to  the  said  Henry  Lloyd  is  in  a 
suffering  condition,  and  if  not  removed  will,  from  its  ex- 
posed situation,  be  in  danger  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy  during  the  course  of  the  summer,  and  requested  the 
opinion  and  advice  of  this  Committee  what  steps  he  should 
take  respecting  said  estate,  especially  the  live  stock : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  John 
Lloyd,  Junr.  that  he,  together  with  Zebulon  Williams  and 
Samuel  Townsend,  Esquires,  do  take  an  exact  inventory 
and  appraisement  of  all  the  real  and  personal  estate  of  the 
said  Henry  Lloyd  within  this  Colony,  and  report  the  same 
in  writing  under  their  hands  to  this  Committee,  or  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony,  without  delay ;  and  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


429 


the  said  John  Lloyd,  Junior,  remain  in  possession  of  the 
said  real  and  personal  estate,  and  that  he  do  not  make 
any  sale  or  transfer  of  any  of  the  said  real  or  personal  es- 
tate, until  order  can  be  taken  therein  by  Provincial  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  certify  a  copy 
thereof,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  said  John  Lloyd,  Junr. 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  May  2d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Colo.  Loll,  Capt. 
Denning — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas— 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Oothout — Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Cuyper — Orange. 

Mr.  Bancker — Richmond. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  D.  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  colonel  of 
the  4th  regiment  of  the  Continental  troops,  raising  for  the 
defence  of  this  Colony,  directed  to  Dirk  Wynkoop,  Esqr. 
was  read  and  filed. 

He  therein  recommends  Mr.  George  Graham  as  sur- 
geon's mate  to  his  regiment. 

A  certificate  from  the  Doctors  John  Jones  and  Samuel 
Bard,  dated  April  10th,  1776,  was  also  read  and  filed.  They 
therein  certify  that  they  have  attentively  examined  Mr. 
George  Graham  respecting  his  knowledge  in  physic  and 
surgery,  and  that  they  find  him  completely  qualified  to  act 
as  a  surgeon's  mate.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  George  Graham  be  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  surgeon's  mate  to  the  4th  regi- 
ment of  Continental  troops,  whereof  Corns.  D.  Wynkoop, 
Esqr.  is  colonel. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  supply  to  any  of  the  field 
officers  of  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment,  or  the  order  of  any 
one  of  them,  and  in  the  absence  of  all  the  field  officers  of 
that  regiment,  then  to  the  captains  of  that  regiment  respec- 
tively, the  following  articles  for  the  respective  companies 
of  that  regiment,  who  have  not  already  been  supplied,  vizt : 
shoes,  frocks,  bed  covers,  cartridge  boxes,  bells  and  gun- 
slings,  canteens,  haversacks  and  hose,  and  that  he  take 
receipts  of  such  field  officers  or  captains  to  whom  he  shall 
have  delivered  the  same. 

Colonel  Gilbert  Drake  having  informed  this  Committee 
that  he  is  bound  by  bond  for  seventy  pounds  and  upwards, 
payable  to  William  Lownsberry,  one  of  the  persons  con- 
cerned in  spiking  the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge,  and  who 
escaped  from  confinement,  and  is  now  supposed  to  be  on 
board  the  Asia  ship  of  war,  on  the  first  day  of  this  instant, 
May,  and  that  Reuben  Bloomer  had  applied  to  him  by  let- 
ter, signifying  that  he  was  authorized  by  the  said  Lowns- 
berry to  receive  the  said  moneys,  and  demanding  payment 
thereof ; 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Colonel  Drake  withhold  pay- 
ment of  the  said  moneys  until  further  order  of  this  Com- 
mittee or  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony  ;  and  that 
Colonel  Drake  cause  a  copy  of  this  order  to  be  served  on 
the  said  Reuben  Bloomer. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Gidney,  dated  the  twentieth  day  of 
April,  was  delivered  by  Colo.  Joseph  Bull,  and  read  and 
filed.  The  said  Isaac  Gidney  requests  to  be  enlarged  on 
his  giving  security  in  such  manner  as  this  Committee  shall 
direct. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Isaac  Gidney,  a  prisoner 
confined  in  the  county  jail  of  Westchester  county  by  order 
of  this  Committee,  be  and  he  is  hereby  discharged  from 
his  confinement,  and  permitted  to  go  at  large,  on  his  giving 
sufficient  security  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
said  county  that  he  will  personally  appear  before  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony 

108 


when  he  shall  be  thereto  required  ;  that  he  will  not  bear 
arms  against  the  inhabitants  of  the  American  Colonies,  or 
do  any  other  act  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  the  said  Colo- 
nies, or  contrary  to  any  resolution  or  order  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  or  of  the  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of 
Safety,  or  of  any  of  the  county  committees  of  this  Colony 
during  the  present  contest  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
American  Colonies,  and  on  his  paying  the  expenses  of  his 
confinement,  if  he  has  any  means  wherewith  to  pay  the 
same. 

Whereas  Joshua  Gidney,  of  Westchester  county,  who 
was  confined  as  prisoner  for  his  agency  in  spiking  up  the 
cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,  formerly  escaped  ;  and  it  ha- 
ing  been  intimated  to  this  Committee  of  Safety  that  the 
said  Joshua  Gidney  is  desirous  to  return  to  his  family  and 
give  security  for  his  appearance  when  required  and  future 
good  conduct; 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Joshua  Gidney  be 
and  is  hereby  permitted  to  return  to  his  family  in  West- 
chester county  and  to  go  at  large,  on  his  giving  sufficient 
security  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  said  coun- 
ty, that  he  will  from  time  to  time  personally  appear  before 
the  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
Colony  when  he  shall  be  thereunto  required  ;  that  he  will 
not  bear  arms  against  the  inhabitants  of  the  American  Co- 
lonies, or  do  any  other  act  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  the 
said  Colonies,  or  contrary  to  any  resolution  or  order  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  or  of  the  Provincial  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  or  of  the  committee 
of  any  county  in  this  Colony,  within  which  he  may  reside, 
during  the  present  contest  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
American  Colonies. 

A  return  from  Wm.  Cross,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Hanover  precinct,  in  Ulster  county,  dated  the  22d  of 
April,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  returns  Henry  Van 
Keuren,  (who  had  been  formerly  elected  first  lieutenant,) 
duly  chosen  captain  of  the  company  of  militia  of  foot,  (for- 
merly commanded  by  Capt.  William  Jackson,  now  in  the 
Continental  service,)  and  Robt.  Munnel,  duly  elected  first 
lieutenant  in  the  place  of  Henry  Van  Keuren  promoted ; 
that  the  elections  were  held  agreeable  to  the  rules  and  or- 
ders of  the  Provincial  Congress,  in  the  presence  of  John 
Barkly,  James  Rea  and  the  said  Wm.  Cross. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  these  gentlemen 
agreeable  to  the  said  return;  and  they  were  then  issued  ac- 
cordingly. 

Mr.  Garrison,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Richmond, 
now  present,  requests  to  know, 

1st.  Whether  the  inhabitants  will  be  paid  for  some  fire- 
wood furnished  to  the  troops  in  Richmond  county,  and 
whether  they  must  continue  to  supply  the  said  troops  with 
firewood  ? 

2d.  To  whom  the  committee  must  apply  for  payment  for 
repairing  the  guard-house,  which  was  done  at  the  request 
of  Lord  Stirling. 

He  was  directed  to  apply  to  Colo.  Mifflin  for  both  of 
these  matters. 

Mr.  Garrison  mentioned  that  he  had  lent  a  small  sum  to 
an  officer  recruiting  in  Richmond,  and  requested  to  know 
if  he  would  be  repaid. 

He  was  desired  to  send  in  his  account  before  the  billet- 
ing roll  recruiting  fees  of  the  company  are  paid  off. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  3d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Colo.  McDougall — For  New-York, 

Mr.  Othoudt— For  Many. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Cuyper,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond, 


430 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Colo.  Jo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas, 
Mr.  Paulding— For  Westchester. 
Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 

Mr.  William  Paulding,  who  has  been  Chairman,  with 
leave  departed,  that  county  being  fully  represented ;  and 
Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen 
Chairman. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  Capt.  Jesse  Hunt 
of  Westchester  county,  is  about  to  take  a  journey  to  South 
Carolina,  they  made  a  certificate  as  to  Capt.  Hunt,  and 
delivered  for  his  use  a  copy  thereof,  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  It  is  hereby  certified  that  the  bearer  hereof,  Capt. 
Jesse  Hunt,  of  New-Rochelle,  in  Westchester  county,  is 
one  of  the  captains  of  the  militia,  in  Colo.  Drake's  regiment, 
of  that  county,  formed  pursuant  to  the  regulations  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony.  That  the  said  Jesse 
Hunt  is  a  most  vigilant  and  active  officer,  a  steady  friend 
and  guardian  of  the  liberties  of  his  country,  and  in  his  pri- 
vate character  a  gentleman  of  good  reputation  ;  and  he  is 
hereby  cordially  recommended  to  all  friends  to  American 
liberty." 

A  return  from  the  committee  of  Southold,  attested  by  Ro- 
bert Hempsted,  chairman,  whereby  it  appears  that  the 
following  persons  were  chosen  officers  of  two  companies 
of  minute  men,  in  Colo.  Josiah  Smith's  regiment,  viz  : 

"1st  company — Jonathan  Bayley,  capt.;  Joshua  Youngs, 
1st  lieut. ;  John  Tuthill,  2d  lieut. ;  James  Reeve,  ensign. 

"  2d  company — Paul  Reeve,  capt. ;  John  Corwin,  1  st 
lieut.  ;  David  Horton,  2d  lieut. ;  Nathl.  Hodson,  ensign." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  officers  re- 
spectively. 

A  memorial  of  Dirck  Leffertse  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  merchant,  dated  the  1st  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 
He  therein  in  substance  sets  forth  that  upwards  of  thirty 
minute  men  from  Westchester,  under  the  command  of 
Colo.  Drake,  have  been  quartered  upon  him  at  his  house 
from  some  time  in  the  month  of  February  last  until  now, 
or  very  lately.  That  he  has  furnished  them  with  many  ne- 
cessaries and  conveniences,  vizt :  firewood,  vegetables, 
cider,  &c. 

That  the  said  minute  men,  by  order  of  Engineer  Smith, 
(as  he  supposed,)  went  on  the  wood  land  of  the  memorial- 
ist, purchased  for  his  own  particular  use  to  supply  his  fa- 
mily with  firewood,  and  cut  down  and  destroyed  a  great 
part  of  the  tract  there  growing,  and  almost  entirely  ruined 
the  young  wood  there,  for  building  the  fort  at  Home's 
Hook. 

The  memorialist  thereby  prays  the  Congress  or  Commit- 
tee to  take  the  matters  mentioned  in  said  memorial  into  con- 
sideration, and  grant  him  such  redress  as  they  in  their  dis- 
cretion may  think  reasonable  and  adequate  to  the  loss  and 
damage  he  has  sustained. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorial  be  referred  to  the  con- 
sideration of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  3d,  1776. 

The  following  members  of  the  committee  met. 

Present— Dirck  Wynkoop.  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Denning,  Colo.  McDougall— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wynkoop — Ulster. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Mr.  Olhoudt— Jllbany. 

Colo.  Allison,  not  a  member — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Colo.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 
For  want  of  a  quorum  no  business  could  be  done. 
At  six  o'clock  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Thomas  and  Ma- 
jor Lockwood,  for  Westchester,  attended,  but  several  other 
members  having  before  departed,  there  was  nol  a  quorum 
to  be  obtained  though  a  messenger  was  sent  out  for  the  pur- 
pose. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  4th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt — 

For  New-York. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 
Mr.  Othoudt— For  Jllbany, 
Mr.  Wynkoop — Ulster. 
Colo.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Tredwell— For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Thomas — Westchester. 
Colo.  Van  Brunt—  Kings. 

The  committee  took  into  consideration  the  letter  from 
Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  President  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
of  New-Jersey,  dated  the  20th  April,  and  the  examina- 
tion of  Henry  Smith,  on  the  of  April,  relating  to 
the  persons  therein  mentioned  to  have  been  employed  in 
enlisting  men  for  the  Ministerial  army.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  certified  copies 
of  the  said  letter  from  Mr.  Tucker  and  examination  of 
Henry  Smith,  and  enclose  one  copy  of  each  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  county  committee  of  Westchester  county, 
another  copy  of  each  to  the  chairman  or  committee  of  cor- 
respondence of  Dutchess  county,  and  a  third  copy  of  each 
to  the  chairman  of  the  precinct  committee  at  Fishkill. 

That  each  of  the  said  county  committees  and  the  com- 
mittee at  Fishkill  respectively,  be  requested  to  give  the 
most  pointed  directions,  and  use  every  means  in  their 
power  to  have  Thomas  Gibson  and  Robert  Hamilton  seiz- 
ed and  taken.  That  they  cause  both  or  either  of  them, 
that  may  be  taken,  to  be  immediately  confined  in  close 
jail  in  such  manner  as  to  prevent  an  escape,  or  any 
conference  with  any  accomplice  until  he  or  they  respec- 
tively can  be  brought  to  trial,  or  until  the  further  order  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  or  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of 
this  Colony,  and  that  each  of  the  said  committees  give  such 
prudent  directions  as  to  prevent  the  said  Thomas  Gibson 
or  Robert  Hamilton  from  having  any  notice  of  this  order, 
or  of  any  proceedings  thereon  that  may  occasion  their 
flight. 

Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston  attended  and  produced  his  or- 
ders from  General  Washington.  He  is  hereby  directed  to 
apply  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  procure  arms  for  the 
soldiers  of  Colo.  Clinton's  regiment.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  committees  of  the  counties  of  Dutch- 
es and  Ulster,  and  the  committees  of  the  respective  dis- 
tricts in  those  counties  deliver  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston, 
or  to  such  captains  in  that  regiment  as  shall  have  Lieut. 
Colo.  Livingston's  order,  so  many  good  arms  fit  for  use 
out  of  those  collected  by  disarming  disaffected  persons 
in  their  respective  counties  and  districts,  as  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  complete  the  arming  of  the  companies  of  that 
regiment,  now  stationed  at  the  fortifications  in  the  High- 
lands. That  the  committees  take  care  to  have  the  said 
arms  marked  and  appraised  and  an  account  of  the  value, 
mark  and  appraisement  of  each  kept  before  the  same  are 
delivered;  and  that  the  captain  of  each  company  take  care 
to  keep  a  roll  of  the  value  of  each  gun,  musket,  or  firelock 
which  shall  be  delivered  to  him,  and  of  the  name  of  the 
soldier  to  whom  each  such  gun,  musket  or  firelock  shall  be 
so  delivered  ;  and  that  he  deliver  one  copy  of  such  roll  and 
value  of  the  arms  of  his  company  to  the  colonel  or  com- 
manding officer  of  the  regiment,  and  another  copy  to  the 
Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Co- 
lony. And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  committees  in  Suffolk  coun- 
ty do,  in  like  manner,  provide  and  deliver  arms  to  the  cap- 
tains of  the  three  companies  of  the  second  regiment,  which 
were  raised  in  that  county,  and  that  those  captains  keep 
and  return  the  like  rolls  of  the  value  of  the  arms  they  may 
so  receive,  and  of  the  names  of  their  respective  soldiers  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


431 


whom  delivered,  in  such  manner  that  each  soldier  may  be 
accountable  for  the  arms  delivered  to  him,  or  the  value 
thereof,  that  the  same  may  be  accounted  for  to  the  public. 
And 

Resolved,  That  any  captains  or  officers,  by  whose  neglect 
or  default  the  value  of  any  one  or  more  of  such  arms  shall 
be  lost  to  the  public,  shall  be  accountable  for  the  value 
thereof. 


DIE  LUN/E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  6th,  1776. 

The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Dirck  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Bancker — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Wynkoop,  Doctor  Dewitt,  Colo.  Palmer—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Othoudt— Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  who  is  not  a  member  of  the  Committee  though  a  mem- 
ber of  Congress — Orange. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Near  one  o'clock,  for  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
members  to  form  a  Committee,  the  gentlemen  present  ad- 
journed to  four  o'clock. 

All  persons  attending  on  the  Committee,  on  matters  of 
business,  were  directed  to  attend  again  at  five  o'clock. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  May  6th,  1776. 
The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Colo.  Lott— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Colo.  Palmer — Ulster. 
Mr.  Othoudt— For  Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  of  the  Provincial  Congress  but  not  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety — Orange. 

Genl.  Woodhull— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Polhemius—  Kings. 

Mr.  Lawrence,  late — Richmond. 

The  gentlemen  present,  for  want  of  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  to  form  a  complete  quorum,  could  not  do  any 
final  act  as  a  Committee  ;  but  Mr.  Peter  Puillon,  who  was 
apprehended  at  the  Narrows,  and  Joseph  Blanchard  ar- 
rested by  order  of  General  Washington,  and  sundry  mili- 
tary gentlemen,  who  are  witnesses,  and  necessarily  obliged 
to  return  to  Kings  county  where  they  are  stationed,  being 
attending,  it  was  thought  absolutely  necessary  to  examine  : 

Thereupon  the  letter  received  from  General  Washington 
this  morning  was  read.  The  General  thereby  informs  that 
Peter  Puillon  was  yesterday  apprehended,  for  having  sup- 
plied persons  on  board  of  the  King's  ships  with  provisions, 
in  violation  of,  and  contrary  to  the  regulations  which  have 
been  adopted  for  preventing  such  practices,  and  that  Jos. 
Blanchard  was  apprehended  for  carrying  on  a  correspon- 
dence with  persons  on  board. 

"  New-York,  May  6lh,  1776. 
"  Gentn. — I  beg  leave  to  refer  to  your  examination 
Joseph  Blanchard  and  Peter  Puillon,  who  were  yester- 
day apprehended  ;  the  former  on  suspicion  of  carrying 
on  a  correspondence  with  persons  on  board  the  King's 
ships,  the  latter  of  having  supplied  them  with  some  provi- 
sions, in  violation  of,  and  contrary  to  the  regulations  which 
have  been  adopted  for  preventing  such  practices.  There 
are  witnesses  against  both,  who  are  ordered  to  wait  on 
you,  and  also  some  papers  found  in  possession  of  Mr.  Blan- 
chard, which,  though  previous  to  your  resolves  in  point  of 
date,  indicate  an  intimacy  between  him  and  Col.  Fanning, 
the  Secretary,  to  whom  I  am  told  he  has  wrote  since  their 
publication,  and  his  knowledge  of  them. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  with  great  esteem, 
"  Yr.  most  h.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  P.  S.  Capt.  Gibbs  will  deliver  the  papers." 


Capt.  Derby  says,  that  on  Friday  evening  last,  he  was 
in  company  with  Mr.  Joseph  Blanchard.  That  Joseph 
Blanchard  said  that  the  communication  was  not  entirely 
cut  off  with  the  ships  below ;  that  he  had  lately  received 
letters  from  thence,  and  that  on  the  then  last  Monday  he 
had  wrote  a  letter  to  Colo.  Fanning,  and  delivered  it  to  a 
friend  to  convey  it,  and  that  he  was  informed  and  believed 
that  it  was  sent  on  board.  Mr.  Blanchard  says  he  believes 
his  letter  did  go  on  board.  Capt.  Derby  farther  says, 
that  yesterday  he  went  into  Mr.  Fisher's,  after  he  left  the 
General's.  That  Mr.  Blanchard  there  said  several  disa- 
greeable things  ;  intimated  that  he  thought  that  Capt.  Der- 
by would  take  away  his  life  ;  spoke  in  reflecting  terms  of 
the  army,  and  said  that  they  were  bought  whigs,  and  that 
it  was  not  in  the  power  of  the  army  to  cut  off  the  commu- 
nication with  the  ships. 

Joseph  Blanchard  says,  that  he  did  not  mean  to  reflect 
on  the  army  in  general  ;  but  said  he  was  a  whig  from  prin- 
ciple, but  that  they  were  bought  whigs,  meaning  the  com- 
pany then  present. 

Capt.  Derby  says,  that  Mr.  Blanchard  said  if  he  had 
been  treated  like  a  gentleman,  it  was  in  his  power  to  have 
found  out  the  person  who  had  conveyed  the  letters,  but  that 
it  was  now  too  late,  as  he  did  not  know  that  he  could  now 
discover. 

Colo.  Prescott  confirms  what  Capt.  Derby  says  as  to 
what  passed  at  Fisher's,  and  says  that  if  it  had  not  been 
with  an  expectation  of  getting  farther  intelligence,  he 
should  not  have  borne  the  insults  thrown  out  against  the 
whigs,  and  the  insults  offered  to  Capt.  Derby.  That  the 
woman  spoken  of  to  have  conveyed  a  letter  from  Blan- 
chard, and  some  military  books,  was  Mrs.  Hatch. 

Capt.  Gibbs  says,  that  after  he  had  arrested  Joseph 
Blanchard  by  order  of  General  Washington,  Mr.  Blan- 
chard told  his  landlady  that  he  was  arrested  as  being  sus- 
pected for  carrying  on  a  correspondence  with  Govr.  Tryon, 
or  his  Secretary,  and  that  at  that  time  he,  Capt.  Gibbs, 
had  not  intimated  to  Mr.  Blanchard  the  cause  of  the  ar- 
rest. 

That  the  several  letters  and  papers  now  delivered  to  the 
committee,  were  taken  or  received  from  the  said  Joseph 
Blanchard. 

That  the  first  paper  he  saw  in  the  room  was  on  his  table, 
and  was  General  Sullivan's  brigade  orders  to  his  brigade 
before  he  left  New- York.  That  Mr.  Blanchard  told  the 
examinant  he  did  not  know  how  he  got  that  paper,  and 
made  that  observation  before  he  asked  any  thing  about  the 
paper  or  the  orders. 

That  Mr.  Blanchard  said  he  had  delivered  the  letter  to 
Mrs.  Hatch ;  that  Mrs.  Hatch,  after  some  recollection, 
said  that  Mr.  Blanchard  often  inquired  there  for  letters  ; 
that  she  had  not  any  acquaintance  with  him  ;  that  he  left  a 
letter  and  some  military  books  for  Colo.  Fanning,  about  10 
days  ago,  and  that  they  were  sent  by  Colo.  Fanning's  ser- 
vant. 

Capt.  Gibbs  says,  the  letter  to  Lord  Stirling  was  sealed 
when  he  received  it  from  Joseph  Blanchard. 

Capt.  Derby  and  Capt.  Gibbs  severally  say,  that  Mr. 
Blanchard  said  that  he  knew  the  communication  with  the 
vessels  was  stopped,  and  that  any  communication  with 
them  was  against  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 
and  the  General's  proclamation. 

Lieut.  Brown,  of  Colo.  Prescott's  regiment,  confirms 
Capt.  Derby's  testimony,  and  says  farther,  that  Mr.  Blan- 
chard said  he  received  those  orders  of  General  Sullivan  at 
Lieut.  Fisher's,  of  Colo.  Wyan's  regiment ;  that  he  has  in- 
quired of  Lieut.  Fisher,  who  says  he  never  saw  such  or- 
ders, and  does  not  know  that  such  had  been  in  his  house 
or  taken  from  thence. 

That  Mr.  Blanchard  said  he  was  not  paid  for  being  a 
whig ;  that  the  officers  were  paid  for  being  whigs,  and 
were  bought  whigs. 

Colo.  Prescott  says,  that  Mr.  Blanchard  said  the  com- 
munication with  the  ships  never  would  be  found  out  and 


432 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


never  would  be  stopped  ;  that  he  did  not  know  the  method 
of  communication  ;  that  he  never  asked  the  mode  of  com- 
munication, or  he  supposed  it  would  have  been  told  him  ; 
that  he  did  not  desire  to  know  the  method  of  communica- 
tion, and  that  if  he  did  know  it  he  would  not  discover  it. 

Mr.  Blanchard  says,  that  a  woman  who  lives  with  Mrs. 
Hatch  brought  him  the  letter  from  Colo.  Fanning ;  that 
she  told  him  she  would  soon  have  an  opportunity  to  send 
down  there.  That  when  he  sent  his  letter  he  knew  it  was 
against  the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and 
that  his  only  reason  for  writing  was  to  endeavour  to  secure 
the  money  mentioned  in  one  of  the  letters,  which  he  was 
unwilling  to  lose. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

MaySth,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Denning,  Colo.  McDougall — For 
New-York. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Doctr.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Palmer—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Othoudt— Jllbamj. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring  —  Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Ward — Westchester. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Mr.  Philip  Woodward,  of  New  Town,  in  Queens  coun- 
ty, on  Nassau  island,  (having  received  a  warrant  from  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  for  recruiting  men  in 
a  company  of  Continental  troops,  raising  for  the  defence  of 
this  Colony,)  attended  and  was  admitted.  He  informed 
this  Commitltee,  that  notwithstanding  the  best  endeavours 
of  the  officers  of  the  company,  they  have  been  unsuccess- 
ful in  that  service,  and  have  little  prospect  of  being  able  to 
recruit  so  many  men  as  will  entitle  them  to  commissions. 
Mr.  Woodard,  considering  that  the  defence  of  this  Colony 
necessarily  requires  the  immediate  raising  and  embodying 
the  said  troops,  generously  offered  to  resign  his  said  war- 
rant in  the  said  company,  to  the  end  that  some  other  per- 
son be  employed,  who  may  have  it  in  his  power  to  raise 
the  men  with  that  expedition  which  the  service  absolutely 
requires.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  from  the  necessity  of  the 
case,  Mr.  Woodard's  resignation  be  accepted  of;  that  he 
be  paid  for  his  services  from  the  date  of  his  warrant  to  this 
day,  and  that  the  thanks  of  this  Committee  be  and  is  here- 
by given  him  for  his  patriotic  spirit  shown  on  this  occasion. 
That  Mr.  Woodard's  conduct  is  an  additional  proof  of  his 
attachment  to  the  true  interest  of  his  country,  and  that  the 
benefit  of  the  public  service  only  has  induced  Mr.  Woodard 
to  this  resignation,  and  induced  this  Committee  to  accept 
it. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  be  delivered  to 
Mr.  Woodard. 

Thomas  Mitchell  of  Greatneck,  in  the  township  of  Hemp- 
stead, in  Queens  county,  being  examined,  says,  that  Capt. 
John  Sands,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  has  called  out  his  company  once  a  month  to  mus- 
ter; that  Thomas  Wooley,ofCowneck,feltmaker,  within  the 
district  whereof  Mr.  John  Sands  is  captain,  on  two  differ- 
ent days  of  mustering  or  training,  would  not  answer  to  his 
name,  nor  appear  in  the  ranks  or  muster;  that  Captain 
Sands  levied  a  fine  for  each  neglect ;  that  he,  this  exami- 
nant,  was  informed  by  sundry  persons  that  the  said  Tho- 
mas Wooley  applied  to  a  magistrate  to  have  a  suit  brought 
against  Capt.  Sands,  to  recover  back  the  fines  which  had 
been  levied  by  distress;  that  on  Saturday  the  4lh  instant, 
the  company  was  again  called  out  to  muster  and  train  ; 
that  the  said  Thomas  Wooley  was  there  at  the  place  of 
training,  and  refused  to  train  or  to  answer  to  his  name  when 


called  ;  that  when  he  was  called  on  Saturday  last,  he  went 
to  Captain  John  Sands  and  spoke  to  him  in  an  abrupt  man- 
ner, and  about  half  an  hour  after  abused  the  captain  very 
much,  and  challenged  the  captain  to  fight  him  with  sword 
and  pistol ;  that  some  days  before  this,  he,  this  examinant, 
was  informed  that  said  Thomas  Wooley  challenged  Capt. 
Sands  in  the  like  manner,  and  that  Capt.  Sands  told  him  he 
should  apply  to  the  committee  if  he  thought  himself  ag- 
grieved, and  that  Wooley  said  he  knew  no  committee,  but 
would  apply  to  a  magistrate  ;  that  Capt.  Sands'  company 
were  called  to  train  on  the  first  Saturday  in  April ;  that  after 
the  clerk  had  on  that  day  called  his  name  three  times  and  he 
neglected  to  answer,  Capt.  Sands  said,  '  Mr.  Wooley,  it 
seems  you  do  not  choose  to  answer  to  your  name.'  That 
Wooley  answered,  '  I  will  so  far  answer  as  to  let  you  know 
that  you  have  no  right  to  call  me  here,  and  that  I  do  not  con- 
sider myself  as  within  your  district.'  That  on  Saturday  last, 
after  the  said  Thomas  Wooley  had  ill-treated  the  captain, 
and  challenged  him,  and  refused  to  answer  when  called, 
Capt.  Sands  made  out  a  warrant  against  the  said  Thomas 
Wooley,  and  sent  him  under  a  guard  with  Aspinwall  Cor- 
nell, his  second  lieutenant,  to  Queens  county  jail ;  that  he, 
the  examinant,  was  informed  that  Hope  Mills,  the  jailer, 
when  the  prisoner  was  brought  to  him  said  he  was  not  the 
jailer  for  the  Congress,  and  thought  he  had  no  right  to  keep 
him;  that  he  has  been  farther  informed  that  on  the  next  day 
the  jailer  applied  to  the  sheriff,  who,  as  this  examinant  was 
informed,  directed  him  not  to  retain  the  prisoner  without  a 
warrant  from  a  magistrate  ;  that  the  said  Thomas  Wooley 
was  that  day  discharged  ;  that  the  said  Wooley  publicly 
says,  that  the  captain's  warrant  was  of  no  validity,  and 
threatens  to  prosecute  the  whole  guard  who  went  with  him 
to  Jamaica,  in  obedience  to  Capt.  Sands's  warrant. 

"  THOMAS  MITCHELL. 
"  Sworn  this  8th  day  of  May,  1776,  > 
before  me,  J 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Sands,  of  Greatneck,  be  re- 
quested without  delay,  to  cause  Thomas  Wooley,  of  Cow- 
neck,  feltmaker,  to  be  apprehended, and  sentto  the  Provincial 
Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safely,  at  New- York,  under  a 
proper  guard,  at  the  sole  expense  of  the  said  Thomas 
Wooley,  and  with  all  convenient  speed,  to  be  further  dealt 
with  as  the  said  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  shall 
direct;  and  that  Capt.  Sands  send  down  any  one  or  two 
witnesses  that  he  may  think  proper. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  and  examined 
into  the  case  of  Peter  Poillon,  and  heard  the  said  Peter 
Puillon  also  state  his  case,  which  he  appeared  to  do  with 
candour.  It  fully  appears  to  this  Committee,  that  the  re- 
gulations adopted  for  preventing  the  intercourse  with  the 
ships,  were  not  published  in  Richmond  county  until  Thurs- 
day the  2d  or  Friday  the  third  instant ;  that  the  said  Peter 
Puillon,  from  his  remote  situation,  was  entirely  unacquaint- 
ed with  any  regulations  on  that  subject ;  that  the  said  Peter 
Puillon  left  his  house  with  a  considerable  sum  of  money  to 
discharge  a  debt  he  owed  to  a  person  in  Kings  county, 
and  with  some  articles  of  provisions  intended  for  New- York 
market,  of  the  value  of  about  three  pounds.  It  farther  ap- 
pears by  the  testimony  of  a  gentleman  of  reputation,  that 
the  said  Peter  Puillon  was  as  near  to  the  shore  with  his 
boat,  and  at  as  great  a  distance  from  the  ship  Asia  at  the 
lime  the  ship  fired  at  him,  as  he  could  be  with  safety  at 
that  time  of  the  tide  ;  that  his  situation  with  the  wind  and 
tide  was  such,  that  he  could  not  safely  escape  when  the 
ship  fired  at  him.  It  farther  appears  by  the  testimony  of 
reputable  witnesses,  that  the  said  Peter  Puillon,  from  the 
general  tenor  of  his  conduct  and  behaviour,  has  appeared 
to  be,  and  has  been  esteemed  a  friend  to  the  liberties  of  his 
country. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Peter  Puillon  has  been 
unfortunate  in  being  the  means  of  supplying  the  ship  Asia 
with  certain  provisions,  mentioned  in  a  list  or  memoran- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


433 


dum  now  in  his  custody,  and  would  have  been  culpable  for 
the  risk  he  run  with  the  said  provisions,  if  he  had  known 
of,  or  had  an  opportunity  to  have  known  of,  the  regulations 
adopted  with  respect  to  the  said  ships  ;  yet  it  is  the  opinion 
of  this  Committee,  that  the  said  Peter  Puillon  was  entirely 
innocent  in  this  instance,  and  did  not  take  the  said  provisions 
in  his  boat  with  any  intention  or  design  to  supply  the  said 
ship  with  provisions. 

And  it  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the  said  Peter  Puil- 
lon, not  only  to  be  very  cautious  himself,  but  also  to  endea- 
vour to  prevent  any  other  inhabitant  of  Richmond  county 
from  attempting  to  come  with  any  provisions  within  reach 
of  the  guns  of  the  said  ship,  or  of  any  other  Ministerial  ship 
or  vessel  which  may  be  in  that  channel,  and  to  use  his  best 
endeavours  to  make  the  regulations  adopted  with  respect  to 
the  said  ships,  publicly  known  in  Richmond  county. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt.  Beau- 
man  such  barrack  necessaries  for  his  company,  agreeable 
to  the  Continental  or  usual  regulations,  as  he  may  want 
and  Colo.  Curtenius  has  in  store,  taking  Captain  Beau- 
man's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Major  Malcom,  Mr.  Berrien  and  Mr.  Harper,  of  the  city 
committee,  attending,  were  admitted.  They  requested 
that  a  magistrate  or  some  proper  person  may  be  appointed 
to  attend  with  the  members  of  the  committee  of  the  city, 
to  administer  an  oath  to  such  persons  as  they  shall  disarm, 
that  they  have  faithfully  delivered  up  all  their  arms. 

Mr.  Alderman  Brasher,  now  present,  was  requested  to 
attend  that  service  ;  and  it  is  agreed  that  he  be  excused 
from  attendance  in  the  Congress  Chamber,  while  he  is 
employed  in  that  service. 

A  letter  and  an  indenture,  therein  enclosed,  from  Capt. 
Varick  to  Mr.  McKesson,  by  order  of  General  Schuyler, 
were  read,  and  follow,  vizt : 

"  Albany,  May  I,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  General  Schuyler  to  write  to 
you,  desiring  you  to  send  up  one  hundred  spades,  with  all 
possible  despatch,  to  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  store- 
keeper at  this  place. 

"  I  am  also  directed  by  the  General  to  send  up  to  Ti- 
conderoga  a  suit  of  sails,  of  certain  dimensions,  for  a 
pettiauger,  and  as  much  rope  as  will  rig  two  Albany 
sloops,  (cables,  shrouds  and  hawsers  excepted)  and  also 
enough  for  two  large  pettiaugers  ;  blocks  for  all. 

"  On  inquiry,  I  am  informed  that  no  sail-cloth  is  to  be 
had  in  this  town,  and  that  the  Provincial  Congress  have 
purchased  all  that  was  to  be  had  at  New-York,  for  the  use 
of  the  Colonies.  I,  therefore,  request  you,  in  the  name 
of  the  General,  to  send  up  to  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  five 
bolts  of  good  sail-cloth,  without  the  least  delay. 

"  1  enclose  you  an  estimate  of  the  rope  which  will  be 
wanted  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned,  of  which  none 


is  to  be  had  here,  and  which  I  also  request  you,  in  the 
General's  name,  to  send  immediately  to  this  place. 

"  Capt.  Ivers,  who  is  now  here,  informs  me  that  his  son 
can  supply  this  article. 

"  It  may  be  proper  to  show  the  estimate  to  some  rope 
maker  or  rigger,  at  New -York,  to  know  whether  there  will 
be  sufficient.  If  there  is  not,  you  will  be  pleased  to  send 
as  much  as  may  be  thought  necessary. 

"  I  beg  you  to  procure  an  account  of  what  blocks  will  be 
necessary  for  two  sloops  and  two  pettiaugers,  from  some 
rigger  or  blockmaker  in  New- York,  and  to  send  them  up 
with  the  rope,  as  none  of  these  articles  are  to  be  had  here. 

"  All  the  articles  above  mentioned  are  so  much  wanted 
at  the  lakes,  and  not  to  be  had  any  where  but  at  New- 
York,  that  I  must  earnestly  entreat  you  that  no  delay  may 
be  made  in  sending  them  up  to  this  place. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  RICHD.  VARICK,  Secy. 

to  M.  Genl.  Schuyler. 
"To  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  Secy,  to  the 
New-York  Provincial  Congress,  or  in  his 
absence  to  Robt.  Benson,  Esqr." 

An  indenture  for  making  running  rigging  and  stays  for 
2  sloops,  the  size  of  Albany  sloops  ;  2  coils,  2\  inches, 
100  fathoms  each,  for  haliards,  tackle  falls,  jib  sheets  ;  2 
jib  stays,  16  fathoms  each  ;  2  down  hauls,  1^  inches,  16 
fathoms  each  ;  100  fathoms  ratline.  2  schooners  rigging, 
viz  :  100  fathoms  3  inch  ;  2  stays,  28  fathoms,  3i  inches  ; 
2  coils,  2  inches,  120  fathoms  ;  1  coil  of  thread  ratline 
spun  yarn,  in  proportion  for  the  whole  ;  house  line  ;  mar- 
line ;  1  doz.  hamberline,  white. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Varick,  secretary  to  General 
Schuyler,  directed  to  Mr.  McKesson,  was  read,  and  is  pre- 
fixed. Mr.  Varick  thereby  requests,  in  the  General's 
name,  the  articles  mentioned  in  the  following  order,  to  be 
forwarded  to  Albany  with  all  possible  despatch.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curtenius,  as  Commissary, 
transmit  to  Albany,  by  the  first  opportunity,  for  the  Conti- 
nental service,  in  compliance  with  General  Schuyler's  re- 
quest, (made  by  his  secretary,)  a  complete  set  of  blocks  of 
every  kind,  for  two  vessels  and  two  pettiaugers  on  the  lakes, 
and  five  pieces  of  English  duck,  for  sails  for  the  pettiau- 
gers, and  the  following  rigging  and  necessaries,  viz  :  6  coils 
of  spun  yarn  ;  2  jib  stays  of  6i  inches,  200  fathoms  2  inch 
rope  ;  200  fathoms  2\  inch  rope  ;  100  fathoms  3  inch  rope  ; 
2  coils  of  ratline  ;  3  J  inch  stays  ;  1  dozen  white  hamber- 
line ;  12  doz.  marline  and  houseline  ;  and  that  he  direct 
the  store  keeper,  or  commissary  at  Albany,  to  give  notice 
thereof,  when  he  receive  those  articles,  to  Major-General 
Schuyler,  or  Captain  Varick. 


109 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  MERCURII,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

May  8,  1776. 

Several  matters  of  the  utmost  importance  as  well  to  the 
United  Colonies  in  general  as  to  this  Colony  in  particular, 
rendering  it  necessary  for  a  speedy  meeting  of  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  this  Colony.  The  Committee  of 
Safety  therefore  ordered  circular  letters  to  be  sent  to  all 
the  members,  requesting  their  attendance  in  Provincial 
Congress,  at  New-York,  on  the  first  day  of  this  inst. 
May.  On  that  day,  and  every  day  since,  many  members 
attended,  but  not  a  sufficient  number  to  make  a  Congress, 
till  this  afternoon,  when  the  following  members  met,  vizt : 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Evt.  Bancker, 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Denning — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Ward,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Col.  Lewis  Graham 
— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Glen — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Dewitt,  Colo.  Palmer,  Mr.  Wisner — For  Ul- 
ster. 

Mr.  Lawrence—  Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham — For  Suffolk. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

The  President,  Genl.  Woodhull,  took  the  chair,  and 
the  Congress  proceeded  to  business. 

The  Congress  having  found  by  experience,  that  the  pu- 
blic service  is  daily  suffering  for  want  of  money,  and  be- 
ing informed  by  many  members  that  the  treasury  has  for 
the  most  pait  of  the  time,  been  empty  near  three  weeks 
past,  and  that  several  members  have  lent  considerable 
sums  for  the  public  service  :  That  sundry  officers  under 
marching  orders  from  the  General,  are  now  in  town  wait- 
ing for  money  to  discharge  the  billeting  and  other  expen- 
ses of  their  men,  without  which  they  cannot  remove  them  : 
That  the  sum  this  Congress  ordered  to  be  issued  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  being  entirely  in  small  bills,  made 
for  change,  requires  so  much  lime  to  sign  the  bills,  that 
the  money  cannot  be  signed  so  fast  as  to  satisfy  the  de- 
mands on  the  treasury  :  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  whole  sum  ordered  by 
this  Congress  on  the  fifth  day  of  March  last  to  be  printed, 
be  issued.  That  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt  be  requested  to 
have  all  the  bills  mentioned  in  the  resolutions  of  this  Con- 


gress on  that  day,  and  ordered  by  those  resolutions  to  be 
printed,  to  wit,  the  whole  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  numbered,  signed, 
and  sent  to  the  treasury. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  state  of  Colo. 
McDougall's  regiment,  and  heard  the  returns  of  each  se- 
parate company  read. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  of  Colo.  McDougall's  re- 
giment, and  his  subalterns,  and  the  subalterns  of  the  com- 
pany whereof  Capt.  Willett  was  appointed  to  be  captain, 
do  attend  on  this  Congress  to-morrow  morning,  at  eleven 
o'clock. 

Capt.  Increase  Child  attending,  was  admitted.  He  in- 
formed the  Congress,  that  by  order  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  he  was  authorized  to  enlist  a  company  in  the  Con- 
tinental service  in  this  Colony,  on  condition  that  he  could 
raise  his  company  in  three  weeks  from  the  twelfth  day  of 
April  last.  That  he  and  the  gentleman  intended  as  his 
first  lieutenant,  have  enlisted  fifty-six  men.  That  he  re- 
ceived his  warrant  so  late  that  he  had  not  had  the  oppor- 
tunity which  he  before  expected,  to  enlist  out  of  the  mi- 
nute regiment,  and  that  he  had  met  with  greater  difficul- 
ties in  recruiting  than  he  expected. 

Resolved,  That  if  Capt.  Increase  Child  and  his  first 
lieutenant  shall,  within  fourteen  days  from  this  day,  bring 
fifty-six  or  more  men,  fit  for  service,  to  Lieut.  Colo. 
Livingston,  to  join  the  regiment  at  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  and  thereafter  obtain  from  Lieutenant-Colo. 
Livingston,  and  transmit  to  the  Provincial  Congress  or 
Committee  of  Safety,  a  certificate  thereof,  that  the  said 
Increase  Child,  and  John  Lloyd,  his  first  lieutenant,  shall 
be  entitled  to  commissions.  That  if  the  said  company  be 
completed  within  three  weeks  from  this  day,  that  the  other 
subalterns  shall  also  be  entitled  to  commissions. 

This  Congress  being  informed  that  General  Washington 
has  ordered  Lieutenant-Colonel  Livingston  to  repair  to  the 
Highlands,  are  of  opinion  that  they  would  not  discharge 
their  duty  to  the  Continent,  and  might  incur  blame  if  Co- 
lo. Nicoll  should  be  continued  there  in  service. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Colonel  Nicoll  be  relieved 
from  further  service  at  present  at  the  fortifications,  as  soon 
as  Lieutenat- Colonel  Livingston  shall  have  arrived  there, 
and  be  ready  to  receive  the  command.    That  the  thanks 


43(3 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


of  this  Congress  be  and  hereby  are  given  to  Colonel  Ni- 
coll  for  his  faithful  service,  and  his  strict  attention  to  the 
public  interest  since  he  has  been  in  the  command  at  the 
said  fortifications. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

May  9th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Roosevelt  -  For  New-York. 

Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Ward—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Oothout—  For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Dewit,  Colo.  Palmer,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Covenhoven— Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary,  deliver 
to  the  Captains  Griffin,  Roe  and  Davis,  of  Colo.  Clinton's 
regiment,  for  the  use  of  their  respective  companies,  car- 
tridge pouches,  bayonets,  belts,  slings  and  flints,  not  ex- 
ceeding eighty-four  of  each  article  to  each  company,  ex- 
cept flints,  and  of  those  two  hundred  and  fifty-two  to  each 
company,  and  take  their  respective  receipts  for  the  same. 

Major  Malcom  attending  was  admitted  ;  he  informed  the 
Congress  that  the  second  regiment  has  been  on  duty  six 
weeks,  and  are  much  in  want  of  money.  He  requested 
that  a  month's  pay  might  [be]  paid  to  them.  Mr.  Malcom 
withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Paulding 
and  Mr.  Cuyler,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  terms 
and  conditions  on  which  the  second  regiment  were  em- 
ployed, and  by  whom,  and  whether  they  will  be  paid  at 
the  Continental  expense  ;  and  that  the  said  committee,  or 
a  majority  of  them,  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Capt.  Brown  of  Colo.  Mc  Dougall's  regiment,  with  his 
subalterns,  and  the  subalterns  for  enlisting  the  company 
whereof  Captn.  Willet  was  formerly  appointed  captain,  at- 
tending according  to  order,  were  admitted.  Their  returns 
were  examined,  whereby  it  appears  that  the  subalterns  of 
the  late  Capt.  Willet's  company  have  only  17  or  18  men, 
non-commissioned  officers  included,  in  their  company  ;  and 
Capt.  Brown  no  more  than  12  or  13  men,  non-commission- 
ed officers  included,  in  his  company.  Those  gentlemen 
being  withdrawn,  the  Congress,  taking  the  state  of  those 
companies  into  consideration,  are  of  the  opinion  that  the 
public  exigencies  absolutely  require  that  those  gentlemen 
be  dismissed  the  service.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  they  be  dismissed,  and  they  are  hereby 
dismissed  accordingly  ;  and  that  they  be  paid  for  their  ser- 
vices, from  the  dates  of  their  respective  warrants  to  this 
day,  and  their  enlisting  money  for  so  many  effective  men 
as  they  shall  deliver  to  the  regiment,  when  they  shall  have 
delivered  the  arms  and  accoutrements  they  have  received, 
to  Capt.  John  Johnson  ;  and  that  it  be  recommended  to 
Colo.  McDougall  to  add  the  privates  of  those  two  compa- 
nies to  Captn.  John  Johnson's  company.  And  it  is  here- 
by declared  that  the  above  mentioned  gentlemen  are  not 
dismissed  from  any  dissatisfaction  with  their  conduct,  but, 
with  great  reluctance,  from  necessity  only,  because  they 
have  been  so  unfortunate  in  their  attempts  to  recruit  their 
companies.  And  as  to  such  non-commissioned  officers  of 
those  two  companies,  as  are  well  qualified  for  iheir  offices, 

Resolved,  That  they  be  placed  in  such  companies  of 
the  regiment  as  are  not  supplied  with  such  officers,  and 
that  the  other  non-commissioned  officers  of  the  said  com- 
panies be  and  they  are  hereby  dismissed. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has  sent 
12  or  1300  pounds,  in  small  money,  lo  the  treasury  ;  that 
he  has,  pursuant  to  the  order  of  this  Congress,  delivered 
out  a  number  of  the  paper  bills  of  large  denominations  lo 


be  signed,  and  expects  that  by  Monday  next  several  thou- 
sand pounds  will  be  ready  to  send  to  the  treasury. 

The  petition  of  Joseph  Wood,  the  younger,  on  behalf 
of  himself  and  other  merchants  of  Philadelphia,  therein 
named,  was  read.  They  therein  set  forth  their  loss  by 
the  seizure  of  a  vessel  and  cargo  belonging  to  them,  by  Jo- 
siah  Martin,  Esqr.  late  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  with 
an  account  of  their  loss  thereto  annexed,  amounting  to 
£1,295  3s.  Id.  Pennsylvania  currency,  and  pray  an  order 
to  seize  the  effects  of  the  said  Josiah  Martin  in  this  Colo- 
ny to  reimburse  the  petitioners. 

The  invoices  and  bills  of  lading  of  the  cargo  of  the  said 
vessel,  a  report  of  a  committee  of  the  Congress  of  North 
Carolina,  on  the  case  of  the  petitioners,  and  also  a  protest  of 
Thos.  Jones,  a  notary  public  at  North  Carolina,  for  the 
loss  suffered  by  the  petitioners,  were  severally  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Wynkoop  and  Mr.  Har- 
ing, be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  petition  and  papers 
into  consideration,  and  report  thereon  with  all  convenint 
speed. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Abraham  Livingston,  requesting  that 
his  contract  for  supplying  the  troops  be  settled,  and  offering 
to  relinquish  said  contract,  as  the  Continental  Congress  con- 
sider his  agreement  extravagant,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Livingston  to  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  also  offering  to  relinquish  said  contract,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  9th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  Lott — For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Dewit,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Glen— Albany. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Wickham— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker — Richmond. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  reported  to  this  Congress,  that 
Brigadier-General  Gates,  attended  yesterday  with  a  mes- 
sage from  His  Excellency  General  Washington ;  that  he 
delivered  a  letter  from  Thomas  R.  Harris,  late  master's 
mate,  and  Wm.  Metcalfe,  late  midshipman  of  the  Ministe- 
rial armed  vessel  the  Savage,  now  prisoners  of  war,  in  the 
jail,  requesting  some  relaxation  of  their  confinement. 

Mr.  Gates  mentioned  that  many  such  prisoners  have 
been  enlarged,  and  are  prisoners  on  their  parol.  That 
His  Excellency  General  Washington  thinks  it  necessary 
that  some  inland  town  or  village  in  this  Colony,  should 
be  fixed  on,  where  the  above  mentioned  prisoners,  and  such 
others  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  thought  proper  to  be 
enlarged,  may  be  sent  to  and  lodged. 

Resolved,  That  the  township  of  Goshen,  in  Orange 
county,  is  the  most  proper  inland  town  or  village  in  this 
Colony  for  the  placing  of  prisoners  on  parol,  as  well  on 
account  of  the  unanimity  of  the  inhabitants  in  the  cause  of 
their  country,  as  of  ils  distance  from  any  navigable  river. 
And  it  is  hereby  earnestly  recommended  to  the  committee 
of  Goshen  precinct  in  particular,  and  to  every  other  friend 
to  American  liberty  in  this  Colony,  to  apprehend  any  such 
prisoner  as  may  be  sent  to  Goshen,  if  such  prisoner  or 
person  shall  be  found  out  of  the  limits  assigned  him. 

General  Washington's  letter  to  the  Committee  of  Safety 
on  the  20th  day  of  April  last,  on  the  subject  of  having  part 
of  the  militia  in  readiness  to  be  called  in  on  any  emergen- 
cy, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Haring,  Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Palmer, 
Mr.  Wisner  and  Colo.  Drake,  be  a  committee  to  take  the 
said  letter  into  consideration,  and  to  report  thereon  with  all 
convenient  speed,  and  that  the  said  letter  be  delivered  to 
one  of  those  gentlemen. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


437 


Capt.  Alner,  Lieut.  Rutgers  and  Capt.  Wool,  three  of  the 
general  committee  of  the  city,  attended  on  the  Congress, 
and  informed,  that  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  the  resolutions  and  directions  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  for  disarming  disaffected  persons,  the 
committee  of  the  city  had  determined  that  such  persons  as 
refused  to  subscribe  the  declaration  that  they  would  de- 
fend the  United  Colonies  by  arms,  should,  on  oath,  deliver 
up  all  their  arms  which  they  had  in  this  Colony.  That 
some  persons  who  have  refused  to  sign  the  declaration, 
have  also  refused  to  take  an  oath  that  they  have  delivered  up 
all  their  arms.  That  John  L.  C.  Rome  was  the  first  who 
refused,  and  others  now  follow  his  example.  That  by  this 
means  they  may  probably  retain  arms  to  be  used  against 
the  Colonies,  and  that  they  request  such  farther  powers, 
and  such  line  of  direction  to  the  committee,  as  this  Con- 
gress shall  think  proper  and  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  application  be  taken  into  consi- 
deration to-morrow. 

Capt.  Mercier  informed  the  Congress,  that  one  or  two 
deserters  from  the  armed  vessel,  of  which  Capt.  Nathl. 
Rodgers  is  commander,  are  on  shore,  and  requested  to  know 
whether  he  should  cause  them  to  be  apprehended ;  and  if 
so,  what  farther  should  be  done  with  them. 

Mr.  Mercier  was  desired  to  call  to-morrow  for  directions. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  10th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Bancker—  For 
New-York. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Othoudt — Albany. 

Doctor  De  Witt,  Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Palmer— Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring— Orange. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

Colo.  Covenhoven — .Kings. 

Jacob  Sharpe,  Esqr.  of  Kings  county,  attended,  and  deli- 
vered a  letter  dated  this  day,  from  Charles  Friend,  giving 
information  that  he  has  reason  to  believe  that  the  Conti- 
nental money  is  counterfeited  on  Nassau  island,  and  that 
he  can  give  farther  information  on  the  subject. 

The  Congress  was  informed  that  the  said  Charles  Friend 
is  at  Broecklyn  ;  that  he  is  under  some  difficulties  which 
prevent  his  coming  to  this  city,  but  will  cheerfully  attend  on 
his  receiving  a  protection  from  this  Congress.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Charles  Friend  be  and  here- 
by shall  be  protected  from  all  arrests  in  coming  to  this  city 
attending  upon  this  Congress,  until  he  shall  be  discharged, 
and  until  he  shall  have  returned  to  his  usual  place  of  abode. 
And  all  sheriffs,  constables,  and  other  civil  officers  whom- 
soever, are  hereby  strictly  charged  not  to  arrest  or  inter- 
rupt the  said  Charles  Friend  during  the  time  aforesaid,  as 
the  person  or  persons  so  offending  will  answer  the  contrary 
at  his  or  their  peril. 

Mr.  Benson  reported,  that  according  to  the  order  of  the 
Congress  yesterday,  he  waited  on  General  Washington, 
and  had  informed  him  that  by  a  former  order  of  this  Con- 
gress the  committee  of  Suffolk  county  had  agreed  with  pro- 
per persons  to  supply  the  troops  ordered  there  with  rations 
at  10^  per  ration,  and  requested  to  know  whether  the  said 
troops  should  be  provided  in  that  manner,  or  supplied  by 
the  Commissary-General  or  his  order. 

That  the  General  was  pleased  to  give  for  answer  that 
it  will  be  most  proper,  to  prevent  confusion  in  accounts, 
that  the  Commissary-General  should  supply  them,  but  that 
lest  the  Commissary-General  should  not  be  prepared  to 
supply  them  immediately,  that  it  would  be  well  that  the  per- 
sons contracted  with  should  continue  to  supply  them  until 
the  Commissary  shall  have  it  in  his  power  to  supply  them. 

110 


A  resolution  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany, 
dated  the  1st  March,  1776,  was  read  and  filed,  they  there- 
by give  power  and  authority  to  any  three  of  their  deputies 
to  represent  the  said  city  and  county  in  Provincial  Con- 
gress. 

Capt.  Henry  O'Harra,  of  Colo.  Wynkoop's  regiment, 
attending,  was  admitted.  He  produced  a  certificate  signed 
by  Stephen  Moylan,  commissary  of  musters,  whereby  it 
appears  that  he  mustered  that  part  of  Captain  O'Harra's 
company  which  is  now  in  New-York,  consisting  of  one 
captain,  the  ensign,  two  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drum 
and  one  fife,  with  thirty-seven  privates.  Captain  O'Harra 
assured  the  Congress  that  he  has  enlisted  as  many  more 
men  in  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Charlotte  as  will  com- 
plete his  company ;  that  the  regiment  is  ordered  to  be  sta- 
tioned at  the  northern  posts  ;  he  therefore  requested  an  or- 
der on  the  Commissary  for  frocks,  &c.  for  his  whole  com- 
pany, that  he  may  be  enabled  to  march  with  the  men  en- 
listed here  and  with  those  enlisted  to  the  northward,  to  join 
the  regiment.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Captain 
O'Harra,  of  Colo.  Wynkoop's  regiment,  such  articles,  (in 
his  department,)  as  are  allowed  by  Congress  for  86  men, 
non-commissioned  officers  included,  and  take  his  receipt 
for  the  same. 

Jacob  Sharpe,  Esqr.  returned,  and  brought  with  him 
Charles  Friend,  who,  being  examined,  gave  the  following 
intelligence,  to  wit :  Charles  Friend,  of  Westbury,  in 
Queens  county,  says,  "  that  he  went  about  three  weeks  to 
Cold  Springs  ;  that  he  called  at  the  house  of  one  John  An- 
derson, who  told  him  that  there  was  a  countryman  of  his, 
the  examinant,  down  there;  that  he  asked  him  what  his 
name  was,  he  answered  Henry  Dawkins  ;  he  further  asked 
him  where  he  resided  ;  he  told  him  at  Isaac  Youngs.  He, 
the  examinant,  then  replied  that  he  supposed  they  were 
making  money.  Anderson  answered  and  said  he  knew  it, 
and  told  the  examinant  that  Dawkins'  tools,  and  a  chest  of 
tools,  were  at  Isaac  Youngs'  house;  he  farther  told  the  exa- 
minant that  one  of  the  Youngs,  Israel  or  Isaac,  had  been  to 
Nathl.  Williams',  at  Huntington,  to  purchase  paper,  but 
found  that  the  paper  would  not  do.  Anderson  farther  told 
this  examinant  that  he  has  heard  Isaac  Youngs  say  that  he 
would  pay  all  his  debts  this  summer  in  Congress  money. 
This  examinant  says  he  believes  one  Isaac  Ketchum  to  be 
concerned  ;  that  he  was  told  yesterday  that  Dawkins  was 
gone  to  live  with  Isaac  Ketchum. 

"CHARLES  FRIEND. 
"  Sworn  before  me  this  10th  > 
May,  1776.  5 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

Whereupon  the  following  order  was  unanimously  agreed 
to : 

Whereas  this  Congress  is  informed,  on  oath,  that  there 
is  great  cause  of  suspicion  that  Henry  Dawkins,  Israel 
Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs,  Isaac  Ketchum  and  John  Ander- 
son, of  Cold  Spring,  on  Nassau  Island,  are  counterfeiting 
the  paper  currency  emitted  by  the  Continental  and  this 
Congress  : 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Colo.  Malcom  be  requested 
forthwith  to  despatch  Captain  Wool  with  a  sufficient  guard 
to  Cold  Spring,  on  Nassau  Island,  and  that  the  said  guard 
do  take  all  possible  means  in  their  power  to  apprehend  and 
seize  the  said  Henry  Dawkins,  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac 
Youngs,  Isaac  Ketchum  and  John  Anderson,  and  bring 
them,  (together  with  all  suspicious  tools  and  other  mate- 
rials,) before  the  Congress,  without  delay  ;  and  the  seve- 
ral committees  within  whose  neighbourhood  the  said  sus- 
pected persons  respectively  reside,  are  hereby  requested  to 
give  all  the  aid  that  shall  be  required  of  them  by  Captain 
Wool,  for  the  effectual  execution  of  this  order. 

A  return  daled  April  13th,  1776,  signed  by  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  New  Town,  in 
Queens  county,  was  read,  whereby  it  appears  that  the  fol- 


438 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


lowing  persons  were  chosen  officers  of  the  militia  in  the 
said  township,  to  wit : 

Abraham  Rcmsen,  capt. ;  Benjamin  Coe,  1st  lieut. ; 
Robert  Furmarj,  2d  lieut. ;  Benjamin  North,  ensign,  of  a 
company  of  militia  for  the  southernmost  beat  or  district. 
Jonathan  Lawrence,  capt.;  William  Sacket,  1st  lieut.; 
William  Lawrence,  2d  lieut. ;  Jesse  Warner,  ensign,  for 
the  north  beat  or  district.  Richard  Lawrence,  capt.  ; 
Daniel  Lawrence,  1st  lieut.;  Samuel  Riker,  2d  lieut.; 
Jonathan  Coe,  cornet ;  Peter  Rapalye,  qr.  master,  troop  of 
light  horse. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen  in- 
stantaneously ;  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  draft  a  letter  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Queens  county,  recommending  to  them  the  form- 
ing and  regulating  the  militia  of  the  said  county  without 
delay. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wynkoop,  Colo.  Allison  and  Colo. 
Lewis  Graham  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  report 
an  amendment  to  the  militia  law,  so  far  as  the  same 
respects  the  disarmed  non-associators,  with  all  possible 
speed. 

Colo.  Palmer  applied  for  an  order  on  the  Treasurer. 
He  informed  the  Congress  that  the  commissoners  at  the 
lower  fort,  to  wit,  at  Pooplopen  kill,  borrowed  two  hundred 
and  fifty-two  pounds  of  the  commissioners  at  the  upper 
fort ;  that  the  commissioners  at  Pooplopen's  kill  are  indebt- 
ed for  sundry  articles  ;  that  they  will  have  occasion  for  at 
least  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ad- 
vance to  Colo.  Thomas  Palmer,  as  one  of  the  commis- 
sioners for  erecting  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty-two  pounds,  to 
be  expended  and  applied  for  erecting  the  fortifications  in 
the  Highlands,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same,  on  Con- 
tinental account. 

Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr.  having  applied  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  for  the  premium  for  erecting  a  powder 
mill,  is  entitled  to  receive  the  same,  on  giving  security  and 
entering  into  contract.  Mr.  Wisner  also  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  there  is  a  very  considerable  sum  due  to  him 
from  the  Colony,  on  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress for  manufacturing  of  gunpowder ;  that  he  intends  to 
have  his  partner  bound  with  him  in  the  contract  for  erecting 
a  powder  mill;  that  he  requests  the  sum  of  £150  from 
the  treasury  on  his  bond  for  that  sum,  in  part  of  either  of 
the  sums  above  mentioned  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Henry  Wisner, 
Junr.  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £150  on  his  bond  payable  the  first 
day  of  July  next. 

Whereas,  frequent  complaints  have  been  made  to  this 
Congress  that  many  of  the  male  inhabitants  have,  at  this 
critical  season,  withdrawn  themselves  from  the  capital  of 
this  Colony,  whereby  its  strength  and  powers  of  defence 
are  much  weakened,  and  the  inhabitants  who  remain  the 
more  exposed  :  On  motion, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  every  male  inhabitant  of 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  above  the  age  of  sixteen 
years,  and  under  the  age  of  fifty  years,  who  has  withdrawn 
himself  from  the  same  since  the  first  day  of  June  last,  past, 
be  required,  and  he  is  hereby  required,  to  return  without 
delay  with  his  arms  and  accoutrements,  and  that  every  male 
inhabitant  between  the  said  several  ages  be  henceforth  pro- 
hibited, and  is  hereby  prohibited,  from  departing  this  city 
and  county,  and  absconding  himself  from  the  same  for  more 
than  twenty-four  hours,  without  leave  of  the  Colonel,  or 
commanding  officer  of  the  battalion  or  regiment  to  which  he 
belongs;  and  that  the  committees  in  the  neighbouring  coun- 
ties and  Colonies  into  whose  district  such  inhabitant  of  this 
city  and  county  have  so  withdrawn  themselves,  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  requested,  to  take  effectual  means  to  com- 
pel the  said  inhabitants  who  have  so  withdrawn  themselves, 


to  return  to  their  usual  places  of  abode  in  the  said  city  and 
county.  And, 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  published  in  all  the 
public  newspapers  in  this  Colony. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  \0th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scotl,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Prince,  Colo 

McDougall — New-York. 

Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  De  Witt,  Colo.  Palmer,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.— Ulster 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Othoudt— Albany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Lawrence — Richmond. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Colo.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Directions  for  Capt.  Thomas  Cregier  of  the  armed 
schooner  General  Putnam,  were  read  and  approved,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Capt.  Thomas  Cregier  : 

"  Sir — You  are  hereby  directed  to  inform  his 
Excellency  General  Washington,  that  the  armed  schooner 
named  the  General  Putnam  under  your  command,  is  fitted 
and  ready  to  proceed  to  sea. 

"  You  are  diligently  to  observe  and  follow  such  orders 
and  directions  as  you  shall  from  time  to  time  receive  from 
General  Washington,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony." 

A  copy  of  the  said  instructions  signed  by  the  President, 
were  delivered  to  the  said  Thos.  Cregier,  and  he  was  di- 
rected to  show  them  to  Genl.  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alderman  Brasher,  Capt.  Denning, 
Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Prince 
and  Mr.  Rutgers  be  requested  to  attend  this  Congress  pre- 
cisely at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  and  that  the  door- 
keeper fail  not  to  give  notice  to  those  gentlemen  of  this 
order,  without  delay.  And 

Ordered,  That  every  member  now  present  who  has  not 
leave  of  absence,  do  attend  at  the  same  time  with  punc- 
tuality. 


DIE  SABBATI,  a.  m. 

May  llth,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher,  Colo.  McDougall,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr. 
Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Scot!,  Colo.  Lott 
— For  New- York. 

Colo.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Jos.  Drake  —  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Oothout,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Mbany. 

r.  Dewit,  Colo.  Palmer,  Mr.  Wynkoop,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 
Colo.  Van  Brunt— Kings. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham— For  Suffolk. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 
Mr.  E.  Bancker — Richmond. 

Thomas  Wooley,  of  Cowneck,  feltmaker,  was  brought 
under  a  guard  before  the  Congress  pursuant  to  the  order  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  8th  instant. 

The  examination  of  Thomas  Mitchell  was  read  to  Tho- 
mas Wooley.  He  denies  the  charges  therein  charged 
against  him,  and  and  says  he  is  clerk  to  Colo.  BlackwelPs 
regiment. 

Capt.  Sands  says  the  charges  are  true,  and  first  produces 
a  certificate  from  Timothy  Smith,  Es<|r. 

Isaac  Smith,  of  Hempstead,  in  Queens  county,  Esqr. 
being  examined,  says  :  that  he  was  talking  with  Capt. 
Sands  at  Richard  Smith's  ;  that  Thomas  Wooley  came  up 
to  them  in  his  brother's  house,  and  told  Capt.  Sands  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


439 


he  had  taken  his  goods  from  him  ;  that  he  had  taken  a  hat 
from  him  which  lie  usually  sold  at  50s.  and  sold  it  for  30s. 
and  that  he  demanded  satisfaction ;  that  he  turned  to  Mr. 
Smith,  and  told  him  he  demanded  a  summons  for  him ; 
that  he  understood  it  was  for  taking  away  his  goods,  to 
wit,  the  said  hat ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  declined  having 
any  thing  to  do  with  the  affair  and  left  them.  Being  asked 
by  Wooley  whether  he  said  he  had  no  other  demand 
against  him,  Mr.  Smith  says,  he  does  not  remember  that 
he  said  he  had  no  other  demand. 

Captain  Sands  gave  a  relation  of  the  transaction  at  Her- 
rick's.  Thomas  Wooley  also  related  the  affair  in  his  own 
light :  says  he  did  apply  for  a  summons  ;  that  Capt.  Sands 
had  formerly  had  dealings  with  him  ;  that  he  thought 
Capt.  Sands  had  acted  illegally,  and  he  intended  to  sup- 
port his  suit  as  well  as  he  could. 

Mr.  Sands  related  the  charge  of  the  challenge  on  the  last 
field-day. 

Thos.  Wooley  says,  that  he  was  summoned,  the  first 
day  he  appeared  without  arms  ;  the  second  day  he  appear- 
ed, and  told  Capt.  Sands  he  thought  he  had  no  right  to  call 
on  him  under  arms  ;  that  the  last  day  he  determined  not  to 
insult  him  in  the  execution  of  his  office  ;  that  Mr.  Sands 
affronted  [him]  by  calling  him  a  fellow  ;  that  in  the  inter- 
val he  called  on  him  for  satisfaction  ;  that  Mr.  Sands  told 
him  he  should  have  it ;  that  he  thought  Mr.  Sands'  answer 
entitled  him  to  propose  a  sword  and  small  thing  that  would 
speak. 

That  he  had  not  arms  of  his  own  when  Colo.  Herd 
was  in  Queens  county,  which  he  told  Colo.  Herd ;  that  he 
told  Colo.  Herd  he  had  voted  against  Deputies ;  that  he 
told  him  he  had  one  which  was  left  as  a  pawn  for  a 
debt,  and  which  he  has  since  sold  to  Mr.  Allen  ;  that  he 
is  willing  to  bear  arms  if  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Thomas  Mitchell  was  called,  and  his  deposition  again 
read. 

Thomas  Wooley  says,  that  he  can  prove  by  some  of  the 
guard  that  he  did  not  threaten  to  prosecute  the  whole 
guard  ;  that  the  jailer  said  he  was  not  a  jailer  for  the  Con- 
gress ;  that  he  prevailed  on  the  jailer  to  keep  him  in  his 
house  till  next  day  ;  that  the  jailer  went  to  the  sheriff  next 
day  and  returned  ;  said  the  sheriff  did  not  think  proper 
to  detain  him. 

Aspinwall  Cornell  says,  that  he  has  seen  the  deputy 
sheriff  since,  who  told  him  that  Thomas  Wooley  would 
not  stay  with  him  ;  that  he  did  not  detain  him  because  he 
thought  the  captain's  warrant  not  sufficient. 

The  demand  of  the  prisoner  from  the  jailer  by  Capt. 
Sands  was  read.    The  jailer's  answer  thereon  was  read. 

Being  cross-examined  by  the  defendant  he  says,  that  the 
defendant  did  not  attempt  to  escape,  used  the  guard  well, 
but  declared  his  opinion  that  Capt.  Sands  had  not  power 
to  commit  him. 

The  parties  and  witnesses  were  ordered  to  withdraw 
into  the  City  Hall. 

The  Congress  took  the  premises  into  consideration,  and 
after  some  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Haring  moved,  and  was 
seconded  by  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  that  Thomas  Wooley  be 
immediately  committed  to  the  jail  of  Queens  county. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Albany,   3 

Richmond,   2 

Kings,   2 


For  the  affirmative. 

Orange,   2 

Ulster,   2 

Westchester,   2 

New-York,   4 

—  7 

10 

Therefore, 

Resolvp.d,  That  Thomas  Wooley  be  immediately  com- 
mitted to  the  jail  in  Queens  county. 

Thereupon  a  warrant  or  mittimus  was  made  out  and  de- 
livered to  Capt.  John  Sands,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 


I  "  Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  upon  sufficient 
proof,  and  after  hearing  of,  and  defence  made  by  Thomas 
Wooley,  of  Cockneck,  in  Queens  county,  felt  maker,  that 
the  said  Thomas  Wooley  has  three  times  contumaciously 
refused  to  appear  in  arms  in  the  military  company  of  the 
district  in  which  he  resides,  commanded  by  Captain  John 
Sands,  and  has  challenged  his  said  captain  to  a  duel  for 
having  done  his  duty  in  his  office  towards  the  said  Thomas 
Wooley,  and  therefore  appears  to  this  Congress  as  a  per- 
son whose  going  at  large  is  dangerous  to  the  liberties  of 
America  :  it  is  hereby 

"  Ordered,  That  the  said  Captain  Sands  do  convey  the 
said  Thomas  Wooley  to  the  common  jail  of  Queens  coun- 
ty ;  and  the  keeper  of  the  said  jail  is  hereby  ordered  and 
required  to  receive  the  said  Thomas  Wooley  into  his  cus- 
tody, and  him  safely  keep  in  the  common  jail  aforesaid,  at 
his  own  expense,  until  further  order  of  this  or  some  future 
Provincial  Congress  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Co- 
lony." 

Brigadier-Genl.  Gates  informed  the  Congress,  that 
His  Excellency  General  Washington  has  ordered  all  the 
troops  (except  the  artillery  corps)  immediately  to  encamp. 
That  the  General  wishes  some  respectable  citizens 
were  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  houses  from  which 
troops  are  removing,  to  have  them  shut  up  ;  that  His  Ex- 
cellency conceives  that  it  may  be  necessary  to  have  the 
houses  cleaned,  to  prevent  any  infection  or  disorder  to  arise 
therefrom  in  the  city ;  and  that  General  Washington  is 
willing  to  give  any  aid  in  his  power  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  General  Washington's  message  be  re- 
ferred to  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York, 
as  within  their  proper  department. 

Mr.  Prince  produced  to  the  Congress  two  receipts,  both 
dated  April  1st,  1776,  and  signed  by  Wessel  F.  Wessels, 
for  and  on  behalf  of  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Commissary,  ac- 
knowledging to  have  received  from  Mr.  Prince,  twenty-eight 
sash  lead  weights,  weighing  four  hundred,  three  quarters 
and  twenty-three  pounds,  taken  out  of  the  Exchange  ;  as 
also  seventy-nine  sash  lead  weights,  weighing  fourteen 
hundred,  one  quarter  and  twenty-seven  pounds,  all  gross 
weight,  taken  out  of  the  old  City  Hall,  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  made  and  delivered  to  him  on  the 
25lh  day  of  March  last  past. 

Die  Sabbati,     ho.  P.  M.  May  Uth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Prince,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Stouten- 
bergh,  Colo.  McDougall — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Jos.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Oulhout,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — ilbany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  De  Witt,  Colo.  Palmer—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Van  Brunt — Kings. 

Mr.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 

Mr.  Adn.  Bancker — Richmond. 


DIE  LUNiE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  13th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  McDougall,  Mr.  Beekman,  Captn.  Denning,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker, 
Mr.  Prince,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Brasher— For 
New-  York. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Oothout — Albany. 
Colo.  Palmer,  Doctor  Dewitt,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 
Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Joseph  Drake,  Colo.  Lewis  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Haring,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 

A  letter  from  Doctor  Perkins,  bearing  date  this  day,  was 


440 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


read  and  filed.  He  thereby  requests  to  be  appointed  sur- 
geon to  Colonel  Ritzema's  regiment. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  bearing  date  this 
thirteenth  day  of  May,  was  read  and  filed,  and  therein  en- 
closes a  resolve  of  Congress,  regulating  the  price  of  tea, 
and  a  letter  from  Mr.  Isaac  Sears,  alleging  that  he  has 
hitherto  observed  the  said  resolution  of  Congress  in  the  sale 
of  his  teas,  but  that  he  has  been  informed  that  there  is  a 
probability  that  some  persons  in  New-York  may  violate 
the  said  resolution,  and  therefore  signifies  that  he  will  with- 
hold the  further  sale  of  his  teas. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  papers  be  filed. 

"New York,  nth  May,  1776. 

"  Sir — As  applications  are  frequently  made  by  officers 
of  militia,  that  come  for  the  defence  of  this  city  for  their 
pay,  I  enclose  you  a  resolve  of  Congress  on  that  subject, 
which  passed  the  26th  of  April.  You  have  also  herewith 
a  letter  I  received  from  Mr.  Sears,  of  New-Haven,  the 
subject  of  which  is  of  consequence,  but  very  foreign  to  my 
department.  I  doubt  not  but  your  Honble.  Convention 
will  take  the  matter  under  consideration,  and  put  a  stop  to 
the  evil  Mr.  Sears  is  apprehensive  of. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  ob.  h.  st. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  New-York 

Convention  or  Congress." 

"  In  Congress,  April  26th,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  the  respective  governments  from 
whence  militias  have  come  for  the  defence  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  be  desired  speedily  to  transmit  to  Congress 
authenticated  muster  rolls,  and  accounts  of  moneys  due  to 
such  respective  militias,  in  order  to  their  being  immediate- 
ly settled  and  discharged." 

Colonel  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  the  time 
allowed  to  Colonel  Ritzema,  to  receive  arms  from  the  Co- 
lony storekeeper,  is  expired,  and  that,  therefore,  he  re- 
quests an  order  for  arms  in  his  turn.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Colonel  McDougall,  or  to  such 
captains  in  his  regiment  as  shall  have  Colonel  McDougall's 
orders,  all  the  muskets  and  firelocks  fit  for  use,  which  now 
are  or  may  come  into  the  Colony  store  in  the  course  of  fif- 
teen days  from  the  date  hereof,  and  that  the  said  Commis- 
sary take  a  receipt  of  Colonel  McDougall,  or  of  the  cap- 
tains to  whom  such  arms  shall  be  delivered,  to  the  end 
that  the  same  may  be  accounted  for  and  paid  for  to  the 
Colony. 

Resolved,  That  Alexander  Montcreif,  the  jailer  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  be  allowed  for  his  pay  at  and  after 
the  rate  of  four  pounds  per  month,  from  the  fourteenth  day 
of  March  last,  the  day  he  was  employed  as  such,  while  he 
continues  in  that  service.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  Alexander  Mont- 
crief  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  for  his  wages,  from  the  14th 
day  of  March  last  to  the  fourteenth  instant,  included. 

A  warrant  was  issued  to  Leonard  Bleecker,  gentleman, 
to  be  first  lieutenant  of  Captain  John  Johnson's  company, 
in  Colonel  McDougall's  regiment,  given  on  condition  there- 
in expressed,  that  if  the  said  Leonard  Bleecker  does  actu- 
ally enlist  and  be  ready  to  join  the  regiment  with  25  men, 
in  three  weeks  from  this  day,  the  date  thereof,  that  he  will 
be  entitled  to  a  first  lieutenant's  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Tho- 
mas Pettit,  the  doorkeeper,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  one 
shilling,  in  full,  for  his  account,  for  pay  and  disbursements 
to  the  14th  instant,  included. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  service  of 
Mr.  Anthony  Griffiths,  at  the  laboratory  of  Colony  ammu- 
nition and  stores,  and  his  account  of  disbursements,  amount- 
ing to  £9  7s.  3<Z. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 


as  Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Mr. 
Anthony  Griffiths  the  sum  of  fifty-nine  pounds,  seven  shil- 
lings and  three  pence,  for  his  account  of  disbursements, 
and  in  full  for  his  services  to  the  14th  day  of  March  last, 
and  take  Mr.  Griffiths'  receipt  for  the  same. 

Colonel  Allison,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consi- 
der and  report  what  is  necessary  to  be  determined  as  to 
that  part  of  the  militia  who  have  been  disarmed,  delivered 
in  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which  was  read. 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  Uth  May,  1776.  $ 

"  Whereas  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  did 
on  the  22d  day  of  August  last,  pass  several  resolves  for  re- 
gulating and  putting  the  militia  of  this  Province  in  a  state 
of  defence,  against  the  arbitrary  usurpations  of  the  British 
Parliament :  And  whereas  this  Congress  did,  on  the 
day  of  last,  pass  sundry  resolves  as  an  appendix  to 

the  former,  yet  through  the  inimical  and  unfriendly  dispo- 
sition of  many  persons  in  this  Province,  this  Congress 
have  found  it  absolutely  necessary,  not  only  for  the  safety 
of  the  said  Province,  but  of  the  United  Colonies  in  gene- 
ral, to  take  away  the  arms  and  accoutrements  of  the  most 
dangerous  among  them  ;  and  as  common  justice  requires 
that  in  defending  our  rights  and  liberties,  every  individual 
should  bearaproportionablepartof  the  burthen  and  expense  : 

"Resolved,  therefore,  That  every  male  inhabitant  within 
this  Colony  above  16  and  under  50  years  of  age,  who  have 
been  or  may  hereafter  be  disarmed  on  account  of  their  ini- 
mical principles,  and  are  thereby  disabled  from  complying 
with  the  aforesaid  resolves,  do  pay  unto  the  captain  or 
commanding  officer  of  the  day  of  the  district  or  beat  where- 
in he  shall  dwell  or  reside,  the  sum  of  five  shillings  for 
every  day  the  said  company  shall  be  mustered  or  called  on 
duty,  and  not  under  pay  ;  and  on  such  disarmed  person  or 
persons  as  aforesaid  neglecting  or  refusing  to  pay  the  afore- 
said sum  of  five  shillings  within  ten  days  after  such  muster 
or  duty,  the  said  captain  or  other  commanding  officer  of 
the  day  is  hereby  empowered  and  required  to  issue  his 
warrant  for  the  recovery  thereof  in  the  same  manner  as  di- 
rected by  the  before  recited  resolves,  and  the  money  so 
arising  to  be  applied  by  the  captain  towards  arming  such 
persons  within  said  district  or  beat,  as  have  associated  in 
defence  of  their  country,  and  are  not  able  to  purchase 
arms  for  that  purpose,  and  render  an  account  to  the  field 
officers  of  the  regiment  to  which  he  belongs  of  all  the  mo- 
neys by  him  received,  and  to  what  use  applied ;  and  also 
deliver  the  said  arms  and  accoutrements  so  purchased  to  the 
said  field  officers  or  one  of  them,  when  thereunto  required, 
in  order  to  be  secured  or  deposited  for  the  use  of  the  said 
regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  deliver  the  said  report  to 
the  next  Congress  of  this  Colony  for  their  consideration. 

Die  Lunje,  3  ho.  P.  M.  May  \  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Colonel  McDougall,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Prince,  Captn.  Den- 
ning, Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Stoulenbergh,  Colo.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Colo.  Joseph  Drake,  Colo,  L.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Oothout— Albany. 

Mr.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Vaimor— Ulster. 

Mr.  Leflertse— Kings. 

General  Woodhull.  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  Haring — Orange. 

Mr.  Ad.  Bancker — Richmond. 

The  jail  keeper  of  this  Congress  attending,  was  admitted. 
Informed  that  several  of  his  prisoners  were  very  unruly, 
and  requested  a  small  guard,  at  least  four  sentinels,  of  the 
company  employed  to  guard  the  records,  to  be  placed 
this  night  at  the  jail,  which  is  under  the  care  of  Alexan- 
der Montcrief,  to  wit :  two  in  the  entry  between  the  jail 
doors,  and  two  at  the  windows  on  the  outside  of  those  jail 
rooms.  That  such  guard  as  above  mentioned  be  continued 
at  the  jail  until  further  order. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


441 


Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire, 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  to  Ro- 
bert Benson,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-one 
pounds  in  full  for  his  services  as  one  of  the  Secretaries  of 
this  Congress,  to  this  day  included. 

John  McKesson  produced  to  this  Congress  the  following 
account  of  disbursements  for  their  use  (exclusive  of  an  ac- 
count of  postage  which  he  says  he  has  not  here  in  the 
chamber,)  vizt: 

£  s.  d. 

Paid  for  a  strong  chest  to  keep  the  records,  bought  of  Ingliss 


and  Higgins,   2  12  0 

4  reams  of  paper,  at  24s.  each,   4  16  0 

7  sticks  of  sealing  wax,  bought  of  John  L  Rosevelt,   0   7  0 

Paid  Sam.  Lowdon  for  wafers,   0   2  3 

Paid  for  7  quires  of  large  folio  post  paper,  bought  of  John  I. 

Rosevelt,  at  2*.  6d   0  19  6 

Parchment  for  Albany,  Ulster,  Dutchess  and  Suffolk  Briga- 
dier-Generals' commissions  i  0    8  0 


(Exclusive  of  postage,)  j£9   4  9 


Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  John  McKesson  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-one  pounds,  for  his  services 
as  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Congress  to  this  day  in- 
cluded, and  the  further  sum  of  nine  pounds  four  shillings 
and  nine  pence,  for  his  disbursements,  (exclusive  of  pos- 
tage,) for  the  use  of  this  Congress,  which  two  sums 
amount,  in  the  whole,  to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 


ninety  pounds  four  shillings  and  nine  pence,  exclusive  for 
what  is  due  to  him  for  postage. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  General  Washington's  letters  on  the  subject 
of  having  the  militia  in  readiness,  delivered  in  the  report 
of  the  said  committee,  which  he  read  in  his  place  and  de- 
livered in  at  the  Chair,  where  the  same  was  again  read.* 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  referred  to  the  next 
Congress  of  this  Colony,  which  is  appointed  to  meet  in 
this  city  to-morrow  morning,  and  that  the  Secretary  keep- 
ing the  papers  deliver  the  said  report  to  that  Congress  for 
their  consideration. 

Colo.  Malcom  applied  to  this  Congress  for  payment  for 
the  battalion  commanded  by  him  while  employed  at  the 
works  and  fortifications  in  and  about  the  city  of  New-York, 
and  he  produced  General  Putnam's  order  of  the  twelfth  day 
of  April  last,  directing  the  battalion  to  continue  in  service 
and  carry  on  the  said  works,  and  full  proof  of  their  having 
sedulously  continued  in  the  public  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  nine  hundred  pounds  in  gross 
be  advanced  and  paid  on  the  credit  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, by  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  Treasu- 
rer of  this  Colony,  to  Colonel  Malcom  commanding  officer 
of  the  battalion  of  minute  men  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  employed  by  Major-General  Putnam,  by  order 
under  his  hand  of  the  twelfth  day  of  April  last. 

*  This  report  is  entered  on  5th  June. 


Ill 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  Uth,  1776. 

In  the  Congress  Chamber  of  the  City-Hall  in  the  city 
of  New-York. 

This  being  the  day  on  which  the  Provincial  Congress 
was  to  meet  at  the  city  of  New-York,  pursuant  to  elec- 
tions held  in  the  respective  counties  of  this  Colony,  on  the 
day  of  April  last,  the  following  gentlemen  met  in  the 
Assembly  Chamber  at  the  City-Hall  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  vizt : 

Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Captain  Denning,  Mr.  Sands,  Colo.  Bra- 
sher— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyleb— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 
Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 

General  Woodhull,  Captain  Wickham — Suffolk. 
Mr.  Schenck — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Haring — Orange. 

No  other  members  appearing,  the  gentlemen  present 
could  not  proceed  to  business  as  a  Congress  for  want  of  a 
sufficient  number,  but  Captain  Wool  having  arrived  this  morn- 
ing and  being  attending  with  certain  prisoners  apprehended 
on  Long  island  and  brought  here  by  order  of  the  late  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  the  gentlemen  present  had  Captain  Wool 
and  Isaac  Ketchum  severally  brought  in  and  examined  in 
their  presence,  before  Mr.  Alderman  Brasher,  and  the  exa- 
minations of  Captain  Wool  and  Isaac  Ketchum  respectively 
hereinafter  follow,  viz  : 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Jeremiah  Wool  of  the  city 
of  New-York  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists, 
deposeth  and  saith  :  that  he  landed  on  Nassau  island  about 
nine  or  ten  o'clock  in  the  evening,  last  Saturday  evening, 
and  called  on  Thomas  Weeks,  Esqr.  at  Huntington,  who 
was  very  ready  and  willing  on  the  order  from  Congress,  to 
give  his  assistance  in  apprehending  the  persons  therein 
named  ;  that  he  then  sent  for  the  men  under  his  command 
and  they  arrived  there  about  two  o'clock  last  Sunday  morn- 
ing"; that  several  of  the  committee  were  then  collected 
who  gave  the  deponent  a  guide  to  go  with  himself,  and  two 
guides  to  go  with  a  party  of  his  men  to  Isaac  Ketchum's 
house ;  that  he  proceeded  with  one  parly  and  a  guide  to  Isaac 


Young's  house  and  arrived  there  about  the  dawning  of  the 
day  ;  that  having  set  guards  around  the  house  and  knocked 
at  the  door,  Isaac  Young  came  to  the  door  and  opened  it ; 
that  he,  the  deponent,  immediately  entered  ;  that  Isaac 
Young  appeared  much  surprised  ;  that  the  deponent  told 
him  he  had  business  with  him  at  Huntington  and  desired 
him  to  make  himself  ready,  and  desired  him  to  be  silent  and 
not  make  any  alarm  ;  that  after  Isaac  Young  had  dressed 
himself  he  proceeded  with  some  of  his  men  to  search  the 
house ;  that  they  then  proceeded  to  an  apartment  of  Israel 
Young  and  searched  that ;  that  in  that  house  they  proceed- 
ed to  a  room  in  which  they  were  informed  Henry  Daw- 
kings  usually  lodged,  and  found  under  the  bed  in  which  he 
was  informed  Dawkins  had  lodged,  a  few  engravers' tools  ; 
that  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  beds  in  that  room  one  of 
his  sergeants  discovered  a  crack  or  opening  in  the  wall 
which  they  suspected  to  be  a  door ;  that  on  removing  the 
bed  and  other  furniture  necessary,  with  a  bayonet  put  into 
the  crevice,  they  opened  a  small  door  within  which  was  a 
narrow  stairs;  that  Isaac  Youngs  who  was  present  appeared 
to  be  in  terror  and  trembled  ;  that  the  deponent  sent  his  ser- 
geant and  another  man  up  the  stairs  who  called  to  him,  that 
there  was  a  printing  press  ;  that  having  called  up  some 
more  men  to  take  charge  of  Isaac  Young,  he,  the  depo- 
nent, proceeded  up  the  stairs  into  a  very  concealed  garret 
with  one  small  window,  and  there  found  a  rolling  press ; 
that  the  first  paper  he  picked  up  was  a  paper  which  he 
now  produced,  appearing  to  be  a  copper  plated  imperfect 
copy  of  a  bill  of  Connecticut  money  of  forty  shillings  ; 
that  he  found  no  white  man  in  the  house  or  any  apartment 
of  it  but  Isaac  Young  ;  that  he  sent  one  man  and  a  guide 
at  some  miles  distance  to  search  for  Dawkins,  and  also 
sent,  to  search  for  Henderson  but  without  success  ;  that  in 
a  basin  of  water  near  the  press  were  a  number  of  papers 
cut  to  the  size  of  the  bill  he  found  under  the  press  or  there- 
abouts ;  that  he  then  had  the  press  with  every  utensil 
thereof  taken  down,  and  brought  down  stairs  ;  that  he 
found  in  a  chest  in  that  house,  which  the  wife  of  Israel 
Young  said  belonged  to  Henry  Dawkins,  a  great  num- 
ber of  engravers'  tools  and  a  number  of  plates  all  which 
with  (he  said  chest  he  has  brought  with  him  ;  that 
on  searching  in  Israel  Young's  department  in  a  drawer 
of  a  chest  of  drawers,  he  found  a  copper  plate  com- 


444 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


pletely  engraved  for  the  impressing  of  two  dollar  bills ;  and 
on  the  plate  a  bill  appearing  to  be  a  two  dollar  bill  of  Con- 
tinental money,  which  plate  and  bill  he  now  produces  ; 
and  the  bill  is  numbered  45,234,  signed  with  the  names  of 
A.  Morris,  Junr.  and  Fred.  Kuhl,  and  dated  February  17th, 
1776.  That  out  of  a  desk  he  took  a  parcel  of  strips  of 
paper,  now  produced,  which  Israel  Young's  wife  said  she 
believed  were  cut  off  bills  of  Continental  money.  That 
in  Israel  Young's  apartment  in  a  large  chest  or  something 
of  that  kind,  large  and  deep,  he  found  four  bills,  appear- 
ing to  be  bills  of  credit  of  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony, 
each  of  the  denomination  of  forty-two  shillings  of  the  Co- 
lony of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  dated  Decmr.  7th,  1775 
completely  plated,  but  not  signed  or  numbered.  That  in 
Israel  Young's  apartment  he  found  a  parcel  of  paper,  on 
some  part  of  which  he  observed  a  number  of  names,  wrote 
in  different  hands,  which  he  has  brought  with  him  ;  and 
that  four  vials  of  different  kinds  of  ink  were  found  in  that 
part  of  the  house  where  the  rolling  press  was,  which  ink 
he  has  left  in  the  hands  of  an  inhabitant  of  Huntington. 
That  the  ink  for  the  plates  is  in  Dawkins'  chest.  That  in 
Isaac  Young's  apartment,  one  of  his  men  took  a  bill,  ap- 
pearing to  be  a  Continental  dollar  bill,  off  a  shelf,  which 
he  now  produces.  That  before  he  left  Young's,  he  was 
informed  that  Isaac  Ketchum  was  taken  ;  that  he  ordered 
him  to  be  brought  to  Youngs's.  That  he  put  the  press, 
and  chest,  and  other  matters  he  had  seized  on  a  wagon,  and 
proceeded  with  them  and  the  prisoners  he  had  taken  to 
Williams's  tavern,  where  Mr.  Weeks  and  some  of  the 
committee  who  were  sent  for  came  and  attended.  That 
from  thence  they  despatched  two  parties,  who  found  and 
took  John  Henderson  and  Henry  Dawkins,  and  brought 
them  there.  That  after  he  had  talked  some  time  with 
Dawkins,  he  told  the  deponent  the  whole  truth  should 
come  out ;  and  having  got  pen,  ink  and  paper,  he  wrote 
and  signed  of  his  own  accord,  a  declaration,  which  he  de- 
livered to  the  deponent,  and  is  now  produced,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  '  The  back  of  the  Connecticut  40s.  bill  and  front  of 
do,  have  had  some  impressions  taken  off.  One  back  and 
front  of  the  forty-two  shillings  Massachusetts,  none  but 
one  proof  taken  off  to  my  knowledge  ;  one  back  and  front 
of  the  thirty  dollar  bill,  never  proved  to  my  knowledge  ; 
one  front  of  the  two  dollar  bill  just  begun  with,  was  on 
the  plate  taken  off  with  blue  letters,  the  borders  parily 
done,  the  inside  letters  not  touched,  and  will  wipe  off  if 
put  to  the  fire. 

'"HENRY  DAWKINS.'" 

"  That  the  deponent  did  not  speak  to  the  said  Henry  Daw- 
kins while  he  was  writing  the  said  confession  or  memo- 
randum, but  the  said  Henry  Dawkins  wrole  and  subscrib- 
ed the  same  in  the  presence  of  Henry  Brasher,  his  lieu- 
tenant, and  the  deponent.  That  the  said  Henry  Dawkins 
also  deliveied  to  him,  the  deponent,  a  small  paper  con- 
taining the  names  of  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs,  Town- 
send  Hulet  and  Isaac  Ketchum,  and  told  the  deponent 
they  were  concerned  in  this  business.  That  said  Daw- 
kins told  him  that  Israel  Youngs  was  principally  concern- 
ed, and  frequently  applied  to  him  on  the  subject  of  mak- 
ing and  counterfeiting  paper  money  or  bills  of  credit,  and 
when  he  was  in  jail  at  New-York  formerly,  had  offered  to 
take  him  out  and  procure  his  discharge,  if  he  would  come 
up  to  his  house  and  engage  in  that  business.  That  Hen- 
ry Dawkins  informed  him  that  Woohaupter  had  made  the 
rolling  press,  and  that  Israel  Youngs  brought  it  up  to  his  house 
secreted  and  put  up  in  a  box.  That  he  the  said  Dawkins 
had  recommended  Woolhaupter  to  Israel  Youngs  as  a  pro- 
per person  to  make  such  press,  and  that  Israel  Youngs 
procured  the  press  for  the  purpose  of  making  money. 
That  the  deponent  found  in  the  possession  of  Isaac  Ketchum 
a  sum  of  money,  consisting  of  gold,  silver  and  paper  mo- 
ney of  different  denominations,  which  he  now  produces, 
amounting  according  to  the  deponent's  computation,  to  the 


sum  of  thirty  pounds,  fourteen  shillings,  New-York  mo- 
ney. That  Isaac  Ketchum  told  the  deponent  that  he  was  em- 
ployed in  this  business  to  get  paper ;  that  he  had  not  been 
concerned  in  making  the  money,  but  that  he  was  taken 
into  the  business  to  provide  them  with  paper,  and  that  he 
had  been  out  on  that  business,  but  that  he  could  inform 
the  Congress  of  something  that  was  very  important  to 
them.  That  a  blank  copper  plate  now  produced  by  the 
deponent  he  received  of  Henry  Brasher,  his  lieutenant, 
who  informed  the  deponent  that  he  took  it  off  a  desk  in 
Israel  Young's  house. 

"  JEREMH.  WOOL. 
"  Sworn  this  14th  day  of  May,  ) 
1776,  before  me,  J 

"Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Isaac  Ketchum,  of  Huntington, 
Suffolk  county,  Nassau  island,  being  examined  saith  ;  that 
Henry  Dawkins  has  been  at  Cold  Spring,  and  in  the  neigh- 
borhood thereof,  for  about  two  months  ;  that  he  was  there 
some  time  before  he,  this  examinant,  knew  his,  Dawkins', 
name  ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  was  informed  by  Israel 
Youngs  that  Rivington,  the  printer,  and  the  said  Youngs, 
had  had  some  discourse  about  counterfeiting  the  Continen- 
tal money  ;  that  Youngs  hinted  to  this  examinant  that  Daw- 
kins and  he  had  agreed  to  counterfeit  paper  currency,  for 
he  supposed  it  would  be  done  by  the  tories,  and  they  might 
as  well  do  it  as  others ;  that  Israel  Youngs  asked  this  exami- 
nant if  he  would  try  to  get  some  paper  for  that  purpose  at 
Philadelphia,  where  he,  the  examinant,  was  then  going, 
and  had  talked  of  going  for  some  time ;  that  this  exami- 
nant asked  Youngs  whether  he  thought  they  were  able  to 
make  paper  money ;  that  Youngs  answered  they  had  a 
press  making  in  New-York,  which  was  not  yet  finished  ; 
that  the  examinant  then  asked  how  he  applied  for  the  press, 
he  answered  that  Dawkins  had  wrote  a  letter  to  a  man  in 
New-York  in  the  name  of  one  Cox,  with  directions  how  he 
would  have  it  made,  to  be  different  from  the  one  he  had 
from  him  some  time  before,  and  more  substantial;  that  this 
examinant  believes  Youngs  carried  the  letter;  that  he  had 
not  got  the  press  yet,  but  was  promised  to  have  it  soon. 
This  examinant  further  saith  ;  that  he  did  not  go  to  Phila- 
delphia 'till  about  the  19th  of  April,  and  returned  in  about 
ten  or  twelve  days  ;  that  he  went  to  carry  a  couple  of 
horses  to  sell  at  Philadelphia,  and  to  collect  some  money 
which  was  owing  to  him  there  ;  that  he  did  not  purchase 
or  make  any  inquiry  about  paper  at  any  paper  mill,  but 
that  he  asked  a  man  if  he  knew  where  such  paper  as  the 
Continental  money  was  made  of  was  to  be  had  ;  that  the 
man  answered  he  did,  but  that  the  maker  of  it  was  sworn 
and  therefore  would  not  make  any  of  it  for  him.  This  ex- 
aminant being  asked  who  the  man  was,  of  whom  he  made 
this  inquiry,  relative  to  the  paper,  refused  to  mention  his 
name,  as  he  believed  him  to  be  a  worthy  honest  Dutchman. 
The  examinant  being  further  asked  whether  the  Dutch- 
man knew  the  use  that  was  intended  to  be  made  of  the  pa- 
per, answered  he  believed  he  did  ;  that  he  smiled  ;  that  the 
examinant  told  him  he  did  not  want  it  for  his  own  use,  up- 
on which  the  man  replied,  '  I  suppose  it  is  for  some  of 
your  Yankees  ;'  that  the  examinant,  on  his  return  home, 
informed  Youngs  that  he  had  not  been  able  to  procure  any 
paper  for  him.  This  examinant  being  asked  whether  he 
has  seen  any  of  the  bills,  answered  that  he  had  not,  ex- 
cepting one  Connecticut  bill,  and  that  only  the  back  of  it, 
struck  upon  common  paper.  This  examinant  further  saith  ; 
that  one  LeviLott,  at  Brunswick  landing,  had  been  employed 
by  Youngs  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  paper,  before  this 
examinant  was  employed  ;  that  he  was  directed  by  Youngs 
to  call  on  the  said  Lott  and  inquire  whether  he  had  pro- 
cured any  paper  ;  that  Lot  informed  this  examinant  that  he 
had  been  down  to  Spotswood  at  a  paper  mill,  but  had  not 
applied  for  any  paper,  as  there  seemed  to  be  little  encou- 
ragement there,  as  he  imagined  there  was  no  isinglass  or 
suitable  rags  to  be  had  there ;  that  he,  Lott,  had  promised 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


445 


Youngs  to  go  to  Pennsylvania,  but  wailed  for  an  answer  or 
letter  from  Youngs  ;  that  he,  the  said  Lot,  did  not  make 
his  business  known  to  any  person  at  the  paper  mill,  at 
Spotswood,  as  he  informed  this  examinant.  This  exami- 
nant  being  asked  what  reply  Youngs  made  to  him  on  his 
returning  from  Philadelphia,  and  informing  him  that  he  had 
not  been  able  to  procure  him  any  paper,  saith,  that  Youngs 
replied  that  he  believed  then  he  would  not  be  able  to  go  on, 
and  Dawkins  would  lose  his  labor.  This  examinant  fur- 
ther saith  ;  that  he  frequently  spoke  to  Youngs  and  told 
him  it  would  not  do  for  him  to  make  such  money  ;  that 
Youngs  answered  him  '  he  did  not  intend  to  pass  it  him- 
self,' but  intimated  that  some  one  on  the  frontiers  of  Vir- 
ginia or  Susquehanna  would  take  it  of  him  and  give  some- 
thing in  exchange  for  it. 

"ISAAC  KETCHAM. 

"  Taken  this  14lh  of  May,  ) 
1776,  before  me.  y 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

"  Isaac  Ketchum,  being  further  examined,  saith ;  that 
Levi  Lot  gave  him  a  sample  of  paper  to  take  to  Philadel- 
phia to  the  paper  maker,  which  he  said  he  had  cut  out  of 
a  sheet  of  Continental  bills,  from  between  the  bills  ;  that 
he,  the  examinant,  put  it  into  his  pocket  book  and  there 
kept  it  'till  the  guard  came  to  his  house,  when  he  took  it 
out  of  his  pocket  book  and  threw  it  into  the  fire  and  burnt  it. 

"ISAAC  KETCHAM. 
"Taken  this  14th  May,  1776,  ) 
before  me.  ) 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn. 

"City  of  New- York,  ss.  Isaac  Ketchum,  above  named, 
being,  at  his  request,  farther  examined,  says  ;  that  though 
he  at  first  intended  to  obtain  paper  at  Philadelphia  for  the 
purpose  of  printing  money,  yet  on  consideration  he  thought 
it  dangerous,  and  determined  not  to  bring  the  paper,  even 
if  he  could  obtain  it ;  that  he  considered  if  he  got  the  pa- 
per it  would  not  go  into  his  saddle  bags,  and  that  if  he 
should  carry  it  in  a  bag  it  would  be  discovered,  and  there- 
fore determined  not  to  bring  it  if  it  could  be  had. 

"  ISAAC  KETCHAM. 
"  Taken  this  15th  day  of  May,  > 
1776,  before  me.  ) 

"  Wm.  Waddell,  Aldn." 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  May  14th,  1776. 

In  the  Congress  Chamber  of  the  City  Hall  of  New- 
York,  the  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  their  ad- 
journment and  aareement  of  this  morning,  vizt : 

Colo.  Brasher,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Bancker,  Captain  Denning 
— For  Xew-York. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Albany. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Haring  —  Orange. 

General  Woodhull,  Captn.  Wickham — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

No  other  members  appearing,  the  gentlemen  present 
could  not  proceed  to  business  as  a  Congress  :  But  prison- 
ers brought  from  Nassau  island,  bv  Captn.  Wool,  were 
separately  brought  in  and  examined,  in  the  presence  of  Mr. 
Alderman  Brasher ;  and  the  examinations  of  Thomas  Hen- 
derson, Henrv  Dawkins  and  Isaac  Youngs  respectively 
follow,  vizt : 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Thomas  Henderson,  of  Cold 
Spring,  in  the  township  of  Huntington,  in  Suffolk  county, 
cooper,  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists,  de- 
poseth  and  saith,  that  he  knows  Charles  Friend,  and  has 
known  him  since  some  time  last  summer  ;  that  he  knows  a 
person  who  is  commonly  called  and  known  by  the  name  of 
Henry  Dawkins  ;  that  said  Dawkins  has  for  several  weeks 
past  resided  at  the  house  of  Israel  Youngs,  in  Huntington  ; 
that  Dawkins  said  yesterday,  in  the  deponent's  presence, 
that  he  had  been  there  upwards  of  eight  weeks  ;  that  some 

112 


weeks  ago  he  saw  the  said  Dawkins  grinding  some  tools, 
which  he  then  took  to  be  engravers'  tools ;  that  soon  after 
Dawkins  came  up  to  Cold  Spring  he  told  the  deponent  that 
he  was  an  engraver  and  a  silversmith  ;  that  there  has  been  a 
suspicion  in  that  neighbourhood  that  Dawkins  and  the 
Youngs  were  counterfeiting  money  ;  that  he,  the  deponent, 
some  lime  ago,  informed  Charles  Friend  that  Henry  Daw- 
kins, a  countryman  of  his,  was  in  the  neighbourhood  at 
Israel  Youngs  ;  that  Friend  asked  what  he  was  doing  there  ; 
that  he  the  deponent  said  he  supposed  living  on  his  money 
which  the  Provincial  Congress  paid  him  for  culling  plates  ; 
that  Friend  said  then  that  he  was  on  some  such  business  now, 
and  that  he  would  have  it  out  of  him  ;  that  he  the  depo- 
nent told  Friend  he  had  the  same  suspicion  ;  that  he  far- 
ther told  Friend  that  no  person  was  permitted  to  go  into 
Dawkins'  chamber,  and  that  Israel  Youngs  himself  split 
the  wood  for  fire,  and  carried  it  up  himself ;  that  Friend 
went  to  see  Dawkins." 

"  City  of  New-  York,  ss.  Henry  Dawkins  late  of  the 
city  of  New- York,  at  present  of  Cold  Spring,  in  Hun- 
tington, engraver,  being  examined,  says,  that  he  left  New- 
York  nine  weeks  ago  this  day  ;  that  Israel  Youngs  had 
frequently  before  that  applied  to  him  to  undertake  to  cut 
plales  to  make  such  bills  as  those  issued  by  the  Provincial 
Congress  ;  that  he,  this  examinant,  would  not  undertake  to 
make  him  such,  because  he  had  been  sworn  not  to  cut  any 
other  such  ;  that  the  said  Israel  Youngs  frequently  came 
to  see  the  examinant  in  New-York  jail,  and  came  to  see 
him  while  he,  the  examinant,  was  culling  those  very  plates; 
ihat  after  he,  the  examinant,  was  out  of  jail  some  weeks, 
Israel  Youngs  came  to  the  examinant,  and  lent  him  some 
money  to  pay  his  shop  rent,  and  took  him,  the  examinant, 
up  to  the  said  Youngs'  house  in  Youngs'  sloop,  together 
with  his,  the  examinant's,  lillle  son  ;  that  Israel  Youngs  had 
several  times  both  before  and  after  he,  the  examinant,  came 
out  of  jail  applied  to  him  to  cut  plates  to  print  Provincial 
bills  of  credit;  that  after  he,  the  examinant,  had  been  a 
day  or  two  at  Cold  Spring,  the  said  Israel  Youngs  showed 
him  a  large  bundle  of  money  and  took  out  of  it  a  Connec- 
ticut bill  of  40s.  and  asked  if  he,  the  examinant,  could 
imitate  that  for  him,  and  requested  him  to  do  it  immediately, 
and  told  ihe  examinant  that  he,  the  said  Israel,  was  about 
to  pay  a  large  sum  of  money,  and  wanted  it  done  imme- 
diately, that  he  might  pay  it  away  as  the  examinant  then 
understood  ;  that  the  said  Israel  Youngs  told  the  examinant 
that  he  would  reward  him  generously,  and  that  he  should 
never  want ;  that  the  said  Israel  Youngs  came  to  New- 
York  for  a  press,  but  having  got  a  book-binder's  press, 
which  would  not  suit  the  purpose,  he,  the  examinant,  di- 
rected him  to  Woolhaupter,  to  make  a  proper  press  ;  that 
in  the  mean  lime  ihe  said  Israel  Youngs  was  so  impatient 
that  at  his  solicitation,  he,  the  examinant,  rubbed  and  made 
about  a  dozen  of  copies  with  a  burnisher  ;  that  he  believes 
the  bills  were  signed  by  Israel  Youngs  ;  that  he,  the 
examinant,  saw  Israel  Y  oungs  sign  three  or  four  of  those 
iubbed  off  with  the  burnisher;  that  the  said  Israel,  af- 
terwards desired  him,  t he  examinant,  to  rub  off  some  others 
in  the  same  method  ;  that  he  t he  examinant  refused,  as  it 
injured  the  plate  ;  that  after  the  rolling  press  was  brought 
to  Israel  Youngs'  house  and  put  up,  he,  the  examinant, 
pressed  off  seven  other  bills  in  Israel  Youngs'  presence,  and 
showed  him  how  to  press  the  bills,  and  make  them  ;  that 
any  others  that  have  been  pressed  and  made,  were  made 
by  Israel  Youngs,  or  some  of  ihe  others  concerned;  that 
by  the  handles  of  ihe  press  being  very  black,  he  judged  at 
several  different  times  that  they  had  been  at  work  ;  that  it 
is  about  four  weeks  since  ihe  press  was  brought  there  ; 
that  Isaac  Youngs  and  Townshend  Hulet,  were  concerned 
in  this  business;  that  Isaac  Youngs  frequently  came  and 
staid  with  him  hours  at  a  time,  and  Townshend  H u let  was 
frequently  there,  and  used  to  sleep  in  the  room  with  him  ; 
that  some  time  ago,  to  wit,  about  a  month  ago,  as  he 
thinks,  Israel  Youngs  came  from  New- York,  and  when  he 
returned  home,  brought  with  him  a  newspaper  printed  by 


446 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Hugh  Gaine,  mentioning  the  difference  between  certain 
counterfeited  Connecticut  bills  and  the  true  bills,  and  got 
him,  the  examinant,  to  alter  and  amend  the  plate  he  had 
cut,  to  correct  the  differences  or  faults  pointed  out  in  that 
newspaper  ;  that  he,  the  exarninanl,  did  correct  and  amend 
the  plate  accordingly  ;  that  the  counterfeit  Connecticut  bills 
described  in  that  newspaper,  were  those  which  had  been 
struck  off,  or  printed  on,  the  said  plate,  cut  by  him,  the 
examinant ;  that  soon  after  the  rolling  press  before  men- 
tioned was  set  up,  that  he  then  pressed  the  seven  bills  before 
mentioned,  and  found  that  he  had  corrected  the  faults  men- 
tioned in  that  newspaper;  that  Israel  Youngs  told  him  when 
he  gave  him  the  newspaper,  that  the  bills  were  suspected  ; 
that  he  made  no  other  plates  for  Connecticut  money  than 
the  two  plates  for  the  40s.  bills ;  that  after  the  examinant 
had  completed  the  plate  above  mentioned,  Israel  Youngs 
applied  to  him  to  make  two  plates  to  print  thirty  dollar 
bills,  Continental  money  ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  also 
completed  those  two  plates  ;  that  Israel  Youngs  told  this 
examinant  that  Isaac  Ketchum  was  to  go  to  Philadelphia 
to  procure  paper  for  the  purpose  of  printing  thirty  dollar 
bills  ;  that  he,  this  examinant,  does  not  know  whether  Isaac 
Ketchum  succeeded,  or  brought  such  paper  with  him  from 
Philadelphia  or  not  ;  that  Israel  Youngs  next  applied  to 
him  to  cut  plates  to  print  bills  of  Massachusetts  money  of 
the  denomination  of  forty-two  shillings,  lawful  money  each  ; 
that  he,  this  examinant,  did  engrave  for  him,  the  said  Israel 
Youngs,  two  plates  for  making  those  bills  of  42s.  lawful ; 
that  he  never  saw  but  one  impression  of  the  last  mentioned 
bills  struck  or  printed,  after  which,  he,  this  examinant,  cor- 
rected the  plate  for  the  front  of  the  bill.  The  examinant 
being  shown  four  copies  of  such  bills,  says  they  have 
been  made  with  the  plates  which  he,  the  examinant  cut ; 
that  the  said  Israel  Youngs  when  the  last  mentioned  plates 
were  finished,  took  all  the  six  plates  which  were  finished 
and  put  them  away  together ;  that  sometimes  the  said 
Israel  Youngs  used  to  put  the  said  plates  in  a  large  deep 
chest  in  his  parlour,  and  sometimes  in  his  desk  ;  ihat  he, 
the  examinant,  has  at  some  times  seen  him  put  the  plates 
in  his  pocket,  and  go  up  stairs  towards  the  rolling  press. 

"  That  the  said  Israel  Youngs  afterwards  applied  to  the 
examinant  to  cut  plates  for  a  two  dollar  bill,  and  gave  him 
a  sample  or  bill ;  that  he,  the  examinant  had  proceeded  to 
cut  a  part  of  the  plate  for  the  front  of  the  bill.  The  said 
last  mentioned  plate  being  produced  to  him,  he  says  that 
is  the  plate  which  he  had  begun  to  engrave  ;  that  when 
Israel  Youngs  left  home  to  come  to  New-York,  about  six 
or  seven  days  ago,  he  locked  up  the  plate  in  his  chest  of 
drawers;  that  Israel  Youngs  about  a  month  ago  told  the 
deponent  that  Thomas  Henderson  had  intimated  to  him 
that  he,  the  said  Henderson,  knew  what  they  were  about, 
and  seemed  to  suspect  that  he,  the  examinant,  must  have 
dropped  some  words  that  had  given  Henderson  cause  of 
suspicion  or  some  knowledge  of  the  affair.  That  the  said 
rolling  press  was  fixed  and  set.  up  in  the  garret,  with  a 
small  window  in  it,  which  garret  had  not  a  floor,  but  that 
boards  were  laid  there  to  support  the  press  ;  that  it  was  a 
low  garret,  in  which  a  person  could  not  stand  upright; 
that  the  passage  to  that  garret  was  a  small  door  out  of  the 
room  in  which  the  examinant  lodged  into  a  passage  up  or 
place  where  a  small  stairs  was  made  ;  that  the  said 
small  door  was  placed  in  a  wall  where  a  bed  stood  before 
it;  and  that  he,  the  examinant,  did  not  know  of  the  said 
small  door,  stairs  or  garret,  until  the  said  Israel  Youngs 
asked  him  to  go  up  there  to  put  the  rolling  press  together, 
which  was  then  up  in  the  garret.  That  the  bills  which 
Israel  Youngs  signed  he  subscribed  three  names  to  them, 
to  wit,  the  same  names  which  were  signed  to  the  bill 
from  which  the  plates  were  engraved  ;  that  he,  the  exami- 
nant, was  importuned  by  both  Israel  and  Isaac  Youngs  to 
sign  or  subscribe  the  names  to  the  counterfeited  Connecticut 
bills  ;  that  through  their  importunities  he  attempted  to  sign 
one  bill,  but  that  that  bill  was  destroyed  ;  that  Isaac 
Ketchum  went  to  Philadelphia  to  get  paper,  as  Israel 


Youngs  informed  the  examinant,  and  that  they  expected 
the  paper. 

"HENRY  DAWKINS. 
"  Taken  before  me  this  14th  ) 
day  of  May,  1776.  i 

"Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Isaac  Youngs,  of  Cold 
Spring,  in  the  township  of  Huntington,  on  Nassau  island, 
being  examined  says  :  that  Henry  Dawkins  has  resided  in 
Israel  Youngs'  house,  which  is  under  one  roof  with  his, 
the  examinant's  house,  for  several  weeks  past;  that  he 
did  not  know  that  Henry  Dawkins  was  engraving  plates  to 
print  money  ;  that  he  did  not  know  that  a  rolling  press  was 
in  Israel  Youngs'  garret  until  after  Captain  Wool  came 
there  last  Sunday  morning;  that  he  once  saw  Henry 
Dawkins  rubbing  a  copper  plate,  but  did  not  know  what  it 
was  for ;  that  he  did  suspect  that  Dawkins  was  cutting 
plates  to  make  money,  but  never  informed  himself,  nor 
ever  attempted  to  inform  himself ;  that  his  brother-in-law, 
Townshend  Hulet,  did  sometimes  sleep  in  the  room  with 
Dawkins  ;  that  he  does  not  know  where  Townshend  Hu- 
let is  ;  that  the  said  Hulet  does  not  stay  much  at  home  of 
late  ;  that  Isaac  Ketchum  has  not  frequented  his  brother's 
house  more  of  late  than  formerly  ;  that  he  did  imagine  that 
Henry  Dawkins  was  making  money,  and  spoke  to  his  bro- 
ther about  it ;  that  Israel  Youngs  said  he  never  would  pass 
any  of  it.  Isaac  Youngs  farther  says  that  he  did  not  de- 
ny to  Capt.  Wool  that  there  was  any  door  or  passage  up 
to  the  garret  where  the  press  was  found  ;  that  he  did  in- 
form him  that  there  was  a  door  and  showed  it  to  him  ;  that 
Henry  Dawkins  informed  the  examinant  that  he  could 
make  a  plate  so  exactly  that  it  would  not  vary  from  the 
Congress  bills,  or  words  to  that  effect;  that  he,  the  examinant, 
informed  Israel  Youngs  of  it,  and  told  him  that  he,  this  ex- 
aminant, thought  it  was  a  sin  to  pass  such  money,  if  it 
should  not  be  found  out,  and  that  he  would  not  have  any 
hand  in  it ;  that  the  said  Israel  Youngs  said  he  would  not 
pass  any  of  it. 

"ISAAC  YOUNGS. 

"Taken  this  14th  day  of  May,  ) 
1776,  before  me.  > 

"  Ab.  Brasher,  Aldn." 

Isaac  Ketcham  having  requested  to  be  farther  heard  be- 
fore the  gentlemen  present,  was  again  brought  in  and  ex- 
amined, and  his  short  examination  now  taken,  and  by  him 
subscribed  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Alderman  Brasher;  was 
taken  on  the  same  paper  with  his  examination  in  the  form- 
er part  of  the  day,  and  is  herein  before  contained. 


In  the  Congress  Chamber  of  the  City-Hall  of  New- York- 

DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  \5th,  1776. 
The  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Stoulenbergh,  Captain  Denning,  Mr.  P.  P.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Alsop— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — Albany. 
Mr.  P.  Schenk—  Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Lawrence— Queens. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 
General  Woodhull,  Captain  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  G.  Morris— Westchester. 

Mr.  Lefferise,  Colo.  Van  Brunt,  Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Covenhoven— 

Kings. 

Mr.  Alexr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Alderman  Brasher  being  much  indisposed,  Mr.  Al- 
derman Waddell,  on  request,  attended,  and  Israel  Youngs 
was  examined  before  Mr.  Alderman  Waddell,  and  his  ex- 
amination, by  him  subscribed  in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Wad- 
dell, is  as  follows  : 

"  City  of  New-York,  ss.  Israel  Youngs,  of  Cold  Spring, 
in  the  township  of  Huntington,  in  Suffolk  county,  being 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


447 


examined  says,  that  he  never  applied  to  any  person  to  cut 
any  plates  for  him  to  print  or  impress  money ;  that  Henry 
Hawkins  lodged  in  his  chamber  when  at  his  house.  That 
he  does  not  know  that  Hawkins  cut  any  plates  while  he 
was  there.  That  he  look  Hawkins  to  his  house  at  Haw- 
kins' request.  That  he  visited  Hawkins  a  few  times  while 
he  was  in  New-York  jail ;  that  he  never  lent  any  money 
to  Hawkins.  That  he  first  knew  Hawkins  in  New- 
York  jail.  That  he  never  applied  to  Dawkins  for  any  work 
but  to  cut  a  seal.  That  he  took  up  a  rolling  press  from  a 
person  named  Woolhaupter,  as  he  thinks,  to  his  house  at 
Hawkins'  request;  that  the  letter  to  procure  the  rolling 
press  Hawkins  gave  him  ;  that  when  it  was  opened  by 
Woolhaupter,  it  was  wrote  in  the  name  of  one  Cox,  to 
the  best  of  his  remembrance  ;  that  he,  the  examinant,  then 
had  some  suspicion  that  Hawkins  was  about  to  print  some 
thing  which  he  ought  not ;  that  Townshend  Hulet  when 
at  his  house  used  to  sleep  in  the  same  room  with  Dawkins  ; 
that  his  wife  usually  carries  the  keys  of  a  large  blue  chest 
in  his  house  ;  that  he  knows  nothing  of  a  two  dollar  bill  or 
any  plate  taken  out  of  a  chest  of  drawers  in  his  house  ; 
that  Hawkins  mentioned  to  him  that  money  might  be  struck 
if  paper  could  be  got ;  that  he  told  Hawkins  it  was  most 
probable  that  if  to  be  got  it  must  be  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
that  Isaac  Ketchum  was  going  there  and  would  be  as  like- 
ly  as  any  person  to  get  it,  or  words  to  that  effect  ;  that  he, 
the  examinant,  spoke  to  Isaac  Ketchum  about  paper,  and 
told  him  what  Hawkins  said  ;  that  Ketchum  said  he  did 
not  think  it  could  be  procured  ;  that  he  spoke  to  Levi  Lott, 
at  Rariton,  and  informed  him  that  a  person  had  told  him 
money  could  be  made,  and  inquired  of  him  whether  paper 
could  be  obtained  ;  that  Lott  told  him  he  thought  paper 
could  not  be  obtained  ;  that  he  saw  Lott  at  his  neighbour's 
house  ;  that  he  applied  to  Lott  about  paper  because  he  had 
heard  that  his  brother  had  a  paper  mill  ;  that  he  purchased 
some  sheets  of  large  paper  in  New-York,  and  a  parcel  of 
colours,  of  one  Duyckinck,  for  Hawkins  to  make  a  draft 
for  him,  the  examinant;  that  Isaac  Ketchum,  since  his  re- 
turn from  Philadelphia,  desired  him  to  tell  Hawkins  that 
he  thought  the  paper  he  wanted  could  not  be  got ;  that  he 
does  not  recollect  to  have  ever  seen  Henry  Hawkins  sign  or 
attempt  to  sign  a  bill,  or  counterfeited  bill  of  Connecticut 
money ;  that  his  only  motive  or  inducement  to  inquire 
about  paper,  was  to  oblige  Hawkins  who  lived  at  his  house ; 
that  the  only  subject  on  which  he,  this  examinant,  was  to 
have  wrote  to  Levy  Lott,  was  on  account  of  some  wheat, 
and  that  he  never  wrote  the  letter  ;  that  he  does  [not] 
know  that  he  sent  any  message  to  Levi  Lott  by  Isaac 
Ketchum  ;  that  it  was  only  about  wheat,  if  he  sent 
any  message  ;  that  he  lias  a  Connecticut  bill,  which  he 
supposes  to  be  a  counterfeit ;  that  it  is  in  his  pocket  book; 
that  he  shewed  it  to  a  boatman  and  some  butchers ;  that 
he  was  looking  over  his  money  when  lie  discovered  it ; 
that  he  did  not  ever  offer  to  pay  it  away  ;  that  he  has  another 
bill  at  home,  which  was  refused  some  time  ago,  as  bad,  be- 
cause it  looked  greasy  and  dirty  ;  that  the  last  mentioned 
was  a  40s.  Connecticut  bill  ;  that  he  has  never  seen  any 
Massachusetts  bill  unsigned  ;  that  he  once  went  up  to  his 
chamber  and  there  saw  a  Connecticut  bill  unsigned,  on  one 
of  the  beds  ;  that  it  appeared  to  be  a  40s.  bill ;  that  he 
does  not  know  how  it  came  there  ;  that  he  left  the  bill 
there,  and  never  inquired  about  it ;  that  he  did  not  suspect 
that  Dawkins  had  made  any  of  any  other  sort ;  that  the 
rolling  press  was  set  in  the  garret  as  being  the  most 
convenient  place  for  it. 

"  ISRAEL  YOUNGS. 

"Taken  this  15th  day  of  May,  > 
1776,  before  me.  $ 

"Wm.  Waddell,  Aldn.n 


In  the  Congress  Chamber  in  the  City-Hall  of  New- York, 
Hie  Meruurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  \5th,  1776. 
The  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Remsen,  Colo. 
Stoutenburgh,  Captain  Denning,  Mr.  Jieekman— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — ilbany. 
Mr.  Paul  Schenk  —  Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Captn.  Lawrence— Queens. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 
General  Woodhull.  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lock  wood,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding — 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Alderman  Waddell  attended  agreeable  to  request 
of  the  gentlemen  present  in  the  morning. 

James  Parsons,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  merchant,  by 
request,  attended  and  produced  a  pocket  book  of  Israel 
Youngs',  sealed  up  with  different  seals,  impressed  by  the 
seal  of  the  said  Israel  Youngs.  The  said  Israel  Youngs 
being  brought  in,  and  the  said  pocket  book  shewn  to  him, 
declared  that  he  was  satisfied  that  it  had  not  been  opened 
since  he  sealed  it.  It  was  then  opened  in  his  presence, 
and  the  money  therein  contained  counted  in  his  presence 
and  put  up  in  lists.  Out  of  that  book,  in  presence  of  the 
said  Israel  Youngs,  was  retained  two  bills  of  42s.  Massa- 
chusetts ;  one  of  them  much  blued.  Also  two  bills  of 
Connecticut,  40s.  each  ;  one  of  them  the  said  Israel 
Youngs  says  he  supposes  to  be  bad  ;  that  he  discovered  it 
lately  ;  received  it,  as  he  supposes,  from  some  person  from 
the  eastward.  These  bills  were  retained  by  Mr.  McKes- 
son, by  order  of  the  gentlemen  present.  All  these  trans- 
actions were  in  the  presence  of  Alderman  Waddell. 

Isaac  Kelcham  sent  in  a  request  that  he  might  be  again 
heard,  he  was  brought  in,  and  his  farther  declaration  taken 
in  the  presence  of  Mr.  Waddell,  at  the  end  of  his  former 
examinations  herein  before  contained. 

Henry  Hawkins  sent  in  a  request  to  the  Council,  that  he 
might  be  again  called  before  them  and  examined.  He  was 
accordingly  brought  in  and  examined  before  Mr.  Alderman 
Waddell,  and  his  examination  by  him  subscribed,  hereafter 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  City  of  Neiu-York,  ss.  Henry  Hawkins,  late  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  engraver,  being  examined  in  the  pre- 
sence of  William  Waddell,  Esqr.  alderman  of  the  north 
ward  of  the  said  city,  and  one  of  the  justices  of  the  peace  for 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  says,  that  a  bill  of  cre- 
dit of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  now  produced  to 
him,  dated  the  seventh  day  of  Hecember,  1775,  of  the  va- 
lue of  forty-two  shillings,  lawful  money,  numbered  4,354, 
signed  J.  Wheeler  and  Tho.  Rice,  is  a  bill  which  he  for- 
merly received  of  Israel  Youngs,  of  Huntington,  as  a  pat- 
tern to  cut  a  plate  to  imitate  the  said  bill,  and  to  make  bills 
of  the  same  denomination  ;  that  the  said  bill  above  men- 
tioned is  yet  stained  with  Prussian  blue,  which  the  exami- 
nant put  thereon  in  order  to  obtain  the  imitation  of  the  bill 
on  a  plate  ;  that  the  said  bill  is  yet  smooth,  from  the  exa- 
minant having  rubbed  it  on  a  plate  with  a  burnisher ;  that 
after  he,  this  examinant,  had  engraved  the  plate  intended  to 
print  such  bills,  he  delivered  the  said  bill  and  the  plate  to 
the  said  Israel  Youngs.  The  said  examinant  farther  says, 
that  a  bill  now  produced  to  him,  in  form  of  a  Connecticut 
bill,  of  forty  shillings,  lawful  money,  dated  May  10th, 
1775,  and  numbered  12,486,  and  appearing  to  be  signed 
Wm.  Puthm,  Thos.  Seymour,  Jesse  Root,  is  a  bill  which 
he  made  for  the  said  Israel  Youngs,  at  his  request,  on  a 
plate  which  he,  the  said  examinant,  cut  for  the  said  Youngs  ; 
that  it  is  one  of  the  first  twelve  bills  which  the  examinant 
rubbed  off  the  said  plate  with  a  burnisher,  before  the  said 


448 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Youngs  obtained  a  rolling  press  ;  that  before  any  bills  were 
rolled  wild  the  press,  he  corrected  the  plate,  by  making  the 
two  small  crosses  after  the  asterisk  and  before  the  obelisk,  to 
join  together,  which  they  do  not  in  this  bill ;  that  this  bill  is 
one  of  the  best  which  were  rubbed  off  with  the  burnisher ; 
that  he  saw  the  said  Israel  Youngs  sign  four  of  those  bills  ; 
that  he  signed  with  red  ink  made  of  carmine ;  that  he 
believes  the  bill  now  produced  to  be  one  of  those  which 
he  saw  signed  with  the  signers'  names  by  the  said  Israel 
Youngs  ;  that  he  knows  it  to  be  one  of  the  bills  rubbed  off 
with  a  burnisher  by  the  hardness  of  the  paper  and  its 
smoothness,  and  from  the  light  colour  of  the  bunches  of 
grapes,  which  was  afterward  corrected  in  the  plate. 

"  HENRY  DAWKINS. 
"  Taken  and  examined  this  15th  ) 
day  of  May,  1775,  before  me.  J 

"  Wm.  Waddell,  Aldn." 


In  Congress  Chamber,  in  the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  New-York. 

DIE  JO  VIS,  a.  m. 

May  16th,  1776. 

The  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Colo.  Stoutenbergh,  Mr.  Hallett,  Captn.  Denning',  Captn.  Rutgers; 
Mr.  Scott  -  .For  New-York. 

Mr  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — Albany. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Captn.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Little  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Alexr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham — Suffolk. 

Mr  Morris,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood — 
Westchester. 
Mr.  LefFertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner— Richmond. 

For  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  represent 
the  Colony,  the  gentlemen  present,  at  one  o'clock,  ad- 
journed to  meet  at  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  5  ho.  P.  M.  May  16th,  1776. 
The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Mr.  Scott— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Alexander  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — Albany. 

Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding — 
Westchester. 
Mr  LefTertse,  Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 
General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Archd.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

At  6  o'clock  the  gentlemen  present,  for  want  of  a  suffi- 
cient number  to  proceed  to  business,  adjourned  till  10 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


In  the  Congress  Chamber  of  the  City  Hall  in  New- York. 

DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  nth,  1776. 
The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Colo.  Remsen — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Captn.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn  —  Albany. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo  Gilbert  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr  Webster—  Charlotte. 

At  one  o'clock  the  gentlemen  present  adjourned  for  want 


of  a  sufficient  number  of  members,  and  agreed  to  meet 
again  at  four  o'clock. 

In  the  Congress  Chamber  of  the  City  Hall,  in  New-York. 
Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  \lth,  1776. 
The  following  gentlemen  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Colo.  Stoutenbergh,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-  York. 

Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Corlelyou,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  ISth,  1776. 

The  following  members  met. 

Mr.  Jacobs.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Rem- 
sen, Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Little — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — For  Richmond. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Paul  Schenk — For  Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — For  Queens. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — For  Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Major  Lookwood,  Mr.  Paulding — 

For  Westchester. 

Mr.  LefTertse—  For  Kings. 
Mr.  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

The  following  officers  of  this  Congress  were  then  una- 
nimously chosen,  to  wit : 
Brigadier-General  NATHANIEL  WOODHULL,  President. 

John  McKesson,  >s  - 
Robt.  Benson,  £ 

Thomas  Pettit,  Doorkeeper. 

The  credentials  from  several  counties  were  respectively 

read,  to  wit : 

A  certified  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  was  read 
and  filed.  It  thereby  appeared  that  at  an  election  held 
at  the  City  Hall  in  the  city  of  New-York,  on  the  third 
Tuesday  of  April  last,  (pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
late  Provincial  Congress,)  the  following  persons  were,  by 
plurality  of  voices,  elected  Deputies  to  represent  the  said 
city  and  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  to  wit :  John  Jay, 
Philip  Livingston,  John  Alsop,  Francis  Lewis,  Abraham 
Brasher,  Evert  Bancker,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Henry  Rem- 
sen, Thomas  Randall,  Comfort  Sands,  John  Van  Cort- 
landt, Isaac  Roosevelt,  Isaac  Stoulenburgh,  John  Morin 
Scott,  John  Broome,  William  Denning,  James  Beekman, 
Peter  Praw  Van  Zandt,  Joseph  Hallett,  Anthony  Rutgers, 
James  Duane. 

A  certified  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  said  general  com- 
mittee, was  also  read.  They  thereby  resolve  that  any 
five  of  the  said  Deputies  shall  constitute  a  quorum. 

A  copy  of  such  part  of  the  minutes  of  the  committee 
of  the  county  of  Albany,  dated  April  25lh,  1776,  as  re- 
lates to  the  election  for  Deputies  to  represent  the  said 
county  in  Provincial  Congress,  and  certified  by  Mat. 
Visscher,  Secry.  was  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears 
that  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  John  Js.  Bleecker,  Robert  Van 
Rensselaer,  Francis  Nicoll,  Leonard  Gansevoort,  John  Ten, 
Broeck,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Robert 
Yates,  Henry  Glen,  Christopher  Yates  and  Peter  R.  Li- 
vingston, were  duly  elected  Deputies  to  represent  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany  in  Provincial  Congress,  and  by  a 
resolve  of  the  said  committee  any  three  of  them  are  au- 
thorized to  represent  the  said  city  and  county  in  Congress, 
as  aforesaid. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


449 


A  certificate  dated  April  18th,  1776,  signed  by  William 
Smith,  chairman,  and  attested  by  Ezra  L'hommedieu, 
clerk  of  the  committee  of  Suffolk  county,  was  read  and 
filed,  whereby  it  appears  that  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Tho- 
mas Tredwell,  Selah  Strong,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Thomas 
Wickham,  David  Gelston,  Daniel  Brown  and  Ezra  L'hom- 
medieu, Esquires,  were  duly  elected  to  represent  the  said 
county  in  Provincial  Congress,  and  either  three  of  them 
to  be  a  quorum. 

A  certificate  dated  April  16th,  1776,  signed  by  Egbert 
Benson,  chairman,  and  attested  by  Melancton  Smith,  clerk 
of  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  was  read  and  filed, 
whereby  it  appears  that  at  an  election  held  on  the  said  16th 
day  of  April,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Morris  Graham,  Henry 
Schenk,  James  Livingston,  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  Junr. 
John  Field,  Paul  Schenk,  James  Van  Derburgh  and  Ben- 
jamin De  Lavergne,  Esquires,  were  elected  Deputies  to 
represent  the  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress  for  one 
year  and  no  longer,  and  any  three  of  them  to  be  a  quo- 
rum. 

A  certificate  dated  on  the  third  Tuesday  of  April  last, 
and  signed  by  Thomas  Thomas,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Westchester  county,  was  read  and  filed.  It  there- 
by appears  that  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Colo.  Lewis 
Graham,  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  Major  Ebenezer  Lockwood 
and  Governeur  Morris,  William  Paulding,  Jonathan  G. 
Tomkins,  Samuel  Haviland  and  Peter  Fleming,  Esqrs. 
were  duly  elected  to  represent  the  said  county  in  Provin- 
cial Congress  for  twelve  months,  with  such  powers  and 
authority  as  was  recommended  in  the  resolutions  of  the 
late  Provincial  Congress  to  be  given  them ;  any  three  of 
whom  to  be  a  quorum. 

A  certificate  dated  April  16th,  1776,  and  signed  by 
George  Townsend,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Queens 
county,  was  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears  that  Colo- 
nel Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Cornelius  Van 
Wyck,  Waters  Smith,  Samuel  Townsend,  Esqr.  James 
Townsend,  Thomas  Hycks,  Esqr.  and  Captain  John  Wil- 
liams were  legally  chosen  to  represent  the  said  county  in 
Provincial  Congress  ;  and  that  they,  or  any  three  of  them, 
when  met  in  Congress,  to  have  full  power  to  transact  all 
matters  which  may  concern  the  said  county,  and  particu- 
larly to  assist  the  other  counties  in  the  choice  of  persons 
to  represent  this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  and  like- 
wise to  appoint,  out  of  their  body,  any  number  of  persons 
to  be  a  Committee  of  Safety  for  this  Colony,  if  it  be 
thought  necessary. 

A  certificate  dated  April  16th,  1776,  and  signed  by  John 
Leffertse,  chairman,  and  Abraham  Van  Ranst,  clerk  of  the 
committee  of  Kings  county,  was  read  and  filed.  It  there- 
by appears  that  John  Leffertse,  Nicholas  Covenhoven,  Je- 
remiah Remsen,  Theodorus  Polhemus,  Leffert  Leffertse, 
Rutgert  Van  Brunt,  Jeremiah  Van  Derbilt  and  John  Van 
Derbilt  were  chosen  to  make  out  a  representation  for  the 
said  county  out  of  their  body ;  and  that  any  four,  three, 
two  or  one  of  them  make  a  quorum,  with  full  powers,  in 
behalf  of  the  said  county,  to  appoint  delegates  to  represent 
this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  and  to  make  such  or- 
ders and  take  such  measures  as  they  shall  judge  necessary, 
not  repugnant  to,  or  inconsistent  with  any  rules  or  orders 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  for  the  preservation  of  the 
rights,  liberties  and  privileges  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony. 

A  certificate,  with  a  resolve  and  order  subjoined,  from 
the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  April  16th,  1776, 
and  signed  by  William  Seeber,  chairman,  and  attested  by 
John  Eisenlord,  clerk,  were  read  and  filed ;  whereby  it 
appears  that  Christopher  P.  Yates,  Isaac  Paris,  John 
Moore  and  William  Harper  were  duly  elected,  and  that 
they,  or  any  two  of  them,  have  power  to  represent  the  said 
county  in  Provincial  Congress,  for  not  longer  than  twelve 
months  from  the  said  16th  of  May. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Richmond  county,  dated 
113 


April  23d,  1776,  signed  by  Christian  Jacobson,  chairman, 
and  attested  by  Israel  D.  Bedell,  clerk,  directed  to  Messrs. 
Paul  Mecheau,  Richard  Conner,  Aaron  Cortelyou  and  John 
Journey,  was  read  and  filed  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  those 
gentlemen  were  duly  elected  to  represent  the  said  county 
in  Provincial  Congress,  with  power  to  any  two  of  them  to 
constitute  a  quorum  to  represent  the  said  county  as  afore- 
said, until  the  second  Tuesday  in  May,  1777. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Charlotte  county,  dated 
atN  ew-Perth,  May  1st,  1776,  signed  by  John  Williams, 
chairman,  and  Edward  Savage,  clerk,  was  read  and  filed ; 
whereby  it  appears  that  Colo.  John  Williams,  Major  Alex- 
ander Webster  and  Major  William  Malcom  were  legally 
chosen  to  represent  the  said  county  ;  and  it  further  appears, 
by  a  resolve  and  order  of  the  said  committee  subjoined, 
that  they,  or  either  of  them,  shall  represent  the  said  county 
in  Provincial  Convention,  until  the  second  Tuesday  in  May, 
1777. 

A  certificate  from  the  county  committee  of  Orange 
county,  with  two  resolutions  of  the  said  committee  dated 
the  10th  day  of  May  instant,  subscribed  by  Elihu  Marvin, 
chairman,  and  attested  by  Thomas  Moffat,  clerk  pro  tem- 
pore, were  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears  that  on  the 
16lh  day  of  April  last,  elections  were  respectively  duly  held 
in  the  precincts  of  Goshen  and  Cornwall,  for  Deputies  to 
represent  the  county  of  Orange  in  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Congress  of 
the  12th  day  of  March  last,  for  that  purpose  made  and  pro- 
vided ;  that  Peter  Clowes  and  William  Allison,  Esquires, 
were  unanimously  elected  in  the  precinct  of  Goshen,  and 
vested  with  all  the  powers  mentioned  in  the  resolves  of  the 
said  12th  day  of  March  last,  except  the  power  of  electing 
Delegates  to  represent  this  Colony  in  Continental  Con- 
gress ;  that  Archibald  Little,  Esquire,  was  unanimously 
chosen  in  Cornwall  precinct,  to  be  one  of  the  Deputies  to 
represent  Orange  county  in  this  Congress,  with  all  the 
powers  specified  in  the  aforesaid  resolves  of  the  12th  day 
of  March  last.  Thereto  is  subjoined  resolutions  of  the  said 
committee, 

1st.  That  those  gentlemen  were  duly  elected,  and  that 
they  be  returned  as  legal  members  to  this  Congress. 

2dly.  That  any  two  of  the  Deputies  chosen  in  the  said 
county  of  Orange  should  be  a  quorum  to  represent  that 
county  in  this  Congress. 

A  certificate  from  the  county  committee  held  on  the 
south  side  of  the  mountains,  in  Orange  county,  on  the  16th 
day  of  May  instant,  subscribed  by  Johannes  Isa.  Blauvelt, 
chairman  pro  tempore,  and  John  Coleman,  clerk,  was  read 
and  filed.  It  thereby  appears  that  at  elections  held  for 
that  purpose  in  the  several  precincts  of  Orange  Town  and 
Haverslraw,  on  the  third  Tuesday  in  April  last,  (according 
to  a  determination  of  the  county  committee,)  John  Haring, 
Esquire,  in  Orange  Town,  and  David  Pye,  Esquire,  and 
Mr.  Roeloff  Van  Houten,  in  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw, 
were  duly  elected  Deputies  from  Orange  county  to  this 
Congress  for  the  space  of  twelve  months.  That  any  two 
Deputies  chosen  in  that  county  should  be  a  quorum  to  re- 
present that  county  in  this  Congress,  with  all  the  powers 
mentioned  or  set  forth  in  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony  of  the  12th  day  of  March  last,  pro- 
viding for  such  elections. 

It  was  then  proposed  to  determine  in  what  manner  the 
votes  of  the  respective  counties,  here  represented,  shall  be 
taken  on  any  division,  and  debates  arose  thereon. 

Thereupon  Mr.  Leffertse  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Gelston,  that  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be  postpon- 
ed, and  a  future  day  now  fixed  for  the  consideration  thereof, 
and  that  in  the  mean  time  the  counties  respectively  have 
the  same  number  of  votes  as  in  the  late  Congress  of  this 
Colony. 

The  question  being  put  thereon  it  [was]  agreed  to  be 
determined,  and  was  determined  by  polls,  in  the  manner 
following,  vizt ; 


/ 


4,10 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Lcflertse,  Every  other  member  present. 

Mr.  Gelslon,  and 
Mr.  Conner. 

After  some  farther  time  spent  in  consideration  of  this 
matter,  and  debates  thereon,  it  is  unanimously 

Resolved,  Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  every  question 
on  any  division  be  determined  by  a  majority  of  the  votes 
of  the  several  counties  then  having  a  representation  in  this 
Congress,  and  that 

The  city  and  county  of  New-York  shall  have  8  votes. 

The  city  and  County  of  Albany,   6 

The  county  of  Dutchess,   5 

do        Suffolk,   4 

do        Ulster,   4 

do        Westchester,   4 

do        Orange,   3 

do        Queens,   4 

do        Kings,   2 

do         Richmond,   2 

do        Tryon   3 

do         Charlotte,   2 

do        Cumberland,   2 

do        Gloucester,   1 

In  all  50  votes. 

The  following  rules  were  unanimously  resolved  on  and 
agreed  to  as  the  rules  of  this  Congress,  vizt : 

1st.  That  the  President,  and  in  his  absence  a  President 
to  be  appointed  pro  tempore,  shall  preside  at  every  meet- 
ing and  keep  order  and  decorum,  and  that  it  shall  be  his 
duty  to  sign  all  letters  from  this  Congress. 

2d.  That  all  motions  be  made  in  writing,  and  read  by 
the  member  moving,  in  his  place,  and  then  delivered  at  the 
Chair,  and  that  all  addresses  be  made  to  the  Chair,  and 
standing. 

3d.  That  if  more  than  one  shall  rise  to  speak  at  the 
same  time,  the  President  shall  determine  who  shall  first  be 
heard. 

4th.  That  the  substance  of  every  motion  made  and  se- 
conded shall  be  entered  on  the  minutes,  unless  withdrawn 
by  leave  of  the  Congress. 

5th.  That  no  interruption  shall  be  suffered  while  a  mem- 
ber is  delivering  his  sentiments,  unless  by  calling  such 
member  to  order. 

6th.  That  after  the  determination  of  any  matter  or  thing, 
the  same  shall  not  be  reassumed  but  with  the  consent  of 
such  majority  as  aforesaid,  upon  notice  of  a  motion  for  that 
purpose  previously  given,  at  least  one  day  before  the  same 
is  made. 

7th.  That  when  any  question  is  determined  upon  a  di- 
vision, the  names  of  the  respective  counties  shall  be  enter- 
ed as  they  shall  vote  on  each  side  ;  but  any  member  for 
any  county  may  be  at  liberty  to  have  his  name  and  dissent 
from  the  vote  of  his  county  entered  on  the  minutes. 

8th.  That  this  Congress  shall  from  time  to  time  meet  on 
their  own  adjournments. 

9th.  That  for  the  despatch  of  business,  and  to  prevent 
interruptions,  the  doors  of  our  meetings  shall  be  shut,  un- 
less on  any  such  occasion  where  a  majority  as  aforesaid 
shall  determine  otherwise. 

10th.  That  no  question  shall  be  determined  on  the  day 
that  it  is  agitated,  if  three  counties  shall  request  that  it  be 
deferred  to  the  next  day. 

llth.  That  no  member  shall  be  at  liberty  to  speak  more 
than  twice,  to  the  same  point,  without  leave  from  the  Pre- 
sident for  the  time  then  being. 

12th.  That  every  member  of  this  Congress  shall  keep 
secret  all  such  matters,  proceedings,  and  things  in  this 
Congress,  as  shall  be  enjoined  from  the  Chair  to  be  kept 
secret,  upon  pain  of  expulsion. 

13th.  That  whenever  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress 
shall  be  published  at  the  close  of  this  session,  all  the  mi- 
nutes shall  be  published,  and  no  part  concealed,  unless 
such  as  the  unanimous  votes  of  the  counties  shall  declare 
to  be  of  a  secret  or  unimportant  nature  ;  but  that  extracts 
of  the  proceedings  may,  nevertheless,  be  published,  from 
time  to  time,  as  the  Congress  shall  think  fit. 


Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Jacobus  Van 
Zandt,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Beekman  and  Mr. 
Evert  Bancker,  be  a  committee  for  the  auditing  of  ac- 
counts, and  to  compose  a  pay  table  for  the  purpose  of  au- 
diting all  accounts  against  the  treasury  of  this  Congiess. 
That  they,  or  any  three  or  more  of  them,  do  endorse  or 
subscribe  every  account  they  shall  pass,  and  certify  how 
much  shall  be  paid  for  or  on  such  account.  That  such  en- 
dorsement or  certificate  shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress  for  the  payment  of  such  sum 
or  sums  as  shall  be  certified  by  the  said  committee,  or  a 
major  part  of  them,  to  be  due  or  payable  on,  or  for  such 
account ;  that  the  said  committee  do  enter  in  a  book,  or 
books,  to  be  by  them  kept  for  the  purpose,  a  regular  ac- 
count of  all  the  accounts  by  them  passed. 

That  they  be  empowered  to  hire  and  employ  one  able 
and  sufficient  clerk,  and  a  room  for  the  purpose,  and  that 
this  Congress  will  make  provision  for  the  payment  thereof. 

That  they  be  directed  to  make  a  separation  in  the  Trea- 
surer's accounts,  between  those  that  are  of  a  Continental 
nature,  and  those  that  are  merely  Provincial,  and  keep  them 
in  a  proper  state  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, when  thereunto  directed  by  this  Congress,  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety. 

That  they  lay  before  this  Congress,  or  Committee  of 
Safety,  a  state  of  the  accounts  of  this  Colony,  from  time  to 
time,  as  they  shall  be  thereunto  required. 

That  the  said  committee  be  allowed  a  reasonable  com- 
pensation for  their  services. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  General  Wa- 
shington had  discovered  to  him  that  he  had  lately  received 
certain  letters,  affidavits  and  advices  of  some  dangerous 
machinations  in  this  and  one  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies. 
That  the  General  does  not  at  present  think  it  necessary  to 
communicate  those  matters  to  the  whole  Congress,  but 
would  be  obliged  by  the  appointment  of  a  secret  commit- 
tee to  confer  with  him  on  the  dangers  to  which  this  Colony 
is  exposed  from  its  intestine  enemies. 

Thereupon  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded  that 

be  a  committee  on  behalf  of  this  Congress, 
to  confer  with  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Continental 
forces  in  this  Colony,  on  all  such  matters  as  he  shall  choose 
to  mention  or  communicate  to  them. 

Mr.  Scott  moved  (and  was  seconded)  for  the  following 
amendment,  to  wit :  that  the  words  "  relative  to  the  exe- 
cution of  his  office,"  be  inserted  between  the  word  "  mat- 
ters "  and  the  word  "  as." 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  proposed  amendment  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive for  the  amendment  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New- York,   8       Suffolk,   4 

Tryon,   3       Westchester,    4 

Charlotte,   2  — 

Kings,   2  8 

Richmond,   2 

17 

Ordered  therefore,  That  the  said  amendment  be  made. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris, 
Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Wickham,  or  any 
three  or  more  of  them,  be  a  secret  committee  on  behalf  of 
this  Congress,  to  confer  and  advise  with  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  Continental  forces  in  this  Colony,  on  all 
such  matters  "  relative  to  the  execution  of  his  office  as  he 
shall  choose  to  mention  or  communicate  to  them." 

Charles  Friend,  who  voluntarily  came  to  the  late  Pro- 
vincial Congress  and  gave  them  information  whereby 
Israel  Youngs,  Henry  Dawkins  and  others  have  been  ap- 
prehended, and  are  now  in  custody  for  counterfeiting  Con- 
tinental currency  and  the  bills  of  credit  of  the  Colonies  of 
Massachusetts  Bayand  Connecticutfand]  hassincethat  lime 
been  detained  here  as  an  evidence,  prays  to  be  dismissed  ; 
and  John  Henderson,  who  was  also  brought  to  this  city  on 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


451 


the  fourteenth  instant,  as  a  witness  against  the  said  prison- 
ers, and  is  so  poor  as  to  be  without  means  to  return  home, 
prays  to  be  dismissed. 

This  Congress  are  of  opinion  that,  considering  the  po- 
verty and  fidelity  of  the  said  Charles  Friend,  he  merits  a 
reward.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  John  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
advance  to  John  Henderson  two  dollars,  to  bear  his  ex- 
penses in  returning  home ;  and  that  the  said  Secretary  ad- 
vance to  the  said  Charles  Friend  twenty  dollars,  as  a  re- 
ward for  his  fidelity,  time  and  expense,  in  coming  to  New- 
York  to  give  the  information  aforesaid.  That  the  door- 
keeper discharge  the  account  of  the  boarding  of  the  said 
two  witnesses  since  they  arrived  in  this  city,  and  charge 
the  same  in  his  account.  And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  repay  to  John  McKesson  the 
said  sum  of  twenty-two  dollars  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same,  for  which  a  certified  copy  of  this  entry  shall  be  a 
sufficient  voucher. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  18th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr. 
Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Capt.  Denning — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Leflertse — Kings. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn— Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake— 
Westchester. 
Mx.  Journey,  Mr.  Connor — Richmond. 
Mr.  Wickham,  Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Christian  Jacobson,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Richmond  county,  dated  the  14th  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  therein  informs,  that  John  Garritson 
has  declined  an  ensign's  commission  in  the  Continental 
troops,  and  recommends  John  Decker  to  be  appointed  with 
that  commission. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  filed. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
Continental  Treasury  office,  dated  at  Philadelphia,  on  the 
ninth  instant,  covering  copies  of  resolutions  of  Congress 
for  numbering  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  was  read,  and 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Treasury  Office,  Philadelphia,  May  7, 1776. 
"Honourable  Gentlemen — We  enclose  to  you  the  re- 
solutions of  Congress,  passed  the  26th  December,  1775, 
and  17th  February  following,  and  have  to  request  your 
Honourable  House  will  cause  the  number  of  inhabitants  of 
your  Colony  to  be  taken  and  transmitted  to  this  office,  con- 
formable to  the  directions  laid  down  in  the  first  mentioned 
resolve.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  in  the  name  of  the  super- 
intendents of  the  treasury, 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"J AS.  DUANE,  Chairman. 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of  New-York." 

The  resolutions  of  Congress,  copies  whereof  were  re- 
ceived with  the  preceding  letter,  were  read,  and  follow, 
to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  December  26th,  1775. 
"Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  As- 
semblies, Conventions,  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety 
of  the  respective  Colonies,  to  ascertain,  by  the  most  im- 
partial and  effectual  means  in  their  power,  the  number  of 
inhabitants  in  each  respective  Colony,  taking  care  that  the 
lists  be  authenticated  by  the  oaths  of  the  several  persons 
who  shall  be  intrusted  with  this  service  ;  and  that  the  said 
Assemblies,  Conventions  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safe- 
ty, do  respectively  lay  before  this  Congress  a  return  of  the 


number  of  inhabitants  of  their  respective  Colonies,  as  soon 
as  the  same  shall  be  procured. 
(Copy.)       "  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy." 

"  In  Congress,  February  llth,  1776. 

"  1st.  Resolved,  That  a  standing  committee  of  five  be 
appointed,  for  superintending  the  treasury. 

"  5th  Article.  That  it  shall  be  the  business  of  this  com- 
mittee to  obtain  from  the  different  Assemblies  and  Conven- 
tions of  the  United  Colonies,  accounts  of  the  number  of 
inhabitants  in  each  Colony,  according  to  a  resolution  of 
Congress  on  that  subject. 

(Copy.)       "  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy." 

"  At  a  Board  of  Treasury,  held  at  the  Treasury  office  in 

Philadelphia,  the  seventh  day  of  May,  Anno  Domini  1776, 

Present — James  Duane,  Chairman,  i 

Thomas  Willing,  >  Superintendents. 

Eldredge  Gerry,  Esqrs.  ) 
John  Gibson,  Auditor-General. 
William  Webb,  Assistant. 

"  Ordered,  That  letters  be  written  pursuant  to  the  reso- 
lution of  Congress  of  the  seventeenth  day  of  February,  to 
the  different  Assemblies  and  Conventions  of  the  United 
Colonies,  requesting  them  to  furnish  accounts  of  the  num- 
ber of  the  inhabitants  of  each  Colony  respectively,  accord- 
ing to  the  resolution  of  Congress  on  that  subject,  and  that 
a  copy  of  the  last  mentioned  resolution  be  forwarded  to 
each  of  them. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  Treasury  Board, 
"JOHN  GIBSON,  Aud.  General" 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Glenn,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh  and  Mr. 
Gelston,  be  a  committee  to  form  and  report  a  plan  to  ascer- 
tain the  number  of  inhabitants  in  this  Colony,  and  that  they 
report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  Con- 
tinental Treasury  office  at  Philadelphia,  requesting  an  ac- 
count to  be  rendered  of  the  expenditure  of  Continental 
moneys  passed  through  this  Convention,  was  read,  and 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Treasury  Office,  Philadelphia,  May  7,  1776. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — The  Congress  having  on 
the  17th  February  last,  appointed  a  standing  committee  for 
superintending  the  treasury,  and  on  the  first  of  April, 
among  other  things, 

"' Resolved,  That  all  Assemblies,  Conventions,  Coun- 
cils and  Committees  of  Safety,  commissaries,  paymasters, 
and  others  intrusted  with  public  moneys,  should,  within  a 
reasonable  time  after  being  called  upon  for  that  purpose  by 
the  committee  of  the  treasury,  produce  their  accounts  at 
the  Treasury  office,  in  order  to  their  being  settled  and  ad- 
justed :' 

"  We  are,  in  pursuance  of  the  said  regulations,  to  re- 
quest that  your  Honourable  House  will  be  pleased  to  give 
orders  that  an  account  be  rendered  of  the  expenditure  of 
the  Continental  moneys,  which,  by  the  acts  of  Congress, 
have  passed  through  your  hands  into  this  office,  with  the 
proper  vouchers,  that  the  same  may  be  settled  and  adjusted 
here,  and  reported  for  the  final  allowance  of  Congress. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  in  the  names  of  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  treasury, 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"JAS.  DUANE,  Chairman. 
"To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of  New-York." 

The  President  at  the  request  of  several  members  in- 
quired of  those  members  who  form  the  pay  table  committee 
in  what  forwardness  they  had  got  the  public  accounts  ? 
Those  gentlemen  replied  that  the  public  accounts  are  in 
great  forwardness,  and  that  they  expect  the  accounts  of 
disbursements  of  public  money,  will  soon  be  ready  to  trans- 
mit to  Continental  Congress. 

Another  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  superintendents  of  the  treasury,  at  Philadelphia,  re- 


452 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


questing  to  know  what  allowances  have  been  made  to  the 
New-York,  battalions,  and  the  reason  why  Heman  Allen's 
accounts  were  in  part  rejected,  was  read,  and  follows, 
vizt  : 

"  Treasury  Office,  Philadelphia,  May  1th,  1776. 
"Honourable  Gentlemen — Captn.  Heman  Allen's  ac- 
count of  disbursements  as  captain  of  a  company  in  Colonel 
Warren's  battalion,  is  now  under  examination  in  this  office. 
He  informs  us  that  he  could  not  settle  it  with  your  honour- 
able body  to  his  satisfaction,  nor  are  we  able  without  some 
information  to  state  it  in  a  clear  light  to  Congress.  We, 
therefore,  request  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  let  us  know 
what  allowances  you  have  made  to  the  New-York  bat- 
talions, and  the  reason  why  Captain  Allen's  claim  was  in 
part  rejected. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be,  in  the  name  of  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  treasury, 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"J AS.  DUANE,  Chairman. 
"  Honble.  Committee  of  Safety,  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  above  letter  be  referred  to  the  audi- 
tors, or  members,  who  compose  the  pay  table  committee, 
to  be  answered. 

A  certificate  signed  by  Samuel  Brewster  and  Hugh 
Umphrey,  two  of  the  committee  of  the  precinct  of  New- 
Windsor,  in  Ulster  county,  dated  the  sixth  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  They  thereby  certify  that  on  that  day  they 
attended  an  election  of  officers  for  one  of  the  companies  of 
militia  in  the  said  precinct,  and  in  the  second  regiment  of 
Ulster  county.  That  James  Umphrey  was  then  chosen 
captain  of  the  said  company,  and  that  on  the  first  day  of 
February  last,  James  Kernaghan  was  chosen  second  lieu- 
tenant, and  Richard  Wood,  ensign,  of  the  said  company. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen 
accordingly. 

A  letter  from  William  Elsworth,  Esquire,  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  relative  to 
Azor  Belts  and  John  Blackler,  was  read.  He  therein  says 
that  those  prisoners  have  broke  their  promises,  and  behaved 
ill,  and  deserved  no  farther  compliments  from  the  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  filed. 

A  letter  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  dated 
the  15th  instant  at  Albany,  was  read  and  filed.  A  resolu- 
tion of  the  committee  of  Albany  therein  enclosed,  was  also 
read  and  filed.  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  by  his  letter  recom- 
mends, and  the  committee  of  Albany  by  their  resolutions 
also  recommend,  Mr.  Thomas  Williams,  Junior,  to  be 
quarter-master  to  Colonel  Wynkoop's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Glenn,  by  letter,  inform  Colonel 
Wynkoop,  and  the  committee  of  Albany,  that  the  appoint- 
ment of  adjutants  and  quarter-masters  to  the  regiments  of 
Continental  troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  is  given  to  the 
colonels  of  the  respective  regiments,  who  may  appoint  and 
displace  them  at  pleasure. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  Esquire,  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  dated  the  15th  instant, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  gives  some  information 
of  the  stale  of  the  several  companies  of  Continental  troops 
which  were  directed  to  be  raised  in  Ulster  county. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Ritzema,  dated  this  day,  was  read 
and  filed.  He  thereby  recommends  Doctor  Ledger  for  a 
surgeon  to  his  regiment;  requests  arms  for  his  men,  and 
that  the  billeting  money  and  subsistence  of  some  of  the 
companies  in  his  regiment,  which  is  not  finally  settled,  may 
be  fully  paid  off  and  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Gerrit  Abeel,  deputy  chairman  of  the  ge- 
neral committee  of  the  city  of  New-Yrork,  was  read  and 
filed.  He  thereby  informs  that  a  sub-commillee  of  their 
body  viewed  the  houses  lately  inhabited  by  the  troops  ;  that 
it  would  be  difficult  to  clean  and  repair  them,  and  suggests 
that  it  would  be  proper  for  this  Congress  to  appoint  some 
person  to  see  that  business  executed. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerrit  Roorback,  the  barrack-mas- 
ter, be,  and  he  is  hereby,  directed  to  employ  as  many  per- 
sons as  he  shall  judge  necessary,  to  clean  all  the  houses 
and  yards  lately  occupied  by  the  troops  in  this  city  ;  that 
Mr.  Roorback  superintend  the  cleaning  of  the  said  houses 
and  yards,  and  render  an  account  of  the  expenses  attending 
the  same,  to  this  Congress. 

Colonel  Remsen  informs  the  Congress  that  it  frequently 
and  necessarily  happens  that  the  colonels  of  the  respective 
regiments  in  this  city  are  out  of  town  for  a  short  time  ;  that 
in  the  absence  of  any  such  colonel,  any  person  of  his  re- 
giment, or  battalion,  cannot  obtain  a  furlough  to  go  out  of 
the  city  on  any  emergency  whatever.  For  remedy  whereof, 

Ordered,  That  any  of  the  field  officers  of  any  battalion 
or  regiment  of  militia  in  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
be  empowered  to  give  such  leave  of  absence,  as  by  a  re- 
solution of  this  house  of  the  tenth  instant,  is  directed  and 
permitted  to  be  given  by  the  colonel,  or  commanding  officer 
of  such  regiment  or  battalion. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  the  17th  in- 
stant, was  read  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  NevrYork,  May  17th,  1776. 
"  Sir — As  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  willingness  of  the  mi- 
litia of  this  city  to  join  in  its  defence,  against  the  attempts 
of  the  enemies  of  America,  it  is  highly  necessary,  in  or- 
der to  avoid  confusion  in  the  time  of  any  alarm,  that  the 
posts  of  the  several  regiments  of  militia  [be]  fixed  on,  in 
conjunction  with  those  of  the  Continental  army,  and  that 
they  be  allotted  to  the  brigades  most  convenient  to  their  se- 
veral situations  ;  and  as  I  am  now  arranging  that  part  of 
the  business  of  the  army,  it  will,  I  presume,  be  proper  that 
directions  be  given  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  seve- 
ral corps  to  take  the  stations  I  shall  assign,  and  to  obey  the 
orders  they  may  in  time  of  danger  receive  from  me,  or  the 
brigadier-generals  of  the  Continental  army.  The  like 
measure  will  be  equally  necessary  with  regard  to  the  mili- 
tia of  Kings  county,  and  part  of  Queens  county,  on  Long 
island,  and  also  the  militia  of  Staten  island  ;  and  I  am  per- 
suaded that  the  mention  of  a  matter  so  obviously  necessary 
will  be  sufficient  to  induce  the  Congress  of  this  Province 
to  give  such  directions  as  are  proper  on  this  occasion. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Prest.  of  the 

Colony  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  was 
read  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Dutchess  county,  May  6lh,  1776. 
"  Sir — It  having  been  represented  to  the  general  com- 
mittee of  this  county,  that  the  southern  regiment  of  militia 
was  too  large  and  extensive,  containing  twelve  companies, 
and  covering  a  space  of  country  upwards  of  thirty  miles  in 
length,  we  have  therefore,  not  only  because  in  other  re- 
spects it  was  expedient,  but  also  in  compliance  with  the 
resolution  of  Congress  prohibiting  a  regiment  to  consist 
of  more  than  ten  companies,  divided  it,  and  instead  of  one 
have  formed  the  militia  in  that  quarter  into  two  regiments. 
Enclosed  you  have  the  description  of  the  regiments,  to- 
gether with  a  list  of  persons  nominated  for  field  officers.  As 
this  part  of  our  militia  will  remain  unregimented  till  the 
officers  receive  their  commissions,  we  must  request  that  the 
commissions  be  made  out  as  soon  as  possible,  and  sent  to 
the  committee  in  Rumboul's  precinct,  with  directions  to  for- 
ward them  to  the  officers  immediately. 

"  I  remain,  (by  order  of  the  committee,) 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 
"EGBERT  BENSON,  Chairman? 

The  description  of  the  two  regiments,  enclosed  in  the 
letter  from  the  committee  of  Dutchess,  was  read  as  follows: 

"  One  regiment,  to  consist  of  all  the  militia  in  Pauling's 
precinct,  (except  the  northern  company,)  all  the  militia  in 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


453 


southeast  precinct,  and  the  militia  on  the  northern  and  mid- 
dle short  lots,  in  Fredericksburgh  precinct,  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess.  John  Field,  colonel;  Andrew  Morehouse,  lieut. 
col.;  Jonathan  Paddock,  1st  major;  Isaac  Tallman,  2d 
major ;  Isaac  Crane,  adjutant ;  Reuben  Crosby,  quarter- 
master. 

'•  The  other  regiment  to  consist  of  all  the  militia  in  Fre- 
dericksbourgh  precinct,  (except  the  northern  and  middle 
short  lots,)  and  all  the  militia  in  Phelps'  precinct,  in  the 
county  of  Dutchess.  Moses  Dusenberry,  colonel ;  Henry 
Luddington,  lieut.  col.;  Reuben  Ferris,  1st  major;  Joshua 
Nelson,  2d  major;  Joshua  Myrick,  adjutant;  Solomon 
Hopkins,  quarter-master." 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  was  read  as  follows  : 

"Saratoga,  May  13th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Mr.  Duer  informs  me  that  he  has  presented  a 
petition*  in  behalf  of  a  considerable  number  of  freeholders 
and  freemen,  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  to  your  Honble. 
House,  in  which  he  engages  himself  to  support  the  facts 
therein  alleged,  before  the  Convention,  on  or  about  the  14th 
day  of  this  present  month.  As  I  find  it  necessary  to  the 
public  service  to  engage  Mr.  Duer's  assistance  in  execut- 
ing an  important  commission,  I  have  to  request  the  favour 
that  your  House  will  not  proceed  to  determine  with  re- 
spect to  the  election  lately  held  in  Charlotte  county,  until 
Mr.  Duer's  arrival  in  New-York,  which  will  be  as  soon  as 
the  matter  is  completed  in  which  he  is  at  present  embark- 
ed. 1  have  no  doubt  but  you  will  then  be  of  opinion  that 
his  stay  was  not  only  justifiable  but  highly  expedient. 
"  I  am,  sir,  and  gentlemen, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

Directed  '  To  the  Honble.  the  Prest. 
and  Members  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
vention al  New-York.' " 

"  Mr.  Duer  begs  Mr.  Yanbeuren  will  deliver  this  into 
the  hands  of  J.  M.  Scott,  Esqr.;  in  case  of  Mr.  Scott's  ab- 
sence to  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esquire. 

A  letter  from  Christopher  Smith,  directed  to  Mr.  Robert 
Benson,  dated  at  Jamaica,  on  Long  island,  on  the  14th  in- 
stant, was  read.  He  therein  mentions  that  he  had  read  in 
the  newspapers  a  resolve  of  Congress  ordering  every  per- 
son who  has  withdrawn  himself  from  the  city  since  the 
first  of  June  last,  to  return  without  delay,  and  requesting, 
from  infirmity  of  body,  that  he  may  [be]  exempt  from  said 
resolve. 

Ordered,  That  said  letter  be  not  answered  by  this 
House,  but  that  Mr.  Benson  be  directed  to  answer  the 
same. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

May  19th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier  Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Hallelt,  Mr.  J.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Rerasen,  Majr.  Stoutenburgh, 
Mr.  Sands,  Capt.  Denning.  Mr.  Beekman.  Mr.  Bancker.  Mr.  Roosevelt, 
Mr.  Scott — For  Xeu>York. 

Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany, 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake.  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull.  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 
Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  who  conferred  with 
General  Washington,  informed  the  Congress  lhat  sundry 
matters  of  great  importance  had  been  conferred  on  with 
the  General  ;  that  the  General  wished  for  the  advice  and 
assistance  of  this  Congress  to  carry  into  execution  his  own 

*  Was  the  petition  ever  presented  which  is  referred  to  in  the  above 
letter,  or  did  Col.  Duer  abandon  it?  Was  that  the  reason  the  above 
letter  is  not  noticed  by  the  Secretaries  on  the  minutes  ?         J.  M.  K. 

114 


powers,  if  not  also  the  assistance  of  the  power3  of  this 
Congress  ;  that  the  matters  conferred  on  are  of  such  im- 
portance that  in  order  to  preserve  secrecy  it  is  necessary 
that  each  particular  member  be  sworn  not  to  reveal  to  any 
person  out  of  the  Congress  the  matters  to  be  mentioned, 
or  the  subjects  of  this  day's  debate. 

The  President  then  put  the  question  whether  every  mem- 
ber is  willing  to  take  an  oath  of  secrecy,  and  the  same  was 
unanimously  agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  of  this  Congress  do  take 
the  following  oath,  to  wit : 

"  I  do  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Al- 
mighty God,  that  I  will  keep  secret  the  matters  and  busi- 
ness that  shall  be  moved,  proposed,  agitated,  consider- 
ed or  determined  in  this  Congress  this  day,  and  every 
thing  relating  thereto,  until  leave  shall  be  given  from  the 
Chair,  by  order  of  this  Congress,  to  reveal  the  same. 

"  And  I  do  farther,  in  the  same  manner,  solemnly  swear 
that  I  will  at  all  times  keep  secret  all  such  matters  and 
things  as  shall  at  any  time  be  given  charge  from  the  Chair, 
by  order  of  this  Congress,  to  be  kept  secret,  until  leave 
shall  be  given  from  the  Chair,  by  order  of  this  or  a  future 
Congress  of  this  Colony,  to  reveal  the  same." 

The  President  was  then  sworn  accordingly.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  administer  the  like  oath 
to  each  of  the  members  present,  and  to  the  Secretaries  ; 
and  the  said  oath  was  administered  to  each  of  them  ac- 
cordingly, except  to  Mr.  Alexr.  Webster,  who  was  sworn 
to  the  same  oath  with  uplifted  hand,  beginning  the  oath  in 
these  words  :  "I  do  solemnly  swear  in  the  presence  of 
Almighty  God,  Father,  Son  and  Holy  Ghost." 

Ordered,  That  if  any  other  member  shall  attend  this 
Congress  this  day,  that  he  be  required  to  take  the  oath  before 
written  before  he  hear  any  of  the  debates  or  matters  in 
agitation  ;  and  that  any  member  who  shall  hereafter  attend 
this  Congress  do  take  the  general  oath  before  written,  be- 
fore he  take  his  seat. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Morris  wait  on  Gene- 
ral Washington  and  inform  him  that  the  Congress  hath  ta- 
ken an  oath  of  secrecy,  and  the  nature  thereof,  and  receive 
of  him  such  papers  as  may  be  necessary  to  communicate 
to  this  Congress. 

Messrs.  Scott  and  Morris  returned  from  General  Wa- 
shington and  delivered  to  the  President  such  papers  as  they 
had  received  of  the  General  ;  they  reported  that  a  scheme 
of  a  junction  is  forming  between  the  disaffected  in  Con- 
necticut and  on  Long  island,  in  order  to  join  the  Ministe- 
rial army  and  oppress  the  friends  to  liberty  in  these  Colo- 
nies ;  that  the  papers  will  give  farther  information. 

Thereupon  a  letter  to  General  Washington  from  Jona- 
than Sturges,  of  Fairfield,  dated  the  14th  day  of  May  inst. 
with  a  list  of  deserted  tories  therein  enclosed,  were  respec- 
tively read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Morris  farther  informed  the  Congress  by  informa- 
tion from  General  Washington,  that  several  persons  who 
were  strangers  have  been  observed  taking  notice  of  and 
fixing  on  proper  places  for  landing  on  the  south  side  of 
Long  island  ;  that  the  people  of  Hempstead  keep  up  a 
constant  communication  with  the  ships  of  war.  The  list 
enclosed  in  the  letter  above  mentioned. 

A  letter  from  Matthew  Adgate,  chairman  of  Kings  dis- 
trict, to  General  Washington,  dated  the  13th,  was  read. 

Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that 
the  bearer  of  the  letter  is  delayed  in  town  for  the  exami- 
nation of  this  Congress,  and  the  plot  therein  mentioned  was, 
to  have  massacred  the  inhabitants  who  are  friends  to  liberty, 
and  the  person  who  had  given  the  information  had  been  in 
the  councils  of  the  disaffected. 

The  informations  of  two  witnesses  given  to  a  select 
number  of  the  members  of  Kings  district,  and  taken  on 
oath  before  Mathew  Adgate,  chairman  of  lhat  committee, 
were  read  and  filed. 

The  Congress  spent  some  time  in  consideration  of  the 


454 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


information  received,  agreed  to  consider  thereof  farther  un- 
til to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has  good 
reason  to  believe  that  John  Hendrickson,  of  Queens  county, 
can  give  some  material  information  relative  to  the  matters 
which  General  Washington  has  communicated  to  the  com- 
mittee of  this  Congress  appointed  yesterday  to  confer  with 
him. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Derbilt  be  and  he  is  hereby  re- 
quested to  cause  a  messenger  to  go  to  the  said  John  Hen- 
drickson, and  request  him  to  attend  this  Congress  to-mor- 
row morning. 


DIE  LUN7E,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  20th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Jas.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Hal- 
lett,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr. 
Peter  P.  Van  Zandt— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler— Jlbany. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Litlle  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner— Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  following  gentlemen  attending  to  take  their  seats, 
were  sworn,  and  severally  took  the  same  oath  which  was 
administered  to  the  members  yesterday,  as  entered  on  the 
minutes,  vizt :  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Peter  P.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Lawrence  and  Colo. 
Blackwell. 

The  whole  proceedings  of  yesterday,  with  the  several 
papers  brought  by  the  committee  from  General  Washing- 
ton yesterday,  were  read  and  taken  into  consideration,  and 
some  time  spent  therein. 

John  Henderickson  attending,  agreeable  to  the  request  of 
yesterday,  the  following  oath  was  administered  to  him  : 

"  I,  John  Hendrickson,  do  solemnly  swear,  on  the  Holy 
Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  the  evidence  that  I  shall 
give  to  this  Congress  shall  be  the  truth,  the  whole  truth, 
and  nothing  but  the  truth,  and  that  I  will  keep  secret  my 
examination  before  this  Congress,  until  leave  shall  be  given 
by  order  of  this  Congress  to  reveal  the  same." 

The  President,  by  order  of  the  Congress,  assured  Mr. 
Hendrickson  that  his  name,  and  the  substance  of  the  evi- 
dence which  he  shall  give,  shall,  for  the  present,  be  kept 
secret. 

"  John  Hendrickson,  being  examined  on  oath,  says,  that 
he  does  not  know  of  any  private  plot  among  the  disaffect- 
ed on  Long  island  ;  that  he  has  observed  the  people  of 
Hempstead  in  high  spirits  of  late  ;  that  the  general  part  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Hempstead  and  Rockaway  are  against 
the  measures  of  the  Colonies,  and  in  favour  of  the  King  ; 
that  about  a  fortnight  ago  there  was  a  report  that  a  fleet 
was  expected  to  arrive  ;  that  they  appeared  rejoiced  at  it ; 
that  they  expected  to  reap  a  benefit  from  the  arrival  of  a 
fleet ;  that  some  of  them  say,  they  expect  to  join  the 
King's  troops  if  they  arrive.  That  Richard  Hulett  and 
Thomas  Cornell  were  esteemed  leading  men  of  those  dis- 
affected in  Hempstead  and  Rockaway  ;  that  Stephen  Hu- 
lett was  also  esteemed  a  man  of  influence  among  them, 
and  active.  That  Richard  Hulett  and  Thos.  Cornell  are 
absent.  That  Isaac  Denton,  near  Rockaway,  is  thought 
to  be  active  at  present,  and  to  assist  in  sending  provisions 
to  the  ships  of  war  ;  that  Isaac  Denton  has  a  sloop  of  his 
own,  and  that  he,  the  examinant,  has  heard  that  the  said 
Isaac  Denton  has  put  provisions  on  board  ;  that  he  has 


lately  heard  James  Smith)  of  Hempstead,  say  he  would 
join  the  King's  troops  if  they  should  arrive ;  that  people 
come  to  Hempstead  from  other  places,  who  are  said  to 
come  there  for  refuge  ;  that  he  has  not  lately  seen  many 
strangers  going  there,  but  that  in  January  and  February 
last  he  has  seen  many  persons,  sometimes  a  number  in  a 
day,  who  were  strangers,  going  to  Hempstead  ;  that  they 
appeared  to  be  reserved  and  cautious  ;  that  he  has  lately 
seen  some  strangers  in  the  county  who  are  not  residents  ; 
that  he  believes  several  of  the  inhabitants  are  yet  armed ; 
that  he  has  lately  been  informed  that  along  the  south  side, 
among  the  gunners,  every  other  man  at  least  is  armed  ; 
that  he  lately  saw  two  or  three  men  like  private  men,  who, 
he  supposed,  belonged  to  one  of  the  ships  of  war  ;  that 
they  appeared  like  sailors  ;  that  from  his  general  acquain- 
tance, it  is  his  opinion,  that  most  part  of  the  inhabitants 
would  oppose  the  liberties  of  America  if  British  troops 
should  arrive  ;  that  there  are  yet  some  arms  in  and  about 
the  town  of  Hempsted  ;  that  the  inhabitants  are  500  or  600 
in  number  ;  that  he  has  heard  the  inhabitants  speak  of  Ga- 
briel Ludlow,  Justice  Clowes,  Daniel  Kissam,  Esqr.  and 
Isaac  Smith,  Esqr.  as  principal  men,  but  that  he  has  not 
heard  any  of  those  gentlemen  say  any  thing  disaffected  to 
the  Colonies,  and  has  not  had  conversation  with  them  on 
the  subject  of  the  present  troubles  ;  that  last  winter  a  num- 
ber of  the  inhabitants  met  two  or  three  different  limes  at  the 
house  of  George  Ryerson  ;  that  there  were  30  or  40  men 
at  each  of  those  meetings,  as  he  imagines;  that  he  has  seen 
David  Colden,  Capt.  W  hitehead,  Doct.  Arden,  Thos.  Cor- 
nel, Captain  Richard  Hulett  and  Isaac  Smith,  go  there ; 
that  Captain  Hicks,  at  Rockaway,  who  formerly  had  a 
commission  from  government,  had  about  140  men  in  his 
company  ;  that  he  conceives  many  concealed  their  best 
arms  when  Colo.  Herd  came  to  disarm  them  ;  that  they 
sometimes  go  out  gunning  and  shooting,  but  complain  for 
want  of  ammunition  ;  that  the  few  friends  to  liberty  in  that 
part  of  the  country,  are  afraid,  on  account  of  the  openness 
and  threats  of  the  disaffected  ;  that  Nathan  Smith  told  the 
examinant  that  one  Ackerman  had  informed  him  that  he, 
the  said  Ackerman,  had  seen  a  quantity  of  beef  and  pork 
on  board  of  Isaac  Denton's  sloop,  that  there  were  also  but- 
ter, eggs  and  gammons  on  board,  and  that  the  sloop  pro- 
ceeded out  of  Rockaway  inlet  towards  the  ships  of  war  ; 
that  this  was  a  few  days  before  Capt.  Parr  came  up  there 
with  a  company  of  riflemen  ;  that  he  has  at  three  different 
times  seen  one  sloop  come  into  Rockaway  inlet ;  that  at  one 
time  it  was  Denton's  sloop  which  he  saw,  and  that  the  last 
he  saw  was  a  light  sloop,  which  came  in  there  on  a  Friday, 
which  was  a  fortnight  ago  last  Friday ;  that  from  the  cau- 
tion the  greatest  part  of  the  inhabitants  observe  with  the 
few  friends  to  liberty,  it  is  very  difficult  to  obtain  a  know- 
ledge of  their  intentions  or  designs  ;  that  he  was  informed, 
that  lately,  at  a  vendue  at  Rockaway,  one  Jacob  Foster, 
who  had  a  cockade  in  his  hat,  was  much  abused  and  ill 
treated  because  he  was  a  whig ;  that  the  cockade  was 
taken  out  of  his  hat  and  trod  on  by  one  Joseph  Beagle ; 
that  he  also  heard  that  Jacob  Hendrickson  was  abused  and 
his  hair  pulled,  because  he  was  a  whig;  that  he,  the  exa- 
minant, while  he  was  at  that  vendue,  and  before  he  left  it, 
saw  Joseph  Langdon  there;  that  he  appeared  to  be  disaf- 
fected and  active  among  the  people  ;  that  at  a  sheep  part- 
ing lately  in  Hempstead,  there  was  fresh  lime  punch 
plenty  to  be  sold,  and  that  it  was  sold  in  the  pens  by  Ti- 
mothy Clowes,  a  tavernkeeper. 

"JOHN  HENDRICKSON." 

Martin  Beebe,  the  messenger  who  brought  despatches 
from  Kings  district  to  Genl.  Washington,  was  called  in, 
sworn  and  examined,  and  his  deposition  follows,  vizt: 

"New-York,  ss. — Martin  Beebe,  of  Kings  district,  in 
the  county  of  Albany,  farmer,  being  duly  sworn  on  the 
Holv  Evangelists,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  he  has  acted 
as  clerk  of  the  committee  of  Kings  district;  that  he  is 
bound  by  oath  not  to  mention  the  names  of  two  persons 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


455 


who  on  oath  gave  the  informations  to  sundry  members  of 
the  committee  of  Kings  district,  which  are  contained  in 
two  papers  now  shewn  to  him,  and  of  which  he  was  the 
bearer  to  General  Washington  ;  that  the  two  persons  who 
gave  those  informations  are  esteemed  to  be  persons  of  ve- 
racity and  to  be  believed  ;  that  he  has  known  them  a  con- 
siderable time  ;  that  he  is  informed  that  the  person  mention- 
ed by  the  name  of  Brown  is  now  a  non-commissioned  offi- 
cer in  Capt.  Vosburgh's  company,  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice, and  that  he,  this  deponent,  has  been  informed  that 
when  the  said  company  comes  to  action  the  said  Brown  is 
to  take  the  command  of  that  company  ;  that  he  has  under- 
stood that  the  information  that  Brown  was  an  officer  in  the 
13ih  regiment  was  obtained  from  McDonald  the  miner, 
who  told  it  to  George  Hinsdale  ;  that  Silas  Howard  is 
esteemed  to  be  a  tory  ;  that  George  Hinsdale  is  esteemed 
to  be  deceitful  and  inimical  to  his  country  ;  that  the  last  ac- 
count he  heard  of  Brown  was  that  he  was  gone  to  Johns 
Town ;  that  he  has  heard,  and  believes,  that  the  said 
Brown  has  told  the  soldiers  of  Capt.  Vosburgh's  company 
that  he  should  sometimes  be  gone,  but  they  must  not  won- 
der at  it;  that  he  would  sometimes  be  drunk,  but  they 
must  not  think  strange  of  it ;  that  when  they  came  into 
any  engagement  their  captain  would  be  missing,  and  they 
must  follow  him  ;  that  Capt.  Barret  Dier  has  formerly 
been  a  committee  man  in  Kings  district ;  that  Samuel 
Messenger  is  reputed  to  be  a  tory ;  that  John  Guernsey  is 
a  person  who  was  sometime  ago  disarmed  ;  that  the  two 
persons  who  were  examined  on  oath  before  part  of  the 
committee  of  Kings  district,  and  whose  names  are  con- 
cealed, were  persons  who  had  formerly  been  dealt  with  by 
the  committee  of  Kings  district,  and  had  been  laid  under 
solemn  obligations  not  to  do  anything  against  the  liberties 
of  this  country,  and  to  give  information  to  the  committee  of 
any  plot,  conspiracy  or  mischief  agreed  or  determined  on 
against  the  country ;  that  the  said  two  persons  have  since 
declared  that  the  schemes  and  plans  in  agitation  appeared 
so  horrible  that  through  compunction  of  conscience  they 
came  to  the  committee  to  give  information  of  what  they 
knew  ;  that  they  at  the  same  time  declared  that  unless  their 
names  were  concealed  they  would  not  give  information  of 
what  they  did  know  ;  and  that  the  members  of  the  commit- 
tee who  were  then  present,  and  this  examinant,  were  sworn 
to  conceal  their  names  before  the  said  two  persons  gave  the 
information  contained  in  the  two  papers  exhibited  as  their 
testimony. 

"MARTIN  BEEBE." 

Die  Lvnm,  5  ho.  P.  M.  May  20th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Jacs.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Peter  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Van  Cort- 
landt,  Francis  Lewis — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler — Albany. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence,  Colo.  Blackwell— Queens. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood— 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress,  at  the  request  of 
Mr.  Webster,  that  Colo.  Malcom  is  returned  a  member  of 
this  Congress  for  Charlotte  county,  where  he  has  respecta- 
ble freeholds,  as  appears  by  return  of  the  members  for  that 
county,  which  has  been  read  and  filed,  and  that  Mr.  Web- 
ster desires  that  Mr.  Malcom  may  lake  his  seat. 

It  was  objected  by  some  members,  that  Mr.  Malcom  is 
not  a  resident  in  Charlotte  county,  and  therefore  ought  not 
to  be  admitted  to  a  seat. 


Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  whe- 
ther Mr.  Malcom  shall  be  admitted  to  take  his  seat,  it  was 
determined  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  vizt : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk   4      Kings,   2 

New-York,   8       Tryon,   3 

Richmond,   2  — 

Charlotte,   2  5 

16       Westchester  equally  divided. 

Ordered  therefore,  That  Mr.  Malcom  be  admitted  to 
take  his  seat,  and  that  Mr.  Webster  inform  Mr.  Malcom 
that  he  will  please  to  attend  and  take  his  seat. 

Mr.  Stoutenburg  with  leave  of  the  House  withdrew. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  business  of  the  day, 
and  proceeded  to  consider  of  the  information  contained  in 
the  papers  received  of  General  Washington,  and  the  exa- 
minations of  John  Hendrickson  and  Martin  Beebe. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  and  some  gentlemen 
having  delivered  their  sentiments  on  the  subject ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Paulding  and  Mr.  Lit- 
tle, be  a  committee  to  consider  McDonald's  reports  about 
lead  mines,  and  to  report  to  this  Congress  their  opinion, 
whether  either  and  which  of  the  said  lead  mines  are  worth 
pursuing,  and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  members  of  this  Congress  from 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and  the  counties  of 
Queens,  Kings,  Richmond  and  Westchester,  do  attend  this 
Congress  on  Friday  next. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  2lst,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Halletl,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Pe- 
ter P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Scott— for  New- 
York. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence— Queens. 
Major  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Paul  Schenk—  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Tomkins, 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Malcom  and  Mr.  Tompkins  came  in- 
to Congress  as  members,  and  each  of  them  respectively 
were  sworn,  and  took  the  general  oath,  as  before  written 
in  the  minutes  on  the  19th  instant. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  of  Dutchess  county, 
have  leave  to  return  to  his  county  to  procure  a  representa- 
tion of  his  county  to  be  sent  to  this  Congress  without  de- 
lay, and  that  Mr.  Schenk  return  to  this  Congress  immedi- 
ately. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Ezekiel  Hyat  and  Capt.  Corns. 
Steinrod,  with  their  respective  subalterns  and  companies, 
continue  to  be  a  part  of  Colonel  McDougal's  regiment, 
and  that  Captain  Ambrose  Horton,  with  his  company,  join 
Colonel  McDougall's  regiment,  as  a  part  thereof,  until  far- 
ther order. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Titus,  in  the  township  of 
Bushwick,  Capt.  Ferdinandus  Sydam  and  Capt.  Barent 
Johnson,  in  the  township  of  Broecklyn,  Capt.  Cornelius 
Vanderveer,  in  the  township  of  Flat  Bush,  Capt.  Jeremiah 
Van  Derbilt,  in  the  township  of  Flat  Lands,  Capt.  Aaron 
Van  Brunt,  in  New  Utright,  and  Capt.  in 
Gravesand,  be  respectively  authorized  and  requested,  and 
they  are  hereby  respectively  requested,  in  the  respective 
townships  and  districts  in  which  they  respectively  reside, 
to  proceed  from  house  to  house,  through  their  respective 


456 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


districts,  and  purchase  at  the  cheapest  rate  they  can  be  ob- 
tained for  ready  money,  all  such  good  muskets  and  fire- 
locks, fit  for  the  use  of  soldiers,  as  can  be  spared  by  the 
inhabitants  of  those  townships.  That  those  gentlemen, 
respectively,  be  requested  not  only  to  purchase  as  cheap 
as  they  reasonably  can,  but  in  no  case  to  exceed  the  price  of 
four  pounds  for  any  one  gun,  musket,  or  firelock.  That  those 
gentlemen,  respectively,  as  soon  as  they  can  conveniently, 
send  those  arms  to  Colo.  Cunenius,  in  New-York,  and 
transmit  the  account  of  the  arms  so  purchased  to  this  Con- 
gress, or  the  auditors  thereby  appointed,  that  the  same,  to- 
gether with  a  reasonable  reward  for  the  trouble  of  purchas- 
ing them,  may  be  paid.  And 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  McDougal  be  requested  to  send 
such  proper  officers  or  persons  to  assist  the  gentlemen 
above  named  in  the  purchase  aforesaid  as  are  acquainted  with 
good  arms.  And  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  said  townships  to  sell  such  muskets  or  firelocks 
as  they  can  spare,  retaining  arms  for  their  own  use. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  return  from  the  county  com- 
mittee and  a  number  of  respectable  freeholders  in  Queens 
county,  that  Colo.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Jonathan  Lawrence, 
Cornelius  Van  Wyck,  Waters  Smith,  Samuel  Townshend, 
Esqr.  James  Townshend  and  Capt.  John  Williams,  were 
elected  Deputies  to  represent  the  said  county  in  this  Con- 
gress. And  whereas  only  Colo.  Blackwell  and  Mr.  Law- 
rence have  hitherto  attended,  whereby  that  county  remains 
unrepresented  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  Van  Wyck,  Waters  Smith, 
Samuel  Townshend,  Esqr.  James  Townshend  and  Capt. 
John  Williams  do  respectively  attend  this  Congress  and 
take  their  seats,  or  show  the  cause  of  their  neglect. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Ritzema  send  such  prudent  officer 
as  he  shall  think  proper,  to  Westchester  county,  to  apply 
to  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee  and  to  the  respec- 
tive sub-committees  in  that  county  for  such  good  arms  fit 
for  soldiers'  use,  as  they  may  have  collected  by  disarming 
disaffected  persons  in  that  county  ;  and  the  respective  com- 
mittees are  hereby  requested  to  deliver  such  of  those  arms 
as  are  fit  for  the  army,  to  such  officer,  taking  and  preserv- 
ing his  receipts  for  the  same ;  that  the  said  committees,  re- 
spectively, take  care  that  all  such  arms  be  appraised,  and 
an  account  of  the  value  of  each  kept  agreeable  to  the  di- 
rections heretofore  given  for  that  purpose,  and  such  officer 
as  Colo.  Ritzema  shall  send  to  collect  those  arms  is  hereby 
directed  to  deliver  all  such  arms  as  he  shall  so  receive,  to 
Colo.  Curtenius,  that  they  may  be  repaired  where  it  may 
be  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  Deputies  elected  to  represent 
Richmond  county  in  this  Congress,  and  named  in  the  re- 
turn of  their  Deputies,  made  by  the  committee  of  that 
county,  do  attend  this  Congress  and  take  their  seats  on 
Friday  next,  as  important,  business  is  designed  for  that  day, 
or  in  default  of  such  attendance,  that  the  absent  members, 
if  any,  return  in  writing  the  cause  of  their  neglect. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  this  day,  was 
received  and  read.  He  therein  informs  that  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  has  been  pleased  to  request  his  attendance  in 
Philadelphia  ;  that  he  is  about  to  set  out  immediately  ; 
that  he  had  judged  it.  necessary  to  give  Major-General  Put- 
nam instructions  for  the  regulation  of  his  conduct  in  case 
the  Congress  came  to  any  determination  respecting  the 
tories  in  the  city  of  New-York  and  on  Long  island,  and 
should  have  occasion  for  military  assistance  to  carry  their 
determination  into  execution,  and  that  he  had  enclosed  a 
copy  of  his  said  instructions. 

The  instructions  to  Major-General  Putnam,  above  men- 
tioned, were  also  read.  He  is  therein  informed  of  the  mat- 
ters mentioned  in  the  said  letter,  and  required  during  Ge- 
neral Washington's  absence  to  concert  measures  with  Ge- 
neral Greene,  and  to  afford  every  aid  which  this  Congress 
or  their  secret  committee  may  apply  for. 


Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  2\st,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Jacs.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Stou- 
lenburgh — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — For  Albany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris— 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queen*. 
Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Van  Derbill— Kings. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Mr.  Alsop,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of 
ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  dangers  to  which  this  Co- 
lony is  exposed  by  its  intestine  enemies,  brought  in  the  re- 
port of  the  said  committee,  which  he  read  in  his  place  and 
then  delivered  in  to  the  Chair,  where  the  same  was  again 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  copied  by  the  Secretaries 
before  the  House  meets  in  the  morning. 

Capt.  Jonathan  Clarke,  late  from  the  French  West  In- 
dies, and  bound  to  some  port  to  the  eastward,  attended,  and 
was  admitted.  He  informs  that  he  has  had  the  misfortune 
to  have  his  vessel  and  cargo  seized  and  taken  by  an  armed 
tender  near  Block  Point,  below  Sandy  Hook  ;  that  he  has 
four  men  of  his  late  crew  with  him  ;  that  they  depend  on 
him  for  support,  and  that  he  is  in  want  of  a  small  sum  of 
money  to  support  them  for  the  present. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  do  advance  to  Capt.  Jonathan 
Clarke  twenty-five  dollars,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Notes  of  Capt.  Jonathan  Clark's  intelligence,  which  he 
gave  to  the  Congress,  were  taken  on  the  rough  short  notes 
of  the  day,  and  are  filed. 

A  bond  from  Messrs.  Lindlay  Murray  and  Robert  Mur- 
ray to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  in  the  sum  of 
two  hundred  pounds,  with  a  condition  thereunder  written, 
that  the  said  Lindlay  Murray  will  erect  works  for  the  ma- 
nufacturing of  salt  in  this  Colony,  and  the  repayment  of 
the  sum  of  £100  lent  thereon,  agreeable  to  the  resolution 
of  the  late  Provincial  Congress  on  the  12th  day  of  March 
last,  was  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Mr.  Lindlay  Mur- 
ray the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  on  receipt  of  the  said 
bond,  and  take  Mr.  Lindlay  Murray's  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  Congress  reassumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  said  committee,  on  the  ways  and  means  to  prevent 
the  danger  to  which  this  Colony  is  exposed  by  its  intestine 
enemies;  the  same  was  again  read,  paragraph  by  paragraph, 
and  on  reading  the  second  paragraph  thereof,  Mr.  Sands 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  Richmond  county  be  in- 
serted amongst  the  names  of  the  counties,  in  the  second 
clause.  Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
manner  following,  to  wit: 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New-York,    8      Kings,   2 

Charlotte,   2      Richmond,   2 

Suffolk  4  — 

Westchester,                          4  4 

Tryon,   3 

21 

Ordered,,  therefore,  That  Richmond  county  be  inserted. 

On  reading  the  blank  paragraph  of  the  said  report,  Mr. 
Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  oath  therein  men- 
tioned be  extended  to  all  such  as  refused  to  sign  the  asso- 
ciation.   Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


457 


put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  by  every  county  pre- 
sent.   Mr.  Morris  dissented,  from  Westchester  county. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  22nd,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  WoodhuJl,  President. 
Mr.  Alsop,  Major  Stoulenburgh,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr. 
Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Lewis— For  New-York. 
Colo.  Glenn,  Capt.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Paulding 
—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Polhemius—  Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  from  time  to  time  deliver  to  Colonel  Curte- 
nius,  or  his  order,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  troops 
raised  in  this  Colony,  as  many  pouches  and  belts,  bayonet 
belts  and  gun  slings,  as  Colonel  Curtenius  shall  order  and 
direct.  That  Mr.  Norwood,  from  time  to  time,  take  re- 
ceipts for  such  parcels  as  he  may  from  time  to  time  deliver. 

A.  letter  from  Doctor  John  Hill,  dated  at  Albany  the  1 2th 
instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  requests  that  he 
may  be  appointed  surgeon  to  Colonel  Clinton's  regiment. 

Mr.  Haviland  of  Westchester  county,  and  Mr.  Haring 
of  Orange  county,  respectively  attended  as  members  to 
take  their  seats ;  and  each  of  them  respectively  was  duly 
sworn,  and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  I  do  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Al- 
mighty God,  that  I  will  at  all  times  keep  secret  all  such 
matters  and  things  as  shall  at  any  time  be  given  in  charge 
from  the  Chair  by  order  of  this  Congress  to  be  kept  secret, 
until  leave  shall  be  given  from  the  Chair,  by  order  of  this 
Congress,  to  reveal  the  same." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  charge  against 
Joseph  Blanchard,  (a  prisoner  on  his  parol,)  for  having  kept 
a  communication  with  some  person  on  board  of  either  one 
of  the  ships  of  war,  or  the  ship  on  board  of  which  Gover- 
nor Tryon  resides,  contrary  to  the  regulations  established 
for  that  purpose.  That  the  said  committee  have  power  to 
send  for  and  examine  persons  and  papers,  and  that  they 
make  report  by  what  persons  and  by  what  means  such  com- 
munication has  been  kept  open,  and  such  olher  matters  re- 
lative thereto  as  the  said  committee  may  think  necessary 
or  proper. 

The  Secretaries,  agreeable  to  directions  given  yesterday 
evening,  brought  this  morning  a  fair  copy  of  the  report  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  ways  and  means  to 
prevent  the  dangers  to  which  this  Colony  is  exposed  by  its 
intestine  enemies. 

The  same  was  taken  into  consideration  and  read,  and 
some  amendments  made  in  some  parts  thereof. 

Mr  Lewis  brought  into  Congress  some  papers  which  he 
said  [he]  received  from  General  Putman,  and  in  some  mea- 
sure relate  to  the  matters  now  in  consideration. 

The  same  were  read. 

The  first  was  an  affidavit  of  Silas  Howard,  dated  the 
16th  day  of  May  instant,  and  taken  before  James  Gals, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Berkshire  county  in  the  Co- 
lony of  Massachusetts  Bay.  The  second  is  a  very  long 
affidavit  of  a  person  whose  name  is  concealed,  taken  on  the 
18th  dav  of  May  instant,  before  Valentine  Rathbon,  chair- 
man of  the  convention  of  eleven  committees. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  in  the  farther  considera- 
tion of  the  report  last  above  mentioned,  and  on  reading  the 

115 


section  thereof,  relative  to  taking  hostages  of  the 
inhabitants  of  certain  parts  of  Queens  county,  for  their  fu- 
ture peaceable  behaviour,  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded 
that  that  part  of  the  said  report  be  struck  out.  Debates 
arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4 

Tryon,...  3 


For  the  affirmative. 

Kings,   2 

Orange,   3 

Richmond,   2 

New-York   8  7 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk   4 

21 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  clause  for  taking 
hostages,  be  struck  out. 

The  said  report  being  read  through,  and  sundry  amend- 
ments made  therein,  Mr.  Morris  ihen  moved  and  was  se- 
conded, that  the  whole  of  the  said  report  be  recommitted. 
Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  being 
put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Suffolk   4 

Charlotte,   2 

New- York,     8 

Tryon,   3 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4 

Kings,    2 

Richmond,   2 


8 


17         Orange  equally  divided. 

Therefore,  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 

Francis  Lewis,  Esquire,  informed  this  Congress  that 
William  Hawxhurst  is  employed  by  contract  in  making 
anchors  for  the  Continental  navy,  in  which  business  he 
cannot  proceed  wilhout  a  small  supply  of  gunpowder,  and 
therefore  he  applied  for  100  weight  of  gunpowder,  for 
William  Hawxhurst,  for  the  use  of  the  iron  works,  to  be 
paid  for  in  cash. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Mr.  William  Hawxhurst  one  hun- 
dred weight  of  gunpowder,  at  the  price  of  thirty  pounds, 
on  receiving  the  ready  money  for  the  said  hundred  weight 
of  gunpowder,  and  that  the  said  Richard  Norwood,  pay  the 
said  sum  of  thirty  pounds  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston, 
Esquire,  as  Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  and  take  a  receipt 
for  the  same. 

A  member  suggested  to  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Abraham 
Livingston  is  very  anxious  to  have  his  late  contract  for  vic- 
tualling the  troops  in  this  Colony  settled  ;  that  no  step  has 
been  taken  in  pursuance  of  his  letter  of  the  9th  instant  to 
the  late  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  that  Mr.  Livingston 
is  ready  to  submit  to  a  committee  of  this  Congress  to  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  whether  any  and  what  compen- 
sation shall  be  made  him  for  his  damages  by  the  loss  of 
that  contract. 

Ordered,  That  the  auditors  of  pay  table  committee  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  whether  any,  and 
what,  allowance  shall  be  made  to  Mr.  Livingston,  in  lieu 
of  that  contract,  and  to  adjust  and  audit  his  accounts  and 
make  a  final  settlement  with  him  for  the  same. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  22d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr. 
Lewis— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harpur — Tryon. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen — Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Colo.  Drake—  Westchester . 

Mr.  Polhemius — Kings. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 


458 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Stoutenbergh  from  the  committee  appointed  to  con- 
sider of  and  report  the  most  expedient  and  effectual  method 
of  obtaining  a  true  and  impartial  account  of  the  number  of 
inhabitants  within  ihis  Colony,  reported  that  a  letter  be  writ- 
ten for  that  purpose  to  the  county  committee  of  each  re- 
spective county  in  this  Colony,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"New-York,  May  22d,  1776.  $ 

"  Gent. — In  pursuance  of  an  order  of  the  Honourable 
Continental  Congress  for  ascertaining  the  number  of  inha- 
bitants in  this  Colony,  you  are  hereby  requested  to  appoint 
such  persons  in  your  county  as  you  shall  think  proper,  to 
ascertain  the  number  of  inhabitants  within  your  county, 
distinguishing  the  sex  and  age,  agreeable  to  the  enclosed 
form,  which  is  to  be  laid  before  this  Congress,  or  in  their 
recess,  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  with  all  conveni- 
ent speed,  upon  oath  of  the  person  or  persons  employed  in 
taking  the  same,  agreeable  to  the  following  form,  vizt : 

"  'I,  A.  B.  do  swear  that  the  aforegoing  list  contains  a  true 
and  faithful  account  of  the  number  of  inhabitants  within  the 
district  of  in  the  county  of  in  the  Colony  of 

New-York,  according  to  the  best  information  that  I  have  been 
able  to  obtain,  by  applying  at  each  dwelling  house,  and  by 
all  other  ways  and  means  in  my  power  within  the  said  dis- 
trict.' 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servant, 

"  By  order." 

The  form  of  a  return  of  inhabitants  referred  to  in  the 
above  letter,  is  as  follows,  vizt : 


Names  of  the  heads 
of  families. 

Males. 

Females. 

Negroes. 
Male  &  female 

Above  50  years  of 
age. 

Above  16  years  of 
age  and  under  50 

Under  16  years  of 
age. 

Above  16  years  of 
age. 

Under  16  years  of 
age. 

Above  16  years  of 
age. 

Under  16  years  of 
age. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  number  of  co- 
pies of  the  said  letter,  which  was  unanimously  agreed  to, 
and  a  number  of  copies  of  the  said  form  of  a  return  of  in- 
habitants ;  that  the  President  sign  the  said  letters,  and  that 
one  of  them  be  directed  to  the  county  committee  of  each 
respective  county  in  this  Colony. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  Asa  Douglass,  who 
came  to  General  Washington  with  the  deposition  of  Silas 
Howard,  and  the  other  papers  which  were  laid  before  this 
Congress  this  morning,  has  some  material  intelligence  to 
communicate  to  this  Congress,  they  directed  him  to  be 
brought  in.  The  said  Asa  Douglass  signified  to  the  Pre- 
sident that  he  has  material  matters  to  mention,  but  could 
more  freely  confer  to  the  committee  of  the  House  appoint- 
ed for  that  purpose.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Cuyler  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  Captain  Asa  Douglass,  and  to  report  to 
this  Congress  the  information  that  they  may  obtain  from 
him. 

Mr.  Randall  informed  the  Congress  that  Colo.  Curte- 
nius  has  four  muskets  of  a  particular  kind,  unfit  for  soldiers' 
use,  which  would  be  very  useful  and  necessary  on  board 
of  the  private  vessel  of  war  named  Putnam. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Curlenius  deliver  to  Thomas 
Randall,  Esquire,  or  his  order,  four  muskets,  such  as  Mr. 
Randall  may  choose  for  the  use  of  the  armed  schooner 
Putnam. 

Mr.  Morris  reported  that  Mr.  Cuyler  and  himself  had 


heard  Captn.  Douglass  ;  that  Captain  Asa  Douglass  says 
in  substance,  that  great  weight  is  to  be  given  to  those  affi- 
davits which  he  brought  from  Kings  district,  though  the 
names  of  the  witnesses  are  concealed  ;  that  he  and  ano- 
ther person,  by  talking  to  a  neighbour  of  his  who  had  long 
been  suspected  to  be  unfriendly,  they  impressed  on  him  a 
religious  dread  of  his  conduct,  and  obtained  from  him  some 
information  which  afforded  a  clue,  and  they  pursued  it 
farther ;  that  Silas  Howard  was  afraid  to  go  home  after  he 
was  sworn,  and  that  at  his  request  the  committee  had  sent 
him  to  Hartford  ;  that  he,  Douglass,  believed  General 
Schuyler  innocent  of  what  is  alleged  against  him,  but  that 
through  a  bad  opinion  of  the  General,  the  people  in  his 
Colony,  (Massachusetts  Bay,)  will  not  enlist ;  that  Gene- 
ral Schuyler  ought  not  to  be  trusted,  lest  he  should  deceive 
the  country  ;  and  finally,  that  if  this  Congress  will  give 
him,  the  said  Asa  Douglass,  an  order,  he  will  march  ten 
thousand  men  to  Albany  in  a  few  days  to  obey  the  com- 
mand of  this  Congress.  And  that  this  is  the  burthen  of 
his  song. 

DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  23d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr. 
Beekman — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Colo.  Cuyler,  Capt.  Glenn — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr. 
Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 
General  Putnam,  attending,  was  admitted.  He  produc- 
ed a  letter  from  General  Washington,  containing  extracts 
of  a  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  requesting  intrench- 
ing tools,  rigging,  sail  cloth  and  sailmakers,  and  lead,  de- 
siring General  Putnam  to  request  the  aid  of  this  Congress 
to  procure  those  articles,  or  spare  any  of  those  articles,  if 
they  have  them  in  store. 

General  Putnam  was  informed  that  sail  cloth,  rigging 
and  blocks  have  lately  been  sent  up,  in  pursuance  of  a  re- 
quest of  General  Schuyler,  of  which  he  shall  be  furnished 
with  a  particular  account. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  call  on  Colo.  Curtenius, 
and  obtain  a  copy  of  the  particulars  of  sail  cloth  and  rig- 
ging lately  sent  to  Albany,  and  acquaint  the  General  there- 
with. That  he  inform  himself  as  to  lead,  duck  and  in- 
trenching tools  to  be  obtained  in  this  city,  and  acquaint  the 
General  with  the  information  he  may  obtain. 

Mr.  John  Lloyd,  Junr.  delivered  to  the  President  an  in- 
ventory and  appraisement  of  the  real  and  personal  estate  of 
Henry  Lloyd,  late  of  Boston,  subscribed  by  Samuel  Town- 
shend  and  Zebulon  Williams,  Esquires,  and  the  said  John 
Lloyd,  Junr.  which  was  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears 
that  the  said  personal  estate  amounts  to  the  valueof  £203  2s. 
]Qd.  and  that  the  said  real  estate  is  appraised  at  £3,000. 
The  said  John  Lloyd,  Junr.  requests  the  direction  of  this 
Congress  to  take  the  care  and  management  of  the  said 
estate. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Lloyd,  Junr.  do  remain  in  pos- 
session of  the  estate  at  Queens  village,  belonging  to 
Henry  Lloyd,  Esqr.  to  improve  the  same  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage, and  to  render  an  account  thereof  to  this,  or  some 
future  Congress,  when  called  upon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  23d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


459 


Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Sands,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Hallelt — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Smith— Queens. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — llbany. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Morris—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemius—  Kings. 

Colo.  Malcom,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Col.  Abraham  Brasher,  of  New- York,  and  Mr.  Waters 
Smith,  from  Queens  county,  respectively  attended  as  mem- 
bers, to  take  their  seats,  and  each  of  them  was  duly  sworn 
and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy,  in  the  words  and 
agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  l(Jth  instant. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  24th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Hallett,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Remsen,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Van  Cortlandt— iVcw- York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Colo.  Cuyler,  Capt.  Glenn — Jllbany. 

Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr. 
Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith,  Colo.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner,  Colo.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Derbilt,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Van  Derbilt— 

Kings. 

Colo.  T>!alcom,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam,  dated  this  day,  was  read. 
He  thereby  informs  that  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washing- 
ton, was  much  pleased  with  the  exertions  of  this  Congress 
to  prevent  the  small  pox  in  the  army,  and  had  issued  ge- 
neral orders  similar  to  the  resolves  of  the  Congress;  not- 
withstanding which  a  certain  Doctor  Betls  has  had  the  as- 
surance to  inoculate  a  number  of  people  ;  he  thereby  re- 
quests some  immediate  exertion  on  this  matter,  and  offers 
any  aid  in  his  power,  and  by  a  postcript  thereto,  informs 
that  Doctor  Foster  is  an  evidence  to  the  above. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  sent  and  referred  to  the 
general  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  who  are  re- 
quested to  examine  into  the  matter  with  all  possible  de- 
spatch ;  to  examine  the  said  Betls  and  the  said  witness 
above  named,  and  any  other  witnesses  that  they  may  know 
of  or  can  obtain  on  that  matter  ;  that  if  they  find  the  charge 
proved  against  the  said  Belts,  that  they  immediately  cause 
him  to  be  sent  to  jail ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  far- 
ther requested  to  report  thereon  to  this  Congress. 

The  Congress  were  informed  that  Colo.  Rilzema  has 
many  arms  which  have  been  collected  for  his  regiment, 
which  want  repairs  ;  that  he  has  armourers  in  the  regiment 
which  could  repair  those  arms  if  they  were  supplied  with 
tools  for  the  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  procure  and  deliver  to 
Colo.  Ritzema,  or  his  order,  such  armourer's  tools  as  he 
may  require,  for  the  purpose  of  employing  some  of  the 
men  of  his  regiment  in  repairing  such  of  the  arms  of  the 
said  regiment  as  may  be  out  of  repair. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  on  the 
danger  to  which  this  Colony  is  exposed  from  the  intestine 
enemies,  and  the  ways  and  means  necessary  to  be  taken  to 
guard  against  those  dangers  being  fail ly  copied,  agreeable 
to  the  directions  given  to  the  Secretaries  yesterday  even- 
ing, the  same  was  signed  by  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  their 
chairman,  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Your  committee  do  report :  That  there  is  great  reason 


to  believe  that  the  enemies  of  American  liberty  have  a  ge- 
neral communication  with  each  other  through  this  and 
part  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  by  reason  whereof  the 
influence  of  the  British  government  is  much  extended  and 
the  minds  of  the  people  poisoned  by  false  reports  and  sug- 
gestions. 

"  That  many  ill  disposed  people  have  lately  resorted 
unto,  and  a  great  number  dwell  in,  the  southern  and  eastern 
parts  of  Queens  county  ;  that  there  are  also  several  ill  dis- 
posed persons  in  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and  in 
Kings  county,  and  in  sundry  other  parts  of  this  Colony, 
many  of  whom  will  most  probably  take  up  arms  on  the 
part  of  our  foes,  whenever  they  shall  see  a  prospect  of  suc- 
cess. 

"  That  from  the  various  reports  and  the  best  intelligence 
which  can  be  obtained  from  Europe,  as  also  from  the  po- 
sitive assertions  of  the  disaffected  throughout  this  and  the 
neighbouring  Colonies,  and  from  such  of  their  measures 
as  have  come  to  the  knowledge  of  your  committee,  there 
is  no  room  to  doubt  that  a  large  hostile  armament  will  soon 
arrive  in  this  Colony. 

"  That  the  greater  part  of  those  who  now  hold  offices 
and  commissions  under  the  Crown,  and  many  others  who 
are  generally  reputed  inimical  to  American  liberty,  will  be 
liable  to  suffer  injuries  from  the  resentment  of  the  people, 
and  the  Colony  in  general  exposed  to  great  danger  from  the 
active  exertions  of  those  among  us  who  are  determined  to 
assist  in  the  subjection  of  America. 

"  Your  committee  are  therefore  of  opinion,  that  as  well 
out  of  regard  to  the  safety  of  individuals,  as  for  the  gene- 
ral welfare  of  America,  it  is  highly  and  indispensably  ne- 
cessary to  take  speedy  and  effectual  measures  to  prevent 
the  hostile  intentions  of  our  foes,  to  stop  the  channels  of 
intelligence  and  communication  among  the  disaffected,  and 
to  quell  the  spirit  of  opposition  which  hath  hitherto  pre- 
vailed. 

"  Your  committee  do  propose,  that  for  these  purposes 
the  following  persons  be  apprehended  by  the  assistance  of 
the  Continental  troops,  now  stationed  in  and  near  this  city, 
to  wit : 

[Names  not  entered  on  the  minutes.] 

"  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the 
Commander-in-Chief,  now  here,  upon  the  subject  of  ap- 
prehending the  persons  above  named,  and  to  superintend 
the  taking  of  them.  That  upon  and  after  the  apprehension 
of  the  said  persons,  such  of  ihem  as  shall  give  good  and 
sufficient  security  on  oath,  and  otherwise  as  the  said  com- 
mittee shall  think  proper,  that  they  will  not  be  concerned 
in  any  measures  taken,  or  to  be  taken,  against  the  United 
American  Colonies,  or  any  or  either  of  them,  and  that  they 
will  discover  all  measures  taken  or  to  be  taken  against  the 
said  Colonies,  or  any  or  either  of  them,  as  far  as  the  same 
shall  come  to  their  knowledge,  respectively  be  permitted  to 
go  at  large  ;  and  that  as  to  such  persons  as  shall  refuse  such 
security,  it  shall  be  in  the  discretion  of  the  said  committee  to 
admit  on  their  parol  of  honour,  to  be  given  to  ihe  said  com- 
mittee or  to  the  Continental  Congress,  as  many  of  the  said 
persons  as  may,  in  the  judgment  of  the  said  committee, 
safely  be  trusted  on  their  said  parol,  to  reside  in  some  part  of 
one  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  such  as  shall  be  chosen  by 
the  said  respective  persons,  and  approved  of  by  the  said  com- 
mittee ;  and  that  all  such  persons  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  said 
committee  cannot  safely  be  trusted  on  their  said  parol,  or  if 
to  be  trusted  shall  refuse  to  give  such  parol,  shall  be  report- 
ed to  this  Congress,  to  be  severally  dealt  with  as  this  Con- 
gress shall  think  proper. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  all  the  general  county  com- 
mittees in  the  several  counties  in  this  Colony,  to  apprehend 
all  persons  holding  military  commissions  under  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  and  also  all  such  persons  holding  civil  offices 
under  the  said  King,  or  being  possessed  of  influence  in  their 
respective  counties,  as  are  suspected  of  holding  principles 
inimical  to  the  said  United  Colonies  ;  and  after  they  shall 


460 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


have  been  apprehended,  to  deal  with  them  in  such  manner 
as  is  prescribed  for  the  conduct  of  the  committee  above 
named. 

"  All  which  is,  nevertheless,  most  humbly  submitted. 

"JOHN  ALSOP,  Chairman:' 

Col.  John  Broome  and  Mr.  Anthony  Rutgers  of  New- 
York,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Van  Derbilt  from  Kings  county,  and 
Col.  Aaron  Cortelyou  of  Richmond  county,  attending  to 
take  their  seals,  were  duly  sworn,  and  severally  look  the 
oath  of  secrecy,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  19th 
inst. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  proceeded 
to  take  into  consideration  the  resolution  of  the  Continental 
Congress  of  the  1 5ih  of  May  instant,  on  the  subject  of  com- 
posing and  erecting  some  form  of  government. 

Mr.  Morris  opened  the  business  by  a  long  argument, 
shewing  the  necessity  of  the  measure,  and  that  this  is  the 
crisis  in  which  it  should  be  done,  and  concluded  with  a 
motion,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Webster,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draw  up  a  re- 
commendation to  the  people  of  this  Colony,  for  the  choos- 
ing of  persons  to  frame  a  government  for  the  said  Colony. 

Mr.  Scott,  who  came  in  when  Mr.  Morris  was  speaking, 
opposed  the  motion  in  a  long  argument,  and  concluded, 
that  he  is  of  opinion  this  Congress  has  power  to  form  a 
government,  or  at  least,  that  it  is  doubtful  whether  they 
have  not  that  power,  and  that  therefore,  in  his  opinion,  that 
point  ought  to  be  reserved,  and  a  committee  appointed  to 
consider  of  and  report  on  that  matter. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  Sands  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Scott,  for  the  following  amendment  to  Mr.  Morris's  motion, 
to  wit :  I  move  that  the  words  therein  following  after  the 
word  appointed,  be  obliterated,  and  the  following  words 
there  inserted,  vizt :  "  to  take  into  consideration  the  reso- 
lutions of  Continental  Congress  of  the  15th  May  instant, 
and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed." 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  proposed  amendment.  Mr. 
Morris  supported  his  motion  in  a  long  argument  in  opposi- 
tion to  the  said  proposed  amendment. 

The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  Sands's  motion,  it 

was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Orange,   3       Kings,   2 

New-York,  8       Richmond,   2 

Charlotte,  2  — 

Tryon   3  4 

Suffolk,  4 

Westchester,   4 

Mr.  Morris  dissented. 
Queens,   4 

28 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  nominate  and  appoint 
a  committee  for  the  purpose  before  mentioned.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Haring,  Colo.  Remsen, 
Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Colo.  Broome,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
tinental Congress  of  the  15th  May  instant,  and  that  the 
said  committee  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

As  Colonel  Remsen  is  appointed  one  of  the  committee 
to  report  on  the  stations  of  the  neighbouring  regiments  of 
militia  in  case  of  any  invasion  or  alarm,  as  requested  by 
General  Washington's  letter  of  the  17th  instant,  which 
might  interfere  with  his  attendance  on  the  committee  above 
appointed, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged  from  the  committee  re- 
lating to  the  militia,  and  that  Colo.  Malcom  be  added  to  that 
committee  in  his  stead. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam  was  received,  read  and 
filed.  He  therein  mentions  that  an  old  house  very  [much] 
endangers  the  great  laboratory  in  the  new  bridewell  near 
the  Green  ;  that  Colonel  Knox  is  very  desirous  to  take  it 
away ;  that  as  it  is  in  a  ruinous  condition,  there  is  no  in- 
ducement to  keep  it  standing. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  inform  the  General  that 
the  magistrates  have  given  orders  to  remove  the  paupers 
out  of  that  house  without  delay,  and  given  permission  to 
Colonel  Knox  to  have  it  removed  as  soon  as  it  is  evacuated. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  25th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Jacs.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Ran- 
dall, Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — Hbany. 

Major  Parks,  Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Brewster—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemius,  Mr.  Leffertse,  Capt.  Jer.  Van  .Derbilt — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston,  Genl.  Woodhull— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland — Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Wat.  Smith,  Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence—  Queens. 
Colo.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mathew  Contine,  Esqr.  appeared  and  produced  the  cre- 
dentials of  the  Deputies  chosen  to  represent  the  county  of 
Ulster  in  Provincial  Congress,  dated  at  New-Paltz,  April 
16th,  1776,  and  signed  by  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  the  said  county.  Whereby  it  ap- 
pears that  Colo.  Charles  Dewitt,  Colo.  Abraham  Hasbrouck, 
Colo.  Johannis  Snyder,  Matthew  Contine,  Esqr.  Matthew 
Rhea,  Esqr.  Mr.  Arthur  Parks,  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr. 
and  Saml.  Brewster,  Esqr.  were  duly  elected  to  represent 
the  said  county  in  Provincial  Congress,  with  power,  in  con- 
junction with  the  other  counties,  to  elect  Delegates  for  this 
Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  and  a  recommendation  to 
them  to  nominate  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  as  one  of  the  said 
Delegates. 

Colo.  Abraham  Hasbrouck  also  appeared  and  produced 
another  credential  from  the  same  county,  of  the  same  date, 
and  signed  by  Johannis  Hardenbergh,  chairman  of  the  said 
county  committee  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  the  same  gen- 
tlemen were  duly  elected  to  represent  the  said  county  in 
Provincial  Congress  ;  and  that  any  two  of  them  be  a  quo- 
rum, reserving  to  the  people  of  the  county  at  large  the  right 
of  choosing  a  Delegate  for  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  said  credentials  were  respectively  read,  and  the 
question  being  put  whether  those  gentlemen  shall  take 
their  seats : 

Agreed,  That  those  gentlemen  (as  well  as  any  other  of 
the  gentlemen  in  the  said  credentials  named,)  take  their 
seats.  And, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote,  enclosing  copies  of  the 
said  credentials  to  the  chairman  and  members  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Ulster  county,  requesting  of  them  to  transmit  to 
this  Congress,  without  delay,  a  true  state  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  said  committee  relative  to  the  election  of  Deputies 
for  the  said  county  ;  and  further,  that  they  inform  the  Con- 
gress of  the  reasons  for  sending  two  sets  of  credentials 
contradictory  to  each  other,  with  respect  to  the  subject  of 
appointing  Delegates  for  the  Continental  Congress. 

Mr.  Sands  reported  that  he  had  spoke  with  Colo.  Cur- 
tenius  on  the  subject  of  contracting  to  supply  Capt.  Hamil- 
ton's artillery  company  with  provisions  ;  that  Colo.  Curte- 
nius  refused  entering  into  contract  himself,  as  he  could  not 
attend  the  business,  his  time  being  altogether  taken  up  with 
other  public  business,  but  that  Cornelius  Roosevelt  and 
Wessel  Wessels  were  willing  to  contract  for  supplying  the 
said  company  with  provisions,  at  the  rate  of  lO^d.  per  ra- 
tion, and  that  Colo.  Curtenius  would  become  surety  for 
their  true  and  faithful  performance  of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  be  authorized  to  make  the 
said  contract  with  those  gentlemen,  on  the  terms  they  have 
offered. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


461 


A  return  of  officers  of  a  minute  company  at  Newburgh, 
in  Ulster  county,  whereby  it  appears  that  the  following 
persons  were  elected  :  Uriah  Drake,  capt. ;  Jacob  Law- 
rence, first  lieut.  ;  William  Ervin,  2d  lieut. ;  and  Thomas 
Dun,  ensign,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  issuing  commissions  be  delayed  till 
the  report  of  the  committee  on  Genl.  Washington's  two 
letters  be  taken  into  consideration. 

Messrs.  John  Berrien  and  Robt.  Harpur,  two  of  the 
members  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county 
of  New- York,  attending,  were  admitted.  They  delivered 
in  the  report  of  the  said  committee  on  the  case  of  Azor 
Betts,  charged  with  having  inoculated  persons  for  the  small 
pox  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  Doctor  Betts  has,  by  the  re- 
peated applications  of  the  officers  of  the  Continental  army, 
inoculated  some  of  them,  particularly  Colo.  Molton,  Capt. 
Parkes,  Doctor  Hart  and  Lieut.  Brown  ;  and  that  the  said 
committee  has  committed  the  said  Azor  Betts  in  close  cus- 
tody in  jail,  until  he  be  released  by  order  of  this  Congress. 

Messrs.  Berrien  and  Harper  farther  inform  that  the  wife 
of  Azor  Beits,  on  her  examination,  says,  that  Lieutenant 
Seymour,  from  Long  island,  had  informed  her  that  seven 
persons  of  the  army,  (officers  as  she  understood,)  on  Long 
island  were  taking  mercurial  preparations,  and  as  he,  the 
said  Seymour  supposed,  were  inoculated,  or  preparing  to 
be  inoculated  with  the  small  pox. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  the 
said  report  of  the  general  committee,  to  be  delivered  to 
Major-General  Putnam,  that  he  may  give  such  directions 
to  the  Continental  army  for  preventing  the  small  pox  among 
them  on  Long  island  as  he  may  think  necessary, 

Messrs.  Berrian  and  Harper  also  informed  the  Congress 
that  William  Newton,  of  this  city,  has  been  charged  and 
convicted,  before  the  general  committee  of  New-York,  of 
violating  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress,  in  re- 
fusing to  receive  in  payment  the  Continental  paper  money  ; 
that  the  said  Newton  has  since  consented  to  receive  the 
said  money  in  payment.  The  general  committee  therefore 
request  the  advice  and  opinion  of  this  Congress  on  a  doubt 
which  hath  arisen  in  the  said  committee,  to  wit:  Whether 
the  said  Newton  ought,  (notwithstanding  his  present  willing- 
ness to  receive  the  said  money,)  to  be  held  up  to  the  pub- 
lic as  an  enemy  to  this  country. 

The  said  committee  were  informed,  as  the  opinion  of 
this  Congress,  that  it  would  be  most  prudent  not  to  hold 
the  said  Newton  up  to  the  public  as  an  enemy  to  this  coun- 
try, provided  he  receives  the  said  money  without  interest 
from  the  day  on  which  the  same  was  tendered  to  him  in 
payment. 

The  same  gentlemen  also  delivered  in  a  certified  copy 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  said  committee  against  Mr.  An- 
drew Gautier,  Junr.  charged  and  convicted  by  the  said 
committee  of  violating  the  resolution  of  Continental 
Congress,  in  refusing  to  receive  in  payment  the  Con- 
tinental paper  emission.  That  the  said  committee  had 
resolved  to  hold  Mr.  Gautier  up  to  the  public  as  an 
enemy  to  his  country,  unless  he  appealed  to  the  Congress; 
that  Mr.  Gautier  had  been  sent  for,  and  attended  the  com- 
mittee, and  made  acquainted  with  their  determination, 
whereupon  the  said  Mr.  Gautier  informed  the  said  com- 
mittee that  he  would  appeal  from  the  decision  of  their  body 
to  that  of  the  Honourable  the  Provincial  Congress.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  appear  be- 
fore this  Congress  on  Wednesday  next,  at  10  o'clock  in 
the  forenoon,  to  support  his  appeal  from  the  determination 
of  the  general  committee  of  this  city,  on  the  charge  exhi- 
bited against  him  in  violating  the  resolution  of  Continental 
Congress,  by  refusing  to  receive  in  payment  the  paper  cur- 
rency emitted  by  the  said  Congress. 

Several  members  of  this  Congress,  now  present,  having 
not  yet  taken  an  oath  of  secrecy  as  to  such  matters  as  may 

116 


be  charged  from  the  Chair  to  be  kept  secret,  they  were 
requested  to  be  sworn. 

Thereupon  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Contine,  Colo. 
Hasbrouck  and  Mr.  Brewster,  came  up  to  the  Chair,  and 
were  respectively  sworn,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I,  do  solemnly  swear,  on  the  Holy  Evan- 

gelists, that  I  will  keep  secret  all  such  matters  and  things 
as  shall  by  order  of  this  Congress  be  given  in  charge  from 
the  Chair  to  be  kept  secret,  until  leave  shall  be  given  from 
the  Chair,  by  order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress  or  Le- 
gislature of  this  Colony,  to  reveal  the  same." 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  dangers  to  which 
this  Colony  is  exposed  by  its  intestine  enemies,  which 
was  approved  of,  and  agreed  to  by  this  Congress  yesterday, 
was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr. 
Haring  and  Colo.  Remsen,  be  a  committee  to  frame  a  law 
of  this  Congress,  in  pursuance  of,  and  according  to  the 
spirit  and  intention  of  the  resolutions  contained  and  agreed 
to  in  that  report.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  report  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration General  Washington's  tv/o  letters,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  appointing  the  stations  and  places  of  rendezvous  of 
the  militia,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  Tuesday  next. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Remsen,  Colo.  Malcom,  Colonel 
Broome,  Colonel  Blackwell,  Captain  Wickham,  Mr.  Cor- 
telyou  and  Mr.  Scott,  be  a  committee  to  lake  into  conside- 
ration the  state  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  and  proper 
dispositions  of  the  same,  and  that  they  report  with  all  con- 
venient speed. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston,  dated  the  22d 
instant,  signed  by  William  Elsworth,  chairman,  enclosing 
ihe  examinations  of  James  and  Lemuel  Monger,  charged 
with  counterfeiting  and  passing  bills  of  credit  of  the  Conti- 
nental emission,  and  the  emissions  of  this  Congress,  and  of 
the  Colony  of  Connecticut;  that  said  Mongers  are  in 
Kingston  jail,  and  the  committee  request  the  advice  of  this 
Congress  in  the  premises.  They  also  mention  that  God- 
frey Hains,  heretofore  sent  to  said  jail,  had  made  his  es- 
cape. 

Ordered,  That  those  examinations  remain,  until  the  case 
of  the  money  makers,  now  confined  in  New-York,  be  re- 
sumed. 

The  petition  of  Israel  and  Isaac  Youngs,  praying  to  be 
discharged  or  admitted  to  bail,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lie  on  the  table. 

Col.  Henry  Remsen,  from  the  committee  to  consider  of 
the  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  of  the  15th  of 
May,  for  forming  a  government,  delivered  in  a  report, 
which  was  read. 

Ordered,  'I  hat  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  un- 
til Monday  morning,  to  be  then  taken  up. 

Mr.  Morris  had  leave  of  absence  until  Monday  morning. 
Mr.  Jay  the  like  ;  their  counties  being  represented  without 
them. 

Mr.  Conner  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  this  Con- 
gress do  adjourn  until  Monday  next. 

For  to-morrow.  For  Monday. 

Suffolk,. .   4      Richmond,    ? 

Westchester,   4      Kings,    % 

New-York,   8       Queens,   4 

Ulster,   4  — 

Orange,   3  8 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   3 

28 

The  Deputies  from  Richmond  and  Queens  counties  ask- 
ed for,  and  obtained  leave  of  absence  until  9  o'clock  on 
Monday  morning. 


462 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  M. 

May  26th,  1776. 

Present — Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Broome,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Bancker 
—New-  York. 

Mr.  Polhemius— Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Brewster,  Major  Parkes— Ulster. 

Mr.  Haring— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Alexander  Hamilton,  dated  this 
day,  requesting  for  his  company  the  pay  of  the  Continen- 
tal artillery,  the  bounty  of  frocks  and  some  expenses  of 
his  officers  in  recruiting,  was  read  and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  artillery  company  of  the  said  Cap- 
tain Hamilton  be  allowed  the  same  pay  as  the  Continental 
artillery,  and  that  the  said  Captain  Hamilton  receive  10s. 
for  every  man  he  has  or  shall  enlist,  not  exceeding  100 
men,  and  that  each  of  the  men  of  said  company  be  allow- 
ed a  frock  as  a  bounty. 


DIE  LUNtE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  27th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 
Colo.  Jay,  Colo  Remsen,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Capt.  Den- 
ning, Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Lewis — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins — Westchester. 
Mr.  Covenhoven,  Mr.  Jerh.  Van  Derbilt— Kings. 
Colo.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Colo.  Remsen  represented  to  the  Congress  that  many 
persons  were  confined  by  order  of  this  and  the  former 
Congress  and  Committee  of  Safety,  and  the  necessity  of 
appointing  a  standing  committee  to  examine  and  discharge 
such  of  them  as  shall  appear  to  be  innocent  of  the  charges 
alleged  against  them.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Rem- 
sen, Colo.  Malcom,  Colo.  Brasher,  or  any  three  of  them, 
be  a  standing  committee  to  take  examinations  of  and  try 
all  such  persons  as  are  taken  into  custody  and  confined  by 
order  of  ihis  or  any  former  Congress,  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony  ;  as  also  all  such  persons  as  shall 
hereafter  be  taken  into  custody  by  order  of  this  Congress, 
or  their  Committee  of  Safety,  (excepting  those  already 
committed  on  suspicion  of  counterfeiting  paper  currency  ;) 
that  the  said  committee  have  power  to  call  in  and  examine 
witnesses  and  papers  for  that  purpose.    And  farther,  that 
the  said  commitlee  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  dis- 
charge all  such  prisoners  as  shall,  on  full  inquiry,  appear  to 
the  said  commitlee  [to]  be  innocent  of  the  charges  alleged 
against  them  respectively.    The  said  committee  to  keep  a 
record  of  their  proceedings  in  the  premises,  and  to  recom- 
mit all  such  of  the  said  prisoners  as  they  shall  find  guilty, 
and  report  them,  with  their  crimes,  and  the  substance  of 
the  evidence  that  shall  have  been  given  for  and  against 
them. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam  relating  to  Amos  Bull 
and  some  other  prisoners  who  had  been  taken  by  one  of 
the  military  guards,  was  read  ;  a  memorandum  enclosed  in 
the  said  letter  was  also  read.  The  said  memorandum  con- 
tains the  names  of  sundry  witnesses  against  John  Beck 
and  Mary  his  wife,  on  a  charge  of  attempting  to  supply 
provisions  to  the  ships  of  war,  and  refers  to  pans  of  a  let- 
ter in  custody  of  one  of  the  Secretaries  ;  and  also  contains 


a  memorandum  that  a  Frenchman  known  by  the  name  of 
Doct.  Du  Buke,  had  been  taking  notes  on  the  batteries  and. 
fort  with  a  pencil. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  wait  personally  on  the  ge- 
neral committee  of  this  city,  now  sitting,  and  deliver  to 
them  General  Putnam's  letter,  and  all  the  other  papers  in 
his  custody,  relalive  thereto,  and  give  them  such  other  in- 
formation on  that  subject  as  he  may  have  obtained,  that 
the  said  general  committee  may  proceed  thereon. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  Congress  that  some  gentlemen 
are  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  advantageous  for  the 
defence  of  this  Colony  to  impede  the  navigation  between 
Redhook,  on  Nassau  island,  and  Bedlow's  island,  if  the 
same  can  be  done.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Malcom  and  Capt.  Daniel  Shaw, 
and  such  persons  as  they  shall  think  proper  to  take  to  their 
assistance  for  the  purpose,  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized 
to  sound  the  depth  of  the  water  between  Red  Hook,  on 
Nassau  island,  and  Bedlow's  island,  and  make  report  of  their 
doings  to  this  Congress  ;  and  that  they  apply  to  the  Com- 
mander-in-Chief of  the  Continental  troops  in  this  Colony 
for  permission  to  perform  the  said  service  without  inter- 
ruption or  molestation  from  the  troops  on  board. 

Mr.  Covenhoven  was  duly  sworn  and  took  the  usual  oath 
of  secrecy. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  proceed- 
ed to  hear  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  resolution  of 
the  Continental  Congress  of  the  (15th  May,)  relating  to  a 
new  form  of  government ;  the  same  was  read,  and  being 
again  read  by  paragraphs,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  That  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  right  of 
framing,  creating,  or  new  modeling  civil  government,  is, 
and  ought  to  be,  in  the  people. 

"  2dly.  That  as  the  present  form  of  government,  by  Con- 
gress and  Committees  in  this  Colony,  originated  from,  so 
it  depends  on,  the  free  and  uncontrolled  choice  of  the  in- 
habitants thereof. 

"  3dly.  That  the  said  form  of  government  was  instituted 
while  the  old  form  of  government  still  subsisted,  and  there- 
fore is  necessarily  subject  to  many  defects  which  could  not 
then  be  remedied  by  any  new  institutions. 

"4thly.  That  by  the  voluntary  abdication  of  the  late 
Governor  Tryon,  the  dissolution  of  our  Assembly  for  want 
of  due  prorogation,  and  the  open  and  unwarrantable  hosti- 
lities committed  against  the  persons  and  property  of  the  in- 
habitants of  all  the  United  Colonies  in  North  America  by 
the  British  fleets  and  armies,  under  the  authority  and  by 
the  express  direction  and  appointment  of  the  King,  Lords 
and  Commons  of  Great  Britain,  the  said  old  form  of  go- 
vernment is  become,  ipso  facto,  dissolved  ;  whereby  it  hath 
become  absolutely  necessary  for  the  good  people  of  this 
Colony  to  institute  a  new  and  regular  form  of  internal  go- 
vernment and  police.  The  supreme  legislative  and  execu- 
tive power  in  which  should,  for  the  present,  wholly  reside 
and  be  within  this  Colony,  in  exclusion  of  all  foreign  and 
external  power,  authority,  dominion,  jurisdiction  and  pre- 
eminence whatsoever. 

"  5lhly.  That  doubts  have  arisen,  whether  this  Congress 
are  invested  with  sufficient  authority  to  frame  and  institute 
such  new  form  of  internal  government  and  police. 

"  6thly.  That  those  doubts  can  and  of  right  ought  to  be 
removed  by  the  good  people  of  this  Colony  only. 

"  7thly.  That  until  such  new  form  of  internal  police  and 
government  be  constitutionally  established,  or  until  the  ex- 
piration of  the  term  for  which  this  Congress  was  elected, 
this  Congress  ought  to  continue  in  the  full  exercise  of  their 
present  authority,  and  in  the  mean  time  ought  to  give  the 
good  people  of  each  several  and  respective  county  in  this 
Colony,  full  opportunity  to  remove  the  said  doubts,  either 
by  declaring  their  respective  representatives  in  this  Con- 
gress, in  conjunction  with  the  representatives  of  the  other 
counties  respectively,  competent  for  the  purpose  of  esta- 
blishing such  new  form  of  internal  police  and  government, 
and  adding  to  their  number,  if  they  shall  think  proper,  or 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


463 


by  electing  others  in  the  stead  of  the  present  members,  or 
any  or  either  of  them,  and  increasing  (if  they  should  deem 
it  necessary)  the  number  of  deputies  from  each  county, 
with  the  like  powers  as  are  now  vested  in  this  Congress, 
and  with  express  authority  to  institute  and  establish  such 
new  and  internal  form  of  government  and  police  as  afore- 
said. 

"  8thly.  That,  therefore,  this  House  take  some  order  to 
be  publicly  notified  throughout  the  several  counties  in  this 
Colony,  whereby  the  inhabitants  of  each  county  respec- 
tively, on  a  given  day  10  be  appointed  in  each  of  them  re- 
spectively by  this  Congress  for  the  purpose,  may,  by  plu- 
rality of  voices,  either  confirm  their  present  representatives 
respectively  in  this  Congress  in  their  present  powers,  and 
with  express  authority,  in  conjunction  with  the  representa- 
tives in  this  Congress  for  the  other  counties,  to  institute  a 
new  internal  form  of  government  and  police  for  this  Colony, 
suited  to  the  present  critical  emergency,  and  to  continue  in 
full  force  and  effect  until  a  future  peace  with  Great  Biitain 
shall  render  the  same  unnecessary,  or  elect  new  members 
for  that  purpose,  to  take  seats  in  Congress  in  the  place  of 
those  members  respectively  who  shall  not  be  so  confirmed. 
The  whole  number  to  be  capable  of  such  addition  or  in- 
crease in  each  respective  county,  as  aforesaid. 
"  Bv  order  of  the  committee. 

"HENRY  REMSEN,  Chairman." 

The  said  report  being  considered,  was  accepted. 

Mr.  Covenhoven  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Van  Derbilt  dissent 
from  said  4th  paragraph,  and  the  7th  and  8th  paragraphs. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Haring,  be 
a  committee  to  take  the  said  report  and  frame  it  into  reso- 
lutions, to  be  published. 

The  office  of  captain  of  the  company  of  light  horse  in 
the  city  and  county  of  New-York  becoming  vacant  by  the 
promotion  of  Abraham  P.  Lott  to  the  colonelcy  of  the  3d 
regiment  of  militia,  Mr.  John  Leary,  Junr.  is  returned  as 
captain  of  the  said  company,  vice  Abm.  P.  Lott ;  Peter 
Kettletas,  1st  lieut. ;  Thomas  Beekman,  cornet,  and  Jaca- 
miah  Allen,  adjutant  and  quarter-master. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen 
respectively  ;  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Monday,  5  ho.  P.  M.  May  27,  1776. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Denning— 
For  New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Glen — Albany. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland — Westcheiter. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
M.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Brewster,  Major  Parks,  Col.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 
Mr.  Jerh.  Van  Derbilt — Kings. 

Mr.  Van  Derbilt  had  leave  of  absence  for  this  after- 
noon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Brewster  and  Mr. 
Paulding,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  se- 
veral reports  upon  lead  mines,  and  report  thereon  to  this 
house. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  Swartwout  was  read.  He  prays 
to  be  appointed  a  3d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Bowman's  com- 
pany. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  appointed  accordingly,  and  that 
John  Reid,  Junr.  be  2d  lieutenant  of  said  company. 

A  petition  from  the  city  committee  of  New-York,  to  ena- 
ble them  to  build  sheds  for  the  poor  in  Westchester  county 
was  read.  After  some  time  spent  in  consideration  thereof, 
it  was 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Haviland, 
Mr.  Glenn  and  Col.  Hasbrouck,  to  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Robert  Harpur,  chairman  of  the  city 
committee  of  New-York,  was  read.    He  thereby  informs 


that  they  have  sent  Mrs.  Beck  to  jail,  for  sending  provi- 
sions on  board  the  ships  of  war. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  28th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Peter  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Beek- 
man, Colo.  Broome,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands — For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Paulding — Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne-Duic/tcss. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Jlbany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Brewster,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Blackwell.  Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Smith — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 
A  letter  from  Petrus  JSchoonmaker,  captain  of  a  company 
of  militia  in  Colo.  Pawling's  regiment,  Ulster  county.  He 
complains  that  the  Committee  have  not  given  him  his  pro- 
per rank  in  the  regiment,  therefore  has  returned  his  com- 
mission to  the  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  letter  be  referred  to  the 
Deputies  for  Ulster  county. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Jacob  Lawrence,  of  a  minute  com- 
pany in  Ulster  county.  He  informs  Congress  that  himself, 
Ensign  Dunn  and  Sergeant  Lane,  marched  eight  days 
through  four  different  precincts,  to  fetch  17  of  their  men  to 
go  to  Fort  Montgomerie,  for  which  they  have  not  been  paid. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  mem- 
bers. 

A  letter  from  Paul  Mecheau,  Esqr.  of  Richmond  county, 
setting  forth  that  his  bad  state  of  health  renders  it  impossi- 
ble for  him  to  attend  Congress  as  Deputy  for  the  said 
county.    Postponed  for  consideration. 

Mr.  Smith  informed  Congress  that  Captain  Baylies' 
company  of  militia,  and  also  some  of  the  minute  men  in 
the  township  of  Jamaica,  stood  in  great  need  of  some  gun- 
powder, and  requested  that  a  small  quantity  be  ordered  to 
be  delivered  to  the  general  committee  of  Queens  county, 
to  be  dealt  out  among  the  men  of  the  said  company.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  Commissary  of  Colony 
stores,  deliver  to  Capt.  Ephraim  Baileys,  one  hundred 
weight  of  gunpowder,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Baileys  deliver  the  said  gunpowder 
to  the  county  committee  of  Queens  county,  who  are  le- 
quested  to  distribute  the  same  to  the  minute  men  and  mili- 
tia of  the  said  county,  who  may  appear  to  the  said  com- 
mittee to  be  well  affected  to  the  American  cause  ;  the  said 
county  committee  to  stand  charged  for  said  powder  at  the 
rate  of  twenty-five  pounds  per  hundred  ;  and  the  chairman 
is  requested  to  take  care  that  the  sum  of  twenty-five  pounds 
be  remitted  to  this  Congress,  or  their  Treasurer,  for  the 
said  gunpowder. 

Colo.  Flemming  attending,  was  admitted.  He  returned 
General  Putnam's  thanks  for  the  exertions  of  this  Congress 
and  the  general  committee  of  the  city,  for  the  commitment 
of  Doctr.  Azor  Belts,  and  their  extraordinary  exertions  to 
prevent  the  spreading  of  the  small  pox  among  the  Conti- 
nental army  ;  and  he  requests  to  know  whether  this  Con- 
gress will  consent  that  he  publish  the  copv  of  the  determi- 
nation of  the  city  committee  and  of  this  Congress  on  that 
subject. 

The  Congress  returned  their  thanks  to  General  Putnam 
for  his  polite  message,  and  will  send  him  an  answer  as  to 
publishing  the  determination  of  the  committee  and  report 
of  this  Congress. 


464 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  Congress  proceed- 
ed to  hear  the  report  of  the  committee  on  General  Wa- 
shington's two  letters,  on  the  subject  of  having  a  part  of  the 
militia  [at]  all  times  ready,  on  any  alarm,  to  join  the  Con- 
tinental troops,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  postponed  till  the  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Corns.  Steinrod,  dated  this  day,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  therein  mentions  that  he  did  not  re- 
ceive his  warrant  to  enlist  a  company  in  the  Continental 
service,  until  the  27lh  of  last  month,  but  had  engaged  many 
of  his  men  on  the  ninth  day  of  the  month  ;  that  about 
twenty  of  the  said  men  have  refused,  and  still  do  refuse  to 
join  the  company,  unless  they  are  allowed  pay  from  that 
day. 

He  also  informs  that  two  of  his  men  are  confined  under 
guard  by  Capt.  Hobby,  as  persons  who  have  also  enlisted 
in  his  company  ;  and  Capt.  Steinrod  requests  the  direction 
of  this  Congress  in  the  premises. 

The  Congress  are  of  opinion  that  Capt.  Steinrod  ought 
not  to  receive  pay  for  any  of  the  men  in  his  compa- 
ny, prior  to  the  date  of  his  warrant,  and  for  such  of  his 
men  who  enlisted  after  the  date  of  his  warrant,  only  from 
the  time  of  their  respective  enlistment. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  write  a  letter  to 
Capt.  Steinrod  to  this  effect. 

Mr.  James  Livingston  and  Doctr.  Benjamin  Delavergne, 
two  members  from  Dutches  county,  having  this  morning 
attended  and  taken  their  seats,  the  said  two  gentlemen,  at 
the  Chair,  were  respectively  duly  sworn  and  took  the  ge- 
neral oath  of  secrecy,  as  before  entered  on  the  minutes,  to 
keep  secret  all  such  matters  and  things  as  shall  be  given 
in  charge,  by  order  of  this  Congress,  to  be  kept  secret  un- 
til leave  shall  be  given  by  like  order  to  divulge  the  same. 

Colo.  Malcom  came  into  the  Congress  and  reported  the 
soundings  between  the  Red  Hook  and  the  Pest  island. 
The  report  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  returned  to  Colo.  Malcom  to  be 
amended  and  reduced  to  a  scale. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a  law, 
or  "  set  of  resolutions  of  lhis  Congress,  to  prevent  the 
dangers  to  which  this  Colony  is  exposed  by  its  internal 
enemies,"  brought  in  the  report  of  the  said  committee, 
which  he  read  in  his  place  and  delivered  in  at  the  Chair. 
The  same  was  again  read  through,  and  was  then  read  pa- 
ragraph by  paragraph. 

On  reading  the  third  paragraph  of  the  preamble,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  whether  the  Congress  agrees 
with  this  committee  in  their  report,  Richmond  county  voted 
against  it. 

Die  Martis,  P.  M.  May  28th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Kathl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Broome, 
Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Denning — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Delavergne — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parkes,  Colo.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Paulding — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harin?,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 
Capt.  Jeremiah  Wool  attending,  was  admitted.  He  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  the  persons  under  guard,  charg- 
ed with  counterfeiting  Continental  and  Provincial  money, 
were  not  properly  attended  to  by  some  of  the  guards,  and 
that  there  is  great  danger  of  an  escape.  Thereupon  the 
Congress  made  the  following  order,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  it  lias  been  represented  to  this  Congress, 


that  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs,  Henry  Dawkins  and 
Isaac  Ketchum,  committed  to  the  custody  of  guards  ap- 
pointed by  Genl.  Washington,  at  the  request  of  divers 
members  of  this  Congress,  on  suspicion  of  counterfeiting 
the  Continental  money,  and  that  of  the  neighouring  Colo- 
nies, are  meditating  their  escape, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  persons  be  forthwith  put  in  irons 
and  kept  in  the  place  where  they  now  are,  and  that  the 
guards  be  directed  not  to  permit  any  person  to  have  access 
to  them,  without  license  from  this  Congress,  till  the  fur- 
ther order  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jeremiah  Wool  be  requested  to 
see  this  order,  as  far  as  it  relates  to  the  putting  the  said 
persons  in  irons,  duly  executed.  And 

Ordered  farther,  That  Capt.  Wool  be  requested  to  pro- 
vide the  said  persons  with  necessary  provisions,  at  their 
own  particular  expense  ;  and  that  the  said  guard  permit 
Capt.  Wool  to  enter  the  room  where  the  said  persons  are 
confined,  whenever  he  shall  think  necessary,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  supplying  them  with  provisions  as  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  order  be  deli- 
vered to  Capt.  Wool,  who  is  requested  to  deliver  the  same 
to  the  officer  of  the  guard,  to  be  handed  to  the  different  offi- 
cers, who  shall  relieve  the  said  guard,  from  time  to  time. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  New  Town,  dated  yes- 
terday, was  read  and  filed.  They  therein  inform,  that  on 
complaint  of  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  New  Town  of  a 
fresh  insult  to  the  United  Colonies,  by  hoisting,  or  suffer- 
ing to  be  hoisted  on  his  ground,  a  large  flag  in  imitation  of 
the  King's  standard,  and  that  he  had  refused  to  give  suffi- 
cient satisfaction  to  the  committee,  and  that  they  have  sent 
him  down  to  this  Congress  for  examination,  together  with 
flag,  under  a  guard  by  Capt.  Abraham  Remsen. 

Capt.  Abraham  Remsen,  with  the  said  flag  and  John 
Moore,  Junr.  the  prisoner,  were  brought  in. 

John  Moore,  Junr.  examined,  says,  it  was  a  parcel  of 
school  boys,  who  go  to  school  in  New  Town,  who  hoisted 
colours  in  his  field ;  that  he  first  saw  them  on  a  small 
stick,  and  afterwards  on  a  high  pole  of  15  or  20  feet ;  that 
he  does  not  know  whose  colours  they  are  and  why  they 
were  put  up  ;  that  he  first  saw  them  hoisted  on  a  fast  day  ; 
that  the  boys  told  him  they  got  the  colours  of  a  lad  from 
New-York,  now  in  New  Town,  whose  name  is  Moore ; 
that  he  ordered  them  down  on  the  fast  day,  but  not  after- 
wards ;  that  as  children  put  them  up  he  did  not  imagine 
that  men  would  take  notice  of  it ;  that  he  has  not  signed 
the  general  association  ;  that  it  was  not  offered  to  him  to 
sign  ;  that  he  knew  where  the  association  was  one  day  ; 
that  no  person  ever  advised  him  to  have  the  flag  taken 
down  ;  that  it  was  flying  in  his  yard  when  the  gentlemen 
of  the  committee  came  for  him  yesterday,  and  they  took  it 
down  ;  that  it  has  been  up  some  days,  and  down  on  other 
days  ;  that  he  lives  near  the  school ;  that  Thomas  Wal- 
ton's son  lodges  with  him  ;  that  there  are  there  two  sons 
of  Mr.  Le  Roy,  two  of  Thos.  White's,  one  of  Mr.  Ma- 
thew's,  and  others  about  16  or  17  in  number;  that  he  does 
not  recollect  what  is  in  the  association.  Being  asked  if  he 
would  defend  the  United  Colonies  by  force  of  arms,  an- 
swered, that  he  did  not  choose  to  fight,  and  never  meant  to 
fight  if  he  could  avoid  it ;  and  would  avoid  it  as  long  as  he 
could. 

Capt.  Abraham  Remsen  withdrew  with  his  prisoner, 
and  the  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Ordered,  That  John  Moore,  Junr.  be  kept  in  this  town 
a  prisoner  upon  his  parol,  until  the  Congress  shall  make 
farther  order  concerning  him. 

Capt.  Remsen  and  John  Moore,  Junr.  were  called  in. 
The  said  John  Moore,  Junr.  in  Congress,  gave  his  promise 
parol  to  abide  and  tarry  in  the  city  of  New-York  and  at- 
tend at  the  City  Hall  from  day  to  day,  ready  to  obey  the 
call  or  direction  of  this  Congress,  and  not  to  depart  the 
city  without  leave.  He  was  thereupon  permitted  to  go  at 
large. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


465 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  New  Town  re- 
turning them  thanks  for  their  vigilance,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words,  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  Congress  to  re- 
turn you  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  for  your  zeal  mani- 
fested in  the  securing  John  Moore,  Junr.  and  sending  him 
to  this  city.  With  the  warmest  wishes  for  success  upon 
every  effort  you  shall  make  in  the  great  and  glorious  cause 
of  freedom, 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  and  hum.  servt. 
"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of 

the  Committee  of  New  Town." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  signed  by 
the  President  and  transmitted. 

"Capt.  Thomas  Harriot  being  called  before  this  commit- 
tee was  duly  convicted  of  having  refused  to  receive  in 
payment  the  Continental  bills,  and  still  persists  in  refus- 
ing the  same  ;  and  further  said  he  would  appeal  to  the  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  but  refused  to  give  security  for  his  an- 
swering to  the  said  appeal,  though  a  gentleman  present  of- 
fered his  service  to  him  on  that  account,  and  the  said  Har- 
riot added  that  he  did  not  care  whether  he  was  held  up  or 
not  to  the  public  as  an  enemy  to  his  country  ;  and  when  he 
was  informed  of  the  disagreeable  circumstances  that  he 
might  bring  himself  into  by  his  conduct,  he  replied  that  he 
hoped  or  expected  he  would  be  provided  for. 

"  This  committee,  conceiving  the  said  Thomas  Harriot  to 
be  a  dangerous  person,  do  request  that  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress may  acquaint  them  if  they  think  he  ought  to  be  suf- 
fered to  go  at  large,  as  he  is  now  in  the  custody  of  the 
guard. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  ROBT.  HARPUR, 

"  Depy.  Chairman. 
"New-York  Committee  Chamber,  May  28th,  1776. 
"To  the  Honble.  the  Congress  of  the 

Colony  of  New-York." 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  May  28th,  1776.  5 

"  Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York  be  requested  and  authorized,  and  are  hereby  re- 
quested and  authorized,  to  direct  that  Thomas  Harriot  be 
immediately  committed  to  close  jail  in  this  city,  there  to 
remain  until  further  order  of  this  Congress,  for  which 
this  shall  be  their  direction  and  authority. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  JOHN  McKESSON,  Secry. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  29th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-  York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Brewster,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  JJe  Lavergne,  Major  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Smith.  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Major  Henry  Schenk,  a  Deputy  for  Dutchess  county, 
and  John  Ten  Broeck,  Esqr.  a  Deputy  for  the  city  and 
county  of  Albany,  appeared  in  Congress,  and  after  taking 
the  general  oath  of  secrecy,  respectively,  took  their  seats. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Charles  De  Witt,  enclosing  returns 
of  officers  chosen  for  two  minute  companies  in  his  regi- 
ment, and  requesting  commissions  may  be  sent. 

117 


Ordered,  To  remain  for  farther  consideration,  till  the 
militia  committee  make  their  report. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Levi  Pauling,  at  Marble  Town,  set- 
ting forth  that  Zacharias  Rosekrans,  ensign  in  Capt.  Jo- 
cham  Schoonmaker's  company  had  resigned,  and  that  Mo- 
ses Depue,  Junr.  was  duly  elected  in  his  stead. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  to  Moses  Depue, 
Junr.  vice  Zacharias  Rosekrans,  resigned. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Thomas  Thomas,  of  Westchester 
county,  was  delivered  in  and  read.  Colo.  Thomas  informs 
that  Elijah  Hunter  is  desirous  of  raising  a  grenadier  com- 
pany to  belong  to  the  regiment  of  militia  whereof  Thomas 
Thomas  is  colonel ;  that  the  following  are  the  intended  of- 
ficers, to  wit:  Elijah  Hunter,  captain;  Richard  Sacket, 
1st  lieut. ;  Silas  Miller,  2d  lieut. ;  and  Jeremiah  Lowns- 
berry,  ensign,  and  prays  commissions  may  be  issued 
speedily. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  ;  and  they  were  ac- 
cordingly immediately  issued  to  those  gentlemen. 

Mr.  Sands,  on  behalf  of  the  auditors,  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  the  officers  of  the  first,  or  Colo.  Lasher's  batta- 
lion, have  delivered  in  their  accounts  for  the  services  of 
that  regiment  on  fatigue,  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  March  last ; 
that  the  officers  of  that  regiment  have  charged  full  pay  and 
the  number  [of]  rations  allowed  to  officers  in  the  Continental 
army  at  \0\d.  for  each  ration  for  every  day  they  were  on 
duty,  though  it  appears  by  their  returns  that  very  fre- 
quently they  had  not  the  number  of  privates  on  duly  or- 
dered and  directed  by  the  ninth  resolution  and  order  for 
that  purpose  passed  on  the  said  14th  day  of  March  last; 
that  as  the  said  ninth  resolution  does  not  enable  the  audi- 
tors to  discharge  those  accounts,  the  auditors  request  the 
directions  of  this  Congress  on  the  subject. 

Determined,  That  the  officers  shall  be  allowed  the  like 
number  of  rations  as  the  Continental  officers  of  like  rank  are 
allowed :  but  that  the  officers  who,  in  any  instance,  have 
not  had  the  full  complement  of  men  on  duty  or  fatigue, 
agreeable  to  the  said  ninth  resolution,  be  allowed  only  a 
proportion  of  pay,  and  a  proportion  of  the  value  of  rations, 
in  the  proportion  the  number  of  men  they  had  on  fatigue 
bears  to  the  number  ordered  for  a  regiment  or  a  company, 
by  the  said  ninth  resolution  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  March 
last. 

Mr.  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  attending  at  the  door,  (in 
pursuance  of  the  order  of  the  day,)  to  prosecute  his  appeal 
from  the  judgment  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  that  he  [be]  held  up  publicly  for  having  refused 
Continental  money. 

Ordered,  That  the  doors  be  set  open  ;  that  notice  be 
given  at  the  door  and  below  in  the  hall,  where  the  inhabi- 
tants are  assembled  at  an  election  for  members  of  the 
city  committee,  that  the  door  is  set  open  for  all  persons. 

The  said  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  came  into  the  chamber 
and  attended  at  the  bar.  Some  members  of  the  general 
committee,  who  were  below  in  the  hall,  came  in  and  at- 
tended. 

The  report  of  the  evidence  given  to  the  general  commit- 
tee, and  their  determination  thereon,  with  the  said  appeal 
of  the  said  Andw.  Guatier,  Junr.  and  the  order  of  this 
Congress  for  hearing  the  said  appeal,  were  read. 

Mr.  Guatier  delivered  his  defence  in  writing,  which  was 
also  read. 

The  appellant  informed  the  Congress  that  his  witness  is 
at  present  absent  out  of  town,  and  the  witnesses  against  the 
appellant  not  appearing  at  present, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  hearing  of  this  appeal  be  de- 
ferred until  next  Tuesday  morning. 

The  appellant  and  persons  attending  withdrew. 

From  the  circumstances  attending  this  appeal  and  other 
infoimation,  it  is  represented  to  this  Congress  that  persons 
under  various  pretences  sell  tea  at  more  than  six  shillings 
per  pound. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Sands,  be 


466 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  grounds  of  such  reports,  and 
to  report  the  measures  they  may  think  necessary  to  prevent 
any  infraction  of  the  resolution  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, thereupon  published,  and  that  they  report  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  Esquire,  of  Suffolk  coun- 
ty, of  the  25th  instant,  informing  Congress  by  the  request 
of  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  Brookhaven,  Manor  of 
St.  Ceorge,  and  Patenteeship  of  Merilches,  and  informing 
Congress  that  there  is  a  communication  kept  up  between 
Winthrop's  patent  and  the  ships  of  war  at  Sandy  Hook, 
and  that  men,  water,  oysters  and  clams,  are  carried  from 
the  inlet  at  South  Bay  on  board  the  men  of  war. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall  and  Mr.  Gelston  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  on  General  Putnam  and  confer  with  [him] 
on  the  subject  of  said  letter. 

The  gentlemen  returned  and  reported  that  the  General 
had  read  the  letter  from  Mr.  Smith,  and  was  much  dis- 
pleased when  informed  that  the  armed  vessels  had  not  sail- 
ed, and  said  that  he  would  give  immediate  orders  that  they 
take  their  stations,  but  did  not  say  that  he  would  give  any 
particular  directions  as  to  that  inlet. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  last  and  this  Congress  for  compelling  all  the 
inhabitants  of  this  city  who  had  removed  therefrom  before 
the  first  day  of  last  June,  to  return,  be  reconsidered. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was, 

For.  Jlgainst. 

New-York,   8       Orange,   2 

Albany   6      Westchester,    4 

Suffolk  4         Mr.  Morris  dissents. 

Richmond,    2      Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4  — 

Queens,   4  8 

Tryon,   3 

Dutchess,   5 

36 

Die  Mercurii,  P.  M.  May  29th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier- Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Alsop,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Peter  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Sands  6  o'clock— 
For  Nevo-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Journey— Richmond. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — ilbany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parkes—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Major  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Capt.  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  William  Smith,  Esqr.  at  Brookha- 
ven, in  answer  to  his  letter,  received  and  read  this  morn- 
ing, being  read  and  approved,  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wii  : 

"Sir — I  am  desired  by  the  House  to  inform  you  that 
measures  have  already  been  taken  to  prevent  all  commu- 
nication between  the  King's  ships  and  the  inhabitants  of 
the  southern  parts  of  Nassau  island  ;  and  also  that  such 
steps  will  be  taken  in  future  as  the  House  shall  deem 
necessary  for  that  purpose  ;  they  are  further  of  opinion 
that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  burden  the  county  with  the 
allendance  of  minute  men,  to  prevent  the  attempts  of  the 
enemy  at  the  inlet  mentioned  in  your  letter.  You  will  be 
pleased  to  send  down  the  arms  collected  in  your  county,  or 
so  many  of  them  as  shall  remain  after  the  supplies  which 
may  be  found  necessary  for  the  troops  now  in  your  county, 
with  as  much  despatch  as  possible. 

"  I  am,  &c.  by  order. 

"  To  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Alexander  Moncrief,  keeper  of  the  Con- 
gress jail,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  Congress  that 
his  bad  slate  of  health  renders  him  incapable  of  executing 
the  office  of  jailer  any  longer  ;  therefore  prays  to  be  dis- 
charged from  his  said  office,  and  recommends  Daniel  Gold- 
smith as  a  very  proper  person  to  succeed  him.  There- 
upon 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  Daniel  Goldsmith  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  keeper  of  the  jail  set  apart  for  the 
reception  and  confinement  of  all  such  persons  as  shall  or 
mav  from  time  to  time  be  committed  to  close  custody,  by 
order  of  this  Congress,  their  Committee  of  Safety,  or  of  the 
general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 
That  the  said  Mr.  Goldsmith  keep  no  prisoners  in  his  cus- 
tody at  the  expense  of  this  Colony  (as  to  provisions)  but 
such  as  shall  lie  committed  by  order  as  aforesaid  ;  and  that 
Mr.  Goldsmith  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  four  pounds  per 
month  for  his  services  while  employed  as  jailer  as  afore- 
said. 

It  being  suggested  in  Congress  that  there  is  an  absolute 
necessity  of  imposing  some  penalty  on  persons  convicted 
of  violating  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  pro- 
hibiting the  practice  of  inoculating  for  the  small  pox  in  this 
Colony,  till  the  further  order  of  Congress, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt 
and  Mr.  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  some  reso- 
lutions imposing  a  penalty  on  persons  who  shall  presume 
to  inoculate  for  the  small  pox  in  this  Colony,  and  that  they 
report  the  same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  petition  of  Charles  Loosly  and  Thomas  Elms,  paper- 
makers,  praying  to  be  exempted  from  military  duty. 

Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Colo.  Malcom  brought  into  Congress  a  draft  containing 
the  soundings  of  the  depth  of  water  in  the  channel  between 
Red  Hook  and  Bedlow's  island. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Randall  and  Colo.  Mal- 
com, be  a  committee  to  take  the  same  into  consideration, 
and  report  their  opinion  thereon  as  soon  as  possible. 

John  Moore,  the  person  sent  by  the  committee  of  New 
Town  to  this  Congress  under  guard,  for  suffering  a  flag  in 
imitation  of  a  royal  standard  to  be  hoisted  on  his  land,  re- 
questing permission  to  return  home  on  his  parol, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  return  home,  on  his 
promise  parol  to  attend  this  Congress  whenever  he  shall 
be  summoned  to  appear. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  30lh,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Randall, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Covenhoven— Kings. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Jlbany. 
Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou— Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Livingston,  Major  H.  Schenk—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Town- 
send,  Capt.  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take 
into  consideration  the  letter  from  Capt.  Fetrus  Schoon- 
maker,  complaining  that  the  Committee  have  done  him  in- 
justice in  settling  the  rank  of  the  companies  in  Colo.  Pau- 
ling's regiment,  Ulster  county  :  they  report  as  their  opinion 
that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  county  committee,  directing 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


467 


them  to  settle  the  arrangement  of  said  regiment  with  Capt. 
Schoonmaker;  and  if  he  is  dissatisfied  with  such  arrange- 
ment that  they  give  orders  to  the  company  commanded  by 
the  said  Petrus  Schoonmaker  to  elect  other  officers,  in  the 
room  and  stead  of  such  officers  who  refuse  to  serve,  and 
that  their  names  be  transmitted  to  be  commissioned,  with- 
out delay.  The  said  report  being  read  and  approved,  a 
draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  agreea- 
ble to  the  said  report,  was  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Putnam  was  read  ;  he  informs  Con- 
gress that  the  ladies  visit  the  tory  gentry  confined  in  jail, 
and  that  some  bad  fellows  daily  visit  women  of  the  same 
character  in  jail,  and  refers  the  matter  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  Congress. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table  for  further  consideration. 

The  petition  of  Amos  Bull  was  read  ;  he  prays  to  be 
heard  and  tried  before  this  Congress  for  the  charge  of  sup- 
plying, or  aiding  others  in  supplying  the  ships  of  war  with 
provisions,  of  which  he  is  entirely  innocent. 

Ordered,  To  be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to 
examine  and  take  examinations  of  persons  committed  to 
custody  by  order  of  Congress,  who  are  directed  to  report 
thereon  without  delay. 

The  Congress  were  informed,  by  a  member,  that  one 
Mr.  Latham  was  unnecessarily  fired  at  and  wounded  by  a 
Continental  of  Colo.  McDougall's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  and  Mr.  Schenk  be  a  com- 
mittee to  make  inquiry  into  this  matter,  take  the  necessary 
examinations  and  make  report  thereon  to  this  House. 

The  memorial  of  Samuel  Loudon,  presented  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  the  late  Congress,  against  Christopher 
Duyckinck  and  others  for  entering  his  house  without  any 
authority,  and  burning  and  destroying  printed  copies  of  the 
pamphlet  entitled  "  The  Deceiver  Unmasked,"  with  his  re- 
marks on  the  subject,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  memorial  of  Samuel  Loudon  be  ta- 
ken into  consideration  on  Tuesday  next ;  and  that  the  door- 
keeper summon  Samuel  Loudon  to  attend,  with  his  wit- 
nesses, on  that  day,  at  10  o'clock  in  the  forenoon  ;  and 
that  the  doorkeeper  also  summon  Christopher  Duyckinck, 
John  Gilbert,  Thomas  Pratt,  John  Buchannen,  the  inn- 
keeper,  Brower,  the  carpenter,  Bicker,  now  or 

late  an  officer,  and  Malcom  McEuen,  a  pewlerer,  to  at- 
tend this  Congress  at  the  same  time,  to  answer  to  the 
charge  of  entering  the  house  of  the  said  Samuel  Loudon, 
unwarrantably  and  without  proper  authority,  destroying  a 
number  of  pamphlets,  as  the  same  is  set  forth  more  par- 
ticularly in  the  said  memorial. 

The  Congress  taking  into  consideration  the  dangers  to 
which  this  city  and  colony  will  be  exposed,  should  the  Mi- 
nisterial troops  speedily  arrive ; 

Resolved,  That  two  battalions  be  taken  into  the  pay  and 
service  of  this  Colony  for  three  months.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  and  report  to  this  Congress  their  opinion  of 
the  number  of  which  the  said  battalions  shall  consist;  what 
pay  shall  be  given  them  ;  whence  they  shall  be  procured, 
and  by  what  regulations  governed  ;  together  with  such  other 
matters  relative  to  the  same  as  they  may  think  proper  and 
necessary.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Jay,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  be  the  com- 
mittee. 

A  petition  from  the  vestrymen  of  the  city  and  county  of 
of  New-York,  selting  forth  the  distresses  which  must  un- 
avoidably attend  the  poor  of  the  said  city  and  county  for 
want  of  money  in  the  hands  of  the  churchwardens  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  attending  the  maintenance  of  the  city 
alms-house,  and  praying  the  loan  of  five  thousand  pounds 
for  that  purpose,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr  Beekman 
and  Mr.  Paulding,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  petition 


into  consideration,  and  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  corpo- 
ration funds. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Beck,  confined  in  jail  by  order  of  the 
general  committee,  for  supplying  our  enemies.  Referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  take  examinations  and  try 
persons  charged  with  offences. 

Mrs.  Youngs,  wife  to  one  of  the  prisoners  confined  for 
counterfeiting  Continental  money,  attending,  prayed  that 
she  may  be  permitted  to  visit  her  husband.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  of  the  guard  appointed  to  guard 
the  prisoners  charged  with  counterfeiting  the  Continental 
money,  be  authorized  and  requested  to  permit  the  wives  of 
those  prisoners  to  visit  and  converse  with  their  husbands, 
in  the  presence  and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  the  said  guard, 
till  further  ordered. 

Messrs.  Samuel  and  James  Townsend,  Deputies  from 
Queens  county,  were  sworn  to  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

An  information,  signed  by  Aaron  Stockholm,  Samuel 
Prince,  John  Bogert  and  Thomas  Gardner,  referred  to  this 
Congress  by  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  charging  Peter  McClean,  Samuel  Galsworthy,  Fran- 
cis Delaroach  and  a  young  man  in  military  clothing  of  their 
acquaintance,  with  uttering  sentiments  highly  inimical  and 
dangerous  to  the  cause  of  America,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  names  be  added  to  the  list  of  dan- 
gerous, disaffected  persons  to  be  apprehended. 

The  affidavits  of  Amasa  Mills,  Ebenezer  Sumner,  Henry 
Champion  and  Robt.  Warner,  and  the  substance  of  the  af- 
fidavit of  Saml.  Richards,  ensign  of  Capt.  Mills'  company, 
charging  Amos  Bull  with  expressions  inimical  to  the  Co- 
lonies, both  dated  30th  May,  were  read. 

Referred  to  the  committee  of  examination  and  inquiry. 

Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Haviland  [have]  leave  of  absence  ; 
their  counties  being  fully  represented. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  31st,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandl,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Scott— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parkes — Ulster. 

Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk,  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne — 

Dutchess. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt. 
Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Try  on. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  county  committee  of  Ulster 
county,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Deputies  from  your  county  have 
produced  to  this  Congress  two  credentials,  signed  by  your 
chairman,  bearing  the  same  date,  but  contradicting  each 
other  as  to  the  powers  given  to  your  Deputies  for  the  elec- 
tion of  Continental  Delegates. 

"  Although  this  Congress  is  fully  authorized  to  elect  De- 
legates at  their  pleasure,  even  if  your  countv  should  not 
join  in  the  choice,  but  remain  unrepresented  there,  yet 
Congress  would  choose  to  be  informed  how  far  the  good 
people  of  your  county  have  authorized,  or  intended  to  au- 
thorize their  Deputies  to  join  in  such  election  of  Delegates, 
if  it.  should  take  place,  and  by  what  means  returns  so  very 
different  in  themselves  have  been  made,  and  to  have  a  true 
slate  of  the  proceedings  of  your  committee  on  that  subject. 

"  Copies  of  your  different  returns,  and  of  the  order  of 


468 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


this  Congress  thereon,  are  herewith  enclosed  for  your  exa- 
mination. 

"We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

County  Committee,  Ulster  county." 

One  of  the  members  informed  the  Congress  that  some 
of  Captain  Hamilton's  company  of  artillery  have  deserted, 
and  that  he  has  some  reasons  to  suspect  that  they  are  on 
board  of  the  Continental  ship,  or  vessel,  in  this  harbour, 
under  the  command  of  Capt.  Kennedy. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Alexander  Hamilton,  or  any  or 
either  of  his  officers,  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to 
go  on  board  any  ship  or  vessel  in  ibis  harbour,  and  take 
with  them  such  guard  as  may  be  necessary,  and  that  they 
make  strict  search  for  any  men  who  may  have  deserted 
from  Captain  Hamilton's  company. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  Congress  by  the  President,  that 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Williams  has  hopes  that  some  discoveries 
may  be  made  of  a  large  sum  of  money  which  he  has  lost, 
if  Mr.  John  Carpenter  could  be  permitted  to  have  a  private 
conference  with  Isaac  Ketchum,  now  a  prisoner  in  the  City 
Hall. 

Ordered,,  That  the  officer  commanding  that  guard  be  de- 
sired lo  permit  Mr.  John  Carpenter  to  have  a  private  con- 
ference with  the  said  Isaac  Ketchum,  either  in  the  room 
where  the  prisoners  now  are,  or  in  any  other  room  in  the 
City  Hall ;  that  the  officer  place  one  or  more  sentries  at 
the  door  of  the  room  where  Mr.  Carpenter  and  the  said 
prisoner  may  go  to  confer,  while  they  are  together  ;  and 
the  officer  of  the  guard  is  requested  lo  keep  the  substance 
of  this  order  and  its  design,  a  secret  from  the  guard. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  one  of  the  Deputies  of  Orange  county, 
attending,  and  having  taken  his  seat,  came  up  to  the  Chair 
and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy  which  has  been  admi- 
nistered to  the  other  members. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary  of  Co- 
lony stores,  deliver  to  Colo.  Rilzema,  or  his  order,  all  the 
muskets  or  firelocks  fit  for  use,  which  now  are  or  may 
come  into  the  store  for  the  course  of  three  weeks  from  last 
Monday,  the  arms  collected  in  Kings  county  excepted. 

A  return  from  John  Jackson,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Goshen  precinct,  dated  the  28th  instant,  was  read 
and  filed. 

It  is  thereby  returned,  that  the  following  persons  are 
elected  officers  of  the  company  in  Colo.  Hawthorn's  regi- 
ment, called  the  Pond  company,  vizt :  Peter  Berlolf,  cap- 
tain ;  John  De  Bow,  1st  lieutenant;  Anthony  Finn,  2d 
lieutenant ;  Joseph  Jewell,  ensign  ;  and  that  the  said  elec- 
tion was  made  in  the  presence  of  Henry  Wisner  and  John' 
Minthorne,  two  members  of  the  committee  of  Goshen  pre- 
cinct. 

It  [is]  further  thereby  returned,  that  a  new  company  is 
formed  in  Goshen  precinct  and  added  to  that  regiment,  by 
the  name  of  the  Sterling  company,  and  the  following  gen- 
tlemen were  elected  officers  of  that  company,  in  the  presence 
of  Henry  Wisner  and  Nathaniel  Ketcham,  two  members 
of  the  committee,  vizt  :  John  Norman,  captain  ;  Solomon 
Finch,  first  lieut. ;  William  Filz  Gerald,  2d  lieut.  ;  and 
Elisha  Bennet,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  eight  gen- 
tlemen as  officers  of  those  two  companies,  in  the  rank 
they  have  been  respectively  elected  ;  and  they  were  issued 
accordingly. 

Mr.  Gelston  reported,  that  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  had  obtained  the  affidavits  of  Latham, 
and  of  two  other  persons  ;  that  the  said  Latham  was  shot 
at  and  wounded  bv  a  sentinel  on  one  of  the  wharves  of  this 
city,  in  coming  in  in  the  ni<fht  with  his  vessel,  though  he 
endeavoured  to  comply  with  the  demands  of  the  said  sen- 
tinel.   The  said  affidavits  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  and  wait  on 


General  Putnam  with  the  said  affidavits,  and  deliver  the 
said  affidavits  to  the  General. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck  informed  the  Congress,  that  [by]  rea- 
son of  many  changes  and  resignations  of  the  officers  in  the 
regiments  of  miliua  in  the  county  of  Albany,  many  new 
commissions  for  officers  are  wanting  in  that  county,  and 
moved  that  one  hundred  blank  commissions  may  be  sent 
to  the  county  committee  of  Albany,  to  supply  vacancies. 

Several  other  gentlemen  moved  for  commissions  to  be 
sent  to  their  respective  county  committees. 

Ordered,  That  seventy  blank  commissions  be  sent  to 
the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany  ;  that  blank  com- 
missions be  aho  sent  to  the  county  committee  of  any  other 
county  represented  in  this  Congress,  on  request  made  by 
the  members  from  any  such  county  ;  the  county  commit- 
tee of  every  such  county  to  be  accountable  for  the  number 
of  blank  commissions  which  may  be  sent  to  them,  and 
and  from  time  to  time  to  make  true  and  perfect  returns  to 
this  Congress  of  all  such  commissions  as  shall  be  issued 
by  such  committee,  with  the  times  of  elections,  the  names 
of  the  committeemen  presiding  therein,  the  names  and 
rank  of  the  respective  officers,  with  the  dates  of  their  com- 
missions, and  in  what  regiment  appointed. 

Mr.  Haring  and  Mr.  Tompkins  respectively  obtained 
leave  of  absence. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  31s«,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Stoulenburgh,  Mr.  Peter  Van  Zandt,  Colo. 
Broome,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt  half-past  7  o'clock — For 
New  York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten— Orange. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— For 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry 
Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  James  Townsend,  Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr. 

Van  Wyck  —Queens. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Putnam,  aid-de-camp,  returned  to  the  President 
the  several  affidavits  (relative  to  Mr.  Hubbard  Latham,  who 
was  fired  at  and  wounded  by  a  sentinel  on  the  wharf,) 
which  were  sent  to  him  this  morning.  The  President  in- 
formed the  Congress  that  the  said  aid-de-camp  informed 
him  that  the  sentinel  is  committed  to  the  main  guard,  and 
that  the  General  refers  the  matter  to  Congress  whether  the 
criminal  shall  be  tried  by  a  court  martial  or  by  the  civil  au- 
thority. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  courts  of  judicature  in  this  Colony 
being  as  yet  held  by  authority  derived  from  the  Crown  of 
Great  Britain,  are  for  that  reason  incompetent  to  the  full 
and  imparl ial  trial  of  the  said  sentinel  for  the  offence  where- 
with he  stands  charged,  and  therefore  that  he  must  of  ne- 
cessity be  tried  by  a  court  martial  only. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  wait  on  General 
Putnam  with  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  entry  and  resolution 
and  return  to  the  General  the  affidavits  therein  mentioned. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Haring,  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  report,  accepted  on  the  27lh,  with 
instructions  to  frame  the  same  in  resolutions  to  be  publish- 
ed, reported  said  resolutions,  which  being  considered,  were 
adopted  in  the  words  following  : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  May  31,  1776.  $ 

"  Whereas  the  present  government  of  this  Colony  by 
Congress  and  Committees,  was  instituted  while  the  form  of 
government  under  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain  existed  in 
full  force,  and  was  established  for  the  sole  purpose  of  op- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


469 


posing  the  usurpation  of  the  British  Parliament,  and  was 
intended  to  expire  on  a  reconciliation  with  Great  Britain, 
which  it  was  then  apprehended  would  soon  take  place,  but 
is  now  considered  as  remote  and  uncertain. 

"  And  whereas  many  and  great  inconveniences  attend 
the  said  mode  of  government  by  Congress  and  Committees, 
as  of  necessity  in  many  instances  legislative,  judicial  and 
executive  powers  have  been  vested  therein,  especially  since 
the  dissolution  of  the  former  government  by  the  abdication 
of  the  late  Governor  and  the  exclusion  of  this  Colony  from 
the  protection  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain. 

"  And  whereas  the  Continental  Congress  did  resolve 
as  followeth,  to  wit : 

"  '  Whereas  His  Britannic  Majesty,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Lords  and  Commons  of  Great  Britain,  has  by  a  late 
act  of  Parliament  excluded  the  inhabitants  of  these  United 
Colonies  from  the  protection  of  his  Crown  :  And  whereas 
no  answers  whatever  to  the  humble  petition  of  the  Colo- 
nies for  redress  of  grievances  and  reconciliation  with  Great 
Britain  has  been  or  is  likely  to  be  given,  but  the  whole 
force  of  that  kingdom,  aided  by  foreign  mercenaries,  is  to 
be  exerted  for  the  destruction  of  the  good  people  of  these 
Colonies  :  And  whereas  it  appears  absolutely  irreconci- 
liable  to  reason  and  good  conscience  for  the  people  of  these 
Colonies  now  to  take  the  oaths  and  affirmations  necessary 
for  the  support  of  any  government  under  the  Crown  of 
Great  Britain;  and  it  is  necessary  that  the  exercise  of  every 
kind  of  authority  under  the  said  Crown  should  be  totally 
suppressed,  and  all  the  powers  of  government  exerted  un- 
der the  authority  of  the  people  of  the  Colonies,  for  the  pre- 
servation of  eternal  peace,  virtue  and  good  order,  as  well 
for  the  defence  of  our  lives,  liberties  and  properties  against 
the  hostile  invasions  and  cruel  depredations  of  our  enemies : 
Therefore, 

"  '  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  respective 
Assemblies  and  Conventions  of  the  United  Colonies  where 
no  government  sufficient  to  the  exigencies  of  their  affairs  has 
been  hitherto  established  to  adopt  such  government  as  shall 
in  the  opinion  of  the  representatives  of  the  people  best 
conduce  to  the  happiness  and  safety  of  their  constituents 
in  particular  and  America  in  general.' 

"  And  whereas  doubts  have  arisen  whether  this  Con- 
gress are  invested  with  sufficient  power  and  authority  to 
deliberate  and  determine  on  so  important  a  subject  as  the 
necessity  of  erecting  and  constituting  a  new  form  of  go- 
vernment and  internal  police,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  foreign 
jurisdiction,  dominion  and  control  whatever :  And  where- 
as it  appertains  of  right  solely  to  the  people  of  this  Colony 
to  determine  the  said  doubts  :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  electors  in 
the  several  counties  in  this  Colony  by  election  in  the  man- 
ner and  form  prescribed  for  the  election  of  the  present  Con- 
gress, either  to  authorize  (in  addition  to  the  powers  vested 
in  this  Congress,)  their  present  Deputies,  or  others  in  the 
stead  of  their  present  Deputies,  or  either  of  them,  to  lake  into 
consideration  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  instituting  such 
new  government  as  in  and  by  the  said  resolution  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  is  described  and  recommended.  And  if 
the  majority  of  the  counties  by  their  Deputies  in  Provin- 
cial Congress,  shall  be  of  opinion  that  such  new  govern- 
ment ought  to  be  instituted  and  established,  then  to  insti- 
tute and  establish  such  a  government  as  they  shall  deem 
best  calculated  to  secure  the  rights,  liberties  and  happiness 
of  the  good  people  of  this  Colony,  and  to  continue  in  force 
until  a  future  peace  with  Great  Britain  shall  render  the 
same  unnecessary.  And, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  elections  in  the  several  coun- 
ties ought  to  be  had  on  such  day,  and  at  such  place  or  pla- 
ces, as  by  the  committee  of  each  county  respectively  shall 
be  determined.  And  it  is  recommended  to  the  said  com- 
mittees to  fix  such  early  days  for  the  said  elections  as  that 
all  the  Deputies  to  be  elected  have  sufficient,  time  to  repair 
to  the  city  of  New-York  by  the  second  Monday  in  July 

118 


next,  on  which  day  all  the  said  Deputies  ought  punctually 
to  give  their  attendance. 

"  And  whereas  the  object  of  the  foregoing  resolutions 
is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  good  people  of  this  Co- 
lony : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  earnestly  recom- 
mended to  the  committees,  freeholders,  and  other  electors 
in  the  different  counties  in  this  Colony,  diligently  to  carry 
the  same  into  execution. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be  publish- 
ed in  all  the  public  newspapers  in  this  Colony,  and  in  hand- 
bills to  be  distributed  in  the  counties. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  ROBERT  BENSON,  Secry." 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  1st,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Den- 
ning, Mr.  Bancker — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— For  rflbany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suf- 
folk. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.Townshend,  Mr.  Van 
Wyck — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Hicks,  Esqr.  lately  elected  one 
of  the  Deputies  of  Queens  county,  and  dated  the  28th  of 
May,  was  read  and  filed.  Mr.  Hicks  therein  shews  for 
cause  of  his  non-attendance,  the  ill  state  of  his  health,  and 
the  extreme  weakness  of  his  constitution. 

A  letter  from  John  Williams,  Esqr.  lately  elected  one  of 
the  Deputies  of  Queens  county,  (dated  the  27th  of  May,) 
was  also  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Williams  therein  shews  for  cause  or  excuse  of  his 
non-attendance,  that  he  is  so  little  acquainted  with  such  bu- 
siness that  he  should  be  of  no  service,  but  remains  a  hearty 
friend  in  the  American  cause. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  said  letters  be  made  and 
transmitted  to  the  county  committee  of  Queens  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  over 
the  persons  confined  on  suspicion  of  counterfeiting  Conti- 
nental money  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  request- 
ed to  permit  George  Youngs  to  speak  to  his  sons,  Israel 
and  Isaac  Youngs,  this  morning,  only  in  the  presence  and 
hearing  of  the  said  officer. 

A  return  of  officers  elected  in  the  out  ward  of  the  city 
of  New- York,  in  beat  No,  28  of  this  city,  in  the  presence 
of  Daniel  Shaw  and  Henry  Rutgers,  Junr.  two  of  the  com- 
mittee, was  read  and  filed. 

It  thereby  appears  that  Josiah  Firman  was  elected  1st 
lieut.;  Stephen  Hilleker,  2d  lieut.  and  Adam  Vandenbergh, 
ensign. 

A  return  of  officers  in  the  out  ward  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  in  beat  No.  29  of  the  city,  in  the  presence  of  Abm. 
P.  Lott  and  Jecamiah  Allen,  two  of  the  committee,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Martin  Shire  is  thereby  returned  as  duly  elected  cap- 
tain, and  Jacob  Van  Orden,  first  lieutenant  of  the  company 
of  militia  in  that  beat. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
in  the  respective  ranks  in  which  they  were  elected  ;  And 
commissions  were  issued  for  them  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  James  Smith,  late  commander  of  the 
armed  sloop  Schuyler,  dated  yesterday,  was  read  and  filed. 


470 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


He  therein  encloses  his  late  commission  as  commander 
of  the  sloop  Schuyler,  in  order  to  cancel  the  bond  given  for 
his  punctual  observance  of  his  instructions  ;  and  returns 
his  sincere  thanks  for  all  past  favours. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  bond  be  cancelled  and  that  the 
said  commission  be  also  filed. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Allison,  at  Goshen,  to  John  Haring, 
Esqr.  dated  the  27th  of  May,  was  read  and  filed.  He 
therein  informs  that  he  has  purchased  several  small  parcels 
of  saltpetre,  in  pursuance  of  his  appointment  with  Mr.  Ha- 
ring as  a  committee  for  that  purpose  ;  that  he  is  not  pro- 
vided with  cash  for  the  purpose  ;  and  therefore  requests 
some  cash  may  be  furnished  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress  of  this  Colony,  advance  to 
Colo.  William  Allison,  of  Orange  county,  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, to  pay  for  saltpetre  which  he  has  purchased,  and  to  en- 
able him  to  continue  to  purchase  saltpetre  ;  that  Colo.  Al- 
lison give  his  receipt  for  that  money  to  the  Treasurer,  and 
be  accountable  for  the  same  500  dollars. 

Jacob  Brush  was  brought  into  Congress  and  examined. 
Whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
withdraw  and  take  down  in  writing  the  examination  of  said 
Jacob  Brush. 

Whereas  from  the  oath  of  Jacob  Brush,  it  appears  that 
there  is  great  reason  to  believe  that  Philip  Youngs  has 
been  party  or  privy  to  a  design  of  counterfeiting  the  bills 
of  credit  now  current  and  passing  in  this  and  some  of  the 
other  United  Colonies  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Philip  Youngs  be  immediately 
arrested  and  taken  and  sent  in  safe  custody  to  this  Con- 
gress ;  and  that  the  committee  of  Huntington  direct  Sa- 
muel Brown  to  attend  at  the  Congress  Chamber,  in  New- 
York,  without  delay ;  and  the  committee  of  Huntington 
are  hereby  requested  and  authorized  to  cause  the  strictest 
search  to  be  made  in  the  house  of  the  said  Philip  Youngs, 
and  in  such  other  houses  or  places  as  they  may  think  pro- 
per, for  any  plates  that  may  have  been  made  for  counter- 
feiting any  paper  money  or  bills  of  credit  whatever,  and 
for  any  counterfeited  paper,  money  or  bills  of  credit,  and 
report  their  proceedings  thereon  to  this  Congress  ;  and  all 
officers,  civil  and  military,  in  this  Colony,  and  minute  men 
and  militia  of  any  district,  town,  precinct  or  place,  on  Nas- 
sau island,  are  hereby  directed  to  give  all  necessary  aid  to 
the  committee  of  Huntington  to  carry  these  orders  into 
execution. 

A  letter  to  the  committee  of  Dutchess  county  was  read 
and  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

A  resolution  of  the  committee  of  New-York,  passed  the 
25th  ulto.  requesting  that  this  Congress  would  publish  an 
order  that  no  persons  in  this  Colony  shall  presume  to  ask 
gold  or  silver  in  preference  to  the  Continental  bills  of 
credit,  or  the  bills  of  credit  of  this  Colony,  unless  previ- 
ously authorized  by  this  Congress,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Thomas  Harriot,  now  confined  by 
order  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Harriot  be  brought  be- 
fore the  bar  of  this  House  in  custody  of  the  jailer  this  af- 
ternoon at  5  o'clock. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Vernon  and  Henry  Killegrove 
praying  to  be  discharged,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  petition  of  the  prisoners  in  jail  belonging  to  the  ship 
of  war  Phoenix,  dated  the  22d  uft.  complaining  of  their  al- 
lowance, was  read  and  considered.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  prisoners  be  respectively  allow- 
ed 14c/.  per  day  for  their  subsistence. 

Saturday,  P.  M.  June  1st,  1776. 
Present — Genl.  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Prest. 


Mr.  Scott,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Rutgers— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Colo.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck.  Mr.  Glenn— Albany. 

Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  James  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Major  Parks,  Colo.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  James  Townsend,  Mr. 
Van  Wyck — Queens. 

Mr.  Thomas  Harriot,  attending  according  to  an  order  of 
this  morning,  was  admitted  and  asked  several  questions, 
and  directed  to  withdraw.  The  report  of  the  New-York 
committee,  the  order  of  commitment,  and  his  letter  of  this 
morning,  were  [read.]  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Harriot  be  permitted 
to  go  at  large  on  his  parol. 

He  also  mentioned  that  he  had  appealed  from  the  judgment 
of  said  committee  to  this  Congress,  and  was  informed  that 
a  day  will  be  fixed  to  prosecute  his  appeal.  He  then  sign- 
ed his  parol  as  follows,  vizt: 

"  I  do  most  solemnly  declare  upon  my  honour,  that  I 
will  not  either  directly  or  indirectly,  by  word,  act  or  deed, 
contravene  the  measures  or  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
or  this  Congress  ;  and  that  I  will  not,  either  directly  or  in- 
directly, afford  any  aid,  sustenance  or  support,  of  any  kind 
whatsoever,  to  the  British  King  or  Parliament,  their  fleets, 
armies,  allies,  agents  or  adherents,  during  the  present  con- 
troversy between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  Colonies  of 
North  America. 

"  THOS.  HARRIOT. 

"  Witness,  Robt.  Benson." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Daniel  Goldsmith,  the  keeper  of  the 
Congress  jail,  be  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  permit  Mr. 
Thomas  Harriot  to  go  at  large. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Hunloke  Woodruff  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  surgeon  of  the  third  regiment  of  Conti- 
nental troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  of  which  said  third  re- 
giment Rudolphus  Ritzema,  Esqr.  is  colonel. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Varick,  requesting  that  two  tons 
of  oakum  be  forwarded  to  Albany,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Broome  and  Mr.  Glenn  wait  on 
General  Putnam,  and  inform  him  that  this  Congress  are 
about  closing  their  accounts,  and  it  being  out  of  their  de- 
partment, they  request  him  to  execute  said  order. 


DIE  SOUS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  2d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Duane — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend— Queens. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Colo.  Broome  reported,  that  Mr.  Glenn  and  himself  had 
waited  on  General  Putnam  with  Capt.  Varick's  letter,  on 
behalf  of  Genl.  Schuyler,  requesting  two  tons  of  oakum  to 
be  sent  to  Albany  immediately,  and  had  delivered  the  mes- 
sage directed  to  them  by  this  Congress  ;  that  General  Put- 
nam informed  them  that  the  order  should  be  executed  with- 
out delay,  if  so  much  oakum  can  be  obtained. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


471 


DIE  LUNtE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  3d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 
Colo.  Broome,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Randall— For  New-York. 
Mi.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houlen  —  Orange. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — ilbany. 
Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 
Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend—  Queens. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster.  Colo.  Malcolm— Charlotte. 

An  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  committee  of  Hunting- 
ton, on  Nassau  island,  dated  June  3d,  1776,  signed  Danl. 
Wiggins,  clerk,  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  in- 
formed, that  pursuant  to  order  of  this  house,  of  the  1st  inst. 
the  said  committee  have  sent  down  Philip  Youngs,  in  the 
care  of  Messrs.  Thomas  Wickes  and  Eliphalet  Brush  ; 
and  also  that  the  said  committee  have  made  strict  search 
in  the  house  of  the  said  Philip  Youngs  and  the  houses  of 
George  Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs  and  John  Williams,  but 
that  they  discovered  nothing  material  as  to  the  articles  re- 
commended by  this  Congress  to  be  searched  for. 

Samuel  Brown  being  likewise  sent  down  by  the  said 
committee  as  a  witness,  was  called  in  and  examined.  Af- 
terwards the  said  Philip  Youngs  was  ordered  in  and  exa- 
mined, both  which  examinations  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 
[Examinations  not  inserted  in  the  minutes.] 
The  said  examinations  being  immediately  taken  into  con- 
sideration ;  debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  whe- 
ther the  said  Philip  Youngs  ought  to  be  committed  in  close 
custody  of  the  guard  with  the  other  prisoners  charged  with 
counterfeiting  Continental  money,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Suffolk,  4 

Charlotte  2      Richmond,   2 

Orange,   3       Ulster,  4 

New-York,  8  — 

—  10 
19 

Whereas  there  is  just  grounds  of  suspicion  that  Philip 
Youngs  has  been  privy  to  a  design  of  counterfeiting  the 
bills  of  credit  now  current  and  passing  in  this  and  some 
of  the  other  United  Colonies  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Philip  Youngs  be  committed  to 
close  custody ;  and  the  officer  of  the  guard  appointed  to 
guard  the  prisoners  now  under  confinement  on  suspicion  of 
being  guilty  of  the  same  crime,  be  and  he  is  hereby  directed 
and  required  to  receive  into  the  custody  of  his  said  guard, 
the  said  Philip  Youngs,  and  him  keep  in  close  custody  un- 
til the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  George  Youngs  be  and  he  is  hereby  [per- 
mitted] to  go  into  the  guard  room  wherein  the  persons  are 
confined  on  suspicion  of  counterfeiting  the  bills  of  credit 
of  the  United  Colonies,  to  visit  and  converse  with  his  sons 
in  the  presence  and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  said  guard. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  dangerous  consequences  of  the 
small  pox  spreading  in  this  Colony,  made  a  report.  After 
some  time  spent  in  the  consideration  thereof, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Broome  and  Col.  Stoutenburgh  be 
added  to  the  committee  to  stop  the  channel. 

A  certificate  of  Henry  Lockwood  and  Denne  Ralye, 
Senr.  two  of  the  committee  of  New-Malbourough  precinct, 
certifying  that  at  an  election  held  by  Capt.  Bowdewine 
Tarepenning's  company,  David  Ostrander  was  duly  chosen 
2d  lieutenant  of  said  company,  was  read  and  filed. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  David  Ostrander  be  commis- 
sioned accordingly. 

Die  Lun*:,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  3d,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Beekman — For 
New-York. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend — Queens. 
Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Putnam,  dated  this  day,  informing 
this  House  of  complaint  being  lodged  against  Sergeant 
McFall,  of  the  26th  regiment,  taken  at  St.  John's  ;  that  he 
is  a  dangerous  man ;  frequently  visiting  the  fortifications 
in  and  about  this  city,  and  the  encampments,  and  is  repre- 
sented as  a  cunning,  designing  fellow.  The  General  re- 
quests an  inquiry  may  be  made.    Was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  for  taking 
examinations,  to  be  reported  with  all  possible  speed. 

Saml.  Hopkins  attending,  requested  permission  to  speak 
to  Israel  Youngs,  who  is  confined  by  order  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  at  the 
City  Hall,  be  requested  to  permit  the  bearer,  Saml.  Hop- 
kins, to  speak  to  Israel  Youngs,  in  the  presence  and  hear- 
ing of  the  said  officer. 

Another  letter  from  Genl.  Putnam  of  this  day's  date, 
with  a  list  of  tory  prisoners  committed  to  hard  labor  at  the 
forts,  was  read  and  filed. 

"  Head  Quarters,  New-York,  June  3d,  1776. 

"Sir — I  am  informed  by  the  Earl  of  Stirling,  who  has 
lately  visited  the  fortifications  on  Hudson's  river  in  the 
Highlands,  that  there  are  several  persons  at  Fort  Montgo- 
merie,  sent  in  there  prisoners  from  the  counties  of  West- 
chester, Dutchess  and  Albany,  by  committees  of  certain 
districts  as  persons  notoriously  inimical  to  the  present  mea- 
sures of  the  United  Colonies,  with  orders  to  the  command- 
ing officers  to  keep  them  at  hard  labour  until  further  orders. 
How  far  such  a  punishment  or  the  place  of  confinement  may 
be  proper,  I  will  not  determine  ;  but  as  it  does  not  accord 
with  any  general  rule  or  order  of  Congress,  I  must  have 
some  doubts  of  the  propriety  of  the  officers  of  the  army 
carrying  such  an  order  into  execution,  without  some  higher 
authority  ;  and  should  therefore  be  glad  to  have  the  senti- 
ments of  the  Congress  of  this  Province  on  this  subject.  A 
copy  of  the  list  of  names  of  the  prisoners  is  enclosed. 

"  In  consequence  of  an  order  of  Congress  all  the  militia 
and  minute  men  employed  in  Continental  pay  were,  soon 
after  the  arrival  of  the  army  from  Cambridge,  dismissed 
from  that  service.  However  Col.  Nicoll  remains  in  com- 
mand at  Fort  Constitution,  on  a  supposition  that  he  has  not 
been  properly  discharged  by  the  Congress  of  this  Province, 
who  employed  him.  As  the  field  officers  of  Col.  Clinton's 
regiment  are  now  ordered  to  that  post,  the  expense  is 
become  unnecessary,  and  therefore  it  will  be  proper  that 
Col.  Nicoll  be  informed  of  the  sentiments  of  your  Congress 
thereon. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  and 

"  Very  humble  servt. 

"  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  The  President  of  the  Congress 

of  New-York." 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  May  31,  1776. 
"  A  list  of  tory  prisoners  now  at  this  garrison,  who  were 
sent  here  by  order  of  Dutchess,  Manor  of  Livingston,  East 


472 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Camp,  Claverack  and  Rynbeck  precincts:  Nathaniel 
Finch,  George  Shannon,  John  Johnson,  Dennis  Riley, 
Philip  Teed,  Benjamin  Duboys,  David  Close,  Johannis 
Coupar,  Philip  Chim,  Frederick  Row,  Coenradt  Hoffman, 
Martinus  Coupar,  Junr.  were  sent  to  be  kept  at  the  laborious 
part  of  the  duty  of  this  garrison,  during  the  pleasure  of  the 
aforesaid  committee. 

"  From  Westchester  county  :  Johnson,  of  Peekskill." 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  confined  in  Forts  Montgo- 
merie  and  Constitution  be  kept  close  prisoners  in  the  same 
until  they  shall  give  the  committees,  by  whose  order  they 
are  now  there  such  security  for  their  good  behavour  as  the 
said  committee  shall  think  needful,  and  that  in  the  interme- 
diate time  the  said  prisoners  be  not  compelled  to  labour  at 
the  said  fort. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Genl.  Putnam,  in 
answer  to  his  two  letters,  received  and  read  this  afternoon, 
and  that  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  order  be  enclosed  ;  also, 
that  copies  of  the  said  order  be  transmitted  to  the  several 
committees,  by  whose  order  the  said  prisoners  were  sent 
to  the  fortifications. 

A  draft  of  the  said  letter  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  have  been  honoured  by  your  letters  of  this 
day,  relative  to  the  confinement  of  sundry  persons  at  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  the  conduct  of  Sergeant  Mc- 
Fall,  and  the  dismission  of  Colo.  Nicoll. 

"  By  the  enclosed  orders  you  will  perceive  that  we  have 
paid  attention  to  the  situation  of  the  prisoners,  and  com- 
plied with  your  request  concerning  the  colonel. 

"  We  have  the  honour  farther  to  inform  you,  sir,  that  a 
committee  is  appointed  to  take  cognizance  of  Sergeant  Mc- 
Fall's  conduct,  and  report  the  same  to  this  House  ;  and  that 
we  are,  with  the  utmost  respect,  "  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Major-Genl.  Putnam." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy,  signed  by  the  President,  be 
transmitted. 

A  petition  of  Henry  Dawkins  was  read  and  filed.  He 
therein  informs  the  Congress  that  Philip  Youngs  is  inno- 
cent of  the  suspicion  of  being  concerned  in  counterfeiting 
money. 

Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Randall  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  Colo.  Malcom's  draft  of  the  depth  of  water 
in  the  channel,  reported  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  report  that  from  the  best  intelli- 
gence they  have  obtained,  the  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river,  although  a  difficult  and  laborious  undertak- 
ing, is  nevertheless  in  our  opinion  practicable,  wherefore 
they  do  report  that  they  conceive  it  to  be  an  object  worthy 
of  the  public  attention,  and  proper  to  be  submitted  to  the 
consideration  of  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  THOS.  RANDALL, 

"  Chairman?' 

The  House  having  heard  the  above  report,  do  approve 
of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Randall  and  Colo. 
Broome,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  Genl.  Putnam  with  the 
said  report. 

The  House  being  informed  that  Lord  Stirling  had  sig- 
nified his  willingness  to  go  with  such  persons  as  this  House 
shall  appoint  and  give  his  aid  and  advice  in  sounding  the 
channel. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Mercier  and  Mr.  Shaw 
be  requested  to  attend  Lord  Stirling  on  Wednesday  next 
to  sound  the  harbour,  and  that  Mr.  Shaw  provide  three 
boats  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Augustus  Van  Home,  Vincent  P.  Ashfield, 
John  L.  C.  Roome  and  Thomas  W.  Moore,  all  confined  in 
jail  by  order  of  the  general  committee  of  New- York,  for 


refusing  to  sign  the  declaration  or  deliver  up  their  arms  on 
oath,  as  directed  by  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Provincial 
Congress,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr. 
Paul  Schenk  and  Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  be  a  committee 
to  take  the  said  letter  into  consideration,  and  report  their 
opinion  thereon  to  this  House. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Colony  store  keeper, 
deliver  to  Colo.  Malcom  2001b.  of  gunpowder,  2001b.  of 
leaden  bullets,  and  400  flints,  from  the  Provincial  maga- 
zine, to  be  sent  to  the  general  committee  of  Charlotte 
county,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Colony  store  keeper, 
be  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  employ  as  many  proper  per- 
sons as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  making  up 
half  a  ton  of  gunpowder  into  cartridges,  of  different 
sizes,  from  16  to  22  balls  in  a  pound,  with  the  utmost  de- 
spatch. 

A  recommendation  from  the  general  committee  of  the 
city  and  county  of  New-York,  recommending  Wm.  Leary 
as  second  major  of  the  third  regiment  of  militia  of  the  said 
city  and  county,  vice  John  Reade  resigned. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  made  out  to  Mr.  Leary ; 
which  was  accordingly  done  immediately. 

A  certificate,  dated  at  Blooming  Grove,  May  27th,  1776, 
and  signed  by  Phinehas  Heard  and  Thomas  Moffat,  two 
members  of  the  committee  of  Cornwall  precinct,  in  Or- 
ange county,  whereby  it  appears  that  a  number  of  men  re- 
siding within  the  limits  of  the  regiment  of  Cornwall,  em- 
bodied with  a  view  of  forming  a  company  of  light  horse, 
and  that  the  following  persons  were  chosen  for  officers,  to 
wit :  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  captain  ;  James  Sayre,  lieut.; 
William  Heard,  cornet,  and  Azariah  Martin,  quarter-mas- 
ter. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen 
respectively,  agreeable  to  their  rank,  as  set  forth  in  the  said 
return  ;  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  Atk,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  Broome,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Randall,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh, 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Cuyler— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Capt.  Fleming — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Try  on. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Samuel  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend — Queens. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 
Major  Webb  attended  the  Congress  with  a  letter  from 
Abraham  Livingston,  directed  to  Colo.  McDougall.  He 
therein  informs  Colo.  McDougall  of  a  correspondence  be- 
ing carried  on  between  the  Governor's  ship  and  one  Mrs. 
Hill,  and  that  Mrs.  Hatch  is  concerned  in  carrying  on  the 
same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Randall  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  Mrs.  Hatch,  and  all  such  papers,  persons 
and  places  as  they  shall  think  necessary  for  the  discovery 
of  a  certain  correspondence  between  the  said  Mrs.  Hatch, 
or  others,  and  persons  on  board  of  some  or  one  of  the  ships 
now  lying  at  or  near  Sandy  Hook. 

The  petition  of  Philip  Youngs  confined  by  order  of  this 
House,  on  suspicion  of  being  privy  to  the  counterfeiting 
Continental  money. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


473 


Ordered,  That  he  be  heard  at  the  bar  of  this  House  this 
afternoon. 

Mr.  Cortelyou  requested  blank  commissions  for  the  troop 
of  horse,  in  Richmond  county. 

Ordered,  That  blank  commissions  be  sent  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Richmond  county,  subject  to  the  same  regula- 
tions as  the  other  counties  to  which  blanks  are  sent. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  ways  and  means  be  devised  to  take  or 
arrest  Townsend  Hewlet,  as  he  stands  charged  with  being 
concerned  with  Youngs  and  others,  of  counterfeiting  Con- 
tinental and  other  paper  money.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Jeremiah  Wool  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  requested  to  take  with  him  such  men  as  he  may 
deem  necessary,  not  exceeding  four,  and  proceed  to  Nas- 
sau island.  That  Captain  Wool  use  his  utmost  endeavours 
to  apprehend  Townsend  Hulet,  charged  with  being  con- 
cerned in  counterfeiting  the  bills  of  credit  of  the  United 
Colonies. 

The  order  of  the  day  for  hearing  the  appeal  of  Andrew 
Gautier,  Junr.  from  the  decision  of  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  was  read.  The  parties  with  their 
witnesses  and  others  being  attending  in  the  hall, 

Ordered,  7'hat  all  the  doors  be  opened,  and  the  parties 
with  their  witnesses  directed  to  attend  at  the  bar  of  the 
house,  and  all  other  persons  attending  be  informed  that  the 
doors  are  opened  for  their  admission. 

"  New-York,  Prov.  Con.  Ath  June,  1776. 

The  United  Colonies  \ 
agt.  I 
Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  j 

On  appeal  from  the  judgment  of  the  general 
committee  of  New-York,  for  refusing  Continental  money. 

Samuel  Ward  sworn. — He  and  Mr.  Van  Home  went  to 
Ten  Eyck  and  Simmons'  store  to  purchase  tea,  and  asked 
whether  they  had  any  tea  to  sell  ?  Zacharias  Sickles,  one 
of  the  clerks,  made  answer  'Yes,  for  six  shillings  per  lb.;' 
that  Mr.  Gautier  went  to  weigh  the  tea,  and  while  he  was 
weighing  it,  Mr.  Sickles  said  it  must  be  hard  money  for  the 
tea,  gold  or  silver,  for  that  he  would  not  sell  an  ounce  of 
it  for  Continental  money ;  this  was  said  in  the  hearing  of 
Mr.  Gautier;  that  the  witness  and  Van  Home  answered, 
'  It  was  very  hard  that  they  could  not  get  necessaries  for 
Continental  money;  that  for  six  shillings  in  silver  they 
could  purchase  more  than  for  eight  shillings  of  Continental 
money ;  and  that  they  had  no  hard  money  with  them.' 
Sickles  said  they  were  good  for  nothing  rascals,  ordered 
them  out  of  the  house,  said  that  they  should  not  have  the 
tea  for  Continental  money,  and  that  they  might  do  their 
worst,  complain  to  the  committee,  or  whatever  they  pleas- 
ed, for  that  Mr.  Alsop,  one  of  the  Continental  Delegates, 
sold  his  tea  for  hard  money  and  no  otherwise,  and  would 
not ;  that  Mr.  Gautier  weighed  the  tea  for  Mr.  Van  Home, 
and  started  it  out  afterwards. 

Cross-examined. — Says  Mr.  Gautier  weighed  the  tea 
for  Van  Home,  took  it  out  of  the  box  for  that  purpose 
and  put  it  in  a  paper,  and  when  he  found  that  he  could  get 
nothing  but  Continental  money,  poured  it  back  again. 
Witness  says  he  did  not  say  that  if  he  had  the  hard  money 
they  should  not  have  it ;  acknowledges  that  he  said  he 
would  not  be  too  good  to  raise  a  posse  and  take  the  tea 
by  force.  Sickles  said  if  he  did  he  would  blow  his  brains 
out. 

Cornelius  Van  Home  sworn. — He  and  Ward  went  to 
purchase  tea,  and  Ward  asked  the  price  ;  Sickles  said  it 
was  six  shillings  per  lb. ;  witness  asked  to  have  a  pound 
weighed,  and  Mr.  Gautier  went  to  weigh  it ;  witness  was 
going  to  pull  out  his  pocket  book,  and  Sickles  said  he 
should  not  have  the  tea  without  hard  money,  gold  or  silver. 
He  said,  '  Mr.  Sickles,  I  thought  you  was  joking  ;  wheie 
should  cartmen  get  hard  money  ;  we  work  for  the  Conti- 
nent and  get  Continental  money.'  Told  him  further  it  was 
very  hard  to  work  for  Continental  money,  and  not  be  able  to 
purchase  with  it  the  necessaries  for  his  family.  Whereupon 

119 


Mr.  Gautier  who  had  weighed  the  tea,  threw  it  back  into 
the  chest ;  that  the  conversation  about  hard  money  arose 
after  Mr.  Gautier  had  began  to  weigh  the  tea. 

Mr.  Dunscombe  says  that  Gautier,  before  the  commit- 
tee, cleared  Sickles;  and  Sickles  declared  he  had  never 
refused  Continental  money,  and  that  he  alone  had  refused 
the  money  ;  that  the  secretary  of  the  committee  will  prove 
this.  Mr.  Gautier  says  he  so  far  admits  this  matter,  that 
he  acknowledges  this  matter ;  that  he  returned  the  tea  into 
the  box.  Gautier  farther  says  that  he  does  not  know  what 
money  the  cartman  had  ;  that  no  money  was  tendered  to 
him  ;  that  they  tuld  him  it  was  paper  money  and  therefore 
he  refused  to  deliver  the  tea. 

Joseph  Winter  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evan- 
gelists says,  that  Mr.  Andw.  Gautier  on  his  examination 
before  the  general  committee,  fully  exculpated  Sickles,  and 
took  the  whole  charge  upon  himself;  that  he  understood 
that  he  exculpated  Sickles  as  to  both  charges.  Mr.  Gau- 
tier savs  he  had  not  any  questions  to  ask  the  witness. 

The  defendant  confesses  that  he  told  the  witnesses  he 
asked  gold  and  silver  for  his  lea,  and  turned  it  back  into 
the  chest  when  they  declared  they  would  not  give  gold  and 
silver. 

Joseph  Winters  sworn,  says  that  the  defendant  fully 
exculpated  Mr.  Sickles,  and  took  the  charge  on  himself. 

The  parlies  and  witnesses  withdrew. 

The  Congress  having  heard  ihe  allegations  of  the  parties, 
and  examined  the  witnesses  in  the  case  of  Andrew  Gautier, 
Junr. 

Resolved,  That  ihe  decision  of  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  in  the  case  of  the 
said  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  be  and  is  hereby  confirmed. 

The  United  Colonies  }  0  ,f  i 

/  On  an  appeal  from  the  general 

i  r<  t        \     committee  of  New-York. 

Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  j 

Mr.  Dunscombe  and  Mr.  John  Campbell,  two  of  the  ge- 
neral committee,  attended  on  behalf  of  the  committee,  and 
their  appoinment  was  read. 

The  minutes  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York  were  read ;  whereby  it  appears  that  complaint 
had  been  made  against  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  for  refusing 
Continental  bills  in  payment. 

That  on  the  testimony  of  Samuel  Pratt  and  Samuel 
Ward,  (whose  depositions  taken  before  the  committee  were 
read,)  the  said  general  committee  had,  "resolved  that  Mr. 
Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  had  violated  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress, in  refusing  to  receive  the  Continental  bills  in  pay- 
ment ;  and  that  he  be  held  up  to  the  public  as  an  enemy 
to  his  country." 

That  from  this  decision  Mr.  Gautier  has  appealed  to  this 
Congress. 

The  defence  of  the  said  Andrew  Gautier,  Junr.  by  him 
delivered  in,  in  writing,  was  also  read ;  whereby  he  con- 
fesses and  avoids  the  said  charge. 

Mr.  Dunscombe  informed  that  Samuel  Pratt  is  on  board 
of  a  Continental  sloop. 

Samuel  Ward  being  duly  sworn  and  examined  says,  that 
he  and  Van  Home  heard  there  was  tea  to  sell  at  Ten  Eyck 
&  Seaman's  store ;  that  they  went  to  the  store  and  asked 
if  they  had  tea  to  sell ;  that  Zachs.  Sickles  answered,  "  yes, 
for  six  shillings  per  pound  ;"  that  Gautier  weighed  the  tea  ; 
that  while  Gautier  weighed  the  tea  Sickles  said  it  must  be 
paid  for  in  hard  money,  gold  and  silver,  and  said  he  would 
not  sell  an  ounce  of  tea  unless  for  gold  or  silver;  that  he 
and  Van  Home  complained  that  they  should  be  refused  ne- 
cessaries for  Continental  money  ;  that  for  6s.  in  silver  they 
could  purchase  more  than  for  8s.  Continental  money,  and 
told  them  they  had  not  any  hard  money  ;  that  this  was  said 
in  the  hearing  of  Gautier;  that  Sickles  said  he  would  not 
sell  the  tea  for  Continental  money  and  called  him  a  rascal, 
and  bid  him  be  gone  out  of  the  house,  and  told  him  he 
might  do  his  worst — complain  to  the  committee,  or  do  as 
he  pleased,  for  that  Mr.  Alsop,  one  of  the  Continental  De- 


474 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


legates,  sold  his  tea  for  hard  money,  and  would  not  sell  it 
otherwise  ;  that  Gautier,  when  he  had  weighed  the  tea  and 
put  it  up  in  a  paper,  returned  it  into  the  box  when  he  could 
not  get  gold  or  silver  f.ir  it ;  that  Gautier  had  weighed  the 
tea  for  Van  Home  ;  that  though  the  deponent  went  for  tea, 
he  did  not  ask  to  weigh  any  for  himself,  because  Van  Home 
was  refused.  The  witness  being  asked  by  Gaulier  whether 
he  did  not  declare  that  if  he  had  hard  money  he  would  not 
pay  it  for  the  tea ;  the  witness  says  he  did  not  make  any 
such  declaration  ;  that  after  he  was  much  irritated  by  abu- 
sive language  he  said  that  he  thought  it  right  for  a  mob  to 
take  the  tea,  by  force,  and  weigh  it  out,  but  that  he  then 
meant,  and  soon  after  declared  to  the  people,  that  in  that 
case  it  ought  to  be  sold  at  six  shillings  per  pound,  Conti- 
nental money. 

Cornelius  Van  Home,  being  duly  sworn,  says,  he  went 
with  Ward  to  purchase  tea;  Ward  asked  the  price;  Sickles 
said  6s.  per  pound  ;  he  desired  [him]  to  weigh  a  pound  ; 
that  Gautier  weighed  the  tea ;  that  when  he  took  out  his 
pocket  book  to  pay  for  the  tea,  Sickles  said  he  should  not 
have  the  tea  without  hard  money,  gold  or  silver;  that  he,  the 
said  Ward,  told  Sickles  that  he  thought  he  was  joking  ; 
that  cartmen  had  not  hard  money,  that  they  worked  for  the 
Continent  and  were  paid  in  Continental  money  ;  that  it 
was  hard  they  could  not  get  necessaries  for  Continen- 
tal money  ;  that  Gautier,  who  had  weighed  the  tea,  return- 
ed it  into  the  box  ;  that  Gaulier  was  weighing  the  tea  when 
he  was  about  to  pay  for  it,  and  before  any  mention  was 
made  of  hard  money  ;  that  the  said  Sickles  refused  to  take 
Continental  money  for  tea. 

Mr.  Lewis  Thibou,  [on  the  part  of  ]  a  number  of  citizens 
who  style  themselves  a  committee  of  mechanics,  having 
come  into  the  Congress  Chamber  while  the  last  mentioned 
witness  was  under  examination,  and  deliveied  at  the  Chair 
a  paper  which  they  style  an  address,  the  House  was  order- 
ed to  be  cleared,  in  order  that  the  said  paper  may  be  in- 
spected to  discover  whether  it  is  proper  for  this  Congress 
to  receive  the  same. 

The  said  paper  and  address  being  inspected,  the  door 
was  opened  and  the  said  citizens  were  desired  to  come  in- 
to the  Chamber,  and  the  said  paper  or  address  being  read 
bv  the  said  Lewis  Thibou,  was  delivered  in  at  the  Chair. 

They  therein  set  forth  that  they  are  devoted  friends  to 
their  bleeding  country  ;  that  they  are  afflicted  by  behold- 
ing her  struggling  under  heavy  loads  of  oppression  and 
tyranny,  and  the  more  so,  when  they  view  the  iron  hand 
lifted  up  against  them  ;  that  their  Prince  is  deaf  to  petitions 
for  interposing  his  royal  authority  for  redressing  our  grie- 
vances ;  that  one  year  has  not  sufficed  to  satisfy  the  iage 
of  a  cruel  ministry  in  their  bloody  pursuits,  designed  to  re- 
duce us  to  be  slaves,  taxed  by  them  without  our  consent ; 
that  therefore  they  rather  wish  to  separate  from,  than  con- 
tinue connected  with  such  oppressors,  and  declare  that  if 
this  Congress  should  think  proper  to  instruct  their  Dele- 
gates in  Continental  Congress  to  use  their  utmost  endea- 
vours in  that  august  assembly  to  cause  these  United  Colo- 
nies to  become  independent  of  Great  Britain,  it  would  give 
them  the  highest  satisfaction.  And  they  thereby  sincerely 
promise  to  endeavour  to  support  the  same  with  their  lives 
and  fortunes. 

Thereupon  an  answer  was  given  to  Mr.  Lewis  Thibou, 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  June  4th,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  consider  the  mechanics  in  union  as  a  volun- 
tary association  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city, 
who  are  warmly  attached  to  the  cause  of  liberty. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves,  however,  that  neither  that  asso- 
ciation, nor  their  committee,  will  claim  any  authority  what- 
soever in  the  public  transactions  of  the  present  times  ;  but 
that  on  the  contrary  they  will  ever  be  ready  to  submit  to  that 
const  luiional  authority,  which  by  a  free  election  has  been 
vested  in  Congress  and  Committees.  This  Congress  is  at 
all  limes  ready  and  willing  to  attend  to  every  request  of  their 
constituents,  or  of  any  part  of  them;  we  are  of  opinion  that 


the  Continental  Congress  alone  have  that  enlarged  view  of 
our  political  circumstances,  which  will  enable  them  to  de- 
cide upon  those  measures  which  are  necessary  for  the  gene- 
ral welfare  ;  we  can  not  presume,  by  any  instructions,  to 
make  or  declare  any  resolutions,  or  declarations,  upon  a  so 
general  and  momentous  concern  ;  but  are  determined  pa- 
tiently to  await  and  firmly  to  abide  by  whatever  a  majority 
of  that  august  body  shall  think  needful.  We  therefore  can  not 
presume  to  instruct  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  upon  the 
momentous  question  to  which  your  address  refers,  until  we 
are  informed  that  it  is  brought  before  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  the  sense  of  this  Colony  be  required  through  this 
Congress." 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  4th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Hallett,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Banck- 
er,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Pye— Orange. 
Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 
Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Malcom— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen— Albany. 
Major  Parks,  Col.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Capt.  Flemming,  Col.  Graham — 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne— Dutches. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck — 

Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Try  on. 

Christopher  Duyckinck,  and  the  others  charged  with 
violently  entering  the  house  of  Saml.  Loudon  and  destroy- 
ing his  pamphlets,  having  attended  this  morning  pursuant 
to  order,  were  directed  to  attend  this  afternoon,  when  the 
parties  again  attending,  but  public  business  of  importance 
rendering  it  necessary  to  postpone  the  hearing  of  the  par- 
ties on  the  subject, 

Ordered,  That  the  hearing  of  Mr.  Loudon's  complaint 
be  postponed  till  next  Tuesday  morning. 

Mr.  Duyckinck  and  the  others  were  called  in  and  in- 
formed of  this  order  by  the  President  from  the  Chair.  Mr. 
Loudon  not  being  present, 

Ordered,  That  the  door  keeper  be  directed  to  inform 
him  thereof  likewise. 

Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Randall  from  the  committee  ap- 
pointed this  morning  to  examine  Mrs.  Hatch  and  others  of 
holding  a  correspondence  with  the  ships  lying  at  or  near 
Sandy  Hook,  report  that  they  have  examined  Mrs.  Hatch, 
as  also  Mrs.  Hill,  and  after  a  strict  inquiry  are  of  opinion 
that  the  suspicions  against  those  persons  are  not  well 
founded. 


DIE  MERCURIL  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  5th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Scott — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Col  L.  Graham,  Capt.  Flemming — 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Haiing,  Mr.  Little,  Mr  Pye— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper  —  Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutches. 
Mr  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck — 
Queens. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


475 


A  letter  from  Edmond  Pendleton,  President  of  the  Con- 
vention of  Virginia,  dated  May  22d,  1776,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Virginia,  May  22d,  1776. 
"I  am  honoured  with  the  commands  of  ihe  General 
Convention  of  this  Colony  to  transmit  you  the  enclosed  re- 
solutions, which  they  have  thought  it  indispensably  neces- 
sary to  enter  into  at  this  important  crisis  ;  requesting  you 
will  communicate  their  contents  to  the  Convention  of  your 
country  for  their  consideration. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servant, 
"  EDMD.  PENDLETON,  President. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Convention 

of  New-York." 

Resolves  of  the  said  Convention  enclosed  in  the  said 
letter,  were  also  read  and  filed,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Convention,  ? 
"  Wednesday,  May  loth,  1776.  J 

"  Present  1 12  members. 

"  Forasmuch  as  all  the  endeavours  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies by  the  most  decent  representations  and  petitions  to  the 
King  and  Parliament  of  Great  Britain  to  restore  peace  and 
security  to  America  under  the  British  government,  and  a 
reunion  with  that  people  upon  just  and  liberal  terms,  in- 
stead of  a  redress  of  grievances,  have  produced  from  an 
imperious  and  vindictive  administration  increased  insult, 
oppression  and  a  vigorous  attempt  to  effect  our  total  destruc- 
tion. By  a  late  act  all  those  Colonies  are  declared  to  be 
in  rebellion  and  out  of  the  protection  of  the  British  Crown — 
cur  properties  subject  to  confiscation — our  people,  when 
captivated,  compelled  to  join  in  the  murder  and  plunder  of 
their  relations  and  countrymen,  and  all  former  rapine  and 
oppression  of  Americans  declared  legal  and  just. 

"  Fleets  and  armies  are  raised,  and  the  aid  of  foreign 
troops  engaged  to  assist  those  destructive  purposes.  The 
King's  representative  in  this  Colony  hath  not  only  withheld 
all  the  powers  of  government  from  operating  for  our  safety, 
but  having  retired  on  board  an  armed  ship,  is  carrying  on 
a  piratical  and  savage  war  against  us,  tempting  our  slaves, 
by  every  artifice,  to  resort  to  him,  and  training  and  em- 
ploying them  against  their  masters.  In  this  state  of  ex- 
treme danger  we  have  no  alternative  left  but  an  abject  sub- 
mission to  the  will  of  those  overbearing  tyrants,  or  a  total 
separation  from  the  Crown  and  government  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, uniting  and  exerting  the  strength  of  all  America  for 
defence,  and  forming  alliances  with  foreign  powers  for  com- 
merce and  aid  in  war.  Therefore,  appealing  to  the  Searcher 
of  Hearts  for  the  sincerity  of  former  declarations,  express- 
ing our  desire  to  preserve  the  connection  with  that  nation, 
and  that  we  are  driven  from  that  inclination  by  their  wick- 
ed councils  and  the  eternal  laws  of  self  preservation  : 

li  Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  Delegates  appointed 
to  represent  this  Colony  in  General  Congress,  be  instruct- 
ed to  propose  to  that  respectable  Body,  to  declare  the  Uni- 
ted Colonies  free  and  independent  States,  absolved  from  all 
allegiance  to,  or  dependence  upon,  the  Crown  and  Parlia- 
ment of  Great  Britain,  and  that  they  give  the  assent  of  this 
Colony  to  such  declaration,  and  to  whatever  measures  may 
be  thought  proper  and  necessary  by  the  Congress  for  form- 
ing foreign  alliances  and  a  confederation  of  the  Colonies, 
at  such  time  and  in  the  manner  as  to  them  shall  seem  best ; 
provided  that  ihe  power  of  forming  government  for  and  the 
regulations  of  the  internal  concerns  of  each  Colony,  be  left 
to  the  respective  Colonial  Legislatures. 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  a  committee  be  appoint- 
ed to  prepare  a  declaration  of  rights  and  such  a  plan  of  go- 
vernment as  will  be  most  likely  to  maintain  peace  and  or- 
der in  this  Colony,  and  secure  substantial  and  equal  liberty 
to  the  people.    *     EDMD.  PENDLETON,  Prest." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  aforegoing  letter,  and 
report  the  same. 


A  letter  from  Wm.  Rogers,  commander  of  the  Provin- 
cial armed  sloop  Montgomery,  dated  at  Little  Egg  Har- 
bour, May  22nd,  1776,  was  read  and  filed. 

It  was  suggested  to  the  Congress  by  a  member,  that 
many  people  in  the  Colony  are  manufacturing  saltpetre ; 
that  it  will  probably  become  a  staple  of  the  Colony  ;  that 
as  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  is  to  pay  an  exceeding  high 
price  for  all  such  quantities  of  saltpetre  as  shall  be  made 
in  this  Colony  in  a  given  time  ;  that,  therefore,  as  well  for 
the  public  safety  to  procure  good  saltpetre  as  to  increase 
the  goodness  and  value  of  the  commodity,  it  is  necessary 
to  have  inspectors  of  saltpetre  appointed  to  ascertain  its 
quality. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Haring,  be  a  committee  to  form  and  report  such  me- 
thod of  appointing  inspectors  of  saltpetre,  as  may  prevent 
impositions  in  that  article,  and  that  the  said  committee  re- 
port with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Congress  took  into  consideration  the  case  of  An- 
drew Gautier,  Junr.  and  thereupon  came  to  the  following 
determination  : 

Andrew  Gautier,  junr.  having  been  duly  convicted  before 
the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
of  refusing  to  receive  the  Continental  paper  currency  in 
payment  for  tea,  and  the  judgment  of  the  said  committee 
now  being  by  this  Congress,  on  appeal,  confirmed  ;  the 
said  Andrew  Gautier  saitli  that  he  never  refused  Continen- 
tal money  for  goods,  except  in  the  instance  for  which  he 
hath  been  condemned ;  that  he  hath  always  been  a  steady 
and  warm  friend  to  the  American  cause  ;  that  he  is  deter- 
mined to  support  the  same  at  the  risk  of  his  life  ;  and  that 
he  served  in  the  New- York  fusileers  until  he  was  elected 
an  officer  in  one  of  the  ward  companies  ;  and  further  de- 
clares, in  the  most  solemn  manner  upon  his  word  of  honor, 
that  his  offence  was  committed  undesignedly,  and  that  he 
is  sincerely  sorry  for  the  same  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Andrew  Gautier,  junr. 
be  and  he  is  hereby  pardoned  and  absolved  from  the  said 
offence. 

Application  was  made  to  this  Congress  for  an  additional 
small  quaniity  of  gunpowder  for  Queens  county,  and  in- 
formation therewith  given  that  Capt.  John  Sands  has  up- 
wards of  140  men  in  his  district,  but  that  they  are  in  ge- 
neral destitute  of  gunpowder. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  the  commissary, 
deliver  one  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  to  Oliver  Thome, 
the  bearer  hereof,  to  be  conveyed  to  the  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  of  Queens  county,  for  the  use  of  the  in- 
habitants of  that  county,  who  are  friends  to  the  American 
cause,  to  be  charged  to  the  said  county,  and  to  be  paid  for 
at  the  same  price  as  the  former  parcel  sent  to  that  county ; 
and  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee  is  requested  to 
take  the  same  care  as  to  the  distribution  of,  and  payment 
for,  this  gunpowder,  as  the  former  parcel.  Mr.  Norwood 
is  to  take  a  receipt  for  the  gunpowder  he  may  deliver. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  Capt.  John  Johnson 
has  it  in  his  power  to  apprehend  a  negro  of  Col.  Edmond 
Fanning,  who  has  heretofore  been  made  use  of  lo  keep  up 
a  communication  with  the  ships  of  war  and  the  ship  on 
board  of  which  <Tovr.  Tryon  resides ; 

Ordered,  That  Capt  Johnson  be  requested  to  cause  the 
said  nearo  to  be  apprehended  and  put  into  safe  custody, 
until  further  order. 

The  President  informed  the  Congress  that  Dr.  Treat  had 
informed  him  that  ihe  director  of  the  general  hospital  for  the 
American  armv,  was  desirous  to  purchase  the  medicines 
belonging  to  this  Colony,  which  are  in  the  care  of  Dr. 
Treat,  and  desires  the  direction  of  this  Congress  whether 
the  said  medicines  shall  be  sold  to  Dr.  Morgan  for  the  use 
of  ihe  said  general  hospital. 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration,  and  de- 
termined that  the  said  medicines  ought  not  to  be  sold  at 
present,  as  the  inhabitants  may  thereby  be  left  destitute 
and  suffer,  and  there  may  be  a  greater  necessity  for  them 


476 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


before  others  can  be  obtained.  That  Dr.  Treat  be  request- 
ed to  continue  to  take  care  of  and  preserve  the  said  medi- 
cines until  further  order,  and  that  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony  will  allow  him  a  reasonable  reward  for  his  trouble 
in  the  premises. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  hear  the  resolutions  relative 
to  persons  dangerous  and  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause,  and  to  persons  of  equivocal  character. 

The  same  being  deliberately  read  and  agreed  to,  and 
the  committee  appointed  to  carry  those  resolutions  into  exe- 
cution, they  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Whereas,  the  Continental  Congress,  by  their  resolve 
of  the  6th  day  of  October  last,  did  recommend  to  the  seve- 
ral Provincial  Assemblies,  and  Conventions,  and  Councils, 
or  Committees  of  Safety,  to  arrest  and  secure  every  person 
in  their  respective  Colonies,  whose  going  at  large  might, 
in  their  opinion,  endanger  the  safety  of  the  Colony  or  the 
liberties  of  America  : 

"  And  whereas,  from  sundry  informations  and  eviden- 
ces exhibited  to  this  Congress,  it  appears  that  the  enemies 
of  American  liberty  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies, 
have  a  general  communication  with  each  other,  by  reason 
whereof  the  influence  of  the  British  ministry,  however  fee- 
ble, is  in  some  measure  sustained,  and  the  minds  of  the 
people  frequently  alarmed  and  poisoned  by  false  reports 
and  misrepresentations  purposely  framed  and  propagated 
with  design  to  promote  the  views  and  machinations  of  the 
enemies  of  America : 

"  And  whereas,  certain  persons  in  Queens  county, 
Kings  county,  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  Rich- 
mond county  and  Westchester  county,  have  been  repre- 
sented to  this  Congress  as  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause,  and,  together  with  others  in  various  parts  of  this 
Colony,  who,  having  little  or  no  properly  in  it,  or  re- 
gard for  its  rights,  may  be  influenced  by  the  hope  of  plun- 
der and  confiscation  to  take  an  active  part  with  our  ene- 
mies, whenever  it  may,  in  their  opinions,  be  done  with  suc- 
cess : 

"  And  whereas,  from  various  reports,  and  the  best  in- 
telligence which  could  be  obtained  from  Europe,  as  well 
as  from  the  positive  assertions  of  the  disaffected  through- 
out this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  there  is  great  rea- 
son to  expect  that  an  hostile  armament  will  soon  arrive  in 
this  Colony,  whereby  it  hath  become  highly  expedient  and 
necessary  to  provide  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony, 
while  employed  in  repelling  a  foreign  invasion,  be  not  in- 
jured or  annoyed  by  domestic  enemies  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  following  persons  in 
Queens  county,  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and 
Richmond  county,  whose  conduct  has  been  represented  to 
this  Congress  as  inimical  to  the  cause  and  rights  of  Ameri- 
ca, and  who,  if  summoned,  would  probably  not  appear,  but 
secrete  themselves,  be  arrested  and  brought  before  a  com- 
mittee of  this  Congress,  hereinafter  nominated  and  appoint- 
ed, to  wit : 

"  In  Queens  county. — Richd.  Hulett,  Thos.  Cornell, 
Stephen  Hulet,  Jos.  Beagle,  of  Rockaway  ;  John  Ken- 
dall, at  Danl.  Thomas's,  Flushing  ;  John  Bodin, 
Chase,  of  Jamaica ;  John  Hulet,  of  Oyster  Bay ;  and 
Isaac  Denton,  of  near  Rockaway. 

"  In  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. — Peter  McLean, 
Saml.  Galsworthy,  Francis  De  La  Roach. 

"  In  Richmond  county. — Isaac  Decker,  Abm.  Harris, 
Ephm.  Taylor  and  Minne  Burger. 

"  And  that  the  following  persons  in  the  counties  afore- 
said, and  in  the  county  of  Westchester  and  Kings  coun- 
ty, whose  conduct  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress, 
as  equally  inimical  with  that  of  the  former,  but  who  would 
probably  appear  on  being  summoned,  be  summoned  by  the 
said  committee  to  appear  before  them  at  such  lime  and 
place  as  they  may  appoint ;  and  in  default  of  appearance, 
on  proof  of  the  service  of  the  summons,  that  they  be  ar- 
rested in  like  manner  as  the  former,  to  wit : 

"  Win.  Newton,  Linus  King,  John  B.  Dash,  Henry 


Law,  Theop.  Hardenbrook,  Saml.  Burling,  John  Woods, 
Benjn.  Williams,  Christopher  Benson,  Win,  Bayard,  Fredk. 
Rhinelander,  Jas.  Coggeshall,  John  Milliner  and  Theot. 
Bache. 

"  In  Kings  county. — Theo.  Bache  and  Benjamin  James. 

"In  Queens  county. — Chas.  Arden,  John  Mooie,  Senr. 
and  David  Beatty,  of  Hemstead. 

"  In  Westchester  county. — Fredk.  Phillips,  Caleb  Mor- 
gan, Nathl.  Underbill,  Saml.  Merrit,  Peter  Come,  Peter 
Huggeford,  James  Horton,  Junr.  Wm.  Sutton,  Wm. 
Barker,  Joshua  Purdy  and  Absalom  Gidney. 

"  Which  said  committee  are  hereby  authorized  and  re- 
quired impartially  to  inquire  and  determine  whether  any, 
and  which,  of  the  said  persons  have  afforded  aid  or  suste- 
nance to  the  British  fleets,  or  armies,  contrary  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  or  been 
active  in  dissuading  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony 
from  associating  for  the  defence  of  the  United  Colonies, 
against  the  unjust  claims  and  hostile  attacks  of  the  British 
Parliament,  decried  the  value  of  the  Continental  money, 
and  endeavoured  to  prevent  its  currency  contrary  to  the  re- 
solutions of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony,  or  been  con- 
cerned or  actually  engaged  in  any  schemes  to  defeat,  re- 
tard or  oppose  the  measures  now  pursuing  by  the  United 
Colonies,  for  their  defence  against  the  tyrannical  and  cruel 
attacks  of  the  British  ministry,  or  their  allies,  adherents  or 
agents. 

"  That  all  such  of  the  said  persons  as  shall  be  found  by 
the  said  committee  to  be  innocent  of  the  said  offences  be 
immediately  discharged  ;  and  that  a  certificate  of  such 
acquittal,  and  of  the  true  light  in  which  they  may  re- 
spectively appear  to  the  said  committee,  under  the  hands 
of  the  said  committee,  be  given  to  them  by  the  said 
several  persons  so  acquitted ;  and  that  they  also  re- 
port to  this  Congress  the  names  of  the  persons  so  acquitted  ; 
that  the  same  may  be  entered  on  their  journals  and  pu- 
blished, to  the  end  that  the  reputation  of  such  innocent 
persons  may  not  suffer  or  be  injured  by  their  having  been 
so  arrested.  Provided  nevertheless  that  if  the  said  persons 
so  to  be  acquitted,  should  appear  in  a  suspicious  light  to 
the  said  committee,  that,  the  said  committee  proceed  against 
them  in  the  manner  hereinafter  prescribed  for  their  con- 
duct against,  persons  of  a  suspicious  and  equivocal  character. 

"  And  with  respect  to  all  such  of  the  said  persons  as  the 
committee  shall  find  guilty  of  all  or  any  of  the  said  offences  the 
said  committee  are  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  com- 
mit to  safe  custody,  all  such  of  them  whose  going  at  large 
would,  in  their  opinion,  endanger  the  safety  of  the  Colony, 
or  the  liberties  of  America  ;  and  that  they  discharge  the 
remainder  of  them  on  their  giving  bond,  with  good  security 
to  the  President  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  for  the  time 
being,  by  name,  to  cease  and  forbear  all  opposition  to  the 
resolutions  and  measures  of  the  Continental  Congress,  or 
Provincial  Congress,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Co- 
lony, for  the  defence  of  the  United  Colonies,  against  the 
unjust  claims  and  hostile  operations  of  the  British  ministry, 
to  enforce  them. 

"  And  in  case  it  should  appear  to  the  said  committee  in- 
expedient, that  any  of  the  said  persons  should  continue  to 
dwell  at  his  usual  place  of  residence,  that  then  they  do  as- 
sign to  such  person  or  persons  another  place  of  residence, 
in  this,  or  one  of  the  neighbouring  Colonies,  and  take  his 
or  their  parol,  or  word  of  honour,  or  if  they  should  not  be 
deemed  sufficient,  other  security,  to  abide  there  and  not 
leave  it,  without  license  from  this  or  a  future  Congress, 
and  in  case  of  refusal  to  give  such  parol  and  security,  to 
commit  him  or  them  to  safe  custody. 

"  And  whereas  it  may  happen  that  the  said  committee 
may  be  informed  of  other  dangerous  persons,  not  herein 
named,  whom  it  would  be  expedient  and  necessary  to  sum- 
mon or  apprehend  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  and  they  hereby 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


477 


are  authorized  and  required  to  cause  such  persons  to  be 
summoned  or  apprehended  as  they  may  think  proper,  and 
to  proceed  against  them  in  the  same  manner  as  is  herein 
before  directed,  with  respect  to  the  persons  herein  parti- 
cularly named. 

"  And  whereas  employing  detachments  of  the  militia 
of  this  Colony  in  arresting  the  said  persons  will  not  only 
be  expensive,  but  the  assembling  of  them  may  alarm  the 
suspicions  of  the  said  persons  and  their  adherents,  and 
thereby  tend  to  defeat  the  design  of  these  resolutions  ; 
and  as  the  continental  troops  quartered  in  and  near  the  said 
three  counties  of  New- York,  Queens  and  Richmond,  may 
be  employed  in  the  said  business,  with  little  trouble  to 
themselves,  and  with  greater  prospect  of  success  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  committee  be  and 
they  hereby  are  authorized  to  confer  with  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  said  troops,  and  to  request  of  him  such  de- 
tachments of  them  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid  ;  and  that  he  give  order  that  the  said  detachments, 
while  so  employed,  be  under  the  direction  of  the  said  com- 
mittee, or  of  discreet  persons  to  be  by  them  appointed. 

"  Provided  nevertheles,  That  the  said  committee  are 
hereby  empowered  to  employ  such  detachments  of  the  mi- 
litia as  they  may  think  expedient  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

"  And  whereas  there  may  be,  and  doubtless  are,  in  other 
counties  of  this  Colony,  divers  dangerous  persons  at  pre- 
sent unknown  to  this  Congress  : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committees 
of  all  the  counties  in  this  Colony,  to  be  vigilant,  and  use 
their  utmost  endeavours  from  time  to  time  to  discover  and 
summon,  or  apprehend  them,  and  treat  them  in  like  man- 
ner as  herein  before  prescribed,  with  respect  to  the  persons 
hereby  ordered  to  be  arrested,  and  to  report  their  proceed- 
ings therein  to  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  for  the  time 
being. 

"  And  whereas  it  may  often  happen  that  the  commit- 
tees of  towns  and  other  districts  in  a  county  may  discover 
many  dangerous  persons  whom  it  would  be  proper  imme- 
diately to  secure,  in  which  case  an  application  to  the  county 
committee  would  not  only  be  attended  with  great  delay, 
but  would  also  afford  such  dangerous  persons  an  opportu- 
nity to  escape  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  committees  of  the 
different  towns  and  districts  in  the  several  counties  in  this 
Colony,  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  authorized  and  required 
to  cause  all  persons  whom  they  may  esteem  dangerous  and 
disaffected,  to  appear  before  them  either  by  arrest  or  sum- 
mons, as  the  said  committee  in  their  discretion  may  think 
proper,  and  take  from  the  said  persons  respectively,  good 
and  sufficient  security  to  appear  before  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  county,  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  shall 
order  him  to  attend,  and  then  and  there  to  answer  such 
matters  as  shall  before  the  said  general  committee  be  al- 
leged against  him,  and  on  refusal  to  give  such  security,  to 
commit  to  safe  custody  the  said  person  or  persons  so  re- 
fusing, until  the  then  next  meeting  of  the  said  general 
committee,  with  whom  the  accusation  against  the  said  dan- 
gerous and  disaffected  person  or  persons  ought  forthwith 
to  be  lodged  by  the  committee  of  the  town  or  district  by 
whom  they  may  be  apprehended,  summoned  or  committed 
as  aforesaid. 

"  And  whereas  there  is  in  this  Colony  divers  persons 
who  by  reason  of  their  holding  offices  from  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  from  their  having  neglected  or  refused  to 
associate  with  their  fellow  citizens  for  the  defence  of  their 
common  rights,  from  their  having  never  manifested  by  their 
conduct  a  zeal  for,  and  attachment  to,  the  American  cause, 
or  from  their  having  maintained  an  equivocal  neutrality,  have 
been  considered  by  their  countrymen  in  a  suspicious  light, 
whereby  it  hath  become  necessary  as  well  for  the  safety  as 
for  the  satisfaction  of  the  people,  who  in  times  so  danger- 
ous and  critical,  are  naturally  led  to  consider  those  as  their 
enemies  who  withhold  from  them  their  aid  and  influence. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  who  are  gene- 

120 


rally  supposed  to  come  under  the  above  description,  to 
wit : 

"In  tlie  city  and  county  of  New-York. — Oliver  De 
Lancey,  Chas.  W.  Apthorpe,  William  Smith,  John  Harris 
Cruger,  Jas.  Jauncey,  Junr.  Wm.  Axtell,  Goldsbrow  Ban- 
yar,  Geo.  Brewerton,  Chas.  Nicoll,  Gerard  Walton,  Donald 
McLean,  Chas.  McEvers,  Benjn.  Hugget,  Wm.  McAdam, 
John  Cruger,  Jacob  Walton,  Robert  Bayard,  Peter  Gra- 
ham, Peter  Van  Schaack,  Andrew  Elliot,  David  Mathews, 
John  Watts,  Junr.  and  Thomas  Jones. 

"  In  Kings  county. — Augustus  Van  Cortlandt  and  John 
Rapalje. 

"In  Richmond  county. — Benjamin  Seaman  and  Christo- 
pher Billop. 

"  In  Queens  county. — Gabriel  Ludlow,  Saml.  Martin, 
Thos.  Jones,  Archd.  Hamilton,  David  Colden,  Richd.  Col- 
den,  Geo.  D.  Ludlow,  Whitehead  Hicks,  Saml.  Clowes, 
Geo.  Folliot,  Saml.  Doughty,  Danl.  Kissam,  Gilbt.  Van 
Wyck,  John  Willett,  David  Brooks,  Charles  Hicks,  John 
Townsend,  John  Polhemus,  Benjn.  Whitehead,  Thomas 
Smith,  John  Shoals,  Nathl.  Moore,  Saml.  Hallett,  Wm. 
Weyman,  Thos.  Hicks  at  Rockaway,  Benjamin  Lester. 

"In  Westchester  county. — Solomon  Fowler  and  Richard 
Morris. 

"  And  also  all  such  other  persons  of  the  like  character 
as  the  said  committee  may  think  proper  to  be  summoned 
by  the  said  committee,  to  appear  before  them  at  such  time 
and  place  as  they  shall  appoint,  then  and  there  to  show 
cause,  if  any  they  have,  why  they  should  be  considered  as 
friends  to  the  American  cause,  and  as  of  the  number  of 
those  who  are  ready  to  risk  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  de- 
fence of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  against  the 
usurpation,  unjust  claims  and  cruel  oppressions  of  the  Bri- 
tish Parliament,  which  rights  and  liberties,  and  which  un- 
just claims  and  cruel  oppressions  are  specified  and  slated 
in  divers  addresses,  petitions  and  resolutions  of  the  present 
and  late  Continental  Congress,  and  in  default  of  appearance, 
the  said  committee,  on  proof  made  of  the  service  of  the 
said  summons,  are  authorized  and  directed  to  cause  them 
to  be  arrested,  and  brought  before  them  bv  warrant,  under 
their  hands,  directed  to  any  militia  officer  in  this  Colony, 
who  is  hereby  required  to  execute  the  same. 

"  And  if  on  the  appearance  and  examination  of  the  said 
persons,  it  shall  appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  com- 
mittee that  they  or  any  or  either  of  them  are  friends  to  the 
American  cause,  that  such  of  them  whom  they  shall  so  ad- 
judge to  be  friends,  be  forthwith  discharged,  and  a  certifi- 
cate thereof,  under  the  hands  of  the  said  committee,  given 
them,  and  their  names  forthwith  reported  to  this  Congress, 
to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be  entered  on  their  Journals 
and  published,  and  justice  thereby  done  to  their  characters 
and  reputations.    And  it  is  further 

"Resolved,  That  all  such  of  the  said  persons  as  the  said 
committee  shall  not  adjudge  and  determine  to  be  friends  to 
the  American  cause,  the  said  committee  be  and  they  here- 
by are  required  to  treat  and  dispose  of  in  the  following 
manner,  to  wit : 

"  That  such  of  them  as  may  be  men  of  influence  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  place  of  their  present  residence,  be 
removed  to  such  place  in  this  or  a  neighbouring  Colony, 
as  will  deprive  them  of  an  opportunity  of  exerting  that  in- 
fluence to  the  prejudice  of  the  American  cause,  and  respec- 
tively hound  by  their  parol  or  word  of  honour,  or  other  se- 
curity, at  the  discretion  of  the  said  committee,  neither  di- 
rectly nor  indirectly  to  oppose  or  contravene  the  measures 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony, and  to  abide  in  the  place  and  within  the  limits  so  to 
be  assigned  them,  till  the  further  order  of  the  present  or 
future  Provincial  Congress,  or  Continental  Congress  ;  and 
in  case  they  shall  refuse  to  give  such  parol  or  other  secu- 
rity, to  commit  them  to  safe  custody. 

"  And  as  to  such  of  the  said  persons  whose  removal,  in 
the  judgment  of  the  said  committee,  shall  not  appear  ne- 
I  cessary,  that  the  said  committee  do  cause  them  to  be  re- 


478 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


spectively  bound  with  such  security,  by  parol  or  other- 
wise, as  the  said  committee  shall  deem  necessary,  neither 
directly  or  indirectly  to  oppose  or  contravene  the  measures 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony. 

"  Provided  nevertheless,  that  the  said  committee  shall  be 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  in  case  they  shall  on  in- 
quiry find  any  or  either  of  the  said  persons  to  be  so  dan- 
gerous as  that  they  ought  not  to  be  admitted  to  go  at  large, 
to  order  such  of  them  to  be  kept  in  safe  custody. 

"Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  and  the  county  com- 
mittees keep  a  just  record  of  all  their  proceedings  in  pur- 
suance of  these  resolutions,  and  report  the  same  with  the 
substance  of  the  evidence  offered  to  them  for  and  against 
the  several  persons  who  shall  be  by  them  apprehended, 
summoned,  tried  and  examined  by  virtue  of  the  aforegoing 
resolutions,  and  that  they  have  power  to  send  for  witnesses 
and  papers. 

"Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  consist  of  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen,  to  wit :  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr. 
John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Col.  Lewis 
Graham  and  Mr.  Hallett ;  and  that  any  five  of  them  be  a 
quorum;  and  that  before  they  enter  on  the  business  herein 
before  assigned  them,  they,  and  also  all  such  of  the  county 
committees  as  may  be  engaged  in  carrying  these  resolutions 
into  execution,  severally  lake  an  oath,  diligently,  impartial- 
ly, without  fear,  favour,  affection  or  hope  of  reward,  to  ex- 
ecute and  discharge  the  duties  imposed  on  them  by  the 
aforegoing  resolutions. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  appoint  such  per- 
sons as  they  may  think  proper,  to  repair  to  the  said  coun- 
ties to  inquire  for  and  procure  the  witnesses  against  the 
persons  herein  directed  to  be  arrested  or  summoned  to  ap- 
pear and  give  evidence  against  the  said  persons  before  the 
said  committee  ;  and  that  the  said  persons  be  paid  for  their 
trouble  at  the  rate  of  15s.  for  each  day  they  shall  respec- 
tively be  employed  on  that  service  ;  and  that  the  witnesses 
they  may  direct  to  attend  as  aforesaid,  be  paid  their  rea- 
sonable expenses  for  travelling  charges  and  subsistence,  to 
be  certified  and  allowed  by  the  said  committee  ;  which  cer- 
tificate shall  be  a  warrant  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress 
to  pay  the  person  or  persons  in  whose  favour  such  certifi- 
cate shall  be  given,  the  sum  or  sums  therein  allowed  as 
aforesaid." 

Col.  Broome,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  hear  and 
determine  on  the  cases  of  such  confined  prisoners  as  have 
been  confined  by  order  of  this  Colony's  Congress,  brought 
in  a  report  on  the  case  of  Neil  McFall,  which  was  read, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York,  June  5th,  1776. 

"  Col.  Fleming  says,  that  Neil  McFall,  sergt.  of  the 
26th  regiment,  was  taken  prisoner  at  St.  John's  ;  that  he 
knows  him  to  be  zealously  attached  to  the  Ministeral  cause, 
and  a  sensible,  discerning,  intelligent  man  ;  that  he  believes 
him  capable  of  making  such  remarks  upon  our  works  and 
army  here  as  may  be  extremely  injurious  to  the  American 
cause  ;  that  it  is  well  known  that  he  has  frequently  been 
viewing  our  fortifications  and  encampments,  and  that  upon 
being  asked  at  Genl.  Putnam's  if  he  would  not  join  the 
Ministerial  army,  nor  give  them  any  intelligence  on  their 
arrival  here,  he  declined  making  any  such  declaration,  and 
replied  that  he  should  be  sorry  not  always  to  do  his  duty. 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  the  case  of  the  said  Neil 
McFall  was  referred  are  of  opinion  that,  from  the  above 
representation  of  Col.  Fleming,  and  the  aforesaid  Neil 
McFall  being  a  Continental  prisoner  and  this  Congress 
having  no  farther  interfered  than  by  taking  his  parol,  at 
the  request  of  Genl.  Schuyler,  his  case  be  referred  to  the 
Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Continental  forces,  to  deal  with 
him  as  in  his  discretion  shall  seem  meet ;  which  neverthe- 
less is  humbly  submitted. 

"JOHN  BROOME,  Chairman." 

The  same  being  read,  the  Congress  agree  with  their 
committee  in  their  said  report.  I 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  report,  together 
with  the  parol  of  the  said  Neil  McFall  be  immediately 
sent  to  Major-Genl.  Putnam. 

Die  Mercdrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  5th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Hallett,  Col.  Stoutenburgh, 
Mr  Randall — New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Litle,  Mr.  Pye—  Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Park — Ulster. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Capt.  Flemming — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  La  Vergne.  Mr.  Sclienk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck — Queen*. 

Col.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  taking  into  considera- 
tion Genl.  Washington's  letters  relative  to  the  militia, 
which  report  was  read  and  filed  on  the  25th  May,  was 
again  read. 

A  report  of  a  committee,  whereof  Mr.  Scott  was  chair- 
man, of  a  plan  or  set  of  resolutions  for  regulating  the  mi- 
litia, which  was  on  the  13th  day  of  May  made  to  the  late 
Provincial  Congress,  and  then  read  and  filed  and  referred 
over  to  this  Provincial  Congress,  was  read  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  report,  that  they  have  deliberately 
considered  the  condition  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony  as 
distinguished  into  minute  men  and  common  militia,  a  dis- 
tinction which  they  are  of  opinion  was  ill-timed  and  unfor- 
tunate, by  not  being  well  adapted  to  the  state  of  things  in 
this  Colony  ;  and  as  they  propose  to  offer  some  reasons  for 
a  change  of  the  plan  of  defence  by  the  natural  strength  of 
the  Colony,  they  beg  leave  to  begin  by  assigning  those 
reasons. 

"The  Continental  Congress,  on  the  1 8th  of  July  last, 
among  other  things,  resolved,  that  \  part  of  the  militia  in 
every  Colony,  be  selected  for  minute  men,  of  such  persons 
as  are  willing  to  enter  into  this  necessary  service  of  defend- 
ing their  rights  against  Ministerial  tyranny,  formed  into 
companies  and  battalions,  and  their  officers,  under  the  de- 
gree of  field  officers,  chosen  by  the  men,  and  commission- 
ed, as  well  as  the  field  officers,  by  the  respective  Assem- 
blies or  Conventions  ;  to  be  ready  on  the  shortest  notice  to 
march  to  any  place  where  their  assistance  might  be  re- 
quired, for  the  defence  of  their  own  or  a  neighbouring  Co- 
lony ;  and  that  as  these  minute  men  might  eventually  be 
called  to  action  before  the  whole  body  could  be  sufficiently 
trained,  it  was  therefore  recommended  that  a  more  parti- 
cular and  diligent  attention  should  be  paid  to  their  instruc- 
tion in  military  discipline,  and  that  such  of  the  minute  men  as 
desire  it  should  be  relieved  by  new  drafts  from  the  whole 
body  of  the  militia  once  in  four  months  ;  and  that  where  in 
any  Colony  a  militia  was  already  formed,  under  regulations 
approved  by  the  Convention  of  such  Colony,  or  by  such 
Assemblies  as  are  annually  elected,  the  said  Congress  re- 
ferred it  to  the  discretion  of  such  Convention  or  Assembly, 
either  to  adopt  the  foregoing  regulations  in  the  whole  or  in 
part,  or  to  continue  their  former,  as  they,  on  considera- 
tion of  all  circumstances,  should  think  best. 

"  Upon  this  plan  the  minute  men  of  this  Colony  was 
formed,  and  your  committee  report  the  following  incon- 
veniences attending  the  execution  of  that  plan,  to  wit : 

"  1st.  All  the  officers,  as  well  those  of  the  common 
militia  as  of  the  minute  men,  under  the  degree  of  field  of- 
ficers, are  made  eligible  by  the  privates  of  each  company, 
and,  therefore,  as  the  above  mentioned  regulation  for  mi- 
nute men  gives  a  choice  of  minute  officers  by  one-fourth  of 
the  militia,  and  a  succession  of  privates  is  provided  for  by 
draft,  it  follows,  that  in  the  succession  three-fourths  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


479 


the  militia  will  be  subject  to  officers  not  of  their  own  elec- 
tion, contrary  to  the  evident  design  of  Congress. 

"  2dly.  That  as  in  the  regulation  above  mentioned  by 
the  Continental  Congress  in  the  appointment  of  officers, 
those  under  the  degree  of  field  are  placed  in  the  election  of 
the  people,  they  conceive  it  to  be  their  undoubted  right  so 
to  elect ;  and  as  the  succession  by  draft  will  exclude  three- 
fourths  of  the  militia  from  such  election,  there  is  no  possi- 
bility of  supplying  a  succession  of  privates  upon  the  prin- 
ciple whereon  the  minute  men  are  established ;  lrom 
whence  it  follows, 

"  3dly.  That  throughout  the  different  minute  regiments 
in  the  Colony,  while  the  different  corps  of  officers  are  com- 
plete, the  regiments,  as  to  privates,  are  and  must  of  ne- 
cessity continue  very  deficient,  unless  some  new  regulation 
be  made. 

"  Therefore  we  report  it  as  the  opinion  of  your  commit- 
tee : 

"  1st.  That  the  distinction  between  minute  men  and 
common  militia,  which  seems  to  be  a  consequence  of  the 
aforesaid  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  be  hence- 
forth abolished,  that  thereby  the  militia  of  the  Colony  may 
be  again  reduced  to  one  common  mass. 

"  2dly.  That,  therefore,  all  the  commissions  for  minute 
officers  "be  forthwith  recalled,  and  that  every  private  be 
placed  under  his  proper  militia  officer,  leaving  each  regi- 
ment to  be  officered  according  to  the  mode  prescribed  ; 
that  is  to  say  :  those  under  the  degree  of  field  officers  by 
election  of  the  privates,  and  those  above  that  degree  by 
the  appointment  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

"  3dly.  As  upon  this  plan  many  officers  may  be  reduced 
to  the  station  of  privates,  and  it  would  be  very  degrading 
to  compel  those  whose  appointment  as  officers  of  minute 
men  must  be  a  clear  proof  of  their  distinguished  attach- 
ment to  the  public  cause,  to  appear  in  the  ranks,  your 
committee  report  it  as  their  opinion,  that  such  gentlemen 
as  have  been  appointed  minute  officers  and  will  be  reduced 
in  consequence  of  the  reform  now  proposed,  be  not  enroll- 
ed among  the  militia,  nor  be  compelled  to  do  military  du- 
ties required  by  the  militia  regulations,  but  that  they  be  re- 
quested by  this  Congress  to  keep  themselves  well  equipped 
as  the  militia  regulations  require  ;  your  committee  not 
doubting  that  the  laudable  spirit  which  entitled  them  to  a 
preference  as  officers,  will  induce  them,  upon  any  public 
emergency,  to  turn  out  in  defence  of  their  country  in  the 
character  of  volunteers. 

"  4thly.  As  your  committee  consider  the  city  and  county 
of  New- York,  Richmond  county  and  Kings  county,  as 
most  liable  to  a  sudden  invasion,  and  as  the  more  immedi- 
ate object  of  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington's  request 
to  provide  him  with  a  militia  aid  in  case  of  an  invasion, 
seems  to  have  a  more  immediate  reference  to  those  counties, 
your  committee  therefore  report  it  as  their  opinion,  that  the 
whole  of  the  militia  of  the  said  three  counties  forming  to- 
gether the  New-York  brigade,  be  required  to  hold  them- 
selves completely  provided,  according  to  the  militia  regu- 
lations, to  be  at  the  command  of  his  said  Excellency,  or 
the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Continental  forces,  on  the 
spot  for  the  time  being,  at  a  minute's  warning,  upon  a  pro- 
per order,  to  be  issued  by  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
militia  for  that  purpose. 

"  5thly.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  your  committee  that 
one-third  part  of  all  the  rest  of  the  militia,  without  abating 
any  part  of  the  duty  prescribed  to  the  militia  in  general,  be 
selected  and  prepared  to  turn  out  at  the  command  of  the 
militia  commanding  officer,  in  case  of  an  alarm  or  inva- 
sion, under  the  following  regulations,  to  wit : 

"  That  to  the  end  that  such  selected  militia  may  at  all 
times  be  ready  for  immediate  service,  your  committee  do 
advise  that  they  be  selected  in  manner  following,  that  is  to 
say :  that  a  major-general  be  appointed  to  command  the 
militia  of  the  whole  Colony  ;  that  the  office  of  brigadier- 
general  in  every  brigade  be  filled  up  according  to  the  for- 
mer military  arrangement  by  Provincial  Congress  ;  that 


the  major-general,  when  appointed,  do  forthwith  issue  his 
ordeis  to  the  several  brigadier-generals,  who,  in  conse- 
quence thereof,  are  to  issue  their  orders  respectively  to  the 
respective  colonels  or  other  commanding  officers  of  the  se- 
veral battalions  or  regiments  under  their  respective  com- 
mand, requiring  them  to  cause  to  be  selected  by  ballot  one- 
third  part  of  the  militia  of  each  battalion  or  regiment  to  be 
ready  to  march  at  a  minute's  warning,  accoutred  as  the  mi- 
litia regulations^ require,  and  with  five  days'  provisions  ; 
which  men  so  selected  shall  be  ready  to  march  at  a  mi- 
nute's warning,  and  shall  keep  themselves  in  such  readi- 
ness for  one  whole  year,  at  the  expiration  of  which  another 
third  of  each  whole  battalion  shall  be  ballotted  for  the  like 
service  for  one  year,  excluding  those  from  the  ballot  who 
shall  have  already  served  ;  and  that  for  the  third  year's  ser- 
vice the  remaining  third  part  of  each  battalion  shall  be  rea- 
dy to  perform  the  service  in  manner  before  directed  ;  and 
that  in  order  properly  to  officer  such  detachments  of  the 
militia  for  active  and  immediate  service,  the  men  ballotted 
for  the  first  and  second  year's  service  shall  have  the  elec- 
tion of  the  officers  according  to  their  respective  rank,  the 
number  and  rank  of  each  of  which  said  officers  shall  be 
according  to  their  standing  in  the  militia  ;  no  officer  to  be 
employed  in  this  service  for  more  than  one  year,  nor  more 
than  two  officers  at  a  time  out  of  one  company  ;  and  the 
remaining  officers  in  the  third  year  to  be  officers  of  course 
according  to  their  standing  in  the  militia  ;  and  we  recom- 
mend it  as  a  necessary  provision  to  permit  any  selected 
person,  except  officers  for  the  service  aforesaid,  to  procure 
a  person  to  serve  in  his  stead,  provided  he  be  approved  of 
by  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment ;  that  the  same 
proportion  of  officers  shall  be  allotted  for  the  command  of 
such  selected  men  as  are  allotted  by  the  militia  regula- 
tions ;  that  the  field  officers  to  command  such  selected  men 
shall  be  chosen  by  ballot  by  the  officers  chosen  to  com- 
mand the  selected  militia,  and  that  no  more  than  one  field 
officer  shall  be  elected  out  of  each  battalion  or  regiment 
for  the  aforesaid  minute  or  select  service.  The  militia 
thus  selected  to  be  under  the  command  of  their  respective 
brigadiers  and  the  major-general,  as  the  rest  of  the  militia. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  JOHN  MORIN  SCOTT, 

"  Chairman." 

Mr.  Sands  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Strong, 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

1  move  that  this  Congress  proceed  immediately  into 
the  consideration  of  the  regulation  of  the  militia  of  this  Co- 
lony. 

After  some  time  spent  in  consideration  of  regulations 
for  the  militia  of  the  Colony,  and  some  progress  made 
therein,  Col.  Malcom  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
order  of  minute  men  in  this  Colony  be  abolished.  Debates 
arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in 
the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Orange   3 

Albany   6 

New-York,   8 

Richmond,    2 

Westchester,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

29 

Mr.  Duane  then  came  into  Congress  and  gave  informa- 
tion that  he  had  reason  to  believe  that  a  body  of  the  mili- 
tia would  very speedilybe  called  on  and  betaken  into  present 
pay  to  assist  the  Continental  army  for  a  limited  time,  and 
from  other  matters  mentioned  by  Mr.  Duane  the  farther 
consideration  of  this  subject  was  postponed  for  this  after- 
noon. 

Mr.  Duane  had  leave  of  absence  to  visit  his  family,  and 
provide  a  house  for  their  reception. 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow 


For  the  negative. 

Tryon,   3 

Suffolk,   4 

Dutchess,   5 

Queens,   4 

16 


480 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

June  6th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Phesent — Brigadier-Gcnl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hallett— New-York. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 
Colo.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Capt.  Flemming,  Mr.  Morris, 
Col.  Gilb.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  .las.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  La  Vergne,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  petition  of  Philip  Youngs,  now  in  custody,  praying  to 
be  discharged,  or  permitted  to  go  at  large,  on  giving  secu- 
rity, was  read  and  filed. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  petition,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  whether  the  said  Philip  Youngs  shall  be  admitted 
to  give  security  and  to  go  at  large,  or  remain  in  confinement, 
it  was  determined  that  he  remain  in  confinement  in  man- 
ner following,  that  is  to  say, 

That  he  remain  confined.  That  he  be  admitted  to  bail, 

Westchester,    4       _         and  go  at  large. 

New  York,   8 

Albany,  .    6 

Orange,   3 

Dutches,  f   5 

Charlotte,   2 


Queens,   4 

Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

Kings,    2 

Richmond   2 


28  16 
Resolved  therefore,  That  the  said  Philip  Youngs  re- 
main in  his  present  confinement. 

Capt.  John  Johnson  attending,  was  admitted.  He  informs 
that  some  time  in  the  last  night  he  found  a  large  company 
of  negroes  dancing  in  a  small  house  of  Davan's  in  the  East 
ward  near  the  East  river ;  that  from  one  of  the  negroes 
named  Will,  belonging  to  the  estate  of  the  late  Joshua  De- 
laplaine  deceased,  he  took  a  drum  with  the  King's  arms 
on  it ;  that  the  negro  said  he  got  the  drum  of  General 
Heath.  Capt.  Johnson  says  that  a  few  nights  ago  he  dis- 
covered upwards  of  thirty  negroes  dancing  in  Mr.  Walton's 
house  in  the  square. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Johnson  be  requested  to  cause  a 
negro  man  named  Will,  who  lately  belonged  to  Joshua  De 
Laplaine  deceased,  to  be  apprehended  and  put  into  safe  cus- 
tody and  close  confinement,  until  further  order. 

The  proceedings  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  against  Thomas  Harriot,  for  refusing  to  receive 
Continental  money  in  payment,  and  his  appeal,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  appeal  be  heard  on  Monday 
next ;  that  a  copy  of  this  order  be  forwarded  to  Thomas 
Harriot,  and  that  the  said  general  committee  be  requested 
to  appoint  a  sub-commiltee  to  prosecute  the  said  appeal, 
and  to  direct  the  evidences  to  attend  this  Congress  ;  and 
that  the  general  committee  have  the  aid  of  this  Congress 
for  the  attendance  of  their  wilnesses,  if  necessary. 

Sundry  officers,  from  Genl.  Greene's  camp,  attending, 
with  John  Livingston,  Junr.  a  prisoner  in  their  custody, 
sent  in  a  letter  from  Genl.  Greene,  which  was  read,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Camp  on  Long  island,  June  6th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  send  you  prisoner  Mr.  John  Living- 
ston and  his  barber,  taken  into  custody  by  order  of  the 
commiltee  of  Jamaica  as  you  will  see  by  the  papers  ac- 
companying this.  He  was  delivered  by  the  captain  of  the 
minute  companv  to  Lieut.  Col.  Cornwell,  that  commanded 
a  detachment  from  this  division  of  the  army  by  order  of 
Genl.  Putnam  to  Hamslead.  The  captain  requested  he 
might  be  delivered  safely  into  the  hands  of  the  Congress. 
Accordingly  I  have  sent  him  (Livingston)  and  his  barber 
under  the  care  of  a  number  of  officers. 


"  It  is  notorious  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Queens 
county  are  very  unfriendly ;  arms  I  am  informed  by  the  offi- 
cers of  my  brigade  are  daily  carrying  by  the  camp  down 
into  that  part  of  the  island,  and  the  inhabitants  here  say 
they  are  the  very  people  that  are  known  to  be  unfriendly ; 
should  be  glad  to  know  whether  you  approve  or  disap- 
prove of  such  a  practice.  The.  officers  tell  me  that  not  less 
than  4  or  500  sland  have  gone  by  the  camp  within  a  few 
days.  I  have  given  orders  to  stop  all  for  the  future,  until 
I  know  your  pleasure. 

"  Believe  me  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  humble  servant, 
"  NATHL.  GREENE." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  General  Greene's  letter. 

"  New- York,  6th  June,  1776. 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  this  day,  with  the  prisoners  men- 
tioned in  it,  have  been  safely  delivered  to  the  Congress. 
Tliey  direct  me  to  return  you  their  thanks  for  your  vigi- 
lance on  this  occasion,  and  assure  you  that  a  continuance 
of  the  same  attention  will  be  exceedingly  agreeable  to 
them.  They  are  alarmed  at  being  informed  that  so  great 
a  number  of  arms  have  been  carried  into  the  country,  and 
as  they  passed  in  view  of  the  camp,  regret  that  they  were 
not  detained  and  the  persons  concerned  in  it  apprehended. 
Should  you  be  able  to  discover  where  the  arms  you  allude 
to  are  deposited,  or  the  persons  who  have  been  or  may  be 
concerned  in  that  or  the  like  business,  they  authorize  and 
request  you  to  take  them,  and  the  arms  found  with  them 
into  custody,  and  send  them  under  a  proper  guard  to  this 
Congress,  and  the  names  of  the  witnesses  against  them. 

"  I  am,  very  respectfully, 

"By  order. 

"  Brigadier-Genl.  Greene." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  letter  be  en- 
grossed, and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted 
to  General  Greene  by  the  officer  who  was  the  bearer  of 
General  Greene's  letter. 

Mr.  John  Livingston,  Junr.  sent  to  this  Congress,  under 
a  guard  from  the  committee  of  Jamaica,  was  called  in  and 
heard. 

He  produced  a  furlough  from  Major  Bleecker  of  this 
city,  for  8  days  from  the  date,  and  dated  the  first  inst.  and 
says  he  had  another  furlough  prior  to  this. 

He  acknowledges  that  he  knew  of  the  time  appointed 
for  the  persons  who  had  removed  from  New-York  to  Ja- 
maica to  shew  their  furloughs  to  the  commiltee  ;  that  he 
knew  it  at  least  two  or  three  days  before  the  time  appoint- 
ed for  that  purpose  ;  that  he  was  not  at  home  at  the  last 
time  appointed,  having  on  that  day  rode  out  of  town. 

He  further  acknowledges  that  he  never  shewed  either  of 
the  said  furloughs  to  any  of  the  committee  at  Jamaica,  or  in- 
formed either  of  them  that  he  had  any  furlough.  There- 
upon the  following  entry  of  the  case  and  determination, 
was  unanimously  agreed  to,  vizt : 

"  Whereas  John  Livingston,  Junr.  an  inhabitant  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  having  been  ordered  by  the  committee 
of  Jamaica  to  repair  to  the  said  cily  of  New-York,  pursu- 
ant to  a  resolution  of  the  last  Provincial  Congress  for  that 
purpose,  or  produce  a  certificate  from  a  field  officer  of  a  re- 
giment to  which  he  belonged,  and  not  producing  any  such 
furlough  to  the  said  committee,  was  sent  under  a  guard  to 
the  Congress: 

"  And  whereas  the  said  John  Livingston,  Junr.  on  be- 
ing examined  by  this  Congress,  confesses  that  at  the  time 
he  was  called  upon  as  aforesaid,  by  the  said  committee  he 
had  a  furlough  from  a  field  officer  of  the  regiment  to  which 
he  belonged,  but  did  not  produce  it : 

"Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Livingston,  Junr.  has 
treated  the  said  committee  of  Jamaica  with  contempt,  and. 
that  they  did  right  in  sending  him  to  the  Congress  in  man- 
ner aforesaid  ;  and  therefore  that  the  said  John  Livingston 
ought  humbly  to  ask  pardon  of  the  said  committee  for  his 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


481 


said  offence,  and  to  pay  all  the  expenses  incurred  by  his 
being  sent  down  as  aforesaid,  and  that  on  his  giving  his 
parol  of  honour  to  this  Congress  to  execute  and  perform 
this  resolution,  he  be  discharged." 

Whereupon  the  said  John  Livingston,  Junr.  was  called 
into  Congress,  and  the  aforegoing  resolution  being  read  to 
him,  and  he  being  asked  whether  he  would  perform  what 
was  required  of  him  in  the  said  resolution,  he  answered 
that  he  would  perform  such  part  of  the  said  resolution  as 
relates  to  paying  the  expenses  incurred  by  his  being  sent 
down  as  aforesaid,  but  that  he  would  not  ask  pardon  of  the 
said  committee.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Livingston,  Junr.  be  com- 
mitted to  close  custody  ;  and 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  in  whose  custody  the  said 
John  Livingston,  Junr.  now  is,  be  requested  safely  to  con- 
vey the  said  Livingston  to  the  jail  in  this  city,  and  deliver 
him  up  to  Daniel  Goldsmith,  jailer,  who  is  hereby  directed 
and  required  to  keep  him  in  close  custody,  until  the  further 
order  of  this  Congress. 

Two  members  from  the  general  committee  of  New-York 
having  attended  to  request  an  explanation,  or  removal  of 
some  difficulties  which  appear  to  the  said  general  commit- 
tee, in  the  late  resolutions  of  this  Congress,  for  an  election 
of  members  to  form  a  plan  or  constitution  of  government 
for  this  Colony, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Jay  be  a  committee 
of  this  Congress  to  go  to  the  general  committee,  and  ex- 
plain those  resolutions,  and  endeavour  to  remove  the  diffi- 
culties which  appear  to  the  said  general  committee. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Dominion  of  Virginia,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  June  6th,  1776.  5 

"  Sir — I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  22nd  ulto.  co- 
vering a  copy  of  the  resolves  of  the  Convention  of  Virginia 
relative  to  independence,  which  were  immediately  com- 
municated to  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  and  will  be  con- 
sidered by  them  with  all  the  deliberation  due  to  the  impor- 
tance of  the  subject. 

"  They  have  directed  me  to  request  the  favour  of  you 
to  convey  their  thanks  to  the  Convention  of  Virginia  for 
this  mark  of  their  attention,  and  to  assure  them  that  the  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony  will  invariably  adopt  and  pursue  every 
measure  which  may  tend  to  promote  the  union  and  secure 
the  rights  and  happiness  of  the  United  Colonies. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Edmd.  Pendleton,  Esqr. 


FRIDAY  MORNING,  9  ho. 

June  7th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Broome— 
New-York. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Capt. 
Flemming — Westchester. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Remsen — Kings. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne— Dutches. 

Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck— Queens. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner— Richmond. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  and  one  from  Eze- 
kiel  Hall,  chairman  of  Salem,  Westchester  county,  were 
read.    [Letters  not  entered.] 

121 


It  was  represented  to  the  Congress  that  Henry  Dawkins, 
one  of  the  prisoners  in  the  City  Hall,  is  injured  by  his 
irons,  so  that  his  legs  swell. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Wool  be  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized and  requested  to  have  the  irons  taken  off  Henry  Daw- 
kins. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  4th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Our  affairs  are  hastening  fast  to  a  crisis, 
and  the  approaching  campaign  will  in  all  probability  de- 
termine for  ever  the  fate  of  America. 

"  Such  is  the  unrelenting  spirit  which  possesses  the  ty- 
rant of  Britain  and  his  Parliament,  that  they  have  left  no 
measure  unessayed  that  had  a  tendency  to  accomplish  our 
destruction.  Not  satisfied  with  having  lined  our  coasts 
with  ships  of  war  to  starve  us  into  a  surrender  of  our  liber- 
ties, and  to  prevent  us  from  being  supplied  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  they  are  now  about  to  pour  in  a  number  of 
foreign  troops,  who,  from  their  want  of  connections  and 
those  feelings  of  sympathy  which  frequently  bind  together 
the  different  parts  of  the  same  empire,  will  be  more  likely 
to  do  the  business  of  their  masters  without  remorse  or  com- 
punction. 

"  By  the  best  intelligence  from  Canada  it  appears  that 
our  affairs  in  that  quarter  wear  a  melancholy  aspect. 
Should  the  Indians  and  Canadians  take  up  arms  against  us, 
(which  there  is  too  much  reason  to  fear,)  we  shall  then 
have  the  whole  force  of  that  country  to  contend  with,  join- 
ed to  that  of  Great  Britain  and  all  her  foreign  auxiliaries. 
In  this  situation  what  steps  must  we  pursue  ?  The  Con- 
tinental troops  alone  are  unable  to  stem  the  torrent,  nor  is 
it  possible  at  this  day  to  raise  and  discipline  men  ready  to 
take  the  field  by  the  time  they  will  be  wanted. 

"  From  the  secrecy  with  which  the  Ministry  carry  on 
their  machinations,  we  neither  know  their  views,  or  how 
near  our  enemies  may  be ;  perhaps  at  this  moment  they  are 
landing  on  some  part  of  our  country. 

"  In  this  difficult  and  trying  situation  of  our  affairs  the 
Congress  have  come  to  the  enclosed  resolves,  which  I  have 
it  in  command  to  transmit  you  by  express,  containing  mat- 
ters of  the  greatest  importance,  and  to  which  I  beg  leave 
to  request  your  attention.  You  will  there  find  the  Congress 
have  judged  it  necessary  to  call  upon  the  militia  at  this 
alarming  crisis. 

"  Should  the  United  Colonies  be  able  to  keep  their 
ground  this  campaign,  I  am  under  no  apprehensions  on  ac- 
count of  any  future  one.  We  have  many  disadvantages 
at  present  to  struggle  with,  which  time  and  progress  in  the 
art  of  war  will  remove.  But  this  circumstance  should 
rouse  us  to  superior  exertions  on  the  occasion.  The  mili- 
tia of  the  United  Colonies  are  a  body  of  troops  that  may 
be  depended  upon.  To  their  virtue,  their  Delegates  in  Con- 
gress now  make  the  most  solemn  appeal.  They  are  call- 
ed upon  to  say  whether  they  will  live  slaves  or  die  free- 
men— they  are  requested  to  step  forth  to  defend  their  wives, 
their  children,  their  liberty,  and  every  thing  they  hold 
dear.  The  cause  is  certainly  a  most  glorious  one,  and  I 
trust  every  man  in  the  Colony  of  New-York  is  determined 
to  see  it  gloriously  ended,  or  to  perish  in  the  rnins  of  it. 

"  In  short,  on  your  exertions  at  this  critical  period,  to- 
gether with  those  of  the  other  Colonies,  in  the  common 
cause,  the  salvation  of  America  now  evidently  depends. 
Your  Colony  I  am  persuaded  will  not  be  behind  hand. 
Exert,  therefore,  every  nerve  to  distinguish  yourselves. 
Quicken  your  preparations  and  stimulate  the  good  people 
of  your  government  and  there  is  no  danger,  notwithstand- 
ing the  mighty  armament  with  which  we  are  threatened, 
but  they  will  be  led  on  to  victory,  to  liberty  and  to  happiness. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of  New- York." 


482 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  received  in 
Mr.  Hancock's  letter,  were  also  read,  and  are  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  June  1st,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  6,000  militia  be  employed  to  reinforce 
the  army  in  Canada,  and  to  keep  up  the  communication 
with  that  Province  ;  and  to  make  up  that  number, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  be 
requested  to  supply  of  their  militia  3,000,  4  battalions ; 
Connecticut  of  their  militia  1,500,  2  battalions;  New- 
Hampshire  of  their  militia  750,  1  battalion  ;  New- York 
of  their  militia  750,  1  battalion." 

"  June  3d,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  General  be  empowered  to  employ 
in  Canada  a  number  of  Indians  not  exceeding  2,000. 

"That  13,800  militia  be  employed  to  reinforce  the 
army  at  New-York — to  complete  which  number, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay  be 
requested  to  furnish  of  their  militia  2,000 ;  Connecticut  of 
their  militia  5,500 ;  New-York,  of  their  militia  3,000 ; 
New- Jersey  of  their  militia  3,300  ;  making  in  the  whole 
13,800. 

"  Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  That  the 
eleven  battalions  raised  and  ordered  to  be  raised  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  four  New-England  Colonies,  are  sufficient. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  flying  camp  be  immediately  esta- 
blished in  the  middle  Colonies,  and  that  it  consist  of  10,000 
men — to  make  up  which  number, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Colony  of  Pennsylvania  be  re- 
quested to  furnish  of  their  militia  6,000  ;  Maryland  of  their 
militia  3,400  ;  Delaware  government  of  theirs  600  ;  making 
in  the  whole  10,000  men. 

"That  the  militia  be  engaged  to  the  1st  day  of  Deer, 
next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  Congress. 

"  That  the  pay  of  the  militia  commence  from  the  day  of 
their  marching  from  home,  and  that  they  be  allowed  one 
penny  a  mile  lawful  money,  in  lieu  of  rations,  for  travelling 
expenses,  and  one  day's  pay  for  every  twenty  miles  be- 
tween home  and  the  general  rendezvous,  going  and  return- 

ins- 

"  That  two  Provincial  brigadier-generals  be  employed 
in  the  Canada  department;  one  from  Massachusetts  Bay, 
and  one  from  Connecticut. 

"  That  four  Provincial  brigadier-generals  be  employed 
in  the  New-York  department;  one  from  Massachusetts  Bay, 
one  from  Connecticut,  one  from  New-York,  and  one  from 
New-Jersey. 

"  That  three  Provincial  brigadier-generals  be  employed 
for  the  flying  camp  ;  two  from  Pennsylvania,  and  one  from 
Maryland. 

"  That  the  said  brigadier-generals  be  appointed  by  the 
respective  Colonies  above  mentioned. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
Assemblies,  Conventions  and  Committees  of  Safety  in  the 
United  Colonies,  to  fall  upon  the  most  effectual  means  of 
removing  the  stocks,  grain  and  meal,  from  such  parts  of 
their  respective  Colonies  as  are  invaded,  or  are  in  imminent 
danger  of  being  invaded  by  the  enemy. 

"  That  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  the  Governor  and  Assembly  of  Connecticut, 
the  Convention  of  New-York  and  New-Jersey,  and  the 
several  Conventions  of  such  other  of  the  United  Colonies 
in  which  there  are  any  lead  mines,  be  requested  to  trans- 
mit to  Congress  with  all  convenient  despatch,  the  state  and 
condition  of  the  lead  mines  in  their  respective  Colonies,  and 
use  the  most  speedy  means  to  procure  their  being  wrought 
to  effect. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy." 

"June  4th,  1776. 

"Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Assemblies 
and  Conventions  of  the  Colonies  requested  to  supply  or 
furnish  militia  by  the  resolutions  of  yesterday,  to  take  par- 


ticular care  that  the  militia  come  provided  with  arms,  ac- 
coutrements and  camp  kettles. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 
The  Congress  conceive  it  necessary  towards  carrying 
these  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  into  execution, 
to  appoint  a  brigadier-general  and  a  major  of  brigade  of  the 
militia  of  Westchester  county ;  and  Lewis  Morris,  Esqr. 
being  thought  the  most  proper  person  for  a  brigadier-gene- 
ral of  the  militia  of  that  county,  and  having  been  recom- 
mended by  the  county  committee  for  that  purpose,  and 
Lewis  Morris,  Junr.  Esqr.  having  been  also  formerly  re- 
commended by  the  said  committee  for  an  appointment,  to 
be  the  major  of  brigade  of  the  militia  of  that  county  ; 

Resolved,  That  Lewis  Morris,  Esqr.  be  appointed  bri- 
gadier-general of  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Westchester, 
and  that  Lewis  Morris,  Junr.  Esqr.  be  appointed  major  of 
brigade  of  the  militia  of  the  said  county.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  engross  their  respective 
commissions,  and  that  the  same  respectively  be  signed  by 
the  President  and  attested  by  the  Secretaries,  and  sent  to 
those  gentlemen  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  the  appointment  of  a  brigadier-general 
for  the  militia  of  the  New- York  brigade,  be  postponed  till 
to-morrow. 

The  consideration  of  the  said  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
Congress  of  the  1st,  3d  and  4th  days  of  June  inst.  was  then 
resumed ;  and  the  same  being  deliberately  read  by  para- 
graphs, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  agree  to  the  same,  and 
will  comply  with  the  resolutions  therein  contained,  as  far 
forth  as  they  concern  this  Colony. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
Congress  (except  that  relating  to  the  lead  mines,  on  which 
subject  a  committee  was  some  days  ago  appointed,)  be  re- 
ferred to  a  committee  to  report  a  plan  in  their  opinion  most 
eligible  to  carry  those  resolutions  into  execution. 

That  the  said  committee  consist  of  the  following  gentle- 
men, to  wit :  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  John  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Col.  Ls.  Graham,  Mr.  Strong, 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Saml.  Towns- 
end,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Lef- 
fertse,  and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  lead  mines  report  to- 
morrow morning. 

Resolved,  That  Gover.  Morris,  Esqr.  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Congress,  be  sent  to  Philadelphia  to  apply  to 
the  Congress  of  the  United  Colonies,  and  endeavour  to  ob- 
tain such  resolution  of  that  Body  as  may  establish  an  equa- 
lity of  pay  for  the  militia  and  troops  of  this  Colony  called 
into  actual  service  with  those  of  the  eastern  Colonies,  either 
by  raising  the  pay  to  be  allowed  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Colony,  or  reducing  the  pay  allowed  to  those  of  the  eastern 
Colonies. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  draft  of  a  letter  on  that  subject  to  the  Dele- 
gates of  this  Colony  at  Continental  Congress,  and  that  they 
report  the  same  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  7,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Brasher,  Colo. 
Broome,  Mr.  Hallett,  Col.  Stoutenburgh — New-York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Haring—  Orange. 

Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler— Mbany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Major  Lockwood,  Capt.  Flemming,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham, 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


483 


Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk— Dutches. 
Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck— Queens. 
Col.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Presi- 
dent of  Continental  Congress,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  4th 
inst.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  June  1th,  1776.  ) 

"Sir — Your  letter  of  the  4th  June  inst.  enclosing  cer- 
tain important  resolves  of  the  Honourable  the  Continental 
Congress  of  the  1st,  3d  and  4th  inst.  was  delivered  to  me 
this  morning,  and  immediately  communicated  to  the  Con- 
vention of  this  Colony. 

"  They  have  directed  me  to  present  to  the  Congress 
their  warmest  acknowledgments  for  the  unwearied  atten- 
tion they  have  paid  to  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  the 
United  Colonies,  and  to  assure  them  that  this  Colony  will 
most  cheerfully  endeavour  to  comply  with  all  their  requi- 
sitions. 

"  Persuaded  that  the  pay  allowed  to  the  eastern  army 
during  the  last  campaign,  was  unreasonably  high,  this 
Convention  received  great  satisfaction  from  the  measures 
taken  by  the  Congress,  (as  they  supposed,)  with  a  view  to 
reduce  it.  The  inferior  allowance  of  pay  given  to  the 
troops  raised  in  this  Colony,  and  those  of  New-Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  and  the  lower  counties,  was  considered  as  a 
precedent  which  would  soon  become  general,  and  it  was 
expected  that  the  patriotism  and  laudable  pride  of  the  other 
Colonies  would  not  long  permit  them  to  accept  higher  wa- 
ges than  their  neighbours  for  fighting  in  the  same  glorious 
cause,  and  for  the  attainment  of  the  same  great  and  valua- 
ble objects. 

"  This  Convention  is  most  sensibly  affected  by  the  con- 
tinuance of  that  discrimination,  and  though  ready  to  con- 
sent to  a  still  greater  reduction  of  pay,  provided  it  be  ge- 
neral, yet  a  due  regard  to  the  honour  of  this  Colony  will 
no  longer  permit  them,  by  a  silent  acquiescence  in  so  odi- 
ous a  discrimination,  to  give  posterity  reason  to  conclude 
that  it  was  established  on  just  and  proper  principles. 

"  This  Convention  readily  confesses  the  merit  of  the 
eastern  forces,  but  have  as  yet  no  reason  to  believe  it  ex- 
ceeds that  of  the  troops  raised  in  the  other  Colonies,  and 
therefore  claim  of  the  Congress,  as  a  matter  of  justice,  that 
they  be  put  on  one  general  footing.  It  would  neither  be 
wise  or  honest  to  conceal  from  the  Congress  the  discon- 
tents that  have  arisen  from  the  continuance  of  this  invidi- 
ous distinction ;  they  are  too  great  and  too  general  not  to 
injure  the  service,  and,  therefore,  merit  the  notice  and  at- 
tention of  those  who  alone  can  remove  them. 

"  By  this  unfortunate  circumstance,  the  levies  of  this 
Colony  have  been,  and  in  all  probability  will  continue  to 
be,  retarded  ;  and  there  is  now  a  great  number  of  the  in- 
habitants of  this  Colony,  (invited  by  higher  pay,)  actually 
bearing  arms  in  the  New-England  regiments. 

"  The  resolves  received  this  morning  have  been  consi- 
dered, and  a  committee  appointed  to  ascertain  the  quotas  of 
men  to  be  furnished  by  the  different  counties,  in  order  to 
complete  the  number  required  of  this  Colony,  which  com- 
mittee hath  made  report  on  that  subject,  and  the  said  report 
been  considered  of  and  agreed  to ;  but  it  appearing  from 
those  resolves,  that  although  large  detachments  from  the 
militia  of  several  other  Colonies  are  also  required  for  the 
service,  yet  there  is  an  utter  silence  as  to  the  quantum  of 
pay  to  be  allowed  them.  This  Convention  being  unable 
further  to  proceed  in  this  business,  we  are  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  ordering  one  of  their  members,  Mr.  Governeur 
Morris,  to  repair  immediately  to  Philadelphia,  in  order  to 
obtain  from  the  Congress  information  on  that  head,  and 
whether  the  same  difference  of  wages  now  unhappily  sub- 
sisting between  the  regular  troops,  is  to  be  extended  to  the 
militia  of  the  several  Colonies.  Should  that  be  the  case, 
this  Colony  will  be  exceedingly  embarrassed,  for  while  the 
regard  due  to  its  honour  is  suffered  to  clash  with  the  regard 


due  to  the  general  cause,  there  is  reason  to  fear  its  exer- 
tions will  be  feeble,  and  the  harmony  and  mutual  confi- 
dence of  the  Colonies  probably  diminished. 

"  The  Convention,  therefore,  earnestly  request  the  fa- 
vour of  the  Congress  speedily  to  dismiss  Mr.  Morris,  they 
being  very  desirous  of  forming  their  regiments  of  militia 
without  delay. 

"  I  am  directed,  sir,  by  the  Convention,  to  return  you 
their  thanks  for  your  polite  letter,  and  to  assure  you  that 
they  consider  the  remarks  and  exhortations  contained  in  it, 
as  additional  proofs  of  that  zeal  which  you  have  ever  ma- 
nifested for  the  American  cause. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 
"NATHL.  WOODHULL,  Prest. 

"To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Prest. 

of  the  Continental  Congress." 

The  report  of  a  committee  was  then  read  and  agreed  to, 

and  is  in  the  words  and  figures  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  } 
"  New-York,  June  7,  1776.  $ 

"  Your  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  having 
deliberately  considered  the  resolves  of  Continental  Con- 
gress of  the  1st,  3d  and  4th  inst.  for  raising  a  body  of  mi- 
litia for  the  defence  of  the  Colonies  in  the  present  cam- 
paign, do  report :  That  we  have  extracted  from  the  said 
resolves  such  parts  thereof  as  immediately  relate  to  this 
Colony,  which  are,  in  substance,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  It  appears  that  13,800  militia,  from  the  different  Co- 
lonies, are  destined  to  reinforce  the  army  at  New-York ; 
that  750  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony  are  to  be  levied  for 
the  Canada  service,  and  that  3,000  is  the  proportion  allot- 
ted to  this  Colony  of  the  13,800,  who  are  to  reinforce  the 
army  at  New-York.  That  the  militia  are  to  be  engaged 
to  the  first  of  December  next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by 
the  Continental  Congress,  their  pay  to  commence  from  the 
day  of  their  marching,  with  the  allowance  of  one  penny, 
lawful  money,  per  mile,  for  their  subsistence,  in  lieu  of 
rations  and  one  day's  pay  for  every  20  miles  between  home 
and  rendezvous,  going  and  returning. 

"  That  one  brigadier-general  be  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gress. 

"  That  this  Congress  take  particular  care  that  the  militia 
come  well  provided  with  arms,  accoutrements  and  camp 
kettles.  Of  the  3,000  militia  of  this  Colony  destined  to 
reinforce  the  army  at  New-York,  your  committee  are  of 
opinion  that  the  following  quotas  be  levied  out  of  the  seve- 
ral counties,  to  wit : 

"  The  city  and  county  of  New- York,   1,200 

["  Those  to  consist  of  the  two  independent  battalions,  to  be  filled 
up  to  the  complement  of  2  battalions  by  300  men,  officers  included, 
from  the  quotas  of  the  other  counties.  The  field  officers  to  be 
nominated  out  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  and  the  pre- 
sent officers  of  the  said  two  battalions,  or  such  officers  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York  under  the  degree  of  field  officers,  as 
are  necessary  to  be  provided  for  in  the  proportion  of  12  to  3.] 


Richmond,   57 

Kings,   58 

Queens,   175 

Suffolk   200 

Westchester,   300 

Dutches,   335 

Orange,   200 

Ulster,   300 

Albany   600 

Tryon,   75 

Charlotte,   50 

Cumberland,   125 

Gloucester,   75 


Total,   3,750 

"  To  make  up  the  750  to  reinforce  the  army  in  Canada, 

as  follows,  to  wit : 

Albany,   425 

Tryon,   75 

Charlotte,   50 

Cumberland,   125 

Gloucester,   75 

Makes  the   750 


484 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


"  Therefore  there  remains  of  the  quota,  of 


Albany,   175 

New-York,   1^200 

Richmond,   57 

Kings,   58 

Queens,   175 

Suffolk,   200 

Westchester,   300 

Dutches,   335 

Orange,   200 

Ulster,   300 


Makes  for  reinforcing  the  army  at  New-York,  3,000 

"  The  3,750  men  to  be  divided  into  five  battalions  of 
750  men  each,  and  each  battalion  into  ten  companies,  offi- 
cers included,  except  field  and  staff  officers;  each  battalion 
to  have  1  colonel,  1  lieutenant-colonel,  1  major,  1  adjutant, 
1  quarter-master,  1  surgeon  and  one  surgeon's  mate  ;  and 
each  company  to  consist  of  1  captain  2  lieutenants,  3  ser- 
geants, 3  corporals,  1  drummer,  1  lifer,  and  64  privates 
and  2  chaplains  to  the  4  battalions  destined  for  reinforcing 
the  army  at  New- York,  and  1  chaplain  for  the  battalion 
destined  for  Canada. 

"  The  officers  of  the  3,750  men,  your  committee  sub- 
mit to  be  appointed  by  this  Congress. 

"  Your  committee  further  beg  leave  to  report :  that  it 
will,  in  their  opinion,  highly  promote  the  public  service  to 
raise  the  quotas  of  militia  by  volunteers  ;  and  to  that  end, 
as  the  discrimination  hitherto  made  between  the  New-York 
and  New-England  troops,  not  employed  in  the  Canada  ser- 
vice, is  exceedingly  odious  and  greatly  discourages  levies 
in  the  Colony  of  New-York, 

"  Your  committee  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  pay 
of  each  private  be  fixed  at  53s.  4cZ.  per  month,  New-York 
currency,  unless  the  Continental  Congress  shall  think  proper 
to  reduce  the  pay  of  the  New-England  troops,  not  employ- 
ed in  the  Canada  service,  to  an  equality  with  the  troops  of 
this  Colony  who  are  not  employed  in  that  service  ;  that 
the  most  strenuous  efforts  be  made  to  induce  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  to  agree  to  such  increase  or  reduction. 

"  And  whereas  by  the  resolutions  aforesaid  it  is  requir- 
ed that  the  men  so  as  aforesaid  to  be  raised  by  this  Colony 
be  well  provided  with  arms,  accoutrements  and  camp  ket- 
tles, your  committee  do  further  report  it  as  their  opinion, 
that  it  will  be  proper  to  complete  the  number  of  arms  from 
the  militia  of  the  respective  counties  which  shall  remain 
after  forming  the  aforesaid  battalions,  and  that  the  Provin- 
cial Commissary  be  ordered  to  provide  at  the  expense  of 
this  Colony,  such  camp  kettles  as  shall  be  necessary  for 
the  purpose  aforesaid." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  said  report,  and  that  it  be  deemed  and  es- 
teemed and  taken  in  all  things  as  a  resolve  and  order  of 
this  Congress. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  8th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-  Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Phil.  Livingston — New-York. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend — Queens. 
Mr.  Leffertse— Kings. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 
Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  De  La  Vergne,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Col.  Gil.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris— 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Doctor  Morgan,  director-general  of  the  Continental  hospi- 
tal attending,  was  admitted.    He  applied  for  the  medicines 


in  the  care  of  Dr.  Treat,  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
hospital,  on  paying  the  price  of  them. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Broome  and  Col.  Graham  be  a 
committee  to  take  this  application  into  consideration,  and 
report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Wm.  Bedlow  attending,  informed  the  Congress  that 
Lord  Stirling  has  ordered  an  additional  barrack  to  be  erect- 
ed in  the  Highlands,  and  Mr.  Bedlow  requests  to  know 
whether  it  is  the  sense  of  this  Congress  that  the  commis- 
sioners execute  those  orders. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bedlow  wait  on  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington,  and  inform  him  of  Lord  Stirling's  di- 
rections, and  that  Mr.  Bedlow,  and  the  other  commission- 
ers, take  all  their  future  directions  from  the  General,  re- 
specting those  fortifications,  and  the  works  or  buildings  to 
be  there  erected,  and  from  what  funds  the  future  expense 
of  those  works  shall  be  defrayed. 

Mr.  Bedlow  informed  the  Congress  that  the  commis- 
sioners had  been  put  to  some  expense  in  entertaining  a 
committee  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  other  gen- 
tlemen passing  and  repassing  the  fortifications,  and  re- 
quests to  know  whether  any  allowance  will  be  made  for 
the  same. 

Mr.  Bedlow  is  desired  to  apply  to  the  General  for  an 
answer. 

Col.  McDougall  attending,  was  admitted.  He  informed 
the  Congress  that  by  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  the  re- 
cruiting officers  are  to  have  10s.  per  man  for  recruiting, 
without  specifying  the  currency ;  that  there  is  a  particular 
resolution  for  the  purpose  ;  that  officers  of  the  Jersey  and 
Pennsylvania  battalions  have  received  1^  dollar,  and  here- 
quested  to  know  whether  his  orders  in  favour  of  his  offi- 
cers will  receive  the  like  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  McDougall  send  a  return  of  his  re- 
giment to  this  Congress,  and  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of 
Congress  referred  to. 

Jonathan  Baker  and  Stephen  Fountain,  charged  and  con- 
victed by  the  joint  committees  of  Brookhaven,  Manor  of 
St.  George's  and  Patenship  of  Meriches,  of  being  enemies 
to  their  country,  and  as  such,  of  having  taken  up  arms  and 
held  correspondence  with  our  enemies  on  board  of  the  Mi- 
nisterial ships  of  war,  and  very  much  promoted  discord 
amongst  the  inhabitants,  and  seduced  many  to  forsake  the 
cause  of  their  country,  were  sent  to  this  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Jonathan  Baker  and  Stephen 
Fountain  be  committed  to  close  custody.  And 

Ordered,  That  Daniel  Goldsmith,  the  jailer,  be  and  he 
is  hereby  directed  and  requested  to  receive  and  keep  them 
in  safe  custody  until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  at 
Brookhaven,  &c.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — Lieut.  William  Clarke,  in  pursuance  of  an  order 
of  the  joint  committee  of  Brookhaven,  Manor  of  St. 
George's  and  the  Patenship  of  Meriches,  has  delivered  to 
this  Congress  Jonathan  Baker  and  Stephen  Fountain, 
whom  they  have  committed  to  safe  custody. 

"  The  Congress  much  approves  of  the  determination  of 
the  committee  of  New-Haven,  not  to  receive  the  said  pri- 
soners, it  being  the  proper  business  of  every  Colony  to  re- 
gulate their  own  internal  concerns,  without  the  aid  or  in- 
terference of  other  Colonies,  unless  on  a  sudden  and  great 
emergency,  or  when  duly  requested. 

"  I  am  directed  to  desire  your  committee  to  transmit  to 
this  Congress  the  affidavits  and  examinations,  (or  certified 
copies  of  them,)  now  in  their  custody,  which  relate  to  the 
said  prisoners. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  obt.  servant, 

"By  order. 

"To  Josiah  Smith,  Esqr.  Brookhaven." 

Ordered,,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Col.  Broome,  from  the  committee  appointed  this  morn- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


485 


ing  to  take  into  consideration  the  application  of  Doctor 
Morgan,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"Nero-York,  June  8th,  1776. 
"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  Dr.  Morgan's 
application  respecting  the  medicines  belonging  to  this  Co- 
lony in  Doctor  Treat's  possession,  report,  that  from  the  best 
information  they  have  obtained  Doctor  Morgan  is  in  want 
of  sundry  necessary  medicines  for  the  use  of  the  Conti- 
nental army  in  this  city ;  that  therefore,  in  their  opinion, 
one  half  of  the  medicines,  in  quantity  and  kind,  in  Dr. 
Treat's  hands  as  aforesaid,  may,  without  danger  of  injury 
to  the  inhabitants  of  this  Colony,  be  disposed  of  to  Dr. 
Morgan  for  the  use  aforesaid,  which  is,  nevertheless,  sub- 
mitted. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"JNO.  BROOME,  Chairman." 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report ;  and  that  one  moiety  of  those 
medicines,  in  quantity  and  kind,  be  sold  and  delivered,  for 
cash,  to  Doctor  Morgan,  for  the  use  mentioned  in  the  said 
report. 

Mr.  Haring  delivered  to  the  Chair  the  affidavits  of  three 

Sersons,  to  wit,  Jacobus  Ver  Veelen,  James  Ramsay  and 
ohn  Montanje,  sworn  before  Mr.  Alderman  Brasher,  which 
were  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears  that  there  is  a  de- 
fection in  Bergen  county,  in  or  near  the  English  neighbour- 
hood ;  that  two  companies  refuse  to  turn  out  any  volun- 
teers, or  be  drafted,  to  supply  any  part  of  the  militia  or- 
dered to  join  the  army  ;  that  the  said  two  companies  were 
loudly  riotous  in  favour  of  Ministerial  measures,  and  against 
the  Continental  measures. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  those  affidavits  be  transmitted 
to  the  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-Jersey. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  for  that  purpose,  to  the 
President  of  the  Congress  of  New- Jersey,  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Congress  of  this  Colony  have  directed  me 
to  transmit  the  enclosed  copies  of  affidavits  to  you.  They 
respect  a  defection  which  appears  to  subsist  in  Bergen 
countv,  and  which,  unless  suppressed  very  speedily,  will 
probably  increase. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servt. 
"  By  order. 

"To  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  Prest.  of  the 

Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-Jersey." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

A  return  of  officers  of  militia  duly  elected  for  the  town- 
ship of  Flushing,  in  Queens  county,  on  the  20th  of  May  last, 
which  return  is  dated  the  6th  June  inst.  and  signed  by  John 
Talman,  chairman,  was  read  and  filed. 

It  is  thereby  certified  that  Nathl.  Tom  was  elected  cap- 
tain ;  Mathias  Van  Dyck,  first  lieut. ;  Jeffry  Hicks,  2d 
lieut. ;  and  Nichs.  Van  Dyck,  ensign ;  and  that  the  said 
election  was  held  duly  in  the  presence  of  Thos.  Thorne  and 
Edmund  Pinfold,  inspectors,  and  two  of  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen 
in  the  office  to  which  they  are  respectively  elected. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  report  on  the  se- 
veral lead  mines,  on  which  essays  have  been  made  in  this 
Colony,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  twice  read. 

They  thereby  report  that  the  lead  mines  in  the  oblong  in 
Dutches  county,  is  the  most  likely  to  be  valuable,  and  that 
in  their  opinion  it  merits  the  attention  of  this  Congress,  so 
far  as  to  be  at  the  expense  of  clearing  the  old  pits  and  en- 
deavouring to  obtain  a  certainty  of  the  quantity  of  the  ore. 

So  far  the  House  agrees  with  their  committee  in  the 
said  report. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Malcom  apply  to  Mr.  Erskine,  as 
a  proper  person,  to  know  if  he  would  attend  at  that  mine  a 
short  time,  to  examine  its  value  and  quantity,  and  the  pros- 
pects of  success  in  working  it. 

122 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Glenn  and  Mr.  Haring,  be 
a  committee  to  draw  instructions  for  raising  the  detachment 
of  militia  to  be  furnished  by  this  Colony,  and  to  report 
thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Die  Sabbati,  6  ho.  P.  M.  June  8th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— GenJ.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Broome,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Stouten- 
burgh — New-  York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Park—  Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Capt.  Flemming,  Colo.  Drake — 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  J.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 
Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Hamilton  furnish  such  a  guard  as 
may  be  necessary  to  guard  the  Provincial  gunpowder ;  and 
if  Capt.  Hamilton  should  stand  in  need  of  any  tents  for 
that  purpose ; 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  furnish  him  with  tents 
for  that  guard  ;  And, 

Ordered  further,  That  Capt.  Hamilton  furnish  daily  six 
of  his  best  cartridge  makers  to  work  and  assist  in  that  bu- 
siness at  the  store  or  elaboratory,  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Norwood,  the  Commissary. 

Ordered,  That  a  sister  of  Israel  Youngs  and  Isaac 
Youngs,  be  permitted  to  speak  to  her  brothers  this  after- 
noon, only  in  the  presence  and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  the 
guard. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  committee  appointed  this  morning  to 
draw  instructions  for  raising  a  detachment  of  militia,  brought 
in  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which  he  read  in  his 
place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where  the  same  was 
again  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned. 

A  letter  from  Ezekiel  Hawley,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Salem,  in  Westchester  county,  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Provincial  Congress,  New- York: 

"  The  committee  of  Salem,  in  Westchester  county,  have 
the  unhappiness  of  having  a  large  number  of  the  inhabitants 
very  much  opposed  to  the  measures  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies, and  numbers  of  them  are  determined  not  to  comply 
nor  adopt  the  doings  of  the  Congress,  which  makes  a  great 
deal  of  trouble  for  said  committee.  Said  committee  has 
advertised  some,  obliged  others  to  give  bonds,  some  of  one 
or  two  hundred  pounds,  some  of  which  have  forfeited  their 
bonds  and  run  off,  and  have  made  considerable  costs,  one 
in  particular,  in  sending  after  him.  We  desire  to  know 
what  shall  be  done  with  the  forfeitures,  and  likewise  how 
to  proceed  in  taking  of  it,  and  how  to  turn  it  into  money  if 
taken  in  stock  or  whatever  else,  or  whether  or  no  the  Con- 
gress wont  take  the  forfeitures  and  pay  the  cost ;  we  de- 
sire you  would  give  us  some  rules  and  directions  how  to 
proceed.  And  likewise,  those  men  that  still  behave  inimi- 
cal, and  put  the  committees  to  so  much  trouble,  whether 
or  no  we  might  not  take  cost  of  them  to  pay  us  what  is 
reasonable  for  our  time,  for  we  grow  weary  of  being  called 
together  to  deal  with  tories.  That  has  been  our  whole  bu- 
siness ever  since  we  have  been  formed  as  a  committee ;  it 
has  cost  me,  in  particular,  not  less  than  600  miles  riding, 
and  I  believe,  at  a  moderate  guess,  20  or  30  dollars  in  cash, 
and  I  never  yet  expected  pay  ;  but  I  find  I  cant  live  so,  and 
if  the  tories  make  all  the  trouble,  why  ought  they  not  to 
pay  all  the  cost.  Gentlemen,  we  only  want  orders  from 
you  to  take  it.    We  have  sent  Mr.  Ben.  Chapman  to  you, 


486 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


praying  of  you  to  send  us  some  directions  on  this  important 
affair,  one  of  the  members  of  this  committee, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  EZEKIEL  HAWLEY,  Chairman. 

"  June  5th,  1776." 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  be  presented 
to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  for  the  important 
services  he  has  rendered  to  the  United  Colonies,  and  for 
the  attention  that  he  has  paid  to  the  interest  and  civil  autho- 
rity of  this  Colony,  and  that  he  be  assured  of  the  readiness 
of  this  Congress  to  afford  him  all  the  aid  in  their  power  to 
enable  him  to  execute  the  important  trust  reposed  in  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  wait  on  Genl.  Washington 
and  communicate  to  him  the  aforegoing  resolution. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

June  9th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr. 
Sands,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt.  Denning — New-York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Glenn,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 
Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Tredwell  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  from  Ezekiel  Hawley, 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Salem,  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"New-York,  June  9th,  1776.  <> 
"  Sir — Your  letter  by  Mr.  Chapman  of  the  5th  inst. 
was  laid  before  the  Congress,  who  are  of  opinion  that  the 
contents  require  the  most  serious  consideration,  and  have 
directed  me  to  acquaint  you  that  whenever  several  matters 
of  importance  for  the  general  defence  and  preservation  of 
the  Colony  now  under  consideration  are  despatched,  the 
committee  of  Salem  may  be  assured  a  proper  attention  will 
be  paid  to  their  application.  The  Congress  not  doubting 
that  committee  will  still  persevere  with  zeal  in  the  cause 
of  their  country. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Ezekiel  Hawley,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Salem,  Westchester." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  President  reported  that  he  had  waited  on  His  Ex- 
cellency Genl.  Washington,  and  communicated  to  him  the 
resolution  of  yesterday,  to  which  His  Excellency  returned 
the  following  answer  : 

"  Gentlemen: — I  am  extremely  obliged  for  the  high 
sense  you  entertain  of  my  services,  and  for  your  promises 
of  every  possible  assistance  in  the  discharge  of  my  impor- 
tant duty. 

"  You  may  rest  assured  that  every  attention  to  the  in- 
terest and  happiness  of  this  Colony  shall  not  be  wanting, 
nor  my  regard  to  its  civil  authority  remitted,  whilst  I  am 
honoured  with  the  command  I  now  hold." 

Sunday  Afternoon,  June  9th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— General  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Sands,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Stoutenburgh— New-York. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 


Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glenn— Albany. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne— Dutches. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Haring  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  raising  a  detatchment  of 
the  militia  was  taken  up,  and  after  some  time  spent  in  the 
consideration  thereof,  the  same  was  agreed  to  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  appointed  for  taking  into  consideration 
regulations  and  instructions  for  raising  the  detachments  of 
militia  to  reinforce  the  army  of  New- York,  and  that  in  Ca- 
nada, do  report  that  they  have  maturely  considered  the 
matters  referred  to  them,  and  think  it  necessary  to  report 
the  following  regulations,  for  the  more  orderly  and  de- 
spatched levy  of  the  militia  destined  to  reinforce  the  Con- 
tinental army  in  this  city,  and  that  in  Canada,  to  wit :  As 
it  is  evident  that  the  nature  of  the  service  hereby  provided 
for,  requires  the  utmost  despatch,  this  House  do  recommend 
it  to  the  several  counties  to  furnish  their  respective  quotas 
with  all  possible  expedition  ;  and  as  it  would  by  no  means 
be  proper  to  leave  it  to  the  discretion  of  the  different  coun- 
ties, your  committee  do  advise  that  this  Congress  earnestly 
recommend, 

"  lstly.  That  the  several  levies  to  be  made  in  the  differ- 
ent parts  of  this  Colony,  from  without  the  city  and  county 
of  New- York,  for  the  purpose  of  reinforcing  the  army  at 
New-York,  begin  their  respective  marches  to  the  city  of 
New-York,  unless  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Conti- 
nental forces  should  order  them  to  march  to  some  other 
place,  at  the  latest  on  the  several  days  hereafter  mentioned, 
to  wit,  those  of  Kings  county  and  Richmond  county  on  the 
fifteenth  instant ;  those  of  Westchester  and  Queens  county 
on  the  seventeenth  instant ;  those  of  Orange  on  the  nine- 
teenth instant ;  those  of  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Suffolk  on 
the  twenty-first  inst. ;  and  those  of  the  county  of  Albany 
on  the  twenty-third. 

"  2dly.  That  those  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York 
be  ready  for  parade  and  review  on  the  14th  inst. 

"  3dly.  That  though  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that 
the  several  levies  above  mentioned  of,  consisting  of  volun- 
teers, would  be  most  advancive  of  the  public  service, 
yet  they  conceive  that  the  said  levies  ought  at  all  events 
be  made  with  the  utmost  despatch.  For  which  reason  your 
committee  do  advise  that  each  detachment  in  the  several 
and  respective  counties  except  New-York,  be  mustered 
two  days  before  the  respective  days  of  their  march,  and 
that  of  New-York  two  days  before  the  day  of  their  parade 
and  review,  and  that  the  deficiency  of  volunteers  in  each 
quota  on  such  days,  ought  respectively  to  be  completed  by 
drafts,  to  be  ascertained  by  casting  of  lots,  and  that  to  this 
end  the  several  commanding  officers  do  assemble  on  such 
day  their  respective  battalions. 

"  4thly.  That  the  rank  and  number  of  the  officers  which 
are  to  command  the  respective  detachments  be  fixed  by 
this  Congress  ;  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  commanding 
officer  of  each  battalion,  out  of  which  any  detachment  is  to 
be  made,  on  or  before  the  day  of  muster,  and  with  the  as- 
sistance of  the  sub-committee  or  sub-committees,  to  pro- 
cure volunteer  officers  of  such  battalion  under  the  degree 
of  field  officers,  to  command  such  detachment,  if  volunteers 
can  be  had  on  or  before  the  day  of  muster,  and  if  not,  to 
select  them  on  that  day,  by  casting  of  lots ;  and  that  such 
officers,  thus  selected,  either  as  volunteers  or  by  casting  of 
lots,  be  the  officers  to  command  the  detachment ;  and  if  a 
detachment  should  consist  of  men  belonging  to  different 
battalions,  the  several  commanding  officers,  with  the  seve- 
ral sub-committees  within  whose  district  such  detachment 
shall  be,  do  proportion  the  officers,  as  to  rank  and  number, 
according  to  the  number  from  each  battalion  who  form  such 
detachment ;  and  if  too  great  a  number  of  officers  shall 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


487 


offer  iheir  service  as  volunteers  that  it  be  determined  by 
casting  of  lots  for  the  honor  of  the  service. 

5thly.  That  in  case  of  detaching  by  draft,  every  drafted 
non-commissioned  officer  and  private  be  permitted  to  sup- 
ply an  able  bodied  man  in  his  room,  so  that  such  indul- 
gence do  not  retard  the  march  of  the  detachment. 

"  6thly.  That  care  be  taken  that  at  the  respective  times 
of  the  commencement  of  such  marches,  respectively,  from 
the  other  counties,  and  at  the  time  of  such  parade  as  afore- 
said in  New- York,  each  detachment  be  completely  pro- 
vided with  arms,  accoutrements  and  ammunition,  as  di- 
rected by  the  regulations  for  the  militia ;  and  to  that  end 
that  their  deficiencies  in  these  particulars,  if  any  such  there 
be,  be  made  up  from  those  of  the  other  men  belonging  to 
their  respective  battalions,  either  by  purchase,  to  be  de- 
ducted out  of  the  pay  of  the  several  persons  detached  who 
shall  be  thus  provided  for  march  or  parade,  or  by  loan  as 
the  respective  owners  shall  choose  ;  they  to  be  secured  in 
that  case  for  return,  in  good  order,  to  such  respective 
owners,  or  by  an  allowance  on  valuation  out  of  the  pay  of 
the  persons,  respectively,  who  shall  thus  be  provided  for 
their  march  or  parade  ;  and  in  case  of  loss  or  injury,  and 
there  be  not  sufficient  pay  due  and  in  arrear,  to  the  person 
thus  armed  and  accoutred,  to  recompense  the  owner  to 
whom  the  loss  or  injury  shall  happen,  then,  in  such  case 
the  recompense  to  be  made  by  the  Colony  ;  for  which  pur- 
pose just  valuations  shall  be  made  by  the  sub-committees 
through  whose  districts  each  brigade  shall  extend,  and  the 
brigadier-general  of  the  brigade,  if  a  general  muster  shall 
be  had  for  the.  purpose,  or  by  the  commanding  officer  of 
each  battalion  and  the  proper  district  committee  or  com- 
mittees, if  such  general  muster  shall  not  be  had.  And  it  is 
further  advised  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  brigadier- 
general  of  each  brigade,  or  in  his  absence  to  the  next  com- 
manding officer,  and  the  several  county  committees  into 
whose  respective  districts  such  brigade  shall  respectively 
extend,  to  determine  whether  such  musters  as  aforesaid 
shall  be  held  in  brigades  or  battalions ;  and  that  the  bri- 
gadier-general and  the  county  committees,  if  such  muster 
shall  made  in  brigade,  preside  over,  direct  and  conduct  the 
making  of  such  detachments  aforesaid,  and  the  valuation  of 
arms  as  aforesaid ;  and  if  the  said  detachments  shall  be 
made  in  battalions,  then  such  presidence,  direction  and  con- 
duct to  be  in  the  commanding  officer  of  the  battalion  and 
the  district  committee  or  committees  ;  and  that  all  ques- 
tions in  the  execution  of  the  matters  so  submitted  to  their 
presidence,  direction  and  conduct,  respectively,  be  deter- 
mined by  majority  of  voices ;  and  being  thus  done  and 
transacted,  a  report  under  their  hands  be  made  by  them 
thereof,  as  well  as  of  the  respective  detachments,  to  be  di- 
rected to  the  brigadier-general  to  be  appointed  by  this 
Congress  for  the  command  of  the  detachments  of  militia  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  destined  to  reinforce  the  Conti- 
nental army  at  New-York,  and  to  be  transmitted  to  him  by 
the  hands  of  the  commanding  officer  of  each  detachment 
respectively. 

"  7thly.  That  to  this  end  this  Congress  immediately  do, 
in  pursuance  of  the  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
nominate  and  appoint  such  brigadier  as  aforesaid. 

"  8thly.  That  it  be  committed  to  the  care  of  the  briga- 
dier-general and  general  committee,  and  other  command- 
ing officers,  and  district  committees  as  aforesaid  respec- 
tively, to  give  proper  orders  for  the  regular  and  despatch- 
ful  march  of  the  several  detachments,  either  by  land  or  by 
water,  as  will  best  expedite  the  arrival  of  the  several  de- 
tachments at  New-York. 

"  9thly.  That  the  necessary  despatches,  for  the  purpose 
of  expediting  the  raising  the  aforesaid  detachments,  des- 
tined to  join  the  army  at  New- York,  be  made  by  the  said 
brigadier-general  so  to  be  appointed  by  this  Congress,  to 
the  respective  counties  in  this  Colony,  either  by  express 
or  otherwise,  as  he  shall  think  proper,  at  the  public  ex- 
pense of  this  Colony  ;  and  that  he  transmit  therewith  co- 


pies of  all  the  resolutions  and  proceedings  of  this  Congress 
relative  to  the  said  detachments. 

"  lOthly.  That  in  forming  the  detachments  above  men- 
tioned, the  minute  battalions,  as  well  officers  as  privates, 
ought  to  be  considered  as  part  of  the  common  militia. 

"  llthly.  That  the  detachments  to  join  the  army  in  Ca- 
nada, be  formed  in  one  battalion,  and  that  the  making  the 
said  detachments,  in  the  manner  above  directed,  be  com- 
mitted to  the  care  of  the  different  county  committees,  and 
the  brigadier-general  of  Albany  and  Tryon  ;  and  the  march 
of  the  said  battalion,  either  in  body  or  detachments,  shall  be 
on  such  day  or  days  respectively,  as  the  said  brigadier  of 
Albany  and  Tryon,  and  the  said  general  committees  of  the 
counties  wherein  such  detachments  are  to  be  levied,  shall 
by  majority  of  voices  be  determined  ;  provided  always, 
that  the  last  day  of  such  march  do  not  exceed  the  first  day 
of  July  next. 

"12thly.  That  all  returns  as  aforesaid,  respecting  the 
said  battalion,  be  respectively  made  in  manner  aforesaid  to 
this  Congress. 

"Lastly.  For  the  encouragement  of  all  privates  who  shall 
be  employed  in  the  aforesaid  service,  your  committee  do 
advise  that  it  be  resolved  by  this  Congress,  that  in  case 
the  Continental  Congress  do  not  increase  their  pay,  from 
forty  shillings  to  fifty-three  shillings  and  four  pence,  cur- 
rent lawful  money  of  this  Colony,  then  this  Congress  will 
make  full  provision  for  such  increase." 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  aforesaid  report  stand 
confirmed,  and  that  it  be  deemed,  esteemed  and  taken  in 
all  things  as  a  resolve  and  order  of  this  Congress.  And 

"  Resolved,  That  the  rank  and  number  of  officers  of 
the  said  three  thousand  militia,  destined  to  reinforce  the 
army  at  New-York,  be  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  The  detachments  from  Queens,  Kings  and  Richmond 
counties  to  be  joined  to,  and  make  a  part  of,  the  two  bat- 
talions of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York ;  that  two 
captains,  three  first  lieutenants  and  two  second  lieutenants 
be  appointed  in  Queens  county  ;  that  one  captain  and  one 
second  lieutenant  be  appointed  in  Kings  county ;  and  that 
one  captain  and  one  second  lieutenant  be  appointed  in 
Richmond  county. 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  Westchester  county,  one 
colonel,  four  captains,  four  first  lieutenants  and  four  se- 
cond lieutenants. 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  Suffolk  county,  one  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, three  captains,  two  first  lieutenants  and 
three  second  lieutenants. 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  Orange  county,  one  major, 
three  captains,  two  first  lieutenants  and  three  second  lieu- 
tenants. 

"  That  the  detachments  from  the  three  last  mentioned 
counties,  with  such  addition  as  is  hereafter  mentioned,  be 
one  battalion. 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  the  county  of  Dutchess, 
one  colonel,  four  captains,  five  first  lieutenants  and  four 
second  lieutenants, 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  Ulster  county,  one  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, four  captains,  four  first  lieutenants  and 
four  second  lieutenants. 

"  That  there  be  appointed  in  Albany  county,  one  major, 
two  captains,  three  first  lieutenants  and  two  second  lieu- 
tenants. 

"  That  one  first  lieutenant,  one  sergeant,  one  corporal 
and  twenty-two  privates  from  Albany  county  be  joined  to 
the  detachment  of  Orange  county  ;  that  one  first  lieute- 
nant, one  sergeant,  one  corporal  and  twenty-two  privates 
from  Dutchess  county  be  joined  to  the  detachment  of  Suf- 
folk county  ;  that  a  sergeant  and  nine  privates  from  the 
detachment  of  Dutches  county  be  added  to  the  two  batta- 
lions of  New-York. 

"  That  the  detachment  of  175  men  from  Albany,  and 
the  detachments  from  Dutches  and  Ulster  (excepting 
those  directed  to  be  joined  to  the  detachments  of  Orange 


488 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


and  Suffolk,  and  to  the  battalions  of  New-York)  be  one 
separate  battalion. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  ROBT.  BENSON,  Secy." 

A  return  of  officers  of  a  minute  company  in  Smith  Town 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  their  commissions  issue. 

The  Congress  proceeded,  by  ballot,  to  the  choice  of  a 
brigadier-general  for  the  four  battalions  of  militia  to  rein- 
force the  army  at  New- York,  when  Mr.  Scott  was  elected 
in  the  following  maner,  to  wit : 

For  Mr.  Scott.  For  Genl.  Woodhull. 

New-York,   8  Orange,  3 

Westchester,   4  Suffolk,   4 

Tryon,   3  Dutchess,   5 

Charlotte,   2  Ulster,   4 

Alhany,   6 


16 


23 


The  Congress  having  taken  into  consideration  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  brigadier-general,  to  take  the  command  of 
the  three  thousand  of  the  militia,  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  destined  by  the  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress 
of  the  3d  instant,  to  reinforce  the  army  at  New- York, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  John  Morin  Scott  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  nominated  and  appointed  brigadier-general  of 
the  said  three  thousand  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony,  and  it 
is  hereby 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent for  this  purpose  and  issued  accordingly. 

A  draft  of  a  commission  to  John  Morin  Scott,  as  briga- 
dier-general, was  read  and  approved  as  follows,  vizt: 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  the  ninth  day  of  June,  1776.  5 
"  To  John  Morin  Scott,  Esquire,  Greeting  : 

"  Whereas  the  Continental  Congress,  by  their  resolu- 
tions of  the  1st  and  3d  day  of  June  instant,  did,  among 
other  things,  in  substance  resolve  that  the  Colony  of  New- 
York  be  requested  to  furnish  3,000  of  their  militia  to  rein- 
force the  army  at  New-York,  to  be  engaged  to  the  first  day 
of  December  next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  Congress  ; 
that  a  Provincial  brigadier-general  from  New-York,  be  em- 
ployed in  the  New- York  department,  and  that  the  said 
brigadier-general  should  be  appointed  by  this  Colony : 

"  We,  therefore,  reposing  especial  trust  and  confidence 
in  your  patriotism,  valour,  conduct  and  fidelity,  do  by  these 
presents  constitute  and  appoint  you,  the  said  John  Morin 
Scott,  Provincial  brigadier-general,  for  the  purposes  afore- 
said. You  are  therefore  carefully  and  diligently  to  dis- 
charge the  duty  of  brigadier-general,  by  doing  and  perform- 
ing all  manner  of  things  thereunto  belonging  for  the  de- 
fence of  American  liberty,  and  repelling  every  hostile  in- 
vasion thereof. 

"  And  we  do  strictly  charge  and  require  all  officers  and 
privates,  under  your  command,  to  be  obedient  to  your  or- 
ders as  brigadier-general ;  and  you  are  to  observe  and  fol- 
low such  orders  and  directions,  from  time  to  time,  in  the 
execution  of  your  said  office,  as  you  shall  receive  from  the 
Continental  Congress,  or  from  the  Commander-in-Chief 
for  the  time  being,  of  the  army  of  the  United  Colonies,  or 
any  other  your  superior  officer,  according  to  the  rules  and 
discipline  of  war.  This  commission  to  be  enforced  until 
revoked  by  this,  or  some  future  Congress  or  Legislature 
of  this  Colony." 

Resolved,  That  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates of  the  battalions  or  detachment  of  the  militia  raised 
in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester,  and  destined  to  reinforce  the  army  in  Ca- 
nada, be  allowed  a  bounty  of  four  dollars  each  ;  and  that 
in  case  the  Continental  Congress  should  not  make  allow- 
ance for  the  same,  such  bounty  shall  be  at  the  charge  of 
this  Colony.    And  to  expedite  the  service,  it  is  hereby 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Congress  do  ad- 
vance and  pay  into  the  hands  of  Messrs.  Henry  Glen  and 
John  Ten  Broeck  and  Jacob  Cuyler,  the  sum  of  two 


thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighty  dollars,  to  be  applied 
for  that  purpose. 


DIE  LUNtE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  10th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Col.  Broome,  Capt.  Denning,  Col.  Stouten- 
burgh,  Mr.  Sands,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler— 

Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Dr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemus—  Kings. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Returns  of  the  officers  of  the  third  and  sixth  companies 
of  the  3rd  regiment  of  Suffolk  county  militia,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continental 
Congress,  mentioning  that  the  question  of  independence 
was  there  agitated,  and  requesting  instruction  relative 
thereto,  was  read  with  closed  door,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  8th,  1776. 

"  Dr.  Sir — Your  Delegates  here  expect  that  the  ques- 
tion of  independence  will  very  shortly  be  agitated  in  Con- 
gress. Some  of  us  consider  ourselves  as  bound  by  our  in- 
structions not  to  vote  on  that  question,  and  all  wish  to  have 
your  sentiments  thereon. 

"  The  matter  will  admit  of  no  delay,  we  have  therefore 
sent  an  express  who  will  wait  your  oiders. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hum.  servts. 
"  WM.  FLOYD, 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  FRANS.  LEWIS. 

"  Directed 

"  To  Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Esqr.  Prest. 

of  the  Hon.  the  Convention  of  New- York." 

Doors  opened. 

The  appeal  of  Thomas  Harriot  from  the  decision  of  the 
general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York,  that  the  said 
Thomas  Harriot  should  be  held  up  as  an  enemy  to  his 
country  for  having  refused  Continental  bills  of  credit  in 
payment,  and  the  proceedings  before  the  said  committee, 
were  read.  The  witnesses  were  examined  ;  the  resolution 
of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  11th  day  of  Jany.  last, 
on  that  subject,  was  also  read,  and  the  said  Thos.  Harriot 
heard  in  his  defence.    The  same  being  considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  decision  or  determination  of  the  ge- 
neral committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  in 
the  case  of  Thos.  Harriot,  be  and  is  hereby  confirmed. 

Brigadier-Genl.  Gates  stated  to  Congress,  that  the  com- 
missioners who  came  down  Hudson's  river,  informed  him 
that  Fort  Constitution  is  in  a  bad  state  of  defence.  That 
he  has  reason  to  expect  the  enemy  will  make  a  push  up 
the  river.  That  Genl.  Washington  desires  that  a  regiment 
of  militia  be  sent  immediately  there  ;  and  further,  that  the 
General  requests  to  know  what  steps  are  taken  about  the 
militia  already  ordered. 

The  petition  of  the  vestrymen  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
received  and  read  on  the  inst.  being  committed  to  a 
committee,  and  no  report  made  thereon,  the  same  being 
taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  £1,500  be  by  this  Congress 
lent  to  the  justices  and  vestrymen  of  the  city  and  county  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


489 


New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  for  the  poor  of  the 
said  city  and  county.  The  said  city  and  county  to  stand 
charged  with  the  said  sum  as  lent  by  the  Colony,  to  be 
repaid  at  such  time  and  in  such  manner  as  this  or  some  fu- 
ture Congress  or  Legislature  of  this  Colony  shall  direct. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Mr.  Abraham  Duryee 
and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  or  either  of  them,  as  church  war- 
dens and  overseers  of  the  poor  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  the  sum  of  £1,500,  to  be  by  them  applied  in 
supporting  the  poor  of  the  said  city  and  county,  in  the 
same  manner  as  the  money  raised  by  the  minister  and  poor 
tax  for  that  purpose,  hath  heretofore  been  applied. 

Ordered,  also,  £100  for  Queens  county. 

Returns  of  militia  officers  chosen  in  several  towns  in 
Queens  county  were  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  same. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  the  offi- 
cers for  the  two  regiments,  when  the  following  gentlemen 
were  chosen,  to  wit : 

Westchester. — Samuel  Drake,  colo. 
Suffolk.— John  Hurlbert,  lieut.  colo. 
Orange.— Moses  Hetfield,  major. 
Dutches. — Corns.  Humphreys,  colo. 
Ulster. — Johannes  Hardenbergh,  lieut.  colo. 
Albany. — Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  major. 

Monday,  5  o'clock  P.  M.  June  10th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Phil.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Col.  Broome,  Capt.  Denning,  Col.  Rem- 
sen,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Genl.  Scott,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay  at  8  o'clock— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — SI- 
bany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Little—  Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

The  petition  of  William  Tillou  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
praying  leave  to  remove  with  his  family  to  Charlotte  pre- 
cinct in  Dutches  county,  was  read  and  considered.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted,  and  that 
the  said  William  Tillou  be  and  is  hereby  permitted  to  re- 
move from  the  said  city  with  his  wife  and  family  to  Dutches 
county. 

The  Congress  then  took  into  consideration  the  letter  re- 
ceived this  morning  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  which  was  again  read. 

The  powers  of  this  Congress  in  the  resolutions  for  their 
election,  and  the  powers  of  the  Delegates  at  Continental 
Congress,  were  also  read,  and  after  some  time  spent  in  the 
consideration  of  said  letter,  it  was 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned. 

Sundry  resolutions  for  electing  Deputies  to  form  a  go- 
vernment, were  also  read  and  discussed,  and  the  further 
consideration  thereof  postponed. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

New-York,  June  nth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col. 
Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Jay— New-York. 
Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Covenhoven— Kings. 

123 


Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 
Col.  Blackwell.  Mr.  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  P.  Schenk — Dutches. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten— Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster- 
Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Col.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

On  motion,  it  was  ordered  that  Major  Lockwood  have 
leave  of  absence. 

Ordered,  That  Saml.  Loudon's  application  and  the  par- 
ties be  dismissed,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esqr.  Commissary- 
General,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  His  Excellency  Genl. 
Washington  to  apply  to  you,  informing  that  he  understands 
that  considerable  quantities  of  salted  pork  are  shipping  from 
this  city  and  Colony  to  different  foreign  ports  and  places, 
and  that  he  is  apprehensive  that  the  great  augmentation  of 
troops  to  be  made  here  and  in  Canada,  will  require  all  the 
pork  in  this  and  the  neighbouring  Colonies  for  their  sub- 
sistence this  campaign,  until  new  pork  comes  in,  and  there- 
fore requests  your  interposition  to  put  a  stop  to  such  ex- 
portations,  in  such  manner  as  to  you  shall  appear  most  pro- 
per to  prevent  the  want  of  provisions  for  subsisting  the 
troops  employed  in  the  necessary  defence  of  our  just  rights 
and  liberties. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  humble  servant, 

"  JOS.  TRUMBULL, 

"  Commissary  of  Stores  and  Provisions. 

"June  Uth.  1776. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Colonial  Congress, 

New-York." 

On  consideration  whereof,  the  Congress  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing determination  and  resolution,  to  wit : 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress  that 
great  quantities  of  salted  pork  and  beef  have  been  pur- 
chased for  exportation,  which,  if  not  retained,  may  render 
the  supplies  of  the  army  difficult  and  uncertain  ; 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  no  salted  beef  or  pork,  ex- 
cept as  much  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  crew, 
be  exported  from  this  Colony  in  any  vessel,  under  any  pre- 
tence whatever,  for  the  space  of  14  days,  by  which  time 
the  Continental  Congress  will  have  an  opportunity  of  mak- 
ing some  general  regulations  respecting  the  same. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Jos.  Trumbull, 

Esqr.  Commissary-General,  received  this  day,  was  read 

and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  f 
"New-York,  June  Uth,  1776.  \ 

"  Sir — Your  letter  has  been  received  and  communicated 
to  the  Congress  of  the  Colony.  Be  pleased  to  inform  His 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  that  this  Congress  has,  by 
a  resolution,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy,  restrained 
the  exportation  of  beef  and  pork  for  14  days. 

"  They  are  of  opinion  that  application  should  immedi- 
ately be  made  to  the  Continental  Congress,  in  order  that  a 
general  regulation  may  take  place  ;  for  although  this  Con- 
gress will  always  be  ready  to  pursue  such  measures  as  may 
advance  the  common  cause ;  yet  the  justice  due  to  their 
constituents,  forbids  them  subjecting  their  Colony  to  par- 
tial restraints. 

"  I  am,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servant. 

"  By  order. 

"  Jos.  Trumbull,  Esqr. 

Commissary  of  stores  and  provisions." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 

by  the  President  and  transmitted. 


490 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at 
Continental  Congress,  enclosing  copies  of  Col.  Trumbull's 
letter  and  answer  thereto,  and  the  resolution  for  restraining 
the  exportation  of  beef  and  pork  for  14  days,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"New-York,  June  Uth,  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony  to  transmit  the  enclosed  papers  to  you,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  being  communicated  to  the  Continental  Congress. 
"I  am,  gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates  in 

Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  Thomas  Wooly,  confined  in  Queens 
county  jail,  was  read.  He  therein  makes  submission  for  his 
past  offences,  and  prays  to  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Queens  county,  who  are  authorized  to  hear  and 
determine  thereon  ;  and  if  the  said  Thomas  Wooley  shall 
make  such  concessions  and  engagements,  (or  if  they  should 
require  it,)  give  such  security  as  they  may  think  necessary 
that  they  may  direct  him  to  be  discharged. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Queens  county, 
covering  the  petition  of  Thomas  Wooly,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ) 
"  New-York,  A.  M.  June  Uth,  1776.  $ 

"Gentlemen — Enclosed  you  have  a  petition  from 
Thos.  Wooley,  to  this  Congress,  which  we  have  chosen  to 
refer  to  you  to  judge  of ;  and  if  you  should  think  it  con- 
tains a  reasonable  concession  for  his  offence,  you  will 
then  give  orders  for  his  discharge,  only  taking  security  for 
his  future  good  behaviour,  if  you  should  think  that  neces- 
sary. 

"  We  are,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servts. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Queens  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Ritzema,  informing  Congress  that 
there  are  about  30  muskets  purchased  by  the  committee  of 
Jamaica,  and  requesting  an  order  for  them,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Riker  be  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized to  receive,  from  the  committee  at  Jamaica,  the  said 
muskets  and  have  them  repaired,  where  necessary,  for  the 
use  of  the  troops  raised  in  this  Colony  ;  that  Capt.  Riker 
take  care  that  the  said  committee  send  a  particular  account 
of  the  price  of  those  arms  to  Colo.  Curtenius,  at  New- 
York,  and  that  the  said  arms  pass  through  the  hands  of 
Colo.  Curtenius,  in  such  manner  that  he  may  be  enabled 
to  pay  for  them,  and  take  proper  receipts  for  them,  so  that 
the  officer,  or  officers,  to  whose  company  they  may  be  fur- 
nished may  be  accountable  for  them,  and  that  they  may  be 
accounted  for  and  paid  for  to  the  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  direct  such  arms  as  are 
fit  for  the  use  of  soldiers  which  the  general  committee  of 
the  city  and  county  of  New- York-  have  taken  from  disaf- 
fected persons,  and  sent  to  him  after  they  are  appraised 
and  repaired,  where  necessary,  be  put  into  the  Colony  store, 
in  the  same  manner  as  other  arms. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning  and  Mr.  Ten 
Broeck,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  and  report  the  state 
of  the  magazines  in  this  Colony,  and  what  quantity  of 
powder  is  due  from  the  Colony. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Wool  examine  the  situation  of 
Isaac  Youngs,  a  prisoner,  and  cause  the  irons  to  be  taken 
off  him,  if  he  thinks  it  necessary. 

Tuesday,  P.  M.  June  Uth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadicr-Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 


And  the  same  members  as  in  the  morning,  excepting 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr. 
Covenhoven,  Mr.  Journey  and  Mr.  Conner. 

Mrs.  Betts  and  a  woman  from  Stone-street,  were  intro- 
duced to  Congress  ;  they  said  they  came  to  be  examined 
respecting  a  charge  of  their  having  kept  up  a  correspon- 
dence with  the  Asia  ship  of  war,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Glen  and  Mr.  Schenk  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  them  and  report  to  this  Congress. 

Several  resolutions  on  the  subject  of  independence,  mov- 
ed by  Mr.  Jay,  and  seconded  by  Col.  Remsen,  were  read  ; 
and  being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  were  amended  and 
agreed  to,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  good  people  of  this 
Colony  have  not,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  autho- 
rized this  Congress,  or  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony,  in  the 
Continental  Congress,  to  declare  this  Colony  to  be  and 
continue  independent  of  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain. 

"  But  whereas  the  perseverance  of  the  British  King 
and  Parliament  in  an  unjustifiable  attempt  to  subjugate 
and  enslave  these  United  Colonies,  may  render  a  determi- 
nation on  that  and  many  other  important  points  highly  ne- 
cessary and  expedient,  and  a  recurrence  to  the  people  at 
large  for  their  sentiments  on  every  great  question  that  may 
occur  in  the  course  of  the  present  contest  would  be  very 
inconvenient  to  them,  and  probably  be  attended  with  dange- 
rous delay  : 

"  Resolved  unanimously,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  is 
hereby,  earnestly  recommended  to  all  the  freeholders  and 
other  electors  in  this  Colony,  at  the  ensuing  election  to  be 
held  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Congress  of  the 
31st  day  of  May  last  past,  not  only  to  vest  their  Repre- 
sentatives or  Deputies  with  the  powers  therein  mentioned, 
but  also  with  full  power  to  deliberate  and  determine  on 
every  question  whatever  that  may  concern  or  affect  the  in- 
terest of  this  Colony,  and  to  conclude  upon,  ordain  and 
execute  every  act  and  measure  which  to  them  shall  appear 
conducive  to  the  happiness,  security  and  welfare  of  this 
Colony  ;  and  that  they  hold  and  exercise  the  said  powers 
until  the  second  Tuesday  of  May  next,  or  until  a  regular 
form  of  government  for  this  Colony  shall  be  established, 
(in  case  that  event  shall  sooner  take  place.)  And  it  is  fur- 
ther recommended  to  the  said  freeholders  and  electors,  by 
instructions  or  otherwise,  to  inform  their  said  Deputies  of 
their  sentiments  relative  to  the  great  question  of  indepen- 
dency, and  such  other  points  as  they  may  think  proper." 

On  motion, 

Agreed,  That  the  publishing  of  the  aforegoing  resolves 
be  postponed  until  after  the  election  of  Deputies  with  pow- 
ers to  establish  a  new  form  of  government. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Colo.  be  a  commit- 

tee to  draft  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  our  Delegates  at 
Continental  Congress,  received  the  10th  inst.  on  the  sub- 
ject of  independency. 

The  petition  of  John  Hilton,  shewing  that  he  had  laden 
his  vessel  with  beef  and  pork,  and  was  ready  to  sail  in  a 
few  hours,  when  he  was  this  day  informed  of  the  resolve 
prohibiting  the  exportation  of  beef  and  pork,  &c.  and 
praying  permission  to  complete  his  cargo  and  depart,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt  cause  the  inspector  of 
exportation  to  collect  an  account  of  all  the  vessels  now  in 
this  port  laden  with  beef  and  pork,  and  the  quantity  in 
each,  and  report  the  same  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen  and  Colo.  Malcom  be  a 
committeee  to  draw  and  report  a  plan  for  drafting,  in  case 
of  a  deficiency  of  volunteers,  to  make  up  the  quota  of  mi- 
litia of  this  city  and  county  in  the  service. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Broome,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and 
Mr.  Tredwell  be  a  committee  to  report  how  the  people 
called  Quakers  shall  be  considered  and  treated  in  the  rais- 
ing, furnishing  and  drafting  the  militia  ordered  to  be  em- 
bodied for  service  in  this  Colony. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


491 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Sands  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  and  report  how  the  2nd  battalion  shall 
be  paid. 

Resolved,  That  the  calling  out  the  militia  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  or 
drafting  their  quota  of  militia  for  actual  service,  be  deferred 
until  Friday  next ;  and  that  the  respective  colonels  of  the 
respective  regiments  of  New-York,  cause  their  regiments 
to  be  paraded  on  that  day  for  that  purpose. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

June  12th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant^to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhnll,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  J.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Sands, 
Mr.  Brasher,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Glen — Albany. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  P.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Hoiften — Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Genl.  Woodhull— Suffolk. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 

Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Blackwell— Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Mercier  attended,  with  a  manifest  of  the  cargoes  of 
several  vessels  now  lading  in  this  port. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  John  Hilton's  peti- 
tion be  postponed,  until  the  expiration  of  the  prohibition 
contained  in  the  resolutions  of  yesterday,  for  preventing  the 
exportation  of  beef  and  pork,  &c.  or  until  the  determina- 
tion of  the  Continental  Congress,  if  they  should  make  a 
prior  determination  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Abrm.  Yates  Junr.  enclosing  an  extract  of 
a  letter  of  Col.  Fredk.  Bellenger  was  read,  requesting  pow- 
der for  the  frontier. 

Ordered,  That  1 ,200  pounds  of  gunpowder  be  immedi- 
ately sent  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  for  the  use  of  the 
frontier  inhabitants  of  Albany  and  Tryon  counties,  who  are 
most  exposed ;  and  that  Mr.  R.  Norwood,  commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  the  said  1,200  pounds  weight  of  gun- 
powder, in  good  order,  to  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqr.  for  the  use 
aforesaid  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Graham  and  Mr. 
Sands  be  a  committee  to  sell  the  flour,  bread  and  pease 
purchased  by  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr. 
Sands  be  a  committee  to  agree  with  John  McDonald  the 
miner. 

Resolved,  That  the  calling  out  of  the  militia  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  or 
drafting  their  quotas  of  militia  for  actual  service,  be  deferred 
until  Tuesday  next,  and  that  the  respective  colonels  of  the 
militia  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  and  of  the 
counties  of  Kings  and  Richmond  cause  their  regiments  to 
be  paraded  on  that  day  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  give  to  the  general 
and  staff  officers  a  dinner  at  the  public  expense  ;  and, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  wait  on  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  to  know  what  day  will  be  most  conve- 
nient to  him. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  June  12th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  J.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Randall — New-  York. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten—  Orange. 
Col.  Blackall,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Glen,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 
Mr.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 


Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland— Westchester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Ordered,  That  Danl.  Goldsmith,  the  jailer,  apply  to  Mr. 
Roorback,  the  barrack-master,  for  two  benches  and  a  table, 
for  the  use  of  the  mariners  who  are  prisoners  of  war ;  and 
that  Mr.  Roorback  supply  him  with  those  articles. 

Generals  Putnam  and  Mifflin  having  complained  to  this 
Congress  of  the  riotous  and  disorderly  conduct  of  numbers 
of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  which  had  led  this  day  to 
acts  of  violence  towards  some  disaffected  persons  :  it  was 
thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  by  no  means  approve  of 
the  riots  that  have  happened  this  day  ;  they  flatter  them- 
selves, however,  that  they  have  proceeded  from  a  real  re- 
gard to  liberty  and  a  detestation  of  those  persons  who,  by 
their  language  and  conduct,  have  discovered  themselves  to 
be  inimical  to  the  cause  of  America.  To  urge  the  warm 
friends  of  liberty  to  decency  and  good  order,  this  Congress 
assures  the  public  that  effectual  measures  shall  be  taken 
to  secure  the  enemies  of  American  liberty  in  this  Colony  ; 
and  do  require  the  good  people  of  this  city  and  Colony  to 
desist  from  all  riots,  and  leave  the  offenders  against  so  good 
a  cause  to  be  dealt  with  by  the  constitutional  representa- 
tives of  the  Colony. 

Mr.  Gansevort  and  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer  took  the  gene- 
ral oath  of  secrecy. 

The  President  reported  that  he  had  waited  on  His  Ex- 
cellency Genl.  Washington,  and  that  Friday  next  was 
fixed  on  as  the  most  convenient  day  for  His  Excellency  to 
accept  the  invitation  of  the  complimentary  dinner  resolved 
to  be  given  him  and  his  officers  by  this  Congress. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

June  13th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Hallett.  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Bra- 
sher, Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Col.  Drake,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tompkins—  West- 
chester. 

Col.  Malcom,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Delavergne — Dutches. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Journey — Richmond. 

A  certificate,  dated  31st  May,  1776,  signed  by  David 
Jagger  and  John  Barcley,  two  of  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Hanover  precinct,  Ulster  county,  appointed  to  in- 
spect the  election  of  the  officers  of  a  company  of  militia  ta- 
ken from  the  company  commanded  by  Capt.  Jackson,  (which 
company  was  divided  by  said  committee  into  two  compa- 
nies,) which  certificate  returned  and  certified  that  James  Mc- 
Bride  was  duly  elected  captain  ;  James  McClaughry,  first 
lieut. ;  Abraham  Neely,  2nd  lieut.  ;  and  Andrew  Neely, 
ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  accordingly. 

A  letter  from  Govr.  Trumbull,  explaining  the  reasons 
why  he  had  not  sooner  answered  the  letter  of  this  Con- 
gress of  last  winter,  relative  to  the  people  of  Connecticut, 
carrying  away  James  Rivington's  types,  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — 1  received  your  letter  of  the  12th  Deer.  ulto.  and 
paid  a  particular  regard  to  the  contents,  but  the  subject 


492 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


matter  being  of  public  concern,  by  the  usage  and  custom 
of  this  Colony,  I  was  not  warranted  to  give  an  answer  be- 
fore the  same  was  laid  before  the  General  Assembly,  which 
was  soon  after  to  convene ;  when  the  Assembly  met,  I 
early  laid  your  two  letters  before  them  ;  they  appointed  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  subject  matter  of 
your  letters,  who  never  made  report  until  near  the  close  of 
the  Assembly,  and  in  the  hurry  and  multiplicity  of  impor- 
tant business  then  crowding,  their  report  was  passed  over 
without  the  Assembly  making  any  resolve  thereon.  On 
my  return  home,  I  found  the  unhappy  omission,  but  as 
the  Assembly  had  the  matter  under  consideration,  I  could 
not  with  propriety  make  any  answer  thereto,  therefore  of 
necessity  it  was  delayed  till  the  sitting  of  this  Assembly, 
and  can,  gentlemen,  give  you  the  strongest  assurance  that 
the  delay  in  answering  those  letters,  was  not  from  any  dis- 
regard to  your  respectable  body,  nor  for  want  of  inclina- 
tion to  cultivate  the  utmost  harmony  between  this  and  the 
Province  you  represent ;  and  you  may  be  assured,  nothing 
shall  be  wanting  on  our  part  to  restore  and  effect  the  same. 
Your  candour  in  imputing  the  intrusion  of  a  number  of  our 
people  into  your  capital,  (in  the  manner  they  did,)  to  an 
imprudent  though  well  intended  zeal  for  the  public  cause, 
gives  me  real  pleasure  ;  and  can  give  you  the  strongest  as- 
surance that  this  Colony  by  no  means  approve  their  con- 
duct, yet  a  severe  censure  at  this  time,  upon  them,  in  this 
unhappy  and  enervated  state  of  government,  might  be  at- 
tended with  such  inconveniences  as  you  will  readily  appre- 
hend, and  would  be  needless  for  me  to  point  out,  and 
which,  I  dare  say,  will  suggest  to  you  at  once  a  satisfac- 
tory excuse  for  our  not  taking  such  measures,  as  might  have 
been  expected,  in  times  of  peace  and  quiet ;  though  in  such 
happy  seasons  the  proper  resort  for  the  private  injury  must 
have  been  to  the  courts  of  law,  which  are  the  only  jurisdic- 
tion who  can  legally  take  notice  of  violences  of  this  kind. 
As  to  the  public  insult,  you  candidly  extenuate  by  saying  that 
it  was  noonday,  and  not  in  darkness  of  night,  which  would 
be  accompanied  with  terror.  Though  we  by  no  means 
approve  or  justify  the  people  of  this  Colony  taking  any  part 
therein  ;  but  the  same  candour  you  have  expressed  in  your 
letter,  I  presume  will  induce  you  to  view  the  matter,  so 
far  as  it  respects  this  Colony  or  any  of  our  people  being 
concerned  therein,  in  the  still  more  favourable  light,  when 
you  reflect  that  the  head  or  leader  of  the  whole  transaction 
was  a  respectable  member  of  your  city  and  Congress,  who 
we  consider  as  the  proper  person  to  whom  the  whole  trans- 
action is  imputable,  and  who  belongs  and  is  amenable  to 
your  jurisdiction  alone  ;  and,  therefore,  the  affair  cannot  be 
considered  as  an  intrusion  of  our  people  into  your  Province, 
but  as  a  violence  or  disorder  happening  among  yourselves, 
and  not  an  intrusion  from  another  Colony  ;  and  you  have 
the  power  to  compel  the  gentleman  we  point  out,  to  return 
and  restore  that  property  which  was  taken  away,  by  such 
methods  as  you  think  most  proper.  Care  was  taken  that  the 
person  of  Mr.  Seabury,  who  was  brought  into  this  Colony, 
was  released  and  set  at  liberty. 

"  Your  desire  signified  to  us  to  prevent  any  of  the  peo- 
ple of  this  Colony  from  entering  into  yours  for  the  like 
purposes,  unless  invited  by  your  Provincial  Congress,  or 
committees,  we  esteem  very  reasonable,  and  you  may  rely 
upon  it,  we  do  and  shall  discountenance  and  endeavour  to 
prevent  any  such  like  incursions. 

"  The  approbation  you  express  in  your  other  letter  of 
the  same  date,  of  our  people  on  request,  affording  you  their 
assistance  in  Westchester  county,  and  which  came  to  hand  at 
the  same  time,  gives  us  much  pleasure  and  shall  be  ready 
at  all  times  to  afford  every  friendly  aid.  We  hope  what  is 
said  on  the  subject  of  your  letter  will  prove  satisfactory 
both  as  to  the  matter  and  the  occasion  of  delay  in  not 
sooner  giving  you  an  answer  ;  and  we  hope  every  jealousy 
may  be  removed,  and  the  most  friendly  harmony  and  in- 
tercourse may  be  renewed,  and  kept  up  between  this  as- 
sembly and  your  Provincial  Congress,  and  with  whom  we 
sincerely  wish  to  hold  the  most  free  and  amicable  corres- 


pondence, especially  at  this  time  of  common  danger  and 
oppression. 

,:  And  am  with  esteem  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 
"  JONN.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Hartford,  June  10,  177G. 
"  The  Honble.  Nathl.  Woodhull." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  and  Capt.  Denning  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  on  Genl.  Washington,  and  ascertain  whether 
he  will  have  further  occasion  for  the  attendance  of  five 
commissioners  now  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  and  also 
whether  the  company  of  minute  men  from  Orange  county 
militia  now  at  those  fortifications,  may  not  be  discharged. 

And  whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Congress  that  the 
men  of  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment  cannot  procure  their  pay, 
and  that  they  are  mutinous  for  want  of  it.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Denning  and  Mr.  Sands  be  a 
committee  to  call  on  Colo.  Ritzema  to  know  why  his  men 
are  not  paid. 

Four  fishermen  were  by  request  admitted.  They  stated 
that  they  have  permission  from  the  people  of  Islip  in  Suf- 
folk county,  to  fish  in  their  bay ;  but  that  the  people  of 
Huntington  hinder  them  from  bringing  their  fish  down  the 
bay,  or  crossing  towards  New-York. 

The  President  thereupon  advised  the  said  fishermen  to 
procure  certificates  from  Queens  county  committee,  which 
would  protect  them  from  any  further  interruption. 

A  petition  of  Mangle  Minthorne,  who  was  advertised, 
praying  to  be  restored,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Alderman 
Brasher  and  Mr.  Peter  P.  Van  Zandt. 

On  request  of  Col.  McDougall, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Israel  Evans  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
appointed  chaplain  to  Col.  McDougall's  and  Col.  Ritze- 
ma's regiments. 

Resolved,  That  if  Mr.  William  Tapp  shall  enlist  20  men  in 
20  days,  for  Capt.  Van  Wyck's  company,  he  shall  thereupon 
be  entitled  to,  and  receive  the  appointment  of  2nd  lieutenant. 

Col.  McDougall  produced  to  Congress  an  order  of  the 
General,  that  recruiting  officers  should  have  \\  dollars  for 
recruiting  fees,  and  requested  to  know  whether  this  Congress 
will  grant  a  like  allowance  to  the  officers  of  his  regiment, 
and  direct  the  auditor  accordingly. 

Colo.  McDougall  also  made  a  report  of  the  first  regiment 
of  troops  raised  in  this  Colony  for  the  Continental  service, 
under  his  command,  which  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Hobart  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  appointed  two  of  the  members  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed by  this  Congress  to  execute  certain  resolutions  of 
this  Congress  of  the  5th  inst.  relative  to  persons  dangerous 
and  disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  and  to  persons  of 
equivocal  character,  and  that  Colo.Remsen  whose  necessary 
attention  to  the  affairs  of  his  battalion  engrosses  the  greater 
part  of  his  time,  be  discharged  from  the  said  committee. 
And  it  is  further 

Ordered,  That  all  the  members  of  the  said  committee 
do  attend  this  Congress  to-morrow  morning,  and  take  the 
oaths  in  and  by  the  said  resolution  prescribed. 

A  sub-committee,  from  the  committee  of  the  city  and 
county  of  New-York  attending,  requested  permission  to  in- 
spect the  minutes  of  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  furnish  the  said  sub- 
committee with  an  abstract  of  the  information  they  require. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  \Zth  June,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  informed  that  a  number  of  persons  on  Long 
island,  (by  character  not  the  most  friendly  to  the  cause  of 
the  United  Colonies,)  have  in  their  hands  considerable 
quantities  of  pork,  and  other  provisions,  which  they  refuse 
to  part  with  for  Continental  bills.  They  may  have  other 
reasons  for  their  conduct  still  more  detrimental  ;  and  there- 
fore I  must  beg  the  interposition  of  your  Congress  in  this 
matter,  so  as  to  prevent  the  evils  which  are  much  to  be  ap- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


493 


prehended.  The  Commissary-General  will  purchase  all 
their  provisions  at  good  prices,  and  give  them  Continental 
bills  in  pay.  Gold  and  silver  he  has  none.  The  provi- 
sions are  wanted  for  the  army ;  and  those  who  are  well 
wishers  to  the  cause,  and  live  in  exposed  situations,  will 
undoubtedly  be  glad  to  dispose  of  them.  The  disadvanta- 
ges which  may  result  to  the  public,  by  leaving  them  in  the 
hands  of  men  of  a  different  complexion,  are  too  obvious  to 
need  animadversion. 

"  I  have  had  your  report  respecting  the  obstructions  of 
the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river  under  consideration, 
and  am  pursuing  measures  to  carry  it  into  execution  with 
all  possible  despatch. 

"  With  great  respect,  I  remain,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  humble  servt. 
"GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

'•'  To  the  Honble.  the  President 

of  the  New-York  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr.  Brasher  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  on  J.  Trumbull,  Esqr.  the  Commissary-Ge- 
neral, and  ascertain  in  whose  possession  the  pork  is,  and 
also  inquire  what  has  become  of  the  pork  purchased  in 
Connecticut. 

Capt.  Denning  and  Mr.  Sands,  the  committee  appointed 
to  call  on  Genl.  Washington,  returned  and  reported,  that 
the  General  has,  or  will  have,  an  engineer  at  the  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands,  and  says  he  will  not  have  occasion 
for  the  further  service  of  the  commissioners  there,  as  he 
will  take  the  sole  direction  of  those  fortifications  ;  that 
such  minute  men  as  are  employed  at  those  fortifications, 
(only  as  minute  men,)  may  be  discharged  ;  but  that  none 
who  are  enlisted  as  Continental  troops  in  Capt.  Wisner's 
company  be  discharged. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  commissioners  employed 
to  superintend  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  discharged  from  that  service,  as  being  em- 
ployed by,  or  under  directions  from  this  Congress ;  and 
that  all  such  minute  men  as  are  employed  at  the  fortifica- 
tions only  as  minute  men  be  immediately  discharged  ;  but 
that  any  men  who  are  enlisted  as  Continental  troops  in 
Capt.  Wisner's  company  be  not  discharged. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  June  \3th,  1776. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Hallett,  Col.  Brasher,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Jay,  Mr.  Randall,  Capt.  Denning— New-York. 
Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  G.  Drake — Westchester. 

And  from  the  other  counties,  the  same  members  as  in  the  forenoon. 

Mr.  James  Beekman  obtained  leave  of  absence  to  escort 
his  lady  and  family  to  Kingston,  and  to  return  as  soon  as 
possible. 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  enclosing  a  reso- 
lution of  the  Continental  Congress,  that  all  the  troops  rais- 
ed in  the  middle  Colonies  shall  have  the  same  pay  as  those 
raised  in  the  eastern  Colonies,  was  received  and  read. 

Another  letter  from  the  same,  giving  advice  of  the  ap- 
proach of  a  British  fleet  and  army,  under  command  of  Ge- 
neral Howe,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  June  11th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  Congress  have  this  day  received 
advices,  and  are  fully  convinced,  that  it  is  the  design  of 
Genl.  Howe  to  make  an  attack  upon  the  city  of  New- York 
as  soon  as  possible.  The  attack  they  have  reason  to  be- 
lieve will  be  made  within  ten  days.  I  am,  therefore,  most 
earnestly  to  request  you,  by  order  of  Congress,  to  call  forth 
your  militia,  as  requested  in  my  letter  of  the  4th  inst.  and 
to  forward  them  with  all  despatch  to  the  city  of  New-York, 
and  that  you  direct  them  to  march  in  companies,  or  in  any 
other  way  that  will  hasten  their  arrival  there. 

"  The  important  day  is  at  hand  that  will  decide  not  only 
the  fate  of  the  city  of  New-York,  but,  in  all  probability,  of 
the  whole  Province.    On  such  an  occasion,  there  is  no  ne- 

124 


cessity  to  use  arguments  with  Americans.  Their  feelings 
I  well  know  will  prompt  them  to  their  duty,  and  the  sa- 
credness  of  the  cause  will  urge  them  to  the  field. 

"  The  greatest  exertions  of  vigour  and  expedition  are  re- 
quisite to  prevent  our  enemies  fromgettingpossession  of  that 
town.  I  must,  therefore,  again  most  earnestly  request 
you,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  Congress,  to  send 
forward  the  militia,  agreeable  to  the  requisition  of  Con- 
gress, and  that  you  will  do  it  with  all  the  despatch  which 
the  infinite  importance  of  the  cause  demands. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Preside. 
"The  Honble.  Convention,  New- York." 

"In  Congress,  June  Uth,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  letters  be  immediately  wrote  by  the 
President  and  sent  by  express  to  the  several  Colonies  who 
are  to  furnish  militia  for  the  defence  of  New-York,  ac- 
quainting them  with  the  necessity  of  forwarding  their  sup- 
plies with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  immediately  communi- 
cated to  Genl.  Scott,  and  that  he  be  desired  immediately  to 
take  the  most  effectual  measures  for  expediting  the  service 
required  of  this  Colony. 

Whereas,  this  Congress  have  been  informed  by  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  have  great  reason  to  believe  that 
an  invasion  of  this  Colony  will  shortly  be  made  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  re- 
commended to  all  the  officers  of  militia  of  this  Colony  to 
review  the  same,  and  give  orders  that  they  prepare  them- 
selves and  be  ready  to  march  whenever  they  may  be  called 
upon. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  resolutions  be  published  in 
the  public  newspapers  and  printed  in  handbills  to  be  distri- 
buted. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  ,  seconded  by  Col.  Remsen, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  President  and  5  or 
more  members  of  this  Congress,  for  the  time  being,  be  au- 
thorized to  order  out  such  detachments  of  the  militia  of 
this  county  or  of  the  two  independent  battalions  as  they  may 
think  necessary,  to  suppress  riots  or  tumultuous  meetings 
in  this  city  at  any  time  when  this  Congress  are  not  con- 
vened. 

Ordered,  That  the  barrack  master  cause  as  many  of  the 
upper  barrack  rooms  to  be  cleared  out  and  put  in  order  as 
Col.  Malcolm  may  direct,  for  the  reception  of  his  regi- 
ment. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  Uth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Hal- 
lett, Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning.  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Randall — New- 
York. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Conner — Richmond. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Try  on. 

Resolved,  That  all  proceedings  by  the  loan  officers  of 
the  city  and  county  of  New- York  against  all  persons  who 
owe  interest  on  the  principal  sums  by  them  borrowed  of 
the  Colony,  be  stayed  until  the  third  Tuesday  in  April 
next.    The  securities  taken  for  the  payment  of  the  said 


494 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


principal  sums  remaining  also  subject  to  the  payment  of 
the  said  arrear  of  interest. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Nathaniel  Greene,  dated 
in  camp  on  Long  island  this  day,  was  received  and  filed. 
He  therein  requests  that  his  brother,  Jacob  Greene,  be 
permitted  to  be  inoculated  for  the  small  pox,  and  also  that 
the  said  Jacob  have  permission  to  purchase  some  guns 
suitable  for  a  privateer. 

Ordered,  That  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  delay  his  re- 
turn to  the  Continental  Congress,  and  attend  the  business 
of  this  Congress  until  further  order. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ph.  Livingston  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by, appointed  a  member  of  the  committee  constituted  by 
this  Congress  for  the  hearing  and  trial  of  disaffected  per- 
sons, and  persons  of  equivocal  character,  according  to  the 
resolution  of  this  Congress  of  the  5th  June  inst. 

Ordered,  That  the  administration  of  the  oath  to  be  ta- 
ken by  the  members  of  the  committee  above  mentioned, 
be  postponed  until  this  afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  public  records  of  this  Colony,  now 
at  the  house  of  Nichs.  Bayard,  Esqr.  be  forthwith  remov- 
ed to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county.  That  Samuel  Bayard, 
Esqr.  the  Deputy  Secretary,  be  ordered  and  requested  to 
go  and  remain  with  the  said  records,  and  continue  to  exer- 
cise his  office  till  the  further  order  of  this  House.  That 
Dirk  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  Col.  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Joseph 
Gasherie  and  Christopher  Tappen  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by, authorized  and  directed  to  provide  a  proper  place  for 
the  said  records,  and  proper  accommodations  for  the  said 
Deputy  Secretary  ;  that  they  have  the  general  superinten- 
dence of  the  said  records,  and,  by  guards  or  otherwise, 
provide  for  their  safety  and  security. 

That  the  said  Deputy  Secretary  leave  the  seal  of  the  su- 
preme court  with  the  deputy  or  one  of  his  clerks,  and  di- 
rect him  to  seal  writs  and  do  the  common  and  ordinary  bu- 
siness of  the  said  court.  That  Mr.  Robert  Benson,  toge- 
ther with  Mr.  Bayard,  have  the  direction  of  the  removal 
of  the  said  records  on  board  of  a  sloop  provided  by  Mr. 
James  Beekman  ;  and  that  Mr.  Beekman,  with  Mr.  Bayard, 
take  care  of  them  during  the  passage,  and  see  them  safely 
landed  at  Kingston,  and  committed  to  the  direction  of  the 
aforesaid  Dirk  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  Colonel  Abraham  Has- 
brouck, Joseph  Gasherie  and  Christopher  Tappen. 

Ordered,  That  if  any  persons  committed  to  any  jail  in 
this  Colony  by  order  of  this  House  or  any  committee  there- 
of authorized  to  make  such  commitment,  or  any  of  the 
county  commissioners,  escape  from  the  custody  of  the  jailer, 
by  design  or  negligence  of  the  said  jailer  or  jailers  to  whom 
they  may  respectively  be  committed,  the  said  jailer  or  jail- 
ers shall  receive  the  treatment  due  to  the  offence  whereof 
the  person  so  escaping  stood  charged.  And,  to  the  end  that 
the  said  jailer  may  have  all  necessary  assistance  in  secur- 
ing their  said  prisoners, 

Resolved,  That  the  county  committee,  of  the  several 
counties,  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  required 
to  inspect  and  cause  the  jails  in  their  several  and  respective 
counties  to  be  made  safe  and  secure,  and  that  this  Congress 
will  pay  the  expense  thereof,  and  charge  it  to  the  account 
of  said  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolution  be  published. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 
Ordered,  That  Col.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  the 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  Mangle 
Minturn,  report  thereon  this  afternoon. 

The  petition  of  Azor  Betts,  confined  in  the  new  jail  for 
contravening  a  resolution  of  this  Congress  by  inoculating 
some  officers  with  the  small  pox,  praying  to  be  discharged, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  lay  on  the  table. 
Ordered,  That  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  at  the 
City  Hall,  be  requested  to  permit  George  Youngs  to  speak 
to  his  sons  in  custody,  this  afternoon  ;  but  only  in  the  pre- 
sence and  hearing  of  the  officer  of  the  guard,  at  such  times 
as  it  may  be  convenient  to  the  officer. 


A  letter  from  John  W.  Livingston,  confined  in  jail,  de- 
claring his  willingness  to  comply  with  the  resolves  of  Con- 
gress, and  praying  to  be  discharged,  was  read  and  filed. 

Also  a  letter  from  Renier  Van  Hoese,  imprisoned  in  the 
City  Hall,  and  praying  to  be  liberated,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee, to  consist  of  Mr.  Gansevort  and  Mr.  Lawrence. 

Mr.  Hallett,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  call  on  Col. 
Trumbull,  Commissary-General,  reports,  that  the  said  com- 
mittee waited  on  Col.  Trumbull,  who  informed  them  that 
no  person  was  authorized  to  receive  the  pork  in  question, 
or  pay  for  it ;  that,  therefore,  the  holders  sold  it. 

Mr.  Abraham  Livingston  being  called  in  and  examined, 
says,  that  on  being  consulted  by  Col.  Trumbull  relative  to 
the  article  of  pork,  he  informed  Mr.  Trumbull  that  there 
was,  in  his  opinion,  considerable  quantities  on  Long  island; 
that  he  thought  and  was  confident  in  his  own  mind  that  the 
reason  why  it  was  not  disposed  of,  was  from  a  dislike  many 
persons  here  had  to  receiving  Continental  money,  added  to 
a  desire  of  serving  the  British  fleet  and  army  ;  that  those 
persons  he  believes  chiefly  resided  in  Queens  and  Suffolk 
counties.  Mr.  Livingston  further  informed  the  Congress, 
that  he  has  reason  to  believe  there  is  at  least  sixty  head  of 
horned  fat  cattle  on  Sandy  Hook,  and  about  one  hundred 
more  at  or  near  the  Neversinks  ;  the  whole  of  which  he 
supposes  to  be  the  property  of  Messrs.  Hartshorn. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston's  information  relative  to 
the  cattle  on  Sandy  Hook  and  the  Neversinks,  be  commu- 
nicated to  the  Congress  of  New-Jersey  and  Genl.  Wa- 
shington. 

Whereas  this  Congress  have  good  reason  to  believe  that 
divers  persons  on  Long  island  have  in  store,  and  have  re- 
fused to  dispose  of,  great  quantities  of  salted  pork,  which 
is  now  wanted  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  persons  ought  to  dispose  of  the 
said  pork  at  the  market  price  to  the  Commissary-General, 
and  on  their  refusal,  that  he  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to 
take  the  same,  on  paying  the  owner  or  owners  thereof  the 
market  price  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
enclosed  to  the  Commissary-General. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Mr. 
Parks,  be  a  committee  to  settle  Col.  Drake's  and  Mr.  Duns- 
comb's  accounts  about  salt  and  leather. 

Friday  Afternoon,  June  \Ath,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present—  Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hallettf  Mr.  Randall,  Mr. 
Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col. 
Remsen,  Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 

Major  Parks,  Colo.  Hasbrouck—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Jllbany. 

Jas.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Schenk, — Dutches. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Col.  Hasbrouck— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 
Mr.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

John  Wm.  Livingston  gave  his  parol  and  was  discharged, 
and  the  resolution  of  Congress  read  to  him. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  New-Windsor,  in 
Ulster  county,  in  answer  to  theirs  of  the  31st  ulto.  com- 
plaining that  Mrs.  Jonathan  Lawrence  sold  tea  at  8*.  per 
pound,  and  that  her  husband  made  Fort  Constitution  an 
asylum  for  that  useless  herb,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Congress,  New-York,  June  1776. 

"Gentlemen: — We  received  yours  of  the  31st  ulto. 
which  should  have  been  answered  before,  but  more  weighty 
and  urgent  business,  took  up  the  time  of  this  House.  We 
approve  your  sending  Isaac  De  Milt  to  this  city. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


495 


"  The  resolves  for  disarming  suspected  persons,  ex- 
tends to  the  Province  at  large,  and  has  been  sent  into  your 
county. 

"  As  to  persons  who  act  contrary  to  the  resolves  limiting 
the  price  of  tea  at  6s.  pr.  lb.  we  make  no  doubt  but  you 
will  act  spiritedly  against  all  such  as  shall  be  convicted  of 
that  offence.  Capt.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  with  all  the  com- 
missioners at  the  fort,  are  discharged  from  their  superin- 
tending. 

"  We  are  surprised  at  his  conduct,  and  make  no  doubt 
you  will  treat  him  and  all  others  according  to  their  demerits 
after  a  fair  hearing.  We  recommend  your  zeal  for  the 
public  service  in  this  critical  and  trying  hour. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  in  New-Windsor, 

Ulster  county." 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  John  Ten  Broeck, 
Esqr.  one  of  the  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
carry  into  execution  the  resolutions  of  this  Congress  of  the 
5th  June  inst.  is  very  much  indisposed,  and  unable  to  at- 
tend. Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Ten  Broeck  be  discharged  from  the 
said  committee,  and  that  Mr.  Leonard  Gansevort  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  a  member  of  that  committee,  in 
the  stead  of  Mr.  Ten  Broeck. 

In  pursuance  to  the  order  of  this  morning,  the  following 
gentlemen,  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to  execute 
the  resolutions  of  the  5th  instant,  to  wit :  Philip  Living- 
ston, Joseph  Hallett,  Lewis  Graham,  John  Jay,  Thos. 
Tredwell,  and  Leonard  Gansevort,  Esqrs.  came  up  to  the 
Chair,  and  were  respectively  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists, 
diligently,  impartially,  without  fear,  favour,  affection,  or 
hope  of  reward,  to  execute  and  discharge  the  duties  im- 
posed on  them  by  the  said  resolutions. 


DIE  SABBATI,  a.  m. 

June  15th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  WoodhuU,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning,  Colo.  Rem- 
sen,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Hallett,  Col.  Stoulenburgh,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Scott— New-  York. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  P.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer— Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart—  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  L.  Gra- 
ham—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck  being  very  sick,  has  leave  of  absence 
to  return  home. 

A  sailor  (Philip  Smith,)  who  made  his  escape  from 
the  Phoenix,  being  examined,  says,  that  the  troops  were  to 
set  out  from  Halifax  for  New-York  the  2nd  of  this  month ; 
that  on  board  the  ships  at  the  Hook,  it  was  much  wondered 
where  they  stayed.  This  account  they  received  by  a  store 
ship  from  Halifax. 

A  return  of  officers  for  a  militia  company  in  the  district 
of  Musquito  Cove,  dated  Oyster  Bay,  13th  June,  inst.  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit :  Daniel  Cock,  capt. ;  Robert 
Coles,  1st  lieut. ;  Wm.  Frost,  2d  lieut. ;  Wright  Craft, 
ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  do  issue  for  those  gentle- 
men ;  and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  no  military  officer  in  the  pay  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  or  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  ought 


to  be  eligible  to  a  seat  in  the  Congress  of  this  Colony. 
Provided  that  nothing  in  this  resolution  contained,  be  con- 
strued to  extend  to  militia  officers,  who,  on  a  sudden  emer- 
gency, may,  for  a  few  days  or  weeks,  be  called  to  action. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolution  be  published 
in  the  newspapers,  and  printed  in  handbills,  to  be  distri- 
buted. 

Whereas,  Micha  Lynch  and  Thos.  Hickey,  two  sol- 
diers in  the  Continental  army,  stand  charged  on  oath  with 
attempting  to  pass  counterfeited  money,  or  bills  of  credit, 
which  pass  current  in  this  Colony  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Micha  Lynch  and  Thomas 
Hickey  be  committed  to  the  guard  in  the  City  Hall,  where 
Israel  Youngs  and  others  are  now  confined,  and  that  copies 
of  the  affidavits  and  examinations  relating  to  that  matter, 
be  delivered  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take 
into  consideration  the  case  of  Colo.  Gilbert  Drake,  relative 
to  a  loss  of  £50  he  sustained  in  receiving  and  paying  out 
the  moneys  deposited  in  his  hands,  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing and  laying  up  in  store  a  certain  quantity  of  salted 
pork,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress, 
reported  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  doth  report :  That  the  salt  taken  up 
by  Colo.  Drake  and  Mr.  Dunscomb,  is  part  of  it  now  scat- 
tered about  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  Mr.  Dunscomb 
says,  that  there  is  considerable  loss  ;  but  they  have  agreed 
to  collect  the  salt  and  make  the  best  of  it,  and  report  to  this 
house  ;  and  Mr.  Dunscomb  says,  that  if  the  Congress  will 
not  allow  him  for  the  loss,  that  he  will  bear  it  himself. 

"  It  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  as  Mr.  Duns- 
comb was  employed  by  the  public  that  the  public  should 
bear  the  loss  should  there  be  any. 

"It  appears  to  this  committee,  that  Colo.  Drake  has  re- 
ceived £3,000  from  the  Treasurer,  to  pay  for  pork  ordered 
by  the  Congress ;  he  received  the  cash  in  packs,  without  his 
counting,  and  in  paying  it  out  he  sustained  a  loss  of  £50, 
which  he  is  ready  to  make  oath  of  before  this  Congress ;  and 
he  has  spent  a  considerable  time  in  riding  about  the  country 
in  buying  the  pork,  and  other  services  relating  to  the  same. 

"  It  appears  to  this  committee  that  Colo.  Drake  ought 
to  be  allowed  the  £50  loss,  and  a  reasonable  compensa- 
tion for  his  other  services." 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
Colo.  Gilbert  Drake  sustained  a  loss,  which  accrued  in  re- 
ceiving and  paying  out  the  public  money  in  purchasing 
pork  by  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress.  And 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Drake  be  allowed  the  sum  of  £70 
as  a  compensation  for  his  services,  expenses  and  commis- 
sions in  purchasing  the  said  pork  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Congress,  who 
shall  from  time  to  time  be  employed  by  the  committee  for 
carrying  into  execution  the  resolutions  of  this  Congress  of 
the  5th  instant,  against  persons  suspected  to  be  inimical  to 
the  cause  of  liberty,  be  absolved  from  his  oath  of  secrecy, 
as  far  as  may  be  necessary  in  the  execution  of  his  said  of- 
fice. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Greene,  in  answer 
to  his  received  yesterday,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  ? 
"  New-York,  15th  June,  1776.  $ 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Congress,  to  inform  you 
that  they  would  be  very  happy  in  giving  your  brother  per- 
mission to  be  inoculated  on  Hospital  island,  but  they  can- 
not help  considering  that  spot  as  improper  for  the  purpose, 
by  reason  of  its  exposed  situation,  and  are,  therefore,  under 
the  disagreeable  necessity  of  declining  a  compliance  with 
your  request. 

"  The  Congress  have  further  directed  me,  sir,  to  inform 
you,  that  they  are  equally  unfortunate  in  being  obliged  to 
refuse  their  permission  to  purchase  cannon  in  this  Colony. 


496 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


The  defence  of  this  city,  and  places  in  its  vicinity,  require 
such  extensive  works,  that  so  far  from  parting  with  the 
guns  now  here,  we  are  taking  every  method  in  our  power 
to  procure  more.  These  reasons,  the  Congress  are  confi- 
dent, will  have  full  weight  upon  your  mind,  and  therefore 
decline  mentioning  the  propriety  of  reserving  them  for  the 
sea  service  of  the  Colony. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Brigadier-Genl.  Nathl.  Greene,  at  the 

Camp  on  Nassau  island." 

Govr.  Morris,  one  of  the  committee  appointed  to  exe- 
cute the  resolutions  of  this  Congress,  of  the  5th  inst. 
against  dangerous  and  disaffected  persons,  and  those  of 
equivocal  character,  appeared  and  was  duly  sworn,  by  the 
President,  diligently  and  impartially,  and  without  fear,  fa- 
vour, affection,  or  hope  of  reward,  to  execute  and  discharge 
the  duties  imposed  upon  him  as  one  of  the  members  of 
that  committee. 

Ordered,  That  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Se- 
cretaries of  this  Congress,  do  attend  the  said  committee, 
as  their  secretary,  and  that  the  said  committee  employ 
such  other  assistant  secretary,  or  secretaries,  as  they  may 
think  proper,  and  such  messenger,  door-keeper,  and  other 
officers,  as  they  may  find  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  absolve  (and  he  did 
then  absolve)  the  members  of  the  said  committee,  who  are 
sworn,  from  their  former  oath  of  secrecy,  so  far  as  they 
may  think  necessary  to  the  execution  of  the  said  resolu- 
tion. 

Die  Sabbati,  5  ho.  P.  M.  June  15th,  1776. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt.  Denning, 
Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk— Dutches. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  L. 
Graham — Westchester. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  the  clergy  and  licensed  physicians  be 

exempted  from  drafting  for  the  militia  to  be  raised  in  this 

city. 

Resolved  also,  That  such  of  the  firemen  be  exempted 
as  will  agree  to  form  a  separate  company  for  the  preserva- 
tion of  the  city,  in  case  of  invasion,  and  be  under  the  com- 
mand of  the  General  until  the  further  order  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  provide  for  the  pay- 
ment of  all  such  necessary  expenses  as  will  be  incurred  by 
the  committee  appointed  for  carrying  into  execution  the  re- 
solution of  this  Congress,  of  the  5th  inst.  with  respect  to 
dangerous  and  disaffected  persons,  and  persons  of  equivo- 
cal character. 

A  letter  from  Van  Home,  and  other  prisoners,  in  the 
jail,  was  read  and  referred  to  Mr.  Malcom  and  Mr.  Law- 
rence. 

Col.  Malcom  and  Col.  Brasher  reported  to  Congress, 
that  there  would  be  no  riots  this  night. 


SUNDAY  MORNING,  9  o'clock. 

June  16th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 
Col.  Stoutenburgh — New-York. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Jllbany. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston—  Dutches. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 


Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

New-York,  June  17th,  1776. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-  York. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Hopkins—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Strong,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks— Ulster. 
Col.  Joseph  Marsh— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Colo.  Joseph  Marsh,  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Cumber- 
land county  attending,  delivered  in  his  credentials,  subscrib- 
ed by  Benjamin  Carpenter,  chairman  of  the  county  com- 
mittee, and  attested  by  Joel  Matthews,  clerk,  which  was 
read  and  filed,  whereby  it  appears  that  Colo.  Wm.  Wil- 
liams and  Colo.  Joseph  Marsh,  were  duly  elected,  and 
that  they,  or  either  of  them,  are  constituted  and  appointed 
to  represent  the  said  county  in  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Joseph  Marsh  take  his  seat. 

Colo.  Marsh  was  then  sworn  and  took  his  seat  accord- 
ingly. 

Mr.  Jay  offered  to  the  House  a  handbill,  subscribed 
with  the  name  of  "John  Morin  Scott,"  which,  in  his  opi- 
nion, reflected  on  the  honour  and  impartiality  of  this  House, 
and  moved  that  the  same  be  read.  The  said  handbill  was 
then  read. 

Whereupon  Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Sands,  that  the  Secretary  wait  on  Mr.  Scott  with  the  said 
publication,  and  ask  him  if  he  is  the  author  of  that  publica- 
tion ;  which  motion  was  agreed  to  unanimously. 

Whereas  Michael  Lynch  and  Thomas  Hickey,  two 
soldiers  in  the  Continental  army,  are  now  confined  in  the 
City-Hall  under  guard,  by  order  of  this  Congress,  on  a 
charge  of  having  knowingly  attempted  to  pass  a  counterfeit 
bill  of  credit,  and  the  back  part  of  a  real  bill  of  credit,  the 
full  or  material  part  thereof  being  taken  off: 

Resolved,  That  the  courts  of  judicature  of  this  Colony,  be- 
ing as  yet  held  by  authority  derived  from  the  Crown  of  Great 
Britain  are,  for  that  reason,  incompetent  to  the  full  and  im- 
partial trial  of  the  said  two  Continental  soldiers,  for  the 
offence  wherewith  they  stand  charged ;  and  therefore  they 
must,  of  necessity,  be  tried  by  a  court  martial  only.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  original  affidavits  and  examinations, 
as  to  the  said  two  soldiers,  together  with  the  said  bills,  and 
a  copy  of  this  order,  be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Ketcham,  requesting  to  be  heard  be- 
fore this  Congress,  was  read.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  at  the 
City-Hall,  be  requested  to  bring  Isaac  Ketcham  before 
this  Congress  with  all  convenient  speed,  and,  for  that  pur- 
pose, that  he  cause  all  fetters  and  irons  to  be  taken  off  from 
the  said  Isaac  Ketcham. 

Mr.  Robt.  Benson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  reported  that 
he  had,  pursuant  to  order,  waited  on  Mr.  Scott,  and  asked 
him  whether  the  publication  signed  "  John  Morin  Scott " 
was  published  by  his  order  ;  that  Mr.  Scott  answered  yes, 
it  was  published  by  his  order. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Web- 
ster, that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  that  publica- 
tion into  consideration  ;  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  by  a  large  majority. 
Thereupon 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


497 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Phil.  Living- 
ston and  Mr.  Hobart,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Colo.  Marsh  delivered  to  Congress  a  copy  of  the  minutes 
of  a  committee,  appointed  by  the  respective  committees  of 
Cumberland  and  Glocester  counties,  recommending  a 
brigadier-general  and  a  brigade  major,  for  the  militia  of 
Cumberland,  Charlotte  and  Glocester  counties,  which 
was  read. 

The  persons  recommended  were  Jacob  Bailey,  for  bri- 
gadier-general, and  Simon  Stevens,  for  brigade  major. 

And  whereas  the  militia  of  Charlotte  county  is  a  part 
of  that  brigade,  and  directed  to  be  under  the  same  bri- 
gadier-general, and  it  appears  by  the  said  minutes  that  no 
person  from  that  county  attended  that  meeting :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  minutes  of  the  said 
committee  be  forwarded,  the  first  opportunity,  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Charlotte  county  ;  and  that  the 
said  committee  be  requested  to  send  some  answer  in  the 
premises,  and  that  for  the  present  the  said  recommenda- 
tion remain  for  further  consideration. 

Isaac  Ketcham,  being  admitted,  informed  Congress  that 
he  had  further  conversation  with  the  two  soldiers,  Lynch 
and  Hickley  ;  that  they  both  said  the  person  who  was 
to  go  on  board  the  man  of  war  for  cutlasses,  was  one 
Gilbert  Horbush,  an  Irishman,  as  he  believed,  by  trade  a 
blacksmith  ;  that  on  Sunday  last,  divers  of  their  party 
were  admitted  to  them  ;  that  one  of  their  party  was  with 
them  this  day,  and  brought  them  some  dinner ;  that  exami- 
nant  asked  his  name  ;  they  said  his  name  was  John  Dyall, 
though  examinant  is  not  altogether  certain  as  to  the  exact 
pronunciation  of  the  surname ;  that  he  is  a  middle  sized, 
well  sot  Irishman,  sandy  complexion,  hair  and  eyebrows  ; 
they  further  informed  him  that  one  Horbush,  an  Irishman, 
who  had  been  a  regular  in  the  last  war,  kept  a  public  house 
about  30  rods  from  their  camp,  is  to  be  their  captain,  and 
an  artful  fellow  ;  that  said  Horbush  has  received  money 
from  the  Asia  to  treat  the  corps,  and  that  who  ever  brings 
to  him  such  a  piece  of  paper  (as  they  showed  and  gave  the 
examinant,  and  is  by  him  delivered  to  the  committee,)  pays 
nothing  for  the  reckoning,  and  may  call  for  what  he  plea- 
ses ;  that  Wm.  Green,  of  the  Governor's  Life  Guards,  an 
Englishman,  and  a  kind  of  camp  major,  is  of  the  corps, 
and  acts  as  a  clerk  for  them  ;  that  as  a  certain  person  pass- 
ed by  the  window  yesterday,  they  pointed  at  him,  said  his 
name  was  Taylor  ;  that  he  was  a  constable,  had  been  in  the 
service  the  last  war,  an  inhabitant  of  this  town,  and  that  he 
was  at  the  head  ;  that  from  their  conversation  this  examinant 
is  of  opinion  they  have  not  as  yet  fixed  any  plan  of  operation ; 
that  sometimes  they  talk,  when  the  fleet  arrives,  of  cutting 
down  King's  Bridge  ;  that  as  many  of  them  as  would  go 
over  to  the  regulars,  and  that  such  as  should  be  obliged  to 
stay  will  do  more  execution  than  five  times  the  number  out 
of  the  army  ;  that  a  man  whom  they  call  Coll.  Webb,  an 
old  countryman,  who  came  from  on  board  the  ships,  is  now 
travelling  about  in  New-England  as  a  private  gentlemen  ; 
that  he  has  money  and  is  bribing  the  men  of  note  who  can 
lead  others  ;  that  they  say  the  enemy  are  to  land  at  three 
places  in  this  Province — on  Long  island,  Staten  island, 
either  on  the  island  of  New-York,  or  about  it ;  that  they 
deferred  appointing  all  their  officers,  lest  it  should  breed  a 
a  wrangle  among  them,  and  the  disappointed  ones  should 
discover  them  ;  that  Hickey  says  a  number  of  the  rifle- 
men on  Staten  island,  and  the  Cape  Cod  men  are  concern- 
ed ;  Lynch  says  only  five  of  the  artillery  are,  to  his 
knowledge,  engaged ;  Hickey  says  more  ;  that  they  had 
sounded  the  hairy  caps,  but  had  not  divulged  the  matter  to 
them  in  full,  but  believed  the  greater  part  of  them  might  be 
brought  over  ;  that  there  was  a  proclamation  of  the  King 
on  board  the  ships  offering  free  pardon  to  all  who  would 
come  over  before  the  time  of  action  ;  and  also  a  conside- 
rable encouragement  as  to  land  and  houses. 

125 


The  charge  of  secrecy  was  given  from  the  Chair  to  the 
members,  relative  to  the  information  given  by  said  Ketcham. 

Monday  Afternoon,  New-York,  June  \lth,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  WoodhuU,  President. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh, 
Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Remsen— JVeu> York. 

Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr.  Van  Houten—  Orange. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  J.  Livingston,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Col.M.  Graham — 
Dutches. 
Jno.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 
Col.  Morris  Graham  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 
Mr.  Clinton  having  communicated  the  substance  of  a 
conference  he  had  with  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washing- 
ton ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr. 
Morris,  be  a  secret  committee  to  confer  with  Genl.  Wa- 
shington, relative  to  certain  secret  intelligence  communi- 
cated to  this  Congress,  and  take  such  examinations  relative 
thereto  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

The  Congress  then  examined  Henry  Dawkins,  on  the 
charge  against  him  and  Philip  Youngs,  Israel  Youngs  and 
Isaac  Youngs,  for  counterfeiting  bills  of  credit ;  from  which 
examination  it  would  seem,  that  Philip  Youngs  was  not 
concerned  with  his  brothers,  or  had  any  knowledge  or 
agency  in  counterfeiting  the  bills  of  credit  in  question. 
Whereupon  it  was 

Ordered,  That  Philip  Youngs  be  discharged  for  the  pre- 
sent, and  he  is  hereby  discharged  accordingly. 

Col.  Remsen  stated  to  Congress  that  it  would  be  proper 
to  lessen  the  quota  of  militia  to  be  raised  in  New-York ; 
because, 

1st.  Their  quota  is  too  large,  and  will  take  two  men  out 
of  every  five,  which  is  a  much  larger  proportion  than  in 
any  other  county. 

2nd.  Because  many  of  them  are  to  be  placed  under  of- 
ficers not  of  their  election.  And 

3rd.  By  a  draft,  the  poor  man  who  has  no  real  estate 
and  very  little  personal  property,  is  placed  on  a  footing 
with  a  man  of  opulence. 

Col.  Remsen  further  mentioned,  that  £3  per  man  bounty 
is  given  in  New-Jersey,  and  drafting  thereby  dispensed 
with,  and  that  they  compute  all  men  who  have  there  resid- 
ed but  15  days. 

The  above  statement  was  also  confirmed  by  Colo.  Lott 
and  Major  Abeel,  who  suggested  further  difficulties. 

Colo.  Remsen  thereupon  moved  that  the  quota  of  mili- 
tia to  be  raised  by  New-York  be  lessened  ;  and  after  some 
time  spent  in  the  consideration  thereof,  the  said  was  with- 
drawn ;  and  the  Congress  determined  and 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Hamilton's  company  of  artillery 
be  considered  so  many  and  a  part  of  the  quota  of  militia 
to  be  raised  or  furnished  by  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  enclosing  a  re- 
solution of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  14th  inst.  pro- 
hibiting the  exportation  of  salted  beef  and  pork,  and  a  re- 
solution of  the  same  date,  recommending  it  to  the  Conven- 
tion of  New- York  to  make  effectual  provision  for  detecting, 
restraining  and  punishing  disaffected  and  dangerous  per- 
sons, were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution  prohibiting  the  expor- 
tation of  beef  and  pork,  be  published  in  all  the  public  news- 
papers. 


498 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

June  18th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Sands — New-York. 

Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Leffertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Havi- 
land — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Strong— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dc  Lavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham — 
Dutches. 

Mr.  Van  Houten — Orange. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Col.  McDougall  applied  for  a  commission  for  his  adju- 
tant, Andrew  Taylor,  to  be  2nd  lieut.  in  Steinrod's  com- 
pany. 

Col.  McDougal  also  applied  for  an  order  to  receive  arms, 
as  Col.  Ritzema's  order  is  out. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  McDougall's  adjutant,  Andrew  Tay- 
lor, be  likewise  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Steinrod's  company. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary,  deliver 
to  Colo.  McDougall,  or  his  order,  all  the  arms  fit  to  be  put 
in  the  hands  of  soldiers,  he  now  has  or  may  have  in  store, 
in  the  course  of  14  days  from  the  expiration  of  Colo.  Rit- 
zema's last  order. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston,  dated  at  Fort 
Constitution,  June  14th,  informing  Congress  that  Capt. 
Childs  has  enlisted  a  company,  though  not  exactly  within 
the  time  limited  by  the  resolution  of  this  House  of  the  8th 
May  last ;  that  he  has,  during  his  short  stay  at  the  fort, 
recommended  himself  by  an  industrious  application  to  his 
duty. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Childs  and  his  first  lieutenant  be 
entitled  to  their  commissions. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Ezra  Thompson  and  Jo- 
nathan Landon,  Esqrs.  be  requested  to  superintend  the 
clearing  out  the  pits  or  shafts  of  the  mine  in  the  Nine 
Partners,  belonging  to  Bogert,  Tiebout  and  others ;  and 
that  they  hire  four  proper  labourers,  at  the  cheapest  rale, 
to  work  with  John  McDonald ;  and  that  the  said  Ezra 
Thompson  and  Jonathan  Landon,  (if  the  owner  or  person 
in  possession  of  the  land  wherein  the  said  mine  is,  should 
refuse  to  permit  the  working  or  clearing  out  the  said 
pits,)  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  take  posses- 
sion of  the  same,  and  have  it  valued  by  two  indifferent 
persons,  and  transmit  to  this  Congress  their  proceedings 
in  the  premises. 

Col.  Lott  informed  the  Congress  that  70  men  in  Capt. 
Taylor's  company,  in  his  regiment,  are  willing  to  turn  out 
voluntarily,  if  they  may  choose  their  own  officers.  An- 
swer :  Col.  Lott  is  desired  to  consult  Col.  Lasher ;  and 
if  it  is  agreeable  to  him  and  his  corps  of  officers,  Congress 
have  no  objection. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  safety  of  Gloucester 
county,  dated  29th  May,  1776,  signed  by  Jacob  Kent, 
Prest.  and  attested  by  Peter  Olcott,  clerk,  was  read  and 
filed.  It  is  thereby  certified  that  they  had  elected  field  and 
staff  officers  for  the  militia,  to  wit : 

Peter  Olcott,  colonel ;  Jacob  Kent,  lieut.  colo. ;  Israel 
Smith,  1st  major;  Thomas  Smith,  2d  major  ;  John  Slaugh- 
ter, adjutant ;  Amos  Chamberlain,  quarter-master. 

And  for  officers  to  regulate  the  minute  men,  to  wit : 

Thomas  Johnson,  lieut.  colo. ;  Joel  Marsh,  major ;  Si- 
meon Stephens,  adjutant;  Fredk.  Smith,  quarter-master. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  field  and  staff 
officers  of  the  militia  mentioned  in  the  aforegoing  certifi- 
cate ;  and  that  commissions  for  the  minute  officers  remain 
for  further  consideration. 

A  request  from  the  same  committee,  signed  and  dated 


as  above,  was  read  and  filed,  requesting  blank  commissions 
for  10  captains,  13  lieutenants  and  10  ensigns  for  the  mi- 
litia ;  and  3  captains,  6  lieutenants  and  3  ensigns  of  the 
minute  men. 

Ordered,  that  blank  commissions  for  the  militia  officers 
be  sent ;  those  for  the  minute  officers  to  remain  for  consi- 
daralion. 

A  letter  received  some  days  ago  from  Augustus  Van 
Home  and  others,  confined  by  the  general  committee  of 
New- York,  was  again  read  and  taken  into  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  it  lay  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the 
members. 

Whereas  doubts  have  arisen  respecting  the  true  con- 
struction of  a  certain  association  ordered  by  the  late  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  Colony  to  be  presented  for  sub- 
scription to  the  inhabitants  thereof : 

Resolved,  That  all  doubts  respecting  the  true  construc- 
tion of  the  said  association  ought  to  be  removed,  and  that 
a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a  resolu- 
tion for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Jay 
be  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  privates  of  the  brigade  now  rais- 
ing to  reinforce  the  Continental  army,  who,  when  dis- 
charged, may  choose  to  dispose  of  their  arms  to  the  Con- 
gress of  this  Colony,  shall  be  paid  the  full  value  of  the 
same,  to  be  ascertained  by  proper  persons,  under  oath,  for 
that  purpose,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  a  negro  man  slave, 
the  property  of  Colo.  Edmund  Fanning,  with  one  or  two 
other  negroes  or  mulattoes,  have  been  apprehended  by  the 
provost  guard  as  dangerous  persons, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  the  jail  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr. 
Morris  be  a  committee  to  take  their  examinations. 

Ordered,  That  the  jailer  of  the  said  jail  bring  the  said 
prisoners  before  the  said  committee  at  any  time  and  place 
they  may  order  and  appoint. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen  and  Mr.  Tompkins  and 
Mr.  Hobart  be  a  committee  to  inquire  whether  any,  and 
what,  bounties  are  necessary  for  encouraging  the  manufac- 
turing of  salt,  saltpetre,  gunpowder,  gun  locks  and  gun 
barrels,  and  report  as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Havi- 
land  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  committee  to  consider  and  re- 
port ways  and  means  for  providing  places  of  safety  in  the 
country  for  the  poor  inhabitants  of  this  city  in  case  of  an 
invasion. 

Mr.  Sands  informed  the  Congress  that  in  consequence 
of  an  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  he  had  ex- 
ported a  cargo  of  flour,  &c.  to  St.  Eustatia,  consigned  to 
Mr.  Samuel  Curson  ;  that  the  proceeds  of  the  said  cargo 
had  been  shipped  in  gunpowder  and  medicines,  which  said 
gunpowder  and  medicines  were  taken  by  the  Ministerial 
navy  ;  that  there  is  a  balance  due  to  Mr.  Curson,  of  641 
pieces  of  eight  and  4  bits.  Mr.  Sands  requested  an  order 
on  the  Treasurer  for  the  payment  of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands'  application  be  referred  to 
the  committee  of  pay  table. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

June  19th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hallett,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Sands,  Col. 
Remsen,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  P.  Van  Znndt— New-York. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  L.  Graham — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Jlbany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye — Orange. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


499 


Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutchei. 

Mr.  Smith — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Brigadier-General  Woodhull  being  absent,  John  Haring, 
Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen  President  pro  tempore 

Mr.  Randall  appointed  and  sworn  as  one  of  the  commit- 
tee for  dealing  with  disaffected  persons,  in  the  stead  of  Mr. 
Haring. 

Mr.  Schenk  informed  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Benson, 
chairman  of  Dutches  county  committee,  is  attending  at  the 
door,  and  has  something  to  lay  before  the  Congress  rela- 
tive to  the  said  county. 

Mr.  Benson  was  admitted.  He  informed  Congress  of 
the  late  proceedings  of  the  committee  of  Dutches  county, 
with  respect  to  the  disaffected  persons  in  said  county  ;  that 
the  militia  in  the  said  county  have  been  called  out  so  fre- 
quently for  the  purpose  of  quieting  and  apprehending  disaf- 
fected persons,  as  to  make  it  necessary,  in  the  opinion  of 
the  said  committee,  to  embody,  and  keep  in  constant  pay, 
about  150  men. 

Mr.  Benson  was  requested  to  draw  up  a  state  of  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  said  county,  and  of  the  requisition  of  the 
said  committee,  in  writing,  and  deliver  the  same  in  this  af- 
ternoon. 

A  certificate  of  militia  officers,  chosen  to  the  south  dis- 
trict of  New  Town,  Queens  county,  dated  June  17th,  sign- 
ed Jonathan  Lawrence  and  Saml.  Morrel,  was  read ; 
whereby  it  appears  that  Benjn.  Coe  was  chosen  captain  ; 
Robert  Funnan,  1st  lieutenant;  Benjn.  North,  2nd  lieu- 
tenant, and  Jonah  Hallett,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  those  gentlemen  ; 
and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Several  members  being  out  on  committees,  the  Congress 
adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  June  19th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Haring,  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Remsen — New-York. 

Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Colo.  March— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye— Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Graham,  Mr  P.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Smith — Queens. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Taylor  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  re- 
quested to  deliver  to  Colo.  Malcom,  or  his  order,  the  oil, 
&c.  which  was  taken  out  of  the  light-house  some  time 
since,  and  that  Colo.  Malcom  be  requested  to  take  the 
charge  of,  and  keep  the  same,  till  further  orders. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  Dutches  county  com- 
mittee, attended,  pursuant  to  older  of  this  morning,  with  a 
written  statement  of  the  reasons  and  requisition  of  the  said 
committee,  which  being  read,  Mr.  Benson  then  withdrew. 

The  Congress  took  the  same  into  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  the  considera- 
tion of  the  members  of  Dutchess,  Westchester  and  Ul- 
ster counties,  who  are  requested  to  report  in  the  morning. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Albany,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the 
resolve  of  this  House,  of  the  13th  inst.  with  an  assurance 
that  they  will  exert  themselves  in  the  execution  thereof, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  memorial,  or  petition,  of  Alexander  Robinson,  Geo. 
Lyndsay,  Peter  Sim  and  Marinus  Willet,  requesting  some 


encouragement  in  the  manufacturing  of  salt,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered  To  be  referred  to  the  committee  for  encourag- 
ing manufacturies  of  salt,  saltpetre,  &c. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Ulster  county,  dated  New  Paltz,  14th  June,  1776, 
relative  to  an  order  for  1,000  pounds  of  gunpowder,  order- 
ed by  this  Congress  for  the  use  of  the  county  of  Ulster, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  chairman  of  Ulster  county 
committee,  dated  14lh  June,  in  answer  to  a  letter  from  this 
Congress,  to  the  said  committee,  requesting  them  to  make 
inquiry  into,  and  inform  this  Congress  of,  the  reasons  of 
the  two  sets  of  credentials  being  sent  from  the  said  com- 
mittee to  this  House,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  reasons  of  Colo.  Johannis  Hardenbergh,  as  chair- 
man of  Ulster  county  committee,  which  he  assigned  for 
signing  the  said  two  sets  of  credentials,  and  the  information 
of  Corns.  Schoonmaker,  relative  to  the  same  matter,  both 
enclosed  in  Mr.  Boyd's  letter,  were  also  read  and  filed. 

A  petition  of  Gerrit  Roorback,  praying  to  be  recom- 
mended to  General  Washington  as  barrack  master  for  this 
city,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  Azor  Betts,  (confined  by  order  of  this 
House,  for  inoculating  for  the  small  pox,)  praying  to  be  dis- 
charged. 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Tredwell  and  Capt.  Denning  have  leave  of  absence 
for  a  few  days. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

June  20th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  John  Haring,  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Cort- 
landt— New-York. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  De  Lavergne— Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Journey,  Col.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  L.  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith — Queens. 

Colo.  Allison  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday,  to  take  into  consi- 
deration the  requisition  of  the  committee  of  Dutches  coun- 
ty, relative  to  the  raising  a  number  of  men  to  keep  peace 
and  order,  and  to  suppress  the  disaffected  in  the  said  coun- 
ty, reported  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  do  report,  that 

"  Whereas  there  are  sundry  disaffected  and  dangerous 
persons  in  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  who 
do  now  greatly  disturb  the  peace  of  the  said  counties,  and 
will  most  probably  take  up  arms  whenever  the  enemy  shall 
make  a  descent  upon  this  Colony,  to  the  great  annoyance 
of  the  said  counties  in  particular,  and  of  other  the  good 
people  of  this  Colony:  And  whereas  by  reason  of  the 
several  drafts  which  have  been  made  in  the  said  counties 
according  to  the  late  recommendation  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  the  militia  thereof  are  rendered  incapable  of 
keeping  peace  and  order  in  the  said  counties,  without  great 
inconvenience  to  themselves,  and  much  injury  to,  and  ne- 
glect of,  their  private  property;  and  inasmuch  as  the  interest 
of  this  Colony  may  be  materially  affected  by  any  dissen- 
sions which  may  prevail  in  the  said  counties,  while  the 


500 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Continental  troops  are  engaged  in  the  defence  of  those 
counties  more  immediately  exposed  to  the  inroads  of  the 
enemy : 

"  Your  committee  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  it  will  be 
prudent  to  take  into  the  service  of  this  Congress  100  men 
in  Dutches  county,  officers  included,  and  50  men,  officers 
included,  in  Westchester  county.  The  said  men  to  be 
raised  in  the  said  counties  respectively,  and  confined  to  the 
service  of  those  counties,  and  to  continue  in  pay  until  the 
1st  day  of  November  next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by 
this  or  a  future  Congress." 

The  same  being  read,  and  again  read  paragraph  by  pa- 
ragraph, the  question  was  put  on  the  preamble,  which  was 
agreed  to,  except  as  to  the  second  clause  thereof,  to  which 
Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt  requested  his  dissent  to  be  en- 
tered. 

The  last  clause  of  the  said  report  being  then  read,  de- 
bates arose,  and  the  question  being  put  whether  the  House 
will  approve  of  the  said  clause  as  it  now  stands?  Debates 
arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative.  ■ 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4      New-York,   8 

Richmond,    2  — 

Dutches,   5  10 

Kings,   2 

Orange,   3  Tryon  divided. 

20 

The  question  being  then  put  whether  the  Congress  agree 
with  their  committee  in  the  said  report.  Debates  again 
arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  was  carried  in  the  affir- 
mative, in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,    4       Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

Richmond,    2  New- York  divided  by  Mr. 

Dutches,   5  Scott's  coming  in. 

Kings,    2 

Orange,   3  Tryon  divided. 

20 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  report. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
draw  up  and  report  an  arrangement  of  the  rank  of  the  offi- 
cers, of  their  pay  and  subsistence,  as  well  as  the  pay  and 
subsistence  of  the  privates,  and  the  most  advantageous 
manner  to  raise  the  said  men.  Debates  arose.  The  ques- 
tion being  put  on  the  said  motion,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

Richmond,    2 

Dutches,   5         New-York  divided. 

Kings,   2 

Orange,  3 

Tryon,   3 

23 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Morris  Graham,  Mr.  Paul  Schenk 
and  Mr.  Tomkins  be  the  committee,  and  to  report  with  all 
possible  speed. 

Mr.  Hallelt  requested  leave  of  absence  for  a  few  days, 
and  that  he  be  dismissed  from  the  committee  of  secrecy. 

Agreed  unanimously,  That  Mr.  Hallelt  have  leave  of 
absence,  and  that  he  be  henceforth  discharged  from  the 
said  committee,  and  absolved  from  the  qualifications  and 
oath  by  him  taken  as  a  member  thereof. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Brown,  a  Quaker,  complaining  of 
his  being  drafted  out  of  the  militia  was  read.  Referred  to 
Genl.  Scott. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  June  20lh,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 


Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay— New-York. 

Major  Parks,  Col.  Hasbrouck—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Delavergne — Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemus— Kings 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Lewis  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Whereas,  the  secret  committee  appointed  the  17th 
inst.  have  represented  to  this  Congress  that  they  have  dis- 
covered certain  dangerous  persons  who  ought  to  be  ar- 
rested : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee,  or  any  two  of  them, 
do  cause  such  persons  to  be  apprehended  and  secured  in 
such  manner  as  they  may  think  most  prudent ;  and  that 
they  have  authority  either  to  employ  the  militia  or  obtain 
detachments  of  Continental  troops  from  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  for  that  purpose,  and  that  they  be  so  far  absolved 
from  their  oaths  of  secrecy  as  may  be  necessary  thereto. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Edward  Fleming,  (enclosing  the  re- 
solution of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  dated 
the  29th  day  of  August,  1775,  appointing  him  deputy  ad- 
jutant-general in  the  Continental  army,  with  the  rank  of 
colonel,)  wherein  he  assigns  the  reasons  for  his  resignation 
of  the  said  office,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  the  New- York  Delegates  at  Continental 
Congress,  dated  June  17lh,  1776,  acknowledging  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  letter  from  this  Congress,  in  answer  to  their 
former  letter  on  the  subject  of  independence,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Corns.  Steinrods,  dated  this  day,  was 
read  and  filed,  recommending  Isaac  Ryckman  as  2d  lieu- 
tenant. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consider 
and  report  ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  extravagant 
price  of  salt,  introduced  the  report  of  the  said  committee, 
which  he  read  in  his  place.   After  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  recommitted. 

Mr.  Hobart,  being  the  only  member  of  the  said  commit- 
tee present,  the  others  being  absent  with  leave,  and  Mr. 
Hobart's  attendance  being  absolutely  necessary  on  the  se- 
cret committee, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Parks  and  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  De- 
lavergne, be  a  committee  to  reconsider  the  said  report, 
and  report  their  proceedings  thereon  with  all  possible 
speed. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  re- 
solution for  removing  doubts  which  have  arisen  respecting 
the  true  construction  of  a  certain  association  ordered  by  the 
late  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  Colony  to  be  presented 
for  subscription  to  the  inhabitants  thereof,  reported  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions,  which  being  read  were  unanimously 
approved  of,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Provincial  Congress,  > 
"  New-York,  June  20th,  1776.  J 
"  Whereas,  the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  14th  day 
of  March  last,  did  recommend  to  the  several  Assemblies, 
Conventions  and  Councils,  or  Committees  of  Safety,  of 
the  United  Colonies,  immediately  to  cause  all  persons  to 
be  disarmed  within  their  respective  Colonies,  who  were  no- 
toriously disaffected  to  the  cause  of  America,  or  had  not 
associated,  and  refused  to  associate  to  defend  by  arms  these 
United  Colonies  against  the  hostile  attempts  of  the  British 
fleets  and  armies  :  And  whereas,  the  late  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Colony,  did  thereupon,  on  the  27th  day  of 
March  aforesaid,  recommend  it  to  the  committees  of  the 
several  cities,  counties,  manors,  townships,  precincts  and 
districts  in  this  Colony,  forthwith  to  cause  to  be  disarmed 
all  persons  within  their  respective  districts,  who  were 
known  to  be  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  America,  and  also 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


501 


all  such  persons  as  should  refuse  to  sign  the  following  as- 
sociation, vizt  : 

"  '  We,  the  subscribers,  inhabitants  of  in  the 

county  of  and  Colony  of  New-York,  do  volun- 

tarily and  solemnly  engage,  under  all  the  ties  held  sacred 
among  mankind,  at  the  risk  of  our  lives  and  fortunes,  to 
defend  by  arms  the  United  American  Colonies  against  the 
hostile  attempts  of  the  British  fleets  and  armies,  until  the 
present  unhappy  controversy  between  the  two  countries 
shall  be  settled.' 

"  And  whereas,  it  hath  been  objected  to  the  said  form 
of  an  association,  that  by  obliging  the  subscribers,  or  as- 
sociators,  in  such  general  and  express  terms,  to  defend  the 
United  Colonies  by  arms  against  the  hostile  attempts  of  the 
British  fleets  and  armies,  it  deprived  them  of  the  rights  re- 
served by  the  militia  regulations,  and  imposed  on  them  the 
necessity  of  marching  to  the  most  distant  of  the  Colonies 
whenever  called  upon,  which  construction  of  the  said  asso- 
ciation, however  nice  and  casuistical,  is  inconsistent  and  fal- 
lacious, it  being  manifest  that  the  militia  regulation  could, 
by  no  rules  of  construction,  be  supposed  to  be  repealed 
and  abrogated  by  any  subtle  implications  drawn  from  the 
said  association. 

"  But  as  some  of  the  friends  to  the  American  cause  have 
been  influenced  by  this  objection,  to  refuse  signing  the 
said  association,  and  in  consequence  thereof  been  disarmed, 
it  hath  become  expedient  that  the  said  association  should 
be  so  explained  as  to  render  it  free  from  specious  as  well 
as  solid  objections:  and,  therefore, 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  nothing  in  the  said  asso- 
ciation contained,  shall  extend  or  be  construed  to  extend  to 
deprive  those  who  have  subscribed  it,  of  any  rights  reserv- 
ed to  them  in  and  by  the  said  militia  regulations  ;  and  to 
the  end  that  all  the  freemen  of  this  Colony  may  associate 
for  the  preservation  of  American  liberty,  in  a  form  entirely 
unexceptionable  ; 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  following  form  of  an 
association  be  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  them,  vizt : 
"  '  We  the  subscribers,  inhabitants  of  in  the 

county  of  and  Colony  of  New-York,  do  most  so- 

lemnly declare,  that  the  claims  of  the  British  Parliament  to 
bind  at  their  discretion  the  people  of  the  United  Colonies 
in  America  in  all  cases  whatsoever,  are,  in  our  opinions, 
absurd,  unjust  and  tyrannical,  and  that  the  hostile  attempts 
of  their  fleets  and  armies  to  enforce  submission  to  those 
wicked  and  ridiculous  claims,  ought  to  be  resisted  by  arms. 

"  '  And  therefore  we  do  engage  and  associate,  under  all 
the  ties  which  we  respectively  hold  sacred,  to  defend  by 
arms  these  United  Colonies  against  the  said  hostile  attempts, 
agreeable  to  such  laws  or  regulations  as  our  representatives 
in  the  Congresses,  or  future  General  Assemblies  of  this  Co- 
lony have  or  shall  for  that  purpose  make  and  establish.' 

"  And  that  all  persons  who  have  been  disarmed  for  re- 
fusing to  associate  with  their  countrymen  for  the  defence 
of  the  United  Colonies,  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  late 
Committee  of  Safety,  as  aforesaid,  may  have  no  pretence 
to  complain  of  injustice,  and  that  they  may  have  a  fair  op- 
portunity of  convincing  the  public  that  their  refusal  to  sign 
the  said  association  did  not  arise  from  a  disinclination  to 
defend  the  rights  of  America,  but  merely  from  objections 
to  sign  to  the  form  of  the  said  association,  and  thereby  be 
restored  to  the  privilege  of  bearing  arms  in  support  of  a 
cause  so  important  and  so  glorious  ; 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  all  persons  (other  than 
those  whom  the  committees  of  the  several  counties  shall 
adjudge  to  be  notoriously  disaffected  to  the  America  cause) 
who  have  not  associated  in  the  form  prescribed  by  the  late 
Committee  of  Safety,  as  aforesaid,  be  called  upon  (by  per- 
sons to  be  appointed  by  the  said  committees  of  the  several 
counties)  and  requested  to  subscribe  the  association  con- 
tained and  recommended  in  and  by  these  resolutions.  And 
"  Resolved  further,  That  all  such  of  the  said  persons  as 
shall  subscribe  the  same,  (other  than  notoriously  disaffected 
persons  as  aforesaid,)  ought  to  be  considered  and  treated  as 

126 


friends  to  their  country  ;  and  that  all  arms  taken  from  them 
and  not  disposed  of  to  the  Continental  troops,  be  restored 
to  them  ;  and  that  care  be  taken  that  they  respectively  be 
paid  the  full  price  allowed  for  such  of  their  arms  as  may 
have  been  delivered  to  the  Continental  troops,  as  aforesaid. 

"And  further,  that  all  such  of  the  said  persons  as  shall 
refuse  to  subscribe  the  same,  (together  with  all  notorious 
disaffected  persons,)  be  forthwith  (if  not  already  done)  dis- 
armed, and  required  on  oath  to  declare  and  discover  whe- 
ther the  arms  so  to  be  taken  from  them,  be  all  the  arms 
they  respectively  have  or  had,  and  if  not,  where  the  resi- 
due thereof,  to  the  best  of  their  knowledge  and  belief,  are 
deposited  and  may  be  found ;  and  that  such  of  them  as 
shall  refuse  to  take,  such  oath,  be  committed  to  safe  custo- 
dy till  they  will  consent  to  take  it. 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  it  be  and  it  is  hereby  re- 
commended to  the  committees  of  the  several  counties  in 
this  Colony,  to  carry  the  aforesaid  resolution  into  execution 
with  diligence  and  punctuality." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be  forthwith 
printed  in  all  the  gazettes  or  newspapers  published  in  this 
city,  and  in  one  thousand  handbdls  for  the  use  of  the  coun- 
ties. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolutions  be  read  to  every  per- 
son to  whom  the  association  thereby  recommended  shall  be 
offered  for  subscription. 

Isaac  Ketcham,  who  was  examined  by  this  Congress  on 
the  17th  inst.  being  this  day  further  examined,  says,  that 
in  his  last  examination  he  mentioned  a  certain  Colo.  Webb 
as  being  now  in  the  charater  of  a  private  gentlemen  in  New- 
England,  bribing  leading  people  there.  This  examinant 
says  that  he  was  mistaken  in  the  name  of  that  person,  and 
that  he  is  a  Major  Brown,  who  was  a  major  in  the  regular 
service  last  war. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

June  2lst,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Randall,  Gent 
Scolt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  (the  two  last  on  a  committee) — New-York' 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Ganscvort— Albany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  PoIHemus,  Mr.  Lefferlse — Kings. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wickman,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Van  Der  Bergh — 
Dutches. 

Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Colo.  Stoutenburgh  be 
a  committee  to  contract  with  Jacamiah  Allen  for  making 
^unlocks. 

Mr.  Vandebergh,  a  member  for  Dutches,  appeared,  took 
his  seat  and  was  sworn  to  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

A  letter  from  Robert  H.  Harrison,  Genl.  Washington's 
Secretary,  enclosing  a  letter  from  Genl.  Hand,  relative  to 
a  suspected  dangerous  man,  named  Samuel  Witten,  was 
received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  referred  to  the  secret 
committee. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  dated  at  Phila. 
June  1 8th,  1776,  was  read.  He  therein  recommends  to 
the  Convention  of  New-York,  to  empower  the  General  at 
New-York,  to  call  such  part  of  the  militia  to  his  assistance 
as  may  be  necessary  to  repel  our  enemies. 

A  resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  of  the  17th  inst. 
recommending  the  measure  recommended  in  the  letter  of 
John  Hancock,  Esqr.  and  a  further  recommendation  to  em- 


502 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


power  the  said  Commander-in-Chief  to  impress  carriages 
and  water  craft,  when  necessary  for  the  public  service,  and 
also  to  remove  ships  and  other  vessels  in  Hudson's  and  the 
East  rivers,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  them  from  the  ene- 
my, was  also  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Ebenezer  Haviland,  surgeon  to  the  4th,  or 
Colo.  Wynkoop's  regiment  of  the  New-York  troops,  dated 
this  day,  relative  to  a  medicine  chest,  was  read  and  filed. 
Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  be  requested  to  procure 
a  proper  chest  of  medicine  foi  Col.  Wynkoop's  regiment, 
and  forward  the  same  to  the  said  regiment  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  and  resolution  received  this  day 
from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  be  committed  to  the  consi- 
deration of  Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Gansevort.  Colo.  Allison, 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Journey  and  Mr.  Leffertse,  who  are 
requested  to  report  thereon  without  delay. 

A  letter  from  Lawrence  Kortright,  relative  to  some  can- 
non he  has  to  dispose  of,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Scolt  and  Colo.  Malcom  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  upon  Genl.  Washington,  and  represent  the 
subject  matter  of  the  said  letter  to  him. 

The  petition  of  John  Carpenter,  Matthew  Gleaves,  and 
Wm.  Wood,  setting  forth  that  Danl.  Inslow,  a  butcher, 
had  by  force  taken  from  the  said  Wilber  Wood  eleven 
head  of  cattle,  which  were  brought  from  the  country  by  the 
said  Wilber  Wood  for  the  said  John  Carpenter  and  Mat- 
thew Gleaves,  was  read  and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Danl.  Inslow  attend  this  Congress  im- 
mediately, and  that  the  doorkeeper  inform  him  of  this  or- 
der. 

Mr.  Nichs.  Low  attending,  produced  an  account  against 
the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  for  1,503  pounds  gunpowder 
at  the  rate  of  £30  per  hundred. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress,  pay  unto  Mr.  Nichs.  Low  the  sum 
of  £450  18s.  Od.  in  full  for  1, 5031b.  gunpowder  purchased 
of  him,  by  order  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  on  the 
16th  April  last,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Danl.  Inslow  attending,  was  called  in,  as  also  the  com- 
plainants, who  were  respectively  heard.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Danl.  Inslow  do  imme- 
diately redeliver  to  Wilber  Wood  the  cattle  which  he  took 
from  him,  and  that  he  see  them  safely  driven  to  the  yard 
from  whence  they  were  driven.  The  said  Danl.  Inslow 
being  called  in  again,  and  the  order  read  to  him,  he  was 
reprimanded  from  the  Chair  for  his  imprudent  conduct  and 
discharged. 

Brigadier-Genl.  Scott  represented  to  the  House  that  the 
service  rendered  it  necessary  that  a  major  of  brigade  be 
immediately  appointed  to  the  detachment  of  mililia  under 
his  command,  and  requested  the  Congress  to  appoint  a 
person  to  that  office.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Scolt  be  authorized  and  request- 
ed to  nominate  and  appoint  such  person  to  the  said  office 
as  he  shall  think  proper. 

Whereupon  Genl.  Scott  nominated  and  appointed  Mr. 
Nichs.  Fish  to  be  his  brigade  major,  and  requested  that  he 
be  commissioned  for  that  purpose,  which  was  unanimously 
agreed  to. 

Genl.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that  the  majority  in 
Colo.  Lasher's  regiment  is  vacant,  and  that  a  major  is  a 
very  necessary  and  useful  officer  in  forming  a  new  regi- 
ment. 

The  same  being  immediately  taken  into  consideration,  it 
was  unanimously 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lasher,  with  his  offi- 
cers, be  requested  to  nominate  a  proper  person  for  major 
to  his  regiment,  and  return  his  name  to  this  Congress  to 
be  commissioned. 

Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutches 
county,  delivered  in  to  Congress  a  written  statement  of  a 
charge  of  bribery  and  corruption  in  an  election  for  officers 


of  a  militia  company  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  and  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  said  precinct  committee  thereon. 

Ordered,  To  be  read,  and  that  the  same  be  taken  into 
consideration  when  the  present  hurry  of  business  is  over. 

Friday  Afternoon,  June  2\st,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Rerasen — New-York. 
Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Van  Derbergh,  Col.  Graham— Dutches. 
Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort— Albany. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Leffertse,  Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  an  arrangement  of 
and  report  the  proper  mode  for  raising  the  two  companies 
in  Dutches  county,  and  one  company  in  Westchester 
county,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  be- 
ing again  read  paragraph  by  paragraph,  was  agreed  to  :  and 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  set  of 
resolves  agreeable  to  the  said  report ;  that  they  be  read  to 
the  house  in  the  morning,  and  if  approved  of,  that  certified 
copies  thereof  be  transmitted  to  the  general  committee  of 
Dutches  and  Westchester  counties. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  general  com- 
mittee of  Kings  county,  immediately  to  take  effectual  mea- 
sures that  all  boats  and  craft  in  the  bay,  on  the  south  and 
southwest  sides  of  the  said  county,  be  drawn  up  on  the  up- 
land, to  such  a  distance  from  the  water  as  to  prevent  as 
much  as  possible  the  disaffected  persons  in  that  county 
from  keeping  up  a  communication  with  the  enemy ;  and 
that  the  oars  and  sails  belonging  to  the  said  boats  and  craft, 
be  secured  in  the  most  effectual  manner. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  said  resolution 
be  transmitted  to  the  committee  of  Kings  county,  and  that 
the  President  write  a  letter  to  the  said  committee,  and  re- 
quest, of  them  to  cause  the  said  resolution  to  be  carried  into 
execution  without  delay. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
letter  of  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  and  the  resolve  of 
Congress,  (therein  enclosed,)  delivered  in  their  report  in 
the  form  of  resolutions,  which  were  read.  And  after  some 
lime  spent  in  considering  the  same, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Bancker,  one  of  the  members  of  the  committee  for  au- 
diting the  accounts  of  this  Congress,  informed  the  Congress 
that  Capt.  Ezekiel  Hyatt,  of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment, 
had  delivered  into  the  said  committee  the  billeting  roll  of  his 
company  ;  that  the  said  billeting  roll  has  been  examined  by 
Gerard  Bancker,  and  found  to  be  true  and  right ;  that  the 
men  of  Capt.  Hyatt's  company  are  very  mutinous  for  want 
of  iheir  money,  and  as  there  is  but  one  member  of  the  said 
committee  in  town,  the  said  billeting  roll  cannot  be  paid  off 
otherwise  than  by  an  order  from  Congress.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer 
of  this  Congress,  pay  to  Capt.  Ezekiel  Hyatt,  of  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall's regiment,  the  sum  of  £141  Is.  lid.  in  full,  for 
the  billeting  of  the  said  company. 

The  petitions  of  William  Muckelvain  and  Stephen  Foun- 
tain, both  confined  in  jail  by  order  of  the  general  commit- 
tee of  New-York,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  the  general  commit- 
tee of  New-York,  who  are  requested  to  take  the  same  into 
consideration. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


503 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

June  22d,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pbesent — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Mr.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Journey,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Mbany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Vandebergh,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  Schenk — 
Dutches. 

Mr.  Polhemus— Kings. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

The  resolutions  for  raising  two  companies  of  50  men 
each,  officers  included,  in  Dutches  county,  and  one  com- 
pany of  50  men,  officers  included,  in  Westchester  county, 
were  read,  and  being  again  read  were  unanimously  ap- 
proved of,  and  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas,  there  are  sundry  disaffected  and  dangerous 
persons  in  the  counties  of  Dutches  and  Westchester,  who 
do  now  greatly  disturb  the  peace  of  the  said  counties,  and 
will  most  probably  take  up  arms  whensoever  the  enemy  shall 
make  a  descent  upon  this  Colony,  to  the  great  annoyance 
of  the  said  counties  in  particular,  and  of  others  the  good 
people  of  this  colony  :  And  whereas,  by  reason  of  the 
several  drafts  which  have  been  made  in  the  said  counties, 
according  to  the  late  recommendation  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  the  militia  thereof  are  rendered  incapable  of 
keeping  peace  and  order  in  the  said  counties,  without  great 
inconvenience  to  themselves  and  much  injury  to,  and  neglect 
of  their  private  property  ;  and  inasmuch  as  the  interest 
of  this  Colony  may  be  materially  affected  by  any  dissen- 
tions  which  may  prevail  in  the  said  counties  while  the  Con- 
tinental troops  are  engaged  in  the  defence  of  those  counties 
more  immediately  exposed  to  the  inroads  of  the  enemy : 
Therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  100  men,  officers  included,  be  raised 
in  Dutches  county  ;  and  that  50  men,  officers  included, 
be  raised  in  Westchester  county,  and  taken  into  the  pay 
and  service  of  this  Congress  and  confined  to  the  service  of 
those  counties,  and  to  continue  in  pay  until  the  first  day  of 
November  next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  this  or  a  fu- 
ture Congress  of  this  Colony. 

"That  the  100  men  to  be  raised  in  Dutches  county  be 
divided  into  two  companies,  each  company  to  consist  of  1 
captain,  1  lieutenant,  3  sergeants,  3  corporals,  1  fifer,  1 
drummer  and  40  privates  ;  and  that  the  50  men  to  be  raised 
in  Westchester  county  consist  of  1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  3 
sergeanls,  3  corporals,  1  fifer,  1  drummer  and  40  privates  ; 
that  the  pay  of  those  3  companies  be  the  same  as  the  pay 
of  the  Continental  troops  ;  that  the  captains  be  allowed 
18s.  each,  per  week  ;  the  lieutenants  be  allowed  12s.  each, 
per  week  ;  and  the  sergeants,  corporals,  fifers,  drummers 
and  privates,  8s.  each,  per  week,  in  lieu  of  all  rations  and 
subsistence: 

"That  Melancton  Smith  be  appinted  captain  of  one  of 
the  said  companies  to  be  raised  in  Dutches  county  ;  and  that 
John  Durlin  be  appointed  captain  of  the  other ;  and  that 
Micah  Townsend  be  appointed  captain  of  the  said  compa- 
ny to  be  raised  in  Westchester  county  : 

"That  the  general  committees  of  the  said  counties  be 
authorized  to  nominate  and  appoint  the  subaltern  officers 
to  the  said  companies  in  their  counties  respectively  : 

"  That  the  said  three  companies  be  deemed  one  corps, 
and  that  Melancton  Smith  be  captain  commandant ;  that 
Micah  Townsend  be  the  second  captain  in  rank  ;  and  that 
John  Durlin  be  the  third  captain  in  rank  in  the  said  corps  : 

"  That  the  general  committees  of  the  said  counties  be 


authorized  and  requested  to  appoint  a  muster  master  in 
their  respective  counties  to  muster  the  said  companies, 
and  that  they  transmit  the  names  of  such  muster  masters 
to  the  committee  (apppointed  to  audit  the  accounts  of  this 
Congress)  without  delay : 

"  That  the  said  three  companies  be  subject  to  the  order 
and  direction  of  the  general  committee  of  their  respective 
counties,  or  such  other  person  or  persons  as  this  or  a  future 
Congress  of  this  Colony  shall  direct." 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  reso- 
lutions be  transmitted  to  the  general  committees  of  Dutches 
and  Westchester  counties.  And 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  immediately  issued  to 
the  captains,  and  that  blank  commissions  be  sent  to  the 
said  committees,  to  be  by  them  issued  to  the  lieutenants. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  President  of  this  Con- 
gress, for  the  time  being,  be  enabled  to  call  to  his  assistance 
during  the  daily  adjournments  of  this  Congress,  any  5  or 
more  of  the  members,  and  to  take  such  measures  as  they 
shall  judge  necessary  for  the  safety  and  preservation  of  this 
Colony ;  and  that  this  power  be  continued  until  Tuesday 
the  25th  inst.  and  no  longer. 

Lord  Stirling  attending,  was  requested  to  come  in  ;  he 
informed  the  Congress  that  he  thought  the  guard  over  the 
prisoners  at  the  City  Hall  was  insufficient,  and  desired  to 
know  whether  the  Congress  chose  to  have  the  said  guard 
reinforced. 

The  President,  by  order,  informed  his  Lordship  that  the 
Congress  requests  of  him  to  order  such  reinforcement,  as 
he  shall  think  necessary. 

Whereas  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  a  speedy  inva- 
sion of  this  Colony  by  a  powerful  fleet  and  army  under  the 
authority  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  :  And  whereas  ihis 
Congress  are  informed  that  the  Commissary-General  of  the 
Continental  army  has  orders,  in  the  purchasing  of  live  cat- 
tle for  the  use  of  the  troops,  to  give  the  preference  to  such 
cattle  as  are  fit  for  use  at  or  near  the  sea  coasts  of  the 
United  Colonies : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  in- 
habitants of  this  Colony,  at  or  near  the  sea  coasts,  to  sell 
at  a  reasonable  price  to  the  said  Commissary-General  or 
his  deputy,  all  such  cattle  as  he  shall  judge  are  fit  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid. 

And  whereas  disputes  may  arise  about  the  price,  it  is 
recommended  to  the  committees  of  the  several  counties, 
cities,  towns,  manors,  precincts  and  districts,  where  the 
same  shall  happen  respectively,  upon  application  to  them 
from  the  said  Commissary-General,  or  his  deputy  for  the 
purpose,  to  appoint  any  ihree  indifferent  persons,  upon  oath, 
to  value  such  cattle,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the  said  Com- 
missary-General, or  his  deputy,  upon  their  paying  the 
amount  of  such  valuation. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  hereof  be  immediately 
transmitted  to  the  Commissary-General  of  stores  and  pro- 
visions, and  that  the  same  be  published  in  all  the  public 
newspapers  in  this  Colony. 

Christopher  Duyckinck,  one  of  the  owners  of  the  priva- 
teer barge  Washington,  attending,  was  admitted.  He  re- 
quested that  a  commission  be  granted  to  John  Warner,  as 
commander  of  the  said  barge. 

A  commission  was  accordingly  issued  to  the  said  John 
Warner,  as  commander  of  the  said  barge ;  and  the  said 
John  Warner  and  James  Riker,  Esqr.  attorney  at  law,  en- 
tered into  bonds,  as  directed  by  the  Honble.  the  Continen- 
tal Congress. 

The  resolutions  reported  by  the  committee  for  taking 
into  consideralion  the  letter  from  ihe  Honble  John  Han- 
cock, and  the  resolve  of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  which 
was  read  yesterday  and  postponed  till  this  morning,  was 
again  read  and  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Congress  will,  upon 
application  from  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  army  of 
the  United  Colonies,  call  to  his  assistance,  when  necessity 


504 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


shall  require  it,  such  part  of  the  militia  of  this  Colony  as 
the  said  Commander-in-Chief  shall  think  necessary,  in  case 
of  an  invasion  of  this  or  a  neighbouring  Colony,  and  afford 
him  such  other  assistance  as  the  situation  of  affairs  may 
require. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  Commander-in- 
Chief  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to 
impress  carriages  and  water  craft  within  this  Colony,  when 
necessary  for  the  public  service  ;  and  also  to  remove  ships 
and  other  vessels  in  Hudson's  and  the  East  rivers,  for  the 
purpose  of  securing  them  from  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  reso- 
lutions be  immediately  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  Genl. 
George  Washington. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  June  22nd,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Stoutenburgh — New-York. 
Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster — Cliarlolte. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye— Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Delavergne — Dutches. 
For  want  of  a  representation  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
counties, 

The  Congress  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

June  23d,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh — New-York. 
Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye — Orange. 
Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Col.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  this  afternoon,  5  o'clock. 

Sunday  Afternoon,  June  23d,  1776. 

The  same  members  met  and  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

June  24th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Broome.  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Jac.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  P.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston  (the  last 
two  on  the  secret  committee) — New-York. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Lefl'ertse — Kings. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye — Orange. 

Col.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 


Lieut.  Colo.  Stoutenburgh  represented  to  Congress  that 
there  are  several  small  young  fellows  in  Colo.  Malcom's 
regiment  who  have  no  arms  ;  that  Mr.  Norwood  has  8 
carbines,  with  accoutrements,  in  store,  which  are  well  cal- 
culated for  those  men. 

Colo.  Stoutenburgh  requests  an  order  for  those  arms. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  deliver  to  Col.  Malcom, 
or  his  order,  the  eight  carbines  with  their  accoutrements, 
which  are  in  store,  to  be  put  in  the  hands  of  some  of  the 
small  men  of  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary,  con- 
tinue to  make  and  fill  cartridges  of  different  sizes,  to  the 
amount  of  half  a  ton  of  powder,  in  addition  to  the  former 
order. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  of  the  21st 
inst.  enclosing  a  resolve  of  Congress  of  the  same  date,  for 
raising  a  new  regiment  of  Continental  troops  in  this  Colo- 
ny, were  respectively  read  and  filed. 

Another  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  of  the 
same  date,  enclosing  a  resolve  of  the  same  date,  directing 
the  different  Colonies  to  provide  clothing  to  be  laid  up  in 
store  for  the  Continental  troops,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the 
Commander-in-Chief,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  both  those  letters  and  resolves  be  refer- 
red to  a  committee,  and  that  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Stou- 
tenburgh, and  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  be  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jesse  Woodhull,  of  Orange  county, 
enclosing  a  return  of  the  state  of  his  regiment  of  militia, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  James  Clinton,  at  the  fortifications 
in  the  Highlands,  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  informs 
Congress  that  his  regiment  has  no  surgeon,  and  recom- 
mends Petrus  Tappen  of  Poughkeepsie  for  the  office. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  examine  the  minutes  to 
see  whether  a  surgeon  is  not  already  appointed  to  the  regi- 
ment. 

Whereas  information  has  been  given  to  this  Congress 
that  sundry  persons  on  Nassau  island,  disaffected  and  in- 
imical to  the  American  cause,  are  in  arms  in  opposition  to 
the  civil  authority  of  this  Colony,  and  with  a  view  of  aid- 
ing the  enemies  of  America  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  requested  to  take  the 
most  speedy  and  effectual  measures  to  disarm  and  secure 
all  such  persons. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  wait  upon  his  said 
Excellency  with  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolu- 
tion. 

By  order  of  the  House,  the  President  directed  the  mem- 
bers to  keep  secret  the  subject  of  the  aforegoing  resolution. 

Monday  Afternoon,  June  24th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Ran- 
dall, Mr.  Broome,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Graham  (on  a  committee)— Westchester. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner— Richmond. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Broome  and  Mr.  Tredwell  be  a 
committee  to  contract  with  some  person  to  furnish  provi- 
sions for  the  prisoners  confined  by  order  of  the  secret  com- 
mittee. 

Mr.  Morris  delivered  in  an  account  of  moneys  by  him 
disbursed  necessarily,  in  the  business  of  the  secret  commit- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


505 


tee  of  three,  to  wit :  £3  6s.  Od.  to  Win.  Leary,  £2  4s.  Od. 
to  John  Sweeny. 

Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer 
of  this  Congress  pay  to  Govr.  Morris,  Esqr.  £5  10s.  0^. 
for  so  much  advanced  by  him  to  those  persons  for  their 
services  by  order  of  the  said  secret  committee  appointed 
by  this  Congress, 

Two  letters  from  Salem  committee  relative  to  disaffected 
persons  under  bonds  to  said  committee,  and  who  have  for- 
feited them  were  read. 

Ordered,  To  remain  for  further  consideration. 

Mr.  Hobart  informed  Congress  that  he  had,  by  order  of 
the  committtee  of  secrecy,  directed  Stephen  Kelsey  to 
come  to  this  city,  to  assist  in  detecting  a  dangerous  con- 
spiracy, said  to  be  carrying  on  in  the  army.  Mr.  Hobart 
produced  the  account  of  the  said  Kelsey,  wherein  he 
charges  £3  for  his  attendance. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Congress  pay  to  Stephen  Kelsey  the  sum  of 
£.\  for  his  services  and  attendance  in  New-Yoik  by  order 
of  the  committee  of  secrecy. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
resolves  of  Continental  Congress  of  the  19th  inst.  respect- 
in  the  clothing  of  the  troops  raised  and  to  be  raised  in  this 
Colony,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  being  read,  was 
unanimously  approved  of.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  be  request- 
ed to  procure  without  delay,  on  account  of  this  Congress, 
and  on  the  most  reasonable  terms,  all  the  coarse  woollen 
cloth  that  is  for  sale  in  and  about  this  city,  for  the  purpose 
of  making  coats  for  the  troops  raised  and  to  be  raised  in 
this  Colony  for  the  present  campaign ;  and  if  a  sufficient 
quantity  for  that  purpose  can  not  be  procured  in  this  city, 
that  he  send  to  the  city  of  Albany  and  the  town  of  Sche- 
nectady and  elsewhere,  and  cause  to  be  purchased  as 
much  more  in  addition  to  the  quantity  purchased  in  this 
city  as  will  be  sufficient  to  make  one  coat  for  each  soldier 
so  raised  and  to  be  raised  as  aforesaid. 

That  Col.  Curtenius  procure  without  delay  at  the  places 
as  aforesaid  and  elsewhere,  brain  dressed  deer's  leather 
sufficient  to  make  each  soldier  as  aforesaid,  one  waistcoat 
and  one  pair  of  breeches ;  and  that  he  employ  a  sufficient 
number  of  hands  to  make  the  said  coals,  waistcoats  and 
breeches  with  all  possible  expedition. 

That  Col.  Curtenius  procure  one  blanket,  one  felt  hat, 
two  shirts,  two  pair  of  woollen  hose,  and  two  pair  of  shoes, 
for  each  soldier  raised  and  to  be  raised  as  aforesaid  ;  and 
that  he  cause  all  the  articles  hereby  ordered  to  be  procured, 
to  be  baled,  invoiced  and  stored  in  proper  places,  there  to 
remain  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Continental  Congress  or 
Commander-in  Chief  of  the  American  army. 

Mr.  Hobart  represented  to  Congress  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  his  going  home  to  take  care  of  and  provide  places 
of  security  for  his  stock  of  cattle,  which  are  much  exposed 
to  the  depredations  of  the  enemy,  and  requested  leave  to 
go  home  for  a  few  days  and  a  dispensation  from  his  atten- 
dance on  the  committee  for  carrying  into  execution  the  re- 
solves of  this  Congress  of  the  5th  inst. 

Ordered,  That  leave  be  given  accordingly. 

Mr.  Moore  being  indisposed,  has  likewise  leave  to  go 
home. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

June  25th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Sands,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr  Bancker,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt— AW  York. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major.Parks — Ulster. 
Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 

127 


Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne — Dutches. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou— Richmond. 

Col.  Marsh—  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Ritzema  attending,  was  admitted.  He  informed 
Congress  that  the  men  in  his  regiment  have  two  months' 
pay  due,  and  that  they  are  very  mutinous  and  uneasy  for 
want  of  their  pay  ;  that  he  has  applied  to  the  General  for  a 
warrant  on  the  Paymaster-General ;  that  the  General  told 
him  that  as  there  was  not  money  sufficent  in  the  treasury 
to  pay  off  the  arrearages  of  all  the  regiments,  it  might  create 
jealousies  if  Col.  Ritzema  should  receive  a  warrant  for  the 
payment  of  his  regiment. 

Col.  Ritzema  therefore  requested  of  Congress  the  loan  of 
as  much  money  as  would  satisfy  his  men  for  the  present. 

Ordered,  'I  hat  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Mr.  Wickham 
wait  upon  the  Paymaster-General,  and  make  inquiry  into 
this  matter. 

Col.  Ritzema  further  informed  this  Congress  that  by  the 
promotion  of  Major  Vissher,  the  majority  in  his  regiment  is 
become  vacant,  and  requested  that  another  major  be  appoint- 
ed as  soon  as  may  be,  as  the  regiment  stands  in  great  need 
of  such  an  officer. 

Col.  Ritzema  further  informed  that  a  2nd  lieutenancy  is 
vacant  in  Capt.  Riker's  company,  and  as  it  is  usual  in  other 
regiments  for  the  adjutant  to  hold  a  lieutenant's  commis- 
sion, therefore  requested  the  Congress  to  appoint  Pelton 
his  adjutant,  to  be  a  second  lieutenant  likewise. 

A  letter  from  Col.  John  Field,  of  Dutches  county,  dated 
23d  inst.  informing  Congress  that  several  persons  in  his 
regiment  who  have  been  drafted  agreeable  to  the  resolutions 
of  this  House  of  the  9lh  inst.  refuse  to  serve ;  and  that  2 
captains  in  the  western  regiment  of  said  county,  forbid  the 
Colonel  to  draft  any  men  from  their  companies,  and  marched 
them  off  the  ground  and  dismissed  them. 

And  a  resolution  (subjoined  to  the  said  letter,)  of  the 
committee  of  Fredericksburgh  precinct,  directing  Doctor 
Crane  to  wait  on  the  members  of  Dutches  county,  now  in 
Provincial  Congress,  for  the  advice  of  Congress  on  the 
subject  of  the  aforegoing  letter,  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  this  afernoon. 

A  letter  from  the  general  committee  of  New-York,  re- 
lative to  Augustus  Van  Horn  and  others,  assigning  the 
principles  on  which  the  said  committee  mean  to  act,  with 
respect  lo  the  said  persons  who  are  under  confinement,  by 
order  of  the  said  committee,  was  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Randall  moved  that  the  letter  from  the  general  com- 
mittee of  New-York,  relative  to  Augustus  Van  Horn  and 
others,  be  immedialely  taken  into  consideration  Debates 
arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  ne- 
gative, in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say  : 


For  the  negative. 


Suffolk,   4 

Orange,   3 

Cumberland,   2 

Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

Dutches,   5 


20 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York   8 

Richmond,   2 

10 


Die  Martis,  P.  M.  June  25th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Genl.  Scott,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Broome 
— New-York. 

Mr.  Cortelyou,  Mr.  Conner— Richmond. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Gansevort— Albany. 

Major  Parks,  Col.  Hasbrouck — Ulster. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Pye — Orange. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 


506 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne — Dutches. 
Col.  L.  Graham — Westchester. 
Col.  Marsh — Cwnherland. 

The  letter  from  Col.  John  Field,  relative  to  the  drafted 
men  in  Dutches  county  who  refused  to  serve,  was,  agree- 
able to  order  of  this  morning,  taken  into  consideration,  and 
after  some  time  spent  therein,  was  referred  to  a  committee 
consisting  of  Col.  M.  Graham,  Col.  Allison,  and  Mr. 
Wickham. 

Col.  Malcom  produced  a  list  of  officers  of  three  different 
companies  in  his  regiment,  for  whom  he  requested  com- 
misions,  to  wit : 

Prussian  Blues. — Henry  Brasher,  capt. ;  Walter  Mof- 
fat, lieut. ;  John  J.  Myer,  2nd  lieut. 

Hearts  of  Oak. — John  Meeks,  capt. ;  Saml.  Fleming, 
1st  lieut. 

Caledonian  Rangers. — Robt.  Smith,  capt. ;  John  Hun- 
ter, lieut. ;  Danl.  Neavan,  2nd  lieut. 

Light  Infantry. —  Manly,  1  st  lieut. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  those  gentle- 
men, and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Genl.  Scott  informed  the  Congress  that  he  has  waited  on 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  and  conferred  with  him 
on  the  subject  of  small  cannon  for  privateers;  that  His 
Excellency  desired  him  to  inform  Congress,  that  the  mer- 
chants and  others  are  at  liberty  to  take  away  and  make  use 
of  any  of  the  4  pound  cannon. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

June  2Gth,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tem. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Jay 
(on  committee,)  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-York. 
Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 
Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks  —  Ulster. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison—  Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutches. 
Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Morris  (on  committee) — Westchester. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Col.  McDougall  requested  that  the  last  order  he  received 
from  Congress  on  the  Commissary  for  arms  for  his  regi- 
ment, may  be  continued  for  one  week  longer.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  deliver  to  Col.  McDougall 
or  his  order,  all  the  arms  he  has  or  may  have  in  store  in 
the  course  of  three  weeks  from  the  date  of  Col.  Ritzema's 
last  order. 

Mr.  Sands  delivered  in  a  certificate  signed  by  three  of 
the  members  of  the  committee  of  Pay  Table,  which  being 
read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  We  the  subscribers,  a  committee  of  Pay  Table,  ap- 
pointed by  New-York  Provincial  Congress,  do  hereby  cer- 
tify that  we  have  examined  the  accounts  of  Mr.  Peter  Cur- 
tenius,  as  commissary  for  necessaries,  furnished  his  com- 
missions, &c.  as  per  his  account  and  vouchers  left  with  us, 
and  that  we  find  a  balance  of  £4,469  8s.  Id.  due  to  him 
the  8th  day  of  June  inst. 

"  COMFORT  SANDS, 
"EVERT  BANCKER, 
"JACOBUS  VAN  ZANDT. 

"  New-York,  June  8th,  1776." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  pay  unto 
Peter  Curtenius  the  sum  of  £4,469  8s.  Id.  being  the  ba- 
lance due  to  him  on  the  8th  inst.  (for  sundries  purchased  as 


Commissary  to  the  Congress  of  this  Congress,)  agreeable 
to  a  certificate  of  the  committee  of  Pay  Table,  dated  the 
8th  inst. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  dated  the  25th 
inst.  enclosing  a  resolve  of  Congress  of  the  24lh  inst.  de- 
claring "  that  all  persons  abiding  within  any  of  the  United 
Colonies  and  deriving  protection  from  the  laws  of  the  same, 
owe  allegiance  to  the  said  laws,  and  are  members  of  such 
Colony ;  and  that  all  persons  passing  through,  visiting,  or 
making  a  temporary  stay  in  any  of  the  said  Colonies,  be- 
ing entitled  to  the  protection  of  the  laws  during  the  time  of 
such  passage,  visitation,  or  temporary  stay,  owe,  during 
the  same  time,  allegiance  thereto.  That  all  persons,  mem- 
bers of,  or  owing  allegiance  to,  any  of  the  United  Colonies 
as  aforesaid  described,  who  shall  levy  war  against  any  of 
the  said  Colonies  within  the  same,  or  be  adherent  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  or  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said 
Colonies,  or  any  of  them  within  the  same,  giving  to  him 
or  them  aid  and  comfort,  are  guilty  of  treason  against  such 
Colony : 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  se- 
veral United  Colonies,  to  pass  laws  for  punishing,  in  such 
manner  as  to  them  shall  seem  fit,  such  persons  before  de- 
scribed as  shall  be  proveably  attainted  of  open  deed,  by 
people  of  their  condition,  of  any  of  the  treasons  before  de- 
scribed : 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  se- 
veral United  Colonies,  to  pass  laws  for  punishing,  in  such 
manner  as  they  shall  think  fit,  persons  who  shall  counter- 
feit, or  aid  or  abet  in  counterfeiting  the  Continental  bills  of 
credit,  or  who  shall  pass  such  bill  in  payment,  knowing 
such  bill  to  be  a  counterfeit ;"  were  respectively  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Hallett, 
Colo.  Broome  and  Major  Parks,  be  a  committee  to  take 
the  said  resolves  into  consideration. 

Doctor  John  Jones  and  Mr.  Thomas  Pearsall,  (two  go- 
vernors of  the  hospital  in  this  city,)  informed  the  House 
that  they  have  in  store  about  £30  sterling  worth  of  medi- 
cines, which  were  intended  for  the  use  of  said  hospital ; 
that  Doctor  Morgan,  director-general  of  the  Continental 
hospital,  has  applied  to  them  for  the  said  medicines  for  the 
use  of  the  Continental  hospital,  and  that  he  will  pay  a  rea- 
sonable price  for  the  same. 

Dr.  Jones  and  Mr.  Pearsall  requests  the  advice  of  Con- 
gress in  this  matter. 

Agreed,  As  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  the  said 
medicines  ought  not  to  be  disposed  of,  but  reserved  for  the 
use  of  the  poor,  and  other  inhabitants  of  this  city. 

Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  represented  to  Congress  that 
his  attendance  at  Continental  Congress  is  necessary,  and 
that,  with  permission  of  this  house,  he  intends  to  set  out 
for  Philadelphia  next  Sunday.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Livingston  be  discharged  from  his 
attendance  in  this  Congress,  and  that  he  have  a  dispensa- 
tion from  his  attendance  as  a  member  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  carry  into  execution  certain  resolves  of  this 
Congress,  relative  to  persons  dangerous  and  disaffected  to 
the  American  cause,  (afler  next  Saturday.) 

A  certain  John  Leaver,  from  Tryon  county,  attending, 
requested  a  passport  to  go  to  Pennsylvania  ;  and  the  mem- 
bers of  said  county  representing  him  as  a  friend  to  the 
American  cause,  the  following  certificate  was  given  to  him, 
to  wit  : 

"  This  Congress,  having  received  satisfactory  informa- 
tion that  the  bearer,  Mr.  John  Leaver,  is  a  friend  to  the 
cause  of  America,  therefore  he  is  permitted  to  pass  unmo- 
lested." 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  June  26th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro.  tem. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


507 


Mr.  Livingston,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Genl. 
Scott— New-  York. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye— Orange. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Jllbany. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Mr.  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Malcom — Charlotte. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Frequent  applications  having  been  made  to  this  Con- 
gress, by  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  being  pro- 
prietors of  the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge,  and  elsewhere  in 
this  Colony,  for  permission  to  dispose  of  the  same,  and 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  having  signified  his  ap- 
probation that  the  proprietors  of  all  the  four  pound  cannon 
be  at  liberty  to  dispose  of  the  same.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  proprietors  of  any  of  the  four  pound 
cannon,  now  lying  at  or  near  King's  Bridge,  as  also  of 
those  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands,  and  elsewhere 
in  this  Colony,  be  and  they  are  hereby  permitted  to  dis- 
pose of  the  same. 

Whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress  that 
the  committee  of  Albany  have  sent  certain  inhabitants  of 
that  city  and  county  prisoners  to  Hartford,  in  Connecticut, 
vizt :  Abm.  Cuyler,  Henry  Cuyler,  Stephen  De  Lancey, 
John  Duncan,  Benjn.  Hilton  and  John  Monier, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  requested  to  make 
known  to  this  Congress  their  proceedings  against  the  said 
persons,  and  the  misdemeanours  with  which  they  stand 
charged. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  enclose  a  certified  copy  of 
the  said  resolution  in  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Albany. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Col.  Broome  are  appointed  a 
committee  to  inquire  what  number  of  prisoners  are  come 
from  Long  island,  and  which  were  taken  from  on  board  the 
ship  taken  on  the  south  side  of  Long  island,  which  and 
how  many  of  them  are  commissioned  officers. 

A  letter  from  Abel  Belknap,  chairman  at  a  meeting  of 
the  committees  of  the  precincts  of  Newburgh  and  New- 
Windsor  in  conjunction,  dated  24th  inst.  wherein  they 
represent  that  the  said  precincts  are  destitute  of  gunpow- 
der, and  request  a  supply  of  that  article,  as  also  that  of 
lead. 

Capt.  Isaac  Belknap,  who  was  sent  down  with  the  said 
letter,  was  called  in,  and  requested  to  inform  the  said  com- 
mittees that  the  Congress  have  it  not  in  their  power  to  send 
them  any  supply  of  gunpowder  now,  but  that  they  expect  a 
quantity  hourly,  and  that  the  said  committees  may  rest  as- 
sured that  this  Congress  will  send  them  a  supply  of  pow- 
der on  the  first  arrival  of  that  article. 

Col.  Allison  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  committee  ap- 
ointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  letter  from  Colo.  John 
ield,  relative  to  the  men  drafted  out  of  his  regiment  of 
militia  in  Dutches  county,  and  who  refused  to  march  ; 
also  of  two  certain  captains,  who  refused  to  permit  any 
men  to  be  drafted  out  of  their  respective  companies,  and 
the  resolve  of  a  sub-committee  of  the  said  county  thereon. 
The  same  being  read  was  unanimously  agreed  to.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  whereas  information  hath  been  given  to 
this  Congress  that  certain  captains  in  Col.  Luddington's  re- 
giment of  militia,  in  Dutchess  county,  have  refused  to 
draft,  or  permit  drafts  to  be  made  out  of  their  respective 
companies,  for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  brigade  of 
militia  to  be  raised  in  this  county  for  the  Continental  ser- 
vice, as  recommended  by  this  Congress,  in  pursuance  of 
the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  1st,  3d, 
and  4lh  inst. 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  said  county 
be  requested  to  make  inquiry  into  the  premises,  and  upon 


due  proof  of  the  charge  against  the  said  captains  to  send 
them  under  proper  guard  to  this  Congress  to  be  dealt  with 
according  to  their  deserts. 

And  whereas,  this  Congress  being  also  informed  that 
some  of  the  troops  already  drafted  in  the  said  county  have 
refused  to  march  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  brigadier-ge- 
neral and  the  general  committee  of  the  said  county  to  pur- 
sue the  most  speedy  measures  to  complete  their  quotas  of 
the  3,000  militia  to  be  raised  in  this  Colony,  agreeable  to 
the  resolves  of  this  Congress  of  the  7lh  inst.  and  to  forward 
their  march  with  all  possible  speed  ;  and  make  return  to 
this  Congress  of  the  names  of  all  such  persons  as  neglect 
or  refuse  to  comply  with  the  aforesaid  resolves. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolu- 
tions be  immediately  transmitted  to  the  general  committee 
of  Dutches  county. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

June  27th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt, 
Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Hr.  Hallet — New-York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — jllbany. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  De  Lavergne,  Col.  Graham — Dutches. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

The  committee  of  Pay  Table  requested  the  opinion  of 
Congress  whether  the  48  men  which  Col.  Lasher  was  re- 
quested to  furnish  to  guard  the  records  of  this  Colony  was 
meant  exclusive  of  officers. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  that 
the  guard  of  48  men  which  Colo.  Lasher  was  requested  to 
furnish  to  guard  the  records  was  intended  to  be  48  privates, 
exclusive  of  officers. 

Ordered,  That  Jonathan  Holmes  be  and  he  is  hereby 
appointed  second  lieut.  in  Capt.  Riker's  company,  in  Colo. 
Ritzema's  regiment,  on  condition  that  he  join  the  said  regi- 
ment with  16  able  bodied  men  in  14  days  from  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  issued  to  Mr.  Holmes,  on 
the  conditions  as  above  mentioned. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Morris,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt :  I  move  that  Augustus  Van  Horn,  Vincent  Peirce 
Ashfield,  Thomas  W.  Moore  and  John  L.  C.  Roome  be 
sent  for,  and  upon  their  signing  the  association  and  giving 
security  to  appear  and  answer  to  the  charges  brought 
against  them,  that  they  be  discharged. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  being 

put  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 

that  is  to  say  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4      Tryon,    3 

Richmond,    2      Charlotte   2 

Kings,    2      New-York,   8 

Ulster  divided.  Mr.  Randall  dissents. 

Dutchess,    5      Cumberland,    2 

Orange,   3 

Col.  Allison  dissents. 


15 


16 


Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Augustus  Van 
Horn,  Vincent  Pierce  Ashfield,  Thomas  W.  Moore  and 
John  L.  C.  Roome  be  immediately  brought  before  this 
Congress,  in  custody  of  the  jailer. 

Mr.  Hallet  informed  the  Congress,  at  the  request  of  Mr. 


508 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Lawrence  Kortright,  that  Mr.  Kortright  has  a  certain  num- 
ber of  guns,  6  pounders,  at  the  fortifications  in  the  High- 
lands, and  elsewhere  ;  that  sundry  persons  have  applied  to 
Mr.  Kortright  to  purchase  the  said  guns,  but  that  he  chooses 
(if  the  General  or  Congress  want  them)  to  give  them  the 
preference.  Mr.  Korlwright  requests  farther,  that  if  the 
General  or  Provincial  Congress  shall  please  to  retain  them, 
that  lie  may  be  paid  such  price  for  them  as  they  may  be 
reasonably  worth. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  and  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt 
be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Genl.  Washington  on  the 
subject. 

Augustus  Van  Home,  Vincent  P.  Ashfield,  Thos.  W. 
Moore,  and  John  L.  C.  Roome,  attending  at  the  door,  were 
called  in,  and  the  association  in  and  by  the  resolutions  of 
this  Congress,  of  the  20th  instant,  severally  tendered  to 
them. 

Whereupon  the  said  A.  Van  Horn,  V.  P.  Ashfield  and 
Thos.  W.  Moore  did,  each  of  them,  subscribe  the  same, 
and  did  respectively  give  security  to  appear  and  answer  to 
any  charges  against  them,  as  inimical  to  the  cause  and 
rights  of  America.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  A.  Van  Home,  V.  P.  Ashfield 
and  Thomas  W.  Moore  be  discharged. 

The  said  John  L.  C.  Roome,  on  the  said  association  be- 
ing tendered  to  him  declared  that  it  was  against  his  con- 
science to  sign  the  same,  and  that  if  he  did  it  would  be  only 
for  the  sake  of  being  discharged  from  his  present  confine- 
ment, that  he  might  (as  he  is  indisposed)  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  going  into  the  country  for  the  benefit  of  the  fresh 
air.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  remanded  to  jail  until  further  order 
of  this  Congress. 

Colo.  Van  Brunt  delivered  a  return  of  the  captain  and 
2nd  lieutenant  for  the  58  men,  being  the  quota  of  the  mili- 
tia of  the  said  county  to  reinforce  the  Continental  army  at 
New-York,  to  wit :  Jacques  Rapalye,  capt.  and  Geo.  Car- 
penter, 2d  lieut. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  issued,  and  they  were 
issued  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  William  Mercier  and  Capt.  John 
Berrien  be,  and  are  hereby,  authorized  and  requested  to 
inquire  and  obtain  intelligence  and  proof  of,  and  make  an 
inventory  and  account  of,  all  the  cannon,  cannon  ball,  shells 
and  other  military  stores,  belonging  to,  and  now  in  this  Co- 
lony, or  which  have  by  any  means  been  taken  out  of  this 
Colony  for  the  use  of  the  Continent,  or  in  the  Continental 
seivice,  particularly  specifying  the  weight,  number  and 
value  of  each. 

Col.  McDougall  informed  the  Congress  that  ten  shillings 
Provincial  or  Pennsylvania  money,  equal  to  10s.  8d.  New- 
York  money,  is  allowed  to  officers  enlisting  in  other  Colo- 
nies for  each  recruit. 

Ordered,  That  the  like  allowance  be  paid  to  the  officers 
of  the  Continental  regiments  in  this  Colony,  for  each  re- 
cruit who  shall  pass  muster. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  June  27th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — John  Hariri?,  Esqr.  Chairman  -pro  tern. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Randall— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham,  Mr.  Delavergne — Dutches. 

Col  Blackwell — Queens. 

Col.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Corlelyou— Richmond. 


The  letter  received  yesterday  from  Col.  Reid,  adjutant- 
general,  informing  Congress  that  John  Alner,  a  citizen  of 
this  city,  was  taken  in  custody  by  the  guard  at  the  Nar- 
rows, on  suspicion  of  having  been  on  board  the  enemy's 
ships  at  Sandy  Hook,  and  that  he  is  now  in  custody  of  the 
guard  at  the  City-Hall. 

The  said  Alner  being  ordered  into  Congress,  was  exa- 
mined. He  at  first  denied  that  he  had  been  on  board  any 
of  the  said  ships  ;  but,  being  strictly  interrogated,  acknow- 
ledged that  he  had  been  on  board  the  enemy's  ships  at  the 
Hook.  His  examination,  as  taken  by  the  Secretary,  was 
read  to  him  and  filed  ;  and  the  said  Alner  was  remanded  to 
the  custody  of  the  said  guard. 

Col.  Broome  delivered  in  a  list  of  the  names  of  the  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  taken  on  board  the  transport  on  the  back 
of  Long  island,  and  who  are  now  under  guard  in  this  city, 
which  was  read  and  filed. 

After  some  time  spent  in  the  consideration  of  the  most 
proper  place  to  send  those  prisoners  to,  for  their  future  resi- 
dence, it  was  agreed  that  the  futher  consideration  thereof 
be  postponed  until  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

June  2Sih,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Randall,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Hallett— New-York. 
Col.  Blackwell— Queens. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutches. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell -Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  June  24th,  1776, 
relative  to  one  Faukner,  of  Tryon  county,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Mr.  Hallet  reported  that,  agreeable  to  order,  he  waited 
upon  Genl.  Washington,  and  conferred  with  him  on  the 
subject  of  Mr.  Kortright's  cannon  ;  that  His  Excellency  was 
pleased  to  inform  him  that  he  intends  to  retain  such  of  Mr. 
Kortright's  cannon  as  are  fit  for  the  public  use,  and  that 
he  will  provide  for  the  payment  of  the  same,  according  to 
their  value,  for  which  end  he  will  direct  a  proper  person  to 
examine  and  ascertain  their  value,  and  requests  that  Mr. 
Kortright  employ  some  person  for  the  same  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hallett  inform  Mr.  Kortright  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Randall 
and  Mr.  Hallett,  members  of  the  marine  committee,  be, 
and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered  to  cause 
the  cargoes  of  the  prizes,  prize  ships  and  vessels  lately  ta- 
ken and  seized  on  the  back  of  Long  island,  and  carried  in- 
to Fire  island  inlet,  to  be  transported  to  and  stored  in  such 
place,  or  places  of  security,  as  they  shall  think  proper; 
and  that  they  dispose  and  sell  the  same  (when  legally  con- 
demned) in  such  manner  as  to  them  shall  appear  to  be 
most  advantageous  for  the  public  interest,  and  render  a  just 
and  true  account  of  such  sales  to  this  or  a  future  Congress, 
or  Committee  of  Safety,  of  this  Colony. 

Friday  Afternoon,  June  28th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— John  Haring,  F.sqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hallett,  Mr.  Jac.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Ran- 
dall, Col.  Broome — New-York. 
Mr.  Polhemus,  Mr.  Leffertse  —Kings. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


509 


Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  Graham — Dutches. 

Mr.  Conner,  Col.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Pye — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Major  Parks,  Col.  Hasbrouck—  Ulster. 

Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  secret  committee,  brought  into  Con- 
gress the  examinations  and  depositions  (of  sundry  persons) 
taken  by  the  said  committee,  which  he  offered  to  report  to 
the  House,  with  their  proceedings.  Mr.  Jay  informed 
Congress  that  the  said  committee  have  not  gone  through 
the  whole  of  the  business  to  which  they  were  appointed, 
and  requested  leave  to  sit  again ;  which  leave  was  accord- 
ingly given  ;  and  as  the  House  is  very  much  engaged  in 
other  necessary  business, 

Ordered,  That  the  reading  of  the  said  examinations  and 
depositions,  as  well  as  the  receiving  of  the  said  report, 
be  postponed  for  the  present ;  and 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Livingston  remain  in 
Congress  this  afternoon. 

Genl.  Washington's  letter,  together  with  the  opinion  of 
several  general  officers  at  a  council  held  on  the  subject  of 
disaffected  and  dangerous  persons,  as  also  on  the  subject 
of  removing  or  securing  the  stock,  cattle  and  horses  on 
Nassau  and  Staten  islands,  were  respectively  read  and 
filed. 

The  former  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 
»  Sir — The  necessity  of  the  most  vigorous  and  decisive 
measures  in  our  present  circumstances  will,  I  doubt  not, 
justify  to  your  Honourable  Body  the  removal  of  the  stock 
of  cattle  and  horses  from  those  parts  of  the  coast  most  ex- 
posed to  the  enemy.  After  a  long  and  fatiguing  voyage, 
they  will  need  refreshments  of  this  nature,  and  there  is  no 
doubt  they  will  have  them  if  possible  on  any  terms.  Com- 
mon prudence,  therefore,  and  a  regard  to  our  own  safely, 
strongly  evinces  the  necessity  of  depriving  them  of  such 
supplies  as  will  enable  them  to  act  with  more  vigour  and 
spirit  against  us.  Though  painful  and  disagreeable,  it 
seems  to  be  a  measure  which  the  great  law  of  self-preser- 
vation now  requires.  Enclosed,  I  transmit  the  unanimous 
resolution  of  a  council  of  general  officers,  advising  such 
removal  without  delay,  in  which  it  is  proposed  to  pay  a 
suitable  regard  to  the  necessities  of  the  people.  I  flatter 
myself  that  in  a  matter  of  such  importance  and  difficulty, 
the  Honourable  Body  over  which  you  preside,  will  ap- 
prove of  the  proposal,  and  carry  it  into  execution,  or  co- 
operate with  me  in  the  most  effectual  steps  for  this  purpose. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
With  the  greatest  respect  and  regard,  sir, 
"  Your  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Head-Quarters,  New-York,  June  27th,  1776. 
"To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Provincial  Congress,  New-York." 

Resolution  of  the  council  enclosed. 

"  In  considering  the  several  matters  which  your  Excel- 
lency has  been  pleased  to  refer  to  us,  we  do  with  regard  to 
Long  island  and  Staten  island,  think  it  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  safety  and  defence  of  this  Colony,  that  all  the  stock 
of  cattle  and  sheep  (except  such  as  may  be  requisite  for 
the  present  subsistence  of  the  inhabitants,)  be  removed  to 
a  distance  from  the  sea  coast,  and  that  this  be  done  imme- 
diately, as  on  the  arrival  of  the  enemy  it  will  be  impossible 
to  give  attention  to  this  matter  ;  and  also  that  all  the  horses 
be  either  removed,  or  put  under  such  regulations  as  that 
they  may  be  removed  on  the  first  approach  of  the  enemy. 
And  with  regard  to  the  disaffected  inhabitants  who  have  late- 
ly been  apprehended,  we  think  that  the  method  at  present 
adopted  by  the  county  committee,  of  discharging  them  on  I 

128 


their  giving  bonds  as  a  security  for  their  good  behaviour,  is 
very  improper  and  ineffectual,  and  therefore  recommend  it 
to  your  Excellency  to  apply  to  the  Congress  of  this  Pro- 
vince, to  take  some  more  effectual  method  of  securing  the 
good  behaviour  of  those  people,  and  in  the  mean  time  that 
your  Excellency  will  order  the  officer  in  whose  custody 
they  are,  to  discharge  no  more  of  them,  until  the  sense  of 
Congress  be  had  thereon. 

"  WILLIAM  HEATH, 
"  JOS.  SPENCER, 
"  NATHANIEL  GREENE, 
"  STIRLING. 

"  June  21th,  1776." 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Tred- 
well, Colo.  Blackwell  and  Mr.  Leffertsebe  a  committee  to 
confer  with  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  on  the  sub- 
ject of  removing  or  securing  the  cattle  and  stock  from  such 
parts  of  Nassau  and  Staten  island,  as  are  most  exposed  to 
invasion,  and  that  they  have  power  to  co-operate  with  His 
Excellency,  in  carrying  into  execution  all  such  measures 
as  they  may,  in  conjunction  with  him,  concert  and  adopt 
for  that  purpose.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  confer  with  the 
General  on  the  subject  of  his  application,  contained  in 
Colo.  Reid's  letter,  relative  to  disaffected  persons  who  are 
now,  or  may  be,  in  the  custody  of  any  of  his  officers. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Reid,  with  the  letter  from  Lieut. 
Davidson,  on  board  the  Schuyler,  armed  sloop,  at  Fire 
island  inlet,  giving  information  of  Genl.  Howe's  sailing 
with  the  fleet  from  Hallifax  for  New-York,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  referred  to  Genl. 
Scott. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colo.  Broome,  Colo.  Van 
Rensselaer  and  Col.  Brasher,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  a 
committee  to  superintend  the  prisoners  of  the  Continental 
Congress  in  this  Colony,  and  of  the  Congress  of  this  Co- 
lony ;  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  employ  proper  persons 
to  furnish  the  said  prisoners  with  rations,  agreeable  to  cer- 
tain resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  21  st  May 
last,  and  generally  to  take  care  that  the  said  prisoners  be 
properly  secured  and  disposed  of,  and  treated  with  justice 
and  humanity. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Allison  and  Mr.  Pye  be  a  commit- 
tee to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  Capt.  Blauvelt's  company 
of  militia,  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountains  in  Orange 
county,  who  have  not  drafted  their  quota  of  men  to  rein- 
force the  Continental  army  at  New-York. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Allison  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  au- 
thorized and  requested  to  cause  all  the  saltpetre  which  he 
hath,  or  shall  purchase  on  account  of  the  Colony,  pursuant 
to  a  resolve  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony,  to  be  manufac- 
tured into,  or  exchanged  for,  good  gunpowder,  and  that  he 
deliver  any  quantity  thereof  not  exceeding  500  weight  to 
the  general  committee  of  Ulster  county,  to  be  disposed  of 
by  the  said  committee  in  such  manner  as  they  shall  think 
proper  for  the  defence  of  the  said  county. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committees  of  Huntington  and 
Southold,  relative  to  deserters  from  on  board  the  Provincial 
armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  now  lying  at  Fire  inlet,  on  the 
south  side  of  Long  island,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Provincial  Congress,  5 
"  New-York,  2Sth  June,  1776.  $ 
"Gentlemen — We  have  received  information  that  six 
men,  vizt :  Thos.  Butler  of  New- York,  Richd.  Guilder- 
sleeve,  Ebenezer  Conklin  and  Solomon  Ketchum,  Junr.  of 
Huntington,  and  Jonn.  Armstrong  and  Elisha  Reeves  of 
Southold,  belonging  to  the  sloop  Montgomery,  Capt.  Wil- 
liam Rogers,  did,  on  the  night  of  the  19th  inst.  desert  from 
Fire  island.  We  think  it  necessary  that  every  measure 
should  be  taken  to  discourage  such  desertions,  and  there- 
fore request  you  to  use  your  endeavours  to  secure  said 
deserters,  especially  such  of  them  as  belong  to  your  dis- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


510 

trict,  and  cause  them  to  be  returned  to  the  said  Capt.  Ro- 
gers as  soon  as  possible,  who  has  offered  a  reward  of  2 
dollars  besides  reasonable  charges  for  each  man  thus  se- 
cured and  returned  to  him. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Huntington  and  Southold." 

Ordered,  That  copies  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tern,  and  transmitted. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

June  29th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Col.  Broome — New-York. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 
Col.  Blackwell—  Queens. 

Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison  — Orange. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Conner,  Mr.  Cortelyou — Richmond. 

Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

David  Salisbury  Franks,  from  Canada,  produced  a  cer- 
tificate dated  at  Chamblee,  31st  May,  and  signed  by  Samuel 
Brewer,  aid-de-camp,  and  another  certificate  dated  at  Al- 
bany on  the  20th  inst.  and  signed  by  Abm.  Yates,  Junr. 
chairman  of  the  Albany  committee,  whereby  it  appears  that 
the  said  Franks  is  a  friend  to  the  American  cause,  and  is 
permitted  to  go  to  New-York  with  his  man  servant,  on 
private  business. 

Mr.  Franks  requested  a  certificate  for  himself  and  ser- 
vant, to  go  to  Philadelphia.  Thereupon  the  following  cer- 
tificate and  pass  was  given  him,  to  wit  : 

"  This  Congress  having  assurance  of  the  friendly  dis- 
position of  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  David  S.  Franks,  to  the 
cause  and  rights  of  America,  do  recommend  that  he  be 
permitted  to  pass  with  his  man  servant  to  the  city  of  Phi- 
ladelphia." 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock  of  the  26th 
inst.  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Philadelphia,  June  26th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  perceive  from  the  enclosed 
resolves,  which  I  do  myself  the  honour  of  transmitting  in 
obedience  to  the  commands  of  Congress,  that  they  have 
appointed  not  only  the  field  officers  in  the  regiment  to  be 
raised  in  your  Colony,  but  likewise  a  number  of  subalterns. 
The  reason  that  induced  Congress  to  take  this  step,  as  it 
is  a  deviation  from  rule,  should  be  particularly  mentioned. 
I  am,  therefore,  directed  to  inform  you,  that  in  consequence 
of  their  being  furnished  with  a  list  of  the  officers  who  had 
served  in  Canada,  they  have  been  enabled  to  appoint,  arid 
in  fact  have  only  appointed,  such  as  were  originally  recom- 
mended and  appoitited  by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  your 
Colony,  and  have  served  faithfully  both  the  last  summer 
campaign,  and  through  the  winter. 

"  It  is  apprehended,  therefore,  the  Congress  have  only 
anticipated  you  in  their  appointments,  and  that  the  same 
gentlemen  would  have  met  with  your  approbation  for  their 
services  to  their  counlry  ;  added  to  this,  the  last  intelli- 
gence from  Canada  showing  our  affairs  to  be  in  the  most 
imminent  danger,  rendered  the  utmost  despatch  necessary, 
that  not  a  moment's  time  might  be  lost. 

"  The  other  officers  of  the  battalion  I  am  to  request  you 


will  be  pleased  to  appoint,  and  exert  every  nerve  to  equip 
the  battalion  as  soon  as  possible.  As  an  additional  en- 
couragement, the  Congress  have  resolved  that  a  bounty  of 
ten  dollars  be  given  every  soldier  who  shall  enlist  for  three 
years. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  scrvt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention,  New-York." 

The  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  of  the  26th 
inst.  referred  to  in  the  letter  above  mentioned,  from  the 
Honble.  John  Hancock,  commissioning  Major  Dubois  as 
colonel,  with  instructions  forthwith  to  raise  a  regiment  to 
serve  for  three  years,  or  during  the  war,  and  also  appoint- 
ing several  officers  in  said  regiment,  were  also  read  and 
filed. 

The  application  of  Joseph  Dwight  for  a  commission  as 
letter  of  marque  for  the  briganline  Enterprize,  burthen  160 
tons,  accompanied  by  a  report  or  manifest  of  her  warlike 
stores,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue. 

Thereupon,  the  said  Joseph  Dwight,  commander  of  said 
brigantine,  and  William  Bell  of  Philadelphia,  merchant, 
and  Archibald  Mercer,  entered  into  bonds  conformable  to 
the  regulations  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  application  of  Stewart  Deane,  for  a  commission  as 
letter  of  marque  for  the  sloop  Beaver,  with  a  manifest  of 
her  warlike  equipments,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue. 

Thereupon,  the  said  Stewart  Deane  and  James  A.  Stew- 
art, master  and  owner  of  the  said  sloop,  entered  into  bonds 
conformably  to  the  regulations  of  the  Continental  Congress 
in  such  cases  made  and  provided. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  June  29th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Jllbany. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 
Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham—  Dutches. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Genl.  Washing- 
ton relative  to  the  stock  on  Long  and  Staten  islands,  re- 
ported in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

[Report  not  entered  on  the  minutes  ] 

The  members  of  this  Congress  from  Richmond  county, 
took  extracts  of  such  parts  of  said  report  as  related  to  their 
county,  and  obtained  leave  to  go  home  and  attend  to  the 
securing  of  the  stock. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Theop.  Beekman  have  leave  to 
speak  to  David  Mathews,  Esqr.  on  private  business,  in  the 
presence  and  hearing  of  Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr.  a  member 
of  this  House. 

A  return  of  officers  chosen  in  the  2nd  company  of  the 
3rd  battalion  of  militia  in  Suffolk  county,  to  wit : 

Edmund  Howell,  1st  lieut. ;  Selah  Reeves,  2d  lieut. ; 
and  James  Wells,  ensign,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  those  gentlemen ; 
and  they  were  issued  accordingly. 

Mr.  John  Ramsay  applied  through  a  member  for  the 
opinion  and  direction  of  Congress,  relative  to  a  quantity  of 
flax  which  he  has  purchased  for  the  purpose  of  employing 
the  poor  of  this  city,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  Congress 
of  this  Colony,  and  which  he  has  now  in  store  in  this  city. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  That  Mr.  John 
Ramsey  ought,  without  delay,  to  remove  out  of  this  city 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


511 


and  cause  to  be  conveyed  to  the  store  of  Messrs.  P.  and  J. 
Schenck  at  Poughkeepsie,  all  the  flax  which  lie  has  pur- 
chased on  account  of  and  by  order  of  the  Congress  of  this 
Colony,  except  such  part  thereof  as  may  be  required  for 
the  immediate  employment  of  such  of  the  poor  inhabitants 
of  this  city  as  are  still  remaining  therein.  That  such  of 
the  said  flax  as  shall  be  sent  to  the  said  store  at  Poughkeep- 
sie, be  delivered  to  the  care  of  Messrs.  P.  and  J.  Schenk, 
subject,  however,  to  the  direction  and  order  of  Mr.  Ram- 
say, who  is  authorized  and  empowered  to  order  back  to 
this  city,  or  elsewhere  in  this  Colony,  such  quantities 
thereof  for  the  purpose  of  getting  the  same  manufactured. 

Mr.  Jay  asked  for  and  obtained  leave  to  go  to  Elizabeth 
Town,  and  is  to  return  on  Monday  morning. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Elizabeth  Town, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"New-York,  29th  June,  1776,  Saturday  afternoon. 

"  Gentlemen — At  a  conference  held  yesterday  between 
Genl.  Washington  with  the  other  general  officers  and  a  com- 
mittee for  the  purpose,  appointed  by  this  Congress,  it  was 
agreed  and  determined  that  the  stock  be  immediately  re- 
moved from  Staten  island  to  New-Jersey. 

"  As  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  will  require  aid  herein, 
and  our  troops  will,  in  all  probability,  be  necessarily  en- 
gaged in  other  business,  we  doubt  not  the  readiness  of 
your  committee  (which  you  have  so  fully  shewn  on  former 
occasions)  in  giving  them  every  assistance  in  your  power, 
as  well  in  the  removing  of  the  said  stock  as  in  providing 
proper  places  for  their  reception. 

"  We  are,  very  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servts. 
"  The  Committee  of  Elizabeth  Town." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress  that 
lead  will  speedily  be  wanted  for  the  use  of  the  army  in  the 
defence  of  this  city  and  Colony  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Daniel  Dunscombe  and  Samuel 
Prince  be  requested  and  authorized,  and  they  are,  and  each 
of  them  respectively  is  hereby  authorized,  and  empowered, 
and  requested  to  take  to  their  assistance  such  persons  as 
they  may  think  proper,  and  forthwith  to  cause  all  the  lead 
of  the  windows  in  this  city,  and  also  all  the  leaden  weights, 
(except  such  small  weights  as  are  in  use  in  the  course  of 
trade,)  to  be  collected  and  delivered  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
Esqr.  for  the  use  of  this  Colony,  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same  ;  that  a  particular  account  be  kept  of  the  lead  taken 
out  of  each  house,  in  order  that  the  respective  proprietors 
may  receive  compensation  for  the  same. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

June  30th,  1776. 

The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 
Mr.  Delavergne,  Col.  M.  Graham — Dutches. 
Col  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 
Mr.  Haring,  Mr.  Pye,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wickham— Suffolk. 
Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Col.  Hasbrouck.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 
Col.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Broome,  a  member  of  the  committee  for  disposing 
of  the  Continental  prisoners,  informed  Congress  that  a 
guard  of  the  militia  is  provided  to  go  with  some  prisoners 
to  the  places  of  their  destination  ;  and  requested  that  such 
guard  be  furnished  with  arms  and  ammunition  out  of  the 
public  stores :  Thereupon, 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  commissary,  deliver 
to  Capt.  Egberts,  the  officer  commanding  the  guard  over 
the  prisoners  going  to  Ulster  and  Orange  counties,  40  cart- 
ridges filled  with  powder  and  ball,  and  two  muskets  or  fire- 
locks ;  the  two  muskets  or  firelocks  to  be  returned  as  soon 
as  the  said  guard  returns  to  New-York. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Col.  Jos.  Marsh,  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Congress,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  authorized,  and 
empowered,  and  requested  to  proceed  immediaielv  to  New 
Port,  in  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island,  and  apply" to  Govr. 
Cook  for  the  powder  in  his  care  belonging  this  Colony, 
and  cause  the  same  to  be  disposed  of  in  manner  following, 
vizt : 


Send 

5  barrels  of  1001b.  each  to  Charlotte  county 

tt 

10 

do 

of  1501b. 

it 

to  Cumberland 

do 

(i 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

it 

to  Gloucester 

do 

£f 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

tt 

to  Tryon 

do 

It 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

tt 

to  Ulster 

do 

if 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

tt 

to  Dutches 

do 

n 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

tt 

to  Orange 

no 

U 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

t< 

to  Westchester 

do 

tt 

10 

do 

of  1001b. 

it 

to  Suffolk 

do 

'C 

4 

do 

of  1501b. 

tt 

to  Albany 

do 

tt 

54 

do 

of  1001b. 

tt 

do 

do 

And  for  this  purpose  send  the  quantity  intended  for  Al- 
bany, Ulster,  Dutches,  Orange,  Tryon,  Charlotte  and 
Westchester  to  Colonel  Hoofman  at  Red  Hook,  in  Dutches 
county,  to  the  care  of  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  said  county. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honble.  Nichs.  Cooke,  Govr. 
of  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sunday  Morning,  June  30th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  the  enclosed  order,  we  entreat  of 
you  the  favour  of  delivering  the  powder  therein  mentioned 
to  Col.  Joseph  Marsh,  the  bearer  of  this  letter,  and  obli- 
ging this  Congress  so  much  as  to  furnish  him  with  proper 
guards  and  other  assistance,  to  convey  the  same  to  the  se- 
veral places  mentioned  in  his  instructions.  This  powder 
is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  immediate  defence  of  this 
unfortunate  Colony,  invaded  with  the  unrelenting  spirit  of 
British  vengeance  on  every  quarter,  and  singled  out  as  a 
victim  of  the  present  campaign.  The  importance  of  the 
object  now  in  our  view,  will  apologize  to  your  honour  for 
the  urgency  of  our  requests. 

"  We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  honour's  mos  obt.  and  most  hble.  sevts. 
"  The  Honble.  Nichs.  Cooke,  Govr. 

of  the  Colony  of  Rhode-Island," 

Ordered,  That  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  advance  to 
Col.  Joseph  Marsh,  (a  member  of  this  house,)  the  sum  of 
£200,  to  be  by  him  disposed  of  in  paying  the  expenses 
which  may  attend  the  transporting  a  quantity  of  gunpow- 
der from  New  Port,  in  Rhode-Island,  to  Dutches  and  Cum- 
berland counties ;  the  said  Colo.  Marsh  to  account  for  the 
expenditure  of  the  said  sum  to  this  or  a  future  Congress. 

A  messenger  was  sent  for  to  request  the  members  from 
Kings  county  to  meet  this  Congress  this  afternoon. 

Sunday  Afternoon,  June  30th,  1776. 
The  Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — John  Haring,  Esqr.  Pres.  pro  tern. 

Col.  Broome,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Bancker— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Mr.  Delavergne,  Mr.  P.  Schenk,  Col.  M.  Graham— Dutches. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col  Malcom— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wickham,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haring,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Pye—  Orange. 

Colo.  Marsh—  Cumberland. 

Col.  Hasbrouck,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Morris,  with  leave  from  the  house,  delivered  to  the 
care  of  the  Secretary  the  papers  of  the  secret  committee, 
sealed  up. 


512 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Colo.  McDougall  attending,  applied  for  commissions  for 
the  officers  of  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  of 
Colonel  McDougall's  regiment,  and  that  the  said  commis- 
sions be  made  to  bear  dale  corresponding  to  the  respective 
warrants  granted  to  said  officers. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  in  like  manner  issue  to 
the  officers  of  Colonel  Ritzema's  regiment. 

An  officer  at  the  door  requested  to  know  what  he  should 
do  with  the  disaffected  persons  in  his  custody,  taken  at 
Hemstead,  in  Queens  county. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed for  the  disposition  of  Continental  prisoners,  to  be  se- 
cured and  treated  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  i 
New-York,  30th  June,  1776.  S 
Sunday  Afternoon.  ) 

Whereas,  this  Congress  has  been  credibly  informed 
that  a  majority  of  the  men  who  compose  the  company  of 
militia  (in  Haverstraw  precinct,  Orange  county,)  now  or 
lately  commanded  by  Capt.  Avery  Blauvelt,  are  notori- 
ously disaffected,  and  have  refused  to  suffer  drafts  to  be 
made  from  said  company  for  reinforcing  the  army  at  New- 
York  : 

Resolved,  That  Col.  A.  H.  Hay  be,  and  he  hereby  is  em- 
powered, authorized  and  directed, immediately  to  apprehend 
seven  of  the  most  refractory  men  of  said  company,  and  also 
to  seize  and  take  all  the  arms  belonging  to  the  disaffected 
persons  in  said  company  ;  and  that  he,  without  loss  of  time, 
send  the  said  seven  men  and  arms  to  be  taken  as  aforesaid, 
under  a  proper  guard,  to  this  city,  and  cause  them  to  be  deli- 
vered to  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott ;  and  in  order  that  the  said 
colonel  may  be  enabled  with  ease  to  execute  the  business 
aforesaid, 

Resolved,  That  he  be  at  liberty  to  apply  to  Capt.  John- 
son and  Lieut.  Martin,  or  either  of  them,  with  their  re- 
cruits, to  aid  and  assist  him,  and  the  militia  under  his  com- 
mand, in  the  execution  of  this  order. 

Resolved,  That  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  Conti- 
nental forces  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered 
whenever  he  shall  judge  it  necessary  for  the,  defence  of  this 
Colony, to  apply  to  the  brigadier-generalsthereof,  foranypro- 
portion  of  the  militia  under  their  respective  commands,  and 
that  on  the  receipt  of  such  application  they  be,  and  they 
are  hereby,  directed  to  call  out  such  part  of  the  militia  and 
march  to  any  place  or  places  within  this  Colony  as  the  said 
Commander-in-Chief  shall  order  for  its  defence,  and  that 
this  order  shall  continue  until  revoked  by  this  or  some  fu- 
ture Congress,  or  Legislature,  of  this  Colony  ;  and  that 
the  said  Commander-in-Chief  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  autho- 
rized to  take  such  measures  for  apprehending  and  securing 
dangerous  and  disaffected  persons  as  he  shall  think  neces- 
sary for  the  security  of  this  Colony  and  the  liberties  of 
America. 

Ordered,  That  the  General  have  a  copy  of  this  resolu- 
tion. 

Whereas  this  Congress  has  received  intimations  that 
divers  disaffected  and  dangerous  persons  in  this  Colony, 
have  lately  left  their  usual  places  of  residence  and  secreted 
themselves  in  woods  and  swamps  and  other  places,  in  all 
probability  with  a  design  to  join  the  enemy,  when  an  op- 
portunity shall  offer,  which,  if  not  prevented,  will  greatly 
endanger  the  peace,  quiet  and  safety  of  the  inhabitants  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby,  re- 
commended to  the  committees  of  the  several  towns,  cities, 
manors,  precincts  and  districts  in  this  Colony,  to  cause  to 
be  apprehended  and  brought  before  them  all  such  persons 
as  are  above  described,  and  that  they  cause  them  to  be  sent 
under  safe  guard  to  some  jail,  or  other  place  of  security  in 
this  Colony  ;  and  the  said  committees  are  hereby  empow- 
ered to  order  the  officers  of  the  militia  in  their  respective 
districts,  to  carry  this  resolution  into  effectual  execution. 

Whereas  there  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  that  an  at- 
tack will  soon  be  made  upon  this  city :    And  whereas 


during  the  tumult  and  confusion  incident  upon  such  attack, 
it  may  be  difficult  to  assemble  a  sufficient  number  of  mem- 
bers to  form  a  Congress  :  And  whereas  the  minutes  and 
other  necessary  public  papers  and  records  of  this  Colony, 
ought  to  be  removed  from  this  city  :  And  whereas  the 
present  or  future  Congress  of  this  Colony,  as  well  by  reason 
of  the  removal  of  the  papers  aforesaid  as  for  other  causes 
and  considerations,  wdl  be  unable  to  deliberate  and  de- 
termine in  this  city  on  the  several  important  matters  sub- 
mitted to  their  consideration  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  Treasurer  and  Secreta- 
ries of  this  Congress,  be  and  they  hereby  are  directed  forth- 
with to  repair  with  all  and  singular  the  public  papers  and 
money  now  in  their  custody  or  possession,  unto  the  White 
Plains,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  that  this  Con- 
gress be,  and  it  hereby  is  adjourned  unto  the  Court  House 
in  the  White  Plains  aforesaid  ;  there  to  meet  on  Tuesday, 
the  2nd  day  of  July  next,  and  proceed  upon  business  ;  and 
that  the  next  Congress  of  this  Colony  do  meet  at  the  same 
place  on  Monday  the  8th  day  of  July  aforesaid,  unless 
otherwise  ordered  by  this  Congress. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  car- 
ried in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  that  is  to 
say : 

For  the  question.  Against  the  question. 

Westchester,   4       Orange,   3 

Dutches,    5      Kings,   2 

Ulster,   4  — 

Tryon,   3  5 

Charlotte,   2 

Cumberland,  2 

20 

Ordered,  That  all  the  lead,  powder  and  other  military 
stores  belonging  to  this  State,  and  now  in  the  custody  of 
Richard  Norwood  and  Colo.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  at  the 
city  of  New-York,  be  forthwith  removed  from  thence  to 
the  White  Plains,  and  placed  there  in  such  safe  place, 
and  secured  in  such  manner  as  Mr.  Zebediah  Mills  shall 
order  and  direct.  And  the  committee  of  the  county  of 
Westchester  are  requested  to  afford  him  all  necessary  aid 
in  executing  this  business  ;  and  (if  he  should  think  it  expe- 
dient,) to  order  detachments  from  Capt.  Townsend's  com- 
pany to  guard  the  said  stores. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Mills  be,  and  he  hereby  is  empow- 
ered, to  impress  teams,  carriages  and  boats,  for  the  pur- 
poses aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  Mr.  Mills  50  dollars 
to  defray  the  expenses  which  may  attend  executing  the  or- 
ders aforesaid,  he  accounting  therefor  to  this  Convention. 


LIST  OF  THE  MEMBERS  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Philip  Livingston,* 
John  Alsop, 
James  Duane,* 
John  Jay, 
Francis  Lewis, 
Henry  Remsen, 
John  Broome, 
Antho.  Rutgers,* 
Peter  Pra.  Van  Zandl,* 
Abm.  P.  Lolt, 
l)anl.  Dunscomb,* 

Abm.  Ten  Broeck.* 
Abm.  Yates,  Jr. 
Robt.  Yates, 
Jacob  Cuyler,* 
Robt.  Van  Rensselaer,* 
Leond.  Gansevoort,* 


Nathl.  Woodhull, 
Jno.  Sloss  Hobart,* 
Thomas  Tredwell, 
Thos.  Dearing, 


New-York. 

Garrit  Abeel, 
Thomas  Randall, 
Isaac  Roosevelt, 
James  Beekman,* 
Isaac  Stoulenburgh, 
Jno.  Morin  Scott,* 
Evert  Bancker, 
Abraham  Brasher, 
Robt.  Harpur, 
Win.  Denning. 

Albany. 

John  Taylor,* 
Matthew  Adgate,* 
John  lileecker, 
Peter  R.  Livingston, 
Christr.  Yates, 
John  Ten  Broeck." 

Suffolk. 

Ezra  L'hommedieu, 
William  Smith,* 
David  Gelston, 
Ben.  Miller. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


Charles  Dewit, 
Matthew  Contine, 
Christopher  Tappen,* 
Arthur  Parks, 

R.  R.  Livingston,* 
James  Livingston, 
Gilbert  Livingston, 
Jonathan  Landon, 
Henry  Schenk, 

Lewis  Morris, 
Governeur  Morris,* 
Gilbert  Drake, 
Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,* 
Jonathan  G.  Tomkins, 


Jacob  Blackwell, 
Jonathan  Lawrence,* 
Samuel  Townsend, 
James  Townsend, 


Ultter. 

George  Clinton,* 
Matthew  Ray,* 
Henry  Wisner,  Junr. 
Levi  Pauling. 

Dutchess. 

John  Schenk, 
Nathl.  Sacket, 
Cornelius  Humphrey, 
Zephaniah  Piatt.* 

Westchester. 

Zebadiah  Mills,* 
Ebenezer  Lockwood,* 
Benjn.  Smith, 
Saml.  Haviland,  deed. 
Jonathan  Piatt. 

Queens. 

Abraham  Kettletas, 
Waters  Smith, 
Corns.  Van  Wyck. 


Theodorus  Polhemus, 
Nicholas  Covenhoven, 
John  Leffertse, 

Richard  Conner, 
Aaron  Cortelyou, 

Henry  Wisner,* 
William  Allison, 
Archibald  Little,  deed. 

John  Moore, 
William  Harper,* 
Benjamin  Newkirk,* 

William  Dner, 
Alexr.  Webster, 

John  Sessions, 
Simon  Stevens,* 

Jacob  Bayley. 


Kings. 

Rutgert  Van  Brunt, 
Jno.  Van  Derbilt. 

Richmond. 

John  Journey, 
Richard  Lawrence. 

Orange. 

Joshua  H.  Smith, 
Doctor  Thos.  Outwater, 
Doctor  Sherwood. 

Tryon. 

Volkert  Veder,* 
Isaac  Paris.* 

Charlotte. 

John  Williams. 

Cumberland. 

Joseph  Marsh. 

Gloucester. 


*  Those  thus  marked  are  now  in  this  place. 


129 


/ 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


At  a  meeting  of  a  Provincial  Congress  for  the  Province 
of  New-York,  at  the  Court  House,  in  the  town  of  White 
Plains,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  on  Tuesday,  9th 
July,  1776,  the  Deputies  from  a  majority  of  the  counties 
appeared,  and  they  produced  their  credentials,  and  pro- 
ceeded to  the  choice  of  the  following  officers,  to  wit : 
Genl.  NATHL.  WOODHULL,  Prest. 

John  McKesson,  ?  „      .  . 
Robert  Benson,  \  Secretaries. 

The  Deputies  from  the  city  and  county  of  New-York 
not  producing  their  credentials,  the  Secretaries  informed 
the  House,  that  soon  after  the  late  election  for  Deputies  to 
represent  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  Col.  Remsen 
delivered  into  Congress  a  certified  extract  of  the  minutes 
of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  whereby  it  appeared  that  an  election  was  held,  and 
21  members  were  chosen,  pursuant  and  agreeable  to  the 
resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  to 
represent  the  said  city  and  county,  and  that  five  of  them 
be  a  quorum ;  that  the  said  extract  is  mislaid  and  cannot 
be  found  at  present. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  present  from  New-York 
take  their  seats,  and  that  they  take  measures  to  procure  a 
copy  of  their  credentials. 

The  Deputies  from  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  ap- 
peared, but  have  omitted  or  forgotten  to  procure  and  bring 
with  them  a  copy  of  their  credentials. 

The  Deputies  from  the  county  of  Orange  produced  their 
credentials  in  due  form ;  whereby  it  appeared  that  at  an 
election  for  choosing  of  Delegates  conformable  to  the  re- 
solutions of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  Col.  Wm.  Alli- 
son, Mr.  Liltle,  John  Haring,  David  Pye  and  Mr.  Outwa- 
ter,  were  chosen  with  full  powers  to  represent  said  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  present  take  their  seats. 

The  Deputies  from  the  county  of  Suffolk  produced  a 
certificate  from  the  committee  of  said  county,  dated  the 
27th  day  of  June,  1776,  and  signed  by  Wm.  Smith,  chair- 
man ;  whereby  it  appears  that  Genl.  Nathl.  Woodhull, 
Ezra  L'hommedieu,  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Burnet  Miller, 
Thomas  Dearing,  David  Gelston,  Wm.  Smith  and  Thomas 
Tredwell,  Esquires,  or  any  three  of  them,  were  duly  elect- 
ed to  represent  said  counly  in  this  Congress,  with  powers 
to  establish  a  new  form  of  government. 


Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  from  Suffolk  take  their 
seats. 

The  Deputies  from  the  county  of  Dutchess  produced 
their  credentials,  by  which  it  appears  that  Zephaniah  Piatt, 
Esqr.  Mr.  Sackett,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  Doctor  Crane, 
and  Henry  Schenk,  were  duly  elected  and  constituted  with 
full  powers  to  represent  said  county  in  this  Congress. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Deputies  from  Dutchess  county 
take  their  seats. 

The  Deputies  from  Westchester  attending,  produced 
their  credentials  ;  whereby  it  appeared  that  Colo.  Lewis 
Graham,  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood, 
Wm.  Paulding,  Jonn.  Piatt,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Mills,  Gil- 
bert Drake,  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Genl.  Morris  and  Go- 
verneur  Morris  were  duly  elected,  with  full  powers  to  re- 
present the  said  county  in  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  present  from  Westchester 
counly  take  their  seats. 

The  Deputies  from  the  county  of  Queens  attending, 
produced  a  certificate  of  the  committee  of  said  county  ; 
whereby  it  appears  that  at  an  election  held  on  the  24th 
ult.  Col.  Jacob  Blackwell,  Captain  Jonathan  Lawrence, 
Waters  Smith,  Samuel  Townsend,  Cornelius  Van  Wyck, 
James  Townsend,  and  the  Revd.  Abraham  Keteltas  and 
Benjamin  Sands,  were  elected  to  represent  said  counly  un- 
til the  2d  Tuesday  in  May  next,  with  power  to  determine 
of  the  subject  of  erecting  and  constituting  a  new  form  of 
government  to  the  exclusion  of  all  foreign  jurisdiction,  was 
read  and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Deputies  from  Queens  county 
take  their  seats. 

The  Deputies  from  Charlotte  county  did  not  produce 
any  credentials. 

The  Deputies  from  Cumberland  county  attending,  pro- 
duced a  certificate,  signed  by  James  Clay,  chairman  of  the 
county  committee,  and  dated  at  Westminster  the  28th 
June  last;  whereby  it  appears  that  Colo.  Joseph  Marsh, 
Simon  Stevens  and  John  Sesscins,  have  been  duly  elected 
to  represent  said  county  in  this  Congress,  and  invested 
with  full  powers  of  legislation,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  from  Cumberland  county 
take  their  seats. 


516 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  the  resolution  empowering  the  General 
to  call  out  the  militia  be  published. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  draw  up  the  resolutions 
lately  passed  relative  to  the  stock  on  Nassau  and  Staten 
islands  into  forms,  so  that  they  may  be  published. 

All  the  new  members  present,  that  is  to  say,  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Keteltas,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Sacket, 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sessins,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr. 
Jonn.  Piatt,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Adgate,  and 
such  of  the  old  members  who  had  not  been  sworn,  took 
the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

Mr.  Benjn.  Smith  refused  to  take  the  oath  of  secrecy, 
and  was  therefore  desired  to  withdraw  and  consider  the 
matter  maturely  ;  and  he  accordingly  withdrew. 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  moved,  that 
whereas  the.  Revd.  Mr.  Keteltas,  one  of  the  Deputies 
from  Queens  county,  has  been  solemnly  devoted  to  the 
service  of  God  and  the  cure  of  souls,  has  good  right  to  ex- 
pect and  claim  an  exemption  from  all  such  employments 
as  would  divert  his  attention  from  the  affairs  of  that  King- 
dom which  is  not  of  this  world  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Mr.  Ketletas  be  at  liberty  to 
attend  this  House  at  such  times  only  as  he  may  think  pro- 
per, and  that  his  absence  be  not  considered  as  a  neglect  of 
his  duty. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  that  is 
to  say : 


For  the  motion. 

New-York,   8 

Queens,   4 

Albany,   6 

Tryon]   3 

Charlotte,   2 

23 


Against  the  motion. 

Orange,  , 

Suffolk,  

Dutches,  

Cumberland,  

Westchester,  , 


3 
4 
5 
2 
4 

18 


A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress  of  the  2nd  July  inst,  on  the  subject  of  inde- 
pendence, and  requesting  instructions  from  this  Congress, 
was  received  and  read. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  at  Continen- 
tal Congress  enclosing  the  Declaration  of  Independence, 
was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

[The  letter  not  inserted  in  the  minutes.] 
The  Declaration  of  Independence  enclosed  in  the  above 
mentioned  letter,  was  then  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Congress,  July  Mh,  1776. 
"  A  Declaration  by  the  Representatives  of  the  United 

States  of  America,  in  General  Congress  assembled. 

"  When  in  the  course  of  human  events  it  becomes  ne- 
cessary for  one  people  to  dissolve  the  political  bands  which 
have  connected  them  with  another,  and  to  assume  among 
the  powers  of  the  earth  the  separate  and  equal  station  to 
which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  entitle  them, 
a  decent  respect  to  the  opinions  of  mankind  requires  that 
they  should  declare  the  causes  which  impel  them  to  the  se- 
paration. 

"  We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident — that  all  men 
are  created  equal ;  that  they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator 
with  certain  unalienable  rights  ;  that  among  these  are  life, 
liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That  to  secure  these 
rights,  governments  are  instituted  among  men,  deriving 
their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed  ;  that 
whenever  any  form  of  government  becomes  destructive  of 
these  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  to  abolish 
it,  and  to  institute  a  new  government,  laying  its  foundation 
on  such  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers  in  such  form, 
as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely  lo  effect  their  safety  and 
happiness.  Prudence,  indeed,  will  dictate  that  govern- 
ments long  established  should  not  be  changed  for  light  and 
transient  causes  ;  and  accordingly,  all  experience  hath 
shown  that  mankind  are  more  disposed  to  suffer,  while 
evils  are  sufferable,  than  to  right  themselves  by  abolishing 


the  forms  to  which  they  are  accustomed.  But  when  a 
long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations,  pursuing  invariably 
the  same  object,  evinces  a  design  to  reduce  them  under 
absolute  despotism,  it  is  their  right,  it  is  their  duty,  to 
throw  off  such  government,  and  to  provide  new  guards  for 
their  future  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  sufferance 
of  these  Colonies  ;  and  such  is  now  the  necessity  which 
constrains  them  to  alter  their  former  system  of  govern- 
ment. The  history  of  the  present  King  of  Great  Britain 
is  a  history  of  repeated  injuries  and  usurpations,  all  having 
in  direct  object  the  establishment  of  an  absolute  tyranny 
over  these  States.  To  prove  this  let  facts  be  submitted  to 
a  candid  world. 

"  He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws  the  most  wholesome 
and  necessary  for  the  public  good  : 

"  He  has  forbidden  his  governors  to  pass  laws  of  imme- 
diate and  pressing  importance,  unless  suspended  in  their 
operation  till  his  assent  should  be  obtained  ;  and  when  so 
suspended,  he  has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them  : 

"  He  has  refused  to  pass  other  laws  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  large  districts  of  people,  unless  those  people  would 
relinquish  the  right  of  representation  in  the  legislature — a 
right  inestimable  to  them  and  formidable  to  tyrants  only  : 

"  He  has  called  together  legislative  bodies  at  places  un- 
usual, uncomfortable,  and  distant  from  the  repository  of 
their  records,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  fatiguing  them  into 
compliance  with  his  measures  : 

"  He  has  dissolved  representative  houses  repeatedly,  for 
opposing  with  manly  firmness  his  invasions  on  the  rights 
of  the  people  : 

"  He  has  refused,  for  a  long  time  after  such  dissolutions, 
to  cause  others  to  be  elected,  whereby  the  legislative  pow- 
ers, incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  people 
at  large  for  their  exercise  ;  the  State  remaining  in  the 
mean  time  exposed  to  all  the  dangers  of  invasion  from 
without,  and  convulsions  within  : 

"  He  has  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  population  of  these 
States  ;  for  that  purpose  obstructing  the  laws  for  the  natu- 
ralization of  foreigners  ;  refusing  to  pass  others  to  encou- 
rage their  migrations  hither,  and  raising  the  conditions  of 
new  appropriations  of  lands: 

"  He  has  obstructed  the  administration  of  justice,  by 
refusing  his  assent  to  laws  for  establishing  judiciary 
powers  : 

"  He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone  for 
the  tenure  of  their  offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment  of 
their  salaries  : 

"  He  has  erected  a  multitude  of  new  offices,  and  sent 
hither  swarms  of  officers  to  harass  our  people  and  eat  out 
their  substance  : 

"  He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing 
armies,  without  the  consent  of  our  Legislatures  : 

"  He  has  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of, 
and  superior  to,  the  civil  power  : 

"  He  has  combined  with  others  to  subject  us  to  juris- 
diction foreign  to  our  Constitution  and  unacknowledged  by 
our  laws  ;  giving  his  assent  to  their  acts  of  pretended  le- 
gislation. 

"  For  quartering  large  bodies  of  troops  among  us  : 
"  For  protecting  them,  by  a  mock  trial,  from  punishment 
for  any  murders  which  they  should  commit  on  the  inhabi- 
tants of  these  Slates  : 

"  For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world  : 
"  For  imposing  taxes  on  us  without  our  consent : 
"  For  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of  the  benefits  of  trial 
by  jury : 

"  For  transporting  us  beyond  seas  to  be  tried  for  pretend- 
ed offences  : 

"  For  abolishing  the  free  system  of  English  laws  in  a 
neighbouring  Province  ;  establishing  therein  an  arbitrary 
government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to  render 
it  at  once  an  example  and  fit  instrument  for  introducing  the 
same  absolute  rule  into  these  Colonies : 

"  For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our  most  va- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


517 


luable  laws,  and  altering  fundamentally  the  forms  of  our 
government : 

"  For  suspending  our  own  legislatures,  and  declaring 
themselves  invested  with  power  to  legislate  for  us  in  all 
cases  whatsoever. 

"  He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us  out 
of  his  protection,  and  waging  war  against  us  : 

"  He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts,  burned 
our  towns,  and  destroyed  the  lives  of  our  people  : 

"  He  is  at  this  time  transporting  large  armies  of  foreign 
mercenaries  to  complete  the  works  of  death,  desolation  and 
tyranny  already  begun,  with  circumstances  of  cruelty  and 
perfidy  scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbarous  ages,  and 
totally  unworthy  the  head  of  a  civilized  nation  : 

"  He  has  constrained  our  fellow-citizens  taken  captives 
on  the  high  seas,  to  bear  arms  against  their  country,  to  be- 
come the  executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or  to 
fall  themselves  by  their  hands  : 

"  He  has  excited  domestic  insurrections  amongst  us,  and 
has  endeavoured  to  bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers 
the  merciless  Indian  savages,  whose  known  rule  of  warfare 
is  an  undistinguished  destruction  of  all  ages,  sexes  and  con- 
ditions. 

"  In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions,  we  have  petition- 
ed for  redress,  in  the  most  humble  terms  ;  our  repeated  pe- 
titions have  been  answered  only  by  repeated  injury.  A 
Prince,  whose  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act  which 
may  define  a  tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. 

"  Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attentions  to  our  British 
brethren.  We  have  warned  them,  from  time  to  time,  of 
attempts  by  their  Legislature  to  extend  an  unwarrantable 
jurisdiction  over  us.  We  have  reminded  them  of  the  cir- 
cumstances of  our  emigration  and  settlement  here.  We 
have  appealed  to  their  native  justice  and  magnanimity ;  and 
we  have  conjured  them  by  the  ties  of  our  common  kindred, 
to  disavow  these  usurpations,  which  would  inevitably  in- 
terrupt our  connection  and  correspondence.  They,  too, 
have  been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  justice  and  of  consanguinity. 
We  must,  therefore,  acquiesce  in  the  necessity  which  de- 
mands our  separation,  and  hold  them  as  we  hold  the  rest  of 
mankind,  enemies  in  war ;  in  peace,  friends. 

14  We,  therefore,  the  representatives  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  in  General  Congress  assembled,  appealing  to 
the  Supreme  Judge  of  the  world  for  the  rectitude  of  our 
intentions,  do,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  good 
people  of  these  Colonies,  solemnly  publish  and  declare, 
that  these  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  right  ought  to  be, 
free  and  independent  States  ;  that  they  are  absolved  from 
all  allegiance  to  the  British  Crown,  and  that  all  political 
connection  between  them  and  the  State  of  Great  Britain, 
is  and  ought  to  be  totally  dissolved ;  and  that,  as  free  and 
independent  States,  they  have  full  power  to  levy  war,  con- 
clude peace,  contract  alliances,  establish  commerce,  and  to 
do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  independent  States  may 
of  right  do.  And  for  the  support  of  this  declaration,  with 
a  firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  we 
mutually  pledge  to  each  other,  our  lives,  our  fortunes,  and 
our  sacred  honuur. 

"  Signed  by  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  Congress. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  Attest, 

li  Charles  Thomson,  Secretary." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  Declaration  be  refer- 
red to  a  committee,  to  consist  of  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Hobart,  Mr.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Wm.  Smith. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Joseph  Reid,  Adjutant-General  of  the 
American  Army,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  General  to  solicit 
the  attention  of  your  Honourable  Body,  to  the  resolve  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  touching  prisoners  of  war.  By 
that  resolve,  they  are  put  wholly  in  the  disposition  of  the 
Legislature  of  the  respective  Colonies,  who  are  authorized 
to  appoint  a  commissary  to  make  provision  for  them,  and 

130 


they  are  to  be  taken  to  such  places  as  shall  be  deemed  the 
most  secure. 

"  There  are  now  a  number  of  prisoners  in  the  jail,  some 
of  them  of  some  rank ;  their  expenses  run  much  higher 
than  if  in  the  country,  and,  in  our  present  situation,  ex- 
tremely dangerous.  His  Excellency  requests  no  time  may 
be  lost  in  removing,  not  only  those  who  have  been  taken 
prisoners  of  war,  but  those  committed  for  practices  against 
the  State  ;  and  if  some  direction  was  taken  with  respect 
to  the  prisoners  for  debt,  it  would  be  proper,  as  there  is  too 
much  reason  to  fear  that,  in  case  of  an  attack,  if  the  doors 
were  not  opened  by  the  jailer,  the  whole  would  rise  and 
force  them  open.  Any  assistance  that  may  be  wanted  for 
this  purpose,  the  General  begs  leave  to  tender.  1  have 
also  in  charge  to  mention  to  you  the  impropriety  of  suffer- 
ing Burrows  to  continue  in  the  care  of  the  jail ;  as  from 
his  connections,  his  appointment,  and  other  circumstances, 
there  is  the  utmost  reason  to  suspect  him. 

"  The  distance  to  which  the  Congress  has  removed,  will 
make  it  very  difficult  to  have  their  advice  and  assistance 
on  occasions  which  frequently  present.  The  General 
would  suggest  the  propriety  of  their  appointing  a  small 
committee  in  the  city  to  regulate  such  matters  of  internal 
concern  as  daily  present  themselves. 

"  The  great  hurry  and  engagements  of  the  General  pre- 
vent his  writing  personally,  but  he  begs  his  respectful 
compliments  may  be  made  to  your  honourable  body. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"JOS.  REED,  Ajt.  Genl. 

"Head  Quarters,  Few-York, 

July  3th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee, to  consist  of  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Gansevort 
and  Colo.  L.  Graham. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Jay  and  Colo.  Van 
Rensselaer  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  and 
report  on  all  the  letters  received  from  Congress  and  our 
Delegates  on  the  subject  of  the  new  regiment  to  be  raised 
in  this  Colony  ;  and  also  Colo.  Flemming's  letter,  and  the 
letter  of  William  Goforth,  of  the  6th  instant,  complaining 
of  being  superseded  in  his  rank,  and  resigning  his  com- 
mission as  major. 

Tuesday,  P.  M.  ) 
White  Plains,  July  9th,  1776.  > 

The  Convention  met. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker.  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Jay.  Col.  Brasher.  Mr.  Rut- 
gers— Aeir-  York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Pauld- 
ing, Capt.  J.  Flatt,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomp- 
kins, Genl.  Morris,  Governeur  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate  Al- 
bany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sesscens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Sacket— Dutches. 

Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Mr.  Ketletas — 
Queens. 

A  letter  from  P.  T.  Curtenius  of  the  3d  inst.  requesting 
an  advance  of  £5,000  on  account,  and  mentioning  that  the 
British  had  landed  on  Staten  island  without  opposition,  and 
detachments  had  advanced  towards  Bergen  Point  and 
Elizabeth  Town.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Congress,  advance  to  Colonel  Peter  T. 
Curtenius  the  sum  of  £5,000  on  account,  and  take  his  re- 
ceipt for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Malcom,  inclosing  a  certificate  from 
Doctor  John  Jones,  of  the  qualifications  of  Wm.  Adams 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


518 

as  a  surgeon,  and  requesting  the  said  Adams  be  appointed 
surgeon  to  his  regiment,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  William  Adams  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
appointed  surgeon  to  the  2nd  regiment  of  militia,  (raised 
for  reinforcing  the  Continental  army  at  New-York,)  where- 
of William  Malcom,  Esqr.  is  colonel. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Veeder,  Mr.  Newhist,  Mr.  Paris, 
Mr.  H.  Schenk  and  Mr.  Harper  took  the  general  oath  of 
secrecy. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
letter  from  our  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  and  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  reported  the  following, 
which  was  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, that  is  to  say  : 

In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  ; 
of  the  State  of  New-York.  > 
White  Plains,  July  9th,  1776.  ) 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  reasons  assigned  by 
the  Continental  Congress  for  declaring  the  United  Colo- 
nies free  and  independent  States  arc  cogent  and  conclu- 
sive ;  and  that  while  we  lament  the  cruel  necessity  which 
has  rendered  that  measure  unavoidable,  we  approve  the 
same,  and  will,  at  the  risk  of  our  lives  and  fortunes,  join 
with  the  other  Colonies  in  supporting  it. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  Declaration  and 
the  aforegoing  resolution  be  sent  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  with  orders  to 
publish  the  same,  with  beat  of  drum,  at  this  place  on 
Thursday  next ;  and  to  give  directions  that  it  be  published 
with  all  convenient  speed  in  the  several  districts  within  the 
said  county  ;  and  that  copies  thereof  be  forthwith  trans- 
mitted to  the  other  county  committees  within  the  State  of 
New-York,  with  orders  to  cause  the  same  to  be  published 
in  the  several  districts  of  their  respective  counties. 

Resolved,  That  500  copies  of  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence, with  the  two  last  mentioned  resolutions  of 
this  Congress  for  approving  and  proclaiming  the  same,  be 
published  in  handbills  and  sent  to  all  the  county  commit- 
tees in  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Conti- 
nental Congress  be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  con- 
sent and  adopt  all  such  measures  as  they  may  deem  con- 
ducive to  the  happiness  and  welfare  of  the  United  States 
of  America. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  aforesaid  resolutions  be 
transmitted  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

General  Morris'  daughter  being  extremely  ill,  he  request- 
ed and  obtained  leave  of  absence. 

Resolved,  1'hat  the  sheriffs  of  this  State  do  and  they 
are  hereby  respectively  authorized  and  directed  to  retain 
and  keep  in  their  custody  all  prisoners,  of  whatever  kind, 
which  are  or  may  be  in  their  custody,  until  the  further  or- 
der of  this  Convention,  or  until  such  of  them  as  may 
be  confined  for  debt  on  civil  process  shall  be  released  by 
the  plaintiffs  so  brought  against  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  mentioned  resolution  be  pu- 
blished. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Brasher  and  Mr.  Pauld- 
ing be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  report  the  proper 
places  for  the  reception  and  means  of  support  of  the  poor 
inhabitants  of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York. 

The  committee  appointed  this  morning  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  letter  of  Adjt.  Genl.  Reed,  reported  several 
resolutions,  which  being  amended  was  agreed  to,  and  are 
in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  carry  into 
execution  certain  resolves  of  this  Congress  with  respect  to 
disaffected  persons,  and  the  committee  appointed  to  confer 
with  General  Washington  and  examine  into  the  conspiracy 
lately  discovered,  be  and  they  are  hereby  united  and  made 
one  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  powers  be  and  they 
hereby  are  given  them  in  addition  to  those  before  vested  in 
the  said  committee,  to  wit : 


A  power  to  dispose  of  all  prisoners  that  shall  be  taken 
in  or  brought  to  the  city  of  New-York,  other  than  prisoners 
of  war. 

A  power  to  appoint  a  commissary  to  provide  for  the  said 
prisoners. 

A  power  to  remove,  if  they  shall  think  necessary,  all 
prisoners  confined  in  the  city  of  New-York,  other  than  pri- 
soners of  war  as  aforesaid,  to  such  place  or  places  of  safety 
as  they  shall  think  proper. 

A  power  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  Burrows,  the 
jailer  of  the  jail  in  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  and 
if  they  should  think  it  necessary  that  he  should  be  remov- 
ed from  his  office,  to  request  the  sheriff  to  appoint  a  more 
suitable  person  in  his  stead. 

And  whereas  this  Congress,  on  the  30th  June  last, 
being  then  about  to  adjourn  to  this  place,  were  under  the 
necessity  of  giving  General  Washington  the  trouble  of  ap- 
prehending and  securing  such  dangerous  and  disaffected 
persons  as  he  should  think  necessary  for  the  security  of 
this  Colony,  and  the  liberties  of  America  :  And  whereas 
that  business  may  now  be  conveniently  executed  by  the 
above  mentioned  committee. 

Resolved,  That  it  would  be  unreasonable  longer  to 
burthen  the  General  with  matters  for  which  this  Congress 
ought  to  provide,  and  therefore  that  the  said  business  be 
and  it  is  hereby  referred  to  the  said  committee,  and  that 
they  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  and  directed  to  execute  the 
same  :  And  further,  that  they  carry  into  execution  all  such 
resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  and  comply  with  all 
such  necessary  requisitions  of  the  General  as  require  so 
much  despatch  as  to  render  an  application  to  this  Congress 
impracticable  or  attended  with  dangerous  delay. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  persons,  to  wit :  Mr. 
Hobart,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr. 
Randall  and  Col.  Remsen,  or  any  three  of  them,  consti- 
tute the  aforesaid  committee  ;  that  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr. 
Jay  be  and  they  hereby  are  discharged  from  the  said  com- 
mittee ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  and  they  hereby 
are  authorized  and  empowered  to  administer  to  Colo.  Rem- 
sen an  oath  similar  to  that  taken  by  the  other  members  of 
the  said  committee  on  their  former  appointment. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  committee  be 
and  they  hereby  are  permitted  to  proceed  in  the  business 
under  them  committed,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  them  shall 
appear  to  be  most  agreeable  to  the  dictates  of  justice  and 
humanity,  and  most  advancive  of  the  public  good,  the  oath 
which  they  have  taken  notwithstanding. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

White  Plains,  July  10th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper— New-York. 

Mr.  G.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Capt. 
Piatt,  Mr.  Paulding—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Ahm.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Kctletas,  Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck— 
Quceris. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— 

Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Hader— 

Tryon. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett,  Dr.  Crane.  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

The  Deputies  from  Tryon  county  delivered  in  the  cre- 
dentials of  their  election,  but  the  same  not  being  signed  by 
their  chairman,  or  attested  by  the  clerk,  one  of  the  said 
Deputies,  to  wit :  Mr.  Benjamin  Newkirk,  informed  the 
Congress  that  the  said  credentials  were  by  him  copied  from 
the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  Tryon  county  commit- 
tee, and  that  he  neglected  to  have  the  same  signed  by  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


519 


chairman  and  attested  by  the  clerk.  Whereupon  the  said 
Mr.  Newkirk  was  examined  on  oath,  and  it  appearing  to 
the  satisfaction  of  the  Congress  that  Mr.  Isaac  Paris,  John 
Moore,  William  Harper,  Volkert  Vador  and  Benjamin 
Newkirk,  were  duly  elected  and  empowered  to  represent 
the  said  county  of  Tryon  in  this  Congress,  and  instructed 
to  give  their  vote  in  favor  of  a  new  government  wholly  in- 
dependent of  all  foreign  jurisdiction. 

Ordered,  That  they  take  their  seats. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  one  of  the  Deputies  from  New- 
York,  delivered  in  a  certificate  of  a  sub-committee  ap- 
pointed by  the  general  committee  for  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York  to  superintend  the  election  of  Deputies, 
bearing  date  the  20th  of  June  last,  and  signed  by  Garret 
Abeel,  chairman,  and  others,  the  said  sub-committee,  and 
attested  by  Joseph  Winter,  secretary ;  whereby  it  appears 
that  at  an  election  held  in  and  for  said  city  and  county,  on 
the  19th  day  of  June  last,  John  Jay,  James  Duane,  Phi- 
lip Livingston,  Robert  Harper,  Francis  Lewis,  Garret 
Abeel,  Isaac  Stoutenburgh,  Daniel  Dunscomb,  William 
Denning,  Abraham  Brasher,  Henry  Remsen,  John  Morin 
Scott,  James  Beekman,  Evert  Bancker,  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
John  Broome,  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Peter  P.  Van  Zandt, 
John  Van  Cortlandt,  Anthony  Rutgers  and  Thomas  Ran- 
dall were,  by  a  majority  of  votes,  elected  Deputies  for  the 
city  and  county  of  New-York  until  the  2nd  Tuesday  of 
May  next,  unless  dissolved  by  their  own  power,  or  a  new 
form  of  government  shall  render  their  attendance  unneces- 
sary. 

Mr.  Hopkins,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Dearing  and  Mr. 
L'hommedieu  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

Mr.  Yates  moved  that  150  men  be  raised  and  paid  by 
this  State  to  guard  the  frontiers  of  the  county  of  Albany. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  W.  Smith, 
Mr.  Z.  Piatt,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Ste- 
phens and  Mr.  Webster  be  a  committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  propriety  of  raising  and  embodying  an  arm- 
ed force  to  guard  and  protect  the  frontiers  of  this  State, 
and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Morris  delivered  in  a  number  of  depositions  and 
examinations  (taken  by  the  secret  committee)  relative  to 
the  conspiracy  lately  discovered,  which  were  read. 

The  President,  by  order,  gave  the  charge  of  secrecy  to 
the  members  on  the  matters  contained  in  the  said  deposi- 
tions and  examinations  until  further  order. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  style  or  title  of  this 
House  be  changed  from  that  of  "  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  the  Colony  of  New-York"  to  that  of  "  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of  New- 
York." 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  ) 
White  Plains,  July  the  \0lh,  1776.  S 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 

And  the  same  members  as  in  the  forenoon,  except  Colo.  Brasher, 
from  New-York. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  letters  and  resolutions  received  from  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  raising  another  regiment  in  this 
Colony,  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  said  committee, 
which  being  read,  was  taken  into  consideration  and  order- 
ed to  be  recommitted  ;  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Morris  be  added  to 
said  committee. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster 
county,  dated  July  1st,  1776,  requesting  that  some  gun- 
powder may  be  sent  to  them,  as  their  county  stands  much 
in  need  of  that  article. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  aforegoing  letter,  informing 
them  that  a  member  of  this  House  is  sent  to  New  Port,  in 
Rhode  Island,  to  conduct  the  conveying  a  quantity  of  gun- 
powder belonging  to  this  Colony,  from  thence  to  Red  I 


Hook,  in  Dutches  county,  a  part  of  which  is  intended  for 
the  use  of  Ulster  county. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Ketletas,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend 
and  Colonel  Broome,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  a  committee 
to  confer  with  his  Excellency  the  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  Continental  troops,  concerning  the  preservation  of  the 
horses,  cattle,  and  all  other  live  stock  of  the  counties  of 
Kings  and  Queens,  as  well  from  unnecessary  distress  as 
from  the  hands  of  our  enemies  ;  and  after  such  conference, 
that  the  said  committee  be  empowered  to  lake  such  steps 
in  regard  to  the  premises  as  they,  in  conjunction  with  the 
Commander-in-Chief,  may  think  proper. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  Tuesday  next,  the  16th  inst.  be  appoint- 
ed to  take  into  consideration  the  resolve  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  recommending  to  the  several  Assemblies  and 
Conventions  to  form  such  Constitutions  (where  the  same 
was  not  already  done)  for  the  government  of  their  respec- 
tive Colonies,  as  the  Representatives  of  the  people  shall 
judge  most  conducive  to  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  the 
same  ;  and  that  all  the  members  do  attend  on  that  day. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  Revd.  Mr.  Lewis  be  requested  to 
open  the  deliberations  of  this  Convention  every  morning 
with  prayer. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sacket  wait  upon  Mr.  Lewis  and 
communicate  to  him  the  aforegoing  resolution. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  East  and  South  Hamp- 
ton, relative  to  the  stock  of  cattle,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr.  Miller  pre- 
pare a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  said  letter. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  Dutches  county  committee,  relative  to  the  powder 
from  Rhode  Island,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York,  ? 

"  White  Plains,  July  Wth,  1776.  <> 
"  Sir — By  the  enclosed  resolve  you  will  see  that  a 
quantity  of  gunpowder  is  consigned  to  your  care,  for  the 
use,  and  in  the  proportion,  of  the  counties  therein  men- 
tioned. 

"  Such  part  of  it  as  is  intended  for  the  counties  north- 
ward of  Dutches  (except  Cumberland  and  Gloucester)  you 
will  send  up  to  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany, 
together  with  a  copy  of  the  before  mentioned  resolve  ;  the 
remainder  you  will  keep  in  store  until  the  respective  coun- 
ty committees,  who  are  entitled  to  it  by  the  said  resolve, 
shall  send  for  the  same. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  P.  S.  The  powder  for  Cumberland  and  Gloucester, 
Colo.  Marsh  lakes  with  him,  via  Connecticut  river,  for 
their  use,  and  perhaps  the  proportion  for  Charlotte. 
"To  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  Chairman 

of  Dutches  county  Committee." 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

July  11th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Lewis. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt, 
Col.  L.  Graham,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Tompkins 
— Westchester. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates 
— Albany. 

Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Van  Wyck 
— Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr. 
Gelston,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 


\ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


620 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Dr.  Crane — Dutchest. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore — 
Tryon. 

The  House  took  into  consideration  the  arrangement  of 
the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  same  be  postponed,  and  that  next 
Thursday  be  appointed  to  take  the  same  into  consideration. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  recommit- 
ted the  report  on  the  letters  and  resolutions  of  Continental 
Congress  relative  to  the  raising  another  regiment  in  this 
State,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  written  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  which  being  read  was  unanimously 
taken  into  consideration,  and  the  same  being  again  read, 
paragraph  by  paragraph,  and  some  amendments  made  there- 
in, was  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  ) 
of  the  State  of  New-York.  > 
"  White-Plains,  Westchester  county,  July  llth,  1776.  ) 

"  Sir — In  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  your  Honour- 
able House  of  the  17th  of  June  last,  we  have  passed  a 
resolve  to  authorize  the  Commander-in-Chief  to  call  out 
all  or  any  part  of  our  militia  whenever  he  might  think 
it  necessary,  of  which  we  enclose  you  a  copy  mark- 
ed No.  1. 

"  We  have  also  taken  into  consideration  the  recommen- 
dation of  the  Congress  relative  to  the  providing  of  clothing 
for  the  troops,  and  passed  the  resolution,  of  which  we  en- 
close you  a  copy,  marked  No.  2. 

"  As  soon  as  we  had  received  the  resolution  of  Congress 
for  raising  a  regiment  in  this  Colony,  in  order  to  provide 
for  those  officers  who  had  served  in  Canada,  we  referred 
it  to  a  committee,  expecting  from  them  an  arrangement 
which  would  preserve  the  rank  of  those  officers,  and  there- 
by prevent  all  disgusts  and  just  grounds  of  resignation  ;  it 
being  our  opinion  that  inferior  officers  should  not  be  raised 
over  their  superiors,  unless  in  cases  of  extraordinary  and 
distinguished  merit,  and  although  we  could  not  forbear  ob- 
serving that  the  recommendation  of  Mr.  Dubois  tended  in 
some  measure  to  impair  that  liberty  of  nomination,  without 
which  the  privilege  would  be  ineffectual,  yet  as  we  con- 
ceived that  such  instances  were  not  frequent,  we  had  de- 
termined to  comply  with  the  request. 

"  But,  sir,  we  are  much  surprised,  and  most  deeply  af- 
fected by  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  26th  June,  by 
which  it  appears  that  your  Honourable  House  had  taken 
from  us  the  right  of  nominating,  not  only  the  field  officers, 
but  also  the  captains  and  lieutenants  of  that  regiment,  a 
measure  so  contrary  to  the  common  usage  hitherto  observ- 
ed and  practised  upon  all  similar  cases  as  to  raise  a  discri- 
mination highly  invidious  to  this  State,  and  it  is  our  great 
misfortune  not  to  perceive  the  force  of  those  three  reasons 
which  your  Honourable  House  have  thought  fit  to  assign 
to  us. 

"  The  first,  sir,  is  that  the  Congress  were  furnished  with 
a  list  of  the  officers  who  had  served  in  Canada,  and  were 
therefore  enabled  to  appoint  without  our  interposition.  We 
shall  readily  admit  that  the  Congress  may  in  this  and  in 
other  cases  have  sufficient  information  to  enable  them  to 
make  such  appointments,  yet  we  submit  it  to  their  superior 
wisdom  whether  the  ability  they  may  thence  derive  to  per- 
form an  act  can  constitute  a  right  of  doing  it ;  and  if  we 
suppose  those  appointments  did  (by  the  common  usage) 
appertain  to  us,  then  how  far  the  mere  capacity  of  making 
them  could  vest  the  right  in  any  other  body  whatsoever. 

"  The  second  reason,  sir,  is  that  the  Congress  have  ap- 
pointed only  such  officers  as  were  orginally  appointed  and 
recommended  by  us,  and  that  we  should  probaby  have  fixed 
our  choice  on  the  same  persons. 

"  We  shall  acknowledge  it  to  be  merely  possible  that  in 
the  course  of  human  affairs  we  might,  by  some  chance, 
have  fixed  upon  those  persons  which  are  agreeable  to  your 
Honourable  House,  and  it  is  strictly  true  that  the  greater 


part  of  the  officers  were  appointed  and  recommended  by  us 
the  last  year,  although  not  to  the  same  rank  and  commis- 
sions which  your  Honourable  Body  have  thought  fit  to  con- 
fer upon  them,  but  it  is  equally  true  that  several  of  them 
have  never  been  recommended  or  appointed  by  us,  and 
one  of  them,  if  not  more,  has  never  been  in  the  service  at 
all ;  and  we  are  really  at  a  loss  to  conceive  that  our  nomi- 
nation of  officers  in  a  regiment  disbanded  after  the  term  of 
its  enlistment  was  expired,  can,  upon  the  raising  of  a  new 
regiment,  deprive  us  of  that  right  of  nomination  and  vest  it 
in  the  Congress  ;  nor  can  we  be  of  opinion  that  another 
body  ought  to  claim  the  right  of  choosing  for  us,  from  the 
mere  conjecture  that  their  choice  would  be  similar  to  ours, 
even  if  that  conjecture  should  be  well  founded ;  but  we 
are  Sorry  to  observe,  sir,  that  the  arrangement  made  by 
your  Honourable  House  is  materially  different  from  that 
which  we  had  prepared. 

"  The  third  reason  for  depriving  us,  in  this  instance,  of 
the  right  of  nomination,  is  the  good  of  the  service  and  the 
danger  of  delay. 

"  We  are  deeply  impressed  with  the  idea  that  your  re- 
spectable body  were  actuated  by  the  purest  intentions  of 
serving  their  country ;  and  we  entertain  so  well  founded 
an  opinion  of  their  wisdom  and  integrity  that  we  shall  not 
presume  to  apologize  for  that  plainness  of  speech  which 
distinguishes  freemen,  and  which  can  never  give  offence 
to  those  who,  from  the  dignity  of  their  private  characters, 
impart  lustre  to  the  offices  they  hold.  We  shall  observe, 
therefore,  that  although  the  necessity  of  the  case  has,  in  all 
ages  and  nations,  been  the  fruitful  source  of  extraordinary 
power,  yet  it  has  but  too  frequently  sown  with  tares  the 
fertile  fields  of  liberty,  and  blasted  the  fair  fruits  of  patri- 
otism and  public  spirit.  The  whole  history  of  mankind 
bears  testimony  against  the  propriety  of  considering  this 
principle  as  the  parent  of  civil  rights,  and  therefore  a  peo- 
ple jealous  of  their  liberties  must  forever  reprobate  it.  At 
the  same  time  we  take  leave  to  assure  you,  sir,  that  how- 
ever we  may  be  calumniated  by  individuals  whose  censure 
we  consider  as  praise,  we  shall  ever  continue  ready  and 
willing,  with  our  lives  and  fortunes,  to  support  the  cause 
and  rights  of  America. 

"  We  are  extremely  sorry  to  inform  the  Congress  that 
the  good  of  the  service  will  not  be  promoted,  nor  the  dan- 
ger of  delay  prevented  by  the  measures  which  they  have 
taken,  as  many  spirited  and  good  officers  have  been  so  dis- 
gusted that  some  have  resigned,  and  we  have  but  too  much 
reason  to  apprehend  that  others  will  refuse  to  accept  of 
their  commissions.  We  beg  therefore  that  your  Honoura- 
ble House  will  excuse  us  from  interfering  in  the  further 
arrangement  of  this  regiment,  and  make  out  the  few  ap- 
pointments which  remain. 

"  We  have  received  from  William  Goforth,  a  brave  and 
good  officer,  who  served  the  last  campaign  in  Canada,  a 
letter  containing  his  reasons  for  quitting  the  service,  of 
which  we  enclose  you  a  copy,  marked  No.  3  ;  and  also  the 
copy  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  Flemming  on  the  same  subject, 
marked  No.  4.  We  daily  expect  other  resignations,  and 
pray  leave  to  observe  that  we  think  the  case  of  Lieut.  Colo. 
Van  Corllandt  is  attended  with  singular  hardships.  He  is 
a  young  gentleman  of  affluent  circumstances,  good  family 
and  extensive  connexions.  He  entered  the  service  last 
year  as  a  lieutenant-colonel,  and  served  with  spirit  and 
fidelity,  and  has  done  the  like  this  year;  he  is  now  inferior 
in  rank  to  Mr.  Dubois,  who  entered  the  service  last  year 
as  a  captain. 

"  If,  by  such  neglect,  many  respectable  inhabitants 
among  us,  with  their  numerous  and  extensive  connections, 
be  disgusted  and  remain  inactive,  we  flatter  ourselves  that 
this  Colony  will  not  be  censured  for  the  ill  consequences 
which  may  result  from  it. 

"  The  day  before  yesterday  we  took  into  consideration 
the  Declaration  of  your  Honourable  House,  proclaiming 
the  United  Colonies  Free  and  Independent  States,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


521 


thereupon  came  to  a  resolution  of  which  we  enclose  you  a 
copy,  marked  No.  5. 

"  Govr.  Tryon  has  enlisted  into  the  service  of  the  King 
of  Great  Britain,  certain  disaffected  persons  belonging  to 
this  Colony,  New-Jersey,  &c.  some  of  whom  are  now  in 
custody.  We  are  really  at  a  loss  what  to  do  with  them, 
there  being  no  laws  according  to  which  they  can  be  tried 
and  punished,  and  ex  post  facto  laws  are  liable  to  many  ob- 
jections. We  unanimously  join  in  requesting  the  favour  of 
your  Honourable  House  to  advise  us  what  would  be  proper 
to  do  in  this  case. 

"  We  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  to  your  considera- 
tion also,  the  propriety  of  taking  some  measures  for  ex- 
punging from  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  such  parts, 
and  discontinuing  in  the  congregations  of  all  other  denomi- 
nations, all  such  prayers  as  interfere  with  the  interest  of 
the  American  cause.  It  is  a  subject  we  are  afraid  to  med- 
dle with,  the  enemies  of  America  having  taken  great  pains 
to  insinuate  into  the  minds  of  the  Episcopalians  that  the 
church  was  in  danger.  We  would  wish  the  Congress 
would  pass  some  resolve  to  quiet  their  fears,  and  we  are 
confident  it  would  do  essential  service  to  the  cause  of  Ame- 
rica, at  least  in  this  state. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  most  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honourable  John  Hancock,  Prest. 

of  the  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  copies  of  the  letters 
and  resolutions  therein  referred  to,  be  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr.  President  of  the 
New-Jersey  Congress,  enclosing  a  resolution  of  the  said 
Congress,  dated  July  3rd,  authorizing  this  State  to  appre- 
hend any  of  the  inhabitants  thereof  at  present  residing  in 
New-Jersey,  and  ordering  the  inhabitants  thereof  to  aid 
those  of  New-York  in  the  premises,  and  that  a  committee 
of  secrecy  is  appointed  to  correspond  with  the  committee 
of  secrecy  of  this  state,  was  read  and  filed. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  July  11th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Dr.  Crane — Dutches. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Capt.  Lawrence.  Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Van  Wyck 
— Queens. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate — Albany. 

Mr.  Tomkins,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Paulding,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr. 
Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr. 
Gelston,  Mr.  Dearing — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Newkirk — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  county  of 
Tryon,  be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  and  requested 
to  employ  proper  persons  to  take  the  leaden  weights  out  of 
all  the  windows  in  the  said  county,  and  apply  so  much 
thereof  as  may  be  immediately  necessary,  to  the  use  of  the 
militia  of  the  said  county  ;  that  an  exact  account  be  kept 
of  the  quantity  taken  from  each  house,  to  the  end  that  pay- 
ment may  be  hereafter  made  for  the  same ;  and  that  the 
said  committee  do  transmit  an  account  thereof  to  this  Con- 
vention with  all  convenient  speed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Major  Web- 
ster, (one  of  the  Deputies  of  Charlotte  county.)  or  his  or- 

131 


der,  l,500!bs.  of  lead,  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  the 
county  of  Charlotte  ;  and  to  Mr.  John  Sessions,  (one  of  the 
Deputies  from  Cumberland  county,)  3,000lb.  for  the  use 
of  the  county  of  Gloucester,  and  4,5001b.  for  the  use  of  the 
county  of  Cumberland.  And 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  charge  the  same  to  the 
said  counties  respectively,  to  the  end  that  the  same  may 
be  paid  for  by  the  said  counties  respectively,  when  they 
shall  be  thereunto  required.  And 

Ordered,  That  Major  Webster  do  forward  in  the  most 
safe  and  expeditious  manner,  the  said  1, 5001b.  of  lead  to 
the  general  committee  of  Charlotte  county  ;  that  Mr.  Ses- 
sions forward  in  the  same  manner  the  said  3,000lbs.  of 
lead  to  the  general  committee  of  Gloucester  county,  and 
the  said  4,500lbs.  to  the  general  committee  of  Cumberland 
county.  And 

Ordered  further,  That  said  committee  be  and  they 
hereby  are  respectively  required  to  attend  carefully  to  the 
disposition  of  the  said  lead,  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  the 
said  counties  respectively. 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Convention 
that  the  troop  of  horse  of  the  county  of  Westchester  have 
refused  to  furnish  their  quota  of  men  lately  directed  to 
be  raised  to  reinforce  the  Continental  army  at  New-York  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Tom- 
kins  and  Mr.  Lawrence,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the 
truth  of  the  said  representation. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  enclosing  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  that  is  to  say : 

"  Philadelphia,  July  6th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — Although  it  is  not  possible  to  foresee  the 
consequences  of  human  actions,  yet  it  is  nevertheless  a 
duty  we  owe  ourselves  and  posterity,  in  all  our  public  coun- 
cils, to  decide  in  the  best  manner  we  are  able,  and  to  trust 
the  event  to  that  Being  who  controuls  both  causes  and 
events,  so  as  to  bring  about  his  own  determinations.  Im- 
pressed with  this  sentiment,  and  at  the  same  time  fully 
convinced  that  our  affairs  may  take  a  more  favorable  turn, 
the  Congress  have  judged  it  necessary  to  dissolve  all  con- 
nection between  Great  Britain  and  the  American  Colonies, 
and  to  declare  them  free  and  independent  States,  as  you 
will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  Declaration,  which  I  am  di- 
rected to  transmit  to  you,  and  to  request  you  will  have  it 
proclaimed  in  your  Colony,  in  the  way  you  shall  think  most 
proper. 

"  The  important  consequences  to  the  American  States 
from  this  Declaration  of  Independence,  considered  as  the 
ground  and  foundation  of  a  future  government,  will  natu- 
rally suggest  the  propriety  of  having  it  proclaimed  in  such 
a  manner  as  that  the  people  may  be  universally  informed 
of  it. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"The  Honble.  Convention,  New-York." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  same,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  July  11th,  1776. 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  6th  July  inst.  enclosing  a  copy 
of  the  Declaration  of  Congress,  proclaiming  the  United 
Colonies  free  and  independent  States,  and  requesting  us  to 
proclaim  and  publish  the  same  in  this  Colony,  has  been  re- 
ceived. 

"  It  gives  us  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  having  been 
informed  of  that  Declaration  by  our  Delegates,  we  have 
anticipated  the  request  of  the  Congress  by  our  resolutions 
of  the  9th  inst  a  copy  of  which  was  enclosed  in  a  letter 
we  did  ourselves  the  honour  of  writing  you  this  morning. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honble.  John  Hancock." 


522 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

White  Plains,  July  12th,  1776. 
A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committees  of  East  and  South 
Hampton,  in  answer  to  theirs  received  on  the  afternoon  of 
the  10th  inst.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  i 
of  the  Slate  of  New- York,  V 
"  White  Plains,  July  nth,  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — Taking  into  consideration  your  letter  of 
the  5th  inst.  applying  to  us  for  directions  relative  to  the  pre- 
servation of  the  slock  at  Montauck.  Since  the  date  of  your 
letter,  you  must  have  understood  that  Colo.  Livingston,  the 
commander  in  that  quarter,  has  applied  to  the  county  com- 
mittee for  their  advice  and  assistance  respecting  the  pre- 
servation of  the  stock,  and  making  necessary  defence  in 
your  quarter.  We  also  understand  from  Messrs.  Dearing 
and  L'hommedieu,  that  persons  are  appointed  by  the  Com- 
missary-General to  lay  up  all  the  stock  in  those  parts  fit 
for  use,  and  also,  boats  to  be  provided  to  remove  the  rest 
in  case  of  danger ;  viewing  things  in  this  light,  we  hope 
your  fears  are  subsided.  In  case  they  are  not  from  the 
measures  already  taken,  we  shall  expect  to  hear  from  you, 
and  shall  not  be  wanting  in  supporting  all  the  friends  of  the 
common  cause  of  America. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Committees  of  East  and 

South  Hampton." 

A  memorial  of  several  officers,  complaining  of  improper 
appointments  by  Congress,  and  that  they  have  been  super- 
seded in  rank  by  the  late  appointments  in  the  3rd  regiment, 
to  be  commanded  by  Col.  Dubois,  was  read. 

The  resignation  of  Lieutenants  Aorson,  Pearsee,  Piatt, 
Gano  and  Van  Wagener,  on  account  of  younger  lieutenants 
being  appointed  to  a  captaincy  in  Col.  Dubois'  regiment, 
was  read. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  these  resigna- 
tions, which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  1 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  > 
"  White  Plains,  July  12th,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — Nothing  but  a  regard  to  their  duty  could  induce 
the  Convention  of  New-York  again  to  call  your  attention  to 
a  subject  so  disagreeable  as  complaints  against  the  arrange- 
ments of  the  Canada  regiment,  formed  by  your  Honoura- 
ble House. 

"  They  this  day  received  certain  papers  relative  to  that 
business  from  a  number  of  officers,  who  think  themselves 
deeply  affected  by  it ;  of  which  papers  the  enclosed  are 
copies.  From  thence  it  appears  that  besides  other  appoint- 
ments out  of  the  line  of  rank,  three  sergeants,  a  corporal 
and  a  lieutenant  fire-worker,  have  been  raised  over  the  heads 
of  commissioned  officers. 

"  We  have  the  honr.  to  be,  &c. 

"  NATHL.  WOODHULL,  Prest. 

"  The  Honble.  John  Hancock, 

Prest.  of  Continental  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  copies  of 
the  memorial  and  resignation  of  the  officers. 

Ordered,  That  Col  Curtenius  deliver  to  Nathl.  Sacket, 
Esqr.  or  his  order,  6,000lbs.  of  lead,  for  the  use  of  the 
militia  of  the  county  of  Dutches,  and  that  he  charge  the 
same  to  the  said  county. 

Mr.  Sampson  Duyckinck  came  from  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  informed  the  Congress  that  three  ships  of  war 
had  passed  the  fort  and  battery  at  New-York,  and  sailed 
up  Hudson's  river;  that  they  were  fired  upon  from  all  the 
batteries  along  the  banks  of  the  river  ;  that  he  believes  they 
have  already  passed  King's  Bridge.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills, 
Colo.  Drake  and  Mr.  Schenk  be  a  committee  to  take  such 


measures  on  this  occasion,  as  to  calling  out  such  parts  of 
the  militia,  sending  expresses  to  the  forts  in  the  Highlands, 
and  all  such  other  measures  as  they  shall  think  necessary. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

July  13th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Jay,  Col.  Brasher— New-York. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Capt.  Piatt,  Col.  G.  Drake — Westchester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dutches. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris — Tryon. 

Mr.  Gibert  Livingston  and  Mr.  Visner  took  the  general 
oath  of  secrecy. 

The  Deputies  for  Queens  county  represented  to  the 
Convention  that  the  militia  of  the  said  county  are  destitute 
of  ammunition,  and  therefore  request  that  a  supply  may  be 
immediately  ordered  for  them.  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  the  commissary  of  military 
stores,  deliver  to  Capt.  Jonn.  Lawrence,  or  his  order, 
10,000  cartridges  of  different  sizes,  filled  with  powder  and 
ball,  and  1,000  flints  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  Queens 
county,  and  charge  the  same  to  the  said  county. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Capt  J.  Piatt, 
or  his  order,  l,500lbs.  lead,  one-half  thereof  in  ball,  and  if 
Col.  Curtenius  has  no  ball  in  store,  that  he  call  on  Mr. 
Norwood,  who  in  such  case  is  ordered  to  deliver  to  Colo. 
Curtenius,  or  his  order,  7,50lbs.  of  ball  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid,  and  that  Col.  Curtenius  charge  the  same  to  the 
said  county,  for  the  use  of  the  militia  thereof. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to 
say : 

"  White  Plains,  July  13tA,  1776. 
"  Sir — Be  pleased  to  Order  such  a  number  of  your  re- 
giment to  guard  the  stores  in  which  provisions  and  other 
effects  belonging  to  the  public,  are  lodged  at  and  near 
Peekskill,  as  you  may  think  necessary.  Col.  Drake  will 
afford  them  the  necessary  supplies  of  bread  and  pork. 

As  it  would  not  be  prudent  on  every  little  alarm  to  call 
great  numbers  of  the  inhabitants  from  their  farms,  we  hope 
the  detachments  you  may  order  in  service,  will  not  be 
greater  than  the  exigency  of  affairs  may  require. 
"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  immediately. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Hammond,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to 

say  : 

"  White  Plains,  13lh  July,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  last  evening  ordered  Col.  Thomas  to  send 
you  a  reinforcement  of  40  or  50  men,  together  with  lOOlbs. 
of  lead,  and  2  quarter  casks  of  gunpowder,  all  of  which  we 
hope  you  have  received. 

"  There  is  no  great  reason  to  apprehend  that  any  consi- 
derable incursions  into  the  country  will  be  made  by  parties 
from  the  ships  in  the  river,  and  therefore  are  of  opinion  it 
would  not  be  expedient  for  great  numbers  of  the  militia  to 
leave  their  farms  at  this  busy  season  of  the  year. 

(t  Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  conduct  of  the  dis- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


523 


affected  among  us,  and  care  taken  to  prevent  any  unusual 
gatherings  of  them,  and  let  all  such  of  them  be  apprehen- 
ded and  secured  as  may  give  any  aid  to  the  enemy,  or 
threaten  to  give  you  any  molestation.  Col.  Drake  will 
give  the  necessary  orders  for  provisions,  and  we  hope  the 
Whigs  of  this  country  will  distinguish  themselves  by  their 
zeal  and  alacrity  on  this  occasion. 

"  We  are,  sir, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  immediately  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
that  is  to  say  : 

"Saturday  morning,  July  13th,  1776. 
"  Sir — On  being  informed  yesterday  afternoon  that  two 
ships  of  war  had  gone  into  the  North  River,  and  passed  by 
all  the  fortifications  on  York  island,  the  Convention  imme- 
diately sent  an  express  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
fort  at  the  Highlands,  advising  him  thereof.  Last  evening 
advice  arrived  that  two  frigates  and  two  or  three  tenders 
were  at  anchor  at  Tarry  Town,  whereupon  the  Conven- 
tion sent  the  inhabitants  a  supply  of  powder  and  ball,  and 
took  immediate  measures  for  reinforcing  the  inhabitants 
along  that  shore.  This  morning  the  Convention  were  in- 
formed that  the  frigates  and  tenders  still  lay  there  at  anchor, 
and  that  several  barges  were  busy  in  sounding  the  river. 
Another  detachment  of  the  militia  has  been  directed  to 
guard  the  stores  in  that  neighborhood,  in  which  are  sundry 
effects  belonging  to  the  public.  The  Convention  will  en- 
deavour to  prevent  their  making  incursions  into  the  country, 
and  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  your  Excellency,  the  propriety 
of  keeping  a  strong  guard  at  King's  Bridge,  the  destruction 
of  which  they  apprehend  to  be  an  object  with  the  enemy. 
"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be  with  esteem, 

"  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

*'  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Saturday  Afternoon,  ) 
July  \3th,  1776.  S 

The  following  members  met  and  for  want  of  a  sufficient 
number  of  members  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 
Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Vader — Tryon. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Mr.  Visner — Ulster. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little  —Orange. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

The  same  members  met  and  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

July  15th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer. 

Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Col.  Broome — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris— Tryon. 
Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 


Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Kettletas — Queens. 
Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr. 
Sacket,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Duer  and  Robert  R.  Livingston  took  the  general 
oath  of  secrecy. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  or  Mr.  Norwood,  deli- 
ver to  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr.  6,0001b.  weight  of  lead 
for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county,  and  4,0001b. 
weight  of  lead  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  Orange  county, 
and  charge  the  same  to  those  counties  respectively. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington,  dated  yesterday,  by  ex- 
press, was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  following  words, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York  Head-Quarters,  ) 
"  July  Uth,  1776.  J 
"  Gentlemen — The  passage  of  the  enemy  up  the  North 
river  is  an  event  big  with  many  consequences  to  the  public 
interest.  One  particularly  occurs  to  me  well  deserving 
your  attention,  and  to  prevent  which  I  shall  gladly  give 
every  assistance  in  my  power,  consistent  with  the  safety  of 
the  army. 

"  I  am  informed  there  are  several  passes  on  each  side  of 
the  river  upon  which  the  communication  with  Albany  de- 
pends, of  so  commanding  a  nature  that  an  inconsiderable 
body  of  men  may  defend  thein  against  the  largest  num- 
bers ;  it  may  be  that  on  board  these  ships  there  may  be 
troops  for  this  purpose,  who,  expecting  to  be  joined  by  the 
disaffected  in  that  quarter,  or  confiding  in  their  own 
strength,  may  endeavour  to  seize  those  defiles,  in  which 
case  the  intercourse  between  the  two  armies,  both  by  land 
and  water,  will  be  wholly  cut  off,  than  which  a  greater 
misfortune  could  hardly  befall  the  Province  and  army.  I 
must  entreat  you  to  take  the  measure  into  consideration, 
and  if  possible,  provide  against  an  evil  so  much  to  be  ap- 
prehended. I  should  hope  the  militia  of  those  counties 
might  be  used  on  such  an  emergency,  until  further  provi- 
sion was  made. 

"  I  have  also  thought  it  very  probable  these  ships  may 
have  carried  up  arms  and  ammunition  to  be  dealt  out  to 
those  who  may  favour  their  cause,  and  cooperate  with  them 
at  a  fixed  time.  I  would,  to  guard  against  this,  submit  to 
your  consideration  the  propriety  of  writing  to  the  leading 
men  on  our  side  in  those  counties,  to  be  very  vigilant  in 
observing  any  movement  of  that  kind,  in  order  that  so  dan- 
gerous a  scheme  may  be  nipped  in  the  bud  ;  for  that  pur- 
pose to  keep  the  utmost  attention  to  the  conduct  of  the 
principal  tories  in  those  parts,  any  attempts  of  intercourse 
with  the  ships,  and  all  other  circumstances  which  may  lead 
to  a  discovery  of  their  schemes  and  the  destruction  of  their 
measures. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servant, 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Prest.  of  the 

Provincial  Congress  of  New-York." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  just  received  from 
Genl.  Washington,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  a  copy 
transmitted  by  the  same  express,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, that  is  to  say  : 

"  White-Plains,  July  15th,  1776. 
"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  14lh  inst.  was  read  in  Con- 
vention. They  see  the  importance  of  securing  the  passes 
your  Excellency  mentions,  and  will  immediately  take  the 
measures  you  are  pleased  to  recommend,  and  every  other 
which  they  conceive  will  tend  most  to  the  security  of  this 
State.  Your  Excellency  was  informed  by  our  letter  of  the 
13th  of  the  precautions  we  had  used  in  order  to  prevent 
any  intercourse  between  the  disaffected  people  of  our  State 
and  the  ships  of  the  enemy,  and  to  repel  any  attempts  they 
might  make  to  land.  They  see  the  necessity  of  watching 
with  the  utmost  vigilance  the  steps  of  the  tories  in  this  and 
the  neighbouring  counties,  and  shall  give  your  Excellency 


524 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  earliest  notice  of  any  resolutions  that  they  may  form 
for  this  purpose. 

"  We  have  the  honr.  to  be,  &c. 
"His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  advance 
to  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £50  to  be  by 
him  disposed  of  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  transporting 
a  quantity  of  lead  to  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster; 
Mr.  Wisner  to  render  an  account  of  the  expenditure  there- 
of. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  advance 
to  Nathl.  Sacket,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £40,  to  be  by  him  dis- 
posed of  in  defraying  the  expenses  of  transporting  a  quan- 
tity of  lead  to  Dutches  county  ;  Mr.  Sacket  to  render  an 
account  of  the  expenditure  thereof. 

Die  Lun^e,  P.  M.  July  \bth,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Col.  Broome,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Jay— New- York. 

Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr. 
Hopkins—  Dutches. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Gen.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris—  Tryon. 

Col.  Dewit,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Paulding,  Mr.  Wisner 
— Ulster. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Credentials  of  the  Deputies  for  Ulster  county  were  read, 
approved  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  for  Ulster  county  take  their 
seats. 

William  Duer,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Charlotte 
county  delivered  in  Convention  a  certificate  of  the  commit- 
tee of  the  said  county,  dated  the  28th  ullo.  subscribed  by 
John  Williams,  chairman,  and  attested  by  John  Gibson, 
clerk  of  the  election  of  Deputies  for  the  said  county,  to 
serve  in  this  Convention.  The  said  certificate  was  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Deputies  from  Charlotte  county  take 
their  seats. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Duer, 
Mr.  Robert  R.Livingston,  and  Colo.  Dewit,  be  a  committee 
to  take  into  consideration  Genl.  Washington's  letter,  re- 
ceived and  read  this  morning,  and  that  they  report  thereon 
with  all  possible  speed. 

Two  letters  from  Colo.  Hammond  at  Tarry  Town,  in- 
forming the  Convention  that  the  men  posted  there  are 
very  desirous  of  being  relieved,  in  order  to  attend  their 
harvests,  were  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thomas  relieve  by  detachments 
from  his  regiment,  such  of  the  militia  stationed  at  Tarry 
Town,  as  may  incline  to  return  home,  and  that  the  number 
of  militia  to  be  stationed  there  be  150,  exclusive  of  Cap- 
tain Townsend's  company. 

A  letter  was  wrote  and  sent  to  Col.  Hammond,  inform- 
ing him  that  150  men  are  sufficient  to  be  stationed  at  Tar- 
ry Town,  for  the  present,  and  that  such  further  aid  will  be 
afforded  ihem  as  the  Convention  may  think  necessary ; 
and  that  they  be  relieved,  so  that  the  burthen  be  equally 
borne  by  all  the  militia. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to 
say : 

"  In  Convention  for  the  State  of  New- York,  ) 
'•  White  Plains,  July  loth,  1776.  $ 
«  gIR — We  are  surprised  to  find  that  any  of  the  men 
under  your  command  at  Tarry  Town,  have  left  their  sta- 
tion without  permission  from  the  commanding  officer. 
We  flattered  ourselves  that  no  part  of  the  militia  of  this 
State  would  have  forsaken  their  duty  from  pecuniary 


considerations,  especially  at  a  season  when  every  thing 
dear  to  a  freeman  is  at  stake.  Assure  such  of  the  officers 
and  men  as  have  done  their  duty,  that  they,  and  all  others 
of  the  militia  who  may  be  called  into  service,  shall  receive 
the  like  pay  and  rations  as  Continental  troops,  and  that 
those  now  at  Tarry  Town  shall  speedily  be  relieved. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"By  order. 

"  To  Lieut.  Colo.  Hammond." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tompkins  and  Mr. 
Haviland  be  a  committee  to  have  the  staircase  of  the  room 
in  which  this  Convention  sit,  closed,  and  also  that  they  be 
a  committee  to  procure  a  guard  to  be  stationed  at  the  jail. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That,  if  His  Excellency  Genl. 
Washington  should  think  it  expedient  for  the  preservation 
of  this  State,  and  the  general  interest  of  America,  to  aban- 
don the  city  of  New-York,  and  withdraw  the  troops  to  the 
north  side  of  King's  Bridge,  that  this  Convention  will  cheer- 
fully cooperate  with  him  in  every  measure  that  may  be 
necessary  for  that  purpose. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
to  enclose  the  above  resolution,  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention,  July  15th,  1776. 

"  Sir — One  or  two  pettiaugers  have  been  observed  go- 
ing to  and  from  the  ships  of  war  at  Tarry  Town.  Had 
the  detachment  of  militia  stationed  there  been  supplied  with 
boats  they  would  certainly  have  taken  them.  The  Con- 
vention take  the  liberty,  therefore,  of  requesting  your  Ex- 
cellency to  send  them  four  whale  boats,  which  they  will 
take  care  to  man. 

"  I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  transmit  the  en- 
closed resolution  to  your  Excellency,  and  have  the  honour 
to  be,  with  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Col.  Dewit,  Major  Christopher  Tappen,  Col.  Levi  Paw- 
ling and  Major  Garret  Abeel,  took  the  general  oath  of  se- 
crecy. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

July  \Qth,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull.  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions  —  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  L'Hom- 
medieu,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lock- 
wood —  Westchester. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Col.  Pauling,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Hopkins, 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Schenk— Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colonel  Hammond,  with  a  return  of 
the  men  under  his  command,  posted  at  Tarry  Town,  and 
requesting  that  some  person  be  appointed  to  furnish  them 
with  provisions. 

Resolved,  That  Geo.  Coombe  be,  and  he  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed commissionary  of  provisions  to  such  of  t  he  militia  as 
now  are,  or  may  be,  stationed  at  and  in  the  neighbourhood 
at  Tarry  Town;  that  he  supply  the  said  militia  with  fresh 
provisions  one  half  of  the  time,  and  the  other  half  with  salt 
provisions,  out  of  the  Provincial  stores. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Hammon,  acknowledging  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


525 


receipt  of  his,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  White  Plaint,  July  16th,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  Congress  duly  received  your  letter  of  this 
day,  and,  pursuant  to  your  request,  have  come  to  the  en- 
closed resolution,  by  which  you  will  see  they  have  appoint- 
ed Geo.  Coombe,  commissary:  and  that  suitable  measures 
are  taken  for  the  regulating  of  the  supplies  of  provisions 
for  the  militia,  both  fresh  and  salt. 

"  Yours,  &c. 
"By  order. 

'•'  Col.  Hammxx.-' 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  copied,  and  together  with 
the  resolution  appointing  Mr.  Coombe  commissary  of  pro- 
visions, be  immediately  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Traves,  dated  at  Peekskill  yester- 
day, in  substance  complaining  that  the  harvest  is  great  and 
the  labourers  few ;  they  expect  to  be  attacked  every  mo- 
ment by  die  regulars  and  lories,  and  aie  obliged  to  keep 
something  of  a  guard  over  the  stores,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  petition  from  Samuel  Smith,  as  also  the  petition  of 
Cadwallader  Colden,  Junr.  Esqr.  both  confined  in  Ulster 
jail,  with  a  copy  of  Mr.  Colden's  letter  to  the  committee  of 
Ulster  county,  and  the  warrant  for  his  commitment,  were 
respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  both  petitions  and  papers  be  referred  to 
the  general  committee  of  Ulster  county,  and  that  a  letter 
be  wrote  to  the  committee  enclosing  the  said  petitions. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  informing  them  of 
this  reference,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

■  In  Contention"  of  the  Representatives  i 
of  the  State  of  New-York.  > 
"  White-Plains,  July  16th,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — Enclosed  you  have  a  petition  from  Samuel  Smith, 
a  prisoner  confined  in  Kingston  jail ;  also  a  letter  and  pe- 
tition of  Cadwallader  Colden,  Junr. 

"  This  Convention  have  taken  the  petitions  under  con- 
sideration and  thought  it  most  expedient  to  refer  the  prayers 
thereof  to  your  committee,  whom  we  doubt  not  will  take 
such  proper  steps  as  the  present  times  will  admit  of. 
"  We  are,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  Robt.  Botd,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman  of  the 

General  Committee  of  Ulster  county." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Colden,  informing  him  of  the 
same,  was  also  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Ln  Contention  of  the  Representatives  i 
of  the  State  of  New-York.  > 
"  While-Plaint,  July  16th,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — The  Congress  received  your  letter  to  them  re- 
specting your  confinement,  and  have  directed  me  to  inform 
you  that  they  have  transmitted  all  the  papers  relative  to 
your  case  to  "the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  to  whom  it  is 
referred. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

■  To  Cad.  Colden,  Junr.  Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  foregoing  letters  be  en- 
grossed, and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  im- 
mediately. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Convention  that  considerable 
quanliiies  of  salted  pork  is  stored  in  different  places  at  and  in 
the  neighbourhood  of  Peeks  Kill,  where  the  same  is  much 
exposed  to  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  the  sub-committee  at  Peeks  Kill  be  and 
they  hereby  are  authorized  and  directed  immediately  to 
cause  all  provisions  and  other  stores,  as  well  private  as  pu- 
blic property,  which  are  stored  in  places  within  their  dis- 
trict, and  so  situated  as  to  be  in  danger  of  being  taken  by 
the  enemy,  to  be  removed  to  such  places  of  safety  as  the 
said  committee  shall  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  to  Corns.  L  Dubois 

132 


as  2nd  lieutenantin  John  L.Dewit's  companyin  Colo. Hum- 
phrey's regiment  of  Dutches  county. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Hammond,  at  Tarry  Town,  was  read. 
The  Colonel  therein  informs  the  Convention  that  the  ships 
of  war  have  left  that  harbour  and  are  sailing  up  the  river 
with  a  fair  wind  towards  the  Highlands  :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Z.  Piatt 
be  directed  to  repair  immediately  to  the  Highlands,  in 
order  to  call  out  such  militia  as  they  may  think  necessary 
for  the  defence  and  security  of  this  State  ;  to  direct  their 
stations  to  reinforce  the  garrisons  of  the  forts  Montgomery 
and  Constitution,  if  expedient,  and  to  supply  such  forces 
as  may  be  called  out,  or  to  appoint  proper  persons  for  that 
purpose.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  so  employed  shall  receive 
Continental  pay  and  rations. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  advance 
to  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Z.  Piatt,  the  sum  of  500 
dollars,  to  be  disposed  of  by  them  in  procuring  provisions 
for  the  forces  which  may  be  called  out  to  service  in  the 
Highlands. 

W  hereas  this  Convention  have  the  greatest  reason  to 
believe  that  the  British  armies  in  New-York  and  Canada 
will  endeavour,  by  means  of  Hudson's  river,  to  effect  a 
junction,  and  thereby  cut  off  all  intercourse  between  the 
eastern  and  southern  States  :  And  whereas  the  country 
contiguous  to  the  Sound  and  Hudson's  river  will  be  greatly 
exposed  to  the  ravages  and  incursions  of  a  cruel  and  un- 
natural enemy,  which,  if  not  prevented,  will  render  them 
a  scene  of  ruin  and  desolation  :  And  whereas,  from  the 
situation  of  said  country,  intersected  with  defiles  and  nar- 
row passes,  it  will  be  extremely  practicable  to  repel  the 
hostile  attempts  of  the  enemy,  provided  the  inhabitants 
exert  themselves  in  its  defence,  with  the  union,  spirit  and 
alacrity  of  men  determined  to  defend  their  rights,  and  trans- 
mit the  blessings  of  freedom  to  posterity  :  And  whereas 
it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  this  Convention,  by  every 
means  in  their  power,  to  provide  for  the  happiness  and  se- 
curity of  their  constituents,  reposing  the  highest  confidence 
in  their  virtue  and  public  spirit :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  one-fourth  part  of  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Westchester,  Dutches,  Ulster  and  Orange,  be  forth- 
with drawn  out  for  the  defence  of  the  liberties,  property, 
wives  and  children  of  the  good  people  of  this  State  ;  and 
as  at  this  busy  season  of  the  year  the  service  may  be  in- 
convenient to  many  of  them  ; 

Resolved,  That  each  man  be  allowed  twenty  dollars,  as 
a  bounty,  with  Continental  pay  and  subsistence,  and  be  con- 
tinued in  the  service  until  the  last  day  of  December  next, 
unless  sooner  discharged. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  such  of  the  inha- 
bitants who  remain  at  home,  to  give  all  possible  assistance 
to  the  families  of  those  spirited  persons  who  step  forth  in 
defence  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  this  invaded  country, 
and  that  the  sub-committees  of  the  several  districts  in  those 
counties,  pay  particular  attention  to  see  that  this  recom- 
mendation be  complied  with. 

Resolved,  That  the  brigadier-generals  and  the  field-offi- 
cers of  the  militia  of  each  county,  be  directed  to  adopt  the 
most  equitable  and  expeditious  mode  of  raising  ihe  levies 
and  of  furnishing  with  arms  those  who  are  not  supplied — 
the  price  of  the  arms  to  be  deducted  out  of  each  man's 
pay — and  that  they  be  authorized  to  call  on  the  committee 
of  each  county  for  their  assistance. 

Resolved,  That  these  levies  be  formed  into  companies, 
to  consist  of  one  captain,  2  lieutenants,  3  sergeants,  3  cor- 
porals, 1  drummer,  one  fifer,  and  fifty  privates  ;  and  that 
the  captains  and  subalterns  be  appointed  by  the  field-offi- 
cers of  each  regiment  of  militia  from  which  the  quotas  are 
to  be  raised  out  of  the  militia  officers  ;  having  in  such  ap- 
pointment a  regard  to  their  respective  ranks  and  the  dates 
of  their  commissions,  if  a  sufficient  number  of  such  are 
willing  to  serve  ;  if  not,  that  they  be  at  liberty  to  appoint 
such  others  as  they  may  think  properly  qualified. 


526 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolved,  That  each  regiment  shall  consist  of  10  cap- 
tains and  one  surgeon,  under  the  command  of  one  colonel, 
one  lieutenant-colonel  and  one  major,  and  to  have  one  ad- 
jutant and  one  quarter-master ;  that  the  field-officers  and 
surgeon  be  appointed  by  this  Convention,  and  the  quarter- 
master and  adjutant  in  each  regiment,  by  the  colonel  there- 
of, and  the  non-commissioned  officers  by  the  captains  of 
each  company  under  whom  they  go  into  service. 

Resolved,  That  each  man  furnish  himself  with  a  blanket 
and  knapsack,  and  every  six  men  with  a  pot  or  camp  kettle. 

Resolved,  That  two  deputy  commissaries  be  appointed 
to  provide  four  months'  provisions  for  6,000  men,  to  be  de- 
posited in  two  magazines,  one  on  each  side  of  the  river,  at 
such  places  as  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  shall 
think  proper  to  appoint. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  men  now  raised  in  the  counties 
of  Ulster  and  Orange,  be  stationed  in  the  Highlands  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Hudson  river,  to  guard  those  defiles,  the 
possession  of  which  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton  shall  think 
most  conducive  to  the  safety  of  the  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  men  raised  in  the  counties  of  West- 
chester and  Dutches,  repair  immediately  to  Peeks  Kill,  and 
that  Genl.  Washington  be  requested  to  appoint  an  officer 
to  take  the  command  of  all  the  levies  on  both  sides  of  the. 
river,  to  fix  upon  what  station  they  shall  occupy,  and  to 
nominate  the  two  deputy  commissaries  for  the  troops  on 
each  side  the  river. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  troops  raised  in  the  above  coun- 
ties shall  be  subject  to  the  articles  of  war  established  by 
the  Continental  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  brigadier-generals  and  committees 
of  the  respective  counties,  be  immediately  furnished  with 
copies  of  these  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  gentlemen  be  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  field  officers  of  the  regiments  of  the 
militia,  to  go  into  immediate  service,  vizt : 

In  Westchester  county,  Thomas  Thomas,  colonel;  Ebe- 
nezer  Purdy,  major. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  1 
of  the  Slate  of  New- York,  > 
"  White  Plains,  July  16th,  1776.  ) 
"Sir — In  our  letter  of  the  13th  inst.  you  was  request- 
ed to  order  a  sufficient  guard  at  the  stores  of  public  provi- 
sions at  or  near  Peeks  Kill.  We  understand,  by  a  letter 
from  Mr.  Joseph  Travis  of  yesterday,  and  a  person  from 
Peeks  Kill,  that  there  are  about  50  men  who  arc  very 
anxious  to  be  relieved.  We  likewise  understand  that  50 
men  in  that  neighbourhood  are  willing  to  engage  to  conti- 
nue in  that  service  during  the  present  necessity.  We  think 
this  the  most  eligible  method,  and  that  they  shall  be  en- 
gaged on  the  like  terms  as  the  Continental  troops  are,  with 
respect  to  pay  and  rations,  and  further  leave  to  you  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  commissary  to  supply  the  men  on  that  sta- 
tion with  provisions,  half  salt  and  half  fresh  ;  the  salt  to  be 
taken  out  of  the  public  stores.  If  a  sufficient  number  of 
men  cannot  be  obtained  to  remain  on  the  spot,  we  wish 
you  would  see  that  those  on  that  service  be  frequently  re- 
lieved. The  militia  who  have  been  or  may  be  on  that  ser- 
vice, to  be  allowed  the  like  pay  and  rations. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  humble  servants, 

"  By  order. 

"  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

The  Convention  took  into  consideration  the  danger  to 
which  the  Continental  ships  building  at  Poughkeepsie, 
together  with  the  stores  belonging  to  them,  will  be  expos- 
ed, should  the  enemy's  ships  pass  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  immediately  despatched  to 
the  commissioners  for  superintending  the  building  of  those 
ships. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 


"  Gentlemen — The  enemy's  ships  have  left  Tarry 
Town  about  ten  o'clock  this  morning,  with  an  intention  as 
we  conceive  to  destroy  the  Continental  ships  ;  we  have 
therefore  to  request  that  you  will  exert  your  utmost  abili- 
ties and  attention  to  defend  those  ships  from  the  hostile 
attempts  of  the  enemy  ;  but  should  you  be  of  opinion 
that  their  preservation  is  not  practicable,  you  will  use 
your  utmost  endeavours  to  preserve  the  plank,  rigging  and 
other  stores  from  falling  into  their  power. 

We  recommend  particularly  to  your  attention,  the  secu- 
rity of  the  plank,  which  may  hereafter  be  made  a  benefi- 
cial use  of,  for  the  safety  of  the  State.  Should  you  stand 
in  need  of  assistance,  you  must  apply  to  the  nearest  field 
officer,  or  committee  in  your  district. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Esq.  in  his  absence, 
to  the  Capts.  Lawrence  and  Tuder,  or 
either  of  them,  at  Poukeepsie." 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  16th  July,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Lott,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Banck- 

er — New-York. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr. 
Schenck — Dutches. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Mr.  Milts,  Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr. 
Miller,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte- 
Col.  Pawling,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dewit,  Mr,  Wis- 
ner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Newkirk. — 

Tryon. 

A  resolution  of  the  general  committee  of  Dutches 
county,  whereby  it  is  resolved  that  any  five  of  the 
Deputies  from  said  county  met  in  Convention,  be  a  quorum 
to  represent  the  said  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutches  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston, 
Mr.  Miller  and  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  be  a  committee  to 
take  the  said  letter  into  consideration,  and  report  on  the 
same  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  Westchester  coun- 
ty, recommending  and  appointing  Elijah  Miller  lstlieut. 
in  Capt.  Thomas's  company  in  Col.  Drake's  regiment  of 
militia,  now  in  service  at  New- York. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  immediately. 

Col.  Lewis  Dubois  attending,  produced  his  accounts  for 
billeting  his  company  of  troops  in  Col.  Clinton's  regiment 
last  year.  Requested  the  convention  to  direct  some  mode 
by  which  the  same  may  be  audited  (as  not  a  sufficient 
number  of  the  committee  appointed  to  audit  accounts  are 
now  present,)  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  receive  payment 
for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Broome  and  Mr.  Bancker  be  a 
committee  to  examine  and  audit  those  accounts  ;  and  that 
a  certificate  of  such  examination  and  their  approbation  of 
the  said  accounts,  be  a  sufficient  voucher  to  the  Treasu- 
rer for  the  payment  thereof. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  a  secret  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  devise  and  carry  into  execution  such  measures 
as  to  them  shall  appear  most  effectual  for  obstructing  the 
channel  of  Hudson's  river,  or  annoying  the  enemy's  ships 
in  their  navigation  up  the  said  river  ;  and  that  this  Conven- 
tion pledge  themselves  for  defraying  the  charges  incident 
thereto. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Major 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


527 


Tappen,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Living- 
ston and  Mr.  Paulding,  be  the  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer  and  Col.  Broome  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  upon  Govr.  Trumbull  for  the  purposes  men- 
tioned in  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  of  the 
inst. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
that  is  to  say  : 

"  White  Plains,  July  16<A,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  cannot  but  express  our  satisfaction  at  the 
unremitted  attention  which  your  Excellency  manifests  to 
the  interests  of  this  State.  We  see  the  force  of  your  ob- 
servations, and  have  taken,  and  shall  continue  to  take  every 
measure  which  we  conceive  most  conducive  to  defeat  the 
designs  of  our  enemy.  This  will  in  part  appear  from  the 
enclosed  resolutions.  We  are  extremely  sorry  that  the 
low  state  of  our  finances  reduces  us  to  the  necessity  of  ap- 
plying to  your  Excellency  for  a  loan  which  it  may,  perhaps, 
be  inconvenient  for  you  to  make,  but  we  shall  take  the 
earliest  care  to  replace  what  nothing  but  urgent  necessity 
would  have  induced  us  to  borrow. 

"  As  our  troops  are  but  ill  supplied  with  ammunition,  we 
hope  that  your  Excellency  will  order  them  an  immediate 
supply,  as  part  of  them  are  already  in  motion;  as  well  as 
direct  the  Commissary-General  to  take  the  necessary  steps 
for  their  subsistence.  New  levies  who  have  never  seen 
service  will,  without  doubt,  require  a  commander  of  some 
experience.  Such  a  one,  we  trust,  your  Excellency  will 
supply  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  Our  apprehensions  of  an  attempt  on  the  part  of  our 
enemies  to  cut  off  the  communication  between  the  city  and 
country,  by  landing  above  King's  Bridge,  makes  us  wish 
to  have  some  force  ready  to  hang  on  their  rear  in  case  such 
a  step  should  be  taken,  for  which  reason  we  have  not  only 
called  out  all  the  force  we  could  possibly  collect,  (exclusive 
of  that  which  may  probably  be  wanted  in  the  frontier  coun- 
ties,) but  would  take  the  liberty  if  it  should  meet  your 
Excellency's  approbation,  to  suggest  the  same  idea  to 
Govr.  Trumbull,  who  by  forming  a  camp  at  Birom  river 
of  6,000  men,  might  render  any  designs  which  the  enemy 
may  have  to  land  above  King's  Bridge,  extremely  hazard- 
ous. 

"  We  have  just  been  informed  that  the  ships  which  sailed 
this  morning  have  anchored  about  10  or  12  miles  below 
Fort  Montgomery.  We  have  great  reason  to  believe  that 
they  design  to  pass  it,  and  burn  our  shipping  at  Pough- 
keepsie. 

"  We  shall  be  happy  toco-operate  with  your  Excellency 
in  every  measure  which  may  tend  to  secure  the  liberty  of 
America,  which  we  conceive  to  be  nearly  connected  with 
the  preservation  of  this  State. 

"  We  remain  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

"  P.  <S. — We  have  this  moment  heard  that  the  Phoenix 
is  aground  in  Haverstraw  bay,  and  have  some  reason  to 
believe  it." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tions for  calling  out  one-fourth  of  the  militia  of  the  counties 
of  Westchester,  Dutches,  Ulster  and  Orange,  be  imme- 
diately transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duer  and  Col.  Broome,  or  either  of 
them,  be  authorized  to  receive  the  money  requested  by  this 
Convention  on  loan  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washing- 
ton, and  that  they  cause  the  same  to  be  conveyed  to  this 
Convention  with  all  possible  safety  and  despatch. 

Whereas  the  present  dangerous  situation  of  this  State 
demands  the  unremitted  attention  of  every  member  of  this 
Convention  ; 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  consideration  of  the 


necessity  and  propriety  of  establishing  an  independent  civil 
government  be  postponed  until  the  first  day  of  August  next, 
and  that  in  the  mean  time, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  all  magistrates  and  other 
officers  of  justice  in  this  State,  who  are  well  affected  to  the 
liberties  of  America,  be  requested,  until  further  orders,  to 
exercise  their  respective  offices,  provided  that  all  processes 
and  other  their  proceedings,  be  under  the  authority  and  in 
the  name  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  all  persons  abiding  within 
the  State  of  New- York,  and  deriving  protection  from  the 
laws  of  the  same,  owe  allegiance  to  the  said  laws,  and  are 
members  of  the  State.  And  that  all  persons  passing 
through,  visiting  or  making  a  temporary  stay  in  the  said 
State,  being  entitled  to  the  protection  of  the  laws  during 
the  time  of  such  passage,  visitation,  or  temporary  stay, 
owe,  during  the  same  time,  allegiance  thereto. 

That  all  persons,  members  of,  or  owing  allegiance  to  this 
State  as  before  described,  who  shall  levy  war  against  the 
said  State,  within  the  same,  or  be  adherent  to  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  or  others  the  enemies  of  the  said  State, 
within  the  same,  giving  to  him  or  them  aid  and  comfort, 
are  guilty  of  treason  against  the  State,  and  being  thereof 
convicted,  shall  suffer  the  pains  and  penalties  of  death  ! 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  of  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,  cause  the  aforegoing 
resolutions  to  be  publicly  read  at  the  City-Hall  of  the  said 
city  as  soon  as  possible,  giving  due  notice,  (by  ringing  of 
the  bell,)  to  all  the  inhabitants,  that  none  hereafter  may 
plead  ignorance.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  same,  together  with  the  resolution 
relative  to  magistrates,  &c.  exercising  their  respective  offi- 
ces be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
general  committees  of  the  counties,  and  the  sub-committees 
in  the  districts  of  the  several  counties  in  this  State,  imme- 
diately to  apprehend  and  secure  all  such  persons,  whose 
going  at  large  at  this  critical  time,  they  shall  deem  dange- 
rous to  the  liberties  of  this  State  ;  provided  always  that 
the  parties  arrested  by  the  sub-committees  have  a  right  of 
appeal  to  the  general  county  committee,  who  may  recommit 
or  discharge  them  as  to  them  shall  seem  meet,  and  that  the 
county  committees  report  the  steps  they  have  taken  in  con- 
sequence of  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Sands  and  Mr.  Loudon 
appeared  and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

July  17  th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Col.  Broome,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Col.  Remsen — New-York. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr. 
Loudon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller 
—Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Graham 
— Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Col.  Dewit,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris— 
Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Malcomb,  of  Genl.  Scott's  brigade, 
was  read  and  filed.  The  colonel  informs  the  Convention 
that  many  men  in  his  regiment  are  without  arms  and 
pouches,  and  requests  an  order  on  the  commissary  for 
those  articles. 


528 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Col.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Outwater  took  the  general  oath 
of  secrecy. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  who  superintend  the 
building  of  the  ships  at  Poughkeepsie  would  be  justi- 
fied in  suspending  that  work  and  suffering  the  carpenters 
and  others  employed  thereon  to  labor  under  the  direction 
of  the  secret  committee  of  this  Convention,  on  such  vessels 
or  works  as  they  may  think  proper  to  build  and  erect  for 
the  defence  of  Hudson's  river. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  would  be  justified  in 
suffering  the  materials  intended  for  the  purpose  of  building 
the  Continenal  ships  to  be  employed  by  the  secret  com- 
mittee, in  such  a  manner  as  to  them  shall  seem  best  calcu- 
lated for  exercising  the  trust  reposed  in  them. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  immediately  apply 
to  the  Honourable  the  Congress  for  their  approbation  of 
this  measure. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  Continental 
ships,  and  Captains  Lawrence  and  Tudor,  be  immediately 
furnished  with  a  copy  of  these  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  secret  committee  have  power  to  im- 
press boats,  vessels,  teams,  wagons,  horses  and  drivers, 
when  they  shall  find  it  necessary  for  the  public  service,  as 
well  as  to  call  out  the  militia,  if  occasion  should  require. 

Resolved,  That  ihe  Treasurer  of  this  State  be  ordered 
to  furnish  the  gentlemen  of  the  secret  committee  with  the 
sum  of  £5,000,  in  advance,  in  order  to  enable  them  to  expe- 
dite the  important  business  with  which  they  are  entrusted. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr. 
advance  to  Messrs.  Jay,  Robt.  Yates,  Tappen,  Robt.  R. 
Livingston,  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Paulding,  the  secret 
committee,  or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  £5,000,  to  enable 
them  to  expedite  the  important  business  with  which  they 
are  entrusted. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  July  17th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  Remsen,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Lett— New-York. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater — Orange. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  A.  Yates— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Lanilon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schenk,  Dr. 
Crane,  Col.  Hoffman — Dutches. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Hobart 
— Suffolk. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Graham—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris — 
Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  have  leave  of  ab- 
sence to  go  home,  and  to  return  as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  Leonard  Gansevort,  Esqr.  of  Albany, 
have  leave  of  absence  to  return  home,  and  that  he  send 
down  some  other  Deputy  or  Deputies  from  that  county, 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

Mr.  Thomas  Outwater,  from  Orange  county,  appeared 
in  Congress  and  produced  his  credentials,  signed  by  John 
Coe,  deputy  chairman,  attested  by  John  Coleman,  clerk, 
which  were  read  and  filed.  It  is  thereby  certified  that 
Col.  Isaac  Sherwood,  Joshua  Smith  and  Thomas  Outwater 
were  duly  elected  to  represent  the  precincts  of  Orange 
Town  and  Haverstraw,  in  Orange  county,  in  this  Conven- 
tion ;  and  that  any  two  of  the  Deputies  attending  for  the 
county  of  Orange  shall  represent  the  whole  county  as  if 
all  their  Deputies  were  present. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Outwater  take  his  seat. 

Whereas,  the  committee  of  the  White  Plains  have  in- 
formed this  Convention  that  James  Horlon,  Junr.  William 
Sulton  and  John  Sutton,  are  engaged  in  schemes  and  prac- 
tices against  the  peace  of  this  State  and  liberties  of  the  in- 


habitants thereof,  and  are  persons  so  dangerous  that  they 
ought  not  to  be  permitted  to  go  at  large :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Alexander  Hunt  do  immediately 
take  the  bodies  of  James  Horton,  Junr.  William  Sutton 
and  John  Sutton,  and  commit  them  severally  to  close  con- 
finement in  safe  custody,  in  the  jail  at  the  White  Plains. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Albert  Ogden,  the  keeper  of  the  said 
jail,  do  receive  them,  the  said  James  Horton,  Junr.  Wil- 
liam Sutton  and  John  Sutton,  respectively,  and  keep  them 
in  safe  custody  until  further  order. 

The  letters  from  Genl.  Scott  and  Colo.  Malcom,  which 
were  received  and  read  this  morning,  were  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  immediately  deliver 
such  arms  as  are  in  store  fit  for  use,  and  not  appraised  at  a 
higher  value  than  £4  10s.  Od.  to  Colo.  McDougall  and 
Colo.  Riizema,  for  the  use  of  their  respective  regiments, 
until  they  are  supplied  with  arms  for  the  men  they  now 
have  ;  and  that  he  deliver  the  residue  of  all  arms  now  in 
store  fit  for  use,  and  not  of  a  higher  value  than  aforesaid, 
to  Colo.  Lasher  and  Colo.  Malcom,  for  the  use  of  such 
men  in  their  respective  regiments  as  are  destitute  of  arms, 
and  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  men  in  each  of  those 
two  last  mentioned  regiments,  who  are  destitute  of  arms. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood  deliver  to  Col, 
Malcom,  70  pouches  and  belts,  for  the  use  of  his  regi- 
ment, taking  Colonel  Malcom's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen  and  Major  Abeel,  together 
with  Mr.  Bancker,  be  a  committee  to  examine  and  audit 
all  special  accounts  which  cannot  be  delayed  until  an  audi- 
tor-general is  appointed ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  do  pay  on  such  accounts  as  they 
may  audit,  the  sum  or  sums  by  them  certified  to  be  due 
thereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  gentlemen  be  and  are 
hereby  appointed  field  officers  of  the  regiments  of  militia 
to  go  into  immediate  service,  vizt : 

In  Ulster  county. — Levi  Pawling,  colonel ;  Thos.  Jan- 
son,  Junr.  lieut.  colonel ;  Saml.  Logan,  major. 

In  Dutches  county. — 1st  regt.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  colo- 
nel ;  Reuben  Ferris,  lieut.  colonel :  Israel  Thompson,  ma- 
jor. 2nd  regt.  Morris  Graham,  colonel ;  Roswell  Hop- 
kins, lieut.  colonel ;  William  Barker,  major. 

In  Westchester  county.- — Thomas  Thomas,  colonel  ; 
Ebenezer  Purdy,  major. 

In  Orange  county. — Isaac  Nicoll,  colonel  ;  Gilbert 
Cooper,  lieut.  colonel  ;  Hendrick  Van  de  Linden  Van 
Bruyck,  major. 

A  letter,  or  report,  dated  the  16th  July,  inst.  from  John 
McDonald,  miner,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  in- 
forms the  Convention  that  he  has  already  cleared  out  two 
pits  at  the  lead  mines  in  Nine  Partners ;  he  informs  the 
state  or  appearances  of  the  said  mine,  and  he  is  to  proceed 
to  clear  out  other  two  pits  and  will  report  thereon. 
Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  filed. 
A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Dutches  county,  dated  the  12th  inst.  was 
again  read. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  report  on  the  said  letter,  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
he  read  in  his  place,  and  delivered  in  to  the  chair,  when 
the  same  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  re- 
port on  the  letter  from  the  committee  who  conferred  with 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  relative  to  the  horned 
cattle  and  sheep  on  Nassau  island,  brought  in  their  report, 
which  he  read  at  his  place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table, 
where  the  same  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post 
poned  till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colo.  James  Hammond,  dated  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


529 


day,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs  the  Conven- 
tion that  he  had  then  mustered  his  regiment  and  only  46 
men  appeared  ;  that  his  men  are  very  much  fatigued  ;  that 
one  of  his  companies  has  gone  off;  that  the  Ministerial 
fleet  is  now  in  Haverstraw  bay,  and  that  he  would  be 
thankful  for  a  speedy  relief. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

July  18th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Lewis. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Harper,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  hoit—Netv York. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr. 
Miller,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater—  Orange. 

Col.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr. 
Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Pawling,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Veder — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Schenk,  Dr.  Crane,  Colo.  Hoffman — 
Dutches. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands,  Mr.  S.  Townsend 
— 'Queens. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Richard  Norwood  returns  about  2,300  flints  in 
store  at  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of 
Colony  stores,  deliver  to  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr.  2,000 
flints  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county,  and  1,000 
flints  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  Orange  county,  and  that 
Mr.  Norwood  lake  Mr.  Wisner's  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  that  two  prisoners 
said  to  be  named  George  Davy  and  William  Tucker,  have 
been  apprehended  by  Major  Graham,  and  are  now  in  pri- 
son. That  they  produce  some  paper  purporting  to  be  a 
pass  from  John  Dennis,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee 
at  New-Brunswick,  but  that  they  ate  represented  as  suspi- 
cious persons. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Lockwood  be 
a  committee  to  hear  and  examine  the  said  prisoners,  and 
report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Colo.  Levi  Pawling  informed  the  Congress  of  sundry 
difficulties  which  had  arisen  in  the  company  whereof  Pe- 
trus  Schoonmaker  had  been  elected  captain,  in  the  town  of 
Rochester,  in  his  regiment.    The  same  were  considered. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Ro- 
chester, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, that  is  to  say  : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  being  informed  that 
Capt.  Petrus  Schoonmaker,  still  declines  taking  the  com- 
mand of  his  company,  and  as  it  may  be  necessary  for  the 
Commander-in-Chief  to  call  out  the  whole  of  the  militia  of 
this  Stale,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  officers  for  that 
company  should  be  appointed.  I  am,  therefore,  directed 
by  this  Convention  to  acquaint  you  that  they  expect  you 
will  once  more  desire  Capt.  Schoonmaker  and  his  subal- 
terns to  take  the  charge  of  the  company,  and  if  they  should 
refuse,  immediately  to  call  the  company  to  a  new  election; 
and  if  the  choice  shall  fall  upon  the  same  persons,  and  they 
still  decline  to  accept,  and  the  company  refuse  to  elect 
others,  the  Convention  are  of  opinion  that  the  company 
by  such  conduct  will  forfeit  their  right  of  election,  and  in 
that  case  request  you  immediately  to  appoint  proper  offi- 
cers for  them,  who  have  bv  their  uniform  conduct  shewn 
themselves  friends  to  the  interests  of  their  invaded  country. 

"  Blank  commissions  are  enclosed  which  you  will  please 

133 


fill  up  as  soon  as  the  appointments  are  made.  I  am  di- 
rected to  urge  you  to  use  all  possible  despatch  in  the  exe- 
cution of  this  business. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  the  town  of 

Rochester,  Ulster  county." 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  authorized  and  ordered, 
and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  ordered,  to  absolve  all  the 
Members  and  the  Secretaries  of  this  Convention,  from  their 
oath  of  secrecy  relative  to  the  committee  appointed  to  car- 
ry into  execution  resolutions  of  the  Congress  of  this  Colo- 
ny, of  the  5th  day  of  June  last,  relative  to  persons  danger- 
ous and  disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  and  those  of 
equivocal  character,  and  all  the  proceedings  of  that  com- 
mittee, except  so  much  thereof  as  relates  to  the  names  of 
persons  not  already  apprehended  or  summoned. 

The  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  horned  cattle 
and  other  live  3tock  on  Nassau  island,  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  recommended  that  the  following  gen- 
tlemen be  added  to  the  committee  who  brought  in  that  re- 
port, vizt :  Col.  De  Witt,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Lawrence,  Saml. 
Townsend,  Mr.  Miller,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Col. 
Blackwell,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston  and 
Mr.  Hobart.  That  every  member  of  this  Congress  have 
a  right  to  attend  this  committee,  and  every  member  who 
attends  shall  have  a  vote,  and  the  said  committee  recon- 
sider the  said  report,  and  report  thereon  with  all  conve- 
nient speed. 

A  letter  from  David  Mathews,  Esqr.  a  prisoner  now  at 
the  White  Plains,  was  read.  He  therein  desires  to  be 
heard  before  this  Convention. 

A  member  informed  the  Convention  that  this  request  is 
made  by  Mr.  Mathews,  with  design  to  exculpate  himself 
from  a  charge  of  having  supported  some  disaffected  per- 
sons, now  in  custody,  and  of  having  sent  them  on  board  of 
the  ships  of  war. 

Another  member  informed  the  Convention  that  John  L. 
C.  Roome  requests  that  he  may  be  sent  a  prisoner,  on  his 
parol,  to  Shrewsbury. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  applications  be  referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  deal  with  dangerous  and  dis- 
affected persons,  and  those  of  equivocal  character. 

Mr.  Yates,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report  of 
the  number  of  rangers  proposed  or  necessary  to  be  raised 
in  and  for  the  defence  of  the  frontier  counties,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read  ;  the  same  being  read  a  se- 
cond time,  Mr.  De  Witt  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
rangers  be  also  raised  and  stationed  in  Ulster  county,  or 
that  the  report  be  recommitted.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted  to  Mr. 
Dewitt,  Mr.  Little,  and  the  committee  who  brought  in  the 
said  report,  and  that  they  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Whereas  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  is  become 
obstructed  so  that  ihe  1, 5001b.  weight  of  lead  lately  order- 
ed to  be  sent  from  New-York  to  Charlotte  county,  can  not 
be  transported  up  that  river :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany 
supply  to  Major  Alexr.  Webster  1, 5001b.  weight  of  lead, 
if  that  quantity  can  be  spared  by  the  said  committee,  and 
if  so  much  can  not  be  spared  from  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  that  then  the  said  committee  be,  and  hereby  are 
requested  to  cause  so  much  lead  to  be  taken  out  of  the 
windows  of  the  houses  in  Albany,  as  to  supply  that  quan- 
tity of  lead  to  the  committee  of  Charlotte  county.  That  a 
particular  account  be  kept  of  any  lead  taken  or  received 
from  any  person  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned,  that  a 
compensation  may  hereafter  be  made  for  the  same  ;  and 
that  the  said  lead  be  charged  to  Charlotte  county,  to  the 
end  that  the  same  may  be  fully  paid  for  by  Charlotte 
county,  when  thereunto  required. 


530 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  18th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  Remsen,  Col.  Brasher,  Col.  Lott,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Col.  L.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr. 
Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Dr.  Crane,  Col.  Hoffman— Dutches. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  S.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands 
— Queens. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr. 
Hobart,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Veder— 
Tryon. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt.  Z. 
Piatt,  dated  this  day,  at  Peekskill,  was  read  and  filed. 
They  thereby  inform  the  Convention  of  the  station  of  the 
enemy  at  Haverstraw  Bay.  The  number  of  the  militia 
already  come  and  coming  in  from  the  different  counties  ; 
that  Gen.  Clinton  had  600  men  at  Fort  Montgomery,  and 
sent  home  a  considerable  number  of  the  militia;  that  one  of 
the  tenders  had  beat  up  the  river  within  two  miles  of  Fort 
Montgomery,  and  has  been  obliged  to  return  ;  that  the  mi- 
litia have  had  a  skirmish  with  one  of  the  tenders  and  oblig- 
ed her  to  remove  ;  that  General  Ten  Broeck  from  Dutches 
county,  and  Genl.  Fellows  from  Massachusetts,  conclude 
they  have  600  men,  and  expect  to  have  1200  men  by  the 
evening. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  said  letter  be  sent  to  Genl. 
Washington. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl. 
Washington  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  a  copy  of  a  letter 
this  moment  received  from  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt. 
Z.  Plait,  who  were  sent  from  this  Convention  for  the  pur- 
pose of  providing  for  and  stationing  the  militia  that  might 
come  down  from  the  country  to  guard  the  river,  and  assist 
the  other  militia  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands. 
"  I  am,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Sampson  Dyckman. 

The  committee  appointed  this  morning  to  report  what  is 
necessary  to  be  done  with  horned  cattle  and  live  stock  on 
Nassau  island,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
and  being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  and  many  amend- 
ments made,  on  reading  the  4th  paragraph  Mr.  Dunscomb 
moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Col.  Lott,  that  the  words  with 
a  bounty  be  obliterated.  Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the 
question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  man- 
ner following,  that  is  to  say  : 


Prisoners  Names. 


For  the  affirmative. 

Suffolk,    4 

Cumberland,   2 

Queens  4 

Charlotte,  2 

Orange,     9 

Tryon,   a 

18 


For  the  negative. 

Dutches,   5 

Ulster,   4 

New-York,   8 

Westchester,   4 

21 

Mr.  Drake  and  Mr.  Graham 
dissenting. 


Ordered,  That  the  words  be  not  obliterated,  and  the 
further  consideration  of  the  report  postponed  till  to-mor- 


row. 


Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  carry  into 
execution  the  resolutions  of  this  Congress  of  the  5lh  June 
last,  as  to  dangerous  and  disaffected  persons,  reported  their 
determinations  as  to  the  following  prisoners,  that  is  to  say  : 


David  Mathews, 
Esqr  


Nature  of  their  crimes. 


Treasonable  practices  a 
gainst  the  States  of  A 
merica,  , 


Place  of  destination  and 
nature  of  confinement. 


John  L.  C.  Roome, 
Esqr  


Gilbert  Forbes,. . . 


William  Forbes,. 

James  Mason,. . . 
Thomas  Coyne,  . 

John  Clarke,  

Nathan  Gyre, . . . 


Notoriously  disaffected 
to  the  rights  and  cause 
of  America,  

Treasonable  practices  a- 
gainst  the  States  of  A- 
merica,  


The  same  crime,. 


Lazarus  Gyre,. . . 
Jonathan  Baker,. 
Isaac  Youngs,. . . 


Israel  Youngs,. . . 
Thomas  Vernon,. 


Henry  Dawkins,. 
Ryner  Van  Hoesen, 


Jacob  Losy  and 
Geo.  Watts,  


The  same  crime,  

The  same  crime,  

The  same  crime,  

Corresponding  with  the 
enemies  of  America,  . 

The  same  crime,  

The  same  crime,.   

Counterfeiting  the  bills 
of  credit  of  the  States 
of  America,  

The  same  crime,. . . 

Corresponding  with  and 
supplying  the  enemies 
with  provisions,  &c. 

Counterfeiting  the  bills 
of  credit  of  the  United 
States  of  America,. 

Too  good  a  pilot  to  be 
trusted  at  large,. . 


Litchfield  jail,  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Litchfield,  in  the 
Colony  of  Connecticut, 
to  be  put  in  safe  custody 


The  same  jail  and  same 
confinement. 

The  same  jail  and  same 
confinement. 

The  same  jailand  confine- 
ment. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

The  same. 

The  same. 
The  same. 
The  same. 


The  same. 
The  same. 


The  same. 


Albany  jail  and  in  safe 
custody. 

Albany,  to  be  supported  at 
the  public  expense,  un- 
der the  directions  of  the 
Albany  committee. 

Those  two  persons  the 
committee  are  of  opi- 
nion that  they  be  per- 
mitted to  enlist  in  the 
regiment,  which  they 
are  ready  to  do. 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  their  said  report,  and  that  the  said  prisoners 
be  disposed  of  agreeable  to  the  determinations  mentioned 
in  the  said  report.  That  the  committee  prepare  a  draft  of 
a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Litchfield,  respecting  the  care 
and  imprisonment  of  those  prisoners,  agreeable  to  direc- 
tions now  given  or  mentioned.  That  the  committee  re- 
quest Capt.  Moses  Seymore  of  the  Connecticut  horsemen, 
if  he  should  arrive  with  his  party  this  evening,  or  early 
to-morrow  morning,  to  take  the  care  and  guard  of  those 
prisoners  to  Litchfield ;  that  if  Capt.  Seymour  should 
consent  to  take  the  charge  of  those  prisoners,  and  be  rea- 
dy to  depart  before  the  meeting  of  this  Convention  in  the 
morning,  that  the  President  sign  such  letter  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Litchfield  concerning  those  prisoners  and  to  be 
sent  with  them,  as  the  said  committee  shall  prepare  and 
the  President  approve  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  prepare  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  to  attend  the  prisoners 
who  are  to  be  sent  to  Albany,  and  that  they  report  the  same 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  order  of  the  day  for  taking  into  consideration  the 
appointment  of  an  Auditor-General  of  accounts  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  deferred  till  to-morrow. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

July  \9lh,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Lewis. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr  Harper,  Mr.  Banker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Lott,  Major  Abeel, 
Col.  Remsen,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater—  Orange. 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Mr.  Schenck,  Mr.  Landon,  Col.  Hoffman— Dutches. 
Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence.  Mr.  Townsend,  Mr.  Sands— Queens. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


531 


Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller, 
Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Vader,  Mr.  Paris- Tryon. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Conline—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions—  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Colo.  Allison  brought  in  the  joint  and  several  bond  of 
Jno.  Carpenter,  of  the  precinct  of  Cornwall  in  Orange 
county,  and  Colvill  Carpenter,  of  the  precinct  of  Goshen 
in  Orange  county,  yeoman,  unto  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Nathl. 
Woodhull,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  John  Thomas,  Junr. 
Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  John  Haring  and  Jacobus  Bruyn, 
Esqrs.  in  the  sum  of  £400,  New- York  money,  with  con- 
dition to  pay  £200  to  the  obligees  on  the  8th  of  July, 
1778,  which  was  read  and  filed  ;  also  a  certificate  of  Wil- 
liam Allison  and  Israel  Seely,  that  the  said  John  Carpen- 
ter has  erected  a  good  powder  mill  in  Orange  county, 
which  those  gentlemen  had  seen  going,  with  18"  stampers. 
The  said  John  Carpenter  and  his  co-partner  having  ap- 
plied for  the  loan  of"  money  without  interest,  for  the  erect- 
ing of  a  powder  mill,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the 
Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York  of  the  9th  day  of 
March  last,  which  was  then  agreed  to,  and  he  having 
since  erected  the  said  powder  mill;  therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Convention,  deliver  or  pay  to  the  said 
John  Carpenter,  the  sum  of  £200  in  part  of  the  money 
to  the  loan  of  which  he  is  entitled  by  the  said  resolution, 
taking  the  receipt  of  the  said  John  Carpenter  for  the  same. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  relative  to  horned  cattle  and  other 
live  stock,  on  Nassau  island.  On  reading  the  fourth  pa- 
ragraph, on  motion  of  Mr.  Hobart, 

Ordered  unanimously,  That  the  fourth  paragraph  be 
obliterated.  The  fifth  parapraph  being  read  was  entirely 
obliterated,  and  another  substituted  in  its  stead,  and  mark- 
ed No.  4. 

Mr.  Hobart  moved  and  was  seconded  that  a  bounty  be 
allowed  to  the  said  troops.  Objections  were  made  against 
the  said  motion  as  being  contrary  to  the  6th  rule,  because 
that  matter  was  determined  yesterday.  Debates  arose 
whether  Mr.  Hobart's  motion  is  disorderly  and  against  the 
said  rule,  and  it  was  determined  to  be  disorderly  in  man- 
ner following,  that  is  to  say  : 

That  the  motion  is  disorderly.  That  the  motion  is  not  disorderly. 

Albany   6      Suffolk,   4 

Dutches,   5       Tryon,   3 

New-York,   8       Queens   4 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte,   2 

(Col.  Drake  dissenting,)  — 1 

Ulster   4  13 

Orange,   3 

Cumberland,   2 — 32 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  motion  is  disorderly,  and  that 
it  be  rejected. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
Continental  troops  now  stationed  in  Suffolk  county,  which 
were  raised  out  of  the  militia  of  said  county,  be  conside- 
red as  part  of  the  one-fourth  of  the  militia  now  ordered 
to  be  drafted  from  the  militia  in  Suffolk  county.  Some 
debates  arose  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  deferred  till  the  afternoon. 

The  committee  for  carrying  into  execution  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  of  the  5th  of  July,  re- 
ported, that  agreeable  to  the  order  of  yesterday,  they  had 
prepared  a  letter  which  was  signed  by  the  President,  and 
transmitted  with  the  prisoners  to  Litchfield,  the  draft  where- 
of was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  White  Plains,  July  19lh,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — As  this  State  is  now  attacked  by  the 
common  enemy,  and  our  jails  are  in  general  so  near  the  sea 
coastand  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  as  to  render  it  extreme- 
ly imprudent  to  continue  prisoners  of  a  certain  cast  any 
longer  in  them,  the  Convention  have  therefore  come  to  a 


resolution  to  send  13  prisoners,  who  are  accused  of  noto- 
rious disaffection  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  Ameri- 
can States,  of  counterfeiting  the  currency  of  the  Slates,  of 
corresponding  with  the  enemy,  or  of  engaging  in  treason- 
able conspiracies,  to  be  confined  in  your  jail,  till  we  shall 
have  formed  a  civil  Constitution  and  established  courts  of 
justice,  that  they  may  be  brought  to  trial,  which  cannot  be 
done  while  our  whole  attention  is  engaged  about  the  means 
of  resisting  the  enemy. 

"  The  Convention  have  observed  such  a  zeal  in  our  bre- 
thren of  Connecticut  upon  every  occasion  to  give  all  as- 
sistance to  their  neighbours,  that  it  is  scarce  necessary  to 
mention  to  you,  that  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  has 
recommended  them  to  send  all  our  prisoners,  whose  re- 
maining in  this  State  would  be  attended  with  dangerous 
consequences,  to  Connecticut. 

"  I  am  directed  to  request,  that  you  will  cause  all  the 
prisoners,  except  David  Mathews,  John  L.  C.  Roome,  Is- 
rael and  Isaac  Youngs,  to  be  furnished  with  provisions,  at 
the  same  rale  that  the  Continental  troops  receive  ;  but  if 
you  should  judge  it  improper  for  them  to  cook  their  own 
provisions  in  jail,  you  will  please  to  take  such  other  method 
as  you  shall  judge  best  for  supplying  them,  only  observing 
to  have  it  done  at  the  cheapest  rate,  and  the  Convention 
will,  with  the  utmost  pleasure,  repay  the  expense. 

"  It  has  given  me  great  pain  to  observe  that  Mr.  Ma- 
thews, the  mayor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  is  among  those 
accused  of  treasonable  practices.  But  1  must  observe  to 
you,  that  though  the  evidence  against  him  renders  it  neces- 
sary that  he  should  be  confined  till  he  can  be  tried  ;  yet, 
they  are  by  no  means  of  so  black  a  die  as  those  against 
the  other  conspirators,  and  therefore  I  trust  he  will  receive 
from  you  every  indulgence  consistent  with  his  safe  confine- 
ment. This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Abm.  De  Peyster, 
Esqr.  the  commissary  who  has  the  charge  of  subsisting 
the  prisoners  on  the  road.  To  him  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you 
for  further  particulars  ;  and  am, 

"  With  great  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Committee  at  Litchfield,  Connect." 

Friday  Afternoon,  July  19th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Har- 
per, Col.Lott — New-York. 

Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Col.  Elackwell,  Capt  Lawrence,  Mr.  S.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands, 
Mr.  Jas.  Townshend  —  Queens. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris — Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Mil- 
ler,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions—  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Col.  Hoffman— Dutches. 
A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colo.  Hammen,  of  the  militia  now 
stationed  at  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  at  Corllandt's  ferry, 
dated  this  day.  Colo.  Hammond  informs  Congress  that  a 
member  of  this  Convention  has  informed  him  that  a  com- 
plaint is  exhibited  against  him  to  this  Convention,  charging 
him  with  deficiency  of  duty  on  the  night  the  enemy's  ships 
came  up  to  Tarry  Town,  as  also  a  charge  relative  to  some 
pork.  The  Colonel  requests  an  opportunity  of  vindicating 
himself  before  this  Convention.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Colo.  Hammen  attend  this  Con- 
vention to-morrow  afternoon  at  5  o'clock  with  his  witnesses, 
to  answer  to  a  complaint  exhibited  against  him  of  neglect 
of  duty  as  an  officer,  and  a  complaint  relative  to  some  pork. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Major  Graham  take  the  command  of  the 


532 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


militia  now  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Hammen, 
until  further  orders,  or  until  a  superior  officer  of  his  regi- 
ment shall  attend  to  command  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  following  persons  attend  this  Con- 
vention to-morrow  afternoon  at  5  o'clock,  as  witnesses,  on 
a  complaint  exhibited  against  Lieut.  Colo.  Hammen  rela- 
tive to  some  pork,  to  wit : 

Martinus  Van  Wart,  Joseph  Legget,  Saml.  Purdy,  Junr. 
Thomas  Dean  and  Jacob  Buckhout. 

And  that  the  following  persons  attend  at  the  same  time, 
as  witnesses  on  a  complaint  exhibited  against  the  said 
Lieut.  Colo.  Hammen  for  neglect  of  duty  as  an  officer, 
to  wit : 

Danl.  Martling,  James  Requau,  Wm.  Forshe,  Senr. 
Corns.  Van  Tessel,  Lieut.  Wm.  Hunt,  Thomas  Buys, 
Jonn.  G.  Tomkins,  John  Paulding,  Isaac  Buys,  Danl.  Re- 
quaw,  Abm.  Acker,  Weaver  and  John  Hammen. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Westchester  county  be 
requested  to  meet  on  Monday  next  for  the  trial  of  the  pri- 
soners now  confined  in  the  jail  of  Westchester  county. 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  the  committee  relative  to  horned  cattle  and  live 
stock  on  Nassau  island  :  the  fourth  paragraph  being  again 
read,  several  amendments  were  therein  made.  Mr.  L'hom- 
medieu's  motion  of  this  day  was  again  resumed,  and  being 
again  read,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

I  move  that  the  troops  now  stationed  in  Suffolk  county 
which  were  raised  out  of  the  militia  of  said  county,  be  con- 
sidered as  part  of  the  one-fourth  of  the  militia  now  ordered 
to  be  drafted  from  the  militia  in  Suffolk  county. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion  and  the  question  being 

put  thereon  it  was  determined  in  the  negative,  in  manner 

following,  that  is  say  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Dutches,    5      Albany,   6 

Queens  4       Ulster,   4 

New- York,   8       Suffolk,   4 

Westchester,   4      Cumberland,  2 

Tryon   3       Orange,   3 

Charlotte,   2  — 

-  19 

26 

Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  motion  be  rejected. 

Mr.  Hobart  then  moved  for  leave  to  give  notice  of  a  mo- 
tion to  be  made  to-morrow,  for  reconsidering  of  some 
bounty  to  be  allowed  to  the  troops  to  be  raised  by  this 
draft  of  the  militia,  agreable  to  the  sixth  rule  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say : 


For  the  negative. 

Ulster  4 

New-York  and  Albany  equal- 
ly divided. 


For  the  affirmative. 

Cumberland,    2 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk,   4 

Westchester,    4 

Orange,   3 

Tryon   3 

Dutches,   5 

Queens,   4 

27 

The  Convention  then  gave  permission  to  Mr.  Hobart  to 
move  that  matter  immediately. 

Therepon,  Mr.  Hobart  moved  that  ten  dollars  bounty  be 
allowed  to  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  private  of 
the  militia  of  Suffolk,  Kings  and  Queens  counties  who  will 
be  drafted  into  the  present  service. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  it  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   4      Dutches,  .    5 

Charlotte,   2      New-York,  8 

Tryon,   3       Ulster,   4 

Westchester,    4  — 

Queens,  4  17 

Cumberland,    2 

Orange,   3 

22 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates  of  the  said  troops  be  allowed  ten  dollars  bounty 
to  each  man. 

The  5th,  bth  and  7th  paragraphs  of  the  said  report  were 
then  severally  read,  and  being  separately  amended  and  cor- 
rected were  approved  of. 

Colonel  Loit  had  leave  of  absence  for  a  few  days. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  prepare  a  set  of  resolutions 
agreeable  to  the  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  appointment  of  an  Auditor-General  of 
accounts  for  this  State  be  deferred  till  to-morrow. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  20th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer. 

Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Remsen,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Abeel 
— For  New-York. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon,  Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Nathl.  Sackett— 
— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris — Tryon. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates — ilbany. 

Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  De  Witt— for  Ulster. 

Colo.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins 
—  Westchester. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Gen.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Bearing,  Mr. 
Gelston,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands,  Mr.  Saml. 
Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend — Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  have  power,  and  is  here- 
by authorized,  to  forward  any  letters  by  express,  and  of 
sending  any  messengers,  without  delaying  for  the  direc- 
tions of  this  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Henry  Ludenton,  of  Dutchess 
county,  dated  the  19th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He 
thereby  informs  that  thare  are  many  vacancies  of  captains 
and  subalterns  in  his  regiment,  besides,  that  the  offices  of 
1st  and  2d  major  are  also  vacant.  He  recommends,  with 
the  advice  of  the  precinct  committee,  Mr.  Robinson  and 
Mr.  Gee  for  majors,  and  requests  20  blank  commissions  by 
the  bearer,  who  says  part  of  the  regiment  is  to  march  to- 
morrow, and  that  they  have  delayed  for  commissions. 

On  reading  the  said  letter  from  Colonel  Ludenton,  of 
Dutchess  county,  and  considering  the  state  of  his  regiment 
at  this  critical  time, 

Resolved,  That  commissions  be  issued  to  the  two  gen- 
tlemen therein  named,  as  majors  of  that  regiment,  in  the 
order  they  are  named  in  the  said  letter,  and  that  twenty 
other  commissions  be  signed  by  the  President,  and  coun- 
tersigned by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and  transmitted  to 
Colo.  Ludenton,  to  be  filled  up  for  the  captains  and  subal- 
terns of  his  regiment,  when  necessary,  by  the  precinct 
committee  and  himself ;  that  the  said  precinct  committee 
and  Colonel  Ludenton  do  return  to  this  Convention  an  ex- 
act list  of  the  names,  rank  and  dates  of  the  officers,  com- 
missions which  they  shall  fill  up  and  deliver.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  sending  blank  commissions  to  a  pre- 
cinct committee  shall  not,  from  this  instance,  be  drawn  in- 
to precedent. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Ludenton,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

«  Sir — Agreeable  to  your  request  in  your  letter  of  yester- 
day, we  now  send  you  20  blank  commissions  to  be  filled  up 
by  you,  in  conjunction  wilh  the  committee  of  the  precinct, 
for  the  captains  and  subalterns  wanted  in  your  regiment ; 
and  have  likewise  enclosed  two  commissions,  appointing 
Mr.  Robinson  and  Mr.  Gee  majors.  As  the  Congress 
were  not  informed  of  Mr.  Gee's  christian  name,  you,  to- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


533 


gether  with  the  committee  of  the  precinct,  are  requested 
to  insert  it.  "  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hum.  servt. 

"By  order. 

"  To  Colo.  Hen.  Ludenton." 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

**  Head-Quarters,  New-York,  ? 
"July  19th,  1776.  J 

"  Gentlemen — By  Messrs.  Broome  and  Dewar,  I  was 
yesterday  favoured  with  your  several  resolves,  of  the  16th 
inst.  The  spirit  and  decision  in  which  they  are  formed 
will,  I  doubt  not,  appear  in  their  execution  ;  and  as  far  as 
I  can  cooperate,  I  shall  most  cheerfully  contribute  all  my  aid 
and  assistance.  The  state  of  this  army  would  make  it  im- 
proper for  me  to  send  up  any  general  officer  in  the  Conti- 
nental service,  to  take  the  command  of  the  levies  proposed 
to  be  raised,  and  from  the  nature  of  the  service  I  should 
apprehend  a  knowledge  of  the  country,  and  its  inhabitants, 
would  be  very  necessary.  General  Clinton,  on  all  ac- 
counts, appears  to  me  the  most  suitable  person,  and  as  the 
appointment  is  made  dependent  on  me,  I  shall  nominate 
him,  unless  some  objection  should  be  made,  or  difficulty 
arise  which  I  do  not  now  know.  The  deputy  commissa- 
ries I  will  take  advice  upon,  and  have  them  appointed  as 
soon  as  possible.  The  state  of  the  pay  office  heie  did  not  ad- 
mit a  full  compliance  with  your  request  of  the  loan  of 
£20,000,  there  not  being  so  much  in  the  pay-master's 
hands  at  this  time.  However,  that  so  good  a  work  might 
not  be  delayed,  I  immediately  gave  a  warrant  for  20,000 
dollars,  and  as  circumstances  will  admit,  shall  make  up  the 
remainder. 

"  I  have  enclosed  your  resolution  to  Govr.  Trumbull,  on 
the  subject  of  forming  a  camp  at  Byrom  river,  for  the  se- 
curity of  the  communication  with  New-York.  But  at  the 
same  time,  I  very  much  doubt  his  ability  to  carry  it  into 
execution.  The  quota  of  troops  to  be  furnished  by  Con- 
necticut for  the  assistance  of  this  army  is  not  half  complet- 
ed, notwithstanding  the  most  urgent  and  pressing  instances 
on  the  subject,  which  affords  a  very  dull  prospect  of  fixing 
a  new  camp  adequate  to  the  intended  design,  and  I  very 
much  fear  the  attempt  would  obstruct  the  raising  the  levies 
now  ordered,  and  in  the  end  prove  ineffectual ;  at  the  same 
time  I  most  heartily  approve  the  measure,  and  should  re- 
joice to  see  it  carried  into  execution  in  the  completest  man- 
ner. Since  writing  the  above,  your  favour  of  the  18th  inst. 
enclosing  Col.  Van  Cortlandt's  and  Captn.  Piatt's  report 
is  come  to  hand.  The  spirit  and  alacrity  of  the  militia  in 
so  readily  turning  out  at  this  busy  season,  is  a  very  en- 
couraging circumstance,  and  does  them  great  honour. 

"  I  observe  Col.  Fellows,  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  men- 
tioned as  having  marched  in.  If  his  troops  compose  a  part 
of  those  destined  for  this  army,  it  is  my  intention  that  all, 
under  that  circumstance,  should  come  immediately  down 
and  be  properly  arranged.  And  I  observe  there  will  be 
the  less  inconvenience,  as  Messrs.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Piatt 
observe  that  they  had  such  a  surplus  of  men,  as  to  enable 
them  to  discharge  a  number. 

"I  am,  gentlemen, 
"With  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 
"Your  most  obdt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  P.  S.  With  respect  to  ammunition  I  had  flattered  my- 
self that  the  Provincial  stock  would  not  only  have  been 
sufficient  for  the  purposes  of  its  immediate  defence,  but  in 
case  of  necessity  have  assisted  us.  I  shall  endeavour,  un- 
der a  late  direction  of  Congress,  to  procure  what  is  to  be 
had  from  the  adjoining  mills." 

Order  for  gunpowder  from  His  Excellency  General  Wa- 
shington, was  enclosed  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  New-York,  July  19th,  1776. 
"Sir — Please  to  deliver  to  the  order  of  the  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New- York  fifteen  hundred  weight  of  pow- 
der, for  which  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  John  Livingston,  Esqr.;' 

134 


Mr.  Miller,  of  Suffolk  county,  had  leave  of  absence  and  a 
certificate  that  he  is  a  member,  given  to  him  to  prevent  his 
being  delayed  or  obstructed  by  sentinels  in  his  passage 
through  the  city. 

A  certificate  and  pass  was  given  to  Mr.  John  Franks,  of 
Suffolk  county,  merchant,  at  the  request  of  the  members 
of  this  Convention  from  that  county. 

Ordered,  That  Sa.  Dyckman  proceed  immediately  as 
express  with  General  Washington's  letter  to  the  secret 
committee,  and  that  he  take  a  private  letter  for  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt,  which  is  now  in  this  Hall. 

Colo.  Remsen  produced  a  letter  from  Danl.  Tillinghast 
to  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  Henry  Remsen  and  Lewis  Pintard, 
informing  that  he  had  received  by  Capt.  Jauncey  and  stored 
143  casks  of  gunpowder  and  81  bales  merchandise,  for 
this  Colony.  Colo.  Remsen  informed  the  slate  of  the  mer- 
chandise and  that  he  expects  it  to  arrive  at  New-York,  and 
desires  the  direction  of  Convention  as  to  its  disposition. 

The  Convention  directed  Colo.  Remsen  to  store  the 
said  bales  of  merchandise  until  the  further  order  of  this 
Convention. 

The  resolutions  formed  on  the  report  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  consider  of  General  Washington's  answer  re- 
lating to  the  horned  cattle  on  Nassau  island,  and  to  devise 
means  to  preserve  them  from  the  enemy,  were  read,  and 
being  again  read,  by  paragraphs,  and  agreed  to  and  approv- 
ed of,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  J 
of  the  Slate  of  New-York.  > 
July  20th,  1776.  ) 

This  Convention  having  taken  into  consideration  the 
expediency  of  removing  the  stock  from  Nassau  island, 

Resolved,  That  it  will  not  be  for  the  public  good,  pro- 
vided it  were  practicable  to  remove  the  stock  from  the  is- 
land, except  such  cattle,  sheep  and  hogs  as  are  fit  for  the 
use  of  the  army. 

2d.  That  the  common  stock  in  Suffolk,  Kings  and 
Queens  counties  be  put  in  such  convenient  and  secure 
places,  in  each  county,  as  may  be  most  convenient  to  be 
guarded  by  a  sufficient  number  of  troops,  and  to  be  drove 
off  into  the  interior  parts  of  Nassau  island,  whenever  the 
commanding  officer  or  officers  of  the  said  troops  shall  or- 
der, to  prevent  such  stock  from  falling  into  the  enemy's 
hands,  leaving,  if  he  shall  judge  it  safe  and  necessary,  with 
each  large  family  three  milch  cows,  two  cows  to  a  middling 
family,  and  one  to  a  small  family.  And  if  the  said  com- 
manding officer  finds  that  he  cannot  prevent  the  stock  fall- 
ing into  the  enemy's  hands,  he  may  order  them  to  be  killed 
or  destroyed, 

3d.  And  to  the  intent  that  no  person  may  be  a  loser  by 
said  stock  being  so  lulled  or  destroyed. 

Resolved,  That  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  the  owner  of 
cattle  describing  their  number,  age  and  qualities  shall  be 
a  direction  for  the  valuation  of  such  cattle  drove  from  his 
possession,  provided  that  no  person  who  has  joined  or  shall 
go  over  to  and  join  the  enemy,  or  who  has  been  or  shall  be 
in  any  wise  aiding  or  assisting  to  the  enemy,  shall  in  con- 
sequence of  this  resolve  be  entitled  to  a  compensation  for 
any  loss  he  shall  or  may  sustain. 

4th.  That  the  commanding  officer  of  each  battalion  of 
minute  men  and  militia  in  Suffolk,  Queens  and  Kings  coun- 
ties be  ordered  immediately  to  draft  out  one-fourth  part  of 
the  minute  men  and  militia  of  said  counties,  to  carry  these 
resolves  into  execution  ;  and  that  the  field  officers  of  the 
minute  and  militia  regiments  in  each  county  do  appoint 
captains  and  subalterns  to  command  such  drafts  out  of  the 
minute  or  militia  officers,  as  they  shall  judge  most  proper; 
and  that  the  drafts  be  formed  into  companies  to  consist  of 
one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  three  sergeants,  three  corpo- 
rals, one  drummer,  one  fifer  and  fifty  privates  ;  and  in  case 
any  drafts  shall  be  left  after  the  companies  are  completed, 
and  not  sufficient  to  form  another  company,  officers  shall 
be  appointed  for  them  in  the  following  proportion,  one  cap- 
I  tain  and  one  lieutenant,  two  sergeants  and  two  corporals, 


534 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


for  forty  privates  ;  two  lieutenants,  two  sergeants  and  two 
corporals  for  thirty  privates ;  and  one  lieutenant,  one  ser- 
geant and  one  corporal  for  twenty  privates ;  each  man  to 
find  his  own  arms  and  accoutrements.  That  the  field  offi- 
cers of  the  said  militia  so  to  be  drafted  be  appointed  by 
this  Convention.  The  troops  so  raised  to  have  Continen- 
tal pay  and  rations,  and  to  continue  in  service  until  the  last 
day  of  December  next,  unless  they  shall  be  sooner  dis- 
charged ;  that  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates 
of  the  said  troops  who  shall  furnish  themselves  with  a  good 
and  sufficient  musket  or  firelock,  cartouch  box  and  belt,  and 
bayonet  or  hatchet,  shall  be  allowed  ten  dollars  bounty  to 
each  man. 

5th.  Resolved,  That  the  brigadier-general  of  Suffolk  and 
Queens  counties,  be  directed  to  order  the  militia  of  those 
counties  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  into  ei- 
ther of  the  said  counties,  or  any  other  part  of  Nassau  is- 
land, on  the  shortest  notice,  with  five  days'  provisions. 
And  that  the  President  of  this  Convention  be  and  is  hereby 
directed  to  write  a  letter  to  the  colonel  of  the  militia  of 
Kings  county,  ordering  that  he  hold  his  regiment  in  the 
like  readiness  to  march  to  any  part  of  Nassau  island,  with 
five  days'  provisions. 

6th.  Resolved,  That  Colo.  Josiah  Smith,  of  Suffolk 
county,  be  first  colonel  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  by  drafts 
from  the  militia  on  Nassau  island  ;  that  Colonel  John  Sands 
be  second  colonel  of  those  troops,  with  the  rank  of  colonel 
but  with  the  pay  of  a  lieutenant-colonel ;  and  that  Abra- 
ham Remsen  be  major ;  that  Colonel  Benj.  Birdsall,  at 
south  side  of  Queens  county,  take  the  command  of  one 
company  of  those  drafts,  with  captain's  pay,  saving  his 
his  rank. 

7th.  Resolved,  That  the  rations  of  the  said  troops  be 
estimated  at  the  rate  of  ten  pence  half  penny  each,  which 
they  are  to  receive  in  money  in  lieu  of  provisions. 

8th.  And  whereas,  the  protection  of  Nassau  island  is 
of  vast  importance  to  these  States,  there  being  100,000 
horned  cattle,  a  much  larger  number  of  sheep,  besides 
other  stock  and  provisions  on  the  same,  and  if  the  stock  be 
all  removed,  the  inhabitants,  amounting  to  about  30,000, 
must  remove  or  perish  : 

Resolved,  That  the  necessity  of  the  protection  and  se- 
curity of  the  said  island,  be  stated  in  a  letter  to  the  Con- 
gress, enclosing  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  and 
requesting  their  directions  what  further  measures  may  be 
necessary  for  the  security  and  protection  of  the  said  island. 

9th.  Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, be  made  acquainted  with  these  resolutions,  and  be  in- 
formed that  there  are  on  Nassau  island  great  numbers  of 
horned  cattle  and  sheep  fit  for  the  use  of  the  army,  and 
that  it  be  submitted  to  His  Excellency  whether  it  would 
not  be  proper  that  the  Commissary-General  should  be  re- 
quested to  give  a  preference  in  purchasing  at  present  those 
cattle  and  sheep,  on  account  of  their  exposed  situation. 

Colo.  Remsen,  (according  to  order,)  brought  in  the  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in  Congress, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention,  after  the  most  mature 
deliberation,  have  agreed  to  sundry  resolutions  for  the  pre- 
servation of  the  stock  on  Nassau  island  and  the  protection 
of  the  inhabitants.  A  copy  of  them  I  am  directed  to  en- 
close. These  resolves  are  to  be  carried  into  execution 
without  delay.  The  drafts  we  expect  will  compose  a  corps 
of  between  7  and  9  hundred  men,  and  is  the  only  measure 
that  promises  (with  such  aid  as  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  has  already,  or  may  hereafter  grant  for  the 
same  purpose,)  to  be  effectual  to  prevent  the  enemy  from 
procuring  a  supply  of  fresh  provisions  from  that  island,  and 
we  hope  the  same  will  be  approved  of  by  Congress.  And 
attempt  for  a  total  removal  of  the  stock,  computed  to 
be  near  100,000  head  of  horned  cattle,  besides  a  much 
greater  number  of  sheep  and  hogs,  &c.  would  take  up 


much  time,  and  be  attended  with  very  great  if  not  insur- 
mountable difficulties  ;  and  were  it  possible  to  remove  all 
the  stock,  and  to  find  pasture  and  provender  for  the  same, 
it  necessarily  follows  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  island,  sup- 
posed to  be  from  25  to  30,000  in  number,  must  immedi- 
ately abandon  their  habitations  to  find  shelter  and  subsis- 
tence elsewhere,  which  cannot  be  procured  in  this  and  the 
nearest  sister  States,  the  inhabitants  of  New-York  having 
removed  their  families  in  every  part  where  they  could  find 
accommodations.  These  considerations  have  induced  the 
Convention  to  relinquish  the  thoughts  of  removing  the  stock 
from  the  island,  and  to  the  utmost  of  their  power  to  protect 
them  there,  and  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  If  Congress  should  be  of  opinion  that  any  fur- 
ther steps  are  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  island,  we 
beg  their  directions. 

"  I  am,  most  respectfully, 

"  Gentlemen,  &c. 

"  To  the  Delegates  in  Congress  for 

the  State  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order,  brought  in  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  to  attend 
the  last  aforegoing  resolutions,  which  draft  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  Your  Excellency, 
by  order  of  the  Convention,  a  copy  of  sundry  resolves, 
which  were  yesterday  agreed  to  for  the  defence  of  the  in- 
habitants and  protection  of  the  stock  upon  Nassau  island, 
and  beg  leave  to  submit  to  your  consideration  a  short  state- 
ment of  the  situation  and  circumstances  of  that  island  and 
its  inhabitants,  from  which  you  will  see  the  inutility  of  any 
attempts  for  a  total  removal  of  the  stock  from  thence. 

"  It  is  supposed  there  are  near  one  hundred  thousand  head 
of  horned  cattle,  besides  a  much  larger  number  of  sheep 
and  other  stock,  the  removal  of  which  would  necessarily 
consume  the  greater  part  of  the  campaign.  But  supposing 
the  same  could  be  effected  in  a  short  time,  vast  numbers 
of  the  stock  must  inevitably  perish  for  want  of  subsistence, 
as  it  could  not  be  procured  within  any  reasonable  distance  ; 
besides  such  a  measure  would  reduce  the  inhabitants,  com- 
puted from  25  to  30,000,  to  the  most  deplorable  and  insu- 
perable difficulties  and  distresses. 

"  These  considerations  have  induced  the  Convention  to 
give  over  the  thoughts  of  removing  the  stock  from  the 
island,  as  not  only  impracticable,  but  not  advancive  of  the 
public  service ;  especially  as  the  waste  and  common  lands 
in  the  eastern  part  of  Queens  and  in  Suffolk  counties,  are  so 
covered  with  thickets  of  wood,  as  to  render  it  too  dangerous 
for  foraging  parties  to  attempt  to  penetrate.  I  trust  that 
the  militia  now  to  be  raised,  which  is  expected  to  form  a 
corps  of  between  seven  and  nine  nundred  men,  with  the 
troops  already  stationed  at  the  east  end  of  the  island,  may 
be  sufficient  to  remove  the  stock  from  those  places  which 
are  most  exposed,  and  prevent  the  depredations  of  small 
detachments.  And  should  the  enemy  attempt  with  their 
main  army  to  fix  themselves  on  any  part  of  the  island,  I 
doubt  not  but  your  Excellency  will  give  a  good  account  of 
them. 

"  The  Convention  have  received  information  that  there 
are  a  considerable  number  of  fatted  cattle  and  sheep  on  the 
island.  They  submit  whether  it  would  not  be  proper  that 
the  Commissary-General  should  be  requested  to  give  the 
preference,  in  purchasing,  to  those  cattle.  I  cannot  con- 
clude without  expressing  my  wishes  that  the  detachment 
under  Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston,  may  be  continued  at  their 
present  post,  for  that  part  of  the  island  is  so  much  exposed 
to  be  insulted  by  the  enemy's  cruisers,  that  I  fear  the  in- 
habitants would  totally  abandon  the  country,  should  those 
troops  be  drawn  off. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  To  His  Excellency  General  Washington." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


535 


Die  Sabbati,  5  ho.  P.  M.  July  20ih,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel— For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Hen.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Mr.  Benj.  Sands, 
Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Deal  ing 
— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Colo.  Remsen  had  leave  of  absence  to  go  to  New-York. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  the  number  of  rangers  in  and  for  the  northern  counties, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  being  again 
read  much  time  was  spent  therein  until  night,  and  the  far- 
ther consideration  thereof  postponed  till  Monday. 

Resolved.  That  the  President  and  five  or  more  members 
be  a  committee  to  receive  and  answer  letters,  and  do  any 
other  necessary  business  during  the  adjournment  of  the 
House,  until  their  next  meeting. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colonel  Weisenfels,  dated  the  14th 
instant,  was  again  read.  He  thereby  informs  that  Jona- 
than Holmes  had  not  complied  with  either  of  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Congress  of  this  State  of  the  27th  of  June,  or 
12th  instant;  that  he  had  only  brought  to  the  regiment 
eleven  men,  and  a  boy  who  would  not  pass  muster  ;  that 
his  men  were  enlisted  some  for  the  term  of  six  and  others 
nine  months;  that  Pelton  had  enlisted  19  men,  and  during 
the  present  contest. 

A  certificate  of  Capt.  Riker,  was  also  read,  certifying 
that  Mr.  Daniel  Pelton  had  enlisted  nineteen  men. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Daniel  Pelton  be  appointed  se- 
cond lieutenant,  and  Jonathan  Holmes  ensign,  of  Capt. 
Riker's  company,  and  that  their  commissions  issue  accord- 
ingly. 


DIE  SOUS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  2\st,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  the  call  of  the  Presi- 
dent, agreeable  to  the  order  of  yesterday. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Hen.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Mr.  Lawrence — 
Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hom- 
tnedieu,  Mr.  Dearing— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Little- Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris—  Tryon. 

Captain  Piatt  from  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to 
the  Highlands,  and  take  measures  for  the  protection  of  the 
country,  informed  Convention  that  a  number  of  men  from 
the  neighbouring  States  are  now  doing  duty  on  Hudson's 
river,  and  that  many  of  them  have  left  their  affairs  in  such 
a  situation  at  home,  that  their  continuance  for  any  consi- 
derable time  must  be  attended  with  very  great  inconve- 
niences, asking  the  direction  of  Convention  on  the  subject. 

The  President  with  a  number  of  members  being  there- 
unto authorized  by  Convention  are  of  opinion  that  it  would 


be  improper  to  give  the  committee  any  direction  in  the 
premises,  but  do  advise  that  the  matter  be  considered  by  a 
council  of  war,  and  conceive  it  would  be  advisable,  if  con- 
sistent with  the  good  of  the  service,  that  at  least  a  part  of 
the  men  should  be  dismissed,  and  their  places  supplied  by 
drafts  from  the  neighbouring  militia  of  this  State. 

Capt.  Piatt  further  informs  that  the  men  have  generally 
come  on  horseback,  and  that  many  of  them  are  without 
money  to  carry  themselves  home,  and  requesting  directions 
in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  do  provide  for  the  horses 
as  well  as  the  men  ;  and  that  when  any  of  the  men  are 
ordered  home,  the  committee  at  their  discretion  do  appoint 
a  commissary  to  make  provision  for  them  on  the  road,  or 
give  them  a  reasonable  allowance  for  their  subsistence  on 
their  return. 

Resolved,  That  whenever  any  officers  of  the  militia  of 
this  State  shall  do  duty  with  any  militia  officers  from  the 
neighbouring  States,  they  submit  themselves  to  the  orders 
of  all  officers  of  superior  rank,  in  the  same  manner  as  if 
the  whole  belonged  to  this  State. 


DIE  LUNjE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  22d,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  E.  Bancker,  Colo.  Broome,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscombe— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Mr.  Jona.  Lawrence 
— Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Major  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Dearing — Suffolk. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  G.  Morris,  Major 
Lockwood —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Volkert  Veder — Tryon. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  colonels  of  each  regi- 
ment of  troops  to  be  drafted  from  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Dutchess,  West  Chester,  Ulster,  Orange,  Suffolk* 
Queens  and  Kings,  be  each  of  them  respectively,  a  muster- 
master  of  the  several  regiments  drafted  or  enlisted  in  the 
said  counties,  and  that  each  of  the  said  colonels  do  return, 
upon  oath,  to  this  Convention  a  muster  roll  of  the  regiment 
by  him  so  mustered  as  aforesaid  ;  and  that  no  person  so 
drafted  or  enlisted  receive  his  bounty  until  he  shall  have 
passed  muster. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  one-half  of  the  bounty  to 
be  given  to  the  drafts  from  the  militia,  in  the  said  counties, 
be  sent  to  the  committee  of  each  county,  to  be  paid  unto 
the  said  troops  immediately  upon  and  after  their  passing 
muster  as  aforesaid  ;  and  that  the  remainder  of  the  bounty 
be  paid  when  the  said  troops  shall  be  mustered  by  the  Con- 
tinental muster-master  at  their  respective  places  of  ren- 
dezvous ;  and  that  His  Excellency  General  Washington 
be  requested  to  cause  the  said  musters  to  be  completed 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  into 
the  hands  of  the  gentlemen  hereafter  named  (members  of 
this  Convention,)  on  the  behalf  of  the  committees  of  the 
counties  hereinafter  mentioned,  the  following  sums  of  mo- 
ney to  be  by  the  county  committees  applied  in  payment  of 
the  troops  to  be  drafted  from  the  militia  of  the  said  coun- 
ties ;  and  that  the  said  committees  respectively  do  render 
an  account  to  this  Convention  of  the  disposition  of  the  said 
sums  of  money,  vizt : 


536 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


In  Dutchess  county,  Colonel  Antho.  Hoffman,.. .  $10,000 

In  Westchester  county,  Genl.  Morris,   5,000 

In  Ulster  county,  Colo.  De  Witt   5,000 

In  Orange  county,  Colo.  Allison,   4,000 

In  Suffolk  county,  Mr.  Gelston,   2,000 

In  Queens,  Mr.  Townshend,   2,000 

In  Kings,   600 

$28,600 


General  Morris  informed  this  Convention,  that  Colo.  Jo- 
seph Drake  is  colonel  of  the  first  regiment  of  West- 
chester county  ;  that  as  such,  he  conceives  it  was  his  right 
in  a  tour  of  duty,  to  have  taken  the  command  of  the  one- 
fourth  part  of  the  militia  now  ordered  on  service  ;  and  that 
Colo.  Drake,  and  many  other  officers,  conceive  themselves 
injured  by  the  preference  given  to  Colo.  Thomas  Thomas, 
and  the  other  field  officers  nominated  by  this  Convention  for 
that  service. 

Ordered,  That  General  Morris,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Govr. 
Morris,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Colo.  Drake  and 
Colo.  Thomas,  and  endeavour  to  accommodate  and  settle 
this  matter,  so  as  to  prevent  inconveniences,  and  the  re- 
signation of  Colo.  Drake,  and  that  they  report  as  soon  as 
possible. 

The  letter  from  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  dated  the  16lh  in- 
stant, resigning  his  seat  in  the  Continental  Congress,  which 
had  been  received  and  read  some  days  ago,  was  again  read, 
and  was  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  16th  July,  1776. 

"  Hble.  Gentlemen — Yesterday  our  President  read  in 
Congress  a  resolve  of  your  Honble.  Body,  dated  9th  in- 
stant, in  which  you  declare  New-York  a  free  and  indepen- 
dent State.  I  can't  help  saying  that  I  was  much  surprized 
to  find  it  come  through  that  channel.  The  usual  method, 
hitherto  practised,  has  been  for  the  Convention  of  each 
Colony  to  give  their  Delegates  instructions  to  act  and  vote 
upon  all  and  any  important  question. 

"  And  from  the  last  letter  we  were  favoured  with  from 
your  body,  you  told  us  that  you  was  not  competent  or  au- 
thorized to  give  us  instructions  on  that  grand  question,  nor 
have  you  been  pleased  to  answer  our  letter  of  the  2d  in- 
stant, any  otherwise  than  by  your  said  resolve,  transmitted 
to  the  President.    I  think  we  were  entitled  to  an  answer. 

"  I  am  compelled,  therefore,  to  declare  thai  it  is  against 
my  judgment  and  inclination.  As  long  as  a  door  was  left 
open  for  a  reconciliation  with  Great  Britain,  upon  honourable 
and  just  terms,  I  was  willing  and  ready  to  render  my  country 
all  the  service  in  my  power,  and  for  which  purpose  I  was 
appointed  and  sent  to  this  Congress  ;  but  as  you  have,  I 
presume,  by  that  declaration  closed  the  door  of  reconcilia- 
tion, I  must  beg  leave  to  resign  my  seat  as  a  Delegate 
from  New- York,  and  that  I  may  be  favoured  with  an  an- 
swer and  my  dismission. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  hble.  servt. 

"JOHN  ALSOP." 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  do  cheer- 
fully accept  of  Mr.  Alsop's  resignation  of  his  seat  in  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  that  Mr.  Alsop  be  furnished 
with  a  copy  of  this  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  commit- 
tee to  prepare  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  Co- 
lony, to  cover  a  copy  of  this  last  above  resolution,  or  dis- 
mission of  Mr.  Alsop,  and  that  they  report  with  all  conve- 
nient speed. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  take  into  farther  con- 
sideration the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  raising  and  ap- 
pointment of  rangers  in  the  northern  counties  of  this  Slate  ; 
the  same  was  read,  and  being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  on 
reading  the  paragraph  ascertaining  the  number  of  rangers 
for  Albany  county,  Mr.  Yates  moved  that  it  be  obliterated 
and  the  following  inserted  in  its  stead,  vizt  : 

That  there  be  raised  in  the  city  and  county  of  Albany 
200  men.  officers  included,  to  be  at  the  disposal  of  the  com- 


mittee of  the  said  county  ;  125  to  be  employed  as  scouting 
parties  to  range  the  woods,  and  the  remainder  to  guard  the 
stores,  provisions,  ammunition  and  vessels,  in  and  about 
the  said  city,  in  conjunction  with  the  militia  of  that  city. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  on 
said  motion,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

F or  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Suffolk,   4 

Dutchess,   5      New-York   8 

Charlotte,   2      Cumberland,    2 

Tryon,   3   

Ulster,   4  14 

Queens,   4 

Orange,     3  Westchester  divided. 

27 

The  farther  consideration  thereof  postponed  till  the  af- 
ternoon. 

Die  Lunjs,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  22nd,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Col.  Broome,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Abcel,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Harper — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Little,  Colo.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  H.  Sehenk  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Capt. 
Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Major  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Hobart,  Genl.  Wood- 
hull,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Morris,  Ge- 
neral Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris— Tryon. 

Colo.  Broome  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  fully 
inquired  into  the  character  of  Christopher  Terr.pler  and 
find  that  he  bears  the  character  of  a  hearty  friend  to  the 
American  cause. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged,  and  that  he  be  allowed 
six  shillings  a  day  for  his  loss  of  time  since  he  was  com 
mitted,  amounting  to  forty-eight  shillings.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Christopher  Templer  the  said  sum  of  forty-eight  shil- 
lings for  his  loss  of  time,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Broome  give  a  pass  to  the  said 
Christopher  Templer  to  return  to  New-York. 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  the  committee  on  the  raising  and  appointment  of 
rangers  in  the  northern  counties  of  this  State.  On  reading 
the  paragraph  relating  to  the  nomination  of  officers,  Mr. 
Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Duer,  "  That  the 
officers  of  the  rangers  be  appointed  by  this  Convention." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6      Queens,   4 

Dutchess,   5       Westchester,    4 

Cumberland,    2  — 

Ulster,   4  8 

New-York,   8      Tryon  and  Charlotte  equally 

Suffolk,  4  divided. 

29 

Therefore  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Duer  then  moved  a  new  amendment  to  the  said  pa- 
ragraph, which  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

The  whole  of  the  said  report  being  read,  amended  and 
agreed  to,  was  delivered  to  Mr.  Duer  and  the  former  com- 
mittee, to  be  converted  into  resolutions. 

Mr.  Morris  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose  reported 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  the  dismission  of  John  Alsop, 


1 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Esqr.  as  a  Delegate,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  this  Convention  to 
enclose  you  the  copy  of  a  letter  which  they  received  from 
John  Alsop,  Esquire,  together  with  two  copies  of  their  re- 
solution on  that  subject,  one  of  which  they  request  you  to 
deliver  to  him.  The  Convention  are  much  surprised  to 
learn  that  a  measure  which  they  conceived  necessary  in 
this  State  to  shew  their  warm  approbation  of  the  measures 
of  Congress,  and  to  strengthen  the  bands  of  Continental 
union,  should  disgust  any  gentleman  ;  nor  can  they  disco- 
ver how  their  approbation  of  the  Declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence can  be  construed  an  instruction  to  you  to  act  or  vote 
upon  an  occasion  where  every  act  was  already  performed, 
and  every  vote  received  ;  and  they  are  equally  astonished 
to  find  themselves  censured  for  declaring  at  one  time 
that  they  were  not  competent  or  authorized  to  give  instruc- 
tion on  that  grand  question,  when  in  fact  they  had  no  such 
authority,  and  for  making  such  declaration  at  another  time 
when  they  had  received  from  their  constituents  a  full  au- 
thority for  the  purpose. 

"I  am  farther,  directed,  gentlemen,  to  assure  you  that 
if  the  measure  of  independency  had  originated  with  this 
Convention,  they  would  gladly  bear  whatever  measure  of 
blame  Mr.  Alsop  should  in  his  wisdom  think  meet  to  con- 
fer upon  them,  as  on  the  other  hand  they  take  care  that  all 
persons  who  avow  sentiments  inimical  to  the  cause  and 
rights  of  America,  shall  be  prevented  from  affording  aid  or 
assistance  to  the  common  enemy.  But  as  this  grand  step 
in  American  affairs  has  been  taken  by  that  Honourable  Body, 
of  which  Mr.  Alsop  was  once  a  member,  the  Convention 
are  of  opinion  that  it  belongs  to  them,  and  to  them  only, 
to  determine  upon  the  little  cavils  of  those  who  wish  to 
keep  open  a  door  for  their  reconciliation. 

"  I  am  directed,  therefore,  to  desire  that  you  will  lay  this 
letter,  together  with  the  copy  of  that  gentleman's  favour, 
and  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  in  consequence  of  it, 
before  the  Congress ;  since  they  will  best  be  able  to  in- 
vestigate the  meaning  of  the  writer,  and  determine  how 
far  his  knowledge  of  the  public  transactions  may  or  may 
not  be  safely  trusted  in  his  custody. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"  With  great  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  humble  servt. 
*'  To  the  Delegates  of  the  State 

of  New-York,  at  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  a  copy  of 
the  letter  of  John  Alsop,  Esqr.  of  the  16th  instant,  and 
two  certified  copies  of  the  resolution  of  this  Convention 
thereon  of  the  22nd  instant,  therein  enclosed. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Gene- 
ral Gates,  requesting  the  favour  of  him  to  communicate 
to  this  Convention  a  candid  state  of  our  military  opera- 
tions in  the  northern  department,  particularly  with  respect 
to  the  number  of  our  forces,  the  state  of  health  in  which 
they  are,  and  the  intelligence  he  has  received  of  the 
strength  and  designs  of  General  Burgoyne's  army  ;  and 
assuring  him  of  every  possible  exertion  in  this  Conven- 
tion to  repel  an  invasion  of  the  enemy  in  that  quarter. 

Resolved,  That  Leonard  Gansevort  and  Jacob  Cuyler, 
Esquires,  be  a  committee  from  this  Convention  to  wait  on 
General  Gates  with  the  said  letter,  and  that  they  be  di- 
rected to  transmit  to  this  Convention  as  soon  as  possible, 
the  General's  answer,  and  to  make  every  observation 
which  they  may  think  will  give  to  this  Convention  a  full 
insight  into  the  state  of  our  northern  army. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Robert  Harper  be 
a  committee  to  prepare  a  draft  of  such  letter  as  above 
mentioned,  to  General  Gates,  and  also  to  prepare  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  Leonard  Gansevoort  and  Jacob  Cuyler,  Es- 
quires, on  the  subject  mentioned  in  the  above  resolutions. 

Whereas  this  Convention,  upon  an  opinion  that  Tho- 
mas Thomas,  Esqr.  was  the  first  colonel  of  the  militia  of 

135 


537 

the  county  of  Westchester,  did  tender  unto  him  the  said 
Thomas  Thomas,  the  command  of  the  regiment  drafted 
from  the  said  militia,  which  he  did  accept  of :  And  where- 
as this  Convention  are  now  assured  that  Colo.  Joseph 
Drake  is  the  first  colonel  of  the  said  county  :  And  where- 
as it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention  on  the  part 
of  the  said  Joseph  Drake,  that  his  reputation  may  be  ma- 
terially injured  from  a  suggestion  that  the  appointment  of 
the  said  Thomas  Thomas  proceeded  from  an  opinion  that 
the  said  Joseph  Drake  was  unfit  to  hold  the  said  commis- 
sion ;  in  justice  therefore  to  him,  the  said  Joseph  Drake, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  have  a 
high  opinion  of  the  integrity,  talents  and  military  virtue  of 
the  said  Joseph  Drake,  and  that  the  preference  given  to 
him,  the  said  Thomas  Thomas,  in  the  aforesaid  appoint- 
ment, was  merely  owing  to  the  mistake  above  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  hereof  be  sent  to  Colo. 
Drake  without  delay. 


DIE  MARTIS,  8  ho.  a.  m. 

July  23rd,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayers  by  the  Revd.  Mr.  Lewis. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President, 

Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Colo. 
Broome,  Colo.  Brasher— For  New-York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Hen.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Junr.  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  Mr.  Hoffman— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Capt. 
Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Major  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr. 
Dearing,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller — For  Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gilb.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  General  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland — 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Duer  informed  the  Convention  that  on  the  account 
of  sundry  matters  now  before  the  Convention,  and  yet  to 
be  considered,  he  desires  to  continue  his  attendance,  at 
present,  in  the  Convention  ;  that  he  was  appointed  to  wait 
on  Govr.  Trumbull  with  Colo.  Broome,  with  the  despatch- 
es from  this  Congress,  and  that  they  are  entrusted  with 
very  important  despatches  from  Genl.  Washington  to  Govr. 
Trumbull.  That  Mr.  Hobart  has  consented  to  go  with 
Colo.  Broome  on  that  service  (if  agreeable  to  this  Con- 
vention) instead  of  Mr.  Duer. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Colo.  Broome  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wait  on  his  Honor  Govr.  Trumbull  of  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  resolu- 
tions of  this  Convention  on  the  16th  instant. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  provisions  are  very 
scarce  and  dear  in  the  city  of  New-York  ;  that  they  have, 
notwithstanding,  been  shipped  for  exportation,  and  have 
fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  no  provisions  whatever  shall  be  laden 
for  exportation  on  board  of  any  ship  or  vessel  at  the  port 
of  New- York,  or  from  any  other  part  of  this  State,  unless 
for  the  use  of  the  crew  of  such  ship  or  vessel,  or  for  the 
necessary  supply  of  any  of  the  United  Stales  of  America, 
until  further  order ;  and  that  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York  shall  be  first  applied  to  for  their  permission  to  export 
any  provisions  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  which  said  com- 
mittee are  hereby  empowered  to  judge  and  determine  upon 
the  propriety  of  granting  such  supplies. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  cases  where  a  breach  shall  be 
made  in  the  above  resolution,  the  vessel  and  cargo  shall  be 
forfeited  to  the  use  of  this  State  ;  and  the  persons  guilty 
of  infringing  it,  shall  be  held  up  as  enemies  to  the  United 
States  of  America. 


538 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  report- 
ed the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Gates,  which  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
to  make  it  their  earnest  request,  that  you  will  do  them  the 
honour  of  communicating  a  full  statement  of  the  military 
operations  which  you  now  superintend.  It  is  by  no  means 
an  idle  curiosity  which  prompts  the  Convention  to  inquire 
into  the  number  of  forces  under  your  command,  and  their 
situation  as  to  arms,  health,  provisions,  and  other  necessa- 
ries ;  as  also  what  intelligence  your  Honor  may  have  ob- 
tained of  the  strength  and  designs  of  Genl.  Burgoyne.  But 
as  the  war  is  now  brought  to  our  doors,  and  this  State  in- 
vaded at  each  extremity,  the  utmost  attention  and  strictest 
inquiry  are  necessary  in  the  Legislature,  that  they  may  be 
enabled  to  give  all  the  assistance  in  their  power  to  the  se- 
veral armies  employed  in  our  defence.  I  am  further  direct- 
ed to  inform  your  Honor  that  this  letter  will  be  handed  to 
you  by  Leonard  Gansevoort  and  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqrs.  a 
committee  of  this  Convention,  who  are  sent  to  receive  such 
intelligence  as  you  may  think  necessary  to  give  a  complete 
idea  of  the  situation  of  our  northern  army,  and  to  assure 
your  Honor  that  the  Convention  will  make  the  most  stre- 
nuous exertions  to  repel  any  invasion  which  may  be  me- 
ditated against  us  in  your  department. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant. 
"  Major  Genl.  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  Messrs. 
Gansevoort  and  Cuyler  unsealed.  That  a  copy  of  the  re- 
solution of  this  Convention  to  write  to  General  Gates,  be 
therein  enclosed. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  report- 
ed a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Messrs.  Gansevoort  and  Cuyler, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  en- 
close you  a  copy  of  two  resolutions  of  this  date,  together 
with  a  letter  to  Brigr.  Genl.  Gates,  at  Ticonderoga,  which 
we  leave  open  for  your  perusal.  It  is  the  wish  of  the  Con- 
vention that  you  should  immediately  wait  on  Genl.  Gates 
with  his  letter,  and  that  you  should  likewise  exert  your- 
selves in  obtaining  every  intelligence  from  your  own  obser- 
vation which  you  think  will  tend  to  give  to  this  House  a 
full  insight  into  the  state  of  our  northern  army. 

"  In  the  letter  which  this  Convention  has  ordered  to  be 
wrote  to  Genl.  Gates,  they  have  chiefly  confined  their  in- 
quiries to  the  number  of  our  forces,  the  state  of  health  they 
are  in,  and  Genl.  Burgoyne's  designs.  From  motives  of 
delicacy,  this  Convention  has  not  thought  proper  to  inquire 
of  Genl.  Gates  whether  proper  harmony  prevails  amongst 
the  officers,  and  subordination  amongst  the  troops.  These 
are  objects  of  infinite  consequence,  and  on  which  the  fate 
of  a  battle  has  often  depended  ;  the  Convention,  therefore, 
wish  you  will  pay  particular  attention  to  obtain  proper  in- 
formation on  these  points.  Your  own  prudence  and  know- 
ledge of  the  world,  will  lead  you  to  obtain  these  inquiries 
in  the  most  delicate  manner  possible.  You  will  be  pleased 
to  transmit  Genl.  Gates'  answer  by  express,  together  with 
your  own  observations,  in  writing,  in  case  you  should  be 
detained  in  joining  this  Convention. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  Jacob  Cuyler  and 

Leond.  Gansevoort,  Esqrs.  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  with  copies 
of  the  resolutions  relating  to  their  going  to  the  northern 
army  therein  enclosed. 

Mr.  Duer  according  to  order  brought  in  a  set  of  resolu- 
tions formed  on  the  report  of  the  committee,  for  the  raising 
and  appointment  of  rangers  in  the  northern  counties,  which 


being  read,  were  again  read  by  paragraphs,  and  amended  ; 
and  the  same  being  read  the  third  time,  were  unanimously 
agreed  to,  and  are  as"  follows,  to  wit : 

Whereas  from  the  best  information  this  Convention  has 
obtained,  the  inhabitants  in  the  western  and  northern  parts 
of  the  county  of  Albany,  and  the  inhabitants  of  the  counties 
of  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Gloucester,  Cumberland,  Ulster  and 
Orange  are  greatly  exposed  to  the  Indians,  and  several  fa- 
milies in  some  of  the  above  mentioned  counties  from  the 
dangers  they  apprehend,  have  already  removed,  and  it  is 
probable  others  will  remove  into  the  interior  parts  of  this 
State,  to  the  inevitable  destruction  of  many,  and  to  the  great 
distress  of  the  public.  In  order,  therefore,  to  induce  those 
inhabitants  to  remain  in  their  possessions,  and  to  afford 
them  a  protection  against  the  inroads  of  the  Indians, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  there  be  raised  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  one  hundred  and  twenty-six  men,  officers 
included,  to  be  employed  as  scouting  parties  to  range  the 
woods,  and  that  the  same  be  divided  into  two  companies, 
each  company  to  consist  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants, 
three  sergeants,  three  corporals  and  fifty-four  privates : 

That  in  like  manner,  and  for  the  same  service,  two  hun- 
dred and  one  men  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Tryon,  to  be 
divided  into  three  companies,  each  to  consist  of  1  captain, 
2  lieutenants,  3  sergeants,  3  corporals  and  58  privates  : 

That  in  like  manner,  and  for  the  same  service,  252  men 
be  raised  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland, 
for  the  joint  defence  of  both  counties,  and  that  those  men 
be  divided  into  four  companies,  each  company  to  consist 
of  1  captain,  2  lieutenants,  3  sergeants,  3  corporals  and 
54  privates : 

That  in  like  manner,  and  for  the  same  service,  120  men 
be  raised  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  to  be  divided  in  the 
following  manner,  vizt :  2  companies,  each  to  consist  of 
1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  3  sergeants,  3  corporals  and  42 
privates,  and  one  party  to  consist  of  1  lieutenant,  1  ser- 
geant, 1  corporal  and  17  privates: 

That  in  like  manner,  and  for  the  same  service,  201  men 
be  raised  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  to  be  divided  into  three 
companies  similar  to  those  of  the  county  of  Tryon  : 

That  one  company  be  raised  for  the  county  of  Orange, 
to  consist  of  1  captain,  1  lieutenant,  3  sergeants,  3  corpo- 
rals and  47  privates  : 

That  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  companies  of  the 
counties  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Ulster  and  Orange, 
be  nominated  for  approbation  and  appointment  of  this  Con- 
vention, by  the  respective  county  committees,  and  that  the 
said  county  committees  issue  warrants  for  levying  those 
troops,  to  such  persons  whom  they  propose  to  nominate  for 
companies ;  and  it  hereby  is  strongly  recommended  to 
them  to  nominate  persons  of  sober  and  active  dispositions 
for  these  appointments  : 

That  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  counties  of  Cum- 
berland and  Gloucester,  be  nominated  by  the  mutual  consent 
of  the  committees  of  both  counties,  and  that  warrants  issue 
to  the  captains  of  each  company  in  the  same  manner  as 
before  directed  : 

That  the  pay  of  the  officers  and  privates  be  the  same  as 
the  pay  of  the  Continental  troops  : 

That  a  bounty  be  allowed  to  each  non-commissioned 
officer  and  private  of  25  dollars  upon  his  passing  muster  : 

That  to  each  captain  be  allowed  16s.;  to  each  lieutenant 
14  shillings;  and  to  each  non-commissioned  officer  and 
private  10  shillings  per  week,  in  lieu  of  all  rations  : 

That  the  officers  and  privates  furnish  themselves  each 
with  a  good  musket,  or  firelock,  powder-horn,  bullet-pouch 
and  tomahawk,  blanket  and  knapsack  : 

That  the  companies  in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Trvon, 
Charlotte,  Ulster  and  Orange,  be  confined  to  the  service  of 
those  counties,  unless  called  forth  to  the  defence  of  a  neigh- 
bouring county,  or  State,  by  the  mutual  consent  of  the 
bordering  county  committees  of  the  respective  counties,  or 
States : 

That  the  companies  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


539 


Gloucester,  be  under  the  command  of  a  major,  to  be  ap- 
pointed by  this  Convention  : 

That  the  major  commanding  the  rangers  in  the  counties 
of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  shall  march  to  the  relief  of 
any  of  the  neighbouring  counties,  or  States,  upon  a  mu- 
tual application  from  the  county  committees  of  such  re- 
spective counties,  or  States,  or  upon  an  application  from 
the  Continental  officer  commanding  in  the  northern  depart- 
ment ;  provided  that  such  Continental  officer  do  not  call 
those  companies  out  of  the  said  three  counties  of  Cumber- 
land, Gloucester  and  Charlotte  : 

That  each  officer  of  the  respective  companies  of  rangers 
shall,  before  he  receives  his  warrant,  lake  an  oath  before 
the  chairman  of  the  county  committee  from  whence  he  is 
to  be  recommended,  that  he  will  once  in  every  month,  or  as 
soon  after  the  expiration  of  any  month  as  possible,  trans- 
mit to  the  Convention,  or  Legislature  of  this  State,  a  mus- 
ter roll  of  the  names  of  every  officer  or  private  under  his 
command,  and  their  respective  times  of  enlistment  and 
service,  and  that  any  officer  who  shall  return  a  false  muster 
roll,  shall  on  conviction  thereof,  lose  his  pay,  and  be 
cashiered,  and  forever  thereafter  rendered  incapable  of 
holding  any  office,  civil  or  military,  in  this  State. 

That  all  the  companies  of  rangers  shall  at  any  future 
time  be  under  the  direction  and  command  of  such  person 
or  persons,  and  be  continued  so  long  in  the  service  as  this 
Convention  or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State  shall  please 
to  appoint,  not  exceeding  the  duration  of  the  present  war ; 
and  that  all  these  troops  be  subject  to  the  Continental  rules 
of  war,  till  further  orders  from  this  Convention,  or  a  future 
Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  one-half  of  the  bounty  be  paid  by  the 
captain  of  each  company,  to  every  able  bodied  man,  when 
he  shall  pass  muster ;  and  that  so  soon  as  the  first  muster 
roll  of  every  company  shall  be  received  by  this  Conven- 
tion, the  other  half  shall  be  remitted  by  this  Convention  to 
the  respective  county  committees  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Orange, 
Ulster  and  Charlotte  counties,  and  to  the  major  command- 
ing the  Gloucester  and  Cumberland  rangers,  to  be  by  them 
issued  to  the  captains  of  their  respective  companies,  and 
immediately  disbursed  to  the  men. 

Ordered,  That  certified  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolu- 
tions, be  transmitted  with  all  despatch,  to  the  respective 
committees  of  the  counties  aforementioned. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
expediency  of  raising  a  company  of  men  to  guard  the  stores 
and  vessels  with  provisions  and  ammunition  in  the  city  of 
Albany,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  the 
same  being  again  read  and  amended  was  unanimously 
agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  seventy-five  men,  officers  included,  be 
raised  to  guard  the  stores  and  vessels  with  provisions  and 
ammunition,  in  and  about  the  city  of  Albany;  that  they  be 
under  the  pay  of  this  Slate  ;  that  they  be  embodied  into 
one  company,  to  consist  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants, 
four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drummer  and  one  lifer, 
and  sixty-two  privates  ;  that  they  furnish  themselves  each 
with  a  gun  or  musket,  one  pouch  or  cartouch  box,  one  to- 
mahawk or  cutlass  ;  that  they  be  allowed  Continental  pay, 
and  be  subject  to  the  Continental  rules  and  articles  of  war  ; 
and  that  instead  of  rations,  the  captain  be  allowed  sixteen 
shillings,  the  lieutenants  twelve  shillings,  and  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  privates  seven  shillings  per  week  ; 
that  they  be  under  the  direction  of  the  committee  of  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  in  their  absence  the  sub- 
committee of  the  city  of  Albany  ;  that  they  be  continued 
in  the  said  service  until  the  first  day  of  December  next, 
unless  sooner  discharged  by  this  or  a  future  Convention,  or 
Legislature  of  this  State. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  24th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 
Air.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscombe— For  Neva-York. 
Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt— Ulster. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Mr.  Sam.  Townshend.  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Major 
Lawrence,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith — Queens. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Colo.  Hoffman— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 
Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Major  Smith,  Mr.  L'hom- 
medieu,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Genl.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

On  reading  the  report  of  the  committee  of  Westchester 
county,  which  was  read  and  filed, 

Ordered,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of  Westchester 
county,  do  discharge  Robert  Sutton  out  of  custody,  on  ac- 
count of  any  order  of  detention  by  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Jeremiah  Wool  be  requested 
to  send,  by  the  first  safe  and  convenient  opportunity,  to 
John  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Convention, 
all  the  papers  by  him  seized  and  taken  from  the  several  per- 
sons of  the  name  of  Youngs,  at  or  near  Cold  Spring,  and 
also  the  papers  in  like  manner  taken  from  Isaac  Ketcham. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  re- 
port such  amendments  as  are  necessary  farther  to  encou- 
rage the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,  brought  in  the  report  of 
the  said  committee,  which  he  read  in  his  place,  and  deli- 
vered in  at  the  table,  where  the  same  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  the  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  the  chiefs  of  the  Onenhoghkwage  and 
Tuscarora  nation  of  Indians,  to  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr. 
of  Ulster  county,  dated  the  4th  of  June,  instant,  was  read 
and  filed.  They  thereby  request  a  supply  of  gunpowder, 
lead  and  flints,  give  assurances  of  their  peaceable  disposi- 
tion and  neutrality,  and  invite  the  inhabitants  to  trade  with 
them  in  gunpowder  and  goods. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  two  hundred  weight  of 
gunpowder,  with  an  adequate  supply  of  lead  and  flints,  be 
sent  as  a  present  to  those  Indian  nations  by  this  State  ;  that 
Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Esqr.  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to 
forward  the  said  gunpowder,  lead  and  flints,  to  the  said  In- 
dian chiefs. 

Colo.  De  Witt  informed  the  Convention  that  there  are  a 
number  of  Indians  in  some  parts  of  the  county  of  Ulster, 
to  whom  it  would  be  good  policy  to  distribute  a  small  sup- 
ply of  gunpowder.  That  there  are  also  a  few  very  indi- 
gent persons  on  the  Delaware,  who  are  very  hearty  friends 
in  the  American  cause,  but  that  they  are  destitute  of  gun- 
powder, and  have  applied  to  the  committee  of  Rochester  and 
to  the  county  committee  of  Ulster  county  for  a  small  supply 
of  that  article,  which  could  not  there  be  furnished  to  them. 

Ordered,  That  seventy  weight  of  gunpowder  be  deliver- 
ed by  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  Esqr.  to  Major  Arthur  Parks, 
Dirck  Wynkoop,  William  Peek  and  Andw.  Stewart, 
Esqrs.  or  either  of  them,  to  be  distributed  gratis  to  the  said 
Indians  in  Ulster  county,  and  to  such  indigent  friendly  in- 
habitants of  Ulster  county,  near  the  Susquehanna,  as  they 
mav  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr.  Govr.  Morris  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the 
said  Onenhoghkwaga  and  Tuscarora  Indian  nations,  ac- 
quainting them  of  the  said  presents,  and  of  the  disposition 


540 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


of  this  State  towards  them  ;  and  also  a  committee  to  re- 
port a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  superintendents  of  Indian  af- 
fairs, to  cover  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  from  the  Indians, 
and  of  the  letter  in  answer  thereto,  and  to  acquaint  them 
of  what  has  been  ordered  by  this  Convention. 
On  motion, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  inquire  into  and  report  "  what  officers  were  in  the  ser- 
vice of  this  State  last  year,  who  merit  the  further  patronage 
of  this  Convention,  and  to  devise  modes  of  providing  for 
ail  such  deserving  officers,  who  stood  forth  in  defence  of 
the  liberties  of  America  in  the  dawn  of  this  dispute." 

Ordered,  That  General  Morris,  Colo.  Hoffman  and 
Abraham  Yates,  Esqr.  be  a  committee  for  the  purpose 
above  mentioned. 

The  Convention  look  into  consideration  the  State  of  the 
treasury.    After  some  time  spent  therein, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  two  hundred  thousand 
pounds,  in  bills  of  credit,  be  immediately  struck  and  issued 
for  the  public  exigencies  of  this  State  ; 

And  that  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colonel  Brasher, 
Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr.  Harper,  be  a  committee  to  report 
the  most  expeditious  and  useful  ways  and  means  for  carry- 
ing the  same  into  execution. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire, 
be,  and  he  hereby  is,  appointed  Auditor-General  of  the  pu- 
blic accounts  of  this  State,  during  the  pleasure  of  this  Con- 
vention. And 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Auditor-General  be  allowed  a 
salary,  at  and  after  the  rate  of  three  hundred  pounds  per 
annum,  to  be  paid  to  him  quarterly. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Govr.  Morris,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr. 
L'hommedieu,  be  a  committee  to  report  upon  the  mode  of 
auditing  and  passing  the  public  accounts  of  this  State,  and 
such  other  matters  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  regulation 
of  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Duer  gave  notice  that  he  intended  to-morrow  to 
move  this  Convention  that  the  order  for  furnishing  two  hun- 
dred weight  of  gunpowder  to  the  Indians  at  Onenhoghkwa- 
ga  and  Tuscarora  be  reconsidered,  if  a  majority  of  the  Con- 
vention, pursuant  to  the  sixth  standing  rule,  consent  to 
such  motion  ;  and  he  moved  (seconded  by  Mr.  Ab.  Yates) 
that  the  sense  of  the  Convention  be  taken  whether  he  shall 
be  permitted  to  make  such  motion. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
■was  determined  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
vizt  : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6 

Dutchess,   5 

Cumberland,   2 

New-York,    8 

Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

27 


For  the  negative. 

Westchester,    4 

Orange,   3 

Queens,  ..   4 

Suffolk,   4 

15 


Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
Miller,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Park,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith— Queen*. 
Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  do  advance 
the  following  sums  to  the  Deputies  of  the  different  coun- 
ties where  the  rangers  are  to  be  raised,  being  one  half  of 
the  bounty  resolved  on  by  this  Convention  for  those  forces, 
taking  a  receipt,  of  the  several  Deputies  of  each  county  for 
the  respective  sums  under  mentioned,  to  wit : 

To  the  Deputies  of  Albany,   £600 

To  the  Deputies  of  Tryon  county,   960 

To  the  Deputies  of  Cumberland  county  for  the  rangers  to  be 

raised  in  Gloucester  and  Cumberland  counties,   1,200 

To  the  Deputies  of  Ulster  county,   960 

To  the  Deputies  of  Orange  county,   265 

To  the  Deputies  of  Charlotte  county,   575 


Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer  have  leave  to  make  such  mo- 
tion for  the  reconsideration  of  the  said  order. 

On  the  recommendation  of  the  members  from  Cumber- 
land county,  ihe  Convention  unanimously  agreed  to  appoint 
Joab  Hoisington,  Esqr.  to  be  major  of  the  rangers  to  be 
raised  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  draft  of  a  com- 
mission for  him. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  24th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscorabe,  Colo.  Brasher — For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Yates— Mbany. 

Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Mills—  West- 
chester. 


£4,560 


The  committee  appointed  to  examine  into  two  charges 
against  Lieutenant-Colo.  James  Hamman — the  first,  that 
he  had  not  acted  uprightly  in  the  purchase  of  some  pork 
on  account  of  this  Slate  ;  and  the  other,  of  a  neglect  of  duty 
in  that  evening  when  the  enemy's  ships  lately  proceeded  up 
Hudson's  river — reported  that  they  had  examined  all  the 
witnesses  who  appeared  or  were  brought  before  them  as 
to  each  of  the  said  charges,  the  substance  of  whose  testi- 
mony they  reported. 

The  said  committee  farther  reported  that  it  appears  to 
them  that  the  charges  exhibited  against  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Hamman  are  entirely  groundless  ;  and  that  therefore  Lieut. 
Colo.  James  Hamman  ought  to  be  acquitted  from  all  far- 
ther trouble  in  the  premises,  that  he  may  immediately  re- 
turn to  his  duty. 

The  evidence  given  to  that  committee,  whereon  they 
founded  their  report,  was  read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report. 

A  petition  of  William  Eagles,  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
carpenter,  setting  forth  his  services  to  his  country  and  his 
skill  as  a  mechanic,  was  read.  He  thereby  prays  for  em- 
ployment. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Jay,  Robt.  R.Livingston,  Yates, 
Tappen,  Gilbt.  Livingston  and  Paulding,  be  requested  to 
employ  the  said  Wm.  Eagles,  agreeable  to  the  prayer 
of  his  petition,  or  in  any  other  way  wherein  they  may  find 
him  most  useful  to  this  State. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  means  for  employ- 
ing Mr.  James  Stewart  in  the  service  of  this  State,  deli- 
vered in  their  new  report,  which  was  read,  and  being  read  a 
second  time,  the  Convention  proceeded  to  hear  the  same 
read  by  paragraphs  ;  several  paragraphs  were  read  and 
amended. 

The  whole  afternoon  being  spent,  for  want  of  light,  the 
farther  consideration  thereof  is  deferred  till  to-morrow. 

The  Convention  having  this  day  agreed  to  appoint  Joab 
Hoisington,  Esqr.  major  of  the  rangers  to  be  raised  in 
the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  a  draft  of  a 
commission  for  him  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  ) 
of  the  State  of  New- York.  J 
To  Joab  Hosington,  Esqr.  Greeting : 

"  Whereas  this  Convention  did  on  the  23d  day  of  July 
inst.  direct  and  order  the  raising  and  embodying  two  hun- 
dred and  fifty-two  men,  officers  included,  in  the  counties 
of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  for  the  joint  defence  of  both 
counties,  and  of  the  neighbouring  counties  and  States,  to 
be  divided  into  four  companies,  to  be  under  the  command 
of  a  major : 

"  Now  therefore,  we  the  representatives  of  the  State 
of  New-York,  reposing  especial  trust  and  confidence  in 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


541 


your  patriotism,  martial  valour,  vigilance,  conduct  and  fide- 
lity, do  by  these  presents  constitute  and  appoint  you  to  be 
major  of  the  said  four  companies  of  rangers,  so  to  be  rais- 
ed as  aforesaid,  for  the  defence  of  American  liberty,  and 
for  repelling  every  hostile  invasion  thereof.  You  are  there- 
fore carefully  and  diligently  to  discharge  the  duty  of  major 
by  doing  and  performing  all  manner  of  things  thereunto 
belonging ;  and  we  do  strictly  charge  and  require  all  offi- 
cers and  soldiers  under  your  command  to  be  obedient  to 
your  orders  as  major ;  and  you  are  to  observe  and  follow 
such  orders  and  directions  from  time  to  time  as  you  shall 
receive  from  this  or  a  future  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  or  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica, or  Commander-in-Chief  for  the  time  being  of  the  ar- 
my of  the  United  States  of  America,  or  any  other  your  su- 
perior officers,  according  to  the  rules  and  discipline  of  war, 
in  pursuance  of  the  trust  reposed  in  you. 

"  This  commission  to  continue  in  force  until  the  end  of 
the  present  war,  unless  sooner  revoked  by  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  or  the  Convention  or  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"Dated  at  White  Plains,  in  Westchester  county,  the 
twenty-fourth  day  of  July,  one  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  seventy-six. 

"  By  order  of  the  Convention." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  commission  be  en- 
grossed, and  signed  by  the  President,  and  countersigned 
by  one  or  both  of  the  Secretaries,  and  delivered  to  the  said 
Joab  Hoisington. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

July  25th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Prest. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo. 
Brasher — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  Smith— For  Queens. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker— -For  Albany. 
Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sacket— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr. 
Tredwell—  For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner— For  Orange. 
Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— For  Ulster. 

Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Tompkins 
— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions—  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Zephaniah 
Piatt,  Esqr.  dated  at  Peeks  Kill  on  the  23d  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  They  thereby  inform  that  by  a  council  of 
war,  held  at  Fort  Montgomery,  it  was  agreed  that  300  men 
will  be  a  sufficient  guard  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river 
from  Anthony's  Nose  to  Croton  ;  that  the  New-England 
forces  will  depart  on  Saturday  next,  and  request  that  such 
of  the  new  levies  as  are  raised  may  be  on  the  ground  by 
that  time  ;  that  in  order  to  discharge  the  subsistence  of  the 
men  and  horses,  and  other  necessary  expenses,  they  want 
immediately  six  hundred  pounds,  and  request  that  sum  to 
be  paid  to  the  bearer,  John  Levinus. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  to  John 
Levinus,  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds  for  the  use  of  Co- 
lonel Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt.  Zeph.  Piatt,  agreea- 
ble to  their  request,  for  discharging  the  subsistence  of  the 
troops  who  have  been  attending  on  duty  on  the  east  side 
of  Hudson's  river,  with  their  horses,  and  such  other  ex- 
penses as  have  accrued  in  that  service,  and  they  choose  to 
discharge  ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  lake  a  receipt  of  the 
said  John  Levinus  for  that  sum. 

Ordered,  That  Brigr.  General  Morris  command  that  the 
men  drafted  from  the  militia  in  his  brigade,  be  marched 
immediately  to  the  mouth  of  Croton  river,  to  perform  duty 

136 


and  be  under  the  command  of  the  officer  or  officers  com- 
manding the  American  troops  and  militia  there.  And 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Townshend  of  Westchester  coun- 
ty, return  to  duty  with  his  company  at  the  mouth  of  Cro- 
ton river,  and  such  places  adjacent,  as  such  commanding 
officer,  as  aforesaid,  shall  direct. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt. 
Piatt,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  agree- 
able to  the  request  of  your  letter  of  the  23rd  instant,  which 
was  this  day  delivered,  the  Convention  have  issued  an  or- 
der upon  the  Treasurer  for  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds, 
to  be  paid  to  John  Levinus,  and  to  be  accounted  for  by  you. 
And  that  they  have  further  given  orders  to  General  Morris 
for  marching  the  men  drafted  from  his  brigade,  and  also 
that  Capt.  Townshend  march  with  his  company,  to  the 
mouth  of  Croton  river  immediately. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"Your  most  obedt.  hum. 

"  To  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt 

and  Zephania  Platt,  Esqr." 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Balthazer  De  Hart,  was  read  and  filed. 
He  therein  sets  forth  that  he  had  served  his  country  last 
campaign  as  an  officer,  with  much  fatigue  and  diligence  ; 
that  he  is  ready  to  continue  his  services  to  his  country,  and 
requests  to  be  farther  employed  in  some  military  depart- 
ment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  and  delivered 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a  method  of  employ- 
ing the  officers  who  served  with  reputation  last  year,  and 
are  now  unemployed. 

A  member  informed  the  Convention  that  Balthazer  De 
Hart  could  give  useful  information  as  to  many  disaffected 
persons  at  Shrewsbury,  who  keep  up  a  communication  with 
the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu  be  a 
committee  to  examine  Mr.  Balthazer  De  Hart  as  to  such 
disaffected  persons  and  communication  with  the  enemy,  as 
he  knows  or  can  give  information  of. 

A  letter  from  Andrew  Adams,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Litchfield,  dated  the  22nd  instant,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Litchfield,  22nd  July,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  committee  of  this  town  have  duly  received, 
by  the  hand  of  Abraham  Depeyster,  Esqr.  your  letter  of 
18th  instant,  together  with  12  prisoners  sent  here  to  be 
confined  in  our  jail.  The  committee,  sensible  of  the  situa- 
tion of  the  State  of  New- York,  and  grateful  for  the  good 
opinion  you  express  of  our  zeal  in  the  common  cause,  are 
entirely  willing  to  give  all  possible  aid  in  our  power  to  a 
neighbour  State  ;  but  the  situation  of  our  jail  in  this  town 
is  such  at  present,  having  on  hand  near  forty  prisoners  of 
war,  a  number  of  which  we  are  obliged  to  keep  confined, 
besides  six  other  prisoners  sent  here  from  Fairfield  and 
Dutchess  counties  to  close  confinement  for  disaffection  to 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
corresponding  with  the  enemy,  &c.  together  with  a  num- 
ber of  other  criminals  for  various  crimes,  all  to  be  confined 
in  two  very  uncomfortable  rooms,  the  whole  jail  consisting 
of  but  three,  one  of  which  is  occupied  by  a  woman  con- 
fined for  murder,  that  renders  the  confinement  of  those 
prisoners  in  this  jail  incompatible,  either  with  the  public 
safety  or  even  with  the  safety  of  the  prisoners'  lives,  some 
of  whom  are  now  sick.  We  have,  however,  teceived  them 
for  the  present,  trusting  that,  upon  the  above  information, 
your  Convention  would  think  their  immediate  removal  ab- 
solutely necessary  ;  to  which  their  earliest  attention  is  re- 
quested, as  our  jail  is  not  sufficient  for  the  prisoners  we 
before  had,  besides  others  expected  from  within  this  coun- 
ty. For  the  above  reasons,  Mr.  Depeyster  has  not  com- 
mitted to  our  care  the  mayor  of  your  city,  but  has  taken 
for  him  private  lodgings,  under  the  care  of  a  particular 


542 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


gentleman  for  his  safe  custody,  until  he  can  know  your 
pleasure  in  the  premises.  To  him  we  beg  leave  to  refer 
you  for  further  particulars,  and  are 

"  With  great  respect, 
"Your  most  obedient  humble  servants. 
(Signed,)  "  Per  order, 

"  ANDW.  ADAMS,  Chairman:' 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  L'hommedieu  and  Mr. 
Wisner  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  state  of  the  prison- 
ers lately  sent  to  Litchfield,  and  to  report  what  may  be 
necessary  to  be  done  in  their  case. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman  and  Capt.  Rutgers  pro- 
ceed to  Harlem,  and  make  proper  inquiry  whether  this 
Convention  can  be  there  properly  accommodated  with  con- 
venient lodgings. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  William  Harper,  Mr. 
Wisner  and  Mr.  Contine  be  a  committee  to  reconsider 
whether  any  and  what  quantity  of  gunpowder  shall  be  sent 
to  the  Indians  at  Onenhoghkwaga  and  Tuscarora  and  in 
what  manner. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  and  Mr.  Smith  of  Suffolk 
county,  be  added  to  the  late  committee  appointed  to  report 
the  best  method  for  encouraging  the  manufacture  and  im- 
portation of  salt. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper  and  Colo.  Brasher 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  a  pe- 
remptory resolution  that  the  committee  of  Albany  return 
to  this  Convention  a  copy  of  their  proceedings  against 
Abraham  Cuyler,  Henry  Cuyler,  Stephen  De  Lancey, 
John  Duncan,  Benjamin  Hilton  and  John  Monier,  whom 
the  said  committee  have  sent  prisoners  to  Hartford  in  Con- 
necticut. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  and 
report  the  most  proper  mode  for  employing  in  the  service 
of  this  State,  Mr.  James  Stewart,  late  lieutenant  in  Colonel 
Livingston's  regiment,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  ;  and  the  same  being  read  paragraph  by  paragraph 
and  amended,  was  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  James  Stewart  is  deserving  a 
captain's  commission  in  the  service  of  this  State,  and  that 
a  warrant  be  immediately  given  him  to  raise  a  company 
with  all  possible  despatch  ;  that  the  said  company  ought  to 
consist  of  Scotch  Highlanders,  or  as  many  of  them  as  pos- 
sible, and  that  they  serve  during  the  war,  unless  sooner 
discharged  by  this  Convention,  or  a  future  Legislature  of 
this  State  ;  that  the  said  company  shall  consist  of  1  cap- 
tain, 1  lieutenant,  1  ensign,  4  sergeants,  4  corporals,  1 
drum,  1  fife,  and  not  less  than  sixty-two  privates  ;  that 
a  bounty  of  fifteen  dollars  be  allowed  to  each  non-commis- 
sioned officer  and  private  ;  that  they  be  entitled  to  Conti- 
nental pay  and  rations,  and  subject  to  the  Continental  arti- 
cles of  war,  till  farther  orders  from  this  Convention  or  a 
future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

That  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  not  receive  pay  as  a 
captain  until  he  shall  have  returned  to  this  Convention  or 
a  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  a  regular  muster  roll, 
upon  oath,  of  thirty  able  bodied  men  duly  enlisted. 

That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  be  ordered  to 
advance  to  the  said  James  Stewart  one  hundred  and  forty- 
four  pounds  in  order  to  enable  him  to  advance  the  bounty 
to  those  he  may  enlist,  taking  his  receipt  to  account  for  the 
same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  State. 

That  as  soon  as  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  have  re- 
turned to  this  Convention,  or  future  Legislature  of  this 
State,  a  regular  muster  roll  of  thirty  able  bodied  men,  duly 
enlisted,  certifying  that  the  said  men  have  been  mustered 
in  the  presence  of  a  person  to  be  appointed  by  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  or 
of  a  person  to  be  appointed  by  the  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  that  then,  and  not 
before,  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  be  authorized  to  draw 
upon  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 


Albany  for  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  in  order 
that  he  may  be  enabled  to  proceed  in  his  enlistment,  giving 
his  receipt  to  account  for  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  ;  and  that  when  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  have 
duly  enlisted  and  mustered  in  the  presence  of  a  person  to  be 
appointed  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and, 
county  of  Albany,  the  whole  of  his  company,  or  as  many 
as  he  can  enlist,  that  then  he  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  of 
the  said  chairman  of  the  county  committee,  the  remaining 
proportion  of  bounty  due  to  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates,  which  he  shall  have  enlisted. 

That  if  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  not  be  able  to 
complete  the  enlistment  of  this  company  that  he  shall  make 
a  report  of  the  same  with  all  despatch,  to  the  President  of 
this  Convention,  or  to  a  future  Legislature,  who  will  either 
order  his  commission  to  issue,  or  make  such  farther  provi- 
sion for  his  trouble  in  recruiting,  as  the  equity  of  the  case 
shall  require. 

That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  be  ordered  to 
remit  into  the  hands  of  John  Barclay,  Esquire,  of  the  city 
of  Albany,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight  pounds 
on  or  before  the  last  day  of  September  next,  in  order  to 
enable  him  to  make  unto  the  said  James  Stewart  the  dis- 
bursements aforesaid. 

That  the  said  James  Stewart  shall  be  authorized  to 
engage  to  each  man  the  sum  of  seven  shillings  per  week 
billeting  money,  till  such  time  as  farther  provision  is  made 
for  the  subsistence  of  his  recruits. 

That  the  said  company  when  raised,  shall  either  be 
employed  as  an  independent  company,  or  incorporated  in- 
to any  battalion,  as  to  this  Convention,  or  to  a  future  pro- 
per authority  of  this  State,  shall  appear  advisable. 

Die  Jovis,  5  ho.  P.  M.  July  25th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 
Mr.  Landon—  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Outwater — Orange. 
Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Gent.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wat.  Smith — Queens. 

Gent.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  L'hom- 
medieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Try  on. 

Mr.  Governeur  Morris  informed  the  Convention  that  sun- 
dry pilots  have  lately  gone  off  and  disappeared. 

Sundry  affidavits  with  respect  to  inimical  declarations 
and  threats,  used  by  William  Sutton  and  his  son  John  Sut- 
ton, taken  before  the  committee  of  safety  of  Westchester 
county,  together  with  the  examinations  of  the  said  William 
Sutton  and  John  Sutton,  were  received  from  the  said  com- 
mittee, and  read  and  filed. 

It  thereby  appearing  to  this  Convention  that  the  said 
William  Sutton  and  John  Sutton,  are  both  persons  whom 
going  at  large  might  endanger  the  liberties  of  America, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  committee  of  safety  of 
Westchester  county  be  requested  to  have  them  respective- 
ly confined  in  safe  custody. 

Major  Webster  mentioned  to  the  Convention  sundry  cir- 
cumstances relating  to  the  forwarding  of  money  for  the 
raising  of  rangers  in  Charlotte  county,  and  other  matters 
relating  to  the  public  service,  which  require  his  going  to 
that  county  ;  that  he  will  return  speedily,  or  send  down  an- 
other member  to  this  Convention,  and  requested  leave  of 
absence. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Webster  have  leave  of  absence, 
and  that  in  the  meantime  Charlotte  county  be  considered 
as  represented  by  Mr.  Duer,  and  have  a  voice  in  this  Con- 
vention as  usual. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  a  certain  Henry 
Chase  has  been  committed  to  the  jail  at  White  Plains,  by 
an  order  from  the  major. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


543 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  26th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscomb — For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Park— Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little  —Orange. 
Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith- 
Queen*. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr. 
Bearing— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Mills,  Genl.  Morris — IVestchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  seven  thousand  five  hundred  weight  of 
lead  be  supplied  and  delivered  by  Colo.  Curtenius  to  Colo- 
nel Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens  and  Mr.  Sessions,  or  either  of 
them,  for  the  use  of  the  rangers  and  inhabitants  of  the 
counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  and  that  Mr.  Rich- 
ard Norwood,  Commissary  to  deliver  stores,  deliver  to  the 
same  Colonel  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens  and  Mr.  Sessions,  or 
either  of  them,  two  thousand  flints,  for  the  use  of  the  same 
rangers  and  inhabitants.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  Colonel 
Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens  and  Mr.  Sessions,  on  their  receipt, 
the  sum  of  seventy  pounds,  to  enable  them  to  transport 
the  said  lead  and  flints  to  the  committees  of  the  counties 
of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  and  that  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr. 
Stevens  and  Mr.  Sessions,  the  Deputies  in  this  Convention 
from  Cumberland  county,  be  accountable  for  the  expendi- 
ture of  that  money. 

Mr.  Wisner  brought  in,  (according  to  order,)  the  testi- 
mony of  Ballhazer  De  Hart,  Esqr.  which  was  read  and  fil- 
ed. It  thereby  appears  that  the  inhabitants  at  Deal,  in 
Monmouth  county,  of  New-Jersey,  are  disaffected  ;  that 
sundry  persons  therein  named  have  had  some  correspon- 
dence with  the  enemy,  as  therein  mentioned,  and  that  se- 
veral suspicious  characters  from  New-York  are  in  Mon- 
mouth county. 

Ordered,  That  three  copies  thereof  be  prepared,  one  to 
be  sent  to  Genl.  Washington,  another  to  the  Convention  of 
New-Jersey,  and  the  3d  to  the  committee  of  Monmouth 
county,  and  that  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Morris  report  letters  to 
accompany  the  same. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  letter  from  the  Onenhogh- 
kwaga  and  Tuscarora  Indians  to  Mr.  Wisner  was  referred, 
reported  that  it  is  their  opinion  that  Mr.  Wisner  be  required 
to  answer  the  said  letter,  and  in  his  answer  to  inform  them 
that  he  makes  them  a  present  of  seventy  pounds  of  gun- 
powder, one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  of  lead  and  150 
flints,  and  that  he  hopes  that  it  will  not  be  long  before  we 
will  be  enabled  to  supply  them,  in  a  way  of  trade,  with 
any  thing  they  may  stand  in  need  of;  and  that  Mr.  Wis- 
ner charge  this  Convention  with  the  said  gunpowder,  lead 
and  flints,  and  the  expense  of  necessary  transportation. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  agrees 
with  their  committee  in  the  said  report. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  that  Mr.  Fre- 
derick Jay,  from  the  committee  of  the  White  Plains,  had 
applied  to  him,  and  says  that  Capt.  Townshend's  company 
has  been  always  considered  as  under  the  direction  of  the 
said  committee,  and  that  they  will  have  speedy  occasion 
for  them. 

The  Convention  took  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
are  of  opinion  that  Capt.  Townshend  should  leave  a  ser- 
geant and  six  men  to  guard  the  Court  House  ;  and  the  re- 
sidue of  the  company,  on  account  of  the  present  danger 
from  the  enemy  in  Hudson's  river,  proceed  to  Hudson's 
river. 


The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  state  of  the 
prisoners  lately  sent  to  Litchfield,  and  to  report  what  may 
be  necessary  to  be  done  in  their  case,  brought  in  their  re- 
port, which  consisted  of  a  letter  of  request  to  Govr.  Trum- 
bull, which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  this  Conven- 
tion lately  sent  thirteen  prisoners  from  New-York  to  Litch- 
field, in  your  Colony,  with  a  request  to  the  committee  of 
that  county  to  secure  them  in  close  confinement.  We  were 
induced  to  take  this  measure,  as  we  esteemed  it  unsafe  to 
venture  such  persons  in  any  parts  of  this  State  now  at- 
tacked by  the  enemy. 

"  The  crimes  alleged  against  those  prisoners,  and  the 
disposition  we  requested  to  be  made  of  them,  you  will  see 
by  the  enclosed  copy  of  our  letter  to  the  committee  of 
Litchfield. 

"  The  committee  of  Litchfield  by  their  letter  of  the  22nd 
instant,  the  copy  of  which  we  enclose,  inform  us,  that  from 
the  number  of  prisoners  already  confined  in  their  jail  it  is 
incompatible  with  the  public  safety,  and  with  the  safety  of 
the  lives  of  those  prisoners,  to  keep  them  any  time  in  that 
jail  where  they  are  now  confined,  and  desire  measures  may 
be  taken  for  their  immediate  removal. 

"  We  make  no  doubt  of  the  readiness  of  the  people  of 
your  government  to  give  this  State  all  necessary  assistance 
in  securing  those  persons,  but  as  we  are  unacquainted  in 
what  proper  places  they  may  be  secured,  we  take  the  li- 
berty to  request  your  honour  that  you  will  be  pleased  to 
give  orders  for  the  removal  of  those  prisoners  lo  such  se- 
cure and  convenient  places  in  your  government  as  you  shall 
judge  best. 

"  This  will  be  handed  you  by  Abraham  Depeyster,  Esqr. 
who  will  give  you  a  particular  account  of  the  state  of  the 
prisoners,  and  will  be  ready  to  obey  any  orders  you  shall 
give  respecting  their  removal. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  His  Honour  Govr.  Tktjmbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  (together  with  the  copies  of  the  let- 
ters therein  mentioned,)  transmitted  by  Mr.  Depeyster. 

The  same  committee,  by  order,  prepared  at  the  table  a 
draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Litchfield,  which  being 
read  and  approved  of,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Convention,  &c. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  22d  day  of  this  in- 
stant, informing  us  that  the  prisoners  sent  to  your  care 
cannot  be  confined  in  your  jail  with  any  degree  of  safety  to 
their  lives,  has  been  duly  received. 

"  In  order  that  they  may  be  removed  as  soon  as  possible, 
this  Convention  have  requested  Govr.  Trumbull  that  he 
will  give  orders  for  their  removal  to  such  places  in  your 
government  as  he  shall  judge  safe  and  convenient.  Mr. 
Depeyster  will  hand  you  this,  who  has  orders  to  settle 
with  your  committee  for  your  charge  of  subsisting  those 
prisoners  while  in  your  care. 

"  I  am,  most  respectfully,  &c.  &c. 
"  To  Andw.  Adams,  Chairman,  and  the 

Members  of  the  Committee,  Litchfield." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  Depeyster. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Abraham  Depeyster,  Esqr.  as  commissary  for  prisoners 
sent  into  Connecticut,  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  on  his  re- 
ceipt ;  the  said  Abraham  Depeyster  to  be  accountable  for 
the  same. 

Mr.  Duer,  according  to  order,  reported  the  two  follow- 
ing letters,  which  were  read  and  approved,  vizt : 

"  A.  M.  July  26th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  transmit  to 
your  Excellency  a  copy  of  the  examination  of  Balthazar 
Dehardt,  relative  to  the  conduct  of  the  tories  in  Monmouth 
county,  in  New-Jersey,  and  to  acquaint  you  that  we  have 


544 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


likewise  sent  duplicates  to  the  President  of  the  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New-Jersey,  and  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Monmouth,  in  order  that  measures  may  be 
taken  for  preventing  the  pernicious  practices  of  such  parri- 
cides to  their  country. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

"  A.  M.  July  26th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State,  to 
transmit  to  the  committee  of  your  county  the  examination 
of  Balthazar  Dehardt.  It  is  with  great  concern  that  they 
find  any  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Monmouth  so  lost  to 
every  principle  of  virtue  and  patriotism,  as  to  aid  and  assist 
the  forces  of  the  tyrant  of  Great  Britain,  who  is  aiming  to 
stab  to  the  vitals  the  liberties  of  America. 

"  As  yours  is  a  maritime  county,  such  practice  will  be 
peculiarly  pernicious  to  the  public  cause.  We  doubt  not 
from  the  character  you  bear,  you  will  exert  yourselves  in 
putting  a  stop  to  all  communication  with  the  enemy,  and 
in  punishing  such  offenders. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  at 

Monmouth  county,  New-Jersey." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  each  of  the  said  letters  be  en- 
grossed, and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with 
a  copy  of  the  examination  of  Balthr.  De  Hart  enclosed  in 
each. 

Dr.  Duer,  from  the  same  committee,  farther  reported, 
(according  to  order,)  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of 
the  Convention  of  New-Jersey,  to  cover  a  copy  of  the  exa- 
mination of  Balthazer  De  Hart,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  A.  M.  July  26lh,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
to  transmit  to  the  Honourable  Body  over  which  you  preside, 
the  examination  of  Balthazar  Dehardt.  We  have  sent  du- 
plicates to  Genl.  Washington  and  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Monmouth,  in  order  that  the  most 
effectual  measures  may  be  pursued  for  preventing  any 
communication  with  our  tyrannical  enemy. 

"  The  Convention  is  sorry  to  observe  several  inhabitants 
of  this  State  hinted  at  in  this  examination.  Unfortunately 
for  the  safety  and  reputation  of  this  State,  too  many  of 
its  inhabitants  have  been  seduced  from  that  sacred  duly 
which  they  owe  to  their  country,  by  either  giving  counte- 
nance and  aid  to  our  enemies,  or  by  deserting  its  defence 
at  this  dangerous  crisis. 

"  The  characters  of  those  persons  we  confess,  are  equi- 
vocal, but  as  we  conceive  them  to  owe  allegiance  to  your 
State  during  their  temporary  stay — we  therefore  submit 
to  your  consideration  what  measures  it  will  be  most  proper 
to  pursue  so  as  to  ensure  the  public  safety. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Saml.  Tucker,  Esqr. 

Presidt.  of  the  New-Jersey  Convention." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  a  copy  of  the 
examination  of  Balthazer  De  Hart  therein  enclosed. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  from  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  delivered  in  their  report  relating  to  the  troop 
of  horse  of  Westchester  county,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  the  afternoon. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  from  the  committee,  also  reported 
(according  to  order,)  the  draft  of  a  resolution  to  be  sent 
to  the  committee  of  Albany,  relating  to  Henry  Cuyler 
and  others,  by  them  sent  prisoners  to  Connecticut,  which 
was  read  and  filed  :  after  sundry  debates  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  deferred  till  to-morrow  sennight. 

Mr.  Harper  also  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee for  preparing  a  plan  for  the  emission  of  bills  of  credit 
of  this  Colony,  to  the  amount  of  £200,000,  which  was 
read,  and  again  read  paragraph  by  paragraph. 

Ordered,  That  it  remain  for  farther  consideration. 


William  Sutton  sent  in  a  petition  setting  forth  his  ill 
state  of  heath,  and  requesting  a  release  from  confinement 
in  prison. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Graham  be  requested  to  visit 
him,  and  report  his  state  of  health  to  this  Convention  in 
the  afternoon. 

Colo.  De  Wit,  with  consent  of  a  majority  of  the  votes 
of  the  counties  here  represented,  gave  notice  that  he  in- 
tended to  move  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  order  for  draft- 
ing one-fourth  part  of  the  militia  of  Ulster,  and  that  the 
rangers  to  be  raised  in  that  county  may  be  considered  as  a 
pait  of  the  said  one-fourth  part  of  the  militia  of  the  said 
county. 

Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  July  26th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present—  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscombe — For  New- 
York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater— Orange. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith— 

Queens. 

Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston.  Mr.  V- 
hommedieu,  Mr.  Dearing — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Haviland— -Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk.—  Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Wit  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Wisner, 
that  the  resolutions  passed  on  the  17th  instant,  relative  to 
the  draft  of  one-fourth  part  of  the  militia,  and  the  resolu- 
tion relative  to  raising  rangers  so  far  as  it  respects  the 
counties  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  be  reconsidered. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  much  time  spent 
thereon,  Mr.  De  Witt,  with  leave  of  the  House,  with- 
drew his  motion  as  being  inconsistent  with  the  sixth  rule 
of  this  Convention. 

Mr.  Wisner  then  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
Convention  proceed  to  take  into  consideration  the  report 
of  the  committee  for  making  amendments  to  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  making  saltpetre, 
which  passed  27th  of  April  last. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  negative  in  manner  following, 
to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Orange,   3 

Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

Albany,   6 


For  the  negative. 

New-York  8 

Charlotte,   2 

Queens,   4 

Tryon,   3 


—       Cumberland,   2 

17  — 
Dutchess  equally  divided.  19 
Therefore,  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 
The  memorial  of  Alexander  Stewart,  praying  to  be  re- 
lieved from  service  in  the  troops  in  which  he  has  been 
drafted,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorial  be  referred  to  Mr.  Duer, 
Mr.  Bleecker  and  Mr.  Wisner,  to  report  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Morris  be  requested 
immediately  to  furnish  this  Convention  with  a  report  of  the 
number  of  drafts  made  from  his  brigade,  together  with  the 
number  and  condition  of  their  arms. 

Ordered,  That  General  Morris  be  immediately  furnish- 
ed with  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution. 

John  Thomas,  a  prisoner  in  Westchester  jail,  who 
says  he  deserted  from  the  ship  of  war  named  the  Lively, 
was  brought  up  into  the  Convention  and  examined  ;  and 
the  substance  of  his  examination  is  as  follows,  vizt :  John 
Thomas,  born  in  old  England,  come  over  two  years  ago : 
that  he  was  pressed  on  board  of  a  ship  of  war,  and  turned 
over  to  the  Lively;  was  at  the  battle  of  Bunker's  Hill; 
that  he  deserted  from  the  ship  Lively,  at  the  southeast  side 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


545 


of  Long  island,  opposite  N.  England,  about  8  weeks  ago ; 
that  he  has  not  been  on  board  the  ships  in  Hudson's  river, 
or  on  board  of  the  fleet  at  the  Hook  or  Stalen  island  ;  that 
he  has  been  at  woik  on  shore ;  that  he  was  wounded  at 
Bunker  Hill,  and  does  not  choose  to  fight  again ;  that  he 
will  work  on  forts  or  batteries,  but  will  not  go  in  battle,  for 
if  taken  he  will  die  an  ignominious  death  ;  that  he  landed 
at  Killingsworlh ;  that  he  worked  with  John  Crommel, 
three  miles  from  hence. 

Ordered,  That  John  Thomas  be  recommitted. 

William  Sutton,  Esqr.  examined,  says  he  was  on  board 
Govr.  Tryon's  ship  in  Novr.  last ;  that  he  was  on  board  his 
boat  near  the  ship  six  weeks  ;  was  on  board  Govr.  Tryon's 
ship  several  times ;  that  he  knew  Govr.  Tryon  was  an  enemy 
to  his  country  ;  that  he  was  obliged  to  go  on  board  to  save 
his  life  ;  that  Govr.  Tryon  said  there  would  be  some  ships 
in  the  Sound ;  that  he  thinks  Govr.  Tryon  said  the  King's 
standard  should  be  erected,  but  he  does  not  recollect  that 
he  fixed  the  place  ;  that  the  Governor  said  there  would  be 
troops  enough  ;  that  Kempe  and  Holland  were  on  board, 
and  the  council  frequently  on  board. 

Ordered,  That  Wm.  Sutton  be  recommitted. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Lieutenant  Peter  Graham 
be  confined  as  a  prisoner  upon  his  parol,  to  his  own  house 
and  within  a  mile  of  the  same,  with  permission  to  go  to  the 
city  of  New-York,  when  the  health  or  sustenance  of  his 
family  may  require  it ;  and  that  Mr.  Morris  be  ordered  to 
take  his  said  parol. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  27th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Esquire. 
Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb— For  Neiv-Tork. 
Colo.  De  Wit,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker— For  Mbany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sacket,  Colo.  Hoffman — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  James  Townsend,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend — For  Queens. 

Mr.  Duer — For  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — For 
Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— For  Tryon. 
Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions — For  Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood  deliver  to  Major 
Arthur  Parks,  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Wm.  Peek  and  Andries 
De  Witt,  Esqrs.  or  either  of  their  order,  two  hundred  flints, 
to  be  by  them  distributed  gratis  to  such  Indians  in  Ulster 
county,  and  to  such  indigent  friendly  inhabitants  of  the  said 
county  near  the  Delaware,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Cortenius  deliver  to  Major  Arthur 
Parks,  Diick  Wynkoop,  William  Peek  and  Ands.  De  Witt, 
Esqrs.  or  either  of  them,  or  their  or  either  of  their  order, 
250  pounds  weight  of  lead,  to  be  by  them  distributed  gratis 
to  such  Indians  in  Ulster  county,  and  to  such  indigent 
friendly  inhabitants  of  the  said  county  near  the  Delaware, 
as  they  may  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer,  pay  to  Colo.  De  Witt  twenty  dollars,  to  be  by 
him  delivered  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  Lewis,  for  attending 
and  praying  with  this  Convention  ;  and  that  Colo.  De  Wit 
return  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  to  Mr.  Lewis  for  such 
attendance. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
[Treasurer,]  pay  to  Colo.  Joseph  Marsh  the  sum  of  sixty- 
one  pounds  one  shilling  and  eight  pence,  on  account  for 
sundry  disbursements  by  him  made  in  transporting  a  quan- 
tity of  gunpowder  from  Newport,  in  Rhode-Island,  to  Red 
Hook,  in  Dutchess  county,  and  take  Colo.  Marsh's  re- 
ceipt to  account  for  the  same. 

137 


A  letter  from  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll,  dated  at  Goshen  on  the 
22d  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  recommends 
Mr.  Henry  White  for  surgeon  to  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  dated  at  Fish- 
kill  the  25th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  re- 
commends Doctor  Osborn  for  surgeon  to  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Doctor  Samuel  Cook  to  Mr.  Zeph.  Piatt, 
dated  at  Poughkeepsie  the  24th  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 
He  thereby  highly  recommends  Doctor  Foreman  as  a  pro- 
per person  and  well  qualified  to  be  surgeon  to  a  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  those  gentlemen,  respectively,  be  exa- 
mined by  Doctor  John  Jones  and  Doctor  Bard,  (if  they 
choose  to  be  employed  in  the  army,)  and  bring  certificates 
that  they  are  duly  qualified. 

"New-York,  July  2ith,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  been  honoured  with  your  favour  of  the 
20th,  with  its  several  enclosures.  I  observe  the  sentiments 
of  your  Honourable  Body  on  the  impracticability  of  re- 
moving the  stock  from  Nassau  island,  and  the  measures 
they  have  adopted  for  securing  them  there,  and  protecting 
the  inhabitants,  and  sincerely  wish  they  may  prove  ade- 
quate. 

"  I  have  long  since  and  frequently  requested  the  commis- 
sary to  purchase  all  the  fatted  cattle  and  sheep  from  the 
island  that  he  possibly  could,  in  preference  to  any  other. 

"  He  informs  me  that  he  has  had  many  from  thence,  and 
that  he  now  has  persons  employed  in  different  parts  for 
that  purpose.  The  expediency  of  the  measure  strikes  me 
so  forcibly  that  you  may  depend  every  means  in  my  power 
will  be  directed  to  its  execution. 

"  Agreeable  to  your  request  I  shall  continue  Col.  Living- 
ston at  his  present  post,  for  the  protection  of  the  inhabi- 
tants against  the  insults  of  the  enemy's  cruisers,  unless 
something  should  happen  to  make  his  removal  necessary. 

"  When  the  several  regiments  are  raised  and  I  am  certi- 
fied thereof,  and  of  the  places  of  rendezvous,  I  will  direct 
the  muster-master-general  to  attend  and  complete  the  mus- 
ters. 

"  Governor  Trumbull  having  informed  me  by  letter  yes- 
terday, that  since  the  arrival  of  the  fleet  at  the  Hook,  many 
of  the  enemy's  frigates  and  ships  have  been  stationed  be- 
tween Montauk  Point  and  Block  island  to  intercept  the 
trade  from  the  Sound,  and  in  which  they  had  been  but  too 
successful  in  taking  several  provision  vessels,  and  of  the 
impossibility  that  any  should  escape  falling  into  their  hands, 
he  had  ordered  the  armed  vessels  in  the  service  of  Con- 
necticut to  stop  and  detain  all  vessels  going  down  the 
Sound  with  provisions,  till  the  Continental  Congress  or 
the  Conventions  of  the  States  to  which  they  belong  could 
be  apprized  of  the  hazard  attending  their  proceeding  in 
their  voyages  and  give  orders  thereon.  I  beg  leave  to  re- 
commend the  matter  to  the  consideration  of  your  Honour- 
able Body,  and  submit  it  to  them,  whether  it  may  not  be 
expedient  to  lay  a  general  embargo  or  prohibition  upon  all 
exports  of  this  kind  from  your  State,  except  such  as  the 
Congress  or  yourselves  may  order.  The  propriety  of 
keeping  the  enemy  from  supplies  of  this  sort,  and  provid- 
ing a  sufficiency  for  our  own  army,  is  so  evident,  that  words 
are  unnecessary  upon  the  subject.  However,  I  cannot  but 
observe,  as  my  opinion,  that  the  former  will  be  impossi- 
ble to  effect,  unless  some  general  restraining  regulation  is 
come  into.  No  care,  nor  industry,  nor  honesty,  on  the 
part  of  the  exporters  will  be  able  to  elude  the  vigilance  and 
activity  of  their  almost  innumerable  cruizers.  But  when 
it  is  considered  that  as  long  as  a  free  export  of  any  articles 
of  this  nature  is  tolerated,  disaffected  persons  may  easily 
fall  in  their  hands  with  impunity,  nor  any  means  be  left 
us  to  ascertain  their  guilt ;  when  there  is  strong  reason  to 
believe  that  some  have  designedly  done  so,  and  almost  in- 
conteslible  proof  from  sundry  depositions  of  deserters  and 
others  that  a  ship  that  went  from  hence,  sailed  with  no 
other  view,  and  joined  the  enemy  at  the  Hook ;  I  incline 
to  think  the  measure  not  only  advisable  but  necessary,  es- 
pecially as  the  large  consumption  of  provision  by  our  army 


546 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


affords  and  will  afford  a  ready  cash  market  for  all  that  indi- 
viduals may  have  to  dispose  of  and  take  away  every  objec- 
tion of  injury  on  that  head.  Were  it  otherwise,  private 
advantages  and  emoluments  must  always  give  place  to  the 
public  good,  when  they  are  incompatible. 

"  The  last  deserters  from  the  enemy  inform  us  since 
they  have  heard  of  our  forming  a  camp  at  Amboy,  they 
have  talked  much  of  turning  their  views  to  Long  island, 
and  regaling  themselves  with  large  supplies  of  provisions 
they  intend  to  get  from  thence.  This  is  an  additional 
circumstance  to  induce  the  Commissary  to  purchase  the 
cattle  there  before  any  other. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  P.  S. — When  the  ships  of  war,  &c.  run  up  the  river, 
I  wrote  Governors  Trumbull  and  Cooke,  for  some  of  their 
row  gallies,  supposing  they  might  be  of  service  in  attempt- 
ing something  against  the  ships.  I  expect  three  or  four 
every  hour,  besides  one  I  have.  If  the  secret  committee 
are  forming  any  plan  against  the  ships  in  which  they  think 
they  may  be  usefully  employed,  if  they  will  let  me  know, 
I  shall  be  glad  to  cooperate  with  them,  and  furnish  every 
assistance  the  gallies  can  give,  if  not  otherwise  materially 
engaged. 

"I  am  just  now  informed  that  the  ship  mentioned  above 
to  have  gone  to  the  enemy  was  fitted  out  by  the  Congress, 
under  the  command  of  a  Capt.  Hilton,  who  has  acted  this 
base  part." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  postscript  of  the  aforegoing 
letter  be  immediately  transmitted  to  the  secret  committee 
of  this  Convention,  now  at  Poughkeepsie. 

The  following  letter  from  Govr.  Trumbull  was  received 
and  read,  vizt : 

"  Lebanon,  July  17,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  received  credible  information  that  there 
has  lately  been  intercepted  and  taken  several  provision  ves- 
sels, bound  to  and  from  your  Colony  through  the  Sound  ; 
that  there  are  three  or  four  men  of  war,  frigates  and  cutters, 
cruising  off  Block  island,  &c. ;  that  it  is  scarcely  possible 
for  any  vessel  bound  to  sea  to  escape  them.  I  have  kept 
out  the  armed  sloop  the  Spy,  Capt.  Niles,  cruising  off 
Block  island,  to  give  notice  of  danger  to  vessels  passing 
that  way  ;  and  merely  for  the  public  service,  have  been 
obliged  to  give  him  orders  to  stop  any  provision  vessels 
bound  to  sea,  when  danger  is  apparent.  In  consequence 
whereof,  he  has  detained  a  ship  laden  with  wheat  and 
flour,  from  New-York,  which,  if  she  had  proceeded,  must 
undoubtedly  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and 
of  which  I  understand  the  captain  is  fully  persuaded.  I 
trust  you  will  think  that  nothing  but  the  common  good 
would  have  induced  me  to  have  taken  this  step,  and  that 
you  will  readily  approve  the  measure,  when  you  consider 
the  reasons  and  motives  of  my  conduct  therein.  When- 
ever there  is  a  fair  prospect  of  the  ship's  sailing  with  safety 
and  avoiding  the  enemy,  no  objection  arises  to  her  or 
any  other  vessel  sailing,  if  within  the  rules  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress.  I  have  acquainted  the  Congress  and  Genl. 
Washington  with  my  proceedings,  and  furnished  them 
with  a  number  of  affidavits,  supporting  the  above  infor- 
mation. The  General,  I  dare  say,  will  show  you  them  if 
desired. 

"  I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  obedt.  hum.  servant, 
"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Honble.  President  Woodhull." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Governor  Trumbull  v/as  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt: 

"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  1 
of  the  State  of  New-York.  > 
"At  the  White-Plains,  27th  July,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  return  you 
their  thanks  for  your  prudent  care  and  attention  in  prevent- 


ing the  enemy  from  making  capture  of  vessels  laden  with 
provisions. 

"  The  reasons  which  influenced  your  Honour's  conduct, 
have  had  their  full  weight  upon  the  councils  of  this  Con- 
vention, which  you  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  copy  of 
a  resolution,  which  I  am  also  directed  to  send  you. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  Honour's 
"  Most  obedt.  and  hum.  servt. 
"  To  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Govr.  &tc.'' 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  a  copy  of  the  reso- 
lution of  this  Convention  of  the  day  of 
to  prevent  the  exportation  of  provisions,  therein  enclosed. 

A  certificate  signed  by  William  Cross,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Hanover  precinct,  in  Ulster  county,  was  read 
and  filed.  It  is  thereby  certified  that  on  the  27th  day  of 
June  last,  at  an  election  held  in  the  presence  of  John  Bark- 
ly  and  James  Houston,  two  members  of  the  committee, 
James  Monnel,  Senr.  was  elected  second  lieutenant,  and 
John  Barber  elected  ensign,  of  Capt.  Henry  Van  Keuren's 
company  of  militia,  agreeable  to  the  rules  and  orders  of  the 
late  Provincial  Congress  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  the  said  two  gen- 
tlemen. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Henry  Remsen,  one  of  the  members 
for  the  city  of  New- York,  was  read  and  filed.  It  bears 
date  the  24th  instant.  He  thereby  mentions  that  several 
cargoes  that  are  perishable  wait  the  determination  or  de- 
cision of  a  court  of  admiralty  ;  that  three  vessels  have  been 
retaken  ;  that  the  owners  are  delayed  and  want  their  pro- 
portions. 

Colo.  Remsen  farther  presses  the  necessity  of  the  Con- 
vention making  some  provision  for  the  poor  in  the  alms- 
house at  the  city  of  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  institution  of  a  court  of  admiralty  in 
this  State,  be  taken  up  on  Wednesday  next. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wilmot,  deputy  chairman  of  the 
general  committee  of  New-York,  dated  the  26th  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  therein  mentions  that  the  committee 
had  taken  separate  bonds  of  Henry  Durland  and  Thomas 
Fleet,  to  the  President  of  this  Convention,  conditioned  for 
their  respective  good  behaviour  to  the  State,  and  abiding 
by  the  determinations  of  Congress. 

The  said  bonds,  vizt :  one  of  Henry  Durland,  and  the 
other  of  Thomas  Fleet,  which  were  received  in  Mr.  Wil- 
mot's  letter,  were  also  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  dated 
at  Poughkeepsie  on  the  22d  instant,  directed  to  the  general 
committee  at  New-York,  and  by  them  sent  to  this  Conven- 
tion, was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  inform  that  they 
have  determined  to  fit  out  two  armed  vessels  at  Albany ; 
that  they  want  gunners,  and  persons  used  to  cannon  on 
board  of  ships  ;  they  request  such  to  be  sent  to  them,  and 
mention  Alexander  Dean  and  Wessells,  as  having  been  re- 
commended to  them.  They  also  request  combustible  ma- 
terials to  make  fire  arrows,  and  that  money  be  advanced  to 
such  persons  as  may  be  sent  to  them,  to  defray  their  ex- 
pences. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wilmot  covering  the  above,  and 
sent  by  express  to  be  paid  by  this  Convention,  was  also 
read  and  filed.    It  is  dated  July  26th,  1776. 

Thereupon  a  letter  to  Capt.  Hazelwood,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  to  desire  the  favour  of  you  immediately,  to  re- 
pair to  Poughkeepsie  with  the  combustible  materials  ne- 
cessary for  charging  fire  ships,  and  making  fire  arrows. 
When  you  arrive  at  that  place  you  will  inquire  for  Mr. 
Jay  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  members  of  a  secret 
committee,  appointed  by  this  House  to  annoy  the  enemy's 
ships  in  Hudson's  river,  and  concert  with  them  the  most 
effectual  measures  for  carrying  their  designs  into  execution. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


547 


If  those  gentlemen  are  not  at  that  place,  you  will  be  pleased 
to  inquire  of  Captains  Lawrence  and  Tudor,  who  live  at 
that  place,  where  they  are,  and  make  the  utmost  despatch 
in  joining  them. 

"  It  will,  however,  be  necessary  that  you  should  wait  on 
General  Washington,  and  obtain  his  permission  for  coming 
up  ;  which,  from  Mr.  Duer's  representation,  we  doubt  not 
you  will  effect. 

"  Should  you  stand  in  need  of  any  money  or  assistance 
in  order  to  forward  the  materials,  be  pleased  to  apply  to 
General  Washington,  who  we  flatter  ourselves  will  give 
every  necessary  direction  to  the  quarter-master-general. 

"  I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State  to  en- 
join to  you  the  most  profound  secrecy  in  conducting  this 
matter. 

"  I  am  most  respectfully,  &c. 

"  Captain  Hazlewood." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  messenger. 

John  Thomas,  a  mariner,  who  says  he  deserted  from  the 
ship  Lively,  into  which  he  had  enlisted  as  a  marine,  now 
a  prisoner  in  the  jail  at  this  place,  was  brought  before  the 
Convention  and  examined.  He  gave  no  material  intelli- 
gence. He  was  discharged,  and  a  certificate  given  him  to 
permit  him  to  go  through  the  country  to  the  eastward  of 
Hudson's  river,  to  acquire  his  living  by  labour  and  in- 
dustry. 

Die  Sabbati,  3  ho.  P.  M.  July  27,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher— For  New- 
York. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Liltle,  Mr.  Outwater — Orange. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  James  Townshend,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith — 
Queens. 

Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
General  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  William  Sutton, 
reported,  that  they  had  carefully  examined  him,  but  cannot 
obtain  any  further  intelligence,  information  or  satisfaction 
from  him.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  William  Sutton  be  immediately  sent 
under  safe  and  proper  guard,  at  his  own  expense,  to  the 
jail  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  ;  that  he 
there  subsist  himself;  and  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, mentioning  his  state  of  health,  and  enclosing  a 
copy  of  the  evidence  against  him  ;  and  that  General  Mor- 
ris be  requested  to  see  this  resolution  carried  into  execu- 
tion. 

General  Morris  informed  the  Convention,  that  he  should 
direct  the  said  William  Sutton  to  be  delivered  into  the  care 
and  charge  of  Lieut.  Alexander  Hunt,  to  be  conveyed  to 
the  committee  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  at  his  own  ex- 
pense, and  requested  the  Convention  to  determine  what  al- 
lowance shall  be  made  to  Lieutenant  Hunt  for  his  trouble 
in  the  premises. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Sutton  shall  pay  to 
Lieut.  Alexander  Hunt  twelve  shillings  per  day,  (exclusive 
of  his  necessary  expenses,)  for  every  day  he  shall  be  em- 
ployed in  proceeding  to  Philadelphia  with  the  said  William 
Sutton  and  reluming. 

Ordered,  That  the  jailer  of  the  jail  of  the  county  of 
Westchester,  do  deliver  the  body  of  William  Sutton  to 
Lieut.  Alexander  Hunt. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 


Philadelphia,  to  attend  William  Sutton,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Convention,  &c.  I 
"  While  Plains,  IfC.  $ 
"  Sir — From  information  received  upon  oath  respecting 
the  public  character  of  a  certain  William  Sutton  of  this 
county,  of  which  we  send  you  copies,  we  have  reason  to 
believe  him  an  enemy  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America, 
and  therefore  have  some  time  past  confined  him  to  the  jail 
here  ;  but,  on  account  of  his  infirm  state  of  health,  which 
he  conceives  to  be  under  peculiar  bad  circumstances,  and 
also  the  probability  of  his  corresponding  with  the  enemy, 
we  have  resolved  to  send  him,  at  his  own  expense,  to  the 
jail  of  your  city,  where  he  is  to  be  maintained  at  his  own 
charge.  Of  this,  sir,  I  am  ordered  by  the  Convention  of 
this  State  to  acquaint  you,  and  to  request  you  may  give 
such  assistance  as  may  be  required. 

"  I  am  respectfully,  &c. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  the  city  of  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  with  certified  copies  of  the  evidence 
against  Wm.  Sutton,  delivered  to  Lieut.  Alexr.  Hunt,  to 
be  delivered  at  Philadelphia. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  case  of  Al- 
exander Stewart,  and  his  petition  or  memorial,  delivered 
in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit :  i 

"  Your  committee,  appointed  to  examine  into  the  case  of 
Mr.  Alexr.  Stewart,  report :  That  according  to  the  best 
information  they  have  been  able  to  obtain,  the  said  Alex- 
ander Stewart  arrived  at  New-York  in  the  latter  end  of  De- 
cember, 1774,  with  an  intent  to  take  the  command  of  a 
vessel  in  the  employ  of  Mercer  and  Ramsay. 

"  That  on  account  of  the  dispute  between  the  United 
States  of  America  and  Great  Britain,  the  owners  of  the 
vessel  which  he  was  intended  to  command  did  not  think 
proper  to  send  the  ship  to  sea  ;  that  on  this  account  he  re- 
tired into  the  county  of  Westchester,  where  he  has  since 
lived  a  private  life  at  the  house  of  his  relation,  Mr.  Charles 
Duncan,  formerly  lieutenant  in  the  service  of  the  King  of 
Great  Britain  ;  that  Mr.  Charles  Duncan  has  not  signed 
the  general  association,  but  that  in  other  respects  his  con- 
duct has  been  inoffensive.  That  Mr.  Alexander  Stewart 
refused  to  sign  the  general  association,  assigning  for  rea- 
son that  as  he  had  no  interest  to  induce  him  to  stay  in  the 
country,  and  as  he  only  waited  for  a  passage  to  return  to 
Scotland,  his  native  country,  such  a  measure  might  prove 
fatal  to  him. 

"  That  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  was  drafted  on  the 
24th  day  of  this  present  month  as  a  private  soldier,  to  re- 
inforce the  Continental  army.  That  the  Convention  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  on  the  16th  instant,  unanimously  came 
to  a  resolution  in  which,  amongst  other  things,  it  was  en- 
acted, "  that  all  persons  abiding  within  the  State  of  New- 
York,  and  deriving  protection  from  the  laws  of  the  same, 
owe  allegiance  to  the  said  laws,  and  are  members  of  the 
State  ;  and  that  all  persons  passing  through,  visiting,  and 
making  a  temporary  stay  in  the  said  State,  being  entitled  to 
the  protection  of  the  said  laws  during  the  time  of  such  pas- 
sage, visitation  or  temporary  slay,  owe,  during  the  same 
time,  allegiance  thereto. 

"  That  under  this  description  the  said  Alexander  Stewart 
is  a  member  of  this  State,  but  how  far  it  will  apply  to 
making  him  subject,  to  our  military  laws,  the  committee 
leave  it  to  the  wisdom  of  your  House  to  determine. 

"  That  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  acknowledges  hjm- 
self  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Great.  Britain,  and  claims  the 
protection  of  the  law  of  nations,  by  which  the  subject  of 
one  nation  is  not  compelled  by  the  state  in  which  he  makes 
a  temporary  stay,  to  bear  arms  against  the  sovereign  to 
whom  he  owes  allegiance. 

"  Your  committee  have  thought  proper  to  confine  them- 
selves to  a  mere  statement  of  facts,  thinking  the  case  of 


548 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Stewart  so  peculiarly  nice  as  to  merit  the  mature  con- 
sideration of  the  whole  house.  "  W.  DUER." 

On  reading  and  considering  the  said  report,  the  Conven- 
tion came  to  a  determination  thereon,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

Whereas,  a  certain  Alexander  Stewart,  of  Dundee,  in 
North  Britain,  mariner,  having  been  drafted  as  one  of  the 
militia  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  hath  claimed  an  ex- 
emption from  serving  in  the  said  drafts  as  a  subject  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  which  he  declareth  himself  to  be  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  is  entitled  to 
such  exemption. 

Resolved,  That  Alexander  Stewart  having  declared  him- 
self to  be  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  with 
whom  this  Slate  is  now  at  open  war,  therefore  the  said 
Alexander  Stewart  is  to  be  treated  according  to  the  law  of 
nations,  of  which  he  hath  claimed  the  benefit. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  ought  to  be 
taken  prisoner  and  kept  in  custody  until  such  further  order 
as  this  Convention  may,  upon  examining  more  fully  into 
the  peculiar  circumstances  of  his  case,  establish.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Alexander  Stewart,  late  of  Dundee,  in 
North  Britain,  mariner,  at  present  of  Rye,  in  Westches- 
ter county,  in  the  State  of  New-York,  who  hath  declared 
himself  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  with  whom 
this  State  is  now  at  open  war,  be  immediately  taken  into 
custody  a  prisoner,  by  Albert  Ogden,  the  keeper  of  the 
jail  of  Westchester  county,  who  is  hereby  commanded  to 
keep  him  safe  in  custody  until  the  further  order  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

A  certificate  of  Doctor  Samuel  Bard,  dated  this  day,  was 
read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that  he  has  examined 
Doctor  Cornelius  Osborne,  respecting  his  knowledge  in 
physic  and  surgery,  and  thinks  him  qualified  for  the  office 
of  surgeon  to  a  regiment. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Cornelius  Osborne  be  and  is 
hereby  appointed  surgeon  to  the  regiment  of  militia  now 
in  Continental  service  under  the  command  of  Colo.  Cor- 
nelius Swartwout  of  Dutchess  county. 

Another  certificate  of  Doctor  Saml.  Bard  dated  this  day, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that  he  has  exa- 
mined Doctor  Wm.  Mead  respecting  his  knowledge  in 
physic  and  surgery,  and  that  he  finds  him  qualified  for  the 
office  of  surgeon  to  a  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  William  Mead  be  and  is  here- 
by appointed  surgeon  to  the  regiment  of  militia  now  in 
Continental  service  under  the  command  of  Colo.  Thomas 
Thomas,  of  Westchester  county. 

John  Sutton  (son  of  William  Sutton,)  by  order,  was 
brought  to  the  bar  of  the  House  to  be  discharged. 

The  President,  by  order,  gave  him  an  admonition  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Mr.  Sutton — 

"  You  stand  charged  before  the  Convention  of  Re- 
presentatives of  the  State  of  New- York,  with  being  in- 
imical to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America. 

"  In  pity  to  your  youth,  and  in  hopes  of  your  amend- 
ment, you  are  discharged.  Learn  to  revere  the  lenity 
of  that  Government  which  hath  dealt  so  kindly  with  their 
avowed  enemy  ;  and  henceforth  respect  that  attention  to 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  mankind  which  hath  now  be- 
friended you. 

"  In  the  name  of  this  Convention,  I  admonish  you  to 
beware  in  future  how  you  shall  dare  to  offend  the  majesty 
of  the  people  of  this  State  ;  and  in  this  solemn  manner, 
warn  you  that  any  future  transgression  shall  not  pass  un- 
punished." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries,  with  all  their  records, 
files  and  papers,  and  the  Treasurer,  with  the  treasury, 
and  his  books,  files  and  papers,  belonging  or  appertain- 
ing to  the  Treasury,  do  respectively  attend  this  Conven- 


tion at  Harlem,  on  Monday  next,  at  nine  of  the  clock  in 
the  forenoon. 


DIE  LUNtE,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

July  29th,  1776. 

The  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  met  in  the  church  at  Harlem. 
Present— Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Harper— New-York. 
Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Colo.  Covenhoven — Kings. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 
Mr.  Landon,  Colo.  Hoffman — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands-Queens. 
The  Convention  of  this  State  having  adjourned  on  Sa- 
turday last  from  the  Court  House  at  the  White  Plains  in 
West  Chester  county  to  meet  at  this  place  at  nine  o'clock 
this  morning.  The  members  above  mentioned,  having 
from  time  to  time  arrived,  and  now  assembled,  for  want 
of  a  sufficient  number  to  proceed  to  business,  they  ad- 
journed till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  to  meet  in 
this  church. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  30th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 
Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Outwater — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 
Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  James  Townshend— Queens. 

Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Govr.  Morris,  General  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Olcott — Gloucester. 

Peter  Olcott,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Deputies  from  Glouces- 
ter county,  produced  his  credentials,  dated  at  Newbury, 
the  28th  June,  ulto.  subscribed  by  Jacob  Baylev,  Esqr.  as 
chairman,  by  himself  as  clerk,  and  six  other  principal  in- 
habitants, members  of  the  committee  of  the  said  county, 
whereby  it  appears  that  he  is  elected  and  returned  a  mem- 
ber of  this  Convention  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  coun- 
ty— (only  three  dissenting) — and  that  the  inhabitants  are 
forward  for  having  a  form  of  government,  &c. 

The  said  credentials  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Olcott  take  his  seat. 

Colo.  Williams  and  Mr.  Olcott  were  severally  sworn 
and  took  the  general  oath  of  secrecy. 

The  petition  of  Richard  Cantillon  of  Amenia  precinct, 
and  John  Parkinson  of  Charlotte  precinct  in  Dutchess 
county  was  read.  They  therein  set  forth  their  acquaint- 
ance with  several  branches  of  the  linen  manufactories  ; 
the  necessities  of  setting  up  such  manufactories  in  this 
State  ;  their  intentions  to  set  up  a  linen  manufactory  ;  and 
they  thereby  offer  a  preference  of  their  manufactures  for 
the  use  of  the  State  ;  and  praying  for  such  resolution  of 
this  Convention  as  may  exempt  their  manufacturers  (to 
the  number  of  twelve,)  from  being  drafted  into  the  public 
service. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Richard  Cantillon  and  John 
Parkinson,  together  with  such  manufacturers,  and  labour- 
ers as  they  may  statedly  employ  in  the  business  of  the 
linen  manufactory  in  that  county,  (not  to  exceed  the  num- 
ber of  twelve  men  besides  the  said  petitioners,)  shall,  while 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


549 


so  employed  in  the  said  manufactory,  be  exempted  from  be- 
ing subject  to  be  drafted,  or  called  out  into  actual  service 
in  the  militia  of  the  said  county  of  Dutchess. 

As  the  doorkeeper  is  necessarily  in  such  a  situation  as 
to  hear  many  of  the  debates  of  this  Convention, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  sworn  to  secrecy. 

Thereupon  he  was  sworn  in  the  words  following  : 

"  I  do  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists,  that  I 
will  not  divulge  any  matter  or  thing  which  I  may  hear  agi- 
tated, moved  or  debated,  in  this  Convention,  unless  by 
leave  of  the  President,  or  upon  publication  thereof  in  the 
newspapers,  so  help  me  God." 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  ways  and  means  for  supplying  the  good  people  of  this 
State  with  salt,  reported  the  following  resolutions,  which 
were  read  ;  and  the  same  being  again  read,  paragraph  by 
paragraph,  and  amended,  were  unanimously  agreed  to,  and 
are  as  follows  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  will  (upon 
good  security)  lend  to  the  first  five  persons,  skilled  in  the 
process  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water,  who  shall  apply 
to  the  same  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  five  hundred 
pounds  to  each  person,  for  the  term  of  two  years  from  this 
date,  without  interest,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  salt 
works  within  this  State. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  such  works  be  erected  at 
such  place  or  places,  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  respective 
county  committees,  where  such  works  shall  be  erected, 
shall  be  most  proper.  Provided  always,  that  the  said  works 
be  not  erected  within  less  than  fifteen  miles  of  each  other 
on  the  seacoast. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  will  re- 
ceive salt  at  eight  shillings  per  bushel,  in  payment  of  the 
respective  sums  advanced  to  the  different  adventurers  ; 
provided  the  said  salt  be  manufactured  by  the  person  who 
shall  offer  it  in  payment,  and  that  the  same  be  tendered  for 
payment  before  the  expiration  of  two  years  after  the  loan 
of  the  money. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  if  any  of  the  said  works 
should  be  destroyed  by  the  enemy,  this  State  will  lose  one- 
half  of  the  money  which  has  been  appropriated  for  the  pur- 
pose of  erecting  such  work,  out  of  the  money  advanced  on 
loan  by  this  State  to  the  proprietor. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  nothing  in  the  aforegoing 
resolves  shall  extend  to  the  loan  of  any  sum  of  money  to 
any  person  who  shall  not  apply  before  the  first  day  of  Oc- 
tober next,  nor  then,  unless  upon  condition  that  the  work 
shall  be  completed  within  three  months  of  the  said  loan. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Governeur  Morris, 

Resolved,  That  whereas  Doctr.  Samuel  Bard  hath  un- 
dertaken to  erect  a  salt  work  in  this  State,  and  is  about  to 
go  to  Philadelphia  for  the  completion  thereof,  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  that  during  the  absence  of  the  said  Saml.  Bard,  his 
house  be  not  taken  up  for  the  use  of  the  troops  which  are, 
or  may  be  stationed  in  the  said  city. 

A  letter  or  certificate  of  Colo.  Saml.  Drake,  dated  the 
26th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that 
Mr.  Stephen  Halsey,  the  surgeon  of  his  regiment,  has  done 
the  duty  of  surgeon  to  that  regiment  since  the  eighth  day 
of  July  instant.  The  certificate  of  Doctor  John  Jones,  da- 
ted the  fifteenth  day  of  July  instant,  certifying  that  he  had 
examined  Doctor  Stephen  Halsey,  and  finds  him  compe- 
tently qualified  to  act  as  surgeon  of  a  regiment,  was  again 
read,  and  was  now  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Doctor  Stephen  Halsey  be,  and 
he  is  hereby,  appointed  surgeon  to  the  regiment  whereof 
Saml.  Drake,  Esqr.  is  colonel  ;  and  that  his  pay  commence 
from  the  eighth  day  of  July  instant. 

An  affidavit  of  Abraham  Fort,  taken  before  Johannes 
Sleght,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster 
county,  on  the  16th  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  Informa- 
tion is  therein  contained,  that  a  number  of  disaffected  per- 
sons, who  had  enlisted  in  the  Continental  service,  and  as 

138 


such  received  the  money  of  the  Continent,  have  deserted 
from  Lunenburgh,  and  gone  back  of  the  mountains  behind 
Cocksackie.  That  Butler  was  at  the  Susquehanna,  with 
such  number  of  Indians  as  he  thought  sufficient,  and  they 
intended  to  come  through  the  woods  and  attack  Hurley 
Town. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Sleght,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
said  committee  at  Kingston,  dated  the  23d  day  of  July  in- 
stant, was  received  by  Mr.  Beekman,  and  read.  They 
thereby  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  sundry  prisoners  on 
parol,  with  a  letter  from  this  Convention  dated  the  19lh 
June. 

Another  letter  of  the  24th  of  July,  from  the  same  com- 
mittee, was  also  read.  They  therein  request  an  explana- 
tion of  the  parol  of  the  said  prisoners,  as  to  the  limits  with- 
in which  they  are  to  be  circumscribed,  and  also  therein  de- 
clare that  it  will  oblige  them  and  the  inhabitants,  to  have 
those  prisoners  removed. 

Ordered,  That  those  letters,  and  the  affidavit,  be  referred 
to  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Beekman  and  Mr.  Duer,  to  consider 
thereof  and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  30th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt — New-York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Jonathan  Lawrence,  Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend, 
Mr.  Ben.  Sands — Queens. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  WoodhuU,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Oulwater — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  Olcott — Gloucester. 

Doctor  Joseph  Gerreau,  a  Frenchman,  with  Hyam  So- 
lomon, the  distiller,  as  his  interpreter,  applied  to  the  Con- 
vention for  encouragement  for  making  salt,  or  imparling 
the  knowledge  of  that  art,  which  the  said  Joseph  Gerreau 
professes  to  understand. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Harper  and  Mr.  Morris 
be  a  committee  to  treat  with  Monsr.  Gerreau  concerning 
the  process  of  manufacturing  salt  in  a  cheap  and  expedi- 
tious manner,  which  he  professes  to  understand,  with  pow- 
er to  engage  to  give  him  any  sum  not  exceeding  two  hun- 
dred pounds  for  communicating  to  same  ;  and  to  call  to 
their  assistance  such  person  of  chemical  knowledge  as 
they  may  think  proper,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  utility  of 
Mr.  Gerreaud's  process. 

A  letter  from  several  captains  of  the  respective  compa- 
nies of  militia  in  Kings  county,  was  read.  They  thereby 
request  that  the  militia  of  their  respective  companies  may 
be  excused  from  being  drafted,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention  of  the  twentieth  day  of  July  instant, 
and  mentioning  that  their  whole  militia  engaged  to  turn  out 
whenever  necessary  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  said 
resolutions. 

The  said  letter  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  the 
question  put  whether  this  Convention  will  grant  the  request 
therein  contained. 

Resolved  and  Agreed  unanimously,  That  this  request 
of  the  said  captains,  by  their  said  letter,  be  not  granted. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Covenhoven  inform  those  gentle- 
men of  this  determination. 

A  member  informed  the  Convention  that  the  sloop  Non- 
such and  her  cargo,  which  had  been  taken  by  the  enemy, 
and  afterwards  retaken,  is  in  a  perishing  condition — in  a 
dangerous  situation  on  the  south  side  of  Nassau  island,  for 
want  of  a  proper  court  of  admiralty  in  this  Stale. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Colo.  Henry  Remsen  and 


550 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Robert  Ray,  or  either  of  them,  be  and  they  hereby  arc 
empowered  by  this  Convention  to  treat  with  Mr.  Isacher 
Poluck  upon  the  sale  of  the  sloop  Nonsuch  and  her  cargo, 
William  Hefferman,  master,  and  to  take  from  the  said  Is- 
achar  Poluck  good  and  sufficient  security  to  the  President 
of  this  Convention  for  the  payment  of  such  moneys  as  may 
be  decreed  for  the  salvage  of  the  said  sloop  and  cargo  to 
the  captors,  and  for  the  fees  upon  the  libelling  and  adjudi- 
cation thereof,  &c. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

July  %\st,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Colo.  Brasher,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt— For  New-York. 
Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Covenhoven — Kings. 

Mr.  Abrah.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Graham,  Genl.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Doctor  Ontwater,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Sands — Queens. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 
Colo.  Alcott— Gloucester. 

The  letter  of  the  committee  for  devising  ways  and  means 
to  protect  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  subscribed  by 
Robert  Yates,  their  chairman,  and  dated  22nd  July,  was 
again  read  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Alexander  Dean,  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  be  requested  forthwith  to  proceed  to  Pouglikeepsie, 
in  Dutchess  county,  and  on  his  arrival  there  that  he  wait 
upon  Messrs.  John  Jay,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Robert 
Yates,  Gilbert  Livingston,  Christopher  Tappen  and  Wil- 
liam Paulding,  or  either  of  them,  and  that  he  observe  such 
directions  as  shall  be  given  him  by  them  or  either  of  them. 

Ordered  farther,  That  all  officers,  civil  and  military,  be 
and  they  hereby  are  requested  to  aid  and  assist  the  said 
Alexander  Deane,  that  he  be  not  interrupted  in  his  journey 
to  Poughkeepsie,  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  several  brigadier-ge- 
nerals in  this  State  do  make  return  to  the  Convention  or 
future  executive  power  thereof,  on  or  before  the  first  day 
of  September  next,  of  the  state  of  the  militia  of  their  se- 
veral brigades,  containing  in  such  statement  the  names  and 
rank  of  the  officers,  the  number  of  men,  the  condition  of 
their  arms,  the  drafts  from  time  to  time  made,  and  the  num- 
ber of  men  now  actually  serving  as  drafts  as  aforesaid,  or 
in  default  of  such  return  that  the  said  generals  do  shew 
good  cause  why  the  same  could  not  by  them  be  made. 

Ordered,  That  certified  copies  of  this  resolution  be  im- 
mediately transmitted  to  the  respective  brigadier-generals 
of  the  militia  in  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jos.  Drake  to  Brigadier-General 
Morris,  dated  at  New  Rochelle,  on  the  24th  July  instant, 
relating  to  his  regiment,  refusing  to  be  drafted  and  his  in- 
tention to  resign  his  commission  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Hoffman  and  General 
Morris  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  letter  into  consid- 
eration, and  report  thereon  as  soon  as  possible.  The  let- 
ter was  delivered  to  the  said  committee. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Richard  Morris,  Esquire, 
be  appointed  judge  of  the  high  court  of  admiralty  of  this 
State.  And, 

Ordered,  That  John  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  wait  on  Mr. 
Morris,  and  request  his  acceptance  of  that  office. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  be 
and  he  is  hereby  appointed  register  of  the  high  court  of 
admiralty  of  this  state. 


Resolved  unanimously,  That  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  be 
and  he  is  hereby  appointed  marshal  and  provost  marshal 
of  lhe  said  high  court  of  admiralty  in  this  Slate. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Yates, 
Saml.  Townshend  and  Win.  Smith,  be  a  committee,  to 
whom  Mr.  McKesson  is  directed  to  deliver  tables  or  bills 
of  such  fees  as  have  been  heretofore  established,  or  usu- 
ally taxed  or  taken  in  the  former  court  or  courts  of  admi- 
ralty in  this  state ;  that  the  said  committee  take  such  fees 
into  consideration,  and  report  what  fees  may  be  proper  to 
be  established  by  this  State,  to  be  taken  and  received  by 
the  officers  of  the  court  of  admiralty  to  be  established  in 
the  same. 

A  letter  from  Corns.  C.  Roosevelt  who  has  for  some 
time  past  acted  as  commissary  for  Capt.  Hamilton's  troops, 
dated  the  26th  instant,  was  read,  he  therein  sets  forth  that 
he  had  been  obliged  to  supply  Capt.  Hamilton's  company 
with  a  much  larger  quantity  of  provisions  than  the  rations 
stipulated  for,  which  had  enhanced  the  price  so  that  each 
ration  as  by  him  delivered  cost  him  12^d.  His  accounts 
were  enclosed. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Hamilton  of  the  same  date,  on  the 
same  subject,  and  a  certificate  from  John  Pollard,  quarter- 
master of  the  army,  certifying  the  allowances  of  provi- 
sions delivered  to  each  man  as  a  ration,  were  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  as  Capt.  Hamilton's  company  was  for- 
merly made  a  part  of  General  Scott's  brigade,  that  they 
be  henceforth  supplied  with  provisions  as  a  part  of  that 
Brigade. 

That  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Landon  and  Colo.  Gra- 
ham be  a  committee  to  take  lhe  said  letters  and  accounts  in- 
to consideration  and  report  thereon  ;  and  the  sense  of  the 
Convention  was  signified  to  that  committee,  that  it  is  ne- 
cessary to  make  compensation  to  Corns.  C.  Roosevelt  for 
the  extraordinary  quantity  of  provisions  which  have  issued 
to  that  company  beyond  his  contract. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Thaddeus  Noble, 
from  Kings  district,  is  attending  with  thirty  muskets,  pur- 
suant to  his  contract  made  on  the  26th  day  of  April  last, 
with  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  on  behalf  of  the  State  ;  that  he 
has  not  furnished  them  with  steel  ramrods  according  to  con- 
tract ;  and  that  Mr.  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  with  whom  he  had 
contracted  on  behalf  of  this  State,  is  in  Dutchess  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thads.  Noble  deliver  the  said 
arms  to  Colo.  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  as  commissary  ;  that 
Colo.  Curtenius  view  and  examine  the  said  arms,  or  cause 
them  to  be  viewed  and  examined,  so  as  to  determine  whe- 
ther they  are  made  according  to  contract,  (the  ramrods  ex- 
cepted,) and  that  Colo.  Curtenius  send  to  this  Convention 
a  certificate  how  far  the  said  arms  are  made  according  to 
contract,  and  how  much  should  be  deducted,  on  each,  for 
the  defect  of  steel  ramrods. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Robinson,  Esqr.  deputy  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Queens  county,  and  Noah  Smith,  was 
read  and  filed.  They  thereby  certify  that  Wm.  Ludlam, 
Junr.  had  been  duly  elected  captain  of  the  minute  company 
of  the  township  of  Jamaica,  in  the  stead  of  John  J.  Skid- 
more,  Esqr.  promoted  to  a  majority. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  to  Capt.  Wm.  Lud- 
lam, as  captain  of  that  company. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  31s*,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscombe, 
Genl.  Scott— New-York. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  L.  Graham,  Genl.  Morris — Westchetttr. 

Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


551 


Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands,  Ma- 
jor Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Olcott — Gloucester. 

A  memorial  of  Lieut.  Colo.  Stockholm  and  Major  Li- 
vingston, in  Colo.  Lasher's  regiment,  to  General  Scott,  was 
read.  They  therein  set  forth  that  a  committee  of  the  late 
Provincial  Congresss,  who  treated  with  them  on  the  sub- 
ject of  going  into  service,  had  engaged  that  they  should 
not  be  called  out  of  the  city,  and  assign  that  reason  for  the 
unwillingness  of  the  companies  of  that  regiment  to  encamp 
with  the  brigade. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  the 
appointment  of  the  committee  referred  to  in  that  memorial, 
and  such  other  entries  as  relate  thereto  ;  and  that  the  said 
committee  endorse  such  certificate  thereon  as  may  prevent 
any  misapprehension  of  the  assurances  by  them  given  to  the 
officers  of  Colo.  Lasher's  regiment,  when  they  conversed 
on  the  subject  of  entering  into  the  service  of  this  State  only. 
On  motion, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of 
Dutchess  county,  or  their  sub-committee  of  safety  be  re- 
quested to  cause  the  powder  mill  of  Mr.  John  R.  Livings- 
ton, (with  the  stores  and  magazines  thereunto  appertain- 
ing,) in  the  said  county,  to  be  guarded  ;  and  for  that  pur- 
pose, that  they  order  Capt.  Melancton  Smith  to  detach  a 
sergeant  and  six  privates,  out  of  one  of  the  two  companies 
under  his  command,  in  the  said  county,  to  guard  the  same. 

A  letter  wrote  and  handed  to  a  member  by  Mr.  Richd. 
Hetfield,  signed  Win.  Dutcher,  captn. ;  Danl.  Martling, 
by  order,  1st  lieut. ;  George  Moonson,  2nd  lieut. ;  was 
read.  They  thereby  offer  to  raise  a  company  out  of  Colo. 
Jos.  Drake's  regiment,  to  serve  under  Colo.  Thomas. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Duer,  that 
by  a  resolve  of  this  Convention  the  officers  whose  names 
are  subscribed  to  that  letter  be  ordered  to  raise  a  company 
out  of  Colo.  Jos.  Drake's  regiment,  and  immediately  to 
join  Colo.  Thomas's  regiment. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

General  Scott  offered  some  reasons  for  deferring  such 
resolution  at  present,  lest  it  might  injure  the  service  by 
placing  officers  in  service  out  of  their  proper  tour  of  duty 
or  rank. 

Mr.  Morris  opposed  Mr.  Scott's  being  permitted  to  speak 
or  interfere  in  the  debates  of  this  Convention,  and  assign- 
ing for  reason  that  as  by  the  resolution  of  the  late  Con- 
gress of  the  1 5th  June,  that  no  officer  in  the  pay  of  this 
Colony  or  of  the  Continent  should  be  elected,  Gen.  Scott 
was  ineligible,  and  therefore  not  entitled  to  a  seat  or  voice. 
Genl.  Scott  claimed  his  seat  on  behalf  of  his  constituents. 
Debates  ensued  thereon.  Thereupon, 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  seconded  by  Mr.  Duer, 
Resolved,  That  on  next  Tuesday  this  Convention  will 
take  into  consideration  the  case  of  General  Scott's  election 
and  the  said  resolution  above  mentioned,  and  the  propriety 
of  his  taking  his  seat  as  a  member  of  this  Convention. 

A  letter  from  George  Townsend,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Queens  county,  requesting  the  loan  of  money 
for  the  necessary  expense  of  the  county  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Committee,  Queens  county, 2<lth  July,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — This  county  being  under  a  necessity  of 
an  immediate  sum  of  money  for  defraying  the  necessary 
expense  of  the  county,  we  desire  that  you  will  make  ap- 
plication to  Congress  for  the  sum  of  £400  for  the  use  of 
this  county,  and  transmit  the  same  to  Joseph  Robinson, 
Esqr.  who  is  chosen  our  treasurer. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  committee, 

"  GEORGE  TOWNSEND,  Chairman. 

"  Attested, 

"  Jeroms.  Remsen,  Jur.  Clerk. 

"  To  Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Jonathan  Lawrence, 
Bnnja.  Sands,  Samuel  Townsend,  James  Town- 
send,  Abramam  Keteltas,  Cornelius  Van  Wyck, 
"Waters  Smith,  Esqrs.  or  either  of  them." 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention,  pursuant  to  the  request 
of  the  county  committee  of  Queens  county,  by  their  letter 
of  the  twenty-fourth  instant,  subscribed  by  their  order  by 
George  Townsend,  their  chairman,  will  lend  to  the  said 
committee  of  Queens  county  the  sum  of  four  hundred 
pounds,  for  defraying  the  necessary  expense  of  the  county, 
to  be  charged  to  and  paid  by  the  said  county  of  Queens,  in 
the  like  manner  as  the  sums  of  money  lent  to  other  coun- 
ties in  this  State  for  the  like  purpose.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  the 
said  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds  to  Samuel  Townshend, 
Esquire,  one  of  the  members  of  this  Convention,  from 
Queens  county,  for  the  use  of  the  said  county  committee, 
to  defray  the  necessary  expense  of  the  said  county,  taking 
the  said  Samuel  Townshend's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Convention  on  behalf  of  the 
troop  of  horse  in  Queens  county,  that  they  conceive  it  hard 
to  be  drafted  with  the  common  militia  of  foot,  on  the  late 
resolution  of  this  Convention  for  drafting  one-fourth  part  of 
the  militia  into  actual  service,  as  they  have  been  at  the 
expense  to  equip  themselves  as  troopers,  under  the  autho- 
rity of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Brigadier-General  Woodhull  determine 
as  he  shall  think  proper  on  this  application,  and  give  his 
directions  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Sa.  Dyckman,  the  messenger,  be  called 
on  to  take  the  following  oath,  vizt : 

"  I  do  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God, 
that  I  will  diligently  and  faithfully  execute  the  office  of  an 
express  to  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  ;  that 
I  will  keep  all  the  secrets  with  which  I  am  or  shall  be  en- 
trusted ;  and  that  I  will  not  suffer  any  papers  committed 
to  my  charge  to  be  examined  by  any  other  person  or  per- 
sons than  such  as  by  this  Convention,  or  a  future  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State,  may  be  authorized  to  examine  the  same. 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  8  ho.  a.  m. 

August  1st,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harpur,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Colo.  Lott  —  New-York. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Major  Landon— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Try  on. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Graham,  Mr.  Mills — 
Westchester. 
Colo.  J.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr. 
Miller—  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater—  Orange. 
Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Benj.  Sands,  Mr. 
Wat.  Smith,  Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Major  Lawrence — 
Queens. 

Mr.  Olcott—  Gloucester. 

Sampson  Dyckman  attending,  was  called  in,  and  sworn 
as  the  messenger  of  this  Convention,  by  the  form  of  the 
oath  for  that  purpose  agreed  to,  and  entered  in  the  minutes 
yesterday. 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Charlotte, 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  in  this  Slate,  be  formed  into 
two  separate  brigades  ;  any  thing  in  the  resolution  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  this  Colony,  on  the  22nd  day  of 
August  last  past,  to  the  contrary,  notwithstanding.  That 
the  militia  of  the  county  of  Charlotte  compose  one  brigade, 
and  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumber- 
land the  other  brigade.  And 

Resolved,  That  Jacob  Bayley,  Esqr.  of  the  township  of 
Newbury,  in  Gloucester  county,  be  appointed  brigadier- 


552 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


general  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and 
Cumberland ;  that  Simon  Stevens,  Esqr.  of  the  township 
of  Springfield,  in  the  county  of  Cumberland,  be  appointed 
major  of  brigade  of  the  said  brigade,  and  that  commissions 
issue  for  these  gentlemen  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  Lieutenant-Colo.  James  Hamman,  be 
the  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  militia  of  Westchester  county, 
drafted  or  to  be  drafted  into  actual  service  under  Colo. 
Thomas  Thomas. 

On  two  returns  delivered  in  and  read,  though  very  im- 
perfect and  not  worth  preserving,  and  on  motion  of  Colo. 
De  Witt,  who  explained  the  said  returns, 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Smedes,  who  has  been  duly 
elected  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Mathew  Janse's  com- 
pany, of  Shawangunk  precinct,  in  Colo.  Jonathan  Has- 
brouck's  regiment,  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county,  receive 
a  commission  for  that  office.  And 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  Du  Bois,  who  has  been  an 
officer  of  horse,  and  been  duly  elected  2nd  lieutenant  in 
Capt.  John  De  Witt's  company,  from  Ulster  county,  in 
service,  as  a  part  of  the  Continental  army  in  General 
Scott's  brigade,  to  continue  an  officer  of  foot  while  in  that 
service,  have  a  second  lieutenant's  commission  issued  to 
him. 

The  said  commissions  were  issued  accordingly,  and  de- 
livered to  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  issuing  a  second  emis- 
sion of  bills  of  credit  in  this  Colony,  was  read ;  and  being 
again  in  part  read  by  paragraphs,  debates  arose  thereon, 
and  it  was  recommitted  to  the  former  committee,  and  Mr. 
Duer,  to  report  again  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Duer,  that 
a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  and  re- 
port a  plan  for  instituting  and  framing  a  new  form  of  go- 
vernment. 

The  same  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 
Mr.  Adgate  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Moore,  in 
the  words  following,  vizt :  I  move  that  the  committee  to 
be  appointed  by  this  Convention  to  report  a  form  of  govern- 
ment, be  directed  first  to  prepare  and  report  a  bill  of  rights  ; 
ascertaining  and  declaring  the  essential  rights  and  privile- 
ges of  the  good  people  of  this  Stale,  as  the  foundation  for 
such  form  of  government. 

Debates  arose  thereon  ;  Mr.  Morris  moved  for  the  pre- 
vious question,  which  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Duer  moved  that  the  words  be  directed  first  to  pre- 
pare and,  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  do  report  at  the 
same  time,  there  inserted  ;  which  being  debated,  was  car- 
ried in  the  affirmative  by  a  great  majority. 

The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  Adgate's  motion  as 
thus  amended,  it  was  unanimously  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive, and  agreed  to. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  then  named  by  different 
members,  to  be  of  that  committee,  vizt :  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Ho- 
bart,  Mr.  Wra.  Smith,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Robert 
R.  Livingston,  Colo.  Broome.  Genl.  Scott  having  been 
named,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper  moved  that  he  be  appointed  one 
of  that  committee.  Mr.  Morris  opposed,  and  assigned  for 
reason  the  resolution  of  the  late  Congress  on  the  15lh  day 
of  June  last,  and  that  next  Tuesday  is  fixed  to  consider 
whether  Mr.  Scott  is  entitled  to  a  seat. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  on  the  said 
motion,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   8 

Albany,   6 

Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4 


For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4 

Suffolk,   4 

Cumberland,    2 


—      Gloucester,   1 

21      Queens,   4 

20 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott  be  one  of  that  committee. 
The  other  members  of  the  committee  being  named, — 


Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith, 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Colo. 
Broome,  General  Scott,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Wisner, 
Senr.  Mr.  Saml.  Townshend,  Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Robt. 
Yates,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  and  report 
a  plan  for  instituting  and  framing  a  form  of  government : 

That  the  said  committee  do  prepare  and  report  at  the  same 
time,  a  bill  of  rights,  ascertaining  and  declaring  the  essential 
rights  and  privileges  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  as 
the  foundation  for  such  form  of  government.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  report  on  the  26th 
day  of  August  instant. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  1st,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Lott,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Colo.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr. 
Saml.  Townshend — Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

General  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
A  petition  of  Alexander  Robertson,  Marinus  Willett  and 

 Symes,  was  read.   They  thereby  set  forth,  that  

Symes  is  well  skilled  in  the  art  of  extracting  salt  from  sea 
water ;  that  they  are  desirous  of  setting  on  foot  proper 
works  for  that  purpose,  and  request  the  encouragement  of 
this  Convention,  agreeable  to  their  resolutions  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Harper  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  Mr.  Symes  relative  to  his  knowledge  in 
the  art  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water,  and  that  they  re- 
port with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  George  Townsend,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Queens  county,  dated  the  3 1st  instant,  was 
read  and  filed.  Therein  was  enclosed  a  copy  of  the  late 
declaration  of  Richd.  Viscount  Howe  and  Wm.  Howe,  at- 
tested by  Wm.  Tryon,  certified  as  a  true  copy,  and  subscrib- 
ed Thos.  Willett,  sheriff,  which  was  also  read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Thomas  Willett,  late  sheriff  of 
Queens  county,  be  taken  into  custody  and  brought  imme- 
diately before  this  Convention,  to  answer  for  his  conduct 
in  having  certified,  subscribed  and  published  the  late  de- 
claration of  Richard,  Viscount  Howe  and  William  Howe, 
attested  by  Wm.  Tryon,  late  Governor  of  New-York,  con- 
trary to  the  resolutions  of  Congress  and  the  Convention  of 
the  representatives  of  this  State,  in  such  cases  lately  made 
and  provided.  And, 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  be  requested  to  direct  that 
the  above  resolution  be  duly  executed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  and  report  on 
the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston  relative  to  the 
Scotch  prisoners  from  the  Royal  army  placed  at  Kingston 
brought  in  their  report.  The  same  being  read,  it  was  post- 
poned until  further  inquiry  can  be  made  and  information 
obtained. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Ritzema  to  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the 
Secretaries,  dated  this  day,  was  read.  He  therein  men- 
tions that  his  regiment  is  without  a  major  ;  that  a  major  is 
a  useful  officer ;  that  Captain  Billings  is  at  present  doing 
major's  duty  ;  and  Colo.  Ritzema  requests  that  a  major 
may  be  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  inquire  what  officers  who  served  last 
campaign  remain  unprovided  for. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Abraham  Yates 
be  discharged  (at  their  request)  from  the  committee  ap- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


553 


pointed  to  inquire  and  report  the  names  of  the  officers  who 
served  last  campaign  and  are  not  provided  for ;  and  that 
Colo.  Lott  and  Mr.  Bleecker  be  of  that  committee  instead 
of  the  members  hereby  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  Tredwell  have 
leave  of  absence. 

A  letter  from  Corns.  C.  Roosevelt,  clerk  to  Colo.  Cur- 
tenius,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  acknowledges  the 
receipt  of  twenty-six  muskets  from  Thads.  Noble. 

A  certificate  signed  by  William  Allen,  Wm.  Elsworth, 
Guilliam  Varick  and  Michael  Ganter,  gunsmiths,  enclosed 
in  said  letter,  was  also  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  cer- 
tify that  the  muskets  which  Mr.  Noble  contracted  to  de- 
liver in  complete  order,  like  unto  King's  muskets,  are  de- 
ficient at  least  ten  shillings  each  of  being  equal  to  the  con- 
tract, as  they  have  examined  the  said  muskets  attentively, 
and  do  upon  honour  declare  that  they  are  worth  no  more 
than  fifty-four  shillings  each. 

The  Convention  being  informed  that  said  Noble  had 
been  put  to  great  expense  in  bringing  the  said  muskets  by 
land,  on  account  of  the  ships  of  war  in  Hudson's  river,  by 
which  means  the  muskets  were  also  injured  in  their  appear- 
ance. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Noble  be  allowed  ten  shil- 
lings on  each  musket  for  his  extraordinary  expenses  in 
bringing  them  down  by  land,  and  for  the  injury  they  have 
received  thereby ;  and  that  he  be  paid  fifty-four  shillings 
for  each  musket  agreeable  to  the  valuation  of  the  said  Wm. 
Allen  and  others. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  pay 
to  Thads.  Noble  the  sum  of  fifty-three  pounds  four  shil- 
lings in  full  for  2b*  muskets,  by  him  made  on  contract  with 
the  Congress  of  this  State,  made  in  April  last,  and  in  full 
for  the  allowance  made  by  him  by  this  Convention  for  ex- 
traordinary expenses  in  bringing  down  the  said  muskets 
by  land,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  and  Mr.  Govr.  Morris  reported  that 
they  have  examined  Peter  Sim  as  to  his  skill  and  know- 
ledge in  the  art  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water,  and  think 
him  well  skilled  in  that  art,  and  that  in  their  opinion  the 
application  of  the  said  Sim  and  his  copartners,  in  every 
respect,  comes  within  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention 
for  encouraging  the  manufacturing  of  salt. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Alexander  Robertson,  Marinus 
Wjllett  and  Peter  Sim,  and  their  copartners,  shall  have  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  on  loan  on  their  joint  and  se- 
veral bond  or  obligation,  conditioned  for  the  payment  thereof 
to  the  Treasurer,  according  to  the  said  resolutions. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  do  prepare  such  bond  ; 
and  that  on  the  receipt  thereof  by  the  Treasurer,  duly  ex- 
ecuted by  the  said  Alexander  Robertson,  Marinus  Willett 
and  Peter  Sim,  and  their  copartners,  and  conditioned  for 
the  payment  of  five  hundred  pounds,  he  do  advance  to 
them  that  sum,  taking  a  receipt  for  the  same. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  colonels  of  the  respec- 
tive regiments  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  do  make  return 
to  this  Convention,  or  to  a  future  executive  power  of  this 
State,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  September  next,  of  the 
number  of  men  in  their  respective  regiments,  the  state  of 
their  arms,  and  the  number  of  the  levies  which  have  been 
drafted  from  each  battalion  ;  and  that  Colonel  Williams  be 
directed  to  send  copies  of  this  order  to  the  respective  co- 
lonels. 

John  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  reported  that  he  had  waited 
on  Richard  Morris,  Esqr.  to  inform  him  of  the  unanimous 
vote  of  this  Convention,  to  appoint  him  judge  of  the  court 
of  admiralty  in  this  State  ;  that  Mr.  Morris  declines  to  ac- 
cept that  office,  and  will  wait  on  this  Convention  to  thank 
them  for  the  honourable  testimony  they  have  given  him  of 
their  esteem  ;  that  he  assigns  for  the  reason  of  his  declining 
the  office,  his  intention  to  decline  all  public  business,  and 
devote  his  time  to  settle  his  affairs,  and  arrange  them  for 
the  benefit  of  his  children  ;  and  that  he  had  requested  Mr. 

139 


Van  Cortlandt,  in  his  behalf,  to  return  his  sincere  [thanks] 
to  this  Convention,  and  assure  them  that  he  will  always  be 
ready  to  support  his  country  with  his  life  and  fortune. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

August  2d,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Colo. 
Brasher — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Van 
Wyck,  Mr.  Sands — For  Queens. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Sacket — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — For  Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little,  Doclr.  Oulwater — For  Orange. 

Colo.  Williams — -For  Charlotte. 

Colo.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Piatt,  Genl.  Morris — For  Westchester. 
Resolved,  That  Colo.  Henry  Remsen  be,  and  he  hereby 
is,  empowered  to  dispose  of  Julius  Cesar  Thomson,  and 
also  both  of  them  now  confined  in  the 

jail  of  the  city  of  New-York,  in  such  manner  as  the  said 
Henry  Remsen  shall  think  proper. 

Messrs.  Wm.  Smith  and  Rutgers,  who  were  yesterday 
appointed  for  the  purpose,  reported  that  Thaddeus  Noble 
of  King's  district,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  agrees  to  con- 
tract with  such  persons  as  this  Convention  shall  direct,  to 
make  one  hundred  good  muskets,  as  near  as  he  can  in 
imitation  of  the  arms  called  King's  muskets,  with  steel 
ramrods ;  to  be  delivered  at  the  price  of  three  pounds  ten 
shillings  each,  within  six  months  from  the  time  of  such 
contract. 

The  committee  also  reported  that  the  said  Noble  requests 
the  loan  of  one  hundred  pounds  from  the  treasury,  to  enable 
him  to  perform  such  contract. 

Ordered,  That  those  two  gentlemen  be  a  committee  to 
carry  such  contract  into  execution  with  the  said  Thaddeus 
Noble. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretaries  do  examine  the  minutes 
of  this  Convention,  and  do  select  therefrom  the  several 
contracts  made  by,  and  on  behalf  of,  this  State,  and  do  de- 
liver the  same  to  the  Auditor-General,  to  be  filed  with  the 
treasury  board. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
dated  the  1st  instant,  and  signed  by  John  Berrien,  Esqr. 
1  heir  chairman,  was  read  and  filed.  They  thereby  inform 
that  they  are  reduced  to  great  difficulties  by  the  frequent 
sales  of  bohea  lea,  at  higher  prices  than  that  limited  by  the 
Congress  ;  that  the  growing  evil  is  so  great  that  it  requires 
speedy  redress. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Colo. 
Remsen,  Mr.  Harper  and  Mr.  Abeel,  to  take  the  same  into 
consideration  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  John  Berrien,  Henry  Wilmot,  Fras.  Bas- 
set), and  eight  others  of  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  dated  the  30th  day  of  July  last,  was  read  and  filed. 
They  thereby  inform  that  the  police  of  the  city  is  neglected, 
the  magistrates  absent,  their  time  entirely  engrossed  by 
matters  which  ought  to  be  determined  by  magistrates,  and 
requesting  the  Convention  to  provide  relief  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen,  Colo.  Brasher  and  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  letter  into  con- 
sideration, and  lo  examine  the  charter  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  report  what  may  be  necessary  and  right  to  be 
done  in  the  premises.  And, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  said  committee, 
informing  them  of  the  steps  this  Convention  have  taken  re- 


554 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


lative  to  the  said  letter,  and  requesting  them  to  exert  them- 
selves with  that  zeal  they  have  heretofore  shewn  in  keeping 
the  peace  and  good  order  of  the  city. 

Colo.  Remsen  informed  the  Convention  that  the  books 
of  account  of  the  Receiver-General,  of  quit  rents  which  have 
been  paid  in  this  Slate,  remain  in  the  city  of  New- York; 
that  they  can  be  obtained  and  lodged  in  any  such  place 
of  safety  as  this  Convention  may  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  general  committee 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  or  in  his  absence,  the  deputy 
chairman,  take  with  him  such  guard  of  armed  men  as  he 
may  deem  sufficient,  together  with  Mr.  James  Moran, 
and  proceed  to  the  late  custom  house  in  the  said  city,  and 
there  seize  and  take  into  his  custody,  all  the  books  of  the 
late  Receiver-General  of  New-York,  which  in  any  wise  re- 
late to  the  quit  rents  of  this  State,  and  transmit  the  same 
by  the  first  convenient  opportunily,  safely  locked  up  or  se- 
cured in  a  proper  box  or  chest  for  that  purpose,  to  the  Se- 
cretaries of  this  Convention  at  Harlem.  And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  Mr.  James  Moran,  do  faithfully 
shew  unto  the  said  chairman,  or  deputy  chairman,  all  such 
books  and  papers  as  he  may  know  to  relate  to  or  concern 
the  quit  rents  of  this  State  of  New-York,  or  any  moneys 
heretofore  received  on  account  thereof. 

Resolved  unanimously.  That  all  quit  rents  formerly  due 
and  payable  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  within  this  State, 
are  now  due,  and  owing  unto  this  Convention,  or  such  fu- 
ture government  as  may  be  hereafter  established  in  this 
State. 

The  agent  of  the  Commissary-General  of  American  ar- 
my applied  for  leave  to  export  salt  to  Connecticut,  to  pre- 
serve provisions  for  the  army. 

Ordered,  That  the  Commissarv-General  be,  and  he  here- 
by is,  permitted  to  export  two  thousand  four  hundred  bush- 
els of  salt  to  Connecticut. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  twenty-seventh  day  of 
August  instant,  be  kept  throughout  this  State  as  a  day  of 
fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer  to  Almighty  God,  for  the 
imploring  of  his  divine  assistance  in  the  organization  and 
establishment  of  a  form  of  government  for  the  security  and 
perpetuation  of  the  civil  and  religious  rights  and  liberties 
of  mankind,  and  to  supplicate  his  farther  protection  in  the 
war  which  now  rages  throughout  America. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolution  be  published 
in  all  the  public  newspapers  throughout  this  State. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  three  sermons  suitable  to 
the  occasion,  be  preached  on  that  day  before  this  Conven- 
tion; and  that  the  Reverend  Mr.  Schoonmaker  of  Harlem, 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Provoost  of  the  county  of  Albany,  and 
the  Reverend  Doctor  Rodgers  of  the  city  of  New-York  be 
requested  to  officiate  on  this  occasion. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker  and  Colo.  Brasher  wait  on 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Schoonmaker  and  some  of  his  consis- 
tory, to  request  the  use  of  the  church  at  Harlem  on  this 
occasion. 

The  Worshipful  Richard  Morris,  Esqr.  waited  on  this 
Convention  and  was  introduced.  He  declined  accepting 
the  office  of  judge  of  the  admiralty  in  the  most  polite 
manner;  assured  the  Convention  that  he  most  heartily 
joined  with  his  countrymen,  and  was  ready  to  support 
them  with  his  life  and  fortune  ;  but  that  from  the  situation 
of  his  family  and  property,  the  remainder  of  his  life  was 
necessary  for  attention  to  his  own  affairs  ;  and  that,  there- 
fore he  declined  the  office. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  2d.  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President, 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt, 

Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Brasher — 

New-York. 

Mr.  Benj.  Sands,  Mr.  Van  WycW,  Mr.  Wat.  Smith— Queens. 
Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 


Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston — it- 

bany. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 

Mr.  Mills,  Capt.  Piatt,  Colo.  Graham—  Westchester. 

Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sackett — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Outwaler,  Mr.  Little—  Orange. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Danl.  Shaw,  commander  of  the  private 
sloop  of  war  called  the  Harlequin,  be,  and  he  hereby  is, 
permitted  to  purchase  from  James  and  Alexr.  Stewart,  or 
any  other  person,  1,200  weight  of  gunpowder,  for  the  use 
of  the  said  sloop. 

A  letter  from  Fred.  Jay,  Esqr.  deputy  chairman  of  the 
committee  at  the  White  Plains,  dated  yesterday,  was 
read  and  filed.  The  committee  mention  their  great  want 
of  Capt.  Townshend's  company,  now  stationed  at  Hud- 
son's river  by  order  of  this  Convention,  and  request  orders 
to  recall  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  recall  Capt.  Towns- 
hend's company  as  soon  as  the  committee  shall  judge  that 
the  said  company  can,  with  safety,  be  spared  from  their 
present  station. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  at  Kingston,  rela- 
tive to  the  prisoners  there  on  parol,  and  an  answer  to  their 
letter,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  member  who  is  possessed  of  the 
parols  granted  to  the  prisoners  in  your  care,  is  absent,  so 
that  it  is  out  of  the  power  of  this  Convention  to  judge  of 
the  difference  of  opinion  with  regard  thereto.  As  soon  as 
we  receive  them,  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose  will  be  considered  and  immediately  transmit- 
ted to  you.  In  the  meanlime,  you  may  keep  them  to 
their  parols  in  the  manner  you  conceive  to  be  right ;  and 
should  you  be  apprehensive  of  any  danger  from  them  be- 
fore you  receive  directions  for  their  removal,  the  Conven- 
tion has  directed  me  to  order  them  to  close  confinement, 
which  is  left  to  your  discretion. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  &c. 
"  P.  S.  Enclosed  is  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
tinental Congress  relative  to  prisoners,  for  your  direc- 
tion." 

Colo.  John  Williams  has  leave  of  absence  until  the  26th 
inst.  and  Charlotte  county  is  to  be  represented  by  Mr. 
Duer. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  3d,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Remsen,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Dewit,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston — For 

Albany. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Van  Wyck— Queens. 

Mr.  Stephens  —  Cumberland. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little,  Doctr.  Outwaler— Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Capt.  Piatt,  Colo.  Graham,  Genl.  Morris— 

For  M'estchester. 

William  Smith,  Esqr.  and  Capt.  Rutgers  reported  that 
they  had  contracted  with  Thaddeus  Noble,  of  Kings  dis- 
trict, in  the  county  of  Albany,  to  make  and  deliver  to 
them,  on  or  before  the  third  day  of  February  next,  on  be- 
half of  this  Convention,  one  hundred  good  muskets  at  the 
price  of  three  pounds  ten  shillings  each  ;  and  that  one 
hundred  pounds  be  advanced  to  him  out  of  the  treasury 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


555 


to  enable  him  to  perform  that  contract ;  for  the  security 
whereof,  the  said  Thaddeus  Noble  and  Mathew  Adgate, 
Esqr.  have  executed  their  joint  and  several  bond  to  Peter 
Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Treasurer. 

The  said  contract  and  bond  being  approved  of, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  filed  with  the  Treasurer,  and 
that  he  advance  to  the  said  Thaddeus  Noble  the  said  sum 
of  one  hundred  pounds,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Messrs.  Jay,  Livingston  and  Yates, 
three  of  the  members  of  the  committee  to  report  the  orga- 
nization of  a  new  government,  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  a  com- 
mittee, of  which  you  are  members,  is  formed  for  the  orga- 
nization of  a  new  government.  That  this  committee  is 
ordered  to  report  on  the  26th  instant.  You  are  therefore 
desired  to  meet  upon  this  important  business  as  early  as 
possible,  and  to  inform  those  gentlemen  who  are  with  you, 
of  the  secret  committee,  of  the  time  when  such  report  will 
be  made,  as  the  Congress  will  then  expect  their  attendance. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Messrs.  Jay,  Livingston,  Yates, 
and  the  other  Gentlemen  of  the  Se- 
cret Committee." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  do  digest  the  minutes  of 
this  Convention  with  all  the  despatch  possible  ;  and  that 
they  be  impowered  to  employ  such  clerks  as  they  may 
think  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Abrm.  C.  Cuyler,  and  others,  dated  29th 
ulto.  at  Hartford,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Hartford,  29th  July,  1776. 
"  Gentn. — We  have  heretofore,  by  Uolo.  Van  Cortlandt, 
applied  to  you  to  be  released  from  our  banishment ;  and 
by  him  we  are  informed,  a  few  days  past,  that  you  had  not 
then  been  furnished  by  the  committee  of  Albany  with  their 
proceedings  of  the  cause  of  our  removal.  We  conceive 
their  delay  much  to  our  disadvantage  ;  permit  us  therefore, 
again  to  call  your  attention  to  our  unhappy  situation.  Se- 
parated from  our  respective  business,  wives  and  families, 
supporting  ourselves  at  an  expense  which  must  eventually 
injure  ourselves  and  families,  suspected  to  be  inimical  to  our 
country,  which  opinion  we  hope  in  the  course  of  time  to 
remove  from  our  unfriendly  brethren,  by  our  future  deport- 
ment and  conduct.  Notwithstanding  the  inferences  that 
might  have  heretofore  been  drawn  to  our  disadvantage, 
from  the  freedom  with  which  we  either  approved  or  con- 
demned public  measures,  we  make  no  doubt  of  convinc- 
ing every  real  friend  of  America,  that  we  are  sincerely  so. 
For  the  observance  of  which  we  are  ready  to  give  security. 
We  therefore  rely  that  you'll  do  us  the  justice  to  grant  us 
speedy  relief,  in  ordering  us  to  return  to  our  respective 
homes,  there  to  pursue  our  business  unmolested.  By 
which  you'll  oblige,  gentn. 

"  Your  obt.  humbe.  servants, 

"ABRM.  C.  CUYLER, 
"JOHN  DUNCAN, 
"  STEPN.  DE  LANCEY, 
"BENJ.  HILTON, 
"J NO.  MONIER." 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Duer,  that 
a  peremptory  order  issue  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  to 
return  their  proceedings  against  the  said  Abraham  Cuyler, 
and  others,  without  delay. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  motion,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner 
following,  vizt : 

jFor  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Charlotte,  2  Dutchess,   5 

Orange,                              3  Tryon,   3 

Queens  4  Albany,   6 

Suffolk                               4  Cumberland,    2 

Westchester,                       4  Ulster,   4 

—  New- York,   8 

17  — 

23 


Therefore  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 

On  motion  of  Colo.  Remsen,  seconded  by  Colo.  Lott, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany, enclosing  a  copy  of  the  former  order  of  this  Conven- 
tion, and  of  the  said  letter  from  the  committee,  and  desir- 
ing to  know  the  reasons  of  their  delay. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen  and  Major  Abeel  be  a 
committee  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Silvester  Salisbury,  Esqr.  captain  of  the 
troop  of  horse,  in  Ulster  county,  dated  the  first  instant,  was 
read  and  filed. 

He  therein  mentions  that  Colo.  Jobs.  Snyder,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  late  resolution  of  this  Convention,  for  draft- 
ing one-fourth  part  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county,  had  di- 
rected that  the  said  troop  of  horse  (whereof  he  is  captain) 
should  be  drafted  ;  that  the  troopers  are  ready  to  serve  as 
horsemen,  but  refuse  to  serve  on  foot ;  and  he  requests  di- 
rections in  the  premises. 

The  Convention  took  the  same  into  consideration  ;  and, 
thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  troopers  in  the  several  troops  of 
horse  in  the  militia  of  this  State,  embodied  by  and  under 
the  authority  of  the  said  State,  who  have  provided  them- 
selves with  proper  horses  and  accoutrements  as  troopers, 
be  not  compelled  to  serve  as  foot  soldiers. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  De  Witt  transmit  a  copy  of  this  re- 
solution to  Captain  Salisbury. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  regulation  of 
the  treasury  delivered  their  report,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  that  report  be  post- 
poned till  Wednesday  next. 

Mr.  Harper,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  letters  of  Cornelius  C.  Roosevelt  and  Capt. 
A.  Hamilton,  respectively  bearing  date  on  the  26th  day  of 
July  last,  and  the  accounts  which  accompany  the  same,  de- 
livered in  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  Monday  next. 

A  letter  from  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Zeph.  Piatt, 
Esqrs.  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

".  Head-Quarters,  Mouth  of  Croton,  Avgt.  2d,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  enemy's  ships  lie  off  here,  and  their 
barges  row  up  and  down  the  river  a  nights  ;  and  notwith- 
standing our  utmost  exertions  some  infamous  rascal  must 
have  given  them  information  that  the  New-England  troops 
wentoff  on  Saturday  last,  and  not  a  sufficient  numbercoming 
in  to  guard  the  shore,  they  landed  at  one  Bailey's  on  Sun- 
day night,  and  went  back  half  a  mile  and  drove  off  one  pair 
of  oxen,  two  cows,  one  calf,  one  heifer  and  eleven  sheep :  no 
doubt  had  the  assistance  of  some  tories  on  shore.  We  have 
since  got  some  assistance  from  General  Clinton's  brigade, 
and  several  companies  come  in  and  more  hourly  expected  ; 
that  we  are  in  hopes  soon  to  have  such  an  arrangement  as 
will  effectually  cut  off  all  kind  of  communication  ;  hope 
there  may  be  soon  some  discreet,  smart  officer  appointed 
to  take  the  command  and  a  proper  commissary,  that  the  bu- 
siness may  be  conducted  with  spirit  and  regularity. 

"  We  must  confess,  gentlemen,  that  as  yet  things  have 
not  been  so  well  regulated  as  we  should  have  been  glad  to 
have  seen  ;  but  the  many  difficulties  and  disadvantages  we 
had  to  encounter,  must  only  apologize.  We  considered 
our  appointment  as  merely  pro  tempore,  and  cautious  of  as- 
suming too  much  authority  to  ourselves,  least  it  might  give 
disgust  to  some  of  the  military  corps  ;  and  having  such  an 
extensive  shore,  and  frequent  movements,  were  obliged  to 
deal  out  provisions  in  different  places  ;  and  not  being  able 
to  give  any  man  assurance  that  he  should  continue  any 
considerable  time  in  office  has  made  it  difficult  to  get  pro- 
per persons  to  act  in  different  departments.  Add  to  this, 
having  to  deal  with  new,  raw  troops  every  few  davs,  by 
reason  of  their  frequent  changes,  and  sorry  to  say  many  of 
them  very  refractory,  that  on  the  whole  our  station  has 


556 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


not  been  the  most  desirable.    However,  are  willing  to  serve 
in  any  department  that  may  be  for  the  good  of  our  country. 
"Remain  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants. 

"  PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 
"  ZEPHA.  PL  ATT. 

"  To  the  Representatives  of  the 

Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York." 


DIE  LUNiE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  5th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 
Colo.  Rerasen,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Duns- 
combe,  Mr.  Beckman — New-York. 
Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. —  Ulster. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates — Albany. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Olcott — Gloucester. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Govr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Sackett  a  member  for  Dutchess  county,  requested 
an  order  on  the  Commissary  of  Provincial  stores  for  3,000 
flints  for  the  use  of  the  militia  of  the  said  county.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  deliver  to  Nathl.  Sacket, 
Esquire,  or  his  order,  three  thousand  flints,  for  the  use  of 
the  militia  of  Dutchess  county,  and  thai  Mr.  Norwood  take 
a  receipt  and  charge  the  same  to  the  said  county. 

Resolved  unanimously.  That  Lewis  Graham,  Esqr.  be 
appointed  judge  of  the  court  of  admiralty  of  this  State,  and 
that  a  draft  of  a  commission  to  him  for  that  purpose  be  pre- 
pared as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Saml.  Townshend  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  be 
a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  such  commis- 
sion ;  and  that  the  same  committee  (exclusive  of  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith,  who  desires  to  be  excused,)  do  report  such  fees  as 
they  may  think  proper  to  be  established,  to  be  taken  by 
the  officers  of  the  court  of  admiralty  of  this  State. 

Robt  R  Livingston,  Esquire,  a  member  of  the  secret 
commiitee  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river, 
and  who  is  also  since  appointed  a  member  of  the  commit- 
tee for  preparing  a  form  of  government,  informed  the  Con- 
vention that  he  has  it  in  charge  to  purchase  anchors  and 
cables,  and  other  matters  for  the  use  of  that  committee, 
and  must  proceed  to  the  stores  and  wharves  of  the  city  of 
New-York  for  that  purpose,  unless  the  Convention  think 
proper  to  appoint  some  other  fit  person  for  the  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  John  Berrien,  Esqr  be  and  is  hereby 
appointed  agent  at  New-York  for  the  said  secret  commit- 
tee, to  purchase  and  forward  such  articles  as  that  commit- 
tee may  direct ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  allow  him  a 
compensation  for  his  trouble  in  the  premises :  and  that 
Mr.  Livingston  send  proper  direction  to  Mr.  Berrien  for 
whatever  may  be  at  present  necessary. 

On  application  of  Colo.  Remsen  and  reasons  by  him  as- 
signed to  the  Convention,  a  certificate  was  made  and  is- 
sued for  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  the  bearer  hereof,  late  a  Member 
of  the  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  this  Slate, 
and  a  gentleman  attached  to  the  cau?e  and  interests  of  the 
United  Slates  of  America,  having  frequent  occasion  lo 
pass  and  repass  to  and  from  New-York  to  Newark,  in 
New-Jersey,  on  (he  business  of  this  State,  he  is  therefore 
permitted  to  pass  and  repass  to  and  from  the  city  of  New- 
York  to  Newark,  in  New-Jersey,  on  all  occasions  without 


delay  or  interruption,  whereof  all  officers  civil  and  military 
within  this  Stale  are  requested  to  take  notice. 

"  By  order  of  the  Convention." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  certificate  be  signed  by  the  Pre- 
sident and  countersigned  by  one  of  the  Secretaries. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  not  in  future  grant 
passes  to  any  persons  whatsoever,  unless  lo  Members  and 
officers  of  this  Convention,  or  to  such  persons  who  may 
be  by  them  employed  during  the  time  of  their  actual  ser- 
vice. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  General  Washing- 
ton requesting  him  to  issue  general  orders  that  every  mem- 
ber or  officer  or  other  person  having  a  pass  from  this  Con- 
vention, may  be  permitted  lo  pass  without  interruption, 
and  that  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  be  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  and  report  a  draft  of  such  letter. 

The  application  of  Capt.  William  Goforlh  and  John 
Houston,  dated  the  third  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  They 
thereby  make  application  for  such  encouragement,  and  on 
such  terms  for  the  erecting  salt  works,  as  has  been  granted 
to  others  by  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Govr.  Morris  and  Mr.  William 
Smith,  be  a  committee  to  examine  Captain  Goforth  relative 
to  his  skill  in  the  art  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water. 

Whereas  His  Excellency  General  Washington  is  in 
want  of  the  use  of  a  good  telescope:  And  whereas  a 
good  telescope  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  Continental  army,  to  discover  the  arrange- 
ments and  operations  of  the  enemy, 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New- York,  with  such  other  members  of  that  committee  as 
he  may  think  proper,  take  and  deliver  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington  for  his  use,  the  telescope  which  be- 
longs to,  and  is  a  part  of,  the  apparatus  of  the  college  at 
New-York. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York  will  indemnify  the  governors  of  the  college  at  New- 
York,  for  any  injury,  loss  or  damage  that  may  happen  to 
the  telescope  belonging  to  the  said  college,  from  the  time 
of  its  being  delivered  to  the  chairman  of  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  city  of  New-York,  for  the  use  of  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  until  the  re-delivery  thereof  to 
the  said  college,  the  governors  thereof,  or  their  order. 

General  Morris  informed  the  Convention  that  Colo. 
Joseph  Drake  has  resigned  his  commission  ;  that  no  levies 
have  yet  been  made  out  of  that  regiment. 

Colo.  Drake's  late  letter  to  General  Morris,  dated  the 
24th  of  July,  and  his  letter  to  the  Convention  of  the  22nd 
of  July,  were  respectively  read. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  accept  of  Colo.  Joseph 
Drake's  resignation  ;  that  Mr.  William  Smith  be  appointed 
instead  of  Colo.  Hoffman,  (now  absent,)  one  of  the  com- 
mittee, to  examine  into  and  report  on  the  conduct  of  Colo- 
nel Joseph  Drake. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  in- 
to the  conduct  of  Colo.  Drake,  do  report  on  Friday  next, 
and  that  they  be  empowered  to  send  for  Colo.  Drake,  and 
such  evidences,  as  they  shall  think  necessary  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Dutcher,  captain,  Daniel  Marling, 
first  lieutenant,  and  George  Munson,  second  lieutenant,  da- 
ted the  30lh  day  of  July  last,  and  received  on  the  3 1st,  was 
read  and  filed.  They  therein  set  forth  their  willingness  to 
raise  a  company  ;  and  serve  under  Colo.  Thomas,  and  that 
they  are  of  opinion  that  they  can  raise  a  company  without 
difficulty. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  William  Dutcher,  Lieut.  Danl. 
Marling  and  George  Monson,  be  and  they  hereby  are  au- 
thorized to  raise  one  company  of  volunteers  to  serve  in 
the  regiment  of  militia  of  Westchester  county,  command- 
ed by  Colo.  Thomas  ;  and  that  so  many  of  the  said  com- 
pany as  do  now  belong  to  the  militia  of  Westchester  coun- 
ty, be  considered  as  a  part  of  the  number  ordered  to  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


557 


raised  by  drafts  from  the  respective  regiments  of  the  said 
militia  to  which  they  do  belong. 

Ordered,  That  General  Morris  write  a  letter  to  Capt. 
Dutcher  directing  him  to  call  on  Colo.  Thomas  for  a  pro- 
portion of  the  bounty  money  for  his  men. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York, 
was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 

"  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  New-York,  3d  Augt.  1776.  j> 

"  Sir — This  committee  have  lately  received  information 
of  a  motion  now  depending  before  your  Honourable  House, 
respecting  the  right  of  this  city  and  county  to  say  who 
shall  represent  them  in  the  General  Convention  of  this 
State.  A  motion  which  has  greatly  alarmed  their  fears, 
and  which  they  conceive  is  big  with  absurdity  and  ruin, 
(should  it  be  drawn  into  precedent,)  to  the  future  freedom 
and  happiness  of  this  State  ;  nor  could  they  have  believed 
at  this  early  dawn,  of  establishing  a  free  community,  and 
settling  its  constitution,  any  member  of  your  Honourable 
Convention  could  have  so  soon  lost  sight  of  the  natural 
rights  of  men,  and  of  that  power  by  which  alone  he  is 
entitled  to  a  seat  in  your  Honourable  House.  The  com- 
mittee lament  the  forlorn  and  deserted  situation  of  this 
place  by  its  inhabitants,  or  they  would  have  plead  with 
you  by  petition,  and  instructed  their  own  members  on  this 
threatened  violation  of  their  undoubted  right ;  but  as  that 
cannot  be  done,  they  should  think  themselves  inexcusable 
should  they  rest  in  silence,  without  using  the  only  means 
in  their  power  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  a  principle 
so  dangerous  and  unjust — a  principle  which  has  been 
combatted  (though  unsuccessfully)  by  all  the  worthy  mem- 
bers of  a  tyrannic  state,  with  whom  we  are  now  at  war, 
(vizt.)  to  pray  that  your  Honourable  House  would  be  pleas- 
ed to  order  the  motion  erased  from  your  Journals,  and  bu- 
ried in  eternal  oblivion. 

"  The  committee  beg  you  will  lay  these  their  sentiments 
and  prayer,  before  the  Honourable  Convention,  request- 
ing that  the  most  favourable  construction  may  be  given 
both  to  the  mode  and  matter  of  this  address,  as  flowing 
from  hearts  zealously  attached  to  the  happiness  of  this 
State.  By  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  committee. 
"  I  am,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  obdt.  humbl.  servt. 

"JOHN  BERRIEN,  Chan:' 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  6th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Beekraan,  Mr.  Dun- 
scomb,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Roosevelt—  For  New-York. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston — -For  Albany. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little — For  Orange. 

Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Colo.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner,  Jun. — For  Ul- 
ster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris,  Colo.  G.  Drake,  Colo.  Graham— For 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Allcott — Gloucester. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Snyder  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  coun- 
ty, dated  Augt.  1st,  1776,  on  the  subject  of  the  militia, 
and  whether  the  troop  of  horse  ought  to  be  drafted  with 
the  militia  of  foot ;  the  company  or  troop  refusing  to  be 
drafted,  which  gives  great  uneasiness,  and  probably  will 
cause  a  mutiny. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Dewit,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Little, 
Colo.  Drake  and  Mr.  Morris,  be  a  committee  to  take  into 

140 


consideration  the  several  resolutions  which  respect  the  mi- 
litia, and  report  on  the  subject  with  all  possible  speed. 

A  certificate  of  Doctor  Malachi  Treat,  dated  yesterday, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that  he  has  care- 
fully examined  Mr.  Henry  White,  both  in  physic  and  sur- 
gery, and  has  the  pleasure  to  inform  all  whom  it  may  con- 
cern, that  he  is  well  acquainted  with  the  principles  and 
practice  of  both,  and  qualified  for  discharging  his  duty  in 
either. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Henry  White  be  and  is  hereby 
appointed  surgeon  to  Colo.  Isaac  Nicolls  regiment  of  mi- 
litia now  called  into  the  Continental  service  for  a  limited 
time. 

Mr.  Morris  reported  that  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  himself  have 
examined  Doctr.  Samuel  Bard,  and  find  him  skilled  in  the 
process  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water ;  that  Doctor  Sa- 
muel Bard  will  give  his  bond  for  the  money  to  be  lent  to 
him,  or  will  give  other  security  if  the  Convention  shall  think 
proper. 

Resolved,  That  Doctr.  Samuel  Bard  must  give  security 
for  the  money  which  will  be  lent  him  by  this  Convention, 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  on  receiving  the  bond 
of  Doctor  Samuel  Bard,  with  such  security  as  this  Con- 
vention shall  approve  of,  conditioned  for  the  payment  of 
five  hundred  pounds,  do  advance  to  him  that  sum,  taking 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  said  committee  farther  reported  that  they  have  also 
examined  Capt.  William  Goforth,  and  find  him  skilled  in 
the  process  of  extracting  salt  from  sea  water,  and  in  the 
method  of  erecting  a  work  for  that  purpose  ;  that  Aaron 
Oarson,  Jonathan  Piercy,  John  Houston  and  Richard  Piatt 
are  to  be  his  copartners,  and  are  ready  to  become  bound 
with  him  for  the  money  which  may  be  lent  to  them,  agree- 
able to  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  of  the  29th  day 
of  June  last,  for  encouraging  the  erecting  of  salt  works. 

Resolved,  That  the  joint  and  several  bond  of  the  said 
William  Goforth  and  his  said  copartners,  will  be  suficient 
security  for  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  and  that  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  on  receiving  the  joint  and  seve- 
ral bond  of  William  Goforth,  Aaron  Oarson,  Jonathan  Pier- 
cy, John  Houston  and  Richard  Piatt,  conditioned  for  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  do  advance  to  them  that  sum, 
taking  their  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
the  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  A.  M.  Aug.  6th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  make  their 
apology  to  your  Excellency  for  not  sooner  expressing  their 
approbation  of  the  appointment  which  you  have  made  to 
the  command  on  Hudson's  river.  It  gives  them  great  plea- 
sure to  find  that  your  Excellency  hath  chosen  for  this  im- 
portant post  a  gentleman  whose  good  sense  and  tried  reso- 
lution do  honour  to  the  choice,  which  united  with  his  in- 
timate knowledge  of  the  country,  cannot  fail  of  rendering 
him  useful  to  the  public.  They  have,  however,  some  rea- 
son to  fear  that  either  from  delay  or  misapprehension, 
Genl.  Clinton  hath  not  that  evidence  of  his  authority  which 
he  ought  to  have,  or  else  that  he  doth  not  conceive  of  it  in 
its  full  latitude. 

"  The  Convention  would  therefore  esteem  it  a  particu- 
lar favour  if,  sir,  you  would  transmit  to  him  his  appoint- 
ment, with  the  resolution  which  subjects  the  levies  on  both 
sides  of  the  river  to  his  command. 

By  the  removal  of  General  Clinton  from  the  fortifica- 
tions in  the  Highlands  the  command  of  one  of  those  forts 
hath  devolved  on  Major  Schuyler,  a  very  young  officer  and 
new  to  the  service.  Your  Excellency  will  best  be  able  to 
determine  whether  the  fort  is  of  such  a  nature  as  to  be  en- 
trusted with  this  young  gentleman  alone,  or  whether  it 
would  be  proper  to  send  thither  a  more  experienced  officer. 

"  The  Convention  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Excellency 
that  till  commissaries  are  appointed,  the  Convention  are 


558 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


deprived  of  two  of  their  members,  who  are  directed  to 
supply  this  post  till  your  Excellency  shall  send  proper 
officers  to  supply  their  places,  which  they  flatter  them- 
selves will  be  done  as  early  as  possible. 

"Upon  a  suggestion  that  the  telescope  belonging  to 
King's  College,  would  be  of  use  in  discovering  the  ar- 
rangements and  operations  of  the  enemy,  the  Conven- 
tion have  made  an  order  for  delivering  it  to  your  Excellen- 
cy, of  which  I  am  also  directed  to  enclose  you  a  copy,  and 
hope  that  it  may  in  some  measure  contribute  to  the  f  urther- 
ing your  designs. 

"  The  Convention  have  further  directed  me  to  inform 
your  Excellency  that  their  own  members  and  persons  em- 
ployed by  them  in  the  public  service  having  frequent  oc- 
casion to  pass  and  repass  where  guards  are  placed,  are 
often  impeded  ;  they  do  therefore  submit  it  to  your  Excel- 
lency's consideration  whether  it  would  not  be  proper  to  give 
orders  that  those  persons  who  shall  appear  to  be  members 
of  the  Convention,  and  those  who  shall  have  permissions 
signed  by  the  President,  be  suffered  to  pass  without  inter- 
ruption, at  the  same  time  that  no  impositions  may  happen, 
I  take  leave  to  enclose  the  copy  of  a  resolution  restricting 
the  issuing  of  all  such  permissions,  except  to  those  who 
are  actually  engaged  in  the  public  service  ;  and  lest  mis- 
takes should  arise  with  respect  to  members,  it  is  intended 
that  each  one  shall  have  a  certificate  thereof  signed  by  the 
President. 

"  I  have  the  honour  lo  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedt.  and  humble  servt." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  letter  be  engrossed  and 
signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Thos.  Willett  being  brought  here  by  a  guard,  was  or- 
dered in  and  examined. 

The  State  of  New-York,  \ 
agt.  J 
Thomas  Willett,  Esqr.  ) 

Examination  before  the  Convention  of  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  said  State,  sixth  August,  1776. 

That  he  did  publish  according  to  the  order  of  Wm.  Try- 
on,  Esqr.  late  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  the 
Declaration  of  Richard,  ViscountHowe,  and  General  Howe, 
of  which  he  acknowledges  that  paper  shewn  to  him  and 
attested  under  his  own  hand,  to  be  a  true  copy.  That  his 
brother,  Edward  Willett,  being  requested  by  Edward  Wil- 
let,  Senr.  to  call  at  his  house,  he  did  so  call,  and  there  re- 
ceived the  Declaration,  of  which  the  aforesaid  paper  is  a 
copy,  and  delivered  it  to  the  examinant ;  that  examinant  re- 
ceived it  last  Monday  fortnight  ;  that  he  first  published  it 
last  Friday  week  ;  that  with  the  aforesaid  Declaration  he 
received  a  letter  from  the  said  William  Tryon,  purporting 
that  the  paper  enclosed  in  the  said  letter  was  a  true  copy 
of  the  Declaration  of  Lord  Howe  and  Genl.  Howe,  His 
Majesty's  commissioners,  who  had  requested  him,  the  said 
William  Tryon,  to  publish  the  same  throughout  his  govern- 
ment, and  therefore  desiring  examinant  to  make  the  same 
known  throughout  his  county  ;  that  examinant  had  not,  pre- 
vious to  the  said  publication,  seen  or  heard  of  the  Declara- 
tion of  the  Congress,  proclaiming  these  States  independent; 
that  examinant  doth  not  remember  to  have  seen  or  heard 
of  a  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York, 
prohibiting  all  intercourse  between  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Stale  and  the  King's  ships,  or  the  said  William  Tryon  ; 
that  examinant  conceived  himself  to  owe  a  duty  to  the  said 
Wm.  Tryon,  because  of  the  commission  of  sheriff  which 
examinant  held  under  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ;  that  he 
had  heard  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  ;  that  exa- 
minant does  not  remember  he  ever  saw  the  Declaration  of 
Independence  aforesaid,  until  very  lately  ;  that  examinant 
did  know  at  the  time  of  publishing  Lord  Howe's  and  Genl. 
Howe's  Proclamation  aforesaid,  that  this  State  was  at  war 
with  the  King  of  Great  Britain;  that  at  the  time  of  pu- 
blishing the  Proclamation  last  mentioned,  examinant  had 
good  reason  to  believe  that  the  Continental  Congress  had 


declared  independency  ;  that  examinant  did  really  believe 
the  said  Congress  had  made  such  Declaration  ;  that  exa- 
minant conceived,  that  when  the  several  Colonies  in  Ame- 
rica had  acceded  to  the  Declaration  of  the  Congress,  the 
same  would  so  operate  as  to  make  them  independent  States  ; 
that  he  doth  not  know  that  the  committee  of  Queens  coun- 
ty published  the  Declaration  of  Independence  in  the  said 
county,  nor  hath  he  ever  heard  that  they  did  ;  that  shortly 
after  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  publicly  made  at 
the  City  Hall  of  the  city  of  New- York,  a  report  thereof 
prevailed,  at  which  time,  or  about  that  time,  examinant 
heard  of  the  same  from  divers  persons ;  that  examinant, 
being  asked  whether  he  did  at  that  time  consider  himself  as 
sheriff  under  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  declines  answer- 
ing the  same  ;  being  asked  whether  he  made  the  said  pub- 
lication in  pursuance  of  any  duty  he  owed  to  the  said  Wil- 
liam Tryon,  declines  answering  the.  same ;  being  asked 
whether  he  did  consider  himself  as  owing  allegiance  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  declines  answering  the  same  ;  be- 
ing asked  whether  as  sheriff  as  aforesaid,  he  conceives 
himself  bound  to  execute  any  process  which  he  might  re- 
ceive in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  declines  answering  the  same ;  that  at  the  time  of 
publishing  the  said  Declaration,  he  considered  himself  as 
acting  in  the  character  of  a  sheriff,  or  of  a  private  person ; 
and  being  asked  whether,  upon  the  receipt  of  any  declara- 
tion from  this  Congress,  he  would  publish  the  same,  de- 
clines giving  an  answer ;  that  the  papers  shewn  to  him  as 
aforesaid,  is  in  the  hand  writing  of  one  Lawson,  a  school- 
master in  Flushing  aforesaid  ;  that  he  doth  not  know  of  any 
person  or  persons  in  Queens  county,  who  have  applied  for 
or  received  any  pardon  or  pardons  from  the  aforesaid  com- 
missioners ;  that  the  name  of  the  attorney  with  whom  he 
conversed  on  the  subject  of  the  Declaration,  was  Mr.  Thos. 
Hicks  of  Queens  county,  on  Long  island,  who  told  him 
that,  as  it  was  published  by  the  Congress,  he  did  not  think 
there  was  any  harm  in  publishing  it,  that  the  more  public 
it  was  made  the  better. 

THOS.  WILLETT. 

The  State  op  New-York,  \ 
agt.  I 
Thomas  Willett,  Esqr.  * 

Interrogatories  by  Mr.  Duer. 

Question.  The  letter  expresses  itself  to  be  in  His  Ma- 
jesty's service.  Did  you  conceive  yourself  in  the  service 
of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  when  you  complied  with  the 
orders  contained  in  it  ? 

Answer.  He  does  not  choose  to  answer  this  question. 

Q.  The  Declaration  of  Lord  Howe  and  Genl.  Howe, 
promises  due  consideration  to  the  meritorious  services  of 
those  who  aid  and  assist  in  restoring  the  public  tranquility. 
Do  you  think  the  publishing  this  Declaration  a  meritorious 
service  ? 

A.  He  does  not  choose  to  answer. 

Q.  Did  you  ever  see  or  hear  of  the  resolution  of 
this  Convention,  July  16th,  requiring  all  officers  to  is- 
sue process,  <kc.  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  New- 
York  ? 

A.  I  have  seen  it  after  I  had  published  Lord  Howe's 
Declaration. 

Q.  How  many  of  Lord  Howe's  Declarations  have  you 
published  ? 

A.  Five — one  in  each  town  of  the  county. 

Q.  Did  you  conceive,  when  you  published  this  Decla- 
ration, that  you  were  aiding  and  assisting  the  King  of 
Great  Britain  or  his  adherents  ? 

A.  He  did  not. 

Q.  Do  you  conceive  Governor  Tryon  an  adherent  to 
the  King  of  Great  Britain? 
A.  Declines  answering. 

Q.  Do  you  conceive  Governor  Tryon  an  enemy  to  the 
Stale  of  New- York? 
A.  Declines  answering. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


559 


Q.  Have  you  signed  any  of  the  associations  recommend- 
ed by  this  Convention  ? 
A.  No. 

Q.  Do  you  at  this  day  consider  yourself  as  a  subject  of 
the  State  of  New- York,  and  that  you  owe  allegiance  to 
said  Slate? 

A.  Declines  answering. 

Q.  Do  you  look  up  to  the  State  of  New-York  for  the 
protection  of  the  laws,  or  do  you  look  up  to  any  other  au- 
thority ? 

A.  Declines  answering. 

Q.  As  the  Continental  Congress  have  published  a  Decla- 
ration of  Independence,  which  has  been  acceded  to  by  the 
other  States,  do  you  conceive  that  all  the  inhabitants  of 
America  are  bound  by  such  Declaration  ? 

A.  Declines  answering. 

Q.  Do  you  think  Lord  Howe's  Declaration  implies  that 
he  has  power  to  treat  with  the  Colonies  for  an  accommo- 
tion  ? 

A.  No. 

Q.  Did  you  conceive  the  Declaration  of  Lord  Howe  fa- 
vourable or  unfavourable  to  the  liberties  of  America  ? 
A.  Declines  answering. 

THOS.  WILLETT. 

Thomas  Willett,  by  order,  withdrew. 

The  aforegoing  is  the  examination  of  Thomas  Willett, 
Esqr.  taken  before  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  on  the  6th  day  of  Augt.  1776. 

Resolved,  That  Edward  Willett,  brother  of  the  said 
Thomas  Willett,  and  Edward  Willett,  Senr.,  Lawson,  a 
schoolmaster  at  Flushing,  and  Thomas  Hicks,  Esqr.  at- 
torney at  law,  be  immediately  apprehended  and  brought 
before  this  Convention.  That  they  be  apprehended  by 
separate  parties,  and  kept  separate  till  brought  before  this 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull  direct  the 
captain  of  the  troop  of  horse  in  Queens  county,  to  appre- 
hend the  said  persons  separately,  and  bring  them  separate- 
ly before  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Willett,  late  sheriff  of  Queens 
county,  be  conveyed  by  his  present  guard  to  the  jail  of  the 
city  and  county  of  New-York,  and  there  confined  until  the 
further  order  of  this  Convention.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Smith,  corporal  of  the  guard  hav- 

ing the  care  of  the  said  Thomas  Willett  be,  and  he  hereby 
is,  directed  and  required  to  convey  the  said  Thomas  Wil- 
lett to  the  jail  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  there  deliver 
him  to  Daniel  Goldsmith,  the  keeper  of  the  said  jail,  who 
is  hereby  required  to  receive  the  said  Thomas  Willett  into 
his  custody,  and  him  safely  keep  until  the  further  order  of 
this  Convention. 

A  memorial  of  Daniel  Hauxhurst,  on  behalf  of  Towns- 
hend  and  Noble,  proprietors  of  an  anchor  forge,  was  read. 
He  therein  sets  forth,  that  they  had  contracted  with  the 
Continent  to  supply  anchors  for  the  American  ships  now 
building  ;  that  the  militia  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's  ri- 
ver, had  taken  out  of  their  store  about  fifty  barrels  of  pork, 
a  quantity  of  peas,  and  three  hogsheads  of  tobacco,  which 
will  speedily  render  them  unable  to  proceed  in  their  works. 
He  prays  restitution,  and  that  the  workmen  who  have  left 
the  works  as  part  of  the  militia,  may  be  ordered  to  return, 
and  that  they  may  be  farther  supplied  with  twelve  sledge 
men. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Graham,  Colo.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  be  a  committee  to  take  and  consider  of 
the  said  memorial,  and  report  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  De  Witt  write  a  letter  to  Colo. 
Johs.  Snider,  informing  him  that  his  letter  has  been  re- 
ceived, and  is  committed  to  a  committee,  who  will  report 
some  general  regulations  relating  to  the  troop,  which  may 
probably  be  adopted  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time  Colo. 
Snyder  proceed  to  draft  and  forward  one-fourth  part  of  the 
other  militia  of  his  regiment,  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 


j  York,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  herewith  enclose  you  copies  of  two  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State  for  obtaining  the  telescope 
belonging  to  the  College  of  New-York,  for  the  use  of  His 
Excellency  General  Washington. 

"  The  Convention  requests  you  to  call  on  Mr.  Moore, 
the  president  for  the  time  being,  or  such  governor  of  the 
college  as  may  have  the  care  of  that  telescope,  and  produce 
the  resolve  marked  No.  2,  and  request  the  delivery  of  that 
telescope  for  the  use  of  His  Excellency,  which  we  presume 
will  procure  it  without  difficulty.  If  by  that  means  you 
do  not  obtain  the  said  telescope,  then  we  desire  that  in  pur- 
suance of  the  resolution  No.  1,  you  cause  the  said  telescope 
to  be  taken  out  of  the  City  Hall  of  the  city,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  yourself  and  some  others  of  the  committee  ;  and 
when,  by  either  means,  you  have  obtained  the  said  tele- 
scope, please  to  have  it  safely  delivered  to  his  Excellency 
the  General. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"To  John  Berrien,  Esqr.  Chairman,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  Mr. 
Scott's  taking  his  seat  as  a  member  in  this  Convention,  be 
deferred  till  to-morrow. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  7th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  President. 

Colo.  Remsen,  Major  Abeel,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  P.  P.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker.  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr. 
Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  P.  Livingston— Al- 
bany. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ul- 
ster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 
Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Colo.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Govr.  Morris, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston 
and  Mr.  Roosevelt,  be  a  committee  to  ieport  proper  regu- 
lations for  establishing  a  fund  in  this  State,  and  that  they 
report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  certificate  of  Doctor  Malachi  Treat,  was  read  and 
filed.  He  thereby  certifies,  that  he  has  examined  Mr. 
William  Foreman  upon  the  practice  of  physic  and  surgery, 
and  has  found  his  experience  in  both  such  as  recommends 
him  to  the  attention  of  the  public,  and  qualifies  him  for 
the  duties  of  a  surgeon  of  a  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  William  Foreman  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  appointed  surgeon  to  Colo.  Morris  Graham's  regi- 
men, now  in  actual  service. 

The  memorial  of  Abel  Noble  and  Peter  Townshend 
was  again  read. 

Colo.  P.  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  memorial  of  Abel  Noble  and 
Peter  Townshend  by  their  agent  Wm.  Hauxhurst,  did  re- 
port as  their  opinion  : 

"  That  so  much  of  the  pork  and  peas  as  have  been 
taken  from  the  said  Noble  and  Townshend  by  the  militia, 
upon  due  proof  being  made  that  the  same  was  expended 
for  the  use  of  the  said  militia  stationed  on  Hudson's  river, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


560 

ought  to  be  replaced  by  the  commissary  appointed  to  fur- 
nish provisions  for  that  department. 

"  That  the  tobacco  said  to  be  taken  by  the  militia  ought 
to  be  paid  for  by  the  officer  commanding  the  party  at  that 
station,  on  due  proof  being  made  that  the  same  was  ex- 
pended by  the  militia  under  his  command,  to  be  by  him 
deducted  out  of  the  pay  of  the  said  party." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  filed. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  does  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Colo.  R.  R. 
Livingston  and  Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  be  a  committee  to  re- 
port what  and  how  many  artificers  shall  be  exempted  from 
being  drafted  into  the  militia  from  the  different  manufactu- 
rers in  this  State,  and  that  they  report  on  or  before  Satur- 
day next. 

A  letter  from  Richard  Speaight,  dated  the  first  day  of 
August  instant,  was  read.  He  therein  sets  forth  that  he 
is  at  Goshen,  where  he  has  been  sent  a  prisoner  of  war 
by  the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  as  a  person 
disaffected  to  the  American  cause.  That  he  is  ready  to 
accept  of  employment  as  a  chemist  or  surgeon  to  a  regi- 
ment in  the  army,  and  therefore  requests  a  discharge. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  members  of  the  committee  for 
carrying  into  execution  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress  of 
this  State  on  the  fifth  day  of  June  last,  with  respect  to  dange- 
rous and  disaffected  persons  and  those  of  equivocal  cha- 
racters, be  absolved,  and  they  are  hereby  absolved,  from 
their  oath  of  office  to  carry  those  resolutions  into  execu- 
tion, and  from  all  farther  duty  required  of  them  by  those 
resolutions  ;  And 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  absolve  all  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Convention  and  the  Secretaries  from  their 
oath  of  secrecy  as  to  the  matters  contained  in  those  reso- 
lutions ;  and  that  he  farther  absolve  all  the  members  of 
this  Convention  and  the  Secretaries  from  the  oath  of  se- 
crecy by  them  respectively  taken,  and  every  thing  thereon 
charged,  so  that  the  same  from  henceforth  be  null  and 
void  ;  which  was  done  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  henceforth,  until  further  order  of  this 
Convention,  all  matters  charged  on  the  members  as  mat- 
ters of  secrecy,  be  charged  to  them  to  be  kept  secret  upon 
their  honour  respectively. 

Isaac  Roosevelt,  Esquire,  to  whom  was  committed  the 
care  and  management  of  getting  plates  engraved  for  issu- 
ing the  bills  of  credit  of  this  State,  framing  the  devices  of 
those  plates,  getting  the  said  bills  of  credit  printed,  and 
signed  by  the  respective  signers  and  delivered  to  the 
Treasurer,  made  report  of  his  proceedings  in  the  premises, 
in  writing,  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Mr.  President — In  pursuance  of  the  resolutions  of 
the  5lh  of  March  and  8lh  May,  1776,  of  the  then  Provin- 
cial Congress,  for  the  emission  of  a  paper  currency  to  the 
amount  of  £55,000, 

"  I  now  report  that  I  have  executed  the  said  resolution 
in  manner  following,  vizt  : 


2,350  bills  of  10  dollars  each  is   23,500  dollars. 

2,350  "  5  "    11,750  " 

2,350  "  3  "    7,050  " 

2,350  "  2  "    4,700  " 

30,000  "  1  "    30,000  " 

30,000  "  3  "    20,000  " 

30,000  "  I  "    15,000  " 

30,000  "  i  "    10,000  " 

30,000  "  &  "    7,500  " 

30,000  "  1-6  "    5,000  " 

30,000  "  i  "    3,750  " 


138,250  dollars  at  8.!.=X55,300 

"  That  the  said  overplus  of  £300  arises  from  the  last 
mentioned  denomination  of  £  of  a  dollar,  which  in  the 
above  recited  resolution  of  the  5th  of  March  was  stipulated 
to  be  24,000  bills. 

"  That  I  could  not  conveniently  comply  with  the  resolu- 
tion in  that  respect,  as  the  plates  were  all  set  for  striking  off 
the  lower  denominations  together  on  one  sheet,  and  the  ar- 


rival of  the  British  fleet  and  army  rendered  it  necessary  to 
finish  the  striking  them  off  speedily  ;  it  did,  therefore,  not 
admit  of  taking  the  printing  press  down  to  make  an  altera- 
tion ;  and  as  that  denomination  is  very  useful  in  small 
change,  I  judged  it  would  meet  with  the  approbation  of  this 
Convention. 

"  I  have  therefore  paid  the  said  bills  into  the  treasury  of 
this  Convention,  amounting  to  the  said  sum  of  £55,300, 
as  per  receipt." 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  does  fully  approve  of  the 
conduct  of  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Esqr.  and  the  signers  of  the 
late  emission  of  the  bills  of  credit  of  this  Colony  or  State, 
in  having  issued  three  hundred  pounds  (in  small  bills  of  the 
denomination  of  one-eighth  of  a  dollar)  more  than  was  or- 
dered to  be  issued  by  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Provincial 
Congress  of  the  eighth  day  of  March  and  the  fifth  day  of 
May  last  past ;  that  the  same  shall  pass  current  as  the  other 
money  of  this  State,  and  be  of  equal  credit ;  and  that  the 
said  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds,  be  considered  as  a  part 
of  the  sum  mentioned  in  the  bill  for  a  farther  emission  of 
bills  of  credit  of  this  State  now  before  this  Convention ; 
and  that  provision  be  therein  made  for  the  cancelling  there- 
of by  this  State,  by  issuing  three  hundred  pounds  less  than 
the  sum  mentioned  in  the  said  bill  now  under  considera- 
tion. 

Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt  also  produced  the  receipt  of  Gerard 
Bancker,  Deputy  Treasurer,  on  behalf  of  Peter  V.  Brugh 
Livingston,  Esqr.  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  for  the  said 
sum  of  fifty-five  thousand  three  hundred  pounds,  which  was 
read,  and  is  hereunto  annexed. 

"  Received,  at  different  times,  from  Mr.  Isaac  Roosevelt, 
sundry  parcels  of  money,  amounting  to  fifty-five  thousand 
three  hundred  pounds,  which  was  emitted  by  order  of  Con- 
vention of  the  State  of  New- York,  and  which  Mr.  Roose- 
velt had  printed  and  signed  by  order  of  said  Convention. 

"  Reed,  for  P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON, 

Treasurer, 

"  £55,300.  "  Gerard  Bancker. 

"Harlem,  August  3rd,  1776." 

Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  (according  to  order,)  report- 
ed a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  having  resolved  that  the  city  of 
New-York  be  deserted  if  necessary,  and  on  different  ar- 
rangements of  militia  and  rangers  ordered  to  be  raised  for 
actual  service,  which  was  read,  amended,  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Harlem,  7th  August,  1776,  A.  M. 

"  Gent. — As  the  defence  of  this  State  is  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  safety  of  America,  this  Convention  have 
not  only  exerted  their  utmost  strength,  but  cheerfully  agreed 
to  sacrifice  local  attachments  and  a  great  share  of  their 
property  to  the  attainment  of  these  desirable  ends. 

"This  will  fully  appear  by  the  paper  No.  1,  and  the 
other  enclosures.  We  regret  an  unfortunate  mistake  which 
prevented  your  receiving  them  much  earlier,  since  we  can- 
not but  flatter  ourselves  that  a  communication  of  them  to 
the  Congress,  would  at  the  same  time  have  afforded  plea- 
sure to  that  Honourable  Body,  and  called  forth  every  aid 
which  they  could  render  to  the  cause  of  liberty  and  a  sis- 
ter State,  in  our  critical  situation. 

"  We  can  with  pleasure  assure  you,  that  by  far  the 
greater  part  of  the  levies  ordered  by  the  Congress  to  be 
raised  from  our  militia,  are  completed,  and  at  their  several 
stations  ;  that  almost  the  whole  of  those  drafted  in  conse- 
quence of  the  enclosed  resolution,  will,  by  the  time  this 
reaches  you,  be  at  those  posts  which  is  thought  necessary 
to  occupy,  least  the  enemy  should  cut  off  the  communica- 
tion between  the  army  at  New- York  and  the  country.  The 
whole  number  of  drafts  from  the  mililia  of  this  State,  ex- 
clusive of  the  Continental  battalion  raised  therein,  will 
amount,  as  we  conceive  when  completed,  to  about  9,000 
men  ;  though  the  stations  the  last  levies  will  occupy  on 
our  frontiers  in  the  Highlands  and  on  Long  island,  pre- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


561 


vents  their  adding  to  the  strength  of  the  army  at  New- 
York,  much  as  it  needs  their  assistance. 

"  It  gives  us  great  p;iin  to  inform  you  that  the  aid  re- 
ceived from  our  sister  States  is  very  inadequate  to  our  ex- 
pectations, none  of  them  having  yet  completed  the  levies 
directed  by  Congress,  which  leaves  us  reason  to  fear  that 
instead  of  using  every  means  that  human  wisdom  dictates 
for  ensuring  success,  we  shall,  (with  inferior  numbers,) 
on  the  doubtful  issue  of  a  single  battle,  hazard  the  glorious 
cause  for  which  we  have  hitherto  struggled. 

"  A  considerable  detachment  from  the  flying  camp  might 
supply  this  defect,  and  afford  us  speedy  succour,  without 
the  least  danger  to  the  middle  Colonies,  since  it  is  now 
evident  that  the  blow  is  aimed  at  New-York,  and  may 
perhaps  be  struck  while  you  are  deliberating  on  this  mea- 
sure. 

"  The  season  of  the  year,  and  the  immediate  demand  for 
troops,  obliged  us  to  give  very  considerable  bounties.  We 
flatter  ourselves,  therefore,  that  our  burthens  will  not  be 
increased  by  any  delay  to  take  into  the  pay  of  the  Conti- 
nent all  but  those  ordered  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of 
the  city  of  Albany.  Such  as  are  to  be  employed  on  the 
frontiers  are  doubtless  of  general  utility,  and  rendered  ne- 
cessary by  the  extreme  weakness  of  the  northern  army. 
Should  the  Congress  think  otherwise,  we  propose  to  retain 
them  at  our  own  expense,  since  we  are  determined  to  ne- 
glect no  measure,  (however  burthensome,)  if  within  our 
reach,  which  we  conceive  necessary  for  the  safely  of  Ame- 
rica. 

"  You  will  see  from  one  of  the  enclosures,  that  a  secret 
committee  are  appointed  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river.  In  the  execution  of  this  design,  they  must 
necessarily  run  into  some  expense,  as  the  forts  in  the  High- 
lands aie  not  properly  furnished  with  cannon,  boats,  fire 
ships,  booms,  &c.  This  has  hitherto  been  a  Continental 
object,  and  under  the  immediate  direction  of  Congress. 
We  hope,  therefore,  our  endeavours  to  render  this  work 
effectual,  will  meet  the  approbation  of  that  Honourable 
Body,  and  be  considered  as  a  Continental  charge. 

"  Your  prudence  will  suggest  the  use  to  which  this  letter, 
and  the  enclosures,  ought  to  be  applied,  to  which  we  sub- 
mit it,  and  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  Delegates  for  the 

State  of  New-York,  at  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  the  Dele- 
gates of  this  State  at  Congress,  with  copies  of  all  the  re- 
solutions and  orders  therein  menlioned. 

Major  Abeel,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report  on 
the  letter  of  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York, 
relative  to  prisoners  apprehended  in  Bergen  woods,  and 
now  in  jail,  brought  in  their  report,  which  report  was  read. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of 
New-York,  do  order  the  persons  mentioned  in  their  letter 
of  the  second  instant,  to  have  been  taken  up  by  order  of 
His  Excellency  General  Washington,  to  be  delained  in  the 
jail  of  the  said  city  until  the  further  order  of  this  Conven- 
tion ;  and  that  the  said  committee  order  a  reasonable  daily 
subsistence  to  such  of  them  as  are  in  indigent  circumstan- 
ces ;  and  also  to  all  such  persons  as  may  hereafter  be  there 
confined  for  the  safety  of  this  State,  and  who  are  unable  to 
support  themselves.  And 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  provide  for  the  pay- 
ment of  such  subsistence  when  the  accounts  thereof  are 
presented,  properly  authenticated. 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  the  state  of  the  troopers  in  the  militia,  reported  the  follow- 
ing resolutions,  which  were  unanimously  resolved  on  and 
agreed  to  : 

Whereas,  the  service  of  troopers  does  materially  dif- 
fer from  that  of  others  in  the  militia,  whereby  it  may  fre- 
quently happen  that  horse  may  not  be  necessary  for  the 

141 


defence  of  the  State,  at  the  same  time  with  foot ;  and 
on  the  contrary,  foot  may  not  be  necessary  at  the  same 
time  with  horse,  or  when  both  are  necessary,  yet  not 
in  equal  proportions  :  Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  establishment  of  the 
troopers  shall  be  considered  as  totally  different  from  that 
of  the  other  militia  in  this  State,  so  that  any  general  order 
for  drafting  the  militia  shall  apply  only  to  the  foot  soldiers, 
and  any  general  order  for  the  troop  of  horse  shall  apply 
only  to  them. 

Whereas,  the  defence  of  this  State  may  require  the 
immediate  service  of  the  several  troops  of  horse  in  the 
counties  of  Ulster,  Orange,  Dutchess  and  Westchester: 
Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be,  and 
he  hereby  is  empowered  to  order  out  the  whole,  or  any 
part  or  detachment  of  the  said  troop,  or  either  of  them, 
for  such  time  or  times  as  he  may  think  necessary,  until 
the  last  day  of  December  next,  unless  otherwise  ordered 
by  this  Convention,  or  future  executive  power  of  this 
State,  and  that  provision  shall  be  made  for  their  pay  and 
subsistence. 

Ordered,  That  the  former  of  the  above  two  resolutions 
be  printed  in  the  public  newspapers,  and  that  the  latter  of 
the  said  resolutions  be  served  on  Genl.  Clinton,  and  on  the 
several  brigadier-generals  of  the  counties  therein  mention- 
ed, with  directions  to  communicate  the  same  to  the  seve- 
ral colonels  commanding  the  said  troops. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  Ge- 
neral Scott  being  admitted  to  take  a  seat  in  this  Convention, 
be  farther  postponed  till  Friday  next. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

August  8th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  President. 
Colo.  Remsen,  Major  Abeel,  Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  P.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.— Ulster. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston— Albany. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 
Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  John  Berrien  and  Henry  Wilmot,  Esqrs. 
dated  and  received  yesterday,  was  read  and  filed.  They 
therein  mention  that  they  had  by  application  to  the  Re- 
verend Mr.  Inglis,  obtained  the  telescope  belonging  to 
the  college,  for  the  use  of  His  Excellency  General  Wa- 
shington, and  delivered  it  to  his  aid-de-camp,  whom  the 
General  had  sent  to  receive  it;  that  Mr.  Inglis  readily 
consented  to  the  delivery  of  it,  and  the  General  had  been 
anxious  to  obtain  it. 

That  they  had  procured  all  the  books  and  papers  belong- 
ing to  the  Receiver-General's  office,  and  sent  them  under  a 
guard  by  Lieut.  Thomas  Lawrence. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  take  the  care  and  charge 
of  all  the  books  and  papers  taken  from  the  Receiver-Gene- 
ral's office,  until  further  order. 

The  Convention  was  informed  that  Thomas  Hicks, 
Esqr.  Edward  Willett,  Senr.  and  Edward  Willett,  brought 
in  custody  by  a  guard  of  the  troopers  of  Queens  county,  are 
attending. 

The  State  of  New-York,  \ 
vs.  > 
Edward  Willett.  ) 

Edward  Willett,  Senr.  being  brought  in  and 
examined,  says,  that  he,  the  examinant,  delivered  to  Ed- 


562 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


ward  Willett  a  letter  for  the  sheriff  of  Queens  county,  but 
does  not  know  whether  it  was  from  Govt.  Tryon  ;  that  he 
got  said  letter  at  Jamaica  from  Nathaniel  Mills ;  thinks 
Mills  said  he  got  it  from  Livingston  or  Depeyster,  but  does 
not  know  exactly ;  that  Mills  said  he  had  received  that 
letter  the  same  morning  he  had  delivered  it  to  the  exami- 
nant,  but  declared  he  did  not  know  the  contents  ;  that  he 
never  conversed  with  the  sheriff  since  he  received  the  said 
letter. 

The  examination  of  the  said  Edward  Willett,  Senr.  by 
him  subscribed,  is  on  file. 

Edward  Willett,  Junr.  brother  of  Thomas  Willett,  ex- 
amined, says,  that  he  did  deliver  to  his  brother,  Sheriff 
Willett,  a  letter  from  Govr.  Tryon,  enclosing  a  proclama- 
tion from  Lord  Howe  and  Genl.  Howe  ;  that  Mr.  Edward 
Willett  of  Flushing,  gave  said  letter  to  the  examinant; 
that  he  did  not  ask  Edward  Willett  where  he  got  it,  nor 
did  said  Edward  tell  him  ;  that  he  hath  never  read  said 
letter  ;  that  he  heard  his  brother  say  it  was  from  Governor 
Tryon,  and  saw  the  proclamation  contained  in  the  said 
letter  ;  that  he  does  not  know  whether  his  brother  intended 
to  publish  said  letter  upon  the  receipt  thereof ;  that  no 
conversation  passed  between  them  relating  to  the  said 
proclamation ;  that  he  hath  had  no  conversation  upon  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  with  his  said  brother ;  that 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  was  read  off  at  the  head 
of  the  companies  in  Queens  county  nearly  about  the  time 
when  the  said  letter  was  received  ;  that  he  had  heard  of 
the  Declaration  of  Independence  frequently  before  the  said 
publication  thereof. 

The  examination  of  the  said  Ed.  Willett,  Junr.  by  him 
subscribed,  is  on  file. 
State  of  New-York,  ^ 

Thomas  Hicks,  Esqr.  J 

Examination  before  the  Convention,  &c.  8th  Augt.  1776. 

Believes  he  saw  a  letter  from  Govr.  Tryon,  enclosing  a 
Declaration  of  Lord  Howe  and  Genl.  Howe,  which  was 
sent  to  Sheriff  Willett ;  does  not  remember  that  the  she- 
riff asked  him  how  far  he  would  or  would  not  be  safe  in 
publishing  that  Declaration  ;  that  examinant  upon  conver- 
sing wilhTthe  said  sheriff,  did  at  first  consider  the  publish- 
ing^ the  said  Declaration  as  trifling,  but  upon  adverting 
to  a  resolution  of  the  Convention,  did  tell  him,  "  That  ex- 
aminant did  not  know  how  far  the  said  publication  might 
under  that  resolution  be  considered  as  adhering  to  the  ene- 
my, and  consequently  treason  ;  wherefore,  examinant  was 
of  opinion  that  the  publishing  said  declaration  was  dange- 
rous ;"  that  said  sheriff  declared  to  examinant  that  he  was 
determined  to  publish  the  same,  for  that  he  would  do  his 
duty  let  the  consequences  be  what  they  would,  or  some- 
thing to  that  effect ;  which  declaration  was  made,  as  ex- 
aminant thinks,  posterior  to  the  delivering  of  his  opinion 
as  aforesaid,  but  is  not  certain  ;  does  not  remember  that 
the  sheriff  gave  as  a  reason  for  publishing  said  Declaration, 
that  the  Congress  had  published  it  themselves,  although  he 
may  have  given  the  same  as  a  reason;  and  did  not  think 
from  the  general  tenor  of  the  conversation,  that  the  sheritf 
meant  to  ask  his  advice,  or  to  be  guided  by  it,  but  that  it 
was  a  mere  matter  of  chat  or  news  between  them  ;  that  ex- 
aminant does  not  believe  he  should  have  had  any  conversa- 
tion with  said  sheriff  upon  the  subject,  had  he  not  asked 
to  see  the  said  Declaration,  being  curious  to  know  what 
terms  were  offered,  and  having  heard  from  Doctor  Johnston 
that  the  sheriff  had  received  it,  examinant  may  have  told 
the  sheriff  during  the  course  of  the  conversation,  that  as 
the  Congress  had  published  it,  there  would  be  no  harm  for 
him  to  do  it,  but  does  not  recollect  that  he  did  ;  does  not 
recollect  whether  he  had  any  conversation  with  the  sheriff 
upon  the  subject  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence  ; 
though  possibly  he  might  have  had. 

c  v  THO.  HICKS. 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Hicks,  Esqr.  Edward  Willett, 
and  Edward  Willett  the  younger,  be  discharged  ;  the  evi- 


dence which  had  been  given  against  them  not  appearing 
sufficient  for  their  detention. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Samuel  Riker,  Joseph  Robinson 
and  William  Furman,  or  any  two  of  them  be,  and  are  hereby, 
authorized  and  required  to  call  before  them  Nathaniel  Mills, 
of  Jamaica,  and  examine  him,  from  whom,  and  when,  and 
where,  he  received  a  letter,  or  packet,  directed  to  the  she- 
riff of  Queens  county,  and  which  he  lately  delivered  to  Ed- 
ward Willett ;  that  they,  or  any  two  of  them,  do  likewise 
call  before  them  and  examine  all  such  other  persons  as  thev 
may  think  necessary,  to  discover  by  what  means,  or  com- 
munication, that  letter  was  brought  from  the  enemy  ;  that 
they  be,  and  are  hereby,  authorized  to  command  to  their 
assistance,  from  time  to  time,  any  number  of  the  troopers, 
or  militia,  which  they  may  think  necessary,  and  to  send 
for,  search  for,  and  secure  persons  and  papers,  and,  if  they 
shall  think  proper,  to  send  them  to  this  Convention  ;  and 
that  they  report  their  proceedings  in  the  premises  to  this 
Convention,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  yesterday,  to 
report  regulations  for  establishing  a  fund  in  this  State  be, 
and  is  hereby,  dissolved. 

Whereas  there  might  probably  be  a  want  of  cash  in  the 
treasury  of  this  Stale,  before  more  can  be  obtained,  other- 
wise than  by  loan, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr. 
Beekman,  be  a  committee  to  borrow  and  procure  on  loan 
for  this  State,  any  sums,  not  exceeding  in  the  whole  the 
sum  of  ten  thousand  pounds,  to  be  repaid  in  a  short  time, 
without  interest;  for  payment  whereof  [this  Convention] 
shall  be  liable,  and  will  indemnify  the  said  committee,  and 
each  of  them. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  8th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Pkesext — Brigadier-General  Woodhull,  Presidt. 

Colo.  Broome,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Dunscombe,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 

Mr.  Morris —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  P.  R.  Livingston — 

Albany. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.— Ulster. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Outwater  —Orange. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sackett,.  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hen.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Major  Lawrence,  Colo.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Geneial  Washington,  da- 
ted this  day,  giving  the  intelligence  received  by  two  de- 
serters from  the  Solebay  man  of  war,  was  read,  and  is 
hereinafter  inserted,  vizt : 

"  New-York,  August  8th,  1776. 
"  Sir — By  this  I  mean  to  communicate  to  your  Ho- 
nourable Body  the  substance  of  the  intelligence  I  received 
yesterday,  from  two  deserters  that  came  from  the  Solebay 
man  of  war  the  evening  before.  They  inform  that  they 
were  in  the  engagement  at  Sullivan's  island,  and  give  near- 
ly the  same  account  that  was  transmitted  by  Genl.  Lee, 
which  you  would  see  published  by  Congress.  They  add 
that  they  left  South  Carolina  about  three  weeks  ago,  with 
Genl.  Clinton  and  his  whole  army,  who  are  now  arrived, 
and  landed  on  Staten  island.  They  also  say  that  part  of 
Lord  Howe's  fleet,  wiih  Hessian  and  Highland  troops  on 
board,  have  got  in,  and  that  the  remainder,  with  a  conside- 
rable body,  is  hourly  expected  ;  which  those  that  have  come 
in,  parted  from  in  a  gale  of  wind  off  the  banks  of  Newfound- 
land. 

"  As  the  accounts  given  by  these  men  are  direct  and 
circumstantial,  and  their  authenticity  corroborated  by  many 
oilier  things  that  have  occurred,  it  is  not  to  be  doubled  but 
the  number  of  the  enemy's  army  will  greatly  exceed  ours. 
Their  force,  which  was  generally  expected  would  be  con- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION.  563 


siderable  of  itself,  the  unexpected  augmentation  of  General 
Clinton's  army,  makes  it  more  so.  On  the  other  hand,  ours 
does  not  come  up  to  the  intended  establishment. 

"  Under  these  circumstances,  and  as  we  may  expect 
the  period  just  at  hand,  when  they  will  make  their  vigor- 
ous push,  I  submit  it  to  the  consideration  of  your  Honoura- 
ble Body  whether  it  may  not  be  necessary  for  your  exer- 
tions to  be  employed,  in  calling,  in  the  most  expeditious 
manner,  such  reinforcements  as  you  can  obtain,  to  the  aid 
of  this  army. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 

A  letter  of  this  date,  from  His  Excellency  Washington, 
relative  to  the  militia  called  forth  from  the  counties  of 
Dutches,  Ulster,  Westchester  and  Orange,  was  read,  and 
hereafter  follows,  vizt : 

"  New-York,  Augt.  8th,  1776. 
"  Sirs — I  have  been  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the  6lh 
inst.  and  am  happy  to  find  the  nomination  I  made  of  Genl. 
Clinton,  in  consequence  of  your  request  to  appoint  an  offi- 
cer to  the  command  of  the  levies  on  both  sides  of  Hudson's 
river,  has  met  the  approbation  of  your  Honourable  Body. 
His  acquaintance  with  the  country,  abilities,  and  zeal  for 
the  cause,  were  the  motives  that  induced  me  to  make 
choice  of  him. 

"  However,  I  am  led  to  conclude  from  that  part  of  your 
letter  which  desires  me  to  transmit  him  his  appointment, 
with  the  resolution  subjecting  the  levies  on  both  sides  of 
the  river  to  his  command,  that  your  Honourable  Body  en- 
tertain ideas  of  the  matter  somewhat  different  from  what  I 
do  or  ever  did. 

"When  I  was  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  16th 
ulto.  with  the  resolves  of  Convention  upon  this  subject,  the 
state  of  the  army  under  my  command,  would  not  allow  me 
to  send  a  general  officer  in  the  Continental  service  to  com- 
mand the  levies  you  then  proposed  to  raise,  supposing  I 
had  been  authorized  to  do  it ;  but  considering  myself  with- 
out power  in  this  instance,  the  levies  altogether  of  a  pro- 
vincial nature,  to  be  iaised  by  you  and  subject  to  your  di- 
rection, I  esteemed  the  nomination  of  a  general  officer  over 
them  intrusted  to  my  choice  a  matter  of  favour  and  of 
compliment,  and  as  such  I  gratefully  felt  it.  I  am  per- 
suaded I  expressed  myself  in  this  manner  to  the  gentle- 
men who  were  pleased  to  attend  me  upon  the  occasion, 
and  that  they  had  the  same  ideas.  Under  the  influence  of 
this  opinion,  all  I  expected,  was  that  an  appointment  would 
be  made  in  conformity  to  my  nomination,  if  there  was  no 
objection  to  the  gentleman  I  proposed  ;  considering  then 
as  1  do  now,  if  he  was  approved  by  Convention,  he  was 
their  officer,  and  deriving  his  appointment  and  authority 
from  them.  In  this  light  I  presume  Genl.  Clinton  must 
be  viewed,  and  his  powers  over  the  levies,  you  allude  to, 
flow  from  you.  Lest  accident  may  have  mislaid  the  let- 
ter I  wrote  you  on  the  subject,  I  have  enclosed  an  extract 
of  it,  so  far  as  it  had  relation  to  it. 

"  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  send  an  experienced  officer  at 
this  time  to  the  post  you  mention  ;  I  trust  that  Colo.  Clin- 
ton will  be  equal  to  the  command  of  both  of  the  Highland 
fortifications,  they  are  under  his  direction  at  present. 

"  In  respect  to  the  two  commissaries,  I  thought  the  mat- 
ter had  been  fixed,  but  as  it  is  not,  I  have  requested  Mr. 
Trumbull,  who  has  the  charge  of  this,  to  wait  upon  and 
agree  with  the  Convention  on  proper  persons  to  conduct 
the  business,  and  in  such  a  way  that  their  purchases  and 
his  may  not  clash  ;  to  him  therefore  I  beg  leave  to  refer 
you  upon  this  subject. 

"  I  am  extremely  obliged  by  the  order  for  the  telescope. 
I  have  obtained  it  and  will  try  to  employ  it  for  the  valuable 
purpose  you  designed  it. 

"  I  shall  pay  proper  attention  to  your  members  and  per- 
sons employed  in  their  service,  and  give  it  in  general  or- 
ders that  ihey  be  permitted  to  pass  our  guards  without  in- 
terruption. 


"  Before  I  conclude  I  cannot  but  express  my  fears  lest 
the  enemy's  army,  so  largely  augmented,  should  possess 
themselves  of  the  whole  stock  on  Long  island  ;  when  the 
further  reinforcement  arrives  which  they  hourly  expect 
they  may  do  it  without  a  possibilty  on  our  part  of  prevent- 
ing them.  I  wish  the  Convention  may  not  see  cause  to 
regret  that  they  were  not  removed. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 

The  Convention  having  taken  General  Washington's  let- 
ters into  consideration, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Brigadier  General  Clin- 
ton be  and  he  hereby  is  appointed  to  the  command  of  all 
the  levies  raised  and  to  be  raised  in  the  counties  of  Ulster, 
Orange  and  Westchester,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of 
this  Convention,  of  the  day  of  July  last. 

Resolved,  That  General  Clinton  be  informed  of  this  ap- 
pointment, and  directed  immediately  to  send  expresses  to 
the  counties  of  Ulster,  Dutchess,  Orange  and  Westchester, 
and  order  them  to  hasten  their  levies,  and  to  march  them 
down  to  the  fort  now  erected  on  the  north  side  of  King's 
Bridge,  leaving  200  men  under  the  command  of  a  brave 
and  alert  officer  to  take  possession  of  and  throw  up  works 
at  the  pass  of  Anthony's  Nose. 

Resolved,  That  General  Clinton  be  requested  to  order 
the  troops  of  horse  belonging  to  the  counties  of  Ulster, 
Orange  and  Westchester  immediately  to  march  to  such 
posts  as  he  may  think  proper  that  they  should  occupy,  in 
order  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy's  ships  of  war, 
now  in  Hudson's  river. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Clinton,  to  accompany  the 
above  resolutions,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Convention,  &c. 

•'  Sir — I  have  the  pleasure  of  informing  you  that,  with 
the  approbation  of  General  Washington,  you  are  appointed 
to  the  command  of  the  levies  last  raised  by  order  of  the 
Convention  of  this  Slate,  which  the  Convention  hope  will 
be  agreeable  to  you. 

"  The  accounts  received  from  General  Washington  are  of 
a  very  alarming  nature,  and  require  our  utmost  exertions. 
You  are,  therefore,  to  send  expresses  to  Dutchess,  Ulster, 
Orange  and  Westchester  counties,  and  order  the  new  levies 
to  march  with  the  utmost  expedition  to  the  post  erected  on 
the  north  side  of  King's  Bridge,  since  it  is  of  the  last  im- 
portance to  prevent  the  enemy  occupying  that  post,  and 
cutting  off  the  communication  between  the  army  in  town 
and  the  country.  You  will  observe  that  the  Convention 
direct  two  hundred  men  to  be  left  to  guard  the  pass  on 
Anthony's  Nose  ;  you  can  not  be  ignorant  of  its  impor- 
tance. They,  therefore,  doubt  not  that  you  will  take  care 
to  order  works  to  be  thrown  up,  and  supplied,  if  possible, 
with  a  couple  of  cannon,  which  we  suppose  may  be  ob- 
tained from  Kingston.  The  guarding  the  coasts  against 
any  attempts  from  the  shipping  is  submitted  to  your  discre- 
tion, in  which  the  Convention  repose  the  utmost  confidence. 
I  would  just  add  that  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Convention 
that  you  should  march  yourself,  with  those  levies  that  are 
nearest  at  hand,  and  leave  orders  for  the  remainder  to  fol- 
low you  as  soon  as  they  can  be  collected. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  &c. 

"  To  Brigadier  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  with  a  certified  copy  of 
the  resolutions  relating  to  Brigadier-General  Clinton  and 
the  militia  put  under  his  command,  therein  enclosed. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Josiah  Smilh  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
ordered  immediately  to  march  all  his  new  levies  to  the 
western  end  of  Nassau  island,  and  within  two  miles  of 
Brigadier-General  Greene's  encampment ;  and  that  he 
obey  such  orders  as  he  may  receive  from  time  to  time 
from  Brigadier-General  Greene. 


t 


564 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  General  Woodhull  forward  the  last  pre- 
ceding resolution  to  Colo.  Josiah  Smith,  by  express,  or 
that  he  direct  the  captain  of  the  troop  of  Queens  county  to 
forward  it  by  one  of  his  troopers,  with  a  letter  of  directions 
to  Colo.  Smith. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, to  cover  copies  of  the  resolutions  for  calling  the  militia 
to  the  fortification  beyond  King's  Bridge,  and  Colo.  Smith's 
regiment  to  General  Greene's  brigade,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New-York  to  enclose  to  your  Excellency  sundry  resolu- 
tions which  they  have  entered  into,  in  consequence  of  part 
of  your  letter  of  this  date.  The  Convention  have  further 
measures  in  contemplation  for  the  security  of  this  Stale, 
which  they  conceive  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  gene- 
ral cause  of  America.  So  soon  as  they  are  determined  on 
I  shall  give  your  Excellency  immediate  notice,  and  at  the 
same  time  answer  your  two  letters  of  this  date  in  a  more 
particular  manner  than  the  hurry  of  business  will  at  pre- 
sent admit  of, 

"  I  have  the  honor  be, 

"  Most  respectfully,  &c." 
"  To  His  Excellency  General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  together  with  copies  of 
the  resolutions  above  mentioned,  transmitted  to  the  Gene- 
ral immediately. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Abraham  Le  Dieu  of  Westchester 
county,  offering  to  raise  a  company  of  volunteers  as  a  part 
of  Colo.  Thomas'  regiment,  was  read  and  considered. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Abraham  Ledieu  be,  and  is 
hereby,  authorized  to  raise  one  company  of  volunteers  to 
serve  in  the  regiment  of  militia  of  Westchester  county, 
called  into  service  and  commanded  by  Colo.  Thomas,  and 
that  so  many  of  the  said  company  as  do  now  belong  to  the 
militia  of  Westchester  county  be  considered  as  part  of  the 
number  ordered  to  be  raised  by  drafts  from  the  respective 
regiments  of  the  said  militia  to  which  they  do  belong ; 
And 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Colo.  Hamman  and  the  major  of 
the  said  regiment  do  determine  on  the  subalterns  who  shall 
be  called  into  service  in  that  company,  having  regard  to 
the  rank  of  the  officers  of  the  regimeut  to  which  they  be- 
long, agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  for 
calling  out  a  part  of  that  regiment  into  actual  service  ; 
And 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  said  Capt.  Le  Dieu  apply  to 
Colo.  Thomas  for  a  proportion  of  bounty  money  for  his 
men,  and  shew  him  this  copy  of  our  resolution.  And 
that  Capt.  Le  Dieu  join  Colo.  Thomas'  regiment  with  his 
said  company  as  soon  as  possible. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  9th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Abeel,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Mr  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — 
Dutches. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Dr.  Outwaler,  Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dewit—  Ulster. 

General  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland 
—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Major  Lawrence— Queens. 


The  examination  of  Jacob  Halstead,  of  Orange  county, 
farmer,  taken  before  A.  H.  Hay,  Esqr.  the  7th  August, 
1776,  wherein  he  gives  a  particular  account  of  the  burning 
of  his  house,  near  the  Donderberg,  by  some  of  the  crew 
belonging  to  the  ships  of  war  now  in  Hudson's  river. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table. 

The  petition  of  James  Cargill,  saltpetre  maker,  praying 
to  be  exempted  from  military  duty  ;  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  consider  and  report  what  manufactu- 
rers ought  to  be  exempted  from  military  duty. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration and  report  on  the  letters  from  Corns.  C.  Roose- 
velt and  Capt.  Hamilton  was  read  ;  whereupon  the  Con- 
vention came  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  company  of  artillery 
formerly  raised  by  Capt.  Hamilton  under  the  authority  of 
the  State,  be,  according  to  a  resolution  of  the  late  Con- 
vention of  the  day  of  June  last,  considered  as  a  part 
of  the  number  ordered  to  be  raised  by  the  Continental 
Congress  from  the  militia  of  this  State  ;  and  therefore 
that  the  said  company  be,  and  hereby  is,  incorporated  into 
Genl.  Scott's  brigade  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Corns.  C.  Roosevelt  be 
allowed  a  reasonable  compensation  for  the  beef  and  pork 
which  he  has  furnished  to  Capt.  Hamilton's  company  of 
artillery  since  the  27th  day  of  June  last,  beyond  the  con- 
tract by  him  made  with  this  Convention  ;  and  that  such 
compensation  be  adjusted  by  the  Auditor-General  of  this 
State  ;  and  that  the  said  Corns.  C.  Roosevelt  do  no  longer 
supply  the  said  company  with  provisions. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Scott,  Capt.  Hamilton  and  Mr. 
Corns.  C.  Roosevelt  be  each  of  them  furnished  with  a 
copy  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ogden,  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of 
Westchester  county,  furnish  Rinier  Van  Housen  and 
Henry  Dawkins,  now  in  his  custody,  with  provisions  for 
their  subsistence  ;  and  that  he  be  allowed  14d.  per  day  for 
each  of  them  till  further  order. 

Sundry  resolutions  relative  to  persons  who  have  or  may 
hereafter  join  or  assist  the  army  or  navy  of  Great  Britain, 
were  moved  by  Mr.  Duer  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  taken  into  consideration  to- 
morrow morning. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
the  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  which  was 
read,  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  received  your  Excellency's  favours  of  yes- 
terday, and  have,  agreeable  to  your  request,  made  out 
Genl.  Clinton's  appointment.  As  your  Excellency  seemed 
to  think  the  mililia  necessary,  and  had  accordingly  called 
them  out,  both  from  this  and  the  New-England  States  ; 
we,  upon  finding  that  they  served  with  great  reluctance  at 
this  busy  season  of  the  year,  and  were  constantly  quitting 
their  posts  to  return  to  their  farms,  raised  troops  at  great 
expense  in  order  to  supply  their  place,  conceiving  that 
they  would  be  considered  in  the  same  point  of  view  and 
entitled  (agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress  with  re- 
spect to  the  militia  called  out  in  time  of  actual  invasion) 
to  Continental  pay  and  subsistence.  If  in  this  we  have 
been  mistaken,  we  only  lament  our  error  so  far  as  it  may 
have  given  your  Excellency  some  trouble,  since  no  pe- 
cuniary consideration  shall  make  us  relax  those  measures 
that  are  necessary  to  add  strength  to  the  great  cause  in 
which  we  are  now  engaged.  We  shall,  therefore,  retain 
the  levies  in  our  pay,  subjecting  them,  however,  implicitly 
to  your  Excellency's  command,  till  you  shall  think  them 
unnecessary.  In  the  mean  while,  the  duty  we  owe  our 
constituents  obliges  us  to  request  that  your  Excellency 
will  be  pleased  to  hint  the  utility  of  this  measure  to  the 
Congress,  in  which  case  we  dare  safely  rely  upon  their 
justice  for  reimbursing  our  expense  except  as  to  the  boun- 
ty, for  which,  considerable  as  it  is,  we  expect  no  com- 
pensation. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


565 


"  In  order  to  avoid  the  confusion  that  will  arise  from  the 
appointment  of  officers  who  may  afterwards  be  removed 
if  our  levies  should  be  placed  on  the  Continental  esta- 
blishment ;  we  shall  appoint  as  commissaries  the  persons 
Colo.  Trumbull  nominated,  especially  as  their  charac- 
ters are  unexceptionable,  and  we  beg  that  he  will  take  the 
direction  of  them  till  we  are  informed  by  Congress  of  the 
light  in  which  they  are  to  be  considered. 

"  We  consider  the  order  mentioned  in  your  letter,  as 
an  additional  proof  of  that  attention  to  the  members  of  this 
Convention,  which  your  Excellency  has  before  so  frequent- 
ly manifested,  and  which  they  conceive  themselves  bound 
gratefully  to  acknowledge.  We  see  in  the  same  point  of 
view,  the  communication  of  that  interesting  intelligence 
received  from  the  deserters. 

"  It  is  our  great  misfortune  that  at  this  important  crisis, 
this  State  is  unable  to  make  those  exertions  which  the 
cause  of  America  requires.  From  the  disaffection  of 
some  amongst  us  ;  from  the  want  of  arms  ;  from  the  ex- 
posed situation  of  Long  island  and  our  frontiers  ;  from 
the  possession  of  one  county  by  the  enemy,  and  the  pro- 
bability of  our  being  soon  called  upon  to  reinforce  the 
northern  army,  we  are  unable  to  add  much  strength  to  the 
troops  under  your  Excellency's  cammand,  being  by  the  se- 
veral reasons  above  mentioned,  deprived  of  the  assistance  of 
nine  counties  out  of  fourteen  which  compose  this  Slate. 
Notwithstanding  all  these  difficulties,  we  are  determined 
to  combat  every  obstacle,  and  to  strain  every  nerve  in  de- 
fence of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  which  we 
conceive  to  be  most  materially  interested  in  the  safety  of 
this  State.  By  our  resolutions  for  ordering  the  several 
drafts  made  in  the  counties  of  Suffolk,  Queens,  Kings, 
Westchester,  Dutches,  Ulster  and  Orange,  to  the  envi- 
rons of  New-York,  we  hope  in  about  six  days  to  add  near 
3,000  men  to  your  army. 

"  We  lament  exceedingly  that  we  should  have  occasion 
to  complain  of  the  languid  efforts  which  the  neighbouring 
States  have  made  for  our  assistance.  From  the  zeal  they 
professed  for  the  public  cause;  from  the  vicinity  of  some 
of  them  to  this  invaded  country,  and  from  the  dangerous 
situation  in  which  Connecticut,  Massachusetts,  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Jersey  must  be  in  should  the  enemy  succeed  in 
their  designs  against  this  State,  we  expect  the  most  stre- 
nuous and  expeditious  exertions.  How  great  our  concern 
at  finding  so  considerable  a  deficiency  in  the  establishment 
for  this  army  your  Excellency  may  easily  judge  from  the 
feelings  of  a  patriotic  bosom  on  the  importance  of  the 
cause,  and  the  dangers  to  which  it  is  by  these  means  ex- 
posed. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves,  however,  that  this  supineness 
will  not  be  of  any  duration,  and  that  the  Continental  Con- 
gress will  devise  means  of  affording  the  most  expeditious 
and  effectual  assistance  to  preserve  a  State,  the  loss  of 
which,  from  its  geographical  situation,  and  the  political 
character  of  too  many  of  its  inhabitants,  would  be  almost 
fatal  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty. 
"  We  have  the  honr.  to  be, 

"  With  great  esteem  and  regard, 

"  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order." 

Friday  Afternoon,  August  9th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major 
Abeel,  Genl.  Scott— New-York. 

Mr.  Smith,  Major  Lawrence  —  Queens. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sacket,  Major  Schenk — 
Dutches. 

Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Col.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

142 


Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  J.  Hardenbrook,  of  Brigadier-Genl. 
Scott's  brigade,  complaining  of  a  deficiency  of  arms  and 
accoutrements  in  the  companies  under  his  command. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  deliver  to  Lieut.  Col. 
Johns.  Hardenbergh  72  guns,  muskets  or  firelocks,  for  the 
use  of  such  of  his  men  as  are  unprovided,  taking  Colo. 
Hardenbergh's  receipt  to  be  accountable  for  the  payment 
of  the  value  of  those  arms,  and  for  that  purpose  stoppa- 
ges be  made  out  of  their  pay. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood  deliver  to  Lieut.  Col. 
Johns.  Hardenbergh  162  carlouch  boxes  or  pouches,  for 
the  use  of  such  of  his  men  as  have  none,  taking  Colo. 
Hardenbergh's  receipt  to  be  accountable  for  the  payment 
of  the  value  of  the  same,  and  for  that  purpose  that  the 
proper  stoppages  be  made  out  of  their  pay. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Drake,  late  colonel  of  the  first  re- 
giment of  militia  in  Westchester  county,  dated  at  New 
Rochel,  August  6th,  1776,  wherein  he  sels  forth  his  con- 
duct relative  to  drafting  men  out  of  his  regiment,  together 
with  the  reasons  of  his  resignation,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  committee 
appointed  to  inquire  into  and  report  on  the  cause  of  the  de- 
lay made  by  Colo.  Drake  in  drafting  the  men  out  of  his 
regiment,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

August  \0(h,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Woodhull,  Prest. 

Mr.  P.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Major  Abeel,  Mr. 
Beekman — New-York. 

Mr.  Smith,  Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Duer — For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Dr.  Outwater — Orange. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Genl.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham,  Genl.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 
Whereas  certain  machines  now  in  the  city  of  New- York, 
said  to  be  the  property  of  Capt.  Foy,  and  left  in  the  care 
of  John  H.  Cruger,  Esqr.  are  found  to  be  immediately  ne- 
cessary in  the  manufacturing  of  iron  for  the  public  service  : 
And  whereas  the  said  John  H.  Cruger  is  not  now  in  the 
said  city,  whereby  any  application  to  him  for  the  sale  of 
the  said  machines  is  become  impracticable  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Anthony  Jelang  be  and  he  is 
hereby  empowered  to  take,  for  the  use  of  Saml.  Ogden, 
Esqr.  of  Boonlon,  all  and  singular  the  said  machines,  upon 
the  especial  trust  and  confidence,  to  be  signified  by  the 
execution  of  the  power  unto  the  said  Anthony  as  aforesaid 
given,  that  he,  the  said  Saml.  shall  well  and  truly  pay  and 
satisfy  unto  the  said  John  H.  Cruger,  the  just  and  full  va- 
lue of  the  several  matters  and  things  by  the  said  Anthony, 
as  clerk  or  agent  to  him  the  said  Samuel,  taken  as  afore- 
said;  the  said  value  to  be  adjusted  by  the  said  John  H. 
Cruger  and  the  said  Samuel  Ogden,  and  in  case  of  dispute 
between  them,  by  a  committee  of  this  Convention,  or  some 
future  representative  body  of  this  State,  thereunto  to  be  ap- 
pointed ;  and  that  the  said  Anthony  do,  upon  his  corporal 
oath,  make  return  unto  this  Convention  immediately,  of  the 
several  things  by  him  taken  as  aforesaid. 

A  certificate,  dated  at  Mamacotting  precinct,  the  19th 
June  last,  signed  by  I.  R.  D.  Witt,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  that  precinct,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby 
certifies  that  the  men  of  the  train  band  of.  the  northeast 


566 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


district  of  the  said  precinct  had  duly  elected  the  following 
officers,  under  the  inspection  of  5  members  of  that  com- 
mittee, vizi :  John  Newkirk,  capt. ;  Win.  Rose,  first  lieut. ; 
Mathcw  Neely.  2d  lieut.  and  Moses  Miller,  ensign. 

A  letter  subjoined,  from  Lieut.  Col.  Claughry,  dated  the 
10th  day  of  July  last,  was  also  read.  He  informs  that  the 
inhabitants  there  are  exposed,  and  have  not  any  officers, 
and  requesting  the  commissions  to  be  issued  immediately. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  commissions  be  issued  imme- 
diately. 

The  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  reported  a 
draft  of  a  commission  to  the  judge  of  the  high  court  of  ad- 
miralty of  this  Slate,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  Lewis  Graham,  Esqr.  Greeting : 

"  We,  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
in  Convention  met,  reposing  especial  confidence  and  trust 
in  your  judgment,  learning  and  integrity,  do  hereby  com- 
missionale  you,  during  the  good  pleasure  of  the  said  Con- 
vention, to  be  judge  of  the  high  court  of  admiralty  in  the 
said  State  ;  giving  and  granting  unto  you,  the  said  Lewis 
Graham,  by  these  presents,  all  and  singular  the  rights, 
liberties,  privileges,  powers  and  emoluments  to  such  judge 
of  the  court  aforesaid  within  the  said  Stale  belonging,  or 
in  anywise  appertaining.  Given  at  Harlem,  the  day 
of  August,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1776. 

"  By  order, 
"  NATHL.  WOODHULL,  Prest. 

"  Attest, 

«  John  McKesson,  )  Secretaries,, 
Robt.  Benson,  J 

Whereas  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  by 
removing  from  one  county  to  another,  have  by  that  means 
avoided  military  duty  in  either,  to  the  great  injury  of  this 
Stale  :  Therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  resolved,  That  every  person 
between  the  age  of  16  and  50,  abiding  and  continuing  in 
any  county  for  the  space  of  14  days,  be  enrolled  and  ap- 
pear in  the  militia  of  the  county  in  which  he  so  abided,  un- 
der the  penalty  of  40s.  for  every  day's  difference  in  which 
he  or  they  shall  not  be  so  enrolled,  and  after  notice  is  given 
him  or  them  by  the  officer  of  the  beat  in  which  they  shall 
reside  ;  provided  always,  that  this  resolution  shall  not  ex- 
tend to  such  persons  as  are  in  the  service  of  this  State  or 
of  the  Continental  Congress. 

Die  Sabbtti,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  10th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Abeel 
— New-York.  • 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 

Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  R.  R.Livingston,  Mr. Piatt,  Mr.  Sacket, Major Schenk— Dutches. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull  being  necessarily  absent,  with 
the  consent  of  the  Convention,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr. 
Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen  President  pro  tempore,  and 
accordingly  took  the  Chair. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  reso- 
lutions which  were  debated  this  morning,  and  adjourned 
over,  and  the  same  being  agreed  to,  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

Resolvtd,  That  one-fifth  part  of  ihe  militia  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Albany  be  immediately  drafted,  and  marched  will) 
the  utmost  expedition  to  the  encampment  to  the  northward 


of  King's  Bridge,  to  continue  in  service  one  month  after 
their  arrival  at  the  said  encampment,  unless  sooner  dis- 
charged ;  and  that  the  officers  commanding  this  reinforce- 
ment be  appointed  by  the  Brigadier-General,  or  command- 
er-in-chief of  the  militia  of  that  brigade,  who  is  desired  to 
pay  all  proper  attention  to  the  rank  of  the  respective  officers. 

Resolved,  That  one-half  of  the  militia  of  Kings  and 
Queens  counties  be  immediately  ordered  to  march,  and  put 
themselves  under  the  command  of  the  officer  commanding 
the  Continental  troops  on  Nassau  island,  to  be  continued 
in  service  until  the  first  day  of  September  next,  unless 
sooner  discharged  by  order  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  levies  be  formed  into  compa- 
nies to  consist  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  three  ser- 
geants, three  corporals,  one  drummer,  one  fifer,  and  50 
privates  ;  and  that  the  captains  and  subalterns  be  appoint- 
ed by  the  field  officers  of  each  regiment  of  the  militia  from 
which  the  quotas  are  to  be  raised,  out  of  the  militia  officers, 
having  in  such  appointments  regard  to  their  rank  and  the 
dates  of  their  commissions,  if  a  sufficient  number  of  such 
are  willing  to  serve  ;  if  not,  that  they  be  at  liberty  to  ap- 
point such  others  as  they  may  think  properly  qualified, 
and  that  the  non-commissioned  officers  be  appointed  by 
the  captains  of  each  company  under  whom  they  are  to 
serve. 

Resolved,  That  those  troops  to  be  raised  in  the  county  of 
Albany  shall  be  under  the  command  of  one  colonel,  one 
lieutenant-colonel  and  one  major,  and  have  one  adjutant,  one 
quarter-masier,  and  one  surgeon.  The  field  officers  of  the 
levies  to  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Albany  to  be  appointed 
by  the  brigadier-general  and  the  county  committee  of  the 
said  county.  The  troops  or  levies  to  be  raised  in  Kings 
and  Queens  counties  to  be  formed  into  one  regiment,  under 
the  command  of  one  colonel,  one  lieutenant-colonel  and  one 
major,  and  have  one  adjutant  and  one  quarter-master.  The 
field  officers  of  those  lo  be  raised  in  the  counties  of  Kings 
and  Queens  to  be  appointed  by  this  Convention  ;  and  the 
adjutant  and  quarter-master  of  each  regiment  to  be  appoint- 
ed by  the  colonel  of  such  regiment. 

Resolved,  That  each  man  be  furnished  with  a  good 
musket  or  firelock,  bayonet  or  tomahawk,  a  blanket  and 
knapsack,  and  every  six  men  with  a  pot  or  camp  kettle; 
and  to  the  intent  that  the  levies  so  raised  may  not  be  un- 
furnished with  arms,  the  committees  in  the  different  town- 
ships and  districts  in  the  said  counties,  and  the  colonels  of 
the  regiments  are  hereby  empowered  to  furnish  all  such 
as  have  no  arms,  by  taking  them  from  those  who  are  not 
drafted,  and  such  other  persons  in  the  districts  as  have  arms, 
the  same  being  valued  by  the  committees  of  each  district ; 
the  amount  of  such  valuation  hereafter  to  be  paid  to  the 
proprietors  of  said  arms  by  this  Convention,  or  the  arms 
restored  in  the  same  order  to  their  former  proprietors;  and 
that  one  penny  per  mile  be  allowed  during  their  march  for 
subsistence  money,  and  one  day's  pay  for  every  20  miles, 
between  home  and  rendezvous,  going  and  coming. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  men  who  compose  this 
regiment  shall  receive  Continental  pay  and  rations,  during 
the  time  they  are  in  service,  agreeable  to  their  several 
ranks. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  rela- 
tive to  calling  out  every  5th  man  from  the  militia  of  the 
county  of  Albany,  be  submitted  to  Genl.  Washington,  and 
if  he  shall  think  them  necessary,  be  sent  to  the  brigadier- 
general  of  the  county  of  Albany  by  express. 

Resolved,  That  General  Morris  be  desired  to  order  out  his 
whole  brigade  with  five  days'  provisions,  to  take  possession 
of  such  parts  of  the  Sound  and  Hudson's  river,  as  he 
thinks  most  exposed  to  the  enemy  ;  and  that  the  said  mi- 
litia continue  in  service,  and  under  Continental  pay  and 
subsistence  for  10  days,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  this 
Convention  ;  that  each  man  who  shall  not  have  arms  bring 
with  him  a  shovel,  spade  or  pickaxe,  or  a  scythe  straight- 
ened and  fixed  on  a  pole. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  empowered  to  call  in 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


567 


such  part  of  the  forces  as  he  may  think  necessary  to  re- 
inforce the  post  to  the  northward  of  King's  Bridge. 

Resolved,  That  General  Morris  be  ordered  immediately 
to  apprehend  and  secure  the  persons  ordered  to  be  appre- 
hended by  this  Convention  yesterday,  and  that  he  be  fur- 
nished with  a  list  of  those  persons'  names. 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  militia  in 
the  counties  of  Orange,  Dutches  and  Ulster,  be  immediate- 
ly ordered  to  hold  their  whole  militia  in  readiness  to  march 
with  5  days'  provisions  on  the  earliest  notice,  and  that  when 
they  march  they  leave  a  sufficient  guard  to  prevent  insur- 
rections of  slaves,  and  to  guard  the  prisoners  in  the  respec- 
tive counties. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  whenever  the  whole  mi- 
litia of  any  county  in  this  State  shall  be  ordered  to  march, 
that  they  bring  with  them  all  the  disarmed  and  disaffected 
male  inhabitants  from  16  to  55  years  of  age,  who  shall 
serve  as  fatigue  men  to  the  respective  regiments. 

Resolved,  That  whenever  the  whole,  or  any  part  of  the 
militia  of  this  State  shall  be  ordered  out  on  actual  service 
by  this  Convention,  or  any  future  Legislature  of  the  Slate, 
and  any  colonel  or  other  commanding  officer  of  a  regiment, 
or  any  captain  or  other  commanding  officei  of  a  company, 
shall  neglect  or  refuse  to  comply  with  such  orders,  the 
brigadier-general  of  the  brigade  to  which  such  officer  shall 
belong,  shall  immediately  suspend  him  from  his  office, 
and  with  all  convenient  speed,  order  a  general  court  mar- 
tial for  his  trial  and  he  being  thereof  duly  convicted  before 
such  court  by  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  two  or  more  cre- 
dible witnesses,  shall  be  cashiered,  and  rendered  incapable 
of  thereafter  holding  any  military  office  wilhin  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  when  any  man  who  shall  have  been 
drafted  in  pursuance  of  the  orders  of  this  Convention,  shall 
absent  himself  and  neglect  to  appear  after  being  duly  no- 
tified, the  field  officers  of  the  regiment  to  which  such 
offender  shall  belong,  shall,  upon  due  proof  of  the  same  by  the 
oath  or  affirmation  of  two  or  more  credible  witnesses,  raise 
from  the  estate  of  the  offender  by  distress  and  sale,  so  much 
money  as  shall  be  sufficient  to  hire  a  man  to  serve  in  his 
stead,  and  apply  the  same  to  that  purpose,  provided  the 
same  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  £30  ;  and  provided  also 
that  nothing  in  this  resolve  shall  be  construed  to  excuse  the 
said  absentees  from  serving  with  the  other  drafts  from  the 
militia. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  militia  officer  in  the  service  of 
this  State,  shall,  during  the  present  invasion,  resign  his 
commission  after  having  received  orders  to  proceed  upon 
duty,  from  this  Convention,  or  his  superior  officer,  without 
the  permission  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  or  shall  not 
repair  with  all  possible  despatch  to  such  place  or  places  as 
he  or  they  may  be  ordered  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
or  by  his  superior  officer,  shall,  upon  good  proof  before  a 
general  court  martial,  be  rendered  incapable  of  thereafter 
holding  any  military  employment  under  this  State,  and  that 
the  name  of  such  officer  shall  be  held  up  in  all  the  public 
newspapers  as  a  deserter  of  his  country's  cause. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolves  relative  to  the 
neglect  of  duty,  or  resignation  of  officers  of  the  militia,  be 
published  in  the  newspapers. 

Resolved,  That  William  Paulding,  Esqr.  be,  and  is 
hereby,  appointed  commissary  of  the  militia  raised  and  to 
be  raised  in  this  Slate,  to  the  northward  of  King's  Bridge, 
while  in  service,  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river,  under 
the  command  of  Brigadier-General  Clinton  ;  that  he  sup- 
ply them  with  rations  agreeable  to  the  Continental  esta- 
blishment ;  and  that  he  make  provision  for  continuing  that 
supply  ;  that  he  advise  with  Colo.  Trumbull,  the  Commis 
sary-General,  on  the  mode  of  purchasing  provisions,  and 
keeping  his  accounts,  so  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  keep  his 
accounts  in  ihe  melh  d  with  the  Continental  accounts  of 
provisions,  and  that  he  take  his  future  direclions  on  this 
subject  from  Colo.  Trumbull,  till  further  orders.  And  also 
that  for  this  purpose  he  be,  and  hereby  is,  authorized  to 
purchase  on  the  account  of  this  State,  any  such  provisions 


as  may  be  necessary  ;  for  payment  whereof,  this  Conven- 
tion will  provide  means. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Paulding  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — General  Clinton  has  been  appointed  to  command 
the  levies  lately  raised  and  drafted,  or  to  be  drafted,  from 
the  militia  to  ihe  northward  of  King's  Bridge,  and  is  or- 
dered, with  the  greatest  part  of  his  troops,  to  ihe  fortifica- 
tion a  little  to  the  northward  of  King's  Bridge.  You  will 
see,  by  the  copy  of  the  enclosed  resolution,  that  you  are  ap- 
pointed commissary  for  those  troops  while  in  service  on  the 
east  side  of  Hudson's  river,  under  General  Clinton's  com- 
mand, until  further  order,  and  that  you  are  to  take  your 
further  direclions  on  ihis  head  from  Colo.  Trumbull,  the 
Com  missary-General. 

"  We  desire  your  immediate  attendance  to  this  business, 
and  doubt  not  you  will  exert  your  utmost  endeavours  to 
perform  the  same  in  the  best  manner. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  Wm.  Paulding,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be,  (together  with  Mr.  Pauld- 
ing's appointment,)  copied,  signed  by  the  President,  and 
transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt.  Piatt  be 
empowered  to  act  as  commissaries  in  supplying  the  troops 
under  the  command  of  General  Clinton,  with  provisions, 
till  Mr.  Paulding,  who  is  appointed  commissary,  shall  join 
those  forces. 

Resolved,  That  the  first  above  mentioned  gentleman  be 
empowered  to  purchase  on  account  of  this  State,  600  bis. 
flour,  and  as  many  pine  boards  as  he  can  procure,  not 
exceeding  10,000.  The  flour  and  boards  to  be  delivered 
as  near  to  King's  Bridge  as  possible  by  waler  carriage. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  gentlemen  be  empowered  to 
impress  wagons,  carts,  &c.  in  order  to  enable  them  to 
carry  into  execution  these  resolutions,  paying  a  reasonable 
price  for  ihe  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  gentlemen  transport,  as  quick 
as  possible,  l,500lbs.  of  the  powder  at  Mr.  Livingston's 
powder  mills,  belonging  to  this  Slate,  to  Genl.  Clinton's  en- 
campment at  King's  Bridge.    For  which  purpose, 

Resolved,  That  the  order  from  Genl.  Washington,  in  fa- 
vour of  this  Convention,  on  John  Livingston,  for  l,500lbs. 
of  powder,  be  endorsed  by  the  President,  ordering  the  said 
powder  to  be  delivered  to  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt. 
Z.  Piatt,  or  their  order. 

An  attack  upon  the  city  of  New- York  being  daily  ex- 
pected, in  which  case  the  stores  belonging  to  this  State  in 
the  custody  of  Colo.  Curtenius  and  Mr.  Norwood,  will  be 
in  danger  of  being  destroyed  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  be,  and  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected, to  dispose  of  the  lead  belonging  to  this  State,  and 
now  in  his  possession,  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit  : 
That  he  send  thereof  to  Stanford,  in  Connecticut,  20  tons  ; 
to  Genl.  Clinton's  encampment,  near  King's  Bridge,  10 
tons,  and  the  residue  thereof  to  Orange  town,  in  Orange 
county;  and  that  Colo.  Curtenius  send  to  Genl.  Clinton's 
encampment  as  many  bullet  moulds  and  ladles  as  Mr.  Duer 
shall  please  to  direct;  and  that  Colo.  Curtenius  use  the 
utmost  despatch  in  executing  this  order.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Norwood,  the  Commissary,  cause 
to  be  conveyed  to  Genl.  Clinton's  encampment  on  the  north 
side  of  King's  bridge,  500  pouches  with  belts,  60,000  car- 
tridges of  different  sizes,  filled  with  powder  and  ball,  and 
500  flints. 

Whereas,  this  Convention  has  received  information 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Kings  county  have  determined  not 
to  oppose  the  enemy, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  a  committee  be  appointed 
to  repair  forthwith  to  the  said  county,  and  inquire  con- 
cerning the  authenticity  of  such  report ;  and  in  case  they 
find  it  well  founded,  that  they  be  empowered  to  disarm  and 


568 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


secure  the  disaffected  inhabitants ;  to  remove  or  destroy 
the  stock  of  grain  ;  and  if  they  shall  judge  it  necessary,  to 
lay  the  whole  county  waste.  And  for  the  execution  of 
these  purposes,  they  be  directed  to  apply  to  Genl.  Greene, 
or  the  commander  of  the  Continental  troops  in  that  county, 
for  such  assistance  as  they  shall  want.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Remsen,  Mr.  Hobart 
and  Colo.  De  Wit,  be  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  A.  H.  Hay,  Esqr.  be  appointed  com- 
missary for  the  militia  raised  and  to  be  raised  in  this  State 
to  the  northward  of  King's  Bridge,  while  in  service  on  the 
west  side  of  Hudson's  river,  below  the  Highlands,  under 
the  command  of  Genl.  Clinton  ;  that  he  supply  them  with 
rations  agreeable  to  the  Continental  establishment. 

That  he  advise  with  Col.  Trumbull,  the  Commissary- 
General,  on  the  mode  of  purchasing  provisions  and  of  keep- 
ing his  accounts,  so  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  keep  his 
accounts  in  the  same  method  with  the  Continental  accounts 
of  provisions,  and  that  he  lake  his  future  directions  on  this 
subject  from  Colo.  Trumbull,  until  further  orders.  And 
for  this  purpose  Colo.  Hay  is  hereby  authorized  to  pur- 
chase, on  account  of  this  State,  such  provisions  as  he  shall 
find  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  sr'd  militia  while  in 
service  as  aforesaid,  for  payment  whereof  this  Convention 
will  provide  means. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

August  l\th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.pro  tern. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel -New-York. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket— Dutches. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith- Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  riot  appearing,  adjourned 
till  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

August  \2th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket— Dutches. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith—  Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart  on  duty— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Duer  on  duty — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 
Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Messrs.  John  Jay  and  R.  R.  Liv- 
ingston requesting  their  attendance,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — As  you  are  both  of  the  committee  for 
the  framing  a  new  government,  the  Convention  think  it 
highly  proper  that  you  should  attend  upon  that  business 
immediately,  unless  your  presence  is  absolutely  necessary 
in  the  secret  committee,  of  which  I  am  directed  to  inform 
you. 

"  And  am,  gentlemen,  your  most  obt.  servt." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  13th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Col.  Blackwell,  Capt.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Beekmau,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Broome,  Major 
Abeel,  Col.  Brasher,  Capt.  Denning— New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart  on  service— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Smith — Orange. 

Genl.  Clinton,  Mr.  AVisner,  Junr.—  Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Resolved,  That  from  the  information  received  by  Gene- 
ral Clinton  of  the  business  in  which  the  seo-jt  committee 
are  engaged,  that  it  will  be  improper  to  call  Mr.  Jay  and 
Mr.  Yates  from  that  committee. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  have  leave  of 
absence  in  order  to  attend  on  that  committee. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Col.  Jeromus  Remsen  of 
Queens  county,  Lieut.  Col.  Nichs.  Covenhoven  of  Kings 
county,  and  Major  Richard  Thorne  of  Queens  county,  be 
and  hereby  are  appointed  field  officers  of  the  militia  order- 
ed to  be  drafted  from  Kings  and  Queens  counties,  and  put 
under  the  command  of  the  officer  commanding  the  Conti- 
nental troops  on  Nassau  island,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  on  the  10th  inst. 

Doctor  John  Morgan,  director-general  of  the  hospital  at- 
tending, was  admitted.  He  informed  the  Convention  that 
Genl.  Washington  had  directed  him  to  have  all  the  sick  re- 
moved to  proper  places,  out  of  such  parts  of  the  city  as 
are  closely  built  and  inhabited.  That  a  list  of  houses  have 
been  handed  to  him  for  the  purpose  by  private  persons, 
but  that  he  is  a  stranger  and  does  not  know  what  parti- 
cular houses  might  be  proper  to  be  exempted  ;  and  there- 
fore requests  the  direction  of  this  Convention  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

Resolved,  That  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  be, 
and  he  is,  hereby  empowered  to  apply  the  following  houses, 
to  wit ;  Mr.  Apthorpe's,  Oliver  Delancey's  and  Robt.  Bay- 
ard's, at  Bloomingdale ;  Wm.  Bayard's  at  Greenwich  ; 
Mr.  Watts's  near  Kipp's  Bay  ;  Robert  Murray's  on  Inck- 
lam  Bergh  ;  Mr.  William  McAdams  and  the  houses  and 
buildings  (occupied  by  Mr.  Watson)  near  the  old  glass 
house;  Nichs.  Stuyvesandt's,  Peter  Stuyvesandt's,  Mr. 
Elliot's,  Mr.  Horsemanden's,  commonly  called  Frogg  Hall, 
widow  Leake's  near  Kipp's  Bay  ;  for  the  use  of  the  gene- 
ral hospital  of  the  American  Army. 

Ordered,  That  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 
York  do,  on  application  by  Doctor  John  Morgan,  director- 
general  of  the  hospital  of  the  Continental  army,  appoint  a 
proper  committee  of  their  body  to  ascertain  and  designate 
to  him  such  houses  on  Nassau  island,  to  be  by  him  used 
as  a  general  hospital  as  he  may  from  time  to  time  have  oc- 
casion of  for  that  purpose. 

A  petition  or  memorial  of  Capt.  Jacobus  Roos,  was 
read,  he  therein  complains  that  his  late  appointment  to  be 
one  of  the  captains  of  the  detachments  of  militia  in  Ulster 
County,  was  susperseded.  The  copy  of  that  appointment 
therein  contained  was  also  read,  and  Genl.  Clinton  now 
present,  gave  some  information  to  the  Convention  on  that 
subject. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Jacobus  Roos  have 
leave  to  raise  a  company  for  immediate  service  ;  that  he 
may  choose  any  two  lieutenants  who  have  commissions  in 
Col.  J.  Hasbrcuck's  regiment  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county, 
and  are  desirous  to  go  into  service  ;  that  from  lime  to  time 
as  soon  as  he  shall  have  enlisted  two  or  more  men,  he 
send  them  to  join  the  troops  at  Peeks  Kill  until  further  or- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


569 


der.  That  if  he  shall  enlist  and  bring  into  the  service  a 
full  company,  he  shall  be  entitled  to  the  like  pay  and  the 
same  rank,  in  the  regiment,  as  if  he  had  raised  a  company 
when  he  was  first  appointed. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  dated  the  11th  inst. 
relative  to  troops  called  out,  was  read  and  is  as  follows, 
to  wit  : 

"NeurYork,  August  nth,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — In  answer  to  your  favour  of  the  9th, 
with  which  I  have  been  honoured,  I  beg  leave  to  inform  you 
that  I  neither  wish  nor  expect  any  thing  more  than  that  the 
levies  raised  by  you  will  be  in  Continental  pay  from  the 
time  they  were  called  into  service  :  that  troops  employed 
in  a  general  cause  should  be  supported  at  the  general  ex- 
pense, is  so  evidently  just  that  I  cannot  see  any  objection 
to  it. 

"  It  is  true  when  the  proceedings  of  your  Honourable 
Body  for  raising  those  levies  were  first  communicated  to 
me,  and  it  was  mentioned  by  the  committee  who  brought 
them  that  it  was  expected  they  would  be  paid  by  the  States, 
I  did  not  conceive  myself  authorized  to  take  into  service 
so  large  a  number  of  men,  and  therefore  could  not  say  the 
States  would  pay  them.  But  the  situation  of  our  affairs 
being  much  changed  and  requiring  their  service,  I  can  not 
but  consider  them  as  much  entitled  to  Continental  pay  as 
any  troops  in  this  army.  In  this  light  I  am  persuaded 
Congress  will  view  them.  It  is  so  obvious  and  so  equita- 
ble that  no  application  from  me  can  be  necessary.  The 
bounty  I  imagine,  as  you  yourselves  do,  will  be  the  expense 
of  the  State,  for  which  indemnification  will  not  be  made 
by  the  public.  My  letter  of  the  8th  was  not  meant  to 
comprehend  this  subject ;  it  was  particularly  designed  to 
explain  my  ideas  of  the  authority  from  whence  General 
Clinton's  powers  were  derived. 

"  1  have  requested  Mr.  Trumbull  to  take  the  direction 
of  the  commissaries,  and  to  see  that  the  levies  are  properly 
supplied  with  provisions. 

"  I  am  extremely  concerned  that  the  quotas  of  men  to 
be  furnished  by  the  neighbouring  States  have  proved  so  de- 
ficient. The  busy  season  and  harvest,  to  which  it  has  been 
ascribed,  being  now  over,  in  a  great  degree,  I  flatter  my- 
self, from  the  zeal  they  have  heretofore  manifested,  they 
will  afford  every  possible  assistance.  They  are  well  ap- 
prized of  the  importance  of  this  State  in  the  present  con- 
test, and  the  necessity  of  maintaining  it  against  the  at- 
tempts of  the  enemy. 

"  In  respect  to  the  militia  of  Albany  county,  as  you  are 
pleased,  in  your  proceedings  of  the  10th  instant,  to  submit 
the  propriety  of  calling  them  out  to  my  determination,  I 
would  advise  that  they  should  not,  unless  the  necessity  for 
bringing  them  here  should  be  extremely  great.  They 
otherwise  should  remain  in  their  county  to  afford  succour 
to  the  frontier  parts  of  the  government,  if  it  should  be  ne- 
cessary. I  have  enclosed  a  copy  of  Lieut.  McMichePs  re- 
port, transmitted  me  by  General  Schuyler ;  from  whence  it 
will  appear,  if  the  intelligence  contained  in  it  be  true,  that 
their  aid  may  be  required  there. 

"  I  have  desired  Genl.  Greene,  on  the  application  of 
the  committee  sent  to  Kings  county,  to  afford  them  every 
assistance  he  conveniently  can  for  executing  the  business 
they  are  upon. 

"  Before  I  conclude,  I  would  observe,  the  letter  of  the 
9th,  which  I  have  acknowledged  to  have  received,  is  with- 
out any  signature.  I  presume  it  has  been  omitted  through 
the  hurry  of  business. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"GO.  WASHINGTON." 

The  intelligence  of  Lieut.  McMichael  was  read,  and  is 
as  follows : 

"Intelligence  brought  from  Oswego  by  Lieut.  McMi- 

143 


chael  :  was  informed  at  Oswego  that  three  regiments  of 
Ministerial  troops  had  arrived  at  Oswego  lake,  at  which 
place  they  were  joined  by  a  number  of  tories  and  Indians, 
under  the  command  of  Colo.  Johnston,  and  was  to  embark 
immediately  on  board  two  armed  vessels,  batteaux,  and  ca- 
noes, and  proceed  to  Oswego,  at  which  place  they  were 
to  be  joined  by  Colo.  Butler,  with  all  the  Indians  under  his 
command,  and  likewise  by  Col  Caldwell,  with  what  re- 
gulars could  be  spared  from  Niagara.  They  intend  repair- 
ing Oswego  fort,  as  quick  as  possible,  in  order  that  they 
might  hold  a  treaty  with  the  Indians,  and  be  able  to  defend 
themselves  against  any  attack  ;  immediately  after  the  trea- 
ty they  are  to  march  with  all  their  force  against  Fort  Stan- 
wix  and  the  German  Flatts,  at  the  latter  of  which  places 
they  intend  to  fortify  Johnstown,  and  to  secure  all  the  pro- 
visions they  can.  Was  likewise  informed  that  the  main  ar- 
my, under  the  command  of  Genl.  Burgoyne,  was  marching 
to  Crown  Point  and  Tyconderoga,  to  beseige  those  places; 
was  farther  informed  that  an  Indian  man,  named  Thomas 
Davis,  was  sent  from  Niagara  by  Colo.  Butler  (as  a  spy) 
to  the  German  Flatts,  and  he  is  to  inform  said  Butler  of 
the  particulars  that  passes  at  the  German  Flatts  during  the 
treaty. 

"  This  intelligence  came  from  a  person  that  resides  at 
Oswego,  that  was  a  sergeant  in  the  regulars  last  war,  and 
likewise  from  a  party  of  Indians  which  I  conversed  with, 
that  had  left  Col.  Johnston  four  days  before,  and  had  come 
as  spies. 

(Copy)  "  EDWARD  McMICHAEL." 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  dated 
the  12th  inst.  relative  to  his  having  apprehended  dan- 
gerous and  disaffected  persons,  was  received  and  read,  and 
is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Head-Quarters,  New-York,  ) 
"  Augt.  \2tli,  1776.  5 

"  Gentlemen — As  the  time  is  certainly  near  at  hand, 
and  may  be  hourly  expected,  which  is  to  decide  the  fate 
of  this  city,  and  the  issue  of  this  campaign,  I  thought  it 
highly  improper  that  persons  of  suspected  character  should 
remain  in  places  where  their  opportunities  of  doing  mis- 
chief were  much  greater  than  in  the  enemy's  camp.  I, 
therefore,  have  caused  a  number  of  them  to  be  apprehend- 
ed, and  removed  to  some  distance,  there  to  remain  until  this 
crisis  is  passed. 

"  Having  formerly  mentioned  this  subject  to  your  Ho- 
nourable Body,  I  would  not  again  trouble  them  in  a  busi- 
ness which  former  connections,  obligations  and  interests 
must  make  very  unpleasant,  and  which,  I  apprehend,  must 
have  been  in  danger  of  failing  in  the  execution,  unless  done 
with  all  possible  secrecy  and  despatch. 

"  I  postponed  this  most  disagreeable  duty,  till  the  last 
moment ;  but  the  claims  of  the  army  upon  me,  an  applica- 
tion of  a  number  of  well  affected  inhabitants,  concurring 
with  my  own  opinion,  obliged  me  to  enter  upon  it  while 
time  and  circumstances  would  admit.  I  have  ordered  a 
very  strict  attention  to  be  paid  to  the  necessities  of  the  gen- 
tlemen apprehended,  and  to  their  comfortable  accommoda- 
tion in  every  respect,  both  here  and  at  the  place  of  their 
destination.  I  have  also  wrote  to  the  committee  of  Queens 
county,  that  this  step  is  not  to  be  construed  as  making 
their  property  liable  to  any  injury,  or  appropriation,  unless 
they  should  receive  directions  from  your  Honourable  Body, 
to  whom  I  have  referred  them,  on  this  subject.  Being  re- 
solved in  all  cases  when  the  most  absolute  necessity  does 
not  require  it,  to  confine  myself  wholly  to  that  line  which 
will  exclude  every  idea  of  interfering  with  the  authority  of 
the  State. 

"  Some  of  those  gentlemen  have  expressed  doubts  and 
raised  difficulties,  from  engagements  they  lay  under  to 
your  Honourable  Body,  or  some  committees.  They  do  not 
appear  to  me  to  deserve  much  attention,  as  they  can  not, 
with  any  propriety,  be  charged  with  a  breach  of  any  part 


570 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


under  their  present  circumstances  ;  but  I  beg  leave  to  sub- 
mit to  your  consideration  the  propriety  of  removing  the 
pretence. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 
"  With  great  respect  and  regard, 

"  Your  mo.  obt,  and  very  lible.  servt. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Convention  of  the  State 

of  New-York." 

The  Convention  having  taken  the  said  letter  into  consi- 
deration, came  to  the  following  determination,  that  is  to 
say : 

Whereas  certain  members  of  the  Convention,  by  au- 
thority from  the  same,  did  lake  the  parol  of  sundry  persons, 
inhabitants  of  this  State  :  And  whereas  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  hath  since  found  it  necessary  to  cause 
some  of  the  said  persons  to  be  made  prisoners :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  several  parols  be, 
and  they  hereby  are,  declared  totally  void,  as  to  any  obli- 
gations thereby  laid  upon  those  who  have  been,  since  the 
giving  of  the  said  parol,  made  prisoners  as  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  preceding  resolu- 
tion be  enclosed  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott  to  the  Convention, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  submits  to  their  determi- 
nation, whether  it  might  not  be  the  most  politic,  consider- 
ing Willett  Taylor's  connection  with  a  large  family  of  well- 
attached,  warm  whigs,  to  accept  of  such  security  as  he 
offers,  to  wit,  his  voluntary  oath  that  he  will  not  directly  or 
indirectly  injure  the  American  cause,  or  communicate  any 
intelligence  to  the  enemy,  and  a  security  in  a  heavy  penal- 
ty from  himself  and  John  Bogert.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Scott  be  empowered,  with  the 
permission  of  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  to  dis- 
pose of  Willet  Taylor,  Esqr.  within  this  State. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt: 

"  Tuesday,  A.  M.  Jlugt-  13fA,  J  776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  return  their 
thanks  to  your  Excellency  for  the  attention  you  have  paid 
to  the  removal  of  suspicious  and  dangerous  persons  from 
the  environs  of  the  city  of  New-York.  Deeply  sensible 
with  your  Excellency,  of  the  importance  and  necessity  of 
this  measure,  the  Convention  had  entered  into  a  resolution 
for  that  purpose  previous  to  their  arrival  at  this  place  ;  but 
the  difficulty  of  preparing  proper  lists,  the  danger  of  giving 
the  alarm  to  some  by  the  apprehension  of  others,  and  the 
dilatoriness  of  proceedings  inseparable  from  a  large  body, 
together  with  the  great  urgency  of  our  other  public  affairs, 
delayed  the  completion  of  this  business,  until  your  Excel- 
lency had  taken  it  under  your  immediate  cognizance. 

"  The  delicate  state  of  the  present  juncture,  did,  in  the 
opinion  of  this  Convention,  from  the  nature  of  the  case, 
fully  vest  your  Excellency  with  all  the  civil  power  neces- 
sary for  the  immediate  safely  of  the  army  under  your  com- 
mand, and  consequently  of  the  American  cause ;  and  con- 
sidering the  great  divisions  which  have  prevailed  among 
the  inhabitants  of  the  State, of  New-York,  by  sparing  this 
House  that  disagreeable  task,  you  have  conferred  upon 
them  a  considerable  obligation. 

"  The  Convention,  sir,  are  at  a  loss  to  conceive  on  what 
foundation  those  gentlemen  who  had  given  their  parols  to  a 
committee  of  this  House,  could  assume  the  opinion  that 
any  dangers  would,  after  their  caption,  result  from  it,  since 
evidently  the  parol  is  by  that  effectually  destroyed  ;  but 
as  doubts  may  remain  in  their  minds,  a  resolution  is  en- 
closed to  your  Excellency,  which,  when  you  shall  have 
made  it  known  to  them,  must  certainly  obliterate  all  their 
scruples. 

"I  am  further  directed  to  inform  your  Excellency,  that 
the  intelligence  with  which  you  have  honoured  them  from 
the  northern  department,  fully  convinces  them  of  the  pro- 
priety of  preserving  as  much  force  as  possible  in  the  upper 


counties  ;  at  the  same  time,  we  hope  that  the  assistance 
given  to  us  by  the  neighbouring  States,  will  be  effectual  to 
defeat  the  designs  of  our  foes  in  this  quarter. 

"  General  Clinton  will  give  your  Excellency  full  infor- 
mation with  respect  to  the  troops  under  his  command,  se- 
ven hundred  of  which  are  now  at  the  fort  to  the  northward 
of  King's  Bridge,  and  more  of  them  would  have  been  there, 
if  the  essential  service  of  depriving  the  enemy  of  water, 
did  not  demand  considerable  detachments  along  the  banks 
of  Hudson's  river. 

"  The  Convention  are  very  happy  that  your  Excellency 
hath  attributed  to  its  proper  cau>e  the  omission  of  a  signa- 
ture to  the  letter  which  we  had  the  honour  of  writing  to 
you  on  the  9th  inst. ;  the  fault  lay  with  the  Secretaries,  who 
in  a  great  hurry  of  business,  neglected  the  presenting  of  it 
to  the  President,  for  which  we  must  pray  your  Excel- 
lency's excuse. 

"  I  am  further  directed  to  enclose  you  the  copy  of  a  let- 
ter from  Genl.  Scott,  with  relation  to  one  of  the  prisoners 
who  hath  lately  been  taken  by  your  order,  and  the  copy  of 
our  resolution  upon  that  subject. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Blauvelt,  of  the  south  side  of  the 
mountains  in  Orange  county,  mentioning  the  exposed  situa- 
tion of  that  part  of  the  county,  and  requesting  aid,  was  re- 
ceived and  read. 

Thereupon,  Genl.  George  Clinton  informed  the  Conven- 
tion, in  substance,  that  there  are  at  King's  Bridge,  and  from 
thence  to  Croton  river,  14  companies,  consisting  of  about 
700  men,  officers  included,  besides  some  of  the  Westches- 
ter militia ;  that  he  has  been  informed  and  believes,  that 
the  men  of  war  are  scarce  of  water,  having  no  more  than 
a  supply  for  ten  days  ;  that  it  is  therefore  necessary  to 
keep  vigilant  and  numerous  guards  so  as  to  prevent  their 
obtaining  a  supply  of  fresh  water ;  that  he  has  left  about 
300  men,  besides  a  few  of  the  new  Continental  troops  rais- 
ed in  this  State,  on  and  along  the  shores  near  Tappan,  300 
to  guard  the  eastern  shore,  and  near  200  at  Peekskill, 
but  the  last  mostly  unarmed  ;  that  he  expects  his  brigade 
will  consist  of  about  1,700  men;  that  he  finds  he  can  ex- 
pect but  few  men  from  Westchester  county ;  that  he  has 
ordered  in  the  troops  of  horse  from  Kingston  and  Blooming 
Grove,  and  directed  Col.  Cooper  to  order  one  of  those 
troops  to  King's  Bridge,  as  soon  as  they  arrive  at  Tappan. 

Genl.  Clinton  also  requested  to  be  informed  how  his 
brigade  will  be  supplied  with  ammunition,  tents  and  pro- 
visions. 

General  Clinton  was  then  informed  of  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention  of  the  10th  inst.  appointing  commissa- 
ries, &c.  and  that  ammunition  shall  be  sent  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Outwater  inform  Colo.  Blauvelt  of 
the  measures  taken  by  Genl.  Clinton  for  the  security  of 
Orange  county. 

Major  Lawrence  informed  the  Convention  that  the  letter 
from  Govr.  Tryon  to  Willet,  the  sheriff  of  Queens  coun- 
ty, was  conveyed  through  the  hands  of  Colo.  Martin  ;  and 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Queens  are  [willing]  that  Colo. 
Martin  and  his  son,  Dr  Martin,  should  lie  apprehended. 

Richard  Norwood,  Commissary  of  arms,  &c.  for  this 
Stale,  made  return  of  the  stores  in  his  custody,  which 
was  read  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richd.  Norwood,  Commissary,  de- 
liver so  many  of  the  arms  fit  for  use  now  in  his  store,  or 
which  he  may  first  obtain,  to  Capt  James  Stewart  as  will 
be  sufficient  to  arm  the  men  enlisted  in  his  company. 

The  Convention  were  informed   that  one  Burga  is 
wrought  here  a  prisoner  from  Long  island. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


571 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Landon  and  Judge  Graham  be  a 
committee  to  take  his  examination,  and  report  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  this  Convenlion,  with 
so  many  of  the  members  as  may  be  able  to  assemble,  im- 
mediately be  and  they  hereby  are  empowered,  in  case  of 
urgent  necessity,  to  cause  the  treasury  and  public  papers 
of  this  State  to  be  removed  to  such  place  of  safety  as  they 
may  think  proper. 

Die  Martis,  5  ho.  P.  M.  August  13th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Abeel,  Colo. 
Broome,  Capt.  Denning — New-York. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart  absent  by  order — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. —  Ulster. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  form  a  plan  for  the  emission 
of  bills  of  credit  to  the  amount  of  £200,000,  agreeable  to 
the  resolution  of  the  Convention.  The  same  being  again 
read  by  paragraphs  and  amended,  was  unanimously 
agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  bills  of  credit  to  the  said  amount  of 
two  hundred  thousand  pounds,  or  500,000  dollars,  be  im- 
mediately printed,  and  of  the  following  denominations, 
vizt  : 

20,000  bills  of  10  dollars  each,   $200,000 

20,000    "         5         "    100,000 

20,000   "         3         "    60,000 

20,000   "         2         "    40,000 

105.866  "        1-2        "    52,933 

105.867  "        1-4        "    26,466  3-4 

105.867  "        1-8        «    13,233  1-2 

105.868  "       1-16       "    6,616  3-4 

6,000   "        1-8        "         emitted  extraordinary 

in  the  last  emission,  750 


$500,000 

On  the  face  of  each  of  the  said  bills  shall  be  impressed 
the  arms  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  underneath,  the 
words,  "  'tis  death  to  counterfeit ;"  with  the  same  devices 
of  those  of  a  like  denomination  of  the  last  bills  emitted 
by  the  Congress  of  this  Colony  ;  And 

Resolved,  That  the  plates  now  in  possession  of  this 
Convention,  corresponding  with  the  above  respective  de- 
nominations of  bills,  be  altered  so  far  only  as  to  make 
them  agree  with  the  style  of  this  State  ;  and  the  said  bills 
shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
State  for  Spanish  milled  dollars,  or  the  value  thereof 
in  gold  or  silver,  according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Con- 
venlion of  New-York,  on  the  13th  day  of  Augt.  1776." 

Excepting  those  of  the  denominaton  of  \  dollar,  which 
shall  be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
State  for  two  shillings,  being  equal  to  one-fourth  of  a 
Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof  in  gold  or  sil- 
ver, according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of 
New- York,  on  the  13ih  day  of  August,  1776." 

Also  excepting  those  of  |-  of  a  dollar,  which  shall  be  in 
the  words  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
State  for  one  shilling,  being  equal  to  the  one-eighth  of  a 
Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof  in  gold  or  sil- 
ver, according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  New- 
York,  on  the  13lh  day  of  August,  1776." 


Also  excepting  those  of  TV  of  a  dollar,  which  shall 
be  in  form  following  : 

"  This  bill  shall  pass  current  in  all  payments  in  this 
State  for  six  pence,  being  equal  to  one-sixteenth  of  a 
Spanish  milled  dollar,  or  the  value  thereof  in  gold  or  sil- 
ver, according  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  New- 
York,  on  the  13ih  day  of  Augt.  1776." 

And  that  on  the  face  of  the  bills  of  the  last  mentioned 
denomination  of  the  one-sixteenth  of  a  dollar,  be  im- 
pressed the  arms  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  under- 
neath the  words,  "  'tis  death  to  counterfeit,"  together  with 
such  other  devices  as  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Esqr.  hereby  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose,  shall  direct.  That  all  the  said 
bills  shall  be  numbered  by  and  signed 

by  any  two  of  them,  the  said  signers  respectively,  to  be 
delivered  by  them  to  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt,  and  to  be 
by  him  delivered  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  as  soon 
as  finished. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt  be  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  and  requested  upon  the  delivery  of  the 
said  bills  to  him  by  the  printer  of  the  same,  to  cause  to 
be  administered  to  him  by  the  President  of  this  Conven- 
tion, the  following  oath :  "  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  swear 
by  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  that  from  the 
time  that  the  letters  were  set  and  fit  to  be  put  in  the  press 
for  printing  the  bills  of  credit  now  by  me  delivered  to  you, 
until  the  bills  were  printed  and  the  letters  afterwards 
distributed  into  the  boxes,  I  went  at  no  time  out  of  the 
room  in  which  the  said  letters  were,  without  locking  them 
up  so  that  they  could  not  be  come  at  without  violence  or 
a  false  key,  or  other  act  unknown  to  me,  and  therefore  to 
the  best  of  my  knowledge,  no  copies  were  printed  off  but 
in  my  presence  ;  and  that  all  the  blotters  and  other  pa- 
pers whatsoever,  impressed  by  the  said  letters  whilst  set 
for  printing  the  said  bills,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge, 
are  here  delivered  to  you,  together  with  the  stamps  ;  and 
in  all  things  relating  to  this  affair,  I  have  demeaned  my- 
self honestly  and  faithfully  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge 
and  understanding,  so  help  me  God." 

Resolved,  That  such  person  as  the  said  Isaac  Roose- 
velt shall  agree  with  to  alter  and  engrave  the  said  plates, 
shall  take  the  following  oath  :  "  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly 
swear  by  the  Almighty  God,  that  I  have  not  engraved  or 
altered  more  plates  than  I  delivered  to  Isaac  Roosevelt  as 
directed  by  this  Convention  of  New-York,  of  the  like 
kind  or  in  imitation  of  the  same ;  neither  have  I  kept  a 
copy  or  copies,  draft  or  drafts  of  the  said  plates,  neither 
will  I  engrave  more  of  the  like  kind  without  the  order  of 
the  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  this  Slate;"  and 
shall  deliver  them  to  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt,  who  shall 
deliver  them  unto  Samuel  Loudon,  printer,  or  such  other 
printer  as  shall  be  directed  by  this  Convention,  and  take 
liis  receipt  for  the  same  ;  and  when  the  said  Samuel  Lou- 
don or  such  other  printer  as  shall  be  employed,  has  com- 
pleted and  finished  the  printing  the  quantity  and  sorts  of 
bills  hereby  directed  to  be  struck,  he  shall  redeliver  the 
said  stamps  to  the  said  I.  Roosevelt,  which  shall  be  seal- 
ed with  the  several  seals  of  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt,  and 
the  President  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  deposit- 
ed in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention,  until 
the  further  order  of  this  or  some  future  Convention  or  Le- 
gislature of  this  State.  The  receipt  of  the  said  Isaac 
Roosevelt  to  the  said  Samuel  Loudon,  or  such  other 
printer,  shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  for  such  delivery. 

Resolved,  That  the  public  faith  of  this  State  be  pledged 
for  the  redemption  of  the  said  bills  of  credit,  and  that  this 
Convenlion,  or  some  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  will 
make  effectual  provision  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State 
shall,  after  ihe  first  day  of  Novr.  next,  within  or  without 
this  State,  or  any  person  whatsoever  shall  within  this 
State,  after  the  said  1st  of  Novr.  forge  or  counterfeit  any 
of  the  bills  of  credit  issued  by  the  Continental  Congress, 


572 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


by  the  Assembly  or  Convention  of  any  of  the  United 
States,  or  alter  the  sum  expressed  in  any  of  the  said  bills 
of  credit ;  or  shall  offer,  or  cause  to  be  offered  in  payment, 
any  such  counterfeit,  forged  or  altered  bill  of  credit,  know- 
ing the  same  to  be  counterfeit,  forged  or  altered,  and  shall 
be  thereof  convicted  by  a  petit  jury,  after  a  presentment 
by  a  grand  jury,  in  a  court  to  be  erected  in  this  Slate  by 
this  Convention,  or  any  future  Legislature,  or  shall  stand 
mute,  or  peremptorily  challenge  above  the  number  of  20  of 
the  panel,  shall  suffer  DEATH  as  a  felon. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt  be  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  and  desired  to  apply  to  and  contract 
with  proper  persons  to  sign  the  said  bills  of  credit,  and  to 
report  their  names  to  this  Convention,  to  be  inserted  in  the 
bill  or  resolution  now  before  this  Convention  for  issuing 
such  bills  of  credit. 

Colo.  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed  for  that 
purpose,  delivered  in  their  report  relative  to  the  exemption 
of  certain  artificers  and  manufacturers  in  this  State  from 
military  duty,  which  was  read,  and  deferred  for  further  con- 
sideration. 

Air.  Wisner,  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  and 
quantity  of  military  stores  in  the  city,  belonging  to  this 
State,  and  of  a  proper  place  of  safety  to  which  they  may 
be  sent,  made  his  report. 

Ordered,  To  remain  till  further  inquiry  may  be  made. 

Mr.  Landon,  according  to  order,  reported  the  examina- 
tion of  Burga,  taken  by  Judge  Graham  and  himself,  where- 
in the  examinant  states,  that  Capt.  Saml.  Hallet,  of  Queens 
county,  his  son  Joseph  Hallet,  John  Greenock,  Junr.  Saml. 
Ryder,  and  a  negro  of  Capt.  Hallet,  went  on  the  9th  from 
the  mill  of  Mr.  Vandeveere  to  Barren  island,  in  Jamaica 
Bay,  and  from  thence  to  the  British  on  Staten  island,  where 
they  yet  remain,  was  read  and  filed. 

Whereas,  certain  members  of  this  Convention,  by  au- 
thority from  the  same,  did  take  the  parol  of  sundry  persons, 
inhabitants  of  this  State:  And  whereas,  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  has  since  found  it  necessary  to  cause 
some  of  the  said  persons  to  be  made  prisoners  :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  several  parols  be, 
and  they  hereby  are,  declared  totally  void  as  to  any  obliga- 
tions thereby  laid  upon  those  who  have  been,  since  the 
giving  the  said  parol,  made  prisoners  as  aforesaid. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  \<tth,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  Broome,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay 
(on  duty,)  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Col.  Blackwell — Queens. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  J.  H.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart  on  duty — Suffolk. 

Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 
Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 

Kings  county  not  having  elected  any  Deputies  since  May 
last,  [Mr.  Polhemus,]  declared  that  the  county  committee 
had  met  and  directed  him  to  attend  as  a  member,  in  pur- 
suance of  the  last  election  in  May,  until  another  election  is 
had. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Polhemus  take  his  seat  and  repre- 
sent Kings  county,  except  in  matters  which  relate  to  the 
formation  of  government. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jeromus  Remsen,  Junr.  of  Queens 
county,  dated  the  10th  inst.  was  read  and  filed.    He  therein 


mentions  the  election  of  Wm.  Lawrence,  late  lieutenant, 
to  be  a  captain  in  a  company  of  militia  at  New  Town,  in 
the  stead  of  Jonathan  Lawrence,  now  brigade-major,  and 
requests,  for  the  good  of  the  American  cause,  that  his  com- 
mission issue. 

A  certificate,  signed  by  Philip  Edsall,  deputy  chairman 
of  the  committee  at  New  Town,  by  order  of  the  commit- 
tee, dated  the  10th  inst.  was  also  read.  They  thereby 
certify,  that  on  the  9lh  inst.  the  company  whereof  Major 
Lawrence  was  late  captain,  had  duly  elected  William  Law- 
rence to  be  captain,  in  the  presence  of  Capt.  Saml.  Moore 
and  Colo.  Jeromus  Remsen,  two  of  the  committee,  and 
they  thereby  recommend  him  for  a  commission. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  to  the  said  William 
Lawrence,  as  captain,  and  that  it  be  tested  the  9ih  inst. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  by  the  election  of 
William  Lawrence  to  be  captain,  a  lieutenancy  is  become 
vacant  in  the  said  company,  and  that  they  have  elected  a 
lieutenant. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  countersigned  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and  de- 
livered blank,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  committee  at  New 
Town,  for  a  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Saml.  Lawrence's  com- 
pany, and  that  the  committee  at  New  Town  report  to  this 
Convention  the  gentleman  whose  name  they  insert  in  that 
commission  as  lieutenant. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  William  Furman,  Jos.  Robinson 
and  Saml.  Riker,  dated  the  10th  inst.  was  read  and  filed. 

They  thereby  inform  that  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of 
this  Convention  of  the  8th  instant,  to  examine  Nathl.  Mills 
of  Jamaica,  and  any  other  persons  whom  they  should  think 
necessary  respecting  a  letter  which  passed  through  the 
hands  of  Mills  to  the  late  sheriff  of  Queens  county,  they 
had  traced  the  said  letter  down  to  Elizth.  Hicks,  a  young 
lady  of  Rockaway,  as  appears  by  the  examinations  therein 
enclosed  ;  that  the  said  Elizth.  Hicks  refused  to  give  her 
affirmation  to  what  she  had  declared,  or  even  to  sign  her 
name  to  her  examination. 

The  examinations  of  Nathl.  Mills,  Caleb  Mills  and 
Joshua  Mills,  and  the  notes  of  the  declaration  of  the  said 
Elizth.  Hicks,  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  William  Furman,  Joseph  Robin- 
son and  Saml.  Riker,  the  committee  who  examined  Elizth. 
Hicks  of  Rockaway,  respecting  the  letter  or  paper  which 
she  acknowledged  to  have  received,  and  delivered  to 
Joshua  Mills,  on  a  fast  day,  be,  and  hereby  are,  authorized 
and  requested  to  cause  the  said  Elizth.  Hicks  to  be  ap- 
prehended and  kept  in  safe  custody,  until  she  discover,  on 
oath,  or  (affirmation  if  she  is  one  of  the  people  called  Qua- 
kers,) from  whom  she  received  the  said  paper,  or  subscribe 
a  declaration  on  her  oath,  or  affirmation,  that  she  does  not 
know,  or  has  not  any  reason  to  suspect,  of  whom  she  re- 
ceived the  same.  And  if  the  said  Elizth.  Hicks  shall  refuse 
to  make  such  discovery,  or  to  make  and  subscribe  such 
declaration  on  oath,  or  affirmation  as  aforesaid,  that  she  be 
confined  in  the  jail  of  Queens  county,  there  to  remain  until 
she  make  discovery,  or  such  declaration  as  aforesaid. 

Whereas  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  is  highly  worthy  of 
public  encouragement,  not  only  as  ilis  an  article  immediately 
necessary  for  the  defence  and  preservation  of  every  thing  we 
hold  dear,  and  may  be  hereafter  of  considerable  importance 
to  our  commerce,  but  likewise  as  it  is  at  all  times  the 
soundest  policy,  and  essential  to  the  safety  of  a  State,  ne- 
ver to  be  dependant  upon  foreign  supplies,  which  are  ever 
precarious,  for  the  means  of  defence  and  self-preservation; 
and  as  the  expiration  of  the  time  limited  for  the  public  en- 
couragement of  the  manufacture  of  that  article  in  this  Slate 
is  so  near  at  hand,  that  no  one  is  likely  to  be  induced 
thereby  to  set  up  new  works  for  that  purpose.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  formerly  appointed  for 
encouraging  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  in  this  State,  and 
purchasing  the  same,  and  the  members  thereof  severally 
be,  and  they  hereby  are,  empowered  and  authorized  to  pur- 
chase on  account  of  this  Convention,  all  well  refined  salt- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


573 


petre  made  in  this  State,  that  shall  be  offered  to  them  for 
sale  before  the  1st  day  of  July  next,  at  the  rate  of  6s.  pr. 
pound. 

And  that  the  said  committees  and  the  members  thereof 
severally  be  empowered  to  send  from  time  to  time  the  salt- 
petre so  purchased  by  the  most  expeditious  and  safe  con- 
veyance, at  the  public  expense,  to  any  manufacturer  or 
manufacturers  of  gunpowder,  in  this  State,  his  or  their 
agent  or  agents,  taking  a  receipt  of  the  person  to  whom  it 
shall  be  so  sent,  for  the  quantity  delivered,  which  receipt 
shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  to  the  Auditor-General  of  this 
State  for  passing  and  allowing  their  accounts  ;  and  that 
such  sum  or  sums  of  money  be  advanced  to  the  said  com- 
mittees from  time  to  time  as  the  Convention  or  Legislature 
of  this  State  for  the  time  being  shall  think  necessary  to 
enable  them  to  execute  the  above  resolutions  ;  and  that 
Henry  Wisner,  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Henry  Schenk,  Pe- 
ter R.  Livingston  and  Samuel  Haviland,  Esquires,  be 
added  to  the  committees  already  appointed  for  encouraging 
the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,  and  purchasing  the  same  in 
the  counties  to  which  they  respectively  belong. 

A  letter  from  Richard  Peters,  Esqr.  Secretary  to  the 
Continental  Board  of  War,  dated  at  Philadelphia,  the  6th 
inst.  requesting  a  list  of  all  the  prisoners  of  war  now  in  this 
State,  and  also  requiring  a  list  of  the  officers  of  troops 
raised  in  this  State,  the  dates  of  their  commissions,  and 
times  for  which  their  men  were  enlisted,  was  read,  and  re- 
ferred to  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Tredwell. 

Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  the  Auditor-General  communi- 
cated an  account  of  Mr.  Abm.  Livingston,  of  the  number 
of  rations,  which  as  Commissary  he  had  furnished  to  the 
troops  in  the  State  of  New- York,  at  the  foot  of  which  ac- 
count there  are  a  number  of  charges  which  he,  the  Audi- 
tor-General, does  not  think  himself  authorized  to  allow, 
without  the  direction  of  Congress,  and  praying  that  he  may 
have  some  directions  accordingly  ;  which  being  read,  was 
referred  to  a  committee,  consisting  of  Colo.  Broome  and 
Mr.  Bancker. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Alexander  Hamilton,  of  the  artillery 
company,  informing  that  the  first  lieutenancy  in  his  com- 
pany is  vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Lieut.  Johnson,  and 
recommends  a  promotion  of  the  inferior  officers,  was  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  say  : 

"  The  Honble.  the  Convention  of 

the  State  of  New- York. 

"  Gentlemen — It  is  necessary  I  should  inform  you 
that  there  is  at  present  a  vacancy  in  my  company,  aris- 
ing from  the  promotion  of  Lieut.  Johnson  to  a  captaincy 
in  one  of  the  row  gallies,  (which  command,  however,  he 
has  since  resigned,  for  a  very  particular  reason.)  As  ar- 
tillery officers  are  scarce  in  proportion  to  the  call  for  them, 
and  as  myself  and  my  remaining  officers  sustain  an  extra- 
ordinary weight  of  duty,  on  account  of  the  present  vacancy, 
I  shall  esteem  it  a  favour  if  you  will  be  pleased,  as  soon 
as  possible,  to  make  up  my  deficiency  by  a  new  appoint- 
ment. It  would  be  productive  of  much  inconveniency, 
should  not  the  inferior  officers  succeed  in  course,  and  from 
this  consideration,  I  doubt  not,  you  will  think  it  proper  to 
advance  Mr.  Gilleland  and  Mr.  Bean,  and  fill  up  the  third 
lieutenancy  with  some  other  person.  I  would  beg  the 
liberty  warmly  to  recommend  to  your  attention  Thomas 
Thompson,  now  first  sergeant  in  my  company,  a  man 
highly  deserving  of  notice  and  preferment.  He  has  dis- 
charged his  duty  in  his  present  station  with  uncommon 
fidelity,  assiduity  and  expertness.  He  is  a  very  good  dis- 
ciplinarian, possesses  the  advantage  of  having  seen  a  good 
deal  of  service  in  Germany,  has  a  tolerable  share  of  com- 
mon sense,  and  is  well  calculated  not  to  disgrace  the  rank  of 
an  officer  and  gentleman.  In  a  word,  I  verily  believe  he 
will  make  an  excellent  lieutenant,  and  his  advancement  will 
be  a  great  encouragement  and  benefit  to  my  company  in  par- 
ticular, and  will  be  an  animating  example  to  all  men  of 
merit,  to  whose  knowledge  it  comes.  Myself  and  my  offi- 
cers will  be  much  obliged  to  the  Honourable  Convention  to 

144 


favour  us  with  our  commissions  with  all  convenient  speed, 
as  they  may  be  highly  requisite  under  some  circumstances 
that  may  possibly  hereafter  arise. 

"  I  am,  with  the  utmost  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  most  hble.  servant, 
"A.  HAMILTON, 

"  Capt.  ofNeiv-Yorh  Jlrtillery. 

"jlugt.  12th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Livingston  call  on  Capt.  Hamil- 
ton, and  inquire  into  this  matter  and  report  to  this  House. 

A  letter  from  the  Auditor-General,  requesting  to  know 
whether  the  public  are  to  pay  Mr.  Pettit,  the  door-keeper's 
board  and  diet,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  charge  brought  against  this  Con- 
vention in  Thomas  Petiil's  account,  for  his  board,  be  dis- 
allowed, and  that  the  Auditor-General  be  informed  thereof. 

The  report  of  the  committee,  for  exempting  certain  ma- 
nufacturers from  military  duty,  was  read,  amended,  and 
agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  As  every  possible  encouragement  ought  to  be  given  to 
such  manufacturers  as  are  necessary  to  enable  us  to  carry 
on  our  military  operations  with  effect :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  be  exempted 
from  military  duty  in  this  State,  while  actually  employed 
in  the  several  manufactures  hereafter  mentioned,  to  wit : 

"One  founder,  two  keepers,  one  stock-jobber,  one  moul- 
der, two  fillers,  one  ore  burner,  one  ore  breaker,  four  mi- 
ners, and  four  master  colliers,  at  each  furnace,  for  melting 
iron  ore  into  pigs  and  castings  : 

"  Two  men  at  each  fire,  and  two  attendants  to  supply 
the  same  with  coal,  at  every  forge  for  making  of  bar  iron  : 

"  Two  firemen,  and  one  coal  carrier,  to  each  fire  at  the 
several  steel  manufactories  : 

"  Ten  anchor  makers,  four  carriers,  and  one  bellows 
man  to  each  bellows,  at  the  anchor  forge  in  the  county  of 
Orange  : 

"  The  master  workman,  and  six  labourers,  at  each  salt 
works  set  up  in  this  State  by  contract  with  this  Convention : 

"  The  master  workman,  and  two  attendants,  at  each  pa- 
per mill :  And, 

"  The  master  workman,  or  overseer,  at  each  powder 
mill,  together  with  three  labourers  to  every  20  mortars 
used  in  such  mills,  and  so  in  proportion  where  they  exceed 
or  fall  short  of  that  number  : 

"  Provided  always,  That  the  several  proprietors  of  the 
above  mentioned  works  do  give  in  a  list  of  the  names  of 
all  the  persons,  at  their  respective  works,  entitled  to  the  be- 
nefit of  this  exemption,  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
district  in  which  they  reside,  (who  shall  keep  a  register 
thereof,)  and  that  no  person  be  entitled  to  the  benefit  of 
such  exemption  until  his  name  be  so  registered. 

"  Provided  also,  that  nothing  in  the  above  resolutions 
contained  be  construed  to  exempt  any  persons  from  mili- 
tary duty  when,  in  cases  of  alarm  or  invasion,  the  whole 
military  force  of  the  county  in  which  they  reside  shall  be 
called  out  into  actual  service." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  published  in  the  news- 
papers. 

A  letter  from  John  Schenk,  secretary  to  the  committee 
of  Poughkeepsie,  enclosing  sundry  accounts  for  arms  pur- 
chased and  hired  by  said  committee,  for  the  use  of  the 
State,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr. 
Bleecker  and  Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Robt.  Boyd,  chairman  of  Ulster  commit- 
tee, to  the  Deputies  of  Ulster  county,  was  read.  They 
have  chosen  a  new  treasurer  for  said  committee  ;  their 
former  treasurer,  Col.  Hardenbergh,  refuses  to  deliver  up 
the  cash  in  his  custody.  Committed  to  Mr.  Contine,  Mr. 
Adgate  and  Mr.  Eacker. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Remsen  to  Mr.  John  McKesson,  in- 
forming that  Col.  Covenhoven,  of  Kings  county  militia, 
requests  commissions  for  the  following  officers  to  com- 
mand the  drafts  of  the  militia  in  the  said  county,  pursuant 
to  the  resolves  of  this  Convention  of       inst.  to  wit : 


574 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Thomas  Lane,  capt.;  Nichs.  Van  Brunt,  1st  lieut.;  Michl. 
Van  Cleef,  2nd.  lieut.  for  one  company  :  Harmanus  Cas- 
per, lieut.  to  command  20  men,  but  to  be  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Lane,  these  not  being  officers  of  the  mili- 
tia ;  was  read  and  committed  to  Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr. 
Harper  and  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Scott,  of  the  13th  inst.  addressed 
to  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  stating  some  difficulties  in  hav- 
ing Taylor  Willet  committed  to  his  disposal,  and  also  re- 
quiring that  the  commissions  of  the  officers  of  his  brigade 
be  dated  previous  to  the  14th  June,  otherwise  they  will 
lose  their  proper  rank,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  inform  Genl.  Scott  that 
in  consequence  of  the  absence  of  the  President,  new 
commissions  cannot  at  present  be  issued,  and  that  the 
Convention  do  not  conceive  that  they  can  properly  further 
interfere  in  regard  to  Willet  Taylor. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  Commissary-General 
was  received  and  read.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  furnish  Joseph 
Trumbull  with  the  whole  or  such  part  of  the  salted  pork, 
belonging  to  this  Convention,  and  which  is  now  stored  in 
Westchester  county,  as  he  shall  stand  in  need  of  for  the 
immediate  use  of  the  Continental  army  now  at  New-York 
and  its  neighbourhood,  agreeable  to  the  request  of  his  let- 
ter of  this  day  :  And 

Ordered,  That  the  persons  who  have  the  whole  or  any 
part  of  the  said  salted  pork  in  their  possession  do  deliver 
to  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Daniel  Gray,  the  whole  or  such 
part  of  the  said  pork  as  he  shall  think  proper  to  take  for 
the  use  aforesaid  ;  and  his  receipt  for  the  same  shall  be  to 
them  a  sufficient  voucher  for  such  delivery. 


THURSDAY,  a.  m. 

August  15th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Jay, 
(the  two  last  on  duty) — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon." 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bleecker — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Polhemus — Kings. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Jno.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dewit — Ulster. 
Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 
The  member  for  Kings  departed  before  sundry  of  the 
other  members  came  in,  whereby  there  was  a  representa- 
tion of  the  Colony. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington,  of  the  14th  inst.  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  New-York,  August  14th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  have  no  objection  to  your  taking 
Willet  Taylor's,  Esqr.  parol,  or  such  other  security  as  you 
may  esteem  sufficient  to  prevent  him  from  taking  an  un- 
friendly part  against  the  United  States  of  America. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  taken  into  consideration  to- 
morrow morning,  at  which  time  Mr.  Taylor  is  requested 
to  attend  ;  and  it  is  also 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  notify  the  witnesses  also 
to  attend. 

A  letter  from  Rd.  Burger,  of  the  27th  July,  was  read 
and  committed  to  Colo.  Broome. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wilmot,  of  the  14th  inst.  enclosing 
the  examinations  of  John  Sloane  and  Thomas  Clarke,  com- 


mitted by  Genl.  Putnam,  and  requiring  directions  relative 
to  them,  was  read  and  referred  to  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Abeel  and  Colo.  Livingston. 

Col.  Livingston,  who  was  directed  to  inquire  into  the 
facts  stated  by  Capt.  Alexr.  Hamilton's  letter,  read  yester- 
day, reported  that  the  facts  stated  by  Capt.  Hamilton  are 
correct.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  whereas  Thomas  Thompson,  late  a 
sergeant  in  Capt.  Hamilton's  company  of  artillery,  has 
been  represented  to  this  Convention  as  a  person  who  has 
discharged  his  duty  in  his  office  as  aforesaid  with  uncom- 
mon fidelity,  assiduity  and  expertness  ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Thomas  Thompson  be  pro- 
moted to  the  rank  of  a  lieutenant  in  the  said  company ; 
and  that  this  Convention  will  exert  themselves  in  promot- 
ing, from  time  to  time,  such  privates  and  non-commission- 
ed officers  in  the  service  of  this  State,  as  shall  distinguish 
themselves  by  their  sobriety,  valour  and  subordination  to 
their  officers. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolution  be  published  in  the  news- 
papers of  this  State. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  last  resolution  be  transmit- 
ted to  the  officers  commanding  the  New-York  regiments, 
to  be  by  them  communicated  to  their  regiments. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  be  added  to  the  committee 
with  Colo.  Broome,  on  the  letter  from  R.  Benyer,  read 
yesterday. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Leonard  Gansevort, 
Esqrs.  commissioners  sent  to  the  northern  army,  was  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to 
say  : 

"  Albany,  August  9th,  1776. 

"  Sir— On  Sunday  the  27th  July,  about  10  o'clock  A.M. 
we  received  your  letter,  covering  two  resolutions  and  a  let- 
ter to  Major-Genl.  Gates,  and  at  about  2  P.  M.  we  set  out 
for  Ticonderoga  in  obedience  to  your  requisition,  from 
whence  we  returned  last  night,  and  now,  by  express,  trans- 
mit you  the  enclosed  papers. 

"  The  General  has  been  so  very  particular  with  respect 
to  some  matters,  that  it  would  be  trespassing  on  your  pa- 
tience to  repeat  them.  The  letter  from  the  General,  and 
the  papers  therein  referred  to.  will  give  a  full  and  explicit 
idea  of  the  state  of  our  army  in  that  quarter,  and  their  ope- 
rations. You  will  find  among  the  papers  a  list  of  the  ves- 
sels now  laying  at  Crown  Point,  with  one  month's  provi- 
sions on  board,  and  they  propose,  by  the  middle  of  next 
week,  to  proceed  down  Lake  Champlain  to  some  narrow 
pass  in  the  lake,  to  annoy  the  enemy  should  they  come  out ; 
and  also  another  list  of  those  on  the  stocks  and  intended  to 
be  built ;  from  which  you  will  be  enabled  to  judge  whether 
any  and  what  dependance  can  be  made  on  that  part  of  our 
defence. 

"  It  appears  to  us  that  the  enemy  will  not  be  able  to  get 
a  fleet  superior  in  number  to  ours,  nor  officers  better  skill- 
ed to  command  them  than  Brigadier-General  Arnold  and 
Commodore  Wynkoop.  We  conceive,  therefore,  that  the 
command  of  the  lakes  cannot  be  taken  from  us  this  year, 
and  that  the  greatest  dependance  can  be  made  upon  that 
defence. 

"  We  are  extremely  happy  to  inform  you,  that  the  un- 
happy differences  which  have  subsisted  between  the  New- 
England  and  southern  troops,  are  more  or  less  subsided, 
and  that  there  seems  to  be  more  harmony  and  concord  be- 
tween them  than  there  has  been  from  report ;  but  we  are 
apt  to  think  that  it  has  been  greatly  exaggerated  by  per- 
sons who,  perhaps,  would  wish  it  to  be  so.  You  will  ob- 
serve in  the  map  the  full  extent  of  the  old  French  lines, 
which  are  now  repairing  ;  and  we  do  assure  you,  that  from 
their  appearance  and  the  character  of  the  Pennsylvania 
and  Jersey  troops  that  are  stationed  there,  we  have  the 
greatest  expectations,  that  should  the  enemy  attempt  to 
force  them,  they  will  receive  as  bloody  a  repulse  as  that  of 
Genl.  Abercrombie  in  the  last  war. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


575 


*'  The  fortifications  on  the  heights  of  Mount  Indepen- 
dence is  exceedingly  well  calculated,  in  our  opinion  ;  but 
as  we  cannot  be  persuaded  that  the  enemy  will  ever  come 
up  so  high  to  land  as  to  come  within  the  reach  of  a  can- 
non shot  from  that  battery,  we  conceive  it  unnecessary  to 
expatiate  on  its  utility. 

"  Besides  the  redoubts  marked  out  upon  the  map,  there 
are  to  be  three  others  erected ;  one  upon  an  eminence  to 
the  northeast  corner  of  the  old  French  lines,  and  two  be- 
tween that  and  the  redoubt  marked  '  old  redoubt,'  being  the 
second  from  the  fort.  These  redoubts,  together  with  those 
marked  out  upon  the  plan  or  map,  will,  we  conceive,  be 
sufficient  to  oppose  the  landing  of  the  enemy  at  the  place 
the  most  advantageous  for  them,  and  indeed  the  only  one 
where  it  will  be  possible  for  them  ever  to  effect  it. 

"  That  we  might  inform  ourselves  of  every  thing  that 
was  carried  on  above,  we  took  our  tour  by  the  way  of  Lake 
George,  and  returned  by  the  way  of  Skenesborough  ;  hence 
we  have  received  all  the  intelligence  that  was  to  be  obtain- 
ed at  those  posts,  and  upon  the  communication  ;  and  it  is 
with  great  satisfaction  we  inform  you,  that  every  thing 
flows  through  a  proper  channel,  and  the  whole  well  orga- 
nized. There  is  nothing  so  much  wanted  as  medicines  and 
artillery ;  the  want  of  the  former  is  so  great,  that  it  is 
shocking  to  behold  the  number  of  sick  that  die  daily  for 
the  mere  want  of  that  article  ;  but  as  we  suppose  that  Dr. 
Saml.  Stringer  has  been  with  you,  and  has  given  you  a 
statement  of  the  hospital  at  Fort  George,  we  shall  say  no 
more  on  that  subject. 

"  We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  examinations  of  two 
French  officers,  who  were  examined  by  Major-Genl.  Gates, 
and  sent  down  to  this  place,  as  also  the  examination  of  one 
Lieut.  Whitmore  of  our  army,  who  has  been  out  on  a  scout- 
ing party  ;  from  them  you  will  collect  all  the  intelligence 
with  respect  to  the  movement  of  the  enemy  that  is  in  our 
power  to  communicate. 

"  Major  Bigelow,  who  went  out  with  the  flag  from  Gene- 
ral Gates  to  St.  John's,  is  not  yet  returned  ;  what  detains 
him  we  know  not ;  he  has  now  been  out  22  days. 

"  We  hear  from  the  German  Flatts  that  Genl.  Schuyler 
and  Mr.  Dow  have  not  yet  finished  the  treaty  with  the  In- 
dians, and  that  there  are  between  1,600  and  1,700  Indians 
there  ;  it  is  expected  that  they  will  finish  by  Monday  ;  that 
the  Indians  show  very  friendly  dispositions,  and  extremely 
lament  the  perfidy  of  individuals  who  have  been  so  base  as 
to  take  up  the  hatchet  against  their  American  brethren. 

"  Genl.  Gates  requested  of  us  to  forward  his  despatches 
by  our  express,  and  to  beg  the  Convention  to  forward  them 
without  a  moment's  loss  of  time  to  Congress. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  most  hble.  servants, 

(Signed,)  "JACOB  CUYLER, 

"  LEONARD  GANSEVOORT. 

"  To  Nathl.  Woodhcll,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Convention  of  the  Stale  of  New- York. 

"  P.  S.  General  Waterbury  had  about  1,200  men  with 
him  at  Scheensborough,  and  were  daily  coming  in  there 
from  every  quarter  from  the  eastward." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  papers  therein  enclos- 
ed, be  referred  to  the  consideration  of  a  committee  to  con- 
sist of  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr.  Marsh. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

August  16th,  1776. 

Pexsejtt— Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Beekman.  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duns- 
combe,  Col.  Lott— New-York. 

Col.  Blackwell,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  W.  Smith— Queens, 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 

Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 


Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham — Wettches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Capt.  Denning  informed  the  Convention  that  William 
Fundran,  the  pilot,  had  informed  him  that  the  navigation 
of  the  East  river  may  be  very  easily  obstructed  between 
the  Battery  and  Nutten  island  ;  that  Fundran  farther  in- 
formed him  that  the  depth  of  water  at  a  particular  place 
which  he  could  point  out,  did  not  exceed  5  fathoms ;  and 
that  the  navigation  could  be  obstructed  in  4  hours  after 
proper  vessels  are  prepared  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Denning  wait  on  His  Excellency, 
Genl.  Washington,  and  give  him  the  above  information  ; 
and  that  William  Fundran  is  one  of  our  best  pilots ;  and 
that  Capt.  Denning  further  inform  His  Excellency,  that  it 
will  be  agreeable  to  the  wishes  of  this  Convention,  that 
the  navigation  of  the  East  river  should  be  there  obstruct- 
ed, if  he  shall  think  it  advantageous  for  the  defence  of  this 
State. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  a  number  of  can- 
non are  yet  laying  beyond  King's  Bridge,  and  so  exposed 
that  they  may  be  taken  by  the  enemy,  should  an  attempt 
of  that  kind  be  made,  at  the  same  time  that  they  are  ne- 
cessary for  the  defence  of  the  works  at  Genl.  Clinton's 
encampment. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  requested  with  all  pos- 
sible despatch  to  remove  all  the  cannon  fit  for  use  which 
lie  near  the  road  to  New  Rochell  to  his  encampment,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  defray  the  contingent  charges. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  requested  to  employ 
as  many  carpenters  as  possible  to  make  carriages  for  such 
guns  as  he  thinks  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  works 
to  the  northward  of  King's  Bridge. 

A  certificate  of  William  Miller,  deputy  chairman  of  the 
general  committee  of  Westchester  county,  was  read  and 
filed.  He  thereby  certifies  that  Zephaniah  Miller  is  ap- 
pointed a  lieutenant  to  Capt.  Micha  Townshend,  upon  his 
first  lieutenant,  Samuel  Townshend,  having  been  promoted 
to  a  captaincy,  which  said  appoinlment  had  received  the 
universal  approbation  of  the  general  committee  for  the 
county  of  Westchester. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  issued  for  the  said  Z. 
Miller,  as  lieutenant  of  Capt.  Micha  Townshend's  com- 
pany. 

Two  letters  from  David  Mathews,  Esqr.  one  to  General 
Woodhull,  the  other  to  his  wife,  with  a  mittimus  enclos- 
ed ;  also  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Litchfield,  and 
another  from  Moses  ,  were  respectively  read, 

and  referred  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Hobart. 

Two  letters  from  the  secret  committee  at  Poughkeep- 
sie,  by  Capt.  Henry  Benson,  were  read,  and  are  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  August  \Zth,  1776. 

"  Sir — Among  other  measures  devised  for  the  defence 
of  Hudson's  river,  we  have  purchased  and  are  fitting  out 
two  sloops,  each  of  them  more  than  a  match  for  a  tender. 
We  have  given  Capt.  Benson  the  command  of  one,  Capt. 
Casewell  of  the  other.  It  will  be  impracticable  to  get  a 
sufficient  number  of  men  for  them  here,  or  in  our  opinion, 
elsewhere,  unless  permission  be  given  to  the  captains  to 
enlist  them  from  among  the  new  levies. 

"  We  have  written  to  Cenl.  Washington  on  the  subject, 
and  hope  this  expedient  will  meet  with  the  approbation  of 
the  Convention.  The  State  of  Connecticut  has  sent  us 
20  cannon,  ten  twelve,  and  ten  six  pounders,  with  50 
rounds  of  shot  to  each  cannon. 

"  Business  grows  upon  our  hands,  and  if  Messrs.  Yates, 
Jay  and  Livingston  are  recalled,  a  quorum  will  not  be  left, 
and  consequently  nothing  further  can  be  done.  We  beg 
the  directions  of  the  Congress  on  this  point,  for  we  have 
not  the  least  reason  to  expect  that  the  state  of  our  affairs 


576 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


here  will  admit  of  our  return  to  the  Convention  by  the  26th 
inst. 

"We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servts. 
"  By  order  of  the  secret  committee, 

"  ROBT.  YATES,  Chairman. 

"  To  Nathl.  Woodhull,  Esqr.  President 

of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

"  Poughkeepsie,  Aug.  Uth,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  find  it  necessary  to  direct  Capt.  Benson  to 
endeavour  to  purchase  at  New- York,  a  number  of  articles 
for  the  armed  vessels  now  fitting  out  here,  which  we  can- 
not procure  at  this  place,  and  beg  that  all  possible  assis- 
tance may  be  given  him.  As  the  Convention  now  sit  at 
Haerlam,  and  the  moneys  advanced  to  us  will  not  be  more 
than  adequate  to  the  expenses  already  incurred,  we  do  not 
think  it  advisable  to  give  Capt.  Benson  any  money  to  carry 
with  him,  but  request  the  favour  of  your  Honourable  House 
to  supply  him  with  as  much  money  as  may  be  necessary 
for  the  purposes  above  mentioned. 

"  As  we  may  be  shortly  under  the  necessity  of  request- 
ing further  supplies,  we  hope  care  has  been  taken  to  put 
the  treasury  in  such  a  condition  as  that  no  delays  in  a 
matter  so  important  may  be  occasioned.  We  have  applied 
to  Genl.  Washington  for  an  order  on  John  B.  Livingston, 
for  as  much  powder  as  may  be  necessary  for  both  vessels, 
and  we  think  it  would  not  be  improper  that  the  General 
should  be  properly  informed  of  the  state  of  your  magazine, 
and  thereby  be  led  to  perceive  the  propriety  of  our  apply- 
ing for  Continental  powder. 

"  We  are  your  most  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee, 
"  ROBT.  YATES,  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  referred  to  Mr.  Duer 
and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Mr.  Duer,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
letters  from  the  secret  committee  at  Poughkeepsie,  having 
reported  thereon,  the  Convention  agreed  to  a  recital  in  the 
words  following,  namely  : 

Whereas  a  secret  committee  appointed  by  this  Con- 
vention to  devise  means  for  annoying  the  enemy's  ships 
and  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  hav- 
ing by  their  letter  received  this  day,  informed  the  Con- 
vention of  their  fitting  out  two  armed  vessels  at  Pough- 
keepsie, and  giving  the  command  of  one  of  them  to  Capt. 
Henry  Benson,  who  they  have  sent  down  to  New- York  to 
procure  and  purchase  sundry  articles,  necessarily  required 
in  fitting  out  said  vessels,  and  request  the  Convention  to 
supply  Capt.  Benson  with  money  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  this  Convention,  advance  to  Capt.  Henry  Ben- 
son the  sum  of  £500  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  take 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Eccun  be,  and  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  deliver  the  Continental  salt,  now  on  board  of  his 
vessel  at  Fire  island  inlet,  to  the  Commissary-General,  or 
his  order. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
served  on  Capt.  Eccun,  and  that  one  other  copy  thereof, 
with  a  copy  of  Capt.  Denning's  letter  to  this  Convention, 
be  immediately  sent  by  Capt.  Eccun  to  Joseph  Trumbull, 
Esqr.  the  Commissary-General. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Mr.  Thomas  Grant  be  re- 
quested to  furnish  this  Convention  with  an  inventory  of  the 
medicines  which  he  has  lately  received  by  Capt.  Eccun, 
with  the  price  of  each  article,  in  order  that  this  Conven- 
tion may  have  the  preference  of  purchasing  such  articles 
as  they  think  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of 
this  State. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  in 
answer  to  theirs  of  the  4th  inst.  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Harlem,  Augt.  16<ft,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  4th  inst.  directed  to 


the  members  of  Ulster  county,  has  been  laid  before  this 
Convention,  in  answer  to  part  of  which  the  enclosed  reso- 
lutions have  been  passed,  and  are  now  sent  for  your  direc- 
tion. 

"  The  Convention  has  further  directed  me  to  acquaint 
you  that  no  fees  have  been  ordered  by  the  Convention  for 
the  treasurers  appointed  by  the  county  committees,  and 
as  far  as  hath  come  to  our  knowledge  no  fees  have  been 
demanded  by  the  treasurers  in  the  other  counties  ;  it  is, 
therefore,  hoped,  that  the  treasurers  of  Ulster  county  will 
not  be  singular  in  demanding  fees  for  the  payment  of  so 
small  a  sum. 

"  The  intention  of  the  Convention  on  passing  the  resolu- 
tions for  raising  the  rangers,  was,  that  they  should  be  mus- 
tered by  each  commissioned  officer  of  the  company,  and 
each  of  the  said  officers  to  return  a  muster  roll  of  the  com- 
pany to  which  he  belongs,  on  his  oath  of  office,  and  under 
the  penalty  in  the  said  resolutions  mentioned. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members 

of  the  Committee  of  Ulster." 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  Ylth,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Denning,  Mr.  Dunscombc,  Mr.  Beek- 
man — New-  York. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jo.  Smith—Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Blackwell,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Col.  Law- 
rence— Queens. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Dewitt — Ulster. 

Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Capt.  Piatt  informed  the  Convention  that  Col.  Van  Cort- 
landt  and  himself  are  much  in  want  of  cash  to  defray 
charges  accrued  for  the  support  of  the  militia  which  have 
been  called  to  service  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  and 
also  to  supply  Brigadier-General  Clinton's  brigade  with 
tents,  huts,  provisions,  and  other  necessaries. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  advance  to  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt  and  Capt.  Piatt,  the  sum  of  £1,000  on  account, 
for  the  purposes  above  mentioned,  taking  the  receipt  of 
either  of  those  gentlemen  for  that  sum. 

Genl.  Morris  informed  the  Convention  that  Mr.  David 
Dan  under  his  direction  has  raised  the  greater  part  of  a 
company,  to  serve  in  Colo.  Thomas's  regiment;  and  he, 
with  Mr.  Morris,  recommended  the  said  David  Dan  as  a 
fit  person  to  be  appointed  captain  of  a  company,  and  re- 
quested that  a  captain's  commission  be  issued  to  the  said 
David  Dun,  as  a  captain  in  that  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  issued  lo  him  imme- 
diately. 

General  Morris  further  informed  the  Convention  that  his 
present  brigade-major  is  now  employed  as  an  aid-de-camp 
to  a  general  officer,  and  is  now  in  actual  service  ;  and  the 
General  recommended  Capt.  Pell,  to  be  the  brigade- 
major  of  the  militia  of  Westchester  county. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  Capt.  Pell 
be  appointed  a  major  of  brigade  of  the  militia  of  Westches- 
ter county,  and  that  a  commission  issue  to  him  for  that 
purpose. 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  considera- 
tion of  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston,  report, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


577 


that  they  are  of  opinion  that  it  will  conduce  much  to  the 
relief  of  the  inhabitants,  as  well  as  to  the  safety  of  the  pri- 
soners of  war  now  at  Kingston,  to  remove  the  said  pri- 
soners with  all  possible  despatch  to  Morris  Town,  in  the 
county  of  Morris,  New-Jersey  ;  that  the  committee  of  the 
township  of  Kingston,  be  directed  to  cancel  the  old  parols 
given  by  the  said  prisoners,  and  to  engage  them  under  new 
parols  to  proceed  to  said  place  ;  that  blank  printed  powers 
be  sent  to  the  committee  of  Kingston  for  this  purpose,  that 
they  may  be  taken  with  more  accuracy ;  and  that  the  said 
committee  be  directed  to  send  a  guard  with  the  said  pri- 
soners to  Morris  Town  aforesaid,  and  to  enclose  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Morris  Town  aforesaid,  a  cer- 
tified copy  of  the  parols  given  by  these  prisoners. 

"  That  the  committee  of  the  township  of  Kingston  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized  to  remove  the  tories  now 
in  their  jail,  or  those  whom  they  conceive  the  most  dange- 
rous, to  such  place  of  safety  as  they  shall  think  proper  ; 
that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  the  committee  of  Kingston,  en- 
closing those  resolutions. 

"  WM.  DUER,  Chairman." 

Which  said  report  being  read,  and  changed  into  the  form 
of  resolutions,  was  agreed  to. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"In  Convention  of  the  Representatives,  ) 
"  Of  the  State  of  New-York,  > 
"  Harlem,  Augt.  lWi,  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — You  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  re- 
solutions that  the  prisoners  residing  among  you  are  to  be 
sent  to  Morris  county.    With  regard  to  the  difference  of 
construction  to  that  part  of  their  parols  which  respects  the 
latitude  intended  to  be  given  them  therein,  the  Convention 
give  it  as  their  opinion,  that  the  prisoners  are  entitled  to 
the  privilege  of  passing  and  repassing  within  6  miles  in 
every  direction  from  your  court  house,  which  I  am  directed 
to  request  you  to  communicate  to  the  prisoners,  and  also 
to  transmit  a  copy  of  this  letter  with  the  other  papers  to 
the  committee  of  Morris  county. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Kingston,  Ulster  county." 

Whereas  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  the  safety 
of  the  city  of  New- York,  and  the  security  of  the  Continen- 
tal army  now  on  Long  island,  that  the  communication 
between  that  city  and  island  should  not  be  obstructed  by 
the  enemy's  ships  : 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Patrick  Dennis,  be 
requested  and  empowered  by  this  Convention,  to  stop  up 
the  channel  between  the  grand  battery  and  Governor's 
island  in  case  they  shall  deem  the  same  practicable,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  defray  all  the  charges  incident  to 
the  execution  of  this  design. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Morris  be  empowered  to  pur- 
chase a  sloop  belonging  to  Jesse  Hunt  at  New-Rochell, 
and  to  order  the  same  to  be  delivered  immediately  to  the 
above  named  gentleman  at  New-York,  loaded  with  stone. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington  to  enclose  the 
above  resolution,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Harlem,  Augt.  Ylth,  1776. 
"  Sir — Mr.  Denning  hath  made  the  Convention  ac- 
quainted with  your  Excellency's  sentiments  upon  obstruct- 
ing the  navigation  of  the  East  River,  between  the  grand 
battery  and  Governor's  island.  We  now  take  the  liberty 
of  enclosing  the  copy  of  our  resolution  for  that  purpose, 
which,  together  with  this  letter,  will  be  handed  to  your 
Excellency  by  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee,  to  whom 
we  make  no  doubt,  sir,  that  you  will  afford  every  assistance 
in  your  power. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  James  Stewart  with  such  part  of 

145 


his  company  as  is  already  enlisted,  join  Col.  Malcom's  re- 
giment, as  a  part  thereof,  until  farther  order  ;  and  that  Col. 
Malcom  be  requested  to  exert  his  usual  care  and  diligence, 
in  having  that  company  properly  provided  and  trained  in 
the  military  art. 

The  petition  of  several  inhabitants  of  Queens  county,  re- 
specting the  release  of  Doctor  David  Brooks,  was  read. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  His  Ex- 
cellency Genl.  Washington,  in  consequence  of  whose  or- 
ders the  said  David  Brooks  was  apprehended. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend 
wait  upon  His  Excellency  with  the  said  petition. 

Ordered,  That  Reuben  Weed  be  first  lieutenant  of 
Capt.  Danie's  company. 

An  account  of  John  Dunlap,  against  the  secret  commit- 
tee, and  the  committee  for  trying  disaffected  persons,  and 
those  of  equivocal  characters,  &c.  as  their  door-keeper,  from 
19th  June  to  the  19th  August  was  read  and  examined,  in 
which  he  states  his  whole  account   £24    8s.  Od. 

And  credits, 
By  cash  of  John  McKesson,  £2  16s.  Od. 
"  "  6    0  0 

"  A.  Depeyster,..     4  16  0 

  13  12  0 


Balance  due,   £10  16s.  Od. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  account  of  John  Dunlap  be  de- 
livered to  the  Auditor-General,  to  audit  the  same  to  this 
17th  day  of  August  only,  and  that  the  said  John  Dunlap 
be,  and  he  is  hereby,  discharged  from  the  service  of  the 
said  committee  and  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Harper  and  Mr. 
Tredwell,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Stevens  and  Mr. 
Conline,  or  any  five  of  them,  be  a  Committee  of  Safety, 
for  this  State,  from  the  adjournment  of  this  Convention  on 
this  day,  until  their  next  meeting  ;  that  every  member  who 
shall  attend  have  a  vote,  or  voice,  and  that  the  said  Com- 
mittee be,  and  are  hereby,  empowered  to  take  such  mea- 
sures, and  exercise  such  powers,  during  that  time,  as  shall 
appear  to  them  necessary  for  the  safety  of  the  State. 

The  report  of  John  McDonald,  of  the  progress  he  had 
made  in  opening  the  lead  mine  at  Nine  Partners,  in 
Dutches  county,  and  the  accounts  and  papers  accompany- 
ing the  same,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  Committee  of  Safety  take  in- 
to consideration  the  accounts  and  other  papers  delivered  in 
by  Mr.  John  McDonald,  and  that  they  report  on  Monday 
morning. 

Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Duer,  a  committee  to  consider  the 
case  of  Lieut.  Bleecker,  and  others  in  like  circumstances. 

Mr.  Harper  to  be  furnished  with  £25,  on  account  of 
Tryon  county,  on  his  receipt  on  behalf  of  Tryon  county, 
the  county  to  be  accountable  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Convention  advance  to  Wm.  Harper, 
Esqr.  a  Member  of  this  Convention,  for  the  county  of  Try- 
on,  the  sum  of  £25,  and  that  the  said  sum  be  charged  to 
the  said  Wm.  Harper  and  the  said  county,  to  be  repaid  to 
the  said  Treasurer  by  the  said  William  Harper,  or  the  said 
county,  when  either  shall  be  thereunto  required. 

Ordered,  That  the  papers  belonging  to  Isaac  Kelcham, 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention,  be 
delivered  to  the  said  Isaac  Ketcham,  and  that  Capt.  Jere- 
miah Wool  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  directed  to  obtain  and 
transmit  to  this  Convention,  with  all  convenient  speed,  the 
whole  expense  which  has  occurred  by  apprehending,  secur- 
ing and  keeping  and  maintaining  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac 
Youngs,  Philip  Youngs,  Isaac  Ketcham  and  Henry  Daw- 
kins,  and  the  summoning  witnesses  against  them,  render- 
ing the  said  accounts  as  particular  as  possible.  That  Capt. 
Wool  therewith  transmit  an  account  of  the  moneys  by 
him  taken,  or  received,  from  the  said  Isaac  Ketcham,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


578 

what  disposition  has  been  made  thereof,  together  with  any 
part  of  such  money  as  remains  in  his  hands. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  recom- 
mending the  removal  of  the  women  and  children  from  New- 
York,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — When  I  consider  that  the  city  of  New- 
York  will,  in  all  human  probability,  very  soon  be  the 
scene  of  a  bloody  conflict,  I  can  not  but  view  the  great 
numbers  of  women  and  children,  and  infirm  persons,  re- 
maining in  it,  with  the  most  melancholy  concern.  When 
the  men  of  war  passed  up  the  river,  the  shrieks  and  cries 
of  those  poor  creatures,  running  every  way  with  their 
children,  was  truly  distressing,  and  I  fear  will  have  an  un- 
happy effect  on  the  ears  and  minds  of  our  young  and  in- 
experienced soldiery.  Can  no  method  be  devised  for  their 
removal.  Many  doubtless  are  of  ability  to  remove  them- 
selves, but  there  are  others  in  a  different  situation.  Some 
provision  for  them  afterwards,  would  also  be  a  necessary 
consideration. 

"  It  would  relieve  me  from  great  anxiety,  if  your  Ho- 
nourable Body  would  immediately  deliberate  upon  it,  and 
form,  and  execute  some  plan  for  their  removal  and  relief, 
in  which  I  will  cooperate  and  assist  to  the  utmost  of  my 
power.  In  the  meantime,  I  have  thought  it  proper  to  re- 
commend to  persons  under  the  above  description  to  convey 
themselves  without  delay  to  some  place  of  safety,  with  their 
most  valuable  effects. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be, 

"  With  much  regard,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"Head-Quarters,  New-Yurlc,  Augt.  17th,  1776." 

The  same  being  read  and  considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  women,  children  and  infirm  per- 
sons in  the  city  of  New-York  be  immediately  removed 
from  the  said  city,  agreeable  to  General  Washington's  re- 
quest of  this  House  in  his  letter  of  this  date. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  James  Beekman,  Mr. 
Berrien,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York,  and  Mr.  John  Campbell,  a  member  of  the 
said  committee,  be  empowered  to  remove  such  persons  to 
such  place  or  places  in  this  State  as  they  shall  think  pro- 
per ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  pay  the  expense  in- 
curred by  such  removal  and  maintenance  of  such  persons 
as  the  said  committee  shall  think  in  such  indigent  circum- 
stances as  not  to  be  able  to  remove  and  subsist  them- 
selves. 

Resolved,  That  the  general  committee  of  New- York  be 
earnestly  requested  to  give  all  possible  assistance  to  the 
above  gentlemen  in  carrying  into  execution  the  above  re- 
solutions in  the  most  humane  and  expeditious  manner 
possible. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  this  Convention,  advance  to  Colo.  Lott  and 
Mr.  James  Beekman,  or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  £200 
to  enable  them  to  carry  into  execution  certain  resolves  of 
this  Convention,  of  this  day,  for  removing  the  women 
and  children  and  infirm  persons  out  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  take  a  receipt  to  account  for  the  same. 


Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  committee  appointed 
this  day  for  the  removal  of  the  women,  children  and  in- 
firm persons  from  the  city  of  New-York,  do  immediately 
report  to  this  Convention  the  names  of  all  such  indigent 
and  infirm  persons  whom  they  think  entitled  to  the  chari- 
table exertions  of  this  State,  together  with  the  number  of 
each  family,  the  maladies  under  which  they  may  labour, 
and  the  place  or  places  to  which  they  are  removed  ;  to 
the  end  that  this  Convention  may  discharge  the  duty  of 
faithful  guardians  of  the  public  interest  and  happiness  by 
relieving  the  complaints  of  the  infirm  and  the  wants  of  the 
indigent  in  the  most  humane  and  economical  manner  pos- 
sible. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washing- 
ton, communicating  the  preceding  resolution,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  inform  your  Excellency,  that 
immediately  upon  the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  this  morn- 
ing respecting  the  women,  children  and  infirm  persons  re- 
maining in  the  city  of  New-York,  the  Convention  ap- 
pointed a  committee  for  the  purpose  of  removing  and  pro- 
viding for  such  persons. 

"  I  enclose  a  copy  of  the  resolves  for  that  purpose,  and 
hope  you  will  soon  be  relieved  from  the  anxiety  which 
their  continuance  in  town  has  occasioned ;  and  have  the 
honour  to  be  with  very  great  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  Harlem,  Ylth  August,  1776. 
"  Genl.  Washington." 

A  letter  from  his  Excellency  General  George  Washing- 
ton, in  answer  to  the  letter  respecting  the  obstructing  the 
navigation  of  the  East  river,  was  received  and  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say : 

"  New-York,  August  18th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  have  been  honoured  with  your  letter 
of  the  17th,  with  the  resolution  of  your  Honourable  Body 
for  obstructing  the  channel  betwixt  the  grand  battery  and 
Nuttin  island. 

"  Having  gone  into  a  considerable  expense  for  stopping 
that  of  the  North  river,  and  such  as  I  am  not  certain  I 
shall  be  justified  in,  and  the  obstructions  there  being  far 
from  complete,  it  will  not  be  in  my  power  to  engage  in 
the  business  you  propose,  or  undertake  to  advance  any 
part  of  the  money  which  will  be  necessarily  expended  in 
the  execution.  At  the  same  lime,  give  me  leave  to  assure 
you,  gentlemen,  that  I  shall  most  readily  afford  you  such 
assistance  as  may  be  derived  from  the  labour  of  the  troops 
here  that  can  be  spared  from  other  service  to  facilitate  the 
design,  which  will  be  of  great  importance  if  it  can  be 
executed. 

"  I  have  been  also  honoured  with  your  favour  and  reso- 
lution of  the  same  date,  and  am  exceedingly  obliged  by 
the  ready  attention  you  have  paid  to  my  recommendation 
for  the  removal  of  the  women  and  children  and  infirm  per- 
sons from  this  city. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  hble.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON." 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  LUNiE,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  19th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present— William  Smith,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Thomas  Tredwell,  Mr.  Duer, 


Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Josa.  Smith, 
Mr.  Sackett, 
Mr.  Stevens, 
Colo.  Marsh, 


Mr.  Bleecker, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Sands. 


Capt.  Woodhull,  of  the  Orange  county  troop,  appeared 
in  the  Committee  for  a  line  to  Genl.  Clinton,  signifying 
their  approbation  of  discharging  that  troop. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Clinton  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Application  has  been  made  to  us,  as  a  Commit- 
tee of  the  Convention  in  their  adjournment  from  Saturday 
last,  by  Capt.  Woodhull,  of  the  Orange  troop,  with  your 
permission,  as  he  says,  to  request  a  dismission  from  pre- 
sent service  at  Hudson's  river.  If  you  should  be  of 
opinion,  that  they  may  return  home  consistent  with  the 
public  safety,  you  will  no  doubt  give  them  permission,  as 
it  will  certainly  be  a  benefit  both  to  them  and  the  State,  if 
they  can  be  allowed  to  give  some  attention  to  their  farms 
even  for  a  short  time. 

"  This  matter  we  however  submit  entirely  to  your  judg- 
ment, as  you  can  form  the  best  opinion  what  men  you  can 
relieve  from  duty,  and  at  what  time  their  services  may  be 
dispensed  with. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

■  To  Genl.  Clinton." 

The  case  of  Capt.  John  Wisner,  stated,  is  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

That  he  had  enlisted  about  20  riflemen  in  Orange  county, 
and  about  20  at  Susquehanna;  that  the  men  in  Orange 
county,  through  means  of  the  committee,  have  enlisted  in 
the  militia ;  that  he  has  been  ordered  by  the  field  officers 
of  the  militia  of  Orange  county,  with  a  lieutenant,  to  raise 
38  men  of  the  militia  for  the  present  service  ;  that  he  has 
enlisted  upwards  of  40  men  ;  that  by  a  letter  from  H.  Wis- 


ner, Esqr.  he  has  permission  to  fill  up  that  company,  but 
that  without  part  of  the  bounty,  he  cannot  supply  his  men 
with  arms. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sacket  and  Mr.  Tredwell  be  a  com- 
mittee to  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  accounts  and 
papers  of  John  McDonald,  presented  on  Saturday  last ; 
and 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
John  McDonald,  miner,  should  be  authorized  to  prosecute 
the  exploring  the  lead  mine  in  the  Great  Nine  Partners  of 
Ezra  Thomson,  Esqr.  till  further  order  from  this  Conven- 
tion or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  on  the  same  con- 
dition he  was  before  employed  to  work  in  said  mine,  and 
that  he  report  his  proceedings  monthly  to  the  Convention 
or  Legislature  of  this  State. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  apparent  ad- 
vantage to  the  safety  of  this  State,  to  have  the  obstructions 
of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  fully  completed. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duer  be  and  is  hereby  authorized 
and  requested  immediately  to  consult  with  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  on  the  subject  of  aiding  him  to  obstruct 
the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  opposite  to  Mount  Wa- 
shington ;  and  if  the  General  shall  approve  of  the  measure, 
that  he  be  authorized  to  cooperate  with  His  Excellency, 
and  pursue  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  that 
purpose  ;  and  if  Mr.  Duer  think  it  necessary,  he  may  de- 
spatch S.  Dyckman,  the  messenger,  to  any  place  where  he 
shall  think  proper. 

A  letter  from  General  Morris,  dated  yesterday  at  New- 
Rochell,  was  read.  He  signifies  his  opinion  that  it  would 
be  most  prudent  to  discharge  the  militia  of  his  brigade  at 
present,  with  orders  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to 
march  on  the  first  notice. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Josa.  Smith  inquire  of  His  Excel- 
lency Genl.  Washington,  whether  the  discharge  of  that 
brigade  at  present  will  interfere  with  any  plan  which  he  has 
laid,  or  directions  which  he  may  have  given  for  the  defence 
of  that  part  of  the  county  ;  and  if  their  discharge  will  not 
interfere  with  such  plan  or  direction,  that  they  be  dis- 
charged. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


TUESDAY  AFTERNOON, 

Augt.  20th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, (the  last  two  absent  on  duty,) — New-York. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 
Mr.  A.  Yates.  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Major  Lawrence,  Col.  Blackwell, 
Mr.  Sam.  Townsend— Queens. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Genl.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Polhemds — Kings. 

Colo.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Pawling — Ulster. 
Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Resolved,  That  Dr.  John  Cregier  be  authorized  to  act 
as  surgeon  to  Col.  Levy  Pawling's  regiment  in  Genl.  Clin- 
ton's brigade,  until  another  surgeon  shall  be  appointed  to 
said  regiment  by  this  Convention. 

Colo.  Jacobus  Swartwout  attending,  was  admitted.  He 
brought  in  the  muster  rolls  of  ten  companies  of  his  regi- 
ment now  in  service  near  King's  Bridge,  in  Genl.  Clinton's 
brigade.  The  said  ten  muster  rolls  were  annexed  together 
under  seal  in  the  Convention.  Thereupon,  the  said  Jaco- 
bus Swartwout,  Esqr.  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evan- 
gelists, did  depose  and  swear,  that  he  hath,  according  to 
the  best  of  his  knowledge,  truly  mustered  the  ten  compa- 
nies now  in  service  under  his  command  as  colonel ;  that 
the  said  ten  muster  rolls  contain  the  names  and  rank,  of  the 
officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  said 
regiment,  as  the  different  companies  appeared  at  the  time 
of  mustering  each  company  respectively  ;  and  that  the  said 
regiment  is  near  King's  Bridge,  as  a  part  of  Genl.  Clin- 
ton's brigade.  Col.  Swartwout's  affidavit  is  endorsed  on 
the  back  of  the  said  muster  rolls,  subscribed  by  himself 
and  by  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Josiah  Smith  be  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  provide  a  surgeon  for  his  regiment,  and  to 
procure  a  hospital  for  the  reception  of  the  sick. 

A  letter  from  William  Miller,  deputy  chairman  of  the 

146 


committee  of  safety  for  Westchester  county,  dated  Augt. 
17th,  1776,  concerning  some  prisoners  of  war  brought 
from  Bedford  to  the  White  Plains,  and  tories  lately  con- 
fined in  their  jail,  was  read  ;  and  also  a  letter  from  said 
prisoners  requesting  subsistence  money.  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson  be 
the  commissaries  in  this  State  to  dispose  of  and  provide 
for  all  prisoners  of  war  within  the  same,  agreeable  to  the 
resolutions  of  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress, 
of  21st  May  last,  in  that  case  made  and  provided;  and 
also  to  dispose  of  and  provide  for  such  other  prisoners 
within  this  State  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  committed 
to  their  care  ;  that  the  said  commissaries  do  keep  a  re- 
gular account  or  journal  of  their  transactions  and  disburse- 
ments ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  make  them  the  said 
commissaries  a  reasonable  compensation  for  their  trouble 
and  services  in  that  department. 

A  letter  from  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  dated  Augt.  18th, 
1776,  relating  to  Josiah  and  Isaac  Brown,  imprisoned  at 
White  Plains,  was  received  and  read. 

The  petition  of  15  prisoners  confined  in  the  jail  at  White 
Plains,  presented  by  Mr.  Miller,  deputy  chairman  of 
Westchester  county,  wherein  they  represent  that  they  are 
confined  as  persons  dangerous  to  the  safety  of  the  State, 
and  being  desirous  of  being  enlarged,  they  are  willing  to 
bind  themselves  either  to  aid  in  repelling  the  enemies  of 
the  State  when  necessary,  or  surrender  themselves  into 
the  custody  of  any  jailor  as  this  or  any  future  Convention 
or  Legislature  may  direct,  was  read. 

Whereupon  Mr.  Miller  was  called  in  and  examined  as 
to  the  said  1 5  prisoners,  and  testified  in  regard  to  them 
respectively,  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Joshua  Purdy — has  never  been  friendly  to  the  Ameri- 
can cause,  is  a  man  of  influence  and  towards  whom  lenity 
would  be  advisable. 

"  Gabriel  Purdy — has  acted  unfriendly  to  the  cause  of 
America. 

"  Caleb  Morgan — he  does  not  know,  but  has  heard  he 
is  a  tory. 

"  Of  Wm.  Barker,  John  McCord,  John  Baily,  Bartw. 
Haynes  and  Joseph  Purdy — he  knows  nothing  favourable. 
"  Gilbert  Horton  is  a  man  of  no  influence. 
"  Isaac  Brown  has  been  neutral.    Josiah  Browne  says 


582 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


he  will  join  in  the  defence  of  the  States,  and  has  general- 
ly understood  that  he  was  a  whig.  Edmond  Ward  he 
don't  know.  Samuel  Merrit  has  been  active  against,  and 
Jonathan  Purdy  has  been  publicly  inciting  others  to  act 
against  us.  And  as  to  Philip  Fowler,  he  is  reputed  a  bad 
man." 

Which  information  being  considered,  the  question  was 
put,  shall  any  of  the  prisoners  be  released  ?  and  pass- 
ed in  the  negative  in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Ulster,   4      Westchester,  4 

Charlotte,    2      Queens,   4 

Albany,   6  — 

New-York,  8  8 

Cumberland,   2         Suffolk,  only  two  members, 

—  no  vote. 

22 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  of  Westches- 
ter county  be  empowered,  if  they  shall  think,  it  consistent 
with  the  safety  or  conducive  to  the  advantage  of  the  State, 
to  release  Joshua  Purdy,  Isaac  Brown  and  Josiah  Brown. 

The  credentials  of  Kings  county  was  again  taken  into 
consideration  and  read,  and  the  further  consideration  there- 
of deferred  till  the  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  21s*,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro.  tern. 
Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt—  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 
Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart—  Suffolk. 
Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jo.  Smith— Orange. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Jas.  Townsend — Queens. 

Mr.  Tredwell  informed  the  Convention  that  Capt.  John 
Wisner  of  Orange  county,  appointed  to  command  a  com- 
pany of  the  militia  of  that  county  ordered  into  actual  ser- 
vice, has  been  and  now  is  attending  for  money  to  discharge 
the  bounty  of  his  men,  in  order  to  enable  them  to  purchase 
arms. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer, advance  to  Capt.  John  Wisner,  $580,  to  enable  him  to 
pay  one-half  of  the  bounty  to  the  non-commissioned  officers 
and  privates  of  his  company,  as  part  of  the  militia  of  Orange 
county,  raised  or  to  be  raised  agreeable  to  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention  of  the  day  of  July  last. 

Capt.  Wisner  to  be  accountable  to  this  Convention  or  their 
order,  and  to  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  to  which  he  be- 
longs, for  the  disposition  of  that  money. 

And  whereas  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  to  which 
Capt.  Wisner  belongs,  is  at  present  on  duty  in  Genl.  Clin- 
ton's brigade  : 

,  Ordered,  That  Col.  Allison  and  Colo.  Hawthorne,  or 
either  of  them,  be,  and  are  hereby  appointed,  authorized 
and  requested  to  muster  the  men  of  Capt.  Wisner's  com- 
pany previous  to  their  receiving  one-half  of  their  bounty. 

The  credentials  of  the  member  from  King's  county  were 
read  and  considered,  and  the  question  put  whether  the  said 
credentials  are  sufficient,  which  was  decided  unanimously 
in  the  negative. 

Whereas  it  appears  by  the  credentials  produced  from 
Kings  county  to  this  Convention,  that  the  election  for  Re- 
presentatives in  Convention,  was  not  held  at  the  time 
mentioned  in  the  resolution  of  the  late  Congress  for  hold- 
ing such  election,  nor  in  conformity  to  the  said  resolutions  : 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  election  was  unlaw- 
ful, and  all  and  singular  the  matters  and  things  thereby 
transcribed,  merely  void. 

Whereas  it  is  just  and  necessary  that  all  the  inhabitants 
of  this  State  should  be  represented  in  this  Convention  at 
this  very  important  crisis,  when  matters  of  the  greatest 
moment  to  the  present  generation,  and  to  all  posterity,  are 
more  immediately  in  agitation  :  And  whereas  by  reason 
of  the  irregularity  of  holding  the  election  in  Kings  county, 
and  of  sundry  defects  in  the  credentials  of  the  Representa- 
tives by  the  said  county  chosen,  the  said  Representatives 
could  not  be  received  into  this  Convention : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  committee  of  the  said 
county  be  required  to  hold  an  election  according  to  the 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  the  resolutions  of  the  31st  day 
of  May  last,  on  Saturday  next  the  24th  inst. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  committee  of  Kings  county 
be  informed  that  the  credentials  by  them  made  and  deli- 
vered to  this  Convention,  bearing  date  the  19thinst.  is  ma- 
terially defective,  in  that  it  does  not  appear  from  the  said 
credentials  whether  any  or  what  powers  are  given  to  the 
Representatives  therein  named,  when,  in  fact,  the  said  Re- 
presentatives ought  to  be  expressly  authorized  to  assist  in 
framing  and  establishing  a  new  form  of  government,  and 
consequently  of  agreeing  on  the  part  of  their  constituents  to 
the  general  independency  of  America. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolves  be  immediately 
transmitted  to  the  committee  of  Kings  county. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  papers  pre- 
sented by  John  McDonald,  on  the  subject  of  the  lead  mine 
in  Dutches  county,  reported  ;  which  being  considered  was 
recommitted  to  the  same  committee,  with  the  addition  of 
Mr.  Landon. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  report  on  the  papers  of 
John  McDonald  was  recommitted,  reported  the  following 
resolution,  which  was  agreed  to  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
do  advance  to  John  McDonald,  miner,  the  sum  of  £6,  to 
enable  him  to  advance  to  Donald  Morrison  12s.  a  week 
for  the  term  of  ten  weeks,  unless  the  said  Donald  Morrison 
shall  sooner  be  able  to  labour ;  that  the  said  Donald  Mor- 
rison do  repay  the  money  so  lent  to  him  either  in  money 
or  labour,  to  the  said  McDonald;  and  the  said  John  Mc- 
Donald to  be  accountable  to  this  Convention  for  the  said 
sum  of  £6,  provided  the  said  Donald  Morrison  does  not 
decease  before  he  shall  be  able,  by  his  labour,  to  earn  or 
pay  the  whole,  or  any  part  of  that  money;  in  which  case, 
the  said  John  McDonald  shall  be  liable  to  refund  so  much 
only  of  the  said  money  as  the  said  Donald  Morrison  has, 
or  might  have,  earned  by  his  labour. 

Mr.  Duer  moved  a  resolution  as  to  the  prisoners  in 
Westchester.  After  many  debates  Mr.  Jay  moved  for  the 
previous  question,  which  was  carried.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Duer  be 
a  committee  to  report  upon  the  mode  of  confining,  securing 
or  otherwise  disposing  of  the  prisoners  now  taken  up  and 
confined  in  the  jail  of  Westchester,  by  order  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius,  as  Commissary  of  this 
State,  be  oredered  to  pay  to  Colo.  Wm.  Malcom,  or  his 
order,  the  sum  of  £60  5s.  Od.  being  the  purchase  money 
of  16  muskets  and  5  bayonets  disbursed  by  Capt.  Jonathan 
Blake  for  the  use  of  his  company  in  Colo.  Malcom's  bat- 
talion, and  the  said  Colo.  Malcom  do  on  the  receipt  of  this 
money,  give  a  receipt  to  Colo.  Curtenius  for  16  muskets, 
and  5  bayonets,  specifying  their  marks  and  quality,  that  the 
said  guns  and  bayonets  may  hereafter  be  paid  for,  or  re- 
turned to  the  public  store  of  this  State,  by  the  said  Colo. 
Malcom. 

Whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Convention, 
that  Colo.  Josiah  Smith's  regiment,  lately  ordered  to  Genl. 
Greene's,  encampment  on  Nassau  island,  are  destitute  of 
camp  equipage : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


583 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hubbard  and  Mr.  James  Townsend 
be  a  committee  to  inform  the  Continental  quarter-master 
of  the  state  of  that  regiment,  and  to  request  of  him  with- 
out delay  to  furnish  them  with  proper  camp  equipage  ; 
and  in  case  the  said  quarter-master  should  not  be  able  or  wil- 
ling to  afford  them  the  said  necessary  supplies,  that  then  the 
said  committee  take  the  most  speedy  and  effectual  means 
for  obtaining  them,  and  this  Convention  will  defray  the  ex- 
pense thereof,  and  add  it  to  their  account  against  the  Gene- 
ral Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Colo.  Smith  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  authorized  to  appoint  an  adjutant  and  quarter-master  to 
his  regiment,  and  that  he  recommend  to  this  Convention  a 
surgeon  for  the  same, 

A  letter  dated  the  12lh  inst.  from  Abm.  C.  Cuyler,  John 
Duncan,  Stephen  Delancy,  John  Monier  and  Benjamin 
Hilton,  prisoners  sent  and  confined  in  Hartford  jail  by  or- 
der of  the  committee  of  Albany,  praying  to  be  released 
from  their  disagreeable  situation,  was  read.  Also  a  letter 
from  the  said  A.  C.  Cuyler,  of  the  same  date,  requesting  per- 
mission to  return  home  to  visit  his  sick  wife,  whom  he  re- 
presents as  unable  to  take  care  of  his  children  and  large  fa- 
mily, and  in  the  mean  time  to  settle  some  of  his  private  af- 
fairs, was  read. 

Also  a  letter  from  Henry  Van  Schaack,  another  pri- 
soner, sent  to  and  confined  at  Hartford,  declaring  his  inno- 
cence, and  complaining  of  the  injustice  of  his  being  trans- 
ported thither  under  appearance  of  guilt,  and  praying  to  be 
suffered  to  appear  before  the  Convention  to  be  heard,  and 
condemned  or  acquitted,  was  also  read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  said  Henry  Van  Schaack, 
Andrew  and  Munro,  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  referred 
to  in  the  preceding  letter,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  three  letters  last  mentioned  lie  on  the 
table  for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 

By  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  New  Town,  in  Queens 
county,  it  appears  that  Capt.  Richard  Lawrence,  com- 
mander of  the  troop  of  horse  in  said  town,  has,  through  in- 
firmity, lesigned.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  immediately  sent  to 
Daniel  Lawrence,  as  capt ;  Saml.  Riker,  as  first  lieut. ;  Jo- 
nathan Lawrence,  2d  lieut. ;  Thomas  Betts,  cornet ;  pur- 
suant to  the  recommendation  of  said  committee. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

August  22d,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  at 
ring  of  bell. 
Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Broome,  Major.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Brasher,  Col. 
Scott  on  service,  Mr.  Beekman  on  service — New-York. 

Mr.  S.  Townsend,  Mr.  Sands,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend  on  service — 
Queens- 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sackett,  Major  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart  on  service — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham,  Genl.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Colo.  Marsh— Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Adjutant-Genl.  Read,  dated  yesterday,  en- 
closing, by  the  direciion  of  Genl.  Washington,  for  the  pe- 
rusal and  advice  of  the  Convention,  a  letter  from  Govr. 
Martin  to  the  General,  dated  on  board  the  Sovereign 
transport,  on  the  16th  inst.  wherein  he  requests  that  his 
wife  and  children,  and  all  or  any  of  his  father-in-law's  fa- 
mily, with  whom  they  reside  at  Rockaway,  may  be  per- 
mitted to  go  on  board  the  fleet,  and  with  great  confidence 
expects  a  favourable  answer,  with  such  passports  as  Gene- 
ral Washington  shall  judge  expedient  to  enable  him  to  open 


an  immediate  intercourse  with  his  family,  and  to  provide 
them  the  necessary  facilities  for  going  on  board,  were  re- 
spectively read. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Read,  in  answer 
to  his  of  yesterday,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  August  22nd,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  have  laid  your  letter  of  the  21st  inst.  enclosing 
another  from  the  late  Govr.  Martin,  before  the  Convention 
of  this  State  ;  the  Convention  are  of  opinion,  that  no  great 
detriment  can  arise  to  the  public  cause  in  suffering  the  late 
Govr.  Martin's  wife  and  children  to  go  to  Staten  island,  and 
therefore  cheerfully  concur  with  His  Excellency's  inclina- 
tion to  grant  this  indulgence. 

"  With  respect  to  his  father-in-law  and  family,  thev  do 
not  conceive  them  entitled  to  the  same  favour,  unless  Lord 
Howe  should  be  disposed  to  liberate  Mr.  Bancker,  late  a 
member  of  this  Convention,  and  at  present  a  prisoner  upon 
his  parol  at  Staten  island,  together  with  his  family  and  Dr. 
Martin,  a  brother-in-law  to  it ;  particularly  as  the  gentle- 
man who  has  made  the  application  is  at  present  a  prisoner 
of  this  State  upon  his  parol,  at  Rockaway.  I  am,  there- 
fore, desired  to  entreat  the  favour  of  you  to  lay  this  matter 
before  Genl.  Washington,  and  to  entreat  the  favour  of  him 
to  propose  this  exchange  to  Lord  Howe.  Should  a  refu- 
sal be  given  to  this  exchange,  the  Convention  are  of  opi- 
nion that  none  of  the  family  should  be  permitted  to  depart, 
as  they  may  be  exchanged  hereafter  for  more  valuable  citi- 
zens, whom  the  fortune  of  war  may  deliver  into  the  ene- 
mey's  power. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Genl.  Reid." 

The  letter  or  report  of  Abm.  W.  Depeyster,  Esqr.  rela- 
tive to  the  disposition  of  the  prisoners  in  Connecticut,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — In  obedience  to  the  orders  received  from 
the  Piesident  of  the  Honourable  Convention,  I  waited  upon 
Govr.  Trumbull  at  Lebanon,  to  take  his  directions  for  the 
disposition  of  the  13  prisoners  left  at  Litchfield,  when  his 
honour  was  pleased  to  order  that  Gilbert  Forbes  and  Wil- 
liam Forbes  should  remain  in  Litchfield  jail,  in  the  custody 
of  Lynde  Lord,  Esqr.  the  sheriff  of  that  county ;  that  D. 
Mathews,  Esqr.  should  be  rewoved  from  thence  to  Hart- 
ford jail,  to  the  care  of  Williams,  Esqr.  sheriff  of 
Hartford  county  ;  and  that  John  L.  C.  Roome,  Esqr.  Nathl. 
Gyre,  Lazarus  Gyre,  Jonathan  Baker,  James  Mason,  Isaac 
Young,  Israel  Young,  Thomas  Coyne,  John  Clarke  and 
Thos.  Vernon,  be  committed  to  the  custody  of  Prosper 
Whelmore,  Esqr.  sheriff  of  the  counly  of  New- London, 
to  be  confined  in  the  jail  in  the  town  of  Norwich,  in  the 
said  county. 

"The  Governor,  at  the  same  time,  wrote  letters  of  in- 
structions to  the  sheriffs  respectively,  advising  them  of  the 
manner  in  which  the  prisoners  were  to  be  treated. 

"The  one  to  the  sheriff  of  Hartford  county,  respecting 
Mr.  Mathews,  the  Governor  informed  me,  contained  a  per- 
mission to  let  Mr.  Mathews  walk  about  the  town  in  the  day 
time,  with  some  person  as  his  guard,  who  he  was  to  be  at 
the  expense  of,  and  who  was  every  evening  to  see  him  safe 
in  his  lodgings  in  jail,  where  I  understand  he  was  to  have 
his  quarters. 

"As  soon  as  the  Governor  dismissed  me,  I  sat  out  for 
Litchfield.  When  I  arrived  there,  I  found  that  the  com- 
mittee of  that  town,  in  my  absence,  had  permitted  all  the 
prisoners  who  had  been  put  in  close  confinement,  except 
Gilbert  Forbes,  to  go  at  large  about  the  town,  as  the  keep- 
ing them  shut  up  in  jail  would  have  endangered  their  lives. 

"  The  sheriff  had  taken  the  two  Youngs  at  his  own 
house.  Roome  had  his  quarters  in  the  jailer's  apartments 
adjoining  the  jail.  The  others  were  at  work  in  different 
places,  some  in  harvest,  and  others  at  their  respective  trades 
as  journeymen. 


584 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


"  Mr.  Mathews,  during  my  absence,  I  understand,  had, 
agreeable  to  his  promise,  strictly  confined  himself  to  Capt. 
Seamour's  house,  in  which  I  had  left  him.  This  change 
in  the  prisoners'  situation  from  that  in  which  I  hey  were 
when  I  left  Litchfield,  made  the  account  I  brought  them  of 
their  removal,  very  unwelcome,  and  they  now,  to  a  man, 
solicited  as  much  to  remain  at  Litchfield  as  they  had  before 
to  be  conveyed  to  some  other  place. 

"  The  mayor  was  very  desirous  indeed  to  remain  at 
Litchfield,  and  urged  as  a  reason,  among  many  others,  for 
his  being  left  there,  that  he  was  not  in  very  affluent  cir- 
cumstances, and  he  was  apprehensive  that  living  at  Hart- 
ford would  be  very  expensive ;  that  he  boarded  at  Capt. 
Seamour's  at  a  moderate  rate ;  that  the  expense  of  tra- 
velling was  very  high  ;  that  he  did  not  know  how  long 
he  would  remain  a  prisoner,  and  therefore  he  was  desi- 
rous to  live  at  as  little  expense  as  possible  ;  and  as  the 
Convention  had  been  pleased  to  order  that  he  should  main- 
tain himself  at  his  own  charge,  he  thought  it  not  unreason- 
able that  he  should  have  liberty  to  live  where  he  would  be 
at  the  least  expense  ;  that  Capt.  Seamour  would  be  his  se- 
curity, and  undertake  to  keep  him  safe  in  his  own  house. 
Roome  was  equally  anxious  to  remain  at  Litchfield,  and 
offered  the  same  reasons.  At  length,  at  the  request  of 
Capt.  Seamour,  and  by  consent  of  the  committee  of  that 
place,  I  agreed  to  leave  the  above  two  gentlemen  in  the 
custody  of  Capt.  Seamour,  who  engaged  to  be  security  for 
their  safe  custody,  and  to  see  them  safe,  at  their  own  ex- 
pense, to  the  places  respectively  assigned  them  by  the  Go- 
vernor, in  case  either  the  Governor  or  the  Convention, 
upon  their  being  informed  of  what  I  had  done,  disapproved 
of  their  remaining  at  Litchfield  ;  for  which  purpose,  I  left 
in  Capt.  Seamour's  hands  Mr.  Mathews'  warrant  of  com- 
mitment, together  with  the  above  mentioned  letter  to  the 
sheriff  of  Hartford,  to  be  delivered  by  him  to  the  said  she- 
riff in  case  the  mayor  should  be  ordered  to  Hartford.  As 
the  two  Youngs  were  likewise  to  live  at  their  own  expense, 
the  sheriff  of  Litchfield,  at  whose  house  I  found  them, 
thought  it  not  amiss  that  they  be  also  left,  especially  as 
they  would  be  immediately  under  his  eye,  and  kept  by  him 
confined  within  the  walls  of  his  house  ;  unless  when  he,  the 
sheriff  thought  proper  to  let  them  take  a  little  air  in  the 
streets,  when  he  would  attend  them  himself.  Upon  this, 
and  with  the  approbation  of  the  committee,  I  agreed  to 
leave  the  two  Youngs  also,  upon  the  same  condition  as 
above  mentioned,  that  they  repair  to  Norwich  under  a 
guard  at  their  own  expense,  in  case  the  Governor  or  Con- 
vention insisted  on  their  removal,  which  the  sheriff  promised 
me  to  see  performed  by  them.  I  however  directed  Sheriff 
Lord  to  take  bond  from  them  in  the  penalty  of  £500,  to 
be  executed  by  them  and  their  brother  Joseph,  who  was 
expected  at  Litchfield  the  next  day,  with  condition  that  they 
repair  to  Norwich,  as  aforesaid,  as  soon  as  advised  thereof; 
that  they  in  the  mean  time  demean  themselves  as  good 
subjects  of  the  States  ;  and  lastly,  that  they  strictly  con- 
form themselves  to  the  directions  of  the  said  sheriff,  as  to 
their  behaviour,  which  bond  I  prepared  before  I  left  Litch- 
field. As  a  farther  security,  I  caused  the  Youngs  to  de- 
posite  into  the  hands  of  the  sheriff  the  money  they  had 
with  them,  which  I  was  told  by  the  sheriff  amounted  to 
about  £200.  Soon  after  this  I  set  out  for  Norwich  with 
Nathan  Gyre,  Lazarus  Gyre,  James  Mason,  Jonthn.  Baker, 
Thomas  Coyne,  John  Clarke  and  Thomas  Vernon,  under 
a  guard  of  three  men,  besides  an  officer ;  but  we  had  not 
proceeded  more  than  two  miles  from  the  town  of  Litchfield, 
before  I  was  under  a  necessity  to  leave  old  Gyre  upon 
the  road,  so  very  sick  that  had  I  conveyed  him  a  mile  far- 
ther, the  tolting  of  the  wagon  over  such  rough  and  stony 
roads  as  we  had  to  travel,  would  inevitably  have  deprived 
him  of  what  little  life  he  had  left ;  the  other  six  I  convey- 
ed safe  to  Norwich,  and  delivered  into  the  custody  of  the 
sheriff  of  the  county  of  New- London.  Tn  my  way  down 
to  Norwich,  I  again  called  on  the  Governor,  and  acquaint- 
ed him  with  my  leaving  the  mayor,  Roome  and  the  two 


Youngs  at  Litchfield  ;  he  replied,  it  was  very  well ;  for  his 
part  he  had  no  objections,  provided  the  Convention  of  this 
State  approved  of  it.  He  added,  that  the  jails  at  Hartford 
and  Norwich  were  small.  Indeed,  I  found  Hartford  jail 
pretty  full  of  prisoners,  and  Norwich  but  barely  large 
enough  to  contain  the  six  I  left  there.  Upon  my  return 
again  through  Lebanon,  the  Governor  made  out  a  new  war- 
rant for  old  Gyre  to  be  kept  in  custody  of  the  sheriff  of 
Litchfield,  which  was  delivered  to  the  said  sheriff  on  my 
arrival  there,  and  he  accordingly  took  charge  of  him,  so 
very  ill  however,  that  its  more  than  probable  he  is  now 
dead.  Before  I  left  Litchfield  the  last  time,  I  discharged 
the  sheriff's  demands  against  the  Convention  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  prisoners  up  to  Augt.  the  6th,  for  which  I  took 
his  jailer's  receipt.  I  have  only  to  add,  that  the  sheriff  of 
New-London  begged  I  would  request  the  Convention  of 
this  State  to  send  some  money  to  Norwich  for  the  support 
of  the  six  prisoners  I  left  with  him,  as  soon  as  they  con- 
veniently could. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  utmost  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"A.  W.  D.PEYSTER. 

"  Harlem,  2\st  Augt.  1776. 
"  The  Honble.  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  referred  to  the  same 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  David  Ma- 
thews to  his  wife,  and  the  letter  of  the  committee  of  Litch- 
field. 

A  letter  from  Andrew  Bostwick,  dated  at  Goshen  the 
15th  inst.  enclosing  a  petition  to  the  Convention,  praying 
"  for  that  relief  which  the  tumults  and  convulsions  of  the 
times  had  hitherto  prevented  him  from  getting,"  was  re- 
ceived, and  the  petition  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed 
for  the  relief  of  prisoners  imprisoned  for  debt. 

The  petition  of  Abel  Noble  and  Peter  Townsend,  pro- 
prietors of  Sterling  Iron  Works,  praying  that  150  work- 
men employed  at  their  works,  may  be  exempted  from  serv- 
ing in  the  militia,  was  read. 

Mr.  Outwater,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer 
with  Capt.  Benson,  reported,  that  Capt.  Benson  says  he 
has  made  a  thorough  search  for  the  articles  ordered  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  for  fitting  out  the  vessels  preparing 
for  Hudson's  river ;  that  he  requests  to  borrow  the  articles 
directed  to  be  bought,  (out  of  the  Continental  store  at 
Poughkeepsie) ;  that  the  sloops  will  be  of  no  use  but  in 
the  river,  the  beams  of  their  decks  not  being  substantial  or 
strong  enough  to  go  to  sea. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  said  report  be  de- 
ferred until  Mr.  John  Jay  is  present. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
relative  to  a  report  that  the  city  of  New- York  was  to  be 
burnt  if  the  troops  left  it,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

[Letter  not  entered  on  the  minutes.] 

Die  Jovis,  8  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  22nd,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  on  a  summons  of  the  members  and 

ring  of  the  bell. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt. 
Denning,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  (last  four  on  duty) — New-York. 

Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jos.  Townsend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands — Queens. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Dewit — Ulster. 

Mr.  Zeb.  Mills,  Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Govr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  being  absent,  and  the  Con- 
vention suddenly  and  unexpectedly  convened,  William 
Smith,  Esqr.  was  chosen  President  for  this  evening. 

Mr.  James  Townsend  and  Mr.  Hobart  delivered  a  copy 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


585 


of  a  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Livingston,  of  New-Jer- 
sey, to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  which  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  May  it  please  your  Excellency — 

"  In  the  utmost  haste  I  must  inform  you 
that  very  providentially  I  sent  a  spy  last  night  on  Staten 
island  to  obtain  intelligence  of  the  movements  of  the  ene- 
my, as  many  things,  apparently  new,  were  seen  from 
our  lines  ;  he  has  this  moment  returned  in  safety.  The 
substance  of  his  information  I  must  give  you  in  short. 
He  went  on  Staten  island  about  midnight,  and  got  undis- 
covered to  the  house  of  the  person  to  whom  he  was  sent, 
who  informed  him  that  the  whole  force  of  the  enemy,  of 
every  kind,  was  35,000  men,  15,000  of  whom  were  left 
on  the  island,  but  all  the  rest  embarked  ;  that  they  ex- 
pected to  attack  every  hour,  he  thinks  this  night  at  far- 
thest ;  it  was  to  be  on  Long  island  and  up  the  North  river 
that  the  15,000  men  were  to  land,  and  attack  on  Bergen 
Point,  Elizabeth  Town  Point  and  at  Amboy.  He  has 
heard  the  orders  read  and  heard  the  Generals  talk  of  it ; 
the  wagons  are  all  laid  out  and  ready  ;  that  they  appear 
very  determined,  and  will  put  all  to  the  sword ;  they  are 
in  great  want  of  provisions  ;  pork  tolerably  good,  but  flour 
exceedingly  bad  ;  they  have  eat  up  all  the  cattle,  and  are 
now  killing  and  barrelling  up  all  the  horses  they  meet 
with  ;  all  the  field  pieces  are  taken  on  board  except  two. 
The  information  may  be  depended  on.  £10  has  been 
given  for  a  cow  and  10  dollars  for  a  sheep  ;  that  the  tories 
on  the  island  are  very  illy  treated  lately,  so  that  the  inha- 
bitants, who  at  first  were  so  pleased,  would  now  be  willing 
to  poison  them  all ;  they  take  from  them  every  thing  they 
choose,  and  no  one  has  any  thing  they  can  call  their 
own. 

"  I  am  with  great  respect,  &c.  &c. 

"  WILLIAM  LIVINGSTON. 

"  EHzth.  Town,  Augt.  21st,  1776." 

Mr.  Hobart  further  informed  the  Convention  that  the 
enemy  are  landed  on  Nassau  island ;  that  the  rifle  regi- 
ment are  retreated  to  the  lines ;  that  the  enemy  have 
landed  a  party  of  light  horse  and  between  30  and  40'  pieces 
of  artillery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr. 
Morris,  Genl.  Morris  and  Mr.  Ben.  Sands  be  a  committee 
to  take  the  said  letter  and  intelligence  into  consideration, 
and  report  thereon  to-morrow  morning,  and  to  write  to 
Genl.  Washington  to  know  whether  he  desires  Genl.  Mor- 
ris's brigade  to  be  called  out. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  remove  the  treasury  and 
papers  and  accounts  near  to  the  church  in  Harlem  to-mor- 
row morning. 

Ordered,  That  Gerard  Bancker  remove  all  the  books 
and  papers  of  the  late  General  Assembly  of  this  State  to 
Harlem  to-morrow. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  23d,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  £sqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Broome,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscombe, 
Col.  Brasher — New-York. 
Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 
Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend— Queens. 
Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

147 


Die  Veneris,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  23d,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 

Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Bancker— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands,  Major 
Lawrence —  Queens. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dev.it— Ulster. 

Mr.  Duet— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 

Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Duer,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  of 
and  report  on  the  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Livingston 
to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  brought  in  the  re- 
port of  the  said  committee,  which  was  read  ;  the  same 
being  read  a  second  time,  and  some  time  spent  therein, 
Mr.  William  Smith  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
James  Townshend,  that  the  said  report  of  the  committee  on 
the  said  letter  be  postponed  for  further  consideration. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6      Queens,  4 

Cumberland,   2 

New- York,   8 

Orange,   3 

Charlotte,   2 

Dutches,   5 

Ulster,   4 

Suffolk,   4 


34 

Therefore  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 

After  much  time  spent  on  said  report,  on  motion  of  Mr. 
William  Smith, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  committed  to  the  De- 
puties from  Suffolk  and  Queens,  and  that  they  report  to- 
morrow morning.  Mr.  Duer,  from  Charlotte  county,  dis- 
sents. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr.  Robert  Harper 
be  added  to  the  committee  for  removing  the  women,  chil- 
dren and  infirm  persons  out  of  the  city  of  New-York. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  24th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb, Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Capt.  Denning,  (last  five  on  duty)  

New-  York. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — tlbany. 

Mr.  Govr.  Morris,  Mr  Haviland,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Colo.  Marsh — Cumberland. 

Col.  Dewilt,  Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  S.  Townshend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands— Queens. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hobart, 
Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  members  of  Suffolk 
and  Queens  counties,  now  present,  join  the  other  members 
from  those  two  counties  now  sitting  as  a  committee  to  re- 
consider the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  letter  of  Bri- 
gadier-Genl. Livingston  to  his  Excellency  General  Wa- 


586 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


shington,  and  the  President  and  other  members  proceed  as 
a  Committee  of  Safety  on  all  business  relating  to  this  State, 
or  on  which  this  Convention  might  proceed  until  members 
sufficient  to  form  a  Convention  come  in. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  the  members  of  Queens 
and  Suffolk,  came  into  the  Convention  without  delay,  and 
reported,  in  substance,  the  following  resolutions,  which  be- 
ing read  and  unanimously  agreed  to,  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull, 
or,  in  his  absence,  Lieut.  Colo.  Potter,  march  without  de- 
lay one-half  of  the  western  regiment  of  militia  of  Suffolk 
county,  with  5  days'  provisions,  into  the  western  parts  of 
Queens  county,  and  that  the  officers  of  the  militia  in  Queens 
county  immediately  order  out  the  whole  militia  of  that 
county,  together  with  their  troop  of  horse,  and  that  the  said 
officers  of  militia  and  troop  of  horse  use  all  possible  dili- 
gence to  prevent  the  stock  and  other  provisions  in  Queens 
county  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  either  by 
removing  them  out  of  their  way,  or  if  that  cannot  be  effect- 
ed, by  destroying  them,  until  they  shall  receive  more  par- 
ticular directions  from  this  Convention.  And, 

Ordered  farther,  That  the  captain  of  the  troop  of  horse 
in  Kings  county,  with  his  troop,  join  the  said  militia,  and 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Queens  county,  not  of  the  militia, 
do  assist  in  executing  the  above  orders,  whenever  they  shall 
have  notice  from  the  commanding  officers  of  the  militia 
that  their  assistance  is  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  several  copies  of 
these  resolutions,  and  send  them  to  Brigade  Major  Law- 
rence, in  Queens  county,  and  to  Lieut.  Col.  Potter  and 
Genl.  Woodhull,  in  Suffolk  county,  by  Samp.  Dyckman, 
the  messenger. 

The  members  of  Westchester  and  Charlotte  counties 
having  come  into  the  Convention  while  the  last  resolutions 
■were  considering,  there  were  members  sufficient  to  form  a 
Convention,  which  prevented  the  necessity  of  proceeding 
as  a  Committee  of  Safety,  and  abrogated  their  power. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  that  Dr.  Treat 
has  sent  a  quantity  of  medicines  and  hospital  stores  be- 
longing to  the  public,  to  his,  the  President's,  chamber  in 
Harlem. 

Thereupon,  one  of  the  members  informed  the  Conven- 
tion, that  four  of  the  members  had  directed  them  to  be 
sent  to  the  President  at  Harlem,  as  Dr.  Treat  thought  they 
were  not  safe  in  the  city,  and  a  justification  of  their  conduct 
in  this  matter. 

The  Convention  approves  and  justifies  their  conduct  in 
this  matter. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  at  Monmouth  county,  in  the 
State  of  New-Jersey,  in  answer  to  one  addressed  to  them 
by  this  Convention,  was  received  and  iead,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Monmouth  County,  > 
"  Freehold,  August  17th,  1776.  $ 

"  Sir — We  have  received  yours  of  the  26th  ulto.  en- 
closing the  examination  of  Balthazer  De  Hart,  and  have 
much  reason  to  expect  and  believe  the  contents  truly  staled. 
It  has  been,  and  still  continues  our  misfortune,  that  many 
parts  of  this  county  are  exceedingly  infested  with  tories  of 
the  most  inveterate  disposition,  owing  we  suspect  in  a  great 
measure  to  the  malign  influence  of  our  late  attorney-gene- 
ral and  his  execrable  junto. 

"  The  township  of  Shrewsbury,  from  the  bad  disposi- 
tion of  a  great  proportion  of  its  inhabitants — from  its  vici- 
nity to  the  shore,  and  consequent  aptitude  for  dealing  and 
corresponding  with  the  enemy — and  all  this  under  the  pa- 
tronage of  such  a  committee  as  you  may  justly  suppose  a 
disaffected  majority  would  naturally  constitute — must  na- 
turally offer  itself  as  an  asylum  to  refugee  tories  from  any 
other  quarter ;  and  hence  you  will  easily  account  for  so 
many  disaffected  persons  from  your  city  having  seated 
themselves  there,  who  by  means  of  a  kind  of  stage  or  post 
established  between  that  town  and  New-York,  have,  we 


fear,  given  the  enemy  intelligence  of  all  your  measures, 
and  may  perhaps  continue  to  do  so,  if  passes  from  that 
committee  are  admilted  at  or  near  your  city. 

"  We  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  having  had 
a  notification  of  almost  every  article  contained  in  Mr.  De 
Hart's  examination,  we  had,  previous  to  the  receipt  of  your 
letter,  entered  fully  into  the  affair,  and  taken  such  steps  as 
we  hope  will  cut  off  the  communication  with  the  enemy, 
bring  some  offenders  to  justice,  and,  perhaps,  return  you 
some  of  your  late  inhabitants.  Particularly  a  guard  had 
been  already  posted  by  order  of  Genl.  Mercer  upon  the 
whole  Shrewsbury  and  Middle  Town  shores,  who  have 
orders  to  seize  and  detain  all  the  craft  belonging  to  said 
shores,  and  to  apprehend  every  suspicious  person  who  may 
be  found  within  their  respective  districts. 

"  There  had  been  also  apprehended  a  number  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Shrewsbury,  against  whom  proofs  of  disaffec- 
tion were  proffered,  some  of  whom  we  have  bound  in  heavy 
bonds,  and  another,  a  person  of  first  property  in  the  town,  is 
now  under  confinement,  and  we  expect  will  take  his  trial 
upon  the  treason  act  as  soon  as  our  new  Legislature  shall 
be  established.  Persons  by  order  of  your  Convention,  and 
under  appointment  of  this  committee,  have  inventoried  and 
appraised  a  number  of  estates  in  that  and  our  other  town- 
ships, which  lately  belonged  to  a  set  of  refugees,  who  find- 
ing the  country  too  hot  for  them  have  fled,  and  joined  the 
ministerial  army,  which  wicked  and  traitorous  step  some 
scores  of  our  inhabitants  have  taken,  though  they  were 
chiefly  persons  of  the  most  abandoned  characters  and  des- 
perate fortunes. 

"  We  have  cited  the  three  persons  mentioned  in  your 
letter  to  have  been  at  Genl.  Howe's  camp,  and  although 
they  went  by  Col.  Taylor's  permission,  who  granted  them 
a  flag,  yet,  as  they  had  not  been  qualified,  we  have  put 
them  under  oath,  but  have  not  been  able  to  make  any  very 
important  discoveries.  Not  chosing  to  trust  the  business  to 
the  town  committee  for  reasons  before  hinted,  we  had  also 
before  the  receipt  of  your  favour  constituted  a  sub-commit- 
tee from  our  own  body,  who  were  authorized  to  cite  every 
inhabitant  of  New-York,  then  within  the  township  of 
Shrewsbury,  to  appear  before  them,  and  show  cause  why 
they  should  not  be  immediately  removed  whence  they  came, 
agreeable  to  a  late  requisition  from  your  State,  and  an  ex- 
press ordinance  of  our  own  respecting  persons  deserting  the 
places  of  their  abode,  when  in  danger  of  being  attacked  ; 
who  have  cited  them  accordingly,  and  given  them  till  the 
24th  inst.  to  procure,  if  practicable,  from  New-York,  such 
certificates  as  may  satisfy  the  friends  of  freedom  here. 

"  A  number  of  armed  vessels  have  frequently  been  for 
days  together  at  anchor  and  hovering  near  the  coast,  and 
we  doubt  not,  have  had  frequent  interviews  with,  and  re- 
ceived some  supplies  from,  the  disaffected  in  this  county. 
But  they  have  not  as  yet  been  able  to  effect  any  thing  to 
purpose,  and  as  our  guards  are  now  on  the  spot,  and  we 
have  given  peremptory  orders  that  all  the  stock  be  imme- 
diately driven  from  all  the  beaches  and  adjacent  meadows, 
we  flatter  ourselves  the  enemy  will  be  disappointed  in  any- 
future  attempt  they  may  make  to  procure  provisions. 

"  Our  maritime  situation  at  the  same  time  that  it  has 
been  favourable  to  the  pernicious  designs  of  our  inveterate 
enemies,  has  subjected  the  committee  of  this  county  to  al- 
most innumerable  difficulties  from  the  beginning  of  these 
troubles,  and  we  believe  we  may  justly  sav  we  have  spent 
more  time,  and  undergone  more  vexation  and  fatigue,  than 
any  other  committee  in  this  State,  as  on  every  extraordinary 
occasion,  our  members  were  to  be  convened  from  an  ex- 
tent of  70  or  80  miles. 

"  However,  blessed  be  God,  we  hope  we  have  almost 
completed  a  victory  over  them,  and  we  humbly  confide  in 
his  Almighty  aid  for  a  universal  conquest  over  every  other 
enemy  to  American  freedom. 

"  We  heartily  thank  you  for  your  friendly  communica- 
tions, and  shall,  with  the  utmost  cheerfulness,  concur  with 
you  in  every  measure  for  the  public  safety. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


587 


"  And  now  that  the  same  Allwise  Director  and  Powerful 
Supporter  of  true,  civil  and  religious  liberty,  may  bless  the 
Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York  with  unanimity,  wis- 
dom and  fortitude  in  the  arduous  task  assigned  them,  and 
that  they  may  speedily  obtain  the  desirable  end  of  all  their 
patriotic  exertions,  is  in  sincerity  and  truth  the  most  ardent 
wish  of  their  friends,  brethren, 

"  And  humble  servts. 
"  The  Committee  of  Monmouth  county. 
"  Signed  by  order. 

f  JOHN  HOLMES,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Prest.  of  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  a  committee,  to  consist 
of  Col.  Broome  and  Colonel  Dewitt. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Cumberland 
was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that 
is  to  say : 

"  Province  of  New-York,  >  5j 

Cumberland  County.  > 
"  To  the  Honble.  Gentlemen  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Province  i 

"  Upon  the  handbills,  from  you  sent  to  us  purporting  the 
expediency  of  instituting  civil  government  according  to  the 
exigencies  of  the  county,  the  major  part  of  whom  have 
agreed  thereto,  and  elected  their  Delegates,  and  empowered 
them  with  their  authority  to  agree  with  you  in  forming  a 
mode  of  government  independent  of  the  Crown,  in  the  most 
mild,  just  and  equitable  manner  possible,  for  the  regulating 
their  internal  police,  and  the  preservation  of  the  rights  and 
liberties  and  property  of  the  people.  All  which,  subjected 
nevertheless  to  those  regulations,  conditions  and  restraints 
herewith  transmitted  you  by  the  hands  of  the  Delegates  of 
this  county,  to  all  which  they  are,  by  their  constituents  in 
the  premises,  limited  and  restrained  in  such  manner  that  if 
they  break  over  and  violate  those  sacred  instructions  here- 
with sent  you  in  behalf  of  us  and  our  constituents  in  mat- 
ters of  such  infinite  importance  and  delicacy,  the  county 
committee  declare,  in  behalf  of  the  free,  patriotic  people 
thereof,  that  they  mean  to,  and  hereby  do,  resolve  to  re- 
serve to  themselves  the  full  liberty  of  an  absolute  disavow- 
ance  thereof,  and  of  every  clause,  article  and  paragraph  of 
such  an  institution. 

"  Also,  it  is  hereby  acceded  to,  and  fully  meant  and  in- 
tended by  the  good  people  of  the  county,  that  they,  not- 
withstanding this  compliance  with  the  requisition  of  the 
said  handbills  above  mentioned,  so  directed  to  us  for  the 
purposes  aforesaid,  have  fully  and  absolutely  reserved  to 
themselves  and  their  heirs,  &c.  the  full  liberty  of  pursuing 
their  former  petition  in  behalf  of  the  people,  included  and 
specified  therein  some  years  ago,  and  referred  to  the  Great 
and  General  Assembly  of  the  ancient,  ever  respectable, 
and  most  patriotic  government  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
Province,  thai  the  whole  district  described  in  said  petition, 
may  be  hereafter  remitted  to  that  Province,  and  referring 
to  themselves  also  the  right  of  offering  their  pleas,  argu- 
ments and  proofs,  in  full  to  induce  a  revision  thereof,  to 
that  ancient  jurisdiction  for  those  important  reasons  to 
be  adduced  when,  where  and  before  whom  the  parties  con- 
cerned shall  be  admitted  to  offer  the  same ;  as  in  duty 
bound  shall  ever  pray. 

"  The  whole  whereof  so  as  offered  to  you,  ever  respec- 
table gentlemen,  submitted  with  due  congratulation  of  all 
the  good  people  of  said  county. 

"  Per  order  of  the  county  committee. 
"  JAMES  CLAY, 

"  Chairman  of  said  Committee. 

"  Copy  compared  with  the  original  and  extracted  there- 
from. 

"Attest,       "Elk.  Day, 

"  Clerk  of  said  Committee. 


"  West-Minster,  June  21st,  A.  D.  1776. 
"  Protests  instantly  entered. 
"  Elkanah  Day, 
"John  Bridgnon,  Esqr. 
"  John  Norton. 

(Fecit,)    "Elk.  Day, 

"  Clerk  to  said  Committee" 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  a  commit- 
tee to  consist  of  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Hobart  and 
Mr.  Schenk. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.M.  Augt.  24th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  5  members  absent  on  business — New- 
York. 

Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Govr.  Morris—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  S.  Townshend,  Mr.  J.  Townshend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands — Queens. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Col.  Marsh—  Cumberland. 

ilr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Oulwater,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Hugh  Doyle,  late  a  soldier  in  Capt.  Palmer's  company, 
in  one  of  the  regiments  of  this  Colony  attending,  was  ad- 
mitted. He  informed  the  Convention  that  he  had  lately 
been  taken  by  the  enemy,  on  Staten  island,  and  detained 
a  prisoner  in  irons  25  days  ;  that  by  enlisting  in  the  ene- 
my's regiment  of  volunteers  he  had  a  dangerous  opportu- 
nity, and  made  his  escape  on  Wednesday  last.  He  gave 
such  information  as  he  had  to  communicate. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  as  Trea- 
surer to  this  Convention  advance  to  Hugh  Doyle,  8  dollars 
to  support  him  in  his  return  to  his  family  at  New  Haven. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  as  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  advance  to  Col. 
Isaac  Nicoll,  £72,  to  enable  him  to  pay  the  one  moiety  of 
the  bounty  due  to  18  privates  of  his  regiment,  and  muster 
the  said  men.  Col.  Nicoll  to  be  accountable  to  this  Con- 
vention for  the  disposition  of  that  money.  And 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton  be,  and  is  here- 
by, requested  to  give  out  in  orders  that  the  colonels  of  the 
regiments  in  his  brigade,  who  have  not  returned  the  mus- 
ter rolls  of  their  regiments  to  this  Convention,  do  return 
the  same  immediately,  in  order  that  they  may  be  mustered 
by  a  Continental  muster- master,  and  receive  the  other 
moiety  of  their  bounty  money. 

Capt.  Benson  having  attempted,  by  order  of  the  com- 
mittee for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river 
to  purchase  sails  and  rigging  for  two  armed  sloops,  which 
can  not  be  purchased, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  for  stopping  the  channel 
in  the  East  river  be  requested  to  furnish  Capt.  Henry  Ben- 
son, on  account  of  this  State,  with  such  rigging  and  other 
articles  as  he  may  want,  and  which  are  now  in  their  pos- 
session, taken  from  the  vessels  by  them  employed  in  stop- 
ping the  channel  aforesaid. 

A  request  of  Major  Hendrick  Van  De  Linde  Ver  Bryck 
to  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton,  requesting  a  dismission  from 
the  present  service  on  account  of  his  ill  state  of  health,  was 
read  and  filed.  Genl.  Clinton's  letter  to  Major  Van  Bryck, 
submitting  his  application  to  this  Convention,  was  also 
read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  consent  to  the  dismis- 
sion of  Major  Ver  Bruyck  from  the  present  service,  on  ac- 
count of  his  ill  state  of  health,  agreeable  to  his  request. 

Burnet  Miller,  Esqr.  came  into  the  Convention  and  took 
his  seat  as  a  Deputy  of  Suffolk  county. 

The  committee  consisting  of  the  Deputies  from  Suffolk 


588 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


and  Queens  counties,  appointed  yesterday  evening  to  re- 
consider the  report  of  the  former  committee  on  the  letter 
of  Genl.  Livingston,  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washing- 
ton, brought  in  their  report ;  eight  paragraphs  thereof, 
with  the  recital,  being  read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  para- 
graph by  paragraph,  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say : 

Whereas,  the  enemy's  troops  have  landed  on  the  west- 
ern shore  of  Nassau  island,  and  penetrated  into  the  heart 
of  Kings  county,  and  this  Convention  have  received  intel- 
ligence that  they  are  in  extreme  want  of  provisions  and  re- 
freshments :  And  whereas  it  will  be  extremely  difficult, 
if  not  impracticable,  to  prevent  them  from  ravaging  and 
plundering  the  southern  part  of  the  said  island,  whereby 
their  present  necessities  may  be  greatly  relieved,  inasmuch 
therefore  as  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Convention  to  prefer  the 
general  cause  of  America  to  the  interest  and  convenience 
of  individuals  : 

1st.  Resolved,  That  all  the  horses,  horned  cattle  and 
sheep  belonging  to  the  south  of  the  ridge  of  hills  in  Queens 
county,  be  forthwith  removed  and  put  into  the  fields  at  the 
east  end  of  Hemstead  Plains,  there  to  be  and  remain  un- 
der a  sufficient  number  of  keepers  at  the  discretion  of  Bri- 
gadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  until  he  shall  judge  it  necessary  to 
remove  them  farther  eastward,  and  when  he  shall  think  the 
same  necessary  that  he  do  direct  them  to  be  drove  into  such 
part  of  Suffolk  county  as  he  shall  think  proper :  Provided 
notwithstanding  that  nothing  in  this  resolve  shall  extend  to 
prevent  each  large  family  from  retaining  four  milch  cows, 
each  middling  family  three,  and  each  small  family  two,  nor 
each  farmer  from  retaining  one  pair  of  horses. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabi- 
tants of  Queens  county  residing  to  the  south  of  the  ridge 
of  hills,  immediately  to  remove  all  their  grain,  now  in  the 
barns  and  barracks,  to  some  convenient  place  at  a  distance 
from  the  buildings,  that  the  same,  without  endangering  the 
buildings,  may  be  burnt  whenever  it  shall  be  impracticable 
to  prevent  the  enemy  from  getting  possession  of  it. 

3d.  Resolved  unanimously,  That  whenever  Brigadier- 
Genl.  Woodhull,  or  the  commanding  officer  for  the  time 
being,  shall  judge  that  it  is  the  design  of  the  enemy  to  pos- 
sess themselves  of  such  grain,  he  do  send  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  men  to  burn  and  destroy  the  same  ;  and  that  the 
said  General  or  commanding  officer  at  the  same  time  cause 
all  the  horses  and  cows  which  were  left  with  the  diffe- 
ferent  families  to  be  driven  away  or  killed,  and  that  all  the 
mills  at  the  same  time  be  dismantled  by  taking  and  carry- 
ing away  the  upper  stone. 

4th.  Resolved,  unanimously,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Wood- 
hull,  with  the  troops  under  his  command,  take  post  on  the 
high  grounds  running  through  Nassau  island,  as  near  to  the 
enemy  as  he  may  think  expedient,  for  the  purpose  of  op- 
posing their  incursions  ;  and  that  whenever  it  shall  appear 
probable  to  him  that  the  enemy  will  gain  possession  of 
those  heights  and  of  the  country  to  the  northward  and  east- 
ward of  the  same,  he  retreat,  removing  and  destroying  the 
stock  and  the  grain,  and  dismantling  the  mills  in  manner 
above  directed. 

5th.  Resolved  unanimously,  That  such  of  the  militia  of 
Genl.  WoodhulPs  brigade  as  are  or  shall  be  in  actual  ser- 
vice, shall  be  entitled  to  Continental  pay  and  rations,  agree- 
able to  their  respective  ranks. 

6th.  Resolved  unanimously,  That  Robert  Townshend 
be  a  commissary  to  supply  the  brigade  with  provisions  till 
such  time  as  Genl.  Washington  shall  give  further  orders 
for  that  purpose,  and  that  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr.  Saml. 
Townshend  be  a  committee  to  wait,  on  Genl.  Washington 
with  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  and  submit  the  expediency 
and  necessity  of  the  same  to  his  consideration  and  advice. 

And  whereas  it  will  be  extremely  difficult  if  not  im- 
practicable to  effect  the  good  purposes  of  these  resolutions 
without  an  additional  force  to  the  militia  ordered  out  by  a 
resolve  of  this  morning  for  calling  out  a  part  of  Genl. 
WoodhulPs  brigade  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  submit  to  His  Excel- 


lency's consideration  the  propriety  of  ordering  Col.  Smith's 
and  Colo.  Remsen's  regiments  of  militia  to  join  the  said 
brigade. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  do  request  Genl.  Wa- 
shington's opinion  relative  to  the  propriety  of  calling  forth 
further  detachments  of  the  militia  of  this  State  into  action, 
and  if  called  out,  to  what  place. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolutions  be 
immediately  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in 
the  General  Congress. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  contra- 
dicting the  report  that  New-York  was  to  be  abandoned  and 
burnt,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit: 

"Head  Quarters,  New-York,  ? 

"Augt.  23d,  1776.  5 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  favoured  with  yours  of  the  22nd, 
acquainting  me  with  a  report  now  circulating,  '  that  if  the 
American  army  should  be  obliged  to  retreat  from  this  city, 
any  individual  may  set  it  on  fire.' 

"  I  can  assure  you,  gentlemen,  this  report  is  not  found- 
ed upon  the  least  authority  from  me  ;  on  the  other  hand,  I 
am  so  sensible  of  the  value  of  such  a  city,  and  the  conse- 
quences of  its  destruction  to  many  worthy  citizens  and 
their  families,  that  nothing  but  the  last  necessity,  and  that 
such  as  should  justify  me  to  the  whole  world,  would  in- 
duce me  to  give  orders  for  that  purpose. 

"  The  unwillingness  shewn  by  many  families  to  remove 
notwithstanding  your  and  my  recommendation,  may  per- 
haps have  led  some  persons  to  propagate  the  report,  with 
honest  and  innocent  intentions.  But  as  your  letters  first 
informed  me  of  it,  I  cannot  pretend  to  say  by  whom  or 
for  what  purpose  it  has  been  done.  As  my  views  with 
regard  to  the  removal  of  the  women  and  children,  have 
happily  coincided  with  your  sentiments,  and  a  committee 
appointed  to  carry  them  into  execution,  I  submit  it  to  your 
judgment,  whether  it  would  not  be  proper  for  the  commit- 
tee to  meet  immediately  in  this  city,  and  give  notice  of 
their  attendance  on  this  business.  There  are  many  who 
anxiously  wish  to  remove  but  have  not  the  means. 
"  I  am  with  much  respect  and  regard, 
"  Gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New- York." 


DIE  SOLIS,  8  ho.  a.  m. 

Augt.  25th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col. 
Lott,  Capt.  Denning,  Capt.  Rutgers,  (the  five  last  on  duty) — New- 
York. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 

Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  J.  Townsend,  Mr.  Ben.  Sands — Queens. 

Mr.  Govt.  Morris,  Mr.  Haviland,  General  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

The  committee,  consisting  of  the  members  of  Queens 
and  Suffolk  counties,  brought  in  the  residue  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  letter  of  Brigadier-Genl  Living- 
ston, of  the  21st  inst.  to  Genl.  Washington,  which  was 
adjourned  over  last  evening  for  want  of  time. 

The  Convention  took  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
the  following  paragraphs  thereof  being  read,  amended, 
agreed  to  and  resolved  on,  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Whereas  by  reason  of  the  cruel  and  unnatural  invasion 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


589 


now  made  upon  this  State,  many  of  the  inhabitants  there- 
of may  be  compelled  to  abandon  their  peaceful  habitations 
and  be  exposed  to  all  the  miseries  of  want  and  the  hor- 
rors of  war  :  And  whereas  the  same  regard  to  the  rights 
of  human  nature  which  leads  mankind  to  brave  every  dan- 
ger and  endure  every  distress  in  the  great  cause  of  free- 
dom, teaches  them  to  behold  with  pity,  and  [with]  gene- 
rosity to  relieve  the  distresses  of  their  fellow  creatures, 
and  since  it  is  more  especially  the  duty  of  those  who  are 
called  on  to  superintend  the  general  welfare  of  the  State, 
to  lighten  as  far  as  possible  the  burthen  of  calamity  which 
oppresses  their  constituents  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  several  committees  throughout  this 
State  be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  and  required  to 
quarter  upon  the  inhabitants  of  their  respective  counties 
and  districts  all  such  unfortunate  persons  as  may,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  aforesaid  invasion,  be  driven  away  from 
their  places  of  abode,  paying  all  possible  regard  to  the 
conveniencies  of  such  inhabitants  ;  and  that  they  do  assess 
moderate  prices  to  be  paid  to  such  inhabitants  for  the  per- 
sons so  quartered  on  them. 

Resolved  also,  That  such  persons  whose  circumstances 
will  admit,  do  maintain  themselves  and  their  families,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  provide  ways  and  means  to  de- 
fray the  expense  of  maintaining  the  indigent.  Provided 
always,  that  no  person  shall  be  deemed  entitled  to  the 
public  benevolence  for  more  than  ten  days,  unless  he  or 
she  shall  within  that  time  produce  a  certificate  of  indigence 
from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county  or  dis- 
trict where  he  or  she  formerly  resided.  And  also,  that  no 
persons  by  virtue  of  their  removal  as  aforesaid,  shall  be 
construed  to  gain  a  residence  in  the  place  to  which  they 
shall  remove. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  committees  above  mentioned 
do  return  monthly  to  this  Convention  an  exact  account  of 
such  indigent  persons  as  shall  appear  to  be  entitled  to  the 
public  benevolence,  together  with  the  names  of  the  per- 
sons on  whom  they  are  quartered,  and  the  contracts  made 
for  their  maintenance,  in  order  that  this  Convention  or  a 
future  Legislature  may  make  immediate  provision  for  ful- 
filling such  agreements. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  these 
resolutions  to  be  immediately  despatched  to  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Flushing. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  2Qth,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest.  pro.  tern. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott,  Col.  Remsen,  Mr.  Beekman— 
Kew-York. 
Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Pauling — Ulster. 

Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Colo.  Blackwell — Queens. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Mr.  It.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 
Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Miller, 
Mr.  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland,  Genl.  Morris —  Westches- 
ter. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr. 
Jas.  Townsend  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  and  report  in- 
structions for  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  and  that  they  re- 
port with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Govr.  Morris  from  the  committee  appointed  on  the 
,  brought  in  their  report,  which  being  read,  amend- 
ed and  unanimously  agteed  to,  is  in  the  words  following, 
that  is  to  say  : 

148 


Whereas  divers  persons  who  had  been  represented  to 
this  Convention  as  notoriously  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause,  and  whose  going  at  large  ought  to  be  restrained, 
have,  by  order  of  this  Convention,  been  arrested  and  now 
remain  confined  in  the  jails  of  some  of  the  counties  in  this 
State  :  And  whereas  justice  and  the  public  safety  de- 
mand that  the  degrees  of  restraint  should  be  proportionate 
to  the  danger  arising  from  the  disaffection,  evil  dispositions 
and  influence  of  the  said  prisoners  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  general  committees  of 
the  counties  in  which  they  are  so  confined,  being  possessed 
of  more  knowledge  of  the  characters  and  principles  of  each 
of  the  said  prisoners  than  this  Convention  can  readily  ac- 
quire, be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  directed  so  to 
dispose  of  the  said  prisoners  as  that  no  undue  and  unneces- 
sary severity  be  shown  them  on  the  one  hand,  and  the 
safety  of  the  public  against  their  machinations  provided 
for  on  the  other.  Provided  always  that  the  said  commit- 
tee shall  not  have  power  to  liberate  any  person  or  per- 
sons who  already  have  been  or  hereafter  may  be  confined 
in  jail  for  treasonable  practices  against  the  State. 

Orderd,  That  copies  thereof  be  sent  to  the  county  com- 
mittees and  published  in  all  the  newspapers. 

On  the  application  of  Saml.  Mabbit  of  Dutches  county, 
who  assures  that  he  is  about  to  erect  a  flaxseed  mill  in 
that  county, 

Resolved,  That  an  exemption  from  military  duty  be 
granted  to  six  persons  who  shall  be  employed  in  erecting 
a  flaxseed  mill  and  carrying  on  the  business  of  said  mill 
when  the  same  shall  be  so  erected.  Provided  that  the 
names  of  such  persons  be  registered  with  the  brigadier- 
general  of  the  county  of  Dutches,  and  that  he  be  furnish- 
ed with  a  copy  of  this  resolution. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  Charles  Shaw,  the  Conven- 
tion came  to  the  following  determination  : 

Whereas  Charles  Shaw  hath  by  his  memorial  present- 
ed to  this  Convention,  averring  his  attachment  to  the  Ame- 
rican cause,  shewn  sufficient  cause  why  he  ought  not  to 
be  compelled  to  actual  service  in  the  militia  ;  upon  consi- 
deration of  the  said  memorial, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Chas.  Shaw  be  exempted 
from  such  service. 

General  Morris  suggested  sundry  reasons  to  the  Con- 
vention for  his  attendance  at  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  General  Morris  attend  at  Congress  at 
Philadelphia  and  return  with  all  possible  despatch. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  the  committee  who 
were  appointed  for  that  purpose  cannot  proceed  in  the  re- 
moval of  the  poor  from  the  city  of  New- York  without  a 
supply  of  cash. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
James  Beekman,  Esqr.  one  of  the  members  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  remove  the  indigent  women  and  chil- 
dren and  infirm  persons  out  of  the  city  of  New-York,  the 
sum  of  £1,000,  to  enable  the  said  committee  to  complete 
the  business  for  which  they  were  appointed. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Woodhull,  dated  at  Jamaica,  25th 
Augt.  was  read. 

Ordered,  To  be  referred  to  the  committee  for  drawing 
instructions  for  Genl.  Woodhull. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  Genl.  Washington 
with  the  resolutions  for  calling  out  the  Western  Suffolk 
regiment  and  Queens  county  militia  to  prevent  the  stock 
falling  in  the  enemy's  hands,  do  report  : 

"  That  according  to  order  they  waited  on  his  Excellency 
and  conferred  with  him  on  the  subjects  above  mentioned, 
and  that  he  seemed  well  pleased,  but  said  he  was  afraid  it 
was  too  late. 

"  Your  committee  told  him  the  Convention  had  sent  an 
express  to  Genl.  Woodhull  on  Saturday  morning,  to  em- 
body the  western  regiment  of  Suffolk,  and  all  the  remain- 
ing part  of  the  militia  of  Queens,  and  march  to  the  high 
grounds  on  the  western  part  of  said  counties,  but  as  the 


590 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


said  Convention  was  apprehensive  that  Genl.  Woodhull 
would  not  have  a  sufficient  force  to  drive  off  the  stock  and 
repel  the  ravaging  parties  of  the  enemy,  thought  it  most 
conducive  to  the  public  welfare  that  the  regiments  above 
mentioned  should  be  applied  for,  that  he  might  thereby  be 
enabled  more  effectually  to  carry  the  resolves  of  the  Con- 
vention into  execution.  Upon  which,  Genl.  Washington 
appeared  well  satisfied  with  the  proceedings  of  the  Con- 
vention, and  said  that  he  should  at  all  times,  when  he  had 
it  in  his  power,  be  ready  to  give  them  any  assistance  con- 
sistent with  the  public  good,  and  that  he  would  immediately 
give  orders  that  Col.  Smith's  and  Remsen's  regiments  should 
march  into  Queens  county  to  join  Genl.  Woodhull ;  and  as 
to  calling  out  any  more  of  the  militia,  he  asked  what  time 
we  thought  it  would  take  to  have  the  militia  of  Westches- 
ter county  embodied  ?  We  told  him  we  thought  at  least  4 
or  5  days  ;  upon  which  he  made  no  reply. 

"  Your  committee  do  further  report,  it  was  the  General's 
opinion  that  our  commissary  should  continue  to  supply  the 
troops  under  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  and  that  he  con- 
sult with  the  Commissary-General,  that  they  might  not  in- 
terfere with  one  another  in  purchasing  provisions. 

"  SAML.  TOWNSEND, 
"WILLIAM  SMITH." 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  be  and  he  hereby  is  re- 
quested to  contract  with  proper  persons  for  making  2,000 
pouches  with  belts,  without  delay,  and  at  the  cheapest  rate 
he  can  procure  the  same,  and  that  he  send  500  of  them  as 
soon  as  finished  to  Genl.  Clinton's  encampment,  for  the  use 
of  his  brigade. 

A  letter  from  Gilbt.  Livingston  and  Christopher  Tappen, 
commissioners  for  building  vessels  at  Poughkeepsie,  wish- 
ing to  be  permitted  to  take  their  seats  in  Convention  be- 
fore the  committee  report  a  form  of  government,  and  sug- 
gest, as  their  opinion,  that  it  would  be  well  to  secure  a 
State  to  govern,  before  they  discussed  a  form  to  govern  it 
by,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  L'hommedieu. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee to  draw  instructions  to  General  Woodhull. 

Resolved,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Joseph  Treat  continue  his 
services  as  chaplain  to  Col.  Lasher's  and  Col.  Malcom's 
battalions  in  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott's  brigade,  and  that  the 
Rev.  Mr.  John  Eliot  be  chaplain  to  Col.  Sard.  Drake's 
and  Col.  Humphrey's  regiments  ;  Mr.  Treat's  pay  to  com- 
mence from  the  time  of  calling  the  said  brigade  into  ser- 
vice, and  Mr.  Eliot's  pay  from  the  7th  inst. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Scott  be  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized to  receive  out  of  the  store  of  this  State,  such  cots 
and  half  cots  now  in  store,  as  he  may  find  necessary  for 
the  use  of  the  surgeon  for  dressing  the  wounded  of  his 
brigade,  or  as  he  may  find  otherwise  necessary  for  the  use 
of  the  sick,  Genl.  Scott  giving  a  receipt  for  the  same  ;  and 
that  Genl.  Scott  make  such  disposition  of  those  cots  in  his 
brigade  as  he  may  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  50  blank  commissions  be  sent  to  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Albany. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.Bleecker  and  Mr.  Duer, 
be  a  committee  to  nominate  a  suitable  character  for  major 
of  a  regiment  of  the  militia  in  the  county  of  Albany. 

Ordered,  That  the  nomination  of  the  officers  for  the 
Albany  Rangers,  be  committed  to  the  same  committee. 

It  was  moved  that  300  stand  of  arms  be  forwarded  for 
the  use  of  the  militia  of  Glocester  ;  being  considered,  it 
was  referred  to  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Hobart  and  the  others  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  hear  their  government  applica- 
tion. 

A  letter  from  John  Sleght,  chairman  of  Kingston,  was 
received  and  read,  stating  that  the  women  surround  the  com- 
mittee chamber,  and  say  if  they  cannot  have  tea,  their  hus- 
bands and  sons  shall  fight  no  more,  was  received  and  re- 
ferred to  the  members  attending  from  Ulster  county. 

Whereas  the  Convention  have  reason  to  suspect  that  a 
correspondence  is  carried  on  betwixt  the  enemy's  army  now  I 


on  Nassau  island  and  the  family  of  Colo.  Josiah  Martin  at 
Rockaway  on  said  island  :  And  whereas  it  is  the  duty  of 
this  Convention  diligently  to  watch  over  and  suppress  every 
intercourse  which  may  endanger  the  public  good  or  safety : 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull  be  and  he  is 
hereby  requested  and  authorized  to  cause  the  house  of  the 
said  Colo.  Josiah  Martin  immediately  to  be  searched  for 
papers  by  a  discreet  and  spirited  officer,  who  shall  engage 
upon  his  word  of  honor  to  Genl.  Woodhull,  not  to  *  *  * 
any  matters  which  may  be  contained  in  letters  of  a  private 
nature,  and  to  transmit  to  the  Convention  of  this  State 
every  paper  which  may  concern  the  public  weal. 

And  whereas  Dr.  Saml.  Martin,  son  to  the  said  Col. 
Martin,  is  at  present  a  prisoner  upon  his  parol  at  Rocka- 
way on  Nassau  island  :  And  whereas,  on  account  of  the 
vicinity  of  the  enemy's  army,  in  which  the  said  Dr.  Mar- 
tin has  frequent  and  intimate  connection,  it  would  be  incon- 
sistent with  good  policy  to  suffer  the  said  Saml.  Martin  to 
remain  any  longer  upon  his  parol  at  said  place  :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull  be 
and  he  is  hereby  requested  and  authorized  to  cause  the  said 
Dr.  Saml.  Martin  immediately  to  be  apprehended  and  con- 
veyed to  this  Convention,  in  order  that  he  may  be  sent  to 
reside  in  some  more  secure  and  distant  place. 

Whereas  considerable  expenses  have  accrued  to  this 
State  in  suppressing  the  designs  of  evil  minded  and  disaf- 
fected persons  against  the  the  liberties  of  America  :  And 
whereas  the  public  economy  requires  that  such  expenses 
should  be  restrained  in  the  most  exact  manner,  in  order  that 
such  means  may  be  devised  for  reimbursing  the  same  as 
justice  and  sound  policy  may  hereafter  dictate  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  do  keep 
a  distinct  and  accurate  account  of  all  sums  of  money  which 
already  have  been  and  may  hereafter  be  disbursed  by  or- 
der of  the  Convention  for  the  purpose  of  apprehending, 
securing  and  subsisting  disaffected  persons,  and  of  quelling 
insurrections  within  this  State. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Woodhull  in  answer  to  his 
received  yesterday,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"August  26th,  1776. 
"  Sir — Yours  of  yesterday  is  just  come  to  hand  in  an- 
swer to  which  we  would  inform  you  that  Robert  Townsend, 
the  son  of  Saml.  Townsend,  Esqr.  is  appointed  commis- 
sary for  the  troops  under  your  command,  of  which  we  beg 
you  would  give  him  the  earliest  notice,  and  that  we  have 
made  application  to  Genl.  Washington  for  the  regiments 
under  the  command  of  Cols.  Smith  and  Remsen  to  join 
you ;  he  assured  our  committee  that  he  would  issue  out 
orders  immediately  for  that  purpose,  and  we  expect  that 
they  are  upon  the  spot  by  this  time.  You  have,  enclosed, 
some  resolutions  and  orders  for  your  more  particular  direc- 
tion. 

"  Confiding  in  your  known  prudence  and  zeal  in  the 
common  cause,  and  wishing  you  the  protection  and  bless- 
ing of  Heaven, 

"  We  are,  with  respect, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servants. 

"  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull. 

"  P.  S.  Genl.  Washington  desires  that  Mr.  Townsend 
may  consult  with  the  Commissary-General,  that  they  may 
not  interfere  in  their  purchases." 

The  committee  appointed  to  draw  instructions  to  Genl. 
Woodhull  [brought  in  their  report,]  which  was  agreed  to, 
and  are  in  the  words  following,  that  is. to  say  : 

"  You  are  hereby  ordered  with  the  troops  under  your 
command  to  take  post  on  the  heights  near  the  western  boun- 
daries of  Queens  county,  or  in  such  other  place  or  places 
in  the  counties  of  Queens,  Kings  or  Suffolk,  as  you  shall 
think  most  convenient  for  preventing  the  incursions  and 
depredations  of  the  enemy ;  and  you  are  hereby  empow- 
ered and  directed  to  order  out  the  whole  or  any  further  part 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


591 


of  the  militia  and  other  inhabitants  of  said  counties  when 
and  where  you  shall  think  them  necessary  to  protect  the 
inhabitants  removing,  or  destroy  the  stock  and  other  pro- 
visions, and  for  the  other  purposes  mentioned  in  the  re- 
solutions herewith  sent  you  ;  you  are  also  to  do  all  in  your 
power  to  prevent  all  intercourse  with  the  enemy,  by  secur- 
ing and  sending  to  this  Convention  all  such  persons  as  shall 


be  any  way  aiding  or  assisting  them,  or  opposing  any  mea- 
sures which  have  been  or  shall  hereafter  be  directed  by 
this  Convention,  and  to  search  the  houses  of  such  per- 
sons for  papers  as  you  shall  suspect  to  have  had  intelli- 
gence from  the  enemy  ;  and  you  are  also  at  liberty  to  mount 
on  horseback  any  number  of  the  militia  that  you  may  think 
necessary." 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

August  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend, 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Duer  and 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Mr.  Dearing, 

Mr.  Hobart  was  unanimously  chosen  Chairman. 

Present— Colo.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Stevens.  Mr.  Wm.  Harper, 
Major  Parks,  Colo.  Marsh,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Yates 
■who  went  to  church,  Mr.  Mils,  Mr.  Lockwood,  and  Col.  Van  Cortlandt. 

A  letter  from  General  Woodhull  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Jamaica,  August  21th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  am  now  at  Jamaica  with  less  than  100 
men,  having  brought  all  the  cattle  from  the  westward  and 
southward  of  the  hills,  and  have  sent  them  off  with  the 
troops  of  horse,  with  orders  to  take  all  the  rest  eastward  of 
this  place  to  the  eastward  of  Hemstead  plains,  and  to  put 
them  into  the  fields  and  set  a  guard  over  them.  The  ene- 
my, I  am  informed,  are  intrenching  from  the  heights  near 
Howard's,  southward.  I  have  now  received  yours  with 
several  resolutions  which  I  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to  put 
in  execution ;  but  unless  Cols.  Smith  and  Remsen,  men- 
tioned in  yours,  join  me  with  their  regiments,  or  some  other 
assistance  immediately,  I  shall  not  be  able,  for  the  people 
are  all  moving  east,  and  I  cannot  get  any  assistance  from 
them.  I  shall  continue  here  as  long  as  I  can,  in  hopes  of 
a  reinforcement,  but  if  none  comes  soon  I  shall  retreat,  and 
drive  the  stock  before  me  into  the  woods.  Cols.  Smith 
and  Remsen  I  think  cannot  join  me.  Unless  you  can  send 
me  some  other  assistance,  I  fear  I  shall  soon  be  obliged  to 
quit  this  place.    I  hope  soon  to  hear  from  you. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 
"  NATHL.  WOODHULL. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New-York." 

Major  Lockwood  informed  the  Committee  that  the  ene- 
my's ships  are  at  White  Stone.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  R. 
R.  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  and  confer  with  him  relative  to  the 

149 


state  of  Nassau  island,  and  what  measures  may  be  neces- 
sary for  distressing  the  enemy  thereon,  or  defending  or  re- 
moving the  inhabitants,  and  that  they  report  the  result  of 
their  deliberations  thereon  to  this  Committee,  or  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Denning  was  read,  dated  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Rutgers  be  requested  immediately 
to  proceed  to  the  city  of  New-York,  and  afford  all  possible 
aid,  attention,  direction  and  assistance  in  stopping,  or  im- 
peding the  navigation  of  the  East  river,  and  that  he  employ 
all  such  persons  as  he  shall  think  proper,  to  give  him  aid. 

Mr.  Dearing  was  chosen  Chairman  unanimously  in  the 
room  of  Mr.  Hobart. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  resolution  and  letter  of 
yesterday  to  Colo.  Woodhull,  be  made,  and  sent  by  the  ex- 
press going  to  Long  island. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Colo.  Drake,  or  the  next 
commanding  officer  of  the  Westchester  militia,  do  imme- 
diately call  out  as  many  of  the  militia  with  five  days'  pro- 
visions, as  he  shall  think  sufficient  to  watch  the  motions  of 
the  enemy's  ships  now  in  the  Sound,  and  to  prevent  all  com- 
munication with  the  disaffected  inhabitants  in  said  county, 
and  that  he  send  notice  from  time  to  time  to  the  Conven- 
tion, of  every  remarkable  occurrence,  and  for  that  purpose 
that  he  is  hereby  empowered  to  press  horses  when  he  shall 
think  it  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  enclose  a  copy  thereof  in 
a  letter  to  Colo.  Drake. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Newkirk  take  that  letter  and  show 
it  to  the  commanding  officer  at  Horn's  Hook. 

The  application  of  Mr.  Jonn.  Piatt  for  some  commissions 
for  officers  in  Colo.  Thomas's  regiment,  was  read. 

An  express  arrived  from  New-London  and  communica- 
ted a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Erastus  Wolcott  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Say  Brook,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  New-London,  August  24th,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  in  the  morning,  appeared  at 
the  east  end  of  Fisher's  island,  two  of  the  enemy's  armed 
frigates  and  a  brig,  and  this  morning  they  passed  by  this 
harbour,  standing  to  the  westward.  I  thought  it  best  to 
give  you  this  intelligence  by  express,  that  you  may  keep 
a  good  look  out,  and  take  what  measures  your  prudence 


594 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


will  suggest,  and  must  leave  it  to  you  whether  or  not  to 
forward  this  from  town  to  town  by  express,  (if  no  direct 
opportunity  offers  ;)  this  may  much  depend  on  what  is  al- 
ready known  of  their  being  in  the  Sound,  and  by  observing 
their  motions. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  With  esteem  and  regard, 
"  Your  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  ERASTUS  WOLCOTT. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Say  Brook." 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  His 
Excellency  Genl.  Washington  be  acquainted  that  the  com- 
mittee of  Southold  at  the  east  end  of  Nassau  island,  have 
mounted  four  cannon  as  field  pieces,  vizt :  3  6-pounders, 
and  1  3-pounder,  to  prevent  depredations  of  the  enemy 
along  the  Sound,  and  to  enable  the  inhabitants  to  make  a 
stand  at  certain  passes,  and  that  His  Excellency  be  re- 
quested to  send  a  sufficiency  of  powder,  ball  and  cartridge 
paper  for  the  said  cannon,  to  the  care  of  Col.  Livingston, 
and  that  Col.  Teircy  be  directed  to  exempt  such  number  of 
men  from  the  common  militia  duty,  as  will  be  sufficient  to 
manage  said  cannon;  they  keeping  a  number  of  horses 
ready  to  remove  the  said  cannon  to  such  places  as  shall  be 
necessary.    The  said  motion  was  unanimously  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schenk,  Col. 
Broome,  and  Col.  Remsen  and  Mr.  Duer,  be  added  to  the 
committee  of  this  morning,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter 
from  Kingston,  received  and  read  this  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  L'hom- 
medieu, Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith,  and  Mr.  Van  Wyck  and 
Mr.  Samuel  Townsend,  be  a  committee  to  report  ways  and 
means  for  the  sale  of  fat  cattle  on  Nassau  and  Shelter 
islands. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Cregier,  about  his  privateer,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  Erastus  Wol- 
cot,  dated  New-London,  Augt.  24th,  1776,  be  immediately 
transmitted  by  express  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Woodhull,  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  cause  all  the  stock  on  the  seacoast 
of  Long  island,  which  are  most  exposed  to  the  enemy's 
depredations,  to  be  drove  with  all  possible  despatch  so  far 
into  the  interior  part  of  the  country  as  to  be  out  of  danger 
from  the  enemy. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr. 
Hobart,  James  Townsend,  Mr.  Dearing  and  Mr.  Tredwell, 
or  any  five  of  them,  be  a  Committee  of  Safety  until  the 
next  adjournment,  or  until  there  shall  be  members  suffi- 
cient to  form  a  Convention,  and  that  all  members  who  at- 
tend be  members  and  have  votes. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a 
form  of  government,  postpone  their  report  until  Wednes- 
day next. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  Augt.  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 
Present — Mr.  Dearing,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Duer,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Atlgate,  Col.  Hoffman,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr. 
L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper,  Mr.  Miller. 

Mr.  Abraham  Van  Rants,  of  Brunswick,  from  whence 
he  has  just  arrived  in  a  boat  with  his  family  says,  that  he 
understood  that  last  night  1,500  men  surrounded  the  house 
of  Mr.  Duryee,  (who  lives  about  one  mile  to  the  south- 
ward of  his  house,)  that  they  took  away  his  arms,  horses 
and  wagon  ;  that  two  companies  of  the  militia  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Bedford  were  disarmed,  and  perhaps  taken 
prisoners. 

Mr.  Berrien,  chairman  of  the  New- York  committee,  and 
Mr.  Campbell,  applied  for  more  money  to  enable  them  to 
remove  the  women,  &c.  and  also  for  money  to  be  sent  to 


the  places  where  they  are  sent  to,  to  wit :  New  Windsor, 
Mamaroneck,  New  Rochel,  Rye. 

It  being  suggested  that  it  will  be  proper  to  have  a  guard 
over  the  records  this  night, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Sampson  Dyckman  be  requested 
to  attend  this  Committee  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  the  records  and  papers  belonging  to  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  as  also  the  chest  belonging  to  the 
Receiver-General's  office,  be  immediately  conveyed  to 
Genl.  Clinton's  encampment,  at  or  near  King's  Bridge. 
And 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  do  see  them  safe- 
ly conveyed  to  the  said  encampment,  and  remain  with 
them  till  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Willet  be,  and  hereby  is,  au- 
thorized and  empowered  to  procure  or  impress  as  many 
boats  he  possibly  can,  and  proceed  with  them  up  the 
Sound  to  Genl.  Clinton,  and  put  them  under  his  direction, 
and  this  Committee  does  hereby  engage  that  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State  will  bear  and  defray  any  expense  or  da- 
mage that  may  accrue  thereby. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Hoffman  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu 
call  on  Capt.  Shaw,  and  request  him  to  spare  as  many 
men  as  he  can  to  assist  in  taking  the  boats  up  to  General 
Clinton. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Benson  procure  a  guard  of  twenty 
men  of  his  company  to  guard  the  store,  and  to  watch  if 
any  of  the  enemy's  boats  should  attempt  to  land  at  Har- 
lem, and  that  he  post  a  proper  guard  at  the  house  of  Mr. 
Bogart  wherein  the  records  of  the  Convention  of  the  said 
State  are  kept. 

Whereas  the  Committee  of  Safety  have  reason  to  sus- 
pect that  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  Esqr.  has  given  intelligence 
to  the  enemy  of  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention, 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Benson  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  au- 
thorized immediately  to  apprehend  the  said  Nichs.  Coven- 
hoven, and  him  safely  to  convey  to  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  in  order  that  he  may  be  examined  on  such  matters 
as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  be,  and  he 
is  hereby,  requested  and  authorized  to  examine  all  papers 
in  the  custody  of  Nichs.  Covenhoven,  Esqr.  and  to  trans- 
mit to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  all  such  papers  as  may 
in  any  wise  concern  the  public  weal. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Woodhull  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Westward  of  Queens  County,  > 
"  Augt.  27th,  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — Enclosed  I  send  you  a  copy  of  a  letter, 
from  Colo.  Potter,  who  left  me  yesterday  at  1 1  o'clock, 
after  bringing  about  100  men  to  me  at  Jamaica.  Major 
Smith  has,  I  expect,  all  the  rest  that  was  to  come  from 
Suffolk  county.  There  has  about  40  of  the  militia  joined 
me  from  the  regiments  in  Queens  county,  and  about  50  of 
the  troop  belonging  to  Kings  and  Queens  counties,  which  is 
near  all  I  expect.  I  have  got  all  the  cattle  southward  of  the 
hills  in  Kings  county,  drove  to  the  eastward  of  the  cross 
road,  between  the  two  counties  ;  and  have  placed  guards 
and  sentries  from  the  north  road  to  the  south  side  of  the 
island  in  order  to  prevent  the  cattle  going  back,  and  to  pre- 
vent the  communication  of  the  tories  with  the  enemy. 

"  I  am  within  about  six  miles  of  the  enemy's  camp  ; 
their  light  horse  has  been  within  about  two  miles,  and  un- 
less I  have  more  men  our  stay  here  will  answer  no  pur- 
pose. We  shall  soon  want  to  be  supplied  with  provisions, 
if  we  tarry  here. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"  NATHL.  WOODHULL. 

"The  Honble.  the  Convention 

of  New- York,  at  Harlem." 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  28th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Prest. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Abeel,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Col.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 

Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt, 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  Mr.  Sam.  Townsend,  Mr.  Jas.  Townsend,  Major 
Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommediec,  Mr. 
Smith,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston — Suffolk. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yeder — Tryon. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Mr.  Z.  Mills  stands 
in  need  of  a  further  supply  of  cash  to  enable  him  to  re- 
move the  military  stores  of  this  State,  agreeable  to  a  late 
order  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  ad- 
vance to  Zebediah  Mills,  Esqr.  the  further  sum  of  $10  to 
enable  him  to  complete  the  order  of  this  Convention  for 
removing  the  military  stores  belonging  to  this  Convention 
from  the  city  of  New-York  to  Westchester  county,  and 
take  his  receipt  to  be  accountable  for  the  same. 

The  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  yes- 
terday were  read  to  the  Convention,  approved  of  and  con- 
firmed. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  returned  from  Flushing  and  pro- 
duced a  receipt  from  John  Talman,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
Flushing,  for  £200,  for  supporting  the  poor  and  indigent 
persons  sent  thither  from  the  city  of  New-York. 

Ordered  to  be  filed. 

Genl.  Woodhull's  letter,  received  yesterday  afternoon  by 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  was  again  read  and  taken  into 
consideration. 

Major  Lawrence  gave  the  following  intelligence  :  that 
Doctor  Riker  told  him  that  a  number  of  scattering  troops 


had  posted  themselves  on  the  ridge  of  hills  between  New 
Town  and  Jamaica ;  that  they  had  been  in  many  of  the 
houses  ;  had  taken  victuals  and  drink,  but  had  not  plun- 
dered, as  he  understood. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Lawrence  wait  on  Genl.  Wash- 
ington with  a  copy  of  Genl.  Woodhull's  letter,  and  inform 
him  that  Colos.  Smith  and  Remsen's  regiments  may  be 
sent  to  join  Genl.  Woodhull  by  the  way  of  Flushing,  and 
by  what  means. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Washington,  to  be  sent  by 
Major  Lawrence,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Wednesday  Morning,  Augt.  28th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  commanded  by  the  Convention  to  enclose 
to  your  Excellency  the  copy  of  a  letter  they  received  last 
evening  from  Genl.  Woodhull. 

"  The  Convention  are  of  opinion  that  the  enemy  may 
be  prevented  from  getting  the  stock  and  grain  on  Long 
island  if  the  regiments  under  the  command  of  Col.  Smith 
and  Col.  Remsen  be  sent  to  join  Genl.  Woodhull.  That 
this  junction  may  be  effected,  and  how,  Major  Lawrence 
(who  is  a  member  of  this  Convention  and  the  bearer  here- 
of) will  inform  your  Excellency. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Wyck  do  repair  immediately  to 
Flushing  to  gain  intelligence  of  the  situation  of  the  enemy 
and  what  places  are  now  occupied  by  Genl.  Woodhull; 
that  he  do  with  all  possible  expedition,  despatch  a  boat  to 
the  Convention  with  the  information  he  can  collect ;  at  the 
same  time  pointing  out  the  most  suitable  place  for  the  re- 
inforcement to  join  Genl.  Woodhull  to  land ;  and  that  he 
be  empowered  to  impress  boats,  men  and  horses  for  carry- 
ing this  order  into  execution. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Wyck  and  Major  Lawrence 
have  leave  to  employ  Sa.  Dyckman,  the  express,  for  a 
few  hours. 

Whereas  this  Convention  has  received  information 
that  John  Rogers,  a  servant  of  Brigr.  Genl.  Morris,  has 
manifested  a  disposition  extremely  inimical  to  the  rights 


596 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


and  liberties  of  America,  and  that  there  is  room  to  sus- 
pect that  he  will  take  the  first  oportunity  to  join  the 
enemy. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Capt.  Benson,  of  Harlem,  be 
requested  and  directed  to  apprehend  the  said  John  Rogers, 
or  cause  him  to  be  apprehended,  and  brought  before  this 
Convention. 

The  committee  to  consider  of  the  letter  from  Robt. 
Yates  and  Gilbt.  Livingston,  members  of  the  committee  to 
obstruct  Hudson's  river,  dated  at  the 
inst.  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
State  at  Congress,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Harlem,  28th  jlugt.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  of  this  State  consider 
the  fortification  of  Hudson's  river  and  the  obstructing  its 
passage  in  the  Highlands  of  the  last  itnportance,  and  have 
reason  to  believe  that  the  Congress  view  it  in  the  same 
light.  They  have  appointed  a  committee  to  superintend 
that  work,  who  inform  them  that  they  are  greatly  delayed 
for  the  want  of  smiths,  unless  they  may  be  permitted  to 
employ  those  that  are  now  engaged  in  building  the  Conti- 
nental frigate  at  Poughkeepsie,  which,  therefore,  they  de- 
sire you  immediately  to  request  of  them. 

"  The  Convention  hope  that  you  will  succeed  in  your 
application,  since  the  finishing  the  ships  is  of  far  inferior 
importance  to  the  security  of  the  river  ;  and  even  were  it 
otherwise  in  itself  then,  it  must  doubtless  be  so  now,  when 
the  former  will  in  all  probability  depend  upon  the  latter. 
They  beg  that  you  will  urge  this  matter  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, since  you  need  not  be  informed  that  delay  will  work 
the  same  effect  as  a  refusal. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  State  of 

New- York  at  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Col.  Dewitt  and  Mr. 
Wisner,  be  a  committee  further  to  consider  and  report  on 
the  said  letter  from  the  said  committee  at  Poughkeepsie. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Landon  be  and 
are  hereby  requested  and  authorized  to  direct  and  manage 
the  transportation  of  Col.  Smith's  and  Col.  Remsen's  re- 
giments, in  the  best  and  most  convenient  manner,  to  join 
Brigr.  Genl.  Woodhull  ;  and  for  that  purpose,  that  they  be 
hereby  authorized  to  impress  boats  and  craft  of  any  kind 
which  they  shall  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr.  John 
Moore,  be  a  committee  to  consider  and  report,  whether  any 
and  what  further  means  can  be  devised  for  supplying  the 
troops  raised  in  this  State  with  clothing  and  blankets. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Woodhull,  dated  this  day,  was  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  that  is  to  say : 

"Jamaica,  Jugt.  2Sth,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — I  wrote  two  letters  to  you  yesterday, 
one  by  express  and  another  by  Mr.  Harper,  and  also  sent 
my  brigade-major  to  you,  to  let  you  know  my  situation, 
and  I  expected  an  answer  to  some  of  them  last  night,  but 
my  express  informed  me  he  was  detained  till  last  night  for 
an  answer ;  I  have  now  received  yours  of  the  26th,  which 
is  only  a  copy  of  the  last,  without  a  single  word  of  an  an- 
swer to  my  letters  or  the  message  by  my  brigade-major. 

"  I  must  again  let  you  know  my  situation  ;  I  have  about 
70  men  and  about  20  of  the  troop,  which  is  all  the  force  I 
have  or  can  expect,  and  I  am  daily  growing  less  in  num- 
ber ;  the  people  are  so  alarmed  in  Suffolk,  that  they  will 
not  any  more  of  them  march ;  and  as  to  Colos.  Smith  and 
Remsen's  regiments,  they  cannot  join  me,  for  the  commu- 
nication is  cut  off  between  us.  I  have  sent  about  1,100 
cattle  to  the  great  fields  of  the  plains  yesterday,  about  300 
more  is  gone  off  this  morning  to  the  same  place,  and  have 
ordered  a  guard  of  an  officer  and  seven  privates  ;  they  can 


get  no  water  in  those  fields  ;  my  men  and  horses  are  worn 
out  with  fatigue.  The  cattle  are  not  all  gone  off  towards 
Hemsted ;  1  ordered  them  yesterday,  but  they  were  not 
able  to  take  them  along.  I  brought  yesterday  about  300 
from  New  Town.  I  think  the  cattle  is  in  as  much  danger 
on  the  north  as  the  south  side,  and  have  ordered  the  inha- 
bitants to  remove  them,  if  you  cannot  send  me  an  imme- 
diate reinforcement. 

"  I  am,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  James  Townsend, 
as  a  committee  of  this  Convention,  be  and  hereby  are  di- 
rected to  repair  to  Genl.  Woodhull,  with  such  instructions 
as  the  Convention  shall  think  proper  to  give,  and  to  assist 
him  with  their  advice.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Woodhull  and  the  said  committee 
be  and  hereby  are  instructed  that  they  cause  all  such  stock 
and  all  such  grain  in  Queens  county  and  the  western  part 
of  Suffolk  county,  as  may  be  in  danger  of  falling  into  the 
enemy's  hands,  and  cannot  be  removed  to  places  of  safety, 
to  be  destroyed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  be  and  they  hereby 
are  impowered  to  impress  horses,  boats  and  persons  to  con- 
vey themselves  to  Genl.  Woodhull  with  the  utmost  de- 
spatch. And, 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  said  committee  in  the  premises. 

A  letter  from  D.  Mathews,  received  by  Mr.  Depeyster, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Sir — I  did  myself  the  honour  of  addressing  you  by 
letter  when  I  was  brought  to  the  White  Plains,  and  have 
since  taken  the  liberty  of  writing  to  Mr.  Morris  relative  to 
my  treatment ;  the  answers  to  both  which  letters  I  now 
enclose  you,  it  being  a  commitment  issued  by  Mr.  Trum- 
bull. If  this  is  to  be  my  treatment,  the  Lord  deliver  me. 
I  have  been  a  crown  officer  upwards  of  20  years,  and  was 
chief  magistrate  of  the  city  of  New-York  and  a  subject  of 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  when  I  was  taken,  (Indepen- 
dence not  being  then  declared,)  and  I  am  taught  to  be- 
lieve that  my  rank  was  equal  to  any  prisoner  taken  by  the 
King's  troops  during  this  unhappy  contest,  and  I  believe 
you  will  not  find  such  a  commitment  issued  against  any 
one  of  them  that  sustained  the  character  of  a  gentleman. 
I  had  some  hopes  that  the  acquaintance  you  had  in  the  fa- 
mily, would  at  least  have  obtained  here  the  treatment  of  a 
gentleman ;  but  it  seems  I  have  nothing  to  expect  but  what  is 
due  to  the  worst  of  felons  ;  and  had  it  not  been  for  the  kind 
interposition  of  Mr.  Depeyster,  (for  whom  I  shall  ever  en- 
tertain the  highest  esteem,)  I  should,  in  all  probability, 
have  been  in  the  land  of  spirits  ere  this. 

"  It  amazes  me  to  think  that  the  State  of  New-York 
should  send  me  to  be  dealt  with  as  Mr.  Trumbull  should 
think  proper.  I  was  in  hopes  after  Independence  was  de- 
clared, that  nothing  savouring  of  the  extension  of  that  an- 
cient statute  so  justly  complained  of  would  have  found  the 
least  footing  in  America.  1  conceive  I  was  as  much  en- 
titled to  bail  in  the  State  of  New- York  as  Mr.  Sayre  late- 
ly was  in  London  ;  for  I  believe  his  crime  and  the  wit- 
nesses to  prove  them  were  much  alike.  I  offered  any  se- 
curity ;  even  some  of  the  warmest  Whigs  would  have 
been  bail  for  my  appearance  whenever  demanded.  But  it 
seems  prison  was  the  word,  and  every  commitment  sticks 
close  to  it. 

"  I  assure  you,  sir,  if  I  could  have  entertained  the  least 
ideaof  receiving  the  treatment  I  have  received,  1  should  have 
embraced  the  opportunity  of  giving  that  kind  of  bail  which 
is  commonly  called  leg  bail — which  I  had  frequent  oppor- 
tunities of  doing  after  I  was  seized  ;  but  as  I  never  could 
reconcile  it  to  myself  either  to  leave  my  family  or  join  the 
King's  army,  and  knowing  at  the  same  time  that  my  de- 
parture would  give  my  enemies  every  advantage  they  wish- 
ed for,  I  rejected  every  proposal  of  that  kind  in  full  ex- 
pectation that  I  should  be  done  by,  as  those  gentlemen 
would  wish  to  be  done  by,  were  they  so  unfortunate  as  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


597 


be  taken  prisoners.  But  it  seems  I  expected  loo  much  ; 
I  have  only  now  to  make  myself  as  contented  as  possible, 
for  it  would  seem  that  I  am  fixed  here  for  life,  (as  1  am 
only  to  be  delivered  by  due  course  of  law.) 

"  I  should  not  have  troubled  you,  sir,  with  another  let- 
ter, had  I  not  been  requested  to  inform  you  of  my  treat- 
ment, and  as  this  will  be  the  last  I  shall  presume  to  trou- 
ble you  with,  I  shall  ask  one  favour,  which  is,  thai  if  I 
am  not  suffered  to  go  to  my  family,  I  may  be  permitted  to 
reside  at  Hartford  on  giving  security  (for  my  word  of  ho- 
nour it  seems,  is  of  no  validity  in  my  own  State,)  to  re- 
main there,  as  I  have  some  friends  there  who  would  accom- 
modate me  with  the  comforts  of  life,  and  I  might  there 
have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  Mrs.  Mathews.  If  this  is 
thought  unreasonable  I  shall  say  no  more  about  it,  and 
shall  still  remain  one  of  those  who  wish  that  America  may 
never  lose  her  liberties  nor  her  sons  meet  with  oppres- 
sion. 

"  1  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  obt.  servant, 

(Signed)       "D.  MATHEWS. 

"  Litchfield,  \2lh  Augt.  1776. 
"  Genl.  Woodhull." 

The  copies  of  his  commitment,  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Ma- 
thews, and  a  letter  from  Moses  Seymour,  sheriff  of  Litch- 
field county,  therein  enclosed,  were  also  read.  Thereupon 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  said  David  Mathews  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Wednesday  morng.  Augt.  28th,  1776. 

"Sir — The  Convention  direct  me  to  inform  you  that 
they  have  received  your  letter  to  the  President,  and  that  they 
have  examined  also  your  letter  to  Mrs.  Mathews.  That 
you  never  was  taken  up  as  a  British  subject,  nor  to  be 
considered  as  a  prisoner  of  war — your  rank  therefore  is 
immaterial.  You  well  know  the  cause  of  that  treatment 
which  you  deem  so  cruel.  You  well  know  that  you  stand 
charged  with  being  concerned  in  a  deep  conspiracy  against 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  and  however  innocent 
you  may  be,  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Convention  that  you  be 
secured  for  trial ;  that  you  were  privy  to  it  in  a  great  mea- 
sure, you  own  examination  evinces. 

"  The  Convention  direct  me  to  remind  you  that  you  are 
not  sent  to  Connecticut  for  trial,  but  for  security.  That 
they  never  heard  of  bail  being  taken  in  similar  cases. 
That  your  fellow  citizens  would  most  probably  upon  your 
going  at  large,  have  been  their  own  avengers.  That  you 
shall  have  a  fair  and  candid  trial  when  the  exigencies  of 
the  State  will  permit ;  and  that  they  have  too  great  respect 
for  the  liberties  of  mankind  to  make  any  unnecessary  in- 
roads upon  that  sacred  ground. 

"  What  opportunities  you  may  have  had  to  escape,  and 
what  reasons  to  stay,  the  Convention  do  not  know  ;  but 
they  know  the  charges  against  you  and  their  duty  to  the 
public. 

"  The  Convention  do  further  direct  me  to  assure  you,  sir, 
that  they  have  not  the  least  objection  to  inform,  not  only 
the  British  Governors  and  Generals,  but  all  mankind,  that 
they  have  taken  precautions  for  their  own  safety,  and 
confined  persons  accused  of  treasonable  designs  and  con- 
spiracies ;  and  they  do  sincerely  wish  with  you  that  Ame- 
rica may  never  lose  her  liberties  nor  her  sons  meet  with 
oppression. 

"  By  order. 

"D.  Mathews,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull  on  the  same  subject  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt. : 

"  Wednesday  morning,  Augt.  28lh,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  Convention  direct  me  to  return  your  Honour 
their  sincere  thanks  for  the  attention  you  have  been  pleased 
to  pay  to  the  prisoners  we  have  been  under  the  necessity  of 
sending  into  your  State.  We  now  take  the  liberty  of  en- 
closing to  your  Honour  the  copy  of  an  intercepted  letter 
from  D.  Mathews,  Esqr.  to  his  wife,  from  which  it  appears 

150 


that  he  deeply  resents  the  treatment  he  received  from  the 
Convention.  It  is  with  the  utmost  regret  that  we  feel  our- 
selves under  the  necessity  of  requesting  your  Honour  to 
secure  that  gentleman  in  such  manner  as  to  pievent  his 
escape  and  all  improper  correspondence.  The  troubling 
you  with  our  prisoners  is  a  matter  for  which  necessity 
alone  can  apologize. 

"  This  State  has  suffered  so  much  from  disaffected  per- 
sons that  a  greater  degree  of  severity  towards  them  would 
be  justifiable,  especially  as  all  jointly  hath  been  by  them 
attributed  to  fear.  Notwithstanding  such  high  provocation, 
we  have  in  no  instance  invaded  the  rights  of  humanity,  it 
might  therefore  be  expected  that  we  should  be  surprised 
to  see  such  a  designed  misrepresentation  of  our  conduct, 
but  nothing  of  this  kind  is  new. 

"  The  crime  of  which  Mr.  Mathews  stands  charged — 
which  is  no  less  than  treason  against  the  rights  of  Ameri- 
ca— and  yet  it  seems  that  he  considers  his  confinement  as 
unjust.  We  are  confident,  sir,  that  in  committing  him  to 
prison  you  will  avoid  every  circumstance  of  unnecessary 
rigor,  but  the  instance  we  enclose  you  of  his  unfriendly 
intentions  demand  that  great  care  should  be  taken  to  pre- 
vent the  character  of  these  Slates  from  being  unjustly  stig- 
matized by  such  wilful  misrepresentation. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be  sir,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Govt.  Trumbull,  &c." 

A  letter  from  Jos.  Drake,  at  New  Rochell,  dated  this 
day,  was  received  and  read  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  New-Rochell,  Augt.  28th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  received  the  resolve  of  the  Commiltee  of  Safety 
yesterday,  enclosed  to  me  by  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  Pur- 
suant to  my  directions,  I  have  ordered  a  party  to  guard 
from  Ryeneck  to  Rodman's  neck  of  the  militia  of  this 
county.  Colo.  Graham's  regiment  is  at  present  stationed  at 
Frog's  neck.  The  enemy  lay  yesterday  and  all  last  night 
by  Hart  island,  this  morning  they  removed  a  little  to  the 
southward  of  Minifoid's  island,  where  they  at  present  lie  ; 
they  have  not  been  able  to  plunder  much  ;  they  got  from 
Mineford's  island  4  horned  cattle  and  some  poultry,  which 
is  all  we  have  been  able  to  learn  they  have  plundered.  I 
immediately  sent  Capt.  Hunt  with  about  50  men  from  New 
Rochel,  who  with  the  help  of  a  part  of  Col.  Graham's  re- 
giment, drove  off  all  the  cattle  from  the  island,  to  the 
amount  of  30  odd  head.  I  should  be  glad  to  be  informed 
if  Col.  Graham's  regiment  is  to  remain  on  Frog's  neck,  if 
that  is  not  improper  it  will  be  a  very  great  ease  to  the 
county  at  this  season,  especially  as  it  will  take  almost  all 
the  militia  to  guard  the  whole.  I  conceive  it  will  take  nigh 
half  of  my  regiment  to  guard  from  Rodman's  point  to  the 
Snuff  mills  .  Colo.  Budd  is  to  send  100  men  and  to  guard 
from  there  to  Rye  neck. 

"  1  find  it  very  difficult  for  the  men  to  provide  5  days' 
provisions  at  this  time  of  the  year;  therefore  I  thought  it 
proper  to  appoint  Theos.  Barlow  commissary  for  the  time 
being.  1  am  apprehensive  if  ever  I  should  come  to  an  en- 
gagement with  the  enemy  we  should  be  in  great  want  of 
powder,  as  we  have  not  above  6  rounds  a  man  for  all  the 
militia.  You  may  rely  on  my  utmost  vigilance  to  frustrate 
the  intentions  of  the  enemy  in  all  their  motions, while  here. 
"  From  your  very  humble  servant, 

"  JOESPH  DRAKE." 

Ordered  to  be  referred  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Jay. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  Governor  of  Connecticut  be  request- 
ed to  send  unto  Suffolk  county  1,000  troops  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  inhabitants  and  security  of  the  stock  on  Nas- 
sau island,  as  the  strength  of  Long  island  is  now  within 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington's  lines,  and  cannot  be 
had. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  several  towns  in  Connecticut  re- 
questing their  assistance  in  removing  the  stock  from  Long 
island,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 


598 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


"  II  tinesday  morning,  Jlugt.  26th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York  are  under  the  melancholy  necessity  of  again  calling 
upon  their  sister  States  for  their  assistance  in  a  matter  in 
which  not  only  they  but  the  whole  Continent  are  interested. 

"  The  enemy  who  have  landed  upon  Long  island  will, 
we  fear,  have  it  in  their  power  to  possess  themselves  of 
the  whole  stock,  which  amounts  to  between  80  and  100,000 
of  cattle  and  as  many  sheep ;  as  our  forces  are  confined  to 
their  lines,  those  articles  will  doubtless  be  of  the  greatest 
use  to  the  enemy — for  the  want  of  some  of  them  we 
know  they  are  already  distressed ;  we  must  therefore  re- 
quest you  immediately  to  afford  all  the  assistance  in  your 
power  to  forward  the  removal  of  the  stock  from  the  island, 
and  to  provide  for  them  in  your  State,  till  some  further  di- 
rection can  be  given  with  respect  to  them,  and  to  lend  your 
aid  to  each  of  the  inhabitants  that  may  wish  to  remove. 
The  importance  of  these  objects  need  not  be  enlarged  up- 
on, nor  need  arguments  be  urged  to  induce  you  to  every 
necessary  exertion. 

"  The  readiness  and  public  spirit  which  the  committees 
in  Connecticut  have  ever  shewn  in  carrying  into  execution 
all  measures  of  public  utility,  leave  us  no  room  to  doubt 
but  that  they  will  exert  themselves  on  this  occasion,  which 
is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  general  cause  of  Ame- 
rica. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  Stonningtown,  New  London, 
Groton,  Lyme,  Seabrook,  Guilford, New  Haven, 
Stratford,  Fairfield,  Milford,  Norwalk,  Stan- 
ford and  Horseneck,  in  the  State  of  Connecli- 
cut,  who  are  desired  to  forward  the  same." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull,  on  the  same  sub- 
ject, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 
"  Wednesday  morning,  Harlem,  28th  Jlugt.  1776. 

"  Sir — Enclosed  you  have  a  copy  of  a  letter  which  the 
Convention  of  this  State  have  directed  to  the  several  com- 
mittees of  your  State,  requesting  their  assistance  in  remov- 
ing the  inhabitants  and  stock  from  Long  island. 

"  The  Convention  are  sensible  that  their  first  applica- 
tion should  have  been  to  Your  Excellency,  but  necessity 
has  obliged  them  to  dispense  with  form,  which  they  doubt 
not  you  will  consider  as  a  sufficient  apology.  The  Con- 
vention, therefore,  find  themselves  under  a  necessity  of 
applying  to  Your  Excellency  for  1,000  men,  or  any  greater 
force  which  can  be  speedily  obtained,  who  they  conceive 
may  greatly  contribute  to  the  security  of  the  island,  and  at 
the  same  time  in  some  measure  cooperate  with  our  army 
on  the  lines,  or  at  least  greatly  weaken  the  attack  of  the 
enemy. 

"  The  militia  of  Long  island  are,  for  the  most  part,  shut 
up  wilhin  the  lines,  so  that  nothing  can  be  done  for  its  de- 
fence without  your  assistance. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull, 

Govr.  of  the  State  of  Connecticut." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  proceed  to  Connecticut  with 
the  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull  and  the  committees,  and  that 
this  Convention  will  bear  his  expenses. 

Wednesday,  5  o'clock  P.  M.  2Sth  Augt.  1776. 

Present— Mr.  Beckman,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Major  Abeel — New-York. 

Mr.  S.  Townsend— Queens. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Drake— 
Westchester. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  reported  two  resolutions,  and 


the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Drake,  relative  to  the  militia, 
and  the  appointment  of  Theodosius  Bartow  as  Commis- 
sary pro  tern,  were  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that 
is  to  say  : 

"  Thursday  morning,  Jlugt.  29th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  inform  you, 
that  they  approve  of  your  conduct  relative  to  the  defence 
of  the  coast,  and  refer  the  whole  of  that  business,  in  Gene- 
ral Morris's  absence,  to  your  direction.  They  confirm 
your  appointment  of  Mr.  Bartow  as  Commissary,  and  have 
enclosed  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  1 ,000  dollars.  As 
to  powder  they  are  much  at  a  loss,  but  have  ordered  Genl. 
Clinton  to  afford  you  all  the  supply  which  the  store  of  this 
State  will  admit  of. 

"  I  am,  very  respectfully,  sir, 
"  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Col.  Joseph  Drake." 

Resolved,  That  Theods.  Bartow,  Esqr.  be  empowered 
to  act  as  commissary,  (till  further  order,)  to  the  militia 
employed  to  defend  the  coast  of  Westchester  county,  on 
the  Sound  ;  that  he  have  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  of  this 
Convention  for  1,000  dollars,  and  that  he  account  for  the 
same  to  this  Convention,  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State, 
for  the  time  being. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Clinton  do  furnish  Col.  Joseph 
Drake  with  such  a  quantity  of  cartridges,  or  powder  and 
lead,  out  of  the  store  of  this  State,  in  his  possession,  as  he 
may  think  necessary  to  the  defence  of  the  coast  of  West- 
chester. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  advance 
to  Theodosius  Bartow,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  1,000  dollars,  to 
enable  him  to  execute  the  order  of  this  day,  appointing  him 
to  act  as  commissary  to  the  militia  employed  to  defend  the 
coast  of  Westchester  county,  and  take  his  receipt,  to  be 
accountable  for  the  same. 

The  examination  of  Col.  Covenhoven  was  read  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  Left  Long  island  on  Sunday  morning  ;  came  last  from 
Wilpelmer's,  Stothoof's  island.  On  the  day  that  the  ene- 
my landed,  as  he  was  returning  from  the  lines  he  was 
taken  by  a  parly  of  the  enemy ;  they  treated  him  roughly, 
took  from  him  his  sword  and  cockade,  and  carried  him  to 
head-quarters  ;  was  politely  received  by  Genl.  Howe,  who 
asked  him  if  he  would  stay  at  home  and  send  his  produce, 
which  he  promised  to  do  ;  he  understood  from  the  officers 
that  8000  men  had  landed  the  first  day.  They  sent  for  him 
the  second  time  on  the  same  day  ;  ordered  him  to  get  fowls, 
&c.  under  pretence  of  which  he  went  off;  got  a  horse  and 
went  to  Genl.  Washington,  asked  him  what  part  he  should 
take,  who  directed  him  to  go  back,  and  he  was  to  collect 
information  and  send  it  to  Genl.  Washington,  which  he 
did,  and  got  back  without  being  missed  ;  they  never  ques- 
tioned him  further.  He  afterwards  met  with  some  Hes- 
sians, who  took  him  with  them  to  get  cows,  and  agreed 
among  themselves  to  put  him  to  death,  after  he  had  shown 
them  the  cows,  as  they  were  forbid  to  kill  any  cattle; 
they  spoke  this  in  the  Hessian  language  ;  shewed  them  a 
cow  and  he  left  them  ;  most  of  the  stock  had  been  driven 
off  before.  He  then  went  to  the  Flatlands,  where  he  saw 
many  regulars ;  saw  Govr.  Tryon,  but  did  not  speak  to 
him.  Genls.  Howe,  Clinlon  and  Puket,  were  on  the 
island  ;  the  enemy  were  joined  by  a  few  people  from  the 
island;  saw  many  people  from  Staten  island  not  armed; 
left  it  on  Sunday  with  a  design  to  come  lo  Congress;  when 
got  to  McGowen's  was  arrested;  does  not  think  it  safe 
Congress  should  continue  here  ;  they  talked  in  the  camp 
of  landing  above  this  ;  the  party  that  carried  him  to  Genl. 
Howe,  carried  also  his  sword  and  cockade,  but  it  was  not 
noticed  by  the  General ;  heard  at  the  Flatlands  that  17 
sail  of  transports  were  gone  round  in  order  to  land  at  Mor- 
risania.  The  enemy  proposed  to  attack  the  lines  the  day 
afier  they  landed,  but  were  repulsed,  and  17  Hessians 
killed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


599 


Mr.  Morris  read  two  letters,  whereby  the  Convention  is 
informed  that  Capt.  Berrien  refused  to  pay  any  attention  to 
the  order  of  this  Convention,  exempting  Mr.  Chas.  Shaw 
from  military  service,  on  the  order  which  in  like  manner 
exempts  R.  Morris,  Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Berrien  do  attend  this  Convention 
immediately,  to  show  the  cause  of  his  conduct  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  received  by  Major  Law- 
rence, was  read,  and  is^^s  follows  : 

"  Long  island,  Augt.28th,  1766. 

"  Sir — I  was  just  now  honoured  with  your  favour  of 
this  date,  with  Genl.  Woodhull's  letter,  and  should  esteem 
myself  happy  were  it  in  my  power  to  afford  the  assistance 
required,  but  the  enemy  having  landed  a  considerable  part 
of  their  force  here,  and  at  the  same  time  may  have  reserved 
some  to  attack  New- York,  it  is  the  opinion  not  only  of  my- 
self but  of  all  my  general  officers  I  have  had  an  opportuni- 
ty of  consulting  with,  that  the  men  we  have  are  not  more 
than  competent  to  the  defence  of  those  lines,  and  the  seve- 
ral posts  which  must  be  defended.  This  reason  and  this 
only  prevents  my  complying  with  your  request. 

"  I  shall  beg  leave  to  mention  in  confidence,  that  a  few 
days  ago,  upon  the  enemy's  first  landing  here,  I  wrote 
to  Govr.  Trumbull  recommending  him  to  throw  over 
a  body  of  1000  men  on  the  island,  to  annoy  the  enemy  in 
their  rear,  if  the  state  of  the  Colony  would  admit  of  it ; 
whether  it  wil I  be  done  I  cannot  determine,  that  Colony 
having  furnished  a  large  proportion  of  men.  I  was, 
and  still  am,  doubtful  whether  it  could  be  done.  If  it 
could,  I  am  satisfied  it  will,  from  the  zeal  and  readiness 
they  have  ever  shown  to  give  every  possible  succour.  I 
am  hopeful  they  will  be  in  a  condition  to  do  it,  and  if  they 
are,  those  troops  I  doubt  not  will  be  ready  and  willing  to 
give  Genl.  Woodhull  any  assistance  he  may  want.  But 
cannot  the  militia  effect  what  he  wishes  to  do  ?  They,  I 
believe,  must  be  depended  on  in  the  present  instance  for 
relief. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  In  great  hasie,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

The  Honble.  Abm.  Yates." 

Mr.  Duer  moved  the  following  resolutions,  that  is  to  say : 

Rosolved,  That  whereas  from  the  vicinity  of  the  enemy's 
ships  of  war  now  in  the  Sound,  and  the  situation  of  their 
army  on  Nassau  island,  it  would  be  very  practicable  for  a 
small  party  of  men  to  surprise  this  defenceless  town,  and 
to  remove  all  its  inhabitants:  And  whereas  from  the 
present  invasion  of  this  State,  thereby  cause  the  communi- 
cation betwixt  this  Convention  and  their  constituents  to  be 
cut  off:  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  of  this  State  will  forth- 
with adjourn  from  hence  to 

Mr.  Jay  moved  that  it  be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 
The  previous  question  being  put,  (whether  it  be  postponed 
until  to-morrow,)  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 

For  Jlgainst. 

Cumberland   2      Ulster,   4 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte,    2 

—       Orange   3 

6       Albany,   6 

Tryon,   3 

New-York,   8 

Queens,   4 

Suffolk,   4 

34 

Mr.  Livingston  then  moved  that  they  would  adjourn, 
to  meet  at  Pishkill ;  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6 

Orange,   3 

Ulster,   4 

Tryon,   3 

New-York,  8 

Mr.  Jay  dissenting. 

24 


For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4 

Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Suffolk,   4 

Queens,    4 

Charlotte,    2 

Cumberland,   2 

16 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Augt.  29th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Abeel — New-York. 

Dr.  Outwater,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Orange. 

Col.  Marsh,  Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — Albany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake, 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

Col.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Major  Lawrence,  Mr.  Sam.  Townsend — Queens. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Dearing,  Mr.  Tred- 
•well— Suffolk. 

Col.  Hoffman,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Major  Schenk — 
Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  at  Flushing,  who  was 
sent  yesterday  from  Congress,  to  inquire  whether  the  com- 
munication between  this  and  Jamaica  is  open  and  safe  by 
the  way  of  Flushing,  was  received.  He  mentions  that  the 
troops  may  pass  safely  that  way,  if  they  can  be  got  there 
this  evening  ;  that  the  enemy's  ships  lie  between  Thome's 
Point  and  Great  Neck.  Referred  to  Mr.  Smith,  Col. 
Hoffman  and  Mr.  Tredwell. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  ad- 
vance to  Z.  Piatt,  Esqr.  the  further  sum  of  £700,  to  ena- 
ble him  to  execute  the  order  of  this  Convention,  appoint- 
ing him  Commissary  for  the  time  being,  to  provide  provi- 
sions for  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Brigr.  Genl. 
Clinton,  and  to  pay  for  a  quantity  of  boards  purchased  by 
virtue  of  said  order,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Tomkins  came  into  Convention  and  informed  that 
Mr.  Lownsbury  was  come  into  Westchester  county  with 
a  commission  from  Genl.  Howe  to  raise  rangers  ;  that  a 
party  of  the  militia  went  in  pursuit  of  him,  and  were  under 
the  necessity  of  killing  him,  as  he  would  not  surrender ; 
another  was  wounded,  and  4  were  taken  prisoners,  all  his 
recruits. 

The  commission  from  Lord  Howe,  and  other  papers 
found  on  them,  were  read  and  filed.    Committed  to  Col. 
Dewitt,  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Tomkins. 
On  motion, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  John  McDonald,  employ- 
ed as  a  miner  by  this  Convention,  be  directed  to  proceed 
upon  a  farther  discovery  for  the  space  of  20  days,  in  ex- 
ploring the  lead  mines  in  the  Nine  Partners,  in  Dutches 
county,  then  to  return  and  report  to  this  House ;  and  that 
he  be  allowed  8s.  per  day,  while  so  employed  ;  and  that 
he  be  allowed  to  employ  2  men  besides  himself,  and  that 
he  be  furnished  with  ^  cwt.  of  powder. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Mr.  Van  Wyck,  brought  in  their  report,  as  follows  : 

"  Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  considera- 
tion of  the  letter  from  Mr.  Van  Wyck,  and  several  letters 
from  General  Woodhull,  do  report :  that  there  would  be 
danger  of  a  letter's  falling  into  the  enemy's  hands,  and 
therefore,  they  think  it  best  that  a  member  be  sent  to  him 
to  give  him  an  account  of  our  proceedings,  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  his  letters,  and,  in  confidence,  of  the  substance  of 
the  letter  we  received  from  Genl.  Washington." 


600 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Saml.  Townsend  be  requested  to 
proceed  to  Long  island,  on  the  above  business. 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  papers,  &c. 
received  from  Mr.  Tomkins,  found  upon  Mr.  Lownsbury, 
killed  by  a  party  of  militia  in  Westchester  county,  report 
as  follows : 

"That  the  prisoners  be  kept  in  close  custody  till  they  are 
examined  ;  that  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county  be  requested  to  take  the  examination  of  the 
prisoners,  and  transmit  them  to  the  Convention  of  this 
State." 

Ordered,  That  Bloomer  Nelson,  Saml.  Haines,  Josiah 
Disberry  and  Jacob  Schureman,  be  committed  to  the  jail 
at  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  and  there  kept  in  close 
and  secure  custody  till  furlher  order.  And 

Ordered  jurther,  That  Col.  Jos.  Drake  be  directed  to 
procure  a  proper  guard  and  to  see  this  order  executed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  pay  to 
Jonathan  Tomkins,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  20  dollars,  to  be  by 
him  delivered  to  Mr.  Flood,  as  a  reward  for  his  spirited 
conduct  in  apprending  Wm.  Lownsbury,  a  notorious  ene- 
my to  the  cause  of  America,  in  Westchester  county. 

Mr.  Harper,  agreeable  to  notice  given  last  night,  moved 
for  a  reconsideration  of  the  determination  of  the  House 
last  night,  for  removing  the  Convention  to  Fishkill. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  as  fol- 
lows, that  is  to  say  : 

For  reconsidering.  Against  it. 

Suffolk,   4      Albany,   6 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte   2 

Queens,   4       Westchester,   4 

Cumberland,    2      New- York,   8 

—      Tryon,   3 

14      Orange,   3 

26 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  will  meet  in  the  English 
church  at  Fish  Kills  on  Monday  next  at  9  o'clock  ;  that  a 
Committee  of  Safety,  to  consist  of  Mr.  Duer,  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Robt.  Livingston  and 
Major  Schenk,  with  Mr.  Yates,  the  President,  be  appoint- 
ed to  act  for  this  State  till  Convention  meets. 

The  Convention  having  been  informed  by  their  secret 
committee  of  the  services  of  Capt.  Hazelwood  in  prepar- 
ing fire-rafts  and  giving  useful  information  relative  to  the 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson  river,  think  him  en- 
titled to  ihe  thanks  of  this  House  ;  and  as  a  compensation 
for  his  expense  and  trouble, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  pay  to 
the  said  Capt.  Hazelwood  the  sum  of  $300,  out  of  the 
treasury  of  this  State,  for  his  services  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider 
what  number  of  the  militia  can  be  speedily  called  out  for 
the  defence  of  this  State. 


Col.  Hoffman,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Col.  Dewit,  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Duer,  were  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Long  island  to  remove  as  many  of  their  women,  children 
and  slaves,  and  as  much  of  their  live  stock  and  grain,  to 
the  main,  as  they  can  ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  pay 
the  expense  of  removing  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  John  Rogers,  a  servant  man  of  Genl. 
Morris,  apprehended  by  order  of  this  Convention,  as  being 
notoriously  disaffected,  be  conveyed  under  a  proper  guard 
to  the  jail  in  Westchester  county,  to  be  kept  in  close  cus- 
tody till  further  orders  ;  and  that  Capt.  Benson  cause  this 
order  to  be  duly  executed. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  with  a  list  of  articles, 
such  as  he  contracted  for  by  order  of  this  Convention,  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Harlem,  Augt-  28th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  in  advance  on  account  of  the  Con- 
vention above  £4,000,  and  have  engaged  clothing  and  other 
articles  to  the  amount  of  at  least  as  much  more.  Should 
be  glad  this  Honourable  House  would  be  pleased  to  give 
me  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  £10,000,  that  I  may  be 
enabled  to  make  good  my  engagements. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"PETER  T.  CURTENIUS. 

"  P.  S.  Mr.  Roosevelt  has  about  £2,800,  which  he  told 
me  I  could  have,  if  the  Convention  would  give  me  an  or- 
der on  him. 

"  A  list  of  articles  which  I  have  contracted  for  and  have 
in  store,  vizt :  1,500  pair  buckskin  breeches,  3,000  shirts, 
200  doz.  Germantown  stockings,  at  Philadelphia ;  the  last 
article  something  doubtful  whether  the  whole  quantity  will 
be  got;  1,000  yards  linen  given  out  to  be  made  in  shirts 
at  Hackensack ;  45  ps.  oznaburgs,  at  old  Mr.  Paulding's, 
about  3,000  yards,  may  do  to  make  shirts  ;  150  pr.  leather 
breeches  in  my  store  ;  600  pr.  shoes  in  do.  and  can  get 
about  2,000  pair  more  ;  348  dressed  deer  skins  at  Hack- 
ensack ;  about  500  pr.  buckskin  breeches  engaged  in  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  county,  and  believe  I  can  get  more  at 
Bethleham." 

Resolved,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  empowered  to 
borrow  the  sum  of  £10,000,  and  that  the  Convention  of 
this  State  pledge  the  public  faith  to  the  persons  of  whom 
he  may  borrow  this  sum,  for  the  repayment  of  the  same, 
and  that  the  receipt  or  receipts  of  the  said  Peter  T.  Cur- 
tenius, shall  be  vouchers  to  the  person  or  persons  of  whom 
the  whole  or  any  part  of  this  sum  may  be  borrowed,  and 
to  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  for  payment  of  the 
same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  and  the  Se- 
cretaries of  the  Convention  do  immediately  remove  with 
the  treasury  and  records  of  this  State  to  Fish  Kills,  in 
Dutches  county,  and  that  they  there  join  the  Convention 
at  9  o'clock  on  Monday  next. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE   OF  SAFETY 


THURSDAY,  a.  m. 

Augt.  29th,  1776. 

Present— Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Prest. 

Rob.  R.  Livingston,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Van  Rensse- 
laer, Mr.  W.  Dtjer,  Col.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Adgate. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  dated  at  New-Ro- 
chelle,  yesterday,  and  sent  by  Mr.  Danl.  Redfield,  inform- 
ing the  Committee  that  said  Redfield  was  sent  to  be  exa- 
mined relative  to  the  enemy's  ships,  and  requesting  the 
Committee  to  give  him  a  permit  to  pass  King's  Bridge. 

Danl.  Redfield,  being  examined,  says,  that  about  4  o'clock 
on  Monday  morning  last,  his  sloop,  going  from  New- York, 
was  taken  by  the  Brig  Halifax,  mounting  10  four  pounders, 
Quorme,  commander;  that  about  12  o'clock  same  day, 
they  run  his  vessel,  after  having  stripped  her  of  the  rigging, 
cable  and  anchor.  The  man  who  piloted  the  vessel  was 
one  Reed  ;  the  frigates  were  La  Brun  and  the  Niger  ;  that 
the  design  of  the  enemy  was  to  bring  over  their  tories  from 
Long  island  ;  that  the  ships  of  war  were  to  run  to  King's 
Bridge,  there  to  land  their  forces,  and  make  a  juncture 
with  the  other  part  of  the  army ;  that  the  enemy  by  this 
means  would  be  able  to  cut  off  all  communication  with  our 
army  both  by  land  and  water,  and  oblige  our  troops  in 
New-York  to  surrender.  That  the  enemy  had  plundered 
Hart  and  City  island  ;  that  he  thinks  they  got  about  12  or 
14  head  of  cattle,  besides  sheep,  ducks,  &c.  ;  that  while 
he  was  on  board  several  persons  come  on  board  from  Long 
island ;  that  on  Tuesday  a  man  came  on  board  who  said 
that  the  King's  army  had  killed  1 ,300  of  our  men,  and  had 
o-ained  the  ground  of  our  men  ;  that  one  Barne  came  on 
board  from  the  City  island  ;  that  his  partner,  Stephen  is 
kept  on  board  in  order  to  be  exchanged  for  the  mate  of 
the  Niger,  who  had  been  taken  by  the  sloop  Beverly  and 
carried°into  Amboy.  Says  the  private  men  were  very  in- 
veterate against  us  ;  they  did  not  use  his  person  ill. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Drake  on  the  same  subject  was  also 
read. 

Harlem,  Augt.  29th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 
Present— Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Presidt. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Bleecker. 

151 


Colo.  Phenehas  Fanning  waited  on  the  Committee  with 
a  letter  from  Colo.  Josiah  Smith,  colonel  of  the  drafts  of 
the  militia  of  Suffolk,  Queens  and  Kings  counties,  stationed 
at  Brookland,  in  Kings  county,  informing  the  Committee 
that  his  regiment  is  ordered  by  Genl.  Washington  to  with- 
draw from  Long  island,  and  wait  the  further  orders  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State.    Thereupon  it  was 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Josiah  Smith  do,  with  all  possible 
despatch,  march  his  regiment  to  Horn's  Hook,  there  to 
receive  further  orders  from  Mr.  Samuel  Townsend  and 
Major  Lawrence,  and  that  he  apply  to  the  Commissary- 
General  for  five  days'  provisions,  and  to  the  Quarter-Mas- 
ter-General for  baggage  wagons,  it  being  of  the  utmost 
consequence  that  his  regiment  should  march  without  delay. 
And 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Townsend  and  Major  Law- 
rence be  requested  and  authorized  to  attend  the  regiment 
commanded  by  Colo.  Smith,  in  order  to  supply  the  said 
regiment  with  provisions,  and  to  devise  the  most  safe  and 
expeditious  means  of  transporting  the  said  regiment  from 
Long  island  ;  and  that  they  be  authorized  and  impowered 
to  impress  horses,  wagons,  boats,  vessels,  &c.  for  that 
purpose,  for  the  payment  of  which,  and  every  other  neces- 
sary expense,  this  Committee  pledge  the  public  faith. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Samuel  Townsend  and  Major  Lawrence  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred pounds,  to  be  by  them  accounted  for  to  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  brigadier-generals  or 
commanding  officers  of  the  militia  in  the  counties  of  Orange, 
Ulster,  Westchester  and  Dutchess,  do  hold  their  militia  in 
readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning  with  five  days' 
provision,  and  as  much  ammunition  as  possible,  there  be- 
ing the  greatest  reason  to  imagine  that  the  whole  force  of 
this  State  may,  in  a  few  days,  be  wanted  to  repel  the  in- 
vasion of  our  merciless  and  tyrannical  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  certified  copies 
of  the  aforegoing  resolution,  to  the  brigadiers  of  the  coun- 
ties therein  mentioned,  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That.  Capt.  Sickles  and  12  men 
keep  guard  this  night  at  such  places  as  the  motions  of  the 
enemy  can  be  best  watched,  and  that  he  make  return  to  this 
Committee  of  all  such  persons  who  shall  refuse  to  obey. 


602 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


KING'S  BRIDGE, 

Augt.  30th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Bleecker. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  the  Continental 
troops,  with  all  the  militia,  had,  by  order  of  Genl.  Wash- 
ington, left  Long  island  and  come  over  to  the  city. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Washington  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — In  our  way  to  Fishkills,  agreeable  to  an  adjourn- 
ment of  the  Convention,  we  are  informed  that  the  army  on 
Long  island  is  removed  to  the  city  of  New-York,  and 
anxiety  to  know  the  fact,  as  well  as  to  be  informed  whe- 
ther you  think  any  measures  necessary  for  us  to  take,  in- 
duces us  to  trouble  your  Excellency  at  this  time  for  an 
answer  hereto.  We  have  ordered  last  night  all  the  militia 
of  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Dutchess,  Orange  and  West- 
chester to  be  ready  on  a  minute's  warning  with  five  days' 
provisions.  We  shall  wait  the  return  of  our  messenger  at 
this  place,  and  are, 

"  Sir,  your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  copied,  and  transmitted  by 
express. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton,  dated  at  King's 
Bridge,  Augt.  30th,  1776,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  brigade  under  my  command  mur- 
mur extremely  for  want  of  the  remaining  bounty  due  to 
them.  It  is  my  opinion  that  when  they  are  mustered  by  the 
Continental  Muster-Master  that  there  will  be  no  deficiency 
in  the  muster-rolls  sworn  to  by  the  colonels  of  the  respec- 
tive regiments  and  returned  to  your  Convention  ;  I  there- 
fore wish  most  earnestly  that  the  Convention  would  dis- 
pense with  that  part  of  the  resolution  with  respect  to  the 
levies  that  relates  to  the  mode  of  mustering  my  brigade, 
as  it  is  very  uncertain  when  they  can  be  mustered  agreea- 
ble to  the  manner  therein  prescribed.  As  from  the  present 
situation  of  our  military  operations  it  is  extremely  proba- 
ble that  our  army  will  make  the  grand  stand  at  the  post  I 
occupy,  and  as  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  har- 
mony should  prevail  amongst  the  troops,  I  flatter  myself 
the  Convention  will  have  no  scruple  in  complying  with  my 
request.  I  shall  desire  General  Washington  to  have  my 
brigade  mustered  as  soon  as  possible,  and  shall  make  a 
regular  return  to  the  Convention  of  the  whole  brigade. 
"  I  am,  gent,  your  most  obt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON, 

"  Brigr.  Genl. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New- York." 

The  said  letter  being  immediately  taken  into  considera- 
tion, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
pay  to  Genl.  Clinton,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  seven  thou- 
sand pounds,  and  that  Genl.  Clinton  account  for  the  same 
to  the  Convention  or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  Stale. 

Colo.  Thomas  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  in 
his  hands  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-one  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  being  part  of  the  interest  of  the  loan 
office  money  due  from  the  county  of  Westchester  ;  and 
prays  to  know  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  with  respect 
to  the  disposal  of  it.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Colo.  Thomas 
pay  the  above  sum  into  ihe  hands  of  the  President  of  this 
Committee,  and  that  the  President  give  his  receipt,  and 
pay  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  ;  and  that  this 
order  shall  be  considered  by  the  supervisors  of  Westches- 
ter county  as  a  voucher  for  the  sum  so  paid,  in  as  full  and 

151 


ample  manner,  as  if  the  same  had  been  paid  to  Abraham 
Lott,  Esqr.  the  late  Treasurer  of  this  State. 

Genl.  Clinton  informed  the  Committee  that  a  considera- 
ble number  of  the  cartridges  which  were  lately  ordered 
from  Mr.  Norwood's  store  in  New- York  to  his  encamp- 
ment were  damaged  by  the  rain  in  coming  up  the  river  to 
King's  Bridge,  and  prayed  to  know  the  sense  of  the  Com- 
mittee with  respect  to  the  disposal  of  them. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  requested  to  send  the 
damaged  powder  contained  in  the  said  cartridges  to  ihe 
powder  mills  of  John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  in  Dutchess 
county,  who  is  desired  to  remanufacture  the  same,  and 
that  this  Committee  pledge  the  public  faith  for  defraying 
the  contingent  expenses. 

Captain  Brinton  Payne's  examination  relative  to  John 
Woolly  being  taken,  is  as  follows,  to  wit  : 

"  The  examinant  having  observed  that  a  boat  went  from 
the  house  of  one  Woolly,  on  Long  island,  to  the  ships  of 
the  enemy,  took  with  him  a  party  of  men  on  the  night  of 
the  29th  of  Augt.  inst.  and  crossed  the  Sound  to  the 
house  of  the  said  Woolly  ;  that  having  paraded  his  men  as 
they  were  going  toward  the  river,  they  were  met  by  John 
Woolly,  who  is  the  owner  of  the  above  mentioned  boat, 
as  this  examinant  has  been  informed,  and  another  person 
whose  name  he  has  forgot ;  that  he  imagines  from  their 
conduct  that  they  mistook  him  for  a  person  belonging  to 
the  ships  ;  that  he  charged  him  with  having  been  on 
board  ;  that  Woolly  owned  he  had  been  on  board  but  al- 
ledged  that  he  had  been  taken  by  the  barge  of  the  ene- 
my's ships  ;  that  they  refused  to  give  to  this  examinant 
any  information  of  the  state  of  the  shipping. 

(Signed,)  "BRINTON  PAYNE." 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  requested  to  cause  fur- 
ther examinations  to  be  taken  relative  to  the  Captain  John 
Woolley  and  his  companions;  and  that  he  cause  the  said 
John  Woolley  and  the  person  apprehended  with  him  to  be 
sent  under  a  sufficient  guard  to  Poughkeepsie  jail,  in  Dutch- 
ess county ;  and  that  a  copy  of  this  order,  sent  by  Genl. 
Clinton,  shall  be  a  sufficient  mittimus  to  the  jailor  of  the 
said  county. 

Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  deputy  postmaster  for  the  New- 
York  department,  waited  on  the  committee  and  requested 
their  opinion  on  the  most  proper  place  of  safety  and  con- 
venience to  the  public  to  which  he  should  remove  his  office, 
as  an  invasion  of  the  city  of  New- York  is  hourly  expected  : 
Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  of 
Safety  that  Mr.  Hazard,  postmaster  for  the  district  of  New- 
York,  should  immediately  remove  his  office  to  some  con- 
venient place  near  Dobbs'  ferry,  till  further  orders  from  the 
Postmaster-General. 

Whereas  the  Convention  have  granted  an  exemption 
from  military  duty  to  Mr.  Charles  Shaw  :  And  whereas 
Richard  Morris,  Esqr.  is  exempted  therefrom  by  his  com- 
mission, agreeable  to  the  regulation  of  the  militia  of  this 
State  :  Notwithstanding  which,  as  this  Committee  are  in- 
formed, Captain  Varian  insists  on  their  serving  in  the  mili- 
tia, this  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  Capt.  Varian  should, 
agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
consider  the  said  Charles  Shaw  and  Richard  Morris  as  ex- 
empt from  military  duty,  and  that  a  contrary  conduct  will 
be  considered  as  a  high  contempt  of  the  authority  of  this 
State,  and  punished  as  such. 


AT  THE  HOUSE  OF  MR.  ODELL. 

Philipse's  Manor,  Augt.  3lsl,  1776. 
The  Committee  met. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington,  dated  yesterday,  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


603 


"Augt.  ZOth,  1776. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  this  date  is  just  come  to  hand. 
Circumstanced  as  this  army  was  in  respect  to  situation, 
strength,  &c.  it  was  the  unanimous  advice  of  a  council  of 
General  officers  to  give  up  Long  island,  and  not  by  divid- 
ing our  force  be  unable  to  resist  the  enemy  in  any  one  point 
of  attack  ;  this  reason,  added  to  some  others,  particularly 
the  fear  of  having  our  communication  cut  off  from  the  main 
(of  which  there  seemed  to  be  no  small  probability,)  and  the 
extreme  fatigue  our  troops  were  laid  under  in  guarding  such 
extensive  lines  without  proper  shelter  from  the  weather,  in- 
duced the  above  resolution. 

"  It  is  the  most  intricate  thing  in  the  world,  sir,  to  know 
in  what  manner  to  conduct  one's  self  with  respect  to  the 
militia.  If  you  do  not  begin,  many  days  before  they  are 
wanted,  to  raise  them,  you  cannot  have  them  in  time ;  if 
you  do  they  get  tired  and  return  ;  besides  being  under  very 
little  order  or  government  whilst  in  service.  However,  if 
the  enemy  have  a  design  of  serving  us  at  this  place,  as  we 
apprehend  they  meant  to  do  on  Long  island,  it  might  not  be 
improper  to  have  a  body  in  readiness  to  prevent  or  retard 
a  landing  of  them,  on  the  east  side  of  Harlem  river  if  need 
be.    In  haste,  and  not  a  little  fatigued, 

"  I  remain  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hble.  servt. 
"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  The  Hon.  Abm.  Yates,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

of  the  Congress  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  said  letter  was  immediately  taken  into  considera- 
tion, and  the  Committee  came  into  the  following  resolution, 
to  wit : 

Whereas  from  the  operations  of  the  enemy,  and  the 
intelligence  lately  received,  there  is  strong  reason  to  think 
that  their  army  intend  to  make  a  landing  at  or  near  King's 
Bridge,  in  order  to  cut  off  the  communication  betwixt  New- 
York  island  and  the  main  : 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  New- York  island  and 
those  parts  of  Westchester  county,  which  are  most  expos- 
ed to  the  depredations  of  the  enemy,  do  forthwith  drive 
their  horned  cattle,  horses,  hogs  and  sheep  into  the  interior 
part  of  this  State  ;  and  that  Genl.  Washington  be  request- 
ed to  make  this  order  public,  and  to  give  all  possible  assis- 
tance in  carrying  it  into  execution  when  he  shall  think  ne- 
cessary. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Washington,  in  answer  to 
his  received  this  day,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"Augt.  31,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  had  the  honour  of  your  Excellency's  letter 
of  yesterday,  and  see  the  weight  of  the  reasons  which  in- 
duced you  to  quit  the  lines  on  Long  island.  We  acknow- 
ledge the  difficulty  of  managing  the  militia  so  as  to  render 
them  useful,  which  is  in  some  measure  owing  to  their  be- 
ing ill  appointed  and  unused  to  camp,  and  of  consequence 
suffering  more  than  those  who  have  got  into  a  regular  way 
of  providing  against  inconveniences. 

"  We  are  so  fully  satisfied  of  the  enemy's  design  to  land 
above  New- York,  and  of  the  mischiefs  that  will  result 
therefrom,  that  we  can  not  by  any  means  advise  your  Ex- 
cellency to  trust  its  prevention  to  any  militia  which  we  can 
at  this  time  call  out,  who  after  the  great  drafts  we  have  al- 
ready made,  can  not  be  expeditiously  collected  well — ill 
armed,  and,  we  fear,  some  of  them  not  so  well  affected  as 
we  would  wish.  We  know  no  country  so  capable  of  be- 
ing defended  as  that  above  the  bridge ;  should  the  enemy 
once  occupy  it,  we  have  reason  to  dread  the  consequences. 
We  take  the  liberty  to  hint  these  things  to  your  Excellency, 
though  we  are  persuaded  they  have  not  escaped  your  ob- 
servation, in  order  to  convince  our  constituents,  and  the 
rest  of  the  Continent  engaged  in  the  same  cause,  that  we 
are  willing  to  make  any  sacrifices  which  the  general  inte- 
rest demands. 

"  We  enclose  a  resolution  for  the  removal  of  the  cattle 
from  the  island  of  New-York,  which  your  Excellency  will 


cause  to  be  executed,  if  you  think  it  necessary,  as  we  have 
no  force  that  we  can  trust  with  its  execution. 

"  We  can  not  but  hope  that  the  Commissary  will  give 
every  relief  to  the  inhabitants,  by  purchasing  from  them  all 
the  stock  that  are  fit  for  the  use  of  the  army.  We  have 
directed  Col.  Smith  to  go  to  Long  island,  in  order  to  de- 
stroy the  cattle  which  will  otherwise  serve  as  a  supply  to 
the  enemy. 

"  If  by  calling  in  the  out-posts  the  force  of  our  army 
is  so  much  concentrated  that  any  part  of  them  could  safely 
be  spared,  we  are  fully  persuaded  that  3,000  rangers 
would  be  very  usefully  employed  on  Long  island,  and  not 
only  harass  the  enemy  but  prevent  their  foraging  parties 
from  ever  getting  beyond  the  plains,  which  extend  quite 
across  the  island,  and  by  that  means  save  at  least  two- 
thirds  of  it  from  the  enemy.  Your  Excellency  knows  how 
to  pardon,  on  the  score  of  our  anxiety  for  the  general  wel- 
fare, our  stepping  somewhat  out  of  the  regular  line,  and 
suggesting  such  ideas  as  our  knowledge  of  the  country  in- 
duces us  to  believe  useful. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and,  together  with  the  aforegoing  resolutions 
relative  to  the  driving  the  cattle  from  New-York  island,  be 
immediately  transmitted  by  express. 

Colo.  Jeromus  Remsen  followed  the  Committee  from 
Harlem,  and  requested  to  know  the  sense  of  the  Commit- 
tee relative  to  the  disposition  of  the  regiment  of  militia  un- 
der his  command,  and  lately  come  from  Long  island. 

After  mature  deliberation,  the  Committee  came  to  the 
following  resolutions,  to  wit : 

Whereas  Colo.  Remsen's  regiment  is  composed  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Kings  and  Queens  counties  which  said  coun- 
ties are  at  present  occupied  by  the  enemy  :  And  whereas 
it  is  the  duty  of  the  Representatives  of  this  State  diligently 
to  watch  over  the  safety  of  their  constituents,  and  to  pre- 
vent their  falling  into  the  hands  of  a  tyrannical  enemy  who 
may  compel  them  to  bear  arms  against  their  country  : 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  such  of 
the  said  militia,  who  are  attached  to  the  cause  of  this  invad- 
ed country,  to  form  themselves  into  companies,  consisting 
of  one  captain,  one  lieutenant,  one  ensign,  three  sergeants, 
three  corporals,  one  drum,  one  fife  and  fifty  privates. 

Resolved,  That  these  companies  be  commanded  by  the 
same  colonel,  captains  and  subalterns,  under  whom  they 
have  hitherto  served  ;  and  in  case  any  officer  or  officers 
should  decline  accepting  his  or  their  commissions,  the 
same  should  be  tendered  to  the  next  commisioned  officers 
in  rank,  till  the  whole  companies  are  properly  officered  ; 
and  that  in  case  from  the  decline  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
officers  to  accept  commissions  there  should  be  any  vacan- 
cies, the  company  where  such  vacancy  may  be  shall  no- 
minate an  officer  to  whom  the  Convention  of  this  State 
will  grant  a  commission  whenever  the  said  nomination 
shall  be  approved  of  by  Brigadier-General  Woodhull  and 
Colo.  Remsen. 

Resolved,  That  these  troops  when  raised  shall  be  entitled 
to  Continental  pay  and  rations,  with  a  bounty  of  four 
pounds  to  each  man  on  passing  muster,  and  that  they  con- 
tinue in  service  till  the  last  day  of  December  next ;  and 
that  if  any  men  should  choose  to  enlist  for  the  space  of 
three  years,  or  during  the  war,  they  shall  receive  a  bounty 
of  twenty  dollars  per  man  on  passing  muster. 

Resolved,  That  each  man  furnish  himself  with  a  good 
gun,  or  musket,  cartouch  box  or  bullet  pouch,  a  blanket 
and  knapsack,  and  every  six  men  with  a  pot  or  camp  kettle. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colo.  Remsen,  with  his 
regiment  of  militia,  join  Genl.  Clinton  at  King's  Bridge 
till  further  order  from  the  Convention,  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  State ;  and  that  he  be  authorized  to  grant 
furloughs  to  such  of  his  militia,  of  whose  attachment  to  the 
American  cause  he  is  well  assured,  to  visit  or  remove  their 


604 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


families  from  Long  island.  Provided  always,  that  no  man 
obtaining  such  furlough  be  permitted  to  carry  his  arms 
with  him. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  President  pay  to  Colo. 
Remsen  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-one  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  in  payment  of  the  pay  due  to  his  regi- 
ment of  militia,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Which  said  sum  the  President  immediately  paid  to  Colo. 
Remsen  in  presence  of  the  Committee. 

A  letter  from  Robt.  G.  Livingston,  dated  at  Newark, 
Augt.  the  27th,  1776,  setting  forth  that  Captain  Anthony 
Rutgers  refuses  to  receive  from  him  in  payment  Continen- 
tal money,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Con- 
vention. 

The  Committee  proceeded  to  Croton  river,  at  the  house 
of  Jno.  Blagge. 

The  Committee  taking  into  consideration  the  necessity 
of  having  the  earliest  intelligence,  came  to  the  following 
resolution,  to  wit : 

As  in  the  present  alarming  situation  of  affairs  it  is  ne- 
cessary that  the  Convention  of  this  State  should  have  the 
earliest  intelligence  from  the  northern  and  southern  armies, 
be  it 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hazard,  postmaster  for  the  New- 
York  department,  be  requested  to  direct  the  post  between 
New-York  and  Albany  to  ride  for  the  present  time  on  the 
east  side  of  Hudson's  river  weekly  ;  and  that  a  letter  be 
written  to  the  Postmaster-General  on  this  subject,  inform- 
ing him  of  the  reasons  on  which  this  resolution  is  founded. 

Colonel  Van  Cortlandt  introduced  a  letter  from  James 
Teller,  which  was  read.    Thereupon  it  was 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
Mr.  James  Teller  is  entitled  to  the  rank  of  captain.  And 

Ordered,  That  he  join  Genl.  Clinton's  brigade  with  all 
possible  despatch  ;  and  that  he  apply  to  Colo.  Thomas  for 
the  first  moiety  of  bounty  due  to  his  men,  showing  him 
this  resolution. 


FISHKILL,  IN  DUTCHESS  COUNTY. 

September  the  2nd,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Presidt. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer— Committee 
members. 

Mr.  Duane,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  General  Ten  Broeck. 

Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  informed  the  Committee  that 
he  had  received  intelligence  that  the  garrisons  in  forts  Con- 
stitution and  Montgomerie  were  ill  armed  and  otherwise  in 
a  situation  ill  calculated  to  annoy  the  enemy. 

The  Committee  taking  the  same  into  consideration,  came 
to  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr. 
Cuyler  and  Colo.  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  visit  forts 
Constitution  and  Montgomerie,  and  that  they  report  with 
all  possible  despatch  the  state  of  the  works,  the  number 
and  health  of  the  soldiers,  the  condition  and  number  of 
their  arms,  the  quantity  of  ammunition,  ball,  &c.  the  num- 
ber of  gunners,  matrosses,  &c.  and  every  other  matter 
which  may  tend  to  give  to  the  Convention  of  this  State  a 
full  and  clear  view  of  these  important  fortresses. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  show  General  Clin- 
ton a  copy  of  the  above  resolution,  and  that  they  request 
him  to  give  all  possible  assistance  in  carrying  the  same 
into  execution. 

Fishkill,  P.  M.  September  the  2nd,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Jur.  Esqr.  Presidt. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Duer— Of  the  Com- 
mittee. 


Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Members  for  Cumberland  county. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — For  Tryon  county. 
Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Albany  county. 
Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte  county. 

A  member  informed  the  Committee  that  a  number  of  in- 
digent infirm  persons  who  had  been  sent  out  of  the  city  of 
New-York  by  the  committee  for  that  purpose  appointed, 
have  been  on  board  a  sloop  at  Fishkill  Landing  8  or  9  days ; 
and  that  they  complained  much  of  their  distressed  situation. 
Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Peter  Murford,  acting 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Rumbout  precinct,  be  re- 
quested to  attend  this  Committee  at  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  furnish  him  with  a  copy 
of  this  order. 


TUESDAY,  a.  m. 
Fishkill,  September  the  3d,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Schenk — 
Of  the  Committee. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Sessions,  Major  Lockwood, 
Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Dewit 

Mr.  Murford,  the  deputy  chairman  of  Rumbout  precinct, 
pursuant  to  the  order  of  yesterday,  attended.  He  informed 
the  Committee  of  Safety  that  by  reason  of  his  absence  the 
said  committee  had  not  met  till  yesterday,  that  they  have 
proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  devising  means  to  provide 
for  the  indigent  persons  now  at  Capt.  Bushe's  landing,  and 
lately  sent  from  New- York  by  order  of  that  committee,  and 
that  some  part  of  the  committee  of  Rumbout  are  to  meet 
this  afternoon,  on  that  service. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Schenk  give  his  aid  to  the  said 
committee,  in  placing  the  said  poor  agreeable  to  their  me- 
rits, and  a  maintenance  supplied  to  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  Pe- 
ter Montfort,  Esqr.  deputy  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Rumbout  precinct,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  on  account,  to  be  applied  to  the  maintenance  of 
the  poor  lately  sent  from  the  city  of  New- York  to  Fishkill 
landing,  the  committee  to  be  accountable,  and  render  an 
account  of  the  disposition  and  expenditure  of  that  money. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  was  received  and  read, 
to  wit : 

"  New-York,  Septr.  1st,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  was  yesterday  honoured  with  your  favour  of 
that  date,  and  should  have  answered  it  by  the  return  of  the 
person  who  brought  it,  had  I  not  been  engaged  then  in  a 
multiplicity  of  business,  which  occasioned  me  to  forget  it 
till  he  was  gone. 

"  In  respect  to  the  cattle  on  this  island,  I  shall  desire  the 
commissary  to  purchase  as  many  of  them  from  the  inha- 
bitants as  he  can  conveniently,  and  will  afford  every  assis- 
tance the  situation  of  affairs  will  admit  of,  to  have  the  re- 
mainder secured.  But  as  to  those  on  Long  island,  it  is 
impossible  for  me  to  take  any  measures,  or  give  any  assis- 
tance, to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  enemy's  hands. 

"  I  am  persuaded  the  number  of  rangers  you  mention 
were  they  to  exert  themselves,  might  be  of  service,  and 
annoy  the  foraging  parties  of  the  enemy  not  a  little.  But, 
sir,  I  cannot  spare  any  men  for  that  purpose.  Though  our 
force  is  called  in  from  the  outposts,  and  collected  upon  this 
island,  yet  it  will  not  be  more  than  competent  to  the  defence 
of  the  several  lines  necessary  to  be  maintained.  Nor  is  it 
perhaps  so  great  by  any  means  as  common  estimation  and 
report  make  it. 

"  I  am  extremely  obliged  by  your  opinion  on  the  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


605 


fencible  state  of  the  grounds  above  King's  Bridge,  though 
they  had  not  escaped  my  observation  ;  their  importance  I 
am  fully  sensible  of,  and  as  far  as  the  critical  situation  of 
things  will  allow,  their  defence  shall  be  attended  to,  to  pre- 
vent, if  possible,  the  enemy  from  possessing  them. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  Very  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  P.  S. — As  the  posts  at  King's  Bridge  are  of  such  great 
importance,  I  think  it  will  be  well  and  extremely  necessary 
to  be  favoured  with  your  friendly  exertions  in  affording 
every  aid  in  your  power  for  their  defence.  Cannot  some 
more  militia  be  prevailed  on  to  give  their  assistance,  and 
in  whom  you  can  confide  ?  I  will  not  enlarge,  being  fully 
assured  you  will  do  all  you  can." 

Ordered,  That  Major  Lockwood  proceed  immediately 
to  Westchester  county,  or  elsewhere,  and  endeavour  to  see 
Colo.  Smith  and  Colo.  Remsen,  in  order  to  obtain  intelli- 
gence from  them  of  the  state  of  their  respective  regiments  ; 
and  that  he  be  empowered  to  order  the  said  regiments  to 
repair  to  Genl.  Clinton's  encampment  at  King's  Bridge,  in 
case  Colo.  Smith  finds  it  impracticable,  from  the  disposition 
of  his  troops,  or  other  circumstances,  to  transport  them  to 
Long  island;  and  that  he  inform  Colo.  Smith  in  confidence 
that  means  have  been  devised,  and  are  now  actually  carry- 
ing into  execution  to  give  him  assistance  in  opposing  the 
enemy  on  Long  island.  And, 

Resolved,  That  Major  Lockwood  be  empowered  to  im- 
press horses  wherever  he  may  have  occasion  for  the  same, 
to  expedite  his  journey. 

Whereas  the  Committee  of  Safety  have  received  infor- 
mation that  the  regiments  of  levies  commanded  by  Colo. 
Smith,  are  either  dispersed,  or  have  been  disbanded  with- 
out the  permission  of  this  State,  and  that  sundry  men  in 
Colo.  Remsen's  regiment  of  Kings  and  Queens  county 
militia,  have  been  suffered  to  disperse,  and  take  their  arms 
with  them,  contrary  to  an  express  order  from  this  commit- 
tee. Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Genl.  Clinton  be  request- 
ed to  inquire  into  the  truth  of  such  intelligence,  and  that  in 
case  he  finds  the  same  true,  that  he  be  authorized  to  use 
the  most  effectual  means  of  apprehending  and  detaining  as 
manv  of  the  said  levies  and  militia  as  possible,  even  if  they 
produce  passes,  till  further  order  of  the  Convention  or  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  it  being  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  the  public  safety  that  so  large  a  number  of 
armed  men  should  not  be  added  to  the  enemy's  power  on 
Long  island. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
committees  of  Westchester,  Horseneck,  Stamford  and  Nor- 
walk,  diligently  to  watch  all  boats  passing  from  the  main 
to  Long  island,  and  to  suffer  no  soldier  belonging  to  any 
regiment  in  the  service  of  this  State  to  pass  over  to  Long 
island  armed,  even  though  he  should  produce  an  officer's 
pass ;  and  that  Major  Lockwood  be  requested  and  autho- 
rized to  forward  copies  of  this  resolve  to  the  said  commit- 
tees respectively  by  express,  if  he  finds  that  Colo.  Smith's 
and  Remsen's  regiments  are  either  dispersed  or  disbanded, 
and  have  received  no  orders  to  rendezvous  on  Long  island. 

Mr.  Gerardus  Bancker  informed  a  member  of  the  Con- 
vention, that  on  Saturday  last  at  the  White  Plains,  he  heard 
Manning  Bull  say  that  Brigadier-General  Woodhull  was 
taken  prisoner  on  Long  island,  and  that  soon  after,  on  the 
same  day,  he  heard  Doctor  Robt.  Graham  say  the  same. 

In  consequence  of  the  said  information,  suspicion  arose 
in  the  minds  of  the  members  whether  a  correspondence  is 
not  kept  up  between  some  person  or  persons  in  Westches- 
ter county  and  the  enemy  on  Long  island. 

Thereupon  a  letter  was  written  to  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — This  committee  have  been  informed  that  Doctor 
Graham  and  Manning  Bull  had  very  early  intelligence  of 

152 


j  General  Woodhull's  being  taken  prisoner  on  Long  island. 
We  are  apprehensive  that  a  correspondence  is  kept  up  be- 
tween those  persons  or  some  other  in  your  county  and  the 
enemy.  You  are,  therefore,  earnestly  requested  to  make 
strict  inquiry  into  this  matter,  by  inquiring  of  whom  they 
had  their  information,  and  report  your  proceedings  with  all 
possible  despatch.  You  will  be  pleased  likewise  to  trans- 
mit to  this  Committee  or  the  Convention  your  proceedings 
in  the  affair  of  Lownsbury,  as  also  the  commission  and 
other  papers  found  upon  him. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Westchester  county." 

A  letter  from  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  our  Dele- 
gates at  Continental  Congress,  was  received  and  read,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Phila.  30th  Augt.  1776. 

'■  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Jttnr. 

"  Sir— Your  favour,  dated  the  23th,  came  to  hand  by 
the  post,  who  returned  before  we  had  any  opportunity  to 
apply  to  Congress  as  vou  desired ;  the  application  was 
immediately  agreed  to,  and  their  resolve  to  employ  the 
blacksmiths  (who  are  now  engaged  in  building  the  frigates) 
for  the  purpose  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river,  is  here  enclosed.  We  wish  much  to  hear  from  you 
what  is  done  in  that  affair,  and  what  more  is  proposed  to 
be  done.  The  advices  from  New-York  respecting  the  at- 
tack of  the  British  troops  on  our  army  on  Long  island,  are 
very  various  and  uncertain.  We  could  wish  to  hear  from 
you  as  often  as  time  will  permit ;  our  anxiety,  as  you  may 
easily  judge,  is  not  small,  and  particular  accounts  as  often 
as  possible  would  be  very  agreeable  ;  many  particulars  that 
most  chiefly  concern  us  as  members  of  your  State,  and  are 
more  interesting  now  than  ever,  we  are  not  informed  of. 
We  know  you  are  much  engaged  in  affairs  of  the  greatest 
moment,  but  perhaps  one  of  your  Secretaries  may  find 
time  to  despatch  us  a  fewr  lines  every  day  or  two. 

"  A  considerable  number  of  troops  have  since  Tuesday 
marched  from  here  to  Amboy,  say  about  three  thousand, 
and  as  many  more  will  probably  be  despatched  within  one 
week  more.  Mr.  Lewis  and  Colo.  Floyd  beg  to  assure 
you  that  they  are,  as  well  as  the  subscriber, 
"  Sir,  your  most  obedt.  servant, 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON." 

A  resolution  of  Congress,  enclosed  in  and  of  the  same 
date  with  the  aforegoing,  was  also  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Continental  Congress,  ? 
"  Augt.  30,  1776.  \ 

"  The  Convention  of  New- York  having  represented 
that,  for  want  of  blacksmiths,  they  are  greatly  delayed  in 
obstructing  the  passage  of  Hudson's  river,  which  is  an  ob- 
ject of  great  importance  : 

"Resolved,  That  the  Convention  of  New-York  be  em- 
powered to  employ  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  the  black- 
smiths that  are  now  engaged  in  building  the  Continental 
frigates  at  Pouijhkeepsie. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
said  resolution  to  the  secret  committee  without  delay." 

P.  M.  September  3rd.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Van  Ri.nsselaer,  Major  Schenk 
(of  the  Committee  of  Safety)  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harpur— For  New- 
York. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Colo.  Hoffman — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Yates.  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 

Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper.  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder — For  Tryon. 
Colo.  Dewit— For  Ulster. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — For  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — For  Cumberland. 


COG 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


It  being  suggested  that  the  military  stores  of  lead,  &c. 
belonging  to  this  State,  and  which  were  lately  by  order  of 
the  Convention  sent  to  the  White  Plains,  in  Westchester 
county,  are  in  danger,  from  the  number  of  disaffected  per- 
sons in  that  county,  of  being  destroyed  ;  thereupon  the 
Committee  came  to  the  following  determination,  to  wit : 

Whereas  this  Committee  have  reason  to  think  that  the 
stores  belonging  to  this  State,  which  are  stored  in  West- 
chester county,  are  by  no  means  secure  from  the  designs 
of  our  open  or  secret  enemies.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  West- 
chester county  deliver  to  the  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  John  Cre- 
gier,  all  the  stores  belonging  to  this  State,  and  lately  sent 
to  be  stored  in  the  said  county  by  order  of  the  Convention 
of  this  State.  And  Mr.  Cregier  is  hereby  requested  and 
authorized  to  convey  the  same  to  the  landing  at  Tarry 
Town,  and  from  thence  by  water  to  the  Fishkill  Landing. 

Resolved  farther ,  That  the  said  committee  be  requested 
to  furnish  a  proper  guard  over  the  said  stores  until  the  ar- 
rival thereof  at  the  Fishkills  as  aforesaid  ;  and  also  that 
they  afford  Mr.  Cregier  all  the  aid  in  their  power  in  the 
execution  of  this  business  :  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention  ad- 
vance to  Mr.  John  Cregier  the  sum  of  sixty  dollars  to  en- 
able him  to  pay  the  expenses  of  transporting  the  stores  be- 
longing to  this  State  from  Westchester  county  to  the  Fish- 
kill  Landing,  and  take  his  receipt  to  account  for  the  same. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Sept.  4th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Evert  Bancker,  Mr.  James  Duane — New- 
York. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Colo.  Hoffman — Dutches. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Abra.  Yates,*  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,*  Mr.  John 
Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Livingston,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck — Al- 
bany. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer*— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison.  Mr.  Jos.  Smith—  Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,*  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

The  names  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  members  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety. 

"The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  this  State  relative 
to  the  calling  out  the  militia  of  Westchester,  Orange, 
Dutchess  and  Ulster,  and  the  consideration  of  General 
Washington's  letter  of  Sept.  the  1st,  report  that  they  have 
maturely  considered  the  state  of  the  counties  of  Orange, 
Dutchess,  Westchester  and  Ulster,  both  with  respect  to 
their  militia  and  the  number  of  disaffected  persons  in  the 
said  counties,  and  upon  the  whole,  are  of  opinion  that  it 
will  not  be  for  the  safety  of  this  State  or  the  general  inte- 
rest of  America  to  order  out  any  more  of  the  militia  from 
the  said  counties  ;  and  they  submit  to  this  Committee  of 
Safety  the  following  reasons,  among  others,  which  have 
induced  them  to  form  this  opinion  : 

"  1st.  That  from  the  best  information  they  have  been 
able  to  obtain,  the  number  of  armed  and  well  affected  mi- 
litia in  the  said  counties  do  not  exceed  three  thousand  one 
hundred  ;  the  number  of  disarmed  and  disaffected  persons 
2,300  ;  and  the  number  of  slaves  2,300  ;  from  a  compari- 
son of  these  numbers,  and  from  our  firm  opinion  that  the 
disaffected  only  wait  an  opportunity  of  rising  ;  that  Gene- 
ral Howe  is  actually  endeavouring  to  enlist  men  in  most 
of  those  counties,  and  that  our  enemies  would  not  scruple 
to  stir  up  our  slaves  to  bear  arms  against  us,  it  would  be 


extremely  hazardous  to  the  internal  peace  of  the  said 
counties  to  draw  out  at  present  any  more  of  their  militia. 

"  2nd.  That  from  the  situation  of  the  county  of  West- 
chester, which  borders  boih  on  the  Sound  and  Hudson's 
river,  and  the  counties  of  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange, 
on  the  North  river  (the  channel  of  which  we  have  no  rea- 
son to  think  sufficiently  obstructed)  the  enemy  might  land 
to  the  northward  of  our  posts  at  King's  Bridge,  and  take 
possession  of  those  counties  without  any  possibility  of  a 
resistance  from  the  militia. 

"  3rdly.  That  from  the  want  of  tents  or  sufficient 
houses,  the  militia  would  be  extremely  exposed  to  the  in- 
clemencies of  weather  and  other  hardships,  which  added 
to  the  arts  of  the  tories  in  the  construing  into  a  defeat  the 
late  prudent  retreat  from  Long  island,  and  the  present  in- 
convenient season  of  the  year,  would,  we  fear,  prove  too 
severe  a  trial  for  the  virtue  and  patriotism  of  common  sol- 
diers, and  disgust  them  so  as  to  prevent  their  being  of  ser- 
vice to  the  State  on  a  still  more  critical  occasion. 

"  This  appears  to  have  been  lately  the  case  both  of  the 
militia  and  new  levies  on  Nassau  island.  They,  therefore, 
submit  it  to  the  wisdom  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  whe- 
ther it  would  not  be  advisable  to  send  an  express  immedi- 
ately to  General  Washington,  informing  him,  from  the  rea- 
sons above  mentioned,  of  our  inability  to  call  forth  at  pre- 
sent any  more  of  the  militia  of  the  said  counties  ;  assuring 
him,  nevertheless,  that  the  whole  militia  of  these  counties 
who  are  armed,  shall  be  ready  to  march  on  the  earliest  no- 
tice, whenever  they  receive  orders  from  either  himself  or 
Genl.  Clinton,  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  such  march." 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  does  agree 
with  their  sub-committee  in  the  said  report.  And, 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  prepared  and  certified, 
to  be  forwarded  to  General  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  His  Excellency  General  Washington's 
letter  of  the  first  instant  be  recommitted  to  the  former  com- 
mittee, with  the  addition  of  Judge  Graham. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  ilh,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,*  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,*  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,*  Mr.  Jno.  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston — Albany. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Major  Schenk*— Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer*— Charlotte. 

N.  B.  Those  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  with  asterisks,  are 
a  quorum  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, to  accompany  the  report  of  the  sub-committee  of  this 
Committee  on  His  Excellency's  letter  of  the  first  instant, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  enclose  to  your  Excellency,  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  a  copy  of  a  report  which  relates  to 
a  part  of  your  letter  of  the  first  instant,  respecting  the  call- 
ing out  more  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  for  the  purpose  of 
reinforcing  the  posts  at  King's  Bridge. 

"  It  is  with  extreme  concern  that  the  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty see  their  inability  to  assist  further  in  maintaining  the  im- 
portant posts  ;  they  flatter  themselves  that  the  reasons 
which  they  have  offered,  will  appear  as  satisfactory  to  your 
Excellency  as  they  did  to  the  Committee. 

"  I  am,  however,  directed  to  assure  your  Excellency, 
that  the  whole  militia  of  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Orange, 
Dutchess  and  Westchester,  shall  be  ready  to  march  when- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


607 


ever  your  Excellency  or  General  Clinton  shall  think  it  ab- 
solutely necessary  ;  and  to  inform  you  that  the  Committee 
of  Safety  will  immediately  exert  themselves  in  arming  with 
lances  all  such  of  the  well  affected  militia  as  are  at  present 
destitute  of  firearms. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  most  respectfully, 

"  Sir,  your  most  obedient  hum.  seivant. 
"  To  His  Excellency." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Whereas  many  of  the  militia  of  the  different  counties 
in  this  State,  who  are  well  affected  to  the  American  cause, 
are  not  supplied  with  firearms  :  And  whereas  it  is  the 
duty  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  at  this  critical  period, 
to  arm  the  whole  militia  in  such  a  manner  as  may  prove 
most  formidable  to  our  inveterate  and  tyrannical  enemies  : 
Therefore, 


Resolved  unanimously,  That  persons  be  appointed  in 
the  counties  of  Westchester,  Orange,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and 
Albany,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  four  thousand  lances 
to  be  made  with  the  utmost  expedition,  agreeable  to  such 
models  as  shall  be  sent  to  the  respective  counties. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  following  persons  be 
appointed  to  procure  the  following  proportion  of  lances  af- 
fixed to  their  respective  names  in  the  counties  under  men- 
tioned, and  that  this  Convention  will  pay  all  the  necessary 
charges  for  canying  this  resolve  into  execution  : 

In  the  county  of  Albany — Hermanns  Wendell  and  Richd.  Essels- 

tine,  Esqrs   800 

In  Ulster  county — Dirck  Wynkoop  and  Robert  Boyd,  Esqrs  800 

In  Orange  county — Henry  Wisner  and  Joseph  Smith,  Esqrs   800 

In  Westchester  county — Stephen  Ward,  William  Millar  and  Thad- 

deus  Crane,  Esqrs.   800 

la  Dutches  county — James  Weeks,  William  Cnshman  and  Natha- 
niel Foster,    800 

Lances   4000 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

Sept.  5th,  1776. 

The  Convention  of  this  State  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment in  the  Episcopal  church  at  Fishkill. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkjrk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ccyler,  Colo.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer — 
Albany. 

Mr.  Dcer,  Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westches- 
ter. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 

This  church  being  very  foul  with  the  dung  of  doves  and 
fowls,  without  any  benches,  seats  or  other  conveniences 
whatever,  which  renders  it  unfit  for  the  use  of  this  Con- 
vention. Therefore  they  unanimously  agreed  to  adjourn 
to  the  Dutch  church  in  this  village,  and  adjourned  to  the 
same  accordingly. 

The  Convention  met  at  the  Dutch  church  at  the  Fish 
Kill  pursuant  to  the  above  adjournment. 

Present — The  President  and  Representatives  above  named. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  from  the  committee  appointed  yester- 
day, to  consider  of  and  report  on  the  difficulties  stated  on 
behalf  of  the  committee  of  Kingston  about  the  sale  of  tea 
and  the  removal  of  the  prisoners  of  war  now  at  Kingston, 
reported  the  following  resolution  and  draft  of  a  letter, 
which  were  respectively  read,  and  agreed  to,  vizt : 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  advance  to  Colo.  De  Wilt  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  dollars,  to  be  by  him  transmitted  to  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  county,  for  the 
purpose  of  removing  the  prisoners  of  war  now  at  King- 
ston, to  Morris  county  in  New-Jersey ;  and  the  said 
chairman  is  hereby  ordered  to  transmit  to  the  Convention 

153 


of  this  State  a  regular  account  of  the  expenditure  of  this 
money." 

The  draft  of  the  letter  to  the  committee  of  Kingston 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  The  Convention  having  it  in  contemplation  to  pass  a 
general  resolve  respecting  the  tea  within  this  State,  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpose  was  appointed  a  few  days  before 
we  adjourned  from  Haerlem  to  this  place,  but  as  several 
of  the  gentlemen  appointed  of  that  committee  are  not  yet 
arrived,  the  Convention  is  prevented  from  completing  that 
business  ;  I  am  therefore  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  the 
Convention  expect  you  will  use  your  utmost  endeavours  to 
keep  peace  and  good  order  amongst  you,  till  such  resolu- 
tions are  passed,  in  the  best  manner  you  can. 

"  The  old  parols,  together  with  a  copy  of  a  resolve  of 
the  Continental  Congress  respecting  prisoners  which  were 
omitted  at  the  time  when  the  blanks  were  sent,  you  have 
here  enclosed ;  also  a  resolve  to  defray  the  expense  of 
their  removal. 

"  I  am  your  very  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  and  Members 

of  the  Committee  at  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  together  with  a  copy  of 
the  aforegoing  resolution,  transmitted  to  the  committee  at 
Kingston. 

John  Woolley  being  examined,  says  he  was  on  board 
of  the  British  ships  once  lately ;  that  he  was  carried  on 
board  against  his  consent,  and  by  violence  ;  that  this  hap- 
pened on  last  Wednesday  a  week,  about  noon,  under  the 
shore  of  Nassau  island  opposite  to  Frog's  point ;  that  two 
ships  were  there,  one  named  the  Bloom,  as  appeared  by 
the  name  on  the  stern  ;  that  he  went  to  bring  a  boat  home 
to  be  unrigged,  and  by  that  means  was  taken  ;  that  he 
was  not  ill  treated  on  board  the  ship,  and  his  boat  was  re- 
turned, the  reason  whereof  was,  he  believes,  that  his 
brother  had  been  on  board,  and  has  been  a  warm  partizan 
for  the  British  fleet  and  army  ;  that  he  could  have  gone  on 
board  frequently  if  he  had  chose  it ;  that  he  did  not  mean 
to  join  the  enemy  ;  that  a  brother  of  his,  the  examinant, 


610 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


was  with  him  when  he  was  taken  ;  that  he  was  asked  on 
board  if  he  could  furnish  them  with  provisions,  or  if  they 
could  be  supplied  in  the  neighbourhood?  that  he  answered 
in  the  negative,  and  told  them  the  cattle  were  all  drove 
off;  that  he  did  not  learn  any  of  the  designs  of  the  ene- 
my, but  heard  some  of  the  soldiers  say  that  they  expected 
a  large  reinforcement  of  20,000  men  ;  that  he  is  an  asso- 
ciator ;  that  his  father  owned  the  boat  he  went  for  ;  that 
Philip  Wooley  was  with  him  when  he  was  taken  ;  that 
they  called  him  a  rebel  when  he  was  taken  ;  that  he  saw 
Isaac  Barns  from  the  New  City  island  in  Westchester 
county  on  board,  and  also  two  negroes  belonging  to  Henry 
Allen. 

John  Wooley  withdrew. 

Major  Thorne,  of  Queens  county,  called  in  as  a  witness, 
says,  that  John  Wooley  has  behaved  peaceably,  and  lias 
not,  to  his  knowledge,  said  or  done  any  thing  in  the  Ame- 
rican cause  on  either  side ;  that  he  has  been  excused  from 
military  duty  as  a  ferryman,  and  that  he  is  an  invalid ;  that  he 
heard  at  Huntington  that  the  Wooleys  were  removing  their 
boats  from  his  wharf  to  Capt.Wooley's,  and  were  intercepted 
by  a  barge ;  that  Capt.  Wooley's  family,  in  general,  through 
the  influence  of  his  son  Thomas,  is  esteemed  disaffected  to 
the  American  cause.  Mr.  Stocker  says  that  John  Wooley 
has  behaved  very  peaceably,  and  said  nothing  on  either 
side  in  the  American  cause  ;  that  Wooley's  cattle  has  been 
removed  ;  and  John  Wooley  says  that  he  removed  those 
that  were  brought  to  his  house  ;  that  he  heard  that  Woo- 
ley's ferry  boat  was  removed  to  Major  Thornes'  dock  ;  that 
he  does  not  know  nor  has  not  heard  that  John  Wooley  has 
supplied  the  enemy's  ships  with  provisions. 

The  Committee  determined  to  admit  John  Wooley  to 
bail,  if  he  can  find  two  good  sureties  to  be  bound  with  him 
for  his  peaceable  and  good  behaviour,  and  remaining  on  the 
main  land  in  this  State.  The  said  John  Wooley  to  be 
bound  in  the  penalty  of  fifty  pounds,  and  the  said  sureties 
in  the  sum  of  twenty-five  pounds  each.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  President  inform  the  said  John  Wol- 
ley  thereof,  in  time  of  the  adjournment,  and  direct  him  to 
inform  the  Committee  in  the  afternoon  whether  he  can  ob- 
tain sureties,  and  who  they  are. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
pay  to  Sergeant  David  Mills  twelve  shillings,  by  him  paid 
for  the  passage  of  himself,  two  men  under  his  command, 
sent  up  as  a  guard  from  Peekskill,  with  a  prisoner  taken, 
who  had  been  on  board  of  the  enemy's  ships  of  war  in  the 
river.  That  the  Secretary  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  repay  to  Mr.  McKesson 
the  said  twelve  shillings,  and  charge  the  same  to  Continen- 
tal account. 


Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  5th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane— New-York. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dvtchet. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Livingston, 
Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgale — ilbany. 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Vcder,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr  Haviland,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 
Colo.  D.  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith—  Orange. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cmnberland. 

On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  the  following 
number  of  commissions,  to  be  signed  by  the  President  and 
attested  by  one  of  the  Secretaries,  and  transmitted  to  the 
county  committees  hereafter  mentioned,  on  the  conditions 
prescribed  in  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  this  State, 


of  the  day  of  last,  vizt :  100  commissions  for 

the  county  of  Albany  ;  50  commissions  for  the  county  of 
Tiyon ;  20  commissions  for  the  county  of  Charlotte  ;  6 
commissions  for  the  third  battalion  of  Westchester  county. 
On  motion  of  the  Deputies  of  Albany, 
Resolved  and  Ordered.,  That  Harmen  Van  Bueren, 
Esqr.  be  appointed  major  of  the  seventh  regiment  of  the 
militia  of  the  county  of  Albany,  and  that  a  commission  issue 
for  that  purpose. 

The  petition  of  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated 
the  instant,  was  read  and  filed.    They  therein  set 

forth,  that  the  militia  of  that  county  would  be  more  advan- 
tageously regulated  if  a  brigadier-general  was  appointed  in 
that  county,  as  the  distance  they  are  from  Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Ten  Broeck,  whom  they  esteem,  is  a  great  inconven- 
ience. 

Brigadier-Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  present,  informed  the  Con- 
vention, that  it  is  a  disadvantage  to  the  militia  of  Tiyon 
county,  and  an  inconvenience  to  himself  to  have  those  mi- 
litia in  his  brigade,  and  the  more  especially  as  the  major  of 
brigade  resides  in  Tryon  county,  at  a  great  distance  from 
him  :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  of  Tryon  county  be  formed 
into  a  brigade  separate  from  the  militia  of  Albany. 

And  whereas,  Nicholas  Herkhiemer,  Esqr.  is  justly 
entitled  to  be  appointed  the  brigadier-general  of  the  brigade 
of  militia  of  Tryon  county,  as  well  from  his  military  rank 
in  that,  county  as  from  his  great  merit  and  many  exertions 
in  the  present  glorious  struggle  for  liberty  :  Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Nicholas  Herkhiemer,  Es- 
quire, be  appointed  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Tryon 
county,  and  that  a  commission  issue  to  him  accordingly  for 
that  purpose.  And 

Ordered,  That  John  Frey,  Esqr.  be  reappointed  brigade- 
major  of  that  brigade. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer,  the  Convention  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  for  the  removal  of  the  bells  from  city  of 
New-York,  vizt : 

Whereas,  the  King  of  Great  Britain  is  studiously  en- 
deavouring, by  every  means  which  artifice  and  lawless 
power  can  devise,  to  deprive  the  inhabitants  of  the  United 
Slates  of  America  of  ammunition,  cannon,  and  every  war- 
like store,  in  order  that  they  may  fall  a  more  easy  prey  to 
his  tyrannical  purposes,  which  cowardly  designs  have  un- 
happily so  far  succeeded,  that  this  State  is  now  dislressed 
by  the  want  of  sufficient  arms  to  resist  the  powerful  and 
unnatural  enemy  by  whom  they  are  invaded  :  And  where- 
as, the  duty  which  the  representatives  of  a  free  people  owe 
both  to  God  and  their  country,  obliges  ihem  to  make  every 
possible  exertion  to  procure  arms  and  ammuniiion,  in  order 
to  defend  their  rights  and  liberties,  which  are  derived  from 
the  Supreme  Being,  and  which  posterity  have  a  right  to 
claim  as  an  unencumbered  inheritance  :  Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  be  requested  and  authorized  to  cause  all  the 
bells  in  the  different  churches  and  public  edifices  in  the 
city  of  New-York,  to  be  laken  down  and  removed  to  New- 
Ark,  in  New-Jersey,  with  all  possible  despatch,  that  the 
fortune  of  war  may  not  throw  the  same  into  the  hands  of 
our  enemy,  and  deprive  this  State  at  this  critical  period  of 
that  necessary,  though  unfortunate,  resource  for  supplying 
our  want  of  cannon. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  ihis  resolution  be  sent  to  the 
ministers,  elders,  or  church  wardens  of  the  respective 
churches,  in  order  that  the  weight  and  value  of  those  bells 
may  be  ascertained.  And  the  Convention  of  this  State 
pledge  the  public  faith  that  the  respective  churches  shall 
be  furnished  with  bells  of  equal  goodness  and  value,  when- 
ever their  constituents,  free  from  the  apprehension  of 
having  their  civil  and  religious  rights  violated  by  any  earth- 
ly power,  shall  be  enabled  to  return  their  public  thanks  to 
the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  Universe,  for  graciously  rescuing 
them  from  the  gulf  of  tyranny. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


ton,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
to  transmit  to  your  Excellency  a  copy  of  a  resolution  which 
they  entreat  may  be  carried  into  execution  with  all  possible 
despatch.  It  is  with  extreme  concern  that  we  find  our- 
selves under  the  disagreeeble  necessity  of  having  recourse 
to  this  unhappy  but  necessary  expedient,  or  of  troubling 
your  Excellency  with  a  commission  of  this  nature.  But 
the  critical  situation  of  this  Slate,  the  want  of  brass  field 
pieces,  and  our  inability  to  have  this  resolve  executed  by 
the  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York  on  account  of  their 
absence  from  the  city,  reduce  us  to  the  dilemma  either  of 
adopting  this  measure,  or  of  neglecting  the  public  safety. 
They  therefore  trust  that  your  Excellency's  zeal  for  the  pub- 
lic service  will  induce  you  to  pardon  the  liberty  they  take 
of  troubling  you  on  this  occasion. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  &c. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of 
the  last  foregoing  resolution,  transmitted  to  His  Excellency 
by  Sampson  Dyckman,  the  messenger. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  that  John  Wooley 
offers  as  his  sureties  Major  Richard  Thorne  and 
Stocker,  both  of  Queens  county,  of  which  the  Convention 
approved. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  present  draw  a  proper  bond 
for  that  purpose,  and  see  it  duly  executed  by  the  said  John 
Woolley  and  his  sureties. 

Major  Schenk  informed  the  Convention  that  a  quantity 
of  oil  said  to  belong  to  this  State,  is  stored  in  a  store  house, 
near  Bushe's  Landing,  and  that  it  is  in  a  leaky  condition, 
and  wasting  fast. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk  be  and  is  hereby 
authorized  and  requested  to  take  proper  care  of  the  said 
oil,  and  direct  the  same  to  be  properly  coopered  so  as  to 
preserve  it  from  wasting. 

The  application  or  petition  of  Henry  Chase,  a  prisoner 
in  the  jail  of  Westchester  county,  was  read  and  filed.  He 
thereby  prays  to  be  brought  to  a  trial,  or  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred, 
until  more  important  matters  before  the  Convention  are 
despatched. 

The  petition  of  Colo.  Benjamin  Birdsal,  acting  as  cap- 
tain of  a  company  in  Colo.  Smith's  regiment,  of  Nassau 
island,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  prays  for  money 
to  discharge  the  bounty  due  to  his  men. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred  un- 
til Colo.  Birdsall  can  be  examined  before  this  Convention 
to-morrow. 

The  bond  of  John  Wooley,  and  the  condition,  were 
brought  into  the  Convention,  and  read,  and  ordered  to  be  filed. 

Mr.  Dnane  from  the  committee  who  visited  the  fortifica- 
tions on  Hudson's  river,  produced  a  number  of  returns 
made  by  various  officers  there,  and  gave  the  Convention 
the  following  information,  in  substance  : 

1st.  That  Genl.  Clinton  told  them  that  he  thought  the 
provisions  deficient ;  that  on  inquiry  they  found  a  quantity 
of  damaged  pork  in  barrels  there,  which,  from  some  infor- 
mation they  received,  was  in  general  bad  when  sold  for  the 
use  of  the  garrison,  with  a  little  good  pork  packed  as  a 
cover  in  each  end  of  the  barrels. 

2d-  That  the  fire  rafts  are  in  such  a  state  as  not  to  be 
fit  for  use,  having  in  part  water  in  them,  ar.d  that  the  Ge- 
neral does  not  know  what  to  do  wilh  them. 

3d.  That  at  Fort  Montgomery  an  armourer  wilh  the  tools 
of  his  trade  is  much  wanted. 

4lh.  That  there  is  a  great  want  of  men  at  forts  Montgo- 
mery, Constitution  and  Ked  Hook  ;  that  the  last  mentioned 
work  is  very  imperfect,  but  will  be  extremely  useful ; 
that  one  thousand  more  men  the  General  would  think 


611 

necessary  for  the  fortifications,  exclusive  of  Red  Hook ; 
that  spades,  shovels,  pickaxes,  shot,  lead,  sheep  skins, 
langrage,  and  many  other  things  are  wanting  there  ;  that 
the  General  desires  a  reinforcement  of  men,  and  that  they 
may  be  armed.  And  he  gave  an  account  of  the  number  of 
cannon  there,  and  the  weight  of  their  metal. 

Mr.  Duane  then  moved  that  500  militia  may  be  imme- 
diately ordered  to  reinforce  these  garrisons,  to  be  detached 
from  Ulster,  Orange  and  Dutches. 

Debates  arose ;  and  the  consideration  thereof  is  deferred 
till  to-morrow. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Sept.  6th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Sackett,-Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Livingston, 
Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgaie — Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Haviland,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Colo.  D.  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  a  messenger  shall  be  sent  for  any  mem- 
ber of  this  Convention,  who  shall  absent  himself  without 
leave,  and  that  the  expense  incurred  thereby  shall  be  de- 
frayed by  the  said  member ;  and  that  such  member  shall 
also  receive  a  public  reprimand  from  the  Chair,  for  a  con- 
tempt of  the  House. 

Mr.  Duane,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  visit  the 
forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution,  gave  the  Convention 
some  further  information  relative  to  the  state  of  those  forti- 
fications.   After  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  the 
safely  of  this  State,  and  the  general  interest  of  America, 
that  a  reinforcement  should  be  immediately  sent  to  the  forts 
Montgomery  and  Constitution,  at  Hudson's  river.  There- 
fore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  six  hundred  men  be,  with 
all  possible  despatch,  detached  from  the  militia  of  this  State 
and  sent  to  the  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution  as  a 
reinforcement  to  those  garrisons. 

It  was  then  proposed,  and  after  some  considerable  time 
spent  therein,  it  was  agreed  that  the  reinforcement  for  those 
garrisons  be  detached  from  the  militia  of  Ulster,  Albany, 
Dutches  and  Orange  counties. 

A  motion  was  then  made  by  Mr.  Duane,  and  seconded, 
that  the  proportion  of  men  to  be  furnished  by  those  coun- 
ties be  as  follows,  to  wit :  from  Ulster  county  225,  from 
Albany  150,  from  Dutches  150,  and  from  Orange  75  men. 

Debates  arose  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  thereon, 
a  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  25  men  be  taken 
from  the  number  proposed  to  be  raised  in  Ulster  county 
and  added  to  the  number  proposed  to  be  raised  in  Dutches. 

Debates  also  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  ihe  affirmative  by  every  county  present,  ex- 
cept Ulster,  that  is  to  say,  for  the  affirmative,  20  voles, 
and  for  the  negative,  4  votes. 

It  was  then  proposed  that  the  proportions  of  the  militia 
from  those  counties  be  fixed  as  follows,  vizt : 

From  Ulster,   200 

"     Albany   150 

"     Dutches,   175 

"     Orange,   75 

600 


612 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Orange,   3 

Tryon,  3      Ulster,   4 

Cumberland,                        2  — 

Charlotte,                            2  7 

Westchester,   4 

17 

Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  above  reinforcement  be  detached 
from  the  militia  of  those  four  counties  in  the  proportions 
above  mentioned. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  6lh,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Doctor  Crane, 
Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt — Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Haviland,  Colo.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Colo.  D.  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 
The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  state 
of  the  garrisons  and  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution, 
and  the  works  erecting  at  Red  Hook  ;  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  the  two  following  resolutions  were  agreed 
on  and  resolved,  vizt : 

Resolved,  That  150  men  from  that  part  of  the  county 
of  Albany  which  is  within  and  to  the  southward  of  the 
manor  of  Rensselaerwyck,  including  the  city  of  Albany  ; 
175  men  from  the  county  of  Dutchess  ;  200  men  from  the 
county  of  Ulster,  and  75  men  from  that  part  of  the  county 
of  Orange  which  lies  above  the  mountains,  be  immediately 
detached  by  ballot  and  marched  to  augment  the  garrisons  at 
forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  reinforcement  continue  in  ser- 
vice two  months  after  their  arrival  at  the  said  fortresses, 
and  that  this  Convention  will  discharge  them  sooner  in  case 
sufficient  garrisons  of  Continental  troops  shall  be  ordered 
to  and  arrive  at  those  forts  before  the  expiration  of  the  said 
two  months  ;  and  that  the  militia  so  drafted  shall  be  entitled 
to  the  same  pay  as  are  allowed  to  the  Continental  troops. 

A  question  then  arose  into  what  number  of  companies 
those  levies  should  be  disposed  ;  the  same  being  fully  con- 
sidered, 

Resolved,  That  the  above  levies  be  formed  into  compa- 
nies in  the  following  manner,  to  wit :  those  from  the  coun- 
ty of  Ulster  into  three  companies  ;  those  from  Albany  and 
Dutchess  respectively  into  two  companies  each  ;  and  those 
from  the  county  of  Orange  into  one  company. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Agreed,  That  the  Convention  immediately  proceed  to 
fix  and  appoint  the  field  officers  to  command  the  said  levies 
or  detachments  intended  to  reinforce  the  said  garrisons. 

Mr.  Duer  then  moved  that  the  field  officers  to  command 
the  said  reinforcement  be  appointed  out  of  the  counties  of 
Albany,  Ulster  and  Orange  agreeable  to  the  precedence  or 
rank  fixed  for  the  said  counties  by  the  regulations  for  the 
militia  of  this  State. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit: 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Ulster  4      Albany,   6 

Orange,   3      Dutches,  5 

Charlotte,   2      Tryon,    3 

—      Cumberland,    2 

9  — 

16 


Therefore  the  said  motion  was  overruled. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  colonel  to  command  that  reinforce- 
ment be  called  into  service  from  Ulster  county,  the  lieute- 
nant-colonel from  Dutches  county,  and  the  major  from  the 
county  of  Albany. 

Colo.  De  Witt  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
troop  of  horse  in  Ulster  county,  now  called  out  by  Gene- 
ral Clinton,  and  the  rangers  which  are  raised  in  the  said 
county,  be  considered  as  part  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  by 
virtue  of  the  resolutions  passed  this  day. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 
carried  in  the  negative.    Ulster  alone  for  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  This  Convention  will,  to  the  utmost  of  their 
power,  comply  with  General  James  Clinton's  requisitions 
for  the  support  and  supply  of  those  fortifications. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  has  leave  of  absence. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Sept.  7th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Veder— Tryon. 
Colo.  Dewitt — Ulster. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gil.  Living- 
ston, Capt.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
The  Convention  was  informed  by  several  members  that 
the  stores  from  White  Plains,  for  the  remov.il  whereof 
John  Cregier  was  lately  sent,  are  now  arrived  at  Mr.  Bo- 
gardus'  Landing,  in  a  small  sloop  or  petliauger,  under  a 
guard  of  a  sergeant  and  twelve  men,  who  ought  to  be  im- 
mediately discharged  and  furnished  with  provisions  for 
their  return. 

Ordered,  That  said  stores  be  landed,  and  stored  under 
the  care  of  Nathaniel  Sackett,  Esqr.  who  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed a  commissary  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  Mr.  Sack- 
ett be  and  hereby  is  authorized  and  requested  to  furnish 
and  provide  the  guard  with  provisions  for  their  return. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  Suffolk  county,  informed  the  Convention 
that  a  certain  person  of  the  name  of  Harrison  is  in  the 
neighbourhood,  and  can  give  some  information  relative  to 
the  situation  of  the  enemy  and  disaffected  on  Nassau  is- 
land. 

Mr.  Harrison  says  that  the  Ministerial  troops  have  been 
to  Oyster  Bay  and  Hempstead  ;  that  the  disaffected  inha- 
bitants have  joined  to  assist  the  enemy,  and  proceeded  as 
ar  as  Setaucket ;  that  General  Howe  has  set  guards  to  pre- 
vent any  person  coming  off  the  island,  or  removing  cattle  ; 
that  Isaac  Ketcham  has  taken  a  commission  and  got  some 
men;  that  Wm.  Smith,  of  administers  oaths  of  fide- 
lity or  allegiance  to  the  inhabitants,  and  that  Thos.  Smith, 
of  Hog  island,  receives  their  submissions  ;  that  Colo.  Li- 
vingston is  moving  westward  on  the  island  with  the  militia ; 
that  a  number  of  men  were  going  from  Connecticut  to 
bring  off  some  gunpowder  from  Huntington,  and  a  quan- 
tity of  flour  there  which  one  Ireland  had  sold  to  the  Mi- 
nisterial army  ;  that  he  saw  Colo.  Smith,  of  Suffolk  coun- 
ty, in  Connecticut. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr. 
R.  R.  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and 
means  to  succour  the  subjects  of  this  State  on  Nassau  is- 
land. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 
Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  safety  and  correspon- 
dence for  that  part  of  this  State  which  lies  below  the  High- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


613 


lands,  be  immediately  formed  ;  and  that  Colonel  Remsen, 
Major  Abeel  and  Major  Peter  P.  Van  Zandt,  be  that  commit- 
tee. And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  and  Mr.  Duer  be 
a  committee  to  draw  up  instructions  for  that  committee  of 
safety  ;  And 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Hoffman  be  excused  from  attend- 
ing at  New- York  as  a  correspondent,  according  to  his  late 
appointment  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  committee  of  safety 
and  correspondence  at  New-York  be  appointed  and  autho- 
rized to  take  from  the  doors  of  the  houses  in  the  city  of 
New-York  all  the  brass  knockers,  and  that  they  cause  the 
same  to  be  sent  to  some  careful  person  at  New  Ark,  in 
New-Jersey,  with  all  possible  despatch  ;  that  the  said 
committee  keep  as  accurate  an  account  as  possible  of  the 
weight  and  value  of  them,  and  of  the  houses  from  whence 
taken,  in  order  that  satisfaction  may  be  hereafter  made  to 
the  respective  owners. 

The  residue  of  the  morning  was  spent  in  preparing  the 
resolutions  for  reinforcing  the  garrisons  of  the  forts  on 
Hudson's  river. 

The  long  preamble  prepared  by  Mr.  Duane,  and  many 
other  parts  were  read,  amended  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Wisner,  of  Orange,  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
a  bounty  be  allowed  to  the  militia  now  to  be  called  into 
service  in  this  State. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  the  votes 

were  as  follows,  vizt : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Cumberland,   2 

Albany,   6 

Orange,   3 


11 


For  the  negative. 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   3 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4 

14 

But  by  reason  of  the  absence  of  several  members,  the 
consideration  of  allowing  bounty  is  deferred  till  afternoon. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  7th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 
Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 

Colo.  D.  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Plait,  Doclr. 
Crane,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 
The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  who  were  sent  to  visit  the  forts  Mont- 
gomerie  and  Constitution,  and  after  some  time  spent 
thereon,  and  the  completing  of  the  resolutions  designed  for 
reinforcing  the  garrisons  at  those  fortifications,  with  the 
preambles  thereto,  and  the  appointment  of  the  officers  to 
command  such  reinforcements,  the  same  being  finally 
read  and  agreed  to,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

The  committee  appointed  the  second  instant  to  visit  and 
examine  into  the  state  of  forts  Moiitgomerie  and  Consti- 
tution, in  the  Highlands,  laid  before  the  Convention  re- 
turns from  different  officers  at  those  fortresses  showing 
the  condition  and  wants  of  the  respective  garrisons ;  from 
which,  and  the  report  of  the  committee,  among  other 
things,  it  appears  that  there  are  at  present  no  more  troops 
in  the  Highlands  than  764  ;  whereof  398  are  at  Fort  Mont- 
gomery and  216  at  Fort  Constitution  ;  that  the  troops  con- 
sist of  the  militia  of  the  State,  excepting  five  companies 
of  the  Second  New-York  Continental  Battalion. 

That  to  render  Fort  Constitution  tenable,  the  west 
point  that  commands  it,  ought  to  be  fortified  ;  that  consi- 
derable progress  is  made  in  fortifying  an  advantageous 

154 


eminence  on  the  western  shore,  a  little  to  the  south  of 
Fort  Montgomery,  and  within  the  reach  of  cannon,  but  it  is 
still  incomplete. 

That  the  remaining  part  of  the  said  troops,  being  150, 
is  employed  in  erecting  works  on  the  east  side  of  the  river, 
about  3  miles  below  Fort  Montgomery,  at  a  place  called 
Red  Hook,  near  Peekskill,  which  are  well  calculated  to 
prevent  the  enemy's  landing  on  that  side  and  becoming 
masters  of  the  Highlands  opposite  to  Fort  Montgomery. 

That  Brigadier-Genl.  James  Clinton,  commanding  at 
the  said  fortresses,  informed  the  committee  that  exclusive 
of  the  post  at  Red  Hook,  an  augmentation  of  one  thou- 
sand men  was  requisite  for  completing  and  defending  the 
fortresses  under  his  direction,  and  earnestly  requested  that 
this  Convention  would  immediately  procure  such  reinforce- 
ment, as  well  as  the  several  articles  of  ammunition,  stores 
and  necessaries  hereafter  specified,  of  which  he  stood  in 
the  utmost  need. 

This  Convention  having  duly  considered  the  said  repre- 
sentation and  requisition,  and  well  knowing  how  much  the 
safety  of  this  State,  as  well  as  the  success  of  the  united 
efforts  of  this  oppressed  Continent  in  the  defence  of  our 
common  liberties,  must  depend  on  maintaining  the  posses- 
sion of  Hudson's  river,  and  guarding  it  against  the  inva- 
sion which  is  to  be  apprehended  from  the  enemy  ;  consi- 
dering at  the  same  time,  the  little  probability  that  it  can 
at  present  be  in  the  power  of  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  to  detach  for  this  service  any  of  the  army 
which  is  employed  in  opposing  the  progress  of  the  enemy 
in  the  southern  parts  of  this  State,  the  Convention  must 
again  have  recourse  to  the  good  people  of  this  State,  not 
doubting  but  that,  inspired  by  a  virtuous  love  for  their 
country,  they  will  on  an  occasion  so  pressing,  and  at  a 
period  when  their  lives,  their  liberties  and  every  temporal 
blessing  are  in  imminent  danger,  stand  forth  with  zeal  and 
alacrity  in  the  greatest  and  best  of  causes.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  six  hundred  men  be,  with  all  possible 
despatch,  detached  from  the  militia  of  this  State,  and  sent 
to  the  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution,  as  a  reinforce- 
ment to  those  garrisons. 

That  150  men  from  that  part  of  the  county  of  Albany 
which  is  within  and  to  the  southward  of  the  manor  of  Rens- 
selaerwyck,  including  the  city  of  Albany;  175  men  from 
the  county  of  Dutches  ;  200  men  from  the  county  of  Ul- 
ster, and  75  men  from  that  part  of  the  county  of  Orange 
which  lies  above  the  mountains,  all  exclusive  of  commis- 
sioned officers,  be  immediately  detached  by  ballot,  and 
marched  to  augment  the  garrisons  at  forts  Montgomery  and 
Constitution. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  reinforcement  continue  in  ser- 
vice two  months  after  their  arrival  at  the  said  fortresses ; 
and  that  this  Convention  will  discharge  them  sooner  in  case 
sufficient  garrisons  of  Continental  troops  shall  be  ordered 
to  and  arrive  at  those  forts  before  the  expiration  of  the  said 
two  months  ;  and  that  the  militia  so  drafted,  shall  be  enti- 
tled to  the  same  pay  and  rations  as  are  allowed  to  the  Con- 
tinental troops. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  levies  be  formed  into  compa- 
nies in  the  following  manner,  to  wit : 

Those  from  the  county  of  Ulster,  into  three  companies; 
and  those  from  Albany  and  Dutches,  respectively  into  two 
companies  each,  and  those  from  the  county  of  Orange,  into 
one  company ;  and  that  each  company  have  one  captain, 
two  lieutenants,  four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drum- 
mer and  one  fifer. 

That  the  said  reinforcement  shall  be  formed  into  one  bat- 
talion, to  be  commanded  by  a  colonel,  lieutenant-colonel 
and  major,  to  be  appointed  by  this  Convention  ;  that  a  sur- 
geon, adjutant  and  quarter-master,  shall  be  appointed  for 
the  said  battalion,  the  first  by  the  Convention,  and  the  two 
last  by  the  colonel ;  that  the  captains  and  subalterns  be  ap- 
pointed by  the  field  officers  of  the  regiments  in  each  re- 
spective county  from  which  the  quotas  are  to  be  raised,  out 
of  the  militia  officers  ;  having  regard  to  their  rank  and  the 


614 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


dates  of  their  commissions,  if  a  sufficient  number  of  such 
are  willing  to  serve,  if  not,  that  they  shall  be  at  liberty  to 
appoint  such  others  as  they  may  think  properly  qualified  ; 
and  that  the  non-commissioned  officers  be  appointed  by  the 
captain  of  each  company  under  whom  they  are  to  serve. 

Resolved,  That  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  pri- 
vate shall  provide  himself  with  a  good  musket  or  firelock, 
bayonet  or  tomahawk,  a  blanket  and  knapsack,  and  every 
six  men  with  a  pot  or  camp  kettle  ;  and  that  one  penny  per 
mile  be  allowed  to  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  pri- 
vate during  their  march  for  subsistence  money,  and  one 
day's  pay  for  every  twenty  miles  between  their  respective 
homes  and  rendezvous,  going  and  returning. 

And  to  the  intent  that  the  levies  so  raised  may  not  be 
unfurnished  with  arms,  the  committees  in  the  different 
townships  and  districts  in  the  said  counties,  and  the  colo- 
nels of  the  respective  regiments,  are  hereby  authorized  and 
empowered  to  furnish  all  such  as  have  not  arms,  by  taking 
them  from  those  who  are  not  drafted,  and  such  other  per- 
sons in  the  districts  as  have  arms,  being  valued  by  the 
committee  of  each  district,  the  amount  of  such  valuation 
hereafter  to  be  paid  to  the  proprietors  of  the  said  arms  by 
this  Convention,  or  the  arms  restored  in  the  same  order  to 
their  former  proprietors. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Johannes  Snyder  of  Ulster  coun- 
ty, be  and  is  hereby  appointed  colonel ;  Lieutenant-Colonel 
John  Bailey,  Junr.  of  Dutches  county,  to  be  lieutenant- 
colonel,  of  the  levies  now  ordered  to  be  detached  from  the 
counties  of  Albany,  Ulster,  Dutches  and  Orange  ;  and  that 
a  commission  be  sent  blank  to  the  committee  of  Albany 
for  a  major  for  the  said  levies,  to  be  offered  first  to  the 
eldest  major  of  the  militia  in  the  county  of  Albany,  and  in 
case  of  his  refusal,  to  the  next  eldest  in  succession,  until 
it  is  accepted. 

Resolved,  That  new  commissions  issue  for  the  officers 
of  those  detachments ;  and  that  the  field  officers  be  by 
those  commissions  appointed  to  that  command,  in  addition 
to  their  former  commands  in  the  militia  of  their  respective 
counties. 

Resolved,  That  50  spades,  50  wood  axes,  50  pickaxes, 
24  shovels,  25  billhooks,  200  wt.  of  lead,  1,000  wt.  lan- 
grage,  1,000  round  and  bar  shot  for  nine-pounders,  50  sets 
of  cast  iron  carriage  wheels  for  cannon,  1,000  wt.  of  nails 
for  building  barracks,  1,000  rounds  of  6-1  b.  ball  and  grape 
shot,  three  sets  of  men's  harness  for  drawing  cannon,  301b. 
of  twine,  12lb.  of  thread  for  cartridges,  and  one  armourer 
with  the  tools  of  his  business,  be  immediately  procured 
and  forwarded  to  Fort  Montgomery  ;  and  that  John  Schenk 
be  appointed  an  agent  for  that  purpose,  with  authority 
to  draw  on  the  Treasurer  for  a  sum  not  exceeding  2,500 
dollars,  for  which  he  shall  keep  and  render  an  exact  ac- 
count. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  John 
Schenk,  as  agent  for  furnishing  the  forts  Constitution  and 
Montgomerie  with  the  articles  directed  by  this  Convention 
any  sums  for  which  he  may  apply,  not  exceeding  2,500 
dollars,  for  which  Mr.  Schenk  is  to  keep  and  render  ac- 
count. 

The  subject  of  granting  a  bounty  to  the  detachments  of 
militia,  ordered  by  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  was  reassum- 
ed.  After  a  short  time  spent  therein  the  further  conside- 
ration thereof  was  postponed  till  next  week. 

The  following  preamble  was  read,  and  agreed  to,  to  intro- 
duce the  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  which  shall 
be  sent  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  militia,  in  the 
counties  from  whence  the  militia  are  ordered  to  be  detach- 
ed, vizt : 

"  The  committee  appointed  to  visit  and  examine  into  the 
state  of  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands,  report,  (among 
other  things,)  that  an  immediate  reinforcement  is  necessary 
and  earnestly  requested  by  General  Clinton,  the  command- 
ing officer." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prefix  this  preamble  to 


the  copies  to  be  sent  to  the  officers  of  the  militia  in  the 
counties  instead  of  the  other  long  introduction. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  resolutions  be  imme- 
diately prepared  and  despatched  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
State  at  Congress,  and  that  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  pre- 
pare a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at 
Congress,  to  accompany  the  said  resolutions. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  this  Conven- 
tion for  removing  bells  from  the  churches  and  public  edifi- 
ces in  New- York,  be  sent  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at 
Congress. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  [report  of  the] 
committee  on  General  Washington's  letter  relative  to  send- 
ing forces  to  King's  Bridge,  be  sent  to  the  Delegates  of 
this  State  at  Congress. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  there  are  several 
women,  and  a  number  of  children,  amounting  to  fifteen  in 
the  whole,  at  Capt.  "Wiltse's  landing,  in  a  store  house,  who 
came  from  New-York,  and  say  that  they  were  sent  out  by 
the  committee  ;  but  that  they  have  not  certificates,  which 
the  committee  usually  gave  ;  that  they  are  willing  to  work 
but  are  poor  and  have  not  subsistence  ;  that  the  widow 
and  children  of  Isaac  Teller  deceased,  are  near  this  place 
without  support,  and  the  widow  in  a  sick  and  low  condi- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk  have  discretionary 
power  to  provide  for  the  maintenance  of  the  poor  now  at 
Wiltse's  landing,  and  also  for  the  widow  and  children  of 
Isaac  Teller  deceased. 

Resolved  unanimously  and  Ordered,  That  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  State  stop  payment  of  all  accounts  passed  by 
the  Auditor-General  for  Colo.  Smith's  regiment  of  levies, 
and  for  the  drafts  of  the  militia  from  Kings  and  Queens 
counties,  commanded  by  Colo.  Remsen,  till  he  shall  receive 
further  orders  from  this  Convention,  or  a  future  Legislature 
of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  President,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Major 
Webster,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Adgate,  and  Mr.  Jay,  be  a 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  until  the  next  meeting 
of  a  Representation  of  the  State  in  this  Convention  ;  that 
the  President  and  three  members  be  a  quorum  of  that 
Committee  ;  that  every  member  of  this  Convention  who 
shall  attend,  shall  have  a  voice ;  and  that  the  said  Com- 
mittee be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  to  take  every  mea- 
sure necessary  for  the  safety,  defence  and  protection  of 
this  State. 

Colo.  D.  Witt  has  leave  of  absence  to  go  home  and  re- 
turn as  soon  as  possible. 

Mr.  Duer  has  leave  of  absence  for  two  or  three  days. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith  and  Colo.  Allison  obtained 
leave  of  absence  to  return  on  Monday  at  noon. 

Doctor  Crane  had  leave  of  absence  to  return  on  Monday 
next  at  two  o'clock. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  had  leave  of  absence  to  return 
on  Monday  next. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Conven- 
tion, which  was  read,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety. 

Ordered,  That  Nathaniel  Sackett,  Esqr.  as  Commissa- 
ry, deliver  to  any  of  the  Deputies  of  Charlotte  county 
1,500  weight  of  lead,  and  1,000  flints,  to  be  sent  to  Char- 
lotte county  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county, 
to  be  paid  and  accounted  for  by  the  county  committee, 
and  inhabitants  of  that  county,  to  this  State  ;  Mr.  Sacket 
to  take  a  receipt  for  the  same,  of  the  Deputy  to  whom  he 
shall  deliver  it.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sackett  deliver  one  ton  and  a  half 
of  lead  to  any  of  the  Members  of  Tryon  county,  together 
with  3,000  flints,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  that 
county,  to  be  paid  and  accounted  for  by  the  inhabitants  of 
that  county  to  this  State  ;  and  that  Mr.  Sacket  take  a  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  of  the  Deputy  to  whom  it  will  be  de- 
livered. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE   OF  SAFETY. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

Sept.  8th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Stevens, 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Sessions, 

Mr.  Adgate,      t  Mr.  Wm.  Harper, 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder, 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cctyier. 

Mr.  Lockwood, 

Ordered,  That  Nat.  Sacket,  Esqr.  as  Commissary,  de- 
liver one  ton  of  lead  to  the  Deputies  of  the  county  of  Al- 
bany for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county,  and 
take  a  receipt  for  the  same.  The  county  committee  and 
inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Albany  to  account  and  pay 
for  the  same  to  this  State. 


DIE  LUNiE,  11  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  9th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Colo. 
Drake,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr. 
Sessions,  Major  Webster  and  Mr.  Stevens. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott,  dated  the  6th  inst. 
and  received  yesterday  by  Sa.  Dyckman,  the  messenger, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  therein,  in  pursuance  of  the  re- 
quest of  the  Convention  on  the  instant,  gives  a  parti- 
cular account  of  the  situation  and  movements  of  the  army 
since  the  retreat  from  Nassau  island.  It  was  represented 
to  this  Committee  that  a  certain  Warns  is  spreading  or 
propagating  false  and  mischievous  reports,  tending  to  in- 
jure the  cause  of  America. 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  he  be  forthwith  apprehended 
and  brought  before  the  Convention  of  this  State,  or  this 
Committee  of  Safety,  and  that  Capt.  James  Weeks  ap- 
prehend him  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Capt.  Piatt,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  the  spears  brought  from  New-York  and  get 
a  model  made  for  making  other  spears  with  such  altera- 
tions and  amendments  as  they  may  think  most  advantageous. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State  for  furnishing  Fort  Montgomery  with  the 
articles  and  stores  reported  by  the  committee  as  wanted  by 
Genl.  Jas.  Clinton,  be  immediately  despatched  to  Mr.  John 
Schenk,  and  that  the  President  write  a  letter  to  Mr.  John 
Schenk,  requesting  his  immediate  answer  whether  he  will 
undertake  the  agency  therein  mentioned,  and  if  he  should 
undertake  the  same,  that  he  make  the  utmost  despatch. 

The  said  letter  and  order  was  despatched  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  by  the  President  to 
General  J.  Clinton  at  Fort  Montgomery,  acquainting  him 
of  the  reinforcement  directed  by  the  Convention  of  this 
State  for  the  fortresses  under  his  command,  and  that  he 
be  requested  to  forward  barracks  for  their  reception  as 
soon  as  possible. 

A  short  letter  was  accordingly  written  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  delivered  to  be  forwarded  to  General  James 
Clinton. 

A  letter  received  yesterday  noon  from  his  Excellency 
General  Washington,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  New-York,  Septr.  6th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  now  before  me  your  letter  of  the  4th  in- 
stant, enclosing  the  report  against  ordering  out  any  more 
of  the  militia  from  the  counties  of  Orange,  Dutchess, 
Westchester  or  Ulster.  The  reasons  alleged  by  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  this  matter  was  referred,  are  entirely  sa- 
tisfactory to  me,  and  therefore  I  do  not  expect  a  compli- 
ance with  that  part  of  my  letter  which  respects  this  mat- 
ter. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  Yr.  most  obedt.  servt. 
"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Abraham  Yates, 
Junr.  Esqr.  President  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  the 
State  of  New- York." 

Die  Lun,e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  9th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper, 
Mr.  Adgate,  Major  Webster,  Mr.  Sessions,  Colo.  Drake,  Capt.  Piatt, 
Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith. 


616 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  received  of  General  James  Clinton,  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  Septr.  8th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Agreeable  to  your  request  I  send  you 
a  return  of  articles  wanted  at  the  fortifications  in  the  High- 
lands. I  have  made  a  return  of  carpenter's  tools  ;  the  rea- 
son of  it  is,  that  we  have  many  carpenters  amongst  us  that 
we  can't  employ  for  want  of  tools.  I  have  sent  to  New- 
York  to  the  Quarter-Master-General,  for  nails.  I  am  in 
hopes  he  will  supply  me.  I  don't  much  expect  to  get 
shingles.  If  they  can't  be  got,  we  must  use  boards.  As 
many  of  our  arms  want  repair,  wc  would  be  glad  to  have 
an  armourer  with  his  tools  here  for  some  time.  I  gave  you 
an  account  of  the  artillery  stores  and  ordnance  at  each  gar- 
rison, when  you  were  here,  with  the  number  of  men  at 
each  post,  therefore,  think  it  unnecessary  to  send  it  again. 
In  case  of  an  attack,  I  think  we  are  too  weak  of  men, 
therefore  expect  you  will  consider  of  some  way  to  reinforce 
us,  if  you  judge  it  necessary. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedt,  humble  servant, 

"  JAMES  CLINTON,  B.  Genl" 

The  following  return  of  necessaries  wanted  at  the  for- 
tifications in  the  Highlands,  enclosed  in  General  James 
Clinton's  letter,  was  also  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

A  return  of  necessaries  wanted  at  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands : 


700  wt.  of  iron, 

25  pound  blistered  steel, 

400  wt.  of  lOd.  nails, 

300  wt.  of  20<2.  do 

30  hogsheads  of  lime, 

7,000  feet  of  3  inch  plank, 

An  armourer  with  his  tools  is 

wanted  much, 
5,000  wt.  oflead, 
101b.  of  thread, 
2,000  of  tacks, 
24  sheep  skins, 
1,000  wt.  of  6-lb.  shot, 
1,000  wt.  of  9-lb.  shot,one- half  of 

of  each  double  headed, 
14  ton  of  grape  shot,  from  4  to 

6  oz.  wt. 

1  large  magazine  lock, 

2  pair  of  shears, 

50  set  of  cast  carriage  wheels, 
101b.  of  twine, 

A  quantity  of  oil  and  paint  to 
paint  the  carriages. 


50  axes, 
50  spades, 
25  mattocks, 
25  billhooks, 
25  shovels, 
20  wheelbarrows, 
1  doz.  flat  and  half  round  files, 

1  doz.  three  square  do 

2  large  sledges, 
2  hand  vices, 
10  broad  axes, 
10  hand  saws, 
10  hammers, 

5  iron  squares, 
2  doz.  of  nail  gimblets, 

6  pair  of  compasses, 

5  set  of  framing  chisels  and  au- 
gurs, 

6  spike  gimblets, 
2  set  of  match  planes  for  inch 

and  inch  and  a  half  planks, 
32  thousand  brick, 
10,000  shingles, 

A  letter  from  His  Exellency  General  Washington,  dated 
yesterday,  and  received  by  a  messenger,  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  New-York,  Septr.  8th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  have  just  received  the  resolve  of  your  Conven- 
tion, respecting  the  removal  of  the  bells  belonging  to  the 
different  churches  and  public  edifices  in  this  city  to  New 
Ark,  in  the  Province  of  New- Jersey.  The  measure  I 
highly  approve  of,  and  shall  accordingly  have  it  carried  in- 
to execution. 

"  I  have  lately  been  conversing  with  Genl.  Clinton,  con- 
cerning the  defence  of  the  forts  on  the  Highlands,  who 
agrees  with  me  in  sentiment  that  the  force  already  there, 
is  by  no  means  sufficient.  I  should,  therefore,  conceive  it 
would  be  greatly  in  advancement  of  the  service,  if  you 
would  cause  a  reinforcement  of  the  militia  amounting  to 
about  six  hundred,  to  be  sent  there,  from  the  counties  of 
Ulster  and  Orange,  or  any  other  that  may  be  most  proper 
and  convenient.  They  may  be  usefully  and  importantly 
employed,  as  well  in  the  defence  of  the  Highlands,  in  case 
they  should  be  attacked,  as  in  erecting  new  works  and  for- 
tifications, by  which  they  may  be  rendered  more  secure. 

"  I  am,  sir,  yr.  most  obed.  servt. 

"  G.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Honble.  Ab.  Yates,  Junr." 

Another  letter  from  General  Washington,  received  by 
the  same  messenger,  was  also  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit  : 

"  Head-Quarters,  N.  York,  8th  Septr.  1776. 
"  Sir — I  wrote  you  this  morning  by  your  express,  but 


omitted  mentioning  a  matter  of  consequence.  It  being  de- 
termined to  remove  our  sick  to  Orange  Town,  we  shall 
want  four  large  Albany  sloops  for  that  purpose.  The  fa- 
tigue of  travelling  that  distance  by  land,  would  not  only  be 
more  than  the  patients  could  bear,  but  we  have  full  employ 
for  our  wagons  in  transporting  baggage,  tents,  &c.  for  the 
troops  from  hence  to  our  outposts.  I  must,  therefore, 
beg  the  favour  of  your  Honourable  Body  to  procure  the 
above  number  of  vessels,  and  send  them  down  with  as  much 
despatch  as  possible  to  this  city. 

"  I  am  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  P.  S. — I  shall  be  glad  to  know  by  return  of  the  express, 
when  I  may  probably  expect  the  sloops  down.  There  are 
several  now  in  the  lower  parts  of  the  river,  with  boards. 
Perhaps  you  might  engage  them  to  come  this  way,  which 
would  save  time. 
"  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr. 

Prest.  Convention  of  New-York." 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  James  Clinton  be  re- 
quested to  send  a  careful  officer  in  a  whale  boat  well  man- 
ned, down  Hudson's  river,  to  impress  four  large  river 
sloops,  to  go  to  New-York  for  the  sick,  agreeable  to  the 
request  of  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  and  that  a 
press  warrant  issue  for  that  purpose. 

And  lest  such  four  sloops  should  not  be  large  enough  for 
the  purpose, 

Resolved,  That  two  other  sloops  be  impressed  at  Fishkill 
landing,  and  despatched  for  the  same  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  present  prepare  a  copy  of 
the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  this  State  of  the  se- 
venth instant,  for  detaching  from  the  militia  of  this  State 
a  reinforcement  to  the  garrisons  of  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  to  be  sent  to  His  Excellency  by  the  return  of 
his  messenger. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Washington  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  Excellency's  letters  of  the  8th  instant  this 
moment  arrived,  and  we  are  happy  to  inform  you  that  the 
resolutions  enclosed,  have  anticipated  your  Excellency's 
recommendation  relative  to  a  reinforcement  for  the  fortres- 
ses in  the  Highlands  ;  and  although  we  have  done  every 
thing  in  our  power  to  raise  them  with  despatch,  we  are  ap- 
prehensive that  the  whole  will  not  arrive  there  within  less 
than  fourteen  days,  and  that  all  the  week  will  elapse  before 
any  of  them  will  be  got  to  the  post. 

"The  vessels  for  the  sick  shall  be  procured  as  soon  as 
possible,  and  sent  to  the  city  of  New-Y  ork,  for  which  pur- 
pose we  have  directed  every  empty  vessel  down  the  river 
to  be  impressed,  until  the  number  required  is  procured,  and 
have,  ordered  two  others  from  Fishkill  Landing,  lest  the 
vessels  might  be  small,  and  four  of  them  insufficient. 
Their  despatch  will  depend  upon  wind  and  weather.  We 
suppose,  however,  they  may  be  down  by  Wednesday  and 
Thursday  next. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"  To  His  Excy.  Gen.  'Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and,  together  with  a  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  7th  instant  for  detaching  part  of  the  militia, 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency  by  his  messenger. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-General  Clinton,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  received  your  letter  of  the  8th 
inst.  covering  a  list  of  the  articles  wanting  at  your  garrison, 
and  have  appointed  a  person  to  procure  the  same.  They 
have  also  to  acquaint  you  they  passed  a  resolve,  and  have 
forwarded  the  same  to  the  respective  brigadier-generals  of 
Ulster,  Orange,  Dutchess  and  Albany,  to  reinforce  your 
garrisons  with  six  hundred  men,  with  all  speed.    I  have  it 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


617 


in  charge  to  desire  you  to  despatch  a  whale  boat  well  arm- 
ed, with  a  proper  officer,  early  to-morrow  morning,  to  pro- 
ceed towards  New-York,  with  orders  to  impress  four  of  the 
first  large  convenient  sloops  they  may  meet  with,  and  send 
them  to  the  city  of  New-York,  by  request  from  General 
Washington,  in  order  to  bring  up  the  sick  to  the  town  of 
Orange,  in  Orange  county,  for  which  purpose  the  captains 
of  the  sloops  on  their  arrival,  are  to  apply  to  the  Director- 
General  of  the  Hospital. 

"Iam,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Brigadier-General  James  Clinton." 

A  warrant  for  impressing  sloops  was  sent  to  Genl.  James 
Clinton,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — You  are  hereby  required,  authorized  and  em- 
powered, to  proceed  with  a  whale  boat,  well  manned,  to- 
wards New-York,  and  impress  the  first  four  large  conve- 
nient river  sloops  you  meet  with,  and  send  them,  (in  pur- 
suance of  a  request  of  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton) to  the  city  of  New-York,  to  remove  the  sick  from  the 
hospitals  there  to  Orange  Town,  in  the  county  of  Orange  ; 
for  which  purpose  you  will  direct  the  captains  of  the  said 
sloops  respectively,  on  their  arrival  at  New- York,  to  in- 
form General  Washington  of  their  arrival  and  to  apply  to 
Doctor  Morgan  the  Director-General  of  the  Hospital  for 
further  orders,  for  which  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  war- 
rant. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  Presidt. 

"  To  such  officer  as  Genl.  James  Clinton, 

shall  appoint  to  execute  this  warrant." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  pay  the  bearers  of  the 
above  letter  and  warrant,  eight  shillings  to  engage  them  to 
make  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  John  Moore,  Esqr.  one  of  the  members 
of  this  Convention,  be  authorized  to  proceed  to  Fish  Kill 
Landing,  and  there  impress  two  sloops,  with  proper  per- 
sons to  navigate  them,  to  New-York,  to  assist  in  the  re- 
moval of  the  sick  from  the  military  hospitals  to  Orange 
Town. 

Thereupon  a  warrant  was  issued  to  him  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — You  are  hereby  required,  authorized  and  em- 
powered, to  proceed  to  the  different  landings  near  Fishkill, 
and  impress  the  first  two  large  convenient  sloops  you  may 
find,  and  send  them,  (in  pursuance  of  a  request  of  His 
Excellency  General  Washington,)  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  to  remove  the  sick  from  the  hospital  there  to  Orange 
Town,  in  the  county  of  Orange  ;  for  which  purpose  you 
will  direct  the  captains  of  the  said  sloops  respectively,  on 
their  arrival  at  New-York,  to  inform  General  Washington 
of  their  arrival,  and  to  apply  to  Doctor  Morgan,  the  Direc- 
tor-General of  the  Hospital  for  further  orders,  for  which  this 
shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant. 

"  ABM.  YATES,  Jtjnr.  President. 

"  To  John  Moore,  Esquire." 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  Wm.  Warne,  who 
has  been  apprehended  by  their  order,  is  attending  in  cus- 
tody. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  brought  in  for  examination. 

Mr.  Warne,  of  Fishkill,  wheelwright,  being  examined, 
says,  that  the  news  he  told  that  30,000  men  were  arrived 
on  Long  island,  he  heard  on  Long  island  from  the  inhabi- 
tants there  ;  that  he  came  from  Long  island  on  Thursday 
last ;  that  David  Colden  told  him  there  were  above  30,000 
men  on  Long  island,  and  that  10,000  more  were  lately  ar- 
rived at  Staten  island  ;  that  either  David  Colden,  or  some 
other  person,  informed  him  that  15,000  more  were  expect- 

155 


ed;  that  a  doctor  told  him  that  Genl.  Burgoyne  had  so 
many  men  in  Canada  of  the  Canadians  and  Indians,  as  with 
800  regulars,  amounted  to  25,000 ;  that  he  was  informed 
that  men  were  killed,  and  1,500  taken  prisoners; 

that  he  was  informed  that  Lasher's  battalion  was  so  far  de- 
stroyed that  it  would  not  be  recruited  ;  that  Doctor  Ogden 
informed  that  Suffolk  county  had  given  up  ;  that  Genl. 
Howe  had  sent  to  Suffolk  county  ;  that  if  they  would  sub- 
mit and  testify  their  loyalty,  they  must  send  him  200  wa- 
gons, and  that  near  300  had  passed  his  house  ;  that  one  of 
the  lighlhorsemen  told  he  had  taken  Genl.  Woodhull  in  the 
dark  in  a  barn  ;  that  before  he  would  answer  when  he  spoke 
to  the  General,  he  had  cut  him  on  the  head  and  both  arms  ; 
that  the  ships  in  the  Sound  prevented  his  getting  off  the 
island  ;  that  the  enemy  said  they  had  about  200  men  killed 
and  wounded. 

William  Warne,  by  order,  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  committed  to  the  custody  of  Capt. 
Weeks  till  further  order,  and  that  Capt.  Piatt  direct  that 
the  witnesses  against  him  be  summoned  to  attend  this  Com- 
mittee and  give  evidence. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Con- 
gress, reported  by  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  on  the  7th 
instant,  was  read,  amended  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  the 
posts  in  the  Highlands,  we  have  lately  directed  an  inquiry 
into  their  situation,  which  will  appear  from  the  enclosed  re- 
turns to  be  far  from  such  as  we  could  wish. 

"  The  necessity  General  Washington  has  of  all  the  troops 
that  compose  his  army  at  New- York,  prevented  his  sparing 
to  these  fortresses  sufficient  garrisons  or  the  necessary 
stores.  What  may  be  the  fate  of  the  country  below  the 
Highlands  is  as  yet  uncertain,  and  may  possibly  depend  on 
the  event  of  a  single  battle.  Should  these  posts  be  proper- 
ly secured,  we  cannot  but  hope  that  the  greater  part  of  this 
State  might  nevertheless  be  retained,  and  the  communica- 
tion between  the  northern  and  southern  States  be  by  that 
means  kept  up  ;  for  which  reason  we  wish  you  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  Congress  to  an  object  of  whose  importance 
they  have  always  been  sensible,  and  to  ask  a  proper  sup- 
ply of  stores.  We  have  already  afforded  them  all  in  our 
power  to  supply.  Fire  ships  would  be  of  great  use,  yet 
for  want  of  materials  we  are  unable  to  proceed  in  prepar- 
ing them. 

"  Seamen  cannot  be  procured  here  to  man  our  armed 
vessels  without  the  greatest  delay  and  difficulty,  unless 
drafted  from  the  army  ;  perhaps  they  may  be  got  at  Phila- 
delphia. 

"  By  the  enclosed  resolves  you  will  find  that  we  have 
endeavoured  to  reinforce  the  garrisons  in  the  Highlands. 
As  these  men  are  all  taken  from  the  plough,  we  are  very 
anxious  to  have  them  relieved  as  soon  as  the  circumstances 
of  the  Continent  will  admit. 

"  We  have  borrowed  of  the  State  of  Connecticut  twenty 
pieces  of  cannon,  ten  12  and  ten  6  pounders,  for  the  forts  ; 
we  wish  they  were  heavier,  but  we  fear  this  deficiency  can- 
not be  supplied,  and  therefore  must  endeavour  to  do  with- 
out them. 

"  You  will  find  by  the  enclosed  resolves  that  we  have 
taken  measures  to  increase  the  number  of  our  field  artillery. 
You  will  be  mindful  to  transmit  us  every  public  resolve  of 
Congress,  and  at  least  one  of  the  Pennsylvania  Gazettes 
every  week. 

"  We  are  most  respectfully,  gentlemen. 
"  To  the  Delegates  of  the  State,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  subscribed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  and  that 
the  Secretaries  enclose  therein  copies  of  all  the  resolutions 
which  have  lately  been  ordered  to  the  Delegates. 


618 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  MARTIS,  8  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  10th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 
Doctor  Crane,  Mr.  Sackett,  Capt.  Piatt.  Mr.  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Jno  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Moore  —  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Zeb.  Mills,  Col.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Jonathan 
Piatt—  Westchester. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  John  Schenk  attending,  informs  the  Committee  he 
is  ready  to  execute  their  orders.  Colo.  Livingston  inform- 
ed the  Committee  that  the  following  articles,  mentioned  in 
General  James  Clinton's  return  of  necessaries  for  forts 
Montgomery  and  Constitution,  are  in  store  alFishkill  Land- 
ing, and  may  be  ordered  out  to  Mr.  John  Schenk  for  the 
forts. 

Thereupon  the  following  order  was  unanimously  made 
and  signed  by  the  President,  vizt : 

"  Please  to  deliver  to  Majr.  John  Schenk,  out  of  the 
stores  in  your  custody,  the  following  articles,  for  the  use  of 
forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution,  taking  his  receipt  for 
the  same :  25  spades,  25  billhooks,  1 2  shovels,  5,000  weight 
of  lead,  delivering  first  all  the  lump  lead  in  store,  and  the 
residue  in  ball  and  buck  shot,  and  seven  skeins  or  balls  of 
thread. 

"  AB.  YATES,  Junr.  Presidt. 

"  To  Nathaniel  Sackett,  Esqr." 

The  following  order  was  given  to  Mr.  John  Schenk,  for 
supplying  the  fortifications,  instead  of  the  order  made  by 
the  Convention  on  the  seventh  instant,  the  copy  whereof 
Mr.  Schenk  returned  : 

"  Sir — You  are  requested,  with  all  despatch,  to  procure 
the  under  mentioned  articles  for  the  use  of  the  garrisons  of 
forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution,  and  as  soon  as  they 
are  ready,  to  send  them  to  Brigadier-General  James  Clin- 
ton, commander  at  the  said  garrisons,  taking  his  receipts 
for  the  same,  vizt : 

An  armourer,  with  all  his  tools  complete. 

50  wood  axes. 

25  spades. 

25  mattocks. 

13  shovels. 

20  wheelbarrows. 

\Z  5  5  9  lb.  ir°Ddoh 0t'  }  °-half  of  double-headed. 
3000  wt.  of  grape  shot,  from  4  to  6  oz. 
50  sets  of  great  gun  carriage  wheels. 
32  M  bricks,  10  M.  shingles. 
700  wt.  of  bar  iron,  25  lb.  of  blistered  steel. 
400  wt.  of  lOrf.  nails. 
300  wt.  of  20c/.  nails. 
7000  feet  of  three-inch  oak  plank. 

20  hogsheads  of  lime. 
2000  tacks. 

24  sheepskins  ;  1  large  magazine  lock  ;  2  pr.  shears. 
A  quantity  of  oil  and  paint,  to  paint  the  carriages. 

1  doz.  of  flat  and  half  round  files  ;  1  doz.  of  3-square  do. 

2  large  sledges  ;  2  hand-vises;  10  broadaxes. 
10  handsaws  ;  10  hammers  ;  5  iron  squares. 

2  doz.  nail  gimblets  ;  (i  pair  of  compasses. 

5  sets  of  framing  chisels  and  ausurs. 

6  spike  gimblets  ;  2  sets  match  planes,  for  inch  and  J  in.  plank. 
10  lb.  of  twine. 

"  By  order, 
"ABM.  YATES,  Junr.  Presidt." 

On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  be  requested  to  acquaint 
the  Convention  wilh  the  quantities  of  bar  and  other  lead 
he  has  shipped  off  from  New- York,  the  places  where  sent 
to,  and  the  names  of  the  persons  in  whose  hands  they  are 


deposited,  and  of  the  residue  of  other  military  stores  re- 
maining in  his  hands. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Richard  Norwood,  Commissary, 
make  a  return  to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  of  the  stores 
by  him  lately  delivered  to  Zebediah  Mills,  and  of  those 
sent  to  General  Clinton's  encampment,  or  otherwise  sent  out 
of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  of  such  stores,  if  any,  as  he 
may  have  on  hand. 

Abraham  W.  Depeyster  being  called  in  at  the  request  of 
a  member,  and  desired  to  give  such  information  respecting 
Jos.  Reade,  Esqr.  as  he  had  heard.  Mr.  Depeyster  hav- 
ing mentioned  sundry  matters  which  he  had  heard  of  him, 
was  directed  to  withdraw  and  reduce  his  testimony  to  wri- 
ting in  form  of  an  affidavit,  and  bring  it  to  this  Committee. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Peter  Ten  Broeck,  dated 
the  23rd  August  last,  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  re- 
commends several  gentlemen  for  field  and  staff  officers  of 
Colo.  Graham's  regiment ;  some  of  the  field  and  other  offi- 
cers of  that  regiment  being  now  in  service. 

He  also  requests  blank  commissions  for  three  compa- 
nies. He  request  to  know  whether  the  custom  of  electing 
officers  is  to  be  continued  ;  alleges  that,  thereby  officers  are 
generally  appointed  who  have  no  command  over  their  men; 
which  matter  he  submits,  and  requests  an  answer. 

Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Capt.  Piatt  and  Colo.  Livingston, 
to  whom  General  Peter  Ten  Broeck's  letter  was  commit- 
ted, reported  a  draft  of  an  answer,  which  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  ac- 
quaint you,  in  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  23rd  of  August, 
it  is  their  opinion  that  the  respective  officers  now  on  duty 
are  to  be  and  remain  the  officers  of  the  different  regiments 
to  which  they  belong,  unless  they  should  be  removed  by 
the  fate  of  war ;  and  that  no  new  commissions  will  be 
granted  to  fill  up  any  vacancies  occasioned  by  officers  call- 
ed out  in  the  service,  but  that  they  return  to  ther  respective 
commands,  at  the  expiration  of  the  service  they  are  now  on. 

"  We  shall  forward  you  blank  commissions  for  the  three 
companies  of  militia,  provided  the  officers  are  now  out  in 
actual  service ;  if  so,  they  are  in  the  same  predicament  as 
above,  to  which  we  beg  your  answer. 

"  I  am  respectfully,  sir,  &c. 
"  To  Brigadier-Genl.  P.  Ten  Broeck, 

Dutchess  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Colo.  Livingston  and  Colo.  Allison  are  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  report  a  plan  of  establishing  riders  to  the  city  of 
New- York. 

Capt.  Zephaniah  Piatt  informed  the  committee  that  Mr. 
Gysbert  Schenk,  who  has  been  requested  to  give  informa- 
tion of  the  late  conduct  of  Wm.  Warne,  was  attending  at 
the  door  ;  being  called  in  and  examined,  his  deposition  fol- 
lows : 

"  Dutchess  county,  ss.  Gysbert  Schenck,  of  Dutchess 
county,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  Wil- 
liam Warne  lately  informed  the  deponent  that  he  had  come 
from  Nassau  island  ;  that  he  had  been  informed,  and  said 
it  was  the  public  report  on  the  island,  that  the  American 
army  had  lost,  in  killed  and  taken,  about  three  thousand 
men  ;  that  he  had  also  heard  that  the  Royal  army  had  lost 
about  two  hundred  men  ;  that  he  told  the  deponent  that  he 
had  received  his  information  from  the  regulars  and  the  to- 
nes ;  that  he  also  informed  the  deponent  of  a  report  that 
one  man,  by  stratagem,  had  taken  prisoners  either  ninety 
or  ninety-nine  of  the  American  army,  by  informing  them, 
when  they  had  surrounded  him,  that  they  were  then  sur- 
rounded by  a  larger  number,  and  advising  them  to  club 
their  arms  and  go  with  him,  with  which  the  Americans 
complied,  and  were  thereby  taken  prisoners.  That  he  also 
informed  the  deponent  that  Suffolk  county  had  all  surren- 
dered ;  that  the  General  had  sent  them  a  message,  that  if 
they  would  testify  iheir  loyally  they  must  send  him  two 
hundred  wagons,  and  that  they  had  sent  about  300  wagons 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


619 


to  assist  in  removing  baggage  to  Hellgate  ;  that  he  also  in- 
formed the  deponent  that  he  had  heard  that  the  regulars 
had  thrown  up  a  breast  work  opposite  to  the  fortification  at 
Horn's  Hook,  and  demolished  it ;  that  the  said  William 
Warne  informed  the  deponent  that  he  had  left  Nassau  is- 
land on  Friday  last  ;  that  he  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that  the 
Roval  army  would  conquer  America. 

"  GYSBERT  SCHENCK. 
"  Sworn  this  1  Olh  day  of  Septr.  ) 
1776,  before  me,  ) 

"  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  President." 

Mr  Abraham  W.  De  Pevster,  agreeable  to  the  directions 
given  him  this  morning,  brought  in  his  affidavit,  to  which 
he  was  sworn,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Dutchess  county,  ss.  Abraham  W.  D.  Peyster,  be- 
ing sworn,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  on  Wednesday,  Thurs- 
day and  Friday,  the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth  days  of  Septem- 
ber, instant,  he  was  at  New-Rochelle,  in  the  county  of 
Westchester ;  that  on  one  of  the  above  named  days  he 
heard,  (as  far  as  he  can  at  present  recollect,)  either  Theo- 
dosius  Bartow,  of  New-Rochelle  aforesaid,  or  Anthony 
Abrahams,  of  the  town  of  Westchester,  in  substance,  say, 
in  a  conversation  this  deponent  had  with  the  one  or  the 
other  of  them  on  the  American  contest,  that  Joseph  Reade, 
late  of  the  city  of  New-York,  attorney  at  law,  but  at  pre- 
sent, as  this  deponent  understood,  a  resident  in  the  town 
of  Westchester,  was  reputed  a  great  tory ;  that  the  chief 
of  his,  the  said  Joseph  Reade's  conversation,  was  of  the 
tory  kind  ;  and  that  he,  the  said  Joseph  Reade,  had  re- 
ported, that  in  the  late  battle  on  Long  island,  between  the 
American  army  and  that  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  the 
Americans  had  lost  either  seven  or  fourteen  thousand  men. 
(This  deponent  cannot  now  recollect  which  of  the  two  num- 
bers was  mentioned,  but  rather  thinks  fourteen.)  This  de- 
ponent further  says,  that  the  amount  of  all  he  heard  at 
New-Rochelle  at  the  time  aforesaid,  respecting  Joseph 
Reid,  was,  that  the  said  Joseph  Reid  was  a  great  tory  and 
very  unfriendly  to  the  American  cause,  and  further  this 
deponent  saith  not. 

"  A.  W.  D.  PEYSTER. 
"  Sworn  before  me,  this  10th  i 
Sept.  1776.  S 

"  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  President." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  deposition  be  transmitted  to  the 
committee  of  Westchester  county,  with  a  letter,  requesting 
them  to  proceed  thereon. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Westchester 
county  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
State,  to  send  you  the  enclosed  affidavit,  and  to  request 
the  committee  of  Westchester  county  to  make  farther  in- 
quiry into  the  conduct  of  the  person  charged,  and  take  such 
other  steps  as  shall  seem  proper  to  them. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

'',  To  the  Chairman  of  the  County 

Committee,  Westchester." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Two  letters  from  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  postmaster, 
the  first  dated  the  first,  and  the  other  the  sixth  day  of  Sep- 
tember, instant,  was  read  and  filed. 

In  the  first  letter  he  informs,  that  he  had  submitted  the 
matter  about  the  privateer,  for  which  the  Committee  ap- 
plied to  him,  to  the  other  owners,  and  sent  the  letter  from 
the  Committee  to  those  owners.  In  the  postscript  to  the 
first  letter,  and  by  his  second  letter,  he  submits  to  the 
Convention  the  propriety  of  establishing  a  rider  from  Dobb's 
ferry,  where  the  post  office  is,  to  Head-Quarters  ;  and  that 
the  Albany  post  should  ride  alternately  on  each  side  of 
Hudson's  river,  from  New- Windsor  upwards,  and  on  the 


east  side  only  below  Fish  Kill.  And  farther  informs,  that 
the  Comptroller  of  the  Post-Office  had  informed  him  that 
the  Postmaster-General  thought  the  office  should  be  kept 
near  Head-Quarters. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Mr.  Hazard  was  reported  by 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper  and  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  1st  and  6th  instant,  are  now  before 
us.  I  am,  in  consequence,  directed  to  inform  you,  that 
it  is  the  desire  of  the  Convention  that  the  Albany  postrider 
should,  in  going  from  and  returning  to  New-York,  ride  on 
the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river,  between  the  Fish  Kill  and 
the  said  city  ;  and  that  he  cross  the  said  river  at  the  Fish 
Kill  or  New-Windsor,  when  it  is  his  turn  to  ride  on  the  west 
side  thereof;  and  the  Convention  have  no  objections  to  your 
keeping  your  office  at  Head-Quarters,  or  any  other  place 
which  the  post-master  may  think  proper. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  To  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Moore  reported  that  by  virtue  of  the  warrant  of 
this  Committee  he  had  impressed  the  sloops  of  James 
Jackson  and  Martin  Wiltse  to  proceed  to  the  city  of  New- 
York. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  10th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 

Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Capt.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck, 
Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgale — llbany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Gil.  Budd,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Jonathan 
Piatt,  Mr.  Zeb.  Mills—  Westchester. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Major  Park — Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

A  member  informed  the  Committee  that  three  witnesses 
are  by  order  attending  at  the  door  to  be  examined  as  to  the 
conduct  and  declarations  of  Wm.  Warne. 

Doctor  Theodorus  Van  Wyck  was  first  called  in  and 
sworn  ;  he  delivered  in  his  testimony  in  writing ;  being 
cross-examined  by  Wm.  Warne,  such  additions  thereto 
as  became  necessary  were  added — and  the  testimony  is  as 
follows  : 

"  I  saw  William  Warns  the  7th  instant,  who  told  me 
he  left  Long  island  the  5th  in  the  evening,  and  says  the 
regular  army  in  Long  island  is  upwards  of  30,000  strong ; 
that  10,000  had  lately  arrived  on  Staten  island,  that  15,000 
was  daily  expected  ;  that  Burgoyne's  army  of  regulars, 
Canadians  and  Indians  was  15,000  ;  that  they  had 
spies  throughout  the  Continent,  and  had  intelligence  of 
each  other  frequently  ;  that  in  the  late  skirmishes  on  Long 
island  we  had  lost  in  killed,  prisoners  and  wounded  2,500  ; 
that  when  our  troops  evacuated  Long  island  we  left  all  our 
cannon  and  provisions  ;  that  our  army  behaved  ill  saving 
2  regiments,  vizt :  a  Jersey  regiment  and  Col.  Lasher's 
regiment ;  the  latter  but  a  few  escaped  ;  that  the  regulars 
loss  did  not  amount  to  200 ;  that  General  Woodhull  was 
taken  with  Increase  Carpenter  in  the  said  Carpenter's 
barn  ;  that  General  Howe  sent  to  the  inhabitants  of  Suffolk 
to  come  in  and  to  show  their  loyalty,  to  send  down  200 
wagons  ;  they  immediately  sent  300  wagons  ;  he  likewise 
told  me  he  was  almost  a  tory,  and  advised  us  all  to  turn 
tories  that  the  King  would  certainly  overcome  us  ;  that 
the  said  William  Warne  informed  him  that  he  heard  the 
above  mentioned  matters  from  David  Colden,  a  surgeon  of 
I  the  army,  several  of  the  light  horse  and  Doctor  Ogden ; 


620 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


that  he  did  not  say  that  he  knew  any  of  these  things  of 
his  own  knowledge. 

"  THEODS.  VAN  WYCK,  Junr. 
•'Sworn  before  me  the  > 
10th  Sept.  1776.  ) 

"  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  President." 

"  Roeloff  Schenck  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evan- 
gelists, dcpose.th  and  saith,  that  his  brother  Gysbert  Schenck 
and  others  were  present  at  the  conversation  with  William 
Warne  ;  that  the  said  Warne  informed  them  that  the  ene- 
my were  in  possession  of  Nassau  island  ;  that  the  inhabi- 
tants were  making  their  submission  ;  that  he  said  that 
from  the  information  he  had  received  the  two  armies  of  the 
enemy  when  they  met  would  be  near  80,000  men  ;  that 
he  intimated  that  he  thought  the  Americans  would  be  over- 
come ;  that  he  seemed  inclined  to  think  that  the  Ameri- 
cans had  best  to  submit ;  that  he  also  said  that  he  had 
been  informed  that  the  regulars  by  a  battery  or  some  works 
on  Long  island  had  demolished  the  fort  at  Horn's  Hook  ; 
that  he  said  he  had  his  information  from  David  Colden, 
Doctor  Ogden  and  others  ;  that  he  said  he  heard  a  High- 
lander say  that  he  had  himself  taken  99  men  ;  that  he  in- 
formed that  he  had  seen  many  of  the  officers,  both  Hes- 
sians and  others  ;  that  he  said  those  called  friends  to  go- 
vernment were  distinguished  by  a  piece  of  something  red 
on  their  hats  ;  that  he  said  he  was  not  disposed  to  fight  in 
the  affair  on  either  side,  and  that  he  would  be  willing  to 
comply  with  the  measures  of  Government,  for  he  thought 
it  would  be  in  vain  to  resist,  or  words  to  that  effect ;  that 
he  further  informed  that  he  had  heard  that  General  Howe 
had  sent  down  to  the  inhabitants  of  Suffolk  county  that  if 
they  did  not  submit  he  would  send  down  his  army  and  de- 
stroy them  ;  that  the  different  towns  in  that  county  had 
sent  in  addresses  to  the  General ;  that  he  had  directed 
them  if  they  would  testify  their  loyalty  to  send  in  200  wa- 
gons to  transport  cannon  and  baggage  towards  New  Town 
or  Hell  Gate,  and  that  the  different  towns  had  sent  300  wa- 
gons ;  that  he  farther  said  that  he  had  been  informed  that 
Justice  Kissam  was  administering  oaths  of  allegiance  to 
the  inhabitants. 

"ROELOFF  SCHENCK. 

"  Sworn  the  10th  day  of  > 
Septr.  1776,  before  me.  J 

"  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  President." 

"  Peter  Horton  being  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists, 
deposeth  and  saith,  that  Wm.  Warne  informed  him  that 
he  had  seen  the  regulars  and  some  of  the  Hessian  officers  ; 
that  he  said  the  regulars  had  told  him  they  had  killed, 
wounded  and  taken  three  thousand  of  our  men  ;  that  he 
said  he  reckoned  they  would  beat  us  ;  that  he  said  he  was 
a  tory  ;  that  he  told  him  one  of  the  regulars  said  he  had 
killed  one  man  and  taken  99  more,  and  that  one  of  the 
light  horse  had  killed  two  riflemen  and  taken  two  others  ; 
that  this  conversation  was  on  last  Saturday  evening. 

"  PETER  HORTON. 

"  Sworn  the  10th  day  of  > 
Sept.  1776,  before  me.  S 

"Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  President." 

The  doorkeeper  was  directed  to  take  the  said  William 
Warne  to  Captain  Weeks'  or  any  other  place  where  he 
may  be  safely  kept  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Colo.  Livingston  and  Colo.  Allison,  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  employing  post  riders, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  lead. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  to-morrow  morning. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Henry  Remscn,  dated  at  New- 
Haven,  the  seventh  instant,  was  read. 

He  therein  informs  that  Mr.  Peter  Colt  is  agent  for 
Colo.  Trumbull,  the  Commissary-General,  and  employed 
up  Hudson's  river  to  purchase  flour.  He  recommends 
Mr.  Colt  to  the  members  of  the  Convention  to  direct  him 
where  to  apply  for  flour. 


Ordered,  That  Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Wisner, 
Capt.  Piatt,  Major  Park  be  a  committee  to  confer  with 
Mr.  Colt,  and  give  him  the  best  directions  they  can  on  that 
subject. 

Colo.  Remsen  farther  informs  by  his  said  letter,  that  he 
is  waiting  at  New-Haven  for  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Harri- 
son from  Providence  [with  goods]  which  were  imported 
by  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  himself  for  the  State  of  New- 
York  ;  that  he  expects  them  soon,  and  requests  directions 
how  to  dispose  of,  or  where  to  lodge,  the  said  goods. 

Ordered,  That  that  part  of  Colo.  Remsen's  letter  which 
relates  to  the  dry  goods  be  deferred  for  consideration  till 
to-morrow  morning. 

Major  Schenk  informed  the  Convention  that  Capt. 
Wiltse's  sloop  which  was  impressed  to  go  to  New- York 
for  the  sick,  is  delayed  for  want  of  a  master ;  that 
Capt.  Wiltse's  wife  is  in  such  a  situation  that  he  cannot 
go  abroad,  and  that  Capt.  Bush  declines  going. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Schenk  go  to  the  landing  and  en- 
deavour to  procure  some  proper  person  to  proceed  with 
the  said  sloop  immediately. 

N.  B.  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer  obtained  the  consent  of  all 
the  members  present  to  go  home  and  take  charge  of  his 
regiment,  to  furnish  their  quota  of  men,  and  to  prepare 
and  command  the  regiment  should  they  be  generally  called 
to  action. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  llth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay— New-York. 
Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  Zeph.  Plait,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Genl 
Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Root.  Yates— Albany. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Colo.  Van  Coi  tlandt,  Colo.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Jonath 
Plait,  Mr.  Zeb.  Mills—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  subject  of  employ- 
ing post,  riders  to  New-York,  was  again  read.  After 
some  time  spent  thereon  it  was  referred  to  the  Convention 
of  this  State. 

Colo.  Remsen's  letter  of  the  seventh  instant,  from  New- 
Haven,  was  again  read.  He  therein  requests  directions 
how  to  dispose  of  a  parcel  of  dry  goods,  imported  by  Mr. 
Van  Zandt  and  himself  for  the  use  and  on  the  account  of 
this  Slate. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  Colo.  Remsen  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  by  Mr.  Colt  has  been  received,  and 
the  necessary  instructions  given  him. 

"  You  will  be  pleased  to  transport  the  goods  you  men- 
tioned to  Fishkill,  in  the  most  cheap  and  expeditious  man- 
ner, and  by  no  means  suffer  any  of  them  to  be  detained  or 
sold. 

"  When  the  Convention  shall  be  particularly  informed 
of  the  circumstances  of  the  inhabitants  who  have  lately 
quitted  Long  island,  they  will  doubtless  make  such  a  pro- 
vision for  them  as  humanity  and  the  condition  of  this  Stale 
may  render  necessary  and  proper. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Colo.  Henhy  Remsen." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  si'oned 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

On  consideration  of  the  case  of  William  Warne  the 
Committee  came  to  the  following  determination,  vizt : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


621 


Whereas  William  Warne  has  been  guilty  of  propagat- 
ing divers  false  reports  tending  to  injure  the  American 
cause,  and  hath  also  confessed  to  certain  persons  that  he 
was  a  tory,  and  that  in  his  opinion  it  was  best  for  the 
country  to  submit  to  its  enemies, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Warne  be  commilted 
to  the  jail  of  this  county  for  one  month  ;  that  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  ship-yard  at  Poughkeepsie  be  requested 
and  authorized  to  take  the  said  Warne  out  of  jail  every 
morning  and  set  him  to  work  in  the  yards,  and  return  him 
to  jail  every  night ;  and  that  they  pay  him  weekly  such 
wages  as  his  labour  may  be  reasonably  worth. 

Resolved,  That  at  the  expiration  of  the  said  month,  the 
said  jailer  bring  the  said  Win.  Warne  before  the  Conven- 
tion or  a  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  whichever 
of  them  may  be  then  sitting,  to  the  end  that  he  may  abide 
such  further  order  as  may  be  then  made  concerning  him. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Evert  Wynkoop  Swart,  or  the  next 
commanding  officer  of  his  company,  send,  with  all  possi- 
ble despatch,  two  trusty  sentinels,  well  armed  and  ac- 
coutred, ready  to  proceed  to  execute  such  orders  as  they 
may  receive  from  this  Committee  of  Safely. 

Whereas  the  Reverend  Samuel  Seabury,  of  the  bo- 
rough of  Westchester,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  is 
notoriously  disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  and  from  his 
vicinity  to  the  enemy,  has  opportunities  of  rendering  them 
essential  services  : 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Joseph  Drake  be  directed  forth- 
with to  remove  the  said  Samuel  Seabury  from  Westches- 
ter to  the  house  of  Colo.  John  Brinckerhoff,  at  this  place, 
to  remain  there  till  the  further  order  of  the  Convention  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  ;  and  that  he  be  not 
permitted  to  leave  the  farm  of  the  said  Colonel  Brincker- 
hoff, except  in  company  with  the  Colonel. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr. 
Robert  Harper,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  circum- 
stances of  the  Reverend  Mr.  Samuel  Seabury,  and  report 
thereon  to  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  sign,  and  that  one  of  the 
Secretaries  countersign,  six  blank  commissions,  to  be  de- 
livered to  Mr.  Crane,  for  certain  officers  in  Dutchess  coun- 
ty, and  five  others  for  certain  officers  in  the  county  of  Ul- 
ster, to  be  delivered  to  Christopher  Tappen,  Esquire. 

Major  Schenk  informed  the  Committee  that,  in  obedience 
to  their  order  of  last  night,  he  had  endeavoured  to  procure 
hands  to  navigate  the  sloop  from  the  landing  of  this  place 
to  New-York,  to  remove  the  sick  to  Orange  Town,  but 
that  he  has  not  been  able  to  procure  any.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is  here- 
by authorized  and  empowered  to  impress  a  river  sloop,  with 
a  master  and  men  to  navigate  her,  and  that  Mr.  Schenk 
cause  the  said  sloop  to  proceed  immediately  to  the  city  of 
New-York,  to  remove  such  indisposed  persons  of  the  army 
as  Genl.  Washington,  or  Doctor  Morgan,  the  Director-Ge- 
neral of  the  Hospital,  shall  be  pleased  to  order  on  board,  to 
Orange  Town,  in  the  county  of  Orange. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

Septr.  12th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yales,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay — New-York, 
Doclr.  Crane,  Capt.  Zeph.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr. 
Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Jno.  Ten  Broeck — Ubany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Jonath. 
Piatt—  Westchester. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

156 


Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Egbert  Dumond,  Esquire,  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  county, 
delivered  to  the  Committee  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler, 
directed  to  the  President,  and  which  General  Schuyler  de- 
sired to  be  sent  by  express.  He  also  produced  to  this 
Committee  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Ulster  county,  requesting  their  militia  to  march  to 
Albany  immediately  ;  also  an  extract  of  intelligence  re- 
ceived from  Lake  Champlain. 

Mr.  Dumond  says  that  he  was  desired  by  their  commit- 
tee to  bring  General  Schuyler's  letter  to  the  President ; 
but  there  appeared  reason  to  believe  that  the  committee  of 
Ulster  desired  to  have  the  sentiments  of  the  Committee, 
whether  they  should  supply  the  detachments  from  their 
militia  for  the  garrisons  in  the  Highlands. 

Thereupon,  the  Committee  of  Safety  made  the  follow- 
ing determination,  to  wit : 

The  Committee  of  Safety  having  taken  into  considera- 
tion General  Schuyler's  letter  of  the  9th  instant,  to  the 
committee  of  Ulster,  and  by  them  transmitted  to  this  Com- 
mittee. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  levies  directed  by  the  Convention  to 
be  raised  in  that  county  to  reinforce  the  garrisons  in  the 
Highlands,  be  immediately  completed,  and  the  more  so,  as 
General  Washington  concurs  with  the  Convention  in  think- 
ing those  levies  highly  necessary  for  the  defence  of  those 
important  posts. 

And  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that  the  remain- 
der of  the  militia  of  Ulster  ought  to  comply  with  such  re- 
quisitions and  directions  as  they  have  or  may  receive  from 
General  Schuyler. 

Whereas  the  public  accounts  of  this  State  to  be  laid  be- 
fore the  Continental  Treasury  Board,  to  be  audited  and 
passed,  are  in  a  great  measure  delayed  for  want  of  the  ac- 
counts of  the  expenditure  of  the  public  moneys  which  have 
passed  through  the  hands  of  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr. : 

Ordered,  That  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  render  accounts 
to  the  Treasurer  or  to  the  Auditor-General,  of  all  the  pub- 
lic moneys  which  have  been  put  into  his  hands  by  the  Re- 
presentatives of  this  State,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  deliver  to  Egbert 
Dumond,  Esqr.  a  copy  of  the  above  order,  and  the  pream- 
ble thereof. 

A  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Albany  on 
the  9th  instant,  was  read  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Albany,  Septr.  9th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  information  received 
from  Colo.  Dayton,  on  Friday  last,  that  a  body  of  the  ene- 
my were  to  be  at  Oswego  on  the  4lh  instant,  and  that  ano- 
ther body  were  actually  on  their  march  to  the  Mohawk  ri- 
ver, I  have  requested  the  committee  of  this  county  to  or- 
der up  the  militia,  and  they  are  now  convening  here. 

"  At  half  past  ten  this  morning  1  received  a  letter  from 
General  Gates,  dated  the  6th  instant,  at  Tyconderoga,  in 
which  he  gives  me  the  following  extract  of  a  letter  from 
Lieut.  Colo.  Hartley  to  him,  dated  from  Crown  Point  at 
two  o'clock  on  Friday. 

"  '  There  has  been  a  very  heavy  cannonade  down  the  lake 
all  this  morning  ;  it  is  undoubtedly  between  our  fleet  and 
the  enemy,  so  that  you  may  prepare  accordingly,  I  have 
sent  down  a  boat  just  now  to  know  more  particularly.' 

"  This  intelligence  has  induced  me  to  call  upon  the 
neighbouring  counties  in  the  New-England  States,  and 
those  of  Ulster  and  Dutchess  in  this,  to  march  their  mili- 
tia up. 

"  Future  accounts  from  General  Gates  or  Colo.  Dayton 
must  determine  which  way  I  am  to  march  the  militia — 
whether  to  Tyconderoga  or  to  the  westward.  Our  army 
is  in  the  greatest  distress  for  medicines,  and  this  in  com- 
mon wilh  all  the  other  misfortunes  that  have  attended  our 
northern  operations,  is  imputed  to  me.  I  am  happy  that  I 
have  it  in  my  power  not  only  to  exculpate  myself  on  the 


622 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


most  minute  and  critical  inquiry,  but  that  I  can  point  out 
the  source  of  most  of  our  disasters  in  this  department. 
Your  respectable  body  will  not  be  displeased  at  this  decla- 
ration, since  you  have  more  immediate  cause  to  wish  that 
I  may  have  discharged  my  duly  with  propriety,  as  by  your 
recommendation  I  was  appointed  to  a  command  which, 
notwithstanding  your  favourable  opinion  of  me,  I  know  I 
was  incompetent  to,  and  therefore  reluctantly  accepted  the 
arduous  task. 

"  Envy,  detraction,  and  the  most  unbecoming  jealousy 
have  followed  me  from  the  beginning.  I  hope  1  have  pro- 
perly resented  every  calumny  where  I  couid  fix  it  on  indi- 
viduals. To  exculpate  myself  from  the  general  clamour, 
I  have  entreated  Congress  to  make  the  strictest  inquiry 
into  my  conduct,  that  if  I  am  culpable  I  may  meet  with 
the  detestation  of  my  fellow  citizens — if  not,  and  that  oth- 
ers are,  that  the  public  resentment  may  be  transferred  to 
the  proper  object.  I  have  even  ventured  to  declare  that 
'I  do  not  believe  I  shall  be  even  convicted  of  an  error  in 
judgment.'  As  twenty-four  days  are  already  elapsed  since 
I  requested  an  inquiry,  and  have  not  been  honouied  with 
any  answer;  and  as  the  calumny  against  me  increases  with 
rapidity,  I  have  by  this  conveyance  advised  Congress  and 
General  Washington  of  my  intention  to  resign  as  soon  as 
I  return  from  Tryon  county  or  Tyconderoga,  and  that  I  will 
in  some  oilier  way  strive  to  evince  my  affection  for  my 
country,  and  my  zeal  in  its  cause.  I  hope  this  step  will 
meet  your  approbation,  and  although  I  am  not  at  present 
at  liberty  to  lay  before  you  such  proofs  as  I  trust  will 
clearly  and  fully  acquit  me  of  any  impropriety  of  conduct, 
yet  it  may  hereafter  be  my  duty  to  do  it,  as  well  for  my 
own  justification  as  for  that  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
who  wrote  so  partially  in  my  favour  to  the  Continental 
Congress. 

*'  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

*  The  Honourable  the  Congress  of  the 

State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Wm.  Har- 
per, Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  Sessions  be  a  committee 
to  consider  of  the  said  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  and 
report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Whereas  the  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  this 
State  did,  on  the  seventh  instant,  order  a  draft  of  a  commis- 
sion to  be  prepared  for  the  field  officers  of  the  detach- 
ments of  the  militia  of  Ulster,  Orange,  Dutches  and  Alba- 
ny, to  reinforce  the  garrisons  of  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  which  draft  of  a  commission  has  remained  se- 
veral days,  but  there  has  not  since  been  a  representation  of 
this  Stale  in  Convention  to  approve  of  the  same  :  And 
whereas  it  is  necessary  for  the  despatch  of  those  detach- 
ments that  a  commission  issue  to  Johannes  Snider,  Esqr. 
the  colonel  appointed  by  Convention  to  command  the  same  ; 
and  the  said  draft  of  a  commission  and  an  engrossed  copy 
thereof,  has  been  read  and  approved  by  this  Committee  : 
Therefore  from  the  necessity  of  the  case, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  sign,  and  that  one  of  the 
Secretaries  attest,  the  said  engrossed  copy  of  a  commission 
for  Colo.  Snider,  and  that  it  be  forwarded  to  him  by  Eg- 
bert Dumond,  Esqr.  which  was  done  accordingly. 

Whereas  the  time  limited  for  the  absence  of  Robert  R. 
Livingston  and  William  Uuer,  Esquires,  from  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  Slate,  hath  expired,  and  neither  of  them  hath 
returned ; 

Resolved,  That  Sampson  Dyckman,  the  messenger,  be 
directed  to  summon  those  gentlemen  to  return  immediate- 
ly lo  the  House,  and  that  they  pay  a  reasonable  compen- 
sation to  the  messenger  for  his  trouble  and  expenses. 

Resolved  further,  That  the  said  messenger  summon  all 
the  absent  members  who  may  reside,  or  be  between  this 
place  and  the  north  bounds  of  the  Manor  of  Livingston,  to 
attend  immediately,  (except  Gilbert  Livingston.) 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper  prepare  a  draft  of  a 


letter  to  General  Geo.  Clinton,  requesting  him  to  inform 
the  Convenlion  of  the  slate  of  the  chevaux-de-frise,  and 
other  obstructions  to  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  op- 
posite to  Fort  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston  have  leave  of 
absence,  to  depart  on  Saturday  and  return  on  Tuesday. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  send  letters  to  such  absent 
members  as  are  not  otherwise  on  duty,  desiring  their  im- 
mediate attendance. 

A  letter  from  Colo  Swartwout,  of  General  Clinton's  bri- 
gade, dated  the  10th  instant,  was  read.  He  therein  men- 
tions that  Lieut.  Colo.  Ferris,  of  his  regiment,  on  account  of 
his  indisposition  had  obtained  leave  from  their  brigadier-ge- 
neral to  return  to  his  family;  that  he  will  not  probably  be  fit 
for  service  this  campaign;  and  he  recommends  a  promotion 
of  the  present  officers  now  in  service.  Colo.  Swartwout 
also  claims  the  first  rank  in  the  brigade  to  his  regiment. 

A  long  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  George  Clinton,  da- 
ted the  8th  instant,  was  also  read.  Amongst  other  things 
he  mentions  the  frequent  desertions  from  his  brigade,  and 
encloses  a  return  of  the  brigade.  Whereby  it  appears  that 
59(5  men  are  deficient ;  that  the  deficiency  arises  from  the 
different  militia  regiments  not  having  furnished  their  quotas, 
and  from  desertions.  He  encloses  therein  a  list  of  Dutch- 
es county  deserters.  A  petition  of  complaint  against  Wil- 
liam Foreman,  the  surgeon  of  Colo.  Graham's  regiment. 
The  testimony  of  some  witnesses  against  William  Mahany 
and  Gilbert  Tippet,  by  him  confined  for  practices  and  de- 
clarations inimical  to  American  liberty. 

Ordered,  That  General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Zeph.  Piatt, 
Doctor  Crane,  Colo.  Allison  and  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  be  a 
committee  to  consider  of,  and  report  on,  the  letters  of  Ge- 
neral George  Clinton  and  Colo.  Swartwout,  and  the  papers 
attending  the  same  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  do  also 
report  a  resolution  to  prevent  harbouring  deserters. 

The  Convention  of  this  State  and  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  the  State,  in  the  recess  of  the  Convention,  hav- 
ing frequent  occasion  for  guards  to  apprehend  dangerous 
and  disaffected  persons, 

Resolved,  That  Melancton  Smith,  Esqr.  captain-com- 
mandant of  three  companies  raised  in  the  counties  of 
Dutches  and  Westchester,  cause  a  detachment  of  a  ser- 
geant and  twelve  men  to  attend  this  Committee  without 
delay. 

Colo.  Drake  has  leave  of  absence,  to  return  on  Tuesday 
evening  next. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Schenk  be  requested  and  autho- 
rized to  cause  to  be  apprehended  and  brought  before  this 
Committee,  a  certain  Riley,  suspected  of  being  a  deserter 
from  the  army  of  the  United  American  States,  and  that 
Major  Schenk  use  his  discretion  as  to  the  mode  of  appre- 
hending him,  with  power  to  demand  the  assistance  of  any 
officer  of  the  militia,  or  other  person  or  persons  in  the  ex- 
ecution hereof. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  Committee  that  he  can  employ 
Abm.  De  Peysler,  to  assist  in  bringing  up  the  records  of 
the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  desired  to  know  whether 
the  Committee  will  authorize  him  to  apply  to  the  said 
Abraham  De  Peyster  on  that  subject. 

Agreed,  That.  Mr.  Jay  have  leave  to  apply  to  converse 
with  Abraham  De  Peyster  on  this  subject,  and  report  the 
result  or  terms  proposed  to  this  Committee. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr  13th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane*—  Neio-York. 
Doctor  Crane — Dutches. 
Mr.  Websier*— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,*  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,Mr.  Jno.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  P.  R. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,*  Mr.  Cuyler — Albany. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


623 


Mr.  Sessions  and  Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Jonalh.  Piatt,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt*— Westchester. 

Major  Park,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith—  Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 

Those  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  -with  asterisks,  are  a 
quorum  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Livingston  have  leave  of  absence 
till  to-morrow  week,  the  order  of  yesterday  notwithstand- 
ing. 

The  Committee  are  informed  that  the  services  and  at- 
tendance of  Matthew  Visscher,  Esqr.  as  clerk  to  the  se- 
cretary to  the  committee  in  the  city  and  county  of  Albany, 
are  absolutely  necessary.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Matthew  Visscher,  Esqr.  be 
exempted  from  all  military  duly  during  his  continuance  in 
the  exercise  of  the  said  office. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Ebenezer  Hazard,  dated  yesterday, 
was  read  and  filed. 

He  says  he  cannot  see  any  reason  why  the  Albany  post 
should  not  continue  to  ride  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's 
river  as  far  as  Fishkill ;  though  "  the  Comptroller  de- 
sires his  route  may  not  be  altered  until  there  is  an  absolute 
necessity,  or  order  from  the  Postmaster-General."  In  a 
postscript  to  his  letter  he  mentions  that  some  postage  is 
due  to  him,  and  requests  an  order  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  pay  the  postage  due  to 
Mr.  Hazard,  and  charge  the  same  to  this  State. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  daled  at  King's 
Bridge  the  12th  instant,  and  directed  to  Mr.  McKesson, 
was  read.  He  therein  gives  information  of  the  state  of 
the  army  near  him  and  of  the  enemy.  And  from  the  in- 
telligence therein  contained,  there  is  reason  to  believe  that 
Samuel  Gale  and  Isaac  Ludlum,  of  Orange  county,  have 
a  correspondence  with  persons  inimical  now  on  Nassau 
island. 

This  Committee  being  informed  that  Samuel  Gale  and 
Isaac  Ludlum,  of  Orange  county,  are  concerned  in  a  dan- 
gerous correspondence  with  the  enemy, 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Allison  immediately  repair  to 
Orange  county  and  take  such  methods  as  he  may  think 
proper  to  have  the  said  Samuel  Gale  and  Isaac  Ludlum 
immediately  apprehended,  together  with  all  papers  on  the 
subject  of  the  present  troubles  or  relative  thereto  ;  and 
cause  them,  with  the  said  papers,  to  be  forthwith  brought 
before  this  Committee  or  the  Convention  of  this  State  ; 
and  for  that  purpose  that,  he  be  authorized  to  search  the 
houses  and  all  such  other  places  belonging  to  them  as  he 
may  judge  necessary. 

The  Committee  were  informed  of  sundry  speeches  and 
declarations  of  Jacob  Peets,  Johannes  Snider,  Andries 
Hart  and  John  Archibald,  of  Ulster  county,  whereby  it 
appears  to  this  Committee  that  they  are  dangerous  per- 
sons, inimical  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Hanover 
precinct,  in  that  county,  be  and  hereby  are  directed  to 
have  those  persons  apprehended,  examined  and  secured  ; 
and  that  they  report  their  proceedings  to  the  county  com- 
mittee of  that  county. 

"The  sub-committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter 
from  Major-General  Schuyler,  of  the  9th  inst.  and  the  let- 
ters from  Comfort  Sands  and  Thomas  Grant,  have,  accord- 
ing to  order,  taken  the  same  into  consideration  ;  and  first, 
that  part  of  the  General's  letter  communicating  informa- 
tion that  a  body  of  the  enemy  were  expected  at  Oswego 
on  the  4th  instant,  and  another  body  actually  on  their 
march  to  the  Mohawk  river,  and  that  there  had  been  a 
very  heavy  cannonade  down  Lake  Champlnin  on  the 
morning  of  the  6th  instant  between  our  fleet  and  that  of 
the  enemy  ;  that  in  consequence  of  this  intelligence  he  had 
ordered  up  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Albany,  Ulster 


and  Dutchess,  to  be  employed  to  the  northward  and  west- 
ward as  might  from  future  accounts  become  necessary. 
Upon  which  your  committee  observe  that  the  following 
drafts  have  already  been  made  and  directed  to  be  made 
from  the  militia  of  Dutchess  and  Ulster  counties,  (to 
wit :) 

"  In  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress, of  the  7th  of  June  last,  from  Dutchess,  embodied 
in  Brigadier-General  Scott's  brigade,  posted  near  the  city 
of  New-York,  335  men  ;  from  Ulster  for  the  same  ser- 
vice, 300  men  ;  a  further  draft,  agreeable  to  a  resolution 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  of  the  19th  of  July  last, 
of  one-fourth  of  the  remaining  militia  of  each  of  the  said 
counties,  which  form  a  part  of  Brigadier-General  Clinton's 
brigade,  and  are  stationed  at  or  near  King's  Bridge  ;  and 
a  third  draft,  directed  by  the  Convention  on  the  7th  instant, 
of  175  men  from  Dutchess  and  200  from  Ulster,  to  rein- 
force the  garrisons  of  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution 
in  the  Highlands. 

"  That  when  the  last  mentioned  drafts  shall  be  complet- 
ed, it  is  supposed  that  dependence  cannot  be  made  on 
more  than  700  armed  and  well  affected  militia  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Dutchess,  or  more  than  1,000  in  the  county  of  Ul- 
ster. That  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands  (which  are  of 
the  utmost  consequence  to  the  common  cause  of  America) 
will,  even  after  receiving  such  reinforcement,  be  far  from 
a  state  of  security.  That  in  case  of  an  attack  on  those 
fortresses,  or  any  sudden  irruption  of  our  open,  or  insur- 
rection of  our  concealed  enemies,  no  relief  can  at  present 
be  expected  from  the  armies  or  militia  to  the  southward  or 
northward. 

"  From  these  circumstances,  and  considering  further,  that 
many  of  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Dutchess  are  disaffect- 
ed, your  sub-committed  are  of  opinion  that  no  more  of  the 
militia  can,  with  any  regard  to  the  common  safety,  be 
spared  from  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Ulster ;  having, 
however,  the  highest  confidence  in  General  Schuyler's 
judgment  and  zeal  for  the  common  cause,  we  cannot  ad- 
vise that  his  order  for  the  march  of  the  militia  of  the  said 
counties  should  be  superseded  by  act  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  but  rather  that  a  member  be  immediately  despatch- 
ed to  confer  with  the  General,  that  fully  apprized  of  the 
reasons  which  influence  the  opinion  of  this  sub-committee, 
he  may  be  satisfied  of  the  danger  of  drawing  all  the  militia 
from  those  counties,  and  give  such  directions  as  shall  ap- 
pear to  him  most  salutary  in  this  difficult  and  arduous  con- 
juncture. 

"  Your  sub-committee  are  further  of  opinion,  that  Gene- 
ral Schuyler  be  informed  with  respect  to  the  subject  matter 
of  the  two  last  mentioned  letters,  that  there  are  a  quantity 
of  medicines  at  Poughkeepsie,  in  the  hands  of  Gerardus 
Duycking  and  Doctor  Tappen,  and  a  farther  quantity  at 
New-Rochelle,  in  the  hands  of  Comfort  Sands,  the  origi- 
nal costs  of  which  last  appear  to  be  £340  sterling,  such 
part  of  which  as  shall,  in  the  judgment  of  the  director  of 
the  hospital,  or  his  agent,  be  found  servicable,  may  be  pur- 
chased for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  the  Convention 
havitig  directed  them  to  be  reserved  for  that  purpose,  and 
that  the  letter  from  Mr.  Sands  and  Mr.  Grant,  and  the  in- 
voice, enclosed  in  the  letter,  be  transmitted  to  the  General 
for  his  better  information. 

"The  sub-committee  are  further  of  opinion,  that  the  re- 
maining part  of  the  General's  letter,  which  more  immedi- 
ately relates  to  himself,  be  referred  to  the  consideration  of 
the  Convention  at  their  first  meeting." 

The  said  report  being  read,  and  again  read  by  paragraphs 
and  amended, 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  does  agree  with  their 
sub  committee  in  their  said  report :  And 

Resolved,  That  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esquire,  be  the  member 
to  wait  upon  General  Schuyler,  for  the  purposes  mentioned 
in  the  aforegoing  report. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  by  the  President  to 


624 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


General  Geo.  Clinton,  requesting  him  to  cause  the  medi- 
cines and  hospital  stores  which  were  lately  left  at  the  house 
of  Aaron  Bussing,  near  the  church  in  Haerlem,  to  be  re- 
moved to  some  place  of  safety  near  his  encampment,  or 
where  he  may  think  them  most  safe  from  the  enemy. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  George  Clinton,  respecting 
the  obstructions  to  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  Sir — Being  informed  by  a  member  of  the  Convention, 
that  some  of  the  chevaux-de-frise  intended  to  be  effectu- 
ally sunk  in  Hudson's  river,  were  a  few  days  ago  floating 
with  the  tide,  I  am  directed  to  request  the  favour  of  you  to 
inform  me  what  probability  there  is  of  the  permanence  of 
those  machines,  their  distance,  and  whether  you  conceive 
the  navigation  of  the  enemy's  fleet  is  thereby  obstructed. 

"  If  you  have  any  thing  else  to  communicate  on  this  sub- 
ject, whereby  defects  may  be  repaired,  and  the  plan  more 
effectually  executed,  it  will  be  of  important  service  to  the 
State. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  To  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Certain  resolutions  to  prevent  a  correspondence  with  the 
enemy,  by  preventing  persons  from  travelling  in  this  State 
from  one  county  to  another  without  a  pass,  were  proposed 
and  read. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  they  were  committed  to  Mr. 
Jay  to  report  thereon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  13th,  1776. 

This  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Phesent — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,*  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,*  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck— Albany . 

Mr.  Win.  Smith*— Suffolk. 

Major  Park,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 
Only  three  members  of  the  quorum  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  attending,  viz.  those  gentlemen  whose  names  are 
marked  with  asterisks,  the  Committee  could  not  proceed 
to  business  for  want  of  a  sufficient  quorum,  and  therefore 
adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  9  o'clock. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  Uth,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  Sackett,  Major  Schenk,  Capt.  Zeph.  Platt,  Mr. 
R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Adgate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates—  Albany. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder— Try  on. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Jonath.  Platt,  Mr.  Zeb.  Mills — Westchester. 
Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith  Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
The  information  and  representation  of  Lieut.  Colonel 
Benjamin  Birdsall,  and  also  the  representation  of  Lieut. 
Thos.  Williams,  of  Capt.  Nostrandt's  company,  as  to  the 
state  of  Colo.  Smith's  regiment,  raised  on  Nassau  island, 
each  dated  the  sixth  instant,  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  deferred  for  consideration  until 
the  state  of  Nassau  island  is  taken  into  consideration,  or 
further  information  can  be  obtained. 

Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  informed  the  Committee  that  a 
large  quantity  of  saltpetre,  in  the  hands  of  several  persons, 
is  ready  to  be  purchased,  and  requested  an  order  on  the 
Treasury  for  two  hundred  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Hen- 
ry Wisner,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  pur- 
chase saltpetre  ;  that  the  Treasurer  take  a  receipt  for  the 
same  ;  and  that  Mr.  Wisner  hereafter  render  an  account 
to  the  Convention  of  the  expenditure  of  that  money. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith  has  leave  of  absence  for  three  days, 
this  day  included,  then  to  return  or  send  a  member  from 
that  county  in  his  place. 

N.  B.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  and  William  Duer, 
Esqr.  attended,  whereby  there  is  a  representation  of  this 
State  in  Convention.  The  names  of  those  gentlemen  are 
added  to  the  members  of  their  respective  counties,  and  the 
Convention  proceeded  to  business. 

157 


Whereas  the  present  critical  situation  of  this  State,  and 
the  important  objects  the  Convention  have  in  view,  render 
it  necessary  that  the  good  people  of  this  State  should  be 
fully  and  constantly  represented  in  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  all  the  members  of  this  Con- 
vention do  forthwith  and  at  all  times  during  the  session 
thereof,  regularly  give  their  attendance  at  it,  except  such 
of  the  members  as  now  are,  or  hereafter  may  be  absent  by 
order  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be 
immediately  transmitted  to  the  committees  of  all  the  coun- 
ties in  this  State,  except  those  of  Richmond,  Kings, 
Queens,  Suffolk,  and  the  city  and  county  of  New-York, 
and  to  all  the  members  of  those  five  counties  who  may  not 
be  in  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a  form 
of  government,  do  report  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  reported  the  draft  of  certain 
resolutions  for  granting  passes  to  travellers  and  licenses 
to  innkeepers.  The  same  were  read,  and  adjourned  for 
farther  consideration. 

Mr.  Joshua  H.  Smith  obtained  leave  of  absence  till  Mon- 
day next. 

Ordered,  That  Sa.  Dyckman,  the  messenger,  be  di- 
rected to  serve  and  deliver  copies  of  the  above  resolution 
requiring  the  regular  attendance  of  the  members  of  this 
Convention. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  set  of  resolutions  to  prevent  persons 
travelling  without  passes,  which  were  read. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  11th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Major  Schenk,  Capt.  Zeph.  Platt,  Doctr.  Crane,  Rob.  R, 
Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate, 
John  Ten  Broeck — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Try  on. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Jonath.  Platt,  Mr.  Haviland — Westchester. 
Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 


626 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  of  Orange  county,  obtained  leave 
of  absence,  to  return  on  Monday  next. 

On  motion,  or  request,  of  Mr.  Jay,  the  letter  from  Bri- 
gadier-General Scott,  dated  the  sixth  instant,  and  read  in 
the  Committee  of  Safety  the  ninth  instant,  was  read  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Duer. 

Mr.  Duer  produced  a  draft  of  certain  resolutions  to  en- 
courage persons  upwards  of  fifty  years,  in  the  respective 
districts  in  this  State,  to  form  themselves  into  military  com- 
panies for  the  defence  of  their  liberties,  lives  and  proper- 
ties. 

The  same  being  read  and  moved  for,  and  seconded,  de- 
bates arose  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  therein,  they 
were  committed  to  Doctor  Crane,  Mr.  Robert  R.Livingston 
and  Mr.  Duer,  to  reconsider  the  same  and  report  thereon. 

A  short  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  at 
King's  Bridge  the  13th  instant  was  read. 

He  therein  informs  that  he  had  examined  the  bearers, 
William  Tredwell  and  Benj.  Ludlum,  and  sent  their  exa- 
minations to  General  Washington,  and  had  sent  the  bear- 
ers to  this  Convention  for  further  examination. 

A  short  letter  of  the  said  Tredwell  and  Ludlum  to  Ge- 
neral Washington  and  which  was  handed  over  to  General 
Clinton  and  enclosed,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  said  William  Tredwell  and  Ben- 
jamin Ludlum.  And 

Ordered,  That  as  soon  as  their  examinations  are  taken 
by  the  said  committee,  they  be  taken  into  custody  of  Lieu- 
tenant Robert  Brett,  or  such  guard  of  the  militia  as  he  may 
appoint  for  that  purpose,  and  detained  in  custody  until  fur- 
ther order  of  this  Convention. 

Mr.  Sackett  informed  the  Convention  that  five  or  six 
soldiers  from  Philips'  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  are 
unarmed  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee of  that  precinct  requests  an  order  to  purchase  arms 
for  them  at  the  public  expense,  on  an  engagement  of  the 
committee  that  the  said  arms  be  restored  to  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  sub-committee  of  Philipse's  precinct 
be,  and  hereby  are,  empowered  to  purchase  five  or  six 
arms  for  the  use  of  the  said  soldiers,  the  said  arms  to  be 
paid  for  by  this  State,  and  the  said  sub-committee  to 
be  accountable  so  far  for  the  said  arms  as  to  see  that  they 
are  restored  to  the  State,  by  being  delivered  to  a  Commis- 
sary of  military  stores  of  this  State,  only  that  the  State 
may  not  lose  those  arms. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  write  a  letter  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General of  this  State,  and  request  his  attendance  on 
this  Convention,  and  that  he  therein  inform  the  Auditor- 
General  that  the  reason  of  requesting  his  attendance  is  to 
point  out  the  persons,  or  their  particular  accounts,  wanting 
which  prevent  stating  the  accounts  of  this  State  with  the 
United  States. 

A  letter  received  this  afternoon  from  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  dated  the  12th  inst.  was  read,  and 
follows,  vizt : 

"Head-Qrs.  New-York,  ? 
"Sept.  Wh,  1776.  J 

"  Sir — I  yesterday  received  the  favour  of  your  letter  of 
the  9th,  with  its  several  enclosures,  and  am  extremely  hap- 
py that  your  Honourable  Body  had  anticipated  my  recom- 
mendation by  resolving  on  an  augmentation  of  six  hundred 
men  to  the  garrisons  in  the  Highlands.  The  importance 
of  those  posts  demands  the  utmost  attention,  and  every  ex- 
ertion to  maintain  them. 

"  The  vessels  for  the  removal  of  the  sick  are  not  yet  ar- 
rived. Their  present  situation  gives  me  great  anxiety. 
As  the  wind  is  now  favourable,  I  would  fain  hope  that  a 
sufficient  number  will  come  down  to  day  to  take  in  the 
whole.    If  they  do  not  my  distress  will  be  much  increased. 

"  Genl.  Clinton,  in  a  letter  of  the  8th,  transmitted  me  a 


list  of  artillery  and  ordnance  stores  wanted  at  forts  Mont- 
gomery and  Constitution,  which  included  the  several  arti- 
cles you  have  determined  to  procure,  except  those  men- 
tioned below. 

"  I  directed  that  they  should  be  sent  up,  but  as  the  situa- 
tion of  our  affairs  at  this  time  may  not  perhaps  admit  of  it, 
and  think  it  will  be  prudent  for  Mr.  Schenk,  whom  you 
have  appointed  an  agent  in  this  instance,  to  get  all  he  can. 
Should  he  be  able  to  obtain  the  supply  you  have  voted  ne- 
cessary, and  Genl.  Clinton's  demand  be  complied  with  al- 
so, no  damage  will  be  done.  Our  stores  will  not  be  too 
large. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be. 
"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  Intrenching  tools,  iron  carriages,  cannon  harness,  ar- 
mourer with  his  tools." 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  15th,  1776. 
The  following  members  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

September  mh,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay — For  New-York. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schenk,  Capt.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt. 
Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Piatt— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder— For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

No  other  members  appeared ;  for  want  of  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  members  to  represent  the  State,  the  members  ad- 
journed to  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Lun^:,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Sept.  \6th,  1776. 

The  members  of  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay— New-  York. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Jonath.  Piatt,  Mr.  Haviland—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate— jllbany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Capt.  Zcph.  Piatt,  Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr. 
R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

The  Convention  was  informed  that  the  militia  of  West- 
chester county  are  not  so  properly  arranged  and  managed 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


627 


as  they  ought  to  be  at  this  critical  juncture,  which  is  occa- 
sioned by  the  absence  of  General  Morris  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  General  Morris,  now  at  the  General 
Congress,  do  immediately  return  and  resume  the  command 
of  his  brigade. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  enclose  a  copy  of  the  afore- 
going resolution  in  a  letter  to  Genl.  Morris,  and  transmit 
the  same  to  Genl.  Morris  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be  a 
committee  to  examine  Samuel  Gale,  who  has  been  brought 
here  in  custody  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Duer,  be  a  committee  to  report  what  further  measures 
are  necessary  to  bring  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  to  account  to 
this  Convention  for  the  public  moneys  now  in  his  hands, 
as  Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York. 

Whereas  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esqr.  loan  officer  of  the 
county  of  Suffolk,  did  some  time  since  deposite  into  the 
treasury  of  this  Convention  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and 
twenty  pounds,  which  he  had  received  of  sundry  persons 
for  principal  and  interest  due  on  the  several  sums  by  them 
respectively  borrowed  of  him  as  loan  officer  as  aforesaid  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  immedi- 
ately pay  to  Egbt.  Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Dutchess  county,  the  above  sum  of  four  hundred 
and  twenty  pounds,  and  that  the  receipt  of  the  said  Egbert 
Benson  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge  to  the  Treasurer  for 
the  payment  of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Egbert  Benson  apply  the  said  sum  of 
money  to  the  payment  of  the  wages  and  subsistence  due 
to  the  companies  under  the  command  of  Captain  Melanc- 
ton  Smith. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Septr.  Ytih,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper — For  New-York. 

Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket — For  Dutches. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  Adgate — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Allison.  Mr.  Smith,  Dr.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner— For  Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Piatt— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  be  and  are  hereby  appointed  a  commit- 
tee of  correspondence.  That  they  be  and  hereby  are  au- 
thorized to  establish  post  riders  between  the  Fish  Kill, 
where  this  Convention  now  statedly  sits,  and  Head-Quar- 
ters, for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  daily  intelligence,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  make  provision  for  defraying  ihe 
expense  thereof ;  and  that  the  said  committee  be  and  are 
hereby  empowered  to  write  letters  to  any  correspondents, 
and  take  every  other  proper  means  to  obtain  intelligence. 

Sundry  affidavits  taken  by  Robert  Erskine,  Esqr.  rela- 
tive to  the  conduct  of  persons  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause,  were  read  and  deferred  to  consideration  and  expla- 
nation until  the  members  from  the  country  were  present. 

The  petition  of  Henry  Chase,  dated  at  the  White 
Plains  on  the  13th  instant,  praying  to  be  released  from 
imprisonment,  was  read. 

The  several  petitions  of  Jonathan  Purdy,  Junr.  Rynier 
Van  Housen  and  John  Fowler,  were  read. 

The  said  Jonathan  Purdy,  Junr.  thereby  declares  he  is 
an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  British  army  ;  and  the  said  Ry- 
nier Van  Housen,  that  he  is  a  registered  pilot  in  the  Bri- 
tish navy,  and  they  pray  to  be  admitted  to  their  parols  as 


prisoners  of  war.  And  the  said  John  Fowler  sets  forth 
the  manner  in  which  he  formerly  came  on  board  of  one  of 
the  British  ships  of  war. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Malcom,  dated  the  sixth  instant,  di- 
rected to  Mr.  McKesson,  giving  some  information  respect- 
ing Captain  Stewart's  company  in  his  regiment  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr. 
Mills  be  a  committee  to  take,  consider  of  and  report  on 
the  said  affidavits,  petitions  and  letter,  and  that  they  bring 
in  reports  with  all  convenient  speed. 

That  part  of  General  Geo.  Clinton's  letter  of  the  8th 
of  Septr.  which  relates  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Ferris,  was  read. 

Colo.  Swartwout's  letter  of  the  10th  of  Septr.  instant, 
respecting  Colo.  Ferris's  ill  state  of  health,  and  the  ap- 
pointment of  a  lieutenant-colonel  and  major  for  that  regi- 
ment, was  also  read. 

Resolved,  That  Lieutenant-Colo.  Ferris  be  permitted 
to  decline  the  present  service  ;  that  Major  Thompson  be 
appointed  lieutenant-colonel,  and  Captain  Mott  appointed 
major  of  Colo.  Swartwout's  present  regiment  of  militia  now 
in  service  in  Brigadier-Genl.  Geo.  Clinton's  brigade  while 
in  the  present  service,  in  addition  to  their  former  respec- 
tive commands  in  the  militia  in  their  respective  counties. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  despatch  the  commissions 
for  Lieut.  Colo.  Thompson  and  Major  Mott. 

Resolved,  That  the  eldest  first  lieutenant  of  Colo. 
Swartwout's  [regiment]  be  promoted  to  be  captain,  vice 
Major  Mott,  and  that  the  other  officers  rise  in  succession ; 
and  that  the  Secretaries  send  as  many  blank  commissions 
to  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton  as  there  are  officers  in  that  regiment. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  a  person  late  one 
of  the  lighthorsemen  of  King  scounty,  and  a  lieutenant  of 
Colo.  Smith's  regiment,  are  about  Poughkeepsie  in  some 
distress,  and  that  pay  is  due  to  them  ;  that  sundry  of  the 
lighthorsemen  fled  from  the  island  and  have  left  their 
horses  behind  them. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Schenk  and 
Doctor  Crane  be  a  committee  to  enquire  into  the  situation 
of  the  lighthorsemen  who  were  obliged  to  fly  from  the 
said  island  and  Lieutenant  Onderdonck,  and  that  they 
report  thereon. 

Mr.  Wisner  of  Orange  county  proposed  to  the  Conven- 
tion that  the  company  of  militia  from  Orange  county  lately 
ordered  to  be  detached  to  augment  the  garrisons  of  forts 
Montgomery  and  Constitution,  be  permitted  to  have  that 
duty  performed  by  different  companies  or  parcels  of  mili- 
tia in  rotation. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner,  General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Sackett  and  Major  Schenck  be  a  committee  to  consider  of 
the  said  proposal,  and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient 
speed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  farther  mea- 
sures are  necessary  to  bring  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  to  ac- 
count to  this  Convention  for  the  public  moneys  now  in  his 
hands  as  Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  deliver- 
ed in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended,  resolved  on 
and  agreed  to  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  the  late  Provincial  Congress  of  this  State 
did,  on  the  ninlh  day  of  March  last,  enter  into  a  resolution 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  the  public  exigencies  of  the  Colony  are  so 
great  as  to  require  that  all  the  public  revenues  of  the  same 
should  be  appropriated  to  defray  its  expenses  :"  And 
whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  have  by 
their  prorogation  made  on  the  day  appointed  for  their 
meeting,  been  prevented  from  proceeding  to  the  despatch 
of  the  ordinary  business  thereof,  it  therefore  becomes  ne- 
cessary for  the  Representatives  of  the  people  in  Provincial 
Congress  to  attend  to  the  proper  application  of  the  public 
moneys  now  in  the  hands  of  the  said  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr. 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  Abra- 
ham Lott  be  directed,  and  he  is  hereby  directed  within 
thirty  days  from  this  day,  to  lay  before  this  Congress,  or  the 


628 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Committee  of  Safety,  on  oath,  an  account  of  all  the  moneys 
that  now  are  or  shall  be  in  his  hands,  as  Treasurer  of  this 
Colony,  particularly  stating  to  what  funds  they  belong,  and 
whether  any  and  what  funds  are  appropriated  to  any  and 
what  uses,  and  every  other  matter  which  shall  be  neces- 
sary to  constitute  a  complete  state  of  the  treasury  of  this 
Colony."  A  copy  of  which  was  left  by  the  Secretary  of 
this  Convention,  at  the  usual  place  of  residence  of  the  said 
Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  in  the  city  of  New-York.  And 
whereas,  The  said  Abraham  Lott  hath  neglected  to  com- 
ply with  the  tenor  of  the  said  resolution  :  therefore, 

Ordered  peremptorily,  That  the  said  Abraham  Lott, 
do  forthwith  attend  this  House  on  pain  of  contempt,  and 
that  he  bring  with  him  the  books,  papers  and  money  be- 
longing to  the  treasury,  in  order  that  the  public  accounts 
of  the  Colony  of  New- York  may  be  settled,  and  the  balance 
paid  to  the  present  Treasurer  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  and 
order  be  served  on  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire,  by  Mr.  John 
Campbell,  who  is  hereby  directed  to  require  an  answer  in 
writing  for  the  justification  of  his  conduct. 

Resolved,  That  if  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire,  shall  refuse 
to  attend  this  Convention,  or  neglect  to  set  out  within  five 
days  after  the  receipt  of  the  above  order,  and  pursue  his 
journey  with  all  reasonable  despatch,  that  he  be  then  ap- 
prehended and  sent  under  guard  to  this  Convention  at  Fish- 
kills,  in  Dutches  county,  and  Mr.  John  Campbell  is  hereby 
required  and  empowered  to  apply  to  any  committee  in  the 
Slates  of  New-Jersey  or  New- York,  in  order  that  he  may 
obtain  assistance  for  carrying  the  aforegoing  resolution  and 
order  into  execution,  and  that  Mr.  Campbell  be  furnished 
with  a  copy  of  all  the  above  resolutions. 

On  motion,  the  following  resolutions  were  agreed  to, 
vizt : 

Whereas,  since  the  dissolution  of  the  late  Government 
under  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain,  it  is  inconsistent  with 
sound  policy,  that  any  of  the  public  moneys  should  be  paid 
into  the  hands  of  any  officers  not  duly  authorized  by  the 
Convention  of  this  State  to  receive  the  same  :  And  where- 
as, it  is  the  duty  of  the  Representatives  of  the  people  to  se- 
cure the  public  revenues  for  the  purposes  of  defending  the 
lives,  liberties  and  property  of  the  good  people  ot  this 
invaded  State.  Therefore, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  as 
Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  cease  to  demand  or 
receive  any  moneys  belonging  to  the  same,  and  that  the 
said  moneys  be  only  paid  to  Peter  V.  B.  Livingston,  Esqr. 
the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  who  is  hereby  authorized  and  di- 
rected to  receive  the  same,  and  all  persons  owing  money 
to  this  State,  are  hereby  ordered  to  account  with  Peter  V. 
B.  Livingston,  and  to  make  payment  with  all  possible  ex- 
pedition. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  loan  officers  in  the 
different  counties  in  this  State,  do  forthwith  pay  into  the 
hands  of  the  present  Treasurer,  all  such  sums  of  money 
as  they  have  at  present  in  hands,  or  hereafter  may  receive 
either  on  account  of  the  principal  sums  lent  or  lor  the  in- 
terest due  on  such  sums  ;  and  that  the  receipt  of  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  State  shall  be  considered  by  the  supervisors 
of  the  different  counties  as  a  voucher  for  the  money  so 
paid,  in  as  full  and  ample  a  manner  as  if  the  same  had  been 
paid  to  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  late  Treasurer  of  the  Colony 
of  New-York. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  loan  officers  in  all  the  counties 
in  this  Slate  be  impowered  to  act  in  that  capacity  till  fur- 
ther orders  from  this  Convention,  or  a  future  Legislature 
of  this  Stale. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  do  immediately  transmit 
copies  of  these  resolves  to  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  and  to 
the  loan  officers  in  the  different  counties  of  this  State,  and 
that  the  same  be  published  four  weeks  successively,  in  all 
the  public  newspapers  of  this  State. 

Information  was  given  to  the  Convention  by  some  of  the 
members  from  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  that  | 


there  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  that  there  are  many  dan- 
gerous persons  in  those  counties.  That  from  several  pieces 
of  testimony  given  to  the  different  committees  in  those 
counties,  it  is  probable  that  persons  there  have  been  en- 
listing or  endeavouring  to  enlist  men  to  join  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  this  Convention  from 
the  counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  be  a  committee  to  en- 
quire into  the  grounds  of  the  apprehensions,  and  the  partic- 
ulars of  all  such  testimony  as  they  can  collect  on  that  sub- 
ject, and  to  report  the  measures  necessary  to  be  taken  to 
prevent  such  disaffected  persons  in  those  counties  from 
joining  or  aiding  the  enemy. 

The  Deputy  Treasurer  delivered  in  a  list  of  the  accounts 
or  sums  of  public  moneys,  which  have  at  different  times 
been  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  by  order  of  the  Representa 
tives  of  this  State,  and  which  remain  unaccounted  for, 
whereby  the  public  accounts  of  this  State  against  the  Con- 
tinent remain  unsettled,  and  are  prevented  from  being  trans- 
milted  to  be  audited  and  paid.    The  same  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr.  Moore, 
be  a  committee  to  take  the  same  into  consideration,  and  re- 
port thereon. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esqr.  Commissary-Ge- 
neral, dated  the  16th  instant,  was  received  by  a  messen- 
ger and  read.  He  therein  mentions  that  the  American  ar- 
my had  evacuated  New-York,  that  in  the  retreat  he  had 
left  behind  him  large  quantities  of  flour  which  reduced  the 
magazine  too  low,  and  requests  the  aid  of  this  Convention 
to  procure  flour. 

Agreed  unanimously,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk, 
Colo.  Charles  D.  Wilt  and  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Esqrs.  be  ap- 
pointed agents  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  Commissary-Ge- 
neral, and  that  a  draft  of  resolutions  for  that  purpose  be 
prepared  and  brought  in,  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  Ylth,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane— New-York. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  GtanL  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates.  Mr.  Jno  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,— For  Albany. 

Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Major  Schenk— 

Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Dr.  Sherwood— Orange. 
Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Zeph.  Piatt— Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  Convention  on  information  that  the  soundings  of 
Hudson's  river,  at  and  about  Fort  Washington,  is  not  ac- 
curately sounded,  and  thereupon  came  to  the  following  re- 
solutions. 

Whereas,  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  channel 
of  Hudson's  river  opposite  to  Fort  Washington  is  not  yet 
sufficiently  obstructed  ;  And  Whereas  it  is  of  the  utmost 
impoitance  to  the  safety  of  this  State,  and  the  general 
cause  of  America,  that  the  navigation  of  that  river  should 
not  be  occupied  by  the  enemy's  ships  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Thos.  Greenhill  be,  and  he  is, 
hereby  requested  and  authorized  to  proceed  with  all  possi- 
ble dispatch  to  Mount  Washington,  in  order  to  take  an  ac- 
curate survey  of  the  landings  of  that  part  of  Hudson's  ri- 
ver, and  that  he  report  his  proceedings  to  the  Convention 
of  this  Stale  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  of  Fort  Wash- 
ington be  applied  to  by  Captain  Greenhill  for  his  permis- 
sion to  sound  the  river,  and  for  his  assistance  in  carrying 
the  above  resolution  inlo  execution. 

Resolved,  That  General  James  Clinton  be  requested  to 
furnish  Captain  Greenhill  with  a  whale  boat,  and  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  hands  whose  attachment  to  the  American 
cause  may  be  relied  on,  in  order  to  assist  in  carrying  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


629 


measure  into  execution,  that  General  Clinton  and  Captain 
Greenhill  be  earnestly  requested  to  conduct  this  malter 
with  all  the  secrecy  possible. 

The  letter  from  Colo.  Trumbull  received  at  noon  was 
again  read,  and  here  follows,  vizt : 

"  King't  Bridge,  \6th  Septr.  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  our  troops  evacuated  New- 
York  to  the  enemy,  and  mean  to  make  a  stand  at  and  near 
this  place.  In  the  retreat  I  have  been  obliged  to  leave  be- 
hind large  quantities  of  flour,  which  reduces  our  magazine 
too  low.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  have  a  large  quan- 
tity soon.  I  have  taken  measures  to  get  it  in.  But  fear- 
ing the  apprehensions  of  the  people  may  prevent  their 
coming,  and  thereby  distress  the  army,  and  knowing  your 
Body  to  be  in  a  great  flour  country,  I  must  beg  the  favour 
of  you  to  forward  with  all  despatch,  whatever  flour  can  be 
had  at  and  about  Fishkill,  to  Spiting  Devil  creek,  or  as 
near  it  as  may  be.  I  much  expect  the  ships  up  the  North 
river  again  by  and  by  ;  this  makes  me  in  the  greater  hurry 
to  have  this  measure  effected,  as  it  may  save  us  great  ex- 
ense  and  difficulty  in  land  carriage.  Perhaps  it  may  be 
est  to  insure  the  vessels  and  flour  against  the  enemy  ;  this 
and  the  prices  I  will  submit  to  your  direction  ;  the  money 
for  the  flour  will  be  ready  and  paid  on  delivery.  Your  aid 
and  assistance  in  this  matter  will  greatly  oblige, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"JOS.  TRUMBULL,  C.  Gen. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  resolutions  for  procuring  flour  for  the  Commissary- 
General,  in  pursuance  of  his  letter,  being  read  and  agreed 
to,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esqr.  Commissary-General 
of  the  American  army,  by  his  letter,  dated  yesterday  at 
King's  Bridge,  and  directed  to  this  Convention,  informs 
that  the  American  troops  have  evacuated  New-York  and 
mean  to  make  a  stand  at  and  near  King's  Bridge  :  That  he 
has  been  obliged  to  leave  behind  large  quantities  of  flour, 
which  reduces  his  magazine  too  low  :  That  it  is  necessary 
to  have  a  large  quantity  soon,  that  the  army  may  not  be 
distressed  ;  and  requesting  flour  to  be  forwarded  with  all 
despatch  to  Spuytden  Duvel  creek,  or  as  near  it  as  may  be, 
to  prevent  the  expense  of  land  carriage,  if  the  enemy's 
ships  should  come  up  Hudson's  river,  further  suggesting 
that  it  may  be  best  to  insure  the  vessels  and  flour  against 
the  enemy  ;  which,  together  with  the  price,  he  submits  to 
this  Convention,  requesting  their  aid  ;  and  the  said  Com- 
missary-General therein  engages,  that  the  money  for  the 
flour  shall  be  paid  on  delivery  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk  be  and 
hereby  is  appointed  agent  in  behalf  of  the  said  Commis- 
sary-General, to  purchase  all  the  flour  which  can  be  ob- 
tained in  Dutchess,  Orange  and  the  lower  end  of  Ulster 
counties  ;  and  that  Colo.  Charles  De  Witt  and  Dirck  Wyn- 
koop,  Junr.  Esqr.  be  and  each  of  them  severally  is  hereby 
appointed  agent  in  behalf  of  the  said  Commissary-General, 
to  purchase  all  the  flour  which  can  be  procured  in  Ulster 
county,  and  places  adjacent,  not  before  particularized;  and 
the  said  agents  are  hereby  respectively  authorized,  if  it 
shall  be  found  necessary,  to  impress  sloops  or  vessels  for 
the  transportation  of  the  said  flour ;  and  to  have  such  ves- 
sels appraised  by  three  indifferent  freeholders,  one  to  be 
elected  by  the  agents  respectively,  another  by  the  owner  of 
each  vessel,  and  the  third  by  the  two  first  elected  ;  that 
the  said  agents  shall,  in  behalf  of  the  Commissary-General, 
insure  against  all  risk  of  the  enemy  to  the  sellers  of  the 
flour  respectively,  the  amount  thereof,  at  the  stipulated 
price,  and  to  the  owners  of  the  vessels  the  value  thereof, 
according  to  appraisement,  such  price  and  vnluation,  in  case 
of  capture,  to  be  paid  by  the  Commissary-General,  agree- 
able to  the  said  letter  :  That  they  shall  take  bills  of  lading 
from  the  masters  of  such  vessels,  to  deliver  the  said  flour 
with  the  utmost  despatch  (the  danger  of  the  enemy  ex- 
cepted) to  the  Commissary-General  at  SpitenDuyvel  creek, 

158 


1  as  near  thereto  as  may  be  ;  forwarding  to  the  Commissary- 
General  by  land  and  by  each  vessel,  copies  of  each  bill  of 
parcels,  and  of  each  appraisement  of  the  vessels  and  bills 
of  lading,  with  letters  of  advice,  that  the  sellers  of  the 
flour  and  owners  of  the  vessels  may  be  under  no  difficulty 
in  procuring  payment. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  preceding  appoint- 
ments and  resolutions  be  immediately  dispatched  to  the 
Commissary-General,  and  that  a  certified  copy  thereof  be 
given  to  Major  Schenk,  and  another  such  copy  be  despatch- 
ed to  Messrs.  Dewit  and  Wynkoop,  at  Kingston. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  the  Commissary- 
General,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  of  this  State  have  received  your 
letter  of  the  16th  instant  by  Mr.  Peter  Garson,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  they  have  entered  into  the  enclosed  reso- 
lutions, which  I  am  directed  to  transmit  to  you.  We  shall 
exert  ourselves  to  the  utmost  of  our  power  in  every  mea- 
sure which  may  forward  the  common  cause  ;  which,  not- 
withstanding the  present  aspect  of  affairs,  we  doubt  not 
will  triumph  over  our  tyrannical  enemies. 

"  Mr.  Colt,  your  deputy,  has  paid  into  the  hands  of  Ma- 
jor Schenk,  one  of  the  agents,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 
flour,  the  sum  of  three  thousand  six  hundred  dollars,  for 
which  that  gentleman  will  be  accountable. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect,  &c. 

"  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esquire." 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esquire,  at  Poughkeep- 
sie,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that  the  chain  intended 
to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  has  been  de- 
layed for  want  of  iron.  He  requests  that  one  of  the  other 
members  of  the  committee  may  come  to  him  to  assist  him, 
and  bring  with  him  two  thousand  pounds,  as  their  treasury 
is  nearly  exhausted  ;  and  informs  that  he  expects  to  go  to 
the  fort  to  see  that  the  apparatus  is  ready  to  fasten  and 
stretch  the  chain. 

Ordered,  That  the  secret  committee  for  obstructing  the 
navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  have  permission  to  go  to  the 
fortifications  in  the  Highlands  to-morrow  morning. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Hobart,  General  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  William  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner  and 
Mr.  Bancker,  with  the  President,  constitute  a  Committee 
of  Safety  ;  that  the  President  and  any  four  of  those  gen- 
tlemen be  a  quorum  of  that  Committee  ;  that  they  conti- 
nue a  Committee  of  Safety  until  the  first  meeting  of  a  re- 
presentation of  this  State  in  Convention  ;  that  every  other 
member  who  may  attend,  have  a  voice  in  the  committee, 
and  that  the  said  committee  have  power  to  send  for  any 
members  of  this  Convention  who  may  be  absent. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Bancker 
be  a  committee  to  consider  of,  and  report  the  most  proper 
disposition  to  be  made  of  the  vessel,  or  sloop  of  war  Mont- 
gomery, belonging  to  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper  be  added  to  and  be 
one  of  the  committee  for  taking  the  examination  of  Samuel 
Gale,  Esqr. 

Adjourned. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  lSlh,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Esquire,  President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Doctr.  Crane — Dutches. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster— For  Charlotte. 


630 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Haviland,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Jonth.  Piatt—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Whereas  this  Convention,  after  many  anxious  inquiries, 
hath  at  length  received  certain  intelligence  that  the  Honble. 
Nathaniel  Woodhull,  Brigadier-General  of  the  militia,  and 
President  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  is  at  present  in 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  and  that  he  was  made  captive 
whilst  actually  employed  in  executing  the  resolutions  of 
this  House  :  And  whereas  they  are  loudly  called  upon, 
not  only  by  the  sacred  voice  of  honour  and  public  duty, 
but  likewise  by  the  sympathizing  principles  of  personal  af- 
fection and  respect,  to  exert  themselves  in  restoring  so  va- 
luable a  person  to  that  liberty  which  he  has  himself  lost  in 
endeavouring  to  secure  to  others,  that  inestimable  bless- 
ing :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  list  of  the  prisoners  at  the  disposal  of 
this  State,  be  immediately  made  out  and  transmitted  to 
General  Washington ;  and  that  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esquire, 
wait  on  His  Excellency  with  the  earnest  request  of  this 
Convention,  that  he  will  be  pleased  to  give  his  assistance 
and  advice  in  negociating  this  exchange. 

Whereas  the  sum  of  one  thousand  eight  hundred  pounds 
was  advanced  by  this  State  to  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt 
and  Capt.  Zephaniah  Piatt,  as  occasional  Commissaries, 
for  such  of  the  militia  of  this  and  the  neighbouring  States, 
as  were,  at  the  request  of  His  Excellency  the  General, 
called  out  for  the  defence  of  the  State,  which  sum  they 
have  expended  and  accounted  for  with  Mr.  William  Pauld- 
ing, deputy  commissary : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  be  di- 
rected to  get  a  true  state  of  that  account,  from  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Paulding,  and  request  payment  thereof  from  the  Com- 
missary-General ;  and  on  the  receipt  of  the  money  to  give 
a  proper  discharge  therefor,  which  shall  be  consider- 
ed as  a  voucher  for  the  money  by  the  Auditor  and  Trea- 
surer of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker,  Deputy  Treasurer 
of  this  State  proceed  immediately  to  the  persons  who  had 
the  charge  of  the  pork  and  other  provisions  belonging  to 
this  State,  in  Westchester  county,  in  order  to  procure  the 
receipts  for  what  has  been  furnished  to  Joseph  Trumbull, 
Esqr.  Commissary-General,  or  any  of  his  agents  or  depu- 
ties; and  that  Mr.  Bancker  be  directed  and  authorized  to 
apply  to  the  said  Commissary-General  for  the  payment 
of  the  same  at  the  price  current  of  those  articles  when  de- 
livered ;  and  that  the  receipt  of  the  said  Gerard  Bancker 
shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher  in  behalf  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Allison  be  added  to  and  be  one  of 
the  committee  for  taking  the  examination  of  Samuel  Gale, 
Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  the  officer  commanding  the  detachment 
of  Capt.  Melancton  Smith's  company,  which  attends  this 
Convention  be,  and  hereby  is,  commanded  to  take  into  the 
custody  of  his  guard  Wm.  Tredwell,  Benjamin  Ludlum 
and  Samuel  Gale,  and  them  safely  keep,  as  separate  from 
each  other  as  he  can,  till  further  orders  of  this  Convention 
or  their  Committee  of  Safety. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  committee  to  report  the  most  pro- 
per disposition  of  the  sloop  Montgomerie,  delivered  in  their 
report  which  was  read.  That  part  of  the  report  which  re- 
spects the  condemnation  and  sale  of  prizes  was  agreed  to. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  immediately  written  to  Mr. 
Joseph  Hallett,  the  agent  for  prizes,  requesting  him  forth- 
with to  repair  to  New-England,  and  take  the  most  speedy 
and  effectual  measures  for  the  condemnation  and  sale  of 
such  vessels  and  goods  as  Capt.  Rogers  the  commander  of 
the  said  sloop  may  have  brought  into  that  country. 

The  said  committee  also  reported  a  draft  of  such  letter 


to  Joseph  Hallett  as  above  mentioned,  which  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  having  received  information 
that  Capt.  Rogers  of  the  sloop  Montgomerie,  has  left  the 
south  side  of  Long  island,  and  is  arrived  at  Norwalk,  in 
Connecticut,  with  some  of  his  prize  goods,  and  that  some 
vessels  which  he  brought  off  with  him  are  arrived  in  other 
parts  of  New-England,  it  is  their  desire  that  you  repair 
forthwith  to  that  country,  and  take  the  most  speedy  and 
effectual  measures  for  the  condemnation  and  sale  of  such 
vessels  and  goods  ;  which  I  am  directed  to  signify  to  you, 
and  am,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  To  Jos.  Hailett,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

That  part  of  the  said  report  which  relates  to  the  sale  of 
the  sloop  Montgomerie,  was  recommitted  to  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith,  General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Bancker. 
Mr.  Hobart  being  excused  on  his  earnest  request  and  rea- 
sons assigned. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  establishing  a  fund  for  the  board  and 
subsistence  of  the  poor  inhabitants  of  this  State,  who  have 
or  may  be  by  distress  of  war  obliged  to  abandon  their  ha- 
bitations upon  such  a  plan  as  shall  be  least  burthensome 
to  the  good  people  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duer, 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  be  the  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  that  part  of  the  report  of  a  former  commit- 
tee on  this  subject,  and  which  was  read  and  postponed  on 
the  25th  of  August  last,  be  recommitted  to  the  same  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  William  Smith  have  leave  of  ab- 
sence to  go  to  Orange  county,  ten  days  from  the  time  of  his 
departure. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Broome  and  Captain  Denning  be, 
and  are  hereby  appointed  members  of  the  committee  of 
safety  and  correspondence,  for  that  part  of  this  State 
which  lies  below  the  Highlands  ;  that  they  be  requested 
immediately  to  attend  that  business;  and  that  Capt.  Den- 
ning, on  his  way  to  attend  this  Convention,  to  receive  in- 
structions for  the  said  Committee. 

Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  informed  the  Convention 
that  from  intelligence  he  has  received,  the  particulars 
whereof  he  cannot,  consistent  with  prudence  disclose,  it 
may  be  necessary  to  call  out  a  detachment  of  the  militia, 
or  the  guards  which  are  now  attending  this  House,  and 
that  some  member  of  this  House  should  be  empowered  for 
that  purpose.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Esqr.  be  and  is  here- 
by empowered  to  employ  from  time  to  time  any  detach- 
ments of  the  companies  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Melancton  Smith,  or  any  part  of  the  militia  of  Dutchess 
county,  not  exceeding  twenty  men,  which  he  may  think 
necessary,  and  to  give  them  such  orders  as  he  may  think 
proper,  which  they  are  hereby  directed  to  observe  and 
obey. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  from  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  consideration  of  a  more  easy  and  effectual  mode 
of  raising  the  several  quotas  of  the  militia  for  the  garrison- 
ing of  the  forts  Constitution  and  Montgomerie,  delivered  in 
their  report ;  the  same  being  read,  and  the  question  put 
whether  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  committee  in  the 
said  report,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  appointed  till 
the  first  meeting  of  the  Convention,  be  revived,  and  that 
the  same  continue  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Con- 
vention. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE   OF  SAFETY. 


WEDNESDAY  AFTERNOON, 

Septr,  18th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Bancker,*  Mr.  Duane,* — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Haviland,  Colo.  Drake,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt— For  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,*  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,*  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr. 
Ten  Broeck — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Smith,*  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Dr.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,*  Mr.  Smith — For 
Orange. 

Those  names  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  the  members  appointed 
to  constitute  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Hughes,  Assistant  and  Quarter- 
Master-General,  by  express,  dated  yesterday  at  Head- 
Quarters,  near  King's  Bridge,  was  received  and  read. 
He,  at  the  request  of  Genl.  Washington,  informs  the 
Convention  that  two  Albany  skippers  have  deserted  the 
service  without  unloading  their  cargoes ;  the  one  named 
Brooks  has  such  utensils  for  supplying  the  army  with 
soap  and  candles,  that  the  business  cannot  be  carried  on 
without  them  :  the  other,  named  Rolf  or  Roff,  has  ammu- 
nition on  board,  besides  sundry  articles  belonging  to  the 
Quarter-Master-General's  department,  it  is  said.  Mr. 
Hughes,  by  direction  of  the  General,  gives  this  informa- 
tion that  a  suitable  remedy  may  be  timely  applied. 

The  said  letter  being  taken  into  immediate  considera- 
tion ;  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  received  from  Mr. 
Hugh  Hughs  be  immediately  sent  by  express  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  and  that  the  said 
committee  be  requested  to  send  back  all  the  property  be- 
longing to  the  Continent,  contained  in  the  said  sloops ;  and  to 
inquire  into  the  conduct  of  Capt.  Roff  and  Capt.  Brooks,  and 
transmit  a  state  of  facts  to  this  Convention,  taking  good 
security  of  the  said  Roff  and  Brooks  to  abide  by  the  fu- 
ture order  of  this  Convention  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolution  be  trans- 
mitted to  Mr.  Hughs. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  12th 
instant,  was  read.    They  thereby  informed  that  the  major 


from  Cumberland  county,  with  the  proportion  of  men  to 
have  been  raised  to  the  eastward  of  the  Green  Mountains 
as  a  part  of  Colo.  Van  Dyck's  regiment,  have  not  joined 
the  regiment  or  come  into  the  service. 

A  letter  from  Esqr.  who  was  intended 

to  have  been  major  of  that  regiment,  to  Brigadier-Genl. 
Ten  Broeck,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr. 
Duer  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be  a  committee  to  take  those 
two  letters  into  consideration,  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  16th 
instant,  was  also  read. 

The  committee  thereby  express  great  concern  on  ac- 
count of  General  Schuyler's  resignation,  and  express  their 
fears  that  it  will  occasion  many  other  resignations  in  the 
army,  the  militia  and  the  civil  departments. 

A  long  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  the  15th, 
and  a  part  thereof  dated  on  the  16th  instant,  was  read. 

The  General  therein  informs  the  Convention  of  his  re- 
signation and  in  part  his  reasons  for  having  requested 
leave  to  resign  his  office,  and  informs  the  Convention  of 
the  latest  intelligence  from  the  northward  and  westward, 
and  that  the  militia  were  countermanded  before  his  receipt 
of  the  last  letter  from  this  Convention. 

The  examination  of  a  Hessian  deserter,  enclosed  in 
General  Schuyler's  letter,  was  also  read.  Information  is 
thereby  given  of  the  numbers  of  Hessians,  Brunswickers, 
and  other  foreign  troops  in  Canada. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany, 
of  the  16th  instant,  the  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  of 
the  15  and  16th  instants,  and  that  part  of  Genl.  Schuyler's 
letter  of  the  8th  instant  which  remains  to  be  considered, 
be  committed  to  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr. 
Duer  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  to  report  thereon  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  Glenn,  treasurer  of  the  county 
of  Albany,  to  the  President  of  the  Convention,  dated 
the  13th  instant,  was  read.  He  requests  his  opinion 
whether  the  usual  election  shall  be  held  in  that  county  for 
a  county  treasurer  ;  or  whether  it  shall  be  delayed  until  a 
plan  is  prescribed  for  that  department  under  the  new  form 
of  Government. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of,  and  determination 
on,  this  letter  be  referred  to  the  Convention. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  19th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Jonr.  Esquire,  President. 
Mr    Ba_jtcke»,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper.  Mr.  Dtta.te,  Mr.  Jay — Xeir- 

Doctr.  Craxe.  Mr.  Sacket.  Mr.  R.  R.  LmsosTosr — Dutches. 
Major  Webster.  Mr.  Utter — Charlotte. 

Mr.  As.  Yates,  Mr.  John  Tex  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  General  Ten 
B  ao  eck — JLbany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Little — 
Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  surra.  Mr.  Hqbart — Suffolk. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Lock-wood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Havtland,  Colo. 
Van  Cortlandt — W estchester. 

Major  Parks.  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore.  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  one  of  the  superintendents  for 
building  the  Continental  ships  at  Poughkeepsie,  attending, 
delivered  in  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  Albany 
Sept.  17th,  1776,  and  directed  to  Messrs.  Van  Zandt,  Tu- 
dor and  the  other  gentlemen  to  whose  care  the  building  of 
the  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie  is  committed,  wherein  the 
General  informs  those  gentlemen  that  he  received  a  line  by 
express  from  General  Gates  informing  him  that  he  is  in 
the  greatest  distress  for  the  cordage  mentioned  in  a  list  in- 
closed in  the  said  letter  for  the  use  of  the  row  gallies, 
which  are  the  greatest  strength  of  our  naval  force  on  the 
lake. 

Capt.  Tudor  requested  the  opinion  and  advice  of  the 
Convention  on  this  subject. 

Resolved,  That  as  a  naval  strength  on  Lake  Champlain 
is  an  object  of  the  utmost  importance,  and  will  greatly  con- 
tribute to  the  security  of  America,  that  the  agents  for 
building  the  ships  at  Poughkeepsie  be  directed  to  supply 
such  and  so  much  cordage  as  General  Schuyler  requires, 
and  that  this  Convention  will  justify  them  to  the  Honoura- 
ble the  Continental  Congress. 

Mr.  Haviland  and  Mr.  Piatt,  have  leave  of  absence  to 
return  on  next  Mondav  week. 

159 


A  certified  copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  committee  of 
Dutches  county  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Lv  Committee,  J 
Dutchess  county.  Septr.  17ri.  1776.  ) 

"  It  having  been  suggested  to  this  committee  by  the  De- 
puties from  this  county  in  Convention,  that  the  quorum  at 
present  necessary  to  represent  the  county  being  five  was 
too  numerous,  and  that  by  means  thereof,  was  frequently 
deprived  of  a  voice  in  the  Convention. 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  number  of  the  quorum 
be  reduced  from  five  to  three,  and  accordingly  that  of  the 
nine  Deputies  elected  to  represent  this  county  in  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Representatives  of  this  State,  any  three  of 
them  be  a  quorum  for  that  purpose. 

"  Bv  order, 
"  EGBERT  BENSON,  Chain.'- 

The  determination  of  the  committee  of  Dutches  counlv 
was  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Colonel  Drake,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  ways  and  means  for  preventing  the  dangers 
which  may  arise  from  the  disaffected  in  this  State. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine 
into  and  report  the  present  state  of  the  treasury.  The  pro- 
gress which  has  been  made  in  emitting  the  sum  of  £200,- 
000  to  supply  the  exigencies  of  the  State,  agreeable  to  a 
resolution  of  the  Convention  passed  on  the  15th  day  of  Au- 
gust last.  The  obstructions  which  have  prevented  the  set- 
tlement of  the  public  accounts  of  this  State  against  the 
Continent,  and  further  means  for  the  immediate  supplying 
the  treasury  with  money. 

Resolved,  That  this  committee  consist  of  those  gentle- 
men to  whom  was  referred  a  list  of  the  unsettled  accounts 
of  public  moneys  delivered  in  by  the  deputv  treasurer,  and 
committed  last  Tuesday  at  noon,  vizt :  Mr.  Duane,  Mr. 
Bancker  and  Mr.  Moore. 

Mr.  Jay  has  leave  of  absence  for  eight  days  from  the 
time  of  his  departure. 

The  committee  appointed  to  procure  a  proper  guard- 
house for  the  detachment  of  Capt.  Smith's  company  at 


634 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


this  place,  by  order,  reported  that  the  most  convenient 
place  they  have  observed  or  can  obtain  is  a  hatter's  shop 
belonging  to  Mrs.  Mary  Bloodgood,  which  needs  repair. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sackett  be  added  to  that  commit- 
tee, and  that  the  said  committee  repair  that  shop  for  a 
guard-house  at  their  discretion. 

The  report  of  the  proceedings  of  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr. 
James  Townshend,  the  committee  appointed  on  the  28th  of 
August  to  repair  to  General  Woodhull,  on  Nassau  island, 
to  advise  and  assist  the  General  in  the  execution  of  the 
orders  given  to  him  by  this  Convention,  was  read  and  ta- 
ken into  consideration.  Thereupon 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  approve 
of  the  conduct  of  the  said  committee  while  they  acted  in 
conjunction,  and  of  the  conduct  of  John  Sloss  Hobart, 
Esquire,  when  acting  separately,  as  the  same  is  stated  in 
the  said  report  and  the  papers  therein  referred  to. 

Mr.  Joshua  H.  Smith,  from  the  committee  formerly  ap- 
pointed to  consider  of  means  for  the  relief  of  insolvent 
debtors,  reported  a  draft  of  a  bill  or  set  of  resolutions  for 
the  relief  of  insolvent  debtors,  which  was  read  and  amend- 
ed, and  being  read  a  second  time, 

Ordered,  That  it  lay  on  the  table  for  the  further  peru- 
sal and  consideration  of  the  members. 

Mr.  Duer,  of  the  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways 
and  means  for  preventing  the  dangers  which  may  arise 
from  the  disaffected  in  this  State,  reported  a  draft  of  cer- 
tain resolutions  for  that  purpose,  which  were  read  ;  the 
same  being  read  a  second  time,  Mr.  Duane  moved,  and 
was  seconded  by  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  that  the  consideration 
of  this  report  be  postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6       Charlotte,   2 

Cumberland,   2      Dutches,   5 

Ulster,  4      Westchester,   4 

Tryon,   3       Orange,   3 


15 


14 


Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  said  re- 
port be  postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  enquire 
whether  any  and  what  bounty  is  necessary  for  encourag- 
ing the  manufacturing  of  gunpowder  in  this  State.  That 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Mr.  Wm.  Har- 
per be  the  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  employ 
proper  persons  for  making  discoveries  and  essays  of  sul- 
phur, lead  and  flint  within  this  State  ;  that  for  this  purpose 
they  have  power  to  draw  on  the  Treasury  for  a  sum  not 
exceeding  five  hundred  dollars  ;  and  that  they  report  their 
proceedings  to  this  Conventon  ;  and  that  Mr.  Wisner, 
Senr.  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Adgate 
and  Doctor  Crane  be  the  committee  for  the  purposes  above 
mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  the  appointing  inspectors  of  saltpetre 
and  gunpowder  manufactured  in  or  imported  into  this  State, 
be  taken  into  consideration  on  Saturday  next. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  for  establishing  posts 
and  obtaining  intelligence,  be  empowered  to  appoint  a  se- 
cretary, and  to  allow  him  a  reasonable  compensation. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  20th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane— New-York. 
Doctr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 
Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Jno.  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 


Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Colo.  Allison, 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Colo.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cort- 
landt —  Westchester . 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
The  committee  appointed  to  consider  Genl.  Schuyler's 
letter  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read.  Thereupon 
the  General's  letter  of  the  15th  and  16th  was  read,  and 
hereafter  follows,  vizt : 

"Albany,  Sept.  15th,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  do  myself  the  honour  to  advise  you  that  by 
accounts  received  from  General  Gates  and  Colo.  Dayton, 
the  necessity  of  marching  up  the  militia  is  superseded  ;  I 
have  sent  express  to  Ulster  and  Dutchess  counties  to  ad- 
vise them  of  this,  and  have  dismissed  those  that  were  here. 
The  cannonade  which  was  heard  on  Lake  Champlain  and 
which  was  supposed  to  be  between  General  Arnold  and 
the  enemy's  army,  was  only  a  fire  at  a  party  of  the  enemy 
who  attacked  a-  boat  belonging  to  our  fleet  at  Windmill 
Point,  in  which  three  of  the  crew  were  killed  and  six 
wounded.  The  fleet  continues  off  Isle-au-Motte,  and  no 
naval  force  of  the  enemy  had  appeared  on  the  9th  instant ; 
our  army  at  Tyconderoga,  by  the  last  returns,  consisted  of 
12,970  men,  are  in  good  spirits,  and  so  extremely  well  for- 
tified on  advantageous  ground,  that  little  is  to  be  feared, 
even  if  the  enemy  should  be  able  to  cross  the  lake  and 
make  an  attack.  Many  important  matters  require  imme- 
diate attention  in  this  department,  to  guard  the  State 
against  the  attempts  which  will  undoubtedly  be  made  in 
the  winter  and  spring  by  the  enemy  from  the  northward. 
I  suggested  my  ideas  to  Congress  ;  but  as  I  have  not  been 
honoured  with  a  line  in  answer  to  my  letters  for  near  two 
months  past,  I  suppose  more  momentous  concerns  so  en- 
tirely engross  their  attention  that  they  have  not  had  time  to 
take  them  into  consideration. 

"  As  I  accepted  of  a  command  under  the  fullest  convic- 
tion of  my  incompetency,  I  have  made  more  than  ordinary 
exertions  to  discharge  the  duties  of  it ;  that  if  I  could  not 
gain  reputation,  I  might  at  least  not  reflect  disgrace  on  you, 
by  whose  means  the  command  was  conferred. 

"Unhappily  for  me,  jealousy  and  envy  have  followed  me 
from  the  beginning.  Aware  to  what  a  critical  situation  I 
was  elevated,  with  the  eyes  of  a  jealous  people  on  me,  I 
took  every  precaution,  that  1  might  have  it  in  my  power  to 
justify  myself  whenever  my  conduct  should  be  called  in 
question  ;  how  far  I  have  succeeded  I  shall  beg  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  to  judge,  when  I  shall  do  myself  the 
honour  to  lay  a  variety  of  papers  before  them,  which  I  be- 
lieve will  be  very  soon,  as  I  have  sent  my  resignation  to 
Congress. 

"  As  the  Convention  is  now  removed  to  a  place  where 
they  cannot  be  informed  by  the  usual  channel  of  what  is 
transacting  in  this  department,  I  shall  do  myself  the  ho- 
nour to  give  them  the  most  early  information  of  every  event 
as  it  arises." 

"  Septr.  16,  1776. 

"  Last  evening  I  was  honoured  with  the  resolutions  of 
the  Convention  of  the  13lh,  conveyed  to  me  by  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler.  I  am  happy  that  there  is  no  occasion  at  present  for 
the  service  of  the  militia.  Should  it  become  necessary, 
whilst  I  continue  in  command,  (which  will  probably  be 
until  the  first  of  October,)  to  call  for  their  aid,  I  shall  pay 
due  attention  to  the  information  you  have  been  pleased  to 
give  me,  and  not  call  on  either  Dutchess  or  Ulster  county, 
unless  on  the  most  urgent  necessity. 

"  I  shall  immediately  despatch  a  proper  person  to  pur- 
chase the  medicines  from  the  persons  mentioned  in  your 
resolution.  For  although  I  am  in  hopes  that  Doctor  Strin- 
ger, who  is  gone  to  New-England,  will  procure  a  conside- 
rable quantity  there,  yet  the  consumption  in  so  large  an 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


635 


army  will,  I  fear,  be  far  beyond  what  he  will  be  able  to 
procure. 

"  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  information  given  by  a  Hes- 
sian deserter,  who  lately  arrived  at  Tyconderoga. 
"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"The  Hono.  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr. 
President  of  the  Convention  of  the  State 
of  New-York." 

The  copy  of  the  information  given  by  a  Hessian  deser- 
ter, was  again  read  and  filed. 

The  letter  from  Albany  of  the  16th  instant,  was  again 
read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"Albany  Committee  Chamber,  \ 
"  16lh  Sept.  1776.  $ 

"  Gent. — We  are  informed  that  General  Schuyler  has 
sent  in  his  resignation  to  Congress,  a  circumstance  truly 
alarming  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  city,  and  we  fear  will 
be  very  detrimental  to  the  public  cause.  His  conduct  as 
a  general,  his  indefatigable  assiduity  on  all  occasions,  are 
so  very  conspicuous  that  we  can  not  help  expressing  the 
deepest  concern. 

"  We  are  fully  sensible,  and  time  will  evince  that  the 
effects  of  his  resignation  will  be  severely  felt  in  the  north- 
ern department,  as  we  are  well  assured  no  person  can  be 
found  to  succeed  him,  capable  of  holding  so  honourable  an 
office,  that  has  a  sufficient  influence  to  conduct  matters  in 
the  manner  he  has  done  with  such  feeble  supports. 

"  This  day  a  committee  of  this  board  wailed  on  his 
honour,  requesting  to  know  the  reason  of  his  resigning. 
His  answer  was  that  such  inattention  was  paid  to  his  re- 
monstrances to  Congress,  and  such  calumnies  thrown  out 
against  him  that,  consistent  with  the  character  of  a  gentle- 
man, he  could  not  do  otherwise. 

"  We  are  very  unhappy  to  think  that  Congress  should 
pay  so  little  regard  to  the  character  of  a  gentleman,  whose 
conduct  we  are  well  assured  merits  the  approbation  of 
every  well  wisher  to  this  much  injured  country. 

"  From  what  we  have  already  heard,  we  can  inform  you 
as  a  fact,  that  many  resignations  will  follow  his  in  a  short 
time,  as  well  in  the  militia  and  civil,  as  in  the  military  de- 
partments. 

"  It  is  unnecessary  for  us,  we  presume,  to  expatiate  on 
the  great  abilities  which  he  possesses,  as  part  of  his  con- 
duct has  manifested  it  more  fully  than  we  can  possibly  ex- 
press. 

"  From  a  full  conviction  of  the  above  facts  we  do  in- 
struct you,  that  you  lay  this  letter  before  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  and  desire  you  will  use  your  influence  to 
have  the  sense  of  this  board  transmitted  to  Congress  on 
this  occasion. 

"  We  are  gent. 
"  Your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 
"  JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Deputies  of  the  county  of 

Albany,  in  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

General  Schuyler's  letter  of  the  9th  instant,  which  was 
made  a  part  of  the  minutes  of  this  Convention  on  the 
instant,  was  again  read.  Thereupon  the  said  report  of  the 
committee  was  again  read,  and  being  then  read  by  para- 
graphs, on  reading  the  second  resolution,  Mr.  Duane  mov- 
ed for  the  following  amendment,  to  wit :  That  the  words 
"  endanger  the  peace  "  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "  be 
productive  of  discontent  and  endanger  the  safety  of  this 
State,"  be  inserted  in  their  stead. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  negative  in  manner  following  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Charlotte,    2      Tryon,   3 

Albany,   6 

Westchester  4 

Cumberland,   2 

Orange,   3 

Ulster   4 

Dutches,  5—26 


Therefore  the  said  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  residue  of  the  said  report  being  read  by  paragraphs, 
amended  and  approved  of,  the  whole  of  the  said  report 
was  again  read  adopted  by  the  Convention,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  this  Convention  have  received  information 
that  Major-General  Schuyler  ha3  sent  in  his  resignation  to 
the  Honourable  the  Congress,  which  they  have  reason  to 
believe  has  arisen  from  some  unhappy  misapprehension  of, 
and  a  neglect  to  inquire  into  his  conduct :  they  can  not, 
therefore,  in  justice  to  his  character,  avoid  expressing  their 
sense  of  his  merit,  and  their  apprehension  of  the  influence 
his  resignation  may  have  on  the  public  measures  :  There- 
fore, 

1st.  Resolved  unanimously,  That  Major-General  Schuy- 
ler, since  his  appointment  to  the  command  in  the  northern 
department  has,  as  far  as  this  Convention  has  been  enabled 
lo  judge,  discharged  the  duties  of  his  important  trust  with 
assiduity,  fidelity  and  skill. 

2nd.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Conven- 
tion that  the  resignation  of  Major-General  Schuyler,  at  this 
critical  period,  will,  if  accepted,  greatly  affect  the  general 
interest  of  America,  and  endanger  the  peace  and  safety  of 
the  State. 

3rd.  Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  Honourable  the 
Congress  be  requested  (through  the  Delegates  from  this 
State)  to  withhold  their  assent  to  the  resignation  of  Major- 
General  Schuyler,  and  to  cause  an  inquiry  to  be  made  into 
his  conduct,  since  this  Convention  can  not  but  hope  that 
an  honourable  acquittal  will,  by  silencing  the  voice  of  ca- 
lumny, induce  him  to  continue  in  his  command,  and  there- 
by preserve  a  useful  officer  to  the  public. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  as  Major-General  Schuyler 
was  appointed  at  the  request  of  this  Convention,  if  no  in- 
quiry should  shortly  be  made  into  his  conduct,  that  it  will 
be  the  duty  of  this  Convention  to  institute  the  same,  in  or- 
der either  to  justify  their  recommendation,  and  vindicate  a 
character  which  they  have  reason  to  fear  has  been  unjustly 
traduced,  or  to  hold  him  up,  if  he  has  disgraced  his  ap- 
pointment, as  an  object  of  public  censure. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  wait  upon  Major-General  Schuyler,  in  order  to  in- 
quire into  the  reasons  of  his  resignation,  and  to  report  the 
same,  and  in  the  name  of  this  State  to  request  him  not  to 
insist  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolutions  be 
immediately  sent  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress, 
in  order  to  be  laid  before  that  Honourable  House. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  to  at- 
tend the  said  resolutions,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  have  much  at  heart 
the  subject  of  the  enclosed  resolutions,  and  have  directed 
me  to  recommend  them  to  your  particular  attention.  They 
are  persuaded  that  General  Schuyler's  resignation  will  not 
only  be  highly  prejudical  to  the  common  cause  of  America, 
but  the  loss  of  an  able  and  vigilant  officer,  singularly  qua- 
lified for  the  command  he  now  fills,  will  be  productive 
of  interna]  jealousy  and  discontent,  at  a  period  when  union 
and  harmony  are  necessary  for  our  preservation. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt. 

"  P.  S. — I  am  directed  to  add  that  the  Convention  have 
received  no  answer  to  their  last  letters  ;  they  would  wish 
to  hear  from  you  on  the  matter  contained  in  them,  and  this 
matter  as  soon  as  possible." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  without  delay. 

Mr.  Duane  from  the  "  committee  appointed  to  examine 
into  and  report  the  present  state  of  the  treasury,  the  pro- 
gress which  has  been  made  in  emitting  £200,000  to  sup- 
ply the  exigencies  of  this  State,  agreeable  to  a  resolution 
of  the  Convention  passed  on  the  13th  of  Augt.  last,  the  ob- 


636 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


structions  which  have  prevented  the  settlement  of  the  pub- 
lic accounts  of  this  State  against  the  Continent,  and  further 
means  for  the  immediate  supply  of  the  treasury  with  mo- 
ney," delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"Your  committee  do  report  that  they  have  according  to 
order,  considered  the  several  matters  submitted  to  their 
examination  ;  that  the  treasury  is  exhausted,  as  appears  by 
the  account  No.  1,  being  a  general  state  of  receipts  and 
payments  of  the  treasury  down  to  the  17th  instant,  and  that 
the  most  speedy  and  effectual  means  ought  to  be  adopted 
to  supply  the  treasury  with  money  ;  that  the  public  credit 
may  be  supported,  and  the  heavy  expenses  to  which  this 
State  must  unavoidably  be  exposed,  in  its  present  critical 
and  dangerous  situation  be  provided  for. 

"  That  by  reason  of  the  evacuation  of  the  metropolis, 
the  loss  of  the  paper  mills,  the  dispersion  of  the  printers, 
as  well  as  of  the  gentlemen  entrusted  to  procure  the  plates, 
superintend  the  press  and  sign  the  bills  of  credit  directed 
to  be  emitted,  there  cannot  be  the  least  prospect  of  supply- 
ing the  treasury  from  the  intended  emission,  so  as  to  answer 
the  exigencies  of  the  State. 

"  That  the  committee  have  examined  into  the  measures 
which  have  been  pursued  for  adjusting  the  public  accounts 
of  this  State  against  the  Continent,  and  for  that  purpose  have 
been  attended  by  the  Deputy-Treasurer,  to  whose  state  of 
facts  mentioned  in  the  paper  number  two,  they  refer,  and 
from  which  it  appears  that  several  of  the  persons  named  in 
the  list  delivered  in  by  the  Deputy  Treasurer  on  the  17th 
instant,  who  have  been  entrusted  with  public  money,  have, 
though  called  upon,  neglected  to  settle  their  accounts  with 
the  Auditor-General  of  this  State,  which,  putting  it  out  of 
his  power  precisely  to  ascertain  how  much  of  the  monies 
have  been  applied  for  Continental  service,  and  how  much 
for  the  more  immediate  purposes  of  this  State,  hath  hither- 
to proved  an  insurmountable  obstruction  to  the  adjustment 
of  the  public  accounts  of  this  State  against  the  Continent. 

"  That  nevertheless  from  an  estimate  made  by  the  De- 
puty-Treasurer, contained  in  the  paper  number  3,  which 
is  herewith  presented,  it  appears,  and  your  committee  are 
satisfied,  that  upwards  of  sixty-two  thousand  dollars  are 
due  from  the  United  States  to  the  State  of  New-York, 
whereupon  your  committee  have  agreed  to  the  following 
resolutions  : 

"  1st.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee 
that  the  Auditor-General  be  directed  to  use  all  possible  di- 
ligence in  completing  the  settlement  of  the  public  accounts 
of  this  Slate  with  the  United  States,  and  procuring  the 
necessary  vouchers,  in  order  that  the  said  accounts  and 
vouchers  may,  without  further  delay,  be  transmitted  to  the 
treasury  office  of  the  United  Slates  at  Philadelphia,  there 
to  be  finally  settled  and  passed  ;  and  to  remove  the  impe- 
diment which  has  hitherto  retarded  the  settlement  of  the 
said  accounts. 

"  2ndly.  Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee, such  of  the  persons  named  in  the  said  list  who 
have  been  entrusted  with  the  public  money  and  have  ne- 
glected to  produce  their  accounts  and  vouchers  to  the 
Auditor-General  of  this  State,  be  and  they  hereby  are  en- 
joined, on  pain  of  incurring  the  displeasure  of  this  Con- 
vention, to  attend  the  said  Auditor-General  at  Fishkills 
with  their  respective  accounts  and  vouchers  as  soon  as 
possible  after  receiving  notice  for  that  purpose  from  the 
said  Auditor-General. 

"  3rdly.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  com- 
mittee that  the  Honourable  Congress  of  the  United  States 
be  requested  to  advance  to  this  State  100,000  dollars  in 
consideration  of  the  vast  expenses  to  which  we  are  ex- 
posed, and  the  impracticability,  for  the  reasons  herein  set 
forth,  of  emitting  bills  of  credit  with  a  despatch  suitable 
to  the  urgency  of  our  public  affairs  and  the  calamitous 
circumstances  into  which  we  are  involved.  That  in  case 
this  requisition  should  be  complied  with,  the  Convention 


do  pledge  this  State  to  be  accountable  for  the  sums  so  to  be 
advanced,  declaring  that  the  receipt  of  the  Delegates  of 
this  State,  or  either  of  them,  shall  be  a  sufficient  voucher 
for  the  same  ;  and  directing  the  said  Delegates  to  forward 
the  money  as  expeditiously  as  possible. 

"  4thly.  Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  committee, 
that  if  it  should  be  inconvenient  to  the  United  States  to 
advance  to  this  State  the  sum  specified  in  the  before  men- 
tioned requisition,  that  then  the  Honourable  Congress  be 
and  are  hereby  requested  to  advance  to  this  State  the  sum 
of  sixty  thousand  dollars  on  account,  of  the  balance  due 
from  the  Continent  to  this  State,  this  committee  being  of 
opinion  upon  the  best  evidence  they  have  been  able  to  pro- 
cure, that  at  least  that  sum  must  be  due  from  the  United 
States  to  this  State." 

The  same  report  was  again  read  by  paragraphs.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  this  Convention  does  agree 
with  their  committee  in  the  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  report  be  trans- 
mitted by  the  President  of  this  Convention  to  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Honourable  Continental  Congress.  And  that 
a  copy  be  also  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State 
at  the  Continental  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  the  Ho- 
nourable the  President  of  Congress,  and  another  to  the 
Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress,  to  accompany  the  co- 
pies of  those  resolutions. 

Ordered,  That  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esquire,  the  Pre- 
sident of  this  Convention,  have  leave  of  absence  for  one 
fortnight  from  the  time  of  his  departure. 

Mr.  Duer  from  the  "  committee  appointed  to  report  a 
more  effertual  mode  for  detecting  and  defeating  the  designs 
of  the  internal  enemies  of  this  State,"  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read.  The  same  was  read  a  second 
time.    Debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
said  report  be  rejected. 

Mr.  Duane  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  former  re- 
solutions of  the  late  Provincial  C  ongress  of  this  Conven- 
tion for  apprehending  and  securing  dangerous  and  disaffect- 
ed persons,  be  read. 

After  many  debates  on  each  of  the  said  two  last  men- 
tioned motions,  the  farther  consideration  thereof  was  de- 
ferred till  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Adgate  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  fortnight  from 
the  time  of  his  departure.  Mr.  Wisner  has  leave  of  ab- 
sence for  a  week  from  the  time  of  departure.  Mr. 
Duer  dissents  to  both. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  President,  for  the  time 
being,  with  any  five  members,  have  power  to  send  a  mes- 
senger for  any  member  who  shall  depart  the  Convention 
without  leave,  or  for  any  member  who  having  departed 
with  leave,  shall  be  absent  longer  than  the  time  of  per- 
mission to  such  member  limited  pursuant  to  the  resolve 
and  order  of  this  Convention  of  the  sixth  instant. 

The  Convention  being  informed  that  Isaac  Ketcham, 
who,  as  a  traitor  against  this  State,  has  lately  been  aiding 
and  assisting  the  cruel  enemies  of  the  United  American 
States  in  ravaging  and  plundering  the  farms  and  estates  of 
the  subjects  and  inhabitants  of  this  State  on  Nassau  island, 
and  carrying  off  the  stock,  has  been  taken  by  Captain  Ro- 
gers, and  is  now  in  chains  on  board  the  sloop  Montgo- 
mery. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Isaac  Ketcham  be  brought  ma- 
nacled and  under  a  proper  guard  before  this  Convention, 
to  abide  the  further  order  of  this  Convention.  And  that 
John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  be  requested  to  see  that  this  or- 
der be  duly  executed.    Mr.  Duane  dissents. 

Ordered,  That  Jost  Wadder,  alias  Veder,  and  PeterBen- 
jamin  Van  Vredenbergh,  two  deserters  from  Capt.  Van 
Stein  Bergh's  company,  from  Dutches  county  and  now  in 
custody  of  the  guard  of  Capt.  William  Clark's  company, 
be  sent  to  Fort  Constitution  and  there  delivered  to  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


637 


commanding  officer,  and  the  said  commanding  officer  is 
hereby  requested  to  detain  the  said  deserters  in  safe  cus- 
tody and  send  them  by  the  first  conveyance  to  the  main 
guard  at  General  Clinton's  encampment,  at  or  near  King's 
Bridge,  together  with  this  order. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Septr.  21s*,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker— iVew- York. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Doctr.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr. 
Little  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt. 
Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt— 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Vcder,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Zeph.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Doctr.  Crane 
— Dutches. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  Convention  that  the  rangers 
raised  in  Orange  county  are  ready  for  service,  but  as 
the  Indians  are  quiet  and  the  rangers  unemployed,  he  sug- 
gested to  the  Convention  whether  it  might  not  be  proper 
to  send  them  to  Fort  Montgomerie  for  the  present  in  lieu 
of  the  company  of  militia  lately  ordered  to  be  detached 
from  that  county. 

Resolved,  That  the  state  of  the  rangers  be  taken  into 
consideration  on  Tuesday  next. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  be  directed  to  call  at  the 
forts  in  the  Highlands  in  his  way  to  Head-Quarters  ;  that 
he  get  an  exact  account  of  the  garrison,  and  the  number  of 
men  required  to  put  them  in  a  proper  posture  of  defence  ; 
and  that  he  state  to  the  General  the  inconvenience  we  lay 
under  in  raising  more  of  our  militia,  and  request  if  they 
can  be  spared,  that  he  would  send  a  reinforcement  from 
his  army  to  those  posts. 

Whereas  that  part  of  the  order  of  the  18th  instant, 
which  sets  forth  that  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt. 
Plait  had  accounted  with  William  Paulding  for  the  public 
monies  put  into  their  hands  for  supporting  the  militia  em- 
ployed on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river  while  the  ene- 
my's ships  of  war  were  in  the  river  appears  to  have  been 
founded  on  mistake. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  order  of  the  18th  instant  respecting 
those  accounts,  together  with  the  schedule  containing  the 
names  of  the  persons  who  have  not  accounted  to  the  Trea- 
surer, be  recommitted  to  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Bancker 
and  Mr.  Duer,  who  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  for 
that  purpose. 

On  motion  of  General  Ten  Broeck, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  the  Deputy  Trea- 
surer of  the  State,  do  immediately  draw  upon  the  loan  of- 
ficers of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany  in  favour  of  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  for  whatever  inte- 
rest of  the  loan  office  money  is  at  present  in  their  hands, 
not  exceeding  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  pounds  ;  and 
the  said  committee  are  hereby  ordered  to  apply  the  sum 
so  received  to  the  payment  of  the  one-half  of  the  bounty 
to  the  rangers  raised  in  the  said  county,  and  to  the  pay- 
ment of  the  subsistence  money  to  the  company  raised  in 
the  city  of  Albany  for  guarding  the  stores  and  vessels  with 
provisions  and  ammunition  in  and  about  the  said  city. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
M  the  consideration  of  a  more  effectual  mode  of  detecting 
and  defeating  the  designs  of  the  internal  enemies  of  this 
State,"  was  again  read. 

160 


On  motion  the  resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
the  5th  day  of  June  last,  appointing  a  committee  to  call 
before  them  and  secure  persons  dangerous  and  disaffected 
to  the  American  cause  and  those  of  equivocal  character, 
were  also  read. 

The  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  the  Representatives 
of  this  State,  increasing  the  powers  of  the  respective 
county  committees  as  to  dangerous  persons,  and  also  the 
resolutions  of  the  Convention,  on  the  26lh  day  of  August 
last,  authorizing  the  county  committees  to  secure  persons 
committed  or  to  deliver  the  goals,  were  respectively  read. 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
said  report  of  the  committee  mentioned,  the  same  was 
again  read,  and  on  motion  made  and  seconded,  the  ques- 
tion was  put  whether  the  same  shall  be  rejected,  which 
was  carred  in  the  negative. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Washington  was  read  and  follows, 
vizt : 

"Head-Quarters,  ) 
"  Heights  of  Harlem,  Septr.  20th,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentn. — Having  reason  to  believe  the  enemy  will  at- 
tempt to  gall  us  with  their  ships  of  war  from  the  North 
river  as  soon  as  they  are  ready  to  open  their  batteries 
against  the  front  of  our  lines,  which  we  expect  them  to 
erect  with  great  industry,  I  beg  leave  to  mention  that  I 
think  it  may  be  of  immense  consequence  if  your  Honour- 
able Body  will  order  down  some  of  your  fire  ships,  which 
may  lay  just  above  the  obstructions  in  the  river  under  co- 
ver of  the  guns  of  Fort  Washington,  where  they  will  be 
ready  to  act  in  case  the  ships  should  attempt  to  come  up. 

"Hurried  and  surrounded  with  a  thousand  things,  I  have 
only  time  to  add,  that 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  esteem, 
"  Gentn.  your  most  obt.  st. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON." 

On  reading  the  letter  of  His  Excellency  General  Wa- 
shington of  the  20th  instant,  requesting  this  Convention  to 
order  down  some  of  their  fire  ships  to  lay  just  above  the 
obstructions  in  the  Hudson's  river, 

Resolved,  That  the  two  fire  ships  charged  bv  Captain 
Hazelwood,  be  immediately  despatched  to  Fort  Washing- 
ton, or  near  it.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  or  any  other 
member  of  the  committee  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river  who  may  now  be  at  Poughkeepsie,  do  im- 
mediately despatch  the  two  fire  ships  prepared  and  charged 
by  Captain  Hazelwood,  with  proper  persons  to  navigate 
them,  under  cover  of  the  guns  of  the  said  fort,  and  there 
deliver  them  to  the  care  of  such  person  as  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  has  or  shall  appoint  to  take  charge  of 
them. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolution  and  order 
be  despatched  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  and 
another  copy  to  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — The  Convention  have  received  your  Excellency's 
letter  of  Septr.  20th,  and  have,  in  consequence,  entered 
into  the  enclosed  resolution,  which  I  am  directed  to  trans- 
mit. We  are  sorry  that  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  send  down 
more  than  two  fire  ships,  as  they  have  no  more  charged  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  be  depended  on. 

"  A  committee  of  correspondence  has  been  established 
by  the  Convention,  for  the  purpose  of  communicating  to 
and  receiving  intelligence  from  the  army.  The  express 
will  receive  orders  to  call  upon  your  Excellency  daily,  and 
any  commands  or  intelligence  which  your  Excellency  may 
think  proper  to  transmit,  will  be  thankfully  received  and 
punctually  attended  to,  by 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 


638 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  the  Quarter-Master-General  to  Capt.  Cook, 
open,  directing  him  to  purchase  and  procure  timber  and  oak 
plank  with  all  possible  despatch  for  the  army ;  and  an  or- 
der of  the  said  Quarter-Master  to  Capt.  Cook  to  purchase 
vessels,  or  take  them  at  an  appraisement,  for  completing 
the  obstructions  to  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  oppo- 
site to  Mount  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Sackett  and  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  go  out  and  confer  with  Capt. 
Cook  on  the  subjects  of  those  two  papers,  and  know  what 
aid  he  expects  of  this  Convention  in  the  premises. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideraton  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  "a  more  effectual  mode  of  delecting 
and  defeating  the  designs  of  the  internal  enemies  of  this 
State." 

A  letter  from  Thaddeus  Crane  to  Major  Jos.  Benedict, 
dated  the  17th  instant,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that 
the  disaffected  are  grown  troublesome  and  impudent,  and 
that  it  is  necessary  that  some  remedy  be  provided.  He 
suggests  the  necessity  of  removing  a  number  of  disaffect- 
ed persons  from  Salem,  and  raising  a  company  of  25  or 
30  men,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Samuel  Dellavan, 
for  the  purpose  of  awing  and  detecting  the  disaffected,  in- 
sulting villains. 

A  pathetic  letter  on  the  same  subject,  from  Major  Jos. 
Benedict  to  Colo.  Drake,  dated  the  18th  instant,  was  also 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  John  White,  of  Rhynbeck  precinct,  to  Capt. 
Zeph.  Piatt,  dated  the  16lh  instant,  was  also  read  and  filed. 

He  therein  complains  of  great  desertions  from  the  army  ; 
that  at  least  thirty  deserters  are  thereabout  in  the  woods, 
and  supported  by  disaffected  persons  ;  that  some  remedy 
ought  to  be  applied. 

The  Convention  then  spent  some  further  time  in  consi- 
deration of  the  said  report,  and  the  letters  above  mention- 
ed. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  thirty  men  be  raised  in  Westchester 
county,  by  Capt.  Samuel  Dellivan,  and  put  on  the  same 
establishment  as  those  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Micha. 
Townshend  ;  that  they  compose  one  company,  under  the 
command  of  the  said  Capt.  Samuel  Dellivan,  who  is  here- 
by empowered  to  appoint  three  sergeants,  three  corporals, 
and  a  drummer  and  fifer  in  the  said  company. 

Doctor  Crane  had  leave  of  absence,  to  return  on  Wed- 
nesday next ;  Mr.  Duer  dissenting. 

The  Convention  adjourned  one  hour. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  2\st,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker.  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett— 
Dutches. 

The  President,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  John  Ten  Bioeck,  Mr.  Robt. 
Yates—  Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little,  Doctr.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Alli- 
son— Orange. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart—  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake— 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Randall,  Esqr.  one  of  the  marine 
committee,  dated  at  Elizabeth  Town,  the  7th  Septr.  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Quigley,  mate  of  the  privateer  Put- 
nam, dated  at  Cranberry  inlet,  the  fourth  instant,  was  also 
read  and  filed. 

The  petition  of  the  officers  and  mariners  of  the  said  ves- 
sel of  war,  was  also  read  and  filed. 


It  thereby  appears  that  there  is  a  mutiny  on  board  of 
the  said  vessel,  and  the  mariners  and  crew  demand  their 
wages  and  refuse  to  continue  in  the  said  vessels  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Thos.  Creiger. 

Ordered,  That  those  papers  be  deferred  for  considera- 
tion. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  "  on  a  more  effectual  mode  of  delecting 
and  defeating  the  designs  of  the  internal  enemies  of  this 
State."  The  same  being  read  by  paragraphs,  resolved  on, 
and  agreed  to,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  divers  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  have, 
by  the  wicked  arts  and  insidious  and  corrupt  practices  of 
William  Tryon,  Esq.  late  Governor  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York,  and  his  adherents,  been  seduced  to  take  part  with 
our  enemies,  and  aid  and  abet  their  measures  for  subjugat- 
ing the  United  States  of  America :  And  whereas,  al- 
though sundry  of  the  said  parricides  have  been  discovered 
and  secured,  yet  there  is  the  highest  reason  to  believe  that 
the  measures  hitherto  pursued  fully  to  detect  and  suppress 
such  inquitious  practices  and  conspiracies,  have  not  been 
effectual  :  And  whereas  this  Stale  is  at  present  invaded 
by  a  powerful  army  at  the  Capital,  and  threatened  with 
the  incursions  of  another  army,  attended  with  a  host  of 
savages,  on  its  northern  and  western  frontiers,  this  Con- 
vention find  themselves  reduced  by  the  great  laws  of  self- 
preservation,  and  the  duties  which  they  owe  to  their  con- 
stituents, to  provide  that  no  means  in  their  power  be  left 
unessayed  to  defeat  the  barbarous  machinations  of  their 
domestic  as  well  as  external  enemies,  and  do,  therefore, 

Resolve,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  for  the  express 
purpose  of  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  con- 
spiracies which  may  be  formed  in  this  State,  against  the 
liberties  of  America  ;  that  they  be  empowered  to  send  for 
persons  and  papers  ;  to  call  out  such  detachments  of  the 
militia,  or  troops  in  the  different  counties,  as  they  may, 
from  time  to  time,  deem  necessary  for  suppressing  insur- 
rections ;  to  apprehend,  secure  or  remove  such  persons 
whom  they  shall  judge  dangerous  to  the  safety  of  the  State ; 
to  make  drafts  on  the  treasury  for  a  sum  not  exceeding  five 
hundred  pounds  ;  that  they  be  empowered  to  enjoin  secre- 
cy upon  their  own  members,  and  the  persons  employed  by 
the  committee,  whenever  they  shall  judge  the  same  neces- 
sary ;  and  in  general  to  do  every  act  and  thing  whatsoever, 
which  may  be  necessary  to  enable  them  to  execute  the 
trust  hereby  reposed  in  them  ;  that  the  said  committee 
keep  regular  minutes  of  all  their  proceedings  and  expendi- 
tures, together  with  the  examinations  which  they  may  from 
time  to  time  take,  and  the  correspondence  they  carry  on 
for  executing  these  resolutions,  in  order  that  the  whole,  or 
any  part  thereof,  may  be  submitted  to  the  consideration  of 
this  Convention,  or  future  Legislature  of  this  Stale,  when- 
ever and  as  often  as  they  may  think  proper  to  call  for  the 
same ;  that  they  be  empowered,  if  they  shall  think  it 
necessary,  to  raise,  officer  and  put  under  pay,  any  number 
of  men,  not  exceeding  two  hundred  and  twenty,  officers  in- 
cluded, to  be  upon  the  same  establishment  with  those  un- 
der the  command  of  Captain  Melancton  Smith,  and  to  sta- 
tion them  in  such  places,  and  to  employ  them  on  such  ser- 
vices as  they  shall  judge  expedient  for  the  public  safety. 

Resolved,  That  the  company  of  thirty  men,  ordered  this 
day  by  this  Convention  to  be  raised  by  Captain  Delavergne, 
be  under  the  direction  of  the  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  committees  in  this  State  do, 
from  time  to  time,  transmit  to  the  above  mentioned  com- 
mittee all  such  information  as  they  shall  receive,  relating 
to  any  machinations  and  conspiracies  against  this  Slate  ; 
and  that  copies  of  these  resolutions  be  immediately  sent  by 
express  to  the  chairman  of  the  county  committees,  and  to 
all  the  brigadier-generals  or  commanding  officers  of  the 
militia  in  this  State,  that  they  may  govern  themselves  ac- 
cordingly. 

Extracts  from  the  minutes, 

ROBERT  BENSON,  Sec'ry. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


639 


Resolved  and  Agreed  unanimously,  That  the  said  com- 
mittee be  chosen  by  ballot ;  and  the  ballots  of  the  several 
counties  being  delivered  in  and  told,  William  Duer,  Charles 
D.  Witt,  Leonard  Gansevoort,  John  Jay  and  Zephaniah 
Piatt,  Esquires,  appeared  duly  elected  by  a  majority  of 
votes  to  be  the  members  of  that  committee. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  those  gentlemen  be  the  com- 
mittee. 

Resolved,  That  Nathaniel  Sackett,  Esquire,  be  added 
to  and  be  a  member  of  the  said  committee.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  send  notice  to  Charles 
D.  Witt,  Esquire,  of  his  appointment  to  be  one  of  this  com- 
mittee, and  desire  his  attendance. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  and  two  members  of  the 
said  committee,  be  a  quorum  to  proceed  on  business. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  examinations  of  Sa- 
muel Gale,  William  Tredwell  and  Benjamin  Ludlum,  be 
delivered  to  the  said  committee  ;  that  they  take  the  same, 
with  any  other  papers  or  evidences  relating  thereto,  into 
consideration,  and  commit  them  or  take  securities  of  them, 
or  liberate  and  discharge  them  respectively,  as  the  said 
committee  may  think  proper. 

Resolved  and  Agreed,  That  the  order  for  committing  the 
said  Samuel  Gale,  Benjamin  Ludlum  and  William  Tred- 
well, to  the  officer  of  the  guard  at  this  place,  be  rescinded. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  take  security  of  each  of 
them,  by  bond,  with  a  surety  to  the  President  in  the  sum 
of  £500  each,  with  condition  for  their  appearance  respec- 
tively before  the  said  committee  on  request,  and  in  the 
mean  time  net  to  depart  farther  than  two  miles  from  the 
Dutch  church  at  Fishkill. 

On  report  of  the  committee  who  went  out  to  confer  with 
Capt.  Cook, 

Resolved,  That  the  secret  committee  for  obstructing  the 
navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  be  empowered  and  directed 


to  purchase  and  impress  for  the  service  of  this  State,  any 
number  of  vessels  not  exceeding  six,  which  they  shall  think 
best  calculated  for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  obstruc- 
tions in  Hudson's  river  opposite  to  Mount  Washington  ; 
that  they  cause  an  appraisment  of  the  said  vessels  to  be 
made  by  persons  under  oath,  in  the  most  equitable  and  ex- 
peditious manner  possible,  in  order  that  satisfaction  may 
hereafter  be  made  by  this  Convention  to  the  owners  of 
such  vessels  ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  the  said  commit- 
tee to  request  the  services  of  Capt.  Thomas  Greenell  in 
ballasting  and  navigating,  and  delivering  those  vessels  to 
Capt.  Cook  at  Fort  Washington. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  directed  to  send 
all  the  oak  plank  (which  they  have  in  their  possession)  to 
Mount  Washington,  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

Resolved,  That  the  superintendents  for  building  the  Con- 
tinental frigates  be  earnestly  requested  to  send  as  much  of 
their  short  oak  plank  as  they  possibly  can  spare,  to  Fort 
Washington,  with  the  utmost  despatch,  and  this  Conven- 
tion do  engage  to  justify  their  conduct  in  this  particular  to 
the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  last  appointed  Committee  of  Safety, 
with  the  addition  of  four  members  hereafter  named,  be  re- 
vived. That  therefore  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Hobart,  Genl.  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr. 
Bancker,  and  the  four  following  members,  vizt.  Mr.  Ten 
Broeck,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Joshua  H. 
Smith,  constitute  a  Committee  of  Safety  ;  that  any  four  of 
them  present  at  this  place,  be  a  quorum  ;  that  every  other 
member  who  may  attend,  have  a  voice  in  the  Committee; 
that  the  said  Committee  have  power  to  send  for  any  mem- 
bers of  this  Convention  who  may  be  absent,  and  that  they 
continue  a  Committee  of  Safety  until  the  first  meeting  of 
a  representation  of  this  State  in  Convention. 

N.  B.  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  excused  from  being  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  that  he  may  go  to  relieve  his  family 
now  in  a  boat  or  pettiauger  on  the  river. 


JOURNAL 


OF  THE 


COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

September  23rd,  1776. 

The  following  members  met  in  Committee  of  Safety,  to 
wit : 

Mr.  Bancker,*  Mr.  Duane — Members  of  New-York. 

Mr.  Sacket — Of  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Duer,*  Major  Webster*— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,*  Mr.  Ten  Broeck*— Of  Albany. 

Major  Lockwood* — Of  Westchester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith* — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder— Tryon. 

Those  whose  names  are  marked  with  an  asterisk,  are  of  the  quorum 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

The  Committee  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Chairman, 
when  Brigadier-General  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  was  unani- 
mously elected. 

Mr.  Duer,  one  of  the  members  of  the  committee  for  es- 
tablishing riders  betwixt  this  place  and  Head-Quarters,  at  or 
near  King's  Bridge,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  most 
early  intelligence,  reported  a  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl. 
Scott,  dated  at  the  camp  at.  King's  Bridge,  Septr.  21st, 
giving  intelligence  of  a  great  fire  which  happened  the  pre- 
ceding night  in  the  city  of  New-York,  but  that  he  had  not 
been  able  to  get  any  information  as  to  the  particulars  of  it. 
The  same  was  read  and  immediately  returned  to  Mr.  Duer 
to  be  filed  with  the  committee  papers. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  dated  the  21st  inst.  and  directed  to  Mr. 
McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  was  read.  Mr.  Barclay  acknowledges  the  receipt 
of  a  resolution  of  the  Convention,  relative  to  Brooks  and 
Roff,  skippers  of  two  Albany  sloops,  who  are  charged  with 
having  deserted  the  service,  with  their  sloops  laden  with 
military  stores,  &c.  and  which  they  took  on  board  at  New- 
York,  to  be  landed  at  or  near  King's  Bridge.  Mr.  Barclay 
also  informed  the  Convention  that  the  said  committee  have 
despatched  a  batteau  well  manned,  down  the  river  in  quest 
of  them. 

Whereas  the  Convention  of  this  State  did,  on  the  17th 
instant,  appoint  a  Committee  of  Safety,  to  continue  till  the 

161 


next  meeting  of  a  representation  of  this  State  in  Conven- 
tion, and  authorized  them  to  send  for  any  members  of  the 
Convention  who  may  be  absent  without  leave,  which 
said  Committee  was,  with  the  addition  of  four  members, 
and  with  the  like  power,  on  the  21st  inst.  revived.  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  immediately  despatched 
to  summon  the  following  members  who  are  absent  without 
leave,  to  attend  on  the  public  business  without  delay,  and 
that  thev  pay  the  messenger  a  reasonable  compensation  for 
his  trouble  and  expenses,  to  wit :  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Parks, 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Zepha.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Stevens. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer  the  sense  of  the  Committee  was 
taken,  whether  Colo.  Drake  had  leave  of  absence,  and  the 
question  being  put,  it  was  determined  nem.  con.  in  the  ne- 
gative. 

The  question  was  then  put,  whether  the  messenger  shall 
be  despatched  to  require  Colo.  Drake's  immediate  atten- 
dance :  determined  in  the  negative,  because  Colo.  Drake's 
presence  in  Westchester  county,  is  absolutely  necessary 
in  order  to  inform  the  Committee  of  the  measures  which 
at  the  time  of  his  departure  the  Convention  had  un- 
der consideration,  for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies 
of  the  disaffected. 

Monday  Afternoon,  Septr.  23rd,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Bancker,*  Mr,  Duane* — For  New-York. 

Major  Lockwood* — Westchester. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,*  Genl.Ten  Broeck*— Of  Jlbany. 

Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder— Tryon. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sacket-  Of  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Duer,*  Mr.  Webster*— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Smith*,  Mr.  Little— 0/  Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

Those  marked  with  an  asterisk,  are  of  the  quorum  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety. 

The  memorial  of  Wm.  Tredwell  now  detained  at  this 
place  by  order  of  the  Convention,  on  the  suspicion  of 


G42 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


holding  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  he  having  been  on 
Long  Island  since  the  same  has  been  in  possession  of  the 
enemy,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memoral  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

Mr.  Duer,  a  member  of  the  committee  of  correspondence 
and  intelligence,  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  he 
has  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington, 
copies  of  the  resolution  of  the  Convention,  authorizing  the 
secret  committee  to  purchase,  or  impress,  any  number  of 
vessels  not  exceeding  six,  to  complete  the  obstructions  of 
the  navigation  in  Hudson's  river,  opposite  to  Fort  Wa- 
shington, and  of  the  resolution  requesting  the  superinten- 
dents of  the  frigates  building  at  Poughkeepsie,  to  send 
down  to  Mount  Washington  all  the  short  oak  plank  they 
can  spare. 

The  letter  from  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  safety  for  Westchester  county,  which 
was  received  in  Convention  on  the  21st  inst.  relative  to  the 
indigent  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New-York,  who  were 
sent  into  that  county  by  a  committee  of  the  Convention  for 
that  purpose  appointed,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  write  a  letter  to  Mr. 
Thomas,  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Con- 
vention, on  that  subject,  passed  the  21st  August  last,  and 
request  of  him  that  he  cause  leport  to  be  made  of  all  the 
indigent  persons  which  have  been  sent  into  that  county, 
agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  said  resolutions,  and  that 
this  Committee,  or  the  Convention,  will  make  provisions 
for  defraying  the  expenses  of  supporting  them. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Sept.  24th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Bancker,*  Mr.  Duane* — New-York. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith* — Orange. 
Major  Webster* — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Ten  Broeck,*  Genl.  Ten  Broeck*- — llbany. 
Major  Lockwood* — Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Capt.  Piatt — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Note. — Those  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  a  quorum  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety. 

There  being  no  material  business  proper  for  the  Com- 
mittee to  take  up, 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon,  unless  the  bell 
should  be  ordered  to  ring  before  that  hour,  in  which  case 
the  members  agree  to  give  immediate  attendance. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  Septr.  24th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,*  Chairman. 
Mr.  Bancker* — New-York. 
Mr.  Piatt—  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,*  Mr.  Ten  Broeck*— Albany. 
Major  Lockwood* — Westchester. 
Mr.  Duer,*  Major  Webster*— Charlotte. 
Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Little — Orange 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Note. — Those  marked  with  asterisks  are  a  quorum  of  the  Com- 
mittee. 

Thomas  Creiger,  commander  of  the  schooner  General 
Putnam,  a  vessel  of  wnr  filled  out  by,  and  belonging  to 
this  Slate,  wailed  upon  the  Committee,  and  informed  them 
that  the  said  schooner  is  very  much  out  of  repair,  and  as 
the  winter  is  approaching,   submitted  to  the  Committee 


whether  it  would  be  proper  to  keep  the  said  schooner  long- 
er in  service. 

The  Committee  were  of  opinion  that  this  matter  be  re- 
ferred to  the  consideration  of  the  Convention. 

Capt.  Cregier  was  called  in,  and  directed  to  wait  the 
meeting  of  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Levi  Pawling,  dated  the  23d  instant, 
was  read  and  filed. 

The  colonel  complains  much  of  the  want  of  a  surgeon 
to  his  regiment,  and  requests  that  Mr.  Joseph  Crane  may 
be  appointed  to  that  office. 

Ordered,  That  this  letter  be  referred  to  the  Convention 
at  their  first  meeting. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  9  o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

Septr.  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,*  Mr.  Bancker,*  Mr.  Dmscomb— New-York. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith*— Orange. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,*  Mr.  Ten  Broeck* — Albany. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,*  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Piatt— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 
Mr.  Duer,*  Major  Webster*— Charlotte. 

Those  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  a  quorum  of  the  Committee. 
A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  at  the  Heights 
of  Harlem,  September  23d,  containing  a  particular  account 
of  the  manoeuvres  of  the  enemy  on  their  landing  on  New- 
York  island,  and  ot  the  behaviour  of  our  troops,  who  were 
stationed  to  oppose  their  landing,  also  an  account  of  the 
skirmish  when  the  enemy  attacked  the  Heights  at  the 
north  end  of  Harlem  lane,  and  of  the  loss  on  both  sides, 
was  read  nnd  filed. 

A  letter  from  General  Scott,  to  the  committee  of  intelli- 
gence, was  introduced  by  Mr.  Duer  and  read.  General 
Scott  gives  a  particular  account  of  the  great  fire  which 
lately  happened  in  New-York  ;  and  also  of  a  little  expedi- 
tion to  Montresor's  island,  in  which  our  troops  failed  of 
success,  and  were  obliged  to  retreat,  with  the  loss  of  the 
brave  Major  Henly,  killed,  and  several  others  wounded 
and  missing. 

A  leltei  from  Messrs.  Clark  and  Nightingale,  dated  Pro- 
vidence, September  the  16th,  relative  to  two  prizes,  to  wit : 
The  brig  Temple,  from  a  whaling  voyage,  and  a  Bermu- 
dian  sloop,  both  taken  on  the  south  side  of  Long  island  by 
the  armed  Continental  sloops  Schuyler  and  Miflin,  and  the 
armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  fitted  out  by  the  State  of  New- 
York.  A  state  of  the  case  of  the  brig,  drawn  up  by  a 
lawyer,  was  also  enclosed,  were  respectively  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Con- 
vention on  their  first  meeting. 

A  memorial  of  Cornelius  Atherton,  dated  this  day  was 
read  and  filed. 

He  prays  that  he,  with  his  men,  may  be  exempted  from 
military  duty,  that  he  may  be  enabled  "to  fulfil  his  contract, 
entered  into  with  the  Representatives  of  this  State,  for  ma- 
nufacturing muskets.    Referred  to  the  Convenlion. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.Jno.Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Sackett 
Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wra! 
Harper. 

No  other  members  appearing,  and  no  urgent  business 
having  offered,  the  Committee  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Septr.  26th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dttnscomb,  Mr.  Baucker— New-York. 
Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake—  Westches- 
ter. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston— Albamj. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Park — Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Capt.  Platt — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
The  President,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  with  leave, 
being  gone  home  to  visit  his  family,  the  Convention  pro- 
ceeded to  elect  by  ballot  a  President. 

Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston  was  duly  elected,  and  ac- 
cordingly took  the  chair. 


On  motion  of  General  Ten  Broeck, 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  Safety  be  immediately 
appointed,  to  consist  of  the  President,  with  Mr.  Duane, 
Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Zephania  Platt,  Mr.  Wm. 
Harper  and  Colo.  Drake ;  that  any  three  of  those  gentlemen 
with  the  President  be  a  quorum ;  that  every  member  of 
the  Convention  who  may  attend  have  a  vote  ;  that  no 
member  of  Convention  depart  this  neighbourhood  without 
leave  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  ;  and  that  the  said 
Committee  have  power  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  send 
for  absent,  members  of  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Veder  being  so  sick  and  indisposed  that  he  is  una- 
ble to  sit  or  attend  the  Convention,  and  there  not  being 
members  sufficient  to  continue  the  Convention  without 
Mr.  Veder's  attendance  ;  therefore  the  Convention  from 
necessity  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  meet  immedi- 
ately. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE   OF  SAFETY. 


THURSDAY  AFTERNOON, 

Septr.  26th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,*  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,*  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 
Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,*  Colo.  Drake* — West- 
chester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston — llbany. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,*  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Capt.  Platt* — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer* — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Those  marked  with  an  asterisk  are  a  quorum  of  the  Committee. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  De  Lancey,  Esqr.  (now  confined 
at  Hartford)  to  States  M.  Dyckman,  was  read. 

Mr.  Dyckman  being  called  in  and  examined  says,  that 
he  knows  the  horses  mentioned  in  Mr.  De  Lancey's  letter  ; 
that  they  were  kept  on  the  farm  of  James  De  Lancey, 
Esqr.  at  Westchester  ;  that  one  of  them  is  a  bay  horse, 
about  15  hands  high  ;  the  other  likewise  a  bay  horse,  about 
14  hands  high  ;  that  about  a  week  ago,  he  went  to  the 
farm  of  Mr.  De  Lancey  and  saw  one  of  the  horses,  the 
large  one  ;  the  other,  the  small  one,  he  thinks  perhaps  may 
have  been  taken  to  Long  island  with  the  family.  States 
M.  Dyckman  withdrew. 

The  Committee  took  the  said  letter  and  Dyckman's  ap- 
plication for  an  order  for  the  horses  of  Stephen  De  Lancey 
into  consideration.  After  sometime  spent  therein,  an  or- 
der with  recitals  on  that  subject,  being  several  times  read, 
amended  and  moved  for,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  in  behalf  of  Stephen 
De  Lancey,  Esqr.  now  confined  on  his  parol  to  the  town 
of  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  by  order  of  the  general  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Albany,  that  one  of  his  horses  has 
been  taken,  and  is  at  present  employed  by  persons  in  the 
Continental  army  ;  and  it  being  highly  expedient  that 
care  should  be  taken  to  prevent  the  destruction  of  the  pro- 
perty of  all  persons  who  are  removed  from  their  usual 
places  of  residence,  by  the  authority  of  this  State  : 

162 


Resolved,  therefore,  That  States  M.  Dyckman  (recom- 
mended for  that  purpose  by  Mr.  De  Lancey)  be  authorized 
to  take  the  custody  and  charge  of  the  said  horse  belonging 
to  the  said  Stephen  De  Lancey.  Provided  always,  that 
the  said  horse  belonging  to  the  said  Stephen  Delancey  has 
not  been  impressed  by  proper  authority  for  the  service  of 
the  army  ;  and  that  nothing  in  this  resolve  contained  shall 
exempt  the  horses  of  the  said  Stephen  Delancey  from  be- 
ing impressed  in  common  with  those  of  other  persons  in 
this  Stale. 

Debates  arose  on  the  said  proposed  resolution,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  the  Committee  were  equally 
divided,  vizt :  nine  for  the  affirmative,  and  nine  for  the 
negative.  The  Chairman  then  determined  against  the  said 
proposed  resolution,  wherefore  it  was  rejected. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Cregier,  dated  this  day,  was 
read.  He  therein  gives  a  state  of  the  vessel  of  war,  the 
General  Putnam,  and  her  crew ;  that  his  men  want  their 
wages,  and  the  vessel  out  of  repair  and  unfit  for  the  sea, 
and  advises  that  she  be  laid  up  or  sold. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  representation  be  filed,  and  re- 
ferred to  the  consideration  of  the  Convention. 

The  memorial  of  John  McCamley  and  of 
Orange  county,  setting  forth  the  distresses  of  the  inhabi- 
tants for  want  of  salt,  and  that  certain  quantities  of  salt  are 
stored  in  Orange  county,  was  read. 

A  resolution  of  the  committee  of  Dutches  county,  re- 
straining the  sale  of  the  salt  stored  in  Dutches  county,  was 
also  read.  They  therein  pray  directions  how  the  said  salt 
may  be  most  advantageously  disposed  of. 

The  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress,  directing 
the  mode  of  the  sales  of  salt,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  papers,  relating  to  the  article  of 
salt,  be  committed  to  Capt.  Zeph.  Platt,  Mr.  Dunscombe, 
Colo.  Drake  and  Mr.  Duane,  hereby  appointed  a  com- 
miltee  to  report  thereon. 

Mr.  Duer  one  of  the  members  of  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence, delivered  in  a  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman, 
Esqr.  dated  the  24th  instant,  which  was  read.  He  there- 
in mentions  His  Excellency  General  Washington's  satis- 
faction that  the  Convention  should  aid  in  obstructing  the 
navigation  of  Hudson's  river. 


646 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  made  a  part  of  the 

minutes  of  this  Committee,  the  said  letter  follows,  vizt : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Harlem  Heights,  J 
"  24th  Sept.  1776.  $ 

"  Dear  Sir — I  have  this  moment  the  honour  of  yours 
of  the  22d  instant,  acquainting  me  that  Mr.  R.K.Livingston 
and  yourself  had  been  empowered  by  your  committee  of 
correspondence  to  employ  some  person  about  Head-Quar- 
ters to  communicate  daily,  such  interesting  intelligence  as 
may  be  expected  to  occur,  at  this  critical  time,  and  that 
you  were  anxious  I  should  undertake  this  task.  I  feel 
myself  highly  honoured  by  this  mark  of  distinction,  and 
you  may  be  assured  I  will  exert  myself  to  give  you  satis- 
faction in  my  office. 

"  His  Excellency  informs  me  that  he  wrote  your  Con- 
vention fully  yesterday,  and  desires  me  to  say  that  he  has 
only  to  thank  them  for  the  attention  they  are  paying  to  the 
obstruction  of  the  North  river,  which  he  hopes  will  be  ren- 
dered effectual  by  this  intended  additional  obstruction  above 
the  chevaux-de-frise.  We  hear  that  our  forces  were  obliged 
to  abandon  Powle's  Hook  yesterday  evening ;  but  as  we 
have  no  particulars  of  the  matter  or  manner,  I  must  wait 
the  return  of  Genl.  Greene,  who  went  down  that  way  this 
morning  to  make  himself  fully  informed.  You  shall  hear 
more  of  it  to-morrow.  I  beg  you  will  let  me  know  in  your 
next,  who  is  President  of  your  committee  of  correspon- 
dence, as  I  suppose  my  letters,  in  my  official  capacity,  are 
to  be  addressed  to  him.  I  shall  till  then  address  myself  to 
you.  You  are  pleased  to  call  me  Richard,  but  I  have  the 
honour  and  pleasure  to  be 

"  Yr.  most  obt. 

"  TENCH  TILGHMAN. 

"  William  Duer,  Esqr. 

at  Fishkill." 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  AT.  Septr.  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Colo.  G.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Livingston,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Jno.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Mr.  Sackelt,  Capt.  Zeph.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 
A  letter  from  Benjamin  Dupuy,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Mamacotting  precinct  in  Ulster  county,  was  read 
and  filed,  and  is  dated  the  23d  instant.  The  said  chairman 
thereby  informs  that  a  vacancy  ot  a  military  officer  had 
arisenby  Capt.  De  Witt's  engaging  the  ranging  service: 
that  thereby  the  following  gentlemen  were  duly  promoted 
and  elected,  vizt :  Abraham  Cuddeback,  Junr.  captain;  Ro- 
bert Cock,  first  lieutenant ;  Samuel  King,  second  lieute- 
nant, and  Samuel  Dupuy,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  commissions  issue,  and  they 
were  issued  accordingly. 

A  letter  or  request  of  Joab  Hoisington,  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  Nathaniel  Woodhull, 

President  of  the  Honourable  Congress  of  the  State  of  New- York  : 

Agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  Honourable  the  Congress, 
I  have  sent  the  muster-rolls  of  the  several  companies  un- 
der my  command  by  Elizur  Andrews,  the  bearer,  begging 
the  favour  of  your  forwarding  the  remainder  of  the  bounty, 
rations  and  first  month's  wages,  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"JOAB  HOISINGTON. 
"N.  B.  Please  to  remit  my  wages  and  rations,  likewise 
as  much  of  the  ration  as  the  Honourable  Congress  shall 
see  fit — find  it  much  easier  to  purchase  supplies  with 
cash." 


A  return  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  the  four  com- 
panies of  rangers,  commanded  by  Major  Hoisington,  sign- 
ed by  James  Clay,  chairman,  was  also  read,  and  certain 
muster  rolls  of  the  said  companies  were  also  delivered  in. 

The  Committee  took  the  same  into  consideration ;  after 
some  time  spent  therein,  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded 
that  a  sum  sufficient  to  answer  the  purposes  of  Major  Hois- 
ington's  request,  be  transmitted  to  him. 

It  was  objected,  that  the  committee  of  that  county  had, 
by  their  letter  or  declaration  to  this  Convention,  dated  the 
21st  of  June  last,  reserved,  or  pretended  to  reserve,  to  the 
people  of  that  county  a  right  of  seceding  from  the  govern- 
ment of  this  State  ;  that  the  State  has  already  been  at  great 
expense  for  that  county  ;  that  further  expenditures  on  their 
account  ought  not  to  be  made,  until  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
State  is  fully  acknowledged  by  the  inhabitants  of  that 
county. 

After  sundry  debates  on  this  subject,  at  the  request  of  a 
member,  Mr.  Stevens,  one  of  the  Deputies  from  that  coun- 
ty, was  interrogated  whether  he,  as  a  Representative  of 
Cumberland  county,  acknowledges  the  jurisdiction  of  this 
State  over  the  said  county  ?  Mr.  Stevens  declared  that  he 
does  fully  acknowledge  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State  over 
the  said  county. 

The  like  question  being  asked  of  Mr.  Sessions,  he  also 
answered  in  the  affirmative,  and  declares  he  does,  as  a  Re- 
presentative of  Cumberland,  county  fully  acknowledge  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  State  over  the  county  of  Cumberland 
and  its  inhabitants. 

The  further  consideration  of  this  subject  was  postponed 
till  to-morrow.  Adjourned. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

September  21th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  the  Presidt.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr.  Duane — New-York  members. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston— Albany. 

Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Schenk— Dutches. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 
Mr.  Duer  from  the  committee  for  establishing  posts, 
and  obtaining  intelligence,  introduced  a  letter  from  Tench 
Tilghman,  Esquire,  dated  at  Head-Quarters,  Heights  of 
Harlem,  Septr.  25th,  1776,  and  directed  to  Mr.  Duer ;  the 
same  being  read,  it  is 

Ordered,  That  such  part  of  the  said  letter  as  relates  to 
General  Washington's  application  for  powder,  be  imme- 
diately transmitted  by  express  to  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  and 
John  R.  Livingston,  Esquires,  and  that  they  be  requested 
to  forward  all  the  powder  which  they  have  on  hand  to 
King's  Bridge,  with  all  despatch,  and  that  they  be  em- 
powered to  apply  to  General  James  Clinton  for  a  proper 
guard,  to  escort  the  said  powder. 

The  part  of  Mr.  Tilghman's  letter  above  referred  to,  is 
as  follows  : 

"  His  Excellency  begs  your  board  would  immediately 
order  down  what  powder  is  ready  at  Wisner's  and  Living- 
ston's mills." 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  en- 
closing the  returns  of  the  militia  of  his  brigade  in  Dutchess 
county,  (excepting  the  regiments  of  Colo.  BrinckerhofT  and 
Colo.  Graham,)  and  a  request  that  other  field  officers  of 
the  militia,  may  be  commissioned  in  the  place  of  those 
called  into  actual  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  write  to  the  General  and 
inform  him  that  the  returns  sent  by  him  are  irregular,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


647 


that  he  be  requested  to  transmit  to  Convention  a  proper 
brigade  return  of  the  whole  militia  of  Dutchess,  that  the 
Convention  be  enabled  to  judge  of  the  remaining  strength 
of  the  said  militia. 

Colo.  Williams  delivered  in  the  return  of  his  regiment 
of  militia  in  Charlotte  county,  was  put  on  the  file. 

Mr.  Joshua  H.  Smith  has  leave  of  absence  for  three 
days.    Mr.  Duer  dissents  thereto. 

A  letter  from  David  Mathews,  dated  at  Litchfield  the 
25th  of  September,  was  read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  Moses  Seymour  to  Gover- 
nor Trumbull,  dated  Litchfield,  on  the  20th  Septr.  in- 
stant, relating  to  the  conduct  of  David  Mathews,  was  also 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  lie  on  the  table  for  the 
perusal  of  the  members. 

John  Campbell  who  was  sent  as  a  messenger  to  Abra- 
ham Lott,  Esqr.  late  Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 
with  a  certified  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention, 
relative  to  the  public  treasury,  and  his  contempt  in  not 
having  accounted  pursuant  to  the  order  of  the  Provincial 
Congress  of  the  17lh  March  last,  delivered  the  following 
representation  from  Abraham  Lott,  Esqr.  vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of 

New-York. 

"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  evening  I  received  by  Mr. 
John  Campbell  your  resolves  and  orders  of  the  17th  in- 
stant, directing  me  to  make  answer  in  writing,  why  the 
order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  9th  March  last,  re- 
lating to  the  delivery  of  my  public  accounts,  has  not  been 
complied  with. 

"  Permit  me,  gentlemen,  to  assure  you  that  the  omis- 
sion has  not  proceeded  from  neglect  of  your  authority, 
which  I  trust  many  of  the  Honourable  Convention  are  well 
convinced  of,  but  from  the  following  causes  : 

"  Shortly  after  I  received  the  order  of  the  9th  March,  I 
had  the  misfortune  to  wound  my  left  arm  in  the  wrist  in 
such  a  manner  that  I  could  not  make  any  use  of  it  for  six 
weeks.  When  I  got  in  part  over  this  incapacity,  I  was 
attacked  with  the  gout,  which  confined  me  six  weeks 
longer  at  this  place,  and  my  books  and  accounts  being  in 
New-York,  put  it  out  of  my  power  for  three  months  to  do 
any  thing  in  the  matter.  After  this  I  went  to  the  city  wiih 
intent  to  comply  with  this  order,  but  the  troubles  increas- 
ing, and  every  body  moving  out  of  town,  and  advising  me 
to  do  the  same,  as  the  fleet  was  arrived  at  Staten  island, 
I  packed  up  my  books  and  papers  in  a  hurry,  and  brought 
them  here  about  a  month  ago  from  Newark,  where  they 
some  time  laid  for  want  of  a  wagon  to  bring  them  up  ;  since 
which  the  times  have  been  so  very  distressing,  that  I  have 
not  had  resolution  to  finish  the  assorting  of  my  papers,  and 
thus  am  not  prepared  to  make  out  my  accounts.  These, 
and  not  contempt  or  neglect,  are  the  true  causes  why  the 
order  of  the  9th  March,  has  not  been  complied  with. 

"  However,  to  convince  the  Honourable  Convention  of 
my  readiness  to  comply  with  its  directions,  will  with  all 
possible  speed  make  out  the  accounts  and  attend  them 
without  delay,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  17th  instant ; 
though  cannot  exactly  mention  the  day,  as  I  have  still  a  num- 
ber of  papers  to  assort.  Permit  me  to  add  that  no  unne- 
cessary procrastination  shall  happen,  and  that  I  am  with 
respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 

"  ABRM.  LOTT. 

''Berericyck,  Septr.  22d,  1776. 

"  P.  S.  On  reading  the  foregoing  to  Mr.  Campbell,  he 
was  very  desirous  that  I  would  limit  the  time  of  my  attend- 
ance as  near  as  possible  :  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  Con- 
vention, do  not  think  it  will  be  less  than  a  fortnight,  but 
will  come  sooner  if  in  my  power." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  consi- 
deration of  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Major  Henry  Schenck,  one  of  the  Deputies  of  Dutches 


county,  came  into  the  Committee,  who  with  the  other 
members  before  named  were  a  sufficient  number  to  form  a 
Convention. 

They  therefore  proceeded  as  a  Convention.  The  Con- 
vention then  took  into  consideration  the  application  of  Major 
Joab  Hoisington  from  Cumberland  county,  for  money  for  the 
bounty  for  the  rangers,  and  paying  their  wages  and  sub- 
sistence. 

The  letter  or  application  of  Major  Hoisington  was  read. 
The  return  of  the  officers  of  the  company  of  rangers  un- 
der the  command  of  Major  Hoisington,  signed  by  James 
Clay,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Cumberland  county, 
was  also  read.  The  letter  from  Cumberland  county  com- 
mittee of  the  21st  day  of  June  last  to  this  Committee, 
was  also  read. 

Debates  arose  on  the  application  from  Major  Hoising- 
ton, occasioned  by  the  said  letter  of  the  21st  day  of  June 
last. 

The  following  questions  by  order  of  the  Convention  were 
asked  of  the  Deputies  from  Cumberland  county,  and  their 
answers  are  here  inserted,  vizt : 

Question.  Were  you  elected  by  the  people  of  the  coun- 
ty at  large,  or  by  the  sub-committees  in  the  towns  ? 

Answer,  (by  Mr.  Sessions  and  Mr.  Stevens.)  We  were 
elected  by  the  people  of  the  county  at  large. 

Q.  How  is  your  county  committee  formed  ? 

A.  By  two  members  sent  from  the  committee  of  each 
town. 

Q.  Were  those  committees  appointed  or  elected  by  the 
people  of  the  county  before  or  after  your  election  as  De- 
puties ? 

A.  The  committees  were  elected  long  before  the  late 
election  for  Deputies  to  represent  that  county. 

Q.  Have  your  county  committee  any  power  or  authori- 
ty from  the  people  to  give  such  instructions  or  directions, 
or  to  make  such  declarations  or  reservations  as  are  contain- 
ed in  the  said  letter  of  the  21st  of  June. 

Mr.  Sessions  in  answer  declares  ;  that  he  is  very  confi- 
dent that  the  sub-committees  or  committee  in  Cumberland 
county,  had  not  any  directions  or  instructions  from  the 
people  or  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  county  to  give  such 
instructions  or  directions  as  are  contained  in  the  said  let- 
ter of  the  21st  of  June,  or  to  make  such  declarations  or  re- 
servations as  are  therein  mentioned.  Mr.  Stevens  makes  the 
like  declaration,  and  says  that  the  letter  of  the  21st  June, 
was  agreed  to  prevent  any  division  in  the  county,  as  some 
few  towns  in  the  county  were  opposed  to  sending  Depu- 
ties to  Convention  unless  with  such  instructions.  That  he 
had  not  any  particular  instructions  from  the  people  of  the 
town  in  which  he  resides,  and  believes  the  people  of  the 
other  towns  did  not  give  any.  That  he  conceives  the  cre- 
dentials from  the  county  give  him  full  and  unrestrained 
power  in  forming  a  government.  That  he  conceives  him- 
self no  further  bound  by  those  instructions  than  his  vote, 
and  then  only  in  cases  where  the  instructions  are  agreea- 
ble to  his  own  judgment. 

Mr.  Sessions  says  he  shall  think  it  his  duty  to  pay  re- 
gard to  his  instructions  so  far  as  to  lay  them  before  the 
House,  and  obtain  a  compliance  with  them  so  far  as  they 
shall  appear  to  be  right  and  beneficial. 

The  Deputies  from  Cumberland  county  were  then  ask- 
ed whether  if  on  debate  it  should  appear  that  a  matter  con 
tained  in  or  directed  by  those  instructions  would  be  injuri- 
ous to  the  State,  they  would  think  themselves  bound  by 
those  instructions?  They  respectively  answered,  by  no 
means  ;  that  they  did  not  think  themselves  bound  by  those 
instructions  whenever  they  might  work  any  injury  to  the 
State,  or  whenever  they  should  be  outvoted. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  said  letter  of  the  21st  of  June, 
to  this  Convention,  have  not  made  any  report  thereon,  and 
that  the  greater  part  of  the  members  appointed  on  that 
committee  are  now  absent. 


648 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  of  the  21st  of  June  last, 
and  the  application  of  Major  Joab  Hoisington  for  money 
to  pay  and  subsist  the  companies  of  rangers  mentioned  in 
the  returns  thereof,  by  him  made  with  the  said  returns, 
be  committed  to  a  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Ze- 
phania  Piatt,  together  with  Mr.  Sessions  and  Colo.  Ste- 
vens, be  a  committee  for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  they  re- 
port such  facts  relating  to  this  matter,  and  what  will  in 
their  opinion  be  most  eligible  to  be  done  in  the  premises, 
with  all  convenient  speed. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed 
on  the  twenty-first  instant  "  for  the  express  purpose  of 
enquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies 
which  may  be  formed  in  the  State  against  the  liberties  of 
America,"  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  and  empowered 
at  their  discretion,  to  place  guards  at  such  place  or  places 
as  they  may  think  proper,  for  apprehending  deserters  from 
the  American  army  ;  and  for  detecting  and  defeating  all 
conspiracies  which  are  or  may  be  formed  in  this  State 
against  the  liberties  of  America;  and  to  give  such  instruc- 
tions to  those  guards  as  the  said  committee  may  think  ne- 
cessary for  those  purposes. 

Major  Schenck  produced  to  the  Convention  an  account 
of  Walter  Hyer,  for  services  done  as  a  cooper  in  securing 
and  preserving  a  quantity  of  oil  said  to  belong  to  the  Con- 
tinent, and  now  in  store  at  Fishkill  Landing,  which  is  as 
follows,  vizt : 

"  The  State  of  New-York, 
1776.  "  To  Walter  Hyer,  Dr. 

Septr.  14,    To  trimming  36  tierces  of  Spermaceti  oil,  the  property  of 
Contl.  Congress,  on  board  of  the  sloop  Capt.  Cook,. ...  £2  12s  Od 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  pay 
the  above  account  to  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  for  the  use  of 
Walter  Hyer,  and  charge  the  same  to  account  of  the  Con- 
tinent. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  Safety  be  and  hereby 
are  appointed  to  act  until  a  meeting  of  this  Convention,  to 
consist  of  the  President,  with  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Duer,  Colo. 


Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Zephania  Piatt,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper  and 
Colo.  Drake  ;  that  any  three  of  those  gentlemen,  with  the 
President,  be  a  quorum  ;  that  every  member  of  the  Con- 
vention who  may  attend,  have  a  vote  ;  that  no  member  of 
Convention  depart  this  neighbourhood  without  leave  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety ;  and  that  the  said  Committee  have 
power,  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  send  for  absent  mem- 
bers of  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Septr.  21th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,*  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,*  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  John  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  P.  R.  Livingiton*— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Little,  Doctr.  Sherwood — Orange. 

Major  Park,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,*  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Piatt*— Dutches. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Lieutenant  Brett  informed  the  Convention  that  sundry 
prisoners  are  in  the  guard  house,  in  custody  of  the  guard 
at  this  place,  under  his  command.  Some  of  them  detained 
as  suspicious  persons,  travelling  without  any  certificates  or 
passes  ;  and  others  for  reasons  which  were  particularly 
assigned  to  the  Convention. 

The  said  prisoners  being  severally  brought  in  and  exa- 
mined, 

Ordered,  That  Michael  O'Farrell  and  Richard  Gazat  be 
respectively  confined  in  the  said  guard  house  till  further 
order  of  this  Convention,  or  their  Committee  of  Safety, 
there  being  great  reason  to  believe,  from  the  imperfect  ac- 
counts given  of  themselves  respectively,  and  particularly 
from  the  many  contradictions  in  the  account  given  by  the 
said  Richard  Gazatt,  that  they  are  deserters  from  the  Ame- 
rican army. 

The  other  prisoners  were  respectively  discharged. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

September  28th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present— Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay 
— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Dr.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Little— For  Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cut- 
ler, Colo.  Livingston — For  Jllbany. 
Mr.  Platt,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Major  Parks,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner — For  Ulster. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Colo.  Van  Cort- 
landt — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

General  Ten  Broeck  and  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  have 
leave  of  absence  for  one  month.    Mr.  Duane  dissents. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Junr.  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  fortnight, 
that  he  may  be  enabled  to  execute  the  order  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  yesterday,  for  forwarding  the  powder 
from  his  mill  to  King's  Bridge,  agreeable  to  the  General's 
request. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a 
form  of  government  for  this  State,  do  report  the  same  to 
the  House  on  or  before  the  12th  day  of  October  next,  and 
that  the  said  committee  may  no  longer  be  detained  from 
that  important  business, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  sit  every  afternoon 
till  they  shall  be  ready  to  report. 

A  letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  directed  to  the 
Convention,  dated  at  Head-Quarters,  on  the  26th  instant, 
was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  informs  that  General  Wa- 
shington has  ordered  Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston  to  repair  to 
the  forts  in  the  Highlands  with  his  detachment ;  that  he, 
Mr.  Hobart,  is  concerting  measures  for  the  release  of  Genl. 
Woodhull ;  that  he  has  not  heard  of  the  committee  of 
safety  below  the  Highlands ;  that  the  enemy  are  throwing 
up  works  to  annoy  our  advanced  posts  ;  that  he  wrote  a 
letter  to  Convention  yesterday,  by  Capt.  Rogers,  and  re- 
quests an  answer. 

163 


The  letter  from  Mr.  Hobart  of  the  25th  instant,  being 
brought  in,  was  read. 

He  therein  informs,  that  in  obedience  to  the  order  of 
Convention,  he  had  called  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands  and 
found  things  in  as  good  a  state  as  could  be  expected,  con- 
sidering the  number  of  men  in  garrison  ;  that  he  had  men- 
tioned to  General  Washington  the  necessity  of  a  reinforce- 
ment from  the  army  to  those  forts,  and  that  the  General 
said  it  was  impossible ;  that  he  had  shewn  the  resolution 
of  Convention  for  procuring  an  exchange  for  General 
Woodhull  to  his  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  ;  that  it  is 
very  doubtful  how  it  can  be  effected  ;  that  the  Canada  pri- 
soners are  at  the  Hook,  and  are  to  be  set  on  shore  on  their 
parol.  He  therein  farther  gives  an  account  of  the  conflagra- 
tion of  the  city — requests  to  know  by  Capt.  Rogers  whe- 
ther the  sloop  of  war  Montgomery  will  be  sold,  and  direc- 
tions how  to  dispose  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds  of 
public  money  which  he  left  lately  at  Fairfield. 

Captain  Rogers  being  called  in  and  examined,  as  to  the 
condition  of  the  sloop  Montgomery,  says,  that  the  vessel 
is  in  good  repair  ;  that  she  wants  nothing  but  provisions 
and  a  little  gunpowder ;  that  one  of  the  prizes  which  he 
formerly  took,  to  wit,  a  small  Bermuda  sloop,  is  at  Rhode 
Island,  as  he  hopes,  by  this  time,  condemned  ;  that  she 
had  also  on  board  some  sails  and  rigging,  taken  from  the 
other  vessels  of  which  he  made  captures  ;  that  he  brought 
off  a  few  things  in  a  boat  from  Huntington,  at  the  time  he 
took  Isaac  Ketcham  and  Samuel  Skidmore  ;  that  the  lat- 
ter was  a  person  who  had  taken  possession  of  a  farm  of  a 
brother  of  Capt.  Zeph.  Platt ;  that  he  came  to  the  Con- 
vention to  request  their  directions  how  to  dispose  of  the 
vessel,  the  Montgomery. 

Resolved,  That  the  vessel  of  war,  the  Montgomery,  be 
continued  in  the  service  of  this  State. 

That  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr.  Zeph.  Platt,  be 
a  committee  to  give  such  instructions  to  Capt.  Rogers  as 
they  shall  think  proper,  to  enable  him  to  proceed  on  a  cruise 
with  all  possible  expedition  ;  and  also  that  the  said  com- 
mittee give  such  directions  to  Capt.  Rogers  relative  to  any 
prizes,  or  prize  goods,  remaining  on  Nassau  island,  as  they 
shall  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  be  added  to  the  committee  ap- 


650 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Sointed  yesterday  morning  to  report  on  the  application  of 
lajor  Hoisington  for  money  for  the  use  of  the  rangers,  and 
the  other  matters  therewith  committed. 

A  short  letter,  dated  the  27lh  instant,  from  Thos.  Cre- 
gier,  of  the  armed  schooner  Putnam,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  late  representation  of  the  state  of 
that  vessel  made  by  Capt.  Cregier,  the  letter  from  his  lieu- 
tenant, the  memorial  of  the  artificers  of  the  said  vessel, 
and  Capt.  Cregier's  present  letter,  be  committed  to  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  Mr.  Tompkins  and  Mr.  Dunscombe,  and  that 
they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  James  Clinton,  was  read,  and  is  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Constitution,  Septr.  27th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Col.  Snyder  has  just  come  down  with 
three  companies  of  his  regiment,  and  more  is  daily  expect- 
ed. The  enclosed  is  a  letter  for  Mr.  Schenk,  urging  him 
to  forward  the  materials  he  was  ordered  to  provide  for  these 
forts.  I  have  wrote  to  him  for  500  wt.  more  of  iron,  and 
about  200  shingle  lath,  if  they  can  be  sent  down  immedi- 
ately, with  the  20  hogsheads  of  lime.  We  have  two  bar- 
racks raised,  one  at  this  fort  and  the  other  near  Fort  Mont- 
gomery, but  we  can't  do  much  to  them  for  want  of  those 
materials,  &c.  I  have  received  nails  from  the  Quarter- 
Master-General,  I  believe  what  will  be  sufficient.  I  am  at 
a  loss  to  know  what  to  do  with  the  troops  for  want  of  bar- 
rack room,  unless  I  detain  the  sloops  that  brought  them 
down  a  few  days  ;  but  if  I  get  these  necessaries  to  go  on 
with  the  work,  we  will  soon  have  room  enough.  I  have 
two  prisoners  here,  that  were  sent  down  from  New-Wind- 
sor on  suspicion  of  buying  butter  and  flour  for  the  Minis- 
terial army  ;  I  will  soon  send  you  the  particulars. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  humble  servt. 

"JAMES  CLINTON,  B.  Genl. 

"  Please  to  forward  the  enclosed  to  Mr.  Schenk,  after 
you  have  opened  it,  if  you  think  proper." 

The  said  letter  of  General  Clinton  was  immediately  taken 
into  consideration  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  John  Schenk,  Esqr.  be  and  he  hereby  is 
directed  to  procure  and  forward  to  Fort  Constitution,  with 
the  utmost  despatch,  five  hundred  weight  more  of  iron,  and 
about  200  shingle  lath,  together  with  the  twenty  hogsheads 
of  lime  heretofore  ordered  to  be  sent  thither. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  se- 
cret committee  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit  : 
"  Poughkeepsie,  Wedy.  25th  Scplr.  1776. 

"  Sir — We  have  obtained  2  sloops,  2  brigs,  and  2  large 
ships,  for  the  purpose  of  obstructing  the  channel  of  Fort 
Washington  ;  one  of  the  sloops,  the  Clinton,  heretofore 
purchased  by  the  committee,  we  found  here,  the  other  we 
have  ordered  from  Fort  Montgomery ;  the  two  brigs  are 
here  also,  one  of  which  belongs  to  Malcom,  Kip  and  Lott, 
the  other  is  a  New-England  vessel,  about  120  tons  burthen, 
loaded  with  wheat,  staves,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of 
inch  boards  ;  the  wheat  and  staves  we  have  ordered  to  be 
stored,  but  send  down  the  boards  for  public  use.  The  ships 
are  in  Esopus  creek,  owners  Messrs.  Franklin  ;  they  are 
two  very  fine  vessels,  in  the  building  of  which  much  ex- 
traordinary pains  have  been  taken,  both  as  to  limber  and 
workmanship.  On  our  going  there,  we  ordered  them  to  be 
hauled  out,  and  expect  they  will  proceed  to  Fort  Washing- 
ton this  day.  The  two  sloops,  the  Clinton  and  that  from 
Fort  Montgomery,  we  think  are  almost  arrived  by  this  time, 
as  the  Clinton  sailed  yesterday  with  a  fair  wind,  and  the 
other  must  have  proceeded  from  the  fort  shortly  after  the 
Clinton's  arrival  there ;  and  as  to  the  brigs,  we  shall  be 
able  to  despatch  them  to-day  also.  The  Camden,  Capt. 
Castle,  with  near  2,000  feet  plank,  and  Capt.  Donaldson 
with  upwards  of  6,000  do.  sailed  yesterday  also.  The 
ships  and  brigs  aforesaid,  we  are  to  have  appraised  by  the 
time  they  are  ready  to  set  off  from  here,  and  we  imagine 


the  ships  will  run  very  high.  Our  stock  of  money  is  very 
low,  and  our  contracts  far  exceeding  the  sum  we  v/ere  fur- 
nished with  ;  the  demands  on  this  committee  are  frequent 
and  urgent.  Upon  these  considerations  we  hope  the  Con- 
vention will,  by  some  means  or  other,  furnish  us  with  a 
further  supply. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  ROBT.  YATES,  Chairm." 
A  letter  from  Mr.  Samuel  Tudor,  one  of  the  agents  su- 
perintending the  building  of  the  Continental  frigates  at 
Poughkeepsie,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — Enclosed  I  send  you  General  Schuyler's 
two  letters  of  23d  and  25lh  inst.  with  an  order  for  more  cor- 
dage ;  I  am,  on  my  own  part,  extremely  anxious  to  serve, 
to  the  best  of  my  abilities,  each  department,  wherein  the 
defence  of  our  country  is  aimed  at ;  but  having  this  day 
received  a  letter  from  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  (one  of  the  commis- 
sioners for  building  the  ships,)  wherein  he  expresses  his 
disapprobation  of  my  sparing  any  of  the  materials  belong- 
ing to  the  ships,  without  an  express  order  from  Congress 
or  the  commissioners.  If  I  have  hitherto  erred,  it  is  in 
judgment  only,  and  with  the  advice  of  your  Honourable 
House.  This  second  demand  from  Genl.  Schuyler  com- 
ing to  hand  unexpectedly,  and  immediately  after  the  receipt 
of  Mr.  Van  Zandt's  letter,  has  put  me  to  a  stand.  An  in- 
demnification, or  letter  of  approbation,  from  Congress,  for 
our  former  proceedings,  which  you  promissed  to  procure 
for  us,  I  believe  is  the  reason  of  the  commissioners  disap- 
proving our  going  further,  (as  that  has  not  yet  appeared 
either  to  them  or  us) ;  if  you  have  procured  it,  pray  send 
it,  as  also  your  most  candid  advice  to  me  in  the  premises. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  SAML.  TUDER. 

"  Poughkeepsie,  21th  Sept.  1776. 
"  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

Two  letters  from  General  Schuyler,  signed  by 

,  the  one  bearing  date  on  the  23rd,  and  the  other 
on  the  25th  instant,  directed  respectively  to  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  Continental  ships  now  building  at  Pough- 
keepsie, were  read. 

The  General  thereby  applies  to  the  superintendents  for 
rigging  out  of  the  Continental  stores  at  Poughkeepsie,  to 
fit  out  some  row  gallies  on  Lake  Champlain. 

A  list  of  the  stores  wanted  for  the  said  row  gallies,  was 
also  enclosed  in  the  said  letters,  which  was  likewise  read. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Yates  and  Gilbert  Livingston, 
Esqrs.  two  of  the  committee  for  obstructing  the  naviga- 
tion of  Hudson's  river,  was  received  and  read,  and  here- 
after follows,  vizt : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  Septr.  21th,  1776. 
"Sir — The  bearer  hereof,  Capt.  John  Hun,  is  come 
down  with  three  balteaux  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  for  cord- 
age ;  Capt.  Tuder,  to  whom  he  is  directed,  informs  us 
that  he  cannot  spare  the  quantity  the  General  requires. 

"  Out  of  one  of  the  new  ships  belonging  to  Franklin, 
we  have  taken  all  the  new  cordage  and  stored  it  with  Capt. 
Schenk.  We  acquaint  you  with  this  circumstance,  that 
in  case  the  Convention  should  judge  it  necessary,  they 
may  give  directions  to  complete  the  remainder  of  the  Ge- 
neral's orders  out  of  this  store. 

"  We  arc,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  sert. 
"  ROBT.  YATES, 
"  GILBERT  LIVINGSTON. 
"  Capt.  Schenk  has  the  charge  of  the  cordage,  and  if 
any  orders  are  given  they  ought  to  be  directed  to  him." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  from  Genl.  Schuyler, 
and  inventory  of  rigging  wanted,  the  said  letter  of  Capt. 
Samuel  Tudor  received  this  day,  and  the  letter  from  Mes- 
srs. Yates  and  Livingston  of  the  27t,h  instant,  be  commit- 
ted to  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION 


651 


that  they  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed,  and 
have  leave  to  withdraw  for  that  purpose. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Colo.  Humphreys 
of  Dutches  county,  who  is  attending,  alleges  that  it  is 
impracticable  for  him  to  raise  the  proportion  of  the  last 
levies  ordered  to  be  detached  from  the  militia  of  this  coun- 
ty, which  ought  to  be  detached  from  his  regiment. 

Colo.  Humphrey  called  in,  says  that  he  understands  that 
the  order  for  raising  men  is,  that  they  be  raised  voluntari- 
ly ;  but  if  otherwise,  'tis  his  opinion  that  there  are  so 
many  disaffected  that  they  cannot  be  drafted.  That  the 
disaffected  discourage  others  by  saying  that  as  Long  island 
and  New-York  are  taken,  the  enemv  will  take  the  forts  in 
the  Highlands,  and  that  those  taken  in  them  will  be  hang- 
ed ;  that  Capt.  Johs.  V.  Duerson  says  his  whole  [com- 
pany] except  his  lieutenant  and  himself  are  tories. 

Colo.  Humphreys  withdrew. 

Whereas  twenty  days  have  elapsed  since  a  resolution 
of  this  House  was  passed  for  a  detachment  of  men  of  the 
militia  of  Duchess  county  to  reinforce  the  garrisons  in  the 
Highlands.  And  whereas  the  said  detachment  hath  not 
yet  been  raised,  and  Colo.  Humphreys  hath  represented  to 
this  Convention  that  great  difficulties  hath  arisen  in  attempt- 
ing to  raise  the  same, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Dutch- 
ess be  authorized  and  requested  to  provide  that  the  said 
detachment  be  immediately  raised  ;  and  for  that  purpose, 
that  they  consult  with,  and  afford  General  Ten  Broeck 
their  advice,  aid  and  influence. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  hereof,  and  a  copy  of  the  reso- 
lutions for  raising  the  said  detachment,  be  immediately 
sent  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Dutches  county. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  letters  from 
Genl.  Schuyler,  Mr.  Samuel  Tudor,  Messrs.  Yates  and 
Livingston,  brought  in  their  report,  which  being  read  and 
adopted,  the  Convention  came  to  the  following  determina- 
tion on  those  letters,  vizt : 

Whereas  Major-General  Schuyler,  by  letters  from  his 
secretary  of  the  23d  and  25lh  instant,  directed  to  the  su- 
perintendents of  the  Continental  ships  which  are  now  build- 
ing at  Poughkeepsie,  has  applied  for  cordage  and  rigging 
out  of  the  Continental  stores  there,  for  fitting  out  row  gal- 
lies  on  Lake  Champlain  :  And  whereas  Mr.  Samuel  Tu- 
dor, one  of  the  said  superintendents,  by  letter  of  the  27th 
instant,  has  requested  the  advice  of  this  Convention  re- 
specting a  compliance  with  the  said  application,  and  there 
being  a  quantity  of  rigging  in  store  at  Fishkill  Landing, 
and  likewise  in  the  store  of  Mr.  John  Schenk  of  Pough- 
keepsie, which  was  taken  from  vessels  employed  in  ob- 
structing the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  such  of  the  articles  as  Gene- 
ral Schuyler  has  applied  for,  which  are  in  store  at  Fishkill 
Landing,  and  in  Mr.  John  Schenk's  store  at  Poughkeep- 
sie shall  be  delivered  to  Capt.  Hunn,  being  first  appraised 
by  three  indifferent  and  skilful  persons,  and  that  it  is  the 
opinion  of  this  Convention  that  such  of  the  articles  as  shall 
not  be  found  in  the  said  stores  ought  immediately  to  be 
supplied  by  the  superintendents  out  of  the  Continental  stores 
at  Poughkeepsie  ;  it  appearing  to  this  Convention  that  the 
completing  the  naval  armament  for  the  protection  and  se- 
curity of  Lake  Champlain,  is  an  ohject  of  the  greatest 
moment  to  the  United  States,  and  will  not  admit  of  de- 
lay. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  make  a  proper  re- 
presentation to  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  the 
reasons  which  have  induced  them  to  advise  the  superin- 
tendents to  deliver  such  Continental  stores  on  Major-Gene- 
al  Schuyler's  requisition,  and  that  this  Convention  will  in- 
demnify the  said  superintendents  for  their  compliance  with 
these  resolutions. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  employ  Mr.  Abraham  W. 
De  Peyster,  at  the  rate  of  one  dollar  per  day,  to  transcribe 


the  journals  of  the  former  Congresses  of  the  Colony,  and 
of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  Convention  for  the 
time  being,  and  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  be  a  committee  to 
superintend  the  engrossing  the  Journals  of  the  former  Con- 
gresses of  the  Colony,  and  of  the  Convention  of  the  State 
of  New-York. 

Major  Lockwood  has  leave  of  absence  till  next  Wed- 
nesday evening. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane  be  added  to  the  committee 
for  forming  a  plan  of  government ;  and 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  said  committee, 
with  any  four  of  the  members,  be  a  quorum. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
several  applications  delivered  on  the  25th  inst.  relative  to 
the  sale  of  salt,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
and 

Ordered  To  be  recommitted,  and  that  Mr.  William  Har- 
per and  Mr.  Gansevoort  be  added  to  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  last  Committee  of  Safely  be  revived 
and  that  it  consist  of  the  same  members,  and  with  the  same 
powers,  and  to  continue  until  the  next  meeting  of  a  quorum 
of  the  Convention. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

Fishkill,  September  29th,  1776. 

The  President  and  several  of  the  members  met  pursuant 
to  adjournment.  No  very  urgent  business  offering,  they 
adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  at  9  o'clock. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

September  30th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane — 

For  New-York. 

Colo.  Van  Corllandt,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tomkins— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston — 
For  Albany. 

Colo.  Sherwood — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— For  Ulster. 
Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer — For  Charlotte. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Schenk — For  Dutches. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — For  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  General  Mifflin,  directed  to  Captain  Ben- 
jamin Ayres,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 
"  Mount  Washington,  Seplr.  2Sth,  1776. 

"  Dr.  Sir — Colonel  Moylan  having  resigned  the  quar- 
ter-master-general's  department,  and  the  General  having 
requested  me  to  act  in  his  place  until  the  pleasure  of  Con- 
gress is  known,  I  eainestly  desire  you  to  go  immediately 
to  the  Fish  Kilns,  and  there  wait  on  the  President  of  the 
New-York  Convention  ;  entreat  him  in  my  name  to  give 
you  every  assistance  in  his  power  in  the  procuring  boards 
of  1  inch,  and  inch,  for  the  use  of  the  army  here,  who 
are  now  suffering  much  for  want  of  them. 

"  We  are  in  want  of  a  much  greater  quantity  of  boards 
than  I  fear  can  be  obtained  this  fall  from  this  Colony,  I 
therefore  do  not  now  limit  your  contract. 

"  If  you  see  Mr.  Duer,  tell  him  I  have  seen  his  letter  to 
Colo.  Moylan.  If  he  will  undertake  the  business,  and  can 
promise  his  attendance  to  it,  you  will  have  little  to  do.  If 
he  requires  your  attendance  in  the  Highlands,  take  his  or- 
ders and  execute  them  with  your  usual  zeal  and  activity  ; 
at  anv  rate  procure  boards  of  1  inch,  which  are  much  want- 
ed; 10  M.  of  \\  inch,  for  platforms;  10  M.  21  inch 
boards  should  be  had  immediately  if  possible.  I  propose 
to  go  to  Philadelphia  this  day,  and  to  return  in  one  week. 


652 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Any  orders  drawn  by  you,  (or  Mr.  Duer,)  on  account  of 
boards  and  plank,  will  be  honoured. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  hum.  and  d.  servant, 
"  THOS.  MIFFLIN,  Q.  M.  G. 

"  Capt.  Benjamin  Ayres." 

Capt.  Ayres  was  called  in,  and  he  gave  the  Convention 
further  information  on  the  subject  mailer  of  the  said  letter. 
Thereupon  it  was 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Capt.  John  Schenk  be, 
and  he  hereby  is,  directed  to  purchase  and  forward  down 
to  Spytden  Duyvel  creek,  with  the  utmost  despatch,  one 
hundred  hogsheads  of  lime  ;  as  many  hard  and  soft  bricks 
as  he  can  procure,  (not  exceeding  four  hundred  thousand,) 
any  number  of  shingles  not  exceeding  one  hundred  thou- 
sand, and  ten  thousand  shingle  lath ;  that  in  case  Capt. 
Schenk  cannot  procure  those  articles  with  the  consent  of 
the  owners  thereof,  that  he  be  authorized  to  impress  them, 
paying  a  reasonable  price  for  the  same ;  also  vessels, 
teams,  wagons,  horses  and  men,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
veying them  speedily,  it  being  of  the  utmost  importance  to 
the  preservation  of  the  army,  and  the  general  cause  of 
America  that  those  articles  should  be  procured  with  the 
utmost  expedition. 

Ordered  further,  That  Capt.  Schenk  be  directed  to 
procure  at  the  most  reasonable  rate  he  can,  ten  thousand 
feet  of  two  and  a  half  inch  oak  plank,  and  forward  the 
same  to  Spytden  Duyvel  creek,  and  that  Capt.  Schenk 
draw  on  Capt.  Benjamin  Ayres,  at  Fish  Kills,  for  such  mo- 
ney as  he  may  require  in  purchasing  and  procuring  the 
above  mentioned  articles. 

Captain  Ayres  farther  informed  the  Convention  that  he 
is  directed  by  the  Quarter-Master-General  to  procure  large 
supplies  of  grain  and  cord  wood  for  the  use  of  the  army, 
and  requests  the  aid  of  the  Convention  in  the  despatch  of 
this  most  necessary  business.    Thereupon,  it  was 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dirck  Jansen,  of  the  Manor  Li- 
vingston, be  authorized  and  requested  to  purchase  and  send 
down  to  Spytden  Duyvel  creek  with  the  utmost  despatch, 
to  Brigadier-General  Mifflin,  Quarter-Master-General  to  the 
American  army,  3,000  bushels  of  oats,  4,000  bushels  of 
old  corn,  and  1,000  bushels  of  rye,  at  the  most  reasonable 
rate,  not  exceeding  4s.  per  bushel  for  oats,  and  5s.  for  old 
corn  and  rye,  and  that  he  draw  on  Capt.  Benjamin  Ayres, 
at  Fish  Kill,  for  payment  of  the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  following  persons  whose  names  are 
hereunder  mentioned,  be  respectively  authorized  and  re- 
quested to  purchase  and  send  down  to  Spytden  Duyvel 
creek,  with  the  utmost  despatch,  for  the  use  of  the  Ameri- 
can army,  as  much  cord  wood  as  they  may  be  able  respec- 
tively to  obtain,  and  at  the  most  reasonable  rate,  not 
exceeding  24s.  pr.  cord  for  oak,  and  32  pr.  cord  for  nut 
wood  ;  and  that  on  the  delivery  of  any  quantity  of  the  said 
wood  there  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Mifflin,  or  his  order,  they 
apply  to  him  for  payment,  to  wit : 

John  Teller,  in  Dutchess  county ;  Abm.  Danielson,  at 
New-Marlborough;  James  Jackson,  at  New-Windsor;  Isaac 
Belknap,  at  Nevvburgh ;  Lewis  Clark,  at  Newburgh ;  Nichs. 
Brewer,  Junr.  at  Wapping  Hill ;  Arie  Smith,  near  Naiack  ; 
Corns.  Jansen,  at  Esopus  Landing  ;  and  Jas.  Wells,  Cock- 
sakie. 

On  motion  of  Colo.  Dewit, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  abuses  committed  in  withholding  of  tea 
by  the  owners  or  agents  thereof,  within  this  State,  and  also 
in  the  sale  thereof  at  higher  prices  than  that  limited  by 
Congress,  and  that  they  report  thereon  without  delay  ;  and 
that  Colo.  Dewit,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Robt.  Har- 
per, Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr.  Contine  be  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk  be,  and  hereby 
is,  empowered  to  take  charge  of  the  children  of  Isaac  Tel- 
ler, deceased,  to  place  such  of  the  said  children  as  he  may 
think  proper  at  board  until  further  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Rhumbout  precinct  en- 
deavour to  make  such  provision  for,  or  give  such  assistance 


at  the  public  expense,  to  Vincent  Carter's  family,  as  to 
prevent  their  perishing  by  cold  or  hunger. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  appointed  on  the 
27th  instant,  to  continue  until  a  meeting  of  the  Convention, 
and  which  was  revived  on  the  28th  instant,  consisting  of  the 
same  members,  and  with  the  same  powers  and  regulations, 
be  again  revived,  to  continue  until  a  meeting  of  this  Con- 
vention, with  the  same  powers  and  regulations,  and  to  con- 
sist of  the  same  members. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  the  Delegates  for  the  State 
of  New- York  at  Continental  Congress,  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"Phila.  24tk  Sept.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen. — We  received  your  letter  of  the  9th 
Sept.  with  sundry  inclosures,  which  were  laid  before  Con- 
gress, who  have  come  to  several  resolutions,  a  copy  of 
which  we  send  here  inclosed,  you  will  see  that  3  tons  of 
powder  was  directed  to  be  delivered  at  New- Windsor,  to 
be  sent  to  the  forts,  but  that  will  not  be  done  as  the  wa- 
gons with  the  15  tons  referred  to  in  the  resolution,  went  by 
way  of  Minisink ;  the  five  tons  we  shall  forward  imme- 
diately. We  obtained  an  order  from  Congress  for  6,700  dol- 
lars, to  be  laid  out  in  arms  for  your  State,  which  we  shall 
purchase  when  we  have  an  opportunity,  none  are  now  to 
be  had  here,  but  parcels  frequently  arrive ;  if  you  should 
have  occasion  for  the  money  for  a  more  pressing  purpose 
you  will  please  to  acquaint  us.  We  wrote  you  the  30th 
Augt.  which  we  hope  came  to  hand.  The  encouragement 
now  given  by  Congress  will,  we  hope,  enable  you  to  raise 
4  complete  battalions  as  speedily  as  possible,  we  refer  you 
to  the  President's  letter  on  that  head  ;  4  battalions  is  all 
that  is  required  of  New- York,  including  those  already 
raised.  Enclosed  are  sundry  newspapers,  we  could  wish 
to  hear  from  you  at  least  once  a  week,  which  seems  to  be 
more  necessary  now  than  ever. 

"  Brookland  on  Long  island  is  burnt  as  well  as  the  city  of 
New-York,  without  doubt  on  purpose.  This  account  we 
have  from  Mr.  Blanchard  of  Elizth.  Town. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  most  obedt.  servants, 

"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 

"  WM.  FLOYTJ, 

"  LEWIS  MORRIS." 

Sundry  resolutions  of  Congress  referred  to  and  inclosed 
in  the  said  letter  were  also  read,  and  are  as  follows  : 

"  In  Congress,  Septr.  23rd,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  German  battalion  be  ordered  im- 
mediately to  join  the  army  under  General  Washington,  and 
that  the  President  inform  his  Excellency  of  their  march, 
and  desire  that  he  will  order  an  equal  number  of  men  from 
his  army  to  garrison  the  forts  on  the  Highlands. 

"  That  Mr.  J.  Mease  be  directed  to  supply  the  German 
battalion  with  such  articles  of  clothing  as  they  may  stand 
in  need  of,  the  same  to  be  charged  to  their  account,  and 
deducted  out  of  the  pay  of  the  men. 

"  That  three  tons  of  the  fifteen  tons  of  powder  lately 
ordered  to  the  northern  army,  and  now  on  its  way  thi- 
ther, be  left  at  New  Windsor,  in  the  State  of  New-York, 
and  from  thence  conveyed  to  Fort  Montgomery,  and  that 
five  tons  be  immediately  sent  from  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia. 

"  That  two  companies  of  the  marines  lately  raised  and 
now  in  Philadelphia,  be  ordered  to  march  immediately  for 
Fort  Montgomery. 

"  That  application  be  made  to  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  to  order  one-half  of  the  artil- 
lery men  now  in  the  service  of  their  Stile,  to  proceed  to 
Fort  Montgomery  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  That  Congress  approve  the  measures  adopted  by  the 
Convention  of  New-York,  for  the  defence  of  the  High- 
lands, and  will  carefully  defray  all  the  necessary  expen- 
ses which  may  accrue. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


653 


"  In  Congress,  Sep.  20th,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  6,700  dollars  be  advanced 
to  the  Delegates  of  New- York,  for  the  use  of  that  Slate, 
the  said  State  to  be  accountable. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMPSON,  Secy." 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  inclosing  sundry  resolutions,  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Philadelphia,  Seplemr.  24th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — You  will  perceive  by  the  inclosed  re- 
solve which  I  have  the  honour  to  forward  to  you  in  obe- 
dience to  the  commands  of  Congress,  that  they  have  come 
to  a  determination  to  augment  our  army,  and  to  engage  the 
troops  to  serve  during  the  continuance  of  the  war,  as  an 
inducement  to  enlist  on  these  terms,  the  Congress  have 
agreed  to  give  besides  a  bounty  of  twenty  dollars,  a  hun- 
dred acres  of  land  to  each  soldier  ;  and  in  case  he  should 
fall  in  battle,  they  have  resolved  that  his  children  or  other 
representatives  shall  succeed  to  such  lands. 

"  The  many  ill  consequences  arising  from  a  short  and 
limited  enlistment  of  troops  are  too  obvious  to  mention.  In 
general  give  me  leave  to  observe  that  to  make  men  well 
acquainted  with  the  duties  of  a  soldier  requires  time,  and  to 
bring  them  under  proper  subordination  and  discipline,  not 
only  requires  lime,  but  has  always  been  a  work  of  much 
difficulty.  We  have  had  frequent  experience,  that  men  of 
a  few  days  standing  will  not  look  forward,  but  as  the  time 
of  their  discharge  approaches  grow  careless  of  their  arms, 
ammunition,  &c.  and  impatient  of  all  restraint.  The  con- 
sequence of  which  is  the  lalter  part  of  the  time  for  which 
the  soldier  was  engaged  is  spent  in  undoing  what  the 
greatest  pains  had  been  taken  to  inculcate  at  first ;  need  I 
add  to  this  that  the  fall  of  the  late  General  Montgomery, 
before  Quebeck  is  undoubtedly  to  be  ascribed  lo  the  limited 
time  for  which  the  troops  were  engaged,  whose  impatience 
to  return  home  compelled  him  to  make  the  attack  contrary  to 
the  conviction  of  his  own  judgment.  This  fact  alone  fur- 
nishes a  striking  argument  of  the  danger  and  impropriety 
of  sending  troops  into  the  field  under  any  restriction  as  to 
the  time  of  their  enlistment. 

The  noblest  enterprise  may  be  left  unfinished  by  troops 
in  such  a  predicament,  or  abandoned  at  the  very  moment 
success  must  have  crowned  the  attempt. 

"  The  heavy  and  enormous  expense  consequent  upon 
calling  forth  the  militia,  the  delay  attending  their  motions, 
and  the  difficulty  of  keeping  them  in  camp,  render  it  ex- 
tremely improper  to  place  our  whole  dependence  on  them. 
Experience  hath  uniformly  convinced  us  of  this,  some  of 
the  militia  having  actually  deserted  the  camp  at  the  very 
moment  their  services  were  most  wanted.  In  the  mean 
time  the  strength  of  the  British  army,  which  is  great,  is 
rendered  much  more  formidable  by  the  superior  order  and 
regularity  which  prevail  in  it. 

Under  these  circumstances,  and  in  this  situation  of  our 
affairs,  it  is  evident  that  the  only  means  left  us  of  our  pre- 
serving our  liberties,  is  the  measure  the  Congress  have 
now  adopted,  and  which  I  am  ordered  most  earneslly  to 
recommend  to  you  to  carry  into  immediate  effect.  With- 
out a  well  disciplined  army,  we  can  never  expect  success 
against  veteran  troops  ;  and  it  is  totally  impossible  we 
should  ever  have  a  well  disciplined  army,  unless  our  troops 
are  engaged  to  serve  during  the  war. 

"  To  attain,  therefore,  this  most  desirable  end,  I  am  to 
request  you  will  at  once,  and  without  a  moment's  delay, 
bend  all  your  attention  to  raise  your  quota  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  ;  the  times  call  for  the  greatest  despatch  and  vi- 
gour of  conduct.  When  the  bloody  standard  of  tyranny  is 
erected  in  a  land  of  liberty,  no  good  man,  no  friend  of  his 
country,  can  possibly  remain  an  inactive  spectator  of  her 
fall.  Display,  therefore,  I  most  ardently  entreat  you,  that 
virtue  which  alone  can  save  her  on  this  occasion.  Let  us 
convince  our  enemies,  that  as  we  entered  into  the  present 
contest  to  defend  our  liberties,  so  we  are  resolved,  with  the 

164 


firmest  reliance  on  Heaven  for  the  justice  of  our  cause, 
never  to  relinquish  it,  but  rather  perish  in  the  ruins  of  it. 
If  we  do  but  remain  firm  ;  if  we  are  undismayed  at  the  lit- 
tle shocks  of  fortune,  and  are  determined  at  all  hazards 
that  we  will  be  free,  I  am  persuaded,  under  the  gracious 
smiles  of  Providence,  assisted  by  our  own  most  strenuous 
endeavours,  we  shall  finally  succeed  agreeable  to  our 
wishes,  and  thereby  establish  the  independence,  the  hap- 
piness and  the  glory  of  the  United  Slates  of  America. 

"  As  the  troops  now  in  service  belonging  to  the  several 
States,  will  be  considered  as  a  part  of  their  quota  in  the 
American  army,  you  will  please  to  take  such  steps  as 
you  judge  necessary  to  ascertain  what  number  of  troops, 
as  well  as  what  officers,  will  engage  to  serve  during  the 
war.  I  send  by  this  express  blank  commissions,  to  be 
filled  with  such  as  you  shall  please  to  appoint.  I  also  for- 
ward a  number  of  the  rules  and  articles  of  war,  as  altered 
by  Congress  and  just  published. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient, 
"  And  very  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  Honble.  Convention  of  the 

State  of  N.  York." 

The  resolutions  referred  to,  and  enclosed  in  the  aforego- 
ing letter,  are  as  follows  : 

"  In  Congress,  September  16th,  1776. 

"  Resolved,  That  eighty-eight  battalions  be  enlisted  as 
soon  as  possible,  to  serve  during  the  present  war,  and  that 
each  State  furnish  their  respective  quotas  in  the  following 
proportions,  vizt : 


"  New-Hampshire,   3  battalions. 

"  Massachusetts  Bay,   15  do 

"  Rhode-Island,   2  do 

"  Connecticut,   8  do 

"  New- York,   4  do 

"  New-Jersey   4  do 

"  Pennsylvania,   12  do 

"  Delaware,   1  do 

"  Maryland,   8  do 

"  Virginia,   15  do 

"  North  Carolina,    ,  9  do 

"  South  Carolina,   6  do 

"  Georgia,   1  do 


"  That  twenty  dollars  be  given  as  a  bounty  to  each  non- 
commissioned officer  and  private  soldier  who  shall  enlist  to 
serve  during  the  present  war,  unless  sooner  discharged  by 
Congress. 

"  That  Congress  make  provision  for  granting  lands  in 
the  following  proportion,  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  who 
shall  so  engage  in  the  service  and  continue  therein  to  the 
close  of  the  war,  or  until  discharged  by  Congress,  and  to 
the  representatives  of  such  officers  and  soldiers  as  shall  be 
slain  by  the  enemy.  Such  lands  to  be  provided  by  the 
United  States ;  and  whatever  expense  shall  be  necessary 
to  procure  such  land,  the  said  expense  shall  be  paid  and 
borne  by  the  States,  in  the  same  proportion  as  the  other  ex- 
penses of  the  war,  vizt : 


"  To  a  colonel,   500  acres. 

a  lieutenant  colonel,   450  do 

a  major   400  do 

a  captain,   300  do 

a  lieutenant,   200  do 

an  ensign,     150  do 


each  non-commissioned  officer  &  soldier,    100  do 

"  That  the  appointment  of  all  officers  and  filling  up  va- 
cancies (except  general  officers)  be  left  to  the  governments 
of  the  several  States,  and  that  every  State  provide  arms, 
clothing  and  every  necessary  for  its  quota  of  troops,  ac- 
cording to  the  foregoing  estimate,  the  expense  of  the 
clothing  to  be  deducted  from  the  pay  of  the  soldiers  as 
usual. 

"  That  all  officers  be  commissioned  by  Congress. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  States  that 
they  take  the  most  speedy  and  effectual  measures  for  en- 
listing their  several  quotas  ;  that  the  money  to  be  given  for 
bounties  be  paid  by  the  paymaster  in  the  department  where 
the  soldier  shall  enlist. 


654 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


"  That  each  soldier  receive  pay  and  subsistence  from 
the  time  of  their  enlistment. 

"  September  18/A,  1776. 
"  Resolved,  That  if  rations  be  received  by  the  officers 
or  privates  in  the  Continental  army,  in  money,  they  be 
paid  at  the  rate  of  eight-nineteenth  parts  of  a  dollar  per 
ration. 

"  That  the  bounty  and  grants  of  land  offered  by  Con- 
gress, by  a  resolution  of  the  16th  instant,  as  an  encou- 
ragement to  the  officers  and  soldiers  to  engage  to  serve  in 
the  army  of  the  United  States  during  the  war,  shall  ex- 
tend to  all  who  are  or  shall  be  enlisted  for  that  term  ;  the 
bounty  of  ten  dollars  which  any  of  the  soldiers  have  re- 
ceived from  the  Continent,  on  account  of  a  former  enlist- 
ment, to  be  reckoned  in  part  payment  of  the  twenty  dol- 
lars offered  by  said  resolution. 

"  That  no  officer  in  the  Continental  army  is  allowed  to 
hold  more  than  one  commission,  or  to  receive  pay  but  in 
one  capacity. 

"  September  19ih,  1776. 

"  That  the  adjutants  of  regiments  in  the  Continental 
army  be  allowed  the  pay  and  rations  of  captains,  and  have 
the  rank  of  first  lieutenants. 

"  In  order  to  prevent  the  officers  and  soldiers  who  shall 
be  entitled  to  the  lands  hereafter  to  be  granted  by  the  re- 
solution of  Congress  of  the  16th,  from  disposing  of  the 
same  during  the  war, 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  not  grant  lands  to 
any  person  or  persons  claiming  under  the  assignment  of 
an  officer  or  soldier. 

"  By  order  of  the  Congress. 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

"  Philadelphia,  Septr.  2Ath,  1776. 
"Sir — I  had  the  honour  to  receive  your  letter  accom- 
panying the  resolve  of  Congress  relative  to  my  return  to 
resume°  the  command  of  my  brigade.  At  a  lime  when 
the  State  to  which  I  belong  is  invaded,  and  particularly  as 
I  am  honoured  with  a  military  command,  I  esteem  it  my 
duty  to  account  for  my  absence. 

"  Since  my  arrival  at  Philadelphia,  the  State  of  New- 
York  has  had  no  more  than  a  representation  in  Congress, 
and  as  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee  for  Indian  affairs 
were  mostly  out  of  town,  the  whole  of  that  necessary  bu- 
siness has  devolved  upon  me.  My  family  have  been  obli- 
ged to  desert  their  home,  and  meeting  with  them  in  this 
place  altogether  unprovided,  I  have  been  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  delaying  the  time  of  my  stay  until  I  could  fix 
them  in  some  situation  where  they  could  be  accommodat- 
ed. The  distress  of  my  family  on  this  occasion  made  it 
my  particular  duty  to  attend  to  them,  and  which  I  flatter 
myself  will  be  justifiable  upon  every  principle  of  justice. 

"The  situation  of  my  brigade  I  was  convinced  was 
well  known  to  the  Convention.  I  apprehend  that  not 
more  than  a  colonel's  command  was  left  in  it,  and  as 
such  did  not  think  my  presence  was  so  absolutely  neces- 
sary. I  have  thought  that  the  existence  of  such  a  brigade, 
in  which  were  so  many  disaffected  persons,  was  dange- 
rous to  the  cause  as  well  as  to  my  own  life  ;  but  being 
desirous  to  participate  in  the  virtuous  opposition  to  the 
British  tyrant,  I  had  determined  as  soon  as  possible  to 
join  Genl.  Washington,  and  contribute  my  assistance  to 
him,  prompted  in  the  first  instance  by  a  love  to  my  coun- 
try, and  in  the  next  place  the  preservation  of  my  property, 
bein"  thoroughly  convinced  that  unless  we  conquer  I  am 
ruined.  However,  in  obedience  to  the  commands  of 
Convention,  1  shall  prepare  with  all  possible  expedition  to 
set  out  for  Westchester,  and  will  endeavor  to  execute  any 
orders  they  may  be  pleased  to  give,  to  the  utmost  of  my 
ability. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  subscribe  myself, 

"  Sir,  vour  obliged  and  obt.  humb.  servt. 

LEWIS  MORRIS." 

Whereas  the  Convention  have  granted  an  exemption 


from  military  duty  to  Mr.  Charles  Shaw  :  And  whereas 
Richd.  Morris,  Esqr.  is  exempted  therefrom  by  his  com- 
mission, agreeable  to  the  regulation  of  the  militia  of  this 
State ;  notwithstanding  which,  as  this  committee  are  in- 
formed, Capt.  Berrien  insists  upon  their  serving  in  the  mi- 
litia. This  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  Capt.  Berrien 
should,  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  consider  the  said  Charles  Shaw  and  Richd.  Mor- 
ris as  exempt  from  military  duty,  and  that  a  contrary  con- 
duct will  be  considered  as  a  high  contempt  of  the  authority 
of  this  State,  and  punished  as  such. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  1st,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane 
— New- York. 

Col.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Sherwood — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Col.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Z.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams — Charlotte. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Richd.  Gazatt,  one 
of  the  persons  who  has  been  detained  at  Fishkill  by  the 
guard  as  a  suspicious  person,  is  said  to  be  dangerously  ill ; 
that  a  doctor  or  physician  is  unwilling  to  continue  his  at- 
tendance or  care  of  him,  without  security  for  payment  from 
this  State. 

Resolved,  This  Convention  will  provide  means  that  the 
physician  who  shall  attend  the  said  Richd.  Gazatt,  shall 
have  a  reasonable  reward  for  his  trouble  in  the  premises. 

It  being  represented  to  the  Convention  that  Mary  Duns- 
comb,  the  wife  of  James  Dunscomb,  (now  in  the  Ameri- 
can troops  of  this  State,)  with  her  children,  are  in  New- 
Windsor  precinct  in  Ulster  county,  and  unable  to  procure 
the  means  of  support : 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  New-Windsor,  at  the 
public  expense  of  this  State,  afford  such  assistance  to  the 
said  Mary  Dunscomb,  as  may  enable  her  (together  with 
every  other  lawful  means)  to  have  the  necessaries  of  life 
for  herself  and  children. 

A  letter  from  Thaddeus  Burr,  sheriff  of  Fairfield  county, 
in  Connecticut,  of  the  27th  of  Septr.  last,  to  the  President 
of  this  Convention,  informing  that,  at  the  request  of  Tho- 
mas Tredwell  and  other  gentlemen  of  Long  island,  he  had 
received  into  his  jail  Isaac  Ketcham  and  Saml.  Skidmore, 
who  were  held  by  no  legal  process,  and  requesting  the  di- 
rection of  this  Convention  relative  thereto,  was  read  and 
considered ;  and  thereupon,  the  Convention  came  to  the 
following  resolutions  : 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  late  resolutions  of  this 
House,  authorizing  and  directing  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr. 
to  send  Isaac  Ketcham  to  this  place,  be  forthwith  sent  to 
Thaddeus  Burr,  Esqr. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Burr  be  requested  to  detain  the  said 
Saml.  Skidmore  (who  is  accused  of  treasonable  practices 
against  this  Stale)  in  his  custody,  till  this  Convention  shall 
give  further  directions  concerning  him  ;  and  that  all  charges 
and  expenses  attending  a  compliance  with  this  request,  will 
be  defrayed  ;  and  for  that  purpose,  that  Mr.  Burr  be  autho- 
rized to  draw  for  the  amount  thereof  on  the  President  of 
the  Convention  for  the  lime  being. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed  yes- 
terday to  remedy  the  abuses  committed  in  withholding  the 
sales  of  tea,  and  in  making  sales  higher  than  the  limited 
prices,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read  ;  after 
some  time  spent  therein, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


655 


Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  dated  at  Hackensack 
on  the  16th  of  Septr.  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  in- 
forms that  he  had  not  any  military  stores  in  his  hands,  hav- 
ing from  time  to  time  delivered  them  to  the  military  store 
keeper  Mr.  Norwood  ;  and  that  after  his  removal,  the  resi- 
due was  delivered  to  Mr.  Zedekiah  Mills.  That  in  obe- 
dience to  the  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  10th 
Septr.  he  had  enclosed  an  account  of  the  quantity  of  lead, 
&c.  shipped  off,  and  the  persons  names  to  whom  delivered, 
to  wit : 

An  account  of  lead  and  ball,  fyc.  shipped  off  by  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
agreeable  to  orders  of  Congress,  and  delivered  to  the  following  per- 
sons, vizt.  i 


To  WHOM  DELIVERED. 


Nathl.  Sackett,  Dutches,  

Jonn.  Piatt,  Westchester,  

Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  Ulster,  

do  Orange,... 

Simon  Stevens,  Glous.  &  Cumb.. 

Col.  L.  Paulding,  G.  Clinton's 
camp,  

John  Loyd  at  Stamford,  

Zedekiah  Mills,  

Casper  Mabie  and  J.  Herring, 
Orange,  

Delivered  by  order  of  Genl.  Wa- 
shington to  E.  Cheevers,  com- 
missary of  artillery  stores, . 


(A 

-a  . 

C  13 

3  a 
o  v 


6,000 
750 
6,000 
4,000 
7,500 

9,772 
44,800 
11,200 

22,400 


51,520 


163,942 


0.^ 


750 


41,716 


42,466 


(A 

-a 

<u  3 
—  o 

a  s 


pq 


309 


309 


340  12 


340 


12 


An  account  of  the  ball  and  flints  delivered  by  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 
before  Mr.  Norwood's  appointment. 

Ball. 

To  Try  on  county,   600 

Westchester  do   800 


Ulster 

Dutchess 

Albany 

Suffolk 

New-York 


do   400 

do   1,000 

do   2,000 

do   1,000 

do   1,350 


Flints. 
3,000 
4,000 
2,000 
5,000 
9,500 
5,000 


7,150  28,500 

Mr.  Curtenius  by  his  said  letter  further  informs  that  he 
has  engaged  100  muskets  of  Mr.  Allen  and  Mr.  Varick, 
which  they  say  will  be  ready  in  a  month,  and  that  25  of 
them  are  ready  now. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Contine,  Dr.  Crane 
and  Mr.  Moore  be  a  committee  appointed  to  fix  the  price 
to  be  paid  for  the  spears  and  spear  handles  which  have  been 
ordered  by  this  Convention,  to  be  made  and  provided. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  one  of  the  commiltee  appointed  yester- 
day to  devise  ways  and  means  to  procure  clothing  for  the 
Continental  troops  raised  in  this  Slate,  being  absent, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr.  Tompkins  be 
added  to  that  committee. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  dated  28th  Septr.  and 
another  Letter  from  Mr.  Tilghman,  dated  the  29th,  to  Mr. 
Duer,  respectively  read. 

He  therein  gives  an  account  of  the  arrival  at  camp,  of 
two  very  large  mortars  from  Boston  ;  that  Mount  Washing- 
ton is  strengthened,  and  that  the  army  are  fortifying  their 
flanks. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  endeavour  to  pro- 
cure the  use  of  a  large  iron  stove  for  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  appointing  Thomas 
Storm  captain  of  a  company  of  the  militia  detached  from 
the  militia  of  Dutchess  county,  to  augment  the  forts  and 
garrisons  in  the  Highlands,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of 
this  Convention  on  the  7th  of  Sepr.;  the  said  commission 
to  appoint  him  captain  in  addition  to  his  present  command 
in  the  militia  in  this  county,  and  to  be  of  force  until  the 
said  company  is  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  a  like  commission  issue  appointing  Mr. 


Gilbert  Deane,  (in  addition  to  his  command  in  the  militia 
of  his  county,)  captain  of  a  company  of  militia  in  Col. 
Saml.  Drake's  regiment,  of  Genl.  Scott's  brigade,  to  be  in 
force  till  that  company  is  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission,  dated  25th  Septr.  1776, 
issue  to  Samuel  Drake,  a  colonel  of  a  minute  regiment  in 
Westchester  county,  to  replace  his  former  commission, 
which  has  been  taken  bv  the  enemy. 

The  said  three  commissions  issued. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Octr.  2nd,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane — New- 
York. 

Mr.  Tompkins,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates — 
Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Try  on. 

Mr.  Z.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Dr.  Crane— 
Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman  to  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence, dated  the  30th  Sepr.  was  read.  The  said  letter 
contains  accounts  of  the  disposition  of  the  army  of  the 
enemy,  Also  some  particulars  relative  to  the  disaffected 
persons. 

The  contents  of  this  letter  was  charged  from  the  Chair 
to  be  kept  secret. 

The  Convention  were  informed  by  Mr.  Duer,  that  the 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  Capt.  Clark's 
company  of  guards  now  here,  cannot  procure  subsistence 
here  at  the  lowest  for  less  than  10s.  per  week,  and  appear 
dissatisfied  to  spend  any  part  of  their  pay.  The  Conven- 
tion also  took  into  consideration  the  petition  of  the  subal- 
terns, non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  Captain 
Micha.  Townshend,  of  Westchester  county,  praying  for  an 
increase  of  their  subsistence.  Thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates of  the  several  companies  of  guards  or  rangers  em- 
ployed in  the  counties  of  Dutches  and  Westchester,  under 
the  command  of  Captain-Commandant  Melancton  Smith, 
be  allowed  10s.  pr.  week  each,  for  their  subsistence,  from 
this  day,  during  their  continuance  in  that  service. 

Mr.  Z.  Piatt  informed  the  Convention  that  Col.  Van 
Cortland  and  himself  had  been  under  a  necessity  during  the 
time  of  their  supplying  the  militia  on  the  east  side  of  Hud- 
son river,  by  order  of  the  Convention,  to  advance  some 
small  sums  of  money  for  ammunition,  and  other  military 
stores,  in  the  department  of  the  commissary  of  military 
stores. 

That  it  would  also  tend  to  prevent  confusion  in  the 
public  accounts  if  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  and  himself,  should 
be  ordered  and  authorized  to  settle  accounts  with,  and  dis- 
charge the  moneys  due  to  George  Comb,  of  Westchester 
county,  who  by  order  of  the  Convention  supplied  the  mili- 
tia a  few  days  before  the  appointment  of  Messrs.  Van 
Cortlandt  and  Piatt,  and  has  also  supplied  some  small  mat- 
ters since  Mr.  Paulding's  appointment,  and  his  acting  as 
commissary. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Geo.  Combe  be  directed 
to  settle  his  accounts  with  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  and 
Mr.  Z.  Piatt,  for  all  such  articles  and  things  as  he  has  sup- 
plied to  the  militia  in  service  at  the  times  above  mentioned, 
and  they  are  also  hereby  authorized  to  settle  with  the  said 
Geo.  Combe,  and  pay  him  as  well  for  his  disbursements 
as  his  services.  And 


656 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Piatt  do 
settle  and  discharge  such  accounts  as  they  necessarily  con- 
tracted in  the  department  of  a  commissary  of  militia  stores, 
for  which  this  shall  be  their  justification. 

A  letter  from  Andries  De  Witt  to  Mathew  Contine,  dat- 
ed the  30th  Sepr.  was  read  and  filed.  He  thereby  informs 
that  the  inhabitants  of  Papaconk  are  in  great  fear  of  a  rup- 
ture with  the  Indians  ;  that  the  person  who  rode  express 
to  him  with  a  succeeding  annexed  letter  from  those  inha- 
bitants, informed  him  that  an  old  squaw  (weeping  much,) 
had  desired  the  inhabitants  to  move  this  week  to  get  out 
of  danger,  and  that  she  would  not  see  them  in  a  long  time. 
That  the  said  express  told  him  there  remained  at  Papa- 
conk nine  families,  amounting  to  the  number  of  between 
60  and  70  children,  and  that  they  would  speedily  move  if 
they  could  not  get  assistance. 

A  letter  from  A.  De  Witt  and  D.  Wynkoop,  Junr.  to 
the  Convention,  was  read  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  the  resolves  of  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  we  have  distributed  part  of  the  gunpowder, 
lead  and  flints,  to  the  inhabitants  of  Papaconk  and  the  In- 
dians near  us,  and  far  as  we  can  learn  they  remain  peace- 
ably inclined.  By  enclosed  letter  it  appears  that  the  inha- 
bitants of  Papaconck  are  under  apprehensions  of  danger  ; 
and  the  bearer  of  their  letter  further  informed  us  that  an 
old  Indian  squaw  had  warned  them  to  be  on  their  guard  ; 
that  she  expected  that  in  case  they  did  not  move  off  they 
would  be  murdered  by  the  Indians  in  a  short  time  ;  this  is 
all  the  intelligence  we  have  got  as  yet,  but  believe  that  in 
case  no  assistance  is  given  to  them,  they  shall  move  off  in 
a  short  time. 

"  We  remain,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servants, 
"  A.  D.  WITT, 
"  D.  WYNKOOP,  Junr. 

"  Kingston,  30th  Sepr.  1776. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  inhabitants  of  Papaconck  enclosed  in 
the  preceding  letter,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Papaconck,  Sepr.  26th,  1776. 

"  Esqr.  De  Witt  : 

"  Sir, — Agreeable  to  what  was  agreed 
on  by  yourself  and  Judge  Wynkoop  and  William  Pick, 
when  Mr.  Sprague  and  myself  was  at  Marble  Town,  do 
on  the  earliest  notice,  send  the  bearer  hereof  to  notify  you 
of  the  danger  we,  the  settlers  here  and  hereabout,  are  in 
from  the  savages  distressing  of  us  immediately.  The  in- 
telligence is  nearly  as  follows  :  last  Friday  two  men  came 
down  the  Rookouse  branch  with  a  letter  to  the  committee 
at  the  Mennasink,  sent  by  the  interpreter,  who  says  that 
Sir  John  Johnson  had  sent  to  the  Indians  that  they  must 
take  up  arms  one  side  or  the  other,  and  that  they  were 
gone  to  treat  with  Johnson  at  Oswego,  and  it  was  expect- 
ed that  they  would  strike  on  the  frontiers  very  soon  ;  and 
since  the  above  letter  was  sent  down,  an  Indian  named 
John  Sheling  or  John  Rinepee,  was  down  the  river  after 
King  Philip,  and  said  this  week  was  the  last  that  we  might 
stay  with  safety.  Said  news  has  occasioned  all  the  set- 
tlers below  us  to  move  off ;  and  some  of  them  we  have 
stopped  till  we  can  have  advice  from  you  ;  and  pray,  sir, 
forward  the  same  ;  and  if  we  can  have  help,  do  let  it  be 
soon,  for  it  is  evidently  expected  we  shall  all  be  cut  off  the 
middle  of  next  week  except  we  have  help.  Sir,  we  re- 
main your  obedient  distressed  friends  in  haste. 

•'  SILAS  BOWKER,         "  TIMOTHY  GREGORY, 
"  PETER  AVEREE,        "  JONN.  HICKS, 
"  ABEL  SPRAGUE,        "  JACOB  KERN, 
"  WM.  ROSS,  "  THOS.  CUMMING, 

"  RUSSEL  GREGORY. 

"  P.  S.  Sir,  the  above  was  wrote,  and  afterwards  the 
inhabitants  below  our  settlements  concluded  to  move  off, 
and  are  gone  ;  but  we,  the  subscribers,  have  concluded 


to  stay  till  we  can  have  advice  from  you,  and  have  agreed 
to  build  a  picket  fort. 

"  Sir,  yours,  &c. 

"  GEO.  BARNHART, 
"JACOB  AUSTIN." 
The  Convention  proceeded  to  consider  the  state  of  the 
frontier  inhabitants  of  Ulster  county.  After  some  time  spent 
therein,  Mr.  William  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded, 
that  the  committee  of  Ulster  county  be  directed  immedi- 
ately to  order  the  rangers  already  raised  in  that  county,  to 
proceed  to  the  frontiers  of  the  county  to  protect  the  inhabi- 
tants there ;  and  that  they  expedite  the  residue  of  the  said 
rangers. 

Debates  arose  thereon.  Mr.  Gansevoort  moved,  se- 
conded by  Col.  D.  Witt,  for  the  previous  question,  whe- 
ther the  question  on  Mr.  Harper's  motion  shall  be  now 
put,  and  it  carried  against  the  previous  question,  and  for 
the  motion  by  a  great  majority.  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Ulster 
county  be  and  hereby  are  directed  immediately  to  order 
the  rangers  already  raised  in  that  county,  to  proceed  to  the 
frontiers  of  the  county  to  protect  the  inhabitants  there,  and 
that  they  expedite  the  raising  of  the  residue  of  the  rangers 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper  and 
Col.  D.  Witt,  be  a  committee  to  take  letters  from  Ulster 
county  read  and  before  mentioned,  the  resolutions  for  de- 
taching part  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county  for  augment- 
ing the  garrisons  of  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands. 
The  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  an  augmentation 
to  those  garrisons  from  Pennsylvania,  with  the  letter  from 
the  Delegates  of  this  State  accompanying  the  same,  in  or- 
der that  further  means  may  be  devised  if  necessary,  to  af- 
ford assistance  to  the  frontier  inhabitants  of  Ulster  county. 

A  letter  from  Phil.  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Dele- 
gates of  this  State  at  Congress,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

"  Phila.  Septr.  28lh,  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — We  received  your  letter,  desiring  us  to 
apply  to  Congress  for  the  loan  of  a  sum  of  money.  We 
have  applied  accordingly,  and  obtained  an  order  on  the 
treasury  for  $100,000,  which  will  certainly  be  sent  you  by 
Thursday  next. 

"  Your  resolutions  respecting  Genl.  Schuyler  we  have 
laid  before  Congress,  and  they  have  appointed  a  committee 
to  consider  them,  who  have  promised  us  to  report  on  Mon- 
day next.  The  committee  is  to  our  wishes,  vizt :  Mr. 
Rutledge,  Mr.  Hooper  and  Mr.  McKean.  As  soon  as 
their  report  is  agreed  to,  it  shall  be  forwarded  for  your  in- 
formation. It  will,  without  question,  be  satisfactory. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servants, 
(Signed)  "PHIL.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  Abm.  Yates,  Esqr.  Prest.  of  the 

Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  this  letter  be  committed  to  the  same 
committee  with  the  last  letter  received  from  the  Delegates 
of  this  State,  to  wit :  to  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Duane  and 
Mr.  Tomkins. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Convention  that, 
agreeable  to  their  order,  he  had  waited  on  Genl.  Schuyler 
and  spent  some  days  in  inquiry  into  the  reasons  of  his  re- 
signation, and  examining  his  papers  and  letters  relative  to 
his  conduct,  since  his  acceptance  of  the  command  in  the 
northern  department.  That  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  inform- 
ed him  that  he  had  been  unjustly  calumniated  by  many 
people  in  this  Colony,  by  more  in  the  neighbouring  States  ; 
that  he  had  been  accused  of  disaffection  to  the  cause  of 
America,  at  the  very  time  he  was  making  the  greatest  ex- 
ertions in  her  behalf ;  and  that  the  false  zeal  of  several  had 
caused  them  so  far  as  to  lay  schemes  for  his  imprisonment; 
and  the  malice  of  others  led  them  to  transmit  ex  parte  and 
false  affidavits,  in  order  to  degrade  his  character  to  Genl. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


657 


Washington  ;  that  hy  this  wicked  and  mal-conceived  con- 
duct his  utility  in  the  army  was  in  a  great  measure  destroy- 
ed ;  that  he  had  applied  frequently  to  the  Honble.  the  Con- 
gress for  an  inquiry  into  his  conduct ;  that  his  letters  were 
as  yet  unanswered  and  neglected  ;  that  he  thought  there- 
fore the  justice  he  owed  to  his  own  reputation  and  the  pu- 
blic, obliged  him  to  lake  the  step  he  had  taken. 

Mr.  Livingston  further  informed  the  Convention,  that  he 
had  reason  to  believe,  from  the  papers  and  letters  of  Ma- 
jor-Genl.  Schuyler,  (which  he  had  carefully  inspected,) 
that  his  conduct  would  stand  the  severest  scrutiny  ;  and 
that  upon  an  inquiry  he  would  not  only  be  acquitted  of  all 
censure,  but  appear  worthy  of  the  thanks  and  approbation 
of  the  Continent. 

Mr.  Duane,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into 
consideration  the  application  of  Major  Joab  Hoisington  for 
money  to  discharge  the  residue  of  the  bounty,  and  one 
month's  pay  and  rations  to  the  rangers  in  the  county  of 
Glocester  and  Cumberland  ;  and  also  the  letter  from  the 
committee  of  Cumberland  county,  of  21st  June  last,  de- 
livered in  their  report,  which  was  read.    It  was 

Ordered  To  lay  on  the  table  till  to-morrow,  for  the  pe- 
rusal of  the  members,  and  to  be  read  a  second  time  to- 
morrow morning. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Octor.  2nd,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Prest. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  R.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Albany. 
Mr.  Tompkins —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 
Dr.  Crane— Dutches. 

Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Little—  Orange. 

No  other  members  appearing,  and  there  being  a  quorum 
of  no  more  than  five  counties,  they  could  not  proceed  to 
business,  and  adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

Octor.  3d,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Presi. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
R.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — ilbany. 

Mr.  Tompkins,  Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks,  Col.  D.  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Dr.  Crane,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Wisner,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  make  an 
estimate  of  the  price  of  the  spears  directed  to  be  made  for 
the  use  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  reported  as  follows,  vizt : 
That  the  smiths  be  allowed  for  the  spears  steeled  5s.  6d. 
per  spear,  and  for  those  without  steel,  including  the  rivets, 
4s.  6d.  and  that  the  carpenters  be  allowed  Is.  for  each 
shaft  or  handle  ;  that  the  smith  and  the  carpenter  each 
taking  his  part  of  that  business,  are  to  fit  in  the  handles, 
rivet  them  in  the  spears  and  fit  them  for  use  for  the  above 
price,  so  that  when  completed  the  price  for  those  spears 
that  are  steeled  be  6s.  bd.  and  those  not  steeled  5s.  Qd. 
The  same  being  read  was  agreed  to. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letters  from 
the  New-York  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  of  the 
24th  and  28th  ulto.  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer 
thereto,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

165 


"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  ac- 
knowledge the  receipt  of  your  letters  of  the  24lh  and  28th 
ulto.  In  consequence  of  the  resolves  of  Congress  to  raise 
four  battalions,  a  committee  is  appointed  to  report  a  plan 
to  carry  those  resolves  into  execution.  Convention  have 
great  reason  to  expect  that  an  inquiry  into  Genl.  Schuyler's 
conduct  will  clear  his  character  from  the  aspersions  which 
some  have  industriously  endeavoured  to  throw  on  it,  and 
are  happy  to  hear  that  the  persons  appointed  by  Congress 
as  a  committee  are  such  as  you  approve  of. 

"The  money  you  have  obtained  from  Congress  is  a  sea- 
sonable supply,  and  we  thank  you  for  your  endeavours  to 
procure  it.    It  is  the  design  of  the  Convention  to  write  to 
you  as  often  as  occurrences  arise  worthy  of  notice. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honble.  the  New-York  Delegates, 

in  Congress,  Phila." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  copied,  signed  by  the  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Convention  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Honble.  the  Congress  for  their  late  vote  of 
an  advance  of  money  to  this  State,  agreeable  to  the  re- 
quest of  this  Convention  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  late  letters  from  the  Delegates  of  this  State  report  a 
draft  of  a  letter  for  that  purpose. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  rendering  the  communication  by  land 
between  the  northern  and  southern  parts  of  this  State,  and 
between  this  and  the  southern  States,  more  easy  and  prac- 
ticable, and  that  they  report  with  all  possible  speed. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Doc- 
tor Crane  and  Colo.  Drake  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Wm.  Duer,  Esqr.  on  account  of  Brigadier-Genl.  Mifiin, 
Qr.  Master-Genl.  to  the  Continental  army,  the  sum  of 
£600,  which  sum  the  said  Wm.  Duer  engages  to  repay 
into  the  Treasury  in  the  space  of  ten  days. 

Col.  Lott  informed  the  Convention  that  the  poor  inhabi- 
tants of  the  city  of  New-York,  which  were  lately  sent  to 
New-Windsor,  are  provided  with  provisions  in  a  very  ex- 
pensive manner.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lott  and  Major  Parks  be  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  a  more  economical  mode  of  providing  for  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  to  whom  were  referred 
the  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  the  raising  the  four 
Continental  regiments  in  this  State  to  serve  during  the 
war,  be  and  they  hereby  aie  authorized  to  apply  to  any 
officer  in  the  Continental  service,  and  obtain  from  them 
proper  returns  and  information  respecting  the  rank  and 
number  of  officers  and  men  raised  in  this  State,  together 
with  the  terms  of  their  enlistment,  and  such  other  intelli- 
gence as  the  said  committee  may  think  necessary  to  enable 
them  to  form  their  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do,  without  delay,  provide 
two  large  iron  stoves  for  the  use  of  this  Convention,  at  the 
public  expense. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  £6,000  be  deposited  into 
the  hands  of  Messrs.  John  R.  Livingston  and  Abraham 
E.  Lott,  who  hereby  are  authorized  and  requested  to  dis- 
pose thereof  in  purchasing  on  account  of  this  State,  coarse 
cloth,  linsey-woolsey,  shoes,  woollen  stockings,  blankets 
and  tanned  leather,  together  with  such  other  articles  as 
they  may  think  proper  for  clothing  the  troops  raised  in  this 
State,  and  that  they  be  allowed  2h  per  cent  for  commis- 
sions in  purchasing  the  said  goods,  the  State  to  be  at  the 
expense  of  transporting  the.  same  to  such  place  as  shall  be 
ordered  by  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Messrs.  John  R.  Livingston  and  Abraham  E.  Lott  the 
sum  of  £6,000,  to  be  by  them  disposed  of  in  purchasing 


658 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


coarse  cloths  and  other  articles  necessary  for  the  troops 
raised  in  this  State,  and  that  he  take  their  receipt  to  ac- 
count for  the  same. 

Mr.  Z.  Piatt  brought  into  Convention  a  return  or  rank 
roll  of  the  officers  employed  in  Col.  Morris  Graham's  re- 
giment, and  moved  that  commissions  might  be  issued  for 
the  officers  in  that  service,  to  be  in  force  until  the  regi- 
ment is  discharged. 

The  said  rank-roll  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  A  rank-roll  of  Col.  Morris  Graham's  regiment  of  foot 
in  service  of  the  United  States  of  America,  under  the 
command  of  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton,  at  Head-Quarters, 
King's  Bridge,  September  the  10th,  1776  : 

"  Morris  Graham,  Colo. 

"  Rosewell  Hopkins,  Lieut.  Colo. 

"  William  Barker,  Major. 

"  1st  Capt.  Brinton  Paine,   1st  lieut.  Saml.  Walters, 

2d    do  William  Meade. 

"  2d  Capt.  Peter  Stoutenburgh,. .    1st  do  William  Dennison, 

2d   do  Ebenezer  Molt. 

"  3d  Capt.  Israel  Piatt,   1st  do  Reuben  Hopkins, 

2d    do  Jonas  Parks. 

"  4th  Capt.  Elisha  Barlow,   1st  do  Ezra  St.  John, 

2d    do  Ebenezer  Carter. 

"5th  Capt.  Andries  Hearmance,.    1st  do  Herman  I.  Knickerbaker, 

2d   do  Geo.  Sharpe. 

"  6th  Capt.  William  Stewart, ...    1st  do  John  L^Hardenbergh, 

2d    do  John  Seaton. 

"  7th  Capt.  John  Van  Steenbergh,    1st  do  Stephen  Edget, 

2d    do  Benjn.  Bogardus. 

"  8th  Capt.  James  Teller,   1st  do  William  Tremper, 

2d   do  Paul  Van  Anden. 

"  Staff  Officers. 
"  Reuben  Hopkins,  Adjutant, 
"  Geo.  Morehouse,  Quarter-master, 
"  Surgeon, 
"  Mate. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  named 
in  the  preceeding  rank  roll  of  Col.  Morris  Graham's  regi- 
ment, appointing  each  of  them  respectively  to  the  rank 
therein  mentioned,  in  addition  to  their  respective  former  rank 
or  station  in  the  militia,  and  to  continue  in  force  only  until 
the  said  regiment  is  discharged. 

A  return,  or  rank  roll,  of  the  officers  at  present  in  ser- 
vice, under  the  command  of  Cornelius  Humfrey,  Esqr.  as 
colonel,  was  read.  The  colonel  therein  requests  commis- 
sions for  the  said  officers;  and  the  said  rank  roll  being 
read,  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  Sept.  27th,  1776. 

"  Mr.  Livingston, 

»  Sir — Agreeable  to  the  discourse  that  passed  between 
you  and  myself  concerning  commissions  for  my  officers,  I 
have  enclosed  their  names  and  rank  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  1st.  Capt.  Hugh  Rea,                  1st  lieutenant,  Danl.  Wilson, 

2d  do  James  Humfrey. 

"  2d.  Capt.  John  Dorlon,               1st  do  Wm.  B.  Alger, 

2d  do  Danl.  Outwater. 

"  3d.  Capt.  Joshua  Barnum,            1st  do  Joshua  Townsend, 

2d  do  Wm.  Wood  worth. 

"  4th.  Capt.  Colbee  Chamberlain,    1st  do  James  Tilmage, 

2d  do  Danl.  Hamell. 

"  5th.  Capt.  Caleb  Bently,              1st  do   Van  Vranke, 

2d  do   Magoer. 

as  also  a  commission  for  myself  and  Major  Renserlow ;  as 
for  his  christian  name  I  have  not  at  present,  but  if  you  see 
fit  to  send  down  those  commissions  for  all,  or  part,  just  as 
you  may  think  proper,  I  shall  be  able  to  put  in  those 
christian  names  that  are  left  out. 

"  Gentlemen,  your  compliance  will  very  much  oblige 
"  CORNS.  HUMFREY,  Colo." 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  named 
in  the  preceding  rank  roll  of  Col.  Humfrey's  regiment,  ap- 
pointing each  of  them  respectively  to  the  rank  therein  men- 
tioned, in  addition  to  their  former  rank  or  station  in  the  mi- 
litia, and  to  continue  in  force  only  until  the  said  regiment 
is  discharged. 

A  return  of  an  election  of  officers  of  a  company  of  mili- 
tia, in  the  precinct  of  Shawangunk,  in  Ulster  county, 
which  return  is  certified  by  Mathew  Rea,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Shawangunk,  was  read  and  filed.    The  said 


Mathew  Rea  having  resigned  the  command  of  that  com- 
pany, it  is  thereby  certified  that  Ira  Robinson  was  duly  pro- 
moted and  elected  captain  ;  James  Hunter,  first  lieut. ; 
James  Kaine,  Junr.  2nd  lieut. ;  and  Evert  Hoffman,  en- 
sign. 

Ordered,  That  their  commissions  issue. 
And  they  were  issued  accordingly. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Odor.  4th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Col.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay— New- 
York. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates— Al- 
bany. 

Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Col.  Dewit,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris—  Tryon. 

Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Z.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 
A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  the  President  of 
Congress,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — This  Convention  have  had  the  pleasure  of  re- 
ceiving information  through  their  Delegates,  that  a  resolu- 
tion has  passed  the  Honourable  Congress  of  the  United 
States,  for  advancing  to  this  State  100,000  dollars.  They 
are  highly  sensible  of  this  seasonable  relief,  which,  amidst 
a  crowd  of  difficulties  and  accumulating  expenses  may  ena- 
ble them,  to  support  public  credit,  alleviate  the  sufferings 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  and  continue  their  strenuous  exer- 
tions in  the  common  cause. 

"  They  have,  sir,  directed  me  to  present,  in  the  most 
respectful  terms,  their  thanks  to  the  Honourable  Congress 
for  this  fresh  instance  of  their  confidence  and  regard,  which 
I  beg  you  will  be  pleased  to  communicate. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  utmost  regard,  &c. 
"  To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock, 

Prest.  of  the  Congress." 

Mr.  Duane  mentioned  that  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker,  the  de- 
puty treasurer,  had,  in  pursuance  of  an  application  to  Col. 
Trumbull,  the  Commisssry-General,  by  order  of  this  Con- 
vention, lately  received  of  him  a  considerable  sum  of  mo- 
ney, on  account  of  the  pork  supplied  to  him  at  his  request 
by  this  Slate  ;  that  the  account  could  not  then  be  finally 
settled  for  want  of  the  proper  receipts  and  vouchers  remain- 
ing in  the  hands  of  the  persons  who  delivered  the  pork  ; 
that  the  said  Commissary-General  intimated  that  he  ex- 
pected to  be  charged  no  more  for  the  pork  than  it  cost, 
with  all  charges,  and  should  think  it  his  duty  to  apply  to 
Congress  for  advice,  if  he  was  charged  a  higher  price. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr. 
Duane,  be  a  committee  to  settle  the  price  of  the  pork  to  be 
paid  by  the  said  Commissary-General,  taking  into  their  con- 
sideration all  expenses  thereon,  and  that  they  report  with 
all  convenient  speed. 

A  representation  was  made  to  the  Convention  that  this 
State  is  indebted  to  Nichs.  Bayard,  Esqr.  for  the  use  of 
his  house,  for  the  security  of  the  public  records  of  this 
State  for  several  months,  and  for  expense  attending  the 
guards  kept  there  for  that  purpose,  that  being  now  de- 
prived of  his  whole  estate  by  the  enemy,  payment  thereof 
ought  to  be  made. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr. 
Duane,  be  a  committee  to  state  and  report  the  sum  rea- 
sonably due  from  this  State,  to  Nichs.  Bayard,  Esqr.  on 
the  account  above  mentioned. 

A  letter  from  General  James  Clinton  relative  to  £27 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


659 


lis.  2d.  deducted  from  the  pay  of  13  deserters  of  Robt. 
Johnson's  company,  by  order  of  the  late  Congress  of  this 
State,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Wisner  and  Col. 
De  Witt,  to  consider  of  and  report  thereon. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Cum- 
berland county  of  the  21st  June  last,  and  the  papers  from 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester  counties  relative  to  the  ran- 
gers raised  in  those  counties.  The  return  of  the  officers 
of  the  said  rangers  subscribed  by  James  Clay,  chairman, 
was  again  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  A  roll  of  the  officers  belonging  to  Major  Hoisington's 
company  of  rangers  appointed  and  recommended  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  for  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and 
Gloucester  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  1st  Capt.Benjn.  Wait,   1st  Lieut.  Elisha  Hawley, 

2nd  "  Zebulon  Lyon. 

"  2nd.  Capt.  John  Strong,   1st  "  Eldad  Benton, 

2nd  ''  John  Barnes. 

"  3rd.  Capt.  Joseph  Hatch,   1st  "  Simon  Stevens, 

2nd  "  Amos  Chamberlain. 

"  4th.  Capt.  Elkana  Day,   1st  "  Nathl.  Whitney, 

2nd  "  Johul  Robins. 

"  A  true  list  examined  by  me. 

"  JAMES  CLAY,  Chairman." 

The  application  of  Major  Joab  Hoisington  requesting  the 

remainder  of  the  bounty  for  the  said  rangers  was  also 

read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  Nathl.  Woodhxjll, 

Prest.  of  the  Honble  Congress  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

"  Agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  Honourable  Congress,  I 
have  sent  the  muster  rolls  of  the  several  companies  under 
my  command,  by  Mr.  Ebenezer  Andrews,  the  bearer,  beg- 
ging the  favour  of  your  forwarding  the  remainder  of  the 
bounty,  rations,  and  one  months'  wages,  taking  his  receipt 
for  the  same. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  hble.  servant. 

"JOAB  HOISINGTON. 
"  P.  S.  Please  to  remit  my  wages  and  rations,  likewise 
as  much  of  the  ration  as  the  Honourable  Congress  shall 
see  fit.    I  find  it  much  easier  to  purchase  supplies  with 
cash." 

The  several  muster  rolls  of  the  said  companies  of  ran- 
gers were  also  read. 

The  said  letter  from  the  committee  of  Cumberland  coun- 
ty, dated  the  21st  day  of  June  last,  and  inserted  in  the  mi- 
nutes of  this  Convention  on  the  day  of  August 
last,  was  also  read. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a 
letter  from  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Cumberland, 
of  the  21st  day  of  June  last,  and  the  application  of  Major 
Joab  Hoisington  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the  ran- 
gers, directed  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  said  coun- 
ty and  of  the  county  of  Gloucester,  was  again  read,  and 
the  same  being  read  and  taken  into  consideration  by  para- 
graphs, and  amended,  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  of  the  21st  day 
of  June  last,  and  the  application  of  Major  Joab  Hoising- 
ton for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the  rangers  directed  to 
be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  said  county,  and  of  the 
county  of  Gloucester,  have,  according  to  order,  taken  the 
same  into  consideration,  and  thereupon  have  agreed  to  the 
following  state  of  facts  and  resolutions. 

That  on  application  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of 
Cumberland,  the  former  Congress,  from  time  to  time,  sup- 
plied the  county  committee  with  £100  in  money,  1, 8001b. 
of  gunpowder,  4,5001b.  of  lead  and  a  quantity  of  flints. 

That  the  Convention  of  this  State,  on  the  23d  day  of 
July  last,  directed  that  252  men  should  be  raised  in  the 
counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  for  the  immediate 
protection  and  joint  defence  of  the  said  counties,  in  the 
following  manner,  to  wit :  To  be  divided  into  four  compa- 
nies, consisting  respectively  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  i 
three  sergeants,  three  corporals,  and  54  privates.    The  j 


commissioned  officers  to  be  nominated  by  the  mutual  con- 
sent of  the  committees  of  both  counties,  by  whose  autho- 
rity warrants  for  levying  the  troops  were  to  issue  to  the 
captains  of  each  company.  The  pay  of  the  officers  and 
privates  to  be  the  same  as  that  given  to  the  Continental 
troops,  besides  a  bounty  of  25  dollars  to  each  non-com- 
missioned offier  and  private.  The  subsistence  to  be  to 
each  captain  16s.  each  lieutenant  14s.  and  to  each  non- 
commissioned officer  and  private  10s.  per  week,  in  lieu  of 
all  rations.  The  officers  and  privates  to  furnish  themselves 
each  with  a  good  musket  or  firelock,  powder  horn,  bullet 
pouch,  tomahawk,  blanket  and  knapsack ;  each  officer  be- 
fore receiving  his  warrant  to  take  an  oath  to  be  administer- 
ed by  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee  recommend- 
ing him,  that  he  will  once  in  every  month,  or  as  soon  after 
the  expiration  of  every  month  as  possible,  transmit  to  the 
Convention  or  Legislature  of  this  State,  a  muster  roll  of 
the  names  of  every  officer  and  private  under  his  command, 
and  of  their  respective  times  of  enlistment  and  service, 
one  half  of  the  bounty  to  be  paid  by  the  captain  of  each 
company  to  every  able  bodied  man  when  he  shall  pass 
muster,  the  other  half  to  be  remitted  by  the  Convention  to 
the  commanding  officer,  to  be  by  him  issued  to  the  cap- 
tains and  immediately  disbursed  to  the  men  ;  that  on  the 
same  day,  by  the  recommendation  of  the  members  of  the 
county  of  Cumberland,  Joab  Hoisington,  Esqr.  was  ap- 
pointed and  commissioned  by  Convention  to  be  major  and 
commanding  officer  of  the  said  rangers,  and  a  resolution  of 
Convention  passed  on  the  same  day  directing  the  Treasurer 
of  this  State  to  pay  to  the  Deputies  of  Cumberland  county 
£1,200,  in  part  of  the  bounty  for  the  said  rangers. 

On  the  24th  of  August  last,  a  letter  from  the  committee 
of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  signed  by  Mr.  James  Clay, 
as  chairman,  directed  to  this  Convention,  and  dated  the 
2 1 st  of  June,  was  read,  informing  the  Convention  in  sub- 
stance that  upon  receiving  the  printed  resolution  of  the  late 
Provincial  Congress  recommending  the  expediency  of  in- 
stituting civil  government,  the  major  part  of  that  county 
had  elected  their  Deputies  and  empowered  them  to  agree 
with  the  Convention  in  establishing  a  mode  of  government, 
declaring,  however,  that  the  Deputies  of  the  said  county 
were  restrained  by  certain  instructions  given  them  by  the 
said  committee  in  such  manner  that  if  those  instructions 
should  be  violated  in  the  institution  to  be  formed,  the  com- 
mittee reserve  to  themselves,  on  behalf  the  inhabitants  of 
the  said  county,  the  full  liberty  of  an  absolute  disavowal 
of  such  institution  ;  and  further,  reserving  to  themselves 
the  liberty  of  pursuing  a  certain  petition  in  behalf  of  the 
people  included  therein,  which  that  committee  allege  was 
some  years  since  preferred  to  the  government  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  praying  that  the  district  therein  described 
might  be  reunited  to  the  said  Province  ;  that  the  letter  was 
referred  to  a  committee  of  this  Convention,  who  have  made 
no  report  thereon  ;  that  on  the  26th  of  September  last,  a 
letter  to  the  Convention  from  Major  Joab  Hoisington,  was 
read,  including  muster  rolls  of  those  companies,  and  re- 
questing that  the  remaining  part  of  the  bounty,  with  the 
rations  and  first  months'  wages,  which  your  committee 
find  amounts  to  $6,412.25,  might  be  forwarded  ;  the  said 
etter  being  also  accompanied  with  a  certificate  from  the 
joint  committees  of  safety  for  the  said  counties,  signed  by 
James  Clay  as  chairman,  recommending  the  officers  of  the 
said  rangers  ;  that  upon  its  being  moved  that  the  money 
should  be  transmitted  to  Major  Hoisington,  debates  arose 
and  it  was  objected. 

First.  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Cumber- 
land, had  by  their  before  mentioned  letter,  implying  a  protest, 
pretended  to  reserve  to  the  inhabitants  a  right  not  only  of 
rejecting  any  form  of  government  which  might  not  corres- 
pond with  the  instructions  to  their  Deputies,  but  if  they 
should  hereafter  think  fit,  even  of  separating  from  this 
State  and  uniting  with  that  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and 
that  further  expenditures  of  the  public  money  for  the  im- 
mediate protection  of  that  county  could  not  in  justice  to 


660 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


other  parts  of  this  State  be  made,  while  the  jurisdiction 
was  questioned,  a  separation  threatened,  and  there  was 
reason  to  apprehend  that  the  same  temper  which  dictated 
the  latter  might  induce  a  denial  to  contribute  any  thing  to- 
wards the  heavy  debt  which  was  necessarily  incurring,  as 
well  for  the  immediate  defence  of  this  State  as  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  great  cause  of  American  liberty  and  indepen- 
dence. 

The  Convention,  therefore,  proceeded  to  ask  informa- 
tion from  Messrs.  Sessions  and  Stephens,  two  of  the  Depu- 
ties of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  who  were  present. 
They  declared  that,  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  of  Con- 
gress of  the  31st  of  May,  for  electing  Deputies  to  meet  in 
Convention  for  the  express  purpose  of  forming  a  govern- 
ment for  this  State,  they  were  duly  elected  by  the  people 
of  the  county  at  large  ;  that  the  general  committee  of  the 
county  is  composed  of  two  members  from  each  town  ;  that 
the  committee  who  gave  them  instructions,  and  sent  the 
said  letter  to  the  Convention,  were  elected  long  before  their 
own  election  as  Deputies  for  the  said  county ;  that  they 
are  ignorant  of  the  committees  or  sub-committees  of  the 
said  county  having  had  any  authority,  or  directions  from 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  to  give  the  instructions, 
or  to  make  such  declarations,  as  are  contained  in  the  same 
letter  ;  that  the  said  letter  was  agreed  to  by  the  committee 
to  prevent  any  division  in  the  county,  because  the  Depu- 
ties from  4  or  5  of  the  towns  were  opposed  to  sending  De- 
puties to  Convention  without  such  instructions  ;  that  they 
have  no  instructions  from  the  inhabitants  at  large,  nor  from 
any  particular  town  ;  that  their  credentials  from  the  coun- 
ty give  them  full  and  unrestrained  power  in  forming  a  go- 
vernment ;  that  they  conceive  themselves  no  farther  bound 
by  their  instructions  than  they  shall  appear  to  be  right  and 
beneficial,  but  that  whenever  on  debate  it  should  appear 
that  those  instructions  might  work  an  injury  to  the  State, 
or  if  on  any  question  they  should  be  out  voted,  they  should 
not  consider  themselves  bound  by  their  instructions  ;  and 
farther,  that  as  Representatives  of  the  said  county,  they 
fully  acknowledge  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State  over  the 
said  county  and  its  inhabitants.  And  the  credentials  of  the 
said  Deputies  being  read,  it  appears  that  Col.  Joseph 
Marsh,  with  Mr.  Stephens  and  Mr.  Sessions,  were  duly 
elected  to  represent  the  said  county  in  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  and  that  the  said  Representatives  are  expressly 
invested  with  full  power  of  legislation — the  said  credentials 
containing  no  reserve  or  limitation  of  their  authority. 

Second.  It  was  objected  against  transmitting  the  said 
money  :  and  the  fact  is,  it  does  not  appear  from  the  muster 
rolls,  or  return,  or  in  any  other  manner,  that  the  officers 
and  privates  therein  mentioned,  have  furnished  themselves 
each  with  a  good  musket,  or  firelock,  powder  horn,  bullet 
pouch,  tomahawk,  blanket  and  knapsack,  which  is  one  of 
the  qualifications  of  mustering  expressly  required  by  the  be- 
fore recited  resolutions  ;  nor  whether  the  officers  of  the  re- 
spective companies  before  receiving  their  warrants  had 
been  qualified  to  make  and  return  monthly  muster  rolls  of 
their  companies,  as  the  said  resolutions  also  direct.  From 
this  state  of  facts  it  appears  to  your  committee  that  the  for- 
mer Congress,  and  present  Convention,  have  manifested 
the  most  ready  and  cheerful  disposition  to  protect  the  in- 
habitants of  Cumberland,  at  the  public  expense,  in  com- 
mon with  their  other  constituents,  and  without  the  least 
partiality  or  distinction.    That  liberal  supplies  of  men  and 
money,  and  ammunition,  and  warlike  stores,  according 
to  the  abilities  of  the  State,  have  been  granted  them,  as 
soon  as  their  wants  have  been  disclosed.    That  this  com- 
mittee neither  know,  nor  have  heard,  of  the  least  cause  of 
complaint  or  uneasiness,  that  has  been  given  to  any  of 
those  inhabitants  by  this  Slate,  or  any  under  its  authority, 
during  the  present  contest  for  our  rights  and  liberties. 

If  under  the  former  government,  individuals  may  have 
been  injured,  it  ought  to  be  remembered,  that  to  rescue 
ourselves  from  the  oppressions  of  that  government,  the 
United  States  of  America,  submitting  to  all  the  miseries  of 


war  have  asserted  their  independence.  It  is  unquestiona- 
ble that  the  jurisdiction  of  this  Slate  over  the  territory 
which  now  comprehends  the  county  of  Cumberland,  is  co- 
eval with  its  first  formation  as  a  Colony,  under  the  Crown 
of  Great  Britain,  and  accordingly  that  county  was  erected, 
and  hath  been  represented  ;  laws  passed  for  its  internal 
regulation,  courts  established,  civil  and  military  officers  ap- 
pointed, and  many  charters  for  lands  and  privileges  con- 
firmed, by  its  sole  authority.  Your  committee,  therefore, 
conceive  it  to  be  the  indispensable  duty  of  this  Convention 
to  preserve  and  maintain  their  jurisdiction  over  the  said 
county,  by  every  wise,  steady  and  prudent  measure  in  their 
power,  at  a  time  when  this  State  is  invaded  and  pressed 
by  powerful  armies,  when  our  utmost  exertions  are  neces- 
sary, and  we  are  straining  every  nerve  for  the  common 
cause  of  America,  for  the  general  defence  of  this  State, 
and  for  the  more  immediate  defence  of  the  county  of  Cum- 
berland. 

At  a  time  when  every  virtuous  member  of  the  communi- 
ty is  loudly  called  upon  to  assist  his  bleeding  country,  and 
harmony  and  mutual  confidence  are  so  essential  to  our  pre- 
servation, and  to  the  success  of  the  greatest  and  best  of 
causes — at  such  an  important  and  decisive  conjuncture, 
your  committee  cannot  but  lament  that  any  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  should  suffer  them- 
selves to  be  so  far  misguided  as  to  assert  a  claim  and 
principles  subversive  to  all  government,  derogatory  to  the 
dignity,  rights  and  jurisdiction  of  this  State,  manifesting  an 
unbecoming  return  for  the  assistance  and  protection  they 
have  received  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  their  fellow  sub- 
jects at  large,  and  implying  a  latent  design  by  a  future  se- 
paration from  the  State,  to  leave  the  whole  burlhen  of  the 
present  cruel  and  expensive  war  to  be  sustained  by  the  rest 
of  the  community.    If  the  extraordinary  injunctions  in  the 
letter  from  their  committee  should  be  vindicated,  it  must 
follow  that  the  form  of  government  dictated  by  a  party;  from 
the  best  information,  by  no  means  the  majority  of  the  coun- 
ty, is  to  be  adopted,  however  injurious  to  the  general  interest 
of  this  State,  or  disagreeable  to  other  counties,  and  how- 
ever unreasonable  it  might  on  public  debate  appear  even  to 
their  own  immediate  Representatives  ;  and  thus  a  single 
county  is  to  control  the  whole  State,  prescribe  its  Consti- 
stution  and  government,  and  establish  its  laws  on  pain  of 
separation.    From  a  parity  of  reason  every  other  county 
and  even  district  and  town  within  this  State,  might  arrogate 
the  same  power,  and  instead  of  producing  order,  security 
and  a  wise  and  permanent  government — the  great  and  salu- 
tary purposes  for  which  this  free  Convention  was  elected, 
and  assembled — anarchy  and  confusion  must  be  the  fatal 
result.    Your  committee  are  satisfied,  however,  that  the 
letter  does  not  convey  the  sentiments  of  the  majority  of  the 
good  people  of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  and  that  the 
general  committee  will,  upon  cool  reflection,  be  at  no  loss 
to  perceive  its  want  of  respect  to  this  Convention,  and  its 
dangerous  tendency  not  only  to  the  State,  but  to  the  com- 
mon cause  of  America ;  and  that  after  a  deliberate  revi- 
sion they  will  candidly  correct  it,  and  give  this  Convention 
reasonable  assurances  of  their  attachment  to  its  jurisdiction, 
and  of  their  intention  to  share  its  blessings  and  misfortunes, 
its  protection  and  its  burthens,  like  faithful  and  affectionate 
fellow  citizens.    That  your  committee  earnestly  recom- 
mend it  as  the  best  and  surest  means  of  removing  the  uneasi-  . 
ness  which  a  measure  so  unexampled  has  excited,  and  of 
promoting  the  most  perfect  harmony  and  good  understand- 
ing throughout  every  part  of  this  State.    In  confidence, 
therefore,  that  a  thinking  and  reasonable  people  must  see 
their  own  interest  and  preservation  as  well  as  the  safety  of 
the  State,  to  which  they  belong,  and  the  success  of  the 
great  cause  in  which  the  whole  Continent  is  engaged,  can- 
not but  be  weakened  by  dissention,  and  by  countenancing 
the  factious  and  self-interested,  your  committee  are  of 
opinion  that  the  requisition  of  the  commanding  officer  of 
the  ranging  companies  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester 
counties,  should  be  complied  with,  lest  the  good  people  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


661 


those  counties  being  disappointed  of  the  aid  and  protection 
provided  by  this  State,  may  suffer  from  the  incursions  of 
their  enemies,  before  an  explanation  of  the  said  letter  can 
be  obtained  from  the  committee  of  Cumberland,  and  have 
therefore  agreed  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

1st.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee 
that  the  sum  of  6,412  dollars  and  f  of  a  dollar  being  the 
remaining  part  of  the  bounty  money,  and  month's  wages, 
and  rations  due  to  the  officers  and  men  of  the  four  compa- 
nies of  rangers  raised  and  established  for  the  immediate 
protection  and  defence  of  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and 
Gloucester,  under  the  command  of  Major  Joab  Hoising- 
ton,  be  forthwith  transmitted  for  their  use.  But  in  as  much 
as  it  does  not  appear  by  the  returns  of  the  commanding 
officer  or  otherwise,  that  the  men  are  equipped  and  furnish- 
ed with  arms  or  accoutrements,  or  that  the  officers  have 
been  qualified  to  make  up  their  muster  rolls  and  returns 
agreeable  to  the  directions  of  Convention ; 

2nd.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  commit- 
tee, that  a  committee  from  this  Convention  be  appointed  to 
see  that  the  said  money  is  faithfully  applied,  agreeable  to 
the  establishment  of  the  said  rangers,  for  that  purpose  con- 
sulting with  the  general  committee  of  the  said  counties ; 
that  they  be  further  authorized  to  call  upon  them  the  com- 
manding and  other  officers  of  the  said  rangers,  and  if  they 
should  find  it  necessary  to  review  the  respective  companies, 
that  they  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  temper  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  said  county,  and  the  grounds  of  any  dis- 
content which  may  prevail  among  the  uninformed,  or  be 
encouraged  by  designing  men,  and  use  their  endeavours  to 
remove  the  same,  and  to  frustrate  any  attempt  to  sow  the 
seeds  of  jealousy  and  disaffection.  And  lastly,  that  they 
represent  to  the  committee  of  the  said  county  of  Cumber- 
land, the  wisdom  and  propriety  of  a  revision  of  the  said 
letter,  and  if  an  unreserved  submission  of  the  said  county 
to  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State  ;  that  all  cases  of  distrust 
may  subside,  and  the  harmony  which  is  so  essential  at  this 
important  conjuncture  may  be  fixed  on  the  surest  founda- 
tion. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report  as  amended,  and  the  same  is  here- 
by declared  to  be  the  act  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Sessions  and  Taylor  be  request- 
ed to  proceed  to  the  county  of  Cumberland,  and  unite  with 
Col.  Marsh,  one  of  the  members  of  the  said  county  now 
there,  as  a  committee  from  this  Convention,  to  see  the  pre- 
ceding resolutions  carried  into  effect. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  to 
the  said  committee  the  above  mentioned  sum  of  6,4 12| 
dollars,  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the  said  report,  and 
the  further  sum  of  §200,  to  defray  the  charge  of  their  jour- 
ney ;  for  the  expenditure  of  which  last  mentioned  sum,  they 
are  to  be  accountable  to  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  3,000  flints  be  delivered  by  the  Com- 
missary of  this  Convention  to  the  Deputies  of  the  county 
of  Cumberland  ;  2,000  for  the  use  of  that  county,  and 
1,000  for  the  use  of  Gloucester  county. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  application 
of  Lieut.  William  Boerum  and  Lieut.  Danl.  Rapalje,  offi- 
cers of  the  late  troop  of  lighthorse,  delivered  in  their  re- 
port, vizt : 

"  That  it  appears  to  this  committee  that,  agreeable  to  a 
resolution  of  this  Convention,  the  said  troops  were  ordered 
out  on  public  service  on  the  14th  day  of  August  last ;  that 
the  said  troops  continued  in  the  service  assigned  them  until 
the  29ih  day  of  August.  That  it  appears  to  your  commit- 
tee that  the  said  Lieuts.  Boerum  and  Rapalje,  together  with 
one  second  lieutenant,  two  ensigns,  one  quarter-master,  one 
sergeant,  one  trumpeter,  and  nine  privates,  did,  on  the  29th 
Augt.  agreeable  to  the  order  of  their  commanding  officer, 
leave  their  posts  in  said  Kings  county ;  that  they  are  now 
in  and  about  the  county  of  Dutches  ;  that  they  are  incapa- 
ble of  performing  further  service  to  this  State  in  their  re- 
spective characters ;  that  they  are  also  destitute  of  the 

166 


means  of  subsistence  :  That  the  committee  are  therefore  of 
opinion  that  9s.  per  day  be  allowed  to  Lieuts.  Boerum  and 
Rapalje,  and  to  each  of  the  other  commissioned  officers, 
for  pay  and  rations,  65.  per  day,  (as  also  to  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  privates  6s.  per  day,)  of  the  said 
troopers,  from  the  time  of  their  respectively  entering  the 
service  to  the  29lh  day  of  August,  together  with  half  such 
pay  and  rations  from  the  said  29th  of  Augt.  to  the  present 
day ;  and  for  this  purpose,  that  the  said  Lieuts.  Boerum 
and  Rapalje  be  furnished  with  an  order  on  the  Treasurer 
of  this  State  for  the  sum  of  for  the  use  of  them- 

selves and  the  other  persons  for  whom  they  have  applied, 
as  above  mentioned,  amounting  to  the  pay  and  rations  afore- 
said, and  that  they  be  considered  as  no  longer  holden  to 
serve,  in  consequence  of  their  former  engagement." 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  said  report  as  amended,  and  above  stated, 
and  that  the  same  stand  confirmed  as  the  act  of  this  Con- 
vention. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Odor.  5th,  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Bancker — 
Netc-York. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Contine,  Col.  B.  Witt,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Williams — Charlotte. 
Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Dr.  Crane,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Joshua  H.  Smith,  Esqr.  one  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Convention,  dated  the  4th  inst.  was  read.  He 
therein  shews  for  cause  of  his  non-attendance,  that  he  has 
been  in  a  bad  state  of  health  ;  that  he  is  at  present  an  in- 
firm convalescent,  and  will  attend  as  soon  as  his  health  will 
permit. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Broome,  another  of  the  members  of 
this  Convention,  dated  at  New-Haven  on  the  26th  ulto. 
was  received  and  read.  He  thereby  acknowledges  that  on 
the  day  preceding  he  had  been  served  with  an  order  of  Con- 
vention for  his  attendance,  and  excuses  his  non-attendance 
by  reason  of  the  indisposition  of  his  family. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
rendering  the  communication  by  land  between  the  northern 
and  southern  parts  of  this  State,  and  between  this  and  the 
southern  States,  more  easy  and  practicable,  reported  there- 
on as  far  as  respects  the  communication  by  land  between 
the  northern  and  southern  parts  of  this  State,  on  the  east 
side  of  Hudson's  river;  which  report  was  read,  amended, 
agreed  to  and  adopted  by  the  Convention  as  their  act. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  post  road  from  the  north  side  of  the 
Highlands  to  King's  Bridge  is  very  much  out  of  repair, 
and  particularly  that  part  of  it  which  leads  through  the 
Highlands  to  the  manor  of  Philipsburgh,  and  that  the  said 
road  affords  the  most  short  and  convenient  communication 
by  land  between  the  noithern  and  southern  parts  of  this 
State  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  road  ought  to  be  immediately 
repaired.    And  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Col.  John  Field  be  appointed  and  di- 
rected to  repair  such  part  thereof  as  lies  between  Isaac 
Van  Wyck's  on  the  north  side  of  the  Highlands  aforesaid, 
and  the  south  line  of  Dutches  county. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Joseph  Strong  be  appointed  to 
repair  the  remaining  part  of  the  said  road,  together  with  a 


662 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


certain  other  small  road  which  leads  from  the  post  road 
aforesaid,  to  the  dock  at  Dobb's  ferry. 

Resolved,  That  each  of  the  said  persons  so  appointed, 
be  allowed  for  their  trouble  10s.  per  day,  and  that  they  be 
also  allowed  their  subsistence. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  £100  be  advanced  by  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State  to  Col.  Field,  and  the  sum  of  £100 
to  Major  Strang,  to  enable  them  to  execute  the  trust  here- 
by reposed  in  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Col.  Field  and  Major  Strang 
respectively  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  authorized  to  employ 
teams  and  carts  for  the  purposes  aforesaid  ;  and  lest  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  labourers  speedily  to  repair  the  said  road 
should  not  be  obtained, 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Petrus  Ten  Broeck  do,  on  the 
requisition  of  the  said  Col.  Field,  furnish  him  with  such 
detachments  of  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Dutches  from 
time  to  time,  as  the  said  Col.  Field  may  require.  And 
that  Genl.  Morris,  or  in  his  absence,  the  next  command- 
ing officer  of  the  militia  in  Westchester  county  do,  on  the 
requisition  of  the  said  Major  Strang,  furnish  him  with  such 
detachments  of  the  militia  from  time  to  lime  as  he  may 
require. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  detachments  while  employed 
in  repairing  the  roads  aforesaid,  be  under  the  directions  of 
the  superintendents  thereof  aforesaid,  in  their  respective 
counties;  and  that  while  actually  employed  as  aforesaid, 
they  be  allowed  at  the  rate  of  10  dollars  per  month,  and 
provided  with  provisions  by  the  said  superintendents. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  superintendents  keep  and  ren- 
der to  this  Convention  regular  accounts  of  their  expendi- 
tures and  proceedings. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  by 
express  to  the  respective  superintendents  above  mentioned. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Taylor  of  the 
county  of  Albany,  be  one  of  the  committee  to  proceed  to 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester  counties,  and  that  his  name 
be  inserted  in  the  blank  left  among  the  names  of  that  com- 
mittee yesterday. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane  on  behalf  of  the  said  com- 
mittee, who  reported  on  the  said  letter  from  Cumberland 
county,  and  the  letter  from  Joab  Hoisinglon,  for  the  pay 
and  subsistence  of  the  rangers  directed  to  be  raised  for  the 
defence  of  the  said  county  of  Cumberland  and  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Gloucester. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  have  leave  to  sit 
again. 

Mr.  Stevens,  one  of  the  members  for  the  county  of 
Cumberland,  applied  for  leave  of  absence  for  three  weeks 
to  visit  his  family,  which  is  granted. 

Whereas  Mr.  Stevens  has  applied  for  and  obtained  leave 
of  absence  for  three  weeks  to  visit  his  family, 

Resolved,  That  he  be  added  to  the  committee  appoint- 
ed to  carry  into  effect  the  resolutions  of  Convention  of  the 
fourth  inst.  respecting  the  county  of  Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  procure  500  copies  of 
the  resolutions  relative  to  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the 
said  rangers  printed,  to  be  distributed  in  the  counties  of 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  and  the  other  parts  of  this 
State. 

Col.  Williams  moved  for  leave  of  absence. 
Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative. 

New-York,   8 

Albany,   (i 

Dutches,  5 

Tryon,   3 

Orange,   3  8 

25 

On  behalf  of  Henry  Livingston,  Esqr.  clerk  of  Dutch- 
es county,  it  was  suggested  to  the  Convention,  that  next 
Tuesday  is  the  stated  day  for  holding  the  county  court  at 


For  the  affirmative. 

Ulster,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

Cumberland,   2 


Poughkeepsie  in  Dutches  county,  and  that  he  requests  the 
advice  of  this  Convention  whether  he  shall  issue  anv  pre- 
cept for  summoning  a  grand  jury. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Convention  that 
Henry  Livingston,  Esqr.  do  not  issue  any  precept  to  sum- 
mon a  grand  jury,  or  any  other  precept  whatever,  until  a 
new  government  is  formed,  or  further  order  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman  to  Wm.  Duer,  Esqr. 
dated  the  3d  inst.  was  read,  a  part  whereof  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Capt.  Cook  is  now  up  the  river  cutting  timber  for 
chevaux-de-frise  ;  as  he  is  much  wanted  here  to  sink  the 
old  vessels,  the  General  begs  that  you  would  immediately 
send  him  down  ;  we  are  at  a  stand  for  want  of  him,  for  as 
he  has  superintended  the  matter  from  the  beginning,  he 
best  knows  the  properest  places  to  be  obstructed." 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  above  part  of 
Mr.  Tilghman's  letter  immediately  despatched  to  Capt. 
Cooke. 

The  memorial  of  Isaac  Paris,  Christian  Fox,  Johannes 
Billinger,  and  upwards  of  100  others  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Tryon  county,  was  read.  They  therein  complain  that 
Hendrick  Frey,  Frederick  Young  and  other  very  suspect- 
ed persons  have  been  permitted  by  the  county  committee 
to  return  to  the  county.  Some  of  the  inimical  expressions 
and  declarations  of  the  said  Frey  and  Young  are  therein 
set  forth;  and  the  memorialisis  pray  that  the  resolve  of  the 
county  committee  may  be  repealed  or  changed. 

Ordered,  That  this  memorial  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee for  detecting  conspiracies. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Sleght,  Esqr.  to  Col.  De  Witt, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Kingston,  3rd  Octor.  1776. 

"  Sir — We  have  just  now  received  your  letter  by  our 
post ;  the  committee  are  much  obliged  to  you  for  your 
trouble.  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  the  justices 
of  this  and  the  neighbouriug  townships  of  Rochester, 
Marble  Town  and  Hurly  have  met  here  yesterday  to  con- 
sider what  is  best  to  be  done  relative  to  the  Indians.  Our 
frontier  inhabitants  are  daily  moving  away  for  fear  of  them. 
We  have,  therefore,  concluded  to  call  them  together  to 
treat  with  them,  and  have  already  fixed  a  certain  day  for 
that  purpose  ;  but  as  this  will  be  attended  with  some  cost, 
we  would  be  glad  to  know  whether  your  Honourable 
House  will  be  good  enough  to  assist  us  in  paying  the  cost 
of  this  treaty.  Your  answer  by  the  next  post  will  much 
oblige  your  friend  and 

"  Most  obt.  humble  servant, 

"JOHANNES  SLEGHT." 

The  Convention  having  taken  the  same  into  considera- 
tion :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  ought,  as 
soon  as  may  be,  to  represent  the  matters  contained  in  the 
said  letter  to  the  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs  at  Alba- 
ny, and  pursue  such  directions  as  they  may  give  relative 
to  the  same  ;  but  that  if  by  the  day  appointed  for  the 
holding  of  the  said  treaty,  an  answer  from  the  said  com- 
missioners cannot  be  obtained,  that  they  proceed  to  hold 
the  same,  and  that  this  Convention  will  pay  the  expense 
attending  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  one  of  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  Continental  frigates  building  at  Pough- 
keepsie, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Poughkeepsie,  2nd,  Octr.  1776. 
"  Gentlemen — The  bearer,  Mr.  McEuen,  is  employed 
in  the  yard  as  plumber  to  the  ships ;  his  business  is 
obliged  to  stop  for  the  want  of  lead,  which  we  cannot  pro- 
cure for  him.  We  are  informed  there  is  a  quantity  at 
Fish  kill  under  your  direction  and  disposal  ;  beg  it  as  a 
particular  favour  you  would  furnish  him  with  such  quanti- 
ty as  he  may  want,  with  all  expedition,  as  our  orders  from 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


663 


the  commissioners  are  to  put  the  ships  in  the  water  as 
soon  as  possible. 

"  We  are  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  SAML.  TUDER. 

"  Peter  It.  Livincston,  Esqr." 

Malcom  McEuen,  the  bearer,  was  called  in  and  interro- 
gated as  to  the  lead  necessary  for  the  said  frigates,  and 
withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Danl.  Bush  be  and  he  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  deliver  to  Nathl.  Sacket,  Esqr.  all  the  lead  in  his 
possession  belonging  to  this  State,  taking  a  receipt  for  the 
same  ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  justify  him  in  the 
execution  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Nathl.  Sacket,  Esqr.  deliver  to  the 
bearer  hereof,  Mr.  Malcom  McEuen,  for  the  use  of  the 
Convention  for  the  Continental  frigates  building  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  two  tons  of  lead,  and  that  he  take  Mr.  McEuen's 
receipt  for  the  same,  to  be  charged  to  Continental  ac- 
count. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  on  the  2nd  inst. 
to  take  into  consideration  the  letters  from  Ulster  county 
relative  to  the  Indians,  delivered  in  their  report  which  was 


read.  After  some  time  spent  thereon,  it  was  recommitted 
to  the  same  committee. 

Whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Convention  that  a 
number  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  frontiers  of  Ulster  coun- 
ty, being  very  apprehensive  from  intelligence  they  have 
received,  that  they  will  speedily  be  attacked  by  the  In- 
dians, are  preparing  to  remove  from  their  settlements,  and 
will  unless  relieved,  retire  with  their  families  to  the  inner 
country. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  counties  of  Ul- 
ster and  Orange  do  provide  for  the  defence  of  their  fron- 
tier country  by  detachments  from  the  militia  of  those 
counties,  and  that  the  expense  thereof  be  defrayed  by  this 
Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt. 
Harper,  Mr.  William  Harper,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb  and  Mr.  Moore  be  a  Committee  of  Safety  for  this 
State  until  the  next  meeting  of  this  Convention. 

Col.  Williams,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  report 
regulations  for  the  sale  and  disposition  of  salt  in  this  State, 
brought  in  the  report  of  the  said  committee  which  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  remain  for  further  consi- 
deration. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  LUN^E,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

October  7  th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith — Suffolk. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Junr. — ilbany. 
Mr.  Stevens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Habpeb,  Mr.  Newkikk,  Mr.  Paris— Tryon. 

Major  Lockwood —  Westchester. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman  to  Mr.  Duer,  dated  the 
5th  inst.  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that  on  the  pre- 
ceding night  a  party  of  the  American  army  brought  off  a 
parcel  of  boards  from  Harlem  ;  that  the  enemy  had  that 
morning  sent  a  party  there  who  have  been  throwing  up  a 
breastwork. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott,  dated  the  3d  inst. 
at  1 1  o'clock  at  night,  was  read.  He  gives  the  Conven- 
tion a  particular  account  of  the  examinations  and  testimony 
against  Joseph  Read,  Israel  Underbill  and  Philip  Palmer,  all 
late  of  Westchester  county,  and  now  sent  here  under  guard. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  and  delivered 
to  the  committee  for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  the  committee  of 
Albany,  requesting  them  to  procure  by  purchase  or  loan, 
for  the  use  of  this  Convention,  the  iron  stove  belonging  to 
the  Presbyterian  church  at  Albany. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  sundry  letters  and 
papers  of  Capt.  Thomas  Cregier,  and  the  petition  of  sun- 
dry officers  and  mariners  of  the  armed  vessel  or  schooner 
Putnam,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  armed  schooner  Putnam,  to- 
gether with  her  arms,  cannon,  ammunition,  boats,  rigging, 
tackle  and  furniture,  be  immediately  sold,  and  that  John 
Imlay,  Esqr.  be  agent  for  that  purpose,  who  is  hereby 
directed,  out  of  the  proceeds,  to  pay  the  officers  and  crew 
their  wages,  and  all  other  reasonable  charges,  and  to  remit 
the  surplus  to  the  treasury  of  this  Convention. 

167 


Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler  and  Mr.  Dunscomb  be  a  committee  to  examine  and 
take  an  inventory  of  the  goods  belonging  to  this  State,  now 
stored  in  Mr.  John  Schenk's  store  house,  and  all  other 
goods  belonging  to  this  State,  and  report  what  parts  are 
fit  for  the  use  of  the  army  ;  and  that  they  be,  and  hereby 
are,  authorized  to  cause  such  parts  of  the  said  goods  to  be 
made  up  for  soldiers'  use,  as  they  may  think  proper  ;  and 
all  persons  who  have  heretofore  had  charge  of  any  such 
goods,  are  hereby  directed  to  make  return  of  the  goods 
they  have  on  hand,  or  under  their  directions  to  the  com- 
mittee above  mentioned,  and  follow  such  directions  as  they 
may  receive  from  those  gentlemen  relative  thereto. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
purchasing  clothing  for  the  Continental  troops,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read.  The  same  being  then  de- 
livered in  at  the  table,  was  again  read  by  paragraphs,  and 
in  many  instances  amended.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted  to  the 
same  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  messenger  be  immediately  despatch- 
ed to  summon  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Landon  to  attend 
the  public  business  in  Convention  without  delay,  and  that 
they  pay  the  said  messenger  for  his  trouble  and  expense. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee,  or  member,  be  appointed 
to  answer  the  letter  received  from  Genl.  Morris  ;  and  that 
he  be  requested  immediately  to  repair  to  Westchester  and 
take  charge  of  his  brigade  of  militia. 

Thereupon  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  was  appointed  for  that 
purpose. 

On  account  of  the  cold  and  dampness  of  the  church,  the 
Committee  adjourned  to  meet  to-morrow  at  Mr.  Isaac  Van 
Wyck's  tavern. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Odor.  8th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  at  the  house  of  Isaac  Van 
Wyck  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 


6G6 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris—  Tryon. 
Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  Committee  finding  that  the  accommodation  for  their 
sitting  at  Mr.  Van  Wyck's  will  not  answer  their  expecta- 
tions, and  the  weather  being  more  favourable  than  for  some 
days  past,  they  adjourned  to  the  church. 

The  Committee  met  at  the  Dutch  church  pursuant  to 
the  above  adjournment. 

Present— The  members  above  mentioned,  together  with 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 
Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Mr.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Morris,  which  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  recommitted  to  Mr.  R.  R.  Livings- 
ton, Mr.  Abm.  Yates  and  Mr.  Wm.  Smith. 

A  letter  from  John  Field  and  Isaac  Paddock,  of  south- 
east precinct,  in  Dutches  county,  dated  the  7th  inst.  was 
received  and  read.  For  the  reasons  therein  mentioned, 
they  suggest  the  necessity  of  raising  another  company  of 
county  guards,  for  the  detection  and  suppression  of  dange- 
rous and  disaffected  persons  ;  and  they  recommend  Nathl. 
Scribner  for  captain,  and  Joseph  Field  for  lieutenant  of  such 
company. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate,  Dr.  Crane  and  Mr.  Robert 
Harper,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  said  letter,  and 
to  report  thereon. 

The  present  President,  Col.  Livingston,  represented  to 
the  Committee,  that  the  lower  part  of  the  county  of  Albany, 
particularly  the  district  of  Claverack  and  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, are  infested  with  disaffected  persons  ;  that  they 
have  fired,  with  loaded  arms  through  the  houses  and  store 
houses  of  Dirk  Janson,  and  wounded  one  of  the  clerks,  and 
perpetrated  other  enormities  against  the  peace  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  above  named  consider  of 
this  information  and  report  thereon. 

Die  Veneris,  Octo.  8th,  P.  M.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— P.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Prest. 
Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscombe— 2Vew- York. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Junr.  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Albany. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Allison — Orange. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  draft  of  a 
letter  to  Brigadier-Genl.  Morris,  reported  a  new  draft, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, that  is  to  say  : 

"October  the%th,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  Convention  have  directed  me  to  inform  you 
that  they  were  extremelv  sorry  Tor  the  necessity  that  first 
obliged  them  to  request  your  immediate  return  to  your  bri- 
gade, since  they  hoped  that  no  military  officer  would  choose 
to  be  absent  when  his  country  was  invaded.    They  are 
willing  to  acknowledge  the  force  of  those  reasons  for  delay- 
ing your  return,  which  are  derived  from  the  particular  situa- 
tion of  your  family  ;  these,  they  hope,  by  their  safety  and 
security,  have  long  since  ceased  to  operate.    They  now 
flatter  themselves  that  it  will  be  unnecessary  to  remind  you 
of  the  superior  ties  which  bind  every  man  to  his  country, 
more  particularly  by  those  whom  the  State  have  vested 
with  the  highest  honours.    Though  the  Indian  affairs  of 
the  middle  department  should  be  under  the  consideration 


of  Congress,  yet  they  hope  your  attendance  may  be  dis- 
pensed with,  as  the  Congress  have  it  in  their  power  to  call 
upon  the  other  commissaries,  without  injuring  the  public  so 
materially  as  by  retaining  a  military  officer  from  his  station. 
The  Convention  cannot  but  hope  that  you  have  been  de- 
ceived in  your  belief  that  your  brigade  is  reduced  to  less 
than  a  colonel's  command,  though  the  loud  and  well  found- 
ed complaints  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  has  given  them 
reason  to  fear  that  it  has  suffered  by  your  absence. 

"  They  are  pleased  to  hear  that  you  have  expressed 
your  desire  of  offering  your  personal  service  to  Genl.  Wash- 
ington ;  since  they  cannot  conceive  that  a  general  officer 
can  withdraw  his  duty  yet  as  a  volunteer,  when  the  troops 
under  his  command  are,  or  like  to  be,  called  into  action. 

"  Upon  the  whole,  sir,  they  have  directed  me  to  inform 
you,  that  they  expect  your  immediate  attendance  on  the 
duties  of  your  department. 

"  I  am,  sir,  yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Brigadier-Genl.  Morris." 

Mr.  Livingston  moved  a  resolution  relative  to  tanned  lea- 
ther, which  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  further  con- 
sideration and  perusal. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  from  the  committee  appointed  this 
morning,  made  a  report  in  the  form  of  resolutions,  which 
were  read  and  adopted,  and  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  in  the  present  cri- 
tical conjuncture,  that  one  company  of  49  men  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  and  one  company  of  49  men  in  the 
county  of  Dutchess,  be  immediately  raised  for  the  purpose 
of  detecting  and  defeating  the  intentions  and  conspiracies 
of  our  secret  and  open  enemies  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  one  company  be  immediately  raised  in 
the  county  of  Albany,  and  that  one  other  company  be  im- 
mediately raised  in  the  county  of  Dutches. 

That  each  company  consist  of  1  captain,  one  lieutenant, 
3  sergeants,  3  corporals,  1  fifer  and  40  privates — 49  men. 

That  the  pay  of  those  companies  be  the  same  as  the  pay 
of  the  Continental  troops. 

That  the  captains  be  allowed  each  16s.  per  week  ;  the 
lieutenants  14s.  and  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  each  10s.  per  week,  in  lieu  of  all  rations  and  sub- 
sistance. 

That  Petrus  Van  Gaasbeck  be  and  is  hereby  appointed 
captain,  and  Samuel  Thome  lieutenant,  of  the  said  com- 
pany to  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Albany ;  and  that  the 
said  company  do  rendezvous  at  and  about  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, and  be  subject  to  the  order  of  the  Convention  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  and  under  the  direction 
of  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  or  such 
person  or  persons  as  the  Convention  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  State  shall  appoint. 

That  Nathl.  Scribner  be  and  is  hereby  appointed  cap- 
tain, and  Joseph  Field  lieutenant,  of  the  said  company  to 
be  raised  in  the  county  of  Dutches  ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
pany do  rendezvous  in  Fredericksburgh  and  South  East 
precincts  of  the  said  county,  and  be  subject  to  the  order  of 
the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  and 
be  under  the  direction  of  the  committee  of  the  said  county 
of  Dulchess,  or  such  other  person  or  persons  as  the  Con- 
vention or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  shall  appoint. 

That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  district  of 
the  manor  of  Livingston,  for  the  time  being,  be  the  muster- 
master  to  muster  the  company  to  be  raised  in  the  county 
of  Albany  ;  and  that  Col.  John  Field  be  appointed  muster- 
master  of  the  company  to  be  raised  in  Dutches  county. 
That  the  said  company  to  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Dutch- 
es, be  incorporated  and  deemed  a  part  of  the  corps  where- 
of Capt.  Melancton  Smith  is  commandant,  and  that  both 
the  companies  hereby  directed  to  be  raised,  be  enlisted  to 
continue  in  service  for  the  term  of  three  months,  unless 
sooner  discharged. 
The  application  of  Benjn.  Tusteen,  chairman  of  Go- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


667 


shen  precinct,  for  the  sense  of  Congress  relative  to  certain 
Scotch  prisoners  stationed  in  Goshen  by  the  committee  of 
prisoners ;  also  a  letter  signed  Daniel  Walker,  on  behalf 
of  said  prisoners ;  and  also  a  letter  from  John  Broome, 
Esqr.  and  others  of  the  committee  of  prisoners,  were  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  committed  to  a  committee,  consisting 
of  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Scott,  received  by  Lieut.  Mott,  with 
two  disaffected  persons,  yizt.  Gersham  Smith  and 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter,  lieutenant  and  prisoners,  be 
severally  referred  to  the  committee  for  detecting  conspi- 
rators. 

The  Committee  adjourned  until  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Octr.  9lh,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscombe — New-York. 

Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler — ilbany. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon. 
Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  devise  means 
for  clothing  the  troops,  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  hereafter  mentioned,  be  ap- 
pointed to  purchase,  at  the  cheapest  rate,  in  their  several 
counties,  all  the  coarse  woollen  cloth,  linsey-woolsey,  blank- 
ets, woollen  hose,  mittens,  coarse  linen,  felt  hats,  and  shoes, 
fitting  for  soldiers,  and  that  they  have  the  linen  made  up 
into  shirts. 

That  Mr.  Stephen  Ward,  Gilbert  Strang  and  Phil.  Leak, 
be  appointed  for  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  that  the 
sum  of  £100  be  advanced  to  each  of  them,  for  the  purpose 
of  purchasing  the  above  mentioned  articles. 

That  William  Radlif  for  Rynebeck  and  North  East  pre- 
cincts ;  Saml.  Smith  for  Charlotte  and  Armenia  precincts  ; 
Jonn.  Paddock  for  Phillips,  Fredericksburgh  and  South  East 
precincts  ;  Isaac  Talman  for  Beekman  and  Pawling  pre- 
cincts ;  and  Wykoff  for  Rumbouts  and  Poughkeep- 
sie  precincts,  be  appointed  in  the  county  of  Dutches  ;  and 
that  the  sum  of  £100  be  advanced  to  each  of  them,  for 
the  purpose  of  purchasing  the  above  mentioned  articles. 

That  John  Sleght,  Junr.  and  Abell  Belnap,  be  appoint- 
ed for  the  county  of  Ulster  ;  and  that  the  sum  of  £100  be 
advanced  to  each  of  them,  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing 
the  above  mentioned  articles. 

That  Capt.  John  A.  Fonda  of  the  manor  of  Livingston, 
Peter  Van  Ness  of  Claverack,  Barent  Van  Beuren  of  Kin- 
derhook,  Isaac  V.  Arnum  of  Albany,  Corns.  Cuyler  of 
Schenectady,  James  McGee  and  Henry  Quackenboss  of 
the  manor  of  Rensselaer,  Anthony  Van  Bergen  of  Cocsac- 
kie,  Henry  Oothout  of  Kattskill,  and  Johannes  Ball  of 
Schohary,  be  appointed  for  the  county  of  Albany ;  and 
that  the  sum  of  £100  be  advanced  to  each  of  them,  for 
the  purpose  of  purchasing  the  above  mentioned  articles. 

That  Col.  Benjn.  Tusteen  and  Teunis  Cuyper,  Esqr.be 
appointed  for  the  county  of  Orange,  and  that  the  sum  of 
£100  be  advanced  to  each  of  them  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing the  above  mentioned  articles. 

That  the  sums  of  money  affixed  to  the  names  of  the 
persons  in  each  county  above  mentioned,  be  paid  to  the 
said  persons  respectively,  or  their  order,  towards  purchas- 


ing the  said  clothing,  and  that  they  transmit  an  account  of 
their  progress  from  time  to  time  to  the  President  of  the 
Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  and  if  either 
of  them  shall  not  have  money  sufficient  for  the  payment  of 
such  of  the  said  articles  as  shall  be  by  either  of  them  pur- 
chased, then  either  of  them  shall  have  power  to  draw  on 
the  President  for  such  sums  as  shall  appear  to  be  neces- 
sary, or  by  him  advanced,  allowing  to  each  of  them  5  per 
cent  for  his  trouble. 

The  Convention  were  informed  by  a  member  that  Capt. 
Benjn.  Coe,  who  lately  commanded  a  company  in  Col. 
Smith's  regiment,  on  Nassau  island,  is  in  distressed  cir- 
cumstances, and  that  from  his  muster  roll  of  the  time  of 
said  company's  service,  it  appears  that  the  pay  due  to  him 
amounts  to  about  £20,  and  requests  that  he  may  have  an 
order  on  the  Treasurer  for  that  sum  on  account.  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Capt.  Benjn.  Coe,  of  Col.  Smith's  regiment,  drafted  from 
the  militia  on  Nassau  island,  the  sum  of  £20,  and  take  his 
receipt  on  account  for  the  same,  on  the  settlement  of  the 
pay  rolls  of  the  said  regiment. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  behaviour  of 
the  Scotch  prisoners  at  Goshen,  in  the  county  of  Orange, 
as  represented  to  this  Convention  by  Col.  Teston,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  there  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

That  as  the  said  prisoners  are  not  content  with  their  en- 
largement from  close  confinement  and  privilege  to  labour 
as  the  said  committee  have  heretofore  permitted  them,  but 
have  behaved  indecently  and  unbecomingly,  that  the  said 
committee  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to  maintain  and 
provide  for  the  said  prisoners  in  any  such  way  and  manner 
as  to  them  shall  seem  most  consistent  with  the  security  of 
the  said  prisoners,  the  safety  of  the  State,  and  with  the  re- 
solve of  the  Continental  Congress  in  that  case  made  and 
provided  :  Also  as  to  the  boys  among  the  said  prisoners  ; 
that  they  shall  be  put  out  to  such  service  and  in  such  fa- 
milies as  the  committee  shall  think  proper ;  and  that  the 
said  boys,  upon  their  behaving  impertinently  or  unfaithfully 
in  their  said  service,  shall  be  subject  to  such  punishment 
from  their  respective  employers  or  masters  as  in  such  cases 
by  custom  immemorial  hath  been  hitherto  practised  in  this 
country  :  provided  nevertheless,  that  the  said  committee  be 
directed  to  see  that  the  said  boys  be  not  treated  with  cru- 
elty or  unnecessary  severities. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  General 
Schuyler,  requesting  him  to  discharge  John  Taylor,  Esqr. 
from  any  service  to  which  he  may  be  appointed  by  Genl. 
Schuyler's  order,  that  Mr.  Taylor  maybe  employed  as  one 
of  the  committee  of  this  House  ordered  to  repair  to  Cum- 
berland county. 

The  Committee  were  informed  by  Col.  Tustesn,  chair- 
man of  the  present  committee  of  Goshen,  that  a  certain 
Richd.  Speight,  a  disaffected  person,  was  sent  from  New- 
York  sometime  since  to  Goshen,  to  remain  there  on  his 
parol,  is  with  his  wife  and  children  in  a  starving  condition, 
being  unable  to  support  himself  and  family. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Goshen  precinct  be 
directed  to  allow  Richd.  Speight,  his  wife  and  children 
each  one  ration  of  provisions  per  day,  agreeable  to  the  ra- 
tions allowed  prisoners  of  war,  and  that  this  Convention 
will  make  provision  for  the  payment  of  the  same. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  Oct.  9th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  President. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Contine,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Win.  Harper, 
Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Major  Lockwood. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Albany,  Oct.  7th, 
1776,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"Albany,  October  7th,  1776. 
"  Sir — On  Saturday  last  I  received  sundry  despatches 


068 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


from  Philadelphia.  Copy  of  Mr.  Hancock's  letter,  and  of 
the  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  25th  ulto.  I  do  myself  the 
honour  to  lay  before  the  Convention.  By  the  contents  of  the 
former,  it  would  appear  as  if  Congress  still  considered  me 
as  commanding  in  this  department,  and  correspondent  to 
this  idea,  was  the  direction  of  the  letter.  If  so,  nothing 
could  be  more  insulting  than  that  commissioners  should 
be  sent  to  confer  with  any  officer  under  my  command, 
with  respect  to  the  army  in  this  department,  or  any  part  of  it. 

"  This  treatment  would  fully  justify  me,  if  I  foibore  every 
act  as  commander-in-chief  of  this  department;  yet  the  prin- 
ciples which  induced  me  to  accept  the  command  on  which 
I  have  acted  whilst  in  it,  and  which  I  trust  will  mark  everv 
action  of  my  life,  will  not  permit  me  to  forbear  acting  until 
matters  are  put  into  such  a  proper  train  by  Congress,  as 
that  no  detriment  may  accrue  to  my  country.  Of  this  I 
have  advised  Congress,  and  signified  my  wish  that  I  may 
be  speedily  relieved. 

"  Convention  will  perceive  by  the  postscript  of  Mr.  Han- 
cock's letter,  that  Congress  has  referred  an  inquiry  into 
my  affairs  to  a  special  committee.  Although  I  have  the 
fullest  confidence  in  the  propriety  of  every  part  of  my  con- 
duct, and  in  the  honour  of  the  gentlemen  who  compose  the 
committee,  yet  things  may  appear  in  a  quite  different  point 
of  view  from  what  they  really  are,  to  persons  uninformed 
of  causes  and  facts,  which,  perhaps,  none  but  myself  can 
suggest.  I  have,  therefore,  entreated  Congress  to  suspend 
their  judgment  until  I  shall  have  had  an  opportunity  given 
me  of  being  heard — a  request  so  reasonable  that  I  hope 
it  will  not  be  refused  me.  But  if  it  is,  I  must  in  justifica- 
tion of  my  conduct  publish  my  letters  to  Congress,  with 
their  answers,  whatever  may  be  the  consequences,  for  I 
cannot  sacrifice  my  honour  to  any  considerations  what- 
ever. 

"  By  the  resolutions  of  Congress  to  enlist  88  battalions 
during  the  war,  I  perceive  that  this  State  is  to  raise  4  of 
them.  The  Convention  will  pardon  my  presumption  in 
mentioning  a  thought  on  the  subject. 

"  By  the  resolutions  of  Congress  the  soldiers  are  to  pay 
for  their  clothing,  the  price  of  which  is  now  so  excessively 
high,  that  I  fear  that  condition  will  greatly  impede  the  le- 
vies. Perhaps  it  would  be  best  to  determine  the  several 
articles  of  clothing  that  should  be  given  to  each  soldier,  and 
ascertain  what  stoppages  he  should  be  put  under  for  it ; 
but  these  I  think  ought  very  little  to  exceed  the  price  that 
clothing  was  sold  at  before  the  present  troubles  arose. 
This,  with  the  bounty  offered  and  paid  immediately,  I  be- 
lieve would  induce  men  to  engage  with  alacrity. 

"  That  State  which  is  foremost  in  publishing  their  terms 
and  in  appointing  recruiting  officers  in  both  armies  to  enlist 
men,  I  conceive  will  meet  with  the  least  difficulties  in  do- 
ing it. 

"  I  should  imagine  that  many  of  the  New- Jersey  and 
Pennsylvania  soldiers  whose  terms  of  enlistment  expire  on 
the  last  of  this  month,  would  re-engage. 

"  I  am,  sir,  respectfully, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

''The  Honble.  Abm.  Yates,  Esqr.  President,  &.C." 

A  copy  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  from  the  Honble. 
John  Hancock,  dated  Sepr.  25th,  enclosing  copies  of  cer- 
tain resolves  of  Congress  of  the  same  date,  was  also  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Philadelphia,  Sepr.  27th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  sundry  resolves 
which  are  so  explicit  that  I  need  only  request  your  atten- 
tion to  them. 

"You  will  perceive  that  Congress  have  come  to  a  de- 
termination to  augment  our  army  to  88  battalions,  and  to 
engage  the  troops  to  serve  during  the  continuance  of  the 
war,  being  thoroughly  convinced  by  repealed  instances  that 
the  short  and  limited  enlistment  of  troops  has  been  the 
source  of  much  mischief  to  the  service.    In  order  that 


these  troops  may  be  better  disciplined,  the  Congress  have 
abolished  the  system  of  rules  and  articles  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  army,  which  they  at  first  instituted,  and  have 
adopted  a  Dew  one,  sundry  copies  of  which  I  enclose  you. 

"  It  is  also  their  determination  that  the  strictest  discipline 
should  be  kept  up  in  the  army  ;  that  the  soldiers  should  be 
daily  trained  and  practised  in  their  different  manoeuvres.  An 
attention  to  these  things,  you  will  observe  by  the  enclosed 
resolves,  will  be  the  likeliest  way  to  attain  promotion,  and. 
will  be  the  surest  recommendation  to  their  notice. 

"  The  committee  of  Congress  to  confer  with  you  on  the 
state  of  the  army,  &c.  will  set  out  to-morrow  or  next  day, 
for  Tyconderoga.  To  them  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you,  and 
am  with  every  sentiment  of  esteem  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  Genl.  Schuyler." 

"  P.  <S. — The  attention  of  Congress  has  been  so  much 
taken  up  by  our  affairs  at  New-York,  that  I  have  not  time 
to  reply  to  your  several  letters,  but  hope  I  shall  have  lei- 
sure to  do  it  by  the  next  conveyance,  and  that  Congress 
will  soon  determine  on  the  subject  of  them.  They  are  now 
in  the  hands  of  a  special  committee." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  and  resolves  be  commit- 
ted to  the  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  resolutions 
of  Continental  Congress  for  raising  4  battalions  in  this 
State  to  serve  during  the  war,  and  that  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston and  Mr.  Cuyler  be  added  to  the  said  committee. 

The  Auditor-General,  by  a  note,  informed  the  Commit- 
tee that  Col.  Nicoll  and  Col.  Palmer  have,  in  their  accounts 
of  expenses  and  disbursements  for  transporting  the  cannon 
from  New-York  to  Fort  George  last  spring  by  order  of  the 
Provincial  Congress,  charged  24s.  per  day  for  their  ser- 
vices, and  requests  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  thereon. 

The  same  was  immediately  taken  into  consideration. 

Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  That  Col. 
Nicoll  and  Col.  Palmer  be  allowed  10s.  per  day  each  for 
their  services  and  expenses  while  employed  in  that  service. 

A  petition  of  James  Wilson,  late  a  sailor  on  board  of  a 
Continental  privateer,  setting  forth  his  indigence,  and  pray- 
ing for  some  relief : 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  pay  him  3  dollars,  and 
that  the  Treasurer  be  and  is  hereby  directed  to  repay  the 
Secretaries. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Oclr.  10th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 
Present— Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,*  Prest. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,*  Dr.  Crane,  Col.  Van  Corllandt,  Major  Lockwood, 
Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Contine,*  Mr.  Dunscomb,*  Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Newkirk,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Moore,*  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Roosevelt. 

The  letter  from  Genl.  James  Clinton  of  the  3d  inst.  re- 
lative to  £27  lis.  2d.  by  him  deducted  from  the  pay  of 
Capt.  Robert  Johnson's  company,  pursuant,  to  an  order  of 
the  Provincial  Congress  at  New-York  for  the  like  sum 
paid  to  Edward  Wm.  Keirs,  as  expenses  accrued  by  the 
apprehending  of  13  deserters;  and  on  reading  the  certifi- 
cate of  John  Price,  Junr.  assistant  paymaster,  dated  the 
18th  June  last,  that  the  sum  of  £34  13s.  4d.  for  the  pay 
of  thirteen  deserters  for  one  monlh,  was  deducted  from  the 
pay  of  the  said  company,  and  remained  in  the  paymaster's 
hands. 

Ordered,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  James  Clinton  do  pay 
to  the  said  Robert  Johnson  the  sum  of  £27  lis.  2d.  by 
him  deducted,  and  that  the  said  sum  of  £27  lis.  2d.  dis- 
bursed by  the  late  Congress  of  this  State  for  the  appre- 
hending the  said  deserters  from  the  Continental  army,  be 
charged  to  the  Continent,  as  being  retained  in  the  hands  of 
the  Continental  Paymaster. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


669 


A  letter  from  his  Excellency  John  Hancock,  dated  the 
2nd  inst.  inclosing  resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress 
of  the  30th  ulto.  providing  for  the  examination  of  candi- 
dates for  the  offices  of  surgeon  and  surgeon's  mates  in  the 
army,  was  received,  and  referred,  with  its  enclosures,  to  a 
committee,  consisting  of  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Van  Cort- 
landt  and  Mr.  Adgate. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Greene,  informing  Congress  that 
Adjutant  Bradford,  of  Col.  Hitchcock's  brigade,  had  brought 
a  horse  from  Long-Island,  after  the  battle,  which  belonged 
to  a  tory  named  Jacob  Wykoff,  which  would  be  delivered 
to  their  order,  or  disposed  of  as  they  should  direct,  was 
read,  and  referred  to  the  same  committee. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Henry  Remsen,  dated  the  26th  Sepr. 
enclosing  the  accounts  of  Mr.  Hallett,  relative  to  his  ves- 
sel chartered  by  the  Committee  of  Safety,  was  read,  and 
the  consideration  thereof  ordered  to  be  postponed  until  the 
meeting  of  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Johans.  Sleght,  relative  to  the  tea  stored  in 
Kingston,  and  requests  some  general  regulation  may  be 
made  concerning  tea,  was  read,  and  the  consideration  in 
like  manner  postponed  until  the  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  the  Auditor-Gene- 
ral, requesting  that  two  members  be  appointed  and  autho- 
rized, with  the  said  Auditor-General,  finally  to  settle  and 
audit  the  accounts  of  Abm.  Livingston,  late  contractor  of 
provisions. 

Mr.  Evert  Bancker  and  Col.  Broome,  who  were  former- 
ly appointed  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  being  absent ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Newkiik  be  ap- 
pointed a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

A  return  of  officers  for  three  companies  of  rangers,  to  be 
raised  in  Tryon  county,  signed  by  John  Fry,  chairman, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscombe  and  Mr. 
Lockwood,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Abraham 
Livingston  about  salting  pork  in  Westchester. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  of  the 
rangers  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland  counties. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  Octor.  10th,  1776. 
Present — Col.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris, 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Moore, 
Mr.  Gansevoort,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith,  Mr.  Contine,  Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr. 
Sacket. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  by  express,  dated  the 
9th  inst.  was  received,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"  Head-Quarters,  3 
"  Harlem-Heights,  9th  Oclr.  1776.  ) 
"  Gentlemen — About  8  o'clock  this  morning  the  Roe- 
buck and  Phoenix,  of  44  guns  each,  and  a  frigate  about  20 
guns,  got  under  way  from  about  Bloomingdale,  where  they 
have  been  laying  some  time,  and  steered  on  with  an  easy 
southerly  breeze  towards  our  chevaux-de-frise,  which  we 
hoped  would  have  given  them  some  interruption,  while  our 
batteries  played  upon  them  ;  but  to  our  surprise  and  mor- 
tification, they  all  ran  through  without  the  least  difficulty, 
and  without  receiving  the  least  apparent  damage  from  our 
forts,  which  kept  playing  on  them  from  both  sides  of  the 
river.  How  far  they  intend  to  go  up,  I  dont  know ;  but 
His  Excellency  thought  fit  to  give  you  the  earliest  intima- 
tion, that  you  may  put  Genl.  Clinton  on  his  guard  at  the 
Highlands ;  for  they  may  have  troops  concealed  on  board 
with  intent  to  surprise  those  forts.  If  you  have  any  stores 
on  the  water  side,  you  had  better  have  them  removed  a 
second  time  ;  boards  especially,  for  which  we  shall  be  put 
to  great  straits  if  the  communication  should  be  cut  off. 
The  enemy  have  made  no  move  on  the  land  side. 
"  I  am,  gent,  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"TENCH  TILGHMAN. 

"  Honble.  Committee  of  Correspondence 

of  New- York." 
168 


"  Be  pleased  to  forward  this  intelli  jence  up  the  river, 
and  to  Albany.  The  two  new  ships  are  put  in  near  Col. 
Phillips's  ;  a  party  of  artillery,  with  two  12  pounders  and 
100  riflemen,  are  sent  up  to  endeavour  to  secure  them." 

John  McDonald,  the  miner,  having  refused  to  receive 
the  sum  of  £6,  ordered  on  the  21st  of  Augt.  last  to  be  paid 
to  him  for  the  use  of  Donald  Morrison, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  the  said 
£6  to  the  said  Donald  Morrison,  on  his  executing  a  bond 
to  be  prepared  by  the  Secretary  to  Peter  R.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  the  President,  conditioned  for  the  payment  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  of  the  militia  of 
Ulster  county,  do  immediately  send  down  300  men  of  the 
militia  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  to  Peekskill,  well  armed 
and  accoutred,  with  three  days'  provisions. 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  on  the  south 
side  of  the  mountains,  or  Highlands,  in  the  county  of  Orange, 
be  directed  to  order  such  a  number  of  the  militia  from  that 
part  of  the  said  county  which  lays  on  the  south  side  of  the 
Highlands,  as  will  be  sufficient  to  guard  their  shores  ;  and 
to  appoint  a  commissioner  to  supply  them  with  provisions  ; 
and  that  the  commanding  officer  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Highlands,  in  the  said  county,  order  one  hundred  of  the 
militia  from  the  norlh  side  of  the  Highlands  of  the  said 
county,  to  march  without  delay  to  Peekskill,  taking  with 
them  three  days'  provisions. 

Resolved,  That  Benjn.  Haight  and  Mathew  Harper  be 
commissioners  to  supply  them  with  provisions,  and  that 
this  Convention  will  provide  means  for  defraying  the  ex- 
pense. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  rangers  raised  in  the  county  of 
Ulster  repair  immediately  to  Fishkill  and  be  subject  to  the 
direction  of  the  committee  for  inquiring  into,  detecting  and 
depressing  all  conspiracies  formed  in  this  Slate  against  the 
liberty  of  America. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler  and  Genl.  Clinton, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that 
is  to  say  : 

"  Fishkill,  Octor.  iOth,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  of 
this  State,  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  yesterday  three 
of  the  enemy's  frigates  passed  the  obstructions  opposite  to 
Mount  Washington,  and  got  up  Hudson's  river ;  that  we 
have  made,  from  time  to  time,  such  large  drafts  from  the 
militia  of  the  four  counties  adjoining  that  river,  that  the  re- 
maining well  affected  are  reduce^  to  a  small  number,  and 
most  of  the  disaffected  in  this  State  are  on  the  east  side  of 
Hudson's  river.  A  committee  specially  appointed  for 
the  purpose  by  the  Convention  of  this  State,  are  sitting 
daily  to  frustrate  their  machinations,  and  several  who  had 
enlisted,  or  engaged  to  enlist  with  the  enemy,  have  been 
discovered,  apprehended,  and  are  sent  to  the  westward. 
Many  perhaps  remain  undiscovered ;  should  the  enemy 
and  the  disaffected  be  able  to  concert  measures,  so  as  to 
form  a  junction  of  the  latter  with  a  party  from  on  board  the 
ships  in  the  river,  the  Committee  of  Safety  are  apprehen- 
sive of  the  want  of  a  very  speedy  assistance,  without  a  di- 
minution of  the  main  army  ;  and  have,  therefore  taken  the 
liberty  to  despatch  a  copy  of  the  enclosed  resolution  to 
each  of  the  counties  therein  mentioned,  and  have  directed 
me  to  request  your  Excellency  would  be  pleased  to  give 
sach  directions  as,  in  case  of  necessity,  may  afford  the 
most  speedy  succour. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect." 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  prepared,  and  one 
addressed  to  Genl.  Clinton,  and  the  other  to  Genl.  Schuy- 
ler. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington, 
was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following : 

"  Fishkill,  10th  Octor.  1776. 
"  Sir — We  received  from  Mr.  Tilghman  an  account  of 
the  enemy's  ships  having  gone  up  the  river,  and  have  de- 


670 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


spatched  expresses  to  Genl.  Schuyler  and  Genl.  Clinton, 
agreeable  to  your  Excellency's  request.  Nothing  can  be 
more  alarming  than  the  present  situation  of  our  State.  We 
are  daily  getting  the  most  authentic  intelligence  of  bodies 
of  men  enlisted  and  armed,  with  orders  to  assist  the  ene- 
my. We  much  fear  that  those  cooperating  with  the  ene- 
my will  seize  such  passes  as  will  cut  off  all  communica- 
tion between  the  army  and  us,  and  prevent  your  supplies. 

"  We  dare  not  trust  any  more  of  the  militia  out  of  this 
county.  We  have  called  for  some  aid  from  the  two  ad- 
joining ones,  but  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  your  Excellency 
the  propriety  of  sending  a  body  of  men  to  the  Highlands 
or  Peekskill  to  secure  the  passes,  prevent  insurrections 
and  overawe  the  disaffected. 

"  We  suppose  your  Excellency  has  taken  the  necessary 
steps  to  prevent  their  landing  of  any  men  from  the  ships, 
should  they  be  so  inclined,  as  no  reliance  at  all  can  be 
placed  on  the  militia  of  Westchester  county." 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Odor.  11th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— P-  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Presidt. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills— Westchester. 
Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Dr.  Crane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Conlim— Ulster. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  resolution  of  yesterday  for  sending  300  men  from 
Ulster  county  to  Peekskill,  being  reconsidered, 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Ulster  and 
the  northern  part  of  Orange  county  shall  not  continue  in 
service  longer  than  one  fortnight  after  their  arrival  at  their 
stations,  within  which  time  this  Convention  will  provide 
ways  and  means  to  have  them  relieved  from  the  more  re- 
mote counties,  from  whom  no  immediate  support  can  be 
derived 

Resolved,  That  letters  be  written  to  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  counties  of  Fairfield  and  Litchfield  in  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  informing  them  of  the  reasons  that 
we  have  to  apprehend  insurrections  in  this  State,  if  the 
measures  of  the  disaffected  should  be  seconded  by  the 
enemy  who  are  now  in  Hudson's  river,  and  requesting 
that  they  will  hold  their  militia  in  readiness  to  lend  us 
every  necessary  assistance  in  case  of  such  an  event. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolution  be  sent 
to  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull,  and  that  he  be  re- 
quested to  order  the  same  to  be  carried  into  effect. 

The  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officers  of 
Fairfield  and  Litchfield  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
as  follows  : 

"  Sir — Three  of  the  enemy's  ships  of  war  having  pass- 
ed our  fortifications  near  King's  Bridge  and  proceeded  up 
Hudson's  river  to  within  a  few  miles  of  the  Highlands, 
and  from  the  number  of  disaffected  persons  in  this  and 
Westchester  county,  we  have  reason  to  apprehend  they 
meditate  the  landing  some  troops  in  this  neighbourhood, 
and  by  that  means  give  those  deluded  wretches  an  oppor- 
tunity of  joining  them,  and  thereby  forming  a  body  supe- 
rior to  the  few  well-effected  militia  who  are  not  drafted 
into  the  service.  The  zealous  attachments  of  your  militia 
to  the  common  cause  of  America,  and  the  willingness 
with  which  they  stepped  forth  to  the  assistance  of  this 
State  when  called  upon  on  a  late  occasion,  render  any  ar- 
guments unnecessary  to  induce  them  to  hold  themselves 


in  readiness  to  come  to  our  aid,  on  the  shortest  notice  re- 
quisite. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be,  &c." 

The  resolution  of  inst.  fixing  the  pay  of  Colonels 

Palmer  and  Nicoll  at  6s.  being  reconsidered,  it  was 

Resolved,  That  they  be  allowed  10s.  per  day  each. 

Resolved,  That  Saml.  Arthur  be  and  is  hereby  appoint- 
ed inspector  of  flour  in  the  northern  part  of  Orange  and 
southern  parts  of  Ulster  counties  ;  that  Dirck  Wynkoop, 
Junr.  Esqr.  be  and  is  hereby  also  appointed  inspector  of 
flour  at  Kingston  ;  that  each  of  them  be  governed  by  the 
regulations  published  in  the  last  act  of  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  Colony  of  New-York  until  further  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  send  for  Messrs.  De  Witt, 
Tappen  and  Jo.  Smith. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker,  the 
deputy  treasurer  of  this  State,  proceed  to  Philadelphia 
and  apply  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  to  receive  the 
money  lately  voted  to  this  Convention  by  Congress  ;  that 
Mr.  Bancker's  receipt  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge  for 
such  sum  as  he  may  receive  on  account  of  this  State  in 
pursuance  of  this  order  ;  that  Mr.  Bancker  take  to  his  as- 
sistance Col.  Birdsall ;  and  that  he  be  and  is  hereby  autho- 
rized from  time  to  time  to  procure  any  other  guard  or  fur- 
ther assistance  he  shall  think  necessary  for  the  safe  con- 
veyance of  the  said  money  to  the  treasury  of  this  State. 
And, 

Ordered  and  Resolved,  That  William  Floyd,  Esqr,  one 
of  the  Delegates  of  this  State,  be  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized to  draw  on  the  treasury  of  this  State  for  such  sum 
of  money  as  he  may  have  present  occasion  for,  and  re- 
ceive the  same  at  Philadelphia  out  of  the  money  lately 
voted  to  this  State  by  Congress. 

Friday  Afternoon,  Octr.  llth,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  Livingston,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Col.  Allison,  Col.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  M.  Contine.  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Paris. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Ebenezer  Woodhull  the  sum  of  200  on  account  of  the  pay 
and  subsistence  of  the  Orange  county  troop  of  light  horse 
some  time  ago  called  into  service  by  Brigadier-Genl.  Geo. 
Clinton,  and  that  Capt.  Woodhull  be  accountable  for  the 
expenditure  thereof. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Oct.  12th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Livingston,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscombe — New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Genl.  Bayley — Gloucester. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 
Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Clinton,  dated  the  10th  inst.  request- 
ing that  certain  arrearages  of  bounty  due  to  his  brigade 
may  be  sent  by  Col.  Hammond,  was  read,  and  committed 
to  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Schenk  and  Mr.  Yates. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Hay,  dated  the  "10th  inst.  requesting 
arms  and  provisions  for  his  regiment,  to  enable  them  to  re- 
sist the  enemy,  should  they  attempt  to  land  from  the  ves- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


671 


sels  on  the  western  shore  of  Hudson's  river,  was  read  and 
referred  to  the  same  committee. 

A  long  letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  dated  at  Fairfield 
the  7tli  inst.  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Fairfield,  Octor.  7th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  wrote  to  Convention  from  the  camp 
at  King's  Bridge,  giving  an  account  of  the  progress  I  had 
made  in  negotiating  the  exchange  of  Genl.  Woodhull  ; 
since  which  I  have  received  the  melancholy  intelligence  of 
his  death.  The  wound  in  his  arm  mortified — the  arm  was 
taken  off — but  the  mortification  still  continued,  and  in  a 
few  days  put  an  end  to  that  useful  life.  He  was  attend- 
ed in  his  dying  moments  by  his  lady,  who  was  permitted 
to  remove  the  corpse  to  his  seat,  where  it  was  interred 
about  the  23d  ulto.  These  particulars  I  have  from  Capt. 
Strong,  of  Jslip,  by  whose  door  the  procession  passed  in 
it  way  to  St.  George's. 

"  In  a  day  or  two  after  my  arrival  here,  Genl.  Clinton 
called  upon  me  by  desire  of  Genl.  Washington,  to  attend  at 
a  council  of  war,  to  be  held  at  New-Haven,  from  whence 
I  returned  not  till  Saturday  evening.  I  shall  unavoidably 
be  detained  two  or  three  weeks,  in  order  to  get  my  family 
fixed  for  the  winter,  but  in  the  mean  time  shall  send  Ketch- 
am  to  the  Highlands  (say  Fish  Kills)  as  soon  as  a  guard 
can  be  procured  ;  at  present  every  one  is  employed  in  for- 
warding the  militia  from  New-Hampshire  and  Massachu- 
setts, who  are  marching  to  the  number  of  near  6,000  to 
join  the  main  and  grand  armies. 

"  By  some  late  accounts  from  Long  island  I  learn  that 
200  infantry  and  100  cavalry  were  at  Huntington  in  order 
to  force  the  people  who  had  been  in  our  army  to  join  the 
British  troops;  this  measure  will  drive  the  people  to  despe- 
ration, and  if  it  can  be  accomplished  most  of  them  will  quit 
the  country.  I  hope  Genl.  Washington  will  attempt  to  assist 
them  in  it ;  much  has  already  been  done  by  Lieut.  Col. 
Livingston,  who,  with  the  zeal  and  activity  of  an  excellent 
officer  has  greatly  assisted  the  people  at  the  east  end  of  the 
island  in  removing  their  families  and  effects,  but  many  of 
them  are  without  the  means  of  support  with  them,  which 
will  occasion  great  difficulties,  should  a  number  more 
under  the  same  circumstances  come  over,  it  will  be  too 
great  a  charge  upon  the  charity  of  individuals  in  this 
State. 

"  The  provision  made  by  Convention  is  inadequate  to 
the  purpose  of  maintaining  the  indigent  from  the  island, 
even  supposing  they  were  to  remove  into  our  own  State  ; 
for  certificates  of  indigency  from  the  chairman  of  commit- 
tees being  necessary  to  entitle  to  maintenance,  such  can- 
not be  had,  for  as  soon  as  the  necessity  of  removing  took 
place,  the  committees  universally  declined  acting,  so  that 
the  resolve  intended  for  their  relief  became  of  no  effect, 
and  they  would  fail  of  the  intended  relief  in  any  part  of 
New-York  ;  but  here  where  the  purity  of  intention  where- 
with the  Convention  was  actuated  is  not  known.  If  the 
resolve  stands  in  its  present  form  I  fear  it  will  be  constru- 
ed into  a  design  to  delude  the  refugees  and  those  who  shall 
entertain  them.  Some  further  regulations  are  necessary 
if  any  thing  is  intended  to  be  done  for  those  unhappy  suf- 
ferers. The  Assembly  of  this  State  are  to  sit  in  a  few  days 
at  New-Haven ;  and  I  trust  will,  upon  application,  give  all  the 
assistance  we  can  reasonably  ask.  I  hope  Convention  will 
not  think  me  impertinently  troublesome  on  this  subject ; 
my  heart  aches  at  every  pore  when  I  consider  the  deplora- 
ble situation  to  which  the  people  whom  I  have  the  honour 
to  represent  are  reduced — a  people  who,  without  boasling, 
were  as  warmly  attached  to  the  common  cause,  aud  who 
as  cheerfully  obeyed  the  orders  of  Convention  as  any  in 
the  State.  Upon  the  retreat  of  the  army  from  the  island, 
they  viewed  themselves  as  abandoned  by  the  Convention, 
the  Continent,  and  expecting  the  enemy  hourly  among 
them,  a  general  removal  appeared  impracticable  ;  besides 
to  quit  their  pleasant  habitations  and  throw  themselves, 
with  their  tender  connections,  upon  the  charity  of  an  un- 


known world,  was  a  degree  of  apathy  to  which  they  had 
not  yet  arrived.  In  a  fit  of  despair  they  laid  down  their 
arms,  and  made  an  unconditional  submission  to  what  they 
supposed  the  inquiring  army  ;  the  people  at  large  being 
thus  brought  to  terms,  they  found  it  less  difficult  by  threats 
to  induce  the  individuals  who  had  formerly  held  commis- 
sions under  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain  to  resume  the  ex- 
ecution of  their  offices  ;  being  well  led  into  the  snare, 
every  measure  tended  to  draw  the  net  closer  about  them. 
Notwithstanding  which,  I  am  from  the  best  authority  in- 
formed that  they  are  accused  by  Mr.  Tryon  and  his  mi- 
nions of  having  submitted  only  the  better  to  cover  their 
intention  of  removing,  and  that  unless  the  young  men  do 
voluntarily  take  up  arms  against  their  country,  an  invete- 
rate and  disappointed  soldiery  will  be  let  loose  upon  them. 
These  considerations  induce  me  earnestly  to  wish  that 
some  measures  may  be  taken  to  induce  the  people  to  quit 
the  island,  by  offering  a  support  to  those  who  cannot  main- 
tain themselves — the  aged  and  infirm  must  be  maintained 
at  the  public  expense. 

"  A  regiment  of  Long  island  refugees  would  provide  a 
support  for  many  of  the  young  men  should  the  Convention 
adopt  the  idea  ;  there  are  many  officers  in  Genl.  Scott's 
brigade  who,  together  with  some  of  Col.  Smith's  regi- 
ment now  on  this  side,  would  make  an  exceeding  good 
corps  ;  should  Genl.  Washington  send  a  body  of  troops  on 
to  the  island,  it  will  be  necessary  to  destroy  every  thing 
that  would  be  of  service  to  the  enemy  to  prevent  its  falling 
into  their  hands.  I  beg  leave  to  submit  whether  it  will 
not  be  proper  to  hold  out  the  prospect  of  compensation  in 
order  to  induce  the  people  the  more  cheerfully  to  assist  in 
destroying  their  own  property. 

"  Give  me  leave  before  I  conclude  this  long  letter,  to 
suggest  the  propriety  of  filling  up  the  two  vacant  regiments, 
late  McDougall's  and  Clinton's  ;  your  officers  by  the  de- 
lay will  loose  the  opportunity  of  raising  so  fast  in  the  Con- 
tinental army  as  those  of  the  other  States  ;  there  is  some 
uneasiness  in  the  first  regiment  on  the  subject  of  rank, 
that  matter  may  now  be  accommodated  to  general  satis- 
faction. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servant, 

JOHN  SLOSS  HOBART. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  To  lay  on  the  table  till  Monday. 

A  letter  from  Saml.  Ten  Broeck,  chairman  pro  tern,  of 
the  manor  of  Livingston,  dated  the  9th  Octor.  mentioning 
that  the  disaffected  are  numerous  and  troublesome  ;  and 
stating  the  efforts  that  are  making  to  apprehend  them,  was 
read. 

Another  letter  from  Saml.  Ten  Broeck,  chairman,  &c. 
dated  the  10th  inst.  complaining  of  the  outrages  of 
the  tories,  and  stating  that  any  effort  to  apprehend  them 
must  prove  ineffectual  from  the  number  of  disaffected  per- 
sons in  each  company,  who  give  notice  of  the  measures 
taken  to  secure  them,  and  requesting  that  a  company  of 
60  men  be  raised  for  that  service,  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Petrus  Van  Gaasbeck,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  mentioning  the 
outrages  of  the  tories  in,  upon  and  into  the  houses  of  some 
of  the  inhabitants,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  three  last  mentioned  letters  be  refer- 
red to  Mr.  Adgate  and  Mr.  Gelston. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Paulding  dated  the  10th  inst.  a  let- 
ter from  John  Gavino,  also  a  letter  from  Rynier  Van 
Howien  of  the  9th  inst.  relating  respectively  to  Capt.  Un- 
derbill, a  disaffected  person  in  Westchester  county,  were 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  mentioned  three  letters  be  re- 
ferred to  the  committee  for  delecting  and  defeating  conspi- 
racies. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolutions  of 


672 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Congress  of  the  30th  Sepr.  and  the  letter  from  the  Honbie. 
John  Hancock  of  the  2nd  of  Octr.  made  a  report  of  a  let- 
ter to  the  Continental  Congress,  which  was  read,  and  the 
consideration  thereof  postponed  until  Monday. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Genl.  Greene  relative  to  the  horse  brought  from  Long  is- 
land by  Wm.  Bradford,  adjutant  to  Col.  Hitchcock's  regi- 
ment, reported. 

On  motion  of  Wm.  Duer, 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Convention  furnish 
themselves  with  arms  and  ammunition  to  prevent  a  sur- 
prise. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moore  view  the  arms  in  Mr.  Sac- 
kett's  care,  at  the  landing,  and  report  the  state  in  which 
they  are,  and  the  number. 

A  certificate  from  Saml.  Tudor,  Stephen  Seaman  and 
seven  other  persons  at  the  ship  yards  at  Poughkeepsie, 
dated  the  10th  inst.  was  read  They  thereby  certify  that 
William  Warne  hath  continued  there  the  time  directed  by 
the  Convention,  during  which  time  he  hath  laboured  dili- 
gently, and  behaved  himself  peaceably  and  quietly,  and 
otherwise  much  to  their  satisfaction  ;  and  they  recommend 
him  to  the  favour  of  the  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  certificate  be  referred  to  the 
committee  appointed  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

The  committee,  &c.  reported  the  following  by  way  of 
resolves  : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  Brigadier- 
Genl.  Clinton's  and  Col.  A.  H.  Hay's  letters  of  the  10th 
Octor.  inst.  beg  leave  to  make  the  following  report : 

"Resolved,  That  the  levies  of  100  men  orded  to  be 
raised  in  the  northern  part  of  Orange  county  for  the  defence 
of  the  fortifications  at  Peekskill  and  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, be  ordered  to  march  immediately,  and  put  themselves 
under  the  command  of  Col.  Hay  at  Haverstraw,  on  the 
west  side  of  Hudson's  river  in  Orange  county. 

"  Resolved,  That  500  dollars  be  sent  to  Col.  Hay  on  ac- 
count of  supplies  for  the  troops  under  his  command,  and 
beg  leave  to  offer  the  following  draft  of  a  letter  enclosing 
the  foregoing  resolves. 

"With  respect  to  the  letter  of  Genl.  Clinton,  your  com- 
mittee also  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  draft  of  a 
letter  in  answer  thereto." 

An  answer  to  the  letter  from  Col.  Hay,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Octor.  12th,  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  yours  of  the 
10th  inst.  came  to  hand.  You  will  see  by  the  resolve  of 
this  House,  copy  of  which  you  have  enclosed,  that  a  rein- 
forcement of  100  men  from  the  north  part  of  Orange  coun- 
ty, are  to  join  you  as  soon  as  they  can  be  levied.  I  am 
also  directed  to  send  you  by  the  bearer,  Mr.  Van  Houten, 
$500  for  the  Commissary,  to  buy  provisions  for  the  troops, 
a  sum  probably  less  than  you  may  want,  but  we  hope  be- 
fore you  have  expended  this  our  treasury  will  be  reple- 
nished, or  your  troops  ordered  to  be  victualled  by  the 
Continental  Commissary. 

"  I  am.  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servant. 

"  Colo.  Hay." 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  dated  the  9th  inst.  con- 
cerning 10  tons  of  gunpowder,  at  Windsor,  and  another 
letter  from  same  person,  dated  10th  inst.  mentioning  that 
the  enemy's  ships  still  continue  laying  off  Tarry  Town, 
were  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Contine  and 
Mr.  Duane  be  a  committee  to  secure  the  powder  mention- 
ed in  Mr.  Tilghman's  letter,  and  remove  it  to  a  place  of 
safety. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  by  a  member, 
that  Is.  Kctcham  lately  ordered  by  the  Convention  of  the 
State  to  be  sent  to  this  place  under  guard,  is  now  in  the 
guard-house,  under  the  care  of  Capt.  Parks'  company. 


Ordered,  That  Is.  Ketcham,  be  left  to  the  disposition 
of  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Saml.  Ten  Broeck,  Esqr.  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  was  read,  and 
is  as  follows  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
"  For  the  State  of  New- York.  > 
"  Fishkill,  12lh  Octr.  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — Yours  of  the  9th  and  10th  inst.  have  been  re- 
ceived, and  laid  before  the  Committee.    They  had  some 
days  before  been  convinced  that  more  effectual  measures 
were  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  safety  of  your  district, 
and  had  come  into  the  enclosed  resolutions,  copies  of  which 
were  sent  forward  on  the  8th  inst. 

"  It  is  hoped  instead  of  the  number  of  men  you  request 
the  company  ordered  to  be  raised  will  be  sufficient  to  an- 
swer every  purpose  intended.  In  the  mean  time,  I  am  di- 
rected to  assure  you  that  the  Committee  will  afford  you 
every  necessary  assistance  iu  their  power. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 
"  Saml.  Ten  Broeck,  Esqr.  &c." 

Saturday  Afternoon,  Octor.  12th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment,  and  ad- 
journed till  to-morrow  morning. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

Octr.  13th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  ad- 
journed till  to-morrow  morning,  to  go  to  church. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Octor.  Uth,  1776. 

Present — Col.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr,  Harper,  Mr.  Jay — 

New-  York. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr  Cuyler,  Mr-  Adgate,  Colo-  Li- 
vingston— jllbany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr-  Sackett,  Mr-  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr-  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte- 

Major  Parks,  M.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Colo-  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo-  Bailey—  Gloucester. 

Mr.  Moore  reported  that  he  had  been  at  the  landing,  and 
viewed  the  arms  in  Mr.  Sackett's  care  ;  that  out  of  63 
arms  and  2  barrels,  13  appear  to  be  fit  for  immediate  use, 
with  a  little  cleaning  and  repair  ;  the  rest  are  in  very  bad 
order. 

Ordered,  That  the  13  arms  be  immediately  repaired  by 
Mr.  McCavery,  and  that  the  rest  of  the  arms  be  sent  to 
Poughkeepsie,  to  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  who  is  requested  to 
get  them  repaired,  and  sent  down  to  this  Convention  with- 
out delay. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Randall,  dated  the  10th  inst.  ac- 
companying a  letter  from  Thos.  Quigley,  lieutenant  of  the 
schooner  Putnam,  dated  6th  inst. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  resolution  directing  the 
sale  of  the  said  schooner,  be  transmitted  to  Capt.  Randall. 

Mr.  Gelston  informs  that  l,000lbs.  of  gunpowder  which 
had  been  sent  by  this  State  into  Suffolk  county,  is  removed 
to  Say  Brook,  in  Connecticut ;  that  there  is  also  a  quanti- 
ty of  saltpetre  in  that  State,  which  he  had  purchased  in 
Suffolk  county  for  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  and  Mr.  Duane  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  into  the  state  of,  and  devise  ways  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


673 


means  to  secure  the  gunpowder  and  saltpetre  lately  re- 
moved from  Suffolk  county  into  Connecticut,  mentioned  to 
the  Convention  by  Mr.  Gelston  ;  and  also  to  inquire  where 
the  arms  are  which  were  removed  from  that  county  by 
Colo.  Livingston. 

Mr.  Gelston  further  informed,  that  he  has  in  his  hands 
225  dollars,  belonging  to  this  State,  which  he  received  of 
Colo.  Josiah  Smith,  of  Suffolk  county,  being  part  of  the 
gross  sum  advanced  to  Colo.  Smith,  to  discharge  the  one- 
half  of  the  bounty  engaged  to  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gelston  pay  the  said  225  dollars  to 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Convention,  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same,  which  shall  be  a  full  indemnification  for  Mr. 
Gelston  for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Win.  Floyd,  dated  at  Haerlem,  the  11th 
inst.  enclosing  two  resolutions  of  Congress  :  the  one  rela- 
tive to  Genl.  Schuyler,  the  other  respecting  clothing  for 
the  troops. 

A  letter  from  our  Delegates  at  Congress,  dated  the  7th 
inst.  enclosing  Mr.  Hunter's  receipt  for  100,000  dollars,  to 
be  by  him  conveyed  to  this  Convention  ;  which  sum  was 
received  by  the  Secretaries  in  the  absence  of  the  Trea- 
surer, who  gave  their  joint  receipt  for  the  same,  and  this 
morning  the  money  was  by  them  delivered  to  the  Trea- 
surer. 

Whereas,  it  hath  become  absolutely  necessary  for  the 
defence  of  this  Stale,  that  a  body  of  troops  should,  without 
delay,  be  assembled  at  or  near  this  place  :  And  whereas, 
accommodations  for  the  said  troops  cannot  be  speedily  pro- 
vided in  any  other  manner  than  by  putting  them  in  houses 
or  buildings  belonging  to  the  public  :  And  whereas,  the 
house  owned  and  built  near  this  place  by  the  donations  of 
divers  well  disposed  persons,  for  the  purpose  of  an  acade- 
my for  the  education  of  youth,  hath  not,  for  a  long  time 
past,  been  applied  to  that  use,  but  is  now  only  occupied  as 
a  dwelling  house  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Chauncey  Graham, 
who  formerly  presided  over  the  said  academy  :  And 
whereas,  notwithstanding  the  pressing  necessity  this  Con- 
vention hath  for  the  use  of  the  said  house  has  been  com- 
municated to  Mr.  Graham  by  a  committee  of  this  house, 
he  declines  relinquishing  the  possession  thereof ;  and  it 
beintr  inconsistant  with  the  duty  which  this  house  owe  to 
their  constituents  to  permit  individuals  to  occupy  public 
buildings  when  the  same  are  wanted  for  public  use  :  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Revd.  Mr.  Chauncey  Graham, 
do,  within  one  week  from  this  day,  remove  from  the  said 
academy. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  £40  be  paid  to  the  said 
Chauncey  Graham  as  a  compensation  for  the  trouble  and 
expense  he  may  be  put  to  by  the  aforesaid  order. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  the  pur- 
pose, be  directed  forthwith  to  put  the  said  house  in  a  pro- 
per state  for  the  reception  of  troops,  and  that  the  sum  of 
£100  be  paid  into  their  hands  for  that  purpose. 

Colo.  Luddington  informed  a  member  that  he  has  20  or 
more  arms  taken  from  disaffected  persons,  now  in  his  pos- 
session, and  requests  to  know  how  they  shall  be  disposed 
of. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Luddington  send  all  the  arms  in 
his  possession,  (taken  from  disaffected  persons,)  to  this 
committee,  without  delay,  and  that  he  send  his  account  for 
repairing  them  to  the  Auditor-General. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane, 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  James  Clinton,  commanding  the 
fortresses  in  the  Highlands,  be  requested  to  give  directions 
that  all  boats  passing  up  and  down  the  river,  be  diligently 
searched,  and  the  passengers  carefully  examined,  and  such 
as  shall  be  suspected  secured  ;  and  that  for  his  passes, 
besides  the  usual  sentries,  a  barge  be  manned  and  kept 
in  motion  in  the  river  opposite  to  each  fort,  every  night ; 
and  that  the  General  be  further  requested  to  give  orders 
for  taking  up  and  securing  in  a  place  of  safety,  all  the 
row  boats,  barges  and  small  craft,  between  the  forts  in 

169 


the  Highlands  and  the  army,  to  prevent  those  falling  into 
the  enemy's  hands,  and  their  gaining  intelligence. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  sent  to  General  Clinton. 

The  committee  apppointed  on  the  12th  inst.  to  have  the 
gunpowder  lately  brought  to  New-Windsor  landing  removed 
to  places  of  safety,  reported, 

"  That  there  is  not  any  quantity  of  gunpowder  belonging 
to  the  public  now  at  that  landing.  That  they  are  informed 
that  the  5  tons  of  gunpowder  which  arrived  at  New-Wind- 
sor from  Philadelphia,  was  immediately  carried  down  to 
Fort  Constitution,  and  there  lodged,  from  whence  part  of 
it,  by  order  of  the  commanding  officer,  has  been  taken  to 
Fort  Independence,  and  placed  in  such  manner  as  to  sup- 
ply the  troops  or  militia  there.  That  the  powder  brought 
from  the  mill  of  Messrs.  Wisner  and  Phillipse  to  New- 
Windsor,  was  immediately  put  on  board  of  a  proper  ves- 
sel for  the  purpose,  to  be  transported  to  Spytden-Duyvel 
creek.  Mr.  Phillips,  one  of  the  manufacturers,  proceeded 
with  the  vessel  with  the  powder.  The  enemy's  ships  hav- 
ing got  up  the  river  before  the  vessel  with  the  powder  could 
reach  her  destination.  Information  is  received  that  Mr. 
Phillips,  who  was  at  Peekskill  with  the  powder,  intended 
to  land  it  there,  and  proceed  by  land.  That  a  letter  has 
been  sent  by  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  to  the 
owners  of  the  two  powder  mills  near  Goshen,  requesting 
them  not  to  send  any  gunpowder  to  the  river  side  until  fur- 
ther order." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  report  be  immediately 
sent  to  Genl.  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Contine  be  added  to  the  lead  and 
brimstone  committee,  and  that  three  of  the  said  committee 
be  a  quorum. 

Certain  resolutions  proposed  by  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston 
for  purchasing  all  the  stock  and  grain  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, were  read  and  agreed  to,  and  are  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, that  is  to  say  : 

Resolved,  That  a  commissary  be  appointed  immediately 
to  repair  to  the  county  of  Westchester,  to  purchase  all  the 
cattle  fit  for  the  use  of  the  army  within  that  county,  and 
drive  them  down  to  the  army  at  King's  Bridge,  as  fast  as 
they  may  be  wanted  ;  provided  that  so  much  shall  be  left 
as  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  families 
from  whom  the  same  shall  be  taken. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  shall  refuse  to  part  with 
his  cattle,  at  a  reasonable  price,  that  the  commissary  be 
directed  to  drive  them  down  to  the  army,  and  return  to  the 
owner  the  money  for  which  they  sold,  after  deducting  the 
contingent  charge. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  hides  of  the  cattle  so  driven  and 
killed,  be  carefully  preserved,  and  sent  to  some  safe  place 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Highlands,  where,  being  appraised 
by  persons  hereafter  to  be  named  for  that  purpose,  they 
shall  be  paid  for  by  the  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissary  be  directed  to 
swear,  truly  and  to  the  best  of  his  skill  and  ability,  to  per- 
form the  trust  above  reposed  in  him,  and  that  the  chair- 
man, or  deputy  chairman,  of  the  committee  for  the  county 
of  Westchester,  be  empowered  to  administer  the  oath,  and 
give  a  certificate  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Ward  be  commissary,  and 
that  he  be  allowed  a  reasonable  compensation  for  his  ex- 
pense and  trouble,  in  the  execution  of  the  above  resolves. 

Resolved,  That  Gil.  Budd  Horton,  Alexander  Hunt, 
James  Varian  and  Joseph  Youngs  be  appointed  commis- 
sioners to  drive  all  the  horses,  hogs,  sheep  and  cattle  from 
those  parts  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  which  lay  upon 
the  Sound,  or  Hudson's  river,  and  which  are  any  way  ex- 
posed to  the  enemy,  and  to  billet  them  out  upon  the  farms 
that  lay  in  the  interior  part  of  the  county  till  the  same  can  be 
otherwise  disposed  of,  and  that  a  reasonable  compensation 
be  allowed  them  for  their  trouble. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  farmers  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  immediately  thresh  out  all  their  grain,  as 


674 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


the  straw  will  be  absolutely  necessary  for  the  use  of  the 
army  ;  and  as  those  who  do  not  comply  with  this  resolution, 
will  be  in  danger  of  having  their  straw  taken  for  the  use  of 
the  army,  even  though  the  same  should  not  be  thrashed. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  be 
empowered  to  order  any  straw  in  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, to  be  taken  for  the  use  of  the  army,  paying  to  the  own- 
ers a  reasonable  compensation  therefor. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman,  or  deputy  chairman,  of 
the  county  of  Westchester,  for  the  time  being,  on  applica- 
tion from  the  Commissary-General,  be  empowered  to  take 
so  much  of  the  grain  in  the  county  of  Westchester  as  shall 
be  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  army,  allowing  to  the  owners 
thereof  the  now  current  price,  and  paying  them  upon  the 
delivery ;  provided  always,  that  so  much  shall  be  left  in 
the  hands  of  the  owneis  as  will  be  sufficient  to  support 
their  families  for  nine  months  and  to  perfect  the  fattening 
of  such  hogs,  as  may  now  be  actually  put  up  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  in 
case  that  the  cattle,  hogs,  sheep,  horses,  or  hay,  in  the 
county  of  Westchester  should  be  in  danger  of  falling  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy,  be  empowered  either  to  remove 
it  or  them  therefrom,  or  if  that  should  not  be  practicable, 
to  destroy  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissary  or  commissaries  hereby 
appointed,  be  empowered  to  appoint  agents  under  them, 
and  to  call  upon  any  officer  commanding  any  part  of  the 


militia,  for  such  detachments  of  the  men  under  his  com 
mand,  as  will  be  necessary  to  carry  the  same  into  ex- 
ecution. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Ward  apply  to  the  Com- 
missary-General for  such  sums  of  money  as  will  from  time 
to  time  be  necessary  to  carry  the  above  resolves  into  ex- 
ecution. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  sent 
to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  and  to  the  Commis- 
sary-General, requesting  their  assistance  in  carrying  the 
same  into  execution. 

Monday  Afternoon,  Odor.  14^,  1776. 

Present— Col.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper — New- 
York. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Colo.  Bailey — Gloucester. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

[There  is  no  business  entered  on  the  minutes  for  this  afternoon.] 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Odor.  15th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met.; 
Present— Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane 
— New-York. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Schenk— 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 
Colo.  Bailey — Gloucester. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  dated  the  9th 
inst.  was  received  and  read  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Phila.  Octor.  9th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  resolves,  which  I  trans- 
mit, in  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Congress,  will  in- 
form you  of  the  ample  provision  they  have  made  for  the 
support  of  both  officers  and  soldiers,  who  shall  enter  into 
the  service  during  the  war.  The  pay  of  the  former  is  con- 
siderably increased,  and  the  latter  is  to  receive  annually  a 
complete  suit  of  clothes  ;  or  in  lieu  thereof,  the  sum  of  20 
dollars,  should  he  provide  the  suit  for  himself.  This  ad- 
ditional encouragement,  besides  the  20  dollars  bounty  and 
100  acres  of  land  formerly  granted,  the  Congress  expect 
will  be  the  means  of  engaging  the  troops  to  serve  during 
the  war.  For  this  purpose,  also,  I  am  to  request  you  will 
appoint  a  committee  or  committees  to  repair  immediately 
to  the  army  to  induce  such  of  the  troops  as  have  been  rais- 
ed by  your  State,  to  enlist  during  the  war,  and  to  appoint 
officers  for  the  same. 

"  The  Congress,  for  very  obvious  reasons,  are  extremely 
anxious  to  keep  the  army  together.  The  dangerous  con- 
sequence of  their  breaking  up,  and  the  difficulty  of  forming 
a  new  one,  are  inconceivable.    Were  this  barrier  once  re- 


moved, military  power  would  quickly  spread  desolation  and 
ruin  over  the  face  of  our  country. 

"  The  importance,  and,  indeed,  the  absolute  necessity 
of  filling  up  the  army,  of  providing  for  the  troops,  and  en- 
gaging ihem  to  serve  during  the  war,  is  so  apparent,  and 
has  been  so  frequently  urged,  that  I  shall  only  request  your 
attention  to  the  resolves  of  Congress  on  this  subject,  and 
beseech  you,  by  that  love  you  have  for  your  country,  her 
rights  and  liberties,  to  exert  yourselves  to  carry  them  spee- 
dily and  effectually  into  execution,  as  the  only  means  of 
preserving  her  in  this  her  critical  and  alarming  situation. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 

"  Honble.  Convention  of  New- York." 

Sundry  resolutions  of  Congress,  from  the  2nd  inst.  up- 
wards, enclosed  in  said  letter,  were  also  read. 

A  printed  set  of  resolutions  of  Congress,  relating  to  loan 
officers,  and  dated  the  2nd  and  7th  inst.  were  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  dated  the  13th  inst.  was 
read. 

An  account  of  John  Simmons,  innkeeper,  for  maintain- 
ing Israel  Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs,  Isaac  Ketcham  and 
Henry  Dawkins,  from  the  15th  May  to  13th  July  last, 
amounting  to  £44  6s.  6d.  which  was  sworn  to  by  the  said 
John  Simmons,  and  allowed  by  the  Auditor-General,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  John 
Simmons  the  amount  of  the  within  account,  and  that  the 
same  stand  charged  to  be  repaid  by  the  within  mentioned 
Isaac  Ketcham,  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac  Youngs  and  Henry 
Dawkins,  or  some  or  one  of  them,  in  such  manner  as  shall 
be  hereafter  ordered. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Con- 
gress, was  read  and  approved. 

[Letter  not  entered  on  the  minutes.] 

Whereas,  this  Convention  is  informed  that  the  records 
of  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,  as  well  as  the  records 
of  the  county  and  the  records  of  the  borough  of  Westches- 
ter, are  at  present  lodged  in  private  houses  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  whereby  they  may  be  exposed  to  the  ene- 
my, who  have  landed  in  that  county  : 


676 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  Win.  Miller,  Theo.  Bartow  and  John 
Cozine,  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  commissioners  for 
removing,  with  all  possible  expedition,  all  the  said  records 
to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  and  there  placed  in  the  care 
of  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Abraham  Hasbrouck  and  Christopher 
Tappen,  Esqrs.  ;  that  the  said  commissioners  apply  either 
to  the  troops  raised  for  the  protection  of  that  county,  or  to 
the  militia,  for  a  proper  guard  to  attend  the  said  records  in 
their  removal,  which  said  troops  or  militia  are  hereby  di- 
rected to  furnish  such  guard  as  may  be  necessary  for  that 
purpose. 

Whereas  Major  Henry  Schenk,  at  the  request  of  sun- 
dry of  the  members  of  this  Convention  and  of  the  late 
Committee  of  Safety,  lent  and  advanced  500  dollars  to 
Roeloff  Van  Houten,  to  be  applied  to  the  maintenanance 
and  support  of  the  militia  or  troops  employed  to  guard  the 
shore  at  Haverstraw,  in  Orange  county, 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Van  B.  Livingston,  Esqr,  as 
Treasurer,  pay  unto  Major  Henry  Schenk  the  sum  of 
500  dollars,  by  him  advanced  to  Colo.  Hay  to  support  the 
troops  or  militia  employed  to  guard  the  shore  at  Haver- 
straw. 

Certain  returns  of  muster  rolls  of  companies  of  rangers 
raised  in  the  counties  of  Tryon,  Albany  and  Cumberland, 
were  produced  to  Convention  and  a  request  made  for  an 
order  on  the  Treasurer  for  money  to  pay  the  remaining 
moiety  of  the  bounty  to  the  said  rangers. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Webster  and  Mr. 
Duane  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  muster  rolls  and 
report  thereon  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  who  are  here- 
by authorized  to  proceed  thereon. 

A  letter  from  a  committee  of  Congress  to  purchase 
clothing  was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"Phila.  October  7th,1776. 

"  Gentlemen — The  committee  appointed  to  carry  into 
execution  the  enclosed  resolves  can  think  of  no  method  so 
proper  for  the  State  of  New-York  as  to  apply  to  the  Con- 
vention, and  for  that  purpose  we  do  send  you  10,000  dol- 
lars, and  desire  you  to  appoint  proper  persons  in  the  seve- 
ral districts  to  execute  the  same. 

"  And  if  upon  trial  you  find  that  more  clothing  may  be 
had  than  this  money  will  purchase,  you  may  have  more 
by  applying  to  this  committee. 

"  Signed, 

"ROBT.  TREAT  PAINE,      "WM.  WILLIAMS, 
"  WILLIAM  ELLERY,  "ARTHUR  M1DDLETON, 

"G.WYTHE.  "LYMAN  HALL, 

"  WILLIAM  FLOYD,  "  GEO  ROSS. 

"JOSIAH  BARTLETT, 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New-York." 

The  resolutions  therein  contained,  dated  the  19th  June 
and  25th  Sepr.  1776,  for  providing  clothing  for  the  troops, 
were  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sum  be  paid  into  the  treasury 
and  the  papers  committed  to  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Dunscomb 
and  Mr.  Newkerk. 

Resolved,  That  one  month's  pay  and  rations  be  allowed 
to  Major  Hoisington.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  to 
Mr.  Stephens,  member  from  Cumberland  county,  for  the 
use  of  Major  J.  Hoisington,  one  month's  pay  as  major, 
amounting  to  and  the  further  sum  of  for 

one  month's  rations,  at  the  rate  of  21s.  4d.  per  week. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  im- 
mediately, by  ballot,  to  proceed  to  the  camp  at  King's 
Bridge  and  New-Jersey  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the 
resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  appointing  officers  ; 
that  another  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  go  to  Ti- 
conderoga  for  the  same  purposes. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  ballot.  Whereupon  it 
appeared  that  the  gentlemen  hereafter  named  were  duly 
elected  for  the  respective  committees.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Robt. 


Harper  be  the  committee  to  proceed  to  King's  Bridge  ; 
and  that  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be 
the  committee  to  proceed  to  Albany  and  Ticonderoga. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to 
King's  Bridge  be  directed  and  empowered  to  carry  into 
execution  the  resolves  of  Congress  relative  to  the  enlisting 
of  troops  ;  that  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  Al- 
bany be  vested  with  similar  powers  ;  and  that  both  com- 
mittees, together  with  Mr.  Duer,  be  a  committee  for  carry- 
ing into  execution  the  resolves  of  Congress  relative  to  the 
new  arrangement  of  officers. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  prepare  and  re- 
port a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  from  Prest.  Han- 
cock ;  and  that  he  have  leave  of  absence  for  eight  days 
from  the  time  of  his  departure  ;  that  Mr.  Harper  have 
leave  of  absence  for  one  month  from  the  time  of  his  de- 
parture. 

Whereas  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York 
did,  on  the  day  of  last,  by  resolve,  order  the 

sum  of  for  the  use  of  the  contingent  charges  of  the 

county  of  Charlotte,  payable  to  the  order  of  the  county 
committee  of  Charlotte  county,  signed  by  the  chairman 
and  countersigned  by  the  clerk,  which  sum  has  not  yet 
been  paid  :  And  whereas  the  said  county  of  Charlotte  is 
now  in  immediate  want  of  the  said  money.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Wil- 
liam Duer  and  Alexr.  Webster,  Esqrs.  the  sum  of 
taking  their  receipts  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  8s.  6d.  per  pound  be  given  by  this  Con- 
vention to  every  person  for  saltpetre  made  between  this 
day  and  the  1st  of  January,  1778,  of  materials  collected 
within  this  State  ;  the  maker  to  swear  to  this  before  the 
chairman  of  the  county,  or  the  inspector  of  saltpetre  ;  also 
a  bounty  of  Is.  per  pound  for  all  powder  made  of  saltpetre 
brought  into  this  State  from  the  neighbouring  States,  or 
from  abroad,  within  the  time  above  mentioned. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  15th  Octor.  1776. 
Convention  met. 
Present — Colo.  Livingston,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane — 

New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston — Mbany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Sacket,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Ne  w  kirk— Try  on. 

Colo.  Bailey— Gloucester. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  another  member  be  chosen  by  ballot  and 
added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  King's  Bridge 
to  carry  into  execution  the  resolves  of  Congress  relative  to 
the  enlisting  of  troops.  The  ballots  of  the  several  coun- 
ties having  a  representation  present,  being  taken  and  told, 
Colo.  Dewilt  appeared  to  be  duly  elected.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Dewitt  be  added  to  that  commit- 
tee. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt 
be  added  to  the  committee  appointed  on  the  day  of 

Sepr.  last,  for  the  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  have  leave  of  absence  to  assist 
in  removing  his  aged  parents,  with  their  effects,  out  of  dan- 
ger of  the  enemy,  and  that  in  the  mean  time  his  attendance 
at  New-York  with  the  committee  appointed  to  carry  into 
execution  the  resolves  of  Congress  relative  to  the  enlisting 
of  troops  be  *    *  * 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Duane,  moved  that  a  Vice- 
President  be  appointed  by  ballot ;  which  was  agreed  to. 
The  Convention  then  proceed  to  ballot ;  and  upon  count- 
ing the  votes,  it  appeared  that  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  was 
duly  elected.  Thereupon, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


677 


Resolved,  That  Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  be  and  he 
is  hereby  appointed  Vice-President  of  this  Convention. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  moved  certain  resolutions  re- 
lative to  hides,  which  were  amended  and  agreed  to,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

Whereas  large  numbers  of  cattle  are  supplied  by  this 
and  the  eastern  States  for  the  use  of  the  armies  at  New- 
York  and  Ticonderoga  :  And  whereas  the  hides  of  most 
or  all  of  the  cattle  driven  from  the  eastern  States,  and  many 
of  those  purchased  on  contract  in  this  State,  are,  by  the 
contractors,  sent  into  the  State  of  Connecticut,  and  those 
killed  at  the  northern  posts  for  the  use  of  that  army,  are, 
for  the  most  part,  as  this  Convention  are  informed,  wasted 
for  want  of  proper  care.  Great  exertions  have  been  made 
in  the  northern  parts  of  this  State  to  supply  the  army  at 
Ticonderoga  with  shoes  ;  and  it  is  also  necessary  to  pro- 
vide in  time  for  the  quota  of  troops  raised  within  this  State  ; 
from  which  circumstance,  the  article  of  leather  is  already 
nearly  exhausted,  must  become  exceeding  scarce  and  dear, 
and  leave  part  of  the  army,  which  depends  upon  this  State, 
distressed  :  And  whereas  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  are 
by  these  means  reduced  to  the  greatest  distresses  for  the 
want  of  that  necessary  article  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Delegates  of  this  State,  state  the  facts 
to  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  and  requesting  that  this 
State  may  be  at  liberty  to  send  a  commissary  to  Ticonde- 
roga and  Fort  George,  in  order  to  take  charge  of  this  ne- 
cessary article,  for  which  this  State  are  willing  to  allow  the 
price  at  which  they  shall  be  appraised,  after  deducting  the 


expense  attending  the  care  and  transportation  thereof,  and 
that  they  obtain  a  resolution  of  the  Honourable  the  Con- 
gress, directing  the  deputy  quarter-master  in  that  depart- 
ment to  give  them  such  assistance  as  will  be  necessary  for 
securing  the  same. 

Whereas  Major  Henry  Schenk  was  some  time  since 
appointed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State  to  purchase  flour 
and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Commissary-General  for  the 
use  of  the  army  :  And  whereas  the  flour  which  was  ma- 
nufactured is  by  this  time,  in  all  probability,  purchased, 
and  the  attendance  of  Major  Schenk  as  one  of  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  this  State,  is  necessary  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Major  Schenck  be,  and  he  is,  hereby 
discharged  from  that  agency,  or  any  further  attendance  on 
that  business. 

Resolved,  That  the  words  "State  of  New-York"  which 
was  ordered  by  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  of  the 
day  of  last  to  be  altered  on  the  plates  for  the 

emission  of  bills  of  credit  of  this  Convention  be  printed 
in  the  said  bills  with  types  only. 

Major  Schenck,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Contine,  Genl.  Bailey,  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith,  Colo.  Allison  and  Mr.  Mills,  was  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  for  this  State  until  the  meeting  of  Con- 
vention. That  five  members  with  the  President  be  a  quo- 
rum. That  the  Committee  of  Safety  having  20  members 
present,  may  do  every  act  which  the  Convention  may  do, 
except  forming  a  government. 


170 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE   OF  SAFETY. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

Odor.  16th,  1776. 
Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dt/nscomb,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevort — Albany. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 
Colo.  Bailey — Gloucester. 

The  Revd.  C.  Graham  came  into  the  Convention  and 
complained  of  great  hardships  in  consequence  of  the  order 
for  his  removal  out  of  the  academy. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Allison  and  Mr.  Moore  proceed  to 
the  academy  to  consult  with  Mr.  Graham,  and  determine 
whether  he  can  remain  a  few  days  therein,  and  what  part 
he  shall  occupy. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  a  commissary  be  immediately  appoint- 
ed to  provide  for  the  troops  coming  up  to  this  place,  and 
that  Henry  Wyckoff  be  the  person  during  the  will  and 
pleasure  of  this  House. 

Resolved,  That  an  express  be  immediately  despatched 
to  Peekskill,  with  orders  that  all  the  troops,  except  two 
companies,  which  are  ordered  up  to  this  place,  remain  at 
Peekskill  until  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Wisner  do 
immediately  proceed  to  Peekskill  to  provide  quarters  for 
the  troops  there,  and  to  assist  the  engineer  in  pointing  out 
the  places  in  the  Highlands  most  proper  to  be  fortified. 

Resolved,  That  two  companies  of  those  troops,  now 
coming,  be  subject  to  the  direction  of  the  committee  for 
detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  till  further  orders. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  authorized  at  their 
discretion  to  call  out  such  part  of  the  militia  of  this  Stale 
for  fatigue  men  as  they  may  think  necessary. 

Two  letters  of  intelligence,  one  from  Mr.  Tilghman,  the 
other  from  Mr.  Harrison,  the  General's  secretary,  dated  at 


Head-Quarters,  the  14th  inst.  were  read  and  returned  to 

the  committee  of  correspondence. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Hay,  at  Haverstraw,  dated  15th  inst. 
giving  an  account  of  the  state  of  his  regiment,  and  of  the 
motions  of  the  enemy's  ships,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Colo.  Hay  and 
inform  him  that  a  detachment  of  100  men  of  the  militia 
for  the  northwest  side  of  the  mountains,  are  marched  to 
the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  on  the  south  of  the  moun- 
tains, and  that  he  direct  Colo.  Hay  to  drive  all  the  stock, 
(which  are  in  danger  of  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  ene- 
my,) to  the  interior  part  of  the  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Robert  Harper  the  sum  of  100  dollars  for  the  purpose 
of  carrying  into  execution  the  resolve  of  Convention  of  the 
3d  inst.  concerning  the  manufacturing  of  flax  belonging  to 
this  Convention,  and  that  Mr.  Harper  account  for  the  ex- 
penditure thereof. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  resolutions 
of  Congress  of  the  30th  Sepr.  and  1st  Octor.  relative  to 
surgeons  and  surgeon's  mates,  and  the  call  of  the  U.  S.  for 
all  the  absent  members  to  attend,  and  Genl.  Greene's  letter 
relative  to  a  horse  in  his  possession,  taken  from  a  tory  on 
Long  island,  reported  the  following  drafts  of  letters,  which 
were  read  and  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  transmitted  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 

for  the  State  of  New-York.  $ 
"  Sir — We  have  received  your  favour  of  the  7th  inst. 
respecting  the  horse  taken  by  Wm.  Bradford,  adjutant  to 
Colo.  Hitchcock's  regiment,  which  you  inform  us  is  the 
property  of  one  Jacob  Wyckoff,  who  has  joined  the  ene- 
my. As  the  horse  is  now  in  your  possession,  and  you  are 
in  want  of  one,  we  desire  you  will  have  him  appraised  and 
kept  in  your  service  until  some  future  determination  of  the 
Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this  Stale,  relative  to 
the  disposition  of  the  property  of  all  such  persons  as  have 
or  hereafter  may  join  the  enemy,  that  may  fall  into  our 
hands. 

"  The  bravery  of  the  adjutant  will  then  also  be  consi- 
dered. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  To  Major-Genl.  Greene." 


680 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY 


The  letter  to  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  Presi- 
dent of  the  Continental  Congress,  reported  as  aforesaid 
by  the  same  committee,  was  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  were  honoured  with  yours  of 
the  2nd  inst.  enclosing  some  resolves  relative  to  surgeons 
for  the  army,  and  urging  the  necessity  of  a  full  represent- 
ation at  Congress.  If  by  a  full  representation  nothing 
more  is  meant  or  intended  than  such  a  number  of  Dele- 
gates from  State  as  will  entitle  each  of  them  to  a  vote,'this 
Convention  hope  that  the  recommendation  is  complied 
with  by  this  State,  since  they  have  always  directed  so 
many  gentlemen  to  remain  at  Philadelphia  as  will  answer 
that  purpose.  If  on  the  other  hand,  it  is  expected  that  all 
the  Delegates  of  this  State  should  attend  this  Convention, 
though  fully  satisfied  of  the  propriety  of  such  a  requisi- 
tion, must  beg  the  Honourable  the  Congress  to  excuse 
their  non-attendance  at  present ;  the  critical  situation  of 
this  State,  equally  endangered  by  open  and  secret  enemies, 
rendering  it  extremely  improper  to  deprive  the  Convention 
of  the  assistance  of  any  gentleman  whose  abilities  may  be 
of  service  to  it,  at  least  till  the  army  is  arranged  and  mea- 
sures taken  to  form  and  establish  some  more  permanent 
government  than  we  now  enjoy.  These  considerations, 
we  flatter  ourselves,  will  have  some  weight  with  Congress, 
and  not  only  induce  them  to  admit  our  excuse  for  not  per- 
mitting such  of  our  Delegates  as  are  now  here  to  attend 
at  Philadelphia,  but  to  defer  any  matter  in  which  this 
State  is  particularly  interested,  (when  the  general  cause  of 
America  will  safely  admit  of  such  delay)  till  they  are 
more  fully  represented. 

"  Drs.  John  Jones,  Saml.  Bard  and  Malachi  Treat,  were 
appointed  by  this  Convention  to  examine  all  surgeons,  or 
surgeons'  mates  that  entered  into  the  service  of  this  State  ; 
no  warrant  or  commission  has  been  given  to  any  in  that 
capacity  unless  they  produced  a  certificate  of  their  exami- 
nation, signed  by  at  least  two  of  those  gentlemen,  setting 
forth  that  they  were  fully  qualified  to  discharge  their  duty 
in  their  stations,  excepting  a  few  late  instances,  when  they 
could  not  be  obtained  by  reason  of  those  gentlemen  being 
dispersed  in  different  parts  of  the  county  and  could  not  at- 
tend, in  which  case  five  or  six  have  been  admitted  on  the 
examination  of  one  only. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honble.  John  Hancock, 

Prest.  &c.  &c.  &c." 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  Octor.  16th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates— Albany. 
i  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Colo.  Bailey — Gloucester. 
.  Mr.  Win.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr,  Millf ,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.tMoore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Sacket — Tryon. 

Mr.  Duer  informed  the  Committee  that  his  attendance 
on  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  is  so  ab- 
solutely necessary  as  not  to  admit  of  his  going  down  to 
Peekskill  for  the  purpose  to  which  he  was  appointed  this 
morning  in  conjunction  with  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  to  pro- 
vide quarters  for  the  troops  there,  and  assisting  the  engi- 
neer in  pointing  out  the  grounds  proper  to  be  fortified,  and 
therefore  prays  that  Mr.  Wisner  be  appointed  in  his  stead. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  appointed  in  the  stead  of 
Mr.  Duer. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  taken 
upon  himself  to  employ  some  persons  to  repair  the  roads 
in  the  northern  part  of  Orange  county  leading  to  the  forti- 


fications in  the  Highlands,  and  requests  to  know  the  sense 
of  the  Committee  on  the  propriety  of  this  measure,  and 
whether  they  shall  be  directed  to  go  on  in  the  said  neces- 
sary work. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  do  approve  of  Mr.  Wis- 
ner's  conduct,  and  that  the  persons  employed  by  Mr.  Wis- 
ner continue  to  repair  the  said  roads,  and  that  this  Con- 
vention will  defray  the  expenses. 

A  person  attending  by  direction  of  Genl.  Mifflin  for  the 
advice  of  the  Convention,  relative  to  a  quantity  of  bricks, 
shingles,  boards,  and  other  stores,  on  board  vessels  some- 
where in  the  river  near  the  Highlands. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Schenk  make  the  necessary  inquiry 
and  assist  the  man. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Schenk  provide  vessels  to  transport 
those  troops  which  were  intended  to  have  come  to  this 
place  back  to  Peekskill. 

A  letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  dated  at  Fair- 
field, Octor.  8th,  1776,  setting  forth  the  state  and  circum- 
stances of  the  sloop  Montgomery,  and  of  the  sum  of  money 
necessary  for  paying  off  the  wages  of  the  crew,  and  other 
expenses.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  £800  be  transmitted  by  Mr. 
Gelston  to  Mr.  Hobart  at  Fairfield,  or  such  other  person 
as  Mr.  Gelston  may  think  safe  and  prudent,  in  the  absence 
of  Mr.  Hobart,  to  be  advanced  to  Capt.  Rogers  for  defray- 
ing the  expenses  of  fitting  out  and  paying  off  the  wages  of 
the  officers  and  crew  of  the  sloop  Montgomery. 

Report  of  the  committee  sent  to  consult  with  the  Revd. 
Mr.  Graham,  relative  to  the  academy  ordered  for  the  use 
of  the  troops,  and  to  view  the  said  building,  was  read  and 
postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Odor.  17th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  President. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates — 

Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Colo.  Bailey—  Gloucester. 

A  letter  from  Richd.  Varick,  Esqr.  secretary  to  General 
Schuyler,  dated  Octor.  14th,  1776,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  General  Arnold  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  giving  a 
particular  account  of  the  action  on  Lake  Champlain,  be- 
tween the  enemy's  fleet  and  ours,  on  the  12th  inst.  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Schuyler's  island,  Octo.  12th,  1776. 
"  Dear  General — Yesterday  morning  at  8  o'clock  the 
enemy's  fleet,  consisting  of  one  ship  mounting  16  guns, 
one  snow  mounting  the  same  number,  one  schooner  of  14 
guns,  two  of  12,  two  sloops,  a  bomb  ketch,  and  a  large 
vessel,  (that  did  not  come  up,)  with  15  or  20  flat  bottomed 
boats,  or  gondolas,  carrying  one  12  or  18  pounder  in  their 
bows,  appeared  off  Cumberland  Head.  We  immediately 
prepared  to  receive  them  ;  the  gallies  and  Royal  Savage, 
were  ordered  under  way,  the  rest  of  our  fleet  lay  at  an- 
chor. At  1 1  o'clock  they  ran  under  the  lee  of  Valcour, 
and  began  the  attack.  The  schooner,  by  some  bad  ma- 
nagement, fell  to  leeward,  and  was  first  attacked ;  one  of  her 
masts  was  wounded,  and  her  rigging  shot  away;  the  captain 
thought  prudent  to  run  her  on  the  Point  of  Valcour,  where 
all  the  men  were  saved.  They  boarded  her  and  at  night 
set  fire  to  her.  At  half  past  12  the  engagement  became 
general  and  veiy  warm.    Some  of  the  enemy's  ships,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


681 


all  their  gondolas  beat  and  rounded  up  within  musket  shoi 
of  us  ;  they  continued  a  very  hot  fire,  with  round  and  grape 
shot,  until  5  o'clock,  when  they  thought  proper  to  retire  to 
about  6  or  7  hundred  yards  distance,  and  continued  the  fire 
until  dark.  The  Congress  and  Washington  have  suffered 
greatly ;  the  latter  lost  her  first  lieutenant  killed,  captain 
and  master  wounded  ;  the  New-York  lost  all  her  officers, 
except  her  captain  ;  the  Philadelphia  was  hulled  in  so  ma- 
ny places  that  she  sunk  in  about  one  hour  after  the  en- 
gagement was  over.  The  whole  killed  and  wounded 
amounts  to  about  60.  The  enemy  landed  a  large  number 
of  Indians  on  the  island  and  each  shore,  who  kept  up  an 
incessant  fire  on  us,  but  did  little  damage.  The  enemy 
had,  to  appearance,  upwards  of  1,000  in  batteau  prepared 
for  boarding.  We  suffered  much  for  want  of  seamen  and 
gunners.  I  was  obliged  myself  to  point  most  of  the  guns 
on  board  the  Congress,  which  I  believe  did  good  execu- 
tion. The  Congress  received  seven  shot  between  wind 
and  water ;  was  hulled  a  dozen  times,  had  her  main  mast 
wounded  in  two  places,  and  her  yard  in  one.  The  Wa- 
shington was  hulled  a  number  of  times  ;  her  main  mast 
shot  ihrough,  and  must  have  a  new  one.  Both  vessels  are 
very  leaky  and  want  repairing. 

"  On  consulting  with  Genl.  Waterbury  and  Colo.  Wig- 
glesworth,  it  was  thought  prudent  to  return  to  Crown 
Point;  every  vessel's  ammunition  being  nearly  three- 
fourths  spent.  At  7  o'clock  Colo.  Wigglesworth,  in  the 
Trumbull,  got  under  way.  The  gondolas  and  small  ves- 
sels followed,  and  the  Congress  and  Washington  brought 
up  the  rear.  The  enemy  did  not  attempt  to  molest  us. 
Most  of  the  fleet  is  this  minute  come  to  an  anchor ;  the 
wind  is  small  to  the  southward  ;  the  enemy's  fleet  is  under 
way  to  leeward,  and  beating  up.  As  soon  as  our  leaks 
are  stopped,  the  whole  fleet  will  make  the  utmost  despatch 
to  Crown  Point,  where  I  beg  you  will  send  ammunition, 
and  your  further  orders  for  us.  On  the  whole,  I  think  we 
have  had  a  very  fortunate  escape,  and  have  great  reason  to 
return  our  humble  and  hearty  thanks  to  Almighty  God,  for 
preserving  and  delivering  so  many  of  us  from  our  more 
than  savage  enemies. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"B.  ARNOLD. 
"  P.  S.  I  had  not  moved  on  board  the  Congress  when 
the  enemy  appeared,  and  lost  all  my  papers,  and  most  of 
my  clothes  on  board  of  the  schooner.  I  wish  a  dozen  bat- 
teaux  well  manned  could  be  sent  immediately,  and  tow  up 
the  vessels  in  case  of  a  southwardly  wind. 

"  I  cannot  in  justice  to  the  officers  in  the  fleet  omit  men- 
tioning their  splendid  conduct  during  the  action. 

"  B.  A." 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Lansing,  Junr.  of  Albany,  dated 
at  New-Windsor  Octr.  11th,  1776,  directed  to  the  Depu- 
ties of  Albany,  setting  forth  the  defenceless  state  of  the 
city  of  Albany,  and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  erecting 
some  fortifications,  and  supplying  them  with  some  field 
pieces,  was  read  and  committed  to  Messrs.  Adgate,  Alli- 
son and  London. 

Two  certificates  from  the  committee  of  Walkill,  dated 
Sepr.  11th,  1776,  and  signed  by  William  Wilkin,  chair- 
man, the  one  that  Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  has  at  his  mill 
manufactured  9, 184lbs.  of  powder,  agreeable  to  the  re- 
solve of  Congress.  The  other  that  Henry  Wisner,  Junr. 
and  Morris  Philips  have  erected  a  mill  and  manufactured 
agreeable  to  resolve  of  Congress:  committed  to  Mr.  Con- 
tine  and  Mr.  Moore. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  conference 
with  the  Revd.  Chauncey  Graham,  and  to  examine  into  the 
particular  state  of  the  public  academy  in  this  town,  in 
consequence  of  a  resolve  of  this  House  of  the.  13th  inst. 
wherein  the  said  Revd.  Chauncey  Graham  was  ordered  to 
move  out  of  the  said  academy  in  one  week's  lime,  in  or- 
der that  the  same  might  be  occupied  by  the  troops,  or- 
dered here  by  this  Convention  submitted  it  as  their  opinion 
that  the  following  resolve  be  entered  into  by  this  House. 

171 


Resolved,  That  whereas  it  appears  to  this  committee 
to  be  exceedingly  inconvenient  for  the  Revd.  Chauncy  Gra- 
ham to  remove  his  family  out  of  the  public  academy  in 
this  town  on  so  short  a  notice,  at  this  difficult  season,  as 
hath  been  allowed  him  by  a  former  resolve  of  this  House, 
he  is  therefore  hereby  permitted  to  occupy  the  eastermost 
room  on  the  lower  story  of  said  academy,  one  fortnight 
from  this  day,  provided  he  permit  the  soldiers  to  have  the 
use  of  the  out  houses. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Chauncey  Graham  be  permit- 
ted to  take  the  sashes  and  glass  out  of  three  of  the  win- 
dows in  said  academy  that  are  not  in  the  rooms  now  oc- 
cupied, relying  on  his  word  to  this  House,  that  he  will  re- 
place the  same  in  good  order  when  thereunto  required  by 
this  Convention,  or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  or 
whenever  the  said  academy  may  be  converted  to  the  uses 
it  was  originally  intended  for. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  unto  the  said  Revd. 
Chauncey  Graham,  an  equal  number  of  boards  as  purchas- 
ed by  him  for  the  use  of  the  academy  since  his  last  resi- 
dence there,  and  also  as  many  nails  as  shall  or  may  ap- 
pear to  have  been  used  by  said  Graham  in  working  up  said 
boards  into  partitions  or  otherwise,  for  the  conveniency  of 
said  house. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  claim  of  Mr. 
Nichs.  Bayard,  for  providing  an  office  for  securing  the  re- 
cords of  this  State,  for  a  guard  room  for  the  guard  ap- 
pointed to  watch  the  said  records,  and  for  firewood  and 
candles  supplied  the  guard,  have  taken  the  same  into  con- 
sideration, and  thereupon  agreed  to  the  following  reso- 
lutions. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  to  Nichs.  Bayard  for 
providing  an  office  for  securing  the  public  records  of  this 
Stale,  a  guard  room  and  firewood  and  candles  supplied 
the  guard  over  the  said  records,  the  sum  of  £50. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Stale,  cause  to  be 
conveyed  to  Nichs.  Bayard,  Esq.  by  the  first  safe  oppor- 
tunity the  sum  of  fifty  pounds,  pursuant  to  the  above  re- 
solution, and  procure  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  do  on  ap- 
plication of  either  of  the  persons  respectively  named  in  the 
resolutions  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  9th  instant, 
for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  clothing  in  the  counties  of 
Westchester,  Orange,  Dutches,  Ulster  and  Albany,  ad- 
vance to  each  of  them  respectively,  the  sum  of  £100,  tak- 
ing their  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Wyckoff  who  is  appointed  commissary  to  the  troops 
in  this  place,  requested  an  order  for  two  bushels  of  salt  for 
the  use  of  said  troops. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Terboss  deliver  to  Mr.  Henry 
Wyckoff  or  his  order  2  bushels  salt  for  the  use  of  the 
troops  at  Fishkill  ;  Mr.  Wyckoff  to  pay  for  the  same 
agreeable  to  the  regulated  price  of  that  article  in  this 
county. 

An  additional  resolution  relative  to  the  persons  to  super- 
intend the  printing  the  bills  of  credit  was  read  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  as  follows  to  wit : 

Whereas  in  the  resolution  of  this  Convention  of  the 
13lh  August  last,  for  the  emission  of  500,000  dollars  in 
bills  of  credit,  it  was  among  other  things, 

Resolved,  That  Isaac  Roosevelt  cause  to  be  adminis- 
tered to  the  printer  of  said  bills,  by  the  President  of  this 
Convention,  a  certain  oath  therein  prescribed  : 

And  whereas  the  want  of  money  in  the  treasury  ren- 
ders it  necessary  to  carry  the  said  resolution  into  immedi- 
ate execution,  and  Samuel  Loudon,  the  intended  printer 
thereof,  being  now  absent,  and  therefore  cannot  take  the 
said  oath, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt  do 
cause  the  printing  of  said  bills  to  commence  with  the  fore- 
man and  other  workman  of  the  said  Saml.  Loudon  ;  and 
that  he  appoint  two  persons  to  attend  the  printing  thereof, 
to  whom,  instead  of  the  printer  thereof,  shall  be  adminis- 


682 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


tered,  by  the  President  of  this  Convention,  the  following 
oath  : 

"  I,  A.  B.  do  solemnly  swear  by  the  Almighty  God,  that 
from  the  time  that  the  letters  were  set  and  tit  to  be  put  in 
the  press  for  printing  the  said  bills  of  credit,  until  the  bills 
were  printed  and  the  letters  afterwards  distributed  into  the 
boxes,  I  was  present  in  the  absence  of  the  other ;  and  that 
both  of  us  did  not  at  any  time  leave  the  room  in  which 
the  said  letters  were  without  locking  them  up,  so  that  they 
could  not  be  come  at  without  violence  of  a  false  key  or 
other  art  unknown  to  us  ;  and  therefore,  to  the  best  of  our 
knowledge,  no  copies  were  printed  off  but  in  the  presence 
of  one  or  both  of  us ;  and  that  all  the  blotters  and  other 
papers  whatsoever,  impressed  by  the  said  letters  whilst 
set  for  printing  the  said  bills,  to  the  best  of  our  knowledge 
are  delivered  to  the  said  Isaac  Roosevelt,  together  with 
the  stamps  ;  and  in  all  things  relating  to  this  affair  we 
have  demeaned  ourselves  honestly  and  faithfully  to  the  best 
of  our  knowledge  and  understanding :  so  help  me  God." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dunscomb  have  leave  of  absence 
for  four  or  five  days. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  llth  Odor.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Livingston,  President. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Bailey,  Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Yates, 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr- 
Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Landon. 

An  account  of  Jacainiah  Allen  was  produced  for  guard- 
ing the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge  ;  referred  to  Messrs. 
Lockwood,  Moore  and  Landon. 

Whereas  the  time  limited  by  the  Honourable  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  for  the  sale  and  consumption  of  bohea 
tea  on  hand,  proved  too  short  for  that  purpose,  whereby 
large  quantities  of  that  commodity  remained  unsold  and 
unconsumed  in  the  Colony,  to  the  great  loss  and  damage 
of  the  proprietors  thereof:  And  whereas  the  said  pro- 
prietors or  tea  holders  in  the  city  of  New-York,  did,  by  a 
memorial  or  petition  to  the  committee  of  that  place,  repre- 
sent the  difficulties  they  were  reduced  to  by  reason  of  that 
article  of  the  association,  and  praying  their  interposition  in 
their  behalf :  And  whereas  the  said  committee  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York  did  transmit  the  said  representa- 
tion to  the  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  and  did 
certify  the  same   to  be  worthy  their  attention  :  And 
whereas  the  said  Congress  finding  on  inquiry  that  divers 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  Colony  would  be  greatly  in- 
jured unless  a  further  time  was  allowed  for  the  consump- 
tion of  tea,  did  instruct  their  Delegates  in  Continental 
Congress  to  endeavour  to  obtain  a  resolve  of  Congress  for 
that  purpose :  And  whereas  the  said  tea  holders  did 
among  other  things,  allege  in  favour  of  their  application, 
that  many  of  them  would,  unless  relieved,  be  ruined  by 
being  prohibited  the  sale  of  the  said  lea,  which  was  a  pe- 
rishable article ;  that  they  were  fast  friends  to  the  Ameri- 
can cause,  and  had  been  induced  to  import  a  more  than 
usual  quantity  of  that  article  with  a  view  the  better  to  op- 
pose and  defeat  the  designs  of  the  ministry  and  India  Com- 
pany in  selling  tea  in  the  Colonies  subject  to  duty  ;  that 
they  would  be  content  to  sell  the  remaining  stock  on  hand 
at  the  former  current  price  ;  that  had  they  been  permitted 
to  vend  it,  they  would  have  employed  the  moneys  arising 
from  the  sale  of  it  in  importing  divers  commodities  very 
necessary  to  the  defence  of  the  Colonies,  and  if  indulged 
in  selling  the  same  would  immediately  set  about  it :  And 
whereas  the  Continental  Congress,  moved  by  considera- 
tions of  justice  as  well  as  policy,  did  finally  grant  the 
prayer  of  the  said  petitioners,  and  lest  any  evil  disposed 
persons  might  lake  undue  advantages  of  the  scarcity  of 
tea  which  would  necessarily  lake  place  from  its  future  im- 
portation being  prohibited,  they  wisely  limited  the  price  of 
all  bohea  teas  at  -f  of  a  dollar,  and  that  of  the  other  teas 


at  such  prices  as  would  be  fixed  by  the  committees;  al- 
lowing by  the  said  resolve  a  generous  and  more  than  usual 
price  for  the  tea  on  hand,  and  thereby  compensating  the 
owners  for  any  losses  they  might  have  sustained  by  not 
being  permitted  to  sell  the  same  in  the  interval  between 
the  expiration  of  the  time  limited  for  its  consumption  and 
the  date  of  the  resolve  annulling  that  resolution  :  And 
whereas  divers  of  the  said  tea  holders,  not  content  with 
the  advanced  price  of  tea  allowed  by  the  Congress,  and 
forgetting  the  patriotic  principles  which  induced  them  to 
import  it,  as  well  as  the  services  they  once  intended  to  do 
their  country  by  speedily  turning  that  perishable  article 
into  money  and  employing  those  sums  in  the  importation 
of  articles  essential  to  the  defence  of  the  United  Stales  of 
America,  have  refused  to  dispose  of  their  stock  of  lea  on 
hand,  designing  to  postpone  the  sale  thereof  until  such 
lime  as  an  artificial  scarcily  shall  induce  the  good  women 
of  this  State  to  tempt  them  to  vend  it  by  offering  exorbi- 
tant prices  :  And  whereas  others  of  ihe  said  tea  holders 
have  already,  in  various  and  manifold  instances,  sold  tea 
for  double  the  price  allowed  by  the  Congress,  and  by  in- 
volving so  many  in  a  transgression  of  the  said  resolve  ex- 
pect to  escape  the  just  punishment  demanded  by  it :  And 
whereas  the  said  unjustifiable  and  mercenary  practices  of 
the  said  tea  holders,  hath  in  many  instances  brought  upon 
them  the  resentment  of  the  people,  and  many  riotous 
proceedings  have  thereby  been  occasioned,  to  the  great 
disturbance  of  the  quiet  and  breach  of  the  peace  and  good 
order  of  the  community  :  And  whereas  monopolies  and 
forestalling  designed  to  create  an  artificial  scarcily,  and 
distressing  the  people,  deprive  them  of  their  property,  have 
ever  been  justly  deemed  proper  objects  of  reprehension, 
and  called  for  the  interposition  of  the  Legislature  :  This 
Convention  for  the  reason  aforesaid  find  themselves  con- 
strained by  the  great  duties  they  owe  their  constituents, 
and  the  General  Congress  to  effectually  provide  that  the 
said  resolve  be  no  longer  violated  in  this  State,  and  the 
more  so  as  the  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York  were 
solicited  by  the  said  tea  holders  to  use,  and  did  exert,  their 
influence  to  obtain  it. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  committees  of  the  seve- 
ral counties  within  this  State  do  forthwith  take  into  iheir 
custody  from  every  tea  merchant,  shop  keeper,  or  other 
person  or  persons  whatsoever  in  this  State,  all  the  bohea 
tea  which  shall  be  found  in  their  possession,  over  and  above 
the  quantity  of  25lbs.  respectively,  and  appoint  some  re- 
spectable person  or  persons  to  retail  the  same  in  small 
quantities  to  any  persons  that  may  apply  to  purchase  the 
same  at  the  rate  of  6s.  per  lb  and  that  the  money  arising  by 
such  sale  be  paid  to  the  said  committee,  and  by  them  kept 
for  and  delivered  to  the  proprietor  of  such  tea,  on  his  ap- 
plicalion  in  person  or  by  order  for  the  same. 

That  the  person  or  persons  appointed  to  retail  the  said 
tea  be  authorized  to  demand  and  receive  from  the  purchasers 
thereof  3d.  per  lb.  for  his  or  their  expense  and  trouble  in 
executing  ihe  trust  hereby  reposed  in  him  or  them.  That 
the  person  or  persons  so  to  be  appoinled,  shall  take  an  oath 
for  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  trust  hereby  reposed  in 
him  or  them,  before  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee, 
and  give  security  to  the  said  chairman,  to  pay  to  the  said 
commiltee  the  money  he  or  they  may  or  shall  receive  for 
the  lea,  so  by  him  or  them  sold  agreeable  to  the  above  re- 
solutions. 

That  the  person  or  persons  to  be  appointed  to  sell  the 
said  tea,  do  not  sell  more  than  12lbs.  lo  any  one  person  for 
the  use  of  any  one  family.  That  if  any  of  ihe  tea  holders, 
or  their  agents  within  this  State,  in  order  to  prevent  its  be- 
ing sold  at  the  above  mentioned  price  to  evade  the  intent 
of  those  resolves,  or  for  any  other  reason  or  purpose  what- 
soever, shall  hereafter  export  or  import  out  of  or  into  this 
State,  any  India  lea,  shall  forfeit  double  the  value  thereof 
to  the  committee  of  the  county,  out  of  or  into  which  the 
same  shall  be  exported  or  imported.  That  public  notice 
shall  be  given  by  the  person  or  persons  appointed  as  afore- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


683 


said,  to  sell  the  said  lea  at  least  ten  days  before  he  or  they 
open  the  same  for  sale,  that  those  who  want  may  have  an 
equal  chance  of  being  supplied. 

The  same  was  agreed  to  by  the  House. 

Resolved,  That  the  rangers  ordered  from  Ulster  county 
to  this  place  be  subject  to  the  order  and  direction  of  the 
committee  appointed  for  the  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  request  of  Dr. 
Osborne  for  medicines  for  the  use  of  the  regiment  com- 
manded by  Colo.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  made  the  following 
report. 

"  Whereas,  your  committee  are  informed  by  said  Doc- 
tor Osborne,  that  part  of  the  men  under  the  command  of 
Colo.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  in  General  Clinton's  brigade  in 
Continental  service,  are  in  great  distress  for  want  of  me- 
dicines, and  that  Colo.  Swartwout  had  requested  Dr.  Mc- 
Knight,  one  of  the  Continental  hospital  surgeons  to  supply 
his  regiment  with  the  same,  who  hath  requested  said  doc- 
tor Osborne  to  apply  to  this  Convention,  your  committee 
agreeable  to  the  powers  given  by  the  Convention,  have 
thought  proper  to  supply  and  have  supplied  the  said  Dr. 
Osborne  with  IbVI.  sal  cathartus,  and  lbs  cortex 

peruviana,  out  of  the  store  of  medicines  belonging  to  this 
Convention,  for  which  your  committee  have  taken  a  re- 
ceipt from  Dr.  Osborne  ;  which  said  receipt  amounting  to 
the  sum  of  £3  6s.  Od.  together  with  the  orders  from  Colo. 
Swartwout  and  Doctor  McKnight,  respecting  the  same, 
your  committee  now  here  produce." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  receipt  and  orders  be  filed  with 
the  Treasurer  of  this  Stale,  and  that  he  charge  the  said  £3 
6s.  Od.  to  Continental  account. 

A  letter  from  Joshua  Ambler,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Poundridge  in  Westchester  county,  dated  the  1 5th 
inst.  informing  that  there  is  danger  of  the  prisoners  of  war 
going  off  to  the  enemy,  as  one  of  them  is  already  gone 
off  to  Long  island.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Major  Lockwood  repair  immediately  to 
Poundridge  and  Bedford,  in  Westchester  county,  to  in- 
quire into  the  state  of  the  prisoners  of  war  confined  there, 
and  if  he  should  find  it  necessary,  that  he  cause  the  pri- 
vates to  be  conveyed  under  a  proper  guard  to  Woodbury, 
in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  and  the  officers  who  are  pri- 
soners on  parol,  to  Danbury  in  the  same  State.  Major 
Lockwood  to  be  furnished  with  the  blank  parols,  to  be  by 
him  filled  up,  for  all  of  the  said  prisoners  as  are  confined 
there  on  parol.  The  old  parols  to  be  cancelled,  and  that 
Major  Lockwood  at  his  discretion  settle  with  and  advance 
to  the  prisoners  the  rations  and  other  provisions  allowed  by 
the  resolve  of  Congress,  as  may  appear  to  him  to  be  justly 
due  to  them. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

Odor.  18th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Peter  R.  Livingston,  Prest. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore  —  Tryon. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Colo.  Bailey— Gloucester. 

Mr.  Duer  brought  into  Committee  an  affidavit  sworn  to 
by  William  B.  Alger,  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Durlin's  company 
in  Col.  Humphrey's  regiment,  setting  forth  that  a  certain 
Jacob  Dean  in  Charlotte  precinct,  has  refused  to  receive 
the  paper  emission  of  the  Continental  Congress  in  payment 
for  a  parcel  of  deer's  leather,  which  the  said  Alger  had 
bought  from  the  said  Jacob  Deane.  Thereupon, 


Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  inquiring 
into  and  defeating  conspiracies,  &c.  be  requested  to  cause 
the  said  Jacob  Deane  to  be  apprehended  and  brought  be- 
fore them  lo  be  examined  and  dealt  with  as  to  them  shall 
seem  meet. 

Mr.  Gelston  informed  the  Committee  that  he,  as  one  of 
the  committee  appointed  by  the  resolution  of  the  Congress 
for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  saltpetre  in  Suffolk  coun- 
ty, for  the  use  of  this  State,  requested  that  sixty  pounds 
may  be  advanced  him  on  account  to  pay  for  a  certain  quan- 
tity of  saltpetre  by  him  purchased.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
David  Gelston,  Esq.  the  sum  of  £60,  to  enable  him  to 
pay  for  a  certain  quantity  of  salpetre  purchased  on  account, 
and  for  the  use  of  this  Stale,  pursuant  to  a  resolution  of 
the  Congress  of  this  State,  and  that  Mr.  Gelston  give  his 
receipt  to  account  for  the  said  sum. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Jacamiah  Allen,  for  guarding  the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge, 
reported  that  ihey  have  examined  into  the  said  accounts, 
and  from  what  appears  to  them,  they  think  Mr.  Allen's 
account  ought  to  be  paid.  Referred  to  the  consideration 
of  the  Convention. 

Mr.  Moore  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  certificates  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Wal- 
kill  precinct,  relative  to  Mr.  Wisner's  having  manufactured 
9,184  pounds  of  gunpowder  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Henry 
Wisner  Junr.  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £459  4s.  Od.  for  the  boun- 
ty on  9,184  pounds  of  gunpowder  manufactured  by  him, 
between  the  1st  day  of  March  to  the  9th  day  of  June  last, 
as  appears  by  the  certificate  of  William  Wilkins,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  Walkill  in  Ulster  county. 

Mr.  Allen  fiom  the  committee  appointed  to  establish  and 
employ  riders  between  this  place  and  Head-Quarters,  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  daily  intelligence,  delivered  in 
their  report  relative  to  the  persons  and  the  terms  on  which 
they  agreed  with  them  to  ride,  &c.  The  same  was  read  and 
agreed  to.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  do.  until  further 
order  of  this  House,  audit  from  time  to  time  the  accounts, 
and  allow  to  Odel,  Michl.  and  John  Crygier, 

each  16s.  per  day  for  performing  the  services  of  post  riders 
from  the  time  of  their  riding  first  commencing,  that  is 
Odel,  from  the  17th  Sept.  last,  Mitchel,  from  the 

18th,  and  John  Cregier  from  the  19th  of  same  month. 

Friday  Afternoon,  Octor.  9th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 
Colo.  Bailey — Gloucester. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston— Albany. 

Mr.  Mills —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris — Tryon. 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

Octo.  19  th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Mr.  Jay — New-York. 
Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Smith-Suffolk. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevort— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 


684 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Colo.  Bailey— Gloucester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sacket,  Capt.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Saratoga,  Octr. 
16th,  containing  the  intelligence  of  the  destruction  of  our 
fleet  on  Champlain,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing : 

"Saratoga  Octr.  16lh,  1776,  ) 
t>  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  ) 
"  Sir — By  a  letter  from  Generals  Gates  and  Arnold,  I 
am  advised  of  the  total  destruction  of  our  fleet  on  Lake 
Champlain,  and  that  it  is  beyond  doubt  that  the  enemy  mean 
to  attack  our  army  at  Ticonderoga.  I  have  written  to  Gene- 
ral Ten  Broeck  to  march  up  the  militia  under  his  command, 
and  I  have  also  applied  to  that  of  the  neighbouring  States. 
General  Gates  wishes  to  be  sustained  by  an  army  of  10  or 
12,000  of  them.  It  is  certainly  of  the  highest  importance 
that  all  the  militia  that  can  be  spared  should  march  up 
without  delay,  either  to  support  General  Gates,  if  there 
should  be  time,  or  to  cover  his  retreat  should  he  be  re- 
duced to  the  necessity  of  quitting  his  ground ;  and  I  must 
therefore  intreat  your  aid.  Permit  me  to  suggest  that  I 
believe  the  Convention's  moving  to  Albany  would  be  at- 
tended with  good  consequences. 

"  I  am  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  obt.  hble.  servt, 

"PHIL.  SCHUYLER. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Abm.  Yates,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Convention." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  said  letter  be  sent  to  Congress 
and  General  Washington  by  express. 

A  letter  from  the  marine  committee  of  the  Continent, 
dated  the  12th  inst.  signed  by  John  Hancock,  Robert  Mor- 
ris and  seven  others,  was  read,  relative  to  the  safety  of  the 
Continental  ships  building  at  Poughkeepsie. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  immediately  transmit- 
ted to  the  superintendent  there. 

A  letter  from  Govr.  Morris,  dated  at  Boonton,  13th  Octr. 
1776,  assigning  reasons  for  his  non-attendance,  and  en- 
closing a  letter  from  Treasurer  Lott,  dated  the  9th  inst.  as- 
signing the  reasons  for  his  non-attendance,  with  his  ac- 
counts agreeable  to  order,  [was  received  and  read.] 

A  letler  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esqr.  dated  the  17th  inst. 
directed  to  Mr.  Duer  of  the  committee  of  intelligence,  was 
read. 

General  Bailey  had  leave  of  absence. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Luddington  deliver  the  19  guns 
taken  from  the  disaffected  persons,  to  James  Weeks,  who 
is  requested  to  keep  them  in  his  care  till  further  order. 

Mr.  Contine  delivered  in  the  muster  roll  of  Capt.  De- 
wit's  company  of  Ulster  county  rangers,  and  requested 
the  remainder  of  the  bounty.    Ordered  to  be  paid. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  muster  roll  be  leferred  to  the 
Auditor-General  to  be  first  audited. 

A  petition  of  Christian  Colles  for  £40  or  £50,  to  ena- 
ble him  to  set  up  his  wire  works,  was  read. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Moore  for  ammunition  for 
the  Tryon  county  rangers.    Nothing  done  thereon. 

Resolutions  to  appoint  acommitiee  to  proceed  to  Albany 
and  concert  measures  with  Genl.  Schuyler  for  the  defence 
of  the  northern  frontier  of  this  State,  was  read  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

In  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York,  > 
Fishkill,  Odor.  19th,  1776  $ 
Whereas,  information  has  been  received  by  this  com- 
mittee from  the  Honble.  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  command- 
ing the  Continental  army  in  the  northern  department,  of 
the  total  destruction  of  our  fleet  on  Lake  Champlain,  and 
that  it  is  beyond  doubt  that  the  enemy  mean  to  attack  our 
army  now  at  Ticonderoga:  And  whereas  it  is  of  the  ut- 
most importance  to  the  safety  of  this  State,  and  to  the  ge 


neral  cause  of  America,  that  the  legislative  authority  of  this 
Slate  should  make  the  most  vigorous  and  decisive  exer- 
tions for  repelling  the  progress  of  the  enemy's  arms,  and 
for  preserving  the  lives,  liberty  and  property  of  the  good 
people  of  this  Slate,  from  falling  a  sacrifice  to  a  tyran- 
nical, merciless  and  savage  enemy  :  And  whereas  the 
Convention  of  this  State  did  on  the  15th  inst.  appoint  out 
of  their  body,  a  Committee  of  Safety,  with  full  powers  to 
transact  all  such  business,  and  exercise  such  authority  as 
should  more  immediately  concern  the  safety  of  this  State  : 
Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  forthwith  appointed  to 
repair  to  the  cily  of  Albany,  in  order  to  cooperate  with 
Major-General  Schuyler  on  devising  and  carrying  into  ex- 
ecution all  such  measures  as  they  shall  deem  most  effec- 
tual for  repelling  the  invasion  of  the  enemy's  army  on  the 
northern  and  western  frontiers  of  this  Slate,  and  that  for 
this  purpose,  they  be  invested  with  full  powers  to  call  out 
the  whole,  or  any  part  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  of 
Tryon,  Charlotte,  Cumberland,  Gloucester  and  Albany,  to 
such  place  or  places  as  they  shall  think  proper  and  ne- 
cessary. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  with  the  detach- 
ment of  his  militia  now  at  the  house  of  Jno.  Carpenter,  in 
Chailotte  precinct,  postpone  his  march  till  such  time  as  he 
shall  receive  orders  from  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York,  for  the  purpose  of 
inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies 
formed  in  the  State  of  New-York  against  the  liberties  of 
America. 

Resolved,  That  the  colonels  of  all  the  regiments  of  mi- 
litia, or  in  their  absence,  the  next  commanding  officer  in 
Ulster  county  be  forthwith  ordered  to  hold  their  regiments 
in  readiness  with  three  days'  provisions,  to  march  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  men  of  the  militia  so 
called  out,  shall  be  entitled  to  Continental  pay  and  rations 
during  the  time  they  are  actually  in  service. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
committees  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Gloucester,  Charlotte  and 
Cumberland,  to  give  all  possible  aid  to  the  commanding 
officers  of  their  respective  militia,  in  calling  out  and  equip- 
ping the  said  militia,  and  that  the  said  committees  do  car- 
ry into  execution  all  such  other  measures  as  to  them  shall 
be  recommended  by  the  committee  hereafter  named. 

Resolved,  That  Brigr.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Evert 
Bancker,  Jacob  Cuyler,  John  Bleecker,  John  Taylor, 
James  Duane,  Robt  R.  Livingston,  Robert  Yates,  Chris- 
topher Yates,  John  Ten  Broeck,  Volkert  Veder  and  Wm. 
Harper,  Esqrs.  be  the  committee  for  the  purpose  of  car- 
rying into  execution  the  above  resolutions  ;  and  that  any 
four  of  them  with  a  chairman  be  a  quorum. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-General 
Schuyler,  inclosing  him  a  copy  of  those  resolutions;  and 
that  copies  of  the  same  be  immediately  transmitted  to  the 
committees  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Gloucester,  Cumberland 
and  Charlotte,  and  to  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esq.  who  is 
earnestly  requested  to  proceed  to  Albany,  and  to  give  no- 
tice to  the  other  gentlemen  above  mentioned  of  their  ap- 
pointment. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  Octr.  [9th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates — Mbany. 
Genl.  Bailey—  Gloucester. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr. — Ulster. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 
Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 
Major.  Webster— Charlotte. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Contine, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


6S5 


Ordered,  That  Robert  Boyd,  chairman  of  Ulster  county, 
pay  unto  Capt.  Jacob  R.  Dewitl  the  remaining  half  of  the 
bounty  due  to  his  company,  out  of  the  money  in  his 
hands. 

Ordered,  That  each  member  be  allowed  to  take  one  of 
the  guns  now  at  Capt.  Weeks's  for  his  own  present  use 
out  of  those  19  delivered  there  by  Colo.  Luddenton. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sacket  be  requested  to  send  up  a 
box  of  catridges  to  this  place,  out  of  the  store  at  the  land- 
ing. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Van  Cortland  and  Mr.  Wisner  be 
authorized  to  impress  as  many  pickaxes,  stubbing  hoes, 
spades  or  shovels,  or  any  other  intrenching  tools  that  may 
be  wanted  at  the  works  at  or  near  Peekskill,  in  the  High- 
lands, they  paying  the  value  thereof,  or  returning  the  same 
to  the  proprietors. 

Resolved,  That  the  colonels  of  all  the  regiments  of 
militia,  or  in  their  absence,  the  next  commanding  officer  in 
Ulster  county,  be  forthwith  ordered  to  hold  their  regiments 
in  readiness,  with  three  days'  provisions,  to  march  at  a 
moment's  warning. 


MONDAY  MORNING. 

21st  Octr.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Colo.  Allison—  Orange. 

Colo.  Livingston ,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Jllbany. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris— Tryon. 

Major  Landon,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 

Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Colo.  Duer,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Duer,  seconded  by  Mr.  Gansevoort,  moved  that  the 
Secretaries  be  ordered  to  postpone  ihe  printing  and  publish- 
ing of  the  salt  and  tea  resolves,  which  were  agreed  to  in 
this  Committee  on  the  as  the  Committee  of  Safety 

did  not  then  consist  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to 
determine  any  reports  which  had  originated  in  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 
carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  seconded  by  Mr.  Wm.  Duer,  moved 
that  the  printing  and  publication  of  the  resolves  relative  to 
salt  and  tea  be  postponed  for  further  consideration. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretaries  do  postpone  the  publica- 
tions of  the  said  resolves  till  further  orders. 

A  certificate  of  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker,  Deputy  Treasu- 
rer, in  the  words  following,  was  read  : 

"  I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  pay  roll  of  Captain  Jacob 
Rutzen  De  Witt's  company,  amounting  to  five  hundred  and 
ten  pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  six  pence  half-penny, 
has  been  by  me  carefully  examined,  that  the  amount  of  it  as 
now  corrected  is  right.  That  he  has  produced  to  me  a  certifi- 
cate of  his  and  his  lieutenants,  having  taken  the  oath  prescrib- 
ed by  a  resolution  of  Convention  of  the  23rd  July  last,  to  be 
taken  previous  to  his  receiving  his  pay ;  and  that  the  char- 
ges for  pay  and  subsistence  are  in  his  said  roll,  made  agree- 
able to  the  aforesaid  resolution. 

"GERARD  BANCKER. 

"FUhkill,  21st  October,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Jacob  Rutzen  Dewit,  the  remaining  half  bounty  due  to  his 
company  of  rangers  raised  in  Ulster  county  ;  as  also  the 
sum  of  £510  17s.  6^d.  for  pay  and  subsistence,  agreea- 
ble to  the  muster  roll  of  the  said  company,  as  by  Mr. 
Bancker  examined  and  certified  this  day  to  be  right. 

172 


An  account  of  Petrus  Bogardus  against  the  Continent, 
for  transporting  with  his  sloop  Capt.  Daniel  Runnels'  com- 
pany of  80  men,  of  Colo.  Tash's  regiment  of  troops  in 
Continental  service,  from  Fishkill  in  Dutches  county,  to  the 
works  at  Red  Hook  on  Hudson  river,  with  their  baggage, 
which  account  amounts  to  £4,  was  produced  and  read. 

A  certificate  of  Capt.  Daniel  Runnels  that  80  men  and 
their  baggage  had  been  transported  in  the  said  sloop  from 
Fishkill  to  Red  Hook  aforesaid,  was  also  read,  and  it  ap- 
peared to  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the  said  sloop  was 
engaged  and  taken  up  to  transport  the  said  troops  at  the  re- 
quest of  two  of  the  field  officers  of  that  regiment,  who 
were  then  present,  and  from  necessity  for  despatch  and  be- 
cause they  found  that  part  of  the  regiment  too  much  fatigu- 
ed to  march  through  the  Highlands.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Petrus  Bogardus,  or  his  order,  the  sum  £4,  taking 
his  receipt  for  the  same,  and  that  the  Treasurer  charge 
the  same  to  Continental  account. 

"  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  from  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  muster  rolls  of  the  different  corps  of  rangers 
in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Tryon  and  Charlotte,  beg  leave 
to  lay  before  this  Committee  of  Safety,  the  following  facts. 

"  That  on  the  23d  of  July  1776,  the  Convention  ordered 
the  raising  of  a  number  of  rangers  in  the  several  aforesaid 
counties,  the  officers  and  men  on  Continental  pay,  the  cap- 
tain 16s.  the  lieutenant  14s.  and  each  non-commissioned 
officer  and  private  10s.  a  week  in  lieu  of  all  subsistence, 
with  an  addition  of  a  bounty  of  $25,  to  each  non-commis- 
sioned officer  and  private.  That  the  officers  and  privates 
were  to  furnish  themselves  with  one  good  musket  or  fire- 
lock, powder  horn,  bullet  pouch,  tomahawk,  blanket  and 
knapsack,  one-half  the  bounty  to  be  paid  to  every  able 
bodied  man  when  he  shall  pass  muster,  the  other  half  to 
be  remitted  by  this  Convention  to  the  said  respective  coun- 
ty committees,  to  be  by  them  issued  to  the  captain  of  their 
respective  companies  and  immediately  distributed  to  the 
men. 

"  That  the  officers  before  they  receive  their  warrant,  take 
an  oath  before  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee  from 
whence  he  is  recommended,  that  he  will  once  in  every 
month,  or  as  soon  after  the  expiration  of  any  month  as 
possible,  transmit  to  the  Convention,  or  future  Legislature 
of  this  State,  a  muster  roll  of  the  names  of  every  officer  and 
private  under  his  command,  and  the  respective  times  of 
their  enlistment  and  service.  Your  committee  on  perusing 
the  returns  find  that  it  does  not  appear  that  the  officers  have 
been  qualified  agreeable  to  the  said  resolve,  nor  does  it  ap- 
pear as  it  ought  to  do,  that  either  the  officers  or  men  have 
furnished  themselves  with  a  musket  or  firelock,  powder- 
horn,  bullet  pouch  and  tomahawk,  blanket  and  knapsack. 

"  Notwithstanding  which  your  committee  beg  leave  to 
suggest,  that  from  the  dangers  this  State  is  in  from  our  ex- 
ternal as  well  as  internal  enemies,  and  the  great  usefulness 
of  the  rangers  to  this  State  if  they  are  diligent  and  faith- 
ful, it  would  be  imprudent  if  not  dangerous,  to  defer  the 
payment  of  the  bounty,  subsistence  and  pay  to  the  ran- 
gers, and  therefore  propose  the  following  resolve. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  £600  be  remitted  to  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  £1,900  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Tryon,  and  £600  to  the  commit- 
tee of  the  county  of  Charlotte,  to  enable  them  to  discharge 
the  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  sucli  able  bodied  men 
enlisted  in  the  rangers  furnished,  and  accoutred  agreeable 
to  the  aforesaid  resolve.  The  county  committee  of  each 
of  those  counties  to  be  accountable  to  the  Convention,  or 
future  Legislature  of  this  State  for  the  expenditure  of  those 
moneys,  and  to  return  complete  accounts  of  the  expendi- 
ture and  disbursements  thereof,  as  particular  and  expedi- 
tiously as  possible,  therein  distinguishing  between  bounty 
pay  and  subsistence  ;  and  that  it  be  recommended  to  the 
several  committees,  that  none  of  these  moneys  be  paid  to 
either  officers  or  men,  until  a  proper  muster  roll  be  made 
out  under  the  oaths  of  the  captain  or  commanding  officer 


086 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


and  other  officers  of  eacli  company,  if  not  already  sworn 
before  their  receipt  of  their  warrants,  that  so  many  able 
bodied  men  are  enlisted  and  accoutred  in  each  company  in 
this  manner  aforesaid. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  several  committees  be  furnished 
with  copies  of  the  aforegoing  report  and  resolves." 

Which  report  being  agreed  to,  it  was, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
John  Moore,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  £.'1,900,  to  be  by  him  re- 
mitted to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  for  the  purpose 
of  paying  off  the  remaining  half  of  the  bounty,  and  one 
month's  pay  and  subsistence  to  the  three  companies  of  ran- 
gers raised  in  the  said  county,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  the  said  committee  to  be 
accountable  for  the  expenditure  of  the  same. 

Monday  Afternoon,  Octor.  21st,  1776. 
Present — Colo.  Livingston,  President. 
Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Paris — Tryon. 
Major  Schenk,  Major  Landon — Dutches- 
Colo-  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Peter  Van  Ness,  dated  at  Clave- 
rack  the  14th  inst.  enclosing  two  pay  rolls.  The  one  of  a 
detachment  of  Colo.  Livingston's  regiment  of  militia  ;  the 
other  of  a  detachment  of  Colo.  Van  Ness's  regiment  of 
militia,  for  their  service  in  quieting  tories. 

Ordered,  to  be  referred  to  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Lewis  McDonald,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Bedford  in  Westchester  county,  dated  the  19th 
inst.  relative  to  Stephen  Baxter,  Junr.  who  is  now  sent 
under  guard  to  this  Committee,  by  order  of  said  committee 
of  Bedford,  charged  with  having  rescued  a  prisoner,  and 
also  disarming  and  otherwise  abusing  Isaac  Smith. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  together  with  the  priso- 
ner, be  referred  to  the  committee  for  inquiring  into  and 
defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Octor.  22nd,  L776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present— Colo.  Livingston,  Prest. 
Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 
Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  "Webster— Charlotte- 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevort,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner—  Ulster. 
Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Capt.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Capt.  Samuel  Tuder  one  of  the  superintendents  of  the 
Continental  frigates  building  at  Poughkeepsie,  attending, 
informed  the  Committee  that  the  said  frigates  were  by  the 
Honourable  the  Continental  Congress,  ordered  to  be  launch- 
ed as  soon  as  possible,  that  one  if  not  both  of  them  will  be 
ready  to  be  launched  in  a  few  days,  but  that  they  are  at 
present  destitute  of  anchors  and  cables.  Capt.  Tuder 
therefore  requests  that  he  may  be  furnished  with  an  order 
on  the  person  at  the  landing  at  Fishkill,  for  the  loan  of 
such  anchors,  cables  and  other  stores  belonging  to  and  ta- 
ken out  of  the  vessels  sunk  at  Fort  Washington,  as  may 
be  necessarily  required  in  the  launching  of  the  said  fri- 
gates. Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  person  who  hath  the  charge  of  the 
anchors,  cables  and  other  stores  at  Fishkill  landing,  and 
which  were  taken  from  on  board  the  vessels  now  sunk  at 
Mount  Washington,  deliver  to  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  or  his 
order,  such  of  the  said  anchors,  cables  or  other  stores  as 
he  may  require  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  frigates 


building  at  Poughkeepsie,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Colo.  John  Field  having  declined  the  business  of  supe- 
rintending the  repairing  of  the  roads  in  the  Highlands,  to 
which  he  was  appointed  on  the  5th  inst.  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Dirck  Brinckerhoff,  be  and  is 
hereby  appointed  in  the  place  of  Colo.  John  Field,  to  su- 
perintend the  repairing  of  the  road  in  the  Highlands,  with 
the  same  powers  and  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
5th  inst. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  Henry 
Wyckoff  declining  the  purchasing  of  clothing  for  the  troops 
agreeable  to  the  resolution  of  the  day  of 

and  that  Mr.  Paul  Schenk  is  willing  to  undertake  that  ser- 
vice, and  has  already  purchased  sundry  articles  for  that 
purpose  to  the  amount  of  £250. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Paul  Schenk  be  and  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed in  the  room  of  Henry  Wykoff,  to  purchase  clothing 
for  and  on  account  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  for  the 
purposes  of  furnishing  the  troops  in  service  with  clothing, 
and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  do  advance  to  the  said 
Paul  Schenk  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  £100,  which  was 
ordered  by  the  said  resolutions  to  be  paid  to  the  said  Henry 
Wyckoff,  and  the  further  sum  of  £200,  for  the  same  pur- 
pose, for  which  three  hundred  pounds  the  said  Paul  Schenk 
is  to  be  accountable. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esqr.  to  the  committee 
of  correspondence,  requesting  an  immediate  supply  of  flour 
for  the  Continental  army,  was  received  and  read.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Schenk  and  Dirck  Jansen, 
Esqrs.  or  their  agents,  jointly  and  severally  be  directed  to 
forward  by  water  towards  the  Continental  army  in  West- 
chester county,  with  all  possible  expedition,  all  the  flour 
they  can  procure ;  and  for  that  purpose  that  they  be  im- 
powered  to  hire  or  impress  vessels,  boats,  wagons  and 
horses,  teams  and  every  other  carriage,  and  to  employ 
such  persons  under  them  as  they  may  think  best  calcu- 
lated to  execute  this  order  with  the  utmost  expedition;  and 
further  that  they  be  authorized  to  pledge  the  public  faith 
for  the  payment  of  such  vessels,  boats,  &c.  at  an  appraised 
value,  as  may  through  an  unforseen  accident  fall  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Traverse  at  Peekskill  Land- 
ing, be  empowered  and  directed  to  receive  all  flour  which 
shall  be  sent  down  at  or  near  Peekskill  Landing,  for  the 
use  of  the  army  in  Westchester  county,  that  he  give  re- 
ceipts to  the  different  boatmen  for  the  cargoes  they  bring, 
and  take  receipts  of  every  teamster  for  the  loads  he  car- 
ries. 

Resolved,  That  the  Quarter-Master-General  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  or  his  agents,  be  empowered  to  impress  in 
the  counties  of  Dutches  and  Westchester,  drivers,  horses, 
wagons,  horse  teams,  ox  carts,  and  every  other  carriage 
which  may  be  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  use  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  paying  for  the  same  the  usual  prices. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  forthwith 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  and  to 
Brigadier-General  Mifflin,  Quarter-Master-General  of  the 
Continental  army. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  one  of  the 
secret  committee  directed  to  be  sent  down  with  the  utmost 
despatch  to  Fort  Montgomery,  with  such  parts  of  the  chain 
as  is  fixed  in  the  logs,  and  that  Mr.  Henry  Wisner,  Junr. 
cooperate  with  him  in  carrying  this  measure  into  execution 
in  the  most  safe  and  expeditious  manner  possible. 

Capt.  Saml.  Tudor,  one  of  the  superintendents  of  the 
building  the  Continental  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie,  informed 
the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the  said  superintendents  have 
lately  received  a  raft  of  timber  for  which  they  are  indebted, 
and  daily  expect  some  other  rafts  of  timber  for  which  they 
are  to  pay  ready  money.  That  the  said  superintendents 
have  also  some  other  accounts  to  discharge,  are  at  present 
destitute  of  money,  and  cannot  obtain  a  supply  from  the 
Treasurer  of  the  marine  committee. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


G87 


Mr.  Tuder  therefore  on  behalf  of  the  said  superinten- 
dents, requested  an  advance  or  a  loan  of  £600. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Capt.  Samuel  Tudor  as  one  of  the  superintendents,  on  his 
receipt,  the  sum  of  £600,  and  charge  the  same  to  Conti- 
nental account. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  certificates  of 
the  committee  of  Walkill  on  the  17th  inst.  reported  that 
Henry  Wisner,  Junr.  and  Moses  Phillips,  had  erected  a 
powder  mill  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  had  the  same 
completed  on  the  20lh  day  of  May  last  past,  and  agree- 
able to  the  resolves  made  the  16th  day  of  March,  1776,  are 
entitled  to  receive  the  sum  of  £100;  as  also  the  loan  of 
£1000  for  two  years  without  interest,  provided  they  com- 
ply agreeable  to  the  resolves  made  for  that  purpose. 

On  reading  of  which  it  was, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  Hen- 
ry Wisner,  Junr.  Esq.  the  sum  of  £100,  as  a  premium 
for  budding  a  powder  mill  in  Ulster  county,  pursuant  to 
the  resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  Octor.  22d,  1776. 
The  Committee  met. 

Present — Colo.  Livingston,  President. 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 
Col.  Allison—  Orange. 

Mr.  Yaies,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Wisner,  Junr — Ulster. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

A  resolution  of  the  committee  appointed  for  inquiring, 
&c.  all  conspiracies,  &c.  dated  this  day,  requesting  the  ad- 
vance of  £500  for  the  public  service,  [was  received.] 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  the 
order  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  de- 
feating all  conspiracies  formed  in  the  said  State  against  the 
liberties  of  America,  the  sum  of  £500,  to  be  accounted 
for  by  the  said  committee  to  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Miflin,  Quarter-Master-General,  dat- 
ed the  19th  inst.  at  Mount  Washington,  directed  to  Mr. 
Duer,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Keene,  assistant  quarter-master- 
general,  be  authorized  to  impress  and  take  possession  of  any 
out  buildings  in  this  neigbourhood  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing the  Continental  stores,  he  paying  a  reasonable  price 
for  the  use  of  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  letters  be  written  to  the  committee  of 
Ulster  and  Orange  and  Dutches  counties,  requesting  them 
to  send  all  the  carpenters  and  masons  that  can  be  procured 
in  their  respective  counties  to  Fishkill,  and  that  they  en- 
gage them  on  the  lowest  terms  possible. 

A  letter  from  Elisha  Avery  at  Albany,  and  a  recommen- 
dation from  the  committee  of  Albany,  subjoined  on  the 
back,  requesting  the  assistance  of  Convention  to  forward 
flour  for  the  northern  army,  referred  to  Col.  Brasher  and 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Jona.  Hasbrouck,  enclosing  a  list  of 
disaffected  persons  in  his  regiment  of  militia,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  and  list  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  inquire  into,  &c.  all  conspiracies,  &c. 

A  letter  from  Kerr,  and  others  in  Orange  county  rela- 
tive to  Gale,  Tredwell  and  Ludlam,  and  a  request  that 
they  may  not  be  sent  off,  was  read  and  referred  to  the 
same  committee. 

A  letter  from  Jos.  Thomas,  Junr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Westchester,  accompanying  all  the  prisoners 
from  White  Plains  jail  to  this  place,  was  referred  to  the 
committee  of  conspiracies. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 


the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany  the  sum  of  £600, 
and  also  advance  to  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte the  sum  of  £600,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  off  the 
remaining  half  of  the  bounty,  and  one  month's  pay  and  sub- 
sistence of  the  companies  of  rangers  raised  in  the  said 
counties  respectively,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State.  The  said  committees  to  be  ac- 
countable for  the  expenditure  of  the  sums  received  by  them 
respectively. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out  and  dated  the 
1st  of  August,  for  Jacob  Deronde,  capt.;  Isaac  Coe,  1st. 
lieut. ;  John  Coe,  2nd.  lieut.  ;  Abm.  Underdonk,  capt.  ; 
John  Gardner,  1st.  lieut. ;  Roger  Ashburn,  2nd.  lieut.;  in 
Colo.  Isaac  Nichol's  regiment. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

Octo.  23rd,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Brasher— New- York. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

A  letter  from  the  Committee  of  Albany,  dated  Octor. 
was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  21st  Octor.  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  consequence  of  a  request  from  his 
honor  General  Schuyler,  desiring  the  aid  of  our  mili- 
tia, we  have  in  conjunction  with  Brigadier-General  Ten 
Broeck,  issued  out  orders  for  their  immediate  march  to 
Fort  Edward  ;  a  part  of  the  militia  have  already  marched 
and  the  remainder  are  making  preparations  to  follow  them, 
but  not  with  that  alacrity  which  the  present  alarming  situa- 
tion of  our  affairs  in  this  quarter  requires. 

"  Every  district  in  this  county  is  crowded  with  disaffected 
persons ;  the  woods  are  full  of  them,  and  notwithstanding 
every  effort  that  has  been  made  by  our  militia,  and  the  ran- 
gers to  apprehend  them,  they  still  have  eluded  our  search ; 
this  county  besides  is  full  of  slaves,  who  probably  may 
already  have  been  tampered  with,  and  all  our  friends  be- 
ing ordered  off,  may  join  with  the  disaffected  in  the  abuse 
or  destruction  of  our  wives,  our  children  and  our  effects. 
We  have  just  received  a  letter  from  one  of  your  body  to 
his  honor  Genl.  Schuyler,  which  mentions  that  the  whole 
number  of  arms  by  the  last  return  in  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston was  no  more  than  100,  since  which  time  many  have 
been  drawn  by  the  men  drafted  for  the  Highlands,  &c.  and 
that  the  number  of  disaffected  there  is  at  least  three  to  one. 

"  Our  suspected  enemies  in  this  city  are  continually 
drawing  off  in  a  secret  manner  into  the  country,  perhaps 
collecting  together  and  awaiting  the  departure  of  our 
friends  to  fall  upon  the  remainder  of  us.  The  disaffected 
persons  in  the  county  have  proceeded  to  open  acts  of  vio- 
lence ;  they  have  plundered  some  of  our  soldiers  of  their 
arms  on  the  road  in  open  day,  broken  into  the  houses  of 
the  inhabitants  in  the  night  time,  and  robbed  them  of  their 
arms,  ammunition  and  blankets,  and  even  rescued  our  pri- 
soners from  the  hands  of  those  who  were  guarding  them. 

"  Whether  the  militia  of  Tryon  county  are  also  ordered 
off  or  not  we  do  not  know,  but  they  now  hold  themselves  in 
readiness  for  a  march,  and  we  have  reason  to  fear  from  in- 
formation which  we  inclose  that  some  attempt  will  be  made 
to  the  westward,  in  which  case  we  should  have  no  frontier 
on  that  side,  but  remain  entirely  exposed  to  the  undistin- 
guished cruelty  of  the  torturing  savage. 

"  In  this  serious  and  alarming  situation  we  feel  for  our 
distressed  country,  and  would  apply  to  your  Honourable 
House  for  that  aid,  direction  and  assistance  which  your 


688 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  CO 


MMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


wisdom  and  power  may  enable  and  induce  you  to  render 
us.  We  would  wish  you  to  take  into  the  most  attentive 
consideration  this  state  of  facts,  as  every  thing  that  is  dear 
to  us  depends  upon  what  you  determine. 

"  We  would  also  request  you  to  advise  us  whether  it 
would  not  be  necessary  to  have  some  of  our  vessels  ready 
to  sink  in  such  parts  of  Hudson's  river  as  may  effectually 
stop  the  vessels  of  our  enemy  from  proceeding  up  the  ri- 
ver so  as  to  endanger  this  city  or  the  parts  adjacent. 

"  We  shall  despatch  a  guard  to-morrow  with  about  fifty 
prisoners  now  in  custody  here,  to  be  left  to  your  direction 
on  their  arrival  at  Fishkill  Landing.  We  would  also  beg 
leave  to  inform  you  that  we  have  not  arms  even  sufficient 
to  put  in  the  hands  of  our  friends,  and  no  cannon. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servts. 

"  By  order. 
"  JNO.  BARCLAY,  Chairman  p.  tern. 

"  To  the  Convention  of  the  State 

of  New- York." 

A  deposition  of  Isaac  Peabody  and  Saml.  Allen,  taken 
before  Jons.  Younglove,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Bennington,  dated  Octor.  14th,  1776,  and  a  deposition  of 
Isaac  Peabody,  taken  before  the  same  person,  and  of  the 
same  date,  both  enclosed  in  the  letter  from  the  committee 
of  Albany,  setting  forth  sundry  facts  relative  to  disaffected 
persons  in  that  quarter,  [were  read.] 

Ordered,  That  the  depositions  and  so  much  of  the  com- 
mittee's letter  as  relates  to  them,  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee for  inquiring  into  conspiracies. 

Whereas  Alexander  Stewart  was,  by  order  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  on  the  27th  July  last,  taken  prisoner 
and  ordered  to  be  kept  in  close  custody  till  their  further 
order,  he  declaring  himself  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Great 
Britain  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  inquiring 
into  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be  authorized  to  dispose  of  the 
said  Alexr.  Stewart  (as  a  prisoner  of  war)  in  such  manner 
as  to  them  shall  appear  most  proper. 

Mr.  Gansevoort  came  into  Committee  and  informed, 
that  the  committee  for  inquiring  into  conspiracies  have  so 
much  business  on  hand  that  they  cannot  possibly  take  into 
consideration  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  and 
the  depositions  therein  enclosed.  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany, of  the  21st  inst.  together  with  the  depositions  of 
Isaac  Peabody  and  Saml.  Allen,  received  and  read  this 
morning,  as  also  the  deposition  of  John  Hains,  of  Rumt. 
precinct,  taken  before  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire 
into  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be  referred  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed on  the  19th  inst.  to  repair  to  Albany  in  order  to 
cooperate  with  Major-General  Schuyler  on  devising  and 
carrying  into  execution  all  such  measures  as  they  shall 
deem  most  effectual  for  repelling  the  invasion  of  the  ene- 
my's army  on  the  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  this 
State  ;  who  are  hereby  empowered  and  requested  to  take 
the  same  into  immediate  consideration,  and  pursue  such 
measures  and  give  such  directions  therein  as  to  them  shall 
seem  meet  and  necessary. 

The  memorial  of  Andrew  Bostwick,  an  insolvent  debtor, 
now  confined  in  the  jail  of  Orange  county,  was  presented  to 
the  House,  setting  forth  that  he  has  been  confined  for  near 
18  months,  notwithstanding  all  his  efforts  to  accomplish  a 
settlement  with  his  creditors,  and  from  the  calamity  of  the 
times  cut  off  from  all  hopes  of  obtaining  his  liberty  ;  that 
in  his  present  confinement  he  has  it  not  in  his  power  to 
mend  his  circumstances,  but  that  they  must  of  necessity 
be  daily  growing  worse,  and  praying  for  such  speedy  re- 
lief as  the  nature  and  necessity  of  the  case  requires. 

Resolved,  That  the  sheriff  of  Orange  county  do  release 
the  said  Andrew  Bostwick  from  confinement  on  his  giving 
to  the  said  sheriff  sufficient  security,  by  bond  or  otherwise, 
to  be  forthcoming  at  the  expiration  of  nine  months  from 
the  time  of  taking  such  security. 


Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  of  Orange  county  be  furnish- 
ed with  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolve. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  came  into  Committee  and  in- 
formed, that  he  is  called  upon  by  sundry  persons  who  have 
demands  on  the  commissioners  who  were  appointed  to  su- 
perintend the  erecting  of  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands, 
as  also  on  the  secret  committee  for  obstructing  the  naviga- 
tion on  Hudson's  river,  and  requests  money  to  enable  him 
to  discharge  those  demands.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  and  Colo.  Thomas  Palmer  the 
sum  of  £500,  to  enable  them  to  pay  sundry  demands 
brought  in  against  them  as  commissioners  for  superintend- 
ing the  erecting  the  fortifications  in  the  Highlands ;  they 
to  be  accountable  for  the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  secret  committee  for 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  the  sum  of 
£1,000,  and  take  his  receipt  to  account  for  the  expenditure 
thereof. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Elisha  Avery,  in  answer  to  his  re- 
ceived yesterday,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  > 
"  Fishkill,  Octr.  23rd,  1776.  ) 

"  Sir — We  have  received  yours  without  date,  and  an 
endorsement  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  20th 
inst.  respecting  flour. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  an  application  hath 
been  made  to  us  from  the  southern  army,  for  all  the 
flour  we  can  procure  in  this  quarter.  We  shall  write  to 
the  committee  of  Albany  to  assist  you  in  that  county.  Mr. 
Schenk  who  is  employed  to  purchase  flour,  informs  us  that 
he  hath  sent  up  to  Albany  upwards  of  500  barrels,  which 
we  hope  you  have  received.  That  quantity,  with  what 
your  agents  may  have  procured,  will,  we  trust,  be  some  re- 
lief for  the  present ;  in  the  mean  time,  in  proportion  to  Mr. 
Schenk's  success,  we  shall  attend  to  the  demands  of  the 
two  departments,  and  remain,  sir, 

"  Your  most  hble.  servants, 

'*  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  Elisha  Avery,  D.  Q.  Genl.  Albany." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  was  also 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
for  the  State  of  N.  York,  > 
"  Fishkill,  Octr.  23rd,  1776.  S 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  a  letter  from  Elisha 
Avery,  deputy  quarter-master-general,  respecting  flour. 
Wc  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  an  application  hath  been 
made  to  us  for  all  we  can  procure  for  the  southern  depart- 
ment ;  we  therefore  request  that  you  will  give  all  the 
assistance  in  your  power  to  Mr.  Avery,  to  enable  him  to 
procure  a  supply.  We  have  employed  proper  persons  to 
purchase  all  they  can,  and  we  must  govern  ourselves  by 
their  success.  The  consumption  of  flour  is  great ;  the 
difficulty  in  procuring  it  arises  from  a  want  of  water,  which 
prevents  grinding.  Mr.  Schenk  has  sent  up  500  and  odd 
barrels,  which  we  hope  Mr.  Avery  has  received,  which 
with  the  quantity  he  may  have  procured,  will  be  a  relief 
for  the  present. 

"Your  letter  of  the  21st,  enclosing  the  depositions  of 
Peabody  and  Allen,  is  this  moment  delivered  to  us.  This 
Committee  have  referred  them  to  the  committee  of  this 
House,  which  now  sit  at  Albany,  who  are  empowered  to 
take  such  steps  in  it,  as  they  may  think  necessary. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  To  the  Committee  at  Albany." 

Wednesday,  P.  M.  Octr.  23rd,  1776. 
The  Committee  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Col.  Brasher — AVu>-3'o?fc. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


689 


Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Abra.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgatc — Albany. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon- 

The  petition  of  Henry  Dawkins,  a  prisoner,  was  read, 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  petitions  of  William  Watkins,  Saml.  Wilson,  John 
Levericke,  and  John  Reed,  prisoners  and  disaffected  per- 
sons, were  severally  read. 

Ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  conspiracies. 

A  letter  from  John  Coe,  deputy  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee on  the  south  side  the  mountains  in  Orange  county, 
enclosing  a  deposition  of  Peter  Smith,  against  Jno.  Larie, 
and  the  examination  of  John  Larie,  was  read,  and  referred 
to  the  committee  of  conspiracies. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

24th  Octr.  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Newkirk— -Tryon. 

Mr.  Mills,  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. —  Westchester. 
The  Dutch  church  being  necessarily  occupied  by  a  large 
guard,  and  a  number  of  prisoners,  and  the  other  church 
being  at  present  occupied  as  a  Continental  store  house,  the 
committee  for  want  of  a  convenient  place  for  their  recep- 
tion, and  no  pressing  business  appearing,  adjourned  until  six 
o'clock  this  evening. 

P.  M.  Octor.  24th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  in  a  chamber  at  Weeks's 
tavern. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Abm.  Yates,  Wm.  Smith,  Abm.  Brasher,  Jonn.  Langdon,  Henry 
Schenk,  Mat.  Adgate,  Z.  Piatt,  Jedediah  Mills,  Wm.  Duer,  Mr.  New- 
kirk, Esquires. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  be  authorized 
and  directed  to  purchase  8,000  bushels  of  wheat  for  the 
use  of  the  Continental  army,  on  the  most  reasonable  terms 
possible,  not  exceeding  6s.  6d.  per  bushel ;  and  that  he 
return  the  names  of  every  person  or  persons  who  may  re- 
fuse to  part  with  their  wheat  at  that  price  to  this  Commit- 
tee, or  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  be  directed  to 
use  the  utmost  expedition  in  sending  down  the  above 
wheat  to  the  mills  of  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  at  Peekskill,  and 
at  Croten  river. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  be  directed  to  keep 
both  his  mills  constantly  at  work,  night  and  day,  in  mak- 
ing flour  for  the  Continental  army. 

Whereas  most  of  the  coopers  belonging  to  this  State 
are  at  present  engaged  as  soldiers  in  the  service,  in  con- 
sequence of  which  it  is  impracticable  to  find  sufficient 
casks  for  supplying  flour  to  the  southern  and  northern  ar- 
mies without  aid  obtained  from  the  army  : 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  be 
requested  to  send  three  coopers  to  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt's 
mills  at  Croten  river  and  Peekskill,  and  seventeen  to  this 
place,  in  order  that  they  may  be  employed  under  the  di- 
rection of  this  Committee  in  making  flour  casks  with  the 
utmost  expedition. 

And  whereas  it  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  the 
public  cause,  that  there  should  be  no  delay  in  manufactur- 
ing flour  for  the  use  of  the  army  under  General  Washing- 
ton : 

Resolved,  That  all  the  millers,  packers,  coopers,  team- 

173 


sters,  boatmen  and  other  labourers  employed  by  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt  in  transporting  the  above  mentioned  wheat  to  his 
mills  and  in  manufacturing  the  same,  be  exempted  from  mili- 
tary duty  of  any  kind  whatsoever,  and  that  his  teams  be 
not  subject  to  be  impressed  till  further  order  from  this 
Committee  or  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Schenk  informed  the  Committee  that  he  could  im- 
mediately purchase  100  bags  for  the  purpose  of  trans- 
porting wheat  to  the  mills  employed  to  grind  flour  for  the 
troops. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  be  directed  to 
purchase  said  bags,  and  that  he  cause  each  of  them  to  be 
marked  C.  A. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  James  Clinton  at  Fort  Montgo- 
mery, be  requested  to  grant  a  furlough  to  Silvanus  Scow- 
field  in  Capt.  Darley's  company,  for  the  purpose  of  as- 
sisting in  making  flour  casks  for  the  Continental  army ; 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  send  up  to  this  place  as  many 
other  coopers  as  he  can  possibly  spare  from  his  garrison, 
it  being  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  a  quantity  of  flour 
should  be  immediately  sent  down  to  the  army  under  the 
command  of  Genl.  Washington. 

Ordered,  That  Genl.  James  Clinton  be  furnished  with 
a  copy  of  this  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  the  Quarter-Master-General  or  his 
agent  at  Fishkill,  be  requested  to  supply  Henry  Schenk, 
Esqr.  with  as  many  6d.  nails  as  he  can  possibly  spare, 
there  being  no  nails  of  that  kind  to  be  purchased  in  this 
State. 

Mr.  Schenk  informed  the  Committee  that  there  are  six 
poor  women  with  their  children  from  the  city  of  New- 
York,  for  whom  he  can  procure  no  lodgings  at  or  near 
this  place,  and  desires  that  they  might  be  sent  to  the  com- 
mittee of  New-Windsor  to  be  provided  for. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Schenk  be  authorized  and  directed 
to  send  the  above  persons  to  the  committee  aforesaid  to  be 
disposed  of  and  maintained  by  the  said  committee  in  the 
same  manner  with  the  other  persons  sent  to  that  place. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  these  resolutions  be  sent  by 
express  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

25th  Octr.  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vicc-Prest. 

Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith.  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  Ebenr.  Hazard,  Esqr.  postmaster,  be 
requested  to  forward  to  the  Convention  or  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  State,  as  often  as  he  may  be  able  to  pro- 
cure the  same,  all  the  public  newspapers  of  the  States  of 
Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey,  (printed  by  Mr.  Gaine,)  Con- 
necticut, (printed  at  New-Haven,  say  New  London,)  and 
Massachusetts,  (printed  at  Boston  ;)  and  that  Mr.  Hazard 
be  requested  to  procure  for  the  use  of  the  Convention,  or 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  all  those  papers  here- 
tofore printed  or  which  may  hereafter  be  printed,  and 
which  contain  the  plans  or  forms  of  government  publish- 
ed in  the  different  States  of  America  ;  and  that  the  Con- 
vention or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  will  provide 
for  the  payment  of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  transmit  a  copy  hereof  to 
Mr.  Hazard  by  the  first  opportunity. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  Colo.  Snyder's  offi- 
cers agreeable  to  his  return  received  and  read  this  day,  and 


690 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


dated  at  Fort  Montgomery  ;  that  they  be  signed  by  Mr. 
Yates,  the  late  President,  and  that  the  date  be  left  blank  to 
be  filled  up  by  Colo.  Snyder  ;  that  Colo.  Allison  draft  a 
letter  to  Colo.  Snyder  informing  him  that  be  first 

Captain. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  Ward,  Esqr.  relative  to  the  con- 
struction of  the  resolution  respecting  hides,  was  read. 

Friday  Afternoon,  Octr.  25th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 
Present— Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Try  on 
Major  Lockwood —  Westchester. 

Mr.  James  Weeks,  an  inhabitant  of  this  place,  informed 
the  Committee  that  a  certain  Philip  Dalley  had  beat  and 
abused  his  workman  in  his  blacksmith's  shop,  and  had 
threatened  and  maltreated  him.  Mr.  Weeks  withdrew, 
upon  which  the  said  Philip  Dally  rushed  into  the  Com- 
mittee Chamber  without  permission,  in  an  insolent  man- 
ner, and  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  inquired  at 
the  smith's  shop  whether  his  horses  were  shod,  and  that 
the  workman  laughed  at  him,  upon  which  he  had  given 
him  some  strokes  with  his  whip.  Dally  attempted  to 
justify  his  conduct  and  declared  he  would  do  the  like  again. 

It  fully  appears  to  this  Committee  that  even  if  the  be- 
haviour of  the  blacksmith  had  been  such  as  the  said  Dally 
states  it  to  have  been,  nevertheless  the  said  Dally  is  very 
culpable  in  using  the  violence  and  outrage  which  he  con- 
fesses he  did. 

Ordered,  That  as  the  public  service  may  require  it,  Mr. 
Weeks  cause  the  said  horses  to  be  shod  without  delay. 

Resolved,  That  as  the  immediate  assistance  of  every 
individual  in  this  Slate  is  required  and  such  usage  from 
officers  or  others  employed  by  the  military  must  inevitably 
tend  to  obstruct  the  public  service,  that  the  said  Philip 
Dally  be  called  in  and  informed  that  this  Committee  highly 
disapprove  of  and  blame  his  conduct,  but  that  they  have 
notwithstanding  directed  Mr.  Weeks  to  cause  his  horses  to 
be  shod  without  delay. 

The  said  Philip  Dally  was  further  informed  that  the  ap- 
prehension of  the  public  service  being  delayed  alone  pre- 
vents them  ordering  him  into  confinement  for  his  ill  con- 
duct and  insolence. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Miflin  be  informed  of  this  man's 
behaviour,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  take  such  measures 
as  may  deter  others  from  the  like  conduct  in  future. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  for  Thomas  Moffatt, 
Esqr.  as  major  of  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  for  Samuel  Drake's 
officers  ;  that  they  be  dated  29th  June  and  signed  by  Abra- 
ham Yates,  late  President. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Snyder,  reported  by  Col.  Al- 
lison, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

"  Sir — The  commissions  for  your  regiment,  agreeable 
to  your  request,  are  enclosed.  I  am  directed  to  inform  you 
that  when  the  resolutions  for  raising  your  present  corps 
passed  the  Convention,  it  was  agreed  that  the  captain  from 
Orange  county  should  be  first  captain  of  that  corps,  as 
each  of  the  other  counties  had  a  field  officer  nominated 
out  of  their  officers ;  to  this  end  the  dates  of  the  commis- 
sions, except  Capt.  Storms,  are  left  blank  ;  and,  with  the 
above  direction,  it  is  submitted  to  you  to  fill  up  the  dates 
before  you  deliver  them,  so  as  to  give  rank  or  merit  its 
weight  and  reward.  Capt.  Storms'  commission  is  dated 
because  he  received  one  of  the  like  date  on  his  way  to  the  I 
fortifications."  1 


SATURDAY  MORNING. 

Octor.  26th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 

Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tyron. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Harper,  Col.  Dewitt  and  Lewis 
Graham,  the  committee  appointed  to  form  an  arrangement 
of  the  troops  raised  and  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  dated  at 
the  White  Plains,  24th  inst.  informing  the  Committee  of 
the  progress  they  had  made  in  the  business  of  their  ap- 
pointment, and  requesting  a  supply  of  clothing  might  be 
sent  to  the  troops  of  this  State,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  dated  Paramus,  24th 
inst.  enclosing  a  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
of  29th  August,  authorizing  him  to  borrow  on  the  credit  of 
this  State  £10,000. 

Another  letter  from  Mr.  Curtenius,  of  the  same  date,  in- 
forming that  his  box,  with  all  his  accounts  of  the  public, 
are  at  Mr.  Paulding's,  at  or  near  Tarry  Town,  and  re- 
quests that  they  may  be  sent  for  to  prevent  their  falling  in- 
to the  enemy's  hands. 

Resolved,  That  Dr.  Van  Wyche  be  requested  to  en- 
gage quarters  for  the  detachment  of  horse  under  the  com- 
mand of  Major  Sheldon,  amongst  such  of  the  inhabitants 
as  are  willing  and  best  enabled  to  receive  and  subsist  them 
in  the  most  expeditious  manner  possible,  the  command- 
ing officer  paying  for  the  same  at  a  reasonable  rate  ;  and  in 
case  he  should  not  be  able  to  procure  sufficient  quarters  in 
seasonable  time,  that  he  be  then  empowered  to  billet  them 
amongst  such  inhabitants  who  are  best  qualified  to  receive 
them,  in  the  most  equitable  proportions,  and  in  such  apart- 
ments of  the  houses  as  can  best  be  spared. 

Dr.  Malachi  Treat  attending,  produced  an  account  of 
£88  10s.  Od.  for  his  attendance,  and  for  medicine  given  to 
the  soldiers  of  the  first  battalion  of  New-York  troops,  and 
to  several  companies  under  the  command  of  Genl.  Lee, 
(they  not  having  a  surgeon,  or  mate,  to  attend  them,)  pur- 
suant to  an  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York, 
beginning  about  the  middle  of  Feb.  1776,  and  ending  about 
the  middle  of  April  following  ;  as  also  an  account  of  £18 
17s.  6d.  for  his  attendance  and  medicine  given  to  the  sol- 
diers of  Col.  Lasher's  and  Col.  Drake's  regiments,  in  Genl. 
Scott's  brigade.    Total  £107  7s.  6d. 

Difficulties  arose  in  the  minds  of  the  members  re- 
specting the  said  accounts,  whereupon  the  doctor  made 
the  following  deposition  at  the  foot  of  the  said  account, 
vizt : 

"Dr.  M.  Treat  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith, 
that  the  above  account  of  £107  7s.  6d.  is,  to  the  best  of 
his  knowledge  and  belief,  just  and  true  ;  that  with  respect 
to  the  particulars  of  the  account  of  £88  10s.  Od.  an  account 
thereof  was  delivered  to  the  committee  appointed  by  the 
Provincial  Congress  of  New- York,  for  auditing  accounts, 
who  directed  the  same  to  be  delivered  to  the  Quarter-Mas- 
tev-General  of  the  Continental  army  for  payment;  the 
Quarter-Master-General  referred  it  to  the  Director-Gene- 
ral of  the  hospital ;  that  he,  the  said  Dr.  Treat,  hath  applied 
to  those  gentlemen  for  payment,  or  to  have  his  original  ac- 
count returned  to  him,  neither  of  which  he  hath  been  able 
to  procure.  That  as  to  the  charge  of  £18  17s.  6d.  he  has  it 
not  in  his  power  to  make  out  an  account  of  the  particulars 
thereof,  neither  is  it  in  his  power  to  make  out  an  account 
of  the  particulars  of  the  account  of  £88  10s.  Od.  as  his  ac- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


691 


counts  which  were  deposited  in  his  chest  at  Harlem  have 
been  destroyed  by  the  troops. 

"MALACHI  TREAT. 

"  Sworn  before  me,  this  ) 
26th  Octor.  1776.  S 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Dr. 
M.  Treat  the  sum  of  £107  7s.  6d.  in  full  for  the  above 
mentioned  accounts,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same,  and 
that  the  Treasurer  charge  the  same  to  Continental  account. 

Saturday  Night,  October  26th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met,  and  no  business  transacted. 

Present— Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Allison,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Newkerk, 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Smith. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Octor.  28th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 
Present— Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper— New-York. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Col.  Be  Witt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 

Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — 
Westchester. 

One  member  wanting,  the  Committee  adjourned  till  this 
afternoon. 

Monday  Afternoon,  Octr.  28tk.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Col.  De  "Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Sackett—  Dutches. 
Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — 
Westchester. 

Major  Lockwood's  report,  relative  to  the  removal  of  the 
prisoners  of  war  from  Salem  and  Poundridge,  being  read, 
is  in  the  words  following,  vizt: 

"  Major  Lockwood  reports  that  pursuant  to  the  resolu- 
tions of  this  Committee,  on  the  8th  inst.  directing  him  to 
proceed  to  Poundridge  and  Bedford,  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, and  give  directions  relative  to  the  prisoners  of  war  at 
those  places,  he  proceeded  to  Bedford  aforesaid,  and  found 
it  necessary  to  remove  such  prisoners  of  war  as  yet  remain- 
ed there  ;  that  Samuel  Cox,  master  of  the  sloop  Charlotte, 
transport,  Joseph  Woolcomb,  chief  mate  of  the  sloop  Blue 
Mountain  Valley,  Thomas  Rimmington  Harris,  mate  of 
the  Savage  sloop,  Richard  Bruere,   midshipman,  and 
William  Elder,  volunteer,  had  severally  escaped  and  fled 
from  thence  in  violation  of  their  parols,  and  could  not  be 
heard  of,  though  endeavours  had  been  used  by  the  com- 
mittee to  apprehend  them  ;  that  John  Simpson,  late  mas- 
ter or  captain  of  the  Saville  transport,  victualler  James 
Auchmuty,  storekeeper  in  the  engineer's  department,  to- 
gether with  his  wife  and  family,  and  William  McDermot, 
were  yet  remaining  there ;  that  he  had,  with  the  consent 
and  approbation  of  the  three  prisoners  last  mentioned 
changed  their  respective  parols,  and  taken  of  each  of  them 
a  new  parol,  to  repair  to  Danbury,  in  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut, and  there,  or  within  six  miles  thereof,  to  continue 
during  the  present  war  ;  and  that  he  had  sent  them  to  the 
care  of  the  committee  at  Danbury,  under  the  guard  of  Jesse 
Slason,  where  they  were  received  by  the  committee,  as 
appears  by  a  draft  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Lockwood  to  that 


committee,  and  their  answer,  signed  by  Thomas  Stevens, 
chairman. 

".  Major  Lockwood  farther  reports,  that  he  proceeded  to 
Poundridge,  where  nine  men  and  one  child,  privates,  were 
prisoners ;  that  one  of  them,  named  John  Gibbons,  was 
lame,  and  in  a  place  which  appeared  a  place  of  safety  from 
the  enemy,  and  is  therefore  left  to  remain  there  for  the  pre- 
sent ;  that  the  other  eight  men  and  child,  prisoners,  taken 
on  board  of  or  from  different  vessels,  viz :  James  Wilson, 
John  Murray,  Saml.  Coppin,  Jeremiah  Reerdor,  Henry 
Killgrove,  Michael  Cowney,  Cesar  Freeman,  William  Pat- 
terson and  his  child,  were  sent  under  guard  to  Woodbury, 
in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  in  charge  of  Lieut.  Samuel 
Bouton  and  five  privates  of  the  militia. 

"  That  he  Major  Lockwood,  in  the  course  of  this  busi- 
ness, advanced  the  following  sums  of  money,  vizt :  To 
James  Auchmuty,  on  account  of  subsistence  of  two  dol- 
lars per  week  allowed  him,  8  dollars  ;  to  William  McDer- 
mot, on  the  like  account,  3  dollars  ;  to  John  Simpson,  do. 
3  dollars  ;  to  Jos.  Owens,  for  an  ox  cart  and  team  of  4  cat- 
tle, to  transport  Auchmuty's  effects,  l\  dollars  ;  to  the  ex- 
penses and  allowances  to  Capt.  Seely  and  Jesse  Slawson, 
as  a  guard  to  said  prisoners,  the  first,  with  one  man  with 
him,  from  Bedford  to  Poundridge,  and  the  other  with  two 
horses  to  remove  Auchmuty's  wife  and  child  from  Pound- 
ridge to  Danbury,  in  the  whole  1^  dollars  ;  to  Lieutenant 
Samuel  Bouton,  for  expenses  disbursed  in  maintaining  eight 
men  and  a  child,  provisions,  himself  and  a  guard  of  5  arm- 
ed men,  from  Poundridge  to  Woodbury,  in  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  14|  dollars,  and  for  pay  to  the  said  Samuel 
Bouton  and  his  said  guard,  including  horses  to  assist  them- 
selves and  some  of  the  prisoners,  one  of  the  prisoners  be- 
ing an  old  man  and  some  of  them  indisposed,  from  Pound- 
ridge to  Woodbury  aforesaid,  for  4 \  days  only,  7  J  dollars  ; 
and  that  Major  Lockwood  paid  for  his  own  disbursements 
1  dollar;  amounting  in  the  whole  to  48^  dollars,  or  £19 
5s.  Ad.  New-York  money. 

"  Major  Lockwood  farther  reports,  that  he  was  informed 
by  the  committee  of  Bedford  that  the  prisoners  who  escap- 
ed from  thence  had  left  sundry  effects  at  the  places  where 
they  were  respectively  lodged,  which  effects  he  has  direct- 
ed to  be  inventoried  by  the  said  committee,  and  that  the 
inventory  be  returned  to  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

"That  on  the  13th  Sept.  last,  Francis  Clemmens,  a  pri- 
soner, deserted  from  Poundridge,  and  on  the  24th  Sepr. 
Wm.  Metcalf,  another  prisoner,  who  was  absent,  or  about 
to  make  his  escape,  was,  by  order  of  the  committee  there, 
sent  to  Westchester  jail. 

"  EBENR.  LOCKWOOD." 

Mr.  Harper,  of  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  the 
camp  at  or  near  King's  Bridge,  relative  to  the  new  arrange- 
ment, delivered  in  an  account  of  the  expenses  of  the  said 
committee  in  the  course  of  their  journey. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Ro- 
bert Harper,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  41  dollars,  to  reimburse  the 
committee  who  were  appointed  to  repair  to  the  camp  at  or 
near  King's  Bridge,  for  the  purpose  mentioned  in  the  reso- 
lutions of  Congress  relative  to  appointing  officers,  and  the 
further  sum  of  two  dollars  to  reimburse  Mr.  Harper  for  so 
much  by  him  paid  for  the  use  of  a  craft  to  convey  him  from 
the  town  of  Harlem  to  Flushing  on  Nassau  island,  to  at- 
tend to  the  disposal  of  some  of  the  indigent  inhabitants  of 
the  city  of  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  as  commissaries  of  the  prisoners  of  war  in  this  State, 
pay  to  Major  Lockwood  the  sum  of  48  dollars  and  }  part 
of  a  dollar,  amounting  to  £19  5s.  Ad.  for  his  disbursements 
on  account  of  the  prisoners  of  war  late  in  Westchester 
county  in  this  State,  taking  Major  Lockwood's  receipt  for 
the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Major 
Lockwood  the  sum  of  21s.  Ad.  to  reimburse  him  his  ex- 
penses in  going  to  Stanford  in  Connecticut,  on  public  busi- 


692 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


ness,  by  order  of  Convention  of  this  State,  and  take  his 
receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  who  was  appointed  by  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State  an  agent  to  assist  the  Commissary-Gene- 
ral of  the  Continental  army  now  in  Westchester  county,  in 
procuring  and  sending  down  flour  for  the  use  of  the  said 
army,  requested  of  this  Committee,  on  behalf  of  the  said 
Commissary-General,  the  loan  of  £2,800,  to  be  repaid  by 
the  said  Commissary- General,  or  the  said  Henry  Schenk, 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Major  Henry  Schenk,  who  was  appointed  by  the  Convention 
of  this  State  an  agent  to  assist  the  Commissary-General  of 
the  Continental  army  now  in  Westchester  county,  in  pro- 
curing and  sending  down  flour  for  the  use  of  the  said  army, 
the  sum  of  £2,800,  to  be  repaid  by  the  said  Commissary- 
General,  or  the  said  Henry  Schenk,  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  letter  from  Lynde  Lord,  jailer  of  Litchfield,  relative 
to  Isaac  and  Israel  Youngs,  dated  the  26th  October,  and  a 
petition  of  Isaac  and  Israel  Youngs,  dated  25th  Oct.  were 
referred  to  Judge  Graham  and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

General  Miflin  sent  back  the  resolutions  relative  to  Dal- 
ly, who  maltreated  Weeks's  man,  with  a  note  on  the  back, 
informing  the  Committee  that  Dally  shall  be  sent  down  to 
give  such  satisfaction  as  the  Committee  may  require. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Octr.  29th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills — 

Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esqr.  dated  at  Head- 
Quarters,  White  Plains,  Octor.  27th,  1776,  containing  the 
daily  intelligence  and  disposition  of  the  army,  of  the  taking 
a  party  of  Rogers'  Rangers,  some  British  and  Waldecker 
troops,  and  enclosing  the  examination  of  James  Budd,  the 
principal  among  those  disaffected,  taken  in  Westchester 
county  by  the  army. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  Octr.  29th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met. 
Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Prest. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Wisner — Ulster. 
Mr.  Landon  —Dutches. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham— 
Westchester. 

John  Canfield,  Esqr.  adjutant  to  a  regiment  of  light 
horse  from  the  State  of  Connecticut,  produced  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  different  bills  of  charges,  delivered  in  by 
different  persons,  for  the  board  of  part  of  the  said  regiment, 
bv  which  it  appears  that  they  are  charged  at  very  different 
rates,  and  on  behalf  of  Major  Sheldon,  requested  this  Com- 
mittee would  fix  some  regulation,  by  which  the  said  ac- 
counts may  be  discharged,  that  he  may  do  equal  justice. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  fixed  the  following  regulation 
of  prices  for  the  payment  of  those  accounts,  vizt :  Is.  6d. 
per  day  for  each  man,  for  boarding,  lodging,  diet,  &c. ; 
9d.  for  each  horse  per  day,  and  3s.  per  bushel  for  oats. 

A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Robert  Yates  and  Jacob 
Cuyler,  Esqrs.  the  committee  appointed  to  go  to  Albany 
to  make  an  arrangement  of  officers,  dated  24th  Octor. 


stating  that  they  have  appointed  recruiting  officers  at  pro- 
per stations,  and  given  them  their  instructions  ;  and,  to 
avoid  delay,  had  borrowed  £1,200,  to  furnish  the  recruit- 
ing officers  with  the  means  of  proceeding  immediately  on 
this  service,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  Convention  now  at  Albany, dated  October27th, 
enclosing  copies  of  letters  from  General  Gates  and  General 
Arnold,  both  dated  at  Ticonderoga,  October  24th,  and  di- 
rected to  Genl.  Schuyler,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Tuder  and  Lawrence,  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  dated  Octor.  24th,  informing  when  the  ships  will 
be  launched. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  the  President, 
dated  at  Esopus,  Octor.  26th,  mentioning  his  success  in 
procuring  flour  to  the  northward,  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  dated  at  Philadelphia, 
October  20th,  1776,  relative  to  his  conduct,  and  the  quan- 
tities of  the  different  articles  purchased  for  the  use  of  the 
troops,  and  requesting  that  money  may  be  sent  to  him  at 
Paramus,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Joseph  Hallet,  dated  at  Prince  Town,  Oc- 
tober 22d,  1776,  relative  to  his  proceedings  with  respect  to 
the  prizes  taken  by  Capt.  Rogers. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Lockwood  be  requested  to  pro- 
ceed immediately  to  Westchester  county,  and  make  inqui- 
ry where  the  records  of  the  town  clerk's  office  of  the  city 
and  county  of  New-York,  as  also  the  public  records  of  the 
loan  officers  and  supervisors  of  the  county  of  Westchester, 
are  deposited,  and  that  he  use  his  best  endeavours  to  cause 
them  to  be  safely  conveyed  to  such  place  of  safety  as  he 
shall  judge  prudent,  and  that  this  Committee  will  make 
provision  for  paying  the  expense  attending  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  send  to  James 
Duane,  Robert  Yates  and  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqrs.  at  Albany, 
who  were  appointed  a  committee  to  repair  to  Albany  and 
Ticonderoga,  to  take  measures  for  carrying  into  execution 
the  resolutions  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  raising  of  troops 
and  the  appointing  of  officers  in  the  Continental  service,  by 
John  Visscher,  who  is  employed  as  an  express  by  the  said 
committee,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  two  hundred  pounds, 
and  take  his  receipt  to  deliver  the  same  to  those  gentle- 
men, or  either  of  them. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  the  Convention,  now  at  Albany,  in  answer 
to  theirs  received  and  read  this  morning,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit,  vizt  : 

"Fishkill,  Octor.  29th,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  have  received  the  let- 
ter of  your  committee  by  express,  enclosing  minutes  of  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  relative  to  the  depart- 
ment of  the  deputy  commissary -general.  The  exertions 
which  they  have  made  to  procure  the  necessary  supply  for 
the  northern  army,  are  highly  laudable  and  deserve  the 
warmest  approbation  of  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"  We  have  been  loudly  called  upon  by  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington  to  forward  a  supply  of  flour  for  the  use 
of  the  army  at  the  White  Plains.  We  have  devised  all  the 
means  we  can  think  of  to  prevent  the  army  from  suffering 
for  the  want  of  that  article,  copy  of  which  you  will  see  by 
our  resolutions,  which  we  now  transmit  you.  We  are  of 
opinion  that  if  a  similar  mode  was  adopted  to  the  north- 
ward, it  would  be  productive  of  good  effects.  We  are  in- 
formed that  there  are  several  mills  between  Albany  and 
Lake  George  which  might  be  kept  constantly  employed  in 
manufacturing  flour  for  the  northern  army,  if  the  Commis- 
sary-General would  engage  persons  to  purchase  up  grain 
and  to  have  it  transported  to  the  mills  most  contiguous.  It 
would,  however,  be  needless  in  us  to  enter  into  a  particu- 
lar detail  on  this  subject.  Your  committee,  from  being 
on  the  spot,  are  the  best  judges  of  what  further  measures 
will  be  necessary  for  supplying  that  army,  and  are  invested 
with  full  powers  for  carrying  into  execution  all  such  mea- 
sures as  you  shall  think  effectual  for  repelling  the  invasions 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


693 


of  the  enemy  on  the  northern  and  western  frontiers.  Whilst 
we  therefore  in  this  quarter  exert  ourselves  in  devising  and 
executing  whatever  shall  appear  to  us  most  conducive  to 
the  public  safety,  we  trust  that  your  attention  and  zeal 
will  not  be  wanting  in  giving  vigor  to  our  military  opera- 
tions to  the  northward  ;  and  in  quelling  by  such  means  as 
you  shall  deem  most  prudent,  the  insurrections  of  the  dis- 
affected in  that  part. 

"  We  highly  approve  of  your  having  detained  those  de- 
tachments of  the  militia  which  you  mention  for  that  pur- 
pose, but  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  order  up  the  detachment 
under  the  command  of  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  as  we  have 
now  in  custody  near  two  hundred  and  twenty  dangerous 
and  disaffected  persons,  whom  we  propose  removing  to  Ex- 
eter in  the  State  of  New-Hampshire.  A  detachment  of 
seventy-six  persons  of  this  stamp  was  sent  off  a  few  days 
ago,  and  from  the  information  we  have  received  from  the 
committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State  for 
inquiring  into  and  detecting  all  conspiracies  which  may  be 
formed  in  this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America,  we 
have  reason  to  think  that  there  will  be  a  necessity  of  ap- 
prehending and  removing  several  other  persons  ;  you  must 
therefore  be  sensible  that  no  dependence  can  be  put  on  this 
quarter.  Should  you  find  it  necessary  to  employ  a  further 
force  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  and  securing  the  disaffect- 
ed, we  recommend  it  to  you  to  endeavor  to  raise  as  many 
men  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay  government  as  you  shall 
think  necessary. 

"  We  transmit  you  a  copy  of  the  last  intelligence  we 
have  received  from  head-quarters.  We  flatter  ourselves 
that  our  accounts  from  the  northward  will  be  equally  favou- 
rable. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  With  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 
"  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  to  repair  to  Albany  to  con- 
fer with  Genl.  Schuyler  on  devising  and  car- 
rying into  execution  the  measures  necessary 
for  repelling  the  invasion  of  the  enemy's  army 
on  the  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  this 
State." 

Resolutions  authorizing  Henry  Schenk  to  purchase 
wheat  and  to  exempt  coopers  for  two  months  from  military 
duty,  was  read  and  agreed  to. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  James  Duane,  Robert  Yates  and 

Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqrs.  committee  of  arrangement,  now  at 

Albany,  in  answer  to  theirs  received  this  morning,  was 

read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

*[  In  Committee  of  Safety,  &c.  ? 

"  29th  October,  1776.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  yours  of  the  24th  inst.  before 
us  and  approve  of  the  method  you  have  pursued  in  ap- 
pointing recruiting  officers,  and  now  send  you  by  the  ex- 
press the  £1,200  you  have  borrowed  for  that  purpose. 
We  would  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  you  the  calling  in 
the  members  of  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
Genl.  Schuyler  so  as  to  make  a  quorum  ;  without  that  you 
mav  return  with  all  convenient  speed  to  Fishkill  to  join 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Harper  (who  are 
already  arrived)  to  finish  the  arrangement.  We  would  not, 
however,  by  any  means  advise  you  to  leave  Albany  in  this 
critical  situation  of  affairs  unless  there  be  a  quorum  of  that 
committee  without  you  ;  and  if  you  cannot  all  leave  that 
committee,  we  advise  that  so  many  of  you  do  come  to 
Fishkill  as  can  be  spared  from  those,  leaving  a  quorum  of 
that  committee  sufficient  for  the  business. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  Messrs.  Duane,  Yates  and  Cutler,  Albany." 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

30th  Odor.  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 
Present— Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Brasher— New-York. 

174 


Mr.  Yates,  Mr-  Adgate — tilbany. 
Major  Parks — Ulster- 
Mi.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

There  being  no  business  of  an  urgent  nature,  the  Com- 
mittee adjourned  till  this  afternoon. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  Octr.  30th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Major  Landon — Dutches. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Adgate,  seconded  by  Mr.  Yates, 
Resolved,  That  the  further  sum  of  £980  be  transmitted 
to  the  committee  of  Albany  for  the  pay,  bounty  and  sub- 
sistence of  the  rangers  ;  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
pay  that  sum  to  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Esqr.  to  be  deli- 
vered to  the  said  committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid ; 
and  that  the  said  committee  regulate  themselves  in  paying 
the  said  money  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Representatives  of  this  State  on  the  23rd 
day  of  July  last,  for  raising,  mustering  and  paying  the  said 
rangers,  and  the  resolves  and  instructions  of  this  Commit- 
tee of  the  21st  inst.  for  the  same  purpose  ;  and  the  said 
committee  are  directed  to  be  particularly  careful  that  every 
muster  roll  of  each  company  of  rangers  be  returned  on 
oath,  by  each  commissioned  officer  of  each  company  mak- 
ing return,  before  it  is  transmitted  to  the  Convention  ;  and 
that  they  do  not  advance  the  last  moiety  of  the  bounty, 
or  any  pay  or  subsistence  for  any  rangers  but  such  as  are 
armed  and  accoutred  agreeable  to  the  said  resolutions. 

Sergeant  Sickles,  attending  with  twenty  coopers,  in- 
formed that  he  had  no  means  of  subsistence  for  the  said 
coopers. 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Secre- 
taries, advance  5^  dollars  to  Sergeant  Sickles,  on  his  re- 
ceipt, for  the  subsistence  of  the  said  coopers,  taking  a  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  in  the  name  of  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr. 

The  Committee  took  into  consideration  the  letter  from 
Peter  T.  Curtenius,  dated  the  20th  and  received  on  the  29th 
inst.  stating  the  sums  he  has  advanced  for  clothing  and  the 
sums  he  is  indebted,  and  requesting  an  advance  of 
£15,000. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  further  consideration 
thereof  was  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  McNeal,  stating  that  John  Kane  re- 
fuses to  receive  Congress  money  in  payment  of  his  mort- 
gage, [was  received  and  read.] 

Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Adgate, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  and  Mr.  Wisner  be 
a  committee  to  devise  and  report  ways  and  means  for  ob- 
taining intelligence  from  Albany,  and  keeping  up  a  regular 
communication  between  Fishkill  and  Albany. 

Major  Strang  from  White  Plains,  on  request,  attended 
and  informed  this  Committee  of  the  intelligence  from  the 
army  and  their  present  situation. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

31st  Octor.  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 


694 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 
Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper  be  added  to  the 
committee  appointed  on  the  17th  inst.  to  inventory  all  the 
goods  belonging  to  the  State  fit  for  soldiers'  use,  and  pro- 
cure the  same  to  be  made  up  for  soldiers'  use,  that  the 
committee  may  prosecute  that  necessary  business. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Mills, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abm  Yates  and  Mr.  Landon  be 
a  committee  to  inquire  whether  the  rangers  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Commandant  M.  Smith  will  continue  in 
the  service  during  the  war,  and  to  report  a  proper  arrange- 
ment for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Parks  be  added  to  the  committee 
appointed  yesterday  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  obtain- 
ing intelligence  from  Albany,  and  keeping  up  a  regular 
communication  between  Fishkill  and  Albany.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  powers  of  that  committee  be  in- 
creased, and  that  they  devise  ways  and  means  for  the  con- 
veying intelligence  to  other  parts  of  the  Stale,  by  publish- 
ing handbills,  newspapers  or  otherwise. 

The  Committee  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  letter 
of  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  of  the  20th  inst.  which  was  re- 
ceived on  the  29th,  and  read  yesterday. 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  £15,000  be  immediately  re- 
mitted to  Peter  T.  Curtenius  for  the  purposes  of  paying 
for  the  clothing,  &c.  that  he  has  purchased  for  the  use  of 
the  troops  raised  or  to  be  raised  in  this  State.  That  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State  deliver  that  sum  to  Robert  Benson, 
one  of  the  Secretaries,  to  be  conveyed  to  Mr.  Curtenius, 
who  is  directed  to  return  a  receipt  to  the  Treasurer  for  the 
same.  And 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Curtenius  be  directed  to  have  the 
goods  by  him  purchased  at  Philadelphia  and  in  New  Jer- 
sey, transported  to  Perhamus  or  such  other  place  of  safe- 
ty in  his  neighbourhood  as  he  may  think  a  proper  place  of 
safety,  and  have  the  same  there  stored  until  the  further  or- 
der of  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
State. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  dated  25th  Sep- 
tember, containing  his  reasons  for  not  complying  with  the 
order  of  the  Convention  of  this  State  of  the  12th  Septem- 
ber last,  directing  him  to  account  with  the  Treasurer  for 
moneys  advanced  him,  was  received  and  read.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
the  reasons  contained  in  the  said  letter  are  unsatisfactory 
and  insufficient.  Therefore, 

Ordered  peremptorily,  That  the  said  Egbert  Dumond 
do  immediately  comply  with  the  said  order.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  a  copy  of  this 
aforegoing  resolve  and  order  to  Mr.  Dumond,  without  de- 
lay. 

Thursday,  P.  M.  Octr.  31  st,  1776, 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  CortlanJt,  Prest. 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr-  Piatt— Dutches. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Resolved,  That  Commissary  Wykoff  supply  21  men 
with  provisions,  being  the  coopers  sent  here  by  Genl.  Jas. 
Clinton,  until  they  are  otherwise  provided  for  by  Mr.  Hen- 
ry Schenk. 

After  the  daily  rider  came  in,  present  Mr.  Duer,  Mr. 
Newkirk  and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Uriah  Mitchell,  one  of  the  daily  riders  from  this  place 


to  the  Head-Quarters,  applied  to  this  Committee  for  cash 
on  account  of  his  wages. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State  advance  to  the  said  Uriah  Mitchell,  $100  on  account 
of  his  wages,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  1st,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Bnei— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

One  of  the  officers  of  the  present  eastern  troops,  who 
lodges  at  Doctor  Graham's,  on  yesterday  evening  applied 
to  the  Committee  of  Safety  and  desired  that  he  might  re- 
main in  one  room  in  the  Academy  as  they  board  with  him, 
and  it  may  be  a  convenience  to  the  officers. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Graham  be  at  liberty  to  remain 
in  the  room  in  the  Academy  until  the  further  order  of  the 
Convention  or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State. 

The  Committee  approved  of  the  order  for  paying  $100 
to  Mitchel,  the  rider,  made  yesterday,  and  his  receipt  for 
the  same. 

A  letter  from  R.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  com- 
mittee sent  to  the  northward,  dated  at  Albany,  23rd  Octr. 
1776,  [was  read.] 

A  letter  fiom  Peter  R.  Livingston,  dated  manor  Living- 
ston, Octo.  29th,  1776,  was  read. 

Whereas,  by  a  letter  received  from  Peter  R.  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  bearing  date  29th  ulto.  it  appears  a  second 
lieutenant  is  much  wanted  in  Capt.  Goosback's  company, 
the  better  to  enable  said  company  to  answer  the  purpose 
for  which  they  were  raised  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Samuel  I.  Ten  Broeck  be  appointed 
second  lieutenant  in  the  said  company. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee sent  to  Albany,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  Octr.  25th,  1776. 

"  Sir — We  met  in  committee  yesterday,  on  the  arrival 
of  the  gentlemen  appointed  to  arrange  the  army  from  Sa- 
ratoga. A  number  of  important  objects  immediately  en- 
gaged our  attention  ;  a  capital  one  is  the  supplying  the  ar- 
my at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  military  marching  to  their  as- 
sistance. The  papers  which  we  have  the  honour  to  trans- 
mit, will  show  the  steps  which  have  been  taken  by  the 
committee  of  this  county  to  aid  the  deputy-commissary- 
general  here,  who,  without  their  exertions,  we  fear  would 
not  have  been  able  to  procure  the  necessary  supply — at 
the  best,  it  will  on  so  sudden  an  occasion,  be  a  difficult 
task.  It  has  added  to  our  anxiety  to  learn  by  a  letter  from 
Genl.  Washington  to  Mr.  Livingston,  that  the  army  in 
that  quarter  was  also  in  danger  of  being  distressed  for 
want  of  provisions. 

"  His  Excellency  entreats  Mr.  Livingston  to  use  his 
influence  to  send  without  delay  flour  and  beef  for  that  army 
towards  the  White  Plains,  and  also  a  number  of  teams 
(the  more  the  belter,)  to  aid  in  removing  the  army  as  occa- 
sion may  require.  We  submit  it  to  your  consideration, 
whether  if  teams  cannot  now  easily  be  got  from  the  cast- 
ward,  it  will  not  be  advisable  to  order  down  a  sufficient 
number  belonging  to  such  persons  in  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, Kinderhook,  and  Dutchess  county,  as  cannot  be  trust- 
ed with  arms.    If  this  plan  should  be  adopted,  every  owner 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


of  a  carriage  should  be  directed  to  supply  himself  with  a 
week's  provisions  to  ease  the  Commissary  as  much  as  pos- 
sible. 

"  The  spirit  of  disaffection  has  appeared  at  the  Helle- 
bergh,  Kings  district,  and  Coxsackie,  in  this  county,  and  it 
requires  vigorous  measures  to  oppose  and  suppress  it. — 
Nothing  is  more  necessary  than  that  the  jails  here  should 
be  cleared  of  the  State  prisoners  without  delay,  and  the 
more  especially  as  all  the  militia  of  this  city  and  neighbour- 
hood are  marched.  We  have  therefore  advised  the  county 
committee  to  send  those  prisoners,  with  the  causes  of  their 
confinement,  to  Fishkill  by  water,  in  order  to  be  forwarded 
to  one  of  the  neighbouring  States,  or  disposed  of  as  you 
shall  judge  most  advisable.  It  would  have  been  imprudent 
in  every  view  to  have  marched  them  to  another  State  at 
this  juncture,  when  none  but  the  disaffected  remain  in  the 
country,  and  many  of  them  are  in  arms,  and  have  threat- 
ened a  rescue.  We  have  found  it  necessary  to  detain  a 
part  of  Col.  Van  Ness's  Claverack  regiment,  consisting  of 
about  140  men,  here,  to  oppose  the  designs  of  the  disaffect- 
ed at  the  Hellebergh ;  as  they  are  much  wanted  to  the  north- 
ward, we  did  it  with  very  great  reluctance,  and  indeed  it 
could  only  have  been  justifiable  on  the  most  urgent  neces- 
sity. It  is  much  to  be  wished  that  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
with  part  or  detachments  of  two  regiments  under  his  com- 
mand, could  immediately  be  ordered  up  to  Kings  district, 
to  which  we  have  been  able,  notwithstanding  the  importu- 
nity of  the  inhabitants,  to  send  only  a  small  detachment  of 
15  rangers  commanded  by  a  lieutenant,  and  to  direct  Col. 
W  hiting  to  raise  100  men  in  that  neighbourhood,  and  the 
Massachusetts  Government. 

"  A  party  of  50  of  the  Schohary  regiment,  and  some  of 
the  manor  regiment  are  detached  to  Coxackie,  where  they 
are  employed  in  dispersing  and  seizing  the  disaffected,  who 
are  now  in  arms,  and  there  is  yet  no  account  of  their  pro- 
gress. We  have  thought  it  advisable  to  direct  the  few 
armed  and  well  effected  militia  of  the  manor  of  Livingston 
to  be  detained  and  kept  in  readiness  for  the  internal  service 
of  the  county,  conceiving  it  unsafe  when  the  spirit  of  re- 
volt is  so  prevalent  in  that  quarter,  to  leave  it  defenceless. 
The  information  from  Kings  district  and  the  Hellebergh  are 
enclosed. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  hble.  servts. 

"  By  order, 
"  ROBT'  YATES,  Chairman. 

'•'  To  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esq. 

President  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York.-' 

Die  Veneris,  Naur.  1st.  1776,  4  o'clock  P.  M. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Harper — Xttc-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — .ilbany. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Xewkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Conline,  Major  Farks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Capt.  Commandant  Melancton  Smith  and  Capt.  Win. 
Clark  respectively  delivered  in  their  muster  rolls,  and  the 
pay  and  billeting  or  subsistence  rolls  of  their  late  respec- 
tive companies  of  rangers,  whose  time  of  service  now  ex- 
pires. The  pav  and  billeting  money  or  allowance  for  ra- 
tions and  necessaries  from  the  26th  July  to  31st  Octr.  inclu- 
sive, amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  £577  Is.  10  jd. 
as  appears  by  the  said  rolls,  and  also  by  certificates  signed 
by  Mr.  G.  Bancker,  deputy  treasurer  and  clerk  or  assistant 
to  the  Auditor-General,  that  he  has  examined  the  same 
and  finds  them  just,  and  the  pay  and  billeting  money  and 
allowance  for  divers  necessaries  due  to  Capt.  Clark's  com- 
pany amount  to  £921  14s.  o^d.  as  appears  by  the  like  rolls, 
and  a  similar  certificate  of  Mr.  Bancker. 


695 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
M.  Smith  the  sum  of  £449  Is.  I0%d.  which,  together  with 
the  sum  of  £428,  by  order  of  the  Convention  of  this  State 
paid  to  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  to  be  applied  to  the  payment 
of  the  wages  and  subsistence  of  the  companies  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Smith,  and  applied  accordingly  on  the 
16th  day  of  September  last,  amounts  to  the  said  sum 
£S77  Is.  10$d.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  Capt. 
Wm.  Clark,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  £921  14s.  5fc/.  in 
full,  for  the  pay  and  billeting  money  due  to  that  company. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  from  the  committee  appointed  for 
the  purpose,  brought  in  a  report,  devising  means  of  a  steady 
communication  of  intelligence  between  Fishkill  and  Alba- 
ny ;  the  said  report  was  read,  and  the  consideration  thereof 
was  postponed  until  to-morrow. 


DIE  SABBATI, 

Nov.  2nd,  1776,  A.  M. 
The  Committee  met  puisuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt — Xew-York. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  ISewkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  TT.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Odell,  dated  and  received  yesterday, 
was  read.  He  thereby  informs,  that  through  sickness  he 
is  confined  at  Benjamin  Dyckman's,  and  is  unable  to  ride, 
and  must  therefore  quit  that  business  ;  that  as  he  is  unable 
to  ride,  he  has  sent  up  his  brother  with  his  account. 

The  said  account  being  also  read,  consists  of  the  follow- 
ing articles,  vizt : 

To  riding  express  from  Fhilipsburg  to  New-York  and  return- 
ing, 27  miles,  £1  7  0 

To  do.  from  Philipsburgh  to  Fishkill,  42  miles,   2  20 

To  do.  as  a  messenger,  from  19th  September  to  the  1st  of  Novt. 
inclusive  44  days,  at  l&s.  per  resolve  of  Convention,  dated  17th 
Septr.  1776,  35  4  0 

£3S  13  0 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Abra- 
ham Odell  the  sum  of  thirty-eight  pounds  thirteen  shillings, 
in  full  for  the  account  of  Jacob  Odell,  and  take  Abm.  Odell's 
receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  Benjamin  Dyckman,  dated  10th  Octr. 
1776,  amounting  to  four  pounds,  for  going  express  from 
Fishkill  to  Albany,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Samp- 
son Dyckman,  on  his  receipt,  the  said  four  pounds,  for  the 
use  of  his  brother  Benjn.  Dyckman. 

The  Committee  were  informed,  by  Mr.  Root.  Harper, 
that  the  soldiers  want  shoes.  Mr.  Curtenius'  letter  of  the 
20th  Octr.  was  thereupon  read.  Col.  Brasher  was  then 
sent  for  to  this  Committee  ;  he  explained  the  present  state 
of  the  soods  belonp-incr  to  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  procuring 
of  clothing  and  having  them  made,  report  the  most  proper 
method  of  disposing  of  the  clothes  on  hand,  and  procuring 
coarse  cloths,  and  every  matter  they  may  think  necessary, 
for  the  purpose  of  completing  clothing. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  three  brigadier-ge- 
nerals of  this  State,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  are  informed  (and  have  reason  to  believe  it 
is  true)  that  the  troops  stand  in  need  of  clothing.  We  have 
ordered  Mr.  Curtenius  to  collect  all  the  clothing  which  is 
in  the  south  of  this  State  and  belonging  to  the  same,  to 
Peramus  in  New-Jersey.  We  request  your  information, 
whether  it  is  necessary  to  send  clothing  for  our  troops  to 
our  army  at  this  time  ;  if  so,  by  what  route,  and  to  whose 


696 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


care,  and  whether  for  any  of  our  troops  but  those  to  con- 
tinue in  general  service  during  the  war. 

"  We  are  respectfully,  sir,  yours,  &c." 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  Committee,  that  pursuant  to 
the  order  or  indemnification  of  this  Committee  for  that  pur- 
pose, on  the  sixteenth  day  of  October  last,  he  has  expend- 
ed upwards  of  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds  on  the  roads 
in  Orange  county,  leading  towards  the  American  army,  and 
engaged  the  same  men  at  4s.  per  day  each,  for  a  fortnight 
longer,  they  maintaining  themselves,  which  will  cost  up- 
wards of  one  hundred  and  forty  pounds  more,  and  he  re- 
quested an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  three  hundred  pounds 
for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Henry 
Wisner,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds,  on  his  re- 
ceipt, to  be  applied  to  repair  the  roads  in  Orange  county, 
leading  to  the  American  army,  in  order  to  enable  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  county,  as  well  as  the  public  agents  employ- 
ed for  the  purpose,  to  transport  provisions  and  other  neces- 
saries to  the  said  army. 

Saturday,  P.  M.  Novr.  2nd,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Wra.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  J.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

A  memorial  of  William  McNeal,  dated  the  17th  Octr. 
was  read.  He  therein  sets  forth  that  Col.  Dirk  Brinck- 
erhoff  has  taken  from  the  store  of  Peter  Burgardus 
30  bushels  of  salt  belonging  to  the  memorialist,  which  he 
detains,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  memorialist,  where- 
by the  said  William  McNeal  is  likely  to  lose  several 
sums  of  money  for  which  he  was  to  have  received  pay- 
ment in  beef  and  pork,  and  praying  redress  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorial  be  referred  to  the 
county  committee  of  Dutches  county  to  hear  and  deter- 
mine thereon. 

A  letter  to  the  committee  of  Dutches  county  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  enclosed  petition  and  order  thereon  I  am 
directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  this  State  to  refer 
to  the  general  committee  of  the  county  of  Dutches  to  be 
by  them,  as  soon  as  convenient,  taken  under  considera- 
tion. 

"  I  am,  sir,  yours,  &c. 
"To  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  Chairman." 

A  billeting  roll  of  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck's  company 
of  rangers,  consisting  of  28  men,  officers  included,  em- 
bodied in  Ulster  county,  was  delivered  to  the  Com- 
mittee, charging  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  pounds  fif- 
teen shillings  and  threepence  halfpenny  for  billeting  from 
the  time  of  their  enlistment  to  the  31st  of  Octor.  inclu- 
sive. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  said  company  was  also  delivered, 
wherein  is  charged  two  hundred  and  twenty-nine  pounds 
three  shillings  and  sixpence  for  the  pay  of  the  said  com- 
pany to  the  31st  of  Octor.  inclusive. 

A  muster  roll  of  the  said  company,  subscribed  by  all 
the  commissioned  officers  of  the  said  company,  was  also 
read  and  delivered  in  ;  all  which  Capt.  Hasbrouck  declar- 
ed to  be  delivered  upon  his  oath  taken  before  the  county 
committee,  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  Convention  of 
the  23d  July  last. 

A  certificate  of  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker,  clerk  and  assist- 
ant to  the  Auditor-General,  was  read,  whereby  he  certifies 
that  he  carefully  examined  the  said  pay  roll  and  billeting 


roll  of  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck's  company,  amounting  to- 
gether to  three  hundred  and  eighty-four  pounds  eighteen 
shillings  and  ninepence  halfpenny,  and  finds  them  right 
calculated. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Elias  Hasbrouck,  on  his  receipt  or  receipts,  the  said  sums 
of  money,  amounting  together  to  the  sum  of  three  hundred 
and  eighty-four  pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  ninepence 
halfpenny,  for  the  pay  and  billeting  or  subsistence  of  his 
company  to  the  31st  of  Octor.  last,  inclusive. 

Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck  applied  for  the  second  moiety 
of  the  bounty  for  twenty-five  men  of  his  company  who 
are  enlisted  and  mustered,  as  appears  by  the  muster  rolls 
now  delivered.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Robt.  Boyd,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Ulster  county,  pay  to  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck 
the  sum  of  three  hundred  and  twelve  dollars  and  one-half 
of  a  dollar,  in  full  for  the  bounty  of  the  said  twenty-five 
men,  out  of  the  money  formerly  deposited  in  his  hands  for 
advancing  the  first  moiety  of  the  bounty  to  the  rangers 
raised  in  Ulster  county  ;  that  Mr.  Boyd  take  duplicate  re- 
ceipts from  Captain  Hasbrouck  for  that  money,  theduplicate 
of  that  receipt  to  be  of  the  same  tenor  and  date,  and  de- 
claring that  they  are  duplicates  and  for  the  same  sum. 

The  committee  took  into  consideration  the  subject  of  a 
letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  of  the  30th  October, 
mentioning  the  advantage  of  mounting  a  few  cannon  at  dif- 
ferent places  near  the  level  of  the  water,  on  the  banks  of 
Hudson  river,  in  the  Highlands.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  and  General 
James  Clinton  be  and  are  hereby  authorized,  requested 
and  empowered  to  have  such  cannon  as  they  may  think 
proper,  placed  on  such  places  and  such  small  works  as  they 
may  think  proper  for  that  purpose,  erected  on  the  banks  of 
Hudson's  river  for  the  annoyance  of  the  enemy's  ships, 
should  any  attempt  to  pass ;  and  General  James  Clinton 
is  hereby  requested  to  afford  every  aid,  of  men,  artillery, 
or  otherwise,  in  the  premises,  consistent  with  the  public 
service. 

A  petition  of  William  Forbes,  a  disaffected  man,  con- 
fined in  Litchfield  jail,  was  read.  He  requests  a  mitiga- 
tion of  his  confinement. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Col.  De 
Witt  and  Judge  Graham  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 


SUNDAY  MORNING,  10  ho.  a.  m. 
The  Vice-President  and  Committee  met  pursuant  to  ad- 
journment. 

No  business  done. 
Adjourned  to  six  o'clock. 

6  ho.  P.  M. 

The  Vice-President  and  Committee  met  pursuant  to  ad- 
journment. 

A  letter  from  T.  Tilghman  to  the  committee  of  corre- 
spondence was  read ;  and  two  letters  from  camp  to  John 
McKesson  were  read. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  4th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Prest. 

Mr.  R.  Harper— New-York. 

Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon— Dutches. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


697 


A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman  to  the  Vice-President, 
dated  the  3rd  inst.  and  received  this  morning,  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  General  consents  that  eighty  men  of  Colonel  Tash- 
er's  regiment,  be  sent  with  provisions  to  Connecticut. 

Mr.  Landon  produced  a  memorandum  of  the  amount  of 
sundry  accounts  for  the  maintenance  of  the  poor  from  New- 
York,  placed  in  Rumbout's  precinct,  amounting,  in  the 
whole,  to  the  sum  of  seventy-eight  pounds  eleven  shillings. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorandum  be  submitted  to 
Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  that  he  request  the  several  accounts 
and  vouchers  mentioned  therein,  and  that  he  report  thereon 
to  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State. 

A  number  of  papers  relative  to  prisoners  of  war  lately 
maintained  at  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  and  now  remov- 
ed, were  handed  in. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  delivered  to  the  Secretaries  as 
commissaries  for  the  prisoners  of  war  ;  that  if  they  find  any 
difficulty  in  settling  those  accounts,  they  report  the  diffi- 
culties for  order  to  be  made  thereon. 

A  letter  or  account  of  the  like  kind,  from  Col.  Tusteen, 
was  read  and  delivered  in  the  same  manner,  and  with  the 
like  order. 

It  was  moved  that  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  be  advanced 
to  Mr.  Christopher  Collis,  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  him 
to  make  wire  and  woo!  cards,  if  he,  at  any  time,  shall 
satisfy  the  Convention,  or  Committee  of  Safety,  with  re- 
gard to  the  progress  he  shall  make  in  the  business,  and 
execute  his  bond  to  the  President  of  this  Committee  for  the 
payment  thereof,  at  the  end  of  nine  months  from  this  day. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  a  bounty  of  two  shillings  per  pair  be  al- 
lowed for  every  pair  of  good  wool  cards  made  in  this  State 
out  of  iron  wire  manufactured  in  this  State,  within  six 
months  from  this  day.  That  the  said  bounty  shall  be  pay- 
able to  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  on  full  and 
due  proof  made  by  the  oath  of  the  owner  of  the  said  works, 
before  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  district,  or  the 
nearest  magistrate  to  the  said  works,  or  before  the  Presi- 
dent, in  Convention,  of  the  Representatives  of  this  State, 
or  the  House  of  Representatives  thereof,  for  the  time  be- 
ing, that  the  wire  of  which  such  wool  cards  has  been 
made,  and  also  the  said  wool  cards  have  been  manufac- 
tured and  made  at  his  works  within  this  State,  provided 
such  proof  be  made,  and  the  bounty  applied  for  within  one 
month  after  expiration  of  the  said  six  months. 

Mr.  Tilghman's  letter  of  the  second  November,  was 
read  ;  to  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Duer  for  the  present. 

A  letter  of  the  3rd  inst.  from  Tilghman,  was  read. 

Ordered,  To  be  communicated  to  the  committee  for  de- 
tecting and  defeating  conspiracies. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Livingston,  recommending 
Bamper  for  a  commission,  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Bamper,  requesting  a  commission, 

was  read,  and  committed  to  the  committee  of  arrangement. 

A  letter  from  John  Imlay,  [containing]  an  account  of  the 
sale  of  the  sloop  Putnam,  and  a  receipt  for  one  hundred 
and  seventy  pounds,  was  read,  and  the  consideration 
thereof  deferred  for  the  present. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Novr.  Ath,  1776. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt — President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate*— Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,*  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine*—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk* — Tryon. 

Col.  Allison* — Orange. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

The  letter  from  John  Imlay,  the  receipt  for  one  hundred 
and  seventy  pounds,  and  the  account  of  sales,  was  again 

175 


read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Col.  Brasher  to 
report  thereon. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  consideration  for  ways  and  means  to  convey 
and  obtain  intelligence  from  Albany,  reports  : 

"  That  they  conceive  it  will  be  necessary  that  a  rider  be 
hired  to  set  out  to  Albany  next  Wednesday  ;  that  he  be  or- 
dered to  ride  so  as  to  arrive  in  the  city  of  Albany  no 
later  than  eleven  o'clock  in  the  morning  ;  that  he  then  wait 
the  direction  of  the  committee  of  this  House,  (or,  in  their 
absence,  the  sub-committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,)  when  to  set  out,  provided  he  be  detained  no 
longer  than  twelve  o'clock  the  Saturday  following,  and  on 
his  return  be  no  longer  by  the  way  than  Tuesday  follow- 
ing, at  1 2  o'clock  ;  that  he  alternately  ride  on  the  east  and 
west  side  of  the  river  ;  that  the  following  letter  be  WTote 
to  the  deputy  postmaster  at  Albany,  that  he  direct  the  post 
to  give  warning  to  this  Convention  on  his  waygoing  to  and 
returning  from  Albaay,  so  that  intelligence  may  be  sent  by 
him  in  the  mean  time." 

[Letter  not  entered  on  the  minutes.] 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Nov.  5th,  1776. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — Xew-York. 

Mr.  Newkirk* — Tryon. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate* — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison* — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,*  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine*— Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

Colo.  P.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

The  gentlemen  whose  names  are  marked  with  asterisks  are  a  quorum 
of  the  Committee  of  Satety. 

Mr.  Wisner  applied  for  an  order  for  one  hundred  pounds, 
on  account  to  pay  sundry  accounts  for  spears  made  in 
Orange  county  for  the  militia  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Hen- 
ry Wisner,  Esqr.  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  on  account,  to  be  by  him  applied  to  pay  for  the 
spears  made  in  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  reported  to  the  committee  that  Col.  Bra- 
sher and  himself  had  examined  the  muster  rolls,  account 
of  sales  and  papers  relative  to  the  schooner  General  Put- 
nam, and  find  that  for  want  of  proper  papers  and  more  full 
information  it  will  be  impracticable  to  settle  with  Thomas 
Quigly,  the  late  lieutenant  of  that  vessel,  for  the  crew. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  John  Imlay  and  Comfort 
Sands,  Esquires,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  and  em- 
powered to  examine  and  settle  accounts  relative  to  the  schoo- 
ner General  Putnam,  and  to  settle  with  and  discharge  the 
crew  of  that  vessel  in  the  most  frugal  manner  possible  ; 
and  for  that  purpose  that  they  be  and  hereby  are  authorized 
to  apply  the  nett  amount  of  sales  of  the  vessels  and  appur- 
tenances. That  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  be  requested  to  take 
with  him  such  papers,  or  extracts  of  papers,  or  accounts, 
from  his  own  or  the  Treasurer's  office,  and  to  advance 
such  sum  of  money  as  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  dated  this  day,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"Fishkill,  Novr.  5th,  1776. 
"Sir — Capt.  Belknap,  one  of  the  captains  of  the  rangers, 
ordered  to  be  raised  in  Ulster  county,  has  applied  for  the 
pay  and  subsistence  and  half  bounty  of  his  company.  The 
former  I  have  settled,  the  latter  I  want  your  directions 
about. 

"  It  appears  there  has  been  moneys  sent  to  the  different 
county  committees  for  the  one-half  bounty,  but  as  the  com- 
pany is  not  more  than  one-half  full,  there  must  be  money 


G98 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


yet  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  committee,  which  I  think  1 
it  would  be  best  to  draw  out,  and  settle  their  bounty  there  ; 
for  while  money  is  continually  advanced  to  different  com- 
mittees and  persons,  it  will  be  impossible  for  me  ever  to 
get  the  public  accounts  settled. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servt. 

"  COMFORT  SANDS. 

"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. 
President  of  the  Convention 
of  ihe  State  of  New-York." 

Whereas  it  appears  by  a  certificate  signed  by  the  chair- 
man of  the  county  committee  of  Ulster  county,  that  Capt. 
Isaac  Bellknap,  and  the  other  officers  of  his  company,  are 
duly  qualified  according  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  and  by  the  muster  roll  of  the  said  company, 
signed  and  subscribed  by  the  officers,  that  the  said  com- 
pany consists  of  twenty-one  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  : 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Boyd,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Ulster  county,  pay  to  Capt.  Isaac  Bellknap 
two  hundred  and  sixty-two  dollars  and  one-half  of  a  dollar 
in  full,  for  the  second  or  last  moiety  of  the  bounty  of  the 
said  twenty-one  rangers  raised  in  Ulster  county,  out  of  the 
money  formerly  deposited  in  his  hands  for  advancing  the 
first  moiety  of  the  bounty  to  the  said  rangers  ;  that  Mr. 
Boyd  take  duplicates  of  the  receipt  from  Capt.  Bellknap 
for  that  money.  The  duplicates  of  that  receipt  to  be  of 
the  same  tenor  and  date,  and  declaring  that  they  are  dupli- 
cates and  for  the  same  sum.  The  said  muster  roll  is  filed 
in  the  Auditor-General's  office. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands  relative  to  the  pay  of  Bar- 
rack Master  G.  Roorback,  requesting  directions  what  shall 
be  his  pay  and  rations. 

Mr.  Curtenius  was  called  in  and  advised  with,  relative  to 
that  claim.  Thereupon  the  further  consideration  thereof  was 
postponed  till  the  afternoon,  and  Mr.  Sands  is  requested  to 
attend  in  the  afternoon  to  give  the  Committee  information 
relating  to  the  said  barrack  master. 

Mr.  Curtenius  was  heard  as  to  the  clothing  purchased 
for  troops.  The  Committee  spent  some  time  in  consider- 
ing the  propriety  of  delivering  the  whole  to  the  Quarter- 
Master-General,  and  the  further  consideration  thereof  is 
postponed. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Dutches  county,  attending,  was  admitted.  He  informed 
that  it  is  necessary  to  procure  a  number  of  hands  to  be  em- 
ployed to  build  barracks,  and  proposed  that  a  draft  should 
be  made  from  the  militia  of  Dutches  county  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Allison  and  Major  Landon  be  a 
committee  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 

Novr.  5th,  P.  M.  4  ho. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Svffolk. 

Mr.  Con  tine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  calling  in  labourers 
to  build  barracks  was  read  and  the  consideration  thereof 
postponed  till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  frrom  Samuel  Brewster,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  New-Windsor,  covering  an  affidavit  relating 
to  one  Connor  and  Montgomery  was  read. 

The  said  affidavit  and  letter  set  forth  sundry  matters 
which  rendered  it  very  probable  that  certain  quantities  of 
butter  and  flour  purchased  by  the  said  Connor  and  Mont- 


gomery, were  purchased  with  an  intent  to  supply  the  ene- 
my. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  papers  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee for  detecting  conspiracies. 

The  committee  on  considering  the  letter  of  Francis  Lew- 
is and  Philip  Livingston,  Esqrs.  requesting  another  Dele- 
gate to  be  sent  to  Philadelphia,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKisson,  as  Secretary,  write  a 
letter  to  Mr.  Duane,  and  inform  him  that  the  attendance  of 
another  Delegate  is  necessary  at  Congress  ;  that  the  public 
accounts  of  this  Stale  are  ready  to  be  laid  before  the  Con- 
tinental auditors  ;  that  it  is  apprehended  his  attendance  at 
Congress  when  those  accounts  are  under  consideration  of 
the  proper  board,  will  be  peculiarly  useful  to  this  State, 
and  therefore  that  he  is  requested  to  return  to  Fishkill,  that 
he  assist  to  perfect  the  arrangement  of  the  army  and  pre- 
pare to  attend  at  Congress. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

Novr.  6th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 
Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vicc-Prest. 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Yates,  Junr. — Jllbany. 
Col.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  NicoU— Suffolk. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon — Dutches. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  J.  Smith— Orange. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Benjamin  Tusteen,  dated  Goshen, 
November  the  4th,  1776,  relative  to  some  cloths  he  has 
purchased  and  requests  to  know  whether  he  shall  have 
clothes  made  for  the  soldiers,  was  received  and  read,  and 
referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  have  the  goods 
made  up  at  Fishkill. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Sleght,  dated  at  Kingston,  rela- 
tive to  salt,  of  which  there  is  a  great  scarcity,  was  read. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  said  letter  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  having  been  read  in  Committee  of 
Safety,  they  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  have  come  more 
properly  through  your  committee.  They  lament  the  wants 
of  your  people,  but  are  ignorant  of  any  store  of  salt  at 
Albany  or  Dutches  counties,  both  of  which  they  are  sa- 
tisfied are  by  no  means  supplied  ;  but  should  it  be  other- 
wise, they  make  no  doubt  that  you  may  purchase  on  the 
same  terms  as  the  people  of  those  counties.  As  this  Com- 
mittee have  no  thought  of  interfering  without  the  most 
absolute  necessity,  in  the  regulation  of  the  prices  of  any 
article  of  merchandise  whatever,  since  its  only  tendency  is 
to  increase  the  scarcity,  and  injure  individuals. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  Johans.  Sleght,  Esqr." 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Albany,  Novr. 
3rd,  1776,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  Albany, 'ird,  Novr.  1776. 

"  Sir — I  do  myself  the  honour  to  enclose  you  an  extract 
of  a  letter  from  General  Gates,  of  the  31st  ulto.  with  copy 
of  one  from  Major  Hoisington  to  him.  If  Sir  Jno.  John- 
son left  Canada  at  the  time  the  deserters  mention,  he 
has  probably  met  with  such  difficulties  as  have  obliged  him 
to  return,  as  I  think  he  could  not  subsist  from  that  time  to 
this  in  the  woods.  We  have  no  less  than  eleven  different 
scouts  traversing  the  country  between  Tyconderoga  and 
Fort  Stanwix,  so  that  I  am  in  hopes  should  the  enemy  at- 
tempt to  penetrate  to  the  Mohawk  river,  we  shall  have 
such  early  information  as  to  enable  us  to  meet  him  with 
a  sufficient  force. 

I  have  already  ordered  two  regiments  from  Tycondero- 
ga to  Tryon  county,  and  about  one  thousand  of  the  militia, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


699 


so  that  our  force  there,  exclusive  of  the  militia  of  that 
county,  will  amount  to  two  thousand  men,  besides  the  gar- 
rison of  Fort  Schuyler. 

"  I  wish  the  Convention  would  order  the  depth  and 
breadth  of  Hudson's  river  to  be  carefully  taken  at  such 
places  as  they  conceive  would  be  most  proper  effectually 
to  obstruct  the  navigation.  Verplanck's  Point,  or  Jan 
Kanten  Hook,  may  be  proper  places  ;  perhaps  the  latter, 
the  most  eligible  of  any.  I  propose  taking  the  earliest  op- 
portunity that  is  offered  me  to  prepare  every  thing  for  it. 
At  present  I  cannot,  as  I  have  neither  troops  nor  carpen- 
ters, the  latter  being  all  employed  in  constructing  barracks. 
"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servant, 

"  PHIL.  SCHUYLER. 

"  P  R.  Livingston,  £sqr.  President,  &c." 

The  extract  of  a  letter  from  General  Gates,  dated  at 
Ticonderoga  on  the  31st  ulto.  giving  an  account  of  the 
movements  of  the  enemy  on  Lake  Champlain,  enclosed  in 
General  Schuyler's  letter,  was  also  read.  Also  a  copy  of 
a  letter  from  Major  Joab  Hoisington  to  General  Gates,  da- 
ted at  Newbury,  October  12th,  1776,  communicating  the 
intelligence  given  by  4  deserters  from  Canada,  that  pre- 
vious to  their  leaving  Montreal  on  the  25th  of  September, 
that  Sir  John  Johnson,  with  the  Indians  and  Canadians, 
and  8th  regiment,  had  marched  to  attack  the  inhabitants  on 
the  Mohawk  river,  and  meet  Genl.  Burgoin  in  Albany,  was 
also  read. 

Ordered,  That  an  extract  of  Genl.  Schuyler's  letter, 
which  relates  to  taking  the  soundings  of  Hudson's  river,  be 
transmitted  to  the  secret  committee,  now  at  the  forts  in  the 
Highlands,  and  said  committee  cause  the  soundings  to  be 
made. 

A  letter  from  John  Tayler,  Esquire,  dated  at  Albany, 
Novr.  3rd,  1776,  enclosing  a  notification  signed  by  Mr. 
Mathew,  town  clerk,  dated  at  New-Marlborough,  Octr. 
4th,  1776,  requesting  the  inhabitants  to  meet  and  give  their 
sense  relative  to  their  revolting  from  New-York,  was  read 
and  filed. 

Whereas  by  the  decease  of  Theodorus  Van  Wyck  and 
Andrew  Barclay,  loan  officers  of  the  city  and  county  of 
New-York,  in  this  State,  the  loan  office  books  and  seal 
has  fallen  into  the  hands  of  Nichs.  Governeur,  only  survi- 
ving loan  officer,  who  from  his  residence  in  New-Jersey, 
is  incapable  of  carrying  on  the  business  of  the  office  : 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  said  books  and  seal  be  deli- 
vered into  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  or  Ge- 
rard Bancker,  his  deputy,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  act  as 
loan  officer,  until  further  order  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Treasurer's  or  his  deputy's  re- 
ceipt shall,  on  payment  of  the  money,  be  considered 
as  a  full  discharge  for  any  money  due  to  the  loan  office. 

Ordered,  That  the  executors  of  Theodorus  Van  Wyck, 
deceased,  account  with  and  pay  into  the  hands  of  the  said 
Treasurer,  or  his  said  deputy,  all  the  money  due  from  the 
estate  of  their  testator  to  the  loan  office  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  be  served  on  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  and  that  Mr.  Gerard  Bancker  ap- 
ply to  Mr.  Gouvernier  for  the  books,  seal  and  accounts 
above  mentioned,  and  to  ihe  executors  of  Theodorus  Van 
Wyck  for  the  sums  in  their  hands,  and  serve  them  with  a 
copy  thereof. 

Robert  Yates,  Esquire,  from  the  committee  appointed 
on  the  19th  of  October  last,  to  cooperate  with  Major-Genl. 
Schuyler  in  devising  and  carrying  into  execution  all  such 
measures  as  they  should  deem  most  effectual  for  repelling 
the  invasion  of  the  enemy's  army  on  the  northern  and  west- 
ern frontiers  of  this  State,  made  the  following  report : 

"A  majority  of  your  committee,  vizt:  Evert  Bancker, 
Jacob  Cuyler,  John  Tayler,  James  Duane,  Robert  R.  Li- 
vingston, Robert  Yates,  John  Ten  Broeck,  convened  at  the 
city  of  Albany  on  the  24th  day  of  October  last,  agreeable 
to  order,  to  perform  the  duties  assigned  them,  and  receiv- 


ing intelligence  from  Mr.  Tayler,  one  of  your  committee, 
who  had  just  arrived  from  Cumberland,  that  the  militia  of 
Cumberland  and  Glocester  were  ordered  to  hold  them- 
selves in  readiness  to  march  on  their  receiving  intelligence 
that  the  enemy  were  beseiging  Ticonderoga,  and  that  it 
was  their  intention  to  take  the  route  through  the  country  to 
that  place. 

"  A  letter  was  addressed  to  General  Schuyler,  advising 
him  thereof  (knowing  the  scarcity  of  provisions  at  that 
garrison,)  and  communicating  also  our  belief,  that  from  cer- 
tain affidavits,  copies  whereof  had  been  transmitted  to  him 
by  the  committee  at  Albany,  some  part  of  the  enemy's 
force  proposed  making  incursions  into  the  western  frontier. 
We  therefore  lamented  the  necessity  that  called  Colonel 
Dayton's  regiment  to  Ticonderoga,  and  left  so  important  a 
communication  to  be  guarded  chiefly  by  militia,  and  sub- 
mitted the  propriety  of  employing  active  scouts  who  should 
go  from  the  head  of  Hudson's  river  to  Ticonderoga,  and 
to  whom  rewards  should  be  offered  on  their  bringing  intel- 
ligence of  the  enemy's  approach. 

"  Having  received  information  of  a  most  dangerous  con- 
spiracy of  the  tories  at  Helenbergh,  we  despatched  an  ex- 
press to  Colonel  Van  Ness,  who  was  at  Schuyler's  Ferry, 
on  his  march  to  Fort  Edward,  to  recall  his  regiment,  to 
employ  them  against  the  insurgents  ;  of  this  measure  also 
we  informed  Genl.  Schuyler ;  and  in  order  to  discover  the 
numbers,  motions  and  designs  of  the  insurgents,  a  soldier 
recommended  by  Colonel  Van  Schaick  for  that  purpose, 
was  sent  as  a  spy,  with  instructions  and  a  promise  of  a  re- 
ward of  ten  pounds  if  he  should  perform  the  service  satis- 
factorily. 

"  On  the  25th  of  October  a  letter  was  received  from 
Colonel  Whiting  of  Kings  district,  giving  information  of 
the  number  and  hostile  designs  of  the  tories  in  that  district; 
whereupon,  Capt.  Baldwin  with  fifteen  men  of  the  Albany 
rangers,  was  immediately  despatched  to  assist  in  securing 
the  said  insurgents,  and  Colonel  Whiting  was  directed  and 
authorized  to  raise  and  detain  all  the  well  effected  militia 
remaining  in  that  district,  for  the  same  service,  and  also  to 
call  on  the  nearest  towns  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  for  such  a  number  of  men  as  would,  together  with 
his  own  and  the  rangers,  make  up  an  hundred ;  and  also, 
that  he  should  see  the  men  properly  supplied  with  provi- 
sions agreeable  to  the  Continental  allowance.  The  whole 
to  be  commanded  by  Colonel  Whiting  until  superseded. 

"  Mr.  Avery,  deputy  commissary,  furnished  a  report  of 
all  the  flour  remaining  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  several 
stages  between  that  and  Albany,  from  which,  after  deduct- 
ing what  was  probably  expended  or  would  be  consumed  in 
the  course  of  fourteen  days,  there  would  then  only  remain 
about  2,520  barrels. 

"  A  representation  having  been  made  to  your  commit- 
tee that  Doctor  Henry  Van  Dyck,  Cornelius  Glen,  Benja- 
min French,  Jacob  A.  Lansing,  John  Stevenson,  Henry 
Ten  Eyck,  John  Van  Allen,  Jns.  Visscher  of  Schenectady, 
Major  Eminston,  Peter  Van  Schaick,  Peter  Vosburgh,  Ro- 
bert Oakley,  James  Dole,  Baker,  John  Fryer,  were 
persons  disaffected  to  the  cause  of  American  liberty,  and 
that  their  stay  in  the  county  of  Albany  would  be  dangerous : 
It  was  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  committee  who 
were  members  also  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  wait  on 
the  committee  of  the  said  county,  and  submit  it  to  their 
consideration,  if  they  have  just  grounds  of  the  unfriendly 
dispositions  of  the  said  persons,  to  remove  them  immedi- 
ately out  of  this  State. 

"  It  being  also  represented  to  the  said  committee  that 
there  were  many  disaffected  persons  in  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston and  its  neighborhood,  and  that  the  remaining  mi- 
litia who  can  be  relied  on  are  few  in  number  and  badly 
armed  :    It  was  therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  sent  to  the  commanding  offi- 
cer of  the  manor  regiment,  informing  him  to  detain  the 


700 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


militia  there,  and  hold  them  in  readiness  to  suppress  any 
insurrections  among  the  disaffected  in  that  part  of  the  State, 
or  wherever  else  they  may  be  ordered  by  your  committee 
or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  A  resolution  was  also  passed,  requiring  the  committee 
of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  immediately  to  arm  and  equip 
the  company  of  rangers  raised  in  that  district,  and  order 
them  to  be  quartered  at  or  near  the  place  of  rendezvous, 
and  kept  in  readiness  for  immediate  service.  A  copy  of 
said  resolution  was  sent  to  Colonel  Henry  Livingston,  of 
the  manor  of  Livingston. 

"  Your  committee,  by  a  letter  to  Peter  R.  Livingston, 
Esquire,  President  of  the  Convention,  advised  them  of  the 
progress  they  had  made  in  the  execution  of  the  duties  as- 
signed them. 

"John  Vondenberg,  who  resides  near  Hellebergh,  and 
supposed  to  be  well  acquainted  with  the  designs  of  the  dis- 
affected in  that  neighbourhood,  was  examined,  and  reluc- 
tantly disclosed  that  he  had  attended  a  meeting  at  the  Hel- 
lebergh, and  was  there  advised  not  to  march  with  the  mili- 
tia to  the  northward  ;  that  there  were  present  at  that  meet- 
ing, John  Reid,  Joaghim  Huyck,  Jacobus  Long,  Hans  Se- 
gar,  Jacobus  Oliver,  Jacob  Huyck,  John  Cummins,  Arnet 
Wermer,  Adam  Sagar,  Christian  Huyck,  Jacob  Bradt, 
Garret  Bradt,  and  that  one  Richard  Redley  had  in  his  pos- 
session the  Proclamation  of  General  Howe.  That  their 
plan  was  to  assemble  in  three  parties  of  about  thirty  men 
each,  to  resist  any  troops  that  might  attack  them  ;  that  the 
one  party,  under  command  of  Albertus  Van  Alstyne,  to 
meet  at  the  Hellebergh ;  another,  under  the  command  of 
John  Cummins,  at  Norman's  Kill,  and  the  third,  under  the 
command  of  Arent  Wormer,  at  Neskitaw  ;  that  the  party 
attacked  were  to  notify  the  others,  that  they  might  coope- 
rate in  their  resistance. 

"  Hans  Segar  said  he  could  get  Indians  at  Schoharie  to 
assist,  if  he  would  go  for  them  ;  that  a  constant  correspon- 
dence is  kept  up  between  the  said  parties  and  the  disaffect- 
ed of  Stickook  and  Coxakie,  between  whom  it  was  under- 
stood that  they  were  to  act  on  the  defensive,  until  the  King's 
troops  arrived,  and  then  join  them. 

"  A  messenger  was  despatched  to  Colonel  Vondenbergh 
and  Captain  Slingerlandt,  requesting  their  attendance,  that 
they  might  be  informed  of  the  situation  of  the  country  in 
and  about  the  places  alluded  to  in  the  said  examination  of 
Vondenberg,  and  march,  with  Colonel  Van  Ness's  regiment 
as  guides,  to  those  places. 

"  On  the  twenty-sixth  of  October,  Colo.  Vandenbergh 
and  Capt.  Slingerlandt  attended  according  to  request,  and 
the  Colonel  produced  the  returns  of  such  persons  in  his 
regiment,  amounting  to  eighty-two,  who  have  not  marched 
up  with  the  militia  of  the  county,  most  of  which  absentees 
it  appears  by  other  information,  are  such  as  have  collected 
themselves  in  and  about  the  Hellebergh,  for  the  purpose  of 
opposing  by  force  the  measures  of  Congress.  An  express 
was  sent  with  a  letter  to  Captain  John  Bradt  of  Coxakie, 
advising  him  of  the  movement  of  the  disaffected  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  Hellebergh,  and  requesting  him,  if 
he  could  spare  any  part  of  his  force,  to  despatch  the  Scho- 
harie company  and  the  rangers  that  way  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble and  by  the  most  direct  route,  and  that  a  party  should 
be  despatched  from  Albany  to  meet  and  cooperate  with 
them. 

"  Colonel  Van  Schaick,  on  application,  consented  to 
spare  about  fifty  of  his  Continental  troops  for  two  or  three 
clays,  to  be  commanded  by  Capt.  Hicks,  and  marched  to 
the  Hellebergh  under  the  directions  of  your  committee, 
and  to  be  in  readiness  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  Captain  Baldwin  was  directed  that  the  fifteen  men  of 
his  company  of  rangers  should  hold  themselves  in  readi- 
ness ;  and  Colonel  Van  Ness  was  ordered  to  detach  eighty 
men  of  his  regiment  on  the  same  service,  while  the  remain- 
der of  his  regiment  should  continue  in  Albany,  and  do  the 
duty  of  the  troops  ordered  out. 

"  Capt.  Abraham  Slingerlandt  of  Col.  Vandenburgh's 


regiment  of  militia,  was  ordered  to  attend  the  said  detach- 
ments as  a  guide  in  the  route  they  were  to  take  for  the  ap- 
prehension of  the  disaffected,  and  Major  Ford,  who  was 
appointed  to  the  command,  was  apprised  of  the  nature  of 
the  service,  and  instructed  to  march  the  detachment  to  Con- 
radt  Luke's  or  Tunis  Kingerlandt's,  where  his  men  were 
to  be  refreshed  until  near  daybreak,  when  he  was  to  march 
from  thence  to  the  Hellebergh,  and  endeavour  to  take  and 
disperse  the  disaffected,  who  have  been  or  are  now  assem- 
bled in  arms,  (or,  in  general,  all  others  between  the  age  of 
16  and  50  who  can  prove  no  good  reason  for  their  not  hav- 
ing marched  with  the  rest  of  the  militia  agreeable  to  order.) 
If  they  should  not  be  at  that  place,  lo  follow  them  to  Nor- 
man's vale,  Nestakew  or  the  Beaver  Dam,  or  wherever  else 
they  may  be  assembled,  advising  on  this  head  with  the 
guide ;  also,  that  he  always  march  with  good  intelligent 
scouts  ahead,  and  flanking  parties,  to  prevent  surprise  or 
being  discovered  by  persons  lurking  in  the  woods  for  that 
purpose,  and  to  detain  all  those  whom  he  might  expect  de- 
signed to  give  intelligence  of  his  movements.  That  he 
should  also  be  particularly  careful  to  prevent  the  men  un- 
der his  command  from  plundering  or  maltreating  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  county,  whatever  might  be  their  political 
character.  To  be  attentive  to  secure  those  persons  whose 
names  he  was  furnished  with,  and  send  daily  communica- 
tions of  his  motions  to  your  committee  at  Albany,  in  order 
that  he  might  be  reinforced,  if  necessary,  or  supplied  with 
provisions,  if  his  stay  should  be  longer  than  was  expected. 

"  On  the  27th  of  October,  a  letter  was  received  from 
Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Saratoga  on  the  26th,  acknow- 
ledging the  receipt  of  the  letter  and  affidavits  transmitted 
him  on  the  twenty-fourth,  in  which  he  says  that  although 
said  affidavits  would  countenance  the  supposition  that  the 
enemy  intend  an  eruption  on  the  Mohawk  river,  yet  he 
cannot  suppose  they  will  attempt  it,  unless  they  should  be 
successful  at  Ticonderoga  ;  he  did  not  like  to  move  Day- 
ton's corps  from  the  westward,  but  was  pressed  to  do  it 
in  such  terms  by  General  Gates,  that  he  could  not  pru- 
dently refuse  it.  Lest  however  any  accident  should  hap- 
pen, he  advises  that  Colonel  Van  Ness  with  his  regiment, 
should  on  his  return  from  Coxsakie,  march  to  Schenecta- 
dy or  such  place  where  he  can  be  of  most  service  in  case 
of  an  attack.  The  scouts  from  Johnstown,  Fort  George, 
and  Fort  Edward,  agree  there  is  no  appearance  of  an  en- 
emy on  the  northern  quarters.  General  Schuyler  enclos- 
ed in  said  letter  a  copy  of  a  letter  he  had  received  from 
General  Gates  at  Ticonderoga,  dated  the  24th  of  October, 
wherein,  after  enumerating  such  articles  and  supplies  as 
are  most  wanted  at  that  garrison.  General  Gates  ob- 
serves : 

"  '  That  General  Carlton  lies  close  at  Crown  Point  with 
his  navy  on  his  flanks  ;  that  he  apprehends  an  attack  may 
soon  be  expected,  but  that  the  communication  between 
Otter  creek  and  Mount  Independence  was  not  yet  inte:- 
rupted  by  the  enemy's  scouts.' 

"  A  letter  was  received  from  John  McKesson,  Esquire, 
Secretary  of  the  Convention,  dated  at  Fishkill  on  the 
twenty-fourth,  giving  advice  of  the  apprehension  and  con- 
demnation by  a  court  martial  where  Lord  Stirling  presid- 
ed, of  three  traitors  or  deserters  taken  in  arms,  and  also 
enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esqr. 
to  the  Convention,  dated  at  Head-Quarters,  Valentine's 
Hill,  the  22nd  instant,  mentioning  that  early  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  21st,  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  detached  from 
the  first  and  third  Virginia  regiments,  and  commanded  by 
Major  Green,  supported  by  Colonel  Haslets  of  Delaware, 
with  six  hundred  men,  attacked  and  put  to  flight  Rogers' 
rangers,  taking  many  blankets,  sixty  stand  of  arms  and 
thirty-six  prisoners. 

"  Your  committee  immediately  acknowledged  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  letter  of  John  McKesson,  Esqr.  with  its  en- 
closure, and  suggested  the  propriety  of  the  committee  of 
correspondence,  establishing  expresses  to  Albany,  as  good 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


701 


news  published  by  authority,  might  have  a  happy  effect 
on  the  army  and  on  the  people. 

"  On  the  meeting  of  the  Committee  on  the  28th  of  Oc- 
tober, a  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  Saratoga  on 
the  27th  October  instant,  covering  a  letter  from  Capt.  La- 
throp  Allen,  commanding  at  Fort  Dalgton,  the  21st  of 
October,  and  another  from  General  Herkimer,  dated  at 
Canajoharie,  on  the  25th  of  October,  was  laid  before  your 
Committee. 

"  Capt.  Allen  states  that  on  hearing  some  news  from  the 
Lake  to  our  disadvantage,  a  consultation  was  held  at  Ca- 
najoharie Castle  between  the  Indians  and  tories,  since  which 
many  of  the  latter  have  absconded  to  join  the  enemy  ;  that 
the  Indians  are  also  moving  up.  He  concludes  by  request- 
ing the  General,  as  an  invasion  may  shortly  be  expected, 
to  forward  a  supply  of  ammunition,  there  not  being  more 
than  12  pounds  of  powder  to  supply  the  garrison,  consist- 
ing of  123  effective  men. 

"  General  Herkimer  informs  General  Schuyler  that  Pe- 
ter Ten  Broeck  of  the  Fallkills,  Hanyoost  Schuyler,  Ka- 
chyaho  Johnson,  with  about  120  others  from  the  Klace 
Burragh,  have  gone  off  to  the  enemy  ;  he  learns  they  are 
gone  to  Oswego,  expecting  to  meet  the  enemy  there  ;  that 
the  leaders  of  these  runaways  have  received  advice  by 
letters,  that  within  six  days  from  their  escape,  the  enemy 
would  be  assembled  in  force  at  Oswego  ;  Sir  John  John- 
son to  command  six  hundred  regulars,  and  that  twenty- 
two  nations  of  Indians  had  joined  them.  A  squaw  was  the 
bearer  of  said  letter  to  Canajoharie  castle,  and  a  belt  was 
sent  fiom  the  hostile  nations  to  the  Oneidas  to  invite  them 
to  join  them,  threatening  that  if  they  would  not  agree  to 
their  proposals,  they,  the  Oneidas,  should  be  attacked 
first,  and  that  not  a  child's  life  would  be  then  spared. 
General  Herkimer  added,  this  hostile  invasion  may  be 
soon  be  expected,  and  certainly  on  the  Mohawk  ;  and  that 
the  circumstances  of  the  country  are  such  that  they  can- 
not resist  such  a  force,  and  must  expect  to  be  slaughtered 
and  drove  off  at  the  pleasure  of  the  enemy.  He  therefore 
begged  and  solicited  for  expeditious  succour  in  troops,  to 
oppose  such  powerful  invaders,  to  frustrate  their  wicked 
intentions  ;  that  without  such  aid,  the  major  part  of  the 
inhabitants  would  lay  down  their  arms  rather  than  be  sa- 
crificed in  their  unprotected  situation. 

"  General  Schuyler,  in  his  letter  enclosing  copies  of 
those  of  General  Herkimer  and  Captain  Allen,  remarks 
that  he  thinks  it  absolutely  necessary  that  a  body  of  troops 
be  sent  immediately  to  the  Mohawk's  river  ;  and  concludes 
by  observing,  '  I  have  ordered  Colonel  Dayton  with  his  re- 
giment, which  is  at  Canistighenna  or  Half  Moon,  to  halt 
until  they  shall  hear  from  you.  If  you  can  send  such  a  body 
of  militia  into  Tryon  county  as  will  in  all  probability  se- 
cure that  part  of  the  counUy,  I  then  wish  you  to  send  or- 
ders to  Colonel  Dayton  to  prosecute  his  march  to  Ticon- 
deroga,  where  he  is  much  wanted,  if  not,  you  will  order 
him  back  to  that  county,  he  having  my  orders  to  obey 
your  directions.' 

"  The  committee  thereupon  resolved  and  determined  to 
detain  the  following  troops  for  the  defence  of  the  western 
frontiers,  namely : 


"  Capt.  Badt's  rangers,  who  have  performed  the  ser- 
vice at  Coxakie,   50 

"  A  detachment  of  Capt.  Baldwin's  company  of  ran- 
gers,   20 

*'  A  detachment  under  Major  Ford  of  Colonel  Van 

Ness's  regiment  of  Claverack  militia,   80 

"  A  detachment  of  Schoharie  militia  under  Capt-  Ha- 
ger,   55=205 

"  Capts.  Hicks  and  McCracken's  companies  of  Colo. 

Van  Schaick's  Continental  regiment,   120=  325 

"  If  there  be  added  to  the  troops  now  on 

service  and  the  Tryon  militia,  vizt : 

"  Elmons's  regiment,   443 

"  Nichols's      do    150 

"  Tryon  county  rangers,.   150 

"  Militia  supposed  at   1,000    =  1,743 


"  The  whole  will  be,  2,068 

176 


"  Your  committee  then  sent  a  letter  by  express  to  Genl. 
Schuyler,  enclosing  copies  of  the  above  resolutions,  and 
having  previously  received  intelligence  from  Major  Ford 
and  Capt.  Bradt,  we  mentioned  to  the  General  that  on  the 
night  of  the  26th  the  detachment  was  despatched  against 
the  disaffected  at  the  Hellebergh  and  its  neighbourhood, 
which  was  attended  with  the  wished  for  success,  as  they 
dispersed  the  disaffected  without  opposition,  and  many  of 
them  were  taken.    Capt.  Bradt,  who  was  despatched  on 
a  similar  enterprise  to  Coxakie,  had  written  to  us  by  ex- 
press that  he  had  successfully  performed  the  service  he 
was  sent  upon,  and  that  he  thought  the  Coxakie  and  Cats- 
kill  companies  would  be  sufficient  for  any  further  business 
in  that  quarter.    Indeed,  it  appeared  to  us  that  the  report 
of  the  disaffected  there  had  been  greatly  exaggerated,  since 
the  committee  of  this  district  had  thought  fit  to  discharge 
some  of  those  who  are  apprehended  as  tories ;  which,  how- 
ever inexpedient,  was  at  least  a  proof  they  were  not 
thought  dangerous.    These  vigorous  measures  having  so 
lappily  suppressed  domestic  insurrections,  put  it  in  our 
aower  to  detach  the  troops,  which  with  the  forces  already  on 
he  western  frontiers,  are  particularly  specified  in  our  reso- 
utions.    Of  their  competency  we  suppose  General  Schuy- 
er  could  best  judge,  and  therefore  submitted  it  to  his  de- 
termination, whether  Colonel  Dayton's  regiment  should  be 
sent  forward  to  Ticonderoga  or  commanded  to  their  former 
station.    It  appeared  to  us  of  the  utmost  moment  that  an 
active  and  spirited  officer,  in  the  then  conjuncture,  should 
be  invested  with  the  command  on  the  western  frontiers, 
especially  as  the  apprehensions  on  the  part  of  the  Conti- 
nentals as  well  as  the  militia  seemed  greater  than  the  in- 
telligence communicated  to  us  could  justify.    We  submit 
it  to  the  consideration  of  the  General,  that  as  we  were 
strangers  to  Colonel  Elmer,  if  his  military  character  was 
not  sufficiently  established,  whether  Colonel  Dayton,  (in 
case  his  regiment  should  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,)  Colo- 
nel Van  Schaick,  or  some  other  officer  of  known  abilities, 
ought  not  to  be  appointed  to  that  important  department. 
We  determined  that  such  of  the  proposed  detachment  as 
consisted  of  militia  should  march  without  delay.  The 
two  companies  of  Continental  troops,  not  being  under  our 
directions,  we  informed  the  General,  must  attend  his  orders; 
and  should  the  arrangement  meet  with  his  approbation, 
Capt.  Lush's  company  of  town  guards,  70  of  Colonel 
Van  Ness's  regiment,  under  his  command,  besides  the 
would  remain  for  town  duly. 
"  Your  committee  then  wrote  to  Major  Ford  requesting 
him  to  return  with  the  detachment  under  his  command  to 
Albany  as  soon  as  the  service  whereon  he  was  sent  was 
despatched,  and  at  the  same  time  forwarded  a  letter  to 
Capt.  Bratt,  commanding  the  party  at  Coxakie,  to  march 
said  party  to  Albany  as  soon  as  their  business  was  accom- 
plished ;  an  order  was  also  given  Mr.  Avery  to  furnish  the 
detachment  under  Major  Ford  with  three  days'  provisions, 
which  was  forwarded  immediately. 

"  John  Vandenbergh  again  appeared  before  the  commit- 
tee and  was  examined,  and  discovering  nothing  further  re- 
specting the  tories  at  Hellebergh,  he  was  dismissed,  and 
for  his  former  services  was  given  48*. 

"  Dirck  Swart  was  called  in  and  informed  your  commit- 
tee that  while  at  Bennington  he  understood  that  letters  had 
been  received  by  the  committee  of  that  place,  from  Deputy 
Commissary  Trumbull  and  Deputy  Commissary  Yauncey, 
which  mentions  that  some  evil  disposed  persons  near  Al- 
bany had  stopped  the  provisions  going  forward  to  Ticon- 
deroga, and  alleged  that  they  had  orders  to  purchase  the 
wheat  and  send  it  to  the  mills  ;  that  the  wheat  was  accord- 
ingly purchased  at  5s.  6d.  lawful ;  on  hearing  which,  some 
of  the  militia  that  were  going  up  were  much  enraged  and 
wished  Albany  in  flames. 

"  As  Mr.  Swart  neither  saw  said  letters  nor  heard  them 
read,  it  was  not  thought  proper  to  take  any  measures  rela- 
tive thereto  until  more  precise  information  could  be  obtain- 
ed of  their  contents. 


702 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  On  the  29th  of  October,  Major  Ford,  with  the  detach- 
ment under  his  command,  returned  from  the  Hellebergh 
and  reported  that  he  could  not  discover  any  parties  of  dis- 
affected persons  assembled  together ;  that  he  had  traversed 
the  country  and  found  that  most  of  the  inhabitants  had  ab- 
sconded ;  that  he  had  apprehended,  however,  John  Reid, 
John  Lang,  Garrit  Slingerlandt,  Myndert  Bradt,  John  Sa- 
ger,  Jeremiah  Pemberton,  John  Hallenueck,  (who  he  has, 
however,  since  discharged,)  Garret  Sager,  Malthys  Hogh- 
taling,  (who  he  released  but  detained  his  arms.) 

"  Your  committee  immediately  proceeded  to  examine 
John  Reid,  John  Lang  and  Myndert  Bradt. 

"  The  character  of  Reid  appeared  suspicious,  he  was 
therefore  remanded  to  goal.  As  to  Lang  he  appeared  to 
be  misled,  and  professing  his  hearty  repentance  and  pro- 
mising a  ready  concurrence  with  the  measures  of  Con- 
gress, was  thereupon  dismissed  upon  his  promise  to  go  and 
join  his  militia  regiment  at  Fort  Edward.  On  receiving  a 
solemn  promise  not  to  reveal  his  name,  the  said  John  Lang, 
of  Meadhic,  stated  that  being  warned  to  go  to  Fort  Ed- 
ward, he  prepared  himself  to  go  accordingly,  but  on  his 
way  was  dissuaded  from  proceeding  by  Frederick  Oliver 
and  Philip  Luke,  son  to  John  Luke,  who  were  the  princi- 
pal persons  that  dissuaded  people,  alleging  that  they  would 
not  go  to  be  slaughtered  by  the  regulars,  who  would  have 
this  country  in  a  month's  time.  That  thereupon  he  went 
to  Arnet  Wormer's,  where  there  were  about  one  hundred 
who  engaged  not  to  go  up,  nor  to  injure  any  person  ;  but 
if  the  rangers  or  militia  of  Albany  came  against  them,  they 
would  resist  them.  They  then  agreed  to  keep  scouts  in  the 
roads  and  that  they  should  notify  each  other  upon  any 
alarm.  That  besides  the  above  persons,  Frederick  Wor- 
mer,  Frederick  Cransie,  John  Commens,  were  at  the  meet- 
ing ;  that  the  views  of  those  people,  when  assembled, 
was  to  hold  out  until  the  regulars  should  come,  and  then 
join  them ;  that  Arnet  Wormer  was  to  direct  one  of  the 
parties,  Bat  Hallenbeck  another,  and  Frederick  Oliver  the 
third  party.  The  said  John  Lang  being  further  examined, 
stated  that  there  were  present  in  the  above  company 
George  Swan,  Peter  Classe,  Peter  Bradt,  Staats  Bradt, 
Wouter  and  George  Slingerlandt,  Storm  Bradt,  Myndert 
Bradt,  Garret  Bradt,  John  Commens,  (a  principal,)  Jaco- 
bus Oliver,  Jacob  Ball  a  captain  of  Beaver  Dam,  (which 
latter  he  has  heard  to  declare  he  would  not  go  up  all,) 
Henry  Warner,  Jacobus  Houghtaling,  Johannes  Sager, 
Adam  Sager,  Jellis  Creeble  and  John  Wedewman. 

"  We  proceeded  to  examine  Myndert  Bradt,  who  ap- 
peared to  be  an  ignorant  lad  of  about  seventeen  years  of 
age  ;  he  not  being  sufficiently  candid,  was  thereupon  re- 
manded to  jail. 

"  We  then  received  from  General  Schuyler  a  letter  of 
the  29th  of  October,  dated  at  Saratoga,  in  answer  to  that  of 
yesterday,  acquainting  your  committee  that  he  had  ordered 
Col.  Dayton's  regiment  to  prosecute  their  march  to  the 
northward,  and  that  about  400  of  the  militia  were  ordered 
to  march  from  Fort  Edward  to  Tryon  county,  to  be  under 
the  command  of  Genl.  Herkimer  or  Colonel  Van  Schaick, 
Avho  he  had  ordered  into  that  quarter  with  the  two  compa- 
nies of  his  regiment. 

"  Mr.  Avery,  the  deputy-commissary-general,  was  im- 
mediately made  acquainted  with  this  movement,  that  he 
might  be  ready  to  furnish  these  troops  with  provisions. 
Capt.  Bradt  was  ordered  to  march  with  his  company  of 
rangers  into  Tryon  county,  and  to  put  himself  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Van  Schaick  ;  and  Capt.  Hager,  with 
the  party  of  militia  under  his  command,  was  directed  to  re- 
turn to  Schoharie,  and  hold  themselves  in  constant  readiness 
to  march  at  a  moment's  warning  to  the  defence  of  the  west- 
ern frontiers,  whenever  they  shall  receive  orders  from  Co- 
lonel Van  Schaick,  that  they  may  contribute  with  the  rest 
of  their  fellow  citizens,  who  are  now  in  arms  to  the  utmost 
of  their  power  in  the  defence  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
their  country. 

"  On  the  30th  of  October,  your  committee  addressed  a 


letter  to  General  Herkimer,  advising  him,  that  although 
they  considered  the  information  of  an  intended  irruption  of 
the  enemy  in  that  quarter  to  be  such  as  not  to  be  fully  re- 
lied on,  yet  it  was  possible  they  might  send  small  scouting 
parties,  as  a  great  force  cannot  come  at  this  season  ;  and 
as  to  the  twenty-two  nations  of  Indians,  it  is  too  improba- 
ble to  deserve  the  least  credit. 

"  We  could  not  help  expressing  our  surprise,  that  at  a 
time  when  the  militia  are  all  called  out  for  the  defence  of 
our  country,  invaded  on  the  north  and  south,  that  the  mili- 
tia of  a  county  which  had  hitherto  been  respected  for  its 
zeal  and  spirit,  should  entertain  the  most  distant  idea  of 
submitting  to  their  inveterate  enemy,  and  that  too  before 
they  had  seen  or  tried  their  force.  We  took  the  liberty  to 
remind  him  that  there  is  already  in  that  county,  exclusive 
of  their  own  militia,  743  men,  which,  when  joined  by  the 
troops  under  his  command,  would,  we  apprehend,  be  greatly 
superior  to  any  force  the  enemy  could  send.  We  informed 
the  General  we  had,  however,  sent  him  two  companies  of 
Continental  troops,  under  command  of  Colonel  Van  Schaick, 
with  whom  we  wished  him  to  consult  about  the  proper  dis- 
position of  the  troops,  and  also  one  company  of  rangers, 
and  that  General  Schuyler  had  ordered  to  their  assistance 
400  men  of  the  militia :  these  would  cross  from  Fort  Ed- 
ward. We  added  :  '  These  are  sent  in  compliance  with 
your  wishes,  though  we  really  think  them  unnecessary  if 
the  people  of  your  county  will  exert  any  degree  of  that  spi- 
rit which  we  have  reason  to  expect  of  men  animated  by  the 
glorious  cause  in  which  they  are  engaged.  We  doubt  not 
but  that  you  will  be  careful  to  inspire  them  with  proper 
sentiments  on  this  subject.  It  would  be  advisable  for  you 
to  order  100  of  your  militia,  who  will  be  rewarded  for  their 
services,  to  be  raised,  equipped  and  sent  to  their  proper 
stations ;  in  which  case  they  will  be  allowed  Continental 
pay  and  rations.  Capt.  Hager,  with  50  men  of  the  Scho- 
harie militia,  are  now  sent  home,  and  have  orders  to  hold 
themselves  in  readiness  at  a  moment's  warning,  whenever 
you  may  think  it  necessary  to  call  upon  them.  You  will 
be  careful  to  keep  out  scouts  on  every  quarter,  who  will 
be  rewarded  for  their  trouble.' 

"  Your  committee  then  addressed  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuy- 
ler, suggesting,  in  case  of  an  invasion  from  the  west,  which 
was  very  probable  whether  it  would  not  still  be  prudent  to 
detain  Dayton's  regiment  at  Fort  George,  so  that  they 
might  be  in  readiness  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,  or  the 
western  frontier,  as  the  progress  of  the  enemy  might  ren- 
der necessary ;  also  communicating  the  orders  given  to 
Col.  Van  Schaick,  Capt.  Bradt  and  Lieutenant  Hager  and 
Genl.  Herkimer  ;  and  that  Colonel  Van  Ness's  detachment 
of  140  men  were  to  be  detained  under  his  command  for 
town  duty,  leaving  Lieut.  Conyer,  who  is  one  of  our  re- 
cruiting officers,  to  assist  and  advise  Col.  Van  Ness  in  the 
conduct  of  his  department,  on  account  of  his  inexperience 
in  the  military  line.  We  also  communicated  the  result  of  the 
expedition  to  Hellebergh,  and  certain  intelligence  from  Ma- 
jor Ford,  received  by  him  from  Hendrick  Hoff,  who  pre- 
tends to  be  a  deserter  from  General  Carlton,  that  would 
countenance  the  belief  that  we  might  hourly  expect  an 
irruption  into  the  eastern  frontier  by  the  tories,  Canadians 
and  Indians,  under  command  of  Sir  John  Johnson.  We 
also  informed  the  General  that  nothing  before  us  would 
warrant  a  longer  continuance  at  Albany,  especially  as  our 
assistance  was  much  wanted  in  Convention.  The  military 
arrangement  which  is  so  essential,  being  delayed  until  our 
return  to  Fishkill. 

"  On  the  31st  of  October  your  committee  received  a  let- 
ter from  General  Schuyler,  by  express,  in  answer  to  the 
one  addressed  to  him  the  preceding  day,  in  which  he  men- 
tions, that  by  information  received  from  Colonel  Ogden, 
who  left  Ticonderoga  on  the  morning  preceding,  there 
were  not  more  than  200  tents  at  Crown  Point,  consequent- 
ly Genl.  Carlton  has  only  a  small  part  of  his  army  there ; 
this  circumstance,  the  information  of  Hoff,  and  the  move- 
ment of  the  tories  in  this  quarter,  induced  General  Schuyler 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


703 


to  suspect  that  the  enemy  intends  to  penetrate  by  the  Mo- 
hawk river  or  throw  themselves  on  some  part  of  the  com- 
munication between  Saratoga  and  Fort  George  ;  it  be- 
came difficult  to  say  what  measures  would  be  most  eligi- 
ble, but  that  he  will  venture  to  send  down  part  of  the  mi- 
litia. Dayton's  regiment  being  already  near  Skeensborough 
and  his  men  extremely  averse  to  return  to  Tryon  county, 
he  therefore  earnestly  entreated  us  not  to  leave  Albany  at 
so  critical  a  juncture.  He  also  informed  us  that  he  would 
despatch  an  express  to  General  Gates  to  request  him  to 
send  a  scout  of  40  or  50  men  to  the  westward,  and  if  he 
finds  that  any  body  of  the  enemy  have  marched  to  the 
Mohawk  river,  then  instantly  to  despatch  three  regiments 
to  that  quarter,  or  more,  according  to  the  number  of  the 
enemy  that  may  have  taken  that  route.  That  similar  or- 
ders would  be  sent  to  Genl.  Ten  Broeck  and  Colonel  Gan- 
sevort  that  we  might  thus  have  the  more  early  and  most 
certain  intelligence  of  the  enemy's  movements,  and  be  en- 
abled to  take  proper  measures  to  defeat  their  purposes. 

"  The  despatches  which  General  Schuyler  enclosed  for 
Colonel  Van  Schaick  and  Major  Cochran  of  Tryon  coun- 
ty, were  immediately  forwarded  to  them  by  express. 

"  Your  committee  on  the  same  day  received  a  letter 
from  Colonel  Whiting  giving  an  account  of  Kings  district 
and  referring  to  the  affidavits  of  Peabody  and  Allen,  taken 
before  John  Younglove,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Bennington,  copies  whereof  were  sent  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  by  the  committee  of  Albany,  and  referred 
to  your  committee  on  the  23rd  of  October ;  from  which 
examinations  it  appeared  that  Isaac  Peabody  and  Samuel 
Allen  called  at  the  house  of  Seth  Chase,  at  Little  White 
Creek,  on  the  12th  of  October.  Suspecting  from  some 
observations  they  heard  that  Chase  was  disaffected,  they 
feigned  to  be  of  the  same  sentiments  pretending  they  came 
from  Kinderhook,  and  were  offered  lodgings  and  conceal- 
ment on  the  suggestion  of  a  Mr.  Hough,  which  they  de- 
clined ;  they  asked  Mr.  Hough  whether  they  had  seen 
any  of  their  Kinderhook  friends  or  whether  it  was  practi- 
cable for  them  to  get  through  northward  to  Burgoyne's 
army.  Hough  said  no,  but  there  was  a  much  safer  way 
of  making  their  escape,  for  there  were  80  men  from  Arling- 
ton and  Sinderland  who  were  to  march  the  next  night ; 
that  there  were  two  of  the  King's  armies  coming  down ; 
Burgoyne  was  tocome  round  the  Lakes  and  Sir  John  Johnson 
down  the  Mohawk ;  it  would  be  best  for  the  Kinderhook 
tories  to  join  the  latter,  which  they  could  meet  in  three 
days,  and  be  out  of  danger;  which  opinion  Hough^said 
he  would  communicate  to  the  tories  at  Kinderhook,  That 
while  at  Chase's  they  were  advised  not  to  go  to  Cam- 
bridge, or  they  would  be  taken  up,  for  the  people  there 
were  as  fierce  as  the  devil,  and  would  have  ruined  the  dis- 
affected at  White  Creek  but  for  the  friends  they  had  in  the 
committee.  Hough  stated  that  most  of  the  neighbourhood 
were  disaffected  ;  that  they  had  a  meeting  at  Chase's  and 
determined  to  march  off  and  join  Burgoyne  on  the  13th. 
Samuel  Allen  went  to  inform  the  committee  of  Cambridge 
of  what  had  passed,  while  Capt.  Peabody  returned  to 
Chase's  to  gather  further  intelligence,  and  inquired  for 
Hough,  and  was  told  by  Chase  that  Hough  had  communi- 
cated to  him  the  substance  of  the  conversation  the  preced- 
ing night ;  that  he  had  certain  intelligence  that  Burgoyne 
with  his  army  was  coming  round  the  Lakes ;  that  Col. 
Mann  had  sent  a  page  to  Arlington,  who  was  at  his  house 
the  night  of  the  11th  on  his  return,  and  told  that  the  Colo- 
nel's orders  to  the  people  of  Arlington  were,  to  remain 
quiet,  unless  their  intentions  were  discovered,  until  further 
orders  from  him  ;  for  he  found  from  intelligence  from  Bur- 
goyne he  would  not  get  through  his  march  so  soon  as  he 
expected  ;  but  if  discovered,  to  make  the  best  of  their 
way  to  him.  The  page  also  stated  that  the  people  of  Ar- 
lington had  made  such  preparations  for  their  march  that 
they  could  not  postpone  it  without  being  discovered,  and 
would  therefore  march  that  night ;  he  also  said  that  the 
people  of  White  Creek  are  secure  ;  they  would  not  march 


until  further  orders  from  Colonel  Mann.  He  likewise  said 
that  Colonel  Mann  had  12  fat  oxen  for  the  purpose  of  vic- 
tualling the  friends  of  Government  on  their  march  to  join 
the  King's  army,  and  others  had  several  more  for  the 
same  purpose  ;  and  on  inquiring  by  what  plan  our  Kinder- 
hook friends  could  get  safe  to  the  King's  army,  he  told  me 
Colonel  Mann  had  given  countersigns  at  two  places,  and 
if  these  countersigns  could  be  conveyed  to  our  friends  they 
could  pass  safe  and  obtain  all  necessary  intelligence.  He 
then  produced  a  paper  and  handed  it  to  me,  saying  now  I 
give  you  my  life.  The  contents  of  said  paper  were  these  : 
At  Landlord  Northrop's  the  countersign  is  '  Tryon  ;'  at 
Jacob  Lawing's  ferry  the  countersign  is  '  Burgoyne ;' 
upon  the  giving  of  which  countersigns  he  said  at  those  two 
places,  we  could  be  secreted,  have  provisions,  or  helped  on 
our  way,  or  any  thing  we  desired,  to  forward  us. 

"  That  Simon  Covill  was  a  great  friend  to  government, 
and  thus  examined,  need  not  fear  him.  While  the  friends  of 
government  were  on  their  march  to  join  Burgoyne,  it  was 
directed  by  Colonel  Mann  that  in  the  day  time  they  should 
keep  the  woods,  and  in  the  night  time  to  take  the  road  ;  to 
go  20  in  a  body  a  mile  distant  from  each  other,  and  before 
each  detachment  a  scout,  to  be  placed  distant  in  the  ad- 
vance about  10  rods,  to  give  notice  of  persons  approaching 
in  front,  and  the  rear  guard  in  like  manner,  to  notify  the 
approach  of  pursuers,  in  which  case  the  parties  to  skulk 
into  the  wood. 

"  Your  committee  perceiving  from  the  last  intelligence 
received  from  General  Schuyler,  that  probably  no  attack 
would  be  made  on  Ticonderoga,  it  strengthened  the  appre- 
hension of  an  invasion  of  our  western  frontiers.  In  such 
case,  the  defenceless  situation  of  those  frontiers  would  be 
lamented  by  those  probably  who  judge  only  from  events — 
convinced  that  an  inexperienced  militia  cannot  be  relied 
on,  especially  when  their  fears  may  be  excited  on  account 
of  the  Indians.  Under  those  difficult  circumstances,  increas- 
ed by  General  Gates'  importunity  for  Dayton's  regiment, 
though  all  the  Continental  troops  (two  companies  only  ex- 
cepted,) were  already  at  Ticonderoga,  and  on  the  com- 
munication we  could  easily  account  for  the  embarrassment 
of  General  Schuyler,  in  which  we  participated,  and  by  a 
letter  of  the  31st  of  October,  we  communicated  our  reflec- 
tions on  the  subjects,  and  advised  him  of  the  intelligence 
received  of  Peter  Ten  Broeck,  and  the  four  other  disaffec- 
ted, who  have  lately  gone  over  to  the  enemy  from  Tryon 
county,  being  pursued  by  a  party  of  the  Oneidas,  until 
those  friendly  Indians  were  given  to  understand  by  the 
Onondagas  that  it  was  disagreeable  to  them,  and  that  the 
Oneidas  should  suffer  if  they  did  not  desist.  We  submit- 
ted to  the  General  whether  it  would  not  be  proper  for  him 
to  send  a  spirited  message  to  the  Onondagas  by  Major 
Fonda,  or  such  other  manner  as  he  might  judge  best,  com- 
plaining and  demanding  satisfaction  for  this  unprovoked 
infraction  on  the  treaty,  and  insisting  peremptorily  to 
know  whether  they  are  to  be  considered  as  enemies  or 
friends,  that  they  might  be  treated  accordingly,  which 
would  at  least  show  a  vigilant  attention  to  their  conduct, 
and  contempt  of  their  enmity;  which,  if  it  should  not  con- 
vert, might  intimidate  and  keep  them  in  awe,  not  to  mention 
the  necessity  of  our  being  apprised  of  the  terms  we  stand 
upon  with  a  neighbour,  who  in  proportion  to  the  measure 
of  our  deception,  would  be  able  to  injure  and  distress  us. 

"  We  also  communicated  the  intelligence  from  King's 
district,  and  the  reports  from  the  south  east  end  of  Rens- 
selaerwick,  from  which  it  would  seem  that  the  disaffected 
were  about  to  collect  and  to  march  to  the  northward,  under 
the  disguise  of  militia,  and  friends  to  Congress,  until  they 
could  be  met  by  the  Canadians  and  Indians,  who  would 
conduct  them  to  the  enemy,  or  until  they  could  reach  Fort 
George,  which  they  would  seize  and  hold  for  the  enemy, 
which  accounts,  though  probably  greatly  exaggerated,  sug- 
gest the  necessity  of  our  being  on  our  guard.  The  Gene- 
ral was  at  the  same  time  apprised  that  previous  to  the 
receipt  of  his  letter  containing  a  request  that  your  commit- 


704 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


tee  should  continue  in  Albany,  that  Robert  R.  Livingston 
had  set  out  on  his  return,  and  as  that  part  of  the  committee 
for  arranging  the  army  which  were  to  the  southward,  have 
got  back  to  Fishkill,  we  considered  ourselves  under  the 
necessity  of  joining  them,  and  considering  the  nature  of 
our  powers,  which  respected  chiefly  the  militia,  which 
were  now  all  in  motion,  we  could  not  perceive  that  our 
stay  in  Albany  would  be  serviceable. 

"  Your  committee  then  addressed  a  letter  to  Colonel 
Whiting,  informing  him  that  they  had  ordered  Col.  Robt. 
Van  Rensselaer  with  150  of  the  Clavarack  militia,  to  march 
into  King's  district,  and  requesting  that  as  Col.  Van  Rens- 
selaer's detachment  would  be  much  wanted  for  an  impor- 
tant service  in  another  quarter,  that  he  might  be  detained 
no  longer  than  the  safely  of  the  district  and  the  condition 
of  the  disaffected  rendered  absolutely  necessary.  Those 
vigorous  measures  it  was  expected  would  convince  our  in- 
ternal enemies  both  of  our  vigilance  and  power,  and  inti- 
midate the  disaffected,  and  induce  them  to  disperse,  so  that 
a  guard  of  40  or  50  men  kept  in  constant  motion,  would  be 
sufficient  to  protect  and  preserve  tranquillity  in  that  district ; 
and  being  assured  by  the  messenger,  Mr.  that  so 

many  could  be  armed  in  the  district,  it  was  recommended 
to  Colonel  Whiting  to  embody  them  accordingly,  it  not 
being  in  our  power  to  furnish  either  arms  or  accoutrements. 

"  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  at  the  same  time  request- 
ed to  march  his  detachment  to  Albany,  as  speedily  as  the 
condition  of  the  disaffected,  against  whom  he  was  employ- 
ed, would  possibly  admit. 

"  By  the  return  of  the  express  on  the  1st  of  November, 
your  committee  received  your  letter  of  the  29th  ulto.  en- 
closing copies  of  certain  resolutions  adopted  for  providing 
provisions  for  the  northern  and  southern  armies,  together 
with  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman  from  Head- 
Quarters. 

"  Your  committee,  approving  said  resolutions,  and  in  or- 
der to  give  them  efficacy  in  the  northern  department, 

"Resolved,  That  an  agent  be  appointed  and  empowered 
'  to  purchase  wheat  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army, 
and  that  he  cause  the  same  to  be  manufactured  into  flour, 
and  transported  to  such  places  where  the  same  may  be  ma- 
nufactured, with  the  utmost  despatch. 

"  'Resolved,  That  if  any  shall  so  far  disregard  the  safe- 
ty and  preservation  of  this  country,  as  to  refuse  to  dispose 
of  their  wheat  or  other  commodities  necessary  for  the  army 
on  reasonable  terms,  (which  the  committee  have  no  cause 
to  apprehend,)  that  the  names  of  all  such  persons  be  forth- 
with returned  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  or  Convention 
of  this  State,  in  order  that  proper  measures  may  be  devised 
for  preventing  the  public  interest  from  being  sacrificed  by 
the  disaffection  or  rapacity  of  individuals. 

"  'Resolved,  That  such  agent,  if  necessary,  be  autho- 
rized to  impress  divers  wagons,  teams  or  carts,  or  other 
carriages,  for  the  purpose  of  executing,  with  the  utmost 
despatch,  the  resolutions  of  this  committee.' 

"  These  resolutions  your  committee  immediately  enclos- 
ed to  Mr.  Avery,  deputy  commissary  for  the  northern  army, 
at  the  same  time  expressing  their  readiness  to  assign  him 
as  agent  fully  authorized  to  carry  the  same  into  effect,  so 
far  as  relates  to  the  purchase  and  manufacture  of  wheat 
with  vigor  and  despatch ;  adding,  that  if  he  could  suggest 
any  measure  more  effectual,  or  stand  in  need  of  further  ad- 
vice or  support,  respecting  his  department,  we  would  cheer- 
fully assist  him.  It  being  our  determination  and  intention 
to  leave  nothing  undone  which,  at  this  arduous  conjuncture, 
might  contribute  to  the  important  purpose  of  supplying  the 
northern  army  with  provisions. 

"  On  the  2nd  of  November,  Capt.  Lush  furnished  your 
committee  with  a  copy  of  a  letter,  dated  at  Ticonderoga, 
on  the  20th  October,  1776,  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esqr. 
Commissary-General,  to  the  committee  of  Bennington ; 
also  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  James  Yancey,  deputy  com- 
missary, to  the  said  committee,  of  the  same  date,  being  the 
letters  referred  to  in  the  information  communicated  by 


Dirck  Swart,  on  the  28th  of  October;  which  copies  the 
committee  of  Albany  county  had  requested  Capt.  Lush  to 
procure.    Mr.  Trumbull  observes  : 

"  '  The  late  success  of  the  enemies  of  American  liberty 
on  this  lake,  render  it  probable,  I  might  say  certain,  that 
this  post  will  very  soon  be  attacked  ;  in  that  case,  as  the 
enemy  may  perhaps  attempt  a  blockade  rather  than  an  im- 
mediate attack  on  our  lines,  a  large  supply  of  provisions 
will  be  absolutely  necessary ;  you  are  therefore  requested, 
gentlemen,  to  lend  all  the  assistance  in  your  power,  in  for- 
warding provisions  of  every  kind  from  Bennington  to  this 
place,  by  way  of  Skeensburg.  The  badness  of  the  road 
may  render  it  necessary  to  send  flour  on  pack  horses  in 
bags  ;  if  no  other  method  is  practicable,  make  use  of  that ; 
regard  not  the  expense.  Mr.  Yancey,  deputy  commissary- 
general,  has  the  General's  orders  to  pay  every  necessary 
expense  and  charge  that  may  arise.' 

"  The  letter  of  Mr.  Yancey  was  in  these  words  : 

"  'This  is  to  inform  you,  that  in  consequence  of  a  num- 
ber of  disaffected  persons  (in  and  about  Albany)  to  the 
common  safety  of  this  Continent,  there  is  great  danger  of 
a  too  long  delay  of  the  contracted  provisions  for  this  army 
from  that  place,  and  in  particular  the  article  of  flour,  and 
that  we  have  not  more  than  will  answer  for  bread  for  the 
army  at  present  than  about  sixteen  days.  And  as  the  advances 
of  the  enemy  may  be  but  slow,  and  in  order  for  a  blockade, 
and  to  cut  off  all  communications  to  this  place,  all  which 
makes  it  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  we  have  an  im- 
mediate supply,  and  as  I  am  appointed  and  empowered  to 
act  and  contract  for  every  necessary  provision  for  this  de- 
partment by  the  Commissary-General,  Joseph  Trumbull, 
Esqr.  I  thought  it  of  the  utmost  importance  to  make  this 
pressing  application,  that  you  would  contract  and  immedi- 
ately forward  to  Skeensborough  Landing,  all  the  flour  that 
can  be  purchased,  for  the  army  in  the  northern  department; 
and  relying,  gentlemen,  on  your  public  patriotism  to  serve 
your  country,  I  make  not  the  least  doubt  that  you  will  com- 
ply with  this  request.  I  will  furnish  you,  from  time  to 
time,  with  the  Continental  currency,  as  fast  as  my  present 
hurry  of  business  will  permit ;  and  beg  you  will  forward 
me  your  answer  immediately,  how  much  you  will  be  able 
to  supply  me  with,  and  in  what  time,  so  that  I  may  be  able 
to  satisfy  the  Commander-in-Chief  at  this  place  with  this 
very  important  business.' 

"  On  reading  whereof,  it  was  agreed  to  send  for  Mr. 
Avery,  in  order  to  be  informed  whether  he  had  given  in- 
formation to  Head-Quarters  at  Ticonderoga,  that  would  jus- 
tify the  reflections  against  the  county  of  Albany,  contained 
in  the  letter  of  Mr.  Yancey,  and  also  to  know  his  reasons 
for  not  answering  our  letter  of  yesterday.  Mr.  Avery  was 
accordingly  called  in,  and  said  he  would  have  waited  on  your 
committee  before,  but  being  much  engaged  was  prevented. 
That  he  expects  and  has  received  considerable  quantities 
of  provisions.  He  was  then  told  that  the  committee  were 
ready  to  give  him  their  assistance,  and  that  no  exertion  in  the 
power  of  this  State  would  be  wanting  to  supply  the  army  ; 
and  that  if  he  could  point  out  any  thing  that  would  be  ser- 
vicable,  it  should  be  taken  into  consideration.  He  answered 
that  he  would  choose  that  an  agent  should  be  appointed 
agreeable  to  our  proposal,  to  purchase  wheat  for  the  ma- 
nufacturing 1000  barrels  of  flour;  that  he  would  also  be  in 
want  of  coopers.  Whereupon  the  committee  showed  him 
the  resolutions  of  Convention  of  29th  October,  respecting 
the  exemption  of  coopers  from  military  duty,  and  that  your 
committee  had  already  acquainted  the  Committee  of  Al- 
bany with  said  resolves,  and  requested  them  to  recall  the 
coopers  already. 

"  He  also  said  that  he  wanted  about  1000  bushels  of 
peas  ;  that  he  does  not  know  that  he  has  met  with  any  ob- 
structions in  transporting  the  provisions.  That  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany  had  promised  him  all  the  assistance  in 
their  power  ;  but  that  when  he  was  in  want  of  wagons 
when  the  militia  were  called  out,  he  could  not  get  ready 
'  assistance,  though  he  does  not  know  but  that  the  commit- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


705 


tee  did  all  in  their  power  to  assist  him.  That  he  has  made 
no  complaints  to  General  Gates,  but  that  he  has  wrote  to 
the  commissary  that  there  was  a  difficulty  in  getting  wa- 
gons because  the  militia  were  called  up  that  way.  Mr. 
Duane,  one  of  your  committee,  thereupon  read  to  him  Mr. 
Yancey's  letter  to  the  committee  of  Burlington,  as  also 
Mr.  Trumbull's  letter  to  the  said  committee. 

"  Thereupon  he  was  asked  from  whom  this  information 
could  be  derived.  He  said  he  had  never  given  the  commis- 
sary any  other  information  respecting  the  want  of  wagons 
or  the  obstruction  of  the  transportation,  than  what  he  be- 
fore related,  and  particularly  that  he  had  laid  no  blame  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Albany  ;  that  the  commit- 
tee of  Albany  had  always  behaved  genteelly  to  him,  and 
have  readily  offered  their  services  to  assist  him.  That  the 
interruption  of  transporting  provisions  occasioned  by  the 
calling  out  of  the  militia  continued  for  a  short  time  only. 

"  Whereupon  your  committee  declared  that  as  nothing 
would  work  a  greater  prejudice  to  the  public  service  than 
sowing  the  seeds  of  jealousy  and  distrust  at  such  a  criti- 
cal juncture,  the  committee  should  think  it  their  duty  to 
make  the  strictest  inquiry  into  Yauncey's  letter  and  infor- 
mation, and  the  motives  which  induced  him  to  write  it;  for 
that  as  on  the  one  hand  they  would  have  taken  care  that 
any  person  that  might  have  been  guihy  of  obstructing  the 
transportation  should  be  punished  with  the  utmost  severity, 
so  it  was  equally  their  duty  if  the  charge  in  that  letter  was 
groundless  to  have  it  publicly  exposed  ;  that  the  ill  impres- 
sions which  it  had  occasioned  might  be  removed,  and  for 
this  purpose  they  must  request  Mr.  Avery,  if  he  could  do 
it  consistently,  to  furnish  the  committee  with  extracts  or 
copies  of  such  letters  as  he  has  lately  sent  to  Ticonderoga 
upon  the  subject  of  transporting  provisions  either  to  Ge- 
neral Gates,  or  the  commissary  there.  He  answered  that 
he  would,  and  thereupon  withdrew. 

"  In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  he  again  waited  on 
your  committee  and  acquainted  them  '  that  he  had  not 
kept  copies  of  the  letters  which  he  had  lately  sent  to  Ti- 
conderoga.'1 

"  Your  committee  having  at  their  first  interview  with  Mr. 
Avery  inquired  what  quantity  of  provisions  the  deputy  com- 
missary-general had  delivered  over  to  him  when  he  entered 
upon  his  office,  answered,  a  '  sufficient  quantity  of  beef 
though  but  little  flour.'  Your  committee  thereupon  directed 
Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  the  late  deputy  commissary  to 
lay  before  them  a  return  of  the  flour  delivered  over  by 
him  to  Mr.  Avery,  which  he  accordingly  did ;  by  which  it 
appears  the  quantity  so  delivered  over  amounted  to  14 
tierces  and  16  barrels  of  bread,  54  Connecticut  barrels  and 
3,209  New-York  barrels  of  flour,  being  59  days'  rations 
for  11,000  men. 

"  At  the  interview  with  Mr.  Avery  on  the  2nd  of  No- 
vember, the  said  return  was  produced  to  him  which  he 
perused. 

"  General  Schuyler  having  arrived  in  Albany,  after  con- 
ferring with  him  respecting  the  situation  of  Tryon  county, 
it  was 

"Resolved,  That  General  Schuyler  be  requested  and  au- 
thorized to  issue  his  orders  to  the  commanding  or  other 
officer  in  Tryon  county,  in  case  the  enemy  should  invade 
the  western  frontier  of  this  State,  to  cause  all  the  cattle, 
sheep  and  swine  and  provisions  which  may  be  exposed  to 
their  rangers,  to  be  driven  in  and  secured,  and  if  that  shall 
not  be  practicable,  destroyed  ;  that  at  all  events  they  may 
not  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  ;  and  for  this  purpose 
they  be  empowered  to  impress  horses  and  carriages. 

"  Your  committee  also  conferred  with  General  Schuyler 
respecting  the  state  of  supplies  for  the  northern  army,  and 
among  other  things,  inquired  of  him  whether  the  transpor- 
tation of  provisions  had  been  obstructed  by  the  calling  out 
of  the  militia,  or  from  any  other  cause. 

"  In  answer,  the  General  informed  your  committee  that 
the  militia  being  attended  with  a  great  number  of  baggage 
wagons,  he  had  immediately  given  orders  for  detaining  and 

177 


employing  those  carriages  on  the  communication  ;  that  he 
had  further  ordered  all  the  militia  of  Half-Moon  district 
who  chose,  to  be  excused  from  military  duty,  on  condition 
that  they  would  assist  with  their  teams  in  transporting  pro- 
visions, which  a  great  number  of  them  accordingly  did  ; 
that  in  consequence  of  these  measures,  the  transportation, 
instead  of  being  obstructed  by  calling  out  the  militia,  had 
been  greatly  facilitated  ;  that  he  had  never  heard,  nor  did 
he  believe  that  the  transportation  had  met  with  the  least 
obstruction  from  any  cause  whatever,  but  on  the  contrary, 
that  provisions  had  been  carried  forward  as  soon  as  they 
were  ready  to  be  delivered  by  the  commissary  ;  that  during 
the  present  struggle,  he  had  experienced  so  much  readi- 
ness in  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Albany  to  assist  in 
the  transportation,  that  he  had  in  no  instance  been  under 
the  necessity  of  impressing  a  single  carriage. 

"  On  the  3rd  of  November,  your  committee  adopted  the 
following  resolution,  vizt : 

"  ' Resolved,  That  Cornelius  Cuyler  and  Peter  Cantine, 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  agents  to  assist  Mr. 
Avery,  agreeable  to  his  request,  in  purchasing  wheat  and 
manufacturing  the  same  into  flour,  to  the  amount  of  about 
1,000  barrels,  and  also  purchase  1,000  bushels  of  peas; 
and  that  they  acquaint  Mr.  Avery  from  time  to  time  of  their 
proceedings,  and  take  his  directions  as  to  the  dispositions 
of  the  said  provisions,  and  to  apply  to  him  to  furnish  them 
with  money  for  that  purpose.'  " 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  do  fully  ap- 
prove of,  and  justify  the  proceedings  of  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  that  part  of  the  report  of  the  said  com- 
mittee which  relates  to  Mr.  Yauncey's  and  Mr.  Trumbull's 
letters,  together  with  all  their  other  transactions  relative  to 
the  purchase  of  or  transportation  of  provisions,  which  is 
contained  in  their  report,  be  committed  to  a  committee  con- 
sisting of  Mr,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robert  Yates, 
and  Mr.  Duane. 

Wednesday,  9  ho.  P.  M.  Novr.  6,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Prest. 
Col.  Brasher — New-York. 

Mr.  Little,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  A.  Yates — ilbany. 

Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  W-  Smith— Suffolk. 

Col.  G.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Capt.  Patrick  Dennis's  request  for  the  advance  of  five 
hundred  pounds  on  account  of  the  vessels  by  him  purchas- 
ed, and  the  moneys  he  has  advanced  for  the  purpose  of 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  East  river,  was  taken  into 
consideration :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Patrick  Dennis  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  on 
account  of  the  moneys  that  have  become  due  him  in  pur- 
suance of  the  directions  for  obstructing  the  East  river  na- 
vigation. 

Comfort  Sands,  Esq.  Auditor-General  of  this  State,  by 
his  certificate  dated  yesterday,  has  certified  that  he  has 
examined  the  account  of  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Esqr.  Com- 
missary to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  commencing  the 
12th  day  of  June  last,  and  ending  the  twenty-fourth  day  of 
October  last,  as  also  his  several  vouchers  accompanying 
it,  all  which  he  finds  just  and  true;  and  that  the  sum  of 
nine  thousand,  two  hundred  and  ninety-three  pounds  fif- 
teen shillings  and  five  pence  is  the  balance  due  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  immedi- 
ately pay  to  the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  on  his  receipt, 
the  said  sum  of  nine  thousand,  two  hundred  and  ninety- 
three  pounds  fifteen  shillings  and  five  pence,  in  full  for  the 
balance  due  to  him  the  said  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  to  the 
said  twenty-fourth  day  of  October  last  included. 


700 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

November  7  th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Van  C  or  l  la  mil.  Vice-Prest. 
Col.  Brasher — New-York. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— Albany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster- 
Col  Allison,  Mr.  Little -Orange. 

Col.  Curtenius  attending,  informed  the  Committee  that 
he  stands  indebted  in  large  sums  of  money  by  contracts 
made  for  the  purchasing  of  clothing  and  other  articles,  as 
Commissary  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  pursu- 
ant to  their  order  ;  that  many  of  the  accounts  he  has  not 
yet  received,  and  therefore  requested  a  sum  of  money  on 
account. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Esquire,  on  account,  the  sum  of  five 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  six  pounds  four  shillings  and 
seven  pence,  taking  a  proper  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  Auditor-General, 
dated  yesterday,  enclosing  an  account  of  arms  and  accou- 
trements delivered  by  Mr.  Norwood,  the  commissary  to 
General  Scott's  brigade,  and  for  which  stoppages  were  to 
be  made  out  of  the  pay  of  the  men  who  received  them, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  account  be  sent  to  Ge- 
neral Scott  without  delay. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esqr.  dated  the  5th 
inst.  to  the  committee  of  correspondence,  giving  intelli- 
gence of  the  army,  was  received  and  read. 

The  following  resolutions,  moved  by  Robert  R.  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  were  read  and  agreed  to,  vizt : 

As  great  abuses  are  daily  committed  in  the  granting  of 
passes  without  sufficient  examination,  to  persons  inimical 
to  the  State,  in  order  to  remedy  the  same  as  well  as  to 
prevent  and  detect  counterfeit  passes, 

Ordered,  That  every  county  committee  throughout  this 
State  appoint  two  judicious  men  of  known  attachment  to 
its  interest  in  each  precinct,  manor  or  district,  who  shall 
grant  the  passes  hereinafter  mentioned,  to  such  persons 
only  of  whose  principles  they  shall  be  fully  satisfied. 

Ordered,  That  four  thousand  passes  be  printed,  leaving 
a  blank  for  the  date,  name,  and  place  of  abode  of  the  per- 
son and  the  place  to  which  he  may  proceed.  That  they 
be  signed  by  either  of  the  Secretaries  of  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  and  sent  to  the  several  counties  to  be  lodged 
in  the  hands  of  the  commissioners  above  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  when  any  person  shall  apply  for  a  pass, 
the  blank  in  the  same  shall  be  filled  up  with  his  name  in 
the  handwriting  of  the  person  so  applying,  and  the  com- 
missioner granting  shall  endorse  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  from  and  after  the  twentieth  day  of  this 
month,  no  person  be  permitted  to  travel  out  of  the  dis- 
trict, manor  or  precinct  in  which  he  usually  resides,  un- 
less he  comes  from  some  other  State  and  brings  a  pass 
from  the  same  ;  without  such  a  pass  as  above  described, 
or  such  as  may  be  granted  by  the  Convention  or  Commit- 
tee of  Safety  of  this  State,  but  shall  be  liable  to  be  ar- 
rested and  detained  by  any  member  of  either  county,  dis- 
trict, manor  or  precinct  committee  or  any  military  officer, 
till  discharged  by  order  either  of  the  committee  of  the  dis- 
trict, manor  or  precinct  in  which  he  was  so  arrested,  or  by 
the  general  committee  of  the  county  in  which  he  is  detain- 
ed. 

Resolved,  That  each  commissioner  be  allowed  the  sum 
of  six  pence  for  every  pass  which  he  shall  grant,  to  be 
paid  by  the  person  applying  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  two  hundred  copies  of  these  resolutions 
be  printed  in  handbills,  and  a  number  of  them  transmitted 


to  each  county  committee  in  this  State,  who  are  hereby 
directed  to  transmit  copies  thereof  to  the  several  district, 
manor  and  precinct  committees  within  their  respective 
counties. 

A  letter  from  General  Scott,  dated  the  5th  instant,  and  di- 
rected to  the  Convention,  giving  an  account  of  the  state 
and  movements  of  the  army,  and  recommending  Major  Fish 
for  a  commission  on  the  establishment,  was  read  and  re- 
ferred to  the  committee  of  arrangement. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Malcolm  to  Mr.  McKesson,  recom- 
mending several  of  his  officers  for  commissions  on  the 
establishment,  was  received  and  read.  Referred  to  the 
committee  of  arrangement. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  Novr.  1th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Brasher — New-York. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 
Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Ebenezer  Hazzard,  enclosing  sundry  news- 
papers containing  plans  of  government,  was  received  and 
read. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esquire,  dated  yester- 
day, informing  the  Committee  of  the  enemy's  army  being 
moved  towards  New-York. 

A  letter  from  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  dated  this  day,  re- 
questing that  some  person  may  be  appointed  to  take  charge 
of  the  treasury  books  and  papers  until  the  Treasurer  shall 
appoint  some  person  in  his  stead,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Messrs.  Duane, 
Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Col.  Drake. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  Auditor-General, 
dated  this  day,  relative  to  his  having  power  to  take  with 
him  to  Philadelphia  all  the  accounts,  with  the  vouchers, 
and  a  discretionary  power  to  settle  the  Continental  accounts 
in  the  best  manner  he  can,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  the  same 
committee  as  Mr.  Bancker's  letter,  with  the  addition  of 
Mr.  Roosevelt. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  8th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest. 
Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— Alba- 
ny. 

Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dewitt—  Ulster. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  will  pay  wages  and  the 
value  of  their  rations  remaining  due  to  such  of  the  officers 
and  men  belonging  to  Col.  Smith's  regiment  as  are  now 
actually  within  such  parts  of  this  or  the  neighbouring 
States,  as  are  not  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy,  for  the 
time  they  have  respectively  been  in  service. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolution  be  served 
on  Lieutenant-Colonel  Sands,  and  that  he  be  directed  to 
procure  muster  rolls  to  be  returned  to  this  Committee  or 
Convention  of  this  State,  under  the  oath  of  the  officers 
commanding  companies,  containing  the  names  of  those 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


707 


men  only  who  are  now  within  such  parts  of  this  or  the 
neighboring  States  as  are  not  in  the  possession  of  the  ene- 
my. 

Resolved,  That  the  President,  Vice-President  and  the 
chairman  of  each  respective  county  committee  in  this 
State  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  empowered  to  administer 
such  oath. 

Mr.  Duer  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the 
committee  for  detecting  conspiracies  have  in  custody  a  per- 
son who  they  have  reason  to  believe  is  an  officer  of  the 
Savage  ship  of  war,  and  who  has  been  engaged  in  enlisting 
men  to  serve  in  the  army  of  Great  Britain  against  the 
American  States.  Mr.  Duer  requests  the  sense  of  the 
Committee  whether  the  said  prisoner  ought  not  to  be  sent 
to  Head-Quarters  to  be  tried  by  law  martial. 

Resolved,  (as  the  opinion  of  this  committee,)  That  the 
committee  of  conspiracies,  &c.  do  cause  the  said  prisoner 
to  be  conveyed,  under  a  proper  guard,  to  the  American 
camp  in  Westchester  county,  and  that  they  transmit  to  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  all  examinations  and  wit- 
nesses relative  to  the  said  person. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  I.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  be,  and 
hereby  is,  appointed  commissioner  to  superintend  the  loan 
office  in  this  State,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  money  on 
loans  on  the  credit  of  and  for  the  use  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Honourable 
the  Congress  of  the  said  State,  passed  the  third  day  of  Oc- 
tober last  past. 

Whereas  His  Excellency  General  Washington  hath 
directed  that  barracks,  for  the  accommodation  of  two  thou- 
sand men,  should  be  erected  at  or  near  this  place  :  And 
whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Committee,  in 
the  report  of  the  Quarter-Master-General,  that  as  boards 
are  exceedingly  scarce  and  a  sufficient  number  cannot  pos- 
sibly be  procured  for  all  the  barracks  that  will  be  wanted 
for  the  winter  quarters  of  the  army,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
build  those  barracks  with  mud  walls  :  And  whereas  the 
season  proper  for  this  business  being  almost  expired,  it  is 
requisite  a  number  of  men  should  be  immediately  employ- 
ed in  order  that  the  barracks  may  be  finished  with  expedi- 
tion :  And  whereas  application  hath  this  day  been  made 
by  William  Duer,  Esqr.  superintendent  for  building  the 
said  barracks,  to  this  Committee,  for  one  hundred  men  of 
the  militia  of  this  county,  to  labour  in  constructing  the  said 
bcirr<iclts  * 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  one  hundred  men  of  the  mili- 
tia of  this  State,  be  immediately  ordered  out  for  the  above 
purpose. 

Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  Committee,  That  the 
men  to  be  employed  in  this  service,  as  they  will  be  con- 
stantly on  fatigue,  ought  to  be  allowed  three-eighths  of  a 
dollar  per  day,  and  Continental  rations. 

Whereas,  the  militia  of  the  district  of  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, Coxacky,  Cattskill,  Luningburg  and  Groetem- 
berg,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  either  through  want  of  zeal 
in  or  disaffection  to  the  cause  of  American  freedom,  have 
not,  on  a  late  occasion,  turned  out  with  arms,  or  in  other 
respects  borne  an  equal  part  in  the  defence  of  their  country 
with  the  other  inhabitants  of  this  State  ;  and  it  being  highly 
just  and  equitable  in  the  present  critical  situation  of  the 
State,  when  nothing  less  than  the  personal  service  of  the 
subject  will  suffice,  that  such  as  through  enmity  or  cow- 
ardice will  not  step  forth  as  soldiers,  should  contribute  an 
equivalent  in  labour : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  commanding  officers  of 
the  militia  of  the  said  district,  immediately  detach  out  of 
the  same,  one  hundred  men.  to  wit,  fifty  from  the  manor 
of  Livingston,  and  fifty  from  the  district  of  Coxackie,  Catts- 
kill, Luninberg  and  Groetemboght  ;  and  such  persons  as 
shall,  in  general  repute,  be  of  the  character  above  described ; 
and  that  they  proceed  without  delay  to  this  place  to  work 
and  labour  in  erecting  the  said  baracks  ;  each  man  to  pro- 
vide himself  with  either  a  good  felling  axe,  a  spade,  an  iron 
shovel,  or  a  corn  hoe.    The  detachment  of  the  manor  of 


Livingston  to  be  commanded  by  a  captain,  and  the  de- 
tachments from  the  other  districts  by  two  subalterns  of 
known  attachment  to  the  cause  of  America.  These  offi- 
cers to  be  appointed  by  the  commanding  officers  of  the  mi- 
litia above  mentioned  districts  ;  to  be  continued  in  service 
for  one  month,  unless  sooner  discharged  ;  and  the  officers 
to  be  allowed  Continental  pay  and  rations. 

Resolved,  That  if  any  person  or  parcels  to  be  detached 
as  aforesaid,  should  refuse  to  march,  that  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  militia,  in  such  case,  be  authorized  to  call 
upon  Captain  Peter  Gaasbeck,  for  the  assistance  of  his 
company,  in  order  to  compel  them. 

Resolved,  That  three  days'  wages  shall  be  allowed  to 
each  man  for  coming,  and  as  many  for  going  or  returning 
home,  together  with  one  penny  per  mile  for  his  mainte- 
nance upon  the  road. 

Resolved,  That  any  person  detached  as  above,  may  send 
any  slave  or  able  bodied  man  accustomed  to  labour,  in  his 
stead. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  9th,  L776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutches- 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  ConUne—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Little,  Col-  Allison — Orange. 

Colonel  Dewitt,  a  member  of  the  committee  for  inquir- 
ing into  conspiracies,  &c.  informed  the  Committee  of 
Safety  that  a  number  of  disaffected  persons,  now  in  con- 
finement in  this  place,  and  who  have  been  apprehended 
by  order  of  the  said  committee,  are  to  be  sent  to  the  neigh- 
bouring States  to  be  there  confined ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee stand  in  need  of  at  least  five  hundred  pounds  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  of  transporting  and  guarding  the  said  pri- 
soners to  the  places  destined  for  their  residence  and  con- 
finement :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all 
conspiracies  formed  in  the  State  against  the  liberties  of 
America,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  for  the  purpose 
of  defraying  the  expenses  of  conveying  and  guarding  a 
number  of  disaffected  persons,  now  under  confinement  in 
this  place,  to  such  parts  of  the  neighbouring  States  as  shall 
be  determined  on  by  the  said  committee. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Joshua  Smith, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  Thomas 
Outwater,  Esqr.  a  member  for  Orange  county,  requesting 
his  attendance  immediately,  or  show  cause,  on  pain  of  con- 
tempt. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Ulster  district,  directed  to  the  members  of  Ulster,  in 
Convention,  relative  to  the  members  of  committee  being 
exempted  from  military  duty,  [was  received  and  read.] 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table  till  a  fuller  house. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  Novr.  9th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 


708 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY 


Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

An  account  of  Benjamin  Bird  sail,  Thos.  Brush  and  Carll 
Kitclium,  amounting  to  £10  Is.  6d.  for  their  trouble  and 
expenses  in  guarding  and  conveying  two  prisoners,  (who 
were  brought  from  Long  island,)  and  who  were  very  ac- 
tive and  engaged  in  the  enemy's  service,  from  Norwich,  in 
Connecticut,  to  Fislikill,  in  Dutches  county,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Benjamin  Birdsall,  Thomas  Bush  and  Carll  Kitchum, 
or  either  of  them,  the  above  sum  of  ten  pounds  one  shil- 
ling and  six  pence,  and  take  his  or  their  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Stephen  Ward,  Esqr.  attending,  informed  the  Commit- 
tee that  he  finds  it  very  unprofitable,  if  not  impracticable, 
for  him  to  procure  the  hides  of  the  cattle  by  him  drove 
down  to  the  American  army  in  Westchester  county,  pur- 
suant to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ward  be  authorized  to  purchase,  on 
the  most  reasonable  terms,  on  account  of  this  State,  all  the 
hides  he  can,  and  cause  them  to  he  conveyed  to  this  place 
by  water  from  Peekskill. 

Whereas  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Convention 
of  this  State  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into,  detecting 
and  defeating  conspiracies  which  may  be  formed  in  this 
State  against  the  liberties  of  America,  have  represented  to 
this  Committee  that  they  find  it  expedient  to  employ  Eg- 
bert Benson,  Esqr.  to  repair  to  the  General  Court  of  the 
State  of  New-Hampshire,  to  solicit  their  reception  of  a 
number  of  prisoners,  whom  the  said  committee  have  di- 
rected to  be  removed  from  this  State  :  And  whereas  cer- 
tain circumstances  may  arise  in  the  execution  of  the  trusts 
reposed  in  him,  the  said  Egbert  Benson,  by  the  said  com- 
mittee, which  may  occasion  a  greater  expense  than  is  at 
present  apprehended  : 

Resolved,  That  the  General  Court  of  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire  be  and  they  hereby  are  requested  to  advance 
to  the  said  Egbert  Benson  any  sum  of  money  he  may  apply 
to  them  for,  not  exceeding  one  thousand  dollars;  and  this 
Committee  do  pledge  to  them  the  faith  of  this  State  for  the 
repayment  of  the  money  they  may  so  advance  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  sent  to  Col.  Gilbert  Drake, 
requesting  him  and  the  other  members  of  the  county  of 
Westchester,  to  attend  without  delay ;  and  that  another 
letter  be  sent  to  Major  Landon,  on  the  same  subject. 

A  letter  from  Tench  Tilghman,  Esquire,  dated  yester- 
day, informing  that  the  enemy  are  at  Dobbs'  Ferry,  with  a 
great  number  of  hoats,  perhaps  to  go  into  Jersey  or  pro- 
ceed up  the  river,  was  received  and  read.  Thereupon, 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  relative  to  sending  down  boats  from  Albany 
to  transport  our  troops  across  the  Hudson  river,  if  neces- 
sary, and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Fishkill,  Novr.  9th,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  having  been  informed 
that  the  enemy  have  brought  all  their  boats  to  Dobbs'  Ferry, 
where  the  principal  part  of  their  army  now  are,  apprehend 
that  they  may  possibly  intend  to  transport  themselves  over 
to  the  Jerseys,  and  march  up  from  thence,  in  which  case 
a  number  of  boats  will  be  wanted  for  our  army.  As  no 
time  should  be  lost,  we  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  to 
you  the  propriety  of  ordering  such  as  can  be  spared  from 
Albany  to  be  sent  down  to  this  place.  We  shall  write  to 
General  Washington  upon  the  subject,  and  doubt  not  but 
he  will  approve  of  the  measure.  If  you  are  at  a  loss  for 
oars,  there  are  a  number  belonging  to  the  secret  committee 
of  this  Convention,  which  may  be  had  by  applying  to  Mr. 
Ph.  Van  Rensselaer,  who  will  take  an  account  of  them. 

"  I  am,  sir,  yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  Major-General  Schuyler,  Albany." 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Novr.  llth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Ailgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Little,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 

R.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr. — Dutches. 

Col.  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  requesting  that  50  iron 
stoves  with  pipes,  be  procured  at  the  furnace  in  the  High- 
lands, and  forwarded  to  him  at  Albany,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  General  Schuyler's  letter  for 
procuring  fifty  stoves,  be  sent  by  Mr.  Dyckman  to  Samuel 
Patrick  at  the  Fords  of  Deane  furnace,  and  that  he  be  re- 
quested immediately  to  proceed  to  furnish  the  said  stoves 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

General  Schuyler's  letter  of  the  8th  inst.  advising  Ge- 
neral Carlton  with  his  whole  army  has  retreated  to  Canada ; 
that  the  last  of  his  troops  left  Crown  Point  at  10  o'clock 
on  Monday  morning,  and  that  Sir  John  Johnson  had  ac- 
companied him,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Mat.  Visscher,  dated  the  8th  inst.  to 
Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  giving  the  current  intelligence,  and  in- 
forming that  the  committee  of  Albany  have  appointed 
Messrs.  Gansevort,  Lush,  Doctor  Young,  and  the  said  Mat. 
Visscher,  a  committee  of  correspondence  with  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  or  Convention.  Referred  to  the  commit- 
tee for  Albany  correspondence. 

A  letter  from  Leonard  Gansevort  of  8th  Novr.  acknow- 
ledging, on  behalf  of  the  Albany  committee,  the  receipt  of 
the  resolutions  of  this  House,  forwarded  to  them  by  ex- 
press, was  read. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  dated  at  New-Windsor  on 
the  9th  inst.  relative  to  barracks  at  Windsor  for  troops, 
was  read. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  chairman  of  the  committee 
for  Ulster  county,  dated  the  10th  inst.  was  read.  He 
therein  informs  that  he  has  sent  by  Col.  McClaughry  two 
felons  by  their  information,  one  named  Henry  Winck,  and 
the  other  James  Briggs,  apprehended  at  New- Windsor, 
for  passing  false  money ;  that  it  appears  that  a  three 
dollar  bill  of  the  emission  of  this  State,  dated  the  2nd  Sepr. 
1775,  is  altered  into  a  thirty  dollar  bill,  and  as  such  they 
have  passed  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Ulster 
county,  take  the  examinations  of  the  said  Henry  Winck 
and  James  Briggs,  and  by  mittimus  send  them  under  a  pro- 
per guard  of  the  Ulster  county  rangers  to  the  jail  of  Ulster 
county,  at  Kingston,  and  ordered  to  be  safely  committed  ; 
which  mittimus  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of  Ulster  county  is 
hereby  directed  to  obey. 

A  letter  from  John  Thomas,  dated  the  8th  inst.  was 
read.  He  therein  sets  forth  that  he  has  purchased  a  quan- 
tity of  tea,  which  is  now  at  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county; 
that  one  box  of  it  has  been  opened,  and  that  the  remainder 
of  it,  amounting  to  about  two  thousand  weight,  is  in  the 
custody  of  the  committee  there,  which  they  refuse  to  de- 
liver to  him,  without  an  order  from  the  Representatives  of 
this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  in  Ulster 
county,  permit  the  said  John  Thomas  to  take  his  said  tea. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  Auditor-General, 
dated  the  8th  of  November,  was  received  and  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Fishkill,  Norr.  Hth,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  find  charged  in  the  public  accounts  three  dif- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


709 


ferent  sums  advanced  for  manufacturing  of  arms,  vizt: 
About  a  twelvemonth  ago,  to  Mr.  Robert  Boyd,  who  is  now 
here,  one  hundred  pounds.  Upon  inquiry  of  him  I  find  he 
has  returned  only  six  gun  barrels.  To  Mr.  Watkey  fifty 
pounds.  I  find  he  has  returned  none  ;  am  told  he  is  poor, 
and  now  removed  to  New-Brunswick,  in  Jersey.  To  Mr. 
Atherton  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds.  He  returned 
none  that  I  can  learn.  I  submit  to  the  Convention  whether 
some  steps  ought  not  to  be  taken  to  get  the  arms,  (as  they 
are  now  much  wanted,)  or  the  money  repaid. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servt. 

"  COMFORT  SANDS. 

"  To  P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  dated  the  8th  inst. 
enclosing  the  Treasurer's  accounts,  was  also  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

«  Fishkill,  Novr.  8th,  1776. 

"Sir — Here  enclosed  I  send  you  the  Treasurer's  account 
current  No.  1,  from  the  17th  June,  1775,  to  the  30th  of 
April  last,  as  audited  by  the  committee  of  pay  table  ;  also 
his  account  current  No.  2,  from  the  1st  of  May  last  to  this 
day.    Balance  in  his  hands  £4,523  5s.  2id. 

"  These  papers  I  think  necessary  to  send  in,  that  they 
may  be  filed  with  the  records  of  the  Convention,  if  it  shall 
be  thought  necessary. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  hble.  servt. 

"  COMFORT  SANDS. 

"  P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

The  two  accounts  therein  mentioned  were  also  read,  and 
are  as  follows,  that  is  to  say  : 

The  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York,  in  Account  Current  with 
P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  Trear. 

1776.  DR. 
Novr.  9th.  To  amount  of  an  account  of  the  several  pay- 
ments that  have  been  made  by  me  from 
the  first  day  of  May  last,  to  this  day, 
which  account  signed  by  the  Auditor-Ge- 
neral, Comfort  Sands,  and  by  my  deputy, 
is  this  day  produced  to  the  said  Auditor- 
General,  together  with  all  the  accounts 
and  receipts  referred  to  in  said  account, 


amounting  to,   £130,352  4  0J 

To  balance  due  to  the  Convention,   4,523  5  2^ 


£134,875  9  3^ 


1776.  CR. 

May      1.    By  balance  of  old  account   £1,957   8  8^ 

June  6.  By  cash  received  of  Moses  Ogden  he  re- 
turns,   100  00  0 

By  ditto  of  John  Berrian,  for  powder,   23  15  6 

By  ditto  of  Comfort  Sands,  for  do   12  10  0 

June  17.  By  ditto  of  Daniel  Dunscomb.  He  repays  so 
much  I  formerly  paid  Simon  Van  Ant- 
werp, for  salt,   26  12  6 

"      26.   By  ditto  of  Richard  Norwood,  for  powder,. .        30  00  0 

"      27.    By  ditto  of  Gillian  Varick.  for  ditto,   26  00  0 

July     15.    By  ditto  of  Nathaniel  Sacket,  the  balance  of 

an  account  for  transporting  lead,   2  00  0 

"      21.   By  ditto  of  Isaac  Roosevelt  in  different  pay- 
ments,money  he  had  printed,  and  signed  by 

order  of  Convention,    55,300  00  0 

By  ditto  of  Peter  T .  Curtenius,  per  Mr.  Duer, 

he  lends,   2,182  19  0 

By  ditto  of  General  Washington,  per  Mr. 
Duer,  in  part  of  the  £20,000  he  advances  to 

this  State,   8,000  00  0 

Augt.  10.    By  ditto  of  Col.  Trumbull,  for  flour,  &c. 

sold  him,   2,384  16  0 

By  ditto  of  General  Washington  for  John 
Broome,  the  remainder  of  the  £20,000 

which  he  advances,   12,000  00  0 

"      20.    By  ditto  of  Capt.  Henry  Benson,  he  returns,      500  00  0 
Sepr.    16.    By  ditto  of  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  loan  office 

money,  from  Suffolk  county,   428  00  0 

Oct.  9.  By  ditto  of  Dirck  Swart,  by  Ab.  Yates, 
Junr.  the  balance  of  his  account  for  tran- 
sporting stores  from  Ticonderoga,  No.  186,  190  00  7 
By  ditto  of  Ab.  Livingston,  for  100  bushels 
of  peas  sold  and  delivered  him  in  the  High- 
lands, at  6s.  6d   32  10  0 

By  ditto  of  ditto,  balance  of  his  commissary 

account,  No.  952,   1,410  18  9 

"     12.   By  ditto  of  Continental  Congress,  per  New- 
York  Delegates,   40,000  00  0 


Carried  forward,   £ 

178 


Brought  forward,  £ 

Oct.     23.    By  ditto  of  ditto,  per  Wm.  Floyd,  to  pur- 
chase clothing,     4,000  00  0 

By  ditto  of  Henry  Wisner,  balance  of  his 
account,  No.  835,  forwarding  lead,  &c.  to 

Orange  and  Ulster  counties,   20  00  6 

Novr.    9.    By  ditto  from  Messrs.  Livingston  and  Pal- 
mer, a  balance  of  their  account  for  building 

Fort  Montgomery,   7  17  4| 

By  ditto  of  Col.  Trumbull,  on  account,  for 

pork  sold  him,   5,040  00  0 

By  ditto  of  Commissary  Paulding,  on  ac- 
count, for  moneys  expended  by  Messrs. 
Van  Cortlandt  and  Piatt   1,200  00  0 


£134,875    9  3£ 


Errors  excepted.   Fishkill,  Novr.  9th,  1776. 

For  P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  Treasurer. 
Gerard  Bancker. 

Examined  and  allowed  the  above  mentioned  sum  of  four  thousand 
five  hundred  and  twenty-three  pounds  five  shillings  and  two  pence  half- 
penny, to  be  the  true  balance  due  to  the  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New- York,  Novr.  9,  1776. 

COMFORT  SANDS. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  do  not  pay  out  any  part  of 
the  money  appropriated  to  purchase  clothing,  for  any  other 
purpose  but  that  for  which  it  was  designed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  form  an  arrangement  of  the 
Continental  regiments  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  having 
obtained  leave  in  order  to  proceed  on  this  important  busi- 
ness, acquainted  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  they  can 
only  form  a  quorum  of  their  committee  at  present;  that  but 
one  of  the  gentlemen  who  went  to  King's  Bridge,  and  is 
now  present,  in  many  instances  received  information  with 
Colo.  De  Witt  who  is  absent,  and  therefore  they  request 
the  directions  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  in  the  premises. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  despatched  to  Colo.  D. 
Witt  to  request  his  immediate  attendance  at  Fishkill  to 
assist  the  committee  of  arrangement,  that  the  necessary 
business  of  arranging  the  army,  may  not  be  delayed. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  12th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 

P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Little,  Col.  Allison—  Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Hornbeeck,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Rochester,  dated  the  9th  inst.  was  read.  He 
therein  sets  forth  the  distresses  of  the  inhabitants  for  want 
of  salt  to  preserve  their  meat,  and  requests  a  supply  of 
salt  if  the  Convention  has  it ;  and  if  not,  that  they  may 
have  information  where  it  may  be  purchased  at  any  price, 
that  they  may  go  and  procure  it. 

A  letter  to  the  committee  of  Rochester  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Fishkill,  Novr.  12th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — In  answer  to  your  letter  we  must  inform 
you  that  it  is  not  in  our  power  to  supply  you  with  salt,  nor 
can  we  direct  you  where  you  can  get  any  in  this  State. 
An  advertisement  has  lately  been  published  in  the  New- 
Haven  papers  to  preserve  beef  with  a  small  quantity  of  salt, 
which  may  be  of  great  use  to  you  and  others  :  four  pounds 
of  salt,  four  ounces  of  salt  petre,  and  two  pounds  of  sugar, 
added  to  four  gallons  of  water,  will  be  sufficient  for  a  bar- 
rel of  beef,  if  the  quantity  of  liquor  will  cover  the  beef,  if 
not,  add  more  of  the  same  till  the  beef  is  covered.    It  is 


710 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


likely  a  larger  quantity  of  the  same  materials  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  save  pork.  It  is  expected  that  considerable 
quantities  of  salt  will  arrive  at  the  eastward  before  Christ- 
mas, so  that  people  may  have  a  supply. 

"We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obt.  servants." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  notice  be  forthwith  given  to  the  county 
committees  of  each  respective  county  (not  in  the  possession 
of  the  enemy,)  that  the  Convention  are  now  proceeding  on 
the  business  of  forming  a  system  of  government,  and  that 
it  is  necessary  that  the  members  give  their  attendance  with- 
out delay. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolution  be 
entered  by  the  Secretary  to  the  Convention,  and  sent  to 
the  chairman  of  each  county. 

Resolved,  That  the  like  notice  be  given  by  the  sending 
to  the  members  of  New-York,  Suffolk,  Queens,  and  Kings 
counties  who  are  not  in  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  the 
general  superintendence  of  the  poor ;  to  receive  and  ex- 
amine applications ;  to  give  directions  to  such  persons  as 
they  shall  think  proper  for  setting  them  at  work ;  to  issue 
orders  to  the  several  county  committees  for  providing  them 
with  provisions;  for  putting  out  the  children  of  such  poor; 
and  for  examining  and  auditing  all  accounts  of  charges  ac- 
crued by  these  means. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  have  power  to  re- 
move all  the  poor  belonging  to  this  State  from  any  neigh- 
bouring State  into  this ;  it  being  the  design  of  this  State  to 
maintain  their  poor  within  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  committee  be  requested  to 
write  to  Govr.  Trumbull  to  send  all  the  poor  belonging  to 
this  State,  and  which  are  now  at  the  charge  of  Connecti- 
cut, into  Dutchess  county  in  the  State  of  New- York. 

Resolved,  That  this  State  will  pay  or  reimburse  the  ex- 
pense incurred  by  such  removal. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Col.  Allison,  Mr. 
Adgate  be  a  committee  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  superintendence  of  the  poor,  com- 
mitted to  Messrs.  L'hommedieu,  Col.  Allison  and  Mr. 
Adgate,  as  a  committee,  by  resolutions  of  this  Committee, 
shall  only  extend  to  the  poor  removed  from  those  counties 
now  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  such  poor  the  heads 
of  whose  families  have  been  by  order  removed  from  this 
State,  as  inimical  to  the  cause  of  America. 

A  letter  from  John  R.  Livingston,  with  an  invoice  of 
goods,  &c.  was  received  and  referred  to  Colonel  Brasher, 
Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu. 

The  letter  and  accounts  of  Samuel  Brown,  of  Guilford 
in  Connecticut,  for  removing  stock  from  Long  island,  were 
read  and  ordered  to  remain  till  a  Convention  meets. 

Resolved,  That  all  muster  rolls  hereafter  to  be  deliver- 
ed or  brought  into  the  Convention  of  this  State,  shall,  be- 
fore the  allowance  thereof,  be  attested  by  the  captain  or 
other  officer  commanding  each  respective  company,  in  the 
manner  following,  vizt  : 

"  I,  A.  B.  captain  of  a  company  of  foot  raised  in  the 
county  of  do  solemnly  declare,  that  the  within  is 

a  just  and  true  muster  roll  of  my  company  for  the  month 
of  containing  the  names  of  the  officers  and  pri- 

vates of  the  said  company  and  the  times  of  their  respec- 
tive enlistment  and  service." 

Resolved,  That  every  such  muster  roll  be  so  attested 
before  the  President  or  Vice-President  of  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  or  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
county  in  which  such  company  was  raised,  who  are  here- 
by respectively  empowered  to  administer  such  oath. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  two  last  resolutions  be  de- 
livered to  the  Auditor-General. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Novr.  12th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Brasher — New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Little,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk — Dutches. 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  sent  to  Major  Schenk, 
Mr.  Sackett  and  Mr.  Piatt,  and  to  such  members  of  the 
city  of  New-York  as  are  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Fishkill, 
to  desire  their  punctual  attendance  at  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning,  in  order  to  form  a  Convention. 

Samuel  Dyckman  reported  that  he  delivered  the  letter 
directed  to  Mr.  Samuel  Patrick  yesterday ;  that  he  en- 
gaged to  deliver  50  stoves  in  three  weeks ;  that  if  the 
Convention  will  send  sheet  iron,  he  will  furnish  the  doors 
in  the  same  time. 

The  dimensions  of  the  stoves  are — the  bottom  2  feet  6 
inches  long,  14  inches  wide,  1  foot  8  inches  high ;  the 
door  14  inches  high  and  7  inches  wide. 

Mr.  Dyckman  farther  reports  that  Mr.  Patrick  informed 
him  that  Samuel  Boyd,  a  soldier  at  Fort  Montgomery,  un- 
derstood the  method  of  making  pipes  for  the  stoves. 

Thereupon  the  following  resolutions  were  read  and  ap- 
proved of : 

Whereas  General  Schuyler,  by  letter  dated  the  8th 
inst.  requests  the  Committee  or  Convention  of  this  State 
that  as  Mr.  Livingston's  furnace  is  not  in  blast,  and  that  at 
Salisbury  employed  in  casting  cannon,  he  is  disappointed 
in  getting  stoves  for  the  barracks  for  the  northern  army  ; 
and  therefore  desires  this  Convention  to  get  fifty  cast,  of 
the  largest  sort  in  common  use,  at  the  furnace  at  the  fo- 
rest of  Dean,  near  Fort  Montgomery.  And  Samuel  Pat- 
rick, iron  master  at  the  said  works,  having  engaged  to  de- 
liver the  said  stoves  in  three  weeks  if  he  can  be  furnished 
with  sheet  iron  for  the  doors  ;  and  this  Convention  being 
informed  that  a  large  quantity  of  sheet  iron  has  been  con- 
tracted for  by  His  Excellency  General  Washington  for  the 
use  of  the  army  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Samuel  Patrick  be 
directed  to  cast  and  complete  the  said  stoves  with  the  ut- 
most expedition,  and  to  send  them,  as  fast  as  they  shall  be 
finished,  to  Fort  Montgomery,  to  be  transported  to  Albany. 

Resolved,  That  the  General,  or  commanding  officer  at 
Peekskill,  be  presented  with  a  copy  of  General  Schuyler's 
letter,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  give  orders  for  sending 
to  (which  is  on  the  way  to  the  said  iron  works) 

a  sufficient  quantity  of  sheet  iron  for  doors  for  the  said  fif- 
ty stoves. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Fishkill,  13th  Novr.  1776. 

"  Sir — We  received  your  favor  of  the  8th  inst.  and  im- 
mediately dispatched  our  rider  Mr.  Samuel  Patrick,  the 
iron  master  of  the  works  at  the  forest  of  Deane,  near  Fort 
Montgomery.  His  answer  and  our  resolutions  in  conse- 
quence of  it  are  enclosed.  We  presume  you  will  be  able  to 
furnish  the  pipes  or  supply  the  want  of  them  by  some  ex- 
pedient ;  if  that  should  not  be  the  case,  and  there  should 
not  be  sheet  iron  at  Peekskill,  we  fear  you  will  be  obliged 
to  have  recourse  to  Philadelphia  or  New-Jersey,  there  be- 
ing none  to  be  had  as  we  can  learn  in  this  State. 

"  I  am  yours,  &c. 

"  Genl.  Schuyler." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


711 


A  letter  from  John  R.  Livingston,  with  an  invoice  of 
goods,  &c.  was  read  and  referred  to  Colo.  Brasher,  Robert 
Yates  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  a  person 
at  New-Windsor  has  a  quantity  of  linens  of  different  kinds 
to  dispose  of,  which  he  is  ready  to  give  the  Committee  the 
preference  of  in  the  purchase,  and  the  vender  is  attending 
for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Parks  and  Mr.  Newkirk  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  quality  and  prices  of  those 
goods  and  report  thereon. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Novr.  Uth,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Brasher — A'ew-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Little,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 

Air.  Contine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk—  Dutches. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Sleght  be  requested  to  go  to 
the  store  of  Ebenezer  S.  Burling,  at  the  house  of  Cornell 
Sands,  and  examine  the  goods  there,  and  report  to  this 
Committee  of  Safety,  what  parts  of  them  are  fit  for  the 
use  of  the  army,  and  the  prices  of  such  goods ;  and  that 
in  the  mean  time  the  owner  of  those  goods  be  requested  to 
retain  them  until  the  further  order  of  this  Committee,  or 
the  Convention  of  this  State. 

The  whole  business  of  arranging  and  recruiting  the  army 
being  delayed  by  the  absence  of  Col.  De  Witt,  to  the  un- 
speakable detriment  of  this  State, 

Ordered,  That  Sampson  Dyckman,  the  messenger,  do 
proceed  without  delay  as  a  messenger  to  Colo.  De  Witt, 
to  request  his  immediate  attendance  ;  and  that  if  Col.  De 
Witt  should  be  from  home,  the  said  messenger  search  for 
him  until  he  shall  find  him,  and  deliver  him  a  copy  of  this 
order. 

Robt.  Yates,  Esqr.  chairman  of  a  committee  consist- 
ing of  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Duane  and  himself,  lately  sent  to 
Albany  to  form  an  arrangement  for  recruiting  the  army, 
delivered  in  the  account  of  their  disbursements  with  sun- 
dry vouchers  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  accounts  and  vouchers  be  re- 
ferred to  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  Miller  to 
report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  Albany,  the  12th 
current,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Albany,  Novr.  12M,  1776. 

«  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  9th  inst.  I  had  the  honour 
to  receive  last  night.  I  have  already  despatched  an  express 
to  General  Gates  to  hasten  down  all  the  regiments  whose 
term  of  enlistment  was  expired.  I  make  no  doubt  but  that 
both  officers  and  men  will  continue  to  serve  with  alacrity 
for  some  time  longer  on  this  critical  occasion. 

"  I  have  happily  conveyed  such  a  quantity  of  flour  from 
hence  for  some  days  past  as  will  suffice  for  fifty  days  for 
the  whole  army  to  the  northward.  This  enables  me  to  send 
you  all  the  batteaux  I  have  here,  but  they  are  only  ten  or 
eleven  in  number,  besides  what  may  come  from  Schenec- 
tady. Fifty  more  are  ordered  from  Lake  George,  in  which 
and  in  sloops  I  shall  send  down  the  regiments  I  expect 
from  Ticonderoga. 

"  Col.  Van  Schaick,  from  whom  I  received  a  line  last 
night,  apprehends  an  attack  in  that  quarter,  from  the  intelli- 
gence received  by  two  Indians  just  arrived  from  Canada.  He 
has  detained  the  militia.  Two  regiments  which  I  ordered 
from  Ticonderoga  on  the  2nd  inst.  are  not  yet  arrived,  I  fear 


not  even  sent,  although  the  order  arrived  there  on  the  5th 
instant.  I  have  remanded  the  order. 

"Lieutenant-Colo.  De  Roos  takes  charge  of  the  batteaux 
down  to  Fishkills,  and  will  wait  on  you  for  your  orders. 

"  I  am,  sir,  most  respectfully, 
"  Your  obedient  hbl.  servt. 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

*'  To  the  Honble.  P.  V.  Cortlandt, 

Vice-Prest.  of  the  Convention." 

Resolved,  That  the  superintendence  of  the  poor  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Col.  Allison  and  Mr.  Ad- 
gate, as  a  committee  by  resolutions  of  this  Committee, 
passed  on  the  12th  inst.  shall  only  extend  to  the  poor  re- 
moved from  those  counties  now  in  possession  of  the  enemy, 
and  such  poor  the  heads  of  whose  families  have  been  by 
order  of  this  Committee  removed  from  this  State  as  inimi- 
cal to  the  cause  and  liberties  of  America. 


FRIDAY, 

Novr.  1.5th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt — A'eu>¥ork. 

R.  R.  Livingston.  Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  LitUe,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller — Suffolk. 

Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

An  account  of  Gerret  Roorback,  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  for  his  disbursements  for  sweeping  the  chimnies  of 
the  houses  wherein  the  Continental  soldiers  were  quarter- 
ed ;  as  also  for  his  wages,  and  that  of  his  clerk  and  two 
assistants,  was  presented  to  the  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roorback  be  directed  to  apply  to 
the  Barrack-Master-General  for  a  certificate  that  the  said 
Mr.  Roorback  has  acted  as  barrack-master,  and  that  his 
two  assistants  and  clerk  have  under  him  acted  in  that  de- 
partment, and  that  he  believes  the  said  account  to  be  just 
and  true.  That  the  said  Gerret  Roorback  do  present  the 
said  account  to  the  Pay-Master-General  for  payment,  and 
that  on  his  refusal  to  pay  the  same,  and  to  certify  such  re- 
fusal, that  Mr.  Roorback  do  return  his  said  account,  with 
proper  vouchers,  to  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty of  this  State. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  from  the  committee  appointed  yesterday 
to  examine  the  account  of  expenses  and  disbursements  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  Albany  to  form  an  ar- 
rangement of  officers,  and  the  committee  appointed  to  co- 
operate with  General  Schuyler,  reported  that  they  have 
examined  the  same  and  find  it  just. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  delivered  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General, and  that  the  balance  remaining  in  the  hands 
of  the  said  committee  be  paid  into  the  Treasury. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  unto 
Mr.  Garrit  Roorback  the  sum  of  four  pounds  for  riding  ex- 
press to  Albany  with  public  despatches  to  General  Schuy- 
ler, and  that  the  same  be  charged  to  the  Continental  account. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  presented  to  the  Committee  a  certi- 
ficate in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  In  Committee,  ) 
"  Southold,  Augt.         1776.  \ 

"  These  certify  that  the  committee  of  Southold  have 
expended  twenty-four  pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  four 
pence,  in  mounting  four  cannon  as  field  pieces  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  east  end  of  Long  island. 

"  By  order. 
"  ROBERT  HEMPSTEAD, 

Chairman." 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety 


712 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


that  the  said  cannon  arc  now  at  Saybrook.  That  the  can- 
non at  Saybrook  belonging  to  this  Stale  are,  1  12-poundcr, 
4  6-pounders,  1  4-pounder,  and  1  3-pounder. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu  and  Mr.  Gelston,  or 
either  of  them,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  to  sell  and 
dispose  of  the  said  three-pounder,  and  apply  the  amount 
of  sales  to  discharge  the  said  twenty-four  pounds  seven- 
teen shillings  and  four  pence,  and  render  an  account  of  the 
sales  to  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this 
State. 


DIE  JOVIS,  4  ho.  p.  m, 

Novr.  2lst,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay — 
New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler— Mbany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk— Dutchess. 
Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  the  16th  inst. 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 
"  General  Greene's  Quarters,  Novr.  16th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — I  do  myself  the  honour  to  transmit  to 
you  a  copy  of  sundry  resolves  of  Congress  which  came  to 
hand  yesterday  evening.  By  these  you  will  perceive  that 
they  have  entered  into  some  new  regulations  respecting 
the  enlistment  of  the  new  army,  and  reprobating  the  mea- 
sures which  I  presume  you  have  heard,  have  been  adopt- 
ed by  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  for  raising  the  quo- 
ta to  be  furnished  by  them.  My  view  in  doing  this,  is  to 
inform  you  of  their  sense  upon  this  subject,  and  that  they 
will  admit  of  no  departure  from  the  terms  they  them- 
selves have  heretofore  published,  except  in  the  instances 
mentioned  in  these  resolves.  They  are  plain  and  explicit, 
and  I  will  take  the  liberty  to  add,  should  form  a  part  of  the 
instructions  to  be  given  to  the  officers  who  may  be  appoint- 
ed to  recruit. 

"  I  would  also  beg  leave  to  observe  that  the  necessity  of 
raising  the  new  army,  becomes  more  and  more  urgent,  and 
is  such  as  calls  for  every  possible  exertion  to  effect  it. 
The  Congress  convinced  of  this,  and  seeing  the  delays  of 
some  of  the  States  in  carrying  the  resolves  recommended 
to  them  into  execution,  have  empowered  and  requested  me 
to  nominate  officers  to  the  regiments  of  such  States  as  have 
not  sent  commissions  to  the  army  for  that  purpose  ;  as  this 
is  a  matter  in  which  I  would  not  wish  to  interfere  at  this 
time  farther  than  compelled  by  their  direction  and  the  situ- 
ation of  our  affairs,  I  shall  be  happy  to  know  what  pro- 
gress you  have  made  in  this  instance,  and  whether  the  ar- 
rangement for  your  regiments  is  completed.  If  it  is  not 
finished,  let  me  entreat  you  to  do  it  as  speedily  as  possible; 
the  necessity  is  obvious,  and  must  be  felt  by  every  one. 
Till  the  officers  are  appointed,  no  measures  can  be  pursued 
for  enlisting  the  men.  If  the  bounty  allowed  by  Congress 
could  be  paid  down,  it  is  more  than  probable  it  might  in- 
duce many  to  engage  more  willingly.  Under  this  idea,  I 
shall  be  ready  to  advance  to  such  officers  as  you  appoint 
to  the  command  of  the  regiments,  upon  your  requisition, 
such  sums  of  money  as  may  be  sufficient  for  that  purpose, 
if  provision  has  not  or  shall  not  be  otherwise  made  by  Con- 
gress for  the  same. 

"  I  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  this  day  about  12  o'clock, 
the  enemy  made  a  general  attack  upon  our  lines  about  Fort 
Washington,  which  having  carried,  the  garrison  retired 
within  the  fort.  Colonel  McGaw  finding  there  was  no  pros- 
pect of  retreating  across  the  North  river,  surrendered  the 


post.  We  do  not  yet  know  our  own  loss  or  that  of  the 
enemy  in  forcing  the  lines,  but  I  imagine  it  must  have  been 
pretty  considerable  on  both  sides,  as  the  fire  in  some  parts 
was  of  long  continuance  and  heavy ;  neither  do  I  know  the 
terms  of  capitulation.  The  force  of  the  garrison  before 
the  attack,  was  about  2,000  men. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be,  with  great  respect, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  mo.  obt.  servant, 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Convention  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Garrigue,  at  Peekskill,  dated  Novr. 
14,  1776,  and  directed  to  Colo.  Brasher,  was  read.  It 
informs  that  there  is  no  sheet  iron  at  Peekskill;  that  there 
is  about  half  a  ton  at  North  Castle,  under  the  care  of  Mr. 
Brower,  which  may  supply  pipes  for  stoves,  now  casting 
by  order  of  this  Committee  at  request  of  General  Schuyler. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  dated  the  18th  Novr.  di- 
rected to  P.  Van  Cortlandt.  He  acknowledges  that  he  has 
received  a  letter  from  the  Vice-President,  relative  to  the 
distressed  Continental  troops  raised  and  returning  to  New- 
Jersey,  who  are  now  at  New-Windsor  ;  he  will  assist,  or 
endeavour  to  lend  his  aid  in  forwarding  the  said  troops  to 
New-Jersey. 

A  letter  from  T.  Tilghman,  Esqr.  to  Robert  R.  Living- 
ston, Esqr.  dated  at  Hackensack,  the  17th  November,  1776. 
He  therein  mentions  a  heavy  loss  suffered  yesterday  by 
the  loss  of  Fort  Washington  and  its  garrison,  consisting  of 
about  two  thousand  men,  chiefly  made  prisoners  of  war, 
and  who  were  not  slain  in  the  action  ;  that  the  army  was 
posted  on  that  side  from  Newark  to  Amboy,  as  places  easy 
of  communication  with  each  other,  and  through  which  the 
enemy  must  pass  to  Philadelphia  or  any  place  to  the  south- 
ward of  their  army. 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  form  an 
arrangement  of  officers  for  four  battalions,  pursuant  to 
sundry  resolutions  of  Congress,  came  into  the  Committee 
of  Safety,  and  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  the  chairman  of  that 
committee  of  arrangement,  brought  in  the  report,  which 
he  read  in  his  place  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where  the 
same  was  again  read  ;  the  said  report  being  then  read  by 
paragraphs,  the  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  to,  and  adopt- 
ed that  part  of  the  report  which  relates  to  a  request  of  per- 
mission to  raise  a  fifth  battalion  to  be  raised  and  command- 
ed by  Col.  D.  Bois,  and  is  in  the  following  words,  vizt: 

"  The  committee  appointed  for  carrying  into  execution 
the  resolves  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  new  arrangement 
of  officers,  &c.  beg  leave  to  report,  that  in  pursuance  of 
the  orders  of  the  Convention,  and  agreeable  to  the  direc- 
tions of  the  General  Congress,  your  committee  have  com- 
pleted an  arrangement  of  officers  for  the  four  battalions 
ordered  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  which  arrangement  is 
annexed  to  report. 

"  They  further  beg  leave  to  report,  that  in  forming  the 
above  mentioned  arrangement,  so  far  as  the  officers  of  Colo. 
Dubois's  regiment  were  concerned  in  it,  vour  committee 
considered  them  as  entitled  to  no  other  rank  than  what  they 
held  prior  to  their  appointment  in  that  regiment,  which  was 
done  without  the  recommendation  or  intervention  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  contrary  to  the  uniform  practice 
in  all  similar  cases,  and  in  prejudice  of  other  officers  of 
higher  rank  and  equal  merit. 

"  That  your  committee  were  constrained  by  those  prin- 
ciples to  omit  Col.  Du  Bois's  name  in  the  present  arrange- 
ment ;  that  Colo.  Du  Bois  hath  been  well  recommended  to 
this  committee  as  an  exceeding  good  officer,  capable  of 
commanding  a  regiment  with  credit  to  himself  and  advan- 
tage to  his  country. 

"  That  from  the  quota  of  this  State  being  assessed  so 
low  as  four  battalions,  many  good  officers  will  be  unpro- 
vided for ;  that  sundry  applications  have  been  made  to 
your  committee  for  commissions,  by  young  gentlemen  of 
fortune  and  family,  whose  services  your  committee  were 
under  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  declining  to  accept. 

"  That  your  committee  are  clearly  of  opinion  that  an- 


f 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


713 


other  battalion  might  be  raised  in  this  State,  and  they 
therefore  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  Convention  to  use 
their  influence  with  the  General  Congress  to  obtain  their 
permission  and  order  for  that  purpose  ;  and  Colonel  De 
Bois  to  command  the  said  battalion  so  to  be  raised  and  to 
have  the  rank  of  fourth  colonel  of  the  New- York  forces. 

*'  That  the  officers  whose  names  are  contained  in  the 
annexed  arrangement,  have  been  well  recommended  to  this 
committee  as  proper  for  the  offices  assigned  them ;  and 
that  the  committee  have  no  doubt  but  that  the  troops  under 
their  command  will  do  honour  to  this  State. 

"  And  your  committee  further  beg  leave  to  report  that 
the  importance  of  military  discipline  is  so  obvious,  and  the 
honour  and  safety  of  this  State  so  deeply  concerned  in  the 
behaviour  and  conduct  of  their  troops,  that  it  is  absolutely 
necessary  that  the  most  effectual  means  should  be  adopted 
for  perfecting  them  in  military  evolutions  and  discipline. 
That  a  good  part  of  this  State  being  already  possessed  by 
powerful  armies  of  the  enemy,  whose  disposition  and  mo- 
tives will  probably  render  it  necessary  to  call  those  troops 
into  immediate  service,  and  to  divide  the  battalions  into  de- 
tachments, it  is  to  be  apprehended  that  unless  some  extra- 
ordinary provision  shall  be  made,  many  of  the  soldiers 
must  be  deprived  of  the  opportunity  of  being  taught  their 
military  exercises  by  experienced  and  capable  disciplina- 
rians. 

"  From  these  considerations  your  committee  beg  leave 
earnestly  to  recommend  it  to  the  Convention  to  request  of 
the  General  Congress  to  commission,  on  their  recommend- 
ation, an  aid-major  to  each  of  the  battalions  of  this  State. 
The  aid-majors  to  be  appointed  to  be  paid  by  this  State  and 
to  hold  such  rank  as  they  would  have  been  respectively 
entitled  to  had  they  been  provided  for  in  any  of  the  com- 
panies of  the  battalions  of,  or  raised  in,  this  State. 

"ROBERT  YATES,  Chairman:' 

The  residue  of  the  same  report  being  read,  it  was 

Ordered  to  be  recommitted  to  the  same  committee. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  Honourable  the 
Continental  Congress,  requesting  their  approbation  of  the 
resolutions  for  raising  a  fifth  battalion  in  this  State,  to  be 
commanded  by  Col.  Du  Bois,  and  another  letter  to  General 
Washington  requesting  his  countenance  to  that  measure; 
and  that  the  committee  for  arranging  the  battalions,  pre- 
pare and  report  drafts  of  such  letters. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  advance,  on 
Continental  account,  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  the  four 
battalions  of  Continental  troops  to  be  raised  in  this  State, 
the  further  sum  of  twelve  thousand  pounds,  to  wit,  to 
Colonel  Goose  Van  Schaick  the  sum  of  three  thousand 
pounds  ;  to  Colo.  Phillip  Van  Cortlandt  the  sum  of  three 
thousand  pounds ;  to  Colo.  Peter  Gansevoort  the  sum  of 
three  thousand  pounds,  and  to  Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston 
the  like  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds,  to  enable  them,  the 
said  colonels,  to  disburse  the  bounty  money  to  their  re- 
cruiting officers,  each  respective  colonel  to  give  his  receipt 
to  be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  of  the  sum  he  shall 
receive  by  virtue  of  this  order. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m, 

Novr.  22nd,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Col.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  Harper — New-York. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  L'Hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Col.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Schenk— Dutches. 
Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

179 


The  committee  appointed  by  the  Convention  to  form  an 
arrangement  of  the  battalions  raising  in  this  State,  brought 
in  the  residue  of  their  report,  which  was  yesterday  recom- 
mitted. The  same  was  read  by  Robert  Yates,  Esqr.  chair- 
man of  that  committee,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where 
the  same  was  again  read,  and  being  amended,  was  agreed 
to  and  adopted  by  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

A  List  of  Officers  of  four  battalions  to  be  raited  in  the  State  of  New- 
York,  arranged  by  a  Committee  of  Convention  of  the  said  State, 
November  21st,  1776. 


1st  Battalion. 

1.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  Esqr.  colo. 
3.  Corns.  Vandyck,  Esqr.  It.  col. 

2.  Christr.  P.  Yates,  Esqr.  major. 
Peter  T.  Tears,  adjt. 

Henry  Van  Woert,  qr.  master. 

Joseph  McCracken,  1st  capt. 
Leonard  Bleccker,  1st  lieut. 
John  Dinny,  2nd  lieut. 
John  Wemer,  ensign. 

John  Graham,  2nd  capt. 
Nichs.  Van  Rensselaer,  1st  lieut. 
John  Lansing,  Junr,  2nd  lieut. 
John  Ten  Eyck,  ensign. 

Andrew  Firick,  3rd  capt. 
19.  Tobias  Van  Veghten,  1st  lieut. 
32.  B.  Van  Velkenburgh,  2nd  beut. 

3.  Abraham  G.  Lansing,  ensign. 

12.  Ben.  Hicks,  4th  capt. 

13.  Charles  Parsons,  1st  lieut. 
26.  Samuel  Thome,  2nd  lieut. 

Wilhelmus  Ryckman,  ensign. 

David  Van  Ness,  5th  capt. 
John  Hooghhert,  1st  lieut. 
Abm.  Hardenbergh,  2nd  lieut. 
Jacob  H.  Wendell,  ensign. 

Samuel  Van  Wreght,  capt. 
John  E.  Ten  Brower,  lieut. 
William  Seuder,  2nd  lieut. 
Peter  S.  Hoseboone,  ensign. 

John  H.  Wendell,  capt. 
A.  Sherwood,  lieut. 
John  Ostrander,  2nd  lieut. 
Peter  J.  Schuyler,  ensign. 

Garret  J.  Veeder,  capt. 
Barent  S.  Salesbury,  beut. 


2. 
4. 
5. 
7. 
3. 
9. 
29. 
4. 

6. 


12.  Ephraim  Snow,  2nd  lieut. 

Abraham  Ten  Eyck,  paymaster. 


3rd  Battalion. 
3.  Peter  Gansevort,  Esqr.  colo. 

2.  Marinus  Willett,  Esqr.  It.  colo. 

3.  Robert  Cockran,  Esqr.  major. 
Geo.  Sythes,  adjt. 

Thomas  Williams,  qr.  master. 

7.  Elias  Van  Rensselaer,  capt. 

1.  Jonathan  Pearsey,  lieut. 

22.  Thomas  Costradieur,  2nd  lieut. 

10.  Thomas  De  Witt,  2nd  capt. 

24.  Henry  Pawling,  1st  lieut. 

21.  Benjamin  Borgardus,  2nd  lieut. 

11.  C.  T.  Janson,  3rd  capt. 

25.  N.  Vander  Heyden,  1st  lieut. 

31.  James  Dubois,  2nd  lieut. 

2.  Samuel  English,  ensign. 

16.  Abraham  Swartwouds,  4th  capt. 

32.  Phillip  Conine,  1st  lieut. 

3.  Gilbert  R.  G.  Livingston,  2nd  lieut. 

20.  Aaron  Austin,  5th  capt. 

21.  John  Ball,  1st  lieut. 
25.  Garret  Staats,  2nd  lieut. 

20.  James  Gregg,  capt. 
27.  Levi  Stockwell,  lieut. 
James  Blake,  2nd  lieut. 

29.  Henry-  Tiebout,  capt. 

30.  Isaac  Bogart,  lieut. 
27.  William  Meade. 
32.  John  Houston,  capt. 
24.  John  Welder,  lieut. 
19.  Prentice  Brower,  2nd  lieut. 


2nd  Battalion. 
2.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  colonel. 

1.  Frederick  Wisenfels,  Esqr.  It.  colo. 
Elisha  Marshall,  adjt. 

Levi  De  Witt,  quarter-master. 

2.  Mathew  Clark,  1st  lieut. 

4.  William  Munday,  2nd  lieut. 

8.  Peter  Dolson,  ensign. 

9.  Benjn.  Pelton,  2nd  capt. 

8.  James  McHughs,  1st  lieut. 

1.  William  Tapp,  2nd  lieut. 

13.  T.  Beekman,  ensign. 

8.  Charles  Graham,  3rd  capt. 

20.  James  Miller,  1st  lieut. 

15.  James  Fairley,  2nd  beut. 

9.  Timothy  Smith,  ensign. 

21.  Samuel  T.  Pell,  4th  capt. 

26.  Isaac  Sherwood,  1st  lieut. 

14.  E.  Johnson,  2nd  lieut. 

10.  Andrew  White,  ensign. 

22.  Richard  Piatt,  5th  capt. 
31.  Robert  Wood,  1st  lieut. 

13.  Gilbt.  James  Livingston,  2nd  lieut. 

15.  William  Glenny,  ensign. 

2.  Elijah  Hunter,  capt. 

6.  Isaac  Van  Wirt,  beut. 

16.  Chas.  Weisenfeels,  2nd  lieut. 

11.  Thos.  Bushfield,  ensign. 

25.  Jonathan  Hallet,  capt. 
29.  Peter  Benedict,  lieut. 

17.  Christopher  Codwise,  2nd  lieut. 

14.  Joseph  Herring,  ensign. 

27.  Edward  Lounsberry,  capt. 

23.  Charles  Newkirk. 
8.  Jeremiah  Clark. 

12.  Wm.  Nottingham. 

Hunlock  Woodruff,  received  by  Col. 
Wesenfells  as  surgeon. 

4th  Battalion. 
4.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  col. 
4.  Ben.  Ledyard,  major. 

Peter  Sacket,  adjt. 

 Van  Wyck,  qr.  master. 

John  Peter  Detard,  chaplain. 

4.  Samuel  Sacket,  capt. 

3.  Nathl.  Norton,  1st  lieut. 
2.  Geo.  Smith,  2nd  lieut. 

19.  Joshua  Drake,  ensign. 

5.  John  Davis,  2nd  capt. 

5.  William  Havens,  1st  lieut. 

7.  Silvanes  Concklin,  2nd  lieut. 

20.  Caleb  Brewster,  ensign. 
Jacobus  Boucrans,  capt. 

16.  Simeon  Tryon,  1st  lieut. 

23.  Peter  Van  Benschooten,  2nd  beut. 
James  Campbell,  ensign. 

15.  William  Jackson,  4th  capt. 
10.  Thomas  Lee,  1st  lieut. 

20-  Ebenezer  Mott,  2nd  lieut. 
1.  Joseph  Frylock,  ensign. 

24.  Nathl.  Strong,  5th  capt. 
22.  Edward  Concklin,  1st  lieut. 

2nd  lieut. 

21.  Joshua  Young,  ensign. 

26.  Benjn.  Walker,  capt. 


20.  Israel  Smith,  capt. 

17.  Pelton  Jackson,  lieut. 

30.  Thomas  Hunt,  2nd  lieut. 

31.  Jonathan  Titus,  capt. 

18.  John  Lloyd,  lieut. 

28.  Abm.  Hyatt,  2nd  lieut. 

Melancton  Lloyd  Woolsey,  ensign. 


Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  does  agree 
with  the  committee  of  arrangement  in  the  whole  of  their 
report. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  prepare  a  copy  of  the  said 
|  report,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Honble.  Congress,  and 


714 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


another  copy,  to  be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General 
Washington. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Tudor  and  Augustine  Lawrence,  da- 
ted the  21st  of  November,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  fol- 
lowing gentlemen,  to  report  thereon,  that  is  to  say  :  Mr. 
Wisner,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr. 
Piatt  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Mr.  William  Duer  informed  the  Committee  that  large 
quantities  of  hay  and  corn  were  purchased  by  the  Quarter- 
Master-General  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army  in  the 
eastern  parts  of  this  county  and  the  western  parts  of  Con- 
necticut, and  that  it  would  be  hardly  practicable  to  convey 
the  same  to  the  army  unless  the  roads  leading  from  the  Ob- 
long and  Frederickburgh  towards  Reze's  Bridge  and  North 
Castle  were  better  repaired ;  he  therefore,  in  behalf  of 
General  Mifflin,  Quarter-Master-General  of  the  Continen- 
tal army,  prayed  that  this  House  would  devise  ways  and 
means  of  facilitating  the  above  mentioned  communication, 
not  doubting  but  so  necessary  an  expenditure  would  be 
cheerfully  reimbursed  from  the  Continental  treasury. 

On  taking  the  application  of  Mr.  Duer  into  considera- 
tion, 

Resolved,  That  it  will  be  necessary  to  repair  the  follow- 
ing roads  in  order  to  facilitate  the  cartage  of  forage  to  the 
Continental  army  :  from  the  house  of  John  Miller  towards 
the  house  of  Colonel  Henry  Livingston,  thence  to  Samuel 
Washburn's,  being  eight  miles  ;  the  road  which  runs  east 
from  Colonel  Henry  Luddington's  to  the  store  of  Malcom 
Morrison,  and  thence  south  to  the  mills  of  Samuel  Wash- 
burn, being  twelve  miles. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Luddington  detach  from  his  re- 
giment one  hundred  men  for  the  purpose  of  repairing  that 
part  of  the  road  which  is  first  mentioned,  being  in  distance 
8  miles. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  H.  Meade  be  appointed  superin- 
tendent for  repairing  the  above  roads. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Field  detach  one  hundred  men 
from  his  regiment  of  militia  for  the  purpose  of  repairing 
that  part  of  the  road  which  is  last  mentioned  in  the  first 
resolution,  being  in  distance  12  miles. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  David  Heacock  be  appointed  su- 
perintendent for  repairing  the  said  road. 

Resolved,  That  the  superintendents  above  appointed  be 
allowed  ten  shillings  per  day  for  their  trouble,  exclusive  of 
their  subsistence  ;  and  that  they  be  respectively  authorized 
to  hire  or  impress  teams  and  carts  for  the  purpose  afore- 
said, paying  for  each  ox  cart  with  two  yoke  of  cattle,  find- 
ing themselves,  sixteen  shillings  per  day  ;  for  each  wagon 
finding  themselves,  twelve  shillings  per  day. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  superintendents  keep,  and  ren- 
der to  this  Convention,  regular  accounts  of  their  expendi- 
tures and  proceedings. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  mentioned  detachments  of 
militia,  while  employed  in  repairing  the  road,  be  under 
the  direction  of  the  superintendents  aforesaid,  and  that 
while  actually  employed  as  aforesaid,  they  be  allowed  at 
the  rate  of  four  shillings  per  day  to  each  man  finding  him- 
self. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  these  resolutions  be  immedi- 
ately transmitted  to  the  superintendents  above  mentioned, 
who  are  hereby  directed  to  communicate  them,  without 
loss  of  time  to  Colonels  Field  and  Luddington. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  be  ad- 
vanced to  each  of  the  superintendents  for  the  repairs  afore- 
said. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

Nov?:  23rd,  1776. 

The  Committee  met,  &c. 

Present— P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vicc-Prest 
Mr.  Dunscomb— Aeiu- York. 


Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Outhout  and  Anthony  Van  Bergen, 
dated  the  21st  inst.  relative  to  the  prices  of  the  goods 
which  they  were  directed  to  purchase  for  soldiers'  use, 
[was  received.]  They  therein  mention  the  prices  of  each 
respective  article  ;  and  on  account  of  the  very  high  prices, 
they  desire  the  direction  of  the  Convention  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  are  of  opinion  that  the  said 
goods  and  articles  are  so  dear  that  it  will  not  answer  to 
purchase  them. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  those  gentlemen  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  } 
for  the  State  of  New-York.  } 
"  Fishkill,  23rd,  Novr.  1776.  ) 

"We  have  under  consideration  your  letter,  dated  the 
21st  inst.  in  respect  to  sundry  articles  to  be  purchased  for 
the  use  of  the  army,  and  find  that  the  prices  are  so  high 
that  we  judge  you  best  not  buy  them.  The  matters  you 
have  already  bought  you  will  please  to  furnish  an  account 
thereof,  and  you  will  be  paid. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Henry  Outhout  and 

Anthy.  Van  Bergen." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed  and  sent  them. 

Mr.  John  Sleghts  account  of  fourteen  shillings  for  going 
to  view  goods  at  Moumerskill,  ordered  to  be  paid. 

An  account  of  Mr.  Thomas  Wickes,  amounting  to  four 
pounds  sixteen  shillings,  for  the  services  of  himself  and  of 
Eliphalet  Brush  in  May  and  June  last,  six  days,  in  carry- 
ing into  execution  the  orders  of  the  then  Provincial  Con- 
gress, in  apprehending  and  conveying  to  New-York,  Isaac 
Ketcham,  Isaac  Youngs,  Henry  Dawkins,  Philip  Youngs 
and  others,  who  have  counterfeited  and  issued  Continental 
bills  of  credit  of  thirty  dollars,  and  bills  of  credit  of  Con- 
necticut and  Massachusetts  Buy  State,  each  for  forty  shil- 
lings.   Payment  considered  and  approved  of. 

And  another  account  of  the  said  Thomas  Wickes  thereto 
annexed  for  riding  express  to  Albany  with  sundry  letters 
from  Head-Quavters  and  other  places,  directed  to  the  Ge- 
neral and  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  northern  Continen- 
tal army,  five  days  at  sixteen  shillings  per  day,  amounting 
to  four  pounds,  was  also  exhibited  for  payment,  considered 
and  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  the 
said  Thomas  Wickes,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  sixteen  shil- 
lings, in  full,  for  the  two  said  accounts,  taking  a  receipc 
for  the  same,  and  charge  the  same  to  Continental  ac- 
count. 

A  letter  from  Nicholas  Governeur,  dated  the  14th  of 
Novr.  was  read  and  committed  to  the  committee  for  detect- 
ing conspirators. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Sleght,  Esqr.  chairman  of  King- 
ston, dated  the  18th  instant,  stating  that  county  to  have,  till 
within  a  few  days,  been  a  peaceable  people,  but  they  are 
now  daily  alarmed,  and  their  streets  filled  with  mobs  from 
different  parts  of  the  country,  breaking  of  doors,  and  com- 
mitting of  outrages  to  the  disturbance  of  the  peace  of  the 
good  people  of  said  town,  owing  as  they  believe  to  the 
misfortune  of  having  that  detestable  article  called  tea,  stor- 
ed there. 

Mr.  Wisner  and  Gilbert  Livingston's  report  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  report  be  transmit- 
ted to  General  Schuyler,  with  a  request  that  he  will  favour 
the  Convention  with  his  advice  on  the  best  and  most  effec- 
tual plan  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  ri- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


715 


ver,  and  that  the  committee  of  the  Convention  of  this 
Stale  appointed  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  ri- 
ver, be  instructed  to  cause  a  nautical  survey  to  be  made  of 
such  parts  of  the  river  as  may  be  most  effectually  obstruct- 
ed, so  as  not  only  to  impede  the  navigation  but  likewise  to 
prevent  the  landing  of  troops  below  such  obstruction  ;  that 
they  endeavour  to  procure  the  advice  of  the  general  offi- 
cers and  engineers  respecting  the  said  obstructions. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  obstruct  the 
navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  be  instructed  not  to  pay  the 
blacksmiths  who  made  the  chain  which  was  lately  drawn 
across  the  said  river,  and  broken  by  the  tide,  until  such 
time  as  the  sufficiency  of  their  work  can  be  properly  ex- 
amined ;  and  that  the  said  committee  take  proper  measures 
for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath  of  the  20th,  requesting  the 
Convention  to  assist  Colonel  Chevers  in  procuring  a  re- 
pository for  a  large  quantity  of  military  stores,  was  read 
and  referred  to  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Piatt  to  prepare  an  an- 
swer. 

Saturday,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Nov?:  23rd,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper— 
New-York- 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Col.  Piatt— Dutches. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgale— Albany. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Smith — Suffolk. 

Colo.  Pewit—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Duer — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  the  23rd  instant, 
was  read.  He  requests  a  copy  of  the  encouragement  of- 
fered by  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress,  to  such 
as  shall  engage  to  serve  in  the  next  army. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  furnish  General  Heath  with 
a  copy  of  the  same. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  was  received  and 
read. 

A  draft  of  the  river,  enclosed,  was  also  exhibited,  and 
committed  to  the  committee  of  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
appointed  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Augustine  Lawrence  and  Samuel 
Tudor,  dated  this  day,  was  received  and  read. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  thereunto,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  \ 
"  Fishkill,  23rd  Novr.  1776.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  yesterday  concerning  a 
quantity  of  rigging,  to  be  furnished  by  you  by  an  order 
of  the  marine  committee,  is  under  consideration ;  as  the 
order  is  explicit,  we  advise  you  to  comply  with  it  immedi- 
ately. 

"  Capt.  Ivers  represents  to  us  that  it  is  impracticable  to 
carry  the  cables  by  land,  but  that  he  has  yarn  sufficient  to 
make  the  cables  of,  and  that  they  cannot  be  safely  carried 
until  they  are  warped  and  tarred  ;  this  matter  we  leave 
with  you,  and  advise,  if  it  be  the  only  practicable  method, 
that  it  be  pursued,  and  that  Mr.  Ivers  go  with  the  yarn  and 
finish  the  cables.  In  case  you  cannot  hire  wagons  or 
teams  to  carry  the  quantity  of  rigging  wanted,  you  are 
hereby  empowered  to  impress  them,  giving  sixteen  shil- 
lings per  day  for  each  ox  team  with  drivers,  (say  four  oxen) 
and  twelve  shillings  per  day  for  each  wagon  and  horses, 
and  drivers,  they  rinding  themselves,  to  carry  the  same  to 
the  first  town  in  Connecticut  on  the  road  leading  to  Mid- 
dletown. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Captains  Lawrence  and  Tudor.'1 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Continental  Congress,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  Fishkill,  2U  Novr.  1776.  J 

"  Sir — The  Convention  received  the  honour  of  your 
favour  of  the  enclosing  the  resolutions  of  the  Ho- 

nourable Continental  Congress  for  raising  four  battalions 
in  this  State.  A  committee  of  Convention  immediately 
repaired  to  the  armies  to  the  northward  and  at  King's 
Bridge,  to  inquire  into  the  characters  of  the  officers  of  the 
New- York  battalions  in  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
that  an  arrangement  might  be  formed  according  to  the  rank 
and  military  abilities  of  the  respective  officers.  The  loss 
at  that  juncture  of  the  fleet  on  Lake  Champlain,  the  ap- 
prehension of  an  invasion  both  of  our  northern  and  wes- 
tern frontiers,  and  the  necessity  of  vigorous  efforts  to  sup- 
press domestic  insurrection,  urges  forward  the  militia  of 
this  State  ;  and  to  supply  both  them  and  the  garrison  at 
Ticonderoga  with  provisions,  oblige  us  to  detain  at  Alba- 
ny that  part  of  the  committee  which  was  appointed  to 
transact  the  business  to  the  northward.  It  was  with  great 
reluctance  we  consented  to  this  measure,  which  was  ne- 
cessarily productive  of  delaying  the  arrangement ;  but  the 
safety  of  the  army,  and  the  good  of  the  service  in  our 
opinion,  demanded  it.  Recruiting  officers  were,  howev- 
er, immediately  appointed,  and  money  advanced  for  the 
bounty,  and  a  considerable  number  of  men  are  raised. 

"  The  committee  have  now  completed  the  arrangement 
which  we  have  the  honour  to  transmit ;  they  assure  us 
that  it  is  formed  agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  Honble. 
Congress  ;  that  they  have  consulted  the  general  officers  in 
the  respective  departments  where  the  troops  of  this  State 
were  stationed,  and  have  appointed  only  such  as  were  well 
recommended  for  their  honour  and  abilities  ;  and  we  flat- 
ter ourselves  that  they  will  do  credit  to  this  State,  and  be 
of  service  to  the  glorious  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged. 

"  Col.  Nicholson's  regiment,  which  was  formed  in  Ca- 
nada by  General  Wooster,  consists  of  about  150  privates, 
whose  period  of  service  expires  next  spring  ;  they  have 
been  stationed  since  their  return  from  Canada,  at  the  Ger- 
man Flatts,  where  they  still  remain.  The  committee  in- 
form us  that  they  have  promoted  only  two  officers  of  that 
battalion  in  the  present  arrangement,  none  else  having  been 
recommended.  The  circumstances  of  Colo.  Du  Bois's 
battalion  are  particularly  mentioned  in  the  report  of  the 
committee  of  arrangement,  which  we  need  not  repeat. 
Another  battalion  we  think  may  be  raised,  as  too  many  of 
our  inhabitants  reduced  to  want  by  the  invasion  of  this 
State,  the  progress  of  the  enemy  and  their  cruel  devasta- 
tions, will  look  up  to  the  army  as  a  provision  for  their  dis- 
tressed families.  Add  to  this,  that  military  ardor  and  a  spi- 
rit of  resentment  increasing  in  proportion  to  the  injuries 
we  have  suffered,  several  young  gentlemen  of  fortune  who 
have  hitherto  remained  inactive,  are  disposed  to  enter  into 
the  service  of  their  country,  and  to  contribute  to  its  preser- 
vation and  independence. 

"  From  these  considerations,  we  earnestly  request  the 
Honble.  Congress  to  grant  us  permission  to  raise  a  5th  bat- 
talion, to  be  commanded  by  Col.  D.  Bois,  of  whose  cou- 
rage and  military  talents  we  have  a  high  opinion.  The 
committee  of  arrangement  sensible  how  much  the  Ameri- 
can army  have  suffered  for  want  of  discipline,  have  strong- 
ly recommended  the  necessity  of  appointing  an  aid-major 
for  each  of  the  New-York  battalions,  to  be  paid  by  this 
State  ;  the  reason  assigned  by  them  for  this  measure,  ap- 
pears to  us  so  cogent  that  we  shall  cheerfully  consent  to 
the  expense,  if  it  meets  with  the  approbation  of  Con- 
gress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Vice-President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  in  answer  to 
his  letter  of  the  16th  inst.  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
I  is  in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 


716 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Committee  of  Safety,  ) 
"  Novr.  23rd,  1776.  5 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  have  the  honour  of 
your  Excellency's  letter  of  the  16th  inst.  which  was  im- 
mediately referred  to  the  committee  for  arranging  the  offi- 
cers to  serve  in  the  four  battalions  to  be  raised  in  this 
State. 

"  The  Committee  are  extremely  happy  to  find  that  the 
measure  adopted  by  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  for 
augmenting  the  pay  of  their  troops,  has  been  reprobated 
by  the  General  Congress,  as  such  a  precedent  must  either 
have  produced  among  the  other  troops  a  discontent  and 
jealousy  which  might  have  been  attended  with  the  most 
fatal  consequences,  or  have  reduced  the  Representatives 
of  this  State  to  impose  further  burthens  on  their  constitu- 
ents, many  of  whom  are  already  impoverished  by  the  ha- 
voc and  destruction  of  the  present  campaign.  It  is  with 
equal  pleasure  that  they  have  perused  the  alteration  in  the 
mode  of  enlistment,  which  will  in  all  probability  tend  to 
expedite  the  completing  of  the  levies. 

"  We  are  informed  by  the  committee  of  arrangement 
that  they  have  made  these  resolutions  of  the  General  Con- 
gress a  part  of  their  instructions  to  their  recruiting  offi- 
cers. 

"  The  Committee  coincide  in  opinion  with  your  Excel- 
lency, that  the  welfare  of  the  United  States  is  deeply  in- 
terested in  the  expeditious  raising  of  the  new  army,  and 
they  lament  the  cruel  necessity  which  has  prevented  the 
arrangement  from  being  completed  with  the  despatch  they 
wished.  Many  causes  have  conspired  to  occasion  this  de- 
lay, which  it  may  not  be  unnecessary  to  submit  to  your  Ex- 
cellency's consideration. 

"  Immediately  on  the  receipt  of  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress, of  inst.  two  committees  were  appointed  by  the 
Convention  of  this  State  ;  the  one  to  repair  to  the  northern, 
and  the  other  to  the  southern  army,  in  order  to  confer  with 
the  general  officers  concerning  the  characters  of  each  of 
the  officers  as  were  fit  to  be  employed  on  the  new  esta- 
blishment. Soon  after  their  departure  from  this  place,  an 
account  was  received  of  the  destruction  of  our  fleet  on 
Lake  Champlain  ;  in  consequence  of  which  it  became  ne- 
cessary to  appoint  a  committee  to  cooperate  with  General 
Schuyler  in  calling  for  the  militia,  in  furnishing  provisions 
to  the  northern  army,  and  in  curbing  the  attempts  of  our 
internal  enemies  on  the  frontiers,  and  to  add  to  this  com- 
mittee the  gentlemen  who  composed  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement. 

"  On  their  arrival  at  Albany,  a  large  field  of  business 
was  opened  to  their  view,  which  necessarily  detained  them 
for  a  much  longer  time  than  was  expected.  To  this  cause, 
and  to  the  extreme  difficulty  which  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement found  in  discharging  their  trust  in  such  a  man- 
ner as  to  give  least  disgust  possible  to  such  officers  of  me- 
rit, who,  from  the  reduction  of  the  quota  of  troops  to  be 
raised  in  this  State,  must  necessarily  be  unprovided  for, 
may  be  imputed  the  delay  of  the  arrangement. 

"  I  have  now  the  honour  of  transmitting  to  your  Excel- 
lency a  copy  of  the  arrangement  of  the  four  battalions  to 
be  raised  by  this  State,  together  with  a  copy  of  a  report  of 
the  committee  of  arrangement  to  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
which  has  been  considered  and  approved  of. 

"  The  Committee  of  Safety,  agreeing  in  opinion  with 
the  committee  of  arrangement,  that  another  battalion  may 
be  raised  in  this  State  with  advantage  to  the  public  cause, 
and  that  the  appointment  of  a  supplemental  officer,  called 
an  aid-major,  to  each  battalion,  at  the  expense  of  this 
State,  will  tend  to  perfect  the  troops  in  their  discipline, 
have  directed  me  to  request  your  Excellency's  interposi- 
tion with  the  General  Congress  in  getting  these  measures 
approved  of,  should  the  reasons  urged  by  the  committee  of 
arrangement  appear  satisfactory  with  respect  to  the  ar- 
rangement. 

"  We  have  only  to  observe,  that  we  have  been  assured 
by  the  committee  of  arrangement,  that  they  have  taken 


infinite  pains  in  forming  it,  and  that  they  entertain  no 
doubt  but  that  the  troops  under,  the  command  of  the  offi- 
cers by  them  appointed,  will  serve  with  credit  to  them- 
selves, with  honour  to  this  State,  and  with  advantage  to 
the  great  cause  in  which  the  United  States  are  at  present 
engaged. 

"  Your  Excellency  is  deservedly  entitled  to  the  thanks 
of  this  Committee  for  your  readiness  to  advance  the  quota 
of  bounty  necessary  for  the  enlistment  of  our  battalions  ; 
but  as  a  sum  of  money  has  been  appropriated  by  the  Con 
vention  for  that  purpose,  and  is  now  remitted  to  the  proper 
officers,  we  shall  have  no  occasion  to  accept  of  this  pro- 
posal. 

"  The  delicacy  which  your  Excellency  has  ever  observ- 
ed with  respect  to  the  civil  power  of  this  State,  merits 
their  warmest  acknowledgments,  and  will  always  induce 
them  the  more  cheerfully  and  strenuously  to  cooperate 
with  your  Excellency  in  every  measure  that  may  be  deem- 
ed conducive  to  the  public  weal. 

"  The  committee  are  sorry  to  hear  of  the  reduction  of 
Mount  Washington,  and  feel  deeply  for  the  loss  of  the 
gallant  officers  and  soldiers  who  perished  in  its  defence  or 
who  are  now  captives. 

"  They  trust,  however,  that  the  minds  of  the  Represen- 
tatives of  this  State  can  bear  with  fortitude  this  heavy  blow 
and  even  other  calamities  of  greater  weight ;  and  that  under 
the  influence  of  the  councils  of  the  General  Congress  and 
the  auspices  of  your  command,  the  liberties  of  the  United 
States  will  at  length  be  established  on  a  wise  and  firm 
basis. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Welsh,  who  commands  a  detach- 
ment of  the  New-Hampshire  militia,  which  is  stationed  at 
this  place,  has  informed  the  committee  that  the  term  of  en- 
listment of  the  men  under  his  command  expires  on  the  first 
of  December,  and  begs  to  know  whether  it  is  your  Excel- 
lency's pleasure  that  they  should  return  home  or  wait  fur- 
ther orders. 

"  The  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies  in  this  State 
have  made  such  progress  lately  in  removing  the  disaffected, 
that  we  shall  not  want  their  longer  stay  at  this  place  unless 
some  event  at  present  unforeseen  should  happen. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  as  the 
Convention  of  this  State  have  no  occasion  for  the  services 
of  the  Continental  troop  of  horse  which  your  Excellency 
stationed  here  under  their  direction,  and  as  they  necessarily 
consume  a  great  deal  of  forage  which  might  otherwise  be 
spared  for  the  use  of  the  army,  we  submit  to  your  Excel- 
lency's discretion  the  propriety  of  removing  them. 
"  We  have  the  honor  to  be, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedt. 

"  And  very  humble  servts. 
"  By  order. 
"To  His  Excellency  Genl.  Geo.  Washington." 


DIE  LUNjE,  9  ho.  a.  m, 

25th  Novr.  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  President. 
Mr.  Duane,  R.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  A.  Yaies,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates— Albany. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'homraedieu,  Mr.  Miller—  Svffolk. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Major  Lockwood—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Major  Flores  Bancker,  in  behalf  of  Colonel  Johannes 
Snyder  and  the  officers  of  his  regiment,  presented  to  the 
Committee  a  number  of  queries,  which  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  queries  be  referred  to  Mr. 
L'hommedieu  and  Mr.  to  report  thereon. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


717 


Die  Lvnm,  P.  M.  4  ho.  Now.  25th,  1776. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Wisner — Charlotte. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  queries  presented  by  Flores  Bancker  this  morn- 
ing, made  a  report  which  was  approved  of  and  agreed  to 
in  the  words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

Major  Flores  Bancker,  in  behalf  of  Colonel  Johannes 
Snyder  and  sundry  of  the  officers  in  his  regiment,  present- 
ed a  number  of  queries  in  writing  to  this  committee,  where- 
upon the  committee  come  to  the  following  determinations  : 
As  to  the  first  and  second  queries, 

Resolved,  That  the  deputy  treasurer  of  this  State  be 
appointed  to  pay  the  said  regiment  speedily  before  they 
leave  the  service. 

As  to  the  third  and  fourth  queries, 

Resolved,  That  each  captain  make  and  return  a  muster 
roll  of  his  company  to  Colonel  Snyder,  and  subscribe  an 
affidavit,  to  be  endorsed  thereon  and  sworn  to  before  the 
6aid  colonel,  that  the  same  contains  a  true  and  faithful  list 
of  the  deponent's  company  in  Colonel  Snyder's  regiment. 

Resolved,  That  the  pay  rolls  be  made  out  in  common 
form  by  the  captains  of  the  companies  respectively  and  at- 
tested on  oath  before  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regi- 
ment in  manner  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

I  do  solemnly  swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelist  of  Almigh- 
ty God,  that  the  within  roll  by  me  subscribed,  is  a  just  and 
true  roll  of  my  company,  and  that  each  of  the  officers  and 
privates  in  the  said  roll  named,  have  been  in  service  in  the 
respective  stations  therein  mentioned  at  the  fortifications  in 
the  Highlands,  in  pursuance  of  the  resolutions  of  the  Re- 
presentatives of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
of  the  seventh  of  September  last ;  and  that  the  time  charged 
for  each  person  respectively  is  the  just  and  true  time  of  his 
service,  including  one  day  for  every  twenty  miles  such 
person  has  marched  from  his  house  or  home  to  the  said 
fortifications  ;  and  that  the  sums  charged  in  the  said  roll 
for  pay  and  subsistence,  are  justly  and  truly  charged,  and 
are  justly  due  and  owing  to  the  officers  and  privates  of  the 
company  herein  named. 

As  to  the  fifth  query,  a  provision  is  made  by  a  resolution 
of  the  Committee  of  Safety  this  day,  to  which  you  are  re- 
ferred. 

As  to  the  sixth  and  seventh  queries, 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  are  entitled  to  Continental 
rations  from  the  time  of  their  march  to  their  return,  and 
the  deputy  treasurer  will  pay  the  money  for  those  rations 
they  have  not  or  shall  not  receive. 

As  to  the  pay  of  the  officers, 

Resolved,  That  the  same  commence  from  the  time  of 
their  march  and  continue  to  the  time  of  their  return. 

Resolved,  That  those  who  shall  continue  in  service 
agreeable  to  the  resolutions  above  referred  to,  instead  of 
one  penny,  shall  be  allowed  two  pence  New-York  money 
per  mile  for  their  travelling  expenses  home. 

Certain  resolutions  reported  by  Mr.  Duane,  for  continu- 
ing General  Scott's  brigade  and  Colonel  Snyder's  regi- 
ment in  service  one  month  longer,  was  read  and  agreed  to, 
and  is  in  the  following  words,  vizt  : 

Whereas  the  period  of  service  of  the  brigade  of  militia 
of  this  State,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General 
Scott,  as  well  as  that  of  the  detachment  of  militia  stationed 
in  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  commanded  by  Colonel  Sny- 
der, will  soon  expire  :  And  whereas  from  the  invasion  of 
this  State  in  different  parts,  and  the  measures  necessary  for 
its  protection  and  security,  an  unavoidable  delay  has  been 

180 


occasioned  in  the  enlisting  and  raising  the  four  battalions 
of  troops  in  this  State,  for  the  Continental  service  :  And 
whereas  our  merciless  enemy,  who  have  laid  waste  with 
unrelenting  fury,  such  parts  of  this  State  as  unhappily  be- 
came a  prey  to  their  vengeance  and  rapacity,  have  been 
encouraged  by  a  season  uncommonly  favourable,  and  the 
hopes  of  the  diminution  of  the  Continental  forces,  and  the 
militia,  on  account  of  the  expiration  of  their  times  of  ser- 
vice to  protect  their  military  operations,  and  to  proceed  in 
spreading  ruin  and  desolation  throughout  such  parts  of  this 
injured  country  as  they  find  defenceless  and  exposed  to  their 
barbarous  incursions,  and  the  further  services  of  the  said  bri- 
gade and  detachment  of  militia  being  from  these  important 
considerations  indispensable  ;  and  for  as  much  as  from  the 
present  motions  of  the  enemy,  it  is  highly  probable  that  all 
the  militia  of  this  State  will  speedily  be  called  forth  into 
actual  service  :    This  Committee  of  Safety  do  therefore 

Resolve,  That  in  their  opinion  the  said  brigade  and  de- 
tachment of  militia  ought  to  continue  in  service  until  the 
last  day  of  December,  (unless  from  the  situation  of  the 
enemy  they  can  sooner  be  discharged  with  safety,)  on  the 
same  pay  and  rations  which  have  hitherto  been  claimed 
and  provided  for  them. 

And  this  committee  are  persuaded  that  when  they  sin- 
cerely reflect  on  the  situation  of  their  bleedirg  country, 
the  miseries  to  which  their  friends  and  families  must  be 
exposed  by  the  further  progress  of  their  inhuman  enemy, 
and  the  disgrace  of  deserting  the  service  at  so  critical  a 
period  ;  when  they  consider  that  their  retiring  can  procure 
them  but  a  few  days  of  ease,  inglorious  to  the  enjoyment 
and  bitter  in  reflection,  since  it  must  invite  their  inveterate 
foes  to  pursue  and  seek  them  out  in  their  very  habitations  ; 
when  they  remember  the  righteous  cause  in  which  they  are 
engaged  in  common  with  a  whole  Continent,  and  the  inesti- 
mable value  of  the  blessings  of  freedom  and  security,  for 
which  they  contend  ;  and  when  finally  they  contemplate 
the  glory  which  must  be  acquired  in  bravely  defending  their 
country  against  the  hand  of  tyranny  and  oppression ;  their 
fathers,  their  families,  their  relations  and  their  friends  from 
rapine,  plunder  and  slaughter,  and  their  families  from  in- 
dignities worse  than  death — from  motives  so  powerful ; 
from  every  argument  of  interest,  honour,  duty  and  self- 
preservation,  as  well  as  from  past  experience  of  their  cou- 
rage and  patriotism — the  committee  entertains  not  the 
least  doubt,  but  that  the  officers  and  privates  of  the  said 
brigade  and  detachment  of  the  militia  will,  with  the  utmost 
cheerfulness  and  alacrity,  comply  with  the  resolve,  and 
continue  to  exert  and  distinguish  themselves  as  brave,  stea- 
dy and  virtuous  citizens  and  soldiers,  and  thus  recommend 
themselves  to  the  protection  of  heaven,  and  the  regard  and 
gratitude  of  their  distressed  country. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  this  resolution  be  immediately 
transmitted  to  General  James  Clinton  and  General  Scott, 
and  that  the  same  be  published  at  the  head  of  every  regi- 
ment in  General  Scott's  brigade,  and  of  every  company  of 
the  detachment  commanded  by  Colonel  Snyder. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Novr.  26th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate—  Albany. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 

As  Colonel  Philip  Van  Cortlandt  is  at  present  at  Ticon- 


718 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


deroga,  and  not  soon  expected,  and  the  raising  of  the  troops 
may  thereby  be  retarded,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds  or- 
dered on  the  21st  inst.  to  be  paid  to  him,  be  paid  to  his 
lieutenant,  Colonel  Fredk.  Wiesenfels,  for  the  purposes 
and  under  the  restrictions  mentioned  in  the  said  order  ; 
the  Treasurer  deducting  out  of  the  said  money  the  sums  he 
has  advanced  for  recruiting,  to  any  of  the  officers  belong- 
ing to  the  second  battalion. 

The  defence  of  Hudson's  river  being  not  only  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  security  of  this  State,  but  also  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  United  American  States,  and  keeping  up  a 
communication  between  the  eastern  and  southern  States, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  heretofore  appointed  to 
obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  or  any  three  of 
them,  be  directed  to  report  some  form  of  a  plan  for  per- 
fecting the  same,  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  Augustine  Lawrence  and  Samuel  Tudor, 
dated  at  Poughkeepsie,  the  25th  inst.  relative  to  the  re- 
moving of  the  ships  at  Poughkeepsie  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Piatt, 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  and  the  other  members 
of  the  committee  appointed  on  the  last  for  that  pur- 

pose. 

A  letter  from  Linde  Lord,  Esqr.  dated  at  on  the 

25th  inst.  relative  to  Mr.  Mathews  and  the  Youngs'  escape. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  con- 
spiracies to  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  Johannes  Hardenburgh, 
dated  at  camp,  near  Peekskill,  was  read;  he  informs  that  a 
parcel  of  arms,  cartouch-boxes  and  belts  were  delivered  to 
him  for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  and  requesting  directions 
to  whom  to  deliver  the  said  arms  and  accoutrements.  Re- 
ferred to  Mr.  Duane  to  report  a  draft  of  an  answer  giving 
proper  directions. 

The  petition  of  Alexander  Stewart,  a  prisoner,  praying 
for  the  allowance  of  a  prisoner  of  war,  and  the  case  of  Met- 
calf,  a  midshipman,  stated  by  Mr.  McKesson,  was  referred 
to  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr.  Miller. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  Lieut. 
Colonel  Welsh  has  placed  several  sick  in  the  house  where 
William  Barnes  and  two  other  poor  families  now  reside  ; 
that  it  is  necessary  that  some  hospital  be  provided  for  his 
sick  ;  and  no  place  being  considered  so  proper  for  an  hos- 
pital as  the  said  house, 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Theodorus  Bratt  do  provide  hou- 
ses or  proper  places  for  the  said  families,  and  carriages  to 
remove  the  said  three  families,  that  the  said  house  may  be 
used  as  an  hospital. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  further  informed  that 
part  of  a  regiment  of  Connecticut  troops  are  arrived  here 
from  Hackensack,  many  of  them  sick,  and  the  whole  des- 
titute of  provisions. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu  and  Major  Lockwood 
be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  cause  of  the  said  Con- 
necticut troops,  and  if  Colonel  Welsh  shall  refuse  to  take 
charge  of  them,  then  to  give  proper  orders  for  their  relief. 

A  pay  roll  and  a  subsistence  roll  of  Capt.  Jacob  Rutzen 
De  Witt's  company  of  rangers,  raised  in  Ulster  county, 
were  delivered  in  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  for  examination  to  Mr. 
Newkirk  and  Mr.  Contine. 

A  bill  of  credit  of  Rhode-Island,  altered  and  changed, 
so  as  to  appear  to  be  of  a  greater  value  than  that  for  which 
it  was  issued,  viz  :  appearing  to  be  a  bill  of  twenty  shil- 
lings lawful,  when  in  fact  it  is  a  bill  of  one  shilling  lawful, 
was  laid  before  the  Committee  of  Safety  ;  and  the  Com- 
mitee  of  Safely  were  informed  that  one  Gilchrist,  a  soldier 
in  Capt.  William  Jackson's  company  at  Fort  Constitution, 
had  passed  the  said  bill  to  ihe  wife  of  Isaac  Schults,  at 
New-Windsor,  for  twenty  shillings  lawful,  and  refused  to 
receive  the  said  bill  and  repay  the  money  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  commanding  officer  at  Fort  Consti- 
tution, send  the  said  Gilchrist  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 


mittee of  Ulster  county  ;  that  the  said  chairman  take  all 
proper  examinations  in  the  premises;  and  if  it  shall  appear 
to  him  that  the  said  Gilchrist  knew  or  had  reason  to  believe 
that  the  said  bill  of  credit  was  altered,  and  not  of  the  value 
of  twenty  shillings  lawful  money,  that  he  cause  him  to 
be  committed  to  the  jail  of  Ulster  county,  there  to  be  kept 
in  safe  custody,  until  he  shall  be  thence  delivered  by  due 
course  of  law. 

Whereas,  There  are  several  accounts  due  from  this 
State  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  on  ac- 
count of  expenses  accrued  by  reason  of  the  removal  of 
stock,  and  the  poor  inhabitants  from  Long-Island  : 

Ordered,  That  be  a  committee  to  collect 

and  state  those  accounts,  together  with  the  names  of  per- 
sons bought  of,  the  quantity  of  stock  and  the  names  of  the 
persons  to  whom  they  belonged,  together  with  the  place 
of  their  present  residence,  and  report  the  same  to  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  as  soon  as  possible. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  26th  Novr.  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— P.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomti — New-York. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  A.  Yales,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Major  Webster—  Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Heath,  of  the  25th,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  General  Heath, 
with  the  thanks  of  this  Committee  for  his  attention,  and 
that  Mr.  Duane  report  the  draft  of  such  letter. 

Mr.  Miller,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  memorial  of  Alexander  Stewart,  and  the  case  of  Wm. 
Metcalf,  do  report,  that  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  was 
committed  to  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of  Westchester  county 
on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  July  last,  there  to  remain 
until  further  order  ;  that  about  the  twentieth  day  of  Octo- 
ber last,  the  said  Alexander  Stewart,  with  the  other  priso- 
ners who  were  in  that  jail,  were  sent  to  Fishkill  under 
guard,  where  the  said  Alexander  Stewart  has  since  re- 
mained without  any  allowance  for  support  known  to  your 
committee. 

That  the  said  William  Metcalf  after  he  was  taken  a  pri- 
soner of  war,  was  sent  to  the  care  of  the  committee  at 
Poundridge;  that  to  prevent  his  making  his  escape  from 
thence,  and  for  misbehaviour,  he  was  by  order  of  the  said 
committee  on  the  twenty-fourth  of  September  last,  com- 
mitted to  Westchester  jail,  from  whence  he  was  sent  to 
Fishkill  about  the  twentieth  of  October. 

That  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  an  allowance 
be  made  to  each  of  them,  the  said  Wm.  Metcalf  and  Al- 
exander Stewart,  of  the  like  rations  as  the  troops  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  from  the  twentieth  day  of  Oc- 
tober last,  that  is  to  say,  in  money  at  the  rate  of  eight 
ninetieth  parts  of  a  dollar  per  ration,  or  in  provisions  at 
their  election. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstan- 
ces of  that  part  of  Colonel  Bradley's  regiment  which  is  arriv- 
ed from  Hackensack  to  this  place,  report  that  it  appears  that 
those  troops  being  near  Fort  Lee,  on  the  approach  of  the 
enemy,  they  were  directed  to  retire  out  of  their  reach  and 
join  the  first  or  nearest  corps  of  the  army  of  the  United 
States  ;  that  some  of  them  are  fit  for  duty,  but  that  a  num- 
ber of  them  are  sick. 

Ordered,  That  the  lieutenant  be  desired  immediately 
to  repair  to  Peekskill  with  those  fit  for  duty,  and  apply  to 
to  Colonel  Heath.  That  Doctor  Graham  take  care  of  the 
sick  at  Continental  expense  until  General  Heath  shall  send 
a  physician  to  take  charge  of  them,  or  give  directions  con- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


719 


cerning  them,  and  that  the  commissary  at  Fishkill  supply 
them  with  provisions. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  Livingston  be  requested  to 
repair  to  Peckskill  and  North  Castle,  to  confer  with  Ge- 
nerals Lee,  Heath  and  Clinton,  on  the  situation  of  the 
enemy  within  this  State  ;  the  passes  necessary  to  be  se- 
cured on  both  sides  of  the  Highlands,  and  the  means  pro- 
per for  that  purpose ;  and  also  for  obstructing  the  Hudson's 
river  near  PollepeFs  island,  agreeable  to  the  plan  recom- 
mended by  General  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  be  ob- 
structed near  Pollepel's  island  at  the  northren  entrance 
of  the  Highlands,  agreeable  to  the  plan  recommended  by 
General  James  Clinton,  and  that  the  Convention  of  this 
State  will  exert  every  measure  necessary  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

A  letter  from  John  Campbell  one  of  the  agents  of  the 
Quarter-Master-General,  dated  the  twenty-fifth  instant,  and 
directed  to  William  Duer,  Esqr.  was  read.  Information  is 
therein  contained  that  there  is  a  large  quantity  of  hay  to 
the  amount  of  thirty  or  forty  tons,  on  the  east  side  of  Van 
Cortlandt's  manor,  belonging  to  persons  who  have  gone 
over  to  the  enemy. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duer  one  of  the  mem- 
bers, be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to  send  proper  persons 
to  take  the  said  hay,  and  have  the  same  valued  and  deli- 
vered for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  and  that  the 
price  of  ihe  said  hay  at  its  full  value  be  deposited  in  the 
Treasury  of  this  State,  reserving  so  much  as  may  be  ne- 
cessary for  the  support  of  the  present  stock  on  each  farm  ; 
and  if  there  shall  be  on  any  such  farm  a  larger  stock  of  cat- 
tle than  is  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  families  of  such 
persons  who  have  so  gone  over  to  the  enemy  ;  that  the  parts 
of  the  said  stock  as  is  not  necessary  for  the  support  of  each 
such  family  be  together  with  such  hay,  apprised  by  three 
respectable  freeholders  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  sole 
the  best  advantage,  and  the  amount  of  the  sales  thereof 
posited  in  the  treasury  of  this  State. 


WEDNESDAY,  a.  m. 

November  27th,  1776 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Rutgers — New-York. 
Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.Adgate— Albany. 
Col.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Lockwood —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt— Dutches. 
Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Scott,  dated  the  26th  inst.  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Haverstraw,  Novr.  26th,  1776 

"  Sir — Upon  some  alarming  accounts  from  Colonel 
Hay  of  a  probability  that  the  enemy  would  attempt  a  land- 
ing from  their  shipping,  and  of  the  defenceless  state  of  the 
conntry,  as  well  as  the  danger  that  many  well  wishers 
would  be  reduced  by  fear  to  a  submission,  General  Heath 
thought  proper  to  send  me  over  with  my  brigade.  Upon  my 
arrival  here  I  heard  a  distinct  firing,  supposed  to  be  at 
Acquacknock,  where  I  am  assured  our  army  was  determin- 
ed to  engage  the  enemy  this  day.  I  am  told  firing  began 
early  this  morning.  I  hope  to  be  able  to  commuicate  some- 
thing agreeable  to  you,  which  if  in  my  power,  I  shall  not 
fail  to  do  by  express. 

"  The  sole  design  of  this  letter  is  most  earnestly  to  re- 
quest the  interposition  of  Convention  to  prevent  the  dis- 
banding of  my  brigade  on  Sunday  next.  I  have  sent  an 
express  to  General  Heath,  with  a  request  to  send  me  two 


more  regiments  and  a  field  piece  or  two.    But  what  will 
that  succour  avail  if  the  service  is  to  last  only  till  Sunday. 
I  hope  my  request  will  not  be  imputed  to  interested  mo- 
tives, when  I  assure  you  of  my  desire  to  serve  my  country 
one  month  longer  without  pay.    I  flatter  myself  the  officers 
will  be  ashamed  to  refuse  their  service.    If  our  Convention 
would  think  proper  to  furnish  me  with  a  bounty  for  the 
men,  I  think  I  can  hold  them.    You  cannot  think,  sir,  of 
what  infinite  consequence  it  will  be  to  this  part  of  the 
country.    Without  some  proper  support,  if  our  troops  be- 
low should  not  succeed,  the  country  below  the  mountains 
must  submit  to  the  enemy.    If  my  views  can  be  seconded 
by  Convention,  and  General  Heath  should  comply  with  my 
requisition,  I  flatter  myself  that  with  the  militia  of  the 
county,  numbers  of  whom  I  am  sure  will  join  me,  if  we 
countenance  those  by  some  suitable  support,  I  may  fall 
on  the  rear  of  the  enemy  with  two  thousand  men.  You 
may  easily  judge  that  if  General  Washington  keeps  them 
well  employed  in  front,  the  expedient  I  propose  may  be 
successful ;  at  least,  if  I  can  be  strengthened,  I  am  deter- 
mined to  risk  it  if  I  should  fall  in  the  attempt. 

"  In  short,  sir,  our  cunctandos  have  put  me  out  of  all 
patience.  Let  me  not  forget  to  tell  you  that  thirty  men 
were  enlisted  last  Sunday  into  the  enemy's  service ;  and 
can  you  think,  sir,  that  two  thousand  men  marched  south- 
ward from  this,  would  not  check  the  growing  mischief  ? 
Be  pleased,  sir,  to  make  my  respectful  compliments  accep- 
table to  Convention  ;  assure  them  of  my  readiness  to  obey 
all  their  commands  ;  reward  the  expresses,  (I  keep  no  ac- 
count with  the  public,)  and  believe  me  to  be,  sir,  with  un- 
dissembled  respect  and  esteem, 

Your's  and  the  public's,  most  devotedly, 

"JOHN  MORIN  SCOTT. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Honble.  Convention, 

State  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  yesterday,  and  ap- 
pearing to  be  wrote  in  the  afternoon,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  following  words,  vizt : 

"  Peekskill,  Novr.  26th,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  time  to  which  the  several  regiments  of  Ge- 
neral Scott's  brigade  stand  engaged,  expires  on  Saturday 
next,  as  dees  that  of  part  of  the  garrison  at  forts  Montgo- 
mery and  Constitution,  and  Colonel  Tache's  regiment  of 
militia  from  the  State  of  New  Hampshire,  which  is  now 
at  this  post.  I  also  expect  that  part  of  the  other  troops  now 
here  will  be  ordered  to  march  southward.  Should  this  be 
the  case,  a  pass  of  vast  importance,  and  now  enhanced  by 
the  loss  of  Fort  Lee,  and  the  enemy  having  the  entire  pos- 
session of  the  river  up  to  the  forts,  will,  I  think,  be  much 
exposed.  I  think  it  my  duty,  therefore,  to  give  you  this 
hint,  that  if  His  Excellency  General  Washington  has  not 
wrote  to  the  Honble.  Convention  on  the  subject,  such  mea- 
sures may  be  adopted  as  the  Honourable  Convention  may 
think  proper.  J  think  that  if  the  several  regiments,  whose 
time  is  nearly  expired,  could  be  prevailed  upon  to  continue 
a  little  longer,  it  would  greatly  promote  the  service  ;  but 
of  this  I  despair,  having  been  too  often  convinced  that  it  is 
hard  to  persuade  them. 

"  If  any  of  the  before  mentioned  troops  have  received 
arms,  accoutrements  or  ammunitions  from  the  State  of 
New-York,  I  submit  it  to  you  whether  it  would  not  be  ex- 
pedient to  appoint  some  person  or  persons  to  receive  them 
from  the  soldiery. 

"  I  have  not  received  any  thing  lately  from  the  southward 
either  particular  or  interesting. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hble.  servt. 

"  W.  HEATH. 

"  Honble.  P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

Committed  to  Mr.  Duane,  to  be  answered  with  General 
Heath's  other  letters. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  the  19th  instant, 
with  respect  to  iron  stove  doors  and  latches,  &c.  was  read. 


7-20 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Patrick  be  requested  to  have 
the  latches  and  hinges  for  the  doors  of  those  stoves,  made 
and  forwarded  with  the  stoves. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Duer, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Representatives  of  this 
Stale  be  given  to  Brigadier-General  Scott,  for  his  patriotic 
offer  of  continuing  in  service  for  the  space  of  one  montli 
without  any  pay,  in  order  to  stop  the  ravages  of  a  cruel 
enemy. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Scott  be  authorized 
and  requested  to  continue  in  service  for  the  space  of  one 
month,  and  that  he  be  entitled  to  the  same  appointments 
with  the  other  brigadier-generals  in  the  Continental  service. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Representatives  of  this 
State  be  given  to  the  officers  and  men  of  General  Scott's 
regiment,  for  the  spirit,  alacrity  and  perseverance  which 
they  have  exercised  in  the  defence  of  their  injured  and  in- 
vaded county. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds  be 
given  as  a  gratuity  unto  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates  enlisted  in  this  State,  who  at  present  compose  Ge- 
neral Scott's  brigade ;  and  Genl.  Scott  and  the  officers  of 
the  New-York  regiments  in  his  brigade,  are  requested  to 
dispose  of  the  same  in  such  a  manner  as  they  shall  deem 
most  equitable  and  advantageous  to  the  public  interest. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  transmit  the 
said  sum  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds  to  General  Scott,  taking 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Jay  dissenting  to  the  granting  and  the  order  for  the 
money. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  moved  sundry  resolutions  re- 
lative to  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  and 
engaging  General  Schuyler  in  that  service. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Jay,  Mr.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  be  a  committee  to 
consider  the  proposed  resolutions,  and  report  thereon  at  5 
o'clock  this  afternoon. 

5  ho.  P.  M.  November  27th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Corttandt,  Esqr.  V.  Prest. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane — New-York. 
Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates— Albany. 
Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

R.  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  Gil.  Livingston — Dutches. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Linde  Lord,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  following  words  : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  has  been  laid  before  the  Convention 
and  referred  to  a  committee  ;  but  the  operations  of  the  ene- 
my at  this  critical  juncture  calling  for  the  utmost  attention 
and  exertions  of  this  State,  there  is  no  probability  that  it 
can  soon  be  reported  or  determined  upon.  We  therefore 
have  desired  the  express  to  return,  assuring  you  that  the 
first  opportunity  shall  be  embraced  to  give  you  a  satisfac- 
tory answer. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servant. 

"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Duane,  who  was  appointed  for  that  purpose,  report- 
ed a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel  Hardenbergh ;  which  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  following  words  : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  23rd  inst.  has  been  laid  be- 
fore the  Committee  of  Safely,  who  have  desired  me  to  di- 
rect you,  that  as  soon  as  the  militia  shall  be  discharged  or 
leave  the  service,  you  carefully  secure  all  the  arms  in  your 
battalion  belonging  to  this  State,  and  see  them  safely  deli- 


vered at  this  place.  Your  are,  for  this  purpose,  to  hire, 
and  if  not  otherwise  to  be  had,  to  impress  boats,  if  practi- 
cable to  bring  them  by  water,  otherwise  carriages  ;  the  ex- 
pense of  which  shall  be  defrayed  by  this  State.  I  am  fur- 
ther requested  to  direct  you  to  give  copies  of  this  letter  to 
the  commanding  officers  of  such  of  the  battalions  as  have 
used  any  of  the  public  arms  belonging  to  this  State  ;  and 
also  to  forward  a  copy  to  General  Scott.  This  is  intended 
as  a  general  direction  to  all  the  commanding  officers  of 
such  regiments. 

"  1  am,  sir,  your  mo.  hble.  servant. 

"  By  order. 

"  Col.  Johannes  Hahdenburgh." 

An  account  of  Ebenezer  Dayton,  for  going  express  on 
the  12th  and  13th  days  of  October  last,  to  recall  Gerard 
Bancker,  Esqr.  when  on  his  way  to  Philadelphia,  was  ex- 
hibited. He  therein  charges  for  hire  of  a  fresh  horse,  fer- 
riages, and  extraordinary  expense,  18s. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Ebenezer  Dayton,  on  his  receipt,  for  his  time,  servi- 
ces, and  all  his  expenses  and  disbursements  in  the  premises, 
the  sum  of  three  pounds. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  of  Capt.  Jacob  Rutsen  D.  Witt's  company  of  ran- 
gers, from  the  6th  day  of  October  to  the  4th  day  of  Novem- 
ber, both  days  included,  was  laid  before  the  Committee. 
On  the  face  of  the  said  roll  is  endorsed  a  certificate,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I  do  hereby  certify  on  the  oath  I  have  taken  before  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  that  the  pay  roll  is  just 
and  true. 

"  J.  R.  D.  WITT." 

Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate,  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  a  committee  this  day  appointed 
by  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  audit  this  pay  roll,  do  here- 
by certify  that  we  have  examined  the  same,  and  allow  the 
sum  of  £184  165.  Od.  to  be  paid  to  Jacob  R.  De  Witt, 
therefor. 

"MATHEW  CANTINE, 
"  BENJN.  NEWKIRK. 

"  Novr.  26th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Andries  Rutsen  D.  Witt,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  eighty-four  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  in  full  for 
the  pay  of  his  company  from  the  sixth  day  of  October  last 
to  the  fourth  instant,  both  days  included. 

A  pay  roll,  in  lieu  of  rations  of  officers,  rion-commis- 
sioned  officers  and  privates,  belonging  to  Capt.  Jacob  Rut- 
sen D.  Witt's  company  of  rangers,  raised  and  embodied  in 
the  county  of  Ulster,  from  the  6th  day  of  October  last  to 
the  4th  day  of  November  instant,  both  days  included,  was 
laid  before  the  Committee.  On  the  face  of  said  roll  is  en- 
dorsed a  certificate,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I  do  hereby  certify  on  the  oath  I  have  taken  before  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  that 
this  subsistence  roll  is  just  and  true. 

"  J.  R.  D.  WITT. 

"Novr.  2\st,  1776." 

Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  appointed  by  the  Committee  of 
Safety  to  audit  the  subsistence  roll,  do  hereby  certify  that 
we  have  examined  the  same,  and  allow  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  two 
pence  to  be  due  to  Capt.  J.  R.  De  Witt  therefor. 

"MATHEW  CANTINE, 
"  BENJN.  NEWKIRK. 

"  Novr.  26th,  1776." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt 
Jacob  Rutsen  D.  Witt  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  two  pence,  in  full  for  the 
subsistence  of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  from  the  6th 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


721 


day  of  October  last  to  the  4th  day  of  November  inst.  both 
days  included. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  committed  the  resolutions 
moved  by  R.  R.  Livingston  this  morning,  relative  to  the 
obstructing  the  Hudson's  river,  reported  the  same,  which 
were  read,  agreed  to  and  approved  of,  and  are  in  the  words 
[following,]  vizi : 

Whereas  this  Committee  did,  on  the  26th  inst.  resolve 
that  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  should  be  obstructed 
near  Poleple's  island,  at  the  north  entrance  of  the  High- 
lands :  And  whereas  the  termination  of  the  northern 
campaign  hath  probably  given  General  Schuyler  leisure  to 
attend  to  other  objects  of  public  use  and  importance  :  And 
whereas  from  that  gentleman's  well  known  abilities  and 
activity,  as  well  as  from  the  advantages  resulting  from  his 
military  command,  there  is  the  greatest  reason  to  believe 
that  the  business  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  said 
river  will  be  successfully  carried  on  and  completed  under 
his  direction : 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  immediately  written  to  Major- 
General  Schuyler,  informing  him  of  the  survey  that  has 
been  taken  of  Hudson's  river  at  Poliple's  island,  and  re- 
questing him  to  take  on  himself  the  superintendence  and 
direction  of  such  works  as  he  may  think  necessary,  either 
there  or  elsewhere  for  the  security  of  Hudson's  river. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed  and  sent  to  Genl. 
Schuyler. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  Honble.  the 
Continental  Congress,  informing  them  of  the  measures 
that  have  been  pursued  for  obstructing  Hudson's  river; 
suggesting  the  necessity  of  more  effectually  securing  the 
posts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands  ;  employing  the  car- 
penters, who  are  now  discharged  from  the  shipping,  in  pre- 
paring fire  ships  and  whatever  else  may  be  thought  neces- 
sary for  the  defence  of  the  river,  and  annoying  the  enemy 
on  their  passage  up  ;  and  requesting  that  they  will  be 
pleased  to  put  the  management  thereof  under  the  direction 
of  Major-Genl.  Schuyler,  whose  abilities,  knowledge  of 
the  country  and  military  command  will  give  him  great  ad- 
vantages in  the  execution  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  enclosing  the  above  resolves,  and 
requesting  his  concurrence  therein. 

Resolved,  That  if  the  gentlemen  appointed  to  confer 
with  the  Generals  at  Peekskill  and  North  Castle  shall  not 
receive  sufficient  information  with  respect  to  the  number 
of  men  to  be  stationed  for  the  defence  of  the  passes  in  the 
Highlands,  that  in  that  case  he  be  instructed  to  write  to 
His  Excellency  General  Washington  and  obtain  the  ne- 
cessary information  from  him. 

An  inventory  of  personal  estate,  late  belonging  to  Thos. 
Barclay,  of  Ulster  countv,  was  produced  to  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety.  The  said  Thomas  Barclay  having  some 
months  since  gone  over  to  the  enemy  on  Nassau  island, 
and  the  hay,  forage  and  grain  on  the  farm,  late  in  his  pos- 
session, (the  said  Thomas  Barclay,)  being  necessary  for 
the  support  of  the  American  army  ; 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  William  Duer,  Esqr.  be 
and  is  hereby  authorized  to  send  proper  persons  to  take  all 
the  hay,  forage  and  grain  on  the  said  farm,  except  so  much 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  family  and 
stock  to  remain  on  the  said  farm,  and  have  the  same  deli- 
vered for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army.  That  the  said 
hay,  forage  and  grain,  before  its  removal,  be  valued  and 
appraised  by  James  Hunter,  Dirck  Roosa  and  James 
Howel,  who  are  hereby  appointed  and  authorized  to  ap- 
praise the  same  ;  that  the  price  of  the  said  hay,  forage  and 
grain,  at  its  appraisement,  be  deposited  in  the  treasury  of 
this  State,  there  to  abide  the  future  order  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  Representatives  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved  and  Ordered  further,  That  all  the  stock  on 
the  said  farm,  except  so  much  as  the  commissioners  here- 
after named  may  judge  necessary  for  the  support  of  the 
overseer,  his  family  and  the  slaves  on  the  said  farm,  be 

131 


sold  at  public  auction,  to  the  best  advantage,  by  James 
Hunter,  Dirck  Roosa  and  James  Howell,  who  are  hereby 
appointed  commissioners  for  that  purpose,  and  directed  to 
return  to  the  said  Representatives  an  inventory  of  their 
appraisement  and  account  of  sales.  That  the  said  com- 
missioners give  public  notice,  by  advertisements  dispersed 
in  the  most  public  manner,  of  the  time  and  place  of  such 
sales  ;  and  take  care  that  the  moneys  thence  arising  be  de- 
posited in  the  treasury  of  this  State,  there  to  abide  the  fur- 
ther order  of  the  Convention  of  Representatives  or  future 
Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Fowler,  the  pre- 

sent overseer  of  the  farm  late  in  the  possession  of  the  said 
Thomas  Barclay,  continue  to  take  care  of  the  said  hay, 
forage,  grain  and  stock,  until  the  removal  and  sale  of  the 
same,  and  continue  his  care  and  charge  of  the  other  pro- 
perty on  the  said  farm  until  further  order  of  the  said  Con- 
vention of  Representatives,  or  future  Legislature  of  this 
State. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Scott,  to  enclose  the  reso- 
lutions respecting  his  brigade,  passed  this  forenoon,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  following  words,  vizt : 

"  Sir — I  have  the  pleasure  to  forward  the  enclosed  re- 
solutions of  Congress,  which  took  place  in  consequence  of 
your  favour  of  the  26th  instant,  together  with  the  fifteen 
hundred  pounds  voted  as  a  gratuity  for  the  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates  of  your  brigade. 

"  The  State  is  highly  sensible  of  their  past  services,  and 
have  no  doubt  but  the  same  virtuous  principles  which  call- 
ed them  forth  into  the  service  of  their  country,  will  animate 
them  to  persevere,  with  courage  and  fortitude,  to  the  end 
of  the  campaign.  I  hope,  sir,  the  honourable  testimonial 
which  they  give  of  your  zeal  and  patriotism,  in  this  critical 
juncture,  will  prove  acceptable. 

"  I  am  directed  to  add  that  frequent  advices  of  the  dis- 
position of  the  enemy,  and  the  events  of  the  campaign,  will 
be  singularly  useful,  as  they  are  necessary  to  regulate  our 
councils. 

"  The  obstructing  Hudson's  River,  at  PollopePs  island 
is  this  day  concluded  upon. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 
"  P.  S.  Be  pleased  to  pass  your  receipt  to  the  Treasu- 
rer for  the  £1,500,  and  return  it  by  the  express. 

■  Fishkills,  Novr.  27th,  1776. 
"To  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Heath,  commanding  at 
Peekskill,  to  enclose  certain  resolutions  relative  to  a  part 
of  Bradley's  regiment,  was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  you  the  enclosed 
resolution  respecting  a  part  of  Colonel  Bradley's  regiment, 
who  lately  came  to  this  place.  Several  of  the  members 
have  taken  the  liberty  to  advise  one  of  the  lieutenants  to 
repair  to  Peekskill,  with  such  of  his  men  as  are  fit  for 
duly.  I  presume  he  will  wait  for  a  more  formal  command. 
We  have  directed  a  physician  to  take  care  of  the  sick  un- 
til your  directions  are  received.  This  small  village  is  so 
much  crowded  that  it  is  badly  calculated  for  a  hospital, 
and  we  fear  the  present  mode  of  relieving  the  sick  will  be 
very  expensive. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"Yours,  &c. 

"  General  Heath,  Peekskill." 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Nov.  28th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates— Albany. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  I/hommedieu,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 


722 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Gil.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Van  Cartlandl — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer  produced  the  pay  rolls  of  the  Charlotte  ran- 
gers to  be  paid  ;  they  are  committed  to  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr. 
Contine  and  Mr.  Adgate,  to  audit  and  report  on  the  same. 

Mr.  Moore  produced  the  pay  rolls  of  Tryon  county  ran- 
gers to  be  paid  ;  they  are  committed  to  the  same  commit- 
tee. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gene- 
ral Schuyler,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  following  words : 

"  Fishkill,  Nov.  28th,  1776. 
"  Sir — The  measures  pursued  for  obstructing  Hudson's 
river  have  hitherto  proved  ineffectual,  and  the  necessity 
of  preventing  the  enemy's  penetrating  into  the  northern 
part  of  this  State  is  obvious.  The  Committee  of  Safety 
have  taken  this  matter  into  consideration,  and  entered  into 
resolves,  of  which  I  have  the  honour  of  enclosing  you  a 
copy. 

"  They  look  up  to  you,  sir,  for  the  accomplishment  of 
this  work,  sensible  that  your  abilities  and  extensive  com- 
mand will  enable  you  to  devise  a  plan  and  direct  such 
measures  as  will  speedily  effect  it. 

"  General  Geo.  Clinton,  who  has  this  point  much  at 
heart,  has  made  a  survey  of  the  river  opposite  Pollepel's 
island,  with  the  soundings,  at  two  different  stations  ;  a  co- 
py thereof  I  also  herewith  enclose  you. 

"  I  am,  very  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler." 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl. 
Washington,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"  Fishkill,  28th  Novr.  1776. 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  State,  I  do  myself  the  honour  to  transmit 
the  enclosed  resolutions,  and  to  request,  if  your  Excellen- 
cy should  concur  with  them  in  sentiment,  that  you  would, 
by  uniting  in,  add  weight,  to  their  application  to  the  Ho- 
nourable the  Congress. 

"  The  enemy  have  long  manifested  an  intention  to  pos- 
sess themselves  of  this  State,  to  which  indeed  its  central 
and  commanding  situation  very  naturally  invites  them.  Past 
experience,  with  the  blessings  of  heaven  upon  your  Excel- 
lency's vigilance  and  skill,  must  ere  now  have  convinced 
them  that  this  is  impracticable,  unless  by  means  of  their 
navy,  against  which  every  motive  concurs  in  inducing  us  to 
guard.  Your  Excellency  will  easily  conceive  the  reasons 
which  influenced  the  committee  to  wish  that  this  business 
may  be  confided  to  General  Schuyler,  whose  activity,  aid- 
ed by  his  knowledge  of  the  country  and  its  resources,  to- 
gether with  the  leisure  afforded  him  by  the  retreat  of  the 
enemy  from  the  northern  frontier,  give  him  many  advan- 
tages over  any  gentleman  in  whom  those  circumstances 
do  not  so  happily  unite  ;  they  cannot  therefore  but  hope 
that  the  whole  of  the  enclosed  resolves  will  meet  with  your 
Excellency's  approbation. 

"  If  unfortunately  they  should  be  deceived  in  this  hope, 
they  will,  when  your  Excellency  favours  them  with  your 
sentiments  thereon,  endeavour  to  render  them  conforma- 
ble to  your  wishes. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  To  His  Excellency,  Genl.  Washington." 

A  muster  roll  of  a  part  of  Capt.  John  Wisner's  compa- 
ny from  Orange  county  in  Colonel  NicolPs  regiment,  was 
produced  to  the  Committee  for  payment  of  the  bounty,  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  Adgate, 
to  audit  and  report  thereon. 

A  pay  list  of  men  belonging  to  Colonel  Nicoll's  regi- 


ment, who  had  through  sickness  or  otherwise  been  pre- 
vented from  joining  the  regiment  when  mustered,  was 
presented  and  committed  to  the  same  committee. 

A  pay  roll  of  a  detachment  of  the  ninth  regiment  of  Al- 
bany militia  from  the  5th  to  the  16th  days  of  October  last, 
while  employed  in  hunting  lories  in  Kinderhook  and 
Kings  districts,  amounting  to  eighty-four  pounds  eleven 
shillings  and  sixpence  halfpenny. 

A  billetting  roll  of  the  same  detachment,  amounting  to 
eighteen  pounds  seven  shillings  and  one  penny,  was  also 
produced,  and  committed  to  the  committee  above  men- 
tioned. 

Mr.  Wisner  from  the  committee  appointed  for  securing 
the  frigates,  made  the  following  report : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  securing 
of  the  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie,  report  the  following  re- 
solves to  be  served  on  Capts.  Tudor  and  Lawrence  re- 
spectively : 

"  1st.  That  they  fit  their  respective  ships,  Congress  and 
Montgomery,  with  all  the  despatch  possible,  with  so  much 
rigging  as  is  necessary  to  remove  them  from  Poughkeep- 
sie : 

"  2nd.  That  they  proceed  up  the  river  with  the  first  fair 
wind  after  the  ships  are  ready,  as  far  as  Roundout  kill  or 
creek,  near  Esopus  Landing,  where  they  are  to  be  winter- 
ed, if  after  carefully  sounding  the  depth  of  the  water  on 
the  bar  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek,  they  find  they  can  be 
safely  carried  in  : 

"  3rd.  If  upon  strict  examination  there  is  not  found  wa- 
ter enough  safely  to  carry  the  said  ships  into  the  creek, 
then  they  are  to  proceed  with  all  the  despatch  possible, 
(after  taking  on  board  the  best  pilots  they  can  procure,) 
to  Claverack  dock,  and  there  secure  the  ships  in  the  best 
manner  in  their  power  : 

"  4th.  That  the  quantity  of  lead  in  possession  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State  is  so  small,  that  there  is  none  at 
present  to  be  spared  for  any  other  use  than  musket  ball. 

"HENRY  WISNER,  Chairman." 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
their  committee  in  the  said  report,  and  that  the  same  stand 
confirmed. 

A  letter  from  Elihu  Marvin,  chairman  of  Orange  coun- 
ty, dated  the  18th,  was  read,  wherein  he  requests  the  di- 
rection of  the  Committee  as  to  what  they  shall  do  with 
Cornelius  Thorp  and  one  Murrie,  who  have  altered  Con- 
gress money  bills — one  of  whom,  Thorp,  is  in  jail  at  Go- 
shen. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  deferred. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  report  the 
form  of  a  constitution  and  government  for  this  State,  meet 
every  afternoon  at  4  o'clock. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  28th,  1776. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb— New-York. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'horamedieu— Suffolk. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  muster  roll  of 
Captn.  John  Wisner's  company,  and  the  roll  of  other  men 
belonging  to  different  companies  in  Colonel  Nicoll's  regi- 
ment, who  had  not  received  their  whole  bounty,  reported 
a  stated  account  of  the  bounty  of  the  whole  regiment,  with  a 
certificate  endorsed  thereon,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


723 


"  Your  committee,  appointed  this  day  to  audit  the  seve- 
ral muster  rolls  of  Colonel  Isaac  Nicoll,  do  certify,  that 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  eight  pounds  is  a  balance  due 
to  the  said  Colonel  Nicoll  for  the  bounty  of  his  regiment, 
agreeable  to  the  within  account. 

"MATHEW  CANTINE, 
"  MAT.  AD  GATE, 
"BENJ.  NEWKIRK. 

«  November  28th,  1776." 

The  said  committee  further  reported,  that  the  sum  of 
forty-four  pounds,  part  of  a  sum  of  sixteen  hundred  pounds 
advanced  to  the  county  committee  of  Orange  county,  to 
pay  the  first  moiety  of  the  bounty  of  that  regiment,  remains 
in  the  hands  of  the  chairman  and  deputy  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  of  Orange  county,  or  one  of  them,  un- 
appropriated, which,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  ought 
to  be  paid  to  Colo.  Nicoll,  as  part  of  the  money  due  to 
him  for  the  balance  of  the  bounty  due  to  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Colo- 
nel Nicoll  the  sum  of  sixty-four  pounds,  for  the  bounty  of 
his  regiment,  taking  Colonel  Nicoll's  receipt  for  the  same. 
And, 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  and  deputy  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Orange  county,  or  one  of  them,  pay  to  Colo- 
nel Isaac  Nicoll  the  said  sum  of  forty-four  pounds,  in  full 
for  the  bounty  due  to  his  regiment. 

Mr.  Duane  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Han- 
cock, Esqr.  President  of  the  Continental  Congress  ;  which 
was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety  ) 
for  the  State  of  New- York,  > 
"  Fishkill,  November  28th,  1776.  ) 
"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  resolutions  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  the  more  effectual  ob- 
struction of  Hudson's  river.  No  object  appears  to  them  of 
more  importance,  when  they  consider  either  the  safety 
of  this  State,  the  supply  of  the  Continental  army,  or  the 
preservation  of  the  communication  between  the  southern 
and  eastern  States.  Experience  has  evinced,  that  if  the 
navigation  had  been  rendered  impassible  opposite  to  Fort 
Washington,  it  must  have  been  attended  with  infinite  ad- 
vantage ;  among  which  even  the  security  of  the  garrison 
and  military  stores  at  that  fort,  is  not  the  most  considera- 
ble. Indeed  it  is  no  presumption  to  suppose,  that  after  the 
fruitless  attempt  of  the  British  army  to  penetrate  the  coun- 
try through  the  While  Plains,  they  must  have  closed  the 
campaign,  at  least  in  this  quarter,  with  disappointment  and 
disgrace.  Their  success  in  reducing  the  fort  revived  their 
spirits  ;  and  the  evacuation  of  Fort  Lee,  in  consequence  of 
it,  opened  a  passage  for  them  into  the  defenceless  parts  of 
New-Jersey. 

"  In  projecting  the  obstruction  between  Anthony's  Nose 
on  the  eastern  shore  and  Fort  Montgomery,  we  endeavour- 
ed to  avail  ourselves  of  the  model  of  that  which  had  proved 
effectual  in  the  River  Delaware,  and  were  assisted  by  the 
advice  and  experience  of  Capt.  Hazelwood.  But  the  great 
length  of  the  chain,  being  upwards  of  1,800  feet,  the  bulk 
of  the  logs  which  were  necessary  to  support  it,  the  im- 
mense weight  of  water  which  it  accumulated,  and  the  ra- 
pidity of  the  tide,  have  baffled  all  our  efforts.  It  separated 
twice,  after  holding  only  a  few  hours,  A.  ;  and  we  have  too 
much  reason  to  despair  of  its  ever  fully  answering  the  im- 
portant purpose  for  which  it  was  constructed.  A  like  dis- 
appointment, we  are  informed,  happened  at  Portsmouth  : 
the  chain  intended  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  that  har- 
bour, proved  equally  ineffectual. 

"  These  considerations  have  induced  us  to  explore  the 
depth  of  the  river  throughout  the  Highlands,  in  which  a 
committee  of  Convention  have  been  assisted  by  General 
Geo.  Clinton.  The  distance  and  depth  of  water  at  the 
north  entrance,  which  on  this  experiment  is  found  to  be  the 
fittest  place,  will  be  seen  by  the  enclosed  plan  B.  It  is 
proposed,  with  the  approbation  of  the  Honourable  Con- 
gress, to  obstruct  the  navigation  in  this  part  by  cassoons, 


which  it  is  conceived  will  be  very  practicable.  The  Con- 
vention wish,  on  account  of  General  Washington's  distance 
from  the  place,  and  the  multiplicity  of  business  with  which 
he  is  encumbered,  that  the  direction  of  this  work  may  be 
committed  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  who  we  believe 
every  way  qualified  to  insure  its  success.  Timber  and 
stones  can  be  conveniently  procured,  and  when  the  cam- 
paign terminates  the  troops  cantoned  in  this  part  of  the 
country  may  be  employed  in  rotation  to  assist  in  the  work. 
But  no  time  is  to  be  lost  in  preparing  the  materials,  and 
we  shall  wait  with  anxiety  for  the  determination  of  the 
Honourable  Congress,  on  a  subject  which,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  Committee,  is  of  the  utmost  moment  to  the  United 
States. 

"  If  the  enemy  persevere  in  their  plan  of  subjugating 
these  States  to  the  yoke  of  Great  Britain,  they  must,  in 
proportion  to  their  knowledge  of  the  country,  be  more  and 
more  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  their  becoming  mas- 
ters of  Hudson's  river,  which  will  give  them  the  entire 
command  of  the  water  communication  with  the  Indian  na- 
tions, effectually  prevent  all  intercourse  between  the  east- 
ern and  southern  confederates,  divide  our  strength  and  en- 
feeble every  effort  for  our  common  preservation  and  secu- 
rity. 

"  That  this  was  their  original  plan,  and  that  General 
Carlton  and  General  Howe  flattered  themselves  with  the 
delusive  hopes  of  uniting  their  forces  at  Albany,  every  in- 
telligence confirms  ;  and  it  appears  to  the  Committee  that 
they  will  not  give  up  this  grand  object,  until  they  shall  final- 
ly relinquish  the  project  of  enslaving  America. 

"  The  committee  take  the  liberty  to  submit  these  reflec- 
tions to  the  Honourable  Congress.  If  they  are  well  found- 
ed, an  early  and  vigorous  preparation  to  oppose  the  pro- 
gress of  the  enemy  in  this  quarter,  must  be  indispensable, 
and  the  defence  and  security  of  Hudson's  river  a  principal 
object  of  that  preparation. 

"  We  are  informed  that  some  merchants  in  the  eastern 
States  are  pursuing  the  scheme  of  transporting  flaxseed 
to  France,  to  be  shipped  as  is  apprehended,  from  thence 
to  Ireland.  If  it  is  necessary  to  make  Great  Britain  feel 
the  distresses  of  the  war  by  obstructing  the  manufacture 
of  linen,  this  project  will  demand  the  attention  of  Con- 
gress ;  and  in  the  opinion  of  this  Committee,  nothing  less 
than  the  entire  prohibition  of  the  exportation  of  flaxseed 
will  afford  an  adequate  remedy.  Another  very  important 
advantage  must  arise  from  such  a  measure:  it  will  encou- 
rage the  linen  manufactory  in  these  States,  to  which  of  all 
others  they  are  the  most  competent. 

"  However  severe  the  sudden  reverse  of  fortune  which 
we  have  lately  experienced  ;  however  melancholy  the  loss 
of  our  metropolis,  sea  coast  and  four  of  our  counties,  and 
the  aspect  of  that  part  of  our  State  which  has  been  plun- 
dered and  desolated  by  a  retreating  enemy,  barbarous  be- 
yond all  description  ;  and  however  great  the  number  of  our 
ruined  friends  who  are  left  naked  and  destitute  in  an  in- 
clement season,  and  a  country  without  commerce  or  the 
means  of  affording  them  clothing  ;  I  have  the  satisfaction 
to  assure  you  that  the  fortitude  of  this  State,  and  their  zeal 
for  the  glorious  cause  in  which  we  are  engaged,  is  not 
abated  ;  on  the  contrary,  we  are  prepared  to  meet  even 
severer  misfortunes  with  a  spirit  and  firmness  becoming 
the  generous  advocates  for  liberty.  Unhappy  am  I  to  add, 
that  amidst  all  our  sufferings,  the  army  employed  for  the 
protection  of  America,  have  not  refrained  from  embittering 
even  the  calamities  of  war.  At  a  time  when  the  utmost 
resources  of  this  State  were  laid  open  to  their  wants,  and 
the  members  of  Convention  personally  submitted  to  the 
labour  and  fatigue  which  were  necessary  on  a  sudden  emer- 
gency;  and  after  frequent  losses  of  provisions  and  barracks, 
to  supply  too  numerous  armies  augmented  by  the  militia, 
with  every  article  which  they  required,  the  court-house 
and  the  remains  of  the  village  at  the  White  Plains,  which 
had  been  spared  on  the  retreat  of  our  forces,  were  even 
after  the  enemy  had  in  their  turn  retired,  wantonly  destroy- 


724 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


ed  without  the  orders,  and  to  the  infinite  regret  of  our 
worthy  General ;  besides,  in  spite  of  all  his  Excellency's 
efforts  wherever  our  troops  have  marched  or  been  station- 
ed, they  have  done  infinite  damage  to  the  possessions  and 
farms,  and  pilfered  the  property  of  the  people.  I  am  di- 
rected, sir,  to  submit  it  to  the  Honourable  Congress,  whe- 
ther some  effectual  remedy  ought  not  to  be  provided  against 
such  disorderly  and  disgraceful  proceedings.  The  soldier 
who  plunders  the  country  he  is  employed  to  protect,  is  no 
better  than  a  robber,  and  ought  to  be  treated  accordingly. 
And  a  severe  example  ought,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
mittee, to  be  made  of  the  officer,  who  without  any  neces- 
sity or  his  General's  permission,  set  fire  to  the  court  house 
and  other  buildings  at  the  White  Plains  ;  he  is  guilty  of 
the  crime  of  arson,  and  if  he  cannot  be  punished  by  the 
articles  of  war,  ought  to  be  given  up  to  the  laws  of  the 
land.  If  so  glaring  a  violation  of  every  sentiment  of  hu- 
manity should  be  passed  over  in  silence ;  if  the  army  is 
not  seasonably  restrained  from  such  acts  of  barbarity,  the 
consequence  must  be  fatal  to  the  cause  of  a  people  whose 
exalted  glory  it  is,  to  be  advocates  for  the  rights  of  man- 
kind, against  the  tyranny  and  oppression  of  lawless  power. 

"  The  resolutions  which  the  Committee  of  Safety  have 
passed  upon  this  subject  are  herewith  transmitted. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 

"  Sir,  your  mo.  ob.  and  very  hbl.  servant, 
"  By  order, 
"  PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 

"  Vice-President. 

"  To  the  Honble  John  Hancock, 

"  President  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States." 

Mr.  Duane  produced  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Ge- 
neral  Heath,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words 
following,  vizt. 

"  P.  M.  Novr.  28th,  1776. 

"  Sir, — The  Convention  of  the  State,  impressed  with 
a  sense  of  your  politeness  and  attention  to  them,  have  di- 
rected me  in  the  strongest  terms  to  return  their  thanks  for 
your  several  favours,  the  intelligence  communicated,  the 
anxiety  you  express  for  the  better  security  of  this  State 
and  the  success  of  our  common  cause,  by  obstructing  Hud- 
son's river,  and  preserving  the  important  communication 
between  the  eastern  and  southern  governments. 

"  We  have  taken  into  consideration  the  plan  suggested 
by  Brigadier-General  Clinton  for  obstructing  the  river  op- 
posite to  Pollepel's  island,  and  conceiving  it  to  be  practi- 
cable, we  are  determined,  with  the  permission  of  Congress, 
to  proceed  with  the  utmost  vigor  to  carry  it  into  effect. 
The  assistance  you  so  cheerfully  promise,  will  be  very  es- 
sential, and  we  shall  from  time  to  time  avail  ourselves  of  it." 

[Remainder  of  this  letter  not  inserted  in  the  minutes.] 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

29th  Novr.  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgale,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Conline — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket — Dutchess. 
On  reading  the  letter  of  Isaac  Paris,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  the  13th  inst.  in- 
forming of  the  commitment  of  Capt.  John  Winn  to  Tryon 
county  jail,  on  a  charge  of  having  killed  one  of  his  men  by 
a  push  of  the  muzzle  of  his  gun  into  his  belly, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Tryon  county  have 
acted  prudently,  and  as  became  guardians  of  the  lives  and 


liberties  of  their  fellow  citizens,  in  committing  John  Winn 
to  confinement  for  trial. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Captain  John  Winn  be  con- 
tinued in  confinement  until  he  shall  be  tried  in  a  regular 
court  of  justice. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Tryon  county  be  au- 
thorized and  requested  to  appoint  a  jailer  pro  tempore,  to 
take  charge  of  the  jail  of  Tryon  county  and  prisoners 
therein,  until  further  order  of  the  Convention  of  the  Repre- 
sentatives or  future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  trans- 
mitted to  Isaac  Paris,  Esqr.  chairman  of  that  committee. 

A  member  informed  the  Committee  that  Captain  James 
Stewart  is  attending  at  this  place,  and  complains  that  he 
is  without  a  commission,  and  that  Colonel  Malcolm  alleges 
that  he  cannot  pay  him  until  he  settles  with  Convention  for 
the  money  he  has  received.  Captain  Stewart  also  desires 
to  know  whether  he  is  to  be  continued  in  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  case  of  Captain  James  Stewart  and 
his  accounts  be  referred  to  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Adgate  and 
Mr.  Newkirk,  to  report  thereon,  and  that  they  report  their 
opinion  whether  it  is  proper  to  continue  him  in  service. 

Mr.  Adgate  gave  notice  that  he  shall,  to-morrow,  move 
to  have  the  resolutions  passed  on  the  and  inst.  ap- 
pointing Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Colonel  Allison  and  himself, 
a  committee  to  take  care  of  the  poor,  and  giving  them 
powers  for  that  purpose,  reconsidered. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  examine  the  pay- 
roll and  the  subsistence  roll  of  a  detachment  of  the  militia 
of  the  ninth  regiment  of  the  militia  of  Albany,  ordered  to 
hunt  for  and  apprehend  tories  in  Kinderhook  and  Kings 
district,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  from  the  5th  to  the  16th 
day  of  October,  1776,  inclusive,  delivered  back  the  said 
two  rolls,  with  an  endorsement  on  each  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Your  committee,  appointed  to  audit  the  within  roll,  do 
report  that  they  are  not  furnished  with  any  proper  vouchers 
for  the  calling  out  said  militia,  therefore  are  of  opinion  they 
cannot  properly  audit  said  roll. 

"  29th  Novr.  1776. 

"  BENJN.  NEWKIRK, 

"  MAT.  ADGATE, 

"  MATHEW  CONTINE." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  be  re- 
turned. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Novr.  30th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  V.  Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Col.  Lott — New-York. 

Col.  G.  Drake —  Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler — Slbany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon- 

Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety, 
that  the  gentlemen  appointed  with  him  to  report  on  the  in- 
voice of  goods  purchased  by  Mr.  E.  Lott  and  Jno.  R.  Li- 
vingston, at  Boston. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  one  of  the  secret  committee,  re- 
quested an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  £2,000,  to  enable 
him  to  discharge  sundry  demands  for  money  brought  against 
the  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  one  of  the  members  of  the  secret 
committee,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  pounds,  towards  de- 
fraying the  expenses  incurred  by  said  committee,  he  to  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


725 


accountable  to  this  Committee,  or  Convention  of  this  State, 
for  the  same. 

On  motion  of  William  Duer, 

Ordered,  That  the  secret  committee  do  report  the  pro- 
ceedings and  expenditures  of  the  said  committee  to  this 
Committee,  or  the  Convention  of  this  State,  on  or  before 
the  20lh  of  December  next. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Hughes,  assistant  quarter-master- 
general,  relative  to  cattle  which  were  drove  up  to  the  lines, 
with  account  of  said  stock  enclosed,  referred  to  Colonel 
Drake  and  Mr.  Little. 

A  letter  from  A.  Hawkes  Hay  to  John  McKesson,  was 
read  ;  therein  is  contained  an  account  for  provisions  due  to 
Edward  W.  Keirs,  amounting  to  upwards  of  £400,  and 
an  account  for  liquors,  amounting  to  upwards  of  £155. 

Ordered,  To  be  referred  to  a  committee  to  audit  and  re- 
port theieon. 

Robert  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Committee  that  he 
had,  agreeable  to  their  request,  conferred  with  Major-Ge- 
neral  Heath  and  Brigadier-General  Clinton,  on  the  subject 
of  the  resolutions  of  the  26th  inst.  That  he  had  endea- 
voured, from  the  best  evidence  he  could  collect  of  the 
enemy's  motions,  to  form  some  judgment  of  their  inten- 
tions ;  that  from  this  he  was  led  to  believe  that  they  did 
not  intend  to  make  any  attack  on  the  Highlands,  or  at 
least,  not  upon  any  other  than  the  passes  on  the  post  road, 
which  they  might  possibly  attempt  by  landing  their  troops 
at  Peekskill.  That  all  their  forces  appear  to  be  drawn 
from  Westchester  county  ;  so  that  they  do  not  probably 
intend  to  march  up  to  the  White  Plains  this  season.  That 
General  Heath's  division,  including  those  of  the  forts  in 
the  Highlands,  consists  of  about  2,000  men,  without 
counting  General  Scott's  brigade.  That  it  is  the  opinion 
of  the  Generals,  that  considering  the  strength  of  the 
ground,  this  will  be  sufficient  to  repel  the  enemy  and 
maintain  the  pass  till  they  can  be  reinforced.  That  Mr. 
Livingston  had  reason  to  believe  that  General  Lee  had 
already  crossed  the  river  with  his  division  to  join  General 
Washington  ;  for  which  reason,  he  did  not  think  it  neces- 
sary to  go  to  the  Plains  in  one  particular,  as  there  was  no 
apparent  danger  that  the  posts  occupied  by  General  Lee 
would  be  attacked  ;  and  he  was  able  to  obtain  every  neces- 
sary information  from  the  General,  with  whom  he  convers- 
ed at  Peekskill.  That  from  them  he  collected,  that  after 
the  removal  of  General  Lee's  division,  there  would  remain 
under  the  command  of  General  Spencer,  about  the  White 
Plains  and  places  adjacent,  about  3,000  men;  which  with 
the  works  already  erected  and  the  natural  strength  of  the 
ground,  the  Generals  were  of  opinion  were  sufficient  to 
maintain  those  passes.  That  they  were  also  of  opinion 
that  the  passes  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  were  suffi- 
ciently secured.  That  they  did  not  therefore  think  it  ne- 
cessary at  present  to  call  out  the  militia,  but  wished  to 
have  those  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties  put  under  march- 
ing orders. 

That  as  Mr.  Livingston  was  apprehensive  of  the  ene- 
my's being  able  to  cross  Hudson's  river  with  much  more 
expedition  than  our  army,  he  had  inquired  of  the  Generals 
what  number  of  boats  we  were  furnished  with,  and  had 
the  satisfaction  to  find  that  we  had  sufficient  to  transport 
one  brigade  at  each  trip. 

Mr.  Livingston  further  informed  the  Convention  that  he 
had  conferred  with  Major-General  Heath  and  Brigadier- 
General  Clinton  about  obstructing  Hudson's  river  atPolle- 
pel's  island,  (at  which  conference  Mr.  Machier  assisted  ;) 
that  it  appeared  to  them  to  be  extremely  practicable,  and 
that  he  had  the  pleasure  of  assuring  the  Convention  that 
both  Generals  seemed  strongly  impressed  with  a  sense  of 
the  importance  of  that  work  but  determined  to  give  every 
assistance  in  their  power  to  perfect  the  same,  or  rather  to 
take  it  upon  themselves,  which  His  Excellency  General 
Washington's  orders  on  that  head,  (which  General  Heath 
was  so  obliging  as  to  communicate  to  Mr.  Livingston,)  hap- 
pily enabled  them  to  do. 

182 


That  in  this  conference  it  was  determined  that  500  men, 
under  the  command  of  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton,  should  this 
day  match  for  Fort  Constitution,  in  order  to  begin  the 
work  on  Sunday  morning,  in  case  they  can  be  provided 
with  300  axes  by  this  Convention,  all  other  tools  having 
been  furnished  out  of  the  Continental  stores. 

Mr.  Livingston  further  informed  the  Convention,  that 
having  conferred  with  Mr.  Mackin  about  the  chain,  he 
had  reason  to  believe,  that  with  proper  alterations  it  might 
still  be  made  very  useful ;  that  he  had  therefore  taken  the 
liberty  to  direct  him  to  make  the  necessary  alterations  in 
the  mode  of  fixing  the  same,  and  removing  it  to  any  situa- 
tion where  it  can  be  most  advantageously  placed  ;  of  which 
measure,  if  the  Convention  approve,  he  begs  some  reso- 
lution to  justify  his  proceedings  therein. 

That  from  the  whole  of  the  above  conference,  Mr.  Li- 
vingston was  of  opinion  that  the  following  resolutions  were 
necessary,  which  he  therefore  begs  leave  to  recommend  : 

Resolved  1st,  That  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Duer  be  autho- 
rized and  requested  to  employ  such  and  so  many  persons 
as  they  shall  think  fit,  to  purchase  and  collect  300  felling 
axes  ;  and  that  they  have  power  to  impress  the  same 
where  there  is  more  than  one  in  a  family,  paying  the  full 
value  or  offering  to  return  the  same  on  or  before  the  first 
day  of  January  next ;  and  that  they  advance  such  sums  of 
money  as  they  shall  think  necessary  for  the  purpose,  which 
this  Committee  will  repay ;  that  the  axes  so  obtained  be 
delivered  to  General  Geo.  Clinton  or  his  agent,  taking  a 
receipt  therefor  as  so  many  axes  delivered  into  the  Conti- 
nental store. 

Resolved  2nd,  That  the  persons  so  employed  set  out  on 
this  business  immediately,  and  return  all  the  axes  they  shall 
obtain  this  day  to  General  Clinton  or  his  agent,  at  New- 
Windsor,  by  7  o'clock  on  Sunday  morning,  or  as  soon  after 
as  possible.  That  in  order  to  compensate  their  extraordi- 
nary fatigue,  one  shilling  will  be  paid  to  each  agent  for 
every  axe  by  him  delivered,  over  and  above  his  wages  and 
expense  of  carriage. 

Resolved  3d,  That  John  Teller,  John  Elmendorf,  Jere- 
miah Clark  and  Nichs.  Brewer,  Junr.  be  appointed  agents 
to  collect  within  one  week  as  many  boats,  scows  and  crafts 
as  are  fit  for  carrying  stone  ;  that  they  have  power  to  hire 
or  impress  the  same,  ferry  boats  excepted,  permitting  the 
owner  of  every  boat  with  sails  to  put  one  hand  on  board, 
if  he  shall  choose  it,  and  giving  a  receipt  therefor,  which 
receipt  shall  specify  the  hire  agreed  for  ;  that  the  boats  be 
delivered  to  General  Clinton,  or  his  agent,  at  New-Wind- 
sor, with  all  possible  despatch  ;  that  on  such  delivery  to 
General  Clinton,  they  be  respectively  appraised  by  three 
respectable  freeholders,  and  a  similar  receipt  taken  there- 
for by  the  persons  delivering  the  same. 

Resolved  4th,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  cause  the 
spars  and  timber  purchased  by  the  secret  committee  to  be 
immediately  rafted  to  New-Windsor,  and  delivered  to  Ge- 
neral Clinton,  or  his  order,  and  that  a  receipt  be  taken 
therefor. 

Resolved  5th,  That  Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  be  em- 
powered to  cause  three  tons  of  iron  of  an  inch  and  a  half, 
and  one  inch  and  three  quarters  thick,  being  an  equal 
quantity  of  each,  or  such  other  quantities  and  sizes  as 
Genl.  Clinton  may  direct,  to  be  delivered  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble at  New-Windsor. 

Resolved  6th,  That  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Cantine  and  Colo- 
nel Allison  be  a  committee  to  supply  such  other  necessa- 
ries as  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton  may  apply  for,  in  order  to 
perfect  the  obstructions  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  ri- 
ver ;  that  they  be  empowered  to  draw  on  the  treasury  for 
a  sum  not  exceeding  £400,  to  defray  the  expense  thereof. 

Resolved  7th,  That  all  the  troops  of  this  State  who  are 
not  by  the  terms  of  their  enlistment  confined  to  particular 
counties,  except  those  in  the  counties  of  Charlotte,  Tryon, 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  be  ordered  down  to  Fort 
Constitution,  and  be  annexed  to  General  George  Clinton's 
brigade  till  the  first  day  of  January  next,  and  that  letters 


726 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


be  written  to  the  chairman  of  the  county  committees 
where  the  troops  are  under  their  direction. 

Resolved  8th,  That  the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster 
counties  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning  to  oppose  the  invasion  of  the  enemy  on  the 
west  side  of  Hudson's  river  ;  that  Brigadier-Genl.  Clinton 
issue  orders  accordingly,  and  that  they  march  for  that  pur- 
pose on  receiving  the  orders  of  Major-General  Heath,  pro- 
vided such  orders  shall  be  given  within  one  month. 

Resolved  and  Ordered  9th,  That  a  copy  of  the  last 
preceding  resolution  be  transmitted  to  Major-General 
Heath,  and  Brigadier-Generals  Clinton  and  Scott. 

Resolved  10th,  That  this  Committee  agree  with  Mr. 
Livingston  in  his  report  in  the  preceding  resolutions,  as 
amended. 

Resolved  11th,  That  Mr.  Machine  he  requested  and 
authorized  to  alter  and  fix  the  chain  intended  for  the  ob- 
struction of  Hudson's  river,  in  such  manner,  and  at  such 
place  as  he  may  think  best  calculated  to  answer  the  pur- 
pose for  which  it  was  intended,  and  that  this  Commiitee 
will  advance  the  money  necessary  to  defray  the  expense 
thereof. 

Ordered  12th,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolutions 
be  transmitted  to  Major-General  Heath  and  Brigadier-Ge- 
neral Geo.  Clinton. 

Resolved  13lh,  That  the  draft  of  the  letter  to  the  Ho- 
nourable Continental  Congress  agreed  upon  by  the  Com- 
mittee, and  directed  to  be  despatched,  be  altered  [to  con- 
form] to  the  proceeding  report  and  resolutions,  and  that 
Mr.  Duer  be  requested  to  prepare  the  alteration. 

Resolved  14th,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolu- 
tions be  transmitted  in  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler, 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  meet  and  consult  with  General 
Clinton  on  the  plan  for  obstructing  Hudson's  river,  near 
Pollepus  island,  and  that  Mr.  Duane  prepare  a  draft  of  the 
said  letter. 

A  letter  was  received  from  General  Scott,  dated  at  Ha- 
verstraw  on  the  28th,  representing  the  exposed  situation  of 
that  part  of  the  country,  and  the  uncertainty  of  his  being 
able  to  retain  his  brigade  in  service,  a  month  longer,  not- 
witstanding  all  his  efforts.  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  such  parts  of  General  Scott's 
letter  of  the  28th,  as  relates  to  his  present  situation  of  his 
dread  of  that  part  of  the  country,  be  sent  to  General  Heath, 
and  that  General  Heath  be  requested  to  give  such  relief 
to  General  Scott,  as  the  particular  circumstances  of  that 
part  of  the  country  may  require. 

Mr. Duer  pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  this  morning,  report- 
ed certain  alterations  he  had  made  in  the  draft  of  a  letter 
to  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, agreed  to  on  the  28th  inst.  which  were  approved  of, 
and  by  which  the  following  was  substituted  instead  of  that 
part  of  said  letter  contained  between  the  words  "  defence- 
less parts  of  New-  Jersey ,"  in  conclusion  of  the  first  para- 
graph, and  the  words  "  however  severe  the  sudden  reverse 
of  fortune,"  in  beginning  of  the  last  paragraph,  vizt  :  "  In 
perfecting  the  obstruction  between  Anthony's  Nose  on  the 
eastern  shore  and  Fort  Montgomery,  we  endeavoured  to 
avail  ourselves  of  the  model  of  that  which  had  proved 
effectual  in  the  river  Delaware,  and  were  assisted  by 
the  advice  and  experience  of  Capt.  Hazelwood,  but  the 
great  lengtli  of  the  chain,  being  upwards  of  1800  feet, 
the  bulk  of  the  logs  which  were  necessary  to  support  it, 
the  immense  weight  of  water  which  it  accumulated,  and 
the  rapidity  of  the  tide,  have  baffled  all  our  efforts  ;  it 
separated  twice  after  holding  only  a  few  hours. 

"  Mr.  Mechin,  the  engineer  at  Fort  Montgomery,  is  of 
opinion  tha'  with  proper  alterations  it  may  still  be  of  ser- 
vice in  another  part  of  the  river,  and  we  have,  with  Ge- 
neral Heath's  concurrence,  directed  him  to  make  the  trial. 
But  we  have  too  much  reason  to  despair  of  its  ever  fully 
answering  the  important  purpose  for  which  it  was  con- 
structed. A  like  disappointment,  we  are  informed,  hap- 
pened at  Portsmouth  ;  the  chain  intended  to  obstruct  the 


navigation  of  that  harbour,  proving  equally  ineffectual. 
These  considerations  have  induced  us  to  explore  the  depth 
of  the  river  throughout  the  Highlands,  in  which  a  commit- 
tee of  the  Convention  have  been  assisted  by  Gen.  George 
Clinton.  The  distance  and  depth  of  water  at  the  north 
entrance,  which,  on  the  experiment,  is  found  to  be  the  fit- 
test place,  will  be  seen  by  the  enclosed  plan.  General 
Heath,  on  a  conference  with  General  Clinton,  has  been 
pleased  to  recommend  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  in 
this  part  of  the  river  by  cassoons,  and  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  after  mature  deliberation,  conceiving  it  to  be  very 
practicable,  have  agreed  to  the  further  resolutions,  which 
are  herewith  transmitted.  They  wish  on  account  of  Ge- 
neral Washington's  distance  and  the  multiplicity  of  busi- 
ness with  which  he  is  encumbered,  that  the  direction  of 
this  work  may  be  committed  to  Major-General  Schuyler, 
who  we  believe  to  be  every  way  qualified  to  ensure  its 
success.  Timber  and  stones  can  be  conveniently  procured, 
and  when  the  campaign  terminates,  the  troops  cantoned  in 
this  part  of  the  country  may  be  employed  in  rotation  to 
assist  in  the  work.  If  the  enemy  persevere  in  their  plan 
of  subjugating  the  States  to  the  yoke  of  Great  Britain, 
they  must,  in  proportion  to  their  knowledge  of  the  coun- 
try, be  more  and  more  convinced  of  the  necessity  of  their 
becoming  masters  of  Hudson's  river,  which  will  give  them 
the  entire  command  of  the  water  communication  with  the 
Indian  nations,  effectually  prevent  all  intercourse  between 
the  eastern  and  southern  confederates,  divide  our  strength 
and  enfeeble  every  effort  for  our  common  preservation  and 
security.  That  this  was  their  original  plan,  and  that  Ge- 
neral Carlton  and  Genl.  Howe  flattered  themselves  with 
the  delusive  hopes  of  uniting  their  forces  at  Albany,  every 
intelligence  confirms  ;  and  it  appears  to  the  committee  that 
they  will  not  give  up  this  grand  object  until  they  shall 
finally  relinquish  the  project  of  enslaving  America. 

"  The  committee  take  the  liberty  to  submit  these  reflec- 
tions to  the  Honourable  Congress.  If  they  are  well  found- 
ed, an  early  and  vigorous  preparation  to  oppose  the  pro- 
gress of  the  enemy  in  this  quarter  must  be  indispensable, 
and  the  defence  and  security  of  Hudson's  river  a  principal 
object  of  that  preparation." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter,  as  amended, 
be  engrossed  and  signed  by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

Sunday,  P.  M.  December  1st,  1776. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscorab,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Lott — New-York. 
Mr.  A.  Yates— Mbany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Col. 
Drake,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt. 

Mr.  Duane  presented  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-Ge- 
neral Schuyler,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — At  a  late  conference  between  Mr.  Livingston, 
one  of  our  members,  and  the  Generals  Heath  and  Geo. 
Clinton,  at  Peekskill,  the  obstruction  of  Hudson's  river 
near  PoleopeFs  island,  was  determined  upon,  and  the  ne- 
cessary preparations  are  making  by  impressing  axes  and 
boats  and  drawing  together  a  number  of  men  for  carrying 
on  the  work  with  vigour  and  despatch. 

"  It  is  a  favorite  plan  of  Genl.  Clinton's,  who  is  for  the 
present  permitted  to  attend  to  its  execution,  and  we  wish 
it  may  be  in  your  power  at  least  to  give  him  the  advantage 
of  your  opinion  and  advice.  The  disappointment  of  two 
attempts  to  obstruct  the  river  at  Fort  Washington  and  Fort 
Montgomery,  increases  our  anxiety  for  the  success  of  the 
present  effort. 

"  It  was  discovered  to  our  great  satisfaction  that  General 
Heath's  instructions  from  General  Washington,  which  he 
willingly  communicated  at  the  conference,  enabled  him  to 
proceed  in  this  important  work,  at  the  Continental  expense, 
without  further  authority  from  the  Honourable  Congress. 
We  are  very  sensible  they  would  cheerfully  have  concur- 
red in  every  expedient  for  the  security  of  Hudson's  river, 
on  which  the  safety  of  this  State,  the  neutrality  of  the  In- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


727 


dian  nations  and  the  communication  between  the  southern 
and  eastern  confederates,  absolutely  depend  ;  yet  we  fore- 
saw that  if  their  approbation  had  been  essential,  the  pre- 
parations must  have  been  suspended  so  long  that  the  exe- 
cution of  the  business  might  have  become  impracticable. 
I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  to  you  the  resolutions  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  on  this  subject. 

"  And  am,  with  great  respect, 

"  Sir,  your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  Major  Genl.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Duane  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier- 
General  Scott,  which  was  read  and  approved  of  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — Your  favor  of  the  has  been  laid  before  the 
Committee  of  Safety.  Upon  a  late  conference  between 
Mr.  Livingston,  who  attended  for  that  purpose,  and  Gene- 
rals Heath  and  Clinton,  at  Peekskill,  the  obstruction  of 
Hudson's  river  near  Pollepol's  island  has  been  resolved 
upon,  and  the  necessary  preparations  are  making  for  carry- 
ing on  the  work  with  the  utmost  vigour  and  despatch.  Or- 
ders are  likewise  given  to  the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster 
counties  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  at  a  moment's 
warning  to  oppose  the  invasion  of  the  enemy  on  the  west 
side  of  Hudson's  river  and  to  march  on  receiving  notice 
from  General  Heath,  it  having  been  concluded  at  the  con- 
ference that  this  measure  was  preferable  and  for  the  pre- 
sent sufficient. 

"  Your  last  despatches  had  not  at  this  time  come  to 
hand.  An  extract  on  the  subject  of  the  reinforcement  you 
think  necessary,  was  therefore  directed  to  be  transmitted 
to  Genl.  Heath.  Some  of  the  Continental  regiments  which 
have  been  employed  to  the  northward  are  now  returning  ; 
they  have  still  a  month  to  serve,  and  may,  if  General  Heath 
approves  of  it,  be  sent  to  support  you  without  increasing 
the  public  expense,  and  distressing  the  State  by  moving 
the  militia ;  but  this  is  a  measure  out  of  our  province. 

"The  Committee  of  Safety  intended  the  £1,500  as  a 
gratuity  to  your  brigade,  for  their  past  services.  They 
leave  the  disposal  and  distribution  of  it  to  your  judgment, 
agreeable  to  their  former  resolutions. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  Brigadier-Genl.  Scott." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  be  addressed  to  John  Teller,  John 
Elmendorf,  Jeremiah  Clark  and  Nicholas  Brewer,  Junr. 
appointed  agents  for  collecting  boats,  scows  and  crafts  by  the 
third  resolution  passed  yesterday  for  obstructing  the  naviga- 
tion of  Hudson's  river,  was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the 
following  words,  vizt  : 

"  Deer.  1st,  1776. 

"  Sir — The  necessity  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river  near  Pollepel's  island,  having  been  resolved 
upon  as  an  object  of  the  utmost  moment  to  the  safety  of 
this  State,  the  enclosed  resolutions  have  been  adopted. 

"  The  advanced  season  of  the  year  requires  that  the  pre- 
parations should  be  made  with  the  utmost  vigour;  and 
from  an  opinion  which  the  Committee  of  Safely  entertain, 
of  your  activity  and  your  zeal  for  the  common  cause  in 
which  we  are  engaged,  they  have  unanimously  appoint- 
ed you  to  the  trust  mentioned  in  the  said  resolutions. 
They  entertain  no  doubt  but  that  you  will  execute  it  with 
fidelity,  despatch  and  cheerfulness. 

"  1  am,  sir,  your  very  obt.  servant, 

"  By  order." 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

2nd  Deer.  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb— .Veui- York. 


Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  dated  at  Goshen, 
November  30th,  1776,  relative  to  a  drove  of  cattle  for  the 
use  of  the  American  army,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  person  who 
has  the  charge  of  the  said  drove  of  cattle,  directing  him  to 
apply  for  directions  of  the  Commissary-General. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  write  to 
Colo.  Trumbull,  relative  to  salt,  &c.  and  that  Mr.  Duane, 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Cuyler  be  that  committee. 

A  letter  from  William  Miller,  dated  Harrison's  Purchase, 
Novr.  28,  1776,  relative  to  the  records  of  the  county, 
and  requesting  the  advice  of  Convention  relative  to  his 
conduct  as  an  executor  to  an  estate,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  To  be  referred  to  the  same  committee. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  delivered  in  sundry  accounts, 
which  were  put  into  his  hands  by  Frederick  Jay,  Esqr. 
from  the  committee  of  Westchester  county. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr. 
Contine  and  Mr.  Newkirk. 

An  account  of  Major  Abeel  for  sundry  expenses  incurred 
in  apprehending  sundry  disaffected  persons  on  Long  is- 
land, by  order  of  Philip  Livingston  and  the  other  gentle- 
men of  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose  in  New- 
York. 

Referred  to  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

A  certificate  signed  by  Captain  Abraham  Swartwout  at 
Fort  Montgomery,  November  9th,  1776,  certifying  that 
there  is  due  to  Ensign  T.  Finch,  his  enlisting  money  for 
ten  men,  enlisted  for  Capt.  Swartwout's  company. 

Referred  to  the  above  committee. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Stephen  Gilbert,  the  person  who 
has  charge  of  the  cattle  mentioned  in  Mr.  Wisner's  letter, 
received  and  read  this  day,  was  read  and  approved  in  the 
following  words  : 

"  Committee  of  Safety,  3 
"  Fishkill,  Deer.  2nd,  1776.  \ 
"  Sir — Mr.  Wisner  informs  the  Committee  of  Safety 
that  about  450  cattle  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  Conti- 
nental army,  are  now  at  Smith's  clove  under  your  care,  and 
desires  our  opinion  how  they  ought  to  be  disposed  of.  We 
desire  you  to  apply  to  the  Commissary-General  for  his  di- 
rections. We  have  not  authority  to  interfere,  and  if  we 
thought  it  advisable  to  have  the  cattle  killed  and  put  up, 
we  have  no  salt.  If  the  cattle  are  ordered  to  follow  the  ar- 
my, your  own  prudence  will  suggest  the  necessity  of  using 
such  caution  as  will  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  hble.  servt. 
"PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT,  V.Prest. 

"  Mr.  Stephen  Gilbert." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  transmitted. 

Colonel  Drake  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  committee 
relative  to  cattle,  stock,  &c.  in  Westchester  county,  which 
was  read  and  recommitted,  and  Mr.  Duane  added  to  the 
committee. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
memorial  of  Capt.  James  Stewart,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  That  on  examining  the  muster  and  subsistence  rolls 
of  Capt.  Stewart,  to  the  lime  of  his  having  joined  Colonel 
Malcom's  regiment  on  the  22nd  of  August  last,  as  also 
what  money  was  paid  to  ihe  said  Capt.  Stewart,  they  find 
a  balance  of  £31  2s.  Od.  due  to  him  for  bounty  and  sub- 
sistence for  his  company ;  and  that  as  Capt.  Stewart  has 
fully  acounted  for  the  money  advanced  to  him  by  this  State, 
he  ought  to  receive  his  pay." 


728 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agree  with 
their  committee  in  the  said  report, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain James  Stewart  the  sum  of  £31  2s.  Od.  in  full  for 
bounty  and  subsistence  due  to  his  company,  until  it  became 
a  part  of  Colonel  Malcom's  regiment. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  pay  and  sub- 
sistence rolls  of  Charlotte  county  rangers,  deliverd  in  their 
report,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  pay  and 
subsistence  rolls  of  Charlotte  county  rangers,  do  report :  On 
examining  the  said  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  we  find  that 
by  the  incorrectness  in  the  original  rolls,  that  are  signed 
by  the  captains,  they  have  been  necessarily  redrawn  and 
corrected  ;  and  as  the  captains  have  not  signed  and  at- 
tested said  rolls,  we  give  it  as  our  opinion  that  the  said 
pay  and  subsistence  rolls  be  sent  to  the  committee  of 
Charlotte  county,  and  that  the  form  of  the  oaths  as  direct- 
ed by  this  House  be  wrote  on  the  back  of  each  of  the  said 
rolls  and  signed  by  the  captains,  that  thereby  proper  vou- 
chers may  appear  to  said  rolls,  and  returned  to  this  Con- 
vention. And  whereas  great  difficulties  may  arise  to 
said  men  for  want  of  said  pay,  we  give  it  as  our  opinion 
that  the  balance  of  four  hundred  and  thirty-four  pounds 
three  shillings  and  five  pence  three  farthings,  due  on  said 
rolls,  be  sent  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Charlotte,  to  be  paid  to  said  rangers  with  this  par- 
ticular resolution,  that  the  officers  before  they  receive  any 
of  said  pay  or  subsistence  money,  first  make  and  sub- 
scribe the  oath  wrote  on  the  back  of  said  pay  and  subsis- 
tence roll,  and  that  a  letter  be  written  by  the  Secretary  to 
the  chairman  of  said  committee,  enclosing  a  copy  of  this 
report,  together  with  said  pay  and  subsistence  roll. 

"  MAT.  ADGATE, 

"  BENJN.  NEWKIRK, 

"  MATHEW  CONTINE." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  Major  Alexr.  Web- 
ster, the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  sixty-four  pounds  three 
shillings  and  5f  d.  to  be  transmitted  to  the  committee  of 
Charlotte  county  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the  ran- 
gers, taking  a  receipt  of  said  Major  Webster  for  the  same, 
and  that  the  said  committee  regulate  themselves  in  paying 
the  said  money  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Conven- 
vention  of  the  Representatives  of  this  State  on  the  23rd  of 
July  last,  for  raising,  mustering  and  paying  the  said  ran- 
gers, and  the  resolves  and  instructions  of  this  committee 
of  the  21st  of  October  for  the  same  purpose,  and  the  re- 
solutions of  this  committee  of  the  12th  November;  that 
the  muster  rolls  be  delivered  on  oath  as  therein  directed  by 
each  commissioned  officer  of  each  company,  making  re- 
turn before  it  is  transmitted  to  Convention  ;  and  that  they 
do  not  advance  any  part  of  this  money  for  any  rangers,  but 
such  as  armed  and  accoutred  agreeable  to  the  said  resolu- 
tions of  the  23rd  of  July  last. 

A  pay  roll  of  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap's  company  of  ran- 
gers, raised  in  Ulster  county  from  the  10th  day  of  October 
to  the  8lh  day  of  November,  1776,  both  days  included  was 
delivered  by  the  committee  to  whom  it  was  referred.  A 
certificate  is  thereon  endorsed  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit  : 

"  I  do  hereby  certify  on  the  oath  I  have  taken  before  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  that  this  pay  roll  is 
just  and  true. 

"Novr.  24th,  1776. 

"ISAAC  BELKNAP." 

"  We,  the  subscribers  a  committee  appointed  by  the 
Commitlee  of  Safety,  to  audit  this  pay  roll,  do  certify  that 
we  have  examined  the  same  and  allow  the  sum  of  £92 
13s.  3d.  to  be  due  to  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap  therefor. 

"  Deer.  2nd.  1776. 

"BENJ.  NEWKIRK, 
"MAT.  ADGATE, 
"  MAT.  CONTINE." 


Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Isaac  Belknap  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  £92  13s.  3d.  in 
full,  for  the  pay  of  his  company,  from  the  10th  day  of  Oc- 
tober to  the  8th  day  of  November,  both  days  included. 

A  roll  of  subsistence  or  billeting  of  the  officers,  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates  of  Capt.  Belknap's 
said  company,  from  the  10th  day  of  October  to  the  8th 
of  Novr.  both  days  included,  was  also  delivered  in,  cer- 
tified and  audited  by  the  same  gentlemen  in  a  manner  simi- 
lar to  the  above  mentioned  pay  roll ;  whereby  it  is  certified 
that  they  allow  the  sum  of  fifty-four  pounds  seventeen  shil- 
lings and  six  pence  to  be  due  to  the  said  Isaac  Belknap 
for  the  billeting  of  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  fifty- 
four  pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  six  pence,  in  full,  for 
the  billeting  and  subsistence  of  his  company  from  the 
10th  day  of  October  to  the  8th  day  of  Novr.  both  days  in- 
cluded. , 

A  pay  roll  of  a  second  lieutenant,  two  non-commissioned 
officers  and  eight  privates,  late  part  of  Capt.  Wm.  Lud- 
lum's  company  in  Colonel  Josiah  Smith's  regiment,  was 
delivered  to  the  Committee  of  Safety.  Thereon  is  wrote 
an  affidavit  of  Ephraim  Marston,  the  said  second  lieutenant, 
sworn  before  the  Vice-President,  that  the  persons  therein 
named  are  in  such  parts  of  this  and  the  neighbouring  Stales 
not  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy-;  that  they  served  the 
time  therein  mentioned,  to  wit,  one  month  and  seven  days. 
Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate  in  the  words,  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  appointed  by  the  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty to  audit  this  pay  roll,  having  examined  the  same,  do 
allow  the  sum  of  forty-four  pounds  twelve  shillings  and 
four  pence  due  to  Lieutenant  Ephraim  Marston  and  the 
persons  therein  mentioned. 
"December  2nd,  1776. 

"BEN.  NEWKIRK, 
"  MAT.  ADGATE, 
"MAT.  CONTINE." 
Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Lieut. 
Ephraim  Marston  the  sum  of  forty-four  pounds  twelve 
shillings  and  four  pence  in  full  for  the  wages  due  to  him- 
self and  the  other  persons  named  in  the  said  muster  roll, 
taking  Lieut.  Marston's  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Major 
James  Abeel  the  sum  of  twenty-five  pounds  and  six  pence, 
in  full  for  his  disbursements  for  subsisting  sundry  men  un- 
der his  command  to  Long  island  for  the  purpose  of  appre- 
hending a  number  of  disaffected  persons  by  order  of  the 
committee  appointed  for  that  purpose,  agreeable  to  an  ac- 
count delivered  in  and  sworn  to  by  Major  Abeel. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  trans- 
mitted by  Colo.  Hay,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  A. 
Hawkes  Hay,  report,  that  they  have  examined  the  account 
which  was  therein  enclosed  from  the  precinct  of  Haver- 
straw,  and  find  it  unaccompanied  by  any  vouchers,  except 
one  for  £155  19s.  9d.  for  liquors.  That  by  a  certificate 
at  the  fool  of  the  account,  they  find  that  A.  Hawkes  Hay, 
Esqr.  has,  in  his  possession,  vouchers  for  every  article 
therein  charged.  That  as  the  account  is  for  a  very  con- 
siderable sum,  they  are  desirous  of  having  the  vouchers 
with  it,  and  therefore  are  of  opinion  that  the  following  let- 
ter be  wrote  to  Mr.  Hay,  to  wit  : 

"  '  Sir — The  account  which  you  enclosed  to  Mr.  John 
McKesson  from  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw  for  necessa- 
ries furnished  the  troops  who  guarded  the  shore  in  July 
and  August  last,  has  been  laid  before  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  but  being  unaccompanied  by  any  receipts  or  vouch- 
ers, cannot  well  be  audited.  I  therefore  beg  that  you  will 
send  the  several  vouchers,  which  by  a  certificate  at  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


729 


foot  of  the  general  account  signed  by  you,  I  find  are  in 
your  possession. 

"  'I  am,  &c. 
" '  A.  Hawkks  Hay,  Esqr.' 

"MAT.  ADGATE, 
"MAT.  CONTINE, 
"BEN.  NEWKIRK." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Sundry  resolutions  relative  to  burning  the  court  house 
at  White  Plains  were  read  and  agreed  to,  and  are  as  fol- 
lows : 

Whereas  this  Committee  have  been  informed  that  sun- 
dry of  the  inhabitanis  of  this  State  have  been  unjustly 
plundered  of  their  property  by  the  troops  of  the  Continen- 
tal army  ;  and  that  the  public  and  private  buildings  at  the 
White  Plains,  in  the  counly  of  Westchester,  have  been 
wantonly  and  wickedly  burned  by,  as  this  Convention  are 
informed,  an  officer  and  a  party  under  his  command,  with- 
out orders  from  his  superior  officer  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  first,  That  the  laws  of  the  country  are  not 
suspended  or  superseded  by  the  military  code  or  the  pre- 
sence of  the  army. 

Second,  That  in  all  cases  where  both  the  party  offend- 
ing and  the  party  injured  are  not  enlisted  in  the  Continen- 
tal army,  that  the  offenders  are  amenable  to  the  laws  of 
the  country. 

Third,  That  by  the  laws  of  this  State,  the  burning  of 
dwelling  houses  is  felony  without  the  benefit  of  the  clergy 
and  punishable  with  death. 

Fourth,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  General  Washing- 
ton, requesting  that  the  officer  directing  the  burning  of  the 
court  house  and  dwelling  houses  at  the  While  Plains,  be 
delivered  to  this  Committee  or  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
in  order  to  his  being  tried  by  the  laws  of  the  State,  and  if 
guilty,  punished  thereby. 

Fifth,  That  the  Honourable  Continental  Congress  be 
informed  of  these  resolutions  and  requested  to  make  such 
alterations  in  the  military  law,  as  more  effectually  to  pre- 
vent the  robbery  and  plunder  of  the  inhabitants  of  those 
States  in  which  the  armies  are,  and  to  General  Washing- 
ton, asking  his  concurrence  in  such  request. 

Sixth,  That  this  State  will  make  every  sacrifice  neces- 
sary for  the  safety  of  the  general  cause  of  America.  At 
the  same  time,  that  they  will  use  their  utmost  endeavours 
to  repress  any  wanton  or  needless  destruction  of  their 
country  or  violation  of  the  rights  of  its  inhabitants. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed  and  transmitted  to 
Congress,  and  that  another  copy  be  transmitted  to  Gene- 
ral Washington  ;  and  that  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  prepare 
and  report  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington  to  en- 
close the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Congress  was  read  and  approved. 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  trans- 
mitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Hughes,  assistant  quatter-master-general  in  the  Conti- 
nental army,  respecting  a  quantity  of  stock  driven  off  by 
order  of  Genl.  Lee,  from  the  lower  part  of  the  county  of 
Westchester,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  have  according  to  order  brought  the  same  into  Con- 
vention, and  do  report  the  following  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  stock  lately  removed  from  the  lower 
part  of  the  county  of  Westchester  to  the  pasture  of  Col. 
McDaniel  in  Bedford,  be  put  under  the  direction  of  Major 
Jos.  Strong  and  Joseph  Young,  who  are  authorized  to  no- 
tify in  the  most  public  manner  the  artificial  marks  of  the 
said  stock,  and  that  such  of  them  as  belong  to  the  good 
subjects  of  this  Stale,  will  be  delivered  to  the  owners  on 
a  day  to  be  prefixed  in  the  said  notice,  and  that  the  same 
shall  be  delivered  accordingly.  And  that  such  parts  of  the 
said  stock  as  belong  to  traitors  to  this  State  who  have  join- 
ed the  enemy  or  fled,  or  are  known  to  be  inimical  to  the 
United  States,  or  which  shall  not  be  claimed  as  aforesaid 

183 


by  the  good  subjects  of  this  State,  shall  be  disposed  of 
to  the  best  advantage,  by  the  persons  appointed  to  take  the 
care  thereof,  who  shall  keep  a  regular  account  of  the  marks 
of  the  stock,  and  the  price  at  which  each  head  so  sold,  and 
transmit  the  account  and  money  to  be  deposited  in  the 
treasury  of  this  Slate,  and  be  allowed  a  reasonable  recom- 
pence  for  their  trouble,  provided  that  such  parts  of  the  said 
stock  as  shall  be  delivered  to  the  owners  in  pursuance  of 
this  resolution,  shall,  if  not  immediately  sold,  be  secured  out 
of  the  reach  of  the  enemy,  and  not  returned  to  the  place 
from  whence  they  were  removed  by  order  of  Genl.  Lee. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolution  be 
immediately  forwarded  to  Mr.  Jos.  Strong  and  Jos.  Young. 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  thereof  be  engrossed  and  one 
transmitted  to  each  of  the  agents  therein  named. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  the  directions  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety,  I  do  myself  the  honour  to  send  your  Excellen- 
cy the  enclosed  resolutions,  and  to  assure  you  that  it  is 
with  extreme  pain  that  they  find  themselves  under  the  ne- 
cessity of  passing  them.  The  singular  wantonness  and 
cruelty  of  the  persons  concerned  in  burning  the  public  and 
private  buildings  at  the  White  Plains,  which  even  a  bar- 
barous enemy  had  left  uninjured,  has  excited  a  general 
indignation,  and  made  many  careless  about  the  event  of  our 
cause  who  may  have  reason  to  apprehend  as  great  evils 
from  the  licentiousness  of  their  friends,  as  from  the  hos- 
tilities of  the  enemy. 

"  Other  complaints  have  been  offered  against  the  ra- 
pine of  the  soldiers,  who  are  accused  of  plundering  a  peo- 
ple, who  from  the  unavoidable  miseries  of  war  would,  when 
most  tenderly  treated,  be  objects  of  compassion. 

"  The  committee  are  too  well  satisfied  of  your  Ex- 
cellency's benevolence  and  justice  to  think  that  any  thing 
of  this  kind  which  comes  to  your  knowledge,  will  escape 
the  punishment  which  you  are  empowered  to  inflict,  but 
which  unhappily  is,  in  many  cases,  far  short  of  what  the 
crime  merits.  To  this  they  impute  the  frequency  of  offen- 
ces, and  have  therefore  troubled  your  Excellency  with  the 
request  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  concur  with  them  in  re- 
presenting to  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  the  necessity 
of  making  it  capital  for  any  officer  or  soldier  to  pillage  the 
inhabitants,  or  without  your  Excellency's  command  to  ra- 
vage the  country  which  ihey  can  with  pleasure  declare  they 
have  the  highest  reason  to  believe  will  never  be  given,  but 
when  the  interest  of  the  community  should  require  it.  To 
this  they  flatter  themselves,  their  past  resolutions  have  shown 
that  they  are  not  unwilling  to  venture  every  proper  sacri- 
fice— in  the  mean  time,  think  it  their  duty  to  declare  that 
the  presence  of  the  army  does  not  supersede  the  laws  of 
the  country,  and  pray  your  Excellency's  assistance  in  ena- 
bling them  to  execute  them  upon  those  who  are  immediately 
under  your  command. 

"  I  have  the  honr.  to  be,  &c. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered  to  be  engrossed. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Scott,  of  the  30th  Novr.  was  read 
and  filed,  wherein  he  states  that  from  the  returns,  he  finds 
the  number  of  his  brigade  who  are  willing  to  continue  in 
service  for  another  month  are  too  inconsiderable  to  be  re- 
tained. 

A  letter  from  Major  Lockwood,  giving  intelligence  of  the 
enemy  in  the  Sound,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  Colo.  Lott  is  in  ad- 
vance a  considerable  sum,  as  one  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  cause  the  poor  to  be  removed  from  the  city  of 
New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  advance  and 
pay  to  Colo.  Lott,  the  sum  of  £100,  on  account  of  the 
moneys  by  him  advanced  in  causing  the  poor  inhabitants  to 
be  removed  from  the  city  of  New-York,  by  order  of  the 
Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  this  State. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


731) 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Monday,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  2nd,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  on  the  summons  of  the 
Vice-President. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest. 

Mr.  Harper— New-York- 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 

M.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutches. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Ben.  Hinchman,  on  his  receipt,  10  dollars,  for  his  trouble 
and  disbursements,  and  his  time  delayed  as  an  express  to 
Genl.  Scott  at  Haverstraw,  with  a  gratuity  sent  to  be  given 
to  General  Scott's  brigade. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety 
that  the  members  of  Convention  appointed  a  committee  to 
procure  the  clothing  on  hand  belonging  to  this  State,  to  be 
made  up  for  soldiers'  use,  have  disbursed  some  of  their 
own  money  to  pay  poor  women,  tailors  and  others  by  them 
employed  in  that  business,  and  in  purchasing  thread  and 
other  materials;  that  they  are  yet  indebted  for  the  like  purpo- 
ses, and  will  have  daily  occasion  to  make  further  expendi- 
tures, and  therefore  beg  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for 
£400. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Robt.  Harper,  as  one  of  the  committee,  on  his  receipt,  the 
sum  of  £400,  for  the  purpose  of  such  expenditures  in  pro- 
curing clothing  to  be  made  for  the  Continental  troops,  for 
which  sum  the  said  committee  shall  account  to  the  Con- 
vention or  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  3rd,  1776. 

Present — P.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Genl.  Scott— 
New-York. 

Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little.  Col.  Allison—  Orange. 
Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Genl.  Morris — Westchester. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Isaac  Nicoll,  dated  at  Peekskill,  on 
the  first  day  of  December  instant,  and  directed  to  Colo. 
Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that 
there  is  a  considerable  quantity  of  goods  and  household  fur- 
niture in  stores  near  Orange  Town,  belonging  to  Colo.  Wil- 
liam Bayard,  and  sundry  other  disaffected  persons,  who 
are  now  actually  with  the  enemy.  That  there  is  a  consi- 
derable amount  of  goods  in  and  about  the  camp,  and  two 
horses,  one  yoke  of  oxen  and  cart  belonging  to  Joshua 
Barnes,  which  goods  were  taken  on  their  way  to  the  en- 
emy ;  that  he  could  have  them  secured  for  the  good  of  the 
State  if  directed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  report  on 
the  said  letter,  and  to  devise  an  ordinance  for  securing  all 
estates  and  effects  which  are  deserted  by  the  owners,  or 
which,  though  under  the  care  of  others,  belongto  the  enemy, 
or  who  have  absconded. 

Whereas  the  Committee  of  Safety  are  informed  that 
Mr.  Joseph  Young  has  declined  the  trust  reposed  in  him 
by  the  resolution  of  yesterday,  for  disposing  of  the  stock 
in  Colo.  McDaniel's  pastures  at  Bedford  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  William  Miller  be  and  is  hereby  ap- 


pointed a  commissioner  in  the  place  of  the  said  Joseph 
Voting,  and  that  that  part  of  the  said  resolution  passed  yes- 
terday which  direcis  advertising  the  artificial  marks  of  the 
said  stock  be  dispensed  with. 

A  letter  from  Dr.  John  Bard,  dated  the  1st  inst.  was 
read.  The  Doctor  therein  mentions  that  as  teams  appear 
at  present  much  wanted  at  the  Fishkills,  he  has  taken  the 
liberty  to  offer  his  for  the  public  service  for  a  week,  which 
he  begs  may  be  at  his  private  expense. 

A  letter  to  Doctor  Bard  was  thereupon  drawn,  agreed 
to  and  sent,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  have  received  your 
polite  letter  and  generous  offer  of  the  use  of  your  team  for 
the  public  without  reward.  Mr.  Duer,  who  has  the  direc- 
tion of  the  quarter-master's  department,  informs  us  that  he 
will  be  able  to  procure  a  sufficient  number  of  teams  for  the 
service.  The  Committee  of  Safety  have  therefore  desired 
me  to  give  orders  that  yours  be  immediately  returned,  and 
to  assure  you  that  they  entertain  a  proper  sense  of  your  re- 
gard for  your  country  in  the  critical  situation  of  our  public 
affairs. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect,  &c." 

A  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  one  of  the  marine 
committee  of  Congress,  dated  the  twenty-seventh  ultimo, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Gentlemen — Upon  the  information  given  to  the  ma- 
rine committee  by  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis,  of  the  then  state 
of  the  frigates  built  at  Poughkeepsie,  the  said  committee 
desired  me  to  inform  you  that  it  was  their  opinion,  those 
ships  being  launched  should  as  soon  as  possible  be  sent  up 
to  Esopus  creek,  to  be  there  laid  up  for  the  winter,  as  there 
appears  at  present  no  prospect  of  bringing  them  into  ser- 
vice for  this  year.  And  it  is  their  opinion  that  a  lieutenant 
of  marines  be  appointed,  with  orders  given  him  to  imme- 
diately enlist  thirty  marines  to  guard  those  frigates  during 
winter,  and  that  all  such  stores  that  are  remaining,  together 
with  those  belonging  to  such  vessels  as  were  ordered  to  be 
sunk  in  the  North  and  East  rivers,  be  also  put  under  the 
care  of  said  lieutenant  of  marines. 

"  That  Capt.  Dennis,  who  has  at  present  the  custody  of 
all  the  rigging,  &c.  belonging  to  the  vessels  so  sunk,  be  di- 
rected to  deliver  the  same  to  said  lieutenant,  furnishing 
him  with  an  inventory  of  the  particulars ;  a  copy  thereof 
to  be  signed  by  the  lieutenant,  and  transmitted  to  the  ma- 
rine committee,  who  apprehend  ihe  stores  aforesaid  will 
be  this  winter  wanted  by  Genl.  Schuyler. 

"  In  regard  to  the  destination  of  the  frigates  for  the 
winter,  if  you  see  any  likelihood  of  their  being  brought 
into  use,  they  are  submitted  entirely  to  your  direction. 
Upon  your  nominating  the  lieutenant,  his  commission  will 
be  sent  up  to  you  as  you,  are  more  immediately  upon  the 
spot.  In  regard  to  the  frigates,  the  marine  committee  re- 
fers it  to  your  judgment  to  direct  what  may  be  necessary 
to  be  done  with  them,  and  desires  you  would  advise  them 
thereof. 

"  I  am  respectfully,  sirs, 

"  Your  very  hble.  servt. 

"F.  LEWIS. 

"  Phila.  21th  Novr.  1776." 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  dated  at  Poughkeep- 
sie on  the  2nd  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  2nd  December,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  just  received  a  letter  from  the 
marine  committee,  directing  us  in  every  matter  to  take 
your  directions.  We  shall  proceed  with  the  ships  as  soon 
as  wind  will  permit.  When  we  leave  the  yard,  there  will 
be  a  quantity  of  plank,  timber  and  stores  left,  which  we  beg 
your  advice  what  to  do  with.  We  think  it  would  be  pru- 
dent to  pile  up  the  plank  and  timber,  and  lock  the  stores 
up  in  the  shops.  It  may  likewise  be  prudent  to  have  a  man 
to  take  care  of  them.  It  has  been  hinted  to  us  that  you 
intend  building  floating  balteries ;  if  so,  we  conceive  our 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


731 


carpenters  (the  bulk  we  have  just  discharged)  would  be 
very  useful  to  you,  and  may  now  engage,  though  some 
are  daily  going  away ;  the  sooner  you  let  us  know  whether 
you  want  them  the  better. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  your  very  hble.  servts. 

"  SAML.  TUDER." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  William  Smith,  Mr.  Rutgers  and 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the 
said  letter  of  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  and  Capt.  Samuel  Tu- 
dor, and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  first 
inst.  was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Fort  Constitution.  1st  Decevibcr,  1776. 

"  Sir — I  arrived  here  yesterday  evening  with  two  regi- 
ments, consisting  of  about  five  hundred  men,  destined  lor 
garrisoning  this  fort,  and  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the 
river  near  Polopin's  island,  agreeable  to  the  resolve  of  the 
Convention.  I  immediately  sent  off  the  engineer  with 
about  one  hundred  men  to  get  limber  for  the  purpose,  but 
I  am  so  unfortunate  as  not  to  have  axes  for  the  tenth  part 
of  the  number,  though  I  have  used  my  best  endeavours  to 
procure  as  many  as  I  possibly  could.  Axes  therefore,  three 
or  four  light  anchors  and  cables,  drag  ropes,  screws,  scows 
and  other  boats  for  collecting  of  stores,  I  must  beg  the 
Convention  will  endeavour  to  supply  me  with  as  quick  as 
possible.  The  business  otherwise  must  in  a  great  mea- 
sure stand  still ;  I  have  smiths  employed  making  axes,  and 
I  shall  make  them  work  day  and  night  to  replace  those 
you  may  supply  me  with ;  and  when  General  Lee's  di- 
vision passes  the  river,  and  they  are  now  at  Peekskill, 
we  shall  be  able  to  get  a  number  of  boats  from  that  quar- 
ter, but  for  the  present  we  must  be  supplied  by  Conven- 
tion, if  possible.  I  have  about  40  artificers,  which  are  as 
many  as  can  be  well  employed,  and  being  furnished  with 
the  above  articles  only,  I  hope  I  shall  be  able  to  carry  on 
the  work  without  troubling  your  Honourable  House  in 
some  time  for  any  other  supplies. 

"Capt.  Bedlovv  has  hitherto  acted  here  as  a  commissary 
of  stores,  and  Mr.  Lawrence  as  clerk  of  the  check,  and  as 
there  are  no  other  persons  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the 
stores,  tools,  &c.  or  keep  the  accounts  which  will  be  ne- 
cessarily multiplied  by  this  new  business,  I  am  of  opinion 
it  will  be  best  to  continue  them.  I  am  sure  if  they  do  their 
duty,  as  I  don't  doubt  they  will,  they  will  save  ten  times 
more  than  their  wages  ;  especially  as  it  will  be  out  of  my 
power  to  do  my  own  duty  and  attend  particularly  to  that 
part  of  the  business. 

"There are  three  or  four  artificers  who  have  been  for  some 
time  past  employed  here,  (though  not  belonging  to  the  ar- 
my ;)  and  as  I  am  informed  they  are  industrious,  active 
men,  I  would  wish  to  continue  them,  as  J  believe  it  will  be 
an  advantage  ;  but  I  shall  not  engage  any  of  them  to  re- 
main in  the  service  till  I  can  have  the  advice  of  Conven- 
tion. 

"  The  bearer,  Capt.  Bedlow,  who  will  wait  your  answer 
and  bring  down  such  of  the  wanted  articles  as  you  can  fnr- 
nish  us  with,  will  inform  you  of  the  scandalous  manner 
some  of  the  militia  left  this  place,  without  returning  the 
ammunition  or  other  public  stores  they  had  been  fur- 
nished with. 

"  Mr.  Livingston  gave  me  reason  to  hope  I  should  have 
three  companies  of  rangers  join  me  ;  I  wish  to  have  them, 
as  we  shall  want  all  the  aid  Convention  can  give  us,  and 
I  have  a  strong  desire  to  work  those  gentry  a  little.  If  they 
should  object  against  going  out  of  their  county,  as  I  have 
heard  they  do,  I'll  fix  them  in  it.  They  will  be  equally  con- 
venient to  the  work. 

"  I  am  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Prest. 

of  the  Convention,  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  this  letter  be  committed  to  Colo.  Allison, 

Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Contine,  the  committee  appointed  to 


furnish  such  necessaries  as  General  Clinton  may  have  oc- 
casion for  in  the  obstruciing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river. 

A  petition  of  Phoebe  Oakley,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  that  is  to  say  : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  in  Convention  assembled. 

"  The  petition  of  Phcebe  Oakley,  of  the  Borough  town 
of  Westchester,  in  the  county  of  Westchester  and  State 
of  New- York, 
"  Humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  your  petitioner,  to  avoid  the  depredations  of  a 
cruel  enemy  who  had  then  landed  at  Frogs  neck,  sent  di- 
vers of  her  effects  lo  her  brother-in-law  Talman  Fugsley's, 
at  the  manor  of  Phillipse.  That  your  petitioner  hath  been 
inhumanly  robbed  and  plundered  of  all  her  said  effects  by 
Capt.  Ford  and  his  company  of  Colo.  Brewer's  regiment. 
That  your  petitioner  hath  not  as  yet  been  able  to  recover 
any  of  her  effects  :  for  the  particulars  of  which,  and  the 
manner  in  which  the  same  were  taken  from  her  and  divid- 
ed among  the  plunderers,  your  petitioner  begs  leave  to  re- 
fer to  the  affidavits  subjoined  to  this  petition. 

"  That  your  petitioner  hath  been  informed  that  such  base 
and  unmanly  ravages  are  not  countenanced  by  the  regula- 
tions prescribed  for  the  government  of  the  American  army, 
but  on  the  contrary  hath  been  advised  that  the  Gene- 
rals of  the  said  army  will,  on  application,  deliver  to  the  civil 
authority  of  this  State,  all  such  persons  as  wantonly  tres- 
pass against  the  laws  thereof,  and  particularly  in  the  cases 
of  theft,  robbery  and  other  felonies. 

"  Wherefore  your  petitioner  humbly  prays  that  this  Con- 
vention, who  are  and  ought  to  be  the  guardians  of  the  rights 
of  the  people  of  this  State,  will  be  pleased  lo  assert  the 
same  by  taking  cognizance  of  the  crimes  committed  by 
Capt.  Ford  against  your  petitioner,  and  extending  to  him 
the  laws  for  such  cases  provided.  And  further  that  appli- 
cation may  be  made  to  the  Honourable  the  General  Congress 
for  a  resolution  to  compel  Captain  Ford  and  his  company 
to  make  restitution  to  the  many  unhappy  sufferers  whom 
they  have  basely  stripped  and  pilfered.  And  your  peti- 
tioner shall  ever  pray. 

"PHEBE  OAKLEY." 
"  Dutches  County,  ss. — Phebe  Oakley  of  the  Borough 
town  of  Westchester,  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  single 
woman,  of  full  age,  being  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evange- 
list of  Almighty  God,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  on  the 
day  the  enemy  took  possession  of  Frogs  neck,  she  sent  a 
trunk  covered  with  seal  skin,  and  filled  with  linen  and 
cloths,  and  some  writings  of  great  value,  to  her  brother- 
in-law  Talman  Pugley's,  on  the  manor  of  Philipse,  in  order 
that  the  same  might  be  out  of  the  way  of  the  enemy ; 
and  that  together  with  the  said  trunk,  she  also  sent  to  the 
same  place  five  feather  beds  and  bedding,  one  looking 
glass,  one  copper  coffee  kettle  with  lamp  and  stand,  two 
muffs  in  cases,  a  long  blue  cloth  cloak,  one  pair  of  brass 
knobbed  andirons,  one  painted  and  one  woollen  floor  cloth, 
one  copper  tea  kettle,  two  pewter  dishes  and  one  dozen  of 
plates,a  whole  set  of  lea  china,  and  a  small  red  trunk  belong- 
ing to  Capt.  John  Berrian,  two  large  willow  baskets  with  a 
variety  of  articles  and  clothing  in  them,  and  a  pair  of 
boots  almost  new,  a  pair  of  brass  candlesticks  and  some 
books.  That  she  remembers  there  werein  the  said  trunk  ten 
yards  of  pea  green  taffeta,  a  light  brown  mantua  gown,  a 
plain  satin  cloak,  a  light  blue  silk  quilt,  a  dark  chintz 
gown,  a  blue  copperplate  gown,  a  chintz  frock  for  a  child, 
one  calico  bed  quilt,  50  yards  of  new  linen,  furniture 
for  one  bed  of  blue  and  white  calico,  furniture  for  one 
bed  of  white  diaper, ,  furniture  for  one  bed  of  very  dark 
blue  and  white  calico,  furniture  for  another  bed  of  white 
diaper,  furniture  for  one  bed  of  white  cotton  and  linen, 
nine  diaper  table  cloths  of  different  figures,  one  dozen  of 
diaper  napkins,  ten  homespun  and  bought  linen  shifts, 
one  dozen  of  homespun  and  bought  linen  shirts,  half  a 


732 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


dozen  of  muslin  sacks,  ten  pair  of  linen  sheets  and  ten 
pair  of  pillow  cases,  a  striped  silk  and  cotton  jacket,  three 
pair  of  white  drilling  breeches,  one  red  morocco  pocket 
book,  one  while  satin  hat,  one  dozen  pair  of  linen  and 
cotton  stockings,  a  half  a  dozen  linen  and  cotton  stockings 
in  another  parcel,  besides  a  number  of  caps,  handkerchiefs, 
aprons  and  children's  clothing,  the  particulars  of  which 
she  cannot  remember  ;  that  in  the  said  trunk  were  books 
of  accounts,  bonds,  notes,  receipts  and  title  deeds  belong- 
ing to  her  father,  the  late  Alderman  Oakley's  estate.  That 
this  deponent  continued  at  the  borough  town  of  Westches- 
ter, with  her  brother's  widow,  till  the  enemy  had  evacuated 
that  place.  That  then  the  deponent  went  to  the  manor  of 
Phillipse  inquest  of  her  trunk  and  other  effects  sent  there 
as  aforesaid  ;  that  on  coming  there  she  was  informed  by 
her  said  brother-in-law  Talmon  Pngsley,  that  he  had  re- 
ceived the  said  trunk  and  other  things  sent  to  him  as  afore- 
said, but  that  while  he  was  gone  from  home  with  some  of 
his  effects,  and  before  he  could  return  for  another  load  his 
house  was  plundered  as  he  was  informed,  and  believed  to 
be  true,  by  Capt.  Ford  and  his  company  of  Colonel  Brew- 
er's regiment  of  the  Massachusetts  in  the  American  army, 
and  that  this  deponent's  effects  aforesaid  had  been  carried 
away  by  them  ;  that  her  said  brother-in-law,  further  told 
her  he  had  applied  to  Captain  Ford  for  restitution  of  the 
said  effects  ;  that  Capt.  Ford  confessed  that  he  had  some 
of  them,  but  would  not  deliver  them  up  or  let  him  see 
them  ;  that  thereupon  this  deponent  applied  to  General 
Heath  who  behaved  to  her  as  a  gentleman  and  man  of 
honor  ;  that  the  General  told  her  that  he  would  put  him  un- 
der arrest ;  that  this  deponent  has  never  received  any  of  the 
said  effects,  but  has  heard  that  part  of  them  were  sold,  and 
Captain  Pollard  told  her  he  was  informed  that  Capt.  Ford 
had  sent  off  two  or  three  men  to  Connecticut  with  plunder ; 
and  further  this  deponent  saith  not. 

"PHEBE  OAKLEY. 
"Sworn  the  2nd  December,  1776,  ) 
before  me.  ) 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest." 

"  Dutches  County,  ss. — Tolmon  Pugsley  of  the  manor 
of  Philipse,  yeoman,  in  the  aforesaid  affidavit  mentioned,  of 
full  age,  being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelist  of  Al- 
mighty God,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  he  received  the  trunk 
and  other  effects  mentioned  in  the  said  affidavit,  to  have 
been  sent  to  his  house  by  his  sister-in-law,  Phebe  Oakley. 
That  on  the  day  the  battle  was  fought  at  Chatterton  hill  at 
the  White  Plains,  this  deponent  began  to  remove  his  ef- 
fects to  the  house  of  his  father,  who  lived  about  six  miles 
to  the  northward  of  him  ;  that  he  arrived  at  his  father's  in 
the  evening  of  the  said  day  with  a  load  of  goods  ;  that  he 
stayed  all  night  at  his  father's  ;  that  the  next  morning  he 
returned  home  with  intent  to  remove  the  rest  of  his  effects, 
but  to  his  surprise  was  informed  by  his  neighbors  that  his 
house  had  in  his  absence  been  plundered  by  Capt.  Ford 
and  his  company,  who  were  encamped  in  the  neighbour- 
hood ;  that  the  deponent  went  in  pursuit  of  the  said  effects, 
but  hath  never  been  able  to  recover  any  of  them ;  that  on 
his  application  to  Capt.  Ford  for  the  said  effects,  Capt. 
Ford  said  he  had  some  things,  but  did  not  believe  they  be- 
longed to  this  deponent;  that  the  deponent  then  described 
a  suit  of  curtains,  bed  quilt  and  other  articles,  and  desired 
Capt.  Ford  to  examine  with  this  deponent  the  things  he 
confessed  he  had,  to  see  if  they  were  not  among  them  ; 
that  Capt.  Ford  replied  he  would  not  show  this  deponent 
where  the  said  goods  were  or  what  they  were,  and  gave 
this  deponent  a  great  deal  of  very  abusive  language  ;  and 
further  this  deponent  saith  not. 

"  TOLMON  PUGSLEY. 
"  Sworn  the  2nd  day  of  Deer.  1776,  ) 
before  me.  $ 
"Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  President." 

"  Dutches  County,  ss. — Ebenezer  Burrill  of  Lynn,  in  the 
county  of  Essex,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  a 


private  in  Capt.  Pollard's  company  of  Colonel  Brewer's  re- 
giment of  artificers,  of  full  age,  being  sworn  on  the  Holy 
Evangelist  of  Almighty  God,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  the 
day  alter  the  fight  at  Chatterton  hill  at  the  White  Plains, 
this  deponent  was  at  Young's  tavern  on  the  manor  of 
Philipse,  where  he  was  taking  care  of  some  carpenters' 
tools  by  order  of  his  captain ;  that  this  deponent  went  the 
said  day  from  thence  in  company  with  one  Besset,  of  Capt. 
Ford's  company,  to  his  captain's  quarters,  for  further  orders 
respecting  the  said  tools  ;  that  in  his  way  thither  he  passed 
by  an  encampment  which  the  said  Bossel  told  this  depo- 
nent was  Capt.  Ford's  company,  and  at  which  the  said 
Bossel  stopped;  and  this  deponent  further  saith  that  on  his 
return  from  his  captain's  he  stopped  at  the  said  encamp- 
ment to  inquire  for  the  said  Bassel,  who  had  promised  to 
return  with  this  deponent  if  he  would  call  for  him  ;  that  on 
inquiring  for  him  this  deponent  was  informed  that  Bassel 
had  gone  on  ;  that  while  this  deponent  was  in  the  said  en- 
campment he  saw  several  men  whom  he  knew  to  be  of 
Capt.  Ford's  company,  from  which  circumstances  and  from 
what  Bassel  had  as  aforesaid  told  him,  he  has  no  doubt  but 
that  the  said  encampment,  was  the  encampment  of  Cap- 
tain Ford's  company ;  that  while  he  was  in  the  said  en- 
campment he  saw  a  number  of  men  dividing  divers  arti- 
cles of  clothing  and  household  furniture,  some  of  which 
were  hanging  on  the  bushes  near  their  tents,  and  others 
spread  on  the  ground  ;  that  while  they  were  making  the 
division  he  heard  one  of  the  men  say  '  Captain  Ford  must 
have  an  equal  share' ;  that  another  answered  '  Capt.  Ford 
has  had  a  number  of  little  notions  already;'  to  which  the 
first  replied  '  never  mind  that,  he  has  used  us  well  and  he 
ought  to  have  an  equal  share  if  he  has  got  a  few  little 
things  ;'  that  among  the  said  goods  this  deponent  well  re- 
members to  have  seen  a  piece  of  green  silk,  a  light  cloth 
colored  silk  woman's  gown,  two  pair  of  while  drilling  men's 
breeches  and  sundry  sheets,  pillow  cases,  table  cloths, 
shifts,  shirts  and  a  variety  of  other  articles  ;  and  further 
this  deponent  saith  not. 

"EBENEZER  BURRILL. 
"  Sworn  the  2nd  day  of  Deer.  1776,  ) 
before  me.  > 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest." 

On  reading  the  said  petition  and  affidavits, 
Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Committee  to  take 
proper  means  for  bringing  the  said  Capt.  Ford  to  justice. 
And  the  Committee  being  informed  that  he  is  now  under 
arrest  at  Peekskill,  for  the  crime  specified  in  the  said  pe- 
tition and  affidavits  : 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  petition  and  affidavits, 
and  these  resolutions,  be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington,  with  a  letter,  requesting  that  the  said 
Ford  be  detained,  to  be  tried  for  his  said  offences  in  a  due 
course  of  law. 

Resolved,  That  another  letter  be  written  to  Major-Ge- 
neral Heath,  requesting  him  to  detain  the  said  Ford  in  ens- 
tody,  till  an  answer  to  the  above  application  can  be  received 
from  Genl.  Washington. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  drafts  of  said  letters. 

Mr.  Duane  from  the  above  mentioned  committee,  pro- 
duced the  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Heath,  which  being 
read  and  approved,  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Sir — A  petition,  supported  by  a  number  of  affidavits, 
was  this  day  presented  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  com- 
plaining of  depredations  committed  by  Captain  Ford  and 
his  company,  belonging  to  Colonel  Brewer's  regiment,  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  requesting  the  interposition  of 
the  civil  authority.  You,  sir,  have,  we  presume,  but  too 
much  evidence  before  you,  of  the  rapacity  of  our  troops, 
who  seem  to  have  conspired  with  a  cruel  enemy  in  in- 
creasing the  misfortunes  of  those  who  have  unhappily 
fallen  victims  to  the  calamities  of  war. 

"  From  your  known  humanity  and  benevolence,  you 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


733 


cannot  but  resent  ravages  which  disgrace  the  arms  taken 
up  in  the  most  virtuous  of  all  causes  with  abhorrence. 

"  Called  upon  by  numberless  complaints  of  the  suffer- 
ing inhabitants  of  this  Stale,  it  has  become  our  duty  to  see 
that  at  least  some  of  the  principal  offenders  be  brought  to 
justice  ;  that  a  stop  may  be  put  to  such  pernicious  exces- 
ses for  the  future ;  and  the  Committee  of  Safety  have 
accordingly  passed  suitable  resolutions,  which  will  be 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  with 
a  request  that  Capt.  Ford  be  delivered  up,  in  order  to  an- 
swer for  his  misconduct  in  a  court  of  justice. 

"  In  the  mean  time,  I  am  directed  to  request  you  to  de- 
tain Capt.  Ford  in  custody,  and  to  give  orders  for  s 
such  of  the  plundered  effects  as  may  still  be  found. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Major-General  Heath." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu  be  requested  to  draft 
a  letter  to  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston,  desiring  him  to 
transmit  an  account  of  the  families,  stock  and  effects  by 
him  removed  from  Long  island,  and  the  manner  in  which 
they  are  disposed  of. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  according  to  order  reported  a  draft  of 
the  said  letter,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  have  received  accounts 
from  different  towns  in  Connecticut,  with  their  demands, 
for  transporting  stock  and  effects  from  Long  island.  Some 
are  sent  in  by  private  persons  as  employed  by  you  for  that 
purpose.  I  am  directed  to  desire  you  to  send  me  as  particular 
an  account  as  you  can  of  the  stock  and  other  effects  you  have 
brought  off  Long  island,  with  the  number  of  cattle,  sheep 
and  other  stock,  the  names  of  the  persons  to  whom  they 
belonged,  and  in  what  manner  the  same  was  disposed  of, 
and  to  whom  ;  with  such  vouchers  for  the  same  as  you 
have  taken.  You  will  likewise  inform  us  of  the  number  of 
families  brought  off  by  your  order,  with  the  names  of  the 
heads  of  each  family,  as  far  as  it  is  in  your  power,  with  any 
other  particulars  you  may  think  necessary,  respecting  the 
transportation  and  disposing  of  the  same. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  sir,  &c. 
"  To  Col.  H.  B.  Livingston." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Vice-President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  James  Clinton,  recom- 
mending Capt.  I.  Rosekrans  to  be  continued  in  service, 
and  provided  for  in  the  new  arrangement  of  the  Continen- 
tal battalions  raising  in  this  State,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Birdsall,  Esqr.  dated  the  26th 
inst.  respecting  his  former  services,  and  an  appointment  in 
the  army,  was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  Deputies  of  Suffolk 
county  and  to  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  to  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  John  Gibson,  Esq.  Auditor-General,  dated 
at  Philadelphia,  the  21st  November  last,  requesting  that 
the  public  accounts  of  this  State  may  be  sent  to  commis- 
sioners, was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"Treasury  Office,  ? 
"Philadelphia,  Novr.  2Ut,  1776.  J 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  The  commissioners  for  adjusting  the  accounts  of 
the  army  at  New-York  and  the  Jerseys,  under  the  com- 
mand of  General  Washington,  are  now  engaged  in  exe- 
cuting that  business,  and  are  in  immediate  want  of  all  the 
accounts  of  advances  made  by  the  several  States  for  paying 
or  subsisting  the  said  army. 

"  I  am  therefore  to  request  you  to  order  an  account  of 

184 


such  advances  by  your  State  to  be  forthwith  transmitted  to 
the  commissioners,  that  the  proper  stoppages  may  be 
made,  and  the  State  reimbursed  accordingly. 

When  the  accounts  are  prepared,  you  will  please  to  or- 
der them  to  William  Denning,  Thomas  Smith  and  James 
Stephenson,  Esqrs.  or  either  of  them,  at  Head-Quarters  at 
New-York  or  the  Jerseys. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  in  the  name  of  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  treasury,  honourable  gentlemen, 
"  Your  mo.  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  JOHN  GIBSON,  Auditor-General. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

A  letter  from  the  same  Auditor-General,  sometime  since 
received,  dated  the  31st  October,  and  directing  the  public 
accounts  in  the  northern  department  to  be  laid  before  com- 
missioners at  Albany,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Treasury  Office,  \ 
"  Philadelphia,  3lst  Octr.  1776.  J 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  As  commissioners  have  been  appointed  to 
liquidate  and  adjust  the  public  accounts  in  the  northern  de- 
partment, and  are  now  assembled  at  Albany  for  that  pur- 
pose, it  is  necessary  that  they  should  be  furnished  by  each 
State  with  an  account  of  the  several  advances  and  pay- 
ments to  the  officers  and  others  who  have  been  entrusted 
with  public  money,  to  enable  them  to  settle  the  accounts. 
We  have  therefore  to  request  you  would  be  pleased,  as 
soon  as  possible,  to  order  an  account  of  such  advances  as 
your  State  may  have  made,  the  settlement  of  which  may 
properly  fall  within  the  northern  department,  to  be  drawn 
out,  and  forward  them  to  the  commissioners  by  express,  in 
order  that,  the  proper  stoppages  being  made,  your  State 
may  be  reimbursed  by  Congress.  The  names  of  the  com- 
missioners are  James  Hillegan,  John  Carter  and  John 
Wells,  Esqrs. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  in  the  name  of  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  treasury,  honourable  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  GIBSON,  Auditor-General. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention 

of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Duane  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  the  two  last  preceding 
letters,  and  report  thereon. 

"  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of 
Mr.  John  R.  Livingston  respecting  goods  purchased  by 
him  in  Boston  for  this  State,  and  also  the  arms  brought 
from  Long  island,  report  that  those  goods  are  much 
wanted  for  the  use  of  the  soldiers  to  be  raised  in  this 
Slate,  and  that  it  is  necessary  they  be  brought  here  from 
Boston  with  all  convenient  speed  ;  for  which  purpose  your 
commitlee  recommend  that  James  Weeks  be  appointed  to 
go  to  Boston  and  receive  Mr.  Livingston's  order  on  Mr. 
for  those  goods  ;  and  that  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds 
be  delivered  to  him  by  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  that  he 
may  be  enabled  to  bring  or  hire  teams  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  those  goods  in  the  cheapest  and  best  manner. 

"  As  to  the  arms  brought  from  Long  island  to  Connecti- 
cut by  Colo.  Livingston,  your  committee  are  informed 
that  Mr.  L'hommedieu  will  soon  go  into  Connecticut,  and 
take  such  measures  respecting  the  same  as  the  Committee 
of  Safety  direct." 

Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  pay  to  Jacob  Cuyler,  Ezra  L'hommedieu  and  John 
Moore,  Esquires,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  on  ac- 
count, for  the  purpose  of  transporting  the  goods  lately 
purchased  by  John  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  at  Boston,  on  ac- 
count of  this  Slate,  to  this  place,  and  for  the  purpose  of 
transporting  the  arms  belonging  to  the  inhabitants  of  Nas- 
sau island  and  brought  into  Connecticut  by  Colonel  Li- 
vingston, to  this  place. 

General  Scott  represented  to  the  Committee  of  Safety, 


734 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


that  his  brigade  was  disbanded  except  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  men,  who  it  is  probable  will  continue  in  service 
fourteen  days,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Malcom. 
That  the  sum  of  fifteen  hundred  pounds  put  into  his  hands 
as  a  graiuity  for  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates of  the  said  brigade,  has  not  been  distributed. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  six  hundred  dollars  of  that 
money  be  by  General  Scott  transmitted  in  such  manner 
that  it  may  be  delivered  to  Colonel  Malcom.  And  Colo. 
Malcom  is  hereby  directed  and  authorized  to  pay  to  each 
non-commissioned  officer  and  private,  who  shall  so  continue 
fourteen  days  in  service  under  his  command,  four  dollars 
as  a  gratuity  for  their  past  services,  and  as  a  testimony  of 
the  esteem  this  Committee  entertains  of  their  zeal  and  spi- 
rit in  the  service  of  their  invaded  and  distressed  country  ; 
and  in  case  any  greater  number  than  one  hundred  and  fifty 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  shall  so  continue 
in  service  with  Colo.  Malcom, 

Resolved,  That  he  be  and  is  hereby  requested  to  ad- 
vance a  gratuity  of  four  dollars  to  each  of  them,  for  which 
he  shall  be  reimbursed  by  the  Representatives  from  the 
treasury  of  this  State. 

On  considering  the  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Orange  county,  relative  to  Cornelius  Thorp,  con- 
fined in  Orange  county  jail  for  having  altered  and  passed 
Continental  bills  of  credit  for  true  bills, 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  who  are  or  shall  be  charged 
with  altering  or  counterfeiting  the  bills  of  credit  of  the 
United  States,  or  of  this  or  any  other  of  the  United 
States,  or  of  passing  the  same  knowing  them  to  be  coun- 
terfeit or  altered,  or  with  any  other  criminal  offence,  be 
confined  in  jail  or  secured,  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
offence,  id  order  to  take  their  trials  in  a  due  course  of 
law.  And  that  the  committees  of  the  several  counties  of 
this  State  be  authorized  to  take  effectual  means  for  that 
purpose,  and  to  appoint  jailers  in  the  several  counties  which 
they  represent  in  committee,  and  where  they  shall  find  it 
necessary,  upon  whose  fidelity  they  can  rely.  And  fur- 
ther, that  such  criminals  and  offenders  be  apprehended  and 
maintained  at  the  charge  of  the  county  where  the  fact  shall 
have  been  committed,  as  heretofore  accustomed. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  4th,  1776. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr. 
Duane— New-York. 
Mr.  A.  Yales,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams,  Mr.  Duer — Charlotte. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  which 
the  Treasurer  of  this  State  did,  on  the  fourteenth  day  of  Au- 
gust last,  advance  to  Capt.  James  Stewart,  to  enable  him 
to  disburse  bounty  money  for  enlisting  his  company,  and 
which  one  hundred  pounds,  by  the  resolutions  of  this  Con- 
vention of  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  July  last,  the  said  James 
Stewart  was  then  entitled  to  receive  of  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Albany,  be,  by  the  said  Treasurer,  placed  to 
the  debit  of  this  Stale,  on  the  said  fourteenth  of  August  or 
at  any  time  since. 

The  Committee  of  the  Representatives  of  this  State, 
who  examined  and  reported  on  Capt.  Stewart's  muster  and 
pay  rolls,  having  credited  in  his  accounts  for  pay  and  sub- 
sistence of  his  company,  the  said  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  and  thereby  fully  paid  and  indemnified  this  State 
for  the  same. 

A  pay  roll  of  Captain  Nathaniel  Scribner's  company, 
raised  and  embodied  in  Dutches  county,  agreeable  to  a 


resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  of  the 
ninth  of  October  last ;  the  said  pay  roll  stating  the  pay  of 
the  individuals  of  the  said  company  from  the  respective 
times  of  their  enlistment  to  the  first  day  of  December  in- 
clusive, was  exhibited  for  payment. 

A  billeting  roll  of  the  individuals  of  the  said  company, 
agreeable  to  the  said  resolutions  of  the  ninth  day  of  Octo- 
ber last,  was  also  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Newkirk 
and  Major  Webster  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  said 
two  rolls,  and  that  they,  or  a  major  part  of  them,  report 
thereon. 

A  muster  roll  of  a  company  in  the  second  battalion  of 
Continental  troops  raised  in  this  State  in  Anno  1775,  and 
whereof  George  White  was  captain,  was  exhibited  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety  to  entitle  Capt.  White  and  his  officers 
to  the  reward  allowed  by  the  Provincial  Congress  in  that 
year  to  the  officers  for  the  men  by  them  enlisted  in  the 
service. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  muster  roll  be  referred  to  the 
committee  last  above  mentioned,  to  report  thereon. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  of  the  27th  of  November  last,  and 
also  the  letter  from  Captain  Samuel  Tuder  of  the  2nd  inst. 
reported  certain  resolutions,  which  being  read  by  para- 
graphs, were  amended  and  adopted,  vizt  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Victor  Bicker,  Junr.  be  nominated 
lieutenant  of  marines  for  the  ship  Congress,  and  directed 
to  enlist  thirty  marines  for  the  ship  Congress  for  the  same 
term  as  the  other  Continental  troops,  whose  duty  it  shall 
be  during  this  winter  to  guard  the  ships  Congress  and  Mont- 
gomery, and  such  other  vessels  and  stores  belonging  to  the 
Continent  as  may  be  laid  up  with  them.  That  they  be 
allowed  the  Continental  bounty,  pay  and  rations. 

That  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of 
the  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  to  the  Honourable 
the  Convention,  and  be  requested  to  deliver  over  the  Conti- 
nental stores  and  rigging  in  his  custody  to  the  said  Lieu- 
tenant Bicker,  who  is  directed  to  sign  duplicates  of  the 
inventory  and  receipt  therefor,  and  transmit  them  to  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  in  order  that  one  of  them  may  be 
sent  to  the  marine  committee  of  Congress  at  Philadelphia 
and  the  other  to  remain  with  the  Convention. 

That  the  two  Continental  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie  be 
secured  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  resolution  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  of  the  twenty-eighth  of  November, 
and  that  the  other  Continental  and  public  vessels  be  laid  up 
in  the  same  place,  if  they  can  be  there  accommodated ;  if 
not,  that  the  agents  for  the  said  ships  make  an  immediate 
report  thereof  to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  sug- 
gest some  place  where  they  can  find  a  secure  harbour  for 
them. 

That  all  convenient  expedition  should  be  used  by  the 
managers,  Messrs.  Tudor  and  Lawrence,  together  with  the 
captains  of  the  frigates,  to  get  the  same  rigged  and  their 
cannon  mounted  by  the  spring,  as  in  the  opinion  of  the  Com- 
mittee, they  may  be  of  use  in  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river, 
which  will  most  probably  be  exposed  to  the  attempts  of  the 
enemy. 

Resolved,  That  carriages  for  the  guns  be  immediately 
begun  by  the  carpenters,  if  they  can  be  supplied  with  sea- 
soned stuff;  and  if  not,  that  stuff  be  prepared  for  season- 
ing, on  which  work  they  may  be  employed  till  the  Con- 
vention receive  an  answer  to  a  letter  written  to  the  Ho- 
nourable the  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  fortifying  Hud- 
son's river,  and  building  floating  batteries,  &c.  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  managers  take  such  measures  as 
they  conceive  proper,  for  the  plank  and  stores  that  are  left 
at  Poughkeepsie,  and  direct  one  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
said  place  to  take  charge  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  managers  of  the  said  ships  be  fur- 
nished with  copies  of  the  above  resolutions  ;  that  a  copy 
thereof  be  transmitted  to  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  and  that 
another  copy  be  sent  to  Lieut.  Victor  Bicker. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


735 


A  letter  from  Mr.  Henry  Quackenboss,  enclosing  an  in- 
voice of  goods  purchased  by  him  for  this  State,  pursuant 
to  a  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  9lh  of 
October  last,  and  requesting  that  the  amount  of  the  said 
invoice,  together  with  his  commissions  thereon,  should  be 
paid  to  Mr.  Cuyler,  was  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Jacob 
Cuyler,  Esqr.  for  account  of  Mr.  Henry  Quackenboss  of 
Albany,  on  receipt,  for  the  sum  of  £532,  12s.  Od.  in  full 
for  the  goods  purchased  by  him  for  this  Convention,  toge- 
ther with  his  commissions  thereon,  at  5  per  cent,  agreeable 
to  his  invoice  and  account  thereof,  bearing  date  the  19th 
of  Novr.  last. 

General  George  Clinton  forwarded  to  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  a  memorandum  of  articles,  vizt : 

"  Wanted  by  the  detachment  employed  in  obstructing 
the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  near  Pollopin's  island, 
viz  :  six  thousand  bricks  for  forges  for  blacksmiths'  shops, 
and  a  few  ovens  to  bake  bread  for  the  soldiers  ;  as  it  is  a 
great  waste  of  time  to  bake  in  the  ordinary  camp  way, 
especially  when  the  business  is  such  that  all  hands  ought 
to  be  out  on  fatigue  ;  as  many  boards  as  can  possibly  be 
spared  to  cover  blacksmiths'  and  other  artificers'  shops, 
and  make  temporary  barracks  for  the  men,  as  the  weather 
is  too  cold  for  those  who  have  to  work  in  the  water  all  day 
to  sleep  in  tents  at  night. 

"  The  logs  at  Poughkeepsie  ought  to  be  brought  down  ; 
and  we  shall  want  (after  all  the  supply  of  boats  we  shall 
be  able  to  get  at  Peekskill,)  a  number  of  scows  for  col- 
lecting of  stone,  &c.  Indeed,  some  active  person  in  the 
quarter-master's  department  ought  to  be  on  the  spot,  as 
teams  and  many  other  articles  will  be  daily  wanted,  which 
ought  properly  to  be  supplied  by  him  ;  and  it  is  not  doubt- 
ed but  was  General  Heath  applied  to  on  that  head  by  Con- 
vention, he  would  order  one  of  the  quarter-master's  depu- 
ties this  way  ;  this  would  save  Convention  a  great  deal  of 
trouble,  and  bring  things  in  their  proper  channel." 

Whereas  the  Committee  of  Safety  being  informed  that 
Major-General  Heath,  in  pursuance  of  the  authority  vested 
in  him  by  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  hath  di- 
rected that  further  obstructions  of  the  navigation  of  Hud- 
son's river  near  Pollipo's  island,  and  this  Committee  hav- 
ing the  success  of  this  salutary  measure  much  at  heart, 


and  being  disposed  to  contribute  all  in  their  power  to  its 
despatch,  and  by  a  resolution  agreed  to  advance  such  sums 
as  might  be  required  for  the  purpose  on  the  credit  of  the 
United  States  ;  and  a  sub-committee  is  appointed  to  furnish 
such  necessaries  as  General  Clinton,  who  superintends  the 
said  obstruction  may  require  :  And  whereas,  upon  fur- 
ther consideration,  it  appears  that  as  the  said  obstruction 
is  to  be  made  at  the  Continental  expense,  it  will  be  more 
proper  that  one  of  the  Continental  assistant  quarter-mas- 
ter-generals should  be  employed  to  collect  and  purchase 
the  materials  for  the  said  obstruction  than  a  sub-committee 
or  agent  appointed  by  this  Committee  ;  and  Major  Tay- 
lor, one  of  the  acting  deputy  quarter-master-generals,  in 
the  Continental  army,  being  recommended  to  this  Commit- 
tee, as  an  active  and  well  qualified  officer,  capable  of  ex- 
ecuting that  business  with  advantage  and  despatch,  and 
Mr.  Duer  having  been  applied  to  and  declaring  that  he  can 
have  no  objection  against  Major  Taylor's  being  employed 
in  this  service,  provided  it  should  be  agreeable  to  General 
Heath : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  General 
Heath,  requesting  that  Major  Taylor  may  be  employed  in 
the  said  department. 

It  was  represented  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  that  Mr. 
L'hommedieu,  some  months  ago,  left  a  sum  of  money  in 
the  hands  of  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  which  money  Mr. 
L'hommedieu  had  received  as  a  loan  officer  of  Suffolk 
county.     That  by  an  order  of  on  the 

day  of  last,  Mr.  Bancker  paid  that  money  to  Egbert 
Benson,  Esqr.  chairman  of  Dutches  county,  for  the  public 
use  therein  mentioned. 

That  Mr.  L'hommedieu  has  given  security  as  a  loan 
officer  of  Suffolk  county,  and  is  apprehensive  that  his  se- 
curities may  be  prosecuted  for  the  same  money,  where- 
fore he  conceives  it  equitable  that  he  should  be  indem- 
nified by  this  Convention,  that  the  sum  mentioned  in 
the  said  order  was  not  the  sum  by  him  lodged  in  the 
hands  of  Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  and  that  the  same  facts  are 
not  well  stated  in  the  said  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Duane  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  the  said  order,  and  to  report  to  this  Com- 
mittee such  proper  resolution,  or  entry,  as  may  be  expe- 
dient or  necessary  on  that  subject. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


FISHKILL, 

5th  Deer.  1776. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prcst. 
Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  R.  Harper, 
Genl-  Scott,  Mr.  Duane— Ar<?it>-  York. 
Mr.  A.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cutler— Albany. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 
Col-  Van  Cortlandt—  IVeslchester. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett— Dutches. 
Mr.  Continf.,  Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 
Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams—  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper—  Tryon. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Heath,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

«  g,R — The  Commiitee  of  Safety  having  much  at  heart, 
the  plan  of  obstructing  Hudson's  river,  near  PollepePs 
island,  cannot  but  be  attentive  to  every  thing  which  may 
contribute  to  its  success. 

"  In  their  opinion,  the  appointment  of  an  active  assistant 
quarter-master  immediately  for  this  service  will  be  highly 
necessary. 

"  Major  Taylor  being  recommended  as  every  way  quali- 
fied for  the  department,  the  Committee  have  expressed 
their  wishes  to  Mr.  Duer,  that  he  may  be  employed,  who 
has  assured  them  that  if  it  is  agreeable  to  you,  he  can  have 
no  objection. 

"  I  am  directed  therefore  to  request  your  approbation, 
and  that  you  will  be  pleased,  if  it  shall  not  interfere  with 
the  service,  to  give  orders  accordingly. 

" I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  The  Honourable  Major-Genl.  Heath." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  a  member  of 
the  marine  committee,  was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  27th  of  November  has  been 


laid  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  who  in  consequence 
thereof  have  agreed  to  the  resolutions,  a  copy  of  which  I 
am  directed  to  transmit.  You  will  be  pleased  to  assure  the 
marine  committee  that  we  shall  be  attentive  to  every  thing 
which  is  requested  of  us ;  and  when  the  Continental  ves- 
sels of  war  and  the  stores  in  this  river  are  in  a  place  of 
safety,  shall  not  fail  to  give  them  information,  and  transmit 
the  inventory  they  require. 

"  Lieut.  Victor  Bicker,  being  recommended  for  his 
courage,  activity  and  integrity,  they  have  nominated  him  to 
be  lieutenant  of  marines  to  the  Congress,  and  hope  it  will 
meet  with  approbation. 

"  Capt.  Helfield,  who  commands  a  Continental  brig, 
purchased  by  General  Mifflin,  and  now  in  this  river,  has 
still  a  few  seamen  who  have  the  care  of  the  brig. 

"  We  are  informed  a  Continental  sloop  is  in  the  same 
situation.  Be  pleased  to  inquire  from  the  marine  commit- 
tee whether  the  captains  and  men  are  to  be  discharged,  or 
how  they  wish  them  to  be  disposed  of. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  hble.  servt. 
"  To  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  transmitted,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President. 

Resolved,  That  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  several 
counties  of  this  State,  to  wit,  a  representation  of  so  many 
counties  as  shall  in  the  whole  amount  to  twenty-six  or  more 
votes,  or  a  representation  of  seven  different  counties  shall 
hence  form  a  Convention  to  represent  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  a  Committee  of  Safety  be  and  is  hereby 
formed  for  this  State  ;  that  the  said  Committee  of  Safety 
consist  of  at  least  ten  members,  seven  of  whom  shall  be 
from  seven  different  counties,  beside  the  President  or 
Vice-President,  unless  in  case  of  the  sickness  or  other  ne- 
cessary absence  of  both,  in  which  case  the  Committee  of 
Safety  are  empowered  to  choose  a  chairman  ;  that  this 
Committee  exist  until  the  next  meeting  of  Convention  ; 
that  every  member  who  shall  or  may  attend  shall  have  a 
voice. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  form  of  go- 
vernment, and  sundry  other  members  of  the  Convention, 
having  withdrawn,  the  remainder  present  proceeded  to  bu- 
siness as  a  Committee  of  Safety. 


185 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  JOVIS, 

Deer.  5th,  1776. 

Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Cantine —  Ulster. 

Mr.  Miller,M  r.  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Col.  Allison—  Orange. 

Mr.  Platt,  Mr.  Sackett — Dutches. 

Col-  Van  Cortlandt,  General  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Gibson,  Esqr.  Auditor-Ge- 
neral, was  read  by  Mr.  Duane,  and  approved,  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"Sir — Your  several  favours  of  the  31st  of  October, 
and  21st  Novr.  respecting  a  settlement  of  the  accounts  of 
disbursements  of  this  State  for  the  military  operations, 
have  been  laid  before  the  Committee  of  Safety  and  duly 
considered.  I  am  directed  to  assure  you  that  they  have 
the  accomplishment  of  this  necessary  business  much  at 
heart ;  and  that  the  public  accounts  up  to  the  9th  of  No- 
vember have  been  for  some  time,  though  from  many  diffi- 
culties, not  so  soon  as  they  wished,  stated  and  prepared 
for  examination. 

"The  mode  which  the  board  of  treasury  has  been  pleased 
to  prescribe,  will,  I  fear,  be  attended  with  embarrassment. 
Your  first  instructions  refer  the  audit  of  charges  for  the 
northern  army  to  the  commissioners  at  Albany,  and  the 
last  direct  that  such  as  relate  to  the  southern  army,  shall 
be  adjusted  by  the  commissioners  at  Head-Quarters,  either 
in  New-York  or  New-Jersey.  However  desirous  of  giv- 
ing the  highest  satisfaction  to  the  Honourable  Congress, 
I  must  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  the  objections  which  lie 
in  the  way  of  this  method. 

"  First.  When  the  preparations  began  and  the  battalions 
were  ordered  to  be  raised,  no  idea  was  entertained  that 
the  expenditures  for  the  service  at  the  city  of  New-York 
and  those  for  the  northern  army  were  to  be  separated  and 
stated  in  distinct  accounts.  Whether  such  a  discrimina- 
tion is  now  practicable,  I  cannot  take  upon  me  to  deter- 


mine ;  but  if  it  is  absolutely  necessary,  it  must,  however 
difficult,  be  at  least  attempted,  although  it  would  save  a 
great  deal  of  time  and  trouble  if  it  could  be  dispensed 
with. 

"  Secondly.  The  vouchers  to  our  public  accounts  com- 
prehend a  multitude  of  charges  which  not  only  relate  to 
this  State  particularly,  but  to  both  the  military  depart- 
ments, and  as  they  must  necessarily  be  produced  to 
the  commissioners,  the  accounts  of  one  department  cannot 
be  proceeded  upon  until  those  of  the  other  are  adjusted ;  and 
if  the  first  set  of  commissioners  should  insist  on  declaring 
the  vouchers  complicated  with  the  expenditures  of  both,  no 
final  adjustment  can  take  place  in  the  manner  prescribed. 

"  Thirdly.  Our  Auditor-General  and  Stale  Commissary 
who  have  arranged  the  accounts  and  must  occasionally  be 
present  at  the  settlement,  cannot  attend  both  sets  of  com- 
missioners at  the  same  time. 

"  Fourthly.  In  the  uncertain  and  fluctuating  circum- 
stances of  our  military  operations,  it  may  not  be  prudent 
to  expose  vouchers  of  great  importance  to  this  State  as 
well  as  to  the  Continent,  to  the  danger  of  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  or  of  being  lost  by  frequent  removals. 

"  Upon  all  these  considerations  I  am  directed  to  express 
the  wishes  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  the  whole 
accounts  of  this  State,  with  the  Continent,  may  be  au- 
dited before  the  commissioners  at  Albany,  and  their  opi- 
nion that  it  will  upon  the  whole  be  most  advisable.  You 
will  be  pleased,  however,  to  assure  the  board  of  treasury 
that  they  will  pursue  with  cheerfulness  any  practicable 
method  which  may  be  more  satisfactory  for  the  final  ad- 
justment of  their  public  accounts,  if  the  reasons  before 
assigned  for  referring  them  to  the  commissioners  at  Albany 
shall  not  be  thought  conclusive. 

"  I  am,  Sir,  your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"  Fishkill,  6th  Deer.  1776. 

"  John  Gibson,  Esqr.  Auditor-Genl. 

of  the  United  States,  Phila." 

Nichs.  Brewer,  Junr.  Esqr.  and  Jeremiah  Clark,  two 
of  the  persons  appointed  to  procure  boats  and  scows  for 
the  public  service,  represented  that  they  find  difficulty  in 
procuring  men  and  boats  from  the  exorbitant  prices  de- 
manded, and  praying  that  the  Convention  would  establish 
regulations,  or  grant  them  instructions  relative  thereto. 


740 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Jeremiah  Clark,  Nichs.  Brewer, 
Junr.  John  Elmendorf  and  John  Teller,  who  are  appoint- 
ed to  hire  or  impress  boats  and  crafts,  for  the  purpose 
of  carrying  on  the  obstruction  in  Hudson's  river,  near 
Pollepel's  island,  be  respectively,  and  hereby  are,  direct- 
ed to  agree  for  and  allow  twenty-four  shillings  per  day 
for  each  good  sloop  of  the  burthen  of  forty  tons,  or  there- 
abouts, supplied  with  one  aclive  man  on  board  of  her,  and 
with  a  good  scow.  That  they  agree  for  and  allow  in  pro- 
portion, according  to  their  best  judgment,  for  sloops  of  in- 
ferior burthen,  or  those  without  a  hand,  or  without  a  scow, 
and  that  they  agree  and  allow  for  peltiaugers,  and  other 
small  vessels,  such  prices  as  they  may  think  a  reasonable 
allowance.  And 

Resolved,  That  they  be,  and  hereby  are,  authorized  and 
respectively  directed  to  impress  the  vessels,  boats  and 
scows  of  any  person  or  persons,  who  may  refuse  to  ac- 
cept of  such  hire  for  the  same,  as  above  mentioned,  hav- 
ing their  value  ascertained  by  appraisement,  as  heretofore 
directed  by  this  Committee. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Allison,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr. 
Canline,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Dunscomb,  be  a  committee 
to  devise  ways  and  means  for  procuring  salt  for  the  relief 
of  the  back  inhabitants  of  this  State,  who  are  greatly  dis- 
tressed for  want  of  that  article. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  resolution 
of  yesterday,  for  procuring  cannon  for  the  ships  in  Hud- 
son's river,  report,  that  it  is  their  opinion  it  would  be  im- 
prudent to  delay  the  casting  of  cannon  for  the  ships,  and, 
therefore,  that  the  resolution  to  have  cannon  cast  at  Sals- 
burv  be  reassumed. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  examine  the  pay 
roll  of  Capt.  Scribner's  company,  raised  in  Dutches  county, 
delivered  in  (he  same,  wherein  is  charged  their  pay  from 
the  limes  of  their  respective  enlistment  to  the  first  day  of 
December,  both  days  included.  Thereon  is  endorsed  an 
affidavit,  sworn  before  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice- 
President,  and  subscribed  by  the  said  Nathl.  Scribner,  that 


the  same  is  a  just  and  true  muster  and  pay  roll  of  his 
company  for  the  time  therein  specified,  containing  the 
names  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates of  the  said  company,  and  the  times  of  their  respec- 
tive enlistment  and  service. 

On  the  said  pay  roll  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate,  by  the 
said  committee,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  a  committee  appointed  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  to  audit  this  pay  roll,  do  certify  that 
we  have  examined  the  same,  and  allow  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-seven  pounds,  seven  shillings  and  four 
pence,  due  to  Capt.  Scribner. 

"  MAT.  ADGATE, 
"  BEN.  NEWKIRK, 
"ALEXR.  WEBSTER." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Nathl.  Scribner,  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  pounds 
seven  shillings  and  four  pence,  in  full  for  the  pay  of  his 
company,  to  the  first  day  of  December  included. 

A  billeting  roll  of  Capt.  Nathl.  Scribner's  said  compa- 
ny from  the  time  of  their  respective  enlistments  to  the  first 
day  of  December  included,  was  also  delivered  in  by  the 
said  committee  with  a  similar  affidavit  endorsed  thereon. 
Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate  by  the  said  commit- 
tee, in  the  words  following,  that  is  : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  a  committee  appointed  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  to  audit  this  billet  roll,  do  certify 
that  we  have  examined  the  same,  and  allow  the  sum  of 
eighty-seven  pounds  six  shillings  and  five  pence  due  to 
Capt.  Nathl.  Scribner. 

"  December  4th,  1776. 

"  BENJN.  NEWKIRK, 
"MAT.  ADGATE, 
"ALEXR.  WEBSTER." 
Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  pay  to  Capt. 
Nathl.  Scribner,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  eighty-seven 
pounds  six  shillings  and  five  pence,  in  full  for  the  billeting 
expenses  of  his  company,  to  the  first  day  of  December  in- 
clusive. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Deer.  6th,  1776. 

Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Presidt. 

General  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt, 
Mr.  Jay — For  New-York. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 

Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cutler,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Ray — Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu — Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutches. 

The  memorial  of  Col.  Hathorne,  stating  that  a  number 
of  disorderly  persons  had  forcibly  carried  away  his  salt 


from  the  store  of  William  Allison,  and  praying  relief,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  L'homme- 
dieu, Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr. 
Ray. 

A  letter  from  John  Elmendorf  to  the  Vice-President, 
dated  the  3d  Deer.  inst.  stating  that  he  cannot  accept  the 
trust  of  procuring  boats,  &c.  on  account  of  the  riots. 

Part  of  a  letter  from  John  Elmendorf  to  Mat.  Cantine, 
Esqr.  dated  the  4th  inst.  relating  to  riots  about  tea,  was 
read.    Referred  to  the  committee  above  named. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  yesterday 
be  revived  in  the  same  words,  and, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  on  government  retire  to 
consider  that  business. 

And  they  withdrew  accordingly,  and  the  remaining  mem- 
bers proceeded  as  a  Committee  of  Safety. 


186 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  A.  M. 

Deer.  6tk,  1776. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers — New- 
York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Rat— Ulster. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 

William  Duer,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  appoint- 
ed by  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  for  the 
purpose  of  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  con- 
spiracies which  may  be  formed  in  the  said  State  against 
the  liberties  of  America,  brought  in  the  report  of  the  said 
committee  in  the  case  of  Abraham  C.  Cuyler,  Esqr.  late 
Mayor  of  the  city  of  Albany,  which  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit. 

"  Captain  Piatt,  from  the  committee  to  whom  the  case 
of  Mr.  Abraham  C.  Cuyler,  late  Mayor  of  the  city  of 
Albany  was  referred,  applied  to  this  committee  to  know 
whether  they  should  examine  into  the  original  cause  of  his 
commitment,  or  only  inquire  whether  he  had  broken  his 
parol,  and  if  it  should  appear  that  he  had,  order  him  to 
be  sent  to  Connecticut,  or  such  other  place  of  confinement 
as  the  Committee  may  think  proper. 

"  Resolved,  That  if  it  shall  appear  that  Mr.  Cuyler 
has  broke  his  parol  in  leaving  Connecticut,  that  he  be 
ordered  by  the  Committee  to  such  place  of  confinement  as 
they  may  think  proper ;  and  that  if  he  has  reason  to  com- 
plain of  hard  treatment  in  his  original  commitment,  this 
Committee  will  at  their  leisure  inquire  into  it,  and  do  him 
ample  justice  ;  but  they  will  not  authorize  any  persons, 
under  pretence  of  obtaining  a  rehearing,  to  break  their  pa- 
rols  or  contemn  the  power  by  which  they  were  committed." 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  Representatives  of  this 
State  in  Committee  of  Safety  assembled,  do  agiee  with 
the  said  committee  for  detecting  und  defeating  conspiracies, 
in  their  said  report. 


A  letter  from  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  dated  this  day,  re- 
lating to  a  quantity  of  tar  and  a  number  of  tents,  belong- 
ing to  the  Continent,  which  are  wasting  and  rotting  on  a 
wharf  at  Fishkill  Landing,  was  read,  and  recommending 
Petrus  Bogardus  to  take  charge  of  the  said  articles. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Petrus  Bogardus  be  requested  and 
directed  to  take  charge  of  the  said  tar  and  tents,  and  have 
the  said  tar  coopered  and  preserved  from  wasting,  and  the 
tents  dried  and  preserved  in  the  best  manner,  until  further 
order,  or  the  person  whose  duty  it  is  to  take  charge  of 
them,  and  that  a  suitable  allowance  shall  be  made  to  him 
for  his  trouble ;  and  the  said  Petrus  Bogardus  is  hereby 
directed  to  obtain  the  best  information  in  his  power,  and 
report  to  this  Committee,  who  brought  and  left  the  said 
stores  at  that  wharf. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Heath,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — 1  am  directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  to  ac- 
knowledge the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  3rd  instant, 
and  assure  you  that  your  offers  of  assistance,  accompanied 
with  General  Washington's  approbation  of  your  generous 
aid  in  carrying  on  the  obstructing  of  Hudson  river,  and 
your  attention  to  the  passes  in  the  Highlands,  afford  them 
the  highest  satisfaction. 

"  The  sick  of  Col.  Bradley's  regiment  we  had  caused 
to  be  taken  care  of  by  a  physician  of  this  place,  until  Doc- 
tor McKnight  arrived  ;  and  be  assured,  sir,  the  non-atten- 
dance of  a  doctor  or  surgeon  was  not  ascribed  to  any  inat- 
tention of  yours.  Such  parts  of  the  unfinished  academy 
as  are  in  any  wise  lenantable  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
were  lately  assigned  for  a  distressed  party  of  sick  from 
General  McDougal's  brigade ;  but  we  are  informed  by 
William  Duer,  Esqr.  under  whose  direction  the  barracks 
between  Peekskill  and  this  place  are,  that  those  in  the 
north  entrance  of  the  Highlands,  and  also  that  near  Hoit's, 
intended  to  contain  upwards  of  one  thousand  men,  are  near- 
ly completed.  Those  who  are  sick  of  your  division  may 
now  be  made  comfortable  ;  and  if  the  building  of  any  other 
hospital  shall  be  necessary,  you  may  be  assured  the  Con- 
vention will  be  ready  to  afford  every  necessary  aid  in  their 
power  for  that  purpose. 

"  I  am  with  great  respect." 


744 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  application  of 
Doctr.  Hunlock  Woodruff,  for  a  place  of  cover  for  230 
troops  belonging  to  General  McDougal's  brigade,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Wildie,  now  lying  at  Peekskill,  and 
also  a  letter  received  from  General  Heath  of  the  3rd  instant, 
reported  the  following  resolve  : 

Resolved,  That  the  sick  soldiers  of  General  McDougal's 
brigade  now  lying  at  Peekskill,  be  permitted  to  occupy  such 
parts  of  the  academy  at  Fishkill  as  are  tenantable  for  an 
hospital,  until  they  can  be  otherwise  provided  for. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  7th,  1776. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rea — Ulster. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'Hommedieu— Suffolk. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  William  Heath,  major-general,  dated  6th 
Deer.  1776,  respecting  a  hospital,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  2nd  Deer.  1776, 
relative  to  the  obstructing  of  Hudson  river,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  L'Hommedieu  and  Mr.  Wisner  wait 
on  Mr.  Clinton  with  General  Schuyler's  letter,  and  Gene- 
ral Arnold's  letter  and  plan  of  obstruction. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  muster  roll  of  a 
company  raised  and  enlisted  in  this  State  by  Captain  George 
White,  as  a  part  of  the  second  battalion  of  Continental 
troops  raised  in  the  year  1775,  brought  in  the  said  muster 
roll.  Thereon  is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Gunning  Bed- 
ford, deputy  muster-master-general,  of  his  having  mustered 
said  company.  The  said  committee  reported  thereon,  that 
agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  pass- 
ed on  the  first  day  of  August,  1775,  they  allow  as  due  to 
the  said  Captain  George  White  and  his  subaltern  officers, 
the  sum  of  sixty-eight  dollars,  for  having  enlisted  a  com- 
pany of  sixty-eight  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  George  White  on  his  receipt,  for  the  use  of  himself 
and  the  late  subalterns  of  that  company,  the  sum  of  sixty- 
eight  dollars  in  full  for  enlisting  money  for  the  said  com- 
pany, pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  the  State  of  New-York  on  the  first  day  of  August, 
1775. 

A  muster-roll  of  Captain  Micah  Townsend's  company 
for  the  month  of  October,  and  a  pay  and  billeting  roll  of 
the  said  company  was  brought  in. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  rolls  be  committed  to  Mr.  Ad- 
gate, Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Webster  and  Mr.  Newkirk,  to 
examine  the  same  and  report  thereon. 

Mr.  Adgate  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  that  part  of 
the  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  12th  of 
November  relative  to  the  superintendence  of  the  poor, 
which  directs  a  letter  to  be  written  to  Govr.  Trumbull  to 
send  all  the  poor  of  this  State,  which  are  now  at  the 
charge  of  Connecticut,  into  Dutchess  county  in  this  State, 
be  repealed  and  obliterated. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Adgate  then  moved  for  the  following  amendment  to 
the  said  resolution,  to  wit: 

That  instead  of  the  Committee  writing  a  letter  to  Govr. 
Trumbull  for  the  removal  of  the  poor,  that  the  President 
be  directed  to  write  such  letter,  which  was  unanimously 
agreed  to. 


The  members  of  Tryon  county  informed  the  Committee 
that  a  sergeant  and  twelve  men  of  the  Tryon  county  rangers, 
who  have  been  sent  and  arrived  here  with  sundry  prisoners 
sent  to  this  place  by  the  Tryon  county  committee,  are  de- 
stitute of  either  money  or  provisions  to  support  them  in 
their  return  home  ;  that  they  have  a  considerable  sum  due 
to  them  for  rations ;  and  therefore,  requested  that  a  small 
sum  of  money  may  be  advanced  in  part  of  their  billeting 
and  subsistence  money,  to  support  them  in  their  return 
home. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  James 
Gwinell  or  order,  on  his  receipt,  for  himself  and  the  twelve 
rangers  with  him,  three  dollars  each,  vizt :  thirty-nine  dol- 
lars, in  part  of  their  billeting  and  subsistence  money,  to 
support  them  on  their  return  to  Tryon  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  clause  in  the  letter  to  Mr.  Hancock, 
relating  to  flaxseed,  be  obliterated. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  Deer.  7th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  V.  Prest. 
Mr.  Dunscomb— iVew-  York. 
Mr.  Rea — Ulster. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Little — Orange. 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Miller-Sw/To/fc. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,|Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  late  company  of  Captain  Micah  Town- 
send  from  the  2nd  of  October  to  the  31st  of  October,  both 
days  included,  and  a  billeting  roll  or  account  of  the  sub- 
sistence money  due  to  the  officers,  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers and  privates  of  the  said  company,  from  and  to  the  days 
aforesaid,  both  days  included,  were  brought  into  the  Com- 
mittee. Thereon  is  endorsed  an  affidavit  of  the  said 
Micah  Townsend,  sworn  before  the  Vice-President,  that 
the  said  rolls  were  a  true  muster  roll  of  his  company  for 
the  month  of  October,  containing  the  names  of  the  officers, 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  of  the  said  com- 
pany, and  the  times  of  their  respective  service  since  pay- 
ment of  their  wages. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Messrs.  Adgate, 
Webster  and  Newkirk. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  said  pay  and 
subsistence  rolls,  reported  that  they  had  examined  the 
same,  and  allow  to  Captain  Townsend,  on  the  said  pay 
roll  one  hundred  and  nineteen  pounds  twelve  shillings  and 
ten  pence  halfpenny;  and  also  that  they  allow  to  the  said 
Captain  Townsend  on  the  subsistence  roll  the  sum  of 
eighty-five  pounds  nine  shillings  and  three  pence  halfpenny. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Micah  Townsend,  on  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  pay 
remaining  due  to  himself  and  the  other  officers  and  men 
of  the  said  company,  one  hundred  and  nineteen  pounds 
twelve  shillings  and  ten  pence  halfpenny  ;  and  that  the  said 
Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  Micah  Townsend,  on  his  re- 
ceipt, the  further  sum  of  eighty-five  pounds  nine  shillings 
and  three  pence  halfpenny,  in  full  for  all  subsistence  or  al- 
lowance for  billeting  due  the  said  company. 
On  motion  of  R.  R.  Livingston, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  gentlemen  be  re- 
quested to  go  immediately  to  General  George  Clinton,  at 
New-Windsor,  and  vested  with  full  power,  in  conjunction 
with  General  Clinton,  to  call  out  the  militia  of  Orange  and 
Ulster  counties,  and  to  station  them  at  such  places  as  they 
think  will  contribute  most  to  the  safety  of  this  State  and 
the  general  interest  of  America. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  General 
Scott  and  Mr.  Duer,  be  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-Genl.  Schuy- 
ler, informing  him  of  the  intelligence  we  have  received, 
and  the  steps  we  have  taken,  and  requesting  him  to  embody, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


745 


and  if  possible,  clothe  all  the  recruits  arrived  in  the  county 
of  Albany,  and  send  them  down  to  this  place,  and  put  them 
under  the  direction  of  this  Convention — suggesting  the  pro- 
priety of  sending  down  as  many  of  the  troops  as  he  can 
possibly  spare  from  the  northward,  and  of  calling,  at  the 
same  time,  upon  the  rangers  of  Tryon  county  to  garrison 
the  fort. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

FishkiU,  Deer.  8th,  1776. 
("Special  Meeting.] 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  confusion  into  which  every  thing  has  been 
thrown  at  Philadelphia  by  the  enemy's  rapid  progress  has, 
we  suppose,  pievented  the  Congress  from  applying  to  us 
or  you  for  aid,  much  as,  at  present,  they  want  it,  of  which 
you  will  judge  when  we  inform  you  that  General  Howe  is 
at  Brunswick  with  10,000  men;  that  General  Washing- 
ton is  at  Trenton  with  an  army  of  about  6,000  strong. 
We  think  it,  therefore,  our  duty  to  mention  these  facts  to 
you,  and  to  entreat  you  by  that  regard  which  you  have 
hitherto  testified  for  the  glorious  cause  in  which  we  are  en- 
gaged, on  this  occasion  speedily  to  exert  your  whole  force. 

"  Should  6,000  men  cross  into  the  Jerseys,  where  Ge- 
neral Lee  now  is,  with  two  brigades,  and  unite  themselves 
to  him  or  General  Gates,  who  is  likewise  on  his  march 
with  some  troops,  the  panic  which  universally  prevails  in 
New-Jersey  would  be  removed.  A  considerable  body  of 
the  militia  would  probably  flock  in  to  your  assistance,  and 
the  enemy  shut  in  between  two  armies,  and  having  their 
supplies  cut  off,  might  dearly  pay  for  their  temerity. 

"  The  fleet  that  has  sailed  up  the  Sound  is  evidently  de- 
signed as  a  feint  to  draw  your  attention  from  the  object 
that  ought  principally  to  engage  it,  and  to  keep  any  part  of 
the  force  of  the  New-England  States  from  acting  where  it 
is  most  manifestly  wanted. 

'•  Though  this  embarkation  ought  not  to  be  neglected, 
yet  as  from  the  number  of  the  troops  in  New-Jersey  those 
that  have  gone  up  the  Sound  cannot  be  very  formidable. 
We  cannot  but  hope  that  so  fair  an  opportunity  of  distress- 
ing the  enemy  will  not  be  foregone,  especially  as  there  is 
no  telling  what  consequences  may  attend  the  enemy's  un- 
interrupted progress  through  a  country  by  no  means  free 
from  disaffection. 

"  All  that  can  be  expected  from  us,  in  our  present  weak 
and  dismembered  state,  has  and  will  be  done.  Nine  hun- 
dred of  our  militia,  well  armed  and  appointed,  are  already 
in  the  field,  and  occupy  some  passes  at  which  General 
Washington  has  directed  them  to  be  stationed.  The  mili- 
tia of  two  counties,  under  marching  orders,  are  put  under 
General  Heath's  command. 

"  You  will  be  pleased  to  write  immediately  to  the  eastern 
States  on  this  important  subject,  and  to  let  us  know  what 
number  of  troops  you  are  like  to  collect,  and  whether  we 
can  give  you  any  assistance  in  purchasing  or  forwarding 
provisions  for  them. 

"Yours,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  V.  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted  by  express. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
["secret.] 

"  FishkiU,  8th  Deer.  1776. 
"  Sir — An  officer  is  arrived  here  who  gives  the  follow- 
ing intelligence,  that  he  left  General  Washington  at  the 
head  of  between  five  and  six  thousand  men,  at  Trenton, 
last  Friday.  That  Genl.  Howe  was  then  at  Brunswick 
with  about  10,000  of  the  King's  troops  ;  that  there  had 
been  a  skirmish  near  Brunswick,  where  the  Hessian  Ge- 
neral, who  commanded  at  the  taking  Fort  Washington, 

187 


was  slain  ;  that  neither  the  Jersey  nor  the  Pennsylvania 
militia  had  joined  General  Washington,  who  proposed,  if 
not  soon  reinforced,  to  cross  Trenton  river;  that  the  Con- 
gress had  moved  to  Lancaster.  Genl.  Lee  marched  the 
day  before  yesterday,  with  about  3,000  men,  in  pursuit  of 
the  enemy,  and  there  is  a  flying  report  that  he  has  had  an 
engagement  with  them,  near  Hackensack,  in  which  they 
suffered  greatly.  General  Gates  is  to  march  with  some 
troops  from  the  northward,  to  join  him  or  General  Wa- 
shington. As  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  encourage 
the  militia  of  New-Jersey,  who  appear  to  be  dispirited,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  march  a  body  of  them  immediately  to 
their  assistance.  A  committee,  authorized  to  call  out  the 
'  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  and  to  post  them  to  the  best 
advantage  is  therefore  gone  over  to  New-Windsor,  to  con- 
fer with  General  George  Clinton. 

M  The  Convention  have  despatched  an  express  to  Go- 
vernor Trumbull,  with  the  above  intelligence,  strongly  urg- 
ing the  propriety  of  embodying  6,000  men  from  the  New- 
England  States,  in  order  to  cooperate  with  General  Wa- 
shington, by  falling  on  the  rear  of  the  enemy,  who  seem 
to  act  with  astonishing  temerity.  A  report  prevails  that 
70  of  the  enemy's  transports  have  proceeded  up  the  Sound, 
whether  as  a  feint  to  divide  the  American  forces,  or  with 
intention  to  land  at  Rhode-Island,  is  uncertain. 

"  The  Committee  of  Safety  have,  upon  this  intelligence, 
agreed  to  the  resolution  I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  If 
this  alarm  had  not  happened,  you  would  nevertheless  have 
been  requested  to  send  down  the  recruits  to  be  quartered 
and  disciplined  at  this  place,  where  there  are  barracks  for 
above  2,000  men  ;  they  are  there  too  under  the  eye  of  the 
Convention,  and  ready  to  defend  the  passes  of  the  High- 
lands, on  which  the  public  safety  much  depends.  They 
hope  the  measures  they  have  adopted  will  meet  with  your 
approbation.  There  can  be  no  use  in  publishing  this  in- 
telligence till  we  have  it  more  authentic.  It  may  dis 
courage  the  weak  and  wavering  at  a  time  when  all  the 
vigour  of  the  State  is  necessary. 

"  1  am,  with  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Vice- 
President,  and  transmitted. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  9th,  1776. 

Present— Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  V.  Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Harper — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate—  For  Jllbany. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 

Col.  Allison— Orange. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  General  Morris 
—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  John  Houston,  of  Col.  Gansevoort's  regiment,  the 
sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  on  account  of  bounty  money 
for  his  company. 

An  inventory  of  the  real  and  personal  estates  of  sundry 
persons  in  the  town  of  Salem,  who  have  gone  over  to 
the  enemy,  dated  Deer.  6th,  1776,  and  signed  by  Ezekiel 
Hawlev,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  said  town,  was  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane  prepare  a  draft  of  a  letter  to 
the  said  committee. 

Mr.  Duane  accordingly  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the 
chairman  of  the  said  committee  of  Salem,  which  was  ap- 
proved of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


740 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"Fishkill,  9th  Deer.  1776. 
"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  instant,  has  this  day 

been  laid  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  I  am  di- 
rected to  acquaint  you  that  they  highly  approve  of  the  con- 
duct of  the  committee  of  Salem,  and  of  the  prudent  mea- 
sures they  have  taken  to  ascertain  and  secure  from  waste 
and  embezzlement,  the  properly  of  the  disaffected  who 
have  joined  the  enemy.  They  request  that  you  will  con- 
tinue your  care  of  those  effects,  allowing  a  provision  to 
the  families  who  are  left  behind.  The  Committee  have 
under  consideration,  a  report  for  the  security  and  disposal 
of  all  estates  under  the  like  circumstances.  It  will  not  be 
long  before  you  shall  be  furnished  with  these  regulations. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Mr.  Ezekiel  Hawley, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Salem." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Vice- 
Piesident,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  Novr.  28, 
relative  to  the  abuse  in  the  weight  of  flour,  and  of  the 
estates  of  persons  who  have  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered  to  be  referred  to  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  and  Col.  Allison. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Inglis  (the  wife  of  the  Revd.  Mr. 
Inglis,)  directed  to  Mr.  Duane,  requesting  permission  to 
go  to  her  husband  who  is  in  the  city  of  New-York,  with 
her  family  and  effects,  was  read  and  filed,  and  committed 
to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Duane. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  appointed  by  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Slate  of  New-York,  in  Committee  of 
Safety  assembled,  agreeable  to  a  resolution  of  the  said 
Committee,  of  Deer.  8th,  1776. 

Present — Brigr.  Gen.  George  Clinton,  Brigr.  Gen. 
Scott,  R.  R.  Livingston,  Esq.  William  Duer,  Esq. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster 
counties  be  forthwith  ordered  to  march,  properly  armed 
and  accoutred,  and  with  four  days'  provisions,  to  Chester, 
in  Orange  county,  there  to  receive  further  orders  from 
Genl.  Geo.  Clinton,  for  effectually  cooperating  with  Ma- 
jor-Genl.  Lee,  and  Major-Genl.  Gates,  in  harassing  and 
distressing  the  enemy,  who  have  entered  the  State  of  New- 
Jersey  ;  that  the  said  militia  shall  be  allowed  Continental 
pay  and  rations,  and  one  penny  per  mile  in  lieu  of  rations 
till  they  come  to  the  place  of  rendezvous. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Geo.  Clinton  be  em- 
powered to  make  use  of  the  arms  and  accoutrements  be- 
longing to  this  State,  and  now  at  New-Windsor,  for  the 
purpose  of  equipping  such  of  the  said  militia  as  are  not 
armed. 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Malcolm  be  requested  and  autho- 
rized to  exert  all  the  influence  which  he  possibly  can,  to 
induce  the  men  under  his  command,  and  such  others  as  he 
can  procure,  and  engage  in  service  till  the  last  day  of  De- 
cember; and  that  he  be  annexed  to  the  brigade  commanded 
by  Brig.  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-Genl.  Geo.  Clinton,  be  em- 
powered to  give  a  gratuity  of  one  dollar  to  each  man  of 
Colo.  Malcolm's  regiment,  who  will  consent  to  remain  in 
service  till  the  last  day  of  December. 

And  whereas,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Honourable  Gene- 
ral Congress,  and  from  the  measures  pursued  by  the  ene- 
my, the  security  of  the  United  States  principally  depends 
upon  preventing  the  passes  of  the  Highlands  on  Hudson's 
river  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  yet  it  is  the 
firm  intention  and  the  earnest  desire  of  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  to  give  every  possible  assistance  to  any  of  their 
sister  States,  or  the  United  Slates  in  general,  consistent 
with  the  security  of  that  grand  object :  And  whereas,  the 
Committee  of  Safety  have  this  day  received  information 
that  Major-General  Lee  has  taken  post  at  Morristown,  in 
New-Jersey,  where  he  is  assembling  an  army  to  act  in 
concert  with  General  Washington  in  opposing  the  enemy, 
who  are  marched  towards  Philadelphia :  And  whereas, 


the  security  of  the  Highlands  on  the  west  side  of  Hudson's 
river  must  greatly  depend  on  the  militia  of  Ulster  and 
Orange  counties,  who  for  that  reason  ought  not  to  be  re- 
moved to  so  great  a  distance  from  the  passes  of  the  High- 
lands as  to  be  unable  to  oppose  any  further  designs  of  the 
enemy  in  that  quarter  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  General  George  Clinton,  in 
cooperating  with  General  Lee  and  General  Gates,  take 
especial  care,  at  all  events,  to  secure  the  said  passes ;  and 
in  case  he  shall  not  find  it  expedient  to  join  the  said  Gene- 
rals, he  nevertheless  march  into  the  State  of  New-Jersey 
as  far  as  he  shall  think  servicable,  consistent  with  the  pre- 
servation of  the  said  passes  ;  and  that  he  exert  himself  to 
the  utmost  in  collecting  the  militia  of  New-Jersey,  and 
raising  their  spirits,  and  in  overawing  and  curbing  the  dis- 
affected or  revolted  subjects  of  that  Stale,  when  called 
upon  by  the  civil  or  military  authorities  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  trans- 
mitted to  Genl.  Heath,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  give 
every  necessary  assistance  to  Genl.  George  Clinton  in  car- 
rying the  same  into  execution. 

Resolved,  That  the  regiments  commanded  by  Colo. 
Huntingdon  and  Colo.  Tyler,  may  wilh  safety  be  put  under 
the  command  of  Genl.  George  Clinton,  as  he  will  take 
care,  from  time  to  time,  in  case  the  motions  of  the  enemy 
should  require  it,  that  the  pass  at  Ramapough  should  be 
properly  secured. 

Resolved,  That  in  case  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  draw  off  the  above  mentioned  regiment  from  the 
pass  at  Ramapough,  that  he  be  empowered  to  supply  their 
place  with  as  many  of  the  militia  under  his  command  as 
he  shall  think  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton  march  (as  a  part  of 
the  troops  under  his  command,)  the  companies  of  rangers 
raised  in  the  county  of  Ulster  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Dewitt  and  Capt.  Hasbrouck. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  George  Clinton  should  be  sup- 
plied with  two  field  pieces,  foriy-five  thousand  cartridges, 
tents  for  fifteen  hundred  men,  and  as  many  small  arms  as 
shall  be  necessary  for  supplying  the  militia  who  may  stand 
in  need  of  them,  and  that  the  same  ought  to  be  issued  from 
the  Continental  store. 

Resolved,  That  a  deputy  commissary  and  one  assistant 
quarter-master-general  of  the  Continental  army,  should  at- 
tend the  brigade  of  militia  under  the  command  of  Genl. 
Geo.  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  six  thousand  pounds  be  ad- 
vanced to  Genl.  George  Clinton  from  the  Treasury  of  this 
State,  in  order  to  defray  any  expense  which  may  accrue 
in  the  execution  of  the  above  mentioned  resolutions,  and 
which  is  before  unprovided  for. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  sent  express  to  Major-Genl. 
Gates,  enclosing  copies  of  these  resolutions,  and  request- 
ing him  to  forward  copies  of  the  same  to  Major-Genl.  Lee. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  10th,  1776. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present — Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr,  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Ray—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  General  Morris—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

Mr.  Webster.  Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 

The  President  and  Vice-President  being  absent,  Mr. 
Cantine  was  unanimously  chosen  chairman  pro  tern,  and 
he  accordingly  took  the  chair. 

A  letter  from  General  McDougal,  dated  at  Haverstraw, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


747 


on  the  9th  December,  instant,  assigning  reasons  for  send- 
ing three  or  four  hundred  men  to  protect  Orange  Town  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  L'hom- 
medieu  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Tudor,  dated  at  Poughkeepsie,  on 
the  9th  day  of  December,  instant,  relative  to  the  articles 
wanted  for  the  equipment  of  the  ships  building  at  that  place, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Messrs.  Wisner,  Smith 
and  L'hommedieu. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Congress, 
dated  at  Philadelphia  on  the  4th  inst.  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

■  Phila.  4lk  Decbr.  1776. 

"We  received  Mr.  McKesson's  letter  dated  the  25th 
November.  We  have,  according  to  your  request,  applied 
to  Congress  for  leave  to  our  State  to  raise  another  battalion, 
to  be  commanded  by  Col.  Du  Bois,  which  is  agreed  to, 
and  a  resolve  to  that  purpose  is  enclosed ;  as  also  a  re- 
solve for  employing  five  aid-majors  at  the  expense  of  our 
State.  Blank  commissions  for  both  the  battalions  and  aid- 
majors  are  herewith  sent.  There  are  45  blanks,  a  few 
more  than  the  number  wanted,  to  serve  in  case  some  might 
be  spoiled  in  filling  up  ;  the  rank  of  the  officers  of  the  five 
battalions  is  with  you  to  settle  ;  the  Congress  does  not  in- 
terfere under  the  new  arrangement  in  the  rank  of  officers 
appointed  by  the  several  States. 

"  General  Washington  is  at  Trenton  with  his  army ; 
General  Coniwallis  at  Brunswick.  This  city  had  been 
in  great  confusion  for  some  days  ;  the  consternation  was 
great  from  an  apprehension  that  the  enemy  would  march 
into  this  place  ;  but  they  have  now  in  a  great  measure  re- 
covered their  spirits  and  are  marching  out  in  considerable 
numbers  to  join  General  Washington,  and  in  a  few  days 
our  army  will  be  strong  enough  to  face  the  enemy.  We 
have  no  accounts  where  our  troops  under  General  Lee  are 
at  present,  but  are  in  hopes  if  they  are  within  march,  as 
is  said,  that  Cornwallis  will  not  proceed  any  further  this 
way  too  speedily  ;  if  he  delays  a  very  few  days  longer, 
there  is  nothing  to  fear  from  him. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servts. 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  FRA.  LEWIS, 
"  WM.  FLOYD. 

'•'  To  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

A  resolution  of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  dated  the 
26th  of  November,  1776,  was  read  as  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures 
of  the  United  States  respectively,  to  pass  such  laws  as  will 
effectually  prevent  the  counterfeiting  or  forging  the  tickets 
of  the  public  lottery. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Another  resolution  of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  dated 
Novr.  30th,  1776,  was  also  read,  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  State  of  New- York  be  empowered 
to  raise  another  battalion  on  the  Continental  establishment. 
That  the  Convention  or  Council  of  Safety  of  New-York 
be  empowered  to  appoint  an  aid-major  to  each  of  the  bat- 
talions raised  by  that  State,  the  pay  and  expense  of  which 
to  be  borne  by  that  State. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolves  be  referred 
to  the  committee  of  arrangements. 

Resolved,  That  the  rangers  of  Tryon  county  be  allowed 
Continental  rations  instead  of  their  weekly  subsistence 
money,  during  the  time  they  remain  in  garrison. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of  in,  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


"  Fishkill,  Deer.  10th,  1776. 

"  Sir — By  a  return  express  from  Philadelphia,  we  have 
received  a  letter  from  our  Delegates,  dated  the  4th  instant, 
enclosing  a  resolution  of  Congress  for  enabling  this  State 
to  raise  a  fifth  battalion,  to  be  commanded  by  Col.  Du 
Bois,  which  was  applied  for  by  the  Convention.  Another 
resolution  of  Congress  is  also  transmitted,  directing  the 
respective  States  to  pass  acts  for  preventing  the  forgery  of 
lottery  tickets." 

"  The  following  extract  will  show  the  condition  of  the  two 
armies  on  the  date  of  the  Delegates'  letter : 

"  '  Genl.  Washington  is  at  Trenton  with  his  army  ;  Genl. 
Cornwallis  at  Brunswick.  This  city  has  been  in  great 
confusion  for  some  days  ;  the  consternation  was  great  from 
an  apprehension  that  the  enemy  would  march  on  to  this 
place  ;  but  they  have  now  in  a  great  measure  recovered 
their  spirits,  and  are  marching  out  in  considerable  numbers 
to  join  General  Washington  ;  and  in  a  few  days  our  army 
will  be  strong  enough  to  face  the  enemy.  We  have  no 
account  where  our  troops  under  General  Lee  are  at  pre- 
sent, but  are  in  hopes  they  are  on  their  march,  as  it  is  said 
that  Cornwallis  will  not  proceed  any  further  this  way  too 
speedily ;  if  he  delays  a  very  few  days  longer,  there  is 
nothing  to  fear  from  him.' 

"  You  will  have  the  pleasure  to  observe  that  the  report 
suggested  in  our  last,  that  Congress  had  removed  to  Lan- 
caster, was  without  foundation. 

"  General  Lee,  we  are  well  informed,  was  a  few  days 
since  at  Morristown,  where  he  is  assembling  a  force  to  act 
in  concert  with  General  Washington.  The  militia  of 
Orange  and  Ulster  are  ordered  to  march  under  the  com- 
mand of  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  to  cooperate 
with  General  Lee  ;  revive  the  spirits  of  the  New-Jersey 
militia  and  secure  the  passes  in  the  Highlands. 

The  Convention  are  of  opinion,  and  have  this  day  passed 
a  resolution,  that  the  rangers  of  Tryon  county  ought  to  be 
allowed  Continental  rations  instead  of  their  weekly  sub- 
sistence money,  during  the  time  they  shall  remain  in  gar- 
rison. 

"  I  am  directed  to  add  that  the  Convention  will  soon 
send  up  the  pay  which  is  in  arrear  to  the  rangers. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Gen-  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  V.  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  McDougal  was  read  and 
approved  of,  [and  is]  in  the  words  following,  to  wit , 

"Fishkill,  10th  Deer.  1776. 

"  Sir — We  received  your  favour  of  yesterday,  and  in 
answer  thereto  have  only  to  inform,  that  previous  to  the 
receipt  thereof,  we  ordered  a  large  body  of  troops  from  the 
counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  under  the  command  of 
Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  to  march  immediately 
through  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Bergen  in  order  to  pro- 
tect the  well  affected  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  to 
cooperate  with  General  Lee  as  far  as  shall  lie  in  his  power 
in  distressing  the  enemy,  raising  and  collecting  the  well 
affected,  and  harassing  and  overawing  the  disaffected  sub- 
jects of  the  State  of  New- Jersey.  We  submit  to  your 
prudence  how  far  and  to  what  persons  this  should  be"  di- 
vulged before  the  arrival  of  General  Clinton's  corps. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

'■'  Gen.  McDougai.." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  V.  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  11th,  L776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prese.nt — Malhew  Cantine,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers,  General  Scott.  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 


748 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 

Mr.  Cantinc,  Col.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  General  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  House  that  two  of  the  mem- 
bers of  Orange  county,  to  wit,  Doctor  Oulwater  and  Colo- 
nel Sherwood  (as  has  been  reported)  have  signified  their 
intention  of  not  attending  the  business  of  this  House  any 
longer  as  members  of  said  county. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  chairman  of  the 
county  of  Orange,  directing  him  to  request  the  attendance 
of  the  southern  members  of  that  county,  or  assign  reasons 
for  their  non-attendance. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  yesterday,  inform- 
ing the  Convention  of  a  flag  being  come  up  with  the  Revd. 
Mr.  Inglis  and  Mr.  Moore,  accompanying  a  number  of  let- 
ters to  persons  about  the  country,  was  read.  A  list  of  the 
letters  above  referred  to,  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

A  letter  from  the  Revd.  Charles  Inglis,  dated  8th  Deer, 
directed  to  Messrs.  Duane  and  R.  R.  Livingston,  soliciting 
a  permit  for  his  wife  and  family  to  remove  to  New-York 
with  such  parts  of  his  furniture,  books  and  papers  as  are 
at  New-Windsor. 

A  card  from  Mr.  Elliot  to  Mr.  Duane,  dated  6th  Deer, 
requesting  permission  for  his  son-in-law,  James  Jauncey, 
Junr.  with  his  wife  and  servants,  to  return  from  Middle- 
town  in  Connecticut,  to  New- York. 

A  similar  card,  of  same  date,  to  Mr.  Jay,  making  the 
same  request. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Watson,  dated  4th,  12  mo.  directed 
to  Daniel  Terboss,  respecting  the  sale  of  salt  and  purchase 
of  flax  seed. 

A  like  letter  of  same  date,  and  for  the  like  purpose,  to 
Daniel  Birdsall. 

A  long  letter  from  John  Moore,  dated  9th  Deer,  to 
Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  requesting  the  return  of  his  wife. 

A  letter  from  Phil.  J.  Livingston  to  James  Duane,  Esqr. 
John  Jay  and  others,  requesting  his  wife  and  family. 

A  letter  from  Phil.  Livingston,  Esqr.  dated  Pensacola, 
Jany.  1,  1776,  to  John  Paterson,  collector  of  Philadephia. 

A  letter  from  Jane  Knox  to  Capt.  Fred.  Hunt,  and  ano- 
ther to  Captain  Piemart,  requesting  her  goods. 

A  letter  from  Govr.  Tryon  to  Wm.  Smith,  dated  4th 
Deer. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Plenderleath  to  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr. 
A  letter  from  same  to  Mrs.  Smith. 
A  letter  from  H.  W.  to  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr.  dated  25th 
April. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Plenderleath  to  her  mother. 

A  letter  from  J.  Plenderleath  to  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr.  da- 
ted 25lh  April. 

A  further  set  of  resolutions,  relative  to  Gen.  George 
Clinton  and  the  militia  ordered  out  yesterday,  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster  coun- 
ties, ordered  to  be  raised  by  the  resolution  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State,  passed  the  9th  day  of  December  instant, 
do  not  march  further  south  than  Haverstraw,  or  west  than 
Ringwood,  till  the  further  orders  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Malcom,  with  the  militia  under  his 
command,  be  annexed  to  Generai  George  Clinton's  bri- 
gade. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  im- 
mediately transmitted  to  Gcnl.  George  Clinton. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Heath  being  read,  inform- 
ing the  Convention  that  he  was  ordered  to  go  over  with  his 
division  to  the  west  side  of  Hudson  river,  by  which  the 
defiles  in  the  Highlands  will  be  exposed. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration  : 


Resolved,  That  the  safety  of  this  State  and  the  general 
interest  of  America,  require  that  the  defiles  in  the  High- 
lands on  both  sides  of  Hudson  river  should  be  carefully 
and  strongly  guarded. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  his  Excellency 
General  Washington,  enclosing  the  resolutions  passed  on 
Monday  last,  stating  the  dangers  attending  the  leaving  the 
passes  through  the  Highlands  unguarded,  and  requesting 
that  the  order  for  General  Heath's  division  to  march,  may 
be  countermanded. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  letter  go  by  express,  who  shall 
be  and  hereby  is  empowered  to  impress  horses  every  ten 
miles,  and  to  ride  night  and  day,  both  going  and  returning. 

Resolved,  That  if  the  express  shall  go  and  return  in  less 
than  six  days,  that  he  shall  be  paid  three  pounds  per  day 
over  and  above  his  wages,  for  every  day  short  of  that  time 
in  which  he  shall  perform  the  same  ;  that  is,  if  he  shall 
perform  the  same  in  five  days,  he  shall  receive  three  pounds; 
if  in  four  days,  six  pounds. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Washington,  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fishkill,  Uth  Deer.  1776. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency  the  enclosed  re- 
solves, by  which  it  will  appear  that  we  have  made  every 
exertion  in  favour  of  our  sister  States,  which  our  present 
situation  will  admit ;  but  we  are  extremely  sorry  to  find, 
by  a  letter  received  last  night  from  General  Heath,  that  he 
is  ordered  over  to  the  western  shore,  by  means  of  which 
the  most  important  passes  in  America  will  be  left  unguard- 
ed, though  within  a  short  distance  of  the  army.  Your  Ex- 
cellency must  be  fully  satisfied,  that  though  they,  by  march- 
ing through  the  flat  country,  may  distress  the  inhabitants, 
yet  that  that  measure  will  be  productive  of  nothing  deci- 
sive ;  whereas  the  fate  of  this  country  will  probably  de- 
pend upon  their  occupying  the  State  of  New-York,  which 
is  now  in  a  great  measure  abandoned  to  them.  We  must 
therefore  take  the  liberty  to  entreat  your  Excellency  to 
countermand  an  order  which,  in  our  humble  opinion,  is  put- 
ting every  thing  to  the  hazard,  and  leave  the  northeastern 
parts  of  Jersey  to  be  strengthened  in  the  way  proposed  by 
the  within  resolutions.  If  your  Excellency  should  not  be 
inclined  to  grant  this  request,  we  must  beg  to  be  favoured 
with  an  immediate  answer,  that  we  may  not,  by  suffering 
our  militia  to  march,  leave  this  State  entirely  defenceless, 
and  thus  abandon,  with  ourselves,  the  cause  of  America. 
Your  Excellency  will  pardon  the  freedom  with  which  we 
write.  Our  sanguine  hopes  of  creating  a  very  considera- 
ble diversion  by  the  means  pointed  out  in  the  enclosed  re- 
solves, without  endangering  the  safety  of  this  State,  are. 
by  the  orders  to  General  Heath,  entirely  vanished. 

"  I  have  the  honor,  &c. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  chair- 
man, and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  letters  following,  to  wit :  A 
letter  from  Governor  Tryon  to  Wm.  Smith,  Esqr.  ;  a  let- 
ter from  Mrs.  Plenderleath  to  the  same  ;  a  letter  from  the 
same  person  to  Mrs.  Smith ;  a  letter  from  H.  W.  to  Wil- 
liam Smith,  Esqr. ;  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Plenderleath  to  Mrs. 
Smith  ;  a  letter  from  the  same  person  to  William  Smith, 
Esqr.  and  a  letter  from  the  same  person  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Smith,  which  were  sent  severally  open  but  enclosed  toge- 
ther, be  enclosed,  sealed  up,  and  certified  by  the  President 
to  have  been  sealed  up  in  Convention  without  having  been 
perused.  Also  that  the  letter  from  John  Moore  to  his  wife, 
and  the  letter  from  Mrs.  Verplanck  to  her  husband,  be  in 
like  manner  enclosed,  sealed  up,  and  certified  ;  and  that  all 
the  said  letters  be  sent  to  the  respective  persons  to  whom 
they  were  written. 

Several  letters  which  were  sent  up  to  this  Convention 
by  Major-General  Heath,  as  having  been  conveyed  to  him 
by  a  flag  of  truce,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  liberty  for 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


749 


sundry  persons  to  go  with  their  effects  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Yates  and  General  Scott,  to  take  the  said  letters. 

Also  a  letter  from  James  Jauncey,  Junr.  and  a  memorial 
of  Frederick  Phillipse,  being  read,  was  referred  to  the  same 
committee  ;  as  also  the  case  of  Lady  Johnson,  and  that 
the  said  committee  report  on  the  matters  aforesaid  with  all 
convenient  speed. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Convention  that 
he  was  informed  by  Abraham  Livingston,  son  of  Philip 
Livingston,  Esqr.  that  his  said  father  had  directed  him  to 
inform  the  Convention,  that  in  consequence  of  his  long  ab- 
sence from  his  family,  he  will  be  under  the  necessity  of 
leaving  the  Congress,  for  the  purpose  of  visiting  his  family 
at  Esopus. 

Resolved,  That  General  Morris  be  directed  to  repair  to 
Philadelphia,  and  take  his  seat  in  General  Congress,  in 
order  that  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  may  be  enabled  to  visit 
his  family. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  delivered  in  the  report  on  Samuel 
Tudor's  letter,  relative  to  De  Grushe,  which  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from 
Samuel  Tudor,  of  the  9th  inst.  humbly  report  the  follow- 
ing letter  and  resolution  : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  have  received  yours  of  the  9th 
instant.  They  approve  of  your  proposal  to  appoint  Mr. 
De  Grushe  to  do  the  business  you  mention,  and  have  accor- 
dingly directed  him  to  repair  to  Poughkeepsie  for  that  pur- 
pose. You  will  be  pleased  to  hire  Mr.  Ivers's  tools  on  the 
most  favourable  terms  in  your  power.  The  Convention 
would  have  you  to  proceed  with  all  possible  despatch  in 
making  the  gun-carriages.  You  cannot  be  at  a  loss  for 
the  measure  of  the  guns,  since  it  will  lay  with  you  to  give 
the  necessary  directions  for  making  them.  Mr.  Rut- 
gers declines  having  any  agency  in  fitting  out  the  ships  ; 
nor  do  we  conceive  that  any  other  agent  is  necessary,  than 
those  already  employed,  as  the  business  is  by  no  means  so 
extensive  as  it  was;  you  may  agree  with  Mr.  Hendricks 
to  visit  the  store  once  a  day.  We  again  repeat  to  you,  that 
it  is  essentially  necessary  for  the  security  of  the  Slate,  that 
the  ships  be  fitted  for  service  by  the  spring.  The  Con- 
vention wish  to  know  why  the  cables  and  anchors  ordered 
to  General  Clinton  have  not  yet  been  sent. 

"  Resolved,  That  Mr.  De  Queshe  be  directed  to  repair 
to  Poughkeepsie,  to  assist  in  preparing  the  rigging  of  the 
Continental  ships  at  that  place,  and  that  he  be  allowed  the 
same  wages  as  Mr.  Ivers. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  William  Har- 
per, Major  Lockwood  and  Mr.  Wisner,  be  a  committee  for 
the  purpose  of  furnishing  General  George  Clinton  with 
ammunition,  and  other  necessaries,  for  the  use  of  his  bri- 
gade. 

Mr.  Wisner  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  following 
resolutions  : 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  Deputies  of  this  State,  as 
by  reason  of  the  enemy's  progress  cannot  have  access  to 
the  committees  of  their  respective  counties,  be  authorized 
and  empowered,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  em- 
powered, to  draw  upon  and  receive  from  the  Treasurer  of 
this  State,  such  sums  of  money  as  have  been  severally  al- 
lowed to  the  Representatives  of  this  State,  for  their  atten- 
dance in  the  Convention  of  the  same,  and  the  Treasurer 
take  receipts  for,  and  place  such  sums  to  the  debits  of  such 
counties,  whose  members  shall  receive  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  motion  be 
referred  to  Mr.  Moore,  Col.  Williams,  Mr.  Adgate  and 
Mr.  Ray. 

188 


A  certificate  signed  by  General  James  Clinton  and 
others,  certifying  the  manner  in  which  ihe  chain  intended 
to  obstruct  Hudson  river  broke,  from  which  it  appears 
the  fault  is  not  in  the  smiths'  work,  was  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee formerly  appointed  to  examine  and  fix  the  chain. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  12th,  1776. 

The  Committee  met. 

Present — Matthew  Cantine,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Mbany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Milter— For  Suffolk. 

Col.  De  Wit,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rhea— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Little—  For  Orange. 

Major  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Major  Lockwood,  General  Morris— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions — For  Cumberland. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Terboss  be  and  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed to  receive  and  take  the  charge  of  and  preserve  all 
such  hides  as  shall,  from  time  to  time,  be  sent  to  Fishkill 
Landing  by  Stephen  Ward,  Esqr.  agent  for  the  purpose 
of  purchasing  hides  ;  and  that  Mr.  Isaac  Van  Wyck  be  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  to  receive,  take  charge  of  and  pre- 
serve all  such  hides  as  Mr.  Ward  shall,  from  time  to  lime, 
send  to  Fishkill  by  land  ;  and  that  Major  Terboss  and  Mr. 
Van  Wyck  shall  be  allowed  a  reasonable  compensation  for 
their  trouble  and  expense  in  executing  this  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Stephen  Ward,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds,  on 
account  of  hides  by  him  purchased  for  the  use  of  this 
State. 

The  petition  of  the  general  committee  of  Westchester 
county,  praying  for  relief;  that  Rogers  with  his  rangers 
may  be  drove  off,  &c.  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Mr.  R. 
R.  I/ivingston,  Major  Lockwood,  General  Morris  and  Mr. 
Morris. 

The  committee  appointed  to  credit  the  pay  rolls  of 
Tryon  county  rangers,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read,  amended  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Yates,  ihe  chairman  of  the  government  committee, 
gave  notice  that  the  said  committee  will  report  this  day 
eight  days. 

Mr.  Yates  requested  I  hat  Mr.  McKesson  be  directed  to 
attend  the  committee  to  copy  said  report. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  House  that  it  has  been  repre- 
sented to  him  that  Colonel  Blackwell  and  Major  Jonathan 
Lawrence,  members  of  the  Convention  of  this  State  for 
the  county  of  Queens,  are  willing  to  give  their  attendance 
if  this  House  will  receive  them,  notwithstanding  the  said 
county  is  in  possession  of  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  write  letters  to  those  gen- 
tlemen, requesting  their  attendance  as  members  for  the  said 
county. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
the  general  committee  of  Westchester  county,  read  this 
day,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  George  Clin- 
ton, which  was  approved  of,  [and  is]  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt  : 

"  Sir — The  Convention,  on  the  application  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  Westchester  county,  who  complain  of  inroads 
made  upon  them  by  a  party  of  rangers  under  the  com- 
mand of  Major  Rodgers,  have  come  to  a  resolution  to  de- 
spatch Colonels  Malcom  and  Thomas  with  iheir  regiments, 
who  will  be  joined  by  some  of  the  militia  of  Westchester 
county  and  three  companies  of  rangers,  in  order  to  fall 
upon  the  troops  of  the  enemy  and  remove  the  stock  and 


750 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


grain  from  the  said  county.  You  will  be  pleased  therefore  | 
immediately  to  give  the  necessary  orders. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  To  Brigadier-Gen.  Geo.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  allow  unto  Samuel 
Loudon  for  printing  and  publishing  in  a  weekly  newspaper, 
such  acts  ;ind  publications  as  they  or  this  Convention  or  fu- 
ture Legislature  of  this  State  shall  direct,  and  which  shall  fall 
within  the  compass  of  such  newspaper,  after  the  rate  of 
two  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  in  quarterly  payments ; 
and  that  the  first  quarterly  payment,  commence  and  be  ad- 
vanced to  him  on  his  publishing  his  first  newspaper ;  and 
that  the  said  salary  be  payable  by  warrants  drawn  by  the 
President  of  the  Convention,  and  to  be  continued  for  one 
year,  provided  the  said  paper  shall  so  long  be  regularly 
published. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  certificate  of  General  James 
Clinton  and  others,  (relative  to  the  chain,)  which  was  re- 
ceived and  read  yesterday,  was  referred,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read  and  approved.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  to  obstruct  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  Hudson  river,  be  directed  to  pay  the  black- 
smiths who  made  the  chain  which  was  lately  drawn 
across  the  said  river,  according  to  their  agreement  with 
them. 

Resolved,  That  the  Chairman  of  this  Committee  write 
a  letter  to  Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  requesting  him,  that 
if  it  shall  be  consistent  with  his  instructions  from  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  he  immediately  repair  with 
his  troops  under  his  command  to  this  State,  in  order  to 
oppose  the  ravages  of  the  enemy  in  the  county  of  West- 
chester. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Livingston  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

[Secret.]  "  Fishkill,  11th  December,  1776. 

"  Sir — It  is  apprehended  that  a  successful  attack  may 
be  made  against  such  of  the  enemy  principally,  if  not 
solely,  consisting  of  Rogers'  rangers,  as  are  now  ravaging 
without  restraint  or  remorse,  the  suffering  inhabitants  of 
the  county  of  Westchester.  I  am  therefore  directed  to 
request  you,  if  it  is  in  any  wise  consistent  with  your  in- 
structions from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  im- 
mediately to  repair  to  this  State  with  the  troops  under  your 
command,  in  order  to  cooperate  with  the  forces  which  are 
embodying  for  this  expedition.  I  need  not  add,  that  no 
time  is  to  be  lost,  as  the  operations  of  the  enemy  in  New- 
Jersey  give  a  favourable  opening  for  a  sudden  and  vigour- 
ous  enterprise,  which  we  have  no  reason  to  expect  will  be 
of  long  continuance. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obdt.  humb.  servt. 

"  By  order,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Chair- 
man, and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Little  be  added  to 
the  committee  appointed  on  the  12th  ulto.  for  taking  care 
of  the  poor  in  this  State. 

An  account  of  rations  furnished  to  the  prisoners  of  war 
lately  stationed  at  Poundridge,  amounting  to  one  hundred 
and  seven  dollars  and  f  £ths  of  a  dollar,  computed  at  /^ths 
of  a  dollar  per  ration,  was  read.  Thereto  is  annexed  a 
charge  of  $134.90  for  taking  care  of  Jeremiah  Reerdor  and 
Caesar  Freeman  ;  and  of  two  dollars  and  ||  for  medicine 
and  attendance  by  Doctor  Benjamin  Miller ;  which  last 
charges  fortaking  care  of  the  sick  and  for  medicines, 
the  Secretaries  of  the  Convention  alleged  they,  as  com- 


missaries, are  not  authorized  to  discharge  without  the  or- 
der of  this  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  or  any  one  of  them,  dis- 
charge the  said  account  for  medicine  and  attendance  at  the 
same  time  that  they  discharge  the  account  of  rations,  and 
charge  the  same  in  and  with  the  said  account. 

Major  Lockwood  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety 
that  he  had  paid  three  dollars  to  the  messenger  he  sent 
lately  with  intelligence  to  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
pay  the  said  three  dollars  to  Major  Lockwood,  and  charge 
the  same  to  this  Committee. 

The  covenant  of  the  Convention  of  the  New-Hampshire 
Grants,  held  at  Dorset  on  the  twenty-fifth  of  September 
last,  was  read. 

Extracts  from  the  minutes  of  the  said  Convention  held 
at  Dorset,  were  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Cum- 
berland county,  dated  the  21st  day  of  July  last. 

And  on  request  of  Mr.  Duane  and  the  members  of  Cum- 
berland, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  and  are  heieby  discharged  from 
that  committee  ;  but  that  on  request,  they  attend  the  said 
committee  to  give  them  information  of  the  temper  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Charlotte,  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  coun- 
ties, or  any  other  matter  proposed  to  the  gentlemen  dis- 
charged from  the  committee. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

Deer.  13th,  1776. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Matthew  Cantine,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Gent.  Scott 
Mr.  Robt.  Harper — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates — Albany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray,  General  George 
Clinton — Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Mollis — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Col.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Duer,  one  of  the  committee  appointed  on  the 
inst.  to  go  to  New-Windsor  and  concert  measures  with 
General  George  Clinton,  relative  to  calling  out  the  militia 
of  Orange  and  Ulster  counties  to  join  General  Gates  or 
General  Lee,  reported  a  letter  which  he  had  wrote  to  Ge- 
neral Gates  ;  the  said  letter  is  dated  at  Dobson's  tavern, 
Deer.  9th,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — Since  the  resolutions  which  are  referred  to  and 
enclosed  in  the  above  letter  were  agreed  to,  General  Clin- 
ton and  myself  were  requested  by  the  committee  to  pro- 
ceed to  Goshen,  where  we  understood  you  were  expected 
this  in  order  to  know  the  routes  which  the  troops 

under  your  command  propose  taking,  and  confer  with  you 
on  other  matters  which  are  the  object  of  these  resolutions. 
I  am  sorry  we  are  not  fortunate  enough  to  meet  with  you; 
but  from  the  intelligence  we  have  received  from  your  Aid- 
de-camp,  Major  Pierce,  and  from  the  route  General  Lee 
has  taken  through  ,  we  find  that  the  intention 

of  both  your  armies  is  to  join  General  Washington,  and 
not  to  form  a  separate  army,  in  order  to  fall  on  the  enemy's 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


751 


rear.  In  compliance,  therefore,  with  his  orders,  General 
Clinton  will  be  under  the  necessity  of  conforming  himself 
to  the  object  specified  in  the  resolution  marked  No.  7,  un- 
less he  should  learn  from  General  Lee  or  yourself  that 
your  intentions  are  to  form  another  army  on  the  rear  of  the 
enemy. 

"  For  this  purpose  he  desires  me  to  inform  that  he  will 
immediately  order  his  troops  to  rendezvous  at  the  place  call- 
ed the  City,  near  in  Orange  county,  at  the  parting 
of  the  roads  which  leads  to  Tappan  and  Pyramus,  when 
he  will  be  ready  to  obey  your  orders,  as  far  as  they  are 
consistent  with  the  object  of  the  enclosed  resolutions.  The 
force  he  will  have  with  him,  will  consist  of  about  fifteen 
hundred  men. 

"  By  the  latest  account  we  hear  that  General  Washing- 
ton is  daily  receiving  strong  reinforcements  from  the  mili- 
tia of  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania  ;  in  consequence  of  which, 
he  may  probably  be  induced  to  form  an  army  for  the  pur- 
pose of  hanging  on  the  enemy  in  rear.  he  made 
acquainted  with  the  measures  pursued  by  the  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  I  have  therefore  to  request  the  favour  of  you  to  have 
copies  of  the  Committee's  letter  to  you,  of  the  enclosed 
resolutions,  transmitted  immediately  by  express  to  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  and  to  Major-Gen.  Lee, 


in  order  that  they  may  pursue  such  measures  as  they  shall 
judge  best  calculated  for  the  general  good. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

WM.  DUER. 

"  Major-Gen.  Gates. 

"Dobson's  Tavern,  Deer.  iHh,  1776,  i 
"  10  o'clock  at  night."  $ 

The  resolutions  of  yesterday,  relative  to  the  Westches- 
ter expedition,  after  some  time  spent  thereon,  were  recom- 
mitted to  the  same  committee,  and  to  General  Scott  and 
Colonel  Drake. 

General  George  Clinton  informed  the  Committee  that 
General  Schuyler  has,  by  letter,  informed  him  that  he  had 
directed  the  committee  of  Albany  to  forward  timber,  boards 
and  tar,  for  the  obstruction  of  Hudson  river.  The  Com- 
mittee are  farther  well  informed,  that  logs  sufficient  for  that 
purpose  are  easily  obtained  near  the  place  of  obstruction, 
and  from  experiments  already  made,  at  a  much  cheaper 
rate  than  they  can  be  procured  from  Albany,  and  perhaps 
cheaper  than  even  the  transportation  from  thence. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-General 
Schuyler,  requesting  him  to  countermand  procuring  the 
logs  he  has  ordered,  but  to  direct  the  boards  and  tar  to  be 
forwarded. 


[A  portion  of  the  proceedings  appears  to  be  missing.] 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COMMITTEE    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

At  Fishkitt,  January  1st,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment 

Present— Brigadier-General  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Gen.  Scott,  Mr.  Dcnscomb — New-York. 

Gen.  Ten  Broeck — Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Tappin,  Col.  Paulding—  Ulster- 
Mr.  James  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

An  additional  clause  to  the  letter  from  this  Committee 
of  Safety  on  the  28th  ultimo,  to  His  Excellency  General 
Washington,  was  read  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  added  to  the  said  let- 
ter, and  that  the  same  be  inserted  in  the  minutes  of  this 
Committee  on  the  said  28th  of  December,  as  an  addition 
to  the  letter,  but  dated  as  of  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  deliver  the  colours  of  the 
first  regiment  of  New-York  troops  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice to  General  Ten  Broeck,  to  be  by  him  delivered  to 
Colonel  Van  Schaick. 

Whereas  the  presence  of  Egbert  Benson,  Esquire, 
chairman  of  the  county  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  is  at 
this  critical  juncture  conceived  to  be  so  important  in  the 
county  that  it  might  greatly  prejudice  the  public  service  if 
he  should  be  sent  abroad  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson  be  excused  from  going  to 
Congress  and  to  General  Washington,  agreeably  to  the 
order  or  resolution  of  this  Committee  on  the  twenty-third 
day  of  December  last. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  have  been  informed  of  your  Excellency's 
order  to  General  Heath,  to  march  to  the  grand  army  on 
the  banks  of  the  Delaware,  with  the  troops  under  his  com- 
mand, excepting  only  about  twelve  hundred  of  the  eastern 

189 


militia.  On  this  occasion  we  beg  leave  to  lay  before  your 
Excellency  the  true  situation  of  this  State.  It  formerly 
consisted  of  fourteen  counties,  of  which  five  and  a  part  of 
the  sixth  are  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  a  considera- 
ble part  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  counties  of  Gloucester, 
Cumberland  and  Charlotte  appear  determined  to  shake  off 
their  dependance  upon  us,  so  that  above  one  half  is  lost ;  of 
the  remainder,  a  considerable  proportion  is  disaffected,  and 
ready  upon  a  favourable  opportunity  to  join  the  enemy. 
We  lately  applied  to  General  Schuyler  for  some  of  the 
northern  troops  to  defend  the  passes  in  the  Highlands  and 
protect  the  inhabitants  of  Westchester,  who  were,  notwith- 
standing General  Spencer's  and  Wooster's  troops,  cruelly 
harassed  by  seven  hundred  rangers  under  the  command 
of  Colonel  Rodgers.  He  then  informed  us  that  no  troops 
could  be  spared  from  that  quarter,  and  advised  us  by  no 
means  to  call  on  any  of  the  militia  of  our  northern  counties, 
as  he  conceived  it  to  be  extremely  probable  that  the  enemy 
would  attack  Ticonderoga  this  winter,  as  soon  as  the  frost 
had  rendered  the  lakes  passable. 

"  Your  Excellency  well  remembers  that  we  are  to  raise 
three  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty  men  for  the  Con- 
tinental service.  The  amount  of  the  fighting  men  in  that 
part  of  the  State  belonging  to  us  is  not  more  than  fifteen 
thousand ;  whereof,  after  deducting  our  Continental  pro- 
portion, there  will  not  remain  above  eleven  thousand  ;  of 
which  one  half  at  least  lying  to  the  northward,  the  re- 
mainder is  not  at  furthest  above  five  thousand  five  hun- 
dred men,  many  of  whom  are  disaffected  and  others  poor, 
and  in  such  a  situation,  that  if  called  away  as  militia,  their 
families  must  perish  for  want  of  bread,  fuel,  &c.  Add  to 
this  that  in  the  next  campaign  a  great  part  of  the  wheat  to 
supply  the  Continental  army  must  come  from  this  State. 
It  is  all  now  in  the  sheaf  and  must  be  threshed,  and  brought 
to  market  during  the  continuance  of  the  snow.  Under  all 
these  disadvantages,  we  have  ordered  the  raising  one  thou- 
sand men  to  defend  the  passes  in  the  Highlands,  of  which 
we  do  not  expect  that  upwards  of  eight  hundred  can  take 
the  field,  while  the  defence  of  those  passes  requires  at  least 
four  thousand. 

"  Of  the  eastern  militia,  which  hath  been  so  long  ex- 
pected, only  two  regiments  have  yet  arrived.  General 


754 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Howe,  we  have  been  informed,  hath  above  five  thousand 
troops  in  New-York,  which  together  with  the  garrison  of 
Fort  Washington,  Rodgers's  rangers,  and  such  troops  as 
might  perhaps  be  collected  from  Jersey,  will  make  no  in- 
considerable army.  On  the  other  hand,  if  a  considerable 
body  of  men  under  an  active  commander  are  posted  in 
Westchester,  the  enemy  will  not  venture  to  leave  New- 
York  without  a  strong  garrison ;  or  if  they  do,  then  it  may 
be  easily  taken  from  them. 

"  We  are  well  informed  that  the  British  army  in  New- 
Jersey  are  cantoned  out  in  small  parties  at  Bordentown, 
Trenton,  Princeton,  Brunswick,  Elizabeth  Town,  New-Ark 
and  Hackensack ;  and  of  consequence  may  be  easily  at- 
tacked at  some  or  other  of  those  places.  We  are  happy  to 
add  to  these  observations,  that  we  can  congratulate  your  Ex- 
cellency on  the  advantage  you  have  taken  of  their  dispersed 
situation  ;  and  on  the  whole,  we  submit  to  your  Excellen- 
cy, whether  it  will  be  proper  to  call  all  the  troops  to  the 
southward,  and  by  that  means  expose  the  barracks,  stores, 
cannon,  &c.  in  this  State,  together  with  all  ihe  interior 
country,  against  which  as  we  are  informed  from  different 
quarters,  an  attack  is  now  meditated  by  the  enemy. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  His  Excellency  General  Washington.'' 

Ordered,  1'hat  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  a  messenger. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Brigadier-General  Clinton,  dated  the  twenty-eighth  day  of 
December,  the  information  given  to  Convention  by  Gene- 
ral Scott  and  Colonel  Allison,  and  the  letter  from  Colonel 
P.  R.  Livingston,  dated  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  Decem- 
ber, brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  adopted  and 
agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  be 
ordered  and  empowered  immediately  to  direct  the  raising 
of  one  thousand  men,  by  drafts,  or  in  such  other  ways  as 
may  to  him  appear  most  equitable  and  expeditious,  out  of 
the  counties  of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Orange  and  Westches- 
ter, to  continue  in  service  till  the  last  day  of  March  next. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  respective  coun- 
ties above  mentioned,  together  with  the  general  and  field 
officers  of  the  militia,  in  their  respective  counties,  do  assist 
in  raising  the  said  thousand  men. 

Resolved,  That  they  be  raised  out  of  each  county  in  the 
following  proportions  :  three-tenths  of  Dutchess,  two-tenths 
by  Westchester,  two-tenths  by  Orange,  and  three-tenths 
by  Ulster. 

Resolved,  That  the  troops  so  to  be  raised,  be  divided 
into  two  regiments,  and  that  the  officers  of  the  said  regi- 
ments be  nominated  to  this  Convention  by  General  George 
Clinton,  out  of  the  officers  of  those  four  counties  who  have 
heretofore  been  at  service. 

Resolved,  That  such  men  belonging  to  General  George 
Clinton's  brigade,  as  have  reenlisted  until  the  last  day  of  Fe- 
bruary next,  be  considered  as  part  of  the  said  two  regiments, 
and  deducted  from  the  proportion  to  be  raised  in  the  several 
counties  to  which  they  respectively  belong  ;  and  that  after 
the  said  first  day  of  February,  thev  be  discharged,  and  if 
necessary,  others  raised  in  their  stead,  from  the  said  coun- 
ties respectively. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  troops  be  allowed  Continen- 
tal pay  and  rations. 

Resolved,  That  whenever  any  soldier  belonging  to  the 
above  mentioned  regiments,  shall  reenlist  in  either  of  the 
Continental  battalions  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  that  he 
shall  be  suffered  to  join  the  battalion  into  which  he  is  so 
enlisted. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  sent 
by  express  to  General  George  Clinton;  that  he  be  further 
informed  that  the  Convention  have  requested  Major-Gene- 
ral  Heath  to  take  effectual  measures  to  guard  the  passes 
in  the  Highlands,  on  both  sides  of  Hudson's  river,  and  ac- 
quaint him  with  the  difficulty  of  retaining  the  militia  of 
Ulster  and  Orange  counties  any  longer  in  service. 


Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Scott  and  William 
Duer,  Esqr.  be  a  committee  to  converse  with  General 
Heath,  on  the  matters  contained  in  the  above  letter  to  His 
Excellency  General  Washington,  and  that  he  be  furnished 
with  a  copy  thereof,  and  be  requested  to  defer  his  march 
till  an  answer  is  obtained  thereto,  or  some  effectual  means 
provided  for  the  security  of  the  passes  in  the  Highlands. 

Resolved,  That  the  men  under  the  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant Bower,  being  enlisted  to  remain  in  the  district  of 
the  Manor  of  Livingston,  ought  not  to  be  removed. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  with 
the  aid  of  the  general  and  field  officers,  and  committees  of 
the  said  respective  counties,  do  devise  and  carry  into  exe- 
cution such  measures  as  shall  appear  to  them  most  effec- 
tual for  arming  such  of  the  said  thousand  men,  during  the 
service  aforesaid,  as  are  destitute  of  arms. 

Resolved,  That  one  penny  per  mile  be  allowed  to  each 
non-commissioned  officer  and  private  of  the  said  one  thou- 
sand men,  in  lieu  of  all  rations,  on  their  march  from  their 
respective  abodes  to  the  place  of  rendezvous. 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  copies  of  these 
resolutions  to  be  transmitted  to  General  Heath  and  General 
George  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  Convention  ap- 
pointed to  procure  clothing  for  the  Continental  troops  rais- 
ing in  this  State  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  directed  and  em- 
powered to  take  such  of  the  clothing  now  in  the  possession 
of  Mr.  Grant,  storekeeper  at  Fishkdl,  as  will  be  sufficient 
to  complete  the  clothing  of  the  said  troops,  and  that  the 
Committee  of  Safety  will  indemnify  Mr.  Grant  for  the  de- 
livery thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  do  proceed  on  the  busi- 
ness above  mentioned,  and  do  with  all  possible  despatch, 
return  to  this  Committee,  an  inventory  of  the  goods  by  them 
taken  as  aforesaid,  countersigned  by  the  said  storekeeper, 
(they  giving  to  him  a  receipt  for  the  said  goods,)  to  the 
end  that  the  said  inventory,  together  with  these  resolutions, 
be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  and 
to  the  Quarler-Master-General. 

Ordered,  That  a  mittimus  be  issued  for  committing  Cap- 
tain Ford  to  the  jail  of  Dutchess  county,  at  Poughkeepsie; 
there  to  remain  till  he  be  thence  discharged  by  due  course 
of  law. 

The  Secretary  prepared  a  draft  of  a  mittimus  which  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following  to  wit: 

"  By  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York,  > 
"  Fishkill,  January  1st,  1777.  $ 
"  To  the  Keeper  of  the  common  jail  of  Dutchess  county: 

"  Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Committee  of  Safety,  that 
Captain  Phineas  Ford  is  charged  on  oath,  with  having  fe- 
loniously plundered  the  goods  and  chattels  of  Talman  Pugs- 
ley,  John  Martine,  and  sundry  other  subjects  of  this  State, 
in  the  county  of  Westchester  ;  you  are  therefore,  hereby 
commanded  to  receive  into  your  custody,  the  body  of  the 
said  Phineas  Ford,  and  him  safely  keep  in  the  jail  afore- 
said, until  he  shall  be  thence  delivered  by  due  course  of 
law. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety." 

A  copy  thereof  was  engrossed  and  signed  by  the  chair- 
man. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Stewart,  of  Col.  Dubois's  regi- 
ment, send  a  corporal  with  a  small  guard  to  convey  Captain 
Phineas  Ford  to  Poughkeepsie  jail,  and  safely  deliver  him 
to  the  keeper  of  the  said  jail. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  James  Weeks  be,  and  is  hereby 
appointed  sergeant-at-arms  to  the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Morris  Hazard  be  immediately  appre- 
hended, and  detained  in  custody  by  the  sergeant-at-arms 
until  the  further  order  of  this  Committee,  or  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State,  to  answer  for  a  contempt  offered  to 
the  President  and  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of 
this  State,  by  insulting  and  maltreating  the  President  on 
the  road. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Malachi  Treat,  be  requested  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


755 


attend  Major-General  Heath,  and  represent  to  him  the  dis- 
tressed state  of  the  sick  of  the  Continental  army  near  Fish- 
kill,  and  endeavour  to  prevail  on  General  Heath  to  direct 
part  of  the  blankets,  sheets  and  beds  formerly  seized  out 
of  the  stores  of  his  Britannic  Majesty  and  now  at 
or  any  other,  to  be  sent  for  their  relief,  and  that  General 
Heath  be  requested  to  advance  so  much  money  to  the  di- 
rectors of  the  hospital  at  or  near  Fishkill,  as  will  enable 
them  to  procure  proper  food  and  other  necessaries  for  the 
relief  of  the  said  sick. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colonel  Lewis  Dubois  or  his  order,  the  further  sum  of  one 
thousand  five  hundred  pounds  for  the  recruiting  service  of 
his  regiment,  and  take  his  receipt  to  account  for  the  same. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JO  VIS,   10  HO.  A.  M, 

January  2nd,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — General  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Gil.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Try  on. 

Mr.  Tappin,  Mr.  Rea — Ulster. 

Mr.  LilUe — Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

James  Livingston,  Esquire,  was  unanimously  chosen 
Chairman  until  the  arrival  of  the  President  or  Vice-Presi- 
dent. 

An  account  of  John  R.  Livingston  against  this  State  for 
bounty  on  powder  made  before  the  ninth  day  of  June  last, 
and  amounting  to  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  was 
produced  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tappin  and  Mr.  Moore  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  said  account,  and  compare  it  with  the 
resolutions  giving  a  bounty  on  the  manufacture  of  gunpow- 
der, and  report  thereon. 

Whereas  the  State  of  New-York  had  lately  made  six 
new  brass  fieldpieces,  six  pounders,  for  the  defence  of  the 
State,  which  have  been  removed  out  of,  and  at  a  distance 
from  the  State,  with  the  Continental  army ;  and  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  are  informed  [that]  General  Heath  is 
about  to  remove  the  fieldpieces,  now  at  Peeks  Kill,  out  of 
this  State  : 

Resolved,  That  Major-General  Heath  be  requested  to 
direct  that  an  equal  number  of  brass  fieldpieces,  six  pound- 
ers, be  left  at  Peekskill,  for  the  defence  of  this  State,  if 
consistent  with  the  public  service,  until  those  belonging  to 
the  State  are  returned,  or  they  may  appear  less  necessary 
for  its  defence,  than  at  present. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mrvjor-General  Heath  was  read  and 
approved  of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Sir — The  Convention  direct  me  to  enclose  you  a  re- 
solution relating  to  some  brass  cannon,  which  were  cast  at 
the  expense  and  for  the  use  of  this  State.  As  these  can- 
non were  taken  by  His  Excellency  General  Washington 
to  the  southward,  and  as  you  are  about  to  march  into  Jer- 
sey with  a  great  part  of  the  troops  under  your  command, 
where  you  will  probably  choose  to  take  a  considerable  part 
of  the  Continental  cannon  you  have  with  you,  we  should 
thereby  be  deprived  of  these  necessary  weapons  of  defence, 
which  we  are  confident,  sir,  you  will,  with  your  usual  can- 
dour, acknowledge  to  be  highly  unjust.  We  are,  therefore, 
to  entreat  you  that  you  will  leave  some  light  fieldpieces  at 
Peekskill,  for  the  use  of  the  State,  which  will  much  oblige 
the  Convention. 

"  I  am  your  most  humble  servant. 
"  Major-General  Heath." 


Ordered  That  the  Chairman  sign  a  copy  thereof,  and 
that  it  be  transmitted. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  see  Lady 
Mary  Johnson  fixed  in  a  place  of  residence,  report  to  this 
Committee  their  proceedings  in  pursuance  of  that  appoint- 
ment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Mathias  B.  Miller  be  and  is  hereby 
appointed  surgeon  to  Colonel  David  Sutherland's  regiment 
of  militia,  which  is  in  actual  service. 

The  Committee  of  Safely  are  informed  that  a  certain 
John  Davis,  a  native  and  inhabitant  of  Middletown,  in  Con- 
necticut, and  now  or  late  a  soldier  in  Colonel  Bradley's  re- 
giment, from  Connecticut,  is  at  the  door  of  the  Committee 
with  the  small  pox  breaking  out  upon  him,  whereof  he 
desires  information  may  be  given  to  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Little,  two  of  the 
committee  for  taking  care  of  the  poor,  provide,  or  direct 
to  be  provided,  proper  lodgings,  wherein  to  place  the  said 
John  Davis  until  his  recovery  ;  and  that  the  said  commit- 
tee report  their  proceedings  and  expense,  in  pursuance  of 
this  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  respective  committees  appointed  to 
report  a  proclamation  for  a  general  fast,  and  a  proclamation 
of  a  general  pardon  to  all  persons  who  have  joined  the 
enemy,  and  shall  return  within  a  limited  time,  do  bring  in 
their  respective  reports  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  report  an 
ordinance  of  sequestration  of  the  estate  of  such  persons 
as  have  gone  over  to  or  joined  the  enemy,  report  to-mor- 
row. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  to 
enable  the  several  county  committees  to  defray  their  con- 
tingent charges,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel  Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  at 
Claverack,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"  Sir — By  a  resolution  passed  the  day  of  Novem- 
ber last,  you  were  appointed  a  commissioner  to  borrow  mo- 
ney for  the  use  of  the  Continent,  agreeable  to  order  of  the 
third  day  of  October  last. ;  since  which  we  have  not  heard 
whether  you  accepted  the  commission,  or  have  done  any 
thing  in  execution  thereof.  We  wish  to  hear  from  you  as 
soon  as  possible  on  this  subject,  as  a  matter  of  so  much 
importance  ought  not  to  be  neglected. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Colonel  Henry  Van  Rensselaer." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  John  Schenk,  Esquire,  by  Mr.  Samuel 
Patrick,  together  with  an  account  of  the  said  Samuel  Pa- 
trick, against  Fort  Montgomery,  was  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  account  be  referred 
to  Colonel  Tappen  and  Mr.  Gelston,  who  are  hereby  di- 
rected to  examine  into  the  same  and  report. 

Resolved.  That  the  members  of  Convention,  who  com- 
pose the  committee  for  appointing  and  arranging  the  offi- 
cers of  the  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State,  do 
immediately  attend  this  Committee  of  Safely. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  1 0  ho.  a.  m. 

January  3rd,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esquire,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Robert  Harper— New- York- 
Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk— 
Dutchess. 


75<i 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Reed,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Moore,  appointed  yesterday  to  provide  lodgings  for 
John  Davis,  a  discharged  soldier  from  Colonel  Bradley's 
regiment  of  Connecticut  troops,  and  having  the  small  pox, 
reported  to  the  Committee  that  he  has  placed  him  at  the 
house  of  Samuel  Baxter,  near  Wappinger's  kill. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Chevers  be  requested  to  lend  to 
Captain  Stewart,  of  Colonel  Dubois's  regiment,  arms  and 
ammunition  for  four  men,  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  a 
prisoner  to  Poughkeepsie  jail ;  the  said  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion to  be  returned  to  Colonel  Chevers  on  the  return  of  the 
said  guard. 

Mr.  Morris  informed  the  Committee  that  the  sergeant- 
at-arms  is  at  the  door  with  Morris  Hazard  in  his  custody, 
pursuant  to  the  order  of  yesterday. 

Ordered,  That  the  sergeant-at-arms  bring  his  said  pri- 
soner to  the  bar  of  this  House. 

The  prisoner  being  brought  to  the  bar,  was  informed  by 
the  Chairman,  that  he  is  charged  with  a  contempt  offered 
to  the  President  and  Convention  of  the  representation  of 
this  State  of  New-York,  by  insulting  and  mal-treating  the 
President  on  the  road. 

Morris  Hazard,  on  his  part,  says,  that  he  turned  his 
horse  out  of  his  road,  but  the  horse  being  fractious  got  into 
the  road  and  came  toward  the  President,  which  occasioned 
the  dispute  ;  that  he  did  not  know  the  President ;  that  what 
he  said  was  inadvertently,  and  that  he  is  very  sorry  for  it ; 
he  denies  of  having  told  the  President  he  knew  him. 

The  prisoner  was  informed  that  his  account  of  his  con- 
duct differs  materially  from  the  information  given  by  Ge- 
neral Ten  Broeck,  and  he  is  at  liberty  to  have  any  evi- 
dence called  in  for  his  justification  or  mitigation  of  his  of- 
fence. 

The  prisoner  says  Mr.  David  Clarkson,  Junr.  was  the 
only  witness  present ;  that  he  is  now  in  Jersey,  and  that 
he  is  sorry  for  his  conduct. 

The  prisoner  withdrew. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Morris  Hazard  did  insult 
the  President. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Mr.  Hazard  be  called  in, 
and  that  he  ask  pardon  of  this  House  for  the  insult  he  of- 
fered to  the  President,  and  through  him  to  the  Representa- 
tives of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Morris  Hazard  came  in,  and  at  the  bar  of  the  House 
asked  pardon  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged  from  the  custody  of  the 
sergeant-at-arms,  on  paying  to  the  sergeant  his  fees. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Orange  Town,  Deer.  24th,  1776. 
"  Dear  Sir — Since  my  letter  of  yesterday  morning,  I 
have  been  visiting  the  different  battalions  of  militia,  and 
finding  them  so  exceeding  uneasy  that  I  am  afraid  that  not- 
withstanding every  thing  that  can  be  said  and  done,  the 
people,  or  at  least  many  of  them,  will  go  home.  The  situa- 
tion of  their  families  is  so  very  distressing  that  no  argument 
can  prevail  with  them.  Many  of  them  left  their  families 
without  wood,  without  meal  and  without  fodder  at  home 
for  their  cattle,  as  many  of  those  near  the  drowned  land 
depend  entirely  on  those  meadows  for  support  of  their 
stock,  many  of  their  families  without  shoes  at  home,  and 
some  of  them  little  better  here  for  the  above,  and  many 
other  reasons,  I  am  sure  you  will,  as  far  as  possible.  A 
large  number  of  cattle  in  Orange  have  lately  been  bought 
up  for  the  Philadelphia  market,  which  I  am  afraid  will 
cause  a  scarcity  of  beef.  I  beg  your  advice,  whether  it 
will  not  be  best  to  stop  the  cattle  for  the  use  of  the  army. 


I  am  determined  to  stop  them  till  I  hear  from  you.  I  shall 
go  home  to-morrow. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"  HENRY  WISNER." 
Resolved,  That  this  Committee  do  approve  of  Mr.  Wis- 
ner's  conduct  relative  to  the  said  cattle  mentioned  in  this 
letter. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Tappen 
and  Mr.  Little,  to  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Hobart  and  Landon,  dated  at 
Peekskill  on  the  2nd  instant,  relative  to  the  militia  ordered 
to  North  Castle  ;  and  enclosing  a  printed  copy  of  the 
American  Crisis,  No.  1 ,  which  letter  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

"  Peekskill,  January  2nd,  1777. 

"  Sir — It  gives  me  real  concern  to  observe  the  militi 
coming  in  so  slowly,  especially  as  these  posts  are  to  ba 
left  by  the  eastern  militia,  who  are  ordered  to  New-Jersee 
to  harass  the  army  against  General  Washington  ;  who,  by 
express,  has  informed  General  Heath  that  Count  Donop  was 
retreating  towards  South  Amboy  ;  that  his  own  army  was 
reinforced  and  become  very  respectable  ;  that  the  van,  un- 
der the  command  of  Generals  Ewen  and  Cadwallader, 
had  crossed  the  Delaware  ;  that  he  should  follow  with  the 
Continental  troops  as  soon  as  they  were  recovered  of  their 
fatigue  ;  that  he  had  ordered  the  Generals  McDougal  and 
Maxwell  to  harass  the  enemy  in  flank,  and  desired  Gene- 
ral Heath  to  cross  over  with  the  troops  at  this  post  and 
endeavour  to  drive  them  from  the  eastern  part  of  New- 
Jersey,  it  being  the  General's  intention  to  force  them  back 
to  New-York,  if  possible,  or  at  least  to  confine  them  to  the 
sea-coast  of  New-Jersey,  and  by  that  means  straighten 
them  in  their  quarters.  We  flatter  ourselves  that  this 
favourable  turn  in  our  affairs  will  forward  the  recruiting 
service,  and  that  the  battalions  will  soon  be  completed  ;  that 
we  may  have  a  body  of  troops  to  oppose  the  enemy,  should 
they,  in  the  rage  of  disappointment,  attempt  the  passes  on 
this  side  the  river,  little  or  no  dependence  being  to  be 
placed  on  the  militia. 

"  We  wish  the  Convention  would  order  down  a  number 
of  the  addresses  or  proclamations,  to  be  distributed  in  this 
county.  Enclosed  we  send  you  the  American  Crisis,  No. 
1,  and  we  are, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servts. 

"JOHN  HOBART, 
"JONTH.  LANDON. 

"  Honble.  Abraham  Ten  Bkoeck,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Convention." 

The  American  Crisis,  No.  1,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Loudon  reprint  the  said  pamphlet, 
and  this  Committee  of  Safety  engages  to  take  of  him  one 
thousand  copies. 

Resolved,  That  the  bounty  by  a  resolution  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  ninth  day  of  June,  1775,  directed  to  be  given 
for  all  gunpowder  manufactured  within  this  State  until  the 
ninth  day  of  June,  1776,  be  and  hereby  is  extended  to  all 
gunpowder  manufactured  as  aforesaid,  from  that  time  until 
the  ninth  day  of  June,  1777. 

An  affidavit  of  Abraham  Theal,  relative  to  the  conduct  of 
Malcom  Morrison  ;  the  petition  of  John  Bloomer,  of  Mar- 
maroneck,  confined  in  jail  of  Springfield,  in  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  Bay  ;  the  proposal  of  Cadwallader  Coldcn 
as  to  his  future  conduct,  if  he  may  be  permitted  to  reside 
on  his  farm,  and  a  letter  from  John  Bcebe,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Kings  district,  and  H.  B.  Whiting,  of  Kings 
district,  dated  30th  December,  1776,  complaining  of  an 
improper  appointment  of  militia  officers,  were  all  respec- 
tively read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  affidavit,  letter  and  papers  be 
referred  to  the  committee  for  inquiring  into,  detecting  and 
defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  in  this  State ;  and 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  be  ordered  to  report  their 
opinion  on  the  letter  from  John  Bcebe  and  H.  B.  Whiting. 

A  member  handed  to  the  Chairman  the  following  letters, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


757 


which  were  brought  by  one  Henry  Franklin,  from  Long 
island,  to  wit,  a  letter  directed  to  the  Honble.  William 
Smith,  Esquire  ;  one  other  letter  directed  to  Colonel  Robert 
Livingston  ;  one  other  directed  to  Mr.  Henry  Livingston, 
at  Colonel  Robert  Livingston's,  and  one  other  directed  to 
the  Countess  of  Sterling. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Mor- 
ris examine  and  inspect  those  letters. 

Mr.  Tappen,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  account  of  Samuel  Patrick,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Samuel  Patrick  : 

"  Resolved,  That  they  have  perused  the  said  account 
and  the  minutes  of  this  Convention,  and  find  that  Captain 
John  Schenk  hath  been  appointed  an  agent  by  this  Con- 
vention to  supply  the  articles  included  in  the  said  account. 
And  it  appears  to  your  committee,  by  a  letter  of  the  said 
Captain  Schenk,  that  he  hath  agreed  with  the  said  Mr. 
Patrick  for  the  same,  at  the  prices  the  Honorable  General 
Congress  do  or  did  allow  at  the  time  the  articles  were  de- 
livered at  Fort  Montgomery  ;  but  as  the  prices  on  the 
several  articles  charged  in  the  said  account  do  appear  very 
high,  and  your  committee  have  not  had  it  in  their  power  to 
be  informed  of  the  prices  given  for  such  articles  by  the 
General  Congress,  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  the 
said  account  ought  to  be  paid  by  the  Paymaster-General, 
as  General  Washington  has,  by  his  letter  to  this  Conven- 
tion, dated  September  12th,  1776,  approved  of  the  appoint- 
ment of  Captain  Schenk  and  of  the  articles  ordered  by  this 
Convention  to  be  supplied  by  him." 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  agree  with 
their  committee  in  the  said  report. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts  brought  in  the  ac- 
count of  Thomas  Pettit  by  them  allowed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Tho- 
mas Pettit,  in  full  for  his  services  as  doorkeeper  of  the 
Convention,  to  the  31st  day  of  December,  and  his  account 
of  disbursements,  the  sum  of  £36  Os.  6d.  agreeable  to 
his  account,  and  audited  and  reported  this  day  by  the  com- 
mittee for  auditing  accounts. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  brought  in  the  ac- 
count of  Uriah  Mitchell,  messenger,  by  them  allowed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Uriah 
Mitchell  the  sum  of  forty-seven  pounds  eight  shillings,  in 
full  for  his  services  as  an  express  rider  to  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  agreeable  to  the  report  of  the  committee  for 
auditing  accounts,  delivered  in  this  day. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from 
Brigadier-General  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  brought  in  their  re- 
port, which  was  read,  amended  and  adopted.  Thereupon 
the  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  and  entered  into  the  reso- 
lutions following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  the  greater  part  of  the  privates  in  Col. 
Graham's  regiment  of  militia,  living  in  Rhinebeck  precinct, 
in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  within  this  State,  and  being 
disaffected  to  the  same,  did  on  the  30lh  day  of  December 
last  not  only  refuse  to  obey  the  resolutions  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State  of  the  twenty-first  of  December  afore- 
said, by  which  they  were  ordered  to  march  to  the  defence 
of  the  passes  in  the  Highlands,  but  did  also  most  contuma- 
ciously prevent  those  who  were  well  affected,  from  obeying 
the  said  resolutions  :  And  whereas  it  is  essentially  neces- 
sary to  the  well  being  of  civil  society  that  the  laws  of  such 
society  be  in  all  things  duly  executed,  and  that  disobedience 
to  the  commands  and  denial  of  the  authority  of  the  Le- 
gislature, be  punished  as  well  to  awe  the  guilty  as  to  deter 
others  from  engaging  in  such  pernicous  designs  : 

Forasmuch  therefore  as  the  said  disaffected  persons  in 
the  militia  aforesaid,  have  openly  disavowed  the  authority 
of  that  government  derived  from  and  instituted  by  the  peo- 
ple of  this  State,  and  shamefully  broken  the  faith  by  them 
through  their  Representatives  to  the  said  government 
pledged,  and  refusing  to  march  to  the  defence  of  their  own 

190 


wives,  children  and  estates,  and  of  the  liberties  of  this 
State  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  militia  be  forth- 
with compelled  to  march  according  to  the  form  and  effect 
of  the  said  resolutions  of  the  21st  of  December,  that  is  to 
say,  that  one-third  part  of  the  said  militia  do  march  to 
New-Windsor,  one-third  part  thereof  to  Peekskill,  and 
one-third  part  thereof  to  North  Castle  ;  and  although  the 
Convention  repose  the  highest  confidence  in  the  zeal  and 
activity  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Dutchess,  yet 
as  the  number  of  which  that  body  consists,  would  render 
it  very  expensive  and  burdensome  for  them  to  execute  the 
following  resolutions  : 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Egbert  Benson,  David 
Johnston,  Walter  Livingston,  Ephraim  Paine,  Ezra  Thomp- 
son, Jacobus  Swartwout  and  Israel  Thompson,  Esquires, 
or  any  four  of  them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed, 
commissioners  to  execute  these  resolutions  ;  being  em- 
powered to  take  to  the  advice  and  assistance  the  commit- 
tee of  Rhinebeck  precinct  aforesaid,  whensoever  and  as 
often  as  they  think  proper,  and  have  every  power  which 
may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  executing  these  reso- 
lutions ;  and  that  each  of  them  be  allowed  the  sum  of  ten 
shillings  per  day,  for  their  maintenance  during  the  time  in 
which  they  shall  be  employed  therein. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  two  regiments  of  mi- 
litia belonging  to  the  north  end  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  be 
dismissed  by  General  Clinton  from  their  present  duty, 
and  that  two  hundred  men  be  drafted  thereout,  and  put  un- 
der the  command  of  a  field  officer,  and  ordered  to  repair  to 
the  Flats  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess, 
on  the  13th  day  of  January  instant,  and  that  they  be  under 
the  direction  of  the  above  mentioned  commissioners. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners  do 
cause  the  said  militia  to  muster  at  such  times  and  places 
as  they  shall  in  their  discretion  think  proper,  and  that  they 
be  empowered  to  levy  a  fine  not  exceeding  thirty  pounds, 
from  such  of  the  said  militia  as  shall  neglect  or  refuse  to 
appear  at  such  times  and  places  respectively,  and  that 
the  amount  of  such  fines  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  this 
State. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  empowered,  to  take 
such  ways  and  means  as  they  in  their  wisdom  shall  think 
proper  to  cause  the  said  militia  to  march  in  the  manner 
above  directed ;  and  in  case  the  said  militia,  or  any  part 
thereof,  shall  prove  refractory,  and  obstinately  refuse  to 
obey  the  authority  of  this  State,  that  in  such  case  the  said 
commissioners  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  directed  and  en- 
joined to  cause  the  said  detachment  to  fire  upon,  and 
otherwise  treat  them  as  open  enemies  to  this  State. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners 
be,  and  they  hereby  are,  directed  and  empowered  to  take 
such  ways  and  means,  as  they,  in  their  discretion,  shall 
think  proper,  to  discover,  arrest  and  secure  the  principals 
in  the  said  riot  and  disaffection ;  and  for  that  purpose,  they 
be  empowered  to  send  for  persons  and  papers. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  empowered  to  tender 
to  such  persons  in  the  precinct  aforesaid  as  they  may  think 
proper,  the  following  oath  of  allegiance,  to  wit : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  do  most  solemnly  swear  that  we 
renounce  all  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ;  that 
we  will  be  good  and  true  subjects  to  the  State  of  New- 
York  ;  that  we  will  be  good  to  the  utmost  of  our  power, 
defending  the  said  State  against  the  enemy,  and  that  we 
will  discover  all  plots  and  conspiracies  against  it,  which 
may  come  to  our  knowledge  ;  and  we  pray  God  Almighty 
so  to  help  us,  as  we  do  faithfully  and  sincerely  keep  this 
oath." 

And  that  they  be  further  directed  and  empowered  to  dis- 
arm and  secure  such  of  those  who  shall  refuse  to  take  and 
subscribe  the  said  oath,  as  they,  in  their  discretion  shall 
think  meet. 


758 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved  unanimously,  That  all  and  every  person  and 
persons  so  as  aforesaid  arrested  and  secured  by  the  said 
commissioners,  be  sent  to  the  common  jails  of  the  counties 
of  Ulster  and  Dutchess,  and  the  jailers  of  the  said  jails  are 
hereby  directed  to  receive  and  keep  all  such  persons  in 
custody,  in  the  manner  by  the  said  commissioners  directed. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
do  pay  to  Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred pounds,  for  the  use  of  the  said  commissioners,  to  de- 
fray the  expenses  of  executing  these  resolutions. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners 
be,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  empowered  to  billet 
the  detachment  of  troops  aforesaid,  as  they  shall  think  pro- 
per. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  commissioners  do 
make  return  to  this  Convention  of  the  manner  of  executing 
these  resolutions. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  for  executing 
the  preceding  resolutions,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Reposing  an  especial  trust  and  confi- 
dence in  your  abilities,  discretion,  activity  and  zeal  for  the 
cause  of  American  freedom  and  independence,  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  hath  appointed  you  to  be  commis- 
sioners for  executing  the  enclosed  resolutions.  You  are  to 
attend  at  Rhinebeck  Flats,  at  the  house  of  Jacob  Tremper, 
on  Sunday  the  twelfth  instant,  and  requested  to  keep  this 
matter  a  secret. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To 

"  Commissioners." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted  by  a  messenger. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  till  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATT,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  4th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esquire,  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  General  Clinton— Ulster. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — 
Dutchess. 

Col.  Brake,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Session,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  brought  in  the  ac- 
counts of  Sampson  Duyckman,  one  of  the  riders,  audited 
and  allowed  for  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen  pounds, 
in  full  for  his  services  as  an  express  rider. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Sampson  Duyckman  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifteen 
pounds,  in  full  for  his  services  as  an  express  rider  to  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  to  the  third  instant,  agreeable  to 
his  accounts,  and  report  of  the  committee  thereof,  read  and 
approved  this  day. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Petrus  Ten  Broeck 
forthwith  order  the  militia  in  Rhinebeck  precinct  to  be 
warned,  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  an 
hour's  warning,  and  that  the  sergeants  who  warn,  be  di- 
rected to  mention  to  each  man,  that  if  he  should  abscond, 
or  depart  from  home,  without  leave  of  the  commanding 
officer  of  his  company,  or  not  appear  when  warned,  a  fine 
of  thirty  dollars  will  be  levied  on  his  estate. 

Ordered,  That  the  Chairman  transmit  a  copy  thereof  to 
General  Petrus  Ten  Broeck,  and  request  him  to  cause  the 
same  to  be  put  in  execution,  with  spirit,  punctuality  and 
lespatch. 


The  petition  of  John  Bloomer,  late  of  Marmaroneck,  in 
the  county  of  Westchester,  but  now  a  prisoner  confined  in 
the  jail  of  Springfield,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
setting  forth  his  wants  and  sufferings,  and  praying  to  be  re- 
moved to  the  Oblong,  or  elsewhere,  and  discharged  on  his 
parol  of  honor,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Moses  Church  and  John  Pinchon,  two  of 
the  committee  of  Springfield,  dated  on  the  16th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1776,  covering  said  petition,  and  stating  that  said  John 
Bloomer  was  a  prisoner  in  the  jail  of  Springfield  aforesaid 
when  it  was  broken  open,  and  had  an  opportunity  to  es- 
cape, but  did  not,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  and  letter  be  referred  to 
the  committee  for  inquiring  into,  defeating  and  detecting 
conspiracies. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  committee  for  inquiring  into,  detecting 
and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  which  may  be  formed  in  the 
State  of  New-York,  against  the  liberties  of  America,  to 
whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  John  Bloomer,  reported 
a  resolution,  which  was  agreed  to  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  committee  know  of  no  charge 
against  the  said  John  Bloomer,  and  that  inasmuch  as  the 
said  John  Bloomer  is  a  subject  of  this  State,  and  therefore 
hath  an  undoubted  right  to  a  trial  in  it,  that  it  is  the  opi- 
nion of  this  committee  that  a  letter  should  be  written  by 
the  Convention  to  the  committee  of  Springfield,  requesting 
them  to  send  the  said  John  Bloomer,  under  guard  of  one 
man,  to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  together  with  such 
charges  as  may  be  lodged  with  them,  or  the  keeper  of  their 
jail,  against  him ;  and  that  the  Convention  will  provide  for 
the  payment  of  such  expenses  as  may  attend  their  com- 
pliance with  this  request. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 

"  JOHN  JAY,  Chairman." 

"  3rd  January,  1777." 

The  petition  of  John  Beebe,  chairman,  and  W.  B. 
Whiting,  on  behalf  of  the  committee  and  the  militia  offi- 
cers of  Kings  district,  dated  30th  December  last,  alleging 
that  ever  since  there  was  a  necessity  for  sending  men  into 
the  field  in  defence  of  the  liberties  of  America,  the  officers 
and  soldiers  of  that  district  have  been  prompt  to  engage, 
and  have  risked  every  thing  in  the  common  cause  ;  not- 
withstanding which,  there  has  never  been  any  appoint- 
ment made  of  a  field  officer  in  that  or  the  neighbouring 
district  among  the  English  people  ;  and  that,  of  the  last  ap- 
pointments, no  officer,  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest,  is  of 
the  said  district ;  which  is  considered  as  treating  that  and 
the  neighbouring  districts  slightingly,  and  very  detrimental 
to  the  public,  as  the  soldiery  of  that  quarter  are  averse  to 
enter  into  service  under  strangers  ;  and  praying  that  pro- 
per encouragement  for  exertion  may  be  given  to  every 
friend  of  the  United  States  of  America  by  the  appoint- 
ment of  officers  of  their  own  districts  and  acquaintance, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  for  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating 
conspiracies. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
John  Beebe  and  Colonel  Whiting  of  Kings  district,  re- 
ported that  the  said  committee  were  of  opinion  that  if  no 
militia  officers  are  appointed  from  Kings  district,  that  the 
Convention  ought  immediately  to  appoint  them;  which  re- 
port was  approved  of. 

A  pay  roll  of  Captain  Samuel  Dellivan's  company  of 
rangers,  raised  in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,  from  the  sixth 
day  of  November  last  until  the  last  day  of  December  fol- 
lowing, amounting  to  one  hundred  and  ninety-four  pounds 
five  shillings  and  eight  pence  ;  also  a  billeting  roll  for  the 
billet  or  subsistence  of  Captain  Samuel  Delavin's  company 
of  rangers,  from  the  said  sixth  day  of  November  last  to 
the  31st  day  of  December,  both  days  included,  were  ex- 
hibited to  the  Convention  for  payment ;  the  said  billeting 
rolls  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  forty-four  pounds  ten 
shillings  and  eight  penc\ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


759 


On  the  said  billeting  roll  is  endorsed  an  affidavit  of  the 
said  Samuel  Delaven,  sworn  this  day  before  the  Chairman, 
that  the  said  billeting  roll  is  a  just  and  true  muster  roll  of 
his  company  for  the  time  therein  specified,  containing  the 
names  of  the  officer,  non-commissioned  officers  and  pri- 
vates for  the  time  therein  named  ;  and  the  said  subsistence 
roll  is  just  and  true  for  the  time  therein  specified. 

On  the  said  roll  is  farther  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the 
committee  for  auditing  accounts  ;  that  they  have  examined 
the  said  pay  roll  and  subsistence  roll,  and  find  the  just 
amount  to  be  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight  pounds  sixteen 
shillings  and  four  pence. 

ALEXR.  WEBSTER, 
BENJN.  NEWKIRK, 

Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Samuel  Delavin,  for  the  pay  of  his  said  company,  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-four  pounds  five  shillings 
and  eight  pence,  in  full  for  their  pay  to  the  31st  day  of 
December  included  ;  and  that  the  said  Treasurer  also  pay 
to  the  said  Samuel  Delivan  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  forty-four  pounds  ten  shillings  and  eight  pence,  in  full 
for  the  billeting  roll,  or  weekly  allowance  for  billeting,  to 
the  thirty-first  day  of  December  last,  included,  amounting 
together  to  the  sum  of  three  hundred  and  thirty-eight 
pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  four  pence  ;  taking  a  receipt 
for  the  same. 

A  roll  of  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  Captain  Alexander 
Baldwin's  company  of  rangers,  raised  in  the  county  of  Al- 
bany, stating  their  pay  and  subsistence  from  the  first  to  the 
thirty-first  day  of  December,  both  days  included,  was  ex- 
hibited for  payment. 

On  the  back  of  the  said  pay  roll  is  endorsed  an  affidavit 
of  Captain  Alexander  Baldwin  ;  that  the  same  is  a  just  and 
true  pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  his  company  for  the  time 
therein  specified  ;  containing  the  names  of  the  officers, 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  said  com- 
pany. 

Thereon  is  further  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the  commit- 
tee for  auditing  accounts,  in  the  words  following  : 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  a  committee  appointed  by  the 
Convention  to  audit  accounts,  have  examined  the  within 
pay  and  subsistence  roll,  and  allow  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred and  thirty-one  pounds  six  shillings  and  two  pence  due 
to  Captain  Baldwin. 

"ALEXANDER  WEBSTER, 
"  BENJAMIN  NEWKIRK, 

"  Committee."" 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Alexander  Baldwin,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  and  thirty-one  pounds  six  shillings  and  two 
pence,  in  full  for  the  pay  of  the  company  of  rangers 
whereof  he  is  captain  ;  and  also  in  full  for  their  billeting 
or  subsistence  money  from  the  first  to  the  thirty-first  day 
of  December  last,  both  days  included. 

On  the  application  of  a  member  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  Ca- 
tharine Hazard,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Morris  Hazard,  now  em- 
ployed in  the  Continental  service,  and  her  three  sisters, 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Catharine  Hazard,  with  a  servant 
lad  named  William  McDaniel,  be  and  is  hereby  permitted  to 
go  to  Nassau  island  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  her  child- 
ren and  family,  with  permission  to  return  to  this  place. 

Resolved,  That  Elsie  Schenk,  Elizabeth  Schenk  and 
Mary  Magdelen  Schenk,  be  permitted  to  go  to  Nassau  isl- 
and to  their  parents. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  women,  previous  to  their  de- 
parture, do  take  an  oath  before  the  President  of  the  Con- 
vention, or  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  that  they  or 
either  of  them  will  not  take  with  them  any  letters  or  pa- 
pers but  such  as  shall  be  first  produced  to  this  Committee 
for  their  inspection,  nor  convey  any  intelligence  whatsoever 


relative  to  the  measures  pursuing  by  this  or  the  United 
American  States. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  General  Heath,  in- 
forming him  of  the  state  of  the  forts  in  the  Highlands  ; 
that  in  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  the  garrisons  of  the 
said  forts  cannot  with  safety  be  withdrawn. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  on  the  same  subject  be  written 
to  the  secret  committee  of  convention  now  at  Peekskill, 
and  that  Mr.  Tappen  and  Mr.  Livingston  prepare  drafts  of 
those  letters. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Heath,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — We  are  now  informed  that  you  have  ordered  the 
companies  of  rangers,  raised  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
commanded  by  Captains  Baldwin  and  Bratt,  now  in  Fort 
Constitution,  to  Peekskill ;  we  have  also  been  informed 
that  the  said  forts  are  so  very  weak  that  if  any  of  the  gar- 
rison be  drawn  out  there  will  not  be  a  sufficient  number  of 
men  to  mount  guard.  However,  if  you  think  it  necessary 
for  the  good  of  the  service  to  draw  them  to  Peekskill,  or  any 
other  part  of  this  State,  in  which  they  can  be  most  advan- 
tageously placed,  we  shall  submit  them  to  your  direction. 
If  the  said  companies  could  have  been  spared  out  of  the 
garrison,  we  could  have  wished  they  had  been  employed 
in  the  county  of  Westchester,  which  county  has  been  much 
neglected. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  esteem,  yours,  &c. 
"  Major-General  Heath." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Convention  at 
Peekskill,  was  read  and  approved,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — By  a  letter  this  day  presented  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  dated  Fort  Constitution,  4  o'clock 
this  morning,  directed  to  Colonel  Swartwout,  from  Cap- 
tain Schenk,  at  present  commanding  officer  at  that  post, 
informing  that  Captain  Baldwin  and  Bradt's  companies  of 
rangers  are  ordered  immediately  to  march  to  Peekskill  by 
Major-General  Heath.  Whether  this  order  is  in  consequence 
of  advice  given  to  General  Heath  by  you,  (under  whose 
directions  those  rangers  are  put,)  or  whether  he  has  order- 
ed them  down  in  order  to  strengthen  his  party  going  over 
the  river,  or  to  guard  the  passes  on  this  side  of  the  river, 
we  are  entirely  at  a  loss  to  determine.  We  enclose  you  a 
copy  of  our  letter  to  Major-General  Heath  on  that  subject. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  To  the  Secret  Committee  for  carrying 

on  an  expedition  into  Westchester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  made,  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  General  George  Clinton  be  and  he  is 
hereby  empowered  to  dismiss  all  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Ulster  and  Orange,  excepting  only  five  hundred 
men,  to  be  commanded  by  such  officers  as  General  Clin- 
ton shall  appoint ;  that  the  said  five  hundred  men  do  con- 
tinue in  service  until  the  regiments,  by  a  resolution  of  the 
first  instant,  directed  to  be  raised  for  three  months,  shall  be 
completed,  and  no  longer;  and  while  they  do  continue  in 
service  they  be  entirely  under  the  command  of  General 
Clinton,  to  be  stationed  and  disposed  of  as  he  shall  think 
most  expedient  for  the  public  service. 

Mr.  Moore  moved,  in  substance,  and  was  seconded,  that 
the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  four  pounds  fourteen  shillings 
and  two  pence,  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  the  county  of 
Charlotte,  on  account  of  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the 
rangers  raised  in  the  said  county  ;  and  that  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  pounds  for  the  bounty  of  twelve  men 
of  the  said  rangers,  at  ten  pounds  each,  be  also  transmitted 
to  the  said  committee,  and  that  they  be  directed  to  return 
the  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  said  companies  of  ran- 
gers, properly  authenticated,  as  vouchers  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  four  hundred  and  four  pounds 


760 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


thirteen  shilling  and  two  pence,  be  transmitted  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Charlotte,  to  be  applied  for  the 
pay  and  subsistence  of  the  rangers  raised  in  the  said  coun- 
ty ;  and  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds 
to  be  applied  for  the  bounty  of  twelve  of  the  said  rangers, 
amounting  together  to  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  and  two  pence;  that  the  committee  of 
Charlotte  county  return  muster  rolls  of  the  said  several 
companies  of  rangers,  containing  their  pay  and  subsistence 
rolls,  duly  and  properly  sworn  to  and  authenticated,  as 
vouchers  for  the  said  moneys ;  and  that  they  also  return 
a  roll  of  the  names  of  the  several  men  to  whom  the  said 
bounty  shall  have  been  paid. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  Major  Alexander 
Webster,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  and  twen- 
ty-four pounds  fourteen  shillings  and  two  pence,  to  be  by 
him  transmitted  to  the  said  committee  of  Charlotte  county. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  all  the  stray  cattle,  sheep 
and  hogs  already  taken  up  in  the  county  of  Westchester, 
and  such  stray  cattle,  sheep  and  hogs  as  may,  during  the 
winter  be  taken  up  in  the  said  county,  and  for  which  no 
owners  are  known,  be  advertised  and  disposed  of  by  the 
Messrs.  Joseph  Strong  and  William  Miller  or  either  of 
them,  in  the  manner  directed  by  certain  resolutions  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  made  and  passed  on  the  second  day 
of  December  last,  for  the  disposition  of  the  stock  sent  by 
Major-General  Lee  to  the  pastures  of  Colonel  McDaniel, 
at  Bedford. 


DIE  LVNJE, 

January  6th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  JDuer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Several  letters  received  from  New- York  by  Major  Fish, 
were  read  and  examined,  and  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the 
persons  to  whom  they  are  directed. 

A  letter  without  signature,  directed  to  Robert  G.  Living- 
ston, dated  at  New-York,  December  30th,  1776,  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  God  bless  you,  dear  Boddy,  and  John  ;  go  to  Bruns- 
wick and  sign  the  Declaration,  if  not,  you'll  suffer.  I 
would  not  advise  you  to  come  to  New-York  :  get  old  Mr. 
Livingston  to  send  it  in  writing,  which  will  be  sufficient. 
I  have  wrote  in  mysterious  terms,  for  prudent  reasons  ; 
likewise  I  have  altered  my  hand.  It  is  the  advice  of  a  blood 
relation,  and  a  person  who  loves  you  both  equal  to  him- 
self;  you  may  rely  those  who  do  not  come  in  will  be  left 
to  the  mercy  of  three  thousand  Hessians,  next  spring  ; 
truth,  you  may  rely.  Mr.  Wallace  is  in  New-York,  who 
treats  me  well  :  God  bless  all  the  family. 

"  You  may  as  well  go  to  Hackensack  :  do  not  be  a 
rebel  any  longer  :  I  live  with  Stuyvesant." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee of  the  Convention  of  this  State  appointed  for  detecting 
conspiracies. 

Mr.  Duer  informed  the  Committee  that  he  had  received 
information  that  a  quantity  of  effects  and  a  considerable 
sum  of  hard  money,  the  property  of  a  person  who  is  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  is  deposited  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
this  place. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  detecting 
conspiracies,  &c.  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  and  direct- 


ed to  cause  the  said  effects  and  money  to  be  seized  and 
kept  in  safety  until  the  further  order  of  this  Committee  ; 
and  that  they  report  to  the  Convention  or  this  Committee 
their  proceedings  in  the  premises. 

Mr.  Moore  informed  the  Committee  that  there  are  two 
horses  at  Mr.  Gauslang's,  in  the  neighbourhood,  kept  at 
public  expense,  which  horses  were  taken  by  Colonel  Van 
Rensselaer  from  one  Moses  Shaw. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr. 
Rea,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  premises,  and  dis- 
pose of  those  horses  as  to  them  shall  seem  meet. 

Ordered,  That  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Esquire,  be  added  to 
the  secret  committee  appointed  on  the  19th  day  of  Decem- 
ber last,  for  carrying  on  an  expedition  into  Westchester 
county,  &c. 

Captain  James  Stewart  of  Colonel  Dubois's  regiment, 
sent  in  a  report  of  the  escape  of  Captain  Phineas  Ford, 
endorsed  on  a  copy  of  the  order  of  the  first  instant,  direct- 
ing Captain  Stewart  to  send  a  guard  with  Captain  Ford  to 
Poughkeepsie  jail ;  which  report  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention  of  the  Slate  of  New-York,  or  in 
their  recess,  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  said  State  : 

"  In  obedience  to  the  within  order,  I  personally  attended 
with  a  corporal's  guard,  well  armed  and  accoutred,  at  the 
barracks  near  the  house  of  Isaac  Van  Wyck,  at  the  en- 
trance of  the  Highlands,  where  the  within  named  Phineas 
Ford  had  lately  been  a  prisoner,  and  demanded  the  said 
Phineas  Ford  of  Captain  Isaac  Belknap,  who  informed  me 
that  the  said  Phineas  Ford  has  escaped  from  confinement, 
and  was  gone  from  his  custody  J  and  that  Captain  Belknap 
did  not  deliver  me  the  said  prisoner,  whereby  I  was  pre- 
vented from  executing  the  within  order. 

"  All  which  is  most  humbly  certified,  by 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  JAMES  STEWART,  CapU 

"  January  3rd,  1777." 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  the  fourth  inst.  was 
received  and  read,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Peekskill,  January  4,  1777. 
Sir — I  have  just  received  your  favour  of  the  second  inst. 
enclosing  a  resolution  of  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the 
State  of  New-York.  This  fresh  instance  of  concern  dis- 
covered by  the  Convention  for  the  security  of  this  post,  I 
consider  as  flowing  from  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  public  safety, 
which  I  think  much  depends  on  the  securing  the  passes  in 
the  Highlands  ;  and  you  will  please  to  acquaint  them,  that 
I  am  so  much  impressed  with  their  importance,  that  I  was 
determined  not  to  leave  them  unguarded.  I  shall  not  take 
with  me  into  the  Jerseys,  more  cannon  than  what  may  ap- 
pear absolutely  necessary. 

"  Your  Committee  presented  to  me  on  yesterday,  the 
resolves  of  the  Honorable  Convention  of  the  first  of  Janu- 
ary, requesting  that  I  would  defer  my  march  until  an  answer 
could  be  obtained  to  a  letter  which  had  been  sent  to  His 
Excellency  General  Washington,  or  some  effectual  means 
provided  for  the  passes  of  the  Highlands. 

"  I  have  assured  them  that  I  shall  not  move  until  a  suf- 
ficient force  is  collected  and  left  there. 
"  General  Lincoln  is  this  moment  arrived. 

"  I  am,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  humble  servant, 

"  W.  HEATH. 

"  James  Livingston,  Esqr." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Heath  was  read  and 
approved,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir, — We  are  this  instant  honoured  with  your  favour 
of  the  fourth  instant,  and  beg  leave  to  thank  you  for  the 
attention  you  have  shown  to  the  public  safety. 

"  Our  views  extend  only  to  the  public  weal,  and  we  shall 
readily  concur  in  those  measures  which  are  best  adapted 
to  that  great  purpose;  we  do  therefore  submit  it  to  you  sir, 
to  act  in  such  manner  as  you  think  most  effectual,  to  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


761 


fend  this  State,  and  to  harass  and  distress  the  enemy,  in 
which  we  shall  always  cooperate  to  the  utmost  of  our  abili- 
ties. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  &c. 

"  Major-General  Heath." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Certain  resolutions  for  employing  Captain  Machine,  in 
assisting  to  carry  on  the  obstruction  to  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river,  were  agreed  to,  and  resolved  on,  in  the 
words  following,  vizt. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Machine  be  empowered,  with 
the  advice,  and  under  the  direction  of  General  George 
Clinton,  to  employ  such  and  so  many  labourers  and  artifi- 
cers as  will  be  sufficient  to  perfect  the  obstructions  in  Hud- 
son's river,  and  to  lay  out  and  erect  such  works  as  will  be 
necessary  for  the  defence  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  William  Bedlow  be  appointed  a 
commissioner  to  take  care  of  all  stores,  keep  regular  books 
and  accounts  of  the  expenditures  of  all  monies  laid  out  on- 
the  above  works;  and  that  he  be  allowed  ten  shillings  per 
day  for  his  trouble  therein. 

Resolved,  That  one  thousand  pounds  be  advanced  to  the 
said  William  Bedlow,  in  order  to  pay  the  workmen  em- 
ployed in  the  said  work, 

And  whereas,  it  hath  been  suggested  that  a  number  of 
disaffected  persons  taken  in  this  State,  may  be  usefully 
employed  in  the  above  work. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  detecting  and  disco- 
vering all  conspiracies  formed  within  this  State,  be  re- 
quested to  send  thirty  of  those  now  at  Fishkill,  whom  they 
shall  deem  least  dangerous,  under  guard,  to  New-Windsor ; 
and  to  put  them  under  the  direction  of  Captain  Machine, 
first  giving  two  days'  notice  to  General  George  Clinton,  of 
the  time  at  which  they  will  be  sent. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolutions  and 
orders  be  sent  to  Captain  Machine,  and  that  he  request 
Captain  Bedlow  to  attend  this  Committee  of  Safety  for 
further  instructions. 

Certain  resolutions  to  have  fines  levied  on  the  several 
precincts  in  the  different  counties  in  this  State  accounted 
for  and  paid  in  by  the  collectors,  were  unanimously  agreed 
to,  and  resolved  on  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Committee  that  fines  have 
been  levied  by  the  precinct  committees,  county  committees 
and  field  officers  of  this  State  upon  many  of  the  inhabit- 
ants thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  every  county  and  pre- 
cinct committee,  and  the  commanding  officers  of  every 
regiment  in  this  State,  do  within  two  months  from  the  date 
hereof  produce,  to  the  chairman  of  his  or  their  respective 
county  committees,  a  just  and  true  account  of  all  money  so 
received,  and  the  expenditure  of  such  sums  as  he  or  they 
may  have  laid  out ;  and  that  they  pay  the  balance  remain- 
ing into  his  or  their  hands  to  the  chairman  of  the  county 
committee.  , 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  every  county  commit- 
tee be  empowered  to  send  for  any  persons  within  their 
several  counties  who  are  possessed  of  public  money  so 
levied  as  above,  and  to  oblige  them  to  account  therefor. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  every  county  committee 
send  a  true  statement  of  all  money  so  as  above  received,  and 
all  other  sums  of  money  which  may  have  been  collected 
by  their  several  committees,  with  the  expenditures  of  such 
sums  as  they  have  laid  out  to  the  President  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  within  three  months  from  the  date 
hereof. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  the  above  resolutions  be  sent 
to  the  chairman  of  the  county  and  precinct  committees, 
and  to  the  colonel  of  each  regiment  in  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  200  copies  be  printed  and  sent  to  the 
county  committees. 

191 


Major  Schenk  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that 
Morrison  (the  mine  digger)  with  his  family,  who  are  a  part 
of  the  poor  of  Dutchess  county,  are  in  distress,  and  want 
the  common  necessaries  of  life. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Rombout  precinct  be 
directed  to  provide  for  the  said  Morrison  and  his  family  in 
the  same,  or  some  similar  manner  as  is  directed  with  re- 
spect to  the  poor  inhabitants  from  New-York  now  in  the 
said  precinct. 

Mr.  Morris  laid  before  the  House  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Alexander  Wallace  to  him,  enclosing  an  account  of  plate 
belonging  to  his  brother,  Hugh  Wallace,  Esqr.  which  was 
taken  at  Hackensack,  and  praying  for  the  restoration 
thereof  to  the  owner. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  and  that  he  report  thereon. 

Mr.  Tappen  reported  his  conduct  in  escorting  Lady 
Johnson  to  Wallkill,  which  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  appointed  for  devising  means  for  es- 
corting Lady  Johnson  to  some  proper  and  safe  place  of 
residence,  report  that  he  went  down  to  the  house  of  Mr. 
Petrus  Bogardus,  where  Mr.  Morris  had  procured  lodgings 
for  her.  But  that  your  committee  upon  inquiring  at  the 
said  Mr.  Bogardus's,  was  informed  that  Lady  Johnson 
had  crossed  the  river  with  her  family  the  day  before  your 
committee  arrived  there. 

"  That  your  committee  likewise  crossed  the  river  and 
overtook  Lady  Johnson  at  the  house  of  Colonel  Jonathan 
Hasbrouck,  where  he  conferred  with  her  on  the  subject  of 
her  residence.  And  your  committee  being  informed  by  Lady 
Johnson,  that  agreeable  to  the  resolves  of  the  Convention, 
four  places  for  her  residence  has  been  pointed  out  and  left 
to  her  choice  ;  and  that  she  had  made  choice  of  the  Wall- 
kill,  in  Ulster  county,  upon  the  following  principles  :  First, 
That  the  season  of  the  year  would  not  permit  her  to  travel 
a  great  distance  without  endangering  the  healths  of  her 
family  of  small  infants.  Secondly,  That  she  was  nearly 
connected  in  family  with  Mr.  Barclay,  at  whose  house  she 
intended  to  put  up.  That  your  committee  endeavoured  as 
much  as  in  their  power,  consistent  with  the  honour  of  this 
Convention  to  dissuade  her  from  going  there.  But  she 
being  determined  to  take  the  advantage  of  the  resolves  of 
this  State  ;  your  committee,  therefore,  at  Lady  Johnson's 
request,  procured  carriages,  for  which  she  paid  the  drivers. 
And  your  committee  did  in  person  wait  on  her  and  escort- 
ed her  and  her  family,  consisting  of  her  ladyship,  three 
children,  Miss  Watts,  a  nurse,  one  white  and  one  negro 
servant,  to  the  house  lately  occupied  by  Mr.  Barclay. 

"CHRTSTR.  TAPPEN." 

Mr.  Tappen  also  reported  his  bill  of  expenses  in  escort- 
ing Lady  Johnson,  amounting  to  one  pound  nineteen  shil- 
lings and  nine  pence. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  pay  the  said  bill  of  ex- 
pences  and  charge  the  same  to  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Livingston,  dated  at  Boston,  on 
the  13th  December,  and  informing  that  he  shall  forward 
clothing,  &c.  by  the  way  of  Fishkill  to  the  army  un- 
der his  Excellency  General  Washington,  was  read,  and 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Boston,  23rd  December,  1776. 
"  Gent. — I  arrived  here  a  few  days  since,  in  company 
with  Mr.  Win.  Turnbull.  We  were  appointed  by  the  Ho- 
nourable Continental  Congress  to  proceed  to  the  eastern 
States,  to  procure  clothing,  &c.  &c.  for  the  use  of  the  Con- 
tinental army. 

"  A  considerable  quantity  is  preparing  to  be  sent  to  the 
army  under  the  immediate  command  of  his  Excellency 
Genl.  Washington ;  the  carters  will  be  directed  to  cross 
Hudson's  river  at  Fishkill. 

"  And  as  it  is  become  one  of  the  next  important  objects 
of  the  Congress  to  cloth  our  army  with  all  possible  expe- 
dition, I  am,  in  their  behalf,  to  request  that  you  will  please 
direct  that  the  safest  route  through  New-Jersey  may  be 


762 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


pointed  out  to  the  carters,  and  such  other  necessary  assis- 
tance be  afforded  them,  as  will  facilitate  the  arrival  of  the 
clothing  at  Head-Quarters. 

*'  Your  zeal  to  serve  the  common  cause  on  all  occasions, 
makes  me  assured  that  you  will  readily  comply  with  my 
request. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  ABM.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  7,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Rob.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Majr.  Parks,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston- Dutchess. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Holland,  relative  to  one  Ryckmen, 
who  is  taken  up  as  a  disaffected  person  and  sent  to  this 
place,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  and  delivered  to  the  com- 
mittee for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Mechin  be  authorized  and  em- 
powered to  employ  Mr.  John  Forsythe  in  saving  boards 
and  planks  for  the  use  of  the  fortifications  and  obstructions 
in  Hudson's  river. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  be  appointed  to  take  the  de- 
positions of  the  officers  and  others  lately  come  from  New- 
York,  relative  to  the  ill  treatment  of  our  prisoners  by  the 
enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Mor- 
ris be  added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the 
deposition  and  complaints  as  to  the  state  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Cumberland  county. 

Whereas  information  has  been  communicated  to  this 
Committee  that  three  mares  were  taken  by  Colonel  Van 
Rensselaer's  party  from  one  Moses  Shaw,  who  is  gone 
over  to  the  enemy  ;  that  two  of  them  are  in  the  possession 
of  Samuel  Goslin,  and  the  third  of  Samuel  Mills,  of  this 
place  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  William  Smith  and  Mr. 
Rea,  be  a  committee  with  power  to  sell  the  said  mares  at 
public  auction  ;  that  they  pay  the  expenses  of  their  keep- 
ing, and  return  the  residue  of  such  money  arising  out  of 
such  sale  into  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Lieu- 
tenant Boerum  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven 
pounds  ten  shillings,  in  full  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of 
himself  and  such  of  the  officers  and  privates  of  Captain 
Adolph  Waldron's  company  of  lighthorse,  as  are  not  now 
in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  agreeable  to  a  pay  roll  sworn 
to  by  him,  and  audited  by  the  committee  of  accounts  this 
day. 

The  report  and  proceedings  of  the  committee  for  detect- 
ing conspiracies,  &c.  on  the  case  of  Cadwallader  Colden, 
Esqr.  together  with  the  papers  therein  mentioned  referred, 
and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  To  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  : 

"  In  obedience  to  your  order  of  the  day  of  De- 

cember last,  your  committee,  appointed  for  the  purpose  of 
inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies  which 
may  be  formed  in  the  State  of  New-York  against  the  liber- 


ties of  America,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the  schedules 
hereunto  annexed,  contain  all  their  resolutions,  proceedings 
and  papers  respecting  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  JOHN  JAY,  Chairman. 

"  Jany.  6,  1777." 

The  Schedule  thereunto  annexed,  follows  in  the  words, 
to  wit : 

"  Conner's  Tavern,  Fishkill,  ? 
"  Tuesday,  January  1,  1776.  $ 

"  Present — William  Duer,  Chairman. 

"  John  Jay,  Esqr.  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Colonel  De  Witt. 
"  Whereas  a  number  of  persons,  principal  inhabitants 
of  this  State,  who  for  some  time  affected  a  neutrality  of 
conduct  in  the  present  contest,  have  lately  joined  the  ene- 
my's army,  and  have  been  privy  to  aiding  or  assisting  in 
their  wicked  conspiracies  against  the  liberties  of  the  United 
States,  in  violation  of  the  sacred  engagements  which  many 
of  them  had  entered  into,  to  observe  a  peaceful  and  inoffen- 
sive conduct :  And  whereas  it  appears  unquestionably  to 
this  committee  that  many  companies  of  men,  in  the  diffe- 
rent counties  of  this  Slate,  have  actually  enlisted  in  the 
enemy's  service,  many  of  which  persons  are  intimately 
connected  with,  or  dependent  on,  persons  of  suspicious  or 
equivocal  characters  :  And  whereas  this  State  is  at  pre- 
sent invaded  with  a  powerful  army,  who  have  already  pe- 
netrated into  the  county  of  Westchester,  and  whose  ships 
of  war  occupy  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river.  Inasmuch 
therefore  as  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  many  persons, 
who  affect  a  similar  neutrality  of  principles,  only  wait  an 
opportunity  of  pursuing  a  similar  conduct  with  those  who 
have  at  length  thrown  off  the  mask,  and  taken  an  active 
part  with  our  open  enemies,  as  it  is  inconsistent  with  the 
high  trust  reposed  by  the  Convention  of  this  State  in  this 
committee,  to  hazard  the  general  liberties  of  America,  de- 
pendent in  so  high  a  degree  on  the  preservation  of  this 
State,  by  an  ill-timed  act  of  lenity  to  individuals,  who  have 
either  artful  and  wicked  designs,  or  from  interested  mo- 
tives, shrink  from  the  duties  they  owe  their  country. 
Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  duty  of  every  virtuous  citizen, 
when  a  mortal  blow  is  aimed  at  the  liberties  of  his  country, 
to  stand  forth  in  an  open  and  spirited  manner,  and  to  assist 
by  his  example,  by  his  counsel,  or  by  his  arms,  in  vindi- 
cating and  defending  her  cause. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  would  endanger  the  safety  of  this 
State,  and  the  general  liberties  of  America,  to  permit  per- 
sons of  influence  and  of  equivocal  characters,  to  remain 
within  it  at  this  alarming  crisis,  more  particularly  on  the 
frontiers,  and  in  such  other  counties  where  conspiracies 
are  forming,  to  aid  and  abet  our  open  enemies  ;  and  there- 
fore that  all  such  persons  ought  forthwith  to  be  removed  to 
one  of  the  neighbouring  States." 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  at  Conner's  tavern,  the 

25th  of  November,  1776. 
"  Present — William  Duer,  Esquire,  Chairman. 
"  John  Jay,  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esqrs. 

"  Whereas  Cadwallader  Colden  of  Ulster  county,  Esqr. 
hath  been  represented  to  this  committee  as  a  person  who 
hath  long  been  notoriously  disaffected  to  the  American 
cause,  and  who,  from  his  disposition  and  influence,  as  well 
from  his  vicinity  to  the  enemy,  may  justly  be  considered 
as  too  daugerous  to  be  permitted  longer  to  remain  at  his 
present  abode,  and  the  more  so  as  this  committee  have 
reason  to  believe  that  he  hath  countenanced  and  abetted 
measures  prejudicial  to  the  rights  of  America. 

"Resolved,  therefore,  That  he  be  forthwith  apprehended 
and  brought  before  this  committee. 

"  Ordered,  That  Captain  Lush  do  forthwith  apprehend 
the  said  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr.  and  bring  him  before 
this  committee  ;  that  he  carefully  and  diligently  examine 
all  his  papers,  and  that  he  secure  all  such  as  may  have  re- 
ference to  the  contest  between  Great  Britain  and  America, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


763 


in  order  that  the  same  mav  be  examined  by  this  commit- 
tee." 

"  In  Committee,  the  21th  day  of  Nov.  1776. 

"  Captain  Lush  returned  and  brought  to  the  committee 
Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr.  who  was  ordered  to  be  appre- 
hended on  the  25th  instant.  On  his  giving  his  parol  of 
honour  that  he  will  not  depart  this  place,  but  appear  before 
the  committee  to-morrow  morning,  he  was  permitted  to 
seek  for  lodgings. 

"  Captain  Lush  delivered  to  the  committee  a  number  of 
letters  and  papers,  which  he  found  in  Mr.  Colden's  cus- 
tody, to  wit : 

"  A  letter  signed  I.  Colden,  directed  to  Cadwallader 
Colden,  Esqr.  at  Coldenham,  dated  at  Long  island,  Feby. 
20th,  1776. 

"  A  letter  signed  Charles  Inglis,  directed  to  Cadwalla- 
der Colden,  dated  New-York,  February  5th,  1776. 

"  A  letter  signed  Peter  Dubois,  directed  to  Cadwallader 
Colden,  Esqr.  Coldenham,  dated  Monday  noon. 

"  A  letter  signed  Dubois,  to  Major  Colden,  dated  Fri- 
day, P.  M. 

"  A  note  from  Mr.  Du  Bois,  to  Major  Colden. 

"  A  note  from  some  Scotch  gentlemen  at  Esopus,  direc- 
ted to  Mr.  Colden,  dated  August  3rd,  1776. 

"  A  paper  containing  a  list  of  the  Continental  and  Minis- 
terial fleets,  with  their  number  of  men  and  guns.  [This  is 
supposed  to  be  the  fleets  of  Lake  Champlain.] 

"  A  copy  of  Lord  Howe  and  General  Howe's  declara- 
tion of  the  nineteenth  September,  1776. 

"  A  protest  against  the  measures  of  Congress,  neither 
dated  nor  signed. 

"  Manuscript  piece  of  poetry,  reflecting  on  the  measures 
pursued  by  the  Americans. 

"  Fishkill,  the  28th  Novr. 

"  In  Committee,  &c. 

"  Mr.  Colden  appeared,  and  being  examined  by  the 
Committee,  said  he  conceived  the  former  oath  of  allegiance 
which  he  had  taken  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  to  be 
binding  upon  him,  and  expressed  a  desire  of  being  permit- 
ted to  observe  a  state  of  neutrality. 

"  Resolved,  That  he  be  forthwith  removed  to  the  town 
of  Boston,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  there  to  re- 
main at  his  own  expense  on  his  parol  of  honour,  under  such 
restrictions  as  the  select  men  of  civil  authority  of  that  town 
shall  prescribe. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Major  Colden  be  permitted  to 
return  home,  in  order  to  take  leave  of  his  family,  and  to 
prepare  for  his  journey  in  ten  days,  on  his  pledging  his  pa- 
rol of  honour  to  appear  before  this  Committee  at  the  ex- 
piration of  said  term. 

"  Major  Colden  appearing  before  the  Committee,  was 
asked  whether  the  paper  containing  reflections  on  a  sermon 
preached  by  the  Reverend  Mr.  Anan,  was  his  own  hand  wri- 
ting; confessed  it  was.  He  further  pledged  his  parol  for 
his  appearance  at  the  time  mentioned. 

"  Extract  from  David  Pembroke's  examination.  '  And 
this  desponent  says,  that  he  used  to  hear  James  Robinson 
frequently  talk  of  going  to  see  Major  Colden.' 

["  The  said  James  Robinson  mentioned  in  the  preceding 
extract,  is  a  dangerous  emissary  from  the  enemy,  and 
hath  industriously  attempted  to  seduce  divers  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  State  from  their  allegiance  thereto,  and  en- 
listed men  for  the  service  of  the  enemy.] 

"  Fishkill,  Conner's  Tavern,  Janry.  1777. 
"  Present — John  Jay,  Chairman. 

"Zeph.  Piatt,  Nathl.  Sacket,  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  Dutchess, 
General  Morris. 

"  The  committee  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration 
the  proposals  of  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.  referred  to  them 
by  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  the  3rd  instant,  and  there- 
upon came  to  the  following  resolution  : 

"Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  said  proposal  in  the 
opinion  of  this  committee  ought  not  to  be  complied  with,  as 


the  reasons  upon  which  the  resolution  of  this  committee 
for  removing  the  said  Cadwallader  Colden  to  the  town  of 
Boston  was  founded,  still  exist  in  full  force. 

"  These  are  all  the  proceedings  and  papers  of  this  com- 
mittee, respecting  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr. 

"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"JOHN  JAY,  Chairman. 

"6th  January,  1777." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Robt.  R. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Tappen. 

"In  Congress,  December 23rd,  1776. 
"Resolved,  That  the  assemblies,  conventions,  committees 
or  councils  of  safety,  and  other  persons  that  are  or  may  be 
entrusted  with  money  for  the  militia  reinforcing  the  armies 
of  the  United  States,  transmit  the  receipts  of  the  officers 
receiving  the  same,  to  the  paymaster,  or  deputy-paymaster- 
general  of  the  respective  armies,  who  are  hereby  directed 
to  make  the  proper  stoppages,  and  to  give  certificates  of  the 
delivery  of  such  receipts,  specifying  therein  the  names  of 
the  persons  signing  them,  the  dates  and  sums  mentioned  in 
the  same,  and  the  persons  to  whom  the  receipts  were 
given,  which  certificates  shall  be  received  by  the  commis- 
sioners of  the  treasury,  as  sufficient  vouchers  for  discharg- 
ing the  respective  accounts  from  the  sums  expressed  in  the 
same. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHARLES  THOMPSON,  Secy." 

A  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esquire,  dated  Baltimore, 
December  27th,  1776,  was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words, 
to  wit : 

"Baltimore,  21th  Decmr.  1776. 

"Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  5th  instant,  per  Lieut. 
Brit,  I  have  received,  with  your  resolves  relative  to  the 
frigate  in  Hudson's  river,  which  I  this  day  laid  before  the 
marine  committee,  and  meet  their  entire  approbation.  They 
are  of  opinion  that  whatever  vessels  belonging  to  the  Con- 
tinent, and  are  now  in  Hudson's  river,  should  be  also  se- 
cured in  Esopus  creek,  or  some  other  place  of  safety.  The 
people  belonging  to  the  brigantine  and  sloop  may  be  dis- 
posed of  at  the  discretion  of  your  Convention. 

"  Congress  approves  of  your  recommendation  of  Lieut. 
Victor  Bicker,  Junr.  for  the  marines,  and  as  soon  as  the 
blank  commissions  are  received  from  Philadelphia,  one 
shall  be  filled  up  for  him  and  forwarded  to  you. 

"  Your  letter,  directed  to  Captain  Dennis,  I  thought  it 
proper  to  return  you ;  his  last  place  of  residence  was  in 
Brunswick,  which  is  now  in  General  Howe's  possession. 
Perhaps  you  may  hear  of  Captain  Dennis  some  where  in 
your  State.  The  rigging,  &c.  that  belonged  to  those  ves- 
sels sunk  into  the  North  and  East  river,  and  now  in  the 
possession  of  Captain  Dennis,  it  is  imagined  may  be  of 
singular  service  at  Ticonderoga,  of  which  General  Schuy- 
ler should  be  informed.  I  am  also  directed  to  inform  you 
that  Congress  much  approves  of  the  frigates  being  fitted  out 
against  the  spring,  and  of  your  directing  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  cannon  to  be  cast  at  Salsbury,  as  none  for  your  pur- 
poses can  be  procured  from  these  parts.  I  must  also  beg 
that  you  would  represent  my  present  disagreeable  situation 
to  the  Honourable  Convention,  which  is  that  of  being  the 
only  Delegate  from  the  State  of  New- York  attending  Con- 
gress. My  colleagues,  Mr.  Ph.  Livingston  and  Colo. 
Floyd,  departed  for  the  northward  upon  the  adjournment 
of  Congress  to  this  place,  so  that  our  State  is  now  unre- 
presented in  Congress,  and  of  which  the  members  highly 
complain  ;  as  there  was  never  a  more  urgent  necessity  for 
its  being  full,  than  at  this  time,  occasioned  by  several 
members  being  detached  on  committees,  and  as  many  as 
could  be  spared  left  Philadelphia  to  transact  the  necessary 
business  there.  I  must  beg  leave  to  add,  that  from  the 
late  depreciation  of  Continental  money,  most  necessaries 
of  life  are  advanced  here  from  three  to  five  hundred  per 
cent,  to  what  they  were  at  the  commencement  of  our  dis- 
pute.   For  instance,  butter  4s.  per  lb. ;  loaf  sugar  5s.  and 


704 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


other  necessaries  in  like  proportion.  I  was  asked  at  the 
rate  of  £300  per  annum  for  a  house,  and  now  lodge  in  a 
paltry  tavern  with  a  bed  scarcely  fit  to  lie  upon.  At  this 
rate  I  shall  not  be  able  long  to  subsist,  and  must  soon  think 
of  removing  to  some  cheaper  part  of  the  Continent,  unless 
I  am  relieved  by  the  Convention,  for  at  present  my  ex- 
penses exceed  my  allowance. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servant, 

"FRA.  LEWIS. 

"  P.  S.  Congress  has  this  day  resolved  to  invest  Genl. 
Washington  with  powers  for  six  months  to  regulate  the 
armies  in  such  manner  as  he,  with  the  advice  of  his  gene- 
ral officers,  shall  think  most  conducive  to  promote  the  pub- 
lic good ;  of  which  I  shall  transmit  to  the  Convention  a  copy 
in  my  next.  The  battalions  are  to  be  increased  to  110. 
It  is  hoped  you  will  raise  one  more,  i.  e.  six. 

"  I  am  to  inform  you,  that  when  at  Philadelphia  there 
was,  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Hayman  Levy,  purchased  by 
him  for  the  State  of  New-York,  and  packed  up,  sundry 
articles  of  clothing,  to  the  amount  of  £11,000  and  up- 
wards, but  at  that  lime  such  was  the  hurry  of  the  inhabi- 
tants to  move  their  effects  out  of  the  city,  that  although  I 
had  obtained  a  press  warrant  from  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  purpose,  the  wagons  were  engaged  by  the  citizens 
at  the  rates  of  20s.  per  mile,  and  my  warrant  could  not 
have  the  desired  effect.  I  have  since  wrote  from  hence  to 
both  Mr.  Robert  Morris  and  Mr.  Levy,  to  get  them  for- 
warded to  Esopus,  but  could  wish  your  Commissary  was 
sent  to  look  after  them,  as  I  am  convinced  they  must  be 
wanted  with  you.  In  the  then  critical  stale  of  Philadel- 
phia, Congress  ordered  them  to  be  sent  to  General  Wash- 
ington, but  I  got  that  order  rescinded.  The  articles  pack- 
ed up  in  32  casks,  are  as  follows  :  White  4,0b' 1,  check 
1,939 — 6,000  shirts;  134  doz.  milled  hose  ;  1,109  pair 
leather  breeches  ;  85  felt  hats  ;  500  wooden  canteens. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Council  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  so  much  of  Mr.  Lewis's  letter  as  relates 
to  clothing  be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  pro- 
cure clothing  for  the  troops,  and  that  the  other  parts  of 
the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Tappen. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  dated  January  the 
first,  relative  to  their  militia  and  embargo  laid  in  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to 
wit : 

•'  Middleton,  January  1st,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — Yours  of  the  twenty-fourth  ultimo,  came 
to  hand,  in  which  you  urge  the  necessity  of  securing  the 
passes  at  the  Highlands,  which  is  truly  very  important,  and 
wish  it  was  in  the  power  of  the  State  to  add  further  aid 
to  yours  and  the  rest  of  the  United  States,  which  at  pre- 
sent is  not  now  in  our  power  so  to  do.  We  have  ordered 
four  battalions  to  be  raised  and  sent  forward  to  assist  Ge- 
neral Washington's  army  until  the  15th  March  next,  and 
have  also  encouraged  a  number  of  volunteers  to  be  raised 
to  assist  in  the  Jerseys,  or  otherwise  as  Genl.  Washington 
shall  direct.  Five  of  the  volunteer  companies  are  already 
raised,  part  of  them  and  part  of  the  four  battalions  are 
now  on  their  march  ;  we  hope  the  rest  will  soon  be  raised, 
though  they  have  been  much  retarded  by  the  repeated 
marches  of  the  militia  the  last  year,  and  especially  the  late 
marches  to  New-London  and  Providence. 

"  As  to  the  difficulties  you  labour  under  on  account  of 
the  embargo  laid  on  this  State.  Permits  have  been  given 
on  application,  to  import  out  of  this  Slate  to  your  State, 
and  every  permission  of  that  kind  will  be  granted  (on  pro- 
per application,)  that  can  be  consistent  with  the  general 
service.  John  Canfield  of  Sharon,  Esqr.  employed  by  the 
Commissary-General  of  the  army,  and  is  furnished  with 
a  general  permit,  I  will  give  him  instructions  to  indulge 
the  transportation  of  such  quantities  for  families'  use  in 


your  State,  as  shall  appear  needful,  consistent  with  the 
interest  of  both  States. 

"  I  am,  most  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  humble  servant. 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New-York,  at  Fishkill." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston  and  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  January  the  sixth, 
relative  to  the  rangers  at  Fort  Constitution,  was  read,  and 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  Jany.  6th,  1777. 
"  Dear  Sir — I  have  just  received  your  favour  of  the 
4th  instant,  and  would  acquaint  you  that  the  removal  of  the 
rangers  from  Fori  Constitution,  was  at  the  request  of  your 
committee  who  much  urged  the  matter  ;  and  I  must  confess 
it  was  with  reluctance  that  I  ordered  them  down.  The 
purpose,  however,  was  solely  to  facilitate  the  expedition  to 
Westchester  county.  I  think  the  garrisons  of  fort  Mont- 
gomery and  Constitution  too  weak,  but  it  is  not  in  my 
power  as  yet  to  reinforce  them.  You  may  be  assured  sir, 
that  I  shall  at  all  times  pay  a  particular  attention  to  those 
important  passes,  as  far  as  it  is  in  my  power. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  yours,  afftly. 

"  W.  HEATH. 

"  James  Livingston,  Esqr," 

A  letter  from  General  Scott,  dated  on  the  first  instant, 
relative  to  the  rangers,  and  on  the  subject  of  the  West- 
chester expedition,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"Peekskill,  January  bth,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  was  honoured  with  the  delivery  of  your  let- 
ter to  the  committee  into  my  hands  ;  my  colleagues  being 
absent  prevents  my  communicating  it  to  them.  General 
Heath's  orders  toSwartwout's  and  Bradt's  companies  of  ran- 
gers was  given  with  our  consent.  Thev  are  not  to  go  into 
New-Jersey,  but  to  be  employed  in  the  expedition  in  West- 
chester county,  &c.  We  have  prevailed  on  General  Par- 
sons to  accept  the  command.  We  shall  proceed  on  the 
business  early  in  the  morning.  We  expect  to  have  so  re- 
spectable an  addition  of  force  from  the  militia  of  Connec- 
ticut as  to  be  able  to  do  effectual  service.  The  apprehen- 
sions that  the  Committee  of  Safety  seem  to  labour  under, 
are  in  my  opinion  without  foundation.  Surely  the  Conven- 
tion or  Committee  of  the  State  of  New-York  can  supply 
troops  for  the  security  of  Fort  Constitution,  on  which  we 
shall  advance  with  a  respectable  force  towarks  Kings 
bridge. 

"  I  therefore  earnestly  entreat  that  the  two  companies 
may  be  permitted  to  march  without  a  moments'  delay  and 
join  us  at  North-Castle. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servant. 
"  JNO.  MORIN  SCOTT." 
Captain  Isaac  Belknap's  report  relative  to  the  escape  of 
Captain  Phineas  Ford,  was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words, 
to  wit : 

"  Fishkill,  January  7lh,  1776. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  Stale  of  New-  York  : 
"  Isaac  Belknap,  captain  of  a  company  of  rangers,  sta- 
tioned at  this  place,  reports,  that  in  obedience  to  an  order 
of  your  board,  to  me  directed,  dated  the  thirtieth  of  De- 
cember last,  directing  me  to  receive  and  keep  in  safe  cus- 
tody Captain  Phineas  Ford  and  four  other  prisoners  ;  ac- 
cordingly 1  put  Captain  Ford,  and  the  other  prisoners  sent 
with  him,  into  the  guard  house,  with  the  prisoners  then  in 
custody,  and  ordered  the  guard  to  keep  them  close  prison- 
ers, and  not  let  any  of  them  go  without  the  sentries  on  any 
occasion  whatever,  without  a  guard,  and  then  not  to  let  but 
one  at  a  time  go  out,  and  be  immediately  returned  as  soon 
as  they  had  eased  themselves ;  and  that  on  Friday  the  3rd 
instant,  I  went  in  person  to  relieve  the  guard,  and  gave 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


765 


strict  orders  to  the  guard  and  to  the  sentries,  not  to  let  one 
man  go  out  without  a  guard.  But  in  the  evening  Captain 
Ford  requested  leave  to  go  with  a  guard  to  ease  himself, 
and  Samuel  Barret,  a  private  soldier  in  Captain  Myrick's 
company,  was  ordered  to  go  out  with  him,  and  while  he 
was  out,  Captain  Ford  made  his  escape  ;  and  on  my  re- 
ceiving information  of  what  had  happened,  I  informed  the 
committee  of  inquiry,  &c.  who  ordered  that  Samuel  Bar- 
ret should  be  put  in  irons  and  kept  in  confinement,  in 
which  state  he  has  remained  ever  since. 

"ISAAC  BELKNAP,  Copt." 

Ordered,  That  a  reward  of  one  hundred  dollars  be 
given  to  any  person  or  persons  for  apprehending  the  said 
Captain  Ford,  and  that  the  Secretaries  advertise  the  same. 

A  return  of  the  union  garrisons  at  Fort  Montgomery, 
commanded  by  Brigr.  General  James  Clinton,  [was  re- 
ceived.] 

"  Severen's  Tavern,  6th  Jany.  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  evening,  on  my  arrival  here, 
I  received  [a  letter]  from  General  Heath,  informing  me  he 
had  sent  over  two  field  pieces  to  me.    I  came  out  here 
this  morning  to  order  them  up,  and  the  regiments  in  this 
quarter  to  advance  to  Pyramus  this  evening,  that  they  might 
be  ready,  in  concert  with  the  regiments  at  Tappen,  (where 
I  meant  to  order  one  of  the  fieldpieces,)  and  where  my 
greater  forces  are  to  attack  the  enemy  at  the  New  Bridge  and 
Hackensack  at  the  same  time.    I  meant  to  have  ordered  a 
strong  detachment  on  the  east  side  of  the  ferry,  in  the  Eng- 
lish neighbourhood,  and  another  on  the  Acquackanonk 
road,  in  case  they  should  give  way,  to  prevent  their  es- 
cape.   I  was  just  preparing  my  orders  accordingly,  when 
to  my  great  surprise  and  mortification,  a  messenger  arrived, 
who  informed  me  that  the  enemy  yesterday  afternoon,  ap- 
prehensive of  an  attack,  left  Hackensack  with  the  utmost 
precipitation — part  took  their  route  towards  Hackensack — 
part  across  the  New  Bridge,  and  the  remainder  across  the 
ferry — carrying  off  all  their  baggage.    They  have  disap- 
pointed me  exceedingly.    I  am  almost  certain  I  could  have 
destroyed  the  whole  of  them,  had  they  continued  two  days 
longer,  had  I  been  indulged  in  my  request  of  artillery 
that  much  sooner.    I  have  sent  down  a  strong  party  to 
possess  the  town,  secure  such  stores  as  they  may  have 
left,  and  bring  in  the  tories  who  are  much  dejected  and  dis- 
tressed.   I  have  given  orders  for  dismissing  the  militia, 
except  500,  agreeable  to  the  resolve  of  your  Honourahle 
House,  and  am  about  making  the  necessary  preparations 
for  sending  the  200  men  into  Dutchess  county,  who,  I 
doubt  not,  will  be  there  on  the  day  appointed.    A  gentle- 
man, just  now  from  the  army,  informs  me  that  Thursday 
evening  last  the  enemy  entered  Trenton  ;  that  a  severe  ac- 
tion ensued  between  them  and  your  army,  who  were  drawn 
up  on  the  south  of  Mill  creek.    The  enemy  were  soon 
obliged  to  retreat  to  the  farther  end  of  the  town,  with  great 
loss ;  that  about  twelve  at  night  General  Washington 
marched  his  army  from  Trenton  to  Princeton,  attacked  the 
enemy  in  the  morning — then  routed  them — took  upwards 
of  250,  and  as  there  was  a  smart  action,  it  is  supposed 
their  loss  was  great,  but  the  numbers  killed  at  either  place 
[is  not  known.]    General  Washington  is  on  his  march  to 
Morristown,  where  it  is  expected  he  now  is  ;  in  which  case 
he  has  the  enemy  between  him  and  Philadelphia,  and  I 
imagine  this  may  have  occasioned  my  neighbours'  sudden 
removal  from  Hackensack.    General  Mercer  is  killed — 
our  loss,  however,  but  inconsiderable. 

"  I  am,  your  most  obt.  servant, 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  The  enemy  released  the  Hoppers,  &c.  on  their  leav- 
ing Hackensack.  They  had  the  impudence  to  propose  an 
exchange  of  prisoners  with  me  a  few  days  before." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Lieu- 
tenant Daniel  Rapalje,  the  sum  of  eighty-six  pounds  four- 
teen shillings,  in  full  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  him- 
self and  such  officers  and  privates  of  Captain  Suydam's 

192 


company  of  horse  in  Kings  county,  on  Nassau  island,  as 
are  not  now  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  agreeable  to  a 
pay  roll,  sworn  to  by  him,  and  audited  by  the  committee 
of  accounts  of  this  day. 

Mr.  Duer  informed  the  Committee  that  great  inconve- 
niences arise  at  and  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Peekskill, 
through  the  want  of  a  justice  of  the  peace,  or  some  other 
person  qualified  to  administer  the  oath  to  the  recruits  of 
the  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  William  Paulding,  Esqr.  be  and  hereby 
is  nominated,  constituted  and  appointed  a  justice  of  the 
peace  for  the  county  of  Westchester,  with  the  like  powers, 
privileges  and  authority  now  or  heretofore  enjoyed  and 
exercised  by  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  this  State. 

Major  Brush,  who  was  employed  to  repair  to  the  county 
of  Tryon  for  the  purpose  of  paying  off  and  settling  the 
pay  and  subsistence  of  the  rangers  raised  in  the  said  county, 
being  returned,  delivered  in  the  pay  and  subsistence  rolls 
of  the  said  rangers. 

The  petition  of  the  officers  of  the  companies  of  rangers 
raised  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  praying  that  a  pay-mas- 
ter may  be  appointed  to  the  said  companies,  and  recom- 
mending John  Gibson,  of  New-Perth,  for  the  purpose,  was 
read. 

A  letter  from  Lawrence  Gross,  lieutenant  of  the  first 
company  of  rangers  in  Tryon  county,  relative  to  an  error 
in  the  payment  of  the  bounty  money  to  the  men  of  the 
said  company,  and  to  the  captain  being  confined  in  jail, 
was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Paris,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Tryon  county,  relative  to  Captain  Winn, 
who  is  confined  in  jail,  and  informing  of  their  having  ap- 
pointed Adrian  Van  Side  jailor,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  said  last  mentioned  petition  and  letters, 
as  also  the  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  Tryon  rangers, 
as  delivered  in  by  Mr.  Brush,  be  referred  to* Mr.  Moore, 
Mr.  Webster,  and  Mr.  Stephens  and  Major  Parks,  to  re- 
port thereon,  separately  or  otherwise  as  they  may  see  fit ; 
and  all  the  said  petitions  and  letters  are  now  delivered  to 
the  said  committee. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho,  a.  m. 

January,  8,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor— Albany. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Rea— Ulster. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Many  members,  as  well  those  absent  as  those  present, 
being  appointed  on  different  committees  which  required 
their  presence,  and  no  very  urgent  business  offering, 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning  at  the  usual  hour. 


10  HO.  A.  M. 

January  9th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor— Albany. 
Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris— Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Rob.  R.  Livingston — Dutchets. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 


766 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland- 
Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain John  A.  Bradt  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty 
pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  seven  pence,  for  the  pay, 
and  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred  and  nine  pounds  thir- 
teen shillings  and  one  penny,  for  the  subsistence  of  his 
company  of  rangers,  raised  in  Albany  county,  to  the  fourth 
instant,  agreeable  to  his  pay  and  subsistence  roll,  sworn  to 
by  him,  and  audited  by  the  committee  of  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  William  Bedlow  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds, 
for  the  purpose  mentioned  in  the  resolutions  of  this  Com- 
mittee appointing  Captain  Machin  to  superintend  the  ob- 
structions intended  to  be  made  in  Hudson's  river,  and  take 
his  receipt,  to  account  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 
clothing  for  the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this  State,  be 
requested  to  furnish  to  Doctor  Chauncey  Graham  two 
blankets  for  the  use  of  the  sick  under  his  care. 

Mr.  Moore  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  report  how  many  riders  are  necessary  to  be 
employed  for  the  use  of  this  Convention,  which  was  read 
and  ordered  to  lie  for  further  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Foster  the  sum  of  sixty-seven  pounds  sixteen 
shillings,  in  full  for  two  hundred  and  four  spears  and  his 
expenses,  agreeable  to  his  account,  delivered  in  and  audit- 
ed this  day. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Foster  keep  the  said  spears  in  his 
custody  till  the  further  order  of  the  Convention  or  this 
Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  the 
Honble.  Brigadier-General  Lewis  Morris,  or  his  order, 
two  hundred  and  eleven  pounds  four  shillings,  in  full  for  his 
attendance  as  a  Delegate  of  this  State  in  Continental  Con- 
gress, to  the  fourth  day  of  October  last,  as  per  account  de- 
livered in  this  day. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Ben- 
jamin Montague  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  for 
going  express  to  Peekskill,  to  Paramus,  and  to  Governor 
Trumbull  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  as  per  his  account 
delivered  in  this  day. 

A  letter  from  John  Haring,  Esqr.  dated  at  Orange  Town, 
January  the  fifth,  enclosing  the  petition  of  Lawrence 
Smith,  therein ;  the  said  petition  praying  to  be  permitted 
to  go  to  New- York  in  order  to  obtain  a  passage  to  Den- 
mark (via  the  Danish  West  Indies,)  of  which  he  is  a  na- 
tive, and  until  of  late  years  an  inhabitant,  were  respectively 
read.  Thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Lawrence  Smith,  a  subject  of 
the  king  of  Denmark,  be  permitted  to  go  to  New-York  in 
order  to  obtain  a  passage  to  his  native  country. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  pay  to  Governor  Morris, 
Esqr.  the  sum  of  forty  shillings,  for  so  much  by  him  paid 
to  a  person  who  came  express  from  General  George  Clin- 
ton with  the  account  of  General  Washington's  successful 
attack  at  Trenton  ;  and  the  further  sum  of  twenty-four 
shillings,  for  so  much  paid  to  the  printer's  boys  for  a  des- 
patch in  printing  the  address  ;  and  that  the  Secretaries 
charge  the  same  in  their  account  of  disbursements. 

"  Received  of  John  McKesson,  Secretary  of  the  Con- 
vention nf  the  State  of  New- York,  by  order  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  the  following  medicines,  the  property  of 
the  State  of  New-York,  to  wit ;  'cortex  peruviani,  two 
pounds  ;  florae  chamomel,  half  a  pound ;  mannae,  four 
pounds  ;  salis  catharticae  amaris,  nine  pounds;  cantharides, 
half  an  ounce  ;  to  be  used  in  the  care  of  the  militia  called 
into  service  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  whereof  I  act  as 
surgeon.    January  9th,  1777. 

"  MATTHS.  B.  MILLER." 

An  additional  resolution  extending  the  powers  of  com- 


missioners for  repressing  the  refractory  spirit  of  the  militia 
in  Rhinebeck  to  the  refractory  militia  in  Paulding's  pre- 
cinct, was  read  and  resolved  on  and  agreed  to  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the 
resolution  of  this  Committee  of  the  third  instant  for  repres- 
sing the  refractory  spirit  of  the  militia  of  Rhinebeck  pre- 
cinct, in  Dutchess  county,  repair  to  Paulding's  precinct,  in 
the  said  county,  as  soon  as  they  have  executed  the  resolu- 
tions relative  to  the  militia  of  Rhinebeck  precinct,  and  that 
they  be  directed  and  authorized  to  pursue  the  same  mea- 
sures with  respect  to  such  of  the  militia  of  Colonel  Field's 
and  Col.  Wm.  Humphries'  regiments  as  have  neglected  or 
refused  to  obey  the  orders  of  this  Convention  of  the  21st 
ultimo,  as  were  by  them  exercised  in  the  precinct  of  Rhine- 
beck ;  and  that  for  this  purpose,  the  above  mentioned  com- 
missioners be  vested  with  all  and  singular  the  powers  and 
authorities  whatsoever,  which  were  vested  in  them  by  the 
resolutions  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  of 
the  3rd  instant ;  and  that  they  call  to  their  assistance  the 
committee  of  Paulding's  preeinct  or  any  other  committee 
whenever  they  shall  think  their  advice  and  assistance  ne- 
cessary. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath  at  Peekskill,  informing 
that  he  has  received  orders  from  General  Washington  to 
remain  at  Peekskill,  and  requesting  that  such  flat  bottomed 
boats  as  are  at  or  near  Fishkill,  be  sent  to  Peekskill,  was 
read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  Jan.  8th,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  have  just  received  your  favour  of  the  6th  inst. 
and  thank  the  Honourable  Committee  for  the  favourable 
opinion  which  they  have  formed  of  my  intentions  for  the 
public  safety. 

"  The  last  night  I  received  despatches  from  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  in  consequence  of  which  I 
shall  not  pass  over  the  North  river.  I  hope  these  opera- 
tions will  be  such  as  will  give  satisfaction  to  the  Conven- 
tion and  promote  the  public  weal. 

"  I  request  that  all  the  flat  bottomed  boats  that  are  at 
Fishkill,  or  between  that  place  and  Fort  Constitution,  may 
be  sent  down  as  soon  as  possible,  as  they  may  be  wanted 
at  Kings  ferry  or  elsewhere. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  humble  servt. 

"W.  HEATH. 

"  James  Livingston,  Esq." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates  show  this  letter  to 
Mr.  Duer,  who  is  requested  to  do  the  things  needful  for  the 
Quarter-Master-General. 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Harper,  Esqr.  deliver  to  William 
Duer,  Esquire,  or  his  order,  such  arms  belonging  to  this 
Slate  as  he  may  have  in  his  possession,  for  the  use  of  the 
militia  ordered  into  Westchester  county. 

A  letter  from  Nathan  Pearce,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Paulding's  precinct,  informing  of  the  number  of  dis- 
affected in  that  precinct,  and  of  the  said  committee  having 
ordered  ten  men,  completely  armed,  for  the  defence  of  the 
precinct,  on  Continental  pay,  and  follows,  to  wit : 
"  To  Capt.  James  Martin. 

"  You  are  hereby  required  forthwith  to  raise  ten  sol- 
diers, completely  armed,  for  the  defence  of  this  precinct, 
under  Continental  pay,  for  one  month,  if  not  sooner  dis- 
charged by  this  committee.    Jany.  5,  1777. 

"By  order  of  the  committee. 

"NATHAN  PEARCE,  Chairman." 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Provincial  Congress,  convened  at  Fishkill. 

"  Gentlemen — These  may  inform  your  honours  that 
there  is  a  great  number  of  disaffected  persons  (to  the  mea- 
sures pursued  by  the  United  Colonics,)  in  our  precinct, 
and  from  many  hints  and  informations,  we  suspect  that 
there  is  a  plot  concealed  among  them  as  soon  as  our  mili- 
tia is  moved  off,  (which  was  to  have  been  this  day,)  to 
I  take  the  advantage,  to  rise  against  the  inhabitants  when 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


767 


we  are  destitute  of  men  and  arms,  to  make  prisoners  of 
our  principal  men,  and  convey  them  by  some  means  or 
other  to  the  regulars  ;  whereupon  this  committee  have 
thought  it  advisable  to  detain  our  troops  till  we  could  send 
our  humble  request  to  your  honours  to  send  us,  as  speedi- 
ly as  possible,  thirty  or  forty  men  to  be  stationed  among 
us,  completely  armed  for  our  defence,  with  proper  offi- 
cers, and  for  the  apprehending  of  tories  and  deserters. 
Your  honours  granting  this,  our  humble  request,  will  much 
oblige  your  hearty  friends,  and  cause  us  as,  in  duty  bound, 
ever  to  pray. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  Committee. 

"NATHAN  PEARCE,  Chairman. 

"  Pauling's  precinct,  Jany.  5,  1777. 

"  P.  S.  We  would  further  inform  your  honours,  that  the 
militia  that  was  ordered  to  go  out  of  three  companies,  was 
near  about  one  hundred  and  twenty,  and  but  thirteen  ap- 
peared. VVe  request  your  honours  to  send  orders  what 
shall  be  done  in  this  affair." 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Pauling's  precinct  be 
authorized  to  raise  ten  men  with  an  ensign,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  securing  the  disaffected  in  the  said  precinct,  and 
that  they  be  allowed  Continental  pay. 

A  letter  from  Lewis  McDonald,  chairman  of  Westches- 
ter committee,  relative  to  the  poor  of  New-York  who  were 
sent  into  that  county,  and  the  effects  of  some  officers,  pri- 
soners on  parol,  and  who  have  eloped,  was  read,  and  fol- 
lows, in  the  words  to  wit : 

"  Bedford,  30th  Deer.  1776. 
"  Sir — This  day  our  committee  met  pursuant  to  ad- 
journment to  transact  such  business  as  should  lay  before 
them.  The  business  of  this  day  was  great  and  difficult 
for  us  to  determine.  One  thing  is,  the  poor  from  the  city 
of  New-York,  how  and  in  what  manner  are  they  to  be 
supported  ?  another,  the  goods  left  by  the  regular  officers 
that  were  on  parol  in  this  town  and  deserted.  The  com- 
mittee resolved  that  Mr.  Philip  Leek  be  sent  to  Conven- 
tion in  order  to  get  instructions  how  we  shall  transact  for 
the  future,  in  those  and  other  matters,  which  we  think 
of  great  moment.  We  therefore  pray  you  will  give  us  by 
him,  some  particular  instructions,  as  he  will  further  en- 
lighten you  in  the  difficulties  which  lay  before  us  at  pre- 
sent, in  the  discharging  of  our  duty.  For  further  particu- 
lars, we  refer  you  to  the  bearer,  Mr.  Leek,  by  whom  we 
hope  to  receive  from  you  such  directions  as  will  enable  us 
for  the  future  to  discharge  our  trust,  and  be  of  service  to 
our  much  injured  and  bleeding  country. 

"  Signed  by  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  LEWIS  McDONALD,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Honble. 

Convention  of  ihe  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Mor- 
ris, Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  William  Harper  and  General 
Morris. 

The  petition  of  John  A.  Bradt,  captain  of  the  rangers 
raised  in  Albany,  was  read,  and  follows  to  wit: 

"  To  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York. 
"  The  petition  of  John  A.  Bradt,  captain  of  a  company  of 

rangers,  raised  in  and  for  the  defence  of  the  county  of 

Albany, 

"  Humbly  Sheweth  : 

"  That  whereas  vour  petitioner  sometime  since 
received  a  warrant  from  the  committee  of  the  county  of 
Albany,  dated  the  tenth  day  of  August  last,  for  raising  the 
above  company  of  rangers,  since  which  (notwithstanding 
he  hath  nearly  completed  the  same,)  he  has  not  received 
a  commission  for  himself  or  his  subalterns. 

"  That  your  petitioner  hath  this  day  been  informed  by 
one  of  the  sergeants  just  arrived  from  Peekskill,  that  his 
company  are  determined  to  go  to  such  place  as  they  may 
be  ordered  to,  and  there  execute  such  orders  as  may  be 
given  to  them,  provided  they  are  furnished  with  clothing 
and  other  necessaries  equal  with  the  other  Continental 


troops,  of  which  they  are  at  present  destitute,  owing  to 
their  want  of  time  to  supply  themselves  therewith  at  home — 
they  being  immediately  ordered  to  Fort  Constitution,  di- 
rectly after  their  return  from  Johnstown. 

"  That  your  petitioner  conceives  that  many  of  his  men 
will  be  desirous  to  be  discharged  from  the  company, 
they  being  apprehensive  they  ought  not  be  sent  out  of 
the  county  of  Albany,  agreeable  to  the  tenor  of  their  warrant. 

"  That  your  petitioner  conceives  that  he  and  his  sub- 
alterns are  justly  entitled  to  the  same  pay  as  the  officers  of 
the  same  rank  in  the  Continental  army  are  entitled  to. 

"  Your  petitioner  therefore,  requests  that  your  honours 
will  take  the  premises  into  consideration,  and  grant  the 
above  requested  commissions  ;  also  will  be  pleased  to  order 
the  necessary  clothing  for  his  company  ;  and  further,  pass 
a  resolve,  that  one  of  his  company  who  shall  incline  to  be 
discharged,  on  his  returning  the  bounty,  may  quit  the  com- 
pany. Lastly,  requests  that  he  may  have  the  liberty  to 
enlist  a  fifer  and  drummer  in  his  company,  or  to  issue  such 
orders  respecting  the  premises,  as  your  honours  in  justice 
may  deem  fit. 

"  And  your  petitioner  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 

"JOHN  BRADT. 

«  FUhkill,  January  9th,  1777." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Taylor,  on  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement, with  the  said  petition,  consult  them  on  the  sub- 
ject matter  thereof. 

A  letter  from  Josa.  Loring,  commissary  of  prisoners  at 
New-York,  dated  December  28,  1776,  directed  on  the 
back  as  follows,  to  wit :  "  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of 
the  Province  of  New-York,  or  others  whom  it  may  con- 
cern," relative  to  some  prisoners  passing  through  this  State 
to  Canada,  was  read,  and  follows  to  wit : 

"New-York,  Decr.28th,  1776. 

"Gentlemen — Majors  Campbell,  Dunbar  and  Hughs, 
Captain  Robertson  and  Doctor  Gill,  being  taken  prisoners 
in  Canada,  and  now  duly  exchanged  agreeable  to  General 
Washington's  desire,  I  am  directed  by  the  Commander-in- 
Chief  to  apply  to  you  for  a  safe  pass,  and  your  assistance 
to  them  in  returning  to  Canada,  as  they  belong  to  that  dis- 
trict. They  will  wait  here  for  your  answer,  which  request 
may  be  as  soon  as  possible,  either  by  a  flag  of  truce  to  our 
posts  at  King's  Bridge,  or  any  other,  the  most  expeditious 
way. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servant, 

"JOSA.  LORING, 
"  Commissary  for  Prisoners." 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  above  letter  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  in  the  words  following  to  wit : 

"Sir, — The  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  have 
received  a  certain  letter,  signed  Josa.  Loring,  commissary 
for  prisoners,  and  directed  '  To  the  Provincial  Congress 
of  Province  of  New-York,  or  other  whom  it  may  concern.' 
As  the  business  mentioned  in  that  letter,  in  some  sort 
concerns  the  Convention  of  the  Stale  of  New-York,  they 
direct  me  in  answer,  to  inform  you,  that  although  from  the 
detection  of  a  great  number  of  spies,  and  the  information 
received  of  others,  there  is  not  the  least  doubt  but  General 
Howe  has  every  species  of  intelligence  he  can  wish  for ; 
yet  as  the  suffering  an  enemy's  officer  to  pass  through  this 
State  must  presuppose  that  the  Convention  have  lost  the 
right  use  of  their  understanding,  they  pray  that  Messrs. 
Campbell,  Dunbar,  Hughes,  Robertson  and  Gill,  will  ex- 
cuse them  for  not  complying  with  their  request.  At  the 
same  time  I  am  directed  to  observe,  that  in  the  opinion  of 
this  Committee,  all  applications  ot  this  sort  should  be  made 
from  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  British  army  to  his 
Excellency  General  Washington,  whose  politeness  and  hu- 
manity will  naturally  lead  him  to  confer  every  favour  in  his 
power  upon  officers  in  service  against  him. 

"I  am  sir,  your  humble  servant. 
<:  Josa.  Loring,  Commissary 

Prisoners,  New- York." 


768 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  same  be  copied  and  sent  to  General 
Heath,  to  be  forwarded  by  him. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  Mr.  Loring's  letter  and  the 
answer  thereto,  be  sent  to  General  Washington  by  the  first 
opportunity. 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire,  requesting 
the  House  to  indulge  him  with  a  hearing  before  they  de- 
termine on  the  report  of  the  committee  for  detecting  con- 
spirators, relative  to  his  case,  and  that  he  may  be  served 
with  a  copy  of  the  said  report,  was  read,  and  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  Fishkill,  Jany  8th,  1777. 
"  Sir, — I  rejoiced  when  I  heard  that  the  Honourable  Con- 
vention, upon  my  petition  to  them  of  the  26th  of  last  month, 
had  ordered  the  committee  to  make  report  to  them  of  what 
had  appeared  before  them  concerning  me  ;  being  then  in 
hopes  of  speedily  having  an  impartial  hearing  and  decision 
before  the  House.  I  am  now  equally  astonished  as  sur- 
prised to  learn  that  the  House  have  referred  the  matter  back 
to  another  committee.  Though  I  still  hope  the  Conven- 
tion will  give  me  a  hearing  before  they  come  to  a  final  de- 
termination ;  for  which  end,  I  beg  I  may  be  served  with 
copies  of  the  reports  of  the  committee,  and  that  a  future 
day  may  be  appointed  for  me  to  have  a  hearing  before  the 
House.  If  I  may  be  indulged  in  this,  it  will  greatly  oblige, 
"  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

"  CADWALLADER  COLDEN. 

'•  To  James  Livingston,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Honble.  Convention." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Colden  be  heard,  agreeable  to  his 
request  on  Monday  next,  and  that  the  Secretary,  in  the 
mean  time,  permit  Mr.  Colden  to  peruse  the  said  report; 
and  that  the  committee  to  whom  the  said  report  was  com- 
mitted on  the  instant,  be  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  on  the  subject  of  pay 
for  his  company  of  troopers  in  Orange  county,  was  read, 
and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  For  the  Convention  of  the  Slate  of  New-York." 

"  Your  petitioner  has  been  called  to  attend  with  the  troop 
of  horse  under  his  command,  by  General  George  Clinton, 
at  the  North  river,  White  Plains,  and  now  at  the  soutb 
part  of  Orange  county,  which  service  he  has  complied 
with,  and  the  orders  obeyed  to  the  best  of  our  capacity  ; 
has  spent  his  own  money,  and  his  men's,  who  had  any, 
there  ;  (acknowledges  to  have  received  on  account,  in  ad- 
vance, for  which  he  has  given  his  receipt,  two  hundred 
dollars  ;)  prays  to  have  his  wages  settled  that  he  may 
bring  into  Convention  his  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  lest 
necessity  should  oblige  the  troops  to  turn  into  the  common 
mililia.  Your  compliance  will  greatly  oblige  your  most 
obedient  servant. 

"  EBENEZER  WOODHULL. 

"  Fishkill,  January  Sth,  1777. 
"  To  Honble.  Convention  of  the  State 

of  New-York." 

Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
advance  to  Captain  Ebenezer  Woodhull  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, on  account  of  pay  and  subsistence  to  his  troop  of 
horse,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  make  out  his  pay  roll, 
agreeable  to  the  Continental  regulations  for  the  troops  of 
horse,  as  soon  as  he  can  obtain  the  same. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
advance  to  Captain  Silvester  Salisbury,  two  hundred  dol- 
lars, on  account  of  pay  and  subsistence  to  his  troop  of 
horse,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  make  out  his  pay  roll, 
agreeable  to  the  Continental  regulations  for  troop  of  horse, 
as  soon  as  he  can  obtain  the  same. 

The  petition  of  Ann  Dillingham,  praying  leave  to  go  to 
New-York,  with  her  family,  to  her  husband,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Resolved,  That  Ann  Dillingham,  with  her  family,  be 
permitted  to  go  to  New-York  to  her  husband. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Peter  R.  Livingston,  dated  the 


second  instant,  relative  to  the  refractory  militia  in  the  ma- 
nor of  Livingston,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  District  of  Manor  Livingston,  ) 
"  2nd  January,  1777.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — Upon  the  receipt  of  your  first  resolves 
of  the  21st  of  December,  I  immediately  ordered  out  my 
regiment,  in  order  to  march  down  as  many  of  them  as  the 
field  officers  judged  could  leave  home,  without  too  much 
distressing  their  families  at  this  inclement  season  of  the 
year,  and  sorry  I  am  to  acquaint  the  Convention,  that  out 
of  the  whole  (except  those  that  a  few  days  before  returned 
from  duty)  we  could  only  make  one  company  of  about  45 
men,  that  could  any  way  possibly  leave  their  families  ; 
just  as  they  were  ready,  we  received  your  countermand,  and 
dismissed  those  that  did  meet,  with  orders  for  them  to  be 
ready  on  the  earliest  notice. 

"  But  we  find,  upon  the  strictest  inquiry,  the  whole  re- 
giment, except  a  precious  few,  are  so  reluctant,  and  most 
of  them  so  disaffected,  that  little  or  no  dependence  can  be 
put  in  them ;  numbers  daily  riding  about  the  county,  huz- 
zaing for  the  King  and  drinking  his  health  in  the  taverns. 
As  we  were  fearful  you  might  want  men,  hearing  the  mili- 
lia were  so  backward  in  Dutchess,  I  thought  it  best  to  or- 
der out  Lieutenant  Bower's  company,  who  are  on  Conti- 
nental pay,  and  are  enlisted  till  the  first  of  May  next,  to 
march  down  to  Fishkill,  and  receive  such  further  orders  as 
you  may  judge  fit  to  give  him,  as  Capt.  Gaashbeebus'  peo- 
ple's time  is  out  the  14th  of  this  month.  In  the  mean  time, 
the  committee  here  will  endeavour  to  find  out,  and  get 
proof  of  the  transactions  of  the  enemies  of  the  State,  so  as 
to  justify  their  sending  them  down  to  Fishkill,  to  be  dealt 
with  as  they  desire.  Should  Convention  not  want  this 
company  for  immediate  duty,  they  will  be  pleased  to  send 
them  back. 

"  Am,  gent,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"  PETER  R.  LIVINGSTON." 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho,  a.  m, 

January  10th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— 

Dutchess. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  William  Smith,  Mr.  Gelson— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Genl.  Morris — West  Chester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Whereas  a  number  of  hides  have  been  purchased  by 
the  Convention,  in  order  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  State  : 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine  be  directed  to  collect  the 
said  hides,  and  get  the  said  hides  tanned  and  curried  on 
account  of  this  State,  taking,  for  the  expense  and  trouble 
of  tanning  and  currying  the  same,  the  one-half  of  all  the 
hides  which  he  shall  so  tan  and  curry,  and  deliver  the 
other  half  to  the  order  of  this  Committee,  or  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  consider  the  letter  of 
Lewis  McDonald,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Bedford, 
relative  to  the  prisoners  of  war  who  broke  their  parol  and 
escaped,  and  relative  to  the  poor  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  was  read  and  agreed  to.  Whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  following  facts  and  resolutions  [be 
submitted]  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


769 


Joseph  Woolcombe,  William  Elder,  Richard  Bruere, 
Thomas  Remmington  Harris,  and  Samuel  Cox,  being 
prisoners  of  war  upon  parol  at  Bedford,  in  the  county  of 
Westchester,  have,  in  breach  of  their  parol,  gone  off  and 
joined  the  enemy,  leaving  sundry  of  their  effects,  which 
are  now  in  possession  of  the  said  committee,  and  being 
considerably  indebted  for  their  board  and  lodgings  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Bedford  aforesaid.  That  the  poor  of  the 
city  of  New-York,  now  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  are 
greatly  distressed  for  want  of  clothes,  food,  &c. 

Thereupon  the  Committee  agreed  to  the  following  reso- 
lutions, to  wit : 

Whereas  Joseph  Welcombe,  William  Elder,  Richard 
Bruere,  Thomas  Remmington  Harris  and  Samuel  Cox, 
being  prisoners  of  war  upon  their  parol  of  honour,  at  Bed- 
ford, did  shamefully  run  off,  in  breach  of  their  said  parol  : 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  informing  him  thereof. 

And  whereas  the  said  Joseph  Welcombe,  William 
Elder,  Richard  Bruere,  Thomas  Remington  Harris  and 
Samuel  Cox  are  indebted  to  sundry  the  good  subjects  of 
this  State, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Bedford,  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  sell  off  their  effects  at  public  vendue, 
giving  notice  thereof  at  least  ten  days  before  the  day  of 
sale  ;  and  out  of  the  moneys  arising  from  such  sale,  pay 
the  debts  of  the  said  Joseph  Woolcombe,  William  Elder, 
Richard  Bruere,  Thomas  Remington  Harris  and  Samuel 
Cox,  and  account  with  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  for  such 
sums  as  may  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  said  committee, 
after  the  payment  of  the  said  debts. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  be  advanced 
to  the  committee  of  Bedford,  in  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, to  be  accounted  for  to  the  Convention  ;  and  that  the 
said  committee  take  such  measures  as  they  shall  think  ne- 
cessary to  provide  for  the  poor  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
within  the  said  county;  and  that  they  be  at  liberty  to  dis- 
miss any  of  those  who  they  may  not  conceive  proper  ob- 
jects of  charity,  or  employ  any  such  as  they  may  conceive 
capable  of  labour. 

Ordered.,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Philip  Leek,  one  of  the  committee  of  Bedford,  on  his  re- 
ceipt, the  said  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  to  be  applied  for  the 
support  of  the  said  poor,  and  to  be  accounted  for  by  the 
committee  of  Bedford  to  the  Convention  or  the  Committee 
of  Safety  of  this  State. 

Captain  John  A.  Bradt,  of  the  Albany  rangers,  applied 
for  clothing  for  his  men. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Bradt  apply  to  the  clothing  com- 
mittee, who  are  directed  to  furnish  Captain  Bradt  with 
clothing,  agreeable  to  a  list  now  produced  ;  and  that  the 
said  clothing  be  charged  to  Captain  Bradt,  who  is  directed 
to  make  the  proper  stoppages  out  of  the  payment  of  such 
of  his  men  as  do  not  enlist  in  Continental  service. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out  for  Captain 
Bradt  and  his  officers. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  John 
Cregier,  the  sum  of  forty-eight  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  in 
full  for  his  services  as  a  rider,  to  the  thirty-first  day  of  De- 
cember, agreeable  to  his  account,  audited  and  reported  this 
day. 

A  letter  from  General  Heath,  dated  yesterday,  accom- 
panying several  letters  from  the  city  of  New-York,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  Jany.  9lh,  1777. 

"  Sir — Captain  Chew  has  just  come  to  this  place  with 
a  flag,  on  his  way  to  Fishkill,  to  solicit  the  permission  for 
Lady  Johnson  and  Mrs.  Cuyler,  with  their  families  and 
effects,  to  pass  to  New-York.  I  have  thought  it  improper 
to  allow  Captain  Chew  to  proceed  to  Fishkill,  but  have 
sent  forward  the  letters.  The  Honourable  Convention 
will  act,  touching  the  premises,  as  to  them,  in  their  wis- 
dom, may  seem  fit.  Captain  Chew  returns  this  afternoon 
or  to-morrow  morning.    I  have  assured  him  that  as  soon 

193 


as  the  Convention  shall  have  come  to  a  determination,  no- 
tice thereof  shall  be  sent  by  a  flag.  I  therefore  request  a 
decision  as  soon  as  convenient. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  humble  servant, 

"W.  HEATH. 

"James  Livingston." 

The  several  letters  within  mentioned,  were  from  diffe- 
erent  persons  to  several  of  the  members,  soliciting  the 
Convention  to  permit  Lady  Johnson,  Mrs.  Cuyler,  wife  of 
the  late  mayor  of  Albany,  and  a  certain  Mrs.  Wilkinson  to 
go  to  their  husbands  in  New- York. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Gelston  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  said  letters,  and  report  whether  any 
of  them  are  improper  to  be  forwarded. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  reported  that  none  of  the  letters  commit- 
ted to  him  and  Mr.  Gelston,  contain  any  matters  injurious 
to  the  country.  That  there  is  among  the  letters  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars  directed  to  Mr.  Duane  and  Peter  R. 
Livingston,  for  Anthony  Van  Daur,  to  be  sent  to  Colonel 
Robert  R.  Livingston,  for  house  rent. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  or  send  the  letters 
to  the  persons  to  whom  they  are  respectively  directed,  and 
that  he  retain  said  money  until  further  order  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State,  or  of  this  Committee. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Jany.  11th,  1777. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscorab,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Parks  —  Ulster. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  R.  Fates,  Mr.  Taylor— Albany. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Mr.  Rob.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  at  Pluckemin, 
was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit: 

"  Pluckemin,  January  9th,  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — I  was  this  evening  honoured  with  your 
letter  of  the  first  instant,  and  beg  leave  to  assure  you  that 
the  situation  of  your  State  has  and  ever  will  claim  much 
of  my  attention.  I  am  sensible  of  its  importance  in  the 
grand  contest  in  which  we  are  engaged,  and  of  the  unhap- 
py defection  of  loo  great  a  part  of  it.  However,  when 
General  Howe  had  drawn  a  part  of  his  army  into  Jersey, 
and  from  the  movements  used,  from  a  variety  of  intelli- 
gence through  different  channels,  had  determined  to  in- 
vade Pennsylvania  and  seize  Philadelphia,  I  thought  it  ex- 
pedient to  call  upon  General  Heath  for  such  succour  as  he 
could  give,  after  leaving  what  appeared  a  sufficient  guard 
for  the  security  of  the  Highlands,  as  things  were  circum- 
stanced at  that  time.  I  am  happy  that  no  accident  has  yet 
happened,  and  I  trust  none  will,  as  the  late  change  in  our 
affairs  in  this  quarter  has  justified  some  alteration  in  my 
orders  to  him.  In  every  instance  I  must  attempt,  to  direct 
such  forces  as  we  have  to  the  general  security  and  as  exi- 
gencies may  require,  and  only  hope  my  exertions  may  be 
answered  with  success.  I  am  persuaded  that  you  will 
think  that  there  was  much  occasion  for  the  aid  I  called  for 
at  the  time  the  application  was  made. 

"  I  return  you  my  sincere  thanks  for  your  kind  congra- 
tulations, and  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you  that  our  ar- 
mies have  been  attended  with  further  success  in  a  late  at- 
tack upon  the  enemy.  On  Thursday  evening  they  march- 
ed to  Trenton  with  their  collected  forces,  to  give  us  battle, 
and  to  possess  themselves  of  the  town  and  the  posts  on  the 
Delaware.  After  some  skirmishing  upon  the  approach, 
and  a  small  firing  from  artilleries  on  each  side  while  it  was 
light,  I  had  our  baggage  removed  as  silently  as  possible, 


770 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


and  about  12  o'clock  at  night  began  to  march  with  our 
troops  from  Princeton,  where  I  expected  to  find  a  consi- 
derable force  and  probably  a  good  many  stores  ;  we  arriv- 
ed about  8  o'clock,  and  a  part  of  our  troops  had  a  small 
engagement  with  the  British  regiments  that  passed  them 
and  their  troops  of  horse  ;  the  enemy's  loss  was  about  100 
slain  ;  the  number  wounded  is  not  yet  ascertained.  We 
have  two  hundred  prisoners  here,  and  from  the  information 
I  have  obtained,  I  have  much  reason  to  believe  that  near  a 
hundred  men  were  taken  in  their  confused  and  precipitate 
retreat,  and  which  are  conducted  toward  Pennsylvania. 
Upon  the  whole,  I  think  their  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and 
taken  prisoners,  cannot  be  less  than  five  hundred.  This 
piece  of  good  fortune  is  counterbalanced  by  the  fall  of 
General  Mercer,  a  brave  and  good  officer,  and  seven  or  eight 
more,  with  about  thirty  privates.  The  enemy  have  return- 
ed and  are  now  at  Brunswick  and  Bound  Brook,  from 
the  reports  of  all  our  parties  of  intelligence.  We  design- 
ed to  have  proceeded  to  the  former  ;  but  before  we  could 
get  the  least  refreshment,  the  army  that  had  gone  to  Tren- 
ton returned  to  Princeton,  which  obliged  us  to  decline  the 
enterprise. 

"4  after  8  o'clock,  P.  M. 

"  I  have  this  minute  received  a  letter  from  General  Max- 
well, advising  that  a  party  of  militia  attacked  sixty  Wal- 
deckers  this  morning;  killed  ten,  and  took  the  rest  prisoners. 

"  I  shall  take  an  opportunity  [to  consider  the  case  of] 
Sir  John  Johnson,  if  his  situation  is  such  as  to  bring 
him  under  my  cognizance  ;  and  if  I  should  think  his  being 
out  will  not  be  attended  with  more  bad  than  good  conse- 
quences. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  esteem, 

"  Gentn.  your  obedt.  servant, 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON." 

A  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the 
Continental  Congress,  was  received  by  express,  and  read 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

["circular.] 

"  Baltimore,  Deer.  30th,  1776. 

"  Gentlemen — Ever  attentive  to  the  security  of  civil 
liberty,  I  have  consented  to  the  vesting  such  powers  in  the 
military  department  as  those  which  the  enclosed  resolves 
convey  to  the  Continental  Commander-in-Chief,  as  the 
situation  of  public  affairs  requires  at  this  crisis  a  de- 
cision and  vigour,  which  distance  and  numbers  deny  to 
the  Assembly,  far  removed  from  each  other,  and  from  the 
immediate  seat  of  war. 

"The  strength  and  progress  of  the  enemy  joined  to  the 
prospects  of  considerable  reinforcements  have  rendered  it 
not  only  necessary  that  the  American  force  should  be  aug- 
mented beyond  what  Congress  had  heretofore  designed, 
but  that  it  should  be  brought  into  the  field  with  all  possi- 
ble expedition.  These  considerations  induced  Congress 
to  request  in  the  most  earnest  manner  that  the  fullest  in- 
fluence of  your  State  may  be  exerted  to  aid  in  such  levies 
as  the  General  shall  direct,  in  consequence  of  the  powers 
now  given  him ;  and  that  your  quota  of  battalions  form- 
ing, may  be  completed  with  all  the  despatch  that 
an  ardent  desire  to  secure  the  public  happiness  can  dic- 
tate. 

" I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  every  sentiment  of  esteem,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  servant, 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
"  P.  S.    To  the  resolve  prohibiting  the  exportation  of 
sundry  articles  and  the  other  resolves  I  enclose,  I  beg  leave 
to  refer  your  particular  attention.    I  congratulate  you  on 
the  success  of  General  Washington  in  the  Jerseys.  The 
particulars  you  will  find  in  the  paper  enclosed. 

"The  enclosed  packet  I  beg  the  favour,  you  will  please 
to  order  to  be  forwarded  by  a  fresh  express  to  General 
Schuyler  immediately  ;  and  I  further  request  you  will  give 


my  express  the  best  route  to  Boston,  and  pray  direct  him 
to  use  all  despatch  on  his  journey. 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention, 

of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  papers  inclosed  in  and  referred  to  in  the  letter  of 
the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  were, 

1st.  A  resolution  passed  December  the  11th  last,  recom- 
mending a  day  for  fasting  and  prayer  to  be  appointed  in 
each  State,  and  a  general  reformation  of  manners. 

2nd.  A  resolution  of  December  23rd,  directing  the  re- 
ceipts of  all  moneys  received  for  the  use  of  the  militia  to 
be  transmitted  to  the  pay-master-general,  that  stoppages 
may  be  made. 

3rd.  A  resolution  dated  December  31,  that  the  resolve 
prohibiting  the  exportation  of  staves  and  other  lumber, 
cease. 

4th.  A  resolution  of  December  30th,  prohibiting  the  ex- 
portation of  bacon,  salted  beef  and  pork,  &c. 

5lh.  Sundry  resolutions  dated  Deer.  27th,  giving  Gene- 
ral Washington  extraordinary  powers  for  six  months,  and 
on  many  other  subjects. 

The  before  mentioned  letters  and  inclosures  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  whole  of  them  be  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee to  consist  of  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor  and 
Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  Joab  Hoisington,  Esq.  major  of  the  four 
companies  of  rangers,  raised  in  the  counties  of  Cumber- 
land and  Gloucester,  dated  at  Fishkill,  this  day,  stating 
that  he  had  paid  all  the  money  lie  received  from  the  Con- 
vention to  the  officers  and  soldiers  under  his  command,  and 
for  necessary  supplies;  and  being  detained  much  longer 
than  we  expected,  had  become  destitute  of  money  to  bear 
his  expenses  in  returning  home. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Hoisington  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  thirteen  pounds  6 
shillings  and  8  pence,  in  behalf  of  his  pay,  as  major  of  the 
four  companies  of  rangers,  raised  in  the  counties  of  Glou- 
cester and  Cumberland,  in  order  to  enable  him  to  return  to 
Gloucester  county. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  \3th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Tames  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscombe,  Mr. 
Jay — New-  York . 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Taylor — Albany. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 
Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Morris —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Ordered,  That  Judge  Graham,  on  account  of  his  long 
absence,  be  taken  off  the  committee  for  arranging  the 
army  ;  and  that  any  majority  of  the  remaining  members  of 
that  committee  be  a  quorum. 

Mr.  Duane  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  Co- 
lonel Henry  B.  Livingston  is  in  want  of  cash  for  recruiting 
his  regiment.  That  although  the  sum  of  three  thousand 
pounds  heretofore  advanced  to  him,  for  that  purpose,  is  not 
yet  expended  in  bounties,  yet  the  same  is  out  in  the  hands 
of  recruiting  officers,  and  he  is  thereby  straightened  in  mo- 
ney to  advance  bounty  to  his  recruits. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston,  on  his  receipt,  the  further 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


771 


sum  of  one  thousand  five  hundred  pounds,  for  the  purpose 
of  recruiting  the  regiment  raising  in  this  State  for  Conti- 
nental service,  whereof  he  is  Colonel. 

The  Committee  then  proceeded  to  consider  the  case  of 
Major  Colden,  and  of  the  resolutions  moved  by  Mr.  Mor- 
ris, and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be 
postponed  until  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Mallet's  accounts  of  the  sloop  Nancy,  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  a  committee,  consist- 
ing of  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  P.  R.  Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson  wait  on  General  Schuy- 
ler, which  being  done,  the  General  returned  with  the  Se- 
cretary, and  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  sundry 
subjects  on  which  he  intended  to  apply  to  the  Honourable 
Body,  arc  fully  answered  by  letters  which  he  has  received 
from  Congress.  But  he  has  yet  several  matters  of  impor- 
tance, and  therefore  requests  that  a  committee  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  him  on  those  matters. 

Ordered,  thereupon,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay  and 
Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  General  Schuy- 
ler. 

The  Commiltee  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  reported  on  Satur- 
day. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  draft  be  recommitted  to  the 
same  commiltee,  with  the  addition  of  Mr.  Duane,  who  is 
hereby  added  to  the  said  committee. 

The  Commiltee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  14,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Robert  Harper — 
New- York. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gclston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Taylor,  Colonel  P.  R. 
Livingston — Albany. 
Col.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Jas  Livingston,  Major  Schenk— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper— Tryon. 
Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  to 
enable  the  several  county  committees  to  defray  their  con- 
tingent charges,  reported  that, 

"  Whereas  application  hath  been  mnde  by  the  com- 
mittees of  several  of  the  counties  in  this  State,  for  a  loan 
of  moneys  to  defray  the  contingent  charges  that  have  ac- 
crued in  their  respective  counties  :  And  whereas  there  is 
no  fund  in  any  of  the  counties  by  which  they  may  be  able 
to  discharge  any  public  debts  that  may  have  been  contrac- 
ted, nor  any  mode  as  yet  prescribed  to  lax  the  inhabitants  : 
And  whereas  it  is  highly  expedient  that  the  sums  of  mo- 
ney be  granted  by  way  of  a  loan,  on  the  credit  of  the  se- 
veral counties  hereafter  mentioned,  to  defray  contingent 
and  necessary  county  charges: 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Convention  will  lend, 
on  the  credit  of  the  counties  so  applying,  a  sum  of  money, 
in  the  following  proportions,  vizt :  To  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  a  sum  of  money  not  exceeding  one  thousand 
pounds  ;  to  the  county  of  Ulster,  a  sum  not  exceeding  six 
hundred  pounds  ;  to  the  county  of  Orange,  a  sum  not  ex- 
ceeding five  hundred  pounds ;  to  the  county  of  Tryon,  a 
sum  not  exceeding  eight  hundred  pounds  ;  and  to  the  coun- 
ty of  Cumberland,  a  sum  not  exceeding  three  hundred 
pounds. 


"  That  such  sums  shall  be  issued  out  of  the  treasury  on 
application  of  the  committees  of  said  respective  counties, 
by  draft  on  the  President,  signed  by  the  chairman,  attested 
by  the  clerk,  and  attended  with  a  copy  of  the  resolution 
and  names  of  the  committee,  authorizing  such  application; 
which  draft  and  resolution  certified  in  like  manner,  shall  be 
sufficient  authority  to  the  President,  or  Vice-President,  or 
in  either  absence,  and  the  recess  of  Convention,  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  Commiltee  of  Safety,  to  issue  his  warrant 
to  the  Treasurer  for  payment. 

"  That  the  sums  so  lent  shall  be  a  charge  against  the  se- 
veral counties  for  whose  use  the  same  shall  be  advanced, 
and  shall  be  so  charged  by  the  Treasurer  on  payment  of 
the  several  warrants;  and  such  counties  shall  be  liable  to 
replace  the  same  accordingly,  in  such  manner  as  shall  be 
directed  by  the  Convenlionor  Legislature  of  this  State. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  several  counties 
be,  and  hereby  are,  directed  to  return  an  account  to  this 
Convention  or  a  future  Legislature,  of  the  expenditure  of 
all  and  every  of  the  sums  which  heretofore  have  been  lent, 
or  shall  be  advanced  to  their  respective  counties  for  the 
contingent  charges  thereof,  and  their  accounts  and  vou- 
chers." 

A  petition  from  the  districts  of  Claverack,  Rensselaer- 
wyck  and  Kings,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  relative  to  the 
disaffection  of  the  committee  men  and  field  officers  of  the 
militia  in  Kinderhook  district,  with  an  affidavit  of  John 
Van  Alstyne  relative  thereto,  were  read  and  referred  to  Mr. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Taylor  and  Colonel  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  the  Reverend  Mr.  Rysdeck,  with  a  Dutch 
translation  of  the  address  of  the  Convention  of  this  State 
to  their  constituents,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Roosevelt  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be 
a  commiltee  lo  examine  the  same,  and  to  confer  with  Mr. 
Yates  on  the  subject. 

Whereas  Messrs.  Sessions  and  Stephens,  Representa- 
tives of  the  county  of  Cumberland,  have  applied  for  a  sum 
of  money  on  account  of  their  wages  as  Representatives  in 
Convention,  which  by  reason  of  their  distance  from  the 
said  county  and  the  difficulty  of  conveyance,  hath  not  been 
furnished  by  the  county  committee  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  Chairman  of  this  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  issue  his  warrant  to  the  Treasurer,  to  ad- 
vance to  the  said  members,  or  either  of  them,  for  the  use 
aforesaid,  the  sum  of  seventy  pounds,  to  be  charged  to  the 
said  county,  and  accounted  for  by  them  to  the  county  com- 
mittee, and  the  same  be  considered  in  part  of  the  sum  of 
three  hundred  pounds  ordered  lo  be  lent  to  the  said  county 
by  the  preceding  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  advance  to 
Captain  Robert  Castle,  the  sum  of  eighty  pounds,  on  ac- 
count of  the  wages  and  subsistence  of  himself  and  the 
crew  of  the  armed  sloop  Camden,  fitted  out  by  order  of 
the  secret  committee  for  obstructing  Hudson's  river,  and 
for  the  same  against  the  depredations  of  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Castle,  do  without  delay  make 
out  his  whole  acconnt  against  the  Convention  of  this  State 
and  transmit  the  same. 

Whereas  Colonel  Cornelius  Humphrey,  a  member  ol 
the  House,  has  with  a  spirit  of  economy,  like  a  generous 
patriot,  offered  to  take  the  command  of  a  number  of  volun- 
teers, who  are  willing  to  serve  their  country  at  this  impor- 
tant conjuncture  ; 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Colonel  Humphrey  beappoint- 
ed  to  take  ihe  command  of  such  volunteers,  with  the  rank 
of  colonel ;  that  they  be  formed  into  a  regiment  to  con- 
tinue in  service  for  six  weeks  from  the  time  of  their  march- 
ing, unless  sooner  discharged,  and  that  they  repair  with 
the  utmost  expedition  to  Peekskill,  and  put  themselves 
under  the  direction  of  the  commi'tee  for  carrying  on  an  ex- 
pedition in  Westchester  county,  &c.  That  Colonel  Hum- 
phrey be  also  authorized  to  enrol  in  the  said  regiment  of 
volunteers,  such  officers  as  in  his  opinion  will  be  most  ser- 
viceable on  this  occasion,  and  that  the  officers,  non-com- 


772 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


missioned  officers  and  privates  be  allowed  Continental  pay 
and  rations. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  delivered  to  Colonel 
Humphreys,  and  that  the  Chairman  transmit  a  copy  to  the 
secret  committee  now  in  Westchester  county,  requesting 
them  to  give  the  necessary  directions  relative  thereto. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  the  sick  in  the  hos- 
pital at  this  place  are  very  much  neglected, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Schenk  and  Mr.  Tay- 
lor be  a  committee  to  enquire  into  the  state  of  the  hospital 
at  this  place,  and  report  without  delay. 

A  letter  from  Digby  Odium,  setting  forth  his  former 
services,  and  praying  his  birthright  in  the  army  of  the 
United  States,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  committee  of 
arrangement. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  ninth 
instant,  relating  to  the  Continental  loan  office,  and  the 
depreciation  of  the  Continental  money,  was  read  and  re- 
ferred to  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates. 

The  report  of  the  committee  permitting  inoculations  for 
the  small  pox  under  certain  restrictions,  was  read. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Duane 
for  revisal,  who  is  requested  to  report  the  same  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  draft  of  a  let- 
ter to  Governor  Trumbull,  on  the  subject  of  the  prohibition 
of  merchandise  being  brought  into  this  State,  from  or  through 
Connecticut,  reported  the  same  as  amended  by  them,  which 
was  read  and  approved  of,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  have  received  your  favour  of 
the  first  instant,  and  direct  me  to  inform  Your  Excellency, 
that  although  the  expedient  mentioned  therein  may  tend, 
in  some  sort,  to  alleviate  the  difficulties  which  this  State 
labour  under  by  the  embargo  laid  in  Connecticut,  yet  we 
are  of  opinion  that  it  will  not  entirely  remove  them,  and  at 
the  same  time  in  so  far  as  that  embargo  relates  to  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  State,  it  will  much  injure  the  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut. 

"  You  must  be  sensible,  sir,  that  at  present  all  the  arti- 
cles of  foreign  produce  which  we  can  obtain,  must  come 
to  us  through  the  eastern  or  southern  States.  No  fact  can 
be  clearer  than  this,  that  every  restraint  on  trade  enhances 
the  price  of  commodities.  The  impediments,  therefore, 
in  our  commerce  through  your  State,  will  naturally  turn 
the  channel  of  it  to  the  southward.  Now,  sir,  it  being  evi- 
dent that  the  bringing  of  goods  through  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut must  enrich  that  State  by  the  whole  expense  at- 
tending land  carriage,  it  is  equally  evident  that  every  dis- 
couragement must  work  a  considerable  loss  to  that  State. 

"  1  am  further  to  observe  to  you,  sir,  that  this  State  is, 
of  all  others,  in  the  most  distressed  situation,  and  every 
aggravation  of  our  distresses  will,  you  are  sensible,  put 
new  arguments  into  the  mouths  of  the  disaffected,  who  let 
slip  no  opportunity  of  painting  in  the  liveliest  colours  the 
benefits  we  should  receive  from  an  immediate  submission 
to  that  power,  whose  tyranny  and  barbarity  all  good  men 
view  with  abhorrence.  Merchants  belonging  to  the  State 
of  New-York  have  retired  to  Connecticut  for  the  sake  of 
commerce,  and  by  their  personal  property  the  trade  of 
your  State  hath  been  much  increased.  Now,  it  is  evident, 
where  merchants  of  this  State  bring  commodities  into  Con- 
necticut on  their  own  account,  it  is  certainly  just  and  right 
to  furnish  such  commodities  intended  for  the  use  of  our 
inhabitants,  with  a  free  passage  through  Connecticut. 

"  The  Committee  have  too  good  an  opinion  of  the  Le- 
gislature of  Connecticut  to  suppose  that  they  had  it  in  idea 
to  cut  off  the  communication  between  this  State  and  the 
seaports  to  the  eastward  of  us,  in  order  to  reduce  the  price 
of  commodities  in  those  ports.  Their  good  sense  would 
certainly  teach  them  the  inefficiency  of  such  violent  remedy, 
and  their  humanity  would  forbid  them  to  employ  it. 

"  Besides  this,  the  great  exertions  which  you  have  made 
in  the  common  cause,  forbid  us  to  harbour  such  suspicions. 


We  seek  for  the  source  of  that  embargo  in  your  own  ne- 
cessities, and  the  avarice,  rapacity  and  extortion  of  your 
neighbours,  through  the  just  resentment  of  which  you  have 
neglected  that  attention  which  otherwise  would  have  been 
paid  to  this  State.  We  shall,  therefore,  submit  it  to  your 
Excellency,  whether  it  would  not  be  proper  to  suffer  all 
such  goods  to  pass  through  Connecticut  into  this  State,  as 
shall  appear  by  a  proper  certificate  from  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  where  the  same  have  been  purchased  to  the 
eastward  of  your  State  for  the  use  of  our  inhabitants. 

"  As  to  such  commodities  as  merchants  of  this  State 
have  imported  into  Connecticut  for  the  use  of  your  inhabi- 
tants, such  a  general  resolution  we  conceive  to  be  entirely 
within  equity  of  your  law,  and  would,  we  imagine,  remove 
the  uneasiness  which  our  constituents  now  labour  under. 

"  The  general  power  given  to  Mr.  Canfield  cannot  effec- 
tuate these  good  purposes,  since  he  cannot,  on  all  occa- 
sions, be  a  proper  judge  of  our  wants,  or  be  able  to  deter- 
mine whether  the  proprietor  of  goods  does  really  stand  in 
need  of  them  for  the  use  of  his  family. 

"  The  Committee  have  not  the  least  doubt  that  you  will 
act  on  this  as  you  have  done  on  every  other  occasion  in 
which  the  general  good  of  America  hath  been  concerned, 
and  exert  yourself  to  the  utmost  to  promote  that  concord, 
unanimity  and  good  neighbourhood,  which  is  necessary, 
not  only  for  the  Stales  of  Connecticut  and  New-York,  and 
also  for  the  great  cause  in  which  they  are  so  deeply  en- 
gaged. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  With  great  respect,  your  most 

"  Obedient  and  humble  servant. 
".His  Excellency  Govern.  Tbumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

FishMll,  J  any.  15th,  1777. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  R. 
Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Henry  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — Dutch- 
ess. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris—  Westchester . 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Samuel  Tudor,  at  Poughkeepsie, 
dated  Jany.  14th,  recommending  that  the  ship  carpenters 
be  employed  in  cutting  timber  for  a  74  gun  ship,  instead 
of  employing  them  on  the  ships  in  the  cold  season,  was 
read  and  referred  to  Captain  Schenk,  Colonel  Livingston 
and  Mr.  Roosevelt. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Bartill,  of  Claverack,  informing  of 
his  ill  state  of  health,  and  requesting  permission  to  resign 
his  commission  as  ensign  in  the  eighth  regiment  of  militia, 
whereof  Robert  Van  Rensselaer  is  colonel,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Philip  Bartill's  resignation  be 
accepted  ;  that  Jacob  Blanter,  Junr.  be  appointed  in  his 
stead,  and  that  a  commission  issue  immediately. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Henry  Schenk  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee for  exploring  mines  and  making  assays  in  sulphur, 
&c. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  following  per- 
sons in  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston's  regiment  of  militia,  in  the 
manor  of  Livingston,  to  wit : 

Samuel  Ten  Broeck,  1st  major,  vice  John  R.Living- 
ston, resigned. 

Dirck  Jansen,  2nd  Major,  vice  Saml.  Ten  Bioeck,  pro- 
moted. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


773 


Hindreck  Pulver,  captain  of  the  ninth  company,  vice 
Petrus  Van  Gaasbeeck,  promoted  in  Continental  service. 

Leonard  Ten  Broeck,  captain  of  the  first  company,  vice 
Dirk  Janson,  promoted. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Abraham  Goodwin  the  sum  of  eight  pounds,  for  riding  ex- 
press into  New-Jersey  with  despatches  to  General  Wa- 
shington and  General  Geo.  Clinton. 

Isaac  Roosevelt  and  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqrs.  the 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of  Joseph 
Hallet,  respecting  the  hire  and  demurrage  of  the  sloop 
Nancy,  John  Harrison,  master,  from  New-York  to  Bor- 
deaux, in  France,  and  back  to  New- York  again  ;  reported 
that  they  have  examined  the  minutes  of  Congress,  and 
find  that  on  the  15lh  September,  1775,  Messrs.  Jacob  Van 
Zandt,  Henry  Remsen  and  Louis  Pritard,  were  appointed 
a  committee  to  employ  a  vessel,  and  to  despatch  her,  with 
proper  directions,  to  purchase  gunpowder  and  arms,  and 
that  they  were  supplied  with  £4,000  out  of  the  treasury 
for  that  purpose. 

That  they  were  directed  that  if  neither  gunpowder  nor 
arms  could  be  obtained,  to  lay  out  the  whole  money  in  salt- 
petre, and  if  no  saltpetre,  then  to  purchase  20  tons  of  lead, 
and  the  residue  of  the  said  money  be  invested  in  blankets 
fit  for  soldiers  ;  and  if  no  blankets,  then  coarse  woollens 
for  soldiers'  clothing,  &c. 

That  on  the  21st  of  October  following,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
in  behalf  of  the  committee,  reported  that  they  had  char- 
tered a  vessel  for  £550  sterling  ;  that  she  was  to  go  to  sun- 
dry places  to  obtain  those  articles  they  were  directed  to 
purchase  ;  that  said  vessel  was  to  lay  40  working  days  to 
receive  her  cargo ;  that  after  such  time  they  were  to  allow 
40s.  sterling  per  day,  demurrage. 

That  the  Congress  then  ordered  an  entry  to  be  made 
that  they  approved  of  the  contract  so  reported. 

That  the  committee  had  compared  the  said  account  with 
the  said  reported  contract,  and  find  it  agreeable  to  the  same, 
and  therefore  allow  it  to  be  right,  and  that  the  sum  of 
£1,204,  currency,  is  justly  due. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Henry 
Remsen,  Esqr.  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  two 
hundred  and  four  pounds,  in  full  for  the  freight  and  demur- 
rage of  the  sloop  Nancy,  as  stated  in  the  before  mentioned 
account,  on  the  voyage  from  the  city  of  New-York  to  Bor- 
deaux, in  France,  agreeable  to  the  contract  for  that  pur- 
pose, made  between  the  said  Joseph  Hallet,  of  the  one 
part,  and  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  and  Lewis  Pintard  and 
Henry  Remsen,  Esqrs.  on  behalf  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  this  State,  on  the  other  part,  and  take  a  receipt  in 
full  for  the  same. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  the 
committee  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaerweyck,  Claverack 
and  Kings  districts,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  (the  same 
being  read  and  approved  of  in  the  general  county  commit- 
tee, at  the  city  of  Albany,  the  8th  of  January,  1777,)  pray- 
ing the  removal  of  sundry  of  the  field  officers  in  Hinders- 
hook  district,  and  appointing  others  in  their  stead,  report- 
ed that  the  conduct  of  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of 
said  district,  who  have  repeatedly  rather  retarded  and  pre- 
vented any  aid  from  said  regiment  in  times  of  the  greatest 
need,  than  using  their  authority  in  forwarding  the  same  ; 
and  that  they  were  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  removals 
of  Colonel  Andries  Witbeck,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Barent 
Vanderpoole,  Major  Lawrence  Goos,  Adjutant  Isaac  Van- 
derpool  and  Quarter-Master  John  D.  Goes,  be  immediately 
issued  ;  and  that  the  following  gentlemen  be  immediately 
put  in  commission,  to  wit :  Abraham  Van  Alstin,  colonel ; 
Philip  Van  Alstyne,  lieut.  colonel  ;  Isaac  Goes,  first  major  ; 
John  M.  Van  Alstyn,  adjutant,  and  Tobias  D.  Van  Buen, 
quarter-master,  agreeable  to  the  prayer  of  said  petition. 

Which  said  report  was  read  and  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That,  commissions  issue  immediately  to  the 
gentlemen  recommended  by  the  said  committee  for  field 
officers  in  said  district,  instead  of  those  superseded. 

194 


Mr.  Duane,  to  whom  was  committed  the  report  of  a 
committee,  with  certain  resolutions,  for  allowing  or  permit- 
ting inoculation  for  the  small  pox,  reported  the  same  as 
revised  by  him,  was  read  and  agreed  to,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Whereas  a  number  of  persons  belonging  to  the  army  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  last  campaign  to  the 
northward,  suffered  much  by  the  small  pox,  and  many  of 
them  were  deprived  of  their  lives  by  that  disorder,  in  a 
most  cruel  and  distressed  situation,  having  no  place  proper 
for  their  accommodation  in  such  a  difficult  and  dangerous 
disease  :  And  whereas  by  reason  of  the  disbanding  and 
returning  home  of  said  troops,  the  disorder  is  spread 
through  different  parts  of  this  State,  greatly  to  the  injury 
of  the  inhabitants, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  resolution  of  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  passed  on  the  13th  day  of  December,  1775, 
be  and  is  hereby  suspended  until  the  1st  day  of  April  next ; 
and  that  any  proper  person  in  prison  or  persons  skilled  in 
the  practice  of  inoculation,  shall  be  permitted  to  inocu- 
late within  this  State  (except  in  the  county  of  Westchester 
and  the  lower  end  of  the  county  of  Orange),  in  such  places 
as  the  committee  in  every  town,  manor,  precinct  or  dis- 
trict shall  think  proper,  till  the  first  day  of  April  as  afore- 
said, consistent  with  the  welfare  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  printed  and  published  in 
handbills. 

The  petition  of  Mary  Handly,  the  wife  of  Edward 
Handly,  requesting  permission  to  go  into  New-York  to 
bring  from  there,  such  of  their  children  as  are  there  and 
her  husband,  who  is  sick  and  often  deranged  ;  also  the  pe- 
tition of  Bridget  Morgan,  aged  13  years,  and  daughter  of 
Benjamin  Morgan,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  cordwainer, 
praying  a  permit  to  return  to  her  parents,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  permit  be  granted  to  the  said  Mary 
Handly  and  the  said  Bridget  Morgan,  to  go  to  New-York, 
similar  to  that  which  was  lately  granted  to  Mr.  Hazard  for 
that  purpose. 

Mr.  Schenk,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
and  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  hospital  at  this  place,  re- 
ported that  the  sick  in  the  hospital  have  suffered  much  for 
want  of  nurses,  beds,  and  attendance,  together  with  the  bad- 
ness of  the  house  in  which  the  said  hospital  is  kept ;  that 
from  the  best  information  the  committee  could  collect,  some 
of  those  obstacles  will  soon  be  removed,  as  carpenters  are 
at  work  repairing  the  hospital,  and  beds  are  making  ;  that 
nurses  are  of  the  utmost  importance  and  none  can  be  pro- 
cured at  this  place.  The  committee  are  therefore  of  opi- 
nion that  so  many  as  are  necessary  may  be  hired  from 
among  those  women  who  are  supported  by  the  State. 

Which  report  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  be  directed  and  au- 
thorized to  give  the  surgeon  or  superintendent  of  the  hos- 
pital all  the  aid  and  advice  they  shall  deem  necessary  for 
the  public  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Ro- 
bert Benson  the  sum  of  twenty  dollars,  for  so  much  by  him 
advanced  to  Patrick  McClosky,  an  express  rider  from  the 
Honourable  Continental  Congress,  to  defray  the  expense 
of  his  journey  from  this  place  to  the  States  of  Connecticut 
and  Massachusetts  ;  that  the  same  be  charged  to  Continen- 
tal account. 

Colo.  Livingston,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  letter  from  Samuel  Tudor,  delivered  in  their  re- 
port, in  the  form  of  a  resolution,  which  was  read  and  agreed 
to,  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  master  builders  appointed  to  build 
the  Continental  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie,  employ  such  of 
the  ship  carpenters  as  can,  with  the  approbation  of  the  su- 
perintendents, be  spared  from  the  public  work  in  which 
they  are  now  engaged,  in  cutting  such  limber,  in  such  pla- 
ces where  it  can  be  procured  most  conveniently,  as  they 
shall  judge  suitable  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  ship  of  74 
guns,  and  have  the  same  drawn  out  to,  or  near  such  roads  or 
places,  as  they  shall  judge  proper,  and  where  such  timber 


774 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


will  be  least  in  danger  of  being  destroyed  ;  and  that  this 
Committee,  or  the  Convention,  will  advance  the  money  to 
pay  the  expenses  attending  the  procuring  such  timber,  (the 
accounts  to  be  signed  by  the  master  builders,  or  the  major 
part  of  them,)  of  which  the  superintendents  are  directed  to 
have  a  separate  account  from  those  kept  for  the  other 
ships." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Bur- 
ling, and  another  transmitted  to  Mr.  Tudor. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

Fishkill,  Jang,  16th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 

Col.  Livingston,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Cantine— Ulster. 

Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris— Westchester. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte- 
Ordered,  That  Colonel  Livingston  and  Mr.  Roosevelt 
be  added  to  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  and  that 
any  three  of  the  said  committee  be  a  quorum. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  H.  B.  Livingston  be  requested  to 
send  an  officer  to  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution,  to 
inquire  into  the  state  of  those  garrisons  ;  as  to  the  number 
of  men,  and  the  corps  to  which  they  respectively  belong ; 
and  that  he  inform  the  Committee  of  the  result  of  the  bu- 
siness with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Cornelius  Humphrey,  requesting  that 
he  be  authorized  to  appoint  Wm.  B.  Alger,  paymaster  to 
the  regiments  of  volunteers  raising,  and  to  be  under  his 
command. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Humphrey  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by, authorized  to  appoint  Wm.  B.  Alger,  Paymaster  to  the 
regiment  of  volunteers  under  his  command. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Robert 
Yates,  be  a  committee  for  devising  ways  and  means,  for 
providing  blankets  and  stockings  for  the  troops  raising  in 
this  State. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr. 
be,  and  he  is  hereby,  appointed  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  Slate, 
and  that  he  be  allowed  a  salary  after  the  rate  of  £300  per 
annum,  to  commence  on  the  28th  day  of  August,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  be  added  to  the 
committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  until  the  return 
of  a  sufficient  number  of  the  members  of  that  committee, 
who  are  now  absent,  to  form  a  quorum. 

A  pay  roll  of  Jacob  Brewster,  a  lieutenant,  and  Corne- 
lius Clark,  Zophar  Hawkins  and  Jacob  Jones,  privates,  of 
Captain  Selah  Strong's  company,  in  Colonel  Josiah  Smith's 
company,  who  joined  Colonel  fl.  B.  Livingston's  regiment, 
from  the  20th  July  to  12lh  Deer,  both  days  included,  was 
exhibited  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  payment ;  the 
said  pay  roll  amounts  to  £70  18s.  9d.  and  thereto  is  annex- 
ed a  subsistence  roll,  amounting  to  £16  8s.  Q\d.  At  the 
same  time  was  produced  to  the  said  Committee  an  account 
of  £6,  for  half  the  bounty  due  to  the  said  Cornelius  Clark, 
Zopar  Hawkins  and  Jacob  Jones,  and  marked  No.  3.  On 
the  said  rolls  is  endorsed  an  affidavit  of  the  said  Caleb 
Brewster,  sworn  before  the  chairman,  that  the  same  is  a 
just  and  true  pay  and  subsistence  roll  for  the  time  therein 
specified  ;  that  neither  the  said  Caleb  Brewster,  nor  any 
of  the  within  named  persons  have  received  any  pay,  or 
subsistence,  for  the  within  claim  but  what  is  deducted  ; 


and  that  the  said  account,  or  roll,  No.  3,  a  charge  of  half 
bounty  for  three  men,  is  just,  according  to  a  resolve  of 
Convention,  made  for  that  purpose.  Thereon  is  also  en- 
dorsed a  certificate  of  a  committee  of  three  members  for 
auditing  the  account,  to  wit :  Alexander  Webster,  Peter 
R.  Livingston  and  Isaac  Roosevelt,  staling  that  ihey  have 
examined  the  said  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  and  find  that 
there  is  due  thereon,  £87  6s.  10Jd.  and  that  there  is  due 
the  further  sum  of  £6,  for  half  bounty  of  the  said  three 
men,  agreeable  to  account  No.  3  ;  in  the  whole,  amount- 
ing to  £93  6s.  \0\d. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  pay  to  Caleb 
Brewster,  £87,  6s.  lOicZ.  in  full  for  his  pay  and  subsist- 
ence, and  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  Cornelius  Clark, 
Zophar  Hawkins  and  Jacob  Jones  of  Suffolk  county  ; 
and  the  further  sum  of  six  pounds  for  the  bounty  of  the 
said  three  persons  last  named,  amounting  together  to  the 
sum  of  £93  6s.  Q\d.,  taking  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  Ge- 
neral James  Clinton,  of  the  4th  Jany.  inst.  repotted  the 
following  resolutions,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  part  of  General  Clinton's  letter  re- 
lating to  recruiting  orders,  be  referred  to  the  committee  of 
arrangement. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  James  Week  be  appointed  As- 
sistant Commissary  of  the  arms,  ammunition  and  other 
military  stores  belonging  to  this  State,  at  this  place ;  and 
that  he  receive  into  his  care  all  the  arms  that  shall  be  de- 
livered in  store  at  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution  (by 
the  disbanded  soldiers ;)  and  that  he  cause  the  same  to  be 
conveyed  to  this  place  for  the  use  of  such  of  the  levies  as 
are  not  provided,  without  delay. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

Fishkill  Jany.  17th,  1777, 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Parks— Ulster. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Livingston,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — ilbany. 

Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  H.  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Whereas  several  vessels  and  a  considerable  quantity  of 
cattle,  stock  and  effects,  and  also  some  powder,  were 
brought  over  from  Long  island  to  some  part  of  Connecti- 
cut, and  then  disposed  of  or  stored,  and  no  account  has 
been  given  or  rendered  of  such  cattle  or  effects. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Miller  and  Mr.  Gelston,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  procure  accounts  of  the  sale  or  disposition  of  such 
vessels,  cattle,  stock  and  effects,  and  report  the  same  to 
the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  without 
delay  ;  and  at  the  same  lime,  that  they  inquire  and  report 
the  reasons  why  the  arms  brought  from  Long  island  to  Con- 
necticut, have  not  been  sent  to  this  place  agreeably  to  a 
former  resolution  of  this  House.  And  the  said  committee  are 
hereby  directed  to  cause  the  said  powder  to  be  forthwith 
transported  to  this  place. 

Mr.  Duane,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
Major-General  Schuyler,  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  said 
committee,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


775 


"  That  proper  and  effectual  means  ought  to  be  adopted 
to  prevent  the  depreciation  of  the  Continental  and  other 
paper  currency,  the  monopolizing  and  engrossing  commo- 
dities necessary  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  troops,  and 
for  the  more  easy  supplying  the  army  with  provisions  and 
other  necessaries. 

"  That  the  General  has  represented  that  he  stands  in 
need  of  a  sum  of  money  to  supply  the  military  chest  in 
his  department,  without  which  the  public  service  will  be 
greatly  impeded,  and  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that 
his  requisition  ought  to  be  complied  with."  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  preventing  the  depreciation  of  the 
Continental  and  paper  currency  ;  the  monopolizing  and  en- 
grossing commodities  necessary  for  the  Continental  troops, 
and  for  the  more  easy  supplying  the  American  army  with 
provisions  and  other  necessaries. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris, 
be  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  pounds  be 
advanced  to  General  Schuyler,  out  of  the  treasury  of  this 
State,  for  the  public  service,  and  on  the  credit  and  account 
of  the  United  States  ;  and  that  the  Chairman  of  this  Com- 
mittee issue  his  warrant  to  the  Vice-Treasurer  to  advance 
and  pay  the  same  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  or  his  order, 
accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer,  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
Stale,  pay  unto  Captain  Nathaniel  Scribner  the  sum  of 
£143  Os.  A\d.  for  the  subsistence,  and  the  further  sum  of 
£190  Is.  3^d.  for  the  pay  of  his  company  of  rangers,  for 
suppressing  of  disaffected  persons,  agreeable  to  his  pay 
and  subsistence  rolls,  this  day  audited  and  reported  by  the 
committee  of  accounts. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Fishkill,  J  any.  \Qth,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duane — New-Tork. 
Mr.  Cantine—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Col.  Van  Rensse- 
laer— Albany. 

Mr.  J.  Schenk,  Mr.  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Laurence— Queens. 

Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  petition  of  John  Moley,  without  date,  directed  to  the 
Honourable  Convention,  was  read.  He  therein  sets  forth 
that  he  deserted  from  the  British  troops  at  Boston,  and  is 
now  confined  a  prisoner  as  inimical  to  America. 

A  petition  of  Stephen  Lyon,  without  date,  and  directed 
to  the  Honourable  Convention,  was  read.  He  therein  sets 
forth  that  he  has  been  taken  prisoner  from  the  American 
troops  under  the  command  of  General  Wooster,  and  that 
he  has  been  heretofore  ready  to  obey  every  call  for  his 
country's  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petitions  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

A  pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  officers,  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates,  of  Captain  Hendrick  Schoonmaker's 
company  of  Major  Adrian  Wyncoop's  detachment  of  mili- 
tia raised  in  Ulster  county  for  the  defence  of  the  passes  in 
Hudson's  river,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  passed  on  the  10th  and  11th  days  of  Octo- 
ber last,  were  exhibited  for  payment.  That  the  said  roll 
amounts  to  £157  17s.  0%d.    The  same  roll  was  sworn  to 


by  the  said  Hendrick  Schoonmaker,  on  the  17th  inst.  be- 
fore the  Chairman,  and  audited  and  allowed  for  the  sum 
therein  specified,  by  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Isaac  Roosevelt 
and  Alexander  Webster,  Esqr.  three  of  the  members  ap- 
pointed for  auditing  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
lain  Hendrick  Schoonmaker  the  sum  of  £157  17s.  0%d. 
in  full  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  the  said  company 
while  in  service  as  a  part  of  Major  Adrian  Wynkoop's  de- 
tachment of  militia,  to  guard  the  passes  in  the  Highlands, 
pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  tenth  and  eleventh  of  Oc- 
tober last. 

A  roll  or  account  for  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  Major 
Adrian  Wynckoop,  while  commanding  200  men  in  the  ser- 
vice above  mentioned,  27  days,  to  wit,  from  the  13lh  of 
October  to  the  8th  of  November  last,  both  days  inclusive, 
was  exhibited  for  payment.  The  said  roll  amounts  to  £16 
Is.  \\d.  ;  which  account  is  sworn  to  before  the  chairman, 
and  audited  for  the  sum  therein  specified,  by  Peter  R.  Liv- 
ingston, Isaac  Roosevelt  and  Alexander  Webster,  the  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  of  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Major 
Adrian  Wynckoop  the  sum  of  sixteen  pounds  one  shilling 
and  four  pence  half  penny,  for  pay  and  subsistence  roll  for 
27  days,  while  commanding  a  detachment  of  militia  on  the 
banks  of  Hudson's  river  to  guard  the  passes  in  the  High- 
lands, pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  passed  the  tenth  and  eleventh  days  of  October  last. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  unto  Daniel  Horton 
the  sum  of  £5,  for  the  storage  of  military  stores  (at  his 
house)  belonging  to  this  Slate,  and  for  the  guards  altending 
the  same,  agreeable  to  his  account,  audited  and  reported 
this  day. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk 
and  Col.  Drake,  be  a  committee  to  dispose  of  five  horses 
and  sleigh  and  harness,  now  in  the  care  of  Joshua  Carman, 
and  taken  by  said  Carman  from  sundry  disaffected  persons 
belonging  to  this  State;  and  that  they  account  to  this  com- 
mittee for  the  proceeds  of  the  same. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  the  af- 
ternoon. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  Fishkill,  J  any.  18,  1777. 
Present — The  Chairman,  and  the  same  members  as  the  forenoon. 

The  petition  of  Captain  Baldwin,  dated  the  18th  instant, 
was  read,  praying  that  his  company  of  rangers  may  be 
clothed  and  furnished  with  other  necessaries  which  they 
want,  in  consequence  of  their  being  longer  retained  in  ser- 
vice than  they  expected. 

The  Committee  being  informed  that  Colonel  Livingston 
is  gone  to  the  fortifications  on  Hudson's  river,  to  obtain  a 
correct  information  of  the  state  of  the  fortifications, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate  inform  Mr.  Baldwin  that 
the  Committee  of  Safety  will  give  him  an  answer  on  Mr. 
Livingston's  return. 

The  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  the  counties  of 
Cumberland  and  Glocester,  and  inquire  into  the  state  of 
those  counties,  &c.  reported  : 

"  That  numbers  of  disaffected  persons  in  the  counties  of 
Albany  and  Charlotte,  commonly  called  the  Green  Moun- 
tain Boys,  together  with  divers  inhabitants  of  Cumberland 
and  Glocester,  have  industriously  made  use  of  every  argu- 
ment, to  induce  the  inhabitants  of  those  counties  to  disa- 
vow the  authority  of  this  State,  and  unite  with  them,  in 
forming  themselves  into  a  new  and  separate  State.  Among 
the  many  arguments  made  use  of  by  them  to  make  prose- 
lytes to  their  measures,  are  the  following,  vizt : 

"  '  That  those  lands  originally  belonged  to  New-Hamp- 
shire ;  that  the  confirmation  of  those  lands  by  the  King  and 
Council,  were  obtained  by  the  New-Yorkers  in  a  fraudulent 
and  ur.just  manner ;  that  their  claims  were  not  equitable  ; 
that  Governor  Wentworth  withdrawing  his  pretensions  to 
those  lands  by  proclamation,  was  owing  to  an  apprehension 


776 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


that  the  seat  of  government  would  be  removed  to  the  in- 
terior part  of  the  State,  in  case  those  counties  should  re- 
main annexed  to  New-Hampshire ;  that  the  enormous 
quit  rent  exacted  by  New-York,  is  another  instance  of  the 
injustice  that  is  grinding  the  face  of  the  poor,  in  extort- 
ing large  sums  from  the  infant  and  remote  counties,  at  a 
time  when  large  flourishing  manors  pay  the  most  trifling 
acknowledgments  ;  that  the  customs  and  manners  of  those 
counties,  are  different  from  the  inhabitants  of  this  Stale, 
they  being  emigrants  from  New-England  ;  add  to  this,  their 
remote  situation  from  the  scat  of  government,  renders  a 
separation  necessary  ;  that  the  arbitrary  usurpation  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  obliged  the  good  people  of  those 
States  to  withdraw  their  allegiance  from  said  King  ;  that 
the  right  of  government  reverted  to  its  original  source — 
the  people. 

"  1  That  government  is  on  float ;  that  the  people  have  a 
right  to  unite  themselves  in  such  political  bodies,  and  frame 
such  a  code  of  laws,  as  shall  appear  to  them  to  be  most 
beneficial. 

"  '  That  a  number  of  respectable  characters  in  the 
eastern  and  other  governments,  have  advised  them  to 
those  measures,  among  whom  are  members  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress.  Mr.  Adams  is  frequently  mentioned  as 
one  of  them.' 

"Your  committee  submit  Mr.  Jones'  letter  and  Captain 
Seeley's  information,  as  evidence  of  the  last  mentioned  fact; 
that  the  raising  Col.  Warner's  regiment  within  the  State, 
independent  of  the  authority  thereof,  by  order  of  Congress, 
is  also  made  use  of  as  an  argument  in  favour  of  their  mea- 
sures ;  that  a  meeting  called  the  Convention  is  formed  at 
Dorset,  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  and  repeated  invitations 
are  given  to  the  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester, 
to  send  delegates,  and  accede  to  their  measures.  A  num- 
ber of  the  minutes  of  this  meeting,  your  committee  submit 
for  your  perusal.  From  every  intelligence  the  committee 
could  collect,  it  appears  that  this  evil  originates  in  Char- 
lotte and  Albany  county,  among  a  number  of  people  called 
Green  Mountaineers;  that  they  are  indefatigable  in  send- 
ing their  emissaries  into  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and 
Gloucester,  who  delude  many  of  the  peaceful  inhabitants 
thereof,  with  those  specious  arguments  ;  that  a  number  of 
the  good  people  of  those  counties  are  averse  to  their  mea- 
sures, but  do  not  publicly  declare  their  senlments  ;  conclu- 
ding that  the  affair  will  be  taken  up  by  the  State,  which  will 
prevent  their  coming  to  rupture  with  a  set  of  turbulent  and 
and  disorderly  neghbours." 

An  extract  from  the  votes  and  proceedings  of  a  general 
convention  held  at  Dorset,  on  the  New-Hampshire  grants, 
was  read. 

A  report  of  the  committee  of  Cumberland,  dated  the 
fifth  of  November,  and  signed  "  James  Clay,  chairman," 
and  attested,  Elkannah  Day,  clerk,  was  read. 

The  information  given  by  Mr.  Seelye  to  Mr.  Taylor  was 
read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  R.  Jones,  dated  at  Prospect 
Hill,  August  17,  1775,  and  directed  to  Major  Abijah  Love- 
joy,  at  Westminster,  was  read. 

Mr.  Taylor  was  also  informed  by  a  number  of  persons  in 
Cumberland  county,  that  Hernan  and  Col.  Nash  had  de- 
clared that  Mr.  Adams,  one  of  the  members  of  Congress, 
had  advised  the  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  county  and  the 
territory  adjacent,  to  apply  to  Congress  to  be  made  an  in- 
dependent State.  Mr.  Taylor  further  stated,  that  he  was 
well  informed  that  there  was  a  committee  of  thirteen  mem- 
bers in  that  county  who  take  upon  themselves  to  determine 
even  titles  to  lands. 

Ordered,  That  every  member  of  Convention  now  pre- 
sent, and  every  member  in  the  neighbourhood  who  can  be 
notified,  be  directed  to  attend  on  Monday  at  ten  o'clock  ; 
and  that  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  Cum- 
berland and  Gloucester  counties  be  then  taken  into  consi- 
tion. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  until  Monday  morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Fishkill,  Jany.  20th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston  £sqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  Little — Orange. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Sessions,  Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Two  leilers  from  Lewis  McDonald,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Bedford,  the  one  dated  the  4th  instant, 
accompanying  James  Miller,  a  disaffected  and  dangerous 
person,  and  enclosing  the  evidence  against  him,  together 
with  an  order  signed  Wm.  Duer  and  Nathaniel  Sacket, 
Esqrs.  and  directed  to  the  said  Lewis  McDonald,  Esqr. 
for  the  apprehending  and  securing  said  James  Miller,  and 
cause  him  to  be  sent  under  guard  to  Fishkill  ;  the  other 
letter  dated  the  14th  instant,  accompanying  four  other  per- 
sons inimical  and  dangerous  to  the  common  cause  of  Ame- 
rica, were  respe;lively  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  the  committee  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,  &c. 

A  letter  from  Lancaster  Burling  and  Stephen  Seaman, 
shipwrights  at  Poughkeepsie,  dated  the  17lh  insl.  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Augustine  Lawrence,  do  attend  this 
Committee  on  Monday,  the  twenty-seventh  instant,  at  10 
o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  and  that  Lancaster  Burling  or 
Stephen  Seaman  do  attend  at  the  same  time. 

On  considering  the  petition  of  Captain  Baldwin,  pre- 
sented on  Saturday, 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Baldwin,  with  his  company  of 
rangers,  be  permitted  to  return  to  the  county  of  Albany, 
and  that  he  be  allowed  one  carriage  for  the  purpose  of 
transporting  a  sick  man  and  the  baggage  of  the  said  com- 

p,iny- 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  officers  of  such 
of  the  companies  of  rangers  (except  Capt.  Bradt)  as  have 
not  yet  had  commissions  given  them. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  dated  at 
Baltimore  the  10th  of  January  inst.  enclosing  the  resolves 
of  Congress  of  the  ninth,  directing  and  requiring  that  a 
return  should  be  made  to  Congress  of  the  number  of  re- 
cruits in  this  St:ite,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  dated  at  Baltimore, 
the  seventh  instant,  requesting  more  members  might  be 
sent  to  the  Continental  Congress,  as  he  was  there  alone, 
of  the  Representatives  of  this  State,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Jacob  ftutson  Dewit,  the  sum  of  £175  55.  for  the  pay 
of  his  company  of  rangers,  raised  in  the  county  of  Ulster, 
from  the  fifth  day  of  November  to  the  24th  day  of  December, 
1776,  inclusive;  also,  the  further  sum  of  £128  15s.  \0id. 
for  the  subsistence  of  the  said  company  from  the  said  fifth 
day  of  November  to  the  said  4lh  day  of  December,  inclu 
sive  ;  also,  the  further  sum  of  £178  18s.  8d.  for  the  pay 
of  the  said  company  from  the  5th  day  of  Deer,  to  the  3d 
day  of  January  instant,  inclusive;  also,  the  further  sum 
of  £125  15s.  3d.  for  the  subsistence  of  the  said  company 
from  the  said  fifth  day  of  December  to  the  said  3d  day  of 
January,  inclusive  ;  the  said  four  sums  amounting  to 
£508  14s.  9 id.  as  will  appear  by  the  pay  and  subsistence 
rolls  of  the  said  company,  sworn  to  by  the  captain  and 
audited  and  reported  by  the  committee  of  accounts  this 
day. 

"Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Gilbert  Barnes  the  sum  of  four  pounds  eighteen  shillings, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


777 


in  full  for  his  account  of  lodging,  dieting  and  other  ex- 
penses attending  the  keeping  a  sick  discharged  soldier, 
named  John  Perney,  agreeable  to  Mr.  Barnes'  account,  au- 
dited by  the  committee  of  accounts,  and  delivered  in  this 
day. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Cuyler,  Esqr.  at  Albany,  dated  the 
13th  inst,  mentioning  that  the  resolution  for  making  him  a 
prisoner  and  sending  him  to  Boston,  has  been  communi- 
cated to  him,  and  requesting  that  he  might  be  permitted  to 


remain  with  his  family  during  the  present  inclement  season, 
or  until  his  exchange  could  be  effected. 
Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  General  James  Clinton,  stating  that  he  had 
delivered  to  Captain  Weeks  the  commissary  of  military 
stores,  the  arms,  &c. 

Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  this 
Committee,  delivered  in  a  return  of  the  garrisons  of  forts 
Montgomery  and  Constitution,  which  was  read,  and  fol- 
lows, to  wit : 


"  A  return  of  the  officers  and  men  noto  in  garrison  at  Fori  Constitution,  under  the  command  of  the  Honourable 

Genl.  Jas.  Clinton,  Jany,  18tk,  1776. 


OFFICERS'  NAMES. 


Col.  Livingston's  regiment,  

Col.  Gansevoort's  do   

Col.  Dubois,  do   

Col.  Swartwout's  do   

Captain  Baldwin's  independent  company,. 

Total,   


a 

c 
W 


a 
S 
^> 
<a 
Cm 


Cm 


54 


1 

37 
17 


1 
4 
5 
1 

12 


12      4  103     23     13      1  159 


A  return  of  the  officers  and  men  in  garrison  at  Fort  Montgomery,  under  the  command  of  the  Honble.  Brigadier- 
General  James  Clinton,  Jany.  18th,  1776. 


OFFICERS'  NAMES. 


Comd.  officers. 


Captn.  Griffiing's  2d  N.  Y.  regiment, 
Captn.  Jackson  do 
Captn.  Belknap  do 
Capt.  Childs  do 
Capt.  Rose  do 
Captn.  Davis  do 


Staff  officers. 


Non  comd 


2 
2 
3 
1 

2  I 
2  I 


EC* 
Q 


12  I  6 


Rank  and  file. 


119 


14 


•a 
f- 

23 
29 
28 
22 
30 
19 

157 


The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  4  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 


Die  Lun,e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  January  20th,  1 777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Little— Orange. 
Mr.  J.  Lawrence— Queens. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston— Albany. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  John  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 

Genl.  Morris,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  James  Hunter,  dated  the  16th  inst. 
was  read.  He  therein  informs  that  there  is  a  great  resort 
of  people  from  Mohawk  river  at  Wilmanlown,  who  are 
supposed  to  carry  letters  to  and  from  Lady  Johnson  ;  that 
her  horses  are  destroying  the  hay  left  on  the  farm  of 
Mr.  Barclay  for  the  slock  left  there  for  the  support  of  the 
overseer  and  slaves. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee for  the  detecting  the  conspiracies  formed  in  this 
State,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  James  Vandenburgh  be  appointed  one 
of  the  commissioners  by  the  resolutions  of  the  third  day 
of  January  directed,  and  that  any  three  of  the  said  com- 
missioners be  a  board  to  do  business. 

195 


The  House  were  informed  that  a  gentlemen  is  at  the 
door  attending  with  a  prisoner.  The  gentleman  being  ad- 
mitted, says,  that  in  pursuance  of  a  letter,  and  certain  re- 
solutions therein  contained,  made  and  passed  by  the  Re- 
presentatives of  this  State,  on  the  day,  he  has  brought 
to  this  place  as  prisoner,  a  certain  John  Bloomer,  together 
with  accounts  of  the  costs  and  charges  of  his  imprison- 
ment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Gelston,  and  Mr. 
Schenk,  be  a  committee  to  meet  Thomas  Stebblings,  after 
the  House  adjourns,  and  receive  papers  arid  information 
relative  to  the  case  of  the  said  John  Bloomer,  and  report 
thereon.    And  in  the  mean  time, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Bloomer  be  committed  to 
the  sergeant-at-arms. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  unto 
Captain  Petrus  Van  Gaasbeek,  the  sum  of  fourteen  pounds 
four  shillings  and  four  pence  in  full,  for  the  pay,  and  the 
further  sum  of  three  hundred  and  thirty-one  pounds  seven 
shillings  and  three  pence  in  full,  for  the  subsistence  of  his 
company,  raised  in  the  manor  of  Livingston  and  county  of 
Albany,  for  the  purpose  of  quelling  the  disaffected  persons 
there,  and  for  the  defence  of  this  State  ;  amounting  in  the 
whole,  to  the  sum  of  seven  hundred  and  seventy  pounds 
twelve  shillings  and  one  penny,  agreeable  to  the  pay  and 
subsistence  rolls  of  the  said  company,  audited  and  reported 
by  the  committee  of  accounts. 

Whereas,  at  the  commencement  of  the  present  contest 
with  Great  Britain,  the  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  and 
Gloucester  counties  in  general  submitted  to  the  jurisdiction 
of  this  State,  many  of  them  obtained  grants  and  confirma- 
tion of  title  from  its  late  Government,  and  justice  was 


administered  by 


magistrates 


of  its  appointment :  And 


118 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


whereas  a  spirit  of  defection  and  revolt  has  lately  been 
extended  to  those  counties  through  the  arts  and  misrepre- 
sentations of  certain  people  inhabiting  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte, distinguishing  themselves  by  the  name  of  Green 
Mountain  Boys,  and  their  emissaries  :     And  whereas 
the  Congress  and  Convention  of  this  State  have  hitherto 
contemplated  the  effects  of  this  dangerous  insurrection  with 
silent  concern,  being  restrained  from  giving  it  a  suitable 
opposition  by  the  apprehension  that  it  might,  at  so  critical 
a  juncture,  weaken  our  exertions  in  the  common  cause  : 
And  whereas  the  said  insurgents  and  their  emissaries, 
taking  advantage  of  the  patient  forbearance  of  this  State, 
and  flattered  by  the  countenance  and  strength  which  they 
have  acquired  by  being  embodied  into  a  regiment  under 
the  immediate  authority  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
without  the  consent  or  cooperation  of  this  State,  have  lately 
incited  divers  of  the  inhabitants  of  towns  within  the  said 
counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  to  unite  with  them 
in  assuming  a  total  independence;  choosing  a  separate  Con- 
vention, and  framing  a  petition  to  the  Honourable  Congress 
for  its  sanction  and  approbation  of  this  unprovoked  revolt: 
And  whereas  the  loss  of  so  valuable  a  territory  as  is  now 
attempted  to  be  wrested  from  this  State  by  the  violence  of 
a  considerable  part  of  its  members,  who  have,  during  the 
present  war,  received  liberal  allowances  out  of  the  public 
treasury  for  more  immediate  protection,  will  not  only  op- 
press the  remainder  with  the  payment  of  the  enormous 
debts  which  have  accrued  in  the  common  cause,  but  must, 
at  every  future  period,  expose  this  State  to  be  intruded  into 
and  overrun,  its  jurisdiction  to  be  denied,  and  its  authority 
contemned  and  set  at  defiance  :     And  whereas  divers  ill 
disposed  persons  have,  with  wicked  and  sinister  purposes, 
reported  that  members  of  the  Honourable  the  Continental 
Congress,  and  other  men  of  influence  and  authority  in  the 
neighbouring  States  do  favour  and  support  the  insurrection 
aforesaid :  And  whereas  the  said  ill  disposed  persons  have 
also  insinuated  that  the  Honourable  the  Congress  do  counte- 
nance a  design  of  dismembering  this  State  by  Seth  Warner, 
who  hath  heretofore  been,  and  still  continues,  a  principal 
agent  and  abettor  of  the  riots  and  revolt  aforesaid,  to  com- 
mand the  before  mentioned  regiment :    And  whereas  the 
appointment  of  the  said  Seth  Warner  is  utterly  inconsistent 
with  the  usual  mode  adopted  in  Congress,  and  approved  in 
this  and  the  neighbouring  States,  and  contrary  to  the  express 
representation  in  similar  case  made  to  the  Honourable  the 
Congress  on  the  eleventh  day  of  July  last  by  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State  :     And  whereas  such  reports  and  insi- 
nuations, not  only  tend  to  justify  the  turbulent  and  disaf- 
fected inhabitants  of  the  said  counties,  but  divers  of  the 
good  subjects  of  this  State  are  discouraged  from  risking 
their  lives  and  fortunes  in  the  defence  of  America,  while 
there  is  reason  for  apprehending,  that  after  all  their  vigo- 
rous efforts,  and  all  they  have  suffered  and  must  continue 
lo  suffer  for  the  common  cause,  and  even  after  a  success- 
ful period  to  the  present  conflict  shall  have  restored  happi- 
ness and  security  to  her  sister  States,  this  State  alone 
may  remain  exposed  to  havoc,  devastation  and  anarchy, 
and  to  be  deprived  of  great  and  valuable  territories,  to  gra- 
tify the  ambitious,  unjust  and  selfish  projects  of  its  disor- 
derly subjects  :     And  whereas  the  inevitable  foes  to  the 
liberties  of  America,  from  the  earliest  commencement  of 
the  present  glorious  contest,  have  endeavoured  to  alienate 
the  minds  of  the  good  people  of  this  State  from  the  com- 
mon cause,  by  representing  that  nothing  less  than  the 
power  of  Great  Britain  can  guard  and  defend  their  territo- 
rial rights,  and  protect  their  jurisdiction  against  usurpation 
and  encroachment ;  and  it  is  a  truth  to  be  lamented,  that 
.such  representations  have  proved  but  too  successful,  and 
have  now  acquired  additional  force  by  reason  of  the  pre- 
mises :    And  whereas  it  is  become  absolutely  necessary 
not  only  for  the  preservation  of  the  authority  of  this  Con- 
vention, and  the  confidence  and  respect  of  its  constituents, 
but  for  the  success  of  the  United  States,  so  far  as  they  de- 
pend upon  or  are  connected  with  this  branch  of  the  grand 


American  confederacy,  that  proper  and  vigorous  means 
should  be  forthwith  exerted  for  vindicating  its  rights  and 
asserting  and  securing  its  jurisdiction  ;  and  as  a  prelimi- 
nary step  to  quieting  the  aforesaid  disturbances,  removing 
the  jealousies  and  the  apprehensions  of  the  good  people  of 
this  State,  and  depriving  the  wicked  emissaries  of  Great 
Britain  of  the  principal  arguments  by  which  they  hitherto 
have,  and  still  continue  to  debauch  their  minds,  and  seduce 
them  from  their  allegiance  to  this  State  and  their  attach- 
ment to  the  common  cause,  a  suitable  application  to  the 
Honourable  Congress  of  the  United  States  may  be  attended 
with  the  most  salutary  effects  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time 
coercive  measures  be  suspended: 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  a  proper  application  be  imme- 
diately made  to  the  Honourable  Congress,  to  whose  justice 
the  said  insurgents  have  appealed,  and  on  whose  advice 
they  pretend  to  rely,  requesting  them  to  interpose  their 
authority,  and  recommend  to  the  said  insurgents  a  peace- 
able submission  to  the  jurisdiction  of  this  State ;  and  also 
to  disband  the  said  regiment  directed  to  be  raised  by 
Colonel  Warner,  as  the  Convention  hath  cheerfully  and 
voluntarily  undertaken  to  raise  a  regiment  in  addition  to  the 
quota  assigned  for  this  State  by  Congress ;  have  opened 
their  utmost  resources  to  the  wants  and  necessities  of  the 
American  army  ;  have  a  great  proportion  of  their  militia 
now  in  the  field  ;  and  are  heartily  disposed  to  contribute  to 
the  public  service  in  every  respect  as  far  as  the  circum- 
stances and  abilities  of  the  State  will  permit. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  of 
New-York  to  inform  Congress  that,  by  the  arts  and  influ- 
ence of  certain  designing  men,  a  part  of  this  State  hath 
been  prevailed  upon  to  revolt  and  disavow  the  authority  of 
its  Legislature. 

"  It  is  our  misfortune  to  be  wounded  so  sensibly,  while 
we  are  making  our  utmost  exertions  in  the  common  cause. 

"  The  various  evidences  and  informations  we  have  re- 
ceived, would  lead  us  to  believe  that  persons  of  great  in- 
fluence in  some  of  our  sister  States  have  fostered  and 
fomented  the  divisions  in  order  to  dismember  this  State  at 
a  time  when,  by  the  inroads  of  our  common  enemy,  we 
were  supposed  to  be  incapacitated  from  defending  our  just 
claims  ;  but  as  these  informations  tend  to  accuse  some 
members  of  your  Honourable  Body  of  being  concerned  in 
this  scheme,  decency  obliges  us  to  suspend  our  belief. 

"  The  Congress  will  doubtless  remember  that  so  long 
ago  as  the  month  of  July  last,  we  complained  of  great  in- 
jury done  us  by  appointing  officers  within  this  State  with- 
out our  consent  or  approbation.  We  could  not  then,  nor 
can  we  now,  perceive  the  reason  of  such  disadvantageous 
discrimination  between  this  State  and  its  neighbours.  We 
have  been  taught  to  believe  that  each  of  the  United  States 
is  entitled  to  equal  rights.  In  what  manner  the  rights  of 
New-York  have  been  forfeited,  we  are  at  a  loss  to  discover. 
Although  we  never  received  an  answer  to  our  last  letter 
upon  this  subject,  yet  we  did  hope  that  no  fresh  ground  of 
complaint  would  have  been  offered  us. 

"  The  Committee  are  sorry  to  observe  that  by  conferring 
a  commission  upon  Col.  Warner,  with  authority  to  name 
the  officers  of  a  regiment  to  be  raised  independent  of  the 
Legislature  of  this  State,  and  within  that  part  which  lately 
hath  declared  an  independence  of  it,  Congress  hath  given 
but  too  much  weight  to  the  insinuations  of  those  who  pre- 
tend that  your  Honourable  Body  are  determined  to  support 
these  insurgents ;  especially  as  this  Colonel  Warner  hath 
been  constantly  and  invariably  opposed  to  the  Legislature 
of  this  Slate,  and  hath  been,  on  that  very  account,  proclaim- 
ed an  outlaw  by  the  late  Governor  thereof.  However,  con- 
fiding in  the  honour  and  justice  of  the  great  Council  of 
America,  we  hope  that  you  have  been  surprised  into  this 
measure. 

"  By  order  of  the  House,  sir,  I  enclose  you  their  resolu- 
tion upon  the  important  subject  of  this  letter ;  and  am  fur- 
ther to  observe  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  recall  the 
commissions  given  lo  Col.  Warner  and  the  officers  under 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


779 


him ;  as  nothing  else  will  be  justice  to  us,  and  convince 
those  deluded  people  that  Congress  has  not  been  prevailed 
on  to  assist  in  dismembering  a  State  which,  of  all  others, 
has  suffered  most  in  the  common  cause. 

"  The  King  of  Great  Britain  hath,  by  force  of  arms, 
taken  from  us  five  counties,  and  an  attempt  is  made  in  the 
midst  of  our  distresses,  to  purloin  three  other  counties  from 
us.  We  consider  the  persons  concerned  in  such  designs 
as  open  enemies  of  this  State,  and,  of  consequence,  all 
America. 

"  To  maintain  our  jurisdiction  over  our  own  subjects,  is 
become  indispensably  necessary  to  the  authority  of  the 
Convention ;  nor  will  any  thing  else  silence  the  plausible 
arguments  by  which  the  disaffected  delude  our  constitu- 
ents and  alienate  them  from  the  common  cause.  On  the 
success  of  our  efforts  in  this  respect,  depends,  too  probably, 
even  the  power  of  the  Convention  to  be  longer  serviceable 
in  this  glorious  contest.  It  is  become  a  common  remark 
in  the  mouths  of  our  most  zealous  friends,  that  if  the  State 
is  to  be  rent  asunder,  and  its  jurisdiction  subverted,  to 
gratify  its  deluded  and  disorderly  subjects,  it  is  a  folly  to 
hazard  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  a  contest  which,  in  every 
event,  must  terminate  in  their  ruin. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honourable  John  Hancock,  Prest.  &c." 

Messrs.  Nathaniel  Stephenson, Thomas  Comstock,  Wing 
Kelley  and  Valentine  Jenkins,  of  being  the  people  called 
Quakers,  attending  at  the  door,  were  admitted. 

One  of  them,  on  behalf  of  the  others,  informed  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  that  they  are  a  deputation  from  a  monthly 
meeting  of  Friends  in  the  Oblong,  in  Dutchess  county ; 
that  they  have  been  informed  by  a  person  of  their  denomi- 
antion  from  Westchester  county,  that  an  affirmation  or  test 
of  allegiance  had  been  tendered  to  him,  as  was  said,  by 
this  House ;  that  time  had  been  given  to  the  said  person 
to  consider  of  the  said  test,  and  that  he  is  to  be  again  called 
on  for  that  purpose  ;  that  they  are  directed  to  inform  this 
House  that  the  people  of  their  meeting  have  no  designs 
against  government ;  and  if  any  such  test  has  been  directed 
to  be  taken  by  any  of  the  Friends,  to  request  to  know  what 
that  test  is. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  com- 
mittee to  meet  the  Friends  above  named,  and  confer  with 
them  on  the  subject  of  the  message  or  deputation. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Gelston  be  add- 
ed to  the  committee  appointed  on  instant,  and  to 
consider  of  and  report  on  the  last  letter  received  from  Fran- 
cis Lewis,  Esqr.  at  Congress,  and  other  matters  therewith 
committed. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  10  o'- 
clock to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Jany.  21s/.  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Rob.  Taylor— New-York. 
Major  Schenk,  Capt.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Taylor.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Gelston,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Contine—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Duane,  from  the  committee  appointed  yesterday 
evening  to  confer  with  the  deputation  from  the  monthly 
meeting  at  the  Oblong  of  the  people  called  Quarkers,  re- 


ported in  parol  the  conference  of  the  said  committee,  with 
the  said  deputation,  and  that  the  said  deputation  on  behalf 
of  their  meetings  requested  : 

1st.  A  copy  of  the  test  ordered  to  be  administered  to 
the  people  in  Westchester  county  called  Quakers,  by  the 
resolution  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  on  the  27th  of 
December  last.  And, 

2ndly.  That  the  administration  of  that  test  to  the  people 
of  their  denomination  in  the  said  county,  (except  to  such 
persons  as  may  be  suspected  of  being  inimical  to  the  li- 
berties of  the  State,)  may,  by  order  of  this  House,  be  sus- 
pended until  their  next  quarterly  meeting. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  furnish  to  the  said  gen- 
tlemen, who  are  a  deputation  from  the  said  meeting  of 
Quakers,  a  copy  of  the  said  test  with  such  introduction  or 
note,  or  such  other  parts  of  the  said  resolutions  as  may 
show  the  reasons  of  their  passing. 

Resolved,  That  the  second  request  of  the  said  gentle- 
men, sent  a  deputation  from  the  Friend's  meeting  in  Oblong 
ought  not  to  be  granted  ;  as  an  order  to  suspend  the  admi- 
nistration of  that  test  would  be  an  unjustifiable  and  odious 
distinction  between  those  of  their  consliuents  and  those 
who  are  of  the  denomination  called  Quakers,  and  their 
constituents  of  all  other  denominations  in  Westchester 
county. 

An  account  of  James  Webb  against  the  Continent  for 
four  days'  service  of  a  sloop,  and  hands  employed  four 
days  in  September,  in  transporting  Continental  troops  from 
Nassau  island,  was  exhibited  for  payment ;  the  balance 
thereon  is  three  pounds  twelve  shillings,  thereon  is  en- 
dorsed a  certificate  of  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston,  that 
the  services  mentioned  in  the  said  account  were  performed. 

Col.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mat.  Adgate  and  Alexander  Web- 
ster, three  of  the  members  for  auditing  accounts,  have 
thereon  certified  that  there  is  due  unto  James  Webb,  or 
his  order,  £3  12s.  Od.  for  the  use  of  his  sloop  and  hands 
in  the  above  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  James 
Webb,  or  his  order,  on  Continental  account,  the  sum  of 
three  pounds  twelve  shillings  in  full  for  the  use  of  his  sloop 
Defiance,  and  service  of  his  hands  in  transporting  Conti- 
nental troops  from  the  second  to  the  fifth  day  of  September 
last,  both  days  included,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  the  said  James  Webb  for  the  hire  of  the 
said  sloop  Defiance,  and  the  use  of  his  hands  employed  in 
transporting  inhabitants  and  slock  from  Long  island  to  the 
main  land  from  the  sixth  to  the  30th  days  of  September 
last,  was  exhibited  to  the  committee  for  payment.  A  cer- 
tificate of  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston  is  endorsed  there- 
on, that  the  said  sloop  was  so  employed.  Therewith  was 
also  delivered  a  certificate  of  Mat.  Adgate,  Peter  R.  Li- 
vingston and  Alexander  Webster,  three  of  the  committee 
for  auditing  accounts,  that  they  have  examined  the  said  ac- 
count of  James  Webb,  and  the  certificate  examining  the 
same,  and  are  of  opinion  that  ihe  said  James  Webb  be  al- 
lowed for  his  said  account,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  for 
twenty-five  days,  at  three  dollars  per  day. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
James  Webb,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  in 
full,  for  his  said  account,  taking  a  receipt  in  full  for  the 
same. 

A  petition  of  Richard  Southard,  setting  forth  the  great 
waste  of  timber  on  his  farm  by  the  Continental  soldiers, 
artificers  and  colliers,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Col.  Graham  and 
Major  Lawrence,  be  a  committee  to  report  thereon. 

Mr.  Gelston,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  consider 
of  the  case  of  John  Bloomer,  and  the  accounts  relative 
thereto,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  ex- 
amined :  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  pay  to  Mr.  Thomas  Stebbings  the  sum  of  seven 
pounds  three  shillings  and  two  pence,  for  his  trouble  and 
expences  in  bringing  John  Bloomer  to  this  place,  and  for 


780 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Stebbings'  time  and  expences  for  returning,  and  take 
his  receipt  lor  the  same.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  account  sent  by  Moses  Church, 
commissary  of  the  committee  of  Springfield,  for  the  main- 
tenance of  John  Bloomer,  be  returned  to  the  committee  of 
Springfield,  to  be  by  them  examined  and  certified  ;  and  if 
they  shall  think  it  reasonable,  paid  out  of  the  money  paid  by 
this  Committee  to  and  now  in  the  hands  of  the  said  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Bloomer  be,  by  the  ser- 
geant-at-arms,  brought  before  this  Committee. 

The  said  John  Bloomer  being  brought  before  the  Com- 
mittee was  examined  and  heard. 

Ordered,  That  he  attend  again  to-morrow  morning. 

A  petition  of  Cornelius  Haring  and  John  Duremus,  on 
behalf  of  the  said  John  and  other  persons  therein  named, 
was  read.  They  therein  set  forth  that  thirteen  horses  pur- 
chased for  the  persons  therein  named,  and  also  a  small  sum 
of  money  therein  mentioned,  had  been  seized  by  some  offi- 
cers under  the  command  of  General  Clinton  ;  and  pray 
that  a  day  may  be  assigned  on  which  they  may  be  heard 
in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  with  a  certificate  order- 
ing Cornelius  Haring  to  subscribe  their  names  to  that 
petition  be  committed  to  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Stevens  and 
Mr.  Harper,  to  report  thereon. 

The  letter  of  James  Hunter,  dated  on  the  16th  instant, 
and  returned  by  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies, 
&c.  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Shawangunk,  January  the  16th,  1776. 
"  Sir — As  I  am  credibly  informed  by  the  neighbours 
that  there  is  a  great  resort  of  people  from  the  Mohawk  comes 
to  Wilmentown,  and  is  alleged  to  carry  letters  from  and  to 
Lady  Johnson,  and  is  like  to  cause  some  uneasiness.  She 
also  has  a  span  of  horses  that  will  soon  destroy  the  hay 
that  was  left  on  that  estate  for  to  support  the  remainder  of 
the  stock  left  for  the  support  of  the  overseers  and  slaves. 

"  Sir,  you  will  please  to  send  over  the  accounts  of  the 
part  of  the  moveable  estate  of  Thomas  H.  Barclay,  if  you 
have  got  it  drawn  out,  as  I  have  some  more  money  to  car- 
ry into  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

"  And"  you  will  greatly  oblige  to  serve, 

"JAMES  HUNTER." 

Ordered,  That  the  preceding  letter  be  committed  to 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Mr.  Taylor  to  report  thereon. 

The  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  riders  and  ex- 
presses to  be  employed  for  the  Convention,  was  read.  Af- 
ter some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  committed  to  the  com- 
mittee who  brought  in  the  said  report,  or  such  of  them  as 
are  at  Fishkill ;  and  that  Captain  Schenk  be  added  to  that 
committee.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  and  are  hereby 
authorized  to  agree  with  two  persons  to  be  always  ready 
and  attending  to  ride  as  messengers  for  this  Convention 
when  required. 

The  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  agreed  to, 
with  design  to  procure  blankets  and  hose  for  the  Conti- 
nental troops  raising  in  this  State,  vizt : 

Whereas  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  this  Conven- 
tion to  leave  no  means  unessayed  to  provide  for  the  com- 
fortable clothing  and  accommodation  of  the  troops  raised 
in  this  State,  and  who  in  this  inclement  season  are  risk- 
ing their  lives  in  defence  of  the  liberties  of  their  country. 
And  whereas  the  benevolent  principles  which  should  ever 
distinguish  a  people  determined  to  be  free,  loudly  calls  on 
the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  who  remain  in  tranquility  at 
home,  to  afford  all  the  supplies  in  their  power  to  their 
brethren  in  the  field. 

Resolved,  That  application  be  made  to  every  house- 
holder in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  Westchester,  Orange, 
Ulster,  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Gloucester  and  Cum- 
berland, immediately  to  furnish,  for  the  use  of  the  said 


troops,  as  many  pair  of  men's  stockings,  and  as  many 
blankets,  as  they  can  possibly  spare,  and  that  they  be  paid 
the  value  according  to  their  quality,  but  not  to  exceed 
twelve  shillings  for  each  pair  of  stockings,  and  forty-eight 
shillings  for  every  blanket. 

Resolved,  That  the  county  committees  in  each  of  the 
said  counties  do  forthwith  appoint  proper  collectors  in  each 
of  the  districts  of  their  respective  counties,  to  execute  the 
above  resolutions ;  and  that  such  be  paid  for  their  trouble 
at  the  rate  of  six  pence  for  every  pair  of  stockings,  and  one 
shilling  for  every  blanket  they  shall  respectively  collect  as 
aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  collectors  to  be  appointed  as  afore- 
said, do  without  delay  send  the  stockings  and  blankets  they 
shall  respectively  collect,  to  the  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  their  respective  counties  ;  and  that  the  said  chairman 
do  immediately,  on  receipt  thereof,  send  the  same  to  the 
store  of  John  Taylor,  Esqr.  at  Albany,  or  to  the  clothing 
store  at  this  place,  as  shall  be  most  convenient. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  counties  afore- 
said, have  power  to  draw  on  the  President  of  the  Conven- 
tion for  such  sums  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid,  and  for  defraying  the  carriage  or  transportation. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  county  committees  return  to 
this  Convention  regular  accounts  of  their  proceedings  in 
the  execution  of  the  above  resolutions. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Loudon  do  attend  the  Represen- 
tatives of  this  State  when  assembled  at  twelve  o'clock  to- 
morrow. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Lieutenant  Jacob  Bower,  the  sum  of  ninety-seven  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  in  full,  for  the  balance  of  the  pay  ;  and 
the  further  sum  of  one  hundred  and  ten  pounds  twelve  shil- 
lings, in  full,  for  subsistence  of  his  company,  (raised  in 
the  county  of  Albany  by  order  of  the  committee  for  detect- 
ing conspiracies,)  from  the  30th  of  October  to  the  29th 
December  last,  inclusive,  agreeable  to  his  pay  and  subsis- 
tence rolls,  sworn  to  by  him,  and  audited  by  the  committee 
of  accounts. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  till  4  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  2\st,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Gelston,  Mr  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Col.  Livingston,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Mr.  Taylor— Albany. 

Major  Schenk,  Captn.  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stephens,  Mr.  Sessions — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Contine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

An  account  of  Thomas  Stebbings  for  apprehending  sun- 
dry prisoners  sent  from  this  Slate  to  Springfield  jail,  and 
who  had  made  their  escape  from  thence  and  were  taken, 
was  exhibited  to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  delivered  by  Mr. 
Stebbings  to  the  Committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 
and  that  the  said  committee  be  and  are  hereby  authorized 
to  audit  the  said  account,  and  pay  such  sum  for  the  same 
as  they  may  think  proper. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  relative  to  the  ran- 
gers raised  in  different  counties  in  this  State,  brought  in 
their  report,  which  was  read.  The  same  being  again  read 
by  paragraphs,  debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  some  lime 
spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted  to  Mr. 
Adgate,  Mr.  Win.  Harper  and  Major  Webster. 

An  affidavit  of  Isaac  Adriance,  relative  to  maltreatment 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


781 


by  him  received  from  a  certain  Joseph  Beane,  employed 
in  the  service  of  the  Continental  army,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  affidavit  be  sent  to 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  Continental  troops  at  this 
place ;  and  that  he  be  requested  to  cause  the  said  Joseph 
Beane  to  be  taken  and  secured  under  guard,  and  make  re- 
turn thereof  to  this  Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  affidavit  be  committed  to  Messrs. 
Duane,  Robert  Yates  and  Wm.  Smith. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  McDougal,  dated  this 
day,  was  received  and  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"PeektkUl,  21st  Jany.  1777. 
"  Dear  Sir — I  have  seen  so  many  of  the  Continental 
arms  drawn  out  of  the  stores  to  arm  the  militia,  that  I  fear 
some  bad  consequences  will  result  from  it.  Many  of  those 
into  whose  hands  they  have  been  put,  are  disaffected  to  the 
country ;  besides  experience  has  taught  us,  that  notwith- 
standing the  most  positive  orders  have  been  given  to  the 
militia  to  return  the  arms  and  accoutrements,  yet  they  have 
been  disobeyed ;  the  arms  and  accoutrements  have  been 
carried  off,  and  many  exchanged  for  an  inferior  sort,  and 
it  cannot  be  expected  that  our  militia  will  pay  more  respect 
to  orders  than  others.  If  they  should  not,  when  those 
arms  are  wanted  to  arm  the  standing  troops,  it  will  be  pro- 
ductive of  consequences  the  most  fatal  to  our  bleeding  and 
distressed  country.  For  these  reasons  1  cannot  think  it  my 
duty  to  deliver  out  any  more  of  the  public  arms.  Near 
300  have  already  been  delivered  out.  As  General  Ten 
Broeck  informed  me  a  number  of  your  militia  are  expect- 
ed down  without  arms,  I  judged  it  expedient  to  advise  you 
of  my  resolution,  which  I  hope  will  appear  to  you  to  be 
for  the  public  service.  Nothing  material  was  cast  up  in 
our  army  under  General  Heath,  by  advice  from  him  yes- 
terday. Fort  Independence  was  to  be  invested  to-day. 
The  garrison,  with  a  reinforcement  it  has  received  since 
our  army  advanced,  consists  of  350  men,  mostly  of  Rodgers' 
corps.  Col.  Webb,  late  aid-de-camp  to  General  Washing- 
ton, arrived  here  last  night  from  Head-Quarters.  He  in- 
forms me  the  lightborse  and  the  guard  desert  frequently 
in  small  parties  to  our  army ;  that  the  forage  and  baggage 
of  the  enemy  are  sent  on  Staten  island  ;  that  a  Mr.  Stirling, 
a  cadet,  nephew  to  Col.  Sterling,  in  the  enemy's  armv, 
had  come  off  to  General  Washington,  from  a  disgust  to 
their  service.  Time  will  only  permit  me  to  add,  that  I 
am,  with  great  respect, 

•'  Your,  and  the  Committee's 

"  Very  humble  servant, 

"ALEXR.  McDOUGALL. 

■  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety  of  New- York." 

The  Committee  adjourned  to  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  22d,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt — SewYork. 
Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Col.  Livingston — Jlbany. 

Captain  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Loudon  attended,  according  to  the  order  of  yester- 
day, and  being  called  in,  was  asked  by  the  President  whe- 
ther he  had  not  been  informed  that  exceptions  were  taken 
at  his  publishing  certain  extracts  from  Gaines'  paper,  those 
extracts  pointed  out  to  him,  and  he  requested  to  stop  any 

196 


further  publication  of  that  paper  ?  To  which  he  answered, 
that  he  did  receive  such  message,  and  immediately  stopped 
the  press  and  hung  up  the  wet  papers  to  dry  ;  that  he  pu- 
blished those  extracts  through  inadvertency,  and  with  no 
evil  design,  but  merely  to  satisfy  the  curiosity  of  those  who 
might  wish  to  see  what  stuff  was  published  at  New- York. 
Being  asked  whether  he  was  not  requested  to  suppress  that 
paper,  he  saith,  that  he  did  endeavour  to  suppress  it,  but 
that  two  or  three  were  taken  out  while  he  was  down  stairs, 
and  two  were  taken  from  him  by  the  Albany  Post,  who 
wanted  two  or  three  dozen.  Being  asked  if  he  did  not  de- 
liver a  number  of  them,  he  saith  that  he  did  not,  but  had 
already  sent  some  to  Peekskill,  and  a  few  to  Hartford,  and 
did  endeavour  to  suppress  it  immediately ;  that  he  was  in 
a  great  straight,  for  that  he  was  afraid  if  the  suppression  of 
it  was  known,  it  would  do  mischief,  and  therefore  told  those 
who  wanted  his  paper,  that  a  few  were  printed  and  sent 
off.  Being  asked  whether  he  was  requested  not  to  publish 
the  said  paper,  he  saith  that  he  does  not  remember  that  he 
was. 

Mr.  Loudon  withdrew. 

The  Committee  then  determined  that  he  be  again  called 
in.  and  that  he  be  reprimanded  by  the  Chairman  in  the  fol- 
lowing words,  to  wit : 

"  Mr.  Loudon,  I  am  directed  to  inform  you,  that  by  pu- 
blishing your  paper,  after  an  express  order  of  this  House 
to  the  contrary,  you  have  been  guilty  of  a  great  insult  to 
their  authority.  That  so  long  as  you  receive  a  pension 
from  this  House  you  are  their  servant,  and  therefore  guilty 
of  great  ingratitude,  in  presuming  to  disobey  their  com- 
mands. The  House  do  not  mean  to  lay  any  restrictions 
upon  the  liberties  of  the  press,  but  they  are  uetermined  not 
to  employ  any  person  who  shall  do  things  inimical  to  the 
cause  of  American  freedom.  The  House  upon  your  sub- 
mission have  pardoned  this  offence." 

Mr.  Loudon  being  called  in,  and  accordingly  reprimand- 
ed, asked  pardon  and  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Samuel  Lyon  the  sum  of  two  pounds,  for  his  trouble  and 
expense  in  proceeding  from  Rye  to  His  Excellency  Gene- 
ral Washington,  at  New- York,  with  the  account  of  the  ar- 
rival of  the  enemy's  fleet,  which  was  forwarded  by  the 
committee  of  New-London,  and  the  other  committee  in  the 
western  part  of  Connecticut,  and  that  he  charge  the  same 
to  Continental  account. 

A  letter  from  Thomas  Machin,  at  New-Windsor,  dated 
January  the  twenty-first,  directed  to  Mr.  Duer,  requesting 
a  number  of  carpenters'  tools  for  the  people  employed  un- 
der him,  in  procuring  and  preparing  timber  for  the  obstruc- 
tions intended  to  be  made  in  Hudson's  river,  at  or  near 
Pollepul's  island,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  New-Windsor,  2\st  January,  1777. 

"  Sir — We  have  not  yet  had  tools  for  more  than  thirty 
men ;  we  have  now  one  hundred  and  fifty  carpenters,  and 
unless  we  can  be  supplied  with  one  hundred  broad  axes, 
and  one  hundred  augers,  inch,  and  inch  and  a  quarter,  and 
three-quarters,  with  some  square  chissels  and  gouges,  we 
must  discharge  a  great  part  of  our  men.  The  bearer,  Mr. 
Thomas  Gee,  who  has  conveyed  John  McComb  to  you  be- 
ing charged  with  damning  the  Honourable  Congress,  will 
see  to  getting  the  tools  for  the  work. 

"  I  am  your  humble  servant. 

"THOS.  MACHIN. 

"  P.  S.  One  hundred  good  narrow  axes  are  much  want- 
ed." 

A  note  from  Mr.  Jay,  informing  that  Mr.  Bostwick  re- 
fuses to  deliver  those  articles,  without  an  order  from  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  or  his  superior  officer,  was  also  read. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Andrew  Bostwick,  one  of  the  Quar- 
ter-M aster-General's  agents,  be  directed  to  deliver  to  Tho- 
mas Gee,  for  the  use  of  the  persons  employed  under  Cap- 
tain Thomas  Machin,  in  procuring  and  preparing  timber, 
&c.  for  the  obstructions  intended  to  be  made  in  Hudson's 


782 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


river,  the  following  tools,  to  wit :  50  broad  axes,  25  augers, 
l\  inch,  25  ditto  of  1  inch,  25  ditto  of  £  inch,  100  narrow 
axes,  10  iron  squares,  20  gouges,  50  one  inch  chissels,  50 
two  inch  ditto  and  that  he  lake  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Rea,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Northeast  precinct  in  Dutchess  county,  dated  on  the 
nineteenth  instant,  informing  of  their  having  levied  fines 
from  sundry  persons,  who  neglected  their  duty  to  march, 
and  did  not  march  with  the  militia  when  directed,  was  read, 
and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Northeast  precinct,  Dutchess  county,  ) 
"In  Special  Committee,  9thJany.  1777.  J 
"  Gentlemen — When  orders  were  received  for  drafting 
men  to  serve  in  General  Scott's  and  Clinton's  brigades,  se- 
veral neglected  their  duty  in  marching,  and  remained  un- 
molested, which  has  encouraged  those  drafted  to  join  Colo. 
Graham,  to  repeat  the  like  offence  ;  and  as  the  proper  offi- 
cers to  take  notice  of  that  matter  are  absent,  this  committee 
did  take  to  themselves  the  power  of  punishing  such  delin- 
quents, knowing  that  a  neglect  of  it  would  be  highly  inju- 
rious to  the  common  cause,  as  well  as  to  the  honour  of  this 
State. 

"  This  committee  take  the  liberty  to  inform  your  Ho- 
nourable Body  of  their  proceedings  in  this  matter.  We 
proceeded  to  fine  the  different  offenders,  according  to  their 
circumstances  ;  all  which  fines  being  collected,  amounts  to 
upwards  of  one  hundred  pounds,  exclusive  of  charges  paid 
for  bringing  in  the  delinquents  ;  and  all  the  militia  being 
immediately  ordered  to  march,  it  was  impossible  for  us  to 
apply  it,  as  your  resolves  direct  in  such  cases.  We  there- 
fore would  beg  the  advice  of  your  Honourable  Body,  with 
regard  to  the  application  of  said  moneys  ;  and  we  shall 
still  proceed  with  the  rest  of  the  delinquents  in  the  forego- 
ing manner,  until  otherwise  directed.  And  if  we  have 
done  wrong  in  this,  we  hope  the  Convention  will  impute  it 
to  our  zeal  for  the  public  good. 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servants, 
"  By  order  of  the  committee. 

"HUGH  REA,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York,  Fishkill." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Judge  Graham  and 
Captain  Schenk,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  said 
letter  and  report  thereon. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Jany.  22nd,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  John  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  R.  Yates,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Van 
Rensselaer — Albany . 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Orange. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

A  request  of  Mr.  John  Barnes,  (directed  to  Mr.  Duer,) 
that  Nehemiah  Oakley,  a  cooper,  who  has  engaged  to 
make  two  hundred  flour  barrels  by  the  first  day  of  June 
next,  may  be  exempted  from  military  duty,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  P.  R.  Livingston  and  Captain 
Schenk,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  said  applica- 
tion, and  to  consider  whether  carters  of  ore  at  furnaces, 
should  be  considered  exempt  from  military  duty,  and  to  re- 
port thereon. 

Mr.  Piatt,  one  of  the  members,  brought  into  the  Com- 
mittee a  bill  of  sale  from  John  Miller  (who  is  said  to  be 
gone  over  to  the  enemy,)  to  John  Halstead  and  Kodolphus 


Svvartwout,  of  his  goods  and  household  stuff,  &c.  and  re- 
quested the  sense  of  this  House  whether  the  said  goods 
should  be  held  by  them  by  virtue  of  the  said  bill  of  sale. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper  and 
Captain  Schenk,  be  a  committee  to  consider  and  report 
thereon. 

A  letter  from  David  Pye,  Esqr.  of  Clarks  Town,  direct- 
ed to  Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  relative  to  the  depreciation  of 
Continental  currency,  and  informing  that  the  Continental 
stores  are  not  well  attended,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  and  delivered  to  the  com- 
mittee for  devising  means  to  prevent  the  depreciation  of 
Continental  currency. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  letters  from 
the  Honourable  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  at  Congress,  on  the 
subject  of  the  representation  of  this  State  in  that  Honoura- 
ble House,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read. 

The  consideration  thereof  is  deferred  until  a  meeting 
of  the  Convention. 

Several  matters  of  the  utmost  importance  to  this  State, 
requiring  immediate  despatch,  being  now  before  this  Com- 
mittee, for  the  determination  whereof  they  are  utterly  in- 
adequate : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  there  be  an  immediate  call 
of  the  Convention,  and  that  the  Chairman  give  notice 
thereof  to  the  absent  members,  punctually  to  attend  at 
Fishkill,  on  the  third  day  of  February  next. 

Mr.  Duane  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellen- 
cy General  Washington,  in  answer  to  his  letter  to  William 
Duer,  Esqr.  relative  to  the  clothing  detained  at  this  place 
by  order  of  Convention,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  raised 
in  this  State,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fishkill,  22nd  Dec.  1776. 
"  His  Excellency  General  Washington — 

"  Mr.  Duer,  with  several  other  Members  of 
Convention,  is  now  attending  the  army  raised  within  this 
State  on  a  secret  expedition  projected  by  this  Convention, 
with  a  view  to  cooperate  with  your  Excellency,  or  at  least 
to  create  a  diversion  in  your  favour.  For  this  reason,  your 
Excellency's  letter  of  the  14th  instant,  to  that  gentleman, 
has  been  laid  before  the  Committee  of  Safety,  who,  anx- 
ious for  the  public  good,  have  long  viewed  the  want  of 
clothing  for  the  army  as  a  very  capital  misfortune.  Un- 
happily deprived  of  all  our  seaports,  the  means  of  impor- 
tation are  totally  cut  off  from  this  State,  and  we  have  in 
vain  endeavoured  to  procure  a  supply  from  Congress  and 
our  sister  States,  as  a  part  of  the  Continental  bounty. 
The  recruits  are  importunate,  and  express  the  utmost  dis- 
content that  their  clothing  is  withheld  :  a  spirit  of  deser- 
tion is  already  prevailing,  and  the  recruiting  service,  which 
in  the  beginning  was  extremely  successful,  now  meets  with 
discouragement.  Perplexed  with  this  difficulty,  it  was 
with  the  utmost  satisfaction  we  learnt  that  a  quantity  of 
clothing  for  the  Continenlal  troops  was  stored  at  this  place. 
They  arrived  at  Peekskill  about  a  month  ago ;  remained 
there  several  days ;  were  then  sent  to  Fishkill  Landing, 
about  twenty  miles  north  of  Peekskill,  stored  a  week,  and 
then  transported  by  land  to  this  town,  about  six  miles 
east  of  the  Landing,  and  stored  there  several  days,  with- 
out any  effort  to  have  them  made  into  clothes,  or  according 
to  our  information,  any  attempts  to  forward  them  to  your 
Excellency  :  add  to  this,  that  the  assistant  quarter-master- 
general,  Mr.  Hughs,  informs  one  of  the  members  that 
part  of  those  goods  were  to  be  left  here  for  the  use  of  the 
Continental  troops  within  this  Stale.  From  all  these  cir- 
cumstances, the  Convention  were  lead  to  conclude  that 
there  could  be  no  impropriety  in  applying  them  according- 
ly. 'Tis  true  that  the  storekeeper  were  not  inclined  to 
deliver  them  without  your  Excellency's  directions,  though 
he  finally  consented,  on  the  importunity  of  the  committee 
of  Convention  appointed  to  procure  clothing  for  the  Conti- 
nental troops  in  this  department.  These  are  the  facts  : 
and  if  we  have  erred,  it  was  from  an  anxiety  to  promote 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


783 


the  public  service,  which  was  and  still  is  suffering  for 
want  of  a  compliance  with  the  encouragement  which  Con- 
gress has  engaged  to  the  new  levies.  You  may  be  assur- 
ed, sir,  that  nothing  is  further  from  our  wishes  than  to  in- 
terfere with  the  military  line,  or  to  abridge  your  Excellen- 
cy's unquestionable  province.  On  the  contrary,  we  la- 
ment it,  as  a  misfortune,  that  from  your  late  necessary  re- 
treat and  remote  situation,  so  great  a  share  of  the  military 
operations  in  this  quarter  is  cast  upon  us  ;  and  that  we 
are  compelled  to  turn  our  attention  to  matters  out  of  the 
line  of  the  civil  power,  and  solely  resting  with  your  Ex- 
cellency. 

"  The  request  communicated  to  Mr.  Duer  for  forwarding 
such  of  the  goods  as  have  not  been  delivered  to  Continen- 
tal recruits,  shall  be  instantly  complied  with. 

"  Permit  us  to  assure  your  Excellency  that  there  is  not 
the  least  room  for  apprehending  that  any  stores  of  goods 
passing  through  this  State  will  be  detained.  The  respect 
we  have  always  shown  and  sincerely  feel  for  your  person 
and  office,  our  uniform  and  cheerful  compliance  with  all 
your  requisitions,  our  zeal  for  the  common  cause,  and  the 
great  and  continued  exertions  of  this  State,  ought,  we  flatter 
ourselves,  to  secure  us  from  such  suspicion ;  in  the  instance 
of  whichyour  Excellency  complains,  we  conceived  we  were 
serving  the  public,  though  we  were  sensible  that  in  that 
as  well  as  many  other  respects  we  were  acting  out  of  our 
proper  sphere.  It  is  out  of  our  power  to  clothe  the  quota  of 
levies  of  this  State  ;  our  militia  constantly  employed  in 
the  field  are  drawn  from  their  ordinary  business  ;  the  in- 
habitants themselves  are  destitute.  We  have  few  manu- 
facturers, and  cloth  of  every  kind  is  scarce  and  dear  be- 
yond description. 

"  We  have  informed  the  county  of  our  inability,  as  well 
as  the  Quarter-Master-General.  We  have  no  answer  or 
aid  either,  but  assure  ourselves  that  when  your  Excellen- 
cy's arduous  situation  shall  permit,  these  circumstances 
which  give  us  unspeakable  distress  will  claim  your  atten- 
tion. 

"  The  first  New-York  battalion  commanded  by  Col.  Van 
Schaick,  and  recruited  to  about  fourhundred  men,  is  already 
marched  to  garrison  Fort  George  or  Ticonderoga  ;  for  the 
safety  of  which,  against  a  winter  campaign,  we  are  not 
without  strong  apprehensions,  as  the  troops  stationed  at 
those  important  fortresses  may  march  off  immediately,  on 
the  expiration  of  the  term  of  their  enlistment. 

"  Had  this  State  been  encumbered  with  raising  only  the 
five  battalions  assigned  for  its  quota,  we  flatter  ourselves 
that  under  every  difficulty  our  engagements  to  Congress 
would  soon  have  been  complied  with ;  but  besides  the  bat- 
talions under  our  immediate  direction,  Col.  Hazen,  and 
Col.  James  Livingston  and  even  Col.  Warner,  and  num- 
bers of  their  officers,  are  recruiting  within  a  State  already 
deprived  of  a  great  part  of  its  territory. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  His  Excellency  General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Duane  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable 
John  Hancock,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  10th  instant,  rela- 
tive to  the  state  of  the  levies  raising  in  this  State,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  10th  instant,  enclosing  the 
resolution  of  the  Honourable  Congress  of  the  ninth,  re- 
specting the  new  levies  in  this  State  has  been  laid  before 
the  Committee  of  Safety. 

"  I  am  directed  to  assure  you  that  every  exertion  in 
the  power  of  the  Convention  has  been  employed  to  for- 
ward this  most  essential  service.  General  Schuyler,  who 
was  lately  at  this  place  on  the  business  of  the  army,  in- 
formed us  that  our  first  battalion  commanded  by  Colonel 
Van  Schaick,  was  recruited  to  about  400  men,  and  that  he 


had  been  under  the  necessily  of  ordering  them  to  march 
towards  Ticonderoga,  for  the  safety  of  which,  against  a 
winter's  campaign,  we  are  not  without  strong  apprehen- 
sions. The  General  has  however  left  a  number  of  re- 
cruiting officers  of  that  battalion  at  Albany,  to  complete  its 
quota. 

"  We  have  no  returns  from  the  other  regiments,  nor  can 
they  be  at  present  obtained,  as  the  recruiting  officers  dis- 
persed in  the  different  counties  have  made  none  ;  from  the 
best  compulation  they  are  not  above  half  raised.  The  first 
battalions  assigned  for  the  quota  of  this  State,  would,  not- 
withstanding its  mutilated  condition,  have  been  very  easily 
raised,  had  not  the  recruiting  the  levies  which  at  first  met 
with  success,  been  unhappily  impeded  by  a  variety  of  ob- 
stacles which  we  beg  leave  to  suggest : 

"  1st.  In  order  to  raise  the  drooping  spirits  of  our  bre- 
thren in  New-Jersey,  and  to  cooperate  with  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  or  at  least  to  create  a  diversion 
in  his  favour,  the  Convention  detached  a  considerable  part 
of  the  militia  into  that  Slate,  and  another  large  body  on  an 
expedition  into  Westchester  to  purge  that  county  of  the 
enemy,  and  a  further  view  if  practicable  to  penetrate  into 
New-York.  The  cheerfulness  and  alacrity  with  which  this 
service  at  an  inclement  season  was  undertaken,  affords  a 
most  pleasing  evidence  lhat  a  martial  and  patriotic  spirit 
in  spite  of  all  the  arts  and  delusions  of  our  inveterate  en- 
emies, rouses  and  animates  our  inhabitants  to  action,  in 
proportion  to  the  distresses  which  afflict  theircountry,  and  in 
resentment  of  the  horrid  cruelties  which  have  been  perpe- 
trated against  their  suffering  brethren  ;  at  the  same  time 
this  necesary  measure  is  highly  detrimental  to  our  new  le- 
vies, as  it  employs  a  large  body  of  our  most  spirited  young 
men,  many  of  whom  would  undoubtedly  have  engaged  in 
the  Continental  forces. 

"  2ndly.  The  recruiting  service  is  further  obstructed  by 
our  inability  to  comply  with  that  part  of  the  resolution  of 
Congress  which  provides  that  a  suit  of  clothes  shall  be  given 
to  every  recruit,  as  a  part  of  the  bounty.  Cut  off  from  the 
means  of  importation  by  the  loss  of  all  our  seaports,  we 
very  early  turned  our  attention  to  our  sister  States,  and  ap- 
pointed a  commissary  to  purchase  clothing.  His  success 
did  not  answer  our  wishes.  We  have  made  known  our  in- 
ability to  procure  clothing,  to  Congress,  as  well  as  the 
Quarter-Master-General,  and  are  still  left  without  any  as- 
sistance. The  recruits  are  importunate  for  this  capital  part 
of  their  bounty.  They  clamour  and  complain  of  being  de- 
ceived, and  consequently  discourage  others  from  engaging. 
Our  distress  on  this  account,  is  unspeakable. 

"3rdly.  It  is  further  obstructed  by  the  exertions  of  Colonel 
Hazen,  Col.  James  Livingston,  and  even  Colonel  Warner, 
to  recruit  their  respective  corps  within  this  Stale  ;  in  which 
the  former  being  called  the  Congress's  own  Regiment,  and 
pretending  to  be  raised  for  its  immediate  defence,  and  that 
they  shall  be  stationed  near  the  seat  of  government,  are 
very  successful. 

"  4thly.  That  notwithstanding  free  liberty  has  been  given 
to  recruit  for  the  last  mentioned  regiments  within  this  State, 
soldiers  who  enlisted  in  our  corps  have  been  discharged  by 
general  officers  in  the  Continental  service,  on  account  of 
their  being  inhabitants  of  neighbouring  States  ;  or  when 
foreigners,  of  their  having  before  served  in  those  regiments. 

"  These  remarks  are  not  offered  by  way  of  complaint, 
but  to  possess  Congress  of  the  true  reason  why  our  levies 
are  not  completed  according  to  the  expectations  which  we 
formed  when  the  service  was  first  undertaken.  We  hope, 
however,  that  our  efforts  will  be  attended  with  success,  if 
we  can  be  supplied  with  clothing  and  blankets ;  but  as 
every  volunteer  has  a  right  to  call  for  his  bounty,  and,  in- 
deed, stands  in  the  utmost  necessity  of  clothing,  it  must  be 
impracticable  to  make  any  effectual  progress  till  that  shall 
be  supplied. 


784 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  General  Schuyler  has  borrowed  of  this  State  twenty 
thousand  pounds  for  the  Continental  service,  which  we  have 
charged  to  the  United  States. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Esqr. 

President,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  23rd,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New- 
York. 

Col.  Graham,  Col.  G.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Majr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Contine — Ulster- 

Major  Laurence— Queens. 

Major  Schenk,  Capt.  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  there  are 
a  considerable  number  of  public  arms  for  the  Continental 
troops  wanting  repairs,  whereby  it  is  become  necessary  to 
establish  an  armoury  near  this  place. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  Wm.  Harper  be  a 
committee  to  procure  proper  armourers,  and  establish  an 
armoury  at  or  near  this  place. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster  coun- 
ty, signed  by  Mr.  Daniel  Graham  their  chairman,  dated  the 
twenty-second  instant,  was  read.  They  therein  set  forth, 
that  keeping  a  daily  guard  is  become  a  great  burthen  to  the 
inhabitants,  and  request  that  a  guard  may  be  placed  there 
at  public  expense.  The  said  letter  is  directed  to  Matthew 
Cantine,  Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Contine  and  Major  Lawrence,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  said  letter,  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Johannes  Snyder,  dated  at  Rame- 
pough  the  4th  of  January  instant,  to  Brigadier-General 
George  Clinton,  was  read.  Colonel  Snyder  informs  that 
he  therewith  sends  to  the  General,  three  men  with  fifteen 
horses,  taken  near  Pumpton,  and  supposed  to  be  purchased 
for  the  use  of  the  enemy.  The  said  letter  also  contains 
information  relative  to  the  said  persons  apprehended,  and 
some  testimony  against  them.  A  pass  from  General  Clin- 
ton, and  two  other  papers  therein  enclosed,  were  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  papers  therein  enclos- 
ed, and  also  the  petition  of  Cornelius  Haring  and  John 
Duremus  to  this  House,  relative  to  the  horses  mentioned 
in  the  said  letter  and  formerly  referred  to  Messrs.  Contine, 
Stevens  and  Wm.  Harper  ;  and  also  a  letter  from  General 
George  Clinton,  dated  the  1 5th  instant,  directed  to  Captain 
Ebenezer  Woodhull,  of  the  Orange  county  lighthorse, 
which  was  read,  directing  him  to  seize  the  person,  papers 
and  money  of  one  Palmer,  who  lately  come  from  Long 
island  with  a  large  sum  of  Continental  money  to  purchase 
lands  and  horses,  and  also  to  take  Nicholas  Townshend, 
whereat  Palmer  now  is  ;  and  also  the  bill  of  sale  of  John 
Miller  to  John  Halstead,  for  his  personal  estate;  be  referred 
to  the  committee  of  Convention  for  detecting  conspiracies, 
&c.  with  full  power  and  authority  to  that  committee  to  pro- 
ceed and  determine  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Scott  to  the  President 


of  the  Convention,  dated  at  camp  at  Williams's,  in  West- 
chester county,  on  the  21  si  instant,  was  read. 

He  therein  informs,  that  he,  with  the  other  members  of 
the  Committee  with  him,  have  sent  to  Convention  Mr. 
Stephen  Kapalje,  taken  at  New-Rochelle,  with  a  large 
quantity  of  cash  brought  from  Long  island  ;  that  the  cash 
is  sent  forward  with  him  in  the  care  of  Captain  John 
Haight,  of  Colo.  Luddenton's  regiment ;  which  cash  was 
brought  in  the  saddle  bags,  locked. 

The  parol  of  the  said  Rapalje  to  attend  the  Convention 
in  company  with  Captain  Haight,  is  annexed  to  the  said 
letter. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  from  General  Scott,  the 
said  parol  and  cash  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  Con- 
vention for  detecting  conspiracies,  with  full  power  and 
authority  to  that  committee  to  proceed  and  determine  there- 
on. All  the  said  papers  and  cash  were  delivered  accord- 
ingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  on  the  petition  of 
Cornelius  Haring  and  John  Duremus,  and  the  committee 
on  the  said  bill  of  sale  of  personal  estate  be  discharged. 

Mr.  Piatt,  from  the  committee  of  Convention  appointed 
for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  informed  the  Committee  of 
Safety  that  he  has  received  a  letter  from  John  Jay,  Esqr. 
informing  him  that  the  indisposition  of  his  parents  prevents 
his  attendance  at  that  committee.  Mr.  Piatt  says  further, 
that  no  other  member  of  that  committee  is  now  present, 
and  requests  two  members  may  be  added. 

Ordered,  That  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  be 
added  to  that  committee,  and  give  their  attendance  there 
immediately. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  on  the  resolutions  of 
Congress  of  the  27th  of  December  last,  and  the  several 
papers  which  accompanied  the  same,  brought  in  their  re- 
port, which  was  read.  Being  again  read  by  paragraphs, 
debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  farther  consideration  thereof  is  postponed  till  next 
meeting  of  this  Committee. 

On  considering  the  petition  of  Richard  Southard,  and  on 
due  inquiry  made  thereon,  it  appears  that  a  sufficient  quan- 
tity of  fire  and  coal-wood  for  the  use  of  the  barracks  and 
smiths'  shops,  may  be  got,  with  little  labour,  from  the 
mountains  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  same ;  and  from 
the  representation  of  the  said  Southard,  it  appears  that  the 
woodcutters  continue  to  cut  the  wood  growing  on  his  said 
farm,  which  must,  in  a  short  time,  greatly  impair  its  value. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  at  Fishkill 
give  orders  that  no  more  wood  be  cut  off  the  farm  of  the 
said  Richard  Southard,  for  the  use  of  the  said  barracks, 
smith  shops  or  artificers,  without  application  first  made  to 
to  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  order  be  sent  to  the 
commanding  officer. 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr.  dated  Fishkill, 
on  this  day,  and  directed  to  James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Pre- 
sident of  the  Convention,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"Fishkill,  Jany.  23rd,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  am  obliged  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  Conven- 
tion, as  also  those  of  the  Committee,  for  having  permitted 
me  to  remain  here  now  seven  weeks,  without  exacting  a 
parol  from  me  or  restricting  me  to  any  limits  of  district ; 
notwithstanding  which,  I  have  not  all  this  time  been  out  to 
see  my  family,  though  within  J 4  miles;  and  as  there  is 
now  an  opening  in  the  river,  so  that  1  can  take  my  horse 
across,  I  embrace  the  opportunity  to  go  to  my  family,  and 
shall  return  to  this  place  upon  the  first  notice  that  the 
Honourable  Convention  have  come  to  a  determiniation 
upon  what  they  were  pleased  to  permit  me  to  lay  before 
them  ten  days  since.  I  acknowledge  that  it  is  a  matter 
that  deserves  serious  and  deliberate  consideration,  and 
whatever  may  be  the  result  of  the  Honourable  Convention, 
I  shall  submit  to  it  with  all  humility  ;  and  in  the  mean  time 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


785 


I  shall  remain  on  my  own  farm,  and  conduct  myself  in  the 
manner  I  have  proposed  ;  and  will,  upon  the  first  sum- 
mons, appear  before  the  Convention, 

"  Whose  most  humble  servant  I  am, 

"CADWALLADER  COLDEN. 

"  To  James  Livingston,  Esqr. 

President  of  Convention." 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

J  any.  24,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  Mr.  Jobn  Schenk — Dutchesi. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham— Westchester. 

Major  Laurence — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  General  McDougall,  dated  Peekskill,  yes- 
terday, enclosing  a  letter  from  Mr.  Wm.  Seton  to  him, 
setting  forth  that  a  gang  of  villains  armed,  entered  the 
house  of  the  said  Win.  Seton,  in  Cortlandt's  manor, 
and  robbed  and  plundered  him  of  his  effects,  to  the  amount 
of  £600,  and  upwards. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  two  letters  be  referred  to  Mr. 
Morris. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  unto  this  Committee, 
that  divers  officers  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  have  levied 
considerable  fines  from  the  said  militia,  for  which  they 
have  rendered  no  account :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officers  of  the  respec- 
tive regiments  of  militia  within  the  respective  counties 
within  this  State,  do  call  the  said  officers  to  account  be- 
fore them,  on  oath,  and  do  receive  the  fines  by  them  so 
levied  as  aforesaid,  and  transmit  the  same,  together  with 
such  accounts  to  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  the  Vice-Treasu- 
rer of  this  State,  to  be  applied  and  disposed  of  in  such 
manner  as  the  Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this 
State  shall  direct. 

Mr.  Morris,  to  whom  the  letter  of  General  McDougall 
was  committed,  reported  the  following  draft  of  a  letter  in 
answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  approved,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  received  your  favour 
of  yesterday,  and  are  much  pleased  with  the  intelligence 
you  have  given  from  the  southern  army,  on  which  they 
congratulate  you,  being  with  you  of  opinion  that  the  inci- 
dent will  be  attended  with  salutary  and  important  effects. 

"  The  robberies  you  mention  have  raised  in  us  a  great 
and  just  indignation.  The  propriety  of  immediate  and  se- 
vere punishment  strikes  forcibly  on  every  mind. 

"  This  Committee  return  you  thanks  for  your  attention 
to  Mr.  Seton's  complaint,  and  further  request  that  you  will 
use  your  most  strenuous  efforts  to  take  and  secure  the 
villains  who  have  been  concerned  in  those  atrocious  acts 
of  violence,  and  such  others,  as  during  your  continuance  in 
that  neighbourhood,  may  be  guilty  of  similar  practices,  the 
Committee  being  willing  to  defray  the  extraordinary  ex- 
pense which  may  arise  from  that  service. 

"  The  raising  a  party  of  men  for  these  purposes  would 
not  only  be  attended  with  great  expense,  but  impede  the 
recruiting  service,  which  is  an  object  of  great  importance, 
and  in  the  opinion  of  the  Committee,  a  few  examples  of 
capital  punishment,  will  be  of  more  use  than  several  com- 
panies of  rangers. 

"  The  Committee  will  thank  you  for  such  intelligence 

197' 


as  you  may  receive  from  the  several  armies  now  in  th< 
field. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  Brigadier-General  McDougall." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

John  Bloomer  who  was  committed  to  the  custody  of  the 
sergeant-at-arms,  requesting  to  be  heard,  was  admitted. 
He  voluntaiily  offered  to  take  the  affirmation  of  allegiance 
to  this  State.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  John  Bloomer,  upon  paying  the  sum  of 
£7  3s.  2d.  which  this  Committee  hath  advanced  to  defrav 
the  expenses  of  bringing  him  to  this  place  according  to  his 
petition,  and  upon  taking  the  affirmation  of  allegiance  to 
this  State,  before  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies, 
&c.  be  discharged. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed,  consisting  of 
Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  William  Harper,  for  the  purpose  of 
establishing  an  armoury  at  or  near  this  place,  be  directed 
and  empowered  to  purchase,  or  cause  to  be  purchased, 
arms  and  accoutrements  for  the  use  of  this  State,  and  that 
they  cause  such  of  them  as  are  out  of  repair  to  be  repaired 
as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Contine  and  Mr.  Harper,  or  either  of  them,  a  sum  not 
exceeding  five  hundred  dollars,  to  enable  the  said  commit- 
tee to  execute  the  said  resolve. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  the  persons  who  have 
the  care  and  charge  of  the  effects  of  Rebecca  Teller,  de- 
ceased, are  wasting  and  embezzling  the  same,  and  that  the 
children  of  the  said  Rebecca  Teller  are  now  maintained  at 
public  expense  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Schenk,  Esqr.  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
appointed  administrator  of  the  goods  and  chattels,  rights 
and  credits,  which  were  of  Rebecca  Teller,  deceased. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Gilbert  Drake  be  directed  and 
empowered  to  purchase,  or  cause  to  be  purchased,  within 
the  county  of  Westchester,  for  the  use  of  this  State,  as 
many  blankets  as  may  be  procured,  agreeably  to  the  prices 
and  regulations  contained  in  the  resolutions  of  this  Com- 
mittee of  the  21st  inst.  directing  the  county  committees  to 
appoint  proper  persons  to  purchase  blankets  and  stockings 
for  the  use  of  this  State. 

Whereas  a  certain  resolution  passed  this  House  on  the 
8th  day  of  November  last,  for  paying  wages  to  such  of  the 
officers  and  men  of  Colonel  Smith's  regiment,  as  were  in 
such  parts  of  this  or  the  neighbouring  States,  as  are  out  of 
the  power  of  the  enemy,  and  also  a  certain  other  resolution 
of  this  House,  passed  on  the  12th  of  the  same  month,  re- 
quiring all  muster  rolls  to  be  attested  on  oath,  before  the 
President  or  Vice-President  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  or  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  counties 
in  which  said  companies  are  raised  :  And  whereas  the 
counties  in  which  Colonel  Smith's  regiment  was  raised,  arc 
in  the  possession  of  the  enemy,  which  renders  it  impracti- 
cable to  apply  to  the  chairmen  of  the  committees  of  the  said 
counties,  and  it  being  also  very  inconvenient  for  some  of  the 
officers  of  the  said  regiment  to  appear  before  the  President 
or  Vice-President  as  aforesaid,  as  they  now  dwell  in  the 
eastern  part  of  the  State  of  Connecticut.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  Speaker  of  the  General  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  or  the  chairman  of  any  com- 
mittee within  the  said  State  be,  and  they  respectively  are 
hereby  empowered  to  administer  such  oath  as  aforesaid. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  letter  to  Hugh  Rea,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  amended,  and  thereupon  the  following 
facts  and  resolutions  were  unanimously  agreed  to,  to  wit  : 

"  That  by  certain  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the 
Stale  of  New- York,  entered  into  on  the  10th  day  of  Au- 
gust last  past,  it  is,  among  others, 

"  '  Resolved,  That  when  any  man,  who  shall  have  been 
drafted  in  pursuance  of  the  orders  of  this  Convention,  shall 
absent  himself  and  neglect  to  appear,  after  being  duly  no- 


786 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


tified,  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment  to  which  such  of- 1 
fenders  shall  belong,  shall,  upon  due  proof  of  the  same 
by  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  two  credible  witnesses,  raise, 
from  the  estate  of  the  offenders,  by  distress  and  sale,  as 
much  money  as  shall  be  sufficient  to  hire  a  man  to  serve 
in  his  stead,  and  apply  the  same  to  that  purpose  ;  provided 
the  same  shall  not  exceed  the  sum  of  £30 ;  and  provided, 
also,  that  nothing  in  this  resolve  shall  be  construed  to  ex- 
cuse the  said  absentees  from  serving  with  the  other  drafts 
from  the  militia.' 

"  1st.  That  by  the  said  letter  it  appears,  that  several 
men  neglected  to  march  in  consequence  of  the  orders  from 
this  House  for  drafting  a  part  of  the  militia  in  Dutchess 
county,  to  form  General  Scott's  and  Clinton's  brigade,  and 
that  no  proceedings  were  had  against  such  absentees. 

"  2nd.  That  it  has  given  encouragement  since  to  those 
who  were  drafted  to  join  Colonel  Graham,  to  repeat  the 
like  offence. 

"  3dly.  That  as  the  proper  officers  to  take  cognizance 
of  that  matter  were  absent,  the  said  committee  had  taken 
upon  themselves  the  power  of  punishing  such  delinquents, 
and  fining  the  different  offenders,  according  to  their  cir- 
cumstances. 

"4thly.  That  inconsequence  of  such,  their  proceedings, 
upwards  of  £100  has  been  exacted,  exclusive  of  charges. 

"  5thly.  That  all  the  militia  are  called  forth  at  present, 
and  the  said  money  can  not  be  applied  to  the  purpose  men- 
tioned in  the  said  report,  and  therefore  want  the  advice  of 
the  Convention." 

Whereupon  this  Committee  of  Safety  are  of  opinion  : 

1st.  That  it  appears  that  the  committee  of  the  Northeast 
precinct  proceeded  to  the  cognizance  of  matters  to  which 
they  were  by  no  means  warranted  by  any  resolve  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State  ;  however,  your  Committee  have 
the  greatest  reason  to  conclude  that  they  proceeded  in  this 
matter  from  a  zeal  to  the  cause  of  American  freedom,  and 
not  in  contempt  of  the  resolve  of  the  Convention. 

2ndly.  That  it  appears  that  the  before  recited  resolve  is 
inapplicable  to  the  case  when  all  the  militia  of  a  district  or 
county  are  called,  because  no  men  can  be  found  for  hire  to 
go  in  the  stead  of  such  absentee  ;  yet  as  the  spirit  of  the 
said  resolve  intended  pecuniary  punishment  on  delinquents, 
that  a  fine  ought  to  be  exacted.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  money  now  in  the  hands  of  the 
said  precinct  committee,  remain  with  them  for  the  present 
as  a  deposit,  until  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment  return, 
who  are  hereby  directed  to  proceed  to  the  trial  of  the  offend- 
ers, and  for  that  purpose  to  summon  offenders  to  appear 
before  them ;  and  such  as  may  be  found  guilty,  to  fine 
agreeably  to  the  said  resolve  and  the  circumstance  of  the 
case,  remitting  to  the  offenders  respectively,  out  of  the  said 
fines,  a  sum  equal  to  the  costs  which  they  respectively  paid 
on  their  former  trial ;  and  that  the  said  precinct  committee 
deliver  into  the  hands  of  the  said  field  officers,  the  sum  of 
money  so  exacted  as  aforesaid  ;  out  of  which,  the  said 
field  officers  shall  detain  the  said  fines,  rendering  the  over- 
plus (if  any  remain)  to  such  offenders  ;  which  said  fines 
shall  be  transmitted  to  the  deputy  treasurer  of  this  State, 
to  be  disposed  of  and  applied  in  such  manner  as  the  Con- 
vention or  future  Legislature  of  this  State  shall  direct. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  facts  and  reso- 
lution be  transmitted  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Northeast  precinct. 

The  petition  of  Baker,  confined  in  jail  in  Con- 
necticut, as  a  disaffected  person,  was  read  and  referred  to 
the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  committee  of 
Convention  for  detecting  conspiracies. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
letter  from  Daniel  Graham,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Kingston,  relative  to  a  guard  for  guarding  the  records  of 
the  Stale,  &c.  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for 
the  consideration  of  the  members. 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
state  of  the  conspiracies  of  rangers  in  the  several  counties, 


was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  considera- 
tion of  the  members. 

Colonel  Dirck  Brinkerhoff  having  had  the  misfortune 
lately  of  having  his  grist  mill  and  fulling  mill  burnt  down, 
and  they  being  very  much  wanted  at  this  juncture,  applied 
for  an  exemption  for  12  workmen  to  erect  and  build  up  the 
same  again  without  loss  of  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  to  the  number  of  12,  who 
may  be  employed  by  Colonel  Dirk  Brinkerhoff  in  rebuild- 
ing his  grist  and  fulling  mills,  be  exempt  from  militia  duty 
while  so  employed. 

The  Committee  adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  25th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Westchester. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  John  Schenk,  Major  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris— Tryon. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Whereas  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Dutchess 
cannot  be  immediately  assembled  to  carry  into  effect  the 
resolutions  of  this  House  for  establishing  small  pox  hospi- 
tals within  this  State  :  And  whereas  the  small  pox  is  now 
prevailing  in  the  natural  way  in  the  village  of  Fishkill,  and 
there  is  great  danger  that  the  infection  will  be  communi- 
cated to  the  barracks,  which  gives  great  uneasiness  to  the 
troops  there  quartered,  and  must  be  attended  with  desertion 
and  a  discouragement  of  the  recruiting  service  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Major  Schenk  be  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  and  authorized  to  convene  the  precinct  com- 
mittee, or  three  or  four  of  the  principal  inhabitants  of  Fish- 
kill,  as  shall  be  most  convenient ;  and  with  their  assistance 
provide  a  suitable  place foran  inoculating  hospital, observing 
the  restrictions  expressed  in  the  before  mentioned  resolution 
on  this  subject,  and  to  agree  upon  a  rent  for  such  hospital ; 
and  to  direct  all  inhabitants  within  Rombout's  precinct, 
who  have  or  hereafter  may  take  infection,  to  be  immediate- 
ly removed  to  such  hospital,  and  all  such  persons  are  here- 
by required  to  remove  or  be  removed  accordingly. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and 
Mr.  Duane  be  a  committee  to  inquire  for  and  report  some 
proper  place  to  which  the  Convention  may  remove  and  be 
accommodated  with  lodgings  and  conveniences  on  some 
stable  and  permanent  terms. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  the  report  of  the  committee 
on  the  despatches  from  Congress  of  the  27th  December 
last,  and  the  letter  from  his  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, of  the  30th  December,  was  again  taken  into  con- 
sideration and  read  ;  and  being  read  by  paragraphs,  de- 
bates arose  on  the  8th,  9th  and  10th  paragraphs,  which  are 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Convention  the 
empowering  his  Excellency  General  Washington  to  make 
out  the  mode  of  promotions  will  tend  greatly  to  the  good 
order  and  discipline  of  the  Continental  troops." 

"  Resolved,  That  the  resolution  of  the  Honourable  the 
Congress  of  the  27th  of  December,  1776,  conferring  ex- 
traordinary powers  upon  his  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, is  wise,  just  and  necessary.  That  it  will  tend  greatly 
to  promote  the  general  interest,  security  and  welfare  of  the 
United  States  of  America  ;  wherefore  this  Committee  do 
heartily  approve  of  the  said  resolution." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


787 


"  Resolved,  That  the  two  last  resolutions  be  enclosed  to 
his  Excellency  General  Washington  and  to  the  President 
of  the  Congress." 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  on  motion,  made  and  se- 
conded for  the  previous  question  as  to  the  said  three  pro- 
posed resolutions,  it  was  agreed  unanimously  that  they  be 
postponed  until  the  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

The  residue  of  the  said  report  being  read,  amended  and 
agreed  to,  was  adopted.    Thereupon  it  was 

Agreed,  That  a  certain  resolution  of  the  Hon.  Conti- 
nental Congress  of  the  30th  December,  1776,  prohibiting 
the  exportation  of  bacon,  salted  beef  and  pork,  soap,  tallow 
and  candles,  and  a  certain  resolution  of  the  31st  Decem- 
ber, 1776,  permitting  the  exportation  of  staves  and  lumber, 
have  no  reference  to  this  State  in  its  present  situation. 

That  a  certain  resolution  of  the  Honourable  Congress  of 
the  11th  December,  1770,  recommending  the  appointment 
of  a  day  of  fasting  and  praying,  ought  to  be  committed  to 
the  committee  which  the  House  have  already  named  to 
proclaim  a  solemn  fast. 

That  on  consideration  of  a  certain  resolution  of  the 
Honourable  Congress  of  the  23rd  of  December,  1776, 
ordering  the  transmission  of  receipts,  vouchers,  &c.  for  the 
expense  of  the  militia  which  have  reinforced  the  Conti- 
nental army,  it  be  and  hereby  is 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  the  accounts  of 
this  State,  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of 
Congress  of  the  23rd  of  December  last,  and  that  he  be  di- 
rected immediately  to  comply  with  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  do  forthwith  pre- 
pare and  bring  in  the  continuation  of  the  general  account 
of  this  Convention  with  the  Honourable  the  American 
Congress,  and  the  proper  vouchers  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  prepare  and  bring 
in  general  accounts  between  this  State  and  other  States  ; 
and  also  between  this  State  and  the  several  counties  and 
individuals  who  are  indebted  to  the  same. 

Upon  considering  the  resolutions  of  the  27lh  of  Decem- 
ber, 1776,  it  is  agreed  that  so  much  of  the  said  resolutions 
as  relates  to  marching  the  troops  from  the  southward,  the 
appointment  of  a  commissary-clothier-general,  the  locating 
magazines  in  Pennsylvania  and  Massachusettss,  the  provid- 
ing meat  for  the  army,  the  application  to  France  for  arms, 
and  the  punishing  of  persons  in  Philadelphia  who  refuse  to 
lake  Continental  money,  does  not  require  the  pointed  at- 
tention of  the  House. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of  Congress,  by  the 
same  committee,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York  have 
been  favoured  with  your  circular  letter  of  the  30th  of  De- 
cember last,  and  direct  me  to  observe,  that  as  this  State 
is  now  entirely  excluded  from  the  ocean,  the  general  reso- 
lutions which  relate  to  the  commerce  of  America,  do  not 
at  present  appear  to  be  calculated  for  us ;  but  whenever, 
by  the  kind  interposition  of  divine  Providence  we  shall  be 
restored  to  the  possession  of  our  seaports,  we  shall  pay 
all  possible  attention  to  the  commercial  recommendations 
of  your  Honourable  Body. 

"  Previous  to  the  receipt  of  your  resolutions  for  appoint- 
ing a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  the  Convention  had  taken 
that  matter  into  consideration,  and  directed  a  committee  to 
prepare  proper  resolutions  for  the  purpose. 

"  I  am  directed  further  to  assure  you,  sir,  that  the  se- 
veral accounts  between  this  State  and  the  United  States  of 
America,  have  been  prepared  to  the  ninth  day  of  November 
last,  and  that  the  remainder  shall  be  made  out  and  trans- 
milted  with  all  possible  despatch,  but  at  the  same  time  se- 
veral vouchers  for  the  different  departments  are  intricately 
complicated  together.  It  is  our  wish,  for  the  reasons 
already  assigned  to  your  Auditor-General,  the  whole  may 
be  audited  before  one  single  board  of  commissioners. 

"  We  cannot  but  approve  of  the  foresight  and  attention 
of  your  Honourable  House  in  the  providing  proper  maga- 


zines of  arms  and  ammunition.  It  hath  frequently  given 
us  great  concern  to  observe,  that  hitherto  the  fate  of  all 
America  hath  been  set  upon  a  single  cask. 

"  The  timidity  and  caution  which  necessarily  followed 
from  this  hazardous  situation,  have  been  productive  of  very 
dangerous  effects  upon  the  minds  of  the  people.  It  would 
have  given  us  great  pleasure  to  be  informed  that  the  mea- 
sure taken  to  procure  a  sufficient  number  of  cannon  had 
been  successful. 

"  The  naval  committee  have  requested  this  Convention 
to  procure  cannon  for  the  works  on  Hudson's  river  and  the 
frigates  now  lying  at  Kingston  ;  at  the  same  time  we  are 
informed  by  General  Schuyler,  that  a  very  considerable 
part  of  the  artillery  is  necessary  for  our  defence  in  the 
northern  department. 

"  We  are  sorry  to  add  that  it  is  entirely  out  of  our  power 
to  procure  a  single  piece;  almost  all  those  which  formerly 
belonged  to  this  State,  have  been  employed  in  the  Conti- 
nental service  and  taken  by  the  enemy,  so  that  unless  Con- 
gress can  provide  for  this  contingency,  very  fatal  conse- 
quences may  justly  be  apprehended. 

"  The  Committee,  sir,  direct  me  to  assure  you  that  they 
will  do  every  thing  in  their  power  to  forward  the  comple- 
tion of  the  Continental  levies,  on  which  the  interests  of 
America  so  materially  depend. 

"  They  are  well  convinced  that  the  militia  alone  are  ut- 
terly inadequate  to  the  permanent  defence  of  a  country 
against  regular  troops,  however  well  they  may  be  qualified 
to  reinforce  an  army  upon  a  sudden  emergency.  The  great 
expense  of  militia,  hath  been  at  all  times  a  very  serious 
object ;  but  the  worst  evil  to  be  apprehended,  is,  that  all 
the  resources  of  our  country  must  be  exhausted  by  calling 
off  the  husbandmen  and  artificers  so  very  frequently  from 
their  several  necessary  employments. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  congratulate  your  Honourable  House 
on  the  late  signal  successes  of  the  American  arms,  and  we 
trust  that  a  just  God  will  continue  to  smile  upon  our  right- 
eous exertions  in  the  great  cause  of  human  nature. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  Honourable  John  Hancock." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington, 
reported  to  the  same  committee,  was  read  and  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  received  great  pleasure  from 
the  receipt  of  your  Excellency's  favour  of  the  5th  of  Ja- 
nuary instant.  In  just  admiration  of  your  Excellency's  wise 
and  spirited  operations,  ihey  beg  leave  again  to  congratu- 
late you  on  the  successes  of  the  American  arms,  and  to 
return  you  their  lhanks  for  the  attention  which  you  have 
uniformly  exhibited  to  the  care  and  defence  of  this  State. 

"  The  Convention  have  lately  received  a  very  extraordi- 
nary epistle  from  a  certain  Mr.  Loring,  commissary  of  pro- 
visions in  the  British  army,  of  which,  and  of  our  answer, 
copies  are  herewith  enclosed. 

"  We  also  send  you  an  account  of  some  prisoners  of 
war  who  have  lately  made  their  escape  from  this  State,  re- 
gardless of  those  obligations  which,  among  gentlemen,  are 
sacred. 

"  We  apprehend  no  doubts  can  exist  whether  the  affair 
of  John  Johnson  is  within  your  immediate  cognizance. 
He  held  a  commission  as  brigadier-general  of  militia,  and 
it  is  said  another  commission  as  major-general.  That  he 
has  shamefully  broken  his  parol  is  evident,  but  whether 
it  would  be  more  proper  to  have  him  returned  or  exchang- 
ed, is  entirely  in  your  Excellency's  province. 

"  We  shall  be  happy  to  receive,  by  the  return  of  your  ex- 
press, such  particulars  as  will  be  of  use  to  communicate  to 
the  public.  Your  Excellency  must  be  sensible  that  every 
thing  which  rouses  and  animates  the  people,  gives  vigour 
to  a  cause  which  depends  upon  their  zeal. 

"  The  party  under  the  command  of  General  Heath  is 
now  in  the  southern  part  of  Westchester ;  whether  they 
will  make  an  attempt  on  New-York  or  Long  island,  or 
confine  themselves  to  glean  such  forage  as  the  enemy  have 


788 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


left  behind  them,  we  cannot  ascertain,  but  hope  for  the 
former.  But  in  either  case  we  hope  their  movements  will 
facilitate  your  Excellency's  operations. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humble  servant." 
"His  Excellency  General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Patrick,  dated  the  22nd  January, 
instant,  directed  to  Captain  John  Schenk,  relative  to  his 
account  for  casting  iron  stoves,  by  order  of  the  Conven- 
tion, upon  the  application  and  earnest  request  of  General 
Schuyler,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  John  Schenk  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  to 
enable  him  to  pay  Mr.  Samuel  Patrick,  in  part  of  his  ac- 
count, for  ordnance  cast  at  Orange  furnace,  by  order  of 
the  Convention  of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  John  Winn  to  the  Convention,  dated  the 
15th  instant,  and  the  state  of  his  case  as  to  the  charge 
against  him  for  causing  the  death  of  Jacob  Weaver  by  a 
push  with  a  gun,  were  read  and  postponed  till  next  week. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  on 
Monday  morning  next. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

J  any.  27th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Robert  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Major  Schenk,  Colonel  Humphrey,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Captain 
Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Adgate — Jllbany. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton — Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

James  Livingston,  Esqr.  the  Chairman,  being  absent, 
Christopher  Tappen,  Esqr.  was  unanimously  chosen  Chair- 
man pro  tempore,  until  Mr.  Livingston  returns. 

An  account  of  Christopher  Leffingwell,  of  Connecticut, 
amounting  to  ninety-seven  pounds  twelve  shillings  and 
six  pence,  lawful  money  of  Connecticut,  for  sloop  hire,  and 
expenses  in  removing  inhabitants  and  stock  from  Long 
island,  with  an  affidavit  of  the  said  Christopher  Leffing- 
well,  thereto  sworn  before  Samuel  Hutchinson,  assistant, 
that  it  is  a  just  and  true  account  was  exhibited  for  payment. 
Therewith  was  exhibited  a  warrant  from  Governor  Trum- 
bull, dated  the  8th  of  September  last,  to  Captain  Lefring- 
well, to  procure  vessels,  and  cause  the  stock  and  inhabitants 
to  be  removed,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy. 

Therewith  was  also  exhibited  a  report  of  Captain  Lef- 
fengwell,  dated  the  16th  instant,  to  Governor  Trumbull, 
of  his  proceedings,  wherein  he  reports  that  they  brought 
off  to  New-London,  families  and  effects  as  many  as  load- 
ed their  vessels,  and  had  brought  off  200  horned  cattle, 
and  about  500  sheep,  besides  families,  furniture,  provi- 
sions, &c. 

Therewith  was  also  exhibited  a  second  order  of  Gover- 
nor Trumbull,  dated  the  14lh  day  of  September,  and  en- 
dorsed on  the  former,  directed  to  Captain  Leffingwell,  to 
make  a  second  trip  to  ihe  said  island,  if  should 
so  advise,  together  with  Captain  Leffingwell's  report,  to  the 
Governor  of  his  proceedings,  dated  the  1st  of  October,  in 
which  among  other  things  he  reports,  that  he  had  brought 
and  delivered  to  the  committee  at  Norwich,  790  sheep,  and 
152  head  of  horned  cattle. 

That  several  of  the  owners  were  then  there,  taking  care 


of  their  own,  and  others  expected  soon,  and  that  probably 
there  will  be  numbers  for  which  no  owners  will  appear. 

Three  members  of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
to  wit,  Matthew  Adgate,  Alexander  Webster  and  Benja- 
min Newkerk,  have  therewith  returned  a  certificate,  which 
was  read,  whereby  they  certify  that  they  have  examined 
the  said  account,  and  are  of  opinion  that  there  be  allowed 
to  Captain  Christopher  Leffingwell,  for  his  said  account, 
the  sum  of  ninety-seven  pounds  twelve  shillings  and  six 
pence,  lawful  money  of  Connecticut,  being  equal  to  one 
hundred  and  thirty  pounds  three  shillings  and  fourpence, 
lawful  money  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agree  with  the 
committee  of  auditors  in  their  said  report.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State,  pay  to  Captain  Christopher  Leffengwell,  or  his  or- 
der, the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  pounds  three  shil- 
lings and  fourpence,  New- York  money,  in  full  for  the  said 
annexed  account,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same.  And 
that  with  the  said  account  and  report  he  file  the  eight  se- 
parate vouchers  and  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  to 
Captain  Leffingwell,  dated  the  15th  September  last. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  McDougall,  directed  to 
the  Honourable  the  Chairman  and  Members  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York,  was  read,  and 
follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Peekskill,  January  26th,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  was  honoured  with  your  favour  of  the  24th,  and 
am  happy  to  find  my  conduct  has  your  approbation.  Two 
parties  are  now  out  in  quest  of  the  robbers,  and  another 
will  be  sent  out  to-day.  The  reason  you  assign  for  not 
raising  a  party  to  apprehend,  is  conclusive.  The  several 
small  corps  now  embodied  in  this  State  not  on  the  Conti- 
nental establishment,  is  a  great  prejudice  to  the  recruiting 
The  liberty  given  to  recruit  more  regiments  in  this  State, 
than  the  number  assigned  it  by  Congress,  will  neither  ad- 
vance the  public  service  nor  the  reputation  of  the  State ; 
there  is  no  prospect  of  their  being  full.  The  Continent 
will  therefore  pay  a  disproportionate  number  of  officers  for 
the  men,  and  this  State  will  not  fill  those  regiments  they 
are  ordered  to  raise.  Time  will  only  permit  me  to  add 
that  I  am  with  great  truth  and  regard, 

"  Your  and  the  Committee's  very  humble  servant, 
"ALEXR.  McDOUGALL. 

"  The  Chairman  and  Members  of  the 

Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York." 

The  examination  of  Hannah  White  received  enclosed  in 
General  McDougalPs  account,  was  read,  and  follows  in 
the  words,  to  wit : 

"The  examination  of  Mrs.  Hannah  White,  wife  of  Ser- 
geant White,  of  the  regiment  lately  commanded  by  Ge- 
neral McDougall,  taken  before  him  at  Peeksill,  Jany. 
25th,  1777." 

"  Mrs.  White  says  she  left  New-York  on  Monday  the 
20th  inst.  that  the  college,  bridewell,  new  jail,  Baptist  meet- 
ing, and  the  tavern  lately  occupied  by  Mr.  De  la  Montaigne, 
and  several  other  houses,  are  filled  with  the  sick  and 
wounded  of  the  enemy  ;  that  the  Hessians  are  very  sickly 
and  discontented,  and  had  three  rounds  fired  on  a  number 
of  them  in  Jersey,  bv  a  parly  of  the  British  troops,  for 
refusing  to  come  to  attack  the  Americans  ;  and  that  a  num- 
ber of  the  Hessians  were  brought  into  New-York  under 
guard  ;  that  on  Saturday,  before  she  left  the  city,  she  heard 
a  British  officer,  who  rode  an  express  with  the  intelligence 
of  our  troops  being  at  Fort  Independence,  declare  to  another 
they  had  but  400  regulars  in  the  city,  and  about  500  at  the 
forts  near  King's  Bridge,  and  that  they  would  be  obligedto 
send  to  Jersey  for  troops  to  defend  ihe  city  ;  that  the  ene- 
my obliged  the  citizens  to  watch  at  night,  but  would  not 
trust  many  of  them  with  arms  ;  clubs  were  given  to  those 
they  suspected,  to  do  duty  with  ;  that  they  appeared  in 
great  consternation  in  New- York ;  that  on  Monday  some 
officers  were  beating  about  for  volunteers  to  go  into  Jer- 
sey, and  if  a  sufficient  number  did  not  enlist,  the  next  day 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


789 


the  fifth  man  of  the  citizens,  and  those  who  come  in  for 
protection,  were  to  be  drafted,  to  reinforce  the  enemy's 
army  in  Jersey. 

"  That  General  Lee  was  brought  to  New-York  on  Thurs- 
day the  16th  inst.  where  he  was  under  guard,  in  a  small, 
mean  looking  house,  at  the  bottom  of  King-street. 

"That  her  sister,  with  whom  she  lodged,  paid  eight 
pence  a  pound  for  beef  before  she  came  out,  which  scarcely 
greased  the  water  it  was  boiled  in." 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  relative  to  the  embar- 
go laid  on  the  State  of  Connecticut,  was  received  by  Mr. 
Montaigne,  the  rider,  and  read  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Lebanon,  Jany.  22,  1777. 

"Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  14th  inst.  by  ex- 
press, came  to  hand  the  19th.  I  fully  concur  with  you  in 
opinion,  that  it  is  within  the  equity  of  our  act,  that  goods 
purchased  in  the  eastern  States,  or  imported  by  your  mer- 
chants into  this  State  for  the  use  of  your  inhabitants,  should 
be  suffered  to  pass  through  this  State  without  any  neces- 
sary impediment. 

"  The  Legislature  of  this  State  had  certainly  no  design 
to  add  to  the  distresses  or  injure  any  of  their  neighbours. 
Only  that  persons  of  property  unfriendly  to  these  Slates, 
in  this,  in  yours,  and  other  neighbouring  States,  were  pri- 
vately attempting  to  ingress  provisions  and  clothing  to  this 
State,  with  intent  to  convey  the  same  to  our  enemies,  and 
thereby  distress  our  army  and  embarrass,  and  if  possible, 
defeat  our  measures.  To  this  purpose  the  most  extravagant 
prices  were  offered  and  given,  and  the  currencies  thereby 
affected.  To  prevent  these  evils  the  Assembly  laid  their 
embargo,  and  authorized  the  Governor  and  Committee  of 
Safety  to  impress  and  seize  any  such  articles  thus  en- 
grossed, for  the  use  of  the  army.  The  general  good  of  the 
United  States  was  their  object,  in  compassing  which  they 
wished  as  much  as  possible  to  avoid  the  injury  of  any  of 
them.  Powers  were,  therefore,  vested  in  the  Governor  to 
dispense  with  the  act  in  particular  cases,  and  permit  the 
exportation  of  any  of  the  enumerated  articles  of  this  de- 
scription. Permits  have  been  and  will  be  granted  for  the 
exportation  of  these  articles  to  the  subjects  of  the  neigh- 
bouring States,  where  it  appears  they  are  intended  for  the 
use  of  the  friendly  inhabitants  and  there  appears  to  be  no 
design  to  play  upon  our  currencies. 

"  In  the  particular  cases  you  mention  to  the  committee 
of  pay  table  at  Hartford,  or  either  of  them,  Elihu  Chaun- 
cey  and  James  Wadsworth,  Jun.  Esquires,  at  Durham,  the 
Honble.  Jabez  Hamlin,  Esqr.  at  Middletown,  and  Jonathan 
Fitch,  Esqr.  at  New-Haven,  are  empowered  to  give  permits 
for  exportation  to  any  person  from  your  State  applying  for 
and  procuring  a  certificate  as  you  propose.  If  this  provision 
is  not  thoughtsufficient  to  remove  the  inconvenience,  persons 
will  be  vested  with  the  like  power  at  any  other  places  you 
shall  judge  necessary. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  truth  and  regard, 
"  Your  obt.  humble  servant, 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  The  Honourable  Committee  of  Safety." 

A  short  letter  from  Joseph  Wood,  of  Orange  county, 
was  received  and  read.  Therein  was  enclosed  an  inter- 
cepted letter  from  Murray,  Sansom  &  Company,  directed 
to  Roger  Townsend,  merchant,  at  Goshen,  which  was  read, 
and  follows,  to  wit : . 

"  Philadelphia,  4th  December,  1776. 
"  Dear  Sir — Mr.  Lindley  informs  me  that  he  has  left 
the  goods  in  your  care,  with  orders  to  dispose  of  some  part 
of  them ;  but  as  times  seem  exceedingly  precarious,  we 
would  not  wish  to  have  any  Continental  on  hand,  therefore 
desire  that  you  would  not  dispose  of  any  of  the  goods  until 
you  hear  further  from  us ;  if  you  have  sold  any  of  them, 
please  lay  out  the  money  in  wheat  or  flour,  or  staves,  but 
by  no  means  keep  any  on  our  account. 

"  In  haste,  your  real  friends, 

"  MURRAY,  SANSOM  &  Co. 

"  Mr.  Rodgers  Townshend,  Merchant,  Goshen." 

198 


The  said  letter  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  thereof  be  sent  to  the 
Committee  of  Safety  at  Philadelphia,  and  that  another 
copy  of  the  same  letter  be  sent  to  Colonel  Woodhull,  Colo- 
nel Hauthorne  and  Major  Moffat  of  Orange  county ;  and 
that  they,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  directed  to  take  and  se- 
cure all  the  property  of  the  said  Murray,  Sansom  &  Co. 
which  is  within  this  State,  and  return  an  inventory  thereof 
to  this  Convention.    And  for  that  purpose, 

Resolved,  That  those  gentlemen,  or  any  two  of  them, 
be  and  hereby  are  authorized  to  summon  and  convene  be- 
fore them  any  witnesses  or  other  persons,  and  to  adminis- 
ter an  oath  or  affirmation  to  them,  or  either  of  them,  rela- 
tive to  the  matters  to  them  committed  ;  and  to  search,  send 
for  and  secure  any  papers  or  writings  relative  to  the  pro- 
perty of  the  said  Murray,  Sansom  &  Company. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ste- 
phens and  Mr.  Gelston  be  a  committee  to  report  ways  and 
means  to  obtain  a  reimbursement  of  the  moneys  paid  by 
this  State  for  the  transportation  of  stock  and  effects  from 
Nassau  island  ;  that  they  report  the  mode  of  obtaining, 
and  account  for  selling  and  disposing  of  all  such  stock  and 
effects  as  belong  to  this  State,  as  are  in  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut. 

James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman  of  the  Committee, 
came  in  and  look  the  chair. 

Captain  John  Schenk,  one  of  the  members,  came  in  and 
took  his  seat. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  Presi- 
dent of  the  Honourable  Congress,  dated  at  Baltimore  on 
the  fifteenth  instant,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

["  CIRCULAR.] 

"  Baltimore,  Jany.  loth,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — In  obedience  to  the  commands  of  Con- 
gress, I  do  myself  the  honour  of  transmitting  the  enclosed 
resolves,  to  which  I  am  to  request  your  attention,  as  well 
as  your  compliance  therewith. 

"  The  depreciation  of  Continental  currency,  having  been 
for  some  time  a  most  growing  evil,  it  became  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  provide  some  remedy  against  it.  With 
this  view,  and  in  hopes  of  establishing  the  credit  of  it,  the 
Congress  have  adopted  and  recommended  to  the  several 
States  such  measures  as,  if  properly  and  vigourously  exe- 
cuted, will  most  undoubtedly  be  attended  with  success. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hum.  servant, 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK,  Prest. 
"  P.  S.  Your  letter  of  has  been  duly  received, 

and  is  now  under  consideration  of  a  committee  ;  as  soon 
as  a  report  is  made,  the  result  of  Congress  shall  be  com- 
municated to  you. 

"  Honourable  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New-York." 

The  resolutions  enclosed  in  the  foregoing  letter  are  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  January  14th,  1777. 

"  Whereas  the  Continental  money  ought  to  be  support- 
ed at  the  full  value  expressed  in  the  respective  bills,  by 
the  inhabitants  of  these  States,  for  whose  benefit  they 
were  issued,  and  who  stand  bound  to  redeem  the  same  ac- 
cording to  the  like  value;  and  the  pernicious  artifices  of 
the  enemies  of  American  liberty  to  impair  the  credit  of  the 
said  bills,  by  raising  the  nominal  value  of  gold  and  silver, 
or  any  other  species  of  money  whatsoever,  ought  to  be 
guarded  against  and  prevented  : 

"  Resolved,  That  all  bills  of  credit,  emitted  by  autho- 
rity of  Congress,  ought  to  pass  current  in  all  payments, 
trade  and  dealings  in  these  States,  and  be  deemed  in  value 
equal  to  the  same  nominal  value  of  Spanish  milled  dollars; 
and  that  whosoever  shall  offer,  ask  or  receive  more  in  the 
said  bills  for  any  gold  or  silver  coins,  bullion  or  any  other 
species  of  money  whatsoever,  than  the  nominal  sum  or 
account  thereof  in  Spanish  milled  dollars  ;  or  more  in  the 
said  bills  for  any  lands,  houses,  goods  or  commodities 


790 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


whatsoever,  than  the  same  could  be  purchased  at,  of  the 
same  person  or  persons,  in  gold  or  silver,  or  any  other 
species  of  money  whatsoever ;  or  shall  offer  to  sell  any 
goods  or  commodities  for  gold  or  silver  coins,  or  any  other 
species  of  money  whatsoever,  and  refuse  to  sell  the  same 
for  the  said  Continental  bills  ;  every  such  person  ought  to 
be  deemed  an  enemy  to  the  liberties  of  these  United  States, 
and  to  forfeit  the  value  'of  the  money  so  exchanged,  or 
house,  lands  or  commodities  so  sold  or  offered  for  sale. 
And  it  is  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the  respec- 
tive States  to  enact  laws,  inflicting  such  forfeitures  and 
other  penalties  on  offenders  as  aforesaid  as  will  prevent 
such  pernicious  practices. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the 
United  States  to  pass  laws  to  make  the  bills  of  credit  is- 
sued by  the  Congress,  a  lawful  tender  in  payment  of  pub- 
lic and  private  debts,  and  a  refusal  thereof,  an  extinguish- 
ment of  such  debts  ;  that  debts  payable  in  sterling  money 
be  discharged  with  Continental  dollars  at  the  rate  of  4s.  6d. 
sterling  per  dollar  ;  and  that  in  discharge  of  all  debts  and 
contracts,  Continental  dollars  pass  at  the  rate  fixed  by  the 
respective  States  for  the  value  of  Spanish  milled  dollars. 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures 
of  the  several  United  States,  to  pass  resolutions  that  may 
make  provision  for  drawing  in  and  sinking  their  respective 
quotas  of  the  bills  emitted  by  Congress  at  the  several  pe- 
riods fixed,  or  that  shall  be  fixed  by  Congress. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislatures  of  the 
several  States  to  raise  by  taxation,  in  the  course  of  the 
current  year,  and  remit  to  the  treasury,  such  sums  of  money 
as  they  shall  think  will  be  most  proper  in  the  present  situa- 
tion of  the  inhabitants,  which  sums  shall  be  carried  to  their 
credit,  and  accounted  for  in  the  settlement  of  their  propor- 
tion of  the  public  expenses  and  debts,  for  which  the  United 
States  are  jointly  bound. 

"  That  an  additional  sum  of  two  millions  of  dollars  be 
borrowed  at  the  loan  offices,  on  certificates  of  two  hundred 
dollars  each. 

"  That  the  commissioners  of  the  loan  office  be  directed 
to  receive  the  bills  of  credit  heretofore  emitted  by  the 
States,  in  which  they  respectively  hold  their  offices,  for 
such  sums  as  they  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Continental 
Treasurer,  from  time  to  time,  to  pay  for  Continental  pur- 
poses within  such  Slates,  respectively. 

"By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presdt." 

Ordered,  That  the  preceding  resolutions  of  Congress 
be  referred  to  the  committee  appointed  to  devise  and  re- 
port ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  depreciation  of  bills 
of  credit. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  Captain  Augustine 
Lawrence  is  attending,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  this  Com- 
mittee, made  on  the  instant,  and  that  Lancaster  Burling 
and  Stephen  Seaman,  at  the  door,  are  also  attending  by  a 
like  order. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Major  Lawrence  be 
a  committee  to  hear  Captain  Lawrence,  and  the  said  car- 
penters, and  report  what  orders  and  directions  may  be  ne- 
cessary to  be  given  in  the  premises. 

Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  came  into  the  Com- 
mittee and  took  his  seat. 

A  payroll  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  of  Captain  Isaac  Belknap's  company  of  rangers, 
from  the  ninth  day  of  December  last,  to  the  seventh  day  of 
January  instant,  both  days  included,  and  amounting  to  one 
hundred  and  eleven  pounds,  five  shillings  and  seven  pence 
half  penny,  was  exhibited  for  payment ;  thereto  is  annexed 
a  charge  of  forty  pounds,  for  the  first  part  of  the  bounty  of 
eight  men  of  the  said  company,  and  a  charge  of  twenty- 
five  pounds,  for  the  last  moiety  of  the  bounty  of  five  of  the 
said  men,  amounting  together  to  sixty-five  pounds.  There- 
on is  endorsed  an  affidavit  of  Captain  Belknap,  that  the 
same  is  a  true  pay  roll,  and  that  the  said  bounty  is  justly 
due,  according  to  a  resolution  of  the  Convention  of  the  23d 


July  last.  The  said  pay  roll  is  also  audited  and  allowed 
by  Benjamin  Newkerk,  Mat.  Adgate  and  Alexander  Web- 
ster, three  of  the  auditors,  for  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
eleven  pounds,  five  shillings  and  seven  pence,  for  pay  and 
further  bounty  due  to  Captain  Belknap  and  company. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  pay  to  Captain  Isaac  Belknap,  on  his  receipt,  or 
receipts,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  eleven  pounds,  five 
shillings  and  seven  pence,  for  the  pay  of  himself  and  his 
company  of  rangers,  from  the  ninth  day  of  December  to 
the  seventh  day  of  January,  both  days  included  ;  and  also 
the  further  sum  of  sixty-five  pounds  for  bounty  due  the 
privates  therein  named,  in  the  account  for  that  purpose 
subjoined  to  the  said  pay  roll. 

A  roll  of  the  billeting  money  due  the  officers  and  men 
of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  from  the  said  ninth  day  of 
December  last  to  the  seventh  instant,  sworn  to  in  like  man- 
ner, by  Captain  Isaac  Belknap,  and  audited  and  allowed 
by  the  three  auditors  last  named,  for  the  sum  of  seventy- 
seven  pounds,  nine  shillings,  due  thereon  for  subsistence, 
both  the  last  mentioned  days  included,  was  exhibited  for 
payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to 
Captain  Isaac  Belknap,  the  sum  of  seventy-seven  pounds, 
nine  shillings,  for  the  said  billeting  or  subsisting  money 
due,  for  himself  and  his  company,  and  take  a  receipt  in 
full  for  the  same. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  detect- 
ing conspiracies,  &c.  be  relieved  from  considering  the  bill 
of  sale  of  personal  estate  of  John  Miller,  to  John  Halstead 
and  Rudolphus  Swartwout,  and  that  the  said  bill  be  referred 
to  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  who  is  hereby  appointed 
to  report  thereon. 

Major  Schenk  reported  that,  pursuant  to  the  order  of 
this  Committee,  passed  on  Saturday  last,  he  procured  a 
very  suitable  house  for  a  small  pox  hospital,  to  wit :  the 
house  of  Jacob  Dubois,  where  he  resides,  about  five  miles 
from  hence.  That  he  has  called  at  the  houses  of  those 
persons  where  the  small  pox  now  is,  and  desired  them  to 
have  the  persons  infected  therewith  removed  to  the  said 
hospital ;  but  that  they  refused,  or  neglected,  and  say  they 
cannot  remove  their  sick. 

General  George  Clinton  informed  the  Committee  that  a 
certain  Samuel  Knape,  of  Colonel  Hawthorne's  regiment, 
in  Orange  county,  who  was  legally  warned  to  proceed  with 
the  militia  of  his  brigade,  as  a  soldier,  deserted  to  the  ene- 
myatHackensack,has  been  taken,  and  now  is  in  Goshen  jail. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  General  Clinton  be  requested 
to  appoint  a  court  martial  for  the  trial  of  said  prisoner ; 
and  that  the  said  court  martial  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
empowered,  to  proceed  as  well  upon  the  resolution  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State  of  the  16th  day  of  July  last,  in 
cases  of  treason,  as  upon  the  Continental  articles  of  war. 

Resolved  and  Ordered.,  That  if  the  said  Samuel  Knap, 
be  convicted  upon  the  said  resolution  of  the  16th  day  of 
July  last  only,  he  be  not  executed  without  the  order  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State,  but  that  in  such  case  the  General 
refer  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  to  the  said  Convention. 

An  account  of  Egbert  Benson,  Ezra  Thomson  and  Ja- 
cobus Swartwout,  commissioners  appointed  for  repressing 
the  refractory  spirit  of  the  militia  in  several  parts  of  Dutch- 
ess county,  crediting  the  committee  with  three  hundred 
pounds  advanced  to  said  commissioners,  and  charge  this 
committee  with  sundry  expenditures,  amounting  to  £252 
2s.  lOd.  according  to  vouchers  accompanying  said  account, 
leaving  a  balance  in  favour  of  the  State,  of  £47  17s.  2d. 
was  read. 

A  certificate  of  Mathew  Adgate,  Benjamin  Newkirk  and 
Alexander  Webster,  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
that  they  have  examined  the  said  account  and  vouchers, 
and  are  of  opinion  the  same  be  allowed,  was  also  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agree  with  the 
committee  for  auditing  accounts,  in  their  report  or  certifi- 
cate, and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


791 


Ordered,  That  the  said  commissioners  pay  the  said  ba- 
lance of  £47  17y.  2d.  to  the  vice-treasurer  of  this  State, 
and  that  he  credit  them  for  the  same,  and  file  the  vouchers. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  28th,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Captain  Schenk,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Major  Schenck — Dutchess. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Genl.  Clinton— Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

An  account  of  Albert  Ogden,  late  keeper  of  the  jail  of 
Westchester  county,  for  victualling  Ryner  Van  Housen, 
late  a  pilot  on  board  one  of  the  enemy's  ships  ;  William 
Ridsdall  Metcalfe,  late  a  midshipman  on  board  the  British 
ship  of  war  Savage,  and  sundry  other  State  or  Continental 
prisoners,  and  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  thir- 
teen pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  was  exhi- 
bited to  the  Committee  of  Safety  for  payment. 

Thereto  is  annexed  an  affidavit  of  the  said  Albert  Og- 
den, sworn  before  the  Chairman,  that  the  said  account  is 
justly  and  truly  charged,  and  that  he  did  actually  victual 
the  several  persons  therein  named,  the  days  therein  charg- 
ed, and  for  which  he  has  received  no  pay.  On  the  said 
account  is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Mat.  Adgate,  Alexan- 
der Webster  and  Benjamin  Newkerk,  three  of  the  mem- 
bers appointed  to  audit  accounts,  that  they  have  examined 
the  said  account,  and  are  of  opinion  that  Albert  Ogden  be 
allowed  for  victualling  Van  Housen,  Dawkins,  Metcalfe, 
Smith  and  Stewart,  the  sum  of  thirteen  pounds  seventeen 
shillings  and  eight  pence,  in  full  for  the  said  account,  and 
that  the  overpart  of  the  account  for  jail  fees  ought  not  to  be 
paid  by  the  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
the  committee  of  auditors  in  the  said  certificate  or  report. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
the  said  Albert  Ogden  the  sum  of  thirteen  pounds  seven- 
teen shillings  and  eight  pence,  in  full  for  his  said  account, 
for  maintaining  and  keeping,  at  the  rate  of  one  shilling 
and  two  pence  per  day  each,  Ryner  Van  Housen,  late  a 
pilot  of  one  of  the  enemy's  ships  of  war ;  William  Reds- 
dall  Metcalfe,  late  a  midshipman  on  board  of  the  enemy's 
ship  of  war  "  Savage,"  and  the  other  persons  or  prisoners 
therein  named,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  Captain  Jeremiah  Rodgers,  for  keeping  a 
look-out  at  South  Hampton,  in  pursuance  of  direction  of 
the  Provincial  Congress,  on  the  4th  of  March,  1776,  oc- 
casioned by  advice  from  Boston  that  the  enemy's  fleet  was 
•expected  westward,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  The  said 
account  amounts  to  £22  18s.  6d.  Thereto  is  annexed  a 
certificate  of  Henry  Herrick,  a  member  of  the  said  com- 
mittee, that  the  said  Jeremiah  Rodgers  was  appointed  for 
that  purpose. 

A  report  of  Mat.  Adgate,  Alexander  Webster  and  Benja- 
min Newkirk,  three  of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
was  therewith  produced  and  read,  whereby  they  certify 
that  they  are  of  opinion,  that  there  be  allowed  unto  the  said 
Jeremiah  Rodgers,  for  his  account,  the  sum  of  nineteen 
pounds  eight  shillings  and  sixpence,  for  one  hundred  and 


eleven  days,  at  three  shillings  and  six  pence  each,  from 
the  time  of  his  receiving  orders  until  the  time  of  the  arrival 
of  the  enemy's  fleet  at  Sandy  Hook  ;  and  that  it  is  the  opi- 
nion of  the  said  committee  that  it  should  be  charged  to  the 
United  States. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  in  their  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Jeremiah  Rogers,  or  his  order,  the  said  sum  of  nine- 
teen pounds  eight  shillings  and  six  pence,  on  his  receipt  in 
full  for  the  said  account,  and  charge  the  same  to  Conti- 
nental account. 

An  account  of  Edward  Walker,  amounting  to  twenty- 
four  shillings,  for  carrying  a  load  of  baggage  for  Captain 
Baldwin's  company  from  Fishkill  to  Staats  Burgh,  on  their 
way  to  Albany,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

A  certificate  of  Captain  Alexander  Baldwin,  that  the  said 
service  was  performed,  was  also  exhibited  and  read.  There 
to  is  added  a  certificate  of  three  of  the  auditors,  to  wit, 
Matthew  Adgate,  Alexander  Webster  and  Benjamin  New- 
kirk, that  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  sum  of  twenty-four 
shillings  be  allowed  to  Edward  Walker  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
the  committee  of  auditors  in  their  said  report ;  and, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Edward  Walker,  or  his  order,  on  his  receipt,  the  said 
twenty-four  shillings. 

Philip  Hart  of  Charlotte  precinct  in  Dutchess  county, 
fuller,  requested  permission  to  pass  to  Hartford  in  Connec- 
ticut, to  procure  three  persons  to  assist  him  in  the  trade  of 
a  fuller,  and  that  he  and  such  number  of  persons  as  he  may 
employ  in  the  fulling  business,  may  be  exempted  from  mi- 
litary duty. 

Thereupon,  a  certificate  was,  by  order  of  the  Commit- 
tee, given  to  him,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  This  is  to  certify,  that  Philip  Hart  of  Charlotte  pre- 
cinct in  Dutchess  county,  fuller,  hath  the  permission  of  this 
Committee  to  go  to  Hartford  in  the  State  of  Connecticut, 
and  there,  with  leave  of  the  proper  authority,  to  engage  from 
among  the  prisoners  of  war  in  the  said  State,  three  persons 
who  may  be  capable  of  assisting  him  in  the  trade  of  a  ful- 
ler, the  same  being  much  wanted  within  this  State.  And, 
in  the  mean  time,  the  said  Philip  Hart  is  hereby  exempted 
from  serving  in  the  militia  of  this  State  for  three  months 
from  this  day,  as  also  such  a  number  of  hands  as  he  shall 
actually  employ  in  the  fulling  business,  not  exceeding  two 
besides  himself." 

The  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the 
report  as  to  the  disposition  of  the  rangers,  was  read,  and 
being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  debates  arose  thereon  ; 
and  after  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  rejected.  That  com- 
missioners be  appointed  to  go  in  the  different  counties  and 
pay,  or  settle  with,  the  rangers. 

That  General  George  Clinton,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Wis- 
ner, be  a  committee  to  draw  and  report  instructions  for 
such  commissioners. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety 
that  the  committee  appointed  to  procure  clothing  are  in 
want  of  cash  to  proceed  in  that  business,  and  have  advanced 
so  much  that  the  State  is  indebted  to  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
Robert  Harper,  Esqr.  as  chairman  of  the  committee  of  mem- 
bers appointed  to  purchase  clothing  for  the  Continental 
troops,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  on 
account.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  for  procuring  cloth- 
ing, do,  with  all  possible  speed,  produce  their  accounts  to 
the  Auditor-General,  to  be  audited. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


792 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.m. 

Fishkill,  January  29th,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esquire  Chairman. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Gelston— Suffolk. 

Major  Schenk,  Captain  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Elizabeth  Kipp,  widow,  dated  at  Pough- 
keepsie,  directed  to  Convention,  was  read.  She  therein 
sets  forth  that  she  is  poor,  has  a  family  of  children  to 
maintain,  and  requests  that  some  work  or  employment 
may  be  given  to  her  to  enable  her  to  maintain  her  family. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  committee  appoint- 
ed to  procure  clothing,  and  that  they  endeavour  to  have 
her  employed. 

An  account  of  Undrell  Strang,  for  riding  post  on  one 
of  the  stages  between  Fishkill  and  the  army  below,  eighty- 
two  days,  at  16s.  per  day,  amounting  to  sixty-five  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Benjamin  Newkerk,  Mathew  Adgate  and  Alexander 
Webster,  three  of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
have  thereon  certified  that  they  do  allow  the  sum  of  sixty- 
five  pounds  twelve  shillings,  due  Undrett  Strang. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer,  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State,  pay  to  Undrett  Strang,  the  sum  of  sixty-five  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  on  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  said  account. 

Colonel  Robinson,  who  has  an  estate  in  the  dominions 
of  the  King  of  Denmark,  now  at  the  door,  by  a  member, 
prays  leave  to  resign  his  commission  as  lieutenant-colonel 
of  a  regiment  of  militia  in  Queens  county,  on  account  of  a 
proclamation  of  the  King  of  Denmark,  that  the  estate  of 
all  persons  in  his  dominions,  who  shall  bear  arms  against 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  in  the  present  war  with  Ameri- 
ca, shall  be  forfeited. 

Resolved,  That  Lieut.  Colonel  Robinson  have  leave  to 
resign  his  said  commission  ;  and  that  to  prevent  any  anxi- 
ety to  Colonel  Robinson,  and  for  the  reasons  above  men- 
tioned, his  resignation  is  hereby  accepted. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  on  the  subject 
of  monopolies,  and  providing  a  remedy  for  the  same, 
dated  on  the  fifteenth  instant,  was  read,  and  committed  to 
Mr.  Morris,  to  prepare  a  draft  for  an  answer. 

The  committee  appointed  to  hear  Captain  Augustine 
Lawrence  and  Lawrence  Burling,  and  the  ship  carpenters, 
brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  postponed 
till  to-morrow. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  10 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  20th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 
Col.  Broome — New-York. 
Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 
Captn.  Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
i\Ir.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  petition  from  the  body  of  shipwrights  employed  on  the 


public  work  at  Poughkeepsie,  signed  by  George  Peek, 
clerk,  by  their  order,  and  requesting  an  augmentation  of 
wages,  was  read. 

An  address  of  Abner  Baldwin,  and  eleven  others,  of 
persons  employed  in  the  work  intended  for  the  obstruction 
of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  praying  for  an  aug- 
mentation of  provisions  to  a  ration  and  a  half  per  man  per 
day,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  and  address  be  commit- 
ted to  Colonel  Broome  and  Major  Tappen,  to  consider  and 
report  thereon. 

William  Grant  and  William  Curry,  two  deserters  from 
the  British  ship  of  war  Senegal,  with  a  pass  from  the  com- 
mittee of  Convention,  directing  the  expedition  in  the 
county  of  Westchester,  were  separately  brought  into  the 
Committee  of  Safety  and  examined. 

Ordered,  That  the  Chairman  give  them  a  recommenda- 
tion for  employment  to  the  superintendents  of  the  Conti- 
nental frigates,  in  this  State.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  advance  to  each  of  them, 
a  dollar,  and  charge  the  same  to  the  Convention  of  this 
Slate. 

Christopher  Warren,  formerly  a  soldier  in  Colonel 
Hand's  company  of  riflemen,  now  a  deserter  from  Captain 
Alexander  Grant's  company,  in  the  enemy's  service,  was 
brought  into  the  Committee  and  examined. 

Christopher  Warren,  a  soldier  of  Captain  John  Davis's 
company,  formerly  of  Colonel  Hand's  regiment  of  riflemen, 
and  since  a  part  of  the  troops  under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Magaw,  and  taken  by  the  enemy  on  Manhattan's 
island,  with  a  party  then  on  duty  with  Ensign  Wilson, 
having  lately  escaped  from  the  enemy  and  gained  accession 
to,  and  proiection  from,  the  militia  of  this  Stale,  now  on 
service  near  King's  Bridge,  has  applied  to  this  Committee 
for  an  advance  of  a  little  money  to  support  him  on  his  re- 
turn to  his  family  in  Manning  township,  in  Salem,  in  New- 
Jersey,  to  be  hereafter  retained  by  the  Continent  out  of  his  pay. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  said  Christopher  Warren,  on  his  receipt,  four  dollars, 
and  charge  the  same  to  Continental  account. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  draw  instruc- 
tions for  commissioners  to  be  appointed  to  settle  with  and 
pay  the  several  companies  of  rangers  raised  in  this  State, 
was  brought  in  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  lay  on  the  table  for  consideration  until 
a  greater  number  of  members  shall  be  present. 

The  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  daied  the  15th  instant, 
on  the  subject  of  monopolies,  and  providing  a  remedy  for 
the  same,  was  again  read,  and  follows,  to  wit  : 

"  Albany,  January  loth,  1777. 

"  Sir — A  set  of  monopolies  in  this  county  have  engaged 
such  quantities  of  wheat,  peas,  corn,  boards,  &c.  that  a 
sufficiency  to  support  the  army  in  the  next  campaign,  can- 
not be  procured  ;  to  remedy  this  evil,  permit  me  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Convention  to  pass  a  law  empowering  the 
deputy  quarter-master-general  and  his  deputies,  and  the 
deputy  commissary-general  and  his  deputies,  to  take  such 
articles  as  they  may  want  in  their  several  departments, 
paying  the  usual  price  ;  or  what  would  be  belter,  such  a 
price  as  the  Convention  may  please  to  order.  If  the  Con- 
vention should  think  proper  to  invest  the  officers  I  have 
mentioned  with  such  a  power,  I  wish  it  to  be  done  as 
soon  as  possible,  as  the  season  in  which  the  articles  wanted 
can  be  most  easily  conveyed,  will  soon  be  passed. 

"  I  very  much  fear  unless  reinforcements  are  sent  to  Ti- 
conderoga  by  the  time  Lake  Champlain  is  passible  on  the 
ice,  that  we  shall  lose  that  fortress.  My  application  to  the 
eastern  States  for  troops  has  not  met  with  the  success  I 
wished  ;  for  seven  hundred  are  only  arrived  from  thence. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  most 

"  Obedient,  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  President  of  the  Convention  of 

the  State  of  New-York." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


793 


A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Major-General 
Schuyler,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  were  yesterday  ho- 
noured with  your  favour  of  the  twenty-fifth  instant,  in 
answer  to  which,  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  the  mat- 
ter mentioned  in  it  hath  been  under  the  consideration  of  a 
committee  appointed  to  prevent  a  depreciation  of  the  cur- 
rency. This  is  an  affair  of  great,  of  infinite  importance  ; 
for  should  we  limit  the  prices  of  commodities  of  one  sort, 
the  people  will  have  great  cause  of  complaint ;  they  will 
demand  a  similar  regulation  for  others.  If  it  is  objected 
that  by  restraining  a  merchant  we  discourage  trade,  and  of 
consequence  by  rendering  the  produce  of  foreign  climates 
scarce,  increase  the  price  whenever  necessities  compel  us 
to  take  off  the  restraint,  it  will  be  answered  that  the  same 
thing  must  eventually  happen  as  to  the  produce  of  our  own 
State  ;  and  what  is  more  forcible,  that  the  State  of  New- 
York,  being  the  seat  of  war,  and  deprived  of  her  com- 
merce, the  inhabitants  are  by  that  means  obliged  to  receive 
the  goods  they  consume  at  an  exorbitant  price  from  their 
neighbours,  and  ought,  while  subject  to  this  inevitable  conse- 
quence of  their  situation,  to  enjoy  the  advantage  of  selling 
at  the  highest  rate  the  produce  of  their  industry.  Those 
who  have  been  guilty  of  monopolizing  provisions  with 
sinister  views,  ought,  doubtless,  to  be  punished  ;  but  at  the 
same  time  it  must  be  provided  that  they  suffer  no  more 
than  their  desert.  In  short,  this  business  is  of  so  great 
magnitude,  that  it  requires  the  wisdom  of  the  Convention 
to  determine  upon  it ;  and  whenever  they  meet,  which  we 
expect  will  be  the  3rd  of  February  next,  your  application 
shall  be  laid  before  them,  when  we  hope  that  something 
effectual  may  be  done.  At  present,  we  beg  leave  to  ob- 
serve that  the  laying  of  taxes  and  organizing  courts  of  jus- 
tice, seem  to  be  the  most  wholesome  remedies  for  the 
growing  evil. 

"  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

"P.  S.  If  you  could  send  down  three  or  four  sleighs  with 
salt  to  this  place,  it  would  be  of  great  service  to  the  troops 
here,  who  suffer  for  want  of  that  necessary  article. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Chairman,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  authorized  to  have  per- 
sons who  have  the  small  pox  in  this  district,  removed  to 
the  hospital  provided  for  that  purpose. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  A.  M. 

January  31s£,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Colonel  Broome,  Mr.  Baane— New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Rob.  Harper— Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Major  Schenk,  Capt.  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Major  Lawrence,  Major  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  W.  Harper— Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

John  Losie,  of  the  settlement  called  Oswego,  in  Dutch- 
ess county,  at  the  door,  was  admitted.  He  produced  a  bill 
of  sale  from  Joseph  Harris,  for  a  negro  man  named  Isaac, 
and  claimed  the  negro  as  his  property.  He  acknowledged 
that  the  said  negro  is  not  in  the  possession  of  the  said  Jo- 
seph Harris  or  himself,  but  in  the  custody  of  Captain 
Wright,  with  whom  he  enlisted  ;  that  he  took  the  said  bill 
of  sale  yesterday  evening,  and  then  gave  a  bond  in  pay- 
ment for  the  said  negro. 

Ordered,  That  the  title  and  property  of  the  said  negro, 

199 


or  mulatto,  named  Isaac,  be  referred  to  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston to  report  thereon  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  that  the  said 
negro  be  continued  where  he  now  is :  and 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  preserve  a  copy  of  the  said 
bill  of  sale. 

"The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Abner  Baldwin  and  eleven  others,  on  behalf  of  themselves 
and  their  several  companies  of  artificers,  praying  an  addi- 
tion of  half  a  ration  to  their  present  allowance  ;  and  also 
the  petition  of  George  Peek,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  the 
body  of  the  mechanics,  praying  an  addition  to  their  wages, 
report :  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  of  Abner  Bald- 
win and  eleven  others,  ought  to  be  granted.  And  your 
committee  do  further  report,  that  they  have  had  a  confe- 
rence with  Robert  Halten,  foreman  of  the  shipwrights, 
and  the  aforesaid  George  Peek,  in  behalf  of  himself,  and 
the  rest  of  the  journeymen  shipwrights ;  in  the  course  of 
which  conference,  the  said  Robert  Hatten  proposed  that 
an  allowance  of  145.  and  one-half  pint  of  rum  per  day,  ought 
to  be  allowed  him  for  his  future  service  ;  and  the  said 
George  Peek,  for  himself  and  the  rest  of  the  mechanics, 
proposed  that  an  allowance  of  lis.  and  one-half  pint  of 
rum  for  each  man  per  day,  ought  to  be  allowed  them  for 
their  future  service.  The  committee  further  report,  that 
the  said  Robert  Hatten  and  George  Peek,  requested,  that 
if  the  aforesaid  terms  should  not  meet  the  approbation  of 
the  Committee,  that  they  would  be  pleased  to  furnish  them, 
the  said  Robert  Hatten  and  George  Peek,  with  their  pro- 
posals. 

"The  committee  are  of  opinion  that  their  present  wages, 
together  with  the  allowance  of  one  and  a  half  ration  for 
each  man  per  day,  is  an  adequate  compensation  for  their 
labour,  and  ought  to  be  continued.  All  which  is  neverthe- 
less submitted." 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
their  committee  in  the  said  report.  And, 

Resolved,  That  an  allowance  of  one  ration  and  an  half 
per  day,  be  made  to  each  of  the  mechanics  employed  in 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  while  em- 
ployed in  that  service.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  present  wages  allowed  to  ship  car- 
penters employed  by  this  State,  with  the  allowance  of  one 
and  a  half  ration  for  each  man  per  day,  is  an  adequate 
compensation  for  their  labour,  and  ought  to  be  continued. 
But  that  the  said  ship  carpenters  ought  to  be  nevertheless 
at  liberty  immediately  to  desist  from  any  services  for  this 
State,  if  they  think  proper. 

Whereas  certain  numbers  of  arms  and  accoutrements 
have  been  delivered  to  the  troops  raised  in  this  State  in  the 
course  of  last  year,  for  which  the  officers  of  the  several 
regiments  and  companies  have  passed  their  receipts  :  And 
whereas  the  chief  part  of  the  said  troops  are  disbanded, 
and  many  of  the  said  arms  and  accoutrements  are  not  yet 
redelivered :  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  several  officers  who 
have  so  passed  their  receipts  as  aforesaid,  deliver,  or  cause 
to  be  delivered  without  delay,  all  such  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments as  aforesaid  to  Matthew  Cantine  and  William  Har- 
per, Esquires,  at  Fishkill,  in  Dutchess  county,  or  account 
to  the  Convention  of  this  State  for  the  same.  Messrs. 
Duane  and  Rob.  Yates  came  into  the  Committee. 

Resolved,  That  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire,  be  sent 
for,  and  directed  to  attend  the  Convention  or  Committee 
of  Safety  of  this  State  without  delay. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Duane, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Broome,  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr. 
Henry  Schenk,  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee 
to  treat  with  Mr.  John  Holt,  about  setting  up  a  printing 
office  in  this  State  ;  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  offer 
him  two  hundred  pounds  for  one  year  as  a  State  Printer  of 
this  State,  provided  he  will  print  a  public  newspaper,  and 
on  like  terms  as  Samuel  Loudon.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  and  hereby  are 
authorized  and  directed  to  seize  and  secure  all  the  printing 


794 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


types  formerly  belonging  to  Hugh  Gaine,  now  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Dutchess  and  its  neighborhood. 

Messrs.  Duane  and  Robert  Yates,  returned  from  King- 
ston, reported  in  substance  that  they  had  conferred  with 
the  committee  of  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  and  find  that 
if  the  Convention  should  move  to  that  place  fifty  members 
may  obtain  good  accommodations.  That  the  price  will  be 
twenty  shillings  per  week.  That  the  court  house,  or  a 
large  room  in  the  said  building  will  be  convenient  for  the 
Convention  to  meet  in.  That  they  had  also  inquired  of 
several  gentlemen  at  Poughkeepsie,  and  find  that  at  least 
thirty  members  may  be  accommodated  in  that  neighbour- 
hood ;  and  that  the  gentlemen  there  informed  them  that 
the  Episcopal  church  would  be  the  most  convenient  place 
in  Poughkeepsie  in  which  the  Convention  could  assemble. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  committee  that  if  the  Convention 
would  fix  their  place  of  meeting  at  the  Presbyterian  church 
near  Colonel  Brinckerhoff's,  the  Convention  would  be  con- 
veniently accommodated. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Jay  be  a  commit- 
tee to  inquire  particularly,  and  report  what  accommodation 
members  of  Convention  can  obtain  in  that  neighbourhood. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be  and  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed a  member  of  the  committee  appointed  by  Conven- 
tion for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies,  &c.  in  this 
State. 

A  pay  roll  of  wages  due  a  company  of  carpenters  under 
the  direction  of  Captain  Jonathan  Blake,  amounting  to 
near  three  hundred  pounds,  was  exhibited  to  the  Commit- 
tee, who  were  informed  by  reason  of  Mr.  Duer's  absence, 
Captain  Blake  is  unable  to  obtain  money  to  pay  those  of 
the  said  company  whose  time  of  service  is  expired,  and 
are  to  depart  to  a  neighbouring  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  on 
loan  to  Captain  Jonathan  Blake  on  his  receipt,  any  sum 
not  exceeding  two  hundred  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  main- 
tain the  Continental  credit  by  paying  such  of  the  said  work- 
men as  he  may  find  necessary.  That  the  said  money  be 
lent  on  the  credit  of  the  Quarter-Master-General,  to  be  re- 
paid by  Mr.  Duer  on  his  return,  or  any  other  gentlemen  in 
the  department  of  Quarter-Master-General. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Fehj.  1st,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esquire,  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colonel  Broome — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate — .Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Duane  informed  the  Committee  of  Safety  that  a 
guard  to  attend  and  guard  the  jail  at  Kingston  every  night, 
in  which  Savage  and  several  other  dangerous  persons  aie 
confined,  appeared  necessary  to  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and 
himself  while  at  Kingston ;  and  that  they  had  encouraged 
the  committee  of  Kingston  to  appoint  such  guard. 

Whereas,  thereupon  the  application  of  the  committee 
of  Kingston,  of  the  day  of  January  was  taken  into 
consideration,  and  the  Committee  of  Safety  came  to  the 
following  determination  thereon,  to  wit : 

Whereas  application  has  been  made  to  the  Convention 
by  the  committee  of  Kingston  for  a  guard  to  be  kept  for 
the  safe  custody  of  the  State  prisoners  in  jail  at  that 
town,  and  the  said  public  records  there  lodged  ;  and  the 
sub-committee  lately  sent  to  the  said  town  by  this  Com- 
mittee have  reported  that  conceiving  such  guard  to  be  im- 


mediately necessary,  they  had  directed  the  committee  of 
the  said  town  to  appoint  such  guard  out  of  the  inhabitants 
thereof ;  six  of  the  said  guard  to  watch  every  night  until 
the  further  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Committee  do  approve 
of  the  conduct  of  their  sub-committee  in  the  premises,  and 
such  guard  is  hereby  directed  to  be  kept  accordingly  ;  and 
to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  or  Convention, 
for  which  an  allowance  of  2s.  6d.  shall  be  made  to  each  of 
the  said  guard  for  every  night  he  shall  be  upon  duty  ;  and 
that  the  committee  of  the  said  town  shall  provide  candles 
and  firewood  for  the  said  guard,  for  which  they  shall  be  re- 
imbursed out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  transmitted 
by  the  Secretary  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Kingston. 

Whereas  in  pursuance  of  the  resolution  of  this  Com- 
mittee, passed  on  the  day  of  January  last,  a  small 
pox  hospital  has  been  established  in  a  convenient  part  of 
this  district ;  and  the  persons  who  have  taken  the  small 
pox  in  the  natural  way,  and  live  on  the  public  roads,  have 
most  unreasonably  refused  to  move,  or  their  parents  to  suf- 
fer them  to  be  removed  to  the  said  hospital,  although  re- 
quired thereto  agreeably  to  the  said  resolution  :  And 
whereas  the  danger  of  infection  has  already  proved  detri- 
mental to  the  public,  particularly  by  discouraging  the  re- 
cruiting service,  and  the  supply  of  the  army  with  provi- 
sions : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  committee  of  Rombout's 
precinct  or  district  be,  and  they  hereby  are  directed  and 
authorized  forthwith,  to  cause  all  persons  within  the  said 
district,  who  are  or  may  be  infected  with  the  small  pox,  to 
be  removed  to  the  said  hospital,  or  to  such  other  hospital 
as  may  be  appointed  by  the  general  committee  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Dutchess. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  immediate- 
ly transmitted  to  the  chairman  of  the  said  district  commit- 
tee, who  is  directed  to  request  one  of  the  senior  surgeons 
of  the  Continental  Hospital  at  this  place,  to  give  this  advice 
respecting  the  safe  treatment  of  the  persons  infected  with  the 
small  pox. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  LUN7E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

February  3rd,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Judge  Graham. —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Mr-  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Peter  Van  Schaick,  dated  at  Kinderhook 
on  the  25th  January,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that 
he  is  sentenced  by  the  committee  for  detecting  conspira- 
cies, or  their  order,  to  make  the  town  of  Boston  his  prison. 
He  therein  assigns  some  reasons  for  his  having  refused 
taking  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  and  requests  per- 
mission to  remove  from  this  State  with  his  family  and  ef- 
fects. 

A  detail  of  the  proceedings  of  the  county  committee  of 
Albany,  and  of  the  district  committee  of  Kinderhook, 
from  June  1774  to  January  1777,  enclosed  with  the  said 
letter  and  therein  referred  to,  was  read. 

A  paper  mnked  A,  referred  to  in  the  said  detail,  as  a 
copy  of  the  order  of  the  general  committee  at  Albany,  for 
the  choice  of  a  new  committee,  dated  30th  October,  1775, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


795 


and  a  copy  of  an  advertisement  of  the  Kinderhook  com- 
mittee, dated  November,  1775,  was  also  read. 

A  paper  marked  B,  mentioned  in  the  said  detail,  is  a 
copy  of  a  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  at  Albany,  to  the  committee  at  Kinder- 
hook,  dated  the  seventh  December,  1775,  was  read. 

A  paper  marked  C,  and  referred  to  in  the  said  detail  as 
a  copy  of  an  advertisement  for  holding  an  election  for  a 
committee  to  represent  the  district  of  Kinderhook,  in  the 
general  committee  of  the  county,  and  dated  January  6th, 
1776,  was  read. 

A  paper  marked  D,  and  referred  to  in  the  said  detail  as 
a  copy  of  the  protest  from  the  committee  of  the  district  of 
Kinderhook,  dated  on  the  5th  January,  1776,  was  also 
read.  And 

A  copy  of  a  paper  marked  E,  and  referred  to  in  the  said 
detail  as  the  last  advertisement  for  holding  an  election  in 
the  district  of  Kinderhook,  dated  at  Albany,  18th  June, 
1776,  was  also  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Peter  Van  Schaick,  do  attend 
the  Convention  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  as  a  Secretary  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  attend  the  court-martial  now  sit- 
ting at  Fishkill,  aad  see  that  the  witnesses  to  attend  on  the 
behalf  of  Isaac  Adriance  against  Joseph  Bean,  have  notice 
and  are  attending.  That  he  request  the  trial  of  the  said 
Joseph  Bean  to  be  adjourned  to  a  day  certain,  that  the  said 
Isaac  Adriance  may  have  notice  ;  at  which  day  all  such 
witnesses  as  he  may  notify  are  hereby  required  to  attend 
the  said  court-martial. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  were  informed  that  sundry 
maps  and  materials  are  necessary  to  be  obtained,  to  enable 
the  committee  preparing  the  draft  of  a  form  of  govern- 
ment to  describe  the  boundaries  of  this  State,  and  which 
that  committee  requested  Messrs.  Duane  and  Robert  Yates 
to  procure — that  useful  materials  for  that  purpose  may  be 
obtained  from  private  hands.  Mr.  Duane  and  Yates,  hav- 
ing signified  their  readiness  to  perform  that  service, 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
those  two  gentlemen  endeavour  to  procure  such  materials 
and  documents  as  may  be  necessary  for  ascertaining  and 
describing  the  bounds  of  this  State  without  delay. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

February  4th,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Pbesent — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates — llbany. 

Mr.  Tappen— Ulster. 

Major  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake— Westchester. 

Mr.  Little— Orange. 

Mr.  Win.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  relative  to  the 
weak  state  of  the  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,  on  the  danger 
of  an  attack  there  by  the  enemy,  as  soon  as  Lake  Cham- 
plain  shall  be  frozen  over,  dated  on  the  first  instant,  was 
received  and  read.  The  General  therein  complains  of  mo- 
nopolizers engrossing  many  articles  necessary  for  the  sup- 
ply for  the  Continental  army. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  Kirkland,  a  missionary 
among  the  Oneida  Indians,  to  General  Schuyler,  and  giving 
information  of  a  design  of  the  enemy  to  attack  the  garrison 
at  Ticonderoga,  as  soon  as  Lake  Champlain  shall  be  pas- 
sable on  the  ice,  was  received,  with  the  General's  letter, 
and  read. 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith  and  Mr. 
William  Harper,  be  a  committee  to  consider  General 
Schuyler's  letter,  and  papers  and  information  therewith  re- 
ceived, and  report  thereon. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded  that  the  coopers  in 
this  State  may  be  exempted  from  military  duty  or  march- 
ing with  the  militia,  in  order  to  facilitate  the  making  of 
flour  casks  for  the  transportation  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the 
Continental  army.  The  same  being  drawn  up  and  read, 
debates  arose  thereon.  Thereuoon, 

Ordered,  That  Major  Schenk,  Mr.  Yates  and  Major 
Tappen,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  proper  re- 
solution on  that  subject. 

A  certain  Douglass,  who  alleges  that  he  has  lost  his  arm 
and  become  maimed  in  the  Continental  service,  attending 
at  the  door,  requests  money  to  be  advanced  to  him  on  ac- 
count of  half  pay  due  to  him  from  the  Continent. 

The  Committee  were  further  informed,  that  the  said 
Douglass  has,  by  a  misfortune  some  weeks  since,  had  his 
leg  broken  ;  and  the  money  advanced  him  by  this  State  on 
account  of  his  half  pay,  is  expended. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Drake  and  Mr.  Tap- 
pen,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  Continental  provision 
in  such  cases  made,  and  to  inquire  into  the  case  of  the  said 
Douglass,  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Herkimer,  Ebenezer 
Cox  and  Jacob  Klock,  of  Canajohary  district,  dated  the 
24th  January,  and  a  memorial  from  the  same  gentlemen, 
relative  to  the  case  of  John  Riemen  Snyder,  were  read, 
and  committed  to  Mr.  Adgate,  Colonel  Drake  and  Mr. 
Tappen. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Dewitt  be  requested  to  attend 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  at  eleven  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m, 

February  5th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — James  Livingston,  Esqr.  Chairman. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  General  Scott — 
New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Rob.  Yates — ilbany. 

Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Major  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Major  AVebster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  Committee  spent  some  time  on  the  subject  of  lay- 
ing an  embargo  on  the  produce  of  this  State.  Colonel  Lott 
delivered  in  writing  certain  resolutions  that  persons  are  em- 
ployed in  different  parts  of  the  Stale  purchasing  wheat, 
flour,  beef,  pork,  and  other  produce,  and  transporting  and 
storing  the  same  in  the  eastern  States ;  that  from  thence 
there  is  danger  of  a  deficiency  of  a  supply  of  provisions 
for  the  Continental  army.  Colonel  Lott  also  gave  further 
parol  information  on  the  same  subject.  General  Schuyler's 
relating  to  monopolies  of  supplies  necessary  for  the  army, 
were  also  read  and  considered.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Morris  and  Colonel 
Lott,  [be  a  committee]  to  report  an  ordinance  to  prevent 
the  depreciation  "  of  Continental  and  Colonial  bills  of  cre- 
dit, and  to  prevent  extortion  on  articles  necessary  for  sup- 
plies to  the  Continental  army."  That  General  Schuyler's 
two  last  letters  be  delivered  to  that  committee,  and  that 
they  speedily  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  mentioned  committee  have  leave 
to  absent  themselves  from  this  House  to-morrow,  that  they 
may  attend  to  prepare  their  report. 


796 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


The  memorial  of  William  Smilh,  late  an  engineer  in  the 
Continental  army,  now  an  inhabitant  and  resident  in  this 
State,  was  read.  He  thereby  requests  a  permission  to 
transport  merchandise  to  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
and  to  import  from  thence  effects  which  he  has  there  pur- 
chased on  his  own  account. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Smilh  be  and  he  is 
hereby  permitted  to  transport  any  merchandise  from  this 
State  to  Massachusetts  Bay  which  he  may  think  proper,  in 
his  present  intended  journey.  This  permission  being  con- 
fined to  his  present  intended  journey,  and  not  to  operate  on 
any  future  occasion. 

Resolved,  That  the  like  permission  be  granted  to  Mr. 
Charles  Uuryee,  late  of  the  city  of  New-York,  at  present 
of  Westchester  county,  merchant. 

A  letter  from  George  Leonard,  the  present  director  at 
Orange  furnace,  (since  the  decease  of  Samuel  Patrick,) 
offering  the  furnace,  ore,  coal,  wood,  stock,  teams,  &c.  to 
the  Convention,  during  the  residue  of  the  lease  to  the  said 
Samuel  Patrick,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Orange  Furnace,  Feby.  3d,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  I  have  with  sorrow  to  inform  you  that  Mr. 
Patrick,  formerly  ironmaster  at  this  place,  is  deceased,  and 
as  the  widow  seems  unwilling  to  carry  on  the  business,  I 
here  make  a  proffer  of  the  works  to  your  honours,  as  I 
think  it  is  a  pity  that  such  serviceable  business  should  be 
stopped  at  this  time,  as  it  is  so  much  wanted,  and  as  there 
are  labourers  already  in  employ,  and  provision  provided  for 
the  season  ;  horses,  oxen,  wagons  and  carts,  &c.  all  ready; 
and  the  furnace  just  in  repair  for  the  ensuing  blast ;  and  a 
quantity  of  wood  ready  cut,  and  more  cutting;  moulders 
for  making  cannon  and  other  castings,  wailing  in  readi- 
ness ;  founders  waiting  for  business  ;  cannon  patterns  and 
other  patterns  of  all  kinds  in  readiness  ;  a  quantity  of  ore 
ready  raised  on  the  spot ;  and  every  utensil  fit  for  carrying 
on  the  business  ;  and  a  grist  mill  already  rented  to  supply 
the  works  with  flour,  &c. 

"  If  the  gentlemen  of  the  Committee  should  think  fit  to 
have  it  carried  on  for  the  use  of  these  forts,  (and  it  is  so 
nearly  situated  on  the  river,  that  at  the  shortest  notice  it 
could  supply  the  forts  to  the  northward  with  shells,  grape- 
shot,  stoves,  or  any  kind  of  castings,)  you  can  take  it  in 
consideration,  and  I  shall  be  ready  to  wait,  on  any  gentle- 
men that  shall  be  appointed  to  come  and  view  the  situa- 
tion ;  and  as  the  widow's  business  is  to  settle,  I  shall  be 
here  some  time,  and  shall  be  ready  to  assist  any  gentle- 
men that  you  place  here  in  any  thing  that  I  can  be  of  ser- 
vice in,  without  fee  or  reward. 

"  By  returning  an  immediate  answer,  you  will  oblige, 
gentlemen,  in  behalf  of  a  distressed  widow, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  GEO.  LEONARD. 

"  P.  S.  The  lease  which  Mr.  Patrick  had,  continues 
until  the  first  of  October  next,  by  which  time  there  may 
be  a  good  blast  made  ;  and  I  make  no  doubt  it  may  be 
hired  at  a  cheap  rate  for  a  longer  time." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr. 
R.  R.  Livingston  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  report 
ways  and  means  for  obtaining  cannon  and  other  imple- 
ments of  war  in  this  State.  That  the  former  committee 
for  that  purpose  be  dissolved  ;  and  that  the  preceding  let- 
ter of  George  Leonard,  and  the  late  letter  from  said  Pat- 
rick on  the  subject  of  castings,  be  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee above  named. 

A  memorial  of  Peter  Sim,  one  of  the  contractors  for 
setting  up  a  salt  work  in  this  State,  was  read,  and  is  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honble.  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"The  memorial  of  Peter  Sim  showeth  :  that  your  memo- 
rialist, in  company  with  Alexander  Robertson  and  some 
other  persons,  agreed  with  your  Honourable  House  to 
erect  works  in  order  to  manufacture  salt  in  this  State. 


Your  memorialists  purchased  sundry  materials  for  the  said 
works,  to  wit,  20,000  bricks,  124  planks,  350  boards,  all 
which,  with  other  articles,  were  sent  to  Huntington,  Long 
island,  the  place  agreed  on  for  the  manufactory.  Alexan- 
der Robertson  and  your  memorialist  contracted  with 
Colonel  Ogden  for  iron  plates  for  the  salt  pans ;  the  nails 
and  cast  iron  for  the  grates  were  provided  ;  and  a  man,  ex- 
perienced in  making  salt,  was  agreed  with  and  sent  to 
Huntington  to  take  care  of  the  materials.  The  enemy 
taking  possession  of  the  island  put  a  stop  to  the  manufac- 
tory. 

"  Your  memorialist,  therefore,  humbly  requests  that  your 
Honourable  House  will  take  the  affair  into  consideration, 
and  grant  such  advice  and  assistance  in  the  premises  as 
may  be  necessary. 

"And  your  memorialist  shall  ever  prav,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

"  Fishkill,5th  February,  1777." 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  William  Harper  and  Mr.  Robert 
Yates  be  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  to  set  on 
foot  salt  manufactories  in  this  State. 

That  they  be  empowered  to  make  such  experiments  in 
making  salt  as  they  may  think  proper ;  and  for  that  pur- 
pose, that  they  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  to  draw  on 
the  treasury  for  any  sum  not  exceeding  four  hundred 
pounds,  for  the  expenditure  of  which  drafts  they  shall  be 
accountable  to  the  Convention  or  Legislature  of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  McDougall,  dated  on 
the  fourth  instant,  and  informing  that  he  had  sent  up  four 
prisoners  of  war  to  the  care  of  the  Chairman,  was  read 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Peekskill,  4th  February,  1777. 
"  Sir — As  I  do  not  not  know  who  is  the  commissary  of 
prisoners  for  this  Slate,  I  have  sent  to  your  care  four  pri- 
soners taken  below  from  the  enemy.  Their  names  are  un- 
derneath. Two  of  them  are  tailors,  and  may  be  usefully 
employed  in  rigging  the  frigates.  I  have  no  intelligence  of 
importance  to  communicate. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  and  the  Committee's 
"  Very  humble  servant, 

"ALEX.  McDOUGALL. 
"Thomas  Carr,  James  McDonald,  Richard  Scruton, 
prisoners  of  war ;  James  Turner,  a  soldier  of  Colonel 
Rodgers'  rangers. 

"To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety 

of  the  Slate  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries,  as  commissaries  for 
prisoners  of  war  in  this  Stale,  give  directions  that  the  pri- 
soners be  fed  with  such  provisions  as  are  allowed  to  the 
Continental  troops  ;  and  that  the  said  letter  be  committed 
to  Colonel  Drake  and  Major  Tappen. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  draft  of  a  resolu- 
tion for  exempting  coopers  from  military  duty,  or  marching 
with  the  militia,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read. 
Debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  consideration  thereof, 

Ordered,  That  it  be  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Februartj  6th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Broome,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Robert 
Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates — llbany. 

Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Little,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Col.  G.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


797 


A  certificate  of  Robert  Morris,  chairman  of  the  secret 
committee  at  Philadelphia,  dated  the  17th  of  January  last, 
was  read.  He  thereby  certifies  that  John  R.  Livingston 
has  made  and  delivered  for  the  use  of  the  United  States, 
eleven  tons  two  hundred  and  one  quarter  and  twenty-four 
pounds  of  powder. 

On  application  on  behalf  of  John  R.  Livingston  for  the 
bounty  allowed  for  manufacturing, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  Tappen  be  a 
committee  to  take  the  said  certificate,  and  report  on  the 
said  application. 

The  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Herckheimer,  Ebe- 
nezer  Cox  and  Jacob  Klock,  of  Tryon  county,  committed 
on  the  first  instant,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Canajohary  District,  Jany.  24,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  It  is  some  time  ago  that  we  sent  the  enclosed  petition, 
dated  the  28th  December,  1776,  to  your  Honourable 
Board,  but  not  being  favoured  with  an  answer  to  this  day, 
and  fearing  the  execution  of  the  committee's  resolve  might 
cause  much  consequential  disturbance,  we  repeat  our  ap- 
plication and  request  to  your  Board,  with  the  enclosed  pe- 
tition of  the  same  contents  as  our  first  above  mentioned, 
humbly  begging  that  you'll  please  to  hear  us,  and  deter- 
mine this  case  witli  justice  and  despatch  to  the  contentment 
and  quietness  of  the  public. 

"  We  must  almost  suppose  that  our  former  petition  mis- 
carried. 

"  We  are,  with  due  respect, 
"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servants, 

"NICHOLAS  HERCKHEIMER, 
"  EBENEZER  COX, 
" JACOB  KLOCK. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New-York,  at  the  Fishkill." 

The  petition  of  Brigadier-General  Herckheimer  was 
then  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  Canajoharie  District,  Jany.  24,  1777. 

"  Honourable  gentlemen — 

The  petition  of  your  petitioners,  humbly  sheweth, 

that, 

Whereas,  a  certain  case  of  military  proceedings  in  Ge- 
neral Herckheimer's  brigade,  was  taken  before  the  commit- 
tee of  this  county  and  countermanded;  whereby  we,  as 
well  as  part  of  the  public,  are  urged  to  appeal  to  your 
Honourable  Board  for  relief.  The  true  circumstances  of 
the  case  are  as  follows  :  John  Kayser,  of  N.  German- 
town,  in  Palatine  district,  a  captain  of  a  company  of  mi- 
litia in  Colonel  Jacob  Klock's  battalion  of  General  Nichs. 
Herckheimer's  brigade,  some  time  ago,  by  a  vacancy  of  a 
corporalship  in  his  company,  through  his  corporal's  enlist- 
ing as  a  ranger,  appointed  and  ordered  John  Riemen  Sny- 
der, son  of  Henry  Riemen  Snyder,  of  N.  Germantown, 
aforesaid,  to  be  a  corporal  in  the  other's  stead,  which  or- 
der was  refused  by  both  Rumen  Snyder,  the  father,  and 
the  son,  under  the  pretence  alleged  by  the  father,  that  his 
son  was  a  miller,  and  therefore  exempted  from  such  mili- 
tary duty  by  law,  according  to  the  new  acts  for  the  mili- 
tia of  the  State  of  New-York.  But  as  it  is  well  known 
not  only  to  the  captain,  to  his  subalterns,  and  to  the  compa- 
ny, but  to  the  whole  neighbourhood,  that  the  father,  Henry 
Reimen  Snyder,  aforesaid,  who  has  an  old,  ragged  mill  in 
that  settlement,  most  always  out  of  order,  has  constantly 
been  the  miller  himself,  when  the  mill  was  fit  and  had 
water  to  grind,  (being  but  a  small  stream  to  it;)  the  said 
captain  therefore  considering  it  a  scheme  of  the  old  man -to 
defraud  the  public,  put  the  lawful  fine,  agreeable  to  the 
militia  rules,  upon  the  said  John  Riemen  Snyder,  for  re- 


fusing to  accept  and  serve  as  a  corporal ;  and  upon  still 
refusing  of  both  Riemen  Snyders  to  pay  the  said  fine,  the 
captain  proceeded  further  in  the  recovery  of  the  same,  and 
distrained. 

"The  father,  hearing  his  property  was  to  be  distrained, 
threatened  that  if  any  man  came  upon  his  ground  in  order  to 
distrain  for  that  purpose,  he  would  kill  him.  It  is  true,  the 
father  may  be  a  man  of  60  years  of  age,  and  is  exempted 
thereby  of  training  ;  but  yet  of  a  hearty  and  strong  consti- 
tution, well  able  for  tending  this  mill,  and  truly,  better,  than 
the  son,  who  has  no  knowledge  of  it,  and  almost  never 
before  tended  the  mill ;  nor  yet,  but  at  the  time  when  the 
captain  calls  a  training.  The  father  often  before  declared, 
that  if  one  applied  to  him  for  a  loan  of  horses,  or  any  of 
the  other  farming  utensils,  he  had  nothing  to  say  in  it ; 
that  his  son  be  the  farmer,  and  he  had  to  dispose  of  such 
things.  The  father  and  son,  further,  after  the  last  voting 
of  officers  for  that  company,  expressed,  that  if  the  son 
John  would  have  been  chosen  an  ensign,  he  would  have 
well  treated  the  officers,  and  besides  provided  the  colours 
upon  his  own  costs  ;  but  as  a  private,  the  father  said  he 
should  not  train.  All  these  circumstances  here  related,  and 
now  in  behal  f  of  the  said  proceedings,  when  called  upon,  can 
be  proved  by  evidences.  The  said  father  seeing  that  his 
scheme  would  not  be  accepted  by  the  captain,  nor  his  will 
obtained,  then  made  application  to  the  committee  of  this 
county,  with  the  complaint  that  his  son,  being  a  miller, 
was  unjustly  fined  and  prosecuted  ;  the  committee,  upon 
such  complaint,  without  the  hearing  of  one  of  the  eviden- 
ces in  the  captain's  behalf,  resolved,  that  the  said  John 
Reimen  Snyder,  being  the  miller,  shall  be  exempted  from 
military  duty,  except  in  invasion,  pursuant  to  the  XII.  ar- 
ticle of  the  militia  acts ;  and  also  that  the  fine  recovered 
by  the  captain  for  such  refusal  to  serve  as  above  mention- 
ed, shall  be  rendered  by  the  said  captain  to  the  said  John 
Riemen  Snyder.  Considering  this  resolve  of  the  commit- 
tee, and  the  manner  of  the  proceedings  thereof,  we  thought 
ourselves  in  duty  bound  to  resent  it  as  a  grievance  and  re- 
gardless imposition  upon  the  officers  of  any  rank  which 
will  disturb  the  service  in  general,  and  in  particular,  the 
company  of  the  said  Caytain  Kayser,  which,  as  we  are 
informed,  wiil  lake  the  same  privilege  of  not  training,  in 
case  this  John  Riemen  Snyder  shall  be  free  by  his  deceit- 
ful scheme. 

"  Therefore,  hoping  that  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the 
militia  are  not  evaded,  nor  intended  to  be  understood,  ex- 
plained or  taken  in  deceit  and  partiality,  or  to  the  fraud  of 
the  public,  we,  the  superiour  officers,  who  are  resolved, 
and  always  willing  to  serve  the  country  in  our  contest, 
faithfully,  and  to  have  the  militia  under  our  command  ruled 
impartially,  find  ourselves  much  aggrieved,  and  beg  that 
your  Honourable  Board  may  look  into  this  case  maturely, 
and  procure  that  justice  may  be  done  to  the  officers  as  well 
as  the  privates.  We  don't  doubt  that  in  particular,  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  Captain  Kayser  will  be  approved 
by  you  just  and  lawful ;  and  therefore  the  above  mentioned 
resolve  of  the  committee  recalled.  We  could  add  some 
other  instances  of  a  like  case  of  fines  tried  by  the  commit- 
tee, and  the  resolution  thereof  by  them  determined,  which 
almost  causeth  a  disrespect  of  the  privates  to  their  officers, 
and  discourage  the  latter. 

"  Without  prescription  to  your  Honourable  Board,  we 
would  wish  that  any  militia  case  should  be  tried  by  a  court- 
martial  ;  and  if  one  should  think  himself  aggrieved  or 
wronged,  might  apply  to  the  field  officers,  and  so  on,  by 
degrees,  to  the  brigadier-general,  for  a  just  inquiry  and  de- 
termination of  the  matter.  If  such  an  appeal  to  the  com- 
mittee for  every  case  tried  by  officers,  is  allowed  to  the 
militia,  they  always  will  run  there  for  relief,  and  that  trust 
reposed  in  us  appears  to  be  checked  and  our  authority 
void. 


798 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  We  remain  with  respect,  and  your  humble  petition- 
ers for  ever  pray,  &c. 

"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obdt.  humble  servants, 
"  NICHOLAS  HEICKHELMER, 
" EBENEZER  COX, 
"  JACOB  KLOCK. 

"  To  the  Honourable  Convention 

of  New-York  State,  at  the  Fishkill." 

Mr.  Duane  gave  notice  that  he  intends  speedily  to  move 
that  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  may  be  appointed 
major-general  of  the  militia  of  this  State. 

He  assigned  for  a  reason,  that  it  might  be  an  introduc- 
tion to  place  him  in  the  Continental  service,  and  desired  it 
may  be  considered  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  report  relative  to  the  rangers  raised 
in  this  State,  be  taken  into  consideration  to-morrow,  and  that 
all  the  members  be  requested  to  attend. 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Little,  pursuant  to  a  nomination 
of  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton, 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  issue  to  Seth  Marvin, 
Esqr.  as  captain  of  a  company  of  militia,  drafted  from  the 
militia  of  Orange  county,  to  continue  in  service  until  the 
last  day  of  March  next,  pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of 
the  Convention  of  this  State,  passed  on  the  first  day  of 
January  last,  the  said  commission  to  continue  in  force  until 
the  said  company  shall  be  discharged  from  that  service, 
and  then  to  be  void. 

The  Committee  were  informed  that  Samuel  Lyon,  of 
Rye  manor,  and  Colonel  Thos.  Thomas,  with  six  men,  on 
board  of  a  private  small  boat  of  war,  Flying  Fish,  took  a 
sloop,  Industry,  loaded  with  15  cords  of  wood,  174  barrels 
of  cider  and  vinegar,  one  suit  of  sails  and  rigging  for  another 
vessel,  7  or  8  small  bags  of  meal,  navigated  with  7  men 
and  women,  lately  the  property  of  and  commanded  by 
Abraham  Selleck,  and  bound  from  Oyster  Bay,  on  Nassau 
island,  to  the  city  of  New-York. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

February  7th,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Lott,  Mr.  Broome,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr. 
Harper — New-York. 

Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Ulster. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tappen,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  memorial  of  Brigadier-General  Nichs.  Herckheimer, 
Ebenezer  Cox  and  Jacob  Klock,  reported, 

"  That  whereas  there  are  many  complaints  exhibited 
in  the  said  petition  ;  among  others,  a  complaint  against  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Tryon.  As  your  committee 
are  not  at  present  possessed  of  any  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  county  committees,  relating  to  one  John  Riemen  Sny- 
der mentioned  in  the  said  petition  : 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  as  their  opinion, 
that  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  do  transmit  a  copy  of 
the  said  petition  to  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee 
of  the  said  county  of  Tryon,  and  that  he  be  requested  to 
transmit  to  this  Convention  the  proceedings  of  the  said 
committee  respecting  the  case  of  the  said  John  Riemen 
Snyder." 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
manufacturing  salt  within  this  State,  produced  a  sample  of 


salt  made  of  the  water  of  certain  springs  at  Oriske,  about 
10  miles  to  the  eastward  of  Fort  Schuyler,  [quere,  Stan- 
wix,]  and  reported  that  from  information,  it  appears  to  the 
committee  that  nine  gallons  of  the  said  water  will  yield 
two  quarts  of  salt.  The  said  sample  of  salt  being  examined 
and  the  report  considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  directed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  to  make  further  experiments,  in  order  to 
ascertain  the  qualities  of  the  said  waters  at  Oriskee,  and  if 
they  shall  be  of  opinion  that  a  salt  manufactory  can  be  esta- 
blished there  with  advantage,  that  they  proceed  without 
delay  to  procure  materials  and  employ  proper  persons  to 
carry  on  the  same. 

And  whereas  it  is  represented  that  salt  springs  have 
been  discovered  in  several  places  in  the  northern  and 
western  parts  of  this  State: 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  powers  of  the  said  com- 
mittee be  enlarged,  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  au- 
thorized, to  cause  the  experiments  to  be  made  and  works 
to  be  erected  and  set  on  foot,  for  carrying  on  the  manufac- 
ture of  salt  in  any  place  within  this  State,  which  they, 
in  their  judgment,  may  think  affords  the  greatest  prospect 
of  success. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  certificate  of 
Robert  Morris,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  secret  committee  of 
Congress,  in  favour  of  John  R.  Livingston,  for  the  quantity 
of  powder  by  him  manufactured  and  delivered  for  the  use 
of  the  Continental  armies,  reported, 

"  That  the  Convention  of  this  State,  on  the  9th  of  June, 
1775,  resolved  that,  for  every  hundred  weight  of  good 
powder  which,  upon  due  proof,  shall  be  certified  by  the 
committee  of  the  county  where  any  powder  mill  is,  or  shall 
be  erected,  to  have  been  manufactured  within  this  Colony, 
and  to  have  been  delivered  to  the  said  committee,  the 
bounty  of  five  pounds  shall  be  paid  to  the  manufacturer 
thereof,  over  and  above  the  price  of  such  powder,  and  the 
said  resolve  to  continue  in  full  force  twelve  months  from 
the  date  thereof. 

"  That  by  a  subsequent  resolve,  made  the  3d  day  of 
January  last,  the  said  bounty  is  continued  from  the  9th  day 
of  June,  1776,  until  the  9th  day  of  June,  1777. 

"  That  the  said  certificate  does  not  prove  the  manufac- 
turing and  delivering  of  gunpowder,  in  the  manner  pre- 
scribed by  the  said  resolutions,  yet  the  committee  are  of 
opinion  that  the  said  certificate  is  sufficient  evidence  of  the 
making  and  delivery  of  the  quantity  of  powder  therein  men- 
tioned, and  that  the  proof  does  not  come  within  the  letter 
of  the  said  resolve,  yet  that  upon  equitable  principles  the 
bounty  ought  to  be  allowed  to  the  said  John  R.  Livingston." 

The  said  report  being  read,  was  agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
John  R.  Livingston,  the  sum  of  £1,112  5s.  in  full  for  the 
bounty  on  eleven  tons,  two  hundred,  one  quarter  and 
twenty-four  pounds  of  gunpowder,  manufactured  at  his 
powder  mills,  Dutchess  county,  and  take  his  receipt  in  full 
for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  that 
it  would  too  far  weaken  and  endanger  the  passes  of  the 
Highlands,  as  well  as  be  prejudicial  to  the  recruiting  ser- 
vice, to  withdraw  at  this  time  any  part  of  the  Continental 
troops  raised  in  this  State,  from  the  present  station. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  upon  General  Schuyler's 
letter  be  directed  to  confer  with  Colonel  Livingston  on  the 
subject  matter  of  the  preceding  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  pay  to  Messrs.  Duane  or 
Robert  Yates  the  sum  of  six  pounds  fourteen  shillings  and 
one  penny  to  reimburse  them  the  expenses  attending  their 
journey  to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  by  order  of  this 
Committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  for 
accommodations  for  the  Conventional  Fishkill,  be  directed 
to  report  to-morrow  morning. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  despatches 
from  General  Schuyler,  made  a  report,  which  was  read. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


799 


Ordered,  That  General  Scott  be  added  to  the  said  com- 
mittee. 

Captain  Tuder,  attending  to  confer  with  the  House  rela- 
tive to  procuring  cannon  for  the  Continental  ships  and  other 
matters, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  referred  to  the  committee  appoint- 
ed to  procure  cannon. 

Lancaster  Burling,  one  of  the  master  shipwrights,  at- 
tending to  confer  with  the  House  relative  to  the  wages  of 
the  shipwrights, 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Broome  and  Major  Tappen  be 
a  committee,  and  report  the  same  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to- 
morrow morning. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

February  8th,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Lott,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Harper,  General  Scott,  Mr. 
Jay — New-York. 

Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  James  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  G.  Drake — 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Try  on. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Col. 
Livingston,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gansevoort  and  Mr.  Stephens  be 
added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  report 
on  the  account  of  Samuel  Patrick,  deceased,  for  iron  stoves 
by  him  made  for  the  public  use  at  the  request  of  General 
Schuyler. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Robert 
Yates,  Esqr.  a  member  of  the  secret  committee  appointed 
for  the  purpose  of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river,  the  sum  of  £308  3s.  2d.  to  be  accounted  for  by  the 
said  committee. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  into  and  report  on 
the  account  of  Samuel  Patrick,  deceased,  for  iron  stoves  by 
him  made  at  the  request  of  the  Honble.  Major-Genl.  Schuy- 
ler, for  the  use  of  the  army  in  the  northern  department, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to ; 
and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Committee  of 
Safety,  the  charge  in  Mr.  Patrick's  account  of  £S5  per  ton 
is  extravagant,  and  that  £65  per  ton  is  a  reasonable  price 
for  manufacturing  the  said  stoves. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Paris,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Tryon  county,  dated  January  22nd,  relative  to  a  miller's 
son,  whether  he  ought  to  be  exempted  from  the  militia, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  committee 
to  whom  the  letter  from  General  Herckhiemer  and  others, 
was  referred. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington, 
dated  first  day  of  February  instant,  was  read,  and  follows 
in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  ? 
"  Morristown,  Feby.  1,  1777.  \ 

"  Gentlemen— The  great  countenance  and  protection 
shown  and  given  to  deserters  by  persons  in  the  different 
neighbourhoods  from  whence  they  originally  came,  has 
made  that  vice  so  prevalent  in  the  army,  that  unless  some 
very  effectual  measures  are  fallen  upon  to  prevent  it,  our 
new  army  will  scarcely  be  raised  before  it  will  again  dwin- 
dle and  waste  away  from  that  cause  alone. 

"  I  know  no  remedy  so  effectual  as  for  the  different 


States  immediately  to  pass  laws,  laying  a  very  severe  pe- 
nalty upon  those  who  harbour,  or  fail  to  give  information 
against  deserters,  knowing  them  to  be  such  ;  and  strictly 
enjoining  all  justices  of  the  peace  and  officers  of  militia,  to 
keep  a  watchful  eye  over  and  apprehend  all  such  persons 
as  shall  return  from  the  army  without  a  discharge.  In 
order  that  this  most  salutary  measure  may  be  carried  into 
execution,  I  have  not  only  desired  Congress  to  recommend 
it  to  the  different  States,  but  have  myself  wrote  circular 
letters  to  them  all,  pressing  their  compliance  with  my  re- 
quest. 

"Desertion  must  cease  of  course,  when  the  offenders 
find  that  they  have  no  shelter. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  with  esteem  and  respect, 
"  Yr.  most  obt.  servant, 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Honble.  Convention  of  the  State  N.  York." 

Ordered,  That  said  letter  be  committed  to  Mr.  Duane, 
Mr.  Scott,  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Whereas  there  is  at  present  no  committee  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  and  great  mischiefs  may  arise  therefrom 
in  the  present  situation  of  the  said  county  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  to  meet  at 
Bedford,  within  the  said  county,  on  Monday  the  17th  in- 
stant, and  choose  a  committee  in  their  said  county,  of  twen- 
ty-five persons,  as  the  county  committee  of  the  said  county, 
to  continue  until  a  full  establishment  of  a  form  of  govern- 
ment for  this  State  ;  and  that  the  late  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  do  cause  proper  notice  to  be  given  for 
that  purpose. 

A  resolution  on  the  case  of  Mr.  Wisner  was  read,  and 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
until  there  is  a  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  the  4th  day 
of  February,  instant,  relative  to  an  endorsement  for  ascer- 
taining the  prices  of  supplies  for  the  army,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  devise  ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  deprecia- 
tion of  bills  of  credit,  and  preventing  the  purchasing  of  sup- 
plies for  the  army  at  an  exhorbitant  price. 

Mr.  Piatt  and  Judge  Graham  came  into  Committee. 

A  certified  copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  committee  of 
Albany  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  > 
"  mh  January,  1777.  \ 
"  The  Treasurer  reported  that  he  had  no  money  in  hand, 
and  in  order  to  discharge  the  pressing  demands  daily  made, 
he  had  borrowed  six  hundred  pounds,  and  that  a  number 
of  accounts  audited  remain  yet  unpaid. 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  chairman  draw  upon  the 
Convention  of  this  State  for  two  thousand  pounds,  to  pay 
the  said  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds  borrowed  by  the  Trea- 
surer, and  to  pay  off  the  accounts  yet  unpaid,  and  also  to 
defray  the  contingent  charges  of  this  county  and  State. 
"  Extracts  from  the  minutes. 

"  MAT.  VISSCHER,  Secy." 

A  draft  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county 
of  Albany,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  29th  Jany.  1777.  $ 
"  Sir — Please  to  pay  to  Messrs.  Robert  Yates,  Leonard 
Gansevoort,  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  John  Tayler  and 
Matthew  Adgate,  or  either  of  them,  two  thousand  pounds, 
and  charge  the  same  to  this  county. 

"  By  order. 
"  JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded  that  this  Com- 
mitee  direct  a  compliance  with  the  said  draft,  and  order 
the  Treasurer  to  pay  the  same. 


800 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Debates  arose  thereon ;  and  after  some  time  spent  there- 
in, the  following  questions  were  put : 

Whether  on  this  application,  money  shall  be  lent  to  the 
committee  of  Albany  ?    Agreed  in  the  affirmative. 

Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Win.  Harper  dissenting. 

Tne  question  was  then  put,  whether  the  sum  to  be  lent 
should  be  two  thousand  pounds.  Agreed  in  the  affirma- 
tive. Whereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State,  advance  to  Messrs.  Robert  Yates,  Leonard  Ganse- 
voort,  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  John  Tayler  and  Matthew 
Adgate,  or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  pounds, 
for  the  use  of  the  county  of  Albany  ;  that  the  same  be 
charged  to  the  said  county. 

That  the  Deputies  of  Albany  inform  the  committee  of 
Albany  that  this  Committee  of  Safety  think  it  improper 
that  the  committee  of  Albany  should  pay  the  companies  of 
rangers. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  till  10  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


SUNDAY  MORNING. 

February  9th,  1777. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Broome,  Alderman  Lott— New- York. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort— 

Mbany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stephens—  Cumberland. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

General  Scott,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  several  despatches  from  General  Schuyler,  relating  to 
the  reinforcement  of  the  garrison,  of  grain  in  the  northern 
part  of  this  State,  and  the  dangerous  communication  be- 
tween the  two  armies  of  the  enemy,  by  the  intervention  of 
John  Brandt,  an  Indian,  made  the  following  report,  which 
was  agreed  to,  to  wit : 

That  from  the  said  despatches,  it  appears  necessary  to 
put  it  in  General  Schuyler's  power,  1st.  To  send  a  con- 
siderable force  to  reinforce  the  abovementioned  garrison. 
2ndly.  To  assist  the  General  in  procuring  provisions  for 
our  northern  army.  3dly.  To  provide  for  the  apprehen- 
sion of  Joseph  Brandt. 

As  to  the  first,  the  Committee  submit  the  following  re- 
solutions, to  wit : 

1st.  Resolved,  That  General  Schuyler  be  empowered 
to  despatch  one-fifth  part  of  the  militia  of  the  several  coun- 
ties of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Gloucester  and  Cum- 
berland, for  reinforcement  of  the  said  garrison  of  Ticonde- 
ioga,  whenever  he  shall  think  the  same  absolutely  neces- 
sary ;  and  that  the  said  militia  be  discharged  as  soon  as 
such  necessity  shall  cease. 

2nd.  To  the  end  that  such  detachments  may  be  properly 
officered, 

Resolved,  That  General  Schuyler,  with  the  assistance 
of  the  Brigadier-General  of  the  said  respective  counties, 
select  such  officers,  and  of  such  rank  as  they  shall  think 
proper,  for  the  most  effectual  command  of  the  said  detach- 
ments. 

3rd.  The  said  detachments  being  thus  made  and  offi- 
cered, 

Resolved,  That  General  Schuyler  regiment  them  in  such 
manner  as  he  shall  think  proper,  they  being  hereby  put 
under  his  command. 

4th.  Whereas  there  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  that 
the  militia  of  the  said  counties  are  not  armed  and  accou- 
tred as  the  regulations  for  the  militia  of  this  State  require  : 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  said  militia  of  the  said  se- 
veral counties  who  shall  not,  on  being  detached  for  the  ser- 


vice aforesaid  be  well  armed  and  accoutred,  be  supplied 
by  impress  with  arms  and  accoutrements  from  the  rest  of 
the  militia  of  the  said  counties  respectively;  that  is  to  say, 
the  detachment  of  each  regiment  to  be  armed  and  accou- 
tred from  the  rest  of  the  militia  of  such  regiment,  and  the 
brigadier-general  of  each  of  the  said  counties,  and  such 
persons  as  they  respectively  shall  authorize,  for  the  purpo- 
ses hereby  directed  and  required,  to  make  such  impress  as 
aforesaid. 

5th.  To  the  end  that  justice  may  be  done  to  the  persons 
from  whom  arms  and  accoutrements  shall  be  so  impressed 
as  aforesaid, 

Resolved,  That  two  members,  either  of  the  general  or 
sub-committee,  with  the  captain  of  the  company  from  and 
out  of  which  impress  as  aforesaid  shall  be  made,  shall  esti- 
mate the  value  of  each  musket  or  fire-arm  and  the  accou- 
trements thereto  belonging  so  impressed  as  aforesaid,  and 
furnish  to  the  owner  thereof  a  certificate  of  such  impress 
and  valuation,  and  shall  deliver  the  same  to  the  captains 
respectively,  or  their  officers  commanding  the  companies 
of  such  detachments  as  aforesaid,  who  shall  respectively 
give  receipts  and  be  responsible  for  the  same,  either  by 
returning  the  said  arms  and  accoutrements  to  the  respective 
owners  thereof  in  good  condition,  on  paying  for  the  same 
in  case  of  loss  or  injury,  according  to  such  valuation  as 
aforesaid  ;  and  in  case  of  such  payment,  shall  be  autho- 
rized to  deduct  the  amount  thereof  out  of  the  pay  of  every 
soldier  who  shall  thus  be  furnished  by  impress  as  afore- 
said; provided,  always  that  this  State  shall  be  and  is  here- 
by declared  to  be  responsible  for  every  inevitable  loss  or 
injury  of  or  to  such  impressed  arms  and  accoutrements  as 
aforesaid,  pursuant  to  such  valuation  as  aforesaid,  and  the 
valuation  of  such  injury  by  the  persons  authorized  to  make 
such  valuations. 

As  to  the  second  point :  In  order  to  the  sufficient  supply 
of  provisions  for  the  army  in  the  northern  department : 

Resolved,  That  Major-General  Schuyler  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  to  take  all  such  quantities  of  provisions 
in  the  several  counties  to  the  northward  of  the  counties  of 
Ulster  and  Dutchess,  within  this  State,  as  have  been  pur- 
chased, or  shall  be  stored,  monopolized  or  engrossed,  as 
he  shall  think  necessary  for  the  supply  of  the  said  army, 
and  cause  the  same  to  be  valued  by  three  indifferent  and 
substantial  freeholders  on  oath,  and  pay  for  the  same  ac- 
cording to  such  valuation. 

As  to  the  third  point  : 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  that 
it  will  be  of  great  service  to  the  American  cause  to  appre- 
hend the  said  Joseph  Brandt,  and  also  one  Gilbert  Fice, 
who,  this  Committee  are  informed,  accompanies  him  ;  that 
no  cost  or  labour  should  be  spared  to  obtain  that  end  ;  and 
that  Mr.  John  Harper,  of  the  county  of  Tryon,  be  recom- 
mended to  General  Schuyler,  as  a  proper  person  to  be  im- 
mediately supplied  with  sufficient  money,  and  with  a  suffi- 
cient party  if  necessary  for  that  service,  he  being,  accord- 
ing to  good  information,  well  acquainted  at  the  Onogh- 
quage  castle  and  strongly  attached  to  the  American  cause. 

Ordered,  That  Judge  Graham  and  Colo.  Van  Rensse- 
laer, be  a  committee  to  inquire  relative  to  the  liquors  and 
property  of  Captain  Foular,  who  has  gone  over  to  the 
enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Gansevoort,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  the  draft  of  a 
letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  to  communicate  to  him 
the  sense  of  the  Committee  on  the  subject  referred  to  in 
his  late  despatches  and  report  the  same. 

Mr.  Duane,  from  the  committee  aforesaid,  reported  the 
draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  which  was  ap- 
proved of  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  4th  instant  has  been  laid  be- 
fore the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  with  that  of  the  first, 
duly  considered.  I  am  directed  to  enclose  you  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  House  upon  the  important  subject  to  which 
they  relate.    It  is  with  the  utmost  concern  that  we  contem- 


t 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


801 


plate  the  prospect  of  drawing  out  the  northern  militia,  al- 
ready averse  to  service  in  this  inclement  season,  but  from 
the  vast  importance  of  preserving  Ticonderoga  ;  and  if  such 
guarded  assurance,  that  nothing  but  urgent  necessity  will 
induce  you  to  embrace  this  last  resource,  they  have  sent 
you  with  directions  for  that  purpose." 

[The  rest  of  this  letter  not  entered  in  the  minutes.] 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Feby.  10  th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Broome,  General  Scott, 
Colonel  Loll,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay— New-  York. 

Mr.  Gansevoort.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Adgate — ilbany. 

Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 

Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  James  Livingston— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Graham,  Col.  Drake — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Whereas  a  message  was  this  day  sent  to  Mr.  Moore,  one 
of  the  Representatives  of  Tryon  county,  desiring  his  at- 
tendance, without  which  there  would  not  be  a  sufficient 
number  of  members  to  form  a  Convention,  which  at  this 
time  is  indispensably  necessary  for  the  public  service. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  a  messenger  be  despatched  to 
notify  Mr.  Moore,  that  his  immediate  attendance  on  Con- 
vention is  required,  and  peremptorily  to  cause  him  to  re- 
turn accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  messengers  be  immediately  sent  to  the 
following  members  :  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Joseph  Smith  and 
Mr.  Henry  Schenk ;  and  that  said  members  do  peremto- 
rily  attend  the  Convention  without  delay. 

The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  ways  and  means  to  prevent  the  depreciation  of  the  Con- 
tinental and  State  currency,  and  to  prevent  extortion  in  fur- 
nishing supplies  to  the  American  army,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
until  to-morrow  morning. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  enjoined,  on  all 
the  members  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  who  are  now 
in  Fishkill,  or  the  neighbourhood  thereof,  as  also  those 
members  who  are  sent  for,  not  to  depart  this  place  without 
leave  of  the  said  Convention,  or  this  Committee,  on  pain 
of  expulsion. 

Whereas  it  has  become  necessary  to  provide  the  most 
effectual  means  to  prevent  the  desertion  of  the  troops  in  the 
service  of  the  United  States  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  if  any  person  in  this  State 
shall,  knowingly,  harbour  or  conceal  any  soldier  belonging 
to  the  Continental  army,  without  his  having  a  furlough,  or 
leave  of  absence,  in  writing,  from  his  commanding  officer, 
or  neglect  to  inform  the  committee  of  the  district  wherein 
he  resides,  of  the  appearance  of  such  soldier  in  the  said 
district,  he  shall,  upon  due  conviction  before  the  committee 
of  such  county  or  district  whereof  the  fact  shall  happen, 
forfeit  for  such  offence  the  penalty  of  twenty  pounds  ;  to 
be  levied  on  the  goods  and  chattels,  by  warrant  of  the 
chairman  of  such  committee  ;  which  warrant  shall  be  di- 
rected to  the  constable  of  the  district,  or  for  the  want  of  a 
constable,  to  any  inhabitant  thereof;  and  if  the  offender 
shall  not  have  goods  and  chattels  whereof  such  penalty  can 
be  levied,  that  then  he  shall  suffer  three  months'  imprison- 
ment in  the  common  jail  of  the  county  which  such  com- 
mittee represent. 

201 


I  Resolved,  That  one-half  of  all  penalties  which  shall  be 
recovered  by  virtue  of  the  said  resolutions,  shall  be  applied 
in  such  manner  as  the  Convention,  or  future  Legislature  of 
this  State,  shall  direct. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  county  and  district  committees 
of  this  State  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  enjoined 
to  use  the  utmost  endeavours  to  cause  all  deserters  to  be 
apprehended  and  sent  to  the  nearest  jail,  and  to  transmit 
notice  thereof  to  the  nearest  commanding  officer,  or  to  the 
officer  of  the  regiment  or  company  to  which  he  belongs, 
and  an  account  of  the  expenses  of  such  apprehension  ;  and 
if  it  shall  not  be  paid,  the  Convention  will,  on  notice 
thereof,  and  on  being  furnished  with  the  account,  duly  au- 
thenticated, reimburse  the  same  to  such  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  resolutions  be  published  in 
the  public  newspapers. 

Whereas  the  former  building  used  as  a  guard  house, 
near  Fishkill  church,  is  nearly  demolished,  and  become 
untenable  :  And  whereas,  the  guards  there  kept,  fre- 
quently intoxicated  with  liquor,  have  heretofore  committed, 
and  continue  to  commit  great  waste  by  burning  and  de- 
stroying posts,  rails  and  boards,  and  the  firewood,  clan- 
destinely taken  away  from  the  houses  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  neighbourhood,  to  the  great  damage  of  the  said  inhabi- 
tants :  And  whereas,  the  Committee  are  informed  that 
the  stores  placed  in  the  Episcopal  church,  on  pretext 
whereof  the  said  guard  is  kept,  may,  with  great  conven- 
ience and  little  expense,  be  removed  to  the  Continental 
stores  near  the  barracks,  where  they  would  be  much  more 
effectually  guarded  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Chevers,  or  the  officer  having 
the  charge  of  those  stores,  be  requested  to  cause  the  stores 
kept  in  the  said  Episcopal  church,  to  be  removed  to  such 
store  house  near  the  barracks,  as  may  be  most  convenient 
for  him,  in  order  that  the  said  guard  may  be  removed  from 
the  said  guard  house. 

And  whereas  the  Committee  of  Safety  have  been  in- 
formed, that  the  troops  in  the  barracks,  for  want  of  a  pro- 
per supply  of  firewood,  have  greatly  impaired  the  value  of, 
and  nearly  destroyed  the  farms  adjoining  the  same,  by  de- 
stroying the  fences  : 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officer  at  this  post  be 
requested  to  give  such  orders  as  may  effectually  prevent 
injuring  or  destroying  the  fences  in  this  precinct,  by  the 
troops,  and  cause  the  barracks  to  be  supplied,  from  time  to 
time,  by  such  agent  or  agents  of  the  quarter-master-gene- 
ral, whose  duty  it  may  be,  with  sufficient  quantities  of 
firewood. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Captain  Elias  Haasbrook,  of  the  Ulster  county  rangers, 
the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  twenty-eight  pounds  nineteen 
shillings  and  two  pence,  in  full  for  the  pay,  and  the  sum 
of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  and  ten  pence,  in  full  for 
subsistence  of  his  company,  from  the  first  day  of  Novr. 
1776,  to  the  last  day  of  January,  1777,  both  days  included  ; 
and  also  the  further  sum  of  thirty  pounds  for  bounty  mo- 
ney for  the  said  company,  agreeable  to  his  pay  and  subsis- 
tence rolls  and  an  account  of  the  said  bounty  money  ;  the 
whole  of  which  are  sworn  to  by  him  and  audited  by  the 
committee  for  auditing  accounts,  and  reported  this  day. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  John  Har- 
per, messenger  from  the  chiefs  of  the  Ocoghquaga  Indians, 
on  the  subject  of  the  message  from  those  Indians  to  Con- 
vention, reported : 

"  That  the  said  chiefs  complain  that  they  have  not  been 
paid  for  certain  lands  in  Tryon  county,  purchased  from 
them  by  George  Croghan  for  the  use  of  the  late  General 
Bridsport,  having  for  the  consideration  accepted  Croghan's 
note.  That  the  said  lands  have  since  been  patented  to 
others,  under  the  great  seal  of  New-York. 

"  That  they  further  complain  that  surveys  have  been 
made  of  their  lands  without  their  consent.  And  they  en- 
treat the  Convention  to  interpose  their  authority,  that  justice 
may  be  obtained  and  the  minds  of  the  Indians  quieted.  And, 


802 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Resolved,  That  a  messenger  be  sent  by  the  Conven- 
tion to  the  said  Indians,  assuring  them  that  this  State  is  se- 
riously disposed  at  all  times  to  do  them  the  utmost  justice, 
and  to  prevent  any  of  the  inhabitants  from  injuring  them  in 
their  persons  or  possessions,  and  to  promote  the  most 
friendly  and  cordial  intercourse  between  the  Indians  and 
the  other  inhabitants  of  this  State. 

"  That  it  gives  them  concern  that  Croghan  has  abused 
their  confidence  and  deceived  them,  as  he  has  many  other 
subjects  of  this  State,  by  getting  greatly  in  debt  and  then 
privately  removing  out  of  its  jurisdiction.  That  they  will, 
however,  use  all  the  means  in  their  power  to  procure  pay- 
ment for  them. 

"That  with  respect  to  the  lands  of  the  said  Indians 
which  have  been  surveyed  without  their  consent  of  sale, 
they  be  assured  that  no  such  survey  can  affect  or  prejudice 
their  right.  That  if  any  settlement  shall  be  attempted, 
the  Convention,  on  complaint,  will  cause  the  intruders  to 
be  removed." 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  and 
report  the  best  ways  and  means  for  managing  the  Indian 
affairs  of  this  State,  and  that  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Morris 
be  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Cunningham,  the  wife  of  James 
Cunningham,  a  cooper,  now  with  the  enemy,  have  a  pass 
to  go  to  the  city  of  New-York,  to  her  husband,  with  her 
three  children,  she  being  first  duly  sworn  before  the  Pre- 
sident or  Vice-President  not  to  communicate  or  convey 
any  intelligence  by  word  or  writing,  or  carry  any  letters  or 
papers  but  such  as  shall  be  first  produced  and  shown  to 
this  Committee. 

Nathan  Pearce,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Pauling's  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  informed  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  (through  a  member)  that  the  committee 
of  Pauling's  precinct  have  employed  a  guard  of  twenty 
men  to  apprehend  tories,  &c.  to  which  they  are  indebted  ; 
also,  that  they  are  indebted  for  the  maintenance  of  a  stran- 
ger with  the  small  pox,  for  which  a  regular  account  shall  be 
produced ;  that  the  committee  of  Pauling's  precinct  re- 
quests that  they  may  make  use  of  so  much  moneys  of  the 
fines  lately  collected  as  will  defray  the  above  mentioned 
expenses,  proper  accounts  whereof  shall  also  be  produced. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Pau- 
ling's precinct  account  for  all  public  moneys  in  his  hands, 
and  after  deducting  reasonable  expenses  of  the  committee, 
pay  the  balance  to  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  to-mor- 
row morning. 

TUESDAY  MORNING, 

February  ilth,  1777. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Lott,  Col.  Broome,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr 
Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk,  Captn.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livings- 
ton— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor,  Col.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Adgate — Mbany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr. 
Mills —  Westchester. 

Mujor  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Whereas  Gilbert  Drake,  Esqr.  being  indebted  by  bond 
in  about  £75  principal  to  William  Lownsbury,  one  of  the 
persons  concerned  in  spiking  the  cannon  at  King's  Bridge, 
and  who  afterwards  joined  the  enemy  and  wassl  ain,  was 


by  a  resolution  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  passed  on 
the  2nd  day  of  May  last,  directed  to  withhold  payment  of 
the  said  money  until  further  orders  ;  and  the  said  Gilbert 
Drake  having  applied  to  Convention  for  leave  to  deposit 
the  said  money  into  the  Treasury  of  this  State,  and  it  be- 
ing reasonable  he  should  be  relieved  from  the  risk  of  keep- 
ing the  said  money  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State  be  authorized  to  receive  the  said  money  from  the  said 
Gilbert  Drake,  and  to  pass  a  receipt  for  the  same  to  him, 
which  receipt  shall  operate  as  a  full  discharge  of  the  said 
bond,  both  in  law  and  equity  ;  and  the  said  money  being 
deposited  in  the  treasury,  shall  be  applied  in  such  manner 
as  the  Convention  or  a  future  Legislature  shall  direct ; 
provided,  that  no  suit  shall  be  brought  for  the  said  money 
within  three  years,  before  some  court  of  law  or  equity 
within  this  Slate.  In  case  any  such  suit  shall  be  brought, 
that  it  be  defended  by  the  Treasurer  at  the  expense  of  this 
State. 

Mr.  Morris  moved  the  following  resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Convention  who  may 
from  time  to  time  attend  the  said  Convention  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  do  not  depart  without  leave  of  the  House 
or  the  Committee  of  Safety  on  pain  of  expulsion. 

Col.  Livingston  moved  for  the  following  amendment : 
"  Unless  they  leave  a  representation  of  their  county." 

Debates  arose,  and  a  question  put,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative  as  follows,  to  wit : 

For  the  Amendment.  Against  the  Amendment. 

New- York,   8      Albany,   6 

Dutchess,  5      Tryon,   3 

Westchester,                          4  Mr.  Harper  dissents. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved  the  following  amendment : 
Strike  out  the  words,  "  of  expulsion,"  and  instead  thereof 
insert,  "being  sent  for  and  brought  back  by  the  sergeant- 
at-arms  at  the  charge  of  such  members,  and  reprimanded 
by  the  President  in  such  manner  as  the  House  shall  direct ; 
and  that  the  constituents  of  the  delinquent  be  made  ac 
quainted  with  his  neglect." 

The  amendment  being  read  was  agreed  to. 

The  original  motion  being  read  with  the  amendment  as 
agreed  to,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was  unani- 
mously agreed  to,  which  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Convention  who  may 
from  time  to  time  attend  the  said  Convention  or  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  do  not  depart  without  leave  of  the  House 
or  the  Committee  of  Safety,  on  pain  of  being  sent  for  by 
the  sergeant-at-arms,  at  the  charge  of  such  member,  and 
reprimanded  by  the  President  in  such  manner  as  the  House 
shall  direct,  and  that  the  constituents  of  the  delinquent  be 
made  acquainted  with  his  neglect." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Jacobus  Van  Wack  the  sum  of  £3  15s.  for  boarding  a 
sick  man  and  for  the  expense  of  burying  him,  on  his  de- 
cease, by  order  of  the  committee  appointed  to  provide  for 
the  poor. 

Colonel  Livingston  moved  that  the  Convention  will  ad- 
journ from  this  place. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  was  carried 

in  the  affirmative,  as  follows  : 

For  the  Affirmative.                        For  the  Negative- 
Albany,   6      Westchester,   4 

New-York,   8      Tryon,   3 

14  7 

Dutchess  divided. 

Mr.  Gansevoort  moved  that  this  Convention  will  adjourn 
to  meet  at  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  on  the  nineteenth 
instant. 

Mr.  Wisner  moved  that  the  words  "  Goshen  in  Orange 
county,"  be  inserted  instead  of  the  words  "  Kingston  in 
Ulster  county."  Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question 
being  put  on  the  amendment,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  Mr.  Gansevoort's  motion, 
and  carried  in  the  affirmative. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


803 


Mr.  Duane  then  moved  for  the  following  preamble  and 
resolution  : 

Whereas  the  many  great  and  momentous  affairs  now 
under  consideration  of  Convention,  have  occasioned  a 
call  of  the  House,  and  require  the  advice  and  assistance 
of  all  its  members,  and  this  village  being  too  small  to  af- 
ford proper  accommodations  for  the  Convention  and  those 
who  have  business  with  the  public  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  this  Convention  will  adjourn 
from  this  place  to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  to  meet  on  the 
nineteenth  instant,  and  all  the  members  of  Convention  are 
peremptorily  required  to  give  their  attendance  accordingly. 

The  same  being  read  and  the  question  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  General  Scott  dissenting  to 
the  preamble. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  preamble  and  resolution 
be  published. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  present  do  write  letters  to 
the  committees  of  their  respective  counties,  enclosing  co- 
pies of  the  above  resolution,  and  inform  them  that  it  is  the 
intention  of  the  House  as  soon  as  they  meet  in  Kingston, 
to  proceed  to  the  business  of  forming  a  plan  of  govern- 
ment, requesting  them  to  notify  the  members  thereof,  and 
requesting  their  attendance. 

Ordered,  That  the  clothing  committee  be  requested  to 
recommend  a  proper  person  to  Convention  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, as  commissary  of  clothing. 

Mr.  Livingston,  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Alexander  Wallace  to  Governeur  Morris,  Esquire,  on  the 
subject  of  Hugh  Wallace,  Esqr.'s  plate  and  effects,  taken 
Dy  order  of  General  Heath,  at  Hackensack,  delivered  in 
their  report  of  the  committee,  which  was  read  and  post- 
poned for  further  consideration. 

Colonel  Lott  has  leave  of  absence  and  to  meet  the  Con- 
vention at  Kingston. 

Whereas  the  many  important  affairs  now  before  Con- 
vention will  require  the  advice  and  assistance  of  all  its 
members  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  committee  for  inquiring 
into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies  which  may 
be  formed  in  this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America  be 
dissolved  on  or  before  the  27th  day  of  this  instant ;  that 
Egbert  Benson,  Jacobus  Swartwourt  and  Melancton  Smith, 
Esqrs.  be  appointed  commissioners  for  inquiring  into,  de- 
tecting and  defeating  conspiracies  which  may  be  formed  in 
this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America;  that  they  shall 
respectively  be  allowed  12s.  for  every  day  they  shall  serve 
in  the  said  trust ;  that  the  before  mentioned  committee  pre- 
pare the  draft  of  a  commission  and  instruction  for  the  said 
commissioners  and  report  the  same  with  allconvenientspeed. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  provide  can- 
non for  the  frigates  built  at  Poughkeepsie,  have  leave  of 
absence  to  attend  the  said  business,  and  to  meet  the  Con- 
vention at  Kingston  as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  establish  an 
armoury  at  this  place,  be  requested  to  recommend  a  pro- 
per person  to  take  charge  of  that  business. 

Mr.  Dunscomb  arrived  into  Convention  after  the  afore- 
going business  was  done. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  one  of  the  members,  represented  to 
Convention  that  he  stands  indebted  to  Oliver  Delancy,  now 
commanding  a  brigade  in  the  actual  service  of  the  enemy, 
and  to  David  Johnson,  Esquire,  in  the  sum  of  £1,260, 
principal  money,  on  which  there  is  an  arrear  of  interest ; 
which  money  is  secured  to  be  paid  by  his  bond  to  them 
jointly  and  a  mortgage  on  certain  lands  in  the  county  of 
Ulster  ;  that  he  is  ready  and  desirous  to  discharge  the  said 
debt  and  requests  the  direction  of  this  House  concerning 
the  moiety  thereof  belonging  to  the  said  Oliver  Delancy. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  at  liberty  to 
pay  one  moiety  of  the  said  debt  to  Mr.  Johnson  ;  and  that 
he  lodge  the  other  half  in  the  Treasury  of  this  State,  to 
attend  the  future  disposition  of  the  Convention  or  Legis- 
lature thereof;  and  that  upon  producing  Mr.  Johnson's  re- 


ceipt and  the  Treasurer's  certificate  of  such  payment  and 
deposit,  and  lodge  the  same  with  the  Secretary  of  this 
Convention,  the  said  bond  and  mortgage  shall  be  null  and 
void.  Provided,  the  signing  of  the  said  receipt  shall  be 
proved  by  at  least  one  witness  on  oath,  to  be  administered 
by  the  President  or  Vice-President  of  this  Convention,  or 
in  the  recess  thereof,  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety. 

A  letter  from  Edward  Dunscomb,  son  of  Daniel  Duns- 
comb,  who  is  now  in  prison  in  New-York,  was  delivered 
into  Convention  and  read.  He  therein  sets  forth  his  long 
confinement ;  that  others  taken  prisoners  long  since  him, 
have  been  exchanged,  and  therefore  requests  the  interpo- 
sition of  Congress  that  an  exchange  may  be  effected  for 
him. 

Ordered,  That  the  subject  of  the  said  letter  be  referred 
to  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  advance  to 
Robert  Harper,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  £500,  for  the  use  of 
the  committee  appointed  to  procure  clothing  for  the  troops 
raising  in  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Broome  be  appointed  agent  of 
the  privateer  sloop  Montgomerie,  belonging  to  this  State, 
and  that  he  be  authorized  to  fit  her  out  in  case  of  her  re- 
turn, and  take  the  charge  of  her  prizes,  if  she  shall  meet 
with  success,  and  to  cause  the  same  to  be  disposed  of; 
and  this  Convention  engage  the  public  faith,  to  reimburse 
the  money  which  he  shall  expend  in  the  premises. 

Mr.  Duane  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Indian 
chiefs  residing  at  Oncoghquaga,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Brothers — Your  message  by  John  Harper,  has  been 
delivered  to  the  Representatives  of  this  State,  in  their  great 
council,  at  Fishkill.  We  thank  you  for  your  kind  saluta- 
ions,  and  assure  you  that  the  great  council  of  this  State  is 
sincerely  disposed  to  do  you  every  kind  of  justice  and 
kindness  in  their  power  to  prevent  any  injury  to  your  per- 
sons or  possessions,  and  to  promote  the  most  friendly  and 
cordial  friendship  between  all  the  Indians  and  the  other 
inhabitants  of  this  State. 

"  It  gives  us  real  concern  that  George  Croghan  has 
abused  your  confidence  and  defrauded  you  of  the  money 
due  on  his  note  of  hand.  He  has  treated  many  other  sub- 
jects of  this  State  in  the  same  manner ;  first,  running 
greatly  in  their  debt,  and  then  privately  remaining  out  of 
its  jurisdiction.  The  great  council  will,  however,  when 
the  important  business  which  at  present  engages  all  their 
attention  shall  admit,  endeavour  to  secure  your  debt. 

"  Brothers — The  great  council  will  never  suffer  you  to 
be  defrauded  of  your  lands,  but  will  severely  punish  all 
who  attempt  it ;  and  you  may  safely  depend  on  our  pro- 
tection. Be  not  therefore  disquieted,  if  any  person  has 
been  so  imprudent  as  to  survey  your  lands  without  your 
consent  for  sale  ;  such  survey  cannot  prejudice  your  right. 
If  a  settlement  should  be  attempted,  the  great  council,  on 
your  complaint,  will  order  the  intruder  to  be  removed. 

"  Brothers — We  are  not  unmindful  of  your  wants  or 
your  former  request  for  ammunition  ;  we  shall  always  be 
pleased  when  it  is  in  our  power,  to  assist  you  ;  and  we 
now  send  you  100  weight  of  powder,  which  you  will  ac- 
cept as  a  proof  of  our  sincerity  and  regard. 

"  Brothers — Rely  on  our  justice,  protection  and  friend- 
ship. Farewell. 

"  Given  in  the  great  council  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
and  signed 

"  By  order  of  Convention. 

"  Fishkill,  February  1  lth,  1777." 

Resolved,  That  one  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  be 
presented  to  the  Indians  residing  at  Oncoghquaga  and  its 
neighbourhood,  in  the  county  of  Tryon  ;  and  that  Mr. 
John  R.  Livingston  be  requested  to  deliver  that  quantity  to 
Mr.  John  Harper,  out  of  the  powder  at  his  works  belong- 
ing to  this  State. 


804 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Broome  has  leave  of  absence  for  three  weeks, 
(months.) 

Colo.  Livingston  has  the  like  leave  till  the  Convention 
meet  at  Kingston. 

Mr.  Wisner  has  leave  of  absence  for  one  day. 

Mr.  Uuane  has  leave  of  absence  for  one  day,  to  inquire 
the  boundaries  of  this  Stale. 

Adjourned. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

February  12th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 
Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Harper,  General  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 
Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor — Albany. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newktrk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Wisner—  Orange. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  one  pound,  to  reimburse 
him  for  the  expenses  of  removing  1 1  boxes  of  types,  be- 
longing to  Hugh  Gaine,  from  the  landing  of  the  Continental 
store;  and  the  sum  of  two  pounds,  eight  shillings,  for  so 
much  by  him  paid  to  an  express  to  General  Washington, 
as  per  his  account,  audited  and  reported  by  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Loudon  be  directed  to  send  1,000 
copies  of  the  Crisis,  No.  2,  to  this  Committee,  and  that  it 
be  enjoined  on  the  members  to  send  a  proportion  of  them 
to  their  respective  counties,  to  be  distributed  among  the 
inhabitants. 

Mr.  Gansevoort  moved  "  that  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr. 
Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  be  directed  to  remove,  be- 
tween this  and  the  nineteenth  instant,  the  treasury  and  pa- 
pers belonging  to  this  State,  to  Kingston,  in  the  county  of 
Ulster." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  it  was 
carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  Committee  that  sundry  inha- 
bitants of  part  of  Orange  county  are  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
leaving  behind  them  their  stock,  hay,  grain,  and  other 
effects.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  a  committee  to  devise 
ways  and  means  to  secure  the  property  of  sundry  persons, 
of  the  county  of  Orange,  who  are  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
and  that  he  report  the  same  as  soon  as  possible. 

General  Scott  (in  behalf  of  Mr.  Sacket)  informed  the 
Commiltee  that  Mr.  Sacket  is  employed  by  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  to  execute  some  public  bu- 
siness, for  defraying  the  expense  whereof  Mr.  Sacket  pro- 
duced an  order  from  his  said  Excellency,  on  the  Paymas- 
ter-General to  the  army  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  500  dollars. 

"  Pay  to  Mr.  Nathaniel  Sacket  five  hundred  dollars,  to 
be  accounted  for  with  me;  and  this  shall  be  your  sufficient 
warrant. 

"Given  under  my  hand,  at  Morris  Town, 
this  fourth  day  of  February,  1777. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 
"By  His  Excellency's  command. 

"  Tench  Tii.ghman. 
"  To  William  Palfrey,  Esqr.  Paymaster- 
General  to  the  Army  of  the  United  States 
of  America." 

General  Scott  further  informed  the  Committee  that  the 
Paymaster-General  being  absent  when  Mr.  Sacket  left 
Head-Quarters,  payment  on  the  said  order  could  not  be 


procured,  and  that  the  business  to  which  Mr.  Sacket  is  ap- 
pointed as  aforesaid  is  of  a  very  urgent  nature,  and  therefore 
moved  that  the  money  be  advanced  Mr.  Sacket,  on  the  credit 
of  the  said  order,  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State.  There- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Nathaniel  Sacket,  Esquire,  on  the  credit  and  account  of 
His  Excellency  General  Washington's  order  for  five  hun- 
dred dollars,  on  the  Paymaster-General  of  the  army  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  in  favour  of  Mr.  Sacket,  dated 
the  fourth  day  of  Feby.  1777,  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
dollars,  and  that  the  Treasurer  take  Mr.  Sacket's  endorse- 
ment on  the  said  order,  making  the  same  payable  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State  for  the  use  thereof. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  dated 
at  Morris  Town,  February  8th,  1777,  was  read  and  filed, 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"Head-Quarters,  ? 
"  Morris  Town,  Feby.  8th,  1777.  J 

"  Sir — Yesterday  honoured  me  with  your  two  favours 
of  the  22d  and  23d  ulto.  Had  the  success  that  was  rea- 
sonably expected  from  the  expedition  undertaken  by  Ge- 
neral Heath  attended  our  arms,  I  had  flattering  hopes  of 
congratulating  my  country  on  the  happy  event  of  circum- 
scribing her  unnatural  foes  within  narrow  limits,  and  a  fair 
prospect  of  retarding  their  early  operations  in  the  next 
campaign,  till  we  are  completely  ready  to  meet  and  effectu- 
ally to  oppose  them. 

"  I  beg  that  you  would  do  me  the  justice  to  believe  that 
I  had  no  other  view  in  mentioning  the  detention  of  some  of 
the  Continental  clothing  by  your  State,  than  a  sincere  wish 
to  deprive  others  of  the  smallest  right  to  charge  me  with  a 
predilection  in  your  favour ;  though  my  inclination  might 
have  led  me  to  devote  an  unusual  share  of  attention  to 
your  circumstances,  yet  it  is  necessary  for  me  to  exer- 
cise in  every  instance,  an  impartial  justice.  Mr.  Hughs 
was  mistaken,  when  he  mentioned  to  one  of  your  members 
that  a  part  of  those  goods  were  to  be  left  at  Peekskill ; 
from  the  first,  I  intended  that  they  should  be  delivered  into 
the  hands  of  Mr.  Mease  the  clothier-general  who  has  my 
orders  to  distribute  them  among  the  States,  having  just 
regard  to  their  numbers,  situation  and  circumstances.  He 
is  now  at  this  place  on  that  business  ;  and  will,  when  made 
up,  deliver  them  to  the  regiments  as  they  want  them. 

"  I  should  be  unhappy  in  the  belief  that  any  part  of  my 
letters  to  you  could  be  construed  into  the  slightest  hint  that 
you  want  to  interfere  in  the  military  line  :  Heaven  knows 
that  I  want  the  aid  of  every  great  man,  and  that  there  are 
not  such  enviable  pleasures  attending  my  situation,  as  to 
make  me  too  jealous  of  its  prerogatives.  Rather  than  com- 
plain of  your  late  effort  in  the  military  way,  you  deserve 
the  thanks  of  us  all ;  and  I  feel  myself  happy  in  this  op- 
portunity of  returning  you  mine,  in  the  greatest  truth  and 
sincerity. 

"  I  am  not  without  my  apprehensions  for  the  safety  of 
the  fortress  of  Ticonderoga,  and  have  therefore  wrote  to 
N.  Hampshire  and  the  Bay,  to  forward  their  new  troops  to 
that  place  with  all  possible  despatch.  From  the  accounts 
I  receive  of  the  success  that  attends  the  recruiting  service 
in  those  States,  I  have  reason  to  expect  that  garrison  will, 
in  a  short  time,  be  in  a  respectable  state  of  defence. 

"  I  am  sorry  that  experience  has  too  fully  proved  that 
General  Howe  has  every  species  of  intelligence  he  can 
wish  for,  and  cannot  therefore  suppress  my  just  indignation 
at  the  extraordinary  request  made  by  Mr.  Loring,  his  com- 
missary pris'r,  that  the  Canada  gents,  should  have  a  safe 
pass  through  our  country  ;  our  assistance  in  returning  home 
I  hope  thev  would  not  doubt,  could  prudence  justify  us 
in  indulging  them  with  an  opportunity  of  making  every  dis- 
covery they  could  with  relation  to  our  situation.  You  are 
therefore  perfectly  right  in  refusing  him. 

"  Every  thing  in  the  clothing  line  passes  through  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Mease  ;  with  him  you  will  please  to  corres- 
pond on  that  subject. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


805 


"  Nothing  material  has  happened  lately.  The  enemy's 
want  of  forage  compels  them  to  send  out  large  parties  to 
secure  it ;  these  are  always  beat  in  with  some  loss.  Their 
draft  and  artillery  horses  die  fast ;  and  now  that  I  have 
brought  all  the  useful  ones  from  their  neighbourhood,  I 
think  they  will  meet  with  much  difficulty  in  advancing. 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obt.  servant, 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Hon.  Jas.  Livingston,  Esqr." 

A  memorial  of  Captain  James  Stewart,  relative  to  the 
pay  of  Allen  Grant,  a  soldier  who  was  taken  prisoner  on 
New- York  island,  has  been  exchanged,  and  is  now  return- 
ed to  his  company,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Webster  be  a 
committee  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Lewis  McDonald,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Bedford  in  Westchester  county,  relative  to  a  com- 
pany of  rangers  raised  in  Westchester  county  by  Captain 
Gray,  and  relative  to  sundry  resolutions  of  the  said  com- 
mittee, and  contained  in  the  said  letter,  was  received  and 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Adgate  and  Mr. 
Mills,  be  a  committee  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 

Mr.  William  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
every  member  of  Convention,  who  have  departed  without 
leave  of  the  Convention  or  Committee,  be  sent  for  at  their 
own  expense,  respectively,  by  the  sergeant-at-arms. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative. 

A  remonstrance  of  the  sub-committee  of  the  manor  of 
Cortlandt,  dated  the  5th  instant,  relative  to  the  conduct  of 
Peter  Come  in  purchasing  wheat,  suspected  to  be  intended 
for  the  use  of  the  enemy,  was  read. 

Colonel  Drake  gave  parol  information  to  the  same  pur- 
pose. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  remonstrance  and  parol  informa- 
tion, be  committed  to  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Lawrence  and  Mr. 
Dunscomb. 

Major  Schenk  presented  an  account — sales  of  five  horses 
and  sundry  saddles,  and  other  things,  amounting  to  £80, 
with  a  bill  of  expenses  amounting  to  £22,  leaving  a  balance 
of  £68. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  balance  be  paid  to  the  Vice- 
Treasurer. 

A  letter  from  Captain  William  Rodgers,  dated  at  Balti- 
more, on  the  17th  January,  relative  to  prizes  by  him  brought 
into  that  port  and  libelled,  was  read.  The  copies  of  the 
papers  of  the  said  vessels,  therewith  enclosed,  were  also 
read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Robert  Harper 
and  Major  Lawrence,  as  a  committee,  to  report  thereon. 
Adjourned. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

February  13th,  1777. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb — Kew-York. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Paulding — Westchester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr  H.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Col.  Sherwood — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

An  account  of  Phebe  Couling,  for  the  board  of  Mr. 
Douglass  and  his  wife,  was  read  ;  and  also  the  petition  of 
Wm.  Douglass,  praying  that  some  provision  may  be  made 
for  his  maintenance. 

Referred  to  Mr.  Henry  Schenk  and  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

202 


Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Gilbert  Schenk,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Rombout's  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  the  sum  of  £300, 
to  enable  the  said  committee  to  discharge  sundry  debts  al- 
ready contracted,  and  which  may  be  by  them  contracted, 
in  supporting  sundry  poor  inhabitants  of  New-York,  pur- 
suant to  the  order  of  Convention ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  thereof,  to  the 
Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Captain  Rogers,  of  the  sloop  of  war  Montgomerie,  and  the 
papers  relative  to  vessels  captured  by  him,  reported  : 

"  That  as  they  are  not  informed  of  any  suitable  person 
to  appoint  as  agent  for  that  business  in  Baltimore,  it  is 
their  opinion  that  a  letter  be  wrote  to  our  Delegates  in 
Continental  Congress  now  there,  to  appoint  some  suitable 
person  for  that  purpose,  to  act  for  this  State,  and  in  assist- 
ing Captain  Rogers  in  fitting  out  the  •vessel  for  another 
cruise." 

Which  report  was  read  and  approved. 

The  same  committee  also  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to 
the  Delegates  of  this  Colony  in  Continental  Congress,  and 
another  to  Captain  Rodgers,  which  were  approved  of,  as 
follows,  to  wit  : 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  from  Captain  Wil- 
liam Rodgers,  of  the  sloop  of  war  Montgomery,  belonging 
to  this  State,  a  letter  informing  us  of  his  arrival  in  Balti- 
more, in  company  with  a  brig  and  schooner,  prizes  taken 
by  him,  which  are  now  libelled  in  the  Court  of  Admiralty 
of  that  State,  which  letters  accompanies  copies  of  her  re- 
gister and  sundry  certificates  and  papers  found  on  board 
said  brig,  all  of  which  appears  to  us  to  carry  the  strongest 
evidence  of  said  brig  and  her  cargo  being  the  property  of 
the  subjects  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ;  notwithstand- 
ing which,  from  Captain  Rogers'  letters  it  appears  he  en- 
tains  doubts  of  the  vessel  and  cargo  being  condemned. 
We  would  therefore  beg  leave  to  request  you,  gentlemen, 
to  give  Captain  Rogers  every  assistance  in  your  power  in 
endeavoring  to  have  said  brig  condemned,  and  likewise  to 
appoint  some  suitable  person  as  agent  for  this  State,  to  as- 
sist Captain  Rogers  in  the  sale  of  said  prizes,  and  in  fitting 
said  sloop  for  another  cruise  as  soon  as  possible.  You  will 
be  pleased  to  order  two-thirds  of  the  quantity  of  each  of 
the  articles  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  list,  to  be  purchased 
at  all  events  for  the  use  of  this  State  ;  and  in  case  the  re- 
maining ^  part  should  sell  at  a  moderate  price,  we  would  be 
glad  to  have  them  likewise  purchased  for  our  accounts;  all  of 
which  articles  are  extremely  scarce  here,  and  from  infor- 
mation may  be  transported  to  De  Peau's  farm,  on  the  Dela- 
ware, within  forty  miles  of  New-Windsor,  on  the  North 
river,  the  greatest  part  of  the  way  by  water. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  the  Hon.  Francis  Lewis  and  Lewis 
Morris,  Esqrs.  Delegates  for  the  State 
of  New- York,  Baltimore." 

The  list  of  articles  referred  to  in  the  preceding  letter  is 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

"The  barley,  raisins,  cordage  and  hawser,  crosscut  saws, 
shoes,  woollens,  linens,  Osnaburgs,  canvass,  lampblack, 
mustard,  spices,  twine,  nails,  salt." 

The  draft  of  a  letter  to  Captain  Rodgers  was  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

"  Sir — We  received  your  favour  of  27th  ultimo,  en- 
closing a  copy  of  Caplain  Wilkenson's  receipt  for  sundry 
goods  shipped  on  board  the  schooner  Hannah,  and  accom- 
panying sundry  papers  found  on  board  the  brigantine  Mi- 
nerva, John  Winning  master  ;  both  of  said  vessels  you  in- 
forms us  you  have  libelled  in  the  Court  of  Admiralty,  and 
for  which  you  have  our  approbation.  We  cannot,  from  those 
papers  enclosed  to  us,  conceive  any  substantial  reason  can 
be  offered  why  the  brigantine  and  cargo  should  not  be  con- 
demned ;  notwithstanding  we  have  wrote  to  Messrs.  Francis, 
Lewis  and  Lewis  Morris,  our  Representatives,  (and  such 
other  gentlemen  as  are  there  in  the  representation  of  us,) 
now  in  Continental  Congress,  to  whom  we  refer  you  for 


800 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


advice,  who  will  give  you  all  the  aid  in  their  power.  We 
have  requested  those  gentlemen  to  appoint  an  agent  to 
transact  the  business  for  this  State,  and  assist  you  in  for- 
warding the  fitting  out  of  the  sloop  for  another  cruise, 
which  we  would  recommend  you  would  proceed  upon  as 
soon  as  possible. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  To  Captain  Wm.  Hodgers, 

of  the  sloop  Monlgomerie." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Major  Jonathan  Lawrence,  on  the  account  and  credit  of 
Queens  county  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds,  and  that  Major 
Lawrence  account  with  the  said  county  for  the  same,  on 
a  settlement  for  his  services  as  a  Deputy  for  said  county  in 
the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  give  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

General  Scott,  agreeable  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a 
letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  exchanging  Captain  Van  Dyck  and  others,  priso- 
ners at  New-York,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  ? 
"  At  Fishkill,  Febry.  13th,  1777.  5 

"  Sir — The  Committee  of  Safety  beg  leave  to  request 
your  attention  to  the  exchange  of  certain  prisoners  of  war 
belonging  to  this  State,  viz.  Major  Hetfield,  Captain  Van 
Dyck,  Lieutenant  Dunscomb  and  Adjutant  Hogland,  who 
all  belonged  to  General  Scott's  brigade.  The  major  was 
taken  at  the  unfortunate  attempt  on  Montresser's  island  ; 
the  captain  in  the  retreat  from  New-York  on  the  fif- 
teenth of  September  ;  and  the  lieutenant  and  adjutant  at 
Long  island,  so  long  ago  as  the  27th  August.  While  we 
are  thus  soliciting  your  Excellency  in  behalf  of  those  unfor- 
tunate gentlemen,  we  do  not  mean  to  insinuate  the  least  sus- 
picion of  an  inattention  to  their  case  at  Head-Quarters  ;  on 
the  contrary,  the  Committee  of  Safely  are  well  convinced 
of  your  equitable  design  of  negociating  exchanges  with  a 
reference  to  the  respective  ranks  of  the  prisoners,  and  the 
respective  times  of  their  captivity.  That  we  have  reason 
to  believe,  as  we  are  informed  that  many  who  were  captur- 
ed at  Fort  Washington  have  already  been  exchanged, 
and  as  we  know  the  political  characters  of  the  four  unfor- 
tunate gentlemen  above  mentioned  must  render  them  pe- 
culiarly obnoxious  to  the  enemy,  that  the  order  of  exchange 
has  been  in  some  measure  evaded  contrary  to  your  in- 
tention, and  that  many  who  have  had  the  art  of  insinu- 
ating themselves  into  the  favour  of  the  enemy's  commissa- 
ry of  prisoners  have  been  indulged  with  an  undue  prefe- 
rence. The  gentlemen  we  have  mentioned  are  all  men  of 
real  merit,  and  the  continuance  of  their  inprisonment  is  a 
public  loss.  We  therefore  entreat  your  friendly  aid  and  in- 
terposition that  justice  may  be  done  them. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servants. 
"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
"  His  Excellency  General  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Vice-President,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  remonstrance 
of  the  sub-committee  of  manor  of  Cortlandt,  relative  to 
Peter  Come  and  others,  disaffected,  purchasing  wheat,  &c. 
reported  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  no  person  or  persons  whatsoever  re- 
siding within  the  county  of  Westchester,  shall  be  per- 
mitted to  purchase  or  manufacture  any  wheat,  flour,  pork, 
beef  and  other  produce,  (excepting  such  and  so  much  as 
may  be  necessarily  required  for  the  use  of  their  respectice 
families,)  unless  such  person  or  persons  shall  previous  to 
such  purchase  or  manufacture  have  taken  the  following 
oath  :    [Oath  omitted.] 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolu- 
tion be  sent  to  the  chairman  of  Westchester  county,  who 
is  directed  to  furnish  the  chairman  of  the  sub-commit- 
tee in  the  said  county  with  copies  thereof;  and  they  are 


directed  to  cause  the  same  to  be  published  in  their  respec- 
tive districts  without  delay. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  Samuel  Tudor,  the  sum  of  £1000,  to  defray  the 
expenses  of  procuring  and  cutting  timber  for  a  74  gun  ship 
pursuant  to  an  order  of  this  Committee,  and  that  the  Trea- 
surer pay  the  said  money  to  Mr.  Alexander  Leach  Miller, 
to  be  by  him  conveyed  and  delivered  to  the  said  Captain 
Samuel  Tudor,  and  take  Mr.  Miller's  receipt  on  behalf  of 
Mr.  Tudor,  to  be  accountable  for  the  same. 

A  certificate  from  Col.  Isaac  Swartwout,  relative  to  a 
chest  of  tools  taken  into  the  public  service  by  Jacob  King, 
a  soldier  in  Captain  Stephen  Duryee's  company,  and  which 
was  lost;  also  a  letter  from  Jeremiah  Jones  and  Jacob 
King,  on  the  same  subject,  were  read  and  committed  to 
Mr.  Adgate  and  Mr.  Taylor. 

The  committee  on  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Bed- 
ford in  Westchester  county,  and  sundry  resolutions  of  said 
committee,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and 
recommitted. 

Adjourned  until  the  afternoon. 


Thursday  Afternoon,  Febry.  13th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met. 

Present— Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb— New-York. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  Major  Lzndon— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Col.  Sherwood — Orange. 

Mr.  Stephens— Cumberland. 

An  account  of  John  H.  Sleght,  amounting  to  £4,  for  his 
trouble,  &c.  to  be  audited. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  dated 
at  Morris  Town,  on  the  tenth  inst.  relative  to  inoculating 
such  soldiers  in  the  Continental  army  as  have  not  had  the 
small  pox,  was  read. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Drake  and  Mr 
Paulding  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  General  McDou- 
gall  or  the  commanding  officer  at  Peekskill,  on  the  subject 
of  the  said  letter,  and  jointly  with  him  appoint  a  proper 
place  for  inoculating  such  of  the  Continental  troops  as  have 
not  had  the  small  pox,  and  to  determine  the  number  to  be 
inoculated  at  one  time,  and  the  number  of  days  to  be  be- 
tween the  inoculation  of  each  party. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Phebe  S.  Coding,  and  the  memorial  of  William  Douglass 
reported  : 

"That  on  examination  and  inquiry,  they  find  the  said 
Douglass  to  be  a  very  poor  indigent  man,  with  a  wife  and 
one  child  at  her  breast ;  that  the  said  Douglass  has  lost  one 
of  his  arms  whilst  engaged  in  the  Continental  service,  but 
not  being  possessed  with  the  resolution  of  Congress,  making 
provision  for  their  wounded  soldiers,  beg  leave  to  report 
the  following  resolution  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Rombout  precinct  be 
directed  to  take  William  Douglass  with  his  wife  and  child 
under  their  care  and  make  provision  for  them  in  like  man- 
ner as  they  use  for  the  poor  removed  from  New- York  into 
their  precinct,  for  which  the  Convention  or  Committee  of 
Safety  will  make  provision  for  payment." 

Ordered,  That  Captain  James  Weeks,  who  was  autho- 
rized and  directed  to  provide  quarters  for  the  said  William 
Douglass  and  his  wife,  be  furnished  with  an  order  of  the 
Committee  on  the  Treasurer  for  the  sum  of  £\2  12s.  for 
fourteen  weeks'  board  and  subsistence  of  said  William 
Douglass  and  his  wife. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  a  copy  of  this 
resolution  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Rombout's 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


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precinct,  and  direct  the  said  Douglass  to  apply  to  that  com- 
mittee for  his  support. 

The  said  resolution  and  report  being  considered,  were 
agreed  to. 

A  letter  from  William  Duer,  Esqr.  dated  at  Cromwells, 
on  the  6th  inst.  recommending  Mr.  Joseph  Hunt  for  pro- 
tection, and  provision  to  be  made  for  him  and  his  family  as 
a  reward  for  his  zeal  and  late  essential  services  to  his  coun- 
try, and  some  compensation  for  his  being  obliged  to  leave 
his  farm  and  mills  on  that  account,  was  read. 

General  Scott  gave  satisfactory  information  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  good  services  of  the  said  Joseph  Hunt. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Joseph  Hunt  be  directed  and 
permitted  to  take  possession  of  some  part  of  the  dwelling 
houses  and  buildings  on  the  farm  lately  occupied  by  Tho- 
mas Barclay  at  Walkill ;  and  that  he  have  the  use  of  so 
much  of  the  said  farm,  farm  houses  and  out  houses  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  convenient  lodging  and  support 
of  his  family,  until  further  order  of  the  Convention  or  Le- 
gislature of  this  State  ;  and  that  Fowler  permit  the 
said  Joseph  Hunt,  to  have  possession  of  part  of  the  said 
farm  and  houses.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  of  this  State  will  de- 
fray the  expense  of  the  removal  of  the  said  Joseph  Hunt 
with  his  family  and  effects  from  Westchester  county  to 
Walkill  aforesaid. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 


Feby.  Uth,  1777. 


The  Committee  met. 


Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Dunseomb,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Schenk,  Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Tappen  —  Ulster. 

Col.  Sherwood— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Committee  of  Safety,  by 
the  solemn  affirmation  of  Joseph  Hunt,  one  of  the  people 
called  Quakers,  who  at  the  peril  of  his  life,  has  done  signal 
service  to  the  American  cause  ;  that  the  troops  under  Ge- 
neral Sullivan's  command,  on  their  removal  from  West- 
chester county,  took  from  him  thirty  sheep  ;  and  also  two 
horses  were  impressed  from  him  for  the  removal  of  Colo- 
nel Sergeant's  regiment ;  and  that  by  the  valuation  made  by 
the  said  Joseph  Hunt,  the  price  of  the  said  sheep  is  fixed 
at  eighteen  pounds,  and  that  of  the  said  horses  at  twenty- 
seven  pounds,  which  this  Committee  of  Safety  conceive  to 
be  a  reasonable  valuation. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  that  the  Commissary-General  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  ought  to  pay  the  said  Joseph  Hunt  for  the 
said  sheep  at  the  aforesaid  valuation  ;  and  that  the  Quar- 
ter-Master-General of  the  said  army  ought  to  pay  him  for 
the  said  horses  according  to  the  above  valuation. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  be  added  to  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  establish  an  armoury  at  this  place. 

The  armoury  committee  reported  "  That  they  have 
hired  and  fitted  up  a  shop  in  this  place  ;  that  they  have 
purchased  tools  and  materials,  and  employed  sundry  work- 
men ;  among  others  one  James  Kip,  whom  your  committee 
have  appointed  to  superintend  the  said  works  until  a  cer- 
tain William  Allen  shall  arrive,  for  whom  they  have  wrote 
for  the  purpose  of  superintending  the  said  works  ;  that  the 
said  James  Kip  is  gone  to  the  State  of  New- Jersey  for  his 
tools  and  materials,  and  cannot  possibly  return  for  some 


days  ;  wherefore  the  committee  do  recommend  James 
Cooper  of  this  place,  blacksmith,  to  superintend  the  said 
works  until  the  arrival  of  the  said  James  Kip  or  William 
Allen,  or  either  of  them,  to  the  charge  of  the  said  works  ; 
that  the  said  committee  have  been  at  considerable  expense 
in  establishing  the  said  works  and  purchasing  materials, 
and  therefore  request  an  order  on  the  treasury  for  one 
hundred  pounds,  for  which  they  will  be  accountable." 

The  same  being  read,  was  agreed  to  and  confirmed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
William  Harper,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  for 
the  use  of  the  committee  appointed  to  establish  an  armoury 
at  or  near  this  place,  and  lake  his  receipt  to  be  accountable 
for  the  expenditure  of  the  same. 

The  clothing  committee  being  directed  to  nominate  a 
person  to  take  charge  of  the  clothing  store  of  this  State, 
recommend  Mr.  John  Henry  as  qualified  for  that  purpose. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Henry  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by appointed  chief  director,  or  commissary  of  the  clothing 
store  of  this  State,  and  that  he  be  allowed  a  salary  of  ten 
shillings  per  day. 

Resolved,  also,  That  Cornelius  Cregier,  who  has  been 
employed  as  an  assistant  in  the  said  store  from  its  com- 
mencement to  this  time,  and  has  exerted  himself  with  fide- 
lity and  assiduity  therein,  be  continued  as  such,  with  the 
pay  of  eight  shillings  per  day. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  4  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  February  14th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Preesent — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
General  Lott,  Mr.  Dunseomb — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Wra.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Jllbany. 
Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Col.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from  the 
committee  of  Bedford,  dated  the  7th  day  of  February, 
brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read  ;  being  read  a  se- 
sond  time,  a  motion  was  made  by  Mr.  Webster,  and  se- 
conded, that  the  said  report,  with  the  papers  attending  the 
same,  lie  upon  the  table  for  the  further  consideration  of  the 
members. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  it  was  carried  in  the  negative, 
in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 
Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Taylor, 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper, 
Mr.  Newkerk, 
Mr.  Dunseomb, 
Col.  Sherwood, 
Mr.  Mills. 

Adjourned. 


For  the  affirmative. 
General  Scott, 
Major  Webster, 
Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Stevens, 
Mr.  Tappen, 
Mr.  Landon. 


KINGSTON, 

February,  l$th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Z&nAt— New- York. 

Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Tayler— Jllbany. 

Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

No  other  members  appeared. 


808 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  from  General  G.  Clinton,  dated  at  New-Windsor, 
on  the  14th  instant,  informing  the  Committee  that  pursuant 
to  the  resolve  of  the  Convention,  he  has  raised  500  men, 
in  the  counties  of  Orange  and  Ulster,  but  as  a  great  part 
of  the  militia  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester  are  lately  re- 
turned home,  he  is  of  opinion  that  the  five  hundred  men 
apportioned  to  these  counties  cannot  be  raised  as  volunteers, 
and  recommending  that  the  commandants  of  the  militia 
in  each  county,  should  have  their  proportion,  was  read. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  then  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

February  20th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  P.  Livingston — New-York. 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Genl.  Clinton—  Ulster. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  the  15th  instant, 
communicating  his  arrangements  for  the  reinforcing  and 
defending  Ticonderoga,  and  mentioning  that  he  has  been 
addressed  by  the  Oneidas  in  favour  of  Joseph  Brandt,  was 
read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Colonel  Wayne  to  General 
Schuyler,  dated  at  Ticonderoga  the  13th  instant,  and 
therein  stating  the  movements  and  distribution  of  the  ene- 
my's forces  in  Canada  and  Lake  Champlain,  was  read. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

4  o'clock,  P.  M.  February  20th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  General  Clinton — Ulster. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  the  15th 
instant,  received  this  morning,  was  again  read. 

A  copy  of  Col.  Wayne's  letter  to  Major-General  Schuy- 
ler, dated  at  Ticonderoga  the  13th  instant,  was  also  again 
read. 

Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  consideration  of  the 
Convention. 

A  letter  from  William  Duer,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Convention  in  Westchester  county,  dated  at 
Cornwalls  on  the  17th  instant,  was  read,  and  follows  in 
these  words,  to  wit : 

"  Cornwalls,  February  17,  1777. 

"  Sirs — I  am  directed  by  the  committee  of  Convention 
now  in  this  county,  to  transmit  to  you  sundry  copies  of  let- 
ters which  have  passed  betwixt  them,  General  Heath  and 
General  Wooster  ;  from  which  you  will  see  how  immedi- 
ate a  necessity  there  is  for  sending  a  proper  force  into  the 
lower  parts  of  this  county,  under  the  command  of  an  ac- 
tive and  vigilant  officer;  unless  it  is  the  intention  of  the 
State  to  abandon  this  quarter  to  the  enemy,  and  to  sacri- 
fice those  who  have  stood  firm  in  their  country's  cause  in 
the  worst  of  times. 

"  After  General  Heath's  precipitate  retreat  from  King's 
Bridge,  General  Washington  gave  him  orders  to  send  off 
the  main  body  of  his  army  into  the  Jerseys,  excepting 
what  force  was  necessary  for  covering  the  foraging  parties, 


and  directing  him  to  consult  with  Mr.  Duer,  one  of  our 
members,  and  other  persons  acquainted  with  the  country, 
concerning  the  number  of  men  which  would  be  necessary 
for  that  purpose,  and  the  disposition  to  be  made  of  them. 
On  this  subject  the  letters  marked  No.  1  and  8  passed  be- 
tween this  committee  and  General  Heath  and  Genl.  Woos- 
ter, by  which  you  will  observe,  that  notwithstanding  Gene- 
ral Heath's  assurances  and  their  recommendations,  the 
whole  force  left  in  the  lower  parts  of  this  county  (since 
the  dismission  of  the  militia  from  Rhinebeck,  who  accord- 
ing to  our  promise,  have  been  dismissed  at  the  expiration 
of  a  month's  service)  will  not  exceed,  in  the  course  of  this 
week,  900  men;  Colonel  Humphreys  not  having  150  men 
with  him,  and  Captain  Delavan's  company,  at  present,  not 
exceeding  70  men  ;  out  of  this  force  a  guard  is  to  be  left  at 
the  Saw  Pits  and  another  at  the  magazine  at  Wright's 
mill,  exclusive  of  necessary  guards,  &c. ;  so  that  your 
Honourable  Body  will  easily  see  that  we  have  by  no 
means  a  force  sufficient  for  executing  the  two  purposes  re- 
commended in  our  letter  to  General  Heath,  No.  ,  much 
less  to  cut  off  the  communication  with  the  enemy  betwixt 
Ward's  and  the  North  river.  You  will  observe  by  a  letter 
from  Mr.  M.  Leavenworth,  Adjutant-General  to  General 
Wooster,  to  Col.  Humphreys,  that  the  original  intention  of 
General  Wooster  was,  to  persist  in  the  old  mode  of  re- 
treating. This  order  Colonel  Humphreys  communicated 
to  us,  in  consequence  of  which  the  committee  waited  on 
General  Wooster  and  fixed  on  the  disposition  mentioned 
in  his  letter  to  us,  Feby.  15. 

"  It  does  not  correspond  with  our  ideas,  yet  it  is  the  ut- 
most we  could  obtain,  and  might  answer  on  the  whole  tole- 
rably weil,  provided  we  could  supply  the  chasm  betwixt 
Ward's  house  and  the  North  river,  which  is  left  open  by 
the  removal  of  General  Lincoln's  division.  We  have  di- 
rected a  company  of  rangers,  under  the  command  of  Cap- 
tain Delavan,  an  active  officer,  to  scout  in  the  interval  last 
mentioned  ;  and  have  ordered  another  company  to  be  rais- 
ed under  the  command  of  Samuel  Townsend  ;  he  is  an 
officer  who  has  distinguished  himself  as  a  partisan,  but  we 
are  afraid  will  not  be  able  to  fill  his  company  so  as  to  do 
timely  service. 

"  We  have  therefore  earnestly  to  request  that  the  Ho- 
nourable Convention  will  be  pleased  to  devise  ways  and 
means  of  sending  a  body  of  six  or  seven  hundred  men, 
under  the  command  of  an  active  officer,  into  this  county. 
It  is  of  the  utmost  consequence  that  a  reinforcement 
should  be  immediately  sent;  without  it,  we  shall  not  be 
long  able  to  maintain  our  post  here,  but  be  obliged  to  re- 
treat, abandoning  to  the  enemy  a  vast  quantity  of  forage, 
cattle  and  grain  ;  and  leaving  our  friends,  who  have  taken 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  a  sacrifice  to  a  cruel 
enemy,  unless  they  fly  with  us,  and  leave  their  whole  be- 
hind them. 

"Th  ese,  sir,  are  considerations  which  surely  deserve 
the  attention  of  the  Legislature.  To  these  arguments, 
another  may  be  added,  which  as  much  concerns  the  inte- 
rests of  the  State,  as  the  other  considerations  affect  its 
honour  and  dignity  ;  and  that  is,  the  preservation  of  the 
effects  of  persons  who  have  fled  to  or  joined  the  enemy 
you  may  be  assured  cannot  be  effected  but  by  means  of 
the  York  forces;  should  we  employ  the  forces  of  Connec- 
ticut in  this  service,  we  have  too  much  reason  to  think 
that  individuals,  and  not  of  this  Stale,  would  receive  the 
benefit  of  these  fortunes,  exclusively  of  the  wide  field 
which  would  be  left  open  to  them  of  plundering  our  friends 
under  the  mask  of  the  authority  of  this  committee.  Could 
some  of  the  Continental  troops,  now  at  Fishkill,  be  sent 
into  the  lower  parts  of  this  county,  five  hundred  of  them 
will  do  more  service  than  eight  hundred  militia,  were  it 
only  for  the  difference  in  officers  ;  for  none  but  those  who 
have  seen,  can  tell  what  miserable  animals  they  in  general 
are. 

"  As  Colonel  Humphries  has  been  much  disappointed  in 
the  number  of  men  he  expected,  we  have  requested  him  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


809 


proceed  immediately  to  Dutchess  county,  and  to  exert  him- 
self in  sending  down  what  force  he  can  possibly  collect. 
He  will  leave  his  regiment  under  the  command  of  Colonel 
Van  Rensselaer,  and  the  Committee  will  request  Major 
Fisk  to  stay  here,  as  he  is  an  officer  whose  abilities  and 
alertness  renders  him  extremely  useful. 

"  We  shall  likewise  endeavour,  if  possible,  to  get  Colo- 
nel Thomas  to  collect  some  volunteers  from  his  militia ; 
but  this,  even  if  obtained,  will  be  but  a  small  and  short 
lived  reinforcement.  At  all  events,  some  means  must  be 
adopted  for  enabling  us  to  extend  our  posts  to  the  North 
river,  as  the  enemy  have  got  information  of  our  present 
weakness. 

"  On  Wednesday  night  last,  a  party  of  rangers,  with  two 
regular  officers,  penetrated  as  far  as  iN'orwalk,  a  place  about 
thirteen  miles  from  Peekskill,  from  which  many  have 
joined  the  enemy,  and  which  is  infected  with  lories  of  the 
most  abandoned  species.  We  are  apprehensive  that  some 
design  is  forming  amongst  them  to  destroy  our  magazine  of 
forage  at  Wright's  mills,  for  which  reason  we  applied  to 
General  Wooster  to  strengthen  the  guard,  and  have  also 
recommended  it  to  Genl.  McDougall  to  keep  a  company, 
under  the  command  of  a  good  partisan  officer,  in  that  quar- 
ter. Through  this  district  an  open  communication  has 
been  for  some  time  kept  up  between  the  enemy  and  the 
disaffected  in  Dutchess  county.  We  have,  likewise,  on 
the  application  of  Mr.  Duer,  gave  it  as  our  opinion,  that 
he  should  take,  for  the  use  of  the  post  at  Peekskill,  which 
is  greatly  distressed,  all  the  hay,  wheat  and  forage  which 
was  necessary  for  the  same.  Without  this  step  the  post 
at  that  place  can  never  be  maintained  with  forage,  unless 
we  appropriate  all  the  teams  we  have  here  in  order  to  sup- 
ply it,  the  consequences  of  which  would  inevitably  be, 
that  no  magazines  of  forage  could  be  laid  up  in  the  spring. 
In  bringing  forage  from  Dutchess  county,  the  cartage  is  so 
high  and  the  roads  so  bad,  that  by  the  time  the  teams  ar- 
rive at  Peekskill,  one-half  of  the  hay  they  bring  is  wasted 
or  consumed.  Another  consideration  has  induced  us  to 
give  him  this  oipnion  ;  that  is,  we  are  confident  the  demand 
for  forage  in  the  spring  will  be  so  great  as  would  probably 
oblige  us  to  impress  from  our  friends  in  Dutchess  county. 
We,  therefore,  thought  it  best  to  endeavour  to  obviate  it 
by  impressing  it  from  our  inveterate  enemies,  in  a  quarter 
of  the  county  which  will  probably  be  the  seat  of  war,  and 
is  most  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  enemy. 

"  The  members  of  committee  now  in  this  county,  exer- 
cise authority  in  consequence  of  the  Convention  of  the  19th 
December  ;  but  as  many  of  the  members,  in  consequence 
of  a  call  of  the  House,  are  absent,  a  quorum  is  not  left, 
and  consequently  we  are  reduced  either  to  the  necessity  of 
remaining  inactive,  or  of  doing  matters  for  which  we  are 
not,  strictly  speaking,  authorized.  The  political  situation 
of  this  county  is  such,  that  we  have  thought  best  to  do  the 
latter,  choosing  rather  to  submit  our  conduct  to  your  judg- 
ment than  to  forbear  exerting  ourselves  in  measures  which 
we  deem  essential  to  the  public  safety. 

"  As  Mr.  Hobart  leaves  to  day,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr.  Tom- 
kins  will  be  the  only  members  left.  We  have,  therefore, 
to  request  that  your  Honourable  Body  will  immediately  vest 
the  power  of  foraging,  and  that  of  securing  the  personal 
estates  of  persons  in  this  county,  who  have  fled  to  or  joined 
the  enemy,  in  commissioners.  Should  you  approve  of  this 
mode,  we  would,  with  submission,  recommend  for  that 
purpose  John  Thomas,  Jnr.  chairman  of  this  county,  Col. 
Saml.  Drake,  Mr.  Stephen  Ward,  William  Millar,  Na- 
thaniel Hyall,  Junr.  and  Israel  Honeywell. 

"  We  have  just  received  intelligence  that  three  of  the 
enemy's  armed  vessels  have  come  up  as  far  as  Tarry 
Town,  where  they  have  dropt  anchor  ;  they  are  either 
sent  up  to  make  a  feint  on  the  right,  whilst  an  attempt  is 
made  to  surprise  our  advanced  post  at  Ward's,  or  they  are 
come  up  in  order  to  carry  down  stock  and  grain. 

"  We  shall  exert  ourselves  to  defeat  either  of  those  pur- 
poses ;  yet,  of  the  number  of  men  we  have,  little  can  be 

203 


effected.  For  intelligence  we  must  refer  you  to  Mr.  Ho- 
bart. 

"  Am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obt.  humb.  servant, 
"  By  order, 

"W.  DUER. 

"  To  the  Hon.  the  President  of  the 

Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

No  1.  A  copy  of  the  letter  of  the  said  committee  to  Ge- 
neral Heath,  requesting  a  guard  of  1,200  men,  to  forage, 
dated  6th  instant. 

2.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Heath,  respecting 
the  disposition  of  the  troops  in  Westchester  county,  dated 
7th  February. 

3.  General  Heath's  letter  respecting  the  number  of 
troops  necessary  to  forage,  dated  9th  inst. 

4.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Genl.  Heath,  respecting  the 
number  of  troops  necessary  to  forage  with,  dated  10th  in- 
stant. 

5.  A  copy  of  General  Heath's  letter,  dated  11th  Febru- 
ary, that  General  Wooster  would  advise  with  the  Commit- 
tee on  the  disposition  of  troops. 

6.  Copy  of  a  letter  from  Major  Levenworth,  by  order  of 
General  Wooster,  to  Colonel  Humphrey,  in  substance, 
that  he  need  not  send  out  any  parties  to  forage  without  his 
directions. 

7.  A  letter  from  the  committee  in  Westchester  to  Col. 
Humphrey  and  Major  Fisk,  dated  the  14th  February.  A 
letter  from  the  Committee  to  Major-General  Wooster, 
dated  the  13th  inst.  relative  to  the  disposition  of  the  troops 
in  Westchester  county  ;  and  a  copy  of  the  answer  of  Colo- 
nel Corns.  Humphreys  and  Major  Fish,  to  the  letter  of  the 
Committee  of  the  14th  inst. 

8.  A  letter  of  General  Wooster  to  the  Committee,  of  the 
disposition  of  the  troops,  dated  the  5th  inst. 

A  letter  from  William  Duer,  Esqr.  to  Pierre  Van  Cort 
landt,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Morris,  &c.  relative  to  the  state  ot 
foraging,  &c.  in  Westchester  county,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  said  letters  and  papers  be  referred 
to  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Morris  to  report 
thereon. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

February  2lst,  1777. 

The  Commitee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Cornelius  Cortlandt,  Vice-Prest. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Captain  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  P.  Living- 
ston— New-York. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevocrt,  Mr.  Tayler — Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Genl.  Clinton—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Col.  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

Captain  Van  Bueren  attending,  produced  a  letter  directed 
to  him,  and  signed  by  Morgan  Lewis,  deputy  quartermas- 
ter-general, and  dated  at  Albany,  18th  inst.  directing  Mr.  Van 
Bueren  to  proceed  to  Poughkeepsie  and  engage  the  ship- 
wrights who  were  employed  in  building  the  ships  there, 
to  come  up  to  Albany  with  the  utmost  despatch,  for  the 
purpose  of  building  five  vessels  on  Lake  George. 

As  those  carpenters  are  now  employed  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State,  in  cutting  and  procuring 
timber  for  a  74  gun  ship,  Captain  Van  Bueren  requests 
the  aid  of  the  Convention  in  the  premises. 

Resolved,  That  the  application  of  Capt.  Van  Bueren  be 
committed  to  Captain  Rutgers,  Mr.  Paulding  and  Mr.  Gan- 
sevoort. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  4  o'oclock  this  after- 
noon. 


810 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


4  o'clock  P.  M.  Friday,  Feby.  21,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Captain 
Rutgers  —New-York. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Majr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Major  Laurence — Queens. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.Tayler — ilbany. 
Genl.  Clinton,  Major  Tappen— Ulster. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  at  New- 
Windsor,  February  14th,  and  an  inventory  of  sundry  ef- 
fects taken  from  disaffected  persons,  handed  in  by  Major 
Taylor,  assistant  quarter-master-general,  were  read  and 
committed  to  Major  Lawrence  and  Major  Tappen. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  application  of 
Captain  Van  Bueren,  relative  to  the  shipwrights,  delivered 
their  report  which  was  amended,  and  agreed  to  the  two 
following  resolutions  : 

1st.  Resolved,  That  Captain  Leonard  Van  Bueren  be 
permitted  lo  engage  any  of  the  master  builders,  foremen 
and  shipwrights  now  in  the  employ  of  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  leaving  one  master  builder  and  as  many  ship- 
wrights as  may  be  necessary  to  complete  the  Continental 
frigates,  Congress  and  Montgomerie  to  go  up  lo  the  north- 
ward agreeable  to  his  directions  from  Colo.  Morgan  Lewis, 
deputy  quarter-master-general. 

2nd.  Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Burling,  Season  and  Mil- 
ler be  informed  that  it  is  with  the  approbation  of  this  Com- 
mittee that  they  and  the  shipwrights  should  engage  with 
Colonel  Morgan  Lewis,  deputy  quarter-master-general  or 
his  agent,  to  go  to  the  northward,  for  the  purpose  of  build- 
ing vessels  intended  to  be  built  on  Lake  George  ;  and 
that  this  Committee  doubt  not  that  the  Convention  or 
future  Legislature  of  this  State,  will  devise  means  for  em- 
ploying them  till  the  above  work  is  completed. 

Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  informed  the  Com- 
mittee that  a  large  sum  of  money  is  due  for  iron  purchased 
for  carrying  on  the  obstructions  in  Hudson  river  near  Pol- 
lepel's  island,  and  that  Captain  Bedlow  the  paymaster  there, 
has  nearly  expended  the  cash  formerly  advanced  to  him 
for  that  purpose.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  £2,000  be  advanced  to  Captain  Bed- 
low,  to  enable  him  to  pay  for  materials  and  defray  the 
wages  of  the  workmen  employed  in  obstructing  the  navi- 
gation of  Hudson's  river  at  Pollepel's  island.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  deliver  that  sum  to 
Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  to  be  by  him  conveyed 
and  delivered  to  Captain  Bedlow. 

The  memorial  of  Stephen  Hogeboom,  dated  the  3rd 
instant,  on  behalf  of  himself  and  others,  owners  of  the 
sloop  Middlesex,  therein  said  to  be  lost  in  the  Continental 
service,  was  read. 

The  affidavit  of  Joseph  Miller  relative  to  the  loss  of 
the  said  sloop,  sworn  to  before  Richard  Esselstyal,  Esqr. 
was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorial  and  affidavit  be  re- 
turned to  Stephen  Hoogeboom,  and  that  he  be  informed 
that  he  ought  to  apply  to  the  Quarter-Master-General  of 
the  army  of  the  United  Stales,  on  the  subject  of  the  said 
memorial. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letters  and 
papers  therewith  enclosed,  from  thecommitlee  of  the  Con- 
vention in  Westchester  county,  reported  a  set  of  resolu- 
tions which  was  read,  and  being  again  read  by  paragraphs, 
was  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

The  Committee  then  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

Feby.  22nd,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjourment. 
Present— Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb— New- York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk— Tryon. 
Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Tappen — Ulster. 
Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens—  Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  be  added  to  the  committee 
appointed  to  prepare  a  resolution  directing  a  day  of  fasting 
and  prayer  within  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Revd.  Mr.  Samuel  Provost  be  ap- 
pointed chaplain  to  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  attend  to  perform  prayers  every  morn- 
ing and  divine  service  every  Sunday  before  the  Convention 
or  Committee  of  Safety  at  this  place. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  re- 
solution for  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  be  directed  to  wait 
on  Mr.  Provost  with  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolve. 

Messrs.  John  Beekman  and  William  Thome,  a  commit- 
tee fiom  the  general  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany, 
attending,  were  admitted,  and  produced  an  extract  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  committee,  directing  them  to  repair 
to  the  Convention  and  make  application  for  a  salutary  re- 
solve to  prevent  the  depreciation  of  the  paper  currency. 

The  said  gentlemen  were  informed  that  a  report  has  been 
on  the  table  for  some  time,  waiting  for  a  Convention,  but 
that  this  Committee  will  immediately  proceed  to  the  con- 
sideration of  the  same. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  dated  the  13th 
February  instant,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  lie  on  the  table  for  the 
inspection  of  the  members,  and  that  it  be  taken  up  and 
considered  with  the  report  respecting  the  rangers  of  this 
State. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Ulster,  dated  New-Paltz,  8th  Janv. 
1777,  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  proclamation  of  Lord  Howe, 
of  the  30th  November,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  proclamation  be  en- 
closed in  a  blank  paper  to  the  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  Convention  of  this  State  for  inquiring  into,  detecting 
and  defeating  conspiracies. 

A  letter  from  Ezekiel  Chever,  dated  Fishkill,  Feby. 
19th,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  prepare  a  draft  of  a  letter  in 
answer. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Chevers,  in  answer  to  his,  was 
accordingly  reported,  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Kingston,  Febry.  22nd,  1777. 

"  Sir — We  have  received  your  letter  of  the  19th  instant, 
in  answer  to  which,  we  would  inform  you  that  the  Conven- 
tion are  too  deeply  engaged  in  the  business  committed  to 
them  by  their  constituents,  to  interfere  unnecessarily  in 
that  which  is  out  of  their  department  ;  wherefore  they 
doubt  not  you  will  exert  yourself  on  the  occasion,  as  that 
matter  referred  to  them  seems  lo  be  rather  in  your  depart- 
ment than  theirs.  They  would,  however,  inform  you  that 
an  armoury  is  established  at  Fishkill,  at  which  all  our  arti- 
ficers are  collected,  and  who  will  be  ready  to  assist  you  as 
far  as  lies  in  their  power. 

"  The  musket  ball  belonging  to  this  State  would  be  but 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


811 


a  very  scanty  supply  to  the  Continental  army,  and  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  the  State.  As  the  Convention  are  of 
opinion  that  there  is  no  great  difficulty  in  casting  leaden 
bullets,  and  are  informed  by  you  that  you  have  lead  enough 
for  the  purpose,  they  earnestly  recommend  it  to  you  to 
employ  some  persons  in  that  business,  not  doubting  but 
that  by  that  means  a  proper  supply  may  be  obtained. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  Ezekiel  Chevers,  Esqr.  Commander  of 
Artillery,  or  in  his  absence,  to  Mr.  Rud- 
dock." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Vice-President,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letters  receiv- 
ed from  the  secret  committee  in  the  county  of  Westchester, 
reported  the  following  resolutions  and  letter  : 

Whereas  the  business  now  before  the  Convention  ren- 
ders the  presence  of  their  members  absolutely  necessary  : 
And  whereas  the  purposes  for  which  a  committee  was 
appointed  and  directed  to  repair  to  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, are  not  yet  fully  answered,  whereby  it  becomes  neces- 
sary to  appoint  commissioners  to  take  upon  them  the  direc- 
tion of  such  operations  as  it  may  be  expedient  to  carry  on 
in  the  county  of  Westchester  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esquire,  Col. 
Samuel  Drake,  Stephen  Ward,  William  Millar,  Nathanl. 
Hyatt,  Junr.  and  Israel  Honeywell,  Esquires,  be  appointed 
commissioners  to  superintend  the  removal  of  grain,  forage, 
cattle,  and  whatever  else  may  be  of  use  to  our  army,  or 
may  be  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  enemy  ;  that 
any  two  of  the  said  commissioners,  with  their  chairman, 
be  a  quorum,  and  empowered  to  make  such  representation 
to  the  officer  commanding  at  Peekskill,  as  will,  in  their 
opinion,  tend  most  to  the  security  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
county  of  Westchester,  and  to  assist  such  of  them  as  may 
be  inclined  to  remove  their  families  into  the  more  interior 
part  of  the  country. 

And  whereas  a  number  of  the  subjects  of  this  State, 
inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  have  gone  over 
to  the  enemy  : 

Resolved,  That  the  above  commissioners  be  empowered 
to  seize  upon  the  personal  property  of  such  of  the  late  in- 
habitants of  the  county  of  Westchester  as  have  gone  over 
to  the  enemy,  and  to  dispose  of  the  same  at  public  sale  or 
vendue,  having  first  given  due  notice  thereof ;  and  to  retain 
the  money  arising  from  such  sale  till  the  further  order  of 
this  Convention,  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  after 
having  paid  thereout  the  necessary  expense  of  such  sei- 
zure. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall  be  allowed 
one  dollar  a  day  while  actually  employed  in  this  service. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  confer  with  the 
Committee  of  Convention  now  in  Westchester,  about  the 
most  effectual  means  to  carry  the  preceding  resolutions  into 
execution. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  do  not  destroy 
any  forage,  unless  where  there  is  an  absolute  impractica- 
bility of  bringing  it  off,  and  the  prospect  of  its  being  useful 
to  the  enemy. 

Which  report  and  letter  being  read  and  accepted,  was 
ordered  to  be  copied  and  transmitted. 
Adjourned  to  Monday  morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Feby.  24,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscomb — 
For  New-York. 
Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For 
Albany. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt— For  Westchester. 


Major  Tappen— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Harper— For  Try  on. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Major  Webster  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  fortnight  from 
the  time  of  his  departure. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
General  George  Clinton,  and  the  list  of  sundry  articles 
taken  by  the  militia  of  his  brigade,  delivered  in  by  Major 
Taylor,  reported  on  the  same,  in  the  words  following  : 

"  That  as  500  of  the  men  ordered  to  be  raised  by  the 
Convention  on  the  day  of  January,  1777,  out  of  the 
militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  as  a 
part  of  one  thousand  men,  to  be  commanded  by  General 
Geo.  Clinton,  were  prevented  from  being  embodied  by  a 
subsequent  order  for  marching  the  militia  of  those  counties 
on  an  expedition  in  Westchester  county  ;  and  that  although 
the  said  militia  are  now  discharged,  yet  the  time  limited 
for  service  under  General  George  Clinton,  will  so  soon  ex- 
pire, that  your  committee  are  of  opinion  it  will  not  tend  to 
the  public  good  to  attempt  raising  any  more  men  than  the 
companies  already  raised  in  the  county  of  Westchester. 

"  As  to  the  articles  mentioned  in  the  said  list  to  have 
been  taken  by  General  Clinton's  militia,  your  committee 
are  of  opinion  that  they  should  be  disposed  of  in  the  fol- 
lowing manner,  to  wit :  The  medicines,  marked  'Army' 
in  the  said  list,  that  is  to  say,  the  oil  of  juniper,  spirits  vo- 
latile, salt  of  tartar,  and  hogshead  of  herbs,  should  be  or- 
dered to  this  place,  to  the  care  of  the  Secretaries  ;  and  that 
they  be  appraised,  in  order  that  the  same  may  be  disposed 
of  by  the  Convention  to  the  troops  of  this  State,  as  occa- 
sion may  require.  Those  articles  not  marked  in  the  said 
list,  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  General  Clinton 
should  be  requested  to  have  them  sold  at  public  auction, 
(except  the  back-gammon  table,  which  the  General  is  re- 
quested to  order  to  be  destroyed,)  and  except  the  iron  chest, 
hereafter  mentioned ;  and  that  the  moneys  arising  from 
such  sales  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  Vice-Treasurer  of 
this  State  ;  that  the  iron  chest  left  in  charge  of  Col.  Hay, 
Genl.  Clinton  should  be  requested  to  send  to  this  place,  to 
be  disposed  of  by  Convention. 

"  The  steel,  your  committee  are  of  opinion  should  be  ap- 
praised and  sent  to  the  armoury  at  the  Fishkill ;  that  the 
20  old  tory  guns  should  be  also  appraised  and  sent  to  the 
armoury  at  Fishkill,  to  be  repaired. 

"That  theother  articles  marked  'Continental stores,'  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  they  belong  to  the  Continent,  and 
that  this  Convention  ought  not  to  dispose  of  them. 

"  The  hogshead  of  tea  mentioned  in  the  said  list,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  that  it  should  be  lodged  with  the 
Secretaries,  to  be  disposed  of  by  the  direction  of  Conven- 
tion, for  the  use  of  the  sick  troops  of  this  State.  The 
other  tea  disposed  of  by  Cols.  Allison  and  Hawthorn,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  that  they  ought  to  account  for  to 
this  Convention,  and  pay  the  amount  thereof  to  the  Vice- 
Treasurer  of  this  State. 

"  That  the  wheat,  rye,  two  cows  and  six  horses,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  ought  to  be  sold  to  the  Commis- 
sary-General of  the  Continental  army,  or  his  agents  ;  and 
that  such  of  them  as  the  Commissary  shall  not  want,  be 
sold  at  public  auction,  and  that  the  moneys  arising  from 
such  sale  be  deposited  in  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

"  The  fifteen  horses  taken  with  Zabriskie,  Duremus  and 
Ryder,  your  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  if  the  said  per- 
sons shall  be  found  guilty  before  the  commissioners  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,  by  whom  they  are  to  be  tried,  that  in 
that  case  the  said  commissioners  be  directed  to  dispose  of 
the  said  horses  to  the  Quarter-Master-General,  or  his  agents; 
and  that  such  of  them  as  the  said  Quarter-Master-General, 
or  his  agents,  shall  not  want,  be  sold  at  public  vendue,  and 
that  the  moneys  arising  from  such  sale,  be  deposited  in  the 
treasury  of  this  State." 

Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  do  agree  with 
their  committee  in  their  said  report ;  and  that  Genera} 
George  Clinton  and  the  commissioners  for  detecting  and 


812 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be  furnished  with  copies, 
and  requested  to  cause  the  same  to  be  carried  into  execu- 
tion. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ten  Broeck  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee for  auditing  accounts. 

Mr.  William  Miller,  of  Westchester  county,  attending, 
produced  sundry  accounts  for  service  of  the  militia  of  said 
county,  for  sundry  disbursements  in  supporting  some  of  the 
indigent  inhabitants  of  New-York. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  accounts. 

Capt.  Andrew  Bevier  attending,  informed  the  Commit- 
tee that  he  has  apprehended  two  suspected  men  at  Roches- 
ter, with  two  horses,  and  that  by  order  of  the  committee  of 
Rochester,  he  has  brought  them,  with  their  horses,  to  this 
place,  and  waits  the  order  of  this  Committee  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Harper  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  and  inquire  into  this  matter,  and  report 
to-morrow  morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

Feb.  25,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourment. 

Present — Brig.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Capt.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Try  on. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Taylor— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  George  Clinton,  dated  New  Wind- 
sor, the  23d  inst.  enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Genl. 
Washington  to  him,  dated  the  19th  inst.  were  read,  and 
committed  to  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper  and  Mr. 
Adgate. 

The  petition  of  Zebulon  Scofield,  an  invalid  matross  of 
the  royal  regiment  of  artillery,  praying  permission  to  go 
to  New-York  to  receive  his  pension,  was  read,  and  commit- 
ted to  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Beekman. 

"  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  certain  paper 
under  the  hand  of  Jacob  Hornbeck,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Rochester,  as  well  as  two  papers,  called  passes, 
to  James  Smith  and  James  Acton,  and  signed  John  Gee, 
report  that  they  have  examined  the  said  two  passes,  and 
are  clearly  of  opinion  that  they  are  both  counterfeited. 
That  they  have,  from  the  examination  of  said  James  Smith 
and  James  Acton,  the  greatest  reason  to  believe  that  they 
are  both  deserters  from  the  army  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  and  in  all  probability,  have  stolen  the  two  horses, 
&c.  found  with  them.  Your  committee,  therefore,  are 
of  opinion  that  the  said  James  Smith  and  James  Acton  be 
detained  in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  and  that  Capt.  Bavier  be 
directed  to  take  the  said  two  horses,  saddles  and  bridles, 
in  his  care,  and  deliver  to  Jacob  Hornbeck,  Esqr.  at  Ro- 
chester, who  is  to  be  directed  to  keep  and  maintain  the 
said  horses,  as  well  as  to  advertise  and  describe  the  per- 
sons of  James  Smith  and  James  Acton,  together  the  horses, 
saddles  and  bridles,  in  Loudon's  and  the  Pennsylvania 
newspapers,  and  to  take  such  other  method  as  he  may 
think  proper,  to  advertise  the  public  of  the  same.  Your 
committee  are  also  of  opinion  that  the  said  Mr.  Hornbeck 
be  directed  to  detain  the  aforesaid  horses,  &c.  until  the 
owner  or  owners  thereof  prove  their  property,  with  pay- 
ing all  the  charges  that  have  accrued  in  apprehending  and 
securing  the  said  men,  and  keeping  the  said  horses." 


Resolved,  That  this  Committee  of  Safety  do  agree  with 
their  committee  in  their  said  report ;  and 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  same  be  transmitted  to 
Jacob  Hornbeck,  Esqr. 

The  petition  of  Malcom  Morrison,  confined  in  Kingston 
jail  as  a  disaffected  person,  praying  to  be  released  from 
confinement,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  for  the 
purpose  of  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be 
directed  to  transmit  to  this  Committee  or  the  Convention 
of  this  State,  so  much  of  the  minutes  of  the  proceedings 
of  the  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  detecting, 
&c.  all  conspiracies,  &c.  as  relates  to  the  case  of  the  said 
Malcom  Morrison. 

The  petition  of  Wm.  Eligh,  confined  in  Kingston  jail 
as  a  disaffected  person,  praying  to  be  released  from  con- 
finement, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Ulster  county,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  re- 
port their  determination  in  the  premises. 

A  petition  of  James  Robinson  and  seven  others,  confin- 
ed in  Kingston  jail  as  disaffected  persons,  and  directed  to 
the  Honourable  the  Deputies  of  the  Province  of  New- 
York,  in  Provincial  Congress  assembled,  was  received, 
and  ordered  to  be  returned  to  the  petitioners;  and  that  they 
be  informed  of  the  mistake  in  the  direction. 

Ordered,  That  messengers  be  sent  for  the  following 
members,  with  a  request  that  they  give  their  attendance 
without  delay,  to  wit :  all  the  members  of  the  committee 
for  detecting  conspiracies.  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr. 
John  Schenk,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Judge  Graham,  Mr. 
Landon,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  and  the  Orange 
county  members. 

Matthew  Adgate,  Alexr.  Webster  and  Benjamin  New- 
kerk,  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  reported  on  an 
account  of  William  Millar,  deputy  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Westchester  county,  for  maintaining  a  number 
of  the  poor  of  the  city  of  New-York,  therein  named  ;  that 
there  was  due  thereon  to  the  said  William  Millar,  the  sum 
of  £418  13s.  G\d. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  Wil- 
liam Miller,  the  sum  of  £418  13s.  6id.  on  his  receipt  in 
full,  on  his  account. 

The  said  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account 
of  John  Thomas,  Junr.  Esquire,  for  keeping  23  poor  per- 
sons, and  marked  No.  2  ;  that  there  be  allowed  to  him  the 
sum  of  £176  9s.  lfd. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  John 
Thomas,  Junr.  Esquire,  or  to  his  order,  £176  9s.  lfd.  on 
a  receipt  in  full  for  the  said  account. 

The  said  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  accounts 
of  Hendrick  Bancker,  for  keeping  seventeen  of  the  poor 
persons  therein  said  to  be  removed  from  New-York,  (and 
marked  No.  3 ;)  that  they  are  of  opinion  that  there  be  al- 
lowed for  the  said  two  accounts  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
two  pounds  fourteen  shillings. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to 
the  said  Hendrick  Bancker  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  one 
hundered  and  thirty-two  pounds  fourteen  shillings,  on  his 
receipt  in  full  for  the  said  account. 

The  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account  of 
Israel  Honeywell  for  keeping  seven  poor  persons,  (and 
marked  No.  4  ;)  that  they  allow  for  the  said  account  the 
sum  of  forty-eight  pounds  sixteen  shillings. 

The  Committee  of  Safely  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


813 


the  said  Israel  Honeywell  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  forty- 
eight  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  in  full  for  the  said  account, 
taking  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account  of 
Ezekiel  Halsted,  for  providing  for  fifty-one  poor  persons, 
(and  marked  No.  5  ;)  that  they  are  of  opinion  that  there 
be  allowed  thereon,  the  sum  of  twenty-one  pounds  sixteen 
shillings  and  four  pence. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to 
the  said  Ezekiel  Halsted  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  twenty- 
one  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  four  pence,  in  full  for  the 
said  account,  taking  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account  of 
Jonathan  Budd,  as  allowed  by  the  committee  of  the  county 
of  Westchester  and  charged  on  the  back  of  the  account, 
No.  5,  that  they  allow  for  the  same  the  sum  of  five  pounds. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
the  said  Jonathan  Budd,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  five 
pounds,  in  full  for  the  said  account,  taking  a  receipt  for  the 
same. 

The  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account  of 
Jeremiah  Fowler  against  Joshua  Hetfield  and  Benjamin 
Lyon,  for  work  done  and  materials  found  in  repairing  the 
jail  in  Westchester  county  in  July,  1776,  that  they  allowed 
for  the  same  the  sum  of  twenty-one  pounds  two  shillings 
and  six  pence. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
the  said  Jeremiah  Fowler,  or  his  order,  the  said  sum  of 
twenty-one  pounds  two  shillings  and  six  pence,  on  a  re- 
ceipt in  full  for  the  said  sum,  and  charge  that  money  to 
the  county  of  Westchester. 

The  committee  of  auditors  reported  on  the  account  of 
John  Drake,  for  work  done  and  materials  found  in  repair- 
ing the  jail  in  Westchester  county,  in  August,  1776,  that 
they  allowed  for  the  same  the  sum  of  three  pounds  ten 
shillings  and  nine  pence. 

The  Committee  of  Safely  agreed  with  the  auditors 
therein. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
the  said  John  Drake,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  three  pounds 
ten  shillings  and  nine  pence,  on  a  receipt  in  full  for  the 
said  account,  and  that  he  charge  that  money  to  the  county 
of  Westchester. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  February  25,  1777, 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brig.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Prtst. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Z  uns- 
comb,  Capt.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — For  Ulster. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr. 
Adgate,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer — For  Albany. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Committee  of 
Safety  that  he  had  been  sent  for  by  the  committee  of  this 
place,  who  informed  him  that  some  time  since,  four  men  by 
the  names  of  Cumins,  Crookshanks,  Thompson  and  Den- 
nis, passed  through  this  place,  and  that  they  have  reasons 
to  suppose  they  went  to  New-York,  and  that  they  are  since 
returned. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Levi  Paulding  to  Lieut.  Daniel  Gra- 
ham, and  the  information  of  James  Grigg  on  the  subject, 
were  read. 

204 


Ordered,  That  the  said  information  and  letter  be  referred 
to  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Major  Tappan, 
and  that  they  be  vested  with  full  powers  to  take  to  their 
assistance  and  employ  such  persons  as  may  be  necessary 
for  apprehending  the  said  persons. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

February  26th,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Maj.  Van 
Zandt—  For  New-York. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris — For  Westchester. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 
Maj.  Tappen,  Maj.  Parks— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingslon — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Cuyler  do  forth- 
with repair  to  Genl.  George  Clinton,  and  confer  with  him 
upon  his  force  for  defending  the  passes  committed  to  hie 
care  ;  that  they  do  then  proceed  to  wait  upon  Genl.  James 
Clinton,  and  enquire  into  the  state  of  the  forts  and  garri- 
sons in  the  Highlands  ;  that  they  do  then  repair  to  Genl. 
McDougall's  quarters,  and  inform  themselves  of  the  num- 
ber and  duty  of  the  forces  now  in  the  county  of  Westches- 
ter, and  suggest  to  him  the  propriety  of  reinforcing  those 
garrisons  with  as  many  men  as  can  be  spared  of  those 
now  under  his  command,  with  all  possible  speed  ;  and  af- 
terwards wait  upon  his  Excellency,  General  Washington, 
with  the  intelligence  they  may  have  acquired. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  be  a  committee  to  draft  and  report 
a  set  of  instructions  for  Mr.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways 
and  means  for  procuring  cannon,  be  dissolved  ;  and 

Resolved,  That  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  and  Samuel  Brew- 
ster, Esquires,  be  appointed  commissioners  to  proceed  to 
the  Forest  of  Dean,  and  inquire  into  the  state  of  that  fur- 
nace, &c.  and  report  the  terms  on  which  the  same  can  be 
employed  by  this  State  ;  and  whether,  in  their  opinion,  it 
will  be  proper  to  take  and  employ  the  same  in  the  casting 
of  cannon,  shot,  &c.  and  also  the  name  of  a  proper  person 
to  superintend  the  works. 

Resolved,  That  the  company  of  rangers  commanded  by 
Capt.  Jacob  Rutzen  De  Witt  be  and  they  are  hereby  put 
under  the  command  and  direction  of  General  George  Clin- 
ton, until  the  further  order  of  the  Convention  or  Committee 
of  Safety  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap's  company  of  ran- 
gers be  and  they  hereby  are  placed  under  the  command  of 
General  George  Clinton,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Con- 
vention or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State  ;  and 

Resolved,  That  the  last  above  resolution  do  not  take  ef- 
fect without  the  consent  of  the  commissioners  appointed 
by  the  Convention  of  this  State  for  detecting  and  defeating 
conspiracies,  &c.  and  that  a  letter  be  written  informing  them 
of  these  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  every  non-commissioned  officer  or  pri- 
vate in  either  of  the  companies  of  rangers,  who  shall  enlist 
in  any  one  of  the  Continental  regiments  commanded  by  Colo- 
nels Van  Cortlandt,  Gansevoort,  Van  Schaick,  H.  B.  Li- 
vingston, or  Dubois,  shall,  upon  being  sworn,  be  discharged 
from  such  company  of  rangers,  and  be  permitted  to  join 
the  regiment  in  which  he  has  so  enlisted. 

Resolved,  That  no  officer  of  any  of  the  ranging  com- 
panies within  this  State,  be  permitted  to  recruit  any  more 
men. 


81  1 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY, 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

February  27th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brig.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Maj.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rut- 
gers— For  New-York. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper— For  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Morris— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 
Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Ray,  Maj.  Parks,  Mr.  Tappan— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  New- 
Windsor,  Feby.  25th,  enclosing  the  proceedings  and  sen- 
tence of  a  general  court  martial  on  the  case  of  Saml.  Knap  ; 
a  letter  from  Jesse  Woodhull,  president  of  said  court  mar- 
tial, to  General  Clinton,  and  a  petition  of  the  members  of 
said  court,  praying  that  the  said  Knap,  who  is  sentenced  to 
suffer  death,  may  be  pardoned,  were  respectively  read,  as 
follows  : 

"  New-  Windsor,  2oth  February,  1777. 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  a  resolve  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  this  Stale  requesting  me  to  convene  a  general 
court  martial  for  the  trial  of  Samuel  Knapp  of  Col.  Hau- 
thorn's  regiment,  for  treason  against  the  Slate,  I  now  trans- 
mit, enclosed,  the  proceedings  and  sentence  of  the  court 
against  the  said  Knap.  You  will  find  by  the  enclosed 
petition  from  the  court  signed  by  the  president,  and  a 
letter  from  the  president  signed  by  order  of  the  court  to 
me,  that  they  wish  as  well  Knap  as  one  Samuel  Divine, 
who  by  their  sentence  is  also  to  suffer  the  pains  of  death, 
may  be  pardoned.  They  have  tried  three  officers  for  dis- 
obedience of  orders  and  neglect  of  duty,  two  of  whom 
they  have  sentenced  to  be  cashiered,  one  of  them  to  pay 
a  fine  of  £30,  the  other  a  fine  of  £5,  and  the  third  to 
pay  a  fine  of  £5  and  to  make  a  proper  acknowledgment 
to  his  colonel.  They  have  also  tried  a  sergeant  and  two 
privates — one,  for  refusing  to  march  with  the  militia,  to 
pay  a  fine  of  £20 ;  the  other  for  disobedience  of  orders 
and  assaulting  his  officer,  to  receive  39  lashes ;  the  ser- 
geant, for  remissness  of  duty  in  suffering  a  prisoner  to 
escape  from  his  guard,  to  pay  a  fine  of  40s.  and  lose  his 
office  ;  all  of  whom  are  to  remain  confined  till  their  res- 
pective sentences  are  executed. 

"  The  gentlemen  of  the  court  are  of  opinion,  and  I  per- 
fectly agree  with  them,  that  if  the  latter  sentences  are 
approved  and  carried  into  execution,  and  the  two  former 
prisoners  pardoned  under  the  gallows,  it  will  answer  a  bet- 
ter purpose  than  if  they  should  be  executed.  Add  to  this, 
I  am  far  from  being  clear  that  the  evidence,  as  it  is  re- 
ported, (material  parts  of  it  being,  I  am  sure,  omitted 
through  mistake,)  will  support  the  sentences.  As  the  only 
use  in  punishment  is  to  bring  people  to  a  proper  sense  of 
their  duty,  and  as  I  flatter  myself,  from  the  effect  even  of 
convening  this  court  only,  has  already  had  on  the  refrac- 
tory and  disobedient,  that  the  end  will  be  fully  answered, 
though  these  wretches'  lives  be  spared  ;  nor  have  I  the 
least  doubt  but  that  the  Honourable  Convention  will  ex- 
tend mercy  towards  the  first  if  it  can  (in  their  better  judg- 
ment) be  done  consistent  with  the  public  good  ;  on  any 
other  terms  I  do  not  wish  it. 

"  I  am  much  at  a  loss  respecting  some  parts  of  my  duty 
in  this  new  business,  in  which  I  beg  the  advice  and  direc- 
tion of  the  Convention. 

i(  1st.  Am  I  to  cause  the  person  whom  1  appointed  to 
act  as  judge-advocate  to  report  the  proceedings  of  the  court 
to  the  Secretary  of  war. 

"2nd.  Am  I  to  approve  or  disapprove  the  sentences 


myself,  or  transmit  them  to  General  Washington  as  Com- 
mander-in-Chief of  the  Continental  army. 

"  I  am,  with  much  esteem,  your  obt.  servt 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  President 

of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

"  At  a  general  court  martial  held  at  the  house  of  the  Widow 
Cnsts,  in  Ulster  county,  on  the  11th,  12th  and  13lh 
days  of  February,  1777. 
"  Present— Col.  Woodhull,  President. 

"Col.  Snyder,  Lieut.  Col.  Hardenburgh,  Lieut.  Col.  Jansen,  Maj. 
Jansen,  Maj.  Contine,  Maj.  Phillips,  Capt.  Nicholl,  Capt.  Woodhull 
Capt.  Salsberry,  Capt.  Vancurer,  Capt.  Gelaspee,  Capt.  Little,  Capt' 
Milligan. 

"  Came  on  the  trial  of  Samuel  Knapp  of  Col.  Hathorn's 
regiment,  of  Orange  county,  who  being  charged  before  this 
Court  with  disobeying  the  orders  of  his  officers,  after  being 
duly  warned  to  march  with  the  militia,  neglected  and  de- 
serted to  the  enemy  and  adhered  to  them,  together  with  a 
number  of  treasonable  acts  against  this  State. 

"  Capt.  John  Sayre  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  on  or 
about  the  10th  day  of  December  last,  he,  this  deponent, 
see  Samuel  Knapp  on  the  road  near  Florida,  in  Orange 
county  ;  the  said  Knapp  after  some  discourse  asked  this 
deponent  whether  he  had  ever  seen  the  King's  proclama- 
tion, this  deponent  answered,  no ;  he  then  replied  he 
wondered  at  that,  for  an  act  of  grace  was  now  out  and  such 
men  as  I  was  ought  to  know  and  see  it.  Among  other 
things  he  said  he  was  a  King's  man,  and  if  he  fought 
against  him,  he  wished  this  deponent  well.  This  depo- 
nent saith  that  said  Knapp  was  more  in  liquor  than  ever  he 
had  seen  him,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  William  Clark  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  on  or  about 
the  tenth  of  December  last,  Samuel  Knapp  called  at  my 
house  and  told  me  that  he  had  never  seen  his  way 
clear  to  fight  for  America  ;  that  he  had  two  or  three  men 
who  promised  to  assist  him  for  the  regulars  ;  that  James 
Benjamin,  Sen.  and  John  Sayre  were  two  of  the  men,  and 
the  said  Knapp  asked  this  deponent  whether  he  was  a 
whig  or  tory  ;  he,  this  deponent,  said  he  was  neither,  and 
also  said  that  Knapp  was  much  in  liquor,  and  further 
saith  not.' 

"  Amos  Bennett  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  about  the 
first  of  December  last,  he,  this  deponent,  saw  Samuel 
Knapp  at  the  house  of  James  Williams  ;  he,  said  Knapp, 
after  shaking  hands  with  me,  said  he  was  glad  to  see  me', 
for  it  saved  him  the  trouble  of  going  to  my  house  ;  he 
asked  me  if  I  would  sign  the  King's  proclamation  ?  I  asked 
him  if  he  had  it  ?  He  said,  no.  I  asked  him  who  he 
saw  have  it  ?  He  said  it  was  no  privacy,  he  had  seen  se- 
veral of  them  with  Joseph  Barton;  he,  the  said  Knapp,  also 
said  that  the  King's  standard  was  raised  ;  that  there  was 
sixty  days  limited  for  us  to  come  in  to  receive  the  benefit 
of  the  act  of  grace  and  protection  ;  also  he  said  he  pro- 
posed to  go  to  the  regulars  and  bring  up  salt,  and  asked 
me  if  I  would  take  some  of  it  ?  I  answered,  I  would  not, 
and  further  saith  not. 

"  James  Williams  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  on  or  about 
the  first  of  December  last,  Samuel  Knapp  came  to  my 
house  and  told  me  that  he  had  seen  a  proclamation  of  the 
King,  and  that  it  would  entitle  us  to  such  privileges  as  we 
had  in  the  year  1763,  and  would  have  me  consider  upon 
it,  and  that  all  he  wanted  was  to  know  the  people's  minds, 
and  further  saith  not. 

"  Jacob  Vanderhoof,  Junr.  deposeth  and  saith  :  That 
about  the  8th  or  10th  of  December  last,  Samuel  Knapp 
came  to  me  at  Jacob  Vanderhoof's  barn  and  appeared  to 
be  in  liquor  ;  he  asked  me  whether  I  would  join  the  act  of 
grace  and  come  to  his  house  that  night  ?  for  he  said  a 
number  of  people  was  to  be  there  to  conclude  about  raising 
the  royal  standard  ;  that  if  I  would  join  I  should  not  want 
for  money ;  and  also  said  he  would  send  for  me  if  I  would 
come.  I  told  him  he  need  not,  for  I  would  go  if  I  could. 
He  told  me  that  the  militia  was  to  march  soon,  and  advised 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


815 


me  not  to  march  with  them,  nor  tell  my  father  what  he 
had  told  me,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  Samuel  Brinson  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  I  waited 
on  Samuel  Knapp  in  June  last,  with  the  second  association 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State  ;  Knap  told  me  he  liked  it 
better  than  the  first,  and  would  consider  in  respect  to  sign- 
ing it ;  and  also  said  he  could  not  see  his  way  clear  in 
taking  up  arms  against  the  King  ;  but  if  the  Indians  broke 
out  he  would  be  as  ready  to  take  up  arms  as  any  body, 
and  declared  he  was  not  an  enemy  to  his  country  ;  that 
at  a  time  when  a  detachment  of  the  militia  was  called 
out,  Knapp  was  greatly  opposed  to  the  drafting  of  men  for 
the  service,  and  was  very  solicitous  in  raising  a  bounty  for 
encouraging  men  to  enlist  voluntarily,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  Lieut.  David  Rogers  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  Sa- 
muel Knapp  refused  to  sign  the  first  general  association 
some  time  last  spring  when  offered  to  him  by  the  officers 
of  the  company,  by  reason  that  he  could  not  see  his  way 
clear ;  that  he  did  not  purpose  to  fight  against  the  King 
until  he  was  better  satisfied,  but  if  the  French  and  Indians 
came  against  the  country  he  would  take  up  arms  against 
them  ;  and  further  said  that  if  the  regulars  came  and  de- 
stroyed men,  women  and  children,  that  he  would  take  up 
arms  and  fight  against  them  until  he  died.  When  said 
Knapp  was  a  prisoner  at  Rammapough  I  asked  him  how 
he  came  to  go  away  ?  He  said  he  was  better  satisfied  ; 
I  asked  him  how  he  come  to  be  taken  ?  He  said  he  was 
on  his  way  home  with  a  determination  to  give  himself  up 
to  the  committee  ;  and  said  if  I  had  been  at  his  house  in 
lieu  of  a  guard  that  went  to  his  house  after  him,  he  would 
have  given  himself  up  to  me,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  William  Holly  deposeth  and  saith :  That  he  was  in 
conversation  with  Samuel  Knapp,  and  heard  him  say  that 
he  was  determined  not  to  be  an  enemy  to  his  country  ; 
that  he  had  been  in  the  service  of  the  King  in  the  last  war, 
that  the  oath  which  he  then  took  was  still  binding  upon 
him,  but  yet  said  he  would  sign  the  association,  and  that 
if  independence  was  declared  he  did  not  look  upon  his  oath 
so  binding  to  the  King  as  it  was  now.  I  told  Knapp  I  had 
heard  the  Indians  was  to  be  down  on  the  frontiers  in  three 
weeks  ;  he  answered  that  he  did  not  like  that,  for  if  they 
sent  them  upon  us  he  would  take  up  arms  and  go  against 
them,  and  do  as  much  in  behalf  of  his  country  as  any  man, 
and  further  saith  not. 

"  David  Devoe  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  he  heard 
Samuel  Knapp  say,  that  he  was  determined  to  keep  peace 
among  ourselves  ;  that  I  knew  him  to  be  always  ready  to 
assist  in  raising  men  for  the  service  of  the  State,  and  said 
he  was  willing  to  give  five  hundred  pounds  to  have  peace 
between  England  and  America,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  Lieut.  John  Brinson  deposeth  and  saith  :  That  at  one 
of  their  monthly  trainings  he  heard  Samuel  Knapp  speak 
very  disrespectfully  of  the  Congress,  and  publicly  recom- 
mended the  people  to  apply  to  Congress  to  purchase  liberty 
at  some  rale  ;  that  it  was  liberty  we  was  fighting  for,  but 
was  as  much  in  slavery  as  could  be. 

"John  Smith  deposeth  and  saith:  That  as  Samuel  Knapp 
and  himself  was  walking  from  the  house  of  William  Elli- 
son's to  Vessel  Smith's,  about  the  eighth  or  tenth  of  De- 
cember last,  he,  the  said  Knapp,  told  me  that  the  militia 
was  to  be  called  in  three  or  four  days'  time,  and  desired  me 
not  to  go,  that  if  I  staid  he  would  pay  my  fine,  and  further 
saith  not. 

"  This  court  having  taken  into  consideration  the  case  of 
Samuel  Knapp,  and  duly  examined  the  proofs  and  allega- 
tions of  the  evidence,  do  unanimously  find  him  guilty  of 
treason  against  this  State,  by  a  resolve  of  Convention  of 
the  16th  July  last,  and  do  adjudge  him  to  suffer  the  pains 
and  penalties  of  death. 

"The  within  are  the  proceedings  of  this  court  martial,  in 
the  case  of  Samuel  Knapp. 

"JESSE  WOODHULL,  President. 

("  Attest,) 

"  John  Hathorn,  Judge- Adve," 


"  To  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  : 

"  The  petition  of  the  members  of  the  general  court 
martial,  now  silting  in  Ulster  county,  composed  of  General 
George  Clinton's  brigade,  humbly  shevveth  : 

"  That  your  petitioners,  in  obedience  to  an  order  of 
Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  hath  proceeded  to  de- 
termine a  number  of  cases  between  the  States  of  America 
and  several  offenders  ;  among  others,  Samuel  Knapp  of 
Col.  Hathorn's  regiment  of  militia,  of  Orange  county, 
which,  for  certain  reasons,  your  Honourable  House  hath 
passed  a  resolve,  of  January,  1777,  for  the  especial  pur- 
poses of  trying  the  said  Knapp  by  a  resolve  of  the  16th 
July  last,  making  certain  offences  treason  against  this  State, 
and  from  the  examination  of  a  number  of  witnesses  find  the 
said  Knapp  guilty  of  treason  against  this  State,  and  conse- 
quently the  punishment  annexed  is  death. 

"  Your  petitioners  find  among  some  of  the  evidence,  in- 
stances of  his  friendship  towards  his  country,  from  time  to 
time,  and  are  also  informed  that  when  he  was  apprehended 
he  was  on  his  way  home  from  New- York ;  and  he  now 
declares  it  was  his  intention  to  return  home — that  he  was 
better  convinced  :  circumstances  that  present  to  us  a  refor- 
mation. 

"  Your  petitioners  beg  leave  to  inform  you  that  the  said 
Knapp  has  a  wife  and  a  number  of  small  children  to  lament 
his  awful  disaster. 

"  Moved,  from  these  considerations,  your  petitioners 
take  the  liberty  to  inform  your  Honourable  House  that 
they  are  pleased  with  the  prospect  of  that  tenderness  and 
humane  feelings,  so  fully  exhibited  by  you  in  the  reservation 
of  his  life  in  your  hands,  although  condemned  to  die  by  the 
laws  of  his  country. 

"  We  further  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Honourable  House 
that  we  are  abundantly  convinced  you  have  nothing  more 
in  view,  by  punishing  offenders,  than  to  teach  the  subjects 
of  this  State  the  great  duty  they  owe  to  themselves,  their 
posterity  and  country. 

"  Your  petitioners  further  beg  leave  to  inform  your  Ho- 
nourable House  that  the  sentence  now  passed  by  your  peti- 
tioners against  him,  in  their  opinion,  may  be  a  sufficient 
example,  if  wisely  improved,  and  yet  spare  his  life. 

"Your  petitioners  rest  assured  that  your  Honourable 
House  will  point  out  a  way  that  his  life  may  be  spared  and 
yet  justice  satisfied. 

"  And  your  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray. 

"  Signed  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  this  court  martial, 
"By  me, 

"  JESSE  WOODHULL,  President. 

"  Ulster  county,  21st  Feby.  1777." 

"  Feby.  22d,  1777. 

"  Dear  General — 

"  You  will  see  from  the  proceedings  of  the  general  court 
martial,  which  are  transmitted  to  you  that  the  court  was 
under  a  necessity  of  passing  sentence  of  death  upon  Sa- 
muel Knapp,  of  Col.  Hathorn's  regiment,  in  Orange  county, 
and  Samuel  Devine,  of  Col.  Hasbrouck's  regiment  in  Ul- 
ster. In  the  case  of  the  former,  Convention  did  order 
that,  if  he  was  found  guilty  only  by  the  resolve  of  Con- 
vention of  the  seventeenth  of  July  last,  making  certain 
offences  committed  against  the  State  treason,  (which  was 
the  case,)  he  should  not  be  executed  without  their  or- 
der ;  and  the  case  of  the  latter,  I  conceive  lies  only  with 
you.  I  do  now,  in  behalf  and  by  order  of  the  general 
court  martial,  earnestly  solicit  your  Honour,  that,  in  the 
former  case  you  would  use  your  utmost  influence  with  the 
Convention,  and  in  the  latter  grant  pardoning  grace.  Al- 
though the  poor  wretches  are  justly  condemned  by  the 
laws  of  their  country,  I  hope  your  Honour  may  conceive, 
that  the  making  a  wise  improvement  of  the  sentences  against 
them  may  answer  the  great  end  of  punishment,  which  is 
to  bring  them  and  others  to  a  sense  of  the  duty  that  they 
owe  to  themselves,  their  posterity  and  country,  and  spare 
their  lives.  I  add  no  more.  I  am,  with  great  esteem, 
"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  humble  servt. 

"JESSE  WOODHULL." 


816 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  (and  papers  enclosed)  be 
committed  to  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Li- 
vingston. 

A  letter  from  General  Wooster,  dated  Rye  Neck,  Feby. 
17,  1777,  enclosing  copy  of  a  letter  from  Capl.  Alexr.  Grant, 
directed  to  General  Heath,  or  the  officer  commanding  the 
Continental  forces  in  Westchester  or  Dutchess  county, 
dated  King's  Bridge,  Feb.  J  6lh,  and  sent  by  a  flag  of  truce 
requesting  permission  that  his  wife,  family  and  effects  may 
come  over  to  him,  and  an  open  letter  from  Capt.  Grant  to 
his  wife,  were  respectively  read,  as  follows  : 

"Head-Quakters,  I 
"  Rye  Neck,  Feb.  17,  1777.  $ 

"  Gentlemen — With  this  1  enclose  copy  of  a  letter 
from  Capt.  Alexr.  Grant,  at  King's  Bridge,  sent  per  flag  to 
Major-General  Heath,  or  officer  commanding  the  Conti- 
nental troops  in  Westchester  or  Dutchess  county  ;  also  his 
letter  to  Mrs.  Grant.  I  have  informed  him  that  I  shall  re- 
fer his  request  1o  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  State 
of  New-York  for  their  approbation,  as  it  falls  more  imme- 
diately under  their  cognizance  ;  have  therefore  despatched 
this  to  you,  and  beg  to  know  your  pleasure  in  the  affair  as 
soon  as  possible  : 

"  On  the  twenty-second  instant  a  regiment  of  volunteers 
from  Connecticut  will  be  discharged,  when  I  shall  not 
have  more  men  in  this  department  than  about  eight  hun- 
dred, eighty-two  from  Connecticut,  and  eighty-seven  from 
your  State,  under  the  command  of  Colonel  Humphrey, 
which  in  my  opinion  is  a  number  very  insufficient  for  the 
purpose  of  protecting  or  maintaining  the  allegiance  of  this 
county  ;  and  particularly  of  securing  the  important  article 
of  forage.  I  must  therefore  earnestly  request  that  the  mi- 
litia, which  I  am  informed  you  have  ordered  to  this  quar- 
ter, may  be  sent  on  with  all  possible  expedition. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Most  respectfully,  your  obt.  humble  servt, 

"  DAVD.  WOOSTER." 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  Alexr.  Grant,  to  Maj.  Ge- 
neral Heath,  &c. 

"  King's  Bridge,  16th  Feby.  1777. 

"  Sir — Having  obtained  his  Excellency  Genl.  Howe's 
permission  to  send  a  flag  of  truce  for  my  family  and  ef- 
fects, not  doubting  of  your  generosity  and  humanity,  Lieut. 
Cameron  is  sent  with  this,  requesting  them,  not  as  tories, 
but  as  the  family  of  a  British  officer  ;  not  as  captives,  but 
as  detained  when  the  Colonies  yet  acknowledged  them- 
selves subjects  of  Great  Britain.  I  therefore  presume  that 
my  attachment  to  the  King,  my  master,  and  adherence  to 
the  oaths  I  took  when  I  entered  his  service,  to  come  over 
to  defend  the  claims  and  rights  of  this  country,  will  not  les- 
sen me  in  the  esteem  of  honest  men,  to  whom  I  submit 
the  justice  and  equity  of  this  request. 

"  Enclosed  I  have  left  open  a  letter  for  Mrs.  Grant,  for 
your  perusal. 

"  I  am  sir,  your  very  humble  servant, 

"  ALEXR.  GRANT,  Capln." 

Which  letters  were  committed  to  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Wisner  and  Major  Van  Zandt. 

A  letter  from  Ezra  L'hommedieu,  Esq.  dated  at  Guil- 
ford, Feby.  18,  requesting  a  proper  certificate  that  he  may 
be  enabled  to  transport  a  cargo  of  rum,  sugar,  &c.  to  this 
State,  which  is  lately  arrived  at  Bedford,  and  enclosing  an 
account  of  Daniel  Collins,  for  the  expenses  of  removing 
from  Long  island  to  Guilford  some  powder,  small  arms, 
&c.  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr. 
Harper  and  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  make  out  the  necessary 
certificate,  and  that  the  same  be  signed  by  the  President, 
and  transmitted  to  Mr.  L'hommedieu. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Parks  be  added  to  the  committee 
on  Scofield's  petition. 

The  petition  of  the  ship  joiners,  employed  on  board  the 
frigates,  relative  to  provisions,  &c.  was  read,  and  commit- 
ted to  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Tappen  and  Mr.  Ray. 


Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  for  that  purpose  ap- 
pointed, reported  a  set  of  instructions  for  Mr.  Taylor  and 
Mr.  Cuyler,  who  are  appointed  to  repair  to  the  Generals 
Clinton,  McDougall  and  his  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, which  were  read  and  approved,  and  are  as  follows  : 

"Gentlemen — You  are  upon  leaving  this  place  to  pro- 
ceed according  to  the  resolution,  of  which  a  copy  is  here- 
with delivered  to  you,  to  the  residence  of  General  George 
Clinton  ;  you  are  there  to  inquire  of  him  particularly  the 
number  of  men  under  his  command,  and  to  note  the  several 
reasons  why  he  hath  not  been  able  to  obtain  the  body  di- 
rected by  Convention  to  be  raised.  You  are  also  to  in- 
quire of  him  the  number  which  is  in  his  opinion  necessary 
to  defend  the  several  posts  immediately  under  his  care  ; 
and  whether  he  can  upon  any  emergency  throw  any  and 
what  succours  into  the  forts  on  Hudson's  river.  You  are 
to  procure  of  him  a  plan  of  the  obstructions  to  be  made  in 
the  river  to  the  northward  of  the  Highlands,  and  what 
works  appear  necessary  to  cover  them  ;  also  what  for- 
wardness there  is  in  such  obstructions,  and  the  time  neces- 
sary to  complete  the  same,  and  the  covering  fortifications. 

"  You  are  afterwards  to  go  and  view  the  forts  in  the 
Highlands,  under  the  command  of  General  James  Clinton, 
to  take  notes  of  the  number  and  state  of  the  garrisons  and 
stores  ;  the  deficiencies  of  either  or  both,  and  the  necessa- 
ry requisites  to  a  complete  state  of  defence  in  case  the 
enemy  should  endeavour  to  carry  them  by  an  attack,  both 
by  land  and  water.  You  are  to  make  observation  and  in- 
quiry as  to  the  surrounding  grounds,  and  in  general  to  ac- 
quire the  most  adequate  ideas  in  your  power  of  all  mat- 
ters which  relate  to  the  attack  or  defence  of  those  works  ; 
the  means  of  throwing  in  reinforcements  or  supplies  and 
the  like. 

"  Having  gained  the  necessary  intelligence  above  re- 
commended, you  will  proceed  to  Genl.  McDougall's  quar- 
ters, and  give  him  the  information  you  have  obtained  ; 
suggest  to  him  the  propriety  of  putting  the  posts  above 
mentioned  in  a  respectable  state  of  defence,  and  inquire 
into  the  state  of  the  troops  under  his  command.  You  will 
also  endeavour  to  learn  the  precise  situation  of  all  the 
American  forces  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  the  suc- 
cess they  have  met  with  in  procuring  forage,  and  what 
probability  of  procuring  still  greater  supplies  there  may  be 
by  continuing  in  that  occupation  ;  what  number  of  men  is 
necessary  to  secure  the  passes  on  that  side  of  Hudson's 
river,  in  case  the  enemy  should  make  a  sudden  incursion, 
and  how  many  will  be  requisite  for  the  defence  of  the 
county  of  Westchester  against  the  ravages  of  the  enemy's 
light  troops.  You  are  also  to  inquire  the  character  of  the 
American  troops  now  there,  and  how  far  they  may  be  de- 
pended on  if  exigences  require.  You  are  to  take  Genl. 
McDougall's  opinion,  whether  in  any  sudden  emergency, 
he  could  throw  in  reinforcements  to  the  posts  in  the  High- 
lands, and  in  what  space  of  time;  and  urge  him  to 
strengthen  them  immediately,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power. 

"  You  are  then  to  wait  upon  His  Excellency  General 
Washington.  You  are  to  communicate  to  him  the  intelli- 
gence received  by  Henry  Livingston,  and  state  the  proba- 
bility that  the  enemy  may  endeavour,  by  a  coup  de  main, 
to  carry  the  forts  in  the  Highlands.  You  ate  to  represent 
to  him  the  situation  of  those  forts,  according  to  the  result 
of  your  inquiries.  You  are  to  inform  him  of  the  utter  im- 
practicability of  holding  them  by  militia  of  this  State. 
You  are  to  point  out  the  absolute  necessity  of  permitting 
the  inhabitants  to  remain  at  home,  after  the  vigorous  exer- 
tions made  by  this  State,  to  the  exhausting  of  almost  all 
her  resources,  more  especially  as  the  supply  of  the  army 
must  in  a  great  measure  depend  upon  her,  which  has  al- 
ready been  rendered  in  some  measure  precarious  by  the 
number  of  people  who  have  been  drawn  from  their  farms 
as  soldiers,  or  been  disturbed  in  their  employments  by  the 
frequent  calls  of  the  militia.  You  are  to  hint  to  His  Ex- 
cellency the  propriety  of  appointing  some  discreet,  vigilant 
and  active  officer  to  be  the  governor  of  those  forts ;  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


817 


show  the  advantages  which  would  result  from  appointing 
Genl.  George  Clinton  to  this  office,  and  employing  Genl 
James  Clinton  in  service  more  agreeable  to  his  temper, 
disposition,  &c.    You  are  to  inform  His  Excellency  of 
the  impossibility  of  procuring  cannon,  within  this  State  or 
at  Salisbury,  for  the  frigates  in  the  river,  in  any  convenient 
time  ;  and  to  show  the  great  advantages  we  should  derive 
from  having  them  completed,  if  the  enemy  should  be  able, 
with  some  of  their  smaller  vessels,  to  pass  through  the 
Highlands.    You  are  to  request  of  him  to  write  for  cannon 
to  the  southward,  and  lay  before  him  an  estimate  of  the 
number  and  weight  of  such  cannon.    You  are  to  suggest 
to  His  Excellency  the  propriety  of  sending  a  number  of 
good  artillery  men  to  the  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitu- 
tion, and  also  proper  engineers  to  survey  the  grounds 
about  those  forts,  and  mark  out  works  to  cover  the  ob- 
structions to  be  made  to  the  northward   of  the  High- 
lands.   If,  in  conversation  with  the  General,  you  have 
any  decent  opportunity,  you  are  to  suggest  to  His  Ex- 
cellency and  the  officers  of  his  family,  the  propriety  of 
having  a  number  of  light  boats  built,  with  light  carriages 
to  transport  them  ;  by  which  means  the  partisan  war  may 
be  carried  on  to  great  advantage.    You  are  to  inquire  the 
number  of  horse  directed  to  be  raised,  and  state,  as  well 
as  the  occasion  may  permit,  the  impracticability  of  main- 
taining any  great  number." 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  Feby.  21th,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van 
Zandt — For  New-York. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt — For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisncr — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Cuyler— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 
Major  Parks,  Mr.  Ray— For  Ulster. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington, 
dated  at  Morris  Town,  Feby.  20th,  in  answer  to  ours  on 
the  subject  of  exchanging  Capt.  Van  Dyck  and  others, 
was  read. 

The  petition  of  Dirk  Gardinier  and  Matthew  Goes,  Junr. 
confined  at  Hurley  as  disaffected  persons,  praying  to  be 
permitted  to  return  to  their  families  for  a  limited  time,  was 
read,  and  the  prayer  of  said  petition  was  rejected. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Charlotte  county,  sub- 
scribed by  John  Williams,  Esq.  their  chairman,  informing 
that  the  said  committee  have  ordered  the  company  of  ran- 
gers, raised  in  that  county,  to  the  post  of  Ticonderoga,  on 
an  apprehension  lhat  the  enemy  will  cross  the  lakes  on  the 
ice,  and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  appointing  a  pay-mas- 
ter for  the  said  rangers,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  the  six 
members  from  the  city  and  county  of  Albany. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  McCrackan,  of  Col.  Van  Schaick's 
regiment,  requesting  some  more  money  may  be  advanced 
for  the  bounty  of  his  men,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Colo.  Van  Schaick, 
informing  him  of  this  application,  and  that  no  money  can 
be  advanced  for  this  purpose  but  through  the  colonel  or 
commanding  officer  of  the  regiment. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine 
the  minutes  of  the  proceedings  of  the  several  Committees 
of  Safety  of  this  State,  from  the  time  of  the  Convention's 
adjournment  from  Harlaem,  to  this  day,  and  report  such 
parts  thereof  to  the  Convention  of  this  State  as  require  the 
confirmation  of  Convention  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Morris  be  the  com- 
mittee. 

Mr.  Hobart,  on  behalf  of  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton,  informed 

205 


the  House  that  the  General  expects  soon  to  begin  sinking 
the  obstructions  ordered  to  be  made  in  Hudson's  river,  and 
that  he  stands  in  need  of  some  small  cables  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Newkirk  and  Capt.  Rutgers  be  a 
committee  to  provide  cables,  &c.  for  General  Clinton  for 
the  above  purpose. 

The  petition  of  John  Winn,  late  captain  of  one  of  the 
companies  of  rangers  in  Tryon  county,  charged  with  having 
killed  one  of  his  men,  praying  lhat  he  may  be  restored  to 
the  liberty  of  serving  his  country  was  read. 

Mr.  Adgate,  from  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
requested  the  sense  of  the  House  on  an  account  of  Richard 
Esseltine,  wherein  he  charges  8s.  for  each  spear  :  Where- 
upon the  sense  of  the  House  was  declared  to  be,  that  the 
said  committee  allow  no  greater  price  for  the  making  the 
said  spears  than  is  directed  by  an  order  of  the  third  of  Octo- 
ber last. 

An  account  of  Isaac  Stonehouse  for  maintaining  the  poor 
removed  from  places  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy  and 
placed  in  the  precinct  of  New-Windsor,  and  certified  by 
Samuel  Brewster,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  New- 
Windsor,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereto  is  annexed 
a  certificate  of  Mat.  Adgate  and  Benjn.  Newkirk,  Esqrs. 
two  of  the  committee  of  Convention,  appointed  to  audit 
accounts,  lhat  they  had  examined  the  said  account  and  the 
endorsement  of  Saml.  Brewster,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  New-Windsor,  thereon,  and  are  of  opinion  that 
he  be  allowed  for  the  same,  the  sum  of  three  hundred  and 
fifty  pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  nine  pence. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
their  auditors  in  their  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
the  said  Isaac  Stonehouse,  on  his  receipt  in  full  thereon, 
the  sum  of  three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  eighteen  shil- 
lings and  ninepence,  for  his  account  to  the  said  report  an- 
nexed. 


FRIDAY  MORNING. 

Febry.  28th,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brig.  Gen.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Majr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Phil.  Livingston — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Stephens— For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder — For  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate — For  Albany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Hobart— for  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Tappen — For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose, reporled  the  draft  of  a  proclamation  appointing  a  day 
of  solemn  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  this  State,  which 
was  read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"Whereas  the  war  which  hath  hitherto  wasted  and  de- 
spoiled our  country  still  rages  with  unremitting  violence, 
and  may,  by  the  just  vengeance  of  Almighty  God,  be  more 
widely  spread  abroad  among  other  people  and  nations  ; 
filled  with  a  due  sense  of  the  tender  mercies  of  Him,  in 
whose  hands  are  all  the  corners  of  the  earth,  this  Com- 
mittee do  hereby  strictly  enjoin,  proclaim  and  command, 
Friday,  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  March  next,  to  be  ob- 
served throughout  this  State  as  a  day  of  solemn  fasting  and 
prayer  ;  and  they  do  most  earnestly  recommend  to  the  in- 
habitants of  every  denomination,  to  abstain  from  all  labour, 
amusements  and  recreations ;  to  assemble  together  and 
humble  themselves  before  their  benevolent  Creator,  implor- 
ing him  to  forgive  our  manifold  iniquities,  to  stay  the  hand 
of  the  destroyer,  to  establish  and  confirm  those  rights  and 


818 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


privileges  with  which  He  hath  made  us  free  :  and  in  pity 
to  the  miseries  of  mankind,  grant  the  blessings  of  peace, 
liberty  and  security  unto  us  and  unto  all  men." 

Ordered,  That  500  copies  of  the  aforegoing  be  printed, 
and  sent  to  the  several  chairmen  of  the  county  committees 
in  this  State,  who  are  requested  to  cause  the  same  to  be 
published  in  all  places  of  public  worship  in  their  respective 
counties,  and  that  the  same  be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Reverend 
Samuel  Provoost,  reported,  that  Mr.  Provoost,  for  sundry 
good  reasons  offered  to  the  committee,  (and  by  them  ver- 
bally mentioned  to  the  House,)  is  under  the  necessity  of 
declining  the  honour  of  serving  as  chaplain  to  the  Con- 
vention :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  reasons  assigned  by  Mr.  Provoost 
are  satisfactory  to  this  Committee  of  Safety. 

Resolved,  That  the  Revd.  Doctor  John  Rodgers  be  ap- 
pointed chaplain  to  the  Convention  of  this  Slate,  and  that 
he  be  requested  to  attend  and  perform  prayers  before  the 
Convention  and  Committee  of  Safety,  every  morning,  and 
divine  service  every  Sabbath. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  according  to  the  notice  by  him 
given  yesterday,  moved  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  deter- 
mination of  the  House  of  yesterday  afternoon  upon  the  reso- 
lutions relative  to  debtors  paying  money  owing  to  credi- 
tors out  of  the  State  into  the  treasury,  &c.  &c.  The 
said  motion  being  agreed  to,  the  said  determination  of  yes- 
terday was  taken  into  consideration,  and  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  was  postponed  till  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  till  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Friday  afternoon,  Feb.  28,  1777. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beek- 
man— For  New-York. 

Mr.  Ray— For  Ulster. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veeder— For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens— For  Cumberland. 

The  Committee  of  Safety,  according  to  order,  proceeded 
to  the  consideration  of  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston's  motion  of 
this  morning  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  determination  of 
the  Committee  on  the  resolutions  for  enabling  debtors, 
(where  the  creditor  is  out  of  the  State,)  to  pay  the  debt 
into  the  treasury,  &c.  &c.  The  same  was  debated,  and 
the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirm- 
ative, and  resolved  to  go  immediately  into  the  further  con- 
sideration of  the  said  resolutions. 

The  said  resolutions  being  considered  and  amended,  the 
further  consideration  thereof  was  postponed  until  to-mor- 
row morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck  be  added  to  the 
committee  for  apprehending  and  examining  Mr.  Cummins 
and  others,  in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Cuyler,  who  is  absent. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  1,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjourn- 
ment. 

Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Abrm.  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Duane— New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Jno.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 


Col.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray—  Ulster. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper— Tryon. 

The  Committee  of  Safety  proceeded  to  consider  the  re 
solutions  as  amended,  for  enabling  debtors,  where  the  cre- 
ditor is  out  of  the  State,  to  pay  the  debt  into  the  treasury 
of  the  State,  &c.  which  resolutions  were  adopted,  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  several  towns,  precincts,  manors  and 
districts,  in  each  county  in  the  State,  proceed  to  the  elec- 
tion of  supervisors,  assessors  and  collectors,  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  April  next,  excepting  where,  by  the  particular 
charters  of  any  township  or  borough  an  election  shall  be 
directed  to  be  held  at  an  earlier  day  than  that  which  is 
above  prescribed,  or  where  in  any  township  or  borough 
supervisors,  assessors  and  collectors  shall  have  been  already 
elected  by  virtue  of  such  charters,  under  the  direction  of  the 
chairmen  or  such  other  members  of  the  county  committees 
as  shall  be  by  the  said  committees  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  giving  due  notice  thereof  by  public  advertise- 
ments in  at  least  four  of  the  most  public  places  in  their 
respective  districts,  six  days  previous  to  such  elections. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  elections  be  held  in  each  town, 
precinct,  manor  and  district,  at  the  usual  places  and  in  the 
manner  pointed  out  by  the  laws  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  supervisors,  assessors  and  col- 
lectors continue  in  office  for  the  term  of  one  year  from  the 
time  of  their  being  elected  as  aforesaid,  unless  sooner  dis- 
charged by  the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  indebted  to  the  loan  office  of 
this  State,  whose  term  of  payment  is  expired,  do  pay  the 
moneys  owing  thereto  to  the  several  loan  offices,  who  are 
hereby  required  to  receive  and  pay  the  same  into  the  trea- 
sury of  this  State  ;  and  in  case  the  proper  loan  officers  are 
out  of  this  State,  or  within  such  parts  of  it  as  are  possessed 
by  the  enemy,  that  then,  and  in  such  case,  all  persons  so 
indebted  as  aforesaid,  do  pay  such  moneys  to  the  Treasurer 
or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  whose  receipt  shall  be  a 
sufficient  acquittance  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  indebted  to  this  State  on  ac- 
count of  the  loan  office,  though  their  term  for  payment  be 
not  expired,  may,  at  their  option,  pay  in  the  principal  and 
interest  to  the  several  loan  officers  ;  or  in  their  absence  as 
aforesaid,  to  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer ;  in  which 
case,  their  mortgages  shall  be  delivered  up,  or  where  they 
cannot  be  obtained,  the  Treasurer's  receipt  shall  be  a  suffi- 
cient indemnification  against  the  same. 

Whereas  debtors  whose  creditors  formerly  resided  with- 
in this  State,  but  who  are  either  removed  from  the  same, 
or  are  within  such  part  thereof  as  is  in  the  power  of  the 
enemy,  are  by  such  removal  prevented  from  paying  their 
said  debts :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  every  debtor  who  shall  be  indebted  to 
any  person  so  removed  as  aforesaid  from  this  State,  or  re- 
siding in  such  part  thereof  as  is  in  the  power  of  the  enemy, 
on  making  affidavit  thereof  before  the  Treasurer  or  Vice- 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  who  is  hereby  empowered  to  ad- 
minister the  same,  may,  in  discharge  of  such  debts,  or  any 
part  thereof,  pay  to  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  of 
this  State,  such  sum  or  sums  of  money  as  he  shall  think 
proper  ;  and  the  interest  on  all  such  moneys  so  paid,  shall 
from  the  time  of  such  payment,  cease  ;  and  all  contracts 
for  the  same,  as  far  as  they  relate  to  the  moneys  so  paid, 
be  void  ;  provided  always,  that  such  payments  shall  not 
affect  the  costs  of  suit  where  an  action  hath  been  already 
commenced,  unless  the  same  be  paid,  together  with  the 
debt. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State  file  all  affidavits  so  as  aforesaid  taken  before  him, 
give  receipts  for  and  make  regular  entries  of  all  moneys  so 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


819 


received,  and  answer  all  bills  and  drafts  regularly  drawn 
upon  him  by  the  proprietors  of  moneys  as  above  received, 
where  such  proprietors  shall  appear  to  reside  in  any  place 
not  within  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  where  the  person  or  persons  in  whose 
behalf  any  money  shall  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  or  Vice- 
Treasurer  of  this  Slate,  shall  reside  at  any  place  in  the 
power  of  the  enemy,  no  money  shall  be  paid  on  his  or  their 
draft,  without  the  express  permission  of  the  Convention,  or 
some  person  or  persons  authorized  by  them  or  some  future 
Legislature  of  this  Slate  to  grant  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  be  en- 
titled to  receive  from  the  debtor  one-half  per  cent  on  all 
moneys  so  as  above  received,  in  lieu  of  all  other  fees,  for  his 
trouble  in  receiving  and  paying  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  where  any  money  due  upon  contracts 
made  for  sterling  money  shall  be  paid  to  the  Treasurer  or 
Vice-Treasurer,  every  dollar  so  paid  in  shall  be  estimated 
at  four  shillings  and  six  pence  sterling. 

Resolved,  That  the  bills  of  credit  heretofore  emitted, 
either  by  ihe  Continental  Congress,  the  late  Provincial 
Congresses  of  New-York,  or  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
shall  be  a  legal  tender  in  debts  due  either  to  this  State  or 
to  private  persons  ;  and  that  any  person  refusing  the  same 
in  payment  for  any  just  debt,  after  the  same  shall  have 
been  tendered  in  the  presence  of  two  reputable  freehold- 
ers, shall  forfeit  one-quarter  of  such  debt  to  this  State  ;  and 
the  person  owing  the  same,  on  making  oath  of  such  tender 
and  refusal,  and  of  the  names  of  the  persons  in  whose  pre- 
sence such  tender  and  refusal  shall  have  been  made  before 
the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer,  (who  are  authorized  to 
take  the  same,)  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  same  to  the 
Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer,  whose  receipt  shall  be  a 
sufficient  discharge  for  the  same,  and  ail  interest  thereon 
shall  cease  from  the  time  of  such  payment ;  provided  al- 
ways that  the  above  resolution  shall  not  extend  10  any  case 
in  which  the  refusal  shall  arise  from  any  dispute  about  the 
sum  due,  where  the  party  might  be  prejudiced  by  not  re- 
ceiving the  full  amount  of  his  account,  nor  shall  the  for- 
feiture take  place  till  notice  be  given  to  the  creditor  by  the 
Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State,  of  the  affidavits 
and  the  payment  in  consequence  thereof,  nor  till  a  reason- 
able lime  be  allowed  him  after  the  regular  formation  of  the 
government  of  this  State,  to  show  by  bill  filed  before  the 
Chancellor,  that  he  is  not  within  the  spirit  of  the  above  re- 
solution ;  to  which  bill  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  shall 
be  made  defendant. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  answer 
the  bills  or  drafts  of  the  person  in  whose  behalf  such  sum 
or  sums  of  money  shall  have  been  paid  for  three-quarters 
of  the  sum  so  paid. 

Resolved,  That  whenever  any  debtor,  agreeable  to  the 
above  resolutions,  shall  have  paid  to  the  Treasurer  or  Vice- 
Treasurer  of  this  State  the  full  amount  of  his  debt  due 
upon  any  bond,  mortgage  or  note  of  hand,  upon  presenting, 
in  the  presence  of  two  credible  witnesses,  a  certificate  of 
such  payment,  signed  by  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer, 
to  the  creditor  whose  debt  is  so  lodged  in  the  treasury,  he 
shall  be  entitled  to  receive  of  such  creditor,  within  three 
weeks  after  he  shall  have  demanded  the  same,  his  bond, 
mortgage  or  note  of  hand  ;  and  in  case  any  creditor  shall 
refuse  to  deliver  up  such  security,  that  on  information  filed 
and  conviction  thereof  in  any  court  of  record,  the  creditor 
shall  forfeit  one-half  of  his  said  original  debt  to  the  use  of 
this  State,  with  costs  of  suit. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  or  Vice-Treasurer  shall 
answer  no  draft  of  any  creditor,  unless  upon  due  proof 
made  by  affidavit  of  the  said  creditor,  that  the  securities 
for  the  debt  paid  in  have  been  delivered  up  to  the  debtor, 
where  the  whole  debt  has  been  paid  off ;  or  that  proper  en- 
dorsements have  been  made  thereon  where  only  a  part  has 
been  paid. 

Whereas  many  evil-minded  and  avaricious  people  have 


purchased  up  large  quantities  of  wheat  and  other  grain  in 
order  to  enhance  the  price  thereof: 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
district  in  which  the  same  may  happen  to  be  stored,  shall, 
on  application  from  the  Quarter-Master  or  Commissary- 
General  of  the  Continental  army,  or  their  deputies,  grant 
a  warrant  for  seizing  the  same  for  the  use  of  the  said  army, 
first  paying  to  ihe  proprietor  a  sum  not  exceeding  eight 
shillings  and  six  pence  per  bushel  for  wheat,  five  shillings 
and  sixpence  for  rye,  eight  shillings  and  six  pence  for  peas, 
three  shillings  and  six  pence  for  oats,  and  five  shillings  for 
Indian  corn  ;  provided  always,  that  nothing  in  this  resolu- 
tion contained  shall  be  construed  to  extend  to  the  limitation 
of  the  prices  of  the  articles  aforesaid  in  ihe  possession  of 
those  husbandmen  who  have  raised  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be  published 
in  the  newspapers,  and  that  the  same  be  printed  in  hand- 
bills, and  sent  to  the  chairmen  of  the  several  countv  com- 
mittees,  who  are  directed  to  cause  them  to  be  distributed 
among  the  inhabitants,  and  put  up  in  all  the  most  public 
places  throughout  their  respective  counties. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  Esq.  dated  the  17th 
inst.  directed  to  the  Vice-President,  was  read.  He  therein 
informs  that  he  had,  agreeable  to  the  request  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  the  12th  inst.  directed  the  iron  neces- 
sary for  the  Continental  ships  to  be  drawn  and  forwarded ; 
and  assures  the  Convention  of  his  readiness  to  serve  the 
public  cause. 

A  letter  from  Brigr.  Genl.  Bailey,  dated  Newbury,  the 
19th  February  last,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  state  the 
boundaries  of  New-York,  and  ihe  titles  and  principles  upon 
which  they  are  founded.  That  they  have  power  to  search 
the  State  records,  and  to  procure  other  necessary  materials; 
and  to  employ  one  or  more  surveyors,  or  geographers,  to 
assist  them  in  preparing  a  plan  or  chart  of  this  State,  and 
that  they  have  power  to  send  for  persons  and  papers  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Taylor,  be  a  committee  for  that 
purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  of  Brigadier-General  Bailey, 
be  committed  to  the  above  named  committtee. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  such  gentlemen  of  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement as  are  or  may  be  present,  have  power  to  com- 
plete the  arrangement,  and  to  issue  commissions  for  such 
officers  of  the  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State, 
as  have  been  already  named. 

Major-General  Schuyler,  who  has  been  present  during 
the  morning,  informed  the  Committee  that  he  attends  to 
entreat  the  aid  of  this  House  to  obtain  a  number  of  ship- 
carpenters  ;  that  the  aid  formerly  given  on  the  application 
of  has  proved  ineffectual ;  that  he  is  willing 

to  allow  them  10s.  8d.  per  day,  one  and  a  half  rations  of 
provisions,  and  a  half  pint  of  rum  ;  that  without  a  number 
of  ship  carpenters,  he  cannot  complete  the  vessels  ordered 
to  be  built  at  the  lakes. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Wm. 
Smith,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  ship  carpenters 
and  joiners  on  the  subject  of  General  Schuyler's  application. 

Major-General  Schuyler  informed  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  that  he  has  directions  from  His  Excellency  Gene- 
ral Washington,  to  inoculate  the  army  under  his  command, 
which  he  cannot  conveniently  do,  without  interfering  with 
the  modes  prescribed  for  inoculation,  by  the  resolutions 
of  the  Representatives  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Maj.  Genl.  Schuyler  be,  and  is  hereby 
authorized  to  cause  the  army  under  his  command,  to  be 
inoculated  with  the  small  pox,  at  such  times,  and  in  such 
places  and  numbers  as  he  may  think  proper ;  any  resolu- 
tions of  the  Convention  or  Committee  of  Safety,  or  the  Re- 
presentatives of  this  State  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any 
wise  notwithstanding. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  Esquire,  to  Messrs.  R, 


820 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


R.  Livingston  and  Morris,  relative  to  the  casting  of  cannon, 
was  read.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  lor  the  reasons  assigned  in  Mr.  Living- 
ston's letter,  it  would  be  improper  to  employ  his  furnace 
in  casting  cannon,  as  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  his 
works  should  be  employed  as  heretofore,  in  preparing  bar 
iron. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  be  added  to  the  mineral 
committee,  appointed  to  make  discoveries  of  lead  and  sul- 
phur mines,  and  flints,  and  have  assays  made  therein  ;  that 
they  be  also  authorized  to  have  searches  made  for  black 
lead,  and  assays  made  therein.  And, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be,  and  they  hereby 
are,  authorized  to  cause  flints  be  prepared  with  all  possible 
despatch  out  of  the  flint  mines  discovered  in  Tryon  county, 
on  which  assays  have  been  made. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and 
privates,  of  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap's  company  of  rangers, 
amounting  to  £115  19s.  Od.  for  the  pay  of  the  said  com- 
pany from  the  8lh  day  of  January  to  the  6th  day  of  Fe- 
bruary last,  both  days  included,  and  sworn  to  before  the 
present  President,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon 
is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Benjn.  Newkerk  and  Matthew 
Adgate,  two  of  the  committee  of  Convention,  for  auditing 
accounts,  whereby  they  certify  that  they  have  examined  the 
said  pay  roll,  and  do  allow  the  sum  of  £115  19s.  Od. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Isaac  Belknap,  the  said  sum  of  £115  19s.  Od.  on  his 
receipt  in  full  on  the  said  roll. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  the  officers,  non-commissioned 
officers  and  privates,  of  Capt.  Belknap's  company  of  ran- 

fers,  from  the  said  eight  day  of  January  to  the  6th  day  of 
'ebruary  last,  both  days  inclusive,  amounting  to  £80  19s. 
3d.  and  sworn  to  by  Capt.  Belknap,  before  the  present 
President,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is  en- 
dorsed a  certificate  of  Benjamin  Newkerk  and  Matthew 
Adgate,  two  of  the  said  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
whereby  they  certify  that  they  have  examined  the  said 
roll,  and  allow  thereon  the  sum  of  £80  19s.  3d. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Stale  pay  to  the 
said  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap,  the  said  sum  of  £80  19s.  3d.  on 
his  receipt  in  full,  on  the  said  roll. 

An  account  of  Capt.  Belknap  for  £15,  for  the  last  moie- 
ty of  the  bounty  of  Walter  Wilson,  Abraham  Garrison 
and  John  Rynders,  sworn  to  before  Abraham  Ten  Broeck, 
Esquire,  the  President,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  There- 
on is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Benjamin  Newkirk  and  Ma- 
thew  Adgate,  two  of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts, 
whereby  they  certify  that  they  have  examined  the  said  ac- 
count, and  do  allow  the  sum  of  £15,  for  bounty  to  the  per- 
sons therein  named. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap,  the  said  fifteen  pounds,  on  his 
receipt  in  full,  on  the  said  account. 

Die  Sabbati,  6  ho.  P.  M.  March  1,  1777. 
The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Prest- 
Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt— New-York. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Tappcn—  Ulster. 
Mr.  R-  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt — Dutchess. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder—  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Wm.  Duer,  dated  at  Cromwell  the  25th 
February,  showing  the  necessity  of  a  reinforcement  be- 
ing sent  into  that  county,  to  protect  the  inhabitants  for- 
warding the  foraging  business,  was  read. 


An  extract  of  General  Wooster's  letter  of  the  23rd  Fe- 
bruary last,  directed  to  the  committee  of  Convention  in 
Westchester  county,  setting  forth  the  smallness  of  his  bri- 
gade, and  the  necessity  of  reinforcements  from  this  State, 
was  also  read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Col.  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  dated 
at  East  Chester,  on  the  24th  February,  and  directed  to  the 
said  committee  of  Convention,  was  also  read.  He  therein 
informs  them  that  General  Wooster  with  his  troops  had  re- 
treated to  Ryeneck. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Convention, 
dated  the  24th  Feby.  to  Col.  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  was  also 
read. 

A  letter  from  Israel  Honeywell,  to  the  committee  of 
Convention,  dated  at  Phillipsburgh  on  the  23rd  Febry.  as- 
signing reasons  for  obtaining  additional  guards,  was  also 
read. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Capt.  Piatt  and  Mr. 
Hobart,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  letters  and  papers, 
and  report  thereon. 

Three  several  letters  from  Mr.  John  Henry,  dated  at 
Fishkill  on  the  following  days,  to  wit:  on  the  20th,  24th 
and  27th  February,  together  with  an  inventory  of  the  goods 
in  store,  as  clothing  for  the  Continental  troops,  when  he 
took  charge  of  the  same,  were  respectively  received  and 
read. 

The  inventory  is  dated  1 5th  February,  and  is  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

537  frocks. 
19  Scotch  rugs. 

79  frocks  which  Mr.  Curtenius  sent  to  the  store. 
925  overalls,  linen  and  wollen,  and  17  pair  ditto  unmade. 
226  under  jackets. 
651  linen  and  flannel  shirts. 

31  pieces  oznaburgs  and  20^  yds.  ditto. 
7  moth  eaten  coats  out  of  the  Continental  store. 

14  pair  breeches,  leather  and  flannel. 

2  pair  trowsers,  &c. 

378  pair  shoes  and  13  pair  ditto  Scotch,  not  matched. 
584  hats  and  22  bonnets. 
187  knapsacks. 
6  reams  cartridge  paper. 

3  blankets,  moth  eaten,  and  2  good  ditto. 
339  pair  mitts. 

2  guns,  2  cartridge  boxes  and  two  bayonet  boxes. 

The  said  several  letters  request  that  the  clothing  pro- 
vided by  this  State  for  the  Continental  troops,  and  now  at 
Kingston,  may  be  forwarded  to  Fishkill,  and  that  money 
may  be  advanced  to  him  to  enable  him  to  proceed  in  the 
business,  and  discharge  contracts  formerly  made  for  the 
purchase  of  clothing,  tradesmens'  bills,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Newkirk  forward  all  the  clothing  be- 
longing to  this  State  to  Mr.  Henry  at  Fishkill,  with  all 
convenient  despatch.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate,  do  transmit 
by  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars 
to  Mr.  John  Henry,  superintendent  of  the  said  clothing 
store  at  Fishkill,  to  enable  him  to  carry  on  the  necessary 
business  of  procuring  clothing  for  the  troops,  that  Mr. 
John  Henry  be  accountable  for  that  sum,  and  transmit  to 
the  Treasurer  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Duane  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  let- 
ter to  Continental  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  the  disaf- 
fected subjects  of  this  State,  in  the  three  northeastern  coun- 
ties, which  was  read,  amended  and  approved,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  Sir — The  enclosed  letters  and  resolutions  were  pre- 
pared some  time  since  ;  but  for  reasons  with  which  you 
need  not  be  troubled,  were  delayed.  Some  late  proceed- 
ings of  the  disaffected  within  this  State,  occasion  their  now 
being  transmitted. 

"  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  the  Convention  are 
engaged  in  establishing  a  firm  and  permanent  system  of 
government.  When  this  important  business  is  accomplish- 
ed, they  will  despatch  a  satisfactory  statement  of  the  boun- 
daries, and  the  principles  on  which  they  are  founded,  for 
the  information  of  Congress.    In  the  mean  time,  they  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


821 


pend  upon  the  justice  of  your  Honourable  House  in  adopt- 
ing every  wise  and  salutary  expedient  to  suppress  the  mis- 
chiefs which  must  ensue,  both  to  this  State  and  the  Gene- 
ral Confederacy,  from  the  unjust  and  pernicious  project  of 
such  of  the  inhabitants  of  New-York  as,  merely  from  sel- 
fish and  interested  motives,  have  fomented  this  dangerous 
insurrection.  The  Congress  may  be  assured  that  the  spirit 
of  defection,  notwithstanding  all  the  arts  and  violence  of 
the  seducers,  is  by  no  means  general.  The  county  of 
Gloucester,  and  a  very  great  part  both  of  Cumberland  and 
Charlotte  counties,  continue  stedfast  in  their  allegiance  to 
this  government.  Brigadier-Genl.  Bayley's  letter,  (a  copy 
of  which  is  enclosed,)  will  be  a  sufficient  proof  of  the  tem- 
per of  the  people  of  Gloucester  county.  Charlotte  and 
Cumberland  continue  to  be  represented  in  Convention  ;  and 
from  very  late  information  we  learn,  that  out  of  80  mem- 
bers which  were  expected  to  have  attended  the  mock  con- 
vention of  the  deluded  subjects  of  this  State,  20  only  at- 
tended. We  are  informed  by  good  authority,  that  Col. 
Warner  was  directed  by  the  General  to  send  forward  his 
men  as  he  should  enlist  them,  to  Ticonderoga ;  notwith- 
standing which  it  appears,  by  a  return  from  thence  not  long 
since,  that  only  24  privates  had  reached  that  post ;  nor  is 
there  the  least  prospect  of  his  raising  a  number  of  men 
which  can  be  an  object  of  public  concern  ;  though,  instead 
of  confining  himself  to  the  Green  Mountains,  as  we  under- 
stand was  the  intention  of  the  Honourable  Congress,  he 
has  had  the  advantage  of  recruiting  in  Albany  and  other 
places.  The  Convention  beg  to  know  what  pay  the  Ho- 
nourable Congress  have  allowed  for  the  officers  and  pri- 
vates of  the  troops  of  horse  who  were  employed  the  last 
campaign  in  the  service  of  the  United  States." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  that  a 
copy  of  the  resolutions  of  this  Committee,  passed  on  the 
20th  January  last,  and  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  that  date  to 
the  Congress,  be  copied,  and  both  letters  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted  by  a  messenger.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  the  Depu- 
ties of  this  State  at  Congress,  and  enclose  the  said  letters 
and  resolutions  for  their  perusal,  before  they  are  delivered. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  commit- 
tee for  preparing  a  plan  of  government,  be  directed  to  sit 
to-morrow. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  ne- 
gative. 

Ordered,  That  the  sequestration  bill  now  before  the 
House,  be  taken  into  consideration  on  Monday  next. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  D.  Blavelt,  lieut.  colonel  of  a  re- 
giment of  the  militia  in  Orange  Town  in  Orange  county, 
resigning  his  commission  as  lieut.  colonel,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Resolved,  That  Lieut.  Colonel  Blavelt's  resignation  be 
accepted  ;  and  that  General  George  Clinton  be  requested 
to  recommend  a  proper  person  to  be  appointed  to  that  va- 
cancy. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Kingston 
do  make  an  inventory  of  all  personal  property  in  the  town 
of  Kingston,  belonging  to  any  person  or  persons  gone  over 
to  the  enemy ;  and  that  no  part  thereof  be  disposed  of  or 
conveyed,  until  the  further  order  of  the  Convention  or  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  of  this  State  ;  and  to  enable  the  said  com- 
mittee to  execute  the  above  resolutions, 

Resolved,  That  any  two  or  more  members  of  the  said 
committee  of  Kingston,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  to 
convene  persons  before  them,  and  to  administer  any  oath 
to  any  person  in  whose  custody  any  such  personal  property 
is  suspected  now  to  be,  or  to  have  been. 

A  letter  from  Pliarue  Penet  &  Co.  merchants  in  Nantes, 
in  the  Kingdom  of  France,  dated  the  21st  day  of  October, 
1776,  offering  to  supply  the  Committee  of  this  State  with 
cannon,  muskets,  powder,  all  kinds  of  military  stores  and 
dry  goods,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  make  an  extract  of  such  parts 

206 


thereof  as  may  be  proper  to  be  published  in  the  newspa- 
pers, that  the  same  may  be  sent  to  Samuel  Loudon,  to  be 
published. 


DIE  LUNiE,  a.  m. 

March  3rd,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  DuDscomb,  Mr.  Livingston, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Duane—  For  New-York. 

Mr.  Piatt— For  Dutchess. 

Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris — For  Westchester. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray,  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton,  Col.  Dewit— For  Ulster. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  and  pa- 
pers from  the  committee  of  Convention  in  Westchester 
county,  reported  sundry  resolutions,  together  with  a  draft 
of  a  letter  to  the  said  committee,  all  which  were  read  and 
approved,  and  are  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  1st.  That  the  frequent  calls  of  the  militia  of 
this  State  has  greatly  distressed  the  inhabitants,  taken  the 
husbandmen  from  their  occupation,  prevented  them  from 
thrashing  and  manufacturing  their  wheat ;  whereby  the 
Commissary-General  has  been  unable  to  obtain  a  sufficient 
supply  for  the  magazines,  and  very  much  impeded  the 
raising  of  recruits  for  the  Continental  army,  and  therefore 
ought  not  to  be  repeated,  but  in  cases  of  the  most  urgent 
necessity. 

Whereas  a  number  of  volunteers  have  been  ordered  to 
be  raised  in  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester, 
under  the  command  of  Col.  Humphreys  and  Capt.  Gray: 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  wrote  to  Col.  Humphreys, 
directing  him  to  inarch  all  the  men  he  has  raised  immedi- 
ately to  Westchester  county,  and  take  the  directions  of  the 
commissioners,  appointed  by  a  resolve  of  this  Committee 
to  superintend  the  removal  of  such  grain,  forage,  cattle, 
&c.  as  may  be  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  enemy 
in  Westchester  county  ;  and  that  another  letter,  to  the 
same  purpose,  be  wrote  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
company  lately  commanded  by  Capt.  Gray. 

Resolved,  That  if  the  troops  mentioned  in  the  foregoing 
resolve  should  prove  insufficient  for  the  purpose  of  protect- 
ing the  well  affected  in  Westchester  county,  and  cutting 
off  the  communication  between  the  disaffected  subjects  of 
this  Stale  and  the  enemy,  then,  and  in  that  case,  the  com- 
missioners aforesaid  be  empowered  to  raise  such  a  number 
of  volunteers,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Ham- 
mond and  Major  Nicholas  Fish,  as  they  shall  judge  ne- 
cessary, not  exceeding  three  hundred  ;  and  that  they  be 
empowered  to  appoint  such  and  so  many  captains  and  sub- 
alterns, out  of  those  already  in  commission  in  the  militia, 
as  they,  together  with  Col.  Hammond  and  Major  Fish, 
shall  think  proper,  always  observing  not  to  appoint  more 
than  one  captain  and  two  subalterns  to  a  company  of  se- 
venty men. 

Resolved,  That  the  men  so  raised,  be  allowed  Conti- 
nental pay  and  rations,  and  be  continued  in  service  until 
the  fifteenth  day  of  April  next,  unless  sooner  discharged. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  the  papers  received  from  the 
committee  of  Convention,  in  Westchester  county,  be  trans- 
mitted to  Genl.  McDougall,  commanding  at  Peekskill, 
with  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  that  it  is 
advisable,  in  the  present  state  of  the  said  county,  to  de- 
tach a  part  of  the  Continental  troops,  raised  in  this  State, 


822 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


in  garrison  at  Fishkill,  for  the  protection  of  the  said  coun- 
ty, and  to  oppose  any  design  of  the  enemy  in  that  quarter. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  of  Convention  be 
furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  preceding  resolutions. 

"  Kingston,  March  3,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  Committee  of  Safety  have  attend- 
ed to  the  different  matters  contained  in  your  letter  of  the 
25th  ultimo,  and  are  very  sorry  to  find  the  disagreeable 
situation  to  which  the  well  affected  in  Westchester  county 
may  probably  be  reduced.  They  have  come  to  several 
resolutions,  which  arc  enclosed,  and  have  directed  me  to 
inform  you  that  they  cannot  think  of  calling  out  the  militia 
at  present.  They  doubt  not  but  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond 
will  be  able  to  raise  a  considerable  number  of  volunteers, 
who,  added  to  those  already  raised  under  Col.  Humphrey, 
and  such  Continental  troops  as  may  be  sent  down,  proper- 
ly employed  as  scouts,  will  probably  be  sufficient  to  deter 
the  enemy  from  making  any  considerable  inroads  into  the 
country.  As  the  business  for  which  your  committee  was 
appointed  is  now  put  into  the  hands  of  commissioners,  I 
am  directed  to  require  your  attendance  in  Convention,  the 
advice  and  assistance  of  all  the  members  being  peculiarly 
necessary  at  this  juncture. 

"  Yr.  mo.  obt.  servt. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pettit  cause  the  bell  belonging  to 
this  House  to  be  rung  without  delay. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Lydia  Watkins,  directed  to  Mr.  Wm. 
Harper,  a  member,  enclosing  an  account  of  grain,  vegeta- 
bles, &c.  the  property  of  the  said  Mrs.  Watkins,  and  which 
were  destroyed  by  the  Continental  troops  and  cattle  at 
Harlaem  Heights,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  accounts  to  be  audited,  and  that  when  reported, 
it  be  transmitted  as  reported  to  the  Quarter-Master-Gene- 
ral of  the  Continental  army. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  the  more  effectual  recruiting  the  levies 
for  the  five  Continental  regiments  recruiting  in  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  William  Smith  and 
Mr.  Ten  Broeck  be  the  committee. 

A  pay  roll  of  a  company  of  rangers,  raised  in  Charlotte 
county,  whereof  Joshua  Conkey  is  captain,  marked  No.  5, 
commencing  on  the  fifth  day  of  December  and  ending  on 
the  third  day  of  January  last,  and  sworn  to  by  Joshua 
Conkey,  the  captain,  before  John  Williams,  Esq.  chairman 
of  Charlotte  county,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon 
is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Benjn.  Newkerk  and  Mat.  Ad- 
gate,  two  of  the  committee  of  Convention  for  auditing  ac- 
counts, dated  the  29th  February,  and  certifying  that  they 
have  examined  the  said  roll,  and  do  allow  thereon  the  sum 
of  £90  4s.  4|d.  to  Capt.  Joshua  Conkey  and  company. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company,  from  the  said 
fifth  day  of  December  to  the  third  day  of  January  last, 
both  days  included,  marked  No.  6,  and  sworn  to  in  like 
manner,  was  also  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is  en- 
dorsed a  certificate  of  the  said  two  auditors,  dated  the  29th 
February,  certifying  that  they  have  examined  the  said  roll, 
and  do  allow  thereon  the  sum  of  £62  12s.  6§cZ. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  marked  No. 
7,  commencing  the  4th  of  January,  and  ending  the  2nd  of 
February  last,  both  days  included,  sworn  to  in  like  man- 
ner, was  also  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is  endorsed 
a  certificate  of  the  said  two  auditors,  dated  the  first  instant, 
certifying  that  they  have  examined  the  said  pay  roll,  and 
do  allow  thereon  the  sum  of  £104  15s.  8\d. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company,  marked  No.  8, 
commencing  the  4th  of  January  and  ending  the  2nd  of  Fe- 
bruary last,  both  days  included,  sworn  to  in  like  manner, 
was  also  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is  endorsed  a 
certificate  of  the  said  two  auditors,  dated  the  first  instant, 
certifying  that  they  allow  thereon  the  sum  of  £74  6s.  5|c/. 
to  Capt.  Joshua  Conckey,  and  company. 


A  pay  roll  of  Capt.  Isaac  Moss's  company  of  rangers, 
raised  in  the  county  of  Charlotte,  marked  No.  13,  com- 
mencing on  the  5th  day  of  December,  and  ending  on  the 
4th  day  of  January  last,  both  days  included,  arid  appearing 
to  be  sworn  to  by  the  said  Capt.  Isaac  Moss,  before  John 
Williams,  Esquire,  chairman,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 
Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the  said  two  audi- 
tors, bearing  date  the  first  instant,  and  certifying  that  they 
have  examined  the  said  roll,  and  allow  thereon  the  sum  of 
£112  2s.  lOd.  to  Capt.  Isaac  Moss  and  company. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  Captain  Moss's  company,  marked 
No.  14,  commencing  the  5th  day  of  December,  and  ending 
the  4th  day  of  January  last,  both  days  included,  and  ap- 
pearing to  be  sworn  to  by  the  said  Isaac  Moss,  before  the 
said  chairman,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is 
also  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the  said  two  auditors,  dated 
the  first  day  of  March,  instant,  certifying  that  they  allowed 
thereon  the  sum  of  £80  15s.  Id.  to  Captain  Isaac  Moss 
and  company. 

A  pay  roll  of  Captain  Isaac  Moss's  said  company  of  ran- 
gers, marked  No.  15,  commencing  the  5th  day  of  January, 
and  ending  on  the  3rd  day  of  February  last,  both  days  in- 
cluded, and  appearing  to  be  sworn  to  by  the  said  Capt. 
Isaac  Moss,  before  the  said  chairman,  was  exhibited  for 
payment.  Thereon  is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the  said  two 
auditors,  that  they  had  examined  the  said  pay  roll,  and  do 
allow  thereon  the  sum  of  £1 16  5s.  Ad.  for  pay  to  the  said 
Isaac  Moss  and  company. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  Capt.  Moss's  said  company,  marked 
No.  16,  commencing  on  the  5th  day  of  January  and  ending 
on  the  3rd  day  of  Feb.  last,  both  days  included,  and  appear- 
ing to  be  sworn  to  by  the  said  Capt.  Isaac  Moss,  before 
the  said  chairman,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon 
is  endorsed  a  certificate  of  the  said  two  auditors,  that  they 
have  examined  the  said  subsistence  roll,  and  do  allow  there- 
on the  sum  of  £83  10s.  Id.  for  subistence,  to  Capt.  Isaac 
Moss  and  company. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  of  Safety  agrees  with 
their  auditors  in  their  several  reports,  on  the  said  pay  and 
subsistence  rolls. 

And  whereas,  Mr.  Edward  Savage,  who  has  attended 
with  the  said  rolls,  is  not  authorized  to  receive  the  several 
sums  due  thereon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
transmit  the  sum  of  £724  2s.  \  \\d.  being  the  amount  of 
the  said  several  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  due  to  the  ran- 
gers raised  in  Charlotte  county  by  Edward  Savage,  a  lieu- 
tenant of  one  of  the  said  companies,  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Charlotte  county,  who  is  hereby  directed, 
authorized  and  required  to  pay  to  each  captain  the  sum  due 
to  each  respective  company  on  the  said  pay  and  subsis- 
tence rolls,  and  take  a  proper  receipt  of  each  of  the  said 
captains,  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  said  Treasurer. 

And  whereas,  Capt.  Josiah  Conckey  and  Capt.  Isaac 
Moss  have  each  transmitted  an  account  of  bounty  due  sun- 
dry men  enlisted  into  his  company,  which  remains  unpaid: 
And  whereas  the  Captains  Conckey  and  Moss,  and  Lieu- 
tenant Savage,  or  the  committee  of  Charlotte  county,  have 
not  returned  to  the  Convention  a  roll  of  the  names  of  the 
men  for  whom  money  was  advanced  for  bounty  on  the  4th 
of  January  last,  pursuant  to  the  order  of  that  day,  nor  have 
accounts  or  vouchers  been  returned  for  the  whole  amount 
of  the  moneys  on  that  day  advanced  for  the  said  rangers, 
amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  sum  of  £524  14s.  2d.  nor 
for  the  other  sums  before  that  time  advanced  for  the  said 
rangers  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  no  farther  sum  be  advanced  for  bounty 
to  any  rangers  in  Charlotte  county,  until  proper  vouchers 
be  returned  for  all  the  money  heretofore  issued  for  their 
use. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  transmit  a  certified  copy 
of  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Charlotte  county. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


823 


Monday  Afternoon,  March  3,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman— Aeu;- York. 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood—  Westchester. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck— For  Albany. 
Capt.  Piatt— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart—  For  Suffolk. 
CoL  Dewit,  Mr.  Ray,  Major  Tappen— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Harper— Tryon. 
Mr.  Slevens — Cumberland. 

The  memorial  of  Nathaniel  Piatt,  late  captain  of  a  com- 
pany in  the  regiment  of  militia  drafts,  whereof  Josiah  Smith 
was  colonel,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Col.  Dewit  and  Mr.  Mills. 

The  committee  appointed  to  audit  accounts,  reported  an 
account  by  them  audited,  of  James  Magee,  one  of  the  per- 
sons appointed  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  by  their  reso- 
lution of  the  9th  of  October  last,  to  purchase  clothing  of 
different  kinds  in  the  county  of  Albany,  for  the  use  of  the 
troops  raised  in  this  State — the  said  account  amounts  to 
£102  195.  Gd.  An  account  of  John  McCarty,  the  person 
of  whom  Mr.  McGee  purchased  the  goods,  as  also  a  receipt 
signed  by  Jere.  Van  Rensselaer,  paymaster  to  the  third  bat- 
tallion  of  Continental  troops  raising  in  this  State,  acknow- 
ledging the  receipt  of  those  goods  for  the  use  of  the  said 
battalion,  accompanied  the  account  of  Mr.  Magee  as 
vouchers. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain James  Magee  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  two  pounds 
nineteen  shillings  and  six  pence,  in  full  for  his  account  for 
stockings  and  mittens  by  him  purchased  in  the  county  of 
Albany,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety  of  the  9th  of  October  last,  and  delivered  to  Jer. 
Van  Rensselaer,  paymaster  to  the  3rd  battallion,  of  Col. 
Gansevoort's  regiment,  for  the  use  of  said  regiment,  and 
take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolutions  for  sequestering  the  estates  of  persons  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  were  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Duane, 
Mr.  Morris  and  Capt.  Piatt. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  letter  from  General  Wooster,  reported  the  fol- 
lowing resolution,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Sarah  Grant,  wife  to  Capt.  Alex- 
ander Grant,  be  permitted,  with  her  family  and  effects, 
(excepting  cattle,  horses  and  provisions,)  to  repair  to  the  city 
of  New-York,  and  that  Genl.  Wooster,  or  officer  com- 
manding the  Continental  forces  in  Westchester  county,  be 
requested  to  send  a  guard  with  Mrs.  Grant  to  convey  her, 
with  her  family  and  effects  as  aforesaid,  to  the  enemy's 
lines  at  King's  Bridge. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
transmitted  to  General  Wooster. 

A  letter  signed  Ja.  Sullivan,  as  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  House  of  Representatives,  dated  at  Boston, 
Feby.  9th,  enclosing  an  act  to  prevent  monopolizing,  and 
a  resolution  prohibiting,  certain  articles  therein  enumerated, 
was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  R.  R.  Li- 
vingston and  Mr.  Jay. 

Mr.  Adgate,  from  the  committee  of  accounts,  delivered 
in  their  report  on  the  account  of  Mrs.  Lydia  Watkins,  for 
the  damage  received  by  the  Continental  troops,  &c.  which 
was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of 
the  members. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Kingston  requesting 
some  direction  with  respect  to  the  effects  of  Cor.  Clop- 
per,  who,  as  is  said,  is  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  was  read. 

Agreeable  to  order,  the  commissioners  for  inquiring  into, 
detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  sent  a  copy 
of  the  proceedings  on  the  case  of  Malcom  Morrison. 


Ordered,  That  the  same  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal 
of  members. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

March  4,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Denning,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Phil.  Livingston— For  New-York. 

Majr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood— For 
Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — 
For  Albany. 

Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris—  For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 
Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Dewit,  Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  commit- 
ted the  resolutions  for  sequestration  of  the  personal  pro- 
perty of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  as  aie  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
amended  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

[Report  not  entered  on  the  minutes.] 

On  motion  of  Capt.  Zep.  Piatt, 

Resolved.  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare 
and  report  an  act  of  grace  for  all  such  persons  as  have 
been  sent  out  of  this  State  by  the  committee  for  detecting 
conspiracies,  or  confined  within  this  State  by  their  order, 
or  by  order  of  any  other  committee  in  this  Stale,  charged 
with  notorious  disaffection  to  the  American  cause,  and  not 
charged  with  treason  against  this  or  any  of  the  neighbour- 
ing States. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Zeph.  Piatt,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr. 
Hobart,  be  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  R.  R.  Livingston,  be  excused  his  attend- 
ance on  the  committee  for  apprehending  and  examining 
Cummins,  Crookshanks  and  others ;  and  that  Mr.  Phil. 
Livingston  be  added  to  the  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and 
report  a  system  of  government,  meet  this  afternoon  at  4 
o'clock. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

March  5,  1777. 
The  Committee  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Denning,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort — 

For  Albany. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Major.  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  Dewit— for  Ulster, 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Major.  Lockwood — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  from  the  committee  appointed  for  that 
purpose,  reported  a  draft  of  a  bond  to  be  executed  by 
Henry  I.  Van  Rensselaer  and  his  sureties  for  the  faithful 
discharge  of  the  office  of  commissioner  of  the  loan  office 
in  this  State  for  borrowing  money  for  the  Continental  use  ; 
the  same  was  read,  amended  and  approved  of,  and  is  as 
follows  : 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we  Henry  1. 


824 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 


Van  Rensselaer,  of  Claverack,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
commissioner  within  the  State  of  New-York,  for  superin- 
tending the  loan  office,  established  according  to  a  resolu- 
tion of  Congress  of  the  3rd  October,  1776,  for  borrowing 
money  for  the  use  of  the  United  States  of  America ;  and 
are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  Peter  V.  B. 
Livingston,  Esquire,  Treasurer  of  the  State  aforesaid  in 
the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  pounds  New-York  currency, 
to  be  paid  to  the  said  P.  V.  B.  Livingston,  or  to  his  suc- 
cessors, Treasurers  of  the  said  State  ;  for  the  payment 
whereof  we  do  bind  ourslves,  our  heirs,  executors  and  ad- 
ministrators jointly  and  severally  by  these  presents.  Sealed 
with  our  seals,  dated  the       of  1777. 

"  The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such  that  if  the  above 
bounden  Henry  L  Van  Rensselaer,  shall  in  all  things,  well 
and  faithfully  perform  the  duty  of  such  a  commissioner  as 
aforesaid,  according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the 
said  resolution,  then  and  in  such  case  the  above  obligation 
to  be  void,  else  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  same,  together  with  a 
copy  of  the  resolutions,  directing  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  to 
enter  into  bond  with  security  for  the  faithful  execution  of 
his  office,  be  transmitted  to  him  by  the  President ;  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  send  the  names  of  his  securities  for 
the  approbation  of  this  Committee  as  soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  all  bonds,  obligations  or  contracts  which 
have  been  or  may  be  entered  into  by  individuals  or  bodies 
politic,  to  or  with  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  for  the  time 
being,  shall  enure  to  his  successor,  or  successors  in  the  said 
office,  to  be  by  him  or  them  prosecuted  and  recovered  upon, 
for  and  on  the  behalf  of  this  State  in  like  manner  as  if  the 
said  Treasurer  and  his  successors  had  been  constituted  a 
sole  corporation. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of 
Capt.  Nathaniel  Piatt,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read,  and  thereupon  resolved  : 

Whereas  divers  officers  of  the  militia  in  the  counties  of 
Suffolk,  Queens  and  Kings,  have,  as  it  hath  been  alleged, 
advanced  sundry  sums  of  money  as  pay,  bounty,  or  sub- 
sistence to  their  soldiers  on  account  of  this  State,  which 
sums  of  money  cannot  now  be  by  them  recovered  by  rea- 
son of  the  dispersion  of  the  said  soldiers  throughout  the 
said  counties  now  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  other 
parts  of  this  and  the  neighbouring  States,  and  of  the  loss 
of  the  several  vouchers  for  the  payment  of  the  said  several 
sums. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  officers  do  return, 
upon  oath,  particular  accounts  of  the  monies  by  them  so 
advanced,  together  with  the  vouchers  for  the  same,  or  in 
default  thereof,  that  they  make  proof  of  the  loss  of  such 
vouchers  ;  and  that  they  also  return  the  pay  rolls  of  the 
men  under  their  command,  specifying  therein  the  names  of 
such  as  are  in  the  power  of  the  enemy  ;  and  that  where 
such  several  sums  do  not  exceed  the  pay,  bounty  and  sub- 
sistence respectively  due  to  the  several  soldiers  under  their 
command,  they  be  allowed  such  several  sums  ;  and  where 
such  several  sums  do  exceed  the  pay,  bounty  and  subsist- 
ence respectively  due  as  aforesaid,  then  that  they  be  al- 
lowed the  whole  of  the  pay  due  to  the  said  soldiers  respec- 
tively, and  no  more. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  resolution  be  published  in  the 
newspapers. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  Eg- 
bert Benson,  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed  to  en- 
quire into,  detect  and  defeat  all  conspiracies,  the  sum  of 
five  hundred  and  seventy-eight  pounds,  eleven  shillings 
and  one  penny,  for  the  purpose  of  discharging  sundry  ac- 
counts of  expenses  contracted  by  the  late  committee  for  in- 
quiring into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c. 
as  audited  by  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Esquire,  late  a  member 
thereof;  and  also  the  further  sum  of  two  hundred  and  sixty- 
one  pounds,  thirteen  shillings  and  five  pence,  for  defraying 
the  necessary  expenses  of  the  commissioners  appointed  to 
inquire  into,  detect  and  defeat  all  conspiracies  which  may 
be  formed  in  this  State,  against  the  liberties  of  America  : 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  the  first  above  men- 
tioned sum  to  Zephaniah  Piatt,  and  take  his  receipt  on  be- 
half of  Mr.  Benson. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts  reported  an  account 
of  Capt.  Nathaniel  Piatt,  amounting  to  £76  18$.  id.  for 
the  expenses  of  transporting  and  collecting  a  number  of 
arms  and  accoutrements,  swords,  three  casks  of  powder, 
eighteen  tents  and  three  marquees,  belonging  to  this  State, 
from  the  State  of  Connecticut  to  Fishkill,  and  which  were 
brought  off  from  Long  Island. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Capt.  Nathaniel  Piatt  the  sum  of  £76  18s.  id.  in  full  for 
his  account  of  expenses  in  collecting  and  transporting  a 
parcel  of  arms,  accoutrements,  swords,  marquees,  tents  and 
three  casks  of  powder,  belonging  to  this  State,  from  the 
State[of  Connecticut  to  Fishkill,  which  said  arms,  &c.  were 
brought  off  from  Long  island,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

An  account  of  Daniel  Dunscomb  against  the  State,  for 
salt  purchased  of  sundry  persons  in  May  and  June,  1776, 
for  laying  up  a  magazine  of  pork  in  Westchester  county, 
and  for  disbursements  by  him  paid  for  freight  and  storage 
of  the  said  salt,  was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereon  is  en- 
dorsed a  certificate  of  Matthew  Adgate  and  Benjamin  New- 
kerk,  two  of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  certify- 
ing that  they  have  examined  the  within  account  of  Daniel 
Dunscomb,  Esquire,  and  are  of  opinion  that  he  be  allowed 
the  sum  of  forty-four  poutids,  six  shillings  and  two  pence 
halfpenny,  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Daniel 
Dunscomb,  Esq.  the  said  forty-four  pounds,  six  shillings 
and  two  pence  halfpenny,  in  full  of  his  demand  on  the  said 
account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  David  Lyons,  for  riding  three  days  in  the 
public  service,  to  hasten  the  marching  of  the  militia  of 
Dutchess  to  Westchester  county,  was  exhibited  for  pay- 
ment. Thereto  is  subjoined  a  certificate  of  Matthew  Ad- 
gate and  Benjamin  Newkerk,  Esqrs.  two  of  the  auditors, 
that  they  allow  the  sum  of  two  pounds  eight  shillings  to 
David  Lyons  for  his  services. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  David 
Lyons,  on  his  receipt,  the  said  sum  of  two  pounds  eight 
shillings  for  his  said  account. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

March  6th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Maj.  Van 
Zandt,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Denning — For  Neu>-York. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Platt,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — For 
Dutchess. 

Maj.  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate — For  Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Maj.  Lockwood— For  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart — For  Suffolk. 
Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rat — Ulster. 
Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  dated  Bal- 
timore, January  18,  in  answer  to  the  letter  of  Conven- 
tion of  the  28th  December  last,  on  the  subject  of  clothing, 
and  enclosing  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  16th  of  Janu- 
ary, approving  of  the  spirited  exertions  of  this  State  and  of 
the  address  of  the  Convention  to  the  inhabitants,  and  ap- 
pointing a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  the 
Hessian  officers  and  soldiers,  were  respectively  read. 

A  circular  letter  from  Congress,  dated  Baltimore,  Janu- 
ary 31,  signed  John  Hancock,  President,  enclosing  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  with  the  names  of  all  the 
members  of  Congress  that  subscribed  the  same,  and  a  re- 
solution that  the  same  be  put  on  record  and  preserved 
among  the  archives  of  the  several  United  States,  were  read. 

Another  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  dated 
Baltimore,  Feby.  20th,  enclosing  an  extract  from  the  mi- 
nutes of  the  committees  appointed  by  the  States  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  Connecticut,  New-Hampshire  and  Rhode 
Island,  Providence  Plantations,  on  the  subject  of  regulating 
the  prices  of  provisions,  &c.  in  those  States,  and  the  reso- 

207 


lutions  of  Congress  of  the  15th  of  February  on  the  subject 
of  these  extracts  ;  the  resolutions  recommending  the  seve- 
ral Legislatures  of  the  several  States  to  take  the  most  ef- 
fectual means  for  manning  the  Continental  frigates,  and  re- 
commending to  the  United  States  to  avoid  as  much  as  pos- 
sible the  further  emission  of  paper  currency,  and  sinking 
that  already  emitted,  were  respectively  read. 

A  letter  from  the  Honl.  Francis  Lewis,  Esquire,  dated 
the  18th  February,  on  the  subject  of  this  State  being 
unrepresented  in  Congress,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  aforegoing  letters,  with  the  en- 
closures, be  committed  to  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Morris  and  Mr.  Duane. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esquire,  chairman  of  Al- 
bany committee,  dated  the  14th  February,  on  the  subject 
of  the  prohibition  in  the  eastern  States,  was  read,  and  com- 
mitted to  the  same  committee,  to  whom  was  also  commit- 
ted the  letter  from  Boston  on  the  same  subject. 

A  letter  from  General  Bayley,  dated  at  Newburg,  Fe- 
bruary 26,  and  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  the 
4th  inst.  both  on  the  subject  of  Hoisington's  rangers,  were 
read,  and  committed  to  Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Stevens  and 
Mr.  Gansevoort. 

A  letter  from  Major  Daniel  Torboss,  at  Fishkill  Lan- 
ding, dated  February  20,  informing  of  his  having  purchased 
a  quantity  of  iron  from  Capt.  Redfield,  which  iron  is  now 
claimed  by  Mr.  Hughes,  quarter  master-general's  deputy, 
as  Continental  stores,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Denning  and  Major  Laurence. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing 
store  of  this  State  at  Fishkill,  dated  the  4th  instant,  ac- 
knowledging the  receipt  of  two  thousand  dollars,  conveyed 
to  him  by  Capt.  Belknap,  from  the  Treasurer,  by  order  of 
the  Committee  of  Safety,  and  requesting  a  further  sum,  to 
enable  him  to  discharge  sundry  demands,  and  to  purchase 
clothing,  &c.  was  read ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of  this 
State,  at  Fishkill,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars  ;  he  to 
be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  of  the  same ;  and  that 


826 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  Treasurer  send  the  said  money  to  Mr.  Henry  by  Mr. 
Theodorus  Brett. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  directed  to 
John  Ten  Broeck,  Esq.  a  member  of  this  House,  on  the 
subject  of  making  an  allowance  to  the  recruiting  officers, 
empowering  him  to  purchase  leather  caps  for  his  men,  and 
to  purchase  arms,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Zep. 
Piatt,  Col.  Lott  and  Mr.  Wisner. 

The  resolutions  appointing  commissioners  in  the  several 
counties,  for  taking  into  possession,  and  exposing  to  sale 
the  personal  property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
were  again  read,  amended  and  approved,  and  are  as  fol- 
lows : 

Whereas  divers  ill  disposed  persons,  inhabitants  of  this 
State,  being  unmindful  of  the  great  duties  they  owe  to  the 
same,  have  joined  our  cruel  and  inveterate  foes ;  and  the 
effects  of  such  persons  and  of  divers  others  now  with  the 
enemy,  are  liable  to  waste,  or  may  be  employed  for  wicked 
purposes  within  this  State,  or  consist  of  goods  and  mer- 
chandize useful  to  the  well  affected  inhabitants  of  the  same, 
in  consideration  thereof,  and  for  divers  other  good  causes 
and  considerations, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  hereinafter  named, 
do  take  into  their  custody  and  possession,  all  the  personal 
property  of  the  persons  aforesaid,  and  do  cause  the  same 
to  be  sold  at  public  vendue,  upon  notice  thereof  given  at 
least  ten  days  before  the  day  of  sale,  and  do  file  with  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  accounts  of  the  sale  of  such  pro- 
perty, and  do  deposit  the  nett  amount  thereof,  together  with 
such  moneys  as  they  shall  find  belonging  to  the  persons 
aforesaid,  in  the  treasury,  to  be  hereafter  paid  to  the  re- 
spective owners  thereof,  or  otherwise  disposed  of  at  the 
discretion  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  ;  leaving,  never- 
theless, to  each  of  the  families  of  the  persons  aforesaid, 
their  apparel,  necessary  household  furniture,  and  as  much 
provisions  as  will  be  sufficient  for  their  subsistence  for 
three  months. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  due  execution  of  the  foregoing 
resolutions  within  the  several  counties  of  this  State,  the  fol- 
lowing persons  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  appointed  com- 
missioners, with  the  powers  and  authorities  aforesaid  ;  and 
also  with  the  power  of  sending  for  papers  and  examining 
witnesses  on  oath,  in  the  said  counties  respectively,  viz  : 
for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  Cornelius  Cuyler,  of 
Schenectady,  Harmanus  Wendell,  of  the  city  of  Albany, 
and  Peter  Van  Ness,  of  Claverack,  Esquires  ;  for  the 
county  of  Dutchess,  Anthony  Hoffman,  Ephraim  Payne 
and  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  Esquires;  for  the  county  of 
Westchester,  Stephen  Ward,  Samuel  Drake  and  Israel 
Honeywell,  Jr.  Esquires  ;  for  the  county  of  Ulster, 
Patrick  Barber,  Benjamin  Smedes,  Junr.  and  Johannes 
Sleight,  Esquires  ;  for  the  county  of  Orange,  Jesse  Wood- 
hull,  John  Coe  and  Guysbert  Kuyper,  Esquires;  for  the 
county  of  Tryon,  Frederick  Fisher,  John  Eisenlord  and 
John  Harper,  Esquires ;  for  the  county  of  Cumberland, 
James  Clay,  Amos  Robertson  and  Israel  Smith,  Esquires. 

And  whereas  this  House,  for  want  of  information,  can- 
not at  present  fix  upon  suitable  commissioners  for  the 
counties  of  Charlotte  and  Gloucester ; 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  appointment  of  commis- 
sioners for  the  said  counties  be  deferred. 

Resolved,  That  each  of  the  said  commissioners  be  allow- 
ed, besides  the  incidental  charges  in  executing  this  trust, 
the  sum  of  sixteen  shillings  per  day,  for  their  expenses  and 
trouble  while  actually  employed  therein  ;  and  that  they  do 
before  tliGy  enter  upon  the  said  business,  take  and  subscribe 
before  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  their  respective 
counties,  the  following  oath,  viz  : 

"  I,  A  B,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare,  that  I  will,  to 
the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  ability,  execute  the  trusts 
reposed  in  me  by  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  without  fear, 
favour,  affection,  partiality,  or  hope  of  reward,  so  help  me 
God." 

Resolved,  That  all  and  singular  the  powers  and  authori- 


ties, by  the  aforegoing  resolutions  given  the  said  commis- 
sioners, be  vested  and  exercised  in  and  by  any  two  of  those 
named  for  the  several  counties,  within  the  said  counties 
respectively. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  resolutions  be  sent  to 
one  of  the  Commissioners  in  each  county,  and  that  he  be 
requested  to  communicate  the  same  to  the  other  commis- 
sioners in  his  county,  and  to  the  chairman  of  the  county 
committee  thereof. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Gansevoort, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed 
to  prepare  a  system  of  a  form  of  government  for  this  State, 
report  on  Wednesday  next. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts  reported  a  pay  roll 
of  Capt.  Baldwin's  company  of  rangers,  commencing  Fe- 
bruary 1st,  and  ending  February  28th,  that  the  same  ought 
to  be  paid. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  audi- 
tors in  the  said  report  and  allowance.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Alexander  Baldwin,  for  himself  and  his  company,  the 
sum  of  £172  16s.  for  the  said  pay  roll,  and  take  a  receipt 
for  the  same. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts  reported  a  subsis- 
tence roll  of  Capt.  Baldwin's  company  of  rangers,  com- 
mencing Feby.  1,  and  ending  February  28,  that  the  same 
ought  to  be  paid. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  audi- 
tors therein.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Alexander  Baldwin,  on  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  said 
account,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  ten  pounds,  thirteen 
shillings  and  five  pence,  for  the  said  subsistence  roll. 

Adjourned. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

March  7th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Denning, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers — For  New-York. 

Major  Lawrence  —  Queens. 

Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort— For  Albany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Henry  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rea — Ulster. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  AVisner — Orange. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  Albany,  March  4, 
1777,  on  the  subject  of  the  iron  stoves  made  by  Mr.  Patrick 
for  the  use  of  the  northern  department,  and  requesting  Con- 
vention to  pay  off  the  account  of  the  said  stoves,  amount- 
ing to  £598  13s.  Od.  to  the  person  entitled  to  receive  the 
same,  and  make  a  Continental  charge  thereof,  or  draw  upon 
the  deputy  quarter-masler-general  of  the  northern  depart- 
ment, as  may  best  suit  them,  was  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
execntor  or  executors  of  Saml.  Patrick  deceased,  the  sum 
of  £598  13s.  in  full  for  his  account  of  iron  stoves  manu- 
factured at  the  Forest  of  Dean,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  in 
the  northern  department,  and  that  the  Treasurer  draw  on 
the  deputy  quarter-master-general  of  the  said  department 
for  the  said  sum. 

A  letter  from  David  Gelston,  Esqr.  dated  at  Middletown, 
Feb.  24,  enclosing  the  list  of  the  marks  and  weight  of  four 
barrels  of  saltpetre,  which  he  has  sent  to  Convention  by 
Mr.  Noadiah  Hubbard,  containing  1 123lbs.  nett,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner,  Senr.  received  the  said  salt- 
petre, and  pass  his  receipt  in  behalf  of  this  State  for  the 
same. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


827 


The  petition  of  John  Cooper,  of  Fishkill,  on  the  subject 
of  perpetuating  some  testimony  relative  to  a  claim  on  some 
lands  at  Kinderhook,  was  read,  and  for  want  of  a  Chan- 
cellor, ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates  be 
and  are  appointed  commissioners  on  behalf  of  this  State,  to 
meet  the  commissioners  of  the  States  of  New-Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland  and  Virginia,  on  the 
third  Monday  of  March  instant,  at  Yorktown  in  Pennsylva- 
nia, pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  of  the  15th 
February  last  ;  arid  that  they  be  allowed  each  four  dollars 
per  day,  during  the  time  they  shall  be  employed  in  the 
said  service. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  inform  Mr.  Yates  of  the 
aforegoing  resolution,  by  express,  and  request  his  attend- 
ance without  delay. 

A  certificate,  dated  at  Claremont,  Jany.  25th,  1777,  and 
signed  John  R.  Livingston,  certifying  that  Mr.  Abraham 
Wempel  of  Schenectady,  has  made  in  this  State  and 
brought  to  the  powder  mills,  three  hundred  and  sixty-five 
pounds  of  good  merchantable  saltpetre,  for  which  he  ought 
to  be  paid  nine  shillings  per  pound,  according  to  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  Convention,  was  read  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  make  out  an  account  of 
the  said  saltpetre  at  eight  shillings  and  six  pence  per  pound, 
that  being  the  price  allowed  by  the  resolution  referred  to 
in  Mr.  Livingston's  certificate  ;  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Abraham  Wempel,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  £155  2s.  6d. 
for  365  pounds  of  saltpetre  at  8s.  6d.  per  pound,  by  him 
manufactured  in  this  State,  and  delivered  at  Mr.  Jno.  R. 
Livingston's  powder  mill. 

Mr.  Morris,  from  the  committee  for  the  purpose  ap- 
pointed, reported  the  resolutions  as  an  act  of  grace  to  such 
of  the  inhabitants  who  are  gone,  or  sent  out  of  the  State, 
or  confined  as  disaffected  persons.  The  same  being  read 
by  paragraphs  and  amended,  were  agreed  to,  and  are  as 
follows  : 

"Whereas  divers  persons,  inhabitants  of  this  State, 
have,  for  notorious  disaffection  to  the  liberties  of  America 
and  other  sufficient  causes,  been  sent  into  some  or  one  of 
the  neighbouring  States,  or  confined  within  this  State  by 
parol  or  otherwise :  And  whereas  divers  of  the  said  per- 
sons have,  by  their  humble  petition  to  this  Convention, 
prayed  to  be  admitted  as  liege  subjects  of  this  State,  testi- 
fying their  determined  resolution  to  exert  their  utmost  en- 
deavours in  its  defence  :  And  whereas  this  Convention 
is  at  all  times  desirous  of  restoring  to  society  all  those  mem- 
bers who  have  not  by  their  crimes  rendered  themselves 
unworthy  of  being  partakers  in  the  exalted  privileges  of 
freemen :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  within  this 
State  to  inquire  into,  detect  and  defeat  all  plots  and  con- 
spiracies against  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  within 
this  State,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  directed  and  empowered 
to  send  for  all  such  persons,  members  of  this  State,  as  are 
confined  by  parol  or  otherwise  within  or  without  this  State, 
excepting  those  who  are  charged  with  taking  up  arms 
against  the  United  States,  with  enlisting  men  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  enemy,  accepting  a  warrant  or  commission  for 
that  purpose,  supplying  them  with  provisions,  or  conveying 
intelligence  to  them;  and  that  they  do  tender  to  each  of 
them  an  oath,  or  if  of  the  people  called  Quakers,  an  affirma- 
tion, that  he  will  bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the  State 
of  New-York  ;  that  he  will  discover  all  plots  and  conspi- 
racies which  may  come  to  his  knowledge,  against  the  said 
State,  or  the  United  States  of  America ;  that  he  will  do 
his  duty  as  a  good  subject  of  the  said  State  ;  and  that  he 
takes  the  said  oath  or  affirmation  without  any  mental  reser- 
vation or  equivocation  whatsoever,  and  means  faithfully 
and  honestly  to  perform  the  same.  That  such  of  the  said 
persons  as  shall  take  and  subscribe  the  said  oath  or  affirma- 
tion, be  discharged  ;  and  that  such  of  them  as  shall  for  six 
days  after  the  same  shall  be  tendered  to  them  respectively, 


Irefuse  to  take  and  subscribe  the  said  oath  or  affirmation, 
|  receive  a  pass  and  be  directed  to  repair,  with  their  families, 
apparel  and  household  furniture,  to  the  city  of  New-York, 
or  some  other  place  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy ;  and 
in  default  of  their  obedience  of  such  direction  within  the 
time  for  that  purpose  by  the  said  commissioners  to  be 
limited,  that  they  be  confined  in  close  jail,  and  otherwise 
treated  as  the  open  enemies  of  this  Slate.    And  further, 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  said  persons  as  shall  not, 
after  being  so  as  aforesaid  sent  for,  appear  before  the  said 
commissioners  within  a  time  for  that  purpose  by  the  said 
commissioners  to  be  limited  and  appointed  according  to 
their  respective  distances,  and  other  circumstances,  shall 
be  considered  as  having  gone  over  to  the  enemy.  And  the 
personal  property  of  such  persons  shall  be  seized  and  sold 
at  public  vendue,  and  the  money  arising  therefrom  shall 
be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  this  State,  and  be  subject  to 
the  disposition  of  the  future  Legislature  thereof :  unless, 
upon  the  appearance  of  such  delinquents  before  the  said 
commissioners  previous  to  such  sale  of  their  personal  pro- 
perty, a  sufficient  reason  be  assigned  for  their  non-attend- 
ance. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be 
transmitted  to  the  commissioners  appointed  to  detect  all 
conspiracies,  &c.  and  that  they  be  requested  to  cause  the 
same,  to  be  published  in  the  newspapers  and  printed  in  as 
many  handbills  as  they  may  think  necessary  to  be  distri- 
buted.   On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  two  persons  be  appointed  and  added  to 
the  number  of  commissioners  appointed  to  inquire  into, 
detect  and  defeat  all  conspiracies,  &c. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  elect  by  ballot,  two  per- 
sons for  that  purpose,  and  Peter  M.  Contine  and  Joseph 
Strang,  Esqrs.  were  elected  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Peter  M.  Contine  and  Joseph  Strang, 
Esquires,  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  added  to  the  number  of 
commissioners  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into, 
detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies  which  may  be 
formed  in  this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

March  8,  1 777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Duane  —For  New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills — For  Westchester 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr  .Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgale,  Mr.  Gansevoort — 
For  Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner  —  For  Orange. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk— For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart— For  Suffolk. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Col.  De  Witt — For  Ulster. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 

Mr-  Stevens — For  Cumberland, 

A  letter  from  General  Scott,  dated  Fishkill,  March  7, 
1777,  wherein  he  suggests  the  propriety  (if  the  enemy 
should  evacuate  the  city  of  New-York,  as  is  reported,)  of 
ordering  down  a  body  of  militia  of  this  State,  to  take  pos- 
session of  it  before  the  Connecticut  militia  enter  the  same; 
and  offers  his  services  to  take  the  command,  was  read,  and 
committed  to  Capt.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Gansevoort. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Connyne,  chairman  of  Coxsackie 
district,  enclosing  the  depositions  of  Cornelius  Connine, 
Harmanus  Schuyler,  Richard  Van  Den  Bergli,  Thos. 
Hooghtaling  and  Henry  Van  Bergen,  relative  to  the  con- 
duct and  language  of  Richard  Thurman,  at  the  time  when, 
Capt.  Hooghlaling's  company  of  militia  was  mustered  for 
the  purpose  of  drafting  every  fifth  man  to  march  and  rein- 
force the  garrison  of  Ticonderoga  by  order  of  Genl.  Schuy- 
ler, was  read. 


828 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred,  and  transmitted  to 
the  commissioners  for  inquiring  into,  detecting,  &c.  all 
conspiracies,  &c. 

A  report  of  Robert  Boyd  and  Samuel  Brewster,  Es- 
quires, relative  to  the  Forest  of  Dean  furnace,  was  read. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Mr.  Denning,  be  a 
committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Boyd  on  the  subject,  and 
make  report. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  John  Hancock,  President  of 
Congress,  dated  Jany.  24,  on  the  subject  of  this  State 
being  unrepresented  in  Congress ;  and  two  letters  from 
the  Honourable  Francis  Lewis,  the  one  dated  Jany. 
16,  and  the  other  Jany.  31,  were  respectively  read,  and 
committed  to  the  same  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  letters  from  Mr.  Hancock,  received  on  the  6th  inst.. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Samuel  Chase,  dated 
Baltimore,  January  23d,  enclosing  a  printed  resolve,  ap- 
pointing a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  the 
Hessian  generals  and  officers,  towards  the  troops  and  in- 
habitants of  the  United  States,  was  read,  and  committed 
to  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter,  signed  Ml.  Hillegus,  Continental  Treasurer, 
without  a  direction,  dated  Baltimore,  February  16,  1777, 
brought  by  Mr.  Wm.  Dodd,  (together  with  the  Continen- 
tal loan  office  certificates  for  this  State,)  containing  a  list 
of  the  quantity  and  denomination  of  the  said  certificates 
and  directions  to  be  observed  by  the  commissioner  of  the 
said  loan  office  in  this  State,  was  read.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioner  for  borrowing  money 
in  this  State,  be  informed  that  the  Continental  loan  office 
certificates  for  such  money  have  arrived,  and  that  he  be  re- 
quested to  attend  this  House  without  delay.  And 

Ordered,  That  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  Vice-Treasurer 
of  this  State,  do  receive  from  Mr.Wm.  Dodd  the  Continental 
certificates  sent  to  the  commissioner  of  this  State  by  Ml.  Hil- 
legas,  Esquire,  the  Continental  Treasurer;  thathekeep  them 
in  safety  till  further  orders ;  and  that  he  give  Mr.  Dodd 
duplicate  receipts  for  the  same  ;  and  that  he  inform  Mr. 
Hillegas  by  letter,  that  the  commissioner  resides  in  Alba- 
ny, but  is  sent  for  to  receive  the  certificates  ;  and  that  re- 
ceipts shall  then  be  taken  from  him  and  forwarded  agreea- 
ble to  Mr.  Hillegas's  request. 
On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  in  Kingston  be  di- 
rected to  take  the  irons  from  off  Malcom  Morrison,  who  is 
confined  in  the  said  jail. 

Whereas,  a  certain  James  McGloghlen  was,  by  order 
of  the  committee  for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies, 
&c.  sent  to  labour  on  board  the  Continental  ships  built 
at  Poughkeepsie,  and  that  he  was  afterwards  sent  by  some 
person  not  authorized,  to  the  jail  in  Kingston,  wherein  he 
is  now  confined : 

Ordered,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  at  Kingston,  be 
directed  to  discharge  the  said  James  McGloghlen. 

The  memorial  of  Wm.  Malcom,  in  behalf  of  himself 
and  the  other  owners  of  brigantine  Janet,  was  read,  and 
committed  to  Capt.  Rutgers  and  Maj.  Lawrence. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"That  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston  be  requested  to 
cause  Samuel  Brown  to  be  sent  to  Dutchess  county  jail, 
there  to  be  kept  in  safe  custody,  until  some  proper  court 
be  appoinlcd  for  trial  of  the  like  offence  with  which  he 
stands  charged. 

"That  Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston  be  empowered  to  pur- 
chase all  the  arms,  that  are  private  property  of  any  of  the 
soldiers  in  his  regiment,  provided  they  can  be  had  at  such 
prices  as,  in  his  judgment,  may  be  reasonable  ;  and  that  he 
transmit  an  account  of  the  said  arms,  together  with  the 
prices  of  the  same,  to  Convention,  who  will  make  provi- 
sion for  the  payment  of  the  same. 

"That  as  to  the  leathern  caps  mentioned  in  Col.  Living- 


ston's letter,  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that,  consider- 
ing the  great  scarcity  of  leather  and  the  singularity  of  lea- 
ther caps,  it  will  be  imprudent  to  contract  for  them. 

"  That  as  to  the  allowance  of  twenty  shillings  per  man 
to  the  recruiting  officers,  your  committee  are  of  opinion 
that  as  there  is  a  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  ways 
and  means  for  filling  up  the  regiments,  it  would  be  impro- 
per to  make  any  further  allowance  at  present." 

An  account  of  Capt.  Nathaniel  Piatt,  of  Col.  Smith's 
regiment  of  militia  drafts  raised  on  Long  island,  amount- 
ing to  eight  pounds,  for  the  last  half  of  the  bounty  allowed 
to  the  said  drafts,  by  him  paid  to  Nathaniel  Smith,  Mat- 
thew Beal  and  Thomas  Peters,  was  read.  The  said  ac- 
count being  duly  sworn  to,  and  audited  by  the  committee 
of  accounts ;  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Capt.  Nathaniel  Piatt,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds, 
to  reimburse  him  for  the  half  bounty  paid  to  Nathaniel 
Smith,  Matthew  Beal  and  Thomas  Peters,  privates  of  his 
company  of  militia  drafts  raised  on  Long  island,  and  in 
Col.  Smith's  regiment. 

A  pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  part  of  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Piatt's  company  of  Col.  Smith's  regiment  of  drafts  of  the 
Long  island  militia,  part  of  which  joined  Col.  Henry  B. 
Livingston's  regiment,  amounting  to  £141  17s.  8d.  was 
read.  The  said  roll  being  duly  sworn  to,  was  audited  by 
the  committee  of  accounts  ;  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Nathaniel  Piatt  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  forty-one 
pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  in  full  for  the 
said  pay  and  subsistence  roll. 

A  pay  roll  of  Capt.  Marcus  Demoth's  company  of  ran- 
gers, raised  in  Trvon  county,  commencing  the  first  day  of 
January,  1777,  to  the  31st  day  of  the  same  month,  inclu- 
sive, amounting  to  £198  2s.  6d.  sworn  to  by  the  said  cap- 
tain, and  delivered  in  as  audited  by  the  committee  for 
auditing  accounts,  as  by  them  audited  and  allowed,  was 
read,  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Marcus  Demoth  the  sum  of  £198  2s.  6d.  in  full  for  the 
said  pay  roll. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  from 
the  said  first  day  of  January  to  the  31st  of  the  same  month, 
inclusive,  amounting  to  £151  6s.  lOd.  sworn  to  and  audit- 
ed, and  delivered  in  like  manner  as  the  above  pay  roll,  was 
read  ;  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Marcus  Demoth  the  sum  of  £151  6s.  lOd.  in  full  for  the 
said  subsistence  roll. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  from  the  1st 
day  of  February,  1777,  to  the  28th  of  the  same  month, 
amounting  to  £198  2s.  6d.  sworn  to,  audited  and  delivered 
in  like  manner  as  the  above  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  was 
read  ;  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Marcus  Demoth  the  sum  of  £198  2s.  6d.  in  full  for  the  said 
pay  roll. 

A  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company  of  rangers,  from 
the  said  first  day  of  Feby.  to  the  28th  of  the  same  month, 
amounting  to  £136  16s.  sworn  to,  audited  and  delivered  in 
like  manner  as  the  above  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  was 
read  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Marcus  Demoth  the  sum  of  £136  16s.  in  full  for  the  said 
subsistence  roll. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

March  10,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Denning,  Maj.  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Duane,  Col.  Lott, 
Mr.  Beckrnan",  Mr.  Dnnscomb— For  New-York. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


829 


Major  Lawrence— For  Queens. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake,  Major 
Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills  -For  Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Col.  Van  Rensselaer— For  Albany. 

Col.  Allison — For  Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens—  For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk— For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Col.  Dewit— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Wisner  Senr.  having  absented  himself  without  leave, 
by  which  means  the  county  of  Orange  is  unrepresented, 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  despatched  to  notify  Mr. 
Wisner,  Senr.  that  his  immediate  attendance  on  Conven- 
tion is  required,  and  that  Mr.  Wisner  pay  the  expense  of 
the  messenger. 

Resolved,  That  the  case  of  James  Smith  and  James 
Acton,  two  persons  confined  in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  charged 
with  horse  stealing,  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  Kings- 
ton, who  are  authorized  to  take  such  measures  in  the  pre- 
mises as  to  them  shall  appear  necessary. 

A  letter  from  the  Honle.  John  Hancock,  dated  February 
25,  enclosing  a  resolution  of  February  24th,  desiring  this 
State  to  guard  the  passes  in  the  Highlands  with  militia  ; 
and  a  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  at  Morris 
Town,  March  1st,  relative  to  the  arms  carried  off  by  the 
discharged  troops,  and  requesting  Convention  to  exert 
themselves  in  expediting  the  recruiting  and  equipping  the 
battalions  raising  in  this  State,  were  respectively  read  and 
committed  to  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Duane. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Boyd  on 
the  subject  of  employing  the  furnace  at  the  Forest  of  Dean, 
reported.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Leonard,  the  present  possessor  of 
that  furnace,  be  informed  that  this  Convention  do  not  in- 
cline to  engage  in  the  iron  works  at  the  Forest  of  Dean, 
but  that  they  will  purchase,  at  a  reasonable  rate,  all  such 
cannon  as  upon  due  proof  appear  to  be  good,  or  any  can- 
non ball  which  may  be  cast  at  the  said  works  before  the 
first  day  of  November  next. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
General  Scott  on  the  subject  of  the  report  of  the  enemy's 
evacuating  New- York,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  in  an- 
swer thereto,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  your  favour  of  the  7th  instant,  and  inform 
you  that  they  have  no  reason  to  credit  the  report  of  the 
evacuation  of  New- York  by  the  enemy,  and  are  fully  of 
opinion  with  you,  that  should  such  an  event  take  place,  it 
ought,  if  practicable,  to  be  first  entered  by  the  troops  from 
this  State. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Genl.  Scott." 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  privates  of  Capt.  Haas- 
brouck's  company  of  rangers  as  have  deserted,  on  return- 
ing the  bounty  by  them  received,  and  foregoing  the  pay 
and  subsistence  now  due  to  them,  be  pardoned  and  dis- 
charged. 

Resolved,  That  Anthony  Rutgers  and  Benjamin  New- 
kirk, Esqrs.  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  empowered  to  take 
such  anchors  and  cables  for  the  public  service,  as  may  be 
spared  from  the  vessels  now  in  Hudson's  river,  they  pay- 
ing to  the  owners  the  value  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  in  each 
town,  borough,  manor,  precinct  and  district,  do  proceed  to 
elect,  at  the  usual  time  and  place  of  election  in  each  town, 
borough,  manor,  precinct  or  district,  constables,  overseers 
of  the  highway  and  of  the  poor,  fence  viewers,  pound  mas- 
ters and  four  clerks. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
transmitted  to  the  chairmen  of  the  county  committees,  who 

208 


are  requested  to  send  copies  to  the  district  committees,  and 
that  it  be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 
expediting  the  recruiting  service,  delivered  in  a  report, 
which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal 
and  consideration  of  the  members. 

Resolved,  That  the  commanding  officers  of  the  five 
Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State,  be  requested  to 
send  returns  of  their  respective  regiments  to  this  Conven- 
tion, specifying  particularly  the  number  of  men  enlisted  by 
each  officer,  to  the  end  this  Convention  may  be  informed 
of  the  state  of  the  said  regiments,  and  know  whether  any 
and  which  of  the  said  officers  have  been  inattentive  to  the 
recruiting  duty. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  sixteen  shillings,  exclusive 
of  what  may  be  given  by  Congress,  be  allowed  to  each 
recruiting  officer  of  the  first,  second,  third,  fourth  and  fifth 
battalions  raising  in  this  State,  for  every  man  who  shall 
pass  muster,  that  he  hath  enlisted  or  may  hereafter  enlist, 
for  his  expense  and  trouble  in  recruiting  the  same. 

On  reading  a  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire, 
directed  to  and  communicated  by  Mr.  Denning,  the  Con- 
vention came  to  the  following  resolution,  to  wit  : 

Whereas  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.  has  made  applica- 
tion to  this  Convention  for  liberty  to  remove  his  family  and 
effects  to  New-York  : 

Resolved,  That  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.  be  permitted 
on  his  parol,  to  repair  to  Fishkill,  to  the  commissioners, 
&c.  in  order  to  take  the  benefit  of  a  resolution  of  the  7th 
day  of  March,  for  discharging  persons  confined  by  parole 
or  otherwise  for  inimical  practices  against  the  liberties  of 
the  American  States,  and  that  the  Secretaries  take  the  said 
parol  :  and, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  deliver  a  copy  of  the 
said  resolution  of  the  said  seventh  day  of  March,  for  dis- 
charging persons  confined  by  parol,  to  the  jail  keeper  of 
the  town  of  Kingston,  and  direct  him  to  read  the  said  reso- 
lutions to  the  prisoners  in  his  custody,  committed  as  inimi- 
cal to  the  liberties  of  America. 

On  reading  an  account  of  sundry  articles  of  clothing 
purchased  by  Philip  Leek  for  the  use  of  this  State,  and 
Mr.  Leek's  request  that  £200  may  be  paid  on  account  to 
Major  Lockwood,  for  the  use  of  the  said  Philip  Leek, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  £200  accordingly  be  paid  to 
Major  Lockwood,  for  the  use  of  Mr.  Leek,  on  the  Presi- 
dent's warrant,  on  account  of  the  said  clothing. 

That  Mr.  Leek  be  informed  that  he  send  the  articleB 
which  he  already  hath,  or  hereafter  may  purchase,  for  the 
use  of  this  State,  to  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of 
clothing  for  Continental  troops  in  this  State,  at  the  store  at 
Fishkill. 

That  this  Convention  hath  already  procured  a  sufficient 
quantity  of  shirts,  and  that  no  more  mittens  will  be  neces- 
sary, and  that  he  will  therefore  confine  his  future  pur- 
chases to  blankets,  stockings,  hats,  leather  breeches, 
osnaburgs  or  other  stuff  fit  for  overalls.  And  that  the 
Secretary  transmit  a  copy  of  this  resolution  to  Mr.  Leek. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  devise 
ways  and  means  to  preserve  the  corn  fields  and  meadow 
lands  in  those  parts  of  Westchester  county  where  the  fen- 
ces have  been  destroyed  by  the  movements  of  the  armies. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  Westchester  county  be 
a  committee  for  that  purpose. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  11,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Presidt. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,.  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Denning,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  P.  Livingston — For  New-York. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood— For  Orange. 


830 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CGNVENTION 


Gcnl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  John  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ganse- 
voort,  Col.  Vran  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Taylor — For  .Albany. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Kea,  Mr.  Canline,  Col.  Dewit — For  Ulster. 
Major  Lawrence—  For  Queens. 
Mr.  Slevens — For  Cumberland. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills, 
Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tnjon. 

Messrs.  Tappen  and  John  Ten  Broeck,  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  on  the  25th  and  28th  ulto.  to  examine 
John  Cummings  and  others,  reported  that  they  had  taken 
the  examinations,  on  oath,  of  the  several  persons  who  they 
were  directed  by  Convention  to  examine,  and  delivered  in 
the  following  examinations,  which  were  read,  viz  : 

1st.  The  examination  and  deposition  of  Cadwallader 
Colden,  Esquire,  taken  the  5lh  instant. 

2nd.  The  examination  and  deposition  of  Hugh  Dennis- 
ton,  taken  and  sworn  to  the  7th  inst. 

3rd.  The  examination  and  deposition  of  John  Cumming, 
Esq.  sworn  to  and  taken  the  8lh  inst. 

4th.  The  examination  and  deposition  of  Alex.  Cruik- 
shank,  sworn  to  and  taken  the  10th  instant. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  copies  of  the 
said  several  examinations  or  depositions,  and  that  they  be 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency,  Genl.  Washington. 

Mr.  Hobart  informed  the  Convention  that  it  will  be  ab- 
solutely necessary  for  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to 
York  Town  in  Pennsylvania,  to  set  off  to-morrow.  There- 
fore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Col.  Robert  Van  Rensse- 
laer be  and  is  hereby  appointed  a  commissioner  in  the  stead 
of  Robert  Yates,  Esq.  (who  is  absent)  to  repair  to  York 
Town,  in  Pennsylvania,  with  Mr.  Hobart,  pursuant  to  the 
resolution  of  the  ?th  instant. 

Major  Lockwood,  1st  major  of  the  2nd  regiment  of  mi- 
litia in  Westchester  county,  delivered  in  a  roll  of  the 
names  of  the  several  persons  in  Westchester  county  who 
have  taken  the  oath  or  affirmation  of  allegiance  before 
him,  in  obedience  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Representatives 
of  this  State  of  the  27th  December  last. 

Mr.  Duane  (according  to  order)  reported  the  draft  of  a 
letter  to  the  Honourable  Congress  in  answer  to  the  several 
letters  from  the  President  thereof,  of  the  18lh,  28th  and 
31st  Jany.  and  20th  February,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"Kingston,  \  Uh  March,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  have  the  honour  of  your  several  favours  of  the 
18th,  28th  and  31st  of  January  and  the  20th  of  February, 
which  have  been  laid  before  the  Convention.  I  am  direct- 
ed to  inform  you  that  the  Convention  are  relieved  from 
great  anxiety  by  the  prospect  which  is  held  up  in  the  reso- 
lution of  the  Honourable  Congress  of  the  of  obtain- 
ing clothing  for  their  levies.  The  commissary  of  clothing 
for  this  Stale  is  instructed  to  make  a  return  to  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington  of  such  necessaries  as  we  have 
been  unable  to  supply  ;  and  we  flatter  ourselves  that  the 
complaints  of  the  troops  on  that  head  will  soon  be  silenc- 
ed. It  gives  the  Convention  great  satisfaction  that  their 
efforts  in  the  common  cause  meet  with  approbation  ;  and 
for  the  particular  attention  which  has  been  paid  to  their  ad- 
dress to  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  you  will  be  pleased 
to  communicate  to  Congress  their  thankful  acknowledg- 
ments. 

"  We  are  sensible,  Sir,  of  the  necessity  of  keeping  a 
constant  and  full  representation  at  Congress,  and  can, 
therefore,  only  deplore  those  unfortunate  circumstances 
which  have  rendered  it  impossible  to  do  it,  consistent  with 
that  regard  which  was  due  to  the  general  welfare  or  the 
more  immediate  security  of  this  State.  Invaded  on  every 
side,  contending  with  foreign  enemies  and  intestine  foes, 
and  with  all  the  evils  of  an  unsettled  and  irregular  govern- 
ment, besides  the  additional  cares  of  contributing  to  the 


supply  of  two  armies  of  the  Continental  troops,  posted 
within  the  State,  we  could  not  but  wish  to  avail  ourselves 
of  the  assistance  of  every  gentleman  in  whom  the  people 
reposed  a  confidence,  or  who  could  be  useful  in  keeping 
up  their  spirits,  counteracting  the  designs  of  our  enemies, 
or  in  framing  a  government  which  may  give  vigour  and 
stability  to  our  present  operations,  and  secure  our  future 
happiness  and  tranquillity  ;  more  especially  as  our  depend- 
ence on  the  justice  and  wisdom  of  Congress  left  us  no 
room  for  apprehending  that  the  absence  of  our  Delegates 
would  be  injurious  to  this  State,  or  the  general  cause  of 
America. 

"  We  have  now  the  pleasure  to  assure  you  that  from  the 
feeble  operations  of  the  enemy  in  New- York,  their  circum- 
scribed posture,  and  repeated  checks  in  New-Jersey,  and 
the  impracticability  of  their  crossing  the  ice  from  Canada, 
our  prospects  brighten  ;  that  our  Constitution  is  nearly  set- 
tled, and  that  we  hope  in  a  short  time  to  comply  with  the 
request  of  Congress,  and  to  render  any  future  resolutions 
on  that  head  unnecessary. 

"  I  am  further  directed  sir,  to  assure  you  that  the  Con- 
vention will  give  the  necessary  orders  for  recording  the 
Declaration  of  Independence  of  the  Honourable  Congress, 
and  preserving  it  among  the  archives  of  this  State. 

"The  Convention  previous  to  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress, respecting  the  prices  of  commodities,  and  the  credit 
of  the  paper  money,  had  taken  those  subjects  under  consi- 
deration, and  esteem  them  to  be  of  the  utmost  importance. 
Upon  this  occasion  they  passed  the  resolutions  enclosed. 
The  letter  to  the  committee  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in 
answer  to  one  from  Mr.  Sullivan,  their  chairman,  copies 
whereof  I  have  the  honour  to  transmit,  contain  the  reasons 
on  which  those  resolutions  are  founded,  and  our  objections 
to  the  mode  which  they  have  been  pleased  to  adopt.  Ear- 
nestly desirous,  however,  to  cooperate  with  our  sister 
States  in  any  further  expedient  which  may  be  thought  wise 
or  salutary  for  preserving  the  credit  of  the  Continental  cur- 
rency, supplying  the  army  with  necessaries,  and  preventing 
the  growing  scarcity  and  immoderate  price  of  provisions 
and  clothing,  the  Convention  have  appointed  Deputies  to 
attend  the  proposed  conference,  at  York,  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  sincerely  wish  it  may  be  productive  of  solid  advanta- 
ges. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 
"  To  the  Honle.  John  Hancock." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  grant  letters  of  ad- 
ministration on  the  estate  of  Samuel  Patrick,  deceased,  to 
any  reputable  resident  within  this  Colony,  able  to  give  the 
usual  and  necessary  securities  for  that  purpose.  And  that 
in  the  mean  time,  all  monies  payable  by  this  Convention 
to  the  estate  of  the  said  Samuel  Patrick,  be  retained  until 
such  administration  is  granted. 

John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esq.  delivered  in  an  account  for  the 
expenses  of  a  committee  of  Convention  sent  to  Lebanon,  by 
order  of  Convention,  16  days  at  12s.  per  day,  to  the  9th 

of  Augt.  last,  the  day  of  his  return,   £9  12  0 

Also  an  account  of  expenses  of  the  Committee 

sent  to  Kings  county,  to  secure  the  stock  and 

grain  in  the  said  county  from  the  enemy,...      4  16  0 

£14  08  0 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  J  no. 
Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  on  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  same,  the 
sum  of  fourteen  pounds  eight  shillings,  for  the  said  two 
accounts. 

The  committee  of  Kingston  recommended  Anthony 
Turk  and  Petrus  Westfall,  for  butchers  in  the  town  of 
Kingston,  and  request  a  pass  may  be  given  to  each  of 
them  to  go  into  the  other  counties  to  purchase  cattle  and 
sheep. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


831 


Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  or  one  of  them  give  each 
of  them  a  pass. 

Colonel  Curtenius  delivered  in  an  account  of  the  goods 
purchased  by  him  for  the  Continental  troops,  by  order  of 
Convention,  which  was  read  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit :  [Ac- 
count not  entered.] 

Colonel  Curtenius  also,  on  request,  came  into  Conven- 
tion and  gave  the  House  information  of  sundry  other  arti- 
cles of  clothing,  which  he  could  obtain  if  necessary.  There- 
upon Mr.  Curtenius  was  requested  to  go  to  the  store  at 
Fishkill,  and  confer  with  the  storekeeper,  and  such  mem- 
bers of  the  late  clothing  committee  as  are  there,  before  any 
further  order  be  made  for  the  purchase  of  clothing. 

A  copy  of  a  certain  vote  and  minutes  of  the  committee 
of  Ulster  county,  dated  the  1 1th  day  of  February  last,  cer- 
tified by  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  chairman,  and  Corns.  C. 
Schoonmaker,  clerk  of  the  said  committee,  were  handed 
to  the  President  and  read.  It  thereby  appears  that  the  said 
committee  have  resolved  that  a  draft  be  made  by  that  com- 
mittee on  the  President  of  Convention  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  signed  by  the  chairman  and  attested  by  the 
clerk,  in  favour  of  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  for  the  sum  of  six 
hundred  pounds,  to  be  received  by  him  in  trust  for  the 
county,  for  which  sum  he  shall  account  with  the  committee 
at  their  next  meeting  after  he  shall  receive  the  same. 

The  said  draft  on  the  President  of  Convention  for  £600, 
certified  and  attested  as  aforesaid,  payable  to  the  said  Ro- 
bert Boyd,  accompanied  the  said  vote. 

Thereupon  the  President  issued  his  warrant  to  the  Trea- 
surer in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — In  pursuance  of  certain  resolutions  of  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  State  of  New-York,  made  and  passed  in 
Committee  of  Safety,  on  the  14th  day  of  January  last  past, 
you  are  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  pay  to  Robert 
Boyd,  Junr.  Esquire,  on  his  receipt,  the  sum  of  six  hundred 
pounds,  for  the  use  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  charge 
the  same  to  the  said  county." 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr.  dated  the  9th 
inst.  was  read,  and  the  resolution  thereon  read  and  agreed 
to,  with  the  order  thereon  to  the  Secretaries  to  serve  a  copy 
of  the  resolutions  of  the  inst.  as  follows,  to  wit :  [Not 
entered.] 

A  letter  from  Philip  Leek,  dated  27th  February,  1777, 
as  to  clothing,  was  read  ;  resolution  thereon  agreed  to,  as 
follows  :  [Not  entered.] 

A  resolution  that  the  committee  of  Westchester  devise 
ways  and  means,  &c.    [Not  entered.] 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  Ge- 
neral Bayley,  of  the  27th  February  last,  and  the  papers 
which  accompanied  the  same,  and  General  Schuyler's 
letter  of  the  4th  March,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read. 

The  said  letters  and  the  papers  which  accompanied  the 
same  were  then  read. 

The  said  report  being  then  read  by  paragraphs,  after 
some  time  spent  therein, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted  to  the 
same  committee,  and  that  Messrs.  Duane  and  Taylor  be 
added  to  that  committee. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Alexander  Hamilton,  dated  at  Mor- 
ris Town,  on  the  6th  of  March,  and  giving  an  account  of 
the  artillery  company  raised  in  this  Slate,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Cuyler 
and  Mr.  Morris. 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Rebecca  Patrick  and  George  Leo- 
nard be  appointed,  and  hereby  are  appointed,  adminis- 
tratrix and  administrator  of  the  estate  of  Saml.  Patrick 
deceased,  on  their  giving  bond  to  the  President  of  this 
Convention  in  the  sum  of  £4000,  together  with  Joshua  H. 
Smith  and  Robert  Boyd,  Esquires,  bound  as  sureties  there- 
in, and  conditioned  for  the  faithful  administration  of  the 
said  estate,  and  taking  the  usual  oath  of  administrators  be- 
fore the  said  President,  which  he  is  hereby  empowered 
to  administer. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

March  12th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Denning,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Duane— For  New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr. 
Morris — For  Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Taylor— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Joseph  H.  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — 
For  Orange. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Maj.  Parks,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Dewitt,  Mr.  Tappen— For 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Henry  Schenk,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

On  the  application  of  Lieut.  Col.  Marinus  Willett,  of 
Col.  Gansevoort's  regiment,  by  his  letter,  dated  at  Fishkill, 
March  7,  1777, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Lieut.  Col.  Marinus  Willett,  the  sum  of  eight  hundred 
pounds,  on  account  of  bounty  money  for  Col.  Gansevoort's 
regiment ;  that  he  deliver  the  said  sum  to  Capt.  Jansen, 
(to  be  by  him  conveyed  to  Lieut.  Col.  Willet,)  and  charge 
the  same  as  so  much  advanced  on  account  of  bounty  to 
Colo.  Gansevoort's  regiment. 

Messrs.  Cuyler  and  Taylor,  who  were  directed  to  repair 
to  Genl.  George  Clinton,  Genl.  James  Clinton,  Genl.  Mc- 
Dougall and  General  Washington,  being  returned,  delivered 
in  their  report,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  your  committee  waited  on  General  George  Clin- 
ton, and  were  informed  by  him  that  the  obstruction  of  the 
navigation  is  in  great  forwardness  ;  a  number  of  frames 
and  blocks  are  ready  for  sinking ;  the  timber  for  buoying 
the  chain  prepared  ;  and  from  the  forwardness  of  the  work 
your  committee  are  led  to  believe  the  whole  will  be  com- 
pleted by  the  time  fixed  by  Genl.  George  Clinton.  The 
number  and  weight  of  artillery  required  for  the  works  to  de- 
fend the  obstruction,  the  number  of  men  now  under  Genl. 
George  Clinton's  command,  together  with  every  other  in- 
formation obtained  from  him,  are  in  paper  No.  1. 

"  Your  committee  next  repaired  to  Genl.  James  Clinton, 
at  Fort  Montgomery  ;  received  from  him  returns  of  the 
strength  of  that  and  the  other  fortress  under  his  command, 
to  which  your  committee  begs  leave  to  refer  you. 

"  Your  committee  are  of  opinion,  with  General  James 
Clinton,  that  at  least  one  thousand  men  are  required  to  de- 
fend Fort  Montgomery  ;  that  Fort  Constitution,  from  its 
disadvantageous  situation,  may  be  easily  taken,  should  it 
be  beseiged  with  artillery. 

"  Your  committee  waited  on  Genl.  McDougall ;  gave 
him  the  information  they  had  obtained  ;  suggested  to  him 
the  propriety  of  putting  those  posts  in  a  proper  stale  of  de- 
fence ;  for  his  answer  to  those  suggestions  and  inquiries, 
directed  to  be  laid  before  Genl.  McDougall,  we  refer  you 
to  paper  No.  2. 

"  Your  committee  next  wailed  on  General  Washington  ; 
laid  before  his  Excellency  the  information  they  had  ob- 
tained ;  mentioned  the  impracticability  of  calling  out  the 
militia  of  this  State  ;  assigned  the  reasons  ;  hinted  to  His 
Excellency  the  propriety  of  appointing  a  discreet  and  vigi- 
lant officer  to  command  the  posts  in  the  Highlands ;  ob- 
served to  him  that  the  Convention  esteemed  General  James 
Clinton  as  a  brave  officer — a  gentleman  willing  to  obey 
every  order  from  his  superior — one  who  would  appear  to 
more  advantage  in  the  field  than  in  a  garrison  ;  that  a  more 
active  officer  ought  to  command  so  important  a  pass  as  the 
Highlands.  Your  committee  mentioned  to  His  Excel- 
lency that  it  was  the  wish  of  Convention  that  General 
George  Clinton  might  be  appointed,  with  the  advantages 


832 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


that  would  result  from  such  an  appointment.  Your  com- 
mittee mentioned  to  His  Excellency  the  impossibility  of 

Erocuring  cannon  for  the  frigates  in  this  State,  or  at  Salis- 
ury,  in  any  convenient  time  ;  that  from  the  information  of 
Henry  Livingston,  and  other  corroborating  circumstances, 
Convention  were  led  to  believe  the  enemy  intends  pene- 
trating up  Hudson's  river,  in  which  case  those  frigates,  if 
properly  fitted,  would  be  of  the  utmost  importance. 

"His  Excellency  answered,  that  it  was  out  of  his  power 
to  appoint  general  officers  ;  that  he  had  the  highest  opinion 
of  General  George  Clinton's  abilities ;  that  nothing  on  his 
part  should  be  wanting  to  forward  the  wishes  of  Conven- 
tion in  respect  to  that  gentleman  ;  that  the  same  complaint 
prevailed  to  the  southward,  in  respect  to  cannon,  as  with 
us  ;  that  he  would  answer  us  more  fully,  and  appointed  a 
time  for  that  purpose. 

"  Your  committee  waited  on  His  Excellency  at  the  time 
appointed,  and  were  informed  that  he  could  not  be  seen — 
being  taken  ill  the  day  before  with  a  fever,  which  obliged 
him  to  keep  his  room. 

"  Your  committee  had  an  interview  with  General  Green, 
who  was  directed  by  His  Excellency  to  confer  with  us  on 
the  subject. 

"Your  committee  laid  before  General  Greene  the  infor- 
mation they  had  collected  at  the  different  posts  on  their 
route,  and  mentioned  such  other  matters  as  are  herein  be- 
fore recited.  General  Greene  said,  as  General  Washing- 
ton before,  that  no  cannon  could  be  procured  to  the  south- 
ward ;  that  as  many  as  were  necessary  for  the  works  to 
defend  the  obstructions  in  the  river,  might  be  had  in  the 
State  of  Rhode- Island  ;  that  he  was  well  assured  from  the 
best  intelligence,  the  enemy  would  not  attempt  penetrating 
up  Hudson's  river ;  that  the  manning  the  frigates  would 
much  impede  the  completing  of  our  regiments,  the  facili- 
tating of  which  he  most  earnestly  recommended  to  Con- 
vention ;  that  he  ardently  wished  for  General  George  Clin- 
ton's appointment  in  the  army  ;  that  General  Washington 
stood  ready  to  forward  an  application  to  Congress  from 
Convention,  in  behalf  of  that  gentleman.  General  Greene 
was  of  opinion  that  a  number  of  light  boats  ought  to  be 
built,  likewise,  six  or  eight  scows,  for  transporting  artillery, 
stores,  &c;  that  although  His  Excellency  could  not  give 
orders  for  the  same,  yet  he  conceived  that  an  application 
to  Congress  would  delay  that  necessary  business,  and  was 
therefore  of  opinion  that  Convention  ought  to  take  up  that 
matter  immediately. 

"  Your  committee  are  informed  that  four  regiments  of 
light  horse  are  raising,  consisting  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
men  each,  which  appears  to  be  very  necessary." 

Paper  No.  1,  referred  to  in  the  foregoing  report,  is  mis- 
sing. 

Paper  No.  2,  referred  to  in  the  foregoing  report. 

"  The  posts  in  the  Highlands  will  be  put  in  the  best 
posture  of  defence  in  my  power  ;  they  are  an  object  of  my 
particular  attention. 

"  The  strength  of  the  troops  under  my  command,  con- 
sists of  588  rank  and  file,  Bay  militia,  whose  term  of  ser- 
vice expires  the  15th  March.  The  four  York  regiments 
now  at  Fishkill,  478  rank  and  file,  by  return  of  the  8th 
of  February,  but  have  reason  to  believe  their  strength  is 
increased  since  that. 

"  Col.  Debois's  regiment  is  ordered  to  garrison  Fort 
Montgomery,  as  the  time  of  service  of  the  late  garrison 
expired  the  1st  of  March.  Col.  Livingston  is  under  march- 
ing orders,  to  reinforce  the  troops  at  Westchester,  if  it 
should  be  absolutely  necessary.  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  and 
Col.Gansevoort,  will  be  ordered  to  hold  themselves  in  readi- 
ness to  march  on  the  shortest  notice,  to  relieve  the  militia 
at  this  post  and  Fort  Constitution,  when  their  time  of  ser- 
vice expires.  The  troops  who  were  in  the  lower  part  of 
Westchester  county,  and  now  in  that  neighbourhood, 
consists  of  600  Connecticut  militia,  who  are  now  at  Rye, 
and  160  of  the  York  militia,  at  Mr.  Stephen  Ward's  house. 


The  number  of  men  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  passes 
of  the  Highlands,  depend  on  the  force  which  may  come 
to  attack  ihem. 

"  I  shall  keep  General  Washington  continually  advised 
of  the  state  of  the  forts  and  passes ;  and  I  am  confident 
he  will  give  them  all  the  security  in  his  power.  The  ene- 
my cannot  make  a  movement  towards  those  posts  without 
giving  us  many  days'  notice. 

"ALEXR.  McDOUGALL, 

B.  Genl" 

The  said  report  being  read,  was  committed  to  Mr.  Robt. 
R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Taylor. 

On  application  of  Colonel  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  bv  let- 
ter, dated  Fishkill,  March  10,  1777, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Col.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds 
on  account  of  bounty  for  his  regiment.  That  the  Treasurer 
deliver  the  said  sum  to  Mr.  Levi  De  Witt,  agreeable  to 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt's  desire,  to  be  by  him  conveyed  to  Col. 
Van  Cortlandt,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt  in  his  said  letter,  requests  colours  for 
his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  colonel  be  informed  that  there  are 
no  colours  provided  for  his  regiment,  but  that  orders  will 
be  given  for  the  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Curtenius  be  directed  to  procure  a 
set  of  colours  for  Col.  Van  Cortlandt's  regiment. 

An  account  of  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  and  Samuel  Brew- 
ster, dated  the  10th  of  March  instant,  for  six  days'  attend- 
ance of  Robert  Boyd,  Jr.  and  two  days'  attendance  of  Sa- 
muel Brewster,  on  the  business  of  estimating  every  thing 
on  the  ground  at  the  Forest  of  Dean  furnace,  and  making 
a  report  of  the  same,  at  20s.  per  day,  amounting  to  £8, 
was  exhibited  for  payment.  Thereto  is  subjoined  a  certi- 
ficate of  Benjn.  Newkirk  and  Mat.  Adgate,  two  of  the 
committee  for  auditing  accounts,  that  they  have  examined 
the  said  account,  and  do  allow  the  sum  of  eight  pounds 
to  Messrs.  Boyd  and  Brewster. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  and  Saml.  Brewster,  or  one  of 
them,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  in  full  for  the  said  account. 

An  account  of  Benjamin  Elmendorph,  against  the  State 
of  New-York,  dated  the  27th  February,  for  four  days' 
riding  to  Dutchess  county,  to  summon  members  of  Conven- 
tion to  attend,  amounting  to  four  pounds,  was  exhibited 
for  payment.  Thereto  is  subjoined  a  certificate  of  the  said 
committee  for  auditing  accounts,  that  they  have  examined 
the  said  account,  and  do  allow  the  sum  of  four  pounds  to 
Benjamin  Elmendorph. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Benjamin  Elmendorph,  the  sum  of  four  pounds  on  his 
receipt  in  full,  on  said  account. 

An  account  of  Abraham  Heermance,  against  this  State, 
dated  the  28th  February,  1777,  for  four  days'  riding  to 
Fishkill,  to  the  printing  office,  to  procure  handbills,  to  be 
reprinted,  of  the  resolutions  appointing  a  fast  day.  There- 
to is  subjoined  a  certificate  of  the  said  committee  for  audit- 
ing accounts,  that  they  have  examined  the  said  account, 
and  do  allow  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Abraham  Heermance,  the  sum  of  four  pounds  on  his 
receipt  in  full,  on  said  account. 

A  letter  signed  Daniel  Wood  and  Richard  Johnson, 
dated  6th  February,  directed  to  Benjn.  Tusteen,  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Goshen  precinct,  informing  him  that 
agreeable  to  the  request  of  the  committee,  they  superin- 
tended the  election  of  officers  for  the  militia  company  at 
Pechunck,  to  wit :  Increase  Holley,  capt. ;  David  Rogers, 
1st.  lieut.  ;  James  Wright,  2nd.  lieut. ;  Charles  Knap, 
ensign. 

Another  letter  signed  John  Beggar  and  Coe  Gale,  dated 
Florida,  Feb.  25,  1777,  directed  to  Benjamin  Tusteen, 
chairman  of  Goshen  precinct  committee,  informing  him 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


833 


that  they  had,  agreeable  to  the  request  of  the  said  commit- 
tee, superintended  the  election  of  militia  officers  for  the 
Florida  company  in  Col.  Hathorn's  regiment,  to  wit:  John 
Sayrs,  captain;  John  Kenedy,  1st  lieutenant;  Richard 
Bayley,  2nd.  lieutenant ;  John  Wood,  ensign. 

Both  the  said  letters  were  handed  into  Convention  by 
Colonel  Allison,  who  requested  that  commissions  issue 
thereon. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  issue  to  the  aforemen- 
tioned officers. 

A  list  of  officers  nominated  in  Sterling  company  before 
Richard  Edsall  and  John  Biggard,  two  of  the  precinct 
committee  on  the  3rd  Feby.  1777,  was  handed  in  by  Co- 
lonel Allison,  to  wit :  Henry  Townsend,  captain  ;  Wm. 
Fitzgerald,  1st  lieutenant ;  Elisha  Bennet,  2nd  lieutenant; 
Joseph  Conklin,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Colonel  Hathorn, 
requesting  him  to  transmit  to  Convention  a  true  state  of 
this  company,  and  that  Capt.  Piatt  draft  the  letter. 

Capt.  Plait  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Col.  Hathorn, 
which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Enclosed  is  a  resolution  requiring  you  to  trans- 
mit a  true  statement  of  the  Sterling  company  of  militia  in 
your  regiment,  in  doing  which  you  will  please  to  have  re- 
gard to  the  political  characters  of  said  company  ;  also  the 
reasons  of  a  new  choice  of  officers  in  said  company,  and 
of  their  attachment  to  the  American  cause,  and  suggest 
whether  the  public  cause  will  not  be  as  well  served  by 
breaking  up  that  company,  and  joining  it  to  the  neighbour- 
ing districts. 

"  To  Col.  Hathorn." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  transmitted. 

"  Whereas  this  Convention  did  by  a  resolution  of  the 
11th  instant,  appoint  Mrs.  Rebecca  Patrick  and  George 
Leonard,  administratrix  and  administrator  of  the  estate  of 
Samuel  Patrick,  deceased,  on  their  giving  bond  to  the 
President  of  this  Convention,  in  the  sum  of  £4000,  to- 
gether with  Joshua  H.  Smith  and  Robert  Boyd,  Esquires, 
bound  as  sureties  therein,  and  conditioned  for  the  faithful 
administration  of  the  said  estate,  and  taking  the  usual  oath 
of  administrators  before  the  said  President :  And  whereas 
it  is  represented  to  this  Convention  that  from  the  indispo- 
sition and  distant  abode  of  the  said  Rebecca  Patrick,  her 
attendance  on  the  President  of  this  Convention  will  be  at- 
tended with  extreme  difficulties.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  so  much  of  the  said  resolution  as  re- 
lates to  her  taking  the  said  oath  before  the  said  President 
be  dispensed  with,  and  that  she  take  the  usual  oath  of  ad- 
ministratrix before  Elihu  Marvin,  Esq.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Orange  county,  who  is  hereby  empowered 
to  administer  the  same. 

The  committee  for  preparing  and  reporting  a  form  or 
plan  of  government,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  by  Mr.  Duane  in  his  place,  and  delivered  in  at  the 
table,  where  the  same  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Adgate  then  moved,  seconded  by  Major  Schenk,  that 
the  said  plan  of  government  lie  on  the  table  four  days  for 
the  perusal  of  the  members,  and  that  they  be  at  liberty  to 
take  copies  thereof. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  ne- 
gative. 

On  motion  of  Colonel  De  Witt, 
Ordered,  That  the  said  plan  of  government  lie  on  the 
table  till  to-morrow  morning,  and  that  the  same  be  then 
taken  inlo  consideration. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  attend  in  this  room 
at  four  o'clock  this  afternoon,  with  the  said  plan  of  govern- 
ment, and  read  it  to  any  of  the  members  who  shall  choose 
to  attend. 

A  petition  of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  setting  forth 
that  the  Continental  troops  are  frequently  passing  and  re- 
passing through  Kingston ;  that  the  want  of  an  hospital 
for  the  sick,  and  of  power  to  impress  wagons  for  the  trans- 

209 


poitation  of  the  sick  are  great  inconveniences  to  the  said 
committee ;  thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  town 
of  Kingston,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  and  empowered 
to  impress  a  sufficient  number  of  wagons  to  transport  the 
sick  of  Colo.  Dayton's  regiment  raised  in  New-Jersey,  and 
that  the  said  petition  be  committed  to  Capt.  Piatt,  Major 
Schenk  and  Colonel  Allison. 

The  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  reported  that  they 
have  examined  the  accounts  of  the  Honourable  Philip  Liv- 
ingston, Esquire,  with  this  State,  together  with  the  vou- 
chers attending  the  same,  and  that  they  find  a  balance  of 
four  thousand  one  hundred  and  forty-five  dollars  due  from 
Mr.  Livingston  to  this  State. 

The  said  several  accounts  and  vouchers  were  respec- 
tively read,  and  are  as  follows  : 

"  The  Honourable  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York,  in  account 
current  with  Philip  Livingston  : 

CR. 

1776,  Sept.  By  cash  received  from  the  Continental  treasury  on 


their  account,  by  order  of  Congress,   $6,700 


DR. 

1776. 

Oct.  7.  To  cash  paid  Colo.  Wm.  Floyd,  for  which  he  is 
to  account  wilh  the  Convention,  as  per  his 

receipt,   $650 

"  19.  To  cash  paid  Jonathan  Tuthill,  on  account  of 
the  tories  sent  to  Philadelphia,  for  which  he 
is  to  account  with  Convention,  as  per  his  re- 
ceipt,   60 

Nov.  6.  To  cash  paid  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  for  which  he 
is  to  account  with  Convention,  as  per  his  re- 
ceipt,   748 

Dec.  9.  To  cash  paid  Colo.  Floyd,  as  per  receipt,  for 

which  he  is  to  account,   325 

"  20.  Retained  in  my  hands  my  allowance  for  attend- 
ing Congress,  as  per  my  account  and  receipt 
herewith  delivered   772 


$2,555 

Balance  in  my  hands  due  to  the  Convention, . .  4,145 

  $6,700 


"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON. 

"Kingston,  March  11,  1777. 

"  '  Phila.  7th  Octor.  1776.  Received  the  sum  of  650,  say 
six  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  being  part  of  the  sum  of 
6,700  dollars,  advanced  by  Congress  to  the  State  of  New- 
York,  for  which  I  am  to  account  with  the  Convention  of 
that  State.  «  Per  WM.  FLOYD.' 

'"Phila.  19th  Octobr.  1776.  Received  of  Philip  Liv- 
ingston sixty  dollars,  being  for  moneys  disbursed  and  to  be 
disbursed  for  the  tories  sent  to  Phila.  by  order  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  State  of  New-York,  and  for  the  men  who 
were  sent  under  my  command  to  guard  them  ;  for  which 
sum  I  am  to  account  to  the  Committee  who  sent  the  said 
tories  to  this  State  ;  for  which  same  sum  I  have  signed  two 
receipts. 

'JONATHAN  TUTHILL.' 

"'Phila.  November  6,  1776.  Received  the  sum  of  748 
dollars,  say  seven  hundred  and  forty-eight  dollars,  being 
part  of  the  sum  of  6,700  dollars  advanced  by  Congress  to 
the  State  of  New-York,  for  which  I  am  to  account  with 
the  Convention  of  that  State. 

'Per  FRANS.  LEWIS.' 

"  '  Phila.  Deer.  9,  1776.  Received  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred and  twenty-five  dollars,  being  part  of  the  above  sum 
of  money,  to  be  accountable  to  the  Convention  of  the  State 
of  New  York. 

'  225  dollars.'  'WM.  FLOYD.' 

"  1776. 

The  Honble.  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York, 

To  Philip  Livingston,  DR. 
To  his  allowance  for  expenses  attending  Congress,  from  11th 
June  to  the  20th  Deer,  is  193  days,  at  4  dollars  per  day,. . .  $772 

"Kingston,  the  11th  March,  1777.  Received  the  above 
sum  in  account  this  day,  per  me, 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON." 


831 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention  doth  agree  with  their 
committee  in  the  said  report.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Livingston  pay  the  said  balance  of 
4  145  dollars  into  the  treasury  of  this  State,  and  that  the 
said  accounts  and  vouchers  be  filed  with  the  Treasurer. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

March  13th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr 
Denning,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Lott  -For  New-York 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Col.  Allison— For  Orange 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major 
Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills — For  Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Tayler — For  Albany. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Mr.  Stevens— For  Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks,  Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt— For  Ulster. 
Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Capt.  Plait,  Major  H. 
Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— For  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Quackenboss,  dated  Albany,  10th 
March,  enclosing  an  account  amounting  to  £283  13s.  for 
a  quantity  of  stockings  by  him  purchased  pursuant  to  the 
resolution  of  Convention,  for  the  use  of  the  troops,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  accounts. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Quackenboss,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  district  committee  of  Rensselaerwyck,  directed 
to  Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  and  dated  March  6,  setting 
forth  that  there  are  by  resignations,  &c.  many  vacancies  in 
the  militia  of  that  district,  and  requests  the  General  to  pro- 
cure thirty  blank  commissions  to  be  filled  by  the  said  com- 
mittee, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  thirty  blank  commissions  be  sent  to  the 
committee  of  Rensselaerwyck  to  be  by  the  said  committee 
filled  up. 

The  petition  of  John  Griffiths  and  Robert  Boyd,  Junior, 
requesting  an  exemption  of  forty  men  to  work  at  the  fur- 
nace of  the  Forest  of  Dean,  and  an  order  to  be  supplied 
with  powder,  flour,  bran,  pork,  molasses,  rum,  &c.  &c. 
was  read. 

Odered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Col.  Lott,  Mr. 
Joseph  Smith  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  the  House  proceeded 
to  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the 
plan  of  government,  the  same  was  read. 

John  Dumont,  Esq.  chairman  of  Kingston  committee, 
informed  the  House  that  5^  tons  of  gunpowder  are  arrived 
in  this  town  from  Philadelphia,  to  be  forwarded  to  Albany 
for  the  northern  department,  and  requests  the  advice  of 
Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  De  Witt  and  Major  Tappen  be  a 
committee  to  assist  the  committee  of  Kingston,  and  that 
they  take  such  measures  with  respect  to  the  said  powder, 
as  they  may  think  necessary. 

The  first  clause  of  the  plan  of  government  was  read, 
and  being  again  read,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  was 
agreed  to. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  every 
member  who  shall  dissent  from  his  county  on  any  section, 
or  part  of  the  said  form  or  plan  of  government,  have  leave 
to  enter  his  dissent,  with  the  reasons  of  such  dissent;  that 
such  reasons  be  entered  at  length  on  the  minutes,  but  not 
published. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
sense  of  the  Convention  be  taken,  whether  the  said  motion 


of  Mr.  Morris  is  not  irregular.  The  question  being  put 
thereon,  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved  in  the  same  words  as  before,  to 
wit :  that  every  member  who  shall  dissent  frm  his  county, 
or  any  section  or  part  of  the  said  form  or  plan  of  govern- 
ment, have  leave  to  enter  his  dissent,  with  the  reasons 
thereof,  and  that  such  reasons  be  entered  at  length  on  the 
minutes,  but  not  published. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  following,  to 
wit: 


For  the  Negative. 

Westchester,   4 

Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

New-York,   8 

Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4 

22 


For  the  Affirmative. 

Orange  3 

Dutchess,  5 

Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  and 
Mr.  Jas.  Livingston  dis- 
senting. 
Tryon,    3 

11 


The  second  section  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Joseph  H.  Smith  then  moved  and  was  seconded  by 
Colonel  Sherwood,  that  the  word  "  two"  be  obliterated, 
and  the  word  "  three"  there  inserted,  so  that  it  may  read, 
"in  three  seperate  and  distinct,"  &c.  and  assigned  as  a  rea- 
son, that  the  Governor  may  be  added  as  a  third  branch  of 
the  Legislature.  Debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  much 
time  spent  therein,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Wisner,  seconded 
by  Mr.  Duane, 

Ordered,  That  the  question  on  Mr.  Smith's  motion  be 
postponed  until  the  next  meeting  of  the  Convention. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  March  13,  1777. 

Present,  as  in  the  morning,  with  the  addition  of  Major  Webster, 
from  Charlotte. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
The  second  section  of  the  form  of  government  was  again 
read.  Mr.  Joseph  H.  Smith's  motion  of  this  morning, 
which  he  now  reduced  to  writing,  was  again  read,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit :  "  I  move  that  the  word  •  two'  be 
obliterated,  and  the  word  '  three'  substituted  in  its  place  ; 
that  the  Governor  may  have  a  negative  upon  all  laws  passed 
by  the  Senate  and  Assembly."  Debates  again  arose  there- 
on :  Thereupon, 

Mr.  Duane  moved  for  the  previous  question,  and  was 
seconded,  which  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  to  wit : 
that  the  question  on  Mr.  Smith's  motion  be  not  now  put. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Joseph 
H.  Smith,  that  between  the  words  "  vested  in"  and  the 
word  "  two,"  the  words  "  a  governor  and,"  be  inserted  ; 
and  that  at  the  end  of  that  section,  the  following  words  be 
added,  to  wit :  "  provided  that  the  governor  shall  have  no 
power  to  originate  or  amend  any  law,  but  simply  to  give 
his  assent  or  dissent  thereto." 

Mr.  Piatt  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  con- 
sideration of  the  amendment  last  moved  for,  and  the  fur- 
ther consideration  of  the  said  second  paragraph,  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow,  which  was  unanimously  agreed  to, 
and  ordered  accordingly. 

The  third  section  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 
The  fourth  section  was  then  read.    After  many  debates 
thereon,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Duane,  who  was  seconded, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

A  letter  from  John  Cumming,  Alexander  Cruikshanksand 
Hugh  Denniston,  dated  this  day,  was  read.  Thereupon, 
Ordered,  That  John  Cummings  and  Alexander  Cruik- 
shanks  be  sent  under  guard  of  Lieut.  Bleecker  and  his 
party,  to  the  commissioners  at  Fishkill,  and  that  their  ex- 
aminations and  the  examination  of  Hugh  Denislon  be  sent 
to  the  commissioners  at  Fishkill  by  the  officer  of  that 
guard.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries,  or  one  of  them,  be, 
and  hereby  are,  authorized  and  direclcd  lo  administer  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  Hugh  Denislon,  as  soon  as  the  said 
Cumming  and  Cruikshanks  are  gone  from  this  place,  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


835 


that  on  his  taking  the  said  oath  of  allegiance  he  be  dis- 
charged. 

Whereas  Anthony  Rutgers  and  Benjamin  Newkirk, 
Esquires,  were  on  the  10th  instant  appointed  a  committee 
for  the  purpose  of  procuring  anchors  and  cables  for  the 
public  use,  with  a  power  to  take  as  many  from  on  board 
any  vessels  in  Hudson's  river  as  may  be  spared,  paying 
the  owners  thereof  for  the  same,  and  to  send  them  down 
to  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  at  New- Windsor ; 
and  the  business  of  this  House  requiring  the  constant  at- 
tendance of  all  its  members,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  those  gentlemen  be  discharged  from  the 
said  business,  and  that  Messrs.  Henry  Benson  and  Cor- 
nelius Johnson  be,  and  they  are,  hereby  appointed  com- 
missioners, with  the  like  powers  of  the  said  committee 
for  executing  the  said  business,  and  that  they  be  requested 
to  proceed  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Ulster  county,  relative  to  Abraham  Brincker- 
hoff,  charging  him  with  propagating  a  seditious  paper,  was 
read,  and  committed  to  the  members  of  Orange  county. 

The  petition  of  David  Close  and  Alexr.  Kidd  and  oth- 
ers, on  behalf  of  Malcom  Morrison  and  others ;  and 
also  the  petition  of  Matthias  Smith,  Frederick  Rover 
and  others,  and  the  petition  of  Daniel  Chase  and  oth- 
ers, and  the  petition  of  Enoch  Hodge  and  others,  per- 
sons confined  as  enemies  to  the  liberties  of  America,  and 
praying  to  be  relieved  from  their  present  confinement,  were 
respectively  read.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  inquire 
into  the  circumstances  of  the  prisoners  now  confined  at 
Kingston,  and  to  administer  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  to 
discharge  such  of  them  as  may  appear  to  be  within  the  in- 
tention of  the  resolutions  of  the  day  of  as 
well  as  to  carry  the  said  resolutions  into  execution,  where 
the  prisoners,  other  than  those  who  are  confined  for  con- 
veying intelligence  to,  or  furnishing  the  enemy  with  pro- 
visions, &c.  &c.  shall  be  unwilling  to  take  such  oath,  and 
that  the  aforementioned  petitions  be  referred  to  the  said 
committee. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Piatt,  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr. 
Duane,  be  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  Elihu  Marvin,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Orange  county,  informing  that  there  are  several 
prisoners  in  the  jail  of  said  county,  as  inimical  to  the 
American  cause,  and  that  there  is  great  reason  to  appre- 
hend that  attempts  have  been  and  will  be  made  to  rescue 
them ;  that  for  the  present  a  guard  of  militia  is  placed 
over  them,  and  therefore  requests  that  12  or  14  soldiers  be 
sent  to  guaid  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  com- 
missioners for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c. 

Major  Henry  Schenk,  a  member,  informed  the  House 
that  he  is  appointed  an  agent  by  the  Commissary-General 
of  the  Continental  army,  to  purchase  and  procure  flour  and 
grain  for  the  use  of  the  said  army  ;  that  he  has  purchased 
large  quantities  of  each  article ;  that  the  cash  advanced 
him  by  the  said  Commissary  is  expended,  and  that  the 
said  Commissary  is  now  gone  into  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut. Mr.  Schenk  therefore  requests,  lest  the  public 
service  may  suffer,  the  loan  of  3,000  dollars  on  the  credit 
and  account  of  the  said  Commissary.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Major  Henry  Schenk,  agent  to  the  Commissary-General  of 
the  Continental  army,  on  the  credit  and  account  of  the  said 
Commissary-General,  the  sum  of  three  thousand  dollars, 
and  take  Major  Schenk's  receipt  in  behalf  of  the  said  Com- 
missary-General, for  the  same. 

A  warrant  granted  by  Johs.  Sleght,  Esquire,  of  King- 
ston, one  of  the  justices  of  this  State,  dated  the  4th  in- 
stant, issued  against  Hendrick  States,  of  Sagerties,  charg- 
ing him  with  having  felonously  stolen  a  quantity  of  steel 
and  a  number  of  raw  hides,  belonging  to  the  State  of  New- 
York  was  delivered  to  the  chair  and  read.    Convention  was 


informed  that  the  said  Hendrick  States  had  absconded  ; 
that  part  of  the  moneys  for  which  the  said  steel  was  sold, 
is  yet  unpaid ;  and  that  the  said  Hendrick  Staats  has  a 
sloop  and  other  property  which  if  seized,  might  probably 
compensate  this  State  or  the  UnitedAmerican  States,  for 
the  value  of  the  said  steel  and  hides. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Major  Lock- 
wood,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  warrant,  and  con- 
sider of  the  information  given,  inquire  into  the  premises 
and  report  thereon. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

March  Uth,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Gent.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Denning,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb — For  New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Adgate — For 
Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood,  Col.  Allison — For 
Orange. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  Dewitt— For  Ulster. 
Major  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Henry 
Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lock- 
wood,  Judge  Graham— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

A  petition  of  Wm.  Thorn,  setting  forth  that  if  Conven- 
tion will  permit  Enoch  Hogg,  Daniel  Chase  and  his  son 
Talman,  to  go  down  to  the  commissioners  at  Fishkill,  he 
will  take  the  charge  of  and  engage  to  see  them  safely  de- 
livered before  the  said  commissioners  in  any  reasonable 
time  that  the  Convention  shall  appoint ;  a  certificate  signed 
Jesse  Woodhull,  Colo,  recommending  him  as  sufficient 
bail  for  that  purpose  ;  and  the  petition  of  Thos.  Briggs 
and  others  confined  in  Kingston  jail,  were  respectively 
read.  Thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  said  petition,  together  with  all  the 
petitions  which  have  been  received  from  the  prisoners  con- 
fined in  Kingston  jail,  be  referred  to  the  commissioners 
for  inquiring  into,  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies, 
&c.  and  that  the  Secretary  transmit  the  said  petitions  to 
the  said  commissioners. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  formerly 
appointed  to  employ  riders  and  establish  a  correspondence 
between  Fishkill  and  General  Washinglon's  Head-Quar- 
ters, do  employ  as  many  riders  as  may  be  necessary  for 
conveying  intelligence  between  this  place  and  Head-Quar- 
ters twice  a  week  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  do  employ 
a  proper  person  at  Head-Quarters  to  communicate  intelli- 
gence ;  and 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris  be  added  to  the  said  com- 
mittee. 

The  petition  of  Thomas  Fisher,  late  of  New-York,  now 
residing  at  Poughkeepsie,  setting  forth  that  all  his  estate  is 
in  England ;  and  praying  permission  to  withdraw  with  his 
family  and  effects  to  the  city  of  New-York,  to  embark  for 
England,  was  read.  Thereupon  the  House  came  to  the 
following  resolution  : 

Whereas  Thomas  Fisher,  an  inhabitant  of  this  State, 
claiming  to  be  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
hath  by  his  petition  to  this  Convention  prayed  leave  to  re- 
move with  his  family  and  effects  to  the  city  of  New-York. 

Resolved,  That  permission  be  and  is  hereby  given  to 
the  said  Thos.  Fisher,  his  wife  and  his  brother,  to  remove 
with  their  apparel,  and  the  household  furniture,  and  negio 
wench,  of  the  said  Thomas  Fisher,  to  the  said  city  ;  and 
the  committee  of  Poughkeepsie,  are  requested  to  see  this 
resolution  strictly  executed  ;  and  to  administer  an  oath  to 


836 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  said  Thomas  Fisher,  his  wife  and  brother,  that  they 
will  not  communicate  any  intelligence  to  the  enemy,  nor 
convey  any  letters  but  such  as  shall  be  first  shown  to  and 
inspected  by  the  said  committee. 

A  petition  of  Henry  Wooden,  dated  at  Poughkeepsie, 
on  the  7th  instant,  setting  forth  his  innocence ;  that  he  is  a 
friend  to  the  American  States,  and  ready  to  comply  with 
any  thing  directed  by  the  Convention,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  and  trans- 
mitted to  the  commissioners  appointed  by  Convention  for 
detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  formed  in  the 
State  of  New-Yoik,  now  sitting  at  Fishkill. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  plan 
of  government. 

The  second  paragraph  thereof  was  read,  and  Mr.  Mor- 
ris's motion  of  yesterday  afternoon,  for  an  amendment  to 
the  second  section,  which  was  postponed  until  this  morn- 
ing, was  again  read.  After  many  debates  thereon,  the  clause 
as  it  now  stands,  and  also  the  clause  as  it  will  read  with  the 
amendments,  were  read  ;  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
viz : 

For  the  amendment.                  Against  the  amendment. 
Dutchess,    5      Tryon,   3 

Major  Schenk  dissents.  Ulster,   4 

Albany,    6  — 

Mr.  Adgate  dissents.  7 
New-York,    8 

—  Orange  and  Westchester, 
19         each  equally  divided. 

The  clause  being  therefore  amended  as  before  mentioned, 
and  again  read,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New- York,   8      Tryon,  3 

Dutchess,    5      Ulster,   4 

Maj.  Schenk  dissenting.  Mr.  Tappen  dissenting. 

Albany,  6  — 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  7 

—  Westchester  and  Orange, 
19  each  equally  dvided. 

Friday  Afternoon,  March  14,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Lott, 
Mr.  Duane,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Philip  Livingston — For  New- 
York. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Rea,  Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Lockwood,  Major  Tappen — For 
Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Cuyler — For  Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner — For 
Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortland  t,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Major 
Lockwood,  Judge  Graham — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Maj.  H.  Schenk,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Living- 
ston— For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

The  order  of  yesterday  afternoon  as  to  the  4th  paragraph, 
was  read. 

The  4lh  paragraph  was  then  read. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane,  seconded  by  several  mem- 
bers, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  4th  paragraph 
be  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

The  5th  paragraph  was  then  read;  and  being  read  a  se- 
cond lime,  Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  to  strike  out  the  words,  "  by  ballot,"  and  to 
substitute  the  words  "  according  to,"  and  to  strike  out  the 
words  "  shall  continue  to  have  their  full  effect." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 


on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
to  wit : 


Against  the  amendment. 

Ulster,  4 

Tryon,  3 

Dutchess,   5 

12 


For  the  amendment. 

Westchester,  4 

Major  Lockwood  and  Mr. 
Mills  dissenting. 

Albany,  6 

New-York,  8 

Messrs .  Beekman  and  Lott 
dissenting. 

—         Orange  equally  divided. 
18 

The  said  5th  paragraph  being  then  amended  accordingly 
and  read,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was  seconded, 
that  between  the  word  "by"  and  the  words  "  a  future,"  the 
words  "  this  Convention  or,"  be  inserted. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  some  time  spent  there- 
in, Mr.  Livingston  had  unanimously  leave  to  withdraw  his 
motion. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  came  into  Convention,  and  took  his 
seat  as  a  Deputy  of  Suffolk  county. 

The  said  paragraph  as  before  amended,  being  then  read, 
and  the  question  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4  Dutchess,   5 

Major  Lockwood  and  Mr.  Tryon,  3 

Mills  dissenting.  Ulster,  4 

Albany   6 

New-York,   8 


12 


18 


Orange  divided. 


Mr.  William  Harper  came  into  Convention,  and  took  his 
seat  as  a  Deputy  of  Tryon  county. 

The  6th  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  by  order  read  a 
second  time.  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was 
seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,  that  between  the  word  "  resided" 
and  the  word  "  therein,"  the  words  "  and  rented  a  tene- 
ment," be  inserted. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  amendment.  Against  the  amendment. 

Dutchess,   5      New- York,  8 

Westchester,  4 

Orange,   3 

Ulster,   4 

Tryon,  3 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Gansevoort  dissents. 

25 

On  motion 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  further  consideration 
of  the  sixth  paragraph  be  postponed. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

March  15th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Denning,  Mr. 
Dunscomb.  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman — For  New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 
Major  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray,  Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks— For  Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler, 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Tayler— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison— For 

Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland- 
Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Drake,  Maj.  Lockwood,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris— 

For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  L'hommedieu— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Major  H.  Schenk,  Capt. 
Piatt — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— jFor  Tryon. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


837 


The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  report  of 
the  committee  on  the  letter  of  General  Bayley,  of  the  26th 
February,  and  of  General  Schuyler,  of  the  4th  March,  on 
the  subject  of  Hoisington's  rangers,  reported  the  following 
resolutions,  which  were  read,  and  the  consideration  thereof 
postponed.    The  said  resolutions  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That,  considering  the  present  state  of  the 
counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  the  rangers  raised 
in  the  said  counties  under  the  command  of  the  late  Major 
Joab  Hoisington,  ought  to  be  continued  in  service,  provided 
they  will  agree  to  serve  in  the  manner  directed  by  the  reso- 
lutions of  Convention  by  which  they  were  ordered  to  be 
raised,  to  wit :  to  be  subject  to  be  employed  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  common  cause  of  America,  in  such  manner 
as  the  Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State 
shall  think  proper ;  that,  for  this  purpose,  the  said  compa- 
nies shall  be  mustered  by  the  commissioners  hereinafter 
named,  and  such  of  the  said  soldiers  as  shall  be  willing  to 
continue  in  the  service  upon  the  said  terms,  shall  subscribe 
an  enlisting  roll  to  that  effect,  and  the  commissioners  shall 
thereupon  appoint  one  lieutenant  for  every  thirty  of  the 
said  men,  and  one  captain  for  every  two  lieutenants  ;  and 
that  such  of  the  said  soldiers  as  shall  refuse  to  serve  in 
manner  above  directed,  be  discharged,  paying  them  respec- 
tively one-half  of  the  bounty  allowed  by  the  Convention 
to  such  as  should  engage  to  serve  during  the  war,  together 
with  pay  and  subsistence  for  the  time  they  were  employed 
in  actual  service. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Jacob  Bayley,  John 
Sessions  and  James  Clay,  Esquires,  be  appointed  commis- 
sioners as  well  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  as  to  examine 
into  and  state  the  sums  due  to  the  officers  and  privates  of 
the  said  companies  respectively,  according  to  their  actual 
services  and  the  terms  herein  before  expressed,  and  to  re- 
port the  same  to  this  Convention  or  future  Legislature, 
that  provision  may  be  made  for  payment  thereof,  furnish- 
ing at  the  same  time  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  attested  on 
oath  by  the  commanding  officer  of  each  company  before 
the  said  commissioners,  or  one  of  them,  containing  the 
names,  times  of  enlistment  and  services  of  the  officers  and 
privates  of  the  said  companies  respectively. 

Resolved,  That  two  dollars  per  day  be  allowed  to  each 
of  the  said  commissioners  for  their  trouble  and  expenses 
while  actually  employed  in  the  services  before  directed  by 
these  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  company  employed  by  General 
Bayley  on  the  northeastern  frontiers  of  this  State  as  scout- 
ing parties  and  guards,  ought  to  be  paid  agreeable  to  the 
contract  made  with  them  by  General  Bayley,  and  that  the 
pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company  be  referred 
to  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  to  be  adjusted,  and 
by  them  reported  upon. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  General  Bayley 
by  the  President,  enclosing  the  above  resolutions. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Wm.  Smith, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  sent  to  Mr. 
Miller,  Mr.  Gelston  and  Mr.  Tredwell,  and  require  their 
attendance  at  Convention  without  delay. 

On  motion  of  Col.  De  Witt, 

Resolved,  That  the  other  absent  members  be  sent  for  to 
attend  Convention. 

Colonel  De  Witt  then  moved  that  the  names  of  the  ab- 
sent members  be  called  over,  and  that  such  of  them  as  in 
all  probability  can  or  will  attend,  be  sent  for. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  sending  for 
the  absent  members,  (those  of  Suffolk  county  above  men- 
tioned excepted)  be  postponed  till  Monday  next. 

Mr.  L'hommedieu  had  leave  of  absence,  and  is  to  carry 
the  summons  for  Messrs.  Miller,  Gelston  and  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Peter  Colt,  agent  under  Mr.  Joseph  Hal- 
lett,  for  the  sale  of  the  prize  goods  taken  by  the  sloop  of 
war  Montgomery,  dated  the  11th  day  of  March,  and  re- 

210 


questing  directions  as  to  the  distribution  of  the  amount  of 
the  prize  money,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Capt. 
Piatt,  Mr.  Rutgers  and  Major  Lawrence. 

A  ration  roll  of  the  ship  joiners  on  board  the  Continental 
ship  Congress,  from  the  20th  December,  1776,  to  the  14th 
Feby.  1777,  it  being  an  allowance  to  them  made  by  the 
Committee  of  Safety  on  the  20th  December,  1776,  on  ac- 
count of  the  dearness  of  provisions  and  other  necessaries 
of  life  ;  the  said  roll  amounting  to  £32  lis.  7fc/.  is  sworn 
to  by  Mr.  John  Child,  clerk  of  the  Continental  ship  Con- 
gress, and  audited  by  the  committee  of  accounts,  was  de- 
livered in  and  read. 

One  other  ration  roll  of  the  Continental  ship  Congress, 
from  the  20th  December,  1776,  to  the  14th  February,  1777, 
it  being  an  allowance  made  by  the  Committee  of  Safety  on 
the  20lh  December,  1776,  on  account  of  the  dearness  of 
provisions  and  other  necessaries  of  life ;  the  said  roll 
amounting  to  £25  lis.  lOd.  is  sworn  to  by  Mr.  John 
Child,  clerk  of  the  said  ship,  and  audited  by  the  committee 
of  accounts,  was  delivered  in  and  read. 

An  account  of  the  ship  carpenters,  ship  joiners,  riggers 
and  labourers  employed  on  board  the  Continental  ship  Con- 
gress, in  transporting  said  ship  from  Poughkeepsie  to  Eso- 
pus  Landing,  and  mooring  her  there,  for  which  they  demand 
each  four  nights'  wages  ;  the  said  account  amounting  to 
£49  14s.  is  certified  to  by  Mr.  John  Child,  clerk  to  said 
ship,  and  audited  by  the  committee  of  accounts,  was  de- 
livered in  and  read. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  ship  carpenters  on  board  the  Continen- 
tal ship  Congress,  from  the  14th  February  to  the  8th  of 
March,  amounting  to  £9  6s.  6^.  which  was  allowed  them 
in  addition  to  their  former  wages  (in  lieu  of  rations)  by  re- 
solution of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  on  the  14th  Febru- 
ary, 1777  ;  the  said  roll  is  sworn  to  by  Mr.  John  Child, 
clerk  of  the  said  ship,  and  audited  by  the  committee  of 
accounts,  was  read.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  Mr. 
Stephen  Seaward  the  sum  of  £32  lis.  7fcZ.  in  full  for  the 
ration  roll  of  the  ship  joiners  on  board  the  Continental  ship 
Congress,  from  the  20lh  December,  1776,  to  the  14th  Fe- 
bruary, 1777.  Also,  the  further  sum  of  £25  lis.  lOd.  in 
full  for  the  ration  roll  of  the  shipwrights  on  board  the  said 
ship,  from  the  20th  December,  1776  to  the  14th  February, 
1777.  Also,  the  further  sum  of  £49  14s.  in  full  for  an 
account  of  the  shipwrights,  joiners,  riggers  and  labourers 
employed  in  transporting  the  ship  Congress  from  Pough- 
keepsie to  Esopus  Landing.  And  also,  the  further  sum  of 
£9  6s.  6d.  in  full  for  the  pay  roll  of  the  shipwrights  on 
board  the  said  ship,  from  the  14th  February  to  the  8th 
March,  1777. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred,  on  the  11th  inst. 
the  petition  of  the  committee  of  Kingston  on  the  subject 
of  an  hospital,  &c.  &c.  delivered  in  their  report,  which 
was  read,  amended  and  agreed  to  :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  several  different  committees  within 
the  county  of  Ulster,  and  the  northern  parts  of  Orange, 
are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered,  whenever  they  shall 
judge  it  necessary  for  the  advancement  of  the  public  ser- 
vice, that  the  chairman  of  either  of  the  said  committees, 
with  the  advice  of  any  three  members,  to  issue  his  war- 
rant to  one  of  the  constables  within  their  respective  dis- 
tricts, to  impress  such  number  of  horses  and  wagons  as 
they  shall  judge  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  each  wagoner,  so  impressed  as  afore- 
said, shall,  on  producing  proper  certificates  from  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  party,  and  if  no  such  officer,  from 
the  chairman  of  the  committee  who  issued  the  warrant, 
shall  receive  for  every  days'  service  the  sum  of  sixteen 
shillings. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  are  autho- 
rized and  empowered  to  cause  the  two  block  houses  within 
the  said  town  to  be  repaired  and  fitted,  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  any  sick  soldiers  belonging  to  the  United  States, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


who  shall  pass  iliis  way,  and  transmit  the  account  thereof 
to  this  Convention,  or  some  future  Legislature  of  this 
State,  who  will  make  provision  for  the  payment  thereof. 

Colonel  De  Witt  gave  notice  that  he  would,  on  Monday 
next,  move  the  House  to  reconsider  so  much  of  the  said 
report  as  respects  the  impressing  of  wagons. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

March  17th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jny,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Maj.  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Lott — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper—  For  Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort — For  Albany. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner — For  Orange. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray,  Maj.  F.  Parks,  Col.  De  Witt— For  Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Maj. 
Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Morris,  Maj.  Lockwood,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Graham,  Mr. 
Mills — For  Westchester. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  14th 
instant,  requesting  that  the  anchors  and  cables  be  sent 
down  with  the  utmost  despatch,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  Egbert  Dumont,  Esquire,  be  and  is 
hereby  appointed  an  additional  commissioner  for  the  pur- 
pose of  procuring  anchors  and  cables,  to  be  sent  down  to 
the  obstructions  making  in  Hudson's  river,  with  the  like 
powers  given  to  Messrs.  Henry  Benson  and  Corns.  John- 
son, to  wit,  power  to  take  as  many  anchors  and  cables 
from  on  board  the  vessels  in  Hudson's  river  as  can  be 
spared,  paying  the  owners  for  the  same,  and  that  he  be 
requested  to  proceed  on  the  business  with  the  utmost  de- 
spatch. 

Another  letter  from  General  Clinton,  of  the  same  date, 
enclosing  a  petition  from  several  teamsters  that  their  wages 
may  be  raised,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Colonel  De 
Witt  and  Mr.  Wm.  Smith. 

The  House  were  informed  that  the  ship  joiners  from  on 
board  the  Continental  ships  at  the  landing,  were  at  the  door 
attending  with  an  application. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be 
appointed  to  confer  with  them. 

A  letter  from  Henry  I.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  informing 
that  it  is  inconvenient  for  him  to  attend  the  Continental 
loan  office  at  the  city  of  Albany,  and  therefore  prays  leave 
to  resign  the  said  office. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  be  permitted  to 
resign  the  said  office  :  And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Dirck  Ten  Broeck,  Esquire,  of  the  city 
of  Albany,  be  and  he  is  hereby  appointed  commissioner  to 
superintend  the  Continental  loan  office  in  this  Slate,  (in  the 
stead  of  Henry  1.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esquire,  who  has  de- 
clined that  office,)  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  money  on 
loan  on  the  credit  and  for  the  use  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  pursuant  to  the  several  resolutions  of  the  Ho- 
nourable Congress  of  the  said  States,  in  such  case  made 
and  provided. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  February  20, 
recommending  Colonel  Renier  to  fill  the  place  of  lieutenant 
colonel,  in  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston's  regiment,  was 
read,  and  referred  to  the  committee  of  arrangement. 

The  petition  of  David  Schuyler,  and  many  others,  on 
behalf  of  Cornelius  Glenn,  John  Stevenson  and  Peter  Van 
Schaack,  confined  on  parol  by  the  committee  of  Albany, 
at  Boston,  praying  that  they  may  be  permitted  to  return 
and  reside  at  home,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  two  of  the  Albany  members  be  directed 


to  write  to  the  petitioners,  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tions of  Convention  of  the  instant. 

A  letter  from  Thos.  Palmer,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Newburgh  precinct,  dated  11th  March,  re- 
lative to  the  families  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
and  relative  to  quantities  of  provisions,  stored  near  the 
river,  in  danger  of  being  taken  off  by  the  enemy,  was 
read  and  referred  to  Mr.  Piatt,  Colonel  De  Witt  and  Colo- 
nel Allison. 

The  petition  of  Moses  Knapp,  confined  in  Kingston 
jail  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  was  read  and  referred  to  the 
members  of  Ulster. 

A  deposition  of  Arie  King  against  John  Cummings  and 
Crukshanks,  (two  prisoners  on  parol,)  charging  them 
with  having  expressed  themselves  in  a  manner  very  injuri- 
ous to  the  cause  of  America  ;  also,  another  deposition  of 
George  Lawson,  against  the  same  persons,  were  handed 
into  Convention  and  read. 

On  reading  the  said  depositions  of  Arie  King  and  George 
Lawson,  and  from  other  information,  it  appears  that  John 
Cummings  and  Alexander  Cruikshanks,  State  prisoners 
on  their  parol,  who  have  lately  in  a  secret  and  clandestine 
manner  been  in  the  city  of  New-York,  since  their  return, 
and  while  on  parol,  have  examined  the  ships  of  war  at 
Esopus  Landing,  and  used  indirect  artifices  to  terrify  and 
discourage  the  good  people  of  this  State,  and  prevail  upon 
them  to  submit  to  the  arms  of  Great  Britain. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  they  be  immediately  com- 
mitted to  the  common  jail  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  there  to 
remain  until  further  order  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  Ulster  county  do  see  the 
aforegoing  resolution  duly  executed. 

A  letter  from  James  Mease,  Clothier-General,  dated  at 
Morris  Town,  March  5,  relative  to  clothing,  was  read  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  Middletown,  dated  March  8,  1777,  signed 
Thomas  Dearing,  John  Foster  and  Thomas  Wickham,  ac- 
companying a  great  bundle  of  accounts  of  sundry  persons 
for  transporting  stock,  &c.  &c.  from  Long  island,  was 
read  and  committed  to  the  committee  for  auditing  ac- 
counts. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Adgate  and  Major  Webster  be  ex- 
cused and  dismissed  from  the  committee  for  auditing  ac- 
counts ;  and  that  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Major  Tappen  be  added 
to  the  said  committee  in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Adgate  and  Ma- 
jor Webster. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
the  ship  joiners,  reported  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  Adam  Todd  and  James  Frame  appeared  before 
your  committee  in  behalf  (as  they  said)  of  the  ship  joiners 
employed  to  work  on  board  the  Continental  ships  of  war, 
Congress  and  Montgomery,  and  complained  that  they 
were  so  employed  at  the  rate  of  seven  shillings  and  a  half 
pint  of  rum  per  day  ;  that  the  said  allowance  of  rum  hath 
lately  been  withheld  from  them  ;  that  the  high  prices  of  all 
the  necessaries  of  life  constrain  them  to  request  an  aug- 
mentation of  their  wages  to  9s.  6d.  per  day  ;  and  that  they 
request  the  interposition  and  order  of  tbe  Convention  for 
that  purpose  ;  that  the  late  additions  made  to  the  wages  of 
the  ship  carpenters  employed  on  the  said  ships,  give  them 
reason  to  expect  a  similar  provision. 

Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  Convention,  that  they 
ought  not  to  interfere  in  this  business. 

Mr.  Morris  requested  the  sense  of  the  House  relative  to 
the  artillery  company  lately  commanded  by  Captain  Ha- 
milton. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  company  be  permitted  to  enlist 
in  the  service  of  the  Continent,  and  that  Mr.  Morris  inform 
Capt.  Hamilton  thereof. 

Mr.  Jay  dissents. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr. 
William  Harper  (a  committee  heretofore  appointed  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  a  salt  manufactory  in  Tryon  coun- 
ty,) or  either  of  them,  be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  Trea- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


839 


surer  of  this  State  for  any  sums,  not  exceeding  in  the 
whole  four  hundred  dollars,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on 
the  said  manufactory. 

Monday  Afternoon,  March  \lth,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Colonel  Lott,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Cnpt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston—  For  New- 
York. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Major  Parks,  Mr.  Ray,  Maj.  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine— 

For  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Joseph  Smith — For 
Orange. 

Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Gra- 
ham— For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Major  Schenk, 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veeder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk — For  Tryon. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to 
Sampson  Dyckman  the  sum  of  six  pounds  eight  shillings, 
in  full  for  his  account  for  boarding  Colonel  Ritzema  and 
Lieutenant  Johnson,  by  order  of  the  committee  for  detect- 
ing conspiracies. 

Colonel  De  Witt,  agreeable  to  notice  by  him  given  on 
Saturday  last,  moved  that  so  much  of  the  resolutions  pass- 
ed that  day  as  empowered  the  chairman  of  the  district 
committee  in  Ulster  county  to  impress  wagons,  be  reconsi- 
dered. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  nega- 
tive. 

Colonel  De  Witt  then  gave  notice,  that  he  would  to- 
morrow move  for  a  reconsideration  of  the  whole  report  of 
the  committee  on  the  petition  of  the  committee  of  Kingston, 
relative  to  impressing  wagons,  &c.  &c. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  letter  from  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  Esquire,  chairman 
of  Ulster  county  committee,  dated  the  12th  of  February, 
relative  to  Abraham  Brinckerhoff,  reported  a  draft  of  a 
letter  in  answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  approved  of, 
and  is  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Sir — Convention  have  received  your  letter  of  the  12th 
of  February  last,  and  are  surprised  to  find  the  committee 
for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  so  highly  reprehended  by 
the  committee  for  the  county  of  Ulster,  for  partiality  and 
a  neglect  of  duty ;  crimes  of  which  we  by  no  means  think 
those  gentlemen  guilty,  especially  when  we  consider  the 
important  services  they  have  rendered  this  State,  by  their 
faithful  discharge  of  the  arduous  task  imposed  upon  them. 

"  Convention  is  informed  that  Mr.  Brinckerhoff  was  sent 
to  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  at  Fish- 
kill,  without  informing  those  gentlemen  of  the  charges 
against  him,  or  the  cause  of  his  capture  or  detention,  which 
should  have  been  specified. 

"  Mr.  Brinckerhoff  was  detained  by  the  committee  at  Fish- 
kill  for  some  considerable  time,  and  no  charge  being  exhibit- 
ed against  him  he  was  discharged  of  course.  However,  as 
the  committee  conceived  he  was  not  sent  there  uninten- 
tionally, they  administered  to  him  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
and  bound  him  to  be  forthcoming  when  called  upon. 

"  Convention  is  desirous  of  making  every  allowance  for 
gentlemen  acting  in  a  public  capacity,  and  on  this  occasion 
are  led  to  believe  that  your  committee  have,  without  full 
consideration,  been  induced  to  write  their  said  letter. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servt. 
"  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  Chairman 

of  the  Committee  of  Ulster." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
John  Griffiths  and  Robert  Boyd,  Junr.  dated  the  13th 


March,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended 
and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Whereas  by  a  resolution  passed  by  this  Convention 
on  the  14th  of  August  last,  it  was  provided  that  among 
other  manufacturers  exempted  from  military  duty  in  this 
State,  the  following  persons  employed  at  each  furnace 
for  melting  iron  ore  into  pigs  and  castings  be  exempted,  to 
wit :  one  founder,  >  two  keepers,  one  stock  jobber,  one 
moulder,  two  fillers,  one  ore  breaker,  four  miners  and  four 
master  colliers.  Therefore, 

"Resolved,  1st.  That  John  Griffiths  and  Robert  Boyd, 
Junr.  managers  of  the  Forest  of  Dean  furnace  be  acquaint- 
ed with  the  above  resolve  ;  and  that  in  order  to  avail  them- 
selves of  the  above  privilege,  they  must  give  in  a  list  of 
the  names  of  all  the  persons  at  their  works  entitled  to  the 
benefit  of  this  exemption,  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
militia  of  the  district  in  which  the  said  furnace  is  situated. 

"Resolved,  2d.  That  according  to  the  prayer  of  the  above 
mentioned  petition,  an  order  be  given  to  Henry  Wisner, 
Junr.  to  furnish  the  above  petitioners,  John  Griffiths  and 
Robt.  Boyd,  Junr.  with  a  quarter  cask  of  gunpowder  out 
of  any  he  may  have  in  his  hands  belonging  to  this  State, 
(they  paying  the  current  price  for  the  same.") 

Ordered,  That  the  petitioners  be  informed  that  the  Con- 
vention have  not  any  other  of  the  articles  mentioned  in 
their  petition. 

The  bond  of  Rebecca  Patrick,  widow,  and  George  Leo- 
nard, administratrix  and  administrator  of  the  goods,  chattels 
and  effects  of  Samuel  Patrick  deceased,  duly  executed  by 
them  and  their  sureties,  Joshua  H.  Smith  and  Robert  Boyd, 
Junr.  Esquires,  and  also  a  certificate  of  Elihu  Marvin, 
Esquire,  chairman  of  the  county  committee  of  Orange 
county,  that  the  said  Rebecca  Patrick  was  duly  sworn  be- 
fore him  as  the  administratrix  of  the  said  goods,  chattels 
and  effects,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  this  Convention 
of  the  12th  instant,  were  handed  to  the  Convention  and 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  bond  and  certificate,  together 
with  the  certificate  of  the  President,  of  the  administration 
of  the  said  oath  to  George  Leonard,  be  filed.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Rebecca  Patrick  and  George  Leonard,  administratrix 
and  administrator  of  the  goods,  chattels  and  effects  of 
Samuel  Patrick  deceased,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  and 
ninety-eight  pounds,  thirteen  shillings,  in  full  for  the  ac- 
count of  the  said  Samuel  Patrick  against  this  Convention, 
for  fifty-four  iron  stoves,  weighing  nine  tons,  four  hundred 
and  twenty  pounds,  made  at  the  Forest  of  Dean,  or  Orange 
Furnace,  at  the  request  of  Major-General  Schuyler,  for  the 
use  of  the  northern  Continental  army,  and  paid  by  this 
Convention,  by  request  of  General  Schuyler,  in  his  letter 
of  the  4th  inst.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Treasurer  take  a  receipt  in  full 
for  the  same  sum,  and  charge  it  to  Continental  account, 
pursuant  to  General  Schuyler's  request  in  the  said  letter. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  report  of  the  commit- 
tee on  the  letters  of  Major  General  Schuyler,  of  the  in- 
stant, and  Brigadier- General  Bayley's  letters,  from  Glou- 
cester county,  and  the  resolutions  thereon,  be  taken  into 
consideration. 

And  thereupon,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Resolved,  That  that  part  of  the  said  resolutions  which 
respects  the  company  raised  by  Brigadier-Genl.  Bayley  be 
recommitted  to  the  same  committee. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  who  was  seconded, 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  sent  to  Comfort  Sands, 
Esquire,  Auditor-General  of  the  accounts  of  this  State  ; 
that  the  President  write  a  letter  by  the  said  messenger  to 
Mr.  Sands,  and  require  his  immediate  attendance  on  this 
Convention. 

An  account  of  General  George  Clinton  for  his  attend- 
ance at  Congress,  amounting  in  the  whole,  to  the  sum  of 
£278  8s.  Od.  was  exhibited  to  Convention  for  payment. 


840 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Thereto  is  subjoined  a  certificate  of  Matthew  Adgate,  Al- 
exander Webster  and  Benjamin  Newkerk,  the  committee 
for  auditing  accounts  ;  that  they  have  examined  the  said  ac- 
count, and  arc  of  opinion  that  there  be  allowed  to  General 
George  Clinton,  the  sum  of  £278  8s.  Od. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate,  pay  to  Genl. 
George  Clinton  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  £278  8s.  Od. 

An  account  of  Abraham  Heermanse  against  the  State 
of  New-York,  for  riding  three  days  to  Claverack,  about 
the  7th  instant,  when  he  was  sent  as  a  messenger  to  and 
for  Colonel  Henry  I.  Van  Rensselaer,  was  exhibited  for  pay- 
ment. Thereto  is  annexed  a  certificate  of  the  said  com- 
mittee of  auditors,  that  they  have  examined  the  above  ac- 
count, and  do  allow  the  sum  of  three  pounds  to  Abraham 
Heermanse. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  the 
said  Abraham  Heermanse  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  three 
pounds,  on  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  said  account. 


DIE  MARTIS,  a.  m. 

March  18th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeek,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Lunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Major  Van  Zandt — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Wisner— For  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Parks,  Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Ray,  Mr.  Contine— For 
Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Cuyler— For  Albany. 

Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cort- 
landt,Maj.  Lock  wood — For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt. 
Piatt — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk— For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Sherwood,  Col,  Allison — For 
Orange. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the 
committee  who  were  chosen  to  confer  with  General  Wa- 
shington, Genl.  McDougall  and  General  G.  Clinton,  report- 
ed that  the  following  letters  be  wntten,viz  : 

No.  1,  to  the  Honourable  the  Congress. 
No.  2,  to  His  Excellency  General  Washington. 
No.  3,  to  Genl.  McDougall ;  and 
No.  4,  to  General  George  Clinton. 

The  draft  of  the  letter,  No.  1,  to  the  Honourable  the 
Congress,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing : 

"  Sir — I  am  ordered  by  the  Convention  of  this  State, 
to  inform  you  that  they  have  long  been  under  great  appre- 
hensions for  the  fate  of  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands, 
which  they  have  at  different  times  strengthened  by  consi- 
derable bodies  of  their  militia,  when  His  Excellency  Ge- 
neral Washington  was  unable  through  the  weakness  of  his 
army,  to  supply  them  with  proper  garrisons.  But  they 
lament  that  the  want  of  the  necessary  stores  must  not  only 
render  all  their  endeavours  to  secure  those  important  posts 
ineffectual,  but  endanger  the  troops  that  are  thrown  in  to 
defend  them.  By  the  enclosed  return,  you  will  see  the 
present  state  of  Fort  Montgomery.  Fort  Constitution  is  in 
a  still  more  deplorable  situation  ;  and,  indeed,  if  it  cannot 
be  better  provided,  should  be  dismantled.  We  wish  that 
a  discretionary  power  may  be  given  for  this  purpose  to 
the  general  that  may  be  vested  wilh  the  command. 

"  The  Convention  conceive  that  the  neglect  of  these  for- 
tresses arises  chiefly  from  their  want  of  an  active  com- 
mander, whose  attention  is  solely  confined  to  their  defence, 
since  officers  who  expect  daily  to  be  removed,  seldom  ex- 
tend their  care  much  beyond  the  present  hour,  and  are  in- 
different about  things  of  the  utmost  moment,  when  they 
expect  to  leave  their  charge  before  any  mischiefs  happen. 


The  Convention,  therefore,  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  the 
propriety  of  appointing  some  general  commandant  of  those 
forts  and  the  works  that  are  now  erecting  in  the  Highlands, 
with  the  rank  of  brigadier-general.  They  are  too  much 
interested  in  the  success  of  this  measure  to  think  any  apo- 
logy necessary  for  mentioning  it,  or  for  recommending  to 
Congress,  General  George  Clinton,  as  a  person  every  way 
qualified  for  this  command.  The  Convention  think  it  un- 
necessary to  offer  a  more  particular  recommendation  of 
General  George  Clinton,  whose  character  is  well  known 
to  the  Commander-in-Chief,  and  to  some  gentlemen  at 
Congress.  He  is  now  employed  in  obstructing  the  river, 
a  little  above  Fort  Constitution  ;  a  work  which  they  hope 
will  be  finished  in  a  few  weeks,  and  which  ought  to  be 
under  the  direction  of  the  general  that  commands  at  the 
forts,  since  it  may  be  necessary  to  remove  part  of  the  can- 
non and  garrison  from  one  to  the  other,  in  order  to  secure 
the  obstruction.  The  Convention  flatter  themselves,  that 
the  Honourable  Congress  will  consider  this  application  as 
sufficiently  important  to  deserve  their  immediate  attention, 
as  delay  must  in  this  case  be  equivalent  to  a  refusal ;  more 
especially,  as  they  are  informed  that  the  enemy  design, 
very  shortly,  to  bend  their  force  against  this  State. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  To  the  Honble.  John  Hancock, 

President,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  draft  of  the  letter  No.  2,  directed  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  are  very  happy  to  find  by  the 
gentlemen  that  waited  on  your  Excellency,  that  their  plan 
for  the  security  of  the  forts  meets  with  your  approbation, 
and  that  the  gentleman  they  propose  to  recommend  to  Con- 
gress is  agreeable  to  your  Excellency.  They  take  the  li- 
berty to  request  that  you  will  express  your  sentiments  on 
this  head  to  Congress,  and  urge  their  speedy  adoption  of 
so  salutary  a  measure.  The  Convention  finding  a  great 
deficiency  of  cannon  ball  at  the  fortresses,  have  ordered 
4,000  to  be  cast.  Many  other  articles  necessary  for  their 
defence  being  wanted,  they  have  taken  the  liberty  to  write 
to  General  McDougall  for  the  proper  supplies,  from  the 
Continental  stores.  Your  Excellency's  distance,  and  the 
variety  of  those  cares  which  divide  your  attention,  will 
sufficiently  apologise  for  the  interference  of  Convention  in 
a  matter  of  such  great  importance  to  the  common  interest. 

"  1  have  the  honour  to  be  &c. 
"  His  Excellency,  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  draft  of  letter  No.  3,  directed  to  General  McDou- 
gall, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
viz  : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  view  with  extreme  concern  the 
defenceless  state  of  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands.  They 
find  by  the  returns  from  thence,  that  they  have  not  more 
than  twenty  round  of  shot  for  the  six  32  pounders,  and  not 
a  single  ball  for  the  other  twelve  guns  ;  that  there  is  not 
even  sponges  and  rammers  for  the  cannon  that  are  mount- 
ed ;  in  short,  sir,  that  the  commonest  things  are  wanting. 
Though  this,  sir,  may  be  out  of  our  department,  yet  we 
are  too  deeply  interested  in  the  consequence  of  this  negli- 
gence to  view  it  with  indifference.  We  are  extremely  happy 
to  find  that  your  command  extends  to  these  forts,  since  we 
have  reason  to  hope  that  you  will  exert  yourself  to  put  them 
in  a  posture  of  defence,  in  order  to  which  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  procure  a  number  of  little  articles,  and  at  least 
4,000  cannon  balls,  a  proportionate  quantity  of  powder  and 
wads,  as  well  as  to  direct  the  making  of  cartridges.  By 
the  return  you  will  find  that  if  the  garrison  should  be  in- 
creased, which  it  doubtless  must,  more  musket  cartridges, 
and  of  course  paper  to  make  them,  will  be  necessary.  We 
shall  always  be  ready,  as  far  as  lies  in  our  power,  to  as- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


841 


sist  you  in  procuring  any  thing  which  may  be  needful  for 
the  security  of  those  fortresses,  and  have  accordingly  or- 
dered 4,000  balls  to  be  cast.  We  hope,  however,  you  will 
be  able  to  throw  in  a  more  immediate  supply,  as  we  have 
some  reason  to  apprehend  that  ours  may  come  too  late. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

'•'  Brigr.  General  McDougall." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  draft  of  letter  No.  4,  to  General  George  Clinton, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  are  informed  by  the  gentlemen 
appointed  to  confer  with  you  on  the  forwardness  of  the  ob- 
structions in  Hudson's  river,  that  those  works  will  be  com- 
pleted by  the  middle  of  April.  It  is  their  wish  that  so  ne- 
cessary an  affair  should  meet  with  no  delay. 

"  They  therefore  suggest  to  you  the  propriety  of  calling 
out  so  many  of  the  militia  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  com- 
pletion of  this  work  by  the  time  prefixed,  should  those  you 
now  have  be  insufficient  for  that  purpose. 

"  They  would  further  observe,  that  stone  may  be  speedi- 
ly procured  by  employing  a  number  of  Albany  or  other 
sloops,  who  will  readily  contract  by  the  load,  and  furnish 
themselves  with  hands  for  that  purpose. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Brigr.  General  George  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  residue  of  the  said  report  was  read,  approved  of, 
and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

"The  committee  are  also  of  opinion  that  a  contract 
should  be  made  for  4,000  cannon  balls,  viz  :  1,000  32  lb. 
1,000  121b.  1,000  91b.  and  1,000  6  lb. ;  and  for  400  bar 
shot,  to  wit:  100  32 lb.  100  12 lb.  100  9 lb.  and  100  6 lb. 
to  be  delivered  by  the  first  day  of  May  next. 

"  They  are  further  of  opinion  that  General  Schuyler 
should  be  requested  to  supply  Genl.  George  Clinton  with 
as  many  heavy  cannon  as  he  can  possibly  spare,  out  of 
those  he  has  purchased  at  Salisbury  or  elsewhere,  and  to 
direct  the  building  of  scows  for  the  transportation  of  can- 
non, agreeable  to  the  recommendation  of  General  Wash- 
ington, mentioned  in  the  report  of  your  committee,  a  copy 
of  which  report  ought  to  be  transmitted  to  Maj.  General 
Schuyler." 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Mr.  Wis- 
ner  be  appointed  a  committee  to  inquire  what  quantities  of 
shot  and  ball  have  been  furnished  by  this  State  to  the  forts 
Montgomery  and  Constitution,  in  the  Highlands,  and  how 
the  same  have  been  since  disposed  of.  And 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  be  and 
hereby  are  authorized  and  requested  to  contract  for,  and  pro- 
cure to  be  made,  the  quantities  of  ball  above  mentioned,  to 
be  transported  to  those  fortifications,  or  such  other  places 
on  Hudson's  river  where  necessary  for  defence  against  the 
enemy. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted,  on  the  17th 
inst.  that  part  of  the  report  or  resolutions  of  the  former 
committee,  appointed  to  consider  of  Brigadier-General 
Bayley's  demand,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read. 
The  same  being  again  read  by  paragraphs,  was  amended 
and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  1st.  That  upon  the  retreat  of  the  army  of  the  United 
Slates  out  of  Canada,  the  inhabitants  of  Gloucester  and 
Cumberland  counties,  as  well  as  those  of  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire  seated  on  the  east  side  of  the  Connecticut 
river,  were  greatly  alarmed  from  reports  and  apprehensions 
that  they  would  be  attacked  by  British  troops  from  Cana- 
da, and  by  the  Indians. 

"  2d.  That  many  families  in  the  above  mentioned  coun- 
ties were  so  much  terrified  by  those  reports,  that  they  ac- 
tually removed  into  the  interior  part  of  the  country  for 
safety.  That  to  prevent  the  further  breaking  up  of  the 
frontier  settlements  and  for  the  protection  of  the  inhabi- 

211 


(ants,  Brigadier-General  Bayley  was  applied  to  and  ear- 
nestly solicited,  not  only  by  the  committees  of  Gloucester, 
but  by  those  of  New-Hampshire  bordering  on  Connecticut 
river,  to  engage  and  continue  in  service  as  scouting  parties 
and  guards,  a  number  of  men  who  had  been  employed  by 
order  of  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  in  making  a 
road  from  Connecticut  river  towards  Canada,  the  design 
of  which  was  about  that  time  laid  aside. 

"3d.  That  General  Bayley  accordingly  about  the  10th 
day  of  July  last,  entered  into  a  contract  with  a  number  of 
men,  who  are  named  in  the  pay  roll  referred  to  your  com- 
mittee, of  whom  he  himself  retained  the  command  or  di- 
rection, Mr.  William  Wallace  being  the  only  officer  under 
him. 

"  4th.  That  the  said  party  continued  in  service  as  guards 
and  scouting  parties,  and  in  building  block  houses  and  forts, 
until  about  the  10th  of  September  last. 

"  5lh.  That  it  was  a  necessary  service  which  the  cir- 
cumstances of  that  part  of  the  country  strongly  called  for, 
appears  not  only  from  the  facts  above  alleged,  and  because 
it  is  so  certified  by  ihe  chairmen  of  the  several  committees 
more  immediately  concerned,  but  because  this  Convention 
itself  was  sensible  of  such  necessity,  and  have  given  the 
fullest  evidence  thereof  by  their  resolutions  of  the  23rd  day 
of  July  last,  that  four  companies  of  rangers  should  be 
raised  for  the  defence  of  the  said  counties  of  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester,  and  for  the  protection  of  the  inhabitants. 

"  6th.  That  those  companies  were  not  completed  till 
about  the  middle  of  August ;  and  on  the  10th  of  Septem- 
ber following,  the  party  so  employed  by  General  Bayley 
was  discharged. 

"  7th.  That  though  General  Bailey  was  not  authorized, 
either  by  the  Continental  Congress  or  by  this  State,  to  raise 
the  said  company,  yet  as  it  was  done  for  an  important  ser- 
vice, to  prevent  the  desertion  of  the  frontier  and  the  impo- 
verishmentof  the  inhabitants,  and  at  the  request  and  entreaty 
of  committees  both  of  this  State  and  New-Hampshire, 

"  8th.  The  Convention,  upon  the  whole,  are  of  opinion 
that  General  Bayley  ought  not  to  be  a  sufferer,  and  that 
this  Convention  ought,  in  the  first  instance,  to  advance  to 
him  his  reasonable  disbursements,  and  the  sums  for  which 
he  stands  justly  engaged  concerning  the  premises ;  the 
Convention  being  further  of  opinion  that  it  will  be  allowed 
as  a  Continental  charge." 

Resolved,  That  the  said  company  employed  by  General 
Bayley  in  the  manner  aforesaid,  on  the  northeastern  frontier 
of  this  State,  as  scouting  parties,  guards,  and  in  erecting 
block  houses,  ought  to  be  paid  by  this  Convention  ;  and 
that  the  money  to  be  advanced  for  that  purpose  be  charged 
to  the  United  States. 

The  pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company  en- 
gaged and  employed  by  General  Bayley  as  guards  and 
scouting  parlies,  and  to  build  block  houses,  was  then  ex- 
hibited to  the  Convention  for  payment.  Thereon  is  en- 
dorsed an  affidavit  of  William  Wallace,  who  as  an  officer 
superintended  the  said  company,  that  the  said  pay  and 
subsistence  rolls  are  just  and  true,  and  thai  the  men  were 
actually  in  service  the  time  therein  specified  ;  and  that  the 
charge  is  made  according  to  the  agreement  General  Bay- 
ley  had  made  with  said  men. 

Thereon  is  also  endorsed  a  certificate  of  Matthew  Ad- 
gate,  Alexander  Webster  and  Benjamin  Newkerk,  mem- 
bers of  the  committee  for  auditing  accounts,  that  they  have 
examined  the  said  pay  and  subsistence  rolls,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  there  be  allowed  to  the  men  therein  named  the 
sum  of  six  hundred  and  seventy-one  pounds  and  two  pence 
for  the  said  services. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report ;  and  General  Jacob  Bayley,  by 
his  letter  of  the  26th  February  last,  having  desired  that  the 
moneys  due  on  the  said  rolls  may  be  paid  to  Mr.  William 
Wallace, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
pay  to  the  said  William  Wallace  the  said  sum  of  six  hun- 


842 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


dred  and  seventy-one  pounds  and  two  pence,  to  discharge 
the  said  accounts,  and  take  his  receipt  in  full  for  the  same. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred,  on  the  17th  inst. 
Colonel  Palmer's  letter  of  the  11th  inst.  brought  in  their 
report,  which  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  deferred  for 
consideration. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  a  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  and  the  petition 
of  teamsters  therein  enclosed,  brought  in  their  report,  which 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  deferred  for  further  consideration. 

Mr.  De  Witt  moved  that  the  Convention  would  now  go 
into  the  consideration  of  the  report  for  empowering  the 
committee  of  Kingston  to  impress  teams  and  erect  an  hos- 
pital in  this  town  ;  but  on  motion  for  an  adjournment,  the 
consideration  thereof  was  postponed. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  March  18,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-General  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Jay,  Maj.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman — For  New-York, 
Mr.  Webster — For  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Maj.  Parks— 

For  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr- 
Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Allison,  Col.  Sherwood— For  Orange. 

Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Drake,  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Capt.  James  Schenk,  Maj. 
H.  Schenk,  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt — For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Paris — For  Tryon. 

Mr.  Governeur  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
the  members  be  permitted  to  smoke  in  the  Convention 
Chamber,  to  prevent  bad  effects  from  the  disagreeable  ef- 
fluvia arising  from  the  jail  below.  Debates  arose  thereon, 
and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive, in  the  manner  following,  to  wit  : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,    4 

Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4 

14 


For  the  negative. 

Tryon,   3 

New-York,   8 

11 


Dutchess  and  Orange  counties  divided. 

Whereas  from  the  past  want  of  care  in  the  prisoners 
now  confined  in  the  jail  immediately  underneath  the  Con- 
vention Chamber,  the  same  is  supposed  to  have  become 
unwholesome,  and  very  nauseous  and  disagreeable  effluvia 
arises,  which  may  endanger  the  health  of  the  members  of 
this  Convention.  Therefore 

Resolved,  That  for  the  preservation  of  their  health,  the 
members  of  this  Convention  be  at  liberty  at  their  pleasure 
to  smoke  in  the  Convention  Chamber  while  the  House  is 
sitting  and  proceeding  on  business. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay,  who  was  seconded, 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Du- 
ane,  be  and  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  to  devise 
ways  and  means  for  clearing  the  jail  below  and  removing 
the  prisoners. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  sloop  of  war  command- 
ed by  Capt.  Castle,  do  proceed  to  New-Windsor,  and  such 
other  places  as  Matthew  Contine,  Esquire,  shall  direct, 
and  bring  up  to  Esopus  Landing  all  such  hides  as  belong 
to  this  State. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  form 
of  government. 

The  3rd  paragraph  was  then  taken  into  consideration  ; 
debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Duane  moved  for  the  following  amendment,  to  wit : 
to  expunge  from  the  word  "  proportion"  included,  and 
there  add  the  following  words,  to  wit:  "in  the  proportion 


following,  to  wit:  in  the  city  and  county  of  New- York, 
eight,  for  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  for  the 

county  of  Westchester,         for  the  county  of  Dutchess, 
for  the  county  of  Ulster,  for  the  county  of 

Orange,  for  the  county  of  Suffolk,        for  Queens 

county,       for  Kings  county,         for  Richmond  county, 

for  Tryon  county,         for  the  county  of  Charlotte! 

for  the  county  of  Cumberland,         for  the  county 
of  Gloucester       .  " 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  following 
to  wit :  8 

F or  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,    4       New-York   8 

Orange,   3 

Dutchess,    5 

Albany,   6 

Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4 

Therefore  the  amendment  was  rejected. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

March  19th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Jay — For  New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— For  Tryon. 

Major  Parks  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine 
— For  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Col.  Allison— For  Orange. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Major 
Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake— For  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,   Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Schenk,  Capt. 
Scvenk,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt— For  Dutches/. 
Mr.  Webster— For  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

It  being  £  past  eleven  o'clock,  and  a  number  of  mem- 
bers being  absent, 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  go  to  the  lodgings  of 
all  the  absent  members,  and  inform  them  that  the  House, 
for  want  of  their  attendance,  cannot  proceed  to  business  as 
a  Convention,  and  therefore  request  their  immediate  at- 
tendance. 

Agreed,  That  the  President  write  to  Mr.  Duer,  and  re- 
quest his  attendance  at  Convention  without  delay.  And 
further,  that  the  President  send  the  letters  agreed  to  yes- 
terday to  Congress,  and  General  Washington  and  Mr.  Mc- 
Dougall  by  express. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  March  \9th,  1777. 

The  President  and  following  members  met : 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Beekman— New- 
York. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Major  Parks 

—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates, 
Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major 

Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills — Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  G.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Henry  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Sherwood— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 
Several  members  being  absent, 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  call  all  the  absent  mem- 
bers who  are  in  Kingston. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


843 


The  members  present  (in  the  mean  time)  proceeded  to 
business  as  a  Committee  of  Safety. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Claverack,  dated  March 
18,  1777,  and  signed  by  Peter  Contine,  clerk,  relative  to 
a  certain  John  E.  Van  Alen,  a  dangerous,  disaffected  per- 
son, sent  down  to  Convention  in  the  custody  of  Lieut.  Mul- 
ler,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Joseph  H.  Smith 
and  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  said 
John  E.  Van  Alen,  and  to  take  such  measures  respecting 
him  as  to  them  shall  appear  proper, 

A  letter  from  Herman  Hoffman,  dated  Rhinebeck, 
March  17,  enclosing  the  affidavit  of  John  Staats  against 
Ryer  Schermerhorne,  charging  him  with  depreciating  the 
paper  currency,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  affidavit  be  referred 
to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates. 

A  letter  from  Doctor  Chauncey  Graham,  enclosing  his 
account,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  auditing  committee. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  Colonel 
H.  B.  Livingston,  requesting  him  to  inform  Convention 
what  stock,  arms  and  other  property  were  brought  from 
Long  island  to  Connecticut  by  the  troops  under  his  com- 
mand. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

March  20,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Duane,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Maj.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison— Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mor- 
ris, Colo.  Van  Cortlandt —  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt. 
Piatt—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colonel  Marinus  Willet,  with  a  re- 
turn of  that  part  of  Colo.  Gansevoort's  regiment  as  are  at 
Fishkill  forts  in  the  Highlands,  &c.  was  read  and  filed. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  to  devise  ways 
and  means  for  clearing  the  jail  in  Kingston  and  removing 
the  prisoners  from  thence,  brought  in  their  report,  which 
was  read  and  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Jay  be 
added  to  the  said  committee  ;  and  that  the  said  committee 
be  instructed  to  report  to  this  House  the  crimes  with  which 
the  six  persons  named  in  the  first  clause  of  the  said  report 
stand  charged  ;  and  whether,  in  the  opinion  of  the  said 
committee,  all  or  any,  and  which  of  the  said  prisoners, 
ought  to  remain  longer  confined,  and  where. 

The  Convention  proceeded  further  to  consider  the  report 
of  the  committee  on  the  form  of  government. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris  and  seconded, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  3rd  and  4th 
paragraphs  be  postponed  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Jay  gave  notice  that  he  will  to-morrow  move  for  the 
reconsideration  of  the  2nd  paragraph,  giving  the  Governor 
a  negative  on  all  laws  ;  and  of  the  5th  paragraph,  declar- 
ing that  elections  shall  be  held  according  to  the  former  laws 
of  the  Colony. 

The  sixth  paragraph  was  then  read  ;  the  former  amend- 
ment thereto  agreed  on,  and  the  entry  postponing  the  same 
on  Friday  last,  was  then  read. 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Duane,  who  was  seconded, 
Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  sixth 

paragraph  be  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  seventh  paragraph  being  read,  on  motion  of  Mr. 

Morris, 

Ordered,  That  the  7th  paragraph  be  postponed  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

The  8th  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  was  read  a  se- 
cond time. 

The  said  paragraph  was  then  read  in  parts.  Convention 
agreed  to  the  following  words  :  "  That  the  Assembly  thus 
constituted  shall  choose  their  own  speaker."  Then  to  the 
following  words  :  "  Be  judges  of  their  own  members." 
The  next  part  of  the  paragraph,  viz  :  "  And  proceed  in 
doing  business  in  like  manner  as  the  Assemblies  of  the 
Colony  of  New-York  formerly  did." 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  after  the  word 
"members,"  the  words  "  enjoy  the  same  privileges,"  be 
inserted,  and  that  after  the  word  "New-York,"  the  words 
"of  right"  be  inserted. 

The  same  amendments  being  agreed  to  and  inserted, 
that  part  of  the  paragraph  was  again  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  residue  of  the  said  8th  paragraph  was  then  read  and 
agreed  to. 

The  ninth  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "  possessed  of  freeholds  of  the  value  of  one  hun- 
dred pounds,  over  and  above  all  debts  and  incumbrances 
thereon,"  be  obliterated.  The  question  being  put,  was  car- 
ried in  the  negative. 

The  said  paragraph  being  then  read,  Mr.  Jay  moved  and 
was  seconded,  that  the  words  "  and  incumbrances  "  be  ob- 
literated, and  the  word  "  charges  "  there  inserted.  The 
same  being  unanimously  agreed  to  and  inserted,  the  said 
ninth  paragraph  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  tenth  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Rea,  that  the  word  "  four"  be  obliterated,  and  the  word 
"  one"  inserted  in  its  stead. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative  by  a  great  majority.  The  words  "  that  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Senate  be  elected  for  four  years,"  were  then 
read  and  agreed  to.  The  residue  of  the  10th  paragraph 
was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  eleventh  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Wisner  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
word  "  four"  be  changed  into  "  fourteen,"  and  the  word 
"  great,"  obliterated ;  and  assigned  as  a  reason,  that  they 
may  be  chosen  by  the  counties. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  determined  in  the  negative,  by  a  great  majo- 
rity. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  March  20th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay — For  New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Major  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Ma  jr.  Parks— for  Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Tayler,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr. 
Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort — For  Albany. 

Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison — For  Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— for  Suffolk. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  James 
Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — For  Tryon. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  P.  Gansevoort,  dated  Albany, 
March  17th,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  order  of 
Convention  of  the  10th  instant,  directing  the  commanding 


844 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


officers  of  the  five  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this 
State,  to  make  returns  of  their  respective  regiments  ;  and 
also  a  letter  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  VVillet,  dated  at  Fort 
Constitution,  on  the  17lh  instant,  enclosing  a  return  of 
part  of  Colo.  Gansevoort's  regiment,  were  respectively 
read. 

Mr.  Tayler  informed  the  House  that  his  attendance  on 
the  commissioners  for  auditing  the  Continental  accounts, 
at  Albany,  is  indispensably  necessary,  for  the  purpose  of 
accounting  with  them  for  large  sums  of  money  advanced 
to  him  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  clothing  for  the  Ame- 
rican army  ;  and  therefore  requests  leave  of  absence,  to 
return  as  soon  as  that  business  will  possibly  admit. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Tayler  have  leave  of  absence,  on 
condition  that  he  return  as  soon  as  the  public  business 
which  now  calls  him  to  Albany,  will  possibly  admit. 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  plan  of 
government. 

The  eleventh  paragraph  was  then  read. 

After  some  time  spent  thereon,  the  further  consideration 
thereof  was  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  32nd  paragraph  was  then  read,  declaring  that  the 
free  toleration  of  religious  profession  and  worship  shall  for- 
ever hereafter  be  allowed  to  all  mankind. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved  that  a  proviso  be  added  in  the  fol- 
lowing words,  viz  : 

"  Provided  nevertheless,  that  nothing  in  this  clause  con- 
tained, shall  be  construed  to  extend  the  toleration  of  any 
sect  or  denomination  of  Christians,  or  others,  by  whatever 
name  distinguished,  who  inculcate  and  hold  for  true  doc- 
trines, principles  inconsistent  with  the  safety  of  civil  soci- 
ety, of  and  concerning  which  the  Legislature  of  this  State 
shall  from  time  to  time  judge  and  determine." 

Many  debates  arose  thereon. 

After  much  time  spent  therein,  Mr.  Jay  moved  for,  and 
had  leave  to  withdraw  the  said  amendment ;  and  then 
moved  for  and  was  seconded,  to  substitute  the  following 
addition  to  the  32nd  paragraph,  in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  Except  the  professors  of  the  religion  of  the  church  of 
Rome,  who  ought  not  to  hold  lands  in,  or  be  admitted  to 
a  participation  of  the  civil  rights  enjoyed  by  the  members 
of  this  State,  until  such  time  as  the  said  professors  shall 
appear  in  the  supreme  court  of  this  State,  and  there  most 
solemnly  swear,  that  they  verily  believe  in  their  conscien- 
ces, that  no  pope,  priest  or  foreign  authority  on  earth,  hath 
power  to  absolve  the  subjects  of  this  State  from  their  al- 
legiance to  the  same.  And  further,  that  they  renounce 
and  believe  to  be  false  and  wicked,  the  dangerous  and 
damnable  doctrine,  that  the  pope,  or  any  other  earthly  au- 
thority, have  power  to  absolve  men  from  sins,  described 
in,  and  prohibited  by  the  Holy  Gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  ; 
and  particularly,  that  no  pope,  priest  or  foreign  authority 
on  earth,  hath  power  to  absolve  them  from  the  obligation 
of  this  oath." 

Long  debates  arose  thereon  ;  and  the  question  being 

put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner 

following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6  Orange,   3 

Dutchess,    5         Mr.  Jos.  Smith  dissenting. 

New-York,   8  Tryon,   3 

Mr.  Jay  and   Mr.  Van  Ulster,   4 

Zandt  dissenting.  Mr.  Tappen  dissenting. 

19  10 
Westchester  divided. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  further  con- 
sideration thereof  be  postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  manner  following,  to 
wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4 

Westchester,                   ...  4 

Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Orange,   3 

Dutchess,    5 

19 


For  the  negative. 
Albany  

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting. 
New-York,   8 

Mr.  Jay  dissenting. 

14 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

March  21,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane — .For 
New-York. 

Maj.  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

Maj.  Webster — For  Charlotte. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Maj.  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea— For  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoorl,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate— For  Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood — For 
Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr. 
Mills,  Judge  Graham — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Capt.  Jno. 
Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — For  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— For  Tryon. 
The  House  having  received  information  that  a  party  of 
the  enemy  have  penetrated  into  Westchester  county,  and 
taken  prisoners  and  carried  off  one  of  our  advanced  guards, 
and  several  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  and  the 
members  of  the  said  county  being  desirous  that  Major 
Lockwood  should  repair  to  the  said  county  and  inquire  into 
the  circumstances  of  the  same, 

Resolved,  That  Major  Lockwood  have  leave  of  absence 
to  repair  to,  and  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  Westchester 
county,  and  that  he  report  the  same  to  the  House  as  soon 
as  possible. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioneis  for  detecting  conspira- 
cies, &c.  dated  the  19th  inst.  suggesting  the  impropriety  of 
permitting  persons,  who  refuse  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance, 
indiscriminately  to  go  to  New- York  and  join  the  enemy, 
and  taking  with  them  more  apparel  and  furniture  than  is 
necessarily  required,  was  read.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  notwithstanding  the  resolutions  passed 
on  the  instant,  the  commissioners  for  delecting  and  de- 
feating all  conspiracies,  &c.  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  in- 
structed to  use  a  discretionary  power  in  granting  the  in- 
dulgences in  the  said  resolutions  specified,  and  that  such 
as  may  have  taken  the  benefit  of  the  said  resolutions,  as 
well  as  those  whom  the  said  commissioners  may  think 
proper  to  admit  to  the  benefit  thereof,  be  not  suffered  to 
carry  with  them  more  apparel  and  household  furniture 
than  are  necessary  for  their  comfortable  accommodation. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Win.  Bedlow,  dated  March  19th,  was 
read.  He  therein  requests,  by  order  of  General  George 
Clinton,  an  advance  of  £3000,  for  the  use  of  the  works 
carrying  on  for  the  obstructions  in  Hudson's  river,  at  Pol- 
lepel's  isle,  near  the  Highlands ;  and  requests  some  in- 
structions relative  to  settling  with  and  paying  the  owners 
of  vessels  employed  last  December  in  bringing  stone  to 
the  said  works.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  William  Bedlow  the  sum  of  £3000,  for  the  use  of  the 
works  carrying  on  for  the  obstructions  in  Hudson's  river, 
near  Pollopel's  isle,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer  deliver  the 
said  money  to  Capt.  Samuel  Clarke,  to  be  by  him  convey- 
ed to  Mr.  Bedlow,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same.  And 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


845 


Ordered,  That  Capt.  Bcdlovv  be  informed  that  it  is  the 
sense  of  the  Convention  that  he  ought  lo  liquidate  and  pay 
the  accounts  of  the  owners  of  the  vessels  employed  last 
December,  as  to  him  shall  appear  to  be  just  and  equitable. 

Whereas  the  Convention  did,  in  and  by  certain  reso- 
lutions, passed  on  the  sixth  day  of  March  instant,  appoint 
sundry  persons  therein  named  commissioners  to  take  into 
their  custody,  and  dispose  of  the  personal  property  of  ill 
disposed  persons,  who  have  gone  over  to,  or  are  with  the 
enemy  :  And  whereas  the  powers  given  to  the  said  com- 
missioners by  the  said  resolutions  may,  in  some  instances, 
be  found  incompetent  for  the  purposes  therein  mentioned  : 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  respective  commissioners  therein 
named  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  in  cases  where 
upon  demand  such  personal  property  is  refused  to  be  given 
up,  to  apply  to  the  respective  county,  or  district  commit- 
tees, or  the  militia  officers  in  the  respective  counties,  for 
such  aid  as  may  be  judged  necessary  to  carry  the  aforesaid 
resolutions  into  execution. 

And  whereas  Tunis  Kuyper,  Esq.  of  Kakiat,  in  Orange 
county,  who  was  intended  by  the  said  resolutions  to  be  ap- 
pointed a  commissioner,  with  Jesse  Woodhull  and  John 
Coe,  Esquires,  to  take  into  their  custody,  and  dispose  of, 
the  personal  property  of  ill  disposed  persons  who  are  gone 
over  to,  or  are  with  the  enemy,  was  through  misinforma- 
tion, in  the  said  resolutions  called  by  the  name  of  Gilbert 
Kuyper :  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Jesse  Woodhull, 
John  Coe  and  Tunis  Kuyper  be  informed  of  this  misnomer, 
and  that  the  said  Tunis  Kuyper  be,  and  is  hereby  appointed 
a  commissioner  for  the  purposes  and  with  the  powers  in 
those  resolutions  named. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Stale  advance  to 
Wm.  Harper,  Matthew  Contine  and  Christopher  Tappen, 
Esquires,  a  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  pur- 
chasing arms  on  account  of  this  State,  or  either  of  them, 
the  sum  of  four  hundred  dollars  ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
mittee do  render  to  this  Convention  with  all  convenient 
speed,  an  account,  with  proper  vouchers  of  the  expendi- 
tures of  all  the  moneys  to  them  advanced  for  the  above  pur- 
pose. 

Resolved,  That  Zebulon  Scofield  be  permitted,  with  his 
wife  and  daughter  and  effects,  to  go  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  that  he  repair  to  Poughkeepsie  and  embark  from 
thence  under  the  direction  of  the  committee  of  Poughkeep- 
sie precinct,  who  are  requested  to  observe  the  like  conduct 
towards  Mr.  Scofield  as  they  were  directed  to  observe  to- 
ward Mr.  Fisher. 

Ordered  That  a  commission  issue  to  William  Fansher 
as  captain  of  the  Poundridge  company  of  militia;  and  that 
three  blank  commissions  for  the  subalterns  of  the  said  com- 
pany be  delivered  to  Major  Lockwood,  to  be  by  him  filled 
up  with  names  of  such  persons  as  shall  be  chosen. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  request  of 
Jacob  King,  a  private  in  Capt.  Duryee's  company,  in  Colo- 
nel Swartwout's  regiment,  concerning  a  set  of  armourer's 
tools  belonging  to  him,  and  which  were  lost  in  the  retreat 
from  King's  Bridge,  delivered  in  their  report,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  That  this  State  ought  not  of  right  to  pay  for  the  said 
tools,  as  they  were  lost  in  the  service  of  the  Continent." 
The  same  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed. 

The  petition  of  the  ship  joiners  on  board  the  ship  of  war 
Congress,  praying  for  an  Augmentation  of  wages,  was  read, 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  Honourable  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  six 
hundred  pounds,  on  account  of  saltpetre,  by  him  purchased 
on  account  of  this  State,  and  take  his  receipt  to  account  for 
the  same. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Peter  Colt,  relative  to  his  transactions  as  an  agent  for  the 
212 


State  sloop  of  war  Montgomery,  reported  the  draft  of  an 
answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  ordered 
to  be  transmitted,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  Convention  to  acknowledge  the 
receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  Ulh  inst.  and  to  inform  you 
that  there  has  been  no  account  of  sales  rendered  of  the 
prize  goods  alluded  to  in  your  letter;  and  as  Joseph  Hallett 
and  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esquires,  who  were  appointed 
agents  for  the  privateer  Montgomery,  and  Captain  Rogers 
and  his  crew,  who  are  interested  therein,  are  now  absent; 
we  are  unacquainted  whether  the  negroes  are  slaves  or  not, 
and  if  slaves,  what  their  true  value  is  ;  and  as  the  Conven- 
tion have  been  informed  that  many  of  the  prize  goods  were 
sold  for  less  than  half  their  value,  we  can  give  no  instruc- 
tions at  present  concerning  them. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Mr.  Peter  Colt,  at  New-Haven." 

Friday  Afternoon,  March  21,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Mr.  Beekraan,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Major  Van 
Zandt— New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Rea,  Col.  De  Wit—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler. 
Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— Svffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Capt. 
Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Lewis  Morris,  Esquire,  at 
Congress,  dated  Phila.  the  16th  instant,  acknowledging  the 
receipt  of  the  letter  from  Convention,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  plan  of 
government.  The  thirty-second  paragraph  being  read,  Mr. 
Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Wisner,  moved  for  the  following 
amendment,  to  wit:  after  the  word  "mankind,"  add  "  pro- 
vided that  the  liberty  of  conscience  hereby  granted,  shall 
not  be  construed  to  encourage  licentiousness,  or  be  used  in 
such  manner  as  to  disturb  or  endanger  the  safety  of  the 
State." 

Mr.  Morris  moved  for  the  sense  of  the  House,  whether 
this  proposed  amendment  is  not  the  same  in  substance  with 
Mr.  Jay's  proposed  amendment  last  night,  and  which  was 
with  leave  withdrawn. 

The  question  being  put  by  ayes  and  noes,  it  was  deter- 
mined not  to  be  the  same  in  substance. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was  seconded, 
that  an  amendment  in  the  following  words,  to  wit,  "  pro- 
vided that  this  toleration  shall  not  extend  to  justify  the 
professors  of  any  religion  in  disturbing  the  peace,  or  viola- 
ting the  laws  of  the  State,"  be  substituted  in  the  place  of 
Mr.  Jay's  proposed  amendment. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

Fur  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6  Ulster,   4 

Dutchess  5  Tryon   3 

Messrs.  G.  Livingston  and  New-York,   8 

Capt.  Flatt  dissenting.  Westchester,   4 

Orange  divided-  11  19 

The  question  was  then  put  upon  Mr.  Jay's  amendment, 
viz.  that  a  proviso  be  added  in  the  following  words  :  "  pro- 
vided that  the  liberty  of  conscience  hereby  granted,  shall 
not  be  construed  to  encourage  licentiousness,  or  be  used 
in  such  manner  as  lo  disturb  or  endanger  the  safety  of  the 


846 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


State,"  and  llic  same  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the 
manner  following,  to  wit  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Ulster   4       Albany,   6 

Westchester   4  Mr.  Adgatc  dissenting. 

Mr.  Morris  and  Judge  Gra-  Dutchess,   5 

ham  dissenting.  Capt.  Piatt  and  Gilbert 

Tryon,   3  Livingston  dissenting. 

New-York,   S  — 

19         Orange  divided. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved  that  the  question  on  the  said 
32nd  paragraph,  with  the  amendment  as  last  carried,  be 
postponed. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Ulster,   4 

Dutchess,   5      Tryon,   3 

New- York,                          8  — 

_  7 

19  Orange  and  Westchester  divided. 

The  33rd  paragraph,  excluding  all  ministers  of  the 
Gospel  from  offices,  civil  and  military,  was  then  read,  and 
being  again  read,  was  agreed  to. 

The  34lh  paragraph  (that  the  militia  shall  forever  be 
armed,  &c.)  was  then  read  ;  and  being  again  read,  was 
agreed  to. 

The  35th  paragraph,  relating  to  trial  by  jury,  was  then 
read  ;  and  being  read  a  second  lime,  and  some  amendments 
moved  for,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  the  same  was,  by 
unanimous  consent,  postponed. 

The  36th  paragraph,  relating  to  the  naturalization  of 
persons  coming  into  this  State,  was  read.  The  same  being 
again  read,  Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  that  between  the  word  "  State"  and  the  word 
"  shall,"  the  following  words  be  inserted,  to  wit :  "  and 
abjure  and  renounce  all  allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and 
every  foreign  king,  prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  mat- 
ters ecclesiastical  as  well  as  civil." 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "and  subjection"  in  the  proposed  amendment,  be 
obliterated. 

Debates  also  arose  thereon. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  a  motion  was  then  made 
and  seconded,  that  the  farther  consideration  thereof  be 
postponed  for  the  present. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

March  22nd,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Presidl. 

Mr.  Duane,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston — For  New- 
York. 

Major  Laurence — For  Queens. 
Mr.  Webster — For  Charlotte 

Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen — For  Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Ten 
Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler — For  Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner.  Colo.  Sherwood — For 
Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — For  Cumberland. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major 
Lockwood — For  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith— For  Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk, 
Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston— For  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Paris— For  Tryon. 

The  Convenlion  having  information  that  a  sufficiency 
of  shirts  were  already  provided  for  the  troops  raising  in 
this  State,  directed  Major  Lockwood  to  inform  Mr.  Leake 


to  withhold  the  purchasing  of  any  more  shirts;  and  the 
House  being  since  informed  that  a  greater  quantity  of  shirts 
than  these  provided,  will  be  wanting  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Curtenius,  Mr.  Leake,  and  the 
other  persons  employed  to  purchase  clothing  for  the  troops 
raising  in  this  State,  be  directed  to  proceed  in  the  purcha- 
sing of  shirts,  &.c.  the  above  mentioned  order  notwith- 
standing. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  resolutions  of  this 
Convention,  passed  on  the  sixth  day  of  March  instant,  ap- 
pointing commissioners  to  dispose  of  the  personal  properly 
of  ill  disposed  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  and  the  re- 
solutions of  the  seventh  instant,  empowering  ihc  commis- 
sioners appointed  for  the  detecting  and  defeating  all  con- 
spiracies wilhin  this  Slate,  to  permit  such  persons  to  go  to 
the  enemy  as  refuse  to  lake  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
State  ;  the  last  letter  received  from  the  said  commission- 
ers, the  resolutions  of  yesterday  in  addition  to  the  first 
above  mentioned,  and  the  resolutions  of  yesterday  in  ad- 
dition to  the  second  above  mentioned  resolutions  ;  and  also, 
the  five  several  queries  delivered  to  Convention  this  day 
on  behalf  of  Richard  Snedeker,  Esquire,  and  others,  pri- 
soners on  parol,  who  have  been  before  the  said  commis- 
sioners first  above  mentioned,  be  committed  to  a  committee 
of  this  Convention,  to  consider  of  and  report  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Li- 
vingston, be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

The  following  resolutions  relative  to  Mrs.  Clopper  and 
Miss  Clopper,  the  wife  and  daughter  of  Cornelius  Clopper, 
were  read  and  agreed  to,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Clopper,  wife  of  Cornelius  Clop- 
per, who  hath  lately  gone  to  the  enemy  at  New-York,  be 
permitted  to  proceed  thither  with  her  daughter. 

Resolved,  That  they  be  permitted  to  take  with  them 
their  apparel  and  only  such  part  of  the  furniture  of  the  said 
Cornelius  Clopper,  as  the  commissioners  for  taking  care  of 
the  personal  property  of  persons  gone  to  the  enemy,  may 
judge  necessary  for  their  accommodation  ;  and  that  they 
take  no  more  provisions  and  liquor  of  any  kind  with  them 
than  what  the  said  commissioners  may  judge  to  be  neces- 
sary for  their  comfortable  subsistence  on  their  passage. 

Resolved,  That  plate  ought  not  to  be  considered  as  in- 
cluded in  the  article  of  furniture,  and  that  the  said  commis- 
sioners ought  to  examine  the  baggage  of  the  said  persons, 
and  take  care  that  these  resolutions  be  punctually  executed. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  do  administer  an 
oath  to  the  said  persons,  not  10  carry  any  letters  with  them 
or  communicate  any  intelligence  to  any  person  or  persons 
in  the  city  of  New-York,  or  other  places  in  possession  of 
the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  persons  do  not  take  with  them 
any  books  of  accounts,  bonds,  notes,  or  deeds,  nor  any 
greater  sum  in  money  or  cash  than  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  on  Mrs.  Clopper  with 
a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolutions. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  19th  instant,  relative  to 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  at  the  Groot 
Embought  and  the  removing  the  grain  from  places  adja- 
cent to  the  river,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  paragraph  of  the  said  letter  re- 
lating to  ihe  removal  of  the  grain,  be  committed  to  Capt. 
Piatt.  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler. 

A  letter  from  John  A.  Bradt,  dated  at  Schenactady,  the 
18th  of  March  instant,  with  a  muster  roll  of  his  company, 
showing  the  state  of  that  company  on  the  5th  instant,  were 
respeclively  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Lieut.  Colo.  James  Bruyn,  of  Colonel 
Dubois'  regiment,  dated  the  19th  instant,  applying,  at  the 
request  of  Colonel  Dubois,  for  an  advance  of  one  thousand 
pounds  on  account  of  bounty  for  the  said  regiment,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  one  thousand  pounds  be  advanced  to 
Colonel  Lewis  Dubois  for  the  purpose  of  paying  the  boun- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


847 


ties  which  are  or  may  be  due  to  his  regiment,  and  that  the 
same  be  charged  to  the  said  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colonel  Lewis  Dubois  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  on 
account  of  bounty  for  his  regiment.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Treasurer  pay  the  said  sum  of 
one  thousand  pounds  to  Lieut.  Colo.  Bruyn,  of  the  said 
regiment,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  colonels  of  the  regiments  directed 
to  be  raised  in  this  State,  be  informed  that  their  future  ap- 
plications for  money  be  made  to  the  Paymaster-General  of 
the  American  army. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  the  receipts  or  vouchers  of 
the  sums  of  money  advanced  by  this  State  to  the  colonels 
of  the  said  regiments,  be  forthwith  transmitted  to  the  Pay- 
master-General. 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Knap,  confined  in  Orange  county 
jail  under  sentence  of  death,  was  read  and  committed  to 
the  committee  to  whom  are  committed  the  letters  from 
General  George  Clinton  and  Colonel  Woodhull,  with  the 
papers  of  the  general  court  martial. 

Major  Lockwood,  for  reasons  assigned,  had  leave  of 
absence. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  ways  and  means  for 
clearing  the  jail  in  Kingston  and  removing  the  prisoners 
from  thence,  was  read  and  agreed  to. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  24,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo. 
Stoutenburgh — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wra.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates — 
Albany. 

Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt — Westchester. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood — Orange. 

Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  dated 
the  20th  instant,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  sundry 
affidavits  of  persons  lately  from  New-York,  was  read  and 
filed. 

A  letter  from  Archibald  Hamilton,  Esquire,  to  G.  Morris, 
Livingston  and  Allison,  Esquires,  as  a  committee  of  cor- 
respondence, was  read.  He  accepts  the  proposal  of  cor- 
responding with  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson  and  Melancton  Smith, 
Esquires,  dated  at  Fishkill,  Sunday,  6  o'clock,  informing 
that  a  frigate,  four  transports,  (filled  with  men,)  two  ten- 
ders, and  two  row  gallies,  of  the  enemy,  were  coming  up 
Hudson's  river  ;  of  the  landing  of  about  300  of  the  enemy 
at  Verplank's  Point ;  that  they  had  embarked  in  boats  and 
were  preparing  to  land  about  the  same  number  higher  up, 
was  read. 

Mr.  Lyon  says  that  a  captain  of  artillery  (as  he  thinks) 
from  Peekskill,  informed  him  that  the  enemy  had  landed 
at  Peekskill  Landing  about  1,500  men  ;  that  General  Mc- 
Dougall  burnt  the  stores,  and  retired  to  the  barracks  No.  2, 
on  a  hill  at  Peekskill  ;  that  the  said  captain  said  he  saw 
the  enemy  fire  a  field  piece  from  about  Peemorts,  which 
killed  one  and  wounded  one  or  two  ;  that  General  McDou- 
gall  has  some  troops,  but  not  enough  to  stand  them. 

A  certificate  of  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  19th 
of  March,  at  New-Windsor,  was  read.  General  Clinton 
thereby  certifies,  "  that  the  bearer,  Daniel  Harris  of  Cap- 


tain Woodhull's  company  of  Orange  county  light  horse, 
was  out  with  the  militia  under  my  command  last  winter  ; 
that  he  was  detached  with  a  party  of  said  company  to  lake 
a  number  of  horses  near  Pomplon,  supposed  to  be  purchas- 
ed for  the  use  of  the  enemy,  and  he  has  reason  to  believe 
that  by  exerting  himself  on  that  occasion,  which  required 
despatch,  he  lost  his  own  horse  by  riding  too  fast." 

A  certificate  on  the  said  subject,  from  Ebenezer  Wood- 
hull,  Esquire,  captain  of  the  said  troop,  dated  at  Bloom- 
ing Grove,  on  the  21st  inst.  was  also  read.  He  thereby 
certifies,  "  that  the  horse,  the  property  of  the  bearer, 
Daniel  Harris,  was  lost  on  duly  with  him  last  winter." 

The  Convention  took  the  said  certificates  into  considera- 
tion ;  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Daniel  Harrison,  commonly 
called  Daniel  Harris,  who  is  highly  recommended  for  his 
zeal  and  activity,  having  by  exerting  himself  in  the  public 
service  of  his  country,  and  thereby  prevented  a  number  of 
horses  from  being  carried  down  to,  or  near  to  the  enemy, 
injured  his  horse  so  that  he  suddenly  died,  ought  to  be  paid 
for  the  said  horse, 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  forty  pounds  be  allowed  to 
the  said  Daniel  Harris,  to  enable  him  to  purchase  another 
horse  for  service  in  the  said  troop.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Daniel  Harris  the  sum  of  forty  pounds,  to  enable  him 
to  purchase  another  horse  for  service  in  the  said  troop,  and 
take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  for  detecting 
conspiracies,  &c.  and  sundry  resolutions  authorizing  Co- 
lonel Swartwout  to  call  out  the  militia  of  Dutchess  county 
for  opposing  the  incursions  of  the  enemy,  who  it  is  said 
are  landed  near  the  Highlands,  were  read  and  approved, 
and  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gent. — Your  letter  of  yesterday  has  been  received 
and  laid  before  the  Convention.  As  no  intelligence  has 
been  received  from  General  McDougall,  and  the  account 
transmitted  by  you  is  uncertain,  and  perhaps  not  well 
founded,  the  Convention  have  come  to  a  resolution,  of 
which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy,  authorizing  Colonel  Swart- 
wout to  call  out  all,  or  such  part  of  the  militia  of  the  county 
of  Dutchess,  as  he,  in  his  discretion,  may  from  time  to 
time  think  proper.  And  it  is  the  desire  of  the  House  that 
your  board  afford  him  the  benefit  of  your  advice,  aid  and 
influence.  Your  situation  will  enable  you  to  gain  frequent 
information  from  Peekskill,  and  whatever  expense  may  be 
necessary  for  the  purpose,  you  will  charge  to  the  Conven- 
tion. You  will  be  pleased  to  furnish  the  Convention  by 
express,  as  soon  as  possible,  with  a  true  state  of  the  mili- 
tary operations  at  Peekskill  and  its  neighbourhood. 

"  Yrs.  &c. 

"  To  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  and  the 
other  Commissrs.  for  detecting  con- 
spiracies, &c." 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Jacobus  Swartwout  be  and  he 
hereby  is  authorized,  empowered  and  required,  at  his  dis- 
cretion, to  call  out  all  or  such  part  of  the  militia  of 
Dutchess  county  as  he  may,  from  time  to  time,  think  ne- 
cessary for  the  security  of  the  important  forts  and  passes 
in  the  Highlands,  and  to  oppose  the  incursions  of  the  ene- 
my into  this  State  ;  and  that  he  have  power  to  impress 
horses,  teams  and  carriages,  and  pay  for  the  reasonable 
hire  or  use  of  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Colonel  Jacobus  Swartwout 
take  the  command  of  the  said  militia  so  to  be  by  him  call- 
ed into  service  ;  that  they  be  allowed  Continental  pay  and 
rations,  and  be  subject  to  the  laws  and  regulations  provid- 
ed for  the  government  of  the  Continental  troops  while  in 
service.  That  Colonel  Swartwout  be  authorized  and  di- 
rected to  settle  the  pay  which  may  become  due  to  the  said 
militia,  and  that  he  appoint  a  paymaster  for  that  purpose. 
That  one  thousand  dollars  be  advanced  to  Colonel  Swart- 
wout for  that  purpose,  and  that  he  be  accountable  for  the 
same  ;  and  that  he  be  and  hereby  is  authorized  to  draw  on 


848 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  President  of  this  Convention  for  such  sums  as  may  he 
necessary  to  enable  him  to  execute  the  above  resolutions. 

Die  Lvnje,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  24,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt.  Rutgers— New- 
York. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  VV.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr-  Robt.  Yates— Al 
bany. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Col-  Van  Cortlandt— Westchester. 
Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Schenk— 
Dutchess. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood — Orange. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Major  Wynkoop— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Colonel  De  Witt  informed  the  Convention  that  many  of 
the  inhabitants  of  this  county  are  destitute  of  gunpowder, 
and  that  it  is  much  wanted,  as  they  are  in  danger  of  a  sud- 
den attack  from  the  enemy.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  requested 
to  order  one  ton  of  gunpowder,  belonging  to  this  State,  to 
Kingston,  with  all  convenient  despatch. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

March  25th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr-  Duane,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr 
Dunscomb,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr 
Harper — New-York. 

Major  Tappen,  Colonel  De  Witt — Ulster. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler—^/- 
bany. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder— 
Tryon. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood — Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  23rd 
inst.  and  a  letter  from  Richard  Snediker,  dated  the  24th 
instant,  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  both  these  letters  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  consider  of  the  late  resolutions,  com- 
monly called  the  act  of  grace,  &c.  &c. 

A  letter  from  Laurance  Fonda,  chairman  pro  tern,  of 
the  committee  of  the  district  of  Claverack,  including  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  committee  relative  to  Lieut.  Colo- 
nel John  Van  Allen,  was  read. 

Resolutions,  empowering  General  George  Clinton  to 
call  out  the  whole  or  any  part  of  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Orange  and  Westchester,  when- 
ever he  shall  deem  the  same  necessary,  were  read  and 
agreed  to,  and  arc  as  follows  : 

Whereas  this  Convention  hath  great  reason  to  appre- 
hend that  the  enemy  will  make  strenuous  efforts  to  gain 
possession  of  the  forts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  and 
to  make  incursions  into  and  desolate  the  counties  of  West- 
chester, Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange:  And  whereas  in 
the  course  of  military  operations,  the  exigences  of  affairs 
may  often  render  the  calling  into  service  all  or  part  of  the 
militia  of  those  counties  so  pressing  as  to  render  applica- 
tions to  this  Convention  inexpedient,  by  reason  of  tiie  dis- 


tance they  may  be  from  the  scene  of  action,  as  well  as 
the  delays  which  attend  the  deliberations  of  large  bodies  : 
And  whereas  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  doth,  by 
his  commission,  take  rank  of  all  the  other  brigadier-gene- 
rals in  the  counties  aforesaid,  and  the  Convention  reposing 
great  confidence  in  his  integrity,  prudence  and  military 
skill : 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  be, 
and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  either  on  the  re- 
quisition of  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  or  at  his 
own  discretion,  to  call  into  actual  service,  all  or  any  part  or 
portion  of  the  militia  (as  well  horse  as  foot)  of  the  counties 
of  Westchester,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange,  or  either  of 
them ;  and  that  he  station  the  said  militia  in  such  manner 
as  may  be  most  proper  for  the  securing  the  forts  and  passes 
aforesaid,  and  frustrating  the  attempts  of  the  enemy  to 
make  incursions  into  this  State.  And  that  they  be  dis- 
charged as  soon  as  the  arrival  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
Continental  troops,  or  other  contingency  shall  render  their 
continuance  in  the  field  unnecessary. 

Resolved,  That  all  such  of  the  militia  of  this  State  as 
shall  be  called  into  actual  service,  shall  be  entitled  to  Con- 
tinental pay  and  rations,  and  be  subject  to  the  order  and 
regulations  made  for  the  government  of  the  American 
army. 

And  whereas  just  cause  of  discontent  hath  heretofore 
arisen  from  the  delays  which  have  frequently  been  made 
in  paying  off  the  militia  of  this  Stale,  after  having  been  in 
actual  service  as  aforesaid, 

Resolved,  That  all  such  sums  of  money  as  General 
George  Clinton  shall  certify  to  be  justly  due  to  any  body 
of  the  Militia,  so  by  him  called  into  actual  service,  shall, 
on  the  receipt  of  such  certificate,  and  of  the  accounts  and 
vouchers  respecting  the  same,  be  forthwith  paid  out  of  the 
treasury  of  this  State. 

And  whereas  from  the  neglect  of  deputy  quarter-mas- 
ters and  others,  many  of  the  inhabitants  in  this  State, 
whose  teams,  carriages  and  horses  have  been  impressed 
into  the  service,  have  not  been  paid  their  reasonable  wages 
and  hire  for  the  same,  whereby  divers  of  zealous  friends 
to  the  American  cause,  have  had  just  reason  to  complain, 
and  been  discouraged  from  affording  their  aid, 

Resolved,  That  General  George  Clinton,  have  power  to 
impress  carriages,  horses,  teams,  boats  and  vessels ;  and 
that  he  take  care  that  the  wages  or  hire  due  for  the  same 
be  punctually  paid  ;  and  for  that  purpose,  whenever  satis- 
faction for  the  same  cannot  otherwise  be  speedily  obtained, 
that  he  draw  on  the  Convention  for  such  sums  of  money 
as  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  nothing  in  these  resolutions  contained 
shall  be  construed  to  enable  Brigadier-General  George 
Clinton  to  take  rank  of  such  other  of  the  brigadier-gene- 
rals of  this  State,  as  by  the  rules  and  orders  for  arranging 
the  ranks  of  the  officers  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  have 
precedence  of  him. 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton, 
whenever  he  shall  call  out  into  actual  service  all  or  any 
part  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  aforesaid,  do  transmit  to 
this  Convention  a  statement  of  the  reasons  for  the  same,  in 
order  that  the  Convention  may  be  enabled  to  judge  whether 
the  expense  thereof  ought  to  be  charged  to  the  account  of 
the  General  Congress,  or  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  powers  by  the  aforegoing  resolu- 
tions vested  in  the  said  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton, 
continue  in  full  force  until  the  first  day  of  August  next, 
unless  sooner  determined  by  the  Convention,  or  future  ex- 
ecutive power  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be 
immediately  transmitted  to  Brigadier-Genera!  George  Clin- 
ton, and  that  another  copy  be  sent  to  Fishkill,  to  be  pub- 
lished in  the  newspaper. 

A  letter  from  John  Harper,  Esquire,  of  Harpersfield,  re- 
lative to  his  journey  to  Onehoghquaga,  dated  the  10th  of 
March,  was  read. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


849 


The  account  of  his  expenses  therein  enclosed,  amount- 
ing to  £28  lis.  Od.  was  also  read. 

A  speech  of  five  Indian  chiefs  named  Adam,  Peter, 
Isaac,  Jacob,  Hendrick,  dated  at  Onehoghquaga,  on  the 
1st  of  March  instant,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  account  and  speech,  be 
committed  to  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Paris  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  to 
report  thereon. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  March  25th,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Stoutenburg,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb— New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — 
Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood— Orange. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Smith — Suffolk. 
Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Major.  Tappen,  Col.  De  Ditt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Colonel  Dirck  Ten  Broeck,  of  Albany,  attending  in 
pursuance  of  his  appointment  to  be  commissioner  for  su- 
perintending the  Continental  loan  office  in  this  State,  was 
called  into  Convention. 

By  order  of  the  House  he  was  asked  from  the  Chair, 
whether  he  was  willing  to  accept  that  office,  to  which  he 
answered  in  the  affirmative. 

By  order  of  the  House  he  was  then  asked  what  security 
he  proposed  to  give  for  the  faithful  execution  of  that  office  ; 
to  which  he  replied,  that  he  proposed  Philip  Livingston 
and  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esqrs. 
Colo.  Ten  Broeck  then  withdrew. 
On  the  question  being  put  whether  the  said  sureties  pro- 
posed by  Colonel  Ten  Broeck  are  sufficient. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  the  said  sureties  offered  by 
Colonel  Ten  Broeck,  are  sufficient  and  agreeable  to  Con- 
vention. 

The  bond  proposed  to  be  taken  from  Colo.  Ten  Broeck, 
for  the  faithful  execution  of  the  office  or  trust  of  commis- 
sioner for  superintending  the  Continental  loan  office  in  this 
State,  was  then  read  and  approved  of. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  bond  be  executed. 

The  same  being  executed,  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit: 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  Dirck  Ten 
Broeck,  of  the  city  of  Albany,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
commissioner  within  the  State  of  New-York  for  superin- 
tending the  loan  office  established  according  to  a  resolu- 
tion of  Congress  of  the  third  day  of  October  last  past,  for 
borrowing  money  for  the  use  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica, and  Philip  Livingston,  late  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
and  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  of  the  city  of  Albany,  Esquires, 
are  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  Peter  Van  Brugh  Living- 
ston, or  his  successors,  Treasurer  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  aforesaid,  in  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  pounds, 
New-York  money,  to  be  paid  to  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh 
Livingston,  or  his  successors,  Treasurers  of  the  said  State  ; 
for  the  payment  whereof  we  bind  ourselves,  our  heirs,  exe- 
cutors and  administrators,  jointly  and  severally,  by  these 
presents.  Sealed  with  our  seals  and  dated  the  twenty-fifth 
day  of  March,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
seven. 

"  The  condition  of  this  obligation  is  such,  that  if  the 
above  bounden  Dirck  Ten  Broeck  shall  in  all  things  well 
and  faithfully  perform  the  duty  of  such  a  commissioner  as 
aforesaid,  according  to  the  true  intent  and  meaning  of  the 

213 


said  resolutions,  then  and  in  such  case  the  above  obligation 
to  be  void,  else  to  remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

(Signed,)        "  DIRCK  TEN  BROECK,  [l.  s.] 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON,     [l.  s.] 
"  ABM.  TEN  BROECK,     [l.  s.J 
"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  ) 

the  presence  of  us.  > 

"  Robt.  Benson, 
"  John  McKesson." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  bond  be  deposited  in  the  Trea- 
sury of  this  State,  and  for  that  purpose,  that  one  of  the  Se- 
cretaries deliver  the  same  to  Gerard  Bancker,  Esquire,  the 
Vice-Treasurer,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  write  to  Michael 
Hillegas,  Esquire,  Continental  Treasurer,  and  inform  him 
of  the  appointment  of  Dirck  Ten  Broeck,  Esquire,  to  the 
office  of  commissioner  for  superintending  the  loan  office 
established  in  this  State,  in  the  stead  of  Henry  I.  Van 
Rensselaer,  Esquire,  formerly  appointed,  and  who  has  de- 
clined accepting  the  said  office. 

The  following  resolutions,  relative  to  the  raising  of  hemp, 
were  read  and  agreed  to,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  a  quantity  of  hemp  seed,  not  exceeding 
five  hundred  bushels,  be  purchased  at  the  expense  of  this 
State,  and  transported,  one-sixth  part  thereof  to  Kingston, 
three-sixth  parts  thereof  to  the  county  of  Albany,  and  two- 
sixth  parts  thereof  to  the  county  of  Tryon,  and  distributed 
gratis  among  such  of  the  farmers  of  this  State  as,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  county  committees  of  the  said  counties  re- 
spectively, will  attend  to  the  culture  of  the  same  ;  provided, 
that  no  person  have  less  than  five  nor  more  than  ten  bushels 
thereof. 

Resolved,  That  Governeur  Morris  be  authorized  to  em- 
ploy such  persons  in  New-Jersey  as  he  shall  think  fit,  to 
purchase  and  forward  the  said  hemp  seed  to  James  Jack- 
son, of  New- Windsor ;  and  that  this  Convention  will  pay 
and  discharge  such  bills  as  shall  be  drawn  on  their  Presi- 
dent for  the  first  cost  and  charge  of  transportation  of  such 
hemp  seed,  and  allow  five  per  cent,  commissions  to  the 
purchasers  for  their  trouble  in  the  premises. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  James  Jackson  do,  on  receipt  of  the 
said  hemp  seed,  forward  one-sixth  part  thereof  to  Kingston, 
aforesaid,  and  the  remainder  thereof  to  the  city  of  Albany, 
to  be  delivered  to  the  committees  aforesaid,  or  their  order; 
and  that  he  render  an  account  of  his  trouble  and  expense 
therein  to  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  a  bounty  of  twenty  shillings  shall  be  al- 
lowed and  given  by  this  State  for  every  hundred  weight  of 
good,  merchantable  hemp,  which  shall  be  raised  and  dress- 
ed fit  for  manufacturing  within  this  State,  to  the  first  day 
of  June,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-eight ; 
and  that  a  certificate  of  the  inspector  of  hemp,  to  be  ap- 
pointed by  this  Convention,  or  the  future  executive  power 
of  this  State,  with  the  affidavit  of  the  person  raising  the 
same,  purporting  that  the  same  was  actually  raised  within 
this  State  within  the  time  above  limited,  and  is  of  good  and 
merchantable  quality,  shall  entitle  the  person  raising  the 
same  to  the  said  bounty  ;  provided,  that  no  person  shall  be 
entitled  to  the  bounty  unless  he  shall  have  raised  at  least 
three  hundred  weight  of  such  hemp  within  one  year. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  26,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigadier  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Duane,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo. 
Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston— New-York. 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham—  Westchester. 


850 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr-  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Geul.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates— 

Albany. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Capt  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robt.  R. 
Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— 
Tryon. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Major  Lawrence — For  Queens. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Melancton  Smith  and  Egbert  Ben- 
son, the  commissioners  at  Fishkill,  dated  the  25th  instant, 
at  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 
"Fishkill,  Tuesday,  4  o'clock,  P.  M.  March  25,  1777. 

"  Sir — Capt.  Mitchell,  who  this  moment  arrived  from 
Peekskill,  which  place  he  left  about  10  o'clock,  gives  us 
the  following  intelligence,  viz  :  That  yesterday,  about  sun- 
set, about  80  of  our  troops  under  the  command  of  Lieut. 
Colo.  Willet,  attacked  the  advanced  post  of  the  enemy  on 
a  height  beyond  Colonel  Van  Corllandt's  house,  who  im- 
mediately retired  with  precipitation  ;  and  their  whole  body, 
about  9  o'clock,  began  to  embark.  Our  people  are  again 
in  possession  of  their  former  quarters.  We  cannot  learn 
that  the  enemy  have  been  able  to  carry  off  stores  to  any 
amount ;  and  have  taken  with  them  only  about  40  sheep 
and  eight  or  ten  head  of  cattle,  and  have  penetrated  a  very 
little  way  in  the  country.  The  stores  at  Cortlandt's  cor- 
ners and  Drake's  mills,  are  saved.  There  are  only  four 
houses  burnt  by  the  enemy.  When  Capt.  Mitchell  came 
away,  they  were  loosing  their  topsails,  and  making  ready 
to  sail.  They  gave  out  that  they  intended  to  stop  at  Tarry 
Town,  and  endeavour  to  destroy  the  stores  at  Wright's 
mills.  We  have  no  intelligence  from  Majr.  Fish,  but  have 
reason  to  believe  the  stores  there  are  saved,  as  some  com- 
panies of  the  Cortlandt  manor  militia  have  marched  there. 
We  have  lost  no  men,  though  two  wounded,  one  it  is  fear- 
ed, mortally.  The  enemy  left  three  men  dead  on  the  field, 
and  one  taken  prisoner.  The  tories  furnished  the  enemy 
with  what  cattle  and  sheep  they  got,  but  we  cannot  learn 
that  they  flocked  in  to  them  in  any  great  numbers.  Lieut. 
Gano,  with  about  twenty  men,  maintained  his  post  at 
Fort  Independence,  during  the  whole  of  the  time.  By 
a  deserter,  Genl.  McDougall  learned  that  the  enemy's  force 
was  about  600,  all  British  ;  consisting  of  4  regiments  of 
about  150  each.  We  thought  this  intelligence,  as  it  is  un- 
doubtedly true,  of  so  much  importance,  that  we  have  com- 
municated it  by  express.  We  received  the  resolution  for 
Colonel  Swartwout,  and  as  he  had  gone  forward  with  the 
militia  to  Peekskill,  we  forwarded  it  by  express. 

"  We  remain  sir,  with  respect, 
"  Your  very  humble  servants, 

"  MELANCTON  SMITH, 
"EGBT.  BENSON. 

"  P.  S.  No  militia  has  marched  from  this  county  ex- 
cept Col.  Brinckerhoff 's." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Messrs.  Smith  and  Benson,  com- 
missioners, in  answer  to  their  letter  of  the  25th  instant, 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit: 

"  Gent. — Your  favour  of  yesterday  was  laid  before 
Convention.  I  am  directed  to  assure  you  that  the  success 
of  the  detachment  of  the  Continental  troops  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Willet,  gives  the  Con- 
vention very  particular  pleasure.  The  bravery  displayed 
on  this  occasion,  will  not  only  encourage  our  friends  and 
relieve  them  from  disagreeable  apprehensions,  but  must, 
under  Divine  Providence,  have  a  happy  influence  on  fu- 
ture operations.  Your  attention  in  furnishing  us  with  this 
intelligence,  is  highly  acceptable  to  Convention  ;  and  they 
beg  you  will  continue  to  inform  us  of  every  interesting 
event.  The  Convention  request  you  will  publish  in  Lou- 
don's paper,  as  soon  as  possible,  an  authentic  narrative  of 
the  defeat  and  retreat  of  the  enemy.    Your  letter  to  Con- 


vention would  have  been  forwarded  for  this  purpose,  had 
it  not  been  apprehended  that  by  the  time  this  comes  to  hand, 
it  may  be  in  your  power  to  publish  a  more  particular  de- 
tail. The  attack  of  the  enemy  upon  Ward's  house  having 
been  much  misrepresented,  the  Convention  also  wish  that 
you  would  procure  a  state  of  the  facts,  and  get  it  likewise 
published.  Some  resolutions  respecting  what  is  common- 
ly called  the  Act  of  Grace,  are  now  under  consideration. 
I  am  therefore  directed  to  request  you  to  suspend  your 
proceedings  thereon  until  you  hear  from  Convention,  which 
will  be  very  soon  ;  considering  yourselves,  however,  at  li- 
berty to  administer  the  oath  to  such  as  are  willing  to  take 
it,  and  on  whose  sincerity  you  think  you  may  rely. 

"  Yours,  &c." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  made,  and  signed  by  the  Pre- 
sident, and  transmitted  by  the  messenger  who  brought 
their  letter. 

A  letter  from  Ryer  Schermerhorne,  acknowledging  his 
fault  in  having  exchanged  thirteen  Continental  dollars  for 
six  Spanish  silver  dollars,  dated  at  Kingston,  the  24th  in- 
stant, was  read,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  the  same 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  Herman 
Hoffman  and  the  depositions  relating  to  Ryer  Schermer- 
horne. . 

Colonel  De  Witt  gave  notice  that  he  will  to-morrow, 
move  to  reconsider  the  order  for  publishing  the  resolutions 
passed  yesterday,  relative  to  the  militia  of  Westchester, 
Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange. 

The  petition  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Birdsall  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Dutchess  county,  for  an  assignment  of  a  farm 
for  a  temporary  support  of  his  family,  with  the  several 
certificates  attending  the  same,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  search  for,  and  show  to 
Convention,  such  resolutions  of  Convention  as  have  pass- 
ed, relative  to  the  effects  or  estates  of  persons  who  are 
gone  over  to  the  enemy. 

The  Convention  received  a  certified  copy  of  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  Honourable  the  Congress  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  dated  the  21st  of  January  last,  which  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"In  Congress,  Jany.  21,  1777. 

"  Application  having  been  made  to  Congress  by  the 
friends  of  Major  West,  of  the  third  Pennsylvanian  battal- 
lion,  now  a  prisoner  with  the  enemy  for  an  exchange  of 
him  for  Mr.  Jauncy,  Junior,  and  that  if  the  exchange  takes 
place,  Mrs.  Jauncy  be  permitted  to  accompany  her  hus- 
band ;  and  it  appearing,  on  consideration  of  this  applica- 
tion, that  the  said  Mr.  Jauncy,  Junr.  was  removed  to  the 
State  of  Connecticut  from  New-York  by  direction  of  the 
Convention  of  the  said  State  of  New-York, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  application  be  referred  to  the 
Convention  of  New-York,  that  they  may  do  therein  what 
shall  be  proper. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  take  the  aforegoing  reso- 
lution into  consideration  :  And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  approve  of  the  pro- 
posal of  exchanging  the  said  James  Jauncy,  Junior,  for 
the  said  Major  West ;  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution,  and 
of  the  aforesaid  resolution  of  Congress,  be  forthwith  trans- 
milted  to  the  Honourable  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Esquire, 
Governor  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  and  that  he  be  re- 
quested to  take  the  parol  of  the  said  James  Jauncey,  Junr. 
forthwith  to  repair  with  his  family  from  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut to  this  place  ;  and  that  on  his  arrival  here,  notice 
thereof  be  given  by  the  President  of  this  Convention  to 
His  Excellency  General  Washington,  in  order  that  such 
steps  may  be  taken  to  obtain  the  exchange  of  Major  West 
for  the  said  James  Jauncy,  Junr.  as  His  Excellency  may 
think  proper  to  prescribe. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  His  Ex- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


851 


cellency  Governor  Trumbull,  enclosing  him  a  certified 
copy  of  the  resolution  of  Congress,  and  of  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention  thereon  ;  that  he  send  the  said  letter  by 
express,  and  direct  the  messenger  to  wait  for  the  Gover- 
nor's answer. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Jay,  that 
this  Convention  send  Mr.  Tilghman  a  present  of  a  horse, 
not  exceeding  the  value  of  one  hundred  pounds,  for  his 
services  in  corresponding  with  a  committee  of  this  Con- 
vention. 

The  question  being  put  thereon  by  ayes  and  nays,  it  was 
carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Duane  then  moved  for  the  following  resolution, 
viz : 

Resolved,  That  a  present  be  made  to  Colo.  Tilghman, 
not  exceeding  the  value  of  ,  for  his  services  in  cor- 

responding with  a  committee  of  this  House,  at  their  re- 
quest, respecting  the  military  operations  last  fall  and  win- 
ter. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
blank  in  the  above  motion  be  filled  up  with  the  words  "  not 
exceeding  the  value  of  eighty  pounds." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following  : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4 

New-York,   8 

Albany,   6 

Tryon,   3 

Mr.  Moore  and  Mr.  Har- 
per dissenting. 

21 


For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   5 

Orange,   3 

Ulster,   4 

12 


Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  present  be  made  to  Colonel  Tilghman, 
not  exceeding  the  value  of  eighty  pounds,  for  his  services 
in  corresponding  with  a  committee  of  this  House,  at  their 
request,  respecting  the  military  operations  last  fall  and 
winter ;  and  that  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  Jay  be 
a  committee  to  lay  out  the  said  money  in  such  manner  as 
they  shall  think  will  best  answer  the  purpose  ;  and  that 
the  same  be  paid  to  the  said  committee  on  the  President's 
warrant  to  the  Treasurer. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  acknowledge 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  19th  instant,  in  answer  to 
which  I  am  to  inform  you  that  they  cannot  fully  approve 
of  the  mode  of  obstruction  proposed  by  your  body,  nor 
the  place  in  which  you  intended  to  make  it,  since  any  such 
obstruction,  unless  defended  by  fortifications  from  the 
shore,  must  be  useless  ;  and  as  the  Convention  are  at  pre- 
sent engaged  in  preparing  materials  for  obstructing  the  na- 
vigation in  Hudson's  river,  near  the  Highlands,  which  they 
would  wish  to  complete  as  soon  as  possible,  I  am  directed 
to  inform  you,  that  in  case  you  have  engaged  any  of  your 
vessels  for  the  purpose  you  mention,  it  would  be  proper  to 
send  them  down  to  the  Highlands,  loaded  with  stone,  to 
expedite  the  sinking  of  the  frames  of  timber  designed  by 
General  Clinton  for  obstructing  ^that  part  of  the  river, 
which,  if  speedily  completed,  will  add  much  to  the  secu- 
rity of  the  inhabitants  on  this  side  the  Highlands.  You 
will  be  pleased  to  agree  with  the  masters  of  said  vessels, 
to  be  paid  in  like  manner  with  others  employed  in  the 
same  service,  in  proportion  to  the  burthen  of  their  vessels. 

"  Yours,  &c. 

"  P.  S.  The  subject  of  removing  wheat,  &c.  &c.  &c. 
is  under  consideration ;  the  result  of  which  will  be  for- 
warded to  you  as  soon  as  the  House  come  to  a  determina- 
tion thereon. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Albany." 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  26,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier- Genl.  TenBroeck,  President. 

Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Duane, 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman— New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  R.  Yates— Albany. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Li- 
vingston, Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,.  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 
Maj.  Tappen,  Maj.  Parks,  Col.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  G.  Van  Schaick,  at  Albany,  dated 
the  24th  of  March  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following : 

"  Gentlemen — Pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  passed  the  10th  instant,  I  en- 
close two  returns  of  the  first  regiment  raising  in  this  State, 
the  one  specifying  particularly  the  number  of  men  enlisted 
by  each  officer,  the  other  in  what  manner  the  regiment  is 
stationed.  I  much  lament  the  necessity  of  the  regiment 
being  separated,  which  will  prevent  me  from  giving  the  ne- 
cessary orders  and  instructions  for  disciplining  the  officers 
and  men,  and  put  it  out  of  my  power  to  see  that  the  strictest 
attention  is  had  to  the  soldiery,  to  keep  up  subordination 
and  good  order,  matters  of  the  first  importance  to  new 
troops.  It  is  a  matter  of  concern  to  me  to  be  under  the 
disagreeable  necessity  of  acquainting  Convention,  that  it  is 
out  of  our  power  to  complete  the  battalion  this  season;  the 
number  of  men  enlisted  in  these  parts  for  Cols.  Livingston, 
Hazen,  Warner,  and  upwards  of  four  hundred  batteau 
men,  have  so  drained  the  town  and  county,  that  of  late,  the 
officers  on  the  recruiting  service  have  very  little  success; 
fifty-three  have  deserted  and  died  since  the  regiment  was 
first  established,  and  which  are  not  included  in  the  enclosed 
returns. 

"  I  am,  with  perfect  esteem, 

"  The  Convention's  most  humble 

"  And  obedient  servant, 

"  G.  V.  SCHAICK." 
A  return  of  the  names  of  the  officers  in  Colo.  Van 
Schaick's  regiment,  with  the  number  of  men  recruited  by 
each  officer  therein  ;  and  also  a  return  of  the  said  regiment 
in  its  present  detached  state,  showing  the  number  of  men 
in  each  detachment,  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  returns  be  put  on  the  military 
file. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to 
devise  ways  and  means  for  providing  a  permanent  defence 
for  protecting  the  inhabitants  of  the  counties  of  Westches- 
ter and  Orange  from  the  ravages  of  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Wisner 
be  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  for  recruit- 
ing the  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State,  betaken 
into  consideration  to-morrow  morning. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  further  consideration  of  the 
plan  or  form  of  government. 

The  36lh  paragraph  of  the  form  of  government  was  read; 
the  minutes  of  this  Convention  on  the  21st  instant  on  the 
said  36th  paragraph  were  then  read. 

The  question  on  Mr.  Morris's  motion,  viz:  that  the  words 
"  and  subjection"  in  Jay's  proposed  amendment,  be  oblite- 
rated, was  then  put,  and  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner 
following,  viz  : 


852 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


For  the  negative. 

Tryon,   3 

New- York,   8 

Orange,   3 

Ulster,   4 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester.   4 

Mr.  Mills  dissenting. 

Dutchess,   5 

Mr.  Piatt  dissenting. 


Charlotte  divided. 


—       Albany,   6 

18         Mr.  Adgate  dissenting. 

15 

The  question  upon  Mr.  Jay's  motion  being  then  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Orange,   3      Westchester,   4 

Ulster,                               4  Mr.  Mills  dissenting. 

New-York,   8      Dutchess,   5 

Tryon,                               3  Capt.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Gil.  Li- 
Charlotte,                            2  vingston  dissenting. 

Albany,                              6  — 

26 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Colo.  De 
Witt,  for  the  following  addition  to  that  paragraph,  to  wit : 
"  provided  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  construed 
to  interfere  with  the  connection  heretofore  subsisting  be- 
tween the  Dutch  congregations  in  this  State  and  the  classes 
and  synods  in  Holland." 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  follow- 
ing amendment  to  his  last  proposed  amendment,  to  wit : 
that  from  the  words  "  construed  to,"  be  obliterated,  and 
the  following  words  there  substituted :  "  discontinue  the 
innocent  connection  which  non-episcopalian  congregations 
in  this  State  have  heretofore  maintained  with  their  respec- 
tive mother  churches  in  Europe,  or  to  interfere  in  any  of 
the  rights  of  the  episcopalian  churches  now  in  this  State, 
except  such  as  involve  a  foreign  subjection." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   8      Albany,   6 

Dutchess,    5 

Orange,    3 

Ulster,   4 

Westchester,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   3 

29 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved  for  leave  to  withdraw  his  first  above 
proposed  amendment. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  the 
votes  were  as  follows  : 


For  the  negative. 
Westchester,   4 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   8 

Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4 

Orange,   3 

Dutchess,    5 

Tryon,   3 

Charlotte,   2 

31 

The  question  being  then  put  on  the  first  proposed  amend- 
ment, it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  the  unanimous  vote 
of  every  county  present,  viz  : 

Orange,   3       Albany,   6 

New-York,    8      Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4      Westchester,  4 

Charlotte,   2  _ 

Dutchess,   5  35 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,  that 
the  words  "  and  purchased  lands  and  tenements  within  the 
same,"  may  be  transposed,  and  that  the  following  words 
may  be  inserted  in  that  paragraph,  viz:  "  and  shall  comply 
with  such  further  regulations  as  the  future  Legislature  o"f 
the  State  may  from  time  to  time  make,  respecting  the  na- 
turalization of  foreigners,"  and  that  the  words  "  and  hold" 
be  inserted  after  the  word  "  purchase." 

Ordered,  That  the  paragraph  be  first  read  with  the 
transposition  only  of  the  words  and  hold,  so  that  the  para- 
graph read  thus,  viz : 


"  And  this  Convention  doth  further  ordain,  determine 
and  declare  that  every  person  and  persons  who  shall  here- 
after come  within  this  State,  and  before  the  supreme  court 
shall  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  and  abjure 
and  renounce  all  allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and  every 
foreign  king,  prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  matters, 
ecclesiastical  as  well  as  civil,  shall  be  thereby  naturalized, 
and  enabled  to  purchase  and  hold  lands  in  this  State,  and 
enjoy  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of  other  the  subjects  of 
this  State." 

The  paragraph  being  thus  transposed,  the  transposition 
was  agreed  to. 

The  other  proposed  amendment  was  read,  and  the  para- 
graph read  with  the  amendment. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  said  other  amendment 
proposed,  to  wit,  to  insert  the  words  "  and  shall  comply," 
&c.  and  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   8       Albany,   6 

Charlotte,   2       Orange,   3 

Ulster,  4      Westchester,   4 

Dutchess,   5  — 

—  13 
19         Tryon  divided. 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  last  mentioned  proposed  amend- 
ment be  rejected. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Robt. 
Yates,  that  that  part  of  the  36th  paragraph  which  follows 
the  word  "declare,"  be  obliterated,  and  the  following  substi- 
tuted in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  That  it  shall  be  in  the  discretion  of  the  Legislature  to 
naturalize  all  such  persons,  and  in  such  manner  as  they 
shall  think  proper." 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Major  Van 
Zandt,  that  the  following  part  of  the  paragraph,  viz : 
"  provided  the  persons  so  to  be  by  them  naturalized,  shall 
take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  Slate,  and  abjure  and 
renounce  all  allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and  every 
foreign  king,  prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  matters, 
ecclesiastical  as  well  as  civil,"  be  retained  and  added  to 
Mr.  Morris's  motion. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  whether  the  question  shall  be 
first  put  on  Mr.  Morris's  motion  or  Mr.  Jay's  amendment; 
and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  that  the  ques- 
tion be  first  put  on  Mr.  Jay's  amendment,  in  the  following 
manner,  viz  : 


That  the  question  be  first  put 
on  Mr.  Morris's  motion. 

Westchester,  4 

Charlotte  divided. 


That  the  question  be  first  put 
on  Mr.  Jay's  amendment. 

New-York,   8 

Orange   3 

Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4 

Albany,   6 

Dutchess,   5 

29 

The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  Jay's  motion  for  re- 
taining a  part  of  the  36lh  paragraph,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New- York,   8       Westchester,  4 

Orange,   3       Albany,   6 

Ulster,  4  — 

Tryon,                               3  10 

Dutchess,                            5  Charlotte  divided. 

23 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
sense  of  Convention  be  taken,  whether  the  paragraph, 
with  Mr.  Jay's  proposed  amendment  of  retaining  that  part 
of  the  paragraph  before  mentioned,  is  not  the  same  with 
the  paragraph  last  rejected. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


853 


For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,    4      Ulster,   4 

Charlotte,   2      Tryon  3 

—      New-York,  8 

6  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Dunscomb  dissent- 
ing. 

Orange,   3 

Albany,   6 

Dutchess,    5 

29 

The  paragraph,  with  Mr.  Morris's  amendment,  as 
amended  by  Mr.  Jay's  amendment,  was  then  read,  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  it  shall  be  in  the  discretion  of  the  Legislature  to 
naturalize  all  such  persons,  and  in  such  manner  as  they 
shall  think  proper,  provided  the  persons  so  to  be  by  them 
naturalized  shall  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State, 
and  abjure  and  renounce  all  subjection  to  all  and  every 
foreign  king,  prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  matters, 
ecclesiastical  as  well  as  civil." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  amendment.  Jlgainst  the  amendment. 

New-York,   8       Westchester,   4 

Albany,   6      Dutchess,    5 

Orange,   3  — 

Tryon,   3 

Ulster,   4 


Charlotte  divided. 


24 


The  further  consideration  thereof  is  postponed  for  the 
present. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duane  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Li- 
vingston be  a  committee  to  report  a  proper  paragraph  for 
enabling  the  members  of  the  other  United  American  States 
to  hold  lands  in  this  State. 

Mr.  Morris  gave  notice,  that  he  will,  to-morrow,  move 
for  the  reconsideration  of  that  paragraph  of  the  form  of 
government  which  gives  the  Governor  a  negative  to  all 
laws  that  may  be  passed  by  both  Houses  of  the  Legisla- 
ture. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

March  27,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Harper— New-York. 

Major  Lawrence—  Queens. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Sherwood— Orange. 
Mr.  Faris,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk — 
Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer—  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills—  Westchester. 

Col.  De  Witt  communicated  to  the  House,  by  request 
of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  that  the  jailer  of  the  county 
jail  is  careless  in  the  execution  of  his  office  ;  that  there  is 
a  dangerous  intercourse  betwixt  the  disaffected  persons 
confined  in  the  said  jail  and  persons  from  without. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  be  requested 
and  empowered  to  take  such  measures  in  the  premises  as 
they  may  deem  necessary. 

A  certificate  signed  by  Elihu  Marvin,  chairman,  and 
Daniel  Coleman,  Zachariah  Dubois  and  Nathaniel  Satterly, 
members  of  the  committee  of  Orange  county,  and  attested 
by  Thomas  Moffat,  clerk,  of  an  election  held  in  Blooming 
Grove,  on  Saturday  the  22d  of  March,  1777,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  choosing  a  member  to  serve  in  Convention  of  this 
State,  (in  the  room  of  Archibald  Little,  Esquire,  deceased,) 
when  Jeremiah  Clarke,  Esquire,  was  duly  elected  for  that 

214 


purpose,  and  vested  with  the  same  powers  wherewith  the 
said  Archibald  Little,  Esquire,  deceased  was  vested,  and  to 
continue  to  serve  as  one  of  the  members  for  the  county  of 
Orange,  during  the  time  that  the  present  Convention  of  this 
State  conlinueih  to  serve,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Clarke  do  take  his  seat. 

A  former  report,  drawn  by  Mr.  Morris,  as  to  the  rangers, 
was  read. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Agreed,  That  the  said  report  be  obliterated.  And  there- 
upon the  following  resolution  was  agreed  to,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  the  companies  of  rangers  commanded 
by  Captains  Elias  Haasbrouck,  Jacob  Rutzen  De  Witt, 
Alexander  Baldwin,  John  A.  Bradt,  Marcus  Demooth, 
Christian  Kitman,  John  Winn,  Joshua  Conckey,  Isaac 
Moss,  and  Lieut.  Gideon  Squire,  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
discharged. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
served  upon  the  persons  therein  named,  and  that  their  seve- 
ral companies  be  paid  until  the  time  of  the  serving  of  such 
copies  respectively. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  did,  on  the  twenty-sixth 
day  of  February  last,  resolve  as  follows,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  every  non-commissioned  officer  or  pri- 
vate in  either  of  the  companies  of  rangers,  who  shall  enlist 
in  any  one  of  the  Continental  regiments  commanded  by  the 
Colonels  Van  Cortlandt,  Gansevoort,  Van  Schaick,  Henry  B. 
Livingston  or  Dubois,  shall  upon  being  sworn,  be  discharg- 
ed from  such  company  of  rangers,  and  be  permitted  to 
join  the  regiment  in  which  he  has  so  enlisted. 

Resolved,  That  no  officer  of  the  ranging  companies 
within  this  State  be  permitted  to  recruit  any  more  men. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  are  informed  that  divers 
of  the  said  rangers  have  enlisted  in  the  Continental  service 
in  other  regiments  than  those  specified  in  the  said  resolu- 
tion ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  said  rangers  so  enlisted  be 
not  allowed  any  pay  or  subsistence,  which  may  be  now 
due  to  them,  until  they  shall  enlist  in  one  or  other  of  the 
five  regiments  in  the  said  resolution  specified. 

Resolved,  That  the  captain,  or  other  commanding  officer 
of  each  of  the  companies  of  rangers  above  mentioned  be, 
and  hereby  is  directed  in  his  muster  roll  to  return  to  this 
Convention,  the  name  of  each  non-commissioned  officer 
and  private  who  has  enlisted  out  of  his  company  into  the 
Continental  service  ;  and  also  the  number  of  the  regiment, 
and  name  of  the  colonel,  or  other  commanding  officer  of 
the  regiment  into  which  such  non-commissioned  officer,  or 
private,  has  so  enlisted. 

The  order  of  the  day  being  read,  Mr.  Duane  read  the 
report  of  the  committee  for  recruiting  the  Continental  regi- 
ments raising  in  this  State,  in  his  place,  and  delivered  the 
same  in  at  the  table,  where  the  same  was  again  read. 

The  first  paragraph  being  read,  debates  arose  thereon. 
After  some  time  spent  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  the  teport  be  recommitted,  and  that  Mr. 
Duer,  Mr.  Morris,  and  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  be  added  to 
the  committee. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  March  27,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr: 
Harper,  Mr.  Duane,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Stoutenburg, 
Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 

Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veeder,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — 
Tryon. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Duer,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Major  Parks,  Mr.  Ray,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 


851 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

The  Convention  took  into  consideration  several  things 
which  make  it  peculiarly  necessary,  at  present,  that  this 
State  should  keep  a  representation  attending  in  Congress, 
considered  the  cases  of  their  respective  Delegates,  and 
made  some  progress  towards  keeping  up  such  representa- 
tion. 

To-morrow  being  a  day  set  apart  throughout  this  State, 
by  order  of  Convention,  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting 
and  prayer,  the  House  adjourned  till  Saturday  morning. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

March  29,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  Presidt. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Colo.  Stoulenburgh,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Colo.  Lott, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Jay — New-York 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Webster,  Mr.  Duer— Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Col. 
P.  R.  Livingston  —Jllbany. 
Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 
Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder— 
Try  on. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

A  petition  of  Thomas  Petlit,  doorkeeper,  dated  25th 
instant,  for  the  reasons  therein  set  forth,  praying  for  an  ad- 
dition to  his  wages,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Graham,  Major 
Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Cuyler  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 

The  petition  of  Leonard  Smith,  Junr.  of  New-Marlbo- 
rough  precinct,  in  Ulster  county,  dated  the  25th  instant, 
setting  forth  that  his  sloop  was  taken  into  public  service 
last  fall,  by  reason  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  was 
stripped  of  her  sails,  and  left  at  Terry  Town  ;  that  he  has 
frequently  applied  to  his  employers  for  sails  to  remove  the 
said  sloop  ;  and  a  certificate  of  Wm.  Dobbs  that  the  said 
sloop  was  employed  in  the  Continental  service  in  the 
months  of  October  and  November  last,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  committee  last 
above  named. 

Whereas  Mr.  Jacob  Le  Roy,  by  his  petitions  of  the 
31st  day  of  December  last  and  of  the  26th  instant,  for  sun- 
dry reasons  therein  assigned,  hath  prayed  the  permission 
of  this  Convention  to  go  to  the  city  of  New-York, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  grant- 
ed, and  that  the  said  Jacob  Le  Roy  do  make  application  to 
His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  upon  this  subject,  and 
that  he  do  not  go  to  the  said  city  without  leave  first  obtained 
of  the  General. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Rutgers  and  Major  Tappen  be  a 
committee  to  purchase  the  thirty  tons  of  hemp  resolved  on 
the  2.5th  instant  to  be  purchased,  in  order  to  be  manufac- 
tured into  cables  and  rigging. 

Colonel  Allison,  from  the  committee  of  correspondence, 
delivered  in  a  report,  which  was  read,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"  Your  committee  appointed  to  correspond  and  employ 
riders  for  that  purpose  to  ride  express  to  Fishkill,  beg  leave 
to  report :  That  they  have  employed  John  Cregier  to  ride 
express  to  Fishkill,  in  which  said  service  he  has  rode  six 
days,  at  twenty  shillings  per  day,  amounting  to  six  pounds, 
and  now  propose  to  discharge  him. 
"  Per  order, 

"WM.  ALLISON, 

"  Chairman." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 


said  John  Cregier,  or  his  order,  the  said  sum  of  six  pounds, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  a  quantity  of  Conti- 
nental salt  has  lately  arrived  at  Philadelphia,  and  that  some 
considerable  quantities  of  salt  have  also  been  there  imported 
on  private  account. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  draw  up  a  proper 
representation  to  Congress  of  the  distresses  to  which  this 
State  is  reduced  for  want  of  that  necessary  article,  and  the 
causes  which  prevent  their  obtaining  it ;  and  requesting 
that  this  Colony  may  be  permitted  to  purchase  a  part  of 
the  salt  belonging  to  the  Continent. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Abel  to  Matthew  Adgate,  Esquire, 
dated  29th  January,  relative  to  the  value  of  the  brig  Nancy, 
and  the  other  articles  of  property  left  at  Mr.  Schenk's 
store  with  the  said  brigantine,  and  requesting  payment,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr. 
John  Schenck  and  Mr.  Wm.  Harper. 

Mr.  Tappen  informed  the  Convention  that  the  commit- 
tee of  auditors  have  for  some  days  had  several  accounts 
which  they  have  audited,  and  are  ready  to  report  to  the 
House. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  referred  to  the  Auditor-General. 

The  petition  of  Bloomer  Nelson,  Jacob  Schurman,  Sa- 
muel Haines  and  Joseph  Turner,  prisoners  taken  with 
Lownsbury,  praying  to  be  permitted  to  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  and  be  discharged,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lie  on  the  table.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Duer  and  Mr. 
Piatt  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  and  report  to  this  Con- 
vention the  names  of  all  the  subjects  of  this  State  who  have 
engaged  in  the  service  of  the  enemy,  and  are  now  in  con- 
finement in  the  different  jails  of  this  State,  distinguishing 
the  ages  of  the  said  persons  and  the  rank  they  hold  in  the 
enemy's  service  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  report  such 
a  plan  for  the  disposal  of  the  said  prisoners  as  they  shall 
deem  most  consistent  with  sound  policy,  and  best  adapted 
to  promote  the  interest  of  the  State. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  March  29,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier-Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr-  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine— Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  R.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  P.  R.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Cuyler — Albany. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk— 

Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland- 
Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Duer,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
A  memorandum  of  Andrew  Taylor,  assistant  quarter- 
master-general, of  sundry  casks,  a  box,  a  hogshead  and  a 
hamper,  containing  medicines,  said  to  have  belonged  to 
Doctor  Brownjohn,  and  to  have  been  taken  near  Hacken- 
sack,  was  delivered  to  the  President,  and  read;  and  the 
President  informed  the  Convention  that  the  said  casks, 
box  and  hamper  are  on  a  wagon  in  this  town,  waiting  the 
order  of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  casks,  hogshead,  box  and  ham- 
per be  put  into  the  store  of  John  Elmendorph  ;  and  Doctor 
Thomas  Jones  be  requested  to  inventory  and  appraise  the 
said  medicines. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  John  Hathorne,  dated  the  27th 
instant,  relative  to  the  Sterling  company  of  militia,  in  an- 
swer to  the  letter  of  Convention  to  him  on  that  subject,  of 
the  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Hathorne  be  informed  that 
Convention  are  of  opinion  that  a  lieutenant  and  ensign  are 
sufficient  to  command  so  small  a  body  of  men  as  the  Ster- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


855 


ling  company,  and  the  more  especially  as  the  lieutenant 
and  ensign  have  commissions,  and  have  by  the  precinct 
committee  been  directed  to  take  charge  of  so  many  of  that 
small  company  as  remain  ;  and  therefore,  for  the  present, 
decline  issuing  any  other  commissions  for  that  company. 

Whereas  sundry  acts  and  resolutions  have  lately  passed 
in  the  Honourable  the  General  Congress  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  materially  affecting  this  State,  with  the 
true  reasons  and  principles  whereof  it  is  highly  expedient 
that  this  Convention  should  be  fully  informed,  which  can- 
not so  well  be  done  as  by  a  conference  with  their  Delegates 
now  in  Congress.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Francis  Lewis,  William  Floyd 
and  Lewis  Morris  be  requested  to  repair  to  this  Conven- 
tion. 

And  whereas  it  is  highly  expedient,  that  this  State 
should  all  times  continue  represented  in  Congress  : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Philip  Livingston  and  Mr.  Duane, 
be  directed  immediately  to  repair  to  the  city  of  Philadel- 
phia for  that  purpose. 

And  whereas  it  is  necessary  that  as  many  of  the  Con- 
tinental Delegates  of  this  State  as  possible  should  continue 
in  this  Convention  : 

Resolved,  That  an  addition  of  one  be  made  to  the  de- 
legation of  this  State,  and  that  any  two  of  the  Delegates 
make  a  representation. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  elect  by  ballot  such 
additional  Delegate,  and  the  ballots  being  taken  and  told, 
William  Duer,  Esquire,  was  unanimously  elected  by  the 
whole  Convention  present,  (except  the  Deputies  of  Char- 
lotte county,  of  which  he  is  one,)  in  manner  following  to 
wit : 


For  Mr.  Duer, 


8 

 4 

  6 

 4 

,  3 

,    ..  3 

28 

For  Mr.  Morris, 


Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  William  Duer,  Esquire,  be,  and  is 
hereby  appointed  a  Delegate,  or  Representative  of  this 
State  in  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and  Mr. 
Morris  be  a  committee  to  draw  and  report  instructions  to 
the  Delegates  who  are  ordered  to  attend  Congress. 

Sundry  questions  were  then  put  to  Convention,  and  an- 
swered, in  order  that  the  committee  appointed  to  draw  up 
instructions,  might  know  the  sense  of  Convention,  on  the 
several  matters,  to  enable  them  to  prepare  the  draft  of  such 
instructions. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Char- 
lotte county  be  informed  by  a  messenger  sent  as  express 
to  the  chairman,  that  William  Duer,  Esquire,  one  of  their 
Deputies,  is  appointed  a  Delegate  to  ieprescnt  this  State 
in  Congress,  whereby  their  county  will  be  left  so  unrepre- 
sented as  not  to  have  a  vote  in  Convention  ;  and  that  the 
said  county  committee  be  directed  to  send  John  Williams, 
Esquire,  their  other  Deputy,  to  attend  this  Convention 
immediately ;  and  if  he  cannot  immediately  attend,  that 
the  said  county  committee  notify  the  inhabitants  to  as- 
semble and  elect  another  Deputy  for  their  county,  to  at- 
tend this  Convention  without  delay,  that  the  said  county 
may  be  respresented,  and  have  a  voice  at  this  important 
crisis. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

March  31,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Tea  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Stoutenburg,  Ge- 
neral Scolt,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robert  Harper— New-York. 


Mr.   Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkerk — 
Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo. 
Livingston— Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Conline,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rca—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  William  Harper,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
hear  Colonel  Van  Allen,  of  Claverack,  and  to  consider  of, 
and  report  on  the  sundry  affidavits  against  him,  transmitted 
by  the  committee  of  Claverack,  brought  in  their  report, 
which  was  read. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Claverack,  dated  the 
23rd  March,  and  the  examinations  of  Garrit  Herdick,  John 
Herdick  and  William  Herdick,  the  three  witnesses  against 
him,  were  respectively  read,  as  follows  : 

"  In  Committee,  ) 
"  Claverack  District,  March  23, 1777.  $ 
"  Gent. — Enclosed,  we  send  you  copies  of  evidence 
taken  before  this  board  relative  to  the  behaviour  of  Colonel 
John  Van  Alen.    You  will  find  by  the  resolution  subjoined 
to  the  same,  that  the  consideration  of  the  matter  is  sub- 
mitted to  the  determination  of  Convention.    We  have  cited 
Colo.  Van  Alen  to  appear  before  you  for  that  purpose. 
The  affair  of  Colo.  Van  Alen  has  for  some  time  excited 
the  attention  of  many.    We  could  wish  we  had  had  no 
occasion  to  trouble  you  herewith. 
"  We  are,  gent. 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  hble.  seivt. 

"  Bv  order  of  the  committee, 
"  LAWRANCE  FONDA,  Chairn.  P.  T. 

In  Committee,  > 
"  Claverack  District,  March  22, 1777.  J 

"An  information  being  lodged  against  John  Van  Alen, 
Lieut.  Colonel  in  the  eighth  regiment  of  militia  for  the 
county  of  Albany,  and  one  of  the  members  of  this  com- 
mittee, that  his  late  behaviour  had  been  such  as  to  give 
just  grounds  to  suspect  that  his  sentiments  were  not  alto- 
gether friendly  to  the  liberties  of  America  :  whereupon  a 
meeting  of  the  committee  of  this  district  was  ordered  to 
be  held  this  day,  to  take  said  information  into  considera- 
tion, and  to  proceed  to  examine  such  evidences  as  shall  be 
offered  on  the  subject ;  in  consequence  of  which,  nine 
members  appeared  for  that  purpose. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  examination  of  the  evidence  in  the 
case  of  Colo.  Van  Alen  be  forthwith  proceeded  upon,  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  be  present,  and  he  attended  ac- 
cordingly. 

"  Garret  Herdick,  being  duly  sworn  upon  his  examina- 
tion, sailh,  that  about  2  or  3  weeks  ago  Colonel  John  Van 
Alen,  Aaron  Van  Derkar  and  John  Herdick,  were  at  the 
deponent's  house  ;  that  John  Herdick  observed  tha  the  had 
heard  Cornelius  Clopper  was  gone  to  New-York.  Colo. 
Van  Alen  answered,  he  had  heard  so  from  the  girl, 
(meaning  Cloppers  daughter,)  upon  which  the  deponent's 
wife  said,  there  are  now  many  that  are  disposed  to  turn 
their  coats  or  change  sides,  and  leave  the  poor  Congress  to 
lose  their  heads  ;  that  Van  Alen  answered  thereupon,  that 
he  did  not  care  how  many,  or  what  became  of  it,  if  we 
could  but  have  peace,  and  said  is  that  not  better  than 
that  so  many  thousands  must  die  ?  he  further  said,  that 
there  were  people  that  would  lay  their  heads  upon  a  block 
if  we  could  but  have  peace  ;  that  he  always  formerly  found 
and  looked  upon  Colonel  Van  Alen  as  a  friend  to  his  coun- 
try ;  that  he  was  much  surprised  to  hear  such  expressions 
from  him. 

"  John  Herdick  being  sworn,  saith,  that  being  at  the 
house  of  Garret  Herdick,  some  time  ago,  he  saw  Colo. 
Van  Alen  there  ;  that  observing  to  him  that  he  had  heard 
I  that  Cornelius  Clopper  was  gone  to  the  enemy — received 
for  answer,  he  did  not  know;  that  thereupon  the  wife  of 


856 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Garret  Hcrdick  lamented  the  situation  of  the  Congress, 
and  said  they  would  perhaps  yet  be  obliged  to  flee,  or  lose 
their  heads,  through  such  men  ;  that  Colo.  Van  Alen  an- 
swered, I  don't  care  a  donder  or  hagel  about  it,  if  we  could 
but  have  peace ;  otherwise  it  would  yet  perhaps  cost  the 
lives  of  thousands. 

"William  Herdick,  being  sworn  upon  his  examination, 
saith,  that  coming  at  the  house  of  Garrit  Herdick,  he  found 
Colo.  Van  Alen,  with  others,  there  ;  that  he  heard  his  aunt 
Mantze  Herdick  observe  that  the  poor  Congress,  (or  words 
of  that  sort,)  were  exposed  to  lose,  or  that  it  would  come 
upon  their  heads,  if  the  enemy  overcame  them  ;  that  Colo. 
Van  Alen  answered  thereupon,  he  did  not  care  what  be- 
came of  it  if  we  could  but  have  peace. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  consideration  of  the  above  mat- 
ter be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

"  In  Committee,  March  23. 

"  Present,  nine  members. 

"  The  committee  having  duly  considered  the  foregoing 
proofs,  and  other  circumstances  that  have  been  offered,  and 
that  have  appeared  against  said  Van  Alen,  do  resolve  that 
a  copy  of  the  proofs  taken  before  this  board  be  transmitted 
to  Convention,  for  their  determination,  and  that  Colo.  Van 
Allen  be  served  with  a  copy  of  this  resolution,  and  that  he 
be  cited  to  appear  before  Convention  on  Thursday  next, 
the  27lh  instant,  for  that  purpose. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  PETER  CANTINE,  Jr." 

The  report  of  the  committee  was  then  read  again, 
amended  and  agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

Colonel  Van  Alen  being  asked  whether  all  or  any  part 
of  the  evidence  contained  in  the  affidavits  against  him  was 
true,  he  denied  having  any  view,  to  the  Convention,  but 
alluded,  by  the  words  "  he  did  not  care  how  many,"  to  the 
persons  that  went  to  the  enemy. 

And  whereas  Colonel  Van  Allen  has  heretofore  borne 
a  good  character  as  a  true  friend  to  his  country,  and  being 
willing  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  it  is  the 
opinion  of  your  committee  that  the  Secretary  be  ordered 
to  administer  to  him  the  said  oath,  and  he  be  thereupon  dis- 
charged, until  further  inquiry  be  made  ;  and  that  in  the 
mean  time  he  be  suspended  from  the  exercise  of  his  office 
as  a  lieutenant-colonel  in  the  militia  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  report.  And, 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  administer  the 
said  oath. 

A  letter  from  Lieutenant-Colonel  Willet,  dated  at  Fort 
Constitution,  on  the  29th  inst.  was  read,  and  follows,  to 
wit:  [Missing.] 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement, and  that  an  extract  of  that  part  of  the  said  let- 
ter which  relates  to  the  stock  on  the  farm  now  or  lately  in 
the  possession  of  Beverly  Robinson,  Esquire,  be  transmit- 
ted by  the  Secretaries  to  the  commissioners  in  Dutchess 
county,  for  taking  care  of  the  effects  of  persons  gone  to 
the  enemy. 

Mr.  Wisner  then  informed  the  Convention  that  he  has 
applied  to  Hibemia  furnace,  which  is  the  nearest  furnace 
in  blast,  to  cast  cannon  ball,  in  pursuance  of  the  order  of 
this  Convention  to  their  committee  directed  to  procure  that 
necessary  article  ;  that  the  distance  to  Hibemia  furnace 
being  great,  the  cartage  must  of  course  be  expensive,  and 
therefore  the  committee  request  the  opinion  and  direction 
of  Convention  whether  they  shall  pursue  obtaining  ball  at 
that  furnace. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  approves  of  the  said 
measures  of  the  committee,  and  desire  they  may  by  every 
means  endeavour  to  obtain  cannon  ball. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Adgate,  that  the  doors  of  Convention  Chamber  may  be 
open  at  all  times  when  the  form  of  a  constitution  and  plan 
of  government  is  under  consideration.  Debates  arose  there- 


on, and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in 
the  negative  by  a  great  majority. 

Monday  Afternoon,  March  31,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

General  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo. 
Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Jay,  Colo.  Lott — New-York. 

Maj.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Confine,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Livingston, 

Mr.  Adgate — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 
Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Moore — 

Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Israel  Honeywell,  Junior,  dated  the  28th 

instant,  was  read,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Philip's  Manor,  (Westchester  county,)  ? 

"  March  28,  1777.  $ 

"  The  situation  of  affairs  in  our  county  is  truly  deplora- 
ble. We  have  daily  accounts  of  cattle  being  stole  and 
drove  downwards  to  support  our  cruel,  merciless  and  in- 
veterate enemies,  by  our  more  than  savage  neighbours,  the 
tories,  who  have  of  late  become  so  insulting  as  to  hiss  at 
men  passing,  and  several  have  been  fired  at  in  the  road. 

"  Isaac  Oakley,  at  the  Plains,  has  been  robbed  of  36 
head  of  cattle  the  night  before  last,  a  number  of  Continen- 
tal oxen,  ox  chains,  &c.  have  been  taken  off.  Last  night 
a  number  of  our  guard  went  down  below  to  Peter  Van  Tas- 
sel's, consisting  of  Capt.  Dean  and  nineteen  privates,  and 
about  4  o'clock  this  morning  were  alarmed  ;  a  number  of 
regulars  and  tories  had  come  to  Mr.  Acker's  and  were  dri- 
ving off  all  his  stock,  upon  which  a  small  skirmish  ensued 
on  their  march  to  Mr.  Van  Tassel's,  in  which  our  men  beat 
them  off  and  saved  the  cattle. 

"  You  have  undoubtedly  heard  of  Judge  Thomas  and 
Mr.  Miller  being  taken  prisoners  and  carried  down,  and  we 
have  various  accounts  from  below  of  the  enemy's  design  of 
coming  up  to  fetch  a  number  more  of  our  most  active  men. 

"  We  are  at  present  under  very  precarious  circumstan- 
ces, having  no  troops  but  a  few  raised  in  this  county  ; 
you'll  therefore  see  the  necessity,  if  we  mean  to  protect 
our  friends,  that  we  should  be  assisted  with  a  number  of 
troops,  and  that  with  the  utmost  despatch. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  P.  S.  The  tories  are  daily  going  down  in  droves  ;  31 
went  at  one  time. 

"  N.  B.  The  loss  we  have  sustained  for  this  week  past 
amounts  at  least  to  one  thousand  pounds  per  day. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  devise  a  permanent  defence  for  the  said 
county,  and  that  General  Scott  be  added  to  the  said  com- 
mittee. 

General  Scott,  seconded  by  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  moved 
for  the  following  resolutions,  to  wit : 

Whereas,  from  the  want  of  courts  properly  instituted 
for  the  trial  of  treasons  and  other  offences  against  this 
Slate,  the  resolutions  heretofore  passed  for  the  punishment 
of  the  same  have  not  been  executed,  whereby  divers  per- 
sons in  this  State,  who  have  been  employed  by  the  enemy 
as  spies,  or  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  men  into  their  ser- 
vice, or  furnishing  them  with  supplies  or  intelligence,  many 
of  whom  were  not  punishable  by  the  Continental  articles 
of  war,  have  escaped  with  impunity  : 

Resolved,,  That  all  such  persons  as  have  been  or  shall 
be  apprehended  in  this  State,  without  the  enemy's  lines, 
by  Continental  or  other  American  troops,  as  spies  from  the 
enemy,  or  for  enlisting  men  into  their  service,  or  for  fur- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


857 


nishing  supplies  or  intelligence  to  them,  be  tried  for  the 
said  offences  by  martial  law,  and  if  found  guilty,  suffer 
death  or  other  punishment  at  the  discretion  of  a  general 
court  martial  of  the  Continental  army  or  of  the  militia  of 
this  State  ;  provided  that  where  any  person  shall  have  been 
convicted  by  a  court  martial  by  virtue  of  this  resolution, 
that  the  sentence  shall  not  be  executed  until  approved  by 
this  Convention  or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Whereas  a  form  of  government  will  soon  be  establish- 
ed in  this  State,  and  proper  courts  organized  for  the  trial 
of  offences  therein  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  resolution  above  mentioned  continue 
in  force  until  the  first  day  of  July  next,  unless  sooner  re- 
pealed by  this  Convention  or  the  future  Legislature  of  this 
State. 

Resolved,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  to-morrow  morning. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  dated  the  21st  of  March,  was 
read,  as  follows  : 

"  Dr.  Sir — I  should  have  advised  of  the  receipt  of  the 
last  2,000  dollars  sent  me  per  Lieut.  Brilt,  ere  this ;  but 
opportunity  did  not  serve  until  this  instant ;  the  amount  of 
which  I  have  passed  to  the  credit  of  this  State. 

"  I  am  still  remaining  ignorant  what  the  bounty  given  to 
our  soldiers  may  consist  of ;  as  there  has  latterly  been  some 
dispute  between  me  and  the  officers  about  this  matter, 
would  humbly  request  that  a  copy  of  the  different  articles 
given  as  a  bounty  might  be  sent  me,  in  order  to  prevent  fu- 
ture mistakes.  Please  to  inform  me  if  there  are  perquisites 
arising  from  the  sale  of  casks,  box  or  bale,  that  may  at  any 
time  be  sent  to  this  clothing  store  with  goods,  to  any  assis- 
tant, otherwise  than  under  my  direction,  as  I  am  determin- 
ed that  nothing  of  that  sort  shall  be  appropriated  to  any 
other  use  than  that  of  the  public,  until  I  receive  orders  to 
the  contrary.  Bounty  jackets  are  become  very  scarce  with 
me,  as  also  materials  to  make  them,  which  are  much  want- 
ed at  this  time  by  our  new  recruits ;  I  should  be  glad  to 
know  where  to  obtain  any  for  the  use  of  this  State.  I  hope 
the  clothing  committee  will  give  me  some  speedy  assistance 
in  this  important  affair. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq." 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  no  perquisites  of  any  kind  ever  were  or 
now  are  allowed  by  Convention  to  any  commissary,  clerk, 
storekeeper  or  assistant  in  the  clothing  store  in  this  State  ; 
that  no  such  perquisites  be  allowed  to  any  person  whatever ; 
that  every  sum  or  advantage  that  has  arisen  or  may  arise 
from  the  sale  of  any  casks,  boxes,  bales,  or  other  articles, 
be  credited  to  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  inquire  of  the  clothing 
committee  as  to  bounty  waistcoats,  and  every  other  article 
necessary  to  enable  this  Convention  to  answer  the  said  let- 
ter, and  give  Mr.  John  Henry  all  necessary  information. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  seconded  by  Gene- 
ral Scott, 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  by  the  President,  and 
sent  by  express  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  requesting 
them  to  apprehend  and  confine  Major  William  Edminston, 
till  further  order. 

The  said  letter  being  written,  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit  : 

"  Gent. — The  Convention  having  been  informed  that 
Major  Wm.  Edmondson,  a  British  officer,  having  obtained 
leave  to  go  to  New-York  to  solicit  his  exchange,  has  re- 
turned from  thence ;  and  that,  after  having  travelled  pub- 
licly through  the  State,  he  is  now  at  large  in  Albany ;  they 
conceive  that  his  knowledge  of  the  country,  and  his  ac- 
quaintance with  the  designs  of  the  enemy,  render  him  a 
dangerous  person,  and  one  who  ought  by  no  means  to  be 
suffered  to  go  at  large  ;  they  therefore  request  of  you  to 
have  him  immediately  apprehended  and  confined,  in  such 
manner  as  you  think  most  proper,  and  to  write  to  Conven- 
tion as  soon  as  may  be,  what  you  have  done  herein. 

215 


"  Should  Major  Edminston  have  passed  to  Tryon  coun- 
ty, you  will  be  pleased  to  send  on  an  express  to  that  place, 
requesting  the  committee  to  take  proper  measures  to  ap- 
prehend him. 

"  I  am,  gent.  &c. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany." 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  allow- 
ance to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Congress. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  seconded  by  Capt.  Rutgers,  moved  that 
eight  dollars  per  day  be  allowed  the  Delegates  of  this  State 
in  Congress. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  was  carried 

in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New-York,   8      Ulster,    4 

Col.  Lott  and  Major  Van  Orange,   3 

Zandt,  dissenting.  Albany,   6 

Westchester,                        4  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Col.  Liv- 

—  ingston,  dissenting. 

12      Tryon,   3 

16 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Genl.  Scott, 
that  seven  dollars  per  day  be  allowed  to  the  Delegates  of 
this  Stale  in  Congress. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,   4      Ulster,    4 

Albany,   6       Orange,   3 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  — 

New-York,   8  7 

Tryon,   3 

21 

Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  State  will  in  future  allow  seven  dol- 
lars per  day  to  each  of  their  Delegates  while  attending  at 
Congress,  or  in  necessarily  going  to  and  returning  from 
thence. 

A  certificate,  signed  by  Elihu  Marvin  and  Israel  Seely, 
two  of  the  committee  of  Cornwall  precinct,  of  an  election 
of  militia  officers  in  the  late  Capt.  Little's  company  in  Ox- 
ford district,  to  wit :  Thomas  Horton,  captain;  Josiah  See 
ly,  1st  lieutenant;  Nathan  Marvin,  2nd  lieutenant,  and 
Barnabas  Horton,  Junr.  ensign,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the  captain  and  his 
two  lieutenants,  and  that  the  ensign's  commission  do  not 
issue,  until  his  political  character  be  inquired  into. 

The  House  proceeded  to  consider  t  he  form  of  government. 

Mr.  Jay  (agreeable  to  notice)  moved  for  the  reconsidera- 
tion of  the  2nd  paragraph  of  the  plan  of  government. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Ulster,   4       New- York,   8 

Orange,   3  — 

Tryon,   3  24 

Albany,   6         Westchester  divided. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Resolved,  That  the  consideration  of  the  said  2nd  para- 
graph be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

April  1,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colonel  Stouten- 
burgh,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott, 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Beekman— New-York. 

Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt  —  West- 
chester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Robert  Yates— Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clark,  Colo.  Sherwood—  Orange. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Veder,  Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Paris—  Tryon. 


S58 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Smith,  Mr,  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gil-  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno. 
Sehenk,  Mr.  H.  R.  Livingston— Dutchess. 
Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  De  Witt — Ulster. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Kayend-alongwea, 
one  of  the  head  warriors  of  the  Oneida  nation,  together 
with  the  Revel.  Mr.  Kirkland,  a  missionary  among  the 
Oneida  Indians,  arc  now  in  Kingston  ;  that  they  are  a 
part  of  a  company  who  have  been  to  visit  the  Slate  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  and  some  other  of  the  eastern  States, 
and  to  visit  General  Washingston  and  the  American  army  ; 
that  five  of  the  party  have  proceeded  on  their  journey ; 
that  they  stand  in  need  of  a  small  sum  of  money  to  de- 
fray their  expenses  on  their  return  home. 

A  certificate  or  passport  to  Mr.  Kirkland  and  the  said 
Indians,  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  Volkert  P.  Douw  and 
Edwards,  three  of  the  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs  ; 
and  also  a  passport  from  General  Washington,  for  their 
return  to  their  own  country,  and  recommending  them  to 
all  civil  bodies  and  military  officers,  for  aid  and  assistance, 
were  respectively  read.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Robert  Benson,  Esquire, 
one  of  the  Secretaries,  advance  to  the  said  Indian  chief 
and  Mr.  Kirkland,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,  to  de- 
fray their  expenses  on  their  return  from  His  Excellency 
General  Washington  to  their  country.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  repay  the 
said  one  hundred  dollars  to  Mr.  Benson. 

Mr.  Kirkland,  as  interpreter,  with  the  said  Indian  chief, 
were  admitted  to  Convention.  Thereupon  a  speech  was 
delivered  to  him  by  the  President  in  separate  sentences,  in 
the  words  following,  and  translated  to  the  said  Indian 
chief,  by  Mr.  Kirkland,  viz: 

"  Brother — We,  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of 
New-York  here  met,  are  happy  to  see  you  on  your  return 
from  a  visit  to  our  Chief  Warrior.  We  are  sorry  to  hear 
that  your  brethren  are  already  gone  on,  and  that  you  are 
obliged  to  leave  this  place  so  soon  :  it  would  have  given 
us  pleasure  to  have  smoked  a  pipe  with  you  and  them, 
and  to  have  assured  you  of  our  determination  to  keep  the 
roads  open  between  your  nation  and  us,  and  to  keep  bright 
the  chain  of  peace. 

"We  commend  the  wisdom  of  your  nation  in  deputing 
you  to  repair  to  our  Chief  Warrior,  and  see  the  situation 
of  our  affairs.  We  hope  you  will  now  be  enabled  to  con- 
tradict those  false  reports  concerning  the  enemy's  strength 
and  our  weakness,  which  their  wicked  emissaries  have 
artfully  attempted  to  diffuse  through  the  Indian  nation. 

'*  Brother — We  wish  you  a  good  journey.  Assure  our 
brothers,  the  Oneidas,  and  the  rest  of  the  Six  Nations, 
of  our  friendship,  and  accept  this  small  acknowledgment 
of  the  regard  we  have  for  you  and  our  other  brethren  of 
your  company." 

Kayendalongwea,  the  said  Indian  chief,  then  replied  ; 
and  his  reply  by  paragraphs,  was  interpreted  by  Mr.  Kirk- 
land, in  substance,  as  follows  : 

"  Brother  chiefs  here  met  in  council,  hear  for  a  moment. 
I  am  glad  to  see  so  many  of  you,  come  from  a  great  dis- 
tance, many  of  whom  I  know.  We  also  come  from  a 
great  distance,  chiefs  of  the  Oneida  tribe.  I  am  glad  to 
see  so  many  of  you  here  in  peace,  and  sorry  that  your  old 
council  fire  has  been  disturbed. 

"  Brothers — I  am  rejoiced  to  see  so  many  of  you  here 
superintending  the  public  affairs  at  this  place  :  we  are  old 
friends  :  we  wish  to  see  you  at  your  old  council  fire  at  the 
sea  side  ;  we  hope  the  Good  Spirit  will  protect  you,  and 
remove  your  enemies  from  thence.  We  thank  you  for 
your  kindness  to  us  and  to  our  party,  the  others  of  whom 
have  gone  forward. 

"  Brothers — I  return  thanks  to  the  Great  Spirit  above, 
that  I  see  so  many  of  you  in  peace,  and  that  so  many  are 


in  peace  in  different  parts  of  this  country.  You  are  threat- 
ened here — we  are  also  threatened  to  the  westward.  We 
will  keep  a  good  look-out  to  the  west ;  and  we  see  your 
arms  every  where  turned  to  the  enemy,  and  trust  you  will 
keep  a  good  look-out  too.  It  would  give  me  pleasure  to 
tarry  some  time,  but  the  affairs  of  my  nation  call  me 
home,  and  my  parly  have  gone  forward. 

"  Brothers — Possess  your  minds  in  peace.  My  warri- 
ors and  one  chief  are  gone  forward,  and  their  conductor 
with  me,  and  no  one  to  guide  them.  I  am  sorry  they  are 
gone,  but  it  is  now  necessary  that  we  should  proceed  on 
our  way.  We  are  well  pleased  with  what  we  have  seen, 
particularly  the  Chief  Warrior,  whom  we  look  on  as  our 
protector. 

"  Brothers — We  have  met  this  day,  and  must  this  day 
part.  I  can't  say  much,  as  I  am  alone.  We  Indians  are 
more  jealous  of  each  other  than  you  white  men,  more  es- 
pecially, you  that  are  counsellors. 

"  In  all  our  travels,  the  voice  of  my  parly  has  been,  that 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  has  spread  lies  through  the  Six 
Nations.  Your  people,  or  the  superintendent  at  Albany, 
have  not  told  us  one  lie.  They  told  us  that  he  had  pos- 
sessed the  whole  sea  coast.  We  find  it  not  true.  We  are 
well  pleased  with  what  we  have  seen.  We  have  not  seen 
one  spot  on  which  he  has  set  his  foot.  We  have  seen  many 
places  you  have  taken  from  him.  Our  country  is  in  a  dif- 
ficult situation.  There  is  an  enemy  to  the  westward  ;  it  is 
therefore  necessary  for  me  to  return  home  without  delay, 
and  inform  the  Six  Nations  of  what  we  have  seen  and 
know. 

"  Brothers — You  have  given  us  assistance  to  travel  on 
the  road  ;  we  thank  you,  brothers,  for  your  kindness.  We 
must  inform  you  that  we  have  in  our  journey,  been  every 
where  well  treated.  We  have  lived  in  plenty,  and  been 
frequently  carried  above  ground,  which  is  not  common  to 
us  warriors.  We  shall  faithfully  represent  to  the  Six 
Nations,  the  state  of  affairs,  as  we  have  seen  and  heard 
them." 

The  said  Indian  Chief  and  Mr.  Kirkland  departed. 

Another  petition  of  Zebulon  Scofield,  setting  forth  that 
it  is  against  the  general  orders  in  the  army,  to  permit  any 
person  to  go  to  New-York,  and  praying  that  Convention 
will  give  him  a  pass  to  any  commanding  officer  at  the  lines 
at  Peekskill,  or  otherwise. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lie  on  the  table. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esquire,  one  of 
the  delegates  in  this  State,  at  Congress,  dated  at  Baltimore 
on  the  1 2th  of  March  last,  was  received  and  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Gentlemen — I  wrote  you  the  1 6th,  31st  January  and 
18th  February,  addressed  to  the  President,  since  which  I 
have  been  honoured  with  his  of  the  13th  February,  di- 
recting several  articles  to  be  purchased  out  of  the  Mont- 
gomery's prizes  for  the  use  of  the  Stale,  which  it  was  not 
in  my  power  to  execute  for  the  following  reasons,  viz: 
upon  an  application  of  Congress  setting  forth  that  as  seve- 
ral hundred  recruits  for  the  new  battalions  were  daily 
coming  into  this  town  from  the  Stales  of  Virginia  and 
Maryland,  in  order  lo  reinforce  Genl.  Washington's  army, 
and  these  being  destitute  of  proper  clothing,  &c.  it  would 
be  absolutely  necessary  that  the  several  articles  captured 
by  the  Montgomery,  and  suitable  for  the  soldiery  should 
be  applied  here,  and  requested  my  assent,  which  I  pe- 
remptorily refused  ;  the  next  day  it  was  moved  in  Con- 
gress, that  an  order  should  issue  appointing  four  persons 
to  appraise  all  the  woollens  and  linens,  &c.  suitable  for  the 
soldiery,  captured  by  the  Montgomery  armed  vessel.  Upon 
the  molions  being  read,  I  objected  to  the  proceeding  as 
partial,  and  gave  ihe  following  reasons:  thai  as  the  pro- 
perly was  on  condemnation  vested  in  the  State  of  New- 
York,  together  with  the  captain  and  crew  of  the  Montgo- 
mery, and  that  the  latter  insisted  upon  having  iheir  pro- 
perty disposed  of  in  the  customary  manner,  at  public  ven- 
due, and  urged  the  evil  that  might  attend  such  a  precedent, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


859 


especially  as  I  had  directions  from  your  Convention  to  pur- 
chase those  articles,  and  forward  them  to  you  for  the  cloth- 
ing of  your  troops,  as  they  (the  Congress)  well  knew 
that  the  State  of  New-York,  in  its  present  circumstances, 
had  no  port  open  through  which  they  could  introduce  any 
supplies  ;  but  maugre  all  my  objections,  the  question  was 
put  and  carried,  nemine  con.  for  the  motion  ;  and  four  gen- 
tlemen of  this  town  appointed  appraisers.  The  members 
of  Congress  having  leil  this  a  lew  days  afterwards  by  ad- 
journment to  Philadelphia,  the  appraisers  when  met,  de- 
clared themselves  inadequate  to  the  appointment,  being  to- 
tally unacquainted  with  the  value  of  those  goods,  which, 
together  with  the  captain  and  crew's  opposition  to  that 
mode,  produced  an  agreement  between  the  parlies,  that  all 
should  be  sold  at  auction,  except  the  woollens  and  coarse 
linens  which  the  Congress  were  to  take  at  the  rate  of  a  dol- 
lar currency  for  what  cost  one  shilling  sterling  for  the  wool- 
lens, and  4s.  6d.  per  yard  for  the  coarse  linens.  The  rest 
of  the  cargo  that  sold  at  vendue  I  compute,  upon  average, 
went  off  at  about  one  thousand  per  cent.  As  a  specimen, 
yard  wide  Irish  linen  that  cost  2s.  8d.  per  yard  sterling, 
sold  for  24s.  currency,  per  yard.  A  dollar  is  7.  Gd.  Cor- 
dage sold  at  £14  5s.  per  cwt. 

"  I  forgot  to  mention  that  in  answer  to  my  arguments 
against  the  motion,  Congress  availed  themselves  of  a  let- 
ter from  General  Washington,  advising  them  that  the  Con- 
vention at  Fishkill  had  there  stopped  (as  I  think)  thirty- 
six  wagons  laden  with  clothing  for  the  army  immediately 
under  his  command.  He  says,  '  Indeed  I  cannot  blame 
them  knowing  their  distressed  situation.'  However  of  this 
a  handle  was  made  to  obviate  my  objections. 

"  The  sale  of  the  schooner's  cargo  is  now  completed  In 
short,  such  was  the  exhorbitant  prices  which  these  goods 
sold  at,  that  I  was  deterred  from  making  a  considerable 
purchase ;  add  to  this  the  difficulty  of  procuring  convey- 
ances, which  are  all  employed  in  transporting  the  Congress 
stores,  the  members'  baggage,  together  with  that  of  the 
new  battalions,  on  their  march  to  Head-Quarters.  1  have 
only  bought  a  few  casks  of  barley,  some  coils  of  cordage 
and  the  four  X  cut  saws,  thinking  that  they  may  be  of  ser- 
vice with  General  Schuyler  at  Albany,  and  these  perhaps 
I  may  be  obliged  to  leave  behind  for  the  public,  for  want 
of  conveyance. 

"  The  trial  of  the  brig  laden  with  salt,  is  to  come  on 
Tuesday  the  18th  instant.  I  believe  she  will  be  acquitted 
by  the  Admiralty  court,  being  claimed  by  an  inhabitant  of 
this  town ;  if  so,  Capt.  Rogers  intends  appealing  to  Con- 
gress, as  it  appears  by  the  register  and  papers  found  on 
board  that  she  was  owned  in  Ireland,  and  bound  to  New- 
York,  which  the  claimants  pretend  was  only  for  a  cover- 
ing. 

"  Capt.  Rogers  has  his  sloop  almost  ready  for  the  sea, 
and  intends  sailing  as  soon  as  the  briganline's  trial  is  over, 
but  informs  me  that  himself  and  crew  are  entitled  to  a 
moiety  of  all  captures.  Upon  my  asking  him  for  his 
articles,  he  told  me  that  his  agreement  was  verbal,  i.  e.  to 
be  upon  the  same  footing  with  armed  vessels  fitted  out  by 
the  Congress,  which  were  originally  one-third  for  the  cap- 
tors ;  but  previous  to  his  taking  these  two  last  prizes,  Con- 
gress had  extended  it  to  one-half.  As  this  is  contrary  to 
the  tenor  of  your  last  letter,  I  shall  cause  the  distribution 
of  the  prize  money  to  be  deferred  until  I  receive  your  fur- 
ther instructions  on  this  head.  Our  State  still  being  un- 
represented in  Congress,  it  was  thought  necessary  I  should 
remain  here  a  few  days  longer  to  transact  some  business 
in  the  marine  department ;  in  that  time  I  shall  get  the 
sales  of  the  prizes,  &c.  completed,  and  set  off  for  Phi- 
ladelphia;  from  thence  transmit  you  ihe  account.  Please 
to  furnish  me  with  your  directions  in  the  disposal  of  the 
nett  proceeds  ;  and  permit  me  again  to  remind  you  of  hav- 
ing our  State  represented  in  Congress  ;  it  has  suffered  by 
the  omission. 

"I  am,  &c. 

"  F.  LEWIS." 


The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  reso- 
lutions moved  for  yesterday  •  and  postponed.  The  same 
being  read,  and  again  read  by  paragraphs,  and  amended, 
were  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  resolutions  be  published  in  the 
newspapers,  and  that  the  commissioners  for  detecting  con- 
spiracies, &c.  at  Fishkill,  be  requested  to  have  500  copies 
printed  in  handbills;  that  they  cause  100  thereof  to  be 
distributed  and  affixed  up  in  the  most  public  places  in  the 
counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  and  send  the  resi- 
due to  this  Convention  ;  that  the  committee  of  correspon- 
dence transmit  a  copy  to  General  Washington  ;  and  that 
copies  be  sent  to  Congress,  Genl.  McDougall  and  General 
Clinton. 

On  reading  the  letter  from  the  Honourable  Francis  Lew- 
is, dated  the  1 2th  of  March,  relative  to  the  prizes  of  the 
sloop  of  war  Montgomery, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agree  to  allow  one-half 
of  the  nett  proceeds  of  the  prizes  of  the  vessel  of  war 
Montgomery,  belonging  to  this  State,  to  the  captors  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Lewis  be  requested  to  cause  the  distribution  of 
the  prize  money  to  be  made  accordingly  :  And 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Lewis  be  requested  to  lay  out  the 
other  moiety  of  the  nett  proceeds  of  those  prizes  in  salt, 
to  be  purchased  at  Philadelphia,  and  advise  this  Conven- 
tion thereof  as  soon  as  he  shall  have  an  opportunity,  and 
have  purchased  such  salt. 


DIE  MARTIS,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

April  1,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo. 
Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  General  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman — 
New-York. 

Mr.  Paris,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Veder — Tryon. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler,  Mr.  Robert  Yates — Jllbany. 

Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Jas.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Jno.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Wm.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  President 
of  Congress,  dated  the  26th  March,  containing  resolutions 
appointing  George  Clinton,  Esquire,  a  brigadier-general, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Sir — The  enclosed  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  Con- 
gress will  inform  you  that  your  favour  of  the  18th  instant 
was  duly  received,  and  laid  before  them.  I  have  the  plea- 
sure to  acquaint  you,  that  Congress,  concurring  in  opinion 
with  you  as  to  the  necessity  of  appointing  a  commandant 
for  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands,  and  highly  approving 
of  the  gentleman  recommended  for  that  purpose  by  your 
body,  immediately  promoted  him  to  the  rank  of  a  brigadier- 
general. 

"  The  enclosed  letter  to  him,  covering  his  commission,  I 
am  to  request  you  will  take  the  trouble  of  delivering. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  sir, 

"  Yr.  mo.  obt.  servt. 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  Honle.  Abm.  Tsn  Broeck,  Esq." 

The  resolution  of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  dated  the 
25th  of  March,  was  also  read  as  follows,  to  wit : 


860 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


"  In  Congress,  March  25<A,  1777. 
"  A  letter  of  the  18th  March,  1777,  from  the  Conven- 
tion of  New-York,  was  read,  recommending  the  propriety 
of  appointing  a  commandant  of  the  forts  in  the  Highlands  : 
Whereupon, 

"  Resolved,  That  a  commandant  be  appointed  with  the 
rank  of  brigadier-general. 

"  The  ballots  being  taken,  George  Clinton,  Esq.  was 
elected. 

"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

Convention  was  informed  that  at  least  one  of  the  com- 
missioners appointed  in  Westchester  county,  to  carry  into 
execution  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention,  passed  on  the 
sixth  day  of  March  last,  with  respect  to  the  effects  of  per- 
sons who  have  gone  over  to  or  joined  the  enemy,  is  much 
indisposed,  and  that  an  additional  commissioner  is  necessa- 
ry in  that  county.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  James  Hunt,  be  and  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed a  commissioner  in  Westchester  county,  together 
with  those  named  in  the  said  resolution,  and  with  the  like 
powers  and  authority  as  the  other  commissioners  therein 
named  ;  and  that  any  two  of  the  said  commissioners  be 
and  are  hereby  empowered  to  act. 

In  pursuance  of  the  order  of  yesterday,  the  Convention 
proceeded  to  the  further  consideration  of  the  second  para- 
graph of  the  form  of  government. 

The  said  2nd  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  words  "  a 
governor  and,"  and  also  the  proviso  to  that  paragraph,  be 
obliterated. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  then  moved,  and  was  second- 
ed by  Mr.  Piatt,  for  the  following  amendment,  making  the 
Governor,  Judges  and  Chancellor,  a  check  upon  every  bill, 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  And  whereas  laws  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of  this 
Constitution,  or  with  the  public  good,  may  be  hastily  and 
unadvisedly  passed, 

"Be  it  Ordained,  That  the  Governor  for  the  time  being, 
the  Chancellor  and  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  or 
any  two  of  them,  together  with  the  Governor,  shall  be,  and 
hereby  are  constitued  a  Council  to  revise  all  bills  about  to 
be  passed  into  laws  by  the  Legislature  ;  and  for  that  pur- 
pose shall  assemble  themselves  from  time  to  lime,  when 
the  Legislature  shall  be  convened  ;  for  which  nevertheless 
they  shall  not  receive  any  salary,  or  consideration,  under 
any  pretence  whatever  ;  and  that  all  bills  which  have  pass- 
ed the  Senate  and  Assembly  shall,  before  they  become 
laws,  be  presented  to  the  said  Council  for  their  revisal  and 
consideration  ;  and  if,  upon  such  revision  and  considera- 
tion, it  should  appear  improper  to  the  said  Council,  or  a 
majority  of  them,  that  the  said  bill  should  become  a  law 
of  this  State,  that  they  return  the  same,  together  with  their 
objections  to  the  same  in  writing,  to  the  Senate,  who  shall 
enter  the  objections  sent  down  by  the  Council  at  large,  in 
their  minutes,  and  proceed  to  reconsider  the  said  bill.  But 
if,  after  such  reconsideration,  two-thirds  of  the  Senators 
present  shall,  notwithstanding  the  said  objections,  agree  to 
pass  the  same,  it  shall,  together  with  the  objections,  be 
sent  down  to  the  General  Assembly,  where  it  shall  also  be 
reconsidered,  and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of  the  members 
present,  shall  be  a  law. 

"  And,  in  order  to  prevent  any  unnecessary  delays, 

"  Be  it  further  Ordained,  That  if  any  bill  shall  not  be 
returned  by  the  Council  to  the  Senate  within  ten  days  after 
it  shall  have  been  presented  to  the  Council,  the  same  shall 
be  a  law,  unless  the  Legislature  shall  by  their  adjournment 
render  a  return  of  the  said  bill  within  ten  clays  impractica- 
ble ;  in  which  case  the  bill  shall  be  returned  to  the  Senate 
on  the  first  day  of  the  meeting  of  the  Legislature  after  the 
expiration  of  the  said  ten  days." 

Debates  arose  on  this  last  proposed  amendment.  After 
some  time  spent  thereon,  on  motion  of  Genl.  Scott,  second- 
ed by  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston, 


Ordered,  That  the  farther  consideration  of  this  second 
paragraph,  and  the  said  two  last  proposed  amendments,  be 
postponed  till  to-morrow. 

The  32nd  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  all  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  Convention  on  the  20th  and  21st  of 
March  last,  on  the  said  32nd  paragraph,  were  also  read. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston  took  his  seat. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  following 
amendment  to  the  32nd  paragraph,  as  amended  on  the  21st 
of  March  last,  viz  : 

That  between  the  words  "  be  "  and  "  construed,"  the 
word  "so"  be  inserted;  that  the  words  "  to  encourage " 
be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "  as  to  excuse  acts  of,"  there 
substituted  ;  and  that  after  the  word  "  licentiousness,"  the 
remainder  of  the  paragraph  be  struck  out,  and  the  fol- 
lowing words  inserted,  viz  :  "  or  justify  practices  incon- 
sistent with  the  peace  or  safety  of  this  State,"  so  that  the 
whole  paragraph  may  read  thus  : 

"  Provided  that  the  liberty  of  conscience  hereby  granted, 
shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  excuse  acts  of  licentious- 
ness, or  justify  practices  inconsistent  with  the  peace  or 
safety  of  this  State." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following  : 

For  the  affirmative. 

New- York,   8       Dutchess,    5 

Ulster,   4      Tryon,  3 

Charlotte,   2      Orange,   3 

Albany,   6  — 

Westchester,   4  35 

Therefore  the  amendment  is  agreed  to. 

The  whole  32nd  paragraph,  as  thus  amended,  was  then 
read  and  agreed  to. 

The  36th  paragraph,  as  in  the  first  draft,  was  then  read. 
All  the  minutes  of  the  Convention,  taken  on  the  21st  and 
26th  of  March,  were  also  read. 

The  paragraph,  as  it  remained  by  the  last  amendment 
on  the  26lh  of  March,  was  then  read  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  it  shall  be  in  the  discretion 
of  the  Legislature  to  naturalize  all  such  persons,  and  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  think  proper  ;  provided  the 
persons  so  to  be  by  them  naturalized  shall  take  an  oath 
of  allegiance  to  this  State,  and  abjure  and  renounce  all 
allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and  every  foreign  king, 
prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  matters  ecclesiastical  as 
well  as  civil." 

The  same  being  read  a  second  time,  Mr.  Morris  moved, 
and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  that  the  said 
36th  paragraph  be  obliterated. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  follow- 
ing amendment,  to  wit :  that  after  the  word  "  provided," 
insert  the  words,  "all  such  of,"  and  after  the  word  "natu- 
ralized," insert  the  following  words  :  "  as  being  born  in 
parts  beyond  sea,  and  out  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica, shall  come  to  settle  in  and  become  subjects  of  this 
State." 

Debates  arose  thereon  ;  and  after  some  time  spent  there- 
in, and  the  question  being  put  by  ayes  and  noes,  the  said 
amendment  was  agreed  to  without  a  negative. 

The  said  paragraph  was  then  read  with  the  said  amend- 
ment, in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain,  de- 
termine and  declare,  that  it  shall  be  in  the  discretion  of  the 
Legislature  to  naturalize  all  such  persons  and  in  such  man- 
ner as  they  shall  think  proper  ;  provided  all  such  of  the 
persons  so  to  be  by  them  naturalized,  as  being  born  in  parts 
beyond  sea,  and  out  of  the  United  States  of  America,  shall 
come  to  settle  in  and  become  subjects  of  this  State,  shall 
take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  and  abjure  and  re- 
nounce all  allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and  every  foreign 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


661 


king,  prince,  potentate  and  state,  in  all  matters  ecclesiasti- 
cal as  well  as  civil." 

The  consideration  of  Mr.  Morris's  motion  for  the  oblite- 
ration of  the  said  36th  paragraph,  was  then  resumed. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  question  was  put 
thereon,  and  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following, 
to  wit  : 


For  the  negative. 

New-York,    8 

Mr.  Dunscomb  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4 

Orange,   3 

Trjon   3 

Charlotte,   2 

20 


For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting. 

Westchester,   4 

Mr.  Mills  dissenting. 

Dutchess,    5 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Plait  dissenting. 

15 

The  said  36th  paragraph  was  then  read  for  approbation, 
and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  af- 
firmative, in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  26th  j  as  amended.  Against  the  36th  §  as  amended 

New-York,   8      Dutchess,   5 

Mr.  Dunscomb  dissenting.  Mr.  Piatt  and  Gil.  Living- 
Ulster,                                4  ston  dissenting 

Orange,    3      Albany,   6 

Colo.  Sherwood  dissenting.  Mr.  Adgate  dissenting. 

Tryon.  3      Westchester,  4 

Charlotte                            2  Mr.  Mills  dissenting. 


20 


15 


Thereupon  the  said  36th  paragraph  was  agreed  to. 

Philip  Livingston,  Esquire,  gave  notice  that  on  Thurs- 
day next  he  will  move  the  Convention  to  reconsider  the  said 
36th  paragraph. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

April  2nd,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Lott, 
Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Major  Van  Zandt— iVeic-  York. 

Maj.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Rea— Ulster. 
Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Sherwood — Orange. 
Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno. 
Schenk — Dutchess. 

Maj.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams—  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  General  McDougall,  dated  at  Peekskill, 
the  22d  of  March,  was  read  and  committed  to  the  commit- 
tee appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the  defence  of 
Westchester  and  Orange  counties. 

Mr.  Plait  informed  Convention  that  Colo.  Anthony  Hoff- 
man, by  reason  of  his  want  of  health,  and  of  his  being  one 
of  the  loan  officers  of  Dutchess  county,  and  that  Mr. 
Ephraim  Paine,  for  other  reasons  by  hirn  assigned,  have 
each  declined  to  act  as  commissioners,  mentioned  in  the 
resolutions  of  this  Convention,  passed  on  the  sixth  day  ot 
March  last,  for  taking  into  their  custody  and  disposing  of 
the  effects  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Isaac  Sheldon  and  Henry  Livingston, 
Junr.  Esquires,  be,  and  hereby  are,  appointed  commission- 
ers in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  for  carrying  the  said  reso- 
lutions into  execution,  with  all  the  powers  and  authority, 
and  under  the  like  regulations  as  the  other  commissioners 
of  the  counties  therein  named. 

Resolved,  That  John  Rowan,  Aaron  Fuller  and  John 
Moorhouse,  Esquires,  be,  and  hereby  are,  appointed  com- 
missioners to  take  into  their  custody,  the  effects  of  such 
persons  in  Charlotte  county  as  are  gone  over  to  the  enemy; 
216 


and  that  the  said  commissioners  be  vested  with  the  like 
powers  and  authority,  and  under  the  like  regulations  as  the 
commissioners  appointed  in  other  counties  in  this  Stale  by 
the  resolutions  of  this  Convention,  made  and  passed  on  the 
6th  and  2 1st  days  of  March  last. 

Judge  Graham,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  petition  of  Thomas  Petlit  as  to  his  wages,  re- 
ported that  they  have  taken  the  same  into  consideration, 
and  are  of  opinion  that  the  said  Thomas  Peltit  should  have 
for  his  services  as  doorkeeper,  the  sum  of  ten  shillings 
per  day,  allowed  him  from  the  first  day  of  February  last. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  James  Livingston  moved,  and  was  se- 
conded by  Capt.  Rutgers,  that  the  word  "  ten"  be  oblite- 
rated, and  the  word  "twelve"  there  inserted  ;  the  question 
being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Pettit  be  allowed  for  his  servi- 
ces as  doorkeeper,  the  sum  of  twelve  shillings  per  day 
from  the  first  day  of  February  last. 

Judge  Graham,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  re- 
ferred the  petition  of  Leonard  Smith,  Junr.  reported  that 
they  have  taken  the  same  into  consideration,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  from  the  nature  of  the  service  in  which  the  pe- 
titioner's vessel  was  employed,  and  from  the  certificate  of 
Wm.  Dobbs  attending,  the  same  vessel  of  the  petitioner 
was  employed  in  the  Continental  service  as  is  therein  certi- 
fied ;  that  therefore  Mr.  Leonard  Smith,  Junr.  be  advised 
to  apply  to  the  Quarter-Master-General  of  the  Continental 
army  or  to  some  of  his  assistants. 

Resolved,  That  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  their  said  report. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  the  Congress  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"Gent. — While  the  difficulties  with  which  we  contended 
were  such  as  any  efforts  of  ours  could  remove,  we  forebore 
to  call  your  attention  from  the  weighty  concerns  of  Ame- 
rica, to  the  distresses  of  a  single  State  ;  yet,  when  in  the 
common  cause,  and  not  by  our  own  carelessness  or  negli- 
gence we  are  borne  down  by  misfortunes,  we  are,  in  some 
measure  entitled  to  that  care  which  you  are  ready  to  extend 
to  every  part  of  the  Continent  vou  represent. 

"When  our  trade  was  first  interrupted,  almost  every 
article  in  this  State,  necessary  for  the  troops,  was  pur- 
chased up  on  account  of  the  Continent,  owing  to  the  vici- 
nity of  the  army  and  the  cheaper  rate  at  which  goods  were 
bought  in  this  State  than  in  any  other.  Though  by  this  a 
most  distressing  scarcity  was  occasioned,  yet  we  bore  up 
against  it,  by  encouraging  the  importation  of  commodities 
from  other  States,  and  submitted,  without  repining,  to  the 
extravagant  imposition  to  which  this  subjected  us.  The 
article  of  salt  could  not  then  be  procured  from  abroad,  and 
little  remained  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  after  the 
demands  of  the  army  were  satisfied.  By  a  prudent  and 
equal  distribution  of  what  was  left,  we  endeavoured  to 
lengthen  out  our  store  ;  but  of  this  resource  we  are  at  last 
deprived ;  the  scarcity  of  salt  has  arisen  to  a  most  alarm- 
ing height ;  a  great  majority  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  being  without  any,  and  the  most  provident  having 
but  little  more  than  will  supply  their  present  necessities. 
Excluded  from  the  sea,  our  expectations,  either  from  trade 
or  the  works  that  we  erected  at  great  expense,  are  entirely 
frustrated  ;  and  we  are  sorry  to  add,  that  the  little  com- 
merce we  carried  on  through  some  neighbouring  ports  is 
cut  off  by  the  operation  of  laws,  against  which  we  are  too 
much  interested  to  be  competent  judges  either  of  their  po- 
licy or  justice.  In  this  situation,  gentlemen,  to  whom  can 
we  apply  but  to  the  great  Council  of  America  ?  who,  if 
we  are  rightly  informed,  have  the  means,  as  we  are  per- 
suaded that  they  have  the  inclination,  to  relieve  us. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves,  therefore,  that  you  will  order 
so  much  salt  to  be  delivered  to  our  Delegates  as  can  be 
spared  from  your  stores,  without  injuring  the  public,  at 
such  price  as  you  may  deem  reasonable. 

u  We  do  not  mention  the  distress  occasioned  by  a  total 
want  of  this  necessary  article,  or  the  injury  that  the  pub- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


862 

lie  cause  sustains  by  the  clamours  of  the  importunate, 
since  we  conceive  it  unnecessary  to  enforce  by  arguments 
a  request  which  nothing  but  its  being  inconsistent  with  the 
general  welfare  can  induce  you  to  refuse,  in  which  case, 
we  shall  patiently  acquiesce  in  such  refusal. 

"  We  are,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  April  2d,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo. 
Stoutenburgh,  Maj.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queen*. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Maj.  Parks— 
Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Robt.  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke- 
Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Colo.  Van 
Cortlandt —  W estchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingslon,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston, 
Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  John  Schenk,  Colo.  Humphrey — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  a  permanent  de- 
fence for  the  southern  parts  of  this  State,  delivered  in  their 
report,  which  was  read  and  postponed  till  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

Cornelius  Johnson,  Junr.  one  of  the  coroners  of  the 
Stale  of  New- York,  for  the  county  of  Ulster,  returned  to 
Convention  an  inquest,  taken  by  and  before  him,  upon  the 
view  of  the  body  of  Benjamin  J.  Low,  then  and  there  ly- 
ing dead,  by  the  oaths  and  under  the  seals  of  Nicholas 
Vandline  and  twelve  other  good  and  lawful  men  of  the 
county  of  Ulster;  whereby  it  is  found  that  the  said  Ben- 
jamin J.  Low  came  to  his  death  by  the  casual  discharge  of 
a  gun  of  Coenraedt  Elmendorph,  loaded  with  shot,  and 
then  in  the  hands  of  Coenraedt  Edmondus  Elmendorph,  an 
infant ;  and  it  is  thereby  found  that  the  said  gun  is  of  the 
value  of  forty  shillings.  The  said  coroner  requested  the 
further  direction  of  the  Convention  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  coroner  of  Ulster  county  take  a 
bond  of  some  reputable  inhabitant  of  Ulster  county,  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  in  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds, 
conditioned  for  the  appearance  of  the  said  Coenraedt  Ed- 
mondus Elmendorph  at  the  next  court  of  oyer  and  termi- 
ner and  general  jail  delivery  to  be  held  in  and  for  the 
county  of  Ulster,  and  that  he  shall  not  depart  thence  with- 
out leave  of  the  said  court. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  form 
of  government. 

The  second  paragraph  as  it  stands  amended  in  the  origi- 
nal draft,  was  read. 

The  minutes  of  Convention  of  yesterday  evening,  con- 
taining the  amendment  moved  for  by  Mr.  Jay,  and  the 
amendment  moved  for  by  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  were  re- 
spectively read. 

Debates  arose  on  the  second  proposed  amendment. 
After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  said  second  proposed 
amendment  was  again  read,  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, viz  : 

For  the  amendment.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   6      Ulster,   4 

Albany   6         Major  Tappen  dissenting. 

New-York,   8 

Westchester,   4 

Orange,   3 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   3=31 


The  question  being  then  put  on  Mr.  Jay's  proposed 
amendment,  it  was  determined  in  the  affirmative  unani- 
mously. 

Colo.  De  Wilt  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Jay, 
that  the  Governor,  Judges  and  Chancellor  shall  not  be  en- 
titled to  any  salary  or  pay  for  the  business  assigned  them 
as  a  Council  by  this  constitution. 

Mr.  Livingston's  proposed  amendment  was  then  amend- 
ed according  to  Colo.  De  Witt's  proposed  amendment,  and 
again  read  and  agreed  to. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

April  3d,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President.  \ 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 

Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk, 
Colo.  Humphrey,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston — Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt — 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Maj.  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine— 

Ulster. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr. 
Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens  —  Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Michael  Jackson,  chairman  pro  tempore, 
dated  Goshen,  April  1st,  enclosing  an  affidavit  of  John 
Moore,  relative  to  a  certain  plot  or  conspiracy  intended,  un- 
der the  command  of  Joseph  Barton,  was  read,  as  follows, 
viz : 

"  Gentlemen — This  day  being  the  anniversary  for 
choosing  town  officers,  a  very  considerable  number  of 
members,  both  of  county  and  precinct  committee,  were 
assembled  at  the  house  of  Colo.  NicolPs,  at  Goshen,  when 
we  had  presented  to  us  the  enclosed  deposition,  which  we 
thought  proper  to  transmit  to  you.  We  have  duly  inquired 
into  the  character  of  the  deponent,  and  think  him  a  person 
worthy  of  credit ;  and  as  we  look  upon  ourselves  as  mate- 
rially concerned,  we  beg  your  further  advice  on  the  pro- 
priety of  sending  out  one-third  part  of  our  militia,  as  agreed 
upon  by  a  meeting  of  General  Clinton  and  the  field  officers 
of  the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  pursuant  to  a  resolve 
of  your  Honourable  Body. 

(Signed,)  "  MICHAEL  JACKSON, 

Chairman  pro  tempore." 

The  said  affidavit  enclosed  in  the  foregoing  letter,  was 
then  read,  and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  The  evidence  of  John  Moore,  taken  before  the  com- 
mittee of  the  precinct  of  Marmacating,  this  31st  day  of 
March,  1 777  : 

"  '  That  on  Wednesday  last,  at  Major  Decker's,  Samuel 
Haring  came  to  him  to  persuade  him  to  join  in  a  certain 
plot  that  they  intended  to  put  in  execution  next  Wednes- 
day against  the  whigs  ;  upon  which  Moore  replied  that  he 
did  not  choose  to  act  against  them,  for  he  lived  amongst 
them  and  they  used  him  well.  And  Moore  asked  him  how 
they  intended  to  proceed  ?  Upon  which  Haring  replied, 
that  Joseph  Barton  was  to  meet  them  with  3,000  men  at 
Sussex  court  house,  and  the  design  is,  that  the  men  of  war 
were  to  sail  up  the  North  river,  upon  which  they  expected 
that  the  militia  would  be  called  to  guard  along  the  North 
river,  and  that  they  were  to  divide  themselves  into  two 
parties,  the  one  to  come  along  this  way,  and  the  other  some 
other  way,  and  they  expected  a  party  from  the  northward 
across  the  lakes,  to  be  joined  by  the  Indians,  and  so  all  at 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


863 


once  fall  upon  the  country  and  cut  off  and  destroy  what 
they  can.  And  further  the  deponent  sailh,  that  Haring  told 
him  that  there  were  recruiting  officers  out  raising  all  the 
men  they  could,  and  for  encouragement,  every  man  that 
joins  is  to  have  100  acres  of  land  ;  and  that  he,  the  said 
Haring,  was  to  have  the  command  of  a  captain  ;  and  that 
he  had  raised  28  men,  Briant  Hammon  had  39  men,  and 
Francis  McGee  had  32  men  ;  McGee's  men  all  sworn. 
Said  Haring  likewise  said,  that  his  brother-in-law,  Jacobus 
Brink,  was  one  of  his  principal  men,  and  James  McCor- 
mick  was  one  of  his  sergeants ;  that  they  were  all  to  go 
over  the  mountain  to  Sussex  court  house  to  join  Joseph 
Barton.  Said  Haring  likewise  told  Moore  that  if  he  did 
not  join  them  they  would  certainly  shoot  him. 
"  '  Attested  before  me, 

"  '  BEiNJAMIN  DEPUY,  Chairman.'  " 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  of  Goshen  precinct,  together  with  a  copy 
of  the  deposition  of  John  Moore,  be  sent  to  Brigr.  Genl. 
George  Clinton,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  cause  the  per- 
sons therein  named  to  be  immediately  apprehended. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  consideration 
of  ways  and  means  for  filling  up  the  Continental  regiments 
raising  in  this  State,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  ;  the  same  was  read  a  second  lime,  and  then  read  by 
paragraphs.  On  reading  the  first  paragraph,  Mr.  Cantine 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  words  "  for  three  years, 
or  during  the  war,"  be  inserted  after  the  word  "  enlist"  in 
the  first  part  of  the  paragraph  ;  the  same  was  unanimously 
agreed  to. 

Mr.  Tredwell  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "  from  all  militia  duty  of  what  kind  soever,  and"  be 
obliterated. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was 

carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Charlotte,   2      Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4         Orange  divided. 

New-York,   8 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4 

23 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  words  be  obliterated. 

After  much  time  spent  therein,  and  several  of  the  reso- 
lutions thereof  amended  and  agreed  to,  the  3rd  resolution 
was  recommitted,  and  ihe  further  consideration  thereof  post- 
poned till  the  afternoon. 

Thursday,  4  o'clock  P.  M.  April  3,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  JBroeck,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Phil.  Liv- 
ingston, Mr.  John  Jay,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Har- 
per, Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Cantine,  Col.  De  Witt — 
Ulster. 

Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Robt.  Yates— Albany. 

Colo.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas  Livingston, 
Mr.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Allison,  Col.  Sherman,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wis- 
ner — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith-Si/jfo/fc. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  P.  Gansevoort,  dated  at  Albany  on 
the  31st  of  March,  and  assigning  the  dispersion  of  his  offi- 
cers on  the  recruiting  service,  as  the  cause  of  his  being  un- 
able to  make  returns  of  his  regiment,  but  that  he  hopes  to 
be  enabled  to  make  return  soon. 


Ordered,  That  it  be  put  on  the  military  file. 

A  certified  copy  of  the  deposition  of  Henry  G.  Living- 
ston, taken  on  the  15th  of  February  last,  before  the  com- 
mittee for  detecting  conspiracies  at  Fishkill,  and  transmit- 
ted to  Convention  by  the  present  commissioners,  was 
received  and  read. 

An  extract  of  the  minutes  of  the  late  commiltee  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,  &c.  containing  the  examination  of 
Henry  G.  Livingston,  was  also  read,  and  filed. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  further  consideration  of  the 
report  of  the  committee  on  the  means  of  filling  up  the  Con- 
tinental regiments. 

The  commiltee  reported  a  resolution  in  the  stead  of  the 
third  resolution,  which  was  read,  amended,  and  agreed  to. 

The  fourth  resolution  was  again  read,  and  agreed  to. 

The  fifth  resolution  was  then  again  read,  amended,  and 
agreed  to. 

The  sixth  resolution  was  then  read  ;  the  same  being  again 
read,  debates  arose  thereon  ;  after  much  time  spent  therein, 
and  the  question  proposed  to  be  put  thereon,  Mr.  Jay  mov- 
ed, and  was  seconded  by  Colo.  Allison,  for  the  previous 
question,  whether  the  question  on  the  paragraph  shall  now 
be  put. 

The  question  on  Mr.  Jay's  motion  being  put,  it  was  car- 
ried in  the  affirmative  by  a  great  majority. 

The  said  report,  as  amended  and  agreed  to,  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz : 

"  Whereas  it  is  the  duty  of  every  State  to  contribute 
as  far  as  leis  in  their  power,  to  complete  their  respective 
regiments,  as  well  in  order  to  relieve  the  militia  from  fre- 
quent and  burthensome  drafts,  as  (with  the  favor  of  Heaven) 
to  ensure  success  to  the  great  and  glorious  cause  in  which 
we  are  engaged  :  Therefore, 

"1st.  Resolved,  That  any  person  within  this  State,  who 
shall,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  June  next,  procure  at  his 
own  expense,  an  able  bodied  man  to  enlist  for  three  years, 
or  during  the  war,  in  either  of  the  five  Continental  regi- 
ments raising  under  the  direction  of  this  Convention  within 
this  State,  and  now  commanded  by  the  Colonels  Van  Schaick, 
Van  Cortlandt,  Gansevoort,  Dubois  and  Henry  B.  Living- 
ston, and  shall  deliver  such  soldier  to  any  commissioned 
officer  of  either  of  the  said  regiments,  he  shall,  on  produc- 
ing a  certificate  of  such  delivery,  signed  by  the  said  officer, 
to  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment  of  militia  to 
which  the  person  so  procuring  such  soldier  shall  belong, 
be  exempted  from  all  drafts  from  the  militia  for  the  term  of 
time  for  which  the  person  so  enlisted  shall  engage. 

"2d.  Resolved,  That  every  soldier  so  enlisted  and  de- 
livered, exclusive  of  what  he  shall  receive  from  the  person 
by  whom  he  was  engaged,  shall  be  entitled  to  the  same 
bounty  and  other  privileges  as  are  allowed  to  soldiers  in 
the  Continental  army. 

"3d.  Resolved,  That  every  certificate  of  the  delivery  of 
any  soldier  shall  contain  the  name  of  the  person  delivered, 
together  with  the  time  of  the  delivery,  and  shall  be  signed 
by  the  officer  to  whom  the  same  shall  have  been  delivered 
in  the  presence  of  a  justice  of  the  peace,  or  a  chairman  of 
the  county  or  district  commiltee,  by  whom  the  usual  oath 
shall  be  administered  to  such  soldier ;  which  justice  or 
chairman  shall  countersign  the  said  certificate,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  two  credible  witnesses  ;  and  in  case  he  shall 
suspect  any  fraud  or  collusion  between  such  officer  and  the 
person  demanding  a  certificate,  he  is  hereby  authorized  and 
empowered  to  examine  the  said  person  and  the  officer,  or 
either  of  them,  upon  oath  touching  the  said  fraud  or  collu- 
sion, and  if  they  shall  appear  to  have  been  guilty  thereof, 
he  may  and  is  hereby  directed  to  commit  the  criminal  to 
prison,  in  order  to  his  being  tried  for  such  fraud  or  collu- 
sion ;  and  in  case  the  said  persons,  or  either  of  them,  shall 
be  found  guilty  thereof,  he  or  they  shall  be  punished  by 
fine  and  imprisonment,  at  the  discretion  of  the  court  by 
whom  the  offence  shall  be  tried. 

"4lh.  Resolved,  That  all  such  certificates  as  are  above 
mentioned  shall  be  filed  with  the  commanding  officer  of 


8G4 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  regiment,  lo  which  the  person  producing  the  same  shall 
belong,  before  he  can  derive  any  benefit  thereby. 

"  5th.  Resolved,  That  any  person  counterfeiting  or  frau- 
dulently procuring  such  certificate,  without  having  actually 
procured  and  delivered  a  soldier  in  manner  aforesaid  ;  and 
every  officer  signing  such  fraudulent  certificate  shall,  on 
conviction,  be  subject  to  the  pains  and  penalties  heretofore 
by  law  inflicted  on  persons  found  guilty  of  forgery." 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider 
and  report  proper  resolutions  for  putting  persons  now  ex- 
empt from  militia  duties  on  a  more  equal  fooling  with  such 
of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  as  are  liable  to  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Air.  Jay,  Mr.  James  Livingston  and 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  be  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  of  the  2nd  in- 
stant, informing  that  they  have  apprehended  Mnjor  Ed- 
mondston,  pursuant  to  order  of  Convention,  and  that  they 
have  sent  him  down  to  this  place  ;  also  on  the  subject  of 
boards  monopolized  by  designing  men,  and  which  are 
wanted  by  Mr.  Hughes,  assistant  quarter-master-general, 
was  read. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  take  the  said  letter  into 
consideration,  and  thereupon  resolved. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention 
by  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  that 
divers  evil  minded  and  disaffected  persons  in  the  said 
county  have  monopolized  and  engrossed  large  quantities  of 
boards  ;  and  having  thereby  occasioned  an  artificial  scar- 
city of  that  article,  refuse  lo  sell  the  same,  unless  for  ex- 
orbitant prices  :  And  whereas  a  considerable  quantity  of 
boards  are  necessary  for  the  use  of  the  army  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee,  or  their  sub-com- 
mittee, be  and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  required  to 
take  from  the  said  monopolizers  and  deliver  to  the  quarter- 
master-general, or  his  deputy,  such  of  the  said  boards  so 
engrossed  as  may  be  required  for  the  use  of  the  army,  pay- 
ing the  proprietor  the  current  market  price  for  the  same. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

April  4,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Gent.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt — New-York. 

Maj.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Contine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo. 
Sherwood — Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler — Al- 
bany. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major 
Lockwood  —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Colo.  Humphrey,  Capl.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston— 
Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 
The  House  being  informed  that  many  of  the  militia  who 
have  been  called  into  service  heretofore,  remain  unpaid, 
through  neglect  of  a  proper  application  of  their  officers. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  be  and  is  hereby 
appointed  paymaster  for  the  purpose  of  paying  off  the  pay 
rolls,  &c.  of  such  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutch- 
ess, Ulster,  Westchester  and  Orange,  as  have  been  hereto- 
fore called  and  employed  in  actual  service  of  this  Stale  ; 
that  the  said  Comfort  Sands  be  authorized  to  pay  off  all 
such  of  the  said  pay  rolls,  and  other  accounts  of  the  said 
militia,  as  to  him  shall  appear  just  and  reasonable  ;  and  for 
this  purpose,  that  he  do  immediately  advertise  the  militia 
officers  of  the  time  and  place  that  he  will  attend  to  exe- 
cute this  order  in  the  said  counties  respectively.  And 


Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  said  Comfort  Sands  a  sum  not  exceeding  £'10,000  for 
the  above  purpose,  and  take  his  receipt. 

The  President  informed  the  House  that  his  presence  is 
necessarily  required  at  home,  and  therefore  requests  leave 
of  absence,  and  that  he  will  return  as  soon  as  possible. 

Leave  is  given  accordingly. 

Peter  Van  Schaick,  Esquire,  attending,  pursuant  to  an 
order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  the  House  came  to  the 
following  determination. 

Whereas  many  important  affairs,  highly  interesting  to 
the  public,  so  engross  the  attention  of  this  House,  as  not 
to  admit  of  their  proceeding  to  a  consideration  of  the  me- 
morial of  Peter  Van  Schaick,  Esq.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Peter  Van  Schaick  return  to  his 
usual  place  of  abode,  on  his  parol,  to  remain  there  till  the 
further  order  of  this  House,  or  future  executive  power  of 
this  State  ;  and  in  the  mean  time  neither  directly  or  indi- 
rectly to  do  or  say  any  thing  to  the  prejudice  of  the  Ame- 
rican cause. 

Friday  Afternoon,  April  4,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl.  Scott— 

New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Parks,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Rea— 

Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Livingston — 

Albany. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills—  West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Tryon. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  AIL 
son  —  Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Colo.  Hum- 
phrey, Capt.  J  no.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Swartwout,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Lienpark,  dated  April  3rd,  enclosing  a  letter  from 
Nichs.  Concklin,  Bazalel  Tyler,  Bazalel  Tyler,  Junr.  and 
John  Lassly,  dated  at  Casheghton,  March  28th,  relative  to 
a  number  of  disaffected  persons  there,  as  also  the  evidence 
of  Thomas  Reeves  relative  thereto,  were  respectively  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
until  to-morrow  morning. 

Mr.  Jay,  from  the  committee  appointed  last  evening  to 
consider  and  report  proper  resolutions  for  putting  persons 
now  exempt  from  militia  duty,  on  a  more  equal  footing, 
&c.  delivered  the  report  of  the  said  committee,  which  he 
read  in  his  place.  The  same  was  again  read  and  taken 
into  consideration. 

After  some  lime  spent  therein,  a  motion  was  made,  and 
seconded,  for  allowing  a  bounty  to  the  militia,  now  to  be 
drafted,  to  serve  under  General  George  Clinton. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

The  question  was  then  put  whether  the  Convention  will 
now  give  any  bounty  to  any  men  of  the  militia  for  any 
time. 

The  same  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  follow- 
ing, viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Orange,   3      Dutchess,   5 

Ulster   4         Mr.  Jas.  Livingston  and 

Westchester,   4  Col.  Humphrey,  dis- 

Judge  Graham  dissenting.  senting. 

—      New-York,   8 

11       Albany,   6 

Charlotte   2 

21 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


863 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  acquaint  the  field  officers  of  Kingston  of  the 
determination  of  Convention,  with  their  reasons  for  the 
same. 

Ordered,  That  ihe  report  of  the  resolutions  for  putting 
persons  now  exempt  from  militia  duly,  on  a  more  equal 
fooling,  &c.  be  recommitted. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  a  resolution,  in 
the  words  following,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President,  or 
Vice-President  for  the  lime  being,  to  cause  the  resolution 
heretofore  made  against  members  absenting  themselves 
wilhout  leave  of  this  House,  to  be  executed,  by  sending 
expresses  to  them  at  their  own  expense. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 

was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,    6  New-York,    8 

Ulster,  4  Westchester,   4 

Orange  3  Charlotte,   2 

Dutchess,  5 


14 


18 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Wisner,  seconded  by  Mr.  Schenk, 
Ordered,  That  every  member  absent  without  leave  of 
this  Convention,  who  has  departed  within  three  weeks,  be 
sent  for  by  express,  at  his  own  expense,  agreeable  to  a 
former  resolution  for  that  purpose. 

Colo.  Humphrey  has  leave  of  absence  to  go  home  to 
discharge  the  pay  due  to  his  late  regiment,  who  were 
out  in  the  general  Continental  service  in  Westchester 
county. 

SATURDAY  MORNING, 

April  5th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Roosevelt,  Colonel  Sloutenburg,  Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Van  Zandt— 
New-York- 

Major  Laurence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Parks— 
Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Colo.  Allison- 
Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt— 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  TredweU— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jas. 
Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Webster  -  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  proceedings  of  the  committee  of  Cortlandt's  manor, 
relative  lo  one  William  Wallace,  of  Selem,  a  disaffected 
person,  together  with  a  mittimus  of  the  said  committee  for 
conveying  him  to  this  place,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Wallace  be  confined  in  the  jail 
at  Kingston,  until  further  orders. 

The  House  being  informed  that  a  brigantine  (belonging 
to  some  persons  now  in  New-York,)  which  hath  been  laid 
up  in  Esopus  creek  during  the  winter,  is  now  hauled  out, 
as  is  suspected,  with  design  to  go  to  the  port  of  New- 
York. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Robert  Castel  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by directed  to  take  into  his  possession  the  brigantine  com- 
manded by  Charles  Sprainger,  now  lying  in  Hudson  river, 
and  cause  her  with  her  tackle  and  apparel  to  be  laid  up  in 
safety  in  Esopus  creek  until  further  order. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  dated  April  the  1st, 
enclosing  the  parols  taken  from  Hugh  Wallace  and  others 
who  were  sent  prisoners  to  Connecticut,  and  were  by  him 
permitted  to  go  to  New-York ;  as  also,  a  list  of  several 
other  persons  in  the  same  predicament,  were  read  and  com- 
217 


mitted  to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Gilbert 

Livingston. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  one  of  the  board  of  commis- 
sioners for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  attending,  informed 
the  House  of  the  state  of  their  business  ;  that  said  board 
stand  in  need  of  a  further  sum  to  defray  the  expenses  at- 
tending the  same,  and  suggested  the  proprieiy  of  raising  a 
company  of  rangers  to  execute  the  orders  of  the  said  board, 
and  to  guard  the  prisoners.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  £1,000,  for  the  use 
of  the  board  of  commissioners  for  delecting  and  defeating 
all  conspiracies,  &c.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Piatt  confer  with  Mr.  Benson 
on  the  subject  of  raising  a  company  of  rangers,  and  report 
to  the  House. 

Mr.  R.  Livingston  having  produced  to  the  House  a  let- 
ter from  Mr.  John  Wheelock,  offering  to  raise  a  number 
of  men,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  this  State,  moved  the  fol- 
lowing resolutions,  and  was  seconded.  The  same  being 
read,  are  in  the  words  following  : 

"  Whereas  Mr.  John  Wheelock,  of  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire,  has  represented  to  this  Convention  the  possi- 
bility of  engaging  a  number  of  troops  to  enlist  in  the 
service  of  this  State,  and  to  be  joined  to  either  of  the 
Continental  battalions  raising  under  the  direction  of  this 
Convention,  or  to  be  employed  in  such  other  manner  as 
the  Convention  or  Legislature  of  this  State  may  direct. 

Resolved,  That  a  commission  be  made  out  for  Mr. 
John  Wheelock,  as  a  major  in  the  service  of  this  State ; 
and  that  he  be  requested  to  nominate  to  this  Convention 
the  officers  for  three  companies  to  be  raised  under  his  com- 
mand; and  that  he  transmit  their  names  to  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Wheelock  be  requested 
immediately  to  proceed  to  raise  three  companies  of  men, 
to  serve  during  the  war,  under  the  direction  of  this  State, 
each  company  to  consist  of  the  same  number  of  men  and 
officers  as  a  Continental  company,  and  to  receive  the  like 
bounty,  clothing,  pay  and  rations  as  is  given  to  the  Conti- 
nental troops. 

Resolved,  That  the  troops  so  to  be  raised  be  ordered  to 
rendezvous  at  Fishkill,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  and  be 
marched  to  that  place  by  companies,  or  parts  of  companies, 
in  order  to  their  being  paid  and  clothed. 

Resolved,  That  every  soldier  who  shall  furnish  himself 
with  arms  and  a  blanket,  shall  be  allowed  a  reasonable 
sum  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  two  thousand  dollars  be  advanced  to 
Mr.  John  Wheelock,  in  order  to  enable  him  to  carry  the 
above  resolutions  into  execution,  and  that  the  same  be 
transmitted  to  him  by  the  hands  of 

On  motion  the  same  is  postponed  till  Monday  next. 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Van  Wagenen,  of  Rochester,  da- 
ted the  4lh  instant,  complaining  of  the  officer  of  that  dis- 
trict, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Can- 
tine,  and  that  he  inform  Mr.  Van  Wagenen  that  the  officers 
are  to  be  governed  by  the  militia  law;  that  if  they  tres- 
pass those  laws,  he  will  have  redress,  and  the  officer  so 
offending  will  be  cashiered  or  punished. 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Depuy,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Mamacotling,  dated  the  3rd  of  March,  1777, 
relative  to  disaffected  persons,  containing  a  letter  from  Ni- 
cholas Concklin  and  three  other  persons,  and  the  affidavits 
of  John  Moore  and  Thomas  Reeves  on  that  subject,  were 
read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  the  members  of 
Ulster  county. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  April  5,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl-  Scott,  Mr.Har 


866 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


per,  Mr.  Duane,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Col.  Lolt,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Sloutenburgh — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills—  Westches- 
ter. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Col.  Allison,  Col.  Sherwood— Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks— 

Ulster. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Schenk, 
Col.  Humphrey,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esq.  Auditor-General  of 
accounts,  requesting  the  sense  of  Convention  whether  the 
militia  called  out  into  service  are  to  be  allowed  the  Conti- 
nental pay,  as  formerly  established  by  Congress,  or  the 
last  pay  allowed  to  the  Continental  troops  raising  for  the 
present  campaign,  was  read. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration  and  debated  for 
some  time, 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  accounts  of 
this  State  be  directed  to  adjust  the  accounts  of  pay  and  ra- 
tions of  such  militia  of  this  State  as  have  been  called  into 
actual  service  since  the  first  day  of  December  last,  agree- 
ably to  the  new  regulation  of  pay  and  rations,  made  by  the 
Honourable  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
form  of  a  constitution  and  government. 

The  3rd  and  4th  paragraphs  were  then  respectively 
read,  and  by  order  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  5lh  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved  that  the  following  be  substituted  in- 
stead of  the  said  fifth  paragraph,  viz  : 

"And  whereas  it  hath  been  a  prevailing  opinion  among 
the  good  people  of  this  State,  that  the  mode  of  election 
by  ballot  would  tend  more  to  preserve  the  liberty  and 
equal  freedom  of  the  people  than  the  manner  of  voting 
viva  voce,  and  it  is  expedient  that  a  fair  experiment  be 
made  as  to  which  of  those  methods  of  voting  is  to  be  pre- 
ferred : 

"  Be  it  Ordained,  That  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the 
expiration  of  the  present  war  between  the  United  States  of 
America  and  Great  Britain,  an  act  or  acts  be  passed  by 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  for  causing  all  elections  there- 
after to  be  held  in  this  State,  for  Senators  and  Represen- 
tatives in  Assembly,  to  be  by  ballot,  and  directing  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  same  shall  be  conducted.  And, 

"  Be  it  further  Ordained,  That,  whenever  thereafter 
the  mode  of  voting  by  ballot  shall,  on  experience,  appear 
to  be  attended  with  more  mischiefs,  and  less  conducive  to 
the  safety  or  interest  of  this  State,  than  the  method  of 
voting  viva  voce,  it  shall  be  lawful  and  constitutional  for 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  to  abolish  the  same  ;  provid- 
ed two-thirds  of  the  members  present  in  both  Houses  shall 
concur  therein  :  and  further,  that  in  the  mean  time  all  elec- 
tions for  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Assembly  be 
made  viva  voce,  according  to  the  laws  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York  for  regulating  elections,  so  far  as  the  same  may 
be  consistent  with  this  Constitution,  or  according  to  such 
laws  as,  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  may  for  that  pur- 
pose be  enacted. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  that  the  word  "  Senators"  through  the  whole 
proposed  amendment,  be  obliterated. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following  : 

For  the  negative. 

Ulster   4       Westchester,   4 

Dutchess,   0      Tryon,   3 

Albany,   6  — 

New-York,   8  33 

Orange,    3 


The  first  paragraph  of  Mr.  Jay's  proposed  amendment 
was  then  read,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affimative,  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4    Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Albany,   6  6 

New-York,  8    Capt.  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Dunscomb 

dissenting. 

Dutchess,   5 

Orange,   3    Colo.  Sherwood  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4  8 

Tryon,   3—33 

The  next  paragraph  being  read,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  proviso  thereto  be 
obliterated  ;  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was  car- 
ried in  the  negative,  as  follows,  viz  : 

For  the  negative. 

New-York,    8   Mr.  Rutgers  dissenting. 

Albany,   6 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4    Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4 

Orange,   3    Col.  Sherwood  dissenting. 

Tryon,   3 

33 

The  second  paragraph  being  then  again  read,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive, in  manner  following,  viz  : 

Affirmative. 

Albany,    6       Orange,   3 

Ulster,   4      Tryon,  3 

Dutchess,   5   

New-York,   8  33 

Westchester,   4 

The  last  paragraph  of  Mr.  Jay's  amendment  was  then 
read  and  agreed  to  without  dissent.  And, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  take  the  draft  of  his  proposed 
amendment,  and  correct  the  same  in  point  of  style  and 
expression. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  6,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane,  Major  Stonten- 
burgh.  Genl.  Scott,  Capt.  Rutgers— New- York 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Ren— Ulster 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates— 

Albany. 

Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living. 

ston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon 

Mr  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison,  Cot.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Jos. 
H.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake,  Mr. 
Mills —  Westchester. 

Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

According  to  the  order  of  yesterday  evening,  Mr.  Jay 
produced  a  new  paragraph  containing  ihe  substance  of  and 
to  be  substituted  in  the  stead  of  the  amendment  to  the  5th 
paragraph.  The  same  being  read,  and  the  question  put 
whether  it  be  the  same  in  substance,  it  was  agreed  unani- 
mously that  it  is  the  same  in  substance,  with  the  amend- 
ment agreed  to  last  night. 

The  said  fifth  paragraph  being  then  read,  and  the  said 
proposed  amendment  brought  in  this  morning  being  also 
rend,  and  the  question  being  put,  whether  the  said  amend- 
ment be  substituted  in  the  place  of  the  said  5th  paragraph, 
it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  Mr.  Morris  from  West 
chester  dissenting. 

The  question  being  then  put  upon  the  5th  paragraph  as 
amended,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  (Mr.  Morris  dissent- 
ing to  Westchester,)  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


867 


"  And  whereas  an  opinion  halh  long  prevailed  among 
divers  of  the  good  people  of  this  Slate,  lhai  voting  at  elec- 
tions by  ballot,  would  tend  more  to  preseve  the  liberty  and 
equal  freedom  of  the  people  than  voting  viva  voce  :  To  the 
end  therefore  that  a  fair  experiment  be  made,  which  of 
those  two  methods  of  voting  is  to  be  preferred, 

"  Be  it  Ordained,  That  as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  ter- 
mination of  the  present  war  between  the  United  Stales  of 
America  and  Great  Britain,  an  act  or  acts  be  passed  by  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  for  causing  all  elections  thereaf- 
ter to  be  held  in  this  State  for  Senators  and  representa- 
tives in  Assembly,  to  be  by  ballot,  and  directing  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  same  shall  be  conducted. 

"  And  whereas  it  is  possible  that  after  all  the  care  of 
the  Legislature  in  framing  the  said  act  or  acts,  certain  in- 
conveniences and  mischiets  unforeseen  at  this  day,  may  be 
found  to  attend  the  same. 

It  is  Jurther  ordained,  That  if  after  a  full  and  fair  ex- 
periment shall  be  made  of  voting  by  ballot  aforesaid,  the 
same  shall  be  found  less  conducive  to  the  safely  or  interest 
of  the  Stale,  than  the  method  of  voting  viva  voce  ;  it  shall 
be  lawful  and  constitutional  for  the  Legislature  to  abolish 
the  same,  provided  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  in 
each  House  respectively,  shall  concur  therein  ;  and  lur- 
ther,  thai  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war  afore- 
said, and  until  me  Legislature  of  this  Slate  shall  provide 
for  the  election  of  Senators  and  Representatives  in  As- 
sembly by  ballot,  the  said  elections  shall  be  made  viva  voce." 

The  sixth  paragraph  was  then  read  ;  the  minutes  of  Con- 
vention on  the  former  reading  of  this  paragraph,  on  the 
14th  and  20th  days  of  March  last,  were  also  read. 

The  said  6ih  paragraph  being  again  read,  Mr.  Jay 
moved  and  was  seconded,  that  the  following  proviso  be  add- 
ed to  that  paragraph,  viz  : 

"  Provided  that  nothing  in  this  clause  contained  shall  be 
construed  to  disqualify  from  voting  for  Representatives  in 
Assembly,  any  of  the  present  freemen  of  the  city  of  Al- 
bany, or  any  of  the  freemen  of  the  city  of  New-York,  who 
were  made  freemen  of  the  said  city  on  or  before  the  14lh 
day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1775,  which  said 
freemen  of  ihe  said  ciues  shall  be  actually  and  usually  re- 
sident in  the  said  cities  respectively." 

The  said  provision  being  again  read,  was  agreed  to. 

The  said  sixth  paragraph  was  then  again  read,  Mr. 
Morris  Uieu  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  immediately  af- 
ter the  word  "  freeholder,"  the  following  words  be  inserted, 
viz  :  "  possessing  a  freehold  of  the  value  of  twenty  pounds." 

Debates  arose  thereon  and  the  question  being  put  theieon, 
it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   4 

hew- York,   8 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4 

Dulchess,   5 

Albany,   6  — 

Orange,   3-18  12 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  the  said  amendment,  viz : 

"  possessing  a  freehold  of  the  value  of  twenty  pounds," 

be  inserted. 

Mr.  Tredwell  moved  and  was  seconded,  that  after  the 
words  "  rented  a  tenement  therein"  ihe  words  "  after  the 
yearly  value  of  405."  be  inserted  ;  the  same  was  agreed  lo 
and  inserted  accordingly. 

Mr.  Philip  Livingston  moved  and  was  seconded,  that 
the  words  "one  year"  in  the  three  several  places  where  they 
are  mentioned  in  that  paragraph  be  obliterated,  and  the 
words  "  six  moths"  inserted  in  their  stead. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Ulster,   4 

Dutchess,    5 

Albany   6 

Tryon,   3 


For  the  negative. 

New-York,   8 

Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Jay  dis- 
senting. 

Westchester,   4 


—      Orange,   3 

18  —15 


Orderrd,  therefore,  That  the  said  amendment  be  made 

accordingly. 

Some  other  amendments  being  proposed  and  unanimous- 
ly agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  sixth  paragraph  as 
now  amended,  be  given  to  Mr.  Morris  to  revise,  and  return 
to  this  Convention  at  three  o'clock  P.  M. 

Adjourned  till  3  o'clock  P.  M. 


SUNDAY  AFTERNOON, 

April  6,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  P.  Living- 
ston, Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers — New-York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  R.  Yates— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Smith — 
Orange. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith— S»/oHr. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenk,  Capt. 
Piatt— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Col.  Drake,  Col.  Van  Corllandt,  Capt.  Piatt,  Major  Lockwood 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

A  petition  from  the  committee  of  Westchester  county, 
dated  the  3rd  instant,  setting  forth  the  defenceless  state  of 
that  county,  and  of  the  ravages  committed  by  the  enemy 
therein,  was  brought  by  Capt.  Elijah  Huntei,  and  read, 
and  the  consideration  thereof  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
form  of  government. 

Mr.  Morris,  according  to  order,  reported  a  revisal  of  the 
sixth  paragraph  as  amended  this  morning.  The  said  sixth 
paragraph  as  amended  this  morning,  and  the  revisal  report- 
ed by  Mr.  Morris,  were  read  ;  and  the  s;ud  revisal  being 
again  read,  and  the  question  being  put  whether  the  House 
agrees  to  substitute  the  said  revisal,  in  the  stead  of  the 
said  6th  paragraph,  as  amended  this  morning,  was  carried 
in  the  affirmative,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  every  male  inhabitant  of  full  age,  who  shall  have 
personally  resided  within  one  of  the  counties  of  this  State, 
for  six  months  immediately  preceding  the  day  of  election, 
shall  at  such  election  be  entitled  lo  vote  for  Representatives 
of  the  said  county  in  General  Assembly,  if  during  the  time 
aforesaid  he  shall  have  been  a  freeholder,  possessing  a 
freehold  of  the  value  of  twenty  pounds  within  the  said 
county,  or  have  rented  a  tenement  therein  of  the  yearly 
value  of  forty  s>  lllings,  and  been  rated  and  actually  paid 
taxes  lo  this  State  ;  provided  always  thai  every  person  who 
now  is  a  freeman  of  the  city  of  Albany,  or  who  was  made 
a  freeman  of  the  city  of  New-York,  on  or  before  ihe  four- 
teenth day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and  is  actually  and 
usually  a  resident  in  the  said  cities  respectively,  shall  be 
entitled  to  vote  for  Representatives  in  Assembly,  within 
their  said  places  of  residence." 

The  7th  paragraph  was  then  read.  The  same  being 
read  a  second  time,  debates  arose  thereon.  After  some 
time  spent  therein,  the  7th  paragraph  was  agreed  to. 

The  8th  paragraph  which  was  agreed  to  on  the  20th 
March,  was  read. 

The  9lh  paragraph  was  then  read. 

The  10th  paragraph  was  then  read. 

The  11th  paragraph  was  then  read.  The  same  being 
read  a  second  lime,  amotion  was  made  and  seconded,  that 
the  words  "  thirteen  members"  be  obliterated,  and  the 
words  "  a  majority  of  the  number  of  Senators  to  be  chosen 
as  aforesaid"  there  inserted. 


868 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


The  question  being  put  on  the  said  amendment,  was 
agreed  to,  and  ordered  to  be  inserted. 

Mr.  Duane  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  this  11th 
paragraph  be  committed  to  a  committee  to  consist  of  a 
member  from  eacli  county. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay,  who  was  seconded, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  now  resolve  itself 
into  a  committee  of  the  whole  House  on  the  said  11th 
paragraph,  and  General  Scott  was  unanimously  chosen 
Chairman,  and  took  the  Chair  accordingly. 

The  first  sentence  or  clause  of  that  paragraph  was  read. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates  suggested  that  the  Slate  be  divided 
into  five  districts  :  Nassau  and  Stalen  islands  to  compose 
the  southern  district ;  New-York  and  Wesichester  to  form 
another  district,  and  the  other  districts  as  mentioned  in  the 
]  1th  paragraph.  That  the  southern  dislrict  have  four  Se- 
nators ;  New- York  and  Westchester  six  ;  the  two  next 
districts  each  six  ;  and  the  northeastern  district  two  mem- 
bers. He  therefore  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  W. 
Harper,  that  between  the  word  "  into"  and  the  word 
"  great,"  the  word  "  four"  be  obliterated,  and  the  word 
"  five"  there  inserted. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative  by  all  but  three  members. 

The  first  sentence  of  the  Uih  paragraph  as  to  division 
of  the  State  into  districts,  was  then  read,  and  agreed  to. 

The  second  sentence  ascertaining  the  number  of  Sena- 
tors for  each  district,  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  then   moved  for  the  following 
amendment,  that  after  the  word  "three"  the  following  para- 
graph be  inserted,  viz  : 
"  And, 

"  Be  it  Ordained,  That  a  census  shall  be  taken  as  soon 
as  may  be  after  the  termination  of  the  present  war,  under 
the  direction  of  the  Legislature  ;  and  if  on  such  census  it 
should  appear  that  the  number  of  Senators  is  not  justly 
proportioned  to  the  several  districts,  that  the  Legislature 
adjust  the  proportion  as  near  as  may  be  to  the  number  of 
freeholders  qualified  as  aforesaid  in  each  dislrict." 

Mr.  Philip  Livingston  then  moved,  and  was  seconded, 
for  the  following  amendment ;  that  immediately  following 
the  word  "  after"  the  following  words  be  inserted,  viz  :  "at 
the  expiration  of  seven  years  from." 

Mr.  Treadwell  moved  for  the  following  amendment 

thereto,  to  wit :  that  the  words  "  at  the  expiration  of"  be 

struck  out,  and  the  word  "  within"  be  inserted  in  the 

place  thereof.    Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put 

on  the  said  last  mentioned  amendment,  it  was  carried  in 

the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,    4  Orange,   3 

New-York,   8  Albany,   6 

Dutchess,    5  Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4  Tryon,   3 

21  14 
Therefore  Mr.  TredwelPs  proposed  amendment  was  re- 
jected. 

The  question  being  then  put  on  the  amendment  proposed 
by  Philip  Livingston,  Esq.  was  carried  in  the  affirmative 
in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Charlotte  2 

Westchester,    4      New-York,   8 

Dutchess,   5  Mr.  Jay  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4  — 

Orange,   3  10 

Tryon,   3 

25 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  words  "  at  the  expiration  of  seven 
years  from  "  be  inserted. 

The  said  paragraph,  as  amended,  was  then  read  and 
agreed  to. 


The  next  sentence  of  the  1 1th  paragraph  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  bv  Mr.  R. 
Yates,  that  the  words  "  one  thousand,  which  is  estimated 
to  be,"  and  the  word  "  such "  and  the  word  "  now  "  be 
obliterated,  and  that  the  words  "  which  by  the  said  census 
shall  be  found  to  be,"  shall  be  inserted  instead  of  the  word 
"  now." 

The  same  was  unanimously  agreed  lo,  and  the  sentence 
being  amended  accordingly  and  read,  was  agreed  lo. 

The  last  sentence  of  the  paragraph  was  then  read  and 
agreed  to. 

The  said  whole  11th  paragraph,  as  amended  by  the  se- 
veral amendments,  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Scott,  from  the  committee  of  the  whole  House,  re- 
ported the  whole  proceedings  of  the  committee,  with  the 
resolutions  of  the  committee  as  agreed  lo,  which  he  read 
in  his  place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where  the  same 
was  again  read. 

The  resolutions  of  the  committee  of  the  whole  House, 
as  amended  and  reported,  being  then  read  by  sentences, 
the  first  and  second  sentences  were  severally  read  and 
agreed  to. 

The  third  sentence  of  the  amended  report  being  read, 

debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon, 

it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      New-York,   8 

Westchester,   4         Mr.  Jay  dissenting. 

Dutchess,   5         Charlotte  divided. 

Ulster,   4 

Orange,   3 

Tryon,   3-25 

Thereupon  the  said  third  sentence  was  agreed  to. 
The  fourth  sentence  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 
The  fifth  sentence  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 
The  said  whole  11th  paragraph  was  then  read  for  ap- 
probation and  agreed  to. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

April  7,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigadier  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Maj.  Van  Zandt, 
Col.  Lott,  Mr.  F.  Livingston,  Mr.  Duane,  Maj.  Stoutenburgh,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb—  New-York. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major.  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate— Jlbany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos. 
Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr. 
Mills,  Capt.  Piatt,  Col.  Van  Corllandt- Wrcs/c/ies<er. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,Mr.  Miller— Svffolk. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk, 
Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Maj.  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  29th  March  last  to  pre- 
pare and  report  a  draft  of  instructions  to  the  Delegates  of 
this  Slate  in  Congress,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read.  The  same  was  read  a  second  time;  and  then  the 
first  paragraph  was  read  by  sentences.  On  reading  the 
last  part  of  the  first  paragraph,  a  motion  was  made  by  Mr. 
Tredwell.  and  seconded  by  General  Scott,  to  obliterate  the 
words  "  and  forthwith  return  to  this  State." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative  in  manner  following,  viz: 
For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   4      Dutchess,   5 

Orange,   3      Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4         Genl.  Ten  Broeck  dissent- 

—  ing. 

11       Westchester,   4 

New-York  8 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Genl.  Scott, 
Mr.  Robt.   Harper,  Mr. — 
Beekman  dissenting.  23 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


869 


General  Scott  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
following  words  be  added  to  that  paragraph,  viz  : 

"  And  report  to  this  Convention  or  the  Legislature  of 
this  State  for  the  time  being,  all  the  proceedings  of  Con- 
gress on  this  subject." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative. 

Therefore,  by  order,  those  words  were  added. 

The  2nd,  3rd  and  4th  paragraphs  were  then  respectively 
read  and  agreed  to. 

The  whole  of  the  said  instructions  being  read  and  agreed 
to,  are  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  1.  Although  this  Convention  cannot  presume  that  the 
Honourable  the  General  Congress  will  countenance  the 
revolt  of  divers  evil  minded  persons  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  this  State,  yet  should  any  attempts  to  admit  to  seats 
in  Congress  any  persons  pretending  to  be  their  Delegates, 
be  made,  you  are  to  oppose  the  same ;  and  if  they  should 
be  received,  you  are,  in  the  name  of  this  State,  to  protest 
against  it,  and  forthwith  return  to  this  State  and  report  to 
this  Convention  or  the  Legislature  for  the  time  being,  all 
the  proceedings  of  Congress  on  this  subject. 

"  2.  As  the  appointment  of  Colonel  Warner  to  the 
command  of  a  regiment  of  this  Slate  was  made  without 
the  intervention  of  this  Convention,  and  expressly  against 
the  late  resolutions  of  Congress  respecting  the  appoint- 
ment of  field  officers  to  the  Continental  troops  directed  to 
be  raised  in  this  State,  you  are  to  inquire  into  and  inform 
this  Convention  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  of  the 
principles  on  which  that  extraordinary  measure  was  found- 
ed, and  in  the  name  of  this  State  to  remonstrate  against  it. 

"  3.  You  are  from  time  to  time  to  oppose,  and  commu- 
nicate to  this  Convention  or  the  future  Legislature  of  this 
State,  all  such  resolutions  of  Congress,  as  may  impliedly 
or  expressly  infringe  the  rights  or  jurisdiction  of  this  State. 

"  4.  You  are  not  to  consent  to  any  plan  of  confedera- 
tion until  such  time  as  you  shall  have  transmitted  the  same 
to  this  Convention  or  the  future  Legislature  of  this  State, 
and  have  received  their  instructions  relating  to  the  subject, 
and  approbation  of  the  same." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  deli- 
vered to  the  Delegates. 

A  petition  of  Catharine  Clopper  was  read.  She  there- 
in states,  that  a  young  negro  slave  and  a  negro  girl  there- 
in named,  and  sundry  articles  of  furniture  therein  named, 
are  her  own  and  not  her  father's  property  ;  that  the  same 
are  about  to  be  sold  by  order  of  persons  appointed  by  this 
Convention,  and  therefore  praying  an  order  of  this  Con- 
vention to  preserve  her  property. 

Ordered,  That  Judge  Graham  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  and  ascertain  the  property  of  the 
said  slaves  and  furniture,  and  report  thereon  ;  and  that 
in  the  mean  time  the  sale  of  the  said  property  be  delayed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  reserve  for  the  use 
of  Mrs.  Clopper  and  Miss  Catharine  Clopper,  as  much  of 
the  wine  of  Corns.  Clopper,  as  they  may  think  reasonable. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention, 
that  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Westchester  have 
been  reduced  to  great  distress,  as  well  by  the  ravages  and 
incursions  of  the  enemy,  as  by  the  insurrections  of  divers 
disaffected  and  evil  minded  persons  in  that  county  :  and 
further,  that  by  means  of  the  defenceless  state  of  that 
county,  the  enemy  have  been  enabled  to  obtain  great  sup- 
plies of  various  kinds  from  the  said  county,  and  the  west- 
ern parts  of  Connecticut : 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  McDougall  and 
George  Clinton,  be  requested  forthwith  to  provide  for  the 
security  and  protection  of  the  county  of  Westchester ;  and 
that  if  the  militia  already  drawn  into  service  by  Genl.  G. 
Clinton,  together  with  the  troops  under  the  command  of 
General  McDougall,  should  be  insufficient  for  that  pur- 
pose, that  this  Convention  on  notice  thereof,  will  make  fur- 
ther provision  for  the  same. 

218 


Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  agree  to  pay  and 
support  three  companies  of  men,  to  be  commanded  by  Mr. 
Wheelock,  as  a  major,  and  by  other  subordinate  officers, 
to  be  raised  near  Connecticut  river. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Morris 
and  Mr.  Jay,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  proper 
resolutions  for  that  purpose. 

Monday  Afternoon,  April  7,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Duane,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr. 
Beekraan,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort— Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  Jas.  Livingston,  Capt. 
Plait,  Air.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Capt.  Piatt, 
Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith,  Col.  Sherwood,  Mr-  Clarke,  Col.  Allison— 
Orange. 

The  12th  paragraph  of  the  form  of  government  was  read. 
The  same  being  read  a  second  time,  Mr.  Gilbert  Living- 
ston moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Jay,  that  from  the 
word  "  declares,"  to  the  end  of  the  paragraph,  be  oblite- 
rated, and  the  following  inserted  in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  That  no  member  of  this  State  shall  be  disfranchised 
or  deprived  of  any  of  the  rights  or  privileges  secured  to 
the  subjects  of  this  State  by  this  Constitution,  unless  by 
the  law  of  the  land  and  the  judgment  of  his  peers." 

The  same  being  read  a  second  time,  was  agreed  to. 

The  said  12th  paragraph  as  amended,  being  then  read, 
was  also  agreed  to. 

The  13th  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  being  read  a 
second  time,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

The  14th  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  the  same  being 
again  read,  Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "  in  such  cases  as  aforesaid,"  be  obliterated,  and 
the  words,  "  such  parts  as  they  shall  as  aforesaid  respec- 
tively determine  not  to  make  public,  be"  therein  inserted. 
The  said  amendment  being  read,  was  agreed  to. 

General  Scott  then  moved  that  the  word  "weekly,"  be 
obliterated,  and  the  words,  "  from  day  to  day,  if  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Legislature  will  permit,"  there  inserted. 

The  said  14th  paragraph  was  then  read  as  amended,  and 
the  same  being  again  read,  was  agreed  to. 

The  15th  paragraph  was  then  read.  The  same  being 
read  a  second  time,  Mr.  Tredwell  moved,  and  was  second- 
ed, that  the  words  "  have  it  in  their  power  "  be  obliterated. 
The  same  was  agreed  to. 

General  Scott  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
said  15th  paragraph  be  obliterated,  and  the  following  sub- 
stituted in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  in  all  augmentations  of  the 
numbers  of  members  of  the  respective  branches  of  the  Le- 
gislature of  this  State,  the  Legislature  of  this  State  shall 
from  time  to  time  govern  themselves  by  the  proportion 
hereby  established  for  the  first  set  in  each  of  the  two 
branches  of  the  Legislature  hereby  established  ;  provided 
always,  that  the  relative  number  in  each  branch  of  the  Le- 
gislature shall  not  be  diminished  below  the  standard  hereby 
established."  , 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was 
carried  in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  from  the 
word  "  purpose"  to  the  end  of  the  said  15th  paragraph  be 
obliterated,  and  that  the  words  "  apportion  and  distribute  the 
said  one  hundred  Senators  and  three  hundred  Representa- 


870 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


tives  among  the  great  districts  and  counties  of  this  State, 
in  proportion  to  the  number  of  their  respective  electors,  so 
that  the  representation  of  the  good  people  of  this  Slate,  both 
in  the  Senate  and  General  Assembly,  shall  forever  remain 
proportionate  and  adequate." 

The  said  amendment  being  again  read,  and  the  question 
put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

The  said  15ih  paragraph  being  again  read  as  amended, 
and  the  question  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

The  1 6th  paragraph  was  read.  General  Scott  then 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  before  the  word  "  execu- 
tive," the  word  "supreme"  be  inserted.  The  same  was 
agreed  to  and  inserted. 

Mr.  Adgate  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  that  the  word  "four"  be  obliterated,  and  the 
word  "  three  "  there  inserted.  The  same  was  agreed  to, 
and  inserted  accordingly. 

The  said  16th  paragraph  was  then  again  read.  After 
some  time  spent  therein,  the  further  consideration  thereof 
was  postponed  till  to-morrow. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

April  8,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Harper,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, Capt.  Rutgers,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beek- 
man — New-  York. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates — 
Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Sherwood,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Al- 
lison— Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  James  Livingston,  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  De  Witt — 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Gra- 
ham—  Westchester. 

Colonel  Sherwood  has  leave  of  absence  for  ten  days,  to 
remove  his  family. 

Colonel  Lott  has  leave  of  absence  for  four  or  five  days. 

Mr.  Roosevelt  has  leave  of  absence  till  next  Monday 
week,  to  go  to  Fishkill  to  attend  to  the  paper  currency 
of  this  State,  printing  at  that  place. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  dated  this  day, 
requesting  the  directions  of  Convention  to  the  following 
queries  : 

"  1st.  Are  the  supernumerary  officers  that  were  in  the 
militia  service,  to  be  paid,  or  am  I  to  be  directed  by  a  late 
resolution  of  Congress  ? 

"  2nd.  Are  the  militia  to  be  allowed  one  penny  lawful 
per  mile,  in  lieu  of  rations,  while  on  their  march  ? 

"  3rd.  Are  the  officers  to  be  paid  their  back  rations,  or 
must  they  settle  with  the  Commissary-General  ? 

"  4th.  By  a  late  resolution  of  Convention  I  am  directed 
not  to  pass  any  pay  rolls  unless  sworn  to  by  the  command- 
ing officer,  before  the  President  or  Vice-President  of  Con- 
vention, or  before  the  chairmen  of  the  county  committees." 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  Comfort  Sands,  Esq.  be  directed  to  pay 
all  officers  of  militia  who  were  called  into  service  previous 
to  the  passing  of  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  21st  of 
March  last. 

That  he  allow  the  said  militia  one  penny  lawful  money 
per  mile,  while  on  their  march,  in  lieu  of  rations. 

That  he  pay  the  officers  of  the  said  militia  their  back 
rations.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  be 
empowered  to  administer  oaths  to  officers  of  the  militia  in 


those  cases  in  which,  by  the  resolution  of  Convention,  the 
same  are  directed  to  be  administered  by  the  President  or 
Vice-President  of  Convention,  or  by  the  chairmen  of  the 
county  or  district  committees. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  a  member  of  the  late  clothing  com- 
mittee, informed  the  House  that  Win.  Hoskins,  Esquire, 
hath,  by  agreement  with  the  said  committee,  purchased  on 
account  of  the  State,  a  quantity  of  clothing;  that  the  said 
clothing  is  now  at  Hartford,  and  that  Mr.  Hoskins,  re- 
quests the  direction  of  Convention  as  to  the  further  disposi- 
tion of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Harper  be  directed  to  write  to  Mr. 
Hoskins,  ordering  him  to  cause  the  said  clothing  to  be 
conveyed  to  Sharon,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  together 
with  the  invoice  thereof,  and  that  the  same  be  delivered  to 
the  care  of  John  Camfield,  Esquire,  there,  who  is  requested 
to  keep  the  charge  and  custody  of  the  said  clothing  until 
the  further  order  of  this  Convention,  or  future  Legislature 
of  this  State,  and  that  Mr.  Hoskins  transmit  to  this  Con- 
vention an  invoice  thereof,  and  his  account. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  7th  inst.  to  prepare  and 
report  to  this  House  proper  resolutions  relative  to  the  rais- 
ing of  three  companies  of  men,  to  be  commanded  by  Mr. 
Wheetock,  as  a  major,  reported  the  following  resolutions, 
which  being  amended,  were  agreed  to,  viz  : 

"  Whereas  it  hath  been  suggested  to  this  Convention 
by  John  Wheelock,  Esquire,  that  three  companies  of  men 
may  be  raised  in  the  northeastern  parts  of  the  State,  to 
continue  in  the  service  of  this  State  for  three  years,  or 
during  the  war  :  And  whereas  a  number  of  men  may 
from  time  to  time,  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  campaign, 
be  required  of  this  Slate  to  reinforce  the  Continental  troops 
which  may  be  stationed  in  a  southern  department,  or  for 
the  defence  of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  as  are 
more  immediately  exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  ene- 
my :  And  whereas  it  is  the  interest  of  this  State  to  avoid 
as  much  as  possible  the  calling  the  inhabitants  from  their 
respective  occupations  into  service  :  Therefore, 

"  1st.  Resolved,  That  three  companies  be  raised  in  the 
northeastern  parts  of  this  State,  and  that  each  company 
consist  of  the  like  number  of  officers  and  men  as  is  di- 
rected by  the  Continental  regulations,  and  that  they  conti- 
nue in  service  for  three  years,  unless  sooner  discharged  by 
the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  the  officers  of  each  company  shall 
be  nominated  to  this  Convention  by  the  said  John  Whee- 
lock, and  shall  be  entitled  to  Continental  pay  and  rations 
from  the  time  of  such  nomination ;  provided  that  the  com- 
pany to  which  such  officers  belong  shall,  at  the  end  of  eight 
weeks  from  the  time  of  such  nomination  contain  at  least 
fifty  men,  inclusive  of  non-commissioned  officers. 

"  3rd.  Resolved,  That  John  Wheelock,  Esquire,  be 
commissioned  as  a  major  in  the  service  of  this  State,  and 
that  he  be  entitled  to  Continental  pay  and  rations  from  the 
date  of  his  commission  ;  provided  that  at  the  end  of  nine 
weeks  from  the  date  thereof,  the  three  companies  first 
mentioned,  who  are  hereby  put  under  his  command,  con- 
tain together  at  least  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  non-com- 
missioned officers  included. 

"  4th.  Resolved,  That  every  soldier  so  enlisting  in  the 
service  of  this  State,  in  either  of  the  above  companies 
for  three  years,  shall,  on  his  passing  muster,  be  entitled  to 
Continental  bounty,  clothing,  pay  and  rations,  and  that 
every  of  them  who  shall  find  his  own  arms,  accoutrements 
and  blankets,  shall  be  entitled  to  a  reasonable  allowance 
therefor,  to  be  ascertained  by  proper  persons  for  that  pur- 
pose to  be  appointed. 

"  5th.  Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  privates  of  the 
above  corps  shall,  at  the  expiration  of  their  term,  and  when 
discharged  by  direction  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State, 
be  entitled  to* land  within  this  State  in  the  same  proportion 
as  is  directed  by  the  Continental  regulations  to  be  given  to 
such  of  the  Continental  troops  as  serve  during  the  war ; 
and  that  the  same  shall  be  assigned  to  them,  or  in  case  any 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


871 


of  them  shall  die  in  the  said  service,  to  their  respective 
legal  representatives,  free  of  all  quit  rent  and  charges,  out 
of  the  unlocated  lands  of  this  State,  in  such  part  thereof 
as  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State  may  direct :  provided 
always,  that  no  conveyance  of  any  right  to  the  said  land 
shall  be  of  avail  previous  to  the  grant  thereof. 

"  6th.  Resolved,  That  two  thousand  dollars  be  advanced 
to  the  said  Jno.  Wheelock,  towards  defraying  the  expense 
of  raising  the  said  men,  and  that  the  same  be  transmitted 
to  him  by  the  hands  of  Eleazar  Wheelock,  Junr.  he  giv- 
ing his  receipt  therefor  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  State. 

"  7th.  Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Wheelock,  Esq. 
transmit  to  this  Convention  or  the  Commander-in-Chief  of 
this  State,  from  time  to  time,  returns  of  the  number  of 
men  that  shall  be  raised  under  the  command  of  the  said 
John  Wheelock,  in  consequence  of  the  above  resolutions, 
together  with  regular  muster  rolls,  sworn  to  by  the  captain 
of  each  company,  and  certified  by  the  said  John  Wheelock, 
Esquire. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  companies,  or  parts  thereof, 
as  they  shall  be  raised,  be  forthwith  marched  to  Fishkill, 
in  Dutchess  county,  or  such  other  place  or  places,  as  the 
said  Convention  or  Commander-in-Chief  may  direct. 

"  Resolved,  That  when  the  said  companies  shall  be 
completed,  a  surgeon  be  allowed  them. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  officers  and  privates  of  each  of 
the  said  companies  be  subject  to  similar  regulations  and 
articles  with  those  provided  for  the  government  of  the  Ame- 
rican army. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Elea- 
zar Wheelock,  Junr.  the  said  two  thousand  dollars,  men- 
mentioned  in  the  fifth  preceding  resolution,  taking  a  receipt 
for  the  same,  to  be  delivered  to  the  said  John  Wheelock, 
Esq. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  April  8,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  Stoutenburgh,  Col.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Duane,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roose- 
velt, Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Maj.  Parks,  Maj.  Tappen,  Mr.  Ray,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  P.  R.  Li- 
vingston, Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr. 
Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper—  Try  on. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  plan  or 
form  of  government. 

The  said  16th  paragraph  was  read,  and  the  same  being 
again  read,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

The  17th  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  the  same  being 
again  read,  Mr.  Tredwell  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
the  words  "  to  prorogue  them  from  time  to  time,  provided 
such  prorogations  shall  not  exceed  sixty  days  in  the  space 
of  any  one  year,"  be  obliterated. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was 
carried  in  the  negative. 

Sundry  other  amendments  to  the  said  17th  paragraph, 
being  moved,  agreed  to  and  made,  the  said  paragraph  was 
read,  the  question  put  thereon,  and  the  paragraph  agreed 
to. 

The  18lh  paragraph  was  then  read,  the  same  was  again 
read  by  sentences,  amended  without  debate,  by  the  addi- 
tion of  the  words  "  to  the  best  of  his  ability."  The  same 
was  then  again  read,  the  question  put  thereon,  and  agreed 
to. 


The  19th  paragraph  was  read,  and  being  read  a  second 
time,  and  some  amendments  therein  moved,  agreed  to  and 
inserted,  the  said  19th  paragraph  was  again  read  and  agreed 
to. 

The  20th  paragraph  was  then  read  ;  the  same  being 
again  several  times  read,  and  sundry  amendments  moved, 
agreed  to  and  inserted,  the  said  paragraph  was  again  read, 
and  the  question  put  thereon,  and  the  paragraph  agreed  to. 

The  2 1st  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  the  same  being 
again  read,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

April  9,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Col.  Stoutenburg,  Mr.  Harper, 
Major  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Try  on. 

Mr.  Webster—  Charlotte. 

Mr-  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Colo.  Livingston— Albany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Landon, 
Capt.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Contine,  Col.  De  Witt— 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mor- 
ris—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  President  and  Vice-President  being  both  absent 
with  leave,  William  Smith,  Esquire,  was  unanimously 
chosen  President  pro  tern. 

The  commission  to  Major  Wheelock  was  read,  approved 
and  issued,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 
"  In  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of 

New-York,  the  ninth  day  of  April,  1777. 
"  To  John  Wheelock,  Esq.  Greeting  : 

"This  Convention  having,  by  their  resolutions  yesterday, 
determined  to  raise  three  companies  of  men  within  the 
northeastern  parts  of  this  State,  and  reposing  especial  trust 
and  confidence  in  your  patriotism,  valour,  conduct  and 
fidelity,  do  by  these  presents  constitute  and  appoint  you  to 
be  the  major  of  the  said  companies,  according  to  the  tenor 
and  effect  of  the  said  resolutions.  You  are  therefore  care- 
fully and  diligently  to  discharge  the  duty  of  a  major  by  per- 
forming all  things  which  belong  thereunto  ;  and  all  officers 
and  soldiers  under  your  command  are  strictly  enjoined  and 
required  to  be  obedient  to  your  orders  as  a  major.  And 
you  are  to  observe  and  follow  all  such  orders  and  direc- 
tions as  you  may,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  this 
Convention,  or  other  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  or  from  such  officers  as  you  may  by  them 
be  subjected  to.  This  commission  to  continue  in  force  for 
the  space  of  three  years,  unless  sooner  revoked  by  the 
Convention,  or  other  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  State 
aforesaid. 

"By  order, 

"WM.  SMITH,  Prest.p.  tern. 

"  Attest, 

"  John  McKesson,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  Mr.  John  Harper,  dated 
at  Cherry-Valley,  March  10,  together  with  the  letter  from 
the  Indian  Chiefs,  and  the  account  of  the  expenditures  of 
the  said  John  Harper  in  the  premises,  which  were  on  the 
24th  of  March  last  referred,  and  no  report  made  thereon, 
be  referred  to  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr. 
Moore. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Jacob  Le  Roy, 
Esquire,  is  set  out  to  go  to  General  Washington,  to  obtain 
leave  to  go  to  the  city  of  New- York,  and  that  it  has  been 
omitted  to  take  his  parol ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jacob  Le  Roy  previous  to  his  going 


4 


872 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


to  New- York,  do  give  his  parol  to  return  and  appear  be- 
fore the  Convention,  or  Committee  of  Safety  of  this  State, 
within  six  weeks  from  the  time  of  his  arrival  within  the 
enemy's  lines,  unless  he  shall,  within  the  term  aforesaid, 
sail  for  Europe  ;  and  that  he  will  not  directly  or  indirectly, 
by  word  or  deed,  say  or  do  any  thing  to  the  prejudice  of  the 
American  cause. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  transmitted 
to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  and  that  a  copy 
be  transmitted  to  Colonel  Hamilton  at  Head-Quarters,  and 
that  he  be  requested,  in  case  the  General  may  think  proper 
to  permit  Mr.  Le  Roy  to  go  to  New-York,  to  take  the 
said  parol  of  Mr.  Le  Roy  in  behalf  of  this  Convention. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel  Hamilton  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Convention  having  granted  a  permission  to  Mr. 
Le  Roy  to  repair  to  Head-Quarters,  in  order  to  solicit 
leave  to  go  to  New- York,  and  having  omitted  to  take  his 
parol,  they  beg  the  favour  of  you  to  carry  the  enclosed  re- 
solution into  execution. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  President  pro  tempore  subscribe  a 
copy  thereof,  and  that  it  be  transmitted  with  a  certified 
copy  of  the  preceding  resolution. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  petition  of  Catharine  Clopper,  reported 
as  follows  : 

"  1.  That  according  to  the  trust  reposed  in  them  by  this 
Honourable  House,  they  have  upon  inquiry  released  from 
the  custody  of  the  commissioners  of  the  county  of  Ulster 
the  wine  by  them  seized,  belonging  to  Cornelius  Clopper. 

"  2.  That  upon  due  inquiry  for  that  purpose  made,  the 
several  matters  and  things  in  the  said  petition  mentioned, 
appear  to  your  committee  to  be  justly  and  truly  the  proper- 
ty of  the  said  Catharine  Clopper  ;  at  the  same  time  your 
committee  think  it  their  duty  to  report  that  no  full  and  di- 
rect evidence  hath  been  by  them  obtained  upon  that  sub- 
ject, although  they  are  informed  and  believe  that  such  evi- 
dence may  be  obtained  from  persons  now  absent. 

"  3.  That  the  slaves  mentioned  in  the  said  petition,  whe- 
ther the  property  of  the  said  Catharine  Clopper,  or  of  any 
other  person,  appear  to  your  committee  to  be  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  comfortable  subsistence  and  accomoda- 
tion of  the  said  Catharine  Clopper  and  her  mother,  the 
wife  of  the  said  Cornelius  Clopper,  according  to  their  rank 
and  situation  in  life. 

"  It  is  therefore  most  humbly  submitted,  whether  it 
would  not  become  the  equity  of  the  Honourable  Conven- 
tion to  resolve  that  the  several  matters  and  things  in  the 
said  petition  specified,  do  continue  in  the  possession  of  the 
said  Catharine  Clopper  for  her  use,  and  not  to  be  sold  and 
disposed  of  by  her,  until  due  proof  of  property  therein  by 
her  first  made. 

(Signed,)  "GOUVR.  MORRIS, 

"LEWIS  GRAHAM." 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agrees  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  proposed  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  petition  of  Catharine  Clop- 
per, with  the  inventory  of  her  effects  attending  the  said  pe- 
tition, of  the  preceding  report  of  the  committee  and  reso- 
lution thereon,  be  transmitted  to  the  commissioners  of  Ul- 
ster county,  and  to  the  commissioners  in  Albany  county. 

A  petition  of  Johannes  Sleght  and  Patrick  Barber,  Es- 
quires, commissioners  in  Ulster  county,  praying  that  this 
Convention  would  direct  the  committees  of  the  different 
precincts,  immediately  to  lake  an  inventory  of  the  personal 
property  of  those  within  their  districts  who  have  gone  over 
to  the  enemy,  and  furnish  the  commissioners  with  invento- 
ries thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petilion  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  the  petilion  of  Catharine  Clopper  was  re- 
ferred, and  that  General  Scott  be  added  to  the  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  in  the  re- 


spective counties  of  this  State,  to  take  into  their  custody 
and  possession,  all  the  personal  property  of  ill  disposed 
persons,  who  have  joined  or  are  with  the  enemy,  be  autho- 
rized to  execute  the  powers  given  them  by  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention  of  the  6th  and  21st  days  of  March  last, 
not  only  with  respect  to  persons  then  gone  to  the  enemy, 
but  who  have  since  so  gone,  or  may  in  future  go. 

Ordered,  That  certified  copies  be  transmitted  to  the  said 
commissioners  in  the  respective  counties. 

Capt.  Zephaniah  Piatt  reported  a  conference  had  with 
Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  on  the  subject  of  raising  a  com- 
pany to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  commissioners  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,  &c.   And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  inquiring  into,  de- 
tecting and  defeating  all  conspiracies  which  may  be  formed 
in  this  State  against  the  liberties  of  America,  be  authorized 
to  raise,  pay  and  officer  a  company  for  the  defence  of  this 
State  only,  to  consist  of  a  captain,  two  subalterns,  four  ser- 
geants, four  corporals,  one  drummer,  one  fifer,  and  sixty 
privates,  to  be  allowed  Continental  pay  ;  to  continue  in  ser- 
vice for  one  year,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  the  Legis- 
lature ;  and  to  be  under  the  command  and  direction  of  the 
commissioners  above  described,  or  such  persons  as  shall  be 
appointed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  company  be  allowed  Continen- 
tal rations,  or  in  lieu  thereof,  at  the  option  of  the  said  com- 
missioners, or  such  other  person  or  persons  as  shall  be  ap- 
pointed to  have  the  direction  of  the  said  company,  the  fol- 
lowing subsistence,  to  wit :  To  the  captain,  eighteen  shil- 
lings per  week  ;  to  the  subalterns,  sixteen  shillings  per 
week ;  and  to  the  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates, 
twelve  shillings  per  week. 

An  order  of  the  county  committee  of  Orange  county  to 
Major  Henry  Wisner,  as  to  a  number  of  persons  by  him 
apprehended  on  their  way  to  the  enemy,  was  read.  Major 
Wisner,  who  was  attending  below  with  a  guard  and  the 
under  named  prisoners,  viz  :  James  Flewelling,  Elnathan 
Foster,  John  Flewelling,  David  Wyat,  Solomon  Combs, 
Benjamin  Smith,  Stephen  Wood,  John  Moffatt,  Benjamin 
Derby,  Timothy  Wood,  Robert  Denton,  James  Gosbert 
and  Amos  Ireland,  were  admitted  and  heard. 

Elnathan  Foster,  Amos  Ireland,  John  Flewelling,  Robert 
Denton,  James  Gosbert,  Benjamin  Smith  and  Solomon 
Combs,  were  separately  called  up  and  examined  in  the  pre- 
'  sence  of  Convention,  and  their  examinations  taken  in  writ- 
ing.   All  the  other  prisoners  were  then  called  up  together. 

Ordered,  That  John  Flewelling  be  committed  to  the 
dungeon  of  the  jail  in  Kingston,  there  to  be  kept  until  fur- 
ther order ;  and  that  James  Flewelling,  Elnathan  Foster, 
David  Wyat,  Solomon  Combs,  Benjamin  Smith,  Stephen 
Wood,  John  Moffatt,  Benjamin  Derby,  Timothy  Wood, 
Robert  Denton,  James  Cosman  and  Amos  Ireland,  be  com- 
mitted to  the  empty  jail  in  this  building,  until  further  order. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Wisner  and 
Mr.  Landon,  be  a  committee  to  examine  and  deal  with  the 
said  prisoners,  as  to  them  may  seem  meet  and  proper,  and 
to  give  such  directions  to  the  guard,  and  such  refreshment 
as  they  may  think  reasonable. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  April  9,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Smith,  Esq.  Prest.pro  tempore. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Stoutenburgh,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Cantine — Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos-  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate — 

Jltbany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr-  R.  R.  Livingston— 

Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr  TredweU,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


873 


Judge  Graham,  Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Mor- 
ris—  Westchester. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colonel  Stoutenburgh  has  leave  of  absence  to  remove 
his  family  to  some  place  of  safety. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  till  next 
Monday  evening. 

Col.  Allison  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  week  from  the 
time  of  his  departure. 

Ordered,  That  General  McDougalPs  letter  of  the 
and  a  letter  from  Colo.  Dubois  to  the  committee  of  ar- 
rangement, relative  to  clothing  and  arms  for  his  regiment, 
be  committed  to  General  Scott,  Mr.  Jay  and  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing 
for  this  State  at  Fishkill,  dated  yesterday,  and  directed  to 
Messrs.  Harper,  Dunscomb  and  Newkerk,  was  read,  and 
committed  to  those  gentlemen  ;  and  that  they  be  directed 
to  answer  Mr.  Henry's  letter,  by  directing  him  to  apply  to 
the  Clothier-General.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of  this 
State,  at  Fishkill,  the  sum  of  two  thousand  dollars,  and 
take  his  receipt,  to  be  accountable  for  the  same. 

Col.  Birdsall  attending,  requested  an  answer  to  his  pe- 
tition, some  time  ago  preferred  to  the  committee  of  Dutch- 
ess county,  and  by  them  referred  to  Convention,  praying 
that  he  may  be  permitted  to  occupy  a  farm  in  the  said 
county  lately  occupied  by  a  disaffected  person,  who  is  gone 
over  to  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  Colonel  be  informed  that  the  consi- 
deration of  his  petition  is  postponed  until  a  general  regula- 
tion is  made  with  respect  to  the  real  estates  of  persons  gone 
o\er  to  the  enemy. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  hath  in  numerous  in- 
stances permitted  the  wives  and  families  of  persons  with 
the  enemy,  to  go  to  them  :  And  whereas  Lieut.  Colonel 
Benjamin  Birdsall,  a  zealous  friend  to  the  American  cause, 
is  very  desirous  of  removing  his  family  from  Long  island 
to  some  part  of  this  State  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy, 
and  the  commanding  officer  on  Long  island  to  whom  ap- 
plication for  that  purpose  hath  been  made  by  a  flag  from 
General  McDougall,  hath  refused  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Lieut.  Colonel  Birdsall  be  recommended 
to  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  for  his  assistance 
in  an  application  to  General  Howe,  to  permit  the  wife  and 
family  of  the  said  Colonel  Birdsall,  to  remove  accordingly. 

Whereas  the  county  of  Westchester  being  now  in  a 
great  measure  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  it  hath  become 
impracticable  to  assemble  a  county  committee  therein  ; 
therefore,  on  application  of  the  Deputies  of  the  said  county 
for  money  to  defray  the  wages  due  to  the  Deputies  of  that 
county  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
Deputies  of  Westchester  county  in  this  Convention,  or  ei- 
ther of  them,  on  account  of  the  county  of  Westchester,  to 
be  accounted  for  by  the  said  county  to  the  State,  and  for 
the  disposition  whereof  the  said  Deputies  shall  be  held  to 
account  with  the  said  county,  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds, 
on  account  of  the  wages  due  to  the  Deputies  who  have  been 
elected  and  represent  that  county. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  from  the  committee  appointed 
to  procure  cannon  ball  for  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  de- 
livered in  a  report,  which  was  read  :  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  do  contract  with  Mr. 
George  Leonard,  for  fifty  tons  of  cannon  ball,  to  be  delivered 
between  this  and  the  first  of  November  next. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

April  10,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Wm.  Smith,  Esquire,  Presidt  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl. 
Scott— New-York. 

219 


Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Rea,  Major  Tappen,  Mr-  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt— Ulster. 
Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston— Albany. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Smith— Orange. 
Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Mr. 
Morris —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston— 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  one  of  the  late  clothing  committee, 
reported  the  following  resolution  and  draft  of  a  letter  to 
Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing,  (in  answer  to 
several  letters  received  from  him,)  which  were  read,  and 
agreed  to,  and  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Henry  be,  and  he  is  here- 
by directed  to  dispose  of  all  the  blankets  that  now  are,  or 
hereafter  may  come  into  the  clothing  store,  to  the  troops 
now  raising  in  this  State,  under  the  command  of  the  Co- 
lonels Van  Schaick,  Van  Cortlandt,  Gansevoort,  Dubois 
and  Henry  B.  Livingston,  at  a  reasonable  rate,  not  abating 
more  than  thirty-three  and  one-third  per  cent  on  the  first 
cost  of  the  same. 

"  Sir — As  there  is  now  no  clothing  committee  in  this 
State,  I  am  to  inform  you  that  in  future  you  are  to  direct 
your  letters  to  the  President  of  this  Convention;  that  for 
such  articles  as  you  may  stand  in  need  of  for  the  use  of 
the  troops,  you  are  directed  to  apply  to  John  Mease,  Esq. 
Clothier-General  at  Head-Quarters,  who  will  supply  you 
with  the  same  ;  that  Mr.  Hoskins  of  Hartford,  is  directed 
to  send  a  quantity  of  clothing  he  has  purchased  for  our 
State  to  the  care  of  John  Canfield,  Esqr.  at  Sharon ;  when 
advised  of  the  particulars,  you  will  be  informed  thereof. 
I  am  also  to  inform  you  that  Mr.  Mervin's  account  has  been 
accepted  and  paid,  of  which  you  will  take  notice. 

"  Having  delivered  to  the  Auditor-General  (now  absent,) 
the  accounts  of  the  clothing  which  the  several  regiments 
have  received  of  the  committee,  you  cannot  be  furnished 
therewith  at  present,  but  on  his  return  to  this  place  they 
shall  be  transmitted  to  you  with  all  convenient  speed. 

"  I  am,  &c.    By  order. 

"  To  Mr.  John  Henry,  Commissi-. 

of  the  clothing  store  at  Fishkill." 
Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  and 
deal  with  the  prisoners  brought  to  Convention  yesterday 
by  Major  Wisner,  be  directed  to  pay  Major  Wisner  and 
his  party  for  their  expenses  and  services  while  they  are  de- 
tained here,  and  that  the  said  committee  do  audit  the  ac- 
count of  the  said  party  for  their  services  in  apprehending 
the  said  prisoners  and  bringing  them  to  this  place,  and  that 
they  report  the  same. 

Mr.  Wisner  has  leave  of  absence  to  go  home  to  remain 
there  three  days,  and  then  to  return  with  all  speed. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  plan  or 
form  of  government. 

The  22nd  paragraph  was  read  ;  the  same  being  read  a 
second  time,  Mr.  Piatt  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "in  manner  following,  to  wit,"  in  the  first  part  of 
the  paragraph  be  obliterated,  and  the  word  "  be"  there  in- 
serted ;  that  the  residue  of  the  paragraph  from  the  word 
"being,"  to  the  end,  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  judges  of  the  su- 
preme court,"  inserted  in  its  stead,  so  that  the  whole  para- 
graph would  read  thus  :  "  That  every  civil  officer,  who, 
according  to  this  constitution  shall  not  be  eligible  by  the 
people,  shall  be  appointed  by  the  Governor  for  the  time 
being,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  judges  of 
the  supreme  court." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  this  para- 
graph be  postponed  till  the  afternoon. 


874 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


The  23rd  paragraph  was  read  ;  the  same  being  read  a 
second  time,  some  amendments  were  proposed  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  words  "all 
judges  of  courts,  whether  of  law,  equity  or  admiralty,"  be 
obliterated,  and  the  words  "the  chancellor,  the  judges  of 
the  supreme  court,  and  the  first  judge  of  the  county  court 
in  every  county,"  inserted  in  their  stead. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  same  was  agreed  to, 
and  amended  accordingly. 

The  24lh  paragraph  was  then  read  ;  after  some  time 
spent  therein,  the  whole  paragraph  was  unanimously  amend- 
ed, and  as  amended,  inserted  in  the  draft  of  the  said  plan. 

The  25th  paragraph  was  then  read  ;  the  same  being  se- 
reral  times  read,  and  sundry  amendments  made  thereto,  it 
was  agreed  to. 

The  26th  paragraph  was  then  read;  the  same  was  again 
read,  amended  and  agreed  to. 

The  27th  paragraph  was  then  proposed,  drawn,  debated, 
amended  and  inserted. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  10,  1777. 
The  Convention  met. 
Present — Wm.  Smith,  Esq.  Pres.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Genl. 
Scott— New-  York. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert 
Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Maj.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake— 

Westchester. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gil-  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 
Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore — Try  on. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker,  chairman  of 
Ulster  county,  for  transporting  Continental  troops,  and  sup- 
port, attendance  and  medicine  supplied  to  some  of  these 
troops  when  sick,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Gilbert  Living- 
ston, Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Joshua  H.  Smith  and  Major 
Landon  to  report  thereon. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
22nd  paragraph  of  the  form  or  plan  of  government,  which 
was  postponed  this  morning.  The  22nd  paragraph  and  the 
amendments  proposed  thereto  this  morning  were  respec- 
tively read. 

Debates  arose  thereon ;  after  some  time  spent  therein,  the 
Convention  dissolved  itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole 
House. 

The  President  pro  tempore  left  the  chair. 

Mr.  Gansevoort  was  appointed  Chairman,  and  took  the 
chair  accordingly. 

The  22nd  paragraph  as  drawn  in  the  plan  reported,  was 
read.  Debates  arose  thereon  ;  sundry  methods  were  pro- 
posed and  debated  upon. 

Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  sense 
of  the  committee  be  taken,  whether  it  would  be  wise,  that 
the  officers  to  be  appointed  by  virtue  of  the  22nd  paragraph, 
should  be  elected  by  the  freeholders  entitled  to  choose 
senators  ? 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  viz: 

Negative.  Affirmative. 

Ncw-York,   8       Suffolk,  4 

Ulster,   4       Charlotte,   2 

Albany,   C  — 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  6 

Dutchess   5         Orange  divided. 

Wetchester,    4 

Mr.  Lockwood  dissenting. 

27 


The  committee  then  arose,  and  the  President  pro  tern. 
by  order,  took  the  chair. 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  reported  to  the  Con- 
vention that  the  committee  of  the  whole  house  had  sat  on 
the  business  assigned  them,  made  some  progress  therein, 
and  prayed  leave  to  sit  again. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  of  the  report  of 
the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  have  leave  to  sit 
again. 

The  Convention  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

April  11,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker— New-York. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robert  Yates— 

Albany. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Col.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Gra- 
ham, Colo.  Van  Cortlandt—  Westchester. 
Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Genl.  Clinton,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rea,  Col.  De  Witt— 

Ulster. 

Mr.  Jos.  H.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange 
Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter,  dated  April  9,  1777,  from  Lieut.  Colo.  Willet, 
of  Colonel  Gansevoorl's  regiment,  relative  to  Captain 
Houston  of  the  said  regiment,  who  has  been  long  absent, 
and  it  is  said,  is  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  &c.  was  read, 
and  referred  to  the  committee  of  arrangements. 

A  letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  dated  the  10th  day  of 
April  instant,  relative  to  the  clothing  store  at  Fishkill,  and 
a  copy  of  a  return  from  John  Henry,  the  clothing  store- 
keeper at  Fishkill,  therein  contained,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  send  to  Mr.  John  Hen- 
ry, commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of  this  State,  a  list 
of  the  articles  to  be  given  to  the  soldiers  as  a  bounty. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  directed  to  send 
all  the  wooden  canteens  mentioned  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  John 
Henry  at  Fishkill,  and  that  he  direct  Mr.  Henry  to  sell 
them  to  the  troops  of  this  State  at  such  price  as  to  save 
the  State  from  loss. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry  have  as  many  knap- 
sacks made  as  he  can,  and  sell  them  to  the  Iroops  of  this 
State  at  such  price  as  to  save  the  State  from  loss. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Henry  deliver  bounty  clothing  for 
the  Continental  troops  raising  in  this  State,  only  to  the  or- 
der of  one  of  the  field  officers  or  quarter-master  of  each 
regiment,  and  take  receipts  for  all  such  as  he  may  deliver. 

A  letter  from  Nancy  Van  Alen,  dated  at  Kinderhook 
the  9th  of  April  instant,  respecting  her  husband,  John  E. 
Van  Alen,  who  is  confined  in  Albany  jail,  was  read.  The 
petition  of  the  said  John  E.  Van  Alen,  dated  in  Albany 
jail  on  the  first  instant,  praying  for  his  discharge  or  a  re- 
laxation of  his  confinement,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  and  letter  lie  on  the 
table. 

The  Convention  then  resolved  into  a  committee  of  the 
whole  House  on  the  22d  paragraph  of  the  form  of  govern- 
ment. 

The  Vice-President  having  left  the  chair,  Mr.  Ganse- 
voort as  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  whole  House, 
took  the  chair. 

The  22d  paragraph  of  the  plan  of  government  as  for- 
merly reported  by  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  was 
read  in  the  committee. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


875 


Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  whole 
of  that  paragraph  from  the  words  "  to  wit,"  to  the  end  of 
the  paragraph,  be  obliterated,  and  the  following  inserted  in 
its  stead,  viz : 

"  The  General  Assembly  shall  once  in  every  year  open- 
ly nominate  and  appoint  one  of  the  Senators  from  each 
great  district,  which  senators  shall  form  a  Council  for  the 
appointment  of  the  said  officers,  of  which  the  Governor 
for  the  time  being,  or  the  Lieutenant-Governor  or  Presi- 
dent of  the  Senate,  when  they  shall  respectively  adminis- 
ter the  government,  shall  be  President  and  have  a  casting 
voice,  but  no  other  vote  ;  and  with  the  advice  and  consent 
of  the  said  Council,  shall  appoint  all  the  said  officers  ;  and 
that  a  majority  of  the  said  Council  be  a  quorum.  And  fur- 
ther, that  the  same  senators  shall  not  be  eligible  to  the 
same  council  for  two  years  successively." 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,  moved  that  the  Spea- 
ker of  the  Assembly  be  added  to  the  Council  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  officers. 

Mr.  R.  Harper  moved  that  the  words  "  and  have  a  cast 
ing  voice  but  no  other  vote,"  be  obliterated. 

The  same  was,  with  leave,  withdrawn. 

Mr.  William  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Wisner,  that  the  words,  "of  which  the  Governor  for  the 
time  being,  or  the  Lieutenant-Governor  or  President  of 
the  Senate,  when  they  shall  respectively  administer  the 
government,  shall  be  President,  and  have  a  casting  voice, 
but  no  other  vote,  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  said," 
be  obliterated,  and  the  word  "which"  inserted  before  the 
words  "  Council  shall." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  on 
Mr.  Harper's  motion,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in 
manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Dutchess,    5       Orange,   3 

Westchester,    4       Charlotte,   2 

Albany   6       Suffolk,  4 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  Tryon,   3 

New-York,   8  — 

Genl.  Scott  and  Mr.  R.Har-  12 
per  dissenting. 
Ulster,   4 

Mr.  Rea  dissenting. 

27 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  said  amendment  to 
that  paragraph,  moved  for  by  Mr.  Jay,  and  carried  in  the 
affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Dutchess,    5 

New-York,   8 

Genl.  Scott  dissenting. 
Albany,   6 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates  dissenting.  9 
Westchester,    4 

Mr.  Lockwood  dissenting. 

Orange,    3 

Ulster,  4 

Mr.  Rea  dissenting. 

30 

Col.  De  Witt  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Wisner,  that  next  after  the  words  "  time  being,"  the  fol- 
lowing words  be  added,  viz  :  "  one  member  of  the  General 
Assembly  from  each  county  to  be  chosen  by  the  Senators." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   4 

Tryon,   3 

Charlotte,   2 


For  the  affirmative. 

Tryon,   3 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk,   4 

Orange,   3 

12 


For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,  4 

Maj.  Lockwood  dissenting. 

New- York,  8 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates  dissent- 
ing. 

Ulster,  4 

Mr.  Rea  and  Col.  De  Witt 
dissenting. 

27 


Mr.  Robt.  Harper  then  moved  that  the  word  "  imme- 
diately "  be  inserted  before  the  word  "  eligible  ;"  the  same 
was  agreed  to,  and  inserted  accordingly. 

The  22d  paragraph  as  amended  was  then  read  for  the 

question  ;  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried 

in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  viz: 

For  the  affirmative.                       For  the  negative. 
Westchester,   4       Charlotte,   2 

Mr  Lockwood  dissenting.  Tryon,    3 

New-York,   8       Suffolk,   4 

Genl.  Scott  dissenting.  Orange,  3 

Dutchess,    5  — 

Albany  6  12 

Mr.  It.  Yates  dissenting. 
Ulster,  4 

Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr. 
Rea  dissenting. 

27 

The  committee  then  adjourned. 

The  committee  of  the  whole  House  having  arisen,  the 
President  took  the  chair. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  from  the  committee  of  the  whole,  re- 
ported the  proceedings  of  the  said  committee,  which  he 
read  in  his  place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where  the 
same  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  report  of 
the  committee  of  the  whole  House  be  postponed  until  the 
afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  11,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-Prest. 

Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Van  Zandt—  New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Clinton,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea — 
Ulster. 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Colo.  P.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate— Albany. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Landon.  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Morris,  Col.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake — Westchester. 
Major  Webster,  Col.  Williams— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  petition  of  James  Webster,  David  Crane  and  Usal 
Crane,  manufacturers  of  saltpetre,  praying  an  exemption  of 
militia  duty,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  9th  April, 
1777,  enclosing  the  affidavits  of  John  Van  Den  Bergh,  Pe- 
ter Waldron,  and  others,  relative  to  a  dangerous  conspiracy 
of  a  number  of  disaffected  persons  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
together  with  the  copy  of  a  letter  from  John  Younglove,  of 
Cambridge,  directed  to  John  Barclay,  Esquire,  chairman, 
relative  to  one  John  Munro,  sent  by  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany, to  be  confined  at  this  place,  and  who  is  charged  with 
enlisting  men  under  General  Howe,  were  read  and  filed. 

The  said  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz  : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chambeb,  ? 

"  9th  Apt.  1777.  5 
"  Gent. — From  the  enclosed  affidavits  you  will  observe 
that  a  conspiracy  of  a  dangerous  nature,  is  carrying  on  in 
this  county  by  a  number  of  persons,  many  of  whom  have 
long  since  been  considered  as  enemies  to  our  cause,  and 
as  such  have  been  treated.  Experience  has  taught  us  that 
banishing  disaffected  persons  out  of  this  State,  to  a  neigh- 
bouring one,  answers  no  good  end  ;  keeping  them  among 
us  we  are  apprehensive  will  prove  our  ruin.  Lenity,  in- 
stead of  having  its  due  weight,  is  construed  by  those  peo- 
ple in  a  different  sense  ;  they  insinuate  we  are  afraid  to 
pursue  more  spirited  measures,  and  assure  their  hearers 
the  affair  will  soon  be  settled.  These  and  other  artful  argu- 
ments have  great  effect  on  weak  minds.    The  apprehension 


876 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


of  the  savages  attacking  such  of  our  defenceless  inhabitants 
as  will  not  accede  to  their  tory  plan,  a  piece  of  intelligence 
industriously  propogaled  at  a  time  the  Indians  have  really 
commenced  hostilities,  makes  many  proselytes  to  their 
measures. 

"  By  a  resolution  of  Convention,  persons  aiding  or  as- 
sisting our  enemies  are  to  suffer  death.  There  has  not 
been  a  time  since  the  commencent  of  these  troubles,  that 
required  a  law  to  carry  this  resolution  into  execution  more 
than  the  present.  Our  jails  are  full — if  banished,  they 
are  returned — punishment  we  can  not  inflict — among  us 
they  ought  not  to  be.  In  this  our  alarming  situation,  we 
must  call  on  Convention  for  their  direction,  and  hope  they 
will  devise  ways  and  means  to  relieve  us  from  those  more 
than  pests  to  society.  Permit  us  to  suggest  to  Convention 
a  mode  that  we  conceive  might  effectually  remove  those 
enemies  from  among  us.  We  are  informed  a  number  of 
French  armed  vessels  are  arrived  in  some  of  our  ports  ;  if 
our  tory  neighbours  were  exchanged  for  as  many  of  their 
sailors,  a  number  of  useful  men  might  be  engaged  for  our 
ships,  and  our  internal  enemies  removed.  The  punish- 
ment would  strike  a  terror  in  others,  who  would  not  per- 
haps in  future  exert  themselves  so  strenuously  in  so  bad  a 
cause  ;  such  an  exile  would  perhaps  be  looked  upon  as  more 
terrible  than  a  New-England  one,  and  have  a  good  effect. 
If  such  a  plan  could  not  be  adopted,  would  not  the  holding 
up  the  idea  answer  a  good  end  ? 

"  The  committee  have  taken  the  liberty  to  send  John 
Munro,  Esq.  a  prisoner  in  this  city,  to  be  confined  in  King- 
ston jail.  The  letter  from  John  Younglove,  Esq.  chairman 
of  Cambridge  district,  herewith  sent,  will,  we  hope,  justify 
this  measure. 

"  The  committee  have  caused  James  Hewetson  to  be 
apprehended,  (formerly  a  lieutenant  in  the  regular  service,) 
the  tory  colonel  mentioned  in  one  of  the  affidavits  herewith 
sent. 

"  Parties  are  in  pursuit  of  such  other  of  the  ringleaders 
that  are  discovered. 

"  The  obvious  necessity  of  the  direction  of  Convention, 
will,  we  hope,  apologise  for  our  requesting  their  immediate 
answer. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"Your  most  obt.  humble  servts. 
"  By  order, 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 
"  N.  B.  Several  of  the  deponents,  whose  affidavits  you 
have  herewith,  are  freeholders,  people  frightened  by  the 
artifice  of  villains  who  have  been  indefatigable  in  propo- 
gating  tales  to  further  their  hellish  schemes." 

Ordered,  That  Lieutenant  Robert  Cray  do  immediately 
confine  John  Munro,  Esquire,  in  Kingston  jail,  and  that 
the  keeper  of  the  said  jail  keep  him  in  safe  custody  till  fur- 
ther order.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  put  a  suffi- 
cient and  convenient  fence  before  the  jail  in  Kingston,  so 
as  to  prevent  a  too  great  communication  with  the  prisoners 
in  jail. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the 
report  of  the  committee  of  the  whole  House,  made  this 
morning,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
viz  : 

"  That  every  civil  officer  who,  according  to  this  consti- 
tution, shall  not  be  immediately  eligible  by  the  people, 
shall  be  appointed  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  General  Assembly  shall  once  in  every  year  openly 
nominate  and  appoint  one  of  the  senators  from  each  great 
district,  which  senators,  together  with  the  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly  for  the  time  being,  shall  form  a  Council  for  the 
appointment  of  the  said  officers,  of  which  the  Governor,  for 
the  time  being,  or  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  or  President 
of  the  Senate,  when  they  shall  respectively  administer  the 
government,  shall  be  President,  and  have  a  casting  voice, 
but  no  other  vote  ;  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
said  Council,  shall  appoint  all  the  said  officers  ;  and  that  a 


majority  of  the  said  Council  be  a  quorum.    And  further, 
that  the  same  senators  shall  not  be  eligible  to  the  said 
Council  for  two  years  successively." 
The  same  being  read, 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,  that 
from  the  beginning  of  the  paragraph  to  the  word  "  people  " 
inclusive,  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "  that  all  civil  offi- 
cers, other  than  those  who  by  this  constitution  are  directed 
to  be  otherwise  appointed,"  there  inserted. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  the  same  was  agreed  to. 

The  next  sentence  of  the  report,  as  far  as  the  words 
"  appoint  all  the  said  officers  "  included,  was  then  read  for 
consideration. 

The  same  being  read  a  second  lime,  Mr.  Robert  Yates 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  residue  of  the  said  re- 
port of  the  committee  of  the  whole  House  after  the  words 
"  the  General  Assembly  shall,"  be  rejected,  and  that  the 
following  words  be  adopted  in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  For  every  office,  by  a  vote  or  resolve,  nominate  two 
persons,  and  the  Senate  also  two  persons,  out  of  which 
number  the  Governor  for  the  time  being,  shall  choose,  ap- 
point and  commission  one  of  the  number  so  nominated,  the 
person  whom  he  judges  best  qualified  ;  provided  that  when- 
ever it  shall  be  judged  necessary  to  appoint  or  alter  the 
magistrates  of  any  of  the  counties  of  this  State,  that  the 
Assembly  shall  make  out  a  roll  of  the  persons  they  may 
judge  qualified  for  the  office  ;  and  the  Senate  shall  also 
make  out  a  roll  of  the  number  of  persons  they  may  judge 
qualified  for  the  said  office,  and  out  of  the  list  of  the  per- 
sons contained  in  the  said  rolls,  the  Governor  for  the  time 
being  shall  appoint  and  commission  as  many  as  he  may 
judge  best  qualified  for  the  magistracy." 

So  that  the  whole  paragraph  may  read  thus  : 

"  That  all  officers  other  than  those  who  by  this  constitu- 
tion are  directed  to  be  otherwise  appointed,  shall  be  ap- 
pointed in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  General  Assembly  shall  for  every  office,  by  a  vote 
or  resolve,  nominate  two  persons,  and  the  Senate  also  two 
persons,  out  of  which  number  the  Governor  for  the  time 
being,  shall  choose,  appoint  and  commission  one  of  the 
number  so  nominated,  the  person  whom  he  judges  best 
qualified  ;  provided  that  whenever  it  shall  be  judged  neces- 
sary to  appoint  or  alter  the  magistracy  of  any  of  the  coun- 
ties of  this  State,  that  the  Assembly  shall  make  out  a  roll 
of  the  persons  they  may  judge  qualified  for  the  office,  and 
the  Senate  shall  also  make  out  a  roll  of  the  number  of 
persons  they  may  judge  qualified  for  the  said  office,  and 
out  of  the  list  of  persons  contained  in  the  said  rolls,  the 
Governor  for  the  lime  being,  shall  appoint  and  commission 
as  many  as  he  may  judge  best  qualified  for  the  magis- 
tracy." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,    5 

Westchester,   4 

New-York,    8 

Mr.  Bancker,  Genl.  Scott 
and  Mr.  Harper,  dissent- 
ing. 

Ulster,   4 

Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr. 
Rea  dissenting. 

21 

Thereupon  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Treadwell  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
William  Harper,  that  every  officer  intended  to  be  appoint- 
ed by  virtue  of  the  22d  paragraph,  be  appointed  by  act  of 
the  Legislature. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative. 

The  said  sentence  of  the  report  of  the  committee  of  the 
whole  House,  was  then  again  read,  and  the  question  put 
whether  the  Convention  agrees  with  their  committee,  it 


For  the  affirmative. 

Suffolk,    4 

Charlotte,   2 

Tryon,   3 

Orange,   3 

Mr.  Smith  dissenting. 


J2 


Albany  divided. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


877 


was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester   4      Suffolk,    4 

Ulster,   4       Tryon,   3 

Colo.  De    Witt  and  Mr.         Orange,   3 

Rea  dissenting.  Charlotte,   2 

New-York,    8  — 

Genl.  Scott  dissenting.  12 

Dutchess,   5 

—  Albany  divided. 

21 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATT,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

April  12,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esq.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Van  Cort- 
landt,  Major  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Robert  Harper — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Rea,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Jllbany. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Piatt—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Jos.  H.  Smith,  Mr.  Clark— Orange. 

Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr. 
Morris,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  on 
the  2nd  of  April,  signed  by  Samuel  Clyde,  chairman,  was 
received  and  read. 

Several  of  the  letters  therein  referred  to  (which  are 
eighteen  in  number)  were  read. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  the 
7th  day  of  April  instant,  and  signed  by  John  Eisenlord, 
their  secretary,  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Frederick  Fisher  and  John  Eisenlord,  two 
of  the  commissioners  for  receiving  and  disposing  of  the  ef- 
fects of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  from  Tryon  coun- 
ty, dated  the  8th  of  April,  requesting  directions  as  to  the 
execution  of  those  resolves,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  said  letters  and  papers  be  referred 
to  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Colo.  Williams  and  Mr.  W.  Harper, 
to  report  thereon. 

The  committee  on  Major  Wisner's  pay  roll,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read,  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz  : 

"  That  the  said  major,  and  the  party  under  his  command, 
have  exerted  themselves  in  apprehending  a  number  of  per- 
sons, dangerous  and  disaffected  to  the  liberties  of  Ameri- 
ca, and  therefore,  that  the  sum  of  forty-three  pounds  ten 
shillings  and  six  pence  ought  to  be  paid  them  as  a  gratuity 
to  reimburse  them  their  expenses,  as  also  for  their  en- 
couragement in  future  to  turn  out  on  special  occasions." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  Henry  Wisner, 
Esq.  the  said  sum  of  forty-three  pounds  ten  shillings  and 
sixpence,  to  be  by  him  delivered  to  the  said  Major  Wisner, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Webster  and  Mr. 
Newkerk,  be  a  committee  to  examine,  and  report  on  the 
pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  Capt.  Bradt's  company  of 
rangers. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  of  the  whole  house  on  the  22nd  para- 
graph of  the  plan  of  government. 

The  last  sentence  but  one  of  the  report  was  read  and 
agreed  to. 

The  last  sentence  was  then  read  and  agreed  to. 
The  whole  report  of  the  said  committee  of  the  whole 
house  being  read  as  amended,  and  the  question  put  there- 

220 


on,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following, 
viz  : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,  4 

Dutchess   5 

New- York  8 

Mr  Robt.  Harper  dissent- 
ing. 

Ulster,   4 

Mr.  Rea  dissenting. 

21 


For  the  negative. 

Charlotte,    2 

Tryon,   3 

Suffolk,    4 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Gansevoort  dissenting. 


Orange  divided. 


15 


Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agree  in  the  said  report 
of  their  committee  as  amended,  which  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  That  all  officers  other  than  those  who  by  this  constitu- 
tion are  directed  to  be  otherwise  appointed,  shall  be  ap- 
pointed in  the  manner  following,  to  wit :  The  General  As- 
sembly shall  once  in  every  year  openly  nominate  and  ap- 
point one  of  the  senators  from  each  great  district,  which 
senators,  together  with  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly  for 
the  time  being,  shall  form  a  Council  for  the  appointment  of 
the  said  officers,  of  which  the  Governor  for  the  time  being, 
or  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  or  the  President  of  the  Senate, 
when  they  shall  repectively  administer  the  government, 
shall  be  President,  and  have  a  casting  voice,  but  no  other 
vote  ;  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  said  Council 
shall  appoint  all  the  said  officers;  and  that  a  majority  of 
the  said  Council  be  a  quorum  :  And  further,  that  the  same 
senators  shall  not  be  eligible  to  the  said  Council  for  two 
years  successively." 

In  order  that  the  connection  of  the  paragraphs  be  recol- 
lected, 

Ordered,  That  the  paragraphs  next  following,  which 
have  been  agreed  to,  be  read. 

On  reading  the  23rd  paragraph,  Mr.  Tredwell  gave  no- 
tice that  he  intends,  on  Monday  next,  to  move  for  a  recon- 
sideration of  the  said  23rd  paragraph. 

The  24th,  25th,  26th  and  27lh  paragraphs  were  then  re- 
spectively read  for  information  and  recollection. 

The  28th  paragraph  was  then  read  for  consideration. 

The  same  being  read  a  second  time,  Mr.  Tredwell 
moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  after  the  words  "  originate 
in  the  "  the  word  "  Senate"  be  struck  out,  and  the  words, 
"General  Assembly"  there  inserted;  and  that  after  the 
words,  "  amendment  of  the,"  the  words  "  General  Assem- 
bly" be  struck  out  and  the  word  "  Senate"  inserted  in  their 
stead. 

Debates  arose  thereon  ;  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  resolve  itself  into  a 
committee  of  the  whole  house  on  the  said  28th  para- 
graph. 

The  President,  by  order,  left  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Ganse- 
voort, by  order,  took  the  chair  as  chairman. 

The  28lh  paragraph  was  then  read  in  committee. 

Debates  arose  thereon  ;  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  all  that  part  of 
the  paragraph  which  follows  the  word,  "  annually  appoint- 
ed," be  obliterated,  and  the  following  inserted  in  its  stead  : 
— "  as  follows,  to  wit :  The  Senate  and  Assembly  shall 
each  openly  nominate  as  many  persons  as  shall  be  equal  to 
the  whole  number  of  Delegates  to  be  appointed  ;  after 
which  nomination  they  shall  meet  together,  and  those  per- 
sons named  on  both  lists  shall  be  Delegates ;  and  out  of 
those  persons,  whose  names  are  not  on  both  lists,  one-half 
shall  be  chosen  by  the  joint  ballots  of  the  senators  and 
members  of  Assembly,  so  met  together  as  aforesaid." 

The  original  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  being  again 
read,  agreeable  to  the  proposed  amendments,  was  agreed  to, 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  Delegates,  to  represent  this  State  in  the  General 
Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  be  annually 
appointed,  as  follows,  to  wit :  The  Senate  and  Assembly 
shall  each  openly  nominate  as  many  persons  as  shall  be 


87S 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Delegates  to  be  appointed  ; 
after  which  nomination,  they  shall  meet  together,  and 
those  persons  named  in  both  lists  shall  be  Delegates ;  and 
out  of  those  persons  whose  names  are  not  on  both  lists, 
one  half  shall  be  chosen  by  the  joint  ballots  of  the  sena- 
tors and  members  of  Assembly,  so  met  together  as  afore- 
said." 

Mr.  Tredwell  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  an 
amendment  be  made,  declaring  that  "the  seats  of  all  De- 
legates to  Congress,  appointed  or  elected  out  of  either 
branch  of  the  Legislature,  shall  be  thereby  vacated." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  the  same  was  rejected. 

The  whole  paragraph,  as  amended,  was  then  read  and 
approved  of,  and  agreed  to  be  reported. 

The  committee  arose,  and  the  President  took,  the  chair. 
Mr.  Gansevoort  reported  the  proceedings  of  the  commit- 
tee, which  he  read  in  his  place  and  delivered  in  at  the  ta- 
ble, where  the  same  was  again  read ;  the  same  being 
again  read,  and  the  question  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in 
the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New- York,   8      Tryon,  3 

Westchester,    4         Mr.  Newkerk  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4      Charlotte,   2 

Dutchess,    5  — 

Suffolk,.   4  5 

Orange,   3 

28 

Thereupon,  the  said  28th  paragraph,  as  amended,  was 
agreed  to,  and  by  order  inserted  in  the  draft  of  the  plan  of 
government. 

The  29th  paragraph  being  read,  by  order  was  oblite- 
rated, so  that  the  next  paragraph  became  the  29th. 

The  next  paragraph,  being  marked  29th,  was  read  and 
agreed  to. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SOUS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

April  13,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Beekman— iVeu;- York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Jos.  H.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo.  Van  Rensse- 
laer —Albany. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell.  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris—  West- 
chester. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 
A  letter  from  James  Duane,  Esquire,  dated  at  Mama- 
cotting,  instant,  informing  of  a  valuable  lead  mine, 

and  on  the  subject  of  salt  and  sulphur,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  separate  committees  for  directing 
assays  on  the  making  of  salt,  and  prosecuting  assays  on 
sulphur  and  lead  ores,  be  consolidated  ;  and  that  Mr. 
Duane's  letter  be  committed  to  that  committee  to  report 
thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Henry  Benson,  with  the  armed  ves- 
sel belonging  to  this  State,  under  his  command,  do  proceed 
to  the  city  of  Albany  to  convey  to  that  place  the  Continen- 
tal gunpowder  arrived  at  this  place,  for  the  use  of  the  Con- 
tinental troops. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  further  considera- 
tion of  the  form  of  government. 

The  30th  paragraph  was  read  twice,  and  the  same  then 
being  read  in  short  sentences,  and  amended  with  consent, 
was  agreed  to  by  sentences.  The  same  as  amended  was 
again  read,  and  agreed  to. 


Sunday  Afternoon,  April  13,  1777. 
The  Convention  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Genl.  Scott, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Ganse- 
voort— Albany. 

Mr.  Landon— Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Jos.  H.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood — Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

The  committee  appointed  to  audit  the  accounts  of  John 
A.  Bradt,  late  a  captain  of  a  company  of  rangers,  reported 
on  the  said  accounts.  The  report  was  read,  and  ordered 
to  be  recommitted. 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
31st  paragraph  of  the  draft  of  a  plan  of  government.  The 
same  was  read,  and  again  read  by  sentences  ;  the  first  sen- 
tence being  read,  General  Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded, 
that  the  whole  of  the  first  sentence  be  obliterated,  and  the 
following  words  inserted  in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  That  the  power  of  impeaching  all  officers  for  mal  and 
corrupt  conduct  in  their  respective  offices,  be  vested  in 
the  representatives  of  the  people  in  General  Assembly  ; 
but  that  it  shall  always  be  necessary  that  two-third  parts  of 
the  members  present  shall  consent  to  and  agree  in  such 
impeachment." 

The  same  being  several  times  read,  and  the  question  put 
thereon,  the  motion  was  agreed  to,  and  that  sentence  or- 
dered to  be  inserted  instead  of  the  first  sentence  as  it  stood. 

The  second  sentence  was  then  read.  A  motion  was  then 
made  and  seconded,  that  the  words  "  or  sentence "  be 
obliterated  ;  that  the  words  "  three-fourth  "  be  obliterated, 
and  the  words  "  two-third  "  inserted  in  their  stead  ;  and 
that  the  words  "  who  assisted  at  the  trial  "  be  obliterated, 
and  that  the  words  "  then  present "  be  inserted  in  their 
stead. 

The  said  amendments  were  respectively  agreed  to,  and 
inserted  accordingly. 

The  next  sentence  being  read,  in  the  words  following, 
viz  :    [Not  inserted.] 

A  motion  was  then  made,  and  seconded  by  Messrs.  Jay 
and  Scott,  that  the  said  sentence  be  amended  in  manner 
following,  viz  : 

"  But  the  party  so  convicted  shall  be  nevertheless  liable 
and  subject  to  indictment,  trial,  judgment  and  punishment, 
according  to  the  laws  of  the  land." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  the  same  was  agreed  to, 
and  the  paragragh  amended  accordingly. 

The  last  sentence  was  read,  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit :    [Not  inserted  ] 

Sundry  amendments  were  moved  and  seconded,  by 
Messrs.  Yates,  Jay  and  Scott,  which  being  severally  re- 
duced to  writing  and  read,  are  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"And  it  is  further  Ordained,  That  in  every  trial  on  im- 
peachment or  indictment  for  crimes  or  misdemeanors,  the 
party  impeached  or  indicted  shall  be  allowed  counsel,  as  in 
civil  actions." 

The  same  being  several  times  read,  was  agreed  to,  and 
ordered  to  be  inserted  in  lieu  of  the  last  sentence. 

The  said  31st  paragraph  as  amended  was  then  read,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit :    [Not  inserted.] 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to. 

The  32nd  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  left  for  further 
consideration. 

The  33rd  paragraph,  hitherto  marked  32d,  was  then 
read  ;  and  the  34th,  hitherto  marked  the  33rd,  was  read. 
General  Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Jay,  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


879 


ihe  words  "  or  place  "  be  inserted  after  the  words  "  military 
office."  The  same  was  agreed  to,  and  inserted  accordingly. 

The  35th  paragraph,  hitherto  marked  the  34th,  was  then 
read.  The  36th  paragraph,  hitherto  counted  to  be  the  35th, 
was  then  read,  and  postponed  for  further  consideration. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

April  14,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Cortlandt, 
Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Beekman— New-York. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Mills,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Lockwood— ires<- 
chester. 

Mr.  Rob.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Adgate — 
Albany. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams—  Charlotte. 

Col.  £>e  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Morris  produced  a  draft  of  Horatio  Gates,  Major- 
General,  on  Major-Genl.  Mifflin,  Quarter-Master-General, 
or  his  deputy  at  Philadelphia,  which  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  viz  : 

"Esopus,  Uth  April,  1777. 
"Sir — Pay  unto  the  Treasurer  of  the  Slate  of  New- 
York,  or  his  order,  one  hundred  dollars,  for  so  much  ad- 
vanced by  him  to  George  Hurt  and  Nicholas  Bowers,  wa- 
gon-masters, who  are  returning  with  a  brigade  of  wagons 
to  Philadelphia,  having  delivered  powder  brought  from 
thence. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant, 

"HORATIO  GATES, 

"  Major-General. 

"  To  Major-Genl.  Mifflin,  Q.  M.  G. 

or  his  deputy  at  Philadelphia." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  the  said 
sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  to  George  Hurt  and  Nicholas 
Bowers,  wagon-masters  from  Philadelphia,  taking  their  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  ;  that  he  debit  the  Continent  for  that  sum 
and  forward  the  said  draft  to  the  Quarler-Master-General 
or  his  deputy  for  payment,  and  on  receipt  thereof  credit 
the  same. 

The  petition  of  Duncan  McConnelly,  setting  forth  that 
he  formerly  deserted  from  the  enemy's  service ;  that  he  is 
well  affected  to  this  State,  and  without  any  cause  whatever, 
is  confined  as  a  disaffected  person,  and  praying  to  be  heard. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  lately  to  hear  the  prisoners  brought  to  this 
place  by  Major  Wisner,  viz  :  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Wisner  and 
Mr.  Landon. 

A  pay  roll  of  a  company  of  rangers  lately  commanded 
by  Capt.  John  A.  Bradt,  from  the  4th  day  of  February  last, 
lo  the  first  day  of  April  instant  inclusive,  amounting  to  the 
sum  of  £224  6s.  Od.  and  a  subsistence  roll  of  the  said 
company  for  the  time  aforesaid,  amounting  to  £156  7s.  5d. 
sworn  to  by  the  said  Capt.  Bradt,  before  the  Vice-Presi- 
dent to  be  just  and  true  rolls,  containing  the  names  of  the 
officers,  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the  said 
company  who  are  actually  in  service,  were  exhibited  for 
payment.  Therewith  was  also  exhibited  a  muster  roll  of 
the  said  company,  with  a  particular  affidavit  of  the  said 
Capt.  Bradt,  sworn  before  the  Vice-President,  endorsed 
thereon,  that  it  is  a  just  and  true  muster  roll  of  the  said 
company,  containing  the  names,  rank,  time  of  enlistment, 
their  reenlistment,  absenting  themselves  or  discharged  from 
the  said  company. 

On  the  back  of  the  said  pay  roll  is  endorsed  a  certificate 
of  Benjamin  Newkerk,  Matthew  Adgate  and  Alexander 


Webster,  a  committee  appointed  to  audit  the  said  accounts, 
that  they  have  examined  the  said  pay  roll  and  the  subsis- 
tence roll  thereto  annexed,  and  allow  the  sum  of  £224  (is. 
Od.  for  pay,  and  the  further  sum  of  £156  7s.  bd.  for  sub- 
sistence, to  John  A.  Bradt  and  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
John  A.  Bradt  the  said  sum  of  £224  6s.  Od.  for  pay  due 
to  his  company,  and  the  further  sum  of  £156  7s.  5c?.  for 
subsistence  due  to  the  said  company,  amounting  together, 
to  the  sum  of  £380  13s.  5d.  taking  his  receipt  for  the 
same  ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  file  the  muster  roll  of  the 
said  company  this  day  sworn  to  as  aforesaid,  with  the  said 
pay  roll. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  and  report  on  the 
letter  of  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Ulster  county,  dated  the  8th  instant,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read. 

The  said  letter  was  then  again  read,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz  : 

"In  Committee  of  the  County  of  Ulster,  ? 

"April  8th,  1777.  J 
"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York : 

"  Gentlemen — There  are  sundry  accounts  laid  before 
this  committee  by  persons  who  live  within  this  county,  of 
expenses  that  have  accrued  for  transporting  some  of  the 
Continental  troops  with  their  baggage  ;  also  for  entertain- 
ing, nursing  and  doctoring  such  of  the  sick  of  said  troops 
as  could  not  be  moved.  As  many  of  the  persons  who  pro- 
duced such  accounts,  are  in  low  circumstances,  they  can 
not  afford  to  lie  out  of  their  money,  and  this  committee  is 
of  opinion  they  should  not,  as  they  were  moved  with  such 
tenderness  as  to  commiserate  with  the  distressed  and  indi- 
gent, most  of  whom  were  lousy  and  in  wretched  circum- 
stances. This  committee  begs  that  the  Honourable  Con- 
vention will,  in  their  wisdom,  devise  some  mode  by  which 
such  accounts  may  be  discharged,  as  the  good  of  the  public 
service  in  some  degree  depends  on  it.  If  it  is  agreeable 
to  the  Honourable  Convention,  this  committee  will,  after 
examining  such  accounts,  pay  them  out  of  the  public  money 
they  have  borrowed  from  this  State,  provided  they  shall 
have  the  several  sums  reimbursed  to  them  again.  Gentle- 
men, your  speedy  answer  to  the  above  will  much  oblige 
your  very  humble  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Committee. 
(Signed,)       "  CORNS.  C.  SCHOONMAKER, 

"  Chairman.'" 

The  said  report  being  again  read,  (in  one  instance 
amended,)  adopted  and  agreed  to  as  the  act  of  this  Con- 
vention, is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Ulster 
be  informed,  that  the  Quarter-Master-General  of  the  Con- 
tinental army,  or  any  of  his  deputies,  pay  all  the  charges 
that  accrue  in  transporting  Continental  troops  and  their 
baggage,  upon  certificates  being  produced  of  the  service 
performed  ;  and  that  the  Director-General  of  the  hospital 
in  either  of  the  departments,  will  pay  all  reasonable  ac- 
counts for  entertaining  and  nursing  any  of  the  sick  sol- 
diers belonging  to  the  Continental  army. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
five  Indian  chiefs,  dated  at  Oneoghquaga,  on  the  first  day 
of  March  last,  and  the  letter  from  Colo.  John  Harper  of 
the  10th  of  March,  together  with  Colo.  Harper's  account, 
brought  in  their  report  on  the  said  letters  and  account. 

The  said  letters  were  respectively  read,  and  are  as  fol- 
lows, viz : 

"  Cherry  Valley,  March  10,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — I  take  this  opportunity  to  acquaint  you 
of  my  proceedings  since  I  left  the  Fishkill.  After  my  arri- 
val at  Harpersfield,  which  was  on  the  17th  February  last, 
I  heard  a  report  that  Joseph  Brant,  with  a  considerable 
number  of  warriors  with  him,  had  an  intention  to  beset  the 
frontiers.  I  thought  proper  to  give  to  the  captains  of  the 
several  companies  under  my  command,  private  orders  to 
be  in  readiness  at  the  shortest  notice  given  by  me,  in 


880 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


order  to  oppose  the  aforesaid  Brant  and  party  ;  as  I  resolved 
to  go  with  an  Indian  and  one  white  man  to  Oneoghquaga, 
in  order  to  discover  the  motions  of  the  enemy.  For  which 
purpose  I  set  out  on  the  nineteenth  of  February,  and  ar- 
rived in  Oneoghquaga  on  the  twenty-seventh,  when  I  found 
that  the  reports  were  not  well  grounded.  I,  therefore,  in 
order  to  present  your  letter  of  the  1 2th  February  to  them 
in  the  most  friendly  manner,  killed  an  ox,  to  make  a 
friendly  entertainment,  which  had  the  desired  effect;  for 
those  that  seemed  to  scruple  the  sincerity  of  our  declara- 
tions of  friendship  before  this,  were  prevailed  on  to  think 
that  our  actions  corresponded  with  our  professions  ;  they 
expressed  their  sorrow  for  our  troubles,  and  declared  that 
they  would  take  no  active  part  against  us.  Their  necessi- 
ties have  caused  many  of  them  to  go  to  Niagara,  but  with 
no  other  views  than  to  trade  for  the  necessaries  of  life  ; 
and  inform  that  Colonel  Butler  has  forbid  them  to  hurt  the 
frontiers.  They  likewise  inform  that  Joseph  Brant  has 
returned  from  the  Oneida  Castle  to  Niagara  ;  that  he  has 
a  mind  to  settle  at  the  Onondaga  Castle.  They  likewise 
inform  that  Brant  differed  with  G.  Johnson,  and  was  going 
to  kill  him,  had  he  not  been  prevented.  Whether  this  was 
the  cause  of  his  leaving  the  army  I  can't  tell.  I  saw  the 
Indians  that  left  Oneoghquaga  with  Brant  as  they  were  re- 
turning, and  they  exactly  corrrespond  with  the  above  ac- 
count, which  is  all  at  present  that  I  can  acquaint  you 
relative  to  Brant  and  party  ;  and  conclude,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  very  humble  servant. 

"JOHN  HARPER. 
"  P.  S. — Gentlemen,  I  send  you  an  account  of  the 
expenses  of  my  journey,  and  the  cost  of  the  ox,  with 
some  other  small  presents,  which  I  hope  will  meet  your* 
approbation. 

"  JOHN  HARPER." 

The  report  of  the  said  committee  was  then  read  as 
follows  : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Adam,  Peter,  Isaac,  Jacob  and  Hendrick,  chiefs  of  the 
Oneoghquaga  tribe,  and  another  from  Colo.  John  Harper, 
who  was  sent  by  this  House  as  a  messenger  to  said  Indians, 
together  with  his  account  against  this  State  for  said  service, 
do  report : 

"That  there  are  only  two  points  in  said  papers  which 
require  the  attention  of  this  House.  The  one  is  a  para- 
graph in  the  letter  from  the  Indian  chiefs,  in  which  they 
complain  that  there  are  already  five  houses  over  our  line 
of  property  on  the  Delaware  river,  and  desire  we  would 
remove  those  encroachers  as  soon  as  possible.  The  other 
is  the  account  of  the  said  Colonel  John  Harper  against  this 
State,  for  services  done  by  order  of  the  Convention. 

"  As  to  the  first  point,  your  committee  are  of  opinion 
that  a  commissioner  or  commissioners  should  be  imme- 
diately appointed  to  examine  into  said  complaint,  and  to 
report  to  this  Convention,  or  to  the  Legislature,  or  execu- 
tive power  of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  as  soon  as  may 
be,  how  many  such  settlements  there  are,  the  names  of  the 
settlers,  and  the  grounds  or  claims  upon  which  such  settle- 
ments were  made,  that  such  order  may  be  made  therein 
as  to  justice  and  right  doth  appertain  ;  that  all  just  cause 
of  complaint  upon  that  head  may  be  removed  ;  and  that 
said  commissioner  or  commissioners  be  ordered  to  give  the 
Indians  the  fullest  assurances  of  our  disposition  to  do  them 
justice. 

"  As  to  the  account  of  the  said  Colonel  Harper,  in  which 
he  charges  this  State  for  services  done,  and  contingent  ex- 
penses, with  twenty-nine  pounds  one  shilling  and  six  pence, 
your  committee  report,  that  they  find  some  articles  of  ex- 
pense charged  in  the  said  account,  which  they  do  not  find 
that  he  was  expressly  authorized  to  incur ;  and,  therefore, 
they  do  not  conceive  themselves  authorized  to  allow  the 
same  without  the  consent  of  this  House,  however  reason- 
able they  may  appear." 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  John  Harper's  account,  amounting 


to  £29  Is.  6d.  for  his  trouble  and  disbursements  in  a  jour- 
ney as  commissioner  to  the  Indians  at  Oneoghquaga,  by 
order  of  ihis  Convention,  be  paid.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  that  sum 
to  William  Harper,  Esquire,  for  the  use  of  Colonel  John 
Harper.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  residue  of  the  said  report  lie  on 
the  table,  to  be  considered  when  the  report  for  appointing 
commissioners  for  Indian  affairs  in  this  State  shall  be  taken 
in  consideration. 

Mr.  Duane,  one  of  the  committee  hereinafter  named  to 
have  been  appointed  on  the  10th  of  February  last,  being 
gone  to  Congress,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  seconded  by 
General  Scott, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  Jay  be,  and 
hereby  are,  added  to  the  committee  appointed  on  the  10th 
of  February  last,  to  report  the  best  ways  and  means  for 
managing  the  Indian  affairs  of  this  State. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  Mr.  John  Henry,  a 
commissary  of  clothing  for  the  Continental  troops  raising  in 
this  State,  is  going  to  New-York  with  a  flag. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  write  a  letter  to  Egbert  Ben- 
son, Esquire,  and  the  other  commissioners  at  Fishkill,  de- 
siring them  to  prevent  John  Henry  from  departing  until  he 
has  settled  his  accounts  with  this  State.  A  draft  of  the  said 
letter  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Kingston,  April  14,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  have  received  informa- 
tion that  John  Henry,  the  commissary  of  clothing  for  this 
State,  is  about  going  to  New-York,  which  they  fear  will 
be  attended  with  dangerous  consequences  ;  and  have  there- 
fore directed  me  to  write  to  you,  and  desire  that  you  will 
take  measures  to  prevent  his  going  till  he  shall  first  have 
settled  his  accounts  with  the  State,  and  obtained  leave  from 
the  Convention. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  mo.  obt.  servt. 

"To  Egbert  Benson,  Esq.  Chairman, 

and  the  Commissioners  at  Fishkill." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  Vice-President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Hobart,  from  the  commissioners  appointed  to  meet 
commissioners  from  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
Maryland  and  Virginia,  at  York  Town,  in  Pennsylvania, 
reported  that  they  were  directed  to  lay  a  copy  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  commissioners  before  the  Conven- 
tion, which,  being  read,  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table, 
for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 

The  Convention  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  plan 
of  government. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  following 
paragraph  be  ordained  and  made  a  part  of  the  form  of  go- 
vernment, viz  : 

"  Whereas  the  right  of  preemption  to  all  the  Indian  lands 
within  this  State  appertains  to  the  good  people  thereof: 
And  whereas  it  is  of  great  importance  to  the  safety  of  this 
State,  that  peace  and  amity  with  the  Indians  within  the 
same  be  at  all  times  supported  and  maintained  :  And 
whereas  the  frauds  too  often  practised  towards  the  said 
Indians,  in  contracts  for  their  lands,  have  in  divers  instan- 
ces been  productive  of  dangerous  discontents  and  animo- 
sities : 

"Be  it  Ordained,  That  no  purchases  or  contracts  for  the 
sale  of  lands,  made  since  the  fourteenth  day  of  October,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1775,  or  which  may  hereafter  be 
made,  with  or  of  the  said  Indians  within  the  limits  of  this 
Stale,  shall  be  binding  on  the  said  Indians,  or  deemed 
valid,  unless  made  under  the  authority  and  with  the  consent 
of  the  Legislature  of  this  Slate." 

The  same  being  read,  the  ordaining  part  thereof  was 
again  read,  considered  of,  and  agreed  to. 

The  recitals  being  again  read  together,  and  then  each  re- 
cital read  separately,  on  the  reading  of  the  first  recital  de- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


881 


bates  arose  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  in  considera- 
tion thereof,  it  was  rejected,  and  by  order  obliterated.  The 
other  recitals  being  separately  read,  were  agreed  to. 

The  whole  paragraph  being  then  read  and  considered, 
and  the  question  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit  : 

Whereas  it  is  of  great  importance  to  the  safety  of  this 
State,  that  peace  and  amity  with  the  Indians  within  the 
same  be  at  all  times  supported  and  maintained  :  And 
whereas  the  frauds  too  often  practised  towards  the  said 
Indians,  in  contracts  made  for  their  lands,  have,  in  divers 
instances,  been  productive  of  dangerous  discontents  and 
animosities  : 

Be  it  Ordained,  That  no  purchases  or  contracts  for  the 
sale  of  land,  made  since  the  fourteenth  day  of  October,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  1775,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  made 
with  or  of  the  said  Indians,  within  the  limits  of  this  State, 
shall  be  binding  on  the  said  Indians,  or  deemed  valid,  un- 
less made  under  the  authority  and  with  the  consent  of  the 
Legislature  of  this  State. 

Die  Lunje,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  14,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Robert  Harper — Neve-York. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen— Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  TredweU.  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris — 
Westchester. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  Obadiah  Jones,  dated  at  Saybrook,  re- 
questing some  directions  as  to  their  electing  future  repre- 
sentatives, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the 
members,  until  the  matters  of  Suffolk  county  stock  and 
accounts  are  resumed. 

Mr.  Hobart  produced  to  Convention  an  account  of  Peter 
Bontecue,  of  New-Haven,  for  the  passage  and  freight  of 
the  families  and  effects  of  Daniel  Haines,  Daniel  Hedges, 
Mat.  Osborn,  James  Jennings,  Elisha  Mulford,  Linus  Dib- 
ble, Isa.  Franks  and  Jonathan  Tuttle,  amounting  to  sixty- 
four  pounds  and  ten  pence  ;  on  the  said  account  is  endors- 
ed a  certificate  of  Timothy  Jones,  Junr.  Jonathan  Filch, 
Heze.  Sabin  and  Abraham  Augur,  committee  of  inspection 
for  New-Haven,  that  the  said  account  is  a  reasonable 
charge. 

At  the  foot  of  the  said  account  is  a  certificate,  subscribed 
by  Thomas  Derring  and  John  Foster,  dated  the  31st  of 
December,  1776,  certifying  that  they  have  examined  the 
said  account  of  Peter  Bountecou,  amounting  to  £64  Os. 
lOd.  New-York  currency,  and  approved  the  charge. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Peter 
Bontecou,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  £64  Os.  lOd.  for  his 
said  account,  taking  a  receipt  in  full  for  the  same. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  who  was  seconded, 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a 
letter  to  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  stating  the  several 
resolutions  relative  to  the  removal  of  the  stock,  grain  and 
inhabitants  from  Long  island,  and  the  propriety  of  charg- 
ing the  expense  which  hath  accrued  thereby  to  the  United 
States. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Hobait  and  General 
Scott  be  the  committee. 

A  memorial  of  Major  Albert  Pawling,  dated  this  day, 
was  read,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York: 

"  The  memorial  of  Albert  Pawling,  major  of  one  of  the 
sixteen  additional  regiments  ordered  to  be  raised  by  the 
Honourable  the  Congress  for  the  service  of  the  United 

221 


States  of  America,  and  officered  by  His  Excellency  Ge- 
neral Washington, 

"  Humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  as  well  your  memorialist  as  the  officers  of 
four  companies  in  one  of  the  said  regiments,  are  members 
of  this  State,  as  will  appear  from  the  enclosed  list ;  that 
most  of  them  are  persons  who  have  fled  from  the  city  of 
New-York  or  Long  island,  leaving  their  all  behind  them, 
rather  than  desert  the  cause  of  liberty  and  their  country, 
by  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy  ;  and  all  of  them, 
(one  or  two  subalterns  excepted,)  have  served  as  officers 
appointed  by  this  State  in  the  service  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  and  though  with  some  degree  of  military  re- 
putation, as  will  appear  by  the  recommendations  given 
them  to  the  committee  of  arrangement  by  the  general  offi- 
cers under  whom  they  more  immediately  served,  yet  they 
were  (from  unavoidable  necessity,  as  your  memorialist  be- 
lieves) unprovided  for  in  the  five  regiments  assigned  to  this 
State  to  raise. 

"  Your  memorialist  further  begs  leave  to  premise  that 
the  officers  of  the  said  sixteen  regiments  are  not  confined 
to  any  particular  State  to  recruit  the  same  ;  notwithstand- 
ing which,  it  has  been  the  policy  of  the  States  of  Connec- 
ticut and  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  grant  their  respective  State 
bounties,  as  well  to  recruits,  (wheresoever  enlisted,)  for 
those  regiments  as  for  the  artillery,  where  the  recruiting 
officers  only  are  members  belonging  to  either  of  those 
States,  by  means  whereof  they  furnish  officers,  and  this  State 
men  for  those  corps  ;  and  besides  the  honour  of  apparently 
furnishing  a  large  proportion  of  men  for  the  war,  at  the 
close  of  it,  from  the  well  known  attachment  that  men  ge- 
nerally have  to  their  officers,  they  will  acquire  by  this  stroke 
of  policy  whole  regiments  of  new  subjects  at  the  expense 
of  this  and  other  of  the  States. 

"  Your  memorialist,  however,  means  not  by  this  reason- 
ing to  ask  a  bounty  or  any  extra  encouragement  for  the 
recruits  of  his  officers  ;  and  as  he  wishes,  so  he  will  exert 
himself  to  raise  as  many  in  other  states  as  he  possibly  can, 
for  which  purpose  his  recruiting  officers  have  proper  direc- 
tions. But  your  memorialist  can't  help  humbly  thinking 
that  a  late  resolve  of  this  Honourable  House,  giving  an  ex- 
emption to  such  of  the  militia  from  being  drafted  in  the 
service  as  shall  furnish  or  enlist  men  for  either  of  the  five 
regiments  of  this  State  only,  bears  extremely  hard  on  his 
officers,  and  will  greatly  retard,  if  not  totally  prevent  their 
filling  their  companies,  except  the  same  resolve  shall  be 
extended  to  them. 

"  Your  memorialist,  therefore,  from  a  desire  of  promot- 
ing the  interest  of  this  State,  of  which  he  has  the  honour 
of  being  a  member,  and  of  promoting  the  recruiting  ser- 
vice at  large,  by  having  his  officers  put  on  an  equal  foot- 
ing with  others  of  the  same  State,  has  thought  it  his  duty 
to  lay  the  state  of  fact  contained  in  the  above  memorial 
before  this  Honourable  House,  with  the  fullest  confidence 
(arising  from  the  high  opinion  he  entertains  of  their  wis- 
dom and  justice)  that  the  said  resolution  will  be  extended 
equally  to  the  above  four  companies  as  to  the  other  troops 
now  raising  in  this  State. 

"  And  your  memorialist,  as  in  duty  bound,  will  ever 
pray. 

(Signed)  ALBERT  PAWLING. 

"Kingston,  April  14(A,  1777." 

A  list  of  officers  of  the  four  companies  alluded  to  in  the 
above  memorial :  Captains — Nathaniel  Tom,  John  Watkins 
Black,  Santford  ;  Lieutenants — Wood,  Lawrence,  Neely, 
Munnell,  Drake,  Oliver,  Robert,  Rodman. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Pawling  be  informed  that  this 
Convention  made  and  issued  the  resolution  referred  to  in 
his  memorial,  in  order  to  aid  in  recruiting  the  five  regi- 
ments directed  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  which  they  con- 
ceived themselves  bound  in  honour  to  complete  as  soon  as 
possible ;  and  that  when  those  regiments  are  completed, 
the  Convention  will  give  all  such  aid  to  the  recruiting  ser- 


882 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


vice  in  general  as  shall  to  them  appear  consistent  with  the 
particular  circumstances  of  this  State. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  a  form  of  government. 

With  consent  of  the  Convention,  Mr.  Tredwell  gave 
notice,  that  he  will  to-morrow  move  for  the  reconsideration 
of  the  23rd  paragraph,  for  the  reconsideration  whereof  he 
gave  notice  on  Saturday  last. 

The  36th  paragraph  was  read ;  the  same  being  again 
read,  Mr.  Morris  moved  that  the  words,  "  for  crimes  here- 
after to  be  committed,"  be  added  to  that  paragraph. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Robert 
Harper,  for  the  following  amendment  to  the  amendment, 
viz  :  that  the  amendment  be  in  the  following  words,  viz  : 
"  for  crimes  that  may  be  committed  after  the  termination 
of  the  present  war." 

Debates  arose  thereon  ;  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  follow- 
ing addition,  viz :  "  and  that  such  acts  shall  not  work  a 
corruption  of  blood." 

The  question  being  put  on  the  last  amendment,  it  was 
agreed  to. 

A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded,  that  this  para- 
graph be  put  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  And  that  no  acts  of  attainder  shall  be  passed  by  the 
Legislature  of  this  State,  for  crimes  other  than  those  com- 
mitted before  the  termination  of  the  present  war,  and  that 
such  acts  shall  not  work  a  corruption  of  blood." 

The  same  being  thus  read  and  agreed  to,  was  ordered  to 
be  inserted. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  this  para- 
graph be  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

April  15,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Jay — New- York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queent. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ab.  Yates,  Mr. 
Cuyler — Albany. 
Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  John  Schenk — Dulchess. 
Mr.  Win.  Harper,  Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Morris— 
Westchester. 
Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  short  petition  from  Solomon  Combs,  Robert  Denton 
and  James  Cosman,  three  disaffected  persons  in  Kingston, 
dated  the  14lh  instant,  was  read.  They  thereby  offer  to 
go  into  the  Continental  service  for  three  years,  and  pro- 
fess their  sorrow  for  their  past  conduct. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  hear  those  prisoners  when  they  were 
committed  ;  and  that  Mr.  Tredwell  and  Mr.  Lawrence  be 
added  to  that  committee. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare 
and  report  a  proper  device  for  a  great  seal  for  this  State  ; 
and  that  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpose. 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of 
the  plan  of  government. 

The  paragraph  of  the  plan  of  government  relating  to 
trial  by  jury,  was  read. 


Mr.  Robert  Harper  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Messrs. 
Adgate  and  Tredwell,  that  the  following  proviso  be  add- 
ed, viz : 

"  Provided  that  no  jury  shall  hereafter  be  compellable  to 
unanimity  in  their  verdict." 

Mr.  Adgate  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  fol- 
lowing amendment,  viz  : 

"  That  three-fourth  parts  of  a  jury  agreeing  in  a  verdict 
shall  be  sufficient,  and  their  verdict  received  as  if  the 
whole  jury  had  agreed." 

Debates  arose  thereon ;  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner  follow- 
ing, viz  : 

For  the  amendment.  Against  the  amendment. 

Tryon,   3      Westchester,  4 

Mr.  Newkerk  dissenting.  Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

New- York  8 

Mr.  R.  Harper  dissenting. 

Charlotte,   2 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  — 
28 

The  question  being  then  put  on  the  amendment  moved 
by  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  in 
manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4      Tryon,   3 

Suffolk   4         Mr.  Newkerk  dissenting. 

Ulster,   4 

New-York,   8 

Mr.  Robert  Harper  dis- 
senting. 

Charlotte,   2 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Adgate  dissenting.  — 

28 

The  said  paragraph  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  following 
addition  be  made  to  that  paragraph,  viz  : 

"And  further,  that  the  Legislature  of  this  State  shall  at  no 
time  hereafter  institute  any  new  court  or  courts,  but  such  as 
shall  proceed  according  to  the  course  of  the  common  law." 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  during  those  debates,  Abra- 
ham Yates  and  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqrs.  came  into  Conven- 
tion and  took  their  seats. 

The  question  being  put  on  the  amendment  it  was  agreed 

to. 

The  paragraph  thus  amended  was  then  read,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to. 

The  whole  paragraph,  with  the  amendments  agreed  to 
yesterday  afternoon  and  this  morning,  was  then  read,  and 
the  question  being  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  according  to  notice  given,  moved  and  was 
seconded,  that  the  23rd  paragraph  be  reconsidered  ;  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

The  said  23rd  paragraph  was  then  read.  Thereupon,  a 
motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the  words  "  by  the 
Governor,"  be  obliterated.  The  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  22nd  paragraph  be  read  ;  and  the 
same  being  read,  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that 
the  word  "  civil"  in  the  former  part  thereof  be  obliterated  ; 
the  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to,  and  the 
paragraph  amended  accordingly. 

The  23rd  paragraph,  as  above  amended,  was  then  read 
and  agreed  to. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  April  15,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Banck- 
er, Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Moore— Tryon. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr 
Adgate— Albany. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


883 


Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  LandoD,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Col.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Mills,  Maj.  Lockwood,  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr. 
Morris —  Westchester. 

Colonel  De  Witt  produced  to  Convention,  at  the  request 
of  Cornelius  Schoonmaker,  a  list  of  the  quantity  of  stock- 
ings and  blankets  purchased  by  the  different  persons  in  the 
different  townships  and  precincts  in  Ulster  county,  amount- 
ing to  £578  Is.  lid.  and  in  behalf  of  the  said  chairman, 
requested  an  advance  of  money  to  discharge  the  accounts 
accrued  in  purchasing  the  said  articles  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  advance  to 
Cornelius  Schoonmaker,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  general 
committee  of  Ulster  county,  the  sum  of  six  hundred  pounds, 
to  enable  him  to  discharge  the  account  of  stockings  and 
blankets  purchased  by  sundry  persons  in  the  said  county, 
pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  and 
take  his  receipt  to  account  for  the  said  sum. 

A  letter  from  General  McDougall,  dated  Peekskill,  on 
the  14th  inst.  together  with  the  proceedings  of  a  general 
court  marlial  held  on  the  11th  instant,  for  the  trial  of  Si- 
mon Mabee,  charged  with  being  employed  by  the  enemy 
as  a  spy,  and  for  enlisting  men  into  their  service,  the  said 
Simon  Mabee  being,  by  the  said  court  martial,  found  guilty 
of  the  said  charge  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged  by  the  neck 
till  he  is  dead,  were  read  ;  and  the  same  were  taken  into 
consideration.  After  some  time  spent  therein,  on  motion, 
the  further  consideration  thereof  was  postponed  until  to- 
morrow. 

The  petition  of  Benjamin  and  John  Gilbert,  late  of  the 
city  of  New- York,  praying  for  some  employment  in  the 
military  line,  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for 
further  consideration. 

The  committee  lo  whom  was  referred  the  letters  from 
the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  dated  the  2nd  and  7th  of 
April  instant,  as  also  a  letter  from  the  commissioners  for 
disposing  of  the  personal  properly  of  persons  gone  over 
to  the  enemy,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
amended  and  recommitted,  with  the  addition  of  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  to  the  said  committee. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  further  consideration 
of  the  plan  of  government. 

The  paragraph  between  those  marked  31  and  32,  and 
which  will  be  numbered  32,  was  read.  After  some  time 
spent  therein,  on  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  paragraph  be  recommitted  to 
Mr.  Ho'uart,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Robert  Yates. 

The  3rd  and  4th  paragraphs  were  then  respectively  read 
and  committed  to  the  same  committee. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

April  16,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Robert 
Harper,  Genl.  Scott— New-York. 

Major  Landon,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates, 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Lockwood—  Westchester. 
Col.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Moore,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  from  Colo- 
nel Alexander  Hamilton,  at  Morristown,  dated  the  12th 


instant,  was  read.  He  thereby  informs,  that  the  General 
approves  of  the  resolution  of  this  Convention  in  the  case  of 
Major  Edminston,  and  that  it  would  be  most  agreeable  to 
the  General,  that  Major  Edminston  might  be  forwarded  to 
Philadelphia  without  giving  the  General  the  trouble  of  an 
interview  with  the  major.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  take  the  pa- 
rol of  Major  Edminston  at  this  place,  be  and  are  authorized 
and  requested  to  give  directions  that  he  be  sent  forward  to 
Philadelphia  agreeable  to  the  opinion  of  General  Washing- 
ton, signified  by  Colonel  Hamilton. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  letters 
from  the  committee,  and  the  commissioners  in  Tryon 
county,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended 
and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That'your  committee  have  examined  the  intercepted 
letters  which  were  taken  on  their  way  to  disaffected  per- 
sons now  in  Canada  ;  but  find  nothing  therein  worthy  of 
notice,  and  that  they  ought  to  be  returned  to  the  committee 
of  Tryon  county. 

"  That  the  said  committee  be  informed  that  works  for 
making  salt  will  soon  be  erected  in  that  county,  and  also 
that  this  Convention  have  applied  to  Congress  for  a  supply 
of  that  article,  which  if  obtained  will  be  properly  distributed 
among  the  inhabitants  of  this  State. 

"  And  whereas  the  said  committee  of  Tryon  county 
have  lately  detected  a  number  of  disaffected  persons,  and 
were  about  sending  them  to  Kingston,  your  committee  are 
of  opinion  they  ought  to  be  detained  in  close  confinement 
in  the  said  county  till  further  provision  is  made  for  dispos- 
ing of  them  by  the  Convention,  or  future  Legislature  of 
this  State: 

li  Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  committee  of 
Tryon  county,  approving  of  their  zeal  and  attention  to  the 
general  welfare  of  America,  and  informing  them  that  past 
experience  has  shewn  the  inefficacy  of  oaths  of  allegiance, 
and  that  in  the  idea  of  this  Convention,  it  will  be  impolitic 
to  administer  any  general  oath  at  this  time  lest  it  might 
lead  into  a  security  dangerous  to  the  safety  of  the  State. 

"  Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Convention  that  many  very 
considerable  farms  in  Tryon  county  have  been  deserted  by 
their  owners,  who  have  gone  over  to  the  enemy  :  And 
whereas  the  said  farms  contain  a  great  number  of  cattle 
and  farming  utensils  requisite  to  stock  and  work  the  said 
farms:  And  whereas  by  the  sale  of  the  said  stock  and 
farming  utensils  the  said  farms  would  become  waste  and 
unemployed,  and  the  number  of  inhabitants  in  the  said 
county  be  greatly  diminished  :  Therefore, 

"  Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  in  the  said  county 
be,  and  hereby  are,  empowered  to  let  on  account  of  this 
State  for  one  year,  the  said  farms,  together  with  the  neces- 
sary stock  and  the  farming  utensils  thereon,  to  any  well 
affected  persons,  for  such  rent  as  may  to  ihem  appear  rea- 
sonable ;  first  having  the  slock  and  farming  utensils  ap- 
praised, and  taking  security  from  the  person  or  persons  to 
whom  the  same  may  be  let,  for  the  return  thereof  at  the 
end  of  the  term. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  rent  of  the  said  farms  be  paid  into 
the  public  treasury  of  this  State. 

"  And  whereas  the  said  commissioners  have  requested 
assistance  in  the  execution  of  their  office, 

"  Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  Convention,  that  the  said 
commissioners  are  vested  with  full  and  sufficient  power  by 
the  resolution  of  this  Convention,  to  call  on  the  militia  for 
such  aid  as  they  may  stand  in  need  of." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county, 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz : 

"  Kingston,  Jpril  16,  1777. 

"  Sir — The  Convention  have  directed  me,  in  answer  to 
your  letter  of  the  2nd  inst.  to  inform  you  that  they  acknow- 
ledge with  pleasure  the  zeal  and  attention  to  the  public 
welfare,  manifested  in  most  of  your  public  proceedings. 
They  are,  however,  very  doubtful  about  the  propriety  of 
administering  a  general  oath  of  allegiance,  especially  while 


881 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  want  of  a  regular  government  give  people  a  plausible 
pretence  to  refuse  it.  In  those  few  counties  in  which  it  has 
been  tried,  it  has  been  productive  of  much  evil,  and  laid 
aside,  after  experience  had  of  its  inutility.  It  is  sometimes 
dangerous  to  probe  a  wound  too  deep.  Our  unacquaint- 
ance  with  the  characters  of  the  people  of  your  county  ren- 
ders it  difficult  to  advise  you  respecting  those  you  have 
taken  up.  We  can  only  in  general  terms  recommend  you 
to  keep  a  watchful  eye  over  such  as  you  may  suspect,  and 
to  retain  those  in  custody  whom  you  may  deem  dangerous. 
The  nature  of  their  confinement  must  be  submitted  to  your 
prudence. 

"  The  enclosed  resolves  contain  answers  to  other  parts 
of  your  letter,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"  The  Committee  of  Tryon  county." 

A  petition  of  Isaac  Davis  of  Shandakan,  late  sergeant  of 
Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck's  company,  of  Ulster  county  ran- 
gers, complaining  of  his  captain  for  refusing  to  pay  him 
his  wages,  was  read  and  referred  to  Colo.  De  Wit  and  Mr. 
Contine. 

A  petition  of  John  Harback,  late  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  read  and  referred  to  the  committee  of  arrangements. 

The  Convention,  according  to  the  order  of  last  evening, 
proceeded  to  take  into  their  further  consideration,  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  court  martial  held  at  Peekskill,  on  the  11th 
day  of  April  instant,  for  the  trial  of  Samuel  Mabee,  and 
after  some  time  spent  therein, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  judgment  and  sentence 
of  the  said  court  martial  be  confirmed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  of  this  Convention  trans- 
mit to  General  McDougall  certified  copies  of  the  resolution 
in  his  letter  described. 

Teunis  Sleght,  a  messenger  sent  with  sundry  copies  of 
the  resolutions  of  this  Convention,  passed  on  the  27th  of 
March  last,  for  discharging  sundry  companies  of  rangers 
raised  in  this  State,  being  returned,  his  report  of  his  con- 
duct and  services  was  read. 

The  account  of  the  said  Teunis  Sleght,  for  his  services 
in  that  business  seventeen  days,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Teu- 
nis Sleght,  on  his  receipt,  seventeen  pounds,  in  full  for  his 
said  account ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  file  the  several  re- 
ceipts of  the  officers  of  the  rangers,  given  to  the  said  Teu- 
nis Sleght,  for  the  copies  of  the  resolutions  of  the  27th  of 
March,  served  on  them  respectively. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
form  or  plan  of  government. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  32nd  paragraph  (as  now 
numbered,)  and  the  3rd  and  4th  were  referred,  brought  in 
their  report,  which  Mr.  Yates,  their  chairman,  read  in  his 
place,  and  delivered  in  at  the  table,  where  the  same  was 
again  read. 

On  reading  the  report  of  the  said  committee  on  the  3rd 
paragraph,  debates  arose  thereon. 

The  question  was  put  whether  the  Convention  agrees 
with  their  committee,  that  the  General  Assembly  of  this 
State  shall  consist  of  at  least  seventy  members,  and  the 
same  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  with  only  one  dissent- 
ing voice. 

On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  be  recommitted  to  the 
same  committee  to  report  the  number  of  members  that 
shall  represent  each  county,  and  that  they  report  their 
opinion  thereon  to  this  Convention,  in  the  afternoon. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  16,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  Vice-President. 
Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bnncker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Colo.  Dc  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappcn—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 


|  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
I  Abraham  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  Jno.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Li- 
vingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Hobail- Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills, 

Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte.  ■ 

The  committee  appointed  to  reconsider  and  report  on 
the  32nd,  3rd  and  4th  paragraphs,  brought  in  their  report, 
which  was  read. 

The  same  by  order,  being  again  read  by  sentences,  Ge- 
neral Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  after  the  words 
"its  inhabitants,"  the  following  words  be  inserted,  viz: 

"And  the  supremacy  heretofore  claimed  by  the  Parlia- 
ment of  Great  Britain  or  of  England,  over  the  said  Co- 
lony." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  ne- 
gative, by  a  majority  of  two  members  ;  the  proposed 
amendment  was  therefore  rejected. 

Mr.  Robert  Yates  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  insert- 
ing the  words,  "  such  parts  of,"  before  the  words,  "  the 
common  law ;"  the  same  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that 
that  part  of  the  report  which  confirms  the  proceedings  of 
the  general  Committees  of  Safety,  be  expunged ;  the 
same  was  agreed  to,  and  that  part  of  the  said  paragraph 
was  obliterated. 

The  whole  of  the  said  32nd  paragraph  being  again  read, 
and  the  question  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to. 

The  report  of  the  said  committee  of  a  paragraph  to  be 
substituted  in  the  lieu  of  the  3rd  paragraph,  was  read,  and 
follows,  viz : 

"That  the  Assembly  shall  consist  of  at  least  seventy 
members,  to  be  chosen  in  the  several  counties,  in  the  pro- 
.ions  following,  to  wit : 


City  and  county  of  New-York,   nine  members 

City  and  county  of  Albany,   nine  do 

Dutchess      county,   seven  do 

Westchester     do    seven  do 

Ulster  do    sjx  do 

Suffolk  do    Six  d0 

Querns  do    five  d0 

Tryon  do    five  do 

Orange  do    four  do 

Charlotte        do    three  do 

Cumberland     do    three  do 

Gloucester      do    two  do 

Kings  do    two  do 

Richmond        do    two  do" 


This  paragraph  as  reported,  was  then  read  in  parts.  On 
reading  the  words,  "  Westchester,  seven,"  a  motion  was 
made,  and  seconded,  that  the  word  or  figure  "  seven  "  be 
changed  to  "  six."  The  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

On  reading  the  words  "Suffolk,  six,"  a  motion  was 
made,  and  seconded,  that  the  word  or  figure  "  six  "  be 
changed  to  "five."  The  question  being  put  thereon  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

On  reading  the  words,  "  Queens,  five,"  a  motion  was 
made,  and  seconded,  that  the  word  or  figure  "  five,"  be 
changed  to  "  four."  The  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

The  residue  of  the  said  report  on  the  3rd  paragraph,  was 
read  and  agreed  to. 

A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded,  that  one  of  the 
substracted  members  be  added  to  Albany,  so  that  Albany 
may  have  ten  members. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  af- 
firmative :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  amendment  be  made,  viz  :  "  Albanv 
ten."  y 
A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded,  that  another  of 
the  substracted  members  be  added  to  Tryon  county ;  the 
same  was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


885 


Ordered,  That  it  be  amended,  "  Tryon  six." 

A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded  that  the  other 
substracted  members  be  added  to  Orange.  It  was  carried 
in  the  negative. 

A  motion  was  then  made  and  seconded,  that  the  remain- 
ing substracted  member  be  added  to  Charlotte  county. 
The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  af- 
firmative, and  amended  accordingly. 

The  paragraph  reported  by  the  said  committee  to  be  sub- 
stituted in  lieu  of  the  4th  paragraph,  was  read.  The  same 
being  again  read  and  amended,  was  agreed  to,  and  by  or- 
der inserted  in  the  plan  of  government  as  part  thereof. 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  following 
addition  be  added  to  that  paragraph,  as  reported,  to  wit : 

"  And  whereas  the  county  of  Richmond,  from  its  par- 
ticular situation,  cannot  conveniently  be  annexed  to  any 
other  county  : 

"Be  it  Ordained,  That  the  said  county  shall  always 
have  at  least  one  representative  in  the  General  Assembly." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  the  votes  of  the  coun- 
ties were  as  follows,  viz  : 


For  the  affirmative. 

New-York,   8 

Ulster   4 

Charlotte,   2 

Westchester   4 


Negative. 

Dutchess,   5 

Albany,   6 

Orange,   3 

Suffolk,   4 


18  18 
Therefore  the  amendment  proposed  was  lost. 
Mr.  Morris  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  fol- 
lowing amendment  be  made  by  adding  the  following  pro- 
viso, viz  : 

"  Provided  that  no  county  shall  be  left  without  at  least 
one  representative." 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 

negative  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Dutchess,   5      Westchester,   4 

Ulster,   4      Orange,   3 

New-York,   8  — 

Albany,   6  7 

Suffolk,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

29 

Therefore  the  proposed  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Morris  then  gave  notice  that  he  will  to-morrow  move 
for  the  reconsideration  of  the  eighth  paragraph. 

Mr.  Wisner  informed  the  Convention  that  he  had  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Jos.  Barton,  in  New-York,  and  that  a 
letter  from  the  said  Jos.  Barton  to  Thomas  Welling,  had 
been  intercepted,  and  is  now  in  his  custody.  The  said 
letters  were  respectively  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  to  Thomas  Welling  be 
committed  to  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr.  Morris. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

April  17,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Ro 
bert  Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  General  Scott — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 
Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Cuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  John 
Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Mills,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Newkirk,  Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

222 


A  letter  from  Colonel  Hamilton  at  Head-Quarters,  at 
Morristown,  to  the  committee  of  correspondence,  was  read. 
He  thereby  gives  a  particular  account  of  the  attack,  of  the 
enemy  on  the  American  troops  commanded  by  General 
Lincoln  at  Bound  Brook,  and  informing  that  three  or  four 
of  the  enemy's  vessels  have  got  into  the  river  Delaware, 
and  that  a  vessel  from  France  was  attacked  in  the  said 
river  ;  that  to  prevent  her  falling  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy  she  was  blown  up,  but  that  some  part  of  the  cargo 
was  cast  on  shore. 

The  petition  of  Elizabeth  Haight,  dated  this  day,  and 
claiming,  as  belonging  to  her  mother,  some  goods  seized 
by  the  commissioners  appointed  to  dispose  of  the  personal 
property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  as  the  pro- 
perty of  Grove  Bend,  and  praying  that  the  same  may  be 
restored  to  her,  was  read  ;  and 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

Whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Convention,  that  Su- 
sannah Robb,  late  an  inhabitant  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
is  now  at  Fishkill,  in  Dutchess  county,  in  a  very  distressed 
situation,  with  five  small  children  to  maintain,  and  that  her 
husband  is  a  prisoner  at  New-York  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Susannah  Robb  be  considered 
as  of  the  number  of  the  poor  of  the  said  city  ;  and  that  the 
committee  of  Rumbout  precinct  make  the  like  provision  for 
the  maintenance  of  the  said  Susannah  Robb  and  her  child- 
ren, as  for  the  other  poor  from  the  city  of  New-York  in  that 
precinct. 

Application  was  made  to  Convention  by  Major  George 
Nicholson,  in  the  Continental  service,  with  a  request  in 
writing,  subscribed  Walter  Stewart,  A.  D.  C.  by  order  of 
Major-General  Gates,  requesting  the  aid  of  Convention  to 
obtain  a  sloop  or  wagons  to  remove  the  baggage  of  the  ca- 
det company  under  his  command,  and  also  to  remove  the 
French  refugees  and  their  baggage,  now  at  Hurley,  where 
they  were  placed  by  order  of  General  Schuyler,  to  the 
city  of  Albany,  where  they  are  now  ordered  by  the  com- 
mand of  Genl.  Gates  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  armed  sloop  under  the  command  of 
Captn.  Castles,  do  proceed  to  Albany  with  the  said  bag- 
gage and  people  ;  that  she  be  there  discharged,  and  return 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  of 
the  first  day  of  April  instant,  empowering  court  martials  to 
try  persons  coming  from  the  enemy  as  spies,  enlisting  men 
in  their  service,  or  supplying  them  with  provisions,  be  ex- 
tended to  all  such  persons  as  shall  be  taken  in  going  off 
privately  to  the  enemy,  and  continue  in  force  till  the  first 
day  of  July  next,  unless  sooner  repealed. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolution  be 
sent  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  and  to  the  Gene- 
rals McDougall  and  George  Clinton,  and  that  the  same  be 
published  in  the  newspaper. 

An  account  of  Charles  Sprainger,  formerly  master  of  the 
brigantine  Mary,  now  lying  at  Esopus  Landing,  for  his 
disbursements  and  wages,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Dunscomb  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  dispose  of  the 
persons  apprehended  and  brought  to  this  place  by  Major 
Wisner,  delivered  in  their  report,  and  the  examinations  by 
them  taken,  which  were  read,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee,  who  were  appointed  to  examine  and 
dispose  of  the  prisoners  detected  by  Major  Wisner  in  go- 
ing to  the  enemy,  report  that  they  have  examined  Samuel 
Herring,  whose  examination  contains  such  information  as 
your  committee  are  of  opinion  ought  to  be  laid  before  the 
House  ;  that  they  have  examined  Solomon  Combs,  Ro- 
bert Denton  and  James  Cosman,  who  petitioned  for  leave 
to  enlist  into  the  Continental  service  ;  and  that  as  it  does 
not  appear  that  James  Cosman  was  taken  going  to  the  ene- 
my, or  that  there  is  any  evidence  of  his  disaffection,  your 
committee  are  of  opinion  that  he  may  safely  be  trusted  in 
the  service.  But  as  to  the  other  two,  who  confess  they 
were  on  the  way,  when  taken,  to  join  the  enemy,  your 


88G 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


committee  are  of  opinion  that  before  any  such  persons  are 
permitted  to  enlist  into  the  service,  the  sense  of  the  Gene- 
ral ought  to  be  taken  as  to  the  propriety  of  such  a  mea- 
sure. 

"  The  examination  of  Samuel  Herrin  : 
"  He  says  he  was  born  in  Ireland  ;  that  he  was  taken  into 
custody  at  Minnisink,  in  consequence,  as  he  was  informed, 
of  one  John  Moore's  swearing  that  he  was  to  be  appointed  a 
lieutenant  in  the  regular  service,  and  was  enlisting  men  for 
that  purpose  ;  that  the  said  Moore  had  formerly  deserted 
from  the  regular  army  ;  had  since  enlisted  in  our  army, 
and  has  deserted  from  them  ;  that  some  time  in  the  winter 
the  examinant  heard  that  one  Joseph  Barton,  living  at  a 
place  called  Mamacotting,  had  a  quantity  of  salt  to  sell, 
which  the  examinant  was  much  in  want  of ;  that  the  exa- 
minant went  there,  and  while  there,  said  Barton  gave  him 
encouragement,  and  advised  him  to  join  the  regular  army, 
telling  him  that  matters  could  soon  be  settled  on  the  same 
footing  they  were  in  the  year  1763,  and  if  he  would  join 
he  would  have  one  hundred  acres  of  land  given  him,  which 
the  examinant  says  he  refused  ;  that  some  time  after,  one 
Solomon  Cartwright  was  sent  to  the  examinant,  requesting 
him  to  come  to  the  said  Barton  immediately,  which  he  re- 
fused to  do  ;  that  the  next  night  the  said  Barton  went  off  to 
the  enemy,  as  this  examinant  has  been  informed ;  an  offi- 
cer was  sent  to  take  said  Cartwright  into  custody,  but  did 
not  succeed ;  that  since  that  time  said  Cartwright  has  told 
the  examinant  he  would  enlist  all  the  men  in  his  power, 
and  informed  him  he  had  seen  a  letter  from  said  Barton, 
which  mentioned  that  he  and  all  his  friends  should  hold 
themselves  in  readiness  ;  that  he  intended  to  be  at  home  to 
eat  his  Easter  dinner,  and  on  the  night  following  make  a 
general  jail  delivery  at  Sussex  and  Goshen  ;  that  the  exa- 
minant wagered  a  bottle  of  rum  that  it  would  not  be  done 
by  May  day  ;  that  some  time  since  the  said  Cartwright 
offered  the  examinant  £50  to  go  with  him  to  the  regulars, 
telling  the  examinant  that  himself  and  about  twenty  more 
had  a  meeting  the  night  before,  which  was  on  Thursday 
night  last,  a  week  past,  who  told  the  examinant  he  had  a 
true  account  how  matters  were  to  be  carried  on  :  the 
scheme  was,  that  as  soon  as  the  grass  would  supply  the 
horses  with  feed  sufficient  for  their  subsistence,  a  number 
of  light  horse,  together  with  a  large  party  of  tories  and 
some  regular  troops,  were  to  penetrate  into  the  country  to 
Sussex  and  Goshen,  which  would  be  done  as  soon  as  they 
heard  that  General  Howe  had  attacked  General  Washing- 
ton's army  and  drove  them  from  Morris  Town  ;  that  they 
would,  at  the  same  time,  send  some  shipping  up  the  North 
river  as  far  as  New- Windsor ;  that  about  400  men  from 
Albany  and  the  upper  part  of  Ulster  county  were  to  come 
down  to  Kingston  and  take  the  Convention  prisoners,  carry 
them  to  New-Windsor,  and  put  them  on  board  the  men  of 
war,  for  which  they  were  to  receive  great  rewards,  then  to 
meet  the  other  party  or  parties ;  that  when  this  scheme  is 
to  be  put  into  execution,  expresses  are  to  be  sent  through 
that  part  of  the  country  to  all  the  tories,  who  were  imme- 
diately to  join  and  disarm  all  those  who  would  not  assist 
them  ;  that  one  James  McCormick  and  William  Crum,  he 
believes,  were  confederates  with  Cartwright ;  that  Cart- 
wright had  told  examinant  that  letters  had  been  received 
from  Pennsylvania,  giving  great  encouragement  that  they 
should  be  joined  from  that  quarter ;  that  the  number  of 
tories  now  with  General  Howe  was  5,600,  and  upwards ; 
that  Barton  had  fifteen  hundred  under  his  command,  as 
this  examinant  was  informed  by  said  Cartwright. 

(Signed,)  "  SAMUEL  HERRIN. 

"  Sworn  before  me. 

"  Jona.  Lawrence. 
"Kingston,  April  16,  1777." 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  authorized  to  per- 
mit Solomon  Comb,  Robert  Denton  and  James  Cheesman  to 
enlist  in  Col.  Van  Schaick's  or  Gansevoort's  regiments, 
provided  no  more  than  one  enlist  in  the  same  company. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  examination  of  Samuel 


Herrin  be  sent  to  Brigr.  Genl.  George  Clinton,  and  that  he 
be  requested  to  cause  the  persons  therein  mentioned  to  be 
apprehended. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wisner  be  discharged  from  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  Joseph  Bar- 
ton, at  New-York,  directed  to  Mr.  Welen,  and  which  Mr. 
Wisner  delivered  into  Convention  last  night,  and  that  Mr. 
Clarke  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  added  to  that  com- 
mittee. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
plan  of  government. 

The  8th  paragraph  was  read.  Mr.  Morris,  according 
to  the  notice  by  him  given  yesterday,  moved  that  from 
and  after  the  words  "formerly  did"  to  the  end  of  the  pa- 
ragraph, be  obliterated,  and  the  following  words  there 
inserted,  viz  : 

"  And  that  a  majority  of  the  said  members  shall  from 
time  to  time  constitute  a  House  sufficient  to  proceed  upon 
business." 

The  same  was  read,  and  being  again  read,  was  agreed  to. 

The  8th  paragraph,  with  the  amendment,  being  read,  was 
agreed  to.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  paragraph  be  amended  accor- 
dingly. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  April  17,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dun- 
scomb,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Major  Landon,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Living- 
ston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Mills,  Judge  Graham,  Major 
Lockwood — Westchester. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

An  account  of  Capt.  Theodorus  Brett,  for  4  months'  and 
fourteen  days'  service,  and  nineteen  weeks  and  one  day 
billeting,  in  the  employment  of  the  committee  for  detecting 
conspiracies,  &c.  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Ganse 
voort,  Judge  Graham  and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  paragraph  reported  yesterday  to  be  inserted  in  lieu 
of  the  32nd  paragraph,  as  reported  by  the  committee  of 
government,  was  again  read,  and  the  question  being  put 
thereon,  it  was  agreed  to  nem.  con.  and  ordered  to  be  in- 
serted in  the  said  plan. 

The  report  of  the  said  committee  of  a  paragraph  to  be 
inserted  in  lieu  of  the  3rd  paragraph  as  it  remained  with 
the  amendments  of  last  evening,  was  read. 

General  Scott  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  that  the  following  proviso  be  added  to  the  or- 
dinance for  regulating  the  number  of  Representatives  for 
each  county,  to  wit : 

"  Provided  always  that  the  number  of  Representatives 
for  each  county  which  had  a  representation  in  the  last  ses- 
sions of  General  Assembly  for  the  Colony  of  New-York, 
shall  never  be  less  than  it  was  in  such  last  sessions,  and 
that  the  number  of  Representatives  for  each  uf  the  counties 
of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  shall  not  be  less  than  two, 
notwithstanding  any  future  erection  of  a  county  or  coun- 
ties out  of  the  counties  now  existing  within  this  State." 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

After  some  time  spent  therein,  the  question  on  the 
amendment  was  put,  and  carried  in  the  negative,  in  manner 
following,  to  wit : 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


887 


For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,    6      New-York,    8 

Ulster,  4       Orange,  3 

Westchester,   4  — 

Colo.  Drake  dissenting.  1 1 

Dutchess,  5 

Charlotte,   2 

—         Suffolk  divided. 
21 

The  said  paragraph  was  then  read,  and  the  question  put 
thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  fol- 
lowing : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,  4      New-York,   8 

Col.  Drake  dissenting. 

Dutchess,   5 

Albany,   6 

Ulster,   4 

Suffolk,    4 

Orange,    3 

Charlotte,   2 

28 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  paragraph  be  inserted  in  the 
plan  of  government,  as  the  3rd  paragraph. 

The  paragraph  reported  by  the  said  committee  to  be  in- 
serted in  lieu  of  the  4th  paragraph,  was  then  read,  and  the 
question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative, 
in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,   5      New- York,   8 

Westchester,   4      Orange   3 

Colo.  Drake  dissenting.  — 

Albany,   6  11 

Charlotte,   2 

Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

25 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  paragraph  be  inserted  in  the 
plan  of  government  as  the  4th  paragraph. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  follow- 
ing paragraph  be  added  to  the  plan  of  government,  to  wit : 

"  And  whereas  a  regard  to  the  rights  of  human  nature 
and  the  principles  of  our  holy  religion,  loudly  call  upon  us 
to  dispense  the  blessings  of  freedom  to  all  mankind  :  and 
inasmuch  as  it  would  at  present  be  productive  of  great 
dangers  to  liberate  the  slaves  within  this  State :  It  is, 
therefore  most  earnestly  recommended  to  the  future  Legis- 
latures of  the  State  of  New- York,  to  take  the  most  effec- 
tual measures  consistent  with  the  public  safety,  and  the 
private  property  of  individuals,  for  abolishing  domestic 
slavery  within  the  same,  so  that  in  future  ages,  every  hu- 
man being  who  breathes  the  air  of  this  State,  shall  enjoy 
the  privileges  of  a  freeman." 

The  same  being  read,  the  consideration  thereof  was 
postponed  until  to-morrow. 

The  preamble  of  the  plan  of  government  was  then  read, 
and  taken  into  consideration. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the  several 
committees  from  time  to  time  appointed  within  the  Colony 
of  New-York  and  this  State  by  the  several  Provincial  Con- 
gresses of  the  snid  Colony,  or  by  their  Convention,  be,  and 
they  hereby  are  ratified  and  confirmed. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

April  18,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present  — Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Harper,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beekman,  Genl.  Scott— New-Fork. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Try  on. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenk,  Major  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living, 
ston — Dutchess. 


Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Robert  Yates,  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler — ilbany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Mr-  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  the  Vice-President,  being  absent, 
Mr.  Gansevoort  was  elected  President  pro  tempore,  and 
accordingly  took  the  chair. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Hughes,  deputy  quarter-master-ge- 
neral, dated  the  9th  instant,  accompanying  an  exemption 
for  a  number  of  workmen  at  Sterling  iron  works  from  mili- 
tary duty,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  petition  be  committed 
to  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Colo.  De 
Witt. 

The  affidavits  of  Capt.  William  Leonard,  Oliver  Mil- 
deberger  and  Philip  Staats,  and  a  certificate  of  Doct.  Ana- 
nias Cooper,  all  declaring  Christopher  Fiegenheim,  (who 
is  drafted  for  the  militia,)  incapable  of  serving  in  the  mili- 
tia, by  reason  of  a  complaint  in  his  back,  were  read. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  Colo.  Graham  to 
inquire  into  the  truth  of  the  affidavits  and  certificate  pro- 
duced to  this  Convention  by  Christopher  Fiegenheim,  re- 
lative to  his  inability  to  serve  in  the  militia,  and  if  they 
should  appear  to  him  to  be  just  and  true,  to  grant  him  a 
discharge. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  Governor  Trum- 
bull's letter  of  the  1st  inst.  with  the  enclosures,  reported  a 
draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  thereto,  which  was  read,  agreed 
to,  and  ordered  to  be  transmitted.  Also,  a  draft  of  a  letter 
to  Congress,  on  the  same  subject,  to  wit,  relative  to  the 
persons  belonging  to  this  State  permitted  by  Governor 
Trumbull  to  go  to  New-York  on  parol.  The  said  letter 
was  likewise  read  and  approved,  and  ordered  to  be  trans- 
mitted ;  which  said  letters  are  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Sir — Your  Excellency's  letter  of  the  1st  April  instant, 
has  been  laid  before  the  Convention.  As  the  several  pri- 
soners referred  to  in  it  were  subjects  of  this  State,  and  re- 
moved to  Connecticut  for  no  other  purpose  than  that  they 
might  be  kept  safe,  the  Convention  wish  their  advice 
had  been  obtained  previous  to  their  being  permitted  to  re- 
turn to  New-York.  Parols  of  honour  have  been  so  often 
and  so  shamefully  violated  by  men  of  the  like  character 
with  them,  that  little  room  was  left  for  confidence.  Besides, 
the  Convention  had  it  ever  in  view  to  detain  those  persons 
as  hostages  for  the  good  treatment  of  such  of  their  friends 
as  might  from  time  to  time  be  in  the  enemy's  power,  and 
to  retaliate  on  the  former  whatever  severities  might  be  ex- 
ercised towards  the  latter. 

"  Some  gentlemen  of  this  State,  who  have  uniformly 
distinguished  themselves  by  a  zealous  attachment  to  the 
American  cause,  are  now  close  prisoners  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  the  Convention  are  desirous  either  of  obtaining 
their  exchange,  or  retaliating  their  injuries. 

"  The  disaffected,  or  rather  the  rebels,  throughout  Ame- 
rica, have  hitherto  been  treated  with  a  degree  of  indulgence 
which  neither  the  regard  due  to  the  country  nor  their  me- 
rits can  justify.  Without  vigour,  firmness  and  decision, 
few  revolutions  succeed. 

"  The.  Convention  beg  the  favour  of  your  Excellency  to 
cause  the  several  prisoners  belonging  to  this  State,  and  now 
on  parol  in  New-York,  to  return  ;  and  if  their  further  resi- 
dence in  Connecticut  should  be  disagreeable,  the  Conven- 
tion will  provide  for  their  accommodation  in  this  State. 
"  His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull." 

"April  18,  1777. 

"  Sir — By  order  of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  I  have 
the  honour  of  transmitting  to  you  the  enclosed  papers,  con- 
taining their  proceedings  on  the  resolution  of  the  Honoura- 
ble the  General  Congress,  relative  to  the  exchange  of  Mr. 


888 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Jauncey,  Junr.  for  Major  West,  which  the  Convention  con- 
tinue their  endeavours  to  accomplish.  Be  pleased  to  read 
the  enclosed  papers  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  num- 
bered. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  To  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  Prest.  &c." 

A  letter  from  John  Dumont,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Kingston,  relative  to  a  suspected  person  who 
was  conveyed  from  this  place  to  Sagerties  by  Jan  Freer, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Colo.  De 
Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Abram.  Yates  and  Mr.  Cuyler, 
and  that  they  be  directed  to  use  the  best  means  in  their 
power  to  cause  the  said  suspected  person  to  be  appre- 
hended. 

A  petition  of  David  Hobby,  Jona.  Horton  and  Cornelius 
Stienrods,  late  captains  in  Colo.  McDougall's  and  Ritzma's 
regiments,  relative  to  pay  still  due  to  them  and  their  com- 
panies, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  apply  to  the  Paymaster-General. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Capt.  Charles  Sprainger,  master  of  the  brigantine  Mary, 
reported  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  That  the  said  brigantine  is  the  property  of  Joseph 
Towers  and  David  Henry  Mallows,  now  or  late  both  in 
New-York. 

"  That  the  said  Charles  Sprainger  is  and  has  been  cap- 
tain of  the  said  brigantine  since  she  was  launched,  and 
that  he  has  an  account  against  the  said  brigantine  for  wa- 
ges and  disbursements  for  the  use  of  the  said  brigantine, 
after  giving  credit  for  cash  received  for  sundries  taken  from 
on  board  her  for  the  public  use,  amounting  to  the  sum  of 
£94  18s.  9d. 

"  That  the  said  brigantine  is  a  good,  new  vessel,  and 
cannot  now  be  sold  for  her  value.  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Charles  Sprainger  be  at  li- 
berty to  remain  on  board  and  keep  charge  of  the  said  bri- 
gantine ;  that  he  have  a  claim  against  her  for  what  may  be 
justly  due  to  him  ;  and  that  she  be  securely  moored  in  the 
Roundout  creek." 

The  said  report  being  read,  was  agreed  to. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Albany,  dated  March  25,  1777,  enclosing 
the  copy  of  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Gamble,  an  inhabitant 
of  the  city  of  Albany,  praying  leave  to  make  application 
to  the  Convention  to  repair  to  New-York,  were  respec- 
tively read  ;  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Albany  and  Mr.  Gam- 
ble be  informed  that  as  Mr.  Gamble  is  in  the  service  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  this  Convention  are  ready  and 
willing  to  exchange  him  agreeably  to  his  rank. 

Friday  Afternoon,  April  18,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esquire,  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Genl-  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt — Ulster. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Major 
Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr 
Adgate,  Mr-  Robt.  Y  ales— Albany. 

Mr.  Wisncr,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 
Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood— Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland . 

The  petition  of  Matthew  Goes,  Junr.  and  Dirck  Gardi- 
nier,  prisoners  on  parol  at  Hurley,  praying  to  be  permitted 
to  go  to  and  remain  at  their  respective  places  of  abode,  on 
parol,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  lie  on  the  table. 


Mr.  William  Harper,  seconded  by  Colo.  Drake,  moved, 
that  all  such  disaffected  persons  as  have  violated  their 
parols,  and  departed  from  the  places  assigned  for  their  re- 
sidence, or,  being  confined,  have  escaped  from  their  con- 
finement, be  directed  to  be  apprehended,  and  secured  in 
the  jail  nearest  to  the  respective  place  of  abode  of  such 
persons  respectively,  until  further  order  of  this  Convention. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative. 

A  pay  abstract  of  Capt.  Ebenezer  Woodhull's  company 
of  lighthorse,  from  Cornwall,  in  Orange  county,  in  the 
State  of  New-York,  in  General  George  Clinton's  brigade, 
in  the  service  of  the  United  States  of  America,  commenc- 
ing the  16th  day  of  July,  1776,  and  ending  the  13th  day 
of  January,  1777,  both  days  included,  containing  the 
names  of  the  persons  of  that  company,  who  had  been  in 
service,  and  the  number  of  days  each  person  respectively 
had  served,  whereby  there  is  charged  in  the  whole,  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty-one  days'  service,  was 
exhibited. 

Thereto  is  annexed  a  certificate  of  Brigadier-General 
George  Clinton,  dated  the  15th  day  of  January  last,  that 
he  had  carefully  examined  the  said  pay  abstract  of  Capt. 
Ebenezer  Woodhull's  company  of  Orange  lighthorse,  with 
respect  to  the  number  of  days  which  they  are  therein  men- 
tioned to  have  served,  and  does  not  discover  any  mistake 
or  error ;  and  he  thereby  further  certifies,  that  whenever 
any  of  the  said  company  were  relieved  by  others,  the  days 
spent  in  travelling,  by  means  of  such  relief,  are  not  includ- 
ed in  the  above  abstract,  it  being  for  their  own  ease  and 
conveniency. 

An  establishment  for  the  pay  of  the  lighthorse,  in  Con- 
tinental service,  being  unknown  to  this  Convention,  and 
Capt.  Ebenezer  Woodhull's  company  being  much  in  want 
of  their  pay,  for  their  service  last  summer  in  the  Conti- 
nental army,  to  support  them  in  further  service,  to  which 
they  are  now  called  by  General  George  Clinton  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Capt.  Ebenezer  Woodhull  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dol- 
lars, exclusive  of  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  ordered 
to  be  paid  to  him,  by  the  order  of  the  Committee  of 
Safety,  on  the  ninth  day  of  January  last. 

A  petition  of  Stephen  Wood,  one  of  the  disaffected  per- 
sons now  confined  in  Kingston  jail ;  and  a  petition  of  Ben- 
jamin Smith,  another  of  the  said  disaffected  persons,  both 
lately  apprehended  by  Major  Wisner,  on  their  way  to  the 
enemy,  or  places  in  their  power,  were  read.  They  pray 
for  their  discharges. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petitions  be  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  by  this  Convention  to  hear  and  examine 
the  prisoners  brought  to  Kingston  jail  by  Major  Wisner. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris,  seconded  by  Mr.  Wisner, 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  examine 
and  consider  the  proceedings  of  a  court  martial  in  the  re- 
spective cases  of  Devine  and  Knapp  of  Orange 
county. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Lawrence  and 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  dated  the 
16th  of  April  instant,  directed  to  Leonard  Gansevoort, 
Esquire,  (now  President  pro  tempore,)  was  read,  and  fol- 
lows, viz  : 

"Dear  Sir — Upon  my  arrival  home,  I  found  a  letter 
from  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee,  requesting  the 
assistance  of  our  militia  to  quell  an  insurrection  of  the  tories 
in  Ballstown,  and  upon  inquiry  found  that  the  same  spirit 
prevailed  much  in  my  regiment,  to  such  a  degree  that  it 
appears  numbers  have  enlisted,  and  have  taken  an  oath  of 
secrecy  and  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and 
that  a  regiment  of  royal  volunteers  is  to  be  raised  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  under  the  command  of  J.  Huetson,  as 
will  appear  by  the  enclosed ;  in  consequence  of  which  we 
have  not  complied  with  the  request  of  the  chairman. 
Seventeen  of  the  villains  are  now  in  confinement,  and  by 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


889 


the  vigilance  of  our  committee,  and  militia  officers,  hope 
soon  to  detect  the  whole,  and  transmit  to  the  Convention 
the  proof  that  shall  be  collected. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  in  great  haste, 
"  Yours, 

(Signed,)       "ROBT.  VAN  RENSSELAER. 

"April  16,  1777." 

The  copy  of  the  terms  of  enlistment  for  the  battalion  of 
loyal  volunteers  raising  for  the  enemy's  service  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  under  J.  Huetson,  colonel  commandant, 
together  with  copies  of  the  oaths  taken  by  such  volunteers, 
were  read. 

Convention  took  the  same  into  consideration  ;  and  there- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  affidavits  received  from 
the  committee  of  Albany,  and  the  information  received  from 
Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  be  transmitted  to  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  militia  at  Albany,  and  that  he  be  requested 
immediately  to  call  a  court  martial  for  the  trial  of  the  cri- 
minals ;  and  that  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany 
be  requested  to  afford  them  every  assistance  in  their  power 
in  preparing  and  collecting  the  proofs. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie,  ap- 
pointed to  detect  and  defeat  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be  re- 
quested to  transmit  the  names,  and  direct  the  delivery  of 
such  prisoners  as  are  confined  in  the  counties  of  Ulster, 
Orange  or  Dutchess,  as  come  within  the  resolutions  of  the 
first  and  seventeenth  days  of  April,  to  General  George 
Clinton,  together  with  the  proofs  against  the  criminals  ; 
and  that  General  Clinton  be  requested  to  institute  a  court 
martial  for  their  trial. 

Resolved,  That  a  discretionary  power  be  given  to  the 
said  commissioners  to  pardon  or  dismiss  such  of  the  per- 
sons now  in  confinement,  as  they  conceive  may  safely  be 
admitted  to  go  at  large  ;  and  that  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  and 
Colonel  Williams  be  a  committee  to  draw  a  letter  to  the 
commissioners. 

Mr.  Yates  immediately  reported  a  draft  of  such  letter, 
which  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Gentlemen — By  the  enclosed  resolutions  of  Conven- 
tion, you  have  a  discretionary  power  to  pardon  and  dismiss 
such  of  the  prisoners  now  in  confinement,  as  you  conceive 
may  with  safety  go  at  large.  I  am  directed  to  acquaint 
you,  that  if  among  the  prisoners  there  be  any  young  men 
whose  principles  may  not,  in  your  opinion,  be  so  inimical 
to  our  cause  as  to  render  them  dangerous,  you  will  use 
your  influence  to  get  them  to  enlist  in  one  of  the  five  regi- 
ments of  this  State,  and  that  you  take  care  not  to  suffer  too 
many  of  them  to  enlist  in  one  regiment. 

"  I  am,  yours,  &c. 

"  To  the  Commissioners,  &c." 

The  same  being  read,  was  approved  and  ordered  to  be 
transmitted. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  Mr.  Morris's 
motion  of  last  evening,  with  respect  to  the  abolishing  of 
domestic  slavery,  and  which  was  postponed  until  to-day. 

The  same  being  read,  debates  arose  ;  whereupon  the 
same  was  again  read,  without  the  preamble  ;  and  the  ques- 
tion being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in 
manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  affirmative. 

Albany,    6 

Dutchess,   5 

Suffolk,  4 

Orange,   3 

Westchester,    4 

Charlotte,   2 

24 


For  the  negative. 
New-York,   8 


[Colo.  De  Witt  having  left 
the  House  before  this  matter 
came  on,  Ulster  had  no  vote  for 
want  of  a  quorum.] 


The  preamble  to  the  said  motion  was  then  read,  and  the 
consideration  thereof  postponed  until  to-morrow. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

April  19,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esq.  Pres.  pro.  tern. 

Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van 
Zandl,  Genl.  Scott— New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Major.  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr. 
Bleecker— Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  WTisner — Orange. 

Colo.  Williams,  Maj.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  John 
Schenk — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  petition  of  Alexander  Cruikshank  and  John  Cum- 
ming,  praying  for  a  reexamination  of  any  witnesses  who 
may  have  testified  against  them,  or  that  they  may  be  re- 
moved to  the  fort  at  Albany  as  their  place  of  confinement. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Major 
Tappen,  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Colo.  De  Witt  requested  a  pass  for  Matthew  Goes,  Junr. 
and  Dirck  Gardinier,  to  go  to  Poughkeepsie  to  the  commis- 
sioners appointed  for  the  detecting  of  conspiracies,  &c.  in 
this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  application  be  referred  to  the 
committee  above  named. 

The  preamble  to  the  resolution  postponed  yesterday  eve- 
ning, was  read. 

Mr.  Morris  moved  that  the  said  preamble  be  obliterated, 
and  the  following  inserted  in  its  stead,  viz  : 

"  Inasmuch  as  it  would  be  highly  inexpedient  to  proceed 
to  the  liberating  of  slaves  within  this  State,  in  the  present 
situation  thereof." 

Debates  arose  thereon ;  and  the  question  being  put  there- 
on, it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Orange,   3       New-York,   8 

Albany,   6      Ulster,  4 

Suffolk   4  — 

Charlotte,   2  12 

Westchester,   4 

Col.  Drake  dissenting. 

Dutchess,   5 

—24 

The  question  put  on  the  preamble  was  carried  as  above. 
The  preamble  and  paragraph  being  read  together  for  the 
question. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for 

the  previous  question,  to  wit :  whether  the  question  on  the 

paragraph  shall  be  now  put  ?    The  previous  question  being 

put.  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  viz: 

Against  the  previous  question.  For  the  previous  question. 

Charlotte,   2       New-York,   8 

Orange,   3       Dutchess,   5 

—       Westchester,   4 

5  Mr.  Morris  dissenting. 

Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

Albany,   6 

Mr.  Adgate  and  Mr.  —31 
Bleecker  dissenting. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  from  the  committee  appointed  to 
report  a  plan  for  organizing  the  form  of  government,  by 
direction  of  that  committee,  moved,  and  was  seconded  by 
Mr.  Morris,  that  between  the  25th  and  26th  paragraphs  as 
reported,  the  following  paragraph  be  inserted,  viz : 

"  And  be  it  further  ordained,  That  the  register  and  clerk 
in  chancery,  be  appointed  by  the  chancellor  ;  the  clerks  of 
the  supreme  court,  by  the  judges  of  the  said  court ;  the 


223 


890 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


clerks  of  the  court  of  probates,  by  the  judge  of  the  said 
court ;  and  the  register  and  marshal  of  the  court  of  admi- 
ralty, by  the  judge  of  admiralty ;  the  said  marshal,  re- 
gisters and  clerks,  to  continue  in  office  during  the  pleasure 
of  those  by  whom  they  are  to  be  appointed  as  aforesaid." 

The  same  being  read  a  second  lime,  was  agreed  to,  and 
ordered  to  be  inserted  in  the  said  plan  of  government. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  then  moved,  and  was  seconded 
by  Mr.  Morris,  that  the  two  following  paragraphs  be  agreed 
to  and  inserted  in  the  said  form  of  government,  viz : 

"  And  that  all  attorneys,  solicitors  and  counsellors  at  law 
hereafter  to  be  appointed,  be  appointed  by  the  court  and 
licensed  by  the  first  judge  of  the  court  in  which  they  shall 
respectively  plead  or  practise,  and  be  regulated  by  the  rules 
and  orders  of  the  said  courts. 

"  And  be  it  further  ordained,  That  where,  by  this  consti- 
tution, the  duration  of  any  office  shall  not  be  ascertained, 
such  office  shall  be  construed  to  be  held  during  the  pleasure 
of  the  council  of  appointment,  provided  that  new  commis- 
sions shall  be  issued  to  judges  of  the  county  courts  (other 
than  to  the  first  judge,)  and  to  justices  of  the  peace,  once 
at  least  in  every  three  years." 

The  said  two  paragraphs  being  separately  read,  and  the 
question  put  on  each  of  them  respectively,  the  said  para- 
graphs were  respectively  agreed  to,  and  ordered  to  be  in- 
serted in  the  form  of  government. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  pursuant  to  a  notice  by  him 
given  yesterday,  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  General 
Scott,  that  the  22d  paragraph,  as  now  in  the  form  of  go- 
vernment, be  reconsidered. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Livingston  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
words  "  together  with  the  Speaker  of  the  Assembly  for 
the  time  being,"  be  obliterated. 

The  question  being  put  thereon  by  ayes  and  noes,  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Therefore,  by  order,  those  words  were  obliterated. 

The  said  paragraph  as  amended,  was  then  read.  Mr. 
Hobart  then  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Tredwell, 
that  the  words  "  openly  nominate  and  appoint,"  be  oblite- 
rated, and  the  words  "elect  by  ballot,"  there  substituted. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  nega- 
tive, and  therefore  rejected. 

Mr.  Wisner  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  General  Scott, 
that  the  words  "  that  one  member  of  the  Assembly  to  be 
annually  elected,"  be  added  to  the  Council  for  the  nomina- 
tion of  officers. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
negative,  in  the  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   4      Ulster,   4 

Albany,   6      Westchester,   4 

Messrs.  Gansevoort  and            Ma  j.  Lock  wood  dissenting. 
Cuyler  dissenting.  Charlotte,   2 

Orange,   3      New-York,   8 

—      Dutchess,   5 

13  —23 

Therefore  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was  seconded  by 
Mr.  Morris,  that  after  the  words  "  shall  be  president  and 
have  a,"  the  following  words  be  inserted,  viz  :  "  vote,  and 
upon  an  equal  division  his  shall  be  considered  as  the,"  and 
that  the  words  "  but  no  other  vote,"  be  obliterated,  so  that 
the  lines  would  read  thus,  viz :  "  When  they  shall  respec- 
tively administer  the  government,  shall  be  president  and 
have  a  vote,  and  upon  an  equal  division,  his  shall  be  con- 
sidered as  the  casting  voice." 

Debates  arose  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  question  was  put  thereon  and  carried  in  the  negative, 
in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,  4 

Mr.  Hobart  dissenting. 

Orange,   3 

Ulster   4 

New- York,   8 

Charlotte,   2 

-21 


For  the  affirmative. 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,    4 

Maj.  Lockwood  dissenting. 

Albany,  6 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  dis- 
senting. — 
15 


Therefore  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  words 
"  and  consent"  be  obliterated  ;  and  with  the  intent  that  the 
Governor  may  appoint  as  he  pleases  against  the  advice  of 
the  Council,  and  appeal  to  the  people. 

The  question  being  put  thereon  it  was  carried  in  the  ne- 
gative, as  follows,  viz  : 

For  the  negative. 

Suffolk,   4       Ulster,  4 

Orange,   3      Dutchess,   5 

Charlotte,  2  — 

New-York,   8  32 

Albany,    6  Westchester  divided. 

The  said  paragraph  being  again  read,  Mr.  Tredwell 
moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  William  Harper,  "  that 
the  Assembly  appoint  the  Council  for  the  appointment  of 
officers  out  of  their  own  body  and  not  out  of  the  Senate." 
The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  nega- 
tive, as  follows  : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 

Westchester,   4       Charlotte,   2 

Ulster,   4 

Dutchess,    5 

Suffolk  4 

Mr.  Tredwell  dissenting. 

Albany,   6 

New-York,   8 

Mr.  Harper  dissenting. 
Orange,   3 

34 

Therefore  Mr.  TredwelPs  proposed  amendment  was  re- 
jected. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  22nd  paragraph,  and 
agreed  to. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  April  19,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb.  Mr. 
Harper — New-York. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Jno.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk,  Major 
Landon — Dutchess. 

Major  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  17th 
inst.  relative  to  disaffected  persons  in  that  county,  was  read, 
and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Gent. — Since  our  last  of  the  8th  instant,  wherein  we 
have  in  some  measure  pointed  out  our  intricate  situation, 
we  are  under  the  necessity  to  offer  our  farther  thoughts  on 
the  present  perplexing  times,  since  the  aforesaid  represen- 
tation. We  have  our  jails  crowded  in  such  a  manner  as 
not  to  admit  of  any  additional  prisoners  being  sent  to  us, 
though  conscious  that  the  numbers  who  have  engaged  in 
this  county  in  direct  opposition  to  our  cause,  we  judge  to 
be  nearly  one-half  in  some  districts,  and  in  others  not  so 
much.  It  is  true  Convention  have  passed  a  resolve  of  the 
first  instant  for  certain  crimes  therein  mentioned,  but  as 
the  greatest  number  now  confined  in  jail  we  conceive  do 
not  directly  come  under  that  resolve,  therefore  beg  your 
speedy  advice  how  to  proceed  with  persons  who  have  taken 
an  oath  of  secrecy  not  to  divulge  the  matters  entrusted  to 
them  ;  but  by  several  who  have  confessed,  we  learn  that 
they  engage  to  remain  neutral  until  the  arrival  of  the  enemy 
in  our  county,  at  which  time,  if  requested  by  the  enemy, 
they  have  engaged  to  take  up  arms  against  us  to  preserve 
their  estates.  The  promoters  or  heads  we  conceive  come 
under  the  aforesaid  resolve,  but  those  chiefs  we  have  not 
as  yet  been  able  to  apprehend. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


891 


"  The  trouble  we  are  under  in  guarding  the  above  men- 
tioned prisoners  ;  the  apprehensions,  should  any  of  them 
escape,  might  be  attended  with  dangerous  consequences, 
and  poison  the  minds  of  others  who  are  wavering  in  their 
principles,  induces  us  to  request  that  some  method  may  be 
pointed  out  by  the  Convention  how  we  are  to  proceed  with 
those  who  do  not  come  under  your  last  resolve  ;  for  it  has 
already  been  observed  that  if  the  Convention  and  commit- 
tees grant  any  further  indulgence  in  suffering  them  to  goat 
large,  our  friends  do  not  scruple  to  say,  that  they  had  bet- 
ter give  up  the  cause,  than  to  be  daily  perplexed  in  reap- 
prehending  disaffected  persons  who  are  treated  with  such 
great  lenity.  They  also  say,  that  under  the  aforesaid  cir- 
cumstances, it  is  more  easy  and  beneficial  in  being  a  tory 
than  a  whig,  because  the  lories  are  permitted  to  remain  at 
ease  if  they  choose  it ;  whereas  our  friends  are  daily  called 
and  commanded,  under  the  strictest  injunctions,  into  the 
field  on  some  alarm  or  other ;  others  of  our  friends  have 
asserted  if  again  commanded  to  reapprehend  such  persons 
as  have  been  before  confined  for  their  inimical  principles, 
they  will  save  the  committees  and  Convention  the  trouble 
of  judging  them  ;  and  we  assure  you  as  a  fact,  that  should 
it  again  happen,  blood  will  be  spilt  on  the  occasion.  As 
such  proceedings  should  be  guarded  against  as  much  as 
possible,  the  matters  now  referred  to  you  call  for  your  im- 
mediate interposition,  and  to  point  out  a  mode  to  relieve  us 
from  these  more  than  pests  to  human  society. 

"  It  is  with  regret  we  are  to  inform  you  that  the  late 
proceedings  of  Convention  appointing  commissioners  order- 
ing before  them  such  persons  as  were  therein  mentioned, 
have  been  attended  with  bad  consequences  ;  as  the  persons 
who  have  attended  from  this  quarter  on  the  commissioners 
do  not  scruple  to  say,  since  their  return,  that  the  Legisla- 
ture of  the  State  seem  to  be  timorous  to  proceed  against 
them,  and  by  their  returning  in  the  manner  they  have  done, 
they  have  gained,  we  suppose,  a  number  of  proselytes. 

"  We  request  your  serious  attention  on  this  important 
head,  and  immediate  direction  how  to  proceed  with  those 
who  have  heretofore  been  sent  into  a  neighbouring  Slate, 
and  are  returned  on  parole.  Some  of  these  are  the  princi- 
pals, who  have  art  and  cunning  to  seduce  the  country  ; 
these  are  the  men  we  should  be  absolutely  rid  of ;  these 
are  the  emissaries  of  our  open  enemies,  who  are  the  source 
of  all  the  present  disaffection.  For  further  particulars  re- 
specting the  above  matters  we  refer  you  to  the  bearers, 
John  Ten  Broeckand  John  Vounglove,  Esquires,  by  whom 
we  expect  your  answer. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  most  humble  servt. 
"  By  order, 

(Signed)  "JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  N.  B.  It  is  requested  that  Mr.  Ten  Broeck  may  re- 
turn to  this  place  as  soon  as  Convention  have  prepared 
their  answer.  His  family  is  in  such  a  situation,  that  it  is 
with  difficulty  we  have  been  able  to  prevail  on  him  to  be 
the  bearer  hereof. 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Convention  of 

this  Slate,  at  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforesaid  letter  be  committed  to  Mr. 
Hobart,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck  and  Mr. 
Treadwell. 

The  form  of  government  was  then  read. 

Sergeant  McKinney,  with  a  guard  of  Colo.  Van  Cort- 
landt's  regiment,  brought  to  Convention  by  order  of  Gene- 
ral McDougall,  a  certain  Thomas  Hedding,  charged  with 
counterfeiting  the  Continental  currency,  and  that  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay. 

Ordered,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of  Ulster  county, 
at  Kingston,  do  receive  and  keep  in  close  custody  Thomas 
Hedding,  charged  with  counterfeiting  Continental  currency, 
until  further  orders  of  this  Convention  or  due  course  of 
law. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  be  a 
committee  to  take  the  examination  of  the  witnesses  rela- 


tive to  the  charge  against  the  said  Hedding  ;  and  that  they 
report  the  same. 

The  form  of  government  was  read. 

On  reading  the  paragraph,  General  Scott  moved  that 
the  word  "  and"  between  the  words  "  law  of  the  land"  and 
the  words  "judgment  of  his  peers"  be  changed  to  "or," 
which  was  agreed  to,  and  amended  accordingly. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

April  20,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esq.  Prcst.  pro.  tern. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt,  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Williams— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr- 
Ten  Broeck,  Col.  Livingston — ilbany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Major  Landon,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston— Dutchess. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Hughes,  deputy  quarter-master- 
general,  dated  the  19lh  instant,  directed  to  General  Scott, 
and  requesting  the  use  of  the  farm  of  Beverly  Robinson, 
Junr.  for  the  Continental  service,  was  read,  and  committed 
to  General  Scott  and  Colonel  Drake. 

The  whole  plan  of  government  being  read  through,  Mr. 
Hobart  objected  to  that  part  of  the  second  paragraph, 
which  directed  bills  refused  by  the  council  of  revision  to  be 
returned  only  to  the  Senate.  After  some  time  spent  there- 
in, Mr.  Hobart  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  after  the 
words  "  in  writing  to  the  Senate"  the  words  "  or  House  of 
Assembly,  in  which  soever  the  same  shall  have  originated" 
be  added.  That  after  the  words  "  two-thirds  of  the"  the 
words  "Senators  present"  be  obliterated,  and  the  words 
"  said  Senate  or  House  of  Assembly"  be  substituted.  That 
after  the  words  "  objections  be  sent"  the  words  "  down  to 
the  Assembly"  be  obliterated,  and  the  words  "  to  the  other 
branch  of  the  Legislature"  be  substituted. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  the  motion  was  agreed 

to. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  gave  notice  that  he  will  to-morrow 
move  to  reconsider  the  fifth  paragraph  relating  to  elec- 
tions by  ballot ;  that  the  same  be  established  for  ever  after 
the  expiration  of  the  present  war. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Tredwell,  who  was  seconded,  the 
word  "general,"  in  the  end  of  the  second  paragraph,  be- 
fore the  word  "Assembly,"  was  obliterated. 

On  reading  the  third  paragraph,  on  motion,  agreed  to. 

Ordered,  That  the  words  "to  the  Senate,"  and  the 
words  "  to  the  Council,"  and  also  the  words  "  to  the  Se- 
nate" after  the  word  "returned,"  be  obliterated. 

On  reading  the  fifth  paragraph  it  was  moved  and  agreed 
to  unanimously,  that  the  Convention  will  dispense  with  the 
rule  of  a  day's  notice,  in  the  case  of  the  notice  given  by 
Mr.  Yates,  to  reconsider  the  balloting  clause. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  Yates,  with  leave,  moved  and  was  se- 
conded by  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Tredwell,  that  the  Con- 
vention reconsider  the  said  fifth  paragraph,  and  assigned 
his  reasons.  The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  car- 
ried in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  viz  : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

New-York,  8       Dutchess,   5 

Mr.  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Duns-         Westchester   4 

comb  dissenting.  — 

Suffolk,.   4  9 

■Mr.  Hobart  dissenting. 
Orange,  3 

Charlotte,  2—17         Albany  divided. 


892 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Yates  then  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  fol- 
lowing amendments,  to  wit: 

That  the  words  "  to  the  end  therefore  that  a  fair  experi- 
ment be  made  which  of  those  two  methods  of  voting  is  to  be 
preferred ;"  and  that  that  part  of  the  paragraph  which  begins 
with  the  words  "  And  whereas  it  is  possible,  &c."  as  far 
as  the  words  "respectively  shall  concur  therein,"  inclu- 
sive, be  obliterated,  and  the  paragraph  left  as  it  reads 
without  those  parts  of  the  paragraph. 

Debates  arose  thereon.  After  much  time  spent  therein, 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr. 
Morris,  for  the  previous  question,  to  wit :  whether  the 
question  on  Mr.  Yates's  motion  shall  be  now  put. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  whe- 
ther the  question  on  Mr.  Yates's  motion,  shall  be  now  put, 
it  was  carried  for  the  previous  question,  viz  : 


Against  the  previous  question. 
New-York  8 

Mr.  Rutgers  and  Mr.  Duns- 
comb  dissenting. 
Suffolk,   4 

Mr.  Hobart  dissenting. 

12 


For  theprevious  question- 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4 

Albany   6 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates  and  Mr. 
Adgate  dissenting. 
Orange,   3 

18 

The  previous  question  being  carried,  therefore  the  ques- 
tion on  Mr.  Yates's  motion  could  not  be  put. 

On  motion  made,  seconded  and  agreed  to,  the  words 
"  to  the  same,"  after  the  word  "  objections,"  were  oblite- 
rated, and  the  word  "  thereto  "  substituted  ;  and  after  the 
word  "  Senate,"  the  words  "  or  House  of  Assembly,  in 
whichsoever  the  same  shall  have  originated  ;"  and  after  the 
words  "  two-thirds  of  the  Senators  present,"  were  oblite- 
rated, and  the  words  "  said  Senate  or  House  of  Assembly" 
were  substituted.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  sentence  the 
words  "down  to  the  General  Assembly,"  were  obliterated, 
and  the  words  "  to  the  other  branch  of  the  Legislature," 
were  substituted. 

In  the  last  sentence  of  the  paragraph,  the  words  "  to 
the  Senate,"  after  the  word  "  Council,"  and  the  words 
"  to  the  Council,"  after  the  word  "  presented,"  and  the 
words  "  to  the  Senate,"  after  the  word  "  returned,"  were 
obliterated. 


Die  Solis,  6  ho.  P.  M.  April  20, 1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Leonard  Gansevoorti  Esq-  Prest.pro  tern. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers— New-York. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Major  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenck,  Mr.  G.  Living- 
ston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr. 
Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison— Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — West- 
chester. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stephens — Cumberland. 

The  constitution,  or  plan  of  government  of  this  State, 
as  amended,  was  read  throughout,  and  such  amendments 
as  being  proposed  were  unanimously  agreed  to  without  de- 
bate by  every  member  present ;  and  the  general  question 
being  put  thereon,  it  was  agreed  to  by  every  member  pre- 
sent, except  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  who  desired  that 
his  dissent  thereto  be  entered  on  the  minutes. 

The  said  constitution,  or  plan  of  government,  as  agreed 
to,  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Whereas  the  many  tyranical  and  oppressive  usurpa- 
tions of  the  King  and  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  on  the 
rights  and  liberties  of  the  people  of  the  American  Colonies, 
had  reduced  them  to  the  necessity  of  introducing  a  govern- 
ment by  Congresses  and  Committees,  as  temporary  expe- 
dients, and  to  exist  no  longer  than  the  grievances  of  the 


people  should  remain  without  redress  :  And  whereas  the 
Congress  of  the  Colony  of  New-York  did,  on  the  lliirty- 
first  day  of  May  now  last  past,  resolve  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  '  Whereas  the  present  government  of  this  Colony,  by 
Congress  and  Committees,  was  instituted  while  the  former 
government,  under  the  crown  of  Great  Britain,  existed  in 
full  force,  and  was  established  for  the  sole  purpose  of  op- 
posing the  usurpation  of  the  British  Parliament,  and  was 
intended  to  expire  on  a  reconciliation  with  Great  Britain, 
which,  it  was  then  apprehended,  would  soon  take  place, 
but  is  now  considered  as  remote  and  uncertain  :  And 
whereas  many  and  great  inconveniences  attend  the  said 
mode  of  government  by  Congress  and  Committees,  as  of 
necessity,  in  many  instances,  legislative,  judicial  and  exe- 
cutive powers  have  been  vested  therein,  especially  since 
the  dissolution  of  the  former  government  by  the  abdication 
of  the  late  Governor,  and  the  exclusion  of  this  Colony  from 
the  protection  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  : 

"  'And  whereas  the  Continental  Congress  did  resolve 
as  followeth,  to  wit : 

"  'Whereas  his  Britanic  Majesty,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Lords  and  Commons  of  Great  Britain,  has,  by  a  late 
act  of  Parliament,  excluded  the  inhabitants  of  these  Unit- 
ed Colonies  from  the  protection  of  his  Crown  :  And 
whereas  no  answers,  whatever,  to  the  humble  petition  of 
the  Colonies  for  redress  of  grievances  and  reconciliation 
with  Great  Britain,  has  been,  or  is  likely  to  be  given  ;  but 
the  whole  force  of  that  Kingdom,  aided  by  foreign  merce- 
naries, is  to  be  exerted  for  the  destruction  of  the  good  peo- 
ple of  these  Colonies  :  And  whereas,  it  appears  absolute- 
ly irreconcilable  to  reason  and  good  conscience,  for  the 
people  of  these  Colonies,  now  to  take  the  oaths  and  affir- 
mations necessary  for  the  support  of  any  government  un- 
der the  Crown  of  Great  Britain  ;  and  it  is  necessary  that 
the  exercise  of  every  kind  of  authority  under  the  said 
Crown  should  be  totally  suppressed,  and  all  the  powers  of 
government  exerted  under  the  authority  of  the  people  of 
the  Colonies,  for  the  preservation  of  internal  peace,  virtue 
and  good  order,  as  well  as  for  the  defence  of  our  lives, 
liberties  and  properties,  against  the  hostile  invasions,  and 
cruel  depredations  of  our  enemies. 

"  'Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
respective  Assemblies  and  Conventions  of  the  United  Co- 
lonies, where  no  government  sufficient  to  the  exigencies 
of  their  affairs  has  been  hitherto  established,  to  adopt  such 
government  as  shall,  in  the  opinion  of  the  representatives 
of  the  people,  best  conduce  to  the  happiness  and  safety  of 
their  constituents  in  particular,  and  America  in  general.' 

"  And  whereas,  doubts  have  arisen  whether  this  Con- 
gress are  invested  wilh  sufficient  power  and  authority  to 
deliberate  and  determine  on  so  important  a  subject  as  the 
necessity  of  erecting  and  constituting  a  new  form  of  go- 
vernment and  internal  police,  to  the  exclusion  of  all  fo- 
reign jurisdiction,  dominion  and  control,  whatever :  And 
whereas  it  appertains  of  right  solely  to  the  people  of  this 
Colony  to  determine  the  said  doubts  ;  therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  electors  in 
the  several  counties  in  this  Colony,  by  election  in  the  man- 
ner and  form  prescribed  for  the  election  of  the  present 
Congress,  either  to  authorize  (in  addition  to  the  powers 
vested  in  this  Congress,)  their  present  deputies,  or  others 
in  the  stead  of  their  present  deputies,  or  either  of  them,  to 
take  into  consideration  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  insti- 
tuting such  new  government,  as  in  and  by  the  said  resolu- 
tion of  the  Continental  Congress  is  described  and  recom- 
mended. And  if  the  majority  of  the  counties,  by  their 
Deputies  in  Provincial  Congress,  shall  be  of  opinion  that 


such  new  government  ought  to  be  instituted  and  establish- 
ed, then  to  institute  and  establish  such  a  government  as 
they  shall  deem  best  calculated  to  secure  the  rights,  liber- 
ties and  happiness  of  the  good  people  of  this  Colony  ;  and 
to  continue  in  force  until  a  future  peace  with  Great  Britain 
shall  tender  rhe  same  unnecessary.  And 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


893 


"'Resolved,  That  the  said  elections  in  the  several  coun- 
ties, ought  to  be  had  on  such  day,  and  at  such  place  or 
places,  as  by  the  committee  of  each  county  respectively 
shall  be  determined.  And  it  is  recommended  to  the  said 
committees,  to  fix  such  early  days  for  the  said  elections, 
as  that  all  the  deputies  to  be  elected  have  sufficient  time  to 
repair  to  the  city  of  New- York,  by  the  second  Monday  in 
July  next ;  on  which  day,  all  the  said  deputies  ought 
punctually  to  give  their  attendance. 

"'And  whereas  the  object  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions 
is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  good  people  of  this  Co- 
lony : 

"  'Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  earnestly  re- 
commended to  the  committees,  freeholders  and  other  elec- 
tors in  the  different  counties  in  this  Colony,  diligently  to 
carry  the  same  into  execution.' 

"And  whereas  the  good  people  of  the  said  Colony,  in 
pursuance  of  the  said  resolution,  and  reposing  special 
trust  and  confidence  in  the  members  of  this  Convention, 
have  appointed,  authorized  and  empowered  them  for  the 
purposes,  and  in  the  manner,  and  with  the  powers  in  and 
by  the  said  resolve  specified,  declared  and  mentioned  : 

"  And  whereas  the  Delegates  to  the  United  American 
States  in  General  Congress  convened,  did,  on  the  fourth 
day  of  July,  now  last  past,  solemnly  publish  and  declare, 
in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

'  When  in  the  course  of  human  events  it  becomes  ne- 
cessary for  one  people  to  dissolve  the  political  bands 
which  have  connected  them  with  another,  and  to  assume 
among  the  powers  of  the  earth  the  separate  and  equal  sta- 
tion to  which  the  laws  of  nature  and  of  nature's  God  enti- 
tle them,  a  decent  respect  to  the  opinions  of  mankind,  re- 
quires that  they  should  declare  the  causes  which  impel 
them  to  the  separation. 

'  We  hold  these  truths  to  be  self-evident,  that  all  men 
are  created  equal ;  that  they  are  endowed  by  their  Creator 
with  certain  unalienable  rights  ;  that  among  these  are  life, 
liberty  and  the  pursuit  of  happiness.  That  to  secure  these 
rights,  governments  are  instituted  among  men,  deriving 
their  just  powers  from  the  consent  of  the  governed;  that 
whenever  any  form  of  government  becomes  destructive  of 
these  ends,  it  is  the  right  of  the  people  to  alter  or  to  abo- 
lish it,  and  to  institute  a  new  government,  laying  its  foun- 
dation on  such  principles,  and  organizing  its  powers  in 
such  form,  as  to  them  shall  seem  most  likely  to  effect  their 
safety  and  happiness.  Prudence,  indeed,  will  dictate,  that 
governments  long  established  should  not  be  changed  for 
light  and  transient  causes  ;  and  accordingly,  all  experi- 
ence has  shown  that  mankind  are  more  disposed  to  suffer, 
while  evils  are  sufferable,  than  to  right  themselves  by  abo- 
lishing the  forms  to  which  they  are  accustomed.  But 
when  a  long  train  of  abuses  and  usurpations  pursuing  in- 
variably the  same  object,  evinces  a  design  to  reduce  them 
under  absolute  despotism,  it  is  their  right,  it  is  their  duty, 
to  throw  off  such  government,  and  to  provide  new  guards 
for  their  future  security.  Such  has  been  the  patient  suffe- 
rance of  the  Colonies  ;  and  such  is  now  the  necessity 
which  constrains  them  to  alter  their  former  system  of  go- 
vernment. The  history  of  the  present  King  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, is  a  history  of  repeated  injuries  and  usurpations,  all 
having  in  direct  object,  the  establishment  of  an  absolute 
tyranny  over  these  States.  To  prove  this,  let  facts  be  sub- 
mitted to  a  candid  world. 

'  He  has  refused  his  assent  to  laws  the  most  wholesome 
and  necessary  for  the  public  good  : 

'  He  has  forbidden  his  Governors  to  pass  laws  of  imme- 
diate and  pressing  importance,  unless  suspended  in  their 
operation  till  his  assent  should  be  obtained  :  and  when  so 
suspended,  he  has  utterly  neglected  to  attend  to  them  : 

'  He  has  refused  to  pass  other  laws  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  large  districts  of  people,  unless  those  people  would 
relinquish  the  right  of  representation  in  the  Legislature ; 
a  right  inestimable  to  them,  and  formidable  to  tyrants  only: 
'  He  has  called  together  Legislative  bodies,  at  places 

224 


unusual,  uncomfortable  and  distant  from  the  depository  of 
their  public  records,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  fatiguing  them 
into  compliance  with  his  measures  : 

'He  has  dissolved  Representative  Houses  repeatedly,  for 
opposing  with  manly  firmness,  his  invasions  on  the  rights 
of  the  people  : 

'  He  has  refused  for  a  long  time  after  such  dissolutions, 
to  cause  others  to  be  elected ;  whereby  the  Legislative 
powers,  incapable  of  annihilation,  have  returned  to  the  peo- 
ple at  large  for  their  exercise  :  the  State  remaining  in  the 
mean  time  exposed  to  all  the  dangers  of  invasion  from 
without,  and  convulsions  within  : 

'  He  has  endeavoured  to  prevent  the  population  of  these 
States  ;  for  that  purpose  obstructing  the  laws  for  naturali- 
zation of  foreigners  ;  refusing  to  pass  others  to  encourage 
their  migrations  hither,  and  raising  the  conditions  of  new 
appropriations  of  lands  : 

'  He  has  obstructed  the  administration  of  justice  by  re- 
fusing his  assent  to  laws  for  establishing  judiciary  powers  : 

'  He  has  made  judges  dependent  on  his  will  alone  for 
the  tenure  of  their  offices,  and  the  amount  and  payment  of 
their  salaries  : 

'  He  has  erected  a  multitude  of  new  offices,  and  sent 
hither  swarms  of  officers  to  harass  our  people,  and  eat  out 
their  substance  : 

'  He  has  kept  among  us,  in  times  of  peace,  standing  ar- 
mies, without  the  consent  of  our  Legislatures  : 

'  He  has  affected  to  render  the  military  independent  of, 
and  superior  to,  the  civil  power  : 

'  He  has  combined  with  others  to  subject  us  to  a  juris- 
diction foreign  to  our  Constitution,  and  unacknowledged  by 
our  laws  ;  giving  his  assent  to  their  acts  of  pretended  Le- 
gislation : 

'  For  quartering  large  bodies  of  troops  among  us  : 
'  For  protecting  them  by  a  mock  trial  from  punishment 
for  any  murders  which  they  should  commit  on  the  inhabi- 
tants of  these  States  : 

'  For  cutting  off  our  trade  with  all  parts  of  the  world  : 
'  For  imposing  taxes  on  us  without  our  consent : 
'  For  depriving  us,  in  many  cases,  of  the  benefit  of  trial 
by  jury  : 

'  For  transporting  us  beyond  seas  to  be  tried  for  pre- 
tended offences  : 

'  For  abolishing  the  free  system  of  English  laws  in  a 
neighbouring  Province,  establishing  therein  an  arbitrary 
government,  and  enlarging  its  boundaries,  so  as  to  render 
it  at  once  an  example  and  fit  instrument  for  introducing  the 
same  absolute  rule  into  these  Colonies  : 

'For  taking  away  our  charters,  abolishing  our  most  va- 
luable laws,  and  altering  fundamentally  the  forms  of  our 
governments  : 

'  For  suspending  our  own  Legislatures,  and  declaring 
themselves  invested  with  power  to  legislate  for  us  in  all 
cases  whatsoever : 

'  He  has  abdicated  government  here,  by  declaring  us 
out  of  his  protection,  and  waging  war  against  us  : 

'  He  has  plundered  our  seas,  ravaged  our  coasts,  burnt 
our  towns,  and  destroyed  the  lives  of  our  people  : 

'  He  is,  at  this  time,  transporting  large  armies  of  fo- 
reign mercenaries  to  complete  the  works  of  death,  desolation 
and  tyranny,  already  begun  with  circumstances  of  cruelty 
and  perfidy,  scarcely  paralleled  in  the  most  barbarous  ages,  . 
and  totally  unworthy  the  head  of  a  civilized  nation  : 

'  He  has  constrained  our  fellow  citizens,  taken  captive 
on  the  high  seas,  to  bear  arms  against  their  country,  to 
become  the  executioners  of  their  friends  and  brethren,  or 
to  fall  themselves  by  their  hands: 

'  He  has  excited  domestic  insurrections  among  us,  and 
has  endeavoured  to  bring  on  the  inhabitants  of  our  frontiers, 
the  merciless  Indian  savages,  whose  known  rule  of  war- 
fare is  an  undistinguished  destruction  of  all  ages,  sexes  and 
conditions. 

( In  every  stage  of  these  oppressions  we  have  petitioned 
for  redress  in  the  most  humble  terms  :  our  repeated  peti- 


894 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


tions  have  been  answered  only  by  repeated  injury.  A 
prince  whose  character  is  thus  marked  by  every  act  which 
may  define  a  tyrant,  is  unfit  to  be  the  ruler  of  a  free  people. 

'  Nor  have  we  been  wanting  in  attentions  to  our  British 
brethem.  We  have  warned  them,  from  time  to  lime,  of 
attempts  by  their  Legislature  to  extend  an  unwarrantable 
jurisdiction  over  us  !  We  have  reminded  them  of  the  cir- 
cumstances of  our  emigration  and  settlement  here  !  We 
have  appealed  to  their  native  justice  and  magnanimity,  and 
we  have  conjured  them,  by  the  ties  of  our  common  kindred, 
to  disavow  these  usurpations,  which  would  inevitably  inter- 
rupt our  connection  and  correspondence  !  They  too  have 
been  deaf  to  the  voice  of  justice  and  of  consanguinity.  We 
must,  therefore  acquiesce  in  the  necessity  which  denounces 
our  separation,  and  hold  them  as  we  hold  the  rest  of  man- 
kind, enemies  in  war,  in  peace,  friends. 

'  We,  therefore,  the  Representatives  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  in  General  Congress  assembled,  appeal- 
ing to  the  Supreme  ludge  of  the  World,  for  the  rectitude  of 
our  intentions,  do  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
good  people  of  these  Colonies,  solemnly  publish  and  de- 
clare :  That  these  United  Colonies  are,  and  of  light  ought 
to  be,  free  and  independent  States  ;  that  they  are  absolved 
from  all  allegiance  to  the  British  Crown,  and  that  all  poli- 
tical connection  between  them  and  the  State  of  Great 
Britain,  is,  and  ought  to  be,  totally  dissolved  :  and  that  as 
free  and  independent  States,  they  have  full  power  to  levy 
war,  conclude  peace,  contract  alliances,  establish  com- 
merce, and  to  do  all  other  acts  and  things  which  indepen- 
dent States  may  of  right  do.  And  for  the  support  of  this 
declaration,  with  a  firm  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Divine 
Providence,  we  mutually  pledge  to  each  other,  our  lives, 
our  fortunes,  and  our  sacred  honour.' 

"And  whereas  this  Convention  having  taken  this  decla- 
ration into  their  most  serious  consideration,  did  on  the  ninth 
day  of  July  last  past,  unanimously  resolve,  that  the  reasons 
assigned  by  the  Continental  Congress  for  declaring  the 
United  Colonies  free  and  independent  States,  are  cogent 
and  conclusive  :  and  that  while  we  lament  the  cruel  ne- 
cessity which  has  rendered  that  measure  unavoidable,  we 
approve  the  same,  and  will,  at  the  risk  of  our  lives  and 
fortunes,  join  the  other  Colonies  in  supporting  it. 

"  By  virtue  of  which  several  acts,  declarations  and  pro- 
ceedings mentioned  and  contained  in  the  aforerecited  re- 
solves or  resolutions  of  the  General  Congress  of  the  United 
American  States,  and  of  the  Congresses  or  Conventions  of 
this  State,  all  power  whatever  therein  hath  reverted  to  the 
people  thereof,  and  this  Convention  hath  by  their  suffrages 
and  free  choice  been  appointed,  and  among  other  things, 
authorized  to  institute  and  establish  such  a  government  as 
they  shall  deem  best  calculated  to  secure  the  rights  and 
liberties  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  most  conducive  of 
the  happiness  and  safety  of  their  constituents  in  particular, 
and  of  America  in  general. 

"  I.  This  Convention,  therefore,  in  the  name  and  by  the 
authority  of  the  good  people,  of  this  State,  doth  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  no  authority  shall,  on  any  pre- 
tence whatever,  be  exercised  over  the  people  or  members 
of  this  State,  but  such  as  shall  be  derived  from  and  granted 
by  them. 

"  II.  This  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain,  de- 
termine and  declare,  that  the  supreme  Legislative  power, 
within  this  State,  shall  be  vested  in  two  separate  and 
distinct  bodies  of  men  ;  the  one  to  be  called  the  Assembly 
of  the  State  of  New-York  ;  the  other  to  be  called  the  Senate 
of  the  State  of  New-York  ;  who  together  shall  form  the 
Legislature,  and  meet  once  at  least  in  every  year  for  the 
despatch  of  business. 

"  III.  And  whereas  laws  inconsistent  with  the  spirit  of 
this  constitution  or  with  the  public  good,  may  be  hastily 
and  unadvisedly  passed  : 

"Be  it  Ordained,  That  the  Governor  for  the  time  being, 
the  Chancellor,  and  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  or 


any  two  of  them,  together  with  the  Governor,  shall  be, 
and  hereby  are,  constituted  a  Council  to  revise  all  bills 
about  to  be  passed  into  laws  by  the  Legislature ;  and  for 
that  purpose  shall  assemble  themselves  from  lime  to  time, 
when  the  Legislature  shall  be  convened  ;  for  which  never- 
theless they  shall  not  receive  any  salary  or  consideration, 
under  any  pretence  whatever.  And  that  all  bills,  which 
have  passed  the  Senate  and  Assembly,  shall,  before  they 
become  laws,  be  presented  to  the  said  Council  for  their 
revisal  and  consideration  ;  and  if,  upon  such  revision  and 
consideration,  it  should  appear  improper  to  the  said  Coun- 
cil, or  a  majority  of  them,  that  the  said  bill  should  become 
a  law  of  this  State,  that  they  return  the  same,  together 
with  their  objections  thereto  in  writing,  to  the  Senate,  or 
House  of  Assembly,  in  which  soever  the  same  shall  have 
originated,  who  shall  enter  the  objections  sent  down  by  the 
Council,  at  large  on  their  minutes,  and  proceed  to  recon- 
sider the  said  bill.  But  if  after  such  reconsideration  two- 
thirds  of  the  said  Senate,  or  House  of  Assembly,  shall,  not- 
withstanding the  said  objections,  agree  to  pass  the  same, 
it  shall,  together  with  the  objections,  be  sent  to  the  other 
branch  of  the  Legislature,  where  it  shall  also  be  recon- 
sidered, and  if  approved  by  two-thirds  of  the  members  pre- 
sent, it  shall  be  a  law. 

"  And  in  order  to  prevent  any  unnecessary  delays, 
"  Be  it  further  Ordained,  That  if  any  bill  shall  not  be 
returned  by  the  Council  within  ten  days  after  it  shall  have 
been  presented,  the  same  shall  be  a  law,  unless  the  Legis- 
lature shall,  by  their  adjournment,  render  a  return  of  the 
said  bill  within  ten  days  impracticable  ;  in  which  case  the 
bill  shall  be  returned  on  the  first  day  of  the  meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  after  the  expiration  of  the  said  ten  days. 

"  IV.  That  the  Assembly  shall  consist  of  at  least  seventy 
members,  to  be  annually  chosen  in  the  several  counties  in 


the  proportions  following,  viz  : 

For  the  city  and  county  of  New-York,   nine 

the  city  and  county  of  Albany,   ten 

the  county  of  Dutchess,   seven 

the  county  of  Westchester,   six 

the  county  of  Ulster,   six 

the  county  of  Suffolk,   five 

the  county  of  Queens,   four 

the  county  of  Orange,   four 

the  county  of  Kings,   two 

the  county  of  Richmond,    two 

the  county  of  Tryon,   six 

the  county  of  Charlotte,   four 

the  county  of  Cumberland,   three 

the  county  of  Gloucester,   two. 


"  V.  That  as  soon  after  the  expiration  of  seven  years, 
subsequent  to  the  termination  of  the  present  war,  as  may 
be,  a  census  of  the  electors  and  inhabitants  in  this  State 
be  taken,  under  the  direction  of  the  Legislature.  And  if 
on  such  census,  it  shall  appear  that  the  number  of  Repre- 
sentatives in  Assembly,  from  the  said  counties,  is  not  just- 
ly proportioned  to  the  number  of  electors  in  the  said  coun- 
ties respectively,  that  the  Legislature  do  adjust  and  appor- 
tion the  same  by  that  rule.  And  further,  that  once  in 
every  seven  years,  after  the  taking  of  the  said  first  cen- 
sus, "a  just  account  of  the  electors  resident  in  each  county 
shall  be  taken  ;  and  if  it  shall  thereupon  appear  that  the 
number  of  electors  in  any  county,  shall  have  increased  or 
diminished  one  or  more  seventieth  parts  of  the  whole 
number  of  electors,  which  on  the  said  first  census  shall  be 
found  in  this  State,  the  number  of  Representatives  for 
such  county  shall  be  increased  or  diminished  accordingly, 
that  is  to  say,  one  Representative  for  every  seventieth 
part  as  aforesaid. 

"  VI.  And  whereas  an  opinion  hath  long  prevailed, 
among  divers  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  that  voting 
at  elections  by  ballot,  would  tend  more  to  preserve  the  li- 
berty and  equal  freedom  of  the  people,  than  voting  viva 
voce  ;  to  the  end  therefore,  that  a  fair  experiment  be  made 
which  of  those  two  methods  of  voting  is  to  be  preferred  : 

"  Be  it  Ordained,  That  as  soon  as  may  be,  after 
the  termination  of  the  present  war  between  the  United 
States  of  America  and  Great  Britain,  an  act  or  acts  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


895 


passed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  for  causing  all 
elections,  thereafter  to  be  held  in  this  State,  for  Senators 
and  Representatives  in  Assembly,  to  be  by  ballot,  and  di- 
recting the  manner  in  which  the  same  shall  be  conducted  : 
And  whereas  it  is  possible,  that  after  all  the  care  of  the 
Legislature  in  framing  the  said  act  or  acts,  certain  incon- 
veniences and  mischiefs,  unforeseen  at  this  day,  may  be 
found  to  attend  the  said  mode  of  electing  by  ballot  : 

"It  is  further  Ordained,  That  if  after  a  full  and  fair  ex- 
periment shall  be  made  of  voting  by  ballot  aforesaid,  the 
same  shall  be  found  less  conducive  to  the  safety  or  interest 
of  the  Slate  than  the  method  of  voting  viva  voce,  it  shall 
be  lawful  and  constitutional  for  the  Legislature  to  abolish 
the  same  ;  provided  two-thirds  of  the  members  present  in 
each  House  respectively  shall  concur  therein  ;  and  further, 
that  during  the  continuance  of  the  present  war,  and  until 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  shall  provide  for  the  election 
of  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Assembly  by  ballot, 
the  said  elections  shall  be  made  viva  voce. 

"  VII.  That  every  male  inhabitant,  of  full  age,  who  shall 
have  personally  resided  within  one  of  the  counties  of  this 
State  for  six  months  immediately  preceding  the  day  of 
election,  shall,  at  such  election,  be  entitled  to  vote  for 
Representatives  of  the  said  county  in  Assembly  ;  if,  du- 
ring the  time  aforesaid,  he  shall  have  been  a  freeholder, 
possessing  a  freehold  of  the  value  of  twenty  pounds,  with- 
in the  said  county,  or  have  rented  a  tenement  therein  of 
the  yearly  value  of  forty  shillings,  and  been  rated,  and  ac- 
tually paid  taxes  to  this  State :  provided  always,  that  every 
person  who  now  is  a  freeman  of  the  city  of  Albany,  or 
who  was  made  a  freeman  of  the  city  of  New- York,  on  or 
before  the  fourteenth  day  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and 
shall  be  actually  and  usually  resident  in  the  said  cities  re- 
spectively, shall  be  entitled  to  vote  for  Representatives  in 
Assembly  within  his  said  place  of  residence. 

"  VIII.  That  every  elector,  before  he  is  admitted  to  vote, 
shall,  if  required  by  the  returning  officer,  or  either  of  the 
inspectors,  take  an  oath,  or  if  of  the  people  called  Qua- 
kers, an  affirmation,  of  allegiance  to  the  State. 

"  IX.  That  the  Assembly  thus  constituted,  shall  choose 
their  own  Speaker,  be  judges  of  their  own  members,  and 
enjoy  the  same  privileges,  and  proceed  in  doing  business 
in  like  manner  as  the  Assemblies  of  the  Colony  of  New- 
York  of  right  formerly  did  ;  and  that  a  majority  of  the 
said  members  shall,  from  time  to  time,  constitute  a  House 
to  proceed  upon  business. 

"  X.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name,  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  the  Senate  of  the  State  of 
New-York  shall  consist  of  twenty-four  freeholders,  to  be 
chosen  out  of  the  body  of  the  freeholders,  and  that  they 
be  chosen  by  the  freeholders  of  this  State,  possessed  of 
freeholds  of  the  value  of  one  hundred  pounds,  over  and 
above  all  debts  charged  thereon. 

"XI.  That  the  members  of  the  Senate  be  elected  for  four 
years,  and  immediately  after  the  first  election,  they  be  di- 
vided by  lot  into  four  classes,  six  in  each  class,  and  num- 
bered one,  two,  three  and  four ;  that  the  seats  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  first  class  shall  be  vacated  at  the  expiration  of 
the  first  year ;  the  second  class  the  second  year  ;  and  so  on 
continually,  to  the  end,  that  the  fourth  part  of  the  Senate, 
as  nearly  as  possible,  may  be  annually  chosen. 

"  XII.  That  the  election  of  Senators  shall  be  after 
this  manner :  that  so  much  of  this  State  as  is  now  parcel- 
led into  counties,  be  divided  into  four  great  districts  ;  the 
southern  district  to  comprehend  the  city  and  county  of  New- 
York,  Suffolk,  Westchester,  Kings,  Queens  and  Richmond 
counties  ;  the  middle  district  to  comprehend  the  counties 
of  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange  ;  the  western  district  the 
city  and  county  of  Albany,  and  Tryon  county  ;  and  the 
eastern  district,  the  counties  of  Charlotte,  Cumberland  and 
Gloucester.  That  the  Senators  shall  be  elected  by  the 
freeholders  of  the  said  districts,  qualified  as  aforesaid  in 


the  proportions  following,  to  wit :  in  the  southern  district 
nine  ;  in  the  middle  district  six  ;  in  the  western  district  six  ; 
and  in  the  eastern  district  three. 

"  And  be  it  Ordained,  That  a  census  shall  be  taken 
as  soon  as  may  be,  after  the  expiration  of  seven  years 
from  the  termination  of  the  present  war,  under  the  direction 
of  the  Legislature  ;  and  if  on  such  census  it  shall  appear, 
that  the  number  of  Senators  is  not  justly  proportioned  to 
the  several  districts,  that  the  Legislature  adjust  the  propor- 
tion as  near  as  may  be,  to  the  number  of  freeholders  quali- 
fied as  aforesaid  in  each  district.  That  when  the  number 
of  electors,  within  any  of  the  said  districts,  shall  have  in- 
creased one-twenty-fourth  part  of  the  whole  number  of 
electors,  which  by  the  said  census,  shall  be  found  to  be  in 
this  State,  an  additional  Senator  shall  be  chosen  by  the 
electors  of  such  district.  That  a  majority  of  the  number 
of  Senators  to  be  chosen  as  aforesaid,  shall  be  necessary  to 
constitute  a  Senate  sufficient  to  proceed  upon  business  ; 
and  that  the  Senate  shall  in  like  manner  with  the  Assem- 
bly, be  the  judges  of  its  own  members. 

"And  be  it  Ordained,  That  it  shall  be  in  the  power  of 
the  future  Legislatures  of  this  State,  for  the  convenience 
and  advantage  of  the  good  people  thereof,  to  divide  the 
same  into  such  further  and  other  counties  and  districts  as 
shall  to  them  appear  necessary. 

"  XIII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  no  member  of  this  State  shall 
be  disfranchised  or  deprived  of  any  of  the  rights  or  privi- 
leges secured  to  the  subjects  of  this  State,  by  this  Consti- 
tution, unless  by  the  law  of  the  land,  or  the  judgment  of 
his  peers. 

"  XIV.  That  neither  the  Assembly  nor  the  Senate  shall 
have  power  to  adjourn  themselves  for  any  longer  time  than 
two  days,  without  the  mutual  consent  of  both. 

"XV.  That  whenever  the  Assembly  and  Senate  disagree, 
a  conference  shall  be  held  in  the  presence  of  both,  and  be 
managed  by  committees  to  be  by  them  respectively  chosen 
by  ballot.  That  the  doors,  both  of  the  Senate  and  Assem- 
bly shall  at  all  times  be  kept  open  to  all  persons,  except 
when  the  welfare  of  the  State  shall  require  their  debates  to 
be  kept  secret.  And  the  journals  of  all  their  proceedings 
shall  be  kept  in  the  manner  heretofore  accustomed  by  the 
General  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  New- York,  and  ex- 
cept such  parts  as  they  shall  as  aforesaid  respectively  de- 
termine not  to  make  public,  be  from  day  to  day  (if  the  bu- 
siness of  the  Legislature  will  permit)  published. 

"  XVI.  It  is  nevertheless  provided,  that  the  number  of 
Senators  shall  never  exceed  one  hundred,  nor  the  number 
of  Assembly  three  hundred  ;  but  that  whenever  the  num- 
ber of  Senators  shall  amount  to  one  hundred,  or  of  the 
Assembly  to  three  hundred,  then  and  in  such  case,  the 
Legislature  shall  from  time  to  time  thereafter,  by  laws  for 
that  purpose,  apportion  and  distribute  the  said  one  hundred 
Senators  and  three  hundred  Representatives,  among  the 
great  districts  and  counties  of  this  State  in  proportion  to 
the  number  of  their  respective  electors  ;  so  that  the  repre- 
sentation of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  both  in  the  Se- 
nate and  Assembly,  shall  forever  lemain  proportionate  and 
adequate. 

"XVII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  the  supreme  executive  powerand 
authority  of  this  State,  shall  be  vested  in  a  Governor  ;  and 
that  statedly  once  in  every  three  years,  and  as  often  as  the 
seat  of  government  shall  become  vacant,  a  wise  and  discreet 
freeholder  of  this  State  shall  be  by  ballot  elected  Governor 
by  the  freeholders  of  this  State,  qualified  as  before  described 
to  elect  senators  ;  which  elections  shall  be  always  held  at 
the  times  and  places  of  choosing  Representatives  in  As- 
sembly for  each  respective  county,  and  that  the  person  who 
hath  the  greatest  number  of  votes  within  the  said  State 
shall  be  Governor  thereof. 

"  XVIII.  That  the  Governor  shall  continue  in  office  three 


890 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


years,  and  shall  by  virtue  of  his  office  be  General  and 
Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  militia,  and  Admiral  of  the 
navy  of  this  State  ;  that  he  shall  have  power  to  convene  the 
Assembly  and  Senate  on  extraordinary  occasions  ;  to  pro- 
rogue them  from  lime  to  time,  provided  such  prorogations 
shall  not  exceed  sixty  days  in  the  space  of  any  one  year ; 
and,  at  his  discretion,  to  grant  reprieves  and  pardons  to 
persons  convicted  of  crime,  other  than  treason  or  murder, 
in  which  he  may  suspend  the  execution  of  the  sentence 
until  it  shall  be  reported  to  the  Legislature  at  their  subse- 
quent meeting  ;  and  they  shall  either  pardon  or  direct  the 
execution  of  the  criminal,  or  grant  a  further  reprieve. 

"  XIX.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Governor  to  in- 
form the  Legislature,  at  every  session,  of  the  condition  of 
the  Stale,  so  far  as  may  respect  his  department ;  to  recom- 
mend such  matters  to  their  consideration  as  shall  appear  to 
him  to  concern  its  good  government,  welfare  and  prospe- 
rity ;  to  correspond  with  the  Continental  Congress,  and 
other  States ;  to  transact  all  necessary  business  with  the 
officers  of  government,  civil  and  military ;  to  take  care 
that  the  laws  are  faithfully  executed,  to  the  best  of  his  abi- 
lity, and  to  expedite  all  such  measures  as  may  be  resolved 
upon  by  the  Legislature. 

"  XX.  That  a  Lieutenant-Governor  shall  at  every  elec- 
tion of  a  Governor,  and  as  often  as  the  Lieutenant-Gover- 
nor shall  die,  resign,  or  be  removed  from  office,  be  elected 
in  the  same  manner  with  the  Governor,  to  continue  in  office 
until  the  next  election  of  a  Governor  ;  and  such  Lieute- 
nant-Governor shall,  by  virtue  of  his  office,  be  President 
of  the  Senate,  and,  upon  an  equal  division,  have  a  casting 
voice  in  their  decisions,  but  not  vote  on  any  other  occasion. 

"  And  in  case  of  the  impeachment  of  the  Governor,  or 
his  removal  from  office,  death,  resignation,  or  absence  from 
the  State,  the  Lieutenant-Governor  shall  exercise  all  the 
power  and  authority  appertaining  to  the  office  of  Governor, 
until  another  be  chosen,  or  the  Governor  absent  or  im- 
peached, shall  return  or  be  acquitted  :  provided,  that  when 
the  Governor  shall,  with  the  consent  of  the  Legislature, 
be  out  of  the  State,  in  time  of  war,  at  the  head  of  a  mili- 
tary force  thereof,  he  shall  still  continue  in  his  command  of 
all  the  military  force  of  this  State,  both  by  sea  and  land. 

"XXI.  That  whenever  the  government  shall  be  admi- 
nistered by  the  Lieutenant-Governor,  or  he  shall  be  unable 
to  attend  as  President  of  the  Senate,  the  Senators  shall 
have  power  to  elect  one  of  their  own  members  to  the  office 
of  President  of  the  Senate,  which  he  shall  exercise  pro 
hac  vice ;  and  if  during  such  vacancy  of  the  office  of  Go- 
vernor, the  Lieutenant-Governor  shall  be  impeached,  dis- 
placed, resign,  die,  or  be  absent  from  the  State,  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  Senate  shall  in  like  manner  as  the  Lieutenant- 
Governor  administer  the  government,  until  others  shall  be 
elected  by  the  suffrage  of  the  people  at  the  succeeding 
election. 

"XXII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
shall  be  appointed  by  act  of  the  Legislature,  to  originate 
with  the  Assembly  ;  provided,  that  he  shall  not  be  elected 
out  of  either  branch  of  the  Legislature. 

"  XXIII.  That  all  officers,  other  than  those,  who  by  this 
Constitution  are  directed  to  be  otherwise  appointed,  shall 
be  appointed  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit :  The  Assem- 
bly shall,  once  in  every  year,  openly  nominate  and  appoint 
one  of  the  Senators  from  each  great  district,  which  Sena- 
tors shall  form  a  Council  for  the  appointment  of  the  said 
officers,  of  which  the  Governor,  for  the  time  being,  or  the 
Lieutenant-Governor,  or  the  President  of  the  Senate,  when 
they  shall  respectively  administer  the  government,  shall  be 
president,  and  have  a  casting  voice,  but  no  other  vote  ;  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  said  Council,  shall  ap- 
point all  the  said  officers;  and  that  a  majority  of  the  said 
council  be  a  quorum  ;  and  further,  the  said  Senators  shall 
not  be  eligible  to  the  said  Council  for  two  years  succes- 
sively. 


"  XXIV.  That  all  military  officers  be  appointed  during 
pleasure  ;  that  all  commissioned  officers,  civil  and  military, 
be  commissioned  by  the  Governor,  and  that  the  chancellor, 
judges  of  the  supreme  court,  and  first  judge  of  the  county 
court,  in  every  county,  hold  their  offices  during  good  beha- 
viour, or  until  they  shall  have  respectively  attained  the  age 
of  sixty  years. 

"  XXV.  That  the  chancellor  and  judges  of  the  supreme 
court  shall  not  at  the  same  time  hold  any  other  office,  ex- 
cepting that  of  Delegate  to  the  General  Congress,  upon 
special  occasions  ;  and  that  the  first  judges  of  the  county 
courts  in  the  several  counties,  shall  not  at  the  same  time  hold 
any  other  office,  excepting  that  of  Senator  or  Delegate  to 
the  General  Congress.  But  if  the  chancellor,  or  either  of 
the  said  judges,  be  elected  or  appointed  to  any  other  office, 
excepting  as  is  before  excepted,  it  shall  be  at  his  option  in 
which  to  serve. 

"XXVI.  That  sheriffs  and  coroners  be  annually  appointed, 
and  that  no  person  shall  be  capable  of  holding  either  of  the 
said  offices  more  than  four  years  successively,  nor  the  she- 
riff, of  holding  any  other  office  at  the  same  lime. 

"  XXVII.  And  be  itjurther  Ordained,  That  the  register 
and  clerks  in  chancery  be  appointed  by  the  chancellor;  the 
clerks  of  the  supreme  court  by  the  judges  of  the  said 
court ;  the  clerk  of  the  court  of  probates  by  the  judge  of 
the  said  court ;  and  the  register  and  marshal  of  the  court 
of  admiralty,  by  the  judge  of  the  admiralty.  The  said 
marshal,  registers  and  clerks  to  continue  in  office  during 
the  pleasure  of  those  by  whom  they  are  to  be  appointed  as 
aforesaid. 

"  And  that  ali  attorneys,  solicitors  and  counsellors  at  law, 
hereafter  to  be  appointed,  be  appointed  by  the  court,  and 
licensed  by  the  first  judge  of  the  court  in  which  they 
shall  respectively  plead  or  practise,  and  be  regulated  by 
the  rules  and  orders  of  the  said  courts. 

"  XXVIII.  And  be  it  further  Ordained,  That  where,  by 
this  Convention,  the  duration  of  any  office  shall  not  be  as- 
certained, such  office  shall  be  construed  to  be  held  during 
the  pleasure  of  the  council  of  appointment :  provided  that 
new  commissions  shall  be  issued  to  the  judges  of  the  coun- 
ty courts,  (other  than  to  the  first  judge,)  and  to  justices  of 
the  peace,  once  at  least  in  every  three  years. 

"  XXIX.  That  town  clerks,  supervisors,  assessors, 
constables  and  collectors,  and  all  other  officers  heretofore 
eligible  by  the  people,  shall  always  continue  to  be  so  eli- 
gible, in  the  manner  directed  by  the  present  or  future  acts 
of  the  Legislature. 

"  That  loan  officers,  county  treasurers  and  clerks  of  the 
supervisors,  continue  to  be  appointed  in  the  manner  direc- 
ted by  the  present  or  future  acts  of  the  Legislature. 

"  XXX.  That  Delegates  to  represent  this  State  in  the  Ge- 
neral Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  be  annually 
appointed  as  follows,  to  wit :  The  Senate  and  Assembly 
shall  each  openly  nominate  as  many  persons  as  shall  be 
equal  to  the  whole  number  of  Delegates  to  be  appointed  ; 
after  which  nomination  they  shall  meet  together,  and  those 
persons  named  in  both  lists  shall  be  Delegates.  And  out 
of  those  persons  whose  names  are  not  in  both  lists,  one- 
half  shall  be  chosen  by  the  joint  ballot  of  the  Senators  and 
Members  of  Assembly,  so  met  together  as  aforesaid. 

"  XXXI.  That  the  style  of  all  laws  shall  be  as  follows, 
to  wit :  "  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  Slate  of  New- 
York,  represented  in  Senate  and  Assembly."  And  that  all 
writs  and  other  proceedings  shall  run  in  the  name  of  "  the 
People  of  the  State  of  New-York,"  and  be  tested  in  the 
name  of  the  chancellor,  or  chief  judge  of  the  court  from 
whence  they  shall  issue. 

"  XXXII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  or- 
dain, determine  and  declare,  that  a  court  shall  be  instituted 
for  the  trial  of  impeachments  and  correction  of  errors,  un- 
der the  regulations  which  shall  be  established  by  the  Le- 
gislature ;  and  to  consist  of  the  President  of  the  Senate, 
for  the  time  being,  and  the  Senators,  chancellor  and  judges 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


897 


of  the  supreme  court,  or  the  major  part  of  them;  except 
that  when  an  impeachment  shall  be  prosecuted  against  the 
chancellor,  or  either  of  the  judges  of  the  supreme  court, 
the  person  so  impeached,  shall  be  suspended  from  exer- 
cising his  office  until  his  acquittal.  And,  in  like  manner, 
when  an  appeal  from  a  decree  in  equity  shall  be  heard,  the 
chancellor  shall  inform  the  court  of  the  reasons  of  his  de- 
cree, but  shall  not  have  a  voice  in  the  final  sentence.  And 
if  the  cause  to  be  determined  shall  be  brought  up  by  a  writ 
of  error  on  a  question  of  law,  on  a  judgment  in  the  supreme 
court,  the  judges  of  that  court  shall  assign  the  reasons  of 
such  their  judgment,  but  shall  not  have  a  voice  for  its 
affirmance  or  reversal. 

"  XXXIII.  That  the  power  of  impeaching  all  officers  of 
the  State,  for  mal  and  corrupt  conduct  in  their  respective 
offices,  be  vested  in  the  Representatives  of  the  people  in 
Assembly  ;  but  that  it  shall  always  be  necessary  that  two- 
third  parts  of  the  members  present  shall  consent  to,  and 
agree  in,  such  impeachment.  That  previous  to  the  trial 
of  every  impeachment,  the  members  of  the  said  court 
shall  respectively  be  sworn,  truly  and  impartially,  to  try 
and  determine  the  charge  in  question  according  to  evidence ; 
and  that  no  judgment  of  the  said  court  shall  be  valid,  unless 
it  shall  be  assented  to  by  two-third  parts  of  the  members 
then  present ;  nor  shall  it  extend  farther  than  to  removal 
from  office,  aud  disqualification  to  hold  or  enjoy  any  place  of 
honour,  trust  or  profit,  under  this  State.  But  the  party 
so  accused,  shall  be,  nevertheless,  liable  and  subject  to  in- 
dictment, trial,  judgment  and  punishment,  according  to  the 
laws  of  the  land. 

"  XXXIV.  And  it  is  further  Ordained,  That  in  every 
trial  on  impeachment  or  indictment  for  crimes  or  misde- 
meanors, the  party  impeached  or  indicted  shall  be  allowed 
counsel,  as  in  civil  actions. 

"XXXV.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name, 
and  bv  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  or- 
dain, determine,  and  declare,  that  such  parts  of  the  com- 
mon law  of  England,  and  of  the  statute  law  of  England 
and  Great  Britain,  and  of  the  acts  of  the  Legislature  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  as  together  did  form  the  law  of 
the  said  Colony  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  April,  in  the  year 
of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five, 
shall  be  and  continue  the  law  of  this  State  ;  subject  to  such 
alterations  and  provisions  as  the  Legislature  of  this  State 
shall,  from  time  to  time,  make  concerning  the  same.  That 
such  of  the  said  acts  as  are  temporary,  shall  expire  at  the 
times  limited  for  their  duration  respectively. 

"  That  all  such  parts  of  the  common  law,  and  all  such  of 
the  said  statutes  and  acts  aforesaid,  or  parts  thereof,  as  may 
be  construed  to  establish  or  maintain  any  particular  deno- 
mination of  Christians  or  their  ministers,  or  concern  the 
allegiance  heretofore  yielded  to,  and  the  supremacy,  sove- 
reignty, government  or  prerogatives,  claimed  or  exercised 
by  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  his  predecessors,  over 
the  Colony  of  New-York  and  its  inhabitants,  or  are  repug- 
nant to  this  Constitution,  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  abro- 
gated and  rejected. 

"  And  this  Convention  doth  further  ordain,  that  the  re- 
solves or  resolutions  of  the  Congresses  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  and  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  now  in  force,  and  not  repugnant  to  the  government 
established  by  this  Constitution,  shall  be  considered  as 
making  part  of  the  laws  of  this  State  ;  subject,  neverthe- 
less, to  such  alterations  and  provisions  as  the  Legislature 
of  this  State  may,  from  time  to  time,  make  concerning  the 
same. 

"  XXXVI.  And  be  it  further  Ordained,  That  all  grants 
within  this  State,  made  by  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  or 
persons  acting  under  his  authority,  after  the  fourteenth  day 
of  October,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five, 
shall  be  null  and  void.  But  that  nothing  in  this  Constitu- 
tion contained,  shall  be  construed  to  affect  any  grants  of 
land  within  this  State,  made  by  the  authority  of  the  said 
King  or  his  predecessors,  or  to  annul  any  charters  to  bodies 
225 


politic,  by  him  or  them,  or  any  of  them,  made  prior  to  that 
day.  And  that  none  of  the  said  charters  shall  be  adjudged 
to  be  void  by  reason  of  any  non-user  or  misuser  of  any 
of  their  respective  rights  or  privileges,  between  the  nine- 
teenth day  of  April,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and  the  publication  of  this 
Constitution.  And  further,  that  all  such  of  the  officers  de- 
scribed in  the  said  charters  respectively,  as  by  the  terms  of 
the  said  charters  were  to  be  appointed  by  the  Governor  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  with  or  without  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  Council  of  the  said  King  in  the  said  Colony, 
shall  henceforth  be  appointed  by  the  Council  established 
by  this  Constitution  for  the  appointment  of  officers  in  this 
State,  until  otherwise  directed  by  the  Legislature. 

"  XXXVII.  And  whereas  it  is  of  great  importance  to 
the  safety  of  this  State,  that  peace  and  amity  with  the  In- 
dians within  the  same,  be  at  all  times  supported  and  main- 
tained :  And  whereas  the  frauds  too  often  practised  to- 
wards the  said  Indians  in  contracts  made  for  their  lands, 
have  in  divers  instances  been  productive  of  dangerous  dis- 
contents and  animosities  : 

"Be  it  Ordained,  That  no  purchases  or  contracts  for  the 
sale  of  lands  made  since  the  fourteenth  day  of  October,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-five,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  made  with  or  of 
the  said  Indians,  within  the  limits  of  this  State,  shall  be 
binding  on  the  said  Indians,  or  deemed  valid,  unless  made 
under  the  authority  and  with  the  consent  of  the  Legislature 
of  this  State. 

"  XXXVIII.  And  whereas  we  are  required  by  the  be- 
nevolent principles  of  rational  liberty,  not  only  to  expel 
civil  tyranny,  but  also  to  guard  against  that  spiritual  op- 
pression and  intolerance  wherewith  the  bigotry  and  ambi- 
tion of  weak  and  wicked  priests  and  princes  have  scourged 
mankind  :  This  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  the  free  exercise  and  enjoyment 
of  religious  profession  and  worship,  without  discrimination 
or  preference,  shall  forever  hereafter  be  allowed  within  this 
State  to  all  mankind  ;  provided  that  the  liberty  of  con- 
science hereby  granted  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  ex- 
cuse acts  of  licentiousness  or  justify  practices  inconsistent 
with  the  peace  or  safety  of  this  State. 

"  XXXlX.  And  whereas  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  are 
by  their  profession,  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God  and 
the  cure  of  souls,  and  ought  not  to  be  diverted  from  the 
great  duties  of  their  function  :  Therefore,  no  minister  of 
gospel,  or  priest  of  any  denomination  whatsoever,  shall  at 
any  time  hereafter,  under  any  pretence  or  description  what- 
ever, be  eligible  to,  or  capable  of  holding,  any  civil  or  mili- 
tary office  or  place  within  this  Slate. 

"  XL.  And  whereas  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to 
the  safety  of  every  State,  that  it  should  always  be  in  a 
condition  of  defence  ;  and  it  is  the  duty  of  every  man  who 
enjoys  the  protection  of  society,  to  be  prepared  and  willing 
to  defend  it :  This  Convention  therefore  in  the  name  and 
by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  doth 
ordain,  determine  and  declare,  that  the  militia  of  this  State 
at  all  times  hereafter,  as  well  in  peace  as  in  war,  shall  be 
armed  and  disciplined  and  in  readiness  for  service.  That 
all  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  being  of  the  peo- 
ple called  Quakers,  as  from  scruples  of  conscience  may  be 
averse  to  the  bearing  of  arms,  be  therefrom  excused  by  the 
Legislature,  and  do  pay  to  the  State  such  sums  of  money 
in  lieu  of  their  personal  service,  as  the  same  may,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Legislature,  be  worth  ;  and  that  a  proper 
magazine  of  warlike  stores,  proportionate  to  the  number  of 
inhabitants,  be  forever  hereafter  at  the  expense  of  this 
State  ;  and  by  acts  of  the  Legislature,  established,  main- 
tained and  continued  in  every  county  in  this  State. 

;'XLI.  And  this  Convention  doth  further  ordain  deter- 
mine and  declare  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  the 
good  people  of  this  State,  that  trial  by  jury  in  all  cases  in 
which  it  hath  heretofore  been  used  in  the  colony  of  New- 


898 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


York,  shall  be  established  and  remain  inviolate  forever. 
And  that  no  acts  of  attainder  shall  be  passed  by  the  Legis- 
lature of  this  State,  for  crimes  other  than  those  committed 
before  the  termination  of  the  present  war  ;  and  that  such 
acts  shall  not  work  a  corruption  of  blood.  And  further, 
thai  the  Legislature  of  this  Slate  shall,  at  no  time  hereafter, 
institute  any  new  court  or  courts  but  such  as  shall  proceed 
according  to  the  course  of  the  common  law. 

"  XLII.  And  this  Convention  doth  further,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain, 
determine  and  declare,  that  ii  shall  be  in  the  discretion  of 
the  Legislature  to  naturalize  all  such  persons,  and  in  such 
manner  as  they  shall  think  proper,  provided  all  such  of  the 
persons  so  to  be  by  them  naturalized,  as  being  born  in  parts 
beyond  sea,  and  out  of  the  United  States  of  America,  shall 
come  to  settle  in,  and  become  subjects  of  this  State,  shall 
take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  Stale,  and  abjure  and  re- 
nounce all  allegiance  and  subjection  to  all  and  every  foreign 
king,  prince,  potentate  and  State,  in  all  matters  ecclesi- 
astical as  well  as  civil. 

"  By  order, 

"LEONARD  GANSEVOORT,  Pres.  pro.  tern:' 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  General 
Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr. 
Hobart,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  plan  for 
organizing  and  establishing  the  government  agreed  to  by 
this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  proceed  to  Fish- 
kill  and  direct  five  hundred  copies  of  this  Constitution  to 
be  printed  without  the  preamble  and  with  the  above  reso- 
lution added  thereto,  and  that  he  have  2,500  copies  with 
the  preamble  printed,  and  without  the  said  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  be  authorized  to  give  gra- 
tuities to  the  printer  and  his  workmen,  at  his  discretion,  to 
obtain  despatch,  and  that  the  printer  be  directed  to  lay  aside 
all  other  business. 

Resolved,  That  the  Constitution  of  this  State  be  pub- 
lished at  the  Court  House,  at  eleven  of  the  clock  on  next 
Tuesday  morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kings- 
ton be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  above  resolution,  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  notify  the  inhabitants  of  Kingston 
thereof. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

Aprils,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Capt.  Rutgers— New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr. 
Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Col.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood — 
Westchester. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Capt.  Schenk,  Major  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

A  petition  from  the  committee  of  Claverack,  and  the 
field  officers  of  Kinderhook  militia,  praying  that  a  company 
of  rangers  may  be  raised  to  quell  the  disaffected  persons, 
and  protect  the  well  affected  inhabitants  in  that  quarter, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Colo. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Bleecker,  and  Col.  Allison. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  at  the  request  of  the  committee  of 
Albany,  informed  the  House,  that  there  are  a  great  many 
vacancies  in  the  militia  officers  in  the  said  county,  and  re- 
quests that  one  hundred  blank  commissions  may  be  sent  to 
them  to  be  filled  up. 


Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  send  one  hundred  blank 
commissions,  signed  by  the  President  and  attested,  to  the 
committee  of  Albany. 

Mr.  Tappen,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
Thomas  Hedding,  charged  with  counterfeiting  Continental 
money,  reported  the  examinations  of  Daniel  Williams  and 
Benjamin  Lyons,  and  the  deposition  of  Esther  Crawford, 
together  with  the  counterfeited  bills  found  upon  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  depositions  and  bills  be  lodged 
with  the  Secretary. 

Mr.  Isaac  Sheldon,  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed 
to  dispose  of  the  personal  property  of  persons  gone  over 
to  the  enemy,  attending,  informed  the  House  that  the  pro- 
perty of  sundry  persons  gone  lo  the  enemy,  is  claimed  by 
persons  who  produce  bills  of  sale  for  the  same,  and  re- 
quests the  direction  of  Convention  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheldon's  application  be  referred  to 
Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Schenk,  Judge  Graham,  Mr. 
R.  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Morris. 

Monday  Afternoon,  April  21,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  General  Scott.  Mr. 
Dunscomb  —  New-  York. 

Mr.  W.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine— Ulster. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Colo. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Mbany. 

Mr.  G-  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr  Lockwood  —  Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Swartwout,  chairman  of  Mamacot- 
ting  precinct,  with  the  evidence  of  John  Lasley  against 
Abraham  Smith,  charged  with  being  concerned  in  a  con- 
spiracy, and  who  is  now  brought  to  this  place  under  guard, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Abraham  Smith  be  committed 
to  the  jail  at  Kingston,  until  he  be  discharged  by  order  of 
Convention  or  due  course  of  law. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the 
general  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  dated  the  17th 
instant,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended 
and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  viz : 

Resolved.  That  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention  of 
the  first  day  of  April,  instant,  empowering  courts  martial 
to  try  persons  as  spies  from  the  enemy,  or  for  enlisting  men 
in  their  service,  or  furnishing  supplies  or  intelligence  to  them 
be,  and  hereby  are,  extended  to  all  such  persons  as  have 
been  or  shall  be  taken  up  as  offenders  against  the  resolu- 
tions of  this  Convention,  passed  the  16th  day  of  July  last, 
describing  what  crimes  are  treason  against  this  State,  and 
continue  in  force  until  the  first  day  of  July  next,  unless 
sooner  repealed. 

Resolved,  That  certified  copies  of  the  foregoing,  to- 
gether with  those  referred  to  above,  be  sent  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  and  to  Brigadier-Generals  McDougall, 
George  Clinton,  Ten  Broeck  and  Herkimer. 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  resolve,  and  the  other  re- 
solutions therein  mentioned,  be  printed  together  in  500 
handbills,  and  in  the  public  newspapers,  and  distributed 
through  the  different  counties  of  this  State. 

Resolved.,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is,  recommended  to 
the  general  committee  and  the  respective  sub-committees 
of  the  county  of  Albany,  and  all  other  county  and  sub-com- 
mittees in  this  State,  to  use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  ap- 
prehend, secure,  and  otherwise,  according  to  their  discre- 
tion, dispose  of  all  such  persons  as  they  shall  conceive  to 
be  inimical  or  dangerous  to  this  State,  until  the  farther  or- 
der of  this  Convention  or  future  legislature  of  this  State. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


899 


allowing  the  parties  hereby  affected  the  right  of  appeal 
from  any  sub-committee  to  the  general  cemmittee. 

Resolved,  That  some  large  and  convenient  place  or  pla- 
ces of  security  for  confining  under  guard  all  such  persons 
whose  going  at  large  will  probably  be  dangerous  to  this 
Slate,  be  provided  ;  and  that  Colonel  De  Witt,  General 
Scott,  Mr.  Zeph.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  and  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Harper,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  plan 
for  that  purpose,  without  delay. 

General  Scott,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Hugh  Hughes,  deputy  quarter-master-general,  relative  to 
the  farm  of  Beverly  Robinson,  Junior,  reported  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit  :  That  they  are  of  opinion  that,  as  a  very  con- 
siderable lodgment  of  stores  in  the  quarter-master's  depart- 
ment is  formed  at  Morrison's  mills,  in  Fredericksburgh,  in 
the  county  of  Dutchess,  to  and  from  which  there  will  be  much 
carriage,  a  proper  farm  in  its  vicinity,  for  supporting  the  cat- 
tle that  may  from  time  to  time  be  employed  in  that  depart- 
ment of  service,  will  be  absolutely  necessary  ;  and  that  the 
farm  lately  in  the  occupation  of  Beverly  Robinson,  Junr. 
will  be  very  convenient  for  that  purpose.  It  is  therefore 
the  opinion  of  your  committee  that  the  commissioners  of 
sequestration  in  the  county  of  Dutchess  be  directed  to  lease 
the  said  farm  for  one  year  to  the  said  deputy  quarter-mas- 
ter-general, at  such  rent  as  they  shall  think  proper,  not- 
withstanding any  treaty  for  the  same  that  may  have  been 
in  agitation  between  the  said  commissioners  and  any  in- 
dividual person,  for  the  use  or  occupation  of  the  said 
farm. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  doth  agree  with  their 
committee  in  their  said  report. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  committed  the  petition  of 
the  committee  of  Claverack,  and  the  field  officers  of  the 
Kinderhook  militia,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was 
read,  and  the  consideration  thereof  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  Mrs. 
Penuel  Grant,  reported  the  following  resolution,  which  was 
agreed  to,  to  wit  : 

"  Whereas  Mrs.  Penuel  Grant  has,  by  her  petition  of 
the  4th  instant,  requested  leave  to  remove  with  her  family 
and  effects  to  New-York  :  And  whereas  General  Delan- 
cey  has  lately,  upon  application  to  him  made  for  that 
purpose,  refused  the  like  permission  to  Colonel  BirdsalPs 
wife,  now  on  Long  island,  therefore 

"Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  re- 
jected." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  committed  the  letter  from 
John  Dumont,  Esquire,  reported  the  examination  of  Isaac 
Low,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Isaac  Low  be  committed  to  the 
jail  of  Kingston,  and  that  the  said  committee  transmit  a 
copy  of  the  said  examination  to  the  committee  of  Albany. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

April  22,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  rice-President. 

Col.  Lott,  Capt  Rutgers,  Col.  Brasher,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van 
Cortlandt,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell—  Suffolk. 

Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Land™ — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Col.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Bleecker,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates — -Albany. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Contine,  Mr.  Ray — Ulster. 

Judge  Graham,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Col.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing  store, 


dated  the  20th  instant,  was  read,  and  commmitted  to  Mr. 
Robert  Harper  and  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Dubois,  enclosing  a  return  of  his 
regiment,  was  read  and  filed. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

April  23,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President.  t 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colonel  Lott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Capt. 
Rutgers,  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  General 
Scott— New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 

Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris, 
Colo.  Drake — -Westchester. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker» 
Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 

Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Mr.  Rea,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  22nd 
inst.  relative  to  the  militia  by  him  ordered  out  to  the  forts 
and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart, 
Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt  and  Colonel  Lott. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  President, 
&c.  enclosing  sundry  resolutions  of  Congress,  the  dates 
and  subjects  whereof,  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"April  the  1st,  2nd,  9th  and  10th — For  the  better  regu- 
lating the  pay  of  the  army. 

"April  the  7th — For  the  better  regulating  and  establish- 
ing the  hospitals. 

"April  4th  and  10th — Respecting  the  muster-master's 
department. 

"April  the  14th — A  recommendation  to  the  executive 
powers  of  each  State  to  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  all 
officers  on  the  recruiting  service,  and  for  exempting  those 
of  the  militia  who  provide  a  man,  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice. 

"April  14 — For  repealing  sundry  articles  of  the  Conti- 
nental articles  of  war,  and  substituting  others  in  their 
stead. 

"A  letter  from  the  Honourable  William  Duer,  Esq.  at 
Congress,  dated  the  17th  instant,  enclosing  an  extract  of  a 
letter  from  Colonel  Lewis  to  General  Schuyler,  and  a  copy 
of  a  letter  from  Colonel  Wayne  at  Ticonderoga,  to  Gene- 
ral Schuyler,  dated  the  2nd  instant,  both  relative  to  the 
weak  state  of  that  fortress." 

The  aforegoing  letters  and  enclosures  were  all  read,  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and 
Colonel  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Hamilton  to  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Governeur  Morris,  Esq.  the  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds, 
on  account  of  the  hempseed  purchased  by  order  of  Con- 
vention. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Brasher  and  Mr.  Wisner,  be  a 
committee  to  superintend  the  removal  of  hempseed  pur- 
chased on  account  of  this  State,  to  the  places  specified  in 
the  resolution  of  the  day  of  last. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  informing  the 
House  that  the  Auditor-General  will  not  accept  of  the  re- 
ceipts by  him  taken  from  the  different  recruiting  officers  of 
his  regiment,  for  the  moneys  by  him  advanced  to  them,  as 
sufficient  vouchers  for  the  expenditure  of  the  money  ad- 
vanced, and  by  him  received  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this 
State  for  the  recruiting  service,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
until  Mr.  Sands,  the  Auditor-General,  be  consulted. 


900 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Colonel  Livingston,  from  the  committee  to  whom  the 
petition  from  the  committee  of  Claverack,  and  the  field 
officers  of  Kinderhook  district  was  committed,  delivered 
in  the  report  of  the  said  committee  for  raising  a  company 
to  range  the  woods,  and  for  protecting  the  inhabitants  in 
the  county  of  Albany. 

The  same  being  read,  and  taken  into  consideration,  de- 
bates arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  was  car- 
ried in  the  negative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit  : 


Negative. 

Welchester,   4 

Ulster,    4 

Orange,   3 

New-York,   8 


Affirmative. 

Albany,   6 

Dutchess,   5 

Suffolk,   4 

Charlotte,   2 


19  17 

The  petition  of  Elizabeth  Bend,  relative  to  some  perso- 
nal property,  taken  in  possession  by  the  commissioners  for 
sequestration,  and  claimed  by  her,  was  read  and  referred 
to  the  committee,  on  Capt.  Sheldon's  application. 

A  letter  from  Gloriana  Stevenson,  requesting  the  use  of 
the  farm  of  one  Osborn,  who  is  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
was  read  and  committed  to  Colo.  Brasher,  Judge  Graham, 
and  Mr.  Tredwell,  and  to  whom  all  the  like  applications 
will  be  referred. 

Colonel  Lott  informed  the  House  that  Mr.  Henry  Van 
Vleck  has,  at  New-London  or  some  port  near  that,  a  quan- 
tity of  salt,  which  he  wishes  to  sell  for  the  use  of  the  in- 
habitants of  this  State.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Lott  and  Colonel  Drake  be  a 
committee,  with  power  to  purchase  one  thousand  bushels 
of  salt  on  account  of  this  State ;  and  that  they  cause  the 
same  to  be  conveyed  to  some  place  of  safety  therein. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  the  persons  employ- 
ed by  the  committee  in  Westchester  county,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  removing  the  forage  which  was  exposed  to  the 
enemy  in  that  county,  have  not  been  paid  for  their  servi- 
ces, whereby  great  uneasiness  hath  arisen  ;  and  it  being 
suggested  that  all  the  accounts  are  in  the  hands  of  Mr. 
Duer, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Mr.  Duer,  re- 
questing him  to  put  the  accounts  in  such  a  situation  that 
another  person  may  settle  them  ;  and  that  he  send  them  to 
Convention  by  express. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Abel  Noble  and  Peter  Townsend,  together  with  the  letter 
from  Hugh  Hughs,  deputy  quarter-master-general,  deli- 
vered in  their  report,  which  was  read,  amended  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas,  from  the  petition  of  Abel  Noble  and  Peter 
Townsend,  it  appears  to  this  Convention  that  large  con- 
tracts have  been  made  with  the  Sterling  iron  works,  for 
iron  and  steel  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  army,  and 
that  the  same  cannot  be  supplied  so  well  from  any  other 
iron  works ;  and  that  the  said  works  of  iron  and  steel  at 
Sterling  cannot  be  carried  on  unless  an  exemption  from 
military  duty  be  granted  to  a  certain  number  of  persons 
employed  therein.  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Abel  Noble  and  Peter  Town- 
send  be  empowered  to  grant  exemptions  for  six  months  to 
such  persons  as  are  actually  employed  in,  and  necessary 
to  carry  on,  the  said  works  ;  provided  that  the  same  shall 
not  exceed  one  hundred  men. 

"  Resolved,  That  no  man  shall  be  considered  as  an  ex- 
empt, unless  his  name  shall  be  filed  with  the  Brigadier- 
General  of  the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  and  a  cer- 
tificate be  obtained  from  and  signed  by  him,  containing  the 
name  and  description  of  the  person  so  exempted,  and  the 
regiment  to  which  he  belonged,  if,  previous  to  such  ex- 
emption, he  had  been  enrolled  in  any  regiment  of  the  mi- 
litia of  this  State. 

"  And  whereas  it  is  reasonable,  that  those  who  are 
freed  from  the  military  duty  which  they  owe  to  this  State, 
should  pay  some  compensation  therefor  :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  every  person  claiming  the  benefit  of 


an  exemption  under  the  above  resolution,  shall  pay  to  the 
Brigadier-General  with  whom  his  name  is  filed,  the  sum 
of  sixty  shillings,  to  be  accounted  for  with  the  Treasurer 
of  this  State  :  And  whereas  it  has  been  suggested  that 
the  influence  of  disaffected  overseers  at  iron  works  over 
the  persons  under  their  direction,  has  been  productive  of 
much  mischief  to  the  State  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  proprietors  of  the  Sterling  iron 
works  shall  derive  no  benefits  from  the  above  resolution 
until  the  overseers  and  clerks  of  the  said  works  shall  have 
been  approved  of  by,  and  taken  an  oath  or  affirmation  of 
allegiance  to  this  State,  before  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Orange." 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

April  24,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pkesent— Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt, 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo.  Brasher,  Major  Van  Zanit— New-York. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Rea— Ulster. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort — ilbany. 

Mr.  Joshua  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Major  Lockwood, 
Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Hobart— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Capt.  John  Schenk — 

Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Hornbeck,  Esquire,  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Rochester,  dated  the  6th  instant,  enclos- 
ing the  copies  of  a  speech  from  the  said  committee  to  all 
the  Esopus  Indians  and  their  chiefs,  and  Mightagh  the 
sachem,  and  the  answer  from  the  Indians  thereto,  were 
respectively  read  and  filed. 

The  House  was  informed  that  Abraham  Lott,  Esquire, 
late  Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  is  attending, 
pursuant  to  an  order  some  time  since  passed  for  that  pur- 
pose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colo.  Livingston,  and  Judge 
Graham,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Lott,  and  re- 
port thereon  to  the  House. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Colonel  Robert  Van  Rensselaer  and  John  Sloss  Hobart, 
Esquire,  or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-three  pounds  two  shillings  and  six  pence  for  the  ex- 
penses attending  their  journey  to  and  from  York  Town,  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  while  there,  on  the  public  business  as  a 
committee  of  this  Convention  to  meet  the  committees  from 
the  middle  States,  pursuant  to  the  recommendation  of  the 
Honourable  the  General  Congress. 

Major  Lockwood  being  in  a  bad  state' of  health,  has 
leave  of  absence. 

Mr.  Hobart  having  been  long  absent  from  his  family, 
who  are  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the  enemy,  has  leave  of 
absence. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Anthony  Rutgers  and  Christo- 
pher Tappen,  a  committee  appointed  by  this  Convention 
for  purchasing  hemp,  or  either  of  them  be  empowered  to 
draw  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State  any  sums,  not  ex- 
ceeding in  the  whole  four  thousand  pounds ;  and  that  they 
be  accountable  for  the  expenditure  thereof :  And  further, 
that  they  be  empowered  to  allow  such  commission  (not  ex- 
ceeding three  per  cent)  as  they  may  think  reasonable,  to 
whom  they  may  employ  in  making  such  purchases  as 
aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  no  unwrought  hemp  or  hempen  yarn  be 
transported  from  this  State  without  the  express  permission 
of  the  executive  power  thereof,  under  the  penalty  of  £5 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


901 


for  every  100  wt.  so  transported,  to  be  recovered  in  any 
court  of  record  within  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  mentioned  resolve  be  published 
in  the  newspaper  for  three  weeks  successively. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  cause  the 
hempseed  to  be  transported  to  the  places  mentioned  in  the 
resolutions  of  the        day  of  be  empowered  to  fur- 

nish William  Seely,  of  Orange  county  with  eighty  bushels 
thereof ;  and  that  they  cause  that  quantity  to  be  left  for  him 
at  New- Windsor  Landing. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Governeur  Morris,  Esq.  the  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds 
on  account,  to  enable  him  to  pay  for  a  parcel  of  hemp- 
seed  by  him  ordered  to  be  purchased  pursuant  to  a  reso- 
lution of  this  House. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Lawrence  and  Capt.  Rutgers,  be 
a  committee  to  confer  with  Colonel  Robert  Livingston  on 
the  subject  of  making  field  cannon  out  of  wrought  iron  ; 
and  that  the  committee  of  correspondence  be  directed  to 
write  to  Colonel  Hamilton  for  his  opinion  on  the  usefulness 
of  such  artillery. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  delivered  in  their  re- 
port, and  thereupon,  the  House  came  to  the  following  reso- 
lutions, to  wit  : 

Whereas  it  appears  that  a  great  part  of  the  militia  of 
Dutchess  county  have  neglected  to  obey  the  orders  of 
General  Clinton,  issued  in  consequence  of  a  resolve  of 
this  House  for  calling  out  a  part  of  the  miliiia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Ulster,  Orange  and  Dutchess,  to  garrison  the  forts 
and  guard  the  passes  in  the  Highlands. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Lawrence  and  Mr.  Zephaniah 
Plait  be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  to  re- 
pair forthwith  into  Dutchess  county,  to  inquire  into  the  rea- 
sons of  such  neglect ;  that  they  use  their  utmost  endeavours 
to  convince  the  people  of  the  necessity  of  exerting  them- 
selves at  this  critical  juncture  ;  and  that  they  make"  report 
to  this  Convention  with  all  convenient  despatch,  in  order 
that  the  most  effectual  measures  may  be  taken  to  induce  a 
compliance  with  the  said  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  General  Clinton  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
empowered  to  make  such  dispositions  with  respect  to  the 
officers  of  the  militia  under  his  command  as  he  shall  judge 
most  advancive  of  the  public  service  ;  and  where  any  ex- 
tra expense  shall  accrue  in  consequence  of  this  resolve 
which  cannot  be  considered  as  a  Continental  charge,  this 
Convention  will  pay  the  same. 

An  account  of  the  expenses  attending  a  guard  of  six 
men,  employed  by  the  committee  of  Kingston,  over  a  par- 
cel of  Continental  powder  and  stores,  brought  to  this  place 
from  Philadelphia,  to  be  forwarded  to  Albany,  was  present- 
ed for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General, who  is  directed  to  examine  and  audit  the 
same,  or  so  much  thereof  as  to  him  may  appear  to  be  rea- 
sonable for  payment;  and  that  the  same  be  charged  to  Con- 
tinental account.       Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  April  24,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Col.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt — New-York. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Col. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Rea,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 

Major  Landon,  Capt.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G. 
Livingston— Dutchess. 

226 


Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt  requested  leave  of  absence  to 
return  to  his  family,  who,  with  effects,  are  veiy  much  ex- 
posed to  the  enemy.  Granted. 

Colonel  Allison  presented  to  the  House  an  account, 
wherein  he  charges  the  Convention,  in  sundry  sums,  to  the 
amount  of  £7  10s.  Ad.  by  him  advanced  to  persons  as  ex- 
presses on  the  public  service,  while  he  was  stationed  with 
the  militia  in  Bergen  county,  and  gives  credit  to  the  amount 
of  £32  7s.  3d.  for  wheat,  &c.  belonging  to  disaffected 
persons,  subjects  of  this  State  then  in  New- York,  which 
leaves  a  balance  of  £24  15s.  lid.  in  favour  of  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State  be  di- 
rected to  examine  and  audit  Colonel  Allison's  account,  and 
that  the  balance  be  paid  into  the  Treasury  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  John 
Dumont,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  £37  14s.  Od.  for  sundry  ex- 
presses to  Head-Quarters,  by  order  of  the  committee  of 
correspondence,  as  certified  by  Colonel  Allison,  chairman  ; 
also  the  further  sum  of  £3  12s.  Od.  for  the  expense  of  sup- 
porting Ann  Anderson,  a  necessitous  person  from  New- 
York,  by  order  of  the  committee  for  providing  for  the  indi- 
gent inhabitants  who  fled  from  the  city  of  New-York,  as 
also  certified  by  Colonel  Allison,  chairman  of  said  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  three  pounds,  to  re- 
imburse him  for  so  much  paid  an  express  to  the  different 
furnaces  in  New-Jersey,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  can- 
non ball  for  the  forts  in  the  Highlands. 

Ordered,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State  be  di- 
rected to  audit  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston's  account  of 
moneys  to  him  advanced  by  this  State,  on  account  of 
bounty  for  his  regiment ;  that  he  receive  the  receipts  of- 
fered by  Colonel  Livingston,  (and  which  he  hath  taken 
from  the  different  officers  of  his  regiment,  to  whom  he  hath 
paid  the  same,)  as  vouchers,  and  that  he  give  the  Colonel 
a  discharge  for  so  much  as  he  shall  account  for  as  afore- 
said. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  and 
Colonel  Allison,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a 
plan  for  the  support  of  such  inhabitants  of  this  State  as 
have  been,  or  may  be  driven  from  their  habitations  by  the 
enemy,  and  are  unable  to  maintain  themselves. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  appointed  on 
the  committee  to  confer  with  Colonel  Livingston  relative  to 
iron  field  pieces,  in  the  stead  of  Major  Lawrence. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Allison  and  Colonel  Hathorne 
be  appointed  to  receive  from  General  George  Clinton,  the 
hogshead  of  tea  now  in  his  possession,  taken  at  Hacken- 
sack  new  bridge  some  lime  in  January  last,  by  a  party  of 
the  said  Colonel's  regiments  of  miliiia  in  General  Clinton's 
brigade,  and  that  they  deal  out  one  pound  of  the  said  tea 
to  each  of  the  officers  and  privates  of  the  said  regiments, 
who  were,  or  had  been,  in  actual  service  before  the  taking 
of  the  said  tea,  and  did  not  desert  the  said  service,  or  have 
not  heretofore  had  a  share  of  the  said  tea,  they  paying  at 
the  rate  of  six  shillings  per  pound  for  the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Lott,  the 
late  Treasurer,  requested  ihe  sense  of  the  House  as  to 
what  time  Mr.  Lott  should  charge  his  salary  as  Treasurer  ; 
thereupon  it  was  agreed  that  Mr.  Lott  be  allowed  his  sa- 
lary to  the  seventeenth  day  of  September  last. 

The  said  committee  brought  into  Convention  a  parcel  of 
counterparts  of  five  shilling  bills,  emitted  by  order  of  the 
Lieutenant-Governor,  Council  and  General  Assembly  of 
the  Colony  of  New- York,  on  31st  May,  1709,  delivered 
to  them  by  Mr.  Lott,  with  a  request  to  know  what  shall  be 
done  therewith. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  burnt  in  the  presence  of  the 
Vice-President. 

A  letter  from  General  McDougall,  dated  yesterday,  re- 
lative to  calling  out  the  militia  to  reinforce  the  forts  and 
passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  of  several  of  the  enemy's 
ships  being  at  or  about  Fort  Washington,  was  read  and 


1)02 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


committed  to  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Cansevoort  and  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Smith. 

In  the  said  letter  were  enclosed  the  proceedings  of  a  ge- 
neral court  martial,  held  at  Peekskill,  lor  the  trial  of  seve- 
ral persons,  to  wit :  John  Williams,  charged  with  holding 
a  treacherous  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  and  enlist- 
ing men  in  their  service ;  Job  Babcock,  charged  with  the 
like  crimes ;  Anthony  Hill,  charged  with  the  like  crimes, 
and  Thomas  Barker,  charged  with  repairing  to  the  enemy's 
standard,  writing  to  others  to  do  the  like,  pointing  out  the 
houses  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  desiring  the  enemy 
to  burn  them,  and  for  other  treacherous  correspondence 
with  the  enemy.  The  three  former  are  sentenced  to  be 
hanged,  and  the  latter  is  acquitted.  Also  an  account  of 
seven  pipes  of  wine  in  the  possession  of  Thomas  Kenney, 
Esquire,  the  property  of  Mr.  Hamilton  Young,  of  New- 
York,  which,  according  to  the  said  account,  were  apprais- 
ed and  sold  for  £486,  York  money,  was  also  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kenney  do  pay  the  said  sum  of 
£486  to  Gerard  Bancker,  Esquire,  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State,  to  be  deposited  in  the  Treasury  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  court  martial  be  postponed  till  to-morrow. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

April  25,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colonel  Van  Corllandt,  Vice-President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Van  Corllandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman,  Genl.  Scolt,  Col.  Brasher — 
New-York. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster—  Charlotte. 
Mr.Adgate,  Mr.  Abrm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 
Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Drake,  Major  Lockwood,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Morris— 
Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Mr.  Ilea,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Francis  Lewis,  dated  the 
,  acknowledging  the  resolution  of  Convention, 
directing  him  to  attend  Convention  ;  that  he  will  attend  as 
soon  as  possible  ;  and  enclosing  a  receipt  from  Capt.  Sa- 
muel Tudor  for  ten  thousand  dollars,  for  defraying  the  ex- 
penses incident  to  the  frigates  at  Esopus,  to  be  delivered 
to  Convention,  were  respectively  read,  and  the  considera- 
tion thereof  postponed. 

A  letter  from  the  Reverend  Doctor  Rogers,  dated  the 
19th  instant,  Philadelphia,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of 
the  resolution  appointing  him  chaplain  to  the  Convention, 
and  that  he  will  wait  on  Convention  as  soon  as  possible, 
was  read. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  Auditor-General, 
dated  this  day,  enclosing  a  receipt  from  the  Vice-Treasurer, 
in  the  words  following  : 

"  I  do  acknowledge  to  have  received  from  Mr.  Comfort 
Sands,  pay  rolls,  and  other  accounts  of  moneys  paid  by 
him  to  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  West- 
chester, pursuant  to  a  late  order  of  Convention,  to  the 
amount  of  eight  thousand  eight  hundred  and  five  pounds 
eighteen  shillings  and  five  pence  halfpenny. 

"GERARD  BANCKER. 

"  Kingston,  April  23,  1777." 

Mr.  Sands  informs  that  the  balance  of  the  order  for  ten 
thousand  pounds,  which  he  received  for  the  purposes  men- 
tioned in  the  said  receipt,  he  has  repaid  into  the  treasury  ; 
that  he  is  now  going  into  Orange  county,  to  settle  with  the  mi- 
litia there,  and  requests  that  Mr.  Bancker  may  be  directed 
to  go  with  him,  and  pay  such  accounts  as  he  may  audit,  and 


assist  him  in  the  settlement  of  those  accounts  ;  otherwise, 
that  he  be  furnished  with  a  new  order  for  £5,000,  to  pay 
the  militia  in  Orange  county. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  be  empowered  to  employ  a 
clerk  to  assist  him  in  the  settlement  of  those  accounts,  as 
Mr.  Bancker's  presence  from  this  place  cannot  possibly  be 
dispensed  with. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  £5,000,  to  enable 
him  to  pay  off  the  militia  in  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Sands  further  informed  the  House  that  it  is  now  just 
nine  months  since  his  appointment  to  the  office  of  Auditor- 
General,  and  requests  an  order  on  the  Treasurer  for  the 
payment  of  his  salary. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  to  Comfort  Sands, 
Esquire,  the  sum  of  £225,  for  nine  months'  pay  of  his 
salary,  to  this  day. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Sands  be  directed  to  audit  the  ac- 
count of  Captain  Vail's  company,  and  give  him  an  order 
for  so  much  money  as  is  justly  due  for  the  time  that  the 
company  were  in  actual  service. 

The  petition  of  Robert  Richardson,  a  discharged  soldier 
of  Colonel  H.  B.  Livingston's  regiment,  praying  for  main- 
tenance, was  read,  and  referred  to  Colonel  Williams  and 
Major  Webster. 

Friday  Afternoon,  April  25,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 
Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Jno.  Van  Cortlandt,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr. 
Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith — Orange. 

Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

An  account  of  Charles  Giles,  keeper  of  the  jail  in  King- 
ston, for  dieting  sundry  disaffected  persons  confined  in  the 
said  jail,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Major  Tappen  and 
Mr.  Ray. 

Mr.  Adgate,  chairman  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
make  assays  in  the  discovery  of  lead,  sulphur  and  flints, 
reported  the  proceedings  of  said  committee.  The  same 
were  read  and  the  consideration  thereof  postponed. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  letters  from 
the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  and  William  Dner,  Esquire, 
together  with  the  enclosures,  reported  a  set  of  resolutions. 

Those  directing  the  committee  of  arrangement  to  report 
a  list  of  the  officers  by  them  commissioned,  and  directing 
the  colonels  to  make  returns  of  their  respective  regiments, 
as  also  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  William 
Duer,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  instant,  were 

respectively  agreed  to,  and  ordered  to  be  transmitted.  The 
residue  of  the  said  report,  respecting  the  classing  the  ex- 
empts from  the  militia,  for  the  purpose  of  furnishing  recruits 
for  the  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State,  was 
postponed  for  further  consideration. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

April  26,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-Presidt. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 
Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort— Al- 
bany. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


903 


Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Colo.  Drake,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Judge  Graham—  Westchetter. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Rea — Ulster. 

Mr.  Landon,  Capt.  Schenk — Dutchess. 

A  letter  from  William  Bedlow,  dated  at  New-Windsor, 
the  17th  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  following  words, 
to  wit : 

"New-Windsor,  April  23,  1777. 
"  Sir — By  order  of  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton, 
I  have  sent  up  Captain  Samuel  Clark,  to  the  Honourable 
Convention  of  this  State,  requesting  the  further  supply  of 
two  thousand  pounds  for  the  use  of  the  works  carrying  on 
here,  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  at  Polle- 
pel's  island. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servt. 

"WILLIAM  BEDLOW. 

'•  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire, 
President  of  the  Honble.  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New-York." 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Capt.  William  Bedlow  the  further  sum  of  two  thousand 
pounds,  for  the  use  of  the  works  carrying  on  to  obstruct 
the  navigation  in  Hudson's  river  near  PollopePs  island  ; 
that  the  said  sum  be  delivered  to  Capt.  Clark,  taking  his 
receipt  to  convey  the  same  to  Mr.  Bedlow. 

A  letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston, 
requesting  an  advance  of  £100,  to  defray  the  expense  of 
the  night  watch  over  the  State  prisoners  and  public  records, 
was  read.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
John  Dumont,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Kingston,  the  sum  of  £100,  to  defray  the  expense  of  the 
night  watch  over  the  State  prisoners  and  the  public  records, 
and  take  his  receipt  to  account  for  the  expenditure  thereof. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Gates,  dated  at  Albany, 
April  25th,  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  packages 
from  Congress,  and  forwarded  to  him  by  Convention  by  an 
express,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Robert  Richardson,  reported.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Robert 
Richardson,  an  infirm,  discharged  soldier  of  the  Continen- 
tal army,  the  sum  of  ten  dollars,  to  enable  him  to  go  to 
Rhode  island,  in  order  to  obtain  a  certificate  of  his  having 
been  disabled  in  the  seivice,  and  thereby  be  entitled  to  the 
pension. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  April  26,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Vice-President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Lott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper, 
Colonel  Brasher — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Rea—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker— Al- 
bany. 

Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Colo.  Drake—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Capt.  Schenk,  Mr.  Landon — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Frederick  Jay,  a  member  of  the  committee  of  Rum- 
bout  precinct,  attending,  with  an  account  in  gross  of  the 
said  committee,  for  sundry  expenses  accrued  in  providing 
for  the  indigent  persons  of  New- York,  whereby  there  ap- 
pears to  be  a  balance  due  to  the  said  committee  of  £58  (is. 
Mr.  Jay  further  informs  that  there  are  sundry  accounts 
against  the  said  committee  of  the  same  nature,  and  there- 


fore on  behalf  of  the  said  committee  requests  an  advance 
of  a  further  sum.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Frederick  Jay,  for  the  use  of  the  said  committee,  the 
further  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  towards  the  provision 
for  such  of  the  indigent  persons  of  New-York  as  were  com- 
mitted to  their  care  ;  and  that  the  said  committee  render  a 
particular  account,  with  proper  vouchers,  of  the  expendi- 
ture of  this,  as  well  as  the  sums  heretofore  advanced  them 
for  the  same  purpose. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

April  28,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Lott.  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Abrm.  Yates — Albany. 

Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell.  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Rea,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 
A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  dated 
the  26th  instant,  enclosing  the  following  papers,  to  wit : 

Copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Washington,  dated  the 
23rd  inst.  to  General  McDougall,  informing  him  of  the 
supposed  intended  movements  of  the  enemy.  Also  copies 
of  two  letters  from  General  McDougall  to  General  Clinton, 
the  one  dated  the  21st,  and  the  other  the  23rd  instant, 
informing  of  the  enemy's  ships  being  at  Fort  Washington, 
together  with  a  return  of  the  strength  of  the  garrison  of 
Fort  Montgomery.  The  said  letter  and  enclosures  were 
read  and  filed. 

Judge  Graham  presented  to  the  House  a  letter  he  had 
just  received  from  his  brother,  Colo.  Morris  Graham,  in 
Dutchess  county,  informing  of  a  party  of  the  enemy's  troops 
having  landed  in  the  Sound,  and  marched  to  Danbury  ;  and 
that  they  have  destroyed  the  Continental  magazine  of  stores 
there.  Colonel  Graham  desires  the  direction  of  the  House 
whether  he  must  march  with  the  drafts  to  the  forts  and 
passes  in  the  Highlands,  agreeable  to  General  Clinton's 
orders,  or  whether  he  should  march  with  the  militia  towards 
Danbury  ? 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  Judge  Graham  inform  his  brother,  the 
colonel,  that  it  is  the  sense  of  Convention  that  he  ought  to 
march  to  the  Highlands,  agreeably  to  General  Clinton's 
orders. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  dated  the  16th  instant, 
demanding  a  return  of  cannon  lent  to  this  State,  by  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay  and  Major  Tappen. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Curtenius  be  empowered  and 
directed  to  purchase  and  procure  for  the  use  of  the  troops 
raising  in  this  State,  3,600  canteens,  3,600  knapsacks  and 
3,600  overalls. 

The  President  informed  the  House,  that  Colonel  Van 
Schaick  requests  leather  breeches  and  overalls  for  the  men 
of  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Van  Schaick  be  informed  that 
there  are  leather  breeches  at  this  place,  and  frocks  and 
overalls  in  store  at  Fishkill;  and  that  if  he  sends  his 
quarter-master  to  this  place  and  Fishkill,  the  number  of 
those  articles  required  for  his  regiment  will  be  delivered 
him. 

The  petition  of  Elizabeth  Wiggins,  praying  that  she  may 
retain  the  personal  property  of  her  husband,  who  is  gone 


901 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


over  to  the  enemy,  and  which  is  seized  by  the  commis- 
sioners, was  read,  and  taken  into  consideration. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  whether  the 
prayer  thereof  be  granted,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Monday  Afternoon,  April  28,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Brasher, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  General  Scott — New-York. 

Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith,  Colo.  Allison — Orange. 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gan- 
sevoort — Albany. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Major  Landon — Dutchess. 
Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Rea— Ulster. 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

The  House  taking  into  consideration  the  absolute  neces- 
sity of  raising  a  body  of  men  to  guard  the  Continental  ships 
at  Esopus  Landing,  and  the  public  records  and  treasury 
of  this  State,  against  the  designs  of  disaffected  persons,  as 
well  as  to  guard  the  different  passes  and  roads  frequented 
by  those  persons,  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  intelligence 
and  going  over  to  the  enemy.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  body  of  men  be  raised  for  the  above 
purpose. 

Debates  arose  as  to  the  number  of  men  necessary  to  be 
raised. 

General  Scott  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the  num- 
ber of  men  to  be  raised,  be  200. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  carried 

in  the  affirmative  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Albany,   6      Charlotte,   2 

New-York,   8 

Ulster,   4 

Suffolk,  4         Orange  divided. 

22 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Colonel  De  Witt  and 
General  Scott,  be  a  committee  to  report  an  arrangement  for 
the  raising  of  the  said  200  men,  where,  and  in  what  manner 
they  ought  to  be  posted. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Abraham  Lott, 
Esquire,  late  Treasurer,  reported  the  conference  had  with 
him,  which  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  the  same  com- 
mittee, with  the  addition  of  Mr.  Tredwell. 

Resolved,  That  Mrs.  Clopper,  the  wife  of  Cornelius 
Clopper,  with  her  daughter,  be  permitted  to  remove  from 
Kingston  to,  and  reside  at  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess 
county,  and  take  with  them  such  of  their  servants  and 
effects  as  shall  be  approved  by  the  commissioners  of  Ulster 
county  for  disposing  of  the  personal  property  of  persons 
gone  to  the  enemy. 

The  depositions  of  Ebenezer  St.  John  and  Andrew 
Ayres,  taken  before  the  committee  of  New-Marlborough 
precinct,  against  Samuel  Townsend,  a  dangerous  and  dis- 
affected person  brought  to  this  place  by  Lieutenant  Potter, 
by  order  of  the  said  commissioners,  were  read,  and  there- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Samuel  Townsend  be  commit- 
ted to  the  jail  of  Kingston,  until  he  be  discharged  by  order 
of  the  executive  power  of  this  State  ;  and 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Na- 
thaniel Potter,  the  sum  of  twenty-eight  shillings  for  his 
expense  and  trouble  in  apprehending  and  conveying  to  this 
place,  Samel  Townsend,  charged  with  notorious  disaffec- 
tion to  the  American  cause. 

Adjourned. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

April  29,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Colo.  Lott,  Genl.  Scott— New- York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates, 
Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Mr.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson  and  Melancton  Smith,  com- 
missioners, &c.  at  Poughkeepsie,  with  the  intelligence  re- 
lative to  the  enemy's  being  at  Danbury,  and  of  their  having 
destroyed  the  stores,  &c.  was  read  and  filed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  a  plan  for  the  sup- 
port of  the  indigent  inhabitants,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  recommitted  with  the  addition  of  Colo- 
nel Brasher. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  general  court  martial,  held  at  Peekskill, 
on  the  13th  and  18th  days  of  April  instant,  for  the  trial  of 
John  Williams  and  others.  The  same  were  read  through- 
out. 

The  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  as  far  as 
relates  to  the  trial  of  John  Williams,  charged  with  holding 
a  treacherous  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  and  enlist- 
ing men  in  their  service,  and  who  is  found  guilty,  and  by 
the  said  court  martial  sentenced  to  be  hanged  by  the  neck 
till  he  is  dead,  were  again  read. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  ques- 
tion put,  whether  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
against  the  said  John  Williams,  ought  to  be  confirmed,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative  ;  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  approve  the  sentence 
of  the  said  court  martial,  and  that  the  same  be,  and  is  here- 
by confirmed. 

The  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  as  far  as 
relates  to  the  trial  of  Job  Babcock,  charged  with  holding 
a  treacherous  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  and  with 
having  enlisted  in  their  service,  and  who  is  found  guilty, 
and  sentenced  by  the  said  court  martial  to  be  hanged  by 
the  neck  till  he  is  dead,  were  again  read. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration,  and  the  ques- 
tion put,  whether  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
against  rfie  said  Job  Babcock  ought  to  be  confirmed,  it  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative  ;  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  approve  the  sentence 
of  the  said  court  martial,  and  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby 
is  confirmed. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  think  it  their  duty  in 
some  cases,  by  extending  mercy  to  mitigate  the  rigor  of 
justice,  and  it  appearing  to  this  Convention  that  the  said  Job 
Babcock,  though  justly  sentenced,  is  a  person  of  a  weak 
mind,  and  has  probably  been  seduced  by  John  Williams, 
who  appears  to  have  been  his  recruiting  officer :  It  is 
therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  the 
said  Job  Babcock,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  this 
Convention,  of  the  crime  whereof  he  has  been  convicted 
as  aforesaid :  And  that  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended 
to  Brigadier-General  McDougall  or  other  the  commanding 
officer  at  Peekskill,  to  whom  such  pardon  shall  be  remit- 
ted, to  keep  the  same  a  secret  until  the  prisoner  shall  have 
been  brought  to  the  place  of  execution,  and  until  the  other 
prisoner  or  prisoners  to  be  led  out  to  execution  with  him, 
shall  have  been  executed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


905 


The  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  as  far  as 
relates  to  the  trial  of  Anthony  Hill,  charged  with  holding 
a  treacherous  correspondence  with  the  enemy,  and  being 
employed  by  them  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  men  into 
their  service,  and  who  is  found  guilty  and  sentenced  by  the 
said  court  martial  to  be  hanged  by  the  neck  till  he  is  dead, 
was  again  read,  and  the  same  being  taken  into  considera- 
tion, the  question  was  put,  whether  the  sentence  of  the 
said  court  rriartial  against  the  said  Anthony  Hill  ought  to 
be  confirmed,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative  :  And  there- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  approve  the  sentence 
of  the  said  court  martial,  and  that  the  same  be,  and  hereby 
is  confirmed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adgate  and  Mr.  Bleecker  be  a  com- 
mittee to  audit  Colonel  Floyd's  account  for  his  attendance 
in  the  General  Congress. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  April  29,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Harper, 
Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks— Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates, 
Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller—  Suffolk. 
Major  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  draft  of  the  pardon  directed  this  morning  to  be  made 
out  and  signed  by  the  President,  for  Job  Babcock,  who  is 
sentenced  by  the  general  court  martial  to  be  hanged,  was 
read,  and  approved. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  signed  by  the  President, 
and  attested  by  the  Secretary,  and  transmitted  to  General 
McDougall. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  set  of  resolutions 
for  raising  200  men  in  Ulster  county,  pursuant  to  the  re- 
solution of  yesterday,  delivered  in  the  same,  which  were 
read,  amended,  and  agreed  to,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"Resolved,  That  one  hundred  and  ninety-eight  able 
bodied  men,  well  armed,  and  accoutred  with  a  good  mus- 
ket or  fusee,  a  sword  or  tomahawk,  a  powder  horn  and  bul- 
let pouch  or  cartouch  box,  be  raised,  to  serve  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Ulster,  to  be  divided  into  three  companies,  each  com- 
pany to  consist  of  one  captain,  two  lieutenants,  four  ser- 
geants, four  corporals,  one  fife  or  drum,  and  fifty-four  pri- 
vates ;  to  continue  in  service  until  the  15th  day  of  July 
next,  unless  sooner  discharged  by  this  Convention,  the 
Committee  of  Safety,  or  future  executive  power  of  this 
State,  to  be  subject  to  the  order  and  direction  of  this  Con- 
vention, the  Committee  of  Safety,  or  future  executive 
power  of  this  State  ;  and  also  to  be  subject  to  the  Conti- 
nental rules  and  articles  of  war.  That  they  be  entitled  to 
Continental  pay  ;  and  that  the  captains  be  allowed,  each, 
eighteen  shillings  per  week  ;  the  lieutenants,  each,  15s. 
per  week,  in  lieu  of  rations;  and  lhat  the  sergeants,  cor- 
porals, fifers,  dntmmers  and  privates,  be  allowed,  each, 
twelve  shillings  per  week,  or  Continental  rations. 

"Resolved,  That  the  captains  shall  not  be  entitled  to  re- 
ceive any  pay  or  subsistence,  until  they  produce  a  muster 
roll  and  certificate  that  he  hath  actually  enlisted  29  men,  to 
wit :  two  sergeants,  two  corporals,  one  fifer  or  drummer, 
and  24  privates,  armed  and  accoutred  as  aforesaid  :  that  in 
like  manner,  the  lieutenants  shall  not  be  entitled  to  receive 
any  pay  or  subsistence  until  they  produce  a  muster  roll 
and  certificate  of  their  having  actually  enlisted  18  men,  to 

227 


wit :  one  sergeant,  one  corporal  and  sixteen  privates,  re- 
spectively. That  the  said  three  companies  be  deemed  one 
corps.  That  Evert  Bogardus  be  captain  ;  Edward  Schoon- 
rnaker  1st  lieutenant,  and  Cornelius  Dubois  2nd  lieutenant 
of  one  company.  That  Isaac  Belknap  be  captain, 
Roosa  1st  lieutenant,  Abraham  Schoonmaker  2nd  lieute- 
nant, of  one  other  company.  And  that  Frederick  Schoon- 
maker be  captain,  Zacharias  Hasbrouck  1st  lieutenant,  and 
John  C.  De  Witt  2nd  lieutenant  of  the  other  company. 
That  the  said  officers  hold  rank  with  respect  to  each  other 
as  they  heretofore  did. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

April  30,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Colo.  Lott,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman,  General  Scott — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm. 
Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke—  Orangi. 

Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith.  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Major  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Major  Tappen — Ulster. 
A  letter  from  Colonel  Hazen,  dated  at  Albany,  the  24th 
instant,  relative  to  Capt.  Hamtramck,  of  Colonel  Du- 
bois's regiment,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  sent  to  Colonel  Du- 
bois, and  that  he  be  requesled  to  communicate  the  same 
to  Capt.  Hamtramck,  of  his  regiment. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Morgan  Lewis,  deputy  quarter- 
master-general, dated  at  Albany,  the  28th  instant,  request- 
ing some  junk  from  on  board  a  brigantine  at  Esopus  Land- 
ing, was  read,  and  committed  to  Colonel  Lott  and  Mr. 
Newkerk. 

A  letter  from  David  Gelston,  Esquire,  enclosing  a  re- 
ceipt signed  by  John  Ruddock,  D.  C.  artillery,  at  Fish- 
kill,  dated  the  26th  April  instant,  for  ten  barrels  of  pow- 
der of  190vvt.  each,  belonging  to  this  State,  and  which  was 
sent  from  Saybrook,  by  Mr.  Gelston,  by  order  of  Conven- 
tion, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  receipt  be  filed  with 
the  Auditor-General,  and  that  the  said  powder  be  charged 
to  the  Continent. 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Townsend,  confined  in  King- 
ston jail  for  notorious  disaffection,  was  read. 

The  petition  of  Benjamin  Darby  and  eleven  others,  con- 
fined in  the  same  jail,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  both  the  petitions  be  referred  to  Mr. 
Tredwell,  Mr.  Landon  and  Mr.  Wisner. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Colonel  Floyd  for  his  attendance  at  the  General  Congress, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to  ; 
and  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Colo.  William  Floyd,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  dollars  in  full,  for  the  balance  due  him  for  his  attend- 
ance at  the  General  Congress  as  a  Delegate  for  this  State, 
up  to  this  day. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  making  discoveries  and 
assays  on  lead,  sulphur,  flints  and  salt,  was  received  and 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Morris, 
Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Adgate. 
Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  April  30,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Brigadier-Genl.  Ten  Broeck.  Prest. 


906 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Bancker  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscoinb,  General  Scott— New-York. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate, 
Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston— Albany. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Major  Tappen— Ulster. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Major  Landon,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Maj.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams — Charlotte. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Hasbrouck,  chairman  of  Marble- 
town  committee,  accompanying  Corns.  Sammons,  who  was 
apprehended  as  a  very  suspicious  character  and  sent  under 
guard  to  be  dealt  with  by  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  brought  up  and  examined.  He 
being  brought  up,  was  examined,  and  says  "  that  he  knows 
Jacob  Rosa,  Jacob  Midagh,  Andries  Keiser,  negro  of 
Gyzbert  Rosa,  John  Rapelja,  John  Van  Vliet,  Silvester 
Vandermerken,  Hendricus  Crispell,  William  McGinnis, 
Cornelius  Totlear,  Hinpagh,  William  Tush,  Junr. 
John  Stokes,  William  Kelder,  Jacobus  Senigh,  Thomas 
Crispell,  Merkell,  son  of  William,  Longjaar,  three 
from  Schoharie,  Frederick  Keyser  ;  that  he  was  with  those 
persons  on  his  way  with  them  to  New-York ;  that  he  es- 
caped from  them  ;  that  he  was  taken  prisoner  by  them, 
carried  near  Major  Colden's,  and  then  escaped  with  one 
Helder,  a  boy  ;  that  they  took  him  near  Jacob  Seely's,  at 
Marble  Town  ;  that  his  brother  was  gone  before  him  ;  that 
Capt.  Schoonmaker  called  him  out  to  delect  tories ;  that 
being  apprehensive  that  his  brother  was  among  them,  he 
could  not  bear  to  go,  lest  he  might  be  obliged  to  fire  upon 
his  brother,  or  his  brother  upon  him ;  that  he  then  stepped 
on  one  side  in  the  woods,  where  he  met  with  Jacobus  Rosa 
and  the  other  persons,  who  took  him  and  obliged  him  to 
go  with  them  ;  that  there  were  36  men  together  with  Rosa  ; 
that  three  of  them  were  from  Schoharie,  who  he  did  not 
know  ;  that  in  crossing  the  kill,  Jacobus  took  a  man  pri- 
soner who  was  placed  there  as  a  guard,  and  obliged  him 
to  take  an  oath  that  he  would  not  inform  against  them,  and 
then  let  him  go.  Being  asked  why  those  persons  went  off 
to  the  enemy,  he  answered,  that  they  thought  the  govern- 
ment of  New-York  could  be  easily  conquered,  for  that  the 
tories  themselves  could  conquer  it ;  that  they  got  liquor 
when  in  the  swamp  near  Colden's  ;  that  a  man  who  he  did 
not  know  brought  it ;  that  he  knows  not  from  whence  ; 
that  he  was  a  well  set  man  and  an  Englishman  ;  that  the  , 
swamp  they  lay  in  is  about  1^  miles  from  the  widow  Gra- 
ham's ;  that  the  man  who  brought  the  liquor  came  to  them 
twice  ;  that  he  wore  a  short  jacket ;  that  the  first  time  he 
came  only  to  see  them,  and  brought  the  rum  the  second  time ; 
that  he  has  not  heard  Rosa  say  any  thing  about  his  future 
intentions,  except  that  the  regulars  would  be  up  soon  by 
land  and  water,  and  that  as  so  many  deserted  from  here,  they 
would  not  have  much  fighting  ;  that  they  would  come  by 
land  by  the  way  of  Goshen;  that  he  expected  they  would 
be  up  by  the  beginning  or  middle  of  May  ;  that  Rosa  sup- 
posed a  part  of  the  army  would  stay  in  Jersey  to  oblige 
General  Washington  to  stay  there,  and  while  the  rest  of 
the  army  came  up  this  way." 

Ordered,  That  he  withdraw.    Being  withdrawn, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Cornelius  Sammons  be  pardon- 
ed for  the  offence  wherewith  he  stands  charged,  and  that 
he  be  called  up  and  informed  thereof  from  the  chair,  and 
that  the  oath  of  allegiance  be  tendered  to  him  ;  but  that 
previous  thereto  he  be  informed  that  he  is  not  to  lake  it 
unless  he  chooses  to  do  it  voluntarily  and  means  honestly 
to  perform  it. 

The  said  Cornelius  Sammons  being  called  up  again,  was 
informed  that  in  consequence  of  his  open  confession,  Con- 
vention have  resolved  lo  pardon  him.  The  oath  of  allegi- 
ance being  then  tendered  to  him  in  manner  as  above  direct- 
ed, he  readily  and  voluntarily  consented  to  take  the  same. 


The  same  was  accordingly  administered  to  him,  and  he 
was  thereupon  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  examination  be  trans- 
mitted lo  General  George  Clinton. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  of  the  plan  for  organizing  the  form  of 
government ;  the  same  was  read. 

The  preamble  and  first  resolution  being  again  read,  and 
the  question  put  thereon,  was  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  the  filling  up  the  blank  in  the  said  reso- 
lution be  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  further  consideration  of  the  said  report  of  the  com- 
mittee was  postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 

A  letter  from  our  Delegates  in  General  Congress,  to  wit, 
Messrs.  Phil.  Livingston,  Duane  and  Duer,  dated  Philadel- 
phia, April  21,  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  letter  from  Thomas 
Young,  dated  the  11th  and  12th  of  April,  1777,  directed 
to  the  inhabitants  of  Vermont,  a  free  and  independent 
State,  bounding  on  the  River  Connecticut  and  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  were  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  signed  by  his  Excellency  General  Washington, 
and  directed  to  Congress,  came  enclosed  in  the  said  letter 
from  our  Delegates  by  mistake. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  read  the  said  letter,  and  if 
it  should  appear  to  be  on  a  subject  of  a  secret  nature  and 
importance,  that  he  immediately  enclose  it  in  a  sealed  cover 
and  deliver  it  to  the  committee  of  correspondence,  who  are 
directed  to  transmit  the  same  by  the  first  safe  conveyance 
to  our  Delegates  in  General  Congress. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson  and  Melancton  Smith,  dated 
at  Poughkeepsie,  April  28,  informing  that  their  guards 
are  destitute  of  ammunition,  and  requesting  that  300lbs. 
of  powder  and  a  proportionate  quantity  of  lead  may  be  or- 
dered for  their  use,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  military  stores 
belonging  to  this  State,  at  Fishkill,  deliver  to  the  order  of 
the  commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  300lbs. 
of  gunpowder  and  a  proportionate  quantity  of  lead. 

A  letter  from  Elias  Boudinot,  dated  Morristown,  April 
17,  informing  of  his  being  appointed  a  Commissary-Gene- 
ral of  prisoners  in  the  army  of  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica, and  requesting  that  all  accounts  of  expenses  and 
disbursements  (as  well  those  that  have  already  been  paid, 
as  those  which  are  yet  due)  made  by  this  State,  in  favour 
of  such  prisoners,  with  proper  vouchers,  together  with  the 
return  of  such  prisoners  as  are  at  present  in  this  State, 
with  the  particular  places  where  they  are  confined,  their 
rank,  &c.  be  immediately  transmitted  to  him,  was  read. 

Ordered.,  That  the  said  letter  be  delivered  to  the  com- 
missary of  prisoners  of  war  in  this  State. 

A  letter  from  William  Williams,  dated  county  of  Cum- 
berland, State  of  New- York,  Wilmington,  Apl.  18,  1777, 
was  read  and  filed. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

May  1,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  Lott,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher — New- 
York. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt— Ulster. 

General  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr- 
Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Colo.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith— Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk—  Tryon. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster—  Charlotte. 

The  representation  and  memorial  of  the  committee  of 

Orange  county,  relative  to  the  militia  in  the  said  county, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


907 


was  read  and  committed  to  General  Scott,  Mr.  Abm. 
Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Wisner  and  Mr.  Tompkins. 

The  petition  of  Jona.  Hasbrouck,  Thomas  Palmer  and 
twelve  others,  freeholders,  inhabitants  and  principal  friends 
to  liberty  in  the  precinct  of  Newburgh,  relative  to  the 
families  of  such  persons  as  are  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
and  whose  personal  property  is  about  to  be  sold  by  the 
commissioners,  and  which  families  will  in  all  probability 
be  a  precinct  charge,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  poor  families  of  those  who  are 
gone  over  to  the  enemy,  and  whose  estates  have  been  or 
shall  be  sold  by  the  commissioners  appointed  to  dispose  of 
the  personal  property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
shall  not  be  suffered  to  be  the  particular  burthen  of  the 
precinct  in  which  they  may  have  happened  to  live  ;  and 
that  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Judge  Graham  and  General  Scott 
be  a  committee  to  draw  up  regulations  for  the  making  pro- 
per provision  for  such  poor. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Schenk,  and  a  petition  of  John  H. 
Sleght,  relative  to  a  house  at  the  Landing,  the  possession 
of  which  a  person  refused  to  deliver  up,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sleght  be  informed  that  Convention 
can  not  interfere,  it  being  a  matter  of  law. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  report 
of  the  committee  for  organizing  the  form  of  government. 

That  part  of  the  said  report  which  appoints  a  chancel- 
lor was  then  read. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

The  clause  for  the  appointment  of  a  chief  justice  was 
read  and  agreed  to. 

The  clause  for  the  appointment  of  three  puisne  judges 
was  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  clause  for  the  appointment  of  an  attorney-general 
was  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  clause  for  the  appointment  of  first  judge  and  infe- 
rior judges  of  the  quorum,  sheriff  and  clerk  for  the  county 
of  Albany,  was  also  read  and  agreed  to. 

The  question  was  then  put,  whether  similar  officers 
shall  be  appointed  in  all  the  other  counties  not  in  the 
power  of  the  enemy,  and  carried  in  the  affirmative. 

Thursday  Afternoon,  May  1,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Lott,  Genl-  Scott, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bleecker— Xeto-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Mr.  Cantine— Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Adgate,  Colo. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr-  Josa.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Capt.  Zeph.  Piatt— 
Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris—  West- 
chester. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Resolved,  That  the  exemption  granted  to  the  workmen 
employed  in  the  Sterling  iron  works,  be  extended  to  nine 
months  from  this  day,  on  their  registering  their  names  in 
manner  as  directed  by  resolution  passed  the  twenty-third 
day  of  April  last ;  and  that  their  names  be  registered  with 
the  colonel  of  the  district  in  which  the  work  lies,  instead 
of  the  brigadier-general  of  the  county ;  which  colonel  is 
empowered  to  do  all  that  was  directed  by  the  said  resolu- 
tions to  be  done  by  the  said  brigadier-general,  and  to  ac- 
count in  like  manner  for  all  money  he  shall  receive. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  2,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Genl.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Prest. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rutgers,  Mr.  Har- 
per, Colo.  Lott — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr. 
Abm.  Yates,  Colo.  Livingston,  Mr.  Adgate— Albany. 
Mr.  Jos.  H.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke -Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake,  Mr.  Tompkins — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
-Major  Landon — Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson  and  Melancton  Smith, 
commissioners,  &c.  dated  yesterday,  informing  of  the  ene- 
my's having  landed  at  Horse  Neck  ;  and  that  the  said  com- 
missioners have  written  to  Colo.  Swartout,  advising  him  to 
call  out  the  militia,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  answer  the  letter  by  in- 
forming the  gentlemen,  commissioners,  that  the  House 
approve  of  their  conduct  in  advising  Colonel  Swartout  to 
call  out  the  militia,  and  requesting  them  to  employ  riders, 
and  communicate  the  earliest  intelligence  they  may  receive 
of  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  to  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Bayley,  dated  at  New- 
bury, April  22,  1777,  was  read  and  filed.  General  Bay- 
ley,  among  other  things,  by  desire  of  the  committee  of 
Gloucester  county,  recommends  that  Colonel  Peter  Olcott, 
Colonel  Jacob  Kent  and  Major  Israel  Smith,  be  appointed 
commissioners  for  disposing  of  the  personal  property  of 
persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Morris 
and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  to  report  thereon.  And, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Peter  Olcott,  Col.  Jacob  Kent 
and  Major  Israel  Smith,  be  and  are  hereby  appointed  com- 
missioners to  take  into  their  custody  the  effects  of  such 
persons  of  Gloucester  county  as  are  gone  over  to  the 
enemy,  and  that  the  said  commissioners  be  vested  with  the 
like  powers  and  authority,  and  under  the  like  regulations, 
as  the  commissioners  appointed  in  other  counties  in  this 
State,  by  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention,  made  and 
passed  on  the  6th  and  21st  days  of  March  last. 

A  letter,  without  date,  from  Brigadier-General  Jacob 
Bayley,  James  Clay  and  John  Sessions,  Esquires,  com- 
missioners appointed  to  settle  with  and  pay  the  rangers  in 
Cumberland  and  Gloucester  counties,  enclosing  the  pay 
and  subsistence  rolls,  and  sundry  other  papers  relative 
thereto,  were  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Ad- 
gate and  Colonel  Brasher. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  Mr. 
John  H.  Sleght  the  sum  of  four  pounds  fourteen  shillings, 
in  full  for  his  account  for  storing  goods  in  his  house,  by 
order  of  the  late  clothing  committee. 

Mr.  Morris  delivered  in  the  report  of  the  committee  for 
ways  and  means,  for  encouraging  the  manufacturing  of 
lead,  gun  flints,  sulphur  and  salt. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  report  lie  on  the  table,  to  be 
taken  up  as  soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine  and  Major  Tappen  be  a 
committee  to  examine  one  Davis,  relative  to  a  conspiracy 
at  Rochester  and  Shandaken. 


908 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Friday  Afternoon,  May  2,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Phesent — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scotl,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van 
Zundt,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke  —  Orange. 
Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks.  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr. 
Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Colo.  Livingston — Albany. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Capt.  Piatt,  Colo.  Humphrey,  Major  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr. 
R.  It.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Colo.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — West- 
chester. 

Resolved,  That  Johannes  Martin,  who  is  confined  in  the 
jail  at  Kingston,  be  discharged. 

Whereas  a  number  of  artful  and  designing  persons,  in 
every  county  within  this  State,  are  daily  endeavouring,  by 
exaggerating  accounts  of  the  power  of  the  enemy,  and 
other  wicked  and  criminal  practices,  to  work  upon  the  fears 
of  weak  and  timid  persons,  and  to  betray  the  liberty  of  this 
country  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare 
any  two  or  more  of  the  vessels,  now  lying  in  Hudson's 
river,  for  the  reception  of  such  persons  as  may  be  sent 
thereto,  and  that  Captains  Benson  and  Castle,  or  either  of 
them,  be  directed  to  see  the  said  vessels  properly  guarded 
by  the  privateers,  of  which  they  have  the  command ;  and 
that  they  suffer  no  person  to  go  on  board  the  said  vessels 
who  is  not  properly  authorized  thereto. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  detecting  and  de- 
feating conspiracies,  &c.  be  directed  to  cause  to  be  appre- 
hended such  of  the  persons  in  each  county  whose  charac- 
ters are  suspicious,  and  who,  by  their  influence  in  the 
county  in  which  they  reside,  may  be  supposed  dangerous 
to  this  State,  and  send  them  on  board  of  the  said  vessels, 
appointing  a  commissary  to  provide  them  with  provisions, 
at  their  own  expense. 

Resolved,  That  every  person  who  shall  be  found  on 
shore,  after  having  been  confined  on  board  of  the  said  ves- 
sels, or  either  of  them,  without  being  properly  discharged, 
shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  felony,  without  benefit  of  clergy, 
and  on  conviction  before  the  said  commissioners,  who  are 
hereby  directed  and  empowered  to  issue  a  summons  to  the 
sheriff,  or  other  officer,  to  empanel  a  jury  for  their  trial, 
shall  be  immediately  executed. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense 
attending  the  procuring  and  fitting  the  said  vessels. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Major  Law- 
rence be  the  committee. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

May  3,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  Brasher,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr,  Newkerk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham,  Colo.  Drake — West- 
chester. 

Genl-  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates, 
Mr.  Adgate — tlbany. 

Mr.  Josa.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt — Ulster. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  R.  It.  Livingston,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Capt.  Piatt— 
Dutchess. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster—  Charlotte. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 


A  letter  from  Colonel  Lewis  Dubois,  dated  at  Fort 
Montgomery  yesterday,  complaining  of  the  rank  of  the 
officers  of  his  regiment,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Cuyler  and  Colonel  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  John  Coe,  Esquire,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  south  part  of  Orange  county,  complaining  of 
the  distresses  of  many  of  the  inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the 
county,  by  having  the  Continental  troops  (who  were  pass- 
ing through)  quartered  on  them,  many  of  which  troops 
were  sick,  and  for  which  the  said  inhabitants  have  not 
received  satisfaction,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Ro- 
bert Harper  and  Mr.  Josa.  H.  Smith. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  at  Fort 
Montgomery,  the  2nd  instant,  enclosing  the  proceedings  of 
a  general  court  martial,  held  at  Fort  Montgomery,  April 
30th,  and  May  1st,  1777,  for  the  trial  of  Jack,  a  negro 
man,  slave  of  Gysbert  Rosa,  charged  with  levying  war 
against  the  State  of  New-York  within  the  same,  with  being 
an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great 
Britain ;  William  McGinnis  charged  with  levying  war 
against  the  State  of  New-York,  with  being  adherent  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  and  with  being  an  enlisted  soldier 
in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  when  owing 
allegiance  to  the  State  of  New- York  ;  John  Van  Vliet, 
charged  with  the  like  crimes  ;  Cornelius  Furler,  charged 
with  the  like  crimes;  William  Teets,  charged  with  the 
like  crimes ;  Coenradt  Mysener,  charged  with  the  like 
crimes  ;  Andries  Keyser,  charged  with  the  like  crimes  ; 
John  Rapalye,  charged  with  the  like  crimes ;  Sylves- 
ter Vandermarken,  charged  with  the  like  crimes  ;  Jaco- 
bus Rosa,  charged  with  the  like  crimes,  as  well  as  that 
of  enlisting  men  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great 
Britain  ;  Jacob  Middagh,  charged  with  the  like  crimes, 
excepting  that  of  enlisting  men  in  the  service  of  the  King 
of  Great  Britain  ;  Jacobus  Longyou,  charged  with  the  like 
crimes  ;  Hendrick  Crispell,  charged  with  the  like  crimes  ; 
Alexander  Campbell,  charged  with  holding  correspondence 
with  the  enemies  of  the  American  States,  giving  them  in- 
telligence, and  adhering  to  and  giving  them  aid  and  com- 
fort, and  secreting  them  ;  Arthur  McKenny,  charged  with 
the  like  crimes,  excepting  that  of  secreting  them  ;  Isaac 
Lockwood,  charged  with  attempting  to  join  the  enemy  ; 
Silas  Gardner,  charged  with  levying  war  against  the  United 
States  of  America,  holding  correspondence  with,  and  assist- 
ing the  enemies  of  the  said  States  ;  and  Daniel  Reynolds 
and  Peter  Aldridge,  charged  with  harbouring  the  enemies 
of  the  United  States,  were  respectively  read. 

The  said  proceedings  being  again  read,  it  appears  that 
the  said  Jack,  the  negro  man,  slave  of  Gysbert  Rose, 
Daniel  Reynolds  and  Peter  Aldridge,  were  by  the  said 
court  martial  acquitted  of  the  charges  brought  against  them 
respectively,  and  that  the  said  Hendrick  Crispell  was 
excused  from  a  trial  on  the  said  charges,  in  order  that  he 
might  be  made  use  of  as  an  evidence  on  behalf  of  the  State, 
against  other  criminals  brought  before  the  said  court.  That 
John  Van  Vliet,  William  McGinnis,  Cornelius  Furler, 
William  Teets,  Coenradt  Mysener,  Andries  Keyser,  John 
Rapelye,  Sylvester  Vandermerken,  Jacobus  Rosa,  Jacob 
Middagh,  Jacobus  Longyou,  Alexander  Campbell,  Arthur 
McKenny  and  Silas  Gardner,  are  by  the  said  court  martial 
adjudged  guilty  of  the  crimes  wherewith  they  severally 
stood  charged,  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged  by  the  neck 
till  they  be  dead  ;  and  that  the  said  Isaac  Lockwood  be 
close  confined  in  a  common  jail  during  the  present  war 
with  the  kingdom  of  Great  Britain,  or  until  he  shall  be 
discharged  by  proper  authority. 

The  said  proceedings,  with  the  acquittals  and  sentences, 
being  maturely  considered,  and  the  question  put  on  each  of 
them  respectively,  whether  the  Convention  doth  approve 
of  the  conduct  of  the  said  court  martial  in  the  acquittals 
and  sentences  above  mentioned,  it  was  carried  in  the  affir- 
mative, except  in  the  case  of  Alexander  Campbell,  which 
was  carried  in  the  negative.  Jacobus  Longyou  and  Cor- 
I  nelius  Fuller,  being  tenants  for  life  on  lands  of  Mr.  R.  R. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


909 


Livingston,  he  was  excused  from  voting  on  their  cases. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  doth  approve  of  the 
conduct  of  the  said  court  martial  in  their  several  and  re- 
spective acquittals  and  sentences  aforesaid,  against  the 
above  mentioned  criminals  respectively,  except  in  the  case 
of  the  said  Alexander  Campbell,  (whose  sentence  is  hereby 
reversed)  and  that  the  same  be  and  hereby  are  confirmed. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  think  it  their  duty,  in 
some  cases,  by  extending  mercy,  to  mitigate  the  rigour  of 
justice  ;  and  the  said  William  Tiets  being  by  the  said 
court  martial  recommended  as  a  proper  object  of  mercy,  in 
consideration  of  his  extreme  youth,  and  it  appearing  that 
he  has  been  deluded,  his  severe  compunction  for  his  crimes, 
and  his  apparent  ignorance  :  It  is  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  the 
said  William  Tiets,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of 
this  Convention,  of  the  crimes  whereof  he  has  been  con- 
victed as  aforesaid. 

And  whereas  the  said  Hendrick  Crispell  was,  by  the 
said  court  martial,  excused  from  a  trial  of  the  crimes 
whereof  he  stood  charged  before  the  said  court  martial,  in 
order  that  he  might  be  made  use  of  as  a  witness  against 
other  criminals  brought  before  the  the  said  court :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  the 
said  Hendrick  Crispell,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority 
of  this  Convention,  of  the  crimes  whereof  he  stood  charged 
as  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  Genl.  George  Clinton  be  requested  to 
cause  the  said  presons  to  be  executed  at  such  places  as  he 
in  his  discretion  shall  think  proper. 

"  To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come  : 

"  I,  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esquire,  President  of  the 
Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York,  send  greeting  : 

"Whereas  William  Tiets,  an  inhabitant  of  this  State 
charged  with  levying  war  against  the  State  of  New-York, 
within  the  same,  and  with  being  adherent  to  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  and  with  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in  the 
service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  whilst  owing  alle- 
giance to  the  State  of  New- York,  was  on  the  thirtieth  day 
of  April  last  past  convicted  of  the  said  charge  by  sentence  of 
a  general  court  martial,  held  on  the  said  day  at  Fort  Montgo- 
mery, in  the  county  of  Orange,  in  pursuance  of  certain  reso- 
lutions of  the  said  Convention,  in  such  case  made  and  pro- 
vided, and  was  then  and  there  by  the  sentence  of  the  said 
court  martial  adjudged  for  the  offence  aforesaid  to  be 
hanged  by  the  neck  till  he  should  be  dead  :   And  whereas, 
also  Hendrick  Crispell,  an  inhabitant  of  the  said  Stale, 
charged  with  the  aforesaid  crimes,  was  by  the  said  general 
court  martial  acquitted  of  the  said  charge,  and  admitted  as 
an  evidence  on  behalf  of  the  said  State  :    And  whereas 
the  said  Convention  have  on  this  day  maturely  revised  the 
said  sentence  against  the  said  William  Tiets,  and  have  con- 
firmed the  same  ;  yet  nevertheless  have  resolved  to  extend 
mercy  to  the  said  William  Tiets,  in  respect  to  the  crime 
aforesaid  whereof  he  is  convicted,  and  to  pardon  the  said 
Hendrick  Crispell  of  the  crimes  whereof  he  stood  charged  ; 
and  have  authorized  me,  the  said  President,  to  issue  to  the 
said  William  Tiets  and  Hendrick  Crispell,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  said  Convention,  a  pardon  of 
the  crimes  whereof  they  were  convicted  and  stood  charged 
as  aforesaid  :    I  therefore,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authori- 
ty aforesaid,  do  hereby  fully  and  freely  remit  and  pardon 
unto  the  said  William  Tiets  and  Hendrick  Crispell,  the 
crime  and  punishment  whereof  and  for  which  the  said 
William  Tiets  was  convicted  and  subjected  ;  and  the 
crimes  whereof  the  said  Hendrick  Crispell  stood  charged 
as  aforesaid.    In  witness  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my 
hand  in  Convention  at  Kingston,  in  the  county  of  Ulster, 
this  third  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven. 

"  Bv  his  Honour's  command, 

"  ROBT.  BENSON,  Secry." 
228 


Saturday  Afternoon,  May  3,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beek- 
man,  Colo.  Brasher.  Major  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine  —  Ultter. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gansevoort, 
Mr.  Adgate — Albany. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  Drake,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — West- 
chester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Treadwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Landon,  Capt. 
Piatt — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  precinct  of  Rhine- 
beck,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  and  the  committee  of  the 
precinct  of  Walkill,  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  the  com- 
mittee of  the  precinct  of  Cornwall,  in  the  county  of  Orange, 
be  directed  to  raise  a  company  in  each  of  the  said  pre- 
cincts to  continue  in  service  till  the  first  day  of  July  next, 
unless  sooner  discharged,  consisting  of  one  lieutenant, 
three  sergeants  and  twenty-four  privates,  in  order  to  guard 
the  several  powder  mills  in  each  of  the  said  precincts. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  be  allowed  Continental  pay, 
and  fifteen  shillings  per  week  for  rations,  and  the  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  privates,  Continental  pay  and  twelve 
shillings  per  week  for  rations,  and  be  under  the  command 
of  the  proprietors  of  the  said  mills. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  above  named  call  out  a 
part  of  the  militia  of  the  said  precincts  to  mount  guard  at 
the  said  mills,  till  the  said  companies  are  completed,  and 
that  they  be  also  under  the  command  of  the  proprietors  of 
the  said  mills,  and  be  allowed  the  above  pay  and  subsistence. 

The  House  being  informed  of  an  intended  insurrection 
in  the  manor  of  Livingston,  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  of  three  be  appointed  to  go 
to  Rhinebeck  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  and  to  the 
manor  of  Livingston,  and  take  the  most  effectual  measures 
to  quell  any  insurrections  in  the  said  places  ;  and  that  they 
be  vested  with  power  to  call  upon  the  militia  for  any  assis- 
tance that  they  may  find  necessary  for  the  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Robert  R.  Livingston 
and  Matthew  Cantine,  Esquires,  be  the  committee. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit,  was  read  and  approved  : 

"  Sir — Having  received  information  of  an  insurrection 
projected  by  the  disaffected  in  the  manor  of  Livingston, 
which  the  Convention  conceive  may  be  easily  stopped,  if 
spirited  measures  are  speedily  used.  You  are  therefore 
requested  to  march  immediately  a  body  of  one  hundred 
men  that  may  be  depended  upon  to  flarman  Pests,  at 
Roelof  Jansen's  kill,  where  you  will  receive  directions  from 
a  committee." 

Whereas  divers  persons  in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  have 
associated  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit:  "Whereas 
doubts  have  arisen  whether  persons  who  have  heretofore 
held  military  commissions,  or  having  commissions,  are, 
notwithstanding,  at  present  without  any  command,  should 
be  obliged  to  serve  in  the  militia:  And  whereas  it  is  fre- 
quently suggested  that  such  persons  avail  themselves  of 
their  commissions,  and  use  them  as  pretexts  to  avoid  doing 
duty  ;  and  that  persons  beyond  the  age  of  fifty  years,  and 
others  exempted  by  law  from  serving  in  the  militia  also  in 
many  instances  improperly  avail  themselves  of  this  advan- 
tage :  In  order,  therefore,  to  prevent  such  suggestions  and 
suspicions,  as  far  as  they  personally  respect  us,  and  to 
convince  the  world  that  we  are  always,  and  especially  at 
this  important  crisis,  ready  to  turn  out  in  defence  of  our 
country,  and  hazard  our  lives,  and  bear  our  equal  burthen 
with  the  rest  of  community,  we,  the  subscribers,  residing 
in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  having  heretofore  held  commis- 
sions, or  now  holding  commissions  as  aforesaid,  or  being 


910 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


beyond  the  age  of  fifty  years,  or  otherwise  exempted  from 
serving  in  the  militia,  do  hereby  voluntarily  associate  and 
engage,  that  we  will  forthwith  provide  ourselves  with  arms, 
accoutrements  and  ammunition  ;  that  we  will,  upon  an 
alarm,  immediately  repair  to  such  place  of  rendezvous  as 
shall  be  appointed ;  that  we  will,  whenever  drafts  are  to 
be  made  from  the  militia,  contribute  our  proportion  of  men, 
to  be  commanded  by  their  own  officers  ;  and  that  we  will 
be  under  the  command  of  officers  to  be  elected  from  our 
own  body."  And  whereas  many  others  are  desirous  of 
associating  in  the  like  manner,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  doth  highly  approve 
thereof,  and  that  the  persons  therein  described  who  shall 
so  associate  together,  be  exempted  from  all  other  duty  in 
the  militia. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Simon  Stevens,  Esquire,  a  member  in  this  Convention  for 
the  county  of  Cumberland,  on  the  credit  of  the  said  county, 
the  sum  of  sixty  pounds,  and  that  Mr.  Stevens  do  account 
with  the  committee  of  the  said  county  for  the  same. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  tem- 
porary form  of  government. 

Mr.  Gansevoort  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
Council  of  Safety  consist  of  fifteen  members. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the 
affirmative. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  elect  the  members  by 
counties. 

The  votes  being  taken,  the  following  gentlemen  were 
elected  by  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  counties  present, 
to  wit :  John  Morin  Scott,  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Christo- 
pher Tappen,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Governeur  Morris, 
Zephaniah  Piatt,  John  Jay,  Charles  De  Witt,  Robert 
Harper,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Pierre  Van  Cort- 
landt,  Matthew  Cantine,  John  Sloss  Hobart  and  Jonathan 
G.  Tompkins. 

The  counties  then  proceeded  to  elect  by  ballot  the  chan- 
cellor. 

The  votes  are  as  follows  : 


For  Genl.  Scott. 

New-York,    8 

Suffolk,   4 

Orange,   3 

15 


For  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Albany,    6 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,   4 

Ulster,   4 

Charlotte,   2 

21 

Whereupon  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  was  declared 
elected  chancellor. 

They  proceeded  in  like  manner  to  elect  the  chief  justice. 
The  votes  are  as  follows  : 

For  Genl.  Scott.  For  Mr.  Jay. 

New-York,   8      Dutchess,   5 

Orange,   3       Albany   6 

Suffolk,  4       Westchester,   4 

—      Ulster,   4 

15  — 

Charlotte  divided.  19 

Whereupon  Mr.  Jay  was  declared  elected  chief  justice. 
They  also  proceeded  in  like  manner  to  elect  two  puisne 
judges. 

Votes  for  puisne  judges. 

Mr.  Hobart.  Genl.  Scott. 


Mr.  R.  Ya'e- 

New-York,   S 

Albany,   6 

Suffolk,   4 

Ulster,   4 

Dutchess,   5 

Westchester,  ....  4 

Charlotte,   2 

Orange,   3 


6 
4 
4 

4 
2 
3 


36  5  31 

The  House  proceeded  to  settle  the  rank  of  the  puisne 
judges. 

Ut. — Genl.  Scott 
Suffolk,  Dutchess, 
Albany,  Ulster, 
Orange,  Charlotte, 
New-York,  Westchester. 


Genl.  Scott  immediately  signified  his  disinclination  to 
execute  the  office  of  one  of  the  puisne  judges;  and,  there- 
fore refused  to  accept  the  office. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  the  election  of  attorney- 
general,  viz : 

For  Egbert  Benson. 
Dutchess,  Albany, 
New-York,  Orange, 
Ulster,  Suffolk, 
Westchester,  Charlotte. 

Mr.  Benson  was  elected. 


SUNDAY  MORNING, 

May  4,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present  — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Harper,  Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 

Mr-  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Genl  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Adgate,  Mr.  Gansevoort — 

Albany. 

Mr.  Josa.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Webster,  Colo.  Williams— Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Col.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 
A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Amenia  precinct,  and  a 
letter  from  Colo.  Sutherland,  of  Charlotte  precinct,  were 
received,  brought  by  Captain  Delavan,  who  being  called 
up,  gave  the  House  the  following  information  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  said  letters,  viz  : 

"  That  a  part  of  the  militia  of  Amenia  precinct,  who 
were  ready  to  march  to  oppose  the  enemy,  who,  'twas 
said,  had  landed  at  Horse  Neck,  being  informed  of  the  cruel 
ravages  of  the  enemy  at  and  near  Danbury,  by  throwing 
some  of  the  friends  to  liberty  in  the  fire,  killing  two 
ladies  on  the  road,  &c.  were  so  exasperated  thereby,  as 
to  refuse  going  to  the  southward,  and  to  determine  to  go 
and  take  vengeance  on  the  disaffected  persons  in  that 
quarter." 

Capt.  Delavan  further  informs,  "  That  the  disaffected 
persons  are  very  numerous  in  the  southern  parts  of  Dutch- 
ess county,  and  that  without  doubt  they  will  fall  on  the 
whigs  whenever  the  enemy  attack  our  army  at  Peekskill, 
or  at  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  They,  therefore,  re- 
quest Convention  to  take  some  measures  in  the  premises." 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Thomas  and  Colo.  Lud- 
dington  be  appointed  commissioners  to  prevent,  quell  and 
subdue  all  insurrections  and  disaffection  in  the  counties  of 
Dutchess  and  Westchester ;  and  to  take  every  measure 
for  that  purpose  which  they  shall  deem  necessary  ;  and 
that  they  cooperate  with  Messrs.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Matthew  Cantine,  a  committee  ap- 
pointed yesterday,  for  the  like  purpose  in  the  manor  of 
Livingston  and  Rhinebeck  precinct. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  immediately 
collect,  with  the  assistance  of  Genl.  McDougall,  or  Genl. 
George  Clinton  or  from  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Dutch- 
ess, whichever  to  them  shall  appear  most  expeditious,  a 
force  sufficient  for  the  purposes  aforesaid  ;  and  also,  to 
comply  with  the  following  instructions,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — You  are  to  begin  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  county  of  Dutchess  and  proceed  to  the  northward, 
and  in  your  progress  secure  the  disaffected,  call  out  the 
whole  militia,  and  destroy  all  such  as  shall  be  found  in 
arms  to  oppose  you. 

"  When  you  shall  meet  with  the  commiltee  above  men- 
tioned, you  are,  in  concert  with  them,  to  secure  the  pri- 
soners you  shall  have  respectively  made,  to  dismiss  such 
of  the  militia  as  you  may  think  proper,  and  with  the  re- 
mainder march  into  the  county  of  Westchester,  by  diffe- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


911 


rent  ways,  concerting,  at  the  same  lime,  such  measures 
with  Genl.  McDougall,  or  other  the  commanding  officer 
at  Peekskill,  as  will  effectually  clear  the  said  county  of 
Westchester  of  all  dangerous  and  disaffected  persons. 

"  You  are  on  every  occasion,  by  every  means  in  your 
power,  (torture  excepted)  to  compel  the  discovery  and  de- 
livery of  all  spies  or  other  emissaries  of  the  enemy,  who 
you  may  have  reason  to  believe  are  concealed  in  any  part 
of  the  country  through  which  you  make  your  progress,  and 
upon  due  proof  immediately  execute  them  in  terrorem." 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolutions  and 
instructions  be  immediately  transmitted  to  Messrs.  Living- 
ston, Cantine  and  Piatt,  and  the  further  instructions  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — You  are  hereby  instructed  to  conform 
yourselves  to  the  resolutions  herewith  transmitted  to  you ; 
and  having  cleansed  the  manor  of  Livingston  and  Rhine- 
beck  precincts  of  the  disaffected  and  dangerous  inhabitants, 
to  proceed  to  the  southward  until  you  meet  with  the  com- 
missioners in  the  said  resolutions  mentioned,  conducting 
yourselves  according  to  the  instructions  and  with  the  seve- 
ral powers  unto  them  given  ;  and  when  you  shall  meet 
with  the  said  commissioners,  you  are  immediately  to  form 
with  them  a  proper  plan  for  the  purposes  mentioned  in  the 
said  instructions  to  them,  and  endeavour  to  carry  such  plan 
into  immediate  execution." 

Resolved,  That  the  said  instructions  be  not  considered 
as  so  binding  upon  the  said  committee  or  commissioners, 
but  that  they  may  be  at  liberty  to  vary  from  them  accord- 
ing as  circumstances  may,  in  their  judgment,  respectively 
require. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense 
which  may  accrue  by  virtue  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  the  several  pieces  of  intelli- 
gence received  by  the  Convention  relating  to  the  matters 
and  things  aforesaid,  be  immediately  sent  to  the  said  com- 
mittee and  to  the  said  commissioners. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  May  4,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Mr.  Harper — New-York. 

Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Ganscvoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates  —jjlbany. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  TredwcU,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith — Orange. 

A  letter  from  our  Delegates  at  Congress,  dated  April 
29,  informing  of  the.  languor  that  prevails  in  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  enclosing  a  copy  of  the  deposition  of  a 
person  lately  come  out  of  New-York,  was  read  and  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Morris  and  Colo.  Brasher. 

A  letter  from  General  Lewis  Morris,  dated  Philadelphia, 
April  19,  apologizing  for  not  attending  Convention,  pursu- 
ant to  their  order,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  inform  General  Morris  by 
letter,  that  the  House  will  dispense  with  his  attendance  for 
the  present. 

Whereas  William  Smith,  who  was  yesterday  elected  a 
member  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  is  very  disagreeably 
circumstanced  by  having  his  family  and  estate  in  the 
power  of  the  enemy  on  Long  island  ;  especially,  as  in  all 
probability,  the  said  Council  will,  at  this  important  crisis, 
be  under  the  necessity  of  making  use  of  very  spirited 
measures,  which  probably  will  expose  his  said  family  to 
the  particular  resentment  of  the  enemy  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Smith  be  excused  from  serving  as 
a  member  of  the  said  Council  of  Safety,  and  that  another 
member  be  immediately  elected  in  his  stead. 


The  House  accordingly  proceeded  to  the  election  of 
another  member  in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Smith,  and  Mr.  Ho- 
bart  was  unanimously  elected. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

May  5,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo. 
Brasher,  General  Scott,  Mr.  Beekman — Neu-York. 

Colo.  Williams,  Maj.  Webster — Charlotte. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  TredweU,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith — Orange. 

Mr-  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Maj.  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt —  Ulster. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Morris  informed  the  House  that  General  McDougal, 
by  letter  to  him,  requests  Convention  to  procure  for  him 
one  hundred  dollars  in  gold  or  silver. 

Resolved,  That  Gerard  Bancker,  Esquire,  procure  one 
hundred  dollars  in  gold  or  silver  for  the  immediate  and 
pressing  service  of  this  State,  and  the  well  affected  inha- 
bitants are  requested  to  afford  him  every  assistance  in  their 
power  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

The  House  being  informed  that  Colo.  De  Witt,  a  mem- 
ber of  this  House,  is  detained  in  custody  of  a  guard  of 
militia  at  this  place, 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  wait  on  Colonel  De  Witt 
and  inform  him  that  his  attendance,  as  a  member,  is  imme- 
diately required  in  this  House. 

Colo.  De  Witt  came  in  and  informed  the  House  that  he 
was  this  morning,  by  a  guard  of  the  militia  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Gerardus  Hardenberg,  taken  into  custody 
as  one  of  the  delinquents  who  have  not  furnished  a  draft 
from  the  militia. 

Whereas  this  House  is  informed  that  Capt.  Gerardus 
Hardenberg  hath  presumed  to  imprison  a  member  of  this 
Convention  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Gerardus  Hardenberg  do  im- 
mediately attend  this  House. 

Capt.  Hardenberg  attending,  and  being  asked  by  what 
authority  he  took  Colonel  De  Wilt,  a  member  of  this 
House,  into  custody,  says  he  did  it  by  authority  of  the 
warrant  by  him  produced  to  the  House,  which  is  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit :  "  By  virtue  of  brigade  orders  just  now  re- 
ceived, I  strictly  command  you  lo  cause  the  deficiency  of 
the  drafts  of  your  company  lately  ordered  to  be  raised  to 
reinforce  the  garrison  of  Fort  Montgomery,  to  be  delivered 
to  me  at  Kingston  by  Monday  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning.  You  must  apprehend  those  persons  as  are  here- 
under mentioned,  they  being  the  defaulters  in  your  com- 
pany, and  bring  them  to  me.  Likewise  to  appear  here  per- 
sonally, and  bring  with  you  a  true  list  of  all  the  men  now 
under  your  command.  Hereof  you  are  not  to  fail  upon 
your  peril. 

"  Given  under  mv  hand  at  Kingston,  this  30lh  day  of 
April,  1777. 

"JONATHAN  ELMENDORPH,  Colo. 

"  Charles  De  Witt,  Elias  Degremo,  Peter  Degremo, 
Robert  Phoenix,  Abraham  Dubois,  John  Newkerk,  Elias 
Teerpenning." 

Capt.  Hardenberg  being  asked  whether  by  the  warrant 
he  observed  any  thing  charging  those  persons  with  any 
crimes  or  misdemeanors,  says  he  did  not  think  so  far  ;  says 
he  has  seen  the  militia  law.  Being  asked  how  Colonel  De 
Witt's  name  originally  came  to  be  put  on  that  list,  says  he 
don't  know ;  the  colonel  must  know  that ;  he  thought  it 
his  duty  to  obey  all  orders  from  his  superior  officers. 


912 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Capt.  Hardenberg,  by  order,  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Elmendorph  be  requested  to 
attend  this  House  this  afternoon  at  4  o'clock,  and  that  Capt. 
Hardenberg  do  attend  until  further  orders. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  at  Fort 
Montgomery,  the  4th  instant,  enclosing  the  names  of  the 
traitors  who  were  going  to  join  the  enemy  ;  of  persons  aid- 
ing and  comforting  them  ;  also,  the  copy  of  a  letter  from 
Lieut.  Colonel  Cooper,  dated  at  Sidman's  Clove,  the  3rd 
inst.  was  read  and  tiled. 

Mr.  Morris  informed  the  House  that  Mr.  Bancker,  agree- 
ably to  order,  has  procured  the  one  hundred  dollars  in 
specie  for  General  McDougall. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker  transmit  the  same  by  ex- 
press to  General  McDougall. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  further  consideration  of  the 
temporary  form  of  government,  and  elected  the  following 
persons  judges  of  the  inferior  court  for  Albany  county,  viz  : 
Volkert  P.  Douw,  first  judge  ;  Jacob  C.Ten  Eyck,  Abra- 
ham Ten  Broeck,  Henry  Bleecker,  Walter  Livingston, 
John  H.  Ten  Eyck,  quorum. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  produced  a  paper  of  the  committee 
of  Albany,  dated  14th  June,  1776,  signed  by  Abm.  Yates, 
Junr.  chairman,  and  attested  by  Matthew  Visscher,  secy, 
recommending  Henry  I.  Wendell  for  sheriff,  and  Matthew 
Visscher  for  clerk  of  the  said  county. 

Debate  arose  thereon  as  to  the  propriety  of  reading  the 
same. 

The  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  for  the  reading 

it,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  its  being  read.  Jlgainst  it. 

New-York,  8       Westchester,    4 

Albany,   6         Ulster  divided. 

Suffolk   4 

Charlotte,   2 

—20 

The  said  paper  was  accordingly  read. 

The  House  then  proceeded  to  the  appointment  of  a  sheriff 
for  Albany  county,  and  Mr.  Henry  I.  Wendell  was  unani- 
mously elected. 

Adjourned  till  afternoon. 

Monday  Afternoon,  May  5,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt—  New-York. 

Mr.  Wm.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abrm.  Yates — Jllbany. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Colo.  Be  Witt,  Mr.  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

A  petition  (in  Dutch,)  from  Isaac  Low,  confined  in  the 
jail  of  this  place,  praying  to  be  released,  was  read  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  Messrs.  Piatt,  Cantine  and  Robt.  R.  Li- 
vingston, the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  Rhinebeck 
and  the  manor  of  Livingston,  to  quell  an  insurrection  in 
those  places,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  draft  an  answer  to  the  said 
letter  and  report  the  same. 

Lieutenant-Colo.  Elmendorph,  according  to  the  order  of 
this  morning,  attended,  and  was  asked  several  questions  ; 
he  produced  a  list  of  the  delinquents  of  Colonel  Snyder's 
regiment,  as  the  same  was  transmitted  by  Colonel  Snyder 
to  him,  in  which  list  the  name  of  Charles  DeWitt  was 
mentioned  as  one.  Colo.  Elmendorph  produced  to  the 
House  Colo.  Snyder's  orders  for  apprehending  the  said  de- 
linquents. Capt.  Hardenberg  being  called  up,  was  asked 
whether  Charles  De  Witt's  name  was  in  the  list  of  the  de- 
linquents of  his  company,  which  was  by  him  transmitted 
to  Colo.  Snyder ;  he  answered  "  No,"  but  that  Colo.  De 


Witt's  negro  Peet  was  put  on  the  said  list.  Lieutenant- 
Colo.  Elmendorph  and  Capt.  Hardenberg  were  dismissed 
till  further  order. 

Resolved,  That  General  George  Clinton  be  requested 
to  direct  Colonel  Johannes  Snyder  to  attend  this  House 
without  delay,  to  answer  for  a  breach  of  privilege  offered 
to  Charles  De  Witt,  Esquire,  a  member  of  this  House. 

General  Scott,  according  to  order,  reported  the  draft  of 
a  letter  to  the  committee  sent  to  Rhinebeck  and  manor  of 
Livingston,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Convention  have  considered  your 
letter  by  express,  and  are  sorry  to  observe,  that  though  the 
harvest  will  be  large,  the  laborers  are  few ;  a  part  of  three 
companies  are  gone  over  to  you  from  this  place;  you  will, 
by  having  recourse  to  the  resolve  which  empowered  you 
to  act,  see  that  the  militia  at  large  are  subjected  to  your 
command;  at  the  same  time  the  Convention  are  well  con- 
vinced that  no  more  men  than  are  already  gone,  can  be 
spared  from  this  quarter,  and  are  therefore  of  opinion  that 
if  you  want  more  assistance  than  you  can  obtain  without 
weakening  this  part  of  the  country,  you  should  apply  for 
the  aid  of  the  Connecticut  militia,  who,  they  have  reason 
to  believe,  will  gladly  embrace  the  opporlunity  of  strength- 
ening your  hands.  As  to  the  canoes  which  you  suppose 
are  made  use  of  by  the  disaffected  on  this  side  of  the  river 
to  pass  over  and  increase  the  number  of  our  internal  ene- 
mies on  the  other  side,  the  Convention  are  well  informed 
that  they  are  so  much  more  within  your  than  their  reach, 
that  they  recommend  it  to  you  to  secure  them  without 
delay." 

"  We  are,  &c." 
A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  yesterday, 
on  the  subjects  of  plots  and  insurrections  in  Albany  county, 
enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Hezekiah  Middlebrooks, 
chairman  of  Ballston  committee,  dated  the  2nd  instant,  and 
directed  to  the  committee  of  Saratoga,  also  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  John  Younglove  and  George  Palmer,  dated  the 
3rd  instant,  and  directed  to  the  committee  of  Albany;  also, 
a  copy  of  a  deposition  dated  the  3rd  instant,  and  taken 
before  George  Palmer,  the  whole  of  them  on  the  subject 
of  plots  and  insurrections,  were  respectively  read.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  counties  of  Albany, 
Tryon,  Charlotte,  Cumberland,  Gloucester,  Ulster  and 
Orange,  be  requested  and  empowered  to  take  the  most 
effectual  measures  to  prevent,  suppress  and  quell  all  insur- 
rections, revolts  and  disaffection  within  their  respective 
counties,  that  they  be  empowered  to  call  out  the  militia  of 
their  respective  counties,  and  that  they  cause  all  such  trai- 
torous inhabitants  of  this  State  as  shall  be  found  in  arms 
against  the  authority  of  the  same,  to  be  destroyed  or  other- 
wise effectually  secured. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense 
of  executing  the  above  resolution. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  tem- 
porary form  of  government,  and  appointed  Melancton 
Smith  sheriff  of  Dutchess  county,  John  Thomas,  Jr.  she- 
riff of  Westchester  county,  and  Egbert  Dnmont  sheriff  of 
Ulster  county. 

Mr.  Harper  being  the  only  member  from  Tryon  county 
to  nominate  a  person  as  sheriff  for  said  county  :  Where- 
upon the  House,  by  counties,  elected  Anthony  Van  Vegh- 
ten,  sheriff  of  Tryon  county  ;  Jesse  Woodhull,  sheriff  of 
Orange  county ;  Edward  Savage,  sheriff  of  Charlotte 
county  ;  Paul  Spooner,  sheriff  of  Cumberland  county. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

May  6,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Genl.  Scott— New-York. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


913 


Col.  Williams,  Major  Webster— Charlotte. 

Gea\.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates— Albany. 

Mr.  G-  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Colo.  De  Wilt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

A  petition  of  Messrs.  Cumming,  Cruikshanks,  Munro, 
and  Thurman,  confined  in  Kingston  jail,  complaining  of 
severe  treatment  of  the  Kingston  committee,  was  read,  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Wm.  Smith  and  Mr.  Robert  Harper. 

An  extract  from  the  minutes  of  a  meeting  of  the  free- 
holders of  the  town  of  Brattleborough,  holden  on  the  22d 
day  of  April,  1777,  declaring  their  allegiance  to  this  State, 
and  appointing  Israel  Smith,  Esquire,  an  agent  to  come  to 
Convention,  was  read.  Their  instructions  to  the  said  agent 
were  likewise  read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr. 
Stevens. 

Mr.  Morris  gave  notice  that  he  will,  to-morrow  morning, 
move  for  a  resolution  to  abolish  all  quit  rents  in  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  and  field  officers  of  the 
county  of  Westchester  be  empowered  to  raise  as  many 
men  as  they  can  for  the  defence  of  the  said  county,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  audit  the  ac- 
count of  Theodorus  Brett,  for  his  services  and  billeting,  as 
an  officer  employed  by  the  late  committee  for  detecting 
and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  reported  that  there  ap- 
pears to  be  due  to  Capt.  Brett  the  sum  of  £69  9s.  lOd. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  unto 
Captain  Theodorus  Brett  the  sum  of  sixty-nine  pounds  nine 
shillings  and  ten  pence,  in  full  for  the  balance  of  his  ac- 
count for  his  services,  &c.  by  order  of  the  late  committee, 
for  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  and  take  his  receipt  for 
the  same. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  tem- 
porary plan  of  government. 

Nathaniel  Merrill  appointed  sheriff  of  Gloucester. 

Voted  that  Ephraim  Payne  be  1st  Judge  of  Dutchess 
county. 

Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Anthony  Hoffman,  two  other  judges 
for  the  same  county. 

Voted  that  Lewis  Morris  be  1st  judge  of  Westchester 
county. 

Stephen  Ward,  Joseph  Strang  and  Joseph  Drake,  three 
other  judges  for  the  same  county. 

Voted  that  Levi  Pawling  be  1st  judge  of  Ulster  county. 
Dirck  Wynkoop  one  other  judge  for  the  same  county. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  May  6,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr. 
Harper,  Genl.  Scott — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort — Albany. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins  —  Westchester. 
Colo.  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  President, 
&c.  dated  April  29,  enclosing  extracts  of  a  letter  from  Ge- 
neral Gates  to  General  Washington,  dated  Albany,  April 
19,  1777,  relative  to  the  state  of  the  northern  department; 
also  the  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  22d  of  April,  recom- 
mending to  the  several  Stales  the  ordering  their  statute  laws, 

229 


together  with  such  discoveries  and  improvements  as  they 
have  made  in  the  art  of  war. 

Also,  several  resolutions  relative  to  reinforcing  Ticonde- 
roga,  and  a  resolution  of  April  30th,  directing  the  remov- 
ing of  all  the  grain  from  the  banks  of  Hudson  river,  were 
respectively  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  General  Scott,  Mr. 
Morris  and  Mr.  Jay. 

Resolved,  That  in  answer  to  so  much  of  the  said  resolu- 
tions of  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  of  April  22nd,  as 
relates  to  our  discoveries  in  the  art  of  war,  the  several  late 
resolutions  of  this  Convention  for  quelling  the  disaffected 
within  this  State  be  transmitted  to  our  Delegates,  together 
with  this  resolution  :  that  the  said  Delegates  be  requested 
to  recommend  the  same  to  the  other  American  States,  as 
the  most  effectual  mode  of  succeeding  in  this  just  and  ne- 
cessary war. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Convention  that 
the  abandoning  that  part  of  the  works  of  Ticonderoga  which 
lies  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Champlain,  will  be  produc- 
tive of  great  evils  to  the  United  States  of  America. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolve  be  transmitted  to 
General  Gates. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colonel  James  Hammon  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds 
on  account,  towards  the  payment  of  such  of  the  militia  of 
this  State  as  were  in  service  under  his  command  ;  and  that 
Colonel  Hammon  account  for  the  expenditure  of  the  same 
with  the  Auditor-General  of  this  Stale. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Abra- 
ham Whitaker  the  sum  of  three  pounds,  for  riding  express 
to  Claverack. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  account  of 
Charles  Giles,  for  victualing  the  disaffected  persons  con- 
fined in  the  jail  at  Kingston,  reported  that  there  appears  to 
be  due  to  Mr.  Giles  the  sum  of  £141  12s.  Od.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Charles  Giles  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  forty-one  pounds 
twelve  shillings,  in  full  for  his  account  of  victualing  the  dis- 
affected persons  confined  in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  agreeably 
to  his  account  of  the  first  instant. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Sylvester  Salisbury,  and  the  offi- 
cers under  his  command,  be  at  liberty  to  enlist  out  of  the 
militia  of  foot  in  Ulster  county,  as  many  volunteers  as  will 
complete  his  company  to  the  number  of  sixty  privates. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  John  Roe,  as  cor- 
net, and  Abm.  Van  Gaasbeek,  1st  quarter-master  of  the 
said  company. 

Whereas  this  Convention  having  information  that  the 
fleets  and  armies  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  did  design 
to  make  an  immediate  incursion  into  the  southern  parts  of 
this  State,  did,  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  March  last,  re- 
solve as  follows,  to  wit : 

"Resolved,  That  Brigr.  General  George  Clinton  be  and 
he  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  either  on  the  requi- 
sition of  His  Excellency  General  Washington  or  at  his  own 
discretion,  to  call  into  actual  service  all  or  any  part  or  pro- 
portion of  the  militia,  as  well  horse  as  foot,  of  the  counties 
of  Westchester,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange,  or  either  of 
them,  and  that  he  station  ihe  said  militia  in  such  manner  as 
may  be  most  proper  for  the  securing  the  posts  and  passes 
in  the  Highlands,  and  frustrating  the  attempts  of  the  ene- 
my to  make  incursions  into  this  State,  and  that  they  be  dis- 
charged as  soon  as  the  arrival  of  a  sufficient  number  of 
Continental  troops,  or  other  contingency,  shall  render  their 
continuance  in  the  field  unnecessary." 

And  whereas  sundry  of  the  exempts  wilhin  the  said 
counties  have  been  ordered  out  by  virtue  of  the  said  reso- 
lution, as  in  case  of  actual  invasion,  and  divers  complaints 
have  been  thereof  made  :  And  whereas,  although  the  ene- 
my should  not  make  such  immediate  invasion  as  aforesaid, 
it  is  nevertheless  just  and  right  that  the  said  exempts  should 
contribute  towards  the  defence  of  this  State, 


914 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolved,  That  each  of  the  said  exempts  who  shall  not 
be  desirous  of  continuing  in  the  service  during  the  lime  for 
which  a  part  of  the  militia  of  the  said  counties  have  been 
ordered  out  as  aforesaid,  upon  payment  of  the  sum  of  eight 
dollars,  be  discharged  by  the  colonel  of  the  regiment  of 
drafts  to  which  they  do  belong,  and  that  all  the  moneys  so 
paid  shall  be  equally  divided  among  the  soldiers  of  the  said 
militia  now  in  service  under  the  command  of  the  said  Genl. 
George  Clinton. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

May  7,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Genl  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort— Mb  any. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Colo  Williams,  Major  Webster — Charlotte. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens— Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Morris,  agreeable  to  notice  given,  delivered  in  a  re- 
solution by  him  drawn  up,  for  remitting  all  quit  rents  due, 
and  forever  abolishing  all  quit  rents  within  this  State.  The 
same  was  read  and  taken  into  consideratin.  After  long  de- 
bates, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Jay  and  Genl.  Scott. 

Resolved,  That  Melancton  Smith,  Esquire,  be  appoint- 
ed a  commissioner  (in  the  stead  of  Mr.  Jay,  whose  pre- 
sence is  necessarily  required  in  Convention,)  for  executing 
certain  resolutions  of  this  State,  passed  the  4th  instant, 
for  preventing,  quelling  and  subduing  all  insurrections  in 
the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Westchester. 

Wednesday  Afternoon,  May  7,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke  —  Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort— Mbany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton, 
relative  to  the  prisoners  sent  from  Fort  Montgomery,  and 
under  sentence  of  death,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Convention  ) 
"  Of  the  State  of  New- York,  at  > 
"  Kingston,  May  7,  1777.  ) 

"  Sir — I  am  charged  by  Convention,  to  thank  you  for 
your  attention  to  the  public  safety,  and  to  acknowledge 
the  delivery  of  the  traitors  sent  lo  us  under  command  of 
one  of  your  officers.  The  Convention  are  entirely  in  opi- 
nion with  you,  that  too  much  pains  cannot  be  taken  to 
prevent  the  execution  of  the  designs  of  our  inlernal  ene- 
mies, whose  characters  they  conceive  lo  be  of  the  most 
dangerous  and  malignant  complexion.  The  Convention 
are  fully  convinced  that  you  will  do  every  thing  in  your 
power  to  secure  the  dispersed  remains  of  Rosa's  party  ; 
and  are  extremely  disposed  to  cooperate  with  you  for  that 
purpose.    Every  expedient  which  you  may  think  proper 


to  propose  for  promoting  this  salutary  end,  will  be  second- 
ed by  their  utmost  exertions. 

"  I  am  directed  by  Convention,  to  inform  you,  that  your 
treatment  of  Sammons  needs  no  apology.  They  are  fully 
sensible  of  your  attachment  to  the  public  cause,  and  of 
your  just  sense  of  what  is  due  to  the  supreme  authority  of 
the  State,  that  they  are  incapable  of  putting  misconstruc- 
tions on  your  conduct :  but  as  he  has  been  pardoned  by 
the  Convention,  it  is  their  opinion  that  he  ought  to  be  dis- 
charged, after  you  shall  have  obtained  from  him  such  in- 
formation as  you  shall  deem  sufficient. 

"  The  Convention  observe  from  your  list,  that  twenty 
of  those  villains  are  still  lurking  about  the  country ;  if 
they  could  be  apprehended,  perhaps  toryism  might  be  cut 
up  by  the  roots  in  Ulster  county.  We  can  assure  you 
that  vigorous  measures  are  in  actual  execution  for  answer- 
ing the  salutary  purpose  on  the  other  side  of  the  river. 
Concerning  Mr.  Colden,  the  Convention  do  not  consider 
him  as  a  person  guilty  of  any  punishable  crime  since  his 
permission  from  the  commissioners  for  conspiracies  to  re- 
turn home  ;  but  they  conceive  that  his  advice  lo  the  ene- 
my's officer  and  his  attendants  about  the  means  of  their 
escape,  has  reiterated  the  evidence  of  his  disaffection.  In 
consequence  of  which,  and  to  preserve  his  life  against  po- 
pular resentment,  ihey  have  thought  proper  to  confine  him 
in  jail  ;  to  this  act  of  severity  they  were  led,  not  only  from 
a  regard  to  his  personal  safety,  but  from  a  full  conviction 
that  had  he  been  left  at  home,  he  could  have  done  more 
mischief  to  the  common  cause  than  if  he  had  been  with 
General  Howe. 

"  Whatever  may  be  the  grounds  of  Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Cooper's  apprehensions,  the  Convention  hope  they 
are  imaginary  ;  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  reinforce  him. 
He  is  subject  to  your  command  :  in  respect  to  him,  the 
Convention  is  convinced  you  or  your  brother  will  give  him 
a  line  of  conduct. 

"  The  prisoners  under  sentence  of  death  which  you  sent 
from  Fort  Montgomery,  are,  as  you  will  find  by  the  reso- 
lutions of  Convention,  already  transmitted  to  you,  sub- 
jected, as  to  their  execution,  to  your  orders  ;  at  present, 
they  are  extremely  burdensome  to  the  inhabitants,  who 
keep  a  considerable  guard  over  the  jail  to  prevent  a  rescue. 
We  detain  your  officer  and  guard  here  until  we  shall  hear 
from  you  on  this  subject,  which  we  wish  may  be  as  expe- 
ditious as  possible. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  Brigr.  Genl.  Geo.  Clinton." 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

May  8,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Brig  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb, Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates — Hbany. 

Mr.  Harper — Tryon. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 
The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Abraham  Lott,  Es- 
quire, late  Treasurer  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  deliver- 
ed in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  be  excused 
his  further  attendance  on  the  committee  appointed  for  quel- 
ling the  insurrections  in  the  manor  of  Livingston  and  Rhine- 
beck  precincts,  and  that  Mr.  Cantine  and  Mr.  Zeph.  Plait, 
or  either  of  them,  be  and  are  hereby  empowered  to  exe- 
cute the  business  to  which  the  said  committee  are  ap- 
pointed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


915 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  be  informed  that 
hisatlendance  at  Convention  is  requested  as  soon  as  possible. 

On  application  of  Arthur  Connelly,  the  following  letter 
to  General  McDougall  was  read  and  agreed  to,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — It  has  been  suggested  to  Convention,  the  prin- 
cipal witness  against  John  Williams  bears  an  infamous 
character,  and  that  it  is  probable  his  testimony  may  merit 
little  credit,  his  friends  offering  to  prove  to  you  the  pri- 
soner's innocence,  if  time  be  given  ihem.  The  Conven- 
tion have  determined  to  reprieve  him  for  ten  days  from  this 
day,  and  request  the  favour  of  your  opinion  respecting  the 
disposition  of  him  after  that  lime,  in  order  lhat  if,  on  fur- 
ther inquiry,  he  should  be  thought  an  object  of  pardon,  he 
may  receive  it ;  if  not,  that  he  may  suffer  the  punishment 
due  to  his  guilt." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  advance  to 
Major  Joseph  Strang  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  on 
account,  towards  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  such  of  the 
militia  of  Westchester,  under  his  command,  as  were  called 
out  to  service  in  January  last,  and  take  his  receipt,  to  ac- 
count with  the  Auditor-General  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  Honourable  Henry  Wisner,  Esq.  the  sum  of  six  hun- 
dred pounds,  on  account  of  saltpetre  by  him  purchased  in 
this  State,  by  order  of  Convention,  and  take  his  receipt  to 
account  for  the  same. 

Die  Jovis,  P.  M.  May  8,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scolt.  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Beekman,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Jay, 
Major  Van  ZanJt.  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Mr.  Lawrence — Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates — 
Albany. 
Mr.  G  Livingston— Dutchess. 
Mr.  Wm.  Harper,  Mr.  Xewkirk—  Tryon. 
Mr.  Jos.  Smith,  Mr.  AVisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris — Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  John  Broome,  dated  the  5th  in- 
stant, relative  to  the  vessel  of  war,  the  Montgomery,  was 
received  and  read,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Hartford,  May  5,  1777. 

"  Sir — Capt.  William  Rogers,  in  the  privateer  sloop 
Montgomery,  belonging  to  our  State/arrived  at  New-Haven 
last  week,  and  as  I  esleem  that  harbour  at  present  a  very 
unsafe  one,  I  have  ordered  her  round  into  Connecticut 
river,  as  high  as  Middletown. 

"  Capt.  Rogers,  on  his  passage  from  Baltimore,  took  a 
prize  schooner  laden  with  tobacco,  bound  to  New-York, 
but  was  unluckily  retaken  by  a  man  of  war  near  Fisher's 
Island. 

"  The  officer  and  four  men  of  wars  men  which  navigated 
the  schooner,  are  brought  in  prisoners.  I  think  it  will  be 
be  best  to  fit  out  the  Slontgomery  immediately,  if  provi- 
sions and  other  necessaries  can  be  obtained  ;  but  the  cap- 
tain and  men  decline  going  until  the  former  cruizes  are 
settled.  Capt.  Rogers  tells  me  he  engaged  in  our  service 
on  the  terms  allowed  by  Congress,  whichat  present  I  think 
is  half  the  prizes,  besides  wages.  Should  be  glad  to  know 
if  the  Convention  understand  the  agreement  in  lhat  light. 
I  have  not  as  yet  had  an  opportunity  of  procuring  Capt. 
Rogers'  accounts,  therefore  don't  know  how  much  is  due 
to  him  and  the  men.  The  privateer,  I  am  informed,  is 
considerably  in  debt  for  moneys  advanced  by  order  of  her 
former  agent,  Mr.  Hallet,  towards  fining  her  out  the  last 
cruise  at  New-Haven.  If  Mr.  Francis  Lewis  is  returned 
to  Convention,  it  will  be  necessary  to  send  me  a  sufficiency 
of  her  prize  money  to  settle  the  accounts  and  refit  her ; 
but  in  case  he  is  not  with  you,  I  desire  Convention  will, 
without  loss  of  time,  order  him  to  remit  me  a  sufficiency 


for  lhat  purpose.  I  am  the  more  urgent  because  there  will 
he  no  chance  of  gelling  her  out  before  the  accounts  are 
closed.  Capt.  Rogers  tells  me  his  prize  sold  at  Baltimore 
rising  £11,000  lhat  currency,  which  is  at  the  rale  of  75. 
6d.  per  dollar.  I  imagine  £7,000  is  not  more  than  will  be 
necessary  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned,  should  you 
direct  me  to  allow  half  the  prize  money  exclusive  of  wages. 
The  caplain  tells  me  he  received  at  Baltimore,  from  Mr. 
Lewis,  about  £700.  I  have  just  removed  my  family  from 
the  sea  shore  to  this  place,  and  allotted  to  have  set  out  for 
Convention  last  w7eek,  but  the  landing  of  the  enemy  at 
Compoo  and  the  arrival  of  Rogers  prevented. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  and 

"  Convention's  humble  servt. 

"J AS.  BROOME. 

"  N.  B.  If  the  salt  brig  is  condemned  and  sold,  Mr. 
Lewis  must  send  me  of  her  proceeds  in  nearly  the  same 
proportion  with  that  of  the  other  prize." 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  Major  Ledvard,  dated  the  7th  instant,  pray- 
ing to  be  placed  in  some  other  regiment,  was  read,  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  May  it  please  your  Honours — It  gives  me  the 
greatest  pain  lhat  I  am  now  under  the  disagreeable  neces- 
sity of  troubling  your  Honourable  Body  ;  but  I  hope  for 
pardon,  when  I  assure  you  it  is  with  a  sincere  view  to  the 
good  of  the  service.  I  am  fully  sensible  of  the  honour 
done  me  by  my  late  appointment  to  a  majority  in  one  of 
your  regiments,  and  wish  to  acquit  myself  worthy  ihe  con- 
fidence you  were  pleased  to  repose  in  me,  which  I  hope 
you  will  leave  in  my  power  by  granting  my  request.  I 
have  been  exceedingly  ill  treated  by  my  colonel,  Henry  B. 
Livingston,  Esq.  for  this  some  lime  past ;  twice  arrested  by 
him,  and  with  much  difficulty  I  have  been  able  finally  to 
get  a  trial  ;  but  then,  in  the  most  unprecedented  manner, 
I  was  obliged  to  submit  to  his  bringing  against  me  all  that 
he  could  make  up  from  the  time  of  my  entering  the  regi- 
ment to  ihe  2nd  inst.  when  my  last  arrest  was  dated,  or  be 
put  off  perhaps  again  without  satisfaction.  I  therefore 
agreed  to  it,  and  the  sentence  of  the  court  martial  was  (as 
in  yesterday's  general  orders)  '  that  the  charges  are  ground- 
less, and  do  therefore  acquit  him  with  honour.'  It  is  not 
possible  for  me  to  serve  in  the  regiment  under  his  com- 
mand, and  do  justice  to  it  and  my  country  ;  cheerfulness, 
unanimity  and  pleasure  are  wanting.  I  therefore  beg  your 
Honours  will  be  pleased  to  remove  me  to  the  2nd  regiment 
of  this  State,  commanded  by  Col.  Van  Corllandt.  I  wish 
not  to  leave  the  service,  but  if  this  remove  is  thought  in- 
convenient or  improper,  and  I  can  serve  in  no  other  way 
than  in  the  regiment  he  commands,  I  must  beg,  if  it  is  still 
in  your  power,  you  will  grant  me  leave  to  resign  my  com- 
mission. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  Honours  most  obt.  servt. 

"  BENJ.  LEDYARD, 
"  Major  Ath  N.  Y.  Regt. 

••  Peekskill,  May  7,  1777." 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Morris. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  Major  Ledyard's  letter,  was  read 
and  approved  of,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  7th  instant  hath  been  received  and 
laid  before  the  Convention.  It  gives  them  great  concern 
to  receive  any  complaints  grounded  upon  the  want  of  una- 
nimity among  the  officers  of  this  Slate,  and  they  are  un- 
happy that  it  is  not  in  their  power  to  remove  the  uneasi- 
ness which  has  arisen  upon  this  occasion.  But  as  the 
whole  of  this  business  is  completed,  it  is  now  out  of  the 
hands  of  the  Convention,  nor  can  they  with  propiiety  in- 
terfere. An  exchange,  by  consent,  may  doubtless  be  ob- 
tained with  leave  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,  to  whom 
alone  application  can,  with  propriety,  be  made  on  this  sub- 
ject. I  am,  &c. 
"  Major  Benj.  Ledyard." 


916 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Jona.  Law- 1 
rence  and  Peter  P.  Van  Zandt;  the  committee  appointed 
to  provide  vessels  for  the  reception  of  such  disaffected  per- 
sons as  may  be  sent  on  board  to  be  confined,  be  empower- 
ed to  appoint  a  commissary  to  provide  provisions  and  other 
necessaries  for  the  said  prisoners. 

Mr.  Morris  read  a  paragraph  of  a  letter  from  General 
McDougall  to  him,  wherein  the  General  recommends  to 
this  Convention  as  an  object  of  mercy  and  pardon,  Anthony 
Hill,  who  was,  on  a  charge  of  holding  a  treacherous  cor- 
respondence with  the  enemy  and  of  being  employed  by 
them  for  the  purpose  of  enlisting  men  into  their  service,  by 
a  general  court  martial  held  at  Peekskill  on  the  13th  and 
18th  days  of  April  last  past,  found  guilty  and  sentenced  to 
be  hanged  by  the  neck  till  he  be  dead,  which  said  sentence 
was  by  this  Convention  approved  and  confirmed. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  the 
said  Anthony  Hill,  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority  of  this 
Convention,  of  the  crimes  whereof  he  is  convicted  as 
aforesaid. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  several  pay 
and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  companies  of  rangers  raised  in 
the  counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,  and  other  ac- 
counts of  the  said  rangers  as  transmitted  by  the  commis- 
sioners appointed  to  regulate  the  said  companies  of  rangers, 
reported  that  they  have  examined  the  same,  and  that  there 
appears  to  be  due  to  the  said  commissioners  on  account  of 
the  said  rangers,  the  sum  of  13,430  dollars  and  3s.  6d.  to 
the  16th  of  April,  1777,  including  an  account  of  Elkanah 
Day,  of  23^  dollars  by  him  advanced.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Jacob  Bayley,  James  Clay  and  John  Sessions,  Esquires, 
commissioners  appointed  to  regulate  and  pay  the  rangers 
raised  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  the 
sum  of  13,430  dollars  and  3s.  (id.  and  that  the  said  Trea- 
surer transmit  the  said  sum  by  Mr.  Wm.  Wallace,  who  is 
sent  by  the  said  commissioners  for  that  purpose,  and  take 
his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Whereas  a  regard  to  the  sacred  cause  we  are  engaged 
in,  as  well  as  common  justice  and  humanity,  dictate  the 
propriety  of  adopting  some  mode  of  relief  for  such  of  the 
inhabitants  of  this  State,  as  have,  by  the  hand  of  tyranny 
and  injustice,  been  driven  from  their  habitations,  and  de- 
prived of  their  substance,  and  thereby  rendered  unable  to 
support  themselves  and  families  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  in  the  county  of  Westchester,  Zebediah 
Mills  and  Nathaniel  Hyat,  Esquires  ;  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  Ezra  Thompson  and  Frederick  Jay,  Esquires  ; 
in  the  county  of  Ulster,  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker  and 
John  Slight,  Esquires  ;  and  in  the  county  of  Orange,  John 
Brewster  and  Teunis  Cooper,  Esquires,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  appointed  commissioners  to  take  the  general 
superintendence  and  care  of  all  such  poor  as  aforesaid  on 
each  of  the  respective  counties  for  which  they  are  appoint- 
ed, and  that  the  commissioners  of  any  two  or  more  coun- 
ties agreeing,  be  authorized  to  remove  said  poor  from  one 
or  either  of  such  counties  into  another,  and  the  commis- 
sioners of  each  of  the  said  counties  to  remove  them  from 
one  district  to  another,  within  the  same  county,  for  the 
convenience  of  keeping  them  employed,  or  supplying  them 
with  necessaries,  and  with  such  other  things  as  they  shall 
judge  necessary  for  their  comfortable  subsistence,  from 
time  to  lime  ;  and  to  keep  them  employed  at  such  business 
as  they  shall  be  able  to  perform,  and  as  the  said  commis- 
sioners shall  judge  to  be  most  advantageous  to  the  said 
poor  and  the  public.  Provided  always,  That  no  such 
removal,  or  residence,  shall  be  construed  to  gain  a  right  of 
settlement  to  any  of  such  poor  in  the  county  to  which  they 
are,  or  shall  be  removed. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  either,  or  any  of 
the  above  counties,  have  power  at  their  discretion  to  bind 
out  to  trades,  or  other  occupations,  the  children  of  such  of 
the  said  poor  as  were  objects  of  the  public  charity,  before 


they  were  driven  from  their  habitations  as  aforesaid  :  Pro- 
vided, That  no  male  among  such  children  be  bound  out 
for  any  longer  time  than  until  he  shall  arrive  at  the  age  of 
twenty-one  years ;  nor  female,  than  until  she  shall  arrive 
at  the  age  of  eighteen  :  And  that  they  assist  such  persons 
who,  before  they  were  driven  from  their  habitations  as 
aforesaid,  were  not  indebted  to  the  public  charity,  but 
were  able  to  support  their  families  by  their  own  means  and 
industry,  in  putting  out  their  children  to  such  places  and 
employments,  for  such  time  or  times,  as  the  said  parents 
shall  consent  to.  And  that  the  said  commissioners  do, 
from  time  to  time,  discharge  from  their  care,  and  withhold 
the  public  benevolence  from  such  persons  as,  in  the  judg- 
ment of  said  commissioners,  shall  be  able  to  support  them- 
selves without  it. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  be  allowed  at, 
and  after  the  rate  of  ten  shillings  per  day  for  their  expense 
and  trouble  in  executing  the  aforegoing  resolutions,  while 
actually  employed  therein. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  of  the  poor,  in  each 
respective  county,  be  empowered  to  draw  upon  the  Trea- 
surer for  a  sum  not  exceeding  five  hundred  pounds  for  each 
county,  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  said  commissioners 
respectively. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  tem- 
porary plan  of  government. 

On  the  last  reading  of  the  report,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  moved 
that  Mr.  Philip  Livingston  be  appointed  Senator,  in  the 
stead  of  Doctor  John  Jones,  on  account  of  Doctor  Jones's 
bad  state  of  health. 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Morris,  moved  the  following 
amendment :  That  Mr.  Philip  Livingston's  name  be  insert- 
ed in  the  place  of  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt. 

The  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirma- 
tive, viz  : 

For  the  affirmative. 

Ulster,  4 

Orange,    3 

Westchester,   4 

Albany,    6 

17 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Philip  Livingston  be  appointed  in 
the  stead  of  Mr.  John  Van  Cortlandt. 

The  plan  for  organizing  government  being  finished,  was 
read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas,  until  such  time  as  the  constitution  and  go- 
vernment of  this  State  shall  be  fully  organized,  it  is  neces- 
sary that  some  persons  be  vested  with  power  to  provide 
for  the  safety  of  the  same.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  John  Morin  Scott,  Robert  R.  Livings- 
ton, Christopher  Tappcn,  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Govcrneur 
Morris,  Zephaniah  Piatt,  John  Jay,  Charles  De  Wilt,  Ro- 
bert Harper,  Jacob  Cuyler,  Thomas  Tredwell,  Pierre  Van 
Cortlandt,  Matthew  Cantine,  John  Sloss  Hobait  and  Jona- 
than Tompkins,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  appointed  a  Council  of  Safety,  and  invested 
with  all  the  powers  necessary  for  the  safety  and  preserva- 
tion of  the  State,  until  a  meeting  of  the  Legislature  :  Pro- 
vided, That  the  executive  powers  of  the  State  shall  be 
vested  in  the  Governor,  as  soon  as  he  shall  be  chosen  and 
admitted  into  office  ;  previous  to  which  admission,  such 
Governor  shall  appear  before  the  said  Council,  and  take 
the  oath  of  allegiance  ;  and  also  the  following  oath  of  office, 
to  be  taken  by  the  Governors  and  Lieutenant-Governors  of 
this  State,  to  wit : 

"  '  1,  ,  by  the  suffrage  of  the  freeholders  of  the 

State  of  New-York,  according  to  the  laws  and  Constitution 
of  the  said  State,  elected  to  serve  the  good  people  thereof 
as  their  ,  do  here  solemnly,  in  the  presence  of  that  Al- 
mighty and  eternal  God,  before  whom  I  shall  one  day  an- 
swer for  my  conduct,  covenant  and  promise  to  and  with 
the  good  people  of  the  State  of  New-York,  that  I  will  in 
all  things,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  ability,  faith- 
fully perform  the  trust,  so  as  aforesaid  reposed  in  me,  by 


For  the  negative. 

New-York,    8 

Suffolk,    4 

12 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


917 


executing  the  laws,  and  maintaining  the  peace,  freedom, 
honour  and  independence  of  the  said  State,  in  conformity  to 
the  powers  unto  me  delegated  by  the  constitution  ;  and  I 
pray  God  so  to  preserve  and  help  me,  when  in  my  ex- 
tremest  necessity  I  shall  invoke  His  holy  name,  as  I  do 
keep  this  my  sacred  oalh  and  declaration.' 

"  And  whereas  the  appointment  of  officers  in  this  State, 
is  by  the  constitution  thereof  vested  in  the  Governor,  by 
and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  a  council  of  appoint- 
ment, which  doth  not,  and  cannot  exist,  until  after  an  elec- 
tion of  Representatives  in  Senate  and  Assembly. 

"  And  whereas  many  of  the  said  officers  are  necessary, 
not  only  for  the  immediate  execution  of  the  laws  of  this 
State,  and  the  distribution  of  justice,  but  also  for  the  hold- 
ing of  such  elections  as  aforesaid.  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  appointed  within  this  State,  by  authority  of  the 
same,  to  wit :  That  Robert  R.  Livingston  be  chancellor; 
John  Jay,  chief  justice  ;  Robert  Yates  and  John  Sloss  Ho- 
bart,  puisne  judges  ;  and  Egbert  Benson,  attorney-general 
of  this  Slate.  That  Volkert  P.  Douw  be  first  judge,  and 
Jacob  C.  Ten  Eyck,  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Henry 
Bleecker,  Walter  Livingston,  and  John  H.  Ten  Eyck,  the 
other  judges  for  the  county  of  Albany  ;  and  that  Henry  I. 
Wendell  be  sheriff,  and  Leonard  Gansevoort,  clerk  of  the 
said  county.  That  Ephraim  Paine  be  first  judge,  and 
Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Anthony  Hoffman,  the  other  judges 
for  the  county  of  Dutchess;  and  that  Melancton  Smith  be 
sheriff  and  Henry  Livingston,  clerk  of  the  said  county. 
That  Lewis  Morris  be  first  judge  ;  Stephen  Ward,  Joseph 
Strang  and  Jno.  G.  Tompkins,  the  other  judges  for  the 
county  of  Westchester ;  and  that  John  Thomas  be  sheriff 
and  John  Bartow,  clerk  of  the  said  county.  That  Levi 
Pawling  be  first  judge,  and  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  the 
other  judge  for  the  county  of  Ulster ;  and  that  Egbert 
Dumond  be  sheriff,  and  George  Clinton,  clerk  of  the  said 
county.    That  be  first  judge,  and 

the  other  judges  of  the  county  of  Try  on  ;  and  that  Antho- 
ny Van  Veghten  be  sheriff,  and  clerk  of  the 
said  county.    That                be  first  judge,  and 

the  other  judges  of  the  county  of  Orange  ;  and 
that  Jesse  Woodhull  be  sheriff,  and  clerk  of 

the  said  county.  That  William  Duer  be  first  judge,  John 
Williams  and  William  Marsh,  the  other  judges  for  the 
county  of  Charlotte  ;  and  that  Edward  Savage  be  sheriff, 
and  Ebenezer  Clarke,  clerk  of  the  said  county.  That 

be  first  judge,  the  other  judges 

of  the  county  of  Cumberland  ;  and  that  Paul  Spooner  be 
sheriff,  and  clerk  of  the  said  county  ;  and  that 

be  the  first  judge  and  the 
other  judges  for  the  county  of  Gloucester  ;  and  that  Na- 
thaniel Merrill  be  sheriff,  and  clerk  of  the  said 
county.    And  further, 

"  Resolved,  That  each  and  every  of  the  persons  herein 
before  appointed  do,  before  the  Council  of  Safety  afore- 
said, or  such  persons  as  shall  be  by  them  appointed,  take 
and  subscribe  the  following  oath  of  allegiance,  to  wit : 

"  '  I,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare  in  the 

presence  of  the  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  bear  true  faith 
and  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New- York,  as  a  good  sub- 
ject of  the  said  Stale,  and  will  do  my  duty  as  such  a  sub- 
ject ought  to  do.' 

"  And  further,  That  every  of  the  judicial  officers  above 
mentioned,  do  before  he  take  upon  him  the  exercise  of  his 
office,  make  the  following  oath,  in  manner  above  mentioned  : 

"  '  I,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare  in  the 

presence  of  the  Almighty  God,  that  I  will,  to  the  best  of 
my  knowledge  and  abilities,  execute  the  office  of 
within  the  State  of  New-York,  according  to  the  laws  and 
Constitution  of  the  said  State,  in  defence  of  the  freedom 
and  independence  thereof,  and  for  the  maintenance  of 
liberty,  and  the  distribution  of  justice  among  the  subjects 
of  the  said  State,  without  fear,  favour,  partiality,  affection 
or  hope  of  reward.' 

230 


"  And  also,  that,  every  of  the  sheriffs  herein  before 
named,  do,  before  he  exercise  his  said  office,  take  in  like 
manner,  the  following  oalh,  to  wit : 

"  '  I,  sheriff  of  the  county  of  do  so- 

lemnly swear  and  declare  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  thai  I  will  in  all  things,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge 
and  abiliiy,  do  my  duty  as  sheriff  of  the  said  county,  ac- 
cording to  the  laws  and  constitution  of  this  Stale  of  New- 
York,  for  the  furtherance  of  justice,  and  in  support  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  of  the  said  Stale  and  of  the  subjects 
thereof.' 

"  And  that  every  of  the  clerks  herein  before  named,  do 
in  like  manner,  take  the  following  oath,  to  wit : 

"  '  I,  clerk  of  do  solemnly  swear  and 

declare,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  justly 
and  honestly  keep  the  records  and  papers  by  virtue  of  my 
said  office  of  clerk  committed  unto  me,  and  in  all  other 
things,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  understanding, 
faithfully  perform  the  duly  of  my  said  office  of  clerk,  with- 
out favour  or  partiality.' 

"And  whereas  it  will  be  proper  that  all  officers  within 
this  State  be,  as  soon  as  possible,  appointed,  in  the  mode 
for  that  purpose  prescribed  by  the  constitution  :  There- 
fore, 

"Resolved,  That  all  and  singular  the  officers  herein  be- 
fore appointed,  shall  respectively  hold  their  offices,  accord- 
ing to  the  tenure  of  such  offices  respectively  specified  in 
the  said  constitution,  if  respectively  approved  of  by  the 
council  for  the  appointment  of  officers,  at  their  first  session  ; 
at  which  session,  such  of  the  said  officers  as  shall  be  ap- 
proved of  by  the  said  council,  as  aforesaid,  shall  receive 
their  commissions  in  proper  form  :  It  is  nevertheless  pro- 
vided, that  every  of  the  persons  herein  before  named,  who 
held  ihe  like  office  with  that  so  as  aforesaid  conferred  upon 
him,  under  authority  derived  from  the  King  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, during  good  behaviour,  shall  continue  to  hold  the  said 
office,  so  long  as  he  shall  well  and  faithfully  perform  the 
duties  of  such  office. 

"  And  whereas  no  permanent  provision  could  with  pro- 
priety be  made  in  the  constitution  of  this  State  for  ihe 
mode  of  holding  elections  within  the  same,  such  provisions 
being  properly  within  the  power  of  ihe  Legislature,  and 
depending  from  lime  to  time  upon  the  situation  and  circum- 
stances of  the  State  :  And  whereas  it  is  necessary  to  point 
out  some  mode  by  which  elections  for  a  Governor,  Lieute- 
nant-Governor, and  members  of  the  Legislature  may  be 
held  within  this  State  :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties 
herein  before  mentioned,  upon  public  notice  for  that  pur- 
pose by  them  given,  at  least  ten  days  before  ihe  day  of 
election,  do  direct  that  elections  be  held  for  Governor,  Lieu- 
tenant-Governor and  Senators  in  each  county,  by  the  free- 
holders thereof,  qualified  as  is  by  the  constitution  prescrib- 
ed, and  for  members  of  Assembly,  by  the  people  at  large, 
at  the  following  places,  to  wit : 

"  In  the  county  of  Albany  :  At  the  City  Hall  in  the  city 
of  Albany;  at  the  house  of  William  White,  in  Schenec- 
tady ;  at  the  house  of  George  Mann,  in  Schoharie  ;  al  ihe 
house  of  Lambert  Van  Valckenburgh,  at  Cocksackie  Flalts; 
at  the  house  of  Cornelius  Miller,  at  Claverack  ;  at  ihe 
house  of  Solomon  Demming,  in  King's  district;  at  the 
house  of  Isaac  Becker,  in  Tamhanick  ;  and  at  ihe  house 
of  Abraham  Bloodgood,  at  Stillwater. 

"  In  the  county  of  Ulster  :  At  the  court  house  in  the  town 
of  Kingston  ;  at  the  house  of  Ann  Du  Bois,  in  New-Paltz; 
at  the  house  of  Sarah  Hill,  in  Hanover  precinct;  at  the 
house  of  Martin  Wygant,  in  the  precinct  of  Newburgh. 

"  In  the  county  of  Orange  :  At  the  court  house  in  Go- 
shen ;  at  or  near  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  Warwick  ; 
at  the  house  of  John  Brewster,  in  the  precinct  of  Cornwall ; 
at  the  court  house  at  the  New-City,  in  the  precinct  of  Ka- 
kiat;  at  the  house  of  Paulus  Vandervoort,  in  Havcrslraw; 
and  at  the  house  of  Joseph  Maybee,  in  the  precinct  of 
Tappan. 


918 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


"  In  the  county  of  Westchester  :  At  the  house  of  Elijah 
Hunter,  in  Bedford  ;  and  at  the  house  of  Captain  Abraham 
Tiiiel,  in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt. 

"  In  the  county  of  Dutchess  :  At  the  house  of  the  widow 
of  Simon  Westfall,  deceased,  in  Rhinebeck  precinct ;  at 
the  house  of  John  Stoutenburgh,  in  Charlotte  pracinct;  at 
the  house  of  Capt.  Jonathan  Dennis,  in  Beekman's  pre- 
cinct ;  at  or  near  New-Hackensack  church,  in  Rumbout 
precinct ;  and  at  Matthew  Patterson's,  in  Fredericksburgh 
precinct. 

"  In  the  county  of  Tryon  :  At  the  house  of  Johannes 
Veder,  in  the  Mohawk  district ;  at  the  house  of  John  Dunn, 
in  Canajohary  district ;  at  the  church  in  Stone  Arabia,  in 
Palatine  district ;  at  the  house  of  Frederick  Bellinger,  in 
the  German  Flats  district ;  at  Smith's  hall,  in  Old  England 
district ;  and  at  the  house  of  Alexander  Harper,  in  the 
township  of  Harpersfield. 

"  In  the  county  of  Cumberland  :  At  the  house  of  Seth 
Smith,  in  Brattleborough  ;  at  the  house  of  Luke  Knowlton, 
in  New-Fain  ;  at  the  court  house,  in  Westminster ;  at  the 
house  of  Tarbell,  in  Chester  ;  at  the  town  house,  in 

Windsor ;  and  at  the  house  of  Colonel  Marsh,  in  Hert- 
ford. 

"  In  the  county  of  Charlotte  :  At  the  new  Presbyterian 
church,  in  New-Perth  ;  at  the  house  of  Anthony  Hoffnagle, 
in  Kingsbury  ;  at  the  house  of  Nathaniel  Spring,  in  Gran- 
ville ;  and  at  some  convenient  place  in  each  of  the  towns 
of  Manchester,  Danby  and  Castle  Town.  And, 

"  In  the  county  of  Gloucester  ;  At  such  places  as  the 
sheriff  of  the  said  county,  by  the  advice  of  the  county  com- 
mittee, shall  appoint  for  the  convenience  of  electors  within 
the  same. 

"  And  that  the  sheriff  of  every  county  shall  order  the 
elections  to  be  held  in  each  place  above  mentioned,  in  his 
county,  on  the  same  day,  under  the  direction  of  two  repu- 
table freeholders,  one  to  be  appointed  by  the  county  com- 
mittee, the  other  by  the  sheriff,  to  attend  at  each  of  the 
places  where  the  elections  are,  as  aforesaid,  directed  to  be 
held  in  every  county,  who  shall  jointly  superintend  the  said 
elections,  and  return  to  the  sheriff  of  the  county  in  which 
such  elections  are  held,  true  poll  lists  of  the  elections  in 
the  said  several  places,  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor, 
Senators  and  Representatives  in  Assembly  ;  which  lists  the 
sheriff  shall  transmit,  under  his  oath  of  office,  to  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safety,  as  far  as  the  same  shall  relate  to  Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor  and  Senators,  and  shall  cast  up  the 
greatest  number  of  votes  for  the  Representatives  in  Assem- 
bly, and  make  return  of  the  names  of  such  of  them  as  are 
duly  elected,  in  the  manner  that  has  heretofore  been  usual 
and  customary  :  And  the  Council  of  Safety  shall,  upon  re- 
ceipt of  the  poll  lists  of  the  election  for  Governor,  Lieute- 
nant-Governor and  Senators,  examine  the  same,  and  de- 
clare who  is  the  Governor,  who  the  Lieutenant-Governor, 
and  who  the  Senators,  so  chosen  ;  and  shall  administer  to 
the  said  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  the  oaths  of 
allegiance  and  of  office.  The  said  elections  within  the  se- 
veral counties  to  be  so  held,  as  that  the  persons  thereby 
chosen  may  be  assembled  at  Kingston,  in  the  county  of 
Ulster,  or  such  other  place  as  the  said  Council  of  Safety 
shall  appoint,  on  the  first  day  of  July  next ;  provided,  that 
if  by  any  unforeseen  accident,  such  elections  cannot  be  so 
held,  then  the  said  Council  shall  order  elections  at  such 
other  time  or  times  as  shall,  in  their  opinion,  be  most  con- 
ducive to  the  general  interest  of  the  State. 

"  And  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  such  freeholders  as 
have  fled  from  the  southern  parts  of  this  State,  and  are 
now  actually  resident  in  any  of  the  other  counties  of  this 
State,  shall  be  entitled  to  vote  within  such  counties,  for 
Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  as  if  they  had  actually 
possessed  freeholds  within  the  same.  And  that  in  case  an 
election  in  any  county  should  not  be  held,  by  reason  of  the 
death  or  resignation  of  the  sheriff,  or  for  any  other  cause, 
that  the  Council  of  Safety,  or  the  Governor,  in  case  he 
shall  be  sworn  into  his  office,  issue  orders  for  an  election 


for  Representatives  in  Assembly,  in  such  county,  and  ap- 
point a  returning  officer  to  hold  the  same.  And  where  no 
county  committee  shall  be  in  being,  or  such  committee 
shall  neglect  to  appoint  returning  officers  for  the  places 
above  named  in  such  county,  that  the  person  for  that  pur- 
pose appointed  by  the  sheriff  shall  alone  hold  the  election, 
and  make  return  to  the  sheriff  in  like  manner,  as  is  above 
directed. 

"  And  whereas  it  is  impracticable  for  the  inhabitants  of 
the  southern  district  of  this  State  to  choose  Senators  to  re- 
present them  in  the  Senate  thereof,  or  for  the  counties  of 
the  said  district,  Westchester  excepted,  to  elect  Represen- 
tatives in  Assembly  ;  and  it  is  reasonable  and  right  to  give 
to  the  said  district  and  counties  a  proportionable  share  in 
the  legislation  of  the  whole  State,  as  far  as  is  possible  in 
its  present  circumstances  :  Therefore, 

"  Resolved,  That  Lewis  Morris,  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 
John  Morin  Scott,  Jonathan  Lawrence,  William  Floyd, 
William  Smith  of  Suffolk,  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Doctor  John 
Jones  and  Philip  Livingston,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed Senators  for  the  Southern  District  of  this  State ; 
and  in  case  of  vacancy,  such  vacancy  to  be  filled  up  by 
the  choice  of  the  Assembly  :  And  that  Abraham  Brasher, 
Daniel  Dunscomb,  Evert  Bancker,  Peter  P.  Van  Zandt, 
Robert  Harper,  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Jacobus  Van  Zandt, 
Henry  Rutgers,  Junior,  and  Frederick  Jay,  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  appointed  Representatives  in  Assembly,  of  the 
city  and  county  of  New-York  ;  Philip  Edsall,  Daniel  Law- 
rence, Benjamin  Coe  and  Benjamin  Birdsall,  of  the  county 
of  Queens ;  Burnet  Miller,  David  Gelston,  Ezra  L'hom- 
medieu,  Thomas  Tredwell  and  Thomas  Wickes,  of  the 
county  of  Suffolk  ;  William  Boerum  and  Henry  Williams, 
of  the  county  of  Kings  ;  and  Joshua  Mercereau  and  Abra- 
ham Jones,  of  the  county  of  Richmond  ;  and  in  case  of 
vacancy,  such  vacancy  to  be  filled  up  by  the  choice  of  the 
Senate.  Provided  always,  that  none  of  the  said  Senators 
or  Representatives  in  Assembly,  so  appointed,  or  hereafter 
to  be  appointed  as  aforesaid,  shall  continue  longer  in  of- 
fice than  until  the  electors  they  represent  shall  respectively 
be  in  a  capacity  of  electing. 

"  By  order  of  Convention. 

"  ABM.  TEN  BROECK,  President. 

"  Attest. 
"John  McKesson,  Sec'y." 

Ordered,  That  one  thousand  copies  of  the  said  plan  for 
organizing  government,  be  printed. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

May  9,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Col.  Brasher,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Beekraan — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abrm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker— 
Jllbany. 
Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkirk — Tryon. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Jos.  Smith — Orange. 
Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins— Westchester. 
Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

A  letter  from  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mathew  Cantine  and 
Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esquires,  the  committee  sent  to  Rhine- 
beck  and  manor  of  Livingston,  to  quell  the  disaffected, 
dated  the  8th  instant,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Manor  of  Livingston,  8th  May,  1777. 

"  Sir — We  find  the  number  of  conspirators  infinitely 
greater  than  we  could  have  conceived  ;  almost  every  body 
in  the  upper  manor,  (as  it  is  sometimes  called,)  particu- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


919 


larly  the  eastern  part  of  it,  appears  to  have  engaged  with 
the  enemy,  first  by  taking  an  oath  of  secrecy,  and  then  an 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ;  it  appears 
to  have  been  their  design  to  have  waited  till  the  enemy 
came  up,  when  they  were  to  rise  and  take  the  whigs  pri- 
soners. We  think  it  absolutely  necessary  that  a  court 
martial  should  be  organized  here  to-morrow,  out  of  the  of- 
ficers of  the  manor  of  Claverack  and  Rhinebeck  regiments, 
for  the  trial  of  some  few  of  the  principal  offenders.  An 
act  of  grace  should  be  prepared,  though  not  yet  issued,  and 
a  proper  place  provided  for  at  least  two  hundred  prisoners, 
and  provision  be  made  for  their  maintenance.  It  would  be 
proper  also  to  enable  the  committee  of  the  manor  to  raise 
50  men,  under  the  command  of  Capt.  Gaasbeck,  for  the 
district  of  the  manor  of  Livingston  ;  and  it  would  not,  in 
our  opinion,  be  improper  to  indulge  Claverack  and  Rhine- 
beck  districts  with  small  bodies  of  troops  for  a  short  time. 

"  Might  it  not  also  be  right  to  direct  General  Gates  to 
hold  a  court  at  Albany,  as  it  is  clear  that  some  plots  have 
been  formed  to  liberate  the  prisoners  in  Albany.  We  trust 
that  the  spirit  of  disaffection  is  pretty  well  subdued  in  this 
quarter  for  the  present ;  many  coming  in  and  surrendering 
themselves. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  the  utmost  respect, 
"  Your  humble  servants, 

"  ROBT.  R.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  MATTHEW  CANTINE, 
"  ZEPH.  PLATT,  Jr." 

Thereupon  it  was  moved,  that  General  Gates  be  request- 
ed to  constitute  and  establish  a  court  martial  for  the  trial  of 
such  persons  as  have  been  apprehended  in  the  county  of 
A'bany,  and  charged  with  treasonable  practices  against 
this  State,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  this  Convention. 

A  motion  was  then  made  for  an  amendment,  that  General 
Gates's  name  be  struck  out  and  that  General  Ten  Broeck's 
name  be  inserted  in  its  stead. 

The  question  being  put  on  the  said  amendment,  it  was 
carried  unanimously,  by  counties, in  the  affirmative.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  Brigr.  General  Ten  Broeck  be  directed 
immediately  to  constitute  and  establish  a  general  court  mar- 
tial for  the  trial  of  such  persons  as  have  been  apprehended 
and  confined  in  the  county  of  Albany,  and  are  charged  with 
treasonable  practices  against  this  State,  pursuant  to  the  re- 
solutions of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  the  person  or  persons  who  hath  or  have 
in  his  or  their  possession,  any  gunpowder  belonging  to  this 
State,  deliver  to  Colonel  John  Field,  or  his  order,  two  hun- 
dred weight  of  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of  his  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  person  or  persons  who  hath  or  have 
in  his  or  their  possession,  any  lead  belonging  to  this  State, 
deliver  to  Colonel  John  Field,  or  his  order,  six  hundred 
weight  of  lead,  for  the  use  of  his  regiment. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention 
by  Zephaniah  Piatt,  R.  R.  Livingston  and  Matthew  Can- 
tine,  Esquires,  who  were  lately  appointed  a  committee  to 
go  to  Rhinebeck  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  and  to  the 
manor  of  Livingston,  and  take  the  most  effectual  measures 
to  prevent  and  quell  any  insurrections  in  the  said  places  ; 
that  they  have  caused  a  number  of  insurgents  to  be  appre- 
hended, and  recommending  the  immediate  forming  a  court 
martial  for  their  trial :  And  whereas  the  said  Robert  R. 
Livingston  hath,  at  his  request,  been  discharged  from  the 
said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Matthew 
Cantine,  be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized,  in  as  full  and 
ample  manner  as  any  General  of  the  militia  of  this  State 
might  do,  to  institute  a  court  martial  for  the  trial  of  the  pri- 
soners as  aforesaid,  by  their  order  apprehended  for  trea- 
sonable practices  against  this  State,  according  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  this  Convention. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  prepare  and 


bring  in  an  act  of  grace  for  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  as  have  been  guilty  of  treasonable  practices  against 
the  State,  on  their  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance. 

Friday  Afternoon,  May  9,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Jay, 
Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Beekman — New-York- 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk— Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gansevoort,  Mr.  Bleecker— 
Albany. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks — Ulster. 

The  petition  of  Arthur  McKinney,  confined  in  Kingston 
jail,  under  sentence  of  death,  praying  to  be  pardoned,  was 
read. 

A  similar  petition  of  Silas  Gardner,  under  the  like  cir- 
cumstances, was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Hornbeck,  enclosing  the  information 
and  complaint  of  Silas  Bowker  against  John  Middagh  and 
Henry  Bush,  for  spreading  lies  and  false  intelligence,  to 
the  great  discouragement  of  the  good  subjects  of  this  State, 
at  Papaconck,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Rochester  be  requested 
to  cause  John  Middagh  and  Henry  Bush  to  be  apprehended 
and  secured,  and  that  this  Convention  will  defray  the  ex- 
pense thereof. 

A  ration  roll  of  the  ship  joiners  employed  on  board  the 
Continental  ship  Congress,  certified  by  John  Child,  clerk 
of  said  ship,  amounting  to  £34  145.  ll^d.  from  the  14th 
February  to  the  8th  of  May,  1777,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
George  Taylor  the  sum  of  £34  14s.  ll^d.  in  full  for  the 
said  ration  roll,  and  that  he  charge  the  same  to  the  Conti- 
nental account. 

Whereas  Colonel  John  Field,  of  Dutchess  county,  did 
for  the  security  of  the  inhabitants  against  disaffected  per- 
sons, who  were  committing  ravages  in  the  southeastern 
part  of  the  said  county,  order  a  lieutenant  and  twenty  pri- 
vates to  range  in  that  quarter,  and  which  have  lately  been 
employed  in  guarding  some  Continental  stores  at  Hender- 
son's, which  had  been  twice  attacked  by  disaffected  moun- 
taineers. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  doth  approve  of  Colo- 
nel Field's  conduct  in  this  business,  and  will  pay  the  lieu- 
tenant and  men  under  his  command  for  the  time  they  shall 
be  in  actual  service  ;  and  that  they  be  continued  in  service 
so  long  as  General  McDougall  shall  deem  the  same  ne- 
cessary, not  exceeding  two  months. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
John  Coe,  Esquire,  relative  to  the  damages  sustained  by 
the  inhabitants  of  the  south  part  of  Orange  county  by  the 
Continental  troops  passing  through  that  county,  repotted  an 
answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Convention  having  received  your  letter,  are  of 
opinion,  and  I  am  directed  to  inform  you,  that  the  com- 
plainants mentioned  therein  should  make  up  their  accounts 
of  the  damages  by  them  severally  sustained,  and  deliver 
the  same  to  you,  and  that  you  transmit  the  same,  properly 
attested,  to  the  Quarter-Master-General,  and  that  you  send 
a  duplicate  of  the  said  accounts  to  the  Council  of  Safety 
of  this  State. 

"  That  with  respect  to  the  supporting,  nursing  and  in- 
terring the  Continental  soldiers,  quartered  upon  the  said 
complainants  by  the  different  regiments  in  their  march,  the 
said  complainants  are  directed  to  carry  in  their  accounts  of 


920 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  same  to  the  Director-General  of  hospitals,  in  the  middle 
department,  who  is  empowered  to  settle  them. 
"  To  John  Coe,  Deputy  Chairman  of 

the  Committee  of  the  county  of  Orange." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  accounts  of 
Major  Strang,  for  repairing  the  roads  in  Westchester  and 
Dutchess  counties,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  Conven- 
tion of  Oct.  5th  ;  also,  another  account  of  Major  Strang, 
for  expenses  of  storing,  &c.  the  salt  for  repacking  a  quan- 
tity of  pork  purchased  by  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Con- 
gress, in  Westchester  county  ;  also,  an  account  of  Jere- 
miah Drake,  for  boarding  Daniel  Dunscomb  and  his  ser- 
vants, while  employed  in  repacking  the  said  pork,  delivered 
in  their  report,  which  was  read  ;  and  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Major  Joseph  Strang  the  sum  of  £  1 7  1  s.  1  Od.  in  full  for  the 
said  first  mentioned  account,  and  the  further  sum  of  £159 
5s.  \]d.  in  full  for  his  other  account ;  and  to  Jeremiah 
Drake,  or  his  order,  the  sum  of  £5  2s.  tid.  in  full  for  his 
said  account. 

Whereas  the  county  of  Queens,  being  now  in  the  power 
of  the  enemy,  it  hath  become  impracticable  to  assemble  a 
county  committee  therein,  therefore,  on  application  of  the 
Deputy  of  the  said  county  for  money  to  defray  the  wages 
due  to  the  Deputies  of  the  said  county, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
Deputies  of  Queens  county,  or  either  of  them,  on  account 
of  the  county  of  Queens,  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  said 
county  to  this  State,  and  for  the  disposition  whereof  the 
said  Deputy  or  Deputies  shall  be  held  to  account  with  the 
said  county,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  on  account  of 
the  wages  due  to  the  Deputies  who  have  been  elected  and 
represented  that  county. 

Resolved,  That  John  Lasher,  Esquire,  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  commissioner  of  all  and  singular  the  mi- 
litary stores  belonging  to  this  State,  with  the  rank  of  colo- 
nel in  the  said  State  ;  and  that  he  be  empowered  to  im- 
press teams  and  carriages  for  removing  the  said  stores,  in 
case  of  necessity,  and  that  he  be  allowed  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  pounds  per  annum  for  his  trouble  and  expenses  in 
performing  the  duty  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Colonel  Lasher  be  and  he  here- 
by is  directed  and  empowered  to  cause  the  row  gallies  in 
Hudson's  river  to  be  repaired  immediately,  and  that  he 
keep  an  account  of  the  expense  thereof,  to  be  charged  to 
the  United  States. 

Resolved,  That  Christopher  Bancker,  Esquire,  be  and 
he  herebv  is  appointed  commissary  of  prisoners  within  this 
State,  and  that  he  be  allowed  the  sum  of  two  hundred 
pounds  per  annum  as  a  salary  for  the  said  office. 

Resolved,  That  David  Currie  be  and  he  hereby  is  appoint- 
ed commissary  for  supplying  the  troops  of  this  State  with 
such  articles  not  allowed  them  by  the  Commissary-General 
as  they  may  stand  in  need  of;  that  the  said  commissary 
purchase  the  said  articles  and  vend  them  to  the  troops  at 
such  price  as  will  pay  the  priine  cost  and  all  charges  there- 
on ;  and  that  the  said  commissary  be  allowed  the  sum  of 
three  dollars  per  day  for  his  trouble  and  expense. 

Resolved,  That  Charles  Sprainger,  captain  of  the  brig 
Mary,  produce  his  account  of  wages,  &c.  to  this  day, 
against  the  said  brig,  to  the  Auditor  of  accounts  of  this  State, 
who  is  hereby  directed  to  audit  the  same  ;  whereupon  the 
Treasurer  shall  pay  the  amount  thereof,  and  take  a  receipt 
therefor,  taking  an  order  from  the  said  Charles  Sprainger 
on  the  said  brig  for  the  amount  of  the  sum  so  paid. 

The  committee  appointed  and  empowered  to  appoint  a 
commissary  for  the  disaffected  prisoners,  informed  the  Con- 
vention that  they  have  appointed  Mr.  Giles.  Their  instruc- 
tions to  Mr.  Giles  were  read  and  approved. 

Whereas  divers  persons  in  this  State,  unmindful  of  the 
duties  they  owe  to  the  public,  have,  against  the  resolutions 
of  this  Convention,  heretofore  made  and  published,  inocu- 
lated with  the  small  pox  a  number  of  persons,  in  houses 


situated  so  near  to  public  highways  as  to  endanger  the 
health  and  safely  of  travellers  through  the  same  : 

Resolved,  That  no  person  or  persons  inoculated,  or 
having  the  small  pox  in  the  natural  way,  be  kept  in  any 
house  within  the  distance  of  one  hundred  yards  from  any 
public  road  or  highway  in  this  State  ;  and  that  every  per- 
son or  persons  who  shall  inoculate  any  person,  knowingly 
entertain  or  keep,  at  any  house  or  houses  situated  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  a  public  road  or  highway  aforesaid, 
any  persons  diseased  or  infected  with  the  small  pox,  shall, 
for  every  offence,  forfeit  the  sum  of  ten  pounds,  to  be  re- 
covered in  any  court  of  record  in  this  State  by  any  person 
who  shall  sue  for  the  same  ;  and  shall  also  be  liable,  for 
the  said  offences,  to  indictment  and  be  fined,  not  exceed- 
ing ten  pounds,  at  the  discretion  of  the  supreme  court  of 
this  State,  or  any  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and  jail  de- 
livery before  whom  the  same  shall  be  tried ;  and  in  de- 
fault of  payment  of  the  said  fine,  to  stand  committed, 
without  bail,  to  prison  for  three  months. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolution  be  published. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

May  10,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo. 
Brasher,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott— New-York. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket—  Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Tredwell.  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins—  Westchester. 

Major  Lawrence— Queens. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Col.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner,  Colo.  Allison,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith— Orange. 
A  petition  of  Samuel  Pugsley,  of  Westchester  county, 
relative  to  some  cattle  of  his,  taken  by  the  enemy  and  re- 
taken by  a  parly  of  our  scouts,  praying  that  they  may  be 
restored  to  him.  A  letter  from  Major  Fish,  as  also  a  let- 
ter from  William  Paulding,  Esquire,  on  the  subject,  were 
respectively  read.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  com- 
missioners of  sequestration,  in  Westchester  county;  and 
that  they  be  directed  to  make  diligent  inquiry,  and  if  they 
find  the  facts  set  forth  in  the  petition  to  be  true,  that  then 
they  cause  restitution  to  be  made  to  the  petitioner. 

Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  delivered  in  the  draft  of  an 
act  or  ordinance  offering  a  free  pardon  to  such  of  the  de- 
luded subjects  of  this  State  as  have  been  guilty  of  treason- 
able acts  against  this  State,  on  their  taking  the  oath  of 
allegiance. 

The  same  was  read  and  amended,  and  being  again  read, 
was  unanimously  approved  of  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Whereas  divers  of  the  subjects  of  this  State  have 
been  seduced  from  their  allegiance  to  the  same,  by  the  arts 
of  subtle  and  wicked  emissaries  from  the  enemy,  and  pre- 
vailed upon,  by  various  and  delusive  promises,  to  leave 
their  wives  and  children  and  join  the  army  of  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  in  direct  violation  of  the  great  duties  they 
owe  to  their  country,  their  families  and  posterity  :  And 
whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention,  on 
the  part  of  the  said  persons,  that  sundry  of  them  having 
been  deceived  by  the  enemy,  and  instead  of  being  pro- 
tected, have  either  been  totally  neglected,  or  compelled  to 
take  up  arms  for  the  express  purpose  of  enslaving  and  de- 
stroying their  fellow  citizens,  are  become  sensible  of  their 
error,  and  very  desirous  of  returning  to  their  allegiance, 
and  participating  with  their  countrymen  in  the  enjoyment 
of  the  inestimable  rights  and  liberties  secured  to  the  good 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


021 


people  of  this  State  by  the  constitution  and  government 
thereof:  And  whereas  divers  of  the  said  persons,  as  well 
as  others,  who  have  been  guilty  of  treasonable  acts  against 
this  State,  for  fear  of  the  punishment  due  to  their  respec- 
tive crimes,  secrete  themselves  within  the  same  :  And 
whereas  humanity  directs  that  no  means  should  be  left 
unessayed  to  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood,  and  to  give 
those  an  opportunity  of  reluming  to  their  duty,  who  by 
wicked  men  may  have  been  seduced  therefrom : 

"  This  Convention  do,  therefore,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  ordain,  de- 
termine, declare  and  proclaim,  that  all  such  of  the  said 
delinquents  above  described,  as  shall  on  or  before  the  first 
day  of  July  next,  voluntarily  appear  before  any  magistrate 
or  field  officer  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  and  take  the 
following  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  viz  : 

"  '  I,  do  most  solemnly  swear  in  the  presence  of 

Almighty  God,  that  I  will  bear  true  allegiance  to  the  Stale 
of  New-York,  and  in  all  things  do  my  duty  as  a  good  and 
faithful  subject  of  the  said  State  :' 

"  Shall  on  producing  a  certificate  thereof,  under  the 
hand  of  such  magistrate  or  field  officer,  to  the  Council  of 
Safety  or  Governor  of  this  State,  receive  a  full  and  free 
pardon  of  all  and  every  treasonable  acts  and  deeds  by  him 
heretofore  committed  against  this  State,  and  be  restored  to 
a  participation  of  all  the  rights,  liberties  and  privileges  ap- 
pertaining to  the  good  people  thereof." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  published,  and  that  Mr. 
Loudon  be  directed  to  print  1,000  copies,  in  handbills, 
and  that  he  send  them  to  this  place  as  soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  Egbert  Dumont,  Esquire,  appointed  she- 
riff of  Ulster  county,  be  excused  from  executing  the  prison- 
ers in  Ulster  county  jail,  under  sentence  of  death,  he  pledg- 
ing his  honour  to  use  his  utmost  endeavours  to  procure  an 
executioner,  if  the  same  shall  be  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  Egbert  Dumont,  Esquire,  sheriff  of 
Ulster  county,  and  John  Thomas,  Esquire,  sheriff  of  West- 
chester county,  be  permitted  to  take  the  oaths  of  allegiance 
and  of  office  before  the  President  of  this  Convention. 

They  were  both  called  up  and  sworn  accordingly. 

The  resolutions  for  abolishing  quit  rents,  were  read,  and 
the  consideration  thereof  postponed  till  afternoon. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  May  10,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevell,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Colo.  Bra- 
sher, Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Parks,  Major  Tappen—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins—  Westchester. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Josa.  Smith,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

A  letter  from  General  Gates,  dated  yesterday,  at  Albany, 
informing  that  he  at  present  sees  no  reason  for  abandoning 
any  part  of  the  post  of  Ticonderoga,  and  believes  it  will 
be  as  safe  this  year  as  the  last,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  informing  Con- 
vention of  their  perplexities  in  consequence  of  their  suc- 
cesses in  apprehending  tories  :  their  jails  are  full,  and  the 
inhabitants  are  apprehensive  that  the  jail  distemper  will 
soon  take  place ;  they  therefore  request  the  direction  of 
Convention  ;  was  read.  Both  letters  were  committed  to 
Messrs.  Jay  and  Morris. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Philip  Leake  be  directed  to  pur- 
chase at  the  cheapest  rate  he  can,  for  the  use  of  the  troops 
belonging  to  this  State,  as  many  shoes  and  woollen  stock- 
ings as  he  can  procure,  and  that  he  deliver  the  same  to  the 
commissary  of  the  clothing  store  belonging  to  this  State, 

231 


at  Fishkill,  and  take  a  receipt  for  so  much  as  he  shall 
deliver. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Philip  Leake,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  on  ac- 
count of  shoes  and  woollen  stockings  to  be  purchased  pur- 
suant to  an  order  of  this  Convention  of  this  day,  for  the 
use  of  the  troops  of  this  State,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer 
deliver  the  said  sum  to  Daniel  Dunscomb,  Esquire,  to  be 
by  him  conveyed  to  Mr.  Leake,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 

Mr.  Wisner  having  informed  this  House  that  he  com- 
pleted two  powder  mills  in  the  month  of  May  last,  upon 
the  encouragement  formerly  given,  whereby  as  he  con- 
ceives he  was  equitably  entitled  to  the  receipt  of  two  thou- 
sand pounds,  on  a  loan,  without  interest  for  two  years,  at 
the  same  time  offered  to  accept  of  the  sum  of  seventy 
pounds,  conditioned  lhat  he  produce  the  proper  proofs  re- 
quired by  the  said  resolution  on  that  subject. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Mr. 
Wisner  the  said  sum  of  sevenly  pounds,  and  take  his  re- 
ceipt for  the  same,  on  condition,  nevertheless,  lhat  Mr. 
Wisner  be  held  to  repay  the  same  until  he  shall  produce 
to  the  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  sufficient  proof  of 
such  erections  as  aforesaid. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention, 
that  divers  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Cumberland, 
who  are  desirous  of  continuing  the  subjects  of  this  State, 
are,  from  divers  reasons,  incapable  of  exerting  themselves 
in  the  general  defence,  particularly  from  the  want  of  proper 
officers :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  such  inhabitants 
to  associate  as  follows,  to  wit:  "  We  the  subscribers, 
subjects  of  the  State  of  New-York,  do  associate  together 
for  the  defence  of  the  United  States  against  the  King  of 
Great  Britain,  as  follows  :  First.  We  will  choose  our  of- 
ficers by  vote  of  the  majority  in  each  respective  company 
or  regiment.  Secondly.  We  will  obey  such  our  officers, 
as  other  the  militia  of  the  said  State.  Thirdly.  The 
names  of  the  said  officers  shall  be  transmitted  to  the  go- 
vernment of  the  said  State,  and  to  the  general  in  the  north- 
ern department.  Lastly.  That  this  association  shall  con- 
tinue in  force  until  revoked  by  proper  authority." 

Whereas  it  hath  been  suggested  to  this  Convention, 
that  the  county  committee  of  the  county  of  Cumberland 
cannot  be  collected  together  but  with  great  difficulty  : 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  members  of  the  said  county 
committee  as  on  due  and  regular  notice  for  the  convening 
of  the  said  committee,  shall  meet,  be  authorized  to  proceed 
to  business. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  11,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Reverend  Doctor  Rogers. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Ge- 
neral Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Robert  Harper — 
New- York. 

Mr.  Win;  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 

Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  G.  Livingston — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Stevens — Cumberland. 

Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Wm.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell— Suffolk. 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham —  Westchester. 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke — Orange. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  George  Clinton,  dated  the  9th  inst. 
at  Fort  Montgomery,  requesting  leave  of  Convention  to 
resign  his  commission  of  brigadier-general  of  the  militia 
of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties,  for  reasons  assigned  in  the 
said  letter ;  and  enclosing  the  copy  of  a  letter  from  General 


922 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Washington  to  General  Clinton,  on  the  proceedings  of  the 
court  martial,  in  the  case  ot"  Captain  Martin,  and  those  of 
several  other  persons  charged  with  treasonable  practices, 
was  read,  together  with  the  papers  enclosed. 

A  warrant  from  Brigadier-General  Geo.  Clinton,  signed 
by  his  order  by  Albert  Pawling,  brigade-major,  directed  to 
Colonel  Jacob  Hornbeck,  for  the  execution  of  William 
McGinnis,  and  the  other  culprits  whose  sentences  have 
been  confirmed  by  the  Convention,  at  such  time  and  place 
as  the  Convention  shall  appoint,  was  also  read. 

The  proceedings  of  a  court  martial  held  on  sundry  days 
and  times  therein  mentioned,  from  the  2nd  to  the  6th  days 
of  May  instant  inclusive,  at  Fort  Montgomery,  for  the  trial 
of  Jacob  Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Samuel  Freligh,  Fre- 
derick Keyser,  Thomas  Crispel,  Johannes  Keyser,  William 
Wood,  Abraham  Middagh,  Cornelius  Samuels,  William 
Calder,  Lodowick  Seely,  Walter  Stouter,  John  Low, 
James  Merkle,  Edward  Wood,  Edward  Wood,  Junior,  and 
Jonathan  Oakley,  for  treasonable  practices  against  the  Stale, 
were  also  read  as  follows,  to  wit  : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  May  2nd,  1777. 

"  The  court  met  according  to  adjournment. 
"  Present — Colonel  Lewis  Dubois,  President. 

"Capt.  Stewart,  Capt.  Lee,  Capt.  Beveir,  Capt.  Tilford,  Capt.  Har- 
denbergh,  Capt.  Hasbrook,  Capt.  De  Wilt,  Capt.  Schoonmaker,  Capt. 
Concklin,  Lieut.  Post,  Lieut.  Hunter. 

"  Henry  Godwin,  captain,  Judge- Advocate. 

"  A  majority  of  members  appearing,  the  court  adjourned 
till  ten  of  the  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

"  Court  met. 

"Present — Colo.  Dubois,  President. 

"  Capt.  Stewart,  Capt.  Lee,  Capt.  Beveir,  Capt.  Tilford,  Capt.  Has- 
broock,  Capt.  De  Witt,  Capt.  Concklin,  Capt.  Schoonmaker,  Lieut. 
Furman,  Lieut.  Post,  Lieut.  Hunter,  Lieut.  Chambers. 

"  Captain  Godwin,  Judge- Advocate. 

"  Lieutenant  Furman  and  Lieutenant  Chambers,  sworn 
as  new  members,  in  the  room  of  those  absent. 

"  Jacob  Davis,  brought  before  the  court,  and  charged 
with  the  following  crimes,  to  wit : 

"  1st.  With  levying  war  against  the  United  States  of 
America. 

"  2ndly.  For  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  service  of 
the  King  of  Great  Britain. 

"  3rdlv.  For  having  enlisted  men  in  the  service  of  said 
King. 

"  To  the  first  charge  he  pleads  guilty  ;  to  the  2nd  and 
3rd  charges  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined,  says,  '  That  he  came  to 
Alexander  Campbell's  house  with  Rose  and  his  party,  and 
was  in  there  ;  that  Campbell  appeared  to  be  friendly  ;  that 
he  thinks  that  Campbell  carried  them  to  a  brush  fence, 
about  a  half  mile  from  Campbell's  house,  where  they  were 
safe,  and  lay  there  one  whole  day  ;  that  Campbell's  wife 
brought  out  rum  to  them  twice  ;  that  Campbell  came 
to  them  in  the  afternoon,  and  informed  them  that  the 
militia  were  gone  ;  that  they  lay  at  the  fence  till  dark  ; 
that  then  Rose  and  his  party  went  to  Campbell's  house, 
and  Campbell's  wife  gave  them  a  pail  of  buttermilk  pap  ; 
that  she  gave  it  gratis  ;  that  then  they  went  to  Arthur 
McKinney's  barn  ;  that  he  believes  it  was  cither  Campbell 
or  McKinney  lhat  piloted  them  to  the  barn  at  night ;  that 
in  the  morning  Arthur  McKinney  and  his  wench  brought 
them  suppaan  and  milk ;  that  McKinney  and  Jacobus 
Rose  talked  together,  but  did  not  hear  what  they  said. 
James  Jones,  Samuel  Freligh,  and  a  regular  officer  came 
to  them  in  William  Wood's  barn,  and  was  also  in  Wood's 
house,  and  stayed  at  Wood's  ;  that  Daniel  Erwin  took 
down  all  their  names  in  the  mountains  with  their  voluntary 
will ;  that  he  had  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  and  ball.' 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined  the  second  time,  says, 
'  That  Rose  told  him  that  Wouter  Stouter  piloted  them  to 
the  creek.' 

"  A  further  examination  of  the  prisoner  taken  before 
the  committee  of  Schougour,  Cornelius  Schoonmaker, 


Junior,  chairman,  being  read  before  the  court,  the  prisoner 
confesses  every  fact  contained  in  said  examination,  a  copy 
whereof  is  annexed  hereunto. 

"  The  prisoner  further  says,  '  That  Peter  Misiner,  a 
neighbour  of  his,  said  he  would  go  along  with  him,  but  his 
wife  would  not  let  him  ;  that  he  heard  lhat  Christian  Winner 
was  gone  to  Little  Shandaken  to  get  men  ;  that  they  got 
rum  at  Jacobus  Bushe's,  at  Shokan  ;  that  Jacobus  Bushe's 
son  Peter,  went  with  them  ;  that  his  brother  Jacobus  was 
known  to  their  going  ;  that  Frederick  Bush,  at  Shokan, 
went  along  to  help  them  over  Esopus  kill ;  lhat  Rose  told 
him  that  the  Widow  Beveir  and  Widow  Graham,  were 
their  friends ;  that  he  heard  that  Daniel  Contine  was  a 
friend  to  the  King  ;  that  Peter  Winner,  Hendrick  Hen- 
ning,  Frederick  Row,  at  Little  Shandaken,  Jacob  Furlong, 
and  Wilhelmus  Marrual,  at  Great  Shandakan,  were  also 
friends  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain.' 

"Andries  Longyear,  being  brought  before  the  court  on  the 
three  before  mentioned  charges,  pleads  generally  not  guilty. 

"  An  examination  of  the  prisoner,  taken  before  the 
before  mentioned  committee,  being  produced  to  the  oourt, 
and  read  in  the  presence  of  the  prisoner,  the  prisoner 
confesses  every  fact  contained  in  said  examination,  a  copy 
whereof  is  annexed  hereunto ;  and  further  says,  that  he 
thinks  it  was  either  Campbell  or  McKinney  that  brought 
them  to  McKinney's  barn  ;  that  his  father,  Jacob  Long- 
year,  did  not  try  to  prevent  him  from  going  with  Rose  to 
the  regulars  ;  that  he  had  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  and 
ball  ;  lhat  he  loaded  his  gun  because  the  rest  loaded  theirs  ; 
that  he  thinks  Trawiliger  was  shot  with  a  pistol ;  that  Daniel 
Erwin  had  a  pistol ;  that  Richard  Oakley  treated  them  with 
cider. 

"  Samuel  Freeligh  was  brought  before  the  court  on 
four  charges  :  1st.  For  levying  war  against  the  United 
States  of  America.  2ndly.  For  being  an  enlisted  soldier 
in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain.  3rdly.  For 
enlisting  men  in  the  service  of  the  said  King.  And  4thly. 
For  aiding,  assisting  and  giving  comfort  and  being  adherent 
to  the  enemies  of  the  State  of  New- York  while  owing  al- 
legiance to  said  State. 

"  The  prisoner  confesses  that  James  Jones  and  Silas 
Prumpore  told  him  that  he  would  get  work  at  his  trade  in 
New- York ;  that  he  was  a  wheelwright;  that  he  agreed 
to  go  to  New-York  ;  accordingly  set  out  to  go  ;  that  he 
came  to  James  Jones's  house,  and  a  man  with  a  blind  left 
eye  was  sitting  in  the  house  ;  that  he  had  on  a  speckled 
under  jacket,  brown  surtout  coat,  blue  woollen  stockings, 
and  strings  in  his  shoes  ;  that  he  asked  Jones  where  that 
fellow  came  from  ;  that  he  told  Jones  he  was  afraid  that 
man  would  discover  them  ;  that  Jones  told  him  that  he  did 
not  know  him  ;  that  then  he,  Jones,  and  the  one  eyed  man 
set  out  together  in  company ;  as  they  were  going  along, 
he,  the  prisoner,  asked  the  one  eyed  man  what  his  name  was, 
but  the  man  would  not  tell  him,  but  told  him  he  came  from 
the  Mohawk  river  through  Albany,  where  he  passed  for  a 
shoemaker  ;  that  the  one  eyed  man  had  a  bundle  of  letters 
with  him  ;  that  the  one  eyed  man  was  about  five  feet  ten 
inches  high  ;  that  said  man  told  him  he  heard  the  regulars 
were  across  the  lake,  and  the  Indians  were  to  come  down; 
that  one  Butler  was  the  head  of  them.  That  they  all  stop- 
ped at  a  mill  at.  night,  and  set  out  next  morning ;  at  noon 
came  to  a  house  in  the  woods,  where  they  got  a  man  who 
piloted  them  over  a  creek — the  name  of  the  place  he  thinks, 
was  Hurly — and  went  on  with  them  further,  till  night ; 
that  they  laid  down  in  the  wood  all  night,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing one  Jacobus  Seeny  with  a  thick  man  came  to  them, 
but  went  away  again  ;  that  they  staid  at  that  place  all  day  ; 
lhat  at  night  said  Seeny  came  to  them  again  with  six  or 
seven  more  men  ;  that  then  they  all  set  out  together  to 
William  Wood's  house,  where  they  met  Rose  and  his  party, 
where  thev  staid  till  next  night  when  Rose  brought  another 
party  to  them  ;  that  they  staid  that  night  at  Wood's,  and  in 
the  morning  set  out  till  they  came  to  a  house  where  Rose 
called  the  men  in  to  take  down  their  names ;  that  they  all 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


923 


gave  in  their  names  but  him  and  James  Jones  ;  that  the  man 
that  wrote  down  their  names  was  a  schoolmaster ;  that  lie 
thought  it  was  a  pistol  Trawiligar  was  shot  with  ;  that 
they  came  to  Alexander  Campbell's ;  that  then  he  and 
Jones  and  the  one  eyed  man  went  and  sat  under  an  apple 
tree  ;  that  the  one  eyed  man  left  them  there  ;  that  he  saw 
Campbell  come  to  the  one  eyed  man  and  take  him  with 
him  to  his  house  ;  that  then  he  and  Jones  went  into  Mc- 
Kinney's  barn  where  Rose  and  his  party  lay  all  night ; 
and  that  he  eat  suppaan  and  milk  in  McKinney's  barn  ; 
that  he  left  Rose  and  his  parly  in  McKinney's  barn  with 
an  intent  to  go  home  ;  that  being  afraid  of  being  taken  up, 
he  resolved  to  pass  for  a  tradesman — accordingly  applied 
for  work  at  one  Mr.  Peck's,  where  he  passed  for  a  weaver, 
but  could  get  no  work  there  for  want  of  a  loom  ;  that  he 
then  went  on  and  met  a  man  and  a  boy  with  a  wagon,  who 
asked  him  where  he  was  going,  and  he  told  them  to  look  for 
work  ;  then  went  on,  and  was  going  past  the  Widow  Gra- 
ham's house,  when  Lieut.^Clarke,  an  officer,  called  to  him, 
and  he  went  in  and  there  enlisted  with  said  Clarke  in  the 
Continental  service. 

"  Court  adjourned  till  5  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

"  Court  met. 

"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 

"  Frederick  Keyser,  being  brought  before  the  court  on 
the  following  charges:  Charge  1st.  For  levying  war 
against  the  United  States  of  America  ;  2nd.  For  being  an 
enlisted  soldier  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ; 
3rd.  For  having  enlisted  men  in  the  service  of  the  said 
King ;  pleads  generally  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined  says,  that  Rose  sent  for 
him  and  told  him  that  this  was  the  last  time,  and  if  he  did 
not  come,  that  he  could  not  expect  any  mercy  ;  that  an 
army  was  coming  from  the  northward  ;  one  from  the  east- 
ward, and  one  from  the  southward  ;  that  the  smallest  child 
would  be  killed  if  he  did  not  go  down  ;  that  every  man  that 
went  along  with  the  regulars  should  have  a  hundred  acres 
of  land  ;  that  he  met  Rose  at  William  Wood's  ;  that  they 
had  victuals  at  Wood's,  brought  by  one  Barber,  a  servant 
of  said  Wood  ;  staid  at  Wood's  all  night ;  that  he  met  the 
company  at  Wood's ;  that  there  were  36,  and  Cornelius 
Samuels  made  37  ;  that  he  saw  Wood  in  the  morning, 
and  gave  him  his  hand,  and  bid  him  farewell ;  believes 
Wood  knew  where  they  were  going  ;  from  Wood's  went 
to  Seely's,  where  Lodowick  Seely  joined  them.  Says  that 
when  they  were  in  Wood's  barn,  a  High  Dutch  doctor 
came  into  the  barn  ;  that  when  they  came  to  the  side  of 
the  hill  near  to  the  Widow  Beveir's,  Rose  and  Middagh  left 
them,  and  tarried  away  some  time  ;  from  there  went  to 
Cornelius  Dubois's,  and  from  there  to  the  creek,  or  Wall- 
kill,  where  stood  two  sentries;  that  Rose  told  the  sentries 
he  would  take  them  prisoners  ;  that  they  crossed  the  creek 
with  one  of  the  sentries,  and  left  two  or  three  on  the  other 
side  with  the  other  sentry ;  that  just  as  he  came  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river  he  heard  a  pistol  fired,  and  heard 
the  noise  of  horses  ;  that  Daniel  Erwin  had  a  pistol  and 
no  other  person  in  company  had  one  to  his  knowledge  ; 
that  they  then  marched  to  a  little  house  in  a  field  a  small 
distance  from  the  road  ;  that  from  thence  they  went  and 
lay  in  the  woods  ;  that  the  next  day  they  went  to  a  little 
log  house  where  they  got  suppaan  and  milk  ;  that  he  be- 
lieves the  man's  name  is  McKinney ;  that  he  had  a  gun 
loaded  with  powder  and  ball ;  that  he  took  powder  and  ball 
from  home  ;  that  he  went  with  Rose  till  they  were  fired 
upon  by  the  militia. 

"  The  court  adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning;. 

"  Court  met. 
"  Present  as  before. 

"Thomas  Crespell  brought  before  the  court  on  the 
three  last  mentioned  charges  ;  pleads  generally  not  guilty. 

'•  The  prisoner  says  he  was  along  with  Rose  ;  that  he 
was  persuaded  to  go  by  Jacob  Middagh  ;  that  he  had  a  gun 
loaded  with  powder  and  ball ;  that  he  was  along  with  Rose 


till  they  were  fired  upon  by  the  militia  in  the  mountains  ; 
that  then  he  was  afraid,  and  separated  from  Rose's  party, 
and  was  determined  to  go  home  and  be  as  good  a  friend  as 
he  was  before  ;  that  Rose  and  Middagh  told  him,  when 
they  talked  with  him,  that  he  would  be  shot  down,  or  taken 
up  and  hanged,  if  the  whigs  took  him  ;  that  on  his  way 
home  he  gave  himself  up  to  a  man  with  a  gun.  He  further 
says,  that  he  heard  that  Wouter  Stouter  was  to  pilot  them 
over  the  Wallkill  creek. 

"  Peter  Bush,  brought  before  the  court  on  the  before 
mentioned  1st,  2d  and  3d  charges,  pleads  generally  not 
guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  says  he  was  with  Rose  and  his  parly  ; 
that  he  had  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  and  ball ;  that 
Richard  Oakley  gave  them  provisions  ;  that  he  staid  with 
Rose  till  they  were  fired  upon  by  the  militia  in  the  mountains. 

"Jacob  Furlong,  brought  before  the  court  on  the  before 
mentioned  1st,  2d  and  3d  charges,  pleads  generally  not 
guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined,  confesses  that  he  was 
with  Rose  and  his  party,  persuaded  by  Jacob  Middagh ; 
that  Middagh  told  him  that  if  he  did  not  go  he  would  bring 
his  friends  into  trouble  ;  that  if  he  went  he  would  save  his 
land,  and  have  100  acres  of  land  and  each  child  fifty  acres  ; 
that  500  Indians  and  white  men  would  come  down  upon 
the  inhabitants,  and  the  regulars  would  come  up  as  thick 
as  sand  ;  that  it  would  not  be  above  a  fortnight  before  the 
country  would  be  destroyed,  and  says  they  got  powder  at 
Richard  Oakley's ;  that  he  remained  with  Rose  and  his 
party  till  they  were  fired  on  by  the  militia  in  the  mountains. 
The  prisoner  alleges,  in  his  defence,  that  he  was  deluded 
away  ;  that  when  he  found  his  error,  he  set  out  to  go  home, 
and  on  his  way  gave  himself  up  to  some  of  the  militia. 

"  Johannes  Keyser,  being  brought  before  the  court  on 
the  same  1st,  2nd  and  3rd  charges  before  mentioned;  to 
the  first  charge  he  pleads  guilty  ;  to  the  2nd  and  3rd 
charges,  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  in  his  defence  alleges  that  he  was  deluded 
by  the  persuasions  of  Rose,  and  one  Petris  De  Witt's  wife. 
Being  further  examined  says,  that  he  believes  that  Trawil- 
legar  was  shot  by  a  pistol ;  that  it  was  the  same  man  that 
had  the  pistol,  that  took  down  their  names  ;  confesses  that 
he  was  drafted  to  come  down  in  the  four  months'  service, 
with  the  militia  to  Fort  Montgomery,  before  he  went  with 
Rose. 

"Teunis  Van  Vleet,  being  duly  sworn,  saith,  that  he,  the 
deponent,  understood  that  there  was  a  number  of  men  to 
come  across  the  mountains,  and  the  deponent  sent  word 
thereof  (as  there  was  no  commanding  officer,)  to  his  neigh- 
bours ;  that  fourteen  or  fifteen  of  them  gathered  together, 
and  placed  a  sentry  at  one  Peter  Deyoos's,  one  at  a  road 
that  leads  down  out  of  the  mountains  by  Isaac  Low's,  and 
another  at  one  Dubois's  ;  that  Frain  asked  who  would  go 
with  him,  and  the  deponent  said  he  would  go  the  first  hour; 
that  then  the  deponent  and  Frair  went  and  sat  down  by  an 
apple  tree;  that  they  sat  there  but  a  few  minutes  when  they 
heard  a  noise  amongst  the  apple  trees  ;  that  a  party  of  men 
came  up;  Frair  said,   'Who  is  there?'  they  answered, 
'  Friend  ;'  when  they  (the  deponent  and  Frair)  were  immedi- 
ately seized  and  made  prisoners;  that  when  the  deponent 
was  seized  and  made  prisoner,  he,  the  deponent,  was  exa- 
mined as  to  the  strength  of  the  guard ;  that  the  man 
that  took  hold  of  the  deponent,  told  the  deponent  that 
he  was  Rose,  and  asked  the  deponent  if  he  had  not 
heard  of  Lieutenant  Rose  over  the  mountains,  and  that 
the  deponent  was  his  prisoner ;  that  Rose  then  ordered 
some  of  his  men,  and  said  to  them,  take  care  of  this  fel- 
low ;  that  in  the  mean  time,  Rose's  men  got  into  two  ca- 
noes ;  that  Rose  went  up  to  Frair,  and  ordered  him  to  be 
silent ;  that  the  canoes  at  the  same  time  were  carrying 
over  Rose's  party  across  the  kill ;  that  when  the  canoes 
came  back  they  took  Frair  over  the  river;  that  just  as  the 
canoes  struck  the  shore  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek, 
the  deponent  heard  somebody  hallo  out,  '  Who  is  there  V 


<>2l 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


the  other  said,  '  A  friend  ;'  that  then  the  deponent  heard  a 
gun  or  pistol  fired,  and  saw  the  flash,  and  heard  a  great  rout 
amongst  Rose's  party ;  that  then  the  party  that  kept  the 
deponent  under  guard  at  that  time,  wanted  the  canoes  over, 
but  the  canoes  did  not  come,  on  account  of  the  rout ;  they 
halloed  for  them ;  that  when  the  canoes  struck  on  the  side 
where  the  deponent  was  under  guard,  the  men  were  in 
such  a  hurry  that  lie,  the  deponent,  made  his  escape,  and 
ran  up  to  the  house  to  warn  the  guard  ;  that  then  the  de- 
ponent and  the  guard  ran  down  to  the  creek ;  when  they 
came  there,  Rose's  party  were  all  of  them  across  the  creek; 
that  the  deponent  told  the  guard  of  his  hearing  the  gun 
fired,  but  they  would  not  believe  it ;  that  one  of  them 
went  to  Mr.  Graham's,  who  told  them  that  he  heard  the  re- 
port of  a  gun  as  he  lay  in  his  bed  ;  that  then  the  deponent 
and  the  guard  concluded  the  best  way  would  be,  to  mount 
a  horse  to  warn  the  guards  in  the  other  places  before  men- 
tioned, which  they  did  ;  then  they  went  down  to  the  creek 
and  got  a  canoe  to  go  to  Mr.  Elting's ;  there  they  got  a 
horse  and  man,  and  sent  him  down  to  Newburgh,  express, 
to  warn  the  inhabitants  of  this  party's  going  that  way  ; 
when  they  came  there,  at  Elting's,  Lieutenant  Trawiligar 
had  been  there,  and  that  he  and  another  man  took  two 
horses,  and  said  Trawiligar  was  wounded  in  the  arm  ;  that 
when  the  deponent  was  under  guard  at  the  creek,  the  party 
that  kept  him  told  the  deponent  that  he  was  their  prisoner, 
and  should  go  with  them  ;  that  Rose,  when  he  first  seized 
the  deponent,  told  him  that  he  had  fifty-eight  men,  well 
armed,  and  did  not  care  a  damn  for  the  guard,  and  further 
sailh  not. 

"  Court  adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

"  Court  met. 
"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 
"  Court  adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

"  May  4. 

"  Court  met  according  to  adjournment. 
'  Preseni — Colo.  Dubois,  President. 

"  Capt-  Beveir,  Capt  Johnson,  Capt.  Tilford,  Capt.  Hasbrouk,  Capt. 
De  Witt,  Capt.  Concklin,  Capt.  Schoonmaker,  Lieut.  Paulding,  Lieut. 
Furman,  Lieut.  Post,  Lieut.  Hunter,  Lieut.  Chambers. 

"  Judge  Advocate, 

"Capt.  Johnson  and  Lieut.  Paulding  sworn  as  members 
in  the  room  of  Capt.  Stewart  and  Capt.  Lee. 

"  William  Wood,  brought  before  the  court  for  aiding 
and  assisting,  holding  correspondence  with,  and  giving 
comfort  to  the  enemies  of  the  State  of  New-York  whilst 
owing  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  said  State,  pleads  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  in  his  defence,  says,  that  Rose  and  his 
party  came  unawares  upon  him,  that  he  did  not  know  of 
their  coming ;  that  he  was  very  surprized  when  they  came 
upon  him  ;  that  he  was  glad  to  hear  of  his  son  ;  pleads 
ignorance  of  the  resolution  of  Convention  of  16th  July, 
1776,  &c. 

"  Richard  Oakley,  brought  before  the  court  on  the  last 
mentioned  charges,  pleads  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  in  his  defence,  says,  that  he  gave  pow- 
der to  Rose's  party  ;  that  he  knew  William  Ore,  the  sad- 
dler ;  has  nothing  further  to  say,  only  begs  the  mercy  of 
the  court. 

"Abraham  Middagh,  brought  before  the  court  on  the 
following  charges : 

"  1st.  For  levying  war  against  the  United  States  of 
America  :  2nd.  For  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  ser- 
vice of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  :  3rd.  For  enlisting  men 
in  the  service  of  said  King :  4th.  For  giving  aid  and  as- 
sistance, being  adherent  to,  and  secreting  the  enemies  of 
said  States,  pleads  generally,  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined,  says,  that  he  knew  that 
Jacob  Middagh  was  there  ;  that  he  found  Middagh  in  the 
woods  ;  that  Middagh  asked  him  to  go  along  to  Shokan  ; 
that  he  went  with  Middagh  to  Frederick  Bushe's  house; 
that  Bush  was  not  at  home  ;  that  he  went  with  Jacob  Mid- 
dagh to  Hendrick  Bushe's,  Frederick  Bushe's,  Jacobus 


Bushe's,  Jacobus  Davis's,  Hendrick  Crespell's,  Samuel 
Davis's,  Jacob  Furlong's,  Jacob  Longyear's  and  Christian 
Winner's ;  that  he  was  going  to  one  John  Crespell's  for 
corn,  and  came  across  Jacob  Middagh,  who  took  him  with 
him  every  where  he  went,  and  would  not  let  him  go  ;  that 
he  knew  he  did  wrong. 

"  Cornelius  Samuels  being  brought  before  the  court,  pro- 
duced a  certificate  setting  forth  that  Cornelius  Samuels,  in 
consequence  of  his  open  confession  made  before  this  Con- 
vention, is  by  the  said  Convention  pardoned  for  the  crimes 
wherewith  he  stood  charged,  and  for  which  he  was  appre- 
hended and  brought  before  said  Convention,  and  is  there- 
fore discharged  and  permitted  to  return  to  his  usual  place 
of  abode,  he  having  likewise  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  State. 

"  By  order, 

" ROBERT  BENSON, 

"  Secretary. 

"  The  court  after  hearing  the  before  mentioned  certificate 
read,  came  to  a  resolution  to  acquit  the  said  Cornelius  Sa- 
muels, and  do  therefore  acquit  him  accordingly. 

"  Cornelius  Samuels,  being  duly  sworn,  saith  :  That  just 
before  this  deponent  and  Rose  came  to  the  Widow  Be- 
veir's,  they  met  three  men,  to  wit :  Andries  Keyser,  Johan- 
nes Keyser,  and  he  believes  Frederick  Keyser,  and  Rose 
asked  them  whether  Wouter  Stouter  was  home  ;  and  they 
said  Stouter  was  not  at  home,  but  would  be  home  in  the 
evening.  Then  they  went  alone  within  half  a  mile  of  Wi- 
dow Beveir's,  and  staid  there  till  it  was  dark  ;  then  went  to 
near  the  widow's  house,  where  Rose  ordered  them  to  stay, 
and  then  went  away  to  the  house  to  see  whether  Stouter 
was  at  home.  Then  Jacobus  Rose  came  to  them  again, 
and  ordered  them  to  march  to  Slouter's  house,  and  the  de- 
ponent believes  that  Stouter  joined  them  there  ;  that  the  de- 
ponent saw  Stouter  at  the  creek  ;  that  Jacobus  Rose  called 
Stouter  by  name,  and  Stouter  answered  to  it  ;  that  the  de- 
ponent went  over  with  the  last  canoe  ;  that  Jacobus  Rose 
and  Sylvester  Vandemark  were  of  the  party  that  kept  one 
of  the  sentries  ;  that  when  they  were  coming  through  the 
apple  trees,  they  were  hailed,  '  Who  is  there  ?'  '  A  friend,' 
said  Jacobus  Rose.  Then  the  guard  said,  '  If  you  are  a 
friend  then  come  on,'  (or  words  to  that  effect).  That  one 
one  of  the  sentries  wheeled  off,  as  there  was  a  large  com- 
pany with  them  ;  that  Jacobus  Rose  said  that  the  sentry 
was  his  prisoner,  and  then  Rose  left  him  and  went  to  the 
other  sentry,  and  told  him  he  was  his  prisoner  ;  but  the 
sentry  told  Rose  that  he  would  not  be  taken  prisoner  by 
them.  Then  Rose  look  his  gun  from  him  and  put  him  in 
the  canoe,  and  took  him  over  the  creek  ;  that  the  other 
sentry  staid  with  this  deponent  and  others  on  that  side  of 
the  creek ;  that  Wouter  Stouter  crossed  the  creek  with  the 
party  till  near  the  King's  road  ;  and  further  says  not. 

"  The  court  adjourned  till  two  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

"  Court  met  according  to  adjournment. 

"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 

"  William  Calder  and  Lodowick  Seely  brought  before 
the  court  on  the  three  before  mentioned  charges  ;  1st.  For 
levying  war  against  the  United  States  of  America ;  2nd. 
For  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  service  of  the  King  of 
Great  Britain  ;  3rd.  For  enlisting  men  in  the  service  of 
said  King  ;  plead  generally  not  guilty. 

"  Lodowick  Seely  being  examined,  confesses  that  he 
was  with  Rose  till  the  guard  came  after  them  and  fired 
upon  them  in  the  clove  on  the  hill  ;  that  when  he  came 
near  the  kill  where  the  sentries  hailed  them,  he  heard  Rose 
say  that  one  Wouter  was  their  guide  to  the  kill ;  says  that 
he  was  going  with  Rose  to  New-York. 

"  William  Calder  confesses  that  he  went  with  Rose  to 
the  Widow  Graham's  ;  believes  Wouter  Stouter  was  the 
pilot  that  piloted  their  men  to  the  creek  ;  that  he  (the  pri- 
soner) had  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  and  ball,  which  he 
brought  from  home ;  that  he  joined  Rose  at  William 
Wood's  ;  that  they  got  pork  and  bread  at  said  Wood's. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


925 


"  Walter  Stouter,  brought  before  the  court  on  a  charge 
for  aiding,  assisting,  and  being  an  adherent  to  the  enemies 
of  the  Stale  of  New- York,  whilst  owing  allegiance  to  the 
laws  of  said  State,  pleads  guilty. 

"The  prisoner  in  his  defence  says,  that  he  went  with 
Rose  and  his  party  to  the  kill  and  left  him  ;  that  he  found 
his  conscience  began  to  prick  him,  and  he  left  Rose  ;  that 
he  durst  not  discover  them  to  his  neighbours  ;  that  he  found 
himself  so  guilty  he  was  afraid  to  do  it ;  that  Rose  came  to 
him  and  said  to  him,  '  You  must  pilot  me  to  the  creek,'  and 
at  first  refused,  but  that  the  devil  possessed  him  in  such  a 
manner  that  he  consented,  and  piloted  them  to  the  kill. 

"  John  Low,  brought  before  the  court  on  the  last  before 
mentioned  charge,  pleads  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined,  confesses  that  the  High 
Dutch  doctor  came  to  his  house  ;  that  he  knew  of  his  be- 
ing with  the  enemy  ;  that  he  told  him  of  his  fault  and  left 
hiin  ;  that  the  doctor  told  him  that  he  would  be  a  friend  to 
the  country,  but  durst  not  make  himself  known  ;  that  Ed- 
ward Wood,  Junior,  got  his  provision  from  his  father's 
house,  Edward  Wood's  ;  that  the  Dutch  doctor  eat  with 
them. 

"  James  Merkle  and  John  Stokes  were  brought  before 
the  court,  and  charged  with,  1st.  Levying  war  against  the 
United  States  of  America  ;  2nd.  For  being  an  enlisted  sol- 
dier in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ;  3rd.  For 
enlisting  soldiers  in  the  service  of  the  said  King,  to  which 
charges  they  plead  generally  not  guilty. 

"  James  Merkle  being  examined,  says  he  was  with  Rose 
and  his  party  ;  that  he  had  a  gun  loaded  with  powder  and 
ball ;  that  he  was  with  Rose  at  the  mountains  in  the 
clove,  where  they  were  fired  upon ;  that  he  was  in  the 
party  that  kept  Tennis  Van  Vleet  under  guard,  at  the  river. 

"  John  Stokes  says  that  he  had  a  gun,  but  not  loaded ; 
had  powder  and  ball  with  him  ;  that  he  was  drafted  to 
come  down  in  the  4  months'  service,  in  Capt.  Hasbrouck's 
company  ;  that  he  went  with  Rose  to  the  mountains  be- 
fore mentioned. 

"  Edward  Wood,  brought  before  the  court  for  aiding, 
and  assisting,  and  giving  comfort  to  the  enemies  of  the  State 
of  New-York,  pleads  not  guilty. 

"Edward  Wood,  Junr.  brought  before  the  court  on  the 
last  mentioned  charge,  pleads  not  guilty. 

"  The  prisoner  being  examined,  says  that  the  High 
Dutch  doctor  came  in  to  Wood's  and  complained  that  his 
feet  were  swelled  and  wanted  to  be  with  them,  but  he  did 
not  like  it,  and  would  not  let  him  be  with  them  ;  and  there- 
fore went  and  left  that  cave  and  went  to  another ;  that  the 
doctor  followed  him  there  and  insisted  on  being  with  them, 
but  he  says  he  did  not  like  it ;  that  he  knew  him  to  be  a 
bad  man  ;  that  the  doctor  said  he  had  had  a  chance  for  his 
life  by  trial ;  that  if  he  thought  he  could  be  pardoned  by 
the  Americans  he  would  enlist  in  the  Continental  service  ; 
then  they  went  into  the  cave  ;  that  the  doctor  eat  with  him 
till  he  was  taken.  He  says  he  never  examined  the  doctor 
as  to  his  being  in  New-York,  for  he  took  him  to  be  a  bad 
man  and  would  not  hold  any  discourse  with  him. 

"  Court  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 

"  Court  met. 
"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 
"  Court  adjourned  till  two  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

"  Court  met. 
"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 
"  Court  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 

"  Court  met. 
"  Present — The  President  and  members  as  before. 
"  Jonathan  Oakley,  charged  with  the  last  before  men- 
tioned charges,  pleads  not  guilty. 

"  No  evidence  appearing  before  the  court  against  John 
Low,  Edward  Wood,  Edward  Wood,  Junr.  and  Jonathan 
Oakley,  they  were  acquitted. 

"  The  court  then  taking  into  mature  consideration  the 

232 


several  charges  against  the  several  prisoners  ;  the  evi- 
dence against  them,  and  confessions  of  said  prisoners,  do 

"  Resolve,  That  Jacob  Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Frede- 
rick Keyser,  Thomas  Crispell,  Peter  Bush,  Jacobus  Fur- 
long, Johannes  Keyser,  William  Calder,  Lodowick  Seely, 
James  Merkle  and  John  Stokes,  are  guilty  of  the  first 
charge  alleged  against  them  for  levying  war  against  the 
United  Slates  of  America,  in  the  State  of  New-York, 
whilst  owing  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  said  Slate;  but 
that  the  said  Jacob  Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Frederick 
Keyser,  Thomas  Crispell,  Peter  Bush,  Jacob  Furlong,  Jo- 
hannes Keyser,  William  Calder,  Lodowick  Seely,  James 
Merkle  and  John  Stokes,  are  not  guilly  of  the  second  and 
third  charges  alleged  against  them;  and  that  Samuel  Fre- 
ligh  and  Abraham  Middagh  are  guilty  of  aiding,  assisting, 
giving  comfort,  and  being  adherent  to  the  enemies  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  in  the  State  of  New-York  aforesaid, 
whilst  they  owed  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  said  State ;  but  do 

"  Resolve,  That  the  said  Samuel  Freligh  and  Abraham 
Middagh,  are  not  guilty  of  the  first,  second  and  third 
charges  alleged  against  them  :  and  further, 

"  Resolve,  That  William  Wood,  Richard  Oakley  and 
Walter  Stouter  are  guilty  of  aiding,  assisting,  giving  com- 
fort to  and  being  adherent  to  the  enemies  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  in  the  said  State  of  New-York,  whilst  they 
owed  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  the  said  State  ;  and  do 
adjudge  that  Jacob  Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Frederick 
Keyser,  Thomas  Crispell,  Peter  Bush,  Jacobus  Furlong, 
Johannes  Keyser,  William  Calder,  Lodowick  Seely,  James 
Merkle,  John  Stokes,  Samuel  Freligh,  Abraham  Middagh, 
William  Wood,  Richard  Oakley  and  Walter  Stouter,  do 
suffer  the  pains  and  penalties  of  death,  by  being  hanged  bv 
the  neck  till  they  are  dead. 

"  The  court  having  considered  the  condition  of  Jacob 
Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Thomas  Crispell,  Peter  Bush, 
Johannes  Keyser,  James  Merkle  and  William  Calder,  and 
in  consequence  of  their  apparent  distress,  open  confession 
and  promise  of  future  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  State 
of  New-York,  do  recommend  them  for  mercy. 

"  The  court  having  examined  the  proceedings,  do  order 
them  to  be  signed  bv  the  president. 

"  LEWIS  DUBOIS,  Colo.  President. 

"  Capt.  Henry  Goodwin,  Judge  Advocate. 

"  Examination  of  Jacob  Davis,  who  saith,  that  on  Wed- 
nesday, the  23rd  instant,  Jacob  Middagh,  came  to  his 
father's  house  and  asked  him  whether  he  would  not  go 
along  with  him  to  New-York  to  join  the  regulars,  to  which 
he  consented  and  agreed  to  go  with  them,  and  immediate- 
ly proceeded  to  get  ready  ;  and  that  his  father  provided 
him  with  provisions  and  other  necessaries  he  wanted  on 
his  march  ;  and  that  they  went  that  night  as  far  as  Shokan ; 
and  that  next  day  they  marched  to  near  Marbletown,  at 
Jagh  Crepplbos,  and  stopped  a  little  at  Abraham  Mid- 
dagh's,  and  went  from  thence  to  Richard  Cackley's,  where 
they  came  at  about  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  and  tarried 
some  time  at  his  house,  and  then  went  along  as  far  as  Wil- 
liam Wood's  in  the  Cocksing  Clove,  where  they  met  with 
Samuel  Freligh,  James  Jones  and  a  regular  officer,  who 
told  them  they  were  going  with  them  in  the  morning,  and 
that  they  lodged  that  night  at  said  Wood's,  and  in  the  morn- 
ing crossed  the  mountains  together,  to  near  the  Widow  Be- 
vier's,  in  the  New-Pallz  precinct,  when  Lieut.  Jacobus 
Rosa  and  Jacob  Middagh,  went  to  the  widow's  and  shortly 
after  returned,  and  then  they  went  along  and  was  piloted 
by  Wouler  Sluyter,  to  Cornelius  Dubois's,  at  the  Wallkill, 
and  across  it,  when  they  took  Jacob  Freer  and  Tennis 
Van  Vleit ;  and  after  some  discourse  between  Lieut.  Rosa 
and  said  Van  Vleit,  Lieut.  Rosa,  let  him  go,  and  said  th.it 
Van  Vleit  was  a  good  man,  and  that  he  would  not  keep 
him  prisoner,  and  marched  on  that  night  as  far  as  Alleck 
Campbell's,  where  they  tarried  that  day  ;  in  the  evening 
went  a  little  further  to  a  barn  of  Arthur  McKinney,  where 
they  lodged  that  night,  and  tarried  thereabouts  the  next 
day  and  night ;  that  while  they  were  there  Samuel  Freligh, 


926 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


James  Jones  and  the  regular  officer  went  to  Major  Col- 
den's,  and  after  some  time,  Samuel  Freligh  returned 
again  and  told  them  that  Major  Colden  told  him  that  he 
thought  it  was  impossible  for  their  company  to  get  through 
to  the  regulars  on  account  of  the  guards  ;  and  from  that 
time  he  saw  no  more  of  Samuel  Freligh,  James  Jones  and 
the  regular  officer  ;  and  Monday  morning  went  on  their 
journey,  and  about  twelve  o'clock  got  on  a  large  hill  at  or 
near  the  clove,  where  they  were  attacked  by  the  militia, 
and  that  him  and  four  more  made  their  escape  ;  but  three 
of  them  did  not  come  far  back  with  them  in  company,  and 
that  he  did  not  know  what  had  become  of  the  rest  of  the 
company. 

"  Examination  of  Andrew  Longyear,  who  sailh  that  on 
Wednesday,  the  23rd  instant,  Jacob  Middagh  and  another, 
came  to  his  father's  house  and  asked  him  to  go  along  with 
him  to  New-York  to  the  regulars,  for  the  regulars  would 
come  up  this  way  soon,  and  they  would  then  come  along 
with  them  and  drive  the  inhabitants  before  them,  and  lake 
their  estates  from  them  ;  then  concluded  to  go  along  with 
them,  and  got  himself  ready  and  went  with  them  to  Samuel 
Davis's,  and  his  son  Jacob  joined  us,  and  that  night  went 
as  far  as  Shokan,  and  on  Thursday  they  went  along  to  near 
Marbletown,  and  in  the  night  went  to  Richard  Oakley's, 
where  they  tarried  some  time,  and  from  thence  to  William 
Wood's,  in  Cocksing  clove,  where  they  joined  Lieut.  Ja- 
cobus Rosa." 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  were  then  read 
by  parts. 

1st.  The  proceedings  against  Jacob  Davis,  tried  on  three 
charges,  viz:  1st.  With  levying  war  against  the  United 
States  of  America.  2nd.  For  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in 
the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain;  and  3rd.  For 
having  enlisted  men  in  the  service  of  the  said  King  while 
owing  allegiance  to  the  said  State. 

2nd.  The  proceedings  against  Andries  Longyear,  charged 
with  the  like  crimes. 

3rd.  The  proceedings  against  Thomas  Crispell,  charged 
with  the  like  crimes. 

4th.  The  proceedings  against  Peter  Bush,  charged  with 
the  like  crimes. 

5th.  The  proceedings  against  Johannes  Keyser,  charged 
with  the  like  crimes. 

By  the  said  proceedings  it  appears  that  the  said  several 
culprits  are  respectively  found  guilty,  and  adjudged  to  suffer 
the  pains  and  penalties  of  death  by  being  hanged  by  the 
neck  until  they  are  dead. 

The  same  proceedings  and  sentences  being  severally, 
and  each  by  itself  considered  and  determined,  the  Con- 
vention does  approve  of,  ratify  and  confirm  the  said  several 
sentences. 

And  whereas  this  Convention  think  it  their  duty  in  some 
cases,  by  extending  mercy  to  mitigate  the  rigor  of  justice, 
and  the  said  several  persons  being  by  the  said  court  martial 
recommended  to  mercy,  in  consequence  of  their  apparent 
distress,  open  confession  and  promise  of  future  obedience 
to  the  laws  of  the  State  of  New-York  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  President,  in  the  name,  and  by  the 
authority  of  this  Convention,  do  issue  a  pardon  to  each  of 
them,  the  said  Jacob  Davis,  Andries  Longyear,  Thomas 
Crispel,  Peter  Bush  and  Johannes  Keyser,  of  the  crimes 
whereof  each  of  them  respectively  has  been  convicted  as 
aforesaid. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  the 
following  persons  were  then  read,  to  wit : 

1st.  The  proceedings  against  Samuel  Freligh,  tried  on 
four  charges,  viz  :  1  st.  For  levying  war  against  the  United 
States  of  America.  2nd.  For  being  an  enlisted  soldier  in 
the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain.  3rd.  For  enlist- 
ing men  in  the  service  of  the  said  King  ;  and  4lh.  For 
aiding,  assisting,  and  giving  comfort,  and  being  adherent 
to  the  enemies  of  the  Stale  of  New- York,  while  owing 
allegiance  lo  the  said  State,  together  with  the  confession 


of,  and  testimony  against,  the  said  Samuel  Freligh,  and 
sentence  of  the  said  court  martial  thereon,  were  respectively 
read. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  the 
said  Frederick  Keyser,  on  the  said  three  first  above  men- 
tioned charges,  with  the  confession  of,  and  testimony 
against,  the  said  Frederick  Keyser,  and  the  sentence  of  the 
said  court  martial  thereon. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  the 
said  Jacob  Furlong  on  the  said  three  first  above  mentioned 
charges,  with  the  confession  of,  and  testimony  against,  the 
said  Jacob  Furlong. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  the 
said  William  Wood,  charged  with  aiding  and  assisting, 
and  holding  correspondence  with,  and  giving  comfort  to 
the  enemies  of  the  Stale  of  New-York,  whilst  owing  alle- 
giance to  the  laws  of  the  said  Stale,  together  with  the  de- 
fence of  ihe  said  prisoner,  and  the  evidence  against  the 
said  prisoner,  with  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
thereon.  And  the  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial 
against  Richard  Oakley,  charged  before  ihe  said  court  mar- 
tial with  the  crime  last  above  mentioned,  together  with  the 
defence  of  the  said  prisoner,  and  the  sentence  of  the  said 
court  martial  thereon,  were  each  respectively  read. 

By  the  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  it  appears 
that  the  said  Samuel  Freligh  is  found  guilty  of  aiding, 
assisting,  giving  comfort  and  being  adherent  to  the  enemies 
of  the  State  of  New- York,  in  the  State  of  New-York 
aforesaid,  whilst  he  owed  allegiance  to  the  said  Stale;  and 
is  acquitted  of  the  first  and  third  charges  against  him. 
That  the  said  Frederick  Keyser  and  Jacob  Furlong  are 
found  guilty  of  the  first  charge  alleged  against  them,  for 
levying  war  against  the  United  Slates  of  America,  in  the 
Slate  of  New- York,  whilst  owing  allegiance  to  the  laws 
of  said  State  ;  and  are  acquitted  of  the  second  and  third 
charges  alleged  against  them.  That  the  said  William 
Wood  and  Richard  Oakley  are  guilty  of  aiding,  assisting, 
giving  comfort  to  and  being  adherent  to  the  enemies  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  in  the  said  Stale  of  New-York,  whilst 
they  owed  allegiance  lo  the  laws  of  the  said  Stale. 
Wherefore  the  said  Samuel  Freligh,  Frederick  Keyser, 
Jacobus  Furlong,  William  Wood  and  Richard  Oakley  are 
respectively  adjudged  lo  suffer  the  pains  and  penalties  of 
death,  by  being  respectively  hanged  by  ihe  neck  until  they 
are  dead. 

The  said  several  sentences  being  severally,  and  each  by 
itself,  considered  and  determined,  the  Convention  does 
approve  of,  and  ratify  and  confirm  the  said  several  senten- 
ces. Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Tompkins, 
Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Sackelt,  Mr.  Roosevelt, 
Mr.  Miller.  Mr.  William  Harper  dissent  from  the  con- 
firmation of  the  sentence  against  William  Wood. 

But  this  Convention,  willing  further  to  mitigate  the 
rigour  of  justice  and  extend  mercy, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Samuel  Freligh  and  Jacob 
Furlong  be  respectively  pardoned  of  ihe  crimes  whereof 
each  of  them  respectively  has  been  convicted  as  aforesaid. 

The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial,  relative  to  John 
Low,  Edward  Wood,  Edward  Wood,  Jr.  and  Jonathan 
Oakley,  whereby  they  are  acquitted,  were  also  read. 

The  same  being  considered,  the  Convention  do  approve 
of  and  confirm  the  said  determination  of  the  court  martial, 
as  to  the  said  John  Low,  Edward  Wood,  Edward  Wood, 
Junr.  and  Jonathan  Oakley. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  transmit  to  Colonel  Horn- 
beeck  General  Clinton's  order,  by  express  ;  and  inform 
that  Convention  have  resolved  and  ordered  that  some  of 
the  culprits  shall  be  executed  on  Tuesday  next,  between 
the  hours  of  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  four  in  the  af- 
ternoon, and  request  him  to  have  his  guards  ready,  agree- 
ably to  the  general  order  for  the  purpose,  to  see  execution 
done. 

Ordered,  That  Egbert  Dumond,  Esquire,  high  sheriff 
of  Ulster  county,  have  permission  lo  go  on  board  of  all  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


927 


vessels  at  the  Landing  at  his  pleasure,  or  to  send  any  per- 
son on  board,  who  shall  be  the  bearer  of  a  copy  of  this 
order,  to  endeavour  to  obtain  an  executioner. 
Adjourned  till  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Sous,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  11,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Genl.  Abm.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 
Genl.  Scolt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Roosevelt— New-York. 
Mr.  W.  Harper—  Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Jr.  Mr.  Bleecker— Albany. 
Mr.  Sackelt— Dutchess. 

Colo.  De  AVitt,  Mr.  Tappen,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 
Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith— Suffolk. 
Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins—  Westchester. 
Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Miller  having  departed  while  the  names  of  the 
members  were  entering,  and  Mr.  Clarke  being  absent,  for 
want  of  a  quorum  the  House  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning.   

MONDAY  MORNING, 

May  12,  1777. 

The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Doct.  Rogers. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Mr.  Harper,  Capt.  Rutgers, 
Mr.  Beekman,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Colo.  Brasher, Genl.  Scott — New-York. 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck.  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — ilbany. 

Mr.  Tompkins,  Judge  Graham — Westchester. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Smith— Suffolk. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  John  Schenk,  Mr.  Sackett — Dutchess. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner— Orange. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Robert  Yates  and 
John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esquires,  informing  them  of  their  being 
appointed  puisne  judges  of  this  State,  and  requesting  their 
immediate  attendance  at  this  place  to  take  the  oaths  of 
office. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  the  following  resolutions  and  drafts  of 
letters,  in  answer  to  the  letters  from  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany and  General  Gates,  received  the  11th  instant,  which 
were  respectively  read  and  agreed  to,  and  are  as' follows, 
to  wit : 

"  Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Convention 
by  the  commiltee  of  the  city  of  Albany,  that  the  jails  of 
the  said  city  have  lately  become  crowded  by  a  number  of 
dangerous  and  disaffecled  persons,  many  of  whom  have 
lately  been  apprehended  in  arms,  and  confined  in  ihe  said 
jails  :  And  whereas  the  said  commiltee  have  requested 
the  advice  and  direction  of  this  Convention  respecting  the 
best  manner  of  disposing  of  the  said  prisoners,  and  such 
others  as  may  be  sent  to  the  said  jail,  so  as  that  they  may 
be  accommodated  in  a  manner  more  comfortable  lo  them- 
selves and  less  burdensome  to  the  inhabitants,  who  have 
been  obliged  to  guard  the  said  jails  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  or  their  sub-committee,  be,  and  they  hereby  arc, 
authorized  at  their  discretion  to  prepare  any  two  or  more 
vessels  in  Hudson's  river,  near  the  said  city,  for  the  recep- 
tion of  all  such  prisoners  as  they  may  think  proper  to  con- 
fine on  board  the  same  ;  to  appoint  a  commissary  to  pro- 
vide them  with  necessary  subsistence  and  a  proper  guard 
lo  take  care  of  them. 

Resolved-,  That  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense 
attending  the  execution  of  the  aforegoing  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  every  person  who  shall  be  found  on 
shore  after  having  been  confined  on  board  of  the  said  ves- 
sels, or  either  of  them,  without  having  been  properly  dis- 


charged, shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  felony  without  benefit 
of  clergy. 

Resolved,  That  no  person  be  permitted  to  go  on  board 
the  said  vessels  without  the  leave  or  order  of  the  said  com- 
mittee. 

"  May  12,  1777. 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  9th  instant  has  been  laid  be- 
fore the  Convention.  They  are  happy  to  be  informed  that 
the  insurrections  in  your  county  are  so  nearly  suppressed. 

The  Convention  hope  the  enclosed  resolutions  will  be 
agreeable  to  the  committee,  and  I  am  directed  to  assure 
you  that  the  Convention  will  at  all  times  adopt  such  mea- 
sures as  may  conduce  to  the  ease  and  prosperity  of  the 
citizens  of  Albany. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  city  of  Albany." 

"  May  12,  1777. 

"  Sir — The  Convention  have  received  your  favour  of  the 
9th  inst.  Your  opinion  that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to 
abandon  any  post  of  Ticonderoga,  gives  them  great  plea- 
sure, and  I  am  directed  to  assure  you  lhat  the  exertions  of 
this  State  shall  not  be  wanting  to  render  your  efforts  in  the 
common  cause  successful. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"To  the  Honle.  Genl.  Gates." 

The  Convention  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the 
residue  of  the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  held  at 
Fort  Montgomery  on  the  2nd  instant  and  afterwards. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  the 
said  Abraham  Middagh,  on  four  charges.  1st.  For  levying 
war  against  the  United  States  of  America.  2nd.  For  being 
an  enlisted  soldier  in  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Bri- 
tain. 3rd.  For  enlisting  men  in  the  service  of  the  said 
King.  4th.  For  giving  aid,  assistance,  and  being  adherent 
to  and  secreting  the  enemies  of  the  said  States,  together 
with  the  defendant's  plea  and  the  evidence  against  him, 
were  read. 

The  proceedings  against  Walter  Stouter,  charged  and 
tried  before  the  said  court  martial  for  aiding,  assisting  and 
being  adherent  lo  the  enemies  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
whilst  owing  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  the  said  State,  to- 
gether with  the  defendant's  plea  of  guilty,  were  read. 

By  the  said  proceedings  it  appears  that  the  said  Abra- 
ham Middagh  is  found  guilty  of  aiding,  assisting,  giving 
comfort  and  being  adherent  to  the  enemies  of  the  State  of 
New-York  in  the  State  of  New-York  aforesaid,  and  ac- 
quitted of  the  other  charges  against  him. 

And  that  the  said  Walter  Stouter  is  found  guilty  of  the 
charge  made  against  him  ;  and  that  the  said  Abraham  Mid- 
dagh and  Walter  Stouter  are,  by  the  said  court,  sentenced 
to  suffer  the  pains  and  penalties  of  death,  by  being  seve- 
rally hanged  by  the  neck  until  they  are  dead. 

The  said  two  several  sentences  severally  and  each  by 
itself  considered  and  delermined,  the  Convention  does  ap- 
prove of  and  ratify  and  confirm  the  said  sentences  ;  but 
this  Convention  hoping  lhat  the  further  extension  of  mercy 
may  lend  to  induce  the  deluded  to  return  to  a  sense  of  iheir 
duty, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Abraham  Middagh  and  Waller 
Stouter  be  pardoned  of  the  crimes  whereof  each  of  them 
respectively  has  by  the  said  court  martial  been  convicted 
as  aforesaid. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  Wil- 
liam Calder  and  James  Meikle,  on  the  three  first  mention- 
ed charges,  with  the  confessions  of  the  defendants  respec- 
tively, and  the  sentences  of  the  said  court  whereby  the  said 
two  defendants  are  respectively  found  guilty  of  levying 
war  against  the  United  States  of  America  in  the  Stale  of 
New-York,  and  thereby  adjudged  to  be  respectively  hanged 
by  the  neck  until  they  are  dead,  were  read. 

The  said  sentences  being  respectively  read,  were  ap- 
proved of  and  confirmed  ;  but  the  said  William  Calder  and 
James  Merkle  being  by  ihe  said  court  martial,  in  conse- 
quence of  their  apparent  distress,  open  confession  and  pro- 


928 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


mise  of  future  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  having  recommended  them  to  mercy, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Calder  and  James 
Merkel  be  pardoned. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  against  Lodo- 
wick  Seely  and  John  Stokes,  tried  respectively  on  the 
three  first  charges  above  mentioned,  found  guilty  respec- 
tively of  the  first  charge  against  them,  to  wit :  for  levying 
war  against  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  said  State 
of  New- York,  whilst  owing  allegiance  to  the  laws  of  the 
said  State,  together  with  the  sentence  of  the  said  court 
respectively  adjudging  lliem  guilty,  and  sentencing  eacli  of 
them  to  suffer  the  pains  and  penalties  of  death,  by  being 
hanged  by  the  neck  until  they  are  dead,  were  respectively 
and  separately  read  and  considered. 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
as  to  each  of  them,  the  said  Lodowick  Seely  and  John 
Stokes  be,  and  hereby  is,  reversed. 

A  list  of  the  several  prisoners  under  sentence  of  death, 
whose  sentences  are  confirmed,  and  who  are  pardoned,  or 
resolved  to  be  pardoned,  being  made  by  order  ;  their  names 
are  as  follows,  viz  :  John  Van  Vleet,  William  McGinnis, 
Cornelius  Furler,  Coenradt  Misener,  Andries  Keyser, 
John  Rapelye,  Silvester  Vandermerkan,  Jacobus  Rosa, 
Jacob  Middagh,  Jacobus  Langyou,  Arthur  McKinney  ; 
[confirmed  May  3rd,]  Silas  Gardener,  Frederick  Keyser, 
Richard  Oakley,  and  Abraham  Middagh. 

The  question  being  put,  whether  any  more  than  Rosa 
and  Middagh  be  hanged,  it  was  carried  that  no  more  be 
hanged.  Dissenting — General  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bleecker. 

Resolved.,  That  the  above  named  persons  be  pardoned, 
except  Rosa  and  Middagh  ;  but  that  the  said  pardons  be 
withheld  from  them,  during  the  discretion  of  the  Conven- 
tion, or  Council  of  Safety,  or  Governor  of  this  State  ;  and 
that  the  members  and  Secretaries  of  Convention  pledge 
their  honours  in  the  mean  time,  to  keep  the  said  pardons 
secret. 

Messrs.  Scott,  G.  Livingston  and  Bleeker  dissent  as  to 
the  granting  of  the  pardons. 

Resolved,  That  with  respect  to  all  the  other  prisoners 
sentenced  to  die,  and  pardoned,  it  be  in  the  discretion  of 
the  Council  of  Safety,  or  Governor  of  this  State,  to  deliver 
their  pardons  and  discharge  them,  when  it  shall,  to  the 
said  Council  or  Governor,  appear  most  expedient :  And 
that  the  said  Council  of  Safety  have  the  like  controul  over 
the  sentences  and  proceedings  of  courts  martial,  as  this 
Convention  possesses  ;  and  at  their  discretion  to  determine 
the  powers  granted  to  the  said  courts  by  the  Convention, 
before  the  expiration  of  the  time  limited  for  their  duration. 

Monday  Afternoon,  May  12,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Brasher,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Dunscomb — New-York. 

Major  Lawrence — Queens. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Mr.  R.  Livings- 
ton— Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sacket,  Capt.  John  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Ncwkerk — Tryon. 

Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 

Major  Farks,  Colo.  De  Witt—  Ulster. 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Clarke— Orange. 

Mr.  Tompkins,  from  a  committee  for  that  purpose  ap- 
pointed, repotted  a  set  of  resolutions  for  the  appointment 
of  commissioners  to  settle  and  pay  off  the  accounts  of  sun- 
dry of  the  inhabitants  in  Westchester  county,  for  foraging, 
&c.  &c.  The  consideration  of  the  same  postponed  till  to- 
morrow. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 


The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  so  much 
of  General  George  Clinton's  letter  of  the  9th  instant,  as 
relates  to  his  resignation  of  his  commission  of  brigadier- 
general  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  county. 

Mr.  Jay  moved  that  General  Clinton's  resignation  be  not 
accepted,  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draft  a 
letter  to  him,  assigning  the  reasons  for  this  refusal ;  and 
among  others,  that  the  high  sense  this  House  entertain  of 
his  abilities  to  serve  his  country  in  this  important  hour, 
forbid  their  complying  with  his  request. 

Debates  arose,  whether  the  House  has  a  right  to  refuse 
to  accept  of  the  said  resignation.  Thereupon, 

Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  for  the  following 
resolution  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  may  of  right  refuse  to 
accept  the  resignation  of  the  commissions,  by  them  granted 
to  the  brigadier-generals  of  the  militia  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Tredwell  then  moved  that  the  question  on  the  said 
motion  be  not  now  put. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  theieon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  following  manner,  to 
wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Ulster,   4      Dutchess,  5 

Albany,   6       Suffolk,   4 

Orange,  3       New-York,    8 

—  Genl.  Scott,  Col.  Brasher 
13  and  Mr.  Harper  dissent- 

ing. — 
17 

The  question  was  then  put  on  Mr.  Jay's  motion,  and 

carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Dutchess,    5       Albany,   6 

Suffolk,    4      Orange,   3 

New-York,                          8  — 

Ulster,  4  9 

21 

Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  may  of  right  refuse  to 
accept  the  resignation  of  commissions  by  them  granted  to 
the  brigadier-generals  of  the  militia  of  this  State. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  said  part 
of  General  Clinton's  letter,  be  postponed  till  to-morrow 
morning. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

May  13th,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer  by  the  Revd.  Doct.  Rogers. 
Present — General  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Lott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Capt.  Rut™ers,  Mr.  Beekman, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Roosevelt,  Colo.  Brasher — New-York. 
Major  Lawrence — Queens. 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker,  Col.  Livingston — 

Albany. 

Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Capt.  John  Schenk — Dutchess. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Newkerk—  Tryon. 

Mr.  Smilh,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Morris,  Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins — Westchester. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks,  Colo.  Dc  Witt — Ulster. 

The  petition  of  Jacobus  Rosa  and  Jacob  Middagh,  sen- 
tenced to  be  hanged  this  day,  praying  for  a  few  days'  re- 
spite, was  read  and  rejected  ;  Capt.  Rutgers,  Colonel  Li- 
vingston and  Mr.  Wisner  dissenting. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Hendrick  Crispel,  Wil- 
liam Tiets,  Junr.  and  Frederick  Keyser,  who  were  seve- 
rally convicted  of  treason  against  this  Stale,  and  are  par- 
doned by  this  Convention,  be  immediately  discharged,  and 
that  they  call  upon  the  Secretaries  this  evening  for  their 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


929 


pardons.    And  that  John  Low,  Edward  Wood,  Edward  I 
Wood,  Junr.  and  Jonathan  Oakley,  who  were  respectively 
tried  for  treason,  and  acquitted,  be  discharged. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Liv- 
ingston, be  added  as  members  to  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
this  State. 

Mr.  Sacket,  a  member  of  the  committee  appointed  last 
winter  to  superintend  an  expedition  into  Westchester  coun- 
ty, informed  the  House  that  the  said  committee,  in  order 
to  collect  intelligence,  were  under  the  necessity  of  employ- 
ing a  person  for  that  purpose,  who  hath  devoted  his  time 
to  the  business,  and  much  exposed  himself  to  danger : 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  into  the 
hands  of  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Esq.  another  member  of 
the  said  committee,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  to  be 
by  him  paid  to  the  said  person  employed  by  the  said  com- 
mittee as  aforesaid,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

As  by  the  35th  section  of  the  constitution  established 
by  this  Convention,  it  is  ordained,  "  That  the  resolves  or 
resolutions  of  the  Congresses  of  the  Colony  of  New-York, 
and  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  now  in 
force  and  not  repugnant  to  the  government  established  by 
the  said  constitution,  shall  be  considered  as  making  part 
of  the  laws  of  this  State  ;"  and  as  the  said  resolves  and 
resolutions  are  at  present  in  such  a  state,  that  the  Council 
of  Safety,  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  cannot  pos- 
sibly, without  great  loss  of  time  and  uncertainty,  determine 
which  of  the  aforesaid  resolves  and  resolutions  are  still  in 
force  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Tappen  and  Mr.  Tredwell  be  a  com- 
mittee to  revise  the  above  referred  to  resolves  and  resolu- 
tions carefully,  and  with  all  possible  despatch  to  digest  and 
form  an  index  to  the  same,  and  that  they  be  empowered  to 
employ  one  or  more  clerks  for  that  purpose. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a  letter  from  Mor- 
gan Lewis,  deputy  quarter-master-general,  requesting  a 
quantity  of  junk  for  the  use  of  the  artillery  in  the  northern 
department,  report : 

"  That  there  is  a  large  quantity  of  junk  on  board  of  the 
Continental  brig,  which  can  be  spared  to  Mr.  Lewis,  and 
leave  a  sufficient  supply  for  the  Continental  frigates. 

"  Your  committee  further  report,  that  by  information, 
there  is  four  coils  of  white  rope  at  Poughkeepsie,  which 
was  ordered  to  be  made  by  General  Schuyler  for  the  use 
of  the  artillery  in  the  northern  department." 

The  foregoing  report  being  read,  was  referred  to  the 
Council  of  Safety. 

The  petition  of  Cadwallader  Golden,  John  Cumming, 
and  six  others,  confined  in  Kingston  jail,  dated  the  11th 
May  instant,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Garret  Freer,  a  prisoner  now  confined  in 
the  jail  below,  be  discharged,  on  being  admonished  and 
paying  his  fees.    Mr.  Bleecker  dissenting. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  De  Wit  and  Major  Tappen  be 
a  committee  to  confine  Cadwallader  Colden,  John  Cum- 
ming, Alexander  Cruikshank  and  Richardson  Thurman, 
in  some  house  in  the  vicinity  of  Kingston,  under  such  re- 
strictions as  the  committee  may  think  proper. 

The  Convention  were  informed  that  the  galleys  in  Hud- 
son's river  are  completely  armed  and  fitted,  and  only  want 
men. 

Thereupon,  Mr.  Morris  was  appointed  to  write  a  letter 
to  the  Board  of  War,  to  assist  Captain  Cook  to  get  men 
for  the  galleys  in  Hudson's  river. 

Whereas  a  committee  was  appointed  by  this  Conven- 
tion for  removing  the  grain  and  forage,  and  also  the  well 
affected  inhabitants  from  the  lower  parts  of  the  county  of 
Westchester,  and  the  debts  contracted  in  executing  the  said 
resolution  remain  still  unpaid,  to  the  great  damage  of  in- 
dividuals and  injury  to  the  public  cause  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Richard  Hat- 
field and  Philip  Pell,  Junior,  or  any  two  of  them,  be,  and 
they  hereby  are,  appointed  commissioners  to  settle  the  ac- 

233 


counts  of  said  committee,  and  to  pay  off  all  just  demands 
against  them  for  such  forage  and  grain,  or  for  assisting  in 
removing  the  same  ;  and  likewise  for  assisting,  at  the  re- 
quest of  said  committee  in  removing  the  well  affected  in- 
habitants as  aforesaid  ;  and  that  the  said  commissioners  be, 
and  they  hereby  are,  empowered  to  draw  upon  the  trea- 
sury of  this  State,  for  any  sum  not  exceeding  six  thousand 
pounds,  for  the  purpose  aforesaid;  and  if  the  said  sum  of 
six  thousand  pounds  shall,  upon  the  settlement  of  said  ac- 
counts, be  found  insufficient  for  discharging  all  the  just 
demands  aforesaid,  that  they  be  empowered,  with  the  con- 
sent of  the  Council  of  Safety,  to  draw  upon  the  treasury  for 
such  further  sum  or  sums  as  shall  be  found  to  be  necessary 
for  that  purpose  ;  and  that  the  said  commissioners  do,  as 
soon  as  may  be,  give  a  true  and  full  account  of  their  pro- 
ceedings to  the  Council  of  Safety  or  future  Legislature  of 
this  State. 

Resolved,  That  where  the  prices  of  the  grain  or  forage 
aforesaid,  have  not  been  agreed  on  by  the  said  committee 
and  the  proprietors  thereof,  the  said  commissioners  be  em- 
powered to  allow  to  the  inhabitants  of  said  county  for 
every  bushel  of  wheat,  seven  shillings  ;  for  every  bushel  of 
rye,  five  shillings  ;  for  every  bushel  of  oats,  three  shil- 
lings and  six  pence  ;  for  every  bushel  of  Indian  corn,  five 
shillings  ;  for  every  bushel  of  buckwheat,  three  shillings  ; 
for  every  bushel  of  salt,  twenty  shillings  ;  for  every  hide, 
thirty  shillings  ;  and  for  overy  hundred  weight  of  hay,  five 
shillings  ;  and  that  the  said  commissioners  keep  a  separate 
account  of  the  charges  of  removing  the  well  affected  inha- 
bitants of  said  county. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  above  named,  do  di- 
rect and  order  all  the  salt  by  them  taken  and  collected  as 
aforesaid,  to  be  transported  to  Kingston,  to  be  disposed  of 
as  the  Council  of  Safety  or  future  Legislature  of  this  State 
shall  direct. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  that  part 
of  General  George  Clinton's  letter,  which  relates  to  his 
resignation,  &c. 

Resolved,,  That  General  George  Clinton's  resignation 
be  not  accepted,  and  that  the  Council  of  Safety  write  to 
him,  assigning  the  reasons  for  this  refusal,  and  among 
others  that  the  high  sense  this  Convention  entertain  of  his 
abilities  to  serve  his  country  at  this  important  hour,  forbid 
their  complying  with  his  request  at  present. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  brought  in  a  report  for  electing 
Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  which  was  read,  and 
postponed  till  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Paris,  dated  8th  May,  was  read,  and 
referred  to  the  Council  of  Safety. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  call  on  Colonel  Snyder 
and  direct  him  to  attend  this  Conuention  at  5  o'clock  this 
afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  either  of  the  commissioners  in  Ulster 
county,  appointed  to  take  charge  and  dispose  of  the  per- 
sonal property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  be  em- 
powered to  inspect  into  and  determine  what  effects  Mrs. 
Clopper  ought  to  be  permitted  to  remove  to  Poughkeepsie 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  May  13,  1777. 
The  Convention  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Brigr.  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  President. 

Gen.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  Harper,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Beekman— 
New-York. 

Mr.  Newkerk,  Mr.  W.  Harper — Tryon. 

Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Bleecker — Albany. 

Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sackett,  Mr.  Jno.  Schenk— Dutchess. 

Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Wisner — Orange. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  W.  Smith,  Mr.  Miller— Suffolk. 

Judge  Graham,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Morris—  Westchester. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Parks—  Ulster. 

The  President  informed  the  Convention  that  the  door- 
keeper reported  that  Colonel  Snyder's  family  informed  him 
that  the  Colonel  is  not  returned  from  Fort  Montgomery. 


9:J() 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Resolvtd  and  Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the 
arrest  of  Colo.  De  Witt,  one  of  the  members  of  this  Con- 
vention, by  order  of  Colonel  Snyder  or  one  of  the  officers 
under  his  command,  be  referred  to  the  Council  of  Safely, 
to  hear  and  determine  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Paris,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Tryon  county,  dated  the  8th  instant,  with  a  long  post- 
script, requesting  a  parly  of  rangers  to  be  raised  and  em- 
ployed in  that  county,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  22  commissions  in  addition  to  28  already 
issued,  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  and 
that  the  residue  of  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Council 
of  Safely. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  dated  the  12th 
instant,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Gent — I  am  directed  by  the  committee  to  enclose  you 
a  draft  on  the  President  of  the  Convention  for  one  thou- 
sand pounds,  which  you  will  please  to  send  up  with  the 
first  safe  opportunity. 

"  I  am,  gent,  your  humble  servt. 
"  By  order, 

"  MAT.  VISSCHER. 

"  To  the  Deputies  of  the  County  of  Albany. 

"  N.  B.  The  loan  officers  have  a  large  sum  of  money 
on  hand." 

A  resolution  of  the  committee  of  Albany  requesting  an 
order  for  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  to  defray  the 
necessary  charges  of  the  county,  was  read,  and  follows, 
viz : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ? 
"21st  April,  1777.  J 
"  Present — John  Barclay,  Esq.  Chairman. 

"  Genl.  Ten  Broeck,  Henry  Van  Vechten,  John  Price,  Jeremiah  Van 
Rensselaer,  Abraham  Ten  Eyck,  Isaac  Van  Aernam,  Peter  Bratt, 
Henry  I.  Bogart,  John  M.  Beekman,  Garrit  Lansing,  Junr.  John  Tay- 
ler,  Henry  Wendell,  Peter  Ryckman,  Jacob  Lansing,  Jr.  John  Ja.  Beek- 
man. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  chairman  draw  on  the  President  of 
the  Convention  of  this  State  for  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
pounds,  to  defray  the  necessary  charges  of  the  county  and 
Slate  within  the  same. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  MAT.  VISSCHER,  Secyr 
«<  Sir — Please  to  pay  the  above  sum  of  one  thousand 
pounds  to  Messrs.  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck  and  Robert  Yates,  or  either  of  them,  and  charge 
the  same  to  this  county. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servt. 
"  By  order, 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 
"  Attest,  Mat.  Visscher,  Secy. 
'■'To  the  President  of  the  Convention 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Abra- 
ham Yates,  Junr.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck  and  Robert  Yates, 
or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  to  de- 
fray the  necessary  charges  of  the  said  county,  and  charge 
the  same  to  the  said  county  of  Albany,  to  be  raised  and  re- 
paid by  the  said  county,  at  such  time  and  in  such  manner 
as  a  future  Legislature  shall  direct.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  said  committee  of  Albany  render  a 
particular  account  of  the  expenditure  of  the  former  sums 
of  money  advanced  to  them  by  the  representatives  of  this 
State,  and  also  of  the  said  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds 
above  mentioned,  to  the  Council  of  Safety  or  future  Le- 
gislature of  this  State,  with  all  possible  despatch. 

Garrit  Freer,  a  prisoner  confined  in  the  jail  below,  was 
brought  up,  and  admonished  by  the  President,  and  a  dis- 
charge for  him  delivered  to  the  sheriff  on  his  paying  the 
fees  due. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed 
to  report  a  plan  for  the  management  of  Indian  affairs  in 
this  State,  do  report  to  the  Council  of  Safety. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Council  of  Safety  be 
directed  to  prepare  the  boundaries  of  this  State  and  the 


evidence  thereof,  and  to  lay  the  same  before  the  Congress, 
if  it  shall  be  necessary,  prior  to  the  session  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Zcphaniah  Piatt,  Matthew  Cantine  and 
Egbert  Benson,  recommending  Henry  and  John  Livings- 
ton as  agents  to  go  to  the  eastern  colonies  to  purchase  salt 
for  this  State,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Council 
of  Safely. 

A  French  memorial  from  M.  Derdevens,  a  French  no- 
tary public,  dated  the  6lh  of  May  instant,  was  read  and 
ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  Council  of  Safety. 

General  Scott  had  leave  to  depart  on  public  business. 

A  number  of  pay  rolls  of  the  Tryon  county  rangers  were 
delivered  in  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  retained  and  delivered  to  the 
Auditor-General  on  his  return. 

The  resolutions,  giving  the  commissioners  for  sequester- 
ing the  personal  estates  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
directions  with  respect  to  such  estates  as  may  be  claimed 
by  persons  not  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  and  authorizing 
the  said  commissioners  to  lease  out  the  lands  and  tenements 
of  persons  gone  over  to  and  joined  the  enemy,  were  read, 
amended  and  agreed  to  as  follows  : 

Whereas  the  commissioners  appointed  to  dispose  of, 
and  preserve,  the  property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the 
enemy,  have  represented  to  this  Convention  that  they  are 
at  a  loss  how  to  act  where  (as  frequently  happens)  the 
goods  to  be  disposed  of  are  claimed  by  persons  still  residing 
amongst  us.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  where  any  goods  above  the  value  of 
forty  pounds  taken  by  the  said  commissioners,  shall  be 
claimed  by  virtue  of  a  bill  of  sale  or  otherwise,  and  the 
claimant  shall  show  probable  title  thereto ;  that  the  com- 
missioners shall  deliver  them  to  the  person  claiming  the 
same,  first  taking  security  that  they,  or  the  value  thereof, 
shall  be  forthcoming  whenever  called  for;  and  if  the  goods 
in  question  shall  not  exceed  the  value  of  forty  pounds,  that 
the  said  commissioners  shall  examine  the  party  claiming 
the  same,  on  oath,  touching  the  property,  and  if  it  shall 
appear  either  by  his  or  her  oath  or  otherwise,  that  the  claim 
is  justly  founded,  shall  deliver  the  goods  so  claimed  to  the 
person  who  shall  appear  to  be  the  proprietors  thereof,  with- 
out demanding  any  security  for  the  same;  and  if  upon  such 
examination,  the  person  demanding  the  said  goods  shall 
refuse  to  be  examined  on  oath,  or  being  examined,  shall 
not  swear  that  he  or  she  is  proprietor  thereof,  that  the  said 
goods  shall  be  disposed  of  in  like  manner  as  if  no  such 
claim  had  been  set  up,  and  the  party  aggrieved  shall  be  at 
liberty  to  institute  a  suit  in  any  court  of  record  against  the 
said  commissioners  for  the  recovery  of  the  value  thereof, 
which  suit  shall  be  defended  at  the  expense  of  the  State  ; 
and  in  all  cases  where  the  property  shall  exceed  the  value 
of  forty  pounds,  and  shall  be  delivered  to  the  person  claim- 
ing the  same  by  virtue  of  the  above  resolution,  the  com- 
missioners shall,  if  they  suspect  fraud  in  the  claimant, 
apply  to  the  Attorney-General  of  this  State,  who  shall 
bring  a  suit  for  the  recovery  of  the  said  goods,  in  the  name 
of  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  in  any  court  of  law  or  equity 
within  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  above  named,  be  di- 
rected and  empowered  to  lease  out  the  lands  and  tenements 
of  all  such  persons  as  already  have  gone,  or  hereafter  shall 
go  unto  and  join  the  enemies  of  this  State,  under  moderate 
rent,  from  year  to  year,  to  persons  friendly  to  the  cause  of 
America,  and  who  will  covenant  to  keep  the  same  in  re- 
pair, and  to  suffer  no  waste  to  be  done  thereon  ;  provided 
always  that,  the  said  commissioners  be  empowered  to  make 
such  reservations  as  thev  shall  think  proper  for  the  subsis- 
tence of  the  families,  which  by  such  persons  may  be  left 
in  necessity. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  such  leases,  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State,  who  have  been  driven  from  their  habitations  by  the 
enemy,  should  be  preferred  by  the  commissioners  to  others 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


931 


who  have  not  that  claim  to  the  favour  of  the  public,  provi- 
ded they  apply  before  any  engagement  shall  be  made  with 
other  persons  for  the  said  lands  and  tenements. 

Whereas  the  secret  committee  of  this  Convention  ap- 
pointed in  June  last  past,  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river,  have  not  for  several  reasons  been  able  to 
report  their  proceedings  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be,  and  they  are 
hereby  directed  to  report  their  proceedings  to  the  Council 
of  Safety  as  soon  as  possible. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded  that  this  Convention 
proceed  to  elect  Delegates  to  represent  this  State  in  Con- 
gress. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  to 
wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Westchester,  4      Suffolk,   4 

Dutchess,   5      Orange,   3 

New- York,   8  — 

Ulster,   4  7 

—         Albany  divided. 

21 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 
Resolved,  That  five  Delegates  be  elected  by  ballot  to 
represent  this  State  in  Congress,  until  the  Legislature  of 
this  State  shall  at  their  first  meeting  make  further  provi- 


sion ;  that  three  at  least  of  the  said  Delegates  shall  statedly 
attend ;  and  that  any  two,  or  more  of  them  so  attending, 
be  a  quorum,  and  enabled  to  represent  and  give  the  vote 
of  this  State  in  Congress. 

The  ballots  of  the  several  counties  being  taken  and  told, 
it  appears  that  the  Honourable  Philip  Schuyler,  Philip 
Livingston,  James  Duane,  William  Duer  and  Governeur 
Morris,  Esquires,  were  duly  elected  to  be  the  said  Dele- 
gates. Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  gentlemen  above  named,  be  the 
present  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Congress,  and  that  the 
said  Delegates  do  from  time  to  time  give  their  attendance 
in  Congress,  according  to  the  orders  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Representatives  of 
this  State  in  Convention,  be  given  to  Philip  Livingston, 
James  Duane,  John  Jay,  William  Floyd,  Henry  Wisner, 
Philip  Schuyler,  George  Clinton,  Lewis  Morris,  Francis 
Lewis  and  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Junr.  Esquires,  Dele- 
gates of  this  State  in  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, for  their  long  and  faithful  services  rendered  to  the 
Colony  of  New-York,  and  to  the  said  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  transmit  the  same  pro- 
perly attested  to  each  of  the  said  Delegates. 

Resolved,  and  Ordered,  That  the  Council  of  Safety  do 
assemble  at  this  place  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

The  Convention  then  dissolved. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COUNCIL    OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  14,  1777. 
The  members  of  the  Council  of  Safety  met,  vizt : 

Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen, 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper, 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

For  want  of  another  member  to  make  a  quorum,  adjourn- 
ed till  four  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  14,  1777. 
The  following  members  of  the  Council  of  Safety  met 
pursuant  to  adjournment : 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  General  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Abm. 
Yates,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Gilbt- 
Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  was  unanimously  elected 
President  of  the  Council. 

John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson  Secretaries,  and 
Thomas  Pettit,  doorkeeper. 

Barent  Van  Denburgh  and  Robert  R.  Vandusen,  two 
persons  from  the  manor  of  Livingston,  who  had  been  de- 
luded and  have  returned  to  their  allegiance,  applied  to 
Convention  for  the  benefit  of  the  ordinance  passed  by  the 
Convention  on  the  tenth  day  of  May  instant.  They  took 
the  oath  of  allegiance  before  Major  Tappen  and  severally 
subscribed  the  same  on  a  roll.  And  they  severally  sub- 
scribed, in  his  presence,  a  certificate  acknowledging  that 
they  have  severally  received  and  claimed  the  benefit  of  the 
said  ordinance,  and  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
State  and  received  their  pardons  respectively.  Thereupon 
a  pardon  was  delivered  to  the  said  Barent  Van  Denbergh  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  Council  of  Safely  for  the  Stale  of  New-York,  to 
all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  send  greeting  : 
"  Whereas  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York 
did,  on  the  tenth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  make  and  pub- 
lish '  a  declaration  or  ordinance,'  offering  free  pardon  to 
such  of  the  subjects  of  the  said  State  as  having  committed 
treasonable  acts  against  the  same,  should  return  to  their 

234 


allegiance  :  And  whereas  it  hath,  in  the  manner  prescrib- 
ed by  the  said  ordinance,  been  certified  to  the  said  Council 
that  Barent  Van  Denbergh,  late  of  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, having  committed  treasonable  acts  against  the  said 
State,  and  being  desirous  of  returning  to  his  allegiance, 
hath  taken  the  oath  in  the  said  ordinance  specified  and  in 
all  things  complied  with  the  terms  thereof; 

"  Know  ye  that  the  said  Council,  in  pursuance  of  the 
direction  of  the  said  ordinance,  doth  hereby  fully  and  freely 
pardon  all  and  every  treasonable  acts  and  deeds  by  the  said 
Barent  Van  Denbergh  against  the  said  State  of  New-York, 
committed  before  the  said  tenth  day  of  May,  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven. 

"  And  the  said  Barent  Vandenbergh  is  restored  to  a  par- 
ticipation of  all  the  rights,  liberties  and  privileges  apper- 
taining to  the  good  people  of  the  said  State  of  New-York. 

"  In  witness  whereof,  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire, 
President  of  the  Council,  hath  hereunto  subscribed  his 
name  in  the  said  Council,  the  fourteenth  day  of  May,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-seven." 

A  similar  pardon,  mutatis  mutandis,  was  also  given  to 
the  said  Robt.  R.  Van  Dusen. 

A  letter  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Mathew  Cantine  and 
Egbert  Benson,  dated  the  thirteenth  instant,  and  recom- 
mending Henry  and  John  Livingston  to  be  sent  to  Boston 
for  salt,  was  read,  and  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Rhinebeck,  May  13th,  1777. 

"  Sir — Messrs.  Henry  and  John  Livingston  inform  us, 
there  are  considerable  quantities  of  salt  in  the  eastern  States ; 
that  it  may  be  procured  reasonably,  and  are  willing  to  con- 
tract with  Convention  upon  being  allowed  proper  commis- 
sions to  bring  a  quantity  into  this  State. 

"  We  conceive  it  a  matter  of  such  importance  that  we 
have  taken  the  liberty  of  recommending  the  measure  to  the 
attention  of  Convention,  and  the  above  gentlemen  as  pro- 
per persons  to  be  employed  in  the  business. 

"  We  remain  your  most  obedt.  servts. 

"  ZEPHA.  PLATT,  Jr. 
"  MATHEW  CANTINE, 
"  EGBT.  BENSON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Esqr. 

President  of  the  Convention,  Kingston." 


934 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Thereupon,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  six  thousand  bushels  of  salt  be  purchased 
in  Massachusetts  Bay,  or  some  other  of  the  eastern  States, 
and  transported  into  this  State  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
thereof. 

The  Council  were  informed  by  a  member  sent  to  confer 
with  Messrs.  Henry  and  John  Livingston,  that  if  they 
should  be  employed  to  purchase  and  transport  salt,  they 
would  expect  to  receive  commissions,  as  well  on  all  ex- 
pense and  disbursements  for  transportation,  as  on  the  pur- 
chase money,  and  conceive  five  per  cent  commissions  to 
be  no  more  than  a  compensation,  even  if  the  quantity  to  be 
purchased  had  been  10,000  bushels. 

A  majority  of  the  members  of  Council  being  of  opinion 
that  the  commissions  above  proposed  will  be  too  great  an 
expense,  Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston,  that  four  per  cent  commissions  be  allowed 
to  Messrs.  John  and  Henry  Livingston,  for  purchasing  and 
transporting  salt  to  such  part  of  this  State  as  this  Council 
of  Safety  may  direct. 

The  question  being  put  thereon,  it  passed  in  the  nega- 
tive as  follows,  vizt : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  affirmative. 
Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay, 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston, 

Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr  Robt.  Harper. 

Major  Tappen, 
Major  Van  Zandt. 

On  motion, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  three  per  cent  commis- 
sions be  allowed  to  Messrs.  Henry  and  John  Livingston  for 
that  business,  if  they  shall  choose  to  undertake  and  manage 
the  same  effectually. 

Accounts  of  the  services  of  militia,  who  have  served 
under  Colonel  Robert  Van  Rensselaer  at  sundry  times, 
were  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Robt.  Harper  be  a 
committee  to  examine  and  audit  the  said  pay  and  subsis- 
tence rolls. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  until  next 
Monday  morning. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  has  leave  of  absence,  to  depart 
when  Mr.  Cantine  shall  attend,  and  to  be  absent  seven 
days  from  the  time  of  his  departure. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  15,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr. 
Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine. 

Colonel  Abraham  P.  Lott  delivered  in  a  report  and  pro- 
posals for  purchasing  salt  for  this  State,  which  were  read. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Colo.  Lott  be  and  he  is  hereby  appoint- 
ed to  purchase  salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  ;  that  he  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered 
to  purchase  and  transport,  to  such  place  or  places  in  this 
State,  six  thousand  bushels  of  salt  for  the  use  aforesaid ; 
and  that  he  be  allowed  two  and  a  half  per  cent  commis- 
sions on  all  costs  and  charges  attending  the  purchase  and 
transportation  of  such  salt. 

That  Colo.  Lott  be  requested  and  empowered  to  apply 
to  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esquire,  Commissary-General,  or  any 
other  person  who  can  give  information  on  that  subject, 
whether  any  part  of  the  salt,  for  the  importation  of  which 
he  contracted  with  this  State,  is  imported.  That  Colo. 
Lott  forward  to  the  same  place  all  such  salt  contracted  for 
as  aforesaid  as  may  be  arrived  ;  and  that  he  be  allowed  the 
like  commission  of  two  and  a  half  per  cent  for  his  trouble 
in  forwarding  and  transporting  the  salt  last  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 


Colo.  Lott,  or  his  order,  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing  and 
transporting  salt  to  this  State,  any  sum  or  sums  of  money, 
in  the  whole  not  exceeding  thirteen  thousand  pounds. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Tappen  be  added  to  the  commit- 
tee of  correspondence  appointed  by  the  late  Convention,  in 
the  stead  of  Colonel  Allison. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Tappen  be  directed  to  pay  all  ex- 
press riders  employed  by  this  Council,  or  the  committee 
of  correspondence  ;  and  that  he  be  empowered  to  draw 
out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State  such  sum  or  sums  of 
money  as  he  may  require  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties  in 
this  State  do  cleanse  and  repair  the  jails  in  such  counties 
respectively,  and  make  proper  enclosures  to  the  same,  at 
the  public  expense. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing, 
dated  the  thirtieth  instant,  on  the  subject  of  blankets  and 
stockings,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Fishkill,  nth  May,  1777. 

"  Dr  Sir — I  am  now  again  under  the  necessity  to  trou- 
ble you  about  that  two  thousand  dollars,  which  Mr.  Roose- 
velt was  to  have  advanced  me,  by  order  of  the  House  ;  at 
present  am  in  advance,  which  money  am  obliged  to  my 
friends  in  this  place  for.  Therefore  would  consider  it  as  an 
act  of  kindness  to  pay  some  attention  in  supplying  me  with 
such  sums  as  the  nature  of  the  business,  in  which  I  at  pre- 
sent act  in,  requires.  I  expect  a  parcel  of  shoes,  stockings, 
&c.  from  the  Bay  government,  in  a  few  days,  which  articles 
I  contracted  for  about  5  weeks  ago ;  should  they  come  to 
hand  agreeable  to  my  contract,  unless  your  Honourable 
House  think  proper  to  speedily  send  me  a  supply  of  cash, 
must  let  them  go. 

"  The  several  following  accounts  will,  I  suppose,  be 
presented  to  your  House  for  payment  in  the  course  of  some 
days,  which  are  as  follows  : 

"  Robt.  Boyd  for  108  blankets  and  199  pair  stockings  ; 
Elihu  Marvin  35  blankets,  and  83  pair  second  hand  ;  John 
Coe,  Esqr.  55  blankets  and  100  pair  second  hand,  and  yet 
remained  without  any  regular  bill  of  the  above  accounts,  have 
which  renders  it  impracticable  for  me  to  comply  with  the 
resolves  of  the  10th  ulto.  until  furnished  with  regular  ac- 
counts from  the  different  chairmen  in  their  respective  dis- 
tricts, of  the  above  articles,  particularly  the  blankets  and 
coverlets. 

"  The  canteens  which  Mr.  Curtenius  has  forwarded  to 
this  place,  with  prime  costs  and  charges,  will  cost  the  sol- 
diers 5s.  Id.  so  as  to  save  the  State  from  loss  ;  they  come 
extremely  high ;  however  I  shall  abide  by  the  resolve  of 
the  1 1th  ulto.  until  further  orders.  As  the  business  which  I 
now  transact  for  this  State  in  the  clothing  department  was 
derived  under  the  present  Convention,  would  be  extremely 
obliged  to  your  Honourable  House  to  inform  me  under 
what  authority  I  am  to  act  should  a  dissolution  of  the  same 
take  place,  which  I  understand  will  be  the  case  in  a  few 
days  ;  therefore  you  will  not  take  it  amiss  that  I  should  ask 
such  request,  as  any  suspension  of  my  business  would  un- 
doubtedly be  very  detrimental  to  me  under  the  present  cir- 
cumstances. My  family  is  to  be  supported  in  the  Jerseys, 
while  I  am  here  acting  for  the  public.  The  expense  of 
supporting  and  defraying  the  former  and  the  latter  at  the 
very  extravagant  rate  (every  thing  which  contributes  to  the 
essential  comforts  of  life)  are  to  be  purchased  at,  would  be 
impracticable  for  any  honest  man  to  perform ;  and  as  it  is 
well  known  to  a  number  of  the  gentlemen  in  your  House 
lhat  I  have  sacrificed  my  every  thing  for  the  public  good  of 
this  country,  would  flatter  myself  that  my  friends  will  not 
leave  me  destitute  of  some  genteel  means  of  supporting 
myself  and  family. 

"  I  am,  worthy  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

"JOHN  HENRY. 

"  Col.  Ten  Brof.ck,  Esqr.  President." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  supply  him  with  the  ac 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


935 


count  of  blankets  and  stockings,  and  by  whom  furnished 
and  the  price. 

A  recommendation  from  the  sub-committee  at  Haver- 
straw,  signed  by  Claus  Van  Houlen,  their  chairman,  was 
read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Convention 

"  of  the  State  of  New- York,  &c.  &c.  &c. 
"  The  committee  of  the  precinct  of  Haverstraw  finding 
that  it  is  necessary  to  have  some  new  officers  in  the  militia 
of  Colo.  Hay's  regiment,  humbly  requests  that  commis- 
sions may  be  sent  for  the  following  persons,  vizt :  Lieut. 
Garret  Eckerson  to  be  captn. ;  Lieut.  Roger  Osborn,  first 
lieut. ;  Paul  Vander  Voorst,  second  lieut.  ;  Benjamin  Coe, 
ensign. 

"  The  reason  for  having  a  new  corps  of  officers  in  this 
company  are,  that  Captn.  Rinear  Quackenbus,  who  had 
the  command  of  the  company,  is  by  sickness  become  in- 
firm and  unable  to  serve,  therefore  is  desirous  of  resigning, 
and  his  rank  falls  to  said  Eckerson.  Lieut.  Jacob  Tenike 
begs  it  as  a  favour  to  be  permitted  to  resign  his  commis- 
sion, and  offers  to  fall  into  the  ranks  and  do  his  duty  as  a 
faithful  soldier  to  his  country  ;  pleads  ignorance  of  military 
discipline.    These  are  the  true  reasons  given  to  us. 

"  The  first  mentioned  persons  we  know  to  be  trusty  and 
true  to  the  United  States. 

" CLAUS  VAN  HOUTEN, 
"  Chairman  of  the  Sub- Committee." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  commissions  issue  to  the 
said  gentlemen,  to  wit :  To  Garret  Eckerson,  as  captain  ; 
to  Roger  Osborn,  first  lieutenant ;  to  Paul  Vandervoort, 
second  lieutenant,  and  Benjamin  Coe,  ensign,  of  the  com- 
pany in  Colo.  Hay's  regiment,  whereof  Rynier  Quacken- 
boss  was  late  captain. 

Adam  Kilmer  and  Peter  Butler  of  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, who  have  been  deluded  and  have  returned  to  their 
allegiance,  applied  to  Convention  for  the  benefit  of  the  or- 
dinance passed  by  the  Convention  on  the  tenth  instant. 
They  took  the  oath  of  allegiance  before  Major  Tappen, 
and  severally  subscribed  the  same  on  a  roll  in  his  presence, 
as  also  a  certificate  acknowledging  that  they  have  severally 
received  and  claimed  the  benefit  of  the  said  ordinance,  and 
taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  and  received 
their  pardons  respectively. 

Major  Tappen,  from  the  committee  appointed  yester- 
day to  examine  the  pay  and  billeting  rolls  of  the  detach- 
ment of  militia  who  served  under  Colonel  Robt.  Van 
Rensselaer,  reported  that  they  examined  the  same,  and 
find  the  following  sums  due  on  the  said  rolls  respectively, 
to  wit  : 

"  On  the  pay  and  billeting  roll  of  Captain  Casparus  Co- 
nine, the  sum  of  twenty-four  pounds  ten  shillings. 

"  On  the  like  roll  of  Captain  Casper  Huyck,  the  sum 
of  thirteen  pounds  nine  shillings  and  eleven  pence  one  far- 
thing. 

"On  the  like  roll  of  Capt.  Jacob  Philip,  the  sum  of 
thirty-five  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  two  pence. 

"  On  the  like  roll  of  Captain  Jeremy  Muller,  the  sum 
of  sixteen  pounds  three  shillings  and  eleven  pence. 

"  On  the  like  roll  of  Captain  Bortle,  the  sum  of  sixteen 
pounds  fifteen  shillings  and  ten  pence. 

"  On  the  pay-roll  of  the  field  officers  of  the  said  de- 
tachment, the  sum  of  twenty-five  pounds  seventeen  shil- 
lings and  ten  pence  half-penny."  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Colo.  Robt.  Van  Rensselaer,  the  said  several  and  respec- 
tive sums,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  one  hundred  and 
thirty-two  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  eight  pence  three 
farthings,  to  be  by  the  said  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer  paid  to 
the  said  detachment  of  militia  as  aforesaid. 

A  petition  of  William  McGinnes  and  John  Van  Vleet 
and  ten  other  persons  under  sentence  of  death,  praying  to 
be  forgiven,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table. 


A  petition  of  Solomon  Combs  and  ten  others,  prisoners 
at  Kingston,  praying  a  discharge,  was  read. 
Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table. 

A  draft  of  a  dedimus  potestalem  to  administer  oaths  to 
the  several  officers  of  government,  was  read,  and  follows, 
vizt : 

"  The  Council  of  Safety  of  the  Stale  of  New-York, 
send  greeting :  To 

"  Whereas  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
by  an  ordinance  for  organizing  and  establishing  the  govern- 
ment agreed  to  by  the  said  Convention,  made  and  publish- 
ed at  Kingston,  on  the  eighth  day  of  May,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven, 
did  resolve,  that  each  and  every  of  the  persons  in  and  by 
the  said  ordinance  appointed  to  be  officers  in  this  State, 
should,  before  the  said  Council  of  Safety,  or  such  person 
as  should  be  by  them  appointed,  take  and  subscribe  the 
oaths  in  and  by  the  said  ordinance  prescribed  to  be  admi- 
nistered to  the  said  officers  respectively.  The  said  Coun- 
cil do,  therefore,  by  these  presents,  authorize  and  empower 
you  the  said  and  each  and  every  of  you,  jointly 

or  severally,  to  administer  to  the  judges,  sheriffs  and 
clerk,  by  the  said  ordinance  appointed  for  the  county  of 
and  cause  them  to  subscribe  the  oaths  di- 
rected by  the  said  ordinance  to  be  by  them  respectively 
taken  and  subscribed  :  and  that  you  and  each  and  every  of 
you  do,  without  delay,  make  known  to  the  said  council, 
the  manner  in  which  you  and  each  of  you  shall  have  exe- 
cuted the  tiust  and  authority  hereby  committed  to  you. 

"  In  witness  whereof,  Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esquire, 
President  of  the  said  Council,  hath  hereunto  subscribed  his 
name  in  the  said  Council,  the  fifteenth  day  of  May,  1777." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare, 
and  the  President  subscribe,  and  one  of  the  Secretaries 
countersign  or  attest  a  dedimus  potestalem  to  the  following 
gentlemen  in  each  county  to  qualify  the  respective  officers 
in  each  county,  vizt  : 

In  Albany — John  Barclay,  Abraham  Cuyler,  Harma- 
nus  I.  Wendell. 

In  Tryon  County — Isaac  Paris,  William  Harper. 

In  Charlotte  County — Alexander  Webster,  Alexander 
Campbell. 

In  Cumberland  County — John  Sessions  and  John  Ste- 
vens. 

In  Gloucester  County — Brigr.  Genl.  Jacob  Bayley. 
In  Ulster  County — Samuel  Brewster  and  Christopher 
Tappen. 

In  Orange  County — Henry  Wisner  and  Thos.  Moffat. 
Dutchess  County — Harman  Hoffman  and  John  Schenk. 
Westchester  County — Abraham  Purdy,  Ebenezer  Lock- 
wood  and  Colo.  Thos.  Thomas. 

Die  Jovis,  Aho.  P.  M.  May  15,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Morris. 

For  want  of  another  member  (Mr.  Robert  Harper  being 
sick,)  adjourned  till  9  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Mmj  15,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt 
Mr.  Jay,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Wilt. 

Genl.  Scott  from  the  committee  of  the  late  Convention 
appointed  to  direct  the  conveying  of  Major  Edmeston,  a 
prisoner  of  war  to  Philadelphia,  delivered  in  the  parole  of 
the  said  major,  which  was  read  and  filed. 


936 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


The  General,  likewise,  produced  a  receipt  of  Capt. 
Theodorus  Brett,  (oppointed  to  conduct  the  said  major  to 
Philadelphia,)  for  forty-five  dollars  by  him  advanced  to 
Capt  Brett,  towards  defraying  the  expenses  of  his  journey. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  pay  to  Genl. 
Scott,  the  sum  of  forty-five  dollars  for  so  much  by  him 
advanced  to  pay  Capt.  Theodorus  Brett,  who  is  appointed 
to  conduct  Major  Edmeston  to  Philadelphia,  and  that  the 
Treasurer  charge  Capt.  Brett  with  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Captains  Bogardus  Belknap  and  Schoon- 
maker,  and  their  subalterns  do,  without  delay,  make  returns 
to  this  Council,  the  progress  they  have  made  in  recruiting 
their  companies. 

Letter  from  the  Honourable  William  Duer,  Esqr.  dated 
Philadelphia,  May  6th,  on  the  subject  of  the  Westchester 
accounts  for  teamsters,  foraging,  &c.  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following : 

"  Philadelphia,  May  6th,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  have  received  your  two  favours  of  the  23d  and 
25th  April,  the  first  relative  to  the  accounts  of  teamsters, 
&c.  in  Westchester  county,  and  the  other  in  answer  to 
mine  of  the  April. 

"  I  should  have  immediately  sent  off  all  the  accounts  in 
my  possession  by  an  express,  but  as  Genl.  Schuyler  then 
thought  of  returning  in  two  or  three  days,  with  the  advice  of 
my  colleagues,  I  thought  best  to  defer  it,  it  being  judged 
a  much  safer  opportunity.  Several  letters  have  of  late 
been  opened  on  the  road,  and  persons  seized  by  the  disaf- 
fected ;  should  these  accounts  have  met  with  such  a  fate, 
the  public  must  have  suffered  extremely.  I  am  extremely 
sorry  that  the  unavoidable  delay  of  Genl.  Schuyler  has 
occasioned  the  detention  of  these  papers,  but  should  he 
not  be  able  to  leave  this  place  in  three  days  from  this  lime, 
which  he  now  expects,  I  shall  convey  them  in  the  safest 
manner  possible. 

"  The  present  opportunity  not  being  considered  by  Mr. 
Duane  and  Mr.  Livingston,  as  altogether  safe,  I  think  it  is 
not  advisable  to  write  on  any  matters  of  importance. 

"  I  shall  content  myself  with  observing  that  we  have 
surveyed  our  ground,  and  that  we  have  no  doubt  but  we 
shall  make  a  successful  attack  on  the  points  recommended 
to  us.  The  papers  which  I  enclose  you,  will  give  you  an 
insight  into  the  news  stirring  here.  The  accounts  of  the 
arrival  of  the  ship  loaded  with  52  field  pieces  and  other 
ordnance,  &c.  may  be  depended  upon.  Her  name  is  the 
Amphitrite,  a  20  gun  ship,  chartered  in  France  by  Mr. 
Silas  Deane,  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Duane,  both  of  whom 
are  now  busily  engaged,  desire  me  to  present  their  re- 
spects to  the  Honourable  Convention. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

"WM.  DUER. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

A  letter  from  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  dated  the  11th 
instant,  was  read,  and  thereupon  the  Council  came  to  the 
following  resolution  : 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Council  that 
considerable  quantities  of  salted  beef  and  pork  are  secreted 
in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  by  persons  unfriendly  to  the 
liberties  of  America  ; 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  in  the  said 
county  to  take  into  possession  and  dispose  of  the  personal 
property  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  be  directed 
and  empowered  to  seize  and  lake  into  their  custody  all  such 
salted  beef  and  pork  as  may  be  found  to  have  been  so 
secreted,  giving  to  the  proprietors  thereof  a  receipt  for  the 
same  on  behalf  of  this  State  ;  and  further,  that  they  do 
from  time  to  time,  report  to  this  Council  or  the  Governor 
of  this  State,  the  beef  and  pork  which  they  may  so  disco- 
ver and  seize,  together  with  the  value  thereof. 

A  letter  from  Elihu  Marvin,  chairman  of  Orange  county 
committee,  setting  forth  the  hardships  of  the  families  of 
those  of  the  militia  who  are  drafted,  and  recommending 
the  giving  them  a  bounty  was  read,  and 


Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  William  Young,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Hanover  precinct  in  Ulster  county,  enclosing  the 
depositions  against  Hugh  Dougherty,  sent  to  the  jail  in  this 
place,  for  abusing  the  Convention  of  this  State,  charging 
them  with  publishing  lies,  were  read  and  filed. 

The  said  Hugh  Dougherty  being  called  up  was  examined 
and  severely  reprimanded,  and  thereupon  the  Council  came 
to  the  following  order,  to  wit : 

Whereas  Hugh  Dougherty  hath  been  apprehended  by 
the  committee  of  Hanover  precinct,  for  being  inimical  to 
the  American  cause,  and  is  now  confined  in  the  jail  at 
Kingston  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Hugh  Dougherty  be  discharged 
upon  paying  the  jailer's  fees,  &c.  and  that  the  committee 
aforesaid,  be  requested  to  take  security  from  the  said  Hugh 
Dougherty  for  his  good  behaviour. 

The  Council  of  Safety  took  into  consideration  the  pay 
and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  Tryon  county  rangers,  which 
were  referred  over  to  the  Council  by  the  late  Convention, 
which  are  as  follows,  to  wit : 

The  subsistence  roll  of  Capt.  Winn's  company  for  the 
month  of  February,  amounting  to  £131  10s.  3d. 

The  pay  roll  of  the  said  company  for  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary, £203  13s.  2d. 

The  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company  for  March, 
£123  Os.  lid. 

The  pay  roll  of  the  said  company  for  the  same  month, 
£197  7s.  8d. 

The  pay  roll  of  Capt.  Kitman's  company  for  the  month 
of  March,  £197  13s.  4H 

The  subsistence  roll  of  the  said  company,  £121  18s.3|<f. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  eight  hundred  pounds  be 
sent  to  Tryon  county,  to  the  captains  of  the  said  companies 
towards  paying  off  the  said  pay  and  subsistence  rolls. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  Captains  Winn  and  Kitman  the  sum  of  eight  hundred 
pounds  on  the  account  of  the  pay  and  subsistence  of  their 
respective  companies  of  Tryon  county  rangers,  and  that 
the  said  sum  be  transmitted  to  the  said  captains  by  Ben- 
jamin Newkirk,  a  member  of  the  late  Convention  for  the 
said  county. 

The  late  Convention  having  by  a  resolution  on  the  twen- 
ty-eighth day  of  February  last,  appointed  the  Reverend 
Doctor  Rogers  their  chaplain,  and  he  being  now  in  town 
in  pursuance  of  the  said  appointment : 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  on  the  Revd.  Doctor 
Rogers  and  request  his  attendance  every  morning,  for  the 
purpose  of  opening  the  deliberations  of  this  Council  with 
solemn  prayer. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  17,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  Ue  "Witt,  Mr.  Harper 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen. 

For  want  of  another  member,  adjourned  at  12  o'clock,  to 

meet  on  Monday  morning. 


DIE  LUNjE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  19,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortland,  Esqr.  President. 
Col.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris. 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Townsend,  a  prisoner  confined 
on  board  of  one  of  the  vessels  at  the  strand,  for  having 
expressed  publicly,  sentiments  inimical  to  the  cause  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


937 


the  United  States,  was  read  and  filed,  he  therein  expresses 
contrition  for  his  fault,  and  his  readiness  to  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  State,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Samuel  Townsend  be  admitted 
to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  and  be  dis- 
charged. 

A  petition  of  John  Rapelje,  William  McGinnes,  Silvester 
Vandemark,  Coenrad  Wisner,  Cornelius  Furler  and  John 
Van  Vleet,  dated  in  Kingston  jail,  the  sixteenth  instant, 
was  read.  They  thereby  express  their  contrition  for  their 
offences,  praying  to  be  admitted  to  the  benefit  of  the  ordi- 
nance of  grace  of  the  tenth  of  May  instant,  and  praying 
for  pardon. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  short  letter  from  Ananias  Cooper,  dated  in  May  in- 
stant, relative  to  David  Baker  and  Coenradt  Beams,  now 
confined  on  board  of  the  vessels  at  the  strand,  was  read. 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  have  lists  made  of  all  the  pri- 
soners on  board  of  the  vessels  at  the  strand,  with  notes  of 
the  places  from  whence  they  came.  And  that  the  sheriff 
direct  that  Samuel  Davis,  Jacob  Lonyaar  and  Samuel 
Townsend  be  brought  before  this  Committee. 

James  Robinson  was  brought  before  the  House  and  exa- 
mined ;  his  examination  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Ulster  County,  ss. — James  Robinson  examined,  says, 
that  James  Smith,  who  was  in  jail  charged  with  horse 
stealing,  was  the  person  who  sawed  a  bolt  through  in 
the  jail ;  that  he  informed  the  deponent,  that  he,  the 
said  Smith,  was  charged  with  letters  to  the  northward  ; 
that  he  had  buried  the  said  letters  and  some  money 
four  miles  from  the  Widow  Cole's,  near  the  house  of  the 
sister  of  Capt.  Hardenburgh,  at  a  tree  which  stands 
between  two  brooks  ;  that  he  heard  in  the  jail,  that  the 
enemy  would  be  up  this  way  this  month  ;  that  Roosa  also 
mentioned  the  same ;  and  said  the  regulars  had  got  all 
their  guns  and  flat  bottomed  boats  on  their  carriages  ;  and 
that  an  army  would  be  up  this  way  ;  that  they  only  waited 
for  the  northern  army  to  strike  a  stroke,  and  then  they  are 
to  strike  a  stroke  below ;  that  a  negro,  who  makes  irons, 
made  the  irons  for  Savage  with  a  screw  ;  that  Savage 
called  the  negro,  gave  him  a  dram  and  agreed  to  pay  him 
for  that  service  ;  that  the  negro  returned  the  irons  through 
the  window,  fitted  to  screw  ;  that  Savage  then  paid  the 
negro  and  gave  him  another  dram  ;  that  Giles  was  entirely 
innocent,  and  knew  nothing  of  this  matter  ;  that  Roosa  did 
not  expect  to  be  executed  ;  that  he  heard  that  Roosa  had 
been  twice  to  New-York,  and  the  first  time  took  down 
with  him  22  or  23  men,  and  the  next  time  30  men  ;  lhat 
Smith  told  him,  that  between  the  house  and  kitchen  at 
Capt.  Hardenbergh's  sister's,  there  is  an  opening,  through 
which  is  seen  a  tree  between  two  brooks,  at  the  foot  of 
which  is  buried  a  packet  of  letters,  four  half  johannes 
and  thirty-five  dollars  ;  that  Smith  requested  him,  if  he 
got  out  of  jail,  to  take  up  the  money  and  letters,  and  de- 
stroy the  letters  ;  that  Smith  told  him  he  had  received  the 
letters  at  Brunswick." 

Die  Lun^e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  19,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Gent-  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

The  sherriff  attended  with  and  delivered  a  list  of  the  se- 
veral prisoners,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  the  number  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  persons. 

Samuel  Davis  and  Jacob  Langyaar  were  severally  called 
in  and  exhorted ;  and  each  of  them  having  taken  and  sub- 
scribed the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  having  also  severally 
sworn  to  discover  all  plots  or  conspiracies  which  shall 
come  to  their  knowledge  respectively  against  the  said  State, 
were  severally  discharged. 

Samuel  Townshend  was  then  also  called  up  and  heard 
235 


and  admonished.  He  took  the  like  oath  and  made  the 
like  engagement ;  declared  his  sentiments  fully  as  a  friend 
to  his  country,  and  was  discharged. 

A  discharge  was  given  to  each  of  them  by  the  Secre- 
tary, by  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety. 

The  sheriff  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  lhat  Jona- 
than Thorn,  Cornelius  Luyster  and  one  Edward  Hender- 
son, a  mariner,  who  was  taken  a  prisoner  at  Peekskill, 
had  behaved  in  such  manner,  lhat  Capt.  Castle  had  desired 
him  to  bring  them  up  to  the  jail ;  that  he  has  brought 
them  accordingly. 

The  sheriff  further  informed  the  Council,  that  Edward 
Henderson  desired  to  be  brought  before  ihem.  The  said 
Edward  Henderson  says  lhat  he  is  from  Northumberland  ; 
that  he  was  a  pressed  man  and  belonged  to  the  Eagle  ; 
left  England  a  year  ago;  was  taken  at  Peekskill,  and  is 
desirous  of  being  permitted  to  go  to  work  on  board  one  of 
the  Continental  frigates. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  his  case  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

Resolved,  That  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties  in 
this  State  who  are  not  already  qualified  for  executing  their 
offices,  do  qualify  themselves  without  delay  ;  and  that  they 
and  all  other  sheriffs  already  qualified  do,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, respectively  give  public  notice  in  their  respective  coun- 
ties for  the  elections  of  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor 
and  members  of  Assembly,  and  also  for  the  election  of  Sena- 
tors for  the  respective  great  districts  within  this  State,  to  the 
end  that  the  electors  may  have  the  longest  possible  notice 
before  the  election  to  be  had  for  each  district  and  in  each 
county  respectively  ;  and  that  the  said  sheriffs  respectively 
proceed  to  such  elections  without  waiting  for  any  further 
warrant  or  authority,  so  lhat  the  returns  thereof  may  be  duly 
made  to  this  Council  of  Safety  at  the  time  and  in  the  man- 
ner prescribed  by  an  ordinance  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State  for  organizing  and  establishing  the  government  agreed 
to  by  the  said  Convention,  made  and  published  the  eighth 
day  of  May  instant. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  20,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Can- 
tine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris. 

A  memorial  of  John  Cook,  of  Dutchess  county,  dated 
this  day,  was  read.  He  therein  sets  forth  that  he  has  for- 
merly been  sent  to  New-Hampshire  as  a  disaffected  per- 
son, and  had  leave  to  return  on  his  parol ;  that  he  was 
lately  brought  before  the  commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie, 
and  informed  that  he  was  to  be  confined  on  board  of  a  ves- 
sel at  Esopus  creek,  as  a  suspected  person  ;  but  lhat  they 
have  given  him  leave  to  appeal  lo  the  Council  of  Safety. 

The  Council  not  having  sufficient  information  to  deter- 
mine on  the  merits  of  the  said  memorial, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  memorial  be  referred  to  the  said 
commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie,  and  that  they  determine 
thereupon  and  dispose  of  the  said  John  Cook  in  such  man- 
ner as  justice,  and  a  due  regard  to  the  safety  of  this  State, 
shall  in  their  opinion  require. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  McDougall,  dated  at  Peekskill  on 
the  18th  instant,  was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Peekskill,  May  18,  1777. 
"  Sir — Mr.  Thomas  Marston  has  come  here  with  a  flag, 
to  solicit  your  liberty  to  carry  down  his  wife's  clothes,  and 
other  small  articles  belonging  to  his  family.  Although  I 
would  not  presume  to  dictate  in  matters  of  property,  yet  I 
think  those  articles  are  of  no  moment  to  the  important  ques- 
tion in  dispute,  and  therefore  wish  he  may  be  gratified  if  it 
should  not  interfere  with  any  important  considerations 
you  may  have  in  view.    He  has  leave  to  go  up  to  know 


938 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


your  determination  on  this  matter,  and  to  pass  in  quest  of 
them  so  far  as  you  think  proper  to  permit  him. 
«'  I  have  the  honor  to  be 

11  Your  very  humble  servant, 

"ALEXR.  McDOUGALL. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety 

"  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table  until  Thomas  Marston 
shall  apply  to  the  Council. 

The  Council  intending  to  resume  the  consideration  of 
the  case  of  Colonel  De  Witt,  a  member  of  Convention, 
having  been  taken  into  custody  by  a  guard  under  the  direc- 
tions of  an  officer  of  Colonel  Snyder's  regiment, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Addison  do  attend  this  Council 
at  four  o'clock  to  be  examined 

The  memorial  of  Thomas  Marston,  requesting  permis- 
sion and  an  order  to  convey  three  trunks  with  apparel  and 
effects  to  the  city  of  New- York,  was  read.  After  some 
time  spent  thereon, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  the  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  dated  at  Fishkill  the  18th 
instant,  was  also  read,  and  follows  in  the  words  to  wit : 

"Fishkill,  18th  May,  1777. 

"  Honoured  Sir — As  I  have  always  acknowledged  my- 
self a  member  of  this  State,  and  have  equally  been  a  suf- 
ferer with  many  of  my  brethren,  would  gladly  embrace  the 
present  opportunity  of  procuring  some  of  my  movable  ef- 
fects from  the  city  of  New-York,  together  with  my  negro 
wench  ;  I  having  no  other  means  of  obtaining  the  same 
but  by  an  humble  application  to  the  authority  of  this  State. 
There  is  now  a  fair  chance  for  me,  as  Mr.  Marston  is  come 
out  of  town  with  a  view  of  carrying  his  movable  effects  into 
the  city.  Would  be  under  much  obligation  to  your  Ho- 
nourable House  to  consider  me  in  a  part  of  the  exchange  of 
property  with  the  said  Mr.  Marston,  viz  :  my  furniture  and 
wench  is  the  whole  of  what  I  can  at  present  expect  to  get; 
therefore,  as  I  am  destitute  of  any  of  those  articles  to  keep 
house  with,  hope  to  be  able  to  obtain  them  through  the 
present  channel.  In  haste,  but  would  be  glad  you  would 
order  down  to  the  store  in  this  place,  as  many  buckskin 
breeches  as  may  be  in  store  at  Kingston. 
"  I  am,  sir,  with  proper  respects, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servt. 

"JOHN  HENRY. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  President  of  the 

"  New-York  State  Convention." 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  20,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.De  Witt,  Major 
Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper. 

No  other  members  attending,  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning  for  want  of  a  quorum. 


DIE  MERCURII,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  21,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.^Cantine,  Mr.  Morris. 

Mr.  Jay  delivered  in  a  recommendation  of  sundry  officers 
in  three  companies  of  militia  in  Rumbout's  precinct  which 
was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"Officers  chosen  in  the  company  lately  commanded  by 
Capt.  William  Fowler,  viz  :  Matthew  V.  Bunschouten, 
capt. ;  Daniel  Outwater,  1st  lieut. ;  Abm.  V.  Wyck,  2d 
licut. ;  Abm.  Hoogland,  ensign. 

"  Officers  chosen  in  the  company  lately  commanded  by 
Capt.  Isaac  Hageman,  vizt :  Jno.  V.  Benschoten,  capt.  ; 
Robt.  Todd,  1st  lieut. ;  Barent  P.  V.  Kleeck,  2d  lieut.; 
Tunis  Van  Benschoten,  Junr.  ensign. 


"  Officers  chosen  in  the  company  lately  commanded  by 
Capt.  Stephen  Brinkerhoff:  George  Brinkerhoff,  capt.; 
Stephen  Osburn,  1st  lieut. ;  Benj.  Rosenkrans,  2d  lieut.; 
Jacobus  S.  Swartwout,  ensign. 

"  The  committee  of  Rumbout  requests  that  the  Conven- 
tion would  grant  commissions  for  the  above  officers,  and 
send  them  by  the  return  of  Mr.  Fred.  Jay. 
"  Rumbout,  May  17,  1777." 

Ordered,  That  the  commissions  issue. 

A  letter  from  General  Greene,  directed  to  Messrs.  Tudor 
and  Lawrence,  or  either  of  them,  agents  for  building  the 
Continental  ships  at  Kingston,  per  express,  was  brought 
into  the  Council  of  Safety,  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
and  figures  following,  vizt : 

"New-Windsor,  May  nth,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — His  Excellency  General  Washington 
having  appointed  Genl.  Knox  to  come  and  take  a  view  of 
the  forts,  fortifications  and  obstructions  in  the  North  river, 
and  to  consult  with  the  general  officers  commanding  at 
these  posts,  whether  the  state  of  the  works  and  obstructions 
are  sufficiently  executed  to  prevent  the  British  fleet  from 
penetrating ;  in  Council  it  hath  been  determined  unani- 
mously, that  notwithstanding  the  forts  are  formidable  and 
the  obstructions  in  the  river  exceeding  difficult  (if  not  im- 
possible) for  any  ship  to  pass,  yet  the  navigation  of  this 
river  is  thought  to  be  an  object  of  such  great  magnitude 
that,  to  render  the  navigation  still  more  secure,  it  is  the 
opinion  of  all  the  general  officers,  that  the  two  Continental 
frigates  and  row  gallies  will  be  necessary  to  aid  the  forts, 
and  cover  the  obstructions.  You  will  please,  therefore,  to 
give  all  the  assistance  in  your  power  to  get  the  ships 
completed  as  soon  as  possible.  If  the  guns  and  men 
can  not  be  had  through  the  proper  channel  seasonably, 
they  will  be  provided  some  other  way ;  therefore  let  that 
be  no  hindrance  or  delay  to  executing  the  other  work  as 
soon  as  may  be.  The  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State  will 
doubtless  render  you  every  assistance  in  their  power,  to 
accomplish  a  work  wherein  they  are  so  deeply  interested. 
"I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  obed.  servt. 

"NATHANIEL  GREENE. 

"  To  Messrs.  Lawrence  and  Tudor." 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Greene,  directed  to  Capt.  Hodge, 
on  the  same  subject,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"New-Windsor,  May  17th,  1777. 
"  Sir — His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington  having  di- 
rected me  to  take  a  view  of  the  forts  and  fortifications  on 
the  North  river,  together  with  the  obstructions  across  it, 
and  to  give  orders  for  such  further  aids  as  may  be  neces- 
sary to  effectually  stop  the  British  fleet  from  coming  up 
the  river,  it  has  been  determined  in  Council,  the  Conti- 
nental frigates  and  therow  gallies  will  be  necessary  to  secure 
the  river.  You  will  please,  immediately  on  the  receipt  of 
this,  to  apply  to  General  George  Clinton,  who  will  ac- 
quaint you  with  the  measures  taking  to  man  and  equip  the 
ships.  I  hope  the  agents  appointed  by  the  Congress  to 
build  the  ships  will  give  all  the  aid  in  their  power  to  get 
the  ships  completed  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"NATHL.  GREENE. 

"  To  Capt.  Hodge." 

The  Council  of  Safety  thereupon  came  to  the  following 
determination,  to  wit : 

"Whereas  by  a  letter  from  Major-Genl.  Greene,  to 
Messrs.  Lawrence  and  Tudor,  or  either  of  them,  agents  for 
building  the  Continental  ships,  of  the  17th  May  instant,  and 
also  by  a  letter  from  Major-General  Greene,  to  Capt.  Hodge 
of  the  same  date,  it  appears  to  this  Council  (among  other 
things)  that  His  Excellency  General  Washington  had  ap- 
pointed Major-General  Greene  and  General  Knox  to  take 
a  view  of  the  forts,  fortifications  and  obstructions  in  the 
North  river,  together  with  the  obstructions  across  it,  and 
to  give  orders  for  such  further  aids  as  may  be  necessary  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


939 


effectually  stop  the  British  fleet  from  coming  up  the  river  ; 
and  further  that  it  had  been  determined  in  Council,  and  was 
the  opinion  of  all  the  general  officers  that  the  two  Conti- 
nental frigates  and  row  gallies  will  be  necessary  to  aid 
the  forts  and  cover  obstructions  ;  and  that  Major-General 
Greene,  in  his  said  letter  to  Captain  Hodge,  did  require 
him  to  apply  to  General  George  Clinton,  who  would  ac- 
quaint him  with  the  measures  taken  to  man  and  equip  the 
said  ships  :  And  whereas  the  marine  committee  of  the 
General  Congress  have,  by  certain  resolutions,  committed 
the  care  of  the  said  frigates  to  the  Convention  of  this 
State  ;  and  the  said  agents  and  captain  have  requested  the 
advice  and  direction  of  this  Council  in  the  premises  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  agents  and  captain  ought  in  the 
opinion  of  this  Council  to  obey  such  orders  as  they  may 
from  time  to  time  receive  from  His  Excellency  General 
Washington,  or  other  general  officers  acting  under  his  au- 
thority, respecting  the  equipping  and  stationing  the  said 
frigates  for  the  defence  of  the  said  river. 

A  petition  of  Jacob  Schurman,  Bloomer  Neilson,  Joseph 
Turner,  Samuel  Hains,  Stephen  Jones,  Samuel  Herring 
and  Edward  Henderson,  dated  the  twentieth  instant,  was 
read.  They  thereby  set  forth  that  they  are  in  want  of  pro- 
visions for  a  few  days  past. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  be  desired  to  direct 
them  to  be  provided  with  such  provisions  as  are  necessary 
for  their  support. 

A  very  short  petition  of  Elnathan  Foster,  John  Flewel- 
ling  and  eight  others  was  read.  They  thereby  engage  their 
future  good  behaviour,  and  pray  to  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  short  petition  of  Elnathan  Foster,  to  the  same  pur- 
port, and  setting  forth  his  ill  state  of  health,  was  read. 

Ordered,  To  be  committed  to  Major  Tappen,  that  he 
examine  the  said  Foster,  and  report  thereon. 

The  Council  of  Safety  were  informed  of  sundry  particu- 
lars relative  to  one  Quimby,  lately  with  the  enemy,  and 
who  being  taken  by  Major  Dubois,  is  coming  to  this  place 
with  a  certificate  to  claim  the  benefit  of  the  resolutions  of 
Convention  of  the  tenth  day  of  May  instant. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  take  the  deposition  of  Si- 
las Purdy,  relative  to  the  said  Quimby  and  his  conduct,  and 
lay  the  same  before  this  Council. 

The  Council  being  informed  that  Wilhelmus  Merkell, 
Jacob  Furler  and  Christian  Winne,  who  are  in  custody, 
may  safely,  on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Wilhelmus  Merkell,  Jacob 
Furler  and  Christian  Winne  be  directed  to  be  brought  up 
from  the  vessels  at  Esopus  Landing  ;  and  that  on  their 
taking  the  said  oath  of  allegiance  respectively  they  be  dis- 
charged. 

This  Council  being  informed  by  Mr.  Cantine,  one  of  the 
members,  and  also  by  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  that  the 
following  persons  under  sentence  of  death,  vizt :  Thomas 
Crispell,  late  of  Marbletown,  James  Merkell,  Jacob  Long- 
yaar,  Junr.  Andries  Langvaar  and  Jacob  Davis,  are  truly 
penitent  for  their  past  conduct,  and  if  pardoned  would  pro- 
bably behave  as  good  subjects. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare, 
and  the  President  of  this  Council  issue  a  pardon  to  each 
of  them  respectively. 

The  memorial  of  Thomas  Marston,  which  was  read 
yesterday,  praying  leave  to  remove  three  trunks  with  ap- 
parel and  valuable  effects  to  the  city  of  New- York,  was 
again  read  and  taken  into  consideration. 

After  some  time  spent  thereon,  certain  resolutions  rela- 
tive to  the  exchange  of  property  with  persons  now  with 
the  enemy,  were  proposed  and  read. 

Debates  arose  thereon.  Thereupon  a  preamble  to  the 
said  resolutions  was  proposed  and  read,  and  being  read  a 
second  time,  Mr.  Jay  moved,  and  was  seconded,  that  the 
resolutions  and  preamble  be  postponed  and  committed  to 
Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris,  to  report  the  same  to-morrow 
morning. 


Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative,  in  the  manner  following,  vizt : 
For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gibt.  Livingston, 

Major  Ten  Broeck.  Mr.  Cantine, 

Colo.  De  Wilt, 
Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Morris. 

Therefore  the  said  motion  was  rejected. 
The  said  resolutions  and  preamble  being  again  read  and 
amended,  were  agreed  to,  and  follows,  vizt  : 

Whereas  the  late  Convention  of  this  State  being  desir- 
ous, as  far  as  in  them  lie,  to  alleviate  the  calamities  of 
war,  and  expecting  that  examples  of  humanity  would  have 
been  imitated  by  the  generals  and  commanders  of  the 
British  fleets  and  armies,  did  permit  divers  persons  in  the 
city  of  New- York,  to  remove  their  property  from  parts 
not  in  possession  of  the  enemy  into  the  said  city  :  And 
whereas  complaints  have  been  made  by  the  subjects  of 
this  State  that  they  have  not  been  permitted  to  remove 
their  property  from  places  in  possession  of  the  enemy. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  would  be  imprudent  to  permit  any 
property  whatever  to  be  transported  from  those  parts  of  this 
State,  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  to  New-York,  or 
any  other  place  now  in  their  possession  until  a  mutual  ex- 
change shall  be  agreed  on,  and  that  General  McDougall  be 
requested  to  negotiate  such  exchange  under  the  following 
restrictions,  that  is  to  say  :  that  the  persons  now  with  the 
enemy,  and  who  were  respectively  at  any  place  by  them 
possessed  at  the  time  when  they  did  so  become  possessed, 
shall  be  permitted  to  remove  their  personal  property  upon 
conditions  that  those  persons  subjects  of  this  State,  who 
have  personal  property  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  be  in 
like  manner  permitted  to  remove  the  same,  excepting  al- 
ways horses,  cattle,  provisions,  ammunition  and  implements 
of  war. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  McDougall  re- 
lative to  an  exchange  of  property  and  persons  coming  from 
the  enemy,  was  read,  agreed  to,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  of  Safety  having  considered  Mr. 
Marston's  request,  think  they  cannot  with  propriety  grant 
it,  while  the  property  of  the  subjects  of  this  State  is  de- 
tained by  the  enemy.  They  have,  therefore,  passed  a  re- 
solution, a  copy  of  which  is  enclosed,  in  order  to  procure  a 
mutual  exchange  of  property.  The  Council  conceive  that 
the  persons  coming  from  the  enemy  and  travelling  to  this 
place  without  a  guard,  must  have  many  opportunities  of 
gaining  the  most  important  intelligence,  and  of  spreading 
the  spirit  of  disaffection.  They  therefore  request  that  all 
flags  which  shall  hereafter  be  sent  from  the  enemy,  be 
stopped  at  Peekskill,  and  their  requests  transmitted  to  this 
place. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
"  To  Brigr.  Genl.  McDougall." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  Marston  to  Bri- 
gadier-General McDougall,  or  the  commanding  officer  at 
Peekskill ;  that  a  copy  of  the  said  resolution  be  also  deli- 
vered to  Mr.  Marston ;  that  the  said  Thomas  Marston  be 
sworn  before  the  President  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Al- 
mighty God,  that  he  will  not  convey  any  intelligence,  di- 
rectly or  indirectly,  to  any  person  or  persons  whomsoever, 
which  may  prejudice  any  or  either  of  the  United  Stales  of 
America,  or  any  of  the  subjects  thereof. 

The  said  Thomas  Marston  was  then  sworn  accordingly. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  moved  and  was  seconded,  that 
Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Harman  Hoffman,  Esqr.  and  Major 
Ten  Broeck,  be  requested  to  attend  this  Council  on  Mon- 
day next. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put,  was 
carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  the  manner  following,  vizt : 


910 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


For  the  affirmative. 
It.  K.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Cantine, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Harper, 
Colo.  He  Witt 


For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Jay, 

Mr.  Morris, 

Mr.  Tappen, 

Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 


On  motion  made  by  Colo.  De  Witt,  and  seconded  by 
Major  Van  Zandt, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  prepare  and  report 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Harman  Hoff- 
man, Esqr.  and  Major  Ten  Broeck,  requesting  their  atten- 
dance on  Monday  next,  and  assigning  for  reason,  that  this 
Council  requests  information  relative  to  the  disaffected  now 
confined  at  Esopus  Landing. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  22,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Gilbl.  Livingston,  Mr.  ltobt.  Harper,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

A  certificate  from  Richard  Esselstyne,  one  of  the  per- 
sons employed  to  procure  a  number  of  spears  to  put  into 
the  hands  of  such  of  the  militia  of  this  State  as  were  un- 
provided with  arms,  certifying  that  he  has  received  from 
Elisha  Talmage  one  hundred  and  fifty  spears,  at  the  price 
of  4s.  6d.  per  spear. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Elisha  Talmage  the  sum  of  thirty-three  pounds  fifteen  shil- 
lings, for  one  hundred  and  fifty  spears  by  him  made  and 
delivered  to  Richard  Esselstyne,  for  the  use  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Gilbert  Livingston 
be  a  committee  to  inquire  of  Captain  Bogardus  relative  to 
the  state  of  his  company. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Mr.  Harper  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  pay  rolls  of  the  companies  of  militia 
commanded  by  Captains  Schoonmaker  and  Rose,  who  were 
ordered  to  the  passes  in  the  Highlands  on  the  west  side  of 
Hudson's  river,  by  General  George  Clinton,  last  winter. 

A  petition  of  Levy  Quimby,  dated  the  21st  instant,  was 
read.  He  therein  sets  forth,  that  on  the  first  of  March 
last  he  left  home  with  three  persons,  whose  names  he  can 
not  recollect,  and  went  to  the  city  of  New-York  ;  that  be- 
ing informed  of  the  act  of  grace  passed  by  the  Conveniion 
on  the  lOih  of  this  instant,  he  relumed  and  appeared  be- 
fore Major  Lewis  Du  Bois,  and  look  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  State,  of  which  he  therewith  produced  a  certificate, 
and  he  thereby  prayed  a  pardon. 

A  certificate  of  Major  Du  Bois,  dated  the  19th  instant, 
was  read,  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  bearer  hereof,  Levy  Quim- 
by, has  this  day  appeared  before  me  and  took  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  State  of  New-York,  agreeably  to  a  re- 
solve of  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  passed  the  10th  day  of  this  inst.  as  witness  my 
hand,  day  and  date  above. 

"  LEWIS  DUBOIS,  Major:' 

The  said  Levy  Quimby  was  brought  before  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  and  examined,  and  his  examination  follows, 
vizt : 

"  Levy  Quimby  being  examined,  says  that  he  left  New- 
York  on  last  Wednesday  week  ;  that  he  came  up  through 
Westchester  and  crossed  Croton  ;  that  there  are  about 
800  men  at  (he  Bridge  and  Fort  Washington  ;  that  there 
are  about  5,000  on  New-York  island,  Long  island  and 
Staten  island  ;  that  he  went  to  New-York  about  the  first 
of  March  with  some  others,  he  does  not  know  how  many  ; 
was  only  two  days  in  New- York  ;  that  most  part  of  I  he 
people  who  go  down  to  New-York,  go  over  to  Long  island  ; 
that  there  are  but  few  troops  in  the  city,  a  very  few  Hes- 
sians ;  that  the  Hessians  die  frequently  with  camp  distem- 


pers :  fresh  provisions  are  very  scarce ;  that  he  saw  very 
lean  [meat]  in  the  Fly  market ;  was  told  it  was  two  shil- 
lings per  pound  ;  that  he  saw  people  who  returned  from 
the  Danbury  expedition  ;  that  he  understood  they  lost  a 
number  of  men  and  fourteen  officers  ;  that  most  of  the  sol- 
diers about  the  Bridge  are  Hessians  ;  that  he  heard  there 
were  about  9,000  men  in  Jersey  ;  that  he  did  not  hear  of 
any  troops  arrived  at  New-York  from  Canada ;  that  he 
heard  of  some  boats  which  had  been  built  at  New-York  to 
put  under  bridges  ;  that  he  worked  at  Valentine's  for  his 
victuals  ;  that  he  met  with  Van  Klecck,  who  wanted  to  re- 
turn home,  and  they  agreed  to  return  together  ;  that  Van 
Kleeck  and  himsell  came  together  to  the  Fishkill ;  that  he 
lodged  one  night  at  a  house  below  Croton  river,  and  the 
next  night  in  the  hither  part  of  the  mountains  ;  that  he  does 
not  know  the  person  he  went  off  with  as  a  pilot  from  Rame- 
pough  ;  that  Jacob  and  Isaac  Cropsie  went  off  with  him, 
and  that  he  cannot  recollect  the  names  of  the  other  two 
persons  ;  that  it  is  near  three  months  since  he  left  the  city  ; 
that  on  the  morning  after  he  arrived  in  New- York,  he  took 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  before 
the  mayor  of  the  city  ;  that  he  was  obliged  to  take  the  oath 
of  allegiance,  or  go  to  jail ;  that  he  has  seen  two  or  three 
companies  in  the  city,  called  the  York  companies  ;  that 
there  are  rangers  about  the  Bridge,  called  Rogers'  rangers, 
dressed  in  green  coals,  white  waistcoats  and  breeches  ; 
that  they  are  4  or  500  in  number ;  that  four  persons  went 
off  with  him ;  that  five  other  persons  joined  them  after- 
wards ;  that  they  all  belonged  to  Capt.  Saml.  Clarke's 
company  ;  that  he  told  Van  Kleeck  of  the  act  of  grace,  at 
King's  Bridge." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Levy  Quimby,  be  committed  to 
the  custody  of  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  until  Simeon 
Van  Kleeck  from  Poughkeepsie  attend  this  Council,  to  be 
examined,  and  that  the  commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie  do 
direct  the  said  Simeon  Van  Kleeck  to  attend  this  Council 
without  delay,  to  be  examined  as  a  witness. 

The  Honble.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  chancellor,  and  the 
Honble.  John  Jay,  chief  justice  of  this  State,  took  and  sub- 
scribed the  oalh  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  as  also  the  oath 
for  the  faithful  execution  of  their  respective  offices,  which 
said  oaths  were  administered  to  them  by  the  President. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  George 
Clinton,  on  the  subject  of  his  letter  to  Convention,  relative 
to  his  resignation  of  his  commission  as  brigadier-general 
of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties,  which  was 
read  and  agreed  to,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Convention  shortly  before  their  dissolution 
took  into  consideration  your  letter  of  the  ninth  of  May  in- 
stant, it  was  with  regret  that  they  were  informed  of  your 
desire  to  resign  your  command  of  the  militia,  and  though 
disposed  to  adopt  every  measure  agreeable  to  you,  they 
could  not  prevail  upon  themselves  at  this  critical  juncture 
to  accept  your  resignation.  By  an  order,  of  which  the 
enclosed  is  a  copy,  they  directed  this  council  to  inform  you 
of  the  reasons  which  influenced  them  in  that  determination  ; 
among  others,  that  the  high  sense  they  entertained  of  your 
abilities  to  serve  your  country  in  this  important  hour;  the 
confidence  reposed  in  your  zeal  and  abilities  by  the  militia 
in  general.  The  Convention  just  arrived  at  the  time  of  its 
dissolution,  their  being  undetermined  as  to  the  person  proper 
to  succeed  you  in  that  command,  all  conspired  in  inducing 
them  to  request  that  vour  resignation  may  be  postponed 
for  the  present.  It  will  not  be  long  before  the  government 
will  be  organized  and  the  Legislature  meet,  and  there  is 
great  reason  to  believe  you  will  then  be  relieved  from  a 
burden  which  your  necessary  and  daily  attention  to  the 
business  of  your  other  department  has  rendered  inconve- 
nient ;  in  the  mean  time,  sir,  the  council  request  that  you  will 
continue  as  heretofore,  to  consider  the  militia  of  Orange, 
Ulster,  Dutchess  and  Westchester,  as  under  your  imme- 
diate command.  "  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  By  order. 

"Brigadier-Genl.  George  Clinton." 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


941 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Kobt.  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order  of  the  House 
of  yesterday,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colo.  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Harmanus  Hoffman,  Esquire,  and  Major  Ten  Broeck, 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — The  Council  of  Safely  being  unacquaint- 
ed with  the  characters  of  many  of  the  criminals  now  con- 
fined at  this  place  who  are  inhabitants  of  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, Claverack  and  Rhinebeck,  and  being  willing  to 
discriminate  between  such  as  have  ignorantly  been  led 
into  crimes,  and  such  as  are  more  hardened  in  guilt,  have 
directed  me  to  request  your  attendance  at  Kingston  on 
Monday  next,  in  order  to  afford  them  your  assistance  in 
distinguishing  between  those  who  are  proper  objects  of 
mercy,  and  those  whom  the  safety  of  the  country  renders 
it  necessary  to  detain  or  punish. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  To  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  Harman  Hoffman,  Esqr. 
and  Major  Ten  Broeck." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  the  said  gentlemen. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  May  22,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President- 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Root.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Drake,  one  of  the  commissioners 
for  sequestration,  in  Westchester  county,  relative  to  a 
sloop  of  Francis  Piemort,  who  has  joined  the  enemy, 
which  said  sloop  is  sent  to  the  Landing  at  Esopus  creek  to 
wait  the  further  order  of  the  Council  as  to  the  future  dis- 
position of  her,  was  read  and  referred  to  Mr.  Gilbert  Li- 
vingston and  Major  Van  Zandt. 

The  petition  of  Philander  Forbes,  mother  to  Gilbert 
Forbes,  who  was  apprehended  in  the  city  of  New- York, 
in  June  last,  by  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  then 
sitting,  on  a  charge  of  being  guilty  of  certain  acts  inimi- 
cal to  the  liberties  of  his  country,  and  dated  the  nineteenth 
instant,  was  read.  She  therein  sets  forth  that  he  is  con- 
fined in  an  unhealthy  room,  and  prays  for  relief. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lay  on  the  table  until 
to-morrow,  for  the  perusal  of  the  members. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  23,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Colo.  V an  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Major  Tappen,  Colo. 
De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Livingston  and  James  Duane, 
Esqrs.  two  of  the  Delegates  in  Congress,  dated  at  Phila- 
delphia, the  sixth  instant,  was  read,  and  follows  to  wit : 

"  Philada.  May  9th,  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — When  we  arrived  here,  it  plainly  ap- 
peared that  great  pains  had  been  taken  to  injure  the  cha- 
racter of  Major-General  Schuyler. 

"  No  direct  charge  had  been  urged  against  him  :  a  series 
of  sly  insinuations — that  he  was  making  an  enormous  for- 
tune at  the  expense  of  the  public  ;  that  he  had  converted 
the  specie  provided  by  Congress  for  the  Canada  service,  to 
his  own  private  purposes  ;  and  when  he  showed  his  feel- 
ings of  some  unworthy  treatment,  severe  rebukes  and  ani- 
madversions on  his  expressions  and  his  supposed  want  of 
respect  to  his  superiors.  Those  were  weapons,  employed 
so  successfully,  as  in  the  end  produced  some  resolutions  of 
Congress,  paring  away  his  authority  to  nothing.    It  took 

236 


us  some  time  to  become  acquainted  with  the  new  mem- 
bers, and  to  undeceive  those  who  wished  for  conviction. 
We  had  in  the  mean  lime  got  a  committee  appointed  to  in- 
quire into  the  General's  conduct  at  large.  That  business 
went  on  heavily,  and  seemed  to  promise  no  conclusion  ; 
we,  therefore,  were  under  the  necessity  to  take  a  more  di- 
rect course.  The  General's  account  of  the  specie  was,  at 
his  request,  reexamined  ;  and  after  it  had  been  passed  by 
the  commissioners  at  the  treasury  board,  who  made  a  full 
report  in  his  favour,  which  was  received  by  Congress  and 
ordered  to  be  published.  This  report,  a  printed  copy  of 
which  is  herewith  transmitted,  had  a  powerful  effect  on 
many  of  the  members,  who  heard  it  with  the  utmost  plea- 
sure and  frankly  acknowledged  that  they  had  been  de- 
ceived. 

"  The  way  being  thus  prepared,  the  General  presented 
a  memorial  to  Congress,  staling  such  of  their  resolutions 
as  conveyed  censure  upon  him,  justifying  himself  in  every 
particular.  This,  after  some  debate,  produced  a  unani- 
mous resolution  of  Congress,  that  the  memorial  was  satis- 
factory, and  that  the  Congress  entertained  the  same  fa- 
vourable opinion  of  the  General  as  they  entertained  before 
the  passing  those  resolutions. 

"  A  complete  and  honourable  vindication  of  the  Gene- 
ral's character  and  conduct  being  implied  in  that  resolu- 
tion, and  the  infamous  charge  of  embezzling  the  specie 
effectually  done  away  by  the  report  from  the  treasury,  we 
shall  give  ourselves  no  trouble  about  the  proposed  inquiry, 
especially  as  Congress  came  into  the  appointment  of  the 
committee  with  the  utmost  reluctance,  almost  every  mem- 
ber declaring  that  there  was  no  accuser  or  charge  against 
the  General,  and  that  the  inquiry  was  therefore  unneces- 
sary. All  impediments  being  now  removed,  we  shall  pro- 
ceed to  take  the  most  speedy  measures  for  reinstating  the 
General  in  his  command. 

"  In  the  critical  situation  of  our  affairs,  his  services  are 
loudly  called  for.  We,  therefore,  conceived  that  this  bu- 
siness ought  first  to  be  despatched.  It  unavoidably  occa- 
sioned some  delay  in  the  other  matters  committed  to  our 
charge,  but  you  may  be  assured  that  they  shall  be  at- 
tended to  with  all  the  zeal  and  diligence  of  which  we  are 
capable. 

"  In  the  mean  time  we  remain,  with  the  utmost  regard, 
honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servants, 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE. 

"  Honol.  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New- York." 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Livingston 
and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a 
draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress. 

The  sense  of  the  Council  of  Safety  on  sundry  matters, 
preparatory  to  the  draft  of  the  said  letter,  was  given  to  the 
said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Loudon  print  one  other  thousand 
copies  of  the  Declaration  passed  by  the  Convention  of  this 
State  on  the  tenth  day  of  May  instant,  commonly  called 
the  Act  of  Grace  ;  and  that  Mr.  Loudon  continue  the  same 
in  his  two  next  newspapers,  in  a  large  type  in  the  front 
page  of  the  paper ;  and  that  the  Secretary  give  Mr.  Lou- 
don those  directions. 

Whereas  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
on  the  ninth  day  of  April  last,  on  hearing  the  report  of  a 
committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  property  of  two 
slaves,  and  other  effects,  claimed  by  Catharine  Clopper, 
the  daughter  of  Cornelius  Clopper,  did  resolve  and  order 
that  the  several  matters  and  things,  in  the  said  petition  spe- 
cified, should  continue  in  the  possession  of  the  said  Catha- 
rine Clopper,  for  her  use,  and  not  to  be  sold  or  disposed  of 
by  her  until  due  proof  of  property  therein  by  her  first  made, 

And  whereas  proof  has  since  been  made  as  to  the  pro- 
perty of  the  said  two  slaves,  by  the  two  following  affidavits, 
vizt : 


942 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Ulster  County,  ss. — Miss  Hamersley,  being  duly  sworn, 
deposeth  and  sail!),  that  she  has  frequently  heard  Cornelius 
Clopper,  of  the  city  of  New- York,  merchant,  say,  that  a 
certain  male  negro,  called  Will,  and  a  certain  female  negro, 
called  Suck,  both  of  them  now  in  possession  of  Catharine, 
the  daughter  of  him  the  said  Cornelius,  were  the  properly 
of  her  the  said  Catharine,  he  having  given  them  unto  his 
said  daughter ;  also,  that  she  hath  frequently  heard  other 
persons  of  the  family  declare  the  same  ;  and  further  this 
deponent  saith  not. 

"  ANN  HAMERSLEY. 

"  Sworn  the  twenty-second  ) 

May,  1777,  before  me.  5 

"  Gouvr.  Morris." 

"  Ulster  County,  ss. — Catharine  Clopper,  wife  of  Corne- 
lius Clopper,  of  the  city  of  New-York,  merchant,  being 
duly  sworn  deposeth  and  saith,  that  the  slaves  mentioned 
in  the  above  affidavit  are  the  property  of  the  said  Catha- 
rine, therein  named,  having  been  given  unto  her  by  her 
father  ;  and  further  saith  not. 

"CATH.  CLOPPER. 

"  Sworn  the  twenty-second 
May,  1377,  before  me. 

"  Gouvr.  Morris." 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  two  slaves,  vizt :  said  negro 
lad,  named  Will,  and  the  said  negro  wench,  named  Sook, 
and  now  in  the  possession  of  the  said  Catharine  Clopper, 
are  her  property,  and  that  she  be  at  liberty  to  remove  and 
dispose  of  them  at  her  pleasure,  as  she  may  think  proper. 

The  Council  of  Safety  were  informed  that  the  jail  below 
is  so  full  of  prisoners  as  they  are  very  uncomfortable,  and 
their  health  thereby  much  endangered  ;  that  some  of  them 
are  at  present  sick,  and  that  the  sheriff  is  under  a  necessity 
of  taking  many  of  them  out  into  the  yard  for  air. 

The  Council  took  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  said 
jail  and  prisoners,  and  made  an  attempt  to  class  the  said 
prisoners,  so  as  to  release  some,  and  remove  others  of  the 
said  prisoners. 

After  some  time  spent  theroen,  Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  moved  that  the  further  considera- 
tion thereof  be  postponed  till  the  afternoon. 

Debates  arose  thereon,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon 
was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  in  manner  following,  vizt : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Jay.  Mr.  Morris, 

Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Cantine, 
Major  Van  Zandt, 
Colo.  De  Witt. 

Lieut.  Colo.  Jonathan  Elmendorf  and  Major  Adrian 
Wynkoop,  attending  as  witnesses  in  the  case  of  Colo.  Sny- 
der, relative  to  the  insult  offered  to  the  Convention  by  the 
taking  Colonel  De  Witt,  one  of  the  members,  into  custody 
by  a  guard  of  Colonel  Snyder's  regiment,  were  admitted, 
and  their  examinations  taken  in  the  presence  of  Colonel 
Snyder  and  Colonel  De  Witt,  and  follow,  to  wit : 

"  Adrian  Wynkoop,  being  duly  sworn  and  examined  by 
and  before  the  Council  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New- 
York,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  he  was  present  at  a  council 
of  the  field  officers  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  at  the  house  of 
the  Widow  Hall's,  at  Little  Britain,  in  Ulster  county,  on  or 
about  the  31st  day  of  March  last ;  that  the  business  of  the 
said  council  was  to  consider  of  and  determine  on  the  number 
of  men  necessary  to  be  raised  from  the  militia  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  forts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  how 
they  should  be  raised  ;  that  the  said  council  resolved  that 
one-third  part  of  the  said  militia  should  be  called  into 
service  ;  that  the  Slate  was  invaded,  and  therefore  that  the 
exempts  should  be  included  in  the  said  third  part  of  the 
militia  ;  that  the  deponent  does  not  remember  to  have  seen 
the  original  brigade  orders  for  calling  out  the  said  third  part 
of  the  militia,  nor  has  he  seen  any  copies  thereof,  except 


Col.  Snyder's  ;  that  on  his  way  to  Kingston,  he,  toge- 
ther with  Mr.  Addison  and  Lieut.  Col.  Elmendorf,  stopped 
at  one  Wood's,  where  they  fell  in  company  with  Col.  .Sny- 
der and  Major  Hoghleylin  ;  that  to  the  best  of  this  depo- 
nent's remembrance  Col.  Snyder  there  observed  that  the 
brigade  orders  were  incomplete  ;  that  he  asked  the  depo- 
nent, Lt.  Colonel  Elmendorf  and  Major  Hogleylin  whether 
the  resolutions  aforesaid,  respecting  exempts,  ought  not  to 
have  been  inserted,  and  that  they  replied  that  in  their  opi- 
nion they  ought ;  whereupon,  Mr.  Addison,  who  recol- 
lected the  words  of  the  said  resolution,  inserted  the  same 
in  Col.  Snyder's  copy  of  the  said  brigade  orders. 

"  A.  WYNKOOP." 

"Lieut.  Col.  Jonathan  Elmendorf,  being  sworn  and  ex- 
amined by  and  before  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State 
of  New-York,  deposeth  and  saith,  that  the  account  given 
by  Major  Wynkoop  in  the  foregoing  deposition  of  the  con- 
ference had  at  Wood's,  between  this  deponent,  Col.  Sny- 
der, Major  Wynkoop  and  Major  Houghleylin,  respecting 
the  brigade  orders  and  resolutions  there  specified,  is  to  the 
best  of  his  knowledge  true. 

"  And  this  deponent  further  saith,  that  Colonel  Snyder, 
by  written  orders  dated  27th  Ap.  1777,  did  command  him 
among  other  things,  to  cause  the  deficiency  of  the  drafts 
out  of  the  several  companies  lately  ordered  out  of  the  re- 
giments under  his  command,  to  reinforce  the  garrison  of 
Fort  Montgomerie,  immediately  to  be  sent  down  to  join 
his  regiment  at  said  fort,  and  that  all  the  officers  were  to 
assist  this  deponent  in  apprehending  the  said  defaulters ; 
that  with  the  said  orders  he  also  received  from  Col.  Sny- 
der a  list  of  the  said  defaulters,  among  whom  was  the  name 
of  Charles  De  Witt ;  that  this  deponent  thereupon  issued 
orders  to  Capt.  Gerardus  Hardenbergh,  to  apprehend  such 
of  the  said  defaulters  as  belonged  to  his  company,  and  gave 
him  a  list  of  the  names  of  such  defaulters,  among  whom 
was  the  name  of  Charles  De  Witt ;  that  this  deponent 
then  knew  that  the  said  Chas.  De  Witt  was  a  member  of 
Convention,  and  further  saith  not. 

"  JONATHAN  ELMENDORPH." 

"  Major  Adrian  Wynkoop  being  further  examined,  saith 
that  one  Van  Wagenen,  a  corporal  in  Capt.  Hardenbergh's 
company,  showed  this  deponent  a  list  of  the  drafts  made 
from  that  company,  and  that  the  name  of  Chs.  De  Wit's 
negro,  Peet,  was  inserted  therein  ;  that  some  time  after 
this,  deponent  saw  Capt.  Hardenbergh,  and  being  of  opi- 
nion that  it  was  wrong  to  take  negroes  on  such  occasions, 
he  told  the  said  Hardenbergh  he  had  no  authority  to  take 
Chs.  De  Wit's,  or  any  other  man's  negro ;  to  which  he 
replied,  he  had  orders  from  Col.  Snyder.  The  deponent 
asked  him  what  the  orders  were,  to  which  he  said  that  Col. 
Snyder  had  told  him  that  Cornelius  Cole  and  Chs.  De 
Wit  could  each  of  them  give  a  negro  ;  that  the  said  cap- 
tain showed  this  deponent  the  written  orders  he  had  from 
Col.  Snyder,  and  that  the  said  orders  made  no  mention 
either  of  negroes  or  exempts  ;  and  that  the  said  orders 
were  written  on  the  back  of  a  copy  of  the  brigade  orders 
aforesaid.  "  A.  WYNKOOP." 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates  came  in  and  took  his  seat. 

The  examinations  of  Lieut.  Colonel  Elmendorph,  and 
Major  Adrian  Wynkoop,  being  finished  and  read, 

Ordered,  That  all  the  examinations  and  papers  relative 
to  the  case  of  Col.  Snyder  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr. 
Morris  ;  that  thev  go  therewith  this  afternoon  to  General 
Scott ;  and  that  those  three  gentlemen  who  are  appointed 
a  committee  to  report  thereon,  do  report  to-morrow  morn- 
ing such  resolutions  as  may  in  their  opinion  be  proper  for 
this  Council  to  adopt  relative  thereto. 

The  Council  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  memorial 
of  Philander  Forbes.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Gilbert  Forbes  be  brought  from 
his  present  place  of  confinement  to  the  jail  at  Kingston,  in 
Ulster  county,  and  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  cany 
that  measure  into  execution. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY V. 


943 


Ordered,  That  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston 
be  a  committee  to  direct  the  execution  of  the  above  order. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  James  Duane,  one  of  the  De- 
legates of  this  State  in  Congress,  dated  at  Philadelphia  the 
sixth  instant,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit: 

"  Philad.  6th  May,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  Nothing  of  sufficient  moment  has  happened 
since  our  last  letter,  to  deserve  your  attention.  The  troops 
from  the  southward  are  filing  down  towards  General  Wa- 
shington, though  not  in  such  numbers  as  could  be  wished. 
He  will,  however,  be  soon  at  the  head  of  a  respectable 
force,  able  to  meet  General  Howe,  if  he  does  not  receive 
a  very  considerable  accession  from  Europe,  or  from  the 
disaffected  among  ourselves.  Much  as  it  might  gratify 
you,  there  is  not  a  sufficient  certainty  to  justify  a  conjec- 
ture of  the  General's  present  strength.  When  it  can  be 
done  vou  shall  be  advised. 

"  The  accounts  from  our  commissioners,  (or  if  you 
please,  ambassadors,)  in  France,  justify  an  expectation, 
that  as  well  that  court  as  Spain  will  support  the  Ameri- 
cans in  every  thing  (at  least)  on  this  side  of  a  declaration 
of  war.  The  commissioners  have  procured  very  great 
credit,  and  for  such  sums  as  leave  it  unquestionable  that 
the  court  of  Versailles  is  at  the  bottom  their  real  friend, 
and  privately  supports  their  applications.  You  may  rely 
upon  it,  that  vast  quantities  of  artillery,  arms,  ammunition 
and  clothing  have  been  purchased  on  credit  for  our  use,  no 
inconsiderable  part  of  which  is  actually  arrived ;  at  the 
same  time  the  French  will,  in  my  opinion,  be  cautious  of 
entering  into  an  actual  war,  till  they  find  some  decisive 
advantage  ;  when  that  approaches,  all  reserve  will  be  laid 
aside. 

"  Great  Britain  is  at  present  in  such  humiliating  circum- 
stances, that  she  will  bear  every  insult  rather  than  provoke 
a  declaration  of  war.  It  was  too  great  a  condescension  to 
hear  the  just  complaints  of  injured  Americans !  It  was 
treason  against  her  dignity  to  examine  into  their  own  abuse 
of  power;  to  rectify  their  own  errors !  What  is  the  conduct 
of  this  haughty  nation  at  this  period  of  her  disgrace  ? 
From  her  natural  and  inveterate  enemy,  she  must  bear 
even'  thing  inflicted  upon  her,  and  dares  hardly  to  complain. 

"  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Duer  join  me  in  our  most  re- 
spectful compliments  to  the  members  of  your  Honourable 
House. 

"  I  remain  with  the  utmost  regard,  honl.  gent. 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"JAS.  DUANE. 

*'  Honl.  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Sheldon,  Theodorus  Van  Wyck  and 
Henry  Livingston,  Junr.  commissioners  for  disposing  of 
the  property  of  persons  in  Dutchess  county  gone  off  to  or 
joined  the  enemy,  was  read ;  they  thereby  request  some 
addition  to  their  pay. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robt.  Harper  and  Mr.  Cantine  be  a 
committee  to  take  the  said  letter  into  consideration,  and 
report  thereon. 

The  Council  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  letter  of 
Simon  Cregier,  for  the  reasons  therein  assigned,  praying 
a  permit  for  Elizabeth,  his  wife,  to  pass  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  under  any  obligation  of  secrecy  which  the  Council 
may  think  proper  to  enjoin,  to  convey  and  deliver  Richard 
Murray,  a  lad,  to  Doctor  Bruce,  in  the  said  city.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  the  said 
Simon  Cregier,  together  with  the  said  Richard  Murray,  be 
and  is  hereby  permitted  to  pass  to  the  city  of  New- York, 
under  such  obligations  of  secrecy,  and  such  restrictions,  as 
General  McDougall  may  please  to  direct. 

The  Council  having  finished  an  arrangement  of  the  pri- 
soners, 

Ordered,  That  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbert  Living- 
ston, and  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  do  dispose  of  such 


of  the  said  prisoners  as  are  to  be  put  on  board  of  the  ves- 
sels ;  that  the  said  committee  do  direct  Captain 
with  his  company  from  Marble  Town,  to  attend  at  King- 
ston as  a  guard,  and  that  the  business  of  discharging  such 
of  the  prisoners  as  are  to  be  discharged,  be  resumed  this 
afternoon. 

4  ho.  P.  M.  May  23,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Robt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Major 
Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major  Van  Zandt.  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  pay  rolls  and 
subsistence  and  mileage  rolls  of  Captain  Jacobus  Roos, 
delivered  in  their  report :  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Jacobus  Roos  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  pounds  fourteen  shillings  and  sixpence,  for  the  pay 
roll ;  and  the  further  sum  of  sixteen  pounds  ten  shillings 
and  five  pence,  for  the  rations  and  mileage  of  his  company 
in  Colonel  Hasbrouck's  regiment  of  militia,  ordered  to  the 
pass  at  Ramapough,  by  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  ; 
also  the  further  sum  of  twenty-eight  pounds  two  shillings 
and  one  penny,  for  the  pay  roll,  and  the  sum  of  thirteen 
pounds  four  shillings  and  fourpence  farthing,  for  the  rations 
and  mileage  of  his  company  of  militia,  ordered  out  by  Ge- 
neral George  Clinton  on  the  appearance  of  the  enemy  at 
Peekskill  in  March  last. 

Thomas  Crispell,  James  Markell,  Jacob  Lonyaaer,  Junr. 
Andries  Lonyaar  and  Jacob  Davis,  who  were  adjudged 
guilty  of  treasonable  acts  against  the  State,  and  sentenced 
to  be  hanged  by  the  neck  till  they  should  be  dead,  and 
who  were  pardoned  by  the  late  Convention,  were  respec- 
tively called  up,  admonished,  and  after  having  their  par- 
dons respectively  delivered  them,  were  discharged. 

A  letter  from  George  Measam,  commissary  of  clothing 
for  the  northern  army,  dated  Albany,  the  instant, 
and  requesting  a  supply  of  clothing  from  this  State,  if  it 
can  be  spared,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Harper. 

Ordered,  That  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  have  leave 
of  absence,  to  be  absent  all  next  week,  to  procure  proper 
officers  for  the  court  of  chancery. 

Messrs.  Jay  and  Morris  reported  as  follows  : 

"  That  the  Honourable  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- 
York  did,  on  the  25th  March,  1777,  authorize  Brigadier- 
General  George  Clinton,  at  his  discretion,  to  call  into  actual 
service,  all  or  any  part  or  proportion  of  the  militia,  as  well 
horse  as  foot,  of  the  counties  of  Westchester,  Dutchess, 
Ulster  and  Orange,  or  either  of  them,  and  that  he  station 
the  said  militia  in  such  manner  as  may  be  most  proper 
for  the  securing  the  posts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands, 
and  frustrating  the  attempts  of  the  enemv  to  make  further 
incursions  into  this  State. 

"  That  the  said  General,  on  the  thirty-first  March  last, 
did  convene  the  field  officers  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and 
Orange,  in  order  to  consult  with  them  on  the  number  of 
men  proper  to  be  drawn  from  the  said  militia,  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  posts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  the 
best  means  of  raising  the  same. 

"  That  it  was  resolved  by  the  said  officers,  that  one-third 
part  of  the  said  militia  ought  to  be  called  into  actual  service  ; 
that  the  State  was  invaded,  and  therefore  that  the  exempts 
were  to  be  included  in  the  said  third  part  of  the  militia. 

"  That  the  said  General  did  on  the  same  day  issue  bri- 
gade orders  for  calling  into  service  one-third  part  of  the 
said  militia,  agreeably  to  the  advice  of  the  said  officers, 
but  that  their  other  resolutions  respecting  the  State  being 
invaded,  and  including  the  exempts  in  the  said  one-third 
part  of  the  militia,  were  not  mentioned,  recited  or  enforced 
in  or  by  the  said  brigade  orders. 

"  That  Colonel  Johannes  Snyder  had  a  copy  of  the  said 


944 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


brigade  orders,  and  that  lie  with  the  concurrence  of  some 
lield  officers  of  the  militia,  but  without  the  privity  or  ap- 
probation of  the  said  General,  did  cause  the  said  resolu- 
tions to  be  added  to  his  copy  of  the  said  brigade  orders  in 
such  manner  as  to  make  the  whole  appear  to  be  the  act  of 
the  said  General,  and  in  that  form  did  publish  the  said 
copy  as  a  tiue  copy  of  the  said  brigade  orders. 

"  That  the  said  Colonel  Snyder  did  serve  a  copy  of  the 
brigade  orders  aforesaid  with  the  addition  aforesaid,  on  Ge- 
rardus Hardenburgh,  a  captain  in  his  regiment,  with  direc- 
tions to  execute  the  same ;  and  did  tell  the  said  captain 
that  Cornelius  Cole  and  Charles  De  Witt  could  each  of 
them  give  a  negro. 

"  That  on  the  seventh  day  of  April  last,  the  said  Cap- 
tain Hardenbergh  did  make  a  return  to  Colonel  Snyder  of 
the  third  part  of  his  company  who  were  to  go  into  actual 
service,  and  that  the  name  of  Peet,  a  negro  man,  a  slave, 
belonging  to  the  said  Charles  De  Witt,  was  inserted  in 
the  said  return  ;  that  the  said  Charles  De  Witt  lives  with- 
in the  beat  of  the  said  Captain  Hardenbergh,  and  that  his 
name  was  not  inserted  in  the  said  return. 

"  That  Colonel  Snyder  did  command  one  of  the  regi- 
ments to  be  formed  of  the  said  one-third  of  the  militia 
aforesaid,  and  on  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  April  last,  did 
issue  orders  to  Lieut.  Colonel  Elmendorph,  to  cause  the 
several  drafts  from  his  regiment  immediately  to  be  sent 
down  to  Fort  Montgomery,  and  together  with  the  said 
orders,  did  transmit  the  names  of  such  of  the  said  drafts 
as  had  not  then  joined  their  regiment  at  the  said  fort,  in 
which  list  was  the  name  of  the  said  Charles  De  Witt. 

"  That  the  said  lieutenant-colonel  did,  on  the  thirtieth 
day  of  April  last,  issue  orders  to  the  said  Captain  Har- 
denbergh, among  other  things,  to  apprehend  such  of  the 
said  defaulters  as  belonged  to  his  company,  and  whose 
names  were  enumerated  at  the  foot  of  the  said  orders, 
among  whom  was  the  name  of  the  said  Charles  De  Witt. 

"  That  the  said  Capt.  Hardenbergh,  in  pursuance  of  the 
said  orders,  did,  on  the  fifth  day  of  May,  instant,  with  a 
body  of  armed  men,  apprehend  the  said  Charles  De  Witt, 
at  his  house,  and  bring  him  from  thence  under  guard,  to 
Kingston. 

"  That  the  said  Charles  De  Witt  being  a  member  of  the 
said  Convention,  they  did,  on  being  informed  of  his  having 
been  apprehended  as  aforesaid,  resolve  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Whereas  this  House  is  informed  that  Captain  Gerar- 
dus  Hardenbergh  hath  presumed  to  imprison  a  member  of 
this  Convention, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Gerardus  Hardenburgh  do 
immediately  attend  this  House. 

"That  the  said  Captain  Hardenbergh  attending,  and  be- 
ing asked  by  what  authority  he  took  the  said  Charles  De 
Witt,  produced  the  order  aforesaid,  of  Lieutenant-Colo.  El- 
mendorph, alleging  in  his  defence,  that  he  thought  it  his 
duty  to  obey  the  orders  of  his  superior  officers. 

"  That  the  Convention  did  thereupon  order  the  said 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Elmendorph  to  attend  the  House  ;  and 
he  accordingly  attending,  justified  the  orders  he  gave  to 
Capt.  Hardenbergh  by  the  orders  aforesaid  of  Colonel 
Snyder. 

"That  the  Convention  did  then  resolve  that  Brigadier- 
Genl.  George  Clinton  be  requested  to  direct  Colonel  Johan- 
nes Snyder  to  attend  the  House  without  delay. 

"  That  the  said  Convention  did,  on  the  thirteenth  day  of 
May,  instant,  dissolve  themselves  ;  but  that  previous  to 
their  dissolution,  the  said  Colonel  Snyder  not  appearing, 
the  Convention  did  resolve,  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the 
arrest  of  Colonel  De  Witt,  one  of  the  members  of  this  Con- 
vention, by  order  of  Colonel  Snyder,  or  one  of  the  officers 
under  his  command,  be  referred  to  the  Council  of  Safely, 
to  hear  and  determine  theieon. 

"  That  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  May  instant,  the  said  Co- 
lonel Snyder  did  appear  before  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
this  Stale,  and  in  vindication  of  his  conduct  aforesaid,  alle- 


ged, "  that  as  the  resolution  of  the  field  officers  aforesaid  re- 
specting the  invasion  of  this  State,  and  the  including  the 
exempts  in  the  third  part  of  the  militia  aforesaid,  were 
agreed  to  by  them  in  the  presence  and  with  the  consent  of 
the  general,  he  thought  the  brigade  orders  incomplete 
without  them,  and  that  he  caused  the  said  resolutions  to  be 
added  to  his  copy  of  the  said  brigade  orders,  agreeably  to 
the  opinion  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Elmendorph,  Major 
Wynkoop  and  Major  Houghteeling. 

"  That  he  does  not  remember  to  have  told  Captain  Har- 
denburgh that  Charles  De  Witt  and  Cornelius  Cole  might 
each  of  them  give  a  negro  as  aforesaid  ;  that  it  is  true  that 
the  said  Captain  did  return  to  him  the  name  of  Peet,  a  ne- 
gro man  slave  of  the  said  Charles  De  Witt,  as  one  of  the 
third  part  of  his  company  who  were  to  go  into  service  as 
aforesaid,  and  that  it  is  also  true  that  in  the  said  list  of  de- 
faulters which  he  sent  to  Lieutenant-Colonel  Elmendorph, 
he  omitted  the  name  of  the  said  negro,  and  inserted  that  of 
his  master,  the  said  Charles  De  Wilt,  for  the  following  rea- 
sons :  that  a  negro  slave  was  not  to  be  considered  as  be- 
longing to  the  militia  ;  that  from  the  negro's  having  been 
returned  to  him  as  a  defaulter,  he  imagined  that  his  master, 
the  said  Charles  De  Witt,  had  agreed  to  let  him  go  into  the 
service,  and  that  he  added  the  name  of  the  said  Charles  De 
Wilt  to  the  list  of  the  defaulters  to  be  apprehended  as  afore- 
said, in  expectation  that  the  captain,  instead  of  apprehending, 
would  have  waited  upon  him,  the  said  Charles,  and  that  he 
would  have  given  some  money  by  way  of  bounty  to  those 
of  the  said  company  who  were  drafted  as  aforesaid. 

"  That  the  said  Colonel  Snyder,  Lieutenant-Colonel  El- 
mendorph and  Captain  Hardenbergh,  at  the  time  and  long 
before  the  apprehension  aforesaid  of  the  said  Charles  De 
Witt,  did  know  that  he  was  a  member  of  the  Convention 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  daily  employed  in  discharging 
the  duties  of  a  Representative  of  the  county  of  Ulster  in  the 
said  Convention. 

"  The  Council  having  taken  the  above  facts  into  consi- 
deration, and  having  deliberately  heard  and  examined  the 
allegations  and  proofs  of  the  said  Colonel  Snyder,  Lieute- 
nant-Colo. Elmendorph  and  Captain  Gerardus  Harden- 
bergh, have  thereupon  come  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Colonel  Snyder,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Elmendorph,  and  Captain  Gerardus  Hardenbergh 
are  guilty  of  a  high  breach  of  the  privileges  of  the  Conven- 
tion of  the  State  of  New- York. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  conduct  aforesaid  of  the  said  Co- 
lonel Johannes  Snyder  appears  to  this  Council  to  have  been 
unwarrantable  with  respect  to  his  general,  affrontive  with 
respect  to  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  and  malicious 
with  respect  to  the  said  Charles  De  Witt. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  aforegoing  state  of  facts  and  reso- 
lutions be  laid  before  the  Council  for  the  appointment  of 
officers,  at  their  first  meeting. 

"  Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  slate  of  facts  and 
resolutions  be  served  on  each  of  them,  the  said  Colonel 
Johannes  Snyder,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Elmendorph,  and 
Captain  Gerardus  Hardenbergh.. 

"  That  each  of  those  gentlemen  be  dismissed  from  any 
further  attendance  on  this  Council,  and  that  the  said  state 
of  facts  and  resolutions  be  published  in  Mr.  Loudon's 
newspaper." 

Mr.  Morris  has  leave  of  absence  for  one  fortnight  from 
the  time  of  his  departure,  and  he  engages  to  return  at  the 
expiration  of  a  fortnight,  accidents  excepted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee 
to  prepare  and  report  instructions  for  Mr.  David  Currie. 

A  petition  of  Robert  Vanduerson  and  a  number  of  other 
prisoners  from  the  manor  of  Livingston  and  Rhinebeck, 
praying  for  the  benefit  of  ihe  declaration  of  the  tenth  day 
of  May  instant,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table. 

Whereas  Jacob  Schurman,  Junr.  Samuel  Hains,  Joseph 
Turner,  and  Bloomer  Neilson,  who  were  committed  to  jail 
about  nine  months  ago  for  treasonable  practices  against  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


945 


State,  have  manifested  contrition  for  their  past  misdemea- 
nors, and  are  willing  to  return  to  their  allegiance,  and  be- 
come good  subjects  of  this  State, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Jacob  Schurman,  Samuel  Hains, 
Joseph  Turner,  and  Bloomer  Neilson  be  pardoned  for  the 
said  treasonable  acts  by  them  heretofore  respectively  com- 
mitted, and,  on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State, 
discharged. 

The  said  Jacob  Schurman,  Junior,  Samuel  Hains,  Jo- 
seph Turner  and  Bloomer  Neilson,  having  accordingly 
taken  the  said  oath, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  discharged  and  permitted  to  pass 
uninterrupted  to  their  respective  families  in  Ulster  county. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  Attorney-General  of  this  State, 
accordingly  attended  the  Council  of  Safety,  and  in  Council 
took  and  subscribed  on  the  roll  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  State  and  an  oath  of  office. 

A.  letter  from  Matthew  Adgate,  Esquire,  dated  at  New- 
Canaan,  on  the  sixteenth  instant,  relative  to  a  person  qua- 
lified to  make  flints,  was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Matthew  Can- 
tine,  William  Harpur  and  Jonathan  Lawrence,  the  com- 
mittee appointed  by  Convention  for  that  and  other  purpo- 
ses, on  the  ninth  day  of  May  instant. 

The  petition  of  Dennis  Kennedy,  relative  to  effects  given 
to  him  or  left  in  his  charge  by  Peter  Corney,  and  for  which 
Peter  Corney  was  to  procure  an  exchange  of  effects,  was 
read. 

Copies  of  sundry  certificates  that  Peter  Corney  has  com- 
plied with,  or  been  ready  to  comply  with  his  part  of  the 
contract,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Piatt  and 
Mr.  Abraham  Yates. 

A  letter  from  John  Gibson,  Auditor-General,  was  read, 
and  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Treasury  Office,  Philada.  May  8,  1777. 
"  Honourable  Gentlemen — I  have  the  honour  to  en- 
close you  several  copies  of  a  resolve  of  Congress,  passed 
the  29th  of  April,  1777,  which  I  am  directed  to  do  by  the 
Honble.  Board  of  Treasury,  and  the  Board  requests  that  a 
strict  attention  may  be  had  to  the  several  matters  therein 
recommended  to  the  States.  An  order  they  hope  will  im- 
mediately be  issued  for  an  account  of  the  sum  advanced 
by  your  State  for  the  recruiting  service,  and  the  names  of 
the  officers  to  whom  they  were  paid,  to  be  transmitted  to 
the  paymasters  of  the  several  battalions  in  which  they  serve, 
and  lhat  due  care  will  be  taken  that  the  regimental  pay- 
masters make  their  report  to  you  of  the  settlement  of  those 
accounts,  together  with  the  vouchers  to  be  produced  when 
approved  of  by  your  State  to  the  treasury  board,  on  ad- 
justments of  their  accounts.  If  any  of  the  regimental  pay- 
masters refuse  or  neglect  to  obey  "the  directions  of  the  re- 
solve, their  names  are  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  department  in  which  they  may  happen  to 
be,  in  order  to  have  the  delinquents  removed  according  to 
the  directions  of  Congress. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  GIBSON,  Aud.  Genl. 

"  Honourable  the  Convention  of  the 

State  of  New-York." 

The  resolution  referred  to  in  the  aforegoing  letter  from  the 
Auditor-General,  John  Gibson,  Esqr.  was  also  read,  and  is 
as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  April  29,  1777. 
Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  States 
forthwith  to  order  the  sums  advanced  by  them  for  recruit- 
ing the  Continental  battalions  raised  by  the  said  States,  to- 
gether with  the  names  of  the  officers  receiving  the  same, 
to  be  transmitted  to  the  paymasters  of  such  battalions,  and 
that  the  said  paymasters  be  respectively  required  to  call 
such  officers  to  account  therefor,  who  shall  produce  certi- 
ficates from  the  muster-master  or  deputy  muster-master- 
general,  specifying  the  number  of  non-commissioned  offi- 

237 


cers  and  soldiers,  and  also  of  officers  of  the  lighthorse, 
the  number  of  horses  and  arms  and  equipage  belonging  to 
their  respective  regiments,  companies  or  troops,  together 
with  such  other  vouchers  as  shall  be  necessary  to  prove 
the  sums  expended  for  those  articles,  the  subsistence  of  the 
troops  before  their  joining  the  army,  the  loss  of  money  by 
death,  or  desertions  of  non-commissioned  officers  and  sol- 
diers before  muster,  or  other  necessary  expenses.  And  it 
is  further  recommended  to  the  said  States  that  they  order 
the  said  regimental  paymasters  to  report  to  them  the  set- 
tlement of  the  said  accounts,  together  with  the  vouchers 
to  be  produced  when  confirmed  by  the  said  States,  to  the 
treasury  board,  on  adjustment  of  their  accounts. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  States,  if  any  of 
the  regimental  paymasters  shall  neglect  to  obey  their  di- 
rections as  aforesaid,  to  order  their  names  to  be  transmitted 
to  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  department,  who  shall 
thereupon  remove  from  office  such  delinquent  paymasters 
and  supply  their  places  with  such  others  as  he  shall  think 
qualified  therefor. 

"  That  if  any  officer  shall  not,  within  one  month  after 
application  for  lhat  purpose,  render  such  account,  the  re- 
gimental paymaster  requiring  the  same  shall  make  report 
thereof  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  department, 
who  shall  order  a  court  martial  on  such  officer,  and  also  on 
such  other  officer  or  officers  as  shall  be  guilty  of  embez- 
zling the  public  money  ;  and  the  fact  being  ascertained  by 
their  report,  shall  immediately  cause  him  to  be  cashiered, 
and  a  copy  of  the  report  delivered  to  the  regimental  pay- 
master, to  be  transmitted  to  the  State  to  which  he  belongs, 
that  such  State  may  give  proper  orders  for  compelling  the 
delinquent  officer  to  account  in  a  court  of  justice. 

"  That  duplicate  accounts  of  all  moneys  advanced  by 
Congress  by  general  officers  and  by  the  paymaster  and 
deputy  paymasters-general  for  recruiting  Continental  bat- 
talions, be  transmitted  by  the  treasury  board  ;  such  general 
officers  and  paymaster  and  deputy  paymasters-general  re- 
spectively to  the  commissioners  of  accounts  for  the  army 
in  the  northern  and  middle  departments,  who  shall  deliver 
the  same  to  the  respective  regimental  paymasters,  to  enable 
them  to  call  the  officers  chargeable  with  such  money,  to 
account  in  the  manner  before  directed  ;  and  the  said  regi- 
mental paymasters  shall  transmit  to  the  respective  commis- 
sioners aforesaid,  the  settlement  of  such  accounts  with  the 
vouchers,  who  shall  report  to  the  treasury  office  those 
which  are  approved  of  by  them,  and  shall  proceed  with 
the  regimental  paymaster  neglecting  to  obey  their  direc- 
tions herein,  and  officers  not  accounting  for  the  moneys 
by  them  received  as  aforesaid,  in  the  manner  proposed  to 
be  pursued  by  the  States  in  the  preceding  resolve. 

"  That  the  general  officers,  paymasters  and  deputy  pay- 
masters-general respectively,  be  also  directed  to  transmit 
to  the  treasury  office  duplicate  accounts  of  all  moneys  ad- 
vanced by  them  for  recruiting  Continental  battalions  as 
aforesaid. 

"  That  all  regimental  paymasters  be  directed  to  apply  to 
the  respective  commissioners  for  accounts  of  the  sums  ad- 
vanced to  their  officers  as  aforesaid. 

"  That  all  commissioners  of  claims  or  accounts  be  em- 
powered to  administer  oaths  or  affirmations  to  persons  ex- 
amined by  them  in  the  execution  of  their  office. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secretary." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolutions  be  referred 
to  the  Auditor-General  and  that  he  carry  the  same  into  ex- 
ecution. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  26,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 


946 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris, 
Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Canline. 

Captain  Hodge  attending,  requested  that  he  may  be  per- 
mitted to  employ  some  of  the  disaffected  persons  who  are 
confined  on  board  the  vessels  at  Esopus  Landing  in  trans- 
porting the  Continental  frigate  Montgomerie  out  of  Esopus 
creek  into  Hudson's  river. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Hodge  be  permitted  to  employ 
such  of  the  disaffected  persons  confined  on  board  the  ves- 
sels at  Esopus  creek,  to  the  number  of  ten,  as  shall  be 
pointed  out  by  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Mathew  Cantine, 
Esquires. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  27,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl. 
Scott,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Cantine  be  a 
committee  to  inspect  the  quality  of  the  gunpowder  manu- 
factured and  sent  to  this  place  for  the  use  of  this  State  by 
Henry  Wisner,  Esq. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Cantine  be  a 
committee  to  furnish  the  guards  at  this  place  with  such 
ammunition  as  they  may  deem  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  be  appointed  to 
cause  the  rigging  and  stores  of  the  briganline,  lately  com- 
manded by  Charles  Sprainger,  to  be  inventoried  and  ap- 
praised, and  that  Captain  William  Bedlow  be  supplied  with 
such  parts  thereof  as  he  may  require  for  the  obstructions  ma- 
king in  Hudson's  river, near  Pollepel's  island ;  that  a  receipt 
be  taken  from  Capt.  Bedlow  for  such  part  as  may  be  de- 
livered to  him  agreeably  to  the  said  appraisement  to  be 
lodged  with  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  and  charged  to  the 
Continental  account. 

The  petition  of  Wendel  Cranmer,  praying  that  Jacobus 
Low  may  not  be  suffered  by  force  to  dispossess  him  of  a 
piece  of  land  whereon  he  now  resides,  without  due  course 
of  law,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Captain  Piatt  and  Mr. 
Yates. 

A  letter  of  the  twenty-third  instant  was  received  from 
Lieutenant-Colonel  Jacob  Hornbeck,  informing  the  Coun- 
cil that  when  a  third  part  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange 
was  drawn  into  service,  it  was  agreed  by  Brigadier-Gene- 
ral Clinton  and  the  field  officers,  that  any  three  men  who 
should  be  classed  together  in  the  said  counties  and  could 
not  agree  to  make  out  one  man  to  stay  the  whole  time,  that 
said  three  men  might  make  out  together  to  serve  the  said 
time  by  turns,  in  consequence  of  which  several  do  serve 
by  turns  and  relieve  each  other  on  set  times.  And  further, 
that  Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker,  who  was  enlisting  a 
company  of  men  by  order  of  the  late  Convention,  had  en- 
listed several  persons  who  were  to  go  their  turns  as  afore- 
said, whereby  discontents  will  be  created  and  the  service 
injured. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  do  not  in  future 
enlist  any  men  into  his  company  who  are  actually  engaged 
in  manner  aforesaid,  to  relieve  any  men  of  the  militia  called 
into  service  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he  discharge  all  such  of 
the  men  whom  he  hath  already  enlisted  as  are  under  those 
engagements. 

A  letter  with  the  proceedings  of  the  committee  of  Cla- 
verack,  dated  the  twenty-fourth  instant,  accompanying  Pe- 
trus  Shoevelt,  Coenraad  King,  George  Teter  and  James 
Biggs,  dangerous  and  disaffected  persons,  apprehended  and 
sent  to  the  Council  of  Safety,  under  guard,  by  the  said 
committee,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Lieu- 
tenant Cornelius  Hooghboom,  or  Jacob  Gaul,  the  sum  of 
eight  pounds  four  shillings  and  four  pence,  for  the  service 
and  expenses  of  himself  and  four  privates  in  bringing  the 
said  four  prisoners  from  Claverack  to  Kingston. 


4  ho.  P.  M.  May  27,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Mathew  Cantine,  Esqr.  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  late  Convention  of  this  State  to  suppress 
and  quell  all  plots  and  insurrections  among  the  disaffected 
inhabitants  in  the  manor  of  Livingston  and  Rhinebcck  pre- 
cinct, the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  on  account  of  the 
contingent  charges  of  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be,  and  they  are 
hereby,  directed  to  pay  the  expenses  which  have  accrued 
upon  the  business  of  their  said  appointment. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Yates  be  a  committee 
to  report  the  draft  of  a  commission  for  holding  a  court  of 
oyer  and  terminer  in  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  expresses  be  sent  to  Robert  Yates  and 
John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esquires,  commanding  their  immediate 
attendance  at  this  Council,  to  take  the  oaths  and  proceed 
to  the  execution  of  their  offices. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Major  Van  Zandt,  (or  either  of 
them,)  a  committee  appointed  by  the  late  Convention  of 
this  State,  to  provide  vessels  for  the  reception  of  the  disaf- 
fected and  dangerous  persons,  apprehended  in  Rhinebeck 
and  manor  of  Livingston,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  pounds,  on  account  of  the  said  business. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  28,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Robert  Harpur,  Mr. 
Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  William  Bedlow,  the  further  sum  of  two  thousand  five 
hundred  pounds,  for  the  use  of  the  obstructions  making 
near  PollopePs  island  in  Hudson's  river,  to  be  charged  to 
the  Continental  account. 

An  order  of  two  of  the  commissioners  of  conspiracies, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  State  of  New-York,ss. — By  the  commissioners  for  con- 
spiracies, &c.  Poughkeepsie,  May  27th,  1777,  Resolved, 
That  Capt.  Robt.  Castle  be  requested  to  dismiss  Petrus 
Soefelt  from  his  confinement  on  board  the  vessel,  in  order 
for  his  immediate  attendance  before  this  board. 

"EGBT.  BENSON, 

"  PETER  CANTINE,  Junr. 

"  Commissioners." 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  have  the  direction 
of  Capt.  Schoonmaker's  company,  order  the  said  Petrus 
Soefelt  to  be  sent  to  the  commissioners  at  Poughkeepsie, 
under  a  proper  guard. 

A  memorial  of  John  Wheelock,  Esqr.  was  read,  and 
follows,  vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  The  memorial  of  John  Wheelock,  Esqr.  humbly 
sheweth  :  That  on  the  eighth  day  of  April  last,  he  received 
a  commission  from  the  Honourable  Convention  of  this  State 
to  raise  three  companies  of  men  in  the  northeastern  parts 
of  the  said  Stale,  to  be  employed  in  the  service  of  the  same. 

"  That  the  term  of  lime  for  raising  the  said  men  was 
limited  to  nine  weeks  from  the  date  of  the  resolves  of  the 
Convention  respecting  that  affair. 

"  That  according  to  the  said  resolves,  the  number  of 
officers  and  privates  are  to  be  the  same  as  those  raised  in 
the  Continental  service  ;  but  that  fifty  men  raised  in  each 
company  will  be  sufficient  to  entitle  the  recruiting  officers 
to  Continental  pay.  &c;  provided  the  men  are  raised  within 
eight  weeks  after  they  have  received  their  warrants. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


947 


"  In  consequence  of  the  above  resolves  your  memo- 
ralist  has  exerted  himself  and  found  remarkable  success  ; 
but  considering  the  many  disadvantages  arising  contrary  to 
his  expectations,  since  the  warrants  were  given  out,  and  in 
particular  the  obstructions  to  the  raising  of  men  in  the  north- 
eastern parts  of  this  State  from  their  late  political  situation, 
under  which  circumstances  he  has  studied  to  avoid  as 
much  as  possible  all  unreasonable  expenses  to  the  State, 
having  warranted  as  yet  but  half  the  number  of  commis- 
sioned officers  necessary  to  complete  the  said  companies, 
some  of  which  received  orders  the  19th  of  April,  and 
others  towards  the  first  of  May,  and  have  raised  as  he  sup- 
poses, before  this  time  about  a  third  of  the  men  which 
would  entitle  double  the  number  of  commissioned  officers 
to  Continental  pay,  rations,  &c.  from  the  date  of  their 
warrants. 

"  Your  memoralist  therefore  prays  your  Honourable 
Council  to  take  the  above  matters  into  your  wise  and  pru- 
dent consideration  ;  and  if  consistent  with  your  important 
trust  and  the  public  interest,  grant  him  such  enlargement 
of  time  to  fill  the  said  companies  as  your  wisdom  may  de- 
termine, consistent  with  the  state  of  affairs  as  offered  for 
your  Honour's  consideration.  And  your  memorialist  as  in 
duty  bound  shall  ever  pray,  &c. 

"JOHN  WHEELOCK. 

"  Kingston,  2Sth  May,  1777." 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  The  time  allowed  for  raising  the  three  com- 
panies to  be  by  him  raised  for  the  service  of  this  State  be 
prolonged  eight  weeks  from  the  lime  formerly  allowed  by 
the  resolutions  of  the  late  Convention  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  Samuel  Paine,  Esq.  and  Eleazer  Whee- 
lock,  the  one  by  Major  Wheelock  appointed  a  captain  and 
the  other  a  lieutenant,  be  commissioned ;  and  that  Major 
Wheelock  direct  Lieutenant  Wheelock  with  the  privates 
of  Captain  Pain's  company  to  march  to  Fishkill,  in  Dutch- 
ess county,  without  delay,  there  to  receive  and  follow  the 
further  directions  of  the  Council  of  Safety  or  executive 
power  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  General  Bayley,  of  Gloucester  county, 
be  requested  to  order  one  of  the  companies  of  the  troops 
raised  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland, 
usually  called  rangers,  to  march  to  Kingston,  in  Ulster 
county,  without  delay,  to  follow  the  further  directions  of 
the  Council  of  Safety,  or  executive  power  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter 
to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress,  which  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Council  of  Safety  are  of  opinion 
that  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Congress,  relative  to 
the  cruelties  of  the  enemy  towards  their  prisoners  will  be 
productive  of  very  good  effects  if  properly  published  and 
distributed,  which  they  think  cannot  be  done  so  well  by 
parcels  in  a  newspaper  as  altogether  in  a  pamphlet.  They 
therefore  desire  and  enjoin  you  to  use  your  best  endeavours 
to  obtain  a  resolution  of  Congress  for  immediately  printing 
that  report  and  the  affidavits  referred  to  in  it,  in  a  pamph- 
let, and  at  the  expense  of  this  State  ;  to  send  a  thousand 
copies  to  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  purpose  of  being 
distributed  among  the  inhabitants. 

"  I  am  also  directed  to  suggest  to  you  that  in  the  opinion 
of  the  Council  it  would  be  useful  to  send  a  number  of 
copies  to  Europe  and  the  West  Indies;  they  would  furnish 
the  advocates  of  humanity  and  the  rights  of  mankind  with 
a  proper  idea  of  the  spirit  with  which  the  King  of  Britain 
wages  and  conducts  this  wicked  war  against  us. 

"  The  Council  are  happy  to  hear  that  justice  will  pro- 
bably be  done  Major-General  Schuyler,  and  they  much 
commend  your  attention  to  that  subject. 

"  They  are  anxious  to  be  informed  of  the  determinations 
of  Congress  respecting  the  memorial  delivered  to  them  by 
General  Morris. 

"  I  am,  &c. 


"  P.  S.  You  will  peruse,  and  if  you  think  proper,  seal 

and  deliver  the  enclosed  letter. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Philip  Livingston,  Major- 
Genl.    Schuyler,    James    Duane  and 
Willm.  Duer,  Delegates,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Jay  also  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Congress, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

Sir — At  a  lime  when  the  counsel  and  arms  of  Ameri- 
ca should  be  directed  to  the  defence  of  all  the  United 
States  against  a  foreign  invasion,  it  gives  us  pain  to  find  it 
our  duty  to  call  the  attention  of  Congress  to  the  domestic 
concerns  of  this. 

"  A  faction  in  the  northeastern  part  of  this  State  is  at  se- 
paration from  it,  and  have  declared  themselves  independent. 

"  Although  we  apprehend  no  great  difficulties  in  reduc- 
ing these  factious  spirits  to  obedience  and  good  order  by 
the  justice  and  vigour  of  the  government  of  this  State 
without  the  aid  of  Congress;  yet  as  a  report  prevails,  and  is 
daily  gaining  credit,  that  they  are  privately  countenanced 
in  their  designs  by  certain  members  of  your  Honourable 
House,  we  esteem  it  our  duty  to  give  you  this  information, 
that  by  a  proper  resolution  on  that  subject,  the  reputation 
of  Congress  may  cease  to  be  injured  by  imputations  so  dis- 
graceful and  dishonourable. 

"  However  unwilling  we  may  be  to  entertain  suspicions 
so  disreputable  to  any  member  of  Congress,  yet  the  truth 
is,  that  no  inconsiderable  number  of  the  people  of  this 
State  do  believe  the  report  to  be  well  founded,  and  of 
course  their  confidence  in  the  justice,  and  their  respect  for 
the  determinations  of  Congress,  will,  we  fear,  be  diminish- 
ed ;  nor  can  it  be  difficult  to  perceive  what  an  unhappy  in- 
fluence such  reports  will  have  on  the  minds  of  the  best 
whigs  in  this  State,  especially  at  this  critical  juncture. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  To  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Prest." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  the  officers  of  the  regiments  of  Colonels 
Pawling,  Snyder  and  Dubois,  now  in  service  at  Fort  Mont- 
gomery, praying  that  commissioners  may  be  appointed  to 
receive  their  votes  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  &c. 
was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York: 

"  The  petition  of  us,  field  officers  of  Col.  Pawling's, 
Snyder's  and  Duboys's  regiments,  stationed  at  Fort  Mont- 
gomery, humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  your  petitioners,  being  out  in  the  service  in  de- 
fence of  their  country,  having  understood  that  elections  at 
different  places,  (this  post  excepted,)  are  in  short  to  be 
held  for  the  choosing  of  a  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor, 
Senators  and  Assembly  for  the  State  of  New-York,  do,  as 
members  of  said  State,  (considering  the  above  circum- 
stance,) humbly  pray  that  commissioners  be  appointed  to 
receive  the  votes  of  us,  and  such  other  persons  belonging 
to  our  respective  regiments  at  this  post,  as  are  entitled  to 
give  them.  And  your  petitioners,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall 
ever  pray. 

"  LEVI  PAWLING,  Col. 

"  JAMES  McCLAGHRY,  L.  Col. 

*'  JOHS.  HARDENBERGH,  Jur.  Lt. 

"  P.  HOOGHTELING,  Major, 

"  LEWIS  DUBOYS,  Coll. 

"  JAS.  BRUYN,  Lt.  Coll." 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  this  afternoon. 

4th  ho.  P.  M.  May  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Piatt,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 


948 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


The  Council  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  peti- 
tion of  the  field  officers  of  the  Colonels  Pawling,  Snyder 
and  Duboys,  regiments,  stationed  at  Fort  Montgomcrie, 
praying  that  commissioners  may  be  appointed  to  receive 
their  votes  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Senators 
and  Assembly. 

The  said  petition  being  read,  Gcnl.  Scott,  seconded  by 
Mr.  Harpur,  moved  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be 
granted.    After  long  debates,  it  was 

Agreed  and  Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of 
the  said  motion  be  postponed  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Simon  Van  Kleeck  and  Levi  Quimby  having  been  with 
the  enemy,  and  having  returned  to  their  allegiance,  by  tak- 
ing the  oaths  and  complying  with  the  terms  directed  by  the 
ordinance  of  the  late  Convention,  were  pardoned  and  dis- 
charged. 


DIE  JOVIS,   10  HO.  A.  M. 

May  29,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  at  Goshen,  dated  the  twen- 
ty-sixth instant,  informing  that  he  had,  by  virtue  of  the  de- 
dirnus  transmitted  to  him  by  the  Council  of  Safety,  waited 
on  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esquire,  sheriff  of  Orange  county,  and 
administered  to  him  the  oath  of  allegiance  and  of  office, 
was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Jacob  Bladtnaer,  Junr.  dated  this  day,  was 
read.  He  therein  informs  that  his  brother-in-law  Flyte 
Miller,  is  confined  on  board  the  ship,  and  as  he  is  truly  pe- 
nitent of  his  misconduct,  the  said  Bladtnear  offers  to  be- 
come bondsman  or  surety  for  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  Genl. 
Scott's  motion  on  the  prayer  of  the  petition  of  the  field  of- 
ficers of  the  regiments  stationed  at  Fort  Montgomerie,  to 
wit,  that  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted. 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  moved  for 
the  following  amendment  to  Genl.  Scott's  motion,  to  wit : 

Whereas  the  late  Convention  of  this  Slate  did,  prior  to 
their  dissolution,  pass  and  publishan  ordinance  for  organiz- 
ing and  establishing  the  government  agreed  to  by  the  said 
Convention,  and  among  other  things  in  the  said  ordinance 
contained,  did  ascertain  and  appoint  the  manner  in  which, 
and  the  particular  places  at  which  the  elections  therein 
mentioned  should  be  held  : 

Resolved,  That  it  would  be  highly  improper  for  this 
Council  to  direct  that  the  elections  aforesaid  should  be  held 
in  any  other  manner,  or  at  any  other  place  or  places,  than 
those  which  the  said  Convention  did,  in  and  by  the  said 
ordinance,  nominate  and  prescribe. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  on  the  said 
proposed  amendment,  was  carried  in  the  negative  in  man- 
ner following,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott, 

Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Yates, 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine, 

Colo.  De  Witt.  Major  Van  Zandt, 

Mr.  Harpur. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  Genl.  Scott's  motion,  to 

wit:  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted,  and 

carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit : 

For  the  negative.  For  the  negative. 
Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay, 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt, 

Mr.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Major  Van  Zandt. 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  granted. 
Adjourned  till  the  afternoon. 


Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  29,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Plait  and  Major  Van  Zandt,  be  a 
a  committee  to  confer  with  Captain  Rogers,  of  the  sloop 
of  war  Montgomery,  belonging  to  this  Stale,  who  is  now 
attending. 

Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  reported  the  draft  of  a  com- 
mission for  holding  courts  of  oyer  and  terminer,  and  gene- 
ral jail  delivery  in  this  State,  which  was  read,  amended 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  People  of  the  State  of  New-York,  by  the  grace 
of  God  free  and  independent :  To  our  trusty  and  well  be- 
loved chief  justice  of  our  supreme  court  of  judica- 
ture, for  our  said  State  ;  and  to  puisne  judges 
of  our  said  court ;  and  to  Esquires,  justices  of 
the  peace  for  our  county  of                   Greeting  : 

"  Know  ye,  that  we  have  assigned,  and  do  by  these  pre- 
sents assign  you  the  said  or  any 
three  of  you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of  you,  the  said 
to  be  one,)  our  justices,  to  inquire,  by 
the  oaths  of  honest  and  lawful  men  of  the  county  aforesaid, 
and  by  other  ways,  methods  and  means,  by  whom  and  by 
which  the  truth  of  the  matter  may  be  the  better  known,  of 
whatsoever,  treasons,  misprisions  of  treasons,  insurrections, 
rebellions,  murders,  felonies,  homicides,  killings,  burgla- 
ries, rapes  of  women,  unlawful  congregations  and  assem- 
blies, words  spoken,  misprisions,  confederacies,  false  al- 
legiance, trespasses,  riots,  routs,  escapes,  contempts,  false- 
hoods, negligences,  concealments,  maintenances,  oppres- 
sions, champerties,  deceits,  and  other  misdoings,  offences 
and  injuries  whatsoever;  as  also  of  the  accessaries  there- 
unto within  the  county  aforesaid,  by  whomsoever  and  how- 
soever had,  done,  perpelrated  or  committed  ;  and  by  whom, 
to  whom,  when,  where  and  how,  and  of  all  other  articles 
and  circumstances,  the  premises,  or  any  of  them  anywise 
concerning.  And  the  said  treasons,  and  other  the  premises 
for  this  time,  to  hear  and  determine,  according  to  the  law 
of  our  said  State.  Therefore  we  command  you,  that  at 
such  a  certain  day  and  place  as  you,  or  any  three  of  you, 
(whereof  we  will  either  of  you  the  said  to  be 
one,)  thereto  shall  appoint,  you  make  diligent  inquiries  of 
the  premises,  and  all  and  singular  the  premises  you  hear 
and  determine,  and  the  same  do  and  fulfil  in  honour  afore- 
said, doing  therein  that  which  to  justice  doth  belong,  ac- 
cording to  the  law  of  our  said  Stale,  saving  to  us  our  amer- 
ciaments, and  other  things  thereby  to  us  belonging.  For 
we  have  commanded  our  sheriff  of  our  county  aforesaid, 
that  at  such  certain  day  and  place  as  you,  or  any  three  of 
you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of  you,  the  said 
to  be  one,)  shall  make  known  to  him,  he  cause  to  come 
before  you,  or  three  of  you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of 
you,  the  said  to  be  one,)  such  and  so  many  ho- 
nest and  lawful  men  of  his  bailiwick  as  that  the  truth  of  the 
matter  may  be  the  belter  known  and  inquired  of.  And 
further  know  ye,  that  we  have  constituted,  and  by  these 
presents  do  constitute  you,  the  said  or  any  three 
of  you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of  you,  the  said 
to  be  one,)  our  justices,  our  jail  of  our  county  aforesaid, 
of  the  prisoners  therein,  being  for  this  time  to  deliver  :  And 
therefore  we  command  you,  that  at  such  certain  day  as  you, 
or  any  three  of  you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of  you,  the 
said  to  be  one,)  shall  appoint,  you  come  to  our 
court  house  of  our  said  county,  the  said  jail  to  deliver,  do- 
ing therein  what  to  justice  doth  belong,  according  to  the 
law  of  our  said  State,  saving  to  us  our  amerciaments,  and 
other  things  thereby  to  us  belonging.  For  we  have  com- 
manded our  sheriff  of  our  said  county  of  that  at 
such  certain  day  as  you,  or  any  three  of  you,  (whereof  we 
will  either  of  you,  the  said  to  be  one,)  shall 
make  known  to  him,  he  cause  them  to  come  before  you 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


949 


or  any  three  of  you,  (whereof  we  will  either  of  you,  the 
*  said  to  be  one,)  all  the  prisoners  of  the  same 

jail,  and  their  attachments.  These  presents  to  continue 
and  be  in  force  for  the  space  of  from  the  day  of 

the  date  hereof,  and  no  longer. 

"  In  testimony  whereof  we  have  caused  these  our  let- 
ters to  be  made  patent,  and  (declare  the  same  to  be  of  as 
much  force  and  virtue  as  if)  the  great  seal  of  our  said  State 
(which  is  not  yet  furnished,)  had  been  thereunto  affixed. 

"Witness  our  trusty  and  well  beloved  Pierre  Van  Cort- 
landt,  President  of  our  Council  of  Safety  for  our 
said  State,  in  the  Council  of  the  said  State  and  by 
their  order,  at  our  town  of  Kingston  the 
day  of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 

thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  cause  two  copies  to  be 
made  of  the  said  commission. 

The  letter  from  Isaac  Shelden,  Theodorus  Van  Wyck 
and  Henry  Livingston,  Junr.  commissioners  in  Dutchess 
county  for  disposing  of  the  personal  property  of  persons 
gone  over  to  the  enemy,  and  which  was  committed  on  the 
23d  instant,  was  again  read.  The  said  commissioners 
thereby  allege  that  the  allowance  made  to  them  while  em- 
ployed in  that  service  is  inadequate  to  their  trouble  and 
expense,  and  request  additional  pay. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  said  letter  was  referred, 
reported  "  That  it  is  their  opinion  that  the  augmentation  of 
the  pay  of  the  said  commissioners  at  this  time  would  be 
attended  with  disagreeable  consequences,  as  it  would  au- 
thorize every  officer,  or  set  of  officers,  now  in  the  service 
of  this  State,  to  complain  of  their  pay,  and  to  expect  suc- 
cess from  a  similar  application."  The  same  being  taken 
into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  doth  agree  with  their  com- 
mittee in  the  said  report. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

May  30,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Harpur,  Colo.  D.  Wilt 

For  want  of  another  member  to  form  a  quorum,  adjourned 
till  four  o'clock  post  meridian. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  30,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  General  Scott,  Colo.  D.  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Ma- 
jor Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt. 

For  want  of  another  member  to  form  a  quorum,  adjourned 
till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  SABBATI,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

May  31,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Judge 
Piatt,  Mr.  Jay,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  other  members  present  that  Mr. 
Colden's  wife  and  son  are  come  to  Esopus  to  visit  him, 
and  therefore  request  that  his  going  on  board  of  a  vessel  at 
the  strand  may  be  postponed  until  Tuesday  next. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  all  the  members  present  that  this  re- 
quest of  Major  Colden  be  granted ;  and  that  Mr.  Jay  in- 
form the  sheriff  and  Mr.  Colden  thereof. 

238 


General  Scott  came  in  and  took  his  seat. 

Ordered,  That  two  hogsheads  of  leather  breeches  now 
in  the  store  of  Captain  John  Elmendorph  be  sent  to  the 
clothing  store  at  Fishkill,  to  Mr.  John  Henry,  and  that 
Captain  Elmendorph  be  requested  to  have  them  sent  by 
the  first  safe,  convenient  opportunity  by  water. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  prepare  a  bond  to  the 
Treasurer,  to  be  executed  by  David  Currie  and  his  sureties, 
in  the  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds  conditioned  for  the 
faithful  discharge  of  the  trust  reposed  in  him  and  to  account 
for  the  said  sum.  That  the  Secretary  enclose  the  said 
bond  to  David  Currie  to  be  executed,  and  by  letter  direct 
Mr.  Currie  to  apply  to  General  McDougall  for  directions. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Isaac  Belknap,  dated  the  twenty- 
ninth  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  informed  that 
since  he  received  the  resolutions  of  the  twenty-ninth  ultimo, 
which  was  on  the  seventeenth  instant,  he  and  his  subalterns 
have  been  endeavouring  to  recruit.  That  by  means  of  the 
late  calls  of  militia,  and  the  superior  encouragement  given 
to  those  who  will  accept  employment  at  the  works  making 
to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  it  is  very  diffi- 
cult to  obtain  men  to  recruit  the  company,  and  that  they 
had  not  at  the  date  thereof  enlisted  even  one  man.  There- 
fore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Captain  Isaac  Belknap, 
and  the  remainder  of  his  officers  and  men,  be  discharged 
and  disbanded. 

The  petition  of  Thomas  Done,  with  two  certificates, 
were  brought  in  and  were  read.  The  petition  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  The  petition  of  Thomas  Done  humbly  sheweth  :  That 
in  January,  in  the  year  1775,  your  petitioner  enlisted  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay  levies,  which  marched  to  the  relief 
of  our  troops  before  Quebec  ;  that  at  the  expiration  of  the 
time  he  so  enlisted,  (to  wit,)  the  15th  of  April  following, 
your  petitioner  engaged  in  the  service  of  this  State,  and 
entered  into  Capt.  Lamb's  company  of  artillery,  then  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Lieut.  Wool ;  that  while  your  petitioner 
belonged  to  the  said  company,  (to  wit,)  on  the  first  day  of 
May,  as  he  was  on  duty  at  a  two  gun  battery  near  Charles's 
river,  he  was  wounded  by  the  bursting  of  one  of  our  own 
cannon,  and  thereby  totally  lost  his  sight,  besides  being 
otherwise  greatly  injured  ;  that  on  the  6th  of  May  your 
petitioner  was  taken  prisoner  and  remained  in  captivity 
until  last  fall,  when  he  was,  with  the  other  prisoners,  sent 
by  Genl.  Carlton  to  Elizabeth  Town  ;  that  your  petitioner 
some  time  after  applied  to  the  Honourable  John  Hancock, 
President  of  the  Congress,  for  relief,  who  directed  your 
petitioner  to  repair  to  where  he  first  entered  into  the  service 
of  these  Stales ;  that  accordingly  your  petitioner  went  to 
Alfred,  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay  State,  where  the  commit- 
tee refused  to  make  any  provisions  for  him,  insisting  that 
your  petitioner  ought  to  be  provided  for  by  that  State  in 
whose  immediate  service  he  was  at  the  time  he  received 
his  wounds. 

"  Your  petitioner  therefore  humbly  begs  leave  to  lay  his 
case  before  this  Honourable  House,  praying  that  they  will 
grant  him  such  relief  as  they  in  their  wisdom  shall  think  fit. 
And  your  petitioner,  as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray. 

"THOMAS  DONE. 

"  Kingston,  May  30th,  1777." 

The  examination  of  Thomas  Done  :  "  Says  he  was  born 
at  Sheffield,  in  Yorkshire,  in  that  part  of  Great  Britain 
called  England  ;  that  he  was  a  pressed  man  on  board  the 
Chatham,  a  fifty  gun  ship  belonging  to  the  British  navy, 
and  ran  away  from  her  at  the  island  of  Antigua  ;  from 
whence,  by  different  conveyances,  he  arrived  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  State,  soon  after  the  death  of  General  Mont- 
gomerie,  where  he  enlisted  two  or  three  days  after  his  arri- 
val, in  the  Massachusetls  Bay  troops,  for  three  months' 
service,  and  proceeded  with  them  to  Quebec,  and  continued 
in  that  service  until  those  troops  were  discharged  ;  and 
thereupon  he  enlisted  in  the  Continental  company  of  artil- 


950 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


lery  commanded  by  Captn.  Lamb,  in  which  service  he  lost 
his  sight  as  mentioned  in  his  petition." 

Resolved,  That  this  State  will,  for  the  present,  make 
some  provision  for  the  said  Thomas  Done,  a  Continental 
maimed  soldier,  agreeably  to  Continental  regulations  for 
that  purpose.  And 

Ordered,  That  he  be  committed  to  the  care  of  the  Se- 
cretaries until  further  order ;  that  they,  or  one  of  them, 
disburse  some  money  for  his  aid  and  support,  and  charge 
this  State  with  the  same.  And 

Resolved,  That  the  same  disbursements  be  repaid  by 
this  State. 

An  application  of  John  Dumont,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Kingston,  was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words, 
to  wit : 

"  To  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safely  of  the  Stale  of  New-York. 

"Whereas,  at  the  request  of  the  Convention,  the  com- 
mittee of  this  town,  some  time  in  February  last,  ordered 
and  established  a  night  watch  to  be  kept,  to  guard  the  Slate 
prisoners,  every  man  in  this  town  belonging  to  the  militia, 
were  ordered,  agreeable  to  the  committee's  regulation,  to 
come  in  their  turn  on  said  watch  ;  some  persons  neglected, 
others  refused,  on  whom  the  committee  imposed  fines, 
which  fines  were  paid  and  lodged  in  the  hands  of  the  chair- 
man :  And  whereas  no  direction  is  ordered,  or  pointed 
out  by  the  militia  regulations,  how  to  apply  those  fines  : 
Therefore,  your  informant  prays  the  advice  of  the  Honoura- 
ble Council  of  Safety  how,  and  in  what  manner,  and  for 
what  uses,  those  fines  shall  be  paid  by  your  informer. 

"JOHN  DUMONT,  Chairman. 

"  Kingston,  May  30th,  1777." 

The  Council  of  Safety  were  informed  that  the  said  fines 
amount  to  fifty  shillings. 

Ordered,  That  John  Dumont,  Esqr.  pay  the  said  money 
to  the  present  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston,  to 
be  by  him  applied  to  discharge  the  incidental  charges  of 
the  committee. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker,  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  dated  the  twenty-ninth 
instant,  was  read.  He  therein  refers  to  the  petition  of 
Jonathan  Terwillger,  therein  enclosed,  praying  to  be  re- 
compensed for  the  wound  he  received  and  the  loss  of  his 
fusee,  by  Jacobus  Rosa  and  his  party. 

The  petition  of  Jonathan  Terwillger,  therein  mentioned, 
was  also  read.  He  thereby  prays  a  compensation  for  his 
wound  and  the  loss  of  his  fusee  by  Roos's  party,  and  a 
compensation  to  Sergeant  Joseph  Freer  for  the  loss  of  his 
arms  and  accoutrements  by  the  said  Roos  and  his  party. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  petition  lie  on  the 
table. 

A  long  letter  from  Ebenezer  Dayton,  dated  at  on 
the  instant,  recommending  the  sending  of  ranging 

companies  on  Long  island,  was  read. 

A  draft  of  resolutions,  by  him  proposed  and  submitted 
to  the  consideration  of  this  Council,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Ebenezer  Dayton  do  attend  this 
Council  of  Safely,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be,  to 
confer  with  them  on  that  subject. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  May  31,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Plait,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Can- 
tinc,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Gates,  dated  at  Albany,  thirtieth 
day  of  May  instant,  was  received  by  express,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Mbany,  30th  May,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  send  the  enclosed  packet  for  General  Wa- 
shington, unsealed,  for  your  perusal.    I  desire  (having 
read  the  contents)  you  will  instantly  forward  the  General's 


packet,  by  a  faithful  messenger,  to  Head-Quarters  ;  you 
will  be  careful  to  seal  the  packet. 
"  I  am,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servt 

"  HORATIO  GATES. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New- York." 

Therein  were  enclosed  the  following  papers,  vizt :  a  re- 
turn of  the  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,  made  the  24th  of 
May  ;  and  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  General  Poor  to  Major- 
General  Gates,  dated  the  25th  instant ;  and  also  a  copy  of 
another  letter  from  Genl.  Poor  to  General  Gates,  dated  the 
27th  instant,  of  which  the  following  is  an  extract,  to  wit : 

"  I  sent  out  a  reconnoitering  party  ;  they  landed  at  the 
Split  rock,  about  the  break  of  day,  within  one  hundred 
and  fifty  yards  of  the  enemy's  advanced  boat,  which  the 
approach  of  day  discovered,  together  with  two  schooners 
and  six  gondolas  ;  all  within  three  hundred  yards  of  them. 
He  observed  on  the  west  shore  about  forty  batteaux,  but 
as  there  was  a  thick  fog,  could  only  discover  the  form  of 
the  vessels  and  a  number  of  fires  ;  a  very  heavy  morning 
gun  was  discharged  lower  down  the  lake,  he  thinks  at 
Schuyler's  island." 

There  was  also  enclosed  a  letter  from  General  Gates  to 
his  Excellency  General  Washington. 
The  same  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  John  McLean,  as  a  special  messenger, 
do  immediately  proceed  to  His  Excellency  General  Wa- 
shington with  the  said  packet  from  General  Gates  ;  and 
the  said  packet,  being  sealed  by  the  Secretary,  was  ac- 
cordingly delivered  to  John  McLean,  to  whom  a  warrant 
was  also  given  to  impress  horses  if  necessary. 

Savage,  one  of  the  prisoners  in  Ulster  county  jail,  was 
brought  before  the  Council  of  Safety  and  examined  as  to 
the  letters  which  Smith,  the  horse  thief,  told  James  Robi- 
son  he  had  buried.  Savage  says  that  he  heard  Smith  tell 
Robison  that,  near  the  house  at  which  he  was  taken,  he 
buried  a  letter  and  some  money  at  the  foot  of  a  large  oak 
tree,  near  a  pond  or  a  puddle  of  water. 

John  Middagh  and  Henry  Bush,  sent  prisoners  from 
Rochester  to  Kingston,  were  brought  up  before  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  and  examined. 

Middagh  acknowledges  that  he  said  that  General  Howe 
would  come  up  Hudson's  river  some  time  in  May  and  take 
North  America;  that  he  told  how  much  he  heard  each 
man  who  enlisted  in  Howe's  army,  was  to  have  ;  that  he 
told  these  things  as  he  had  heard  them  ;  that  he  heard 
them  from  his  brother  and  the  company  who  were  with 
him  ;  that  he  met  that  company  at  the  same  time  with 
James  Merkell ;  that  he  is  a  friend  to  his  country  and 
means  to  continue  so. 

Henry  Bush  being  examined,  denies  his  having  said 
any  thing  to  the  prejudice  of  his  country  ;  that  he  was  sent 
for  and  examined  before  the  committee  of  Rochester  rela- 
tive to  having  had  any  knowledge  of  Roosa  or  Middagh 
and  their  company  ;  that  he  had  not  any  knowledge  of  that 
company  or  their  proceedings. 

The  said  John  Middagh  and  Henry  Bush  respectively 
took  the  oath  of  allegiance,  were  admonished  as  to  their 
future  conduct  and  discharged  ;  and  by  order  of  the  Coun- 
cil the  Secretary  present  gave  each  of  them  a  certificate  of 
their  having  taken  the  said  oath  and  therewith  a  discharge. 

The  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Ulster  brought  up  before 
the  Council  a  paper  writing,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — Agreeable  to  a  request  received  from  the  com- 
mittee of  this  precinct,  to  me  directed,  you  are  hereby  or- 
dered to  command  a  sufficient  guard  to  take  the  body  of 
Elnalhan  Foster  and  him  safely  convey  to  Kingston  jail 
forthwith,  whereof  fail  not.    This  from, 

"  Sir,  yours, 
"  JONATHAN  HASBROUCK,  Col. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


951 


"  N.  B.  By  an  order  of  committee  you  are  to  command 
Umphrey  Merrilt  to  take  Elnathan  Foster  from  whence  he 
brought  him,  &c. 

"J.  HAS'K." 

Which  said  paper  was  directed,  on  public  service,  to 
Capt.  Stephen  Case,  or  in  his  absence,  to  his  next  com- 
manding officer. 

The  sheriff  further  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  that 
a  person  who  appears  to  be  an  officer,  and  who  delivered 
him  the  said  paper,  had  brought  to  him  therewith  the  said 
Elnathan  Foster  (who  was  lately  discharged  by  this  Coun- 
cil) as  a  prisoner,  and  he  requested  the  direction  of  this 
Council  whether  he  should  confine  the  said  Elnathan  Fos- 
ter in  jail.  The  sheriff  was  thereupon  directed  not  to  con- 
fine the  said  Elnathan  Foster. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  take  the  parol  of  the  said 
Elnathan  Foster  to  continue  in  Kingston  until  further  order, 
and  that  the  sheriff  discharge  the  guard. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Jonathan  Hasbrouck  and  Abel 
Belnap,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Newburgh, 
be  cited  to  appear  before  this  Council  of  Safety  without 
delay,  to  answer  for  their  conduct  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  prepare,  and  the  President 
subscribe,  a  letter  to  General  Gates,  with  the  respectful 
acknowledgments  of  the  intelligence  communicated  by  his 
packet,  and  informing  him  that  the  same  was  immediately 
sealed  and  forwarded  by  a  trusty  messenger,  and  that  the 
said  letter  be  returned  by  the  express  who  came  from  Ge- 
neral Gales. 

The  said  letter  was  despatched  accordingly. 

Mr.  Pettit  having  given  some  information  to  the  Council, 

Ordered,  That  his  deposition  be  taken  thereunto. 

The  depositions  of  Thomas  Pettit  and  Johannes  Freer 
were  taken  and  read  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Thomas  Pettit  being  sworn,  saith,  that  he  this  morn- 
ing heard  Johannes  Freer  say  that  the  committee  of  this 
town  found  a  great  deal  of  fault  with  the  Council  of  Safe- 
ty, and  that  if  the  Council  went  on  as  they  had  done,  they 
would  not  be  a  House  much  longer ;  and  this  deponent 
asked  him  where  he  heard  it ;  he  said  from  the  committee. 
And  further  the  deponent  saith  not. 

"  THOMAS  PETTIT. 

"  Sworn  in  Council  the  31st  ) 
May,  1777,  before  me,  ) 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President." 

"  Johannes  Freer  being  sworn,  saith,  that  the  contents 
of  the  affidavit  aforesaid  of  Thomas  Pettit,  are  true,  except 
that  instead  of  the  committee  of  this  town,  he  told  Mr. 
Pettit  it  was  the  committee  of  Marble  Town  who  were 
displeased  with  the  Council  of  Safety.  And  this  deponent 
further  saith,  that  Cornelius  Tack,  one  of  the  members  of 
the  said  committee,  told  this  deponent  yesterday  that  the 
committee  aforesaid  were  much  displeased  at  the  Council 
having  discharged  Wilhelmus  Markle  and  others  ;  and 
that  if  the  Convention  went  on  in  that  way,  in  a  week  or 
fortnight  they  would  be  no  Convention  ;  and  further  saith 
not. 

"JOHANNES  FREER. 

"  Sworn  31st  May,  1777. 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President." 

Thereupon  the  Council  come  to  the  following  order : 
Whereas  it  appears  to  the  Council  of  Safety  by  the 
affidavit  of  Johannes  Freer,  that  Cornelius  Tack  of  Mar- 
ble Town,  now  or  late  one  of  the  committee  of  the  said 
town,  hath  been  guilty  of  a  high  breach  of  privileges  by 
speaking  in  menacing  and  disrespectful  terms  of  the  said 
Council  as  the  Representatives  of  the  free  people  of  this 
State.  Therefore, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Captain  Frederick  Schoon- 
maker  do  take  the  said  Cornelius  Tack  into  custody  and 
bring  him  to  the  bar  of  this  Council  on  Monday  next  at 
twelve  of  the  clock  of  that  day. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers,  &c. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Gent.  Scott,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Harpur,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  Honourable  Major-General  Schuyler  delivered  into 
the  Council  of  Safety  the  following  papers,  to  wit : 

A  copy  of  the  report  of  the  committee  of  the  treasury, 
dated  May  the  third,  1777,  whereby  it  appears  that  Gene- 
ral Schuyler  hath  advanced  large  sums  in  specie  out  of  his 
private  purse,  for  the  Canada  service,  which  follows  in  the 
words  to  wit  : 

"  In  Congress,  May  the  3rd,  1777. 

"The  committee  upon  the  treasury,  report  that  the  com- 
missioners for  settling  the  accounts  of  the  army  in  the 
northern  department,  have  produced  to  the  treasury  board 
among  other  accounts  adjusted  by  them,  a  general  account 
of  the  receipts  and  disbursements  of  Major-General  Schuy- 
ler, and  a  separate  account  of  the  disposal  of  specie  re- 
mitted to  him  by  Congress  and  otherwise,  for  canying  on 
the  military  operations  in  Canada ;  that  the  last  mentioned 
account  has,  at  General  Schuyler's  immediate  request,  been 
examined  by  the  board  of  treasury,  with  the  several  vouch- 
ers ;  that  it  appears  to  this  board,  that  before  General 
Schuyler  was  supplied  by  Congress  with  any  specie  at  all, 
he  sent  into  Canada  for  the  public  service,  more  than  3,250 
dollars  in  specie  ;  that  he  sent  such  further  sums  in  specie 
into  Canada,  raised  on  his  private  credit ;  that  when  the 
army  retreated  from  thence,  he  was  in  advance  upwards 
of  the  value  of  10,000  dollars  in  specie  above  what  he  had 
been  supplied  with  by  Congress  ;  that  to  reimburse  his 
friends  who  had  lent  him  the  said  specie,  he,  after  the  re- 
treat from  Canada,  drew  out  of  the  military  chest  several 
sums  in  specie  with  which  it  was  supplied  after  such  re- 
treat ;  but  that  he  remains  upon  the  final  settlement  of  the 
said  account,  in  advance  for  the  public  in  specie,  upwards 
of  the  value  of  3,250  dollars  more  than  he  ever  received 
in  specie,  having  taken  Continental  money  in  payment 
thereof;  that  it  further  appears  from  the  said  account  and 
vouchers,  that  none  of  the  specie  supplied  to  him  by  Con- 
gress before  the  retreat  from  Canada  remained  in  his  hands 
more  than  two  days,  the  same  being  delivered  over  to  the 
deputy  paymaster-general. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  be  accepted  and  that 
the  same  be  published. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 
"  CHARLES  THOMSON,  Secretary." 

A  copy  of  the  report  of  the  treasury,  dated  May  1 3th, 
that  they  approve  of  the  settlement  and  adjustment  made 
by  the  commissioners  in  the  northern  department  on  the 
account  of  the  late  Genl.  Montgomerie,  Major-General 
Schuyler,  Jonn.  Trumbull,  Junr.  Esqr.  Paymaster-General 
of  the  northern  department,  and  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr. 
deputy  commissary-general  of  the  said  department,  and  of 
the  confirmation  of  Congress  thereon,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit: 

"  In  Congress,  13th  May,  1777. 
"  The  board  of  treasury  reported  that  they  have  ex- 
amined the  late  Genl.  Montgomery's  accounts  with  the 
United  States,  Major-Genl.  Schuyler's  accounts  down  to 
the  twentieth  of  March  last,  the  accounts  of  Jonathan 
Trumbull,  Junr.  Esq.  Paymaster-General  of  the  northern 
department,  to  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  January  last,  and 
the  accounts  of  Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  deputy  commis- 
sary-general for  the  said  department,  as  respectively  re- 
ported to  them,  and  settled  and  adjusted  byi  the  commis- 
sioners of  accounts  of  the  army  in  the  said  department, 
and  that  they  approve  of  the  settlement  and  adjustment  of 
the  said  respective  accounts  by  the  commissioners  afore- 
said. 


952 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Resolved,  That  the  said  report  stand  confirmed. 
"Extracts  from  the  Journals, 

"WILLIAM  CH.  HOUSTON, 

"Dp.  Secy." 

The  proceedings  of  the  treasury  board  on  the  fifteenth 
day  of  May.  They  therein  give  Genl.  Schuyler  a  final 
discharge  on  the  public  account  of  all  demands  of  the 
United  States  of  America  against  him,  down  to  the  twen- 
tieth day  of  March  last  past,  and  is  in  the  following  words 
to  wit : 

"  At  a  board  of  treasury,  held  at  the  treasury  office  in 
Philadelphia,  the  15th  day  of  May,  1777. 

"  Present — James  Duane,  Mann  Page,  Jona.  Elmore,  Esquires, 

Superintendents. 
"  John  Gibson,  Auditor-General. 

"  The  report  of  the  board  of  treasury  of  the  15th  of  May, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  respecting 
the  examination  and  settlement  of  Major-General  Schuy- 
ler's accounts  with  the  United  States  of  America  (amongst 
others,)  having  been  confirmed  by  Congress  on  the  seven- 
teenth instant :  We  therefore,  in  virtue  of  the  authority  in 
us  vested  by  Congress,  do  hereby  finally  discharge  Major- 
General  Philip  Schuyler,  on  the  public  account,  of  all  de- 
mands of  the  United  States  of  America  against  him,  and 
in  any  wise  concerning  the  same,  down  to  the  twentieth 
day  of  March  last  past. 

"JAS.  DUANE,  Chairman. 
"  By  order  of  the  board, 

"  John  Gibson,  Audr.  Genl." 

Three  resolutions  of  Congress,  dated  May  the  twenty-se- 
cond, 1777;  the  first,  that  Albany,  Ticonderoga,  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  and  their  dependencies,  be  henceforward  considered 
as  forming  the  northern  department. 

The  second,  that  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  be  directed 
forthwith  to  proceed  to  the  northern  department,  and  take 
upon  him  the  command  there. 

The  third,  that  the  resolutions  passed  the  sixth  March, 
1776,  directing  General  Schuyler  to  establish  his  head- 
quarters at  Albany,  be  repealed,  which  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Congress,  May  22d,  1777. 
"  Resolved,  That  Albany,  Ticonderoga,  Fort  Stanwix, 
and  their  dependencies,  be  henceforward  considered  as 
forming  the  northern  department. 

"  Resolved,  That  Major-General  Schuyler  be  directed 
forthwith  to  proceed  to  the  northern  department,  and  take 
upon  him  the  command  there. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  resolution  passed  the  6th  day  of 
March,  1776,  directing  General  Schuyler  to  establish  his 
head-quarters  at  Albany,  be  repealed. 

"  Extracts  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHA.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with 
the  committee  of  the  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, concerning  the  complaint  of  the  Indians,  that  a 
number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  State,  have  seated 
themselves  upon  their  lands,  and  which  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  27th  May,  1777. 

"The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  a  committee 
of  the  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  concerning 
a  complaint  of  the  Indians,  report  that  they  have  confei- 
red  with  the  said  committee,  by  whom  they  were  informed 
that  a  considerable  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Pennsyl- 
vania have  sealed  themselves  upon  lands  belonging  to  the 
Indians,  without  their  leave,  or  any  authority  from  the 
State  ;  and  that  the  Indians  are  very  uneasy  on  account  of 
such  intrusion.  Whereupon, 

"  Resolved,  That  the  executive  power  or  Legislature 
of  Pennsylvania,  ought  to  take  proper  measures  to  quiet 
the  minds  of  the  Indians,  by  assuring  them  that  they  shall 
have  full  satisfaction,  cither  by  the  removal  of  the  intruders, 


or  by  allowing  them  an  adequate  consideration  for  the  soil, 
at  the  option  of  the  Indians. 

"  Extracts  from  the  journal. 

"WILLIAM  CH.  HOUSTON, 
"Dep.  Secy." 
The  said  several  papers  were  respectively  read,  and 
Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  mem- 
bers till  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  mentioned  report  of  the  commit- 
tee relative  to  the  Indians'  lands,  be  published. 
Adjourned  till  the  afternoon. 

Die  Lunjs,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  2d,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo. 
De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates. 

The  papers  containing  sundry  resolutions  relative  to 
General  Schuyler,  delivered  in  by  him  this  morning,  were 
taken  into  consideration,  and  the  Council  came  to  the  fol- 
lowing determination  thereon,  vizt : 

This  Council  having  received  copies  of  three  resolutions 
of  the  Honourable  the  General  Congress  of  the  third,  thir- 
teenth and  twenty-second  days  of  May,  and  also  an  extract 
from  the  minutes  of  the  board  of  treasury,  relative  to  Major- 
General  Schuyler,  and  having  taken  the  same  into  consi- 
deration, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Council  be  presented 
to  the  Honourable  the  General  Congress,  for  the  attention 
they  have  been  pleased  to  pay  to  the  reputation  of  that 
much  injured  and  worthy  officer,  and  for  silencing  the  ca- 
lumnies of  envious  and  ill-designing  men  against  him,  by 
the  honourable  testimonies  they  have  given  of  their  sense 
of  his  integrity,  and  their  confidence  in  his  abilities  to 
serve,  as  well  as  zeal  to  promote,  the  great  cause  of  the 
United  States. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  said  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress, and  of  this  Council,  be  published,  to  the  end  that 
Major-General  Schuyler  may  be  restored  to  that  general 
confidence  and  good  opinions  which  he  formerly  enjoyed, 
and  which  may  in  some  degree  have  been  impaired,  by  the 
malicious  and  wicked  reports,  industriously  propagated 
against  him. 

Ordered,  That  Coenraad  Hoffman,  Markus  Lasher,  and 
Brewer  Decker,  of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  and  who  are 
now  confined  on  board  the  vessels  at  Esopus  Landing,  on 
their  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged  ;  and  that 
the  sheriff  of  Ulster  cause  the  said  three  persons  to  be  con- 
veyed to  the  Secretary's  office  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sheriff,  at  his  discretion,  place 
Silas  Duel,  (who  is  confined  and  much  indisposed  on  board 
one  of  ihe  said  vessels,)  at  some  house  in  Ulster  county, 
on  his  parol,  and  at  his  own  expense,  till  further  orders. 

The  Council  being  informed  that  Philip  Pell,  Junr.  one 
of  the  commissioners  appointed  to  settle  and  pay  off  the 
accounts  contracted  by  a  committee  of  the  late  Convention, 
for  removing  the  grain  and  forage,  as  also  the  well  affected 
inhabitants,  from  the  lower  parts  of  Westchester  county,  is 
employed  in  the  public  service  in  another  department. 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Micah  Townsend,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  in  his  stead. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Cornelius  Humphrey,  informing 
the  Council  that  Major  Brinton  Payne,  whom  he  appointed 
to  that  rank  by  authority  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  in 
January  last,  and  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  house  of  Ste- 
phen Ward  in  Westchester  county,  is  confined  at  New- 
York  and  treated  as  a  private,  for  want  of  a  commission  ; 
that  if  the  Council  will  be  pleased  to  order  a  commission 
to  be  made  out,  General  Clinton  will  forward  the  same  by 
the  first  flag. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  make  out  a  commission 
for  Major  Payne,  and  that  James  Livingston,  Esqr.  who 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


953 


was  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  at  the  time  of 
his  appointment,  be  requested  to  sign  the  same. 

The  House  adjourned  until  to-moirow  morning  10  o'- 
clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr-  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Plait,  Colo. 
De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  will  lend  to  John  Holt, 
printer,  the  types  formerly  seized  at  Fishkill,  by  order  of 
the  late  Convention,  Mr.  Holt  being  accountable  for  the 
said  types,  and  to  return  them  on  demand,  in  the  like  good 
condition  to  the  order  of  the  government  of  this  State,  and 
Colo.  Hugh  Hughs,  deputy  quarter-master  general,  is 
hereby  authorized  at  the  expense  of  the  said  John  Holt,  to 
have  the  said  type  transported  to  Kingston. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Philip  Livingston  and 
James  Duane,  Esqr.  dated  the  twenty-third  day  of  May, 
was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  May  23d,  1777. 

"Honble.  Gentlemen — Since  our  arrival  here  we  have 
not  been  honoured  but  with  one  public  letter,  which  we 
ascribe  to  the  multiplicity  of  business  in  which  our  Con- 
vention has  been  involved.  It  was  by  accident  that  we 
procured  a  copy  of  the  ordinance  for  establishing  a  tempo- 
rary government  in  our  State,  which  has  enabled  us  to 
address  ourselves  to  your  Honourable  Body. 

"  The  new  delegation  transmitted  by  the  Secretary  has 
reached  us.  Rest  assured  that  our  most  zealous  efforts 
shall  be  strenuously  exerted  to  promote  the  general  good 
and  happiness  of  the  United  States,  as  well  as  the  honour, 
interest  and  security  of  our  more  immediate  constituents. 

"  General  Schuyler  is  fully  reinstated  in  his  command, 
every  point  being  adjusted  entirely  to  his  and  our  satisfac- 
tion. This  business,  with  which  more  than  the  reputation 
of  our  State  was  so  closely  connected,  required  addiess  and 
great  attention,  for  reasons  which  the  General,  who  delivers 
this,  can  explain. 

"  We  shall  now  have  leisure  to  turn  our  thoughts  to  the 
subjects  of  our  instructions,  which  we  shall  diligently  pur- 
sue, and  flatter  ourselves  with  the  wished  for  success. 
The  revolt  in  our  State  cannot  but  be  considered  as  a  dan- 
gerous and  alarming  example.  Every  country  is  plagued 
with  profligate  and  ambitious  men,  who  in  times  like  the 
present  may  find  it  their  interest,  or  be  led  by  their  pas- 
sions to  bring  on  revolutions.  Good  policy  must  therelore 
dictate  to  all  the  necessity  of  discouraging  this  factious  and 
turbulent  spirit,  and  of  securing  to  every  State  its  proper 
rights  and  jurisdiction  as  well  against  internal  as  foreign 
enemies. 

"  We  fear  the  consideration  of  the  boundaries  of  New- 
York  has  through  the  multiplicity  of  business  been  deferred ; 
if  so,  we  submit  to  your  Honourable  Body  whether  it  ought 
not  now  to  be  despatched,  especially  as  the  Convention,  by 
one  of  their  letters,  stood  pledged  to  give  Congress  full 
information  on  that  subject,  and  we  can  assure  you  it  is 
expected. 

"  General  Schuyler,  one  of  our  brethren,  will  take  an 
opportunity  of  conferring  with  your  Honourable  Body  on 
some  other  points  which  materially  concern  our  State  ;  the 
discussion  of  them  here  must  be  therefore  unnecessary. 
Permit  us  only  most  earnestly  to  press  you  to  pursue  the 
plan  of  manufacturing  salt  in  the  interior  parts  of  our  State 
with  unremitting  vigour ;  as  long  as  the  war  continues  we 
must  from  the  exposed  situation  of  our  sea  ports  be  dis- 
tressed for  this  necessary  article  of  life,  if  we  trust  to  a 
foreign  supply  :  a  temporary  relief,  we  shall  endeavour  to 
procure,  though  it  must  be  at  a  most  enormous  expense. 

239 


"  We  are  confident  that  Congress  will  cheerfully  inter- 
pose every  good  office  to  assist  us. 

"  We  are  with  the  utmost  regard, 
"  Honourable  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servants, 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE. 
"  P.  S.  Mr.  Duer  is  stept  out,  and  the  General  mount- 
ing, which  prevents  his  signing  this  letter. 
"Honble.  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York.'' 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the 
members. 

Resolved,  That  William  Smith  and  John  Patterson,  Es- 
quires, now  residing  in  the  manor  of  Livingston,  do  forth- 
with attend  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  De  Witt  be  directed  to  serve  the 
above  order. 

The  bond  of  David  Currie,  for  the  faithful  execution  of 
his  office,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  that  we,  David  Cur- 
rie, Archibald  Currie  and  Cornelius  Seabring,  all  at  pre- 
sent of  Dutchess  county,  in  the  State  of  New- York,  and 
formerly  of  the  city  of  New-York,  are  held  and  firmly 
bound  unto  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esquire,  Trea- 
surer of  the  said  State  of  New-York,  in  the  sum  of  three 
thousand  pounds,  lawful  money  of  New-York,  to  be  paid 
to  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  or  to  his  certain 
attorney,  executors,  administrators  or  assigns,  as  Treasurer 
of  the  said  State,  for  payment  whereof,  we  bind  ourselves, 
our  heirs,  executors  and  administrators,  jointly  and  seve- 
rally, firmly  by  these  presents. 

"  Sealed  with  our  seals,  and  dated  this  third  day  of  June, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven." 

Whereas  the  late  Convention  of  the  Representatives  of 
the  said  State  of  New- York,  did,  by  a  resolution  made  and 
passed  and  entered  on  their  journals  on  the  ninth  day  of 
May  last  past,  resolved  that  the  above  bound  David  Currie 
be  and  thereby  was  appointed  commissary  for  supplying 
the  troops  of  this  State  with  such  articles  not  allowed  them 
bv  the  Commissary-General,  as  they  may  stand  in  need  of; 
that  the  said  commissary  purchase  the  said  articles,  and 
vend  them  to  the  troops  at  such  price  as  will  pay  the  prime 
costs  and  charges  thereon  :  And  whereas  this  Council  of 
Safety  have  this  day  advanced  to  the  said  David  Currie  the 
said  sum  of  three  thousand  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  carry 
the  said  resolution  into  execution  : 

"  Now  therefore  the  condition  of  the  above  obligation  is 
such,  that  if  the  above  bound  David  Currie  shall  and  do 
well  and  faithfully  apply  the  said  sum  of  three  thousand 
pounds,  and  such  further  sums  as  may,  by  the  said  Council 
of  Safety,  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  be  advanced  to 
him  for  the  purpose  in  the  said  resolution  of  Convention 
mentioned,  and  well  and  truly  account  to  the  Treasurer  of 
the  said  State  of  New-York,  for  all  such  sums  as  aforesaid, 
and  repay  the  same  into  the  said  treasury  when  thereunto 
required,  then  the  above  obligation  to  be  void,  otherwise  to 
remain  in  full  force  and  virtue. 

"DAVID  CURRIE,  [l.  s.] 

[L.S.] 

"  CORNELIUS  SEABRING,  [l.  s.] 

"  Sealed  and  delivered  by  David  Currie 
and  Cornelics  Seabring,  in  the  pre- 
sence of  ns, 

"  Peter  Cantine,  Junr. 
"John  McKesson." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  bond  be  sent  to  Samuel  Loudon 
at  Fishkill,  to  see  the  same  executed  by  Archibald  Currie, 
and  that  when  so  executed  and  returned,  it  be  filed  with 
the  Treasurer. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
advance  to  Mr.  David  Currie,  as  commissary  appointed  by 
the  late  Convention,  on  the  ninth  dav  of  May  last,  for  the 


954 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


supplying  the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this  State,  the 
sum  of  three  thousand  pounds,  to  enable  him  to  supply  the 
troops  of  this  State  with  such  articles  not  allowed  them  by 
the  Commissary-General,  as  they  may  stand  in  need  of, 
and  that  he  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Die  Martis,  4th  ho.  P.  M.  June  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt. 

Ordered,  That  Hendrick  Klum,  of  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, who  is  confined  on  board  one  of  the  vessels  at  Eso- 
pus  Landing,  on  his  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
State,  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond  direct  him  to  be 
brought  to  the  Secretary's  office  for  that  purpose. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Paris,  Esquire,  dated  Stone  Arabia, 
May  the  twenty-seventh,  1777,  informing,  that  agreeably  to 
the  order  of  the  Council,  he  hath  administered  to  the  she- 
riff of  Tryon  county  the  oath  of  office,  as  prescribed  in 
the  ordinance  for  organizing  the  government  of  this  State, 
was  read  and  filed. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Yates,  Genl.  Scott, 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay. 

Whereas  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Convention  of  this 
State,  passed  the  third  day  of  April  last,  for  exempting 
from  all  drafts  from  the  militia  in  this  State  any  person 
who  should  procure  at  his  own  expense  an  able  bodied 
man  to  enlist  for  three  years,  or  during  the  war  in  either 
of  the  five  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State 
and  commanded  by  the  Colonels  Van  Schaick,  Van  Cort- 
landt, Gansevoort,  Duboys  and  Henry  B.  Livingston,  ex- 
pired on  the  first  day  of  June  instant. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  resolutions  be  and  they  hereby 
are  revived,  and  to  continue  in  force  until  the  first  day  of 
July  next. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolution  be  published, 
and  that  copies  be  immediately  transmitted  to  the  Generals 
McDougall  and  George  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  Caspar  Landtman,  of  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, who  is  confined  on  board  one  of  the  vessels  at 
Esopus  Landing,  on  his  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be 
discharged,  and  that  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond,  cause  him  to  be 
brought  to  the  Secretary's  office  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Christopher  Tap- 
pen  be  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means,  and  to  em- 
ploy some  person  or  persons  to  provide  provisions  for  the 
crews  of  the  two  armed  sloops  commanded  by  the  Cap- 
tains Benson  and  Castle  ;  as  also  the  prisoners  confined 
on  board  the  vessels  at  Esopus  Landing ;  and  that  Mr. 
Piatt  and  Mr.  Tappen,  or  either  of  them  be  empowered  to 
draw  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State  any  sums  not  ex- 
ceeding in  the  whole  two  hundred  pounds  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid. 

The  Council  being  informed  that  Frederick  Jay  and 
Ezra  Thompson,  who  were  by  a  resolution  of  the  Conven- 
tion, passed  the  eighth  day  of  May  last,  appointed  commis- 
sioners in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  "  to  take  the  general 
superintendence  and  care  of  all  such  poor  inhabitants  as 
have,  by  the  hand  of  tyranny  and  injustice,  been  driven 
from  their  habitations  and  deprived  of  their  subsistence, 
and  thereby  rendered  unable  to  support  themselves  and 


families,"  declined  executing  the  business  committed  to 
them  by  the  said  resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Abraham  Schenk  and  Gideon 
Vervelen  be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  commissioners 
in  the  stead  of  the  said  Frederick  Jay  and  Ezra  Thomp- 
son, for  executing  the  said  resolutions  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess  ;  and  that  they  be  each  of  them  allowed  the  sum 
of  forty  pounds  per  annum  for  their  trouble  and  expense 
therein  in  lieu  of  any  other  compensation. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

June  5,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers,  &c, 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Hobart. 

A  letter  from  William  Duer,  Esqr.  was  received  and 
read  ;  therein  was  enclosed  accounts  of  the  disbursements 
of  a  committee  of  Convention,  employed  in  Westchester 
county,  for  procuring  forage  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army,  and  follows  to  wit : 

"  Sir — 1  send  by  Mr.  Carter  an  account  of  cash  receiv- 
ed and  disbursed  by  the  committee  of  Convention  whilst 
in  Westchester  county  ;  likewise  a  book  in  which  is  en- 
tered an  account  of  the  different  brigades  of  teams  em- 
ployed for  the  purpose  of  removing  families  and  forage. 
Unless  great  care  is  taken  in  settling  accounts  with  the 
teamsters,  the  public  will  be  much  imposed  on  ;  and  this 
care  can  only  be  taken  by  persons  who  were  acquainted 
with  the  transaction  of  business  in  the  county  of  West- 
chester. Mr.  Tomkins,  one  of  the  Representatives  of 
the  county  of  Westchester,  is  in  my  opinion  the  person 
best  calculated  to  settle  these  accounts  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  do  justice  both  to  the  individuals  and  to  the  public,  as 
he  is  perfectly  acquainted  with  the  merits  and  services  of 
the  different  claimants. 

"  Genl.  Schuyler  expecting  to  leave  this  place  from  day 
to  day  for  these  twelve  days,  has  induced  me  to  defer  send- 
ing you  these  papers ;  but  as  1  think  it  is  very  uncertain 
whether  he  will  leave  this  town  in  five  or  six  days,  I  have 
thought  it  advisable  to  send  them  by  Mr.  Carter,  by  whom 
I  flatter  myself  they  will  arrive  safe. 

"  I  should  not  have  carried  these  papers  with  me,  but  as 
I  had  not  time  to  arrange  my  affairs  after  my  return  from 
Westchester  to  Esopus,  I  found  it  necessary  to  take  them 
with  me,  and  intended  to  have  sent  them  properly  stated 
by  my  clerk,  whom  I  ordered  to  follow  me  to  Philadel- 
phia: this  he  neglected,  so  that  I  am  obliged  now  to  send 
them  in  a  crude  state  ;  but  Mr.  Tompkins  will  be  able  to 
settle  them  in  a  proper  manner. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"Your  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

"  WM.  DUER. 

"  Philadelphia,  May  20th,  1777. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Convention,  or 

Council  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York." 

The  account  which  was  enclosed  in  the  letter  from  Wil- 
liam Duer,  Esqr.  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit : 

"  Cash  received  on  account  of  the  State. 
DR.  £    t.  d. 

Cash  received  of  Mr.  Landon,  72  dollars,   28  16  0 

Cash  received  of  Mr.  Charles  Duryee,  on  ac- 
count of  Seaman  &.  Lawrence,  who  have  fled 
to  or  joined  the  enemy,   93  15  4 

1777. 

March  17,  Cash  received  at  sundry  times,  on  vendue  ac- 
count, held  from  time  to  time,  as  mentioned 
in  account  of  sales,   2,269  11  3 

2,392  16  0 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


955 


CR.  New-York.  £   s.  d. 

mi. 

Feby.  15,  By  casn  Pa'>l  Mr.  Tompkins  for  moneys  by  him 

expended  in  public  service,   2   0  0 

"      16,  By  cash  paid  James  Hunt  for  horse  keeping  by 

him  paid,   1    6  0 

"      16,  By  cash  paid  Colo.  Benjn.  Birdall,  for  moneys 

paid  for  expenses  in  keeping  public  property,      4   0  0 

•'      16,  By  cash  paid  Colo.  Birdsall,  in  part,  for  services,     20   0  0 

"      19,  By  cash  paid  Daniel  Horton  for  apprehending 

Major  Livingston,   1    8  4 

"      22,  By  cash  paid  John  Hubbard  for  services  in 

guarding  cattle,   2   8  0 

"  27,  By  cash  paid  Samuel  Hicock  for  his  account  in 
apprehending  and  conveying  from  eastward 
to  Harrison's  purchase  John  Lobdell,   26    1  0 

"      27,  By  cash  paid  one  James  Rogers,  a  deserter  from 

Rogers,  &c   0   8  0 

"  28,  By  cash  paid  Mr.  N.  Sackett  for  moneys  ad- 
vanced for  secret  services,   37   4  0 

March   1,  By  cash  paid  John  Woolsey,  on  account,  as  as- 
sistant commissary,   40   0  0 

"       1,  By  cash  paid  Peter  Lyons  for  impressing  teams 

for  foraging,   0  15  0 

«        1,  By  cash  paid  Benajah  Tubbs  on  account,  as  per 

receipt,    8   0  0 

"        1,  By  cash  paid  Azor  Barnum,  conductor,  on  acct.      4   0  0 
1,  By  cash  paid  Ephraim  Barnum,  conductor,  on 

account,   6   0  0 

"       1,  By  cash  paid  Willm.  Fennell,  a  deserter  from 

Rogers',  for  subsistence  money,   1    4  0 

"       2,  By  cash  paid  Hester  Obriant  for  one-third  value 

of  stock  for  her  mother,   4    6  8 

"       3,  By  cash  paid  Lieut.  Colo.  Van  Rensselaer,  as  a 

premium  for  his  soldiers,   200    0  0 

"       4,  By  cash  paid  Captn.  Hunter  for  4  hogsheads  of 

rum,  purchased  for  use  of  State,   566   8  0 

•'  4,  By  cash  paid  Captn.  Gage  for  going  express  to 
Colo.  Hammon,  and  from  thence  towards 
Fort  Independence,   1    6  8 

"  8,  By  cash  paid  Jonathan  Holmes,  on  account  of 
conveying  Nathl.  Underhill  and  others,  pri- 
soners, to  Peekskill,   3    4  0 

•'       8,  By  cash  paid  Benoni  Piatt  for  appraising  cattle,      0   8  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  James  Cunningham  for  taking 

care  of  cattle,   1    4  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Jacob  Hunt  for  moneys  laid  out 

in  purchase  of  boards  for  arm  chests,   1  14  8 

'•       8,  By  cash  paid  David  Hunt  for  moneys  paid  by 

him  for  shoeing  horse  in  service,   0    5  4 

«       8,  By  cash  paid  Jacob  Hunt  for  moneys  paid  by 

him  for  driving  cattle,   1  12  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Mariam  Baker  for  a  cow  taken 

from  her  mother,  Mrs.  E.  Fowler,   6   0  0 

a       8,  By  cash  paid  Wm.  Mead  for  seizing  the  effects 

of  Lawrence  &  Seaman,   3   2  10 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Major  Fish  for  taking  lighthorse, 

according  to  promise,   16   0  0 

"  8,  By  cash  paid  for  expenses  of  Mrs.  Grant,  (by 
him  paid,)  while  conveying  her  within  the 
enemy's  lines,  by  flag,   1    6  8 

"  8,  By  cash  paid  Stephen  Field,  for  Sarah  Field,  for 
services  of  her  horse,  and  damages  done 
horse,  in  going  express,   10    0  0 

"  8,  By  cash  paid  Thos.  Cole,  for  services  as  team- 
ster,   3  12  0 

'  8  By  cash  paid  Asse  Belding  for  services  as  team- 
ster,  7    4  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Ton.  Boyd  for  services  as  conductor     10   8  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Edmund  Bramhill,       do  11    4  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Thos.  Smith,  do  6    0  0 

«       8,  By  cash  paid  Stephen  Wheeler,         do  0  15  0 

"       8,  By  cash  paid  Abm.  Wheeler,  do  60   0  0 

«      17*  By  cash  paid  Jacob  Hunt  for  money  disbursed 

for  putting  up  arms,   0   8  0 

«  18,  By  cash  paid  John  Hunt  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
veying arms  to  Peekskill   6   0  0 

"      18,  By  cash  paid  2  deserters,  James  Brown  and  Wm. 

Lancaster,  from  Rogers',  for  two  bayonets 

1  cartridge  box,   1    4  0 

"      18,  By  cash  paid  2  deserters,  as  a  present,   0  16  0 

"      18,  By  cash  paid  Wm.  Davis,  who  was  wounded  at 

White  Plains,    5   0  0 

"  18,  By  cash  paid  Robert  Betts,  on  account,  for  se- 
cret services,   12   0  0 

"  18,  By  cash  paid  James  Archer  for  taking  care  of 
State  cattle  and  going  express  to  Genl.  Mc- 
Dougall,   5  M  0 

"  18,  Cash  paid  James  Hunt  for  going  express  to 
Genl.  Washington,  and  for  hiring  horse  in 
going  same,   7  18  0 

"      18,  Cash  paid  John  White  for  taking  care  of  State 

cattle,  as  per  receipt,   3  17  4 

"      18,  Cash  paid  Thos.  Vail  for  board  of  Colo.  Duer 

and  others,  as  per  receipt,  ••       2   9  8 

"  20,  Cash  paid  Samuel  Neely  for  services  in  repair- 
ing arms,   '    4  ® 

Carried  forward,  


Brought  forward,   £   s.  d. 

"      20,  Cash  paid  Robert  Merrill  for  making  arm  chest,       1    7  0 

"      21,  Cash  paid  Francis  Peamert  for  conveying  goods 

of  Mrs.  Lockhart  to  Convention,   7   9  8 

"  21,  Cash  paid  John  Cromwell  for  board  of  com- 
mittee, and  others,  under  their  direction,  as 
per  account  delivered,   52  13  4 

"  21,  By  cash  paid  Mr.  Tompkins  for  one  riding  chair, 
bought  at  vendue,  and  by  him  returned  to 
owner,  being  a  friend,   12  10  0 

"  21,  By  cash  paid  Captn.  Johnson  for  one  barrel  sad- 
dlery, belonging  to  him,  which  was  sold  at 
vendue  to  Wm.  Marline,   8  12  0 

"      24,  By  cash  paid  Wm.  Jeffreys  for  repairing  arms, 

as  per  receipt,   60   0  0 

"      24,  By  cash  paid  Jas.  Hunt,  on  account,  as  per  rect.     20   0  0 

"  24,  By  cash  paid  Richd.  Hatfd.  for  money  disbursed 
for  himself  and  2  Hunts  from  Harrison's  pur- 
chase to  Foughkeepsie,   2  19  9 

"  24,  By  cash  paid  Robert  Betts  by  Mr.  Duer's  ver- 
bal order,   6   0  0 

"  24,  By  cash  paid  Jacob  Hunt,  in  part,  of  services 
performed  by  him  as  vendue  master  and  su- 
perintendent for  the  committee  of  Convention,     20   0  0 

"      24,  By  cash  lent  Mr.  Duer  at  sundry  times,  as  per 

his  receipt,   429    6  0 

"  21,  By  cash  paid  David  Hunt,  on  account,  for  ser- 
vices performed  for  the  committee  of  Conven- 
tion,   20   0  0 

"      21,  By  cash  paid  John  Cromwell  for  1  pair  hand 

cuffs  and  41b  nails,   0  19  0 

"  25,  By  cash  paid  Richard  Hatfield,  for  services  as 
secretary  to  the  committee  of  Convention,  as 
per  receipt,    31    4  0 

"      25,  By  cash  paid  Mr.  Pooly  for  reckoning  of  Mr. 

Duer  and  others,  under  his   direction,  at 
Poughkeepsie,   1  10  10 

"  25,  By  the  amount  of  sundry  sums  returned  to  per- 
sons whose  property  were  sold  at  vendue,  and 
appeared  to  be  friends,  &c   55  16  0 

"      25,  By  cash  remaining  in  hands  of  Richd.  Hatfd. 

and  paid  Mr.  Duer,  as  per  receipt   598   3  10 

2,392  16  0 

Ordered,  That  the  said  accounts  be  copied  by  the  Se- 
cretaries and  sent  to  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  Esqr.  now 
employed  in  settling  the  accounts  of  forage  and  cartage  in 
that  county. 

Mr.  Piatt  has  leave  of  absence  for  ten  days.  Genl. 
Scott  and  Mr.  Jav  leave  of  absence  for  the  same  time. 

A  letter  from  John  Broome  relative  to  salt,  was  read 
and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  Esquire,  enclosing  the 
oath  of  office  and  allegiance  by  him  administered  to  Jesse 
Woodhull,  sheriff  of  Orange  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  and  Auditor-General  of 
this  State,  prepare  and  make  out  the  accounts  of  this 
State  against  the  United  States,  down  to  the  first  day  of 
March  last. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  application  of 
Captain  Rogers  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  belong- 
ing to  this  State,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
and  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds  be  ad- 
vanced to  Captain  Rogers,  to  enable  him  to  pay  the  wages 
of  the  crew  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  and  to  re- 
imburse him  sundry  sums  of  money  by  him  advanced  for 
the  said  vessel. 

That  Captain  Rogers  render  his  accounts  relative  to  the 
said  vessel  of  war  and  of  the  expenditure  of  the  money 
advanced  to  him,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  this  Council  of 
Safety  or  a  future  Legislature  of  this  State,  that  a  final 
settlement  may  be  made  relative  thereto. 

That  Lieutenant-Colo.  John  Broom  be  requested  and 
directed  to  see  that  the  officers  and  crew  of  the  said  ves- 
sel are  immediately  discharged,  and  to  sell  or  cause  to  be 
sold,  the  vessel  of  war,  the  Montgomerie,  with  her  stores, 
to  the  best  advantage  for  this  State  ;  and  that  as  soon  as 
the  crew  is  discharged,  he  appoint  some  proper  person  to 
take  the  care  and  charge  of  the  said  vessel  until  she  is  sold. 

A  letter  from  John  Canfield,  Esqr.  containing  an  invoice 
of  goods  purchased  by  order  of  the  late  committee  for 
procuring  clothing  for  the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this 
State,  was  received  and  read. 


956 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  invoice  be  referred, 
and  delivered  to  Mr.  Robert  Harper. 

Ordered,  That  the  former  order  of  this  Council  desir- 
ing the  attendance  of  Ebenezer  Dayton,  then  in  Connec- 
ticut, be  expunged  from  the  minutes. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  5,  1777. 
The  Council  of  Safety  met. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Judge 
Hobart,  Mr.  Harper,  Judge  Jay,  Judge  Piatt,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler,  Mr.  Van  Zandt. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Putnam,  dated  the  4th  inst.  was  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  4th  June. 

"  Gentlemen — The  armies  are  still  inactive  except  in 
preparations  for  the  ensuing  campaign ;  our  expectations 
of  an  attack  in  some  quarter  are  daily  corroborated  by 
intelligence  through  different  channels.  We  are  distress- 
ed for  the  ships  and  gallies  to  guard  the  river.  Genl.  Wa- 
shington expects  they  are  now  at  the  chain.  A  single  gal- 
ley of  the  enemy  is  constantly  cruising  up  and  down  the 
river  at  pleasure,  has  been  as  far  as  Fort  Independence, 
and  can  stop  the  ferry  at  any  time  ;  we  have  nothing  on 
water  that  can  oppose  her.  The  crew  land,  and  plunder 
the  inhabitants  for  more  than  50  miles,  without  molestation. 
I  have  desired  Genl.  Clinton  to  write  you  on  this  subject, 
and  beg  leave  to  enforce  the  urgency  of  it  in  the  strongest 
manner. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  utmost  respect, 
"  Your  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 

"ISRAEL  PUTNAM." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred,  and  delivered 
to  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Judge  Hobart. 

Application  was  made  to  the  Council  of  Safety  by  Mr. 
Tucker,  one  of  the  assistant  quarter-master-gencrals  of  the 
army  of  the  United  American  Stales,  for  a  guard  to  take 
care  of  a  quantity  of  salt  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army  now  landed  at  Kingston  wharf. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  do  immediately 
send  a  guard  of  a  corporal  and  six  men,  to  guard  the  said 
salt. 

A  letter  from  Peter  Van  Ness,  Cornelius  Cuyler  and 
Harmanus  Wendell,  dated  at  Albany,  on  the  thirtieth  day 
of  May  last,  declining  their  appointments  by  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  sixth  day  of  March  last,  was  received,  read, 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"Mbany,  May  30th,  1777. 
"  Sir — The  Convention  of  this  State,  by  a  resolution 
bearing  date  the  6th  day  of  March  last,  appointed  us  com- 
missioners to  seize  the  personal  estates  of  such  persons, 
within  this  county,  who  were  gone  over  and  joined  our 
enemies,  and  to  dispose  thereof,  as  by  the  said  resolution 
particularly  prescribed.  The  confused  and  distracted  state 
of  this  county  since  the  passing  the  said  resolution  has 
often  required  the  service  of  two  of  us  in  »he  militia  offi- 
ces to  which  we  were  heretofore  appointed,  and  thereby 
deprived  us,  in  a  great  measure,  from  the  opportunity  of 
consulting  upon  the  business  pointed  out  to  us  by  the  said 
resolution.  We  have  lately  met  and  considered  its  impor- 
tance and  necessity,  and  that  in  a  county  of  such  extensive 
limits,  we  are  sensible,  notwithstanding  the  greatest  cir- 
cumspection and  care,  that  we  could  not  faithfully  execute 
the  trust  reposed  in  us  by  the  resolution.  We  find  our- 
selves, therefore,  under  the  necessity  of  declining  the  ser- 
vice, and  beg  that  you  will  acquaint  the  Honourable  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  therewith.  We  have  acquainted  the  county 
committee  of  our  intention,  who,  we  make  no  doubt,  will 
recommend  persons  who  will  readily  accept  the  appoint- 
ment, and  faithfully  discharge  the  trust ;  to  effect  which, 
we  humbly  suggest  to  you,  whether  it  would  not  be  advi- 
sable to  appoint  9  or  10  persons,  to  be  divided  in  different 
boards,  and  to  assign  to  each  board  a  part  of  the  county. 


The  advantage  of  such  a  regulation,  we  conceive  is  evi- 
dent. 

"  We  are  with  respect,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  and  most  humble  servts. 

"PETER  VAN  NESS, 
"  CORNELIUS  CUYLER, 
"  HARS.  WENDELL. 

"  To  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Abra- 
ham Yates  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  that  Mr.  Cuy- 
ler informs  that  a  court  martial  is  now  sitting  at  Albany, 
and  that  John  Savage  was  late  an  inhabitant  of  that  county 
and  ought  properly  to  be  tried  there.  Thereupon, 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Cuyler, 

Ordered,  That  John  Savage,  now  a  prisoner  at  King- 
ston, be  sent  to  Albany  under  a  guard ;  and  that  the  di- 
rection and  management  of  sending  the  said  John  Savage 
to  Albany  be  committed  to  Mr.  Cuyler. 

General  Scott  brought  in  a  resolution  with  recitals,  for 
devising  a  mode  to  carry  into  execution  the  resolution  of 
this  Council,  of  the  twenty-ninth  of  May,  to  grant  the 
prayer  of  the  petition  of  Colonel  Levy  Pawling  and  others. 
The  same  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Whereas  Levy  Pawling,  Esquire,  and  divers  other 
field  officers,  being  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  this 
Slate,  did  lately  petition  this  Council  in  behalf  of  them- 
selves and  others,  now  in  garrison  at  Fort  Montgomerie, 
setting  forth,  in  substance,  that  the  petitioners  being  out  in 
the  service  in  defence  of  the  country,  and  having  under- 
stood that  elections,  at  different  places,  are  to  be  held 
shortly,  for  choosing  a  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor, 
Senators  and  Assembly,  and  praying  that  commissioners 
might  be  appointed  to  receive  the  votes  of  the  petitioners, 
and  such  other  persons  belonging  to  their  respective  regi- 
ments at  that  post  as  are  entitled  to  vote  :  And  whereas 
none  of  the  said  electors  can,  while  they  continue  on  the 
aforesaid  garrison  duty,  attend  at  the  several  places  of 
election,  fixed  in  the  several  counties  wherein  the  said 
electors  respectively  are  usually  resident,  without  exposing 
the  said  fort  and  its  outworks  to  a  surprise  by  the  enemy: 
And  whereas  this  Council,  moved  by  the  said  petition, 
and  conceiving  it  just  to  give  the  freeholders  and  other  in- 
habitants of  this  State,  forming  a  part  of  the  said  garrison, 
who  are  qualified  respectively  as  electors  for  the  ensuing 
election  of  a  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Senators  and 
Representatives  in  Assembly,  an  opportunity  of  exercis- 
ing their  respective  rights  as  electors  at  the  said  election, 
the  benefit  of  which  they  would  lose  if  some  special  pro- 
vision should  not  be  made  in  their  behalf,  did  on  the 
clay  of  resolve  to  grant  the  prayer  of  the  said  peti- 

tion :  And  whereas  it  would  be  highly  improper  to  au- 
thorize the  holding  of  an  election  in  a  place  of  arms  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That 
be  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  and  empowered  jointly 
to  superintend  at  the  election,  and  take  the  votes  of  the 
electors  who  shall  form  a  part  of  the  said  garrison,  on  the 
sixteenth  day  of  this  month  of  June,  at  any  place  within 
the  county  of  Orange  which  they,  the  said  superintendents 
and  returning  officers,  shall  think  proper  to  appoint  for 
that  purpose,  not  farther  distant  from  the  said  fort  than 
two  miles,  nor  within  one  mile  of  the  same;  that  Brigadier- 
General  George  Clinton,  or  any  other  the  commanding 
officer  of  the  said  fort,  be  and  is  hereby  requested  to  permit 
the  said  electors  to  attend  the  said  election,  unarmed  and  in 
such  different  parties  and  number  successively,  during  the 
said  election,  as  he  shall  judge  most  prudent  and  consistent 
with  the  safely  and  security  of  the  said  fort  and  its  out- 
works. And  that  the  said  superintendents  and  returning 
officers  should  make  distinct  poll  lists  of  such  election,  ac- 
cording to  the  respective  usual  places  of  abode  of  the 
electors,  and  return  the  same  to  the  respective  sheriffs  of 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


957 


the  several  counties  within  whose  bailiwick  such  electors 
have  their  usual  residence  respectively,  who  shall  respec- 
tively, on  oath  of  office,  transmit  and  return  the  same  in 
the  manner,  as  by  an  ordinance  of  the  Convention  of  the 
State  of  New-York  for  organizing  and  establishing  the 
government,  agreed  to  by  the  said  Convention,  is  directed 
respecting  the  election  of  a  Governor,  Lieutenant-Gover- 
nor, Senators  and  Representatives  in  Assembly." 

Debates  arose  thereon.  Mr.  Jay  then  moved,  and  was 
seconded  by  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  that  after  the  words 
"  part  of  the  said  garrison,"  the  words  "  or  which  may  be 
stationed  at  Fort  Constitution,"  be  added. 

Debates  arose  thereon.  After  some  time  spent  therein, 
Mr.  Hobart  gave  notice  that  to-morrow  he  will  move  to  re- 
consider the  resolution  for  granting  the  prayer  of  the  pe- 
tition of  Levi  Pawling  and  others. 

Resolved,  That  until  such  time  as  the  Legislature  shall 
otherwise  provide,  the  supreme  court  sit  at  Kingston,  in 
Ulster  county,  and  that  the  terms  thereof  be  as  they  were 
throughout  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  seventy-four  ;  and  that  all  the  inferior  court  of 
common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  have  the 
same  terms  and  places  of  sitting  as  they  had  throughout 
the  said  year,  except  that  the  inferior  court  of  common 
pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  for  the  county  of 
Westchester  be  held  at  such  place  in  the  said  county,  as 
the  judges  of  the  said  court  shall  appoint. 

Resolved,  That  all  writs  and  processes  which  shall 
be  issued  from  the  supreme  court  and  inferior  courts  of 
common  pleas,  prior  to  their  respective  terms  now  next  en- 
suing, be  tested  on  the  second  day  of  June  instant. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Samuel  Bayard,  Junior 
Esquire,  deliver  the  seal  of  the  supreme  court  to  this  Coun- 
cil of  Safety. 

Adjourned  to  9  o'clock  to-morrow. 


DIE  VENERIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  6,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Gent.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo. 
De  Witt,  Mr.  Abm.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter 
to  General  Putnam,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  fourth  instant, 
relative  to  the  Continental  ships  and  row  galleys,  which  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  desired  me,  in  answer  to 
vours  of  the  fourth  instant,  to  inform  you  that  the  late  Con- 
vention were  sensible  of  the  importance  of  equipping  the 
Continental  ships  in  Hudson's  river,  and  repeatedly  wrote 
to  Congress  and  applied  to  His  Excellency  the  General, 
on  that  subject.  Had  the  means  been  in  their  hands,  they 
would,  without  wailing  any  further  directions,  have  em- 
ployed them  for  that  purpose.  But  such  is  the  situation  of 
this  State,  from  the  loss  of  its  seaport  and  the  dispersion  of 
its  inhabitants,  that  it  would  be  utterly  impossible  to  pro- 
cure seamen  enough  to  man  a  single  galley,  or  if  even  they 
could  be  obtained,  the  want  of  cannon  and  many  other 
stores  would  be  an  insuperable  obstacle  to  the  fitting  out 
the  ships.  Many  of  the  cannon  that  belong  to  or  could  be 
purchased  in  this  State,  have  been  lost  or  transported  out 
of  this  State.  We  were  obliged  to  borrow  a  few  from  the 
State  of  Connecticut  for  the  forts  in  the  Highlands. 

"  The  Council  understood  from  Major-General  Greene's 
letter,  that  His  Excellency  the  General,  would  provide 
means  for  arming  and  manning  the  ships,  and  accordingly 
sent  them  down  at  his  request.  It  gives  them  great  pain 
to  find  from  your  favour,  that  any  thing  should  be  expected 

240 


from  this  State,  which  their  unfortunate  situation  puts  it 
out  of  their  power  to  procure. 

"  They  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  you  whether  the  most 
speedy  and  effectual  means  for  equipping  the  ships  would 
not  be  to  obtain  men  and  guns  from  one  of  the  neighbour- 
ing States,  or  from  the  ships  that  are  blocked  up  at  Provi- 
dence and  are  like  to  be  useless  for  some  time.  Marines 
might  be  furnished  out  of  the  Continental  troops. 

"As,  sir,  you  seem  sensible  of  the  importance  of  this  bu- 
siness, the  Council  rely  upon  your  endeavours  to  see  it  ac- 
complished ;  in  doing  which,  they  will  give  you  all  the  as- 
sistance which  the  slender  means  in  their  power  enable 
them  to  afford. 

"  As  the  Council  are  informed  that  the  post  at  Peekskill 
is  now  strongly  guarded,  they  flatter  themselves  that  scout- 
ing parties  in  the  county  of  Westchester  will  prevent  any 
future  depredations  of  the  enemy,  and  deprive  them  of  all 
supplies  from  that  county. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  Major-Genl.  Putnam." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  President,  and 
transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Dennis  Kennedy,  relative  to  some  effects 
of  Peter  Corney,  which  the  commisssioners  of  sequestra- 
tion in  Westchester  county  were  directed  to  deliver  him, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  take  Mr.  Kennedy's  exa- 
mination on  oath. 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  notice,  moved,  and  was  se- 
conded by  Mr.  Jay,  that  the  resolution  of  the  Council  on 
the  twenty-ninth  day  of  May  last,  on  the  prayer  of  the  pe- 
tition of  Levi  Pawling  and  others,  be  reconsidered.  The 
same  was  agreed  to. 

The  Council  accordingly  proceeded  to  the  reconsidera- 
tion thereof. 

Mr.  Jay,  seconded  by  Mr.  Livingston,  moved  as  an 
amendment  to  General  Scott's  motion,  made  and  carried  in 
the  affirmative  on  the  twenty-ninth  day  of  May  last,  that 
the  following  answer  be  given  to  the  said  petition,  to  wit : 

Whereas  the  late  Convention  of  this  State  did,  prior  to 
their  dissolution,  pass  and  publish  an  ordinance  for  organiz- 
ing and  establishing  the  government  agreed  to  by  the  said 
Convention,  and,  among  other  things  in  the  said  ordinance 
contained,  did  ascertain  and  appoint  the  manner  in  which, 
and  the  particular  places  at  which,  the  elections  therein 
mentioned  should  be  held, 

1st.  Resolved,  That  it  would  be  highly  improper  for 
this  Council  to  direct  that  the  elections  aforesaid  should  be 
held  in  any  other  manner,  or  at  any  other  place  or  places 
than  those  which  the  said  Convention  did  in  and  by  the 
said  ordinance  nominate  and  prescribe. 

2nd.  Resolved,  That  if  commissioners  should  be  ap- 
pointed to  take  the  votes  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Montgom- 
rie,  justice  and  equity  dictate  that  commissioners  should 
also  be  appointed  to  take  the  votes  of  such  Continental 
troops  and  militia  as  might  have  a  right  to  vote  at  Fort 
Constitution,  Peekskill,  Fort  Stanwix,  Ticonderoga,  and 
divers  other  posts  and  garrisons  throughout  this  State, 
which,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Council,  would  be  impracticable 
and  a  measure  too  important  in  its  consequences  to  be 
adopted  by  this  Council. 

3rd.  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  lo  the  com- 
manding officers  at  the  several  posts  and  garrisons  through- 
out this  State,  that  they  permit  such  of  the  militia  at  their 
respective  posts  and  garrisons  who  have  a  right  to  vote,  to 
go  to  the  next  place  of  elections  to  give  their  vote ;  pro- 
vided nevertheless  that  the  same  shall,  in  the  opinion  of 
such  commanding  officers,  be  perfectly  consistent  with  the 
safety  of  the  said  posts  and  garrisons  respectively. 

The  first  resolution  being  again  read  and  the  question 
put  thereon,  it  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  as  follows,  to 
wit : 


958 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Genl.  Scott, 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Harpur, 

Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

Colo.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Cuyler, 
Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Jay, 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

The  second  paragraph  or  resolution  was  read,  and  the 
question  was  put  on  such  part  of  the  said  paragraph  or  re- 
solution as  is  contained  from  the  beginning  thereof  to  the 
word  "  State,"  and  was  agreed  to  nem.  con. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  following  words  im- 
mediately succeeding  the  word  "  State,"  to  wit,  "  which 
in  the  opinion  of  this  Council  would  be  impracticable," 
and  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  as  follows,  to  wit : 

For  the  affirmative.  For  the  negative. 

Major  Tappen,  Genl.  Scott. 

Mr.  Hobart, 
Mr.  Piatt, 
Colo.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Cuyler, 
Mr,  G.  Livingston, 
Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Harpur, 
Mr.  Jay, 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 
The  question  was  then  put  on  the  remaining  words  of 
the  said  resolution,  to  wit :  "  And  a  measure  too  important 
in  its  consequences  to  be  adopted  by  this  Council ;"  and 
carried  in  the  affirmative  in  the  manner  following,  to  wit : 


formed  whether  Bartholomew  Crannel,  Richard  Snediker 
and  the  Reverend  John  Beardslee,  who  have  lately  been 
with  the  enemy,  are  returned  to  Poughkeepsie,  as  is  report- 
ed here  ;  and  if  they  are,  whether  they  have  taken  the 
benefit  of  the  act  of  grace.  Question  being  put,  it  was 
agreed  to. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  seconded  by  Genl.  Scott,  moved  that  the 
doors  of  this  Council  be  opened. 

Debates  arose,  and  the  question  being  put  thereon,  it 
was  carried  in  the  negative  as  follows,  to  wit : 


For  the  negative. 
Genl.  Scott, 
Major  Van  Zandt. 


For  the  negative. 
Mr.  Harpur, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Hobart, 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Cuyler. 


For  the  affirmative. 
Genl.  Scott, 
Colo.  De  Witt. 


[Major  Van  Zandt  is  absent 
on  the  business  of  the  House.] 


For  the  affirmative 
Mr.  Tappen, 
Mr.  Hobart, 
Mr.  Piatt, 
Colo.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Cuyler, 
Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Jay, 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Harpur. 

The  question  was  then  put  on  the  whole  of  the  said  re- 
solution and  carried  in  the  affirmative,  nem.  con. ;  Genl. 
Scott  and  Major  Van  Zandt  having  previously  withdrawn 
themselves. 

The  third  or  last  resolution  being  read  and  the  question 
put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  nem.  con.  Genl. 
Scott  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  were  returned  previous  to  this 
question  being  put,  and  voted. 

The  preamble  to  the  said  resolution  being  read  and  the 
question  put  thereon,  was  carried  in  the  affirmative,  nem. 
con. ;  Genl.  Scott  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  being  again  with- 
drawn previous  to  this  question  being  put. 

Genl.  Scott  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  being  returned,  the  ge- 
neral question  on  the  whole  of  the  preamble  and  resolu- 
tions was  put  and  carried  in  the  affirmative,  nem.  con. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  resolutions  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  said  petitioners,  and  that  copies  of  the  third 
or  last  resolution  be  transmitted  to  the  Generals  Schuyler, 
McDougall  and  George  Clinton. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  6,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Cuyler,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  certificate,  signed  by  James  Van  D.  Bergh,  major  of 
militia  in  Dutchess  county,  that  Thomas  Tobias,  a  delin- 
quent described  in  the  ordinance  of  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  of  the  tenth  day  of  May  last,  appeared  before  him 
and  took  the  oath  prescribed  by  the  said  ordinance. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  a  pardon  to  the  said 
Thomas  Tobias. 

Mr.  Harpur,  seconded  by  Genl.  Scott,  moved  that  the 
Secretary  write  to  the  commissioners  for  detecting  con- 
spiracies at  Poughkeepsie,  that  this  Council  may  be  in- 


A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Phil.  Jjivingston  and  Wil- 
liam Duer,  Esqr.  at  Congress,  dated  the  31st  May,  enclos- 
ing a  resolution  of  Congress,  of  the  23rd  May,  were  read, 
and  are  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Philada.  31st  May,  1777. 
"  Sir — We  transmit  you  the  resolution  of  Congress,  of 
23rd  May,  1777,  relative  to  the  manning  and  fitting  out 
two  galleys  for  the  defence  of  the  North  river.  We  wish 
that  Mr.  Morris  who  was  desired  by  Convention  to  write 
on  this  subject,  had  transmitted  his  letter  to  the  board  of 
war  through  us,  as  we  then  should  have  been  able  (in  all 
probability)  to  have  obtained  a  resolution  for  fitting  those 
gallies  at  the  Continental  expense.  For  want  of  previous 
information,  the  resolution  enclosed  was  passed  without 
that  attention  which  might  otherwise  have  been  paid  to  it. 

"  We  by  no  means  are  of  opinion  that  there  is  any  simi- 
larity betwixt  the  State  of  New-York  and  other  States  who 
have  fitted  out  vessels  of  this  natuie. 

"  The  use  of  these  vessels  in  Hudson's  river  is  chiefly 
to  protect  the  chain  near  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  and 
by  that  means  keep  up  the  communication  betwixt  the 
southern  and  eastern  States.  In  other  States  they  have 
been  built  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  their  own  harbours 
and  towns.  The  purpose,  therefore,  for  which  the  vessels 
on  Hudson's  river  are  intended,  being  Continental,  the  ex- 
pense ought,  in  our  opinion,  to  be  the  same. 

"  If  the  Council  of  Safety  should  be  of  the  same  opinion 
with  us,  and  write  to  Congress  on  this  subject,  we  shall 
procure  a  reconsideration  of  this  resolution,  and  exert  our- 
selves to  make  the  fitting  and  manning  these  vessels  a 
Continental  charge.  In  the  mean  time,  we  think  it  will 
be  for  the  interest  and  safety  of  the  State  to  exert  them- 
selves in  equipping  and  manning  these  vessels  with  the 
utmost  despatch. 

"  We  are  directed  by  Mr.  Lewis  to  inform  you  that  the 
accounts  of  the  sloop  Montgomery  will  be  forwarded  in  two 
or  three  days,  together  with  the  share  of  prize  money  due 
to  the  captors. 

"  We  are,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedt.  hble.  servls. 

"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"WM.  DUER. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cort- 
landt, President  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  P.  S.  Capt.  Cook  having  no  money  to  carry  him  out 
of  town,  we  have  furnished  him  with  a  loan  of  seventy 
dollars,  for  which  we  enclose  you  his  receipt." 

The  resolution  referred  to  in  the  above  mentioned  letter, 
was  then  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  May  23, 1777. 

"  The  marine  committee  to  whom  the  letters  from  Genl. 
McDougall  and  Gouvr.  Morris,  respecting  the  manning  and 
fitting  two  galleys  for  the  defence  of  the  North  river  were 
referred,  report,  that  they  have  taken  the  said  letters  into 
consideration,  and  are  of  opinion  that  such  galleys  as  may 
be  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  said  river,  ought  to  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


959 


equipped  and  their  operations  directed  by  the  State  of  New- 
York  ;  for  they  find  this  kind  of  defence  is  undertaken  by 
all  the  other  States,  where  it  is  found  necessary. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Delegates  of  the  State  of  New- 
York  be  desired  to  inform  the  Convention  of  that  State,  that 
the  above  report  of  the  marine  committee  is  accepted  and 
adopted  as  the  sense  of  Congress  on  this  subject. 
"Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolution  be  refer- 
red to  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  and  that  the  said  receipt 
be  filed  with  the  Treasurer,  and  he  charge  Captain  Cook 
with  the  said  seventy  dollars,  and  give  Mr.  Duer  credit  for 
the  same. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  Kinnie,  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Claverack,  accompanying  Barent  Weger,  Asa 
Landfear,  Gideon  (Gilford,  Samuel  Leonard  and  David 
Southward,  who  being  suspected  and  thought  dangerous 
to  the  liberties  of  America,  and  who  refused  to  take  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  were  sent  under  a  guard  to 
this  Council,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  disposition  of  those  persons  be  re- 
ferred to  the  commissioners  for  superintending  the  vessels 
for  the  reception  of  such  persons  at  Esopus  Landing. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Lieut. 
Cornelius  Hogeboom  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  seventeen 
shillings  and  four  pence,  for  the  pay  and  expenses  of  him- 
self and  his  guard,  in  conveying  to  this  place  Barent 
Weger,  Asa  Landfear,  Gideon  Gilford,  Samuel  Leonard 
and  David  Southward,  by  order  of  the  committee  of  Cla- 
verack, and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  ihe  expenses  be  paid  by  the  said  pri- 
soners before  they  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Captain  Theodoras  Brett,  the  sum  of  twenty-seven  pounds 
twelve  shillings  and  eight  pence,  in  full  for  his  account  for 
service  and  expenses,  in  going  express  from  Fishkill  to 
Congress,  at  Baltimore,  with  despatches  from  Major-Gene- 
ral Schuyler,  in  December  last,  which  said  despatches 
were  sent  down  from  Albany  by  the  General,  with  a  re- 
quest that  they  be  forwarded  by  a  trusty  express.  Also, 
the  further  sum  of  seventy-six  pounds  five  shillings  and 
two  pence,  for  his  services,  pay  and  disbursements  in  con- 
veying Major  Edmeston,  (a  prisoner  of  war,)  from  King- 
ston to  the  Honourable  Congress  at  Philadelphia,  by  order 
of  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  at  General  Washing- 
ton's request.  The  said  two  accounts  to  be  charged  to  the 
United  States  of  America. 

The  Secretary  according  to  order  delivered  in  the  affi- 
davit of  Dennis  Kennedy,  relative  to  Colonel  Samuel 
Drake,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Dennis  Kennedy,  of  Westchester  county,  being  duly 
sworn,  deposeth  and  sailh,  that  last  Saturday  morning  he, 
this  deponent,  waited  on  Colonel  Saml.  Drake,  one  of  the 
commissioners  for  sequestration  in  the  said  county,  and 
delivered  to  him  a  letter  written  by  Abm.  Yates,  Junr.  and 
Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esqrs.  by  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety, 
and  directed  to  the  said  Saml.  Drake,  and  Israel  Honey- 
well, and  James  Hunt,  commisssioners  for  sequestration 
in  the  said  county ;  that  the  said  Colo.  Saml.  Drake,  on 
receiving  the  said  letter,  retired  into  a  room  for  a  little 
while  ;  that  on  his  coming  out  again,  he  asked  the  depo- 
nent what  things  he  claimed  or  demanded  ;  that  the  depo- 
nent answered,  those  things  of  Mr.  Peter  Corne's,  which 
were  by  the  said  commissioners  seized  and  sold  at  vendue; 
that  the  said  Colo.  Drake  replied,  that  he,  the  deponent, 
had  no  right  to  claim  any  of  the  things  of  Mr.  Corne  ; 
that  the  deponent  then  left  the  said  Colo.  Drake,  as  they 
were  going  to  dinner ;  that  in  the  afternoon  of  the  same 
day,  the  deponent  again  met  with  Colo.  Drake  at  Genl. 
Putnam's  quarters,  and  asked  him  whether  he  intended  to 
send  any  answer  to  the  said  letter ;  that  Colo.  Drake  an- 


swered, that  he  thought  that  he  had  done  his  duty,  and  did 
not  care  two  coppers  about  it ;  and  further  this  deponent 
saith  not. 

"  DENS.  KENNEDY. 
"  Sworn  to,  this  6th  of  June,  1777,  ) 
before  me.  J 
"  Robt.  Benson." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforegoing  affidavit  be 
transmitted  to  Colo.  Saml.  Drake,  and  that  he  be  directed 
to  inform  this  Council  of  his  reasons  for  not  complying  with 
the  requisitions  contained  in  the  letter  sent  to  him  by  Mr. 
Kennedy,  by  order  of  this  Council. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  7,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Colonel  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cuyler,Col.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Robt.  Livingston,  directed  to  Mr. 
Anthony  Rutgers,  relative  to  a  gun  making  at  his  forge,  of 
bar  iron,  under  the  direction  of  Captain  Rutgers,  and  by 
order  of  the  late  Convention,  was  read  and  filed.  Mr. 
Livingston  therein  requests  6lb.  powder  may  be  supplied 
to  Mr.  William  Orr,  for  the  purpose  of  proving  the  said 
cannon. 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  King- 
ston, be  requested  to  direct  the  delivery  of  6lb.  of  the  gun- 
powder belonging  to  the  State  to  Mr.  William  Orr,  and 
take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt  and  Mr. 
Gilbert  Livingston,  taking  to  their  assistance  Major  Ten 
Broeck,  be  empowered  to  examine  and  discharge  such  of 
the  prisoners  as  are  confined  on  board  the  vessels  at  Eso- 
pus Landing,  and  are  distinguished  in  a  list  from  those 
who  are  thought  very  dangerous,  by  taking  hostages,  or 
otherwise. 

Mr.  Livingston,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
the  Honble.  Philip  Livingston  and  William  Duer,  Esqr. 
dated  at  Congress,  May  the  thirty-first,  enclosing  resolu- 
tions of  Congress,  passed  twenty-third  day  of  May,  rela- 
tive to  equipping  and  manning  the  row  galleys  in  Hud- 
son's river.  And  also  a  receipt  for  seventy  dollars  ad- 
vanced by  Mr.  Duer,  to  Captain  Cook,  on  account  of  this 
State,  brought  in  his  report,  which  was  read  and  approved. 

Resolved,  That  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  have 
from  the  commencement  of  the  war  with  Great  Britain, 
considered  the  security  of  Hudson's  river  as  an  object  of 
the  utmost  importance  to  the  safety  of  America  :  and  there- 
upon, ordered  at  the  Continental  expense  the  erecting  of 
fortifications  thereon,  and  by  various  resolutions  empowered 
the  Commander-in-Chief,  and  the  late  Convention  of  this 
State,  to  obstruct  the  navigation  thereof,  and  to  build  ves- 
sels of  war  for  its  security. 

Resolved,  That  it  appears  to  this  Council  from  the  re- 
presentations of  the  Honourable  Major-General  Putnam, 
of  the  fourth  instant,  that  it  is  necessary  for  the  defence  of 
the  river  that  the  Continental  galleys  now  in  Hudson  river 
be  fitted  and  manned  ;  and  that  the  general  cause  of  Ame- 
rica may  not  suffer  by  any  delay  in  manning  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Cook,  who  is  commander  of  the 
Lady  Washington  galley,  by  appointment  from  His  Excel- 
lency General  Washington,  be  requested  to  cause  the  said 
galleys  to  be  properly  manned  and  fitted  for  service,  and 
that  this  Council  will  advance  the  money  necessary  for  that 
purpose. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  resolution  only  extends  to  any 
expense  that  may  in  future  accrue  in  fitting  out  and  man- 


960 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


ning  the  said  galleys,  and  shall  continue  in  force  until  the 
last  day  of  November  next,  unless  the  General  Congress 
shall  previously  take  order  about  the  same  ;  and  that  all 
warrants  for  money  drawn  by  Captain  Cook,  be  signed  by 
Brigadier-General  George  Clinton. 

Resolved,  That  the  Honourable  Major-General  Putnam 
be  requested  to  afford  every  assistance  to  Captain  Cook,  in 
procuring  men  for  the  said  galleys  ;  it  being  out  of  the 
power  of  this  State  to  obtain  any  for  the  purpose. 

The  Council  being  informed  that  William  Smith  and 
Patterson,  Esquires,  are  attending  in  town,  pursuant 
to  the  order  of  the  3rd  instant, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  on  Mr.  Smith  and  re- 
quest his  attendance  in  Council. 

Mr.  Smith  attending,  was  by  order  asked  the  following 
questions  from  the  Chair,  to  wit : 

"  Whether  he  considers  himself  a  subject  of  the  inde- 
pendent Slate  of  New-York?" 

He  desires  that  what  follows  may  be  accepted  as  his  an- 
swer : 

"  That  he  does  not  conceive  himself  discharged  from  his 
oaths  of  fidelity  to  the  Crown  of  Great  Britain.  He  re- 
fers to  his  letter  of  the  4lh  of  July  last,  in  answer  to  the 
summons  of  a  committee  of  the  Honourable  Congress,  for 
an  elucidation  of  his  political  sentiments.  He  has  strictly  con- 
formed to  his  parol  in  that  letter,  nor  will  infringe  it.  He 
then  conceived  that  a  separation  from  Great  Britain  could 
not  be  contended  for  with  safety  to  the  rights,  liberties  and 
privileges  of  this  country  ;  and  from  a  deep  concern  for  the 
Colonies,  he  prays  God  that  peace  may  be  restored  by  a 
happy,  safe  and  generous  reconciliation." 

Mr.  Patterson  on  being  asked  whether  he  considers  him- 
self a  subject  of  the  independant  State  of  New-York,  he 
desired  to  know  in  what  character  he  stood  before  the 
Council. 

On  his  being  informed,  that  as  an  officer  of  the  British 
establishment,  he  was  looked  upon  in  a  suspicious  point  of 
light,  Mr.  Patterson  answered,  "  That  he  does  not  consider 
himself  a  subject  of  the  independent  State  of  New-York  ; 
that  he  looks  upon  himself  as  a  subject  of  the  King  of 
Great  Britain  ;  that  he  holds  no  military  office  ;  but  holds 
two,  one  pecuniary  and  one  honorary  office  under  the 
King  of  Great  Britain  ;  that  he  has  and  means  to  observe 
a  strict  neutrality." 

Messrs.  Smith  and  Patterson  were  informed  that  the 
Council  will  consider  their  cases  respectively  in  the  after- 
noon ;  and  in  the  mean  time  they  were  directed  to  attend 
in  Kingston,  until  they  receive  the  further  direction  of  this 
Council. 

Adjourned  to  the  afternoon. 

Die  Saebati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  7,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Abr.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Jay. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  fifth 
instant,  relative  to  the  Continental  frigates  in  Hudson's 
river  and  the  State  privateers,  was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Ja- 
cob Cuyler  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  to  report  thereon. 

The  Council  of  Safety  took  into  consideration  the  case 
of  William  Smith  and  John  Patterson,  Esqrs. 

The  minutes  of  this  morning,  and  the  declaration  of 
those  gentlemen,  were  respectively  read  and  considered  ; 
and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Smith  and  John  Pat- 
terson be  confined  within  the  manor  of  Livingston  on  their 
parol  of  honour,  to  abide  there  till  the  further  order  of  this 
Council  or  the  future  executive  power  of  this  State  ;  and 
in  the  mean  time,  neither  directly  or  indirectly,  by  words 
or  deeds,  to  oppose  or  contravene  the  measures  of  the  Uni- 


ted States  of  America  or  either  of  them,  for  supporting 
their  independence  in  opposition  to  the  King  and  Parlia- 
ment of  Great  Britain,  or  for  supporting  the  present  con- 
stitution or  government  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  take  their  parols,  which 
were  accordingly  taken,  by  them  respectively  subscribed, 
and  follow,  to  wit : 

"  State  of  New-York,  ss. — I,  William  Smith,  Esquire, 
do  hereby  pledge  my  parol  of  honour,  to  abide  within  the 
manor  of  Livingston  until  the  further  order  of  the  Council 
of  Safety  or  the  future  executive  power  of  this  State  ; 
and  in  the  mean  lime,  that  I  will  neither  directly  nor  indi- 
rectly, by  word  or  deed,  oppose  or  contravene  the  mea- 
sures of  the  United  States  of  America,  or  either  of  them, 
for  supporting  their  independence  in  opposition  to  the  King 
and  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  or  for  supporting  the 
present  constitution  or  government  of  the  said  Slate. 

"WM.  SMITH. 

"  Kingston,  June  7th,  1777." 

"  State  of  New-York,  ss. — I,  John  Patterson,  Esquire, 
do  hereby  pledge  my  parol  of  honour,  to  abide  within  the 
manor  of  Livingston  until  the  further  order  of  the  Council 
of  Safety  or  the  future  executive  power  of  this  State  ; 
and  in  the  mean  time,  that  I  will  neither  directly  nor  indi- 
rectly, by  word  or  deed,  oppose  or  contravene  the  mea- 
sures of  the  United  States  of  America,  or  either  of  them, 
for  supporting  their  independence  in  opposition  to  the  King 
and  Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  or  for  supporting  the 
present  constitution  or  government  of  the  said  State. 

"JOHN  PATTERSON. 

"  Kingston,  June  7,  1777." 

Proposals  of  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esquire,  for  purchas- 
ing and  bringing  into  this  Stale  a  quantity  of  salt,  was 
read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Kingston,  7th.  June,  1777. 
"  The  Proposals  of  Peter  R.  Livingston,  for  bringing  into  this  State  a 
quantity  of  salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  State. 

"  1.  That  the  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds  be  put  into 
his  hands  for  the  above  purpose,  on  his  giving  his  receipt 
for  the  faithful  expenditure  of  the  same. 

"  2.  That  the  above  £4,000  be  laid  out  in  the  eastern 
States,  in  salt,  on  the  best  terms  in  his  power. 

"  3.  That  the  above  salt  be  brought  into  the  State,  and 
disposed  of  in  small  quantities,  by  the  said  Peter  R.  Li- 
vingston, adding  to  the  first  cost  the  charges  of  transpor- 
tation and  his  expenses  of  going  and  coming,  so  as  to  meet 
the  said  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds,  which  said  sum  to 
be  replaced  into  the  Treasury  by  the  said  Livingston,  as 
soon  as  the  sales  are  closed. 

"  PETER  R.  LIVINGSTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the 

Council  of  Safety." 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds  be  put 
into  the  hands  of  Peter  R.  Livingston,  for  the  purpose  of 
bringing  salt  into  this  State  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
thereof,  on  his  giving  his  receipt  for  the  faithful  expendi- 
ture thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  four  thousand  pounds  be  by 
the  said  Peter  R.  Livingston  laid  out  in  salt  in  the  eastern 
States,  on  the  best  terms  in  his  power. 

Resolved,  That  such  salt  be  brought  into  this  State  and 
stored  at  such  safe  places  therein  as  the  said  Peter  R.  Li- 
vingston shall  direct ;  that  he  thereupon  transmit  to  the 
Council  of  Safety  or  the  future  Legislature  of  this  State, 
an  account  of  the  prime  costs  of  the  said  salt,  his  expen- 
ses in  procuring,  and  the  charges  of  transporting  the  same, 
to  the  end  that  proper  regulations  for  the  sale  and  distribu- 
tion thereof  may  be  made. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  be,  and  is  hereby  appointed 
to  confer  with  Doctor  Townshend,  relalive  to  (he  making 
of  salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  9  o'clock. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY.  961 


DIE  SOLIS,  9  ho.  a.  M. 

June  9,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr  Hobart,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Li- 
vington,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

For  the  want  of  another  member,  adjourned  till  this  af- 
ternoon. 

Die  Solis,  4  ho.  A.  M.  June  9,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Canline. 

The  memorial  of  Doctor  Piatt  Townsend,  a  subject  of 
this  State,  but  now  resident  in  the  State  of  Connecticut, 
setting  forth  that  he  is  a  native  of  Queens  county,  within 
this  State,  and  had  been  a  resident  in  the  city  of  New-York 
for  some  years,  and  fled  from  the  same  to  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut, on  the  approach  of  the  enemy  :  that  he  has  a  si- 
tuation very  convenient  for  making  salt  from  sea  water, 
and  being  inclined  to  make  the  same  for  the  use  of  the  in- 
habitants of  this  State,  but  fearing  the  embargo  in  the  State 
of  Connecticut  may  prevent  the  inhabitants  of  this  State 
from  receiving  any  salt  there  prepared,  he  therefore  prays 
the  interposition  of  this  Council  with  the  government  of  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  that  he  may  be  allowed,  as  a  refugee 
from  New-York,  to  erect  works  in  Connecticut  for  making 
salt  to  be  transported  into  the  State  of  New-York,  was  read 
and  taken  into  consideration  :  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  memorial  be 
granted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  draft  and  report  a  letter  on 
the  subject  to  the  government  of  Connecticut. 

Whereas  William  Smith  and  John  Patterson,  Esquires, 
are,  by  a  resolution  of  this  board  of  the  seventh  instant, 
confined  within  the  manor  of  Livingston  :  And  whereas 
doubts  have  arisen  whether,  by  the  said  resolution,  it  was 
intended  that  those  gentlemen  should  not  be  permitted  to 
go  into  and  pass  through  the  east  camp, 
^Resolved,  That  it  is  not  intended  by  the  said  resolution 
to  restrict  the  said  William  Smith  and  John  Patterson,  Es- 
quires, from  going  into  and  passing  through  the  east  camp 
at  their  pleasure.    And  further 

Resolved,  That  the  said  William  Smith  and  John  Pat- 
terson, Esquires,  be  and  they  are  hereby  permitted  to  go 
to  Red  Hook,  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  for  the  purpose  of 
attending  divine  service,  under  the  restrictions  contained  in 
the  parols  of  those  gentlemen  respectively. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  John  Mufed,  James  Beggs 
and  Isaac  Lockwood,  confined  in  jail, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond  be  directed  to  cause 
necessary  provisions  to  be  provided  for  the  said  persons 
during  their  confinement. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Jacob  Hornbeck,  dated  Roches- 
ter, June  the  eighth,  sent  by  Johannes  Oosterhoudt  and 
Nicholas,  an  Indian,  and  enclosing  the  copy  of  a  talk  made 
by  the  said  committee  to  the  Indians,  and  the  examination 
of  the  said  Oosterhout  and  the  Indian,  on  their  return  from 
the  Indian  country,  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  write  to  Colonel  Horn- 
beck,  informing  him  that  the  examination  by  him  trans- 
mitted, is  full  and  sufficent.  And 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  pay  to  Johannes  Ooster- 
houdt, and  Nicholas,  the  Indian,  for  their  expense  and 
trouble  in  coming  to  this  Council,  the  sum  of  forty  shil- 
lings ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  repay  Major 
Tappen  the  said  sum  out  of  the  treasury. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 

241 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  10,  1777. 

The  Council  of  Safety  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  R  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Hugh  Hughes,  deputy  quarter-master- 
general,  dated  the  eighth  instant,  requesting  a  supply  of  duck 
or  old  sails,  for  the  public  service,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  said  letter  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  directed  me  to  inform  you 
that  they  have  no  old  sails  or  duck  in  store,  so  that  it  is 
out  of  their  power  to  supply  you.  As  the  frequent  requi- 
sitions from  the  army  have  already  stripped  the  subjects  of 
this  State  of  almost  every  article  of  this  kind,  and  their 
want  of  a  seaport,  as  well  as  the  restrictions  imposed  by 
the  neighbouring  States,  prevents  their  receiving  further 
supplies,  the  Council  must  decline  giving  so  general  a 
power  to  Mr.  Dobbs  as  you  request,  which,  indeed,  they 
should  at  all  times  think  imprudent,  except  in  cases  of  the 
most  urgent  necessity. 

"  I  am,  sir,  &c. 

"  To  Colo.  Hughes." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  President,  and 
delivered  to  Mr.  Dobbs. 

Mr.  Sands,  the  Auditor-General,  delivered  in  a  note,  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  May  10th,  1777. 
"Sir — Please  to  deliver  unto  the  bearer  hereof,  Capt. 
Moses  Cantine,  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds,  for  the 
use  of  the  commissioners,  &c.    In  whose  behalf, 
"  I  am,  sir,  your  hble.  servt. 

"PETER  CANTINE,  Junr. 

One  of  the  Commissrs. 

"  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr." 

The  same  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Peter  Cantine,  Esquire,  one  of  the  commissioners  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,  &c.  the  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds 
for  the  use  of  the  said  commissioners. 

Mr.  Sands,  the  Auditor-General,  came  into  Council  and 
requested  their  directions  relative  to  the  auditing  Saml. 
Ogden,  Esquire's,  account,  for  hempseed,  by  him  pur- 
chased on  account  of  this  State,  by  order  of  the  late  Con- 
vention ;  that  from  Mr.  Ogden's  account  it  appears  that  he 
hath  purchased  five  hundred  and  forty  bushels  of  that  arti- 
cle, and  transported  the  same  to  New-Windsor  ;  that  Mr. 
Ogden  produces  vouchers  of  the  persons  of  whom  he  hath 
purchased  the  same,  and  receipts  from  the  teamsters,  who 
conveyed  the  same  to  New-Windsor,  but  that  he  has  only 
receipts  for  the  delivery  of  a  part  of  the  same  at  New- 
Windsor. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sands  do  audit  Mr.  Ogden's  ac- 
count, and  that  he  accept  of  the  vouchers  above  mentioned 
as  sufficient,  notwithstanding  the  forty  bushels  over  and 
above  the  directions  to  Mr. Ogden,  given  by  the  Convention. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton  of  the  fifth  instant, 
and  which  was  committed  on  the  seventh  instant,  was 
again  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Montgomerie,  5th  June,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  was  desired  by  Genl.  Putnam,  two  days  ago, 
to  write  to  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this 
State,  to  request  they  would  use  every  means  in  their 
power  to  forward  the  Continental  frigates  down  to  this  post. 
He  likewise  desired  me  to  mention  that  as  very  consider- 
able additional  works,  (at  the  public  expense,)  were  di- 
rected to  be  made  for  the  more  effectual  obstruction  of  the 
navigation  of  the  river  at  this  place,  in  which  this  State  is 
so  much  interested,  it  is  expected  that  the  two  Slate  pri- 


962 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


vatecrs  will  be  sent  down  to  the  chain,  with  the  other  ves- 
sels, to  which  I  presume  there  can  be  no  objection,  as  at 
this  place  they  may  be  of  great  service,  and  I  can't  see 
that  they  can  be  of  any  at  any  other  on  the  river,  especially 
since  the  shipping  are  out  of  the  creek,  and  will  be  armed 
for  their  own  defence. 

"  I  should  be  glad  to  be  informed  if  the  committee  of 
arrangements  continue  to  appoint  officers  to  supply  vacan- 
cies in  the  five  State  regiments,  as  well  because  I  under- 
stand there  are  already  many  in  some  of  them,  as  that  it 
is  a  contingency  we  may  frequently  expect,  and  the  ser- 
vice injured  if  not  speedily  supplied.  I  expect  my  present 
brigade  major  will  soon  be  ordered  to  join  the  regiment,  to 
which  His  Excellency  the  General  has  appointed  him.  I 
mean,  then,  to  make  an  offer  of  that  berth  to  Capt.  Lush, 
paymaster  to  Colo.  Duboys's  regiment ;  in  which  case, 
however,  I  would  esteem  it  a  singular  favour  if  Capt. 
Townsend,  a  worthy  officer  of  my  brigade  last  year,  might 
succeed  him  in  his  present  office,  for  which,  as  he  served 
a  time  to  merchandise,  I  think  him  very  capable,  and  I 
have  no  doubt  but  it  would  be  agreeable  to  the  regiment. 
He  has  merit,  not  only  as  a  good  officer,  but  in  sacrificing 
his  livelihood  in  the  cause,  and  he  is  now  out  of  all  kind 
of  business. 

"  I  am,  with  much  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLTNTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  President 

of  the  Council  of  Safety. 

"  P.  S.  I  forgot  to  mention  that  John  Conkling,  Esqr.  of 

Haverstraw,  a  recruiting  captain  in  the  enemy's  service, 

his  first  lieutenant  of  the  same  surname,  a  sergeant  and 

one  private,  were  sent  to  this  post  last  Wednesday,  by  my 

brother.  His  enlisting  paper  was  found  with  him,  (to  which 

there  were  twenty  odd  names  subscribed,)  a  permission  to 

pass  and  repass  the  outposts  from  Genl.  Howe,  and  a 

protection  from  Lord  Cornwallis,  all  dated  in  November 

last.    I  have  ordered  these  villains  to  Peekskill,  in  irons, 

to  be  tried  for  treason.    My  brother  writes  me  that  a  small 

scouting  party  had  just  returned  from  Bergen  woods, 

where  they  had  taken  two  wagons  on  their  return  from 

New-York,  where  they  had  been  to  market.    The  men 

escaped  who  were  in  the  wagons,  but  left  some  women  in 

them." 

Mr.  Hobart,  to  whom  was  committed  the  letter  from 
General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  fifth  instant,  reported  a 
draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  desired  me  to  inform  you  in 
answer  to  your  favour  of  the  fifth  instant,  that  they  have 
exerted  themselves  to  their  utmost  to  forward  the  Continen- 
tal frigates,  but  as  the  State  is  without  cannon  and  seamen 
it  is  impossible  that  their  exertions  can  answer  the  purpose  ; 
the  ships  are  now  at  Poughkeepsie,  and  will,  I  hope,  soon 
be  iigged,  which  is  the  utmost  we  shall  be  able  to  do  to- 
wards completing  them.  We  have  informed  General  Put- 
nam of  our  destitute  condition,  and  from  the  information 
received  from  General  Greene,  trust  he  will  fall  upon  some 
means  to  procure  guns  and  seamen  for  them,  that  they  may 
be  used  in  the  defence  of  the  river.  One  of  our  privateer 
sloops  is  employed  to  guard  the  State  prisoners  on  board 
the  vessels  in  the  river,  the  other  is  now  at.  Albany  :  as 
soon  as  she  returns  she  shall  be  sent  down  to  the  chain, 
where  she  can  be  of  but  little  service  unless  men  can  be 
procured  for  her  there. 

"  The  committee  of  arrangement  conceive  that  their 
power  expired  with  the  late  Convention,  but  the  Council 
will  proceed  to  fill  up  such  vacancies  as  may  happen  in  the 
five  regiments,  till  the  meeting  of  the  legislature,  and  will 
always  pay  a  pariicular  attention  to  your  recommendations. 
Whenever  the  paymastership  of  Colonel  Duboys's  regiment 


shall  become  vacant,  a  commission  shall  be  filled  up  for 
Captain  Townsend. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt. 
"  General  George  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order,  reported  the  draft  of  a 
letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  on  the  subject  of  Doctor 
Townsend's  memorial  to  make  salt  in  Connecticut  for  the 
inhabitants  of  this  State  ;  the  same  was  read  and  approved 
and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — An  application  has  been  made  to  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  this  State  by  Doctor  Piatt  Townsend,  requesting 
their  interposition  with  the  government  of  Connecticut  that 
he  might  be  allowed  to  erect  salt  works  there  and  transport 
the  salt  into  this  State  for  sale. 

"The  Council  made  not  the  least  hesitation  to  comply 
with  Doctor  Townsend's  request,  as  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  are  suffering  to  a  very  great  degree  for  that  necessary 
article,  being  shut  up  from  the  ocean  by  the  common 
enemy,  and  in  a  great  measure  deprived  of  any  benefit 
from  it  by  the  embargo  laid  in  the  eastern  States,  their  dis- 
tresses will  become  insupportable,  unless  speedy  measures 
be  taken  for  their  relief ;  the  board  has  therefore  directed 
me  to  write  to  your  Excellency  upon  the  subject,  and  to 
request  not  only  that  Doctor  Townsend  may  be  allowed  to 
erect  his  works,  but  that  a  general  indulgence  may  be 
granted  to  all  such  as  may  incline  to  erect  salt  works  for 
the  purpose  of  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  this  State. 
As  it  is  impossible  that  our  sister  States  should  have  enter- 
tained the  most  distant  inclination  of  assisting  the  common 
enemy  to  distress  this  State,  the  board  is  firmly  persuaded 
that  this  just  and  necessary  requisition  will  be  cheerfully 
complied  with. 

"The  late  Convention  wrote  to  you  on  the  subject,  which 
I  presume  must  have."    [Remainder  missing.] 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Cuyler,  Esqr.  of  the  county  of 
Albany,  who  is  sent  to  this  place  by  the  committee  of  the 
said  county  as  an  officer  in  the  pay  of  the  King  of  Britain, 
and  dangerous  to  the  liberties  of  America,  be  confined  to 
the  town  of  Hurley,  and  that  Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Gilta| 
Livingston  be  a  committee  to  provide  quarters  for,  and  take 
a  parol  of  him,  similar  to  those  given  by  William  Smith 
and  John  Palterson,  Esquires. 

Ordered,  That  Christian  Cooper,  Johannes  Cooper  and 
Peter  Cooper,  of  the  manor  Livingston,  be  ordered  to  at- 
tend this  board  on  Friday  next,  and  that  Capt.  Jacob  Bow- 
ers do  serve  them  with  this  order. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  11,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  R. 
R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler. 

For  want  of  another  member,  adjourned  till  to-morrow 
morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

June  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Robl.  R.Livingston,  Mr. Tappen,  Mr. Harpur,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hobart. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


963 


The  President  being  prevented  from  crossing  the  river 
by  reason  of  bad  weather, 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  13,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Opened  with  prayer. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Abr.  Yates,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Morris. 

Ordered,  That  Nathaniel  Sackett,  Esquire,  deliver 
to  Colonel  Lasher,  as  commissary  appointed  by  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State  to  take  charge  of  the  military  stores 
thereof,  all  the  public  military  stores  which  were  in  his 
custody,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same;  that  Mr.  Sackett 
exhibit  and  deliver  all  his  accounts  and  vouchers  relative 
to  the  said  stores,  to  the  Auditor-General,  to  be  audited, 
that  they  may  be  filed  in  the  Treasurer's  office. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  to  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Sackett,  half  a  pound  of  purging  salt,  on  receiving  pay  for 
the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deliver  to  Doctor  Thomas 
Jones  two  bottles  of  spirit  of  volatile  salt,  on  Doctor  Jones 
paying  for  the  same. 

A  certificate  of  Ephraim  Paine,  Esqr.  of  Dutchess 
county,  was  read,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  State  of  New-York,  ) 

Dutchess  County.  J 

"  This  may  certify,  that  on  the  20th  day  of  May,  one 

thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  Assa  Wal- 

bridge  personally  appeared  and  voluntarily  took  the  oath  of 

allegiance  to  the  State  of  New- York,  prescribed  by  the 

Honourable  the  Convention  of  the  said  Stale,  contained  in 

their  declaration  or  ordinance  of  the  tenth  of  this  present 

May,  respecting  the  offering  free  pardon  to  those  subjects  of 

the  said  State  as  have  gone  over  to  the  British  troops,  &c. 

"  Taken  and  sworn  the  day  and  year  ) 
above  written,  before  me.  { 

"  Ephraim  Paine,  Justice  of  the  Peace." 

^Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  a  pardon  to  the  said 
Assa  Walbridge. 

Adjourned  till  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  13,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Morris.  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr.  Hobart. 

A  return,  dated  the  eighth  day  of  March  last,  signed 
Elihu  Marvin,  chairman  of  Cornwall  precinct,  was  read. 
He  thereby  certifies  that  Barnabas  Horton  was  unanimous- 
ly chosen  ensign  in  Captain  Thomas  Horton's  company, 
in  Jesse  Woodhull's  regiment,  and  requesting  a  commis- 
sion. 

Ordered,  That  it  lie  on  the  table,  as  the  meeting  of  the 
Legislature  is  near  at  hand,  and  it  is  expected  the  militia 
will,  by  the  Legislature,  be  new  modelled. 

A  petition  of  Coenradt  Ring  and  Jeremiah  Tater,  two 
prisoners  in  Ulster  jail,  praying  a  discharge,  was  read,  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  peiilion  of  Thomas  Haddon,  dated  the  eleventh  in- 
stant, praying  his  discharge,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table. 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Freligh,  a  prisoner  in  Kingston 
jail,  dated  this  day,  acknowledging  his  crime,  and  praying 
pardon,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  Joseph  Penny,  a  prisoner  in  Kingston  jail, 
praying  a  discharge,  was  read,  and  referred  to  Messrs. 
Gilbert  Livingston  and  Van  Zandt,  to  inquire  thereon. 

A  petition  of  John  Kortz,  Junr.  a  prisoner  in  Ulster 


county  jail,  praying  leave  to  go  home  on  a  furlough,  was 
read.  The  Council  were  informed  that  Kortz  is  a  very 
wicked  conspirator  against  this  State.  Ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table. 

A  petition  of  Gideon  Gifford  and  eleven  others,  com- 
plaining of  the  jail  keeper,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  re- 
ferred to  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  high  sheriff,  to  direct 
thereon  what  may  be  right. 

A  petition  of  John  Savage,  dated  the  eleventh  instant, 
praying  the  benefit  of  the  act  of  grace,  was  read,  and  or- 
dered to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  Elnathan  Foster,  dated  this  day,  was  read. 
He  therein  sets  forth  that  his  money  is  nearly  expended  ; 
that  boarding  is  very  expensive  here,  and  therefore  prays 
leave  to  go  to  reside  at  his  sister's,  at  the  New-Paltz. 

Ordered,  That  the  prayer  of  the  petition  be  granted  ; 
that  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  sheriff,  take  his  parol  to  remain 
in  her  family,  to  be  a  prisoner  on  that  farm,  and  not  go  out 
of  the  limits  thereof;  and  to  return  a  prisoner  to  Kingston 
on  the  first  notice  or  order  from  the  said  sheriff  for  that 
purpose. 

A  petition  of  Jan  Freer,  praying  to  be  discharged  from 
jail,  on  bail  or  parol,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table. 

A  petition  of  Jacob  Powers  and  others,  requesting  a 
discharge  of  sundry  persons,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table,  but  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston, 
delivered  to  him. 

An  account  of  James  Van  Brackle,  the  jail  keeper,  for 
maintaining  sundry  prisoners  therein  named,  in  jail,  amount- 
ing to  fifteen  pounds  fifteen  shillings,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  committed  to  Egbert 
Dumond,  Esqr.  high  sheriff  of  Ulster  county  ;  that  the  said 
sheriff  lake  to  his  assistance  such  reputable  person  or  per- 
sons in  Kingston  as  he  may  think  proper,  and  fix  a  regula- 
tion which  may  be  proper  for  maintaining  indigent  prison- 
ers, and  report  the  same  to  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  Lynde  Lord,  dated  at  Litchfield  the  twen- 
ty-seventh of  May  last,  was  read.  He  therein  mentions 
that  he  had,  in  November  last,  informed  Convention  by  let- 
ter that  Israel  and  Isaac  Youngs  had  escaped  and  left  about 
eighty  pounds  in  his  hands,  and  praying  some  order  or 
direction  thereon,  and  mentioning  Mr.  David  Buel's  account 
for  maintaining  prisoners. 

David  Buel's  account,  amounting  to  sixty-three  pounds, 
ten  shillings  and  eight  pence,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Mr.  Ho- 
bart and  Colonel  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  Gilbert  Forbes,  confined  in  Litchfield  jail, 
dated  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  May,  and  praying  a  remo- 
val or  relaxation  of  his  confinement,  was  read,  and  commit- 
ted to  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  to  whom  the 
case  of  Gilbert  Forbes,  on  the  application  of  Philander 
Forbes,  was  formerly  committed. 

The  Council  were  informed  that  John  Cooper  and  Pe- 
trus  Cooper,  two  of  the  persons  from  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, who,  by  an  order  of  this  Board  of  the  tenth  instant, 
were  directed  to  attend  this  Board  on  this  day,  are  now  at- 
tending at  the  door.  And  a  certificate  of  a  certain  Ja- 
cobson,  who  calls  himself  a  physician,  was  exhibited  and 
read,  certifying  that  Christian  Cooper  has  three  wounds  in 
his  arm  and  a  wound  fever. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston 
be  a  committee  to  take  the  deposilions  of  the  said  John 
Cooper  and  Petrus  Cooper,  and  report  them  to  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  John  Lawrence,  dated  at  Morris 
Town,  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  May  last,  relative  to  money 
in  the  hands  of  Thomas  Kenny,  which  arose  from  the  sale 
of  effects  which  did  belong  to  Hamilton  Young,  now  with 
the  enemy,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Ma- 
jor Tappen. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Ordered,  That  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  passed 


964 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


on  the  day  of  last,  be  again  published 

in  the  newspaper,  and  that  the  public  be,  by  an  advertise- 
ment in  the  newspaper,  informed  that  the  proper  time  for 
sowing  of  hemp  is  from  the  first  to  the  twentieth  of  July. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  be  and  is 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  purchase  and  procure 
to  be  brought  to  Kingston,  one  ton  of  nails  and  nail  rods, 
from  New-Jersey,  for  the  use  of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  McDougall,  dated  at  Peekskill,  on 
the  ninth  of  June,  was  read. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  therein  men- 
tioned, on  the  case  of  John  Likely  and  Anthony  Umans, 
were  respectively  read,  and  remain  for  further  conside- 
ration. 

The  journal  of  the  officer  sent  out  by  General  McDou- 
gall for  discovery,  was  also  read. 

Ordered,  Tha-t  the  officer  commanding  Captain  Frede- 
rick Schoonmaker's  company,  do  furnish  to  the  sheriff  of 
Ulster  county  a  guard  not  exceeding  five  men. 

A  memorial  of  Henry  Cuyler,  commissary  of  stores  and 
provisions  to  his  Britannic  Majesty,  was  also  read.  He 
therein  recites  a  determination  of  this  Council  that  he  be 
not  permitted  to  return  to  his  family  at  Greenbush,  and 
prays  that  he  be  permitted  to  reside  in  the  north  part  of  the 
county  of  Dutchess,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Harman 
Hoffman. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  memorial  be 
granted  ;  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  dissenting.  That  when 
Mr.  Cuyler  has  mentioned  to  this  Council  the  place  of  his 
residence,  the  limits  of  his  confinement  will  be  fixed. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing, 
dated  the  8th  June  instant,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Fishkill,  8th  June,  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — This  day  saw  John  Canfield,  Esqr.  at 
which  time  he  informed  me  that  he  had  furnished  the 
Council  of  Safety  with  the  invoice  of  the  goods  purchased 
by  Mr.  Hoskins  for  this  State  ;  also,  that  that  gentleman 
had  forwarded  them  to  his  place.  Should  you  think  it  ad- 
visable to  have  them  sent  this  way,  Mr.  Canfield  says  he 
can  either  send  them  to  Ryhnbeck  or  to  Poughkeepsie, 
which  will  be  a  much  nearer  land  carriage  than  from  Sha- 
ron to  this  place ;  and  as  there  is  a  ready  conveyance  by 
water  from  either  of  those  places,  I  think  it  will  do  best  to 
let  them  come  by  the  way  of  the  latter.  Mr.  Hoskins's 
letter  is  now  before  me,  wherein  he  has  given  an  abstract 
of  the  invoice,  the  particulars  of  which  you  are  made  ac- 
quainted with  ere  this. 

"  The  friezes,  narrow  linens,  dowlas  and  stockings  we 
want  immediately.  I  am  sorry  the  buckskin  breeches 
have  not  been  sent  down,  agreeably  to  my  expectations ; 
there  is,  I  may  say,  frequent  application  for  them;  indeed, 
the  soldiers  complain  very  much  that  they  cannot  get  their 
clothing  after  so  many  applications  ;  and  as  the  breeches 
are  in  store  at  Kingston,  I  have  pledged  my  word  from 
day  to  day,  and  am  still  disappointed. 

"  It  would  oblige  me  much  if  your  House  would  give 
orders  to  send  them  down  by  the  first  opportunity.  I  also 
applied  for  more  cash,  which  I  am  flattering  myself  will 
come  in  season. 

"  I  am,  dear  sirs,  very  respectfully, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  JOHN  HENRY." 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Morris, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  com- 
missary, &c.  remove  with  the  stores  of  clothing  belonging 
to  this  State  to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  14,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harpur, 
Colonel  De  Witt. 

A  petition  of  Abraham  Burghardt,  dated  this  day,  and 
praying  to  be  discharged  from  his  confinement  in  the  jail 
of  Kingston,  and  for  leave  to  return  home. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

Major  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Council  that  the  family 
of  Mr.  Jacobus  Low  are  very  uneasy  on  account  of  the 
public  gunpowder  now  lodged  in  his  house. 

Mr.  Morris  moved,  and  was  seconded  by  Major  Tappen, 
that  Colonel  Lasher  be  directed  to  call  on  the  corporation 
of  Kingston,  and  with  their  aid,  to  fix  on  a  proper  place  to 
erect  a  public  magazine  for  the  stores  of  this  State,  and  to 
have  such  magazine  erected. 

Debates  arose  thereon. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Yates,  seconded  bv  Colonel  De 
Witt, 

Ordered,  That  the  question  on  Mr.  Morris's  motion  be 
postponed  for  consideration. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher  be  and  is 
hereby  directed  to  confer  with  the  trustees  of  Kingston  to 
fix  on  a  proper  place  to  erect  a  temporary  magazine  for 
gunpowder  and  other  military  stores.  And  that  he  pro- 
ceed to  have  such  magazine  erected,  with  timber  and 
boards. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  dated  at  Bos- 
ton, on  the  first  day  of  June  instant,  relative  to  his  pur- 
chasing salt,  was  received  and  read.  He  advises  that  a 
letter  be  wrote  by  this  Council  of  Safety  to  the  new  Coun- 
cil elected  at  Boston,  requesting  their  aid  to  procure  salt. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letier  be  committed  to  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Hobart. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  signed  by  John 
Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman,  dated  the  thirteenth  instant,  was 
received  and  read.  The  said  letter  enclosed  a  list  of  fif- 
teen prisoners,  too  dangerous  and  troublesome  to  be  con- 
fined in  Albany  jail,  and  therefore  sent  to  Kingston  ;  copi<^ 
of  two  insolent  letters  sent  to  the  committee  of  Albany, 
one  from  Alexander  Robertson,  the  other  from  Jonathan 
Owan,  William  Lewis,  William  Pemberton  and  Hugh 
Anderson  ;  and  a  list  of  the  names  of  ten  gentlemen  by 
them  recommended  as  commissioners  to  dispose  of  the 
property  of  persons  gone  to  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  as  far  forth  as  relates  to 
the  appointment  of  commissioners,  be  referred  to  Mr. 
Yates  and  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Ordered,  That  William  Pemberton,  Jonathan  Owens, 
Hugh  Anderson,  Samuel  Hannah,  William  Lewis,  Philip 
Brooks  and  Lieut.  Angus  McDougall  be  immediately  sent 
up  to  Kingston  and  confined  in  Kingston  jail.  And, 

Ordered,  That  John  Van  Allen,  John  S.  Van  Alstyne, 
David  Wederwax,  Jacob  Wederwax,  Andries  Diver,  Chris- 
tian Fisher  and  Barnard  Sipperly  be  sent  on  board  of  one 
of  the  vessels  which  constitutes  the  fleet  prison  ;  the  said 
prisoners  to  be  confined  in  jail  separate  from  other  pri- 
soners, if  it  can  be  done. 

Ordered,  That  Silas  Duel  be,  and  is  hereby,  permitted 
to  go  to  Egbert  Benson,  Esquire,  in  Dutchess  county,  to 
take  the  direction  of  the  commissioners  for  delecting  con- 
spiracies, &c.  concerning  his  farther  confinement. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


965 


Resolved,  That  David  Currie,  commissary  for  supply- 
ing the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this  Slate,  with  such 
articles  as  are  not  furnished  to  them  by  the  Commissary- 
General,  be  directed  not  to  sell  any  clothing  to  the  troops 
without  an  order  in  writing  from  the  captain  of  the  com- 
pany to  which  they  respectively  belong. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of  Congress,  and  a 
draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress, 
were  respectively  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart  and 
Mr.  Morris,  to  reconsider  and  report  thereon. 

The  letter  from  Brigadier-General  McDougall  of  the 
ninth  instant,  and  which  was  received  on  the  thirteenth 
instant,  was  again  read,  and  follows  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit  : 

"  Peekskill,  June  9,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  have  just  time,  by  the  return  of  your  express, 
to  enclose  you  the  sentence  of  a  general  court  martial 
against  John  Likely,  and  others,  and  part  of  the  journal  of 
my  recruiting  officer,  whose  time  of  service,  and  the  other 
witness,  has  expired.  The  court  martial  was  dissolved 
agreeably  to  their  request.  The  witnesses  being  gone 
home,  nothing  more  has  been  been  done  with  Likely's  ac- 
complices. If  the  Council  of  Safety  should  think  proper 
to  proceed  against  them,  the  witnesses  may  be  got  from 
Connecticut,  if  the  county  will  defray  their  expenses. 
Williams  is  not  executed,  but  still  confined,  awaiting  your 
orders.    Time  will  only  permit  me  to  add  that, 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"Your  very  humble  servant, 
"  ALEXR.  McDOUGALL." 

Mr.  Morris  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Mc- 
Dougall, in  answer  to  his  letter  of  the  ninth,  which  was 
read,  and  again  read  by  paragraphs,  amended  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  of  Safety  have  received  your  favour 
of  the  ninth  instant,  with  the  minutes  of  your  court  martial. 
Neither  of  the  sentences  are  confirmed,  for  the  most  evi- 
dent reasons,  because  neither  of  them  are  according  to  law ; 
for  the  crimes  of  which  the  prisoners  were  accused,  and 
found  guilty,  are  punishable  with  death,  and  not  by  a  num- 
ber of  stripes.  The  Council  approve  of  your  dissolution 
of  the  court  martial,  but  at  the  same  time  direct  me  to  re- 
quest that  you  would  keep  all  the  prisoners,  as  well  those 
lgho  have  been  tried  as  their  accomplices,  in  safe  custody, 
until  by  the  laws  of  the  land,  and  the  judgment  of  their 
peers,  they  may  be  regularly  condemned  or  acquitted. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  To  General  McDougall." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  letter  from  Lynde  Lord,  dated  27th  of  May,  to- 
gether with  Buell's  account  against  prisoners  confined  in 
Connecticut,  and  which  were  committed,  was  again  read, 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Litchfield,  May  27,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — You  may  remember  that  some  time  last 
Novr.  I  wrote  you  an  account  of  Israel  and  Isaac  Youngs's 
escape  from  this  place,  and  likewise  of  about  £80  New- 
York  money  being  left  in  my  hands,  which  I  suppose  is 
forfeited  to  your  Convention,  or  State ;  and  at  the  same 
time  desired  some  directions  how  to  dispose  of  said  money. 
Since  which  have  never  had  any  directions  about  the  mat- 
ter, and  as  the  money  still  remains  in  my  hands,  hope  you 
will  give  some  orders  how  I  may  dispose  of  the  same. 
And  as  there  is  a  considerable  sum  due  on  account  of  pri- 
soners sent  from  your  State  to  our  jail,  and  the  expense  of 
old  Guyer's  sickness,  while  confined  here,  and  the  money 
chiefly  due  to  persons  who  are  unable  to  wait  any  longer 
for  their  money,  hope  you  will  empower  some  proper  per- 
son to  settle  and  close  the  accounts,  as  we  have  no  pri- 
soners confined  here  by  your  order  except  Gilbert  Forbes. 
The  bearer  hereof,  Mr.  David  Buell,  (who  has  been  the 
jailer  from  the  time  your  prisoners  were  sent  here,  till 
within  a  few  days,)  will  present  his  account  for  boarding, 

242 


&c.  which  I  can  assure  you  is  charged  at  the  same  rate 
per  week  as  our  State  allows  for  our  prisoners  confined  in 
the  same  prison. 

"  I  hope,  gentlemen,  to  have  the  pleasure  of  receiving 
by  Mr.  Buell  some  further  directions  about  the  matter. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servant, 

"LYNDE  LORD. 

"  To  the  Convention  of  the  State 

of  New- York." 

The  committee  to  whom  was  committed  the  said  letter 
from  Lynde  Lord,  Esqr.  together  with  the  account  of 
David  Buell,  for  the  maintenance  of  prisoners  in  Litch- 
field jail,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read.  There- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  the  account  is  reasonable,  and  ought  to 
be  referred  to  the  Auditor-General  for  payment,  and  that 
the  money  left  by  Israel  and  Isaac  Youngs  in  the  hands  of 
Mr.  Lord  should  be  remitted  to  the  Treasurer  of  this  State, 
there  to  remain  for  the  disposition  of  the  Legislature. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  16,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt.  Harpur,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Morris. 

The  President  being  absent,  Mr.  Hobart  was  unani- 
mously chosen  President  pro  tempore. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Drake,  Israel  Honeywell,  Junr. 
and  James  Hunt,  commissioners  for  taking  into  custody 
the  effects  of  disaffected  persons  in  Westchester  county, 
dated  the  tenth  day  of  June  instant,  relative  to  the  property 
formerly  belonging  to  Peter  Corney  was  read,  and  the 
Council  were  informed  that  Mr.  Ward  is  attending  in  obe- 
dience to  a  former  order  of  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Colo.  De 
Wilt  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  and  those  gentlemen  be  a  committee 
to  confer  wilh  Mr.  Ward. 

A  certificate  of  Colonel  John  Frear,  dated  at  Pough- 
keepsie  the  second  of  June  instant,  was  read.  He  thereby 
certifies  that  Simon  Le  Roy,  who  has  been  to  the  enemy, 
has  returned  to  his  allegiance,  has  taken  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance to  the  State  of  Mew-York,  and  faithfully  promised 
to  defend  the  same  with  his  life  and  fortune. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  prepare,  and  the  President 
pro  tempore  issue,  a  pardon  to  the  said  Simon  Le  Roy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and 
Major  Van  Zandt,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  cases  of 
the  several  prisoners  in  Ulster  county  jail  and  in  the  Fleet 
prison,  and  report  the  names  of  such  of  them  as,  in  their 
opinion,  may  be  liberated. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  that  the  committees 
may  have  an  opportunity. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  17,  1777. 

The  Committee  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr-  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cuyler, 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Morris. 

The  petition  of  Jacobus  Hardenburgh,  of  Hurley,  dated 
at  Hurley  on  the  17th  instant,  praying  that  Roeloff  J.  El- 
ting  may  be  removed  from  the  Fleet  prison  to  the  house  of 
the  said  Jacobus  Hardenbergh,  in  Hurley,  where  he  hoped 
the  conduct  of  the  said  Roeloff  may  be  conformable. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  the  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  in- 


966 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


quire  into  the  state  of  tlie  prisoners,  or  some  of  them,  take 
the  parol  of  the  said  Koeloff  J.  Elting,  and  that  the  prayer 
of  the  petition  be  granted. 

The  petition  of  Mary  Hagator  for  the  discharge  of  her 
husband,  Christopher  Hagator,  and  of  Johannes  Lyck  and 
Benjamin  Poucher,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  above 
named  committee. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  President  of  General  Congress 
was  read,  amended  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Council,  &c.  June  17th. 

"  Sir — We  have  received  from  the  Delegates  of  this 
State  the  resolution  of  your  Honourable  House  of  the 
twenty-third  of  May  last,  requiring  us  to  equip  such  galleys 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river,  and 
to  direct  their  operations.  Congress  having  hitherto  con- 
sidered this  matter  in  the  light  of  a  Continental  charge,  we 
are  confident  they  cannot  mean  to  cast  the  burden  now 
upon  this  weak  and  mutilated  State,  and  therefore  are  led 
to  suppose  that  this  resolution  has  not  received  that  due 
weight  of  deliberation  which  usually  accompanies  every 
affair  of  importance. 

"  From  the  earliest  commencement  of  the  present  war 
a  line  of  distinction  hath,  by  the  justice  of  your  Honour- 
able Body,  been  drawn  between  New-York  and  her  sister 
States.  As  the  centre  of  America,  and  in  the  vicinity  of 
Canada,  this  State,  as  well  from  the  exposed  situation  of 
its  capital  as  from  the  navigable  river  by  which  it  is  inter- 
sected, became  of  necessity  the  grand  object  of  our  foes. 
It  was  wisely  foreseen  that  they  would  make  the  most 
strenuous  exertions  to  possess  themselves  of  it ;  and  that 
their  success,  by  obstructing  the  easy  communication 
through  this  vast  Continent,  by  opening  to  them  the  re- 
sources of  a  fertile  and  extensive  region  and  by  removing 
every  obstruction  to  a  free  intercourse  with  the  disaffected, 
would  expose  all  the  neighbouring  States  to  reiterated  de- 
predations, subject  the  numerous  tribes  of  savages  to  their 
entire  control,  and  open  a  broad  road  to  the  subjection  of 
America.  From  a  full  conviction  of  these  truths,  Congress 
have  ordered  several  different  works  to  be  erected,  and  have 
empowered  his  Excellency  the  General  and  the  late  Con- 
vention of  this  State  to  construct  fireships  and  other  ves- 
sels at  the  expense  of  the  Continent,  for  the  defence  of 
Hudson's  river. 

"  Forts  and  vessels  have  been  built,  and  many  obstruc- 
tions raised  in  consequence  of  their  resolutions,  and  the 
better  to  forward  the  designs  of  your  Honourable  House 
in  this  and  in  other  parts  of  America,  all  the  cannon  and 
other  military  stores  of  this  State,  to  a  very  considerable 
amount,  have  been  delivered  to  the  officers  of  the  Conti- 
nent. 

"It  is  therefore  with  great  surprise,  that  we  are  inform- 
ed of  your  requisition  to  fit  out  as  many  galleys  as  may  be 
thought  necessary  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river.  For 
by  the  loss  of  our  capital  and  sea  coast,  almost  all  our  ship 
carpenters  and  other  necessary  mechanics,  have  sought 
employment  in  the  neighbouring  States,  and  those  who  re- 
main have  been  lately  sent  to  Lake  George,  where  they 
now  are  in  the  Continental  service.  We  have  no  cannon  ; 
and  we  can  venture  to  assure  Congress,  that  there  are  not 
twenty  good  seamen  to  be  hired  in  that  part  of  the  State  of 
New- York  now  in  our  possession. 

"  But  were  it  in  our  power  to  comply  with  this  requisi- 
tion, there  is  a  most  evident  impropriety  in  subjecting  the 
direction  of  those  galleys  which  are  to  cover  the  chain  and 
keep  open  the  communication  between  the  works  on  the 
different  sides  of  the  river,  to  the  executive  power  of  this 
State  ;  for  vessels  so  employed  are  certainly  to  be  consi- 
dered as  the  necessary  appendages  of  those  works,  or,  in- 
deed, as  a  part  of  them  ;  and  then,  that  they  should  be  in- 
dependent of  the  officers  commanding  at  that  post,  is  utter- 
ly inconsistent. 

"  For  those  reasons,  sir,  we  hope  Congress  will  excuse 


us  for  requesting  the  reconsideration  of  that  resolution,  and 
not  by  commands  we  are  incapable  of  complying  with, 
deprive  us  of  the  pleasure  we  enjoy  in  acknowledging  the 
wisdom  and  justice  of  their  measures  by  a  ready  and  cheer- 
ful acquiescence.  That  the  service  may  suffer  as  little  as 
possible  by  this  delay,  we  have  passed  the  resolution 
which  we  do  ourselves  the  honour  to  enclose  ;  and,  sir,  if 
you  reflect  upon  the  great  expense  this  State  hath  incurred 
by  bounties  paid  to  their  militia,  who  have  been  called  out 
whenever  the  weakness  of  the  army  required  their  assist- 
ance ;  by  the  suppression  of  insurrection  and  the  apprehen- 
sion and  support  of  the  disaffected,  of  whom,  not  less  than 
five  hundred  are  at  this  time  in  confinement ;  by  the  main- 
tenance of  the  numerous  poor  from  those  parts  of  our 
State  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and  above  all,  by  the 
enhanced  price  at  which  we  obtain  every  necessary  from 
the  neighbouring  States,  it  must  be  acknowledged  that  a 
parsimonious  disposition  hath  no  part  in  what  we  have  of- 
fered, and  that  we  have  not  only  borne  our  full  share  of 
the  burden,  but  shown  such  alacrity  in  taking  it  upon 
us,  as  must  carry  with  it  a  conviction  that  we  feel  the  ut- 
most regret  whenever  we  find  ourselves  so  circumstanced 
as  to  be  constrained  to  forbear  complying  with  any  requisi- 
tions from  your  Honourable  House. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"To  Hon.  John  Hancock. 

"Resolved,  That  Mr.  Tompkin's  and  the  other  commis- 
sioners now  in  Westchester  county  discharging  the  public 
debts  for  forage  supplied  the  army,  pay  all  such  sums  as 
may  be  reasonably  due  to  the  persons  employed  by  the 
committee  of  Convention  in  procuring  forage  for  the  army, 
the  loss  they  have  sustained  in  the  public  service  and 
charge  the  same  in  account  to  the  Continent. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in 
Congress,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Council  received  yours  of  the  thir- 
ty-first day  of  May,  and  have  directed  me  to  inform  you 
that  the  enclosed,  which  is  left  open  for  your  perusal,  con- 
tains their  exceptions  against  the  resolve  transmitted  by 
you  ;  they  wish  you  to  set  this  matter  upon  its  proper  foot- 
ing, in  order  to  prevent  any  altercations  when  our  accounts 
for  the  defence  of  the  river  are  to  be  settled.  The  Con- 
vention wrote  last  winter  to  their  Delegates,  requesting 
them  to  get  some  engagement  by  which  the  rangers  would 
be  made  a  Continental  charge,  those,  particularly,  on  the 
frontiers  ;  they  were  informed  in  answer  thereto,  that  there 
was  no  doubt  but  that  it  would  be  done.  However,  as  no 
resolution  for  that  purpose  has  yet  been  transmitted,  the 
Council  beg  you  to  get  some  settlement  of  this  matter  so 
that  they  may  know  how  to  make  out  those  accounts. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect,  &c. 
"  To  ITonobt.  Philip  Livingston, 

James  Duane,  and  Francis  Lewis." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  sign- 
ed by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  Marytje  Loup,  dated  the  fourteenth  in- 
stant, praying  for  the  discharge  of  her  husband,  Martin 
Loup,  from  on  board  a  sloop  at  the  strand,  was  read  and 
referred  to  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Mr. 
Van  Zandt. 

The  petition  of  William  Hartor,  Junr.  praying  for  the 
discharge  of  his  brother  Petrus  Hartor,  Junr.  and  the  pe- 
tition of  Benjamin  Darby,  praying  permission  on  his  parol 
to  visit  his  family,  were  respectively  read  and  committed 
to  the  same  committee. 

A  letter  from  Robert  R.  Livingston,  on  behalf  of  Jacob 
Funck,  requesting  the  discharge  of  his  son  from  on  board 
the  ship  Monlgomerie,  was  read;  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
I  table. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


967 


A  letter  from  Henry  Livingston,  Junr.  and  Theodorus 
Van  Wyck,  dated  the  fourteenth  instant,  requesting  direc- 
tions as  to  the  effects  of  Thomas  Fisher,  was  read,  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Samuel  Drake,  Israel  Honeywell,  Junr. 
and  James  Hunt,  commissioners,  &c.  dated  at  Bedford, 
the  eleventh  instant,  relative  to  wine  and  other  property 
now  in  Connecticut,  which  did  belong  to  the  widow  of 
David  V.  Home,  and  whom  the  commissioners  suppose 
have  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  was  read  and  filed,  and  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Hobart. 

A  letter  from  Jonathan  G.  Tompkins,  dated  the  tenth 
instant,  relative  to  stock  in  Westchester  county,  stolen  for 
the  use  of  the  enemy,  and  sundry  other  matters,  was  read 
and  committed  to  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Jay  to  report  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Tompkins  and  the  other  commis- 
sioners now  in  Westchester  county,  discharging  the  public 
debts  for  forage  supplied  the  army,  pay  all  such  sums  as 
may  be  reasonably  due  to  the  persons  employed  by  the 
committee  of  Convention,  on  procuring  forage  for  the  army, 
the  losses  they  have  sustained  in  the  public  services,  and 
charge  the  same  on  account  to  the  Continent. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Schenk,  Esq.  at  Fishkill,  dated  the 
twelfth  day  of  June,  was  read.  He  thereby  informs  that 
he  has  received  from  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  twelve 
tierces  of  salt,  containing  seven  and  a  half  bushels  each, 
purchased  by  order  of  the  Convention  for  the  use  of  the 
Stale,  and  requests  directions  respecting  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  it  be  committed  to  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr. 
Hobart. 

Whereas  the  presence  of  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  is 
necessary  to  give  information  relative  to  the  prisoners  in 
custody  here.    On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Ordered,  That  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  do  attend 
the  business  of  this  Council  of  Safety  without  delay. 

Gilbert  Livingston,  Esqr.  suggesting  that  he  is  unwell, 
in  danger  of  a  great  weakness  and  want  of  health  without 
relaxation,  obtained  leave  of  absence  until  he  shall  recover 
his  health. 

Colo.  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  a  committee,  brought  in 
their  report  on  the  petition  of  Dennis  Kennedy,  and  the 
sundry  papers  relative  thereto ;  the  same  being  read,  de- 
bates arose  thereon,  and  thereupon  it  was  recommitted  to 
the  same  committee. 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esq.  relative  to  pro- 
visions, was  read  and  postponed  till  the  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  17,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr-  Hobart,  Mr.  Plait,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cuyler. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Jay,  and  Mr.  Cuyler 
be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  to  regulate  the 
Fleet  prison,  and  to  appoint  proper  persons  for  that  purpose. 

Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  the  Auditor-General,  being  ad- 
milted,  requested  the  advice  of  the  Council  as  to  an  ac- 
count of  Lieutenant  Victor  Bicker,  as  lieutenant  of  marines. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  search  for  the  resolution 
appointing  him,  and  papers  relative  thereto,  and  lay  them 
before  the  Council  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Auditor-General  informed  the  Council  that  sundry 
officers  of  regiment,  called  into  service  by  Gene- 

ral George  Clinton,  in  pursuance  of  resolutions  of  the 
authority  of  this  State,  have  charged  for  their  pay  from  the 
day  they  were  respectively  notified  of  that  service,  and  in 
most  instances  for  ten  days  before  the  time  that  they  re- 
spectively marched,  and  several  days  before  they  marched. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  those  officers  only 
from  the  time  they  respectively  marched,  so  that  their  pay 
may  be  proportionate  to  the  pay  of  their  men. 

Mr.  Yates  has  leave  of  absence,  to  depart  on  Thursday 


next  if  there  should  be  a  full  Council  at  that  time,  to  return 
in  five  days  from  the  time  of  his  departure. 

A  letter  from  General  Ten  Broeck,  dated  the  sixteenth 
day  of  June,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

"Albany,  16th  June,  1777. 
"  Sir — The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  held  at  this 
place,  (which  is  just  now  delivered  to  me,)  I  herewith 
transmit  you.  The  president  informs  me  the  court  stands 
adjourned  until  this  day  week,  the  members  being  very  de- 
sirous to  attend  the  election  in  their  districts,  which  begins 
this  day.  He  also  informs  me  there  are  several  persons 
in  confinement,  not  tried,  but  cannot  yet  learn  that  any  of 
them  come  within  the  description  of  the  resolutions  of 
Convention. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 

" ABM.  TEN  BROECK. 

"To  the  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Pre- 
sident of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  at  Kingston." 

The.  whole  proceeedings  of  the  court  martial  held  at  the 
city  of  Albany,  on  the  case  of  James  Huetson,  were  deli- 
berately read. 

The  whole  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  held  at 
the  city  of  Albany,  on  the  case  of  Robert  Coventry,  were 
then  deliberately  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

A  petition  of  Charles  Duryee,  dated  this  day,  setting  forth 
his  losses  by  the  conduct  of  Francis  Pemart,  and  praying 
that  possession  may  be  given  to  him,  the  said  Charles,  of 
the  farm  of  the  said  Pemart,  at  Peekskill,  and  a  hulk  of  a 
sloop  at  Esopus  Landing,  as  a  compensation,  and  the  affi- 
davit of  John  Campbell,  to  support  the  facts  mentioned  in 
the  said  petition,  were  respectively  read,  and  committed  to 
General  Scott,  Mr.  Harpur  and  Mr.  Tappen. 

Mr.  Yates,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  letter  fiom  Peter  Van  Ness,  Cornelius  Cuyler  and 
Harmanus  Wendal,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  Peter 
Van  Ness,  Cornelius  Cuyler  and  Harmanus  Wendell, 
commissioners  appointed  to  secure  the  personal  estates  of 
such  persons  within  the  county  of  Albany  who  are  gone  over 
to  and  joined  our  enemy,  and  to  dispose  thereof  agreeable  to 
the  several  resolutions  for  that  purpose,  made  the  sixth  day 
of  March  last,  brought  in  their  report.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Peter  Van  Ness,  Cornelius  Cuyler  and 
Harmanus  Wendell,  who  were  appointed  commissioners, 
have  leave  to  resign  ;  and  that  instead  of  three,  (because 
the  county  is  very  extensive,)  there  be  ten  commissioners 
appointed,  and  their  powers  limited  to  different  parts  of  the 
county,  as  hereinafter  mentioned. 

Resolved,  That  John  Younglove,  Gabriel  Esseltyne, 
Isaac  Goes,  John  Knickerbaker,  Junr.  George  White, 
Matthew  Adgate,  Hezekiah  Van  Orden,  Flores  Bancker, 
Myndert  Roseboam  and  George  Palmer  be  appointed,  and 
they  hereby  are  appointed  commissioners,  in  the  room  of 
Peter  Van  Ness,  Cornelius  Cuyler  and  Harmanus  Wen- 
dell, who  have  resigned  ;  and  they  are  hereby  vested  witii 
every  power  that  other  commissioners  for  sequestration 
within  this  State,  by  virtue  of  the  resolutions  of  Conven- 
tion for  that  purpose  passed  on  the  sixth  day  of  March  last, 
as  well  as  the  after  resolutions  passed  the  twenty-first  of 
March,  and  the  thirteenth  May  last  past,  provided  they  se- 
verally first  take  the  oath  thereby  directed.  Provided  also, 
that  Gabriel  Esseltyne,  Isaac  Goes,  Matthew  Adgate  and 
Hezekiah  Van  Orden,  be  restricted  by  the  south  limits  of 
the  county,  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  within  the  bounds 
of  manor  Livingston,  Claverack,  Kinderhook  and  Kings 
district,  and  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  from  the  south 
bounds  to  the  bounds  of  manor  Rensselaer,  and  that  the 
power  vested  in  them,  be  exercised  by  all  or  any  three  of 
them. 


968 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


And  that  John  Younglove,  John  Knickerbaker,  Junr. 
and  George  Palmer  be  restricted  to  the  north  of  manor 
Rensselaer,  including  the  inhabitants  to  the  north  of  the 
said  manor  and  of  Schenectady,  and  northerly  as  far  as  the 
limits  of  the  county  ;  and  that  they,  or  any  two  of  them 
be  authorized  to  exercise  the  said  power. 

And  Myndert  Roseboam,  Flores  Bancker  and  George 
White  be  restricted  to  the  remainder  of  the  said  county, 
and  that  they,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  empowered  to  act  in 
the  same  manner. 

Abell  Sprauge,  who  was  attending  at  the  door,  was  ad- 
mitted. He  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  that  he  had 
been  credibly  informed,  by  persons  of  reputation  whom  he 
named,  that  Joseph  Brandt,  with  a  number  of  Indians,  had 
come  to  Onehoghquaga,  and  there  hoisted  the  British  flag; 
that  he  had  proceeded  to  Unadella  and  killed  some  cattle, 
and  plundered  some  of  the  whig  inhabitants  of  their  grain, 
and  were  returned  to  Onehoghquaga,  and  had  said  they 
were  to  return  to  Unadella  speedily ;  that  the  inhabitants 
had  removed  from  some  parts  of  the  Delaware. 

The  Council  informed  Abell  Sprauge  that  General 
Schuyler  has  sent  an  officer,  with  troops,  to  protect  the 
inhabitants. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Abell  Sprauge  eight  dollars,  to  defray  his  expenses  in 
coming  to  this  Council  and  returning  home. 

A  letter  from  John  Bartow,  Esqr.  to  Colo.  Gilbt.  Drake, 
dated  the  12th  instant  was  read  ;  Mr.  Bartow,  for  the  rea- 
sons therein  assigned,  declines  the  office  of  clerk  of  West- 
chester county. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Council 
of  State,  for  the  appointment  of  officers  when  they  shall  be 
appointed  and  assembled. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  18,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers,  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Morris. 

For  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  make  a 
quorum,  at  12  o'clock  adjourned  to  meet  at  four  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.June  18,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

-Mr.  Abm-  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Ilobart,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt.  Harpur. 

A  petition  of  Alexander  Campbell,  a  prisoner  in  Ulster 
jail,  dated  this  day,  was  read.  He  therein  informs  that  his 
wife  sold  a  horse  with  the  intention  to  apply  the  money  to 
support  the  prisoner  ;  that  the  commissioners  have  since 
seized  the  said  horse,  and  praying  the  direction  of  the 
Council  in  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  committed  to  Major 
Tappen.  Mr.  Cantine  and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Mr.  Hobart  reported  a  draft  of  an  answer  to  the  letter  of 
the  commissioners  for  the  securing  the  property  of  persons 
gone  from  Westchester  county  to  the  enemy,  which  was 
read  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Council  of  Safety  commend  your 
zeal  in  securing  the  effects  of  those  traitors  to  their  country, 
who  have  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  but  at  the  same  lime 
must  inform  you  that  they  conceive  your  power  as  com- 
missioners does  not  extend  beyond  the  boundaries  of  the 
county  of  Westchester  ;  and  we  presume  that  one  reason 
why  the  Convention  appointed  commissioners  in  each 
county  was,  that  the  gentlemen  being  personally  acquainted 


therein  would  be  less  subject  to  imposition  from  false  re- 
ports and  groundless  suggestions. 

"  The  Council  are  informed  that  the  Widow  Van  Home 
did  not  remove  from  Connecticut  to  New- York,  but  to 
New-Brunswick,  and  that  a  considerable  time  before  the 
enemy  penetrated  into  New-Jersey;  nor  do  we  learn  that 
she  ever  removed  to  New-York. 

"  With  respect  to  the  considerable  sums  of  money  lodged 
in  Connecticut,  and  due  on  bonds,  &c.  belonging  to  per- 
sons who  have  joined  the  enemy  from  this  Slate,  nothing 
can  be  done  at  present,  but  it  must  be  left  to  the  wisdom 
of  the  Legislature  to  devise  means  for  recovering  such 
sums. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  petition  of  Angus  McDonald,  lieutenant  in  the  pay  of 
the  British  Crown,  and  William  Pemberton,  dated  yester- 
day, was  read.  They  thereby  pray  to  be  heard  and  re- 
leased from  jail. 

Ordered,  That  Lieut.  Angus  McDonnell  be  sent  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison  with  Mr.  Colden  ;  and  that  William 
Pemberton  be  served  with  a  copy  of  the  charges  against 
him. 

Resolved,  That  John  Cumming  be  permitted  to  go  to 
visit  his  wife,  in  the  custody  of  such  person  as  Mr.  Can- 
tine, Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  shall  ap- 
prove of;  but  that  he  be  returned  to  Kingston  in  one  week 
from  the  time  of  his  departure. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  detecting  con- 
spiracies in  this  State  be  directed  to  send  for  all  the  pri- 
soners of  this  State,  now  confined  in  the  jails  of  the  New- 
England  States,  and  cause  them  to  be  transported  thence 
to  the  Fleet  prison  at  Esopus  Landing,  in  such  manner  as 
the  said  committee  shall  think  proper. 

Mr.  Robert  Harpur  took  his  seat. 

It  having  been  represented  to  this  Council  of  Safety,  that 
divers  of  the  prisoners  of  this  Slate,  sent  to  the  jail  of  Phi- 
ladelphia, and  put  under  the  care  of  the  Council  of  Safety, 
at  Philadelphia,  have  been  liberated  without  the  knowledge 
or  consent  of  the  Convention  or  Council  of  Safety  of  this 
Stale. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  Delegates  of 
this  State,  requesting  them  to  inquire  which  of  the  said 
prisoners  remain  there  in  jail,  and  on  what  conditions  those 
who  do  not  remain  there  prisoners  have  been  suffered  to 
depart. 

Resolved,  and  Ordered,  That  Captain  Castles,  with  the 
sloop  of  war  under  his  command,  do  immediately  proceed 
to  Fort  Montgomery,  and  there  lake  his  direction  from  and 
be  subject  to  the  orders  and  directions  of  Brigadier-Gene- 
ral George  Clinton,  or  the  commander  for  the  time  being 
at  the  said  fort. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Captain  Robert  Benson, 
with  the  sloop  of  war  under  his  command,  take  the  care 
and  charge  of  guarding  the  vessels  which  compose  the 
Fleet  prison,  with  the  prisoners  on  board  ;  but  that  Cap- 
tain Benson  have  leave  to  proceed  with  the  sloop  to  Pough- 
keepsie  for  provisions  and  return  without  delay  ;  and  that 
Captain  Caslles  keep  his  present  station  until  Captain  Ben- 
son's return. 

Mr.  De  Witt,  from  the  committee  to  whom  were  referred 
the  letter  of  Samuel  Drake,  and  the  other  commissioners 
in  Westchester  county,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  whole  business  relative  to  the  peti- 
tion of  Dennis  Kennedy,  be  committed  to  Colo.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Cuyler  and  Mr.  Plait,  to  inquire  into  and  direct  the 
same. 

The  Council  of  Safety  proceeded  to  hear  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial,  on  the  case  of  James 
Huetson  again  read,  whereby  it  appears  that  the  said 
James  Hudson  was  charged  for  that  he  being  a  member 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws  thereof, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


969 


and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  or  about  the  first  day  of 
April  last  past,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times,  both  be- 
fore and  alter,  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July,  1776, 
at  the  district  of  Cocksackie,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably  and  contrary  to  his 
allegiance  aforesaid,  did  levy  war  against  the  said  .State, 
within  the  same  whilst  owing  allegiance  thereto  ;  enlist  men 
for  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  now  in  actual 
war  against  the  said  State,  being  adherent  to  the  said 
King  of  Great  Britain  and  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said 
Stale,  within  the  same,  by  giving  him  and  them  aid  and 
comfort,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of 
the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  it  further 
appears  that,  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  James 
Huetson  was,  by  the  said  court,  found  guilty  of  levying 
war  against  the  Slate,  and  of  giving  aid  and  comfort  to 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  others  the  enemies  of  the 
said  Stale  ;  and  was  therefore  by  the  said  court  sentenced 
to  suffer  death. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings  and 
sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  deliber- 
ately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  sentence  of  the  said  court  mar- 
tial be  and  is  hereby  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  Council  of  Safety  proceeded  to  hear  the  minutes  of 
the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  on  the  case  of  Robert 
Coventry  again  read  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  the  said 
Robert  Coventry,  of  Claverack  district,  in  the  county  of 
Albany,  stood  charged  for  that  he  being  a  member  of  the 
State  of  New- York,  residing  within  the  said  State,  protect- 
ed by  the  laws  thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  or 
alout  the  first  day  of  April  last,  and  at  divers  other  days 
and  times,  both  before  and  after,  and  since  the  sixteenth 
day  of  July,  1776,  at  the  district  of  Claverack,  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  and  at  divers  other  places  in  the  said 
county,  wickedly,  traitorously,  and  treasonably,  and  contra- 
ry to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  did  levy  war  against  the  said 
State,  whilst  owing  allegiance  thereto  ;  enlist  men  for  the 
service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  now  and  then  in  ac- 
tual war  against  the  said  Stale,  within  the  same,  being  ad- 
herent to  the  said  King  of  Great  Britain,  by  disarming  a 
guard  in  the  service  of  the  Slate,  and  compelling  said 
guard  to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  said  King  of 
Great  Britain,  then  and  now  in  open  war  against  the  said 
State,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the 
said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court,  it  farther 
appears,  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  Robert 
Coventry  was,  by  the  said  court,  found  guilty  of  levying 
war  against  the  said  State,  and  being  adherent  to  the  King 
of  Great  Britain,  and  was,  therefore,  by  the  said  couit, 
sentenced  to  suffer  death. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence,  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial  be 
and  is  hereby  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

But  in  consideration  that  the  said  Robert  Coventry  was 
about  to  return  to  his  duty,  and  lake  the  benefit  of  the  re- 
solutions of  Convention,  passed  on  the  tenth  day  of  May 
last,  offering  free  pardon  to  such  of  the  subjects  of  the  said 
Stale  as,  having  committed  treasonable  acts  against  the 
same,  shall  return  to  their  allegiance,  (and  now  frequently 
called  the  act  of  grace,)  as  appears  by  his  defence,  and 
some  other  circumstances  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Robert  Covenlry  be  pardoned, 
and  that  the  Secretary  prepare  a  draft  of  such  pardon. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Israel  Osborn  of  Kings  district,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
were  then  deliberately  read,  whereby  it  appears  that  the 
said  Israel  Osborn  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws 
thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  first  day  of 

243 


April  last  past,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times,  both 
before  and  after,  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July,  1776, 
at  Kings  district,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  trai- 
torously and  treasonably,  contrary  to  his  allegiance  afore- 
said, levy  war  against  the  said  State  within  the  same,  by 
inducing  many  of  the  subjects  of  the  said  State  to  enlist,  or 
by  aiding  and  abetting  other,  the  enemies  of  the  said  State, 
to  procure  divers  persons,  the  subjects  of  the  said  State, 
to  enlist  into  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  then 
and  now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  State  within  the 
same  ;  and  by  traitorously  and  wickedly  attempting,  or  aid- 
ing and  abetting  in  an  attempt,  to  procure  a  person  to  convey 
intelligence  to  General  Howe,  an  officer  in  the  service  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  and  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said 
Stale,  then  and  now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  State 
within  the  same  ;  and  that  he,  on  the  day  and  year,  and  at 
the  place  aforesaid,  was  adherent  to  the  King  of  Great 
Britain,  and  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said  State,  then  and 
now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  State  within  the  same, 
giving  them  aid  and  comfort  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of 
the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  it 
further  appears,  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said 
Israel  Osborn  was,  by  the  said  court,  found  guilty  of  ad- 
hering to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  others,  the  ene- 
mies of  the  State  ;  and  that  he  is  not  guilty  of  the  other 
charges  exhibited  against  him  ;  and  was,  therefore,  by  the 
said  court,  sentenced  to  suffer  twelve  months'  close  impri- 
sonment at  his  own  expense. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence,  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
against  the  said  Israel  Osborn,  be  and  is  hereby  approved 
of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  cases 
of  Benjamin  Ingraham,  Asa  Beebe  and  Moses  Wooster, 
all  of  Kings  district  aforesaid,  were  then  deliberately  read 
and  heard  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  Benjamin  Ingraham, 
Asa  Beebe  and  Moses  Wooster,  stood  charged,  that  they 
being  members  of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by 
the  laws  thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the 
sixth  day  of  May  instant,  and  at  divers  other  days  and 
times,  both  before  and  after,  and  since  the  sixteenth  day 
of  July,  1776,  at  Kings  district,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
did  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably,  contrary  to 
their  allegiance  aforesaid,  adhere  to  the  King  of  Great 
Britain,  and  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said  State  within 
the  same,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of 
the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  it 
further  appears,  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said 
Benjamin  Ingraham,  Asa  Beebe  and  Moses  Wooster, 
weTe  respectively  guilty  of  the  charges  exhibited  against 
them  ;  that  Benjamin  Ingraham  was,  therefore,  by  the 
said  court,  sentenced  to  suffer  six  months'  imprisonment ; 
and  that  Asa  Beebe  and  Moses  Wooster  respectively  suffer 
three  months'  imprisonment,  and  that  they  remain  impri- 
soned until  they  respectively  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
the  State  of  New-York. 

The  same  charge  against  the  said  prisoners  respectively 
and  the  evidences  against  each  of  them  respectively,  and 
the  proceedings  and  sentence  of  the  said  court  thereon, 
having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  maturely  weighed 
and  considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
as  far  forth  as  it  sentences  the  said  culprits  respectively  to 
imprisonment  for  a  limited  time,  be  and  is  hereby  con- 
firmed, and  that  the  residue  of  the  sentence  be  and  is 
hereby  remitted. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Jesse  Bullis  were  then  deliberately  read  and  heard,  whereby 
it  appears  that  Jesse  Bullis  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being 
a  member  of  the  State  of  New- York,  residing  within  said 


970 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


State,  protected  by  the  laws  thereof,  and  owing  allegiance 
thereto,  did,  on  the  twenty-first  day  of  January  last,  and 
at  divers  other  days  and  times,  both  before  and  after,  and 
since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July  1776,  at  Kings  district,  in 
the  county  ofAlbany,  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasona- 
bly, and  contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy  war 
against  the  State  of  New-York  within  the  same,  whilst 
owing  allegiance  thereto,  did  enlist  himself  in  the  service 
of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  within  the  same  ;  did  enlist 
men  in  the  service  of  the  said  King,  within  said  State  ;  was 
adherent  to  the  said  King  and  other  enemies  of  the  said 
State  of  New-York,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  said  State  of  New-York,  whilst  he  did  owe 
allegiance  and  derived  protection  from  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  it 
further  appears  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said 
Jesse  Bullis  is  not  guilty  of  the  first  and  second  charges, 
and  guilty  of  having  enlisted  men  in  the  service  of  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  and  also  of  being  adherent  to  the 
said  King  within  the  State  of  New-York,  and  whilst  owing 
allegiance  to  the  said  State,  and  deriving  protection  from 
the  same  ;  and  was  therefore  by  the  said  court  sentenced 
to  be  branded  in  the  hand,  immediately  after  the  sentence 
shall  be  approved  of,  and  further  that  he  should  be  impri- 
soned during  the  present  war. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidences  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
against  the  said  Jesse  Bullis,  be  and  is  hereby  approved  of 
and  confirmed.  And, 

Resolved,  That,  that  part  of  the  said  sentence  which 
inflicts  the  punishment  of  being  burnt  in  the  hand,  be  and 
is  hereby  remitted. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Jacob  Miller,  of  Half-Moon  district,  in  the  county  of  Alba- 
ny, were  then  deliberately  read,  whereby  it  appears  that 
the  said  Jacob  Miller  stood  charged  for,  that  he  being  a 
member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  residing  within  the 
said  State,  protected  by  the  laws  thereof,  and  owing  alle- 
giance thereto,  on  the  21st  day  of  March  last,  and  at  divers 
other  days  and  times,  both  before  and  after,  and  since  the 
16th  day  of  July  1776,  at  the  district  of  Half-Moon,  in 
the  county  of  Albany,  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treaso- 
nably, and  contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  did  levy 
war  against  the  State  of  New-York  within  the  same, 
whilst  owing  allegiance  thereto ;  enlist  men  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  now  in  actual  war 
against  the  said  State,  and  being  adherent  to  the  said  King 
of  Great  Britain,  and  other  the  enemies  of  the  said  State  con 
trary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court,  it  further 
appears  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  ihe  said  Jacob 
Miller,  was  by  the  said  court  found  guilty  of  adhering  to 
the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  was  therefore  by  the  said 
court,  sentenced  to  pay  a  fine  of  one  hundred  dollars,  and 
suffer  imprisonment  for  the  space  of  six  months. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately examined. 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
be  and  is  hereby  approved  and  confirmed. 

The  Council  adjourned  till  to-morrow  9  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  ho.  a.  m. 

June  19,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Hnrpur,  Mr.  Morris, 
Tappen,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  De  Witt. 


Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter 
to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress,  which  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  Council  have  been  informed  that 
several  of  the  prisoners  of  this  State,  sent  to  the  jail  of 
Philadelphia  by  the  late  Convention  or  their  committee, 
and  recommended  to  the  care  of  the  late  Council  of  Safety 
in  that  city,  are  now  at  large,  and  have  been  liberated 
without  the  approbation  or  knowledge  of  the  Convention 
or  this  Council. 

"  As  those  prisoners  were  sent  to  Philadelphia  for  the 
purpose  of  being  secured,  not  tried,  and  of  being  detained, 
not  liberated,  it  is  necessary  that  inquiries  be  made  into 
the  reasons  of  this  strange  management.  The  Council 
are  informed,  that  William  Sutton,  one  of  the  prisoners, 
was  released  on  his  parol  to  repair  to  this  place  in  order  to 
solicit  his  discharge  ;  that  he  went  immediately  to  New- 
York,  obtained  a  majority  in  the  new  levies,  and  has  since 
made  a  descent,  with  a  party  from  Long  island,  on  the 
southern  part  of  Westchester.  Had  this  man's  parol  been 
deemed  worthy  of  credit  or  confidence,  he  would  not  have 
been  sent  to  the  jail  of  Philadelphia. 

"  As  the  Council  are  desirous  of  obtaining  a  true  stale 
of  facts  respecting  these  things,  I  am  directed  to  request 
of  you,  gentlemen,  to  transmit  to  them  a  list  of  the  pri- 
soners of  this  State  now  in  Philadelphia  jail,  and  the  prin- 
ciples on  which  such  as  have  been  liberated  were  re- 
leased. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  the  New-York  Delegates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
John  Clint,  of  the  manor  of  ltensselaerwyck,  in  the  county 
of  Albany,  were  then  deliberately  read  ;  whereby  it  ap- 
pears that  the  said  John  Clint  stood  charged  for,  that  he 
being  a  member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by^ 
the  laws  thereof  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  first 
day  of  April  last  past,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times, 
both  before  and  after,  and  since  the  16th  day  of  July, 
1776,  at  the  manor  of  Eensselaerwyck,  in  the  county  of 
Albany,  did  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably,  con- 
trary to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy  war  against  the  said 
Slate,  within  the  same,  by  swearing  to  bear  faith  and  true 
allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  by  swearing 
divers  other  persons,  the  subjects  of  the  said  State,  to 
bear  faith  and  true  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
then  and  now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  State,  and  to 
defend  his  crown  and  dignity  ;  thereby  adhering  to  the 
King  of  Great  Britain,  and  others  the  enemies  of  the  said 
State,  within  the  same,  giving  him  or  them  aid  and  com- 
fort, contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the 
said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court,  it  farther 
appears  that,  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  John 
Clint  was,  by  the  said  court,  found  guilty,  and  was 
therefore,  by  the  said  court,  sentenced  to  suffer  the  pains 
and  penalties  of  death. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings  and 
sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  delibe- 
rately examined, 

Resolved,,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial  be 
and  hereby  is  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Amoul  Viele,  of  Livingston  manor,  in  the  county  of  Al- 
bany, were  then  deliberately  read  ;  whereby  it  appears 
that  the  said  Arnout  Viele  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being 
a  member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the 
laws  thereof  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  28th 
day  of  April  last  past,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times, 
both  before  and  after,  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July, 
1776,  at  the  manor  of  Livingston,  in  the  county  of  Al- 
bany, did,  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably,  contrary 
to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy  war  against  the  said  State 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


971 


within  the  same,  by  enlisting  many  of  the  subjects  of  the 
said  Stale  into  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain, 
then  and  now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  Stale,  within 
the  same,  and  by  swearing  divers  persons,  the  subjects  of 
the  said  State,  to  bear  faith  and  true  allegiance  to  the  said 
King  of  Great  Britain,  and  to  defend  his  crown  and  dignity; 
thereby  adhering  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  others 
the  enemies  of  the  said  Slate,  within  the  same,  giving 
them  aid  and  comfort,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the 
Convention  of  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  it 
farther  appears  that,  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said 
Arnout  Viele  was  by  the  said  couit  found  guilty  of  all  the 
charges  exhibited  against  him,  and  was,  therefore,  by  the 
said  court  sentenced  to  suffer  death. 

The  same  charges,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence,  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
be,  and  is  hereby  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
William  Frazer,  of  Balls  Town,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
were  then  deliberately  read  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  the 
said  William  Frazer  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being  a 
member  of  the  Stale  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws 
thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  sixth  day  of 
May  instant,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times  both  be- 
fore and  after  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July,  1776,  at 
Balls  Town,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  trai- 
torously and  treasonably,  contrary  to  his  allegiance  afore- 
said, levy  war  against  the  said  State,  within  the  same,  by 
withholding  his  allegiance  and  services  from  the  said  Slate, 
and  by  attempting  to  go  off  privately  to  the  enemies  of  the 
said  Stale,  and  by  aiding  and  abetting  divers  other  persons, 
the  subjects  of  the  said  State,  to  go  off  privately  to  the 
enemy  of  the  said  State,  then  and  now  in  actual  war  against 
the  said  State  within  the  same  ;  and  that  he  on  the  day 
and  year  and  at  the  place  aforesaid,  did  adhere  to  the  King 
of  Great  Britain  and  others  the  enemies  of  the  said  State, 
within  the  same,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort  contrary  to 
the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  it  farther  appears,  that  on 
a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  William  Frazer  was,  by 
the  said  court,  found  guilty  of  the  charges  exhibited  against 
him,  and  was  therefore  by  the  said  court  martial  sentenced 
to  suffer  twelve  months'  close  confinement  in  a  jail  at  his 
own  expense. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings  and 
sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  delibe- 
rately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
be,  and  is  hereby,  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Thomas  Blewer,  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaerwyck,  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  were  then  deliberately  read  ;  whereby 
it  appears  that  the  said  Thomas  Blewer  stood  charged  for 
that  he  being  a  member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  pro- 
tected by  the  laws  thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto, 
on  the  20lh  day  of  April  last  past,  and  at  divers  other  days 
and  timesboth  before  and  after  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of 
July,  1776,  at  the  manor  of  Rensselaerwyck,  in  the  county 
of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably,  con- 
trary to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy  war  against  the  said 
State,  within  the  same,  by  swearing  to  bear  faith  and  true 
allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  to  defend  his 
crown  and  dignity,  the  said  King  then  and  now  being  in 
actual  war  against  the  said  State  ;  and  that  he  in  the  day 
and  year  and  at  the  place  aforesaid,  did  wickedly,  traito- 
rously and  treasonably,  contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid, 
adhere  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  others,  the  ene- 
mies of  the  said  State,  then  and  now  in  actual  war  against 
the  said  State,  within  the  same,  giving  them  aid  and  com- 
fort, contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the 
said  State. 


And  by  the  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial,  itf  ar- 
ther  appears  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said 
Thomas  Blewer  was,  by  the  said  court  martial,  found  guil- 
ty of  the  charges  exhibited  against  him,  and  was  therefore 
sentenced  by  the  said  court  martial  to  suffer  twelve  months' 
close  imprisonment  at  his  own  expense. 

The  same  charges,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial 
be,  and  is  hereby  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  on  the  case  of  Al- 
exander Patterson,  of  Claverack,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
were  then  deliberately  read ;  whereby  it  appears  that  the  said 
Alexander  Patterson  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being  a 
member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws 
thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  fourteenth 
day  of  April  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times  both  before 
and  after  and  since  the  sixteenth  day  of  July,  1776,  at 
Claverack,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  traito- 
rously and  treasonably,  contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid, 
levy  war  against  the  said  State,  wilhin  the  same,  by  enter- 
ing into  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  by 
inducing  many  of  the  subjects  of  the  said  State  to  enlist 
into  the  service  of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  then  and  now 
in  actual  war  against  the  said  State,  wilhin  the  same ;  and 
that  he  on  the  day  and  year  and  at  the  place  aforesaid,  did 
contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  wickedly,  traitorously 
and  treasonably  adhere  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and 
others,  the  enemies  of  the  said  State,  within  the  same, 
giving  them  aid  and  comfort,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of 
the  Convention  of  the  said  Stnte. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  it  farther  appears,  that  on 
a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  Alexander  Patterson  was, 
by  the  said  court  martial,  found  guilty  of  adhering  to  the 
enemies  of  the  State,  &c.  and  not  guilty  of  the  other  charges 
exhibited  against  him,  and  was  therefore,  by  the  said  court 
martial,  sentenced  to  be  branded  in  the  left  hand  with  the 
letter  T,  and  that  he  thereafter  suffer  twelve  months'  close 
imprisonment  at  his  own  expense. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings  and 
sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  delibe- 
rately read  and  examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  thecourt  martial  against 
the  said  Alexander  Patterson,  be,  and  is  hereby  confirm- 
ed, and 

Resolved,  That  that  part  of  the  said  sentence  which  in- 
flicts the  punishment  of  being  burnt  in  the  hand,  be,  and  is 
hereby  remitted. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  case  of 
Thomas  Frazer,  of  Ballstown,  in  the  county  of  Albany, 
were  then  deliberately  read  ;  whereby  it  appears  that  the 
said  Thomas  Frazer  stood  charged  for  that  he,  being  a 
member  of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws 
thereof,  and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  sixth  day  of 
May  instant,  and  at  divers  other  days  and  times,  both  be- 
fore and  after  and  since  the  16th  day  of  July,  1776,  at  Balls 
Town,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  traitorously 
and  treasonably,  contrary  to  his  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy 
war  against  the  said  State,  wilhin  the  same,  by  adhering  to 
the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  others,  the  enemies  of  the 
said  State,  then  and  now  in  actual  war  against  the  said 
State,  within  the  same,  giving  them  aid  and  comfort;  and 
that  he,  on  the  day  and  year  and  at  the  place  aforesaid, 
wickedly,  traitorously  and  treasonably  did  attempt  to  go  off 
privately  to  the  enemy  of  the  said  State,  and  did  aid  and 
abet  others,  the  subjects  of  the  said  State,  to  go  off  privately 
to  the  enemy  of  the  said  State,  then  and  now  in  actual  war 
against  the  said  State,  within  the  same,  contrary  to  the 
resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

And  by  the  said  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial, 
it  further  appears,  that  on  a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the 
said  Thomas  Frazer  was  by  the  said  court  found  guilty  of 
every  part  of  the  charge  exhibited  against  him,  except  that 


972 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


of  aiding  and  abetting  the  subjects  of  the  State  to  go  off 
privately  to  the  enemy  ;  and  was  therefore,  by  the  said 
court  sentenced  to  suffer  twelve  months'  close  imprisonment 
at  his  own  charge  and  expense. 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
be,  and  is  hereby,  approved  of  and  confirmed. 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  on  the  cases 
of  Thomas  Verte,  Joseph  Shearer,  Alexander  McLaughlin, 
John  Mickle,  John  Fairman,  Archibald  McNeil,  John 
Summerville,  James  Grant,  John  Burnes,  Michael  Conner 
and  John  McLaughlin,  of  Balls  Town,  in  the  county  of 
Albany ;  Hans  Helmer,  Duncan  Robinson,  Alexander  Ro- 
binson and  John  Mclntire,  of  Tryon  county,  and  Hendrick 
Ranion  and  William  Reid,  were  then  deliberately  read  ; 
whereby  it  appears,  that  they,  the  said  Thomas  Verte,  Jo- 
seph Shearer,  Alexander  McLaughlin,  John  Mickle,  John 
Fairman,  Archibald  McNiel,  John  Summerville,  James 
Grant,  John  Burnes,  Michael  Conner,  John  McLaughlin, 
Hans  Helmer,  Duncan  Robinson,  Alexander  Robinson, 
John  Mclntire,  Hendrick  Ranion  and  William  Reid,  stood 
jointly  and  severally  charged  for  that  they,  being  members 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  protected  by  the  laws  thereof, 
and  owing  allegiance  thereto,  on  the  sixth  day  of  May  in- 
stant, and  at  divers  other  days  and  times,  both  before  and 
after  and  since  the  16th  day  of  July,  1776,  at  Balls  Town, 
in  the  county  of  Albany,  did  wickedly,  traitorously  and 
treasonably,  contrary  to  their  allegiance  aforesaid,  levy  war 
against  the  said  State,  within  the  same,  by  secretly  with- 
drawing and  withholding  their  allegiance  and  services  from 
the  said  State,  and  by  adhering  to  the  King  of  Great  Bri- 
tain and  others,  the  enemies  of  the  said  State,  then  and 
now  in  actual  war  against  the  said  State,  within  the  same, 
giving  them  aid  and  comfort ;  and  that  they,  on  the  day 
and  year  aforesaid,  at  Ballstown,  in  the  county  aforesaid, 
wickedly,  traitorously,  and  treasonably,  contrary  to  their 
allegiance  aforesaid,  did  attempt  to  go  off  privately  to  the 
enemy  of  the  said  State,  then  and  now  in  actual  war  against 
the  said  State,  within  the  same,  contrary  to  the  resolutions 
of  the  Convention  of  the  said  State. 

That  by  the  said  proceedings  it  further  appears,  that  on 
a  fair  and  impartial  trial,  the  said  prisoners  respectively,  to 
wit:  Thomas  Verte,  Joseph  Shearer,  Alexander  McLaugh- 
lin, John  Mickle,  John  Fairman,  Archibald  McNiel,  John 
Summerville,  James  Grant,  John  Burns,  Michael  Connor, 
John  McLaughlin,  Hans  Helmer,  Duncan  Robinson,  Alex- 
ander Robinson,  John  Mclntire,  Hendrick  Ranion  and 
William  Reid,  were  by  the  said  court  martial  respectively 
found  guilty  of  the  two  first  parts  of  the  charge,  and  not 
guilty  of  the  last  part  of  the  charge  against  them;  and  the 
said  prisoners  respectively,  were  by  the  said  court  sen- 
tenced to  pay  a  fine  of  fifteen  dollars  each,  and  that  they 
be  imprisoned  till  the  fines  be  paid,  and  the  said  prisoners 
take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New-York. 

The  same  charge,  the  evidence  thereon,  proceedings 
and  sentence  having  been  taken  into  consideration  and  de- 
liberately read  and  examined, 

Resolved,  That  the  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial, 
as  far  forth  as  it  sentences  the  said  culprits  respeclively  to 
fine  and  imprisonment,  until  the  payment  of  the  said  fines, 
be  and  is  hereby  confirmed  ;  and  that  the  residue  of  the 
said  sentence  be  and  is  hereby  annulled  and  repealed. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Brigadier-General  Ten 
Broeck  issue  orders  for  the  execution  of  the  said  James 
Huetson. 

The  House  adjourned  till  the  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  19,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

I  i  esent — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Plait,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Morris,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tappen. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  M.  Smith  and  Peter  Can- 
tine,  Esquires,  commissioners,  &c.  dated  Poughkcepsie 


the  eighteenth  instant,  informing  the  Council  of  Safely  that 
a  number  of  Quakers,  to  the  amount  of  twenty,  have  lately 
been  to  Long  island,  without  permission,  to  attend  their 
annual  meeting,  was  read  and  filed.  The  said  commissioners 
request  the  advice  and  directions  of  this  Council  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

The  same  being  immediately  taken  into  consideration  : 
And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  delecting  con- 
spiracies, &c.  do  cause  all  those  of  the  people  called  Qua- 
kers, who  have  lately  been  to  Long  island,  and  are  return- 
ed, to  be  apprehended  and  sent  under  guard  to  the  Fleet 
prison  at  Esopus  creek,  there  to  remain  at  their  own  ex- 
pense until  further  order. 

Another  letter  from  the  said  commissioners,  dated  the 
seventeenth  instant,  relative  to  the  Reverend  Mr.  Beards- 
ley,  who  hath  also  been  with  the  enemy,  was  read,  taken 
into  consideration  :  And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  do  cause  the 
Revd.  Mr.  Beardsley  to  be  sent  under  guard  to  the  Fleet 
prison  at  Esopus  creek,  there  to  remain  at  his  own  expense 
until  further  order. 

The  Honourable  Robert  Yates,  one  of  the  puisne  judges 
of  the  supreme  court  of  judicature  within  this  State,  at- 
tended, and  took  and  subscribed  the  oaths  of  office  and 
allegiance. 

The  petition  of  Hendrick  Fiers,  also  the  petition  of  John 
L.  Van  Allen  and  John  S.  Van  Alstyne,  confined  on  board 
the  Fleet  prison,  were  read,  and  referred  to  the  wardens  of 
the  Fleet  prison. 

The  petition  of  James  Robinson,  and  others,  confined  in 
Kingston  jail,  complaining  of  the  jailer,  was  read,  and  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Tappen  and  Colonel  De  Witt. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart  and  Colonel 
De  Witt  be  a  committee  to  dispose  of  Henry  Cuyler,  Esqr. 
as  to  the  place  of  his  confinement,  and  that  they  be  autho- 
rized to  take  his  parol. 

The  House  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  20,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Harpur. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond  do  direct  that  John 
Grant,  who  is  now  confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  be 
delivered  into  the  custody  of  Isaac  Willse,  in  order  to  be 
by  him  conveyed  to  the  commissioners  for  delecting  con- 
spiracies, &c. 

The  petition  of  John  Kortz,  confined  on  board  the  Fleet 
prison,  praying  leave  to  return  home,  was  read,  and 
Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  James  Bodewine, 
President  of  the  Council  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — Mr.  James  Sullivan,  chairman  of  a  committee  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  by 
letter,  informed  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  that  the 
general  court  had  laid  an  embargo  on  most  of  the  ne- 
cessaries of  life,  and  intimated  that  the  same  would  be 
continued  till  the  other  Slates  should  adopt  the  like  mode 
of  restraining  the  prices  of  labour,  manufactures,  internal 
produce  and  goods  imported  from  foreign  parts,  which  the 
New- England  States  had  established. 

"  The  Convention,  in  answer  to  Mr.  Sullivan,  stated  the 
reasons  which  led  them  to  conclude  that,  however  proper 
and  effectual  the  mode  might  be  in  New-England,  in  this 
State  it  would  rather  increase  than  diminish  the  mischiefs, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


973 


and  were  in  hopes  they  would  have  satisfied  our  brethren 
of  Massachusetts  that  similar  measures  could  not  be  esta- 
blished here  without  manifest  injury  to  the  interest,  not  only 
of  this  Slate  in  particular,  but  of  the  United  Stales  in  ge- 
neral ;  and  considering  that  we  were  driven  from  our  sea- 
coast  by  the  common  enemy,  that  the  embargo  would  not 
have  been  continued,  at  least  with  respect  to  this  State. 

"  When  the  capital  Qf  your  State  was  deprived  of  the 
benefit  of  the  ocean,  by  the  power  of  Great  Britain,  the 
inhabitants  of  this,  as  well  as  the  other  States,  cheerfully 
contributed  to  the  relief  of  your  suffering  poor.  Our  ca- 
pital is  now  possessed  by  the  enemy,  and  the  rest  of  our 
seacoast  is  commanded  by  them.  Our  resources  from  the 
sea  within  our  own  State  are  entirely  cut  off,  and  it  is  in 
the  power  of  our  neighbours  to  reduce  us  to  the  greatest 
distress  by  denying  us  the  use  of  their  ports  and  markets. 
We  will  not  allow  ourselves  to  suppose  that  your  General 
Court  laid  the  embargo  with  this  design  ;  but  we  sincerely 
wish  them  to  consider  that  the  impartial  world  and  poste- 
rity, and  perhaps  even  our  enemies,  when  they  review  our 
mutual  conduct  towards  each  other,  may  draw  a  compari- 
son. 

"  We  can,  with  great  truth,  assure  you,  that  it  is  not  in 
the  power  of  man  to  devise  a  more  effectual  method  to 
render  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  weary  of  the  war  with 
Great  Britain,  than  the  embargo  laid  by  the  New-England 
States ;  for,  however  they  may  submit  to  being  deprived 
of  such  of  the  conveniences  of  life  which  were  brought  to 
them  from  foreign  parts,  yet  it  is  impossible  to  content 
them  while  deprived  of  the  essential  article,  salt,  which 
they  cannot  either  manufacture  or  import  under  their  pre- 
sent circumstances. 

"  We  must  desire  the  favour  of  you  to  lay  this  matter 
before  the  General  Court  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be, 
as  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  are  in  many  places  suffer- 
ing for  want  of  that  article  ;  their  sufferings  will  daily  in- 
crease, and  unless  a  supply  can  be  procured  in  the  course 
of  the  summer,  they  will  become  almost  intolerable. 

"The  States  to  the  southward  have  hitherto  allowed  us 
the  free  use  of  their  ports  and  markets  ;  but  as  the  enemy 
are  turning  their  operations  that  way,  we  are  precluded 
fiom  any  prospect  of  relief  from  that  quarter;  so  that  if 
the  eastern  States  continue  to  withhold  from  us  a  part  of 
that  abundance  with  which  their  happier  situation  furnishes 
them,  we  shall  soon  be  reduced  to  a  condition  under  which 
nothing  but  a  full  persuasion  of  the  justice  of  our  cause, 
and  the  unshaken  reliance  on  the  protection  of  Heaven  can 
support  us. 

"  We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your,  &c. 

"  To  Honble.  James  Bodewine,  President 

of  the  Council  of  Massachusetts  Bay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel  Abraham  P.  Lott,  at  Bos- 
ton, in  answer  to  his  of  the  first  instant,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  first  instant  has  been  receiv- 
ed, and  in  answer,  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  the 
Council  are  concerned  to  learn  that  you  meet  so  little  suc- 
cess in  procuring  salt,  as  that  article  is  exceedingly  want- 
ed ;  they  hope  you  will  continue  your  exertions,  and  for- 
ward whatever  quantities  you  may  purchase,  by  the  near- 
est and  least  expensive  routes  to  this  State,  from  time  to 
time,  informing  the  Council  of  your  proceedings  in  the 
same. 

"  A  letter  has  been  received  from  Mr.  Henry  Schenk, 
who  informs  that  twelve  hogsheads  of  the  salt  you  for- 
warded, are  arrived  at  Fish  kill.  The  Council  have  written 
to  Mr.  Bodewine,  President  of  the  Council  of  Massachu- 
setts, which  they  hope  will  have  a  tendency  to  facilitate 
your  business. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
"  Colo.  Abraham  P.  Lott.'' 

244 


Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  House  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  21,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr  Jay,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tap- 
pen,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  Martin  Vosburgh,  of  Red  Hook,  inform- 
ing that  the  son  of  Johannes  Turner  (who  is  confined  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison)  is  drowned.  That  the  wife  of  the 
said  Turner  is  so  much  distressed  as  to  endanger  her 
mind.  Mr.  Vosburg  therefore  requests  that  the  said  Jo- 
hannes Turner  may  be  permitted  to  visit  his  wife  and  fa- 
mily on  this  occasion. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Johannes  Turner  be  liberated 
for  three  weeks  to  visit  his  wife  and  family,  on  Mr.  Evert 
Vosburgh's  becoming  security  for  his  good  conduct,  and 
return  to  the  Fleet  prison  at  the  expiration  of  three  weeks. 

The  petition  of  Richardson  Thurman,  confined  on  board 
the  Fleet  prison,  praying  to  be  discharged  from  confinement, 
was  read  and  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the  committee  of 
the  Fleet  prison  to  inquire  and  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  desiring  permission 
to  purchase  a  negro  man,  who  is  confined  on  board  the 
Fleet  prison,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  said  committee. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Thomas  be  authorized  to  re- 
ceive from  John  Canfield,  Esqr.  at  Sharon,  out  of  the 
goods  belonging  to  this  State  and  in  his  possession,  the 
following  articles,  to  wit :  two  hogsheads  of  shoes,  two 
hogsheads  of  hose  and  one  hogshead  of  the  cloths,  to  be 
by  the  said  John  Thomas  transported  to  Mr.  Radley's,  at 
Rhinebeeck  Landing ;  for  the  transportation  of  which 
goods  this  Board  do  agree  to  allow  fifteen  dollars. 

Mr.  Hobait,  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Cuyler,  the  committee 
appointed  to  regulate  the  Fleet  prison  and  appoint  proper 
officers  of  the  same,  made  a  report,  which  was  read  and 
approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  pursuance  of  the  above  resolution,  the  committee 
therein  named,  have  established  the  following  regulations 
for  the  Fleet  prison  and  appointed  the  following  officers  for 
the  same  : 

"1st.  That  all  the  sloops  or  vessels  which  may,  from 
time  to  time,  compose  the  Fleet  prison,  together  with  all 
the  prisoners  on  board  the  same,  be  under  the  care  and 
custody  of  the  warden  thereof ;  and  that  Captain  Henry 
Benson  be  warden  of  the  said  prison. 

"  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  warden  : 

"i.  To  enter  in  a  book  the  names  of  all  the  prisoners, 
the  limes  when  committed  and  when  discharged,  the  cau- 
ses of  commitment  and  by  whom  committed. 

"2.  To  provide  for  their  secure  custody,  and  that  the 
said  vessels  be  at  all  times  clean  and  neat. 

"3.  To  deliver,  three  times  a  week  in  spring,  summer 
and  autumn,  and  twice  a  week  in  winter,  to  the  victualler, 
the  names  of  all  such  of  the  prisoners  as  may  not  be  able 
or  not  choose  to  provide  themselves  with  provisions,  and 
that  he  enter  the  same  in  a  book ;  that  he  condemn  all 
such  provisions,  sent  to  the  prison  by  the  victualler,  as 
may  not  be  sound  and  wholesome,  and  keep  an  account 
thereof. 

"  4.  That  he  permit  the  friends  of  the  prisoners  to  send 
them  necessaries,  but  that  the  same  be  delivered  to  the 
officer  on  guard,  and  be  by  him  carefully  inspected  and 
examined  before  they  be  given  to  the  prisoners. 

"5.  That  no  person  be  at  anytime  permitted  to  visit 
the  said  prison  without  the  leave  or  order,  in  writing  of  the 


971 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Council  of  Safety,  or  of  a  member  of  this  committee  other 
than  members  of  the  said  Council,  and  the  commissary, 
clerk  and  victualler  of  the  said  prison. 

"  6.  That  he  suffer  no  letters  or  papers  to  pass  to  or 
from  any  of  the  prisoners,  without  license  in  writing  from 
a  member  of  this  committee,  except  that  he  receive  and 
transmit  all  petitions  and  letters  which  they  may  think 
proper  to  send  to  the  Council  of  Safety  or  committees  or 
members  thereof. 

"  7.  That  whenever  he  shall  receive  orders  to  discharge 
any  of  the  said  prisoners,  he  shall  immediately  make 
known  the  same  to  the  clerk  of  the  prison,  in  order  that  he 
may  proceed  to  make  out  the  account  of  the  State  against 
the  said  prisoners,  and  receive  the  money  which  may  be 
due  thereon.  That  in  case  any  of  the  said  prisoners  so 
ordered  to  be  discharged,  should  refuse  to  pay  their  said 
accounts,  that  the  warden  do  suspend  their  discharge  until 
he  shall  have  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  thereof, 
(which  he  shall  immediately  do)  and  obtain  their  further 
order. 

"  2d.  That  a  victualler  to  the  said  prison  be  appointed, 
and  that  Capt.  Charles  Giles  be  victualler  thereof. 

"  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  said  victualler : 

"l.  To  deliver  regularly  to  the  commissary,  a  copy 
of  the  list  of  prisoners  to  be  victualled,  which  he  shall  from 
time  to  time  receive  from  the  warden. 

"  2.  That  he  serve  out  to  the  prisoners  named  in  the 
said  list,  three-quarters  of  a  pound  of  beef,  pork  or  mutton, 
and  one  pound  of  bread  per  day,  with  a  reasonable  allow- 
ance of  salt  and  vinegar ;  and  that  the  said  rations  be 
served  out  to  the  prisoners  at  the  least  three  times  a  week 
in  spring,  summer  and  autumn ;  and  twice  a  week  in 
winter. 

"  3.  That  he  receive  from  the  commissary,  and  account 
for  the  expenditure  of  all  the  provisions  to  be  by  him  as 
aforesaid  served  out  to  the  prisoners. 

"  4.  That  he  take  care  that  the  fuel  furnished  by  the 
commissary  for  the  use  of  the  prisoners,  be  plentifully  and 
regularly  served  out  to  them,  and  that  he  keep  an  account 
of  the  same. 

"  5.  That  the  victualler  be  paid  for  his  trouble,  nine 
pounds  per  month. 

"  3d.  That  a  commissary  to  the  said  prison  be  appoin- 
ted ;  that  Cornelius  Elmendorph  be  commissary  thereto. 

"  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissary  : 

"  l.  To  fumish  the  victualler  for  the  use  of  such  of 
the  prisoners  as  may  not  be  able  or  willing  to  provide 
themselves  with  three-quarters  of  a  pound  weight  of  beef, 
pork,  or  mutton,  and  a  pound  of  bread  per  day,  with  a  rea- 
sonable allowance  of  salt,  vinegar  and  fuel. 

"  2.  That  he  account  monthly  for  the  expenditure  of 
all  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  advanced  to  him  by  the 
Council  of  Safety,  for  the  purchase  of  the  necessaries 
aforesaid. 

"  3.  That  he  cause  the  hides,  tallow  and  wool  of  all 
such  cattle  or  sheep  as  he  may  purchase  and  kill  for  the 
use  of  the  prisoners  aforesaid,  to  be  preserved,  and  that  he 
render  a  monthly  account  of  the  same. 

"  4.  That  he  be  paid  eighteen  pounds  per  month  for 
his  trouble. 

"  4ih.  That  a  clerk  tot  he  said  prison  be  appointed  ;  that 
Henry  Benson  be  clerk  thereto. 

"  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  clerk  : 

"  l.  To  open  and  state  an  account  against  each  of  the 
prisoners,  provided  as  aforesaid,  noting  the  times  of  their 
commitment  and  discharge. 

"  2.  In  the  said  account,  to  charge  them  with  the  ex- 
pense occasioned  by  their  maintenance  respectively;  which 
expense  will  consist  of  their  several  proportions  of  the  first 
cost  of  the  provisions,  salt,  vinegar  and  fuel  supplied  to 
them,  with  the  incidental  charges,  and  of  the  wages  of  the 
commissary  and  victualler. 

"  3.  That  whenever  the  warden  of  the  prison  shall  in- 
form the  clerk  that  he  has  received  orders  to  discharge  any 


of  the  prisoners,  the  clerk  shall  forthwith  make  out  the  ac- 
counts, and  demand  and  receive  the  money  due  thereon. 

"  4.  That  the  clerk  have  free  access  to  the  books  and 
vouchers  of  the  warden,  commissary  and  victualler,  in 
order  to  enable  him  to  state  and  keep  the  accounts  above 
directed. 

"  That  the  clerk,  for  his  trouble,  be  allowed  to  demand 
and  receive  for  his  own  use  from  each  prisoner  when  dis- 
charged, the  sum  of  six  shillings  and  six  pence. 

"JNO.  SLOSS  HOBART, 
"JOHN  JAY, 
"JACOB  CUYLER." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  do  serve  the  said  officers 
named  in  the  said  report,  with  copies  thereof.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  of  provisions 
of  the  Fleet  prison,  at  Esopus  creek,  the  sum  of  three  hun- 
dred pounds  on  account. 

Resolved,  That  Frederick  Jay,  Esqr.  be  directed  to  pay 
all  such  moneys  as  are  remaining  in  his  hands,  on  account 
of  the  indigent  persons  in  Dutchess  county,  unto  Messrs. 
Abraham  Schenk  and  Gideon  Verveelen, commissioners  ap- 
pointed to  superintend  and  provide  for  the  indigent  persons 
and  families  in  Dutchess  county,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the 
same. 

The  House  then  adjourned  until  Monday  morning,  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  LTJNvE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  23,  1777. 
The  President,  with  Major  Tappen,  Colonel  De  Witt 
and  Mr.  Harpur  attended,  but  the  weather  being  bad,  they 
adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  24,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Ouyler,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Major  Van 
Zar.dt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur,  Genl.  Scott. 

The  petition  of  James  Howetson,  a  prisoner,  under  sen- 
tence of  death  for  treasonable  practices  against  the  State, 
praying  to  be  pardoned  ;  and  if  that  cannot  be  granted,  that 
the  time  appointed  for  his  execution  may  be  lengthened, 
that  he  may  have  some  time  to  humble  himself  before  the 
Supreme  Judge  of  the  Universe,  and  prepare  himself  for 
so  awful  a  change,  was  read. 

The  same  was  immediately  taken  into  consideration  ; 
and  it  appearing  to  this  Council  that  Arnout  Vielle  is  under 
sentence  of  death  for  the  like  crimes,  and  this  Council  be- 
ing determined  to  make  public  examples  of  both  of  the 
said  criminals  ;  and  being  willing,  nevertheless,  to  extend 
so  much  mercy  to  them  as  to  allow  them  a  further  time  for 
a  preparation  for  their  great  change,  than  will  be  allowed 
them  by  the  times  allotted  for  their  respective  execution,  it 
is,  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  they  shall  be  and  hereby  are  utterly  ex- 
cluded from  all  prospect  of  a  pardon  for  their  respective 
offences  ;  that  the  said  James  Howetson  be  and  is  hereby 
respited  until  Friday,  the  fourth  of  July  next;  and  that 
Arnout  Vielle  be  respited  until  Monday,  the  seventh  day  of 
July  next.    And  it  is  hereby 

Ordered  -peremptorily,  That  the  said  James  Howetson 
be  executed  on  the  said  fourth  day  of  July,  and  the  said 
Arnout  Vielle  on  the  said  seventh  day  of  July,  at  the  re- 
spective places,  and  in  the  manner  heretofore  determined. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  aforesaid  resolve  and  or- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


der  be  immediately  transmitted  by  express,  to  Brigadier- 
General  Ten  Broeck. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Henry  Wisner,  dated 
June  the  nineteenth,  at  Goshen,  recommending  Samuel 
Knap,  who  is  sentenced  to  death  by  the  judgment  of  the 
court  martial  held  in  Ulster  county,  by  order  of  Brigadier- 
General  George  Clinton,  and  who  was  by  the  said  court 
martial  recommended  for  mercy  as  an  object  of  mercy,  to 
be  pardoned,  was  read  and  taken  into  consideration. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Samuel  Knap  be  pardoned  of 
the  crimes  and  punishment  wherewith  and  whereto  he 
stands  charged,  and  sentenced  by  the  said  court  martial. 
And 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do,  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  this  Council,  issue  the  said  pardon,  which 
pardon  was,  by  the  President,  issued  accordingly. 

A  letter,  dated  at  Saybrook,  the  twelfth  instant,  signed 
by  a  number  of  refugees  from  Nassau  island,  requesting 
that  they  may  be  permitted  to  pass  and  repass  to  the  said 
island,  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  off  necessaries  for  their 
suffering  families,  was  read,  and  referred  to  Messrs.  Piatt 
and  Hobart. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam,  (enclosing  a  letter  from 
Robert  Graham  to  him,)  in  which  the  General  recom- 
mends to  the  Council  of  Safety  to  grant  permission  to  Mr. 
Graham  to  export  flour  to  the  eastern  States,  was  read 
and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  neither  the  Convention  or  Council  of 
Safety  of  this  State,  have,  by  any  embargo,  deprived  our 
eastern  brethren  of  receiving  supplies  of  flour  from  this 
State,  but  that  no  such  supplies  be,  under  any  pretence, 
exported  from  this  State  by  water. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  transmit  a  certified  copy 
of  the  aforegoing  resolution  to  General  Putnam. 

The  Council  were  informed  that  some  Indian  warriors 
of  the  Seneca  tribe,  with  Mr.  Rickman,  their  interpreter, 
were  in  this  town  on  their  way  home,  from  General  Wash- 
ington's Head-Quarters,  and  that  they  were  desirous  of  be- 
ing permitted  to  visit  the  Council. 

They  were  accordingly  called  up  and  a  speech  made  to 
them  by  the  President  from  the  chair. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  be  given 
to  the  said  Indians  to  assist  them  on  their  journey  home  ; 
that  Mr.  Benson,  the  Secretary,  disburse  the  said  sum  to 
the  said  Indians,  and  that  the  Treasurer  reimburse  Mr. 
Benson  the  said  sum  out  of  the  Treasury  of  this  State. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  24,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Plait,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Robt.  Li- 
vingston,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Hobart,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Harpur,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  John 
Tremper  the  sum  of  twenty-four  pounds  ten  shilling,  for 
transporting  the  baggage  of  Major  William  Edmiston,  a 
prisoner  of  war,  to  Philadelphia,  who  was  sent  thither  at 
the  request  of  his  Excellency  General  Washington,  and 
that  the  same  charged  to  the  Continental  account. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,  dated 
the  second  instant,  enclosing  the  accounts  of  Prosper 
Wetmore,  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New-London,  was  read, 
and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Hartford,  June  2d,  1777. 
"  Sir — In  the  course  of  the  last  year  a  number  of  inimical 
persons  were  sent  from  your  State  to  us  to  be  confined, 
some  of  them  in  jail,  others  to  be  on  their  parole,  within 
certain  limits:  of  the  former  I  find  a  number  whose  names 
are  to  be  seen  in  the  enclosed  accounts,  were  sent  to  the 
care  of  the  sheriff  of  New-London  county,  who  was  di- 
rected by  Mr.  Depoister,  the  officer  who  brought  them,  to 
support  them  well,  and  not  let  them  suffer  for  want,  as  they 
were  unable  to  support  themselves,  which  has  been  done  ; 


975 

and  the  sheriff  has  received  no  consideration  for  his  trouble 
or  expense.  He  has  exhibited  the  enclosed  accounts,  which 
have  been  liquidated  and  allowed  by  us  as  reasonable,  and 
desire  your  State  would  remit  the  sum  due,  as  it  is  not  in- 
cumbent on  us  to  bear  those  expenses.  The  sheriff  has 
charged  our  State  because  those  prisoners  were  received 
and  committed  to  him  by  authority  here,  but  ought  not  to 
be  paid  by  us. 

"  I  am,  with  esteem  and  regard,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  The  Honble.  Convention  of 

the  State  of  New-York." 

"  State  of  Connecticut,  to  Prosper  Wetmore,  sheriff, 
1776.         DR.  £  s.  d. 

Aug.  18,  To  receiving  intothe  prison  in  Norwich,  sundry 
prisoners  from  the  State  of  New-York,  and 
guarding  of  by  order  of  His  Honour  Governor 
Trumbull,  viz  :  Jonathan  Baker,  Thomas  Vern- 
ham,  John  Clark,  Thomas  Coyne,  Lasuras 
Guire  and  James  Mason,  from  August  18th, 
till  October  9th,  2  days  in  a  week,  at  6s.  per 
day,    5   8  0 

To  boarding  the  above  named  prisoners  by  Sims 
Edgerton,  jailer,  during  the  said  time,  being 
nine  weeks,  at  9s.  per  week,  for  each  of  said 
prisoners,     24    6  0 

To  boarding  Jonathan  Baker,  John  Clark  and 
James  Mason,  in  said  prison,  by  Syms  Edger- 
ton, jailer,  from  October  9th,  to  December 
18th,  being  10  weeks,  at  9s.  per  week,  for  each 
of  said  prisoners,   13  10  0 


£43    4  0 


"Norwich,  December  ISth,  1776. 

("Errors  excepted.) 

"  Per  PROSPER  WETMORE. 

"Connecticut. 

"  The  above  account  was  considered  and  allowed  by  the 
Governor  and  Council  of  Safety  as  just  and  reasonable. 
("Attest.)       BENJ.  HUNTINGTON,  Clerk." 

"  State  of  Connecticut  to  Prosper  Wetmore,  sheriff. 
1776.         DR.  £  s.  d. 

Aug.  21st.  To  receiving  the  following  prisoners  at  New-Lon- 
don, by  a  special  warrant,  signed  by  His 
Honour  Governor,  viz :  Alexander  Campbell, 
Thomas  Swords,  William  Pemberton,  Samuel 
Anderson,  Joseph  Anderson,  Samuel  S.  Gord- 
ner,  Walter  Scott,  John  Scott,  Jacob  Timmer- 
man,  Ralph  Watson,  John  Duzenbury,  Frede- 
rick Williams,  Henry  Westenhousen,  Dugall 
Cambell,  Benjamin  Grinman,  Owen  Conner, 
William  M.  Mullin,  Israel  Orsborn  and  Samuel 


Messinger   l   0  0 

To  transporting  the  above  said  prisoners  from 
New-London  to  Preston,  which  took  me  three 

days  and  expenses,   2   0  0 

To  cart  and  horse  to  carry  their  baggage,  and 

an  hand  to  assist  from  Norwich  to  Preston,  . .  12  0 
To  2  horses  to  assist  in  getting  said  prisoners  to 

Preston,    5  0 

To  2  copies  of  the  above  warrant,   3  0 

To  a  copy  of  a  warrant  directing  me  to  carry 

said  prisoners  to  Preston,   1  0 

To  Ephraim  Minor's  bill,   10  12  10 

To   fourteen  passages  from  New-London  to 

Norwich,  with  Capt.  Bradish,   18  9 

To  Mr.  Abeil  Cheney's  bill,   18  5 


£16  12  0 

("  Errors  excepted.) 

"  Per  PROSPER  WETMORE. 

"Connecticut. 

"  The  above  account  was  considered  and  allowed  in  the 
Council  of  Safety  as  just  and  reasonable. 
("Attest.)  BENJ.  HUNTINGTON,  Clerk." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  letter  of  His  Excellency 
Governor  Trumbull,  and  accounts  referred  to  in  the  same, 
be  referred  to  a  committee,  and  that  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Ro- 
bert R.  Livingston  be  the  committee. 

Another  letter  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull, 
dated  at  Hartford  the  twelfth  instant,  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Hartford,  12th  June,  1777. 

"  Sir — The  prisoners  referred  to  in  your  letter  of  the 


976 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


18th  of  April  last,  were  taken  up  last  summer  while  the 
enemy's  fleet  and  army  were  at  Staten  Island,  and  by  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  sent  into  this  State  to 
prevent  their  joining  or  giving  any  intelligence  to  the  enemy, 
where  they  remained  confined  until  long  after  the  enemy 
had  taken  possession  of  New-York  ;  when  their  power  of 
giving  intelligence  respecting  the  strength  or  circumstan 
ces  of  the  city  ceased. 

"  As  no  advice  had  been  received  from  General  Wa 
shington  or  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York  re> 
specling  those  prisoners,  and  their  remaining  here  in  this 
State  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  communicating  to  the 
enemy,  through  the  hands  of  disaffected  persons,  intelli 
gence  that  might  be  much  more  prejudicial  to  the  Ameri- 
can cause  than  any  strength  they  might  add  to  the  enemy 
in  New-York  by  their  return  thither  under  the  sacred  ob 
ligations  of  their  parol. 

"  As  most  of  them  had  been  gentlemen  of  public  cha- 
racter, it  was  thought  most  advisable  to  permit  them  to  go 
to  New-York  on  their  parol,  to  return  when  thereunto  re 
quired. 

"  On  your  request,  shall  take  the  earliest  opportunity  to 
cause  the  several  prisoners  belonging  to  vour  State  and 
now  on  parol  in  New-York  immediately  to  return,  and  as 
I  am  of  opinion  their  further  residence  in  this  State  will 
disserve  the  American  cause,  must  request  you  will  make 
the  necessary  provisions  for  their  removal  into  the  Slate  of 
New-York. 

"  Those  gentlemen  will  be  requested  to  return  to  Hart- 
ford. If  you  can  find  it  convenient  to  give  them  directions 
to  go  to  some  suitable  place  in  your  State  without  coming 
on  to  this  place,  it  may  save  trouble  and  answer  the  same  end 
"  I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Honble.  Leonard  Gansf.voort, 

"  Presdt.  of  Convention  New-York." 

Ordered.,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  a  com- 
mittee, and  that  Mr.  Jay  and  Robert  R.  Livingston  be  the 
committee. 

A  letter  from  John  E.  Van  Alen,  (directed  to  Abraham 
Yates,  Esq.)  confined  in  the  jail  of  Albany,  requesting  his 
opinion  on  the  propriety  of  his  applying  to  Council  of 
Safety  for  leave  to  remove  to  one  of  the  eastern  States 
he  informs  Mr.  Yates  that  his  refusing  to  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  this  State  arises  from  his  intentions  to  remove 
as  aforesaid,  was  read,  and  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Yates 
taken  into  consideration,  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  John  E.  Van  Alen  be  liberated  on  his 
giving  bond,  with  one  good  surity,  in  three  hundred 
pounds,  to  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  Esqr.  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  State,  with  condition  that  the  same  shall  be 
void  on  his  producing  to  this  Council  of  Safety  or  the  Go- 
vernor of  this  State,  a  certificate  of  his  having  taken  an 
oath  of  allegiance  to  one  of  the  New-England  States,  be- 
fore a  magistrate  thereof  authorized  to  administer  the  same, 
on  or  before  the  first  day  of  August  next,  which  certificate 
shall  be  subscribed  by  the  said  magistrate,  or  in  default 
thereof,  that  he  shall  and  do  on  or  before  that  day  render 
himself  a  prisoner  to  the  sheriff  of  the  city  and  county  of 
Albany,  who  is  hereby  required  to  receive  and  detain  him 
in  the  jail  of  the  said  county  until  he  shall  thence  be  legally 
discharged. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany be  requested  to  take  the  bond  above  mentioned  of 
the  said  John  E.  Van  Alen,  and  that  his  certificate  thereof 
to  the  sheriff  shall  be  a  warrant  for  his  discharging  the  said 
John  E.  Van  Alen  from  his  custody  ;  and  further,  that  the 
said  chairman  transmit  the  said  bond  to  the  Vice-Treasurer 
of  this  Stale. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  25,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pbesent— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 


Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cuyler,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Hobart,  Genl. 
Scott,  Mr.  Plait,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tappen,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Colo.  De  Wilt.  '  ' 

Two  certificates  from  James  Van  De  Bergh,  lieutenant- 
colonel  of  militia  in  Dutchess  county,  that  Elkanah  Brio-s 
and  Benjamin  Ellis,  who  have  been  guilty  of  treasonable 
practices,  have  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State, 
and  pray  the  benefit  of  the  act  of  grace. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  pardons  to  those 
persons  respectively. 

Mr.  Hobart  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  week. 

Melancton  Smith,  Esqr.  sheriff  of  the  county  of  Dutchess 
attending,  delivered  in  his  return  of  the  election  for  Gover- 
nor, Lieutenant-Governor,  Senators  and  members  of  As- 
sembly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  keep  the  said  return  in 
safety,  until  the  returns  from  the  other  counties  come  in. 

The  petition  of  Johannes  Frever,  confined  in  the  jail  of 
Kingston,  and  subject  to  fits  of  lunacy,  praying  to  be  dis- 
charged, was  read  and  referred  to  the  committee  of  the 
Fleet  prison,  to  make  inquiry  therein. 

The  petition  of  Benjamin  Darby,  Gideon  Gifford,  Samuel 
Leonard,  Asa  Lamfeir  and  David  Southard,  Samuel  De- 
vine,  Archibald  Wilson  and  Philip  Brooks,  Hugh  Ander- 
son and  Samuel  Hannah  were  respectively  read.  And 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table  for  the  perusal  of  the  mem- 
bers. 

The  petition  of  Alexander  Campbell,  Samuel  Freligh, 
James  Guigley,  Thomas  Hadden,  Cornelius  Furler,  and 
others,  Walter  Stouter  and  John  Stoaks,  all  confined  in  the 
said  jail,  and  praying  to  liberated,  were  read.  And 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

The  petition  of  John  Ausum,  confined  in  the  jail  at 
Kingston  as  a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person,  praying  to 
be  discharged,  was  read  ;  and  a  certificate,  signed  by  a 
number  of  respectable  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Roches- 
ter, as  to  the  general  reputation  and  character  of  the  said 
Johannes  Ausum,  was  also  read.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Johannes  Ausum,  on  his  taking 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  liberated. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Bayley,  of  Gloucester 
county,  dated  at  Newbury,  was  received  and  read,  and  is 
in  the  following  words,  viz  : 

"  Newbury,  14th  June,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — I  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  an  ordi- 
nance from  you,  for  the  election  of  Governor,  Lt.  Governor, 
and  Senators  and  Representatives,  for  the  State  of  New- 
York,  by  the  hand  of  Mr.  Wallace.  The  sheriff  and  com- 
mittee gave  the  proper  orders  to  the  several  towns  ;  our 
meeting  will  be  next  Tuesday,  but  am  apt  to  think  our 
people  will  not  choose  any  members  to  sit  in  the  State  of 
New-York.  The  people  before  they  saw  the  constitution 
were  not  willing  to  trouble  themselves  about  a  separation 
from  the  State  of  New- York,  but  now  almost  to  a  man 
they  are  violent  for  it.  The  appointment  of  officers  out  of 
the  State  is  looked  upon  as  a  slight  of  the  people  ;  it  was 
not  politic.  The  calling  for  the  rangers  is  stripping  the 
frontiers  of  men  and  arms,  which  order  I  received  by  Major 
Wheelock,  with  a  verbal  account  that  the  others  would 
soon  follow.  I  gave  the  orders  for  the  march  of  the  first 
company,  but  had  no  money  to  march  them,  which  they 
insist  upon.  They  insist  that  if  the  conditions  they  were 
raised  upon  is  altered  in  one  part,  it  must  in  all  before 
they  march  ;  they  say  their  subsistence  money  will  not 
half  support  them  on  their  march,  nor  at  Kingston  when 
they  arrive. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  utmost  respect, 
"Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"JACOB  BAYLEY. 

To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  commuted  to  a  com- 
mittee, and  that  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and 
Mr.  Morris  be  a  committee. 

A  letter  from  John  Barcley,  Harmanus  Wendell  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


977 


Abraham  Cuyler,  dated  at  Albany  the  thirteenth  instant, 
informing  that  by  virtue  of  the  power  vested  in  them  by 
the  Council  of  Safety,  they  have,  on  the  twenty-ninth  of 
May  last,  administered  to  Henry  Wendell,  Esquire,  and 
on  the  ninth  instant,  unto  Volkert  P.  Douw,  Abraham  Ten 
Broeck,  Henry  Bleecker  and  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esqrs. 
the  oaths  in  the  ordinance  for  establishing  the  constitution 
of  this  State,  prescribed  to  be  by  them  taken  and  subscribed 
respectively.  That  Jacob  C.  Ten  Eyck  and  John  H.  Ten 
Eyck,  Esqrs.  who  were  appointed  judges  have  declined  to 
accept  of  their  appointment ;  and  Waller  Livingston,  Esqr. 
the  other  judge  named,  they  have  not  had  an  opportunity 
of  offering  the  oaths  to,  and  can  not  therefore  inform  whe- 
ther he  accepts  thereof,  was  received,  read,  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  dated  the  twen- 
tieth of  June,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  follows, 
vizt : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  20th  June,  1777. 

"  Sir — As  the  office  of  paymaster  to  Colo.  Duboys's 
regiment  is  become  vacant  by  my  appointment  of  Captain 
Lush,  major  of  brigade,  in  the  room  of  Major  Pawling,  who  is 
ordered  with  his  four  companies  to  Ramapough,  I  wish 
to  have  Capt.  Townsend's  commission  for  paymaster  to 
that  regiment ;  as  I  have  ordered  him  to  join  the  regiment 
in  that  character,  on  the  strength  of  the  encouragement 
given  in  your  answer  to  my  last  letter,  which  1  was  induced 
to  more  strongly  on  seeing  a  late  resolve  of  Congress  which 
forbids  the  absence  of  the  paymasters  from  their  regiments, 
great  inconvenience  having  arisen  from  the  want  of  their 
steady  attendance,  and  much  greater  would  arise  in  suffer- 
ing the  office  to  be  vacant. 

"  Enclosed  you  have  three  ensigns'  commissions  in  Colo. 
Duboys's  regiment,  two  of  which  must  have  been  filled  up 
through  mistake.  Jacobus  Sleght  was  appointed  by  the 
committee  of  arrangement,  but  declined  accepting  his  ap- 
pointment, and  Azahel  Barry  was  appointed  in  his  room, 
and  immediately  joined  the  regiment,  and  acted  in  that 
character  therein  ever  since.  Archibald  Thomson  never 
joined  the  regiment,  nor  indeed  could  such  a  person  be 
found,  and  Francis  Hanmore  was  appointed  by  the  com- 
mittee of  arrangement  in  his  room,  as  I  am  informed,  and 
as  such  joined  the  regiment.  It  is  best  to  have  these  mat- 
ters rectified  and  commissions  sent  to  the  right  persons. 
Thomas  Beyoux,  the  person  mentioned  in  the  third  com- 
mission has  resigned  some  time  ago,  and  quit  the  regiment. 
The  Colonel  wishes  James  Johnson,  his  present  sergeant- 
major  to  fill  that  vacancy,  he  is  an  exceeding  good  officer, 
a  decent  lad  with  good  share  of  education,  and  in  my  opi- 
nion will  merit  the  promotion  to  which  as  the  first  non- 
commissioned officer  in  the  regiment  he  is  in  some  mea- 
sure entitled. 

"  I  am  your  most  obdt.  humble  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  the  Presidt.  of 

the  Council  of  Safety." 

Ordered,  That  Townsend  be  appointed  paymaster 
to  Colonel  Duboys's  regiment,  vice  Stephen  Lush  pro- 
moted to  the  office  of  brigade-major  by  General  George 
Clinton  ;  that  a  commission  be  issued  to  Azahel  Berry,  as 
ensign  of  the  company  number  four,  of  the  fifth  battalion 
of  New-York  forces  in  the  army  of  the  United  States, 
(he  having  acted  as  such  since  raising  the  regiment,)  in 
the  stead  of  Jacobus  Sleght,  who  declined  that  appoint- 
ment. 

That  a  commission  be  issued  to  Francis  Hanmore,  as 
ensign  of  the  sixth  company  of  the  fifth  battalion  of  the 
said  forces,  which  office  he  now  sustains  in  the  regiment, 
though  by  some  mistake  a  commission  for  that  ensigncy 
was  issued  to  some  person  by  the  name  of  Archibald 
Thompson,  who  is  unknown. 

That  a  commission  issue  to  James  Johnson  as  ensign  of 
the  company  number  eight  of  the  said  fifth  battalion,  in  the 
stead  of  Thomas  Bayeaux,  who  has  resigned,  and  whose 
commission  is  now  returned  and  filed.  And 

245 


Ordered,  That  the  said  James  Johnson's  commission  be 
dated  this  day. 

A  letter  from  John  Williams,  Alexr.  Webster  and  Ebe- 
nezer  Clark,  dated  the  23rd  June,  was  read,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, vizt : 

"  Sir — The  general  committee  for  this  county  met  at 
Scheensbrough  the  20th  inst.  and  finding  themselves  sur- 
rounded with  difficulties  came  to  the  following  resolution, 
to  wit  : 

"  '  Resolved,  That  Colo.  Jno.  Williams,  Major  Webster 
and  Ebenezer  Clark,  Esqrs.  be  deputed  to  represent  to  the 
Council  of  Safety  of  this  State  the  present  situation  of  this 
county.' 

"  Agreeable  to  said  resolve,  we  met  and  beg  leave  to 
inform  you  of  the  following  facts  : 

"  The  sheriff  for  this  county,  agreeably  to  the  ordi- 
nance of  Convention  repaired  to  the  eastern  parts  of  this 
county,  in  order  to  put  up  the  notifications  for  the  election. 
But  the  inhabitants  informed  him  if  he  posted  it  up  they 
would  take  it  down,  by  which  means  there  was  no  election 
held  in  that  part  of  the  county  called  the  Hampshire 
Grants. 

"  The  committee  sent  to  Cumberland  and  Gloucester 
counties,  in  order  to  be  informed  how  they  meant  to  pro- 
ceed with  respect  to  the  Senators,  and  received  for  answer, 
that  the  Mew-Hampshire  Grants  had  declared  themselves 
independent,  and  would  not  let  the  county  committees  sit, 
nor  any  thing  be  transacted  under  the  jurisdiction  of  New- 
York.  " 

"  The  people  on  this  side  the  Grants,  being  informed  of 
the  above,  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do.  Our  part  of  the 
county  being  so  small,  however,  concluded  to  elect  and 
inform  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety  of  their  proceed- 
ings, so  that  the  sense  of  the  said  Council  might  be  taken 
in  the  premises. 

"  Doubts  have  arisen  in  the  committee  whether  the  ex- 
pense of  the  Representatives  will  be  a  State  or  a  county 
charge  ;  if  it  be  determined  to  be  the  latter,  we  could  by 
no  means  support  it,  if  the  whole  are  to  attend,  being  but 
one-third  part  of  the  county  ;  therefore  must  beg  the 
Council  of  Safely  will  give  us  directions  how  to  proceed, 
that  the  people  at  large  may  be  quieted. 

"  Numbers  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  part  of  the  county 
are  lately  from  the  old  country,  and  in  general  very  poor, 
and  by  reason  of  the  before  mentioned  difficulties,  and 
their  objections  to  part  of  the  conslilution,  would  not  vote; 
and  it  was  with  great  difficulty  there  was  any  election  held. 
However,  we  can  assure  the  Council,  they  are  ready  and 
willing  to  do  every  thing  that  lies  in  their  power  to  support 
the  grand  cause  we  are  engaged  in.  Therefore,  we,  in 
behalf  of  the  people,  most  humbly  request  the  Honourable 
Council  of  Safety  will  propose  some  mode,  so  that  this 
part  of  the  county  might  be  represented  according  to  its 
number  of  inhabitants,  and  inform  us  what  number  of  Se- 
nate and  Assembly  we  are  to  send,  as  they  are  all  chosen 
in  this  part  of  the  county. 

"  The  answer  by  the  bearer  hereof  will  be  thankfully 
acknowledged  by,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  and  very  humb.  servts. 

"  JNO.  WILLIAMS, 
"ALEXR.  WEBSTER, 
"EBENEZER  CLARK. 

"  New-Perth,  June  23d,  1777. 
"  To  the  Honble.  President  and  Members 

of  the  Council  of  Safety  at  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Morris,  and  that  they 
report  ihereon. 

A  letter  from  Alexander  Webster,  dated  at  New-Perth, 
the  twenty-first  instant,  enclosing  the  oath  of  allegiance 
and  of  office  by  him  admininistered,  to  John  Williams, 
one  of  the  judges,  Edward  Savage,  sheriff,  and  Ebenezer 
Clark,  clerk  of  the  county  of  Charlotte,  was  received  and 
'  read. 


97S 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  with  the  enclosures,  be 
filed. 

A  letter  from  Lynde  Lord,  dated  at  Litchfield,  the  twen- 
ty-third instant,  accompanying  Gilbert  Forbes,  who  was 
sent  to  the  State  of  Connecticut  and  confined  in  custody  of 
Mr.  Lord  by  order  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  and  is 
now  brought  from  thence  to  this  place  by  order  of  this 
Board,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Gilbert  Forbes,  on  his  taking 
the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  be  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Smith,  a  captain  in  the  Orange 
county  militia,  with  the  resignation  of  his  commission,  was 
read,  and  referred  to  General  Scott,  to  write  to  General 
George  Clinton  on  the  subject. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Sears,  dated  at  Boston,  the  thirteenth 
instant,  relative  to  a  brigantine  belonging  lo  Messrs.  Hallet, 
Hazard  and  Blackwell,  Thomas  Witter,  Peter  Kittletas  and 
David  Van  Horn,  taken  by  Captain  Truxten  of  the  priva- 
teer ship  Mars,  in  the  port  of  Boston,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Genl. 
Scott  and  Mr.  Yates.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  transmit  copies  thereof 
to  the  said  owners. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning 
10  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  26,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr. 
Piatt,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Co- 
lonel De  Witt,  General  Scott. 

The  sheriff  of  Ulster  county  attending,  delivered  in  the 
return  of  the  election  held  in  said  county  for  Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor,  Senators  and  Assembly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  keep  the  said  returns  in 
safe  custody  till  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Castle  be  authorized  to  take 
the  negro  fellow  (who  is  confined  in  jail)  on  board  the 
armed  sloop  under  his  command,  to  assist  in  transporting  the 
said  sloop  to  Fort  Montgomerie. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Castle  be  authorized  to  hire 
three  men  to  assist  in  transporting  his  sloop  to  Fort  Montgo- 
merie. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  Peter 
Bush. 

Mr.  Jay,  to  whom  was  committed  the  letters  of  Governor 
Trumbull  of  the  second  and  twelfth  instant,  on  the  subject 
of  the  prisoners  gone  to  New- York  on  parol,  and  the  can- 
non lent  to  this  State,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  in 
answer  thereto,  which  was  read,  amended  and  agreed  to, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  Excellency's  letters  of  the  second  and 
twelfth  instant  have  been  laid  before  the  Council  of  Safety. 
The  accounts  of  Prosper  Wetmore,  Esquire,  against  this 
State  have  been  examined  and  passed,  and  the  amount  will, 
by  the  first  opportunity,  be  remitted  to  him  or  paid  to  his 
order. 

"  The  Council  are  sensible  of  the  trouble  given  to  your 
State  by  the  disaffected  sent  thither  from  this  State,  and 
regret  the  necessity  which  rendered  that  measure  necessary. 

"  As  to  the  prisoners  alluded  to  in  yours  of  the  twelfth 
instant,  I  am  directed  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  your 
readiness  to  comply  with  their  request,  by  causing  the  pri- 
soners of  this  State  now  on  parol  at  New-York  to  return, 


gives  them  great  satisfaction  ;  provisions  will  be  made  for 
their  accommodation  and  residence  in  this  State,  and  the 
Council  beg  the  favour  of  your  Excellency,  immediately 
on  their  return  to  Connecticut,  to  take  their  parols,  to  repair 
forthwith  to  this  town. 

"  I  am  ordered  further  to  suggest  to  your  Excellency 
the  propriety  of  fixing  a  short  though  reasonable  day  for 
their  return,  and  to  prevent  evasions  on  their  part,  the 
Council  are  desirous  that  a  vessel  with  a  flag  be  sent  at  the 
expense  of  this  State  to  New-York,  to  demand  their  re- 
turn to  Connecticut  agreeable  to  the  terms  of  their  parol, 
and  in  case  of  refusal,  that  the  evidences  of  it  may  be  such 
and  so  preserved,  as  that  proper  use  may  be  made  of  it  in 
future. 

"  In  a  letter  to  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  your 
Excellency  required  that  the  cannon  borrowed  of  Connecti- 
cut should  be  either  returned  or  paid  for.  It  ever  will  be 
acknowledged  by  this  Stale  that  the  cannon  in  question 
belong  to  and  were  sent  by  your  State  to  this,  and  are  either 
to  be  returned  or  paid  for  by  the  latter. 

"  The  Council  wish  that  this  demand  may  be  reconsi- 
dered or  for  the  present  postponed. 

"  Those  cannon  were  not  applied  to  the  private  and  se- 
parate use  of  this  State  in  fitting  out  vessels  of  war  or 
otherwise,  but  they  were  placed  in  those  forts  which  were 
erected  by  Congress  to  preserve  that  line  of  communica- 
tion between  the  eastern  and  western  States,  which  they 
deemed  essential  to  the  safety  of  both,  and  of  which  they 
presumed  the  enemy  would  attempt  to  deprive  them,  by 
gaining  the  command  of  Hudson's  river.  In  that  service 
those  cannon  still  are,  should  they  be  taken  away,  others 
to  supply  their  places  cannot  be  furnished  by  this  State, 
the  far  greater  part  of  whose  artillery  has  been  lost  in  the 
service  of  the  Continent,  except  indeed  the  considerable 
number  now  in  service  in  Connecticut,  and  for  the  return 
of  which,  no  measures  have  as  yet  been  taken. 

"  Should  the  necessities  of  Connecticut  however  be 
deemed  such  as  to  require  the  immediate  return  of,  or  pay- 
ment, for  the  cannon  in  question,  application  for  permission 
to  take  them  from  the  forts  and  transport  them  to  your 
State  shall  immediately  be  made,  and  whatever  may  be  the 
consequence,  be  assured  that  the  people  of  this  State  will 
at  all  times  prefer  dangers  to  violations  of  faith.  Should  per- 
mission to  return  them  not  be  obtained,  and  the  Congress 
decline  paying  for  them,  we  will. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"Your  Excellency's  most  obdl.  humble  servt. 
'■  His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Certificates  signed  by  Richard  Esselstyne,  one  of  the 
justices  of  the  county  of  Albany  and  second  major  of  the 
eighth  regiment  of  militia  in  the  said  county,  that  William 
Dingmanse,  Jacob  Dingmanse,  Abraham  Meyer  and  Ru- 
dolphus  Dingmanse,  Junr.  (having  been  guilty  of  treason- 
able practices  against  this  State,)  have  surrendered  them- 
selves and  voluntarily  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
Stale,  and  pray  to  have  the  benefit  of  the  act  of  grace. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  pardons  to  those  per- 
sons respectively. 

Adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  26,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Piatt 
Major  Tappen. 

Messrs.  Jay,  Morris  and  Robert  R.  Livingston  being 
out  on  a  committee,  the  members  present  adjourned  until 
to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


979 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  27,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tapper),  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Yates, 
Major  Van  Zandt. 

Messrs.  Jay,  Morris  and  Robert  R.  Livingston  being 
out  on  a  committee  of  great  importance,  the  members  pre- 
sent adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  27,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr. 
Root.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major 
Tappen. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Obadiah  Jones  and  others,  refugees  from  Long  island,  de- 
livered in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  thereupon  the 
Council  came  to  the  following  resolulions,  vizt : 

Resolved,  That  (provided  His  Excellency  Governor 
Trumbull  shall  approve  thereof)  Obadiah  Jones,  John  Hul- 
bert  and  Thomas  Dearing,  or  any  two  of  them,  do  give 
permits  to  such  of  the  refugees  from  Long  island  as  re- 
side in  Connecticut  as  they  shall  think  proper,  and  at  such 
times  and  under  such  restrictions  as  they  may  judge  pru- 
dent, to  pass  to  Long  island  to  get  off  their  effects. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Obediah  Jones,  John  Hulbart 
and  1'homas  Dearing,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  and  they 
are  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  remove,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  this  State,  to  the  county  of  Dutchess,  within  the 
same,  all  such  of  the  refugees  from  Long  island,  now  in 
Connecticut,  as  are  unable  to  maintain  themselves,  and 
are  willing  so  to  be  removed. 

Resolved,  That  one  hundred  pounds  be  advanced  to  the 
said  gentlemen  to  enable  them  to  execute  the  above  reso- 
lutions ;  and  that  they  account  with  the  Auditor-General  of 
this  State  for  the  expenditure  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  the  said 
sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  unto  Mr.  Paul  Reeve,  to  be 
by  him  conveyed  and  delivered  to  the  said  gentlemen,  or 
one  of  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  so  to  be  removed,  shall  on 
their  arrival  in  Dutchess  county,  be  under  the  care  of,  and 
supplied  with  necessaries  by,  Messrs.  Abraham  Schenk 
and  Gideon  Ver  Veelen,  commissioners  for  superintending 
and  providing  for  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  in 
the  said  county,  as  have  been  driven  from  their  habitations 
by  the  enemy. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  on  the  subject 
of  the  said  resolutions,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — A  petition  of  divers  refugees  from  Long  island, 
now  in  your  State,  has  been  presented  to  the  Council  of 
Safety,  together  with  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  your  Excel- 
lency to  the  committee  of  Saybrook,  of  the  fifth  of  May 
last.  The  petitioners  represent  that  many  of  them  left 
effects  of  considerable  value  behind  them  on  Long  island, 
and  pray  for  permission  to  fetch  them  off. 

"  It  appearing  to  the  Council,  that  their  request  may  be 
complied  with  without  injury  to  the  common  cause,  have 
come  to  certain  resolutions  on  that  subject,  which  I  have 
the  honour  to  enclose,  and  which  the  Council  hope  will 
meet  with  your  Excellency's  approbation. 

"I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"Your  Excellency's  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 
•  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof,  signed  by  the  President, 
enclosing  a  copy  of  the  said  resolutions,  be  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  several  letters 
of  the  fourteenth,  twenty-first  and  twenty-third  days  of 


June  instant,  from  Alexander  Webster,  Ebenezer  Clark, 
John  Williams  and  Jacob  Bailey,  Esqrs.  brought  in  their 
report,  which  was  read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  several  letters 
of  the  fourteenth,  twenty-first  and  twenty-third  days  of 
June  instant,  from  Alexander  Webster,  Ebenezer  Clark, 
John  Williams  and  Jacob  Bailey,  Esquires,  having  con- 
sidered the  same,  humbly  report  the  following  letters  and 
resolutions,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  Representatives  chosen  for  the  coun- 
ty of  Charlotte,  and  the  Senators  elected  for  the  eastern 
district  of  this  State,  ought,  on  being  notified  of  their  said 
appointments,  forthwith  to  repair  to  this  place,  and  take 
their  respective  seats  in  the  Legislature.  And  further,  that 
in  the  opinion  of  this  Council,  the  Legislature  will  provide 
that  the  good  subjects  in  Charlotte  county,  who  voted  at 
the  late  election  for  the  Representatives  in  Assembly  for 
the  said  county,  and  Senators  for  the  eastern  district  afore- 
said, shall  not  be  charged  with  more  than  their  just  and 
proper  proportion  of  the  expense  to  be  incurred,  by  sending 
the  said  Representatives  and  Senators  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  it  appears  to  this  Council,  that  many 
evil  disposed  persons  in  the  eastern  district  of  this  Stale, 
are  endeavouring  to  erect  the  same  into  an  independent 
government,  and  give  out  that  they  are  encouraged  there- 
to by  several  members  of  the  Honourable  the  Continental 
Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  letter  be  written  to  our 
Delegates,  enclosing  copies  of  the  above  letters,  and  the 
report  of  the  committee  for  settling  the  boundaries  of  this 
State  ;  and  that  Major  Wheelock,  be  requested  to  repair 
to  Philadelphia,  and  to  give  to  our  Delegates  the  fullest 
information  of  the  present  situation  of  the  counties  of  Char- 
lotte, Cumberland  and  Gloucester. 

Resolved,  That  the  company  of  rangers  commanded  by 
Captain  Wait,  be  peremptorily  ordered  to  repair  imme- 
diately to  Kingston,  in  the  county  of  Ulster ;  and  that  all 
arrears  of  their  pay  and  subsistence  be  paid  them  on  their 
arrival  there. 

Resolved,  That  two  hundred  dollars  be  advanced  to 
Captain  Benjamin  Wait,  in  order  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  said  company,  and  in  lieu  of  subsistence  money  while 
on  their  march  ;  and  that  on  their  arrival  at  Kingston  they 
may,  at  their  option,  receive  rations  instead  of  subsistence 
money.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Benjamin  Waite,  on  his  receipt,  the  said  two  hundred 
dollars. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Council,  that 
there  are  great  deficiencies  in  the  number  of  troops  des- 
tined for  the  northern  department :  And  whereas  they  are 
desirous  of  contributing  by  every  means  in  their  power  to 
strengthen  the  northern  army  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  company  of  rangers  commanded  by 
Captain  John  Strong,  and  the  company  commanded  by  Cap- 
tain Simon  Stevens,  be  put  under  the  direction  of  Major-Ge- 
neral  Schuyler,  until  further  orders  ;  that  they  be  paid  the 
arrears  of  their  wages  and  subsistence  on  their  arrival  at 
such  stations  as  he  shall  assign  them ;  and  that  it  be  at 
their  option  to  receive,  while  at  such  stations,  rations  in  the 
stead  of  subsistence  money. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-General 
Schuyler,  enclosing  the  above  resolutions,  and  requesting 
him  to  pay  the  arrears  of  the  said  company's  wages  and 
subsistence  on  their  arrival  at  such  stations  as  he  shall 
assign  them. 

Mr.  Yates  dissented  to  the  first  and  third  resolutions. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  was  then 
read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  information  of  the  present  state  of  the  nor- 
thern army,  has  induced  the  Council  of  Safety  to  come  to 
a  resolution,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy. 


980 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  The  Council  hope  it  will  meet  your  approbation,  and 
request  that  on  the  arrival  of  the  rangers  to  the  station  you 
may  assign  them,  you  direct  that  their  arrears  be  paid  on 
account  of  this  State.  From  the  time  that  you  may  think 
proper  to  call  these  companies  into  Continental  service, 
and  during  their  continuance  in  it,  the  Council  expect  they 
will  receive  pay  and  rations  from  the  Continent. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
"  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  that 
the  President  sign  and  transmit  the  same  to  the  Honoura- 
ble Major-General  Schyler. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  28,  1777. 

The  Councel  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine.  Genl.  Scott,  Mr. 
Jay,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Van  Zaridt,  Colo. 
Be  Witt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  Benjamin  Waite  (of  the  rangers  raised  in  Cumber- 
land and  Charlotte  counties  under  the  command  of  the  late 
Major  Joab  Hoisington,)  the  sum  of  sixty  pounds  three 
shillings  and  two  pence,  on  account  of  himself  and  the 
other  officers  of  his  company. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
General  Putnam,  of  the  twenty-first  instant,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read  and  recommitted  to  Mr.  Jay, 
Genl.  Scott  and  Mr.  Morris. 

Resolved,  That  the  sheriffs  who  shall  attend  this  board 
with  their  returns  of  the  election,  do  not  depart  this  town 
until  dismissed  by  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Philip  Livingston,  James 
Duane  and  William  Duer,  Esqrs.  dated  at  Philadelphia, 
the  nineteenth  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  19th  June,  1777. 
"  Honourable  Gentlemen — In  our  last  we  informed 
you  of  the  success  of  our  efforts  in  vindication  of  General 
Schuyler,  and  it  gives  us  great  satisfaction  to  observe  from 
your  vote  of  thanks  to  Congress  and  other  circumstances, 
that  the  honourable  issue  of  this  perplexed  and  delicate 
business  has  met  with  general  approbation.  Major-Gene- 
ral Gates,  a  few  days  since,  arrived  in  this  city,  greatly 
chagrined  and  enraged  against  your  Delegates,  to  whom 
he  ascribes  what,  without  any  solid  reason,  he  is  pleased 
to  call  his  disgrace.  As  in  this  inquiry  justice  has  been 
our  view  and  truth  our  guide,  we  feel  ourselves  very  in- 
different about  his  resentment. 

"  We  have  since  assiduously  laboured  two  points  of 
great  moment  to  the  State  which  we  have  the  honour  .to 
represent.  The  first,  a  recommendation  of  Congress  to 
the  United  States  respectfully  to  encourage  and  facilitate 
our  being  supplied  with  salt  and  other  European  and  West 
India  commodities.  We  have  not  only  succeeded  in  this 
object,  but  with  a  testimonial  highly  to  the  honour  of  New- 
York,  obtained  the  additional  favour  of  a  grant  of  near 
2,000  bushels  of  the  public  salt  in  store  at  Plymouth,  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay.  which  for  our  more  immediate  re- 
lief, the  Commissary-General  is  directed  to  exchange  for 
an  equal  quantity  nearer  to  our  State  if  it  can  be  done 
without  injury  to  the  service. 

"When  you  reflect  on  some  late  regulations  of  our  eastern 
neighbours,  you  will  readily  perceive  the  policy  of  the  first 


of  these  resolutions,  which  evidently  implies  a  reprobation 
of  the  ungenerous  restraints  which  they  have  imposed  upon 
a  sister  and  confederated  State  whose  misfortunes  and  dis- 
tresses demanded  a  very  different  treatment,  since  they 
were  drawn  upon  her  only  on  account  of  her  attachment  to 
the  common  cause. 

"  The  secret  committee,  agreeably  to  the  directions  of 
Congress,  have  given  us  an  order  for  the  salt,  and  we  shall 
endeavour  to  negociate  the  exchange  with  the  Commissa- 
ry-General, and  by  the  first  opportunity  inform  you  of  the 
result ;  the  price  will  be  that  which  is  current  at  Plymouth. 
Several  authenticated  copies  of  the  resolutions  we  enclose, 
conceiving  you  will  have  occasion  to  communicate  them  to 
some  of  the  neighbouring  States.  To  publish  them  we 
think  would  not  be  prudent,  as  by  disclosing  our  distresses 
it  would  but  too  probably  give  a  double  keenness  to  the 
spirit  of  extortion  which  so  shamefully  prevails  throughout 
the  United  States,  and  prevent  your  purchasing  any  neces- 
saries but  on  the  most  exorbitant  terms. 

"  The  other  point  which  we  had  at  heart,  and  which  has 
employed  much  of  our  attention,  was  a  regulation  of  the 
Commissary-General's  department. 

"  The  abuses  which  had  crept  into  it  from  the  want  of 
method  and  proper  checks,  the  folly  of  the  purchasing  and 
the  negligence  of  the  issuing  commissaries,  to  say  nothing  of 
fraud  and  embezzlement, called  aloud  for  reformation  ;  and 
the  depreciation  of  our  bills  of  credit,  to  which,  more  than 
any  other  cause,  it  contributed,  made  it  a  subject  still  more 
serious  and  important.  A  system  is  formed  which,  if  pro- 
perly carried  into  effect,  will  be  productive  of  that  economy 
which  in  all  our  affairs  seems  hitherto  to  have  been  but 
little  practised  ;  it  is  now  in  the  press,  and  should  it  be 
published  before  these  despatches  are  closed,  we  shall  not 
fail  to  transmit  it. 

"  When  we  observe  how  much  depended  upon  a  pur- 
chasing commissary,  who  from  the  vast  sums  at  his  dispo- 
sal, commanded  the  market  and  had  great  influence  on  the 
internal  affairs  of  a  State,  we  thought  it  of  great  conse- 
quence to  get  this  business  as  far  as  we  were  immediately 
concerned,  conducted  by  one  of  our  fellow  citizens  upon 
whose  probity,  capacity  and  patriotism  a  firm  reliance 
could  be  placed.  With  this  view  we  recommended  Jacob 
Cuyler,  Esqr.  of  Albany,  as  deputy  commissary-general 
for  the  northern  department,  and  though  infinite  pains  were 
taken  to  disappoint  us  and  continue  the  business  in  eastern 
hands,  we  finally  prevailed.  This  and  other  urgent  affairs 
have  put  it  out  of  our  power  to  bring  forward  the  instruc- 
tion of  our  late  Convention  respecting  the  new  Connecti- 
cut government  attempted  to  be  established  within  our 
jurisdiction.  We  have  for  some  time,  however,  been  pav- 
ing the  way  for  its  success,  and  have  reason  to  expect  that 
every  thing  will  be  done  for  our  State  on  this  occasion 
which  is  consistent  with  justice  and  the  public  good.  The 
beginning  of  next  week  is  the  time  we  have  fixed  upon  for 
its  introduction. 

"  The  expectations  of  a  visit  at  this  city  from  General 
Howe  appeared  last  week,  from  the  movements  of  his 
army,  to  be  very  probable.  They  now  grow  more  and 
more  remote.  Intimidated  by  the  spirit  and  vigour  of 
the  Jersey  militia,  who  turned  out  to  a  man,  and  were 
ready  to  meet  him  in  front  while  the  Continental  troops 
were  in  his  rear ;  instead  of  pressing  forward  he  is  bu- 
sily employed  in  entrenching  his  army  on  strong  ground 
near  Millston,  as  if  resolved,  for  some  time  at  least,  to 
act  on  the  defensive.  General  Washington's  regular  forces 
are  much  better  appointed  and  in  all  respects  superior  to 
any  he  ever  commanded.  In  courage  they  are  equal  to 
the  enemy,  in  number  exceed  them,  as  well  as  in  the  good- 
ness of  their  cause  ;  besides  they  are  daily  gaining  strength 
while  the  enemy  are  diminishing  by  desertion :  so  that  every 
thing  wears  a  smiling  aspect,  and  with  the  blessing  of 
Heaven,  seems  to  promise  a  fortunate  issue  to  this  critical 
campaign. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


981 


"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  utmost  regard, 
honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE, 
"WM.  DUER. 
"  P,  S.    Be  pleased  to  forward  a  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tion for  making  a  present  to  Mr.  Tilghman. 
"  Honour.  Council  of  Safety 

of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  resolutions  of  Congress  referred  to,  and  came  en- 
closed in  the  above  letter  was  then  read,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"  In  Congress,  Hth  June,  1777. 
"  Whereas,  the  State  of  New- York,  long  the  seat 
of  the  present  unprovoked  war,  and  a  principal  object 
of  the  vengeance  of  our  implacable  enemies,  hath  been, 
among  other  calamities,  for  a  considerable  time  deprived 
of  her  seaports,  and  of  all  the  advantages  and  supplies  of 
European  and  West  India  commodities  which  other  states 
derive  from  commerce,  and  it  being  represented  that  the 
inhabitants  of  the  said  State  are  more  immediately  dis- 
tressed for  want  of  salt,  which  though  a  necessary  article 
of  life  they  have  no  prospect  of  procuring  without  the  in- 
terposition of  Congress.  And  it  being  the  duty  of  Con- 
gress, as  well  of  the  respective  United  States,  to  alleviate, 
as  far  as  may  be  in  their  power,  the  distresses  brought 
down  upon  any  branch  of  the  confederacy  on  the  account 
of  its  vigourous  opposition  to  the  common  enemy,  and  its 
virtuous  struggles  in  the  great  and  glorious  cause  in  which 
all  are  equally  engaged,  and  the  inhabitants  of  New-York 
having  persevered,  amidst  the  several  trials  and  losses,  with 
vigour  aud  fortitude  in  the  defence  of  the  liberties  of  Ame- 
rica : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the 
executive  power  or  Legislatures  of  the  respective  States 
to  encourage  and  facilitate  the  supplying  of  the  inhabitants 
of  New-York  while  they  shall  continue  to  be  deprived  of 
the  benefit  of  importation,  with  salt  and  other  European 
and  West  India  commodities  of  which  they  may  stand  in 
need. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  secret  committee  be  directed  to 
sell  to  the  Council  of  Safety  or  Delegates  of  the  State  of 
New-York,  a  cargo  of  about  two  thousand  bushels  of  salt, 
imported  by  Congress,  and  now  in  store  in  Plymouth,  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  that  the  Commissary-General 
be  directed,  if  it  can  be  done  without  prejudice  to  the  pub- 
lic interest,  to  exchange  for  the  said  cargo  of  salt  an  equal 
quantity  nearer  to  the  State  of  New-York,  that  the  distress 
of  its  inhabitants  in  that  respect  may  be  more  immediately 
relieved. 

"  Copy  from  the  Journals  of  Congress, 

"  CHA.  THOMSON,  Sec^." 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  William  Duer,  Esquire, 
dated  at  Philadelphia  the  nineteenth  instant,  was  received 
and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Philada,  June  19<A,  1777. 

"  Sir — When  General  Schuyler  left  this  place,  I  re- 
quested the  favour  of  him  to  apply  in  my  name  to  the 
Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  for  permission  of  absence 
for  six  weeks,  and  that  they  would  be  pleased  to  order  Mr. 
Morris  to  attend  in  my  place. 

"  As  I  have  not  yet  received  leave  of  absence,  I  am  to 
impute  it  to  Genl.  Schuyler's  neglect  in  making  the  appli- 
cation to  the  Council  of  Safety,  which  I  requested  him. 

"  I  have  therefore,  sir,  to  request  the  favour  of  you  to 
solicit  the  Council  of  Safety  to  grant  me  leave  of  absence 
for  six  weeks  ;  as  my  presence  is  absolutely  necessary  not 
only  to  arrange  my  private  affairs,  which  are  totally  in 
disorder,  but  likewise  to  adjust  several  accounts  with  the 
State  of  New- York,  and  the  United  States,  which  no  one 
but  myself  can  properly  adjust. 

"When  the  Council  consider  that  I  have  been  steadily 
engaged  in  the  public  service,  without  intermission,  for  14 

246 


months  past,  not  having  once  obtained  leave  of  absence  to 
visit  my  own  home,  I  flatter  myself  my  request  will  not 
appear  unreasonable. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  hble.  servt. 

"WM.  DUER. 

"Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 
Prest.  of  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
the  State  of  New-York." 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  letters  and  resolutions  of 
Congress  be  referred  to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr. 
Robert  R.  Livingston. 

The  petition  of  Arnout  Vielie,  of  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, adjudged  guilty  of  treasonable  practices  and  sentenced 
to  be  hanged.  To  the  said  petition  is  subscribed  the  names 
of  a  great  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Claverack,  and  the 
manor  of  Livingston,  soliciting  that  the  prayer  of  the  said 
petition  may  be  granted.  The  same  was  read  :  And  there- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  next  Tuesday. 

A  certificate  in  the  words  following,  was  read  and  filed, 
to  wit : 

"  These  may  certify  to  the  Honourable  Legislature  of 
this  State,  that  there  are  now  at  least  about  seventy  able 
bodied  men  enlisted  into  the  companies  that  I  have  been 
appointed  to  raise  in  the  northeastern  parts  of  the  said 
State ;  and  that  but  two  officers  under  me  have  as  yet 
received  commissions. 

"  As  witness  my  hand, 

"JOHN  WHEELOCK,  Major. 

"  Kingston,  June  28,  1777." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  make  out  and  deliver  to 
Major  Wheelock  one  blank  captain's  and  one  blank  lieu- 
tenant's commission. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
William  Albertson  brought  in  their  report,  which  was  read 
and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
William  Albertson,  humbly  report  the  following  facts  and 
resolutions  : 

"  It  appears  to  your  committee  that  William  Albertson 
purchased  two-thirds  of  the  sloop  Charlotte  Elizabeth,  and, 
as  he  says,  (and  there  is  much  reason  to  believe,  from  a 
paper  that  he  produces,)  that  he  afterwards  purchased  the 
remaining  third;  that  he  sold  the  said  sloop  to  one  Frederick 
Williams,  (as  he  says,  and  is  willingto  confirm  with  his  oath,) 
for  two  hundred  and  sixty  pounds  ;  that  he  offers  no  other 
evidence  of  this  bargain,  except  a  bond  from  the  said 
Frederick  Williams  for  eighty-six  pounds,  six  shillings  and 
eight  pence  ;  that  bonds  for  the  remainder  of  the  said  two 
hundred  and  sixty  pounds,  except  fifteen  pounds  which  the 
said  William  Albertson  acknowledges  to  have  received,  are 
(as  he  asserts  and  is  willing  to  confirm  by  his  oath)  in  the 
hands  of  ,  now  in  New-Jersey,  and  so  near  the 

enemy  that  he  can  not  obtain  them,  and  that  he  has  not  re- 
ceived any  money  in  payment  of  the  said  bonds,  except 
what  is  above  mentioned  ;  that  it  does  not  clearly  appear 
where  the  said  Frederick  Williams  now  is,  but  as  he  has 
been  apprehended  heretofore  as  a  disaffected  person,  and 
is  now  said  to  be  absent  from  home,  it  is  presumed  by  the 
said  William  that  he  is  with  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  though  there  appears  to  be  some  equity 
in  the  claim  of  the  said  William  Albertson,  yet  for  want  of 
further  evidence,  and  its  being  a  matter  cognizable  in  the 
courts  of  law,  the  Council  ought  not  to  make  any  determi- 
notions  therein. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  till  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Mr.  Cantine,  General  Scott,  Major  Tappen. 


982 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  from  the  sheriff  of  Albany  county,  accompany- 
ing the  returns  of  the  elections  in  the  said  county,  and  in 
the  county  of  Tryon,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  keep  the  said  returns  in 
safe  custody  until  further  orders. 

A  letter  from   Samuel  Sacket,  a  captain  in  Colonel 

Henry  B.  Livingston's  regiment,  dated  the  twenty-eight 

day  of  June  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the 

words  following,  vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  Gentlemen — Permit  me  to  lay  before  you  a  state  of 
facts,  (as  I  looked  upon  myself  to  be  aggrieved)  would 
humbly  beg  you  to  take  into  consideration. 

"  June  28th,  1775,  I  was  commissioned  by  the  Conven- 
tion of  this  State,  a  first  lieutenant,  and  went  to  the  north- 
ward with  General  Montgomerie.  My  captain  went  home 
from  Montreal ;  the  General  thought  proper  to  promote  me 
to  a  captaincy.  I  recruited  a  company  and  served  in  Ca- 
nada until  the  New-York  regiments  left  that  country,  taking 
rank  and  receiving  pay  according  to  the  General's  appoint- 
ment. Last  November  the  committee  of  arrangement  of 
this  State  did  me  the  honour  to  appoint  me  the  first  captain 
of  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston's  regiment,  and  the  fifth 
in  the  State,  which  was  giving  me  the  rank  I  was  entitled 
to  by  that  appointment.  The  field  officers  of  the  regiment 
have  lately  thought  proper  to  make  an  arrangement,  and 
placed  me  the  third  captain  of  the  regiment.  As  this  not  only 
affects  me  in  our  own  regiment  but  throughout  the  State, 
and  takes  from  me  that  rank  which  the  Convention  gave 
me,  would  beg  the  Honourable  Council  to  take  the  matter 
into  consideration  and  give  me  redress. 

"  As  the  want  of  a  commission  is  all  the  pretence  for 
depriving  me  of  my  rank,  could  I  obtain  one  of  the  date  of 
my  appointment  by  General  Montgomery,  I  should  esteem 
it  a  great  favour,  as  that  would  establish  my  rank  with 
officers  of  other  States. 

"  With  the  greatest  respect,  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"SAML.  SACKET. 

"  Kingston.  June  28th.  1775. 

"  P.  S.  General  Montgomerie  appointed  me  a  captain 
November  the  25th,  1775." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  sent  to  Colo. 
Henry  B.  Livingston,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  inform 
this  Council  by  what  authority  the  field  officers  of  his  re- 
giment have  altered  the  arrangement  thereof,  made  by  the 
committee  of  the  late  Convention,  for  that  purpose  ap- 
pointed pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  Honourable  the 
General  Congress. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Saratoga,  June 
the  twenty-sixth,  was  read  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Saratoga,  June  26,  1777. 

"  Sir — Having  brought  affairs  at  Ticonderoga,  in  some 
better  train  than  I  found  them,  and  left  the  necessary  direc- 
tions for  carrying  on  the  works  at.  that  and  the  other  posts 
on  the  communication,  I  yesterday  returned  to  this  place 
on  my  way  to  Albany,  to  remove  that  cloud  of  confusion 
which  has  of  late  enveloped  our  affairs  in  the  northern  de- 
partment, and  last  night  I  received  a  line  from  General  St. 
Clair,  advising  me  that  part  of  the  enemy  were  seen  en- 
camped at  Gilliland's  creek,  which  is  about  forty-five  miles 
from  Ticonderoga ;  that  some  of  their  shipping  were  there 
with  them  ;  that  he  does  not  imagine  they  mean  a  serious 
attack  on  Ticonderoga.  Should  his  conjectures  be  well 
founded,  this  movement  of  theirs  is  probably  intended  to 
cover  an  attack  on  the  Mohawk  river,  or  an  attempt  to  ha- 
rass us  on  the  communication,  or  to  penetrate  to  New- 
Hampshire. 

"  I  have  some  reason  to  suspect  the  latter,  and  have  ex- 
tended my  attention  to  guard  as  much  as  possible  against 
either ;  but  the  slender  force  I  have  does  not  flatter  me 
with  so  effectual  an  opposition  as  might  be  wished.  I 


shall  however  hope  that  they  will  not  be  able  to  make  any 
capital  impression  in  any  quarter. 

"  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to  request  Mr.  Fuller  not  to 
sell  the  crops  of  grass  at  Skenesborough  until  I  could  do 
myself  the  honour  to  write  to  the  Council  of  Safety  on  the 
subject.  It  is  much  wanted  for  the  public  service,  and  I 
shall  be  greatly  obliged  if  the  Council  of  Safety  will  please 
to  order  an  appraisement  to  determine  the  value,  and  direct 
that  it  be  put  into  the  care  of  the  assistant  quarter-master 
at  that  post.  Payment  will  be  ordered  for  it  without 
delay. 

"  We  are  greatly  distressed  for  rigging  of  every  kind, 
for  the  vessels  constructing  on  Lake  George,  and  at  a  loss 
from  whence  to  procure  any  ;  should  there  be  any  in  this 
State,  in  the  power  of  the  Council  to  command,  permit 
me  to  entreat  for  a  supply,  and  that  I  may  be  advised 
where  and  to  whom  to  apply,  and  that  the  necessary 
orders  for  its  delivery  be  expedited. 

"  In  the  night  between  Sunday  and  Monday,  some  mis- 
creant lodged  fire  in  the  wall  of  my  house  at  this  place  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  communicate  with  a  wall  plate,  good 
part  of  the  side  of  which  was  reduced  to  a  coal  before  the 
fire  was  discovered,  which  was  immediately  after  it  began 
to  blaze  up,  and  happily  extinguished  without  any  da- 
mage. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  and  the  Honourable  Council's 

"  Most  obedient  humble  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Morris 
and  General  Scott. 

Major  Jonathan  Lawrence,  a  member  of  the  late  Con- 
vention, and  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the 
said  Convention  for  erecting  salt  works  within  this  State, 
attending,  produced  a  speech,  by  himself  and  William 
Harpur,  made  to  the  Oneida  Indians,  with  an  agreement 
to  allow  them  four  dollars  for  every  bushel  of  salt  which 
they  make  and  deliver  at  Fort  Schuyler.  The  same  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 
"  Brothers  of  the  Five  Nations  : 

"  The  ships  belonging  to  the  King  of  England 
having  possession  of  the  seaports  of  our  particular  State, 
which  at  present  prevents  our  getting  a  sufficient  supply/of 
salt  for  its  inhabitants,  and  the  Great  Council  of  the  State 
of  New- York,  at  their  council  fire  at  Esopus,  having  been 
informed  that  large  quantities  of  salt  may  be  boiled  from 
spring  water  within  the  territories  of  their  old  friends  the 
Five  Nations,  have  thought  proper  to  appoint  us  commis- 
sioners to  contract  with  you  concerning  the  making  of  salt ; 
and  as  we  wish  to  cultivate  a  business  which  would  tend 
to  our  mutual  advantage,  we  have  thought  proper  to  com- 
municate our  proposals  to  our  brethren  by  letter,  which 
are,  that  if  any  of  our  friends  incline  to  make  salt  and  de- 
liver it  at  Fort  Schuyler,  we  will  appoint  a  person  there  to 
receive  it,  who  will  pay  them  for  every  skippel  delivered 
there,  four  dollars.  We  salute  you  by  our  friend  Thomas 
Spencer,  who  is  the  bearer. 

"  J.  LAWRENCE, 
"W.  HARPUR. 

("  With  three  strings  wampum.) 
'■  Oneida,  the  16th  June,  1777." 

"  Sir — The  above  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  we  have  sent  to 
the  Five  Nations,  by  which  you  will  see  we  have  obligated 
ourselves  to  take  from  them  all  the  salt  they  may  think 
proper  to  deliver  here,  paying  them  at  the  rate  of  four 
dollars  per  skippel  for  all  they  will  bring.  We  have  now 
to  request  you  to  receive  and  pay  for  all  the  salt  which 
may  be  brought,  in  consequence  of  our  proposals  to  them, 
at  the  price  therein  mentioned.  What  salt  you  may  receive, 
you  will  please  to  have  put  into  casks  and  carefully  headed 
and  secured,  and  kept  until  you  receive  orders  from  the 
commissioners  for  erecting  salt  works  within  this  State,  or 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


983 


from  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New-York,  for  the 
disposal  thereof. 

"  We  are,  &c. 

"  Fort  Schuyler,  Mh  June,  1777. 
"  To  John  Hansen's,  Esqr.  Commissary 

of  Stores  for  the  Western  Department." 

The  same  was  read  and  immediately  taken  into  consi- 
deration.   And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  do  approve  of  the  said  agree- 
ment, and  accept  thereof  on  behalf  of  the  State.  That 
the  Stale  have  all  the  benefits  arising  from  the  said  agree- 
ment and  bear  the  expense  thereof. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  examine  the  ballots  and  poll 
lists,  returned  by  the  sheriff  of  Charlotte  county,  of  the 
election  held  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor  and  for 
Senators  of  the  eastern  district.  After  having  gone 
through  the  same, 

Adjourned  until  Monday  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

June  30,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Har. 
pur,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  not  appearing,  the  mem- 
bers present  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Lun,e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  June  30,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Har- 
pur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine. 

A  sufficient  number  of  members  not  as  yet  appearing, 
the  members  .present  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning, 
ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  1,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President: 

Mr-  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tap- 
pen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott. 

The  petition  of  James  Hewetson,  adjudged  guilty  of 
treasonable  practices  against  the  State,  and  sentenced  to 
be  hanged  by  the  neck  till  he  be  dead,  praying  to  be  par- 
doned, was  read,  and  immediately  taken  into  consideration. 
The  question  being  put  whether  the  prayer  of  the  said  pe- 
tition be  granted,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative,  nem.  con. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  re- 
jected. 

The  petition  of  Benjamin  Smith,  confined  on  board  the 
Fleet  prison,  praying  to  be  discharged,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Benjamin  Smith,  on  his  taking 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged. 

The  petition  of  Samuel  Herring,  a  disaffected  person, 
confined  in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  praying  that  he  be  permit- 
ted to  work  at  his  trade  with  Mr.  John  Dumont. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  permit  the  said  Samuel  Her- 
ring to  reside  and  work  at  his  trade  with  John  Dumont, 
Esqr.  until  further  orders. 

A  certificate,  dated  Dutchess  county,  June  the  twenty- 
eighth,  1777,  signed  by  James  Van  Der  Burgh,  lieutenant- 
colonel,  that  Roger  Cutler,  of  Pawling's  precinct,  appeared 
before  him,  and  hath  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this 
State,  as  prescribed  by  Convention. 


Ordered,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  the 
said  Roger  Cutler  aforesaid. 

Council  adjourned  until  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  1,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur, 
Colo.  De  Witt.  Genl.  Scott. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  being  indisposed,  and  there  not  being  a 
sufficient  number  of  members  to  proceed  on  business,  the 
members  present  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  MERCUMI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harpur, 
Mr.  Morris,  Colonel  De  Witt. 

The  petition  of  Arnout  Vielie,  of  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, adjudged  guilty  of  treason  against  the  State,  and  sen- 
tenced to  be  hanged  by  the  neck  until  he  be  dead,  praying 
to  be  pardoned,  was  again  read  and  taken  into  considera- 
tion. 

The  question  being  put,  whether  the  prayer  of  the  said 
petition  be  granted,  it  was  carred  in  the  negative  nem. 
con. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  re- 
jected. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  Steinrods,  relative  to  a  farm  by 
him  purchased  of  Stephen  De  Lancey,  and  suspected  by 
the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in  Westchester  county, 
to  be  a  sham  or  fraudulent  purchase. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  commissioners  be  informed 
thereof,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  inform  this  Council 
of  their  reasons  for  suspecting  the  said  sale. 

A  letter  from  Richard  Peters,  Esquire,  secretary  to  the 
Board  of  War,  dated  June  the  sixteenth,  1777,  enclosing 
two  resolutions  of  Congress,  dated  April  the  first,  was  re- 
ceived, read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  War  Office,  June  16th,  1777. 
"  Sir — By  order  of  the  Board  of  War,  I  have  the  ho- 
nour of  enclosing  you  two  resolves  of  Congress,  to  the 
latter  whereof  I  would  particularly  request  your  immedi- 
ate attention,  as  great  inconveniences  daily  arise  from  the 
lists  of  the  army  not  being  completely  returned.  You  will 
be  pleased  also  lo  render  an  account  to  the  Board  of  all 
moneys  expended  on  account  of  prisoners  of  war,  and 
sums  paid  to  them.  You  will  be  pleased  to  be  very  exact 
in  the  account,  and  see  that  no  charges  are  omitted,  as 
the  enemy  are  rigidly  accurate  in  their  charges  against  the 
States  on  account  of  prisoners  ;  all  sums  omitted,  will  be 
lost  by  the  State  wherein  the  charge  was  neglected  to  be 
made. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be 

"  Your  very  obt.  servant. 

"RICHARD  PETERS,  Secy. 

"  Honourable  Council  of  Safety, 

State  of  New-York." 

"  In  Congress,  1st  April,  1777. 

"  Resolved,  That  no  officer  already  appointed,  or  to  be 
hereafter  appointed  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  shall 
take  rank  by  virtue  of  a  commission  ante-dated,  but  rank 
shall  be  determined  by  the  time  of  appointment,  unless 
otherwise  directed  by  special  resolution  of  Congress. 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Legislature,  and  in 
their  recess,  to  the  executive  powers  of  the  respective 


984 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


States,  that  they  forthwith  transmit  to  the  Board  of  War, 
exact  lists  of  all  officers  appointed  by  them  in  the  Conti- 
nental army,  with  the  dates  of  their  commissions  and  times 
of  their  appointment. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolutions  be  referred 
to  a  committee,  and  that  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur  and  Colo. 
De  Witt  be  the  committee. 

The  petition  of  Richardson  Thurman,  a  prisoner  con- 
fined on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  was  received  and  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Richardson  Thurman,  on  tak- 
ing the  oath  of  allegiance  and  paying  the  expenses  of  his 
confinement,  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Henry  Schenk  do  deliver  to  Cor- 
nelius C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  of  provisions  to  the 
Fleet  prison  or  his  order,  two  tierces  of  the  salt  belonging 
to  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  commissary  cause  the  said  salt 
to  be  transported  to  this  town,  and  that  he  acquaint  this 
Board  of  its  arrival. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  De  Witt,  Capt.  Piatt  and  Mr. 
Yates  be  a  committee  to  devise  and  report  the  most  proper 
mode  for  distributing  the  salt  which  is  or  may  be  imported 
into  this  State,  among  the  inhabitants  thereof. 

Two  certificates  signed  by  Richard  Esselstyne,  second 
major  of  the  eighth  regiment  of  the  Albany  militia,  and 
one  of  the  justices  in  the  county  of  Albany,  that  Peter 
Dingmanse  and  Henry  I.  Meesick,  having  been  guilty  of 
treasonable  practices,  have  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  as 
prescribed  by  the  act  of  grace,  and  praying  the  pardon  of 
their  crimes. 

Another  certificate  signed  by  Cornelius  Duboys,  lieute- 
nant-colonel of  the  eleventh  regiment  of  the  militia,  that 
Johannes  Markel,  who  having  been  guilty  of  treasonable 
practices,  hath  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  as  prescribed 
by  the  act  of  grace,  and  prays  the  pardon  of  his  crimes. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  issue  pardons  to  the 
above  persons  respectively. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  dated  the  25th  June, 
ulto.  relative  to  the  prisoners  of  this  State  gone  to  New- 
York  on  parol,  and  enclosing  a  vote  of  the  minutes  of  the 
Council  of  Connecticut,  authorizing  Doctor  Piatt  Town- 
send  and  all  others,  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  to  manu- 
facture salt  in  Connecticut,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  State,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  substance  of  the  said  vote  be  pu- 
blished in  the  newspapers. 

A  letter  from  Brigadier-General  Ten  Broeck,  dated  at 
Albany,  June  the  thirtieth,  enclosing  the  proceedings  of 
a  general  court  martial,  held  at  Albany  on  the  twenty-fifth 
of  June,  was  read  and  filed.  Wherein  it  appears  that  An- 
dries  Huyck  of  Schodack,  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaer- 
wyck,  was  tried,  and  is  by  the  said  court  martial,  adjudged 
guilty  of  adhering  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  and  other 
the  enemies  of  the  State  of  New-York,  and  sentenced  to 
pay  a  fine  of  one  hundred  dollars,  and  to  remain  a  priso- 
ner until  he  pays  the  said  fine.  The  same  was  immedi- 
ately taken  into  consideration,  and  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  this  C  ouncil  doth  approve  of  the  judg- 
ment and  sentence  of  the  said  court  martial,  and  that  the 
same  stand  confirmed. 

A  pay  roll  of  the  officers  of  the  militia,  who  sat  on  the 
same  general  court  martial  at  Albany,  and  an  account  of  the 
expenses  of  the  said  court  martial  was  also  transmitted  by 
General  Ten  Broeck,  was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  pay  roll  and  account  be  handed 
to  the  Auditor-General,  who  is  directed  to  audit  the  same 
for  payment. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 


Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  2,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harpur,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Robt  R 
Livingston,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yales,  Mr.  Morris, 
Mr.  Jay. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  examine  the  ballots  and  poll 
lists  of  the  elections  held  in  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and 
Ulster,  as  returned  by  the  sheriffs  of  the  said  counties. 
After  having  gone  through  the  same,  they  adjourned  until 
to-morrow  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho  a.  m. 

July  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Yates,  General  Scott,  Mr. 
Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Morris. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  the  drafts  of  the  following  letters, 
which  were  read  and  approved  of,  to  wit : 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  New- York  Delegates  in  Con- 
gress, on  the  subject  of  the  revolt  in  the  northeastern  part 
of  this  State,  and  of  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler 
to  the  office  of  deputy  commissary-general  to  the  northern 
department,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  nineteenth  instant, 
with  the  papers  enclosed  in  it,  have  been  laid  before  the 
Council  of  Safety.  The  attention  which  the  Congress  has 
been  pleased  to  pay  to  the  distresses  of  this  State  gives 
great  and  general  satisfaction,  and  you  will  be  pleased  to 
present  to  that  Honourable  House  the  most  sincere  thanks 
of  the  Council.  This  instance  of  benevolence  and  concern 
for  the  welfare  of  this  State  will  tend  not  a  little  to  con- 
ciliate and  ensure  the  affections  of  its  inhabitants,  and 
animate  them  to  persevere  with  alacrity  in  giving  all  the 
support  in  their  power  to  the  common  cause  of  America. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  the  Council  learn  that  the  defection 
of  the  northeastern  parts  of  this  State  will  soon  be  taken 
into  consideration,  and  they  flatter  themselves  that  the  reso- 
lutions of  Congress  on  that  subject  will  be  such  as  to  do 
full  justice  to  this  State,  as  well  as  full  justice  to  the  repu- 
tation of  the  members  of  that  House,  which  has  been  greatly 
injured  by  suggestions  of  their  encouraging  the  people  in 
that  quarter  to  revolt  from  the  State. 

"  Certain  persons  deputed  by  them  to  repair  to  Phila- 
delphia, for  purposes  unnecessary  to  mention,  did  on  their 
return  openly  and  publicly  declare  that  the  majority  of  the 
members  of  Congress  favoured  their  defection,  and  by 
giving  a  degree  of  weight  to  their  unwarrantable  designs. 
The  very  silence  of  Congress  is  urged  as  an  argument  of 
the  truth  of  the  assertion,  and  it  derives  plausibility  from 
the  universal  practice  of  mankind,  who  are  ever  ready  to 
disavow  an  agency  in  dishonourable  measures  unjustly 
imputed  to  them. 

"  The  Council  most  ardently  wish  to  prevent  the  evil 
which  the  treasonable  designs  of  that  part  of  our  State,  if 
persevered  in,  will  occasion  ;  the  Congress  will  be  induced 
to  disapprove  of  their  machinations,  or  at  least  pointedly 
deny  that  those  malcontents  received  countenance  and  en- 
couragement from  them. 

"  The  Council  are  clearly  of  opinion  that  a  change  should 
long  since  have  been  made  in  the  deputy  commissary- 
general's  department,  and  approve  of  your  recommendation 
of  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler  to  that  place. 

"  In  one  of  the  Council's  last  letters  you  were  desired 
to  move  for  a  resolution  of  Congress  for  directing  the  report 
of  the  committee  respecting  the  cruelties  exercised  by  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


985 


enemy  towards  their  prisoners,  together  with  the  affidavits 
referred  to  in  it,  to  be  printed  in  a  pamphlet,  and  that  you 
purchase  a  thousand  copies  for  the  use  of  this  State.  If 
this  has  not  been  already  attended  to,  the  Council  wish  it 
may  no  longer  be  delayed. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  &c. 
*  To  the  Honble.  the  New-York  Delegates." 

A  draft  of  another  letter  to  the  said  Delegates  on  the 
subject  of  the  revolt  in  the  northeastern  part  of  this  Stale, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Major  Wheelock  will  be  the  bearer  of 
this.  The  Council  are  informed  that  lie  can  give  you  use- 
ful information  respecting  the  defection  of  the  northeastern 
parts  of  this  State,  and  for  that  purpose  have  requested  him 
to  repair  to  Philadelphia.  This  gentleman  is  in  the  service 
of  this  State  and  seems  much  attached  to  its  interest.  This 
disposition  you  will  doubtless  cherish  by  a  due  degree  of 
attention, 

"  You  will  please  not  to  detain  him  longer  than  may  be 
absolutely  necessary. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  P.  S.  The  maps  and  papers  respecting  the  boundaries 
of  this  State  are  nearly  completed. 
"  Honourable  Delegates  of  the 

Stale  of  New-York  at  Congress." 

Also  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Mr.  Duer,  one  of  our  Delegates 
in  Congress,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  nineteenth  of  June 
last,  requesting  leave  to  absent  himself  from  Congress  for 
a  short  time  to  attend  to  his  private  concerns,  is  as  follows  : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  19th  ultimo  has  been  received 
and  laid  before  the  Council.  They  are  sensible  of  the  in- 
conveniences to  which  your  long  absence  must  subject  you 
and  therefore  consent  to  your  returning  for  the  time  you  re- 
quest. They  nevertheless  wish  your  journey  may  be  post- 
poned until  the  sense  of  Congress  respecting  our  revolted 
subjects  shall  be  obtained.  The  Council  hope  the  Legis- 
lature will  provide  that  the  delegation  be  such  as  that  your 
worthy  colleague  may  at  proper  intervals  be  relieved. 

"  I  am  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  The  Honourable  William  Dcer,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  said  letters  be  engrossed, 
and  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Major 
Wheelock. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Wheelock  be  allowed  three  dol- 
lars per  day  for  his  expenses  while  on  his  journey  to  Phila- 
delphia and  back  to  this  place. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Major  John  Wheelock  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  on 
account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  Francis  Lewis, 
Esqr.  in  answer  to  his,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is 
as  follows,  vizt: 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  thirty-first  of  May  and  seventh  of 
June  have  been  received  and  laid  before  the  Council  of 
Safety  ;  and  1  am  directed  to  request  you  will  desist  from 
the  purchase  of  any  more  salt  on  account  of  this  State, 
forwarding  whatever  you  may  have  purchased  by  the  most 
convenient  route,  together  with  the  cros-cut  saws  and  cin- 
namon. And  as  soon  as  you  have  settled  the  accounts  of 
costs  concerning  the  appeal  for  the  brig  Minerva,  you  will 
be  pleased  to  send  your  accounts  to  this  place,  in  order  to 
enable  us  to  make  a  final  settlement  with  Captain  Rogers's 
crew,  as  we  have  ordered  the  Montgomerie  to  be  sold,  and 
daily  expect  Captain  Rogers  here  to  close  the  accounts. 
"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servt. 

*  To  Honbl.  Francis  Lewis." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  for  a 
week  from  next  Monday. 

Council  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

247 


Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
General  Scott,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Colo.  De  Will,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colo.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  on  the  credit  and  account  of  the 
county  of  Westchester,  the  sum  of  seventy  dollars  on  ac- 
count of  his  wages  as  a  Deputy  for  the  said  county  in  the 
late  Convention  of  this  State. 

A  return  from  the  sheriff  of  Orange  county  of  the  num- 
ber of  votes,  and  the  gentlemen  voted  for,  as  taken  by  the 
said  sheriff  from  the  ballots  and  poll  lists  that  were  taken 
at  the  different  places  of  elections  in  the  said  county  for 
Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor  and  Senators,  was  re- 
ceived and  read.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sheriff  do  transmit  to  this  Coun- 
cil, (with  the  utmost  despatch,)  the  ballots  and  poll  list 
taken  at  the  elections  held  in  the  said  county  for  Governor, 
Lieutenant-Governor  and  for  Senators,  for  the  middle  dis- 
trict of  this  State. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston,  dated  the 
first  instant,  enclosing  a  copy  of  general  orders,  relative  to 
settling  the  rank  of  officers,  as  also  a  rank  roll  of  his  re- 
giment, as  settled  by  the  field  officers  of  his  regiment,  was 
received,  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Jay, 
Colonel  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Harpur. 

A  letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  by  express,  dated 
yesterday,  enclosing  a  copv  of  a  letter  from  General  Wa- 
shington, dated  at  Middle  Brook  the  first  instant,  was  re- 
ceived and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  2d  July,  1777. 

"  Sir — In  consequence  of  a  letter  this  day  received  from 
His  Excellency  General  Washington,  of  which  I  enclose 
you  a  copy,  I  have  issued  orders  to  Colonels  Brinkerhoff, 
Ludington,  Humphreys  and  Freer,  of  Dutchess  county,  to 
march  their  regiments  to  Peekskill,  to  reinforce  the  army 
under  General  Putnam;  and  Colos.  Woodhull,  Allison, 
McCloughry  and  Hasbrouck,  their  regiments  to  reinforce 
this  garrison  ;  and  Colo.  Hathorn's  regiment  to  the  posts 
near  Sydnam's  bridge.  I  have  omitted  sending  similar 
orders  to  the  regiments  in  the  upper  end  of  Ulster  and 
Dutchess  counties,  lest  the  situation  of  affairs  to  the  north- 
ward might  not  admit  of  their  coming  this  way  ;  but  should 
the  contrary  be  the  case,  I  beg  the  Council  will  order  those 
regiments  to  Peekskill  and  this  place. 

"  I  am,  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servant, 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  President  of  the 

Council  of  Safety." 

"  Camp,  Middle  Brook,  July' 1st,  1777.  \ 
"  From  intelligence  just  received  from  the  northward, 
there  can  be  little  doubt  that  •  the  enemy  are  operating 
against  Ticonderoga  and  its  dependencies  ;  and  from  the 
evacuation  of  the  Jerseys,  and  the  reason  of  the  thing  it- 
self, there  can  be  little  room  to  doubt  that  General  Howe 
will  cooperate  with  the  northern  army,  and  make  a  sudden 
descent  upon  Peekskill,  in  order,  if  possible,  to  get  posses- 
sion of  the  passes,  before  the  troops  to  defend  them  can  be 
reinforced  by  this  army.  Indeed  I  am  this  moment  in- 
formed that  all  the  enemy's  tents  were  struck  to-day  at  8 
c^clock,  and  it  is  supposed  they  have  all  embarked,  as  the 
ships  have  all  sailed  out  of  Princess  Bay,  where  they  lay, 
so  that,  you  may  probably  have  a  very  hasty  visit.  The 
urgency  of  the  occasion,  and  the  necessity  of  employing 
all  the  resources  to  baffle  the  first  attempts  of  the  enemy, 
obliges  me  to  request  in  the  strongest  terms,  that  you  will 
exert  yourself  to  call  forth  a  respectable  body  of  the  militia 
of  your  State,  to  strengthen  the  force  at  Peekskill,  and  its 
appendages.  No  time  should  be  lost  in  doing  this  ;  the 
call  is  to  the  last  degree  pressing,  and  the  least  delay  may 


986 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


be  productive  of  the  most  fatal  consequences.  Let  every 
nerve  be  strained  to  forward  your  preparations,  and  put  you 
in  the  best  posture  of  defence  possible. 

"  I  am,  dr.  sir, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  WASHINGTON. 
"  General  Parson's  and  General  Varnum's  brigades 
march  to-morrow  morning  very  early  for  Peekskill." 
Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Colonels  Southerland 
and  Graham,  of  Dutchess  county,  and  Lieutenant-Colonels 
Hornbeck  and  Elmendorph,  of  Ulster  county,  hold  them- 
selves and  the  corps  of  militia  under  their  respective  com- 
mands, in  readiness  without  delay,  furnished  with  three 
days'  provision,  and  properly  armed  and  accoutred,  to 
march  at  a  moment's  warning,  whenever  the  said  several 
commanding  officers  shall  receive  marching  orders ;  and 
that  copies  of  this  order  be  sent  by  express  to  the  said  com- 
manding officers. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  George  Clinton,  was  then 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — Upon  the  receipt  of  your  letter  by  express,  the 
Council  of  Safety  proceeded  to  the  immediate  considera- 
tion of  the  matters  submitted  by  you  to  our  determination. 
We  think  the  probability  of  an  attack  at  Ticonderoga,  and 
a  cooperation  of  General  Howe,  by  an  attempt  on  the 
posts  in  the  Highlands,  a  subject  of  the  most  serious  im- 
portance. 

"  We  have  not  yet  received  any  accounts  of  an  investi- 
ture of  our  northern  ports,  nor  can  we  determine  at  present 
whether  it  will  be  most  advisable  to  order  the  several  corps 
of  militia  in  the  counties  of  Dutchess  and  Ulster,  which 
you  have  not  put  under  marching  orders,  to  reinforce  either 
the  upper  or  the  lower  posts,  a  short  lime  will  probably 
enable  us  to  direct  their  route  of  march;  in  the  mean  time, 
that  not  a  moment  may  be.  lost,  we  have  issued  orders  to 
the  commanding  officers  of  those  corps  to  hold  themselves 
in  readiness,  with  the  militia  under  their  respective  com- 
mands, furnished  with  three  days'  provision,  to  march  at 
a  moment's  warning. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"Your  humble  servt. 

"  To  Genl.  George  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted  by  express. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  examination  and  telling  of 
the  ballots  and  poll  lists  of  the  elections  held  in  the  county 
of  Tryon. 

After  having  gone  through  the  same,  adjourned  until  ten 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  4.  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  Be 
Witt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Morris. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  Governor  Trum- 
bull, to  accompany  a  copy  of  the  resolution  of  Congress, 
recommending  to  the  different  States  to  aid  and  assist  this 
State  with  salt  and  West  India  produce,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  as  follows,  lo  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State,  have  di- 
rected me  to  transmit  to  your  Excellency,  the  enclosed  re- 
solutions of  the  Honourable  the  General  Congress. 

"  As  the  inhabitants  of  this  Stale  are  deeply  interested 
in  the  effects  which  these  benevolent  resolutions  are  calcu- 
lated to  produce,  the  Council  request  that  the  earliest  op- 
portunity may  be  taken  to  lay  them  before  the  Legislature 
of  your  State  ;  and  they  flatter  themselves  that  your  Ex- 


cellency's exertions  to  give  them  influence,  will  on  no  oc- 
casion be  wanting. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
and  transmitted  by  the  President.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  President  transmit  similar  letters  en- 
closing copies  of  the  said  resolutions  to  the  States  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay  and  Rhode  Island. 

An  account  of  David  and  William  Cox,  for  casting  a 
quantity  of  musket  balls  by  order  of  the  committee  of  Kings- 
ton, was  produced  for  payment. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  account  be  presented  to  the 
committee  of  Ulster  county  for  payment. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Convention  of 
this  State  of  the  third  day  of  April  last,  exempting  from 
all  drafts  from  the  militia,  any  person  within  this  State  who 
should,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  June,  then  next,  pro- 
cure at  his  own  expense,  an  able  bodied  man  to  enlist  for 
three  years  or  during  the  war,  in  either  of  the  five  Conti- 
nental regiments  raising  in  this  State  and  commanded  by 
the  Colonels  Van  Schaick,  Van  Cortlandt,  Gansevoort,  Du- 
boys,  and  Henry  B.  Livingston,  be  revived,  and  that  they 
continue  in  force  until  the  first  day  of  September  next. 

A  letter  from  Cadwallader  Colden,  who  is  confined  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison,  requesting  permission  to  goat  large 
on  his  giving  security  for  his  good  behaviour,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered  To  be  postponed  for  further  consideration. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in 
Westchester  county,  relative  to  the  effects  of  Peter  Cor- 
ney,  claimed  by  his  son-in-law  Mr.  Kennedy,  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  2M  June,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  commissioners  of  sequestration  for 
the  county  of  Westchester  have  received  your  letter  of  the 
18th  instant,  respecting  the  personal  effects  of  Mr.  Corney ; 
since  which,  they  have  received  the  enclosed  from  Colo. 
Benjamin  Birdsall,  respecting  the  exchange  of  his  family, 
which  they  now  transmit  for  the  satisfaction  of  the  Honble. 
Council  of  Safety. 

The  commissioners  beg  leave  to  mention,  that  at  the 
time  Mrs.  Canady  went  to  New-York  with  a  flag  from 
General  Putnam,  who  some  time  since  made  application 
for  that  purpose,  she  was  informed  by  him  that  unless  she 
returned  with  that  flag  she  should  not  have  liberty  to  return 
at  any  other  time  ;  that  Mrs.  Canady  has  not  yet  returned, 
notwithstanding  the  flag  she  went  with  has.  The  commis- 
sioners are  of  opinion  that  Mr.  Canady  will  endeavour  to 
convey  the  negro  left  by  Mr.  Corney,  and  which  has  been 
claimed  by  Mr.  Canady,  to  his  wife  in  New-York;  they 
therefore  think  it  their  duty  to  prevent  it  if  possible,  and 
have  given  Colo.  Birdsall  (to  whom  they  refer  for  particu- 
lars,) liberty  of  taking  the  negro  with  him,  and  return  him 
whenever  called  for.  The  commissioners  flatter  themselves 
that  you,  gentlemen,  will  approve  of  this  matter,  particu- 
larly when  you  advert  to  the  enclosed.  The  commission- 
ers will  with  pleasure  wait  the  order  and  direction  of  the 
Council  of  Safely  for  the  sale  of  the  negro  if  thought  advi- 
sable, and  are,  with  the  greatest  respect, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  obedt.  hble.  servts. 

"SAML.  DRAKE, 

"ISRAEL  HONEYWELL,  Junr. 

"STEPHEN  WARD. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Council  of  Safety 

of  the  Slate  of  New- York." 

A  certificate  which  came  enclosed  in  the  last  afore- 
mentioned letter  of  Mr.  Frelove  Berdsal  and  Mrs.  Jane  Sea- 
man, relative  to  an  exchange  of  property  with  one  Peter 
Corney,  of  Westchester,  and  now  with  the  enemy,  was 
then  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  General  Scott. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


987 


On  reading  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Mamacotting 
precinct,  directed  to  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr. 

Ordered,  '['hat  Abraham  Smith,  who  is  confined  in  the 
jail  of  Kingston,  for  disaffection,  on  his  paying  the  expen- 
ces  of  his  confinement,  be  discharged. 

A  letter  from  George  Smith,  a  lieutenant  in  Colonel 
Henry  B.  Livingston's  regiment,  relative  to  a  warrant  he 
received  for  recruiting  men  in  1776,  without  any  other 
date,  and  requesting  that  the  day  thereof  may  be  filled  up  ; 
further,  that  he  has  a  commission  as  lieutenant  of  the  said 
regiment,  while  at  the  same  time  his  name  is  left  out  of 
the  rank  roll  thereof,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  examine  the  minutes  and 
endeavour  to  find  out  the  time  of  issuing  the  said  warrant, 
and  that  he  certify  the  same  ;  and  that  the  residue,  of  the 
said  letter  be  referred  to  such  gentlemen  of  the  late  com- 
mittee of  arrangement  as  are  now  in  Kingston. 

The  Council  were  informed  that  two  members  of  the 
sub-committee  of  Dutchess  county,  who  were  appointed 
to  superintend  the  removal  of  Thomas  Fisher  and  his  fa- 
mily, have  been  guilty  of  corrupt  practice  in  executing  that 
business.  Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commis- 
sioners for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  directing  them  to 
make  diligent  inquiry  in  the  premises,  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — It  has  been  suggested  to  the  Council, 
that  two  members  of  a  sub  committee  of  your  county,  ap- 
pointed to  superintend  the  removal  of  Thomas  Fisher  and 
his  family  to  New- York,  have  been  guilty  of  shameful  and 
corrupt  practices  in  the  course  of  that  business  ;  particularly 
that  they  were  bribed  to  dispense  with  the  restrictions  con- 
tained in  the  resolution  of  Convention  on  that  subject,  and 
did  each  of  them  receive  cloth  for  a  suit  of  clothes  as  a 
reward  for  their  perfidy. 

"  The  Council  think  it  highly  proper  that  strict  and  dili- 
gent inquiry  be  immediately  made  into  the  truth  of  these 
suggestions,  and  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  they 
have  imposed  that  task  upon  you.  A  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tion permitting  the  departure  of  Mr.  Fisher,  is  enclosed  ; 
you  will  be  pleased,  therefore,  to  inquire  and  report  to  this 
Council,  or  the  Governor  of  this  Slate,  whether  any  and 
what  indulgences  were  granted  to  Mr.  Fisher  by  the  sub- 
committee, contrary  to  the  said  resolutions  of  Convention, 
and  whether  there  be  any  and  what  evidence  to  support 
the  charge  of  bribery  against  them,  although  the  Council 
would  be  happy  to  find,  from  the  result  of  this  inquiry,  that 
those  gentlemen  are  innocent ;  yet  should  the  contrary  be 
the  case,  the  honour  and  justice  of  the  State  demands  that 
such  actions  meet  with  and  demand  exemplary  punish- 
ment. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servt. 
"  To  the  Commissioners  for  Conspiracies,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Gloriana  Stevenson,  directed  to  Go- 
verneur  Morris,  Esquire,  relative  to  her  cattle,  which  were 
driven  from  Frog's  Neck,  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy 
last  summer,  into  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,  and  which  have 
since  been  taken  by  the  committee  of  the  said  manor  and 
sold,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  transmitted 
to  the  committee  of  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,  and  that  they 
be  requested  to  inform  this  Council  by  what  authority  and 
for  what  reasons  they  took  and  sold  the  cattle  mentioned 
in  the  said  letter. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  Jacob  Furler,  Junr.  Corne- 
lius Furler  and  Coenraad  Mysener,  three  of  the  prisoners 
who  were,  by  a  general  court  martial,  adjudged  guilty  of 
treasonable  practices  against  this  State,  and  sentenced  to 
suffer  death,  which  said  judgment  and  sentence  were,  by 
the  late  Convention,  confirmed.  And 

Whereas  the  said  Convention  did,  previous  to  their  dis- 
solution, resolve  that  the  said  Jacob  Furler,  Junior,  Cor- 


nelius Furler  and  Coenraad  Mysener,  be  pardoned  of  the 
crimes  and  punishment  whereof  and  whereto  they  stood 
adjudged  and  sentenced  as  aforesaid,  and  did  resolve  and 
order  the  said  pardons  to  be  issued  by  this  Council,  when- 
ever this  Council  should  think  proper  to  issue  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  ihis  Council  do,  in  the 
name  and  by  the  authority  of  this  Council,  issue  the  said 
pardons  to  the  said  Jacob  Furler,  Junior,  Cornelius  Furler 
and  Coenraad  Mysenaar,  respectively. 
On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretaries  produce  to  this  Council, 
by  Friday  next,  certified  copies  of  all  the  resolutions  of  the 
late  Provincial  Congresses  and  Committees  of  Safety  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York,  and  of  the  late  Conventions  and 
Committees  of  Safety  of  this  State,  which  create  crimes 
and  punishments. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Harpur  be,  and  he  is  hereby  autho- 
rized and  requested,  to  take  such  steps  for  the  removal  of 
the  clothing  store  from  Fishkill  to  this  place,  as  he  may 
think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont  do  cause  Joseph 
Penny,  who  is  indisposed  and  confined  in  the  jail  of  Kings- 
ton, to  be  removed  to  the  Fleet  prison. 

Council  adjourned  until  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  4,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire.  President. 

Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Colo.  De 
Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Lieutenant  Eleazer  Wheelock,  of  Major  Wheelock's 
corps,  on  account,  the  sum  of  forty  pounds,  and  take  his 
receipt  to  account  for  the  same. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  examination  and  telling 
of  the  ballots  and  poll  lists  of  the  election  in  Albany 
county,  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor,  and  having 
gone  through  the  same, 

The  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  5,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Tredwell,. Mr.  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harpur, 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tompkins,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Tappen. 

An  account  of  Joseph  Pierson,  for  provisions  by  him 
furnished  to  the  workmen  on  board  the  ship  Montgomerie, 
was  read,  and 

Ordered,  To  be  referred  to  the  Auditor-General,  who  is 
directed  to  audit  the  same  for  payment.  , 
On  the  application  of  Captain  Piatt, 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out  for  Jacobus 
Swartwout  as  first  in  command,  Zephaniah  Piatt  as  second 
in  command  of  the  associated  exempts  in  Dutchess  county; 
also  a  commission  for  John  Schenk  as  second  in  command 
of  the  said  exempts  in  Poughkeepsie  and  Hackensack  dis- 
tricts ;  also  six  blank  commissions  for  the  other  officers  of 
the  said  corps. 

Captain  Piatt  informed  the  House  that  the  said  corps  of 
exempts  were  preparing  to  march  with  the  militia  to  rein- 
force the  garrison  at  Peekskill,  and  therefore  moved  for 
leave  of  absence  that  he  might  be  enabled  to  join  the  said 
corps  of  exempts. 

The  question  being  put,  it  was  carried  in  the  negative. 

An  account  of  Robert  Yates,  Esquire,  for  his  services 
at  Kingston,  from  the  nineteenth  day  of  June  to  the  fifth 
day  of  July,  in  attending  a  committee  to  state  and  report 
the  bounds  of  this  State,  and  settling  the  accounts  of  the 
secret  committee,  was  produced  for  payment.  Thereupon, 


988 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  the 
said  Robert  Yates,  Esquire,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  ten 
shillings  for  his  services,  as  mentioned  in  the  said  ac- 
count. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letters  and 
■enclosures  received  from  General  Schuyler,  reported  the 
following  resolutions  and  letter  in  answer  thereto,  which 
were  read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  and  are  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — Your  several  favours  have  been  received  and 
laid  before  the  Council,  in  answer  to  which  I  am  directed 
to  inform  you,  that  the  number  of  members  in  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  is  too  small  to  admit  of  any  of  them  being 
sent  to  Albany,  unless  on  the  most  urgent  necessity  ;  they 
are  therefore  sorry  to  decline  a  compliance  with  your  re- 
quest to  that  purpose. 

"  I  am  further  directed  to  inform  you,  that  the  Council 
are  equally  incapable  of  affording  you  any  assistance  from 
the  militia  of  the  lower  counties,  a  considerable  proportion 
of  them  having  been  engaged  in  actual  service  for  some 
time  past,  and  of  the  remainder,  which  was  necessary  for 
the  culture  of  the  country — without  a  due  attention  to 
which  you  cannot  but  be  sensible  that  the  war  must 
speedily  terminate  to  our  disadvantage  by  the  attack  of  an 
enemy  perfectly  irresistible — the  greater  part,  at  the  re- 
quest of  His  Excellency  the  General,  have  been  ordered 
down  to  the  forts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  as  will  ap- 
pear by  the  enclosed  copy  of  General  Clinton's  letter  to 
us  ;  and  the  rest  are  ordered  to  hold  themselves  in  readi- 
ness to  march  by  our  resolutions  of  instant,  of  which 
we  also  enclose  you  a  copy. 

"  By  our  resolutions  of  this  day,  you  will  perceive,  sir, 
that  the  disaffected,  confined  at  Albany,  are  ordered  on 
board  the  Fleet  at  this  place,  which  we  hope  will  remove 
the  disagreeable  apprehensions  of  the  people  of  Albany. 

"  The  Council  would  be  happy,  sir,  to  be  informed  of 
the  circumstances  which  General  St.  Clair  adverts  to  when 
he  says,  '  and  should  the  enemy  protract  their  operations, 
or  invest  us  and  content  themselves  with  a  simple  blockade, 
we  are  infallibly  ruined.' 

"  The  Council  are  at  a  loss  for  the  reasons  which  can 
induce  the  commander  at  that  post  to  abandon  Ticonde- 
roga,  since  they  have  been  hitherto  led  to  believe  that  if 
the  enemy  are  in  possession  of  it,  they  will  have  immedi- 
ate access  to  Lake  George,  notwithstanding  our  garrison 
in  Mount  Independence  ;  and  that  there  is  no  possibility  of 
accomplishing  a  retreat  from  that  mount ;  of  which  cir- 
cumstances, you,  sir,  being  better  acquainted  than  the 
members  of  the  Council,  they  refer  to  your  judgment  for 
taking  the  most  necessary  steps  on  this  occasion. 

"  The  letter  from  Mr.  Deane  contains  intelligence  which 
hath  been  long  since  circulated  here  by  emissaries  of  the 
enemy,  and  is  in  the  opinion  of  the  Council  rather  calcu- 
lated to  raise  the  spirits  of  deluded  tories,  though  at  the 
same  time,  as  it  may  not  be  quite  without  foundation,  they 
approve  of  your  orders  to  General  Herkimer  to  hold  his 
militia  in  readiness. 

>  "  In  the  month  of  March  last  all  these  different  move- 
ments of  the  enemy  were  set  down  for  the  first  and  after- 
wards for  the  fifth  of  May,  and  at  present  it  seems  the  first 
of  July  is  the  critical  moment,  which  may  perhaps  be 
deferred,  as  they  cannot  gain  that  assistance  from  the  dis- 
affected which  they  undoubtedly  expect. 

"  What  hopes  they  may  have  formed  from  an  attack 
upon  Ticonderoga,  we  do  not  know  ;  but  it  appears  to  us 
that  if  the  post  is  as  strong  as  we  have  always  been  in- 
formed, a  garrison  of  three  thousand  within  it  can  defend 
themselves  against  double  the  number  without,  and  we 
have  no  idea  that  Carlton's  forces  are  more  than  six  thou- 
sand effective  men. 

"  Upon  the  whole,  the  Council  being  unacquainted  with 
military  affairs,  direct  me  to  inform  you  that  they  cannot 
pretend  to  say  what  real  dangers  may  be  apprehended  from 
the  northward,  or  how  far  they  may  have  been  magnified 


by  the  dejection  which  General  St.  Clair  mentioned  as 
prevailing  in  his  garrison. 

"  But  they  wish  you  to  consider  that  every  day  the  mi- 
litia are  out  is  a  great  loss  to  the  State,  and  if  this  alarm 
should  prove  of  no  consequence,  that  you  would  permit 
them  to  return  to  their  homes  as  soon  as  possible. 

"  In  one  of  your  former  letters  you  mentioned  the  want 
of  cordage,  an  article  which  by  the  prudent  care  of  the  late 
Convention,  the  Council  might  now  supply  you  with  if  the 
rope  walk  erected  in  this  place  was  not  incapacitated  from 
carrying  on  that  necessary  manufacture  by  the  want  of  tar, 
which,  notwithstanding  their  frequent  applications,  the  pub- 
lic agent  has  been  unable  to  procure  from  the  city  of  Al- 
bany. 

"  Some  time  last  winter  a  number  of  sick  from  the 
northern  department,  on  their  way  to  Pennsylvania,  were 
obliged  to  stop  at  this  place  and  continue  here  under  the 
care  of  the  committee  for  a  considerable  time  ;  the  expense 
accruing  from  the  supplies  of  necessaries  to  them,  amount 
to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  pounds  fourteen 
shillings.  I  am  further  requested,  sir,  to  take  your  direc- 
tions whether  the  accounts  are  to  be  audited  by  the  pay- 
master, the  directors  of  the  hospital,  or  paid  by  your  order 
from  the  military  chest. 

"  1  am,  with  due  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  humble  servant. 

"  Honr.  Major-Getil.  Schuyler." 

The  resolution  referred  to  in  the  said  letter  was  also 
agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit: 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany 
be  requested  to  send  to  the  warden  of  the  Fleet  prison  at 
Esopus  Landing,  under  sufficient  guard,  all  the  prisoners 
now  confined  in  the  several  jails  of  Albany  for  treasonable 
practices  against  this  and  the  United  States,  or  such  of 
them  as  the  said  committee  shall  think  proper,  together 
with  a  calendar  containing  their  names  and  the  several 
causes  of  their  commitments  ;  and  that  the  warden  do  re- 
ceive the  said  prisoners  and  dispose  of  them  according  to 
the  direction  of  the  committee  for  superintending  the  said 
prisoners. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  that  the 
President  sign  and  transmit  the  same,  enclosing  the  said 
resolution  to  the  Honourable  Major-General  Schuyler. 

The  members  having  agreed  not  to  leave  the  town,  and 
to  meet  on  the  first  notice, 

They  adjourned  until  Monday  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNJE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  7,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Yates.  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Canline,  Major 
Tappen,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Plait,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Major 
Van  Zandt. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tomkins  be  added  to  the  committee 
on  General  Putnam's  letter  relative  to  the  removing  of  the 
stock  out  of  the  southern  part  of  Westchester  county. 

The  Council  were  informed  that  Major  Wheelock,  who 
was  appointed  to  repair  to  Philadelphia  with  despatches 
from  this  board,  prayed  to  be  excused  from  that  service. 
Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  such  parts  of  the  said  despatches  as  re- 
late to  Major  Wheelock  be  omitted,  and  that  the  order  is- 
sued to  the  Treasuser  for  paying  him  one  hundred  dollars 
to  bear  his  expenses,  be  countermanded. 

On  motion  of  Captain  Plait  for  the  sense  of  this  Board, 
The  question,  whether  General  Clinton's  election  of  Go- 
vernor and  Lieutenant-Governor  be  published  before  the 
ballots  and  poll  list  of  the  election  in  Orange  county  be 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


989 


transmitted  by  the  sheriff  of  the  said  county,  was  put,  and 
carried  in  the  negative. 

The  sheriff  of  Orange  having  returned  the  names  of  the 
candidates  and  of  the  number  of  votes  given  for  each  of 
them,  as  by  him  taken  from  the  ballots  and  poll  lists  deli- 
vered to  him  by  the  persons  appointed  to  superintend  the 
election  in  the  said  county,  thereupon 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  despatch  an  express  to 
Jesse  Woodhull,  Esqr.  sheriff  of  Orange  county,  request- 
ing him  without  delay,  to  transmit  to  this  Council,  the  poll 
lists  and  ballots  taken  for  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor, 
and  Senators  in  the  said  county. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  the  fifth 
instant,  (enclosing  despatches  to  Congress  under  flying 
seal,)  containing  intelligence  of  the  northern  army,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  of  thanks  in  answer  thereunto,  was 
read  and  approved. 

Die  LtjNjE,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  7,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tom- 
kins,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Some  of  the  members  being  on  particular  business  of 
the  Board,  and  there  not  being  a  sufficient  number  of 
members  present  to  make  a  Council  to  proceed  to  busi- 
ness, the  members  present  adjourned  until  to-morrow 
morning,  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  8,  1777. 
The  Counc'l  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen, 
5Ir.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Jay. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker,  informing  the 
Council  that  Alexander  Cropsey  having  knowingly  passed 
counterfeit  Continental  bills  of  credit,  was,  by  the  commit- 
tee of  Ulster  county,  apprehended  and  committed  to  the 
jail  at  Kingston  ;  that  the  examinations  relative  to  this 
matter,  are  in  the  possession  of  Daniel  Graham,  Esqr. 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  said  county  ;  that  bills 
by  him  passed,  are  in  his,  Mr.  Schoonmaker's  hands  ; 
and  that  the  principal  witness  is  Benjamin  Freer,  of  New- 
Marlborough  precinct,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Schoonmaker  be  directed  to  retain 
the  said  counterfeit  bills  until  the  prisoner  be  brought  to 
trial.  That  Mr.  Graham  preserve  the  said  examinations, 
and  cause  the  said  Benjamin  Freer  to  be  bound  in  recog- 
nizance to  attend  the  first  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  to  be 
held  in  Ulsler  county,  as  a  witness. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson  and  Peter  Cantine,  Junr. 
Esquires,  was  read  and  filed. 

They  inform  the  Council  that  Jack,  a  negro  man,  slave 
of  Mr.  George  Janaway,  entered  the  house  of  Mr.  Tho- 
mas Henderson  in  the  night,  who  being  absent,  and  beat 
and  abused  the  wife  of  Mr.  Henderson  in  a  most  cruel  and 
inhuman  manner,  probably  with  an  intent  to  ravish  her  ; 
that  the  said  negro  is  apprehended  ;  and  the  said  gen- 
tlemen request  that  proper  persons  may  be  immediately 
appointed  to  try  him,  as  they  conceive  his  crime  requires 
a  speedy  punishment. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  thereto,  was  then  read  and 
approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

11  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  seventh  instant  has 
been  laid  before  the  Council  :  they  are  happy  to  hear  the 
atrocious  villain  you  mention  is  secured  ;  let  him  be  kept 

248 


in  irons.  Burglary  is  not  of  the  number  of  those  crimes 
for  which  justices  of  the  peace  are  authorized  to  try  slaves. 

"  He  has  confessed  himself  guilty  of  that  crime  and 
therefore  his  conviction  for  it  will  be  certain.  The  other 
charge  can  not,  it  seems,  be  so  well  supported.  For  these 
reasons  the  Council  think  he  should  be  referred  to  the  next 
court  of  oyer  and  terminer,  &c.  to  be  held  in  your  county. 
Besides,  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  the  Council  to  appoint 
justices  of  the  peace. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servants. 

By  order. 

"  Eg3ert  Benson  and  Peter  Cantine,  Esqrs." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted. 

Adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  8,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr. 
Robt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Yates,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Plait,  Mr.  Tomkins. 

A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Still  Water  the 
seventh  instant,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Genl. 
Learned  to  him,  dated  the  same  day,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  General  Ten  Broeck,  dated  the  seventh 
instant,  informing  that  our  troops  have  evacuated  Ticonde- 
roga  and  Mount  Independence,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  same  was  immediately  taken  into  consideration  : 
And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Living- 
ston, do  forthwith  repair  to  Head-Quarters  in  the  northern 
department,  and  confer  with  Major-General  Schuyler  upon 
such  measures  as  may  from  time  to  time  appear  necessary  to 
be  pursued  by  this  State,  for  the  aid  and  support  of  the  said 
department,  and  that  they  do  correspond  with  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  General  Learned's  letter,  and 
an  extract  of  General  Schuyler's  letter,  be  transmitted  by 
express  to  General  Putnam. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  members  who  are  appointed 
on  committees  do  meet  to  prepare  and  bring  in  their 
reports. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  9,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers,  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harpur,  Colo. 
De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing 
store,  requesting  a  power  to  impress  teams,  &c.  and  that 
an  augmentation  to  his  pay  be  made,  was  read,  and 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  Jesse  Woodhull,  Esqr.  accompanying  the 
poll  lists  and  ballots  taken  at  the  elections  in  Orange 
county,  sent  by  the  sheriff,  pursuant  to  an  order  of  this 
board,  was  read  and  filed. 

Egbert  Dumont,  Esqr.  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  pursuant 
to  the  order  of  the  thirteenth,  reported  that  he,  with  the 
assistance  of  Johannes  Sleght,  Cornelius  Jansen  and 
Abraham  Freer,  Esquires,  fixed  the  price  of  every  meal 
served  to  the  prisoners  by  the  jailer,  and  at  that  rate  there 
is  due  on  his  account  the  sum  of  ten  pounds  ten  shillings. 

Resolved,  That  this  Board  do  approve  of  the  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  write  to  Mr.  Christopher 
Bancker,  and  inform  him  that  this  Board  require  that  he  do 
without  delay  inform  them  whether  he  accepts  of  his  ap- 
pointment of  commissary  of  prisoners  of  war  in  this  State. 


990 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  detecting  and 
defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  be  authorized  and  requested 
to  purchase  and  cause  to  be  kept  at  the  expense  of  this 
State,  two  good  able  horses,  for  the  use  of  such  express 
riders  as  may,  from  time  to  lime,  pass  through  Poughkeep- 
sie  with  public  despatches,  and  who  by  the  failing  of  their 
horses  may  stand  in  need  of  fresh  horses ;  that  the  said 
commissioners  do  cause  all  such  riders  as  may,  from  time 
to  time  be  employed  on  account  of  the  Continent,  to  pay 
for  the  use  of  the  said  horses,  and  that  an  account  be  ren- 
dered of  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Tappen  be  authorized  and  re- 
quested, in  like  manner,  to  purchase  two  horses  to  be  by 
him  kept  at  Kingston,  for  the  like  purposes  and  under  the 
like  regulations. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher  be  requested  to  cause  the 
iron  field  pieces  manufactured  in  the  manor  of  Livingston,  to 
be  properly  proved,  and  if  the  said  field  pieces  shall  stand 
a  good  proof,  that  he  do  cause  the  same  to  be  properly 
mounted  on  field  carriages,  and  see  that  proper  ball,  am- 
munition, &c.  are  prepared  for  the  same. 

Council  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  9,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 


Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tomkins,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Morris. 

Whereas  Thomas  Willis,  a  master's  mate  of  one  of  the 
British  ships  of  war,  taken  prisoner  by  Captain  Rogers,  of 
the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  belonging  to  this  State,  and 
carried  into  the  State  of  Connecticut :  And  whereas  Co- 
lonel John  Broome  hath,  on  behalf  of  this  State,  taken  the 
parol  of  the  said  Thomas  Willis,  to  go  to  New-York,  on 
the  like  terms,  as  those  of  our  troops  taken  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain  last  year  were  permitted  by  General  Carlton  to  return 
to  their  respective  homes. 

Resolved,  That  the  Council  do  approve  of  the  act  of 
Colonel  Broome  in  the  premises,  and  that  they  consider 
the  said  Thomas  Willis  as  a  prisoner  of  war,  to  be  ex- 
changed for  an  inhabitant  of  this  State. 

Resolved  further,  That  Colonel  Broome  be  requested 
to  apply  to  some  proper  officer  for  a  flag  or  passport  for 
the  said  Thomas  Willis,  to  enable  him  to  repair  to  the  city 
of  New-York. 

The  Council  of  Safety  having  examined  the  poll  lists 
and  ballots,  relumed  by  the  sheriffs  of  the  respective  coun- 
ties, of  the  several  elections  held  in  the  said  counties  for 
Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor  of  this  State,  and  for 
Senators  for  the  respective  districts  thereof,  where  the  same 
have  been  elected,  do  find  and  declare  that  the  number  of 
votes  given  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant-Governor  of  this 
State,  and  for  Senators  for  the  middle,  northern  and  eastern 
districts  thereof,  are  as  follows,  vizt : 


CANDIDATES  FOR  SENATORS  IN  THE  WESTERN  DISTRICT. 


H 
Z, 

5 
o 
u 


2 


Albany, 
Tryon,. 


673 
451 


607 
465 


347  517  385 
392  388  171 


482 
421 


Total,  .  1124  1072|739  905  556  903  490  285  25'  17  131  197  4  66 


436 
54 


a 

285 


65 


=9 


25  17 


130 
1 


pq 


196 
1 


66 


<A 


7  2 


186 


a 


12  12 


5  1«7  12  12 


3  17 


2  57 
124 


3  17  2  11 


2  26 


2  26 


21 


51 


it 


30 


24  24  24 


1  21  51  30  24  24  24  10 


10 


20 


1  20  37 


37 


0 

PQ 

d 

£ 
o 


CANDIDATES  FOR  SENATORS  IN  THE  MIDDLE  DISTRICT. 


COUNTIES. 

Levi  Pawling. 

Arthur  Parks. 

Henry  Wisner. 

Colo.  Jesse  Woodhull. 

Zephania  Piatt. 

Major  Jon.  Langdan. 

Gilbt.  Livingston. 

Colo.  Swartwout. 

|  Ephm.  Paine. 

[  James  Livingston. 

|  Maes  Kink. 

Doct.  Crane. 

|  Mathew  Cantine. 

|  Colo.  Allison. 

Major  Fisher. 

Anthony  Hoffman. 

Henry  Wisner,  Junr. 

Jacob  Hasbrouck. 

Colo.  Hasbrouck. 

Colo.  Snyder. 

Colo.  Cors.  Wynkoop.  || 

Colo.  Hardenbergh. 

Jacobs.  Bruyn. 

Charles  De  Witt. 

Judge  Coe. 

Wm.  Ellison. 

John  Haring. 

307 
510 

1  251 

429 
163 

246 
388 
252 

261 
413 

209 

309 
262 
208 

340 
231 
118 

.... 
160 
40 

5 
173 
135 

B5 

7 

13 

17 

69 
22 

31 
29 
1 

311 

72 
96 

81 

1 

1 

1 

2 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

9.1  1 

1068 

592 

886l  883 

779 

200 

213 

479 

SENATORS  FOR  EASTERN  DISTRICT. 

WILLIAM  DUER,  JOHN  WILLIAMS,  ALEXANDER  WEBSTER. 


This  Council  do  therefore  declare  that  George  Clinton, 
Esquire,  is  duly  elected  Governor  of  this  State.  And  the 
said  Council  do  further  declare,  that  the  said  George  Clin- 
ton is  also  duly  elected  to  be  the  Lieutenant-Governor  of  this 
State.  And  this  Council  do  hereby  furlher  declare,  that  Levi 
Pawling,  Henry  Wisner,  Jesse  Woodhull,  Zephaniah  Piatt, 
Jonathan  Landon  and  Arthur  Parkes,  Esquires,  are  the 
Senators  chosen  in  and  for  the  middle  district  of  this 
State  ;  that  Abraham  Yates,  Junr.  Rinier  Mynderse, 
Dirck  W.  Ten  Broeck,  Isaac  Paris,  Anthony  Van  Schaaick 
and  Jellis  Funda,  Esquires,  are  the  Senators  chosen  in  and 


for  the  western  district  thereof;  and  that  Alexander  Web- 
ster, William  Duer  and  John  Williams,  Esqrs.  are  the 
Senators  so  chosen  in  and  for  the  eastern  district  of  the 
said  State. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  lo  His  Excellency  George  Clinton, 
Esqr.  was  then  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Council  to  present  you 
their  congratulations  upon  your  being  elected  by  the  free 
suffrage  of  the  freeholders  of  this  State,  to  the  office  of 
Governor,  and  also  of  Lieutenant-Governor;  at  the  same 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


991 


time  I  am  to  desire  that  you  will  make  such  arrangement 
of  your  affairs,  as  to  come  with  all  convenient  speed  to  this 
place,  to  take  the  oath  of  the  office  which  you  shall  think 
proper  to  accept  of,  according  to  the  ordinance  of  the  late 
Convention,  and  likewise  to  signify  your  resignation  of  one 
of  them,  to  the  end  that  a  new  election  may  be  held. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  Excellency's 
"  Most  obedient  and  humble  servant. 
"  To  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  10,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  Council  that  Mr.  Robert  R.  Li- 
vingston, by  letter,  informed  him  that  the  circumstances  of 
his  family  are  such,  as  to  render  his  going  to  Albany  ex- 
tiemely  difficult.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  be  taken 
from  the  committee  appointed  to  repair  to  Head-Quarters  in 
the  northern  department,  and  confer  with  Major-General 
Schuyler,  upon  such  measures  as  may  from  time  to  lime 
appear  necessary  to  be  pursued  by  this  State,  for  the  aid 
and  support  of  the  said  department ;  and  that  Mr.  Morris 
be  put  on  the  said  committee  in  his  stead.  Mr.  Living- 
ston's family  being  so  circumstanced  as  not  to  admit  of  his 
absence  at  present. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay  be  added  to  the  committee  of 
intelligence. 

The  petition  of  Walter  Stouter,  a  prisoner  under  sen- 
tence of  death,  praying  to  be  restored  to  his  former  liberty, 
and  a  petition  of  sundry  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
Old  Pallz,  soliciting  that  the  prayer  of  the  prisoner's  peti- 
tion may  be  granted,  were  respectively  read  and  filed. 

Whereas  the  said  Walter  Stouter  was  by  a  general  court 
martial,  held  at  Fort  Montgomerie,  the  day  of 
tried  and  convicted  of  treasonable  practices,  against  this 
and  the  United  States,  and  sentenced  to  suffer  death,  which 
said  sentence  was  by  the  late  Convention  of  this  State  con- 
firmed :  And  whereas  the  said  Convention  of  this  State 
willing  to  mitigate  the  rigour  of  justice,  did  resolve  that  the 
said  Walter  Stouter  be  pardoned  of  the  crimes  and  pun- 
ishment, wherewith  and  whereto  he  stood  convicted  and 
sentenced  as  aforesaid  ;  and  did  authorize  and  direct  this 
Council  to  issue  the  said  pardon  whenever  they  should 
deem  the  same  proper. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  in  the  name  and  by 
the  authority  of  this  Council  issue  a  pardon  to  the  said 
Walter  Stouter  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont,  do  cause  to  be 
erected  in  the  most  convenient  part  of  the  yard  belonging 
to  the  court  house,  a  privy  for  the  use  of  the  members  of 
this  Council. 

Mr.  Piatt  has  leave  of  absence  until  Monday  next. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine  pay  unto  Peter  Dumont  the 
sum  of  five  dollars  to  defray  his  expenses  in  coming  to  this 
Council  with  some  intelligence  relative  to  the  Indians  ;  and 
that  the  Treasurer  repay  Mr.  Cantine  out  of  the  treasury 
of  this  State. 

The  Auditor-General  informs  the  Council  that  Captn. 
Rogers  hath  appeared  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  sloop 
Montgomerie,  upon  which  arise  the  following  doubts  : 
First,  Whether  the  crew  should  be  paid  their  wages  at  the 
rate  of  twenty-eight  days  to  the  month.  Secondly,  Whether 


some  articles  taken  by  Captain  Rogers  from  one  of  the 
prizes  for  his  own  use  shall  be  charged  to  him.  And 
thirdly,  Whether  the  accounts  shall  be  settled  with  the 
crew  from  the  face  of  the  accounts  transmitted  by  Francis 
Lewis,  Esqr.  without  deducting  their  expenses  attending  an 
appeal  prosecuted  before  Congress  for  one  of  the  prizes  of 
the  said  sloop,  charging  the  said  expenses  to  account  of 
moneys  due  the  said  sloop,  in  the  hands  of  Joseph  Hal- 
let,  or  whether  the  said  expense  shall  be  deducted. 
In  answer  to  which, 

Resolved,  As  there  is  a  doubt  how  the  said  crew  ought 
to  be  paid,  therefore  in  consideration  of  their  loss  by  the 
neglect  of  the  agents  formerly  appointed  for  their  prizes, 
that  they  be  paid  at  the  rate  of  twenty-eight  days  to  the 
month. 

Resolved,  That  the  captain  be  charged  with  the  articles 
above  mentioned  except  the  bolt  of  oznaburgs  and  hogshead 
of  ale,  taken  for  the  use  of  the  crew.  And 

Resolved,,  That  the  expenses  of  the  said  appeal  be  li- 
quidated in  the  account  of  moneys  due  said  sloop  from  the 
said  Joseph  Hallet. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  John  Broome  be 
and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  out  of  the  moneys 
arising  from  the  sale  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie  to 
pay  unto  Captain  William  Rogers,  late  commander  of  the 
said  sloop,  the  sum  of  four  thousand  pounds  on  account  of 
the  prize  money  due  to  him  and  the  crew  of  the  said  sloop. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  at  4  o'clock. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  10,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell.  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Jay, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper. 

The  warden  of  the  Fleet  prison,  by  letter  informs  the 
board  that  there  are  just  arrived  from  Albany,  in  two  sloops, 
eighty  prisoners,  to  be  confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison  ; 
that  as  many  of  them  are  charged  with  heavy  crimes,  and  the 
guard  who  attended  them  down  are  to  return  immediately, 
the  warden  thinks  the  present  guard  too  weak,  and  there- 
fore requests  that  some  members  be  sent  down  to  assist  in 
the  disposition  of  the  present  guard  and  the  prisoners. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Cantine,  tak- 
ing to  their  assistance  the  sheriff  of  Ulster,  do  immediately 
proceed  to  the  strand  and  give  such  direction  with  respect 
to  the  guard  and  disposition  of  the  said  prisoners. 

On  the  application  of  Mrs.  Pemberton,  wife  of  William 
Pemberton,  confined  in  the  jail  of  Kingston, 

Ordered,  That  she  be  permitted  to  go  to  Albany  and 
return  to  this  place  with  her  effects. 

A  letter  from  Abel  Belknap,  chairman  of  the  committee 
of  Newburg  precinct,  relative  to  Benj.  Smith,  who  was  dis- 
charged by  this  Council,  and  signifying  their  dissatisfaction 
with  the  conduct  of  the  Council  in  discharging  from  confine- 
ment, persons  who,  in  the  opinion  of  the  said  committee, 
ought  to  continue  in  confinement,  was  read,  and  ordered 
to  lie  on  the  table. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  11,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Tappen,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspira- 
cies, &c.  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  on  account,  and 
that  he  pay  the  said  sum  to  Melancton  Smith,  Esqr.  one 
of  the  said  commissioners,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the 
same. 


992 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  from  Genl.  Schuyler,  dated  at  Fort  Edward, 
July  9lli  instant,  signifying  his  astonishment  at  the  con- 
duct of  the  general  officers  in  evacuating  Ticonderoga, 
was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  so  much  of  General  Schuy- 
ler's letter  as  relates  to  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,  be 
transmitted  by  express  to  General  Putnam. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Putnam  on  the  subject  was 
then  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  directed  me  to  transmit  to  you 
by  express,  the  enclosed  copy  of  a  letter  from  General 
Schuyler.  They  think  it  of  importance  that  you  should, 
from  time  to  time  be  apprised  of  the  situation  of  affairs  in 
the  northern  department,  and  will  omit  no  opportunities  of 
communicating  to  you  whatever  intelligence  they  may  re- 
ceive from  that  quarter. 

"  The  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  appears  to  the  Council 
highly  reprehensible,  and  it  gives  them  great  pain  to  find 
that  a  measure  so  absurd  and  probably  criminal  should  be 
imputed  to  the  direction  of  General  Schuyler,  in  whose 
zeal,  vigilance  and  integrity  the  Council  repose  the  highest 
confidence. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  Yours  &c. 

"  Major-General  Putnam." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  (together  with  a  copy  of 
Genl.  Schuyler's  letter)  to  General  Putnam  by  express. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  John  Broome,  dated  at  Hartford, 
the  fifth  instant,  informing  that  pursuant  to  the  order  of 
Council,  he  hath  disposed  of  the  sloop  Montgomerie  for 
three  thousand  five  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  lawful  money, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  an  express  be  sent  to  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  requesting  that  he  repair  to  this  Council  with- 
out delay. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher  do,  as  soon  as  possible, 
cause  to  be  made  up  twenty  thousand  musket  cartridges 
and  a  proportion  of  ball,  and  that  Mr.  Cantine  see  this 
order  executed. 

Ordered,  That  the  Colonels  Graham  and  Sutherland  in 
Dutchess  county,  and  the  Lieutenant-Colonels  Hornbeeck 
and  Elmendorph  in  Ulster  county,  do  without  delay  cause 
an  exact  return  to  be  made  to  this  Council  of  the  state  of 
the  regiments  under  their  respective  commands,  as  to  num- 
ber of  men,  arms,  ammunition,  &c. 

A  letter  from  the  marine  committee  of  Congress,  dated 
at  Philadelphia,  June  the  twenty-sixth,  directing  proper 
persons  (under  the  rank  of  captain)  as  officers  for  the 
frigates  to  be  appointed,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt: 

"  In  Marine  Committee,  ) 
"  Philadelphia,  June  26,  1777.  \ 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  informed  by  a  letter  from  the 
captains  of  the  Continental  frigates  in  Hudson's  river;  that 
the  general  officers  sent  by  His  Excellency  General  Wa- 
shington to  view  the  fortifications  and  obstructions  in  said 
river,  were  of  opinion  that  the  frigates  would  be  service- 
able in  defending  and  covering  the  same  ;  and  we  find  by 
an  extract  from  your  minutes  enclosed  in  said  letter,  that 
you  were  of  the  same  opinion  ;  in  consequence  whereof, 
we  have  now  given  orders  to  the  said  captains  to  have  the 
frigates  put  in  as  good  a  state  of  defence  as  can  be  admit- 
ted, and  to  follow  and  obey  such  orders  as  they  may  re- 
ceive from  General  Washington  or  the  commanding  officer 
who  may  direct  the  operations  in  that  quarter. 

"  We  must  beg  your  assistance  in  getting  the  ships  fit- 
ted, and  we  now  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  a  sufficient 
number  of  blank  commissions  and  warrants  for  the  lieu- 
tenants and  other  officers,  who  are  to  be  appointed  tempo- 
rarily until  such  time  as  we  are  sufficiently  informed  that 


they  are  well  qualified  for  the  stations  in  which  they  may 
be  put ;  therefore  you  will  please  to  fill  up  the  commis- 
sions with  this  proviso.  And  we  have  required  the  cap- 
tains to  join  with  you  in  your  researches  for  men  of  good 
character,  whom  you  can  freely  recommend  for  a  perma- 
nent establishment  in  our  navy.  We  must  further  beg 
leave  to  trouble  you  to  send  us  a  list  of  their  names,  sta- 
tions and  qualifications,  and  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  Gentlemen,  your  very  obedt.  servts. 

"  JOHN  HANCOCK, 
"ROBT.  MORRIS, 
"H.  Z.  MARCHANT, 
"ROGER  SHERMAN, 
"  GEO.  FROST, 
«  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  NICHS.  VAN  DYKE, 
"BENJ.  HARRISON, 
"  GEO.  WATSON. 

''  The  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New-York." 

Blank  commissions  for  those  officers  were  received  by 
the  same  opportunity,  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell  repair  to  the  Highlands  to 
make  inquiry  what  officers,  under  the  rank  of  captain,  are 
on  board  those  ships,  their  characters,  &c.  And  further, 
that  he  endeavour  to  find  out  proper  persons  for  those  offi- 
cers, if  those  on  board  should  be  deficient  in  number  or 
qualifications,  and  report  the  same. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Schuyler,  in  answer  to 
his  received  this  day,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  received  your  letter  of  the 
ninth  instant,  and  forwarded  the  one  it  enclosed  to  Gene- 
ral Washington  by  express.  The  evacuation  of  Ticonde- 
roga is  very  extraordinary.  They  readily  acquit  you  of 
any  agency  in  that  measure,  and  hope  you  will  treat  such 
insinuations  with  the  same  contempt  and  indifference 
they  do.  The  Council  direct  me  to  assure  you  of  their 
readiness  to  comply  with  all  requisitions  you  may  make, 
and  which  may  be  in  their  power  to  perform.  They  are 
persuaded  that  your  exertions  will  be  such  as  to  merit  the 
approbation  of  your  country,  whatever  may  be  the  event. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler  " 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  express  now  return- 
ing. 

It  being  suggested  to  the  Council,  that  the  office  of  vic- 
tualler to  the  Fleet  prison  can,  with  greater  convenience 
and  regularity,  be  executed  by  the  warden  of  the  said 
prison, 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Charles  Giles,  who  is  appointed  to 
the  office  of  victualler  to  the  Fleet  prison,  be  discharged 
from  his  said  office  on  the  twenty-eighth  instant,  and  that 
Captain  Henry  Benson  be  appointed  to  execute  the  said 
office  from  that  day. 

A  certificate,  dated  Peekskill,  June  the  twenty-fifth, 
signed  by  Dr.  Putnam,  A.  D.  C.  that  Solomon  Wright,  of 
New-Marlborough  precinct,  (who  having  been  over  to 
the  enemy  and  is  returned)  hath  taken  the  oath  of  allegi- 
ance to  this  State,  was  received,  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  a  pardon  to  him, 
pursuant  to  the  ordinance  of  the  late  Conveniion. 

A  letter  from  John  Eisenlord  and  Frederick  Fisher, 
commissioners  of  sequestration  in  the  county  of  Tryon, 
requesting  instructions  relative  to  property  claimed,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  the  late 
Convention  on  that  subject  be  transmitted  to  the  commis- 
sioners, and  that  they  be  informed  that  this  Council  do  not 
think  it  expedient  to  alter  the  same,  but  that  they  doubt 
not  that  the  Legislature  will  remedy  the  matter. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


993 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr-  Tredwell,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  memorial  of  John  Wheelock,  Esqr.  setting  forth  his 
inability  to  raise  the  number  of  men  in  the  northeastern 
part  of  this  State,  as  stipulated  by  the  resolutions  of  the 
late  Convention,  to  entitle  the  officers  of  the  corps  to  com- 
missions ;  that  at  the  most  only  eighty  men  are  engaged, 
part  of  whom  are  now  at  Fishkill,  pursuant  to  the  order  of 
this  Board — the  memorialist  prays  the  Council  to  deter- 
mine whether  they  think  it  expedient  to  confirm  the  said 
corps — was  received,  read  and  filed,  and 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr. 
Robt.  R.  Livingston  and  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Then  adjourned  until  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  12,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

The  President  and  some  members  met,  and  agreed  to 
meet  again  to-morrow  morning,  and  attend  the  arrival  of 
any  despatches. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  13,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Jay,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

No  material  intelligence  or  business  offering, 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUISLE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  14,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major  Tappen,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Gilbert  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colonel  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated 
at  Fort  Montgomerie,  the  eleventh  July,  1777,  was  receiv- 
ed, read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  llth  July,  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — Your  favour  of  the  9th  instant  by  ex- 
press, is  received.  I  am  to  thank  you  for  your  kind  con- 
gratulations upon  the  honour  conferred  on  me  by  the  peo- 
ple. If  I  was  left  to  consult  my  own  inclinations,  howev- 
er honourable  the  offices  to  which  I  am  elected,  I  should 
decline  the  acceptance  of  either  of  them  ;  but  as  I  don't 
conceive  myself  at  liberty  to  refuse  my  services  in  what- 
ever office  I  may  be  placed  by  the  free  suffrages  of  the  pu- 
blic, I  shall  as  soon  as  I  can,  consistent  with  my  duly  to 
the  Continent  as  their  officer,  and  the  safely  of  the  State 
at  this  post  will  admit,  repair  to  Kingston  and  take  the 
oaths  agreeably  to  your  request. 

"  My  appointment  as  Governor,  in  my  humble  opinion, 
leaves  the  office  of  Lieutenant-Governor  of  course  vacant, 
rendering  my  election  as  such,  a  nullity  ;  in  which  case  a 
resignation  would  become  unnecessary  ;  but  least  a  diffe- 
rence of  sentiment  should  occasion  any  delay  in  ordering 
a  new  election  for  Lieutenant-Governor,  I  do  hereby  re- 
sign that  office. 

"  From  the  movements  of  the  enemy  to  the  northward, 
and  late  accounts  by  deserters  from  the  city  of  New-York,  I 

249 


we  have  the  utmost  reason  to  expect  the  enemy  up  this  ri- 
ver and  a  sudden  attack  on  this  post ;  this  will  occasion  my 
steady  continuance  here  till  their  designs  are  more  certainly 
known.    I  am  with  due  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety 

of  the  State  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  dated  Boston,  July  2d,  and  signed  Jer.  Povvel,  Presi- 
dent, acknowledging  the  receipt  of  the  letter  from  Conven- 
tion on  the  subject  of  the  depreciation  of  paper  money, 
was  received,  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

"  Council  Chamber,  Boston,  July  2d,  1777. 

"Sir — The  letter  from  your  Convention  has  been  receiv- 
ed, and  also  one  from  the  President  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  your  State ;  the  latter  of  which  is  now  under 
the  consideration  of  a  committee  of  both  Houses. 

"  The  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay  being  greally  alarm- 
ed with  the  depreciation,  surplusage  and  counterfeiting  of 
the  paper  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  the  New-England 
States  in  particular,  and  the  distressed  state  of  their  com- 
merce, arising  from  these  and  other  causes,  and  consider- 
ing that  these  bills  have  passed  freely  through  the  New- 
England  States,  and  also  ihe  State  of  New-York;  that  by 
their  vicinity,  these  States  are  naturally  affected  by  the 
operations  of  each  other,  that  divers  laws  and  regulations 
of  some  of  them  have  given  great  uneasiness  to  others  of 
them  ;  that  for  want  of  timely  explanation,  destructive 
jealousies  may  arise,  and  for  want  of  consultations  and 
concurrence  of  measures,  the  best  means  of  removing 
those  evils  may  not  be  discovered,  nor  any  measures  sup- 
ported with  sufficient  vigour  ;  they  have  passed  the  en- 
closed resolve,  and  hope  it  will  meet  your  approbation  and 
concurrence. 

"  It  gives  us  great  concern  to  find  that  some  of  our  re- 
gulations which  were  undertaken  with  the  sincerest  inten- 
tions and  expectations  of  promoting  the  common  welfare 
should  occasion  such  uneasiness  in  you.  We  wish  to  give 
satisfaction  to  a  sister  State  in  whose  welfare  we  are  so 
deeply  interested  and  in  whose  distresses  we  so  sincerely 
sympathize,  and  to  consult  with  you  a  system  of  conduct 
under  these  embarrassments  of  our  internal  government 
and  such  an  exercise  of  that  independency  which  we 
enjoy  in  common  with  the  other  Slates  of  America,  as 
may  conduce  to  the  welfare  of  the  whole.  We  wish  to 
satisfy  you  that  our  internal  regulation  of  which  you  com- 
plain did  not  arise  from  a  senseless  forgetfulness  of  our 
own  sufferings  by  the  present  war,  nor  a  wicked  ingrati- 
tude to  your  State,  among  others,  for  the  great  sup- 
port we  received  by  your  pity  and  relief,  much  less  from 
an  inattention  to  the  voice  of  humanity  and  an  inclination 
to  build  our  prosperity  on  the  calamity  of  our  neighbours, 
but  that  the  prevention  of  this  practice  among  individuals 
was  the  real  object  of  our  regulalions. 

"  Afler  all  our  supposed  advantages  there  is  a  very  great 
scarcity  (real  or  artificial)  of  necessary  articles  with  us  as 
well  as  with  you  ;  but  we  desire  you  will  consider  all 
America  as  one  community,  and  trust  we  shall  ever  take 
pleasure  in  relieving  the  wants  and  alleviating  the  distres- 
ses of  every  part  thereof. 

"  In  the  name  and  behalf  of  the  General  Assembly, 
"I  am,  sir,  your  most  obeclt.  humble  servt. 

"  JER.  POWELL,  President. 

"  P.  S.  We  have  addressed  the  Honourable  Congress 
on  the  occasion  and  subject  of  this  conference  in  order  to 
obviate  any  misconstruction  of  the  same.  The  resolve  re- 
ferred to  in  the  above  letter  was  forwarded  by  the  Secre- 
tary by  the  post  last  Monday,  via  Providence. 
"  The  Governor  of  the  Stale  of  New-York." 

The  resolution  referred  to  in  the  above  lettter  was  then 
read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 


994 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  State  op  Massachusetts  Bay,  } 
"  In  the  House  of  Representatives,  > 
June  27,  1777. ) 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Honble.  R.  Treat  Paine  and  Azor 
Orne,  Esqr.  with  such  as  the  Honourable  Board  shall  join, 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  in  behalf  of  this 
State  to  meet  committees  from  the  General  Assemblies  of 
the  States  of  New-Hampshire,  Rhode-Island,  Connecticut 
and  New- York,  at  the  town  of  Springfield,  in  the  county 
of  Hampshire,  within  this  State,  on  the  thirtieth  day  of 
July  next ;  in  case  said  Assemblies  think  fit  to  appoint  such 
committees,  then  and  there  to  hold  a  conference  respecting 
the  state  of  the  paper  currency  of  the  said  governments,  of 
the  expediency  of  calling  in  the  same  by  taxes  or  other- 
wise ;  of  the  most  effectual,  expeditious  and  equal  method 
of  doing  it,  and  to  consult  upon  the  best  means  for  pre- 
venting the  depreciation  and  counterfeiting  of  the  same  ; 
and  also  to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done  with  respect 
to  the  acts  lately  made  to  prevent  monopoly  and  oppres- 
sion, and  to  confer  upon  the  late  acts  for  preventing  the 
transportation  by  land  of  certain  articles  from  one  State  to 
another,  and  to  consider  such  other  matters  as  particularly 
concern  the  immediate  welfare  of  said  Stales,  and  are  not 
repugnant  to  or  interfering  with  the  powers  and  authorities 
of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  to  report  the  result  of 
their  conference  to  the  general  court.  And  the  Secretary 
is  hereby  directed  immediately  to  transmit  authenticated 
copies  of  this  resolve  to  the  General  Assemblies  of  the 
States  aforementioned. 

"  And  every  clause  in  an  act  entitled  '  An  act  in  addition 
to  and  for  amending  and  more  effectually  carrying  into 
execution  an  act  entitled  an  act  to  prevent  monopoly  and 
oppression,  made  the  present  year,'  be  and  hereby  are  sus- 
pended until  the  further  order  of  this  court,  excepting  the 
two  first  enacting  clauses  in  the  act  before  mentioned,  de- 
termining the  prices  certain  articles  therein  enumerated, 
shall  be  sold  at. 

"  Sent  up  for  concurrence. 

"  R.  T.  PAINE,  Spkr.  P.  T. 

"  In  Council,  June  27,  1777. 
"  Read  and  concurred  in,  and  Thos.  Cushing,  Esq.  is 
joined  on  the  part  of  the  board. 

"  JOHN  AVERY,  Dpy.  Secy. 

"  Consented  to  by  a  major  part  of  the  Council. 
"  A  true  copy. 

"  Attest." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  resolution  referred  to 
in  the  same,  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay. 

Resolved,  That  the  sitting  of  the  supreme  court  of  judi- 
cature for  this  State  be  adjourned  from  the  last  Tuesday  of 
July  instant,  to  the  last  Tuesday  of  August  next,  of  which 
all  persons  are  required  to  take  notice  and  govern  them- 
selves accordingly. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  Elnathan  Foster, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  permitted  to  visit  and  abide  with 
his  family  for  the  term  of  one  week. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  have  leave  of 
absence  for  five  days,  on  the  appearance  of  Mr.  Robt.  R. 
Livingston  and  Mr.  Piatt. 

Adjourned  until  the  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  LuNiE,  4  ho.  P.  M.July  14,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De 
"Witt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine 

Sundry  petitions  of  inimical  persons  confined  on  board 
the  Fleet  prison,  and  in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  were  read. 
Some  of  them  were  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  and  the 
residue  committed  to  report  thereon  their  crimes. 

Samuel  Tid,  a  person  traveling  through  this  place  and 
who  says  he  came  from  Fort  Independence  on  the  evacua- 
tion of  that  post,  being  suspected  to  be  a  deserter,  was 


brought  before  the  Council  and  examined  :  And  there- 
upon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Samuel  Tid  be  confined  on 
board  Captain  Benson's  own  sloop,  until  further  inquiry  can 
be  made  as  to  his  political  character. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTI S,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  15,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harpur,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
General  Scott,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

The  petitions  of  sundry  persons  confined  on  board  the 
Fleet  prison,  sent  thither  from  Albany,  praying  to  be  re- 
leased from  confinement,  were  read.  And 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  Ten  Broeck  be  re- 
quested to  transmit  all  such  parts  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
general  court  martial  held  at  Albany,  respecting  the  per- 
sons brought  before  the  said  court,  and  sent  from  Albany 
to  the  Fleet  prison,  and  which  have  not  heretofore  been 
transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Herring,  of  Orange  county, 
confined  in  Kingston  jail,  on  his  taking  the  oath  of  allegi- 
ance, be  discharged. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam,  dated  the  twelfth  instant, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Peekskill,  July  12,  1777. 

"  Sir — Received  yours  from  the  Council  of  Safety, 
with  the  enclosed  copy  from  Genl.  Schuyler.  Am  greatly 
astonished  at  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  in  the  manner 
it  is  represented  ;  think  there  is  great  fault  some  where. 

"  By  a  woman  from  New-York  last  Sunday,  am  just 
now  informed  that  a  packet  arrived  there  last  week  on 
Thursday  ;  brought  some  advices  to  Genl.  Howe,  but  what 
she  is  unable  to  say  ;  that  the  troops  were  embarked,  had 
orders  to  take  on  board  20  days'  provision  ;  that  several  of 
the  principal  merchants  had  put  their  goods  on  board  ; 
that  three  transports  sailed  up  the  East  river  last  Saturday 
with  soldiers  on  board  ;  that  great  fault  was  found  by  the 
officers,  that  General  Howe  had  made  no  greater  conquest 
of  America ;  that  the  enemy  designed  to  attack  us  east 
and  north. 

"  By  Mr.  Storer,  quarter-master  to  Genl.  Glover's 
brigade,  direct  from  Head-Quarters  at  Morris  Town,  am 
informed  that  Genl.  Washington  is  on  the  march  with  his 
army  to  this  place ;  that  a  justice  who  went  to  the  enemy 
from  Jersey  is  returned  back,  says  a  packet  arrived  at 
New-York  Thursday  last  week,  and  brings  advice  that  the 
East  India  Company  have  declared  themselves  independent 
of  Great  Britain,  which  has  occasioned  some  new  orders 
to  Genl.  Howe. 

"  By  a  deserter  this  day  come  in  from  Powles  Hook, 
am  informed  that  they  have  eight  regiments  there  ;  that 
forty  transports,  under  convoy  of  a  large  ship  and  six 
frigates,  sailed  out  of  the  Hook  on  the  9th  instant ;  that 
Genl.  Howe's  army  consists  of  19,000  men. 

"  With  esteem,  am  your  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"To  the  Honourable  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 

President  of  the  Council  of  Safety." 

A  letter  from  Captain  Hodge,  of  the  Continental  frigate 
Montgomerie,  dated  July  the  thirteenth,  with  a  list  of  offi- 
cers by  him  recommended  for  the  said  ships,  together  with 
a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  marine  committee  to  him  dated 
June  the  twenty-sixth,  on  the  same  subject,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Plait  and  Mr.  Van 
Zandt  be  a  commiltee  to  report  a  list  and  arrangement  of 
proper  persons  as  officers  for  the  Continental  frigates. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


995 


Mr.  Tredwell  has  leave  of  absence  for  ten  days. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hobart  be  written  to,  and  requested 
to  attend  the  Council. 

The  memorial  of  Richard  Hatfield,  in  behalf  of  Joshua 
Hatfield,  late  an  inhabitant  of  Westchester  county,  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York  : 
"  The  petition  of  Richard  Hatfield,  in  behalf  of  Joshua 
Hatfield,  late  an  inhabitant  of  the  White  Plains,  in  the 
county  of  Westchester, 
"  Humbly  Sheweth  : 

"  That  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield  in  and  by  two 
several  bonds,  bearing  date  the  twelfth  day  of  December, 
in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-four,  became  joinlly  and  severally  bound,  with  his 
son  Barns  Hatfield,  unto  one  Peter  Bonelt  and  John  Tomp- 
kins, in  the  penal  sum  of  three  hundred  pounds,  conditioned 
for  the  payment  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  with 
lawful  interest ;  that  the  whole  of  the  said  moneys  (which 
are  now  due,  with  part  of  the  interest,)  have  been  received 
by  the  said  Barns  Hatfield,  for  his  own  separate  use  and  be- 
hoof (the  said  Joshua  Hatfield  being  only  his  security,)  that 
the  said  Barns  Hatfield,  some  time  after  the  execution  of  the 
said  bond,  to  wit,  on  the  fifth  day  of  April,  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-six,  in  order  to  save  harmless 
and  keep  indemnified  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield,  did,  to- 
gether with  his  brother,  Peter  Hatfield,  for  whom  the  said 
Joshua  Hatfield  also  became  bound  as  a  security,  executed 
a  certain  bill  of  sale  in  the  nature  of  a  mortgage  for  a  cer- 
tain negro  boy  and  stallion,  and  also  for  sundry  other  arti- 
cles in  the  same  mentioned. 

"  That  at  the  time  the  enemy  advanced  to  the  White 
Plains,  in  November  last,  they  took  possession  of  the  said 
stallion  ;  that  the  said  negro  boy  is  since  dead ;  and  that 
sundry  of  the  articles  in  the  said  bill  of  sale  mentioned, 
have  been  disposed  of  by  the  said  Barns  Hatfield,  and  ap- 
propriated to  his  own  use,  previous  to  his  having  joined  the 
enemy,  which  your  petitioner  with  much  regret,  mentions 
has  been  the  case  ;  that  there  is  now  standing  on  the  farm 
of  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield,  in  Dutchess  county,  about 
twelve  acres  of  wheat,  which  was  sown  by  the  said  Barns 
Hatfield,  previous  to  his  having  joined  the  enemy. 

"  That  your  petitioner  is  of  opinion  that  the  articles  now 
undisposed,  of  those  which  were  mortgaged  as  aforesaid, 
are  insufficient  to  indemnify  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield,  in 
being  security  as  aforesaid.  Your  petitioner  flattering  him- 
self it  is  not  the  intention  of  the  Honourable  Council  of 
Safety,  that  persons  friendly  to  the  cause  of  America, 
should  be  injured  by  the  misconduct  of  disaffected  persons, 
takes  the  liberty  of  presenting  this  petition.  And  although 
a  sale  of  the  wheal  aforesaid  would  amount  to  a  small  sum, 
yet  as  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield  has  suffered  much  by  the 
devastation  of  his  property  by  the  enemy,  your  petitioner 
humbly  prays  that  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety  will 
be  favourably  pleased  to  grant  to  the  said  Joshua  Hatfield 
the  wheat  aforesaid  for  his  indemnification,  and  your  peti- 
tioner shall  ever  pray. 

"RICHARD  HATFIELD. 

"  \bth  July,  1777." 

"Kingston,  \bthJuly,  1777. — The  above  named  Rich- 
ard Hatfield,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  sailh,  that  he 
was  a  witness  to  the  execution  of  the  said  bill  of  sale  above 
mentioned,  to  have  been  executed  by  the  said  Barns 
Hatfield  and  Peter  Hatfield,  and  that  he  verily  believes 
the  same  was  executed  to  indemnify  the  said  Joshua 
Hatfield  in  becoming  security  as  above  mentioned ;  and 
that  the  facts  set  forth  as  above  are  true,  and  further  saith 
not. 

"RICHARD  HATFIELD. 
"  Sworn  the  day  and  year  above  ) 
written,  before  me,  $ 
"John  Jay." 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 


Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  for  this  Board  to  inter- 
fere in  private  contracts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Piatt  be  added  to  the  committee  to 
confer  with  Major  Wheelock. 

Ordered,  That  Lieutenant- Colonel  Elmendorph  do,  by 
drafts  out  of  the  regiment  of  militia  under  his  command, 
furnish  a  captain  and  twenty  men  to  guard  the  prisoners 
confined  in  Kingston  jail  and  on  board  the  Fleet  prison  ; 
and  that  the  said  guard  do  parade  at  the  court  house  in 
Kingston,  on  Thursday  next,  at  4  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  Lieutenant-Colonel  Hornbeck  do  in  like 
manner,  out  of  the  regiment  under  his  command,  furnish 
a  guard  of  a  lieutenant  and  fifteen  men  for  the  like  pur- 
pose. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  lieutenant-colonels  do  cause  the 
said  guard  to  be  relieved  weekly,  by  similar  drafts  from 
the  said  regiments  of  militia,  until  the  company  of  guards 
which  this  board  are  endeavouring  to  raise  can  be  com- 
pleted. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  drafts  be  allowed  the  like  pay 
and  subsistence  as  are  allowed  to  Captain  Schoonmaker's 
company. 

Ordered,  That  the  Captains  Elmendorph  and  Bogardus, 
of  Colonel  Snyder's  regiment,  do,  by  four  o'clock  this 
afternoon,  furnish  a  guard  of  twenty-four  men  to  relieve 
the  guards  at  the  court  house  and  Fleet  prison,  to  be  con- 
tinued until  relieved  by  other  guards  from  the  militia. 

Colonel  Eleazer  Patterson  (who  is  sent  by  the  commit- 
tee of  Cumberland  county)  delivered  into  Council  the  fol- 
lowing letters  and  papers,  to  wit : 

A  representation  from  the  committee  of  the  said  county, 
dated  at  Brattleborough,  June  twenty-sixth  last  past,  and 
signed  by  James  Clay,  Esqr.  chairman,  giving  an  account 
of  the  state  of  the  said  county  as  to  the  revolted  subjects 
who  set  up  an  independent  government. 

A  letter  from  Simon  Stevens,  Esqr.  dated  Springfield, 
June  twenty-third,  on  the  same  subject. 

A  copy  of  a  certified  extract  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Convention  of  the  State  of  Vermont,  dated  the  fourth  day 
of  June  last  past. 

Another  copy  of  a  certified  extract  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  said  Convention,  of  the  same  date. 

A  petition  of  Andrew  Naughten,  confined  in  the  jail  of 
the  said  county  by  the  authority  of  the  said  Convention. 

A  letter  from  Paul  Spooner,  Esqr.  (who  was  appointed 
to  the  office  of  sheriff  of  the  said  county  by  the  late  Con- 
vention of  the  State  of  New- York)  declining  to  exercise 
the  said  office. 

A  certificate  from  the  committee  of  Cumberland  county, 
dated  June  the  twenty-seventh,  signed  by  James  Clay, 
Esquire,  chairman,  setting  forth  the  appointment  of  Colo- 
nel Patterson  to  convey  to  the  Assembly  or  Convention  of 
New-York  the  representation  above  mentioned,  with  the 
papers  enclosed. 

The  said  letters  and  papers  being  read, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  General  Scott  and  Major  Tappen. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  16,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harpur, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker  be 
and  he  is  hereby  appointed  to  raise  a  company  of  men 
similar  to  the  company  he  lately  raised  and  commanded, 
pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Convention,  passed 


996 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


the  twenty-ninth  of  April  last ;  and  to  be  under  the  like 
regulations  as  to  service,  pay  and  subsistence  ;  and  to  con- 
tinue in  service  until  the  first  day  of  December  next,  un- 
less sooner  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Frederick  Batts  and  Martin  Loop,  of 
the  manor  of  Livingston,  confined  on  board  the  Fleet  pri- 
son for  disaffection  to  the  American  cause,  on  their  taking 
the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged,  according  to  the 
prayer  of  their  petition. 

Ordered,  That  blank  warrants  for  a  boatswain  and  cook 
for  the  Continental  frigates  Congress  and  Monlgomerie,  be 
sent  to  the  commanders  of  those  ships  respectively,  who 
are  hereby  authorized  to  fill  them  up  with  the  names  of 
such  persons  as  to  them  shall  appear  properly  qualified. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  do  issue  a  pardon  to  Wil- 
liam Kelder  (who  was,  by  a  court  martial  held  at  Fort 
Montgomerie,  May  the  second,  tried,  convicted  and  sen- 
tenced to  suffer  death  for  treasonable  practices  against  this 
State)  of  the  crimes  and  punishment  whereof  and  whereto 
he  stands  charged,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  late 
Convention. 

Two  letters  from  Tryon  county,  the  one  from  the  com- 
mittee at  Harpersfield,  dated  the  4th  instant ;  the  other 
from  William  Harper,  Esqr.  dated  the  8th  inst.  informing 
the  Council  of  their  apprehensions  of  the  Indians,  and 
praying  the  Council  to  provide  means  for  their  protection, 
were  read  and  filed. 

Colo.  John  Harper  and  a  Mr.  Johnston,  the  bearers  of 
these  letters,  were  examined,  and  [their  examinations]  are 
in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Ulster  County,  ss. — Colo.  John  Harper,  of  Harpers- 
field,  in  Tryon  county,  being  examined  says,  that  on  the 
twenty-seventh  day  of  June  last,  Brigadier-General  Her- 
kiemer,  of  Tryon  county,  with  about  three  hundred  and 
eighty  of  the  militia  of  that  county,  met  Joseph  Brandt  at 
a  place  called  Unadella,  on  the  Susquehannah,  to  demand 
of  him  the  reason  why  he  had  taken  cattle  from  the  people 
of  that  place.  That  he,  the  said  John  Harper,  was  there 
present  as  one  ;  that  Brandt  appeared  with  several  Indian 
chief  warriors  with  him  to  hear  what  the  General  had  to 
say  to  them. 

"  That  General  Herkiemer  delivered  his  speech  tending 
to  peace  with  the  Indian  nations. 

"  That  Brandt  replied  that  he  was  thankful  that  the  Ge- 
neral was  so  peaceably  disposed,  but  as  they  were  hungry 
they  could  not  speak  until  they  had  eaten  ;  that  Brandt 
and  his  chiefs  went  away  to  refresh  themselves  and  return- 
ed with  upwards  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  warriors,  to 
wit,  about  136  or  137  warriors.  That  Brandt  then  said 
to  the  General  he  was  glad  that  he  and  his  party  were 
so  peaceably  disposed,  but  that  by  their  numbers  they  ap- 
peared to  be  disposed  for  war,  and  if  so,  he  was  ready  for 
them.  That  he  farther  said,  he  appeared  there  because  of 
several  things  which  keeps  the  minds  of  the  Six  Nations 
uneasy. 

"That  one  reason  he  assigned  was,  that  the  Mohawks 
were  confined  and  had  not  the  liberty  of  passing  and  re- 
passing as  formerly. 

"  2ndly.  That  their  minister,  Mr.  Stewart,  had  not  liber- 
ty to  pass  and  repass  to  them  as  formerly,  so  that  they 
could  not  carry  on  their  religious  worship  as  formerly. 

"  3rdly.  That  forts  were  built  within  the  lines  of  the 
Indians'  territory  on  their  lands  ;  that  these  were  the  only 
matters  of  consequence  which  made  the  minds  of  the  Six 
Nations  uneasy,  and  appeared  as  if  designed  against  them  ; 
that  if  these  things  were  rectified,  it  would  give  their  minds 
ease. 

"That  General  Herkiemer  asked  if  they  would  be 
peac.  able  and  do  nothing  against  the  country  if  these  things 
were  rectified  ? 

"  That  to  this  Brandt  replied,  that  they  were  in  cove- 
nant with  the  King,  as  their  fathers,  grandfathers  and  great 
grandfathers  had  always  been  ;  that  they  were  steady  and 


not  changeable  as  the  wind  ;  that  the  King's  belts  weie 
yet  lodged  among  them  ;  that  they  could  not  think  of  being 
such  great  scoundrels  as  to  falsify  their  pledges  of  trust ; 
that  for  their  parts  (meaning  the  General  and  his  party) 
they  joined  the  Boston  people  against  the  King ;  that  the 
Boston  people  were  very  resolute,  but  that  the  King  would 
humble  them  ;  that  Mr.  Schuyler,  or  General  Schuyler,  or 
what  you  may  please  to  call  him,  had  been  very  smart  on 
the  Indians  at  the  treaty  at  the  German  Flatts,  and  threat- 
ened them  if  they  would  join  the  King's  party,  but  was  not  at 
the  same  time  able  to  afford  them  linen  to  put  a  shirt  on 
their  backs  ;  that  the  Indians  were  not  to  be  scared  by  Mr. 
Schuyler's  threats ;  that  the  Indians  had  formerly  made 
war  on  the  white  people  when  both  the  King  and  the  coun- 
try were  together,  and  now  they  were  opposed  to  each 
other,  the  Indians  were  not  to  be  frightened. 

"  That  after  Brandt  had  declared  their  intentions  of  abi- 
ding faithfully  to  the  King,  Colo.  Cox  said  if  that  was  their 
resolution,  there  need  not  be  any  further  inquiry  ;  the  mat- 
ter was  settled. 

"  That  Brandt  then  turned  to  his  warriors  and  spoke  to 
them ;  that  they  arose  and  shouted,  and  run  off  for  their 
arms  ;  that  in  their  own  camp,  about  a  mile  from  where 
the  parties  were  assembled,  they  took  their  arms  and  fired 
a  number  of  arms,  and  gave  the  war  whoop. 

"  That  General  Herkiemer  told  Brandt  he  did  not  come 
there  for  war,  and  prevailed  on  him  to  send  a  person  to 
detain  his  warriors  at  their  camp,  or  prevent  their  coming 
to  attact  the  General's  party. 

"  That  Brandt's  speaker  rose,  told  Genl.  Herkimer  that 
they  were  there  ready  for  them  and  ready  to  come  to  action, 
all  which  he  said  in  the  most  threatening  posture.  That  he 
then  proposed  to  the  General  that  Mr.  Stewart  should  have 
leave  to  go  to  the  upper  Mohawk  Castle  ;  that  the  Mohawk 
Indians  and  Colo.  Butler's  wife  should  also  have  leave  to 
go  to  the  upper  Mohawk  Castle ;  that  the  people  of  Una- 
della should  be  permitted  to  remain  at  home,  subjects  to 
their  King  ;  that  they  had  complained  that  they  had  been 
obliged  to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  Staets,  con- 
trary to  their  consciences ;  that  General  Herkiemer  told 
him  his  party  came  after  tories  and  deserters,  and  required 
Brandt  to  deliver  up  those  who  joined  him  or  were  under 
his  protection  ;  that  he  refused  to  give  up  either,  but  insist- 
ed they  should  remain  in  possession  of  their  places  and 
subject  only  to  their  King  ;  that  General  Herkiemer  agreed 
to  his  proposals. 

"  That  Brandt  then  said,  he  and  his  warriors  would  go 
away,  and  that  he  was  himself  to  go  to  Oswego  to  a  treaty 
with  Colo.  Butler. 

"  That  next  day  Brandt,  with  a  number  of  spear  men, 
came  and  put  the  tories  in  possession  of  their  places. 

"  That  General  Herkimer  and  his  party  came  away. 

"  That  he,  the  examinant,  has  been  informed  by  an  In- 
dian that  Brandt  is  now  lying  at  Onehoghquago  recruiting  ; 
that  he  had  sent  to  the  different  nations,  and  requested  that 
all  those  who  had  any  spirit  to  go  to  war  should  join  him, 
and  that  several  came  and  joined  him  every  day. 

"  That  the  Indian  told  him  on  the  eighth  instant,  that 
Brandt  was  deceiving  the  white  people  when  he  told  them 
he  was  going  to  Oswego  ;  that  he  was  recruiting  his  party 
to  fall  on  the  white  people  unexpectedly. 

"That  the  Indian  who  informed  the  deponent  run  some 
risk  to  give  that  information,  and  desired  that  his  name 
may  be  concealed. 

"JOHN  HARPER. 

"  Sworn  and  examined  by  me,  ) 
"July  16th,  1777.  J 

"John  McKesson,  Nots.  Pubs." 
"  Ulster  County,  ss. — William  Johnston  being  examin- 
ed, says,  that  on  the  second  day  of  June,  Joseph  Brandt 
came  up  from  Onehoghqauga  to  Unadella,  with  between 
seventy  and  eighty  warriors  ;  that  they  came  out  of  the 
Indian  territory,  and  within  the  division  line  between  the 
Indians  and  inhabitants  about  one  mile ;  that  Brandt  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


997 


his  party  sent  for  the  officers  of  the  militia  company,  and 
the  minister  of  Unadella,  and  informed  them  that  they  were 
in  want  of  provision  ;  that  if  they  could  not  gel  it  by  con- 
sent they  must  take  it  by  force  ;  that  Joseph  Brandt  told 
the  officers  that  their  agreement  with  the  King  was  very 
strong,  and  that  they  were  not  such  villains  as  to  break 
their  covenant  with  the  King  ;  that  they  were  naturally 
warriors,  and  that  they  could  not  bear  to  be  threatened  by 
General  Schuyler ;  that  they  were  informed  that  the 
Mohawks  were  confined,  that  they  had  not  liberty  to  pass 
and  repass  as  formerly  ;  that  they  were  determined  to  be 
free,  as  they  were  a  free  people,  and  desired  to  have  their 
friends  removed  from  the  Mohawks  river,  lest,  if  the  west- 
ern Indians  should  come  down,  their  friends  might  suffer 
with  the  rest,  as  they  would  pay  no  respect  to  persons  ; 
that  the  inhabitants  being  but  weak  and  defenceless,  they 
let  them  have  some  provision  ;  that  the  said  Brandt  and 
his  party,  after  staying  about  two  days  at  Unadella  afore- 
said, took  eight  or  ten  head  of  horned  cattle  and  some 
sheep  and  hogs',  and  then  returned  to  Oneoghquaga  again  ; 
that  those  of  the  inhabitants  who  were  friendly  to  the 
cause  of  America,  removed  with  their  families  and  effects 
to  places  of  more  safety  ;  that  the  examinant  then  went  to 
the  officers  of  Tryon  county  and  informed  them  of  the 
matter  ;  that  General  Herkimer  went  with  a  party  of  men 
to  Unadella. 

"  WILLM.  JOHNSTON,  Jtnre. 
"  Sworn  and  examined  this  > 
16th  July,  1777,  by  me.  S 

"  John  McKesson,  Not.  Pub" 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  and  examinations  be 
referred  to  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Canline  and  Mr. 
Piatt. 

A  letter  from  Stephen  Kinney,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Claverack,  enclosing  a  petition  of  Asa  Lan- 
fear,  Samuel  Leonard,  Gideon  Gilford  and  David  South- 
ard to  the  said  committee,  praying  to  be  recommended 
to  the  Council  of  Safety,  that  they  may  be  liberated  from 
their  confinement. 

The  said  committee,  by  their  letter,  accordingly  recom- 
mended to  the  Council  that  the  said  prisoners  may  be  dis- 
charged, on  their  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  appear- 
ing before  the  said  committee  to  give  evidence  on  oath  of 
any  plots,  or  conspiracies,  that  may  have  come  to  their 
knowledge,  was  read  and  filed.    And  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  four  persons  be  discharged  on 
the  terms  mentioned  in  the  said  letter. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  16,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harpur,  Major 
TappeD,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zan.it. 

Resolved,  That  the  Legislature  of  this  Slate  be  conven- 
ed to  meet  at  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  on  the  first  day 
of  August  next. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  the  above  resolution  be  sent 
to  the  county  committees  of  the  several  counties  in  this 
State,  and  that  they  be  requested  to  notify  their  Represen- 
tatives in  Senate  and  Assembly  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  aforegoing  resolutions  be  published 
in  the  newspapers. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Fort  Edward, 
the  fourteenth  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Albany,  Uth  July,  1777. 
"  Sir — Being  detained  by  the  continual  rains  I  shall  set 
out  in  one  hour  for  Fort  Edward.  I  am  sorry  to  say  lhat 
I  have  not  been  able  yet  to  obtain  a  more  satisfactory  ac- 
count of  the  abandonment  of  Ticonderoga,  than  at  King- 
ston. For  what  reasons  and  in  what  manner  this  business 
was  done  is  still  a  mystery.    There  is  a  tale  current  that 

250 


we  had  a  severe  engagement  with  them  in  the  retreat. 
The  best  account  I  can  give  you  must  be  in  general  terms, 
for  the  particulars  vary  too  much  to  determine  on  which 
part  truth  is. 

"  Ten  companies  of  grenadiers  and  light  infantry,  or 
rather  a  party  of  the  enemy's  army  were  sent  from  Ticon- 
deroga in  pursuit  of  ihe  fugitives.  At  about  sixteen  or 
eighteen  miles  from  Mount  Independence  they  fell  in  with 
the  rear  guard  of  St.  Clair's  troops.  There  was  some 
fighting.  Our  loss  from  three  hundred  to  twenty,  and  that 
of  the  enemy  from  one  thousand  to  fifty  ;  but  twenty-four 
prisoners  we  have,  to  wit :  fourteen  Canadians,  seven  Bri- 
tish and  four  foreigners.  At  Fort  Anne  the  enemy  attack- 
ed twice  and  were  twice  repulsed,  with  considerable  loss, 
as  it  is  said.  In  this  business  we  lost  nothing.  Afterwards 
Colo.  Henry  R.  Van  Rensselaer  was  sent  out  with  a  party 
of  militia,  and  falling  in  with  the  ninth  regiment  a  severe 
conflict  ensued.  We  lost  twelve  killed  on  the  field  and 
many  wounded  (probably  more.)  Among  the  wounded 
was  the  colonel,  by  which  means  our  success  was  not  so 
great  as  there  is  reason  to  believe  it  would  have  been.  We 
have  taken  a  captain,  a  doctor  and  one  or  two  more. 

"  I  hear  the  enemy  are  returned  to  Ticonderoga  ;  how 
true  it  is  I  know  not.  I  expect  that  a  part  of  our  confer- 
ence with  Genl.  Schuyler  will  be  about  keeping  out  some 
of  the  militia.  Having  no  powers,  I  shall  do  what  I  think 
is  best,  and  trust  to  the  Council  to  confirm  it,  or  hang  me. 
But  whether  Mr.  Yates  will  join  in  pursuing  lhat  line  of 
conduct  is  very  uncertain. 

"At  Fort  Stanwix,  I  believe  our  affairs  do  not  stand 
quite  as  well  as  might  be  expected.  If  Genl.  Herkemer 
was  directed  to  draft  five  hundred  of  his  militia,  and  throw 
them  in  as  a  reinforcement  it  might  produce  good  effects. 
These  then  should  be  continued  in  service  till  the  first  of 
October.  If  any  thing  of  this  kind  is  resolved  on  be  pleas- 
ed to  enclose  your  letter  to  the  General,  to  Jacob  Cuyler, 
Esq.  at  Albany,  who  will  send  it  forward  or  not,  as  Genl. 
Schuyler  shall  or  shall  not  ihink  ihe  measure  eligible. 

"I  have  the  honour  to  be  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servt. 

"GOUVR.  MORRIS." 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  dated  Phi- 
ladelphia, the  8lh  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is 
as  follows,  vizt  : 

"Philada.  July  8th,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  distressed  situation  of  the  troops 
at  Ticonderoga,  for  want  of  blankets,  and  the  sickness 
consequent  thereupon,  have  induced  the  Congress  to  pass 
the  enclosed  resolve,  directing  me  to  request  you  will  exert 
yourselves  to  collect  and  forward  to  that  post  fifteen  hun- 
dred blankets  with  all  possible  expedition. 

"  The  Congress  engage  to  replace  the  same  number  of 
blankets  out  of  the  first  that  shall  be  imported  into  any  part 
of  the  United  States,  on  account  of  the  Continent. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servt. 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presidt. 

"  Honble.  Council  of  Safety 

of  the  State  of  New-York." 

The  resolution  of  Congress  recommending  to  the 
Council  of  Safety  of  New-York,  to  collect  and  send  to  Ti- 
conderoga fifteen  hundred  blankets,  and  which  is  referred 
to,  and  came  enclosed  in  the  preceding  letter,  was  then 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz  : 

"  In  Congress,  July  7,  1777. 

"  Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York,  informing  them  of  the 
distress  which  the  troops  at  Ticonderoga  are  in  for  want  of 
blankets,  and  requesting  them  to  use  their  exertions  in  col- 
lecting and  forwarding  in  the  most  expeditious  manner  to 
that  post  fifteen  hundred  blankets. 

"  That  the  faith  of  Congress  be  plighted  to  the  State  of 
New- York  for  replacing  the  blankets  so  furnished  out  of 


998 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


the  first  importation  of  that  article  on  the  account  of  the 
Continent,  in  any  port  in  the  United  States. 
"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

"  CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secy. 
"  By  order  of  Congress, 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  Preside." 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  James  Duane,  Philip  Li- 
vingston and  William  Duer,  Delegates  in  Congress  was 
received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Philadelphia,  2d  July,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  Since  our  last  we  have  applied  to  Commissary  Trum- 
bull to  exchange  in  the  manner  directed  by  Congress  the 
2,000  bushels  of  salt  which  they  were  pleased  to  grant 
for  the  relief  of  our  State  ;  as  soon  as  we  receive  his  an- 
swer you  shall  know  the  result.  We  are  endeavouring  to 
purchase  further  quantities  of  this  necessary  article  for  the 
use  of  our  fellow  citizens,  and  have  a  prospect  of  suc- 
ceeding. 

"The  manufacturing  of  salt  in  the  interior  parts  of  our 
own  State  is  certainly  an  object  most  worthy  of  the  attention 
of  the  public.  The  Indians  far  from  being  averse  to  it,  seem 
heartily  disposed  to  favour  the  design,  and  by  being  made 
partakers  of  the  advantages,  might  become  warmly  en- 
gaged for  its  success. 

"  If  the  war  should  be  prolonged,  it  is  far  from  being 
improbable  that  we  may  be  deprived  of  all  foreign  sup- 
plies. How  necessary  then  may  this  expedient  prove  to 
our  comfortable  subsistence  and  to  our  internal  union  and 
repose  ? 

"  We  hope  to  hear  that  the  experiments  which  were  di- 
rected before  we  left  Kingston  have  proved  favourable,  as 
well  as  that  good  progress-  has  been  made  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  lead  and  flints,  and  the  refining  of  sulphur.  A  cer- 
tain prospect  of  internal  supply  of  these  important  articles 
would  give  Congress  singular  satisfaction  ;  and  if  derived 
from  your  researches  and  exertions,  would  add  highly  to 
the  reputation  of  the  State. 

"  We  were  yesterday  honoured  with  your  favour  of  the 
and  immediately  took  the  necessary  steps  to  pro- 
cure an  account  of  the  State  prisoners  sent  to  Philadelphia 
by  our  late  Convention,  and  of  the  manner  of  their  dis- 
charge. It  shall  be  transmitted  to  you  by  this  conveyance, 
with  the  reasons  which  induced  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
this  Commonwealth  to  use  so  little  ceremony  in  a  business 
which  had  been  represented  to  them  as  of  a  very  serious 
nature. 

"  Congress,  between  this  and  the  26th  of  June,  have 
spent  the  greatest  part  of  four  days  in  considering  the  claim 
of  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  our  State  to  a  new  govern- 
ment, independent  of  the  community,  and  the  letters  and 
remonstrances  of  our  late  Convention  and  your  Honourable 
Council,  on  that  interesting  subject.  The  principles  upon 
which  this  ambitious  project  was  granted,  were  admitted  to 
be  of  universal  concern  to  the  general  confederacy  ;  and  they 
were  considered  as  particularly  odious,  from  the  attempt 
to  confirm  them  by  the  grossest  misrepresentation  of  the 
resolutions  of  Congress.  No  debate  was  ever  conducted 
with  more  deliberation  and  solemnity,  and  the  decision  was 
such  as,  in  our  judgment,  ought,  for  the  present,  to  be  sa- 
tisfactory ;  it  does  not,  it  is  true,  come  up  to  the  requisi- 
tion of  our  Slate,  '  that  the  insurgents  should  be  recom- 
mended to  a  peaceable  submission  to  its  jurisdiction  by  the 
authority  of  Congress,  and  that  Warner's  regiment  should 
be  discharged.'  But  by  totally  reprobating  the  idea  that 
a  minority  can  establish  an  independence  of  the  commu- 
nity of  which  they  are  members,  by  proclaiming  the  duty 
of  Congress  to  secure  and  defend  the  several  communities 
of  which  it  is  composed  : 

"  By  censuring  the  supposition  that  Congress  could  do, 
recommend  or  countenance  any  thing  injurious  to  the  rights 
and  jurisdictions  of  those  communities  : 

"  By  declaring  expressly  that  the  independent  govern- 


ment attempted  to  be  established  by  those  misguided  peo- 
ple, can  derive  no  countenance  or  justification  from  the 
particular  resolution  on  which  it  is  pretended  to  be  founded, 
or  from  any  other  act  or  proceeding  of  Congress  : 

"  By  the  contemptuous  rejection  of  their  petition  to  be 
received  and  ranked  as  a  free  State,  and  to  be  represented 
by  their  own  Delegates  in  Congress  : 

"  By  the  apology  to  the  State  of  New-York  for  raising 
Warner's  regiment,  implied  in  the  explanation  of  the  mo- 
tives which  gave  rise  to  it,  and  by  the  severe  censure  of 
Doct.  Young's  address,  encouraging  those  people  to  per- 
severe in  their  defection  : 

"  By  all  these  different  resolutions,  we  think  a  substantial 
foundation,  on  general  and  undeniable  principles,  is  laid, 
either  for  reclaiming  our  fellow  citizens  to  their  duty  and 
a  submission  to  the  laws,  by  the  force  of  reason  and  per- 
suasion, and  the  fears  of  offending  a  whole  continent ;  or 
should  they  obstinately  persevere  in  their  revolt,  for  a  fu- 
ture requisition  of  the  aid  of  Congress,  to  be  administered 
in  such  manner  as  the  opposition  of  the  disaffected,  and 
our  own  circumstances,  may  render  expedient. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves,  therefore,  that  we  shall  meet 
with  your  approbation,  and  that  our  country  will  be  pleased 
and  benefitted  by  the  measures  adopted  on  this  occasion. 
May  we  be  permitted  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  despatch- 
ing commissioners,  without  delay,  to  explain  and  enforce, 
among  our  too  aspiring  countrymen,  these  resolutions  of 
Congress,  and  to  seize  the  advantage  which  the  first  impres- 
sion of  unexpected  disappointment  and  condemnation  from 
the  only  tribunal  they  fear,  may  make  on  their  minds,  in 
order  to  induce  them  to  a  submission  of  your  jurisdiction. 

"  This  appears  to  us  to  be  the  more  necessary,  as  Mr. 
Roger  Sherman,  of  Connecticut,  who  brought  in  the  peti- 
tion for  these  people  to  Congress,  and  has  all  along  acted 
openly  as  their  advocate  and  patron,  and  in  the  last  debate 
plead  their  cause  with  a  zeal  and  passion  which  he  never 
discovered  in  any  other  instance,  and  which,  in  a  judge, 
between  a  State  and  some  of  its  own  members,  was  far 
from  being  commendable.  This  gentleman,  we  say,  im- 
mediately on  passing  the  resolutions,  procured  copies,  and 
having  obtained  leave  of  absence,  is  already  set  out  on  his 
journey  to  the  eastward.  What  may  be  his  views  with  re- 
spect to  our  dispute,  we  know  not,  but  to  his  enmity  and 
officiousness  you  ought  not  to  be  strangers. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE, 
"  WM.  DUER. 

"  Honl.  Council  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New-York." 

The  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  thirtieth  day  of  June, 
on  the  subject  of  the  claim  of  some  of  the  revolted  subjects 
of  this  Stale,  setting  up  a  new  independent  Slate,  to  be 
called  the  State  of  Vermont,  was  also  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Congress,  Monday,  30th  June,  1777. 
"  Congress,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  day,  resolved 
itself  into  a  committee  of  the  whole,  to  take  into  conside- 
ration the  letters  from  Abraham  Ten  Bioeck,  Esqr.  Presi- 
dent of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York,  dated 
20lh  January,  and  1st  March,  1777;  the  resolutions  pass- 
ed in  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  Stale  of  New-York,  at 
Fishkill,  twentieth  of  January,  1777,  transmitted  with  the 
above  letters,  and  a  petition  signed  Jonas  Fay,  Thomas 
Chittenden,  Heman  Allen  and  Reuben  Jones,  in  the  name 
and  behalf  of  the  people  styling  themselves  inhabitants  of 
the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  dated  New-Hampshire  Grants, 
Westminister,  1 5th  January,  1777;  a  letter  from  Pierre 
Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
of  New-York,  dated  28th  May,  1777  ;  and  a  printed  paper, 
signed,  '  A  word  to  the  wise  is  sufficient,'  containing  an 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


extract  from  the  minutes  of  Congress  ;  and  a  letter  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Vermont,  signed  Thomas  Young,  dated  Phi- 
ladelphia, 1 1th  April,  1777,  laid  before  Congress  the  twen- 
ty-third instant,  by  the  Delegates  of  New-York  ;  and  after 
some  time,  the  President  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Har- 
rison reported  :  That  the  committee  have  had  under  con- 
sideration the  letters  and  papers  to  them  referred,  and  have 
come  to  sundry  resolutions  thereupon,  which  he  is  ready 
to  report  whenever  Congress  shall  please  to  receive  them. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  report  be  now  received. 

"  The  report  from  the  committee  of  the  whole  was  then 
read  and  agreed  to,  as  follows  : 

"  Resolved,  That  Congress  is  composed  of  Delegates 
chosen  by  and  representing  the  communities  respectively 
inhabiting  the  Territories  of  New-Hampshire,  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  Con- 
necticut, New- York,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware, 
Maryland,  Virginia,  North-Carolina,  South-Carolina  and 
Georgia,  as  they  respectively  stood  at  the  time  of  its  first 
institution  ;  that  it  was  instituted  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing and  defending  the  communities  aforesaid  against  the 
usurpations,  oppressions  and  hostile  invasions  of  Great 
Britain,  and  that  therefore  it  cannot  be  intended  that  Con- 
gress, by  any  of  its  proceedings,  would  do,  recommend  or 
countenance  any  thing  injurious  to  the  rights  and  jurisdic- 
tions of  the  several  communities  which  it  represents. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  independent  government  attempt- 
ed to  be  established  by  the  people  styling  themselves  in- 
habitants of  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  can  derive  no 
countenance  or  justification  from  the  act  of  Congress  de- 
claring the  United  Colonies  to  be  independent  of  the 
Crown  of  Great  Britain,  nor  from  any  other  act  or  resolu- 
tion of  Congress. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  petition  of  Jonas  Fay,  Thomas 
Chittenden,  Heman  Allen  and  Reuben  Jones,  in  the  name 
and  behalf  of  the  people  styling  themselves  as  aforesaid, 
praying  '  that  their  declaration  that  they  would  consider 
themselves  as  a  free  and  independent  State,  may  be  re- 
ceived ;  that  the  district  in  the  said  petition  described,  may 
be  ranked  among  the  free  and  independent  States,  and  that 
Delegates  therefrom  may  be  admitted  to  seats  in  Congress,' 
be  dismissed. 

"  Resolved,  That  Congress,  by  raising  and  officering  the 
regiment  commanded  by  Colonel  Warner,  never  meant  to 
give  any  encouragement  to  the  claim  of  the  people  afore- 
said, to  be  considered  as  an  independent  State  ;  but  that 
the  reasons  which  induced  Congress  to  form  that  corps 
was,  that  many  officers  of  different  States  who  had  served 
in  Canada,  and  alleged  that  they  would  soon  raise  a  regi- 
ment, but  were  then  unprovided  for,  might  be  reinstated  in 
the  service  of  the  United  States. 

"  Whereas  a  printed  paper  addressed  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  district  aforesaid,  dated  Philadelphia,  11th  April, 
1777,  and  subscribed  '  Thomas  Young,'  was  laid  before 
Congress  on  the  23rd  instant,  by  the  Delegates  of  New- 
York,  lo  which  address  is  prefixed  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress of  the  15th  of  May,  1776,  in  which  are  contained 
the  following  paragraphs  : 

"  T  have  taken  the  minds  of  several  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers of  the  Honourable  the  Continental  Congress,  and  can 
assure  you  that  you  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  send  attested 
copies  of  the  recommendation  to  take  up  government,  to 
every  township  in  your  district,  and  invite  all  the  freehold- 
ers and  inhabitants  to  meet  in  their  respective  townships, 
and  choose  members  for  a  General  Convention  to  meet  at 
an  early  day  to  choose  Delegates  for  the  General  Congress 
and  Committee  of  Safety,  and  to  form  a  constitution  for 
your  State.  Your  friends  here  tell  me  that  some  are  in 
doubt  whether  Delegates  from  your  district  would  be  ad- 
milted  into  Congress.  I  tell  you  lo  organize  fairly,  and 
make  the  experiment,  and  I  will  ensure  you  success  at  the 
risk  of  my  reputation,  as  a  man  of  honour  or  common 
sense  ;  indeed,  they  can  by  no  means  refuse  you  ;  you 


have  as  good  a  right  to  choose  how  you  will  be  governed, 
and  by  whom,  as  they  have.' 

"  Resolved,  That  the  contents  of  the  said  paragraphs  are 
derogatory  to  the  honour  of  Congress,  and  a  gross  misre- 
presentation of  the  resolution  of  Congress  therein  referred 
to,  and  tends  to  deceive  and  mislead  the  people  to  whom 
they  are  addressed. 

"  Extract  from  the  journals. 

"  CHARLES  THOMSON, 

Secretary." 

Another  letter  from  the  said  Delegates  at  Congress, 
dated  the  eight  instant,  was  also  read,  and  is  as  follows, 
vizt : 

"Philadelphia,  8th  July,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  Since  our  last  letter  of  the  4th  instant,  the 
President,  at  our  request,  has  written  to  Commissary 
Trumbull,  on  the  subject  of  the  exchange  of  the  salt  ap- 
propriated to  our  State,  and  we  hope  this  formality  will 
give  weight  to  our  own  solicitations. 

"We  transmit  you  the  secret  committee's  order  in  our 
favour,  on  Mr.  Mumford,  their  agent  for  the  salt  at  Ply- 
mouth, and  our  transfer  to  you.  A  copy  of  our  letter  to 
Commissary  Trumbull,  we  also  enclose,  from  which  last 
you  will  be  pleased  to  observe,  that  for  the  sake  of  de- 
spatch, we  have  requested  him  to  correspond  on  the  sub- 
ect  immediately  with  yourselves. 

"  Salt  continues  to  be  very  scarce  here  and  to  the  south- 
ward, the  coast  being  closely  watched  by  the  enemy's 
ships.  Mr.  Lewis  writes  from  Baltimore  the  23rd  of 
June,  that  two  small  vessels  had  arrived  there  with  that 
article  from  Virginia,  purchased  by  a  private  trader,  who 
asked  for  it  no  less  than  £5  a  bushel.  As  we  cannot  at 
present  expect  to  get  it  delivered  at  this  place  for  a  less 
jrice,  we  must  request  your  directions,  whether  we  shall 
Droceed  to  purchase,  and  what  quantity  ? 

"  With  these  despatches  we  forward  a  calendar,  returned 
to  us  by  the  jailer,  of  the  prisoners  sent  from  our  State  to 
Philadelphia,  and  the  time  and  manner  of  their  discharge. 
Sutton,  whose  name  you  will  not  observe,  never  was  com- 
mitted to  prison,  but  left  at  large,  and  finally  released  on 
lis  parol  at  General  Morris's  intercession,  who,  it  seems, 
entertained  an  opinion  of  him  much  too  favourable. 

"Finding  that  our  constitution  was  published  on  very 
mean  paper,  without  any  marginal  notes  of  the  contents, 
we  thought  it  would  not  be  disagreeable  to  our  State  to 
have  an  impression  struck  off  here,  and  we  took  the  same 
opportunity  to  have  printed  the  resolutions  of  Congress 
respecting  the  independent  government  attempted  to  be 
established  within  our  jurisdiciion  ;  we  now  forward  them 
to  be  disposed  of  as  you  shall  direct. 

"  If  our  State  is  likely  to  be  pressed  both  from  the  north 
and  the  south,  which,  however  rash  and  desperate,  is  an  en- 
terprise which  the  enemy  once  seriously  contemplated,  and 
now  seems  at  least  as  practicable  as  the  conquest  of  Penn- 
sylvania, you  will  have  but  little  time  to  apply  to  domes- 
tic concerns,  however  urgent ;  and  this  may  possibly  induce 
you  lo  wish  that  the  publication  of  the  decision  of  Congress 
respecting  our  revolted  subjects,  may  for  some  time  be  de- 
ferred. From  these  considerations,  we  shall  refrain  from 
communicating  a  single  copy  ;  but  it  must  be  remembered 
that  Mr.  Roger  Sherman,  who  is  gone  lo  the  eastward,  was 
furnished  with  one,  and  there  is  too  much  room  to  appre- 
hend that  he  may  forward  it  to  his  friends  in  New-Con- 
necticut. 

"  We  have  taken  the  liberty  to  retain  your  letter  to 
Congress,  of  the  17th  of  June,  and  the  several  enclosures. 
Already  have  we  employed  so  much  of  their  time  on  the 
affairs  of  our  State,  that  good  policy  strongly  urges  us  to 
give  them  some  respite  ;  and  as  the  subject  matter  of  those 
despatches  though  of  some  moment  to  our  State,  requires 
no  immediate  decision,  we  flaller  ourselves  that  you  will 
not  be  displeased  with  our  reserve.    The  reasons  you  as- 


1001) 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


sign  to  show  that  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river  ought  to 
be  a  Continental  charge,  appears  to  us  to  be  very  cogent ; 
and  they  must  always  have  great  weight ;  and  we  there- 
fore make  no  scruple  in  recommending  that  all  the  expenses 
be  charged  to  the  account  of  the  Continent,  comprehending 
even  such  as  may  accrue  subsequent  to  the  late  resolutions 
of  Congress  pointing  out  a  discrimination;  for,  had  the 
transaction  been  fully  explained,  we  cannot  think  those  re- 
solutions would  have  passed. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 
"  Honl.  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE, 
"  WM.  DUER. 

"  Honourl.  Council  of  Safety  for  the 

State  of  New-York." 

A  copy  of  the  said  Delegates'  letter  to  Commissary 
Trumbull,  which  is  referred  to  in  the  letter  from  the  Dele- 
gates to  the  Council,  was  then  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Philadelphia,  July  2d,  1777. 

"  Sir — The  Congress  have  been  pleased  in  considera- 
tion of  the  peculiar  situation  and  distress  of  our  State,  to 


favour  us  with  the  grant  at  the  current  price  of  about  2000 
bushels  of  the  public  salt,  which  is  stored  at  Plymouth,  in 
the  Massachusetts  government,  and  is  under  the  care  of 
Thomas  Mumford,  Esqr.  of  Groton,  Connecticut.  The 
more  effectually  to  relieve  our  suffering  fellow  citizens, 
they  have  been  pleased  to  direct  you,  if  it  can  be  done 
without  injuring  the  public  service,  to  exchange  for  that 
salt  an  equal  quantity  nearer  to  the  borders  of  our  State. 

"  This  we  flatter  ourselves  will  be  in  your  power  ;  and 
in  that  case,  we  beg  that  you  will  be  so  obliging  as  to  for- 
ward without  delay,  an  order  to  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
our  State,  to  authorize  them  to  receive  the  salt ;  and  in  re- 
turn they  will  give  you  an  order  on  Mr.  Mumford,  to  vest 
in  you  the  property  of  the  salt  in  his  possession. 

"  The  President  has  wrote  to  you  on  this  subject.  We 
beg  to  be  informed  of  your  resolution. 

"  And  are,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  servants. 
"  To  Joseph  Trumbull,  Junr.  Esqr. 

Commissary-General." 

Also  a  calendar  of  our  State  prisoners  sent  to  Philadel- 
phia, which  also  came  enclosed  in  the  said  letter  from  the 
said  Delegates,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 


A  List  of  the  York  Tories  lately  confined  in  the  State  Prison,  Philadelphia. 


When  committed. 


Octr.  18th,  1776, 


Octr.  18th,  1776, 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


By  whom  committed. 


Council  of  Safety, 


Council  of  Safety 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 
do 


When  discharged. 


J  any.  28th,  1777. 


Feby.  3d.  1777. 
May  30th,  1777. 
Died  Novr,  24. 


Jany.  4th,  1777. 


By  whom  discharged. 


Council  of  Safety. 


Council  of  Safety. 
Board  of  war. 
Death. 


Genl.  Griffin. 


Names. 

Constant  Nickerson,  

Benjamin  Scott,  

John  Russell,  

John  Winter,  

Garret  Springton,  

Daniel  Taylor.  

William  Peters,  

Ezekiel  Kerkum,  

James  Rubilee,  

Major  Smith,   

John  Turner,  

Henry  Woodins,  

Benjamin  Owens,  

Joshua  Nickeson,  

Abraham  Elston,  

Seth  Nickeson,  

James  Nickeson,  

Conrad  Coon,  

Henry  Dingee  

Thomas  Peters,  

Daniel  Sawyer  

Charles  Ross,  

Jonathan  Purdy  

Benjamin  Slutt,  

Nathaniel  Finch,  

Abraham  Jewell,  

James  Powell,  

Elihu  Bennett,  

Caleb  Spencer,  

David  Hawkins,  

Another  letter  from  the  Honourable  James  Duane, 
dated  the  tenth  instant,  on  the  subject  of  the  new  in- 
dependent State  of  Vermont,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Philad.  10th  July,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  Since  our  letter  of  yesterday,  the  Connecticut 
Courant  of  the  30th  of  June  last  has  made  its  appearance 
in  this  city.  It  contains  a  new  and  extraordinary  declara- 
tion from  a  part  of  our  State,  which  is  attempted  to  be 
wrested  out  of  our  jurisdiction,  and  which  is  dubbed  the 
State  of  Vermont,  a  name  hatched  for  it  in  Philadelphia; 
indeed,  it  is  evident  that  the  plan  has  been  laid  here  under 
the  direction  of  Doctor  Young,  and  too  probably  of  some 
others  of  more  consequence,  and  that  his  letters  have 
pushed  the  people  to  this  last  extremity.  The  more  ef- 
fectually to  impose  upon  the  public,  they  have  subjoined  a 
list  of  their  complaints  against  the  late  government  of 
New-York,  and  have  not  even  spared  the  laic  Convention. 
Such  a  train  of  falsehoods  and  misrepresentations  does  but 
little  credit  to  this  mock  Convention,  which  will  very  pro- 
bably proceed  to  elect  Delegates  for  Congress,  and  once 


more  press  for  their  admission.  Be  this  as  it  may,  confi- 
dent we  are  that  they  will  meet  with  the  utmost  discou- 
ragement. 

"  One  of  the  printers,  who  has  been  requested  to  publish 
this  production,  called  upon  us  with  it,  and  proposed  him- 
self that  it  should  be  preceded  or  followed  by  the  resolu- 
tions of  Congress  of  the  30th  of  June. 

"  It  is  probable  we  shall  consent  to  it,  to  prevent  any 
bad  impression  which  it  might  otherwise  occasion ;  and 
for  the  same  reason,  we  have  thoughts  of  making  some 
observations  on  the  ostensible  causes  which  are  assigned 
in  support  of  the  project  of  a  separate  government,  that 
the  matter  may  appear  in  its  true  light. 
"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"With  great  respect,  honl.  gent. 

"  Your  most  obedient  huml.  servants, 

"JAMES  DUANE. 
"  P.  S.  Mr.  Livingston  and  Mr.  Duer  are  attending 
Congress,  and  Mr.  Child  going  off,  which  prevents  their 
subscribing  this  letter." 

Also,  another  letter  from  the  said  Delegates,  dated  the 
ninth  instant,  informing  that  Commissary  Trumbull  cannot 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1001 


exchange  the  salt,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 

"  Philadelphia,  9th  July,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — 

"  Since  we  addressed  you  yesterday,  the  Presi- 
dent has  received  a  letter  from  Commissary  Trumbull,  de- 
clining to  exchange  the  salt,  as  he  says  the  public  have 
been  at  the  expense  of  removing  what  he  has,  nearer  to 
our  State  from  the  Massachusetts  Bay.  This  will  reduce 
you  to  the  necessity  of  sending  for  the  salt  which  has  been 
granted  to  us  by  Congress,  to  Plymouth,  in  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  after  obtaining  an  order  from  Mr.  Mumford  of 
Groton,  in  Connecticut. 

"  We  conceive  no  time  is  to  be  lost ;  salt  may  rise,  it 
may  become  scarce,  and  the  country  through  which  it 
passes,  averse  to  its  transportation. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  With  great  respect,  honourl.  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  humb.  servts. 

"PHIL  LIVINGSTON, 
"  JAS.  DUANE, 
"WM.  DUER. 

"  Honourl.  Council  of  Safety  for 

the  Slate  of  New. York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  from  Congress  and  our 
Delegates,  with  the  enclosures,  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay 
and  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  17,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Cantine  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Jay, 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colonel  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  John  Avery,  deputy  secretary,  dated  Bos- 
ton, June  28lh,  enclosing  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  passed 
June  27th,  1777,  appointing  a  committee  to  meet  commit- 
tees from  the  Stales  of  New-Hampshire,  Rhode-Island, 
Connecticut  and  New-York,  at  the  town  of  Springfield, 
within  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  on  the  thirtieth 
day  of  July,  to  hold  a  conference  respecting  the  state  of 
the  paper  currency,  &c.  &c.  was  read  and  filed.  [See 
minutes  of  14th.] 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  be  postponed 
till  this  afternoon. 

A  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  dated  at  Baltimore, 
June  the  twentieth,  1777,  together  with  the  accounts  rela- 
tive to  the  prizes  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie  of  this 
State,  by  which  there  appears  to  be  a  balance  remaining 
in  Mr.  Lewis's  hands  due  to  the  captors,  of  four  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  seventy-eight  pounds  four  shillings  and 
six  pence,  and  to  the  State  of  New-York,  of  four  thou- 
sand nine  hundred  and  fifty-one  pounds  three  shillings  and 
nine  pence,  the  total  amount,  nine  thousand  nine  hundred 
and  twenty-nine  pounds  eight  shillings  and  three  pence, 
was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  accounts  be  referred  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General, and  that  Mr,  Piatt  do  assist  the  Auditor- 
General  in  forming  a  complete  state  of  the  accounts  of  the 
said  sloop. 

Adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  17,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tap- 
pen,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Mr.  Piatt,  one  of  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire 
for  proper  persons  as  officers  for  the  Continental  frigates, 

251 


informed  that  Mr.  Daniel  Shaw  (who  is  recommended  by 
Captain  Greenell  as  a  person  properly  qualified  for  a  first 
lieutenant)  from  the  best  information  they  have  been  able 
to  obtain,  is  qualified  for  first  lieutenant  of  the  Continental 
frigate  Congress,  and  do  request  the  sense  of  Council  on 
the  subject. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Daniel  Shaw  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
appointed  first  lieutenant  of  the  Continental  frigate  Con- 
gress, under  the  command  of  Captain  Thomas  Greenel, 
and  that  one  of  the  commissions  lately  transmitted  to  this 
Council  by  the  board  of  war,  be  filled  up  with  the  name 
of  Daniel  Sbaw,  appointing  him  first  lieutenant,  until  the 
further  pleasure  of  the  said  board  be  known  agreeable  to 
their  directions. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
William  Harper,  dated  the  eighth  day  of  July,  a  letter  from 
Isaac  Patten,  dated  the  fourth  day  of  July  instant,  and  the 
information  of  Colonel  John  Harper  and  William  Johnson, 
having  considered  the  same,  brought  in  the  following  re- 
solutions, which  were  read  and  agreed  to,  and  are  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  two  companies  of  rangers  be  raised  to 
serve  in  the  counties  of  Tryon,  Ulster  and  Albany,  for  the 
protection  of  the  frontier  inhabitants  of  the  said  counties ; 
that  each  company  consist  of  one  captain,  one  lieutenant, 
four  sergeants,  four  corporals,  one  drum  or  fife,  and  ninety- 
one  privates  ;  that  they  find  their  own  arms  and  accoutre- 
ments and  be  allowed  Continental  pay,  and  that  the  cap- 
tains be  allowed  sixteen  shillings,  and  the  lieutenants,  four- 
teen shillings  per  week  in  lieu  of  rations ;  that  the  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates  be  allowed  ten  shillings 
per  week  in  lieu  of  rations,  except  when  it  shall  be  thought 
more  expedient  by  the  officer  commanding  the  said  compa- 
nies to  have  the  same  supplied  with  rations,  in  which  case 
no  subsistence  money  shall  be  allowed  but  the  same  shall 
be  applied  by  the  said  commanding  officer  to  the  purchase 
of  such  rations. 

Resolved,  That  John  Harper  be  first  captain,  Alexander 
Harper,  first  lieutenant,  James  Clyde,  second  captain, 
and  John  Campbell,  first  lieutenant  of  the  second  com- 
pany. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  companies  shall  continue  in 
pay  until  the  first  day  of  January  next,  unless  sooner  dis- 
charged by  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  and  be  subject  to 
the  command  of  the  Governor,  or  Commander-in-Chief  of 
this  State. 

Resolved,  That  when  the  said  companies  or  either  of 
them  shall  consist  of  more  than  fifty  men,  that  a  second 
lieutenant  shall  be  added  to  such  company. 

Resolved,  That  the  pay  of  the  said  soldiers  shall  com- 
mence from  the  day  of  their  enlistment,  and  that  regular 
muster  rolls  be  returned  monthly  by  the  captains  com- 
manding the  said  companies,  under  oath. 

Resolved,  That  one  thousand  dollars  be  advanced  to 
Colonel  Harper,  on  account  of  subsistence  for  the  said  two 
companies  of  rangers  ;  and  that  the  President  issue  a  war- 
rant on  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  for  the  payment  of  the 
same. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Harper  proceed  to  recruit  as 
fast  as  possible  ;  and  as  soon  as  twenty-five  men  are  en- 
listed, that  he  station  them  to  the  best  advantage  for  the 
protection  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  counties,  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant  Harper,  and  so  on,  from  time  to 
time,  as  fast  as  a  sufficient  number  of  recruits  are  collected 
that  Colonel  Harper  station  them,  under  a  proper  officer  ; 
and  in  case  our  domestic  enemy,  or  the  Indians,  should 
make  any  depredations  on  any  of  the  inhabitants,  that  Co- 
lonel Harper  give  orders  to  repel  force  by  force. 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Harper  be  cautious  of  making 
anv  attack  upon  the  savages,  or  pursuing  any  measure  that 
may  bring  on  an  Indian  war,  unless  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  defence  of  the  inhabitants,  and  rendered  unavoida- 
ble by  previous  hostilities  committed  on  their  part. 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-General 


1002 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Schuyler  enclosing  copies  of  the  information  received  by 
Colonel  Harper  and  William  Johnston,  and  of  the  aforego- 
ing resolutions. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Schuyler,  on  the 
subject  of  the  above  resolutions  was  then  read  and  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  enclose  you  the  information 
given  to  the  Council  of  Safety,  by  Mr.  John  Harper  and 
William  Johnston,  by  which  you  will  learn  the  exposed 
situation  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  western  frontiers,  and  see 
the  necessity  of  granting  them  such  aid  as  you  conceive 
can  safely  be  afforded  ;  and  at  the  same  time,  of  obliging 
our  savage  neighbours  to  a  more  strict  observance  of  their 
neutrality,  or  of  bringing  them  to  an  open  rupture,  in  which 
case  many  might  doubtless  be  induced  to  join  us,  and  the 
whole  would  be  less  formidable  when  we  were  prepared 
for  their  attacks. 

"  General  Herkimer's  cautious  conduct  has  increased 
their  insolence,  and  induced  them  to  give  law  to  him.  As 
the  militia  of  Tryon  county  are,  by  a  resolution  of  the  late 
Convention,  subject  to  your  command,  the  Council  request 
you  to  give  them  such  orders  as  will  in  your  opinion  tend 
most  to  the  security  of  the  western  frontiers.  If  the  sava- 
ges could  be  induced  to  give  up  Brandt,  and  to  permit  a 
small  garrison  to  be  stationed  at  Oneoghquago  it  would  be 
a  great  check,  as  well  to  the  unfriendly  Indians  as  to  the 
tones  among  ourselves,  and  prevent  the  communication 
that  they  keep  up  with  the  enemy  by  means  of  a  road 
which  passes  through  that  way,  and  which  they  have  lately 
marched  over  into  the  settled  parts  of  this  county. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Whereas  Major  John  Wheelock  hath  represented  to 
this  Board,  that  the  late  Convention  of  this  State  did  on 
the  eighth  day  of  April  last,  appoint  him  to  raise  three 
companies  of  men  in  the  northeastern  parts  of  the  same, 
the  officers  of  which  companies  were  not  to  be  entitled  to 
commissions,  until  at  least  one  hundred  and  fifty  men 
should  be  enlisted ;  notwithstanding  his  utmost  exertions, 
and  the  prolongation  of  the  time  limited  for  the  raising  the 
said  men,  he  hath  been  able  to  enlist  only  about  eighty 
men,  and  that  there  is  no  probability  of  enlisting  any  more 
by  reason  of  the  open  defection  of  that  part  of  the  State, 
and  other  incidents  then  unforeseen  ;  for  which  reasons  he 
hath  requested  this  Board  to  determine  either  to  confirm  or 
disband  jhe  said  corps  :  And  whereas  it  appears  to  this 
Council  both  reasonable  and  expedient  that  the  men  so 
raised  should  be  taken  into  the  service  of  this  State,  on 
the  terms  of  their  enlistment,  provided  that  supernumerary 
officers  concerned  therein  will  relinquish  their  expectations 
of  commissions: 

Resolved,  That  if  any  six  of  the  twelve  commissioned 
officers  named  by  Major  Wheelock  for  the  said  three  com- 
panies shall  voluntarily  discharge  themselves  from  the  said 
corps,  that  then  Major  Wheelock  do  forthwith  march  all 
the  men  so  as  aforesaid  by  him  enlisted,  with  the  residue 
of  the  officers,  to  this  place.  That  on  their  arrival  here 
their  respective  commissions  be  delivered  to  them  and  the 
corps  stand  confirmed. 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  supernumerary  officers  to 
be  discharged,  as  aforesaid  as  shall  at  any  time  within  nine 
months  from  the  date  hereof,  procure  and  produce  to  Major 
Wheelock,  or  the  commanding  officer  of  the  said  corps,  so 
many  men  to  enlist  in  either  of  the  said  companies  as  to 
render  such  additional  officer  or  officers  necessary  to  the 
said  company,  shall  be  received  and  commissioned  accord- 
ingly, but  shall  draw  pay  only  from  the  time  of  such  junc- 
tion ;  it  being  the  intention  of  this  Council  to  give  counte- 
nance and  encouragement  to  all  such  as  shall  exert  them- 
selves in  the  service  of  the  State  ;  provided,  nevertheless, 
that  no  number  of  men  less  than  fifteen  shall  entitle  a 


subaltern  to  a  commission,  nor  a  less  number  than  twenty 
men  shall  entitle  a  captain  to  a  commission. 

Resolved,  That  unless  the  above  resolutions  be  com- 
plied with  in  four  weeks  from  the  date  hereof,  the  said 
corps  be  disbanded,  and  that  Major  Wheelock  do  repair 
hither  to  settle  his  accounts. 

Resolved,  That  on  the  arrival  of  Major  Wheelock  with 
the  eighty  men  and  six  commissioned  officers  aforesaid  at 
Kingston,  Captain  Wait's  company  of  rangers,  who  are 
also  ordered  to  repair  to  this  place,  be  put  under  his  com- 
mand. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  several  letters 
and  other  papers  relative  to  the  disorders  in  the  eastern 
district  of  this  State,  in  setting  up  an  independent  govern- 
ment, delivered  in  their  report.  The  same  being  read  and 
considered  by  paragraphs,  was  agreed  to. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  18,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  £sqr.  President. 

Mr  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Li- 
vingston, Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  deliver 
to  Colonel  John  Harper  one  hundred  weight  of  gunpowder 
and  three  hundred  weight  of  lead,  for  the  use  of  the  ran- 
gers ordered  to  be  raised  under  his  command. 

Ordered,  That  Benjamin  Daiby  be  permitted  to  go 
home  on  parol  to  fetch  his  shoemaker's  tools,  and  that  he 
return  to  this  place  in  six  days. 

Ordered,  That  James  Quigley,  on  taking  the  oath  of 
allegiance  agreeably  to  his  request,  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont  do  cause  to  be  con- 
veyed to  the  nearest  jail  in  the  Slate  of  Connecticut,  David 
Ives  and  Jesse  Noble,  subjects  of  the  said  State,  and  that 
he  transmit  with  them  certified  copies  of  the  crimes  where- 
with they  stand  charged,  and  that  he  bring  in  his  account 
of  expenses  attending  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sheriff  cause  to  be  removed  from 
the  jail  in  Kingston  to  the  jail  in  Orange  county,  Claudius 
Smith  and  John  Brown,  charged  with  stealing  oxen  belong- 
ing to  the  Continent. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker  do  at- 
tend the  Council  without  delay. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  the 
resolutions  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  of  the  twenty-seventh  of  June,  appointing  a 
committee  to  meet  committees  from  the  States  of  New- 
Hampshire,  Rhode-Island,  Connecticut  and  New-York,  on 
the  thirtieth  day  of  July,  at  the  town  of  Springfield,  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
in  case  the  said  States  think  fit  to  appoint  such  committees 
to  hold  a  conference  respecting  the  slate  of  the  paper  cur- 
rency of  the  said  States  and  on  the  other  matters  therein 
mentioned.    The  same  was  again  read  ;  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  will  appoint  and  send  a 
committee  to  meet  and  confer  with  the  committees  of  the 
said  States  at  the  time  and  place  appointed  by  the  said  re- 
solutions. 

Mr.  Jay,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  Jer. 
Powell,  President  of  the  Council  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
on  the  subject  of  the  said  resolves,  reported  a  draft  of  a 
letter  in  answer  thereto,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  second  July  instant,  together 
with  the  resolutions  referred  to  therein,  arrived  yesterday, 
have  been  laid  before  the  Council  of  Safety. 

"  The  Council  have  appointed  a  committee  to  meet  those 
I  from  the  four  New-England  States  at  the  time  and  place 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1003 


appointed,  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  proposed  conference 
may  be  productive  of  a  system  of  regulations  which  will 
answer  the  important  purposes  intended  by  it. 

"  I  am  directed  to  assure  you,  sir,  that  nothing  on  the 
part  of  this  State  shall  at  any  time  be  wanting  to  cultivate 
and  confirm  that  harmony  and  mutual  confidence  which 
they  wish  to  maintain  with  the  other  United  States,  and 
which  is  so  essential  to  their  common  security  and  pros- 
perity. 

"  I  am  sir,  your  most  obt.  and  humble  servt. 
"  Honble.  Jer.  Powell, 

President  of  the  Council  of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letters  from 
our  Delegates  in  Congress  of  the  second  and  ninth  instant, 
and  from  James  Duane,  Esqr.  of  the  ninth  and  the  tenth 
instant,  and  a  letter  from  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  of  the  eighth 
instant,  with  their  several  enclosures,  delivered  in  their  re- 
port, which  was  read  ;  and  the  same  being  considered  by 
paragraphs,  was  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  letters  from 
the  New-York  Delegates  in  General  Congress  of  the  2nd 
July  and  9th  July  instant ;  two  letters  from  James  Duane, 
Esqr.  of  the  9th  and  10th  July  instant ;  one  letter  from  the 
President  of  the  Congress  of  the  eighth  of  July  instant, 
with  their  several  enclosures,  vizt : 

"  1st.  A  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  seventh  July  in- 
stant, containing  a  requisition  of  a  loan  of  fifteen  hundred 
blankets. 

"  2d.  Certain  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  30th  June, 
respecting  the  revolted  subjects  of  this  State. 

"  3.  A  list  of  the  New-York  tories  lately  confined  in  the 
State  prison  at  Philadelphia. 

"  4.  A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  New-York  Delegates 
to  the  Commissary-General,  of  the  2d  July  instant,  on  the 
subject  of  exchanging  the  salt  obtained  from  Congress. 

"  5.  An  order  from  the  secret  committee  of  Congress  of 
the  twentieth  of  June  last,  on  Thomas  Mumford,  in  favour 
of  the  New-York  Delegates  for  the  said  salt. 

"  6.  An  order  from  the  New-York  Delegates  to  Thomas 
Mumford  of  the  8lh  of  July  instant,  to  deliver  the  said  salt 
to  the  Governor  or  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State. 

"  7.  A  certified  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  Congress,  re- 
specting the  said  salt. 

"  Have  taken  the  same  into  consideration,  and  thereupon 
beg  leave  to  make  the  following  report : 

"Resolved,  That  this  State  will  continue  to  exert  itself 
to  the  utmost  in  supporting  the  present  necessary  war 
against  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  and  will  contribute  all 
the  aid  in  their  power  to  the  common  cause  of  America; 
but  that  the  present  circumstances  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  are  such  as  to  deprive  them  of  the  satisfaction  it 
would  give  them  to  make  the  loan  of  blankets  required  by 
Congress  :  And  the  better  to  explain  this,  the  Council  beg 
leave  to  mention  the  following  facts  : 

"This  State  having  been  long  excluded  from  the  sea, 
have  not  been  able  to  import  that  necessary  article. 

"  Nassau  island,  and  the  other  parts  of  this  State,  where 
very  considerable  quantities  of  sheep  were  raised,  being  in 
the  power  of  the  enemy  ;  and  the  inhabitants  being  often 
drawn  into  the  field,  and  harrassed  by  continual  alarms, 
they  have  been  prevented  from  deriving  their  usual  supplies 
from  their  own  manufactures. 

"  A  great  number  of  unfortunate  inhabitants  of  the 
southern  parts  of  this  State,  having  been  driven  from  their 
habitations  by  the  enemy,  and  plundered  by  both  armies, 
have  laid  the  other  parts  of  the  States  under  heavy,  though 
voluntary,  contributions  for  their  clothing  and  support. 

"  The  late  Convention  of  this  State  prompted  by  the 
most  ardent  zeal  for  the  American  cause,  and  desirous  of 
supplying  clothing  to  the  troops  directed  to  be  raised  in 
this  State,  as  well  in  the  year  1776,  as  since,  did  cause  all 
the  blankets  and  stockings  which  could  be  spared  from  the 


necessary  use  of  the  inhabitants,  to  be  collected,  and  in 
pursuance  of  those  resolutions  a  very  considerable  number 
were  taken  from  private  families  so  late  as  last  winter. 

"  That  from  these  causes  as  well  as  from  the  probability 
of  this  Stale  remaining  the  seat  of  war,  and  continuing  ex- 
cluded from  an  opportunity  of  gaining  supplies  either  from 
foreign  countries  or  the  neighbouring  Stales,  there  is  the 
highest  reason  to  fear  that  the  people  of  this  State  will  be 
greatly  distressed  by  the  rigours  of  the  approaching  winter. 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  to  observe  that  the  resolu- 
tions of  Congress  respecting  the  revolted  subjects  of  this 
State  properly  falls  under  the  notice  of  the  committee  to 
whom  the  papers  transmitted  by  Colonel  Patterson,  were 
referred  ;  and  therefore  they  forbear  reporting  any  thing  on 
that  subject. 

"  Ordered,  That  the  list  of  the  New-York  tories,  lately 
confined  in  the  State  prison  at  Philadelphia,  be  filed  with 
the  Secretary. 

Resolved,  That  the  order  of  the  secret  committee  of 
Congress,  of  the  twentieth  day  of  June  last,  on  Thomas 
Mumford,  in  favour  of  the  New-York  Delegates,  and 
their  order  on  him  in  favour  of  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
this  Stale  for  a  cargo  of  about  two  thousand  bushels  of 
salt  imported  by  Congress  into  Plymouth,  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  ;  and  by  their  resolution  of  the  14th  of  June 
last,  directed  to  be  sold  to  this  State,  be  transmitted  to- 
gether with  a  certified  copy  of  the  said  resolutions  to 
Abram.  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  by  express  ;  and  that  he  be  au- 
thorized and  directed  to  receive  the  said  salt  from  the  said 
Thomas  Mumford,  to  whom  a  receipt  for  the  same  from 
the  said  Abraham  P.  Lott,  shall  be  a  sufficient  discharge. 

"  Add  further,  that  the  said  Abraham  P.  Lott,  cause  the 
said  salt  to  be  transported  to  Hartford,  in  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut, and  there  to  be  stored  and  secured  till  the  further 
order  of  this  Council  or  the  Governor  of  this  State. 

"  Your  committee  beg  leave  further  to  report,  that  in 
their  opinion  a  certified  copy  of  the  aforegoing  resolutions 
respecting  the  requisition  of  blankets  ought  to  be  transmit- 
ted to  the  President  of  the  General  Congress  ;  and  that  the 
following  letter  be  written  to  him  on  that  subject,  vizt  : 

"  By  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State,  I  have 
the  honour  of  transmitting  to  you  the  enclosed  resolutions, 
which  they  hope  will  meet  with  the  approbation  of  Con- 
gress. 

"  The  Council  greatly  regret  the  inability  of  this  State 
to  furnish  the  blankets  required  of  them,  and  the  more 
so,  as  your  Honourable  House,  have  in  divers  instances 
given  such  ample  proofs  of  their  attention  to  the  interest 
and  happiness  of  this  State. 

"  I  am  directed,  sir,  to  assure  you  in  the  strongest  terms, 
that  the  Council  will  most  cheerfully  embrace  every  op- 
portunity of  contributing  to  the  support  of  the  American 
cause,  and  of  evincing  the  sense  they  entertain  of  the  jus- 
tice and  benevolence  of  the  General  Congress. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  With  esteem  and  respect, 

"  Your  most  obed.  and  humble  servt. 
"  To  the  Honbl.  John  Hancock. 

"  Your  committee  further  beg  leave  to  report  the  follow- 
ing answer  to  the  several  letters  from  the  Delegates  of  this 
State,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letters  of  the  second  and  ninth  of 
July  instant,  and  those  from  Mr.  Duane,  of  the  ninth  and 
tenth  of  July  instant,  with  the  papers  enclosed,  and  refer- 
red to  in  them,  have  arrived  and  been  laid  before  the 
Council. 

"  The  Council  are  pleased  with  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress respecting  the  revolt  of  the  eastern  district,  and  com- 
mend the  attention  you  have  paid  to  that  and  other  inte- 
resting subjects. 

"  The  reasons  assigned  by  you  have  induced  them  to 
send  printed  copies  of  those  resolutions  to  that  district, 
and  have  ordered  them  to  be  properly  published  and  dis- 
tributed. 


1004 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  You  will  be  pleased  to  communicate  to  Congress  the  en- 
closed vote  of  thanks  for  their  resolutions  on  this  head,  and 
make  such  use  of  the  enclosed  papers  respecting  the  vio- 
lent and  treasonable  practices  of  those  infatuated  people, 
as  you  may  think  proper. 

"  The  Council  are  well  satisfied  with  your  having  de- 
tained their  letter  of  the  seventeenth  June  last,  and  ap- 
prove of  your  directing  another  edition  of  the  constitution 
to  be  published  with  marginal  notes. 

"  The  Council  have  directed  the  salt  at  Plymouth  to  be 
sent  for,  and  are  much  obliged  to  the  President  for  his 
friendly  offers  in  endeavouring  to  procure  an  exchange  with 
the  Commissary  for  an  equal  quantity  nearer  to  this  State  ; 
of  this  be  pleased  to  inform  him. 

"  A  manufactory  of  sulphur  and  salt  in  Tryon  county  is 
begun,  and  the  Council  would  expect  much  from  it,  did 
not  the  late  insolence  of  the  savages  threaten  that  country 
with  an  Indian  war.  Flint  is  found  in  very  great  abun- 
dance, but  only  one  man  has  as  yet  been  found  who  knows 
any  thing  of  the  business.  What  progress  he  has  made 
the  Council  are  not  yet  informed.  If  you  can  find  any 
persons  acquainted  with  that  branch  of  business,  the  Coun- 
cil will  be  much  obliged  to  you  if  you  will  employ  and 
send  them  forward. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  I  acquaint  you  that  the  spirit  of 
disaffection  among  us  is  nearly  subdued.  The  militia 
march  when  called  upon,  and  order  and  government  pre- 
vail throughout  the  State,  except  in  the  eastern  district. 
What  influence  the  further  inroads  of  the  enemy  may 
have  on  our  new  made  whigs,  is  uncertain.  The  evacua- 
tion of  Ticonderoga,  which  they  are  assured  was  done 
without  the  advice  or  knowledge  of  General  Schuyler,  oc- 
casions much  speculation,  and  it  is  hoped  that  a  strict  in- 
quiry will  be  made  into  the  reasons  of  that  very  extraor- 
dinary measure. 

"  I  am,  with  due  respect, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  most  obt.  humb.  serv. 
"  To  the  New- York  Delegates  in  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary,  &c.  sup- 
ply James  Robinson,  an  indigent  prisoner  of  war,  with 
two  shirts  and  one  pair  of  trowsers,  and  that  he  deliver  an 
account  of  the  expenses  thereof  to  the  commissary  of  pri- 
soners of  war. 

A  petition  of  sundry  respectable  inhabitants  of  Marble- 
town,  friends  to  the  American  cause,  praying  that  Wil- 
liam McGinnes  who  was  tried  by  a  general  court  martial 
at  Fort  Montgomerie,  for  treasonable  practices  against  the 
State,  and  sentenced  to  suffer  death,  may  be  pardoned  and 
discharged,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  do  in  the  name  and  by  the 
authority  of  this  Council  issue  a  pardon  to  the  said  Wil- 
liam McGinnes,  of  the  crimes  and  punishments  where- 
with and  whereto  he  stands  charged  and  sentenced  as 
aforesaid. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  19,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott. 

Ordered,  That  Nicholas  Koons,  of  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, confined  for  disaffection  in  the  jail  of  this  place 
be  bound  in  bond  to  appear  whenever  called,  to  give  evi- 
dence against  Nicholas  Croat,  and  discharged. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  16lh 


instant,  informing  that  the  said  committee  have  resolved 
that  Walter  Carpenter,  (sent  from  thence  to  the  Fleet  pri- 
son.) on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to 
Messrs.  Yates  and  Morris,  which  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  we  have  re- 
ceived your  letters  of  the  sixteenth  of  July,  and  are  ex- 
tremely sorry  to  find  that  the  army  have  received  so  few 
reinforcements,  and  hardly  know  upon  what  principal  to 
account  for  it,  as  they  are  informed  that  from  some  parts 
of  the  county  of  Albany,  near  half  of  the  militia  have 
marched  :  had  this  been  general  the  whole  county  would 
have  afforded  at  least  four  thousand  men. 

"  They  have  been  informed  of  the  apprehensions  of  the 
people  of  Tryon  county;  have  written  to  General  Schuyler 
upon  the  subject,  and  ordered  a  small  body  of  rangers  to 
be  raised  for  its  security. 

"  The  Council  are  very  much  surprised  at  your  not 
writing  a  more  particular  account  of  a  transaction  in  which 
this  State  are  so  much  interested,  as  the  retreat  from 
Ticonderoga,  and  request  that  in  your  next  you  would 
inform  them  of  the  manner  of  the  retreat ;  the  number 
of  the  men  that  came  off;  whether  any  or  how  many 
were  taken  ;  whether  the  sick  came  away  ;  whether  the 
troops  brought  off  their  arms,  and  any  part  of  their  bag- 
gage or  stores  ;  whether  they  were  pursued  in  their  re- 
treat ;  whether  they  met  with  any  loss  in  such  pursuit ; 
what  skirmishes  we  have  had  with  the  enemy,  and  the 
loss  on  either  side  in  such  skirmishes  ;  whether  the  mi- 
litia of  the  neighbouring  States  are  called  for,  and  what 
prospect  there  is  of  obtaining  them  ;  what  intelligence  you 
have  of  the  number  of  the  enemy  and  their  designs  ;  what 
advanced  posts  we  have  in  order  to  annoy  the  enemy  in 
their  way  down  ;  what  part  the  Canadians  and  Indians  have 
or  will  probably  take  in  this  controversy  ;  what  reasons 
you  have  to  believe  any  inroads  will  be  made  in  Tryon 
county ;  and,  in  short,  every  thing  else  which  may  give 
light  to  this  Council,  or  satisfy  the  inquiries  of  the  people, 
who  are  lead  from  our  silence  to  draw  the  most  melancholy 
conclusions. 

"  The  Council  are  sorry  to  be  under  the  disagreeable 
necessity  of  pointing  out  to  you  the  particular  subjects  upon 
which  they  wish  you  to  write,  as  they  flatter  themselves 
that  you  would  not  have  omitted  what  was  one  of  the  most 
important  objects  of  your  journey. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servants. 
"  To  Abm  Yates,  Junr.  and  Govr.  Morris,  Esqr. 

at  Fort-Edward." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted  ;  and  that  copies  of  the  resolu- 
tions for  raising  two  companies  of  rangers  in  Tryon  county, 
and  of  the  letter  to  General  Schuyler  on  the  subject,  be 
transmitted  to  the  committee  of  Albany. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  19,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Wilt,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Schoharie,  dated  the 
seventeenth  instant,  (brought  by  Mr.  Wills,)  setting  forth 
the  apprehensions  of  the  people  in  that  quarter  of  an  attack 
from  the  Indians  and  requesting  some  relief. 

The  same  being  read  was  immediately  taken  into  consi- 
deration. 

After  some  lime  spent  therein,  the  subject  matter  thereof 
was  committed  to  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Plait  and  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston. 

Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker,  attending,  according  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1005 


order,  and  being  asked  how  many  men  he  had  enlisted  in  his 
company,  answered,  that  he  had  enlisted  twenty-three  men 
for  two  months  before  he  was  made  acquainted  with  the 
resolutions  :  directed  them  to  be  raised  to  serve  till  the  first 
day  of  December,  and  therefore  does  not  know  whether 
the  said  men  will  consent  to  serve  so  long,  or  whether  he 
can  enlist  many  for  that  term. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker  do  en- 
list a  company  of  men  which  were  directed  to  be  raised  by 
the  resolution  of  the  sixteenth  instant  to  serve  until  the 
first  day  of  December  next,  to  serve  until  the  first  day  of 
October  next,  unless  sooner  disbanded,  and  that  he  doth 
cause  all  such  as  he  hath  enlisted,  to  parade  at  the  court- 
house, in  Kingston,  on  Tuesday  next,  to  relieve  those  of 
the  militia  who  are  guarding  prisoners  confined  in  the  jail 
and  Fleet  prison. 

Adjourned  until  Monday  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  21,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Piatt,  Colo  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Council  of  Safety 
that  Captain  Monlgomery,  a  relation  of  the  late  General 
Montgomery,  is  now  at  his  house  a  prisoner,  wounded  in 
his  leg,  and  that  Doctor  Sealee,  his  surgeon,  who  is  also  a 
prisoner,  is  there  with  him  ;  that  they  are  sent  to  the  care 
of  the  committee  of  Kingston ;  that  the  surgeon  alleges 
that  it  would  be  very  improper  to  remove  Capt.  Montgo- 
mery farther,  in  the  present  state  of  his  wound. 

That  a  letter  from  Jacob  Cuyler,  by  order  of  General 
Schuyler,  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston, 
is  sent  to  John  Sleght,  Esqr.  the  chairman  ;  Mr.  Sleght 
the  chairman,  attended  with  the  letter,  which  was  read. 

The  Council  advise  the  chairman  that  he  write  a  letter 
to  Lieutenant  Welsh,  the  officer  who  has  the  charge  of  the 
prisoners,  desiring  him  to  take  their  parol  to  remain  at  Mr. 
Livingston's  house  and  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  it  until 
further  order ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time  they  do  nothing 
inimical  to  the  country. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Cadwallader  Colden,  Es- 
quire, have  leave  to  go  to  his  family,  and  return  to  the 
Fleet  prison  at  Roundout  Kill,  in  custody  of  Henry  I.  Sleght, 
at  Mr.  Colden's  expense;  that  Mr.  Sleght  have  the  custody 
of  the  said  Mr.  Colden  during  his  visit  to  his  family  and 
return,  and  take  care  that  he  return  and  surrender  himself 
to  the  Fleet  prison  within  five  days  from  the  time  of  his 
departure. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  informed  the  Council  that  he  has 
received  from  General  Washington  a  letter  to  the  brigadier- 
generals  of  the  western  parts  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay 
and  the  New-Hampshire  militia,  recommending  to  them  to 
march  with  one-third  of  their  militia  to  rendezvous  at  Sa- 
ratoga, unless  otherwise  directed  by  General  Schuyler  or 
General  Arnold,  to  be  under  the  immediate  command  of 
General  Arnold  ;  that  it  is  necessary  to  be  forwarded  by 
express,  agreeable  to  General  Washington's  request. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  sealed,  and  forwarded 
by  express. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler  to  Ge- 
neral Washington,  enclosing  copies  of  proclamations  by 
General  Burgoyne  and  General  Schuyler,  was  read,  and  is 
as  follows : 

"Fort  Edward,  July  17,  1777. 
"  Dear  Sir — Your  Excellency's  favours  of  the  12th  and 
13th  instant  I  had  the  honour  to  receive  yesterday.  It  is 
very  true  that  we  have  a  great  plenty  of  horses  in  this  part 
of  the  country,  but  as  they  are  always  drove  two  abreast, 
and  never  with  such  collars  as  are  generally  used  in  the 

252 


artillery,  I  feared  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  get  them  to 
draw,  and  have  found  it  so  much  so  with  the  two  pieces 
which  General  Nixon  has  with  him,  that  I  have  ordered 
the  carriages  which  are  now  making  for  the  cannon  I  have 
here,  to  be  constructed  so  as  to  be  drawn  with  horses 
abreast  of  each  other. 

"  Major  Stevens  is  safe,  but  so  ill,  at  Albany  that  I  fear 
he  will  be  of  little  service  to  the  campaign. 

"  We  have  chosen  two  very  advantageous  spots  of  ground 
about  four  miles  below  this,  where  the  troops  that  come 
from  Ticonderoga,  and  part  of  the  militia,  have  begun  to 
make  some  works,  but  I  do  not  propose  to  move  down  with 
what  troops  I  have  here  until  I  can  procure  more  axes  and 
entrenching  tools  which  are  collecting  in  the  country. 

"The  deputy  Adjutant-General  has  not  as  yet  been  able 
to  procure  a  return  of  the  troops,  but  expects  he  will  be 
able  to  deliver  it  to  me  by  to-morrow. 

"Part  of  the  enemy's  force  is  at  Skeensborough,  a  body 
of  between  one  and  two  thousand  at  Castle  Town,  and 
another  returned  to  Ticonderoga  in  order  to  come  by  that 
route  across  Lake  George.  They  have  an  advanced  post 
at  a  block  house  near  Fort  Ann,  and  their  Indian  scouts 
are  continually  lurking  about  our  advanced  posts. 

"  The  day  before  yesterday  they  made  prisoners  of  two 
wagons,  near  Fort  George. 

"  We  have  brought  away  every  thing  we  had  at  Fort 
George,  and  yesterday  Colo.  Van  Dyck,  agreeable  to  his 
orders,  quitted  the  post,  after  seeing  every  part  of  it  in 
flames  ;  strengthened  with  that  garrison,  and  if  the  militia 
who  are  here,  or  an  equal  number  can  be  prevailed  on  to 
stay,  and  the  enemy  give  me  a  few  days  more,  which  I 
think  they  will  be  obliged  to  do,  I  shall  not  be  apprehensive 
that  they  will  be  able  to  force  the  posts  I  am  about  to  oc- 
cupy. 

"  So  much  toryism  prevails  among  the  people,  on  what 
are  commonly  called  the  New-Hampshire  Grants,  and 
amongst  those  that  reside  in  the  townships  bordering  on 
them,  that  I  should  not  be  much  surprized  if  General  Bur- 
goyne should  attempt  to  march  as  far  as  Bennington,  in  or- 
der to  procure  cattle  and  carriages,  for  I  cannot  as  yet  learn 
that  many  have  been  brought  away,  although  I  gave  the 
necessary  orders  immediately  on  being  informed  of  the  re- 
treat from  Ticonderoga. 

"  I  have  had  part  of  Wood  creek  filled  with  trees,  and 
the  roads  between  this  and  Fort  Ann  broken  up  and  ren- 
dered impassable,  unless  much  labour  is  bestowed  on 
them. 

"  The  cattle  beyond  this  are  all  brought  and  bringing 
away,  and  I  shall  not  leave  any  forage  for  the  enemy's  cat- 
tle to  subsist  on. 

"  I  enclose  your  Excellency  a  copy  of  a  publication  of 
General  Burgoyne's,  with  a  copy  of  one  of  mine.  I  have 
ordered  every  person  that  has  taken  or  may  lake  a  protec- 
tion from  the  enemy,  and  that  can  be  taken,  to  be  secured 
and  sent  to  jail. 

"  Part  of  the  militia  from  Massachusetts,  and  all  those 
from  New-Hampshire,  I  have  ordered  to  join  Colo.  War- 
ner, who  is  at  Manchester,  and  who  has  my  orders  to  ad- 
vance as  near  to  the  enemy  as  he  can  with  the  small  forces 
he  has,  the  better  to  bring  off  the  cattle  and  carriages  near 
them. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  with  great  respect, 
"Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  &c.  &c." 

"  Copy  of  General  Burgoyne's  proclamation." 
"  By  Lieutenant-General  John  Burgoyne,  commanding  an 
army  and  fleet  of  Great  Britain,  against  the  revolted  Pro- 
vinces of  America. 

"  To  the  inhabitants  of  Castleton,  of  Hubberton,  Rut- 
land, Tinmonth,  Pawlet,  Wells,  Granville,  with  the  neigh- 
bouring districts  ;  also  the  districts  bordering  on  White 
creek,  Cambden,  Cambridge,  &c.  &c.  &c. 


1006 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  You  arc  hereby  directed  to  send  from  your  several 
townships,  deputations,  consisting  of  ten  persons  or  more 
from  each  township,  to  meet  Colonel  Skeene,  at  Caslleton, 
on  Wednesday,  July  15th,  at  ten  in  the  morning,  who  will 
have  instructions  not  only  to  give  further  encouragement  to 
those  who  complied  with  the  terms  of  my  late  manifesto, 
but  also  to  communicate  conditions  upon  which  the  per- 
sons and  properties  of  the  disobedient  may  yet  be  spared. 

"  This  fail  not  to  obey,  under  pain  of  military  execution. 

"  Head-Quarters  at  Skeensborough  House,  Jul}'  10th, 
1777. 

"J.  BURGOYNE. 
"  By  order  of  His  Excellency  the  Lieutenant-General. 
"  Rt.  Kingston,  Secretary." 

A  copy  of  General  Schuyler 's  proclamation. 

"  By  Philip  Schuyler,  Esquire,  Major-General  in  the  army 
of  the  United  States  of  America,  and  Commander-in- 
Chief  of  the  Northern  Department. 

"  To  the  inhabitants  of  Castle  Town,  of  Hubberlon,  Rut- 
land, Tinmouth,  Pawlel,  Wells,  Gransville,  with  the  neigh- 
bouring districts  ;  also  the  districts  bordering  on  White 
creek,  Cambden,  Cambridge,  &c.  &c. 

"  Whereas  Lieutenant-General  John  Burgoyne,  com- 
manding an  army  of  the  Biitish  troops,  did,  by  a  written 
paper,  by  him  subscribed,  bearing  date  at  Skeensborough 
House,  on  the  10th  day  of  July,  instant,  require  you  to 
send  from  your  several  townships,  deputations,  consisting 
of  ten  persons  or  more  from  each  township,  to  meet  Colo- 
nel Skeen  at  Caslleton,  on  Wednesday,  July  15th,  at  ten 
in  the  morning,  for  sundry  purposes  in  said  paper  men- 
tioned, and  that  you  are  not  to  fail  in  paying  obedience 
thereto,  under  pain  of  military  execution. 

"  Whatever,  my  countrymen,  may  be  the  ostensible 
reasons  for  such  meeting,  it  is  evidently  intended  by  the 
enemy  then  to  prevail  on  you  by  threats  and  promises,  to 
forsake  the  cause  of  your  country,  to  assist  them  in  forcing 
slavery  on  the  United  States  of  America,  and  under  the 
specious  pretext  of  affording  you  protection,  to  bring  on 
you  that  misery  which  their  promises  of  protection  drew 
on  such  of  the  deluded  inhabitants  of  New-Jersey,  who 
were  weak  enough  to  confide  in  them,  but  who  soon  expe- 
rienced their  fallacy  by  being  treated  indiscriminately  with 
those  virtuous  citizens  who  came  forth  in  defence  of  their 
country,  with  the  most  wanton  barbarity,  and  such  as 
hitherto  hath  not  even  disgraced  barbarians. 

"  They  cruelly  butchered,  without  distinction  to  age  or 
sex,  ravished  children,  from  ten,  to  women  of  eighty  years 
of  age  ;  they  burnt,  pillaged  and  destroyed  whatever  came 
into  their  power ;  nor  did  their  edifices,  dedicated  to  the 
worship  of  Almighty  God,  escape  their  sacrilegious  fury. 
Such  were  the  deeds,  such  they  were  incontestibly  proved 
to  be,  which  have  marked  the  British  arms  with  the  most 
indelible  stains. 

"  But  they  having,  by  the  blessings  of  Divine  Provi- 
dence on  our  arms,  been  obliged  totally  to  abandon  that 
State:  they  left  those  that  were  weak  or  wicked  enough  to 
take  protection  under  them,  to  bemoan  their  credulity,  and 
to  cast  themselves  on  the  mercy  of  their  injured  country- 
men. Such  will  be  your  fate,  if  you  lend  a  willing  ear  to 
their  promises,  which,  I  trust,  none  of  you  will  do. 

"  But  lest  any  of  you  should  so  far  forget  the  duty  yon 
owe  to  your  country,  as  to  join  with,  or  in  any  manner  or 
way  assist,  or  give  comfort  or  hold  correspondence  with,  or 
take  protections  from  the  enemy,  be  it  known  to  each  and 
every  of  you,  the  inhabitants  of  said  townships,  or  any 
other  the  inhabitants  of  the  United  States,  that  you  will 
be  considered  and  dealt  with  as  traitors  to  said  Stales,  and 
that  the  laws  thereof  will  be  put  in  execution  against  every 
erson  so  offending  with  the  utmost  rigour  ;  and  I  do  here- 
y  striclly  enjoin  and  command  all  officers,  civil  and  mili- 
tary, to  apprehend  all  such  offenders.  And  I  do  further 
strictly  enjoin  and  command  such  of  the  militia  of  said 
townships  as  have  not  yet  marched,  to  do  so  without  delay, 


to  join  the  army  under  my  command,  or  some  detachment 
thereof. 

"  Given  under  my  hand,  at  Head-Quarters,  Fort  Ed- 
ward, July  13th,  1777. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  By  the  General's  command, 

"  Henry  B.  Livingston,  A.  D.  C." 

A  letter  from  John  Kortze,  Junr.  and  Barent  Weger,  on 
behalf  of  Andrew  Young,  was  read  and  filed. 

They  thereby  inform  that  Andrew  Young,  now  a  priso- 
ner in  the  south  room  of  Kingston  jail,  is  ill  of  ardent  fe- 
ver and  distemper  in  his  throat. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Luke  Kiersted  visit  the  said  An- 
drew Young,  and  if  he  shall  think  it  necessary  to  have 
the  said  Andrew  Young  removed,  that  the  sheriff  procure 
lodgings  for  the  said  Andrew  Young,  and  a  physician  to 
attend  him. 

Genl.  Scott  appeared  and  took  his  seat. 

A  letter  from  William  Seaber,  chairman  of  the  commit- 
tee of  Tryon  county,  dated  July  the  eighteenth,  was  read, 
and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Tryon  County  Committee  Chamber,  July  18th,  1777. 
"Honourable  Gentlemen — The  deplorable  situation 
of  our  county  moveth  us  to  represent  the  circumstances 
thereof  to  your  Honourable  Board. 

"  Our  county  is,  at  the  several  frontier  places,  threaten- 
ed with  invasions  of  British  troops,  tories  and  savages.  It 
is  a  certain  truth,  as  the  enclosure  will  convince  you  clear- 
ly, that  the  enemy  is  in  Oswego  ;  and  after  a  council  of 
Colo.  Buller  with  the  Five  Nations,  he  will  march  towards 
Fort  Schuyler  directly,  with  the  intent  to  pursue  to  Albany. 

"  It  is  also  certain  truth,  that  the  settlements  on  the  Sus- 
quehannah  river  to  the  Lake  Otsego,  are  already  in  the 
power  of  Joseph  Brandt  and  his  Indian  party. 

"  The  loss  of  Ticonderoga  is  a  hard  stroke  to  our  inha- 
bitants in  general,  and  causelh  the  number  of  our  disaf- 
fected greatly  to  increase.  In  such  a  situation  are  our 
frontiers,  and  what  is  most  deplorable,  no  succour  of  Con- 
tinental troops  appears  for  defence  and  protection. 

"  This  board,  as  well  as  General  Nicholas  Herkeimer, 
several  times  acquainted  General  Schuyler  of  our  dange- 
rous circumstances,  and  prayed  for  assistance  of  some 
Continental  troops,  but  received  no  promise  of  any,  or  any 
other  encouragement  than  that  we  should  animate  the  spi- 
rits of  the  militia  to  step  forth  in  defence  of  their  coun- 
try. We  endeavour  to  encourage  our  militia  with  what 
lies  in  our  power,  but  they  are  so  far  discouraged  by  the 
scandalous  loss  of  that  important  fort,  Ticonderoga,  and 
by  seeing  themselves  left  helpless  in  this  real  time  of 
need,  that  wilh  surprise  we  must  see  the  most  affected  de- 
cline in  courage,  and  the  weak  hearted  (which  by  this 
time  being  the  greatest  number)  are  fully  resolved,  and  de- 
clare openly,  upon  actual  invasion  of  the  enemy,  to  render 
themselves  up  to  their  protection,  if  the  county  be  not  in 
time  succoured  with  troops. 

"  We  may  assure  you  that  we  fear  the  loss  of  our 
county  will  be  the  next  news,  if  not  assisted  by  sufficient 
force  to  repulse  the  enemy. 

"  Fort  Schuyler's  fortifications  ate  not  yet  finished,  and 
the  garrison  consists  but  of  about  300  able  men.  General 
Schuyler  ordered  200  men  of  our  militia  for  a  reinforce- 
ment, but  with  all  trouble  possible,  and  repeated  orders, 
no  more  but  about  80  men  could  be  brought  there. 

"  There  is  not  much  more  regard  for  orders  or  fines ; 
but  we  must  really  fear,  that  in  a  short  time,  for  sake  of 
such  a  neglect  of  our  frontiers,  more  than  the  half  of  our 
inhabitants  are  resolved  not  to  lift  up  arms  in  defence  of 
this  county. 

"  We  are  surprised,  and  it  is  above  our  horizon  to 
know  the  reason  of  General  Schuyler  why  this  valuable 
county  is  not  to  be  succoured  with  at  least  2,000  men.  We 
think  that  you  are  convinced  that  we  have  reason  to  com- 
plain and  to  implore  your  Honourable  Board  for  help,  if  this 


i: 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1007 


county  and  the  poor,  true  hearted  inhabitants,  who  would 
sacrifice  their  lives  willingly,  shall  be  saved. 

"  Wc  humbly,  therefore,  beg  your  mature  contemplation 
of  our  present  circumstances,  and  that  you  will  please  to 
assist  before  it  is  too  late,  if  it  lies  in  your  power.  We 
recommend  this  serious  matter  into  your  particular  favour, 
and  imagine  this  will  be  our  last  application  for  the  safety 
of  our  frontiers. 

"  Remaining  always,  in  humble  respect, 
"  Honourable  gentlemen, 

"  Your  obdet.  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  committee, 
"  WILLIAM  SEEBER,  Chairman. 

"  The  Honourable  Committee  of  Safety 
at  Kingston. 

"  P.  S.  The  express,  bearer  of  this  letter,  Mr.  Frede- 
rick Helmer,  is  a  member  of  this  board,  and  he  is  em- 
powered by  us  to  give  you  more  circumstantial  informa- 
tion, if  you  think  worthy  to  inquire  further." 

The  information  of  Frederick  Helmer,  dated  the  seven- 
teenth instant,  and  appearing  to  be  taken  before  the  said 
committee,  was  also  received  and  read,  and  it  is  in  the 
words  following,  viz : 

"  In  Committee  Chamber,  ? 
"  Tryon  county,  July  l~th,  1777.  ^ 

"  Mr.  Frederick  Hellmer,  of  German  Flatts  district,  a 
member  of  this  board,  who,  upon  different  alarming 
news  of  a  soon  invasion  of  our  enemies  into  our  frontier, 
went  to  our  friendly  Indians  (the  Oneidas)  for  information 
of  the  certainty  thereof. 

"  The  said  Hellmer  conversed  with  an  Oneida  sachem, 
named  Thomas,  a  well  affected  friend  to  our  cause,  on  the 
15th  instant,  and  brings  before  this  Board  the  following 
report : 

"  Sachem  Thomas  relates,  that  when  he  arrived  in  the 
Indian  castle  Cassasseny,  near  Cachanawago,  in  Canada, 
he"  was  well  received  by  his  friends  there;  but  they  di- 
rectly told  him  that  Colo.  Clauss  and  Sir  John  Johnson 
were  in  the  castle,  and  shall  make  a  speech  to  the  Indians, 
and  they  therefore  think  proper  that  he  with  his  compani- 
ons should  keep  themselves  secret,  and  on  the  council 
day  (which  being  soon)  should  hide  themselves  in  the 
council  house,  up  stairs  ;  and  according  to  this  good  ad- 
vice he  did  so,  and  got  in  such  a  manner  the  good  luck  to 
hear  the  whole  speech  of  Colo.  Clauss,  whereof  the  main 
points  are  as  follows  : 

"  Colo.  Clauss  invited  strongly,  under  many  promises, 
the  Indians  to  join  him  in  his  expedition  to  Fort  Schuyler 
and  against  Tryon  county,  mentioning  the  number  of  his 
while  men,  and  saying  that  he  has  sent  already  a  number 
of  Indians  with  the  army  to  Ticonderoga,  and  he  is  sure 
that  Ticonderoga  will  be  rendered  to  them.  Colo.  Clauss 
repeated  again  this,  '  Ticonderoga  is  mine,  this  is  true, 
you  may  depend  on,  and  not  one  gunshot  shall  be  fired  for 
it ;  the  same  is  with  Fort  Schuyler,  I  am  sure,'  said  he 
further,  '  for  when  I  come  towards  that  fort,  and  the  com- 
manding officer  there  shall  see  me,  he  shall  also  not  fire 
one  shot,  and  render  the  fort  to  me.' 

"  Thomas,  the  sachem,  after  relating  of  what  he  heard 
in  Colo.  Clauss'  speech  as  aforementioned,  said  to  Frede- 
rick Hellmer  and  his  companions,  '  Now,  brothers,  this 
which  I  related  to  you  is  the  real  truth  ;  and  I  tell  you  fur- 
ther notice,  that  Sir  John  Johnson,  with  his  family,  and 
Colo.  Clauss,  with  his  family,  are  now  in  Oswego,  with 
about  700  Indians,  and  their  number  of  white  men  are  400 
regulars,  and  about  600  tories,  lying  yet  on  an  island  on 
this  side  of  Swegatshy. 

"  Therefore,  brothers,  now  is  your  time  to  wake,  and  not 
to  sleep  longer,  or  on  the  contrary  it  shall  go  with  Fort 
Schuyler  as  it  went  already  with  Ticonderoga.  Colo. 
Butler  is,  as  I  heard,  to  arrive  yesterday,  being  the  14th 
instant,  from  Niagara,  at  Oswego,  with  his  party,  not 
knowing  how  strong  in  number,  and  shall  immediately 


keep  a  council  there,  with  the  Five  Nations,  (which  are 
already  called,)  and  offer  the  hatchet  to  them,  to  strike  the 
Americans,  and  join  him. 

"  Brothers,  I  therefore  desire  you  to  be  spirited,  and  to 
encourage  one  another  to  march  on  in  assistance  of  Fort 
Schuyler.  Come  up  and  show  yourselves  as  men  to  de- 
fend and  save  your  country,  before  it  is  too  late.  De- 
spatch yourselves  to  clear  the  brushes  about  the  fort,  and 
send  a  party  to  cut  trees  in  the  Wood  creek,  to  stop  up  the 
same. 

"  Brothers,  if  you  don't  come  soon  without  delay  to  as- 
sist this  place,  we  cannot  stay  much  longer  on  your  side  j 
for  if  you  leave  this  fort  without  succour,  and  the  enemy 
should  get  possession  thereof,  we  shall  suffer  like  you  in 
your  settlements,  and  shall  be  destroyed  with  you.  We 
are  surprized  that  your  enemies  have  engaged  the  Indians, 
and  endeavour  daily  yet  to  strike  and  fight  against  you,  and 
General  Schuyler  always  refused  that  we  shall  take  up 
arms  in  the  country's  behalf. 

"  Brothers,  I  can  assure  you  that  as  soon  as  Butler's 
speech  at  Oswego  shall  be  over,  they  intend  to  march  down 
the  country  immediately  to  Albany.  You  may  judge  your- 
selves, if  you  don't  try  to  resist,  we  will  be  obliged  to  join 
them,  or  fly  from  the  castles,  as  we  cannot  hinder  them 
alone.  We,  the  good  friends  of  the  country,  are  of  opinion 
that  if  more  force  appears  at  Fort  Schuyler,  the  enemy 
will  not  move  from  Oswego  to  invade  these  frontiers.  You 
may  depend  on  it,  we  are  heartily  willing  to  help  you,  if 
you  will  do  some  efforts  too. 

"FREDERICK  HELLMER." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  information  from 
Trvon  county,  be  committed  to  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Piatt  and  Mr.  Jay. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay,  the  following  resolutions  were 
agreed  to,  vizt : 

Whereas  the  late  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York, 
by  their  ordinance  of  the  eight  day  of  May  last,  did  consti- 
tute this  Council  with  full  powers  to  provide  for  the  safety 
and  preservation  of  the  State,  until  a  meeting  of  the  Legis- 
lature ;  and  did,  by  the  said  ordinance,  further  ordain  that 
the  execulive  powers  of  the  State  should  be  vested  in  the 
Governor  as  soon  as  he  should  be  chosen,  and  admitted 
into  office  ;  and  that  previous  to  such  admission,  such  Go- 
vernor should  appear  before  the  said  Council,  and  take 
the  oaths  in  and  by  the  said  ordinance  prescribed  :  Ani> 
whereas  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  hath  been 
elected  to  the  office  of  Governor  of  this  State,  and  having 
been  duly  notified  thereof,  by  this  Council,  hath  accepted 
of  the  said  office  :  And  whereas  this  Council  do  not  think 
themselves  justified  in  holding  and  exercising  any  powers 
vested  in  them  longer  than  is  absolutely  necessary  ;  and  it. 
being  evidently  the  intention  of  the  late  Convention,  that 
the  execulive  powers  of  the  State  should  be  surrendered 
to  the  Governor,  as  soon  as  he  should  be  chosen,  and  ad- 
mitted into  office, 

Resolved,  That  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton  be, 
and  he  hereby  is,  most  earnestly  requested  to  appear  before 
this  Council,  to  take  the  oath  aforesaid,  and  enter  upon  the 
discharge  of  the  important  duties  of  his  said  office,  of  Go- 
vernor of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  a  certified  copy  of  the  said  resolution  be 
transmilted  in  a  letter  from  the  President  to  Brigadier- 
General  George  Clinton. 

Mr.  Jay  informed  the  Council  that  the  committee  of 
Newburgh  have  sent  under  guard  to  Fort  Montgomerie, 
Benjamin  Derby  and  Elnathan  Foster,  who  were  separate- 
ly permitted  by  this  Council  to  go  to  their  families  and  re- 
turn in  a  few  days. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  take  the  examination  of 
the  wife  of  the  said  Benjamin  Derby,  now  attending  for 
that  purpose,  and  bring  the  same  before  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  Gouverneur  Morris,  Esqr.  dated  Saraghto- 
ga,  on  the  seventeenth  instant,  was  read. 


100S 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ? 

"  19th  July,  1777.  J 
ii  Hon.  Sir — The  bearers,  Messrs.  James  Caldwell  and 
John  Maley,  inhabitants  of  this  city,  and  persons  well  at- 
tached to  our  cause,  have  represented  to  us  that  they  have 
lately  purchased  a  quantity  of  tea  at  Philadelphia  at  a  very 
hi<rh  price  ;  that  the  lea  upon  its  arrival  at  New-Windsor 
has  been  seized  by  a  number  of  men  and  women,  and  dis- 
posed of  at  the  rate  of  6s.  per  lb.  by  which  means  they 
have  lost  a  large  sum  of  money. 

"  They  begged  us  to  write  on  the  subject  to  the  Council 
of  Safely  and  to  beg  their  interposition  in  this  matter. 

"  The  Council  will  be  pleased  to  observe  that  this  tea 
does  not  come  within  the  resolution  of  Congress,  as  it  was 
imported  or  captured  about  two  months  ago  in  expectation 
of  redress  in  the  premises. 

"  We  remain,  gent,  your  very  humble  servts. 

"  By  order. 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  The  Honble.  the  President  of  the 
Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of 
New-York  at  Kingston." 

A  letter  from  James  H.  Kip  to  the  said  John  Maley, 
dated  the  fourteenth  July,  relative  to  the  said  tea  belonging 
to  James  Caldwell  and  John  Maley,  lately  seized  and  dis- 
persed by  sundry  inhabitants  near  New-Windsor,  was  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay 
and  Mr.  Piatt. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Hancock,  President 
of  Congress,  dated  at  Philadelphia,  the  fourteenth  instant, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Phila.  July  Ulh,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  enclosed  resolve  of  Congress  re- 
commending it  to  your  State  to  send  such  reinforcements 
of  militia  to  the  armies  of  Generals  Washington  or  Schuy- 
ler as  may  be  requested,  comes  with  such  peculiar  force  at 
this  juncture,  that  I  am  persuaded  any  arguments  to  induce 
you  to  comply  with  it  be  unnecessary.  From  the  Conti- 
nental battalions  not  being  completed  agreeably  to  the  ori- 
ginal plan,  there  is  indeed  an  absolute  necessity  for  adopt- 
ing the  measure  in  our  present  situation.  Give  me  leave 
therefore  most  earnestly  to  request  your  compliance  with 
this  requisition  of  Congress  as  the  only  effectual  mode  of 
checking  the  progress  of  our  enraged  and  cruel  enemies. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gent. 

"Your  most  obedient  very  hbl.  servt. 
"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 

"  The  Honbl.  the  Assembly  of  the 

State  of  New- York." 

The  resolution  of  Congress  therein  enclosed,  passed  the 
twelfth  instant,  was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words,  vizt : 

"  In  Congress,  12th  July,  1777. 
"  Resolved,  That  it  be  strongly  recommended  to  the  go- 
vernment of  the  State  of  New-York  and  of  the  eastern 
States  to  send  such  reinforcements  of  militia  to  the  armies 
under  General  Washington  or  General  Schuyler,  as  shall 
be  from  time  to  time  requested. 
"  By  order  of  Congress. 

"JOHN  HANCOCK,  President. 
Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Lunje,  4  ho  P.  M.  July  21,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

General  Scott,  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Plait,  Mr. 
Tappen,  Mr.  It.  R.  Livingston,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Cantinc. 

A  letter  from  General  Pulnam  dated  the  nineteenth  in- 
stant, relative  to  the  effects  of  the  wife  of  Levy  Palmer, 
which  were  taken  by  Henry  Carmcr  out  of  a  trunk  hid  in 
a  field,  with  an  inventory  of  the  said  effects,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  General  Scott 
and  Mr.  Harper.  , 

A  return  of  the  men,  arms  and  ammunition  in  the  first  re- 
giment in  Ulster  county,  signed  by  Jonathan  Elmendorph, 


lieutenant  colonel,  was  read  and  filed.  It  thereby  appears 
that,  exclusive  of  officers,  there  are  in  the  said  regiment 
two  hundred  and  ninety-three  men  ;  two  hundred  and 
eighty-two  arms  ;  eleven  supplied  with  ammunition ;  ten 
men  in  want  of  arms  ;  two  hundred  and  eighty-two  in  want 
of  ammunition. 

The  affidavit  of  Lois  Derby,  the  wife  of  Benjamin  Der- 
by, (taken  pursuant  to  the  order  of  this  morning,)  relative 
to  the  apprehending  the  said  Benjamin  and  sending  him  to 
Fort  Montgomery,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Ulster  County,  ss. — Lois  Derby,  the  wife  of  Benjamin 
Derby,  of  Newburgh,  in  Ulster  county,  cordwainder,  being 
sworn  and  examined,  says,  that  on  last  Saturday  forenoon 
the  said  Benjamin  Derby  came  to  his  family,  by  permis- 
sion of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State  of  New- York, 
and  of  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  as  she  understood. 

"  That  about  one  of  the  clock  of  the  afternoon  of  that 
day  Martin  Wygand  of  Newburgh  came  to  the  said  Benjamin 
Derby  and  informed  him  that  the  committee  of  Newburgh 
had  directed  him,  the  said  Martin,  to  take  him,  the  said 
Benjamin,  with  a  guard  and  bring  him  before  the  said  com- 
mittee ;  the  said  Martin  having  William  Alberlson  with 
him  as  a  guard. 

"  That  the  said  Benjamin  Derby  went  with  them  to  the 
committee,  and  returned  about  eleven  of  the  clock  that 
evening  to  his  house,  in  custody  of  one  Moore,  with  direc- 
tions, as  the  said  Benjamin  said,  to  appear  at  Martin  Wy- 
gand's  at  6  o'clock  next  morning,  to  be  brought  again  before 
the  said  committee  ;  that  the  said  Benjamin  having  gone  to 
Wygand  in  the  morning,  returned  and  informed  her,  the 
deponent,  that  Wygand  said  the  committee  would  send 
him,  the  said  Derby,  and  Elnalhan  Foster  to  Kingston  in 
custody  of  the  said  Wygand  ;  and  that  he  should  tarry  at 
home  until  called  by  Wygand,  if  the  committee  should 
direct  him  to  be  again  called  before  them.  That  in  the 
mean  time  the  said  Benjamin  prepared  to  return  to  Kings- 
ton, but  in  the  forenoon  was  again  sent  for  by  Wygand  to 
appear  before  the  committee. 

"  That  in  the  afternoon  the  said  Benjamin  returned,  in 
custody  of  John  Donnache,  and  informed  the  deponent  that 
the  committee  had  ordered  him,  the  said  Benjamin,  and 
Elnathan  Foster  to  be  taken  to  Fort  Montgomery  under 
guard,  and  detained  the  pass  given  him  at  Kingston  to  go 
to  Newburgh.  And  he  directed  her,  the  deponent,  to  re- 
turn the  horse  he  rode  from  Kingston,  and  inform  the  she- 
riff of  Ulster  county  in  what  manner  he  was  prevented  from 
returning  to  Kingston  a  prisoner. 

her 

"  LOIS  X  DERBY, 
mark. 

"  Sworn  and  examined  this  21st  ) 
day  of  July,  1777.  S 

"  By  John  McKesson." 
Whereas,  this  Council  did  on  the  eighteenth  day  of 
July  instant,  order  that  Benjamin  Darby  be  permitted  to  go 
home  on  parol,  to  fetch  his  shoemaker's  tools,  and  that  he 
return  to  this  place  in  six  days  :  And  Whereas,  it  appears 
to  this  Council  by  the  oath  of  Lois  Derby,  the  wife  of  the 
said  Benjamin  Derby,  that  the  committee  of  Newburgh,  in 
contempt  of  the  said  order  of  this  Council,  have  caused  the 
said  Benjamin  Darby  to  be  apprehended  and  sent  a  priso- 
ner to  Fort  Montgomery,  there  to  be  confined. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  affidavit  of  the  said  Lois 
Darby  be  sent  to  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  and 
that  he  be  desired  to  set  the  said  Benjamin  Darby  at  liberty 
after  taking  his  parol  forthwith  to  appear  before  this  Coun- 
cil, and  further  that  he  transmit  to  this  Council  copies  of 
the  warrant  or  order,  or  reasons,  if  any  there  be,  of  the 
said  committee  for  sending  the  said  Benjamin  Darby  to 
Fort  Montgomery. 

Mr.  Jay  moved  for  the  following  resolutions  and  was 
seconded  by  Mr.  Harper. 

Resolved,  That  Robert  R.  Livingston,  Esquire,  forth- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1009 


will  repair  to  Head-Quarters,  to  make  known  to  His  Ex- 
cellency General  Washington,  the  present  alarming  state 
of  Tryon  county,  and  advise  with  and  request  the  aid  of 
His  Excellency  in  providing  for  the  support  and  protection 
of  that  county. 

Isaac  Hathaway  of  Freetown,  in  Massachusetts  Bay, 
informed  the  Council  of  Safety  in  writing,  that  the  anchors 
and  cables  of  his  sloop  named  the  Kingbird,  have  been 
taken,  among  others,  for  fixing  the  chain  and  other  obstruc- 
tions at  Fort  Montgomery,  and  that  the  said  sloop  had  lately 
been  used  as  a  lodging  place  by  Captain  Giles  and  his 
family. 

Ordered,  That  the  Auditor-General  do  audit  an  account 
for  the  said  anchors  and  cables  as  soon  as  proper  receipts 
for,  and  vouchers  of,  the  value  of  the  said  anchors  and 
cables  are  produced  to  him.  And 

Ordered,  That  any  person  who  may  have  the  possession 
or  custody  of  the  said  sloop  Kingbird,  deliver  her  to  the 
said  Isaac  Hathaway  or  his  order. 

Resolved,  That  John  Sloss  Hobartand  Gouverneur  Mor- 
ris, Esqrs.  be,  and  are  hereby  appointed  a  committee  on 
behalf  this  State,  to  meet  with  committees  from  the  States 
of  New-Hampshire,  Rhode-Island,  Connecticut  and  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  July,  at  the  town 
of  Springfield,  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  in  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  to  hold  a  conference  respecting  the  state  of  the 
paper  currency  of  the  said  States,  and  the  other  matters 
mentioned  in  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  on  the  twenty-seventh  day 
of  June  last.  And 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  the  Honourable 
Jeremiah  Powell,  President  of  the  Council  of  the  State 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  the 
said  Council,  a  copy  of  the  resolutions  of  this  Council,  of 
the  eighteenth  instant,  that  they  will  appoint  a  committee 
for  the  purpose  above  mentioned,  and  a  copy  of  the  ap- 
pointment of  Messrs.  Hobart  and  Morris,  be  prepared  and 
transmitted  to  Mr.  Hobart. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  22,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Harper,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  general  com- 
mittee of  Tryon  county  (on  the  subject  of  their  fears  and 
apprehensions  of  the  enemy)  which  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  have  received  your  letter  and  seve- 
ral others  from  different  parts  of  your  county,  and  are 
no  less  affected  by  the  danger  than  the  fears  of  the  people 
of  Tryon. 

"  It  is  with  the  utmost  concern  that  we  hear  of  the  uni- 
versal panic,  despair  and  despondency  which  prevails 
through  your  county.  We  flattered  ourselves  that  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy  would  have  animated  and  not  de- 
pressed their  spirits.  What  reason  is  there  to  expect  that 
Heaven  will  help  those  who  refuse  to  help  themselves,  or 
that  Providence  will  grant  liberty  to  those  who  want  courage 
to  defend  it  ?  Are  the  great  duties  they  owe  to  themselves, 
their  country  and  posterity  so  soon  forgot  ?  Let  not  the 
history  of  the  present  glorious  contest  declare  to  future 
generations  that  the  people  of  your  county,  after  making 
the  highest  professions  of  zeal  for  the  American  cause,  fled 
at  the  first  appearance  of  danger  and  behaved  like  women. 

253 


This  unmanly  conduct  gives  us  great  concern  ;  we  feel  too 
much  for  your  honour  and  reputation  not  to  be  uneasy. 

"  Instead  of  supplicating  the  protection  of  your  enemies, 
meet  them  with  arms  in  your  hands  ;  make  good  your  pro- 
fessions, and  let  not  your  attachment  to  freedom  be  mani- 
fest only  in  your  words. 

"  We  could  scarcely  have  believed,  that  a  man  among 
you  would  have  thought  of  protections  (as  they  are  falsely 
called)  from  the  enemy.  Of  what  advantage  have  ihey 
been  to  the  deluded  wretches  who  accepted  them  in  Jersey, 
New-York,  Westchester  and  Long  island?  After  being  se- 
duced from  their  duty  to  their  country,  they  were  plunder- 
ed, robbed,  cast  into  prison,  treated  as  slaves,  and  abused 
in  a  manner  almost  too  savage  and  cruel  to  be  related.  We 
ought  to  profit  by  the  woful  experience  of  others,  and  not, 
with  our  eyes  open,  run  to  destruction  ;  nor  imagine  that 
you  will  remain  unsupported  in  the  hour  of  trial.  We  con- 
sider you  as  part  of  the  Stale,  and  as  equally  entitled,  with 
other  counties  to  the  aid  of  the  whole.  We  have  despatch- 
ed one  of  out  members  to  Head-Quarters,  with  directions  to 
make  known  your  situation  to  His  Excellency  General 
Washington,  and  to  request  his  aid  to  protect  and  support 

y°u- 

"  We  further  desire  and  resolve  that  your  militia  be  di- 
vided into  three  parts  ;  and  that  one-third  part  be  immedi- 
ately embodied  for  your  defence,  and  relieved  at  convenient 
periods.  We  also  recommend  it  to  Genl.  Herkimer  and 
you  to  be  careful  in  putting  them  under  the  command  of 
proper  officers.  The  muster  rolls  on  being  properly  authen- 
ticated and  produced,  shall  be  immediately  paid  off.  Let 
all  differences  among  you  cease  ;  let  the  only  contention 
be,  who  shall  be  foremost  in  defending  his  country ; 
banish  unmanly  fears ;  acquit  yourselves  like  men,  and 
with  firm  confidence  trust  the  event  to  that  almighty  and 
benevolent  Being,  who  hath  commanded  you  to  hold  fast 
the  liberty  with  which  he  hath  made  you  free,  and  who 
is  able  as  well  as  willing,  to  support  you  in  performing  his 
orders.  It  is  not  in  our  power  to  send  you  the  money  you 
require,  without  being  furnished  with  the  accounts  it  is 
intended  to  discharge.  A  Council  of  Safety  cannot  charge 
sums  of  money  on  a  county  ;  the  Legislature  alone  can  do 
such  acts  ;  besides  we  doubt  the  propriety  of  burdening 
your  county  with  all  that  expense,  and  are  not  certain  but 
it  will  be  imposed  on  the  Continent  or  the  State  at  large. 
We  will,  nevertheless,  pay  off  the  public  debts  in  every 
part  of  the  State,  and  are  a  little  surprised  that  a  particu- 
lar statement  of  your  demands  has  not  been  transmitted  to 
us.  As  to  the  pay  rolls  you  mention,  they  ought  to  be 
drawn  agreeably  to  the  enclosed  form,  and  proven  by  the 
oath  of  the  officer. 

"  We  also  recommend  to  you,  without  delay,  to  appre- 
hend the  most  dangerous  among  the  disaffected,  to  send 
them  to  Albany,  and  from  thence  here.  Let  not  the  fear 
of  Brandt  deter  you  from  this. 

"  It  will  also  be  highly  proper,  immediately  on  the  ap- 
proach of  the  enemy,  to  drive  in  all  the  cattle  and  car- 
riages from  the  frontiers. 

"  With  respect  to  all  such  as  voluntarily  supply  the  ene- 
my with  provisions,  you  ought  immediately  to  deprive  them 
of  the  means  of  doing  it.  Nor  would  it  be  proper  to  leave 
large  herds  of  cattle  in  places  from  whence  they  may, 
without  difficulty  be  taken  by  the  enemy. 

"  General  Schuyler  informs  us  that  he  has  sent  you  part 
of  a  regiment  from  Albany.  You  expected  more  assistance 
from  him  than  was  in  his  power  to  afford.  We  have  au- 
thorized Colonel  Harper  to  raise  two  hundred  rangers  ;  and 
we  hope  he  will  meet  with  all  the  aid  and  encouragement 
in  your  power  to  give  him.  If  you  can  only  prevail  on 
your  people  to  exert  their  own  strength,  all  will  be  well. 

"  On  the  return  of  the  gentlemen  sent  to  Head-Quarters, 
you  shall  be  informed  of  the  success  of  the  application  to 
General  Washington.    And  let  us  again  beseech  and  en- 


1010 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


treat  you,  for  the  honour  and  reputation  as  well  as  safety  of 
this  State,  to  behave  like  men. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obet.  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the 

General  Com.  of  Tryon  county." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Gouvr.  Morris, 
Esqr.  directing  him,  with  Mr.  Hobart,  as  a  committee,  to 
repair  to  Springfield,  in  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  meet  the 
committees  of  the  eastern  States  on  the  several  subjects 
mentioned  in  a  resolution  of  the  General  Court  of  Massa- 
chusetts of  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  June  last ;  which 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  direct  me  to  inform  you  that  Mr. 
Hobart  and  yourself  are  appointed  a  committee  to  confer 
at  Springfield,  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  July  instant,  with 
committees  from  the  four  New-England  States,  on  the  se- 
veral subjects  mentioned  in  a  resolution  of  the  General 
Court  of  Massachusetts,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy. 

"  You  will  be  pleased,  therefore,  to  be  at  Springfied  at 
the  time  appointed,  and  not  by  your  absence  occasion  de- 
lays. 

"  The  Council  have  despatched  Mr.  Livingston  to  Ge- 
neral Washington,  on  the  business  of  Tryon.  They  wish 
Mr.  Abraham  Yates  would  return. 

"  As  to  advising  General  Schuyler  to  desolate  the  fron- 
tiers, the  Council  think  it  a  measure  whose  propriety  de- 
pends on  contingencies,  and  they  refer  it  entirely  to  the 
discretion  of  the  general  officers,  who  can  best  judge  how 
far  and  when  it  would  be  proper,  and  who,  they  hope,  will 
neither  adopt  it  without  deliberation,  or  be  deterred  from 
it  by  an  undue  degree  of  tenderness. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humb.  servt. 
"  To  Gouverneur  Morris,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  prepare  a  copy  of  the  said 
letter,  the  President  sign  and  transmit  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Benson,  warden  of  the  Fleet  pri- 
son, informing  the  Council  that  last  night  the  following  per- 
sons, (prisoners  on  board  the  said  prison,)  made  their  es- 
escape,  to  wit :  John  Woodside,  William  Hamilton,  Pat- 
rick Halletin,  John  Helmer,  Hendrick  Runion,  John  Sum- 
merville,  Duncan  Robinson,  Daniel  Frazer,  John  Ferman, 
Archibald  McNiel,  Christopher  Service,  George  Charters 
and  Robert  Conventry,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  committee 
for  superintending  the  said  prison. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  John 
Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Albany  ;  and 
the  letter  from  James  H.  Kip,  relative  to  tea  of  Caldwell 
and  Maley,  seized  and  dispersed  by  sundry  inhabitants  of 
this  State,  at  and  near  New-Windsor,  brought  in  their  re- 
port, which  was  adopted  and  agreed  to,  and  follows,  vizt : 

Whereas  it  appears  to  this  Council,  as  well  from  the 
representation  of  the  committee  of  Albany  as  otherwise, 
that  James  Caldwell,  of  that  city,  a  person  well  attached 
to  the  American  cause,  had  purchased  at  Philadelphia  a 
considerable  quantity  of  India  tea  ;  that  on  the  arrival  of 
the  said  tea  at  New- Windsor,  in  this  State,  a  number  of  the 
inhabitants  riotously  seized  a  box  of  the  said  tea  and  sold 
it,  whereby  the  said  James  Caldwell  hath  sustained  great 
damage,  and  prays  for  the  interposition  of  this  Council  to 
cause  justice  to  be  done  him. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  do  highly  disapprove  of 
such  violent  and  disorderly  proceedings  ;  and  that  in  a  free 
country  no  man  ought  to  be  divested  of  his  property,  but 
by  his  own  consent  or  the  law  of  the  land. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  will  not  exercise  the  powers 
of  a  court  of  judicature,  and  that  the  said  James  Caldwell 


can  obtain  satisfaction  for  the  injury  of  which  he  complains 
in  the  ordinary  course  of  law. 
Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  22,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Plait,  Genl. 
Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine. 

A  letter  from  Dennis  Kennedy,  dated  this  day,  relative 
to  the  property  of  Peter  Corney,  who  is  gone  to  New- 
York  by  permission,  on  exchange  of  property,  which  pro- 
perty was,  previous  to  his  departure,  made  over  to  the 
said  Dennis  Kennedy,  enclosing  a  letter  and  deposition  of 
the  said  Peter  Corne  on  the  subject,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  enclosures  be  referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  complaints  of 
the  like  kind. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Schoharie,  (on  the 
subject  of  their  apprehensions  of  the  approach  of  the  ene- 
my in  that  quarter,)  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Kingston,  July  22d,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — It  greatly  astonishes  this  Council  that 
the  settlement  of  Schoharie,  which  has  always  been  consi- 
dered as  firmly  and  spiritedly  attached  to  the  American 
cause,  should  be  panic  struck  upon  the  least  appearance 
of  danger.  Can  you  conceive  that  our  liberties  can  possi- 
bly be  redeemed  from  that  vassalage  which  our  implacable 
foes  are,  with  unrelenting  cruelty,  framing  for  us,  without 
some  danger  and  some  vigorous  efforts  on  our  part  ?  To 
expect  that  Providence,  however  righteous  our  cause,  will, 
without  a  vigorous  use  of  those  means  which  it  has  put  in 
our  power,  interpose  in  our  behalf,  is  truly  to  expect  that 
God  will  work  miracles  for  us,  when  those  means,  well 
improved,  will  afford  sufficient  security  to  our  inestimable 
rights.  It  is  your  bounden  duty,  if  you  wish  for  the  smiles 
of  Heaven  in  favour  of  the  public  cause  in  which  you  are 
so  deeply  interested,  to  acquit  yourselves  like  men.  A 
few  worthless  Indians,  and  a  set  of  villains,  whose  base 
desertion  from  their  country,  are  all  the  enemies  you  have 
to  fear. 

"  We  have  good  reason  to  believe  that  the  greatest  and 
most  deserving  part  of  the  Six  Nations  are  well  disposed 
towards  us.  This  Council  is  exerting  itself  to  secure  you 
against  danger,  and  only  wish  you  would  second  their 
efforts.  Tryon  county  is  a  frontier  to  your  settlement ;  in 
that  county  Fort  Schuyler  is  a  respectable  fortress  properly 
garrisoned.  Major-General  Schuyler  has  sent  up  a  part 
of  a  regiment  as  a  further  reinforcement.  We  have  au- 
thorized Colonel  Harper  to  raise  and  embody  two  hundred 
men  for  covering  and  protecting  the  inhabilants,  and  have 
formed  such  a  disposition  of  the  militia  of  the  county  of 
Tryon  for  alternate  relieves  as  we  hope  will  tend  effectu- 
ally to  secure  you. 

"  If  any  proclamation  or  protections  should  be  offered 
you  from  the  enemy,  by  all  means  reject  them.  From  the 
woful  experience  of  those  who  have  fallen  within  their 
power  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  we  have  the  highest 
reasons  to  believe  that  your  acceptance  of  those  tenders  of 
friendship,  should  they  be  made,  will  render  your  misery 
and  slavery  unavoidable. 

"  In  further  attention  to  the  cause  of  your  settlement  and 
Tryon  county,  we  have  this  morning  sent  Mr.  Robert  Li- 
vingston to  General  Washington.  He  is  authorized  to 
concert  with  His  Excellency  the  most  effectual  measures 
for  putting  the  western  frontiers  of  this  State  in  all  possi- 
ble security. 

"  In  the  mean  time  we  expect  much  from  your  public 
virtue  ;  that  it  will  induce  you  to  apprehend  and  send  to 
us  the  disaffected  among  you  ;  that  it  will  lead  you  to  the 
most  effectual  means  of  securing  your  property  from  the 
depredations  of  a  weak  but  insidious  foe  ;  and  that  it  will 
teach  you  the  impropriety  of  deserting  your  habitations, 


\ 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1011 


and  keep  you  in  continual  readiness  to  repel  the  assaults 
of  the  enemies  to  the  liberty  of  your  country.  We  write 
to  the  general  committee  of  the  county  of  Albany  to  give 
you  all  the  countenance,  assistance  and  support  in  their 
power. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Skoharie." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany  (on  the 
same  subject)  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"  Kingston,  July  22d,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — The  great  depression  of  spirits  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Tryon  county  and  the  settlers  of  Schoharie, 
give  this  Council  much  uneasiness,  as  it  exposes  them  to 
the  depredations  of  an  enemy  whom  they  might  otherwise 
despise. 

"  We  hope  that  your  committee  will  not  be  wanting  to 
support  the  drooping  spirits  of  the  western  inhabitants  in 
general,  and  particularly  of  those  within  your  county.  We 
have  great  reason  to  fear  the  breaking  up  of  the  settlement 
of  Schoharie,  unless  our  exertions  be  seconded  by  your 
efforts.  You  well  know  that  such  an  event  on  the  frontiers 
will  not  only  be  attended  with  infinite  mischief  to  the  in- 
habitants, but  will  furnish  cause  of  discouragement  to  the 
country  in  general ;  every  means  should  therefore  be  tried 
to  prevent  it. 

"  This  Council  are  more  earnestly  solicitous  to  put  the 
western  frontiers  of  this  State  in  a  situation  as  respectable 
as  possible  ;  and  though  they  conceive  the  enemy's  strength 
to  consist  principally  in  those  exaggerations  which  result 
from  the  threats  of  our  internal  foes  and  the  fears  of  our 
friends  ;  yet  as  those  may  be  productive  of  real  mischief, 
they  would  endeavour  by  every  means  in  their  power  to 
prevent-  the  evil.  Your  known  exertions  in  the  public 
cause  will  not  permit  them  to  doubt  of  your  straining  every 
nerve  to  second  their  endeavours. 

"  We  are  well  informed  that  Major-General  Schuyler 
has  sent  up  part  of  a  regiment  to  reinforce  Tryon.  This, 
with  the  levy  of  200  men  which  we  have  authorized  Colo- 
nel Harper  to  make,  and  such  other  assistance  as  General 
Washington  may  think  proper  to  send  up,  on  a  conference 
with  Mr.  Robert  Livingston,  whom  we  have  sent  to  him 
for  the  purpose,  will,  we  hope,  place  the  western  frontiers 
in  a  state  of  security. 

"  The  advantage  gained  by  the  enemy  to  the  northward, 
has  doubtless  exalted  both  our  internal  and  external  foes, 
and  depressed  the  spirits  of  our  friends.  The  Councii, 
therefore,  recommends  your  attention  to  both  objects. 
Exert  yourselves  vigorously  against  enemies  of  every 
character,  and  do  all  in  your  power  to  support  the  droop- 
ing spirits  of  our  friends  both  in  Tryon  and  Albany ;  and 
it  would  be  well  that  for  this  purpose,  you  keep  up  the  best 
understanding  and  communication  with  the  committee  of 
Tryon,  to  whom  we  also  write. 

"  We  flatter  ourselves  that  the  reinforcement  sent  by 
General  Schuyler  into  that  county,  the  levy  of  200  troops 
by  Colonel  Harper  under  the  authority  of  this  State,  the 
good  disposition  of  the  most  considerable  part  of  the  In- 
dians, and  such  aids  as  General  Washington  may  think 
proper  to  afford,  will  quiet  the  fears  of  our  friends,  and 
dispel  danger  from  the  western  frontiers. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  same  be  engrossed,  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Whereas  Colonel  John  Lasher,  Commissary  for  the 
military  stores  of  this  State  hath  represented  to  this  Coun- 
cil that  he  stands  in  great  need  of  a  proper  house  for  a 
magazine  in  this  town,  and  that  there  is  a  block  house  in 
the  commons  of  this  town,  which  was  erected  by,  and  at 
the  expense  of  the  Colony  of  New-York,  which  would  do 


for  a  magazine,  and  requests  the  same  may  be  appropriated 
to  that  use  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Kingston 
be  informed  of  Colonel  Lasher's  application,  and  that  they 
be  requested  to  put  Colonel  Lasher  in  possession  of  the 
said  block  house,  or,  in  case  there  be  any  objections  there- 
to, that  they  signify  the  same  to  this  Council  without  delay. 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Piatt  be  appoint- 
ed to  inquire  of  Colonel  Lasher  relative  to  the  lead  belong- 
ing to  this  State,  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  give  Colo- 
nel Lasher  such  directions  relative  to  the  disposition  thereof 
as  to  them  appear  proper. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  23,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tap  pen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr 
Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay. 

For  want  of  another  member,  adjourned  until  this  after- 
noon three  o'clock. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  July  23,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Putnam,  in  answer  to  his  of 
the  nineteenth  instant,  relative  to  the  property  of  Mrs.  Palmer, 
(whose  husband  is  gone  over  to  the  enemy,)  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  of  Safety  have  received  your  favour 
of  the  nineteenth  instant,  and  are  much  obliged  by  your 
attention  to  the  interest  of  this  State. 

"  I  am  directed,  sir,  to  transmit  to  you  the  enclosed  copy 
of  a  resolution  of  Convention  of  the  sixth  day  of  March 
last,  from  which  you  will  perceive  that  the  wives  and 
children  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy  are  not  to  be 
stopped  of  their  wearing  apparel  and  necessary  furniture, 
or  deprived  of  all  means  of  subsistence. 

"  The  Council  hope  the  commissioners  of  sequestration 
in  Westchester  county  will  execute  the  trust  reposed  in 
them  in  such  manner  as  may  be  consistent  with  the  spirit 
of  that  resolution  and  the  duties  of  humanity. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 

"  To  Major-General  Putnam." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  that 
the  President  sign  and  transmit  the  same  to  Genl.  Put- 
nam. 

A  letter  from  Gouverneur  Morris,  Esqr.  dated  at  Fort 
Edward,  the  twenty-first  instant,  was  received,  read,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Fort  Edward,  21st  July,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  congratulate  the  Council  upon  the  sense  of 
Congress  relative  to  our  northeastern  country,  discovered 
in  their  resolutions,  of  which  I  have  several  copies.  I  had 
seen  one,  and  supposing  the  letters  to  Doctor  Williams, 
Mr.  Sessions  and  Doctor  Clarke  to  contain  some  of  them; 
by  the  advice  of  Generals  Schuyler  and  St.  Clair,  I  opened 
the  letters,  and  finding  myself  right  in  that  conjecture,  I 
have  detained  them  until  your  further  order. 

"  Mr.  Yates  being  at  Albany,  I  was  under  the  disagree- 
able necessity  of  standing  alone  whilst  I  incur  your  dis- 
pleasure, should  that  be  the  consequence  of  what  I  have 
done. 

"  The  Grants,  sir,  are  in  a  situation  extremely  delicate. 
Skeene  is  courting  them  with  golden  offers :  he  hath  gained 
many ;  many  more  are  compelled  to  submission.  There  are 


1012 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


not  a  few  warm  advocates  for  the  British  Government 
anions  them.  At  present,  it  is  of  infinite  importance  to  get 
as  many  of  these  people  as  possible  to  remove  their  fami- 
lies and  effects,  more  particularly  teams  and  provisions, 
from  the  vicinity  of  Burgoyne's  army.  Warner  is  their 
leader,  and  should  he  be  disgusted,  depend  upon  it  he  will 
draw  after  him,  in  the  present  circumstances,  a  very  large 
train  ;  for  disagreeable  as  it  may  be  to  tell  or  to  hear  this 
truth,  yet  a  truth  it  is,  that  very  many  of  those  villains 
only  want  a  New-England  reason,  or  if  you  like  the  ex- 
pression better,  a  plausible  pretext,  to  desert  the  American 
States,  New- Vermont  among  the  rest. 

"  The  enemy  will  be  able  to  make  immense  advantages 
from  it,  and  they  will  hardly  fail  of  doing  so.  Skeen  is  at 
hand  to  flatter  them  with  being  a  separate  Province,  and 
what  will  weigh  more,  to  give  them  assurances  of  being 
confirmed  in  their  titles,  howsoever  acquired. 

"  For  God's  sake,  sir,  let  us  take  care  that  we  do  not, 
by  throwing  those  people  into  the  arms  of  the  enemy,  sup- 
ply them  with  what  they  most  want,  and  cannot  get  without 
this  imprudence  ;  to  do  this,  with  the  greatest  advantages 
in  view,  would  not  be  very  wise,  but  for  the  sake  of  a 
mere  feather,  (and  the  government  of  that  country  is 
nothing  more,  in  the  present  critical  juncture,)  it  would  be 
something  too  like  madness  for  me  to  name. 

"Genl.  Schuyler  intends  to  write  to  the  Council  upon 
the  same  subject ;  if  the  reasons  he  offers  should  prove 
satisfactory,  you  will  despatch  an  express  to  prevent  the 
publication  of  it  in  Loudon's  paper,  which  I  perceive  is  a 
part  of  your  plan.  We  have  no  news.  My  respects  wait 
on  the  Council. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  and  humble  servt. 

"  GOUVR.  MORRIS." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Jay 
and  to  Mr.  Piatt. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  Fort  Edward,  the 
twenty-first  instant,  enclosing  copies  of  the  proceedings  of 
a  council  of  general  officers,  held  at  Fort  Edward  the 
twentieth  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 

"  At  a  council  of  general  officers,  held  at  Fort  Edward 

the  20th  day  of  July,  1777— 

"  Present — Major-General  Schuyler,  Major-General  St.  Clair,  Bri- 
gadier-Generals Nixon,  Poor,  Patterson,  Learned,  Ten  Broeck,  Fel- 
lows. 

"  General  Schuyler  informed  the  council  that  applications 
had  been  made  to  him  by  several  of  the  officers  of  the 
militia  to  permit  at  least  part  of  the  militia  to  return  to 
their  habitations. 

"  He  also  laid  before  the  council  the  examinations  of 
Colonel  Cilly's  son  and  a  servant  of  General  Poor  sent  in 
by  the  enemy,  and  those  of  two  soldiers  of  the  twenty- 
first  regiment,  who  were  made  prisoners  by  our  scouts, 
about  six  miles  below  Fort  Ann.  After  reading  this  infor- 
mation, General  Schuyler  begged  the  sense  of  the  council 
upon  the  following  questions  : 

"1.  Whether  in  our  present  situation  and  that  of  the 
enemy  at  Skenesborough,  it  would  be  prudent  to  dismiss 
any  of  our  militia  ? 

"  2dly.  If  that  measure  is  thought  prudent,  what  propor- 
tion of  militia  ought  to  be  discharged  ? 

"  3dly.  What  will  be  the  most  eligible  mode  of  dis- 
charging part  of  them,  so  as  not  to  give  too  much  umbrage 
to  such  as  shall  be  ordered  to  remain  ? 

"  4thly.  Whether,  if  it  should  be  thought  expedient  to 
dismiss  part  of  the  militia,  any  of  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Hampshire,  in  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  and  of 
the  county  of  Litchfield,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  which 
are  just  come  up,  and  which  the  General  is  informed  are 


only  drafts,  and  not  the  whole  force  of  those  counties, 
should  be  suffered  to  return  ? 

"  On  the  first  and  second  questions  the  council  are  of 
opinion  that  although  the  army  is  already  inferior  to  that  of 
the  least  number  of  the  enemy  of  which  we  have  an  ac- 
count ;  yet  considering  the  distress  that  maybe  brought  on 
the  country  at  this  very  critical  time,  when  the  harvest  is  so 
near  at  hand,  should  the  whole  of  the  militia  be  detained, 
and  in  hopes  that  a  reinforcement  of  Continental  troops 
will  be  sent  up,  that  one-half  of  the  militia  be  permitted  to 
return  home. 

"  On  the  third  question,  the  council  recommend  that 
the  brigadier-generals  of  militia,  together  with  their  field 
officers,  adopt  such  measures  as  shall  appear  best  adapted 
to  answer  the  purpose. 

"Upon  the  fourth  question,  the  council  are  unanimously 
of  opinion  that  the  militia  of  the  county  of  Hampshire,  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  those  of  the  county  of  Litch- 
field, in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  should  be  detained,  and 
that  General  Schuyler  immediately  write  to  the  President 
of  the  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  for  relief  for  those  of 
the  counties  of  Berkshire  and  Hampshire,  that  will  be  left 
here,  and  for  a  reinforcement  of  not  less  than  one  thousand 
rank  and  file  from  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER, 
"AR.  ST.  CLAIR, 
"JNO.  NIXON, 
"ENOCH  POOR, 
"JNO.  PATTERSON, 
"  EBEN.  LEARNED, 
"JOHN  FELLOWS, 
"  ABM.  TEN  BROECK. 
(Copy.)       "J.  Lansing,  Junr.  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Jay 
and  to  Mr.  Piatt. 

The  Auditor-General  informed  the  Board  that  Colonel 
Allison,  of  Orange  county  had  presented  to  him  pay  rolls 
of  a  regiment  under  his  command,  consisting  of  detach- 
ments of  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  lately  called  into 
service,  to  be  audited  ;  and  that  it  appears  from  the  said 
pay  rolls,  that  sundry  of  the  privates  for  whom  pay  is  de- 
manded had  deserted  from  the  said  regiment. 

The  Auditor-General  requests  the  sense  of  this  Board, 
whether  any,  and  what  pay  ought  to  be  allowed  to  the  said 
deserters. 

Colonel  Allison,  also  appeared,  and  informed  the  Board 
that  in  his  opinion,  one  reason  for  the  said  desertion  was, 
that  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  on  or  about  the 
sixth  day  of  January  last,  in  conversation  with  him  and 
other  officers  of  the  militia,  said  that  he  was  going  home 
to  appoint  the  officers  of  the  said  regiment,  and  that  the 
said  regiment  of  militia  should  be  relieved  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible ;  and  he  made  no  doubt  that  it  would  be  at  the  expi- 
ration of  ten  days  at  farthest,  which  was  made  use  of  by 
the  officers  to  induce  the  men  to  stay,  and  that  they  were 
not  so  relieved. 

This  Council  highlydisapprove  of  the  desertion  of  any  mi- 
litia from  the  public  service  ;  yet,  as  there  is  some  reason  to 
believe  that  sundry  of  the  said  militia  were  lead  to  desert 
from  the  aforesaid  service  by  an  expectation  that  they 
would  be  relieved  in  ten  days  after  aforesaid  conversation 
with  General  Clinton: 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  such  of  them  who  respectively 
continued  in  the  said  service  till  the  expiration  of  the  said 
ten  days,  shall  respectively  receive  their  pay  until  the  re- 
spective days  of  their  desertion,  but  shall  not  receive  any 
mileage  or  subsistence  for  their  return  home. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr,  Tappen  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  dissent, 
and  request  that  their  dissent  might  be  entered  on  the 
minutes. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1013 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  if. 

July  24,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Plait,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Ho- 
bart,  Major  Tappen,  .Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  General  Washington,  dated 
at  Smith's  Clove,  the  twenty-second  instant,  was  read  and 
filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Head-Quarters,  in  the  Clove,  22d  July,  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — i  am  informed  by  General  Geo.  Clin- 
ton that  you  have  vested  him  with  powers  to  call  out  the 
militia  of  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Orange,  Dutchess  and 
Westchester,  until  the  first  of  August,  at  which  time  the 
new  Legislature  is  summoned  to  meet. 

"  As  it  will  probably  be  some  time,  before  the  wheels  of 
the  new  government  can  be  put  in  motion,  I  am  fearful 
that  unless  this  power  is  extended  to  a  future  time,  there  will 
be  a  vacancy  between  Genl.  Clinton's  present  commission 
and  the  enacting  new  laws  by  the  Legislature  ;  a  circum- 
stance which,  at  this  time,  may  prove  most  fatal  in  its  conse- 
quences, because,  from  the  present  appearance  of  matters, 
the  enemy  are  upon  the  point  of  making  some  capital 
move. 

"  I  could,  therefore,  wish,  if  it  can  be  done  with  propri- 
ety, that  before  your  Board  is  dissolved,  you  would  ex- 
tend this  power  of  calling  out  the  militia,  to  Genl.  Clinton, 
or  some  other  person,  till  such  time  as  you  may  reasona- 
bly expect  the  new  Legislature  will  have  met  and  proceed- 
ed regularly  to  business. 

"I  mention  Genl.  Clinton  or  some  other  person,  because, 
as  he  will  enter  into  his  office  of  Governor  of  the  State 
upon  the  1st  of  August,  he  cannot  probably  attend  to  the 
business  of  the  militia.  If  you  are  of  opinion  that  he  can, 
I  would  prefer  him  to  any  other. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  most  obt.  servt. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  The  Honble.  Council  of  Safety, 

Slate  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Mr.  Jay. 

A  petition  signed  Lancaster  Burling,  Stephen  Seaman 
and  Alexander  Litch  Miller,  on  behalf  of  the  ship  carpen- 
ters who  were  employed  on  the  Continental  frigates,  pray- 
ing to  be  further  employed,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Messrs. 
Piatt  and  Gilbert  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Thomas  Greenell,  of  the  Continen- 
tal frigate  Congress,  dated  at  Fort  Montgomery,  the  twen- 
tieth instant,  enclosing  extracts  of  two  letters  from  the  Ho- 
nourable Francis  Lewis,  to  him,  and  informing  the  Coun- 
cil that  he  was  to  have  the  appointment  of  his  own  officers, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  enclosures  be  referred 
to  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  for  proper  persons  as 
officers  for  the  said  ships. 

A  return  of  the  regiment  of  militia  in  Dutchess  county, 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  David  Southerland,  as  to 
men,  arms,  ammunition,  &c.  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  for 
the  Fleet  prison,  requesting  the  directions  of  the  Board  re- 
lative to  the  disposition  of  some  salt  belonging  to  the  State, 
and  brought  from  Fishkill,  was  read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Harper  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  be  a 
committee,  with  power  to  direct  the  commissary  to  take  as 
much  of  the  said  salt  as  they  may  think  necessary  for  the 
use  of  the  prisoners  confined  in  the  jail  at  Kingston  and 
the  Fleet  prison. 

Mr.  Hobart  came  in  and  took  his  seat. 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  be  paid 
to  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont,  as  a  compensation  for  his  extraor- 

254 


dinary  services  ;  and  that  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do 
pay  the  same  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  sheriff  do  direct  that  Jacob 
Scouten,  David  Ives,  Jesse  Noble  and  Robert  Nicholson, 
confined  in  jail,  be  provided  with  provisions. 

A  letter  from  David  Currie,  commissary  for  providing 
the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this  State,  with  such  ne- 
cessaries as  are  not  furnished  to  them  by  the  Commissary- 
General,  requesting  a  further  advance  of  money,  and  re- 
questing the  sense  of  the  Council  whether  he  shall  sell  to 
the  soldiers  on  the  credit  of  their  monthly  pay,  was  read 
and  filed. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  consideration  thereof,  and 
thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  state  of  the  treasury  will  not  admit 
of  a  further  advance  to  Mr.  Currie  for  the  present. 

Resolved,  That  the  manner  of  disposing  of  the  said  ar- 
ticles be  referred  to  the  discretion  of  Genl.  McDougall,  and 
that  he  be  requested  to  direct  such  a  mode,  (for  the  dispo- 
sition of  them,)  to  Mr.  Currie,  as  that  the  State  will  not  be 
in  danger  of  sustaining  any  losses  by  bad  debts. 

A  letter  from  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing,  en- 
closing a  general  sketch  of  his  account  with  the  State, 
requesting  an  advance  of  money,  to  pay  off  sundry  accounts 
by  him  contracted  ;  and  also  requesting  an  augmentation 
of  his  pay,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  same  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  salary  allowed  Mr.  Henry,  as  com- 
missary of  the  clothing  store,  amounting  to  one  hundred 
and  eighty-two  pounds  ten  shillings  per  annum,  is  in  the 
opinion  of  this  Council  ample  and  adequate. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Harper,  with  the  commissary  of 
the  clothing  store,  the  Auditor-General  and  the  deputy- 
treasuier,  do  make  out  and  present  to  this  Council  without 
delay,  a  full  and  fair  account  of  the  clothing  purchased  by 
this  State,  the  disposition  of  the  same,  and  the  sums  ad- 
vanced by  the  State,  on  account  thereof ;  and  also,  that 
they  report  such  prices  to  be  affixed  to  the  different  articles 
of  clothing,  as  that  the  State  sustain  no  loss  thereby. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Piatt  and  Major  Tappen  be  a  com- 
mittee to  confer  with  Mr.  Henry,  commissary  of  the 
clothing  store,  on  the  subject  of  the  contracts  he  hath 
entered  into,  on  account  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  blank  in  the  order  for  discharging 
Mr.  Giles  from  the  office  of  victualler  to  the  Fleet  prison, 
be  filled  up,  and  dated  as  of  Monday  next. 

Adjourned  till  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  25,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Hobarl,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Ro- 
bert R.  Livingston,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harper. 

A  petition  of  John  E.  Van  Allen,  (who  was,  by  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  twenty-seventh  day  of  June  last,  liberated  from 
confinement,  and  permitted  to  remove  out  of  the  State, 
provided  such  removal  should  take  place  on  or  before  the 
first  day  of  August,)  praying  that  the  time  for  his  removal 
may  be  lengthened  until  the  first  day  of  September  next, 
was  read. 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  July  twen- 
ty-second, informing  that  they  are  willing  to  liberate  John 
L.  Van  Allen  and  John  .1.  Van  Alstyne,  upon  their  enter- 
ing into  bonds  to  appear  within  six  days  from  their  depar- 
ture from  the  Fleet  prison,  before  the  committee,  to  give 
evidence  touching  and  concerning  such  persons  at  and 


1014 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


about  Kinderhook,  suspected  to  be  guilty  of  inimical  prac- 
tices against  the  State.  The  said  committee  further  in- 
formed, that  the  said  Van  Alen  and  Van  Alstyne  were 
imprisoned  for  refusing  to  give  such  evidence,  was  read 
and  filed. 

The  same  was  taken  into  consideration. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  L.  Van  Allen  and  John 
J.  Van  Alstyne,  be  liberated  on  the  terms  mentioned  in  the 
said  letter. 

A  letter  from  General  Ten  Broeck,  dated  the  twentieth 
day  of  July  instant,  informing  that  he  hath  already  trans- 
mitted to  this  Board,  the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial, 
respecting  the  prisoners  sent  down  from  Albany  to  the 
Fleet  prison,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  the  committee  of 
Albany,  requesting  them  to  transmit  to  this  Board  the 
charges  against  such  of  the  prisoners  sent  down  from 
thence  to  the  Fleet  prison,  as  have  been  brought  before  the 
court  martial  in  Albany,  and  could  not  be  convicted  for 
want  of  sufficient  evidence. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Van  Schaick,  accompanying 
seven  prisoners  of  war,  taken  at  the  northward,  to  wit : 
Thomas  Bostwick,  sergeant  of  the  ninth  regiment ;  Wil- 
liam Preston,  of  the  20th  regiment ;  Francis  Trotter, 
John  McKay  and  James  Dunn,  of  the  21st  regiment; 
Joseph  McQuire,  of  the  47th  regiment,  and  Francis  Hor- 
ner of  the  53d  regiment,  of  the  British  army,  was  read 
and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  commissary 
of  the  prisoners  of  war. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Hodge  of  the  Montgomerie,  Con- 
tinental ship  of  war,  on  the  subject  of  having  the  appoint- 
ment of  his  own  officers  for  the  said  ship,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  the  committee 
to  whom  the  letter  from  Captain  Greenell  is  committed. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Esqr.  at  Fort  Edward, 
the  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Council  are  informed  (through  a  letter  from  Mr. 
Selick  Silliman  to  Mr.  Hobart,)  that  there  is  now  lying  at 
Norwalk  a  boat  belonging  to  Mr.  Shubal  Smith  of  Hunt- 
ington, who  has  joined  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  Jesse  Brush,  Esqr.  be  authorized  and 
requested  to  cause  the  said  boat,  together  with  her  tackle 
and  apparel,  to  be  sold  in  the  most  advantageous  manner 
for  the  benefit  of  this  State,  and  that  he  do  transmit  the 
moneys  arising  from  the  sale  thereof  to  the  deputy  trea- 
surer of  this  State. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  being  returned  from  General 
Washington's  Head-Qtiarteis,  informed  the  Council  that 
he  has  conferred  with  His  Excellency  on  the  subject  of 
providing  a  more  permanent  protection  for  the  inhabitants 
of  Tryon  county  against  the  inroads  of  the  enemy,  and 
that  His  Excellency  had  directed  him  to  inform  the  Coun- 
cil that  he  had  already  despatched  General  Glover's  divi- 
sion thither. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  do  draft  a  letter 
to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county  on  the  subject,  and  re- 
port the  same  without  delay. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
the  shipwrights,  setting  forth  that  they  had  been  induced  to 
enter  into  the  service  of  the  northern  department  by  the 
encouragement  given  them  in  a  resolution  of  the  late  Con- 
vention of  the  21st  of  February  last;  that  their  tools  are 
detained  from  them  contrary  to  an  agreement  made  with 
Morgan  Lewis,  Esquire,  which  renders  them  unable  to 
support  themselves  and  families  ;  and  praying  the  Council 
to  grant  them  some  relief  as  to  their  tools,  and  also  to 
provide  means  for  their  being  continued  in  employ  ;  de- 
livered in  their  report  thereon,  which  was  read,  considered, 
amended  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  a  letter  be  written  to  Major-General 
Schuyler  inquiring  into  the  facts  alleged  by  the  shipwrights 
in  their  petition. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  will  recommend  a  restitu- 


tion of  their  tools,  if  it  shall  appear  that  they  have  been 
unjustly  detained. 

Resolved,  That  as  to  the  encouragement  given  them  by 
the  late  Convention,  this  Council  would  most  cheerfully  de- 
vise every  means  in  their  power  for  the  employment  of  the 
shipwrights  of  this  State ;  but  as  the  said  petitioners  are 
without  their  tools  and  the  Legislature  of  the  State  is  ex- 
pected to  meet  on  the  first  day  of  August  next,  think  it 
most  prudent  that  the  means  for  employing  the  petitioners 
be  referred  to  them. 

Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  informed  the  Council  that  the  ac- 
counts of  the  secret  committee  of  the  late  Convention  still 
remain  in  an  unsettled  state  ;  that  himself  as  well  as  other 
members  of  the  said  committee  are  accountable  to  the 
public  for  the  expenditure  of  considerable  sums  of  money  ; 
Mr.  Livingston  therefore  requests  that  the  Honble.  Robt. 
Yates,  chairman  of  the  said  committee,  (in  whose  hands 
the  accounts  of  the  said  committee  are,)  be  directed  to 
repair  to  this  place  without  delay,  in  order  that  a  settlement 
of  the  said  account  may  be  made  before  the  dissolution  of 
this  Board. 

Resolved,  That  the  Honourable  Robt.  Yates  be  inform- 
ed that  his  presence  is  necessarily  required  on  public  busi- 
ness at  this  place,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  attend  this 
Council  without  delay. 

The  petition  of  John  Baptist  Dumont,  a  prisoner  on 
parol,  setting  forth  that  his  crops  of  grain  and  hay  are  suffer- 
ing, and  prays  that  he  may  be  permitted  to  go  home  on 
furlough  for  fourteen  days,  to  gather  in  his  harvest,  on  his 
giving  security  for  his  returning,  was  read.  And  there- 
upon, 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  the  said  petition  be  grant- 
ed. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  25,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Tap- 
pen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Genl. 
Scott. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  in  answer  to  his  of  the  twenty-second 
instant,  (relative  to  General  Clinton's  powers  for  calling  out 
the  militia,)  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows, 
vizt : 

"  Sir — Your  Excellency's  letter  of  the  twenty-second 
instant,  has  been  received  and  laid  before  the  Council. 

"  As  the  constitution  of  this  State  hath  committed  the 
sole  direction  of  the  militia  to  the  Governor,  and  as  Briga- 
dier-General George  Clinton  hath  been  elected  to  that 
office,  the  Council  are  of  opinion  that  any  resolutions  for 
granting  him  authority  to  command  the  militia  of  four 
counties,  when  the  nature  of  his  office  subjects  the  militia 
of  the  whole  State  to  his  orders,  would  be  unnecessary. 
And  although  the  complete  organization  of  the  government 
may  be  a  work  of  some  lime,  yet,  the  powers  of  calling 
forth  the  militia  being  vested  in  the  Governor,  independent 
not  only  of  the  Legislature,  but  every  other  officer  of  go- 
vernment, General  Clinton  will  acquire  full  authority  on 
his  admission  into  office,  to  exercise  that  power. 

"  The  Council  have,  by  letter,  desired  General  Clinton 
to  appear  before  them  and  take  the  oath  of  office,  and  they 
expect  he  will  immediately  comply  with  their  request,  as 
they  are  not  informed  of  any  reasons  at  present  which 
should  detain  him. 

"  The  Council  flatter  themselves  that  these  reasons  will 
have  equal  weight  with  your  Excellency,  especially  when 
it  is  considered  that  by  virtue  of  the  powers  granted  to  the 
Council  of  Safety,  they  do  not  conceive  themselves  autho- 
rized to  do  any  acts  not  strictly  consistent  with  the  design 
of  their  appointment  and  the  spirit  of  the  Constitution. 
On  the  Governor's  admission  to  office,  all  the  executive 
powers  of  the  State  are  to  be  surrendered  by  the  Council 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1015 


to  him,  and  of  consequence  they  can  neither  alter  the  na- 
ture of  those  powers  or  place  them  in  any  other  hands. 

"  The  Council  are  much  obliged  by  your  Excellency's 
regard  to  the  interest  and  welfare  of  this  Slate,  and  beg 
leave  to  assure  you  that  they  will  omit  no  opportunities  ot 
evincing  the  sense  they  enteitain  of  the  important  services 
you  have  rendered  to  America  in  general,  and  the  many 
instances  of  attention  shown  to  this  State  in  particular. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 
your  Excellency's  most 

"  Obedt.  and  humble  servt. 
"His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Tryon  county,  which 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Gentlemen — In  my  last  letter  the  Council  informed 
you  that  they  had  directed  one  of  their  members  to  wait 
upon  General  Washington  and  advise  with  him  about  the 
state  of  your  county,  and  request  his  assistance  in  your 
behalf. 

"  In  consequence  of  a  representation  of  the  dangers  you 
apprehend,  he  has  been  pleased  to  order  General  Glover 
to  embark  with  his  brigade  for  Albany,  there  to  receive 
directions  from  General  Schuyler,  to  whom  we  write  by 
this  conveyance,  and  we  have  no  doubt  that  he  will  afford 
you  every  assistance  consistent  with  the  general  safety  of 
America.  We  have  only  to  repeat,  what  was  before  urged, 
the  necessity  of  seconding  our  measures  by  your  efforts. 
Every  part  of  the  State  has  at  different  times  been  under 
equal  dangers  with  your  county,  but  have  been  happily 
prevented  by  the  bravery  and  spirit  with  which  they  were 
ready  to  meet  them. 

"  Your  own  force,  even  unassisted,  is  much  greater  than 
any  that  we  have  reason  to  believe  the  enemy  can  bring 
against  you:  let  not  a  timidity  unworthy  of  the  cause  you 
are  engaged  in,  and  unbecoming  the  character  of  freemen, 
deprive  you  of  it ;  nor  let  a  base  reliance  on  the  fallacious 
promises  of  a  deceitful  enemy  subject  you  to  the  resent- 
ment of  your  country,  and  the  cruelty  of  men  who  in  defi- 
ance of  their  own  protections,  have  seldom  failed  to  injure 
and  insult  those  who  were  base  enough  to  put  themselves 
in  their  power. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Tryon  County." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  signed  and  trans- 
mitted. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  to  His  Excellency 
General  Washington,  be  transmitted  to  Genl.  George 
Clinton. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  be  added  to  the 
committee  on  the  letters  from  Genl.  Schuyler  and  Mr. 
Morris. 

Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  until  Mon- 
day morning. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Henry, 
commissary  of  clothing  (concerning  the  contracts  by  him 
entered  into  on  account  of  the  State)  reported  that  they 
have  performed  that  business,  and  that  in  their  opinion  the 
sum  of  seven  hundred  pounds  ought  to  be  advanced  him 
on  account.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  sum  of  seven  hundred 
pounds  be  advanced  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State,  to 
Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  clothing,  on  account. 

Mr.  Plait,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  letters  from  the  Captains  Grenell  and  Hodge  on  the  sub- 
ject of  appointing  officers  for  the  Continental  frigates  Con- 
gress and  Montgomene,  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the 
marine  committee,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is 
as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  directed  by  the  Council  of  Safety 


to  inform  you  that  your  letter  of  the  twenty-sixth  of  June, 
enclosing  blank  commissions,  and  requesting  this  Council 
to  confer  with  the  captains  of  the  Continental  ships  Con- 
gress and  Montgomerie  for  men  of  good  character  to  fill 
the  different  offices  on  board,  has  been  taken  into  consi- 
deration. 

"  We  have  filled  up  one  commission  for  Daniel  Shaw, 
first  lieutenant  of  the  ship  Congress ;  some  others  have 
been  recommended  to  us,  but  we  have  suspended  their 
appointment  until  we  could  be  more  thoroughly  acquainted 
with  their  characters. 

"You  make  no  mention  of  the  marine  officers.  Several 
have  been  shipped  and  recommended  by  the  captains,  as 
also  Mr.  Victor  Bicker,  who  was  appointed  last  winter  by 
Convention  agreeable  to  your  directions,  a  lieutenant  of 
marines,  with  orders  to  recruit  some  men  to  guard  the  ships 
during  the  winter. 

"  We  should  be  glad  of  your  directions  whether  com- 
missions should  be  filled  up  for  any  of  the  marine  officers, 
and  how  many. 

"  If  Congress  should  choose  to  retain  the  appointment 
of  marine  officers,  and  have  none  particularly  in  view,  the 
Council  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  William  Matthew- 
man  (who  served  as  lieutenant  in  Canada)  to  the  command 
of  the  marines  on  board  the  ship  Montgomerie,  and  Mr. 
Victor  Bicker  (who  served  as  lieutenant  in  General  Scott's 
brigade  last  year)  to  a  lieutenancy  of  marines  on  board  the 
ship  Congress. 

"  The  Captains  Greenell  and  Hodge  claim  a  right  of  ap- 
pointing their  own  officers,  as  will  appear  by  the  enclosed 
copies  of  their  letter. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Marine  Committee  " 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  copies  of  the 
letters  from  the  said  Captains  Greenell  and  Hodge  to  this 
board. 

The  said  committee  also  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to 
the  said  captains  in  answer  to  theirs  on  the  same  subject, 
which  was  also  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"Sir — Yours  of  the  twentieth  instant  has  been  laid  be- 
fore the  Council.  I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  the 
Council  are  unacquainted  with  the  conditions  on  which  you 
accepted  your  commission,  and  they  would  have  been  happy 
in  not  having  any  agency  in  appointing  officers  for  the  ships, 
and  therefore  undertook  the  disagreeable  task  with  reluc- 
tance, at  solicitation  of  the  marine  committee,  to  whom 
they  have  referred  your  case. 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obet.  humbl.  servt. 

"  To  Captain  Greenell." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  and  transmitted, 
and  that  a  similar  letter  be  sent  to  Captain  Hodge. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  26,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay. 

Mr.  Jay,  according  to  order,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter 
to  General  Schuyler  on  the  subject  of  General  Glover's 
brigade,  which  is  now  going  up  to  the  northward,  and  of 
the  complaint  of  the  ship  carpenters,  who  are  returned 
from  the  northward,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as 
follows,  vizt : 


1016 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  21st  July  instant,  has  been 
received  and  laid  before  the  Council.  They  approve  of 
the  orders  you  have  given  relative  to  Tryon  county,  and 
hope  when  the  fears  of  the  inhabitants  are  a  little  abated 
they  will  cease  to  be  so  importunate  and  unreasonable  in 
their  demands  of  aid. 

"  General  Washington  has  ordered  Glover's  brigade  to 
your  department,  and  has  intimated  to  the  Council  that 
further  reinforcements  can  not  be  spared  from  his  army. 

"  The  Council  regret  the  necessity  you  was  under  of 
dismissing  part  of  the  militia.  Their  return  will  impress 
false  ideas  of  your  strength  ;  and  should  any  accident  hap- 
pen, the  prudence  of  discharging  them  may  be  called  in 
question. 

"  The  ship  carpenters,  lately  returned  from  your  depart- 
ment, have  presented  a  petition  to  the  Council,  complain- 
ing that  their  tools  are  detained  from  them,  contrary  to  an 
express  contract  made  with  your  Quarter-Master-Gene- 
ral, and  praving  the  interposition  of  the  Council  in  their 
behalf. 

"  However  improper  it  may  in  general  be  for  public 
bodies  to  take  notice  of  private  contracts,  the  Council  can 
not  forbear  observing,  that  as  these  men  must  maintain 
themselves  and  families  by  their  labour,  to  which  tools 
proper  for  their  trade,  and  which  they  can  not  buy,  are 
essential,  their  case  appears  peculiarly  hard  and  excites 
both  the  compassion  and  indignation  of  the  people. 

"  The  Council  wish  that  if  their  complaints  are  ground- 
less, they  may  be  furnished  with  the  facts  ;  if  well  founded, 
that  the  cause  of  them  may  be  removed.    The  enclosed 
are  copies  of  their  petition  and  of  the  contract  they  refer  to. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted,  together  with  a  copy  of  their  petition 
and  contract,  to  Major-Genl.  Schuyler. 

A  letter  from  Capt.  Benjamin  Wait  of  the  rangers  raised 
in  the  counties  of  Gloucester,  Cumberland  and  Charlotte, 
dated  this  day,  was  read  and  filed.  He  therein  informs 
the  Council  that  pursuant  to  the  order  of  Council  of  the 
twenty-seventh  day  of  June  last  he  proceeded  to  the  county 
of  Gloucester  in  order  to  march  his  company  down  to  this 
place ;  that  on  his  arrival  there  he  found  that  his  officers 
and  men  were  marched  to  Ticonderoga ;  that  on  their 
return  he  ordered  them  on  the  fourteenth  instant  to  prepare 
for  marching  down  immediately  which  they  refused,  giving 
for  their  reasons  that  at  the  time  of  their  engaging  they  did 
not  expect  to  be  removed  from  the  said  three  counties,  and 
that  Ticonderoga  being  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy 
leaves  that  frontier  open  to  them,  and  that  they  could  not 
think  of  leaving  their  wives  and  children  in  so  helpless  a 
situation.  Captain  Wait  begs  the  Council  to  take  his  case 
into  consideration. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Wait  be  informed  that  the 
Council  are  satisfied  wilh  his  behaviour  ;  that  as  the  Le- 
gislature are  to  meet  the  next  week,  the  Council  decline 
entering  into  any  resolutions  on  the  subject  of  his  letter, 
but  that  the  same  be  laid  before  the  Legislature. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.July  26,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Jay,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.Tred- 
well,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Colonel  John  Lasher,  Commissary  of  the  military  stores 
belonging  to  this  State  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  on 
account  of  the  expenses  incident  to  his  office. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Morris,  the  committee 
appointed  to  repair  to  Head-Quarters  in  the  northern  de- 


partment to  confer  with  Major-General  Schuyler,  &c. 
dated  at  Moses  creek,  the  twenty-third  instant,  was  read, 
and  follows  in  these  words,  vizt : 

"  Moses  creek,  23d  July,  1777.  ) 

"  8  o'clock.  P.  M.  s 

"Sir — We  have  received  yours  of  the  nineteenth, 
which  hath  afforded  us  great  pleasure,  since  we  are  able 
in  some  measure  to  collect  from  it  our  errand  to  the  north- 
ward. One  of  the  most  important  objects  of  our  journey 
being,  in  the  opinion  of  your  Honourable  Board,  to  write 
the  news.  Could  we  have  conceived  that  this  was  your 
intention  in  appointing  us  a  committee  '  to  confer  with 
Major-General  Schuyler  upon  such  measures  as  might 
from  time  to  time  appear  necessary  to  be  pursued  by  this 
State,  for  the  aid  and  support  of  the  northern  department,' 
we  sh&uld  have  endeavoured  to  'correspond  with  the 
Council,'  so  as  to  have  informed  them,  as  far  as  lay  in  our 
power,  of  the  manner  of  the  retreat  from  Ticonderoga ; 
'  the  number  of  the  men  that  came  off,  whether  any  or 
how  many  were  taken,  whether  the  sick  came  away, 
whether  the  troops  brought  off  their  arms,  and  the  like.' 
It  is  not  in  our  power,  sir,  to  answer  these  important  ob- 
jects of  our  journey,  because  we  are  much  in  the  dark 
about  those  matters  which  attract  the  attention  and  strict 
scrutiny  of  your  Honourable  Board,  and  about  which  the 
General  can  give  us  no  information  ;  but  we  shall  leave 
this  place  to-morrow  morning  to  wait  upon  you  and  an- 
swer such  questions  you  shall  be  pleased  to  put  to  us. 

"It  was  determined  upon  to  leave  the  ground  occupied 
by  our  advanced  posts  upon  the  road  to  Fort  Anne  and 
Fort  George,  and  retire  to  Fort  Edward  in  the  way  to  this 
place,  having  previously  removed  every  thing.  About 
noon  the  picket  guard  of  the  party  upon  the  Fort  Anne 
road  was  attacked  by  savages  and  British  troops.  It  is 
not,  we  suppose,  of  great  importance  minutely  to  describe 
this  engagement ;  we  will  therefore  record  nothing  more 
upon  your  minutes  than  that  we  drove  off  the  enemy,  and 
that  in  so  doing  we  had  one  man  killed  and  scalped,  twelve 
more  killed  and  twelve  wounded,  five  of  them  mortally. 
This  evening  the  retreat  was  completed  to  this  place, 
where  the  General  would  be  strongly  posted,  if  he  had 
men. 

"  Three  hundred  of  the  militia  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
went  off  this  morning  in  spite  of  the  opposition,  we  should 
have  said  entreaties,  of  their  officers. 

"  All  the  militia  on  the  ground  are  so  heartily  tired  and 
so  extremely  desirous  of  getting  home,  that  it  is  more 
than  probable  none  of  them  will  remain  ten  days  longer. 
One-half  was  discharged  two  days  ago,  to  silence,  if  possi- 
ble, their  clamours,  and  the  remainder,  officers  excepted, 
will  soon  discharge  themselves,  at  which  time  the  army  in 
the  northern  department  will  consist  of  about  twenty-seven 
hundred  Continental  troops,  sick  and  well.  We  make  no 
comments. 

"  There  is  the  greatest  reason  to  apprehend  an  attack 
upon  Tryon  county,  and  a  variety  of  information  corrobo- 
rates the  supposition  ;  a  very  small  force  will,  in  its  pre- 
sent situation,  subject  it  to  the  enemy,  and  it  will  be  no 
difficult  matter,  at  the  same  time,  to  compel  this  army  (if 
it  deserves  that  name)  to  join  Genl.  Washington,  by  which 
means  our  whole  force  will  be  collected  to  a  point.  But, 
sir,  Burgoyne  can  not  fly.  If  a  body  of  three  thousand 
men  can  be  formed  from  the  militia,  &c.  of  Connecticut, 
Massachusetts  and  New-Hampshire,  some  where  upon  the 
Hampshire  Grants  ;  if  Genl.  Washington  can  spare  a  re- 
inforcement of  fifteen  hundred  good  troops  to  this  army  ; 
if,  discharging  all  the  militia  in  the  foits  and  passes  of  the 
Highlands,  the  Governor  is  put  at  the  head  of  one-third 
of  the  militia  of  the  State  and  two  hundred  good  riflemen, 
and  sent  into  Tryon  county,  we  may  laugh  at  Mr.  Howe 
and  Mr.  Burgoyne.  We  are  too  ignorant  of  the  situation 
of  affairs  to  the  southward,  to  say  whether  these  things  are 
practicable,  and  therefore  give  our  sentiments  upon  mat- 
ters as  they  appear  to  us.    The  Council,  who  we  doubt 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1017 


not  have  the  best  intelligence  from  that  quarter,  will  be 
able  to  determine  with  precision  upon  the  true  line  of  con- 
duct which  is  to  be  pursued.    In  humble  deference  to 
their  wisdom,  we  beg  leave  to  subscribe  ourselves,  sir, 
"Your  most  obedient  and  most  humble  servants, 

"  ABM.  YATES,  Junr. 

"  GOUVR.  MORRIS." 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jay, 
Resolved,  That  the  said  letter  is  disrespectful  and  un- 
satisfactory. 

Resolved,  That  the  further  continuance  of  the  said 
committee  would  be  unnecessary  ;  and  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee  be  and  hereby  is 
dissolved. 

General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Moses  creek, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 


A  letter  from 
the  24th  instant, 
vizt  : 


"  Moses  creek,  4  miles  below  Fort  Edward, 
"  July  24th,  1777. 

"  Sir — It  is  with  great  pain  that  I  am  under  the  disa- 
greeable necessity  of  advising  you  that  our  affairs  in  this 
quarter  daily  put  on  a  more  gloomy  aspect.    It  was  evi- 
dent that,  if  we  had  not  consented  to  suffer  part  of  the  mi- 
litia to  return  to  their  habitations,  in  all  probability  we 
should  lose  the  whole.    It  was  therefore  resolved  in  full 
council  of  genera]  officers,  that  half  should  be  permitted  to 
leave  us,  provided  the  others  would  remain  three  weeks. 
These  conditions  were  accepted  by  them,  and  one  thousand 
and  forty-six,  officers  included,  of  the  militia  of  this  State, 
remained  ;  but  not  above  three  hundred  out  of  twelve  of 
those  from  the  county  of  Berksire  in  the  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  out  of  about  five  hundred  from  the  county  of 
Hampshire  in  the  same  State,  only  twenty-nine  commis- 
sioned and  non-commisioned  officers  and  thirty-four  pri- 
vates are  left,  the  remainder  having  infamously  deserted  ; 
and  out  of  one  hundred  from  Connecticut,  who  had,  like 
those  from  Hampshire,  just  arrived  here,  very  few,  if  any, 
remain  ;  and  part  of  that  half  which  remained  from  this 
State,  so  that  we  have  not  now  above  thirteen  hundred  militia 
on  the  ground.    I  wish  we  had  the  most  distant  prospect 
to  detain  one-half  of  these  above  five  or  six  days.  Our 
Continental  force  is  between  twenty-seven  and  twenty-eight 
hundred  ;  with  this  small  body  we  have  to  encounter  a 
much  more  numerous  body  of  the  enemy,  well  appointed, 
flushed  with  success,  and  daily  increasing  by  the  acquisi- 
tion of  tories. 

"  Happy  I  should  still  be,  in  some  degree,  if  I  could 
close  the  melancholy  tale  here  ;  but  every  letter  I  receive 
from  the  county  of  Tryon,  advises  me  that  the  inhabitants 
of  it  will  lay  down  their  arms,  unless  I  support  them  with 
Continental  troops.  From  what  I  have  said,  you  will  see 
the  impossibility  of  my  complying  with  their  request.  The 
district  of  Schohary  has  also  pointedly  intimated,  that  un- 
less Continental  troops  are  sent  them,  they  will  also  sub- 
mit to  the  enemy.  Should  it  be  asked  what  line  of  con- 
duct I  mean  to  hold  amidst  this  variety  of  difficulties  and 
distress  ?  I  would  answer  to  dispute  every  inch  of  ground 
with  General  Burgoyne,  and  retard  his  descent  into  the 
country  as  long  as  possible,  without  the  least  hopes  of  be- 
ing able  to  prevent  it  ultimately,  unless  I  am  reinforced 
from  General  Washington,  or  by  a  respectable  body  of  the 
militia.  The  former  I  am  advised  I  am  not  to  have,  and 
whence  to  procure  the  latter,  I  know  not.  I  have  written  to 
the  eastern  States,  but  do  not  expect  timely  succours  from 
thence.  I  must  therefore  look  up  to  you  ;  but  though  I  am 
under  the  fullest  conviction  that  you  will  readily  afford  me 
every  aid  in  your  power,  yet  I  fear  it  cannot  be  much. 

"  In  this  situation  you  will  be  pleased  to  permit  me  to 
observe,  that  I  think  the  Council  of  Safety  ought  to  press 
General  Washington  for  an  immediate  reinforcement  of  at 
least  fifteen  hundred  good  Continental  troops.  Those  from 
our  own  State  if  possible,  if  not,  from  any  of  the  southern 

255 


Colonies  ;  one  thousand  to  reinforce  me,  and  the  remainder 
to  be  sent  into  Tryon  county. 

"  That  the  most  immediate  and  pressing  application 
should  be  made  by  you  to  the  eastern  States,  (Connecticut 
in  particular,  from  which  we  have  not  had  above  one  hun- 
dred,) for  a  respectable  body  of  militia  ;  that  part  of  what 
militia  may  come  from  thence,  be  also  sent  into  Tryon 
county,  and  part  here ;  that  the  greatest  number  possible 
of  the  militia  of  this  State  should  be  sent  both  ways,  and 
that  it  should  be,  in  the  strongest  terms,  recommended  to 
the  gentlemen  of  easy  fortune  to  turn  out. 

"  It  is  not  only  mortifying,  but  extremely  discouraging 
to  the  lower  class,  and  prejudicial  to  the  public,  to  see  so 
few  men  of  note  step  forth  when  their  country  is  in  danger. 

"  I  may  seem  to  labour  under  ideal  apprehensions ;  I 
believe  they  are  not  so.  They  are  founded  on  a  reflection 
that  if  General  Burgoyne  can  penetrate  to  Albany,  the 
force  which  is  certainly  coming  by  the  way  of  Oswego  will 
find  no  difficulty  in  reaching  the  Mohawk  river  ;  and  that 
being  arrived  there,  they  will  be  joined  not  by  tories  only, 
but  by  every  person  that  finds  himself  capable  of  remov- 
ing and  wishes  to  make  his  peace  with  the  enemy,  and  by 
the  whole  body  of  the  Six  Nations.  These,  forming  a  junc- 
tion with  Burgoyne  at  Albany,  whilst  General  Howe  presses 
up  the  river,  it  will  either  put  General  Washington  be- 
tween two  fires,  or  drive  him  to  the  necessity  of  filing  off 
into  New-England.  These,  sir,  are  my  conjectures  ;  I 
sincerely  wish  they  may  never  be  realized,  although  I  can 
not  think  they  are  ill  founded.  I  have  thus  ventured  freely 
to  give  my  sentiments.  I  hope  they  will  not  be  thought  to 
arise  from  a  principle  which  would  disgrace  a  soldier.  I 
assure  you  they  do  not;  and  I  hope  my  countrymen  will 
never  have  occasion  to  blush  for  me,  whatever  may  be  the 
event  of  the  campaign. 

"  I  am,  sir,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  humble  servant. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  &c.  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  General 
Scott  and  Mr.  Jay. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  24th 
instant,  enclosing  a  copy  of  their  letter  to  General  Schuyler, 
dated  the  twenty-second  instant,  was  received  and  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  24th  July,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — Yours  of  the  22d  instant  is  now  before 
us,  recommending  us  to  use  our  utmost  influence  to  revive 
the  drooping  spirits  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  and  Tryon 
county.  A  duty  so  essential  as  this,  has  long  since  been 
our  principal  object,  by  following  the  example  you  have 
recommended  to  us  ;  but  upon  the  whole,  gentlemen,  they 
are  only  words  upon  which  we  have  long  played  ;  and  we 
earnestly  hope  they  may  be  realized  in  such  a  manner  as 
that  the  usual  confidence  the  people  of  this  and  Tryon 
county  have  in  our  Board,  may  not  depreciate  in  the  eyes 
of  the  public,  on  which  head  we  beg  leave  to  remark,  that 
your  sanguine  expectations  of  Colo.  Harper's  rangers  will 
by  no  means  answer  the  purpose  ;  the  gentleman  undoubt- 
edly has  abilities,  and  will  exert  himself ;  but  when  this 
matter  is  held  up  in  a  more  clear  view,  it  will  appear  that 
every  man,  almost,  in  this  and  Tryon  county,  adapted  for 
the  ranging  service,  is  engaged  in  the  Continental,  occa- 
sioned by  the  amazing  bounty  that  has  been  given ;  and 
on  the  other  hand,  the  necessary  men  employed  in  various 
branches  attending  an  army,  together  with  the  constant 
drain  of  militia,  though  but  few  in  number,  occasioned  by 
the  above  circumstance,  are  still  necessitated  to  discharge 
their  duty  to  their  country,  all  which  point  out  to  you  the 
impracticability  of  the  pian.  After  considering  of  these 
particulars,  (which  we  believe  has  not  been  sufficiently  sug- 
gested by  the  Honourable  the  Council,)  we  conceive  it  will 
be  impossible  to  collect  any  men  on  the  proposed  plan,  by 
reason  that  their  pay  and  encouragement  is  not  adequate  to 


1018 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


the  times.  If  the  foregoing  difficulties  have  any  weight, 
you  may  judge  that  no  essential  service  can  be  expected 
from  the  rangers,  nor  can  have  any  weight  with  the  people 
to  the  westward. 

"  We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  by  us  sent  to  Ge- 
neral Schuyler,  from  which  you  will  perceive  the  distressed 
situation  the  people  of  Schoharie  are  in. 

"  We  are,  gent,  your  most  obt.  hum.  servts. 

"  By  order. 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Council  of  Safety 

for  the  State  of  New- York." 

"  22d  July,  1777. 

"  Honl.  Sir — Colo.  Vrooman  and  two  other  gentlemen 
from  Schoharie,  are  now  with  us,  and  represent  the  distress 
their  county  is  driven  to. 

"  Threats,  they  hourly  receive  ;  their  persons  and  pro- 
perty are  exposed  to  imminent  danger :  nearly  one-half  of 
the  people  heretofore  well  disposed,  have  laid  down  their 
arms,  and  propose  to  side  with  the  enemy.  All  whicl 
change  has  taken  its  origin  from  the  desertion  of  Ticonde' 
roga,  the  unprecedented  loss  of  which,  we  are  afraid,  will 
be  followed  by  a  revolt  of  more  than  one-half  of  the  nor 
them  part  of  this  county.  We  therefore  beg  leave  to  sug- 
gest whether  it  would  not  be  advisable  to  detain  one  or 
two  companies  of  Continental  troops,  which  are  expected 
here,  to  be  sent  that  way  for  a  few  days,  which  we  sup- 
pose might  bring  the  greater  part  again  to  a  sense  of  their 
duty. 

"  We  are,  &c. 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  The  Honbl.  Major-Genl.  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  the  enclosure  be  com- 
mitted to  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Jay. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  4  ho.  P.  M. 


DIE  SOLIS,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

July  27,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine,  Ma- 
jor Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  the 
twenty-fourth  instant,  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  re- 
ported a  draft  of  an  answer,  which  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — Your  letter  of  the  twenty-fourth  inst. 
has  been  received  and  laid  before  the  Council.  It  was  not 
by  words  alone  that  the  Council  expects  the  drooping  spir- 
its of  the  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county  should  be  revived, 
nor  do  they  know  any  other  way  of  realizing  those  expec- 
tations than  by  vigorous  exertions. 

"  It  is  highly  unreasonable  to  expect  that  the  militia  of 
other  States  or  additional  detachments  from  the  Continen- 
tal army  should  be  sent  to  Tryon  or  Schohary,  when  their 
own  exertions,  with  the  aid  already  afforded,  would  secure 
them.  Harper's  rangers  are  not  the  only  measures  taken  for 
their  support;  a  third  part  of  the  militia  is  ordered  to  be 
embodied,  and  the  Council  will  provide  for  their  pay.  But 
if  when  their  all  is  at  stake,  they  should  think  the  wages 
too  little,  and  from  such  degenerate  mercenary  princi- 
ples refuse  to  march,  they  will  merit  the  distinction  to 
which  their  want  of  courage  and  public  spirit  will  expose 
them. 

"  It  is  by  example,  not  speeches,  that  the  Council  wish 
they  may  be  encouraged.  They  expect  the  county  of  Al- 
bany will  exert  itself;  that  their  leading  men  on  other  oc- 
casions, will  not  be  backward  now  ;  that  they  will  march 
with  the  militia,  and  animate  the  bodv  of  the  people  by 
their  perseverance,  spirit  and  patriotism.  If  the  salvation 
of  such  a  cause  be  not  sufficient  to  induce  us  to  such  ac- 
actions,  future  generations  may  with  propriety  say  that  we 


did  not  deserve  to  be  free.  If  malcontents  among  you  are 
fomenting  divisions  or  encouraging  a  revolt,  they  ought  to 
be  immediately  apprehended,  and  it  is  presumed  you  have 
sufficient  strength  at  least  for  the  purpose  of  internal  go- 
vernment. If  a  few  dispirited  people  are  permitted  to  lay 
down  their  arms,  and  with  impunity,  not  only  to  disobey 
orders,  but  to  say  they  will  side  with  the  enemy,  govern- 
ment has  become  base  and  feeble  indeed.  Your  powers 
are  equal  to  all  these  exigencies,  and  the  Council  hope  you 
will  exert  them.  That  large  drafts  of  men  have  been  made 
from  the  militia  is  a  fact  not  to  be  denied ;  but  it  is  equal- 
ly true  that  their  number  is  still  very  respectable,  and  if 
they  please,  very  formidable.  In  short,  there  is  reason  to 
fear  that  the  panic  and  irresolution  which  seems  to  prevail 
in  the  western  district,  will,  by  being  introduced  into  the 
history  of  the  present  glorious  contest,  injure  the  reputa- 
tion which  this  State  has  justly  acquired  by  its  strenuous 
and  noble  exertions  in  the  common  cause  of  America. 
"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servts. 

"  P.  S.  We  have  the  best  assurances  that  General  Glo- 
ver, with  his  brigade,  is  sent  up  to  reinforce  the  northern 
department,  and  we  flatter  ourselves  that  Major-General 
Schuyler  will,  as  he  finds  himself  reinforced,  cause  troops 
to  file  off  for  the  defence  of  the  western  frontiers.  To  faci- 
litate this  we  have  wrote  pressingly  to  the  Governor  of 
Connecticut  for  aid. 

"  To  the  Committee  of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  same  committee  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Go- 
vernor Trumbull,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  of  Safety  has  directed  me  to  trans- 
mit to  your  Excellency  the  enclosed  extracts  of  a  letter 
from  Major-General  Schuyler. 

"  The  condition  of  the  northern  department  has  become 
alarming  and  critical.  The  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga 
was  a  very  unexpected  event,  and  has  been  attended  with 
an  unhappy  influence  on  our  affairs. 

'*  The  people  are  disgusted,  disappointed  and  alarmed. 

"  The  Council  are  constrained  to  observe  that  it  is  not 
in  their  power  to  afford  General  Schuyler  much  aid.  Five 
counties  of  this  State  are  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy ; 
three  others  are  disunited  by  malcontents,  who  meditate  a 
revolt,  and  are  attempting  to  avail  themselves  of  the  pre- 
sent troubles,  to  advance  their  interested  purposes,  inas- 
much that  all  order  of  government  has  ceased  among  them. 
Of  the  remaining  six  counties,  a  third  part  of  the  militia  of 
three  of  them,  namely  :  Orange,  Ulster  and  Dutchess,  has 
been  in  actual  service  ever  since  May  last,  and  are  yet  in 
the  field.  Westchester  has  been  so  harrassed  by  the  in- 
cursions of  the  enemy  from  New-York,  that  during  the  last 
winter  and  almost  ever  since,  their  militia  have  been  oblig- 
ed to  provide  for  their  own  defence.  A  third  part  of  the 
county  of  Tryon  are  ordered  to  embody  without  delay ; 
and  a  considerable  proportion  of  Albany,  are  already 
marched  or  marching  to  the  field  ;  add  to  this  the  number  of 
inhabitants  constantly  employed  on  the  communications  in 
transportations,  &c.  and  the  still  greater  number  who 
tempted  by  prospects  of  ease  or  profit  have  quitted  this  in- 
vaded Slate,  and  sought  inglorious  ease  among  our  more 
peaceful  neighbours,  and  your  Excellency  will  perceive 
how  greatly  our  strength  is  exhausted.  Heaven  has  bless- 
ed us  with  a  plentiful  harvest,  and  it  deserves  consideration 
that  other  Stales  besides  this  will  be  affected  by  the 
loss  of  it. 

"  It  is  unnecessary  to  observe  to  your  Excellency  that 
the  destruction  of  this  State  will  bring  the  horrors  of  war 
to  the  doors  of  many  who  now  seem  idle  spectators  of  it. 

"  We  hope  the  State  of  Connecticut  will  on  this  occa- 
ion  exert  hersslf  in  a  manner  becoming  the  character  she 
halh  hitherto  sustained,  in  the  scale  of  American  importance, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1019 


and  that  New-York  will  not  be  left  unsupported  in  this  day 
of  trial. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be  your  Excellency's 

"  Most  obedient  humble  servt. 
"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted,  together  with  the  said 
extracts  of  General  Schuyler's  letter. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  similar  to  that  directed  to  Go- 
vernor Trumbull,  be  sent  to  the  President  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  and  the  President  of  New-Hampshire,  and 
similar  extracts  of  General  Schuyler's  letter  enclosed  in 
each  of  them. 

The  same  committee  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  His 
Excellency  General  Washington,  which  was  read  and  ap- 
proved, and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — By  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  I  have  the 
honour  of  transmitting  to  your  Excellency  the  enclosed  ex- 
tracts of  a  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  and  a  copy 
of  a  letter  from  the  Council  to  Governor  Trumbull. 

"  Such  is  the  state  of  our  northern  affairs  at  present,  as 
to  promise  the  enemy  an  easy  conquest.  This  State  is 
greatly  exhausted,  and  our  New-England  brethren  are  not 
yet  roused.  The  Council  request  that  your  Excellency 
will  be  pleased  to  animate  them  to  more  vigorous  and 
manly  exertions,  and  they  wish  that  if  the  state  of  military 
operations  with  which  your  Excellency  is  best  acquainted, 
would  admit  of  it,  a  reinforcement  from  the  southern  States 
might  be  obtained  for  our  support ;  and  particularly  against 
the  expected  invasion  by  the  way  of  Oswego,  by  the  suc- 
cess of  which,  they  will  be  more  immediately  and  deeply 
affected,  as  their  frontiers  as  well  as  those  of  this  State, 
would  be  thereby  exposed  to  depredation. 

"  What  new  miracles  Providence  may  have  in  reserve 
for  our  deliverance,  or  what  further  measures  General 
Howe  may  pursue  to  defeat  his  own  purposes,  are  uncer- 
tain. Our  affairs,  however,  in  the  northern  department, 
wear  a  gloomy  aspect,  and  the  Council  think  it  their 
duty  to  leave  no  means  unessayed  to  repel  the  enemy,  and 
render  the  issue  of  the  present  campaign  glorious  to  the 
American  arms. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect  and  esteem, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted.  And, 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  all  the  said  letters,  and  of  Ge- 
neral Schuyler's  letter,  and  of  the  letter  from  the  commitee 
of  Albany,  and  the  answer  thereto,  be  sent  to  the  Delegates 
of  this  State. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

July  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Genl. 
Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van 
Zandt. 

Mr.  Jay  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Genl.  Schuyler, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your 
favour  of  the  instant,  and  to  transmit  you  the  en- 

closed papers,  from  which  you  will  perceive  what  measures 
have  been  taken  by  the  Council.  In  consequence  of  it, 
you  may  rely,  sir,  on  the  utmost  exertions  of  this  Council 
to  afford  succour  to  your  army.    They  have  little  reason 


to  expect  that  the  aid  of  this  exhausted  State  will  be  very 
considerable. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 

"  Major-General  Schuyler." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed,  and,  together 
with  copies  of  the  letters  of  this  Council,  to  General  Wa- 
shington, the  States  of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  and 
New-Hampshire  agreed  to  yesterday,  be  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  Elnathan  Foster,  praying  leave  to  seek 
for  and  provide  a  place  for  his  family,  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  be  granted. 

The  memorial  of  Colonel  Malcom,  that  the  resolutions 
of  the  late  Convention  exempting  from  all  drafts  of  the  mili- 
tia those  who  should  provide  a  man  to  enlist  in  either  of 
the  five  Continental  regiments  raising  in  this  State,  be  ex- 
tended to  his  regiment,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  memorial  be  referred  to  the  Le- 
gislature. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Lunje,  4  ho.  P.  M.July  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Mor- 
ris, Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

Mr.  Morris  being  returned  from  Head-Quarters  in  the 
northern  department,  informed  the  House  of  the  state  of 
the  army  there. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Jay  and  Mr.  Morris  do  repair  to 
Head-Quarters  and  confer  with  His  Excellency  General 
Washington  about  the  state  of  the  northern  army,  the 
means  of  reinforcing  it,  and  all  such  other  matters  as  re- 
spect the  defence  of  this  State. 

And  that  they  represent  to  His  Excellency  the  necessity 
of  providing  garrisons  for  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  as  the 
term  for  which  the  militia  now  stationed  there  are  engaged 
will  soon  expire. 

And  further,  that  they  correspond  with  this  Council  and 
return  with  all  convenient  speed. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  29,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston. 

Resolved,  That  Messrs.  Samuel  Drake,  Joseph  Hobby 
and  Elijah  Hunter  be  permitted  to  transport  flour  from  this 
State  (by  land  or  water)  to  either  of  the  eastern  States, 
and  that  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  all  the  friends  of 
America  to  permit  them  to  transport  by  land  or  water 
through  the  said  eastern  States  into  this  State,  salt  or  any 
other  article  for  the  inhabitants  thereof,  and  also  to  aid 
them  in  such  commerce. 

Major  Van  Zandt  and  Major  Tappen  dissent. 

Resolved,  That  a  similar  permit  be  granted  to  Robert 
Graham,  Esquire. 

Major  Van  Zandt  and  Major  Tappen  dissent. 

A  letter  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hornebeck,  with  a  re- 
turn of  the  regiment  under  his  command,  was  read  and 
filed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Ephraim  Bogar- 
dus  relative  to  the  escape  of  the  prisoners  from  on  board 
of  the  Fleet  prison,  reported  that  Andries  Ten  Eyck,  a 
prisoner  on  board  the  said  prison,  appears  to  have  been  a 
principal  in  seizing  and  disarming  the  guard,  by  which 
means  those  prisoners  escaped.  Thereupon, 


1020 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county  do  cause 
proper  irons  to  be  provided  for  the  said  Andries  Ten  Eyck  ; 
that  he  be  sent  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  to  be  there  con- 
fined in  irons  until  further  orders. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  29,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

General  Scolt,  Mr.  Robt.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Colonel  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  General  Putnam,  dated  the  twenty-eighth 
instant,  relative  to  Edmund  Palmer,  who  has  been  tried  at 
Peekskill  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged  as  a  spy,  was  read, 
and  follows  in  these  words,  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  July  28th,  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — Enclosed  I  send  you  a  copy  of  the  trial 
and  sentence  of  Edmund  Palmer,  who  went  over  to  the 
enemy.  By  the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial  and  their 
finding,  you  will  see  his  crime,  that  he  lurked  in  the  woods 
continually,  surprised  by  night  and  day  the  inhabitants, 
robbed  and  plundered  them  of  their  property,  and  kept 
them  in  a  continual  alarm.  But  what  particularly  demands 
speedy  execution  from  the  military  power,  is  his  being  a 
spy,  lurking  within  our  lines  to  discover  our  situation  and 
strength,  to  give  intelligence  to  the  enemy  and  to  persuade 
our  people  to  desert  over  to  them. 

"  I  thought  proper  to  lay  before  the  Honourable  Con- 
vention of  this  State  the  whole  process  and  judgment  against 
him,  with  some  observations  made  thereon,  and  wish  it 
may  meet  their  approbation.  I  wish  that  such  a  line  of 
conduct  might  be  adopted  by  the  military  department  as 
not  only  would  not  infringe  upon  the  civil,  but  would  give 
no  just  occasion  of  jealousy. 

"  I  shall  expect  advice  from  the  Convention  respecting 
the  proceedings  and  execution  of  Palmer,  by  return  of  the 
bearer,  and  in  case  it  meets  their  approbation  ;  would  ask 
the  favour  of  you,  sir,  to  deliver  the  copy  of  the  trial  and 
sentence,  with  the  observations  made  thereon,  to  the  prin- 
ter to  be  published,  as  I  imagine  publications  of  this  kind 
ought  to  be  made  for  warning  to  others. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  With  the  greatest  respect, 

"  You  obt.  humble  servt. 

"  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  The  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 

President  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New- York." 

The  proceedings  of  the  said  court  martial  relative  to  the 
said  Edmund  Palmer,  were  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  proceedings  be  committed  to  Mr. 
Tredwell,  and  that  he  prepare  a  draft  of  a  letter  in  an- 
swer thereto. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Stephen  J.  Schuyler,  dated  the 
twenty-third  instant,  requesting  the  discharge  of  John  Clint 
from  the  Fleet  prison,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  question  being  put,  it  was  unanimously  agreed  that 
the  said  John  Clynt  be  not  discharged. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  dated  this  day,  relative  to 
a  parcel  of  sugars  belonging  to  Colonel  Joseph  Drake, 
Peter  Van  Dervort,  Richardson  Sands  and  himself,  seized 
by  the  State  of  Connecticut,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  General 
Scott,  and  that  he  prepare  an  answer  thereto. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  to  inform  you  that  Mr.  Morris  has 
been  requested  to  repair  to  Head-Quarters,  in  order  to  con- 
fer with  the  General  on  the  state  of  the  northern  army,  so 
that  you  will  be  under  the  necessity  of  acting  alone. 

"  As  the  credit  of  our  paper  currency  must  depend  more 
upon  our  success  than  any  other  measure,  we  wish  you  to 
press  on  the  Deputies  from  the  eastern  States  the  necessity 
of  reinforcing  the  northern  army,  which  is  much  weaker 


than  is  generally  supposed,  and  without  great  efforts  it  will 
be  impossible  to  stop  General  Burgoyne's  progress. 

"Next  to  this,  taxation  is  the  only  means  of  preserving 
the  credit  of  our  bills ;  and  if  the  same  mode  was  univer- 
sally adopted,  it  would  be  attended  with  the  desired  effect. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  humble  servant. 
"  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  by  express. 

A  petition  of  Joshua  Haight,  Zophar  Green,  Benjamin 
Jacaks,  Jonathan  Dean  and  Tripp  Mosher,  five  Quakers, 
in  the  Fleet  prison,  praying  liberty  to  return  to  their  fami- 
lies, was  read  and  filed  ;  and  on  the  question  being  put, 
the  prayer  thereof  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Tredwell  reported,  (according  to  order,)  a  draft  of 
an  answer  to  the  letter  of  Major-General  Putnam's,  which 
was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  twenty-eighth  instant,  enclosing  a 
copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  court  martial,  in  the  trial  of 
Edmund  Palmer,  is  come  to  hand  ;  in  answer  to  which  I 
am  directed  to  inform  you  that  the  resolutions  of  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State,  which  authorized  court  martials  to 
try  persons  guilty  of  treasonable  practices  against  the  State, 
expired  the  first  day  of  July  instant.  That,  therefore,  if 
any  person  shall  be  apprehended  within  this  State  by  the 
army,  for  offences  which,  by  the  Continental  articles  or 
the  common  rules  of  war,  are  not  cognizable  by  a  court 
martial,  such  offenders  ought  to  be  delivered  to  the  civil 
magistrate.  But  that  the  Council  are  clearly  of  opinion 
that  the  case  of  Palmer,  as  a  spy,  is  properly  cognizable 
by  a  court  martial,  and  if  he  is  sentenced  as  such,  their 
confirmation  of  the  sentence  is  by  no  means  necessary,  if 
for  the  other  crimes  mentioned  they  are  not  authorized  to 
confirm  it. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obt.  humb.  servt. 
"  To  the  Honble.  Major-General  Putnam." 

By  order,  a  copy  thereof  was  engrossed,  signed  by  the 
President,  and  delivered  to  General  Putnam's  messenger. 

General  Scott  suggested  to  the  Council,  that  the  aid  of 
this  Council  or  of  the  future  Legislature  will  be  necessary, 
to  compel  several  persons  to  whom  the  State  has  advanced 
money,  to  account  for  the  same  to  the  Auditor-General,  to 
enable  him  to  close  the  public  accounts. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State  report 
to  this  Council  a  complete  state  of  the  public  accounts  of 
this  State,  which  falls  within  his  department,  on  Thursday 
next,  or  assign  his  reasons  for  not  doing  the  same. 

Adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

My  30,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston, 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Harper. 

The  petition  of  Hendrick  Klumb,  a  prisoner  on  board 
of  the  Fleet  prison,  setting  forth  the  distresses  of  his  wife 
and  a  large  family,  and  the  risk  of  losing  his  crops  by  his 
confinement,  offering  to  give  his  property  as  security  for 
his  good  behaviour,  or  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the 
State,  and  praying  to  be  discharged,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged  on  taking  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  the  State,  and  paying  all  his  fees  and  ex. 
penses. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1021 


The  petition  of  Richard  Wragg,  late  of  Saratoga  in  the 
county  of  Albany,  now  a  prisoner  on  board  the  Fleet  pri- 
son, praying  to  be  discharged,  was  read. 

Ordered,  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Claverack,  dated  the 
twenty-ninth  instant,  was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words, 
vizt : 

"  In  District  Committee,  Claverack,  July  29th,  1777. 
"  This  committee  having  received  from  George  Teter, 
heretofore  an  inhabitant  of  the  said  district,  and  now  a  pri- 
soner at  Kingston,  for  disaffection  to  the  cause  of  American 
freedom,  a  petition,  requesting  this  board  to  recommend 
him  to  the  Council  of  Safety  for  his  discharge. 
"  Thereupon, 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended,  and  it  is  hereby 
recommended  to  the  said  Council  of  Safety,  that  the  said 
George  Teter  be  released  from  confinement  upon  his  taking 
an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New-York,  and  taking 
an  oath  to  give  testimony  of  all  such  matters  and  things 
which  he  may  know  respecting  any  traitorous  conspiracies 
or  combinations  against  the  liberties  of  America,  and  enter 
into  recognizance  in  the  forfeiture  of  all  his  goods  and 
chattels,  lands  and  tenements,  for  the  faithful  observance 
of  the  resolves  and  regulations  of  Congress,  and  the  Con- 
vention or  Council  of  Safety,  or  future  Legislature  of  this 
State,  and  such  orders  of  this  Committee  or  militia  offi- 
cers of  the  district  as  are  grounded  upon  such  resolves  and 
regulations. 

"LAWRENCE  FONDA,  Chairman." 
Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  George  Teter  be 
discharged  on  the  terms  mentioned  in  the  said  recommen- 
dation ;  and  that  one  of  the  Secretaries  be,  and  is  hereby 
authorized  to  administer  to  him  the  oaths  within  men- 
tioned, and  lake  such  bond  or  recognizance  as  is  therein 
mentioned,  and  that  he  be  thereupon  discharged,  paying  his 
fees  and  expenses. 

"  Kingston,  in  Ulster  County,  ss. — I,  George  Teter,  do 
solemnly  swear  and  declare,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  that  I  will  bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the  State 
of  New-York,  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the  said 
State,  and  will  do  my  duty  as  such  subject  ought  to  do,  so 
help  me  God.  +" 

"  I,  George  Teter,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare,  in 
the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  give  testimony 
to  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New- York,  or  to  the 
committee  of  the  district  of  Claverack,  or  to  any  magis- 
trate or  militia  officer  of  all  such  matters  and  things  which 
I  know,  or  may  hereafter  know,  respecting  any  traitorous 
conspiracies  against  the  liberties  of  the  United  American 
States,  or  either  of  them  ;  or  any  combination  against  the 
measures  adopted  by  the  State  of  New-York,  or  any  com- 
mittee in  the  said  State,  for  defence  against  the  King  and 
Parliament  of  Great  Britain,  or  any  other  enemy  or  ene- 
mies whatsoever  :  So  help  me,  God.  -f-  " 

The  bond  of  the  said  George  Teter  to  the  Treasurer  of 
this  State,  in  the  sum  of  conditioned  agreeable  to 

the  request  of  the  committee  of  Claverack,  was  read. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  reported  the  examination  of 
Francis  Horsman,  which  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  The,  voluntary  examination  of  Francis  Horsman,  a 
prisoner,  of  the  fifty-third  regiment,  lately  taken  near  Fort 
Ann  : — He  says,  that  he  wishes  to  swear  allegiance  to  this 
State,  and  to  quit  the  British  service,  provided  he  is  not 
forced  to  fight  against  them,  which  his  former  oath  obliged 
him  not  to  do. 

"  That  the  regiments  in  Canada  were  stationed  near 
Quebec ;  one  at  Montreal,  one  at  St.  John's  and  Cham- 
bly.  That  the  troops  with  Genl.  Burgoyne  consist  of  the 
following  regiments :  the  9th,  20th,  21st,  42d,  24th,  53d, 
62d,  British,  and  almost  4,500  foreigners.    That  each 

256 


company  consists  of  about  62  men,  inclusive  of  officers  ; 
that  50  men  from  each  regiment  were  left  in  Canada,  to- 
gether with  500  foreigners  and  the  31st,  29lh  and  34th  re- 
giments; that  there  are  about  400  Canadians  and  as  many 
Indians  with  General  Burgoyne  ;  that  Sir  John  Johnson, 
with  about  a  thousand  men,  exclusive  of  Indians,  had  left 
Montreal,  before  they  quitted  Canada,  in  order  to  pene- 
trate by  the  Mohock's  river." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  General  Washing- 
ton was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

"  Sir — We  enclose  your  Excellency  the  examination  of 
a  prisoner,  which  we  have  reason  to  believe  is  true,  as  it 
exactly  corresponds  with  every  other  information  that  we 
have  received  from  that  quarter. 

"  Our  army  is  extremely  weak  ;  the  country  exhausted ; 
our  neighbours  languid,  and  our  people  threatened  with  in- 
vasions on  every  quarter. 

"  In  this  state,  we  can  only  apply  to  your  Excellency  to 
second  our  endeavours ;  without  which  the  enemy  will 
easily  accomplish  the  object  which  they  have  so  long  and 
earnestly  pursued,  and  obtain  full  possession  of  this  State. 

"  Governor  Clinton  will  be  qualified  this  day,  so  that 
your  Excellency's  future  requisitions  from  this  State  will 
be  directed  to  him. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servt. 
"  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  General 
Washington,  together  with  the  intelligence  received  from 
Francis  Horsman. 

A  petition  of  Thomas  Bostock,  William  Preston,  Fran- 
cis Trotter,  John  Macky,  James  Dunn,  Joseph  McGuire 
and  Francis  Horseman,  prisoners,  now  in  Kingston,  was 
read  and  filed, 

Among  other  things,  they  thereby  pray  for  a  supply  of 
clothing.  Thereupon, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  of  this 
Council,  as  commissaries  of  the  prisoners  of  war  in  this 
State,  or  either  of  them,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  and 
directed  to  receive  from  the  commissary  of  clothing,  such 
clothing  as  they  may  find  necessary  for  each  of  the  said 
prisoners  of  war,  ascertaining  the  price  and  value  of  the 
articles  afforded  to  each. 

His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  duly  elected  Governor 
of  this  State,  appeared  in  Council  of  Safety  and  look  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  and  also  the  oath  of  office 
of  Governor,  as  prescribed  by  the  ordinance  of  the  Con- 
vention of  the  Representatives  of  the  said  State,  made 
and  passed  the  eighth  day  of  May  last,  for  organizing  and 
establishing  the  government  agreed  to  by  the  said  Conven- 
tion. The  said  oaths  were  administered  by  the  President 
in  Council,  and  are  subscribed  on  the  roll  by  the  Governor 
in  Council. 

Thereupon  the  Council  of  Safety  agreed  to  and  ordered 
a  proclamation  for  declaring  and  proclaiming  the  Governor 
of  this  State,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New- York,  ) 
"  July  30,  1777.  $ 

"  A  Proclamation. 
"  Whereas  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  has  been 
duly  elected  Governor  of  this  State  of  New- York,  and 
hath  this  day  qualified  himself  for  the  execution  of  his 
office,  by  taking  in  this  Council  the  oaths  required  by  the 
constitution  of  this  State,  to  enable  him  to  exercise  his  said 
office  :  This  Council  doth,  therefore,  hereby,  in  the  name 
and  by  the  authority  of  the  good  people  of  this  State,  pro- 
claim and  declare  the  said  George  Clinton,  Esqr.  Gover- 
nor, General  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  militia, 
I  and  Admiral  of  the  navy  of  this  State,  to  whom  the  good 


1022 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


people  of  this  State  are  to  pay  all  due  obedience,  accord- 
ing to  the  laws  and  constitution  thereof. 

"  By  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety. 

"  PIERRE  VAN  CORTLANDT, 

"  President. 

"  God  save  the  people." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Holt  immediately  print  five 
hundred  copies  of  the  said  proclamation. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  proclamation  be  made  and  pu- 
blished by  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county,  at  or  near  the  court 
house  in  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county,  at  six  o'clock  this 
afternoon. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Captain  Evert  Bogardus 
and  Captain  John  Elmendorph  do  cause  the  companies  of 
militia  under  their  respective  commands  to  appear  at  the 
court  house  in  Kingston,  at  six  o'clock  this  afternoon,  pro- 
perly armed  and  accoutered,  at  which  time  and  place  His 
Excellency  George  Clinton  will  be  proclaimed  Governor 
of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  show  to  His  Excellency 
the  Governor  all  the  letters  lately  received  from  General 
Schuyler  and  Tryon  county,  and  deliver  to  the  Governor 
copies  of  any  such  of  them  as  he  may  think  proper. 

Adjourned  until  6  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  6  ho.  P.  M.  July  30,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pi.esent — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Capt,  Plait,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  GObt. 
Livingston,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine. 

The  Council  met  and  attended  the  proclamation  of  the 
Governor;  then  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

July  31,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major 
Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Genl.  Scott. 

Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston  brought  in  certain  resolutions 
relative  to  the  militia  that  may  be  drafted,  or  called  out 
into  service.  The  same  were  considered  and  read  by  pa- 
ragraphs. After  some  time  spent  therein,  it  was  referred 
for  farther  consideration. 

A  message  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  by  Major 
Lush,  was  received,  read,  and  follows  in  these  words, 
vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  perused  the  sundry  letters  from 
Genl.  Schuyler,  and  other  papers,  copies  of  which  by  an 
order  of  your  House  of  yesterday,  were  to  be  delivered  to 
me  by  your  Secretary. 

"  Our  public  affairs  in  the  northern  department  are  in  a 
situation  that  demands  particular  attention,  and  the  utmost 
exertions  of  military  force,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  pur- 
suing their  late  advantages,  and  penetrating  farther  into 
this  State  ;  and  I  should  be  happy  were  it  in  my  power  to 
order  out  a  reinforcement  of  militia  equal  to  Genl.  Schuy- 
ler's expectations. 

"  By  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington's  letter  to  me, 
dated  the  25th  July  inst.  (a  copy  of  which  will  be  here- 
with delivered,)  you  will  observe  that  he  mentions  the  ex- 
pediency of  immediately  calling  out  from  the  States  of 
Connecticut  and  New-York,  from  one  thousand  to  fifteen 
hundred  men  of  the  militia,  to  occupy  the  posts  and  rein- 
force the  garrisons  in  the  Highlands  ;  this  number,  with 
the  Continental  troops  which  will  be  left  there,  after  giving 
a  proper  support  to  Genl.  Schuyler,  will,  in  His  Excellen- 
cy's opinion,  be  sufficient. 


"  The  proportion  to  be  furnished  by  this  State  is  five 
hundred,  and  it  shall  be  my  first  business  to  issue  the  ne- 
cessary orders  for  marching  them  to  the  respective  stations 
for  which  they  are  intended. 

"  I  am  nevertheless  apprehensive  that  1  shall  find  it  ex- 
tremely difficult  to  complete  even  this  small  number.  The 
Continental  pay  and  rations  being  far  below  the  wages 
given  for  ordinary  labour,  the  difference  becomes  a  lax, 
rendered  by  personal  service,  and  as  the  train  band  lists, 
from  the  exemption  arising  from  age,  office  and  other 
causes,  consists  chiefly  of  the  middling  and  lower  class 
of  people,  this  extraordinary  tax  is  altogether  paid  by  them. 
Add  to  this  that  unless  a  proportionate  number  is  called 
out  of  each  county,  which  in  most  cases  is  inexpedient,  the 
counties  raising  the  most  men  are,  upon  the  same  princi- 
ple, charged  with  an  extra  tax  to  which  the  other  parts  of 
the  community  do  not  contribute. 

"  These  reasons  are  so  obvious  as  to  be  generally  under- 
stood and  complained  of,  and  unless  those  exercising  the 
legislative  power  of  the  State  shall,  in  their  wisdom,  spee- 
dily devise  some  plan  on  which  those  inconveniences  will 
be  obviated,  I  am  extremely  apprehensive  that  any  orders 
for  calling  detachments  to  the  field  for  a  limited  lime,  will 
be  hereafter  not  so  duly  obeyed  as  the  nature  of  military 
command  and  the  good  of  the  service  absolutely  require. 

"  It  would  be  needless  to  observe  to  you,  gentlemen, 
that  though  my  office  as  Governor  gives  me  the  command 
of  the  militia,  I  am  not  vested  with  authority  to  promise 
even  the  Continental  pay  and  subsistence  to  any  greater 
number  of  men  than  those  required  of  me  by  His  Excel- 
lency the  Commander-in-Chief,  whose  requisition  entitles 
those  who  are  called  into  actual  service  in  consequence 
thereof  to  a  compensation  from  the  Continent  at  large. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"Kingston,  31st  July,  1777." 

The  copy  of  the  letter  from  General  Washington  (refer- 
red to  in  the  said  message)  to  the  Governor,  was  then  read, 
and  follows  in  these  words,  vizt : 

"  Pumpton  Plains,  25th  July,  1777. 
"  Dear  Sir — Yours  of  yesterday  reached  me  at  this 
place.  Considering  the  situation  in  which  you  say  the 
hard  bread  is,  instead  of  bringing  it  forward,  I  have  direct- 
ed Genl.  Sullivan's  and  Lord  Stirling's  divisions  to  draw 
three  days'  provisions  each  before  they  leave  King's  ferry. 
If  any  remains  after  supplying  them  it  may  be  sent  back 
to  the  forts. 

"  Whether  the  enemy's  real  designs  are  southward  or 
eastward,  in  order  to  oppose  them  effectually  and  to  give 
proper  support  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  I  shall  be  obliged  to  draw 
off  a  considerable  part  of  the  present  force  from  Peekskill, 
and  there  can  be  no  substitute  but  militia  under  our  pre- 
sent circumstances.  I  think  it  would  be  expedient  imme- 
diately to  call  in  from  one  thousand  to  fifteen  hundred  from 
the  States  of  New-York  and  Connecticut ;  the  proportions 
I  leave  to  be  settled  between  Genl.  Putnam  and  yourself. 

"  I  do  not  apprehend  much  danger  from  the  garrison 
that  is  left  in  New-York,  but  were  the  posts  up  the  river 
left  in  too  defenceless  a  state,  it  might  be  a  temptation  for 
them  to  seize  them. 

"  I  have  desired  Genl.  Putnam  to  make  a  demand  of  as 
many  of  the  Connecticut  militia  as  you  and  he  shall  allot 
to  them. 

"  I  do  not  know  what  number  of  militia  are  at  present 
in  service,  but  I  do  not  mean  one  thousand  or  fifteen  hun- 
dred exclusive  of  them.  That  number  altogether,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  Continental  troops,  will,  in  my  opinion,  be  suffi- 
cient. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir, 

"  Your  most  obed.  servt. 

"GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Genl.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Living- 
ston be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  Governor  on  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1023 


subject  of  his  said  message,  and  to  report  to  the  Council 
thereon ;  and  that  the  further  consideration  of  the  resolu- 
tions relative  to  the  militia,  which  have  been  in  considera- 
tion this  morning,  be  deferred  until  the  report  of  such  con- 
ference. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  July  31,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston, 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Plait,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

The  Council  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  resolu- 
tions, the  consideration  whereof  was  postponed  until  this 
afternoon. 

General  Scott  and  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston  reported 
that  they  had  conferred  with  His  Excellency  the  Governor, 
on  the  subject  of  his  message. 

The  said  resolutions  being  again  read,  were  then  read 
by  paragraphs  and  agreed  to  and  are  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

Whereas  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  for  the  trial  of 
our  virtue  and  the  punishment  of  our  manifold  offences,  to 
direct  the  operations  of  the  enemy's  arms  against  this 
State,  and  hath  thereby  not  only  called  on  us  to  repent  sin- 
cerely of  our  sins  but  manfully  to  maintain  those  inestima- 
ble privileges  which  he  hath  graciously  been  pleased  to  be 
stow,  and  will,  as  we  firmly  hope  mercifully  continue  to  us, 
if  we  are  not  wanting  to  ourselves  :  And  whereas  it  hath 
been  represented  to  this  Council,  that  many  able  bodied  men 
withdrew  themselves  from  the  service  of  their  country  under 
the  exemption  grant  by  the  militia  law  and  refuse  to  con- 
tribute any  thing  to  the  expense  of  such  as  go  into  actual 
service  :  Therefore 

Resolved,  That  upon  any  future  drafts  from  the  militia, 
all  persons  below  the  age  of  sixty  years  as  well  such  as 
are  exempt  by  office  or  profession  as  otherwise;  and  all 
who  have  heretofore  borne  commissions,  (except  such  as 
are  hereafter  excepted)  shall  be  forthwith  enrolled  with 
the  captains  of  the  company  in  whose  beat  they  reside  ; 
and  that  previous  to  such  draft,  the  field  officers  of  the  re- 
giment to  which  such  exempts  belong,  shall  chose  two  sub- 
stantial freeholders  out  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  the 
said  regiment ;  who,  in  case  of  any  disagreement,  may 
choose  a  third,  to  be  assessors  of  the  said  regiment ;  which 
said  assessors  having  taken  an  oath  before  the  officers 
commanding  the  regiment  to  act  with  justice  and  impar- 
tiality shall  before  any  draft  made,  assess  the  said  exempts 
for  their  personal  service,  in  proportion  to  the  value  of  that 
personal  service  and  their  estates.  Provided  that  such  as- 
sessment shall  not  exceed  ten  dollars  for  every  month  for 
which  such  militia  shall  be  drafted,  nor  less  than  one 
dollar  per  month ;  which  money  so  assessed  shall,  if  un- 
paid after  notice  given  be  levied  in  like  manner  as  the 
fines  of  each  regiment  are,  and  given  as  a  bounty  to 
such  of  the  regiment  as  enter  into  the  service  for  the  time 
for  which  such  draft  is  ordered  to  be  made. 

Provided  nevertheless,  if  any  exempt  shall  prefer  stand- 
ing his  draft  to  paying  the  sum  assessed,  it  shall  be  at 
his  option  so  to  do,  and  in  case  of  his  being  drafted,  he 
shall  go  into  actual  service  or  find  a  person  to  serve  in  his 
stead. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  resolutions  shall  not  extend 
to  such  persons  as  shall  have  procured  a  soldier  to  enlist  in 
either  of  the  Continental  battalions  directed  to  be  raised  in 
this  State  agreeable  to  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Conven- 
tion, of  the  third  day  of  April  last,  or  the  several  resolu- 
tions of  this  Council  continuing  the  same,  nor  to  members 
of  the  Legislature  or  their  necessary  officers,  nor  to  judges, 
justices  and  the  sheriffs  who  have  qualified  under  the  pre- 
sent constitution,  nor  to  ministers  of  the  gospel,  nor  to  the 
chairman  and  two  members  of  the  county  committee  to  be 
chosen  either  by  vote  of  the  said  committee  or  by  lot,  nor  to 


the  chairman  and  two  members  of  every  precinct  or  district 
committee  to  be  chosen  in  like  manner,  who  are  hereby 
empowered  to  act  in  case  the  other  members  of  such  com- 
mittee should  be  drafted  in  like  manner  as  if  they  were 
the  majority  of  such  committee,  nor  to  infirm  men  whose 
estates  do  not  exceed  the  value  of  two  hundred  pounds,  lo 
be  determined  by  the  said  assessors. 

It  is  nevertheless  earnestly  recommended  to  all  those 
who  are  by  their  civil  appointments  prevented  from  render- 
ing personal  services  in  a  military  line,  to  encourage  the 
draft  by  generous  contributions  in  like  manner  as  if  they 
had  been  actually  assessed. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  resolutions  shall  continue  in 
force  until  twenty  days  after  the  meeting  of  the  future  Le- 
gislature, unless  sooner  repealed. 

And  whereas  many  exempts  and  officers  who  have  here- 
tofore borne  commissions  in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  have 
voluntarily  associated  themselves  for  the  defence  of  Ameri- 
can liberty. 

Resolved,  That  such  of  the  said  exempts  as  choose  to 
render  personal  service,  shall  be  permitted  to  go  out  with 
the  militia,  under  the  command  of  such  officers  as  they 
shall  have  chosen,  notwithstanding  any  assessment  which 
may  have  been  made  upon  them  in  the  regiment  in  which 
they  are  enrolled  by  virtue  of  the  above  resolutions,  and 
in  case  any  of  the  said  exempts  shall  rather  choose  to  pay 
the  said  sum  so  as  above  assessed,  it  shall  be  paid  in  like 
manner  as  if  they  had  not  associated  to  the  use  of  the  re- 
giments in  which  he  or  they  are  enrolled  as  above. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Holt  immediately  print  two  hundred 
copies  thereof. 

General  Scott  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  in  pursu- 
ance of  their  conference  with  the  Governor,  reported  the 
following  resolutions,  which  were  read  by  paragraphs  and 
unanimously  agreed  to,  vizt : 

Whereas  the  Honourable  the  Congress,  His  Excellency 
General  Washington  and  the  Honourable  Major-General 
Schuyler,  have  made  requisitions  from  the  militia  of  this 
State  to  reinforce  the  army  on  the  northern  frontiers  and 
the  garrisons  of  the  fortresses  in  the  Highlands, 

Resolved,  That  Continental  pay  and  rations  be  advanced 
on  behalf  of  the  Continent,  to  all  such  militia  as  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor  shall  think  proper  to  call  out  incon- 
sequence of  the  above  requisitions. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  be  empow- 
ered to  draw  upon  the  treasury  of  this  State  for  any  sum 
not  exceeding  three  thousand  pounds,  in  order  to  answer 
the  present  exigencies  of  the  State,  and  to  account  for 
the  same  with  the  Legislature  thereof. 

Captain  Schoonmaker,  at  his  request  being  admitted, 
informed  the  Council,  that  by  order  of  Colonel  Hornebeck, 
fifteen  men  of  his  regiment  are  arrived  at  this  place  to  con- 
tinue the  guard  at  Kingston,  in  obedience  to  an  order  of 
this  Council.  Captain  Schoonmaker  further  informed  the 
Council  that  he  has  thirty  men  in  his  company  to  keep  the 
said  guard  :  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  militia  of  Colonel  Hornebeck's 
regiment  be  discharged,  and  that  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of 
the  Secretaries,  inform  Colonel  Hornbeck  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Elmendorph  that  Captain  Schoonmaker's  company 
is  sufficient  for  that  guard  at  present,  and  that  therefore 
their  regiments  are  excused  from  furnishing  any  men  for 
that  purpose  until  further  order. 

Mr.  Piatt  produced  an  account  of  Elias  Hasbrouck, 
amounting  to  four  pounds  and  four  pence,  for  provisions 
furnished  to  Captain  Castle,  on  board  of  the  sloop  Camden, 
on  the  fifth  day  of  June  last,  for  the  support  of  the  prison- 
ers in  the  Fleet  prison. 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  E.  Elmendorph  pay  to  the 
said  Elias  Hasbrouck  the  said  four  pounds  and  four  pence, 
taking  a  receipt  for  the  same,  and  charge  the  State  there- 
with in  his  accounts  as  commissary  for  the  said  prison. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  having  lately  waited  on  His 
Excellency  General  Washington  by  order  of  this  Council, 


1024 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


lo  advise  wilh  His  Excellency  relative  to  the  aids  neces- 
sary for  the  army  in  the  northern  department,  whereby  he 
has  expended  five  pounds  sixteen  shillings. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Robt.  R.  Livingston  the  sum  of  five  pounds  sixteen 
shillings,  for  his  disbursements  expended  for  the  mainte- 
nance of  Johannes  Frear,  his  attendant,  and  himself,  while 
on  that  service. 

A  letter  from  Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  Auditor-General, 
relative  to  the  several  sums  of  money  due  to  the  State  and 
unaccounted  for,  was  read.  He  thereby  assigns  the  rea- 
sons why  the  public  accounts  are  unsettled,  and  enclosed 
a  list  and  account  of  the  arms  and  accoutrements  delivered 
to  the  several  regiments  which  were  raised  and  served  in 
this  Slate  during  last  campaign. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  and  enclosures  be  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Piatt  and  Major  Tappen,  to  report  thereon. 

A  letter  from  Philip  Brooks,  now  a  prisoner  at  Kingston, 
to  his  wife  Elizabeth,  was  delivered  to  the  Council,  to  be 
perused  for  their  consent  to  have  it  forwarded. 

The  Council  determined  that  the  said  letter  is  impudent, 
and  contains  several  falsehoods. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  filed  with  the  Secretaries. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Henry  Benson  attend  the  Coun- 
cil to-morrow,  or  as  soon  as  he  shall  have  received  notice  ; 
and  that  the  Secretary  send  him  notice  thereof. 

Adjourned  till  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  1,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Major  Tapper),  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harpur. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr.  dated  yesterday, 
sent  by  express,  accompanying  a  letter  from  Colo.  Peter 
R.  Livingston,  dated  Hartford,  the  twenty-ninth  July  ult. 
was  received  and  read. 

The  following  letter  to  Govr.  Trumbull  was  read  and 
agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Kingston,  August  1st,  1777. 

"  Sir — It  gives  us  pain  at  this  critical  and  alarming  sea- 
son, to  trouble  you  with  private  cases  ;  but  it  is  the  duty 
of  this  Council  at  all  times  to  extend  their  protection  to  the 
good  subjects  of  this  State.  Mr.  Comfort  Sands,  our  Au- 
ditor-General, has,  in  behalf  of  himself,  Mr.  Peter  Van- 
dervoort,  Colonel  Joseph  Drake  and  Mr.  Richardson  Sands, 
all  subjects  of  this  State,  made  application  to  us  for  the 
interposition  of  this  Council,  concerning  a  quantity  of  su- 
gars, their  property,  detained  in  the  State  of  Connecticut. 
From  his  information,  their  case  is  as  follows  : 

"  In  the  months  of  October  and  November  last,  those 
gentlemen  purchased  80  hhds.  of  sugar  at  Providence,  in 
the  State  of  Rhode- Island,  which,  at  the  time  of  the  ene- 
my's descent  on  that  island,  they  transported  to  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  with  intent  to  import  them  by  land  into  this 
State.  Soon  after  the  importations  of  those  sugars  into 
Connecticut,  a  law  was  passed  in  your  State  to  prevent  the 
exportation  of  West  India  goods,  without  a  special  permit 
from  the  Governor.  We  are  further  informed  by  those 
gentlemen,  that  some  time  since  they  obtained  a  permit  to 
convey  their  whole  quantity  of  sugars  out  of  the  State  of 
Connecticut.  That  in  consequence  of  such  permit  they 
did  export  a  part  of  them,  and  that  in  attempting  to  export 
three  hhds.  and  one  tierce,  that  quantity  was  seized  by  the 
sheriff  of  Hartford,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  in  your  state. 
They  further  allege  that  they  have  been  offered  for  their 
sugar  £3  6s.  lawful ;  the  price  limited  by  a  law  of  your 
State,  a  price  which  they  say  is  greatly  below  the  first  cost. 

"  The  aforesaid  gentlemen  are  all  refugees  from  different 
parts  of  this  State  which  are  in  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 


and  those  of  them  who  reside  in  your  State,  cannot  be  con- 
sidered as  voluntary  residents  ;  and  in  this  view  are  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  except  that  of  a  temporary  allegiance 
to  Connecticut,  subjects  to  this  State.  We  flatter  ourselves 
that  our  brethren  of  Connecticut  feel  for  the  calamities  of 
the  subjects  of  this  State  too  sensibly  to  add  to  their  dis- 
tress. Be  pleased,  sir,  to  consider,  that  by  whatever  laws 
the  wisdom  of  your  government  may  think  it  necessary  to 
bind  the  proper  subjects  of  your  State,  great  indulgences 
ought  to  be  allowed  to  our  much  distressed  and  unhappy 
subjects.  Excluded  as  we  are  from  the  benefit  of  the  sea- 
port towns  of  this  State  by  an  unrelenting  enemy,  who 
have  made  New-York  the  seat  of  war,  our  sister  States 
afford  the  only  passage  for  the  introduction  of  foreign  ne- 
cessaries into  this  State. 

"  If  therefore,  sir,  the  laws  of  your  State  should  be  so 
framed  as  by  their  letter  to  prevent  the  exportation  of  those 
necessaries  acquired  by  our  subjects  out  of  your  State,  we 
hope  you  will  interpose  with  your  Legislature  and  endea- 
vour to  procure  an  exemption  in  favour  of  the  subjects  of 
this  State  to  the  end  that  the  only  channel  of  necessary  im- 
ports may  not  be  shut  up  against  us. 

"  We  are  sir,  with  the  greatest  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servants. 

"  By  order  of  the  Council. 
"  His  Excy.  Govr.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  1'hat  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Prest. 

Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine,  General 
Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston. 

A'letter  from  the  committees  of  Albany,  dated  the  thirty- 
first  July,  informing  of  their  apprehensions  of  the  enemy's 
approaching  Fort  Schuyler,  and  requesting  a  reinforcement 
of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Dutchess,  and  enclosing  an  ex- 
tract of  a  letter  from  Colonel  Gansevoort  to  Colonel  Van 
Schaick,  dated  Fort  Schuyler,  July  the  twenty-eight,  and 
a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Thomas  Spencer,  at  Oneida,  re- 
lative to  the  disposition  of  the  Indians,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  31st  July,  177.  I 
"  Sir — From  the  enclosed  advices  you  will  be  informed 
that  the  enemy  are  approaching  towards  Fort  Schuyler.  It 
gives  us  pain  to  observe  to  you  that  it  is  our  opinion  our 
forces  in  either  the  northern  and  western  communications 
are  inadequate  to  oppose  the  numbers  that  are  advancing 
against  them.  Gen.  Schuyler  has  wilh  him  1,000  of  the  mili- 
tia of  this  county,  as  great  a  number  as  can  be  sent,  allow- 
ing a  small  part  to  gather  in  the  harvest.  Those  that  are  in 
the  service,  and  the  disaffected,  makes  a  considerable  part 
of  our  county.  The  greatest  part  of  the  militia  from  the 
eastward  that  agreed  to  stay  with  the  General  have  since 
deserted. 

"  The  ravages  committed  by  the  enemy,  without  respect 
to  persons,  sex  or  age,  make  our  situation  truly  deplorable. 
If  some  of  the  militia  from  Ulster  or  Dutchess  counties 
were  sent,  it  would  be  of  infinite  service. 

"  We  are  sir,  with  respect, 

"  Your  very  hum.  servts. 
"  By  order,         JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Honble.  tlte  President 

of  the  Council  of  Safety.'' 
Extract  of  a  letter  from  Colo.  Gansevoort,  to  Colo.  Van 
Schaick,  dated  Fort  Schuyler,  28th  July,  1777. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1025 


"  Dear  Sir — Yesterday  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 
our  garrison  was  alarmed  with  the  firing  of  four  guns.  A 
party  of  men  was  instantly  despatched  to  the  place  where 
the  guns  were  fired,  which  was  in  the  edge  of  the  woods, 
about  500  yards  from  the  fort ;  but  they  were  too  late.  The 
villains  were  fled,  after  having  shot  three  girls,  who  were 
out  picking  raspberries,  two  of  whom  were  lying  scalped 
and  tomahawked  ;  one  dead  and  the  other  expiring,  who 
died  in  about  half  an  hour  after  she  was  brought  home. 
The  third  had  two  balls  through  her  shoulder,  but  made 
out  to  make  her  escape.  Her  wounds  are  not  thought  dan- 
gerous ;  but  by  the  best  discoveries  we  have  made,  there 
were  four  Indians  who  perpetrated  these  murders. 

"  I  had  four  men  with  arms  just  passed  that  place,  but 
these  mercenaries  of  Britain  come  not  to  fight,  but  to  lie 
in  wait  to  murder;  and  it  is  equally  the  same  to  them,  if 
they  can  get  a  scalp,  whether  it  is  from  a  soldier  or  an 
innocent  babe. 

"  I  was  this  day  informed  by  an  Oneida  chief,  who  has 
lately  been  to  Canada,  by  the  Honourable  Major-General 
Schuyler's  orders,  that  Colo.  Butler  is  at  Oswego  with  500 
Indians,  and  that  Sir  John  Johnson  is  just  at  the  other  side 
of  Oswego  with  1,000  men,  consisting  of  regular  troops, 
and  the  remainder  Canadians  and  tories;  and  that  Sir  John 
had  sent  orders  to  Colo.  Butler  to  send  off  130  Indians 
from  Oswego,  to  stop  the  communication  ;  and  the  main 
army  under  the  command  of  Sir  John,  would  pay  us  a 
visit  in  eight  days'  time.  Sir  John  gives  the  Indians  the 
fullest  assurance,  that  when  he  makes  his  appearance  be- 
fore this  garrison,  that  we  will  run  off  and  leave  our  post. 
I  doubt  not  but  he  will  find  himself  greatly  mistaken  ; 
and  I  trust  we  will  be  able  to  give  him  such  a  warm  recep- 
tion, that  he  will  give  up  all  hopes  of  ever  seeing  his  old 
habitation. 

"  Agreeable  to  your  orders,  we  have  obstructed  Wood 
creek. 

(<  Yours  &c. 
"  PETER  GANSEVOORT." 

Another  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  yes- 
terday, was  received,  read,  and  follows  in  these  words,  to 
wit  : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  1st  August,  1777. 
"  Hond.  Sir — The  enemy  are  now  at  Fort  Edward, 
with  their  main  body ;  our  army  has  retreated  to  Saratoga. 
The  committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  presence  of  the 
Council  of  Safety  here,  would  be  of  infinite  service  to  the 
great  cause  in  which  we  are  embarked,  as  it  would  awe 
the  disaffected,  and  animate  the  timid,  and  that  they  will 
have  it  in  their  power  more  effectually  to  raise  the  strength 
of  the  country,  and  procure  assistance  from  the  neighbour- 
ing States  to  reinforce  our  army. 

"  If  the  Council  of  Safety  should  coincide  in  this  opi- 
nion, which  is  the  sincere  wish  of  this  committee,  I  am 
ordered  earnestly  to  request  their  presence  here  with  all 
possible  despatch. 

"  I  am,  Hon.  sir,  your  most  obt.  hum.  servt 

"  By  order. 
"  JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 
"  The  Honble.  the  President 

of  the  Council  of  Safety." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  do  immediately  wait  upon 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  with  the  said  letter. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  in  answer 
to  theirs  received  this  day,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — In  answer  to  yours  of  the  thirty-first  ultimo  and 
yesterday,  I  am  directed  to  acquaint  you  that  since  the 
Governor  has  been  qualified,  the  executive  powers  of  the 
State  are  vested  in  him  by  the  constitution  ;  therefore,  that 
to  him  alone  all  applications  respecting  the  militia  should 
be  made. 

"  Your  letters  have  been  laid  before  him,  and  he  has 
informed,  us  that  he  has  taken  the  necessary  steps  to  raise  I 

257 


and  forward  the  militia  in  the  most  expeditious  manner  in 
his  power. 

"  The  Council  having  no  executive  powers,  could  be  of 

no  use  to  you  by  removing  to  Albany. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
"  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  Chairman  of  the 

Committee  of  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted  by  express. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  do  em- 
ploy all  the  armourers  in  this  town,  to  repair  all  the  arms 
in  his  custody,  without  delay  ;  and  also  to  continue  making 
cartridges  of  different  sizes  until  further  order. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  4  ho.  P.  M. 


DIE  SOLIS,  4  ho.  p.  m. 

August  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper. 

For  the  want  of  the  President,  (who  being  prevented  by 
the  rain  from  crossing  the  river,)  the  members  present 
adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Major  Tappen,  Colonel  De  Witt,  General  Scolt. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  the  first 
day  of  August  instant,  at  Saratoga,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  Thomas  Spencer,  dated  at  Oneida,  July  the 
twenty-ninth,  were  respectively  read,  and  follows  in  these 
words,  vizt : 

"  Saratoga,  August  1,  1777. 

"  Sir — The  letter,  of  which  the  enclosed  is  a  copy,  I 
received  a  few  moments  ago,  with  a  large  belt  of  wampum, 
from  the  Indians  by  express.  The  troops  under  my  imme- 
diate command,  are  already  too  weak  to  maintain  our 
ground  against  Burgoyne  ;  and  should  I  detach  any  to 
oppose  the  enemy  expected  from  the  westward,  it  would 
involve  the  army  in  this  quarter  in  additional  difficulties, 
and  God  knows  we  have  a  large  share  already. 

"  I  have  desired  Colonel  Van  Schaick  to  apply  for  all  the 
militia  of  Schoharie,  Duanesburgh,  Schenectady  and  Tryon 
county,  that  can  be  collected ;  but  I  foresee  that  nothing 
will  be  effected,  unless  a  committee  of  your  Body  is  de- 
puted to  repair  to  Albany.  Give  me  leave,  therefore,  most 
earnestly  to  beg  that  measures  may  be  immediately  adopt- 
ed, as  the  greatest  exertions  are  requisite  to  baffle  the 
efforts  of  the  enemy,  and  to  prevent  them  from  possessing 
themselves  of  this  State. 

"  Yesterday,  by  the  unanimous  advice  of  the  general 
officers,  I  moved  the  army  to  this  place,  as  the  ground  we 
occupied  was  too  extensive  for  the  troops  we  have,  nor  was 
it  possible  to  contract  them  without  exposing  us  to  imme- 
diate ruin. 

"  I  have  been  on  horseback  all  day  reconnoitering  the 
country  for  a  place  to  encamp  on,  that  will  give  us  a 
chance  of  stopping  the  enemy's  career.  I  have  not  yet 
been  able  to  find  a  spot  that  has  the  least  prospect  of  an- 
swering the  purpose,  and  I  believe  you  will  soon  learn  that 
we  are  retired  still  further  south. 

"  Yesterday  I  was  honoured  with  your  letter  of  the  28th 
July,  enclosing  sundry  papers.    I  am  very  apprehensive 


102G 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


that  a  systematical  submission  will  take  place  in  this  quar- 
ter of  the  country,  for  nothing  can  equal  the  consternation 
of  the  people.  The  militia  are  daily  decreasing,  and  I 
have  no  prospect  of  a  reinforcement  from  any  of  the  eastern 
Stales.  I  wish  I  could  say  that  the  troops  under  my  com- 
mand were  in  good  spirits;  they  are  quite  otherwise.  Under 
these  disagreeable  circumstances,  the  enemy  are  acquiring 
strength  and  advancing. 

"  I  doubt  not  but  the  Council  of  Safety  will  make  the 
utmost  exertions  to  afford  me  succour.  I  wish  they  may 
be  such  as  to  enable  me  to  face  the  enemy  in  the  field. 

"  Should  we  be  rendered  capable  of  giving  them  a  check 
before  any  attempt  is  made  on  the  Mohawk  river,  I  trust 
they  would  soon  be  ruined.  I  am  not  without  hopes  on 
this  head. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  The  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  &c.  &c." 

"  Oneida,  July  29th,  1777. 

"  Sir — At  a  meeting  of  the  chiefs,  they  tell  me  that 
there  is  but  four  days  remaining  of  the  lime  set  for  the 
King's  troops  to  come  to  Fort  Schuyler ;  and  they  think  it 
likely  they  will  be  here  sooner.    The  chiefs  desire  the 
commanding  officers  of  Fort  Schuyler  to  exert  themselves 
in  their  defence — not  make  a  Ticonderoga  of  it ;  but  they 
hope  you  will  be  courageous.  They  desire  General  Schuy- 
ler may  have  this  with  speed,  and  send  a  good  army  here ; 
there  is  nothing  to  do  at  New-York;  we  think  there  are 
men  to  be  spared.    We  expect  the  road  is  stopped  to  the 
inhabitants  by  a  party  through  the  woods.   We  shall  be  sur- 
rounded as  soon  as  they  come.    This  may  be  our  last  ad- 
vise, as  these  soldiers  are  part  of  those  that  are  to  hold  a 
treaty.    Send  this  to  the  committee.    As  soon  as  they  re- 
ceive it  let  the  militia  rise  up  and  come  to  Fort  Schuyler. 
To-morrow  we  are  going  to  the  Three  Rivers  to  the  treaty. 
We  expect  to  meet  the  warriors  ;  and  when  we  come  there 
and  declare  we  are  for  peace,  we  expect  to  be  used  with 
indifference,  and  sent  away.    Let  all  the  troops  that  come 
to  Fort  Schuyler  take  care  on  their  march,  as  there  is  a 
party  of  Indians  to  stop  the  road  below  the  fort,  about  80 
or  100.    We  hear  they  are  to  bring  their  cannon  up  the 
creek.  We  hear  there  are  one  thousand  going  to  meet  the 
enemy.  We  advise  not.  The  army  is  too  large  for  so  few 
men  to  defend  the  fort.    We  send  a  belt  of  eight  rows  to 
confirm  the  truth  of  what  we  say.    It  looks  likely  to  me 
the  troops  are  near.    I  hope  all  friends  to  liberty,  and  that 
love  their  families,  will  not  be  backward,  but  exert  them- 
selves, as  one  resolute  blow  would  secure  the  friendship  of 
the  Six  Nations,  and  almost  free  this  part  of  the  country 
from  the  excursions  of  the  enemy. 

"  Your  verv  humble  servant  and  well  wisher, 

"THOS.  SPENCER. 

"  To  the  officers  of  Fort  Schuyler  and 
the  committee  on  Mohawk  river,  so 
on  to  Genl.  Schuyler. 

"  (Copy.)" 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  upon  His  Excellen- 
cy the  Governor,  with  the  said  letter  and  enclosures. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  do  immediately 
make  return  to  this  Board  of  his  company,  as  well  officers 
as  men,  together  with  the  times  of  their  respective  enlist- 
ments ;  and  that  he  cause  such  of  them  as  are  not  on  duty, 
to  be  paraded  at  the  court  house  at  six  o'clock  this  after- 
noon, rendering  an  account  of  such  as  do  not  appear. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Lvnje,  4  ho  P.  M.  August  4,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  Dewitt,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

On  reading  a  letter  from  Thaddeus  Crane,  Esquire,  in- 
forming that  he  received  a  wound  in  repulsing  the  enemy 


at  Ridgficld,  on  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  April  last,  which 
confined  him  to  his  bed  for  a  long  time,  by  which  he  was 
put  to  great  expense  and  loss  of  time,  and  desiring  to 
know  from  the  Council  whether  he  is  to  receive  any  wages 
or  relief,  and  where  to  apply  for  the  same  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  inform  Mr.  Crane  that 
the  Council  are  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  improper  to 
enter  into  the  consideration  of  his  case  at  present,  as, 
without  doubt,  there  are  many  others  in  the  like  circum- 
stances, and  therefore  recommend  it  to  him  to  lay  his  case 
before  the  Legislature  at  their  first  meeting. 

Captain  Schoonmaker,  according  to  order,  delivered  in 
a  return  of  his  company,  which  was  paraded  at  the  court 
house,  by  which  it  appears  that  there  are  twelve  men  en- 
listed in  the  said  company  more  than  is  directed  by  the  re- 
solutions of  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  do  discharge  such 
of  his  men  as  have  been  enlisted  since  the  complement  of 
the  said  company  was  completed. 

A  letter  from  Major  John  Wheelock,  dated  at  North- 
field,  July  the  twenty-fourth,  directed  to  the  Honourable 
John  Jay,  RobertR.  Livingston  andGouverneur  Morris,  was 
read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  vizt : 

"  Northfield,  24th  July,  1777. 

"  Sirs — Permit  me  to  recommend  to  your  Honours' 
notice  Captain  Samuel  Paine,  whom  I  have  the  pleasure 
to  meet  here  this  morning  on  his  way  to  Kingston  with 
some  of  ihe  men  under  his  command.  He  will  be  able  to 
inform  you  of  the  state  of  that  country  and  my  corps. 

"  By  some  misfortune,  the  soldiers  at  Fishkill  got  dis- 
persed, contrary  to  my  express  order,  but  are  now  chiefly 
returning  to  their  duty  ;  of  all  which  I  shall  be  able  to  in- 
form as  soon  as  the  truth  can  be  obtained.  It  is  my  steady 
and  highest  ambition  to  discharge  every  trust  reposed  in 
me  so  as  to  merit  your  satisfaction,  and  approbation  of 
the  Legislature. 

"  With  great  respect,  I  am,  sirs, 
"  Your  Honours'  most  devoted  and  very  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  WHEELOCK. 

"  The  Honourable  J.  Jay,  R.  R.  Livingston, 

and  Gr.  Morris." 

Major  Van  Zandt  informed  the  Council  that  Lieutenant 
Connely,  a  recruiting  officer,  did,  without  the  leave  of  this 
Council  or  the  committee  for  superintending  the  Fleet 
prison,  go  on  board  the  said  prison  and  enlist  a  certain 
Lawrence  Vosburgh,  then  a  prisoner  confined  there  ;  that 
the  said  Lawrence  Vosburgh  was,  by  order  of  the  Council, 
afterwards  discharged  from  his  said  confinement  and  per- 
mitted to  go  at  large  ;  that  the  said  lieutenant  does  now 
claim  the  said  Lawrence  Vosburgh  as  his  recruit. 

Major  Van  Zandt  moved  for  the  sense  of  the  Council, 
whether  the  said  lieutenant,  under  the  circumstances  above 
mentioned,  ought,  of  right,  to  claim  the  said  Lawrence 
Vosburgh  as  his  recruit. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Lieutenant  Conely  has  no  right 
to  claim  the  said  Lawrence  Vosburgh  as  his  recruit. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a  m. 

August  5,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen, 
Major  Van  Zandl,  General  Scott. 

For  want  of  another  member  to  form  a  quorum,  the 
members  present  adjourned  until  three  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1027 


Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  5,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
General  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Bloom,  of  Nine  Partners,  in  Dutch- 
ess county,  dated  the  fourth  instant,  was  read.  He  thereby 
gives  the  character  of  Dirck  Doty,  lately  confined  in 
Kingston  jail. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  and  delivered 
to  the  committee  of  Kingston,  by  whom  the  said  Dirck  Doty 
was  committed. 

A  message  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  was 
read,  and  follows,  in  these  words,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — As  the  public  emergencies  render  the 
meetingof  the  Legislature  of  the  State  at  this  time  extremely 
inexpedient,  as  will  appear  in  some  measure  by  the  papers 
herewith  delivered  you,  I  think  it  advisable  to  prorogue 
the  Senate  and  Assembly  until  the  20th  instant ;  but  as 
this  can  not  be  done  in  the  accustomed  form,  for  want  of  a 
great  seal,  I  wish  to  have  the  sentiments  and  advice  of 
your  Honourable  Board,  on  the  propriety  under  those  cir- 
cumstances, of  proroguing  the  Senate  and  Assembly  by 
proclamation,  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  arms. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  Kingston,  5th  August,  1777." 

The  copy  of  General  Washington's  letter  therein  en- 
closed, was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words,  vizt  : 

"  Chester,  1st  Aug.  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — I  had  proceeded  thus  far  in  order  to  look 
out  for  a  proper  place  to  arrange  the  army,  when  I  received 
the  provoking  account,  that  the  enemy's  fleet  left  the  Capes 
of  Delaware  yesterday,  and  steered  eastward  again.  I  shall 
return  again  with  the  utmost  expedition  to  the  North  river ; 
but  as  a  sudden  stroke  is  certainly  intended  by  this  ma- 
noeuvre, I  beg  you  will  immediately  call  in  every  man  of 
the  militia  that  you  possibly  can,  to  strengthen  the  High- 
land posts.  The  importance  of  Fort  Montgomery  is  such, 
that  I  wish  you  to  repair  immediately  to  it  if  you  possibly 
can,  consistent  with  the  duties  of  the  office  upon  which 
you  have  newly  entered. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  yr.  most  obd.  ser. 

"  GO.  WASHINGTON. 

"  Geo.  Clinton." 

The  copy  of  General  Putnam's  letter  therein  enclosed, 
was  also  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  viz  : 

"  Peekskill,  August  4th,  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — Last  night,  ten  o'clock,  I  received  a  letter 
from  General  Washington,  advising  that  the  enemy's  fleet 
left  the  Capes  of  Delaware  the  last  day  of  July,  8  o'clock 
in  the  morning,  and  that  they  are  undoubtedly  designed 
against  this  post,  directing  me  to  call  for  the  militia  from 
this  State  and  Connecticut  immediately  to  come  in.  I  sent 
off  to  Connecticut  about  three  o'clock  this  morning,  to 
Govr.  Trumbull,  Generals  Woolcot  and  Silliman;  and  what 
renders  the  point  clear,  is  their  having  so  many  troops  at 
King's  Bridge.  Three  hundred  horses  came  there  the  other 
day  from  Long  island,  with  horses  and  carriages,  and  great 
preparations  have  been  making  there,  as  though  some  impor- 
tant expedition  was  on  foot.  As  you  are  acquainted  with  all 
this  country,  and  can  render  infinite  service  by  being  pre- 
sent, I  must  entreat  you  to  come  immediately  down,  if  it 
may  possibly  consist  with  your  duty  as  Commander-in- 
Chief  of  the  State,  and  resume  your  old  post  for  a  short 
time,  and  call  all  the  militia  of  the  State  to  our  immediate 
assistance. 

"  I  am,  most  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedt.  humb.  servt. 

"  ISRAEL  PUTNAM. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

His  Excellency's  said  message  was  again  read,  and  taken 
into  consideration.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  though  this  Council  cannot  presume  to 


intermeddle  with  the  prorogation  itself,  yet  with  respect  to 
the  form  in  which  the  same  should  be  made,  it  is  their  sen- 
timents and  advice,  that  considering  the  necessity  of  the 
case,  His  Excellency  may  safely  make  the  prorogation 
aforesaid,  under  his  hand  and  seal  at  arms,  without  the 
danger  of  establishing  any  evil  precedent. 

An  application  from  Captain  Frederick  Schoonmaker, 
requesting  an  order  for  a  supply  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
cartridges  for  the  use  of  his  company,  for  which  he  will  be 
accountable,  was  received. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  commissary  of  military 
stores  of  this  State,  deliver  to  Captain  Frederick  Schoon- 
maker, seven  hundred  and  fifty  cartridges  for  the  use  of 
his  company,  taking  his  receipt,  to  be  accountable  for  the 
expenditure  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Cornelius  E.  Elmendorph,  as  commis- 
sary, sell  and  dispose  of  the  hides  and  tallow  of  the  cattle 
killed  for  the  support  of  the  prisoners,  and  credit  the  same, 
with  the  amount  thereof,  in  his  accounts. 

A  petition  of  Israel  Green  and  Israel  Duel,  requesting 
the  discharge  of  Joshua  Haight,  Benjamin  Jacocks,  Zo- 
phar  Green,  Jonathan  Dean,  Trip  Mosher  and  Paul  Up- 
ton, of  the  people  called  Quakers,  now  in  the  Fleet  prison, 
was  read. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  David  Southerland,  informing  that 
the  said  Quakers  reside  in  his  regiment,  and  that  he  will 
see  them  forthcoming  when  called  for,  was  read. 

A  letter  from  Melancton  Smith  to  Peter  Cantine,  giving 
his  opinion  that  they  may  be  discharged,  with  a  memoran- 
dum of  Peter  Cantine  to  the  same  purpose,  was  also  read. 

A  letter  from  Wheeler  Case  to  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esqr. 
making  the  same  request,  was  also  read. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Harper,  seconded  by  Mr.  Tredwell, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Joshua  Haight,  Benjamin  Ja- 
cocks, Zophar  Green,  Jonathan  Dean,  Trip  Mosher  and 
Paul  Upton,  be  discharged  from  their  confinement  on  tak- 
ing an  affirmation  of  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New- 
York,  and  paying  all  fees  and  expenses  accrued  or  occa- 
sioned by  their  commitment  and  support. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  a  par- 
don to  Andrew  Keyser,  and  if  Andreies  Keyser  should 
enlist  in  the  Continental  service,  that  the  officer  with  whom 
he  shall  enlist,  do  not  give  any  certificate  to  excuse  any 
person  thereby  from  military  duty,  and  that  no  other  per- 
son of  the  militia  shall  by  the  service  of  the  said  Andries 
Keyser  in  the  Continental  army,  be  excused  from  military 
duty,  or  from  detachment  in  the  militia. 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  an  express  be  sent  for  Messrs.  Robert 
R.  Livingston  and  Gilbert  Livingston  to-morrow,  if  they 
or  one  of  them  should  not  arrive,  and  it  should  be  neces- 
sary to  form  a  quorum  of  this  Board. 

Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  brought  into 
Council,  His  Excellency  the  Governor's  Proclamation, 
proroguing  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  under  his  hand 
and  seal  at  arms,  which  was  so  issued  from  the  necessity 
of  the  case  and  for  want  of  a  great  seal  of  the  State. 
And  the  said  secretary  informed  the  Council  that  he  re- 
ceived the  said  Proclamation  from  His  Excellency,  who 
requested  that  it  may  be  filed  among  the  records  and  pa- 
pers of  this  Council ;  the  same  being  read,  is  in  the  words 
following,  vizt : 

"  By  His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esqr. 

r      ,   Governor  of  the  State  of  New-York,  General 

*■  '  '■'  and  Commander-in-Chief  of  all  the  Militia,  and 
Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the  same. 

"  A  Proclamation. 

"Whereas  the  public  emergencies  do  at  this  time  render 
a  meeting  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State  inexpedient,  I 
do  therefore  by  virtue  of  the  authority  reposed  in  me  by 
the  constitution  thereof,  prorogue  the  Senate  and  Assem- 
bly of  this  State,  until  the  twentieth  day  of  this  instant, 
August,  and  the  said  Senate  and  Assembly  are  hereby 


1028 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


prorogued  until  that  day,  of  which  the  people  of  this  State 
are  required  to  take  notice  and  govern  themselves  accor- 
dingly. 

"  Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  arms  at  Kingston, 
in  the  county  of  Ulster,  this  fifth  day  of  August  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
seven 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  By  His  Excellency's  command, 

"  Stephen  Lush,  Secry. 

"  God  save  the  People." 

Major  Tappen  informed  the  Council  of  Safety,  that  in 
obedience  to  their  order  of  the  ninth  of  July  last,  he  pur- 
chased two  horses  for  public  use,  for  express  riders  passing 
to  and  from  the  northern  to  the  southern  armies,  and  vice 
versa.  That  he  has  paid  for  one,  twenty-six  pounds  ;  and 
for  the  other,  twenty-nine  pounds  ;  and  for  shoeing  one  of 
them,  twelve  shillings. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  procure  the  said  horses 
to  be  kept  in  the  best  manner  at  public  expense.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Ma- 
jor Tappen  thirty-five  pounds  and  twelve  shillings  for  his 
disbursement  above  mentioned,  and  charge  the  same  to 
Continental  account. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  6,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Tappen, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

For  the  want  of  another  member  to  form  a  quorum,  the 
members  present  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  7,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbert  Li- 
vingston, Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr. 
Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Abraham  P.  Lott,  dated  Boston, 

July  the  twenty-second,  relative  to  the  disposition  of  the 

salt  by  him  purchased  on  account  of  this  State,  was  read, 

and 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  Mr.  Piatt 
and  Colonel  De  Witt ;  and  that  they  be  empowered  to  give 
Colonel  Lott  such  directions  as  may  be  necessary. 

An  account  of  John  R.  Livingston,  amounting  to  six 
hundred  and  thirty-five  pounds  thirteen  shillings,  for  bounty 
on  powder,  and  for  one  hundred  weight  of  powder  deliver- 
ed to  Mr.  John  Harper,  by  order  of  Convention,  for  the 
use  of  the  Onaghquaga  Indians,  manufactured  at  his  pow- 
der mill  in  Khinebeck  precinct,  was  presented  and  read. 

A  certificate  signed  by  John  Cantine  and  John  Welles, 
Esqrs.  commissioners  for  settling  the  accounts  of  the  north- 
ern department ;  that  there  is  lodged  in  their  office  receipts 
that  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  commissary  of  stores,  hath  re- 
ceived of  John  R.  Livingston,  the  quantity  of  gunpowder, 
as  charged  in  his  account  for  bounty.  Mr.  Livingston 
delivered  in  also  a  receipt  of  John  Harper,  for  the  one 
hundred  weight  of  gunpowder  delivered  to  Mr.  Harper. 
Mr.  Livingston  produced  his  affidavit  taken  before  Judge 
Wynkoop,  that  all  the  said  powder  as  charged  in  his  said 
account  was  manufactured  at  his  mill. 


Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General, to  be  by  him  audited  for  payment. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Stillwa- 
ter, August  the  fourth,  enclosing  a  copy  of  his  letter  to 
Congress,  was  read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Stilwater,  August  Alh,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  take  the  liberty  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  let- 
ter of  this  date,  which  I  have  done  myself  the  honour  to 
address  to  Congress.  The  Council  of  Safety  will  thereby 
see  the  alarming  situation  our  affairs  are  in  ;  and  I  trust 
they  will  continue  to  adopt  such  measures  as  will  tend  to 
preserve  the  State  from  the  ruin  with  which  it  is 
threatened. 

"  Perhaps,  if  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was  to  put 
himself  at  the  head  of  the  militia,  they  would  turn  out  in 
great  numbers,  and  afford  us  such  a  reinforcement  as  to 
enable  us  to  keep  our  ground  ;  and  if  the  eastern  States 
should  also  send  succours,  we  should  then  in  all  probability 
be  able  to  ruin  General  Burgoyne's  army  ;  for  if  he  should 
meet  with  a  repulse,  it  would  be  so  extremely  difficult  for 
him  to  retreat,  that  I  should  hope  a  very  considerable  part 
of  his  army  would  be  lost. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  respectfully, 

"  Your  obedient  humble  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Honourable  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

"  Stillwater,  August  4,  1777. 

"  Sir — By  the  unanimous  advice  of  all  the  general  offi- 
cers, I  have  moved  the  army  to  this  place.  Here  we  pro- 
pose to  fortify  a  camp,  in  expectation  that  reinforcements 
will  enable  us  to  keep  the  ground,  and  prevent  the  enemy 
from  penetrating  further.  I  wish  I  could  say  that  we  had 
any  prospect  of  such  reinforcements.  None  of  the  militia 
from  the  State  of  Massachusetts,  or  this  State  will  re- 
main with  me,  above  five  or  six  days  longer,  the  time  of  ser- 
vice for  which  Colo.  Long's  regiment  is  engaged  expires  on 
the  7th  insl.  This  diminution  with  what  we  sustain  by 
desertion,  sickness,  and  in  skirmishes  with  the  enemy,  will 
reduce  us  to  an  alarming  weakness. 

"  What  effect  my  repeated  application  to  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  will  have,  I  cannot  determine,  as  I  have  not 
yet  been  honoured  with  an  answer.  Governor  Trumbull 
informs  me  that  he  has  requested  General  Washington  to 
send  troops,  which  he  would  replace  ;  that  he  waits  his 
Excellency's  answer,  and  in  the  mean  time  has  ordered 
the  militia  brigadiers  to  draft  and  equip  the  men  ;  but  in 
what  numbers,  or  when  I  may  expect  them,  he  does  not 
advise  me  of.  I  am  equally  uncertain  whether  I  may  ex- 
pect any  from  this  State. 

"  It  is  a  melancholy  consideration,  that  whilst  our  force 
is  daily  diminishing,  the  enemy  increases  theirs  by  a  con- 
tinual acquisition  of  tories  in  very  considerable  numbers. 

"  It  is  impossible  at  present  to  procure  a  return,  but  I 
am  very  certain  we  have  not  above  four  thousand  Conti- 
nental troops — if  men,  one  third  of  which  are  negroes, 
boys  and  men  too  aged  for  field,  or  indeed  any  other  ser- 
vice, can  with  propriety  be  called  troops.  If  it  should  be 
asked  how  boys,  negroes  and  such  aged  men  came  to  be 
sent,  I  can  only  answer,  that  the  States  from  whence  these 
troops  are  come  may  possibly  determine  it.  The  fact  is 
as  I  have  stated  it — literally  so.  And  I  may  add  that  a 
very  great  part  of  the  army  took  the  field  in  a  manner 
naked,  without  blankets,  ill  armed,  and  very  deficient  in 
accoutrements,  and  still  continue  so  to  be,  without  a  pros- 
pect of  relief ;  and,  to  add  to  our  misfortunes,  many,  too 
many  of  our  officers  would  be  a  disgrace  to  the  most  con- 
temptible troops  that  were  ever  collected  ;  and  have  so  little 
sense  of  honour  that  cashiering  seems  no  punishment. 
They  have  stood  by  and  suffered  the  most  scandalous  de- 
predations to  be  committed  on  the  poor,  distressed,  ruined 
and  flying  inhabitants.  I  must  not,  however,  omit  saying 
that  we  have  many  officers  that  would  do  honour  to  the 
best  army  that  ever  took  the  field  ;  but  their  exertions  being 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1029 


counteracted  by  the  worthless,  it  is  impossible  for  them  to 
do  what  they  wish.  Perhaps  Congress  may  think  it  neces- 
sary to  invest  me  with  a  power  in  council  of  general  offi- 
cers to  suspend  officers  for  mal-conduct  until  the  pleasure 
of  Congress  is  known.  Should  that  power  be  conferred, 
and  I  receive  it  whilst  we  are  still  an  army,  it  is  possible 
that  we  may  continue  so  and  get  into  some  order. 

"  General  Burgoyne  is  at  Fort  Edward.  He  has  with- 
drawn his  troops  from  Castletown  and  is  bending  his  whole 
force  this  way.  He  will  probably  be  here  in  eight  days, 
and  unless  we  are  well  reinforced,  as  much  farther  as  he 
pleases  to  go. 

"  I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully, 

"Your  most  obdt.  hble.  servant, 
"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

(Copy.) 

"  The  Honble.  John  Hancock,  &c.  &c. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  immediately 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor. 

The  Secretary  brought  into  Council  a  copy  of  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor's  orders  for  a  detachment  of  light- 
horse  to  serve  as  riders  between  this  place  and  Head- 
Quarters  in  the  northern  department,  and  between  this 
place  and  Newburgh,  for  the  more  speedy  conveyance  of 
public  despatches. 

The  same  was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"Kingston,  General  Orders,  5thJlugt.  1777. 

"  Capt.  Salsbury,  of  the  Kingston  lighthorse,  is  to  fur- 
nish a  detachment  of  his  company,  to  consist  of  a  non- 
commissioned officer  and  six  privates,  to  be  stationed  at 
Kingston,  and  between  that  and  the  northern  army,  in  the 
most  convenient  manner,  to  serve  as  expresses  between 
the  northern  and  southern  armies  ;  their  particular  stations 
to  be  assigned  them  by  the  Council  of  Safety.  An  equal 
number  of  Capt.  Woodhull's  company  will  be  stationed  at 
Newburgh,  and  between  that  and  Fort  Montgomery,  and 
so  to  Head-Quarters,  in  order  that  the  earliest  advices  may 
be  communicated  to  either  department  of  the  army  and  to 
the  Council  of  Safety.  As  soon  as  the  particular  stations 
are  fixed  for  these  detachments,  His  Excellency  Genl. 
Washington  and  Genl.  Schuyler  are  to  be  advised  thereof. 
When  any  person  belonging  to  this  detachment  shall  be 
charged  with  despatches,  he  is  to  be  careful  to  deliver 
them  to  one  of  the  detachments  at  the  next  station,  to  be 
immediately  carried  forward.  And  if  at  any  time  the  per- 
son at  such  station  shall  be  absent,  the  person  possessed  of 
the  despatches  is  in  such  cases  to  proceed  without  delay 
to  the  next  station,  and  so  on  lill  he  shall  find  one  of  the 
party  to  take  charge  and  forward  the  same,  never  trusting 
them  out  of  his  possession,  but  with  one  of  the  party  whose 
duty  it  is  to  forward  them. 

"  Colos.  Pawling's,  Snyder's,  Graham's,  Freer's,  Hum- 
phrey's and  Southerland's  regiments,  are,  in  addition  to  the 
late  orders  given  them,  to  hold  themselves  in  perfect  readi- 
ness to  march  on  a  moment's  warning  ;  and  if  the  enemy 
should  approach  the  western  frontier  of  Ulster  county, 
Colo.  Pawling  will  send  out  proper  parties  to  prevent  their 
distressing  the  inhabitants,  to  be  detached  from  his  and 
Colo.  Snyder's  regiments,  for  which  purpose  the  frontier 
companies  of  Allison's  and  McClaghry's  regiments  are  also 
left  at  home. 

"  The  detachment  of  lighthorse  are  to  keep  exact  ac- 
counts of  their  necessary  extra  expenses,  that  the  same 
may  be  paid  them,  and  charged  to  the  public. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON." 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Yates  and  Major  Tappen 
be  a  committee,  with  full  power,  to  regulate  and  direct  the 
stages  of  the  lighthorse  (ordered  out  by  His  Excellency 
the  Governor)  between  this  place  and  Head-Quarters  in 
the  northern  department,  and  between  this  place  and  New- 
burgh, in  the  precinct  of  Newburgh  ;  and  that  the  said 
committee  be  empowered,  from  time  to  time,  to  give  further 
directions  in  the  premises  as  to  them  appears  necessary. 

258 


A  letter  from  Captain  John  Elmendorf,  was  read,  re- 
questing the  sense  of  the  Council  upon  the  two  following 
questions  : 

"  Whether  John  McClean,  the  express  rider,  ought  to 
be  considered  as  an  exempi,  by  the  late  resolutions  ? 

"  Whether  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph  is  considered  as  an 
exempt,  as  he  is  employed  as  commissary  to  the  Fleet 
prison  ?"  , 

The  following  answers  was  directed  to  be  given,  vizt : 

"  That  John  McClean  (as  a  messenger  of  this  Board) 
is  exempted  from  all  military  duty. 

"  That  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorf  is  not  exempted  from 
military  duty." 

A  letter  from  Christopher  Bancker,  setting  forth  his  rea- 
sons for  resigning  the  office  of  commissary  of  prisoners  of 
war  in  this  State,  and  recommending  his  brother  Abraham 
B.  Bancker  to  be  appointed  in  his  stead  ;  also  a  letter  from 
Abraham  B.  Bancker  soliciting  the  appointment,  were  read. 
Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Abraham  B.  Bancker  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  appointed  commissary  of  prisoners  of  war 
in  this  State,  vice  Christopher  Bancker  who  has  resigned  ; 
and  that  he  be  allowed  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  per 
annum  as  a  salary  for  the  said  office. 

The  petition  of  Peter  Lownderf  of  the  manor  Living- 
ston, confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  and  charged  with 
inimical  practices  against  the  State,  praying  to  be  discharg- 
ed from  confinement,  on  his  giving  bond,  with  Johannes 
Moore  as  his  surety  for  his  good  behaviour,  and  that  he 
will  appear  whenever  called  for,  was  read  and  filed.  And 
thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  he  be  liberated  on  giving  bond  in  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  with  the  surety  and  for  the 
purposes  contained  in  his  petition. 

A  letter  from  Ananias  Cooper,  Esqr.  at  Rhinebeck, 
dated  August  the  sixth,  informing  Council  that  he  has  ap- 
prehended and  sent  to  Council,  under  guard,  a  certain 
Thomas  Kelly,  as  a  person  suspected  of  being  a  spy  going 
to  General  Burgoyne,  was  read. 

The  following  letter  from  Jno.  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  was 
received  and  read  : 

"  Springfield,  August  2d,  1777. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  29lh  ult.  came  to  hand  last 
night,  and  am  very  sorry  to  learn  that  I  am  deprived  of  Mr. 
Morris's  assistance  in  this  business,  though  I  trust  there 
will  be  but  little  difficulty  in  settling  such  a  plan  as  shall 
put  our  finances  upon  a  respectable  fooling  ;  for  I  find  the 
gentlemen  here  are  unanimously  in  sentiment  with  us,  both 
with  respect  to  the  cause  and  remedy  of  the  evils  complain- 
ed of.  We  met  yesterday  and  entered  upon  the  subject  of 
money,  and  find  the  state  of  the  bills  of  credit  to  be  as  per 
the  enclosed  list.  It  is  proposed  to  take  them  immediately 
out  of  circulation  by  loan  ;  at  the  same  time  to  lay  a  heavy 
tax,  and  repeat  it  frequently  in  the  course  of  the  year  ;  that 
so,  if  possible,  we  may  raise  sufficient  for  the  support  of 
the  war.  The  digesting  this  business  into  form  will  proba- 
bly be  sufficient  employment  for  to-day.  The  other  matters 
will  be  attended  with  but  little  difficulty,  so  that  1  hope  to 
be  at  Kingston  by  the  last  of  next  week. 

"  I  shall  press  on  the  commissioners  the  necessity  of  re- 
inforcing the  northern  army  as  soon  as  they  meet  this 
morning  ;  but  there  is  such  a  spirit  of  discontent  raised,  by 
the  manner  in  which  the  fortifications  were  abandoned,  that 
the  people  will  not  go  to  the  field  with  their  usual  cheer- 
fulness. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect, 
"  Your  most  obdt.  hble.  servt. 

"JNO.  SLOSS  HOBART. 

"  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Amount  of  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  the  New-England 
States  and  the  State  of  New-York,  circulating,  and  not  upon 
interest,  viz: 


1030 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Massachuset's  Bay,   £470,042 

Connecticut,   210,000 

Rhode  Island   119,000 

New-York,  Yk.  mo.  250,000,    187,500 

New-Hampshire,   73.568 


£1,060,110 


A  letter  from  Thomas  Dearing  and  John  Foster,  Esqr. 
relative  to  the  accounts  of  sundry  persons  who  were  em- 
ployed in  bringing  off  the  inhabitants  of  Long  Island,  with 
their  effects,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  the  Auditor- 
General  of  accounts. 

Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  informed  the  Council,  that  the 
reason  of  his  non-attendance  on  Monday  last,  the  time  li- 
mited by  his  leave  of  absence,  was  want  of  health,  with 
which  reason  the  Council  acquiesced. 

The  Secretary,  according  to  order,  delivered  in  the  exa- 
mination, on  oath,  of  Thomas  Kelly,  which  was  read,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Ulster  county,  ss. — Thomas  Kelly,  being  duly  sworn 
on  the  Holy  Evangelist,  and  examined,  says,  that  he  was 
born,  (as  he  has  heard  and  believes,)  at  Bethune,  in  Artois, 
in  France,  of  parents  then  in  Lord  Dillon's  regiment,  in 
the  Irish  brigade,  in  the  service  of  the  crown  of  France  ; 
that  he  came  to  America  near  three  years  ago ;  that  he 
then  came  from  Londonderry,  in  Ireland,  to  Lancaster 
county,  in  Pennsylvania ;  that  he  was  a  servant  for  two 
years  and  two  months  in  Lancaster  county,  and  resided  in 
that  county  until  some  time  in  last  month  ;  that  he  left 
Lancaster  town  on  the  twenty-sixth  day  of  last  month  ;  that 
from  Lancaster  he  was  going  to  the  State  of  Jersey  to 
work  ;  that  he  proceeded  by  the  way  of  the  Sweed's 
ford,  Coryell's  ferry  and  Morris  Town  ;  that  in  Jersey  he 
was  recommended  by  a  person  (whose  name  he  did  not 
know,)  to  proceed  to  Livingston's  manor,  and  to  apply  to 
two  brothers  named  Philips,  at  Livingston's  furnace,  who 
might  recommend  him  to  employment ;  that  he  is  about 
thirty-seven  years  of  age,  and  had  not  any  other  purpose 
or  design  in  coming  into  the  State  of  New- York,  than  to 
find  steady  employment  and  wages  as  a  labourer  ;  that  he 
has  not  any  other  papers  than  four  now  produced,  vizt : 
No.  1,  a  certificate  of  his,  being  sworn  as  a  friend  to  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania.  No.  2,  a  memorandum  given  him 
jn  Jersey,  by  the  person  who  recommended  him  to  the 
Philips's,  to  be  delivered  to  them.  No.  3,  a  memorandum 
given  him  by  the  same  person,  of  the  road  he  was  to  travel 
to  Livingston's  manor ;  and  No.  4,  a  waste  paper  he  got 
from  the  same  person,  and  used  in  part  as  waste  paper  to 
light  his,  the  examinant's,  pipe. 

"THOMAS  KELLY. 
"  Sworn  and  examined  the  seventh  ) 
day  of  August,  1777,  by  J 

"  John  McKesson,  Secry." 
Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Kelly  be  confined  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison,  until  further  orders,  as  his  conduct 
and  reasons  assigned  for  coming  from  Pennsylvania  and 
going  to  the  manor  Livingston,  wear  a  very  suspicious 
aspect. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  6  ho.  P.  M.  August  7,  1777. 
The  Council  met  by  special  summons. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

A  letter  from  Major  Dirck  Jansen,  of  the  manor  of  Li- 
vingston, was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt: 

"  Manor  Livingston,  1th  Jlugt.  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — As  our  regiment  is  ordered  to  march 
immediately  to  Saraghtoga,  by  the  request  and  orders  of 
Brigadier-Genl.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  we  propose  to  pro- 


ceed on  the  march  by  to-morrow,  at  ten  o'clock,  but  am 
sorry  to  acquaint  you  that  there  is  still  a  great  many  disaf- 
fected persons  among  us,  although  discharged  lately  by  the 
act  of  grace,  by  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State, 
&c.  of  whom  there  are  some  refuse  to  march.  I  imagine, 
and  have  reason  to  suspect,  they  may,  in  my  absence, 
take  the  advantage  and  destroy  my  buildings ;  and  the 
more,  as  I  have  in  store  30  hhds.  of  sugar  and  30  hhds.  of 
molasses,  for  the  United  States,  and  expect  a  number  of 
teams  this  day  ;  likewise  with  a  large  quantity  of  salt  for 
this  State  ;  all  which,  in  my  opinion,  lays  at  a  great  risk, 
if  I  proceed  without  leaving  any  guard. 

"  I  thought  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  the  Honourable  the 
Council  with  the  premises,  so  as  that  if  any  accident 
should  happen  in  my  absence,  that  the  blame  would  not  be 
laid  to  my  neglect.  I  beg  your  honours  will  be  pleased  to 
inform  me  by  this  express,  Doct.  Thompson,  how  to  act  in 
the  premises. 

"  As  I  am  much  hurried,  must  refer  you,  gentlemen,  to 
Doct.  Thompson,  the  bearer,  for  further  particulars.  With 
great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  your  honours' 

"  Most  obedt.  and  very  humble  servt. 

"  DIRCK  JANSEN. 

"  The  Honourable  the  Council 

of  Safety,  Esopus." 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  detecting  conspi- 
racies, &c.  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  to  remove  from 
Poukeepsie  into  the  neighbourhood  of  Major  Dirck  Jansen, 
in  the  manor  Livingston,  and  that  they  take  their  company 
of  guards  with  them. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  deliver  to 
the  order  of  the  said  commissioners,  six  hundred  musket 
cartridges  of  different  sizes,  filled  with  powder  and  ball. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major  Jansen,  in  answer  to  his,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — We  are  informed  by  Doctor  Thompson,  to  whom 
your  letter  refers  us,  that  all  the  militia,  from  sixteen  to 
sixty,  are  ordered  to  march  ;  and  as  it  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  some  persons  should  remain  at  home,  you  will  be 
pleased  to  discharge  such  as  are  above  fifty,  and  march 
only  the  remainder,  being  particularly  careful  to  take  with 
you  all  the  disaffected.  A  guard  from  Dutchess  county 
will  be  sent  to  protect  the  stores,  and  keep  the  tories  in 
awe. 

"  We  enclose  you  a  resolution  of  Council,  with  respect 
to  exempts,  which  you  will  carry  into  execution ;  and  let 
those  that  remain  be  assessed  in  proportion  to  their  pro- 
perly, for  the  time  that  the  militia  will  remain  out,  and  re- 
tain the  money  to  pay  to  such  as  may  be  drafted,  in  case  a 
draft  should  be  made. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant. 

"  P.  S.  The  commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies, 
with  their  company  of  rangers,  will  remove  to-morrow  to 
your  neighbourhood ;  the  chairman  is  now  present,  and 
will,  by  express,  in  the  morning,  order  up  the  guards." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  Major  Jansen's  letter,  with  the 
answer  thereto,  together  with  the  other  proceedings  there- 
on, be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  and 
that  His  Excellency  be  requested  to  justify  the  measure 
taken  by  Council  in  the  premises. 

A  letter  from  Major-General  Putnam,  dated  the  fifth 
instant,  relative  to  the  business  of  the  commissioners  of 
sequestration  in  Westchester  county,  was  read,  and  follows 
in  the  words  to  wit : 

"  Peekskill,  August  15,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  am  exceeding  sorry  to  trouble  you  again  upon 
a  question  which  you  have  so  lately  and  clearly  answered; 
but  I  find  that  the  practice  of  the  commissioners  is  different 
from  your  explanation  of  the  resolves  of  Convention.  I 
am  informed  that  they  have  taken  from  the  families  of  many 
of  those  disaffected  persons  who  are  gone  to  the  enemy, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1031 


all  the  grain  and  the  grass,  where  there  was  plenty  of  both, 
and  large  families  of  small  children  to  be  subsisted.  I 
think,  such  things  are  counter  to  the  spirit  of  your  resolves 
relative  to  them,  and  I  must  confess  I  cannot  see  the  pro- 
priety of  starving  the  innocent  families  of  those,  who,  lost 
to  every  sentiment  of  virtue  and  duty  to  their  country  and 
families,  have  left  them  in  unhappy  circumstances.  I 
know  that  your  Honourable  Convention  mean  no  such  thing. 
I  wish  something  might  be  done  effectually  to  prevent  the 
continual  applications  of  those  families  to  me  for  relief,  that 
they  may  not  be  left  to  starve,  who  have  their  whole  grain 
and  grass  sold  from  them  in  gross. 

"  Mr.  Canady,  the  bearer  of  this,  has  lived  in  Capt. 
Corney's  house  since  I  have  been  here ;  has  took  care  to 
preserve  the  grain  ;  I  hired  the  soldiers  to  reap  it.  I  have 
observed  nothing  that  had  the  appearance  of  unfriendliness 
to  the  country  in  him;  however,  I  know  not  his  character. 
This  paragraph  relating  to  him  is  on  his  particular  request, 
as  Col.  Drake  has  sold  the  whole  of  the  grain  to  the  deputy 
quarter-master-general. 

"ISRAEL  PUTNAM." 
Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Piatt  and 
Mr.  Tredwell. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  8,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zan'dt,  Colonel  De  Witt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Tredwell,  Gent.  Scott. 

The  petition  of  Jan  Freer,  a  disaffected  person  confined 
in  the  jail  of  Kingston,  setting  forth  that  his  father  lies 
dangerously  ill,  and  therefore  prays  that  he  may  be  per- 
mitted to  visit  him,  on  his  giving  bond  for  his  appearance 
when  required,  was  read  and  filed. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Jan  Freer  be  discharged,  on  his 
giving  his  bond  with  security  in  four  hundred  pounds  for 
his  future  good  behaviour,  and  to  surrender  himself  and 
appear  when  he  shall  be  thereunto  required  by  this  Council 
or  the  executive  power  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Piatt,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred 
the  letter  from  General  Putnam,  relative  to  the  conduct  of 
the  commissioners  for  sequestration  in  Westchester  county, 
reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  said  commissioners,  which 
was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  sorry  to  hear  that  many  of  the 
women  and  children  of  tories  gone  to  the  enemy,  are  in  a 
suffering  condition.  It  was  not  the  sense  of  Convention 
to  deprive  such  families  of  the  necessaries  of  life. 

"  We  hope  you  have  not  mistaken  the  resolutions  em- 
powering you  to  sell  the  estates  of  such  persons  as  were 
gone  to,  or  joined  the  enemy.  Several  complaints  have 
been  made  to  us,  that  many  families  have  been  stripped  of 
almost  every  thing,  even  of  a  little  pasture  and  hay  for  a 
cow,  and  in  some  instances,  not  left  a  cow  itself,  by  which 
means  they  are  reduced  to  almost  a  starving  condition. 
The  Council  however  flatter  themselves  that  you  have  done 
your  duty  well,  yet  they  have  their  doubts  whether  you 
have  not  in  some  instances  rather  drawn  the  cord  too  strait ; 
the  wish  of  Council  is,  that  you  might  rather  err  on  the 
other  hand,  and  recommend  that  if  there  should  be  some 
instances  where  you  have  misled  in  judgment,  that  you 
make  some  little  provision  by  way  of  supplies,  either  by 
giving  them  a  cow,  some  pasture  and  hay  and  other  neces- 
saries, as  their  circumstances  may  require.  The  Council 
further  direct  that  you  deliver  the  negro  man  left  by  Peter 
Corney  to  Dennis  Kennedy,  and  if  you  have  not  already 


rented  out  the  farm  and  houses  of  said  Corney,  that  you 
rent  it  to  the  said  Kennedy. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obt.  servt. 

"  To  the  Commissioners  for  Sequestration, 

Westchester  county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed,  and  enclosed  in  a 
letter  to  General  Putnam,  for  his  perusal. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Samuel  Pain,  of  Major  Whee- 
lock's  corps,  dated  the  seventh,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  issue  a  pardon  to  Lodo- 
wick  Seely  and  Johannes  Keyser,  and  that  they  be  dis- 
charged from  confinement,  and  permitted  to  enlist  in  the 
Continental  service. 

The  petition  of  Bernheart  Albertee,  of  the  east  camp, 
in  the  manor  Livingston,  was  read.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Bernhart  Albertee  be  directed  to  repair 
to  Albany,  and  apply  to  the  Quarter-Master  and  Commis- 
sary-General, in  the  northern  department,  for  two  hundred 
hides,  to  be  charged  to  the  account  of  this  State,  and  that 
the  said  Bernhart  Albertee,  cause  the  said  hides  to  be  tan- 
ned and  dressed  into  leather,  he  paying  half  the  expenses 
that  may  accrue  on  the  transportation  exclusive  of  his  own 
particular  charges,  and  deliver  one-half  of  the  said  hides 
tanned  and  curried,  to  the  order  of  the  Legislature  of  this 
State  ;  and  that  so  many  of  the  said  hides  only  as  are  unfit 
for  sole  leather,  be  curried. 

Resolved,  That  the  Quarter-Master  and  Commissary- 
General  in  the  northern  department,  be  requested  to  deliver 
two  hundred  hides  to  Bernhart  Albertee,  on  account  of  this 
State,  and  do  assist  him  in  transporting  the  same  to  Albany, 
and  to  charge  this  State  with  the  amount  of  such  hides, 
at  the  now  current  price,  at  the  place  where  they  are  de- 
livered. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Commissary  and  Quarter- 
Master-General,  on  the  subject  of  the  said  hides,  was  read 
and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — The  inhabitants  of  this  Slate  being 
greatly  distressed  for  want  of  leather,  considerable  pur- 
chases have  been  made  from  their  small  stock,  for  the  use 
of  the  army.  The  Council  wish  to  have  it  in  their  power 
to  purchase  some  of  the  hides  of  such  cattle  as  are  killed 
for  the  use  of  the  northern  army,  and  have,  therefore, 
passed  the  enclosed  resolutions,  and  hope  for  your  assis- 
tance in  carrying  them  into  execution.  You  will  let  the 
Council  know  the  price  at  which  the  hides  are  sold,  that 
they  may  give  the  Continent  credit  therefor.  Or  if  ready 
money  is  absolutely  necessary,  you  will  be  pleased  to  draw 
on  General  Schuyler,  who  has  a  considerable  sum  in  hand, 
belonging  to  this  State,  and  will,  we  dare  say,  answer  your 
drafts  immediately. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen. 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
"  To  the  Commissary  and  Quarter-Master  General 

of  the  Northern  Department." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  signed  by  the  President,  and 
transmitted. 

On  the  application  of  the  warden  of  the  Fleet  prison, 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Charles  Giles,  late  victualler  of  the 
Fleet  prison,  do  without  delay,  furnish  Captain  Benson,  the 
warden,  with  a  particular  account  of  the  charges  againsteach 
respective  prisoner  now  confined  on  board  the  said  prison, 
for  the  subsistence  supplied  to  them  at  the  expense  of  this 
State. 

This  Council  having  been  informed  that  attempts  have 
been  made  to  hire  persons  engaged  in  the  public  service, 
on  board  the  State  armed  sloop,  commanded  by  Captain 
Henry  Benson,  to  serve  in  the  detachments  of  militia  in 
the  stead  of  such  persons  as  have  been  or  shall  be  de- 
tached for  the  public  service, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  no  person  belonging  to  the 
militia  of  this  State,  shall  be  exempted  from  serving  in 
such  detachment  or  detachments  of  militia,  by  reason  of 


1032 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


his  having  hired  any  person  or  persons  so  as  aforesaid  en- 
gaged, or  hereafter  to  be  engaged,  on  board  of  either  of 
the  armed  vessels  belonging  to  this  Slate. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Yales,  General  Scott,  and  Mr.  Ro- 
bert R.  Livingston  be  a  committee  to  report  ways  and 
means  to  provide  for  the  relief  of  the  distressed  inhabitants 
of  the  northern  frontiers,  who  have,  or  may  be  driven  from 
their  habitations  by  the  enemy. 

Mr.  Piatt  has  leave  of  absence  until  next  Monday. 

Mr.  Tappen  has  leave  of  absence  until  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  9,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  dated 
at  Philadelphia,  on  the  fourth  instant,  was  read,  and  fol- 
lows in  these  words,  vizt : 

"  Head-Quarters,  Philadelphia,  ) 
"  Aug.  Ath,  1777.  S 

"  Sir — I  have  been  duly  honoured  by  your  several  fa- 
vours of  the  25th,  27th  and  30th  of  July. 

"  The  misfortune  at  Ticonderoga  has  produced  a  very 
disagreeable  alteration  in  our  affairs,  and  has  thrown  a 
gloom  upon  the  favourable  prospect  which  the  campaign 
previous  to  that  event  afforded.  But  I  am  in  great  hopes  the 
ill  consequences  of  it  will  not  continue  to  operate  long,  and 
that  the  jealousies  and  alarms  which  so  sudden  and  unex- 
pected an  accident  has  occasioned  in  the  minds  of  the  peo- 
ple both  of  your  State  and  to  the  eastward,  will  shortly 
subside,  and  give  way  to  the  more  rational  dictates  of  self 
preservation  and  regard  to  the  common  good.  In  fact  the 
worst  effect  of  that  disaster  is,  that  it  has  served  to  create 
those  distrusts  and  apprehensions.  For  if  the  matter  were 
coolly  and  dispassionately  considered,  there  would  be  found 
nothing  so  formidable  in  Mr.  Burgoyne,  and  the  force  un- 
der him,  with  all  his  successes,  as  to  countenance  the  least 
languor  or  despondency  ;  and  experience  would  show,  that 
a  tolerable  degree  of  vigour  in  the  Stales  more  immediately 
interested,  would  be  sufficient  to  check  his  career,  and  per- 
haps convert  the  advantages  he  has  gained,  into  his  ruin. 
But  while  people  continue  to  view  what  has  happened 
through  the  medium  of  supineness  or  fear,  there  is  no  say- 
ing to  what  length  an  enterprising  genius  may  push  his 
good  fortune. 

"  I  have  the  fullest  confidence  that  no  endeavours  of  the 
Council  will  be  omitted,  to  bring  your  State  (with  the  dis- 
tresses of  which  I  am  sensibly  affected)  to  every  effort  it 
is  capable  of  making  in  its  present  mutilated  condition  ; 
and  they  may  rely  upon  it,  no  means  in  my  power  will  be 
unemployed  to  cooperate  with  them  in  repelling  the  danger 
that  threatens  the  State,  and  through  it,  the  Continent. 

"  If  I  do  not  give  as  effectual  aid  as  might  be  wished  to 
the  northern  army,  it  is  not  from  want  of  inclination,  nor 
from  being  too  little  impressed  with  the  importance  of  do- 
ing it ;  but  because  the  Slate  of  affairs  in  this  quarter  will 
not  possibly  admit  of  it.  It  would  be  the  height  of  impo- 
licy to  weaken  ourselves  too  much  here,  in  order  to  increase 
our  strength  there  ;  and  it  must  certainly  be  more  difficult, 
as  well  as  of  greater  moment,  to  control  the  main  army  of 
the  enemy,  than  an  inferior,  and  I  may  say,  dependant  one; 
for  it  is  pretty  obvious,  if  General  Howe  can  be  complete- 
ly kept  at  bay,  and  prevented  effecting  any  capital  purpose, 
the  successes  of  General  Burgoyne,  whatever  they  may 
be,  must  be  partial  and  temporary. 

"  Nothing  that  I  can  do  shall  be  wanting  to  rouse  the 


eastern  States  and  excite  them  to  those  exertions  which  the 
exigencies  of  our  affairs  so  urgently  demand.  I  lament 
that  ihey  have  not  yet  done  more ;  that  so  few  of  their  mi- 
litia have  come  into  the  field,  and  that  those  few  have  been  so 
precipitate  in  returning  home  at  this  critical  period.  But 
I  have,  nevertheless,  great  reliance  upon  those  States.  I 
know  they  are  capable  of  powerful  efforts  ;  and  that  their 
attachment  to  the  cause,  notwithstanding  they  may  be  a 
little  tardy,  will  not  allow  them  long  to  withhold  their  aid, 
at  a  time  when  their  own  safety,  that  of  a  sister  State,  and 
in  a  great  measure  the  safety  of  the  Continent,  call  for 
their  greatest  zeal  and  activity. 

"  1  flatter  myself  the  presence  of  General  Arnold  and 
General  Lincoln  in  the  northern  department,  will  have  a 
happy  effect  upon  them.  Those  gentlemen  possess  much 
of  their  confidence,  particularly  the  latter,  than  whom  there 
is  perhaps  no  man  from  the  State  of  Massachusetts  who 
enjoys  more  universal  esteem  and  popularity.  And  in  ad- 
dition to  that,  they  are  both  to  be  considered  as  very  valu- 
able officers. 

"  You  intimate  a  wish  that  some  assistance  could  be 
drawn  from  the  southern  States  at  this  time  ;  but  while 
things  remain  in  their  present  posture,  and  appearances, 
however  illusory  they  may  prove  in  the  issue,  afford  the 
strongest  reason  to  keep  their  force  at  home,  to  counteract 
the  seeming  intentions  of  General  Howe.  I  could  neither 
ask  nor  expect  them  to  detach  succour  to  the  northern 
States,  who  are  so  well  able  to  defend  themselvesagainst 
the  force  they  now  have  to  oppose. 

"  I  hope  an  exaggerated  idea  of  the  enemy's  numbers 
may  have  no  injurious  influence  on  our  measures.  There 
is  no  circumstance  I  am  acquainted  with,  that  induces 
me  to  believe  General  Burgoyne  can  have  more  than  five 
or  six  thousand  men,  and  if  the  force  left  in  Canada  is 
so  considerable  as  the  information  you  send  me  makes  it, 
he  can  not  have  even  so  many.  The  representations  of 
prisoners  and  deserters  in  this  respect  are  of  little  validity : 
their  knowledge  is  always  very  limited,  and  their  intention, 
particularly  the  former,  very  often  bad  ;  beyond  what  re- 
gards their  own  companies,  little  or  no  attention  is  due  to 
what  they  say.  The  number  of  regiments  your  informant 
mentions,  corresponds  with  other  accounts,  but  in  the 
number  of  men  in  each  company,  he  gives  the  establish- 
ment not,  I  am  persuaded,  the  actual  state.  The  enemy's 
army  in  Canada  last  campaign,  though  they  suffered  little 
by  action,  must  have  decreased  materially  by  sickness  and 
other  casualties  ;  and  if  the  recruits  to  them,  both  from 
England  and  Germany,  bore  any  proportion  to  those  which 
have  reinforced  General  Howe,  the  state  of  their  regi- 
ments must  be  greatly  inferior  to  what  your  information 
holds  forth.  Reasoning  by  analogy,  as  far  as  it  will 
apply,  I  can  not  imagine  the  British  regiments  can  exceed 
two  hundred  and  fifty  men  each,  fit  for  the  field,  or  that 
the  foreign  troops  can  amount  to  many  more  than  three 
thousand  in  all. 

"  The  appointment  of  General  Clinton  to  the  govern- 
ment of  your  State  is  an  event  that  in  itself  gives  me 
great  pleasure,  and  very  much  abates  the  regret  I  should 
otherwise  feel  for  the  loss  of  his  services  in  the  military 
line.  That  gentleman's  character  is  such  as  will  make 
him  peculiarly  useful  at  the  head  of  your  affairs,  in  a  situ- 
ation so  alarming  and  interesting  as  that  which  you  now 
experience.  Agreeably  to  your  desire  my  future  applica- 
tion shall  be  made  to  him. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servant, 
"GO.  WASHINGTON." 

A  draft  of  resolutions  for  relieving  the  poor  on  the  wes- 
tern frontiers  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  follows  in  the 
words,  vizt : 

"  Whereas  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  are  loudly 
called  upon,  by  every  motive  of  justice  and  humanity,  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1033 


relieve  the  wants  of  such  unhappy  families  as  are  driven 
from  their  habitations  by  the  rage  of  a  cruel  and  remorse- 
less enemy  and  the  licensed  barbarity  of  their  more  than 
savage  allies  ;  as  well  as  to  share  with  their  suffering 
brethren  the  uncommon  plenty  which  Almighty  Cod  hath 
bountifully  been  pleased,  at  this  season,  to  bestow  upon 
us  : 

"  Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  is  recommended  to  the  ge- 
neral committees  of  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Tryon 
respectively,  to  use  their  utmost  influence  with  those  of 
the  inhabitants  who  still  possess  their  places  of  abode,  to 
give  all  possible  assistance  to  those  who  have  been  obliged 
to  abandon  their  settlements,  by  not  only  enabling  them  to 
remove  their  families  and  effects,  but  in  affording  them  all 
possible  accommodation  ;  and  it  is  hereby  most  earnestly 
recommended  to  the  said  committees  respectively,  to  pre- 
vent, as  much  as  possible,  any  increase  of  the  calamities 
of  the  sufferers,  by  impositions  in  the  articles  of  house 
rent,  firewood,  provisions  for  themselves  and  cattle,  and  to 
put  out  and  provide  for,  at  the  public  charge  of  this  State, 
all  such  poor  persons  and  families,  refugees  as  aforesaid, 
as  are  not  able  to  defray  their  own  expenses ;  for  which 
this  Council  doth  hereby  render  the  State  of  New-York 
responsible. 

Ordered,  That  two  copies  of  the  said  resolutions  be 
certified  and  delivered  to  Mr.  Yates,  to  be  forwarded  to 
the  committees  of  Albany  and  Tryon  counties. 

Mr.  Isaac  Norton  applied  to  the  Council  with  an  order, 
which  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words  following, 
vizt : 

"  Cortlandt's  manor,  July  24th,  1777. 
"  Sir — Be  pleased  to  deliver  unto  Isaac  Norton,  my 
quarter-master,  3001b.  of  cartridges  or  powder;  if  powder, 
then  9001b.  of  ball,  for  my  regiment,  which  is  very  unpro- 
vided, and  1,000  flints,  and  charge  me  for  the  same. 
"  From  yours  to  serve, 

"  GILBT.  DRAKE,  Lieut.  Colo. 

"  To  Colo.  Lasher,  Storekeeper 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  at 
Fishkill." 

Thereupon,  by  desire  of  the  members  present,  the  Pre- 
sident wrote  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor  on  that  sub- 
ject, in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  bearer.  Isaac  Norton,  a  quarter-master  of 
Colo.  Van  Cortlandt's  regiment  of  militia,  in  Westchester, 
has  applied  here  for  ammunition  for  the  militia  called  to 
go  into  Continental  service  at  Peekskill. 

"  The  members  of  the  Council  present  conceive  that 
the  militia  when  called  into  service,  should  be  supplied 
with  ammunition  from  the  Continental  magazines.  But 
this  consideration  aside,  the  State  has  not  ammunition 
sufficient  to  supply  them.  Your  Excellency  will,  there- 
fore, please  to  apply  to  General  Putnam  or  to  such  other 
officers  as  you  may  think  proper,  to  have  them  supplied 
with  ammunition. 

"  I  am,  with  respect, 
"Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  humble  servants. 
"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  by  the  said  Isaac 
Norton. 

A  petition  of  Silvester  Salisbury,  captain  of  a  company 
of  lighthorse,  at  Kingston,  praying  that  this  Council  would 
be  pleased  to  take  into  consideration  the  services  of  the 
said  company,  and  that  Council  will  be  pleased  to  fix  the 
pay  for  the  said  troops,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  endea- 
vour to  obtain  information  what  is  the  Continental  pay 
allowed  to  troopers  ;  and  that  he  be  pleased  to  cause  pro- 
per muster  rolls  of  the  amount  of  their  pay  to  be  properly 
authenticated  that  they  may  be  paid. 

A  letter  from  Major  Dirck  Jansen,  to  Egbert  Dumond, 

259 


Esqr.  dated  the  eighth  instant  soliciting  the  discharge  of 
old  Cooper  from  the  Fleet  prison,  was  read,  and 
Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  Sarah  Ward,  praying  leave  to  enlist  or  hire 
Jacob  Scouten  to  serve  in  the  militia  in  the  stead  of  John 
Schoonmaker,  her  son-in-law,  was  read,  and 

Ordered  To  lie  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  the  Delegates  of  this  State  at  Congress, 
dated  the  twenty-ninth  July  last,  was  read  and  filed,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"Phila.  29th  July,  1777. 

"  Honourable  Gentlemen — We  have  the  honour  of 
your  favour  of  the  seventeenth  instant,  with  the  several  en- 
closures, to  which  we  shall  pay  all  due  attention. 

"  We  had  flattered  ourselves  that  having  happily  accom- 
plished the  various  matters  given  us  in  charge  by  our  late 
Honourable  Convention,  our  anxiety  relating  to  our  own 
internal  affairs  would  have  been  for  some  time  at  least 
relieved. 

"  But  the  misfortunes  in  the  northern  department,  and 
the  fresh  attack  which  is  made  upon  General  Schuyler,  in 
consequence  of  them,  renew  our  difficulties.  The  eastern 
States  openly  affirm  that  their  troops  have  no  confidence 
in  General  Schuyler,  and  assign  this  as  the  reason  that 
they  have  not  marched  to  his  assistance.  They,  there- 
fore, insist  that  he,  as  well  as  General  St.  Clair,  shall  be 
recalled,  and  General  Gates  again  appointed  to  the  com- 
mand, or  that  Congress  must  take  upon  themselves  all  the 
consequences  which  may  attend  a  refusal  of  this  proposi- 
tion.   You  see,  gentlemen,  the  delicacy  of  our  situation. 

"  If  the  eastern  Delegates  carry  their  point,  the  world 
is  left  to  conclude,  not  only  that  General  Schuyler  is  un- 
worthy of  the  command,  but  that  if  the  late  change  had 
not  taken  place,  Ticonderoga,  by  the  abilities  of  General 
Gates,  might  still  have  been  preserved.  In  what  light 
your  Delegates,  and  the  State  by  whose  authority  they 
interposed,  will  be  represented,  on  this  view  of  the  case, 
is  sufficiently  obvious. 

"  But,  supposing  General  Schuyler,  after  this  warm  ap- 
plication for  his  removal,  should  be  continued  in  the  com- 
mand, the  eastern  States  be  backward  in  supplying  their 
militia,  and  the  calamities  of  the  country  in  that  quarter 
increase,  would  there,  under  these  circumstances,  be  any 
end  to  clamour  and  reproach  ? 

"  It  is  not  easy  to  determine  the  line  of  conduct  we 
ought  to  pursue,  especially  as  we  can  not  be  assisted  by 
your  advice,  nor  strengthened  by  your  authority. 

"  We  shall  take  the  first  opportunity  to  inform  you  of 
the  event,  and  in  the  mean  time,  assure  you  that  we  are, 
"  Most  respectfully,  honour,  gentlemen, 
"Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
"  PHIL.  LIVINGSTON, 
"JAS.  DUANE, 
"WM.  DUER. 

"  Honourable  Council  of  Safety  for 

the  State  of  New- York." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  lie  on  the  table  for  the  pe- 
rusal of  the  members. 

Lieutenant  Michael  Connely,?of  Colo.  Duboys's  regi 
ment,  by  an  application  in  writing,  informed  the  Council 
that  there  are  a  number  of  young  men  among  the  priso- 
ners of  the  Fleet  prison.  That  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  is 
willing  (with  permission  of  the  Council,)  to  go  on  board 
with  him  and  report  the  names,  crimes  and  examinations 
of  such  of  them  as  may  be  willing  to  enlist  in  the  Conti- 
nental service. 

Ordered,  That  Egbert  Dumond,  Esqr.  sheriff  of  Ulster 
county,  and  Lieutenant  Connely,  have  leave  to  go  on 
board  of  the  Fleet  prison  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and 
report  to  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  such  members  of  this  Council  as  remain 
in  town  after  the  adjournment,  open  all  public  letters  which 
may  come  to  their  hands  for  this  Council,  and  forward  such 


1034 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


as  are  to  be  forwarded,  keeping  copies  of  any  forwarded 
letters,  if  they  shall  think  proper. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  ho. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  11,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  De  Witt, 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Robt.  It.  Living- 
ston. 

An  extract  from  the  minutes  of  the  commissioners  for 
conspiracies,  &c.  was  received,  read  and  filed,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  State  of  New-York,  ss. — By  the  commissioners  for 
conspiracies,  &c. 

"  Poughkeepsie,  Augt.  9th,  1777. 
"  Resolved,  That  Alexander  Stewart,  a  prisoner  of  war 
confined  in  this  place,  be  sent  to  Kingston,  and  there  deli- 
vered over  to  Messrs.  McKesson  and  Benson,  commissa- 
ries of  prisoners  in  the  State. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes. 

"  HENRY  PECKWELL,  Secy." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Alexander  Stewart,  be  commit- 
ted a  prisoner  to  Kingston  jail. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  dated  the  9th  instant,  was  read,  and  fol- 
lows, vizt : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  9th  Augst.  1777. 
"  Hond.  Sir — We  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  just 
now  received  from  the  committee  of  Schenectady.  You 
will  perceive  by  its  contents,  that  a  reinforcement  is  called 
for  in  that  quarter.  It  gives  us  pain  to  inform  you  that  it  is 
out  of  the  power  of  this  county  to  send  them  any. 

"  The  depredations  committed  by  the  tories  is  of  the 
worst  of  consequences,  as  it  effectually  prevents  the  mili- 
tia from  joining  the  army  pursuant  to  General  Ten  Broeck's 
request ;  each  part  calls  for  more  help  to  assist  themselves. 
A  Capt.  Mann,  of  the  militia  of  Schoharie,  has  collected  a 
number  of  Indians  and  tories  ;  declares  himself  a  friend  to 
King  George,  and  threatens  destruction  to  all  who  do  not 
lay  down  their  arms  or  take  protection  from  our  enemies. 
In  order  to  support  our  friends  in  that  quarter,  a  force 
should  be  sent  to  them.  This  is  needless  to  attempt,  as  a 
reason  is  already  assigned  why  no  force  can  be  had. 

"In  yours  of  the  27lh  ul't.  you  desire  that  every  nerve 
may  be  exerted  ;  this  has  been  done,  though  without  the 
desired  effect.  Our  army  to  the  northward,  we  have  al- 
ready informed  you,  does  not  appear  adequate  to  repel  the 
force,  supposed  to  be  coming  against  them.  Yesterday, 
one  regiment  passed  through  this  town  on  their  way  home, 
their  times  being  out.  A  bounty  of  twenty  dollars  per  man 
was  offered  them  to  stay  four  months  longer  ;  it  had  no 
effect.  The  friends  to  their  country,  who  have  marched 
from  this  county,  begin  to  grow  uneasy,  looking  upon  it, 
that  their  families  ought  to  be  removed  to  a  place  of  greater 
safety  ;  we  fear  they  will  not  slay  much  longer.  The  coun- 
try to  the  northward  of  this  city  are  chiefly  all  drove  in. 
Yesterday  the  Indians  killed  and  scalped  Major  Dirck  Van 
Veghten,  of  Schaghtichoche,  not  far  from  his  own  house  ; 
it  is  reported  two  or  three  other  inhabitants  in  that  quarter 
shared  the  same  fate.  We  have  wrote  to  New-England, 
in  the  most  pressing  terms,  for  aid  ;  none,  as  yet,  appears. 
This,  sir,  is  our  present  situation,  which  to  us,  does  not 
appear  very  flattering.  It  is  reported  that  our  army  will 
soon  make  head-quarters  at  Half  Moon. 

"  I  am  your  very  humble  servt. 

"  By  order. 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

'  To  the  Honble.  the  President  of  the 

Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York." 


A  letter  from  Adam  Fonda,  therein  enclosed,  was  also 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Caughnawago,  18th  August,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — We  herein  transmit  you  the  best  intel- 
ligence we  could  learn  from  sundry  persons  who  have  been 
in  a  battle  which  was  fought  on  Wednesday,  the  5th  instant, 
beginning  at  9  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  continuing  until 
3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  at  Oneida  creek,  half  way  be- 
tween Oriska  and  Fort  Schuyler,  between  a  party  of  the 
Indians  and  our  militia.  The  dead  and  wounded,  as  far 
as  we  can  learn,  is  hereunto  annexed.  We  have  received 
a  letter,  wrote  by  order  of  General  Herkermer,  to  send  up 
all  the  militia  and  other  forces  we  can  to  their  immediate 
assistance,  as  the  greatest  part  of  those  we  have  already 
sent  are  cut  off.  We  therefore  expect  you  will  send  up  to 
us  immediately  all  the  forces  you  can,  and  you  will  please 
send  the  like  directions  to  the  committee  in  Albany,  for 
like  purpose,  so  that  we  may  be  enabled  to  stand  our  ene- 
mies. Fort  Schuyler  is  still  attacked  and  a  smart  fire  kept 
up  on  both  sides.  God  only  knows  the  event.  This  goes 
to  you  by  express,  by  which  we  will  expect  your  answer  ; 
until  then, 

"  We  remain,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  humble  servts. 

"ADAM  FONDA, 
"  Committeeman  in  behalf  of  the  whole. 
"  To  the  Committee  of  Schenectady." 

A  list  of  the  dead  and  wounded  of  our  militia,  as  far  as 
is  come  to  our  knowledge  :  Harmanus  Van  Slyck,  major ; 
John  James  Davis,  capt.  ;  Benjamin  Davis,  private  ;  Henry 
Divendorph,  capt.;  John  Eisenlord,  major;  John  Blevin, 
major  ;  Colo.  Cox  ;  seven  men  of  the  name  of  Snell ; 
Major  Paris  and  his  son  ;  and  a  great  number  more  whose 
names  we  have  not  yet  learned — dead. 

General  Herkiermer,  Colo.  Visscher,  Jacob  Gardineer, 
William  Schaver,  John  Van  Antwerp,  John  Bigbiead — 
wounded. 

Of  the  enemy  :  Stephen  Watts,  Sir  John's  brother-in- 
law  ;  William  Johnson,  an  Indian  ;  with  a  great  many 
others — dead. 

The  Council  was  informed  that  eight  of  the  members 
met  yesterday  on  receipt  of  the  above  letter,  and  that  by 
their  unanimous  advice  and  directions,  General  Scott,  who 
was  one  of  them,  enclosed  copies  of  the  said  letters  from 
John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman,  and  from  Adam  Fonda  to 
the  Governor. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Henry  Benson,  warden  of  the 
Fleet  prison,  dated  this  day,  was  read. 

He  thereby  informs  that  the  commissioners  of  conspira- 
cies have  sent  to  him,  under  a  guard,  eleven  prisoners, 
whose  names  were  enclosed  ;  and  that  he  is  informed  that 
Thomas  Williamson,  one  of  the  said  prisoners,  has  at 
different  times  broken  his  irons,  and  is  a  dangerous  person. 

Ordered,  That  George  Houghston,  John  Casewell,  Eli- 
sha  Houg,  Peleg  Fissell,  Thomas  Muller,  Jacob  Straat, 
Junr.  Peter  De  Pew  3rd,  Cornelius  Johannes  Blaavelt, 
John  Mosher,  Joseph  Holloway,  be  confined  in  the  Fleet 
prison,  and  that  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond  inquire  whether  the 
said  Thomas  Williamson  is  a  tory  or  felon,  and  if  the  lat- 
ter, what  felony  he  committed,  and  where. 

A  letter  from  Jacobus  Wynkoop  to  the  Council  of  Safe- 
ty, dated  the  sixth  instant,  was  read  and  filed. 

He  thereby  informs  that  on  the  eighteenth  day  of  April, 
1776,  agreeably  to  an  order  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the 
State  of  New- York,  he  took  the  command  of  the  vessels 
on  Lake  Champlain  as  commodore. 

That  by  advice  of  the  commander  in  the  northern  de- 
partment, he  requests  the  aid  of  this  Council  in  the  pre- 
mises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  referred  to  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor. 

Major  Nicholson,  on  request,  attending,  was  called  be- 
fore the  Council  and  examined.    He  says  he  has  a  pass 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


from  General  Schuyler ;  that  he  was  desired  not  to  speak 
discouragingly  on  the  subject  of  the  northern  army. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated 
the  ninth  instant,  at  Fort  Montgomerie,  was  received,  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Fort  Montgomery,  August  9th,  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — I  am  honoured  with  your  favour  of  the 
7th  inst.  enclosing  copies  of  letters  from  General  Schuy- 
ler to  Congress  and  your  Board. 

"  It  would  have  been  equally  agreeable  to  me  to  have 
headed  the  militia,  and  marched  to  the  reinforcement  of  the 
northern  army  as  to  have  commanded  those  ordered  this 
way.  The  reasons  which  influenced  me  to  come  to  this 
and  the  adjacent  posts  with  so  large  a  proportion  of  the 
militia,  I  need  not  mention.  They  were  contained  in  Ge- 
neral Washington's  letter,  which  I  communicated  to  your 
House,  and  since  repeated  them  in  a  letter  addressed  to 
General  Schuyler.  If  that  letter  is  received,  General 
Schuyler  must  have  observed  that  the  greatest  part  of  the 
militia  of  the  State  are  ordered  into  actual  service,  either 
to  reinforce  his  army  or  to  occupy  the  posts  assigned  them 
by  General  Washington  in  this  quarter,  and  indeed  those 
originally  designed  for  this  station,  were  considered  as 
being  called  out  to  replace  an  equal  number  of  Continental 
troops  intended  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  northern  army. 
This  being  the  case,  I  wish  General  Schuyler,  in  his  letter 
to  Congress,  had  made  some  discrimination  between  this 
State  which  has  used  every  possible  exertion  in  its  present 
unhappy  situation,  and  the  States  of  Massachusetts  Bay 
and  Connecticut,  that  have  not  furnished  a  man  of  their  mi- 
litia for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  either  depart- 
ment, nor  have  scarcely  answered  the  letters  to  them,  re- 
questing the  necessary  aids,  especially  as  I  am  persuaded 
it  is  far  from  Genl.  Schuyler's  intentions  to  represent  this 
State  in  an  unfavourable  light. 

"  By  Genl.  Schuyler's  letter  of  the  6th  instant,  a  copy 
of  which  I  enclose,  he  is  of  opinion  that  my  attendance 
at  Albany,  with  the  Council  of  Safety,  will  tend  to  raise 
the  desponding  spirits  of  the  people  there.  If  your 
Honourable  Board  should  agree  in  this  sentiment,  and  con- 
ceive that  I  can  with  propriety,  and  consistent  with  the 
general  safety  of  the  State,  leave  the  command  of  the  mi- 
litia in  this  quarter,  I  will  on  the  least  intimation,  with 
the  utmost  cheerfulness,  attend  you  to  Albany,  and  lake 
under  my  more  immediate  command  such  of  the  militia  as 
I  can  collect  in  the  northern  parts  of  this  State. 

"  By  a  letter  from  our  Delegates  in  Continental  Con- 
gress, dated  the  5th  instant,  I  am  advised  that  Congress 
have  ordered  Genl.  Gates  to  repair  to  the  northward,  and 
take  the  command  of  the  army  there  ;  General  Schuyler 
to  join  the  army  under  General  Washington. 

"  The  only  reason  aasigned  in  Congress  for  recalling 
Genl.  Schuyler,  was  his  loss  of  the  confidence  of  the 
eastern  States.  Now  they  are  gratified,  they  have  no  ex- 
cuse for  not  turning  out  and  defending  their  country  ;  and 
yet  if  fears  became  an  officer,  1  should  express  some  of 
their  not  behaving  better  than  usual  under  any  change  of 
command. 

"  We  have  yet  no  accounts  of  the  enemy  since  their  ves- 
sels left  the  Capes  of  Delaware.  It  has  been  reported  that 
they  appeared  there  a  second  time,  but  nothing  of  this  is 
mentioned  in  my  letters. 

"  I  have  only  to  add  that  if  the  Council  should  be  of 
opinion  that  it  is  expedient  to  order  out  the  whole  or  any 
greater  part  of  the  regiments  from  the  northern  parts  of 
Ulster  and  Dutchess  than  are  already  called  out,  for  the 
reinforcement  of  the  northern  army,  upon  the  least  intima- 
tion to  me  thereof,  I  shall  issue  the  necessary  orders. 

"  I  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  the  Council  that  the  mi- 
litia commanded  to  these  posts  have  turned  out  with  the  J 


1035 

greatest  spirit  and  alacrity,  leaving  scarcely  a  man  behind 
them,  although  many  of  their  harvests  are  still  in  the  field. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  gentlemen, 

"Your  most  obedient  servant, 
"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  The  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety." 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Stillwater,  the 
6th  instant,  therein  enclosed,  was  also  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Stillwater,  August  6th,  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — General  Ten  Broeck  has  ordered  out  the 
whole  of  the  militia  ;  but  I  fear  very  few  will  march,  and 
that  most  of  them  will  behave  as  the  Schohary  and  Sche- 
nectady militia  have  done.  How  that  is,  you  will  see  by 
the  enclosed,  which  are  copies  of  letters  I  have  this  mo- 
ment received. 

"  The  people  are  desponding.  They  want  to  have  their 
spirits  roused.  Nothing  short  of  your  coming  up  to  Alba- 
ny, with  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  will  do 
it ;  or  if  they  are  not  yet  formed,  with  the  Council  of  Safety. 

"  We  expect  the  enemy  will  move  soon  ;  and  as  our 
strength  is  daily  decreasing,  we  shall  again  be  obliged  to 
decamp  and  retreat  before  them. 

"  If  Burgoyne  gets  to  Albany,  our  State  is  gone  in  all 
its  extent ;  for  the  people  who  would  not  turn  out  to  pre- 
vent the  enemy  from  penetrating,  will  not  be  able  to  do  it 
when  they  are  got  in. 

"  I  am,  dear  sir,  very  sincerely, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient  servant, 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  Excellency,  Govt.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  be  committed  to  Messrs. 
Robert  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Tredwell. 
Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Ltjn,e,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  11,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Colo  De  Witt. 

The  petition  of  Christian  Kroat  of  Livingston's  manor, 
in  the  county  of  Albany,  dated  this  day,  was  read.  He 
therein  sets  forth  that  his  eldest  son  is  in  the  Continental 
service  ;  that  about  a  week  ago  his  youngest  son  a  lad  un- 
der sixteen  years  of  age,  on  his  way  to  a  mill,  was  seized 
upon  by  a  recruiting  party,  threatened  with  instant  death  ; 
and  upon  his  positive  refusal  to  enlist,  was  bound  hand  and 
foot,  thrown  into  a  carriage  and  dragged  to  Fort  Montgo- 
merie. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  and  that  he  be  requested  to  cause  a 
proper  inquiry  to  be  made  at  Fort  Montgomerie,  that  jus- 
tice may  be  done. 

A  petition  of  John  Clint  lately  convicted  and  found 
guilty  by  a  court  martial  at  Albany,  and  recommended  by 
the  said  court  martial  for  a  pardon,  was  read  and  ordered 
to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  Peter  Butler  and  eight  others  on  behalf  of 
Christopher  Groat  praying  for  his  discharge  was  read,  and 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

A  petition  of  William  Wallace,  offering  to  furnish  a  sol- 
dier in  the  Continental  service,  if  he  may  be  discharged, 
was  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  until  the  Secre- 
tary can  inquire  and  report  his  case. 

A- memorial  of  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph  praying  to 
have  an  exemption  from  all  drafts  in  the  militia,  or  to  be 
discharged  from  the  employment  of  commissary  of  the 
Fleet  prison,  was  read. 


1036 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph  be  informed 
that  the  Council  wish  he  may  continue  in  the  office  of 
commissary  ;  but  that  the  Council  can  not,  with  justice  to 
individuals  in  public  service,  give  him  an  exemption  from 
military  duty. 

A  petition  of  Archibald  Wilson,  a  prisoner  in  Kingston 
jail,  piaying  for  leave  to  enlist  in  the  Continental  service 
was  read.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  prayer  thereof  be  granted;  but  that 
his  enlisting  does  not  excuse  any  other  person  from  military 
duly. 

Benjamin  Bartholomew  from  Schoharie,  attending  at  the 
door,  was  admitted  and  heard.  He  informs  in  substance 
that  a  certain  man  at  Schoharie,  was  collecting  a  party  ir. 
favour  of  the  enemy,  had  dispirited  the  inhabitants  ;  that 
the  few  resolutely  well  affected  were  escaping  from  thence 
privately.    The  said  Benjamin  Bartholomew  withdrew. 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Go- 
vernor, on  the  subject,  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  received  advice  that  one  Cap- 
tain Man  is  collecting  a  force  in  Schoharie,  and  has  pre- 
vailed upon  the  inhabitants  through  fear,  to  take  part  with 
him,  and  even  to  take  up  arms  against  us.  As  this  must 
expose  the  frontiers  of  Ulster  and  Albany  counties,  and  the 
flame  may  possibly  extend  further,  if  not  instantly  checked. 

"  They  would  suggest  to  your  Excellency  the  propriety 
of  sending  a  party  under  the  command  of  an  active  and 
intelligent  officer,  by  the  way  of  Woodstock  or  Catskill, 
who  may  fall  upon  the  party,  arouse  the  spirits  of  our 
friends,  and  give  the  Indians  such  an  impression  of  our 
activity,  as  will  render  them  cautious  of  opposing  us. 
Perhaps  about  two  hundred  men  might  be  spared  for  this 
purpose  from  the  garrison  in  the  Highlands,  and  if  neces- 
sary they  might  again  be  reinstated  by  other  militia.  The 
Council  submit  this  plan  to  your  Excellency,  and  if  it 
should  be  approved,  doubt  not  but  that  it  will  be  carried 
instantly  into  execution,  since  secrecy  and  expedition  will 
ensure  its  success. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  Excellency's 

"  Most  obedient  humble  servt. 

"  His  Excel.  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  John  Frear,  as  ex- 
press. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr-  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Ma- 
jor Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county  cause  John 
Frear  (lately  permitted  to  go  home  from  the  Fleet  prison, 
during  the  pleasure  of  this  Council,)  to  be  again  taken,  and 
confined  on  board  of  the  said  Fleet  prison.  And, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Piatt,  Major  Van 
Zandt  and  Mr.  Tredwell  be  a  committee  to  form  such  ad- 
ditional directions  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  government 
of  the  Fleet  prison. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton, dated  the 
eleventh  instant,  and  directed  to  Genl.  Scott,  (in  answer  to 
a  letter  wrote  to  him  by  Genl.  Scott,  at  the  request  of 
seven  other  members,  on  Sunday  last,  was  read. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  in 
answer  to  his  of  the  ninth  instant,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — The  Council  were  honoured  with  your  Excel- 
lency's favour  of  the  ninth  instant,  and  arc  extremely  sorry 


to  find  by  the  letter  enclosed,  the  melancholy  situation  of 
the  northern  army,  and  the  probability  of  their  relinquish- 
ing still  more  of  the  country  to  the  enemy;  and  this  too 
when  the  efforts  of  our  State  must  necessarily  be  weakened 
by  an  attention  to  the  passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  the  se- 
curity of  Hudson's  river. 

"The  Council  believe  with  Genl.  Schuyler,  that  your 
Excellency's  presence  would  serve  to  animate  the  northern 
militia,  but  know  not  how  far  your  quitting  the  important 
post  you  now  occupy,  would  be  consistent  with  its  security, 
of  which  they  conceive  that  you,  sir,  are  the  only  proper 
judge. 

"  As  your  Excellency  has  fuller  information  than  this 
Council  can  receive,  they  doubt  not  but  that  you  will  take 
such  measures  as  you  conceive  best  calculated  to  promote 
the  general  interest,  in  which,  as  far  as  their  concurrence  is 
necessary,  they  will  cheerfully  cooperate. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  the  Council  learn  from  your  Excel- 
lency, that  the  militia  called  in  to  the  posts  in  the  Highlands, 
have  shown  so  much  readiness  and  alacrity.  They  are 
extremely  sorry  to  inform  your  Excellency  that  the  officers 
have  been  negligent  of  their  duty,  in  the  upper  part  of 
Dutchess  county,  and  that  no  drafts  have  as  yet  been  sent 
from  that  quarter,  notwithstanding  the  pressing  necessity 
that  there  is  for  the  immediate  march  of  the  militia  to  the 
northward ;  and  as  the  Council  are  informed,  some  regi- 
ments have  not  yet  even  proceeded  to  draft  their  men. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  Excellency's 

"  Most  obdt.  humbl.  servt. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Mr.  Tappen  informed  the  Council  of  Safety  that  he  had 
this  morning  traced  a  report,  that  the  tories  and  Indians 
were  to  make  a  descent  on,  and  destroy,  this  town  of 
Kingston  on  next  Friday  night. 

Thereupon,  the  draft  of  the  following  letter  to  Colo. 
Pawling,  stating  the  whole  matter,  was  read  and  approved 
of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  were  this  morning  informed  that  a 
report  prevailed  here  that  the  tories  and  Indians  were  to 
make  a  descent  on  this  town  on  Friday  night  next,  when 
they  were  to  burn  and  destroy  it.  Upon  inquiry,  the  au- 
thor of  this  report  was  discovered  to  be.  a  daughter  of 
Cornelius  Carner,  who  says  that  she  heard  it  from  her 
mother. 

"  The  Council  do  not  put  much  confidence  in  this  re- 
port ;  however,  think  it  proper  to  apprise  you  of  it ;  and 
as  the  author  of  the  report  referred  to  resides  in  your 
neighbourhood,  the  Council  trust  you  will  have  such 
inquiries  made  as  you  shall  think  proper  ;  send  out  scouts, 
post  men  and  take  such  measures  as  you  are  enabled  to 
do,  by  directions  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  as 
will  render  that  scheme  abortive. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant. 

"  To  Colo.  Levi  Pawling." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Elias  Hasbrouck  be  directed 
to  proceed  to  Canaan,  in  Connecticut,  and  there  take 
charge  of  twelve  hundred  bushels  of  salt,  purchased  by 
Colo.  Lolt  for  the  use  of  this  State ;  and  that  the  said 
Elias  Hasbrouck  cause  the  said  salt  to  be  transported  to 
Captain  Radclift's  Landing,  on  Hudson's  river.  And  Colo. 
Lott  or  any  of  his  agents,  are  hereby  directed  to  deliver 
twelve  hundred  bushels  of  salt  to  the  said  Elias  Has- 
brouck, taking  his  receipt  for  the  same.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  advance  to  Elias  Has- 
brouck three  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  for  paying  the  ex- 
penses of  transporting  of  salt  from  Canaan  to  Radley's 
Landing,  on  Hudson's  river ;  the  said  Elias  Hasbrouck  to 
be  accountable  for  the  same. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1037 


Mr.  Sheriff  Dumond,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  yes- 
terday, reported  the  examination  of  Thomas  Williamson. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Williamson  be  confined 
(in  irons  if  the  sheriff  shall  think  it  necessary)  in  the  jail 
at  Kingston. 

The  Council  are  informed  that  John  Burger  is  attending 
with  John  Houston,  a  prisoner,  and  formerly  an  officer  in 
the  American  service,  for  the  directions  of  the  Council  as 
to  the  said  prisoner. 

The  Council  were  informed  that  the  said  John  Houston 
had  received  of  one  of  the  field  officers  of  Colonel  Ganse- 
voort's  regiment,  five  hundred  dollars  for  the  recruiting 
service,  for  which  he  has  not  accounted  ;  that  he  has  been 
tried. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  12,  1777. 

The  Council  met  by  the  ringing  of  the  bell  and  sum- 
mons by  the  messenger. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Tredwell,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt, Mr.  Robt.  R.Livingston. 

A  memorandum  of  John  Burger,  Victor  Bicker,  Junr. 
and  Cornelius  Bicker,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  Gentlemen — We  the  subscribers,  being  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  character  and  situation  of  Captain  Hous- 
ton, who  has  ever  distinguished  and  behaved  himself  as  a 
steady  friend  to  America,  could  wish  he  might  be  indulged 
with  his  enlargement,  by  being  admitted  on  parol  to  this 
town,  for  which  we  are  willing  to  become  his  securities. 

"JOHN  BURGER, 

"  VICTOR  BICKER,  Junr. 

"  CORNELIUS  BICKER." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  take  a  bond  in  the  penalty 
of  two  hundred  pounds,  of  the  said  John  Housten  and  the 
persons  above,  offering  themselves  as  his  sureties,  condi- 
tioned for  the  good  behaviour  of  the  said  Housten,  and  for 
his  personal  appearance  and  answering  to  any  suit  that 
may  be  commenced  or  instituted  against  him  for  the  public 
money  delivered  to  him  for  the  recruiting  service. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  11th 
inst.  was  read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  ? 

"l\th  Aug.  1777.  5 

"  Sir — We  wrote  you  a  few  days  ago,  giving  you  a  state 
of  affairs  to  the  northward,  as  far  as  they  came  to  our 
knowledge.  We  then  informed  you  that  the  prospect  was 
disagreeable ;  it  appears  every  day  more  gloomy  ;  our  ap- 
prehensions are  not  so  groundless  as  those  at  a  distance 
suppose  them  to  be.  We  are  well  assured,  did  our  situa- 
tion present  itself  in  the  same  point  of  light  to  our  neigh- 
bours as  it  does  to  us,  some  mode  would  be  fallen  on  for 
our  relief.  Being  informed  that  repeated  applications  were 
made  to  the  New  England  States  for  aid,  and  seeing  that 
no  reinforcement  came  forward,  thought  it  our  indispensa- 
ble duty  to  address  the  people  at  large  ;  a  copy  of  which  we 
enclose  you,  together  with  an  answer  from  one  of  their 
counties,  by  which  we  are  informed  that  their  militia  are 
ordered  to  the  southward.  On  the  Governor  and  Council 
of  Safety  being  repeatedly  informed  of  our  distressed  situa- 
tion, we  flattered  ourselves  that  some  assistance  would  be 
sent  from  the  lower  counties  of  our  State,  but  alas,  all  their 
forces  are  ordered  to  repel  an  intended  insurrection,  when  a 
real  one  is  entirely  neglected. 

"  By  the  enclosed  from  the  German  Flats,  and  Mr.  Hel- 
mer's  account,  you  will  be  informed  that  the  troops  have 
done  their  duty,  and  that  the  militia  have  behaved  very 
brave.  General  Herkemer  merits  the  greatest  praise  :  he, 
after  having  his  thigh  broken,  sat  on  a  log  with  a  drawn 
sword,  inspecting  his  men  for  several  hours.  He  was  re- 
peatedly solicited  by  his  friends  to  be  carried  from  the  field 

260 


of  action,  which  he  absolutely  refused.  We  can  assure 
you  at  the  same  time,  that  our  warmest  advocates  and 
bravest  friends  of  Tryon  county  fell  in  that  skirmish;  they 
are  dispirited  and  call  for  help  :  none  can  be  sent  from  this 
quarter. 

"  The  people  from  Schohary  have  informed  us  that  they 
will  be  obliged  to  lay  down  their  arms. 

"  The  militia  that  could  be  collected  in  this  county  have 
been  sent  to  the  army :  they  have  been  long  in  service,  and 
seeing  no  prospect  of  relief,  intend  soon  to  return  and  re- 
move their  families  to  a  place  of  greater  safety.  We  are 
informed  that  our  army  intends  to  retreat  to  Half  Moon. 
Should  they  be  obliged  to  take  this  step,  the  western  com- 
munication will  be  opened  to  the  enemy.  The  appearance 
of  a  few  of  the  enemy's  troops  on  the  Mohawk  river  would 
immediately  make  the  inhabitants  lay  down  their  arms. 
Our  feeling  for  the  brave  men  in  that  quarter  is  very  great. 
The  Oneida  Indians  are  much  distressed  for  us ;  they  furnish 
us  with  several  useful  pieces  of  intelligence  respecting  our 
western  affairs,  and  beg  us  to  stand  with  firmness. 

"  Should  Albany  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  the 
savages  will  be  obliged  to  take  an  active  part  against  us. 
If  two  hundred  can  drive  in  all  the  inhabitants  of  a  well 
settled  country  for  upwards  of  fifty  miles,  which  at  present 
is  the  case,  how  must  the  country  suffer  when  perhaps  a 
thousand  or  more  are  necessitated  to  join  against  us  ?  Gen- 
tlemen may  probably  think  we  are  panic  struck  ;  that  the 
fear  of  losing  our  property,  is  a  cause  of  our  drawing  so 
melancholy  a  picture.  We  have,  we  suppose,  the  feelings 
of  other  men  on  like  occasions ;  but  the  distress  which  must 
ensue,  engrosses  a  great  part  of  our  attention.  We  are 
happy  in  having  it  in  our  power  to  declare  with  truth,  that 
every  thing  that  could  be  done  by  us,  has  been  done,  and 
that  any  calamities  that  befal  our  country,  is  owing  to  no 
omission  or  want  of  duty  in  us  ;  and  since  no  troops  make 
their  appearance  from  any  quarter  to  our  relief,  we  are  ap- 
prehensive that  this  city  will  in  a  short  time,  be  in  the 
possession  of  the  enemy. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  most  hum.  servt. 
"  By  order, 
"JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety." 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  Peter  J.  Daggert,  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  German  Flatts,  dated  the  9th  instant, 
directed  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  was  read,  and  follows, 
vizt : 

"  German  Flatts  Committee  Chamber,  ) 
"  August  9th,  1777.  5 

"  Gentlemen — Just  arrived  Capt.  Demuth  and  John 
Adam  Helmer,  the  bearers  hereof,  with  an  account  that 
they  arrived  with  some  difficulty  at  Fort  Schuyler,  the 
sixth  day  of  the  month,  being  sent  there  by  order  of  Gene- 
ral Herkemer.  Before  he  set  out  to  the  field  of  battle  he 
requested  some  assistance  from  the  fort,  in  order  to  make 
an  effort  to  facilitate  our  march  to  the  fort.  Two  hundred 
and  six  men  were  granted.  They  made  a  sally,  encoun- 
tered the  enemy,  killed  many,  destroyed  the  tents  of  the 
enemy,  and  came  off  victorious  to  the  fort.  The  com- 
mander desired  them  to  acquaint  us,  and  his  superiors, 
that  he  is  wanting  assistance,  and  thinks  to  stand  out  so 
long  that  timely  assistance  could  come  to  his  relief. 

"  Concerning  the  battle — on  our  side  all  accounts  agreed 
that  a  great  number  of  the  enemy  is  killed  :  the  flower  of 
our  militia,  either  killed  or  wounded,  except  150,  who  stood 
the  field  and  forced  the  enemy  to  retreat ;  the  wounded 
were  brought  off  by  those  brave  men ;  the  dead  they  left 
on  the  field,  for  want  of  a  proper  support.  We  will  not 
take  upon  us  to  tell  of  the  behaviour  of  the  rear.  So  far, 
we  know  they  took  to  flight  the  first  firing. 

"  General  Herkemer  is  wounded  ;  Colo.  Cox  seemingly 
killed,  and  a  great  many  officers  are  among  the  slain.  We 
are  surrounded  by  tories,  a  party  of  100  of  whom  are  now 
on  their  march  through  the  woods.  We  refer  you  for  fur- 
ther information  to  the  bearer.    Major  Watts  of  the  enemy 


1038 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


is  killed  ;  Joseph  Brandt,  William  Johnson,  several  known 
tories,  and  a  number  of  Indians. 

"  Gentlemen,  we  pray  you  will  send  us  succour.  By  the 
death  of  most  part  of  our  committee  members,  the  field 
officers  and  general  being  wounded,  every  thing  is  out  of 
order,  the  people  entirely  dispirited  ;  our  county  at  Esopus 
unrepresented  ;  that  we  can  not  hope  to  stand  it  any  longer 
without  your  aid  ;  we  will  not  mention  the  shocking  aspect 
our  fields  do  show.  Faithful  to  our  country,  we  remain, 
"Your  sorrowful  brethren, 

"  The  few  members  of  this  committee. 
"  Attested. 

"PETER  J.  DEGGART, 

"  Chairman. 

"  To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

of  Albany,  and  by  them  to  Col.  Van  Schaick." 

The  examination  of  Adam  Helmer,  taken  before  the 
committee  of  Albany,  yesterday,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Adam  Helmer  informed  that  he  was  sent  to  Fort 
Schuyler,  by  General  Herkemer,  with  a  letter  to  Colo. 
Gansevoort,  acquainting  him  of  his  march  to  the  relief  of  the 
garrison  ;  that  he  arrived  at  the  fort  on  Wednesday  last  at 
one  o'clock  ;  that  at  two,  Colo.  Willett  turned  out  with  two 
hundred  and  seven  men,  and  attacked  an  encampment  of 
the  enemy  about  one  mile  from  the  fort,  in  order  to  facili- 
tate General  Herkemer's  march  to  the  fort ;  that  the  en- 
gagement lasted  about  an  hour,  and  that  the  enemy  were 
drove  off  with  great  loss  ;  that  the  colonel  then  ordered  the 
flanking  parties  to  spread  themselves  farther  out,  in  order 
to  discover  whether  there  was  any  enemy   near  them  ; 
upon  their  report,  that  they  discovered  none,  he  ordered 
his  men  to  take  as  much  of  the  baggage  as  they  could  and 
destroy  the  rest,  which  they  effectually  did,  each  one  car- 
rying with  him  as  much  as  they  could  ;  that  in  their  way 
to  the  fort,  just  above  the  landing  (where  the  old  fort  used 
to  stand)  a  party  of  two  hundred  regular  troops  appeared, 
preparing  to  give  them  battle  ;  that  upon  our  troops  dis- 
covering them,  Captain  Savage  of  the  artillery  pointed  his 
field  piece  upon  them,  and  saluted  them  with  grape  shot ; 
this,  together  with  a  smart  discharge  of  small  arms,  and 
one  of  the  cannon  out  of  the  fort,  did  great  execution  among 
them,  and  soon  obliged  them  to  scamper  off;  when  our 
troops,  with  their  plunder,  marched  to  the  fort,  where  they 
arrived  about  4  o'clock,  with  the  same  number  they  left 
the  garrison,  not  one  man  being  killed  or  wounded ;  that 
they  took  one  regular  captain  and  four  privates  prisoners  ; 
that  among  the  plunder  they  took  was  one  scarlet  coat 
trimmed  with  gold  lace,  three  laced  hats,  a  good  deal  of 
money,  in  specie  and  paper ;    that  the  enemy's  force 
amounted  to  twelve  hundred,  consisting  of  regulars,  tories 
and  Indians,  before  the  engagements  of  General  Herkemer 
and  Colonel  Willett,  but  thinks  they  have  lost  a  great 
many;  that  the  cannon  the  enemy  have  with  them  are  two  six 
pounders,  two  threes,  and  four  cohorns  ;  that  they  are  busy 
erecting  two  batteries,  one  to  the  northeast  and  the  other 
to  the  northwest  of  the  fort ;  that  he  heard  the  officers  say 
that  the  plunder  taken  by  our  troops  that  day,  at  a  rea- 
sonable computation,  amounted  at  least  to  one  thousand 
pounds  ;  that  he  left  the  fort  on  Thursday  night  last ;  that 
next  morning  he  often  heard  the  report  of  cannon  ;  that  our 
troops  also  found  in  the  enemy's  encampment  a  number  of 
letters  (which  had  fallen  into  their  hands)  directed  to  offi- 
cers in  the  fort,  but  not  one  had  been  opened. 
'•Albany,  lllh  August,  1777." 

The  copy  of  the  address  of  the  committee  of  Albany  to 
the  people  of  the  eastern  States,  requesting  their  aid  to  the 
northern  army,  was  received  in  the  letter  from  that  com- 
mittee, and  read. 

The  copy  of  an  answer  thereto  from  Linde  Lord,  chair- 
man of  the  committee  at  Litchfield,  assigning  their  reasons 
for  not  sending  any  of  their  militia  to  aid  the  said  northern 
army,  was  also  read. 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was 
read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Sir — By  the  enclosed  letters  your  Excellency  will 
learn  the  distressed  situation  of  the  northern  parts  of  this 
State.  Unless  it  is  shortly  supported,  it  must  inevitably 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  well  affected  of 
Albany  county  are  fully  employed  in  suppressing  the  in- 
surrections of  the  disaffected ;  so  that  little  can  be  expect- 
ed from  them,  unless  the  tories  are  overawed  by  the  ap- 
pearance of  immediate  force.  No  militia  have  come  in 
from  the  eastward,  nor  have  we  yet  learned  that  any  are 
like  to  come.  Colo.  Wynkoop,  who  is  just  arrived  from 
Albany,  assures  us  that  our  whole  force  at  Stillwater  con- 
sists of  only  4,000  effective  men,  and  those  much  dispi- 
rited. 

"  The  bravery  of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county,  must  soon 
be  of  little  avail,  since  the  enemy  can  reinforce  their  west- 
ern army  from  Saratoga,  while  ours  are  left  without  the 
least  hope  of  assistance. 

"  In  this  situation,  sir,  nothing  but  our  own  exertions  and 
the  Divine  favour  can  extricate  us  ;  let  us  strain  every 
nerve.  If  our  neighbours — if  the  grand  army — if  the  whole 
continent,  determine  that  our  little  mutilated  State  shall 
bear  the  weight  of  the  American  war,  let  us  acquiesce  in 
their  determination,  and  let  us  brave  the  danger  which  they 
will  not  enable  us  to  repel. 

"You,  sir,  will  judge  of  the  necessity  of  collecting  our 
whole  force  to  a  point  in  that  quarter  in  which  it  shall  ap- 
pear to  be  most  necessary.  We  would  suggest  to  your 
Excellency  the  necessity  of  sending  the  enclosed  letters  to 
Head-Quarters,  with  as  much  of  this  as  you  think  expe- 
dient, with  all  possible  expedition. 

"  It  would  be  very  advantageous  to  have  some  southern 
troops  acquainted  with  the  Indian  mode  of  fighting,  sent  to 
the  northward,  to  rouse  the  spirits  of  our  army  there,  who 
shudder  at  the  very  appearance  of  Indians,  and  hardly  dare 
to  step  out  of  their  camp. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  Excellency's 

"  Most  obdt.  humble  servt. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  eopy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  trans- 
mitted ;  and  a  copy  of  the  letter  of  the  committee,  a  copy 
of  the  letter  from  Peter  Daggert,  and  of  the  examination 
of  Adam  Helmer,  be  therein  enclosed,  and  that  the  copy 
of  the  address  of  the  committee  of  Albany  to  the  people 
of  the  eastern  States,  and  of  the  answer  thereto  which  were 
received  from  Albany,  be  therewith  transmitted  to  the  Go- 
vernor. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Jay  and  Gouverneur  Morris, 
Esqrs.  and  in  their  absence,  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State 
at  Congress,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — We  are  much  surprised  that  we  have 
not  yet  been  favoured  by  a  line  from  you.  By  an  express 
that  is  just  going  to  the  Governor,  and  which  we  would  not 
choose  to  delay,  we  would  acquaint  you  that  our  northern 
army  continues  as  weak  as  ever  ;  that  it  has  received  no 
farther  reinforcements  from  New-England  than  about  150 
Continental  troops,  and  no  militia ;  that  the  tories  join  the 
enemy's  northern  and  western  army  in  great  numbers ; 
that  we  are  retreating  from  post  to  post,  and  that  a  few 
days  will,  unless  they  are  more  effectually  opposed,  give 
the  enemy  possession  of  Albany,  with  which  Tryon  coun- 
ty must  also  fall ;  and  the  brave  men  who  have  already 
contended  with  the  enemy  there  with  great  spirit,  from  des- 
pair of  any  further  aid,  must  yield  to  them  or  fall  into  their 
hands,  and  the  whole  Six  Nations  be  let  loose  on  our  and 
the  neighbouring  frontiers. 

"  It  is  a  prevailing  opinion  at  Head-Quarters,  that  the 
enemy  to  the  northward  are  much  weaker  than  they  really 
are  ;  nor  do  they  make  any  allowance  for  the  strength  they 
are  daily  acquiring  by  an  accession  of  the  disaffected.  We 
I  wish  you  to  state  this  fact  fully,  and  to  urge  the  necessity 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1039 


of  sending  immediate  aid  to  the  northward,  or  the  poor  re- 
mains of  this  State  must  inevitably  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy.  The  troops  to  the  northward  are  so  dispirited 
that  they  hardly  dare  look  the  enemy  in  the  face.  They 
are  unused  to  Indians,  and  have  the  greatest  dread  of 
them.  Two  thousand  of  our  militia  are  employed  at  the 
forts  ;  five  hundred  are  sent  to  reinforce  the  northern  army  ; 
the  greater  part  of  those  of  Albany,  are  employed  in  sup- 
pressing insurrections  of  the  disaffected. 

"  About  seven  hundred  of  the  Tryon  county  militia  have 
had  a  very  severe  battle  with  the  enemy,  in  which  they  were 
successful,  but  lost  above  a  hundred  men  killed,  and  most 
of  the  leading  whigs  in  that  county.  On  the  side  of  the 
enemy  a  greater  number  have  fallen ;  among  them  Capt. 
Watts,  Joseph  Brandt,  William  Johnson,  &c.  We  men- 
tion this  to  enable  you  to  affirm  that  we  do  not  call  for  as- 
sistance without  pulling  our  own  shoulders  to  the  wheel. 

"I  am,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"  To  the  Hon.  John  Jay  and  Gouvr.  Morris, 

in  their  absence,  to  New-York  Delegates  at  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  or  by  the  Secretaries,  by  his  order,  and 
transmitted. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  13,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Li- 
vingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Robt.  R. 
Livingston,  Major  Tappen. 

Captain  Bogardus  being  called  before  the  Council,  says, 
that  a  servant  of  General  De  Fermoi,  told  him  this  morn- 
ing, that  he  knew  two  men  who  could  tell  when  Fort  Ti- 
conderoga  was  sold,  and  for  what  sum. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Harper  examine  the  said  servant, 
and  report  his  examination. 

Christopher  Fiero,  being  called  before  the  Council  and 
examined,  says,  that  one  Du  Bois,  who  left  Albany  last 
evening,  informed  him  that  a  post  or  messenger  from  Fort 
Schuyler,  arrived  at  Albany  yesterday  evening,  and  re- 
ported that  they  had  been  successful  and  had  killed  a  great 
number  of  Indians  and  tories,  and  some  regulars,  or  Bri- 
tish troops,  and  beat  them,  with  a  greater  slaughter  of  the 
enemy  than  any  in  this  State  during  the  contest ;  that  be- 
tween the  second  battle  and  the  first,  our  troops  there  had 
made  an  intrenchment  round  the  fort.  That  the  said  post 
or  messenger  at  Albany  further  reported,  that  every  road 
from  Schoharie  is  obstructed  and  filled  up  by  the  tories 
there  ;  that  Colonel  John  Harper  had  escaped  from  thence, 
and  that  Colonel  Vrooman,  with  about  twenty-five  whigs, 
had  fortified  himself  in  a  house  there. 

A  petition  of  Joseph  Pierson  was  read.  He  therein  sets 
forth  a  person  named  Robinson,  who  says  that  he  is  a  ser- 
geant of  Colonel  Du  Bois's  regiment,  has  enlisted  a  bought 
servant  who  is  one  of  his  workmen  ;  that  he  has  detained 
the  servant,  and  prays  he  may  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  be  referred  to  Mr.  Gil- 
bert Livingston  and  Mr.  Yates. 

A  petition  of  John  Freer,  alleging  that  he  has  behaved 
well,  and  desiring  to  know  why  he  has  been  again  con- 
fined. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  petition  lay  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  the 
eleventh  inst.  was  read,  and  follows  in  these  words,  to  wit : 

"  Few-Windsor,  lllk  August,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  am  this  minute  favoured  with  the  Council's  let- 
ter of  the  8th  instant,  enclosing  the  papers  respecting  the 


militia  under  the  command  of  Major  Jansen.  The  mea- 
sures taken  by  the  Council  in  respect  to  that  corps,  appear 
to  me  perfectly  right,  and  have  my  fullest  approbation. 

"  I  wrole  this  morning  to  Colo.  Pawling,  advising  him 
of  the  conduct  of  Capt.  Mann,  of  the  Schoharie  militia, 
mentioned  in  the  letter  of  the  committee  of  Albany,  a  copy 
of  which  you  sent  me.  I  am  apprehensive,  that  unless  he 
and  his  party  are  speedily  routed  they  will  become  formi- 
dable and  dangerous  neighbours  to  our  western  frontiers. 
I  therefore  proposed  to  Colo.  Pawling,  in  the  letter  I  ad- 
dressed to  him  this  morning,  the  propriety  of  embodying  a 
party  of  men  out  of  his  regiment  under  an  active  officer  for 
this  purpose,  and  directed  him  to  call  on  your  Honourable 
House  for  their  advice  and  assistance  on  this  occasion, 
which,  should  they  agree  with  me  in  sentiment,  they  will 
please  to  afford  him. 

"  It  is  clearly  my  opinion,  that  it  is  essential  to  the  pub- 
lic safety  to  have  this  business  executed  with  despatch  and 
effectually.  That  fellow,  without  doubt,  acts  under  the 
encouragement  and  by  the  advice  of  the  enemy  ;  and  even 
though  he  should  not  attempt  to  commit  hostilities  on  the 
inhabitants  of  the  western  frontiers,  the  very  deterring  of 
the  militia  from  marching  to  the  aid  of  the  northern  army, 
alone  is  a  capital  mischief;  besides  suffering  such  an  atro- 
cious and  open  offender  to  pass  with  impunity,  would,  in 
point  of  example,  be  extremely  impolitic. 

"  I  had  not  issued  any  orders  to  the  militia  of  Cumber- 
land, Charlotte  and  Gloucester  counties,  not  knowing  who 
commanded  them  ;  nor  indeed  was  I  anxious  about  it,  as 
I  did  not  expect  much  from  them  ;  but  on  considering 
matters,  I  think  it  prudent  to  issue  my  orders  to  those 
counties,  not  only  to  make  returns  of  the  present  slate  of 
the  militia  thereof,  but  to  furnish  their  quota  of  men  to  join 
our  northern  army,  as  I  am  apprehensive,  should  I  neglect 
them  on  this  occasion,  when  I  am  calling  out  a  proportion 
of  the  militia  from  every  other  county  in  the  State  in  our  pos- 
session, it  may  tend  to  strengthen  them  in  their  late  revolt 
and  attempt  to  set  up  an  independent  State  ;  and  should 
they  not  comply  with  my  orders  in  this  critical  hour,  it  will 
be  a  circumstance  not  much  in  their  favour. 

"  I  have,  therefore,  enclosed  orders  for  that  purpose, 
which  I  must  beg  you  will  please  to  order  one  of  your  Se- 
cretaries to  direct  and  forward. 

"  I  have  no  news  worth  communicating  since  I  wrote 
you  last. 

"  I  am  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 
"  It  may  be  necessary  to  exercise  a  good  deal  of  pru- 
dence with  respect  to  the  Indians  who  are  with  Capt.  Man, 
the  management  of  which  I  must  submit  to  the  Council." 

A  letter  from  John  R.  Livingston,  dated  yesterday  at 
Claremont,  to  his  brother,  the  Honbl.  Robert  R.  Living- 
ston, was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  The  manor  militia  has  been  twice  assembled  to  en- 
deavour to  get  them  to  go  up  to  Stillwater  ;  but  it  seems  it 
is  impossible  to  get  any  of  them  to  go.  They  say  that  the 
oath  which  ihey  have  taken  to  the  State  is  not  any  longer 
binding.  Cooper  is  the  chief  man  among  them  again,  and 
I  believe  it  would  not  be  amiss  to  take  him  up  and  send 
him  on  board  of  the  ship,  as  I  believe  a  few  examples 
would  work  a  great  alteration  in  them.  I  wish  you  would 
send  a  company  to  make  the  drafts,  or  indeed  the  whole 
militia  turn  out,  and  if  any  refused,  to  take  them  prisoners 
immediately.  I  will  write  to  Smith  to  take  up  Cooper  and 
send  him  to  you,  and  several  others  who  refuse  to  go  up. 
These  people  want  nothing  but  good  officers  to  make  them 
do  their  duty,  I  am  convinced. 

"  I  am,  dr.  Robt.  yours, 

"  JOHN  R.'  LIVINGSTON." 

Thereupon  the  Council  came  to  the  following  resolu- 
tion, vizt : 

Whereas  many  people  have  taken  the  benefit  of  the 


1040 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


late  act  of  grace  merely  to  avoid  the  punishment  of  their 
crimes,  and  instead  of  proving  the  sincerity  of  their  re- 
pentance, take  the  first  opportunity  to  show  their  enmity 
to  the  country  : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  every  person  who  has  here- 
tofore taken  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State  and  the 
benefit  of  the  act  of  grace,  published  the  tenth  day  of  May 
last,  who  shall  hereafter  be  convicted  of  having  done  any 
act  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  such  oath,  shall  be  deemed 
guilty  of  felony  without  benefit  of  clergy. 

Ordered,  That  two  hundred  copies  thereof  be  immedi- 
ately printed  in  handbills. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  Sir — We  enclose  your  Excellency  a  copy  of  a  letter 
from  the  manor  of  Livingston,  by  which  it  appears  that 
the  militia  will  not  march  to  the  northward. 

"  It  is  necessary  that  some  effectual  means  be  used  to 
compel  them  to  go.  We  could  wish  that  only  a  part  of 
them  had  been  ordered  out,  as  a  gteat  majority  of  the  men 
are  disaffected  and  disarmed,  nor  can  they  safely  be  trust- 
ed with  arms  ;  but  how  far  it  would  be  proper  to  make 
any  alteration  in  the  order,  your  Excellency  will  judge. 
We  also  enclose  a  resolution  by  which  it  will  appear  that 
we  have  done  all  in  our  power  to  strengthen  the  executive 
power. 

"I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent and  transmitted.  Also,  that  the  Secretary  enclose  a 
copy  of  the  letter  from  John  R.  Livingston  and  a  copy  of 
the  resolution  passed  by  this  Council  this  day,  and  ordered 
to  be  published. 

Mr.  Harper,  according  to  order,  reported  the  examina- 
tion on  oath  of  James  Crawford,  a  soldier  in  Colonel  Mar- 
shall's regiment  and  a  servant  to  General  De  Fermoi, 
which  was  read  and  filed. 

Adjourned  until  3  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  13,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corttandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Plait,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Tredwell. 

An  account  of  Sergeant  John  De  Lamater  for  the  ex- 
penses of  conveying  Jesse  Noble  and  David  Ivers  to  Con- 
necticut, was  presented  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  sent  to  the  Auditor- 
General  to  be  audited  for  payment,  arid  that  the  same  be 
charged  to  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  the 
twelfth  instant,  was  read,  and  follows,  in  these  words,  to  wit : 

"  New-Windsor,  12th  Augt.  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — On  the  receipt  of  a  letter  yesterday  morn- 
ing from  General  Scott,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from 
the  committee  of  Albany,  to  your  Honble.  Board,  contain- 
ing the  same  intelligence  respecting  Capt.  Man,  mention- 
ed in  your  letter  of  the  11th  inst.  just  now  delivered  me, 
I  immediately  wrote  to  Colonel  Pawling,  on  that  sub- 
ject, pointing  out  the  propriety  of  destroying  Man  and  his 
party  by  a  sudden  exertion  with  a  detachment  of  the  mili- 
tia under  an  active  officer,  and  desiring  him  if  he  thought 
it  practicable,  to  set  about  it  immediately  ;  and  in  that  case 
to  call  upon  the  Council  for  their  advice  and  aid.  This 
morning  I  addressed  a  letter  to  vour  Honourable  Board  on 
the  same  subject,  by  which  you  will  observe  my  senti- 
ments coincide  exactly  with  the  Council's  on  this  occasion. 

"  I  dare  not  however,  at  present,  venture  to  take  any  of 
the  Continental  troops  from  the  garrison  in  the  Highlands 
for  this  business. 


"  The  designs  of  the  enemy  under  General  Howe,  are 
yet  uncertain  ;  the  garrison  not  over  strong  ;  and  should 
any  unlucky  accident  happen  in  that  quarter,  in  the  absence 
of  troops,  which  might  be  drawn  from  thence  for  this  expe- 
dition, I  would  be  greatly  and  perhaps  deservedly  censur- 
ed. If  militia  are  to  be  employed,  they  can  be  much 
easier  and  more  expeditiously  had  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Kingston  and  Marbletown,  than  by  marching  them  up  from 
the  fort. 

"  Major  Pawling  was  charged  with  my  letter  to  Coun- 
cil, and  left  my  house  this  morning  for  Kingston.  I  men- 
tioned this  scheme  to  him,  and  he  expressed  a  strong  de- 
sire to  command  the  party,  to  which  I  consented,  provided 
a  party  proper  for  him  to  command  should  be  ordered  out 
on  this  occasion.  I  know  him  to  be  possessed  of  pru- 
dence as  well  as  spirit. 

"  I  am,  with  much  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obdt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  To  the  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Thereupon  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel  Pawling,  was 
read,  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — We  enclose  you  two  letters  received  from  the 
Governor,  by  which  it  appears  that  he  is  very  anxious  to 
have  the  party  detached  for  Schoharie.  We  have  receiv- 
ed information  that  Colonel  Vroman,  with  a  party  of  whigs 
is  besieged  there  by  the  lories. 

"  It  is  necessary  that  he  should  be  relieved  immediately. 
You  will  therefore  be  pleased  to  issue  your  orders  this 
night  for  two  hundred  drafts  to  be  made  from  your  regi- 
ment ;  after  which  you  will,  agreeably  to  the  Governor's 
directions,  repair  to  this  place,  and  confer  with  the  Council 
about  the  most  practicable  means  of  executing  your  plan. 

"  We  are  extremely  sorry  that  so  much  precious  time 
has  already  been  lost  by  the  miscarriage  of  your  letter. 

"  I  am  sir,  your  very  humble  servant. 
"  By  order. 

"To  Colo.  Levi  Pawling." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by  the 
President,  and  forwarded  by  a  lighthorseman. 

A  petition  of  the  privates  of  Captain  Paine's  company 
now  present,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Tredwell  ancJ 
Mr.  Harper. 

The  Auditor-General  laid  before  the  Council  an  account 
of  Victor  Bickers,  Junr.  as  a  lieutenant  of  marines,  and 
requested  their  directions  on  the  premises. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  Colo.  De 
Witt  and  Mr.  Tappen. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Harper,  seconded  by  Genl.  Scott, 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  give  such 
advice  and  assistance  to  Colo.  Pawling,  as  he  may  request ; 
and  that  they  be  empowered  to  furnish  him  with  such  ne- 
cessaries out  of  the  stores  of  this  State  as  they  shall  think 
expedient,  for  the  more  effectual  carrying  on  the  secret  ex- 
pedition lately  committed  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor, 
to  Colonel  Pawling's  care. 

Resolved,  That  General  Scott,  Mr.  Robert  R.  Living- 
ston and  Major  Tappen  be  the  committee. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  dated  the  tenth  instant,  was  read. 

A  memorandum  of  Colo.  Van  Schaack,  containing  the 
names  of  some  of  those  prisoners,  was  also  read. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  names  of  the  said  prisoners  be  add- 
ed to  the  calendar,  and  that  they  be  confined  in  the  Fleet 
prison,  except  Corinth  Brisbin,  who  is  suspected  of  being 
a  spy,  and  that  the  said  Corinth  Brisbin  be  confined  in 
jail. 

A  letter  from  Colonel  Van  Schaack  to  the  President, 
dated  the  tenth  instant,  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Albany,  August  10th,  1777. 
"  Sir — Pursuant  to  an  order  of  the  Honourable  Major- 
General  Schuyler,  I  send  under  guard  of  a  sergeant  and 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1041 


twelve  men,  seventeen  Canadians,  taken  near  Ticonderoga 
at  the  time  when  our  army  evacuated  that  post. 

"  Your  most  humble  servant, 

"  G.  V.  SCHAICK. 

"  To  the  Presjdent  of  the  Council  of 

the  State  of  New-York." 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Canadian  prisoners  be  delivered 
to  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  the  commissary  for  prisoners  of 
war  in  this  State,  and  that  the  said  commissary  have  all 
the  prisoners  of  war  in  this  State  removed  from  thence  to 
Goshen,  in  Orange  county. 

A  return  of  Colonel  Morris  Graham's  regiment  of  militia 
in  Dutchess  county,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  Colo.  Lasher  or  his  deputy,  deliver  to 
Colonel  Graham  or  his  order,  one  hundred  small  arms, 
with  accoutrements,  and  that  he  take  a  receipt  for  the  re- 
turn of  the  same. 

The  committee  on  Captain  Payn's  letter  and  the  petition 
of  ten  soldiers  of  his  company,  report  the  following  reso- 
tions,  to  wit : 

"Resolved,  That  Captain  Payn  and  the  soldiers  under 
his  command,  be  continued  in  the  pay  of  this  State. 

"Resolved,  That  Captain  Payn  be  directed  to  complete 
his  compliment  of  men,  and  in  the  mean  while,  make  out 
a  muster  roll  of  the  men  that  are  now  here,  and  that  they 
do  duty  with  Captain  Schoonmaker's  company  of  guards 
at  this  place,  until  further  orders. 

"Resolved,  That  Colonel  Lasher  be  directed  to  provide 
the  men  now  here  under  Captain  Payn's  command  with 
arms  and  accoutrements,  and  that  they  have  the  like  sub- 
sistence as  the  men  belonging  to  Captain  Schoonmaker's 
company." 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  14,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Genl. 
Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt. 
Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of 
this  State,  furnish  Captain  Samuel  Payne,  of  Major  Whee- 
lock's  corps,  with  such  clothing  for  the  men  under  his 
command  at  this  place,  as  are  allowed  to  the  Continental 
troops. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  John  Lasher  furnish  Captain 
Samuel  Payne,  of  Major  Wheelock's  corps,  with  arms  and 
accoutrements  for  the  men  under  his  command  at  this 
place,  as  also  with  twelve  rounds  of  powder  for  each  man. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Captain  Samuel  Payne,  of  Major  Wheelock's  corps,  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,  on  account. 

On  the  application  of  the  commissary  of  prisoners, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  the  sum  of  three  hundred  dol- 
lars, on  account. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  furnish  Mr.  Banck- 
er, the  commissary  of  prisoners,  with  a  sergeant  and  eight 
men,  to  guard  the  prisoners  from  Kingston  to  Goshen,  in 
Orange  county. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  Artemas  Ward,  President 
of  the  Council  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  dated  August  the 
fourth,  informing  of  the  number  of  militia  sent  from  that 
State  to  reinforce  the  northern  army,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  ? 
"  Council  Chamber,  Avgt.  4th,  1777.  $ 
"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  27th  ulto.  came  to  hand  yes- 
terday.   The  Council  are  extremely  sorry  to  find  that 

261 


there  is  still  so  much  occasion  for  further  reinforcements 
to  the  northern  army  ;  and  they  are  the  more  anxiously 
concerned,  as  great  disgust  against  some  of  the  officers 
commanding  in  that  department,  has  taken  possession  of 
the  minds  of  many  who  must  be  called  upon  for  that  ser- 
vice. 

On  the  24lh  ulto.  we  ordered  one  sixth  part  of  seven  re- 
giments, in  the  counties  of  Worcester  and  Middlesex,  to 
reinforce  Colo.  Warner  at  Manchester  ;  some  of  whom 
we  expect  are  now  on  the  ground,  and  the  rest  near  it. 

"  The  General  Assembly  of  this  State  will  meet  to- 
morrow, and  your  request,  with  the  extracts  from  Genl. 
Schuyler's  letter,  will  be  laid  before  them. 

"  In  the  name  and  by  order  of  Council, 

"  I  am,  sir,  yr.  most  hble.  servt. 

"ARTEMAS  WARD,  President. 

"  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Another  letter,  from  the  Honourable  Meshech  Weare, 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire,  dated  at  Exeter,  August  fifih,  on  the  same 
subject,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  State  op  New-Hampshire.  1 
"  In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"Exeter,  Augt.  5^,1777.^ 

"  Sir — I  had  the  honour  of  receiving  yours  of  the  27th 
ulto.  this  day,  by  express,  and  agree  with  you,  that  the 
loss  of  Ticonderoga,  in  the  manner  it  was  left,  has  occa- 
sioned great  difficulty  and  perplexity  in  our  affairs  ;  it  has 
occasioned  the  loss  of  all  confidence,  among  the  people  in 
these  parts,  in  the  general  officers  of  that  department. 

"  About  ten  days  past,  orders  went  out  for  one-quarter 
part  of  the  militia  of  twelve  regiments  in  this  State,  (the 
whole  consisting  of  18  regiments  only)  under  the  command 
of  Brigadier-General  Stark,  to  march  into  your  State  and 
join  Colo.  Warner  in  protecting  the  people  there,  oppose 
the  progress  of  the  enemy  and  act  as  occasion  may  re- 
quire. 

"  I  was  informed  this  day,  by  a  letter  from  General 
Stark,  that  he  had  sent  off  from  No.  4,  700  men  to  join 
Colo.  Warner  at  Manchester,  and  that  he  should  follow 
them  the  next  day  (which  was  last  Sunday)  with  300 
more;  and  had  ordered  the  remainder  to  follow  him  as  fast 
as  they  came  in  to  No.  4.  His  whole  brigade  will  be  to- 
gether in  a  very  few  days,  and  will  consist  of  at  least  1,500. 
Half  the  remaining  six  regiments  of  militia  are  drafted, 
equipped  and  stand  ready,  at  a  minute's  warning  to  march 
to  any  part  of  the  seacoast  of  N.  E.  that  may  be  attacked  ; 
and  shall  continue  to  exert  all  our  strength  in  the  common 
cause. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  due  respect, 
"Your  very  humble  servt. 
"MESHECH  WEARE,  Chairman. 

"  Hon.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  said  letters  be  immediately 
sent  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor. 

Resolved,  That  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Robert  R.  Li- 
vingston be  a  committee  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  Honourable 
the  Congress,  and  represent  to  that  Honourable  Body  a 
true  state  of  the  northern  department. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  15,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Piatt,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Harper. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated 
at  New-Windsor,  the  thirteenth  instant,  on  the  subject  of 
our  northern  army ;  together  with  a  copy  of  His  Excel- 


1042 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


lency's  letter  to  His  Excellency  Genl.  Washington,  on  the 
same  subject,  that  no  reinforcements  are  coming  from  the 
Eastern  Stales,  were  read,  and  are  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  New-  Windsor,  August  13th,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  am  favoured  with  the  letters  of  the  Council  of 
Safety,  of  yesterday's  date,  with  the  enclosures,  and  have 
agreeably  to  the  request  contained  in  them,  sent  Genl. 
Washington  extracts  of  those  letters,  with  copies  of  such 
of  the  other  papers  as  were  intended  to  be  forwarded  under 
cover  of  the  letter  addressed  to  him,  of  which  I  now  trans- 
mit you  a  copy. 

"  I  hourly  expect  accounts  from  Fort  Montgomery,  and 
an  answer  to  my  last  letter  to  Genl.  Washington,  which, 
if  I  receive  this  evening,  I  shall  set  out  some  time  to-mor- 
row for  Kingston  ;  if  not,  the  next  day. 

"  Though  I  most  anxiously  wish  it  was  in  my  power  to 
reinforce  our  northern  army,  and  give  succour  to  the  brave 
and  much  distressed  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county,  yet,  I 
cannot  be  induced  to  think  that  it  would  be  prudent  to  draw 
the  militia  from  so  far  down  as  this  to  the  northward,  until 
the  designs  of  the  enemy's  southern  army  can  be  more 
fully  ascertained,  which  from  any  accounts  I  have  yet  re- 
ceived are  as  likely  to  be  against  this  quarter  as  any  other; 
but  as  I  shall  shortly  have  an  opportunity  of  personally 
conferring  with  the  Council,  and  have  their  advice  and  opi- 
nion more  fully  upon  the  subject,  such  measures  will  be 
adopted,  as  may  appear  upon  the  whole  to  be  most  condu- 
cive to  the  safety  of  this  unhappy  State,  and  for  effectually 
opposing  the  progress  of  the  enemy. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obed.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  The  Honourable  the  President  of  the1 

Council  of  Safety,  State  of  New- York." 

"Stillwater,  August  13th,  1777. 

"  Sir — Last  night  I  received  a  letter  from  Governor 
Trumbull,  of  the  9th  instant,  by  which  I  am  given  to  un- 
derstand that  we  must  not  expect,  any  aid  from  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  in  this  quarter.  Mr.  President  Sever,  of 
the  Massachusetts,  in  a  letter  of  the  29th  ult.  which  I  re- 
ceived on  the  1 1th  instant,  advises  me  that  orders  had  been 
issued  for  the  march  of  one-sixth  part  of  six  regiments  in 
the  county  of  Worcester,  and  one  in  the  county  of  Middle- 
sex. These,  when  they  arrive,  if  ever  they  do,  will  pro- 
bably increase  our  numbers  by  about  six  or  seven  hundred. 
Our  whole  Continental  force  of  effectives,  does  not  exceed 
three  thousand  four  hundred  rank  and  file ;  and  we  have 
about  forty  militia  from  this  State,  and  not  one  from  any 
other.  With  these  troops  we  have  to  encounter  an  enemy 
greatly  superior  in  force,  and  daily  increasing.  I  am  con- 
strained again  to  repeat  that  unless  some  measures  are 
taken  to  bring  forth  the  militia  of  this  county,  it  will  be 
impossible  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  reaching  Albany ; 
and  I  do  not  think  the  militia  will  march  unless  some  of 
the  Council  of  Safety  come  up. 

"  Three  regiments,  in  the  whole  about  five  hundred  and 
fifty  effectives,  marched  from  here  yesterday,  to  the  relief 
of  Fort  Schuyler. 

"  Congress  have  ordered  that  an  inquiry  should  be  made 
into  my  conduct,  and  that  I  should  repair  to  Head-Quarters. 
Disgraceful  as  the  measure  is  to  me  at  this  critical  con- 
juncture, it  leaves  me,  however,  the  consolation  that  the 
public  will  by  such  an  inquiry  be  authentically  informed 
how  unjustly  my  character  has  suffered. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obd.  hble.  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"  The  Hon.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  according  to  order,  reported 
the  draft  of  a  letter  to  our  Delegates  in  Congress,  on  the 
subject  of  the  northern  department,  which  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — The  Council  of  Safety  thinking  it  of 
importance  that  you  should  have  it  in  your  power  to  satisfy 
such  inquiries  as  the  Congress  may  probably  make  about 


the  slate  of  our  affairs,  have  directed  me  briefly  to  inform 
you  of  such  facts  as  have  come  to  their  knowledge,  rela- 
tive both  to  the  enemy's  force  and  ours.  As  to  the  first 
we  cannot  speak  with  certainty,  notwithstanding  the  pains 
we  have  taken  to  inform  ourselves,  but  are  led  to  conjec- 
ture from  the  testimony  of  prisoners,  which  may  at  least  be 
relied  on,  as  far  as  it  relates  to  these  respective  companies 
and  from  a  variety  of  concurringcircumstances,  that  the  whole 
number  of  regular  troops  which  compose  the  enemy's  nor- 
thern army,  is  about  ten  thousand ;  that  six  thousand  of 
these,  and  two  hundred  Indians,  are  with  General  Bur- 
goyne  ;  that  about  eight  hundred,  together  with  four  hun- 
dred Canadians,  tories  and  Indians,  are  gone  to  the  west- 
ward, and  are  now  besieging  Fort  Schuyler ;  which  party 
we  have  reason  to  believe,  have  lately  been  reinforced  by 
five  hundred  men  from  the  main  body,  who  are  supposed, 
to  have  marched  from  Saratoga  about  four  days  ago.  The 
enemy  since  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga,  have  been 
joined  by  a  great  number  of  tories,  who  have  been  encou- 
raged by  the  timidity  of  our  army  to  very  daring  acts  ; 
daily  committing  murders  in  the  disguise  of  Indians,  in  the 
face  of  our  camp.  Our  army  has  been  more  numerous  than 
it  now  is  ;  its  number  is  daily  diminishing. 

"  About  two  thousand  of  our  militia  went  up,  when  our 
army  retreated  to  Fort  Edward ;  about  twelve  hundred  came 
in  from  the  eastern  States  and  the  Grants  :  as  it  was  the 
height  of  harvest,  and  the  militia  were  very  uneasy  at  their 
stay,  the  General  thought  it  most  advisable  to  dismiss  a 
part  of  them  on  condition  that  the  remainder  should  con- 
tinue three  weeks,  by  which  time  they  expected  to  be  re- 
lieved either  by  Continental  troops  or  more  militia.  One 
thousand  of  our  militia  remained  till  this  time.  We  learn 
that  most  of  them  who  are  now  come  away,  after  having 
stayed  out  their  time,  now  find  it  necessary,  from  the  fre- 
quent retreats  of  our  army,  to  remove  their  families.  The 
Governor  has  ordered  the  whole  militia  of  Albany  to  sup- 
ply their  place;  but  this  order  we  fear  will  be  ill  obeyed, 
as  the  disaffected  have  gained  the  ascendency  in  many 
places,  and  not  only  refuse  to  go,  but  compel  the  whigs  to 
side  with  them.  He  has,  however,  sent  up  from  Dutchess 
and  Ulster  counties  five  hundred  men,  who  are  drafted  to 
continue  in  service  till  the  first  day  of  November. 

"  He  has  also  ordered  two  hundred  men  to  Schoary, 
where  the  whigs  are  beseiged  by  tories  and  Indians.  We 
have  seven  hundred  militia  out  in  Tryon  county  and  about 
two  thousand  men  in  the  forts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands  ; 
seven  hundred  of  these  being  drafted  to  continue  in  service 
till  the  first  day  of  November,  the  rest  being  the  whole 
militia  of  the  counties  of  Orange,  the  lower  part  of  Dutch- 
ess and  Ulster. 

"  You,  gentlemen,  who  know  our  weakness,  the  great 
drains  we  have  had,  the  troops  we  are  obliged  to  keep  on 
posts  to  guard  the  disaffected  prisoners  in  every  quarter, 
the  number  that  are  pressed  into  service  as  wagoners,  bat- 
teau  men,  &c.  and  that  this  whole  force  is  drawn  from 
four  counties  out  of  fourteen  that  we  once  possesssed,  will 
think  it  much  beyond  our  strength,  but  we  are  resolved  if 
we  do  fall,  to  fall  as  becomes  brave  men. 

"  In  this  computation  we  count  nothing  from  Albany, 
for  the  reasons  before  mentioned,  though  it  is  probable  that 
some  small  force  may  be  drawn  from  thence. 

"  General  Schuyler  informs  by  letter  of  the  thirteenth  in- 
stant, that  our  whole  northern  army  does  not  exceed  four 
thousand  men,  and  these  we  fear  more  inactive  and  dis- 
pirited than  can  well  be  imagined. 

"  We  enclose  you  our  application  to  the  eastern  States, 
and  their  answer ;  from  Connecticut  we  have  received 
none. 

"  By  the  papers  enclosed  you  will  find  that  our  troops 
and  militia  have  behaved  with  becoming  spirit  in  Tryon 
county ;  but  as  it  is  out  of  our  power  to  support  them,  we 
fear  that  that  county  must  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
in  which  case,  by  means  of  the  Indians,  who  will  then  be 
wholly  in  their  power,  they  may  ravage  all  that  part  of  this 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1043 


State  which  lies  to  the  westward  of  Hudson's  river,  as  well 
as  the  frontiers  of  New-Jersey  and  Pennsylvania ;  and  by 
moving  their  ships  up  the  river,  in  a  great  measure  de- 
stroy the  communication  between  the  eastern  and  western 
States ;  or  at  least,  render  very  considerable  escorts  ne- 
cessary. Should  Albany  fall  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy, 
and  which  is  by  no  means  improbable,  that  spirit  of  dis- 
affection which  we  have  so  long  contended  with,  will  again 
break  out,  and  the  enemy  not  only  be  amply  supplied,  but 
considerably  reinforced. 

"  We  tell  you  that  our  army  were,  when  we  last  heard 
from  them,  at  Stillwater,  and  that  they  think  of  retreating 
to  Half  Moon.  You  will  easily  conceive  the  distress  that 
the  removal  of  the  families  from  the  fine  country  upon 
Hudson's  river  and  the  total  loss  of  their  property,  must 
occasion,  as  well  as  the  new  burdens  that  will  be  cast 
upon  this  already  overloaded  State. 

"  But  we  do  not  choose  to  dwell  on  this  melancholy  sub- 
ject, or  yield  to  a  spirit  of  despondency  that  may  tend  to 
weaken  the  efforts  which  we  think  it  our  duty  to  make,  for 
the  success  of  which  we  rely  upon  Divine  Providence. 

"  If  it  is  not  inconsistent  with  the  general  interest,  we 
would  most  earnestly  wish  for  one  or  two  regiments  of 
riflemen,  who  would  be  very  useful  in  our  woody  country, 
and  whose  very  names  would  serve  to  intimidate  the  sava- 
ges. 

"  Would  circumstances  admit  of  drawing  our  whole  force 
to  a  point,  and  were  the  passes  to  the  southward  secured 
by  a  sufficient  number  of  troops,  exclusive  of  our  militia, 
we  should  not  have  thought  it  necessary  to  call  in  any  aid 
from  the  neighbouring  States  ;  but  at  present  attacked  on 
every  side,  we  stand  in  need  of  more  assistance  than  we 
have  from  present  appearances  reason  to  hope  for. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hi.  servt. 

"To  the  Honble.  the  New-York 

Delegates  in  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof,  together  with  copies  of 
the  papers  therein  referred  to,  be  immediately  transmitted. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston  has  leave  of  absence  for  four 
days,  on  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Jay  or  Mr.  Morris. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  15,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Corllandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Genl. 
Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen. 

The  Council  having  sat  until  evening,  and  no  despatches 
arriving, 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  16,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Yates.  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr-  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harper,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo. 
De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston. 

A  letter  signed  by  Phillip  Conyne,  chairman  of  the  dis- 
trict of  Cocksackie,  and  several  other  respectable  friends  to 
the  American  cause,  soliciting  the  discharge  of  John  Romer, 
who  is  confined  on  a  charge  of  disaffection,  was  read  and 
filed.    And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Romer,  (on  taking  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,)  be  liberated  and  permitted 
to  return  to  his  family. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  Fleet  prison  fur- 
nish Captain  Payn's  men  who  have  joined  Captain  Schoon- 
maker's  company  with  rations,  agreeable  to  the  Continental 
regulations. 


Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of 
this  State  do  supply  the  commissary  of  the  prisoners  of 
war  with  seven  shirts  and  seven  pair  of  shoes,  for  the  use 
of  seven  prisoners  of  war  lately  taken  in  the  northern  de- 
partment and  sent  to  this  place. 

Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNjE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  18,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Li- 
vingston, Major  Tappen,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Major  Van  Zandt. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  John  Cumming,  confined  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison,  praying  to  be  permitted  to  reside 
at  Captain  Henry  Sleight's,  in  Kingston,  with  his  wife, 
who  is  come  on  a  visit  to  him, 

Resolved,  That  the  warden  of  the  said  prison  permit 
Mr.  John  Cumming  to  reside  at  the  house  of  Captain  Henry 
Sleight,  in  Kingston,  three  days,  on  Captain  Sleight's  be- 
coming bound  to  return  Mr.  Cumming  to  the  said  prison 
in  three  days  from  the  time  of  his  leaving  the  same  ;  and 
also  that  Mr.  Cumming  do  not  say  or  do  any  thing  injuri- 
ous to  the  American  cause. 

Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont  produced  to  the  Council  a  receipt 
for  seventeen  dollars,  by  him  paid  to  William  Blanchard, 
sergeant  of  a  guard  sent  from  Peeks  Kill  to  Kingston,  (by 
order  of  General  Putnam,)  with  prisoners,  to  bear  the  ex- 
penses of  the  said  guard  on  their  return  to  Peek's  Kill. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  repay  Mr. 
Dumont  the  said  seventeen  dollars,  and  charge  the  same 
to  the  Continental  account. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  of  the  Fleet  prison, 
the  sum  of  one,  hundred  and  fifty  pounds. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull,  dated  the 
fourth  instant,  in  answer  to  the  letter  from  this  Council,  of 
the  27th  ultimo,  relative  to  the  militia  of  Connecticut,  was 
read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Lebanon,  4th  August,  1777. 

"  Sir — I  have  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  yours  of 
the  27th  ulto.  enclosing  extracts  from  Major-General  Schuy- 
ler's letter  to  you. 

"  The  motions  of  the  enemy  of  late  is  truly  alarming, 
and  hath  spread  consternation  through  the  land,  and  calls 
for  the  joint  and  spirited  exertions  of  all  to  prevent  the  ruin 
of  their  country,  and  save  from  slavery  unborn  millions. 

"  By  present  appearances,  it  seems  that  they  mean  to 
strike  some  bold  stroke,  and  bring  matters  to  a  speedy 
crisis.  Howe's  ships  have  put  to  sea;  their  destination  not 
certainly  known ;  but  while  they  keep  a  superior  fleet  on  the 
coast,  it  will  be  in  their  power  to  embarrass  and  perplex 
us  much  by  removing  from  one  place  to  another,  and 
thereby  evading  our  main  body,  while  our  seacoasts  are 
continually  exposed  to  their  depredations. 

"  This  State,  for  the  security  of  their  seacoasts  and  fron- 
tiers, have  raised  two  battalions,  and  now  on  their  stations. 
We  have  done  every  thing  in  our  power  to  fill  up  our  quota 
in  the  Continental  army,  which  is  not  yet  completed,  not- 
withstanding are  far  from  considering  ourselves  exempted 
from  affording  all  assistance  in  our  power  to  any  of  our 
sister  States  when  invaded ;  for  I  view  the  American  States, 
though  divided  into  distinct  jurisdictions,  yet  but  one  great 
family,  and  bound  by  the  ties  of  interest  and  humanity  to 
assist  and  protect  each  other. 

"  Have  not,  therefore,  beheld  the  present  distress  of 
your  State  as  an  unconcerned  spectator ;  but  on  the  first 
notice  thereof,  gave  the  necessary  orders  for  putting  the 
whole  militia  of  this  State  into  the  best  posture  of  defence, 
and  directed  that  one-fourth  part  be  detached,  equipped,  and 


1044 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


ready  lo  march  on  the  shortest  notice,  for  the  relief  of  any 
place  which  may  be  attacked  by  the  enemy,  and  immedi- 
ately advised  His  Excellency  General  Washington  thereof 
by  an  express,  who  left  here  the  26th  ulto.  and  therein 
proposed  lo  His  Excellency's  consideration  to  send  Conti- 
nental troops  to  the  northward,  as  the  most  speedy  and  ef- 
fectual relief  of  your  people  in  that  quarter,  assuring  him 
that  if  he  approved  of  the  measure,  1  would  order  the  mi- 
litia of  this  State,  who  I  apprehended  would  turn  out  with 
spirit,  lo  strengthen  the  posts  at  Peek's  Kill,  and  for  the 
the  defence  of  the  important  passes  at  the  Highlands.  At 
present  have  received  no  answer.  Since  which,  have  re- 
ceived a  requisition  from  Major-General  Putnam  for  five 
hundred  men,  to  be  sent  immediately  to  Peekskill,  which 
have  ordered  accordingly. 

"  On  the  30th  last,  received  from  General  Schuyler  a 
requisition  for  two  thousand  militia,  lo  be  sent  to  his  assis- 
tance, and  this  day  have  a  further  requisition  from  General 
Putnam  for  three  thousand  of  the  militia  of  this  State,  to  be 
held  in  readiness  to  march,  at  the  shortest  notice,  to  Peek's 
Kill,  and  to  be  held  in  service  for  a  term  not  less  than  two 
months.  The  foregoing  was  intended  to  be  sent  per  ex- 
press, but  through  my  hurry  it  lay  by  till  August  6th.  In 
the  morning,  I  received  by  express  from  General  Putnam, 
another  letter,  dated  the  3d  instant,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a 
letter  from  General  Washington  to  him,  dated  at  Chester, 
1st  instant,  informing  that  he  had  received  intelligence  that 
the  enemy's  fleet  the  day  before,  about  eight  of  the  clock, 
in  the  morning,  sailed  out  of  the  Capes  of  Delaware,  on  an 
eastern  course,  with  an  intent,  as  he  apprehended,  to  go 
up  the  North  river,  and  directing  General  Putnam  to  make 
the  speediest  application  to  me  to  send  to  his  assistance  as 
many  of  the  militia  of  this  State  as  could  be  collected,  to 
prevent  General  Howe  getting  possession  of  the  High- 
lands. Agreeable  thereto,  General  Putnam  hath  requested, 
in  the  most  pressing  terms,  that  the  militia  of  this  State 
might  be  sent  to  his  immediate  relief. 

"  In  consequence  of  this  intelligence,  orders  are  given 
for  three  thousand  of  the  militia,  including  five  companies 
of  Colo.  Enos's  battalion,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  Ward,  to  march  to  Peekskill ;  which  troops  are 
now  on  their  march,  and  hope  they  will  arrive  before  the 
enemy  can  approach  them,  and  sent  an  express  to  Gover- 
nor Cook  at  Providence,  with  Generals  Washington  and 
Putnam's  letters,  with  a  request  to  him  that  copies  thereof 
should  be  immediately  forwarded  to  the  President  of  the 
Council  of  Massachusetts,  and  by  him  to  the  State  of  New- 
Hampshire.  By  the  pressing  requests  from  General  Put- 
nam, and  the  dangerous  situation  he  was  in,  and  the  par- 
ticular orders  from  General  Washington,  I  esteem  it  my 
duty  to  comply  therewith,  and  that  hath  taken  a  great  part 
of  the  militia  of  this  State. 

"  I  received  a  letter  from  General  Schuyler  of  the  27th, 
mentioned  above,  which  was  directly  answered,  informing 
of  my  correspondence  with  General  Washington,  which 
rendered  it  improper  for  me  to  comply  with  his  requisition. 
And  although  his  situation  gives  me  pain,  could  do  no  more 
than  to  write  to  the  States  of  the  Massachusetts  and  New- 
Hampshire,  which  I  did  immediately  by  express,  pressing 
them  to  send  forward  their  militia  without  loss  of  time,  lo 
assist  in  repelling  Burgoyne's  army,  and  hope  they  will 
view  the  matter  of  such  importance  as  to  exert  themselves 
on  the  occasion  ;  indeed  their  situation  makes  it  more  na- 
tural lo  send  their  militia  that  way.  Am  persuaded  that 
General  Burgoyne,  flushed  with  his  success,  will  do  every 
thing  in  his  power,  not  only  to  maintain  his  present  acqui- 
sitions, but  to  penetrate  into  the  country  before  the  inhabi- 
tants are  recovered  from  their  surprise,  and  arm  in  their  de- 
fence ;  am  therefore  clearly  of  opinion  that  it  is  of  the 
last  importance  to  put  a  stop  to  their  career  as  soon  as 
possible. 

"  The  difficulties  attending  your  militia  in  this  time  of 
distress,  mentioned  in  yours,  affords  a  gloomy  prospect ; 
that  when  our  subtle  and  inveterate  enemies  are  using 


every  art  of  policy  and  force  to  enslave  us,  to  find  so  great 
a  part  of  your  militia  either  in  the  power  or  interest  of  the 
enemy.  Those  that  are  friendly  ought  not  lo  be  intimi- 
dated thereby,  but  nobly  turn  out  in  their  own  and  coun- 
try's defence  ;  which,  if  they  do,  it  appears  to  me  that,  as 
General  Schuyler  hath  been  reinforced  by  Nixon  and  Glo- 
ver's brigades,  they  will  be  able  to  prevent  Burgoyne's 
further  incursions. 

"  August  7th,  received  by  Mr.  Vandervoort  yours,  dated 
the  1st  instant;  the  same  will  be  laid  before  the  General 
Assembly  of  this  State,  called  to  meet  next  Wednesday. 

"  We  have  endeavoured  that  your  State,  or  any  of  the 
members  of  it  residing  here,  should  have  no  reason  to  com- 
plain of  the  want  of  a  just,  generous  and  humane  treat- 
ment from  the  government  and  its  inhabitants. 

"  I  am  with  esteem  and  regard,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  JONTH.  TRUMBULL. 

"  Honble.  President  Van  Cortlandt." 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  wait  upon  His  Excellency 
the  Governor  with  the  said  letter. 

A  letter  from  Johannes  Van  Duersen,  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Claverack,  accompanying  a  certain  John  Sny- 
der, a  suspicious  person,  who  is  apprehended  and  sent  un- 
der guard  to  Kingston  by  order  of  the  said  committee,  was 
read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Snyder  be  committed  to 
the  Fleet  prison,  until  further  orders. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon,  4  o'clock. 

Die  Lunjs,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  18,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  R.  R.  Living- 
ston, Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  petition  of  John  Strong,  captain  of  one  of  the  com- 
panies of  rangers  raised  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester, 
Cumberland  and  Charlotte,  was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Yates  and 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  19,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Presett — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbert  Livings- 
ton, Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine,  Genl.  Scott. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  Albany 
committee,  enclosing  copy  of  a  letter  signed  Jonas  Fray, 
dated  at  Bennington,  the  sixteenth  instant,  giving  an  ac- 
count of  a  battle  between  the  New-Hampshire  militia, 
under  the  command  of  Brigadier-General  Stark,  and  the 
enemy,  which  proved  very  successful  on  the  side  of  the 
American  arms,  was  read,  and  are  in  the  words  following, 
vizt  : 

"State  of  Vermont,  in  Council  of  Safety,) 
"  Bennington,  ]6th  Jngust,  1777,  6  o'clock.  $ 

"Gentlemen — Brigadier-General  Stark,  from  the  State 
of  New-Hampshire,  with  his  brigade,  together  with  the 
militia  and  companies  of  rangers  raised  by  this  State,  with 
part  of  Colo.  Symonds'  regiment  of  militia,  are  now  in 
action  with  a  number  of  the  enemy's  troops  assembled  near 
this  place,  which  has  been  for  some  time  very  severe.  We 
have  now  in  possession  (taken  from  them  this  day)  four 
brass  field  pieces,  ordinance  stores,  &c.  and  this  minute 
4  or  500  prisoners  have  arrived.  We  have  taken  the  ground 
although  fortified  by  entrenchments,  &c.  but  after  being 
drove  about  one  mile,  the  enemy  being  reinforced,  made  a 
second  stand,  and  still  continue  the  action.  The  loss  on 
each  side  is  doubtless  considerable,  but  the  numbers  not 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1045 


ascertained.  You  are  therefore  in  the  most  pressing  terms 
requested  by  General  Stark  and  this  Council,  to  forward 
the  whole  of  the  militia  under  your  several  commands  to 
this  place  without  one  minute's  loss  of  lime;  they  will  pro- 
ceed on  horseback  with  all  the  ammunition  that  can  be  pro- 
vided conveniently.  On  our  present  exertions  depends  the 
fate  of  thousands. 

"  I  am,  gent,  your  most  obdt.  hum.  servt. 

"JONAS  FAY,  Vice-President. 

"  To  the  gentlemen  officers  nearest  this  place, 
commanding  regiments  of  militia  in  the  se- 
veral United  States." 

"The  above  is  a  true  copy  of  the  original  letter  certified 
by  us. 

"ROBERT  HAWKINS, 

"  EBENEZER  HUTCHINSON, 

"Selectmen." 

"  The  above  was  forwarded  by  Esquire  Douglass  from 
Jerico  to  King's  district,  and  from  thence  to  Albany,  per 
order  of  committee. 

"ELIJAH  BOSTWICK, 
"JOHN  GRAY, 

"  Members" 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  19,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Tredwell, 
Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  K.  R.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Piatt. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioners  for  delecting  and  de- 
feating all  conspiracies,  &c.  dated  at  Red  Hook,  the  eigh- 
teenth instant,  informing  that  they  think  it  necessary  to 
remove  to  Claverack,  and  that  they  stand  in  need  of  one 
thousand  musket  cartridges,  was  read. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  commissioners  for  detecting 
conspiracies,  &c.  was  read  and  approved,  and  is  as  follows, 
to  wit : 

"Gentlemen — We  received  yours  of  the  18th.  We 
approve  of  your  removal  to  Claverack,  the  necessity  of 
which  is  very  apparent;  though  as  you  observe,  every  call 
for  the  militia  should  regularly  be  through  the  Governor, 
yet  in  the  present  situation  of  our  affairs,  we  are  obliged 
to  step  out  of  the  strict  line  that  the  constitution  prescribes, 
and  to  trust  for  our  justification  to  the  necessity  of  the 
measure. 

"  You  will  therefore  issue  such  orders  to  the  militia  as 
you  think  necessary,  advertising  us  or  the  Governor  thereof. 
We  have  passed  an  order  for  one  thousand  cartridges  in 
favour  of  Mr.  Heermanse,  agreeably  to  your  request. 
"  We  are,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  o'oedt.  humb.  servt. 

"  Messrs.  Benson,  Smith  and  Cantine, 

Commissrs." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  20,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
It  being  a  day  set  apart  by  the  Dutch  congregation  of 
this  town  for  fasting  and  praying,  and  there  being  service 
in  their  church, 

The  Council  adjourned  until  the  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  August  20,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Harper,  Cantine,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Yates,  Major 
Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

A  letter  from  General  Schuyler,  dated  at  Van  Schaick's 

262 


island,  the  nineteenth,  enclosing  a  copy  of  General  Lin- 
coln's letter  to  him,  with  the  account  of  General  Stark's 
battle  with  the  enemy,  was  read,  and  are  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"  Van  Schaick's  island,  Augt.  19,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  have  the  happiness  to  congratulate  you  on  a 
signal  victory  gained  by  Genl.  Starks,  over  a  body  of  the 
enemy  near  Bennington,  on  the  16th  instant ;  an  account 
whereof  is  contained  in  the  enclosed  letter  from  General 
Lincoln. 

"  I  hope  that  we  shall  soon  have  the  satisfaction  to  learn 
that  General  Arnold  has  raised  the  siege  of  Fort  Schuyler. 
I  suppose  he  arrived  last  night  at  the  German  Flatts. 
"I  have  l he  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 

"  PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"The  Hon.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 

President  of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  New-York. 

"  Bennington,  Augt.  18,  1777. 

"Dear  General — The  late  signal  success  of  a  body  of 
about  2000  troops,  mostly  militia,  under  the  command  of 
Brigadier  General  Stark,  in  this  part  of  the  country,  on  the 
16lh  instant,  over  a  party  of  about  1500  of  the  enemy,  who 
came  out  with  a  manifest  design  to  possess  themselves  of 
this  town,  as  will  appear  by  the  enclosed,  is  an  event  hap- 
py and  important. 

"  Our  troops  behaved  in  a  very  brave  and  heroic  man- 
ner. They  pushed  the  enemy  from  one  work  to  another, 
thrown  up  on  advantageous  ground,  and  from  different  posts 
with  spirit  and  fortitude,  until  they  gained  a  complete  vic- 
tory over  them. 

"  The  following  is  the  best  list  I  have  been  able  to  ob- 
tain of  iheir  prisoners  ;  their  killed  and  wounded,  vizt  :  1 
lieut.  colonel,  1  major,  5  capts.  12  lieuts.  4  ensigns,  2 
cornels,  1  judge-advocate,  1  baron,  2  Canadian  officers,  3 
surgeons,  37  British  soldiers,  398  Hessians,  38  Canadians 
and  151  tories  taken. 

"  The  number  of  wounded  fallen  into  our  hands,  exclu- 
sive of  the  above,  is  about  80. 

"  The  number  of  their  slain  has  not  yet  been  ascertain- 
ed, as  they  fought  on  the  retreat  for  several  miles  in  a 
wood,  but  supposed  to  be  about  200.  Their  artillery, 
which  consisted  of  four  brass  field  pieces,  with  a  considera- 
ble quantity  of  baggage  likewise  fell  into  our  hands. 

"  We  have  heard  nothing  of  Burgoyne  or  his  army  for 
these  two  days  past.  The  prisoners  are  sent  into  the  Slate 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  except  the  tories.  Shall  wait  your 
directions  respecting  them,  as  most  of  them  belong  to  the 
State  of  New-York. 

"  We  have  now  about  2000  at  and  near  this  place. 
"  I  am,  dear  General,  with  regard  and  esteem, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt. 

"  B.  LINCOLN. 
"  N.  B.  We  had  about  20  or  30  killed  in  the  action, 
and  perhaps  50  wounded. 
"  Major-Genl.  Schuyler." 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  directed  to  Mr.  Abraham  Yates,  inform- 
ing him  that  a  number  of  respectable  inhabitants,  and 
friends  to  the  cause  of  America,  and  neighbours  of  Ephra- 
im  Bogardus,  petitioned  the  said  committee  that  the  said 
Bogardus  may  be  released  from  confinement,  as  nothing 
so  criminal  is  alleged  against  him  as  to  continue  him  in 
confinement  :  ihe  said  committee  requested  Mr.  Yates  to 
use  his  influence  in  procuring  his  discharge,  under  such 
restrictions  as  the  Council  shall  think  proper ;  was  read 
and  filed.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Ephraim  Bogardus  (confined 
on  board  the  Fleet  prison  for  inimical  praciices  against  the 
United  States)  be  permitted  to  repair  to  the  committee  of 
Albany  ;  and  that  on  his  giving  to  the  said  committee  such 
security  for  his  future  good  behaviour  as  they  may  think 
proper,  he  be  discharged. 


1046 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Resolved,  That  the  sitting  of  the  supreme  court  of  ju- 
dicature of  this  State,  be  and  hereby  is  adjourned  from  the 
last  Tuesday  of  August  instant  until  the  second  Tuesday 
of  September  next;  that  all  process  be  accordingly  con- 
tinued until  that  day  ;  and  that  the  test  of  all  writs  be 
such  as  if  the  said  adjournment  had  not  been  made  ;  of 
which  all  persons  are  required  to  take  notice,  and  govern 
themselves  accordingly. 

Mr.  Tredwell  has  leave  of  absence  for  ten  days. 

Mr.  Jay  has  leave  of  absence  for  a  week,  from  next  Sa- 
turday. 

Messrs.  Jay  and  Morris  being  relumed  from  General 
Washington's  Head-Quarters,  reported  verbally  their  con- 
ference with  the  General  ;  and  that  they  had  presented  a 
memorial  to  Congress  on  the  subject  of  the  northern 
[army,]  a  copy  whereof  was  read. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  21,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Messrs.  Jay  and  Morris  produced  an  account  of  their 
actual  expenses  on  their  journey  to  Head-Quarters,  by 
order  of  the  Council  of  Safely  of  the  thirtieth  day  of 
July  last,  and  for  horse  hire,  amounting  in  the  whole  to 
one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  and  one-sixth  dollars. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Messrs.  Jay  and  Morris,  or  either  of  them,  the  said  sum 
of  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  dollars  and  one-sixth  of  a 
dollar,  in  full  for  their  account. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
John  McClean,  or  his  order,  ihe  sum  of  forty-five  pounds, 
in  full  for  a  horse  purchased  from  him  for  the  use  of  this 
State. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Mr.  Jacobus  Gaasbeek  the  sum  of  forty  pounds,  in  full  for 
a  horse  purchased  from  him  for  the  use  of  this  State. 

Messrs.  Yates  and  Morris  produced  their  accounts  of 
expenses  on  a  journey  to  Head-Quarters  in  the  northern 
department,  (by  order  of  this  Council)  amounting  to  fifty- 
six  dollars. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  unto  Messrs  Yates 
and  Morris,  or  either  of  them,  the  sum  of  fifty-six  dollars, 
in  full  for  their  said  account. 

John  Coe,  Esqr.  late  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
county  of  Orange,  attending,  informed  the  Council  that 
part  of  the  blankets  and  stockings,  which  were  purchased 
under  the  direction  of  the  said  committee,  pursuant  to 
the  resolutions  of  the  late  Convention,  of  the  twenly-first 
day  of  January  last,  were  lost  in  transporting  them  to  the 
clothing  store  at  Fishkill  ;  that  the  persons  from  whom 
they  were  purchased,  think  it  extremely  hard  that  the  loss 
should  fall  on  them,  and  therefore  request  the  Council  to 
take  the  same  into  consideration,  and  grant  such  relief  as 
to  them  shall  appear  reasonable. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jay,  and  Mr.  Piatt  be  a  committee 
to  examine  and  report  the  same. 

A  letter  from  Andrew  Tavlor,  deputy  qnarter-master- 
general,  dated  at  Newburgh  the  19th  instant,  relative  to  the 
exemption  of  Leonard  Smith,  Lieut,  in  Colo.  Pawling's 
regiment,  and  now  in  the  employ  of  the  said  Taylor,  was 
read  and  committed  to  a  committee. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  o'clock  A.  M. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  22,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr. 
Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Genl.  Scott. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  constables  within  this  State  do, 
without  delay,  appear  before  one  of  the  judges  of  the  in- 
ferior courts  or  the  sheriff,  in  their  respective  counties,  and 
take  the  oath  of  office. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  published,  and  that  a  cer- 
tified copy  be  delivered  to  Mr.  bheriff  Dumont. 

Resolved,  That  the  private  seal  of  the  chief  justice  be 
the  seal  of  the  supreme  court,  until  such  time  as  the 
judges  of  the  said  court  shall  cause  a  device  to  be  en- 
graved for  that  purpose,  which  they  are  hereby  empowered 
and  directed  to  do. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Harper  and  Major  Van 
Zandt,  be  a  committee  to  report  a  regulation  for  victualing 
the  State  prisoners  on  board  the  Fleet  prison  and  in  King- 
ston jail. 

An  affidavit  of  Samuel  Fowler,  taken  before  Samuel 
Edmonds,  chairman  of  New-Marlborough  precinct  in  Ulster 
county,  relative  to  a  mare  claimed  by  Samuel  Wiggings  and 
taken  from  him  by  a  certain  John  Snider,  who  was  appre- 
hended by  order  of  the  committee  of  Claverack  as  a  sus- 
picious person  and  sent  to  this  Council,  and  who  is  now 
confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  was  read  and  filed. 
Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Judge  Wynkoop  be  requested  to  make 
an  inquiry  into  this  matter,  and  if  it  shall  appear  to  him 
that  the  said  mare  is  the  property  of  the  said  Samuel  Wig- 
gins, that  he  direct  her  to  be  delivered  to  him,  on  his  pay- 
ing the  expenses  of  keeping,  &c. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draft  a  letter  in  answer  to 
the  letter  of  Andrew  Taylor,  deputy  quarter-master-general, 
of  the  nineteenth  instant,  reported  the  following  which  was 
read  and  appproved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  nineteenth  instant  was  re- 
ceived and  laid  before  the  Council.  I  am  directed  in  an- 
swer thereto  to  inform  you  that  as  the  resolution  subjecting 
exempts  to  the  payment  of  money  for  encouraging  drafts 
from  the  militia,  was  passed,  and  the  orders  for  drafting 
issued  previous  to  the  time  when  Mr.  Leonard  Smith  en- 
tered into  the  Continental  service  as  a  ferryman.  The 
Council  are  of  opinion  that  he  comes  within  that  resolu- 
tion, and  is  held  to  pay  such  sums  as  he  may  have  been 
assessed  for  that  draft. 

"  I  am,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servt. 
"  To  Andrew  Taylor,  D.  Q.  M.  G." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  John  Smith,  of  Northeast 
precinct,  Dutchess  county,  confined  on  board  the  Fleet 
prison  for  inimical  practices, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Smith,  on  taking  the  oath 
of  allegiance,  be  discharged. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  application  of 
John  Coe,  Esqr.  delivered  in  a  state  of  facts  which  were 
sworn  to  by  him.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  inform  Judge  Coe  that  by 
the  resolutions  passed  by  the  late  Convention  for  purchas- 
ing blankets  and  stockings,  the  several  committees  are  to 
draw  for  the  amount  of  the  same  and  pay  the  collectors  of 
such  blankets  and  stockings. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1047 


Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  upon  the 
accounts  delivered  by  Judge  Coe,  be  filed  with  the  Trea- 
surer, lo  be  delivered  to  the  Attorney-General. 

Resolved,  That  the  Attorney-General  be  directed  to 
prosecute  a  certain  Captain  Welsh,  mentioned  in  the  said 
report,  or  such  other  person  as  he  shall  think  proper,  for 
the  amount  of  the  blankets  and  stockings  received  by  him 
and  not  delivered  to  the  use  of  the  State. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  23,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  lo  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Air.  Abraham  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Van  Zandt. 
Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  came  to  visit  the  Committee. 
The  deposition  of  Jehu  Brown  and  Caleb  Trask,  two 
persons  who  were  prisoners  with  the  enemy,  and  lately 
escaped  from  them  near  St.  Coyck,  were  taken,  read,  and 
are  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Jehu  Broion  examined. — Says  that  he  did  belong  to 
Capt.  Morgan's  riflemen,  under  General  Arnold,  at  Que- 
bec, and  was  there  taken  prisoner,  when  Genl.  Montgome- 
ry was  killed  ;  that  he  left  Montreal  on  the  15th  of  June, 
and  had  been  there  three  weeks  ;  that  he  computed  Genl. 
Burgoyne's  strength  that  crossed  the  lakes  at  7,000  men  ; 
that  he  heard  them  called  13  regiments,  vizt:  7  British 
and  six  Hessian  regiments  ;  that  he  heard  that  two  British 
regiments  arrived  since  at  Quebec  ;  that  he  landed  at  Fort 
George  ;  that  more  than  one  half  of  the  army  crossed 
Lake  George  ;  that  above  300  prisoners  are  now  at  work 
at  the  carrying  place  from  Ticonderoga  to  Lake  George, 
bringing  over  provisions,  ammunition,  stores,  &c. ;  that 
they  proceeded  from  Lake  George  to  Fort  Edward  ;  left 
very  few  men  at  Lake  George.  An  advanced  party  of  500 
Hessians,  about  30  or  40  British,  200  Canadians,  150 
Indians,  and  some  tories,  advanced  to  Fort  Miller  ;  from 
thence  by  Saraghtoga  to  Cambridge,  to  St.  Coyck,  and  to 
about  5  miles  distance  from  Bennington  ;  that  on  Saturday, 
the  16th  instant,  at  Wilcox's  bridge  over  Walumscaack, 
was  the  engagement  of  the  advanced  party  with  the  militia; 
that  the  whole  of  that  advanced  party  was  engaged  ;  that 
a  reinforcement,  said  to  consist  of  2,000,  but  he  thinks 
they  did  not  exceed  1,500,  was  sent  forward  to  aid  the  ad- 
vanced party ;  that  the  reinforcement  was,  on  the  same 
day,  in  the  afternoon,  attacked  at  St.  Coyck  ;  that  he 
heard  about  800  of  the  reinforcement  got  back  to  Saragh- 
toga ;  that  he  knows  not  what  became  of  the  others  ;  that 
one  Baum,  (whom  he  supposes  to  be  a  colonel  of  dragoons,) 
commanded  the  advanced  party  ;  that  he  was  informed 
part  of  the  militia  or  rangers  pursued  them  a  great  part 
of  the  way  to  Saraghtoga ;  that  he  left  the  party  near  St. 
Coyck  ;  the  Hessian  troops  had  a  breastwork  of  logs,  &c. 
at  Wilcox's  bridge  ;  that  the  Widow  Whipple's  house,  about 
one-fourth  of  a  mile  from  the  bridge,  was  burned  by  order 
of  Governor  Skeene  ;  that  the  flving  army  was  at  Saragh- 
toga, and  the  main  army  coming  on  ;  that  1,500  Canadian 
horses  were  brought  through  ihe  woods  from  Canada,  vizt  : 
900  in  one  parcel  and  600  in  another,  and  700  carts  were 
brought  across  the  lakes  in  vessels  ;  that  two  powder  carts 
were  with  the  advanced  party  and  two  with  ihe  reinforce- 
ment, and  each  two  field  pieces,  which  he  supposed  were 
taken  ;  that  there  were  not  above  seven  or  eight  carts 
taken  ;  that  he  heard  Govr.  Skeen  say  he  had  a  letter 
from  Genl.  Howe,  and  that  Genl.  Howe  would  meet  that 
army  at  Albany  this  week ;  mat  Gershom  French  came 
and  joined  the  reinforcement  with  a  party  of  tories  ;  that 
they  were  informed  of  the  American  militia  at  Bennington, 
but  that  they  would  fly  or  run  away  ;  lhat  Fester  brought 
in  a  party  of  tories,  consisting  of  about  82  men,  and  joined 


the  advanced  party  ;  that  Fester  was  killed  ;  that  Colo. 
Peters  went  from  Fort  Edward  wilh  the  advanced  party  ; 
lhat  he  thinks  there  could  not  have  been  above  one  or 
two  companies  left  in  Tyconderoga  ;  that  eight  cannon 
were  planted  on  a  hill  to  the  west  of  the  French  lines  at 
Tyconderoga,  from  whence  they  supposed  ihey  could  have 
commanded  and  taken  Tyconderoga  and  Mount  Independ- 
ence ;  that  the  British  army  brought  great  quantities  of 
provisions  and  stores  from  Canada,  a  great  quantity  of 
which  was  at  Fort  George  when  he  left  that,  and  the  carts 
were  employed  from  thence  to  Fort  Edward  ;  lhat  he  does 
not  know  ihe  number  of  Canadians  wilh  Burgoyne's  army  ; 
lhat  some  of  them  went  by  the  way  of  Fort  Ann  ;  that  the 
Indians,  with  the  Biitish  army,  he  heard  computed  at  850, 
and  Skeen  said  700  of  them  were  gone  against  Fort  Stan- 
wix,  and  that  they  were  called  Johnston's  Indians;  lhat 
Governor  Skeen  came  to  the  advanced  party  to  give  out 
protections. 

"JEHU  BROWN." 

"  Caleb  Trask  says,  he  was  taken  at  Halfway  brook, 
about  the  last  day  of  June  or  first  of  July,  and  was  carried 
to  Lake  George  ;  that  he  came  with  the  baggage  of  the 
reinforcement,  being  obliged  to  do  lhat  duty ;  and  that  he 
escaped  with  Jehu  Brown  ;  that  he  heard  Governor  Skeen 
say  lhat  ihey  intended  to  send  an  advanced  party  down 
Connecticut  river  to  No.  4,  and  that  route. 

"CALEB  TRASK." 

Adjourned  until  Monday  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  LUN.E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  25,  1777. 
The  following  members  met,  vizt : 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Yates,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Robt.  Harper. 

At  12  o'clock  the  members  present  adjourned  until  ten 
o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  as  from  the  violence  of  the 
rain,  the  absent  members  can  not  be  expected  to  attend 
this  day. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  26,  1777. 
The  following  members  met,  vizt : 
Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Cantine,  Major  Tap- 
pen,  Mr.  Harper. 

The  members  present  adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4 
o'clock,  as  from  the  violence  of  the  rain,  the  absent  mem- 
bers can  not  be  expected  to  attend  this  morning. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  Augt.  26,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Cantine. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated 
at  Albany  the  iwenty-second  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  vizt : 

11  Albany,  August  22,  1777. 

"Sir — I  arrived  here  the  1 9th  instant,  and  should  have 
wrote  you  sooner,  if  I  had  not  been  informed  lhat  the 
committee  of  this  county  had  transmitted  you  every  intel- 
ligence worthy  of  attention. 

"The  battle  of  Bennington  was  much  more  decisive 
than  the  first  accounts  make  it.  The  enemy  came  out 
1,300  strong,  and  being  quickly  routed,  by  the  warm  and 
constant  fire  of  our  men,  were  reinforced  by  1,500  more. 
The  militia  charged  them  with  redoubled  fury,  and  upon 
receiving  the  first  or  second  fire,  the  enemy  beat  a  parley. 


1048 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


This,  our  people,  unfortunately,  did  not  understand,  but 
pressed  upon  them,  and  obliged  them  to  fly,  pursuing 
them,  with  a  brisk  fire,  for  many  miles.  Had  it  not  been 
for  this  mistake,  the  whole  (who  certainly  compose  near 
one-half  of  their  main  army)  must  have  infallibly  fallen 
into  our  hands,  and  proved  a  decisive  victory. 

"The  number  taken  was  669;  of  which  about  100 
were  wounded,  and  32  were  commissioned  officers.  The 
killed  are  222;  and  there  is  great  leason  to  believe  there 
are  many  more,  as  our  people  are  continually  picking 
them  up,  for  the  extent  of  five  or  six  miles  in  the  route 
they  were  pursued. 

"  The  artillery  and  arms  taken  are  as  follows  :  900 
swords  of  the  dragoons,  upwards  of  1,000  stand  of  arms  ; 
one  12,  two  9  and  one  4lb.  brass  field  pieces. 

"  Our  loss  was  between  20  and  30  killed,  and  not  ex- 
ceeding 50  wounded. 

"  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  General  Burgoyne's  instruc- 
tions to  Lieut.  Colo.  Baum,  who  commanded  the  first 
party,  and  died  of  the  wounds  he  received  in  the  action  ; 
which  you  are  at  liberty  to  publish,  if  you  think  it  will 
answer  any  valuable  end. 

"  I  think  it  is  not  probable,  from  those  instructions,  that 
General  Howe  means  to  carry  his  operations  to  the  east- 
ward, as  Genl.  Burgoyne  wished  to  have  the  people  made 
to  believe  that  that  was  to  be  the  case.  To  the  southward 
or  up  Hudson's  river,  therefore,  (and  the  latter  I  think  most 
probable,)  must  be  his  object,  if  he  has  any. 

"  I  have  applied  to  Genl.  Gates  for  the  cannon  brought 
down  from  Fort  George  (which  are  useless  where  they  now 
are,)  for  our  shipping  and  fortresses  in  the  Highlands  ;  he 
has  promised  to  send  them  to  me  without  delay,  that  I  may 
dispose  of  them  as  I  think  proper.  I  hope  therefore  to 
have  them  down  the  river  in  a  few  days,  where  they  will 
be  much  wanted. 

"  General  Herkhimer  is  dead  of  his  wounds  ;  his  leg  was 
taken  off,  and  he  survived  the  operation  but  a  few  minutes. 

"  General  Arnold  with  his  party  are  at  Fort  Dayton  ; 
about  100  of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county  only  are  with 
him.  I  have  issued  my  positive  orders  to  the  officers  com- 
manding the  respective  regiments  there,  to  detach  one-half 
to  join  Genl.  Arnold's  army.  Colonels  Van  Corllandt  and 
Livingston's  regiments  marched  this  evening  to  his  further 
reinforcement.  The  enemy  in  that  quarter  having  acquired 
a  considerable  accession  of  numbers  from  tories  and  In- 
dians, the  above  measures  were  rendered  necessary.  The 
garrison,  however,  by  very  late  accounts,  are  high  in  spirits 
and  well  provided  ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  in  a  few  days 
we  shall  receive  the  most  agreeable  intelligence  from  that 
quarter. 

"  From  the  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras,  whose  chiefs  are 
now  with  General  Arnold,  we  have  the  fullest  assurance  of 
assistance  ;  but  have  nothing  to  expect  from  any  other  of 
the  tribes  of  the  Six  Nations,  until  our  success  intimidates 
them  into  friendship.  Since  the  affair  at  Bennington,  not 
an  Indian  has  been  heard  of  to  the  northward,  and  the 
scalping  business  seems  to  have  ceased. 

"  I  can  not  learn  that  the  main  body  of  the  enemy  are  far 
southward ;  nor,  from  the  best  accounts,  are  any  of  them 
on  this  side  of  Saraghtoga.  Indeed,  I  do  not  apprehend 
any  great  clanger  from  the  future  operations  of  Mr.  Bur- 
goyne ;  and  I  would  f;iin  hope,  unless  he  evinces  a  greater 
share  of  prudence  than  he  has  hitherto  discovered,  we  shall 
not  only  be  able  to  prevent  his  further  penetrating  into  the 
country,  but  soon  oblige  him  to  return  with  a  weak  and 
broken  army. 

"  By  a  letter  lately  received  from  Genl.  Washington,  I 
have  a  right  to  expect  here  every  minute,  Morgan's  corps 
of  riflemen,  who  I  think  will  be  able  to  match  the  Indians 
and  lories,  and  be  of  vast  service  to  our  army. 

"  Mr.  Livingston  and  myself  returned  from  camp  this 
evening ;  we  mean  to  return  there  again  on  Sunday,  as  Ge- 
neral Gates  has  requested  my  attendance  to  meet  Genl. 
Lincoln  there  on  that  day.    Mr.  Livingston  begs  his  ex- 


cuse in  not  writing  to  Council,  as  this  letter  contains  every 
intelligence  he  could  convey. 

"  Forty  odd  of  the  tories  taken  at  Bennington,  are  in  this 
place.  I  am  much  at  a  loss  how  to  dispose  of  them.  I 
think  it  not  right  to  keep  them  here. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obed.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 

Another  letter  from  His  Excellency  of  the  25th  instant, 
was  received,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Albany  25th  Augl.  1777. 

"  Sir — I  have  the  pleasure  of  informing  your  Honour- 
able Board,  that  on  Friday  last,  in  the  afternoon,  the  enemy 
raised  the  seige  of  Fort  Schuyler,  and  marched  off  to- 
wards Oswego  with  precipitation,  taking  with  them,  how- 
ever, their  artillery,  stores,  &c.  Genl.  Arnold  was  at  Fort 
Dayton,  where  he  had  been  some  days  wailing  for  a  rein- 
forcement, which  he  had  asked  from  Genl.  Gates,  in  con- 
sequence of  accounts  he  had  received  making  the  enemy 
much  superior  in  number  than  they  were  conceived  to  be 
when  he  marched  for  that  quarter;  which  I  suppose  were 
artfully  contrived  to  delay  General  Arnold's  march,  and 
thereby  enable  the  enemy  to  make  a  safe  retreat.  This  I 
conclude  will  now  be  effected. 

"  Genl.  Arnold  marched  on  Saturday  from  Fort  Dayton, 
and  expected  to  reach  Fort  Schuyler  that  night ;  but  even 
then  the  enemy  will  be  a  day's  march  ahead  of  them. 

"  Colos.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Livingston's  regiments,  who 
were  on  their  march  to  join  Genl.  Arnold,  are  now  return- 
ing to  their  former  station. 

"  Five  deserters  have  lately  came  in  to  our  army  in  this 
quarter,  who  agree  in  their  accounts,  that  the  army  under 
Burgoyne  is  very  sickly  and  discontented. 

"  Some  deserters  from  the  enemy  have  also  came  in  to 
Fort  Schuyler. 

"  I  am,  your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  The  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 

Pres.  Council  of  Safety." 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  General  Schuyler,  dated  the 
twenty-fifth  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, to  wit  : 

"Albany,  August  25th,  1777. 
"Sir — I  am  this  moment  informed  by  Lieut.  Clock,  who 
is  directly  from  the  German  Flatts,  that  the  enemy  have 
raised  the  seige  of  Fort  Schuyler,  without  waiting  the  arri- 
val of  General  Arnold,  who  received  the  account  after  he 
had  been  a  few  hours  on  his  march  from  Fort  Dayton. 

"I  very  sincerely  congratulate  you  on  this  important 
event,  of  which  you  will  be  pleased  to  advise  Congress. 
"I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 

"PH.  SCHUYLER. 

"Hon.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt." 

Ordered,  That  the  President  transmit  a  copy  of  His 
Excellency's  last  letter,  and  of  General  Schuyler's  letter, 
to  Congress  by  express. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  John  Hancock, 
enclosing  the  said  copies,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and 
is  as  follows,  vizt  : 

"  Kingston,  26th  Augt.  1777. 
"  Sir — I  have  the  pleasure  of  transmitting  to  you  the 
copies  of  Genl.  Schuyler's  and  Governor  Clinton's  letter, 
giving  us  the  agreeable  intelligence  of  the  raising  of  the 
seige  of  Fort  Schuyler.  The  gallantry  of  the  commander 
and  garrison  of  that  post,  and  the  distinguished  bravery  of 
Genl.  Herkemer,  and  his  militia,  have  already  been  pro- 
ductive of  the  most  desirable  consequences.  The  brave 
and  more  fortunate  Genl.  Stark,  with  his  spirited  country- 
men, hath,  as  you  have  already  been  informed,  given  the 
enemy  a  signal  coup  near  Bennington.  The  joint  result  of 
these  providential  instances  of  success,  hath  revived  the 
drooping  hopes  of  the  despending,  and  given  new  vigour 
to  the  firm  and  determined.    We  have,  therefore,  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1049 


pleasing  expectation  of  compelling  Genl.  Burgoyne,  in  his 
turn,  to  retire. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

"  Honble.  John  Hancock." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  engrossed,  and  signed  by 
the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Upon  the  representation  of  Mr.  Morris,  on  behalf  of 
Captain  Montgomerie, 

Ordered,,  That  the  Honourable  Robert  R.  Livingston 
be  directed  to  take  the  parol  of  the  said  Captain  Mont- 
gomery, to  remain  a  prisoner  within  a  district,  commencing 
on  the  northern  extremity  of  the  Widow  Livingston's  farm, 
at  the  manor  of  Livingston,  and  extending  three  miles  along 
Hudson's  river  to  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Widow 
Montgomery's  estate  at  Rhinebeck,  and  that  he  transmit 
the  same  to  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esqr.  dated  at  Pough- 
keepsie  the  twenty-first  instant ;  also  a  letter  from  Andrew 
Billings,  of  the  twenty-fifth  instant,  relative  to  persons  who 
went  over  to  the  enemy  and  are  returned  into  Dutchess 
county,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  commissary  of  pri- 
soners, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Harper 
and  Mr.  Cantine. 

A  letter  from  Peter  R.  Livingston,  relative  to  the  salt 
purchased  for  the  use  of  the  State,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Colonel 
De  Witt  and  Mr.  Yates. 

A  letter  from  Captain  Benjamin  Walker,  informing 
Council  that  Mr.  Cregier,  late  ensign  in  his  company,  and 
who  is  convicted  by  a  court  martial  of  having  plundered 
the  inhabitants  of  Westchester  county,  has  received  of  him 
one  hundred  and  eighty  dollars  for  the  purpose  of  recruit- 
ing, that  only  fifty-eight  dollars  are  accounted  for,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter,  together  with  the  other 
papers  relative  to  Cregier's  case  be  referred  to  the  Attor- 
ney-General. 

Ordered,  That  Thomas  Kelly,  who  was  apprehended 
at  Rhinebeck  as  a  suspicious  person,  and  is  confined  on 
board  the  Fleet  prison,  be  discharged  without  paying  for 
his  subsistence  or  other  fees. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  27,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt, 
Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Morris. 

On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire,  be  libe- 
rated from  the  Fleet  prison  and  permitted  to  reside  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  this  place,  under  such  restrictions  as 
Colonel  De  Witt  and  Mr.  Morris  shall  direct,  and  that  they 
take  Mr.  Colden's  oath  for  his  faithful  observance  of  such 
restrictions. 

A  letter  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated  at 
Albany  the  twenty-fifth  instant,  enclosing  copies  of  a  letter 
from  Colo.  Gansevoort  to  Genl.  Arnold,  and  from  Genl. 
Arnold  to  Major-General  Gates  were  read,  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  Albany,  25th  August,  1777. 

"Sir — Since  I  wrote  you  this  morning,  Genl.  Gates 
transmitted  me  the  enclosed  copies  of  letters  from  Genl. 
Arnold  and  Colo.  Gansevoort,  containing  a  more  particu- 
lar account  of  our  affairs  to  the  westward  than  I  was  then 
possessed  of. 

"  I  have  great  reason  to  believe  that  Genl.  Burgoyne 
will  soon  follow  the  example  of  St.  Ledger,  and  my  greatest 

263 


fear  is  that  he  will  be  equally  fortunate  in  getting  off  with- 
out a  second  drubbing,  as  the  militia  do  not  turn  out  with 
that  alacrity  which  might  be  expected. 

"  A  proper  spirit  on  this  occasion  would  enable  us  totally 
to  destroy  the  enemy  in  this  quarter,  and  secure  peace  and 
safety  to  this  part  of  the  country.  The  enemy  are  in  our 
power,  could  the  militia  only  be  prevailed  on  to  believe  it. 

''  I  am,  in  the  utmost  haste,  your  most  obt.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON." 

"  Burgoyne  is  retired  to  the  east  side  of  the  river ;  has 
Batten  Kill  in  his  front,  and  Hudson's  river  on  his  right;  a 
very  secure  position  indeed.  He  has  also  taken  the  pru- 
dent precaution  of  reinforcing  the  posts  in  his  rear  since  the 
Bennington  affair,  with  three  regiments,  from  which  it  planly 
appears  he  has  safety  now  more  than  conquest  in  view. 
"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President." 

"  Aug.  22d. 

"  Dear  Sir — This  morning  at  1 1  o'clock,  I  began  a 
heavy  cannonade  upon  our  enemy's  works,  which  were  im- 
mediately returned  by  a  number  of  shells  and  cannon. 
About  3  o'clock  seven  deserters  came  in,  who  informed  me 
that  Genl.  St.  Leger,  with  his  army,  was  retreating  with 
the  utmost  precipitation  ;  soon  after  which  I  sent  out  a  par- 
ty of  about  sixty  men  to  enter  their  camp,  who  soon  re- 
turned and  confirmed  the  above  accounts. 

"  About  seven  o'clock  this  evening,  Hans  Jost  Schuyler 
arrived  here  and  informed  me  that  Genl.  Arnold,  with  2000 
men  were  on  their  march  for  this  post,  in  consequence  of 
which  I  send  you  this  information. 

"  I  am,  &c. 
"PETER  GANSEVOORT." 

"Mohawk  River,  10  miles  above  Fort  Dayton,  \ 
"  August  23,  1777,  5  o'clock,  P.  M.  \ 

"Dear  General — I  wrote  you  the  21st  inst.  from 
the  German  Flatts,  that  from  the  best  intelligence  I  could 
procure  of  the  enemy's  strength,  it  was  much  superior  to 
ours  ;  at  the  same  time  enclosed  you  resolutions  of  the 
council  of  war,  and  requested  you  to  send  me  a  reinforce- 
ment of  one  thousand  light  troops,  as  the  enemy  had  made 
their  approaches  within  200  yards  of  the  fort.  I  was  de- 
termined at  all  events  to  hazard  a  battle  rather  than  suf- 
fer the  garrison  to  fall  a  sacrifice. 

"  This  morning  I  marched  from  the  German  Flatts  for 
this  place.  The  excessive  bad  roads  and  necessary  pre- 
cautions in  marching  through  thick  woods,  retarded  us  so 
much  that  we  have  but  this  moment  reached  this  place, 
where  I  met  an  express  with  the  enclosed  letter  from  Colo. 
Gansevoort,  acquainting  me  the  enemy  had  yesterday  left 
Fort  Schuyler,  with  great  precipitation.  I  am  at  a  loss  to 
judge  their  real  intentions,  whether  they  have  returned 
home  or  retired  with  a  view  of  engaging  us  on  the  road.  I 
am  inclined  to  think  the  former  from  the  account  of  the 
deserters,  and  from  their  leaving  their  tents  and  considera- 
ble baggage,  which  our  people  have  secured.  I  shall  im- 
mediately detach  about  900  men,  and  make  a  forced  march 
to  the  fort,  in  hopes  of  coming  up  with  their  rear,  and  se- 
curing their  cannon  and  heavy  baggage.  My  artillery  and 
tents  I  shall  leave  here.  The  batteaux  with  provisions  fol- 
low me.  As  soon  as  the  security  of  the  post  will  permit 
I  shall  return  with  as  many  men  as  can  be  spared.  As  I 
came  down  in  batteaux,  shall  be  able  to  make  great  dis- 
patch. I  have  sent  an  order  for  the  light  troops,  if  you 
have  sent  any,  to  return  to  you  immediately,  and  the  mili- 
tia to  go  home. 

"  I  am,  &c. 

"  B.  ARNOLD. 

"  Honl.  M.  G.  Gates." 

Resolved,  That  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  be  authorized  and 
directed,  (at  the  expense  of  this  State,)  to  employ  such  per- 
sons, and  take  such  measures  foi  apprehending  the  disaf- 
fected persons  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kiskatamination,  as 
he  shall  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  Doctor  Thomas  Jones  be  requested  to 
examine  the  prisoners  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  and  in  the 


1050 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


jail  of  Kingston,  and  report  their  state  of  health  to  this 
Council. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Comfort  Sands,  Esq.  the  sum  of  seventy-five  pounds  for 
his  salary  as  Auditor-General  of  this  Slate,  from  the  twenty- 
fourth  day  of  April  last  to  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  July  last. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the 
clothing  store,  be  directed  to  deliver  to  Mr.  Abraham  B. 
Bancker,  commissary  of  prisoners,  or  his  order,  two  coats, 
two  pair  of  trousers  and  one  pair  of  shoes,  taking  his  re- 
ceipt, and  charging  for  the  same  the  current  price  of  the 
country. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolutions  for 
supplying  the  prisoners  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  deli- 
vered in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  approved,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  a  committee,  formerly  appointed  to  regulate  the 
Fleet  prison  and  appoint  proper  officers  for  the  same,  did, 
among  other  things,  appoint  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph  to 
be  commissary  of  the  said  Fleet  prison,  and  did  ordain 
that  he  should  furnish  to  the  victualler  for  the  use  of  such  of 
the  prisoners  as  may  not  be  able  or  willing  to  provide 
themselves,  with  three-quarters  of  a  pound  weight  of  beef, 
pork  or  mutton,  and  one  pound  of  bread  per  day,  with  a 
reasonable  allowance  of  salt,  vinegar  and  fuel  ;  and  also, 
that  he  should  be  allowed  eighteen  pounds  per  month  for 
his  trouble. 

"  That  it  appears  to  your  committee,  not  only  that  the 
quantity  of  provisions  is  too  great,  but  also,  that  the  mode 
of  supply  is  very  exceptionable  and  pernicious,  tending  to 
raise  the  price  of  all  necessaries  of  life,  and  thereby 
greatly  to  distress  the  poor  ;  your  committee,  therefore, 
propose  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  prisoners  on  board  the  Fleet  pri- 
son receive  the  daily  ration  of  one-quarter  of  a  pound  of 
beef,  pork  or  mutton,  or  one-half  of  a  pound  of  fish,  and 
one  pound  and  a  half  of  flour  ;  and  once  in  every  ten  days, 
half  a  pint  of  vinegar,  one  ounce  of  salt  and  two  quarts 
of  pease  ;  and  that  they  be  supplied  once  in  two  days. 

"  Resolved,  That  Major  Tappen  and  Mr.  Harper  be 
and  they  hereby  are  empowered  and  directed  to  form  a 
contract  with  some  proper  person,  upon  the  best  terms 
they  can,  to  furnish  such  supplies." 

Colonel  De  Witt,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  letter  from  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston,  relative 
to  the  salt  by  him  purchased  for  the  use  of  this  State,  re- 
ported as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston  having  represented  to  the 
Council  of  Safety,  that  the  quantity  of  salt  which  he  hath 
purchased  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  can 
be  most  conveniently  and  with  less  expense  transported  to 
Major  Jansen's  and  Mr.  Philip  Spencer's.    Thereupon  : 

"  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Livingston  do  cause  the  salt 
by  him  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State,  to  be  conveyed  to  Major  Dirck  Jansen's  and  Mr. 
Philip  Spencer's;  and  that  he  inform  this  Council  of  the 
quantity  he  shall  send  to  each  place. 

"  Resolved,  That  Mr.  Morris  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  a  com- 
mittee with  power  to  regulate  the  price,  and  give  such  di- 
rections for  the  distribution  of  the  said  salt  as  to  them  shall 
appear  proper." 

Mr.  Hobart  who  was  appointed  to  meet  the  committees 
of  the  States  of  New-Hampshire,  Rhode-Island,  Connec- 
ticut and  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  hold  a  conference  on  the 
state  of  the  paper  currency,  &c.  &c.  informed  the  Coun- 
cil that  he  met  the  said  committees,  pursuant  to  his  ap- 
pointment, and  was  ready  to  report  their  proceedings. 

The  said  proceedings  being  reported,  and  read  by  Mr. 
Hobart  in  his  place,  it  was 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  His  Excellency 
the  Governor,  and  that  His  Excellency  be  requested  to  lay 
the  same  before  the  Legislature  at  their  first  meeting. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  ho  a.  Mi 

August  28,  1777. 
For  the  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members,  ad- 
journed until  four  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  4  ho  P.  M.  Avgl.  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Major  Tappen, 
Major  Van  Zandt,  Colo.  Be  Witt,  Mr.  Morris. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  letters  from 
Zephaniah  Plait,  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Andrew  Billings,  reported. 
And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  John  Schenk,  Peter  Tappen,  Andrew 
Billings  and  Paul  Schenk,  Esquires,  or  the  major  part  of 
them,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  assistants  to  the 
commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies,  &c. 
with  full  authority  to  execute  all  the  powers  of  the  said 
commissioners  during  their  absence  from  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  and  that  they  be  allowed  the  sum  of  twelve 
shillings  per  day  while  actually  employed  in  that  business. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  these  gentlemen  on  the  subject,  was 
read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Gent. — The  Council  of  Safety  have  appointed  you 
assistants  to  the  commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies, 
•fee.  and  have  not  the  least  doubt  but  you  will  exert  your- 
selves in  detecting  and  defeating  the  pernicious  designs  of 
the  disaffected.  The  Council  are  of  opinion  that  those 
who  desert  from  the  enemy  and  surrender  themselves,  of- 
fering to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  ought  to 
be  admitted  to  that  privilege,  and  their  persons  protected. 

"  I  am,  gentn.  your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  To  Messrs.  T.  Schenk,  Tappen, 

Billings  and  P.  Schenk.'' 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  signed  by  the  President, 
and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  the  Hons.  Jas.  Duane  and  Wm.  Duer, 
Delegates  in  Congress,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows : 

"Philad.  22d  August,  1777. 

"Honor.  Gentlemen — Your  despatches  of  the  15th 
instant  we  had  the  honour  of  receiving,  with  so  minute 
an  account  of  the  situation  of  our  distressed  country, 
and  your  efforts  for  its  preservation,  as  you  have  been 
pleased  to  furnish.  We  left  nothing  undone  to  procure  the 
reinforcements  which  were  in  our  opinion  indispensably 
necessary  for  your  safety.  Van  Cortlandt's  and  Livings- 
ton's battalions  will  be  a  seasonable  relief,  but  Col.  Mor- 
gan's corps  of  riflemen  will,  we  flatter  ourselves,  be  of  de- 
cisive advantages. 

"  The  battles  in  Tryon  county  and  at  Bennington,  so 
favourable  to  our  affairs  at  the  most  critical  juncture,  will 
undoubtedly  raise  the  spirits  of  our  fellow  citizens  ;  and  as 
New-Jersey  is  called  upon  for  1,000  men  to  garrison  forts 
in  the  Highlands,  with  an  express  design  to  give  the  militia 
of  our  Stale  an  opportunity  of  repairing  to  the  northern 
frontier  and  reinforcing  the  army  there.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
General  Burgoyne  will  meet  with  an  effectual  check,  if  not 
a  total  defeat. 

"  General  Howe's  fleet  were  seen  the  14th  instant  plying 
off  the  Capes  of  Virginia  ;  what  are  his  real  intentions  still 
remains  an  uncertainty.  South  Carolina  is  the  only  object 
worth  his  pursuit;  but  against  such  an  enterprise  the  sea- 
son seems  to  be  an  insurmountable  obstacle.  Should  this 
however  be  the  case,  the  army  must  look  to  the  norihward, 
for  vain  will  it  be  to  attempt  to  follow  General  Howe  through 
the  distant  and  unhealthy  climes  of  the  southern  States, 
from  which  he  can  vanish  at  pleasure. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  the  utmost  respect, 
honor,  genilemen, 

"Your  most  obedient  and  very  hum.  servants, 

"JAS.  DUANE, 
"WM.  DUER. 

"  P.  S.  Since  writing  what  precedes,  an  express  is  ar- 
rived from  Baltimore,  giving  us  a  certain  account  that  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1051 


enemy's  fleet  have  entered  Chesapeek's  Bay,  and  yester- 
day morning  were  near  its  head  ;  their  army  by  this  time 
is  probably  landed.  General  Washington,  with  the  Ameri- 
can troops,  lies  about  20  miles  from  this  city,  and  we  pre- 
sume will  immediately  move  to  the  southward  and  attack 
the  enemy,  to  whom  he  is  probably  superior  in  numbers, 
independent  of  the  militia. 
"  The  Honl.  Council  of  Safety  State  of  New- York." 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  the  instant, 
was  received  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Yates  and 
Mr.  Cantine. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  29,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Hobart,  Major  Van  Zandt, 
Major  Tappen.  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Cantine. 

Elisha  Sly,  one  of  the  persons  sent  down  from  the  north- 
ward, and  confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  on  suspicion 
of  having  joined  the  enemy,  was  brought  before  the  Coun- 
cil, and  examined,  from  which,  and  the  character  given 
of  him  by  Mr.  Hansen,  there  is  reason  to  believe  him  to 
be  a  good  subject.  Therefore, 

Ordered,  That  he,  on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be 
discharged.  And 

Ordered,  That  Martinus  Cooper,  of  the  manor  Living- 
ston, on  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  also  discharged. 

A  petition  of  several  of  the  prisoners  last  brought  and 
confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Van  Zandt  be  a  com- 
mittee to  repair  to  the  Fleet  prison,  examine  the  prisoners, 
and  report  the  same. 

Major  Benedict  attending,  laid  before  the  Council  the 
accounts  of  certain  guards,  who  have  been  employed  by 
order  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Westchester. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Hobart 
and  Major  Tappen. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of 
William  Harper  and  Frederick  Fisher,  on  behalf  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Tryon  county,  delivered  in  their  reports,  which 
beingread  was  agreed  to,  and  isin  the  words  following,  to  wit: 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial 
of  William  Harper  and  Frederick  Fisher,  on  behalf  of 
themselves  and  the  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county,  beg  leave 
to  report : 

"  That  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  the  said  inha- 
bitants are  deeply  alarmed  by  the  apprehensions  of  an  In- 
dian war  upon  their  frontiers  ;  and  although  your  commit- 
tee cannot  pretend  to  say  what  ground  they  may  have  for 
such  apprehensions,  yet  they  conceive  that  it  is  requisite 
for  the  honour,  and  consistent  with  the  justice  of  the  State, 
to  continue  to  make  every  possible  effort  for  the  security 
and  happiness  of  its  subjects  in  that  part  of  the  country,  fur 
which  purpose  it  will  be  necessary  to  have  a  number  of 
men  in  arms  upon  the  frontiers  to  watch  the  motions  of  the 
savages  until  peace  is  restored  in  that  quarter.  Your  com- 
mittee, therefore,  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  reso- 
lution : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  letter  from  Peter  Vroman,  dated 
the  20lh  of  August,  1777,  the  letter  from  John  Harper, 
of  the  same  date,  and  the  memorial  of  William  Harper  and 
Frederick  Fisher,  be  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  the  Go- 
vernor, and  that  he  be  requested  to  take  the  most  effectual 
method  to  quiet  and  secure  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of 
Tryon  ;  and  that  it  be  suggested  to  his  Excellency  whether 
it  would  not  be  proper  to  send,  under  good  officers,  1 50  of 
the  militia  of  the  said  county,  150  of  the  militia  of  Albany 
county,  50  of  the  militia  of  Ulster  county,  and  50  of  the 


militia  of  Dutchess  county,  to  the  western  frontier  of  this 
State,  and  to  request  of  the  commander-in-chief  of  the 
northern  department,  100  riflemen,  who,  together  with  the 
said  detachments  of  militia,  and  the  garrison  of  the  fort  in 
that  quarter,  may  be  employed  in  defending  the  said  fron- 
tier, and  such  of  the  Indian  nations  as  are  or  may  be  in  al- 
liance with  us. 

"  All  which,  nevertheless,  is  submitted. 

"  ABM.  YATES,  Jr.  Chairman. 

"  Kingston,  29th  Augt.  1777." 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

August  20,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Genl.  Scott,  Major 
Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  De  Wilt. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  John  Harper,  dated  Schoharie,  the 
twenty-eighth  instant,  was  received  and  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Schoharie,  August  28th,  1777. 
"  Gentlemen — Since  we  put  Capt.  McDonald  and  his 
army  to  flight,  I  proceeded  with  some  volunteers  to  Har- 
persfleld,  where  we  met  many  that  had  been  forced  by 
McDonald,  and  some  of  them  much  abused.  Many  others 
were  in  the  woods,  who  were  volunteers  ;  and  as  we  could 
not  get  hands  on  those  that  were  active  in  the  matter,  I 
gave  orders  to  all  to  make  their  appearance,  when  called 
on,  at  Schoharie,  in  order  to  give  satisfaction  to  the  autho- 
rity for  what  they  have  done  ;  and  if  they  do  not,  that  they 
are  to  be  proclaimed  traitors  to  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica ;  which  they  readily  agreed  to,  and  further  declare 
that  they  will  use  their  best  endeavours  to  bring  in  those 
that  have  been  the  cause  of  the  present  disturbance.  I 
would,  therefore,  beg  of  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety, 
that  they  would  appoint  proper  persons  to  try  those  people, 
as  there  will  be  many  that  can  witness  to  the  proceedings 
of  our  enemy,  and  are  not  in  ability  to  go  abroad. 
"  From  your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

"JOHN  HARPER,  Colo. 
"  P.  S.  The  people  here  are  so  confused  that  they  do 
not  know  how  to  proceed.    I  therefore  would  beg  the  fa- 
vour of  your  Honourable  Body  to  appoint  such  men  as  are 
strangers  in  these  parts. 
"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety,  at  Kingston." 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Morris  and  Colonel  De  Witt. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cantine  be  added  to  the  committee 
on  Major  Wheelock's  memorial. 

The  said  committee  withdrew,  and  after  some  time  re- 
turned, and  delivered  in  their  report  on  the  said  memorial, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial 
of  John  Wheelock,  Esqr.  have  taken  the  same  into  con- 
sideration, and  beg  leave  to  report,  that  it  appears  that  the 
late  Convention  did  resolve  that  the  said  Wheelock  should 
receive  a  major's  commission  and  be  entitled  to  Continental 
pay  and  rations,  provided  that  within  nine  weeks  from  the 
8ln  day  of  April  List  he  should  have  completed  the  raising 
of  three  companies  in  the  service  of  this  State  to  contain 
150  men  including  non-commissioned  officers  ;  that  the 
sum  of  2,000  dollars  were  advanced  to  him  to  enable  him 
to  recruit  the  said  companies. 

"  That  by  a  resolve  of  this  board  on  the  28th  of  May 
last,  the  time  for  completing  said  companies  was  prolonged 
to  the  29th  of  July. 

"  That  on  the  17th  of  Julv  this  Board  did  resolve  that 
the  said  Wheelock  should  march  all  the  men  by  him  en- 
listed directly  to  Kingston,  provided  that  six  of  the  twelve 


1052 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


officers  nominated  by  him  should  voluntarily  discharge 
themselves  fiom  the  said  corps  ;  that  upon  their  arrival, 
commissions  should  be  delivered  to  the  respective  offi- 
cers ;  provided  that  not  less  than  20  men  should  entitle  to 
a  captain's  commission,  nor  less  than  15  to  a  subaltern's  ; 
and  that  unless  the  above  resolutions  be  complied  with  in 
4  weeks  from  the  said  17th  of  July,  the  said  corps  to  be 
disbanded. 

"  That  it  appears  that  the  aforesaid  resolution  of  the  17th 
of  July  hath  not  been  complied  with,  and  therefore  the  said 
corps  are  disbanded,  and  all  that  remains  is  for  the  said 
Wheelock  to  settle  his  accounts." 
On  motion, 

Resolved,  That  General  Scott  be  appointed  to  confer 
with  Major  Wheelock  on  the  several  proposals  contained 
in  his  memorial. 

A  petition  of  John  Romer,  of  Cocksacky,  who  was 
ordered  to  be  discharged  and  was  continued  in  confinement 
by  the  sheriff,  as  having  been  accessary  to  the  escape  of 
some  of  the  prisoners  from  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  take  the  examination  of 
the  witnesses  in  this  case,  and  if  the  charges  appear  to  be 
well  founded,  that  a  warrant  issue  for  his  continuing  in 
confinement. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Richard  Ten  Eyck,  on  account  of  Colonel  Lasher, 
commissary  of  the  military  stores  of  this  State,  the  sum 
of  forty  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of 
this  Slate  deliver  to  Mr.  Monis  such  clothing  as  he  may 
require,  to  clothe  a  deserter  from  the  enemy,  he  paying  for 
the  same. 

The  committee,  on  the  letter  from  the  committee  of 
Albany,  delivered  in  their  report :  And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  sequestrating  the 
effects  of  persons  gone  over  to,  or  who  aie  with  the  enemy, 
be  directed  immediately  to  seize  the  effects  of  all  such  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Tryon,  as  are 
gone  over  unto  and  joined  the  enemy,  and  to  dispose 
thereof,  agreeably  to  the  resolutions  in  that  case  made  and 
provided. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  be  empowered 
to  remove  the  wives  and  children  of  such  disaffected  per- 
sons aforesaid  from  their  habitations,  to  such  place  or 
places  as  they  shall  conceive  best  for  the  security  of  the 
State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  (if  General 
Gates  shall  think  it  advisable)  be  empowered  to  send  all  or 
any  part  of  the  said  women  and  children  to  their  said  hus- 
bands. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Gates  on  the  subject  of  the 
said  resolutions,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — You  will  perceive,  by  the  enclosed  resolutions, 
that  this  Council  are  desirous  of  securing  the  families  and 
effects  of  those  who,  during  the  present  invasion  or  that 
last  fall,  have  gone  over  to  the  enemy.  We  have,  there- 
fore, ordered  the  commissioners  to  lake  your  advice  and 
directions  upon  that  subject  ;  but  should  you  think  it  best 
to  send  all  or  any  part  of  them  to  the  enemy,  you  will 
please  to  give  to  the  commissioners  your  assistance  for 
that  purpose. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 
"  The  Honble.  Major-Genl.  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  (enclosing  a  copy  of  the  resolu- 
tions) be  signed  by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  deliver 
to  Mathew  Cantine,  Esqr.  or  order,  fourteen  pounds  of  gun- 
powder, for  the  use  of  the  mine  working  at  Rochester,  by 
order  of  the  late  Convention. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  LUN^E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  1,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Morris,  Genl.  Scott,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Abraham  P.  Lott,  dated  at  Boston 
August  14th,  1777,  was  read,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  Boston,  Augt.  Uth,  1777. 

"  Gent. — I  arrived  here  this  morning  from  Plymouth  ; 
also  the  salt  which  I  bought  from  Corn.  Nelson  ;  no  teams 
to  be  had  at  present,  as  the  farmers  are  getting  in  their 
hay.  I  am  in  hopes  next  week  to  get  it  forward  to  Spring- 
field. I  have  been  eastward  as  far  as  Cape  Ann  and 
Newbury-Port,  where  I  found  several  parcels  salt,  but 
could  purchase  none  except  one  parcel,  which  they  ask 
30s.  per  bushel,  and  forty  miles  farther  to  cart ;  judge  best 
to  leave  it. 

"  This  day  1  received  a  letter  from  Thomas  Momford, 
Esqr.  who  informs  me  he  had  delivered  the  salt  in  his 
possession  to  Messrs.  Watson  and  Spooner,  merchants  in 
Plymouth,  which  place  I  intend  to  set  out  for  to-morrow. 
I  have  been  here  with  the  gentlemen  who  do  the  business 
for  General  Trumbull ;  they  told  me  I  could  not  expect  to 
get  that  salt  changed  for  any  other,  as  they  had  been  at 
great  expense  and  trouble  to  get  the  salt  sent  in  the  coun- 
try. 

"  If  I  get  the  salt,  shall  forward  it  to  Springfield,  as  it 
will  save,  18  or  20  miles  nearer  to  Springfield  to  come  to 
our  Slate  than  to  Hartford  ;  hope  you  will  approve  of,  as 
you  ordered  me  to  send  it  to  Hartford. 

"  I  have  called  on  the  board  of  war  here  several  times 
for  the  500  bushels  salt,  which  was  short  of  the  1,500  or- 
dered by  Council  and  Assembly ;  they  told  me  they  had 
none  ;  this  morning  went  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Assembly  and  asked  him  if  any  dependence  could  be  made 
of  me  having  the  500  bushels  salt ;  he  told  me  he  believed 
they  could  not  spare  it,  as  they  fell  short  themselves,  but 
would  try  what  he  could  do.  I  told  him  I  expected  they 
would  have  made  a  present  of  the  500  bushels  to  the  poor 
of  our  State.  But  a  person  gets  very  little  by  begging  here  ; 
their  whole  scheme  is  to  get  money,  and  the  spirit  of  liberty 
dies  away. 

"  Great  many  long  faces  since  the  account  of  Tycon- 
deroga,  and  most  of  them  condemn  General  Schuyler,  but 
can  give  no  reason.  Jusl  now  heard  that  the  prize  ship 
loaded  with  salt,  which  had  been  laying  eastward  this  six 
weeks  was  arrived  ;  am  in  hopes  getting  the  quantity  salt 
ordered.  There  will  be  by  the  latter  end  of  next  week 
about  150  casks  salt  at  Old  Canaan,  at  Capt.  Lawrence's, 
which  I  have  informed  Mr.  Benson  of.  If  you  think  pro- 
per to  order  it  to  olher  place  or  places  you  will  write  to  me 
at  Springfield.  Direct  my  letter  to  the  care  of  Mrs. 
Thomas  Wellenston,  at  Springfield,  where  I  shall  be 
obliged  lo  be  some  time  to  forward  that  salt  and  get  it  in 
order. 

"  Gt.  I  remain  your  humb.  servant, 

"ABM.  P.  LOTT." 
Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  committed  to  Mr. 
Hobart. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,  dated 
August  the  fourteenth,  enclosing  an  account  of  Joshua 
Downer,  for  the  maintenance  and  support  of  one  Swords 
and  one  Dougall  Campbell,  disaffected  persons  sent  from 
this  State  to  Connecticut,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  the  Auditor- 
General  of  accounts. 

A  letter  from  the  commissioners  of  sequestration,  in 
Westchester  county,  signed  by  Samuel  Drake,  assigning 
the  reason  for  their  conduct  with  respect  to  the  property  of 
Stephen  De  Lancy,  was  read  and  filed. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1053 


Resolved.  That  this  Council  approve  of  the  conduct  of 
the  commissioners  of  sequestration,  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, with  respect  to  the  property  of  Stephen  De  Lancey,  and 
that  they  be  directed  to  proceed  in  the  business. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  Barnardus  Bratt,  on  behalf 
of  his  son  John  Bratt,  who  is  confined  on  board  the  Fleet 
prison,  charged  with  inimical  practices  against  the  United 
States, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  Bratt,  on  his  father  Bar- 
nardus Bratt's  giving  bond  in  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
pounds  for  his  future  good  behaviour  be  discharged. 

Adjourned  until  the  afternoon  4  ho. 

Die  Lun.b,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  1,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esq.  President. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Hobart,  Mr.  Cantine,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt. 

The  committee  to  whom  the  letter  from  Colonel  John 
Harper  of  the  twenty-eight  of  August  last,  was  committed, 
delivered  in  their  report,  which  being  read,  was  approved, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
John  Harper,  of  Try  on  county,  of  the  28th  Augt.  1777, 
beg  leave  to  report :  That  in  the  opinion  of  your  commit- 
tee it  is  not  warrantable  by  the  Constitution  to  institute  a 
new  court  for  the  trial  of  offences  committed  in  the  said 
county ;  and  further,  that  it  would  be  improper  to  bring 
the  prisoners  in  the  said  letter  mentioned,  to  this  place,  but 
that  as  well  for  the  sake  of  justice  as  to  awe  the  disaffect- 
ed in  that  part  of  the  Slate,  it  will  be  proper  that  a  court 
of  oyer  and  terminer  and  general  jail  delivery  should  be 
held  in  the  said  county  as  speedily  as  possible ;  and  fur- 
ther, your  committee  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following 
draft  of  a  letter  to  the  said  John  Harper: 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  28th  of  August  last,  was  re- 
ceived and  communicated  to  the  Council.  They  congra- 
tulate you  on  the  successes  of  our  arms  in  that  quarter, 
which  must  be  doubly  grateful  to  the  brave  inhabitants  of 
Tryon  county,  whose  virtuous  exertions  have  so  greatly 
contributed  to  it. 

"  The  trial  and  punishment  of  those  inhuman  wretches 
who  have  combined  with  a  savage  foe  to  imbrue  their 
hands  in  the  blood  of  the  innocent  demands  a  speedy  at- 
tention. But  while  the  Council  agree  with  you  in  the  im- 
propriety of  removing  them  to  any  distance  from  the  wit- 
nesses of  their  guilt,  they  cannot  consent,  nor  indeed  are 
thev  empowered  to  institute  any  new  court  for  the  trial  of 
such  offences.  These  wicked  parricides  however  detesta- 
table,  are  neverthelees  by  our  free  constitution  entitled  to 
the  inestimable  privilege  of  a  trial  by  their  peers.  A  court 
of  oyer  and  terminer  will  be  held  in  your  county  as  soon 
as  the  present  storm  hath  a  lillle  subsided.  In  the  mean- 
time the  public  officers  of  the  county  will  exert  themselves 
to  detect,  apprehend  and  secure  the  rebels. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  All  which  nevertheless  is  submitted. 

"  P.  S.  You  will  be  pleased  to  communicate  this  letter 
to  the  committee  of  Schohary,  and  to  such  other  persons 
as  may  be  concerned  in  it." 

Resolved,  That  the  commissary  of  the  Fleet  prison  be 
served  with  a  copy  of  the  regulations  of  the  twenty-seventh 
of  August  last,  for  victualing  the  prisoners  on  board  the 
Fleet  prison  ;  and  that  he  be  directed  to  victual  the  said 
prisoners  agreeably  thereto. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissary  be  directed  to  sup- 
ply the  State  prisoners  in  Kingston  jail  with  one  pound 
and  a  half  of  bread  per  day,  and  that  the  jailer  supply 
them  with  water. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Abraham  Keater,  sergeant  of  a  detachment  of  Captain 
Salisbury's  company  of  lighthorse  in  Ulster  county,  now 

264 


in  service  by  order  of  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton, 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars,  on  Continental  account. 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  ho. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Hobart,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr-  Yates,  Mr.  Cantine,  Colo.  i)e  Witt,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Morris. 

A  petition  of  Henry  Lyon,  late  of  New-York,  at  pre- 
sent of  Reading  township,  in  Hunterdon  county,  New- 
Jersey,  setting  forth  that  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy's 
fleet  in  the  harbour  of  New-York,  he  removed  his  effects 
into  Dutchess  county  ;  that  he  removed  with  his  family 
into  New-Jersey,  where  he  continued  to  reside ;  that  the 
commissioners  of  sequestration  in  Dutchess  county  have 
disposed  of  his  property  on  a  groundless  suspicion  that  he 
was  with  the  enemy  in  New-York  ;  and  therefore  prays 
that  the  Honourable  Council  will  be  pleased  to  order  the 
amount  of  the  sale  of  his  said  property  to  be  returned  to 
him,  or  such  other  relief  as  may  be  thought  just  and  equi- 
table ;  was  read  and  filed. 

A  certificate,  signed  bv  James  Cole,  one  of  the  justices 
of  Hunterdon  county,  John  Mihelm,  member  of  Assembly 
for  the  said  county,  John  Taylor,  colo  ,  Ebenezer  Barry, 
captain,  and  Dennis  Wikoff,  certifying  that  the  said  Henry 
Lyon  has  resided  amongst  them  since  last  Christmas,  and 
has,  to  the  best  of  their  knowledge,  always  shown  him- 
self a  friend  to  his  country,  and  has  served  in  the  militia 
with  his  neighbours  ;  and  an  account,  certified  by  Henry 
Livingston,  Junr.  one  of  the  commissioners  of  sequestra- 
tion for  Dutchess  county,  of  the  articles  which  were  the 
property  of  the  said  Henry  Lyon,  and  sold  by  the  said 
commissioners,  amounting  to  forty  pounds  seven  shillings 
and  four  pence,  were  also  read  and  filed. 

The  said  petition  and  papers  being  taken  into  conside- 
ration, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  pay  to 
the  said  Henry  Lyon  the  sum  of  forty  pounds  seven  shil- 
lings and  four  pence,  being  the  amount  of  the  sales  of  his 
property,  sold  by  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in 
Dutchess  county,  and  paid  into  the  treasury. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  transmit  to 
the  commissioners  for  inquiring  into  and  defeating  all  con- 
spiracies, &c.  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds,  to  be  by 
them  disposed  of  in  secret  services,  agreeably  to  such  di- 
rections as  shall  be  given  them  by  the  Honourable  John 
Jay. 

Mr.  Hobart  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to  Colonel 
Abraham  P.  Lott,  in  answer  to  his  received  yesterday, 
which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  14th  ulto.  has  been  laid  be- 
fore the  Council.  They  approve  of  your  sending  the  salt 
by  the  route  of  Springfield,  and  desire  you  will  forward 
the  whole  of  it  with  all  possible  despatch  to  Old  Canaan, 
as  it  is  exceedingly  wanted.  Should  you  have  occasion  to 
wait  on  the  board  of  war  or  the  Speaker  of  Assembly 
again,  it  will  be  advisable  to  say  nothing  more  about  their 
presenting  any  salt  to  the  poor  of  this  State.  We  meant 
not  to  beg,  but  to  purchase  from  our  neighbours.  As  the 
Legislature  will  probably  meet  in  a  day  or  two,  when  the 
powers  of  the  Council  of  Safety  will  be  at  an  end,  it  is  re- 
quisite that  you  advise  His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  the 
arrival  of  the  salt  on  the  borders  of  the  State. 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient,  humble  servt, 
"  Colo.  Abraham  P.  Lott," 


1054 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  William  Bedell,  of  Glouces- 
ter county,  sent  down  and  confined  on  board  the  Fleet  pri- 
son on  suspicion  of  having  joined  the  enemy,  and  the  ex- 
amination of  Captain  William  Gage  and  Lieutenant  Peter 
Roberts,  taken  before  Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Mr. 
Tredwell, 

Resolved,  That  on  his  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  State,  he  be  discharged. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  ho. 

Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Hobart,  Genl. 
Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo  De  Witt,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen, 
Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  Colo.  Morris  Graham  to  His  Excellency 
the  Governor,  dated  at  Van  Schaick's  island,  August  the 
thirty-first,  enclosing  an  arrangement  of  the  officers  of  the 
regiments  of  drafts  from  the  militia  under  his  command, 
and  requesting  commissions  may  be  made  out  for  such  of 
them  whose  names  are  marked  with  an  asterism,  was 
brought  into  Council  (by  the  Secretary)  by  the  direction 
of  His  Excellency. 

The  same  was  read  and  immediately  taken  into  conside- 
ration. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be  em- 
powered and  requested  to  grant  brevets  to  such  officers  of 
Colo.  Graham's  regiment  of  drafts  (from  the  militia)  serv- 
ing in  the  northern  army,  as  have  not  commissions  for  the 
rank  they  now  hold  in  the  regiment. 

Mr.  Jay  dissents  to  the  aforegoing  resolution. 

Ordered,  That  Doctor  Luke  Keirstead  be  authorized 
and  requested  to  visit  the  Fleet  prison  and  Kingston  jail  at 
least  twice  a  week,  and  whenever  he  shall  be  required  by 
the  warden  or  jailer  of  the  said  prison  dr  jail,  and  that  he 
attend  such  of  the  prisoners  as  are  indisposed. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  ho. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  R.  R. 
Livingston,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Tappen,  Mr.  Gilbt-  Livingston,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Colo.  De  Wilt,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Morris. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  commissioners  for  de- 
tecting and  defeating  all  conspiracies,  &c.  attending,  in- 
formed the  Council  of  the  proceedings  of  their  board  while 
at  Canaan,  Kinderhook,  Claverack,  &c.  He  further  in- 
formed that  many  of  the  persons  apprehended  and  lately 
sent  from  that  quarter,  and  who  are  now  confined  on  board 
the  Fleet  prison,  were  apprehended  only  on  suspicion  of 
having  joined  the  enemy. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson,  together  with  Major  Van 
Zandt  and  Mr.  Harper,  do  proceed  to  the  Fleet  prison  and 
examine  the  State  prisoners  lately  apprehended  to  the 
northward,  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  discharge  such 
of  them  as  they  may  think  proper. 

An  account  of  Colo.  Jacob  Hornbeck,  amounting  to 
eleven  pounds  sixteen  shillings  and  six  pence  for  his  dis- 
bursements on  the  expenses  attending  the  execution  of  Ja- 
cobus Rosa  and  Jacob  Middagh,  was  delivered  in  and  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  account  be  referred  to  the  Au- 
ditor-General, and  that  he  audit  the  same  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  Henry  Schcnk,  Esqr.  deliver  to  Messrs. 
Gideon  Ver  Veelen  and  Abraham  Schcnk,  two  bushels  and 
a  half  of  the  salt,  now  in  his  possession,  belonging  to  this 


State,  of  the  use  of  the  indigent  persons  under  their  care, 
and  lake  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  examination  of  Johannes  Oosterhout,  Junr.  and  Ni- 
cholas the  Indian,  taken  the  twenty-third  day  of  August, 
1777,  before  Jacob  Hornbeck,  as  they  just  returned  from 
the  Indian  country,  was  sent  into  Council  by  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  for  the  consideration  of  Council,  and 
their  opinion  and  advice  thereon,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  1st.  They  depose  and  say  that  the  Indians  have  aban- 
doned the  Kookhouse,  and  are  all  moved  back  as  far  as  An- 
quago  or  Coleiien,  being  afraid  of  the  people  of  Esopus  and 
Minisinck;  as  said  Indians  had  received  information  be- 
fore they  moved,  that  2,000  men  were  coming  up  to  de- 
stroy them,  and  therefore  the  said  Indians  had  kept  out  a 
scouting  party  towards  Shokaken,  till  such  time  as  said 
Oosterhout  and  Nicholas  came  and  told  them  the  contrary. 

"  2ndly.  That  the  most  part  of  the  young  Indians  were 
gone  to  join  Butler  at  Fort  Stanwicks,  and  the  wife  of  the 
chief  sachem  of  the  Five  Nations  had  made  a  request  to 
the  sachems,  that  all  the  Five  Nations  should  be  desired 
at  once  to  hold  themselves  neutral  in  the  present  contest 
or  war ;  which  request  was  granted  her  :  whereon  the 
chief  sachem  should  immediately  request  the  said  Five 
Nations  to  slop  their  hostile  measures,  and  come  in  again 
with  those  that  have  hitherto  been  still ;  and  if  the  young 
Indians  should  refuse  to  return,  but  continue  with  Butler 
in  the  war,  then  the  sachem  offers  to  be  at  peace  and  con- 
tinue in  friendship  with  the  people  at  Esopus,  Minisink, 
Papackunk,  Kasshigton,  Wyamonck,  and  all  settlements 
to  the  southward  thereof,  so  that  war  should  only  be  to 
the  north  ;  and  if  any  of  their  young  men  should  be  killed 
to  the  north,  they  should  not  mind  it  or  break  friendship; 
and  if  any  of  our  men  should  go  in  the  war  to  the  north, 
and  be  killed,  we  should  likewise  not  mind  the  same  or 
break  friendship. 

"  3dly.  An  Indian  is  sent  with  Oosterhout  and  Nicholas 
by  the  sachem,  to  Colo.  Hornbeck  to  see  how  times  are 
with  him,  and  to  desire  of  said  Hornbeck  that  a  correspon- 
dence may  be  kept  with  Esopus  people  and  the  sachems, 
notwithstanding  the  war  to  the  north ;  and  that  once  every 
three  or  four  weeks,  a  man  may  pass  and  repass  between 
them,  so  that  the  women  and  children  may  be  at  peace  and 
their  work  on  both  sides  ;  and  that  the  road  on  the  side  of 
the  Indians  shall  be  constantly  open  for  us  safely  to  come 
to  them  and  return. 

"  4lhly.  That  the  Oneida  Indians  are  heartily  in  favour 
of  America,  and  very  likely  a  war  will  soon  break  out  with 
them  and  other  nations." 

The  said  examination  or  message  being  read  and  con- 
sidered, the  Council  came  to  the  following  resolutions,  to 
wit : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Council,  the  mes- 
sage from  the  Indians  of  Oneoghquago,  which  hath  been 
laid  before  them  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  is  an 
insult  to  this  Stale ;  and  that  it  is  inconsistent  with  the 
honour  and  interest  of  the  Stale  to  consider  them  in  a 
state  of  neutrality,  while  their  warriors  are  engaged  against 
us. 

Mr.  Yates  .ind  Colo.  De  Wit  dissent. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  Council  it  will  be 
proper  ir  His  Excellency  to  inform  the  aforesaid  Indians, 
that  tifless  their  warriors  are  called  in  a  >d  return  immedi- 
ately, Hie  said  Indians  will  be  considered  and  treated  as 
open  enemies. 

Mr.  Yates  and  Colo.  De  Witt  dissent. 

Resolved-,  That  the  Governor  be  empowered  to  take  into 
pay  such  of  the  Indian  warriors  as  may  choose  to  enter  into 
the  service  of  this  State. 

Mr.  Yates  dissents. 

Resolved,  That  the  Oneida  nation  are  the  allies  of  this 
Slate,  and  that  we  shall  consider  any  attack  upon  them  a? 
an  attack  upon  our  own  people. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  pay  and  sub 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1055 


sistence  rolls  of  the  men  raised  by  order  of  the  committee 
of  Westchester  county,  for  the  defence  thereof,  as  also  the 
proceedings  of  the  said  committee  thereon,  delivered  in 
their  report,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in 
the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  That  it  appears  to  your  committee  that  the  late  Con- 
vention of  this  .State  did,  in  and  by  a  certain  resolution, 
bearing  date  the  sixth  day  of  May  last,  resolve  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  committee  and  field  officers  of  the 
county  of  Westchester,  be  empowered  to  raise  as  many 
men  as  they  can  for  the  defence  of  the  said  county,  and 
that  this  Convention  will  defray  the  expense  thereof. 

"  That  the  committee  and  field  officers  of  the  said  county 
did  order  a  certain  number  of  men  to  be  raised  for  the  de- 
fence of  said  county,  by  virtue  of  the  said  resolve,  to  con- 
tinue in  service  until  the  first  day  of  January  next,  unless 
sooner  discharged  ;  and  did  agree  to  pay  to  each  private 
six  pounds  per  month,  and  rations  ;  or  in  lieu  of  rations, 
two  dollars  per  week  to  each  sergeant ;  seven  pounds  per 
month  to  each  corporal ;  fifer  and  drummer,  six  pounds 
ten  shillings  per  month,  together  with  the  same  rations  or 
allowance  as  the  privates  ;  and  to  the  commissioned  officers 
Continental  pay  and  rations,  or  in  lieu  of  rations,  twenty- 
one  shillings  per  week. 

"That  it  appears  from  the  pay  and  subsistence  rolls, 
that  eighty-eight  men,  officers  included,  have  been  raised, 
in  consequence  of  said  resolve,  and  are  now  in  actual  ser- 
vice in  the  said  county  ;  and  that  the  said  pay  and  subsis- 
tence rolls,  from  the  first  day  of  June  last  to  the  first  day 
of  August,  being  two  months,  amounts  to  one  thousand 
five  hundred  thirty-two  pounds  three  shillings  and  six 
pence. 

"  Your  committee,  after  having  stated  the  above  facts, 
are  of  opinion,  that  the  aloresaid  committee  and  field  offi- 
cers were  not  authorized  or  warranted,  by  the  true  con- 
struction of  the  said  resolve,  to  raise  the  said  men  on  any 
other  than  the  usual  pay  ;  and  that  the  retaining  in  pay  any 
corps  at  the  extravagant  rate  of  wages  on  which  these  have 
been  engaged,  would  be  attended  with  very  evil  conse- 
quences. 

"  1st.  By  affording  the  militia  of  every  other  county  in 
the  Slate,  when  called  into  actual  service,  an  equitable 
claim  to  the  same  extravagant  pay,  especially  where  the 
county  from  which  they  might  be  ordered  should  be  equally 
exposed  to  the  incursions  of  the  enemy. 

"  2dly.  The  establishing  a  pay  for  the  militia  service  so 
far  above  the  Continental  pay,  would  greatly  retard  the 
filling  of  the  Continental  regiments  engaged  to  be  raised  by 
this  State. 

"  Your  committee  are,  nevertheless,  of  opinion,  that  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Westchester  might  possibly 
have  been  led  into  a  misapprehension  of  the  above  recited 
resolution,  from  its  containing  no  express  limitation  of  the 
pay  they  were  empowered  to  offer ;  and  that  it  would  be 
unjust  to  leave  the  said  committee  bound  for  the  payment 
of  the  wages  of  the  troops  r,  ised  in  consequence  of  the 
above  resolution,  since  they  v,  ere  probably  prompted  to 
the  measure  bv  tht-r  endeavour  to  serve  the  public." 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  pay  and  subsistence 
rolls  be  audited,  and  that  the  rangers  raised  in  the  county 
of  Westchester,  be  immediately  disbanded,  unless  they 
shall  be  willing  to  serve  hereafter  for  Continental  pay,  and 
the  above  allowance  for  rations. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  county  of  West- 
chester, account  immediately  with  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  for  the  proceeds  of  the  sale,  and  all  such  effects  as 
have  been  taken  in  the  said  county  by  the  said  corps  of 
rangers. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 


Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  3,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Pkesent— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Genl.  Seott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Plait,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
R.  B.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  the 
Honourable  John  Sloss  Hobart  the  sum  of  twenty-two 
pounds,  two  shillings  and  one  penny,  for  his  account  of 
expenses  on  his  journey  to  Springfield,  in  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  by  order  of  this  Council. 

On  information  that  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commis- 
sary of  the  Fleet  prison,  has  neglected  to  supply  the  State 
prisoners  in  jail  with  bread  agreeably  to  the  order  of  this 
Council  of  the  first  instant,  and  that  the  said  commissary 
intends  to  resign  the  said  office  of  commissary  in  one 
week  : 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  com- 
missary, &c.  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  peremptorily  ordered 
forthwith  to  comply  with  the  order  of  this  Council  of  the 
first  instant,  for  supplying  the  State  prisoners  in  Kingston 
jail  with  bread,  and  that  he  be  informed  that  a  resignation 
of  his  office  will  not  be  accepted  of,  until  another  commis- 
sary be  provided,  and  sufficient  time  allowed  him  to  pro- 
cure a  supply  of  provisions. 

The  Council  being  informed  that  those  men  of  Capt. 
Payne's  company  who,  by  order  of  Council,  have  joined 
Captain  Schoonmaker's  company,  on  a  supposition  that 
they  belong  to  Major  Wheelock's  corps,  who  are  disbanded, 
have  applied  for  passes  to  return  home  :  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  men  be  informed  that  they  did 
not  belong  to  Major  Wheelock's  corps  at  the  time  they 
were  ordered  to  join  Captain  Schoonmaker's  company  ; 
and  that  Captain  Schoonmaker  be  directed  not  to  permit 
any  of  the  said  men  to  depart  or  quit  his  company,  without 
orders  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  or  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  the  Auditor-General  informing  Council 
that  Colo.  Lasher  hath  delivered  of  the  military  stores  of 
the  State,  to  the  committee  of  Westchester  county,  without 
orders  from  Council,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  said  letter  be  transmitted 
to  Colo.  Lasher,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  inform  the 
Council  of  his  reasons  for  delivering  out  military  stores 
without  orders. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

September  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Robt. 
R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major 
Van  Zandt. 

The  memorial  of  James  Place,  confined  in  Kingston 
jail,  and  the  petition  of  William  Cameron,  and  the  other 
six  prisoners  brought  by  Major  Wynkoop  and  his  party 
from  Schoharie,  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Harper 
and  Mr.  Tappen. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  ho.  A.  M. 

DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  5,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Robt 
R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tappen,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Col 
Witt,  Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 


1056 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


A  letter  from  Colo.  John  Broome,  dated  at  Hartford, 
August  27th,  informing  that  application  has  been  made  to 
His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,  in  behalf  of  some  of 
the  refugees  ot  this  State  residing  in  Connecticut,  for  per- 
mits to  export  flour  to  the  French  West  India  Islands  ; 
and  that  His  Excellency  is  desirous  of  the  previous  con- 
currence of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State  to  the  mea- 
sure, was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  referred  to  Mr.  Robert  R. 
Livingston. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  Major-General 
Gates  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Sir — Some  lime  last  winter  a  number  of  sick  from  the 
northern  department,  on  their  way  to  Pennsylvania,  were 
obliged  to  stop  at  this  place,  and  continued  here  under  the 
care  of  the  committee  for  a  considerable  lime  ;  the  expense 
accruing  from  the  supplies  of  the  necessaries  to  them, 
amounts  to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  pounds 
fourteen  shillings  :  applications  have  been  made  for  the 
money,  but  have,  I  suppose,  by  not  applying  to  the  proper 
person,  miscarried.  I  am  requested,  sir,  to  take  your  direc- 
tions whether  the  accounts  are  to  be  audited  by  the  pay- 
master, the  director  of  the  hospital,  or  paid  by  your  order 
from  the  military  chest. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  respect, 

"Your  most  obedient  hum.  servt. 

"  Major-Genl.  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  of  the  Fleet  prison, 
the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  on  account. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  of  the  clothing  store  of 
this  Stale,  deliver  to  General  Scott  two  pair,  and  to  Thomas 
Tredwell  one  pair  of  shoes,  they  paying  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Francis  Filken,  Esqr.  on  the  credit  of  the  city  and  county 
of  New-York,  the  sum  of  ten  pounds,  for  services  by  him 
performed  by  order  of  the  general  committee  of  the  said 
city  and  county. 

Mr.  Robert  R.  Livingston,  to  whom  a  letter  from  Colo. 
Broome  was  committed,  reported  the  draft  of  a  letter  to 
Governor  Trumbull  on  the  subject  thereof,  which  was  read 
and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Council  have  directed  me  to  enclose  to  your 
Excellency,  the  copy  of  a  letter  which  they  have  received 
from  Mr.  Broome,  and  to  present  you  their  thanks  for  the 
attention  you  are  pleased  to  pay  to  their  sentiments.  They 
can  have  no  objections  to  your  Excellency's  granting  the 
indulgence  requested  under  such  restrictions  as  you  may 
think  prudent. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"Your  Excellency's  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

The  memorial  of  Thomas  Eltinge,  praying  leave  to 
enlist  men  from  on  board  the  Fleet  prison  to  serve  as  ma- 
rines on  board  the  Montgomerie  Continental  frigate,  was 
read. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  Mr.  Harper 
and  Major  Van  Zandt. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  memorial  of 
James  Place,  and  the  petition  of  William  Cameron  and 
the  other  six  prisoners  brought  by  Major  Wynkoop's  party 
from  Schoharie,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read, 
amended  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  That  it  appears  that  the  said  James  Place  is  a  very 
suspicious  character  ;  that  his  testimony  with  respect  to 
himself  cannot  be  admitted,  and  therefore  that  he  be  con- 
tinued in  close  confinement. 

"  That  it  appears  from  the  said  petition  of  William 


Cameron  and  the  six  prisoners  brought  with  him  as  afore- 
said, that  they  have,  contrary  to  the  resolutions  of  this 
Stale,  aided  and  assisted  the  enemies  thereof,  by  taking  up 
arms  against  it,  and  therefore,  that  they  be  confined  in 
irons  in  one  of  the  jail  rooms  of  Kingston,  and  that  the 
sheriff,  with  the  advice  of  Major  Van  Zandt  and  Mr.  Har- 
per, do  cause  as  many  of  the  least  dangerous  of  the  pri- 
soners in  the  said  jail  to  be  removed  to  the  Fleet  prison. 
Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  ho. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  5,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Genl. 
Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr. 
Jay. 

A  letter  from  Theodorus  Van  Wyck  and  Isaac  Sheldon, 
commissioners  for  sequestration  in  Dutchess  county,  was 
received,  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Kingston,  Sept.  5th,  1777. 

"  Sir — We  have  lately  discovered  a  quantity  of  goods, 
belonging  to  Mr.  Peter  Styvezandt  and  others,  now  with 
the  enemy,  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Ten  Broeck,  and 
have  some  reason  to  believe  there  is  a  farther  quantity 
which  she  conceals,  and  refuses  to  give  evidence  concern- 
ing them. 

"  Although  we  are  authorized,  where  we  suspect  a  con- 
cealment, to  examine  persons  upon  oath,  yet  we  conceive 
our  powers  defective,  as  we  have  no  authority  to  compel 
the  witnesses  to  swear,  in  case  they  should  refuse.  We 
thought  it  our  duty  to  inform  you  of  this  matter,  with  a 
request  that  you  will  please  to  lay  it  before  the  Council  of 
Safety,  and  should  be  glad  of  their  advice  and  direction. 
"  We  remain  your  most  obedt.  humb.  servts. 
"THEODS.  VAN  WYCK, 
"ISAAC  SHELDON, 

"  Commissioners  of  Sequestration 
for  Dutchess  county. 

Resolved,  thereupon,  That  in  all  cases  whatsoever  in 
which  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  are,  by  any  for- 
mer resolution  of  this  Council  or  the  Convention  of  this 
State,  authorized  to  examine  any  person  as  a  witness,  on 
oath,  the  said  commissioners  be  and  they  hereby  are  em- 
powered to  commit  to  the  jail  of  the  county  every  person 
who  shall  refuse  to  be  examined  on  oath,  as  a  witness,  by 
the  said  commissioners,  in  the  execution  of  their  office, 
until  such  persons  shall  submit  to  such  examination  on 
oath  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  jailer  of  Kingston  be  and  he  is 
hereby  directed  to  serve  out  to  the  prisoners  confined  in 
the  said  jail,  the  bread  which  shall  be  brought  for  their  use 
by  the  commissary  or  baker. 

Resolved,  That  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary 
of  the  Fleet  prison,  be  allowed  a  reasonable  compensation 
for  his  extraordinary  services. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho. 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  6,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Prayers  as  usual. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Yates,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Piatt,  Genl.  Scott,  Major  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Tredwell. 

The  petition  of  Andreas  Ten  Eyck,  confined  on  board 
the  Fleet  prison,  in  irons,  praying  that  his  irons  be  taken 
off,  that  he  may  be  enabled  to  clean  and  shift  himself,  was 
read. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1057 


Ordered,  That  his  irons  be  taken  off,  for  the  purpose  of 
cleaning  and  shifting  himself,  as  often  as  the  warden  shall 
think  the  same  necessary,  and  that  they  be  immediately 
put  on  again. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Harper,  seconded  by  Mr.  Hobart, 
Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draft  and 
report  a  resolution,  offering  free  pardon  (under  certain  re- 
strictions) to  such  of  the  subjects  of  this  State  as  (since 
the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga)  have  joined  the  army 
under  the  command  of  General  Burgoyne,  and  have  since 
returned. 

Ordered,  That  General  Scott  and  Mr.  Hobart  be  the 
committee. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Sabbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  6,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr. 
Yates,  fllajor  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston. 

Genl.  Scott  and  Mr.  Hobart,  according  to  order  of  this 
morning,  reported  a  resolution  on  the  subject  of  granting 
free  pardon  to  such  persons  as,  since  the  evacuation  of  Ty- 
conderoga,  have  joined  Genl.  Burgoyne,  and  who  may  re- 
turn, which  was  read  and  amended,  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as 
follows  : 

"  Whereas  by  the  abandonment  of  Tyconderoga  and 
the  sudden  irruption  of  the  enemy  into  the  northern  pans 
of  this  State,  in  consequence  thereof  many  well  disposed 
subjects,  impelled  by  their  fears,  have  not  only  taken  pro- 
tections from  the  enemy,  but  have  joined  the  army  under 
the  command  of  Genl.  Burgoyne  :  And  whereas  it  is 
probable  that  such  of  the  subjects  of  this  State  as  afore- 
said on  a  due  consideration  of  the  reestablishment  of  our 
affairs  in  the  northern  department,  will  think  themselves 
happy  in  an  opportunity  of  returning  to  their  allegiance  to 
this  State  if  they  may  be  secured  against  punishment  for 
their  defection  ;  by  which  means  the  enemy's  army  may 
be  greatly  diminished  and  the  American  forces  in  the  north- 
ern department  may  receive  considerable  reinforcements, 
an  event  which  will  necessarily  tend  to  the  safety  of  this 
State  : 

"Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  Commander-in-Chief  of 
the  Continental  army  in  the  northern  department,  shall  be 
and  is  hereby  authorized  in  the  name  and  by  the  authority 
of  this  State,  to  grant  full  pardon  and  indemnification  to  all 
such  persons  as  aforesaid  who  shall  deliver  themselves  up 
to  the  said  Commander-in-Chief,  or  any  other  officer  under 
his  command,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  October  next ; 
provided  always  that  no  person  shall  be  entitled  to  such 
pardon  and  indemnification  who  shall  refuse  to  take  an 
oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State,  which  the  said  Commander- 
in-Chief,  or  any  officer  appointed  by  him  for  the  purpose, 
is  hereby  authorized  to  administer." 

Mr.  Hobart  and  Mr.  Tredwell  dissent. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Honourable  Genl.  Gates,  on 
the  same  subject,  was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — The  preamble  of  the  enclosed  resolution  will  at 
the  same  time  open  to  you  the  design  of  this  Council  in 
passing  it  and  point  out  its  true  objects.  It  is  the  desire 
of  this  Council  that  a  proclamation  be  issued  by  you 
grounded  on  the  said  resolution  ;  but  as  some  of  the  mat- 
ters recited  in  the  preamble  are  only  designed  as  a  justifi- 
cation on  record  of  our  conduct  in  this  instance,  we  re- 
quest that  in  your  proclamation  you  insert  no  more  of  the 
preamble  than  will  be  necessary  to  characterize  the  persons 
to  whom  it  is  intended  to  give  the  benefit  of  the  resolution. 
"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humble  servt. 

"  Major-Genl.  Gates." 

265 


DIE  LUN.E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  8,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Canline,  Mr.  Piatt,  Major 
Van  Zandt,  Major  Tappen,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  represented  to  this  Council  that 
Benjamin  Elmendorph  and  Abraham  Heermans,  two  of  the 
constables  in  Ulster  county,  are  enlisted  in  Captain  Schoon- 
maker's  company  of  guards,  and  thereby  prevented  from 
executing  the  duties  of  the  said  office  : 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  do  discharge  the 
said  Benjamin  Elmendorph  and  Abraham  Heermanse  from 
his  company,  and  that  he  enlist  two  men  in  their  stead. 

Whereas  it  is  represented  to  this  Council  that  a  ser- 
geant of  Captain  Bevier's  company  in  the  Continental 
army  hath  enlisted  in  the  said  company  prisoners  of  war 
while  on  parol : 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  highly  disapprove  thereof, 
and  that  the  commissary  of  prisoners  of  war  in  this  State 
do  without  delay  order  the  said  prisoner  to  return  and  re- 
main at  Kingston  agreeably  to  his  parol. 

A  letter  from  Doctor  John  Jones,  of  the  seventh  instant, 
informing  that  his  ill  state  of  health  for  three  weeks  past 
has  not  permitted  him  to  comply  with  the  most  pressing 
calls  of  duty  in  his  own  profession,  and  as  he  always  suf- 
fers a  pretty  long  continuance  of  his  asthmatic  complaints 
at  this  season  of  the  year,  he  is  more  than  apprehensive 
that  it  will  not  be  in  his  power  to  attend  the  Senate  at  this 
very  important  part  of  their  session,  for  which  reason,  as 
well  as  the  general  ill  health  under  which  he  has  the  mis- 
fortune to  labour,  notwithstanding  the  warmth  and  sincerity 
of  his  disposilion  to  render  any  services  in  his  power  to 
the  common  cause  of  freedom  and  his  country,  he  could 
wish  the  Council  of  Safety  to  think  of  some  person  whose 
health  and  abilities  united,  may  better  qualify  him  to  sup- 
ply in  Senate  the  nomination  with  which  they  have  lately 
honoured  him,  was  read  and  filed.  Thereupon, 

A  letter  (in  answer)  was  sent  to  Doctor  John  Jones,  and 
is  in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Sir — Your  letter  of  the  seventh  instant  has  been  re- 
ceived and  laid  before  the  Council.  They  regret  your  ab- 
sence from  the  Senate,  and  the  more  so,  as  it  is  occasion- 
ed by  want  of  health.  They  hope  that  obstacle  will  be 
soon  removed ;  and  that  you  will  embrace  the  first  oppor- 
tunity of  rendering  your  country  those  services  which  they 
have  a  right  to  expect  from  your  zeal  and  abilities." 
"  I  am  with  respect, 

"  Your  most  obt.  humb.  servt. 

"  Doctor  John  Jones." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  pay  on  the  certificate  of 
one  of  the  Secretaries  to  each  of  the  members  of  the 
Council  such  sums  of  money  as  shall  be  due  to  them  for 
their  attendance  on  the  business  of  the  same,  agreeably  to 
a  resolution  of  the  late  Convention,  of  the 
day  of  the  last. 

Ordered,  That  Asa  Harrington,  sergeant  of  the  guard, 
who  brought  the  prisoner  from  Albany  this  day,  and  who 
are  to  return  immediately,  to  take  charge  of  and  convey  to 
the  city  of  Albany,  Samuel  lngerson  and  John  Ryley,  sup- 
posed to  have  deserted  from  Glover's  brigade,  and  Nathan 
Moulton  and  James  Beverly,  two  other  deserters,  and  de- 
liver them  to  the  commanding  officer  there. 

The  Council  taking  into  their  further  consideration  the 
resolution  of  the  sixth  instant,  authorizing  General  Gates 
to  issue  a  proclamation  under  certain  restrictions,  offering 
full  pardon  and  indemnification  to  such  of  the  subjects  of 


105S 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


this  State  as  have  since  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga  ta-  I 
ken  protection  of  or  joined  the  army  under  the  command 
of  um),  Burgoyne,  agreed  to  the  following  letter  on  the 
subject,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — I  wrote  you  on  the  sixth  instant  by  direction  of 
the  Council  of  Safety,  enclosing  a  resolve  empowering  you 
to  issue  a  proclamation,  offering  a  pardon  to  such  well  dis- 
posed subjects  of  this  Slate,  who  impelled  by  their  fears 
nave  either  .accepted  protection  from  or  joined  the  enemy's 
army.  As  the  propriety  of  such  a  proclamation  must  de- 
pend on  facts,  of  which  the  Council  are  not  fully  informed, 
and  which  fall  immediately  within  your  notice,  they  refer 
it  entirely  to  your  discretion,  either  to  issue  or  withhold  it 
as  you  shall  judge  will  be  most  advantageous  to  the  com- 
mon cause. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obt.  hum.  servt. 

"  To  Major-Genl.  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Henry  Cuyler,  of  the  county  of  Albany,  a 
prisoner  of  war,  on  parol,  and  who  hath  violated  his  said 
parol  by  departing  beyond  the  limits  prescribed  for  his  resi- 
dence, dated  at  Greenbush,  the  4lh  instant,  and  directed  to 
the  chairman  and  gentlemen  of  the  general  committee  of 
the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  was  transmitted  by  the 
said  committee  for  the  consideration  and  directions  of  this 
Council. 

The  same  being  read  and  considered, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Albany  be  requested 
to  send  the  said  Henry  Cuyler  (under  proper  guard)  to  the 
Fleet  prison  at  Esopus  Landing. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  LuNiE,  4  ho.  P.  M.  September  8,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Gent.  Scott,  Mr.  Tappen,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Jay, 
Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Hobart,  Colo.  De  Witt. 

The  Secretary,  Mr.  Benson,  informed  the  Council  that 
on  the        day  of  last,  several  letters  were  brought 

from  New-York  by  a  flag  of  truce,  to  Peekskill,  and  sent 
by  the  commanding  officer  there  to  the  then  con- 

vened at  Fishkill  ;  that  among  the  said  letters  was  one  from 
Anthony  Van  Dam,  at  New-York,  directed  to  James  Du- 
ane  and  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqrs.  containing  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  dollars  of  the  currency,  emitted  by  the  Con- 
vention of  this  State,  which  Mr.  Van  Dam  requested  those 
gentlemen  to  pay  to  Robert  Livingston,  Esquire,  on  his  ac- 
count ;  and  that  by  order  of  the  said  of  the 

of  last,  the  said  Secretary  was  directed  to 

keep  the  said  money  in  his  custody  until  further  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  deposit  the  said  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  dollars  into  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  Revd.  Doctor  John  Rodgers  be 
allowed  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  pounds,  to 
defray  the  expenses  of  the  removal  of  his  family  to  this 
place,  at  the  request  of  the  late  Convention,  and  for  his 
past  services  as  chaplain  to  this  Council.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  the  said 
sum  to  Doctor  Rodgers. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  and  report  the  most 
proper  method  for  the  distribution  of  the  salt,  (purchased 
on  account  of  this  State  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants 
thereof,)  reported  the  following  resolutions,  which  were 
read  and  approved  of,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  salt  be  deposited  in  three  diffe- 
rent parcels,  to  wit :  1,700  bushels  thereof  at  the  landing 
of  Robert  Livingston,  Esquire,  in  the  manor  of  Livingston; 
1,700  bushels  thereof  at  the  landing  of  William  Radliff,  in 
Rhinebeek  precinct;  and  1,600  bushels  thereof  at  the 
store  of  James  Reade,  in  Dutchess  county,  including  the 


salt  in  the  store  of  Henry  Schenk,  Esqr.  under  the  care  of 
commissioners. 

That  the  said  Robert  Livingston,  William  Radliff  and 
James  Reade  be  commissioners  for  receiving  and  delivering 
out  the  said  salt  to  the  orders  of  the  different  county  com- 
mittees ;  and  that  each  of  the  said  commissioners  be  and 
hereby  is  allowed  the  sum  of  three  pence  per  bushel,  as 
per  invoice,  for  receiving,  storing  and  delivering  out  the 
said  salt,  to  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  of  the  State,  on  order 
from  the  Auditor-General,  before  whom  the  said  commis- 
sioners shall  make  due  proof,  on  oath  or  otherwise,  of  such 
receipt  and  delivery. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  deliver  to  the 
order  of  the  chairman  of  the  several  county  committees, 
the  number  of  bushels,  to  wit :  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  or  his  order,  1,100 
bushels  ;  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county 
of  Tryon,  or  his  order,  six  hundred  bushels  ;  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Dutchess,  or  to  his 
order,  one  thousand  bushels ;  to  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  the  county  of  Westchester,  or  his  order,  five  hun- 
dred bushels ;  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
county  of  Orange,  or  his  order,  five  hundred  bushels  ;  and 
to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Ulster, 
eight  hundred  bushels. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  said  counties  do 
appoint  commissioners  in  their  respective  counties  to  sell 
the  said  salt,  who  shall  be  sworn  before  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  faithfully  to  discharge  the  trust  respectively 
reposed  in  them,  and  shall  be  entitled  to  retain  out  of  the 
moneys  arising  from  the  sale,  one  shilling  per  bushel  in 
lieu  of  commissions. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall  deliver  to 
each  master,  or  mistress  of  a  family,  or  his  or  her  order, 
three  quarts  of  salt  for  each  person  in  their  respective  fami- 
lie,  upon  producing  a  certificate,  signed  by  the  chairman  of 
the  county,  or  district  committee,  where  he  or  she  shall 
respectively  reside,  that  he  or  she  is  well  affected  to  the 
American  cause  ;  and  on  due  proof  made  on  oath  of  the 
number  of  persons  in  each  such  family,  shall  receive  for 
the  same,  on  the  delivery  thereof,  two  shillings  and  six 
pence  per  quart. 

Whereas  many  of  the  good  people  of  this  State  have 
been  driven  from  their  habitations  by  the  incursions  of  the 
enemy,  and  have  removed  into  the  neighbouring  States  : 

Resolved,  That  every  master  or  mistress  of  a  family  so 
removed,  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  from  the  commissioner 
nearest  to  his  or  her  place  of  residence,  his  or  her  pro- 
portion of  salt  respectively,  at  the  price  aforesaid  ;  pro- 
vided such  master  or  mistress  shall  make  due  proof  on  oath 
of  the  number  of  his  or  her  family,  and  produce  a  certifi- 
cate signed  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  or  the  select 
men  of  the  town  in  which  they  shall  then  reside,  of  such 
removal  and  residence. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  said  several  county 
committees  produce  their  accounts,  together  with  their 
vouchers,  of  the  expenses  arising  on  the  transportation  of 
the  said  salt  to  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State,  who  is 
directed  to  audit  the  said  accounts  for  payment. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  county  committees 
notify  the  Treasurer  of  the  State  of  the  names,  occupations 
and  places  of  abode  of  the  several  commissioners  in  their 
respective  counties. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall  produce 
their  accounts  (as  soon  as  may  be  after  the  salt  is  sold)  to 
the  Auditor-General,  to  be  audited  and  passed. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  intention  of  this  Council,  that 
all  such  persons  in  this  State  as  have  taken  an  oath  of  alle- 
giance thereto,  and  have  not,  since  the  taking  of  the  said 
oath,  acted  in  any  manner  inconsistent  with,  or  contradic- 
tory thereto,  and  shall  obtain  a  certificate  thereof  from  the 
chairman  of  the  county  or  district  committee,  shall  be  en- 
tilled  to  their  respective  proportions  of  salt,  as  above  men- 
tioned. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1059 


Resolved,  That  all  the  residue  of  the  said  salt,  after  the 
above  distribution,  shall  remain  in  the  care  of  the  commis- 
sioners appointed  by  the  committees  of  the  respective 
counties  above  mentioned,  to  be  disposed  of  by  future  act 
or  acts  of  the  Legislature  of  this  Slate. 

And  whereas  the  good  subjects  of  this  State  in  the 
counties  of  Charlotte,  Gloucester  and  Cumberland  are,  by 
the  late  incursions  of  the  enemy,  deprived  of  a  free  inter- 
course with  the  other  parts  of  this  Slate,  and  are  thereby 
prevented  fiom  receiving  their  proportions  of  salt  : 

Resolved,  That  the  supplying  of  the  said  inhabitants  in 
the  said  counties  with  that  important  article,  as  soon  as 
those  obstacles  shall  be  removed,  be  referred  and  recom- 
mended to  the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  of  the  several  counties 
to  be  supplied  with  salt,  by  virtue  of  the  aforegoing  re- 
solves, apply  for  the  different  proportions  of  salt  for  their 
respective  counties  as  follows,  to  wit :  the  committee  of 
Westchester,  to  the  store  of  James  Reade  ;  the  committee 
of  Dutchess,  to  the  said  store,  for  six  hundred  bushels,  in- 
cluding in  that  quantitity  the  salt  in  the  store  of  Henry 
Schenk;  and  to  William  Radlift,  for  four  hundred  bushels; 
the  committee  of  Albany,  to  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr,  for 
the  proportion  of  that  county ;  and  the  committee  of 
Tryon  county,  at  the  same  place,  for  their  proportion  ; 
the  respective  committees  of  Ulster  and  Orange,  for  their 
respective  proportions,  to  the  said  William  Radlift. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  salt  be  sold  at  no  more  than 
two  places  in  any  county,  to  be  chosen  at  the  discretion  of 
the  county  committee,  in  such  manner  as  will  be  most  con- 
venient to  the  inhabitants,  and  that  no  accounts  be  allowed 
for  any  farther  transportation  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolutions  be  published  in 
Holt's  and  Loudon's  papers  ;  and  that  the  Secretary  cause 
the  same  to  be  also  printed  in  the  Hartford  Gazette. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  9,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  odjournment. 

Prayers  as  usual. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt.  £sqr.  President. 

Genl.  Scott,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Hobart,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Tred- 
•well,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr  Harper,  Mr.  Morris,  Colo.  De  Witt,  Major  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  R.  R.  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine. 

Whereas  it  hath  been  suggested  to  this  Council  that 
the  county  of  Charlotte  are  indebted  to  Alexander  Web- 
ster, Esqr.  in  the  sum  of  sixty-five  pounds,  for  his  services 
in  attending  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  the  which 
sum  can  not  now  be  paid  by  the  committee  of  the  said 
county : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State  pay  to  the  said  Alexander  Webster  the  said  sum  of 
sixty-five  pounds  on  account  of  the  said  county  of  Char- 
lotte ;  and  that  the  said  Alexander  Webster  be  held  to  ac- 
count for  the  same  with  the  said  county. 

Mr.  Auditor-General  Sands  and  Mr.  L'hommedieu,  at- 
tending, were  admitted.  They  jointly  informed  the  Coun- 
cil that  Mr.  L'hommedieu  had,  on  his  note  of  hand  to  the 
Treasurer  of  this  State,  formerly  received  the  sum  of  three 
hundred  and  seventy  pounds  ;  that  that  sum  was  received 
to  pay  two  companies  of  Continental  troops,  who  wTere 
then  upon  Nassau  island  ;  which  money  he  was  to  repay 
upon  the  said  troops  receiving  their  pay.  Mr.  L'homme- 
dieu informed  the  Council  that  he  received  from  the  offi- 
cers of  that  corps  the  whole  of  that  money  except  the  sum 
of  forty  pounds,  which  he  paid  to  Major  Tuthill,  who  is 
gone  to  the  enemy  on  Long  island. 


Ordered,  That.  Mr  L'hommedieu  repay  to  the  Treasu- 
rer the  said  sum  of  money,  the  said  forty  pounds  excepted ; 
that  he  draw  an  order  on  Major  Tuthill,  payable  to  the 
Treasurer,  for  the  said  sum  of  forty  pounds ;  and  there- 
upon the  Auditor-General  close  Mr.  L'hommedieu's  ac- 
count. 

The  Auditor-General  requested  the  direction  of  the  Coun- 
cil at  what  price  to  charge  the  pork  and  provisions  belong- 
ing to  the  State,  which  was  spared  to  the  Commissary- 
General  of  the  Continental  army. 

Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  charge  the  pork 
and  provisions  spared  to  the  Commissary-General,  at  the 
market  price  at  the  lime  of  the  delivery  thereof. 

Whereas  the  late  Convention,  on  the  third  day  of  May 
last,  did  resolve  that  the  members  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
should  be  allowed  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings  per  day  each 
for  every  day  they  should  be  employed  in  the  business  com- 
mitted to  them,  as  a  compensation  for  their  loss  of  time 
and  expenses. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  be,  and  he 
is  hereby  directed  to  pay  unto  each  of  the  members  of  this 
Council,  such  sum  or  sums  of  money  for  their  attendance 
at  this  Council  as  shall  be  certified  by  either  of  the  Secre- 
taries to  be  due  to  the  said  members  respectively. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  10  ho. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

September  10,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prayers,  as  usual. 

Peesent — Pierre  Van  CorUandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Gilbert  Livingston,  Mr.  Cantine,  Mr.  Robt.  R.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Piatt,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Tredwell,  Major  Tappen. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  and  Chan- 
cellor of  this  State,  be  requested  to  devise  and  order  to  be 
made,  a  great  seal  for  this  State,  and  that  in  the  mean  time 
the  seal  of  the  Governor  be  the  great  seal  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  John 
McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  seven  dollars,  for  that 
sum  by  him  paid  by  direction  of  the  members  of  this  Coun- 
cil, for  conveying  to  the  Honourable  Robert  Morris,  Esqr. 
a  member  of  the  committee  of  Congress  appointed  to  cor- 
respond with  the  friends  of  America  in  foreign  parts,  at 
Philadelphia,  certain  papers  for  that  board  which  were  re- 
ceived at  Kingston  by  the  Honourable  John  Jay,  and 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  charge  the  same  to  Conti- 
nental account. 

A  petition  of  Samuel  Payne,  a  captain  in  Major  Whee- 
lock's  corps,  setting  forth,  that  by  reason  of  the  corps  being 
disbanded,  and  unless  the  Council  of  Safety  interpose,  it 
will  be  a  great  damage  to  him,  and  praying  that  Council 
of  Safety  will  be  pleased  to  make  him  some  allowance  for 
his  past  troubles  in  endeavouring  to  recruit  his  men,  and 
the  losses  he  has  sustained,  was  received,  read  and  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Tredwell,  Mr.  Cantine  and  Mr.  Piatt. 

Mr.  Tredwell  from  the  said  committee,  brought  in  the 
report,  which  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Your  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Samuel  Paine,  Esqr.  a  captain  in  the  service  of  this  State, 
beg  leave  to  report  the  following  resolutions  : 

"  Resolved,  That  this  Council  do  fully  approve  of  the 
conduct  of  the  said  Captain  Paine  so  far  as  it  hath  come 
to  their  knowledge  ;  are  very  sorry  that  his  industry  and 
diligence  has  not  met  with  that  success  which  they  wished, 
and  he  had  reason  to  expect. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  Captain  Paine  is  entitled  to 
Continental  pay  and  rations,  from  the  time  he  engaged  in 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1060 

the  service  of  the  State,  to  this  day,  and  that  the  Auditor- 
General  of  this  State  do  audit  the  accounts  of  the  said 
Captain  Paine,  and  allow  him  credit  for  such  sum  or  sums 
of  money  as  he  shall  have  paid,  either  as  bounty  or  wages 
to  the  men  belonging  to  his  company,  he  producing  suffi- 
cient vouchers  of  such  payment. 

"  Resolved,  That  such  of  Captain  Paine's  company  as 
have  deserted  the  service  or  neglected  to  join  the  company, 
have  not  only  forfeited  all  right  to  any  future  demands  upon 


this  State,  but  also  the  bounty  and  clothing  which  have 
been  advanced  to  them. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  said  company  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  disbanded. 

"  Resolved,  That  Captain  Paine  be  allowed  the  expen- 
ses arising  from  his  late  journey  in  order  to  collect  the  re- 
mainder of  his  company,  undertaken  by  order  of  this  Coun- 
cil, and  that  the  auditor  examine  and  audit  his  account 
thereof. 


CONVENTION 

OF  THE 

SENATE    AND  ASSEMBLY 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Members  of  the  Senate  and  Assembly, 
for  the  Sta;e  of  New- York,  convened  by  unanimous  con- 
sent, to  form  a  Convention  for  the  said  State,  and  thereby 
to  provide  for  the  safety  of  the  same,  this  seventh  day 
of  October,  1777. 

Members  of  Senate. 
Present—  Jesse  Woodhull, 

Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Ryneer  Mynderse, 

John  Morin  Scott,  JelJis  Fonda, 

Philip  Livingston,  Jonathan  Lawrence, 

William  Floyd,  Alexander  Webster, 

Levi  Pawling,  Abraham  Yates, 

William  Smith,  Dirck  Ten  Broeck. 

Members  of  Assembly. 


New- York — 
Mr.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Jay. 

Jllbany — 
Mr.  Walter  Livingston, 
Mr.  Whiting, 
Mr.  Vroman, 
Mr.  John  Cuyler, 
Mr.  K.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Ulster- 
Mr.  Hardenbergh, 
Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Schoonmaker, 
Mr.  Rea. 

Suffolk- 
Mr.  Miller, 
Mr.  Gelslon, 
Mr.  L'hommedieu. 


Queens — 

Mr.  Daniel  Lawrence, 

Mr.  Coe. 
Kings — 

Mr.  Williams. 
Westchester — 

Mr.  Morris, 

Mr.  Mills. 
Dutches — 

Mr.  Hoffman, 

Mr.  E.  Benson. 
Tryon — 

Mr.  Van  Home, 

Mr.  Veeder, 

Mr.  Klock. 
Charlotte — 

Mr.  E.  Clarke, 

Mr.  Rowan. 
Orange — 

Mr.  Hathorn, 

Mr.  Kupper, 

Mr.  Van  Houten. 


Resolved  unanimously,  That  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Es- 
quire, President  of  the  Honourable  the  Senate,  be  and  is 
hereby  appointed  President  of  this  Convention ;  and  that 
John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson,  be  and  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed Secretaries  of  this  Convention. 

Resolved,  That  the  several  county  and  district  commit- 
tees within  this  State,  which  were  in  being  on  the  thir- 
teenth day  of  September  last  past,  and  commissioners  for 
detecting  and  defeating  all  conspiracies  formed  within  this 
State,  be  and  hereby  are  continued  and  vested  with  all  and 
singular  the  powers  and  authorities  which  the  said  commit- 
tees and  the  said  commissioners  respectively  have  hereto- 

266 


fore  used  and  exercised  ;  and  the  several  persons  who  were 
then  members  of  the  said  committees,  and  of  the  said  board 
of  commissioners,  are  hereby  continued  in  office  accord- 
ingly- 

Resolved,  That  the  members  of  the  several  committees 
be  and  they  hereby  are  required  immediatelj'  to  lade  all 
vessels  which  may  be  at  the  different  landings,  and  other 
places  along  Hudson's  river,  with  flour,  wheat,  and  any 
other  kind  of  provisions  which  may  be  near  the  shores  of 
the  said  river,  and  send  the  said  sloops  and  vessels  to  Al- 
bany ;  that  they  give  receipts  for  the  said  provisions  to  the 
several  proprietors  thereof,  specifying  therein  the  several 
quantities  and  kinds,  and  send  exact  copies  of  such  re- 
ceipts to  Robert  Benson,  Esquire,  one  of  the  Secretaries 
of  this  Convention,  who  is  hereby  ordered  to  send  such 
copies  to  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esquire,  commissary  at  Albany 
aforesaid,  reserving  duplicates  for  the  use  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committees  respectively  do 
forthwith  cause  all  the  cattle  and  live  stock  near  or  con- 
tiguous to  either  side  of  Hudson's  river,  except  such  parts 
thereof  as,  in  their  judgment,  shall  be  necessary  for  the 
present  use  of  the  respective  proprietors  thereof,  to  be  re- 
moved into  the  interior  parts  of  the  country  on  the  several 
sides  of  the  said  river,  to  be  taken  care  of  by  keepers  to  be 
by  them  severally  appointed  ;  which  keepers  are  hereby 
severally  required  to  return  to  the  said  Robert  Benson  pro- 
per accounts  of  the  number  of  the  same  and  of  the  several 
places  where  the  same  shall  be  respectively  placed.  And 
in  case  any  person  or  persons  shall  obstinately  refuse  to 
permit  his,  her  or  their  cattle  or  other  stock  to  be  so  re- 
moved, that  then  and  in  such  case  the  said  committees  be, 
and  they  hereby  are,  empowered  to  destroy  the  same. 
And  further,  that  the  keepers  so  appointed  be,  and  they 
hereby  are,  empowered  to  impress  pastures  for  such  cattle 
and  stock,  for  which  pasture  they  shall  give  receipts  to  the 
respective  proprietors,  and  send  copies  of  such  receipts  to 
the  Treasurer  of  this  State  ;  provided  always  that  no  pro- 
prietor of  cattle  or  other  live  stock  who  shall  drive  off  the 
same  without  consent  of  the  committee,  shall  in  any  wise 
be  benefitted  by  this  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  William  Floyd,  John  Morin  Scott, 
Abraham  Yates,  Johannes  Snyder,  Egbert  Benson,  Robert 


1062 


CONVENTION  OF  SENATE  AND  ASSEMBLY. 


Harper, Peter  Pra  Van  Zandt,  Levi  Pawling,  Daniel  Duns- 
comb,  Evert  Bancker,  Alexander  Webster,  William  B. 
Whiting  and  Jonathan  Langdon,  Esquires,  or  any  seven  of 
them  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  appointed  a  Council  of  Safe- 
ty, and  that  they  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  in  the  recess  of 
this  House,  vested  with  the  like  powers  and  authorities 
which  were  given  to  the  late  Council  of  Safety,  appointed 
by  the  last  Convention  of  this  State :  that  every  member 
of  the  Senate  and  Assembly,  and  the  Delegates  of  this 
State  in  Congress,  be  entitled  from  time  to  time  to  sit  and 
vote  in  the  said  Council ;  and  that  the  said  persons,  or  any 
seven  of  them,  be  and  continue  a  Council  of  Safety  so 
long  as  the  necessities  of  this  State  shall  require,  and  no 
longer. 

Resolved,  That  the  Governor,  or  in  his  absence,  the 
President  of  the  Senate,  when  they  shall  respectively  be 
present  at  the  said  Council,  shall  preside  at,  and  upon  an 
equal  division,  have  a  casting  voice  in  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  all  and  every,  the  members  of  Senate 
and  Assembly,  be  deemed  members  of  this  Convention, 
and  that  twenty-five  be  a  quorum  to  proceed  on  business. 


A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was 
then  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Kingston,  7th  October,  1777. 
"  Sir — By  the  enclosed  resolution,  your  Excellency  will 
perceive  what  steps  the  Legislature  have  taken  to  provide 
for  the  safety  of  the  State  in  the  present  emergency.  The 
impossibility  of  keeping  the  several  members  in  attendance 
on  so  critical  an  occasion  must  apologize  for  the  measure. 
We  hope  soon  to  meet  you  again  in  our  former  capacity  as 
members  of  Senate  and  Assembly  ;  in  the  interim  you  will 
be  pleased  to  make  application  to  the  Council  of  Safety  for 
such  matters  and  things  as  may  to  you  appear  from  time 
to  time  necessary. 

"  We  are,  sir, 
"  Your  Excellency's  most  obedient 

"  And  humble  servants. 

"  By  order. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency. 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  8,  1777. 

The  following  members  met,  vizt : 
Of  the  Council  of  Safety.         Members  of  Senate  and  Assembly. 
Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Livingston, 


Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Yates, 
Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Pawling, 
Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Landon, 
Mr.  Whiting, 
Mr.  Webster. 


Mr.  F,3r.  Clark, 
Mr.  Williams, 
Mr.  Rea, 

Mr.  SCHOONMAKER, 

Mr.  Van  Horne, 
Mr.  Mills, 
Mr.  Rowan, 
Mr.  Klock, 
Mr.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Morris, 

Mr.  L'HOMMEDIEtT. 


Mr.  Floyd  chosen  President. 

Council  took,  into  consideration  the  removal  of  the  State 
prisoners.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  all  the  prisoners  confined  in  the  jail  and 
on  board  the  Fleet  prison  at  this  place,  to  be  forthwith  sent 
to  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  to  be  confined  in  such  manner, 
and  at  such  places  as  His  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull 
shall  direct. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher  deliver  to 
Captain  Cooper,  three  hundred  and  sixty  rounds  of  cartridge 
and  two  muskets,  with  accoutrements. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  to  go  with  the 
prisoners,  was  read,  agreed  to,  and  is  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit  : 

"Kingston,  October  8th.  1777. 
"  Sm — You  will  before  this  time  have  heard  the  fate  of 
forts  Montgomery,  Clinton  and  Constitution.  While  as- 
siduously employed  in  strengthening  General  Gates  and 
the  northern  army,  from  an  opinion  that  the  fate  of  America 
would  greatly  depend  upon  our  exertions  in  that  quarter, 
the  passes  in  the  Highlands  have  been  of  necessity  neglect- 
ed. Add  to  this,  that  General  Washington  hath  called 
away  almost  all  the  Continental  troops  which  were  in  those 
posts,  and  you  will  readily  perceive  that  we  are  entirely 
exposed.  In  this  situation,  it  would  be  imprudent  to  keep 
a  number  of  prisoners  in  this  State.  We  have,  therefore, 
sent  by  the  bearer,  Mr.  ,  to  your  care  the 

several  persons  mentioned  in  the  enclosed  list;  and  we 


pray  you  to  take  the  most  effectual  measures  for  securing 
them  until  this  State  can  receive  them  with  safety  or  make 
further  order  for  their  safe  custody. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Govt.  Trumbull." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency  Go- 
vernor Trumbull. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  the 
7th  instant,  and  received  yesterday  evening,  was  read,  and 
follows,  to  wit : 

"  Neiv-Windsor,  7th  October,  1777. 
"Gentlemen — The  extreme  fatigue  I  have  undergone 
the  three  days  past,  and  the  want  of  rest  for  an  equal  num- 
ber of  nights,  renders  me  unfit  to  write  you  on  matters  of 
so  serious  consequences  to  this  State,  as  I  have  to  com- 
municate. I  am  able  only  briefly  to  inform  you,  that  yes- 
terday about  10  o'clock  A.  M.  our  advanced  party  was  at- 
tacked by  the  enemy  at  Doodle  Town,  about  2\  miles  from 
Fort  Montgomery  :  they  consisted  of  but  30  men  ;  the 
enemy  by  appearance  and  accounts,  so  far  received,  of 
5,000.  They  received  the  enemy's  fire  and  returned  it,  and 
retreated  to  Fort  Clinton  ;  soon  after,  we  received  intelli- 
gence that  the  enemy  were  advancing  on  the  west  side  of 
the  mountain,  with  design  to  attack  us  in  rear.  Upon 
this  I  ordered  out  Lieut.  Colos.Bruyn  and  McClaghry,  with 
upwards  of  100  men,  towards  Doodle  Town,  and  a  brass 
field  piece,  with  a  detachment  of  60  men,  on  every  advanta- 
geous post  on  the  road  to  the  furnace.  They  were  not  long 
out,  before  they  were  both  attacked  by  the  enemy  with 
their  whole  force  ;  our  people  behaved  with  spirit,  and  must 
have  made  great  slaughter  of  the  enemy.  I  strengthened 
the  party  on  the  furnace  road  to  upwards  of  100,  but  they 
were  obliged  to  give  way  to  so  superior  a  force  as  the 
enemy  brought  against  them.  They  kept,  their  field  piece 
in  full  play  at  them,  till  the  men  who  worked  it  were  drove 
off  with  fixed  bayonets,  then  spiked  it,  and  retreated  with 
great  good  order  to  a  12  pounder,  which  I  had  ordered  to 
cover  them,  and  from  thence  in  the  fort.  I  immediately 
posted  my  men  in  the  most  advantageous  manner  for  the 
defence  of  the  post,  and  it  was  not  many  minutes  before,  as 


1064 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


well  our  post  as  Fort  Clinton  was  invested  on  all  sides,  and 
a  most  incessant  fire  kept  up  till  night ;  and  soon  after 
dusk,  when  the  enemy  forced  our  lines  and  redoubts  at 
both  posts,  and  the  garrisons  were  obliged  to  fight  their 
way  out,  as  many  as  could,  as  we  were  determined  not  to 
surrender,  and  many  have  escaped. 

"  I  was  summoned,  sun  an  hour  high,  to  surrender  in 
five  minutes,  and  thereby  prevent  the  effusion  of  blood.  I 
sent  Lieut.  Colo.  Livingston  to  receive  the  flag,  who  in- 
formed them  that  he  had  no  orders  to  treat  witli  them,  ex- 
cept to  receive  their  proposals,  if  they  meant  to  surrender 
themselves  prisoners  of  war,  in  which  case  he  was  em- 
powered to  assure  them  good  usage.  About  10  minutes 
after,  they  made  a  general  and  desperate  attack  on  both 
posts,  which  was  resisted  with  great  spirit,  but  we  were  at 
length  overpowered  by  numbers,  and  they  gained  the  pos- 
session of  both  posts.  Officers  and  men  behaved  with 
great  spirit,  as  well  Continental  troops  as  militia.  Our 
loss  in  slain  can  not  be  great,  considering  the  length  of  the 
action.  My  brother,  Genl.  Clinton,  is  wounded,  and  I 
believe  made  prisoner.  This  is  the  case  with  Major  Logan. 
The  number  of  missing  I  can  not  ascertain.  The  ships 
are  both  burnt  and  Fort  Constitution  demolished,  by  our 
people,  without  my  orders  ;  but  I  can  not,  as  yet,  con- 
demn the  measure.  The  officers  all  say  it  was  right.  I 
am  clear  it  was  as  to  the  fort,  after  removing  artillery  and 
stores,  which  has  not  been  done.  The  ships  I  hoped 
might  have  been  saved.  Genl.  Putnam  will  retreat  to  near 
Capt.  Haight's,  about  three  miles  from  Mrs.  Van  Wyck's, 
and  I  mean  to  rally  my  broken  but  brave  forces,  and  ad- 
vance to-morrow  on  Butter  hill.  Genl.  Putnam  is  to 
send  Colo.  Webb's  regiment  to  join  me. 

"  I  beg  you  will  give  the  substance  of  this  account  to 
Genl.  Gates,  in  answer  to  his  letter  to  me.  I  have  only  to 
add  that  I  greatly  regret  the  loss  of  those  posts  ;  but  I  am 
consoled  with  the  full  persuasion  that  they  have  bought 
them  dear,  and  that  I  have  done  the  most  in  my  power  to 
save  them.  I  beg  you  to  excuse  incorrectness, 
"  And  am  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  P.  <S.  Major  Lush  is,  I  believe,  their  prisoner." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  General  Gates,  to  enclose  a  copy 
of  His  Excellency  the  Governor's  letter,  which  was  re- 
ceived last  night,  was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  October  8,  1777. 
"  Sir — By  the  enclosed  copy  of  the  Governor's  letter, 
you  will  perceive  the  situation  we  are  reduced  to  ;  and 
most  probably  will  agree  with  us  that  no  time  should  be 
lost  in  reinforcing  the  southern  army ;  for  which  purpose  it 
is  our  earnest  request  to  you  that  at  least  the  militia  from 
the  counties  of  Ulster  and  Dutchess  should  be  sent  for- 
ward immediately,  if  consistent  with  the  safety  of  your  de- 
partment. 

"  We  are  with  great  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obedient  servts. 
"  By  order. 

"  Major-General  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  Major-General  Gates. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  directed  to  send  with- 
out delay,  by  express,  to  the  respective  committees  the  re- 
solutions passed  yesterday,  for  the  removal  from  places 
near  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river,  all  cattle,  live  stock,  &c. 
and  that  he  be  empowered  to  impress  persons  and  horses 
for  the  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Mills  and  Mr.  Dunscomb  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  the  state  of  the  public  records  of  this 
State,  and  cause  them  to  be  boxed  and  otherwise  secured, 
so  as  they  may  be  sent  off  to  some  place  of  safety  at  a  mo- 
ment's warning. 

Mr.  Harper  moved  for  the  sense  of  the  Council  whether 


Mr.  Colden  is  to  be  considered  as  one  of  the  prisoners  to 
be  removed  to  Connecticut. 

It  was  determined  that  he  is  intended  to  be  included. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  3  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Die  Mercurii,  3  ho.  P.  M.  October  8,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Landon,  Mr.  Whiting,  Mr.  Van  Home,  Mr.  Glide,  Mr.  Klock,  Mr. 
Smith,  Mr.  Schoonmaker. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  detecting  and  de- 
feating all  conspiracies  formed  in  this  State  or  any  one  of 
them,  be  authorized  and  required  to  superintend  the  re- 
moval of  the  prisoners  from  this  place  to  Hartford,  in  Con- 
necticut, to  call  out  detachments  of  the  militia  of  this 
State  to  guard  the  said  prisoners,  and  to  impress  such 
teams  and  provisions  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  said  pri- 
soners and  the  guard  conducting  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
the  commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  all  conspira- 
cies formed  in  this  State  or  any  one  of  them,  the  sum  of 
one  hundred  pounds  on  account. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Kingston 
be  requested  to  cause  so  much  of  the  salt  now  in  the  store 
of  Captain  William  Radliff,  at  Rhinebeck  Landing,  as  is 
allotted  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  counties  of 
Ulster  and  Orange,  to  be  immediately  removed  to  King- 
ston aforeasaid. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Silvester  Salisbury  do  attend 
this  Council  at  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning;  and  that 
he  bring  with  him  six  of  the  lighthorse  belonging  to  his 
company,  properly  equipped. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr. 
Landon  and  Mr.  Benson,  members  of  this  Council,  be  re- 
quested to  take  four  hundred  pounds  at  interest  at  six  per 
cent,  from  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Esquire,  and  pay  the 
same  to  the  commissioners  for  conspiracies  ;  and  that  this 
Council  will  indemnify  them  for  the  same. 

Adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JOVIS,   10  HO.  A.  M. 

October  9,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Clide,  Mr.  Ebezr.  Clarke,  Mr. 
Rowen,  Mr.  Brasher. 

Complaint  having  been  made  that  Cornelius  Cole,  Junr. 
one  of  Captain  Salisbury's  troop  of  lighthorse,  hath  ne- 
glected or  refuses  to  do  his  duty  when  called  upon.  There- 
fore, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Cornelius  Cole,  Junr.  of  Cap- 
tain Salisbury's  company  of  troopers,  do  without  fail  attend 
this  Council,  with  a  sufficient  horse  properly  equipped  and 
accoutred,  to-morrow  morning  at  nine  o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Henry  Benson  do,  with  the 
armed  sloop  under  his  command,  assist  the  committee  in 
removing  the  salt  from  Radliff's  Landing  to  Esopus  Land- 
ing. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Brasher 
and  Mr.  Pawling  be  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and 
means  to  provide  immediate  supplies  of  flour  for  the 
army. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Schoonmaker 
be  a  committee  to  devise  and  report  means  for  securing 
the  military  stores  and  clothing  belonging  to  the  State. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Snyder  and  Mr.  Har- 
per be  a  committee  to  devise  and  report  means  for  securing 
the  records  and  the  treasury  office  of  this  State. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1065 


Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  after- 
noon. 

Die  Jo  vis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  October  9,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yales,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr. 
Brasher,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Schooninaker. 

The  committee  for  devising  ways  and  means  for  secu- 
ring the  military  stores  and  clothing  of  this  State,  deli- 
vered in  their  report,  which  was  read  and  agreed  to.  And 
thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  John  Lasher,  commissary  of 
the  military  stores  of  this  State,  do  lodge  the  same  in  dif- 
ferent parcels  and  in  such  places  as  he,  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  Colonel's  Pawling  and  Snyder,  shall  think 
proper  ;  that  during  the  absence  of  the  said  Colonel  La- 
sher, the  said  other  colonels  shall  have  the  direction  of  the 
said  military  stores  ;  and  that  Colonel  Lasher's  deputy  or 
storekeeper,  in  his  absence,  obey  the  orders  of  the  said 
other  gentlemen. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  gentlemen  be  authorized  to 
order  and  direct  the  serving  out  of  the  said  military  stores 
to  the  militia,  from  time  to  time,  as  they  shall  think  fit; 
that  Colonel  Lasher,  or  the  said  other  gentlemen,  in  mak- 
ing the  proper  lodgments  of  the  said  military  stores,  do 
put  the  same  in  particular  charge  to  proper  persons,  taking 
their  receipts  respectively  for  the  several  quantities  depo- 
sited in  their  care  ;  which  persons  are  hereby  authorized 
to  make  issues  thereof  from  time  to  time,  for  the  use  of 
the  militia,  to  such  persons  as  His  Excellency  the  Gover- 
nor, or  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  this  Slate  for  the  time 
being,  or  either  of  the  said  Colonels  Pawling  and  Snyder, 
shall,  by  writing  under  their  respective  hands,  direct. 

Resolved,  That  on  every  delivery,  deposit  or  issue  of 
the  said  military  stores,  receipts  be  given  by  the  several 
persons  receiving  the  same;  which  receipts  or  certificates, 
or  copies  thereof,  shall  be  delivered  to  the  commissioner 
of  military  stores  for  the  time  being,  or  his  deputy,  to  be 
produced  by  him  to  the  Governor  or  Commander-in-Chief 
for  the  time  being,  when  required  ;  but  that  nevertheless, 
the  respective  orders  of  the  said  Colonels  Pawling  and 
Snyder  shall,  in  all  cases  be  controlled  by  those  of  His 
Excellency  the  Governor  or  the  Commander-in-Chief  for 
the  time  being,  whenever  he  shall  think  proper  ;  and  that 
all  persons  who  shall  receive  any  of  the  said  military  stores 
for  issuing  the  same  to  the  militia,  render  themselves  ac- 
countable for  the  same  by  their  respective  receipts. 

The  committee  for  devising  means  to  provide  immediate 
supplies  of  flour  for  the  army,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  deputy  commissaries-general  of 
purchases,  and  their  agents,  be  empowered  to  impress 
from  each  person  within  this  State,  a  quantity  of  wheat, 
either  threshed  or  in  the  straw,  not  exceeding  twenty  bush- 
els ;  and  to  impress  the  team  of  each  person  to  transport 
the  wheat  impressed  from  him  to  a  mill  ;  paying  for  such 
wheat,  upon  the  delivery  thereof  at  the  mill,  the  market 
price  for  the  same  ;  and  paying  also  for  the  hire  of  the 
team  transporting  the  same  to  the  mill,  at  the  rate  of  one 
shilling  and  three  pence  per  mile ;  provided  nevertheless, 
that  each  inhabitant  be  permitted  to  retain  fifteen  bushels 
of  wheat  for  each  person  his  family  may  consist  of;  and 
provided  farther,  that  no  teams  be  impressed  to  transport 
such  wheat  to  mill  more  than  ten  miles  distant  from  the 
place  where  the  same  may  be  impressed,  any  thing  herein 
contained  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  above  resolution  shall  continue  in 
force  until  the  tenth  day  of  November  next,  and  no  longer. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  above  resolution  be  transmitted  by 
express  to  the  Commander-in-Chief  and  deputy  commis- 

267 


saries-general  in  the  several  departments  within  this  State, 
enclosed  in  a  letter  from  the  President." 

A  draft  of  a  letter  was  then  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — The  Legislature  of  this  State,  exceedingly  anxi- 
ous that  proper  supplies  of  flour  should  be  immediately 
provided  for  the  use  of  the  army,  have,  for  that  purpose, 
passed  the  enclosed  resolutions,  which  they  have  directed 
me  to  transmit  to  you. 

"  I  am  with  due  respect  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  letter  be  engrossed,  and 
the  President  sign,  and  that  the  Secretaries  prepare  copies 
of  the  said  resolutions  to  transmit  to  the  Commander-in- 
Chief  and  to  the  deputy  commissaries-general  in  the  seve- 
ral departments  in  this  State. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor  was  receiv- 
ed, and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"Gent. — I  wrote  to  the  Legislature  yesterday,  giving 
them  as  particular  an  account  of  the  loss  of  forts  Montgo- 
mery and  Clinton  as  I  was  then  able  ;  since  which,  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  Genl.  Clinton  is  got  in, 
and  his  wound  does  not  appear  to  be  any  ways  dangerous. 
Many  other  of  our  officers  have  also  arrived,  who  we  had 
reason  to  believe,  were  made  prisoners.  Not  more  than 
eleven  officers  of  Colo.  Duboys's  regiment  are  missing; 
two  hundred  of  his  men,  including  non-commissioned  offi- 
cers, have  already  joined  me  at  this  place  ;  many  more  of 
them  may  be  hourly  expected,  as  we  have  heard  of  their 
escape.  Many  also  of  the  two  artillery  companies,  who 
were  at  those  posts,  have  escaped  and  joined  us,  and  more 
of  them  are  hourly  expected. 

"  The  night  I  left  Fort  Montgomery,  as  my  escape  was 
effected  by  crossing  the  river,  I  waited  on  Genl.  Putnam, 
at  Continental  village,  in  order  to  concert  the  proper  mea- 
sures to  be  pursued  after  this  unfortunate  event.  The  ge- 
neral officers  there  agreed  in  opinion  with  me,  that  the 
intention  of  the  enemy,  under  Sir  Henry  Clinton,  was  to 
relieve  Burgoyne's  army,  by  effecting  a  junction  with  him  ; 
that  as  they  had  carried  the  forts,  their  next  object  was  to 
pass  the  clievanx-de-frize,  so  proceed  up  the  river.  The 
posts  at  Peekskill  and  Sydnam's,  by  the  loss  of  those 
which  commanded  the  navigation,  have  lost,  their  impor- 
tance :  it  was  therefore  agreed  that  Genl.  Putnam  should 
retreat  with  his  army  to  a  very  defensible  pass  in  the 
mountains,  about  three  miles  from  Fishkills,  where  he  is, 
in  the  most  speedy  manner,  to  get  in  the  eastern  militia. 
I  am  to  rally  my  forces  near  this  place,  call  on  all  the 
militia  of  Orange  and  this  end  of  Ulster;  also  to  be  fur- 
nished with  a  Continental  regiment  from  Genl.  Putnam's 
army  to  defend  the  chevaux-de-frise  in  the  best  manner  I 
can  ;  and  that  as  soon  as  we  find  the  enemy  can  raise  or 
pass  it,  both  armies  to  move  northward,  so  as  to  keep  pace 
with  the  enemy,  covering  those  parts  of  the  country,  which 
will  be  their  greatest  object,  until  they  shall  think  proper  to 
land. 

"  As  soon  as  ever  I  find  the  shipping  are  likely  to  pass 
the  chevaux-de-frise,  I  will,  by  a  forced  march,  endeavour 
to  gain  Kingston  and  cover  that  town.  I  shall  have  one 
brass  twenty-four  pounder  and  six  smaller  brass  field  pieces 
which  will  make  a  formidable  train. 

"  I  am  persuaded  if  the  militia  will  join  me,  (which  I 
have  reason  to  hope,)  we  can  save  the  country,  (a  few 
scattering  houses  along  the  river  excepted,)  from  destruc- 
tion, and  defeat  the  enemy's  design  in  assisting  their  nor- 
thern army. 

"  A  deserter,  who  had  been  taken  and  forced  to  enlist  in 
Col  Fanning's  regiment,  came  in  to  us  yesterday  from  the 
enemy  at  Fort  Montgomery  :  he  deserted  immediately 
after  it  was  taken,  and  informs  me  that  the  enemy's  loss 
was  very  great;  that  Genl.  Sir  Henry  Clinton  commanded 
in  person  ;  had  three  general  officers  with  him  ;  their  force 


1066 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


was  5,000 — three  thousand  of  them  British  troops  and 
Hessian  yaugers,  the  remainder  new  levies — commanded 
by  Brigr.  Gcnl.  Beverly  Robertson  and  Colo.  Fanning.  1 
have  only  to  add,  that  though  the  country  esteem  the  posts 
lost,  of  the  greatest  importance,  yet  the  manner  in  which 
they  were  defended,  has  given  such  general  satisfaction  as 
to  elate  and  not  depress  their  spirits. 

"  I  am,  with  esteem,  gentn. 

"  Your  most  obt.  hble.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 
"N.  B.  I  am  this  moment  informed  by  Genl.  Putnam, 
that  the  eastern  militia  come  in  very  fast ;  that  he  is  con- 
fident that  he  will  soon  have  ten  thousand  men  with  him  ; 
in  which  case  he  will  keep  posts  up  as  far  as  Poughkeep- 
sie  and  Rynbeck  to  head  the  enemy,  should  they  push 
up  the  river.  We  shall  save  considerable  of  the  stores  at 
Fort  Constitution,  and  perhaps  some  of  the  artillery,  as  the 
enemy  had  not  got  up  that  high  yesterday." 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  10,  1777. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Webster.  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Brasher,  Mr.  Rowan, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Morris. 

This  Council  being  informed  that  a  large  quantity  of  salt- 
petre, belonging  to  the  Continent,  now  lies  at  the  landing 
of  this  town, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  Kingston  be  requested 
to  cause  the  same  to  be  removed  without  delay  to  some 
place  at  convenient  distance  from  the  said  landing,  there  to 
remain  until  further  orders. 

Resolved,  That  Colonels  Pawling  and  Snyder  be  re- 
quested to  issue  the  necessary  orders  to  have  all  the  male 
inhabitants  in  the  districts  of  their  respective  regiments,  of 
sixteen  years  and  upwards,  capable  of  bearing  arms,  im- 
mediately equipped  and  provided  with  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion, and  to  appoint  proper  alarm  posts  and  places  of  ren- 
dezvous for  the  respective  companies  to  repair  to  in  case 
of  the  approach  of  the  enemy. 

The  committee  to  devise  and  report  means  for  securing 
the  records  of  this  Slate,  and  the  treasury,  Secretaries  o:' 
late  Convention's  papers,  records  of  the  county  of  Ulster, 
and  the  clothing  store,  reported  the  following  resolutions, 
which  were  agreed  to,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  Vice-Treasurer 
of  this  State,  do  immediately  cause  all  the  moneys  and  pa- 
pers belonging  to  the  treasury  of  this  Stale,  to  be  put  in 
chests  or  boxes  and  conveyed  to  Rochester ;  thai  he  con- 
sult with  Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  Johhannes  G.  Harden- 
bcrgh  and  Comfort  Sands,  Esquires,  relative  to  proper  pla- 
ces for  securing  the  same  ;  that  he  deposit  the  same  in 
such  places  as  the  said  three  gentlemen,  or  any  two  of 
them,  shall  recommend  ;  and  as  soon  as  he  shall  have  de 
posited  the  said  moneys  and  papers,  then,  from  day  to  day, 
that  he  attend  this  Council,  constantly  provided  with  one 
thousand  pounds,  to  answer  such  drafts  as  this  Council 
shall  from  time  to  time  order. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  said  Gerard  Bancker  be  authorized 
to  impress  teams  (if  necessary)  to  transport  the  said  mo- 
neys and  papers  to  Rochester. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the 
clothing  store  in  this  place,  do  immediately  cause  all  the 
clothing  of  this  Slate,  under  his  care,  to  be  pin  into  pack- 
ages and  conveyed  lo  Rochester;  that  he  consult  with 
Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  JohannesG.  Hardenbergh  and  Com- 
fort Sands,  Esquires,  relative  to  proper  places  for  securing 
the  same,  and  that  lie  deposite  the  same  in  such  places  as 


the  said  gentlemen,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall  recom- 
mend. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Henry  be  authorized  (if  necessary) 
to  impress  teams  to  convey  Hie  said  clothing  to  Rochester. 

Resolved,  That  John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson, 
Esquires,  Sccrelaries  to  this  Council,  or  one  of  them,  do 
forthwith  cause  all  the  public  papers  now  under  their  care, 
to  be  put  into  chests  and  packages  and  conveyed  lo  Ro- 
chester ;  that  they  consult  with  Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  Jo- 
hannes G.  Hardenbergh  and  Comfort  Sands,  Esquires,  re- 
lative to  proper  places  for  securing  the  same,  and  lhat  the 
said  John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson  do  deposite  the 
said  papers  as  the  said  three  gentlemen,  or  any  two  of 
them,  shall  recommend  for  lhat  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  John  McKesson  and  Robert 
Benson,  or  either  of  them,  be  empowered  to  impress  teams 
(if  necessary)  to  convey  the  said  papers  to  Rochester. 

Resolved,  That  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Joseph  Gasharie, 
Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Christopher  Tappen  and  Samuel 
Bayard,  Junior,  Esquires,  or  any  two  of  them,  do  forth- 
with cause  all  the  public  records  which  were  transported 
to  this  place  from  the  city  of  New-York,  by  virtue  of  a  re- 
solution of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  this  Slate,  of  the 
fourteenth  day  of  June,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-six,  to  be  put  into  proper  packages  or  chests,  and 
conveyed  to  Rochester,  and  deposited  in  such  places  as 
Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  JohannesG.  Hardenbergh  and  Com- 
fort Sands,  Esquires,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall  direct  for 
that  purpose,  there  to  remain  under  the  general  direction 
and  superintendence  of  the  said  last  mentioned  gentlemen, 
or  any  two  of  them,  till  the  further  order  of  this  Council, 
or  the  future  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Samuel  Bayard  do  repair,  with 
the  said  records,  to  Rochester,  and  remain  with  them  till 
the  further  order  of  this  Council,  or  fulure  Legislature  of 
this  Slate. 

Resolved,  That  Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  Johannes  G. 
Hardenbergh  and  Comfort  Sands,  Esquires,  or  any  two  of 
them,  be  and  hereby  are  requested  and  empowered  to  pro- 
vide store  rooms  sufficient  for  the  purpose  of  storing  the 
records  and  public  stores  of  this  State,  committed  to  their 
care. 

Resolved,  That  Derick  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Oke 
Suydam,  cause  the  records  of  the  county  of  Albany,  the 
records  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  the  records  of  the  general 
committee  of  the  county  of  Albany,  and  the  records  be- 
longing to  the  office  of  Receiver-General  of  the  Colony  of 
New-York,  be  put  into  boxes  or  chests  and  conveyed  to 
Rochester,  and  there  deposited  in  such  place  as  Hen- 
drickus Hornbeck,  Johannes  G.  Hardenbergh  and  Comfort 
Sands,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall  direct. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Drick  Wynkoop  and  Oke  Suy- 
dam, be  authorized  to  impress  teams  (if  necessary)  to 
convey  the  said  records  to  Rochester. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Pettit  the  sum  of  twenty-five  pounds,  on  ac- 
count of  his  wages  as  sergeant-at-arms  to  the  Honourable 
House  of  Assembly  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  That  Jonathan  Landon  and  Egbert  Benson, 
Esquires,  be  authorized  to  liberate  Simon  Cregier,  now 
confined  in  jail  in  this  place,  upon  such  terms  and  condi- 
tions as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  John  Elmendorph  do  deliver 
the  public  stores  in  his  custody,  received  from  Peter  T. 
Curtenius,  Esquire,  to  Mr.  John  Henry,  making  an  inven- 
tory of  the  said  stores,  and  taking  a  receipt  from  Mr. 
Henry  for  the  same,  and  lhat  the  said  John  Elmendorph 
file  a  copy  of  such  inventory  and  receipt  with  Comfort 
Sands,  Esqr.  Auditor-General  of  this  Slate. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Henry  dispose  of  ihe  stores  which 
he  shall  so  receive  from  Captain  Elmendorph,  in  like  man- 
ner as  he  is  directed  to  dispose  of  ihe  public  clothing  in  his 
care,  by  resolutions  of  this  Council  of  this  day. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1067 


DIE  SABBATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  U,  1777. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Schoonmaker,  Mr.Ebenezer  Clarke,  Mr.  Kowan,  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor  Clinton,  dated 

yesterday,  was  received  and  read,  to  wit : 

"  Head-Quarters,  ) 
"  Mrs.  Falls',  lOtti  October,  1777.  $ 

"  Gentleme.v — When  I  wrote  you  last,  I  was  in  great 
hopes  of  being  able  to  have  collected  and  embodied  so 
many  of  the  militia  of  this  and  Orange  county,  as  with  the 
two  small  Continental  regiments  now  with  me,  and  the 
reinforcements  promised  me  by  General  Putnam,  I  should 
have  such  a  formidable  force  as  to  enable  me  to  prevent 
the  enemy's  penetrating  the  country,  by  throwing  myself 
in  between  them  and  the  most  important  places  as  they  move 
up  the  river.  I  am  very  sorry  to  inform  you  I  am  greatly 
disappointed  in  my  expectations,  the  militia  do  not  join  me 
as  I  could  wish;  they  are  well  disposed,  but  anxious  about 
the  immediate  safety  of  their  respective  families  (who  for 
many  miles  back  are  yet  moving  further  from  the  river,) 
they  come  in  the  morning  and  return  in  the  evening,  and  1 
never  know  when  I  have  them  or  what  my  strength  is.  The 
reinforcement  I  had  reason  to  expect,  and  was  promised 
by  Genl.  Putnam,  I  am  now  informed  by  a  letter  from 
him,  is  only  to  consist  of  Brinckerhoof's  regiment  of  mili- 
tia, which  I  am  sure  will  not  pass  the  river,  and  indeed  it 
is  unreasonable  to  desire  them.  This  being  my  situation, 
I  thought  it  my  duty  to  advise  you  of  it,  as  my  only  hopes 
now  are,  that  my  force  may  not  be  known  to  the  enemy, 
and  that  this  may  deter  them  from  doing  what,  if  they 
should  attempt,  I  could  not  prevent. 

"  I  have  7  field  pieces  with  me  ;  5  of  the  heaviest  I  have 
ordered  on  the  west  side  of  the  Walk  ill,  towards  Shawan- 
gunk,  which  is  the  route  I  mean  to  take  to  Kingston,  the 
moment  the  enemy  move  up  the  river. 

'*  I  wish  some  small  works  were  thrown  up  towards  the 
Esopus  Landing  to  cover  it  and  secure  the  defiles  leading 
to  the  town.  Every  man  that  can  fire  a  gun  should  be  im- 
mediately embodied  and  employed  at  those  works.  I  re- 
joice with  you  on  the  most  agreeable  accounts  from  the 
northward,  and  thank  you  for  the  early  communication  of 
it.  I  know  of  no  enemy  on  this  side  Bulterhill  clove. 
The  4  armed  vessels  that  were  near  Pollepen's  Island,  fell 
down  out  of  sight  yesterday  evening. 

"  I  am,  with  much  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obed.  servt. 
"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  P.  S.  Yesterday  my  guards  took  two  persons  from 
Fort  Montgomery ;  one  of  them,  Daniel  Taylor,  charged 
with  a  message  to  Genl.  Howe,  the  contents  enclosed  in 
the  letter  to  Genl.  Gates,  which  I  have  left  open  for  your 
perusul,  then  to  be  sealed,  and  forwarded  by  express.  The 
enemy's  own  accounts  are,  that  they  lost  7  field  officers 
and  upwards  of  350  rank  and  file  killed ;  a  young  nobleman, 
a  volunteer,  mortally  wounded  ;  Colo.  Bryn  Livingston  and 
Major  Hammell  Logan  are  prisoners,  the  last  only  wounded. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was 
then  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Council  to  inform  your  Ex- 
cellency that  we  have  ordered  the  militia  in  the  vicinage 
of  Sliawangunck  to  repair  to  that  place,  and  the  remainder 
to  rendezvous  here.  The  reinforcement  coming  here  on 
their  way  to  you  from  the  northward,  we  shall  also  stop 
until  your  further  order. 

"  I  am,  with  great  esteem, 
"Your  Excellency's  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"By  order. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 


by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  his  Excellency  the 
Governor. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  for  conspiracies,  &c. 
superintending  the  removal  of  the  prisoners  from  this  place 
to  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  is  authorized  to  discharge  such 
individuals  of  the  said  prisoners  as  he  shall  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  that  the  said  commis- 
sioner should  exercise  such  discretionary  power  in  future. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioner  be  authorized  to 
discharge  such  of  the  said  prisoners  only  as  have  been  con- 
fined upon  a  general  charge  of  disaffection. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  be  requested  to  confer  with 
Mr.  Bleecker,  deputy  commissary-general  of  purchases  in 
the  northern  department,  and  request  him  to  provide  pro- 
visions for  the  militia  to  be  stationed  at  this  place. 

Resolved,  That  if  the  said  deputy  commissary-general 
of  purchases  in  the  northern  department  shall  refuse  to  pro- 
vide such  provisions,  then  the  President  and  such  members 
as  he  can  collect,  be  requested  to  appoint  a  commissary  for 
that  purpose. 

Oidered,  That  Captain  Benson  do  forthwith  cause  all 
the  cannon  and  firelocks  with  their  apparatus,  belong- 
ing to  the  armed  sloop  under  his  command,  to  be  put  on 
shore  at  Esopus  Landing,  and  that  he  then  repair  with  the 
said  sloop  to  the  city  of  Albany,  taking  on  board  such 
provisions  as  the  assistant  commissary-general  shall  think 
proper  to  put  on  board. 

Oidered,  That  Captain  Schoonmaker  cause  Cadwalla- 
der  Colden,  Esquire,  Roeloff  Elting  and  Angus  McDonald, 
prisoners  on  parol  at  Hurley,  to  be  immediately  appre- 
hended, and  conveyed  under  a  guard  of  three  men  to  Mr. 
Canline,  one  of  the  commissioners  for  conspiracies,  who 
is  hereby  ordered  to  dispose  of  them  with  the  other  prison- 
ers lately  sent  under  his  care  to  Connecticut,  in  such  man- 
ner as  may  be  necessary  for  their  safe  custody,  and  to  pre- 
vent their  returning  to  this  State  till  further  order. 

Council  adjourned  till  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Sabatti,  3  ho.  P.  M.  October  11,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Webster. 

The  President  acquainted  the  Council  that  pursuant  to 
the  order  of  this  morning,  he  hath  applied  lo  Mr.  Bleecker 
relative  to  supplying  provisions  for  the  militia  to  be  sta- 
tioned at  this  place;  that  Mr.  Bleecker  replied,  that  the 
deputy  commissary-general  had  directed  him  to  repair  to 
Albany  forthwith,  and  therefore  could  not  possibly  under- 
take that  business. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Egbt.  Dumont,  Esqr.  be,  and 
is  hereby  appointed  commissary,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
viding provisions  for  the  troops  to  be  employed  at  this  place 
and  in  the  neighbourhood  thereof. 

The  committee  of  Kingston  laid  before  the  Council  a 
letter  from  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esquire,  commissary  of 
stores  in  the  northern  department,  dated  at  Albany,  Octo- 
ber the  tenth,  1777,  and  directed  to  the  said  committee, 
informing  them  that  there  is  a  great  scarcily  of  lead  in  that 
department,  and  requests  of  the  said  committee  to  send  all 
that  can  be  spared  for  the  use  of  the  army  in  the  said  de- 
partment, which  he  engages  to  replace  and  bear  all  expen- 
ses thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  deliver 
to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Kingston  600  of  the 
bars  of  lead  now  in  the  military  store  at  this  place,  and 
that  the  said  chairman  cause  the  same  to  be  weighed  and 
transported  to  Albany;  to  be  there  delivered  to  the  said 
Peter  Van  Rensselaer,  taking  a  receipt  of  the  person  by 
whom  he  shall  send  the  same. 

The  Council  adjourned  to  meet  again  this  evening  at 
Elmendorph  Tavern. 


1068 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Die  Sabbati,  P.M.  October  11,  1777. 
Council  met  agreeable  to  adjournment  at  Elmendorph 
Tavern. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Landon. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Har- 
per and  Mr.  Dunscomb,  or  either  of  them,  receive  all  the 
public  stores  that  are  or  may  be  sent  up  to  the  care  of  the 
Council  of  Safety  ;  that  they  have  invoices  made  of  the 
said  stores,  and  have  them  stored  and  put  in  such  places 
of  safety,  and  so  disposed  of  as  they  may  think  proper  ; 
and  for  that  purpose,  that  they  have  power  to  impress 
horses,  wagons,  teams  and  carriages. 

The  House  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Floyd,  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Brasher, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Bancker;  Mr.  Pawling, 
Mr.  Smith. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  yes- 
terday, with  a  copy  of  General  Sir  Henry  Clinlon's  letter 
to  General  Burgoyne,  taken  from  a  spy  who  was  taken, 
was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Head-Quarters,  ? 
"  Mrs.  Falls',  11th  October,  1777.  $ 

"  Dear  Sir — I  am  this  moment  favoured  with  your  let- 
ter of  yesterday,  with  a  letter  from  Mr.  Morris  (by  a  se- 
cond express,)  containing  the  most  agreeable  accounts  from 
the  northward.  By  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Genl.  Sir 
Henry  Clinton  to  Burgoyne  now  enclosed  you,  you  will 
observe  that  Clinton  is  no  way  confident  of  their  being 
able  to  form  a  junction  of  their  armies,  though  there  are 
nothing  but  bars  between  them.  I  wish  nothing  more  than 
that  Clinton  may  attempt  it.  I  am  persuaded  that  though 
the  chance  of  war  may  at  times  occasion  our  prospect  lo 
appear  gloomy  when  the  enemy  push  hard,  yet  it  is  in  that 
way  their  ruin  must  and  will  be  effected  ;  and  I  greatly 
hope  that  Clinton,  not  wise  enough  to  improve  by  example, 
will,  like  Burgoyne,  (flushed  with  his  late  success,)  give 
stretch  to  his  forces,  or  at  least  send  parties  out  to  try  the 
affections  of  the  inhabitants  ;  in  either  case,  I  have  not  a 
doubt  but  he  will  meet  with  the  same  fate.  Should  this 
not  be  the  case,  I  hope  in  a  few  days  to  have  strength 
enough  to  be  the  assailant. 

"  We  have  nothing  new  here  since  I  wrote  you  yester- 
day. I  have  sent  a  flag  to  Genl.  Clinton  for  a  list  of  our 
prisoners,  &c.  which  is  not  yet  returned. 

"  The  letter  from  Clinton  to  Burgoyne,  taken  from  Danl. 
Taylor,  was  enclosed  in  a  small  silver  ball  of  an  oval  form, 
about  the  size  of  a  fusee  bullet,  and  shut  with  a  screw  in 
the  middle.  When  he  was  taken  and  brought  before  me 
he  swallowed  it.  I  mistrusted  this  to  be  case  from  infor- 
mation I  received,  and  administered  him  a  very  strong 
emetic,  calculated  to  operate  either  way.  This  had  the 
desired  effect ;  it  brought  it  from  him  ;  but  though  close 
watched,  he  had  the  art  lo  conceal  it  a  second  lime.  I 
made  him  believe  I  had  taken  one  Capt.  Campbell,  another 
messenger  who  he  knew  was  out  on  the  same  business  ; 
that  I  learned  from  him  all  I  wanted  to  know,  and  demand- 
ed the  ball  on  pain  of  being  hung  up  instantly  and  cut  open 
to  search  for  it.    This  brought  it  forth. 

"  I  have  been  particular  in  this  little  matter  that  you 
may  in  future  understand  this  new  mode  of  conveyance. 
"  I  am,  in  great  haste,  with  high  esteem, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"GEO.  CLINTON." 


"  Fort  Montgomery,  October  8,  1777. 
"  Nous  y  void,  and  nothing  now  between  us  but  Gates. 
I  sincerely  hope  this  little  success  of  ours  may  facilitate 
your  operations.  In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  28th 
Sept.  by  C.  C.  I  shall  only  say,  I  cannot  presume  to  order 
or  even  advise,  for  reasons  obvious.  I  heartily  wish  you 
success. 

"  Faithful  yours, 
("Copy.)  "H.  CLINTON. 

"  Geo.  Clinton." 

A  letter  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esquire,  requesting  the 
advice  of  the  Council  of  Safety  relative  to  iemoving  the 
cattle  and  stock  from  Hudson's  river,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer  thereto  was  read  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — This  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  yours  of  the 
12th  instant,  and  I  am  directed  by  ihe  Council  to  inform 
you  that  they  are  unable  from  their  situation  to  give  you 
any  positive  advice  respecting  the  business  you  are  upon, 
but  must  refer  the  execution  of  the  resolutions  to  the  direc- 
tion of  the  committee,  who  will  be  better  able  to  judge  of 
the  expediency  of  the  measure.  Enclosed  is  a  copy  of 
the  advice  received  from  the  northern  army;  from  authority, 
this  morning,  have  reports  that  Burgoyne  has  made  a  stand 
about  four  miles  above  his  former  encampment;  and  that 
the  two  armies  were  engaged  the  whole  of  Friday,  and 
some  firing  was  heard  on  Saturday  morning  ;  the  event  we 
have  not  heard. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obedt.  servt. 
"By  order. 

"  Zephaniah  Platt,  Esqr." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  be  engrossed  and  signed,  and 
transmitted. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Sous,  4  ho.  P.  M.  October  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr. 
P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr  Landon,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Floyd. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  deliver  to 
Mr.  Landon  two  thousand  musket  cartridges  for  the  use  of 
Colonel  Graham's  regiment  of  militia. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  relative  to 
Cadwallader  Colden,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — Since  writing  to  you  a  few  minutes  ago, 
Mr.  Cadwallader  Colden,  Junr.  brought  me  the  enclosed 
letter  from  his  father.  Colonel  Colden  has  given  his  son 
great  pain  by  coming  home,  especially  at  this  time,  and  I 
believe  the  rest  of  his  family  ;  and  at  his  request,  I  have 
by  the  advice  of  Mr.  Wisner,  and  the  field  officers  present, 
gave  him  a  pass  to  go  under  the  charge  of  his  son,  (who  is 
lo  be  answerable  for  his  safe  conduct)  lo  you. 

"  I  am  your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"Head-Quarters,  12th  Octo.  1777." 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  reconsideration  of  the 
order  of  yesterday,  relative  to  Cadwallader  Colden,  Roe- 
loff  Ellinge  and  Angus  McDonald,  and  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Angus  McDonald,  being  a  pri- 
soner of  war,  be  confined  upon  his  parole  of  honour  at 
Hurley,  to  continue  within  one  mile  of  the  house  of  John 
Van  Duersen,  at  Hurley  aforesaid,  under  the  same  restric- 
tions which  he  was  laid  under  by  the  commissioners  of 
conspiracies,  and  to  remove  to  such  place  in  future,  and  un- 
der such  limits  as  the  Governor  or  President  of  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safely  shall  direct. 

Ordered',  That  the  President  take  Mr.  McDonald's  pa- 
rol accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  sheriff  of  Ulster  county  commit  the 
said  Roeloff  Elting,  to  the  jail  of  Kingston,  till  further 
orders. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  ten  A.  M.  to-morrow. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1069 


DIE  LUN^E,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

October  13,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Flcyd,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr-  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Smilh,  Mr.  Morris. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  yes- 
terday ihe  12th  instant,  which  was  read  and  follows  in  the 
words,  to  wit : 

"Little-Britain,  3  miles  from  N.  WUdsor,  ) 
"  \2th  October,  1777.  ) 

"  Gentlemen — Yesterday  evening  an  armed  schooner, 
two  row  galleys  and  a  small  brig  passed  the  chevaux-de- 
frise,  and  are  out  of  sight  up  the  river  this  morning.  They 
can  have  very  few,  if  any,  men  on  board,  but  they  may  be 
able,  notwithstanding,  to  destroy  effects  which  may  be 
found  in  stores  on  the  banks  of  the  river.  I  therefore  give 
you  this  early  notice  of  this  movement,  that  you  may  order 
out  small  parlies  to  such  places  on  the  river  at  which  rum 
or  any  public  stores  or  other  valuable  effects  are  deposited. 
This,  I  am  sure,  will  secure  them.  I  would  advise  that 
proper  care  be  taken  to  defend  Kingston  Landing.  The  few 
pieces  of  artillery  you  have,  ought  to  be  taken  to  the  most 
suitable  place  for  that  purpose.  Our  galley  moved  up  the 
river  a  few  miles  before  the  enemy. 

"  If  we  had  round  shot  for  our  24  pr.  we  might  make 
this  small  fleet  very  uneasy  in  the  river ;  but  this  we  have 
not,  nor  do  I  know  of  any  nearer  than  Albany,  to  which 
place  I  beg  you  would  send  for  100  of  that  size,  and  200 
for  4  prs.  Three  wagons  will  bring  the  whole.  I  wish 
to  know  how  soon  I  may  have  them.  They  are  essentially 
necessary  ;  indeed,  I  may  venture  to  say  Sir  James  Wal- 
lace, who  commands  this  musquito  fleet,  would  not  have 
ventured  to  pass  the  chevaux-de-frise  had  we  been  able  to 
use  our  24  pr.  whose  axletree  was  broken  at  the  lime, 
but  is  now  repaired. 

"I  have  no  late  accounts  from  the  enemy  below.  Genl. 
Putnam  just  now  writes  me  that  he  hears  they  have  landed, 
and  are  about  moving  up,  but  don't  mention  on  which  side 
the  river  ;  his  letter  implies  on  this.  I  sent  a  party  out 
yesterday,  to  look  into  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitution ; 
they  ate  not  yet  returned.  Capt.  Wooster,  who  went  in 
with  a  flag,  returned  yesterday  evening.  He  was  received 
on  board  a  ship,  about  a  mile  this  side  Fort  Montgomery. 
He  thinks  they  are  destroying  the  works  there  and  at 
Fort  Clinton,  as  from  the  smoke  he  judged  them  to  be  on 
fire.  Genl.  Vaughan  commands  there.  Genl.  Clinton  was 
absent.  Vauglian's  aid-de-camp  answered  my  letter  by 
informing  the  prisoners  were  sent  to  N.  York;  that  any 
thing  I  wanted  to  send  them  might  be  sent  on  board  the 
advanced  ship,  and  from  thence  would  be  forwarded  to 
them,  directed  to  Mr.  George  Clinton,  Fishkill.  No  list 
sent  me,  but  all  Colo.  Duboys's  officers  missing  are  prison- 
ers, with  Major  Lush,  Colos.  Ellison  and  McLaughry. 
The  latter  has  seven  wounds,  but  none  dangerous. 

"  I  am  distressed  for  want  of  horsemen.  The  duty  is 
too  hard  for  Captn.  Woodhull's  small  company.  Captn. 
Salsbury's  company  (a  few  to  attend  you  as  expresses) 
must  immediately  join  me,  for  which  please  to  give  him  an 
order,  as  I  have  not  at  present  time  to  do  it.  The  commu- 
nication being  now  cut  off  between  Genl.  Putnam  and  me, 
before  I  had  a  proper  supply  of  ammunition,  I  must  beg 
you  will  forward  me  to  the  artillery  park,  at  Shawangunk, 
10,000  cartridges  for  small  arms,  of  different  sizes. 

"  I  am  this  moment  favoured  with  your  letter  of  yester- 
day. The  rnililia  of  Shawangunk  are  now  with  me.  I 
have  sent  a  proper  guard  there  from  another  quarter,  for  the 
artillery  ;  which,  in  my  opinion,  is  much  better  than  to  leave 
men  of  the  neighbourhood  for  that  purpose.  Col.  Snyder's 
regiment  may  continue  at  Kingston,  to  throw  up  the  neces- 
sary works  to  defend  the  landing  and  town.  The  rest  of 
the  reinforcement  from  the  northward  must  immediately 
join  me.  Were  the  whole  to  continue  with  you,  they  would 

268 


not  be  able  to  meet  the  enemy  should  they  pass  by  and 
land  near  Kingston  ;  and  should  they  take  their  route  by 
land,  which  is  most  likely,  with  my  present  force,  which 
consists  only  of  the  militia  of  this  quarter  of  the  country,  two 
small  Continental  regiments,  and  Colo.  Southerland's  regi- 
ment, consisting  of  130  men.  Out  of  these,  I  have  strong 
guards  along  the  river  shore,  who  have  orders  to  keep  pace 
with  the  vessels  now  in  the  river,  and  throw  themselves 
between  them  and  Kingston  Landing,  should  they  go  that 
high  up.  I  am  persuaded  it  is  not  only  for  the  safety  of 
Kingston,  which  I  have  much  at  heart,  but  for  that  of  the 
country  in  general,  that  I  should  have  my  whole  force  col- 
lected to  one  point ;  as  in  that  case  I  shall  be  able  to  meet 
and  oppose  the  progress  of  the  enemy,  or  at  least  throw 
myself  in  between  the  enemy  and  such  places  as  may  be 
an  object  with  them  to  gain,  which  shall  be  my  constant 
care  to  do. 

"  I  am,  with  much  esteem,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servant, 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 
"P.  S.  From  many  circumstances,  I  am  persuaded  the 
enemy  are  about  moving.  Genl.  Clinton's  being  out  when 
my  flag  was  down  yesterday — this  small  fleet  coming  up 
the  river,  confirms  me  in  this  opinion  ;  and  I  believe  it  will 
be  by  land,  against  some  of  our  stores,  and  to  ravage  the 
country." 

Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Captain  Henry  Benson  do  forthwith  pro- 
ceed with  a  boat  properly  manned,  to  Albany,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  conveying  from  thence  to  this  place  the  ordnance 
stores  required  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  and  that 
Captain  Benson  do  make  all  possible  despatch  in  this 
business. 

Resolved,  That  Captain  Benson  be  authorized,  in  case 
he  should  be  obliged  on  his  return  to  convey  the  said  ord- 
nance stores  by  land,  to  impress  carriages  and  horses. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Philip  Van  Rens- 
selaer, Esquire,  or  such  other  person  as  may  have  the 
charge  of  the  ordnance  stores  in  Albany,  and  request  of  him 
to  deliver  to  Captain  Benson  the  shot  mentioned  in  His 
Excellency's  said  letter. 

Ordered,  That  Colonel  Lasher,  or  his  deputy,  do  send 
out  of  the  military  stores  belonging  to  this  State,  to  the 
artillery  park  at  Shawangunk,  10,000  musket  cartridges, 
properly  filled  with  powder  and  ball,  agreeably  to  the  re- 
quest of  His  Excellency  the  Governor. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sheriff  Dumont  be  requested  to 
cause  those  of  the  prisoners  of  the  Fleet  prison  who  were 
left  sick,  to  be  removed  to  Kingston  jail,  and  that  the  jailer 
provide  them  with  provisions  as  usual. 

A  letter  from  Zephaniah  Plait,  Esquire,  dated  yesterday, 
was  read  and  filed. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  an  answer  to  Mr. 
Plait's  letter,  thanking  him  for  his  exertions  and  vigilance, 
and  informing  him  that  this  Council  highly  approve  of  his 
conduct. 

A  letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  dated  yesterday, 
relaiive  to  billeting  the  troops  of  lighthorse  from  Connec- 
ticut, was  read. 

An  answer  thereto  was  read  and  agreed  to  in  the  words 
following : 

"  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Salsbury  do,  with  his  troop  of 
lighthorse,  immediately  repair  to  His  Excellency  the  Go- 
vernor's Head-Quarters,  near  New-Windsor,  leaving  ten, 
besides  those  stationed  between  this  place  and  Albany,  for 
the  purpose  of  express  riders." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Capt.  Salsbury,  on  account,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, to  pay  the  contingent  charges  and  the  .wages  of  his 
company  of  lighthorse. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lasher  send  to  the  artillery  park, 
Shawangunck,  one  keg  of  flints,  agreeably  to  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor's  request. 


1070 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Monday  Afternoon,  October  13,  1777. 

Present— Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Presidt. 
Mr  Scolt,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
£.  Clark,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.Bancker,  Mr.  Floyd. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Paulding  be  and  is  hereby  autho- 
rized and  directed  forthwith  to  order  out  a  captain's  guard 
of  the  militia  under  his  command,  to  guard  the  records 
and  public  stores  at  Rochester,  agreeably  to  such  direc- 
tions as  shall  be  given  them  by  Hendrecus  Hornbeck,  Jo- 
hannes G.  Hardenburgh  and  Comfort  Sands,  Esqrs.  or 
any  two  of  them. 

TUESDAY  MORNING, 

October  14,  1777. 

Present— Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Prest. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Morris,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Floyd, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Li- 
vingston. 

A  letter  from  Leonard  Gansevoort,  Esqr.  dated  this  day, 
was  received  and  read. 

The  same  was  immediately  taken  into  consideration ; 
and  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  records  and  papers  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany  be  not  delivered  to  Leonard  Ganse- 
voort,  Esqr. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  October  14,  1777. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Prest. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr  Floyd,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb, Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Clark. 

The  petition  of  Cadwallader  Colden,  praying  to  be  par- 
doned for  the  breach  of  his  parol,  was  read  and  ordered  to 
lie  on  the  table. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

October  15,  1777. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 
Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Banker,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Ordered,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  of  Kingston  pro- 
vide subsistence  for  such  of  the  Slate  prisoners  in  the  said 
jail  as  are  not  able  to  provide  for  themselves,  at  the  cheap- 
est rale  possible. 

Wednesday  Evening,  at  C.  Elmendorf's  Tavern, 

October  15,  1777. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Parks, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr. 
Morris. 

Ordered,  That  Peter  Roos  and  Jacob  Elmendorf  be 
authorized  and  required  lo  procure,  by  impressment  or 
otherwise,  24  wagons  with  horses,  to  remove  the  military 
stores. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
committee  of  Albany  was  received  and  read,  containing  an 
account  of  the  capitulation  of  Genl.  Burgoyne  and  his 
army. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Ber- 
nardus  Hallenbeeck,  the  bearer  of  the  said  letter,  the  sum 
of  fifty  dollars. 


Captain  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  of  the  Orange  county 
troop  of  horse,  applied  to  the  Council  for  a  sum  of  money 
lo  be  advanced  to  him  on  account  for  the  subsistence  cf  the 
horse  of  his  troop  now  in  service  with  the  Continental 
troops  under  the  command  of  His  Excellency  George  Clin- 
ton. 

Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  the  State  advance 
to  Captain  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  on  account  of  the  pay  and 
subsistence  due  to  his  troop,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dol- 
lars, taking  his  receipt  for  the  same  ;  and  that  he  charge 
the  said  five  hundred  dollars  to  Continental  account. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Hurley,  be 
authorized  to  take  means  and  give  order  for  furnishing 
subsistence  to  Mrs.         Murray,  and  Tatje,  the  wife  of 
Saxon,  until  they  respectively  are  able  to  labour  for 
their  subsistence,  or  until  further  order. 

Ordered,  That  Isaac  Van  Vleck  be  discharged  from  his 
parol  or  further  confinement,  and  permitted  to  goat  large. 

Resolved,  and  Ordered,  That  the  mulatto  man  named 
James  Sluyler,  now  in  confinement,  be  and  is  hereby  par- 
doned all  his  past  offences  and  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  John  Van  Wagenen,  Junr.  be  brought 
to  appear  personally  before  this  committee  at  ten  o'clock 
to-morrow  morning. 

Whereas  the  late  destruction  of  the  town  of  Kingston, 
and  avast  number  of  dwelling  houses,  improvements,  grain 
and  fodder,  on  each  side  of  Hudson's  river,  by  a  cruel,  in- 
human and  merciless  enemy,  has  deprived  many  persons 
and  families,  the  good  subjects  of  this  State,  of  shelter  and 
subsistence  for  themselves  and  their  cattle — calamities 
which,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  the  fruits  of  this  land, 
those  who  have  not  shared  in  so  uncommon  a  misfortune, 
are  enabled,  in  a  great  measure,  to  relieve. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby,  most 
earnestly  recommended  to  the  several  and  respective  gene- 
ral and  district  committees  of  the  counties  of  Ulster, 
Dutchess,  Orange  and  Westchester,  to  make  or  cause  to 
be  made  a  proper  and  proportionate  distribution  of  the 
aforesaid  distressed  persons  and  families,  and  their  cattle, 
to  the  end  that  they  may  all  be  provided  for,  as  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  country  will  permit;  and  it  is  hereby 
most  strenuously  urged  on  all  those  who  have  not  shared 
with  them  in  their  afflictions,  to  receive  the  aforesaid  per- 
sons, families  and  cattle,  and  furnish  them  with  shelter  and 
subsistence  at  a  moderate  rate. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  SOLIS,  10  ho  a.  m. 

October  19,  1777. 

The  Council  met  at  the  house  of  Andrew  Oliver,  at 
Marble  Town. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Fsqr.  President. 

Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr. 
Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr,  Wisner,  Mr.  Dunscomb. 


DIE  LUNtE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  20,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Schoonma- 
ker,  Mr.  Smith.  Mr.  E.  Clarke. 

Resolvf-.d  and  Ordered,  That  Richardson  Thurman  be, 
and  is  hereby,  discharged  from  his  parol,  and  permitted  to 
return  home,  and  to  join  the  militia  at  his  pleasure. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  His  Excellency  the  Go- 
vernor, at  his  discretion,  enlist,  or  cause  to  be  enlisted, 
into  any  of  the  Continental  regiments  raised  in  this  Slate, 
any  of  the  Stale  prisoners  now  under  guard,  who  may 
choose  lo  enlist  into  the  Continental  service. 

John  Van  Wagenen,  Junr.  being  called  before  the  Coun- 
cil and  examined  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged  on  his 
taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  ibis  State,  and  on  his  father, 
A.ert  Van  Wagenen,  being  bound  for  his  good  behaviour  in 
the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds.  The  said  John  Van  Wa- 
genen, Junr.  took  ihe  oath  of  allegiance,  and  gave  security 
accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  advance  to 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCJL  OF  SAFETY. 


1071 


John  Holt,  printer,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  on 
account. 

Resolved,  That  the  Legislature  of  this  State  be,  and 
the  same  hereby  is,  further  adjourned  till  the  hist  day  of 
December  next,  unless  sooner  convened  by  His  Excellency 
the  Governor. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  a  letter  to  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  requesting  him  to  order  three  of  the 
lighthorsemen  to  attend  this  Council  at  9  o'clock  to-morrow 
morning,  and  so  on  daily,  to  convey  intelligence  to  the  Go- 
vernor, and  such  other  matters  of  business  as  may  be  ne- 
cessary. 

Sheriff  Dumond,  attending  at  the  door,  was  admitted  ; 
informs  that  Henry  Planck,  David  Edwards  and  William 
Rustin  have  enlisted  in  Colonel  Duboys's  regiment  in  the 
Continental  service. 

Whereas  the  unexpected  passage  of  the  enemy  through 
Hudson's  river  into  the  interior  parts  of  this  State,  occa- 
sioned by  the  loss  of  Fort  Montgomerie,  has  rendered  it 
necessary  further  and  more  effectually  to  enforce  the  obe- 
dience of  the  militia  to  their  commanding  officers,  as  well 
on  detachments  as  when  the  whole  corps  of  any  brigade, 
regiment  or  company  is  ordered  out  to  actual  service  : 
And  whereas  before,  as  well  as  in  the  present  emergency, 
many  of  the  militia  have  been  guilty  of  a  breach  of  their 
duty  :  some,  in  not  joining  the  detachment  or  corps  to 
which  they  belonged,  when  called  out  on  such  services 
aforesaid;  and  others,  in  deserting  from  the  same  before 
the  expiration  of  their  respective  times  of  services  ;  for 
remedy  thereof,  it  is  therefore  hereby 

Resolved,  That  in  future  every  officer,  or  private,  be- 
longing to  any  corps  of  mililia  of  this  State,  who,  having 
been  duly  warned  into  actual  service  as  aforesaid,  shall  not 
attend  at  the  time  and  place  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
according  to  the  former  regulations  established  for  the  mili- 
tia of  this  Slate,  or  having  so  attended,  shall  depart  without 
leave  of  his  commanding  officer,  or  shall  in  any  wise,  dur- 
ing the  lime  of  the  continuance  of  the  service  for  which  he 
shall  so  have  been  called  out,  neglect  or  refuse  to  do  his 
duty,  or  obey  the  orders  of  his  superior  officer,  shall  forfeit 
and  pay  for  every  such  offence  such  sum  of  money,  not 
exceeding  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds,  as  his  commanding 
officer  shall,  in  his  discretion,  judge  proper  to  be  levied  in 
the  manner  hereinafter  directed,  and  equally  divided  among 
the  several  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  the 
detachment  or  corps  to  which  the  delinquent  shall  belong  ; 
and  it  is  hereby  further, 

Resolved,  That  every  such  fine  or  forfeiture  shall  be 
levied  on  the  goods  and  chattels  of  the  offender,  and  that 
for  want  of  such  goods  and  chattels  the  offender  shall  be 
committed  to  the  common  jail  of  the  county  wherein  the 
offence  shall  have  been  committed,  and  for  want  of  such 
common  jail,  to  the  common  jail  of  the  county  next  adja- 
cent.   And  for  that  purpose,  it  is  further 

Resolved,  That  such  commanding  officer  as  aforesaid 
shall  issue  his  warrant  in  writing  under  his  hand,  directed 
to  any  sergeant  under  his  command,  and  expressing  therein 
the  offence,  and  commanding  him  to  make  such  levy  as 
aforesaid  ;  and  for  want  of  such  goods  and  chattels,  to  ap- 
prehend the  offender  and  convey  him  to  such  common  jail 
as  aforesaid  ;  and  that  every  keeper  of  such  common  jail 
shall  and  is  hereby  required  to  keep  the  offender  in  safe 
and  secure  custody  in  the  same  until  he  shall  have  paid 
such  fine  or  forfeiture  as  aforesaid. 

Council  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  21,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Phesent— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scotl,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Webster. 


A  letter  from  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esqr.  dated  at  Albany,  the 
seventeenth  instant,  declining  to  furnish  the  troops  under 
the  command  of  His  Excellency  the  Governor  with  provi- 
sions, as  being  out  of  his  department,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  enclose  it  in  a  letter  to 
His  Excellency  the  Governor  by  one  of  the  troopers. 

Whereas  this  Council  did  lately  order  the  sum  of  twen- 
ty-five pounds  to  be  paid  to  Thomas  Pettit  on  account : 
And  whereas  the  said  Thomas  Pettit  is  lately  gone  with 
the  enemy,  leaving  creditors  to  whom  he  is  indebted  ; 
therefore, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  do  not  pay  or  discharge 
the  said  order  of  twenty-five  pounds  on  account. 

Mr.  Cadwallader  Colden  delivered  a  letter  from  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  informing  the  Council  that  Mr. 
Colden  had  applied  to  him,  and  that  he  referred  his  case 
to  Council,  which  was  read,  and  is  filed. 

Mr.  Colden  being  admitted,  declares  himself  bound  by 
his  former  oaths  of  allegiance  to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  ; 
is  willing  to  go  to  any  place  upon  his  parol,  and  would 
wish  to  be  considered  as  a  prisoner  to  the  Slate.  Mr. 
Colden  withdrew.  Mr.  Colden  being  called  in  again,  the 
Council  informed  him  that  they  expect  an  explicit  answer 
to  the  following  question,  to  wit : 

Do  you,  in  the  presence  of  this  Council,  acknowledge 
yourself  to  be  a  faithful  and  true  subject  to  the  free  and 
independent  State  of  New- York,  or  a  subject  of  the  crown 
of  Great  Britain  ? 

Mr.  Colden  was  then  informed  that  it  was  the  intent  of 
the  Council  that  he  should  answer  freely,  and  that  they 
meant  not  to  put  it  in  his  power  to  say  hereafter  that  his 
answer  was  the  effect  of  compulsion  ;  that  if  he  should 
insist  on  being  considered  in  a  stale  of  neutrality,  no  such 
state  of  neutrality  can  be  known  by  this  Council ;  and  that 
by  such  declaration,  he  will  be  considered  as  a  subject  of 
the  King  of  Great  Britain. 

Mr.  Colden  requested  time  to  consider  of  the  said  ques- 
tion and  deliver  in  his  answer,  which  was  accordingly  given 
him  until  thiee  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Mr.  Colden  having  delivered  in  his  answer  to  the  said 
question,  the  same  was  read  and  filed,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit  : 

"  I  shall  ever  look  upon  myself  to  be  a  faithful  and  true 
subject  to  that  State  from  which  I  receive  protection  ;  and 
though  I  am  bound  by  my  oath  of  allegiance  to  be  a  sub- 
ject of  the  King  of  Great  Britain,  yet  as  that  part  of  the 
Province  of  New-York  in  which  I  reside  is  now  under  an 
independent  government,  entitled  the  State  of  New-York, 
I  do  hereby  promise  to  be  a  true  and  faithful  subject  to  the 
government  of  the  said  State,  so  long  as  it  shall  remain  an 
independent  Slate  and  I  reside  therein. 

"  CADWALLADER  COLDEN. 

"  Marble  Tuwn,  October  21st,  1777." 

The  same  being  read,  Mr.  Colden  withdrew  ;  and  the 
same  being  again  read, 

Resolved,  That  Cadwallader  Colden  clearly  appears,  by 
his  answer,  to  be  a  subject  of  the  King  of  Greal  Britain, 
now  at  open  war  with  the  United  States  of  North  America. 

Tr.e  said  Cadwallader  Colden  being  called  in  and  in- 
formed of  the  determination  of  the  Council,  requested  to 
be  suffered  to  continue  in  Ulster  county  on  his  parol. 

Resolved,  That  he  be  kept  a  prisoner  on  his  parol  at  the 
house  of  Jacobus  Hardenbergh,  in  Hurly,  and  that  he  be 
confined  to  the  said  house  of  the  said  Jacobus  Harden- 
bergh, and  that  part  of  the  lot  of  ground  thereunto  belong- 
ing which  lies  on  the  norlh  side  of  the  public  road. 

The  said  Cadwallader  Colden  ihen  gave  and  subscribed 
in  writing  a  parol  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"I,  Cadwallader  Colden,  admitted  by  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  the  State  of  New-York,  to  be  a  prisoner  to  the 
said  IState,  upon  my  parol  of  honour,  at  the  house  of  Jaco- 
bus Hatdenbergh,  in  Hurly,  to  be  confined  to  the  said 
house  and  that  part  of  the  lot  of  ground  thereunto  belong- 


1072 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


ing,  which  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  public  road,  do 
hereby  solemnly  engage,  upon  my  parol  of  honour,  to  be 
a  true' prisoner  to  the  said  State,  upon  the  terms  and  within 
the  bounds  above  mentioned,  and  not  to  depart  from  the 
same  on  any  pretence  whatsoever,  without  the  permission 
of  the  said  Council  of  Safety  for  the  said  Slate  ;  and  that, 
as  such  prisoner,  I  will  deliver  myself  up  to  the  said  Coun- 
cil whenever  required. 

Dated  this  twenty-first  day  of  October,  1777. 

"  CADWALLADER  COLDEN." 

The  same  engagement  of  the  said  Cadwallader  Colden 
was  filed. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10 
o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  22.  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr. 
Yates,  Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Harper. 

Resolved,  That  Gouverneur Morris,  Esqr.  beand  is  here- 
by requested  immediately  to  repair  to  Congress,  to  relieve 
Mr.  Duane  ;  and  that  Mr.  Duane  immediately  on  Mr.  Mor- 
ris's arrival  at  Congress,  have  leave  of  absence  until  fur- 
ther order. 

Ordered,  That  certified  copies  of  the  aforegoing  resolu- 
tion, and  of  the  last  appointment  of  the  Delegates  in  Con- 
gress to  represent  this  State,  be  transmitted  to  the  Dele- 
gates of  this  State  now  in  Congress,  in  a  letter,  requesting 
them  without  delay  to  transmit  copies  thereof  to  Francis 
Lewis,  Esqr.  who  is  hereby  requested  without  loss  of  time 
to  take  his  seat  in  Congress. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Con- 
gress, was  read  and  approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, to  wit : 

"  Gentlemen — This  Council  are  extremely  anxious  to 
have  a  proper  representation  in  Congress,  and  for  that  pur- 
pose have  made  the  resolution  and  order,  copies  whereof 
are  enclosed.  The  Council,  fully  sensible  of  the  neces- 
sity of  gratifying  Mr.  Duane  with  leave  of  absence,  do  not 
desire  to  delay  his  return  after  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Morris  or 
Mr.  Lewis  at  Congress ;  in  which  case  we  shall  have  a 
quorum  of  two,  as  the  concurrent  resolutions  of  the  Senate 
and  Assembly  previous  to  the  appointment  of  the  Dele- 
gates, a  copy  whereof  and  of  the  resolutions  are  also  in- 
closed, absolutely  require. 

"  The  loss  of  Fort  Montgomerie,  after  a  gallant  defence, 
and  for  want  of  a  proper  and  seasonable  reinforcement, 
having  opened  Hudson's  river  to  the  enemy,  they  improved 
the  opportunity,  advanced  up  to  Kingston,  and  on  the  six- 
teenth instant  about  two  hours  before  the  Governor's  troops, 
who  made  a  forced  march,  could  arrive,  gained  the  Land- 
ing ;  and  faintly  opposed  by  about  150  militia  only,  march- 
ed immediately  up  to  Kingston,  and  reduced  the  whole 
town  to  ashes.  You  can  easily  conceive  the  consternation 
and  dispersion  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and  its  envi- 
rons on  this  lamentable  occasion.  Mr.  Livingston's  family 
being  among  the  refugees,  it  will  be  impossible  for  him  to 
attend  Congress,  until  things  wear  a  more  settled  aspect  in 
this  part  of  the  country,  and  he  shall  have  properly  pro- 
vided for  his  family.  He  assures  the  Council  that  as  soon 
as  this  can  be  effected,  he  will  repair  to  Congress  to  relieve 
Mr.  Duer. 

"The  enemy  now  lie  opposite  to  Sagherties.  As  their 
design  to  extricate  General  Burgoyne  has  proved  abortive, 
we  apprehend  they  are  wailing  for  orders  from  General 
Clinton,  at  New- York,  respecting  their  further  destination. 
In  their  passage  from  Kingston  to  that  place,  they  landed 
and  destroyed  several  buildings  and  improvements  ;  among 
others  those  of  the  chancellor  and  his  mother.    The  Go- 


vernor now  lies  with  his  little  army  at  Hurly,  waiting  for 
expected  succors  from  General  Gates,  and  determined  to 
move  with  the  enemy  in  such  manner  as  will  best  serve  the 
purposes  of  annoying  them,  should  they  land,  and  covering 
the  country  against  their  further  attempts.  Notwithstanding 
the  depredations  of  the  enemy  along  the  river,  the  total  re- 
duction of  their  northern  army  affords  us  great  comfort. 
We  wait  impatiently  for  an  account  of  something  as  deci- 
sive from  the  southward,  which  will  most  amply  compen- 
sate for  all  our  losses. 

"  We  are  gentlemen,  &c. 

"  Honble.  James  Duane  and  Willm.  Duer, 

Delegates,  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  to  the  Delegates  of  this 
State  in  Congress. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO,  A.  M. 

October  23,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Floyd,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Webster. 

The  Council  took  several  matters  into  consideration, 

and  after  some  time  spent  thereon  until  past  one  o'clock, 

Adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  24,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 
Mr.  Floyd,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper.  Mr.  Webster. 

For  the  want  of  a  quorum  to  proceed  on  business,  ad- 
journed until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  S  ABB  ATI,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  25,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — William  Floyd,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster, 
Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Williams. 

On  molion  of  Mr.  Harper, 

Ordered,  That  William  Frazer,  William  Cameron, 
William  Read  and  Robert  Gilmore,  be  discharged  from 
their  confinement,  and  permitted  to  return  to  their  respec- 
tive places  of  abode. 

Council  adjourned  until  four  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Safbati,  4  ho.  P.  M.  October  25,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — William  Floyd,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Pauling  Mr. 
Van  Zar.dt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Williams. 

Ordered,  That  John  Henry,  the  commissary  of  the 
clothing  store,  deliver  to  Captain  Henry  Benson,  for  the 
use  of  the  six  men  belonging  to  the  sloop  Hudson,  twelve 
shirts,  six  over  jackets,  six  under  waistcoats,  six  pair  of 
trousers,  twelve  pair  of  hose,  six  pair  of  shoes  and  one 
pair  of  leather  breeches,  and  to  Captain  Henry  Benson  for 
his  own  use,  one  over  jacket,  flannel  for  two  under  waist- 
coats, two  pair  of  hose,  two  shirts  and  six  yards  of  linen; 
that  the  said  John  Henry  receive  payment  for  the  said 
articles  and  credit  the  State  in  his  accounts  for  the  amount 
thereof. 

Ordered,  That  John  Henry,  the  commissary  of  the 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1073 


clothing  store,  deliver  to  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  commis- 
sary of  prisoners  in  this  State,  for  his  own  use,  three  pair 
of  hose,  two  pair  of  shoes,  cloth  for  two  waistcoats,  one 
pair  of  overalls,  and  one  pair  of  leather  breeches ;  that 
the  said  John  Henry  receive  payment  for  the  said  articles 
and  credit  the  State  in  his  accounts  for  the  amount  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing 
store,  deliver  to  John  J.  Myers,  for  his  own  use,  two  shirts, 
cloth  for  a  waistcoat,  and  two  pair  of  hose,  and  that  the 
commissary  deliver  to  the  said  John  J.  Myers  for  his  own 
use,  a  pair  of  leather  breeches  in  exchange  for  a  good  pair 
which  he  may  deliver  in  store  ;  that  the  said  John  Henry 
receive  payment  for  the  said  articles,  and  credit  the  State 
in  his  account  for  the  amount  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  John  Holt,  printer,  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds  on  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Major  Tappen  do  sell  and 
dispose  of  the  horses  belonging  to  this  State,  and  render 
an  account  of  the  expenses  that  may  have  accrued  by  their 
maintenance,  and  of  the  nett  amount  of  the  sales  to  this 
Council.  And 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Holt,  printer,  be  permitted  to 
ride  one  of  the  said  horses  to  Bethlehem  and  return  to 
Marble  Town  with  him  before  the  sale  of  such  horse. 

A  letter  from  his  Excellency  Governor  Trumbull,  dated 
at  Hartford,  the  twentieth  instant,  relative  to  the  prisoners 
lately  sent  from  this  State  to  the  State  of  Connecticut,  was 
read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  Ezekiel  Williams,  commissary  of  prisoners 
for  the  State  of  Connecticut,  bearing  the  same  date  and 
on  the  same  subject,  was  also  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to 
wit : 

"  Hartford,  20th  October,  1777. 
"  Hon.  Sir — Considering  the  present  difficult  and  dis- 
tressed situation  of  your  State,  I  have  received  and  given  my 
receipt  to  Peter  Cantine,  Esqr.  for  about  150  of  your  prison- 
ers, in  full  dependence  that  you  will  supply  me  witli  flour 
for  their  use  as  soon  as  possible,  or  otherwise  I  see  not  but 
I  must  be  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  trusting  them  out  at 
large,  or  letting  them  perish  there,  which  latter,  the  feel- 
ings of  humanity  will  not  permit  me  to  do.  The  commis- 
sary-general of  prisoners  having  directed  his  agents  here 
only  to  supply  me  with  provisions  for  the  Continental  pri- 
soners, and  we  have  so  many  of  them  here,  and  I  find 
myself  much  put  to  it  to  get  a  supply  for  those  out  of  them. 
The  meat,  &c.  will  endeavour  to  supply.  Clothing  for 
many  of  them  will  be  also  absolutely  necessary,  which 
can  not  be  supplied  here.  I  pray  also,  as  soon  as  possible 
some  distinction  may  be  made  between  such  as  may  be 
with  any  degree  of  safety  let  out  to  labour  for  their  own 
living,  and  such  as  may  not ;  in  the  interim  I  will  do  the 
best  in  my  power  to  provide  for  them,  though  I  expect  it 
will  be  with  very  great  difficulty. 

"  I  am,  sir,  with  great  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Your  most  obt.  and  very  hum.  serv. 

"  EZEKIEL  WILLIAMS, 
li  Commissary  of  Prisoners  for  the 
State  of  Connecticut. 
"  To  William  Floyde,  Esqr.  Pres.  &c." 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letters  remain  for  consideration. 

A  letter  from  Gouverneur  Morris,  Esqr.  dated  Friday 
morning  the  twenty-fourth  instant,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir — I  am  informed  that  I  have  the  order  of  Council 
to  attend  Congress.  From  the  best  information  I  can  col- 
lect, it  is  evident  to  me  that  I  must  expend  more  money 
than  the  public  allowance  amounts  to.  I  do  not  mention 
this  because  the  allowance  is  too  small,  but  as  I  am  confi- 
dent that  I  shall  not  be  able  to  return  before  the  spring, 

269 


and  as  I  have  already  expended  so  much  in  the  public  ser- 
vice as  to  impair  my  finances,  I  shall  be  glad  if  the  Coun- 
cil will  order  me  an  advance  from  the  treasury. 

"  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servt. 

"GOUVR.  MORRIS. 

"  Friday  morning." 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Gouverveur  Morris,  Esqr.  one  of  the  delegates  of  this  State 
to  Congress,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  dollars  on  account, 
and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Adjourned  until  Monday  morning  next,  at  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  LUN.E,  10  ho  a.  m. 

October  27,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Pawling. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  twen- 
ty-fourth instant,  was  read  and  filed.  They  therein  set  forth 
that  they  are  a  considerable  sum  of  money  in  debt,  for  the 
want  of  which  their  credit  suffers  much  ;  and  therefore  re- 
quest the  Council  to  favour  them  with  the  loan  of  two 
thousand  pounds. 

There  not  being  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to 
make  a  Council,  the  members  present  desired  Mr.  Yates 
to  write  a  letter  to  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
said  committee,  in  answer  to  his  ;  which  was  read,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Yours  of  the  twenty-fourth  instant,  came  to 
hand  now,  (at  4  o'clock,  P.  M.)  when,  with  the  rain  which 
we  have  had  all  day,  we  have  not  a  Board.  The  members 
present  desire  me  to  write  you  that  the  State  treasury  is 
very  low,  being  at  considerable  advance  to  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  ;  that  you  try  whether  you  can  not  get  the 
sum  of  two  thousand  pounds  you  ask,  advanced  to  you  by 
warrant  from  General  Gates,  out  of  the  loan  office  ;  but 
at  the  same  time  advise  you,  for  the  interest  of  this  State, 
as  well  as  that  of  your  county,  by  all  means  to  get 
your  accounts  properly  stated,  so  that  they  may  be  audited. 
Should  you  not  succeed  with  General  Gates,  you  will 
again  write  by  the  first  opportunity,  and  we  suppose  that 
this  Council  will  spare  you  as  much  as  they  can. 

"  We  are,  sir,  your  very  hum.  servt." 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  28,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Mr.  Harper,  Mr-  Yates,  Mr.  Scott. 

For  the  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  pro- 
ceed to  business, 

Adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  29,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr. 
Van  Zarnlt,  Mr.  Scott. 

For  want  of  the  quorum  to  proceed  on  business, 
Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


1074 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


DIE  JOVIS,  10  HO.  A.  M. 

October  30,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  J3ancker,  Mr.  Williams. 

For  the  want  of  another  member  of  the  quorum,  the 
Council  could  not  make  a  board. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

October  31,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Pawling; 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Williams 

For  the  want  of  another  member  of  the  quorum,  the 
Council  could  not  make  a  board. 

Adjourned  until  Monday  morning,  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  LUN^E,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  3,  1777. 

Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Van  Zandt, 
Mr.  Snyder. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  the  twenty- 
eighth  ultimo,  relative  to  the  salt  allotted  to  the  county 
of  Albany,  was  read  and  filed. 

A  letter  from  the  Honourable  John  Sloss  Hobart,  dated 
at  Sheron,  the  30th  ultimo,  on  the  subject  of  salt  belong- 
ing to  this  State,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  said  letters  being  immediately  taken  into  conside- 
ration, the  Council  came  to  the  following  order,  to  wit : 

Whereas  this  Council  has  been  informed  that  great  de- 
lays have  happened  in  the  distribution  of  the  salt  which 
has  been  purchased  by  order  of  the  late  Council  of  Safety 
of  this  State,  whereby  the  good  people  thereof  are  greatly 
aggrieved  : 

Ordered,  therefore,  That  Peter  R.  Livingston  and 
Abraham  Lott,  Esqrs,  appointed  agents  for  the  purchase 
of  the  said  salt,  do  cause  the  same  to  be  lodged,  without 
delav")  at  the  proper  places  of  distribution,  and  immedi- 
ately thereafter  do  account  with  the  Auditor-General  for 
their  aforesaid  agency. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  send  copies  of  the  above 
order  to  Peter  R.  Livingston  and  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Es- 
quires, by  express. 

Ordered,  That  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the  clothing 
store,  deliver  to  Doctor  James  Oliver  a  pair  of  leather 
breeches,  on  his  paying  for  the  same,  and  that  Mr.  Henry 
credit  the  State  for  the  amount. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  at 
Fishkill,  the  thirty-first  of  October,  was  read,  and  is  as 
follows  to  wit : 

"  Fishkill,  31s<  October,  1777,  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 
"  Dear  Sir — I  am  this  moment  favoured  with  yours  of 
yesterday,  with  respect  to  Colo.  Wemple's  and  Living- 
ston's regiments.  I  can  only  say  they  were  ordered  down 
by  Genl.  Gates  to  reinforce  the  little  army  under  my  com- 
mand, when  the  enemy's  shipping  were  at  Saagertys,  to 
enable  me  to  invest  Fort  Montgomery.  The  situation  of 
the  enemy  is  since  very  different ;  they  have  demolished 
and  evacuated  Fort  Montgomery,  and  all  the  other  posts 
in  the  Highlands,  and  have  drawn  their  whole  force  to 
New-York,  I  suppose  with  intention  to  reinforce  Howe, 
at  Philadelphia.    I  have  attended  here  since  yesterday 


noon,  in  a  council  of  war,  to  determine  the  measures  most 
proper  to  be  pursued  by  our  army  in  this  quarter ;  what 
they  will  be,  is  yet  unknown.  Genl.  Gates  considers  the 
troops  sent  down  on  the  west  side  of  the  river  as  belonging 
to  his  department.  I  cannot,  therefore,  discharge  them  ; 
it  is  to  him  they  must  make  their  application  for  this  pur- 
pose. If  they  join  me  they  shall  be  well  supplied  with 
provisions,  and  every  other  necessary  in  my  power  to  com- 
mand. We  shall  either  attempt  New-York  or  reinforce 
Head-Quarters,  and  between  this  and  15th  November, 
much  may  be  done. 

"  I  enclose  you  the  last  accounts  from  Head-Quarters, 
which,  though  not  so  well  authenticated  as  I  could  wish, 
I  believe  to  be  true,  and  congratulate  you  on  the  important 
success.    Excuse  great  haste. 

"  Yours,  sincerely, 

"  GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  Honble.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt, 

Marble  Town." 

The  intelligence  received  from  Head-Quarters  referred 
to  by  His  Excellency  in  his  said  letter,  was  also  read  and 
filed. 

The  Council  adjourned  until  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Prelent — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Scott. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esquire,  in  an- 
swer to  his  received  yesterday,  was  read  and  agreed  to, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Marble  Town,  November  4,  1777. 

"  Sir — Your  favour  of  the  thirtieth  ultimo,  was  read 
and  taken  into  consideration  by  the  Council  of  Safety.  I 
am  directed,  in  their  name,  to  thank  you  for  your  atten- 
tion to  the  article  of  salt  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  this  Stale.  Your  messenger  left  this  place  be- 
fore we  could  form  a  board  ;  you  will  be  pleased,  there- 
fore, to  pay  him,  and  charge  the  same  to  the  State. 

"  By  the  enclosed  order,  you  will  see  the  steps  taken 
relative  to  the  conveyance  of  the  salt  to  the  places  of  dis- 
tribution, and  the  Council  request  your  further  aid  in  for- 
warding that  business. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  sir, 

"  Your  most,  obedt.  servt. 
"  To  the  Honble.  John  Sloss  Hobart." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  petition  of  Philemon  Halsted,  offering  to  take  an 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  and  praying  to  be  discharg- 
ed, was  read,  and  the  said  Philmon  Halstead  was  called  in 
and  heard,  and  then  withdrew. 

Ordered,  That  Philemon  Halstead  be  discharged  on 
taking  the  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  Slate  ;  and  he  volun- 
tarily took  and  subscribed  the  following  oath,  vizt : 

'•  I,  Philemon  Halstead,  of  Rye,  in  Westchester  county, 
yeoman,  do  solemnly  swear,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty 
God,  that  I  will  bear  true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the  Stale 
of  New-York,  and  in  all  things  do  my  duty  as  a  good  and 
faithful  subject  of  the  said  State,  so  help  me  God. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  give  a  certificate  to  the 
said  Philemon  Halsted,  that  he  has  taken  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance to  the  State,  is  discharged  and  restored  to  ihe  rights 
of  a  citizen. 

Mr.  Yates  obtained  leave  of  absence  and  departed. 
Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1075 


Die  Martis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern- 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt. 

Resolved,  That  Gerard  Bancker,  Esqr.  Vice-Treasurer 
of  this  State,  discharge  the  principal  and  interest  due  on  a 
bond  for  four  hundred  pounds  from  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr. 
Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Landon  and  Mr.  Benson,  members  of 
this  Council,  to  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Esquire,  moneys 
taken  at  interest  for  the  use  of  the  commissioners  for  con- 
spiracies, &c.  agreeably  to  a  resolution  of  this  board  of 
the  eighth  of  October  last ;  that  the  said  Vice-Treasurer 
charge  the  said  commissioners  with  the  principal  sum,  and 
this  State  with  whatever  he  may  pay  for  the  interest  due 
on  the  said  bond. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  cloth- 
ing, deliver  to  John  Dogherty,  a  disabled  soldier  of  Colo- 
nel Van  Schaick's  regiment  in  the  Continental  service,  one 
waistcoat,  two  shirts,  two  pair  of  stockings,  one  pair  of 
breeches,  and  one  pair  of  shoes,  the  amount  of  which  is  to 
be  repaid  by  the  said  Dougherty,  out  of  his  half  pay  from 
the  Continent,  whenever  he  shall  receive  the  same. 

Whereas  Colonel  Pawling  by  a  resolution  of  this  Board, 
passed  the  thirteenth  ultimo,  was  authorized  and  directed 
to  order  a  captain's  guard,  out  of  the  militia  under  his  com- 
mand, to  guard  the  records  and  public  stores  at  Rochester, 
agreeably  to  such  directions  as  were  to  be  given  them  by 
Hendrickus  Hornebeck,  Johannes  G.  Hardenbergh  and 
Comfort  Sands,  Esquires,  or  any  two  of  them  ;  and  as  it 
is  the  opinion  of  this  Council  that  a  subaltern  officer's 
guard  is  sufficient  for  the  purpose  of  guarding  the  said 
records  :  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Colonel  Pawling  be,  and  he  is 
hereby,  authorized  and  directed  forthwith  to  order  out  a 
guard  consisting  of  one  subaltern,  one  sergeant,  one  corpo- 
ral, and  twelve  privates,  of  the  militia  under  his  command, 
to  guard  the  said  records  and  public  stores  at  Rochester 
aforesaid,  agreeably  to  such  directions  as  shall  be  given 
by  the  said  Hendrickus  Hornbeck,  Johannes  G.  Harden- 
bergh and  Comfort  Sands,  Esquires,  or  any  two  of  them. 

Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  5,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern- 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Benson 
Mr.  Harper. 

Copy  of  the  draft  of  a  letter  from  the  Council  of  Safety 
of  the  State  of  New- York,  to  the  Honourable  Congress  of 
the  United  American  States,  read  and  approved  Novr.  5, 
1777: 

"  Sir — The  attention  with  which  the  Representatives  of 
this  distressed  State  have  hitherto  been  honoured  by  Con- 
gress, induces  us  again  to  apply  to  them,  and  to  suggest 
measures  to  their  consideration,  in  which  not  only  we  but 
all  America  are  materially  interested. 

"  The  loss  of  Fort  Montgomery  having  admitted  the 
enemy  into  the  heart  of  our  country,  they  have  made  it,  as 
they  have  every  other  territory  into  which  they  have  unex- 
pectedly penetrated,  the  theatre  of  more  than  barbarian 
inhumanity.  Encouraged  by  our  forbearance,  on  their  vio- 
lation of  those  rules  according  to  which  civilized  nations 
usually  prosecute  wars,  they  have  set  no  bounds  to  their 
cruelty  :  mills,  stores,  barns,  houses,  churches,  and  de- 
fenceless towns,  have  been  wrapped  in  one  common  flame  ; 
even  inoffensive  wretchedness  and  penury  have  not  been 
sufficient  to  avert  the  violence  of  this  savage  and  embitter- 
ed enemy.  The  same  brutal  tragedy,  blackened  by  the 
cool  murders  of  unarmed  men  and  helpless  women  and 


children,  has  been  acted  in  the  northern  part  of  this  State, 
where  Genl.  Burgoyne  marked  his  retreat  with  devastation 
and  fire.  While,  sir,  the  river  affords  a  passage  to  the 
enemy,  neither  the  bravery  of  our  inhabitants,  nor,  what  is 
more,  the  united  arms  of  the  whole  Continent,  can  prevent 
their  incursions.  Whatever  force  we  may  be  able  to  col- 
lect, a  few  hours  will  carry  the  foe  beyond  its  reach,  and, 
having  perpetrated  their  barbarities,  they  will  find  a  secure 
asylum  in  their  ships. 

"It  is  from  Congress,  sir,  that  we  expect  relief;  the 
means  are  in  their  hands,  if  scruples,  ill  suited,  in  our  opi- 
nion, to  the  circumstances  of  the  country,  and  reprobated 
by  the  conduct  of  the  enemy,  do  not  prevent  the  use  of 
them.  Genl.  Burgoyne  and  his  army  are  valuable  hostages 
for  the  future  good  behaviour  of  the  enemy.  Should  we 
permit  them  to  depart,  may  we  not  have  reason  to  fear  the 
imprecations  of  those  who  are  already  ruined  by  their  rava- 
ges, and  that  we  may  be  judged  by  the  laudable  jealousy 
of  the  tories,  as  accessory  to  future  devastations  by  the 
British  army  ?  We  know,  sir,  that  treaties  are  sacred, 
and  God  forbid  that  those  with  whom  we  contend  should, 
in  violating  them,  be  justified  by  our  example.  But  they 
profess  to  believe  that  no  faith  is  to  be  kept  with  those  they 
call  rebels  ;  and  we  have  little  doubt  that  Genl.  Burgoyne's 
army  will  consider  themselves  as  released  from  their  en- 
gagements, the  moment  they  quit  the  port  of  Boston.  For 
a  breach  of  their  convention  they  will  not  need  pretences, 
if  an  open  avowal  of  their  principles  should  not  render  all 
pretences  unnecessary,  may  they  not  aliege  that  we  have 
broke  faith  with  them  in  the  affair  of  the  Cedars,  and  in 
the  cartel  for  the  exchange  of  prisoners  ?  However  this 
may  be,  shall  we  hesitate  about  the  part  that  we  ought  to 
take,  when,  happily,  they  have  furnished  us  with  just  and 
solid  reasons  for  considering  the  convention  as  nullified  by 
their  own  acts.  All  treaties,  sir,  ought  by  the  contracting 
parties  to  be  executed,  not  only  in  conformity  to  their  letter, 
but  according  to  their  true  spirit,  intent  and  meaning  ;  and 
more  particularly  so,  those  which  are  capitulatory  in  their 
nature,  because  being  formed  inter  arma,  they  admit  not  of 
that  technical  precision  which  may  be  justly  expected  in  all 
other  treaties.  The  apparent  scope  of  the  convention  in 
question,  is  to  secure  a  free  and  undisturbed  return  of  the 
British  army,  commanded  by  Genl.  Burgoyne,  to  Great 
Britain  and  Canada,  entirely  disarmed  and  divested  of 
every  thing  but  their  personal  baggage  and  the  means  of 
carrying  it;  and  incapacitated  to  serve  in  America  during 
the  present  war.  This  appears  most  manifestly  from  the 
2d  and  6th  articles  ;  and  hence  it  follows,  that,  according 
to  good  faith,  all  provisions,  arms,  artillery,  stores  and  en- 
signs of  war,  tents,  public  equipage,  and  the  military  chest 
ought  to  have  been  delivered  to  us.  But  of  all  these,  sir, 
what  have  we  received  ?  The  arms  delivered  up  are  by 
no  means  proportioned  to  the  number  of  men,  of  which 
their  army  consisted,  without  estimating  spare  arms,  of 
which  there  is  reason  to  believe  they  had  a  considerable 
quantity  to  put  into  the  hands  of  the  disaffected  ;  and  many 
of  those  given  in  were  purposely  injured.  The  standards 
and  military  chest  are  either  destroyed  or  secreted  ;  the 
tents  burned,  and  only  a  part  of  those  immense  stores 
which  they  possessed,  has  come  to  our  hands.  Upon  a 
more  minute  inquiry,  more  important  infractions  may  pro- 
bably be  discovered.  If  the  infractions  we  have  alleged 
are  not  sufficient,  in  the  judgment  of  Congress,  to  nullify 
the  convention,  we  wish  such  inquiry  may  be  made.  In 
the  mean  while  we  would  beg  leave  to  ask,  whether  it  is 
not  highly  imprudent  to  leave  between  4  and  5,000  men, 
with  their  officers  at  their  head,  so  near  the  seacoast  as 
Boston,  especially  while  the  enemy's  troops  are  at  Rhode 
Island  ?  or  when,  after  embarkation,  the  prisoners  of  war 
may  reinforce  the  enemy  in  New-York,  or  Pennsylvania, 
or,  with  new  supplies,  make  fresh  inroads  into  this,  or  some 
neighbouring  State  ?  We  would,  therefore,  beg  leave  to 
hint  that  it  may  not  be  improper  for  Congress  to  retard  the 
embarkation  of  General  Burgoyne  and  his  troops,  until  full 


l 


1076 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


inquiry  can  be  made  whether  he  has  honestly  performed  his 
part  of  the  Convention. 

"  We  have  spoken,  sir,  with  freedom  ;  our  all  depends 
upon  it.  We  must  either  bring  the  enemy  to  deal  with 
us  upon  equal  terms,  or  we  must  give  up  the  contest.  If 
we  fetter  ourselves  with  treaties,  while  they  disregard  all 
laws,  both  human  and  divine,  we  forge  our  own  chains  ; 
and  like  the  apocryphal  hero,  prefer  death  and  the  ruin  of 
our  country,  to  the  breach  of  ceremonies,  which  our  adver- 
saries contemn.  We  have  long  borne  with  their  inhuma- 
nity ;  our  threats  of  retaliation  have  been  hitherto  consider- 
ed as  idle  words  ;  and  it  is  time  to  give  them  efficacy  ;  the 
juncture  is  favourable.  A  brave  people  should  dare  to  exe- 
cute what  they  have  thought  it  just  to  threaten. 

"  We  beg  leave  to  inform  Congress  that  this  State  is 
nearly  exhausted  ;  that  it  is  equally  drained  of  men  and 
money  ;  that  our  lands  must  shorlly  remain  uncultivated, 
unless  we  can  obtain  more  security  in  our  possessions. 
As  Congress  can  not  but  know  that  this  State  is  in  some 
measure  the  key  of  America,  they  will  doubtless  take  the 
necessary  steps  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river,  and 
order  proper  works  to  be  erected  during  the  winter,  under 
the  direction  of  some  able  engineer,  whom  we  will  assist 
as  far  as  our  situation  will  admit ;  though  we  beg  not  to 
be  considered  as  principals  in  the  business.  And  as  with 
the  demolition  of  our  fortresses  in  the  Highlands,  we  have 
lost  all  our  artillery  which  had  been  devoted  to  the  defence 
of  that  important  pass,  we  submit  it  to  Congress  whether 
they  should  not  authorize  us  to  repair  the  loss  while  the 
furnace  at  Salisbury  is  still  in  blast. 

"  We  are,  with  great  respect,  &c. 
"  To  Honble.  John  Hancock,  Esqr.  Presidt.  &c." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  same  be  signed  by  the 
President,  and  transmitted  by  express  to  our  Delegates  at 
Congress  for  their  perusal,  and  that  they  be  requested  to 
seal  and  present  it  to  the  Honourable  Congress  as  soon  as 
possible. 

Council  adjourned  until  the  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Mercurii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  5,  1777. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Harper. 

Ordered,  That  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esqr.  and  Roeloff 
Eltinge  be  forthwith  couveyed  by  a  sergeant  to  be  appoint- 
ed by  Colonel  Snyder,  to  the  Nine  Partners,  in  Dutchess 
county,  and  there  delivered  to  the  care  of  Messrs.  Enos 
Thompson,  Ezra  Thompson  and  Matthias  B.  Miller,  or  any 
two  of"  them,  who  are  hereby  requested  to  place  them  in 
the  house  of  some  well  known  friend  to  the  American 
cause,  and  to  see  that  they  respectively  comply  with  the 
terms  of  the  parol,  a  copy  whereof  is  herewith  sent,  until 
the  further  order  of  this  Council,  or  of  ihe  Legislature  of 
this  State,  and  that  the  said  three  gentlemen,  or  any  of 
them,  take  such  parol  from  the  said  prisoners  respectively. 

Ordered,  That  Alexander  Robertson,  Chailes  Gray, 
Robert  McGnire,  Duncan  Campbell  and  John  Johnston, 
State  prisoners  now  in  confinement,  be  forthwith  conveyed 
to  the  city  of  Albany  and  delivered  to  the  committee  of  the 
said  city,  who  are  hereby  requested  to  commit  them  to  jail 
in  safe  custody,  and  support  them  at  the  public  expense 
until  the  further  order  of  this  Council,  or  the  Legislature 
of  this  State,  unless  the  said  committee  shall,  upon  due  in- 
quiry into  their  cases,  think  proper  otherwise  to  dispose  of 
them  ;  and  that  the  said  prisoners  be  conveyed  in  irons  to 
Albany  by  water,  and  delivered  to  the  said  committee,  under 
the  care  of  Lieutenant  Duboys,  with  a  guard  of  four  men. 

Resolved,  That  Lieutenant  Angus  McDonald,  a  prisoner 
of  war,  be  permitted  to  proceed  to  Albany  under  his  present 
parol,  and  that  he  continue  within  the  said  city,  on  his  said 
parol,  until  further  order  of  this  Council,  or  the  Legislature 
of  this  State,  unless  he  shall  sooner  be  discharged  from  his 
said  parol  on  exchange,  by  Major-General  Gates,  or  the 


commanding  officer  of  the  Continental  army  in  the  northern 
department. 

A  letter  from  John  Cruger,  Esqr.  dated  at  Kinderhook, 
November  the  second,  1777,  directed  to  this  Council,  and 
requesting  a  pass  for  himself,  his  sister  and  family  to  return 
to  the  city  of  New-York,  with  Ins  furniture,  was  read  and 
filed. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  has  no  objection  to  his  ap- 
plication, as  far  as  concerns  himself,  his  sister  and  furni- 
ture, his  plate  excepted,  if  he  can  obtain  the  necessary 
passes  at  the  different  posts  between  Kinderhook  and  the 
city  of  New-York  :  Provided  always,  that  this  resolve  shall 
not  be  construed  to  exempt  him  from  any  forfeitures  which 
he  may  incur  by  his  voluntarily  going  over  to  the  enemy. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 


DIE  JOVIS,  9  HO.  A.  M. 

November  6,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Benson,  Colo.  Pawling,  Colo.  Sny- 
der, Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Schooumaker. 

On  account  of  the  badness  of  the  weather  preventing  the 
members  from  meeting  to  make  a  quorum, 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning,  10  o'clock. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  7,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Schoonmaker. 

It  being  represented  to  this  Council  that  Victor  Bicker 
and  Richard  Ten  Eyck,  friends  to  the  American  cause, 
who,  with  their  families,  left  the  city  of  New-York  on  the 
approach  of  the  enemy,  and  in  consequence  of  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  town  of  Kingston  are  now  destitute  of  habita- 
tions ;  and  that  the  house  of  William  Eligh,  apprehended 
as  an  enemy  to  this  State,  is  in  some  measure  unoccupied, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  members  of  the  commit- 
tee of  the  town  of  Kingston,  resident  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Sagerties,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  authorized  and  directed 
to  place  the  said  Victor  Bicker  and  Richard  Ten  Eyck, 
with  their  respective  families,  into  the  said  house ;  and  in 
order  to  make  room  for  the  said  Victor  Bicker  and  Richard 
Ten  Eyck,  with  their  families,  that  the  said  members  of 
committee  do  cause  to  be  removed  out  of  the  said  house, 
Rachel,  the  wife  of  Hezekiah  Duboys,  and  all  such  other 
persons  as  are  not  properly  of  the  family  of  the  said  William 
Eligh. 

Resolved,  That  Benjamin  Ackerly,  appointed  to  convey 
Cadwallader  Colden  and  Rolloff  Elting  to  the  Nine  Part- 
ners, in  Dutchess  county,  be  allowed  ten  shillings  per  day 
besides  his  expenses. 

Resolved,  That  the  four  men  composing  the  guard  to 
convey  the  prisoners  from  Marble  Town  to  the  city  of  Al- 
bany, pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  this  Council  of  the  fifth 
instant,  be  allowed  each  (exclusive  of  their  pay  and  provi- 
sions) a  gratuity  of  four  shillings  per  day  while  on  that  ser- 
vice ;  and  that  Lieutenant  Duboys,  commanding  the  said 
guard,  be  authorized  to  purchase  provisions  for  himself,  the 
said  guard  and  prisoners,  during  their  passage  to  and  from 
Albany. 

Mr.  Sands,  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State,  having 
made  application  to  this  Council  for  directions  concerning 
the  pay  of  the  militia,  for  services  performed  since  he  an- 
dited  the  last  accounts  for  such  services, 

Resolved,  That  he  refer  the  applications  of  those  of  the 
militia  who  have  served  in  the  northern  Continental  army, 
to  the  commander-in-chief  in  thai  department;  that  he  lay 
the  abstracts  of  pay  and  subsistence  of  those  of  the  militia 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1077 


who  have  been  from  time  to  time  called  out  by  His  Excel- 
lency the  Governor,  before  this  Council,  as  soon  as  the 
same  shall  be  received  in  the  Auditor's  office  ;  and  that  he 
audit  and  pass  all  other  accounts  of  the  pay  and  subsistence 
of  the  militia,  in  the  manner  heretofore  used. 

This  Council  beina  desirous  to  know  whether  a  further 
purchase  of  clothing  for  the  use  of  the  troops  of  this  State, 
in  the  Continental  service,  be  necessary, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Henry,  one  of  the  commissaries 
of  clothing,  do,  without  delay,  lay  before  this  Council  a  full 
and  particular  account,  as  well  of  the  clothing  he  has  re- 
ceived and  issued,  as  of  such  clothing  as  still  remains  in 
store  ;  and  that  in  the  mean  time  he  issue  no  goods  out  of 
the  said  store,  without  the  order  of  this  Council. 

The  Council  took  into  consideration  the  present  state  of 
the  public  records  of  this  Stale,  now  at  Warsing  under 
care  of  a  guard  ;  and  some  of  the  members  thinking  Al- 
bany a  proper  place  to  which  the  said  records  should  be 
removed, 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of 
the  committee  at  Albany,  on  that  subject,  was  read  and 
approved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Upon  the  enemy's  penetrating  the  river,  the 
public  records  of  the  State  were  removed  from  Kingston 
to  Rochester  in  this  county,  where  they  now  remain.  We 
are  obliged  to  maintain  a  guard  to  secure  them  ;  and  in 
order  to  prevent  this  expense,  the  Council  have  it  in  con- 
templation to  remove  them  to  where  they  can  be  safely  de- 
posited without  a  special  guard  kept  for  the  purpose,  pos- 
sibly Albany  may  be  the  place;  however,  previous  to  such 
positive  order  for  their  removal,  we  could  wish  to  know  if 
a  proper  place  car.  be  procured  there.  You  will  please, 
therefore,  to  make  an  inquiry,  and  inform  us  of  the  result 
by  the  bearer.  It  is  the  intention  of  the  Council,  that  the 
records  should  be  lodged  on  the  lower  story,  and  that  Mr. 
Byard  should  also  be  accommodated  with  lodgings  in  the 
same  house.  A  room  of  about  fifteen  feet  square  will 
easily  contain  them. 

"  I  am,  with  respect,  &c. 

0  To  John  Barclay,  Esqr-  Chairman  of 

the  Committee,  Albany." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent pro  tempore,  and  transmitted. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  7,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Eancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder. 
Mr.  Schoonmaker. 

Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  the  Auditor-General,  exhibited 
an  account  of  the  pay  due  to  him  as  Auditor-General,  from 
the  fourteenth  clay  of  July  to  the  twenty-fourth  day  of  Oc- 
tober last,  at  three  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  amounting 
to  seventy-five  pounds. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Comfort  Sands,  Esqr.  the  sum  of  seventy-five  pounds,  in 
full  for  his  salary  from  the  fourteenth  day  of  July  to  the 
twenty-fourth  day  of  October  last. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  P.  Lolt,  Esqr.  dated  at  the  Nine 
Partners,  on  the  seventh  instant,  was  read  and  filed.  He 
thereby  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  a  copy  of  a  resolu- 
tion of  the  third  instant,  relative  to  salt.  The  difficulty 
of  obtaining  wagons  prevents  his  forwarding  the  salt  to  the 
places  ordered  ;  that  if  the  Council  would  favour  him 
with  a  press  warrant,  it  would  be  useful  to  forward  that 
business. 

Resolved,  That  Abraham  P.  Lolt,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  impress  wagons, 
carts,  carriages,  teams,  horses  and  oxen  for  the  purpose  of 
transporting  the  salt,  now  at  Old  Canaan  or  other  places, 
purchased  by  public  order  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of 

270 


this  State,  to  such  places  in  this  State  as  the  said  salt  was 
ordered  to  be  transported  to. 

"  Sir — This  acknowledges  the  receipt  of  your  Excel- 
lency's letter  of  yesterday  ;  in  answer  to  which  I  am  di- 
rected to  inform  your  Excellency  that  we  shall  immedi- 
ately take  the  necessary  measures  to  prevent  the  mis- 
chiefs arising  from  the  present  unlimited  transportation  of 
flour  out  of  this  State,  and  direct  an  inquiry  to  be  made 
respecting  Mr.  Helme  and  his  accomplices. 

"  We  should  have  been  happy  had  your  Excellency's 
letter  been  more  explicit  with  respect  to  the  destination  of 
the  detachment  of  the  army  you  wish  to  command.  We 
arc,  therefore,  under  the  necessity  of  leaving  the  matter 
discretionary  with  your  Excellency,  and  although  we  con- 
cur with  your  Excellency  with  respect  to  an  expedition  to 
New-York  in  the  first  instance,  yet,  should  it  be  deter- 
mined upon,  we  wouldxhoose,  for  the  most  obvious  rea- 
sons, that  your  Excellency  should  have  a  command  in  that 
undertaking. 

"  We  have  not,  as  yet,  fixed  either  the  time  or  place  of 
the  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  though  imagine  they  will 
be  obliged  to  meet  at  Albany,  as  no  other  place  in  the 
State  can  possibly  contain  the  members.  The  matter  will 
shortly  be  taken  into  consideration,  and  we  shall  immedi- 
ately inform  your  Excellency  of  the  result  of  our  delibe- 
rations. 

"  We  are  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  Excellency's,  &c. 

"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  to  His  Excellency. 

Council  adjourned  until  Monday  next  ten  o'clock. 


DIE  LUNiE,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  10,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Scott. 

Die  Ltjn^:,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November,  10,  1777. 

Mr.  Pawling  and  Mr.  Snyder  attending,  the  other  gen- 
tlemen having  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  ten 
o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  11,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  odjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Michael  Devoo,  of  New-Paltz  precinct,  in  Ulster  coun- 
ty, who  lately  came  from  the  city  of  New-York,  was  ex- 
amined before  the  Council,  (which  examination  was  filed.) 
Nothing  intentionally  criminal  in  his  conduct  appearing 
from  his  confession,  and  the  Council  having  no  evidence 
against  him, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Michael  Devoo  be  and  is  hereby 
permitted  to  go  to,  and  reside  at  home,  he  demeaning  him- 
self as  becometh  a  good  subject  of  this  Stale. 

A  resolution,  prohibiting  ihe  exportation  of  flour,  meal 
or  grain  out  of  this  State,  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is 
as  follows  : 

Whereas  this  Council  has  lately  received  sufficient  in- 
formation that  for  three  months  last  past,  vast  quantities  of 
flour  have  been  purchased  within  this  Slate  and  exported 
from  and  out  of  the  same  to  Long-Island  and  elsewhere 
for  the  use  of  the  enemy  :  And  whereas  it  is  the  indis- 


1078 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


pensable  duty  of  this  Council  not  only  to  prevent  such 
supplies  which  strengthen  the  common  enemy  against  the 
United  States  of  North  America,  and  serves  as  a  means  of 
the  most  dangerous  communication  between  them  and  our 
internal  enemies,  but  also  to  secure  the  army  of  the  United 
States  and  the  inhabitants  of  this  Slate  from  a  want  of  the 
most  necessary  article  of  life.  In  order  therefore  in  the 
most  effectual  manner  to  prevent  an  evil  so  pregnant  with 
ruinous  consequences  to  the  American  cause  in  general 
and  this  State  in  particular,  it  is  hereby 

Resolved,  by  this  Council,  That  an  embargo  be,  and  is 
hereby,  laid  against  the  exportation  of  all  flour,  meal  and 
grain  whatsoever  out  of  this  State,  in  maimer  following,  to 
wit:  This  Council  doth  hereby  strictly  forbid  all  persons 
whatsoever,  as  well  inhabitants  of  this  Stale  as  olhers, 
from  and  after  the  seventeenth  day  of  this  instant  month  of 
November,  under  any  colour  or  pretence  whatsoever,  either 
directly  or  indirectly,  to  export  or  attempt  to  export,  or 
cause  or  procure  to  be  exported  or  attempted  to  be  export- 
ed out  of  this  State  any  flour,  meal  or  grain  of  any  kind  or 
quality  whatsoever,  either  by  land  or  by  water,  wiihout  the 
special  license  of  this  Council,  or  Convention,  or  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State,  first  had  and  obtained  for  the  purpose  ; 
and  that  whoever  shall  offend  herein,  shall  be  guilty  of 
felony  ;  and  being  duly  convicted  thereof,  shall  suffer  the 
pains  of  death  and  other  forfeitures,  as  in  cases  of  felony, 
without  benefit  of  clergy.  And  in  order  to  encourage  a 
detection  of  offenders  against  the  aforegoing  resolution,  be 
it,  and  it  is  hereby  further 

Resolved,  That  on  every  conviction,  the  informer  shall 
be  entitled  to  one  moiety  or  half  part  of  the  flour,  meal  or 
grain  seized  and  forfeited. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  county  and  district  commit- 
tees, and  all  other  civil  officers  within  this  State,  be  ex- 
tremely vigilant  in  compelling  a  compliance  with  the  afore- 
going resolutions,  and  in  detecting  and  securing  all  those 
who  shall  offend  against  the  same,  to  the  end  that  every 
such  offender  may  be  brought  to  condign  punishment ;  and 
also  in  seizing  and  securing  all  flour,  meal  and  grain  which 
from  and  after  this  eleventh  day  of  November,  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  shall  be  attempted 
to  be  exported  out  of  this  State  without  such  special  license 
as  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  further,  That  the  aforegoing  resolutions  and 
order,  and  also  this  order,  be  published  in  Samuel  Loudon's 
weekly  paper,  called  the  New-York  Packet  ;  and  also  that 
the  same  be  printed  in  handbills  and  despatched  to  the 
several  counties  in  this  Slate,  to  the  end  that  all  commit- 
tees and  other  civil  officers,  and  all  other  persons,  may 
govern  and  conduct  themselves  accordingly. 

A  resolution  directing  the  committees,  at  their  discretion, 
to  send  the  families  of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
after  them,  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Whereas  notwithstanding  the  gracious  promises  of  par- 
don and  invitations  given  to  the  rebellious  subjects  of  this 
State  who  have  joined  the  common  enemy  of  the  United 
States  of  North  America,  to  return  to  their  duly  and  the 
care  of  their  families,  many  of  them  do  still  obstinately 
continue  in  their  treason  and  rebellion  against  this  State 
and  in  strengthening  the  hands  of  the  common  enemy 
againsl  the  United  States  of  North  America:  And  where- 
as, considering  the  destitute  condition  of  the  families  of 
those  traitors  and  rebels,  they  must  necessarily  become  an 
intolerable  burden  to  the  districts  in  which  they  severally 
reside  :  It  is  therefore  hereby 

Resolved,  That  every  district  committee  within  this 
State  shall  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  at 
their  discretion  to  convey  and  transport  the  families  of  such 
traitors  and  rebels  as  aforesaid  out  of  such  parts  of  this 
State  as  are  not  within  the  power  of  the  enemy,  and  to 
allow  them  to  take  with  them  such  provisions,  wearing  ap- 
parel and  bedding  as  such  committee  shall  think  pro- 
per, and  no  other  property  whatsoever ;  and  that  every 


such  committee  be  and  is  hereby  empowered  to  impress 
such  horses,  carriages  and  vessels  as  they  shall  think  ne- 
cessary for  such  conveyance  and  transportation  as  afore- 
said. 

Colonel  Pawling  laid  before  the  Council  a  letter  from 
His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  at  Newburgh,  the 
sixth  instant,  whereby  His  Excellency  desires  Colonel 
Pawling  and  Colonel  Snyder  to  furnish  out  of  their  regi- 
ments, twenty  men  to  assist  in  raising  the  Continental  row 
galley  which  lies  sunk  in  the  Koundout  creek.  Colonels 
Pawling  and  Snyder  informed  the  Council  that  the  militia 
men  by  them  ordered  out  for  the  purpose,  complain  of  the 
service  as  being  not  properly  militia  duty,  unless  they  be 
allowed  extra  pay  for  their  services. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  militia  employed  in  raising  the  said 
Continental  row  galley,  ought  to  be  allowed  (exclusive  of 
rations)  eight  shillings  per  day,  and  that  the  Colonels  Paw- 
ling and  Snyder,  be  authorized  to  promise  them  pay  at 
that  rate. 

Then  the  Council  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning 
ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MERCURII,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  12,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr. 
Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  write  to  Colonel  Lasher 
and  request  his  attendance  without  delay  to  the  collecting 
and  placing  the  military  stores  of  this  State  (which  were 
removed  from  Kingston)  in  proper  places  of  safety. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper  and  Mr.  Pawling 
be  a  committee  to  devise  and  report  means  for  the  further 
introduction  of  salt  into  this  Stale  for  the  use  of  the  inha- 
ants  thereof. 

Council  adjourned  until  4  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  Mr.  Schoonmaker, 
Mr.  Philip  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Walter  Livingston,  Esq.  informed  the  Council  that  John 
Patterson,  Esquire,  late  deputy  collector  of  Philadelphia, 
and  now  a  prisoner  on  his  parol,  in  the  manor  of  Living- 
ston, requests  permission  to  go  to  Great  Britain  to  transact 
his  private  business  on  his  parol,  not  to  give  any  informa- 
tion that  may  be  prejudicial  to,  and  not  to  take  up  arms 
against  the  United  Slates,  during  the  present  war  ;  and  to 
surrender  himself  again,  whenever  required  by  the  execu- 
tive power  of  this  Slate.  Mr.  Livingston  likewise  inform- 
ed the  Council  of  Mr.  Patterson's  particular  reasons  for  mak- 
ing this  request.    The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  John  Patterson,  Esquire,  be  not  per- 
mitted to  repair  to  Great  Britain,  upon  the  terms  proposed 
by  him. 

Resolved,  notwithstanding,  That  this  Council  do  con- 
sent that  the  said  John  Patterson  be  exchanged  for  Major 
Hatfield,  Captain  Abraham  Van  Dvck,  William  Miller  of 
Westchester  county,  Garret  Van  Wagoner  and  Wynant 
Van  Zandt  of  the  city  of  New- York,  or  either  of  them 
now  in  the  power  of  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  John  Patterson,  Esqr.  be  permitted  to 
write  to  his  friends  in  New-York,  to  procure  an  exchange, 
and  transmit  his  letters  to  this  Council,  to  be  forwarded  to 
New- York,  by  a  flag. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1079 


Resolved,  That  if  such  exchange  can  be  effected,  that 
the  said  John  Patterson  be  permitted  to  take  with  him  his 
family,  (male  servants  excepted,)  and  effects. 

Upon  the  application  of  Joseph  Cox,  a  refugee,  from  the 
city  of  New-York, 

Resolved,  That  Colonel  Abraham  Van  Alstyne,  Colonel 
Cornelius  Humfrey,  and  Major  Isaac  Goes,  or  any  two  of 
them,  be  and  hereby  are  authorized  to  place  the  said  Jo- 
seph Cox  and  his  family  in  the  house  of  such  person, 
within  the  district  of  Kinderhook,  now  with  the  enemy,  as 
they  shall  think  proper ;  provided,  nevertheless,  that  suffi- 
cient room  be  left  for  the  reasonable  accommodation  of  the 
families  of  the  persons  so  gone  over  to  the  enemy  as  afore- 
said :  And 

Resolved,  further,  That  said  Abraham  Van  Alstyne,  Cor- 
nelius Humfrey  and  Isaac  Goes,  or  any  two  of  them  be 
and  they  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  in  like 
manner  to  place  the  families  of  any  other  refugees  who  are 
friends  to  the  United  Slates,  in  the  houses  of  any  other 
persons  within  the  said  district,  and  gone  to  the  enemy,  as 
they  may  think  proper. 

A  letter  from  William  Smith,  Esqr.  requesting  permis- 
sion to  go  to  the  city  of  New-York,  was  read,  and  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Manor  of  Livingston,  9th  Norr.  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  hitherto  born  up  against  the  mis- 
fortune of  being  a  prisoner  in  my  native  country,  from  a 
consciousness  that  I  have  ever  sought  her  welfare,  and  a 
persuasion  that  the  measure  owed  its  origin  not  to  any  sus- 
picion of  my  enmitv  to  her  interests,  but  to  views  of  ge- 
neral expediency.  Being  an  enemy  to  no  man,  I  have  a 
pleasure  in  believing  no  man  to  be  mine. 

"But  whatsoever  was  the  motive  to  it,  my  imprison- 
ment is  painful.  It  traverses  my  private  interest,  and  does 
violence  to  my  humanity,  and  tenderest  offices  of  affection. 
1  wrote  therefore  lately  to  Governor  Clinton,  to  prevent  my 
being  longer  separated  from  my  estate  at  Haverstraw, 
where  I  have  relations  who  are  great  sufferers,  and  my 
presence  is  wanting  for  their  succour,  and  the  recovery,  if 
possible,  of  my  plundered  effects. 

"  But  I  have  a  further  wish,  and  that  is,  to  repair  to  the 
capital,  not  only  to  answer  a  call  upon  me  for  aid  from  my 
daughter  in  England,  but  to  gralify  my  own  desire,  to  con- 
tribute towards  abating  the  acrimony  of  the  present  war, 
and  exciting  to  overiures  of  peace. 

"  I  flatter  mvself,  that  though  you  may  perhaps  suspect 
the  event  will  be  a  lesson  to  my  vanity,  you  will  never- 
theless perceive  the  impossibility  that  any  efforts  of  that 
kind  will  be  injurious  to  the  public. 

"  Except  furniture,  my  servants  and  such  conveniences 
as  I  shall  want  for  my  family  in  town,  I  leave  every  thing 
else  in  the  power  of  my  country.  All  I  have  upon  earih 
is  here,  as  a  pledge  for  my  attachment  to  her  interest.  If 
she  is  happy,  I  am  satisfied.  I  must  share  her  fortunes. 
If  she  is  ruined,  so  am  I. 

"  I  am  gentlemen, 

"  Your  most  obed.  servt. 

"  W.U.  SMITH." 

Resolved,  That  William  Smith's  request  be  n<  t  granted. 

A  letter  from  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  dated  the  tenth 
instant,  was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit : 

'•  Hermitage,  Manor  Livingston,  > 
"  \0th  November,  1777.  $ 
"  Gentm. — I  had  the  honour  of  your  favour  of  the  third 
inst.  ordering  the  salt  in  my  care  to  the  places  of  distribu- 
tion ;  being  the  first  order  I  have  received  by  which  I  could 
be  justified  in  sending  forward  the  salt,  as  your  order  of 
the  27th  August  empowered  me  only  to  send  it  to  Philip 
Spencer's  and  Major  Jansen's,  where  1,500  or  1,600  bush- 
els has  been  these  weeks  past.  I  immediately  ordered  out 
wagons  and  teams  to  bring  it  down  to  our  landing,  where 
I  expect  it  will  be  in  a  few  days  ;  I  acquainted  the  com- 
mittee of  this  county  therewith,  and  a  sloop  is  just  arrived 
to  lake  it  in :  shall  do  all  in  my  power  to  send  up  the  1 , 1 00 


bushels  for  this  county,  and  the  600  for  Tryon,  being  1 ,700 
by  this  conveyance.  There  are  slill  between  2  and  300 
bushels  on  the  road  between  this  and  Boston,  some  in  the 
Green  woods  ;  shall  do  my  utmost  to  hurry  it  on,  as  I  ex- 
pect soon  to  be  in  that  quarter.  My  account  is  ready  for 
auditing,  but  wait  for  the  remainder  of  the  salt  to  come  in. 
"  I  remain  with  great  respect,  gentlemen, 
"  Your  very  humb.  servant, 
"PETER  R.  LIVINGSTON." 
Resolved,  That  four  hundred  bushels  of  the  salt  pur- 
chased by  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  upon  the  public  ac- 
count, be  allowed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte, if  so  much  shall  remain  after  supplying  the  quantity 
allotted  for  the  counties  of  Albany  and  Tryon.  That  the 
committee  of  Charlotte  county  cause  the  said  salt  to  be 
sold  and  distributed,  and  that  the  same  be  paid  and  ac- 
counted for  to  the  Legislature  of  this  State  in  like  manner 
as  the  salt  allowed  to  other  counties  of  this  Stale  is  di- 
rected to  be  by  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety  for 
that  purpose,  passed  the  eighth  day  of  September  last. 
And 

Ordered,  That  Peter  R.  Livingston,  Esqr.  deliver  to  the 
said  committee  or  their  order,  or  to  John  Rowan,  Esqr. 
for  their  disposal  on  the  arrival  thereof,  the  salt  so  allotted 
to  the  said  county  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  James  McNeish  and  John 
Neisbett,  at  White  creek  in  Charlotte  county,  be,  and  are 
hereby  appointed  commissioners,  together  with  Aaron  Ful- 
ler of  Skeensborough,  in  the  said  county,  for  selling  and 
disposing  of  the  effects  of  such  disaffected  persons  as  have 
gone  from  the  said  county  and  joined  the  enemy  ;  that  the 
said  commissioners  be,  and  are  hereby  vested  with  the  like 
powers  and  authorities,  governed  by  the  regulations  pre- 
scribed by  the  several  resolutions  of  Convention  and  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  for  the  commissioners  in  the  other  counties 
of  this  State. 

Council  adjourned  until  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  13,  1777. 

Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr  Harper,  Mr.  Benson.  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  W.  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Zacharias  Gernwyck,  from  the  committee  in  the  eastern 
part  of  Claverack  district,  attending,  was  admitted,  and 
delivered  to  the  Council  a  copy  of  ceitain  resolutions  of  the 
said  committee,  which  were  read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"In  Committee  in  the  eastern  part  of  Claverack  District, 
November  10,  1777. 

" Members  present — Stephen  Kinne,  Chairman;  Cristjaan  Reah,  Jo- 
hannis  Hageboom,  Jur.  Thomas  McKinslry,  Stephen  Graves,  Zacharias 
Gernryck. 

"Thomas  Storm  being  ordered  to  appear  before  this  com- 
mittee, accordingly  appeared.  Being  requested  by  the 
chairman  to  give  information  under  oath,  concerning  public 
matters,  which  he  refused.  As  it  was  doubtful  to  this  com- 
mittee, and  had  been  for  some  time,  whether  or  no  the  said 
Thos.  Storm  was  a  faithful  subject  to  the  State  and  the 
measures  pursued  for  the  public  safety,  he  was  requested 
to  take  an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New-York, 
which  he  also  refused,  with  questioning  the  authority  of 
this  committee  as  to  their  present  appointment,  &c.  &c. 

"Resolved,  That  Mr.  Zacharias  Gernwyck,  one  of  the 
members  of  this  committee,  being  ordered  to  take  the  said 
Thomas  Storm  into  custody  and  convey  him  to  the  Ho- 
nourable the  Council  of  Safely  for  the  State  of  New-York, 
together  with  a  copv  of  these  proceedings,  in  order  for  their 
disposal  of  the  said  Thomas  Storm,  &c.  &c. 

"  The  committee  then  proceeded  taking  into  considera- 
tion the  losses  this  Slate  sustain,  occasioned  through 


1080 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


neglect  of  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  to  act  in  this 
part  of  the  county  of  Albany,  notwithstanding  the  re- 
peated requisitions  of  this  committee,  as  it  was  well  known 
to  them  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  their  district  as 
well  as  in  the  neighbouring  districts,  have  absconded  and 
joined  our  inveterate  enemies.  So  clearly  is  this  proved, 
as  that  numbers  of  them  have  been  seen  in  the  army  under 
the  command  of  Lieut.  General  Burgoyne,  at  the  time 
when  he,  with  his  whole  army,  in  consequence  of  a  treaty, 
laid  down  their  arms  and  surrendered  themselves  to  Gene- 
ral Gales  at  Saratoga.  Some  of  those  estates  are  daily 
wasting  and  going  to  destruction,  while  others  are  taken 
into  custody  and  carried  off  by  evil  designed  persons  and 
made  use  of  for  many  bad  purposes,  against  the  United 
States  of  America,  and  by  such  persons  whose  conduct 
does  not  appear  to  be  better  than  those  who  had  gone  off 
and  joined  our  enemies,  &c. 
"  It  being  therefore 

"  Resolved,  That  this  committee  send  an  express  im- 
mediately to  the  Council  of  Safety  in  order  to  acquaint 
them  of  the  commissioners'  neglect  to  act  in  their  appoint- 
ment in  this  part  of  the  county,  and  that  some  effects  are 
already  taken  and  secured  by  order  of  this  committee ;  some 
in  the  west  part  of  this  district  have  been  taken  and  se- 
cured, and  still  remain  in  custody  so  long  ago  as  last  spring. 
This  committee  is  of  opinion  that  unless  they  proceed  im- 
mediately to  seize  and  take  into  custody,  the  personal  pro- 
perty of  all  such  persons  as  have  absconded  and  joined  our 
enemies,  that  many  of  the  movable  effects  of  such  per- 
sons will  be  conveyed  and  concealed  in  such  places  where 
they  cannot  easily  be  found,  if  ever,  which  will  be  an  un- 
doubted loss  to  this  Stale.  This  committee  being  sensible 
at  the  same  time  that  they  are  not  properly  authorized  for 
the  above  purpose,  nevertheless,  taking  into  consideration 
the  necessity  of  acting  in  this  case  for  the  public  interest 
of  the  State,  and  at  the  same  time  to  prevent  such  fraudu- 
lent proceedings;  this  committee  do  also  further  resolve 
that  they  will  be  ready  at  any  time  hereafter  to  render  an 
account  of  their  proceedings  herein,  together  with  the  goods 
so  taken,  or  proceeds  in  money,  if  sold,  whenever  thereunto 
requested  by  the  Council  of  Safety,  Legislature  of  this 
State,  or  the  commissioners  of  sequestration,  when  pro- 
perly qualified  for  that  purpose,  agreeably  to  the  several 
resolutions  of  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-York, 
or  any  other  person  or  persons  who  shall  be  empowered 
by  the  Council  of  Safety  for  that  purpose. 

"  Bv  order  of  Committee, 
"STEPHEN  KINNE,  Chairman." 

The  said  Thomas  Storm  being  called  in  and  heard,  and 
being  charged  by  the  said  Zacharias  Gernryck  with  very 
contumelious  and  affronlive  treatment  to  ihe  whole  com- 
mittee of  Claverack,  acknowledged  the  several  particulars 
as  charged  against  him,  and  also  his  having  refused  to  give 
any  information  on  oath  to  the  said  committee,  or  to  take 
an  oath  of  allegiance  to  this  State, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Thomas  Storm 
pay  to  said  Zacharias  Gernryck  five  pounds,  for  his  trou- 
ble and  disbursements  in  conducting  the  said  Thomas  to 
this  place  and  returning  home  ;  and  that  the  said  Thomas 
continue  at  this  place  on  his  parol,  not  to  depart  until  fur- 
ther order. 

Which  parole  he  immediately  gave. 

The  Council  then  came  to  a  farther  determination  on  the 
said  resolutions  of  the  committee  of  Claverack,  in  the  words 
following,  to  wit : 

Sundry  resolutions  of  the  eastern  part  of  ihe  district  of 
Claverack,  in  the  county  of  Albany,  of  the  10th  instant, 
was  laid  before  the  Council,  whereby  it  appears,  that  in 
consequence  of  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  not  hav- 
ing taken  upon  them  the  execution  of  their  office,  the  said 
committee  had  seized  and  secured  the  effects,  in  their  dis- 
trict, of  several  persons  now  with  the  enemy. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  do  highly  approve  of  the 
conduct  of  the  said  committee,  and  do  hereby  confirm  the 


proceedings  of  the  said  committee  in  seizing  and  securing 
such  effects. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  committee,  as  to  the  estates 
and  effects  within  their  district,  of  persons  voluntarily  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  be  vested  wiih  all  the  powers  and  au- 
thorities granted  to  commissioners  of  sequestration,  by  the 
resolutions  of  any  Convention  or  Council  of  Safely  of  this 
State. 

Thomas  Collins,  at  his  request,  was  admitted  to  take 
an  oath  of  allegiance  to  the  State,  which  he  did  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I,  Thomas  Collins,  of  New  Perth  district,  in  Char- 
lotte county,  yeoman,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare,  in 
the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  bear  true  faith 
and  allegiance  to  the  State  of  New-York,  and  that  I  will, 
in  all  things,  do  my  duty  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of 
the  said  Slate  ought  to  do,  so  help  me  God.  Dated  this 
14th  day  of 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  as  one  of  the  Secreta- 
ries, give  to  the  said  Thomas  Collins  a  certificate  of  his 
having  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  a  discharge,  to  re- 
main at  home  in  peace,  he  behaving  as  becometh  a  good 
subject  of  this  State. 

Permission  is  given  by  the  Council  to  Elizabeth  Pettit, 
the  wife  of  Thomas  Pettit,  with  her  four  children  and  two 
grand  children,  to  proceed  to  His  Excellency  the  Gover- 
nor, in  order  to  obtain  his  permission  to  go  to  New-York, 
and  to  take  with  her  her  negro  woman  slave. 

Council  adjourned  till  4  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jo  vis,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  13,  1777. 
The  Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dnnscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Rowan. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  14,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Benson — (quorum. 

The  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  thirty-first  of  July 
last,  relative  to  the  recruiting  of  the  Continental  regiments 
raised  in  this  State,  were  again  read. 

The  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  seventeenth  of  Octo- 
ber last,  on  the  same  subject,  were  again  read. 

The  resolutions  of  Congress  of  the  twenty-eighth  of  Au- 
gust last,  relative  to  the  people  called  Quakers,  were  again 
read. 

The  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  third  of  September 
last,  for  procuring  military  stores  and  necessaries  for  the 
use  of  the  militia  of  the  State,  was  again  read. 

The  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  fourteenth  day  of  Oc- 
tober last,  relative  to  prizes,  was  again  read. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  all  the  said  resolutions  be  deli- 
vered to  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Benson,  who  are  hereby  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  consider  and  report  thereon. 

Whereas,  by  reason  of  the  absence  of  the  family  of  Pe- 
ter Pra  Van  Zandt,  Esqr.  one  of  the  members  of  this 
Council,  and  his  constant  attendance  at  the  same,  he  lost 
the  opportunity  of  getting  his  proportion  of  the  public  salt 
lately  distributed  at  Kingston  :  And  whereas  his  neces- 
sary attendance  at  this  Council  will  render  it  impossible 
for  him  to  procure  his  proportion  out  of  the  salt  to  be  dis- 
tributed in  the  lower  part  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  for  want 
of  which  his  numerous  family  of  sixteen  persons  will  be 
greatly  distressed, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  William  Radlif,  one  of  the 
commissioners,  furnish  the  said  Peter  Pra  Van  Zandt, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1081 


Esquire,  with  his  proportion  of  salt,  agreeably  to  his  certi- 
ficate. 

Adjourned  until  this  afternoon  4  o'clock. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  14,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker.  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb, 
Mr.  Benson — Quorum. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  compensate  Mr.  Oliver  for 
the  use  made  of  his  room  by  this  Council,  not  exceeding 
one  dollar  per  day. 

Ordered,  That  Samuel  Dodge,  Esquire,  chairman  of 
the  county  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  do  transmit  co- 
pies of  the  resolutions  of  this  Council  of  the  eleventh  in- 
stant, prohibiting  the  exportation  of  flour,  to  the  chairmen 
of  the  committees  of  the  respective  districts  in  Dutchess 
county,  by  express,  and  transmit  his  account  of  disburse- 
ments for  that  service  to  the  Auditor-General,  to  be  audited 
for  payment,  and  that  the  State  will  defray  the  necessary 
expense  of  sending  such  expresses. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  be  and  is  hereby  adjourned 
to  meet  at  the  town  of  Hurly,  on  Monday  morning  next,  at 
ten  o'clock. 


DIE  MARTIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  18,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Harper — Quorum. 
Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  Mr.  Lott,  Mr.  Clarke. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  Legget,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the 
county  committee  of  Westchester  county,  dated  the  12th 
inst.  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  In  Committee  for  Westchester  county.  ) 
"  Bedford,  12th  November,  1777.  $ 
"  To  the  Honble.  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  Gentlemen — The  good  inhabitants  of  this  county 
have  been  informed  by  the  resolutions  of  Convention,  that 
there  was  salt  procured  to  be  distributed  among  the  good 
inhabitants  thereof.  This  committee  have  applied  to  Mr. 
James  Reed,  who  was  appointed  a  commissioner  to  deliver 
said  salt  to  the  different  committees  in  this  State,  and  we 
find  the  salt  can  not  be  procured  at  present.  We  have  ap- 
pointed Mr.  Nathaniel  Bouton  to  wait  on  your  Honourable 
Board  to  see  by  what  means  the  salt  can  be  had,  as  the 
inhabitants  of  this  county  are  in  a  distressed  situation  for 
want  of  that  article.  We  hope  your  Honourable  Board 
will  order  said  salt  to  Mr.  Reed's  store  as  soon  as  may  be, 
or  give  such  orders  as  this  committee  may  receive  the  pro- 
portion for  this  county  at  Simsbury,  where  we  understand 
the  salt  now  is. 

"  By  order  of  committee, 

"  ABM.  LEGGETT,  Chairn." 

Whereas  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  one  of  the  agents 
to  purchase  salt  for  the  use  of  this  State,  having  repre- 
sented to  this  Council,  that  there  is  a  considerable  quantity 
of  the  said  salt  now  at  Simsbury  and  other  places  to  the 
eastward  of  the  Green  woods,  and  that  he  can  not  possi- 
bly procure  teams  to  transport  the  same  to  the  several  pla- 
ces within  this  State,  where  the  same  is  directed  to  be 
deposited  :  And  whereas  the  committee  of  the  county  of 
Westchester  having,  by  their  petition  to  this  Council,  re- 
quested to  receive  at  Simsbury  the  quantity  of  the  salt  al- 
lotted to  the  said  county,  to  be  distributed  and  paid  for, 
agreeably  to  the  resolutions  of  the  late  Council  of  Safety 
of  this  State,  passed  the  eighth  day  of  September  last : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  be 
authorized  and  required  to  deliver  five  hundred  bushels  of 
the  salt,  (being  the  quantity  allotted  to  the  said  county)  pur- 
chased by  him  for  the  use  of  this  State,  and  now  lodged 

271 


to  the  eastward  of  the  Green  woods,  to  the  order  of  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  county  of  Westchester. 

Resolved,  That  this  State  will  defray  the  expense  of 
transporting  the  said  salt  from  the  several  places  where 
the  same  shall  be  delivered  to  the  said  chairman  or  his 
order,  to  the  two  several  places  of  distribution  in  the  said 
county ;  and  that  the  said  chairman  produce  his  account, 
with  his  vouchers  of  such  expense,  to  the  Auditor-General 
of  this  State,  who  is  directed  to  audit  the  same  for  pay- 
ment. 

Mr.  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Junr.  of  Ulster  county,  having 
applied  for  a  permit  to  transport  four  casks  of  flour  to  some 
of  the  eastern  States,  in  order  to  procure  salt,  was  called 
in,  and  took  an  oath  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  I,  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Junr.  of  Ulster  county,  in  the 
State  of  New-York,  do  solemnly  swear,  in  the  presence  of 
Almighty  God,  that  I  will  use  my  utmost  endeavours  to 
purchase  salt  for  the  amount  or  value  of  such  quantity  of 
flour  as  I  may  be  permitted  to  transport  out  of  this  State 
to  any  of  the  eastern  States. 

"  Dated  this  eighteenth  day  of  November,  1777. 

"  A.  HASBROUCK,  Junr." 

Mr.  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Junr.  of  Ulster  county,  in  the 
State  of  New- York,  having  made  oath  before  this  Council 
that  he  will  use  his  utmost  endeavours  to  purchase  salt  for 
the  amount  or  value  of  such  quantity  of  flour  as  he  may 
be  permitted  to  transport  out  of  this  Slate  to  any  of  the 
eastern  States  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Abraham  Has- 
brouck, Junr.  be  and  is  hereby  permitted  to  transport  four 
casks  of  flour  to  any  of  the  eastern  United  States,  to  pur- 
chase or  procure  salt ;  and  that  he  report  to  this  Council 
the  quantity  of  salt  he  shall  have  brought  into  this  State, 
in  return  for  the  said  flour. 

Joseph  Bean,  of  Rockingham  county,  in  the  State  of 
New-Hampshire,  applied  for  leave  to  export  three  thou- 
sand six  hundred  weight  of  flour  for  fifty  bushels  of  salt, 
which  he  made  oath  that  he  had  brought  into  this  State. 

Thereupon,  a  permit  was  given  to  him  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  The  bearer,  Mr.  Joseph  Bean,  of  Rockingham,  in  the 
State  of  New-Hampshire,  innholder,  having  made  oath 
before  this  Council,  that  he  has  brought  into  this  State 
fifty  bushels  of  salt,  part  of  which  is  sold  and  delivered  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  in  Dutchess  county,  and  that 
he  will  dispose  of  the  residue  thereof  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  State  : 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  Joseph  Bean  be 
and  is  hereby  permitted  to  transport  three  thousand  six 
hundred  weight  of  flour,  in  two  teams,  out  of  this  State  to 
any  of  the  eastern  United  States." 

The  case  and  application  of  John  Patterson,  Esqr.  was 
taken  in  consideration,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  members 
being  given,  the  furiher  consideration  thereof  was  post- 
poned until  this  afternoon. 

Adjourned  until  3  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Martis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  November  18,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Harper. — Quorum. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  Mr.  Lott,  Mr.  Clarke. 

Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  in  behalf  of  John  Patterson, 
Esqr.  represented  to  the  Council  that  it  was  very  impro- 
bable Mr.  Patterson  would  succeed  in  his  application  by 
letter  for  an  exchange,  though  he  doubtless  would  effect  it,  if 
he  was  indulged  in  going  to  New-York  in  person. 

That  Mr.  Patterson  was  willing  to  engage  on  his  parol 
of  honour,  not  to  give  any  advice  or  information,  any  wise 
relative  to  the  present  controversy  between  the  United 
States  of  America  and  Great  Britain,  or  serve  in  any  mili- 


1082 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


tary  capacity  whatsoever,  until  duly  exchanged  with  the 
consent  and  approbation  of  the  executive  power  of  this 
Stale  ;  and  Mr.  Livingston  offering  to  become  bound  as 
security  for  Mr.  Patterson,  that  he  would  appear  and  sur- 
render himself  again  as  a  prisoner,  whenever  required  by 
the  Governor  of  this  State,  unless  duly  exchanged  for  either 
of  the  persons  mentioned  in  the  resolutions  of  this  Council 
of  the  twelfth  instant,  or  such  other  person  as  the  Gover- 
nor of  this  State  shall  appoint. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration  :  Thereupon, 
Resolved,  That  John  Patterson,  Esqr.  be  permitted  to 
pass  to  the  city  of  New-York  with  his  family  (male  ser- 
vants excepted)  and  effects,  upon  the  terms  above  pro- 
posed. 

Resolved,  That  the  bond  from  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr. 
for  the  purpose  above  mentioned,  be  in  the  penalty  of  five 
hundred  pounds,  and  be  taken  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State. 

Resolved,  That  Anthony  Hoffman,  Esquire,  be  autho- 
rized to  take  the  above  parol  from  Mr.  Patterson,  and  that 
he  transmit  the  same  when  subscribed  by  Mr.  Patterson 
to  His  Excellency  the  Governor  of  this  State. 

Thereupon,  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr. executed  such  bond 
as  aforesaid,  which  bond,  with  the  condition,  is  in  the 
words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Know  all  men  by  these  presents,  That  I,  Walter  Li- 
vingston, Esqr.  of  the  manor  of  Livingston,  in  the  State  of 
New- York,  am  held  and  firmly  bound  unto  Peter  Van 
Brugh  Livingston,  Treasurer  of  the  said  State,  in  the  sum 
of  five  hundred  pounds  lawful  money  of  the  said  State,  to 
be  paid  to  the  said  Peter  Van  Brugh  Livingston,  his  ex- 
ecutors, administrators,  or  assigns,  for  the  use  of  the  said 
State.  For  payment  whereof  I  bind  myself,  my  heirs,  ex- 
ecutors and  administrators,  firmly  by  these  presents,  sealed 
with  my  seal,  dated  the  eighteenth  day  of  November,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-seven,  1777  : 

"  Whereas  John  Patterson,  Esquire,  late  collector  of 
the  port  of  Philadelphia,  and  now  a  prisoner  in  the  manor 
of  Livingston,  hath,  upon  his  application,  obtained  permis- 
sion from  the  Council  of  Safely  of  this  State,  to  pass  to 
the  city  of  New- York,  to  solicit  an  exchange  of  himself  for 
Major  Hatfield,  Captain  Van  Dyck,  William  Miller  of 
Westchester  county,  Garret  Van  Wagenen  and  Wynant 
Van  Zandt  of  the  city  of  New-York,  or  either  of  them,  or 
such  other  person  as  the  Governor  of  this  Slate  for  the 
time  being,  shall  appoint :  And  whereas  the  above  boun- 
den  Walter  Livingston,  Esqr.  hath  consented  to  become 
bound  as  surety  for  the  said  John  Patterson,  that  in  case 
such  exchange  can  not  be  effected,  that  he  the  said  John 
Patterson  will  appear  and  surrender  himself  again  a  priso- 
ner. Now  therefore,  the  condition  of  the  above  obligation 
is  such  that  if  the  said  John  Patterson  shall  not  be  ex- 
changed for  the  said  Major  Hatfield,  Captain  Abraham  Van 
Dyck,  William  Miller  of  Westchester  county,  Gerret  Van 
Wagenen  and  Wynant  Van  Zandt  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  or  either  of  them,  or  such  other  person  as  the  Go- 
vernor of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  shall  appoint,  and  shall 
then  appear  and  surrender  himself  again  to  the  Governor 
of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  whenever  thereunto  re- 
quired by  the  Governor  of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  or 
within  four  months  after  notice  of  such  requisition  to  the 
said  Walter  Livingston,  tlten  the  above  obligation  to  be 
void,  else  to  remain  in  full  force. 

"  WALTER  LIVINGSTON,  [l.  s.] 
"  Sealed  and  delivered  in  the  ) 
presence  of  $ 

"  Rodt.  Benson, 
"John  McKesson." 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  3  ho.  P.  M. 


DIE  MERCURII,  3  ho.  p.  m. 

November  19,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr  Snyder,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb. — Quorum. 

Mr.  Clark. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was  read, 
and  is  in  the  words  following,  vizt  : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  17 th  Novr.  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — The  ship  carpenters,  residing  in  and 
about  this  place,  who  were  employed  in  building  the  two 
Continental  frigates,  have  some  time  ago  presented  me  a 
petition,  setting  forth  their  distressed  situation,  which  I 
intended  to  have  transmitted  you  ;  but,  before  I  had  an  op- 
portunity, it  was  mislaid,  and  I  have  not  since  been  able  to 
find  it.  It  sets  forth,  in  substance,  that  they  were  all  citi- 
zens of  New-York,  who,  while  in  the  cily,  supported  their 
families  comfortably  by  their  trades  ;  that  they  all  either 
moved  up  to  this  place,  at  the  instance  of  the  public  to 
work  on  those  ships,  or  afterwards  on  the  approach  of  the 
enemy  ;  that  almost  ever  since  the  completion  of  the 
frigates,  they  have  been  out  of  employ,  during  which  time 
they  have  expended  their  earnings  in  support  of  their  fami- 
lies, and  unless  some  mode  can  be  devised  to  employ  them, 
and  such  wages  allowed,  as  shall  be  in  some  degree  pro- 
portionate to  the  high  prices  they  are  obliged  to  pay  for 
the  necessary  articles  of  life,  they  will  be  constrained 
(though  with  great  reluctance)  to  leave  the  Slate. 

"  I  am  convinced  their  case  is  hard,  and  at  the  same 
time  sensible  that  if  so  many  valuable  artificers  leave  the 
State,  it  will  he  a  public  injury.  I  wish,  therefore,  some- 
thing could  be  done,  to  enable  them  to  continue  in  it.  I 
have  wrote  to  the  deputy  quarter-master-general,  mention- 
ing their  case  to  him  ;  but  I  fear  the  wages  he  is  authoriz- 
ed to  give  is  not  such  as  they  can  live  on  at  this  extrava- 
gant time.  I  have  but  little  hopes,  therefore,  of  their 
getting  relief  in  that  way,  and  unless  the  Council  can  de- 
vise some  plan  by  which  they  can  be  employed  with  more 
generous  wages,  I  fear  we  shall  lose  them.  I  can  not  help 
but  think  it  would  be  wise  policy,  and  perfectly  consistent 
with  justice,  to  place  those  people,  and  others  of  our  dis- 
tressed friends,  in  the  houses  of  those  villains  who  have 
gone  to  the  enemy,  which  alone  would  enable  them  to  sup- 
port themselves  and  families  on  moderate  wages. 

"  The  want  of  tools,  and  the  sloth  of  the  militia,  which 
is  as  great  as  ever,  occasion  our  works  to  go  on  very 
slow. 

"  I  am,  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  Council  of  Safety." 

Lancaster  Burling,  a  master  carpenter,  who  was  the 
bearer  of  the  said  letter,  was  called  in  and  heard.  He  said 
he  did  not  know  of  any  business  in  which  the  ship  carpen- 
ters could  be  employed,  unless  in  cutting  timber  or  making 
bridges. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry  deliver  out  of  the 
clothing  store  of  this  state  to  John  Holt,  printer,  or  Eliza- 
beth Holt,  or  his  or  her  order,  three  shirts,  one  waistcoat, 
two  pair  of  shoes,  and  two  pair  of  breeches,  or  so  much 
cloth  as  to  make  two  pair  of  breeches,  the  same  effects 
being  for  the  use  of  his  journeyman  and  servant  boy.  That 
Mr.  Henry  deliver  the  said  articles  on  receiving  payment 
for  the  amount  of  the  value  thereof,  and  credit  this  State 
for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry  deliver  out  of  the 
clothing  store  of  this  State  to  Caplain  Abraham  Lewis,  for 
the  use  of  himself  and  his  lieutenant,  two  waistcoats,  two 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1083 


pair  of  shoes,  and  two  pair  of  breeches,  or  so  much  cloth 
as  to  make  two  pair  of  breeches.  That  Mr.  Heniy  deliver 
the  said  articles  on  receiving  payment  for  the  amount  there- 
of, and  credit  this  Slate  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Benson  reported  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General 
Gates,  requesting  ihe  General  to  aid  Captain  Benson  in 
securing  the  armed  sloop  Hudson,  (belonging  to  this  slate,) 
against  the  ice  at  Albany.  The  same  being  read,  was  ap- 
proved of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Upon  the  late  pressing  call  for  flour  from  the 
northern  army,  we  ordered  a  sloop  of  war  belonging  to 
this  state,  as  there  were  not  a  sufficient  number  of  other 
vessels  to  be  procured,  to  take  a  quantity  on  board  and 
transport  it  to  Albany.  While  employed  in  this  service, 
she  lately,  in  one  of  ihe  high  winds,  drove  from  ihe  wharf, 
and  now  lies  aground  opposite  the  city  in  a  very  dangerous 
situation.  We  have  directed  Captain  Benson,  the  com- 
mander, immediately  lo  repair  to  Albany  and  endeavour  10 
have  her  secured  against  the  approaching  winter ;  and  we 
have  taken  the  liberty  of  recommending  him  to  you  for  such 
aid  from  the  army  as  may  be  necessary  for  this  purpose. 

"  Though  from  your  readiness,  sir,  to  promote  the  public 
cause  on  all  occasions,  we  have  no  doubt  but  lhat  you  will 
furnish  Captain  Benson  with  all  the  assistance  in  your 
power,  in  order  to  save  a  vessel  so  much  wanted  on  the 
river,  being  the  only  one  armed ;  but  we  conceive  it  also 
not  improper  to  suggest,  that  should  she  now  be  lost,  she 
will  be  deemed  ost  in  the  service  of  the  Slates,  and  conse- 
quently become  a  Continental  charge. 

"  I  am,  with  great  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedient  humble  servant. 
'•'  To  the  Honorable  Major  Gent  Gates." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed 
by  the  President  pro  tempore,  and  transmitted  by  Captain 
Benson. 

A  letter  from  John  Barclay,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee of  Albany,  dated  the  12lh  of  Nov.  instant,  was  read, 
and  follows,  vizt. 

•  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  12th  Novr  1777. 

"  Sir — In  consequence  of  the  request  of  the  Committee 
of  Safety,  signified  by  your  favour  of  the  7th  instant,  this 
committee  have  made  inquiry  for  a  room  in  this  cily  which 
may  answer  the  purpose  of  depositing  the  records  of  this 
State  with  safety. 

"  They  are  happy  to  acquaint  you  that  Mr.  Abraham 
Douw,  a  gentleman  of  respect  in  this  city,  is  willing  lo 
spare  a  room  in  a  lower  story  in  his  house  for  that  pur- 
pose, and  at  the  same  time  furnish  boarding  for  Mr.  Bay- 
ard. This  house  is  nearly  in  the  centre  of  ihe  city,  and 
will  theiefore  afford  security  against  attempts  of  secret 
enemies. 

"  The  committee  have  also  to  request  the  favour  of  the 
Council  to  remove  to  this  city  the  rt  cords  of  the  cily  and 
county  of  Albany,  as  also  the  records  of  this  county  com- 
mittee. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obed't  servt. 

"  By  order. 
'■  JOHN  BARCLAY,  Chairman. 
"  To  the  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety." 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry  deliver  out  of  the 
clothing  siore  of  this  Stale  to  Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  or  his 
order,  one  shirt,  one  pair  of  hose  of  the  coarsest  kind,  for 
the  use  of  a  negro  wounded  prisoner  now  at  Rhinbeeck- 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow,  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  A.  M. 

November  20,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Webster — Quorum. 
Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Philip  Livingston. 


The  Council  having  sat  and  considered  different  matters 
until  half  an  hour  past  twelve  o'clock,  adjourned  until 
three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Die  Jovis,  3  ho.  P.  M.  November  29,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Rancker,  Esq.  President  pro  tern 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Scott — Quorum. 

Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston. 

Ordered,  That  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Esqr.  and  Mr.  Oke 
Suydam,  deliver  to  Christopher  Tappen,  Esq.  deputy  clerk 
of  the  county  of  Ulster,  the  records  and  papers  of  the  said 
county  which  were  committed  lo  their  care  by  an  order  of 
this  Council  of  the  ninth  of  October  last  past. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto  Mr. 
Andrew  Oliver  the  sum  of  fifteen  dollars,  as  a  compensa- 
tion for  the  use  made  of  his  house  by  this  Council,  during 
their  silting  at  Marble  Town. 

Abraham  Burghardt,  of  Barrington,  in  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  (who  was  taken  a  prisoner  last  spring 
at  or  near  Ramepough,  as  he  was  coming  from  the  enemy, 
in  the  cily  of  New-York,)  was  solemnly  sworn  before  the 
Council  "  lhat  he  will,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  main- 
tain and  defend  the  freedom  and  independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America,"  and  was  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  one  ol  the  Secretaries  give  him  a  cer- 
tificate of  his  having  taken  the  said  oath,  and  a  discharge, 
and  permission  lo  return  to  Barrington  aforesaid. 

Mr.  Livingston  departed  the  Council. 

Mr.  Scott,  according  to  order,  reported  a  draft  of  a  reso- 
lution, prescribing  the  terms  on  which  flour  and  meal  may 
be  exported  from  this  State  to  the  eastern  States. 

The  same  were  twice  read,  and  then  read  by  paragraphs 
and  amended,  and  the  further  consideration  thereof  post- 
poned until  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  unlil  to-morrow  morning  10  ho.  A.  M. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10 ho.  a.m. 

November  21,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster — Quorum. 

Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  E.  Clark. 

Thomas  Storm,  of  Dutchess  county,  applied  for  a  permit 
to  transport  flour  to  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  return  for  salt; 
and  for  that  purpose  made  oath  as  follows,  vizt: 

"  Thomas  Storm,  of  Fishkill,  in  Dutchess  county,  being 
duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty  God,  de- 
posethand  saith,  That  within  twomonlhs  last  past,  Ebenczer 
Hall,  of  Water  Town,  in  the  Stale  of  Masachusetts  Bay, 
Ebenezer  Child,  Joseph  Kettle  and  William  Stimpson,  all 
of  Boston,  in  Massachusetts  Bay  aforesaid,  have  brought 
into  Dutchess  county  about  three  hundred  bushels  of  salt, 
the  greater  part  whereof  has  been  sold  to  the  inhabitants 
of  this  Stale  ;  that  the  said  Ebenezer  Hall  and  ihe  other 
three  persons  above  named,  exchanged  part  of  the  said  salt 
for  flour,  and  sold  other  parts  of  it  for  cash  ;  that  by  ex- 
change, and  with  cash  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  said 
salt,  the  said  Ebenezer  Hall,  Ebenezer  Child,  Joseph  Ket- 
tle and  William  Stimpson,  have  in  the  whole  procured  in 
this  Slate  a  quaniily  of  flour  not  exceeding  two  hundred 
barrels  ;  two  cart  loads  whereof  has,  in  pursuance  of  the 
embargo  laid  bv  the  Council  of  Safely  of  this  Stale,  been 
detained  by  ihe  committee  of  Pawling's  precinct;  arid  that 
a  quantity  of  the  said  flour  remains  in  stores,  and  at  a  mill 
in  Dutchess  county,  not  amounting  to  one  hundred  and 
fifty  barrels  ;  lhat  ihe  whole  of  the  said  two  hundred  bar- 
rels of  flour  did  not  amount  to  the  value  of  the  salt  brought 
into  Dutchess  county  by  the  said  Ebenezer  Hall,  Ebenezer 
Child,  Joseph  Keltle  and  William  Slimpson,  and  sold  to 
the  inhabiiants  of  this  State  part  of  the  said  salt,  having 


1084 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


been  exchanged  for  iron,  and  a  small  part  of  it  for  hemp ; 
and  the  said  Thomas  Storm  farther  deposeth  and  sailh, 
that  no  greater  quantity  of  flour  or  meal  shall  be  exported 
out  of  this  State  in  return  for  the  said  salt  than  such  quan- 
tity as  a  permit  may  be  given  by  the  Council  of  Safety  of 
this  State  to  be  exported  on  account  thereof. 

"THOS.  STORM. 
"  Sworn  this  21st  day  of  November,  > 
1777,  before  me.  ji 

"Evert  Bancker,  Prest.pro  tern." 

Whereas  Thomas  Storm,  of  Fishkill,  in  Dutchess 
county,  has  made  oath  before  this  Council,  that  Ebenezer 
Hall,  of  Water  Town,  in  Massachusetts  Bay,  Ebenezer 
Child,  Joseph  Kettle  and  William  Stimpson,  all  of  Boston, 
in  Massachusetts  Bay  aforesaid,  have  within  two  months 
last  past  brought  into  Dutchess  county  about  three  hundred 
bushels  of  salt,  the  greater  part  whereof  has  been  sold  to 
or  bartered  with  the  inhabitants  of  this  State ;  that  by  ex- 
change and  with  cash  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  said  salt, 
they  have  in  the  whole  procured  in  this  State  a  quantity  of 
flour  not  exceeding  two  hundred  barrels  ;  that  the  said  two 
hundred  barrels  of  flour  does  not  amount  to  the  value  of 
the  said  salt  brought  into  Dutchess  county,  by  the  said 
Ebenezer  Hall,  Ebenezer  Child,  Joseph  Kettle  and  Wil- 
liam Stimpson,  and  sold  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  State  ; 
and  the  said  Thomas  Storm  hath  farther  made  oath,  that  no 
greater  quantity  of  flour  or  meal  shall  be  exported  out  of 
this  State  in  return  for  the  said  salt,  than  such  quantity  as 
a  permit  may  be  given  by  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this 
Slate,  to  be  exported  on  account  thereof. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  Thomas  Storm  be 
and  is  hereby  permitted  to  transport  out  of  this  State  two 
hundred  barrels  of  flour,  including  forty-eight  barrels  of 
flour  which  he  has  already  sent  from  Fishkill,  on  eight 
carts,  for  the  use  of  the  said  Ebenezer  Hall,  Ebenezer 
Child,  Joseph  Kettle  and  William  Stimpson,  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay  aforesaid. 

Adjourned  until  4  ho.  P.  M. 

Die  Veneris,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  21,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Webster — Quorum. 
Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  E.  Clark. 

The  Council  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  draft  of 
the  resolutions  prescribing  the  terms  on  which  flour  and 
meal  may  be  exported  from  this  State  to  the  eastern 
States,  which  being  read,  amended  and  agreed  to,  are  as 
follows,  vizt : 

Whereas,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  embargo  lately 
laid  by  this  Council  against  the  exportation  of  flour,  meal 
or  grain  out  of  this  State,  those  articles  may  be  exported 
from  the  same  by  special  licence  of  this  Council  or  the 
Legislature  of  this  State  :  And  whereas  all  due  encou- 
ragement ought  to  be  given  for  the  importation  of  salt  into 
the  same  at  as  moderate  a  price  as  possible  :  And  where- 
as this  valuable  end  as  well  as  that  of  supplying  our  breth- 
ren in  the  eastern  States  with  bread  or  other  flour  victuals 
for  their  necessary  consumption  on  shore  and  on  board 
their  vessels  in  their  voyages  and  in  their  cruises  against 
the  enemy,  cannot  be  obtained  without  a  permission  to  ex- 
port flour  and  meal :  And  whereas  it  is  requisite  never- 
theless, in  order  to  prevent  the  too  great  scarcity  and  en- 
hancement of  price  of  those  necessaries  within  this  State, 
and  all  supplies  thereof  to  the  enemy,  that  such  permission 
should  be  granted,  under  certain  restraints.  To  the  end 
therefore  that  a  sufficient  quantity  of  flour  and  meal  may 
be  exported  for  the  said  purposes,  under  proper  restric- 
tions and  licences  ;  also,  that  the  exportation  thereof  may 
be  obtained  with  the  greater  ease,  be  it  therefore  and  it 
is  hereby 

Resolved,  by  this  Council,  That  every  person  being  an 


actual  resident  within  this  State  or  of  either  of  the  States 
of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  Bay,  New-Hampshire  or 
Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  and  having,  if  a 
resident  within  and  subject  of  this  State,  a  certificate  in 
writing,  signed  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
district  wherein  he  shall  reside,  or  if  a  resident  and  subject 
of  either  of  the  said  other  States,  a  certificate  signed  by 
the  chairman  or  other  proper  officer  of  the  district  wherein 
he  shall  be  resident,  specifying  such  person's  proper  name, 
occupation  and  place  of  abode,  and  declaring  him  to  be 
well  attached  to  American  liberty  and  independence,  shall 
be  and  is  hereby  permitted  and  allowed  to  transport  flour 
and  meal  from  this  Stale  into  any  of  the  said  other  States 
for  consumption  only  as  aforesaid,  and  for  no  other  use 
whatsoever,  and  under  the  following  restraints,  that  is  to 
say : 

First.  That  the  general  committee  of  each  county  within 
this  State  shall  at  a  meeting  thereof,  to  be  duly  convened 
by  the  chairman  thereof  without  delay,  by  plurality  of 
voices,  appoint  within  each  county  not  less  than  two  nor 
more  than  five  good,  honest  and  sufficient  persons,  actual 
residents  within  the  same,  and  subjects  and  freeholders  of 
this  State,  commissioners  lo  grant  licenses  to  such  persons 
as  shall  from  time  to  time  apply  to  them  for  leave  to  trans- 
port flour  and  meal  from  this  State  into  either  of  the  said 
other  States  ;  and  that  every  such  person  so  to  be  appoint- 
ed shall,  before  he  enter  on  the  execution  of  his  office  afore- 
said, take  and  subscribe  before  the  chairman  of  such  gene- 
ral committee,  an  oath  in  writing,  either  on  the  Holy  Evan- 
gelists or  with  uplifted  hand,  of  the  following  tenor,  to  wit : 

"  I,  A  B,  [specifying  the  name,  occupation  and  place 
of  abode  of  the  person]  appointed  a  commissioner  within 
the  in  the  county  of  by  the  general  committee 

of  the  said  county,  as  a  commissioner  to  license  the  expor- 
tation of  flour  and  meal  out  of  this  State,  do  hereby  solemn- 
ly and  sincerely  swear  and  declare  in  the  presence  of  Al- 
mighty God,  that  I  will  in  all  things  well,  faithfully  and 
honestly,  and  without  partiality,  regard  to  my  own  private 
interest,  fear,  favour,  affection,  or  hope  of  reward,  exe- 
cute the  office  of  commissioner  for  granting  licences  to 
export  flour  out  of  this  State,  according  to  the  best  of  my 
knowledge  and  understanding,  pursuant  to  a  resolution  of 
the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New- York,  of  the 
eleventh  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one 
thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven  ;  and  that  dur- 
ing my  continuance  in  the  said  office  of  commissioner,  I 
will  not  be  directly  or  indirectly  interested  or  concerned  in 
the  exportation  of  flour  out  of  this  State,  so  help  me  God." 

Which  oath  the  chairman  of  such  committee  is  hereby 
authorized  to  administer. 

Secondly.  That  every  person  being  a  resident  and  sub- 
ject of  this  State,  shall  before  such  license  as  aforesaid 
shall  be  granted  to  him  by  any  commissioner  within  the 
same,  take  and  subscribe  before  such  commissioner  to 
whom  he  shall  apply  for  such  license  as  aforesaid,  (who  is 
hereby  authorized  to  administer  the  same,)  the  following 
oath,  either  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  or  with  uplifted  hand, 
to  wit : 

"  I,  A  B,  [specifying  the  proper  name,  occupation  and 
place  of  abode  of  the  deponent]  do  solemnly  swear  and 
declare  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  not 
export  out  of  the  Slate  of  New-York  any  flour  or  meal 
into  any  other  place  or  country  than  such  parts  of  the  Slates 
of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  Bay,  New-Hampshire,  or 
Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  as  are  or  shall 
not  be  in  possession  of  the  enemy  during  the  continuance 
of  the  embargo  laid  against  the  exportation  of  flour,  meal 
and  grain  out  of  this  State,  by  a  resolution  of  the  Council 
of  Safety  of  the  same,  bearing  date  the  eleventh  day  of 
November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-seven  ;  and  that  I  will  not  export  out 
of  the  same  to  any  or  either  of  the  said  other  Slates,  any 
flour  or  meal  whatsoever,  other  than  the  quantity  of  [here 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1085 


insert  the  quantity  to  be  licensed]  according  to  the  tenor 
of  a  certain  license  to  be  granted  to  me  by  [here  insert 
thaname  and  place  of  abode  of  the  commissioner]  one  of  the 
commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  a  resolution  of  the 
said  Council  of  Safety,  bearing  date  the  twenty-first  day 
of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-seven,  to  license  the  exportation  of 
flour  and  meal  out  of"  this  State,  and  dated  this  day 
of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hun- 

dred and  unless  upon  fresh  license  to  be  had  and 

obtained  by  me  for  the  like  purpose,  after  I  shall  have  com- 
plied with  the  terms  of  this  oath  ;  and  that  I  will  honestly 
and  faithfully  do  my  utmost  endeavours  to  import  into  this 
State  the  whole  proceeds  of  the  said  quantity  of  flour  and 
meal,  [or  flour  or  meal  as  the  case  may  be,]  licensed  to  be 
exported  by  me,  in  salt,  and  consume  the  same  in  my  own 
family  or  dispose  thereof  by  retail,  within  this  State,  for 
the  use  of  some  inhabitant  or  inhabitants  thereof,  so  help 
me  God." 

Thirdly.  That  no  resident  or  subject  of  this  State  shall, 
by  virtue  of  any  one  license,  export  out  of  this  State  more 
than  the  quantity  of  thirty  barrels  of  flour  or  meal. 

Fourthly.  That  every  person  being  a  resident  and  sub- 
ject of  either  of  the  said  States  of  Connecticut,  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  New-Hampshire,  or  Rhode-Island  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations,  shall,  before  such  licenses  aforesaid  be 
granted  to  him  by  any  commissioner  within  the  same,  take 
and  subscribe  before  such  commissioner  to  whom  he  shall 
apply  for  such  license  as  aforesaid,  (who  is  hereby  autho- 
rized to  administer  the  same,)  the  following  oath,  to  wit  : 

"  I,  A  B,  [specifying  the  proper  name,  occupation  and 
place  of  abode  of  the  deponent,]  do  solemnly  and  sincerely 
swear  and  declare,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that 
I  will  not  export  out  of  the  State  of  New- York  any  flour  or 
meal  into  any  other  place  or  country  than  such  place  or 
places  in  the  States  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island  and  Pro- 
vidence Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New-Hamp- 
shire, as  shall  not  be  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy,  during 
the  continuance  of  the  embargo  laid  against  the  exportation 
of  flour,  meal  or  grain  out  of  this  State,  by  a  resolution  of 
the  Council  of  Safety  of  the  same,  bearing  date  the  eleventh 
day  of  November,  in  the  vear  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven  ;  and  that  I  will  not  ex- 
port out  of  the  same,  to  any  or  either  of  the  said  other 
States,  any  flour  or  meal  whatsoever,  other  than  the  quan- 
tity of  [here  insert  the  quantity  to  be 
licensed,]  according  to  the  tenor  of  a  certain  license  to  be 
granted  to  me  by  [here  insert  the  name 
and  place  of  abode  of  the  commissioner,]  one  of  the  com- 
missioners appointed  by  virtue  of  a  resolution  of  the  said 
Council  of  Safety,  bearing  date  the  twenty-first  day  of  No- 
vember, in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  seventy-seven,  to  license  the  exportation  of  flour 
and  meal  out  of  this  State,  and  dated  this  day 
of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  unless  upon  fresh  license,  to 
be  had  and  obtained  for  the  purpose,  after  I  shall  have 
made  a  further  importation  of  salt  into  this  State  ;  and  that 
I  have  purchased  [or  will  purchase,  as  the  case  may  be,] 
the  said  quantity  of  flour  or  meal,  [here  insert  the  quantity,] 
bushels  of  already  imported  into  this  State,  in 
barter  for  salt,  or  for  money  arising  [or  that  may  arise,  as 
the  case  may  be,]  from  the  sale  of  the  said  salt ;  and  that 
I  have  not  exported,  or  caused  to  be  exported,  and  will  not 
export,  or  cause  to  be  exported,  any  of  the  said  salt  out  of 
this  State,  but  have  disposed  [or  will  dispose,  as  the  case 
may  be,]  of  the  same  within  this  State,  by  retail,  for  the 
use  of  some  inhabitant  or  inhabitants  thereof.  So  help  me 
God." 

Fifthly.  That  every  such  commissioner  as  aforesaid, 
shall  keep  a  regular  book  of  his  proceedings  in  the  execu- 
tion of  his  office,  in  which  shall  be  written  the  oath  afore- 
said of  every  such  exporter  to  whom  he  shall  grant  such 

272 


license  as  aforesaid,  to  be  subscribed  therein  by  such  export- 
er, and  certified  by  the  commissioner  ;  and  that  at  the  foot 
of  every  such  oath,  shall  be  written,  and  in  like  manner  cer- 
tified, the  license  thereby  referred  to  ;  and  that  a  true  copy 
thereof,  in  like  manner  subscribed  by  the  said  commis- 
sioner, be  given  by  such  commissioner  to  the  exporter  ; 
and  that  the  tenor  of  every  such  license  shall  be  as  fol- 
lows, to  wit  : 

"  By  [inserting  the  name  and  place  of  abode 

of  the  commissioner,]  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed 
for  licensing  the  exportation  of  flour  and  meal  out  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  license  and  permission  is  hereby 
granted  to  [inserting  the  name,  occupation  and 

place  of  abode  of  the  exporter,]  to  export  [here 
insert  the  quantity  of  flour  or  meal  to  be  licensed,]  out  of 
this  State,  to  any  place  or  places  not  in  possession  of  the 
enemy,  in  either  of  the  States  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island 
and  Providence  Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New- 
Hampshire.  Given  under  my  hand  this  day 
of  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven 

hundred  and  ." 

Sixthly.  That  every  such  commissioner  shall,  on  every 
such  license  as  aforesaid,  and  the  proceedings  relating 
thereto,  and  before  the  same  shall  be  granted,  have  and  re- 
ceive for  the  same,  from  the  person  to  whom  the  same 
shall  be  granted,  the  sum  of  six  shillings  and  no  more  for  a 
license  for  four  barrels  of  flour  or  meal,  and  for  a  license 
for  any  greater  quantity  of  flour  or  meal,  the  sum  of  twenty 
shillings  and  no  more. 

Seventhly.  That  the  said  several  and  respective  county 
committees  shall,  from  time  to  time,  and  without  delay, 
transmit  to  this  Council  of  Safety,  or  the  Legislature  of 
this  State,  true  copies  of  their  aforesaid  several  appointments 
of  commissioners,  certified  by  their  respective  chairmen. 

Eighthly.  That  the  said  several  commissioners  shall, 
whenever  required  by  this  Council,  or  either  branch  of  the 
Legislature  of  this  State,  deliver  to  them  respectively  their 
respective  books,  in  which  they  shall  have  severally  inserted 
such  oaths  and  licenses  as  aforesaid. 

Ninthly.  That  any  commissioner  who  shall  in  any  wise 
wilfully  be  guilty  of  a  breach  of  his  duty  herein  prescribed 
to  him,  and  being  thereof  convicted,  shall  incur  the  crime, 
and  bear  the  punishment,  of  wilful  and  corrupt  perjury. 

Tenthly  and  Lastly.  That  every  person  who  shall  export, 
or  cause  to  be  exported,  or  shall  sell  and  dispose  of,  or 
purchase  or  procure,  for  that  purpose,  any  flour,  knowing 
the  same  to  be  intended  to  be  exported  out  of  this  State, 
contrary  to  the  tenor  and  true  intent  and  meaning  of  this 
resolution,  and  shall  be  duly  convicted  thereof,  shall  suffer 
the  pains  of  death,  without  the  benefit  of  clergy. 

Ordered,  7'hat  one  hundred  copies  thereof  be  printed  in 
handbills,  and  that  the  same  be  printed  in  Samuel  Lou- 
don's newspaper. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling 
and  Mr.  Webster,  or  any  three  of  them,  be  a  committee  to 
wait  on  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  and  confer  with  him 
on  the  expediency  of  putting  an  end  to  the  session  of  this 
Council,  either  by  calling  the  Legislature  of  this  State, 
or  the  Convention  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  any  three  members  of  this  Council  be 
authorized  and  empowered  to  grant  permits  for  the  expor- 
tation of  flour,  meal  and  grain  out  of  this  State  into  the 
States  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island,  Massachusetts  Bay, 
and  New-Hampshire  during  the  next  adjournment  of  this 
Council. 

Ordered,  That  one  of  the  Secretaries  of  this  Council 
proceed  to  Rochester,  and  bring  from  thence  to  this  place 
all  the  records  and  papers  of  the  late  Congresses,  Conven- 
tion, Committees  of  Safety  and  Council  of  Safety  of  this 
State. 

Resolved,  That  the  powers  of  the  commissioners  of  se- 
questration in  the  several  counties  of  this  State,  be,  and 
the  same  hereby  are  extended  to  the  estates  and  effects  of 


1086 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


such  persons  as  have  heen  condemned  and  executed  for 
treasonable  practices  against  this  Stale. 

Adjourned  until  Tuesday  next  10  ho.  A.  M. 


TUESDAY,  a.  m. 

November  25,  1777. 

[The  following  is  a  true  copy  of  a  memorandum  kept  by  Mr. 
Robert  Harper.] 

In  committee  of  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of 
New- York  :  Granted  a  permit  to  John  Hutchinson,  Daniel 
Wyman  and  John  Carter,  all  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  to 
transport  twenty-eight  barrels  and  one  hogshead  of  flour 
from  this  State  to  the  said  State  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  in 
return  for  salt,  which  they  have  brought  from  the  said  State 
into  Dutchess  county  on  the  20th  instant. 

John  Hutchinson  and  Daniel  Wyman,  of  Charlestown, 
in  Massachusetts  Bay,  applied  for  a  permit  to  transport 
flour  to  the  said  State  in  return  for  salt,  and  for  that  pur- 
pose made  oath  as  follows,  vizt : 

"  John  Hutchinson  and  Daniel  Wyman,  of  Charlestown, 
aforesaid,  being  duly  sworn,  deposeth  and  saith,  That  on 
the  twentieth  day  of  this  instant,  November,  they,  in  com- 
pany with  John  Center,  of  Woburn,  in  the  said  State,  have 
brought  into  Dutchess  county  about  fifty  bushels  of  salt; 
that  a  part  of  which  has  been  sold  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State  and  the  remainder  exchanged  for  flour,  contained  in 
twenty-eight  barrels  and  one  hogshead,  which  barrels  and 
hogshead  have,  in  pursuance  of  the  embargo  laid  by  the 
Council  of  Safety  of  this  Slate,  been  detained  by  the  com- 
mittee of  Pawling's  precinct ;  that  the  whole  of  the  said 
twenty-eight  barrels  and  one  hogshead  of  flour  did  not 
amount  to  the  value  of  the  salt  brought  into  Dulchess 
county  by  the  said  John  Hutchinson,  Daniel  Wyman  and 
John  Center.  And  the  said  John  Hutchinson  and  Daniel 
Wyman  farther  deposeih  and  saith,  that  no  greater  quantity 
of  flour  or  meal  shall  be  exported  out  of  this  State  in  return 
for  the  said  salt,  than  such  quantity  as  a  permit  may  be 
given  by  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State,  to  be  ex- 
ported on  account  thereof. 

"JOHN  HUTCHINSON, 
"DANIEL  WYMAN. 
"  Sworn  this  25th  day  of  No-  > 
vember,  1777,  before  me.  S 

"  Daniel  Dunscomb." 

Tuesday,  P.  M.  November  25,  1777. 
Present — *Evert  Bancker,  Esq.  President  pro  tempore. 
*Mr.  Scott,  »Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  *Mr.  Duns- 
comb. 

I,  Thomas  Brinckle,  of  Ulster  county,  in  the  Stale  of 
New-York,  tailor,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare  in  the 
presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  not  export  out  of 
this  State  any  flour  or  meal  into  any  other  place  or  country 
than  such  parts  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island 
and  Providence  Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New 
Hampshire,  as  are  not,  or  shall  not  be  in  the  possession 
of  the  enemy  during  the  continuance  of  the  embargo  laid 
against  the  exportation  of  flour,  meal  and  grain,  out  of  this 
State,  by  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  bearing 
date  the  eleventh  day  of  November,  1777  ;  and  that  I  will 
not  export  out  of  the  same,  to  any  or  either  of  the  said 
States,  any  flour  or  meal  whatsoever  other  than  the  quan- 
tity of  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  according  to  the  tenor  of  a 
certain  license  to  be  granted  to  me  by  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  exportation  of  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  and 
to  bear  date  this  day,  unless  upon  a  fresh  license  to  be  had 
and  obtained  by  me  for  the  like  purpose,  after  I  shall  have 
complied  with  the  terms  of  this  oath  ;  and  that  I  will  ho- 
nestly and  faithfully  do  my  utmost  endeavours  to  import 
into  this  State,  the  whole  proceeds  of  the  said  quantity  of 
flour  so  licensed  to  be  exported  by  me,  in  salt,  and  con- 
sume the  same  in  my  own  family  or  dispose  thereof  by  re- 


tail for  the  use  of  some  inhabitant  or  inhabitants  thereof; 
and  that  I  will  honestly  report  to  this  Council  of  Safety  or 
the  Legislature  for  the  time  then  being  (on  oath  if  required) 
the  quantity  of  salt  I  shall  import  into  this  State  in  return 
for  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  so  help  me  God. 

"THOS.  BRINCKLE. 
"  Sworn  this  25th  November,  ) 
1777,  before  me.  $ 

"  Evert  Bancker." 
A  permit  was  given  to  the  said  Thomas  Brinckle  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  State  of  New-  York,  ss  : — By  Evert  Bancker,  Presi- 
dent pro  tempore,  John  Morin  Scott,  Robert  Harper,  Da- 
niel Dunscomb,  Philip  Livingston  and  Ebenezer  Clarke, 
of  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York  : 

"Pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  license  and  permission  is  here- 
by granted  to  Thomas  Brinckle,  of  Marble  Town  in  Ulster 
county,  trader,  to  export  thirty  barrels  of  flour  out  of  this 
State  to  any  place  or  places  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy 
in  either  of  the  Stales  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and 
Providence  Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New-Hamp- 
shire. Given  this  twenty-fifih  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
seven. 

"  By  order." 

"  Ulster  county,  ss. — I,  Daniel  Brodhead,  of  Marble 
Town,  in  Ulster  county,  yeoman,  do  solemnly  swear  and 
declare,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  not 
export  out  of  this  Slate  any  flour  or  meal  into  any  other 
place  or  country,  than  such  parts  of  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut, Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  Massa- 
chusetts Bay  or  New-Hampshire,  as  are  not  or  shall  not 
be  in  the  possession  of  the  enemy  during  the  continuance 
of  the  embargo  laid  against  the  exportation  of  flour,  meal 
and  grain  out  of  this  State,  by  a  resolution  of  the  Council 
of  Safety,  bearing  date  the  eleventh  day  of  November, 
1777  ;  and  that  I  will  not  export  out  of  the  same,  to  any  or 
either  of  the  said  States,  any  flour  or  meal  whatsoever, 
other  than  the  quantity  of  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  according 
to  the  tenor  of  a  certain  license  to  be  granted  to  me  by  the 
Council  of  Safety,  for  the  exportation  of  the  said  thirty 
barrels  of  flour,  and  to  bear  date  this  day,  unless  upon  a 
fresh  license  to  be  had  and  obtained  by  me  for  the  like  pur- 
pose, after  I  shall  have  complied  with  the  terms  of  this 
oath ;  and  that  I  will  honestly  and  faithfully  do  my  utmost 
endeavours  to  import  into  this  State  the  whole  proceeds  of 
the  said  quantity  of  flour  so  licensed  to  be  exported  by  me, 
in  salt,  and  consume  the  same  in  my  own  family,  or  dis- 
pose thereof  by  retail  for  the  use  of  some  inhabitant  or 
inhabitants  thereof;  and  that  I  will  honestly  report  to  this 
Council  of  Safety,  or  the  Legislature  for  the  time  then 
being  (on  oath,  if  required)  the  quantity  of  salt  I  shall 
import  into  this  State,  in  return  for  the  said  thirty  barrels 
of  flour,  so  help  me  God. 

"  DANIEL  BRODHEAD. 
"  Sworn  this  25th  Novr.  1777,  ) 
before  me,  $ 

"  Evert  Bancker." 

A  permit  was  given  to  the  said  Daniel  Brodhead  in  the 
words  following,  vizt : 

"  Ulster  county,  ss. — By  Evert  Bancker,  President  pro 
tempore,  John  Morin  Scott,  Robert  Harper,  Daniel  Duns- 
comb, Philip  Livingston  and  Ebenezer  Clarke,  members 
of  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  Pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  license  and  permission  is  hereby 
granted  to  Daniel  Broadhead,  of  Marble  Town,  in  Ulster 
county,  yeoman,  to  export  thirty  barrels  of  flour  out  of  this 
Stale  to  any  place  or  places  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy, 
in  either  of  the  States  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island  and 
Providence  Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New-Hamp- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1087 


shire.  Given  this  twenty-fifth  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
seven. 

"  By  order." 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

November  26,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 
Mr.  Harper,*  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Scott,*  Mr.  Webster,*  Mr.  Pawling. 

Mr.  Isaac  Clason,  of  Rynbeck,  in  Dutchess  county,  of 
this  State,  trader,  applied  for  a  permit  to  transport  flour 
from  this  State  to  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  procure  salt, 
and  bring  the  same  into  this  State,  whereupon  he  took  the 
following  oath,  vizt : 

"  I,  Isaac  Clason,  of  Rynbeeck,  in  Dutchess  county,  of 
the  State  of  New-York,  trader,  do  solemnly  swear  and  de- 
clare, in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  not  ex- 
port out  of  this  State  any  flour  or  meal  into  any  other  place 
or  country,  than  such  parts  of  the  State  of  Connecticut, 
Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  Massachusetts 
Bay  or  New-Hampshire,  as  are  not  or  shall  not  be  in  the 
possession  of  the  enemy,  during  the  continuance  of  the 
embargo  laid  against  the  exporiation  of  flour,  meal  and 
grain  out  of  this  State,  by  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of 
Safety,  bearing  date  the  eleventh  day  of  November,  1777 ; 
and  that  I  will  not  export  out  of  the  same,  to  any  or  either 
of  the  said  States,  any  flour  or  meal  whatsoever,  other  than 
the  quantity  of  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  according  to  the  tenor 
of  a  certain  license  to  be  granted  to  me  by  the  Council  of 
Safety,  for  the  exportation  of  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour, 
and  to  bear  date  this  day,  unless  upon  a  fresh  license  to 
be  had  and  obtained  by  me  for  the  like  purpose,  after  I 
shall  have  complied  with  the  terms  of  this  oath  ;  and  that 
I  will  honestly  and  faithfully  do  my  utmost  endeavours  to 
import  into  this  State,  the  whole  proceeds  of  the  said  quan- 
tity of  flour  so  licensed  to  be  exported  by  me,  in  salt,  and 
consume  the  same  in  my  own  family,  or  dispose  thereof 
by  retail,  for  the  use  of  some  inhabitant  or  inhabitants 
thereof;  and  that  I  will  honestly  report  to  this  Council  of 
Safely,  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State  for  the  lime  being, 
(on  oalh,  if  required)  the  quantity  of  salt  I  shall  import 
into  this  State  in  return  for  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour, 
so  help  me  God. 

"ISAAC  CLASON. 

"  Sworn  this  26th  day  of  Novr.  > 
1777,  before  me,  ) 

"  Evert  Bancker." 

A  permit  was  thereupon  given  to  the  said  Isaac  Clason, 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit  : 

"  State  of  New-York,  ) 

Ulster  County,  J  '  By  Evert  Bancker,  Pre- 
sident pro  tempore,  John  Morin  Scott,  Robert  Harper, 
Daniel  Dunscomb,  Levi  Pawling,  Alexr.  Webster,  Philip 
Livingston  and  Ebenezer  Clark,  Esqrs.  of  the  Council  of 
Safely  for  the  State  of  New-York  : 

"  Pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  license  and  permission  is  hereby 
granted  to  Isaac  Clason,  of  Rhynbeck,  in  Dutchess  county, 
of  the  State  of  New-York,  trader,  to  export  thirty  barrels 
of  flour  out  of  this  State  to  any  place  or  places  not  in  pos- 
session of  the  enemy,  in  either  of  the  States  of  Connecti- 
cut, Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  Massachu- 
setts Bay  or  New-Hampshire.  Given  this  twenly-sixth 
day  of  November,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1777. 

«'  By  order." 

William  Helms,  applying  for  license  to  transport  flour 
to  Connecticut,  for  Jonathan  Fitch,  commissary  for  the  said 


State  of  Connecticut,  was  examined,  part  of  his  examina- 
tion taken  in  writing,  and  the  further  consideration  thereof 
postponed. 

Die  Merctjrii,  4  ho.  P.  M.  November  26,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.E.  Clarke. 

Mr.  Cornelius  E.  Wynkoop  applied  for  a  permit  to 
export  thirty  barrels  of  flour  to  procure  salt ;  was  sworn 
as  follows,  vizt : 

"  I,  Cornelius  E.  Wynkoop,  of  Marble  Town,  in  Ulster 
county,  do  solemnly  swear  and  declare,  in  the  presence  of 
Almighty  God,  that  I  will  not  export  out  of  this  State  any 
flour  or  meal,  into  any  other  place  or  country,  than  such 
parts  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island  and  Pro- 
vidence Plantations,  Massachusetts  Bay  or  New-Hamp- 
shire, (as  are  not,  or  shall  not  be,  in  the  possession  of  the 
enemy,)  during  the  continuance  of  the  embargo  laid  against 
the  exportation  of  flour,  meal  and  grain  out  of  this  State, 
by  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  bearing  date  the 
eleventh  day  of  November,  1777  ;  and  that  I  will  not  ex- 
port out  of  the  same,  to  any  or  either  of  the  said  States, 
any  flour  or  meal  whatsoever,  other  than  the  quantity  of 
thirty  barrels  of  flour,  according  to  the  tenor  of  a  certain 
license,  to  be  granted  to  me  by  the  Council  of  Safety,  for 
the  exportation  of  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour,  and  to 
bear  date  this  day,  unless  upon  a  fresh  license  to  be  had 
and  obtained  by  me,  for  the  like  purpose,  after  I  shall  have 
complied  with  the  terms  of  this  oalh ;  and  that  I  will  ho- 
nestly and  faithfully  do  my  utmost  endeavours  to  import 
into  this  State  the  whole  proceeds  of  the  said  quantity  of 
flour,  so  licensed  to  be  exported  by  me,  in  salt ;  and  con- 
sume the  same  in  my  own  family,  or  dispose  thereof  by 
retail  for  the  use  of  some  inhabitant  or  inhabitants  thereof; 
and  that  I  will  honestly  report  to  this  Council  of  Safety  or 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  (on  oath 
if  required,)  the  quantity  of  salt  I  shall  import  into  this 
State  in  return  for  the  said  thirty  barrels  of  flour  :  So  help 
me  God. 

"  CORN.  E.  WYNKOOP. 
"  Sworn  this  26th  day  of  Novr.  ) 
1777,  before  me.  > 

"  Evert  Bancker." 

"  State  of  New-York,  ) 
Ulster  County,  J 
"  By  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New- York  : 

"Pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
for  the  State  of  New-York,  license  and  permission  is  here- 
by granted  to  Cornelius  E.  Wynkoop,  of  Marble  Town,  in 
Ulster  county,  of  the  State  of  New- York,  to  transport 
thirty  barrels  of  flour  out  of  this  State  to  any  place  or 
places,  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  in  either  of  the 
States  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island  and  Providence  Plan- 
tations, Massachusetts  Bay  or  New-Hampshire. 

"  Given  this  twenty-sixth  day  of  November,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-seven. 

"  By  order." 

A  letter  from  John  Nicoll,  acting  deputy  quarter-master- 
general,  dated  at  New-Windsor,  on  the  twentieth  instant, 
was  read,  and  follows  in  the  words,  to  wit ; 

"  New-Windsor,  Novemr.  20,  1777. 

"  Hond.  Sir — There  is  wanted  for  our  works  in  ob- 
structing the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  here,  300  fa- 
thom of  three  inch  rope,  twelve  small  blocks,  three  anchors 
and  cables.  I  have  applied  to  the  Quarter-Master-General, 
who  has  supplied  me  with  all  he  has  in  store,  and  will  still 
do  the  same  ;  but  these  things  he  has  not,  neither  can  by 
any  means  procure  at  present.  I  am,  therefore,  under  the 
necessity  of  applying  to  you,  as  it  is  in  your  power  to 
order  them  off  some  of  the  vessels  which  are  laid  by  for 
the  winter,  and  by  that  time  our  business  will  be  done.  I 


1088 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


have  sent  Capt.  Willm.  Matthewman  with  a  sloop  for  the 
purpose. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  most  obed.  hum.  servt. 

"  JOHN  NICOLL,  Act.  D.  Q.  M.  G." 

Thereupon,  a  draft  of  a  letter  to  Major-General  Gates 
was  prepared  by  the  Secretary,  read,  approved  of,  and  is 
in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"  Sir — Mr.  John  Nicoll,  acting  deputy  quarter-master- 
general  at  New-Windsor,  has,  by  letter,  applied  to  us  for 
three  hundred  fathom  of  three  inch  rope,  twelve  small 
blocks  and  three  anchors  and  cables.  We  conceive,  sir, 
his  application  would  have  been  more  properly  made  to 
you,  and  therefore  enclose  you  a  copy  of  his  letter. 

"  Indeed,  we  are  necessitated  to  refer  his  application  to 
you,  as  by  the  late  conflagration  of  the  State  rope  works, 
at  Kingston,  every  article  which  Mr.  Nicoll  requests,  that 
was  in  our  power  to  furnish,  is  destroyed. 

"  We  are  informed  that  the  rope  and  blocks  requested, 
may  be  obtained  out  of  some  public  stores  at  Albany,  and 
hope  anchors  and  cables  may  be,  by  some  means,  also  ob- 
tained there. 

"  We  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  great  respect  and  esteem,  sir, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  humble  servant, 

"  By  order. 

"  Hon!.  Major-Genl.  Gates,  Commander-in-Chief 

in  the  Northern  Department." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed  and  signed, 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  Mr.  Matthewman. 

Whereas  information  hath  been  given  to  this  Council, 
by  Daniel  Graham,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Ulster  county,  that  the  salt  allotted  to  the  inhabitants  of 
the  southern  part  of  the  said  county,  is  by  no  means  suffi- 
cient to  supply  the  said  inhabitants,  agreeably  to  the  regu- 
lations of  the  late  Council  of  Safety,  whereby  the  said  salt 
is  directed  to  be  distributed,  at  three  quarts  to  each  person  : 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  to  distri- 
bute the  salt  allotted  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  southern  part 
of  Ulster  county  be  and  are  hereby  authorized  to  distribute 
the  same  at  the  rate  of  three  pints  to  each  person  only; 
any  thing  in  the  said  resolutions  of  the  late  Council  of 
Safety  to  the  contrary  thereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning  10  ho. 


DIE  JO  VIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  27,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker.  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  P.  Livingston. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Rhynbeck  precinct, 
dated  the  twenty-first  November  instant,  and  signed  by 
Jacob  Heermans,  their  chairman,  was  read.  The  said 
committee  therein  complain  of  the  exorbitant  price  at  which 
Colo.  Robert  Livingston  sells  iron  ;  and  that  he  demands 
payment  for  the  same  in  pork,  at  the  rate  of  seventeen 
pounds  per  hundred.  And  in  a  postcript  they  say,  that 
they  have  been  informed  that  Colo.  Livingston  demands 
twenty  pounds  per  hundred  for  iron. 

A  petition  of  Isaac  Van  Vleck,  without  date,  praying  an 
order  to  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in  Albany 
county,  not  to  dispose  of  his  effects  as  confiscated. 

A  letter  from  John  Younglove  and  George  Palmer,  two 
of  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in  the  northern  dis- 
trict of  the  county  of  Albany,  dated  at  Cambridge  the 
fifteenth  instant,  was  read.  They  thereby  complain  that 
the  allowance  made  to  them  is  insufficient  to  defray  their 
necessary  disbursements,  and  praying  such  relief  as  the 
Council  may  think  proper. 

A  letter  from  Major  John  Wheelock,  dated  at  Hanover 
on  the  thirtieth  day  of  October  last,  was  read.  He  therein 
mentions  that  he  has  sent  his  accounts  by  Captain  Paine, 


and  requests  that  they  may  be  settled  and  his  receipts  de- 
livered up. 

Ordered,  That  the  last  mentioned  three  letters  and  peti- 
tion be  committed  to  Mr.  Harper  and  Major  Webster  to 
report  thereon. 

"  Ulster  county,  ss. — William  Helms,  on  his  examina- 
tion on  oath  says,  that  he  has  been  a  resident  of  New- 
Haven,  in  Connecticut,  for  two  years  past ;  that  he  has 
not  any  certificate  from  the  committee,  or  any  proper 
officer  ;  that  he  is  friendly  to  the  American  States  ;  that  he 
is  not  well  acquainted  in  Dutchess  county ;   that  three 
weeks  after  he  came  into  this  Stale  he  was  employed  by 
the  commissary  for  the  Stale  of  Connecticut;  that  he  ex- 
changed salt,  gin  and  rum  for  the  flour  he  transported  out 
of  this  State  in  October  last ;  that  he  first  came  to  trade  in 
this  State  the  week  before  Fort  Montgomery  was  taken  ; 
that  he  exported  only  eighteen  barrels  of  flour  out  of  this 
State,  on  his  own  account,  before  he  was  employed  by  ihe 
Commissary-General ;  that  the  flour  and  meal  stopped  at 
Fredericksburgh,  in  the  hands  of  Jeremiah  Burges,  Nathan 
Crosby,  Theodoras  Crosby,  and  one  Jones,  was  18  barrels 
of  flour,  and  eight  barrels  of  cornel,  and  two  barrels  of 
wheat,  which  was  transported  to  Norwalk  ;  that  eight  of 
those  barrels  belonged  to  Samuel  Fairchild  of  New-Haven, 
and  that  he  the  said  Wm.  Helms  has  not  at  any  time 
transported  any  other  flour  or  meal  out  of  this  Stale  ;  that 
the  said  flour  and  meal  was  sent  to  the  care  of  Samuel 
Little  of  Norwalk,  and  from  thence  carried  to  New-Haven; 
that  he  has  seen  one  Abbot,  at  Norwalk,  and  heard  of  him 
often,  but  is  not  much  acquainted  with  him  ;  that  on  the 
13th  instant  he  was  appointed  by  Jonathan  Fitch,  the 
commissary,  to  procure  flour  for  him,  and  that  the  commis- 
sary furnished  him  with  one  hundred  and  two  pounds  five 
shillings,  including  the  interest  thereon,  lawful  money  for 
that  purpose  ;  that  on  his  coming  into  this  State  in  conse- 
quence of  the  said  appointment,  he  purchased  wheat,  and 
had  the  same  manufactured  ;  that  for  some  of  the  said 
wheat  he  gave  twelve  shillings,  and  for  other  part  fourteen 
shillings  per  bushel ;  that  the  same  was  manufactured  at 
the  mills  of  Samuel  Verplanck  ;  that  the  wheat  so  pur- 
chased will  yield  about  fifty  barrels  of  flour  and  cornel, 
and  did  cost  on  an  average  about  13s.  6d.  per  bushel  ;  that 
since  his  appointment  by  Jonathan  Fitch,  he  has  not  pur- 
chased any  grain,  flour,  or  meal,  on  his  own  account ;  that 
he  imported  into  this  State  in  sugar,  gin,  and  17^  bushels 
of  salt,  to  the  amount,  as  he  sold,  of  about  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  ninety-six  dollars  and  one-fourth  of  a 
dollar  ;  that  he  purchased  for  Commissary  Fitch,  two  hun- 
dred and  six  bushels  of  wheat ;  that  he  has  not  bought  any 
wheat  or  flour  for  himself,  except  the  quantity  above  men- 
tioned, unless  James  Burchim  of  Fredericksburgh,  with 
whom  he  left  some  sugar,  gin,  and  salt,  may  have  bartered 
the  same,  or  part  thereof,  for  flour,  meal,  or  grain  ;  that 
he  directed  the  said  Burchim  to  dispose  of  his  said  sugar, 
gin  and  salt  for  any  kind  of  produce,  to  those  who  had  pro- 
duce, and  to  sell  for  money  to  those  who  had  no  produce  ; 
that  the  28  barrels  of  flour,  and  two  barrels  of  wheat,  which 
was  for  some  time  detained  by  order  of  Colo.  Luddington, 
was  detained  until  the  examinant's  character  and  reputation 
was  mentioned  to  him,  because  Colo.  Luddington  had  been 
informed,  as  he  said,  that  flour  was  sent  to  Norwalk,  and  from 
thence  transported  to  the  enemy  ;  that  he,  this  deponent, 
has  been  informed  that  one  Jarvis  lately  (on  last  Sunday 
last  a  week,  to  the  best  of  his  remembrance,)  went  off  from 
Norwalk  in  a  boat  with  forty  barrels  of  flour,  and  went 
into  Huntington  harbour;   that  he  left  the  28  barrels  of 
flour  and  meal,  and  two  barrels  of  wheat,  herein  before 
mentioned,   at  New-Haven,   when  he  came  last  from 
thence  ;  that  ten  barrels  of  the  said  flour  was  to  be  sent  to 
a  person  at  Norwich,  (to  wit,  to  Christopher  Leffingwell  as 
he  supposes,)  in  payment  for  salt  purchased  by  the  said 
Samuel  Little,  herein  before  mentioned. 

"  And  the  deponent  farther  deposeth  and  saith,  that  Jo- 
nathan Fitch  of  New-Haven,  acts  as  a  commissary,  in  Con- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1089 


necticut,  for  the  forces  that  go  through  that  State,  or  are 
stationed  in  the  same  ;  that  the  said  Jonathan  Fitch  did 
appoint  him,  the  deponent,  to  purchase  flour  for  the  public 
use,  as  commissary  ;  that  the  said  Jonathan  Fitch  wrote 
the  appointment,  or  certificate,  produced  by  the  deponent 
in  his,  the  deponent's  presence  ;  that  if  the  Council  of 
Safety  should  think  proper  to  grant  a  permission  to  trans- 
port the  flour  which  the  deponent  has  applied  for  license 
and  permission  to  transport,  he  will  use  his  best  endeavours 
to  have  the  same  transported  to  New-Haven,  and  delivered 
to  the  said  Jonathan  Filch,  or  his  order ;  that  the  said  Jo- 
nathan Filch  is  not  concerned  in  any  trade  or  traffic  as  a 
merchant,  to  his,  the  deponent's  knowledge  or  belief,  and 
that  he  verily  believes  that  the  said  flour  for  which  he,  the 
deponent,  applies  for  a  license  and  permission  to  transport 
out  of  this  State  is  intended  to  be  applied,  and  will  be  ap- 
plied, for  the  support  of  the  troops  or  militia  of  the  said 
State  of  Connecticut,  or  of  the  United  American  States, 
that  may  pass  through  or  be  stationed  in  the  said  State  of 
Connecticut,  and  to,  or  for  no  other  use  or  purpose  what- 
soever.   And  farther  the  deponent  saith  not. 

"WILLIAM  HELMS. 
"  Sworn  this  27th  day  of  No-  ) 
vember,  1777,  before  me,  > 

"Evert  Bancker." 

"  By  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York: 

"  License  and  permission  is  hereby  granted  to  William 
Helms  of  New-Haven,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  to 
transport  out  of  this  State  of  New-York  fifty  barrels  of 
flour  to  New-Haven  aforesaid,  to  be  delivered  to  Jonathan 
Fitch,  Esqr.  at  New-Haven  as  commissary  for  the  support 
of  the  troops,  or  militia  of  the  said  State  of  Connecticut,  or 
of  the  United  American  States  that  may  pass  through,  or 
be  stationed  in  the  said  State  of  Connecticut ;  the  said 
William  Helms  having  given  such  assurances  by  oath  that 
the  said  flour  shall  be  applied  for  the  uses  above  mention- 
ed, as  were  required  by  this  Council." 

Mr.  Abraham  Schenk,  one  of  the  commissioners  for 
maintaining  and  providing  for  the  poor  refugees  now  in 
Dutchess  county,  gave  satisfactory  evidence  to  the  Council 
that  the  said  commissioners  are  in  want  of  a  further  ad- 
vance of  cash  : 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Abraham  Schenk  and  Gideon  Ver  Veelen,  the  commis- 
sioners for  providing  for  the  said  poor  in  Dutchess  county, 
or  either  of  them,  for  that  use,  the  sum  of  four  hundred 
pounds,  on  account,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  poor  in  Dutchess  county  in  the 
charge  of  Abraham  Schenk  and  Gideon  Verveelen,  com- 
missioners appointed  for  that  purpose,  be  entitled  to  receive 
their  proportion  of  the  salt  allotted  to  that  county  with  the 
other  inhabitants  thereof ;  and  that  the  commissioners  for 
distributing  the  said  salt  be  authorized  and  required  to  de- 
liver to  the  said  Abm.  Schenk  and  Gideon  Verveelen, 
(they  paying  for  the  same  at  the  rate  the  said  salt  is  direct- 
ed to  be  sold,)  for  the  use  of  the  said  poor,  three  quarts  per 
head  for  so  many  of  the  said  poor  as  the  said  Abraham 
Schenk  and  Gideon  Verveelen  shall  certify  they  now  have 
under  their  direction,  the  want  of  certificate  that  the  said 
poor,  or  any  of  them,  are  well  attached  to  the  American 
cause  notwithstanding. 

P.  M.  November  27,  1777. 

The  same  members  as  this  morning,  with  Colo. 
Snyder. 

Whereas,  in  the  late  regulations  made  by  this  Council 
by  their  resolution  of  the  21st  day  of  November  instant,  to 
permit  the  exportation  of  flour  and  meal  from  this  State  to 
the  States  of  Connecticut,  Massachusetts  Bav,  Rhode- 
Island  and  Providence  Plantations,  and  New-Hampshire, 
in  exchange  for  salt ;  no  provision  was  made  for  licensing 
the  exportation  of  flour  and  meal  by  the  commissaries 

273 


appointed  in  th  e  said  several  States  respectively,  for  victual- 
ing the  troops  within  the  same,  that  shall  from  time  to 
time  be  in  the  actual  service  of  the  said  several  States,  or 
any  other  of  the  United  States,  or  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice ;  by  reason  whereof,  the  embargo  lately  laid  against 
the  exportation  of  flour,  meal  and  grain  out  of  this  State, 
will  prevent  the  said  commissaries  from  obtaining  out  of 
the  same  such  supplies  of  flour  and  meal  as  will  be  neces- 
sary for  the  use  and  purpose  aforesaid,  unless  some  special 
provision  be  made  in  the  case  by  this  Council : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  as  often  as  any  of  the  said 
commissaries,  or  their  assistants  or  agents,  shall  have 
need  to  export  flour  or  meal  for  the  use  and  purpose  afore- 
said, out  of  this  State,  they  and  each  of  them  shall  be,  and 
are  hereby  severally  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  the  said  re- 
solution for  the  exportation  of  flour  and  meal  for  the  use 
and  purpose  aforesaid,  for  salt  for  money  ;  and  instead  of 
the  oath  prescribed  by  the  said  resolution,  shall,  before 
any  license  shall  be  granted  to  him  or  them  for  such  expor- 
tation as  aforesaid,  by  any  of  the  commissioners  to  be  ap- 
pointed to  grant  licenses  by  virtue  of  the  said  resolution, 
take  and  subscribe  the  following  oath,  before  such  of  the 
said  commissioners  as  shall  grant  the  license,  to  wit : 

"  I,  A  B,  of,  [mentioning  the  place  and  State  wherein 
he  shall  reside,]  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  swear  and 
declare,  that  I  am  duly  appointed  commissary,  [or  as- 
sistant commissary,  as  the  case  may  be,]  for  supplying 
the  troops  within  the  State  of  [here  insert  the  name 
of  the  State  with  provisions,]  that  I  will  not  purchase  in 
and  export  out  of  this  State  any  flour,  meal  or  grain  what- 
soever, other  than  such  quantities  thereof  as  I  shall  receive 
license  for,  of  equal  date  herewith,  from  one  of  the  commis- 
sioners appointed  for  licensing  the  exportation  of  flour  out 
of  this  State,  by  virtue  of  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  the  same,  dated  the  21st  day  of  November,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  1777,  and  that  no  part  thereof  shall  be 
applied  by  me  or  by  any  other  person  with  my  consent  or 
permission,  to  any  other  use  or  purpose  than  is  herein 
above  mentioned  ;  and  that  I  will  not  under  colour  of  the 
said  license,  export  out  of  this  State  any  flour  or  meal  for 
my  own  or  any  other  private  use  whatsoever,  so  help  me 
God :"  And  further,  that  every  such  license  so  to  be 
granted  as  aforesaid,  by  virtue  hereof,  shall  express  the  use 
to  which  the  flour,  or  meal,  or  grain,  therein  licensed  for 
exportation  shall  be  applied  ;  and  that  every  such  oath  and 
license  to  be  taken  and  granted  by  any  of  the  said  commis- 
sioners by  virtue  hereof,  shall  be  registered  by  the  com- 
missioner taking  and  granting  the  same,  in  the  same  man- 
ner as  is  required  with  respect  to  oaths  to  be  taken  and 
licenses  granted  by  virtue  of  the  said  resolution  of  the 
21st  day  of  this  instant  month  of  November. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  afore- 
going resolution  relative  to  the  exportation  of  flour  and 
meal,  be  postponed  till  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Mr.  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  commissary  of  prisoners  of  war 
in  this  state,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  on 
account. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Daniel  Dunscomb,  Esq.  the  sum  of  twenty-four  shillings 
for  two  pair  of  snuffers,  two  pair  of  hinges,  and  one  lock, 
for  the  use  of  the  General  Assembly  of  this  State. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  His  Excellency 
the  Governor,  to  confer  with  him  on  the  expediency  of 
putting  an  end  to  the  session  of  this  Council  either  by  cal- 
ling the  Legislature  of  this  State  or  the  Convention  thereof, 
re  ported  as  follows,  to  wit  : 

"That  they  had  waited  on  His  Excellency  at  New- Wind- 
sor, and  had  conferred  with  him  upon  the  subject.  That 
His  Excellency  informed  them  that  Congress  had  deter- 
mined to  have  works  and  foriifications  erected  at  the  High- 
lands for  the  defence  of  the  river  in  the  best  manner  possi- 
ble, and  committed  the  superintendence  of  it  to  him  ;  and 
that  he  could  not,  consistent  with  a  proper  attention  to  this 


1090 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


malter,  attend  to  public  business  at  any  place  farther  dis- 
tant from  'New-Windsor  than  Poukeepsie  ;  that  His 
Excellency  conceived  it  most  expedient  10  put  an  end  to 
the  session  of  this  Council  by  calling  a  meeting  of  the 
Legislature,  and  therefore  proposed  the  Legislature  should 
be  convened  by  his  pioclamation  at  Poukeepsie  very 
early  in  the  month  of  January  ;  that  thereupon  your  com- 
mittee agreed  that  Mr.  Benson  should  proceed  to  Pou- 
keepsie to  inquire  whether  accommodations  could  be  pro- 
cured there  for  theLegislature  ;  that  His  Excellency  wished 
that  the  Council  would  take  the  matter  into  consideration 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  inform  him  of  their  opinion  ;  that 
His  Excellency  was  very  desirous  to  hold  a  council  of  ap- 
pointment to  appoint  magistrates  in  different  parts  of  the 
Stale,  and  requested  this  Council,  by  circular  letters,  to 
inform  the  members  of  the  council  of  appointment  thereof ; 
and  Mr.  Benson  reported  that  he  had  been  at  Poukeepsie, 
and  had  assembled  the  principal  inhabitants  of  that  place, 
who  had  agreed  to  accommodate  the  members  with  board, 
agreeable  to  the  list  which  Mr.  Benson  delivered  in  to  the 
Council." 

And,  the  same  being  taken  into  consideration,  it  was 
Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  His  Excellency, 
the  Governor,  by  his  proclamation  to  convene  the  Legisla- 
ture at  Poukeepsie  as  early  in  the  month  of  January  as 
possible. 


DIE  VENERIS,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

November  28,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Webster,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Van  Zandt. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Isaac  Van  Vleck,  delivered  in  their  report,  which  was  read 
and  filed.    And  it  was  thereupon 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  did  not,  by  discharging 
Isaac  Van  Vleck  from  confinement,  intend  to  exempt  his 
estate  from  sequestration. 

Mr.  Dunscomb  dissented. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the 
committee  of  Rhinebeck,  reported  on  that  part  thereof 
which  relates  to  the  practice  of  horse  racing,  was  read  and 
filed.  Thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  practice  of  horse  racing  is  prohibit- 
ed by  the  eighth  article  of  the  general  association  ;  and  that 
the  said  committee  have  full  power  to  put  the  same  into 
execution. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  sequestration,  in  the 
respective  counties  in  this  !Stale,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
directed  to  deposit  without  delay,  into  the  treasury  of  this 
State,  all  the  gold  and  silver,  and  all  wrought  plate  belong- 
ing to  the  estates  of  persons  gone  over  unto  or  who  are 
with  the  enemy,  which  they  may  have  seized  and  taken 
into  their  possession  ;  and  that  the  plate  and  money  seized 
from  the  estate  of  each  such  person  be  put  up  in,  one  pack- 
age, and  each  package  marked  with  the  name  of  the  per- 
son from  whose  estate  the  same  was  so  seized  and  taken. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  several  reso- 
lutions of  Congress,  reported  ;  which  was  read  and  agreed 
to,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  to  wit : 

"Your  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolutions 
of  Congress,  of  Julv  ,  August  the  28th,  September  the 
3d,  October  the  14th,  and  October  17th  last,  do  report 
with  respect  to  the  first  resolution,  that  it  ought  to  be 
transmitted  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  with  whom 
your  committee  conceive  it  lies  to  appoint  persons  to  raise, 
recruits  and  secure  deserters,  agreeably  to  the  directions  of 
the  resolution.  Your  committee  however  think  it  would 
not  be  improper,  if  the  Council  are  acquainted  with  any 
persons  proper  for  the  office,  to  mention  them  to  His  Ex- 
cellency for  his  approbation. 


"  With  respect  to  the  second  resolution,  that  proper  pro- 
vision is  ahcady  made  by  the  laws  of  this  State  for  appre- 
hending persons  supposed  inimical  to  the  cause  of  Ameri- 
ca, and  that  it  does  not  appear  that  any  meetings  of  suffer- 
ings have  been  held  by  the  people  called  Quakers,  in  this 
State. 

"  With  respect  to  the  third  resolution,  that  a  bill  should 
be  brought  in  at  the  next  session  of  the  Legislature,  ap- 
pointing commissioners  to  procure  tents,  arms  and  other 
military  stores,  blankets,  clothing,  medicines,  and  other  ne- 
cessary articles  lor  the  use  of  the  military  of  this  State  ; 
and  that  the  quantity  of  military  stores  manufactured  in 
this  Stale,  it  any,  is  so  small  that  it  is  altogether  unneces- 
sary to  report  it  to  Congress. 

"  With  respect  to  the  fifth  resolution,  that  a  bill  ought  to 
be  brought  into  ihe  Legislature,  at  their  next  meeting,  for 
completing  the  five  Continental  battalions,  raised  within 
this  State.  Also  a  bill  for  the  more  effectual  apprehend- 
ing and  securing  deserters  from  the  service  of  these  Stales, 
and  delecting  and  punishing  persons  who  shall  knowingly 
conceal  or  assist  such  deserters,  or  detain,  buy,  exchange 
or  receive  any  horse,  arms,  accoutrements  or  clothes  belong- 
ing to  these  States,  from  any  soldier,  trooper  or  mariner  in 
the  service  of  the  said  Slates." 

Friday  Afternoon,  November  28,  1777. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the 
commiltee  of  Rynbeck  precinct,  charging  Robt.  Livingston, 
Esqr.  with  selling  bar  iron  at  £l7  per  hundred,  reported 
the  following  resolutions,  which  being  read,  were  approved 
and  adopted  as  ihe  unanimous  act  of  this  Council,  to  wit : 

Resolved,  That  ii  is  the  duly  of  this  Council  to  take 
notice  of  the  complaint  against  the  said  Robert  Living- 
ston, contained  in  ihe  said  letter. 

Resolved,  That  copies  of  such  parts  of  the  letter  as  re- 
lates to  the  said  complaint,  and  of  these  resolutions  be,  (by 
a  special  messenger  to  be  procured  for  that  purpose,) 
served  on  the  said  Robert  Livingston,  to  the  end  that  he 
may  defend  himself  against  the  said  charge. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Robt.  Livingston,  forthwith, 
(either  by  a  personal  appearance  before  this  Council,  or  by 
letter,  to  be  transmitted  by  the  return  of  said  messenger,) 
whom  he  is  authorized  to  detain  a  reasonable  lime  for  that 
purpose,  inform  this  Council  whether  the  above  malter 
charged  against  him  is  true  ;  and  particularly  that  he  in- 
form this  Council  of  the  highest  price  at  which  he  has 
lately  sold  bar  iron,  and  as  nearly  as  the  same  can  be  com- 
puted of  the  difference  of  expense  between  the  present 
time  and  the  year  1775,  of  manufacturing  a  ton  of  refined 
bar  iron  from  the  ore  at  his  iron  works. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  signed  by  their 
secretary,  dated  the  18th  inst.  with  the  documents  therein 
enclosed,  was  received  and  read. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  Tryon  county, 
dated  the  fourteenth  day  of  November  instant,  therein  en- 
closed, relative  to  sending  a  party  of  troops  to  Unadilla, 
and  an  extract  of  General  Gates's  letter  to  the  commiltee 
of  Albany,  were  read,  and  are  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit : 

"  In  Committee  of  the  County  of  Tryon,  ) 
"  November  14,  1777.  ) 

"  Sir — Notwithstanding  the  representations  made  by  the 
chairman  of  this  board,  when  last  in  Albany,  we  are  again 
necessitated  to  apply  for  a  few  troops  to  be  stationed  on 
the  southern  froniiers  of  this  county. 

"We  have  lately  had  a  scouting  party  to  Unadilla,  who 
gave  us  information  that  a  large  number  of  disaffecied  peo- 
ple have  collected  at  that  place,  and  from  appearances, 
they  were  making  preparations  for  some  expedition.  Some 
say  it  is  meditated  against  the  frontiers  of  Ulster  county, 
while  others  say  it  is  intended  against  this  county. 


JOURNAL  OF  TH    COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1091 


"  Unadilla  is  a  receptacle  for  all  deserters  from  the  army, 
runaway  negroes,  and  other  bad  people.  We  therefore 
judge  it  extremely  necessary  to  have  that  nest  entirely 
eradicated  ;  and  until  that  is  done,  we  never  can  enjoy  our 
possessions  in  peace,  for  those  villains  carry  off  all  the 
cattle  they  can  find,  besides  robbing  the  well  affected  in- 
habitants. 

"  We  are,  gentlemen,  vour  humble  servants. 
"  By  order  of  the  committee, 

"  PETER  S.  DEYG  ART, 

"  Chairman. 

"  To  John  Barclay,  Esqr." 

The  extract  of  General  Gates's  letter,  in  answer  thereto, 
was  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  Col.  Van  Schaick  reports  that  Unadilla  is  near  70 
miles  southwest  of  Cherry  Valley ;  that  there  is  no  means  of 
sending  supplies  or  maintaining  troops  when  they  are  there; 
besides,  he  is  certain  that  any  tories  or  disaffected  Indians 
that  may  be  there  will,  on  the  approach  of  any  party  to  rout 
them,  immediately  disperse." 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

November  29,  1777. 

Present — Fvert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Duscomb,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Fh.  Livingston. 

The  weather  being  very  stormy,  no  other  members  at- 
tended ;  and  for  want  of  another  member  of  the  quorum, 
the  Council  could  not  proceed  to  business. 


MONDAY,  a.  m. 

December  1,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present— Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Webster. 

A  letter  from  the  Honble.  Jas.  Duane,  Esqr.  was  read, 
and  follows,  viz  : 

"  York  Town,  Pens.  22d  Novr.  1777. 

"  Dear  Sir — I  am  greatly  obliged  to  you  for  your  ac- 
ceptable favour.  All  the  news  I  can  collect  I  have  by  this 
opportunity  conveyed  to  the  Honourable  Council  of  Safety. 
As  it  will  fall,  of  course,  into  your  hands,  it  is  needless  to 
repeal  the  intelligence.  You  soon  will  receive  the  Confe- 
deration, with  an  address  to  convene  the  several  Legisla- 
tures to  ratify  it ;  and  a  plan  of  taxation,  and  for  supplying 
the  army  on  more  reasonable  terms.  The  wealth  of  the 
Indies  would  not  support  the  war,  as  it  is  now  conducted. 
Indeed,  it  is  impossible  longer  to  gratify  the  avidity  of  the 
people,  who  set  no  bounds  to  their  sharping  and  extortion. 

"  Mr.  Morris  has  not  yet  made  his  appearance,  nor  Mr. 
Lewis.  I  must  have  patience,  for  I  dare  not,  in  the  pre- 
sent circumstances,  leave  our  State  unrepresented.  Mv 
heart  bleeds  for  the  misfortunes  of  our  friends  of  Kingston, 
and  the  eastern  shore.  Our  implacable  enemies  seem  to 
have  taken  leave  of  the  feelings  of  humanity,  and  to  exult 
in  a  predatory  war,  which  would  disgrace  the  fiercest  sava- 
ges. That  God  in  whom  we  trust,  will,  I  hope,  inspire  us 
with  vigour  and  fortitude,  and  enable  us  to  put  a  speedy 
termination  to  these  trying  calamities. 

"Adieu,  my  dear  sir,  and  believe  me,  with  truth, 
"  Your  most  obdt.  humble  servant, 

"  JAS.  DUANE. 

"  John  McKesson,  Esqr." 

Col.  Paulding,  Major  Webster  and  Egbert  Benson,  Es- 
quires, delivered  in  a  memorandum  of  the  moneys  by  them 
expended  in  going  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  at 
Mew-Windsor,  and  returning,  in  obedience  to  an  order  of 
this  Council,  passed  the  21st  of  November  last,  amounting 
to  five  pounds  eighteen  shillings. 


Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Col. 
Levi  Pawling,  or  his  order,  the  said  sum  of  five  pounds 
eighteen  shillings,  and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Robt. 
Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Secretaries,  twelve  dollars,  for 
the  like  sum  by  him  advanced  for  the  Slate  to  James 
Campbell,  on  the  24lh  day  of  November  last,  for  carrying 
the  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety  (relative  to  the 
exportation  of  flour  and  meal  out  of  this  State)  to  the 
chairmen  of  the  committees  of  the  north  and  south  sides 
of  the  mountains  in  Orange  county  and  to  the  chairman  of 
the  committee  of  Ulster  county. 

Monday,  P.  M.  December  1,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  P.  T. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mi. 
Dnnscomb,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Matthew  Adgate,  Esqr.  one  of  the  commissioners  of  se- 
questration for  the  lower  district  of  the  county  of  Albany, 
in  behalf  of  the  said  commissioners,  laid  the  case  of  Wil- 
liam H.  Ludlow  before  this  Council,  from  which  and  from 
the  papers  attending  the  same,  it  appears  that  the  said 
William  H.  Ludlow  has  in  his  possession  at  Claverack 
divers  goods,  chattels  and  effects,  belonging  to  Gabriel  H. 
Ludlow  and  Charles  Shaw,  in  copartnership,  who  are  now 
with  the  enemy  ;  which  goods,  chattels  and  effects  the  said 
Wm.  H.  Ludlow  claims  the  detention  from  the  said  com- 
missioner for  the  following  reasons,  to  wit  :  That  Henry 
Ludlow,  his  father,  had  invested  the  said  copartnership 
with  a  considerable  share  of  his  properly,  to  the  amount  of 
three  thousand  pounds  and  upwards,  to  be  so  far  benefitted 
himself  by  the  said  investiture  as  to  receive  an  ample, 
handsome  and  competent  supply  for  himself  and  his  family 
from  the  advantages  arising  from  the  trade  of  the  said  co- 
partnership if  it  should  prove  successful.  That  the  said 
Wm.  H.  Ludlow  has  received  and  is  possessed  of  the 
family  furniture  and  the  clothing  of  such  of  the  family  as 
are  with  him,  with  some  articles  of  merchandise  belonging 
to  the  said  company,  lodged  in  his  hands  for  sale,  to  an- 
swer the  calls  of  the  said  family  during  the  present  trou- 
bles ;  and  that  the  said  William  H.  Ludlow  and  other  per- 
sons whom  the  said  commissioners  suspect  can  give  full 
and  particular  information  of  the  said  goods,  chattels  and 
effects,  do  refuse  to  be  examined  fully  upon  oath  touching 
the  same,  pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  Convention  of 
this  State,  of  the  6th  day  of  March  last,  and  another  reso- 
lution of  the  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State,  of  the  5th 
day  of  September  last;  upon  which  case  the  said  commis- 
sioners pray  the  advice  of  this  Council  for  removing  certain 
doubts  thereon.    It  is  therefore 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  ought,  without 
delay,  to  carry  into  effectual  execution  the  said  resolution 
of  the  5lh  day  of  September,  against  all  such  persons  who, 
being  required  by  the  said  commissioners,  shall  refuse  or 
delay  to  give  such  information  on  oath  relating  to  the  said 
case,  as  by  the  said  resolutions,  or  either  of  them,  is  di- 
rected. 

Resolved,  That  upon  discovery  of  any  goods,  chattels 
and  effects,  or  any  part  thereof,  belonging  to  the  said  Ga- 
briel Ludlow  and  Charles  Shaw,  or  either  of  them,  abso- 
lutely or  in  manner  aforesaid,  the  said  commissioners  ought 
forthwith  to  seize  and  take  the  same  into  their  custody  ;  but 
that  they  desist  from  the  sale  thereof  until  they  shall  have 
made  report  to  this  Council  of  their  proceedings  herein 
and  have  received  further  directions  of  this  Council  thereon. 

And  to  enable  the  said  commissioners  the  more  effectu- 
ally to  do  their  duty  in  the  premises,  and  because  of  the 
aforesaid  refusal  of  the  said  Wm.  H.  Ludlow  and  the  said 
other  persons  to  be  examined  fully  on  oath  before  the  said 
commissioners  touching  the  same  : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners,  or  any  two  of 
them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered 


1092 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


to  enter  into  any  houses  and  places  wherein  they  shall  have 
reason  to  suspect  any  of  the  goods,  chattels  and  effects  are 
concealed,  and  to  break  open  any  building  or  dig  up  any 
soil  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  and  possessing  themselves 
of  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in 
the  respective  counties  in  this  State,  or  any  two  of  them 
in  their  respective  counties,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  autho- 
rized and  empowered  to  enter  into  any  houses  and  places 
wherein  they  shall  have  reason  to  suspect  any  goods,  chat- 
tels or  effects  of  persons  gone  over  to  or  with  the  enemy, 
to  be  concealed,  and  to  break  open  any  building  or  dig  up 
any  soil  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  and  possessing  them- 
selves of  such  goods,  chattels  and  effects. 

A  draft  of  a  circular  letter  to  the  members  of  the  Le- 
gislature, was  read  and  approved,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  Hurley,  Deer.  1st,  1777. 
"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Council  of  Safely  to  inform 
you  that  His  Excellency  the  Governor  has  issued  his  pro- 
clamation convening  the  Legislature  at  Poughkeepsie  on 
the  5th  day  of  January  next,  and  to  request  your  punctual 
attendance. 

"  The  Council  intend  by  a  proper  adjournment  to  be 
made  in  the  meantime,  to  meet  at  Poughkeepsie  on  the 
17th  instant,  and  earnestly  request  your  attendance  there 
also,  as  they  are  extremely  anxious  that  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  members  should  there  be  assembled  to  form  a  Con- 
vention, not  only  for  the  despatch  of  some  very  important 
business  now  before  them,  but  also  to  prepare  matters  pre- 
vious to  the  meeting  of  the  Legislature,  and  by  that  means 
shorten  the  duration  of  the  next  session. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  obedt.  servant, 

"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  copies  thereof  be  signed  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  transmitted. 

Resolved,  That  Zephaniah  Piatt  and  Gilbert  Livingston 
be  authorized  and  requested  to  employ  an  agent  to  pur- 
chase forty  tons  of  hay  and  five  hundred  bushels  of  oats, 
rye,  Indian  corn  and  buckwheat,  and  deposit  the  same  in 
proper  magazines  at  Poughkeepsie,  for  the  use  of  the  Le- 
gislature. 

Capt.  Abraham  Lewis  informed  the  Council  that  he  had 
used  his  utmost  endeavours  to  raise  the  Continental  galley, 
named  Lady  Washington,  now  sunk  in  the  Roundout  kill, 
and  that  his  attempts  have  proved  unsuccessful. 

The  Council  thereupon  directed  him  to  make  report 
thereof  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor :  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  men  belonging  to  the  vessel  com- 
manded by  Capt.  Benson,  who  have  been  employed  in  at- 
tempting to  raise  the  said  galley,  proceed  with  Capt.  Lewis 
to  New-Windsor. 


FRIDAY  MORNING,  10  ho. 

December  2,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Webster. 

Whereas  by  the  sinister  practice  of  many  of  the  agents 
in  the  commissary's  department  of  the  Continental  army, 
to  advance  their  own  private  emolument  at  the  public  ex- 
pense, the  price  of  flour  furnished  to  the  troops  has  been 
raised  to  a  most  exorbitant  height : 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling  and 
Mr.  Harper,  or  any  two  of  them,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
appointed  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  aforesaid  sinister 
practices,  and  report  thereon  with  all  convenient  speed  ; 
and  to  that  end  that  they  be,  and  they  are  hereby  autho- 
rized and  empowered  to  send  for  persons  and  papers,  and 


to  examine  witnesses  on  oath,  and  to  commit  for  con- 
tempt. 

The  petition  of  John  Gibson,  John  Todd  and  twenty 
others,  from  Charlotte  county,  was  read  and  follows, 
vizt : 

"  To  the  Honourable  the  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New-York. 

"  The  petition  of  the  subscribers  in  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte most  humbly  sheweth  : 

"  That  your  petitioners  are  for  the  most  part  emigrants 
from  Ireland,  who  lately  settled  here,  and  have  always 
done  military  duty  when  called  ;  and  at  the  late  retreat 
from  Ticonderoga,  some  of  us  fought  our  way  through  an 
ambushment  of  regulars  and  Indians  and  brought  in  7  pri- 
soners. 

"  Arriving  at  home,  we  saw  some  flying  towards  other 
States,  though  it  was  said  they  were  on  the  eve  of  a  fa- 
mine, and  had  set  guards  to  prevent  our  entry  among 
them.  All  our  families,  wanting  wagons  and  cash,  could 
not  remove  ;  while  your  petitioners  were  busy  erecting  a 
fort  in  New-Pearlh  by  Genl.  Schuyler's  orders,  (our  army 
retreating,)  a  written  message  arrived  from  Burgoyne's 
camp,  peremptorily  denouncing  military  vengeance  on  us 
if  we  went  not  to  him  speedily  for  protection.  Meantime, 
9  persons  were  barbarously  murdered  by  the  savages  be- 
side us — the  Indians  killing  and  making  prisoners  all  they 
found  moving  southward — the  woods  being  full  of  them, 
our  wives  and  children  filled  with  horror  ;  your  unhappy 
petitioners,  at  last  overcome  with  panic,  very  unhappily 
fled  into  the  rear  of  Burgoyne's  camp,  but  yet  lived  on  our 
own  provisions,  refusing  to  lift  arms,  and  not  more  than  4 
of  us  took  any  oath  to  them.  At  last,  hearing  that  the 
Honourable  Council  had  passed  an  act  of  grace,  your  pe- 
tioners  made  several  attempts  to  escape  and  claim  the  be- 
nefit thereof,  but  were  prevented  by  their  double  guard, 
and  some  of  us  twice  confined  ;  yet  about  7  of  us  escaped 
a  few  days  before  the  happy  surrender,  but  obtained  not 
the  benefit  of  said  act. 

"  Now,  your  distressed  petitioners  humbly  beg  leave 
to  surrender  themselves  to  the  Honourable  Council,  hum- 
bly confessing  their  great  offence  in  flying  to  Burgoyne's 
camp.  We  prostrate  ourselves  at  the  Council's  feet,  earn- 
estly imploring  their  mercy  and  pardon,  with  protection  of 
the  laws  ;  hereby  humbly  offering  henceforth  to  defend  the 
good  cause  of  America. 

"  The  Honourable  Council's  granting  this  petition  will 
be  a  signal  display  of  clemency,  and  will  effectually  bind 
your  petitioners  and  all  their  connection  to  this  State  by 
every  principle  of  gratitude  and  love  ;  and  although  above 
£500  worth  of  goods  hath  been  already  torn  from  your 
supplicants  by  scouting  parties,  yet  your  acceptance  of  us 
would  happily  relieve  from  the  terror  of  being  murdered 
in  the  night  season  by  those  who  please  again  to  fire  sharp 
shot  at  your  petitioners'  houses,  women  and  children,  who 
being  disarmed  and  confined  to  our  farms  by  the  commit- 
tee, can  not  make  a  personal  surrender  of  ourselves  to  the 
Honourable  Council,  but  as  in  duty  bound  shall  pray. 


"  James  Craig, 
his 

"  Adam  y,  Getty, 

mark, 
"  Duncan  McArter, 
"  Peter  McEwen, 
"Daniel  Livingston, 
"  Robt.  Creghton, 
"  John  Chambers, 
"William  Bell, 
"  John  Gibson, 


"  David  McKnight, 
"  James  Means, 
"  James  Beaiy, 
"Alexander  Means, 
"  John  McKnight, 
"  John  Means, 
"  Samuel  Burns, 
"  Thomas  Beaty, 
"William  Beal, 
'*  Robert  Caldwell, 
"  David  Scott, 
"  John  Cloehen." 


"  John  Todd, 

Resolved,  That  the  consideration  of  the  said  petition  be 
referred  to  the  Legislature,  and  be  laid  before  them  at 
their  next  meeting.  In  order,  notwithstanding,  to  prevent 
bloodshed  and  other  irregularities,  and  that  the  petitioners 
may  be  enabled  to  provide  for  their  families,  who  other- 
wise may  become  chargeable  to  the  public, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  petitioners  in  the  meantime  be 
permitted  to  remain  on  their  respective  farms  and  be  pro- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1093 


tected  in  their  respective  persons  and  estates ;  provided, 
nevertheless,  that  nothing  in  these  resolutions  contained, 
shallb  e  construed  to  restrain  the  powers  and  authorities  of 
the  committees  or  commissioners  of  sequestration  in  the 
county  of  Charlotte. 

Tuesday,  December  2,  1777. 

Present— The  President  pro  tern,  and  the  same  members  as  in  the 
forenoon. 

No  material  business  was  done. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

December  3,  1777. 

Present — Evert  Baneker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Har- 
per, Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Clarke,  Mr.  Pawling, 
Mr.  Snyder. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  unto 
Roeloff  Elting  the  sum  of  thirty-two  pounds  four  shillings, 
for  going  with  despatches  from  this  Council  to  the  Ho- 
nourable the  General  Congress,  at  York  Town,  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  returning. 

Resolved,  That  at  some  future  day  this  Council  will 
adjourn  to  meet  at  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess  county,  on 
the  seventeenth  instant. 

A  letter  from  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  dated  the 
1st  inst.  and  received  by  John  McLean,  (the  rider,)  was 
read,  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Little  Britain,  1st  Deer.  1777. 

"  Gentlemen — I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  30th 
ultimo,  with  the  resolve  of  your  Board  enclosed  therein. 
In  consequence  of  which,  I  shall  issue  a  proclamation  for 
convening  the  Legislature  at  Poughkeepsie,  on  Monday 
the  5lh  of  January  next. 

"  I  have  not  a  word  of  late  news  from  the  southern  army. 
We  have  flying  reports  of  an  attempt  against  Fort  Mercer, 
in  which  the  enemy  were  repulsed  with  great  loss  ;  but 
not  in  such  a  way  as  to  be  depended  on.  A  small  party 
from  our  advanced  water  guard,  a  few  nights  ago,  slipped 
down  in  a  dark  night,  passed  the  enemy's  shipping,  and 
burnt  General  Deluncey's  house,  at  Bloomingdale,  took 
two  prisoners  and  returned  safe.  Different  parties  of  Genl. 
Dickinson's  troops  have  been  on  Staten  island,  but  with 
what  success  I  have  not  yet  learned.  Other  small  parties 
have  been  at  Bergen  and  Hobock,  where  they  took  a  few 
prisoners  and  some  horses. 

"  I  am,  with  due  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

"GEO.  CLINTON. 

"  P.  S.  I  shall  depend  on  your  Secretaries  to  issue  the 
circular  Liters,  as  I  am  without  help. 

"  The  Honble.  the  Council  of  Safety,  Hurley." 

P.  M.  December  3,  1777. 

Present — The  same  members  as  the  morning,  except  Mr.  Benson, 
who  went  home  wilh  leave. 

The  Council  having  passed  the  afternoon  in  examining 
the  accounts  of  Major  Wheelock  and  Capt.  Samuel  Paine, 
adjourned  without  coming  to  any  final  determination  there- 
on. 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

December  4,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Baneker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Snyder,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Dunscomb. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  dated  Novr.  2d 
last,  relative  to  Andrew  Palmetier,  a  captain  who  enlisted 
men  in  the  enemy's  service,  and  principal  ringleader  in 

274 


robbing  and  destroying  the  effects  of  our  friends  on  the  east 
side  of  Hudson's  river,  and  requesting  that  the  judge  may 
be  directed  to  hold  a  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  at  Albany, 
to  try  the  offender,  was  read  and  filed. 

The  Council  were  informed  by  a  member,  that  Capt. 
Samuel  Paine  is  gone  to  wait  on  the  Vice-Treasurer,  with 
intention  to  receive  of  him  the  moneys  due  for  the  said 
Saml.  Paine's  pay  and  rations  ;  and  the  Council  not  being 
informed  whether  Capt.  Paine  has  credited  the  Slate  for 
the  sum  he  received  of  Major  Jno.  Wheelock, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  the  Vice-Trea- 
surer, and  direct  him  not  to  pay  any  money  to  Capt. 
Samuel  Paine,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Council,  and 
that  he  therein  direct  the  Vice-Treasurer  (and  Auditor- 
General,  if  he  is  returned  home,)  to  attend  this  Council  as 
soon  as  conveniently  may  be. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  be  sent  by  John  Van 
Duersen  as  a  messenger. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

December  5,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Baneker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Web- 
ster, Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Rowan. 

A  letter  from  Andrew  Billings  and  Peter  Tappen,  Esqrs. 
assistant  commissioners  for  conspiracies  at  Poughkeepsie, 
dated  the  4th  instant,  informing  the  Council  that  a  factious 
spirit  manifests  itself  at  that  place,  originating  chiefly  on 
account  of  the  Kevd.  Mr.  Bardsley  and  Mr.  Vandenberg, 
and  requesting  the  directions  of  the  Council  relative  to 
sending  the  Revd.  Mr.  Bardsley,  and  Mr.  Vandenbergh  to 
New-York,  together  wilh  an  anonymous  letter,  directed  to 
ihe  commissioners  of  conspiracies  at  Poughkeepsie  therein 
enclosed,  was  received  and  filed  ;  and  the  same  being 
taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  Peter  Tappen  and  Andw.  Billings, 
Esqrs.  assistant  commissioners  of  conspiracies,  be  autho- 
rized and  directed  to  cause  the  Revd.  Mr.  Bardsley  and 
Henry  Vandenbergh,  wilh  their  familie.*,  (male  servants 
and  slaves  excepted,)  to  be  removed  to  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  to  permit  them  to  take  wilh  ihem  their  wearing 
apparel,  and  necessary  bedding  and  provisions  for  iheir 
passage,  and  no  other  goods  or  effects  whatsoever. 

Friday,  P.  M.  December  5,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Baneker,  Esqr.  Pr est. pro  tern. 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.'Web- 
sler,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Livingston. 

Whereas  the  exportation  of  shoe  leather  out  of  this 
State  proves  extremely  distressing  to  the  inhabitants  there- 
of, and  renders  the  supplying  of  shoes  to  the  Continental 
troops  extremely  difficult  in  this  State, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  no  shoe  leather  shall  hence- 
forth be  exported  out  of  this  Slate ;  and  that  as  well  all 
and  every  person  or  persons  who  shall  export,  or  cause  to  be 
exported,  any  shoe  leather  out  of  this  State,  as  all  and  every 
person  or  persons  who  shall  sell  the  same  to  any  other  per- 
son or  persons,  he,  she  or  they  so  selling  the  same  know- 
ing the  same  to  be  intended  for  exportation  out  of  this  State, 
shall  forfeit  and  pay,  for  every  such  offence,  treble  the  value 
of  such  leather,  to  be  recovered  by  any  person  who  shall 
sue  and  prosecute  for  the  same  ;  one  moiety  thereof  to  his 
own  use,  and  the  other  moiety  thereof  to  be  paid  into  the 
treasury  of  this  State. 

Resolved,  further,  That  every  member  of  any  general 
or  district  committee  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  authorized  and 
empowered  to  seize,  and  dispose  of,  at  public  vendue,  any 
shoe  leather  that  shall  be  attempted  to  be  exported  out  of 
this  State  ;  and  shall  pay  the  moneys  to  arise  by  such  sale 


1094 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


after  deducting  reasonable  charges  thereout,  into  the  Trea- 
sury of  this  State,  for  the  use  of  the  same. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

December  6,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Resolved,  That  Cornelius  Uuboys  is  hereby  authorized 
to  gather,  collect  and  secure  all  the  iron  and  nails  in  the 
ruins  of  the  court  house  and  jail  of  Ulster  county,  lately 
consumed  by  fire,  and  which  may  be  collected  without  fur- 
ther breaking  of  the  walls  ;  and  that  he  render  a  true  and 
perfect  inventory  thereof  to  the  supervisors  of  the  county 
of  Ulster,  at  their  next  meeting,  who  are  hereby  directed 
and  required  to  order  a  sum  of  money  to  be  raised,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  other  necessary  and  contingent  charges  of  the 
county,  sufficient  to  pay  the  said  Cornelius  Duboys  for  his 
trouble,  labour  and  expenses  in  the  premises. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  dated  the 
2d  instant,  and  signed  by  Daniel  Graham,  their  chairman, 
was  read.  They  therein  complain  that  the  quantity  of  salt 
allotted  for  the  inhabitants  of  Ulster  county,  has  not  been 
received  ;  that  they  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  agents 
appointed  to  purchase  public  salt  for  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State,  have  appropriated  the  benefit  of  purchasing  salt  to 
their  private  emolument,  to  enhance  the  price  ;  and  praying 
an  inquiry  to  be  made  by  this  Council  in  the  premises. 

Resolved,  That  Abm.  P.  Lott,  Esqr.  be  requested  to 
attend  this  Council  on  Tuesday  next,  to  produce  the  ac- 
counts of  salt  by  him  purchased  for  this  State,  and  to  give 
such  further  information  in  the  premises,  to  this  Council, 
as  may  be  necessary. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Daniel  Graham,  Esq.  informing 
him  of  the  said  resolution,  was  read,  as  follows,  viz  : 

"  In  Council  of  Safety,  \ 
"  Deer.  6th,  1777.  $ 
"  Sir — The  Council  have  received  your  letter  of  the  2d 
inst.  signed  by  order  of  the  county  committee  ;  and  having 
by  resolution  appointed  Tuesday  next  for  the  attendance  of 
Abm.  P.  Lott,  Esqr.  with  the  accounts  of  the  salt  by  him 
purchased  by  order  of  the  State,  we  doubt  not  but  such  ac- 
counts will  be  then  exhibited,  and  such  measures  adopted 
as  ought  to  satisfy  the  good  people  of  the  county.  You  will 
please  to  attend  the  Council  at  that  time,  with  such  proofs 
as  are  in  your  power,  to  support  the  charge  in  your  said 
letter. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  servant. 

"  By  order." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  Katharine  Kittle,  the  wife  of 
Andriers  Kiltie,  who  has  gone  over  to  the  enemy,  in  con- 
sequence of  which  his  estate  has  been  seized  by  the  com- 
missioners of  sequestration,  by  which  said  petition  she 
prays  leave  to  retain  that  part  of  her  husband's  estate  which 
was  derived  from  her ;  and  on  reading  also  the  affidavits 
of  James  McNeill  and  Jacob  Van  Hoezen,  setting  forth 
her  steady  attachment  to  the  cause  and  liberties  of  America, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  commissioners  of  se- 
questration for  the  southern  district  of  the  county  of  Alba- 
ny do,  by  the  examination  of  the  said  Catharine  Kittle  on 
oath,  and  by  the  examination  of  such  other  persons  on  oath 
as  they  shall  think  proper,  ascertain  the  effects  which  the 
said  Andries  Kittle  derived  from,  or  acquired  by,  his  said 
wife  Catharine;  that  they  inventory  the  same  accurately,  but 
defer  the  sale  thereof,  and  permit  them  to  remain  in  the 


care  and  custody  of  the  said  Catherine,  until  further 
order. 

Genl.  Scott  obtained  leave  of  absence  to  go  to  Pough- 
keepsie. 

Saturday,  P.  M.  December  6,  1777. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Prest.pro  tern. 

Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Sny- 
der, Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  E.  Clark. 

On  reading  the  affidavit  of  Elijah  Townsend,  stating  that 
a  certain  Mr.  Helms  was  transporting  and  had  transported 
large  quantities  of  flour  and  meal  from  Fishkill  into  the 
State  of  Connecticut,  and  also  on  reading  the  letters  of 
Col.  Henry  Luddington,  Joseph  Crane,  Junr.  Jonathan 
Paddock  and  Elijah  Townsend,  on  the  same  subject — the 
same  being  considered,  the  draft  of  a  letter  in  answer 
thereto  was  prepared  and  agreed  to,  in  the  words  follow- 
ing, vizt : 

"In  Committee  of  Safety,  > 
"  Deer.  6,  1777.  $ 
"  Gentlemen — We  are  favoured  with  your  letter  of  the 
3d  instant,  relative  to  a  large  quantity  of  flour  which  Wm. 
Helms  is  said  to  be  transporting  out  of  this  State.  We 
enclose  you  a  copy  of  the  oath  of  the  said  Wm.  Helms, 
taken  in  this  Council  on  the  27lh  of  last  month,  and  a  copy 
of  our  license  to  transport  fifty  barrels  of  flour  only,  to 
New-Haven,  to  be  delivered  to  Jonathan  Filch,  commis- 
sary there,  for  the  support  of  such  troops  as  are  mentioned 
in  the  enclosed  copy  of  the  affidavit  of  the  said  Wm. 
Helms. 

"  We  request  you  gentlemen,  or  either  of  you,  by  every 
means  in  your  power,  to  make  particular  inquiry  whether 
the  said  Wm.  Helms  has  transported  or  attempted  to  trans- 
port any  more  than  fifty  barrels  of  flour,  meal  or  any  grain 
of  this  State,  since  the  embargo  laid  by  the  resolutions  of 
Council  of  the  11th  of  November,  restraining  the  trans- 
portation thereof.  And  if  you  find  he  is  guilty  or  has  at- 
tempted to  exceed  the  quantity  permitted  by  the  Council 
of  Safety,  you  will,  in  that  case,  commit  him  to  the  jail 
of  Dutchess  county,  there  to  remain  until  he  shall  be  thence 
delivered  by  due  course  of  law  ;  and  cause  all  the  flour  by 
him  transported  or  attempted  to  be  transported  out  of  this 
State,  to  be  seized,  brought  back  and  detained  within  the 
State  until  further  order.  And  in  case  you  shall  commit 
the  said  William  Helms  to  the  Dutchess  county  jail,  the 
sheriff  of  Dutchess  county  and  the  keeper  of  the  said  jail 
is  hereby  required  to  receive  and  keep  the  said  Wm.  Helms 
until  he  shall  be  thence  delivered  by  due  course  of  law. 

"  We  are  much  obliged  to  you,  gentlemen,  for  your  care 
and  vigilance  on  this  occasion,  and  wish  the  most  diligent 
inquiry  may  be  made  in  the  premises. 

"  We  are,  with  respect,  gentlemen, 

"  Your  very  humble  servant. 
"  By  order. 

"  To  Col.  Henry  Luddington,  Messrs. 
Joseph  Crane,  Jr.  Jonathan  Pad- 
dock and  Elijah  Townsend,  Dutch- 
ess county." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President  and  transmitted. 

Adjourned  until  Monday  next  at  10  o'clock  A.  M. 


MONDAY,  a.  m. 

Hurley,  December  8,  1777. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  P.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Webster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Rowan. 

No  other  member  attending,  the  Council  could  not  pro- 
ceed to  business  for  want  of  a  quorum.  The  members 
present  adjourned  to  meet  at  10  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1095 


TUESDAY,  a.  m. 

Hurley,  Decmber  9,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Webster,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Livingston. 

Upon  information  received  that  Jacobus  Bessemer  and 
another  person  named  Tremper  had  been  seen  this  morn- 
ing at  Jack's  tavern,  on  Stone  Ridge,  with  a  wagon  load 
of  leather,  which  they  were  conveying,  contrary  to  a  re- 
solution of  this  Council,  out  of  this  Slate,  to  Bethlehem, 
in  Pennsylvania.  The  Council  taking  the  same  into  con- 
sideration, ordered  a  warrant  to  be  made  out  to  apprehend 
and  seize  the  said  Besemer,  Tremper  and  leather,  and 
them,  with  the  said  leather,  forthwith  to  bring  to  this  Council, 
that  they  may  be  dealt  with  as  the  said  Council  shall  direct. 

Catharine  Emans  having  made  application  to  this  Coun- 
cil, relative  to  some  effects  belonging  to  her  son  Isaac  Van 
Vleck,  which  she  says  were  lately  seized  by  the  commis- 
sioners of  sequestration,  and  without  which  she  and  her 
three  grand  children  would  be  reduced  to  great  extremities. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to 
the  commissioners  of  sequestration,  in  the  southern  district 
of  the  county  of  Albany,  to  take  an  inventory  of  the  goods, 
chattels  and  effects,  now  or  lately  belonging  to  the  said 
Isaac  Van  Vleck,  (except  such  live  stock  and  grain  as 
herein  after  mentioned,  and  to  permit  said  goods,  chattels 
and  effects  so  inventoried  to  remain  in  the  possession  of  her, 
the  said  Catharine  Emans,  taking  her  bond  in  a  sufficient 
penalty  with  condition  to  deliver  the  said  goods,  chattels 
and  effects  to  such  person  or  persons  as  shall  be  authorized 
to  demand  the  same,  by  this  Council,  or  the  future  Legis- 
lature of  this  State  ;  that  the  live  stock,  consisting  of  four 
cows,  two  oxen  and  twelve  or  fifteen  sheep,  and  grain  not 
exceeding  thirty  bushels,  be  left  in  the  possession  of  the 
said  Catharine,  without  inventory,  for  the  support  of  the 
family.  The  said  Catharine  Emans  having  further  shewn 
to  this  Council  that  she  had  in  the  absence  of  her  son  caus- 
ed to  be  manufactured  a  quantity  of  leather,  amounting  to 
about  thirty-five  pieces  ;  so  much  whereof  as  is  due  to  ihe 
manufacturer,  this  Council  conceive  ought  to  be  permitted 
to  remain  with  her  as  her  own  property. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  commissioners  per- 
mit the  said  Catharine  Emans,  to  retain  and  dispose  of  so 
much  of  the  said  leather  as  belongs  to  the  manufacturer,  as 
she  may  think  fit,  without  account  to  be  rendered  them  for 
the  same. 

On  application  of  Henry  B.  Livingston,  Esqr.  fifth  colo- 
nel, and  commanding  the  4th  Continental  regiment  raised 
in  this  State,  made  by  Pierre  Regnier,  the  lieutenant-colo- 
nel of  the  said  regiment,  for  clothing  for  that  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jno.  Henry  deliver  out  of  the  cloth- 
ing store  of  this  Slate,  to  Lieut.  Col.  Regnier  or  his  order, 
two  hundred  and  fifty  shirts,  one  hundred  and  sixty  pair  of 
shoes,  one  hundred  pair  of  sheepskin  breeches,  and  one 
hundred  and  fifty  pair  of  men's  woollen  hose  for  the  use  of 
the  said  regiment,  taking  a  proper  receipt  for  the  same  ; 
that  Col.  Henry  B.  Livingston,  be  accountable  for  the  said 
clothing,  and  pay  for  the  same  to  this  State ;  and  that  Mr. 
Henry  deliver  with  the  said  clothing  a  true  invoice  thereof, 
and  transmit  a  copy  thereof  to  this  Council. 

A  letter  from  Robert  Livingston,  dated  the  7th  inst.  di- 
rected to  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Secretaries,  in 
answer  to  the  resolutions  of  the  inst.  relative  to  the 
price  of  his  iron,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Webster 
and  Mr.  Scott,  to  report  thereon. 

"  3  o'clock  P.  M.  December  9,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Clark. 


The  Council  spent  much  of  the  afternoon  in  the  further 
consideration  of  the  account  of  Major-General  Wheelock, 
produced  by  Captain  Samuel  Pain,  without  coming  to  any 
definite  determination  relative  thereto. 

Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker  represented  to  the  Council, 
that  he,  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of  the  Convention  of 
the  Representatives  of  this  State,  passed  on  the  8th  day 
of  May  last,  has  since  acted  as  commissioner  for  superin- 
tending such  poor  in  Ulster  county  as  have  fled  thither  from 
the  hand  of  tyranny  and  oppression  ;  that  he  has  expended 
the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds  advanced  to  him  by  this 
State  for  the  maintenance  of  the  said  poor,  in  pursuance 
of  the  said  resolutions  ;  that  by  reason  of  his  necessary  at- 
tendance on  ihe  Legislature  as  a  member  thereof,  it  is  in- 
convenient and  burdensome  to  him  to  act  as  commissioner 
for  superintending  the  said  poor  ;  and  that  Jno.  Sleght, 
Junr.  who  was  appointed  his  colleague,  has  not  to  his 
knowledge,  in  several  months  paid  any  attention  to  that 
business  ;  and  that  his  place  of  residence  is  remote  from 
the  situation  of  most  of  the  said  poor;  and  Mr.  Schoon^ 
maker  requested  that  some  proper  person  in  the  said  county 
mav  be  appointed  to  superintend  and  provide  for  the  said 
poor  :  Thereupon 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker  and 
Jno.  Sleght,  Junr.  be  and  are  hereby  are  discharged  from 
any  further  superintendence  of  the  said  poor  ;  and  that  Mr. 
Abm.  Bevier,  of  Shavvangunk  precinct,  in  Ulster  county, 
be  and  is  hereby  appointed  commissioner  for  superintend- 
ing the  said  poor  in  Ulster  county,  with  like  powers,  for 
governing  and  placing  out  the  said  poor  as  were  granted  to 
the  said  commissioners  C.  Schoonmaker  and  Jno.  Sleght, 
Junr.  by  the  said  resolutions  of  the  8th  of  May  last ;  and 
that  the  said  Abraham  Bevier,  be  and  is  hereby  authorized 
to  draw  on  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  for  a  sum  not  ex- 
ceeding the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  to  be  accounted 
for  by  him  the  said  Abm.  Bevier,  to  this  State. 

And  whereas  the  said  Cornelius  C.  Schoonmaker,  has 
represented  further  to  this  Council,  that  he  has  by  experi- 
ence found  that  the  sum  of  ten  shillings  per  day  allowed  by 
the  said  resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  trouble  and  ex- 
pense of  superintending  the  said  poor,  while  actually 
employed  therein,  has  been  insufficient  to  defray  the  ne- 
cessary expenses  of  a  commissioner  in  that  business. 
Therefore 

Ordered,  That  the  Auditor-General,  in  settling  the  ac- 
count of  the  sum  of  £500,  advanced  to  the  said  Cornelius  C. 
Schoonmaker,  by  the  State,  for  the  maintenance  of  the  said 
poor,  credit  him  with  sixteen  shillings  per  day  for  every 
day  he  shall  have  been  actually  employed  in  the  said  ser- 
vice ;  and  that  the  like  allowance  be  made  to  the  said  Jno. 
Sleght,  Junr.  for  his  services. 

Danl.  Graham,  Esqr.  chairman  of  the  county  committee 
of  Ulster  county,  attending,  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of 
this  Council,  by  letter  of  the  7th  inst.  was  admitted.  He 
informed  the  Council  that  he  had  not  any  proofs  to  offer  in 
support  of  the  charge  of  the  county  committee  against 
Abm.  P.  Lott,  Esqr.  relative  to  the  importation  of  salt; 
that  the  county  committee  had  their  information  on  that 
subject  from  Thomas  Palmer,  and  informed  the  Council  of 
the  substance  of  that  information. 

Resolutions  of  the  county  committee  of  Ulster,  dated 
the  2d  instant,  appointing  David  Bevier  of  Marbletown, 
Daniel  Graham  of  New  Paltz,  Thomas  Palmer  of  New- 
burgh,  and  James  Hunter  of  Shawangunk,  dommissioners 
for  granting  licenses  for  the  transporting  flour,  &c.  out  of 
this  State,  conformably  to  a  resolution  of  this  Council  of 
the  11th  November  last,  were  received  and  read. 

A  letter  from  the  said  committee  of  Ulster  county,  dated 
the  2nd  instant,  relative  to  the  appointment  of  committees, 
was  read.  Another  letter  from  the  same  county  committee 
relative  to  a  provision  for  the  poor  families  of  persons 
taken  prisoners  or  slain  in  the  defence  of  Fort  Montgome- 
ry, was  also  read. 


1096 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  the  two  last  letters 
be  deferred  until  to-morrow. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

December  10,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  .Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Scolt,  Mr.  Web- 
ster. Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van 
Zandt,  Mr.  Clark. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Ulster  county,  dated  the 
2nd  instant,  relative  to  the  appointment  of  members  of 
committees  by  the  late  Convention  on  the  7th  of  October 
last,  was  again  read  and  follows,  vizi : 

"  In  General  Committee,  } 
for  the  county  of  Ulster,  > 
"  2nd  December,  1777.  ) 
Whereas  the  Honourable  the  Senate  and  Assembly  for 
the  Slate  of  New-York  have  thought  proper  to  continue  the 
several  committees  in  this  State,  the  general  committee  for 
the  county  of  Ulster  beg  leave  to  inform  the  Honourable 
Council  thai  it  is  not  a  little  disagreeable  to  many  of  the 
inhabitants  of  t his  county:  they  being  of  opinion  that  no 
committee  ought  to  be  appointed  but  by  the  free  electors 
of  the  people  ;  insomuch  that  it  is  wilh  difficulty  that,  we 
can  convene  members  enough  to  make  a  house  to  do  busi- 
ness. It  is  also  very  disagreeable  for  many  of  the  present 
members  to  serve  in  committees  when  at  the  same  time 
the  people  tell  them  they  have  no  right  to  act  in  that  sta- 
tion on  the  fooling  they  now  stand.  One  member  from 
Kingston  attended,  but  refused  to  sit  as  a  member  of  com- 
mittee, saying  that  he  would  not  intrude  or  encroach  upon 
the  liberties  of  the  people  by  assuming  an  authority  with 
which  they  had  not  vested  him.  Therefore  ihis  committee 
humbly  begs  lhat  your  Honours  will  appoint  new  elections 
for  choice  of  committees  in  this  county,  as  well  general 
as  district  commiitees,  (lhat  is  if  you  should  be  of  opinion 
that  commiitees  should  slill  exist,)  and  lhat  your  Honour- 
able Board  will  please  to  signify  your  intentions  thereof  to 
the  chairman  of  this  committee  before  the  last  Tuesday  of 
this  instant,  lhat  being  the  day  to  which  this  committee  is 
adjourned  ;  as  it  will  then  be  convenient  for  communicating 
your  intentions  thereon  to  the  members  of  the  different 
commiitees  in  this  county. 

"  From,  gentlemen,  yours  sincerely, 

"  DANL.  GRAHAM,  Chairman. 

"By  order  of  the  Commiltee  for 

Ulster  county." 

•  Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  respective  coun- 
ties and  districts  in  this  Stale  who  have  not  elected  com- 
mittees since  the  7th  day  of  October  last,  be  and  are  here- 
by authorized  and  empowered  to  meet  together  and  elect 
county  and  district  committees  in  the  manner  they  have 
heretofore  usually  elected  them  ;  and  at  ihc  day  or  days  of 
election  in  each  respective  county,  be  fixed  and  made  pub- 
lic to  the  inhabitants  thereof  by  the  county  commiltee  in 
each  county  respectively,  as  soon  as  conveniently  may  be. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  transmitted 
by  the  Secretary  to  the  chairman  of  the  county  committee 
of  each  county  in  this  Stale  by  the  first  conveyance. 

A  letter  from  the  county  commiltee  of  Ulster,  dated  the 
4th  instant,  relative  to  the  provision  for  ihe  poor  families  of 
persons  taken  prisoners  or  slain  in  the  defence  of  Fort 
Montgomery,  was  again  read  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Gentlemen — Application  hath  been  made  to  this 
committee,  that  a  number  of  the  families  of  persons  either 
killed  or  taken  prisoners  at  Fort  Montgomery,  in  the  High- 
lands, are  in  a  suffering  condition  in  consequence  thereof, 
and  that  some  provision  ought  immediately  to  be  made  for 
them.  This  committee  think  it  just  lhat  such  families 
should  be  taken  care  of,  but  as  they  are  reduced  to  this 


necessity  on  the  account  of  their  husbands  being  taken  pri- 
soners or  killed  in  the  defence  of  this  State,  or  of  the 
Uniied  Stales  in  general,  that  therefore  it  ought  to  be  a 
Stale  or  a  Continental  charge,  and  make  not  the  least 
doubt  but  lhat  your  honours  will  order  some  means  where- 
by ihey  may  be  supported  ;  and  as  it  is  a  mailer  of  the 
first  importance  to  those  sufferers,  we  beg  you  will  give 
directions  to  the  chairman  of  this  committee,  as  soon  as 
conveniently  may  be,  in  what  manner  they  are  to  be  pro- 
vided for.  Common  humanity,  in  the  meantime,  has  in- 
duced us  to  give  directions  to  the  district  committees, 
where  such  persons  reside  to  provide  for  them. 

"  From,  gentlemen, 
"Yours,  with  ihe  greatest  esteem, 
"  By  order  of  the  commiltee  for  the  county  of  Ulster. 

DANL.  GRAHAM,  Chairman. 

"  New-Paltz,  Deer.  4th,  1777." 

And  after  mature  consideration  thereof, 
Resolved,  That  this  Council  conceive  themselves  unau- 
thorized to  make  any  provision  for  the  objects  of  charity 
mentioned  in  the  said  letter,  and  therefore  are  reduced 
to  the  necessity  of  ieferring  them  for  relief  to  the  Legisla- 
ture of  this  State. 

Hurley,  P.  M.  December  1 0,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancher,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr  Webster,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Scott, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Schoonma- 
ker, Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Lolt. 

Abm.  P.  Lolt,  Esq.  attended  in  pursuance  of  the  order 
of  this  Council  of  the  6lh  instant,  and  the  Council,  after 
considering  the  letter  of  ihe  commiltee  of  Ulster  county,  of 
the  2d  instant,  complaining  that  the  quantity  of  salt  allotted 
for  the  county  had  not  been  received,  and  praying  an  in- 
quiry into  the  conduct  of  the  agents  appointed  to  purchase 
salt  for  the  Stale,  then  proceeded  to  examine  Mr.  Lolt,  who 
produced  memorandums  of  all  the  sail  by  him  purchased. 
Whereupon,  after  some  time  spent  therein,  the  further  con- 
sideration thereof  was  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

John  Tremper,  charged  wilh  having  transported  leather 
out  of  this  Slate  to  Bethlehem,  in  Pennsylvania,  was  called 
in,  and  being  examined  on  oath  slated,  lhat  he  is  a  tanner 
and  currier,  residing  at  Rynbeck,  and  brother  lo  Jacob 
Trempor  of  Kingston,  who,  a  short  time  before  lhat  place 
was  burnt,  sold  the  lealher  in  question  to  John  Mesle  of 
Albany,  at  3s.  6d.  pr.  pound,  from  whom  he  purchased 
600  wt.  at  6s.  pr.  lb.  That  in  Oclr.  last  a  commissary  at 
Bethlehem,  whose  name  he  does  not  recollect,  requested 
him  to  bring  him  a  load  of  lealher  at  one  dollar  pr.  lb.  or 
the  current  price,  if  higher.  That  he  had  902A  lbs.  of  lea- 
ther, when  informed  by  his  brother  Jacob  the  Council  had 
sent  for  and  would  stop  him,  600  lbs.  of  which  is  his,  and 
the  residue  he  supposes  belongs  lo  Mesle,  for  which  he 
calculated  to  receive  hides  in  payment. 

Jacob  Tremper  of  Kingston  was  also  examined  on  oath, 
and  mentioned  the  sale  to  Mesle  as  above  stated,  but  de- 
clared that  the  300  wt.  supposed  by  John  Tremper  to  be- 
long to  Mesle  was  his,  the  deponent's  properly,  for  which 
he  wished  to  procure  hides  in  exchange,  but  was  entirely 
ignorant  of  an  embargo  being  laid  on  the  transportation  of 
leather  out  of  this  State. 

Whereupon  the  said  Jacob  Tremper  and  John  Tremper 
were  told  to  depart  for  the  present. 

The  Council  then  adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING,  10  ho. 

December  11,  1777. 

Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancher,  Esq.  Prest  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1097 


Harper,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr. 
Scolt,  Mr.  Lott. 

Ordered,  peremtorily,  That  Mr.  Jno.  Henry,  the  com- 
missary of  the  clothing  store  in  this  State,  do  without  de- 
lay attend  this  Council  and  produce  to  them  full  and  par- 
ticular accounts  as  well  of  all  the  clothing  he  has  received 
and  issued  as  of  such  clothing  as  still  remains  in  store, 
pursuant  to  the  order  of  this  Council  of  the  7th  day  of 
November  last. 

And  as  the  said  Jno.  Henry  has  neglected  to  comply 
with  the  said  order  of  the  7th  day  of  November  last, 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  sent  with  a  copy  of  this 
resolution  to  the  said  Jno.  Henry,  and  to  be  paid  at  his  ex- 
pense. 

A  letter  from  Andrew  Billings  and  Peter  Tappen,  Esqrs. 
assistant  commissioners  of  conspiracies,  dated  the  9th  inst. 
informing  the  Council  of  certain  outrages  being  committed 
at  Poughkeepsie  by  certain  factious  individuals,  consisting 
chiefly  of  the  carpenters  from  New-York,  two  of  whom, 
to  wit,  Alexander  L.  Miller  and  John  McDonald,  had  sur- 
rendered themselves  ;  and  also  requesting  the  advice  of  the 
Council  relative  to  the  effects  of  the  Revd.  Mr.  Bardsley 
and  Mr.  Vandenbergh,  was  received  and  read. 

A  draft  of  an  answer  thereto  was  read  and  approved  of, 
in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  In  Council  of  Safety,  ? 
"Hurley,  Uth  Deer.  1777.  J 

"  Gentlemen — The  Council  of  Safely  are  surprised 
you  should  be  at  a  loss  to  determine  the  two  questions  you 
have  raised  on  Messrs.  Birdsley  and  Vandenbergh's  case. 
With  respect  to  the  question,  whether  they  are  at  liberty 
to  sell  effects  to  pay  just  debts  due  to  the  inhabitants,  it  is 
evident  thev  can  have  no  such  indulgence ;  for  besides  the 
danger  of  covering  their  property  by  sale  and  payment  of 
feigned  debts,  all  the  property  they  are  to  leave  behind, 
must  be  subject  to  disposition  by  the  authority  of  the  State. 
In  that  case,  honest  creditors  can  be  no  losers  ;  because 
there  is  justice  enough  in  Government  to  discharge  the  de- 
mands of  such  creditors,  as  far  as  the  property  left  behind 
will  extend.  Besides,  to  permit  them  to  sell  their  effects 
and  pay  debts  at  their  discretion,  would  be  the  most  direct 
means  to  enable  them  to  defraud  their  honest  creditors. 
With  respect  to  such  effects  as  are  claimed  to  be  the  pro- 
perty of  Mr.  Birdsley's  children,  the  Council  are  of  opinion 
that  they  can  not  be  considered  as  exempted  from  seizure, 
because  the  father,  who  is  an  enemy  to  the  State,  can  not 
be  the  proper  guardian  of  their  effects,  especially  as  he  is 
no  longer  a  subject  of  this  Slate,  and  is  on  the  point  of 
being  sent  out  of  it.  If  the  children  should  hereafter  be- 
come subjects  of  this  State,  and  can  make  out  their  title  to 
the  moneys  arising  from  the  sale  of  the  goods  claimed  in 
their  behalf,  those  moneys  will  be  found  in  the  treasury  to 
answer  their  demand  in  a  course  of  equity.  In  short,  as 
you  are  to  send  off  the  two  families,  except  male  servants 
and  slaves,  and  to  permit  them  only  to  take  off  their  wear- 
ing apparel  and  necessary  bedding  and  provisions  for  their 
passage,  and  no  other  goods  or  effects  whatsoever,  the  ex- 
press terms  of  the  resolution  of  the  5th  inst.  might,  we 
conceive,  with  a  little  attention,  have  removed  all  doubt. 

"With  respect  to  the  dangerous  seeds  of  faction,  which 
you  suppose  are  springing  up  at  Poughkeepsie,  the  Coun- 
cil hopes  that  the  removal  of  the  two  disaffected  persons 
above  mentioned  will  be  an  effectual  means  of  preventing 
their  growth,  especially,  as  in  addition  to  this  reason,  it 
appears  that  the  two  ringleaders  have  delivered  themselves 
up,  with  marks  of  great  penitence.  However,  we  think 
this  matter  properly  lies  with  the  committee,  who  may 
bail  or  commit  them  at  their  discretion. 

"  We  are,  gentn. 

"  Your  humble  servts. 
"  To  Andw.  Billings  and  Peter  Tappen,  Esqrs. 

Foughkeepsie." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 

275 


by  the  President,  and  transmitted  by  the  messenger  who 
brought  the  letter  from  Messrs.  Tappen  and  Billings. 

P.  M.  December  11,  1777. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr, 
Webster,  Mr.  Lott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Pawling. 

An  account  of  Samuel  Van  Steinbergh,  of  Kingston, 
amounting  to  nine  pounds,  for  riding  to  Bethlehem  to  con- 
vey a  packet  of  letters  from  Major-Genl.  Gates  to  the 
Honourable  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
with  a  request  to  be  forwarded  by  express,  and  returning, 
nine  days  at  20s.  each,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  Slate  pay  to  the 
said  Samuel  Van  Sleinbergh.  or  for  his  use,  the  said  sum 
of  nine  pounds,  and  charge  the  same  to  Continental  ac- 
count. 

Jacob  Besemer,  attending,  was  examined  on  oath,  as  a 
witness  relative  to  the  leather  attempted  to  be  exported  by 
Jno.  Tremper,  who  stated  that  he  was  employed  by  said 
Tremper  to  carry  said  leather  as  far  as  Broadhead's,  and. 
return  from  thence  with  a  load  of  boards  :  that  at  Marble 
Town,  Tremper  was  informed  by  Judge  Wynkoop,  of 
Marble  Town,  of  the  prohibiiory  resolve  of  the  Council, 
to  which  he  replied,  it  was  not  yet  published  in  the  news- 
papers, and  that  if  stopped  to-day  he  would  find  means  to 
get  off  with  it  to-morrow  ;  and  then  proceeded  with  it,  and 
on  his  way  told  the  examinant  he  was  determined  to  pro- 
ceed until  stopped. 

A  petition  of  Jacob  Tremper,  showing  that  he  is  pro- 
prietor of  3001b.  of  the  leather  which  Jno.  Tremper  in- 
tended to  transport  to  Bethlehem  ;  that  he  did  not  know, 
and  never  heard  of  any  prohibition  to  the  transportation 
thereof ;  also,  setting  forth  his  late  distresses  by  the  burn- 
ing of  Kingston,  whereby  his  loss  could  not  be  computed 
at  less  than  £l,800,  and  submitting  his  case  to  the  wisdom 
and  mercy  of  the  Council,  was  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof,  together  with 
the  examinations  of  John  Tremper,  Jacobus  Besemer  and 
the  said  Jacob  Tremper,  be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esqr.  attending  again  in  putsuance  of 
the  order  of  this  Council  of  the  sixth  instant,  the  Council 
proceeded  to  the  further  consideration  of  the  letter  of  the 
committee  of  Ulster  county,  (dated  the  2d  inst.)  and  the 
case  of  Colo.  Lott,  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed  to 
purchase  salt  for  this  State. 

The  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety,  on  tho*15lh 
of  May  last,  appointing  Colo.  Lott  to  that  agency,  and  the 
resolution  of  the  said  Council  on  the  first  day  of  August 
last,  directing  Mr.  Piatt  and  Colo.  De  Witt  to  direct  Colo. 
Lott  to  cease  purchasing  any  more  salt  on  account  of  this 
State,  whenever  the  quantity  purchased  by  him  and  Colo. 
Peter  R.  Livingston  together  shall  amount  to  five  thou- 
sand bushels,  together  with  Messrs.  Plait  and  D.  Win's 
letter  of  directions  to  Colo.  Lolt  on  that  subject,  were  res- 
pectfully read.  And  the  resolutions  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  on  the  8th  of  September  last,  directing  the  salt  pur- 
chased by  Colo.  Lott  and  Colo.  Livingston  to  be  deposited 
in  the  following  places,  to  wit :  1700  bushels  thereof  at  the 
landing  of  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr.,  1700  bushels  at  the 
landing  of  William  Radliff,  and  1600  bushels  at  the  store 
of  James  Reade  in  Dutchess  county,  were  also  read. 

Upon  examination  of  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esqr.  it  appears 
that  he  procured  on  account  of  this  State,  three  thousand 
six  hundred  and  ninety  bushels  and  three-fourths  of  a  bushel 
of  salt ;  that  before  the  enemy's  shipping  came  up  Hudson's 
river,  ninety  casks  or  upwards  of  the  said  salt  was  delivered 
at  RadlifFs  store  at  Hudson's  river;  that  upwards  of  forty 
casks  of  the  salt  brought  to  Radliff's  store,  was  brought  to 
Kingston  to  be  distributed  ;  and  the  residue  thereof  being 
carted  back  into  the  country  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  enemy,  he  has  not  since  been  able  fully  to 
collect  the  same;  that  part  of  the  said  salt  by  him  pur- 


1098 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


chased,  was  some  time  since  carted  from  Canaan,  to  be  deli- 
vered at  the  store  of  James  Reade  in  Dutchess  county  ; 
that  about  85  casks  were  at  Canaan,  and  upwards  of  70 
casks  at  Siinsbury,  and  a  few  casks  near  the  Greenwoods, 
all  winch  he  had  directed  to  be  brought  forward  ;  that  there 
also  is,  or  lately  was,  some  salt  yet  at  Springfield  ;  and  that 
he  has  directed  the  whole  to  be  brought  forward  as  fast  as 
teams  can  be  procured  to  cart  it ;  has  exerted  himself  to  the 
utmost  for  that  purpose,  and  expects  the  salt  which  was  at 
Canaan  has  been  brought  to  Read's  store  in  Dutchess 
county  ;  that  64 1  ^  bushels  of  salt  procured  by  Colo.  Lott, 
were  delivered  to  Edward  Covenhoven,  Thos.  Brinckle, 
Colonel  Isaac  Nicoll  and  others,  subjects  of  this  State, 
after  Mr.  Lott  received  directions  from  the  State  restrain- 
ing the  purchases  of  Colo.  Peter  R.  Livingston  and  him- 
self to  five  thousand  bushels  of  salt — their  separate  pur- 
chases at  that  time  exceeding  5000  bushels  ;  that  the  said 
Edward  Covenhoven  and  others,  subjects  of  this  State, 
paid  for  the  said  64 1  ^  bushels  of  salt  with  their  own  cash, 
and  transported  the  same  into  this  State.    From  Colo. 
Lott's  information,  it  farther  appears  that  some  teams  com- 
ing from  the  eastward  into  this  State  with  salt  for  sale, 
failed  in  or  near  the  Greenwoods  ;  that  he  advised  some 
subjects  of  this  State  then  there,  to  purchase  the  said  salt  of 
the  persons  who  were  bringing  it  for  sale  ;  that  the  persons 
he  so  advised  to  purchase  the  said  salt  did  buy  the  same, 
but  the  purchasers  not  having  cash  sufficient  to  pay  for  the 
whole  of  it,  he  took,  on  his  own  account,  and  paid  for  so 
much  thereof  as  they  had  not  cash  to  pay  for,  at  the  rate 
of  six  pounds  per  bushel  ;  that  he,  the  said  Abraham  P.  Lott 
took,  on  his  own  account,  at  Boston,  after  he  was  restrained 
from  purchasing  for  the  State,  fifty-seven  bushels  and  an 
half  of  salt,  for  which  he  paid  with  his  own  cash  ;  that  part 
of  that  salt  has  been  forwarded  and  brought  into  this  State 
by  the  care  and  agency  of  Colo.  Nicoll  and  Thomas 
Brinckle,  and  without  any  care,  trouble  or  agency  of  Colo. 
Lott ;  that  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  teams  to  cart  the  salt 
purchased  by  order  of  the  State,  reduced  him  to  the  neces- 
sity of  engaging  to  pay  for  some  part  of  the  cartage  in  flour  ; 
that  the  flour  he  had  purchased  and  intended  to  deliver  for 
the  said  cartage,  being  seized  by  a  commissary,  (with  per- 
mission of  both  houses  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State,) 
among  other  flour  for  the  use  of  the  army,  as  well  as  the 
extravagant  prices  which  have  been  demanded  of  him  for 
flour  he  wanted  for  bread  for  his  family,  renders  it  neces- 
sary for  him  to  dispose  of  some  part  of  the  little  salt  he  has 
as  his  own  property,  for  produce  only ;  but  that  he  has 
nevertheless  sold  part  of  it  to  families  lately  distressed  by 
the  conflagration  of  Kingston  for  cash  only  ;  that  he  also 
deposited  a  few  bushels  of  his  own  salt  in  the  hands  of 
Doctor  Luke  Kiersted,  for  the  use  of  some  persons  who 
had  applied  to  him  to  procure  salt  for  them,  and  directed 
Doctor  Kiersted  to  dispose  of  the  same  at  the  rate  of  £8 
16s.  per  bushel,  and  to  take  wheat  in  payment  at  the  rate 
of  12s.  per  bushel,  when  at  the  same  time  he  was  offered 
in  Dutchess  county  ten  pounds  per  bushel  for  the  said  salt, 
and  payment  for  the  same  in  flour  at  the  rate  of  36s.  per 
hundred. 

Colo.  Lott  having  declared  his  readiness  to  attest  to  the 
preceding  facts,  (except  the  number  of  casks  left  at  each 
particular  place,  which  he  cannot  at  present  exactly  ascer- 
tain. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Ulster  county  have  at 
the  least  exhibited  a  charge  against  Colo.  Lott  which  is 
entirely  unsupported,  and  therefore  it  is  unnecessary  for 
Colo.  Lott  to  attest  to  the  preceding  facts. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  preceding  facts  and  exam- 
inations be  sent  by  the  Secretary  of  this  Council  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  of  Ulster  county. 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

December  12,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Web  ster,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt — Quorum. 
Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston. 

An  account  of  Coenradt  W.  Elmendorph,  for  four  days' 
labour  in  drying  and  preserving  fifty-four  Continental  tents 
brought  to  Hurley,  by  order  of  this  Council  of  Safety  of  the 
State  of  New-York,  by  Colo.  Graham's  regiment,  and  there 
left  wet,  and  for  packing  up  the  said  tents  with  their  tent- 
poles,  and  forty-one  camp  kettles  left  with  them,  amount- 
ing to  £\  12s.  was  exhibited  for  payment.  And  some 
of  the  members  of  this  Council  having  certified  that  they 
examined  the  said  tents  and  found  them  well  dried  and 
preserved, 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Coenradt  W.  Elmendorph  the  said  sum  of  one  pound 
twelve  shillings,  take  his  receipt  for  the  same,  and  charge 
it  to  Continental  account. 

An  account  of  Cornelius  Duboys,  amounting  to  twenty 
shillings,  for  collecting  the  parts  of  a  stove  belonging  to  or 
used  by  the  late  Convention  of  this  State,  from  the  ruins 
of  the  court  house  and  goal  at  Kingston,  and  transporting 
the  same  to  Hurley,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Cornelius  Duboys,  or  his  order,  the  said  sum  of 
twenty  shillings,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  Nathan  Smedes  against  the  United 
States,  amounting  to  eight  pounds,  for  two  pair  of  iron 
bound  wheels,  delivered  to  Adam  Swart  for  two  field 
pieces  for  the  use  of  the  militia  and  troops  at  or  near 
Kingston,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier-Genl.  George 
Clinton,  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  (which  two  pair  of 
wheels  were  destroyed  in  the  conflagration  of  Kingston,) 
was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Nathan  Smedes  the  said  sum  of  eight  pounds,  take 
his  receipt  therefor,  and  charge  the  same  to  Continental 
account. 

Friday  P.  M.  December  12,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Snyder,  Dunscomb,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt — Quorum. 

Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Phil.  Livingston. 

An  account  of  Abraham  DeLameter  of  seven  pounds 
four  shillings,  for  riding  six  days  to  the  counties  of  Dutch- 
ess and  Orange  to  deliver  the  resolutions  of  the  Council  of 
Safety,  laying  an  embargo  on  the  Iransportation  of  flour  out 
of  this  State,  to  the  chairman  of  several  committees,  was 
exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Abraham  Delameter,  seven  pounds  four  shillings,  in 
full  for  that  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  John  Van  Duesen  for  riding  three  days, 
vizt :  the  24th,  25th  and  26th  of  November,  to  deliver  a 
letter  from  Major-General  Gates  to  His  Excellency  Brigr. 
Genl.  George  Clinton,  which  letter  from  Genl.  Gates  was 
sent  to  this  Council  by  Capt.  De  Wilt,  with  a  request  to 
forward  it  by  express,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered.,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  John  Van  Duesen,  three  pounds  twelve  shillings,  in 
full  for  the  said  account,  take  his  receipt  for  the  same  and 
charge  it  to  the  Continental  account. 

"Coenradt  C.  Elmendorph,  of  Kingston  in  Ulster  county, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1099 


being  duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelists,  deposeth  and 
saith,  that  late  in  the  afternoon  of  the  tenth  instant,  he  met 
Jacobus  Besemer  returning  to  Kingston  with  two  horses, 
and  fell  into  conversation  with  him  concerning  leather  which 
was  sent  off  on  a  wagon  by  Jacob  Trimper  and  John  Trim- 
per,  and  brought  back  by  order  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
of  this  State  ;  that  in  that  conversation  he  asked  the  said 
Besemer  if  his  master,  Jacob  Trimper,  did  not  know  of 
the  resolution  of  Council,  prohibiting  the  transportation  of 
leather  out  of  this  State  ?  and  the  said  Jacobus  Besemer 
replied  'yes;'  and  that  the  deponent  said  he  believed  John 
Trimper  knew  it  also  ;  to  which  Besemer  replied,  '  I  be- 
lieve so  too ;'  that  the  said  Jacobus  Besemer  further  in- 
formed the  deponent  that  he  was  ordered  in  the  evening 
preceding  his  going  away,  by  his  master,  Jacob  Trimper, 
to  arise  some  time  in  the  night  and  go  away  with  a  wagon 
load  of  leather  as  far  as  Capt.  Broadhead's,  and  bring  back 
boards  ;  that  the  deponent  observed  that  their  going  away 
in  the  night  did  not  look  well,  and  the  said  Besemer  said 
it  did  not. 

" COENRADT  C.  ELMENDORPH. 
"  Sworn  the  12th  of  Deer.  1777,  ) 
before  me.  ) 

"  Evert  Bancker." 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


SATURDAY,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  13,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  odjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  temp. 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper.  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb — Quorum. 

Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  £.  Clarke,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries, 
pay  to  Johannes  Ostrander,  live  shillings  for  a  load  of  wood 
by  him  furnished  at  the  house  of  Seth  Curtis  by  order  of 
this  Council,  and  which  was  intended  for  their  use,  and 
that  he  charge  the  same  to  this  State,  for  which  this  entry 
or  a  copy  thereof,  shall  be  a  warrant  for  payment. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  which  was  seconded, 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State 
be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  unto  each  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  Council,  twenty  shillings  per  day  for  every 
day's  attendance  on  the  business  of  the  State  committed  to 
them,  to  be  certified  from  the  minutes  by  writing,  under 
the  hand  of  either  or  both  of  the  Secretaries,  and  that  the 
Secretaries  include  Sundays  in  the  certificates  of  such 
members  whose  families  reside  at  a  distance  from  the  place 
of  meeting  of  the  Council,  and  who  continued  at  their 
usual  lodgings  near  the  sitting  of  the  Council. 

An  account  of  John  McLean,  for  riding  four  days  to 
Poughkeepsie,  from  thence  to  New- Windsor  and  Little 
Britain,  and  returning,  to  wit,  on  the  30th  of  November, 
and  first,  second  and  third  days  of  December,  to  convey 
a  letter  from  Major-General  Gates,  and  two  other  letters 
to  Brigadier-General  George  Clinton,  which  letters  were 
conveyed  to  this  Council  of  Safety  by  the  committee  of 
Albany,  with  a  request  from  General  Gates  to  be  forwarded 
by  express,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  John  McClean,  four  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  in  full 
for  the  said  account,  take  his  receipt  for  the  same  and 
charge  it  to  Continental  account. 

An  account  of  John  McClean,  for  riding  to  Nepenagh 
on  the  9th  instant,  to  take  John  Trimper  and  Jacobus  Be- 
semer, was  exhibited  for  payment,  and  settled  at  thirty-six 
shillings. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  John  McClean  thirty-six  shillings,  in  full  for  that  ac- 
count, and  take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  John  Van  Deusen,  for  riding  to  Roches- 
ter on  the  4th  instant,  with  a  letter  to  Gerard  Bancker  Esqr. 


Vice-Treasurer,  and  forgoing  to  Nepenagh  on  the  9th  instant 
to  bring  back  John  Trimper  and  Jacobus  Besemer,  with  a 
wagon  load  of  leather,  together  with  his  disbursements, 
amounting  in  the  whole,  to  the  sum  of  five  pounds,  was 
exhibited  for  payment,  approved  of  and  settled. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  John  Van  Deusen,  the  sum  of  five  pounds,  in  full  for 
the  said  account,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Saturday,  P.  M.  December  13,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esq.  President  pro  temp. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Dunscomb — Quorum. 

Mr.  Ph.  Livingston,  Mr.  £.  Clarke,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Cap- 
tain Jan  Van  Deusen,  five  dollars,  for  conveying  with  his 
wagon  the  records  and  papers  of  the  Conventions  and  Coun- 
cils of  Safety  of  this  State,  from  Nepenagh  to  Hurley,  by 
order  of  this  Council,  and  take  his  receipt  in  full  for  that 
service. 

Mr.  John  Henry,  the  commissary  of  the  clothing  store, 
attended  and  delivered  in  the  accounts  of  the  said  store, 
and  the  present  contents  of  the  said  store,  which  were 
filed. 

A  letter  from  Abraham  P.  Lott,  Esquire,  dated  at  Nine 
Partners,  on  the  9th  instant,  mentioning  the  difficulty  of 
collecting  the  salt  by  him  purchased  for  the  State,  and  hav- 
ing it  transported  to  the  landings,  and  stating  also  his  efforts 
to  effect  that  object,  was  received  and  read. 


MONDAY,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

December  15,  1777. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb, Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scolt — Quorum. 

Mr.  Phil.  Livingston,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Rowan. 

An  order  of  Colo.  Lewis  Duboys,  directed  to  Mr.  John 
Henry,  commissary  of  clothing,  dated  the  sixth  of  Decem- 
ber instant,  requesting  300  pair  of  shoes  and  300  pair  of 
hose  for  his  regiment,  to  be  delivered  to  Lieut.  Michael 
Conely,  for  which  Colo.  Duboys  engages  to  see  the  cash 
paid  on  the  first  regimental  payment,  was  read. 

The  quantity  requested  by  Colo.  Duboys  appearing 
not  to  be  in  the  State  store, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  John  Henry,  commissary  of  the 
store,  deliver  to  Lieut.  Michael  Connely,  with  a  proper  in- 
voice of  the  same,  one  hundred  and  thirtv-two  pair  of 
shoes,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  pair  of  hose,  for  the 
use  of  Colo.  Duboys's  regiment,  and  that  Colonel  Lewis 
Duboys  be  accountable  to  pay  this  State  for  the  same. 

An  account  of  Lieut.  Michael  Connely,  of  Colo.  Du- 
boys's regiment,  for  fifteen  muskets,  at  four  pounds  fifteen 
shillings  each,  amounting  to  £71  5s.  purchased  by  order  of 
Christopher  Tappen,  Esqr.  one  of  the  committee  of  the 
Convention  of  this  State  appointed  to  purchase  arms  for 
the  Continental  troops  raised  in  this  State  and  delivered 
into  the  armoury  at  Kingston,  as  appears  by  vouchers  now 
produced,  was  exhibited  for  payment. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  Lieut.  Michael  Connely  the  sum  of  seventy-one  pounds 
five  shillings,  in  full  for  the  said  account,  take  a  receipt  for 
the  same,  and  charge  it  to  the  Continental  account. 

"  Dirck  Wynkoop,  Junr.  Esqr.  of  Ulster  county,  being 
duly  sworn  on  the  Holy  Evangelist,  deposeth  and  saith, 
That  on  the  morning  of  Tuesday  the  9th  instant,  at  Mar- 
ble Town,  he  saw  a  wagon  loaded  with  leather,  under  the 
care  and  direction  of  John  Trimper  and  Jacobus  Besemer, 
who  was  with  him  ;  that  the  deponent  told  the  said  John 
Trimper  that  he  was  about  to  take  the  said  leather  out  of 


1100 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


the  State,  and  informed  the  said  John  Trimper  that  there 
was  a  law  or  a  resolution  of  the  Council  of  Safety  against 
exporting  any  leather  out  of  this  State  ;  that  the  said  John 
Trimper  at  first  said  there  was  not  any  such  resolution  ; 
that  the  deponent  informed  the  said  John  Trimper  that 
there  was  such  a  resolution,  for  that  he  was  so  informed 
by  a  member  of  the  Council ;  that  the  said  John  Trimper 
then  said,  if  there  was  such  a  resolution  it  was  not  publish- 
ed ;  that  the  deponent  asked  him  what  he  meant  by  pub- 
lishing ;  he  replied,  in  the  newspapers  ;  that  the  deponent 
informed  said  John  Trimper  that  if  he  should  proceed  with 
the  said  leather,  he  would  undoubtedly  be  slopped,  for  that 
he,  the  deponent,  would  send  information  to  the  Council 
thereof ;  that  the  said  John  Trimper  replied,  that  the  depo- 
nent would  get  nothing  by  that,  for  that  if  the  said  leather 
was  now  detained,  he  would  find  means  to  get  it  away  at 
some  other  day. 

"  D.  WYNKOOP,  Junr. 

"  Sworn  the  15th  Deer.  ) 
1777,  before  me.  J 

"  Evert  Bancker." 

Robert  Harper,  Esq.  one  of  the  members  of  this  Coun- 
cil, produced  a  bill  of  credit  of  this  State  of  ten  dollars, 
signed  only  by  Wm.  Denning,  numbered  1172,  with  black 
ink,  by  Evert  Bancker,  Esq. 

Ordered,  That  G.  Bancker,  Esqr.  the  Vice-Treasurer 
of  this  State,  receive  the  said  bill  and  return  the  value 
thereof  to  Mr.  Harper. 

Monday,  P.  M.  December  15(h,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Rowan,  Mr.  Lott. 

The  petition  of  John  Tremper  was  read,  and  the  same, 
together  with  the  petition  of  Jacob  Tremper  and  the  several 
examinations  taken  by  this  Council  relative  to  the  attempt 
made  by  the  said  John  Tremper  to  export  a  quantity  of 
shoe  leather  out  of  this  State  contrary  to  a  resolution  of  this 
Council  of  the  5th  day  of  December  instant,  against  the 
exportation  of  shoe  leather  out  of  the  Slate,  being  taken 
into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  shoe  leather,  in  the  opinion  of 
this  Council,  is  forfeited  by  the  said  resolution  ;  that  the 
same  ought  to  be  seized  and  disposed  of  according  to  the 
directions  thereof ;  and  to  that  end,  that  a  certified  copy  of 
this  resolution  be  served  on  one  of  the  committee  of  this 
town. 

Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.  dissents. 

On  reading  a  letter  from  Ezekiel  Williams,  Esq.  sheriff 
of  the  county  of  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  dated  at  YVea- 
therfield,  on  the  10th  inst.  stating  the  inducements  and 
under  what  conditions  he  had  permitted  William  Pember- 
ton,  Samuel  Verry  and  William  Moffat,  lately  sent  prison- 
ers from  this  Stale  to  Connecticut  as  disaffected  persons, 
to  return  to  this  State,  setting  forth  also  the  wretched  and 
distressed  situation  of  many  others  delivered  to  his  custody 
by  Mr.  Cantine,  most  of  whom  were  destitute  of  clothing 
and  blankets  ;  mentioning  also  the  want  of  flour  and  the 
hardships  of  so  long  an  imprisonment  unheard,  alleging 
that  humanity  required  rather  that  the  guilty  should  imme- 
diately be  tried  than  exposed  to  a  lingering  death  to  which 
they  must  very  soon  be  exposed,  if  surplies  of  food  and 
clothing  were  not  furnished,  and  soliciting  from  humanity 
the  eat ly  attention  of  the  Council  to  their  situation.  And 
also  on  reading  a  letter  from  Jeremiah  Halsey,  Esqr.  rela- 
tive to  the  said  Pemberion,  and  a  letter  from  Prosper  Wet- 
more,  relative  to  the  said  William  Moffat ;  and  on  reading 
also  a  letter  from  the  said  Ezekiel  Williams  to  Peter  Can- 
tine,  Esqr.  ;  and  another  letter  from  the  said  Jeremiah 
Halsey,  enclosed  therein,  relative  to  Lieutenant  Simon 
Frazer,  lately  sent  a  prisoner  as  aforesaid. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  several  persons 


be  remanded  to  the  care  of  the  respective  general  or  coun- 
ty committees  of  the  counties  where  they  did  formerly  re- 
spectively reside,  together  with  copies  of  the  above  men- 
tioned letters  ;  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  said  respec- 
tive committees,  if  they  shall  be  of  opinion  that  the  said 
persons  or  either  of  them  may  be  permitted  with  safely  to 
to  this  Slate  to  remain  in  the  same,  that  such  person  or  per- 
sons be  so  permitted  to  remain  upon  any  such  terms  and 
under  any  such  restrictions  as  may  be  thought  proper,  and 
be  on  them  severally  imposed  by  the  said  general  or  coun- 
ty committees  respectively. 

"  The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from 
Robert  Livingston,  Esq.  dated  at  the  manor  of  Livingston, 
the  7th  of  December,  1777,  and  directed  to  Mr.  Benson, 
one  of  the  Secretaiies  of  this  Council,  report,  that  they 
have  given  the  same  a  deliberate  consideration,  and  con- 
ceive, if  when  viewed  as  an  answer  to  the  inquiries  made 
of  him  by  certain  resolutions  of  this  Council  therein  re- 
ferred to,  to  be  very  unsatisfactory. 

"  1st.  Because  it  seems  to  arraign  the  regularity  if  not 
the  justice  of  the  conduct  of  this  council,  in  proceeding 
with  complaint  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  Ryn- 
beck  precinct  in  Dutchess  county,  without  evidence  on 
oath,  when  in  fact  and  truth  the  said  resolutions  were 
framed  and  sent  to  Mr.  Livingston  for  information  only, 
and  cannot  be  considered  as  a  judicial  act  against  him  ; 
and  your  committee  are  of  opinion  that  this  Council  has 
acted  with  greater  delicacy  towards  Mr.  Livingston  in  ex- 
hibiting said  complaint  to  him  for  his  admission  or  denial, 
and  in  staling  for  his  solution  the  questions  contained  in  the 
said  resolutions  before  the  examination  of  any  witnesses, 
than  would  have  been  shown  to  him  in  calling  for  ex  parte 
proofs  against  him  on  oath. 

"  2d.  Because  though  the  said  letter  contains  a  fair  and 
flat  denial  that  Mr.  Livingston  ever  sold  any  bar  iron  for 
£17  or  £20  per  hundred,  as  is  alleged  in  the  said  com- 
plaint, and  although  also  it  asserts  that  no  one  blacksmith 
in  the  manor  of  Livingston  or  Dutchess  county  has  bought 
any  iron  of  him  that  has  cost  more  than  eight  shillings  for 
the  quantity  necessary  to  shoe  one  horse,  yet  it  contains 
no  answer  to  the  said  resolutions  respecting  the  price  at 
which  he  does  sell  his  bar  iron,  as  by  the  said  resolution 
was  required. 

"  3d.  Because  though  the  said  letter  contains  the  enu- 
meration of  his  difficulties  with  respect  to  his  workmen, 
yet  it  affords  no  solution  to  the  questions  respecting  the 
difference  between  the  present  time  and  the  year  1775,  of 
manufacturing  a  ton  of  refined  bar  iron  from  the  ore  at  his 
iron  works,  as  by  the  said  resolutions,  was  also  required." 
Which  said  report  being  considered,  it  was  thereupon 
1st.  Resolved,  That  the  letter  from  Robt.  Livingston, 
Esq.  dated  at  the  manor  of  Livingston,  the  7th  of  Deer. 
1777,  and  diiected  to  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the 
Secretaries  of  this  Council,  contains  no  answer  to  the 
questions  put  to  him  in  the  resolutions  of  this  Council  of 
the  28lh  of  November  last,  relating  to  the  price  at  which 
he  sells  his  bar  iron,  and  the  difference  of  expense  be- 
tween the  present  time  and  the  year  1775,  of  manufactur- 
ing a  ton  of  refined  bar  iron  from  the  ore  at  his  iron 
works. 

2d.  Resolved,  That  the  said  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr. 
be,  and  he  is,  hereby  required  to  make  direct  answers  in 
writing  to  the  questions,  and  to  transmit  the  said  answers 
to  this  Council  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State  without 
delay. 

3d.  Resolved,  That  for  this  purpose,  he  be  forthwith 
furnished  with  copies  of  the  request  of  the  committee  to 
whom  was  referred  his  said  letter  of  the  7lh  of  Deer.  1777, 
and  of  the  resolutions  of  this  Council  founded  thereon. 

4lh.  Whereas  Robert  Livingston,  Esqr.  by  his  letter 
dated  at  the  manor  of  Livingston,  the  7th  of  Deer.  1777, 
directed  to  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Secretaries  of 
this  Council,  in  answer  to  the  complaint  of  the  committee 
of  Rynbeck  precinct  in  Dutchess  county,  charging  him 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1101 


with  selling  bar  iron  at  £17  or  £20  per  hundred,  and  flatly 
denies  that  he  has  ever  sold  any  bar  iron  to  any  one  being, 
for  £17,  much  less  for  £20. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  chairman  of  the  said 
committee  be  informed  thereof,  and  that  this  Council  is 
ready  to  receive  proof  in  support  of  his  complaint,  and 
thai  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  sent  to  him. 


TUESDAY,  10  ho. 

December  16,  1777. 
Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Prest.  pro  ten. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Scott. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries 
of  this  Slate,  pay  to  Mr.  Abraham  Gasbeek  such  sum  as 
he  may  find  due  him  for  room  hire,  or  any  otherwise,  by 
the  Senate  of  the  State  of  New-York,  while  they  occupied 
part  of  his  house  at  Kingston. 

Adjourned. 

Tuesday,  P.  M.  December  16, 1777. 

Council  met. 

Present— Evert  Bancker,  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Whereas  this  Council  has,  from  repeated  information, 
good  reason  to  believe  lhat  the  inhabitants  and  subjects  of 
this  Stale  make  a  practice  of  passing  and  repassing  between 
the  city  of  New-York  and  other  parts  of  the  Stale,  under 
cover  of  flags  of  truce,  granted  by  Continental  military  offi- 
cers, commanding  at  the  military  posts  in  this  State  ;  by 
which  practice,  and  the  continual  communication  with  the 
enemy  in  consequence  thereof,  the  safety  of  the  United 
States  in  general,  and  of  this  State  in  particular,  is  greatly 
endangered  :  And  whereas  it  solely  and  exclusively  be- 
longs to  the  supreme  authority  of  this  State  to  judge  of  the 
necessity  or  expediency  of  permitting  any  of  its  subjects, 
not  belonging  to  the  Continental  army,  on  any  occasion 
whatsoever,  to  hold  personal  correspondence  or  communi- 
cation with  the  enemy, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recom- 
mended to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  by  every  means 
in  his  power,  to  prevent  any  such  of  the  inhabitants  and 
subjects  of  this  Stale  as  aforesaid,  from  procuring  any  flags 
of  truce,  for  any  purpose  whatsoever,  unless  the  same  be 
granted  by  him,  or  some  other  person,  with  his  special 
permission  to  be  had  in  every  case,  for  the  purpose. 

And  whereas  divers  persons,  as  well  military  officers 
as  others,  upon  very  trifling  occasions  have  obtained  flags 
of  truce,  and  under  cover  thereof  have  carried  to  and 
brought  from  the  city  of  New- York  divers  supplies,  by 
which  not  only  an  unnecessary,  but  also  a  friendly,  and 
therefore  the  most  dangerous,  intercourse  is  maintained 
with  the  enemy, 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is,  further 
recommended  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  by  every 
means  in  his  power,  to  prevent  any  such  flags  of  truce,  as 
aforesaid,  from  being  granted,  except  upon  the  most  urgent 
occasions  and  also  to  prevent  any  goods  or  effects  what- 
soever, under  the  cover  of  any  flag  of  truce,  to  be  carried 
to  or  brought  from  the  city  of  New-York,  except  the  neces- 
sary wearing  apparel,  bedding  and  provisions  for  the  jour- 
ney or  voyage  of  every  person  who  is  to  pass  or  repass  un- 
der the  protection  of  such  flag  of  truce  ;  and  for  the  more 
effectual  prevention  of  frauds  in  such  case,  His  Excellency 
is  requested  to  take  the  most  effectual  means  in  his  power 
to  prevent  any  person  from  having  the  benefit  of  a  flag  of 
truce,  unless  his  or  her  name  be  inserted  in  the  commis- 
sion or  letters  of  credence  to  be  granted  for  that  purpose, 
and  that  previous  to  the  granting  thereof,  the  particular  ar- 

276 


tides  of  the  several  necessaries  to  be  allowed  for  the  voy- 
age or  journey,  be  ascertained  by  the  officer  granting  the 
flng  of  truce,  and  proof  made  on  oath  before  him,  by  some 
person  or  persons  who  shall  receive  the  benefit  of  such  flag 
of  truce,  that  no  goods  or  effects  other  than  such  for  which 
such  officer  shall  grant  permission,  shall  be  carried  to  or 
brought  from  the  city  of  New-York,  under  cover  of  such 
flag  of  truce. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  was 
read  and  appproved  of,  and  is  in  the  words  following,  viz : 
"In  Council  of  Safety,  Hurley,  Beer  16,  1777. 

"  Sir — Your  Excellency  will  we  flatter  ourselves,  see 
the  obvious  necessity  which  produced  the  enclosed  resolu- 
tions. The  unprecedented  grants  of  flags  of  truce  by 
some  of  the  Continental  officers,  have  long  given  this 
Council  great  uneasiness.  Nor  indeed  can  we  avoid  tak- 
ing umbrage  at  the  liberty  assumed  in  the  military  line,  of 
furnishing  the  means  of  communication  with  the  enemy,  to 
the  inhabitants  and  subjects  of  this  Stale,  who  do  not  be- 
long to  the  Continental  army,  and  on  occasions  altogether 
unmilitary  ;  a  prerogative  which  we  conceive  to  belong  sole- 
ly and  exclusively  to  the  supreme  authority  of  this  State. 

"  We  are  of  opinion  that  besides  your  own  vigilance,  it 
may  be  necessary  to  transmit  copies  of  the  resolutions  to 
the  commanding  officers  at  the  different  posts,  and  to  press 
their  compliance  wilh  them.  We  beg  leave,  sir,  to  offer  to 
your  consideration,  whether  it  may  not  be  proper  to  dis- 
countenance as  much  as  possible,  applications  for  flags  of 
truce,  by  making  it  in  some  cases  an  express  condition, 
that  the  persons  obtaining  the  flag  do  not  return  from  the 
enemy.  We  have  heard  of  several  persons  who  have  been 
permitted  to  go  to  New-York,  with  design  to  return,  and 
whom  we  think  ought  not  to  have  been  thus  indulged.  For 
though  there  are  many  inhabitants  of  this  State  whom  we 
should  not  be  sorry  to  part  with  on  the  above  mentioned 
condition,  yet  we  conceive  they  ought  by  no  means  to  be 
permitted  on  any  pretence  whatsoever,  to  pass  and  repass 
between  us  and  the  enemy,  under  the  sanction  of  a  flag  of 
truce. 

"  The  information  which  we  received,  as  well  in  vour 
Excellency's  last  letter,  as  by  other  channels,  of  the  burn- 
ing of  General  De  Lancey's  house,  gave  this  Council  great 
uneasiness.  We  think  this  a  most  unequal  method  of 
waging  war  with  the  enemy,  because  neither  we  nor  they 
can  possibly  destroy  any  but  what  are  properly  our  own 
houses  ;  and  we  fear  that  so  conspicuous  an  example  as 
the  destruction  of  Mr.  De  Lancey's  mansion  house,  will  be 
industriously  followed  by  the  enemy,  to  the  ruin  of  many 
of  the  good  subjects  of  this  State.  For  those  reasons,  sir, 
we  most  earnestly  entreat  your  utmost  exertions  to  put  a 
stop  to  practices,  on  our  part,  which  may  be  attended  with 
the  most  destructive  retaliations  by  the  enemy. 
"  His  Excellency  Govr.  Clinton." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

A  letter  from  Peter  B.  Livingston,  dated  the  12th,  was 
received  and  read,  and  the  consideration  thereof  postponed 
until  to-morrow. 


WEDNESDAY,  a.  m. 

December  17,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Web- 
ster, Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Clark,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Whereas  this  Council  have  been  informed  by  William 
Wood,  of  Goshen,  in  Orange  county,  lhat  George  Ewing, 
commissary-general  of  hides,  in  the  United  States,  has 
contracted  to  pay  him  in  leather  by  retaining  to  his  own 
use  one-half  of  all  he  shall  tan  on  Continental  account ; 
and  that  the  said  William  Wood  is  employed  by  the  said 
George  Ewing,  to  collect  the  hides  of  cattle  slaughtered 


1102 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


for  the  use  of  the  troops  of  the  United  States,  or  militia  on 
each  side  of  Hudson  river;  for  which  he  is  also  to  receive 
a  further  reward  or  payment  :  And  whereas  several  tan- 
ners and  curriers  in  this  part  of  the  State,  have  offered  to 
this  Council  to  tan  all  hides  which  may  be  delivered  to 
them  for  the  United  States,  for  one-third  part  of  the  leather 
when  tanned ;  whereby  there  will  be  evidently  a  great 
saving  to  the  United  States.  Therefore 

Resolved,  and  Ordered,  That  all  the  hides  belonging 
to  the  United  Slates,  now  in  the  bounds  of  Kingslon  and 
Hurley,  be  collected  by  Capt.  Jan  Vancleusen,  of  Hurley, 
and  by  him  preserved  and  detained  until  the  said  George 
Ewing  shall  have  contracted  for  the  manufacturing  of  them 
into  leather,  at  a  rate  notexceeding  one-third  part  of  the  said 
leather  when  tanned,  or  until  the  Continental  Congress  shall 
have  made  further  order  in  the  premises. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Geo.  Ewing,  Esqr.  commissary- 
general  of  hides,  was  read  and  approved,  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt : 

"  In  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  New- York,  ) 
"  Hurley,  Deer.  17th,  1777.  $ 

"  Sir — This  Council  being  informed  that  you,  as  com- 
missary-general of  hides,  make  contracts  with  tanners  and 
curriers  for  preparing  the  Continental  leather,  whereby 
they  are  to  be  paid  in  leather,  by  retaining  one-half  for 
tanning  and  currying  the  other  half,  when  it  may  be  done 
for  a  third,  think  it  their  duty  to  point  out  to  you  the  great 
loss  which  the  public  sustains  by  contracts  of  that  sort. 
This  loss  will  appear  evident  from  an  attention  to  the 
enclosed  estimates.  The  first  of  those  is  formed  on  the 
plan  of  your  contracts,  unless  your  workmen  only  tan  at 
halves,  as  you  pay  for  the  currying  besides  ;  in  which 
case,  your  contracts  are  still  more  disadvantageous  than 
we  apprehended.  The  second  estimate  is  formed  on  the 
plan  of  tanning  for  the  third,  and  paying  for  the  currying 
at  12s.  per  side,  for  which  it  may  be  procured  to  be  done. 
The  price  of  the  tanned  hides,  charged  at  six  shillings 
per  pound,  and  of  the  curried  leather,  one-third  more  on 
the  compared  dimensions  of  tanned  and  curried  leather, 
arbitrarily  fixed  in  the  two  estimates,  are  probably  below 
their  present  prices  ;  but  this  is  immaterial  in  setting  the 
proportion  of  the  two  estimates.  By  the  first  estimate, 
twenty-four  sides  will  yield  in  cash  £50  8s.  ;  the  sales  of 
the  same  number,  by  the  second  estimate,  will  amount  to 
£62  8s.;  the  difference  in  favour  of  the  public  by  the  se- 
cond estimate  is  £12,  which  is  near  25  per  cent,  an  object 
of  too  much  consequence  to  the  Continent  to  be  neglected 
by  any  of  its  servants,  besides  the  advantage  of  a  supply 
of  one-sixth  leather  more  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
troops.  By  inquiry  of  the  tanners  and  curriers  in  this 
part  of  the  country,  we  find  that  workmen  can  be  had  on 
the  plan  of  the  second  estimate,  who  will,  in  that  case, 
still  make  great  profit  by  their  labour.  This  Council, 
therefore,  think  it  their  duty  to  interpose  to  prevent  the 
execution  of  your  contracts  within  this  State,  by  which  so 
great  a  public  loss  will  be  occasioned  ;  and  do  hereby  de- 
sire you  will  desist  from  carrying  them  into  execution  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  have  resolved  to  detain  the  hides  in 
this  place,  where  they  can  get  them  manufactured  accord- 
ing to  the  second  estimate,  until  you  think  proper  to  agree 
with  the  workmen  here  according  to  that  estimate,  or  the 
Continental  Congress  shall  have  given  orders  herein. 

"  The  Council  is  also  determined  to  enclose  a  copy  of 
this  letter  and  of  the  estimates  to  the  Continental  Congress, 
by  express  ;  hoping,  that  if  the  pernicious  effects  of  lan- 
ning  and  currying  for  the  half,  be  diffusive  throughout  the 
States,  a  proper  remedy  may  be  applied  by  them  to  a 
mischief  which,  if  suffered  to  continue  without  redress, 
will  annually  sink  many  thousands  to  the  United  States. 

"  Upon  inquiry  of  a  principal  tanner  here,  we  find  that 
the  neat's  foot  oil  of  one  beast,  with  a  small  addition  of 
tallow,  will  be  sufficient  for  currying  half  of  its  hide  ;  we, 
therefore,  recommend  it  to  you  to  insist  with  the  commis- 
saries of  provisions  to  furnish  you  with  all  the  feet  and  a 


sufficient  quantity  of  tallow  for  this  purpose,  which,  con- 
sidering the  price  of  oil,  will  be  another  great  saving  to 
the  public. 

"We  are  your  humble  servants, 

"  By  order  of  the  Council. 
"  Geo.  Ewing,  Esqr.  Commissy.  Genl.  <tc." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted. 

The  compulations  in  the  said  letter  contained  are  in  the 
words  and  figures  following,  vizt  : 

"  First  Estimate. 

£.  s.  d. 

"  12  hides  or  24  sides  of  leather,  tanned  and  curried  for  the 


half,  gives : 

6  sides  sole  leather,  at  121h.=721h.  at  6s   21  12  0 

and  (i  sides  curried  leather,  at  1-3  more,   28  16  0 


12  sides,  their  value,  £50   8  0 


"  Second  Estimate. 

£.  s.  d. 

"  12  hides  or  24  sides  of  leather,  tanned  for  the  third,  gives: 

8  sides  sole  leather,  at  121b.=961b.  at  6s   28  16  0 

and  8  sides  curried  leather,  at  1-3  more,   33   8  0 


£67    4  0 

"  Deduct  pay  for  currying  the  same,  vizt.  8  sides  at  12s. ...     4  16  0 


£62   8  0 

Thence  deduct  the  amount  of  first  estimate,   50   8  0 


"  Profit  by  having  leather  tanned  for  a  third  instead  of  the 

half,  £12   0  0 

Which  is  nearly  25  per  cent."   


Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  enclosed  in  the  said 
letter. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in 
Congress,  was  read  and  approved  in  the  words  following : 

"  In  Council  of  Safety  for  the  State  of  N.  York,  ? 

"  Hurley,  Deer.  17th,  1777.  $ 

"Gentlemen — The  subject  matter  of  the  enclosed  pa- 
pers is  of  too  great  moment  to  be  neglected.  Mr.  Wood, 
who  is  authorized  by  the  commissary-general  of  hides,  in- 
forms us  that  he  is  to  have  one-half  of  the  hides  within  his 
district  for  tanning  the  other  half.  We  are  sorry  to  find 
that  in  the  leather  department,  as  well  as  every  other,  of 
the  United  States,  there  are  peculations  and  waste  by  which 
the  expense  of  the  war  is  enormously  increased.  On  the 
article  of  leather,  the  object  which  now  immediately  strikes 
this  Council,  you  will  see  how  much  may,  with  a  little  at- 
tention, be  saved  the  United  States.  It  is  more  or  less  so 
in  all  the  commissary  and  quarter-masters'  departments. 
And  considering  the  amazing  and  unforeseen  expense  to 
which  the  war  subjects  us,  it  is  surely  the  duty  of  those 
in  power  to  apply  proper  remedies  to  evils  so  various  and 
destructive.  Things  will  never  go  well  while  the  servants 
of  the  public  have  not  overseers  near  them.  This  Council 
are  therefore  of  opinion  that,  some  resolution  of  Congress 
should  be  passed  to  authorize  the  Legislatures  of  the  seve- 
ral Stales,  or  committees  to  be  appointed  by  them,  to  su- 
perintend and  in  some  measure  to  direct  and  control  the 
commissary  and  quarter-masters'  departments  in  the  seve- 
ral States,  so  far  as  to  prevent  abuses. 

"  We  have  only  to  add  that  the  Legislature  are  to  meet 
at  Poghkepsie  the  5th  day  of  next  month. 

"  And  are,  gentn.  with  great  respect, 

"  Your  most  obedt.  servts. 
"  To  the  Honourable  the  New-York 

Delegates  in  Congress." 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  thereof  be  engrossed,  and  signed 
by  the  President,  and  transmitted.  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  inclose  therein  a  copy  of 
the  letter  to  Geo.  Ewing,  and  of  the  computations  which 
were  therein  enclosed,  with  copies  of  Geo.  Ewing's  in- 
structions to  William  Wood. 

A  letter  from  Peter  R.  Livingston,  dated  the  12th  inst. 
relative  to  salt  by  him  purchased  by  order  of  this  State, 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1103 


and  also  requesting  permission  to  transmit  102  barrels  of 
flour  to  Boston,  was  read  in  the  words  f  flowing,  vizt : 

Manor  Livingston,  Decemr.  12,  1777. 

"  Gentn. — Since  I  had  the  favour  of  your  last,  have 
sent  to  Albany  the  proportion  allotted  to  that  county  out  of 
the  salt  I  purchased  for  the  use  of  this  Slate.  The  600 
bushels  for  the  county  of  Tryon  is  at  Mr.  Spencer's  and 
in  his  neighbourhood.  Have  acquainted  the  commiitee  of 
that  county  that  it  lies  there,  and  will  either  send  from 
thence  or  order  it  down  to  the  landing  as  soon  as  the  roads 
will  permit  it.  As  I  have  my  orders  from  your  Board  to 
leave  the  salt  at  Spencer's  and  Jansen's,  and  have  charged 
Council  in  my  accounts  with  the  cartage  to  those  places 
only ;  have  charged  and  received  from  the  county  of 
Albany  the  cartage  of  their  proportion,  and  if  the  county 
of  Tryon  orders  their  part  to  the  landing,  shall  charge  them 
with  the  cartage  of  their  600  bushels. 

"  When  at  Boston  I  obtained  an  order  from  the  Council 
for  750  bushels  of  salt  at  10s.  when  it  was  sold  by  others 
at  30s.  to  40s.  out  of  their  public  stores,  and  promised 
them  to  send  200  barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  town  of  Boston  ;  have  since  my  promise 
sent  only  98  barrels,  and  beg  the  Honb.  Council  will  grant 
me  a  permit  to  send  the  remaining  102,  as  I  have  them 
ready  and  expect  the  roads  will  be  good  in  a  few  days. 
If  the  Council  will  be  pleased  to  grant  me  the  license,  Mr. 
Benson  will  forward  it  to  me.  Shall  not  have  it  in  my 
power  until  snow  to  send  on  the  remaining  250  bushels  for 
Charlotte,  as  it  lays  at  Simsburry,  and  the  Greenwoods ; 
expect  soon  to  be  there,  and  shall  exert  myself  to  forward 
it  to  Mr.  Spencer's. 

"  I  am,  gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 
"  Your  very  humb.  servt. 
"  PETER  R.  LIVINGSTON." 

The  same  being  duly  considered,  and  the  question  be- 
ing put  thereon,  whether  the  Council  will  grant  permission 
to  Col.  Peter  R.  Livingston  to  transport  the  102  barrels  of 
flour  in  the  said  letter  mentioned  ;  it  was  carried  in  the  nega- 
tive. 

Whereas  application  has  been  made  to  this  Council,  in 
behalf  of  the  distressed  inhabitants  of  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte, representing  the  most  deplorable  and  ruinous  condi- 
tion to  which  they  are  reduced,  by  the  late  cruel  devasta- 
tions of  the  enemy  in  that  part  of  this  State,  and  that  for 
want  of  bread,  and  the  means  of  purchasing  the  same,  they 
must  either  perish  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  winter,  or 
abandon  their  settlements  ;  an  event  which  will  necessarily 
depopulate  a  very  valuable  part  of  this  State  ;  and  subject 
the  inhabitants  of  other  parts  thereof,  to  the  indispensable 
duty  of  giving  both  shelter  and  support  to  their  unhappy 
fellow  subjects  :  And  whereas,  the  like  evils  are  appre- 
hended with  respect  to  other  frontier  parts  of  this  Slate  : 
And  Whereas  the  charitable  disposition,  heretofore  shewn 
by  the  subjects  of  this  State,  in  contributing  to  the  relief  of 
their  afflicted  brethren  in  Boston,  at  a  time  when  they  were 
sorely  pressed  by  the  same  inhuman  enemy,  will  not  per- 
mit this  Council  to  doubt  the  readiness  of  those,  who  have 
not  felt  the  calamities  of  war,  to  make  a  voluntary  contri- 
bution on  the  present  melancholy  occasion,  out  of  that  re- 
dundance which  a  kind  Providence  has  been  pleased  to 
bestow  on  them. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  earn- 
estly recommended  to  those  of  the  good  subjects  of  this 
State,  who  have  escaped  the  ravages  of  the  enemy,  that  as 
they  hope  for  a  continuance  of  the  divine  protection  against 
the  like  severe  trials,  aud  the  blessing  of  Almighty  God  on 
the  fruits  of  their  labour,  they  extend  their  charity  to  the 
ruined  settlers  of  our  frontiers,  by  severally  delivering,  ac- 
cording to  their  abilities,  into  the  hands  of  any  member  of 
a  general  or  district  committee,  who  shall  reside  nearest  to 
them  respectively,  their  charitable  donations  in  flour  and 
bread  corn,  of  any  kind,  to  be  applied  to  the  relief  of  such 
settlers  as  aforesaid,  in  manner  hereafter  to  be  directed  by 


this  Council  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State.  And  to  the 
end  that  such  charitable  donations  as  aforesaid,  may  be 
collected  with  that  despatch,  which  the  pressing  wants  of 
the  unhappy  sufferers,  intended  to  be  thereby  relieved, 
most  justly  claim, 

Resolved,  That  all  the  members  of  the  several  general 
and  district  committees,  within  this  State,  be  and  hereby 
are  required,  strenuously  to  exert  themselves,  in  the  use  of 
those  means,  which  may  be  most  effectual  for  a  speedy 
collection  of  such  charitable  donations,  and  to  make  report 
from  time  to  time,  of  their  success  therein,  to  this  Council 
or  the  Legislature  of  this  State.  And  to  facilitate  the 
most  liberal  benefactions  on  this  occasion. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  i6  hereby  enjoined  on  all 
ministers  of  the  gospel  within  this  State,  by  suitable  ex- 
hortations from  the  pulpit,  on  every  Lord's  day,  during  the 
continuance  of  the  said  collection,  to  animate  and  excite 
their  hearers  to  the  fullest  exercise  of  charily  towards  their 
suffering  brethren. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  these  resolutions  be  published 
in  Samuel  Loudon's  paper,  and  that  one  hundred  copies 
thereof  be  printed  in  handbills  and  distributed  in  the  coun- 
ties of  Ulster,  Dutchess,  Westchester,  and  Orange. 

Wednesday,  P.  M.  Hurley,  December  17,  1777. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Van  Zandt,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Rowan. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State  do  remove,  together  with  the  treasury  books  of  public 
accounts  and  papers  in  his  custody  relative  thereto,  to  the 
precinct  of  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess  county,  with  all 
convenient  speed ;  there  to  attend  the  future  directions  of 
this  Council  or  Convention,  or  the  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  of  this  Council  do  re- 
move with  and  transport  all  the  records  of  the  late  Con- 
vention and  Councils  of  Safety  of  this  Stale  to  Pough- 
keepsie, with  all  convenient  speed. 

Resolved,  That  the  clothing  store  of  this  State  remain 
in  its  present  situation  until  the  further  order  of  this  Coun- 
cil, or  the  Convention  or  Legislature  of  this  State. 

Whereas,  this  Council  intend  this  day  to  adjourn  to 
meet  at  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess  county :  And  whereas, 
the  public  records  of  this  State  are  now  placed  at  Nepenagh, 
in  Ulster  county,  under  a  guard,  subject  to  the  directions 
of  Hendrecus  Hornbeck,  Johannes  Hardenburgh  and  Com- 
fort Sands,  Esquires,  in  which  situation  they  are  for  the 
present  esteemed  in  a  state  of  safety  ;  and  from  the  condi- 
tion of  the  roads,  and  uncertain  state  of  the  weather  at  this 
season  of  the  year,  it  is  conceived  impracticable  to  remove 
said  records,  at  present,  to  any  place  of  greater  safety  : 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  records  of  this  State  remain  in 
their  present  situation,  under  guard  as  aforesaid,  until 
further  order  of  this  Council,  or  the  Legislature  of  this 
State ;  and  that  a  certified  copy  of  this  resolution  be  de- 
livered to  the  said  Hendricus  Hornbeck,  Johannes  Har- 
denburgh  and  Comfort  Sands,  or  one  of  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  Capt. 
Jan  Van  Deusen  the  sum  of  thirty  dollars,  in  full  for  the 
use  of  his  room  and  firewood,  and  other  services  for  this 
Council,  and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  will  adjourn  to  meet  at 
Poughkeepsie  on  Saturday  next ;  and  this  Council  is  here- 
by adjourned  accordingly. 


MONDAY. 

Poughkeepsie,  December  22,  1777. 

The  following  members  of  the  Council  of  Safety  and 
of  the  Legislature  met,  to  wit: 
Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Presidt.  pro  Xem. 


1104 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Rowan, 
Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Van  Houten. 

[The  above  members  continued  to  meet  from  day  to  day, 
until  Friday,  the  26lh,  when  Mr.  Harper  appeared  ;  but 
the  number  being  insufficient  to  form  a  Council,  continued 
to  meet  from  day  to  day,  until  Tuesday,  December  30th, 
1777.] 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

{December  30,  1777. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 

Colo.  Pawling.  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr. 
Harper,  Mr.  Snyder — Quorum, 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Clarke. 

Samuel  Verplanck,  Esqr.  attended  the  Council,  and 
made  application  for  leave  to  go  to  New-York  to  visit  his 
family,  and  to  return  within  such  time,  and  under  such  re- 
strictions, as  this  Council  shall  direct. 

The  said  application  being  immediately  taken  into  con- 
sideration, was  rejected. 

Adam  Beevo,  of  the  West  Camp,  in  Ulster  county,  ap- 
prehended, and  confined  in  the  jail  of  Dutchess  county,  on 
a  charge  of  disaffection,  being  brought  before  the  Council 
and  examined,  declared  himself  a  true  friend  to  the  Ameri- 
can cause,  and  took  and  subscribed  the  following  oath  of 
allegiance  to  this  State,  to  wit : 

"  I,  Adam  Beevo,  do  solemnly  and  sincerely  swear  and 
declare,  in  the  presence  of  Almighty  God,  that  I  will  bear 
true  faith  and  allegiance  to  the  Slate  of  New-York,  and  in 
all  things  do  my  duty  as  a  good  and  faithful  subject  of  the 
said  State  ought  to  do.    So  help  me  God. 

"ADAM  BEEVO." 

Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Adam  Beevo  be,  and  he  herehy 
is,  discharged  from  confinement,  and  permitted  to  return 
to  his  place  of  abode. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

December  31,  1777. 

Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Har- 
per, Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Barns. 

Peter  Benson  appeared  before  the  Council,  and  applied, 
in  behalf  of  his  father,  Benjn.  Benson,  a  refugee  from  the 
city  of  New-York,  and  informed  the  Council : 

"  That  his  father,  while  he  resided  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  and  previous  to  the  passing  of  the  resolution  of 
this  Council,  prohibiting  the  exportation  of  grain,  purchased 
two  hundred  bushels  of  wheat,  solely  with  intention  to  con- 
sume the  same  in  his  own  family,  and  to  barter  what  of 
the  said  wheat  should  be  more  than  sufficient  for  that  pur- 
pose, for  such  other  necessaries  as  his  family  should  stand 
in  need  of;  that  when  the  enemy  came  up  the  river,  in 
October  last,  the  said  Benjamin,  for  the  safely  of  his  family 
and  effects,  removed  from  Red  Hook,  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  to  Salisbury,  in  Connecticut,  where,  having  ob- 
tained a  habitation  upon  more  advantageous  terms  than 
the  one  he  possessed  at  Red  Hook,  he  now  resides  ;  that 
the  said  wheat  is  now  in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  the  said 
resolution  having  taken  place  before  the  said  Benjamin  had 
an  opportunity  to  remove  the  same  out  of  this  State  ;  for 
which  reason  the  said  Benjamin  prays  the  license  of  this 
Council  to  transport  the  said  200  bushels  of  wheat  out  of 
this  State,  into  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

"The  said  Peter  Benson,  being  duly  sworn,  saith  that 
the  above  matters  of  fact  are,  to  the  best  of  his  belief,  true. 

"PETER  BENSON." 


Resolved,  That  the  said  Benjamin  Benson,  be,  and  he 
hereby  is,  licensed  and  permitted  to  transport  the  said  200 
bushels  of  wheat  out  of  this  Slate,  into  the  State  of  Con- 
necticut. 

Mr.  Benson,  one  of  the  commissioners  for  conspiracies, 
&c.  informed  the  Council  that,  some  time  since,  Samuel 
Mabbet,  of  the  county  of  Dutchess,  surrendered  himself  to 
the  said  commissioners,  who,  conceiving  the  case  of  the 
said  Samuel  Mabbet  to  be  very  important,  as  there  are 
many  other  persons  in  the  Stale  in  the  same  predicament, 
and  as  the  determination  of  it  would  be  establishing  a  pre- 
cedent, had  referred  it  to  this  Council,  and  had  bound  the  said 
Samuel  Mabbet  to  appear  before  this  Council,  that  he  was 
attending  at  the  door  accordingly. 

Mr.  Benson  then  informed  the  Council  of  the  case  of 
the  said  Samuel  Mabbet,  as  follows,  vizt: 

"That  the  said  Samuel  Mabbet  was  a  person  notoriously 
disaffected  to  the  American  cause,  inconsequence  of  which, 
he  was  removed  to  New-Hampshire,  in  the  fall  of  the  year 
1776,  from  whence  he  returned  to  this  State  last  spring, 
and  being  called  upon  by  the  commissioners  to  affirm  his 
allegiance  to  this  State,  refused  ;  that  some  time  after,  he 
absconded,  and  that  he  lately  appeared  and  surrendered 
himself  to  the  commissioners  ;  that  the  said  Samuel  avers 
that  he  only  concealed  himself  through  fear,  his  life  having 
been  threatened,  and  denies  that  he  ever  was  with  the  ene- 
my, or  that  he  has  ever  carried  on  any  correspondence  with 
the  enemy,  or  with  any  person  with  them." 

The  Council  then  proceeded  to  take  the  same  into  con- 
sideration, whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Samuel  Mabbet  be  discharged 
from  confinement,  upon  his  entering  into  recognizance, 
with  surety  in  the  sum  of  £2,000,  for  the  appearance  of 
the  said  Samuel  Mabbet  at  the  next  court  of  oyer  and  ter- 
miner and  general  jail  delivery,  to  be  held  in  and  for  the 
county  of  Dutchess  ;  that  the  President  of  this  Council  be 
authorized  to  take  the  same,  and  deliver  it  to  the  Attorney- 
General,  who  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  certify 
the  said  recognizance  into  the  first  court  of  oyer  and  ter- 
miner and  general  jail  delivery  which  shall  be  held  in  and 
for  the  county  of  Dutchess. 

Egbt.  Benson,  Esqr.  produced  his  account,  with  the 
voucher,  amounting  to  £5  3s.  <id.  moneys  advanced  by 
him  for  expresses  by  order  of  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  repay  Mr. 
Benson  the  said  sum  out  of  the  treasury  of  this  State. 

Joseph  Furman,  of  Charlotte  precinct,  in  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  attending,  prayed  a  license  to  transport  eight 
barrels  of  flour  to  one  or  either  of  the  eastern  States,  for 
the  sole  purpose  of  purchasing  oil,  an  article  much  wanted 
in  the  manufacturing  leather  in  this  State. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Joseph  Furman  be  and  he  is 
hereby  licensed  and  permitted  to  export  out  of  this  State, 
to  one  or  either  of  the  eastern  States,  eight  barrels  of  flour, 
on  his  taking  an  oath  before  the  President  of  this  Council, 
that  he  will  import  into  this  State  the  whole  proceeds  of 
the  said  flour  in  oil  or  blubber  for  the  purpose  of  manufac- 
turing leather,  or  salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
State. 

Benjamin  Delavergne,  of  Charlotte  precinct,   in  the 
county  of  Dutchess,  attending,  prayed  a  license  to  trans- 
port four  barrels  of  flour  to  one  or  either  of  the  eastern 
States,  for  the  sole  purpose  of  purchasing  medicines  or 
salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitanls  of  this  State. 
The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 
Resolved,  That  the  said  Doctor  Benjamin  Delavergne 
be  and  he  is  hereby  licensed  and  permitted  to  export  four 
barrels  of  flour  out  of  this  State  to  either  of  the  eastern 
Stales,  on  his  taking  an  oath  before  the  President  of  this 
Council  that  he  will  use  his  utmost  endeavours  lo  import 
into  this  State  the  whole  proceeds  of  the  said  flour  in  me- 
dicines or  salt  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  State. 
I     Mr.  Dunscomb  and  Mr.  Snyder  dissenting. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1105 


Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  having,  by  the  advice  of  several 
members  of  this  Council,  advanced  to  Alexander  Baldwin, 
captain  of  one  of  the  companies  of  rangers  of  this  Slate, 
raised  in  the  county  of  Albany,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
dollars,  to  defray  the  expense  of  provisions,  carriages  and 
contingencies  of  him  and  his  party  (being  prisoners  on 
parol  from  Canada)  on  their  march  from  Poughkeepsie  to 
Albany,  and  taken  Captain  Baldwin's  receipt  (as  from  this 
Council)  for  the  same.  Thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benson  file  the  said  receipt  with 
the  Treasurer  of  this  State,  and  that  the  said  Treasurer 
repay  Mr.  Benson  the  above  sum  out  of  the  treasury,  and 
charge  Capt.  Baldwin  with  the  same. 

Egbert  Benson,  Esqr.  informed  this  Council,  that  by 
the  advice  of  some  of  the  members,  he  had  procured  from 
Isaac  Sheldon,  Esqr.  one  of  the  commissioners  of  seques- 
tration in  Dutchess  county,  ten  dollars  in  specie,  which  he 
delivered  to  Mr.  Andrew  Billings  at  Poughkeepsie,  for  the 
purpose  of  making  a  great  seal  for  this  State,  and  had 
taken  Mr.  Billings's  receipt  for  the  same,  as  from  Mr. 
Sheldon. 

Resolved,  That  this  Council  do  approve  of  Mr.  Benson's 
conduct  in  this  instance,  and  that  the  said  Isaac  Sheldon 
be  indemnified  for  delivering  to  Mr.  Benson  the  said  ten 
dollars  as  aforesaid  :  And, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  receipt  be  filed  with  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  State,  and  that  he  thereupon  credit  the  said 
Isaac  Sheldon  for  the  said  ten  dollars,  and  charge  the  same 
to  the  said  Andrew  Billings. 

A  letter  from  John  Coe,  Esqr.  one  of  the  commission- 
ers of  sequestration  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountains  in 
Orange  couniy,  dated  the  16th  inst.  informing  Council  that 
Teunis  Kuyper,  Esqr.  the  other  commissioner  of  seques- 
tration in  that  part  of  the  said  county,  cannot  possibly  at- 
tend to  the  execution  of  that  business,  as  his  attendance 
is  required  as  a  member  of  the  Legislature  of  this  State, 
and  therefore  requests  that  another  person  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  act  in  conjunction  with  him  in  the  stead  of  Mr. 
Kuyper,  was  read  :  And  thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  Gilbert  Kuyper,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is 
hereby  appointed  a  commissioner  of  sequestration  in  the 
county  of  Orange,  in  the  stead  of  Theunis  Kuyper,  Esqr. 
who  is  hereby  discharged  from  the  said  office,  his  attend- 
ance being  required  as  a  member  of  the  Assembly  of  this 
State. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning 


THURSDAY  MORNING, 

January  1,  1778. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present— Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Presidl.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Dunscomb— Quorum. 

Mr  Clarke,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Barns. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to 
Egbt.  Benson,  Melancton  Smith  and  Peter  Cantine,  Esqrs. 
commissioners  of  conspiracies,  &c.  or  one  of  them,  a 
sum  not  exceeding  five  hundred  pounds,  on  account,  and 
take  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Sundry  resolutions,  appointing  commissioners  to  repair 
to  the  State  of  Connecticut  to  examine  the  prisoners  of 
this  State  there,  to  discharge  such  of  them  as  appear  to 
be  least  dangerous,  and  to  direct  the  others  to  be  brought 
into  this  State,  were  read  ;  and  after  some  time  spent 
therein,  the  further  consideration  was  postponed  till  to- 
morrow morning. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 

277 


FRIDAY  MORNING, 

January  2,  1778. 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Presidt.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Snyder, 
Mr.  Benson — Quorum. 
Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Barns. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lewis  and  Ezra  Hiah  Wetmore,  on 
taking  the  oath  of  allegiance,  be  discharged  from  confine- 
ment. The  said  two  persons  were  accordingly  called  in, 
and  they  severally  took  and  subscribed  the  following  oath, 
to  wit : 

"We,  William  Lewis  and  Ezra  Hiah  Wetmore,  do  re- 
spectively swear  on  the  Holy  Evangelists  of  Almighty 
God,  that  we  will  respectively  bear  true  faith  and  allegi- 
ance to  the  State  of  New-York,  and  do  our  duty  as  good 
subjects  ought  to  do  :  So  help  us  God. 

"WM.  +  LEW[S. 

"  EZRA  HIAH  WETMORE." 

Mr.  Piatt  informed  the  Council  that  Mr.  Gilbert  Livings- 
ton and  himself  had  appointed  Melancton  Smith,  Esqr.  an 
agent  to  purchase  hay  and  grain  for  the  use  of  the  Legisla- 
ture, pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  this  Council  of  the  1st 
of  December  last. 

Mr.  Smith  attending,  reported  to  the  Council  that  he 
purchased  the  quantity  of  hay  specified  in  the  resolution  of 
the  Council  for  that  purpose,  but  that  he  had  not  as  yet 
procured  the  necessary  quantity  of  grain,  not  having  been 
able  to  procure  more  than  about  300  bushels,  and  requested 
that  a  sum  might  be  ordered  to  him  in  advance,  and  that 
the  Council  would  determine  what  he  is  to  be  allowed  for 
his  commissions. 

The  Council  taking  the  same  into  consideration,  and  also 
that  a  further  quantity  of  hay  would  be  required  for  the 
use  of  the  Legislature, 

Resolved,  That  in  addition  to  the  forty  tons  mentioned 
in  the  resolution  of  this  Council  of  the  1st  of  December 
last,  the  said  Melancton  Smith  be  authorized  to  purchase 
the  further  quantity  of  ten  tons  of  hay,  and  cause  the  same 
to  be  brought  to  this  place  and  deposited  in  proper  maga- 
zines for  the  use  of  the  Legislature. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  advance  to  said 
Melancton  Smith,  agent  as  aforesaid,  the  sum  of  £800, 
and  that  Mr.  Smith  account  to  this  State  for  the  expendi- 
ture thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Melancton  Smith,  agent  as  afore- 
said, be  allowed  for  his  services  and  expenses,  a  commis- 
sion of  five  per  cent  upon  the  moneys  to  be  paid  out  by 
him. 

Adjourned  until  the  afternoon. 

Friday  Afternoon,  ) 
Poughkeepsie,  January  2.  1778.  J 

The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Evert  Bancker.  Esqr.  President  pro  tempore. 

Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr. 
Webster,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Barnes,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Duns- 
comb. 

The  Council  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  certain 
resolutions  appointing  commissioners  to  superintend  the  re- 
turn of  the  prisoners  of  this  State  (now  at  Hartford)  into 
this  State.  The  same  being  again  read,  were  unanimously 
approved  of  and  agreed  to,  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

Whereas  upon  the  loss  of  the  fortresses  in  the  High- 
lands, in  consequence  whereof  the  enemy  possessed  them- 
selves of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  it  became  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  the  public  safety  to  remove  the  prison- 
ers confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  and  in  the  jail  of 


1106 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


Kingston,  in  the  county  of  Ulster,  out  of  this  State ;  and 
the  said  prisoners  were  accordingly  by  order  of  this  Coun- 
cil conveyed,  to  Hartford,  in  the  Slate  of  Connecticut: 
And  whereas  it  was  the  intention  of  this  Council  that 
the  said  prisoners  should  be  remanded  to  this  State  as  soon 
as  the  situation  of  public  affairs  would  admit  thereof,  there- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  Melancton  Smith,  Peter  Cantine  and 
Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  Esquires,  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by appointed  commissioners  to  superintend  the  return  of 
the  said  prisoners  into  this  State  ;  and  they  are  hereby  re- 
quired to  meet  for  that  purpose  at  Hartford,  on  the  20th 
day  of  January  instant.  That  the  said  commissioners,  or 
any  two  of  them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  by 
examining  the  minutes  of  the  commissioners  for  conspira- 
cies, &c.  or  the  minutes  of  any  committee  within  this  Slate, 
or  by  examining  any  person  or  persons  on  oalh,  to  obtain 
information  of  the  characters  of,  and  of  the  crimes  charged, 
and  of  the  proofs  that  can  be  obtained  against  the  said  pri- 
soners respectively.  That  the  said  commissioners,  or  any 
two  of  them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  and  em- 
powered to  permit  such  of  the  said  prisoners  to  go  at  large, 
as  they  shall  think  proper,  provided  ihat  such  permission 
to  go  at  large  shall  not  be  construed  to  pardon  the  said  pri- 
soners respectively  of  any  treason  or  other  offence  hereto- 
fore committed  by  them,  or  to  exempt  them  from  being  at 
any  time  hereafter  apprehended,  tried  or  punished  for  the 
same.  That  the  said  commissioners,  or  any  two  of  them, 
cause  such  of  the  said  prisoners  as  shall  not  be  so  permit- 
ted to  go  at  large,  to  be  returned  unto  this  State  under 
guard,  and  confined  in  such  jails  as  the  said  commissioners, 
or  any  two  of  them,  shall  deem  proper.  And  the  keepers 
of  the  several  jails  in  this  State,  are  hereby  authorized  and 
required,  upon  the  mittimus  of  the  said  commissioners,  or 
any  two  of  them,  to  receive  into  their  custody  respectively, 
such  of  the  said  prisoners  as  shall  be  committed  to  their 
respective  jails,  and  detain  them  in  safe  custody  until  they 
shall  be  thence  delivered  by  due  course  of  law.  And  that 
the  said  commissioners,  or  any  two  of  them,  be,  and  they 
are  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered  to  collect,  settle  and 
discharge  the  accounts  of,  and  the  expenses  which  have 
occurred  in  or  about  the  removal  of  the  said  prisoners  from 
this  State  into  the  State  of  Connecticut,  or  in  or  about  their 
residence  or  confinement  there,  besides  defraying  the  ex- 
penses that  will  arise  upon  the  business  hereby  committed 
to  them : 

And  whereas  it  may  be  requisite,  the  better  to  enable 
the  said  commissioners  to  discharge  such  accounts  and  de- 
fray such  other  expenses  as  may  arise  in  the  above  business, 
that  they  should  be  permitted  to  purchase  flour  in  this  Stale, 
and  to  transport  the  same  to  the  State  of  Connecticut. 

Resolved,  therefore,  That  the  said  commissioners,  and 
each  of  them,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  be,  and  they  and 
each  of  them  is,  and  are  hereby,  authorized  and  permit- 
ted to  purchase  any  quantity  or  quantities  of  flour,  and  the 
same  to  transport  out  of  this  State,  and  to  sell  and  dispose 
thereof,  rendering  an  account  of  the  profits  to  the  Auditor 
of  this  Stale. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Ezekiel  Cooper,  with  20  men  of 
his  company,  march  to  Hartford,  in  the  State  of  Connec- 
ticut; and  that  upon  his  arrival  there,  he  put  himself  under 
the  command  and  direction  of  ihe  said  commissioners  ;  and 
that  he  begin  his  march  so  as  to  be  at  Harlford  on  the  20lh 
day  of  this  instant  month  of  January. 

Resolved,  That  the  Treasurer,  out  of  the  treasury  of 
this  State,  advance  to  Capt.  Ezekiel  Cooper,  the  sum  of 
forty  pounds,  to  defray  the  expense  of  the  said  guard  to 
Hartford  ;  that  the  said  commissioners  be  charged  there- 
with, and  that  Capt.  Cooper  account  to  them  for  the  ex- 
penditures thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer,  out  of  the  treasury  of  this 
State,  advance  to  the  said  commissioners  the  sum  of  one 
thousand  five  hundred  pounds,  to  defray  the  expense  of  the 


business  hereby  committed  to  them,  and  that  they  be  ac- 
countable to  this  State  for  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  said  commissioners  be  allowed,  each 
of  them,  for  the  lime  they  shall  be  actually  employed  in 
the  above  business,  the  sum  of  sixteen  shillings  per  day, 
besides  the  subsistence  of  themselves  and  their  horses. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  each  of  ihe  said 
commissioners,  (enclosing  certified  copies  of  foregoing 
resolutions,)  by  express,  and  request  of  them  to  attend  to 
the  execution  thereof,  and  for  that  purpose  that  they  may 
meet  together  at  Spencer's,  in  the  Oblong,  on  the  15th 
instant. 

Mr.  Piatt  informed  ihe  Council,  that  upon  the  loss  of 
the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  he  had  taken  certain  quantities 
of  flour  and  grain  in  and  about  this  place,  and  caused  the 
same  to  be  removed,  in  order  to  prevent  their  falling  into 
the  hands  of  the  enemy.  That  although  this  Council  had, 
by  letter,  approved  of  his  conduct,  yet  he  conceived  a  fur- 
ther security  necessary,  and  that  he  ought  to  be  indemni- 
fied by  a  resolution  to  be  passed  for  that  purpose.  Mr. 
Piatt  further  informed,  that  he  had  paid  the  sum  of  £16 
16s.  for  the  freight  of  84  barrels  of  the  said  flour  and  grain 
transported  to  Albany  and  delivered  to  Jacob  Cuyler,  Esq. 
commissary-general  of  provisions  there,  and  had  taken  a 
receipt  from  Valentine  Baker  for  the  said  sum.  That  of 
the  said  flour  so  transported  to  Albany,  there  were  35  bar- 
rels said  to  have  belonged  to  a  certain  Henry  Ruscrow, 
and  which  were  sent  to  Albany  under  the  care  of  Thomas 
Henderson,  with  directions  to  deliver  the  same  to  the  com- 
missary-general of  purchases  there  :  that  the  said  Thos. 
Henderson,  as  he  himself  informs,  has,  notwithstanding, 
sold  the  said  84  barrels  of  flour  to  the  said  commissary- 
general  for  forty  shillings  per  hundred  ;  that  it  cannot  be 
discovered  where  the  said  Henry  Ruscrow  now  is,  though 
it  is  suspected  that  he  is  with  the  enemy  ;  that  the  said 
Thomas  Henderson  is  now  possessed  of  the  cash  arising 
by  the  said  sale  of  the  said  35  barrels  of  flour,  and  demands 
4  shillings  per  barrel  for  the  freight  and  5  per  cent,  for  his 
commission  upon  the  sale. 

The  same  being  taken  into  consideration, 

Resolved,  That  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esqr.  be  and  he  is 
hereby  indemnified  and  saved  harmless  from  and  against 
all  costs,  charges  and  damages  which  may  be  adjudged  or 
awarded  against  him,  in  any  and  every  suit  and  action 
which  shall  or  may  be  commenced  against  him  for  or  by 
reason  of  the  premises,  or  any  part  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer,  out  of  the  treasury  of 
this  State,  pay  to  the  said  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Esq.  the  sum 
of  sixteen  pounds  sixteen  shillings,  moneys  advanced  by  him 
to  Valentine  Baker  for  the  freight  of  84  barrels  of  flour  and 
wheat  from  Poughkeepsie  to  Albany,  and  delivered  to 
Jacob  Cuyler,  commissary-general  of  purchases  there  ;  that 
Mr.  Plait  file  with  ihe  Treasurer  the  receipt  to  him  from 
the  said  Valentine  Baker  for  the  said  sum  so  advanced  by 
him  as  aforesaid,  and  that  ihe  Treasurer  thereupon  charge 
the  United  States  with  the  said  sixteen  pounds  sixteen 
shillings. 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Henderson  pay  unto  the  Trea- 
surer of  this  Stale  the  moneys  arising  from  the  sale  of  35 
barrels  of  flour,  said  to  have  belonged  to  Henry  Ruscrow, 
and  which  were,  by  order  of  Zephaniah  Piatt,  E»q.  removed 
from  this  place  to  Albany  on  or  about  the  8ih  day  of  Octo- 
ber last,  retaining  in  his  hands  ihe  sum  of  4  per  cent,  per 
barrel  for  the  freight  thereof. 


SATURDAY  MORNING, 

January  3,  1778, 

Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esq.  President  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr. 
Webster—  Quorum. 

Mr.  Van  Houien,  Mr.  Clark.  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Gilb.  Livingston. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1107 


Certain  resolutions  appointing  a  commissary  to  dispose 
of  the  forage  procured  for  the  use  of  the  Legislature,  were 
read  and  agreed  to  as  follows,  vizt. 

Resolved,  That  Muses  Smith  be  and  he  is  hereby  ap- 
pointed commissary  to  receive  and  dispose  of  the  forage 
provided  for  the  use  of  the  Legislature  ;  that  he  dispose 
of  the  said  forage  (if  they  shall  respectively  choose  to  pur- 
chase the  same)  in  the  manner  following,  namely  :  To  His 
Excellency  the  Governor,  the  quantity  of  two  tons  of  hay 
and  twenty  bushels  of  grain  ;  and  to  the  Chancellor, 
Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court,  members  of  Senate  and 
Assembly,  and  all  officers  whose  daily  attendance  is  re- 
quired on  the  Legislature,  each  a  quantity  not  exceeding 
half  a  ton  of  hay  and  thirty-four  bushels  of  grain,  at  the 
rate  of  105.  per  hundred  weight  for  the  hay  and  10s.  per 
bushel  for  the  grain. 

That  he  receive  of  the  several  persons  purchasing  the 
said  forage,  upon  the  delivery  of  the  same,  the  money  for 
the  quantity  they  shall  respectively  purchase. 

That  he  from  time  to  time  provide  proper  places  for  de- 
positing such  of  the  said  forage  as  shall  be  undisposed  of. 

That  he  dispose  of  such  of  the  said  forage  as  shall  re- 
main undisposed  of  after  the  13ih  day  of  February  next, 
to  the  several  persons  above  mentioned,  each  a  farther 
quantity,  not  exceeding  five  hundred  weight  of  hay  and 
four  bushels  of  grain,  at  the  prices  above  mentioned. 

That  he  dispose  of  such  of  the  forage  as  shall  remain 
on  hand  after  the  15th  day  of  March  next  or  the  rising  of 
the  Legislature,  whichever  shall  first  happen,  at  public 
vendue. 

That  he  account  with  the  Auditor  of  this  State  for  the 
moneys  to  be  received  by  him  upon  the  sale  of  the  said 
forage. 

That  he  shall  not  be  obliged  to  weigh  or  measure  out  to 
any  person  a  less  quantity  than  one  hundred  weight  of  hay 
and  one  bushel  of  grain  at  one  time. 

That  he  be  allowed,  besides  the  expenses  that  may  at- 
tend the  execution  of  the  business  hereby  committed  to 
him,  for  his  own  services,  five  per  cent  upon  the  moneys 
upon  the  sales  of  the  said  forage  as  aforesaid. 

After  some  time  spent  in  the  examination  of  the  State 
prisoners  confined  in  Poughkeepsie  jail,  taken  by  Mr. 
Clark  and  Mr.  Van  Houten,  the  Council  adjourned  until 
the  afternoon. 

Saturday  Afternoon,  January  3,  1778. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 
Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Prest.  pro  tern. 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Durtscomb,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Clarke. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  John  McKesson  and  Robt. 
Benson,  the  Secretaries  of  this  Council  and  clerks  of  the 
respective  Houses  of  the  Legislature,  do  furnish  this  Coun- 
cil and  the  respective  Houses  of  the  Legislature  with  fire- 
wood and  candles,  and  that  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this 
State  do  audit  their  accounts  for  their  disbursements  in  the 
premises  and  discharge  the  same. 

Mr.  Clark  and  Mr.  Van  Houten,  two  of  the  members  of 
this  Council,  who  were  some  days  ago  requested  to  ex- 
amine into  the  cases  of  the  prisoners  now  confined  in  the 
jail  of  Dutchess  county,  verbally  reported  that  they  had 
taken  the  examination  of  Cornelius  Leister,  of  Dutchess 
county ;  that  it  appears  he  is  confined  for  disaffection  to 
the  American  cause. 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged  on  entering  into  recog- 
nizance with  one  or  more  sufficient  sureties  to  the  people 
of  this  State  in  the  sum  of  £1,000,  conditioned  for  his 
appearance  at  the  next  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and 
general  jail  delivery,  to  be  held  in  and  for  the  county  of 
Dutchess,  and  not  depart  without  leave  of  the  said  court. 

On  the  funher  parol  report  of  the  said  members, 

Ordered,  That  Thomas  Bryant  be  discharged  on  Jona- 
than Bryant,  of  Philips's  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county, 
father  of  the  said  Thomas,  entering  into  like  recognizances 


to  the  people  of  this  State  in  the  sum  of  £100,  to  deliver 
the  said  Thomas  to  the  sheriff  of  Dutchess  county,  on  or 
before  the  first  day  of  May  next. 

Ordered,  That  Mary  McKenzie  be  discharged  on 
McKenzie,  the  husband  of  the  said  Mary,  entering  into  re- 
cognizance to  the  people  of  this  State,  in  the  sum  of  £100, 
conditioned  for  the  appearance  of  the  said  Mary  at  the  next 
court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and  general  jail  delivery,  to  be 
held  in  and  for  the  county  of  Albany,  and  not  to  depart 
without  leave  of  the  said  court. 

That  the  President  of  this  Council  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  lake  the  three  above  mentioned  recognizances 
and  deliver  them  to  the  Attorney-General,  who  is  hereby 
authorized  and  required  to  certify  the  said  recognizances 
respectively  to  the  said  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and 
general  jail  delivery,  that  shall  be  holden  in  and  for  the  said 
counties  of  Dutchess  and  Albany  respectively. 

Ordered,  That  Daniel  Haines  and  Thomas  Murphy  be 
permitted  by  the  sheriff  of  Dutchess  county,  to  go  at  large 
in  the  precinct  of  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess  county,  upon 
their  respective  parols  of  honor,  to  be  by  them  respective- 
ly subscribed,  that  they  will  remain  within  the  said  pre- 
cinct of  Poughkeepsie,  and  not  depart  the  same  without 
leave  of  this  Council,  or  the  executive  authority  of  this 
State  ;  which  parols  the  Secretaries,  or  either  of  them,  is 
hereby  authorized  to  take. 

Ordered,  That  John  Hole,  Burnet  Miller  and  Edmund 
Tompkins  be  respectively  discharged  by  the  sheriff  of 
Dutchess  county,  from  their  confinement  in  Dutchess  coun- 
ty jail,  on  their  respectively  taking  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  this  State  before  the  President  of  this  Council. 

Ordered,  That  John  McAithur,  Peter  D.  Pomp,  Nicho- 
las Rouse,  William  McDermot  and  Joseph  Hains  be  re- 
spectively discharged  from  confinement.  And  as  John  Arm 
strong  is  supposed  to  be  a  deserter  from  Colo.  Duboys's 
regiment, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  John  Armstrong  be  detained  in 
jail  until  he  be  shewn  to  an  officer  of  Colo.  Duboys's  regi- 
ment ;  and  if  it  appears  that  the  said  John  Armstrong  is 
not  a  deserter,  then  that  he  be  discharged. 


SUNDAY. 

January  4,  1778. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  Presidt.  pro  tern. 

Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr; 
Benson,  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Webster— Quorum. 

Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Kuyper,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Van 
Schaick. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  Hammen,  from  Westchester  county, 
appeared  before  the  Council,  and  informed  that  the  greater 
part  of  that  county  is  almost  entirely  undefended,  exposed 
to  the  incursions  of  the  enemy  and  infested  with  villains 
who  daily  commit  murders,  robberies  and  other  outrages; 
and  that  unless  measures  were  immediately  taken  for  the 
defence  and  security  of  that  part  of  the  country,  many  of 
the  inhabitants  will  be  obliged  to  move  off ;  and  that  vast 
quantities  of  forage  and  stores  will  fall  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany  was  received  and 
read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit  : 

"  Albany  Committee  Chamber,  29rA  Deer.  1777. 

"  Hon.  Sir — A  great  quantity  of  wheat  is  raised  in  this 
and  Tryon  county ;  and  the  season  is  now  at  hand,  in 
which  the  farmers  transport  and  dispose  of  the  same.  This 
committee  would  beg  leave  to  request  the  Council  of  Safe- 
ly to  pass  a  law  to  remedy  an  evil,  which  if  not  speedily 
attended  to,  will  produce  the  most  serious  consequences. 
We  are  informed  that  many  disaffected  persons,  in  o>-dcr 
to  realize  large  sums  of  money,  they  have  easily  and  in  a 
short  time  collected,  do  purchase  quantities  of  wheat  at 
what  price  the  farmer  pleases  to  ask,  and  intend  storing  it 


1108 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


near  the  river,  perhaps  with  a  view  to  supply  the  enemy, 
should  they  penelrate  up  the  river  in  the  spring,  which  the 
disaffected  arc  ready  to  conjecture  ;  and  should  this  not  be 
the  case,  they  will  have  an  opportunity  of  disposing  of  the 
same  to  the  commissary  of  purchases,  or  others  who  may 
stand  in  need  of  the  same,  to  advantage.  There  are  many 
others  who  intend  purchasing  of  grain  in  order  to  make 
money,  and  with  no  other  view  ;  consequently,  interest  is 
their  only  object.  We  are  informed  large  contracts  are 
made  in  Claverack  and  Kinderhook,  at  235.  6d.  per  bushel; 
those  monopolizers  in  a  short  time  will,  we  dare  say,  raise 
it  to  forty  shillings  per  bushel.  The  poor,  whose  crops 
have  been  destroyed,  can  with  difficulty  purchase  bread  to 
subsist  on — the  citizens  begin  to  be  alarmed — the  reason 
is  obvious,  since  so  many  will  purchase  the  whole  the  far- 
mer has,  of  course,  he  will  not  sell  by  the  single  bushel, 
nor  dare  he  venture  to  ask  the  price  those  people  will  give 
him,  from  the  poor.  The  commissary  of  purchases  is  ap- 
prehensive that  many  inconveniences  will  arise  in  his  de- 
ferring purchasing,  fearing  those  forestallers  will  engage  so 
great  a  quantity,  that  the  army  may  suffer  through  his  ne- 
glect. On  the  other  hand,  should  his  deputies  begin  to 
purchase  at  a  certain  price,  he  is  apprehensive  a  higher 
price  will  be  given  by  others,  which  will  oblige  him  to  pay 
the  same.  This  evil  may,  and  it  is  probable,  will  continue 
until  the  price  becomes  enormous.  The  poor  who  must 
buy,  seeing  the  public  give  such  high  prices,  will  clamour 
loudly,  and  not  without  reason.  The  luxuries  of  life  are 
become  extremely  dear,  and  many  of  the  necessaries. 
These  are  arguments  sufficient  to  induce  those  who  have 
wheat  to  sell,  to  ask  enormous  prices  for  the  same.  Pub- 
lic virtue  has  too  much  given  place  to  private  interest;  and 
we  are  well  assured,  without  some  salutary  mode  is  soon 
adopted,  the  poor  of  this  county  will  suffer  much  for  want 
of  bread  ;  a  want  that  cannot  be  dispensed  with  ;  and  the 
public  will  be  much  imposed  on.  We  therefore  wish  the 
Council  would  take  this  matter  into  immediate  considera- 
tion, and  transmit  us  their  advice  and  direction  by  the 
bearer,  who  goes  for  the  express  purpose,  and  will  wait 
their  answer. 

"  We  are,  hon.  sir,  with  great  respect, 

"Your  very  humble  servants. 
"  By  order, 
"  MAT.  VISSCHER,  Secry. 

"  To  the  President  of  the  Council  of  Safety." 

Besides  the  above  information  from  Col.  Hammen  and 
the  above  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  there  being 
several  important  matters  now  before  this  Council,  upon 
which  the  safely  of  the  State  essentially  depends,  and  for 
which  it  is  impossible  for  this  Council  to  devise  and  apply 
proper  remedies  unless  the  session  of  this  Council  is  con- 
tinued beyond  this  day ;  and  it  being  possible  that  cases 
equally  important  and  necessary  may  arise,  before  a  quo- 
rum of  both  houses  of  the  Legislature  shall  assemble,  the 
Council  proceeded  to  take  into  consideration  whether  it 
would  be  proper  and  expedient  for  the  present  Convention 
of  this  State,  or  for  this  Council  during  their  recess,  to  sit 
and  transact  business  until  a  competent  quorum  of  the  Le- 
gislature shall  be  convened  :  Whereupon, 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  the  present  Convention  of 
this  State  ought,  and  during  their  recess  that  this  Council 
will,  from  the  absolute  necessity  of  the  case,  sit  and  con- 
tinue to  exercise  the  powers  and  authorities  heretofore 
exercised  by  them,  respectively,  until  a  sufficient  number 
of  members  requisite  to  form  a  Legislature  shall  have  met, 
in  this  or  some  other  place  within  this  State. 

The  Council  then  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
aforesaid  application  from  Lieut.  Col.  Hammen,  respecting 
Westchester  county,  and  the  probability  that  the  situation 
of  other  parts  of  this  Stale  may  require  an  extraordinary 
provision  for  their  defence. 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be,  and 
he  is  hereby  requested  to  provide,  in  such  manner  as  he 
shall  think  most  effectual,  for  the  security  and  defence  of 


the  said  county  of  Westchester,  and  other  frontier  parts  of 
this  State,  by  levies  or  detachments  from  the  militia  of  this 
State,  not  exceeding  seven  hundred  men,  officers  included, 
to  continue  in  the  said  service  for  the  space  of  one  year,  or 
such  shorter  lime  as  he  shall  think  proper ;  and  that  this 
State  will  defray  the  expense  thereof,  according  to  ihe 
Continental  establishment  of  pay  and  rations. 

And  in  order  the  more  effectually  to  facilitate  such  levies 
or  detachments  as  aforesaid, 

Resolved,  That  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of 
Safety  of  this  State,  passed  the  thirty-first  day  of  July,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-seven,  for  laying  assessments  on  the  exempts  from 
military  duty  in  the  militia  of  this  State,  to  be  distributed  in 
bounties  among  the  militia  who  should  be  drafted  for  actual 
service,  be  and  hereby  are  revived,  and  shall  be  and  con- 
tinue in  full  force  and  effect,  and  extend  to  all  persons  who, 
being  of  the  age  of  sixty  years  or  upwards,  are  excepted  in 
and  by  the  said  resolutions  from  the  operation  thereof,  and 
apply  as  well  to  the  case  of  new  levies  as  of  detachments 
to  be  made  by  His  Excellency  the  Governor,  until  further 
provision  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State,  any  thing  in  the 
said  resolutions,  or  either  of  them  contained,  to  the  contrary 
hereof  in  any  wise  notwithstanding. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany 
be  committed  to  Mr.  Yates  and  Mr.  Benson,  and  that  they 
report  thereon. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


MONDAY  MORNING, 

January  5,  1778. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Bancker,  Esqr.  President  pro  tern- 
Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Benson, 
Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Yates. — Quorum. 

Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Kuyper,  Mr.  G.  Liv- 
ingston, Mr.  Van  Schaick. 

Daniel  Haines  and  Thomas  Murphy  were  brought  to 
the  Council,  and  respectively  subscribed  their  parols  to 
remain  within  the  precinct  of  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess 
county,  and  not  depart  the  same  without  leave  of  this 
Council  or  the  executive  authority  of  this  State. 

John  Hole,  Burnet  Miller,  and  Edmond  Tompkins  re- 
spectively took  and  subscribed  the  oath  of  allegiance  to 
this  State  before  the  President,  and  were  discharged. 

A  copy  of  the  examination  of  Capt.  Alexander  Baldwin, 
and  a  copy  of  the  deposition  of  Doctor  Moses  Younglove 
respectively  taken  before  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of 
Albany,  and  setting  forth  the  cruel  treatment  they  respect- 
ively received  when  prisoners  with  the  enemy,  were  read 
and  filed. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referrred  the  letter  from 
the  committee  of  Albany,  received  and  read  yesterday, 
reported  a  set  of  resolutions  on  the  subject  matter  thereof, 
which  were  read,  and  after  some  time  spent  in  the  con- 
sideration thereof :  On  motion, 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  post- 
poned till  to-morrow. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr. 
Webster,  and  Mr.  Van  Schaick  be  a  committee  to  devise 
and  report  proper  means  for  laying  up  magazines  of  sum- 
mer wheal  to  be  disposed  of  among  such  inhabitants  of 
this  State  as  have  not  sown  winter  wheat  last  fall. 

A  resolution  of  Congress  of  the  9th  of  December  last, 
was  read,  and  is  as  follows,  to  wit : 

"  In  Congress,  Dec.  9, 1777. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  President  write  to  the  several 
States  of  Connecticut,  New-York,  Pensylvania,  Maryland, 
and  South-Carolina,  representing  to  them  that  great  and 
important  matters  are  to  be  transacted  in  Congress  during 
the  winter,  and  the  few  members  now  attending ;  and  that 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 


1109 


he  request  them  to  send  forward  without  delay  an  additional 
number  of  members. 

"  Extract  from  the  minutes, 

CHAS.  THOMSON,  Secry." 
The  said  resolution  being  taken  into  consideration, 
Resolved,  That  the  President  transmit  a  copy  of  the 
said  resolution  to  the  Honble.  Philip  Livingston,  one  of 
the  Delegates  of  this  State  in  Congress,  and  request  him 
to  repair  to  Congress  as  soon  as  possible. 

Monday  Afternoon,  January  5,  1778. 
The  Council  met. 

Present — Evert  Baneker,  Esqr.  Presidt.  pro  tern. 
With  the  same  members  as  in  the  morning. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

January  6,  1778. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Presidl. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr-  Snyder,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr- 
Harper,  Mr.  Baneker,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  G.  Livingston, 
Mr.  Walter  Livingston,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr- 
Clarke,  Mr.  Killian  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Kuyper, 
Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Van  Schaick. 

The  Council  according  to  order  resumed  the  considera- 
tion of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  letter  from  the 
committee  of  Albany,  and  after  some  time  spent  therein, 
the  same  was  postponed  for  further  consideration. 

Adjourned  till  this  afternoon. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  January  6,  1778. 
The  Council  met. 

Present — The  same  as  this  morning,  with  the  addition  of  Mr. 
Morehouse. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston  be,  and  he  is 
hereby  authorized  to  procure  at  the  expense  of  Mr.  John 
Holt,  printer  of  this  State,  a  proper  house  for  the  erec- 
tion of  his  press,  and  that  for  the  rent  and  other  expenses 
of  procuring  the  same,  this  Council  will  indemnify  Mr. 
Livingslon. 

The  Council  according  to  order,  resumed  the  considera- 
tion of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  letter  from  the 
committee  of  Albany,  whereupon  the  resolutions  of  Con- 
gress of  the  22d  Novr.  last,  recommending  to  the  Legis- 
latures of  the  respective  States  of  New-Hampshire,  Mas- 


sachusetts Bay,  Rhode  Island,  &c.  Connecticut,  New- 
York,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania  and  Delaware,  to  ap- 
point commissioners  to  convene  at  New-Haven  in  Connec- 
ticut, on  the  1 5th  day  of  January,  in  order  to  regulate  and 
ascertain  the  price  of  labour,  manufactures,  internal  pro- 
duce, &c.  &c.  &c.  And  also  recommending  to  the  re- 
spective Legislatures  without  delay,  to  adopt  and  effectually 
to  enforce  a  temporary  regulation  of  the  prices  of  provi- 
sions and  other  commodities,  for  the  supply  of  the  army, 
to  continue  in  force  until  the  general  regulations  before 
proposed  shall  be  adopted,  were  read  ;  and  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  letter  from 
the  committee  of  Albany  and  of  the  said  resolutions,  be 
committed  to  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Piatt  and  Mr. 
Benson  to  report  thereon. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning. 


WEDNESDAY  MORNING, 

January  7,  1778. 
The  Council  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  Presidt. 

And  the  same  members  as  yesterday  afternoon. 

A  petition  of  Stephen  Smith,  of  Ridgefield,  in  the 
county  of  Fairfield  and  State  of  Connecticut,  setting  forth 
that  he  is  possessed  of  a  farm  of  land  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  town  of  Salem,  in  this  State,  about  four  miles  dis- 
tant from  the  dwelling  house  in  which  the  petitioner  re- 
sides, in  Ridgefield  aforesaid ;  that  the  said  petitioner  did 
last  year  reap  on  the  said  farm  about  200  bushels  of  wheat, 
which  still  remains  stored  on  the  said  farm,  excepting 
about  50  bushels  thereof,  sold  to  the  inhabitants  in  Salem. 
The  petitioner,  therefore  prays  a  license  to  export  the  said 
wheat  from  Salem  to  the  place  of  his  residence  at  Ridge- 
field, in  Connecticut,  for  the  use  of  his  family  was  read. 
Also,  a  letter  from  Mr.  Peter  Byvanck,  a  refugee  from 
New-York,  now  residing  at  Ridgefield,  directed  to  Evert 
Baneker,  Esqr.  confirming  the  facts  set  forth  in  the  said 
petition,  was  also  read.  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Stephen  Smith  be  and  he  is 
hereby  licensed  and  permitted  to  export  the  said  wheat 
(amounting  to  about  150  bushels)  from  Salem,  in  this 
Slate,  to  the  place  of  his  residence  at  Ridgefield  in  Con- 
necticut. 

Adjourned  until  3  o'clock  this  afternoon. 


278 


JOURNAL 

OF  THE 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


WEDNESDAY  AFTERNOON, 

January  7,  1778. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Colo.  Van  Cortlandt,  President. 

Members  of  Senate. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Landon, 

Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster, 

Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Parks, 

Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Scott. 
Mr.  Pawling, 

Members  of  Assembly. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Benson, 

Mr.  Killian  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Morehouse, 

Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Speaker, 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Van  Houten, 

Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Barns, 

Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Hoffman, 

Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Clarke, 

Mr.  Gilbt.  Livingston,  Mr.  Schoonmaker, 

Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Kuyper. 

Mr.  Wisner  represented  to  the  Convention  that  he  has 
sundry  accounts  with  this  State,  for  saltpetre  by  him  pur- 
chased, to  be  manufactured  at  his  mill,  and  also  for  bounty 
on  powder  manufactured  at  his  said  mill  ;  and  that  the  Au- 
ditor-General has  objections  to  the  auditing  of  his  accounts. 
Mr.  Wisner  therefore  prays  that  a  committee  may  be  ap- 
pointed to  audit  and  examine  his  said  accounts. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Schoonmaker  and  Mr. 
Kuyper  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  said  accounts,  and 
report  thereon. 

This  Convention  being  informed  that  His  Excellency  the 
Governor  is  authorized  to  cause  the  lead  mines  within  this 
State  to  be  worked,  for  the  Continental  use,  and  at  the 
Continental  expense  ;  and  that  a  loan  of  money,  out  of  the 
treasury  of  this  State,  may  be  necessary  for  that  purpose, 

Resolved,  That  His  Excellency  the  Governor  be,  and 
he  hereby  is,  authorized,  from  time  to  time  as  he  shall 
think  proper,  to  draw  out  of  the  said  treasury  any  sum  or 
sums  of  money  not  exceeding,  in  the  whole,  the  sum  of 
five  thousand  pounds  as  a  loan  to  the  Continent,  and  that 
the  Treasurer  charge  the  same  to  the  Continental  account. 

Resolved,  That  Nathaniel  Quimby  and  Levy  Quimby, 
now  confined  in  jail  in  this  place,  be  discharged  from  their 
imprisonment,  upon  their  entering  respectively  into  recog- 
nizance, with  surety,  in  the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds 


each,  conditioned  for  their  appearance  at  the  next  court  of 
oyer  and  terminer  and  jail  delivery  to  be  held  in  and  for 
the  county  of  Ulster  ;  that  the  President  of  this  Conven- 
tion be  authorized  to  take  the  same,  and  deliver  it  to  the 
Attorney-General,  who  is  hereby  authorized  and  required 
to  certify  the  said  recognizance  into  the  first  court  of  oyer 
and  terminer  and  general  jail  delivery  which  shall  be  held 
in  and  for  the  said  county. 

Henry  Schenk  made  an  application  to  this  Convention  for 
a  license  to  export  out  of  this  State  three  thousand  barrels  of 
flour,  and  produced  the  following  letter  as  the  ground  of 
his  application,  vizt : 

"  Camp,  6th  December,  1777. 

"  Major  Henry  Schenck, 

"  Sir — Peter  Colt,  Esquire,  writes  me  that  he  has 
directed  the  salt  ordered  from  the  eastward  to  your  care  at 
Fishkill.  I  would  wish  you  to  procure  storage  for  it  at 
New- Windsor,  where  the  flour  from  hence  must  be  laid 
down  ;  but  we  are  disappointed  in  a  quantity  of  about  two 
thousand  barrels  of  flour  we  had  in  view  for  that  purpose. 
This  therefore  goes  by  express,  to  direct,  if  you  have  it  in 
your  power,  to  purchase  and  have  in  readinesss  two  or 
three  thousand  barrels  of  flour  for  the  New-England  Slates, 
to  be  sent  by  their  wagons  from  thence  with  the  salt,  or  our 
wagons,  in  case  they  must  proceed  to  Hartford  for  the  salt ; 
or  wagons  from  James  Mease,  Esqr.  clothier-general,  as 
either  may  call  you.  I  expect  Mr.  Colt  has  by  this  time 
got  a  supply  of  cash  from  the  loan  office  of  Massachusetts  ; 
but  be  that  as  it  may,  I  shall  endeavor  to  forward  him  a 
supply  on  my  return  to  York.  He  will,  I  hope,  help  you 
out  in  this  purchase.  I  would  wish  to  answer  Mr.  Colt's 
letters  of  the  10th  and  23d  ult.  which  I  received  here,  but 
have  neither  time  nor  convenience,  our  baggage  being  sent 
off  and  the  enemy  in  view. 

"  I  am,  sir,  your  very  humble  serv't, 

"  WM.  BUCHANAN,  C.  G.  of  P. 

"  P.  S.  Your  answer  to  this,  T  should  be  glad  you  would 
direct  to  Colo.  Ephm.  Blaine,  D.  C.  G.  of  purchases  for 
the  middle  department,  at  Head-Quarters,  with  whom  shall 
be  glad  you  would  correspond  upon  all  occasions. 
"  [Public  service.] 
"  Major  Henry  Schenck,  Assistant  Commissary 

of  purchases,  Fishkills." 


1112 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


On  reading  of  which  letter,  Mr.  Schenck  being  asked 
whether  he  could  make  oath  that  the  said  flour  was  des- 
tined for  Continental  use,  answered  in  the  negative,  and 
withdrew. 

The  question  was  then  put  whether  Mr.  Schenk's  ap- 
plication should  be  granted  :  Whereupon,  it  is 

Resolved,  that  Mr.  Schenk's  application  shall  not  now 
be  granted. 

Resolved,  nevertheless,  That  the  President  be,  and  he 
is  hereby  directed  to  inform  him  that  his  application  shall 
be  complied  with,  on  his  producing  evidence  on  oath  that 
the  troops  in  the  New-England  States  are  in  present  need 
of  flour,  or  that  the  above  mentioned  quantity  is  wanted  for 
Continental  uses  only. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Hughes,  deputy,  is  hereby  licensed 
and  permitted  to  export  out  of  this  State  into  the  State  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  twenty  barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of 
the  Honble.  John  Hancock  and  his  family. 

Adjourned  until  to-morrow  morning. 


THURSDAY  MORNING. 

Poughkeepsie,  January  8,  1778. 
The  Convention  met. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  President,  and  the  same  mem- 
bers as  yesterday  afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  report  their 
opinion  on  Mr.  Wisner's  accounts  with  the  State,  delivered 
in  their  report,  which  was  read,  and  is  in  the  words  fol- 
lowing, vizt. 

"  Your  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  accounts  of 
Henry  Wisner,  Esqr.  relative  to  saltpetre  and  bounty  on 
gunpowder,  report :  That  it  appears  to  them  that  a  part  of  the 
saltpetre  which  Mr.  Wisner  hath  purchased  for  the  use  of 
this  State,  consisting  of  2,420f  lbs.  is  unattended  with 
such  vouchers  of  its  being  made  of  materials  collected 
within  this  State  as  are  required  by  a  resolution  of  Con- 
vention in  that  case  made  and  provided  ;  and  that  in  con- 
sequence thereof,  the  Auditor-General  refuses  to  audit  his 
accounts  of  the  same.  That  nevertheless,  from  the  local 
situation  of  the  several  manufacturers  of  the  said  saltpetre, 
your  committee  are  satisfied  that  the  said  saltpetre  was 
made  from  materials  collected  within  this  Slate,  and  are  of 
opinion  that  a  strict  compliance  with  the  letter  of  the  said 
resolution  in  this  case  ought  to  be  dispensed  with,  and  do 
therefore  recommend  the  following  resolution,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State  be 
and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  audit  the  said 
accounts  for  payment,  notwithstanding  their  being  unat- 
tended with  the  necessary  vouchers  as  aforesaid. 

"  That  as  to  the  gunpowder  manufactured  at  Mr.  Wis- 
ner's mills,  it  appears  to  your  committee  that  near  two 
thousand  weight  thereof  hath  been  delivered  to  the  order 
of  the  Convention  of  this  State,  and  that  the  remainder 
was  delivered  to  the  several  orders  of  Genl.  Washington 
and  Genl.  Schuyler  at  different  times,  excepting  about  one 
ton  weight  thereof  remaining  in  the  powder  house  and  ready 
to  be  delivered  to  the  order  of  this  State.  That  the  said 
powder,  agreeable  to  a  resolution  of  Provincial  Congress, 
should  have  been  delivered  to  the  committees  of  the  re- 
spective counties  where  it  was  manufactured  ;  but  that  the 
aforesaid  applications  and  orders  prevented  a  compliance 
therewith.  That  Mr.  Wisner's  answer  to  the  demands  of 
the  Generals  aforesaid,  was  highly  expedient,  as  a  speedy 
supply  of  that  article  was  indispensably  necessary  to  pro- 
mole  the  public  good,  and  that  he  has  fully  complied  with 
the  spirit  of  the  said  resolution,  and  do  therefore  recom- 
mend the  following  resolution,  to  wit : 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Auditor-General  of  this  State  be 
and  he  is  hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  audit  Mr.  Wis- 
ner's accounts  of  the  same  for  payment,  notwithstanding 
their  being  unattended  with  the  necessary  vouchers  requir- 
ed by  the  letter  of  the  said  resolution." 


The  said  report  being  read, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  do  approve  of  the  said 
report  of  their  committee,  and  that  the  same  stand  con- 
firmed. 

Resolved,  That  Elihu  Marvin  and  Isaac  Nichols,  Esqrs. 
be  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  commissioners  of  se- 
questration on  the  north  side  of  the  mountains  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Oranjje,  with  the  like  powers  as  are  vested  in  the 
commissioners  of  sequestration  in  that  and  the  other  coun- 
ties of  this  State. 

David  Doty,  of  Amenia  precinct,  Dutchess  county, 
attending,  informed  this  Convention  that  Zedick  Knapp, 
of  Amenia  precinct  halli  sold  his  farm  in  the  said  precinct 
and  purchased  another  at  Salisbury,  Connecticut,  to  which 
place  he  intends  to  remove  with  his  family.  That  he  hath 
raised  on  the  said  farm  in  Amenia  precinct  about  180 
bushels  of  wheat,  and  he  prays  a  license  to  export  the 
same  to  Salisbury  for  the  use  of  his  family.  Thai  Stephen 
Delano,  of  Sharon,  last  year  hired  a  farm  of  the  said 
David  Doty,  situate  in  Amenia  precinct  aforesaid,  on 
which  the  said  Stephen  Delano  then  resided,  and  on  which 
he  raised  about  160  bushels  of  wheat,  for  which  said 
wheat  the  said  Stephen  Delano  requests  a  license  likewise 
to  transport  the  same  to  Sharon.  The  said  David  Doty 
having  made  oath  that  he  verily  believes  the  above  facts 
to  be  true, 

Resolved,  That  the  said  Zedick  Knapp  be  and  is  here- 
by licensed  to  export  out  of  this  State  to  Salisbury,  the  said 
100  bushels  of  wheat,  and  that  the  said  Stephen  Delano 
be  and  is  hereby  licensed  to  export  out  of  lliis  Stale  to 
Sharon  the  said  ISO  bushels  of  wheat  for  the  use  of  their 
respective  families. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in 
this  Stale  do,  without  delay,  account  with  the  Auditor- 
General  of  tliis  Slate  for  all  such  sum  or  sums  of  money 
as  shall  have  come  into  their  hands  in  the  execution  of 
their  offices  respeclively  ;  and  that  immediately  on  such 
audit,  the v  do  deposit  the  balance  in  their  respective  hands 
into  the  treasury  of  this  Stale. 

It  being  represented  to  this  Convention  that  the  seals  of 
this  Slale  are  now  made  and  in  the  possession  of  His  Ex- 
cellency the  Governor,  that  a  set  of  screws  is  necessary 
for  the  purpose  of  making  use  of  the  said  seals,  and  the 
Convention  being  informed  that  screws  for  the  purpose 
aforesaid  are  in  the  possession  of  Saml.  Bayard,  Esqr. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretaries  of  this  Convention,  or 
either  of  them,  be  authorized  to  demand  and  receive,  or 
order  to  be  received,  from  Saml.  Bayard,  Esqr.  the  screws 
which  were  used  for  the  public  seals  ;  and  in  case  the 
same  are  not  in  his  possession,  that  the  said  Secretaries, 
or  either  of  them,  do  cause  such  screws  as  are  necessary 
for  the  public  seals  of  this  Slate,  to  be  made,  and  deliver 
the  same  to  His  Excellency  the  Governor. 

Thursday,  P.  M.  January  8,  1778. 

Present— Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Pawling, 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck — Members  of 
Senate. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Banck- 
er,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr. 
Barns,  Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Kuy- 
per,  Mr  Hathnrne,  Mr.  Coe,  Mr.  Honeywell,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Speaker 
— Members  of  Assembly. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  Margaret,  the  wife  of  John 
Turner,  late  of  Haverstraw  precinct,  in  Orange  county, 
now  gone  to  the  enemy,  together  with  the  aged,  decrepid 
mother  of  the  said  John  Turner,  be,  by  the  committee  of 
Haverstraw  precinct,  permitted  to  remain  in  Orange  county 
until  the  said  mother  of  the  said  John  Turner,  can,  if  living, 
be  sent  to  the  city  of  New- York  by  water  without  endanger- 
ing her  life,  provided  that  this  resolution  and  order  shall 
in  no  wise  effect  or  interfere  with  the  commissioners  of  se- 
questration in  Orange  county,  in  seizing,  selling  or  dis- 
posing of  any  property  left  in  the  country  by  the  said  John 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


1113 


Turner:  and  that  the  said  Margaret  and  the  said  mother  of 
the  said  John  Turner  or  either  of  them  be  not  left  in  the 
possession  of  any  oilier  property  of  the  said  John  Turner 
than  would  have  been  left  in  their  possession  if  the  above 
resolution  and  order  had  not  passed. 

Application  being  made  by  Major-General  Putnam  com- 
manding officer  of  the  middle  department,  that  this  Con- 
vention would  appoint  a  committee  to  confer  with  him  rela- 
tive to  the  necessary  works  to  be  constructed  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  passes  in  the  Highlands, 

Resolved,  That  the  General's  request  be  complied  with, 
and  that  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Sny- 
der, Mr.  Killian  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Ha- 
thorn  and  Mr.  Hoffman,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 


FRIDAY,  10  a.  m. 

January  9,  1778. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr  Yates,  Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Pawling, 
Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Ten 
Broeck — Members  of  Senate. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Bancker, 
Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Barnes, 
Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Kuyper,  Mr.  Ha- 
thorne,  Mr.  Coe,  Mr.  Honeywell,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Speaker,  Mr.  Livings- 
tan,  Mr.  Brinckerhoff,  Mr.  Boerum — Members  of  Assembly. 

General  Scott,  from  the  committee  appointed  yesterday 
evening,  to  confer  with  Gen.  Putnam,  Gen.  James  Clinton, 
the  lieutenant-colonel  of  engineersand  other  military  officers, 
relative  to  the  necessary  works  to  be  constructed  for  the 
passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  the  place  or  places  where  the 
same  ought  to  be  erected,  reported  that  they  had  conferred 
wilh  the  said  generals  and  other  officers ;  that  on  such  confe- 
rence there  was  a  disagreement  in  sentiment  between  those 
gentlemen,  (arising  from  certain  different  facts  alleged,)  as 
to  the  place  where  such  works  ought  to  be  erected  ;  and 
therefore  that  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  said  committee  and 
the  military  gentlemen,  that  this  Convention  appoint  com- 
missioners to  view  the  several  passes  on  Hudson  river,  with 
the  generals  and  other  officers,  and  advise  in  fixing  the  pla- 
ces where  such  fortifications  should  be  erected. 

Resolved,  That  John  Sloss  Hobart,  Esqr.  one  of  the 
justices  of  the  supreme  court,  the  Honble.  Robt.  R.  Li- 
vingston, Chancellor  of  this  State,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Wisner, 
and  Colonel  Halhorn  be,  and  hereby  are,  appointed  com- 
missioners for  the  purpose  above  mentioned,  and  proceed 
on  that  business  with  all  possible  despatch. 

A  letter  to  the  Chancellor,  requesting  his  immediate  at- 
tendance on  the  business  of  the  commissioners  before  ap- 
pointed, was  read,  and  follows,  to  wit  : 

"  The  Convention  have  appointed  you,  together  with 
Judge  Hobart,  Mr.  Piatt,  Mr.  Wisner  and  Colo.  Hathome 
a  committee  to  repair,  with  Generals  Putnam  and  Clinton, 
the  engineer  and  other  military  gentlemen,  to  fix  on  the 
place  for  building  fortifications  on  Hudson's  river. 

"  The  other  gentlemen  are  to  set  out,  with  the  generals, 
immediately,  and  you  are  earnestly  requested  to  join  them 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

"  I  am,  respectfully,  sir, 

"  Your  very  humble  servt." 

Ordered,  That  Robert  Benson,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Secre- 
taries, do  proceed  with  the  said  letter  to  the  Chancellor, 
with  all  possible  despatch. 

On  application  of  Colo.  Uuboys, 

Ordered,  That  Obadiah  Compton,  Archibald  Morrison, 
Ezekiah  Davis,  John  Bancker  and  Bartholomew  Bancker, 
soldiers  enlisted  in  Colo.  Duboys's  regiment,  be  discharged 
from  confinement  in  Dutchess  county  jail,  and  permitted  to 
join  their  regiment. 

The  committee  appointed  on  the  5th  instant,  to  devise 
and  report  proper  means  for  laying  up  magazines  of  sum- 
mer wheat,  to  be  disposed  of  among  such  inhabitants  of 

279 


this  State  as  have  not  sown  winter  wheat  last  fall,  brought 
in  their  report,  which  was  read.  After  much  time  spent 
thereon, 

Ordered,  That  the  report  be  recommitted  to  the  same 
committee,  and  that  Mr  Lott  be  added  to  that  committee. 

A  petition  of  John  I.  Graham,  confined  in  Dutchess 
county  jail,  praying  a  discharge  from  jail,  and  engaging,  by 
his  future  conduct  and  behaviour  to  be  a  useful  member 
of  the  United  Slates. 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  the  said  John  I.  Graham 
be  discharged  from  jail  on  his  entering  into  recognizance 
to  the  people  of  the  Stale  of  New-York,  in  the  sum  of 
one  thousand  pounds,  with  two  freeholders  bound  with  him 
as  sureties  ;  each  in  the  sum  of  five  hundred  pounds,  con- 
ditioned for  the  appearance  of  the  said  John  I.  Graham,  at 
the  next  court  of  oyer  and  terminer  and  general  jail  deli- 
very, to  be  held  in  and  for  the  county  of  Ulster,  and  not  to 
depart  without  leave  of  the  said  court;  that  the  President 
of  the  said  Convention,  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  to 
take  the  said  recognizance,  and  deliver  it  to  the  Attorney- 
General,  who  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  certify 
the  said  recognizance  to  the  next  court  of  oyer  and  ter- 
miner and  general  jail  delivery  that  shall  be  held  in  and  for 
the  said  county  of  Ulster. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

3  ho.  P.  M. 

Twenty-five  members  of  those  who  attended  in  the 
morning  met.  But  two  of  the  members  having  accidentally 
withdrawn  before  any  business  was  begun,  for  want  of  a 
quorum,  the  other  members  adjourned. 


SATURDAY,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  10,  1778. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  President. 

Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr. 
Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Parks— Members  of 

Senate. 

Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Cuyper,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sny- 
der, Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  K.  Van  Rensse- 
laer, Mr.  Coe,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Gil.  Li- 
vingston, Mr.  Harper. — Members  of  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  appoint  three  com- 
missioners to  meet  commissioners  from  the  States  of  New- 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode-Island  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations,  Connecticut,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylva- 
nia and  Delaware,  at  New-Haven,  in  Connecticut,  on  the 
1 5th  day  of  January  instant,  pursuant  to  the  resolutions  of 
the  Honourable  Congress,  on  the  22d  day  of  November 
last,  unless  other  commissioners  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Senate  and  Assembly  of  this  State  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  ThatWni.  Floyd  and  Comfort  Sands,  Esqrs. 
be  and  hereby  are  nominated  to  be  two  of  the  said  com- 
missioners ;  and  that  they  be  immediately  notified  of  this 
nomination  by  letter  from  the  President,  to  be  sent  by  ex- 
press ;  and  that  Comfort  Sands,  Esquire,  be  requested  to 
pass  through  Poughkeepsie  on  his  way  to  New-Haven 
aforesaid. 

Resolved,  That  the  nomination  of  the  third  commis- 
sioner be  deferred  for  consideration. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Scott  and  Mr.  Benson 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  commission  and 
instructions  for  the  said  commissioners. 

Abraham  B.  Bancker,  Esqr.  commissary  of  prisoners  of 
war,  in  this  State,  request  a  further  advance  of  money  for 
the  necessary  support  of  prisoners  in  his  care. 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  do  advance 
to  the  said  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  as  commissary  of  the 
prisoners  of  war,  the  further  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds, 
and  take  his  receipt  for  the  same. 

Colo.  John  Harper  of  Tryon  county,  attending  the  Con- 


1114 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


vcntion,  was  admitted.  He  produced  certain  accounts  re- 
lative to  the  companies  he  was  ordered  to  raise  in  and  for 
the  defence  of  Tryon  county,  which  he  requests  might  be 
settled.  Colo.  Harper  further  requests  that  additional 
commissioners  of  sequestration  may  be  appointed  in  Tryon 
county  ;  and  mentions  some  further  regulations,  which  he 
thinks  necessary  in  Tryon  county. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Landon  and  Mr. 
Schoonmaker  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Col.  Harper, 
and  report  to  the  Convention  on  the  premises. 

"  Sir — I  am  directed  by  the  Convention  to  inform  you 
that  you  are  appointed  one  of  the  commissioners  from  this 
State,  to  meet  commissioners  from  the  Slates  of  New- 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode-Island  and  Provi- 
dence Plantations,  Connecticut,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania 
and  Delaware,  at  New-Haven,  on  the  1 5th  instant,  pur- 
suant to  certain  resolutions  of  Congress,  passed  on  the  22d 
of  November  last. 

"The  Convention  request  that  you  will  set  out  on  this 
important  business,  so  as  to  be  at  New-Haven  on  the  day 
appointed  ;  and  that  you  will,  on  your  way,  pass  through 
Poughkeepsie,  where  a  commission  or  appointment  of 
Wm.  Floyd,  Esqr.  yourself  and  the  other  gentlemen  who 
may  be  appointed,  will  be  ready  for  you." 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


SUNDAY,  10  a.  m. 

January  11,  1778. 

The  Council  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt- 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Woodhul! — Senators. 

Mr.  Bancker.  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Cuyper,  Mr.  E.  Clarke,  Mr.  Sny- 
der, Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr. 
Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Gilb.  Livingston,  Mr.  Wicks, 
Mr.  Harper — Members  of  Assembly. 

Mr.  McKesson,  one  of  the  Secretaries,  produced  to  the 
Convention,  accounts  of  money  charged  by  William  Hol- 
ly of  Goshen,  for  maintaining  five  prisoners  of  war,  each 
one  hundred  and  thirty-four  days,  from  the  26th  of  March 
to  the  7th  day  of  August  last  included,  amounting  to  thirty- 
three  pounds  fourteen  shillings  and  four  pence,  exclusive 
of  a  bill  of  Doctor  John  Gale,  for  medicines  to  and  atten- 
dance on  Donald  McDonald,  one  of  the  said  prisoners,  in 
sickness,  charged  at  £2  13s.  9d.  and  exclusive  of  a  bill  of 
Doctr.  Thos.  Wickham,  for  medicines  to  and  attendance 
on  Donald  McMullan,  another  of  the  said  prisoners, 
charged  at  46s.  which  two  bills  the  said  Secretary  alleges 
he  thinks  himself  not  authorized  to  pay.  The  said  two 
bills  being  considered  as  exorbitant,  and  a  gentleman  of 
the  profession  having  examined  and  rated  the  same  at  the 
sums  hereafter  mentioned, 

Ordered,  That  the  said  Secretary  allow  and  pay  in  the 
said  account  of  William  Holly,  the  sum  of  twenty-six  shil- 
lings for  the  biil  of  the  said  John  Gale,  and  no  more  ;  and 
the  sum  of  twenty  shillings  only  for  the  bill  of  the  said 
Thomas  Wickham.  And 

Ordered,  That  the  Treasurer  of  this  State  pay  to  the 
said  John  McKesson  for  the  amount  of  the  said  William 
Holly's  account,  with  the  addition  of  the  said  bills  of  Thos. 
Wickham  and  John  Gale  as  moderated,  the  sum  of  thirty- 
five  pounds  nineteen  shillings  and  four  pence. 

"  Gentlemen — Pursuant  to  a  resolution  of  the  Honoura- 
ble Congress,  passed  on  the  15th  of  August,  which  is  the 
first  resolution  of  that  nature  that  came  to  our  knowledge, 
and  of  which  were  notified  late  in  November.  We  en- 
close you  accounts  and  vouchers  of  disbursements  paid 
by  this  Stale  for  prisoners  of  war,  to  be  immediately  laid 
before  Congress. 

"  It  is  very  probable  that  this  State  has  advanced  other 
moneys  for  the  maintaining  and  securing  of  prisoners  of 
war,  for  which,  if  sufficient  vouchers  should  hereafter  be 
produced,  we  will  depend  on  the  justice  of  the  United 


States,  and  the  resolution  of  Congress  to  exclude  the  ac- 
counts notwithstanding. 

"  We  received  the  resolution  above  mentioned,  at  a  time 
when  we  were  not  in  a  situation  to  have  recourse  to  our 
minutes  or  accounts,  which  had  been  hastily  removed 
from  the  conflagration  of  Kingston. 

"  We  request  you,  gentlemen,  when  these  accounts  are 
passed,  to  procure  the  amount  of  them  to  be  paid  into  our 
treasury,  as  our  funds  require  aid. 

"  Mr.  Abraham  B.  Bancker  is  at  present  cammissary  of 
the  prisoners  of  war  in  this  Stale,  and  has  a  number  of 
such  prisoners  in  his  care. 

"  We  expect  so  many  members  as  to  form  a  quorum 
of  each  branch  of  the  Legislature  without  delay,  and  ear- 
nestly request  that  you  from  time  to  lime  transmit  us  any 
resolutions  of  Congress  which  concern  this  Stale,  and  any 
other  advices  which  may  be  useful  to  us. 
"  I  have  the  honour  to  be, 

"  With  respect  and  esteem, 

"  Gentlemen,  your  very  humble  servant. 


MONDAY,  10  ho.  a.  m. 

January  12,  1778. 

The  Convention  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Paulding,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Landon,  Mr. 
W.  Smith,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Woodhull— 

Senators. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Livingston,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr. 
Bancker,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Kuypcr,  Mr.  Williams,  Mr. 
Wicks,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Coe,  Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  K. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Mr.  Robt.  Graham — Members  of  Assembly. 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  will  appoint  five  com- 
missioners to  meet  commissioners  from  the  States  of  New- 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Pro- 
vidence Plantations,  Connecticut,  New-Jersey,  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Delaware,  at  New-Haven  in  Connecticut,  on 
the  15th  day  of  January  instant,  pursuant  to  the  resolu- 
tions of  the  Honorable  Congress  on  the  22d  of  November 
last,  unless  other  commissioners  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
Senate  and  Assembly  of  this  State,  for  that  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  William  Denning  and  Peter  T.  Curte- 
nius,  Esqrs.  be  and  hereby  are  nominated  to  be  two  of  the 
said  commissioners,  together  with  William  Floyd  and 
Comfort  Sands,  Esqrs.  who  were  nominated  by  Conven- 
tion for  that  purpose,  on  the  tenth  instant,  and  that  the 
said  William  Denning  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius  be  immedi- 
ately notified  of  this  nomination  by  letters  from  the  Presi- 
dent, to  be  sent  by  an  express,  and  that  each  of  them  be 
requested  to  pass  through  Poughkeepsie  in  their  way  to 
New-Haven. 

Robert  Graham,  Esqr.  came  in  and  took  his  seat. 

Resolved,  That  the  nomination  of  a  fifth  commissioner 
be  postponed  until  the  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  President  write  to  Messrs.  Denning 
and  Curtenius,  informing  them  of  the  said  appoinlment, 
and  requesting  them  to  set  out  on  the  important  business, 
so  as  to  be  at  New-Haven  on  the  day  appointed  or  as  soon 
after  as  possible,  and  that  in  their  way  they  stop  at 
Poughkeepsie. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Westchester  county 
directed  to  the  commissioners  of  conspiracies,  &c.  was 
read.  It  accompanies  eight  prisoners  sent  to  this  place 
under  guard,  by  the  said  committee,  to  be  dealt  with  as 
the  said  commissioners  shall  think  adequate  to  their  crimes, 
which  are  as  follows,  vizt : 

Peter  Wood,  Wm.  Mead,  Wm.  Akely,  Jerh.  Merrit ; 
guilty  of  horse  stealing  and  house  robbery. 

David  Dutcher,  was  a  lieutenant  in  the  Continental  ser- 
vice in  1776,  and  in  the  enemy's  service  in  1777. 

Danl.  Wright,  joined  the  enemy  and  fired  on  our  guard. 

Dan.  Stanley,  taken  going  to  the  enemy  with  a  protection. 

Joshua,  alias  Jonathan  Hains,  taken  with  the  enemy. 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


1115 


Ordered,  That  they  be  committed  to  the  jail  of  Dutchess 
county. 

Whereas  the  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  this 
State  have  been  laid  waste  in  the  last  campaign,  by  reason 
whereof  the  farmers  in  that  quarter  have  not  been  able  to 
sow  their  winter  grain  as  usual  :  And  whereas  it  may  be 
requisite  in  order  that  the  inhabitants  in  that  part  of  the 
country  may  be  properly  supplied  with  the  necessaries  of 
life,  that  the  lands  which  remain  unsown  as  aforesaid, 
should  in  the  ensuing  spring  be  sowed  with  summer  wheat 
or  rye.  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  such  of  the  far- 
mers in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Glou- 
cester and  Cumberland,  who  have  not  been  able  to  sow 
their  lands  with  winter  grain  as  usual,  to  procure  summer 
wheat  or  rye,  and  3bw  their  lands  with  the  same  in  the 
ensuing  season. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  all  persons  pos- 
sessed of  summer  wheat  or  rye,  to  abstain  from  manufac- 
turing the  same  into  flour  or  meal,  and  keep  the  same  for 
seed  grain,  to  be  disposed  of  to  such  persons  as  shall  be 
desirous  of  applying  it  to  the  uses  aforesaid. 


TUESDAY  MORNING, 

January  13,  1778. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esquire,  President. 

Mr.  Ten  Broeck,  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Pawling,  Mr.  Landon, 
Mr.  Scott,  Mr.  Woodhull,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Van  Schaick — Senators. 

Mr.  Speaker,  Mr.  Clarke,  Mr.  Kuyper,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  G.  Li- 
vingston, Mr.  Coe,  Mr.  Bancker,  Mr.  elide,  Mr.  Klock,  Mr.  Edie,  Mr. 
Jay,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Swartwout,  Mr.  Russel,  Mr.  Boerum,  Mr.  Harper, 
Mr.  Van  Houten,  Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Graham,  Mr.  Brinckerhoff, 
Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Benson,  Mr.  Wickes,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Honeywell — 
Members  of  Assembly. 

On  reading  the  petition  of  John  Armstrong,  confined  in 
the  jail  at  this  place, 

Ordered,  That  he  be  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Speaker  of  the  Assembly,  Mr. 
Brinckerhoff  and  Mr.  Benson  be  a  committee  to  devise  and 
report  proper  means  for  supporting  the  prisoners  confined 
in  the  jail  of  Dutchess  county. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  considera- 
tion of  sundry  matters  laid  before  Convention  by  Colonel 
John  Harper,  of  Tryon  county,  delivered  in  their  report, 
which  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  in  the  words  follow- 
ing : 

"  The  several  matters  submitted  to  their  consideration 
were  as  follows,  vizi: 

"  1st.  That  there  are  but  two  commissioners  of  seques- 
tration, when  two  more  are  necessary  in  said  county. 

"  2d.  That  there  be  a  particular  order  to  all  persons  who 
have  seized  any  of  the  effects  of  those  who  are  gone  over 
to  the  enemy,  without  the  order  of  the  commissioners,  to 
make  such  persons  accountable  for  the  same. 

"  3d.  What  is  to  be  done  with  persons  who  may  con- 
ceal the  effects  of  such  disaffected  persons. 

"  4th.  Whether  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  have 
a  right  to  answer  an  order  of  the  county  committee  out  of 
the  public  money  in  their  hands. 

"  5th.  Whether  the  commissioners  shall  interfere  with 
the  sending  of  the  families  of  those  who  have  gone  over  to 
the  enemy  out  of  our  lines. 

"  6th.  How  those  persons  shall  be  paid  who  have  any 
demand  upon  the  estates  of  persons  whose  effects  are  now 
sold  by  the  commissioners. 

"  7th.  How  those  persons  who  have  been  driven  from 
their  habitations  and  deprived  of  their  substance  shall  be 
supported. 

"  8th.  Whether  Col.  Harper's  extra  expenses  for  the 
lighthorse,  and  expenses  for  the  Indians,  &c.  may  be  al- 
lowed. 


"  Upon  which  the  committee  reported  as  follows  : 
"  1st.  That  in  their  opinion,  there  ought  to  be  two  addi- 
tional commissioners  ol  sequestration  appointed  in  said 
county. 

"  2d.  That  there  have  been  competent  resolutions  pass- 
ed by  the  Convention  and  Council  of  Safety  of  this  State, 
empowering  the  commissioners  of  sequestration  in  the  se- 
veral counties  to  seize  and  secure  the  effects  of  disaffected 
persons,  which  may  be  seized  or  concealed  by  other  per- 
sons, without  the  orders  of  the  commissioners. 

"  3d.  That  no  commissioners  of  sequestration  ought  to 
answer  an  order  from  the  county  committee,  out  of  the 
public  moneys,  without  a  special  order  from  the  Conven- 
tion or  Legislature  of  this  State. 

"  4lh.  That  the  commissioners  ought  not  to  interfere 
with  sending  of  the  families  of  persons  who  have  gone 
over  to  the  enemy,  as  the  county  or  district  committees 
only  are  empowered  at  their  discretion  to  send  off  such  fa- 
milies. 

"  5th.  It  may  justly  be  presumed,  that  at  some  future 
day,  provision  will  be  made,  by  act  or  acts  to  be  passed  by 
the  Legislature  of  this  State,  for  discharging  the  just  de- 
mands on  such  estates  as  may  hereafter  be  adjudged  con- 
fiscated. 

"  6th.  That  where  no  particular  provision  has  been 
made  for  the  support  of  those  families  who,  by  the  incur- 
sions of  the  enemy,  are  deprived  of  their  substance,  and 
thereby  rendered  unable  to  support  themselves,  that  their 
distressed  situation  ought  to  be  referred  to  the  Legislature 
of  this  State. 

"  7th.  That  Col.  Harper's  disbursements  for  the  light- 
horsemen  employed  in  Tryon  county,  is  not  a  proper 
charge  against  this  State,  but  against  the  Continent,  and 
that  Col.  Harper  ought  to  get  such  proper  certificates  as 
he  can  obtain,  and  apply  for  his  money  to  the  officer  who 
ordered  out  the  said  troop  of  horse,  or  to  the  Commander- 
in-Chief,  or  the  commissary  or  quarter-master  for  the  time 
then  being  in  the  northern  department ;  and  that  his  ac- 
count for  disbursement  for  the  Indians  should  be  laid  be- 
fore the  commissioners  for  Indian  affairs." 

The  said  report  being  read,  and  again  read  by  para- 
graphs and  agreed  to, 

Resolved,  That  this  Convention  agree  with  the  said  com- 
mittee therein,  and  ratifies  and  confirms  the  same. 

Tuesday  Afternoon,  January  13,  1778. 

Present — Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Presl. 

The  same  members  of  Senate  and  Assembly  as  this  morning,  with 
the  addition  of  Col.  Robert  Van  Rensselaer  and  Mr.  Moorehouse. 

Ordered,  That  William  Eli  be  discharged  outof  Dutchess 
county  jail,  on  his  entering  into  bond  to  the  Treasurer  of  this 
State,  in  the  sum  of  one  thousand  pounds,  conditioned  for 
the  good  behaviour  of  the  said  William  Ely,  and  his  being 
a  faithful  subject  of  the  Stale  and  doing  his  duty  as  a  faith- 
ful subject  ought  to  do. 


WEDNESDAY  10  ho.  a.  m. 

Poughkeepsie,  January  14,  1778. 
Convention  met. 

Present — Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr.  Presidt. 

Mr.  Harper,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Dunscomb,  Mr.  Bancker — New-York. 

Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Graham,  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Honeywell,  Mr.  Drake — 

Westchester. 

Mr.  Speaker,  Mr.  R.  Vau  Rensselaer,  Mr.  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mr. 
Tayler,  Mr.  St.  J.  Schuyler— Albany. 

Mr.  Hathorne,  Mr.  Kuyper,  Mr.  Van  Houten— Orange. 

Mr.  Edie,  Mr.  Clyde,  Mr.  Klock — Tryon  county. 

Mr.  Schoonmaker,  Mr.  Snyder,  Mr.  Hardenbergh — Ulster. 

Mr.  Weeks— Suffolk. 

Mr.  Coe — Queens. 

Mr.  E.  Clark,  Mr.  Barns,  Mr.  Russel—  Charlotte. 


1116 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


Mr.  Swartwout,  Mr.  Hoffman,  Mr.  G.  Livingston,  Mr.  Morehouse, 
Mr.  Brittckerhoffj  Mr.  Benson—  Dutchess. 
Mr.  Boerum,  Mr.  Williams — Kings. 

Mr  Scott,  Mr.  Pawling.  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Parks,  Mr.  Woodhull, 
Mr.  Van  Schaick,  Mr.  Smith,  Mr.  Wisner,  Mr.  Yates,  Mr.  Ten  Broeck, 
Mr.  J,andon — Senators. 

Resolved,  That  Jacobus  Swartwout,  Joseph  Strang, 
Mclancton  Smith,  Peter  Cantitie,  and  Egbert  Benson, 
Esqrs.  commissioners  for  conspiracies,  or  any  two  of  them, 
be  authorized  in  their  discretion,  to  discharge  the  parols  of 
the  several  persons  confined  on  parol  by  order  of  the  late 
Council  of  Safety  :  Provided  that  such  discharge  shall 
not  be  construed  to  pardon  the  said  several  persons  of  any 
ciimes  or  offences  heretofore  committed  by  them,  respec- 
tively, or  remit  any  punishments  or  forfeitures  they  may 
respectively  be  subject  to. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Drake,  Mr.  Bancker  and  Mr.  Ho- 
neywell be  a  committee  to  audit  and  examine  the  account 
of  Davis  Hunt  against  this  State,  for  making  a  table, 
benches  and  other  matters  for  the  use  of  the  Senate  and 
Assembly,  and  that  the  Treasurer  pay  to  the  said  Davis 
Hunt  such  sum  or  sums,  in  discharge  of  the  said  account, 
as  the  said  auditors,  or  any  two  of'lhem,  shall  certify  as  just 
and  proper. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissioners  appointed  to  super- 
intend the  return  of  the  prisoners  of  this  State  now  con- 
fined in  Hartford,  in  Connecticut,  be  authorized  to  permit 
such  of  the  said  prisoners  as  they  in  their  discretion  may 
think  proper  to  enlist  in  any  of  the  five  Continental  regi- 
ments raised  under  the  direction  of  this  State,  or  in  Colo. 
Malcom's  regiment  in  the  Continental  service ;  and  that 
such  enlistment  shall  operate  as  a  pardon  to  the  person  so 
enlisting  of  all  crimes  and  offences  heretofore  committed 
by  him,  and  of  all  punishments  and  forfeitures  to  which  he 
might  be  liable  or  subject  to  by  reason  thereof :  Provided 
always,  that  nothing  in  this  or  any  former  resolutions  of 
Convention  or  Council  of  Safety  contained  shall  be  con- 
strued to  authorize  the  said  commissioners  to  discharge  any 
prisoner  who  by  name  shall  be  pointed  out  to  the  said  com- 
missioners, by  the  members  of  Senate  or  Assembly  for 
the  county  of  which  he  is  an  inhabitant,  as  improper  to  be 
discharged. 

Major  John  Younglove,  (through  a  member,)  informed 
the  Convention  that  in  the  execution  of  his  office  of  a  com- 
missioner of  sequestration,  and  for  effects  by  him  sold,  he 
has  had  the  misfortune  to  receive  one  counterfeit  bill  of 
thirty  dollars,  and  two  other  counterfeit  bills  of  six  dollars 
each,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  forty-two  dollars. 

Resolved,  That  if  the  said  John  Younglove  make  oath  be- 
fore the  Vice-Treasurer,  that  he  received  the  said  three  bills 
in  the  course  of  the  business  of  his  office,  and  for  goods  by 
him  sold  as  a  commissioner,  and  that  he  does  not  know 
the  person  or  persons  of  whom  he  received  the  said  bills  or 
either  of  them  ;  and  that  he  did  not  know  at  the  time  of 
receiving  the  same  bills,  or  either  of  them,  that  either  of 
them  was  false  or  counterfeited,  and  file  such  affidavit  in 
the  treasury  of  this  State  ;  that  he  may  deliver  the  said 
three  bills  to  the  President  of  the  Senate  or  the  Speaker  of 
the  Assembly,  who  is  hereby  directed  to  see  the  same 
burnt :  and 

Resolved,  That  on  such  oath  and  delivery  of  the  said 
bills,  the  said  John  Younglove  be  credited  in  his  account 
with  this  State  as  commissioner  for  the  said  sum  of  forty- 
two  dollars. 

Resolved,  That  until  further  order  by  the  Legislature  of 
this  Stale,  the  Vice-Treasurer  of  this  State  exercise  the 
like  powers  in  favour  of  other  commissioners  of  sequestra- 
tion in  this  Slate  in  similar  cases  ;  and  that  all  such  coun- 
terfeit bills  as  shall  from  time  to  time  be  in  like  manner 
received  by  such  commissioners,  be  in  like  manner  des- 
troyed by  the  President  of  the  Senate  or  Speaker  of  the 
Assembly  for  the  time  then  being. 

The  affidavit  of  Joseph  Payson,  of  Sudbury,  in  the  State 
of  Massachusetts  Bay,  (who  has  imported  salt  iuto  this 


State,)  in  order  to  obtain  a  permit  for  the  exportation  of 
one  hundred  barrels  of  flour,  was  read  :  Thereupon 

Ordered,  That  a  permit  be  given  to  the  said  Joseph 
Payson,  in  the  words  following,  vizt: 

"  By  the  Convention  of  the  State  of  New-  York  : 

"  Poughkeepsie,  in  Dutchess  county,  January  14,  1778. 
"  Pursuant  to  certain  resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Safety 
of  the  Stale  of  New- York,  license  and  permission  is  hereby 
granted  to  Joseph  Payson,  of  Sudbury  in  Massachusetts 
Bay,  trader,  to  export  100  barrels  of  flour  of  this  Stale  to 
any  place  or  places  not  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  in 
either  of  the  Slates  of  Connecticut,  Rhode-Island  and  Pro- 
vidence Plantation,  Massachusetts  Bay,  or  New-Hamp- 
shire. 

"  Given  this  14th  day  of  January,  in  the  year  of  our 
Lord,  1778. 

"  By  order." 

An  affidavit  of  Ralph  Smith,  of  Roxbury  in  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  trader,  who  has  imported  salt  into  this  State,  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  a  permit  to  export  flour  from 
thence,  was  read.  Whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  a  permit,  or  license,  be  granted  to  the  said 
Ralph  Smith  to  export  300  barrels  of  flour  out  of  this  Slate, 
similar  to  the  license  for  the  like  purpose  this  day  granted 
to  Joseph  Payson,  and  subject  to  the  same  restrictions, 
which  was  granted  accordingly. 

An  affidavit  of  William  Smith,  of  Fishkill,  in  the  county 
of  Dutchess,  was  read,  in  order  to  obtain  a  permit  or  license 
for  the  said  William  Smilh  to  export  400  barrels  of  flour 
out  of  this  State.  Whereupon  it  was 

Resolved  and  Ordered,  That  a  license  or  permit  be 
issued  to  the  said  William  Smith  to  export  400  barrels  of 
flour  to  Massachusetts  Bay  State,  and  that  the  Secretaries 
prepare  such  permit  in  common  form,  but  that  the  same 
remain  in  the  hands  of  the  President  until  the  said  William 
Smith  shall  have  made  oath  that  he  will  sell  and  dispose 
of,  by  retail,  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  State,  as  soon  after 
the  arrival  of  the  said  flour  as  purchasers  shall  apply  for 
the  same ;  and  that  on  the  said  William  Smith's  having 
made  such  affidavit,  the  said  license  and  permit  be  delivered 
to  the  said  William  Smith. 

Mr.  Piatt  came  in  and  took  his  seat. 

Wednesday,  January  14,  P.M.  1778. 

Present — The  same  members  as  in  the  morning. 

A  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  one  of  the  Honble. 
the  Delegates  of  this  State,  directed  to  Pierre  Van  Cort- 
land, Esqr.  President,  dated  the  5th  of  January  instant, 
was  read  and  follows,  vizt : 

"  Sir — I  had  the  honour  to  write  you  lately  by  the  mes- 
senger who  was  sent  from  hence  with  money  for  the  ex- 
penditures of  our  Slate.  In  that  letter  I  advised  you  that 
with  the  advice  and  concurrence  of  my  colleague,  Mr.  Duer, 
I  had  purchased  woollens  for  the  use  of  your  troops, 
amounting  to  £2,223  5s.  which  remains  in  Mr.  Duer's 
quarters,  waiting  for  your  orders. 

"  By  a  letter  from  His  Excellency  Governor,  Clinton  read 
this  day  in  Congress,  I  learn  that  he  had  convened  the 
Assembly  to  meet  on  the  same  day.  I  hope  they  will  ad- 
vert to  the  appointment  of  one  or  more  Delegates  to  repre- 
sent them  in  Congress.  Mr.  G.  Morris  does  not  appear, 
and  Mr.  Dner  is  gone  for  a  few  days  into  the  country,  his 
ill  state  of  health  requiring  a  recess  from  business;  so  that 
our  State  is  without  a  representation  in  Congress,  which 
at  this  critical  time  is  to  be  much  regretted,  as  there  is 
not  a  sufficient  number  of  members  to  expedite  the  busi- 
ness now  before  the  House,  and  that  business  hourly 
accumulating. 

"  The  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Virginia  has  ratified 
the  Articles  of  Confederation :  Congress  hopes  the  other 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


1117 


States  will  speedily  follow  the  example.  With  profound 
respect, 

"  I  am,  sir, 
"  Your  most  obedt.  hum.  servt. 

"  FRA.  LEWIS. 

"  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  Esqr." 
"  Yorktown,  5tA  Jany.  1778. 

Another  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  was  received 
and  read  in  the  words  following,  vizt : 

"  Sir. — The  express  going  off  gives  me  but  just  time 
to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favor  of  the  17th  ulto. 
with  the  enclosed  papers,  which  I  shall  immediately  lay 
before  Congress,  and  urge  the  expediency  of  those  mea- 
sures therein  proposed  being  carried  into  execution,  and 
shall  advise  you  with  the  result. 

"  Congress  has  been  of  late  made  sensible  of  many 
abuses  crept  into  the  commissary's  and  quarter-master's 
departments,  and  which  will  be  soon  taken  under  consi- 
deration of  Congress.  I  wrote  the  Honble.  President  Van 
Cortlandt  this  day,  to  which  beg  to  refer  you. 

"  And  am,  sir, 
"  Your  obedient  humble  servant, 

"  FRA.  LEWIS. 

"  Evert  Bancker,  Esqr." 
"  Yorktown,  5th  Jany.  1778. 

Resolved,  That  the  Delegates  from  this  State  in  Con- 
gress, or  any  two  of  them,  be  authorized  and  requested  to 
appoint  a  person  to  have  such  of  the  woollens  mentioned 
in  the  letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  Esqr.  of  the  5th  instant, 
to  the  President  of  this  Convention,  as  aie  proper  for  that 
purpose,  made  up  into  soldiers'  clothing  and  delivered  in 
equal  quantities,  as  nearly  as  may  be,  to  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  two  Continental  battalions  raised  under  the 
direction  of  this  State,  now  at  Head-Quarters,  or  their  re- 
spective orders — the  said  commanding  officers,  by  their 
several  orders  or  receipts,  making  themselves  accountable 
to  this  State  for  the  quantity  of  clothing  to  be  delivered  to 
them  respectively  ;  and  such  of  the  said  woollens  as  are 
proper  for  officers'  clothing,  be  delivered  in  like  manner  in 
cloth. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Albany  be  authorized 
to  empower  the  Quarter-Master-General,  his  deputies  or 
agents,  to  impress  for  the  fortifications  now  erecting  in  the 
Highlands,  boards  for  sale  in  the  county  of  Albany,  not 
exceeding  thirty  thousand  boards,  upon  such  terms  and 
conditions  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

Resolved,  That  the  above  resolution  be  transmitted  to 
the  committee  of  Albany,  in  a  letter  from  the  President, 
slating  to  them  the  absolute  necessity  of  having  a  quantity 
of  boards  for  the  purpose  mentioned,  recommending  it  to 
them  to  give  the  persons  employed  to  procure  the  boards 
all  the  aid  in  their  power  in  enabling  them  to  obtain  the 
necessary  quantity,  and  at  such  price  as  will  be  a  proper 
and  reasonable  compensation  to  the  persons  having  boards 
for  sale.  That  they  be  advised  to  send  for  such  persons 
and  endeavour  to  determine  the  price  with  the  actual  con- 
sent of  the  said  persons  and  the  persons  authorized  to  im- 
press ;  and  if  that  cannot  be  effected,  that  the  committee 
then  be  advised  to  regulate  and.  settle  the  price  as  they 
shall  conceive  just  and  equitable  ;  and  that  the  committee 
be  requested  to  urge  the  inhabitants  to  employ  their  saw 
mills  in  order  that  the  public  may  be  supplied  with  the 
quantity  requisite  to  complete  the  fortifications. 

"  Your  committee,  who  were  sent  to  ascertain  the  place 
for  fixing  a  chain  and  erecting  fortifications  for  obstructing 
the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  beg  leave  to  report : 
That  they  have  carefully  viewed  the  ground  on  which  Fort 
Clinton  lately  stood  and  its  environs,  and  find  that  the 
ground  is  so  intersected  with  long,  deep  hollows,  that  the 
enemy  might  approach,  without  any  annoyance  from  the 
garrison  within  the  fort,  to  within  a  few  yards  of  the  walls, 
unless  a  redoubt  should  be  raised  to  clear  the  hollow  next 
the  fort,  which  must  be  built  at  such  a  distance  from  the 
for  tt  hat  it  could  not  be  supported  from  thence  in  case  of 

280 


an  assault,  so  that  the  enemy  might  make  themselves  mas- 
ters of  the  redoubt  the  first  dark  night  after  their  landing, 
which  would  be  a  good  work,  ready  to  their  hand  for  an- 
noying the  fort  and  facilitating  their  operations  against  it ; 
and,  together  with  the  eminences  and  broken  grounds  with- 
in a  short  distance  of  the  fort,  would  render  it  impossible 
for  the  garrison  to  resist  a  general  assault  for  many  hours 
together.  Another  objection  that  appeared  to  the  commit- 
tee was  the  want  of  earth  on  the  spot,  which  would  reduce 
the  engineer  to  the  necessity  of  erecting  his  works  entirely 
of  timber,  which  must  be  brought  to  Pooploop's  kill  in 
rafts,  and  from  thence  drawn  up  a  steep  and  difficult  road 
to  the  top  of  the  hill.  The  rafts  cannot  be  made  till  the 
water  is  warm  enough  for  men  to  work  in  it,  by  which  it 
is  probable  that  a  fort  cannot  be  erected  before  the  ships 
of  the  enemy  will  come  up  the  river.  Besides,  at  this 
place,  the  chain  must  be  laid  across  the  river  so  that  it  will 
receive  the  whole  force  of  the  ships  coming  with  all  the 
strength  of  tide  and  wind,  on  a  line  of  three  or  four  miles. 
Add  to  these,  if  the  enemy  should  be  able  to  possess  them- 
selves of  the  passes  in  the  mountains  through  which  they 
marched  to  the  attacks  of  forts  Montgomery  and  Clinton, 
it  would  be  extremely  difficult,  if  not  impossible,  for  the 
militia  of  the  country  to  raise  the  seige.  Upon  viewing 
the  country  at  and  about  West  Point,  the  committee  found 
that  there  were  several  places  at  which  the  enemy  might 
land  and  proceed  immediately  to  some  high  grounds  that 
would  command  a  fort  erected  at  West  Point  at  the  dis- 
tance of  six  or  seven  hundred  yards,  from  which  they 
might  carry  on  their  approaches  through  a  light  gravelly 
soil,  so  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  the  fort  to  stand  a 
long  seige.  But  to  balance  this  disadvantage  in  this  place, 
there  is  plenty  of  earth.  The  timber  may  be  brought  to 
the  spot  by  good  roads  from  the  high  grounds  at  the  dis- 
tance of  one  to  three  miles.  Three  hundred  feet  less  of 
chain  will  be  requisite  at  this  place  than  at  Fort  Clinton. 
It  will  be  laid  across  in  a  place  where  vessels  going  up  the 
river  most  usually  lose  their  headway.  Water  batteries 
may  be  built  on  both  sides  of  the  river  for  protecting  the 
chain  and  annoying  the  ships  coming  up  the  river,  which 
will  be  completely  commanded  from  the  walls  of  the  fort. 
There  are  so  many  passess  across  the  mountains  to  this 
place,  that  it  will  be  almost  impossible  for  the  enemy  to 
prevent  the  militia  from  coming  to  the  relief  of  the  garri- 
son. From  these  considerations,  the  committee  are  led  to 
conclude  that  the  most  proper  place  to  obstruct  the  naviga- 
tion of  the  river  is  at  West  Point ;  but  are  at  the  same 
time  fully  convinced  that  no  obstructions  on  the  banks  of 
the  river  can  effectually  secure  the  country,  unless  a  body 
of  light  troops,  to  consist  of  at  least  two  thousand  effective 
men,  be  constantly  stationed  in  the  mountains  while  the 
navigation  of  the  river  is  practicable,  to  obstruct  the  enemy 
in  their  approach  by  land. 

"  JNO.  SLOSS  HOBART, 
"  HENRY  WISNER, 
"  JOHN  HATHORN, 
"  ZEPHA.  PLATT. 

"Poughkeepsie,Jany.  Uth,  1778." 

Whereas  the  Continental  Congress  in  and  by  certain 
resolutions  of  the  22d  day  of  November  last,  have  recom- 
mended to  the  Legislature,  or  in  their  recess,  to  the  execu- 
tive power  of  the  respective  States  of  New-Hampshire, 
Massachusetts  Bay,  Rhode  Island  and  Providence  Planta- 
tions, Connecticut,  New-York,  New-Jersey,  Pennsylvania 
and  Delaware,  respectively  to  appoint  commissioners  to 
convene  at  New-Haven,  in  Connecticut,  on  the  15th  day  of 
January  then  next,  in  order  to  regulate  and  ascertain  the 
price  of  labour,  manufacture,  internal  produce,  and  manu- 
factures imported  from  foreign  parts,  military  stores  except- 
ed ;  and  also  to  regulate  the  charge  of  innholders  :  and 
that  on  report  of  the  commissioners,  each  of  their  respec- 
tive Legislatures  enact  suitable  laws  as  well  for  the  en- 
forcing such  of  the  regulations  as  they  shall  ratify,  and 
ennablig  such  innholders  to  obtain  the  necessary  supplies 


1118 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 


as  to  authorize  the  purchasing  commissaries  of  the  army 
or  any  other  person  whom  the  Legislature  may  think  pro- 
per, to  take  from  any  engrossers,  forestalled,  or  other  per- 
sons possessed  of  a  large  quantity  of  any  such  commodi- 
ties or  provisions  than  shall  be  competent  for  the  private 
annual  consumption  of  their  families,  and  who  shall  refuse 
to  sell  the  supplies  at  the  prices  to  be  ascertained  as  afore- 
said, paying  only  such  price  for  the  same.  In  compliance 
therefore  with  the  said  recommendation, 

Resolved,  That  William  Floyd,  Comfort  Sands,  Peter 
T.  Cuitenius  and  William  Denning,  Esquires,  be  and  they 
arc  hereby  nominated  and  appointed  commissioners,  to  at- 


tend at  the  said  meeting  or  convention,  on  behalf  of  this 
State,  with  full  power  and  authority  to  them,  or  a  majority 
of  such  of  them,  as  shall  from  time  to  time  attend,  so  as 
there  shall  be  at  least  two  attending,  to  represent  this  State, 
to  do  and  transact  all  business  necessary  to  be  done  and 
transacted  in  the  said  meeting  or  Convention,  on  the  part 
of  this  State,  touching  the  several  matters  mentioned  in 
the  said  resolutions,  saving  and  reserving  nevertheless  to 
the  Legislature  of  this  State  a  right  to  ratify  and  adopt 
such  of  the  regulations  and  measures  to  be  proposed  and 
concluded  on  at  the  said  meeting  or  convention,  as  they 
shall  deem  proper  and  expedient. 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

ACCOMMODATION  WITH  GREAT  BRITAIN. 

1.  Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  respect- 

ing plan  of,   20,  26,  50,  52  to  54,  58 

2.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress  respecting,   59 

3.  Answer  of,   73 

ACCOUNTS.  (See  Auditor-General.) 

1.  Appointments  of  committee  to  audit,  62,  116,  206,  316,  351,  450, 

528 

2.  Letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler  relative  to  duties  of  pay-master  in  au- 

diting ani!  allowing,   245 

3.  Colonial  and  Provincial,  directed  to  be  separately  kept  and 

distinguished,   253 

4.  Appointment  of  Evert  Bancker  as  auditor  of,  instead  of  John 

Ray,   316 

5.  Certificate  of  committee  of  pay  table  relative  to  accounts  of 

Peter  Curtenius,   506 

6.  Appointment  of  Comfort  Sands  as  Auditor-General,   540 

7.  Resolutions  of  Convention  directing  a  settlement  of,  with  the 

United  States,   636 

8.  Letter  from  John  Gibson,  Auditor-General,  requesting  that 

the  public  accounts  of  this  State  be  transmitted  to  commis- 
sioners for  adjusting,  &c.  at  Philadelphia,   733 

9.  Letter  from  John  Gibson,  Auditor-General,  requesting  ac- 

counts in  the  northern  department  to  be  laid  before  com- 
missioners at  Albany,   733 

10.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   739 

11.  Letter  from  Secretary  of  War,  requesting  an  account  of  ex- 

penses of  prisoners  of  war,   983 

ACT  OF  GRACE. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  114,  116.) 

1.  Ordinance  of  Convention,  offering  a  free  pardon  to  persons 

guilty  of  treasonable  acts  against  the  State,  on  their  taking 

the  oath  of  allegiance   920,  921 

2.  Proceedings  of  Convention  and  pardons  granted  under  such 

ordinance,  933,  935,  937,  939,  940,  945,  950,  952,  958,  963,  965, 
978,  983,  984,  992,  996,  1002,  1020,  1021,  1070,  1074,  1080,  1083, 
1092,  1093,  1105,  1108. 

3.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  declaring  a  violation  of  the 

oath  of  allegiance  taken  under,  felony,  without  benefit  of 
clergy,    1040 

ADAMS,  JOHN.  (See  Continental  Congress,  81.) 
ADAMS,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of  as  surgeon  in  Col.  William  Malcom's  regi- 
ment of  militia,   518 

ADJUTANTS 

1.  Appointments  of,  for  several  regiments,  62,  99,  135,  139,  158 

ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 
1.  Appointment  of  Horatio  Gates  as,  with  rank  of  brigadier-ge- 
neral,   63 

(See  Reid,  Joseph.) 

ADMIRALTY,  HIGH  COURT  OF. 

1.  Appointment  of  Richard  Morris  as  judge,  John  McKesson, 

register,  and  Robert  Benson,  marshal  and  provost-marshal 

of,   550 

2.  Declension  of  Richard  Morris,  and  appointment  of  Lewis 

Graham  as  judge  of,   554,  556 

3.  Commission  of  judge  of,   556 

ALBANY  CITY  AND  COUNTY. 
1  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from  city  and  county  of,  to 

first  Provincial  Convention,   1,  2 

2.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from  city  and  county  of,  to 

first  Provincial  Congress,  7,  93 

3.  Letter  from  committee  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 


19. 

20. 

21. 
.)-> 


23. 
24. 
25. 

26. 

27. 

28. 


PAGE. 

ALBANY  CITY  AND  COUNTY— Continued. 
disposition  and  proceedings  of  Col.  Johnson  and  the  Mo- 
hawk and  Oneida  Indians ;  relative  to  the  fortifications  at 
Ticonderoga  and  the  south  end  of  Lake  George,  and  other 

matters  respecting  the  public  defence,  23,  24 

List  of  documents  accompanying,   24 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  to,   25 

.  Letter  from  Provincial  to  Continental  Congress,  enclosing, . .  24 
Letter  from  committee  of  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 
provisions  and  supplies  for  forces  sent  to  Ticonderoga,  and 
prisoners  taken  from  St.  Johns,  and  praying  instructions,.  29 

Certain  powder  to  be  sent  to  commissariat  at,   30 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  respecting 
the  raising,  enlistment  and  pay  of  troops ;  directing  said 
troops  to  join  the  forces  at  Ticonderoga  ;  and  respecting 

troops  taken  at  St.  Johns,   31 

Return  of  John  N.  Bleecker,  of  provisions  and  stores  received 
at,  from  New-York,  and  of  the  quantity  sent  to  Lake 

George,   44,  45 

Letter  from  John  Bay,  secretary  of  committee  for  transmit- 
ting communication  from  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  respect- 
ing proceedings  of  Col.  Guy  Johnson  and  Oneida  Indians,.  49 
Letter  from  committee  of,  communicating  information  of  hos- 
tile proceedings  of  the  French  Caghnawaga  Indians,  in  Ca- 
nada, and  of  their  encouragement  by  the  Governor  of  Mon- 
treal ;  and  relative  to  the  condition  of  the  troops  at  Crown- 
Point,   54.  55 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  John  N.  Bleecker  and 
others,  agents  at,  to  deliver  up  provisions  and  supplies  to 
Elisha  Phelps,  appointed  commissary  for  the  troops  on 

Lake  Champlain,   61 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  relative  to 
supply  of  powder  for  the  forts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown- 
Point,  sent  from  Philadelphia  by  Continental  Congress, . .  64 

Appointment  of  members  of  committee  of  safety  for,   70 

Letters  from  John  N.  Bleecker,  respecting  delivery  of  provi- 
sions and  stores  to  Elisha  Phelps,  commissary,  and  ac- 
counts, &c  74,  95 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  chairman  of  committee 
of,  accompanying  transmission  of  gunpowder  sent  from 

Philadelphia,  for  use  of  troops  at  Ticonderoga,   82 

Letter  from  Robert  Yates,  transmitting  sundry  papers  relat- 
ing to  Indian  affairs,   95 

(See  Indian  Affairs,  5.) 

Speech  of  four  Oneida  chiefs  to  committee  at,    95 

Speech  of  inhabitants  of,  drawn  up  by  committee,  spoken  at 

the  German  Flatts  to  Oneida  Indians,  ,. .  95 

Answer  of  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras,    95 

Letter  from  Abraham  Yates,  Jr.  Esq.  chairman  of  committee 
of,  relative  to  George  Sullivan,  and  covering  copy  of  let- 
ter from  Gen.  Wooster  to  Col.  Waterbury,  relating  to  the 

same  person,      101 

Embarkation  of  4  companies  of  Col.  McDougalPs  regiment, 

under  Lieut.  Col.  Ritzema,  for,   103 

Cols.  McDougall,  Clinton  and  Holmes,  directed  to  proceed  to, 

with  the  men  under  their  command,   105 

Examination  before  sub-committee  of,  of  Gerrit  Roseboom 
and  Benjamin  Davis,  (alias  John  Johnson,)  relative  to  In- 
dian affairs,  ••   106 

Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  supply  of  provisions  for 
prisoners  taken  at  St.  Johns,  and  answer  of  Provincial 

Congress,   112,  113 

Resolution  of  committee  of,  and  draft  on  Provincial  Congress 
for  £1,000,  for  defraying  expenses  and  discharging  debts 

of,  and  order  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of  draft,   116 

Letters  from  Abraham  Yates,  chairman  of  committee  of,. . . .  126 


1120 


INDEX. 


ALBANY  CITY  AND  COUNTY— Continued. 

29.  Letter  to  Abraham  Yates,  chairman  of  committee  of,  respect- 

ing the  case  of  White,  late  sheriff  of  Tryon  county,  Boon 
and  Clement,  Conner,  and  Indians  aiding  in  their  escape, .  127 

30.  Letter  from,  requesting  military  supplies  lor  the  men  under 

the  command  of  Col.  Van  Cortlandt,  encamped  at,   137 

81.  Provision  for  gunpowder  for  committee  of,   154 

32.  Order  for  repair,  &.c.  of  barracks  at,  for  reception  of  Conti- 

nental troops;  letter  covering,   162,  166 

33.  Petitions  and  papers  in  the  case  of  Alexander  AVhite,  late 

sheriff  of  Tryon  county,  referred  to  committee  of,   167 

34.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting  transmission  of  powder  for 

use  of  Gen.  Schuyler,   169 

35.  Letter  from  Volckert  P.  JDouw,  transmitting  copy  of  the  jour- 

nal and  proceedings  of  the  Indians  sent  by  the  commission- 
ers of  Indian  affairs  to  the  Caughnawagas,  to  acquaint 
them  with  the  ti  eaty  between  the  commissioners  and  the 
Six  Nations,  1   169 

3G.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting  imprisonment  and  kind 

treatment  of  French  prisoners  from  Canada,   175 

37.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  respecting  the  erec- 
tion of  barracks  at,  and  draft  for  expenses  of,   176 

3S.  Requisition  for  repairs  of,   176 

39.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  the  transmission  of  pow- 

der to  Gen.  Schuyler,   178 

40.  Letter  to  Walter  Livingston,  deputy  commissary-general  at, 

relating  to  accounts  of  ferrymen,   179 

41.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  second  Provincial 

Congress,   205,  393 

42.  Letter  to  committee  of,  accompanying  the  transmission  of 

powder  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  on  receipt  of  intelligence  of  the 
repulse  of  the  Continental  troops  at  Quebec,  and  distur- 
bances in  Tryon  county,   256 

43.  Re  arrangement  of  regiments  of  militia  in,  313,  314 

44.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  committee  of,  respecting  the 

raising  of  the  Canadian  regiment  of  Col.  Van  Schaick,  . . .  316 

45.  Return  of  officers  of  company  of  minute  men  at  Saratoga,  in,  316 

46.  Resolutions  of  committee  of,  transmitted  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, recommending  Thomas  Williams,  Jr.  for  quarter- 
master, and  Peter  A.  Fonda  for  adjutant  of  regiment  for 
Continental  service  in  Albany,  Tryon  and  Charlotte  coun- 
ties,   366 

47.  Letter  from  committee  of  Kings  district,  in,  recommending 

Thaddeus  Noble  as  a  gunsmith,  and  answer  of  Committee 

of  Safety,  418,  421 

48.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  transmitting  list  of  of- 

ficers recruiting  in,  and  the  number  of  men  enlisted  :  order 
of  Committee  of  Safety  annexing  companies  to  Col.  Wyn- 
koop's  regiment,  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,. .  424, 425 

49.  Names  and  credential  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress,   448 

50.  Examination  of  Martin  Beebe  relative  to  designs  and  pro- 

ceedings of  tories  and  disaffected  persons  in  Kings  district, 

in,   455 

51.  Examination  of  Asa  Douglass,  ;   458 

52.  Committee  of  examination  requested  to  communicate  proceed- 

ings against  sundry  inhabitants  of,  sent  prisoners  to  Hart- 
ford, in  Connecticut,   507 

43.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  organization,  pay  and  sub- 
sistence of  a  company,  to  guard  the  stores  and  vessels  with 
provisions  and  ammunition  in,   539 

54.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  drafting,  organization, 

pay  and  subsistence  of  one-fifth  of  the  militia  of,  and  their 
marching  to  the  encampment  northward  of  Kings  Bridge,  566 

55.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  to  Convention,  relative 

to  the  contemplated  resignation  of  Gen.  Schuyler,    635 

56.  Information  relative  to  conduct  of  sundry  disaffected  persons 

in  Claverack  and  Livingston  manor,   666,  671 

57.  Organization  and  officers  of  company  in,  for  the  detection  and 

suppression  of  conspiracies,   666 

58.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  chairman  of  committee  of 

Livingston  manor,  respecting  the  necessary  measures  to  be 
adopted  for  the  safety  of  inhabitants  thereof,   672 

59.  Letter  from  Jacobus  Lansing,  Jr.  setting  forth  the  defenceless 

state  of  the  city  of,  and  suggesting  the  propriety  of  ereeting 
fortifications  and  supplying  the  same  with  guns   681 

60.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  committee  of,  for  pay- 

ment of  bounties  and  pay  due  company  of  rangers  raised 

in,  for  the  protection  of  the  frontiers,   687,  693 

61.  Letter  from  committee  of,  representing  the  prevalence  of  dis- 

affection in,  and  requesting  aid  and  assistance,   687 

62.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committee  of,  respecting 

the  purchase  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  troops,   688 

63.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committees  of  arrange- 

ment and  conference,  &c.  at,   692,  693 

64.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  arrangement  and  con- 

ference at,  relative  to  the  condition  of  the  army  at  Sara- 
toga, and  the  disposition  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county 
of,  &e   694,  695 

65.  Letter  from  John  Tayler,  Esq.  at,  enclosing  a  notification, 

signed  by  Mr.  Matthew,  town  clerk,  dated  at  New-Marlbo- 
rough,  requesting  a  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  relative  to 
their  revolting  from  New- York,   699 

66.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  co-operate  with  Gen.  Schuy- 

ler in  the  defence  of  the  northern  and  western  frontier  ; 
proceedings  of  the  committee  for  the  apprehension  and  pu- 
nishment of  disaffected  persons  in,   699,  700  to  705 


PAGE. 

ALBANY  CITY  AND  COUNTY — Continued. 

67.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  ordering  portions  of  mili- 

tia of,  to  repair  to  Fishkill,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding  in  the 
erection  of  barracks  for  the  use  of  the  troops   707 

68.  Petition  of  committee  and  inhabitants  of  King's  district,  for 

the  appointment  of  field  officers  from  their  own  district; 
report  thereon,   755 

69.  Report  of  committee  on  the  petition  of  the  committee  of  the 

manor  of  Rensselaerwyck,  Claverack  and  King's  district, 
in,  praying  for  the  removal  of  sundry  field  officers  and  the 
appointment  of  others  in  their  places  ;  proceedings  thereon,  773 

70.  Resolution  of  committee  of,  for  draft  on  Convention  for 

£2,000  ;  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   799,  800 

71.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting  proposed  obstructions  to 

the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   851 

(See  Van  Alen,  John.) 

72.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  of,  directing  the  appre- 

hension and  confinement  of  Maj.  William  Edmondson,  a 
British  officer  on  parol,   857 

73.  Resolutions  of  Convention  relative  to  the  engrossment  and 

monopoly  of  boards  in   864 

74.  Letter  from  committee  of,  transmitting  affidavits,  &c.  relative 

to  a  dangerous  conspiracy  of  a  number  of  disaffected  per- 
sons in,  and  forwarding  John  Munro  as  a  prisoner,   876 

75.  Letter  from  Col.  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  transmitting  infor- 

mation of  an  insurrection  of  the  tories  in  Ballstown,  and  of 
the  organization  of  a  regiment  of  royal  volunteers  in  the 
county  of,  under  the  command  of  Huetson  ;  directions  to 
the  commanding  officer  of  the  militia  of,  to  call  a  court 
martial  for  the  trial  of  the  criminals,   889 

76.  Letter  from  committee  of,  relative  to  disaffected  persons  in 

that  county,   890,  891 

77.  Election  of  judges  of  inferior  court  of  county  of,   912,  917 

78.  Appointment  of  Henry  I.  Wendell,  sheriff,  and  Leonard 

Gansevoort,  clerk  of  said  county,   912,  917 

(See  resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

79.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  committee  of  to  pre- 

pare vessels  in  Hudson's  river  for  reception  of  prisoners, .  927 

80.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  loan  to  committee  of,    930 

81.  Letter  from  committee  of,  enclosing  a  (list  of  prisoners  too 

dangerous  and  troublesome  to  be  confined  in  the  jail  at ; 
disposition  of  said  prisoners  by  Council  of  Safety,   964 

82.  Resolutions  of  Council,  accepting  the  resignation  of  commis- 

sioners of  sequestration  heretofore  appointed  in,  and  ap- 
pointing others,   967,  968 

83.  Resolutions  of,  Council,  directing  committee  of  to  send  pri- 

soners in,  to  Fleet  prison,  at  Esopus,   988 

(See  Rangers,  16.) 

84.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  relative  to  the  destruc- 

tion of  a  quantity  of  tea,  purchased  by  James  Caldwell  and 
John  Maley,  inhabitants  of;  resolutions  of  Council  of 
Safety  thereon,   1008,  1010 

85.  Letter  from  Council  to  committee  of,  relative  to  the  appre- 

hensions of  the  settlers  of  Schoharie,  of  an  attack  from  the 
Indians,   ,   1011 

86.  Answer  of  committee  and  reply  of  Council,   1017,  1018 

87.  Letter  from  committee  of,  to  Council,  informing  of  the  ap- 

proach of  the  enemy  to  Fort  Schuyler,  and  requesting  as- 
sistance ;  also  transmitting  copies  of  letters  from  Col. 
Gansevoort  to  Col.  Van  Schaack,  and  from  Thomas  Spen- 
cer, at  Oneida,  relative  to  the  disposition  of  the  Indians  ; 
answer  of  Council,   1024,  1025 

88.  Letter  from  committee  of,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  the 

enemy  at  Fort  Edward,  and  the  retreat  of  the  Continental 
army  to  Saratoga,  and  requesting  the  presence  of  the  Coun- 
cil of  Safety  at ;  answer  of  Council,   1025 

89.  Letter  from  committee  of,  relative  to  the  prevalence  of 

disaffection  in,  and  the  condition  of.  &c.  enclosing  a  letter 
from  Adam  Fonda  respecting  a  contest  with  the  Indians 
at  Oneida  creek,  together  with  a  list  of  the  dead  and 
wounded,   1034 

90.  Letter  from  committee  of,  relative  to  the  gloomy  condition 

of  affairs  in,  and  transmitting  a  letter  from  chairman  of 
committee  at  German  Flatts,  and  the  deposition  of  Adam 
Helmer,  relative  to  a  battle  fought  near  Fort  Schuyler, 

1037,  1038 

91.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  for  the  removal  of  the  records 

of,  to  Rochester,  in  Ulster  county,   1066 

92.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  containing  an  account 

of  the  capitulation  of  Gen.  Burgoyne  and  his  army,   1070 

93.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  requesting  a  loan  ;  an- 

swer of  Council  of  Safety,   1073 

94.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  committee  of,  respecting 

provision  for  the  security  of  the  public  records  at;  answer 

of  committee,   1°77>  1083 

95.  Letter  from  committee  of  Claverack  district  in,  respecting  sei- 

zure of  the  effects  of  disaffected  persons  in ;  confirmation 

by  Council  of  Safety  thereof,  1<>'9>  1080 

96.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  abuses  in  the  purchase 

of  grain,  by  forestalling  and  monopolizing,   1107,  1108 

ALGER,  WILLIAM  B. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Jacobus  Rose- 

krans' company,   ••  •  J1" 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  pay-master  in  Col.  Cornelius  Humphrey's 

regiment  of  volunteers,   7 '  * 


INDEX. 


1121 


PAGE. 

ALLEN,  CAPT.  HEM  AN. 
1.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  superinten- 
dents of  the  Continental  treasury,  respecting  settlement  of 
accounts  of,  for  services  in  the  New- York  battalions   452 

ALLEN,  ETHAN. 

1.  Receipt  of  letters  from,  at  Crpwn-Point,   43 

2.  Admitted  to  an  audience,  before  the  Provincial  Congress,. . .  65 

3.  Advance  of  money  to,  on  request  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  by  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  for  services  rendered  in  the  reduction  of 
Ticonderoga,    66 

4.  Letter  from,  assuring  of  his  influence  to  promote  a  reconci- 

liation with  the  settlers  on  New-Hampshire  Grants,   107 

ALLEN,  HENRY. 
1.  Choice  of  as  1st  lieutenant  in  Capt.  John  Sands'  company,  in 

Qeeens  county,   173 

ALLICOCK,  JOSEPH  (See  Intercepted  Letters,  6.) 
1.  Examination  of,  relative  to  furnishing  supplies  and  provisions 
to  Capt.  Melancton  Lawrence,  for  the  armed  sloop  under 
his  command,  and  for  other  vessels,   122 

ALSOP,  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  relative  to  purchase  of 

blankets,   60 

2.  Answer  from,   68 

ALSOP,  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from,  resigning  his  seat  as  a  Delegate  in  Congress, 

and  acceptance  by  Convention  of  such  resignation,   536 

2.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Delegates  in  Congress,  communi- 

cating such  resignation,   537 

"AMERICAN  CRISIS." 

1.  Copy  of,  transmitted  by  John  Hobart  and  Jonathan  Landon 

to  Committee  of  Safety,  and  ordered  to  be  reprinted,   756 

2.  One  thousand  copies  of  second  number  ordered  for  use  of 

Committee  of  Safety,  and  for  distribution  among  the  inha- 
bitants of  the  State,    804 

ANONYMOUS  LETTERS. 

1.  From  Philadelphia  to  Provincial  Congress,  giving  information 

of  the  probable  destruction  of  the  city  of  New-York,  and 
offering  to  construct  fire  vessels  for  defence  of,   200 

2.  To  Robert  G.  Livingston,   760 

APPRENTICES  AND  SERVANTS. 

1.  Letter  from  Gen.  Wooster  relative  to  enlistments  of,  in  Con- 

necticut troops,  and  who  were  afterwards  reclaimed  by 
their  masters  in  New- York,  and  resolutions  of  Provincial 
Congress  respecting,   68 

2.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  prohibiting  the  enlist- 

ment of,  on  board  the  fleet  or  in  the  army  of  the  United 

Colonies,  without  consent  of  their  masters,   266 

ARDEN,  JAMES. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  relief,   21 

ARDEN,  THOMAS,  Jr.   (See  Ships  and  Vessels,  4.) 

ARMORY. 

1.  Order  for  establishment  of,  at  or  near  Fishkill,   784 

2.  Report  of  committee  relative  thereto,   807 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for,   807 

ARMS  AND  AMMUNITION. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  defraying  expenses  of 

Henry  Watkeys,  a  gunsmith,  on  a  journey  to  New- Wind- 
sor, to  consult  with  Mr.  Robert  Boyd  about  forging  of  gun 
barrels  and  making  of  muskets,   30 

2.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

supplies  of,  for  defence  of  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,   39 

(See  Artillery,  Military  Stores.) 
(See  Colonial  Troops,  7.) 
(See  New- York  City,  20,  Cannon,  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point.) 

3.  List  of  cannon  and  stores  taken  from  Ticonderoga,  22,  23 

4.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

provisions  for,   93 

5.  Resolution  directing  the  several  committees  and  sub-commit- 

tees to  purchase  or  hire,  for  use  of  Continental  army,. . . .  103 

6.  Pouches,  belts,  bayonets  and  slings,  directed  to  be  made  for 

colonial  regiments,   105 

7.  Contract  with  Joseph  Hallett,  Jr.  for  importation  of,   129 

8.  Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  and  despatch  vessels 

for  purchase  of,  and  appropriation  for,   145,  148,  212 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  58.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  85.) 
(See  Cannon,  Artillery.) 

9.  Report  of  committee  and  proceedings  thereon,   232,278,  279 

10.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  the  encouragement  of 

manufactories  for   365,  366 

11.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  supply  of  arms  to  the 

troops,   426 

12.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  purchase  of  arms, 

from  discharged  privates  of  the  Continental  brigade,   498 

13.  Resolution  for  establishment  of  an  armory,  at  or  near  Fish- 

kill,  and  for  the  purchase  of  arms  and  accoutrements,.  784,  785 
ARNOLD,  BENEDICT. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Governor  of  Connecticut  respecting  defence 

of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,   17 

2.  Letter  from,  to  President  of  Provincial  Congress  of  Massa- 

chusetts Bay,  on  the  same  subject,   22,  23 

3.  Capture  of  detachment  of,  at  Quebec,    286,  287 

4.  Letter  from,  to  General  Schuyler,  giving  a  particular  account 

281 


PAGE. 

ARNOLD  BENEDICT— Continued. 
of  the  action  on  Lake  Champlain,  between  the  British  and 

American  fleet,   680,  681 

5.  Letter  from,  to  General  Gates,  informing  of  his  march  to 
German  Flatts,  and  of  the  raising  of  the  seige  of  Fort 

Schuyler,   1049 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  TROOPS. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting,  55,56,  57,59,  62,  69, 

84,  97,  103,  104,  109,  114  to  116 
(See  Battalions,  Militia.) 

2.  Militia  bill,    114  to  116 

ARTICLES  OF  CONFEDERATION. 

1.  Ratification  by  the  Legislature  of  Virginia,   1116 

ARTIFICERS. 

1.  List  of,  directed  by  Provincial  Congress  to  be  forwarded  to 

Ticonderoga,   32 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  procure  from  Great  Britain,  for 

making  gun  locks,   67 

3.  Agreement  with  Thomas  Blockley,  for  importation  of,   80 

4.  Letter  from  General  Lee  to  Provincial  Congress,  and  recom- 

mending the  establishment  of  a  company  of,  proceedings 

of  Provincial  Congress  therein,   298,  302 

5.  Appointment  of  Anthony  Post  as  captain  of  company  of,   302 

6.  Provision  for  barrack  furniture  for,   377 

ARTILLERY.  (See  Cannon.) 

1.  Proceedings  respecting  removal  of,  from  Ticonderoga  to 

South  end  of  Lake  George,   9,  10,  11,  12 

(See  Lamb,  John.) 
(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  24.) 
(See  Byers,  James.) 

2.  Appropriation  to  defray  expense  of  removal  of,  from  New- 

York  to  King's  Bridge,    145 

(See  New- York  City  and  County,  139,  141.) 

ARTILLERY  COMPANIES. 

1.  Organization  of  Captain  Anthony  Rutger's  company,  from 

Marine  Society  of  city  of  New- York,   41 

2.  Officers  of,  confirmed  by  Provincial  Congress,   66 

3.  Pay  of,  and  company  ordered  to  form  part  of  Colonel  McDou- 

gall's  regiment,   Ill 

4.  Appointment  of  Anthony  Griffith  as  commissary  to  purchase 

shares  for,   195 

5.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  organization  of, 

for  defence  of  Colony,   239 

6.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  organization  of,  for 

the  safety  and  defence  of  Suffolk  county,  and  for  protec- 
tion of  Continental  cruisers  in  the  Sound,  and  to  be  con- 
sidered in  all  respects  as  minute  men,   239 

7.  Appointment  of  John  Grennell,  as  captain  of,  and  of  officers 

of  said  company,    262,365 

8.  List  of  officers  of,  in  Suffolk  county,   284 

9.  Appointment  of  James  Moore,  as  captain  lieutenant  of  artil- 
lery,   327 

10  Appointment  of  Sebastian  Beaumanas  captain  of  Continental 

company  of,   392 

ASH,  THOMAS.  (See  Intercepted  Letter,  4.) 
ASIA,  SHIP. 

1.  Provisions  and  supplies  granted  for  use  of,   15,  48 

2.  Proceedings  of  Committee  of  Safety  in  the  case  of  Peter 

Herring,  charged  with  assisting  in  conveying  prisoner  on 
board  of,   71 

3.  Complaint  of  captain  of,  relative  to  the  detention  of  part  of 

boat's  crew  of,  as  prisoners  in  General  Wooster's  camp ;  ap- 
pointment of  committee  and  letter  to  Gen.  Wooster,   77 

4.  Order  of  Committee  of  Safety  on  receiving  information  of 

the  attack  upon  and  destruction  of  such  boat,   77,  78 

5.  Approbation  of  conduct  of  civil  magistrates  in  ordering  the 

building  of  a  new  boat  to  replace  the  same,   81 

6.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress  of  destruc- 
tion of  boat  built  by  order  of  Committee  of  Safety,  and  pro- 
ceedings and  resolutions  therein,  97,  98,  102,  103,  104, 

108,  109,  110 

7.  Letter  from  George  Vandeput,  captain  of,  relative  to  attack 

by,  on  certain  individuals  engaged  in  taking  the  guns  from 

the  battery,  and  appointment  of  committee  thereon,   118 

8.  Affidavits  relative  to  such  attack,   120 

9.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting,  126 

10.  Arrangements  for  weekly  supplies  of  provision  for,   129 

11.  Permission  to  Dr.  McCIean  to  supply,  with  drugs  and  medi- 

cines,   138 

12.  Captain  of.  required  to  discharge  William  Becker,  a  citizen 

of  New-York,  confined  in  irons  on  board  of,   143 

13.  Order  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  arrest  of  Lawrence  Hart- 

wick,  on  charge  of  betraying  the  trust  reposed  in  him  by 
Lieut.  Edward  Tylee,  an  officer  of  the  Continental  army, 
a  prisoner  on  board  of,   241 

14.  Negotiations  with  Captain  Vandeput  of,  for  the  exchange  of 

Lieut.  Tylee,   253 

15.  Permission  for  interment  of  body  of  purser  of,  in  Trinity 

church  yard,   264 

16.  Permission  to  Wm.  Allen,  cordwainer,  to  make  shoes  to  be 

carried  on  board  of,   261 

17.  Correspondence  between  Committee  of  Safety,  and  commit- 

tee of  the  city  of  New- York,  respecting  supply  of  provi- 
sions for,  &c   285 


1122 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

ASIA,  SHIP— Continued. 

18.  Permission  to  Henry  While,  to  supply  with  provisions,  &e  . .  303 

19.  Permission  to  John  Carpenter,  to  obtain  security  for  a  debt 

due  to  him,    309,  310 

20.  Permission  to  Samuel  Lowdon,  to  recover  a  servant,   319 

21.  Examination  of  John  Vorhis,  respecting  proceedings  of  cap- 

tain of,  in  intercepting  cargo  of  provisions,  ftc   323 

22.  Letter  from*  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  re- 

questing the  exchange  of  prisoners  on  board  of,   409 

23.  Examination  of  Edward  Tylee,  a  prisoner  on  board  of,   410 

ASSEMBLY. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  constitution  relative 

to,   884,  885,  886,  887 

ASSESSORS. 

(See  County  Committees,  4.) 

(See  Town  Committees,  4.) 
ASSESSORS. 

1.  Resolution  directing  the  election  of,  in  the  several  towns,  ...  818 
ATTAINDER. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  constitution  relative 

to  acts  of,   882 

ATTORNEY-GENERAL. 
1.  Election  of  Egbert  Benson  as,    910 

AUDITOR-GENERAL. 

(See  Sands,  Comfort.) 
(See  Gibson,  John.) 

B. 

BACHE,  THEOPHALACT. 
I.  Intercepted  letter  from,  to  Major  Moncreif,  at  Boston;  order- 
ed to  appear  before  Committee  of  Safety,   141,  142 

BAILEY,  JOHN,  Jr. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  regiment  of  minute 

men  in  Dutchess  county,   135 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  regiment  of  levies 

detached  from  Albany,  Ulster,  Dutchess  and  Orange  coun- 
ties, for  the  reinforcement  of  the  forts  at  the  Highlands,. .  614 

BAKER,  BENJAMIN. 
1.  Letters  from,  respecting  the  making  of  saltpetre,  and  com- 
mittee appointed  to  confer  with  ;  proceedings  of  Provincial 

Congress  therein,  167,  196 

BALDWIN,  CAPTAIN  ALEXANDER. 
(See  Rangers,  8.) 
Requisition  on  treasurer,  in  favor  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

for  company  of  rangers,   826 

BALTIMORE.  (See  Maryland.) 


1. 


BAMPER,  JACOB. 
Petition  of,  for  appointment  to  some  office  in  Colonial  regi- 
ments,   87 

BANCKER,  GIRARD,    (Barrack  Master.) 

1.  Directed  to  deliver  beds,  blankets,  &.c.  in  his  custody  to  Colo- 

nel McDougall,   67,  68 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  deputy  treasurer,   246 

3.  Appointment  of,  as  vice-treasurer,   774 

4.  Directed  to  advance  £20,000  to  General  Schuyler  for  the  pub- 

lic service,   775 

5.  Receipt  from  Comfort  Sands,  by,  of  pay  rolls  and  other  ac- 

counts of  moneys  paid  by  him  to  the  militia  of  the  coun- 
ties of  Dutchess  and  Westchester,   902 

BARCLAY,  THOMAS 
1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  disposition  of  personal 

estate  of,   721 

BARD,  DR.  SAMUEL. 
1.  Communication  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety  respecting  at- 
tendance of,  upon  sick  mariners  belonging  to  British  ships, 
and  resolutions  of  committee  approving  thereof,   77 

BARKER,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  second  regiment  of  militia  in 

Dutchess  county,    528 

BARRACK  MASTER.  (See  Roorback,  Garret.) 

BARTILL,  PHILIP, 
i.  Resignation  of,  as  ensign  in  Colonel  Robert  Van  Rensselaer's 

eighth  regiment  of  militia,   772 

BARTOW,  THEODORUS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  to  troops  in  Westchester 
county,  on  the  Sound  ;  and  requisition  on  the  treasurer  in 
favor  of,  


598 


62 


BATTALIONS,  ARRANGEMENT  OF. 

1  New-York  regiment,  to  be  first  regiment,  officers  of,  

2  Col.  Roseboom's  second  regiment;  officers  of,   62 

3'  Col.  Clinton's  third  regiment ;  officers  of.   62 

i'  Col-  Holmes'  fourth  regiment;  officers  of,   °f 

(See  New-York  Battalions.) 

BATTEAUX. 

1.  Directed  to  be  furnished  for  lakes,  &.c   *W 

BATTERIES.  .  . 

1.  Resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the  ercc- 


  PAGE. 

BATTERIES— Continued. 
tion  of,  at  the  Highlands  on  each  side  of  the  Hudson  river, 

for  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation,   15 

Appointment  of  Committee  of  Provincial  Congress,  to  exam- 
ine and  report  thereon,    20 

Report  thereon   38  40 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  respecting  employment 
of  troops  for  erection  of,   47 

BATTERY.  (See  New-York  city,  43,  44.) 
BAYARD,  COLONEL  WILLIAM. 
Letter  from,  complaining  that  his  house  is  surrounded  by 
armed  men  of  the  levies;  appointment  of  committee  to  in- 
quire into,  and  if  necessary,  to  discharge  such  troops,. ...  117 

BAYARD,  SAMUEL,  Jr.  (See  Records,  1,  3,  4,  6,  7.) 
BAYLEY,  JACOB.  (See  Gloucester  County,  1,2,  11.) 
Appointment  of,  as  brigade  general  of  the  militia  of  the 

counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland,   551,  552 

Report  of  committee,  and  resolution  for  payment  of  compa- 
ny of,   837,841 

(See  Rangers,  14.) 

BAYLIES  JOHN.  (See  Suffolk  County,  14.) 
BEACONS. 

Recommendation  for  erection  of,   177 

BEAUMAN,  SEBASTIAN. 
Appointed  captain  of  Continental  company  of  artillery,....  392 
BECKER,  WILLIAM.  (See  Asia,  Ship,  12.) 
(See  New-York  City,  &c.  56.) 

BELKNAP,  ISAAC. 

Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master,  Ulster  county  militia,. . .  135 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  to  first  sui- 
table vacancy  in  the  militia  or  minute  men,  in  the  southern 
part  of  the  county  of  Ulster,  in  consequence  of  omission 
through  mistake  to  insert  name  of,  in  commission  as  quar- 
ter-master,   223 

Chairman  of  committee  of  Ulster  county,  directed  to  pay 
bounty  of  company  of  rangers  commanded  by,   698 

Requisition  on  treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  pay  of  company  of 
rangers,    728,790,870 

Report  of,  relative  to  escape  of  Captain  Phineas  Ford,. .  764,765 

Company  of  rangers  of,  placed  under  command  of  Brigadier- 
General  George  Clinton,   813 

Order  for  disbandment  of  company  of,   949 

BELL,  ALEXANDER. 

Baggage  and  papers  of,  directed  to  be  searched,   129 

Delivered  to  committee  of  New-York  city,  129,  138 

Directed  to  appear  before  Committee  of  Safety ;  reprimanded 
and  discharged,   153 

BELLINGER,  COL.  PETER. 
Place  of  rendezvous  of  regiment  of,  in  Tryon  county ;  and 
list  of  officers  of,   378 

BELLOWS,  JONAS. 
Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant,  in  Cornwall  precinct, 

in  place  of  Stephen  Howell,  declined,    76 

BEMUS,  DAVID.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels,  4.) 

BENEDICT,  CAPTAIN  ELISHA. 
Letter  from,  respecting  appointment  of  lieutenants;  and 

answer  of  Committee  of  Safety   84 

BENEDICT,  JOSEPH. 
Appointment  of,  as  captain,  in  place  of  Samuel  Cannon,  ....  91 

BENNINGTON,  BATTLE  OF. 

(See  Vermont,  5,  6.) 
(See  Clinton,  George,  48.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  248.) 

BENSON,  EGBERT.  (See  Dutchess  County,  6.) 
Appointment  of,  as  Attorney-General,   910 

BENSON,  ROBERT. 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of,  for  services  as  Se- 
cretary of  Provincial  Congress,   441 

Elected  Secretary  of  Provincial  Congress,   205,  448,  515 

Appointment  of,  as  marshal,  and  provost  marshal  of  the  high 

court  of  admiralty   550 

Appointment  of,  as  commissary  for  prisoners  of  war,   581 

BENSON,  SAMPSON. 
Chosen  captain  for  beat  No.  29,   150 

BERMUDA. 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  exportation 
of  American  produce  to  island  of,  218,  219 

BERRIEN,  JOHN. 
Appointment  of,  as  commissary  for  agents,  for  building  forti- 
fications at  the  Highlands   130 

(See  Highlands,  6,  20,  31,  44.) 

BETHUNE,  GEORGE. 
Arrest  of,  together  with  the  letters  and  papers  directed,  on 
suspicion  of  traitorous  correspondence  with  British  troops, 

142,  143 

Examination  of  letters  and  papers  of,  •  •  •  •  •   144 

Letter  to  Delegates  in  Congress,  for  the  Colony  of  Massa- 
chusetts  Bay,  respecting   144>  145 


INDEX. 


1123 


PAGE. 

BETHUNE,  GEORGE— Continued. 
4.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  declaring  the  evidence  be- 
fore Committee  of  Safety  insufficient  to  warrant  arrest  of,  176 

BEVIER,  DAVID. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

BEVIER,  PHILIP  DUBOIS. 
I.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Robert  John- 
son's company,  in  place  of  Martinus  Goetchius,  declined,  110 

BICKER,  VICTOR,  Jr. 
1.  Nomination  of,  as  lieutenant  of  marines  for  Continental  ship 
Congress  ;  and  direction  to  enlist  thirty  marines  for  the 
purpose  of  guarding  ships  Congress  and  Montgomer. .  .y,  734 

BILLETING  MONEY. 
1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety,  to  Delegation  in  Conti- 
nental Congress,  respecting  payment  of,  to  troops  at  the 
Highlands,  and  to  officers  of  New-York  battalions,  . . .  245,  246 

BILLINGS,  CAPTAIN  ANDREW. 

1.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  enlistment  of  seventy-two  men,  75 

2.  Ordered  to  join  Colonel  Clinton's  regiment,   75 

3.  Muster  roll  of,  returned  and  filed,   112 

4.  Letter  from  Colonel  Jacobus  Swartwout  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, respecting  admission,  of  temporarily  into  his  regi- 
ment; and  direction  of  Provincial  Congress  to,   308 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  payment  of  his 

men   392 

6.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Colonel  Ritzema's  regiment,. .  405 

7-  Appointment  of  subaltern  officers  of,   417 

8.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  disposition  of 

arms  found  in  out  ward  of  the  city  of  New-York,   417 

BILL  OF  RIGHTS.  (See  Government,  3.) 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  settling,   869 

BILLS  OF  CREDIT. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  emission  of,  to 

the  amount  of  £45,000,  or  $112,500,  to  defray  public  ex- 
pences ;  provisions  for  issuing,  and  for  redemption ;  and 

quotas  of  the  several  counties,   128,  133,  134 

(See  Continental  Currency.) 
(See  Colonial  Paper  Currency,) 
(See  Counterfeiting.) 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  emission  of,  form  of,  ..  540,  571 

3.  Report  of  Isaac  Roosevelt,  Esq.  to  whom  was  committed  the 

care  and  management  of  getting  plates  engraved  for,   560 

4.  Resolutions  of  Convention  respecting,  .'   560 

5.  Receipt  of  Treasurer  therefor,   560 

6.  Resolution  of  Convention  pledging  the  credit  of  the  State  for 

the  redemption  of,   571 

7.  Resolution  of  Convention  imposing  the  punishment  of  death 

for  counterfeiting,   571,  572 

8.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  pending,  for  the  appre- 

hension and  confinement  of  persons  charged  with  altering 

or  counterfeiting,   734 

9.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  for  preventing  the  de- 

preciation of;  and  recommending  the  enactment  of  laws 
for  punishing  all  persons  refusing  to  receive  the  same  at 
their  nominal  value,  for  making  them  a  legal  tender  in  pay- 
ment of  debts,  for  providing  a  sinking  fund  for  their  re- 
demption ;  and  directing  their  receipt  by  commissioners  of 
the  loan  office,   789,  790 

10.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  an  ordinance  to  prevent 

the  depreciation  of,  &c   795 

11.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  declaring  payment  in,  to 

be  a  legal  tender,  and  authorizing  payment  to  be  made  into 

the  treasury,  on  refusal  of  creditors  to  receive,    819 

12.  Letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  transmitting  amount  of,  issu- 

ed and  in  circulation  in  New-York,  and  the  several  New- 
England  Slates,   1029,  1030 

BIRDSALL,  COLONEL  BENJAMIN. 

1.  Directed  to  take  command  of  company  of  troops  raised  by 

draft  from  the  militia  on  Nassau  island,   534 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  recommending  permission  to,  for 

the  removal  of  his  wife  and  family  from  Long  Island,. . . .  873 
BLACKSMITHS. 

(See  New-York,  28.) 
(See  Gun  Barrels,  2.) 

BLACKWELL,  COLONEL  JACOB. 
1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  to  transmitting  intelligence 
from  General  Wooster,  relative  to  movement  of  the  British 
troops,  and  directing  disposition  of  troops  of,  at  New- 
town, &c     126 

BLAKE,  JONATHAN.  (See  Ustich,  William.) 
BLANKETS. 

(See  Provision  and  Supplies,  Clothing.) 
(See  Alsop,  John.) 

BLAUTER,  JACOB,  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  ensign  in  the  eighth  regiment  of  militia, 
whereof  of  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  Jr.  is  colonel, in  place 
of  Philip  Bartill,  resigned,   772 

BLEECKER,  JOHN,  N. 
(See  Provisions  and  Stores,  8.  Albany  10,  13.  16.) 
1.  Letters  from,  with  accounts  enclosed,   '  74,  95 


PAGE 

BLEECKER  LEONARD. 
1.  Commission  to,  as  first  lieutenant  of  Captain  Johnson's  com- 
pany, in  Colonel  McDougall's  regiment,   440 

BLOCKLEY,  THOMAS. 
1.  Articles  of  agreement  with,  for  importation  of  artificers  for 

making  gun  locks,   80,81 

BOARD  OF  WAR. 

1.  Letter  from  Richard  Peters,  Esq.  Secretary  of,  to  Council  of 

Safety,  transmitting  resolutions  of  Congress,  relative  to 
the  rank  of  officers  of  the  army,  and  requesting  lists  of 
such  officers  appointed  by  the  State,   983,  984 

2.  Letter  from  Richard  Peters,  Esq.  requesting  an  account  of 

moneys  expended  on  prisoners  of  war,   983 

BOSTON.  (See  Massachusetts  Bay.) 
BOSTWICK,  ANDREW. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  release  from  confinement  as  an  insolvent 

debtor,  and  resolution  of  Convention  thereon,   688 

BOUNDARIES  OF  THE  STATE. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  ascertain  and  report,   819 

BOUNTY. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  offering  a  bounty  for  the 

manufacture  of  gunpowder,   36 

2.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  offering  a  bounty  of  ten 

shillings  to  each  soldier  for  enlistment  in  the  Colonial 
troops,   67 

3.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  offering  a  bounty  of  one 

dollar  to  officers,  for  each  enlistment,   96 

4.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the  raising 

of,  for  troops  enlisted  for  the  defence  of  Canada,   265 

5.  Resolution  of  Convention,  relative  to  troops  ordered  out  for 

public  service,  from  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  West- 
chester, Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster,   525,  532 

(See  Rangers,  2.) 

6.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  providing  for  the  pay- 

ment of,  to  officers  and  privates  enlisting  during  the  war, 

653,  654 

(See  Bounty  Lands.) 
(See  Gansevoort,  Peter,  1.) 
(See  Van  Cortlandt,  Philip.) 

7.  Vote  of  Convention,  refusing  hereafer  to,   864 

BOUNTY,  LANDS. 
1.  Resolutions  of  Congress,  making  provision  for  granting  to  of- 
ficers and  privates  serving  during  the  war,   653,  654 

BOWER,  LIEUTENANT  JACOB. 
1.  Requisition  on  vreasurer  in  favor  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

for  company  of,  raised  in  the  county  of  Albany,   780 

BOYD,  ROBERT. 

(See  Gun  Barrels,  1.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  14.) 

1.  Letter  from,  respecting  making  of  muskets,   39 

2.  Agreement  of  Provincial  Congress  with,  41,  62 

3.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting,   45 

4.  Proposals  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  and  appointment  of 

committee  to  contract  with,   51 

5.  Report  of,  and  proceedings  thereon,   55 

6.  Agreement  with,   62,  63 

7.  Letter  from,  respecting  sending  of  gun  barrels,   156 

8.  Letter  to,  from  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  completion  of 

contract  with,  &c   294 

9.  Letter  from,  respecting  continuance  of  his  contract,   294,  328 

BRADT,  JOHN  A. 

1.  Requisition  on  treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

for  company  of  rangers  of,  in  Albany  county,   766,  879 

2.  Petition  of,  for  commissions  to  himself  and  his  subalterns, 

and  for  necessary  clothing  for  his  company,  &c   767 

BRANT,  JOSEPH. 

1.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  in- 

forming of  apprehension,  &c.  of,   202 

2.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  apprehension  of;  and 

recommending  John  Harper  of  Tryon  county,  to  General 
Schuyler,  as  a  proper  person  to  be  entrusted  with  this 
duty,    800 

3.  Information  of  arrival  of,  with  a  number  of  Indians,  at  One- 

hoghquaga  and  Unadilla,   96g 

4.  Interview  between,  and  General  Herkimer,  at  Unadilla, . .  996,997 

BRIGADE-MAJOR. 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  nomina- 

tion of  person  by  Provincial  Congress  for  appointment  as, 

&c   84,  89 

2.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  recommend- 

ing appointment  of  Morgan  Lewis,  as,   90 

(See  Deputy  Adjutant-General.) 
(See  Duer,  William,  5.) 
(See  Morris,  Lewis  Jr.) 
(See  Fish,  Nicholas.) 
(See  Stevens,  Simon.) 

BRIGADIER-GENERALS. 

(See  Montgomery,  Richard.) 
(See  Bayley,  Jacob.) 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  , . , . .  63 

viz: 

1st.  Seth  Pomeroy, 


1124 


INDEX. 


134 


105 


99 
135 


PAoa. 

BRIGADIER  GENERALS— Continued. 
2nd.  Richard  Montgomery, 
3rd.  David  Wooster, 
4th.  William  Heath, 
5th.  Joseph  Spencer, 
6th.  John  Thomas, 
7th.  John  Sullivan, 
8th.  Nathaniel  Greene, 
Horatio  Gates,  Adj.  Gen.  with  rank  of  Brigadier,  226 
9th.  George  Clinton. 

2.  Determination  of  respective  rank  of,   229,  230 

3.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  appointment  of 

two  Provincial  brigadier-generals  for  the  Canadian  army, 
one  from  Massachusetts  Bay  and  one  from  Connecticut  ; 
four  for  the  army  at  New-York,  one  from  Massachusetts 
Bay,  one  from  Connecticut,  one  from  New-York,  and  one 
from  New-Jersey  ;  and  three  for  the  flying  camp  in  the 
middle  States,  two  from  Pennsylvania,  and  one  from  Ma- 
ryland,   482 

(See  Morris,  Lewis.) 
(See  Scott,  John  Morin.) 

4.  Resolutions  of  Convention  calling  upon,  for  a  return  of  the 

state  of  their  respective  brigades,  &c   550 

BRITISH  ARMY.  (See  Great  Britain.) 
BRITISH  SHIPS.  (See  Asia,  ship.) 
1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  approving  of  the  conduct 
of  Dr.  Samuel  Bard,  in  attending  upon  sick  mariners  on 
board  of,   77 

BROGDEN,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  first  regiment,   62 

BROOME,  JOHN. 
1.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  loan  for  public  service,  without  inte- 
rest,   

BROOME,  SAMUEL. 
1.  Letter  from,  informing  of  withdrawal  of  company  of  from  Col. 
Lasher's  battalion,  and  his  readiness  to  join  any  other, . . 
BRUNSWICK.  (See  New- Jersey,  7.) 
BRUYN,  JACOBUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain,   

2.  Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master,  Ulster  county  militia,. . . 

BRUYN,  SEVERYN  T. 
1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  declining  appointment 
of  Adjutant  in  Col.  Thomas  Palmer's  regiment,  with  the 
reasons  therefor,  ,   295 

BRYSON,  ROBERT. 
1.  Application  of,  to  Samuel  Verplanck,  for  sundry  articles  of 

provisions,   123 

BUCHANNAN,  WALTER  &  CO. 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  3.) 

BURGOYNE,  LIEUT.  GEN.  JOHN. 

1.  Letters  from  Committee  of  Safety,  to  Delegates  in  Continen- 

tal Congress  and  Gen  Schuyler,  respecting  movements  of,  79 

2.  Copy  of  proclamation  of,  against  the  revolted  Provinces  of 

America,   1005,  1006 

3.  Proclamation  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  in  answer  thereto,   1006 

4.  Letters  from  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Gen.  Schuy- 

ler, and  from  Gen.  Schuyler  respecting  proceedings  of,. .  .  1017 

5.  Information  given  by  Francis  Horsman,  a  prisoner  of  the 

53rd  regiment,  relative  to  the  strength  of  troops  of,  &c. .  1021 

6.  Arrives  at  Fort  Edward  ;  retreat  of  Continental  army  to  Sa- 

ratoga,  1025 

7.  Raises  the  seige  of  Fort  Schuyler,   1048 

8.  Capitulation  of,   1070 

9.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

specting the  convention  with,   1075,  1076 

BURR,  THADDEUS,  (sheriff  of  Fairfield  county.) 
(See  Connecticut,  21.) 
(See  McDonald,  Angus,  7.) 

BUSSING,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Chosen  ensign  of  beat  No.  29,   150 

BYERS,  JAMES. 
1.  Proposals  of,  for  manufacture  of  brass  fieldpieces;  contract 
with  ;  committee  appointed  to  superintend  casting  and  prov- 
ing of,  and  requisition  in  favour  of,   145,  148,  152,  153,  175 


CAMPBELL  GEORGE.  (See  New-York  City,  21.) 
CANADA. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  and  instructions  to  agents, 

&c.  disapproving  of  incursions  into,  and  directing  the 
withholding  of  any  succors  or  supports  for  such  an  expe- 
dition,    11,  12. 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  draft  letter  to  Canadians  ac- 

cordingly,   13 

3.  Address  to  inhabitants  of,   26 

4.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  discountenancing  expe- 

ditions or  incursions  into,  

5.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  merchants  of,  respecting 

the  establishment  of  a  mail  route  between  New-York  and 
Canada,  and  the  general  views  of  the  confederated  Colo- 
nies,   


13 


:!(! 


•in 


PAGE. 

CANADA— Continued. 

6.  Letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  President  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress of  Massachusetts  Bay,  respecting  disposition  of  in- 
habitants of,   54 

7.  Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  recommending  James  Dean,  a 

young  man  lately  returned  from  a  mission  among  the 
tribes  of  Indians  in,   73  74 

8.  Letter  from  Jacob  Bayley,  of  Gloucester  county,  respecting  ' 

dispositions  of  French  and  Indians  in;  and  answer  of 
Committee  of  Safety,   82  83 

9.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  respecting  disposition  of  Indians 

in,  and  attempts  to  induce  them  to  enlist  with  the  British,  96, 

111,112 

10.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  respecting  military  operations 

against,  and  dispositions  of  inhabitants,   167, 168 

(See  Prisoners,  17.) 

11.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  containing  information  of  the  sur- 

render of  Chamblee,  and  the  probable  reduction  of  St. 
Johns,   jgg 

12.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  surrender  of  St. 

Johns,   200 

13.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  surrender  of 

Montreal,   201 

14.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  relative  to  raising  troops 

for  defence  of  arrangement  of,   250 

15.  Repulse  of  Continental  troops  at  Quebec,   256 

16.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  raising  an  army  for 

defence  of,   265,  266 

17.  Attack  on  Quebec ;  death  of  Gen.  Montgomery,  and  capture 

of  Col.  Arnold's  detachment,   286.  287 

18.  Information  relative  to  condition  of,  communicated  to  Com- 

mittee of  Safety  by  Col.  Ritzema,   291 

19.  Information  relative  to  the  arrangement  of  troops  in,  com- 

municated by  Col.  Ritzema,  to  Provincial  Congress,   326 

20.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  General  Lee,  relative  to  condi- 

tion ot  troops  in,  &.c   347,  348 

21.  Report  of  Committee  on  application  of  the  wives  of  soldiers 

in,  for  advances  of  pay;  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  for 
such  advances,   348,351 

22.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  employment  of 

6,000  militia,  and  a  number  of  Indians,  for  the  reinforce- 
ment of  the  army  in  ;  respective  apportionments  of  Massa- 
chusetts, New-York,  Connecticut  and  New-Hampshire,. . .  482 
CANADIANS. 

(See  Connecticut  2.  Quebec,  Canada.) 
(See  Montreal.  Schuyler,  Philip,  24.) 

CANDELL,  JOHN. 

1.  Petition  of;  ordered  to  be  brought  to  the  bar  of  the  House 

for  examination,  &c   127 

2.  Examination  of  witnesses  against,  and  committment,   129 

3.  Petition  of  John  McKenney  for  enlargement  of ;  and  order 

of  discharge,   135 

CAUGHNAWAGA  INDIANS. 

1.  Letter  from  Albany  committee  respecting  belligerent  pro- 

ceedings of,  at  Montreal,   54 

2.  History  of  embassy  to,  and  conference  of  Stockbridge  Indi- 

ans with,  transmitted  to  Provincial  Congress  by  Robert 
Yates  of  Albany,   95 

3.  History  of  conference  with,  by  delegation  of  four  warriors 

sent  by  commissioners  of  Indian  affairs  from  the  Six  Na- 
tions, transmitted  by  Volckert  P.  Douw,  of  Albany,  . .  .169,  170 
CANNON.  (See  Artillery.) 

1.  Letter  from  Nicholas  Low,  transmitting  a  pair  of  nine 

pound  cannon,  presented  by  Isaac  Gouverneur,  of  Curacoa; 
and  letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  accepting  the  same,  186 

2.  Directed  to  be  marked  and  sent  to  the  fort  at  the  Highlands,  186 

3.  Col.  McDougall  directed  to  procure  of  Capt.  Anthony  Rut- 

gers, and  forwarded  to  Gen.  Washington,   240 

4.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Robert  Livingston,  re- 

specting the  casting  of,  &c,  268 

(See  King's  Bridge.) 

5.  Report  of  committee  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress, 

relative  to  expense,  &c.  of  guarding,  at  Valentine's,   342 

(See  City  and  County  of  New-York,  139.) 
Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  ob- 
taining, &.c  


6. 

7.  Appointment  of  commissioners,     813 


796 


CAPTAIN-GENERAL.  (See 

CAPTAINS.  (See  Livingston, 
Hardenburgh,  Cornelius, 
Horton,  Jonathan, 
Child,  Increase, 
Pearse,  Nathan, 
Hyatt,  Ezekiel, 
Hunt,  Jesse, 
O'Hara,  Henry, 
Allen,  Heman, 
Schoonmaker,  Petrus, 
Durlin,  John, 
Smith,  Melancton, 
Townsend,  Micah, 
Dutcher,  William, 
Le  Dieu,  Abraham, 
Dan,  David, 


Washington,  George.) 
Henry  B.) 
Stewart,  James, 
Deane,  Gilbert, 
Storm,  Thomas, 
Van  Gaasbeck,  Petrus, 
Scribner,  Nathaniel, 
De  Witt,  Jacob  Rutzen, 
Clark,  William, 
Ludlum,  William, 
White,  George, 
Houston,  John, 
Dellivan,  Samuel, 
Baldwin,  Alexander, 
Waldron,  Adolph, 
Bradt,  John  A. 
Woodhull,  Ebenezer, 


INDEX. 


1125 


PAGE. 

CAPTAINS— Continued. 

Salisbury,  Sylvester,  Hasbrouck,  Elias, 

Pulver,  Hendrick,  Rosekrans,  Jacobus, 

Ten  Broeck,  Leonard,  Yates,  Christopher  P. 

Schoonmaker,  Hendrick,  Broome,  Samuel, 

Conkey,  Joshua,  Wynkoop,  Jacobus, 

Piatt,  Nathaniel  Hulbert,  John, 

Fansher,  William,  Dubois,  Lewis, 

Waite,  Benjamin,  Tryon  County,  12, 

Sacket,  Samuel,  Benson,  Sampson, 

Payne,  Samuel,  Smith,  Philius, 

Billings,  Andrew,  Queens  County,  13, 

Lyon,  David,  Thorne,  Stephen, 

Grennel,  John,  Sands,  John, 

Ledyard,  Benj.  Hutchins,  Amos, 

Lamb,  John,  Jackson,  William, 

Nicholson,  John,  Riker,  Abraham, 

Benedict,  Elisha,  Davis,  John, 

Herrick,  Rufus,  Strong,  Selah, 

Griffing,  Daniel,  Marvin,  Seth, 

Horton,  Ambrose,  Moss,  Isaac, 

Benedict,  Joseph,  Demoth,  Marcus, 

Johnston,  Robert,  Roos,  Jacobus, 

Lent,  Peter,  Rangers, 

Bruyn,  Jacobus,  Schoonmaker,  Frederick, 
Denton,  Daniel, 

CARMAN,  JOSHUA  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  regiment  of  minute  men,  in 

Dutchess  county,   135 

CARPENTER,  JOHN. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of,  for  erection  of  pow- 
der mill  in  Orange  county,    531 

CARPENTER,  JOHN.  (See  Wisner,  Henry.) 

CARTER,  JOHN. 
1.  Information  given  by,  to  Provincial  Congress,  relating  to  pro- 
ceedings at  Boston,   Ill 

CASTLE,  CAPT.  ROBERT.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels,  104.) 

CHANCELLOR. 
1.  Election  of  Robert  R.  Livingston,  as,   910 

CHAPLAINS.  (See  Clergy.) 

1.  Appointment  of  Rev.  John  Peter  Testard,  as  chaplain  to  Co- 

lonial troops,   67 

2.  Appointment  of  Israel  Evans  as,  for  1st  regiment,   99 

3.  do  do  for  1st  and  3d  regiments,. . .  492 

4.  Appointment  of  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  to  open  proceedings  of  Con- 

vention with  prayer,   519 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   545 

6.  Appointment  of,  to  preach  before  Convention  on  fast  day,  re- 

commended by,   554 

7.  Appointment  of  Rev.  Joseph  Treat,  as  chaplain  to  Cols. 

Lasher's  and  Malcom's  battalions,  in  Brigadier-General 
Scott's  brigade  ;  and  of  Rev.  John  Elliot  to  Col.  Saml. 
Drake's  and  Col-  Humphrey's  regiments,   590 

8.  Appointment  of  Rev.  Samuel  Provost,  as  chaplain  to  Conven- 

tion; declension  of,   810,  818 

9.  Appointment  of  Rev.  John  Rodgers  as,   818 

CHARLOTTE  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,  9,  44,  81,  89 

2.  Letter  from  committee  of  Manchester,  in,  respecting  proceed- 

ings of  certain  disaffected  persons,  to  stop  the  courts  of  jus- 
tice at  Fort  Edward,  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  72 

3.  List  of  men  who  went  from  Manchester,  in,  to  Ticonderoga, 

under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Joseph  Lockwood,  and  ac- 
counts of,     74 

4.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  the  attendance  of  Delegates 

in  Provincial  Congress,    199 

5.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  second  Provin- 

cial Congress,   297 

D.  Return  of  field  officers  of  1st  regiment,  in,   311 

7.  Return  of  officers  for  precincts  of  Granville  and  Black  creek, 

and  township  of  Aigyle,   311 

8.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress   449,  455 

9.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 

petition  of  Mr.  Duer,  relative  to  election  of  Deputies 
from   432 

10.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  Convention,. . .  524 

(See  Militia,  25.) 
(See  Stevens,  Simon  ) 

11.  Colonels  of  regiments  in,  directed  to  make  returns  to  Conven- 

tion  553 

12.  Report  of  committee  and  requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour 

of  Maj.  Alexander  Webster,  for  payment  of  wages  and 
subsistence  of  corps  of  rangers  of,   728,  760 

13.  Letter  from  committee  of,  informing  of  the  despatch  of  a 

company  of  rangers  from,  to  Ticonderoga,   817 

14.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress, 

relative  to  disaffections  in   820,  821 

15.  Instructions  to  Delegation  from  this  State,  in  Congress,  rela- 

tive to  the  admission  of  persons  claiming  to  represent  in 
Congress,   869 

16.  Election  of  Edward  Savage,  as  sheriff  of,   912 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

282 


PACE. 

CHARLOTTE  COUNTY-Contintjed: 

17.  Appointment  of  judges  of,   917 

18.  Letter  from  Col.  John  Williams,  Maj.  Alexander  Webster, 

and  Ebenezer  Clark,  Esq.  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting 

the  proceedings  and  condition  of  inhabitants  of,   977 

19.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,   979 

20.  Appointment  of  commissioners  in,  for  selling  and  disposing  of 

the  effects  of  disaffected  persons   1079 

21.  Petition  of  John  Gibson,  John  Todd,  and  twenty  other  citi- 

zens of,  mostly  emigrants  from  Ireland,  and  who  had  join- 
ed Burgoyne's  army,  for  pardon:  proceedings  of  Council 
of  Safety  thereon,  '.   1092,1093 

22.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  recommending  relief  to  the  dis- 

tressed and  suffering  inhabitants  of,    1103 

CHIEF  JUSTICE. 
1.  Election  of  John  Jay,  as,   910 

CHILD,  CAPT.  INCREASE. 

1.  Authorized  to  raise  a  company  for  Continental  service  ;  offi- 

cers of,   405,  435 

2.  Order  for  commissioner  to,   498 

CIVIL  OFFICERS. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  Constitution,  relative  to 

the  election  and  appointment  of,    873,  874,  875,  890 

(See  Elections.) 
(See  Judicial  Officers.) 
(See  Council  of  Appointment.) 

CLAUGHRY,  JAMES. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  in  Ulster  county  mili- 
tia,   135 


1 


CANTINE,  JOHANNES. 
Appointment  of,  as  major,  Ulster  county  militia, . 


135 


9. 
10. 


11. 

12. 
13. 
14. 

15 
16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 


CLARK,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  and 
bounty  of  corps  of  rangers,  commanded  by,   695 

CLERGY.    (See  Chaplains.) 
Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  inviting  to  open  proceed- 
ings of,  daily,  with  prayer,   9 

Arrangements  for,   11 

Exemption  of,  from  drafts  for  militia,  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,   496 

(See  Queens  County,  35.) 
(See  Keteltas,  Rev.  Abraham.) 

CLINTON,  GEORGE. 

Appointment  of,  as  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Ulster 
and  Orange,  Dutchess  and  Westchester  counties,          226,  563 

Directed  to  march  his  forces  to  the  fort  on  the  north  side  of 
King's  Bridge,  and  to  take  command  of  the  troops  of  horse 
in  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Orange  and  Westchester  ;  letter 
from  Convention  to,   563,  567 

Statement  by,  of  the  condition  and  strength  of  the  troops  un- 
der his  command,   570 

Letter  from,  relative  to  bounty  due  the  troops,  and  requisition 
on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of,   602 

Directed  to  apprehend  and  detain  such  portions  of  the  militia 
and  levies  of  Cols.  Smith  and  Remsen's  regiments,  in 
Kings  and  Queens  counties,  as  may  have  been  disbanded 
or  suffered  to  disperse,   605 

Letter  from,  relative  to  desertions  from  his  brigade,  &c   622 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  obstruc- 
tions to  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   624 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  move- 
ments of  the  enemy's  fleet,  up  the  Hudson  river   669 

Letter  from,  respecting  proceedings  of,  in  the  obstruction  of 
the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   731 

Directed  to  co-operate  with  Maj.  Genls.  Lee  and  Gates,  in 
harassing  and  distressing  the  enemy  in  New-Jersey,  and  in 
securing  the  passes  at  the  Highlands  ;  militia  of  Orange 
and  Ulster  counties,  and  Capts.  De  Witt  and  Hasbrouck's 
companies  of  rangers  placed  under  command  of;  requisi- 
tion on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  defraying  expenses  of, 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,   746 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  informing  of  the  de- 
spatch of  Cols.  Malcom  and  Thomas,  with  their  regi- 
ments, to  Westchester  county,  for  the  removal  of  the  stock 
and  grain  from  said  county,   749 

Directed  to  raise  1,000  men,  from  the  counties  of  Dutchess, 
Oranse,  Ulster  and  Westchester,   754 

Authorized  to  dismiss  all  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Orange 
and  Ulster,  except  five  hundred  men,   759 

Letter  from,  relative  to  proceedings  of,  and  informing  of  the 
battles  at  Trenton  and  Princeton,  and  the  movements  of  Ge- 
neral Washington,   665 

Notice  of  motion  for  the  appointment  of,  as  a  major-general.  798 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  raising  of  500  men  in  Orange 
and  Ulster  counties,   80S 

Report  of  committee  relative  to  the  disposition  of  articles  ta- 
ken by  the  militia  of  brigade  of,  •  ■•   811 

Letter  from,  transmitting  proceedings  of  court  martial  in  the 
cases  of  Samuel  Knap  and  Samuel  Divine,  sentenced  to  suf- 
fer death,  and  requesting  a  pardon  for  said  individuals,  . .  814 

Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to,  committee,  to  confer 
with,  relative  to  his  forces  for  defending  the  passes  com- 
mitted to  his  care  :  report  of  committee,        813,  716,  831,  832 


1126 


INDEX. 


PAGE 

CLINTON,  GEORGE— Continued. 

20.  Requisition  ou  Treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  his  attendance  in 

Congress,..   839,  840 

21.  Letter  Gram  Convention  to  Continental  Congress  recommend- 

ing the  appointment  of,  to  the  command  of  the  fortresses 

at  the  Highlands,   84q 

22.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  progress  of  the 

works  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river,.  841 

23.  Authorized  to  call  out  the  militia  of  Dutchess,  Orange,  Ulster 

and  Westchester  counties  for  the  protection  of  the  passes 
of  the  Highlands,  and  to  oppose  the  incursions  of  the  ene- 
my.   848 

24.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  appointing,  to  the  com- 

mand of  the  fortresses  at  the  Highlands,  with  the  rank  of 
brigadier-general,   860 

25.  Directed  to  provide  for  the  security  and  protection  of  West- 

chester county,   869 

26.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  into  the  refusal  of  a  por- 

tion of  the  militia  of  Dutchess  to  obey  the  orders  of,  and 
resolution  of  Convention  authorizing,  to  make  such  dispo- 
sition of  the  officers  under  his  command  as  he  shall  deem 
conducive  to  the  public  service,    901 

27.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  respecting  the  disposition  of  pri- 

soners sent  from  Fort  Montgomery,   914 

28.  Letter  from,  requesting  leave  to  resign  his  commission  as  bri- 

gadier-general of  the  militia  of  Ulster  and  Orange  counties; 
and  transmitting  the  proceedings  and  testimony  against 
sundry  persons  tried  at  a  court  martial  at  Fort  Montgo- 
mery ;  proceedings  of  Convention  thereon,  921,  922,  to  928,  929 

29.  Resolution  of  Convention  refusing  to  accept  resignation  of, 

stating  the  grounds  of  such  refusal,   929 

30.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  Dele- 

gate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

31.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  refusal  to  ac- 

cept his  resignation,   940 

32.  Letter  from,  to  Council,  respecting  the  obstruction  of  the  na- 

vigation of  the  Hudson  river,  and  answer  of  Council,.  191,  962 

33.  Letter  from,  to  Council,  respecting  the  appointment  of  pay- 

master and  other  officers  in  Col.  Duboys'  regiment,   977 

34.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  giving  an  account  of  his 

proceedings  in  the  reinforcement  of  the  army,  and  of  the 
garrison  at  the  Highlands,  and  enclosing  a  letter  from 
Gen.  Washington,  giving  information  of  the  proceedings  of 
the  enemy,  and  requesting  a  reinforcement  at  Peekskill,. .  985 

35.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,    986 

36.  Election  of,  as  Governor  ;  and  letter  of  Council  of  Safety  to, 

informing  him  thereof,   990,  991 

37.  Answer  of  Gov.  Clinton,   993 

38.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  requesting,  to  enter  upon  the 

discharge  of  his  duties  as  Governor,   1007 

39.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Council,  suggesting  the  pro- 

priety of  an  extension  of  the  powers  vested  in,  for  calling 
out  the  military  of  Dutchess,  Orange.  Ulster  and  West- 
chester counties,   1013 

40.  Answer  of  Council,   1014 

41 .  Oath  of  office  administered  to,  as  governor,  and  proclamation  of 

Council  of  Safety  thereon,   1021 

(See  Governor.) 

42.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  expressing  his  readiness  to 

re-assume  the  command  of  the  militia  in  the  northern  part 
of  this  State,  and  informing  of  the  transfer  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler to  the  army  under  Gen.  Washington  ;  and  the  appoint- 
ment of  Gen.  Gates  to  the  command  of  the  northern  army ; 
answer  of  Council,   1035,  1036 

43.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  requesting  the  despatch  of 

a  party  against  Capt.  Man,  of  Schoharie,  engaged  in  co- 
operating with  the  enemy ;  answer  of  Governor,...  1036,  1040 

44.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  enclosing  letters  from  the  Al- 

bany and  German  Flatls  committees,  relating  to  the  distres- 
sed situation  of  the  northern  frontiers,  and  accounts  of  the 
battle  near  Fort  Schuyler,   1038 

45.  Answer  of  Gov.  Clinton   1039 

46.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  refusal  of  in- 

habitants of  the  Manor  of  Livingston  to  march  to  Stillwa- 
ter,   1040 

47.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  condition  of 

the  northern  army,   1042 

48.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  battle  of 

Bennington,  the  death  of  Gen.  Herkimer,  and  the  proceed- 
ings of  Gen.  Arnold  and  the  northern  army,  &c.  &c   1048 

49.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  informing  of  the  raising  of 

the  siege  of  Fort  Schuyler  by  the  enemy,  and  of  their 
march  to  Oswego,  '.   1048,  1049 

50.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  transmitting  an  account  of 

the  attack  upon  the  troops  under  command  of,  at  Doodle- 
town,  near  Fort  Montgomery  ;  the  destruction  of  the  Con- 
tinental ships  and  Fort  Constitution  by  the  Americans,  and 
advices  received  as  to  the  intention  and  movements  of  the 

enemy,   1063,  1064,  1065,  1066 

51  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  subsequent  pro- 
ceedings of,   1067,  1069 

52.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  transmitting  a  letter  from 

Sir  Henry  Clinton  to  Gen.  Burgoyne,  taken  from  Daniel 
Taylor,  a  spy   1068 

53.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting  the  disposition 

of  Colo.  Wemple's  and  Livingston's  regiments,   1074 

54.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  transporta- 


5                     CLINTON,  GEORGE — Continued.  PA°E' 
tion  of  flour  out  of  the  State  ;  and  a  contemplated  exDedi- 
tion  to  the  city  of  New-York,   10?7 

55.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  recommending  relief  to 

ship  carpenters  employed  in  building  the  Continental  fri- 
gates,   1082 

56.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  confer  with,  on  the  expedi- 

ency  of  a  Convention  of  the  Legislature,   1089,  1090 

57.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  *  1093 

58.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safely  to,  transmitting  resolutions  of, 

recommending  the  prevention  of  flags  of  truce  except  upon 
urgent  occasions,   jjrjj 

CLINTON,  JAMES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  Col.  ofthird  regiment,   62 

2.  Report  from,  as  to  condition  of  regiment,   86 

3.  To  muster  his  regiment,  ,  96 

4-  Sundry  articles  of  military  stores  directed  to  be  sent  to,  '.  99 

5.  Ordered  to  proceed  to  Albany  with  the  men  under  his  com 

mand,  ,   i05 

(See  Van  Schaack,  Goose,  4.) 
(See  Livingston,  Henry,  Jr.  3.) 

6.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

7.  Letter  to,  covering  account  of  expenses  for  apprehending  and 

conveying  to  Albany  13  deserters  belonging  to  Capt.  John- 
son's company  in  regiment  of,  and  requesting  suspension 
of,  of  their  pay,   195 

8.  Return  of  regiment  of,  from  Lieut.  Col.  James  McClaghry, 

commanding,  transmitting  a  scheme  for  raising  minute 
men,  or  having  one  fourth  of  the  militia  always  in  readi- 
ness,  377 

9.  Appointment  of  companies  to  regiment  of,   424 

10.  Letter  from,  transmitting  a  return  of  articles  wanted  at  the 

fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  and  requesting  a  reinforce- 
ment ;  answer  of  committee,  616,  617 

11.  Warrant  to,  for  impressing  sloops  for  the  removal  of  the  sick 

to  Orangetown,   617 

12.  Letter  from,  respecting  the  condition  of  the  fortifications  at 

the  Highlands,  T   650 

13.  Directed  to  give  orders  for  searching  all  boats,  and  securing 

all  suspected  persons  passing  up  and  down  Hudson's  river,  673 

14.  Return  of  officers  and  men  in  garrison  at  Forts  Montgomery 

and  Constitution,  under  the  command  of,   777 

CLOPPER,  CORNELIUS. 

1.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  and  proceedings  of  Con- 

vention on  petition  of  wife  and  daughter  of,  relative  to 
personal  estate  of,  and  removal  to  Poughkeepsie,          872,  904 

2.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  relative  to  claim  of  proper- 

ty in  slaves,   942 

CLOTHING  OF  TROOPS. 

1.  Directions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting,   59 

2.  Directions  of  Committee  of  Safety,   75 

3.  Letter  from  Marinus  Willet  and  other  officers,  to  Provincial 

Congress,  respecting,   89 

(See  Livingston,  Henry  B.  3,) 
(See  Ulster  County,  6,  74.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  64,  166,  257.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  92.) 
(See  Curtenius,  Peter  T.) 
1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  making  provision  for,   657,  667 

5.  Letter  from  committee  of  Continental  Congress  to  Conven- 

tion, transmitting  $10,000  for  provisions  for,   676 

6.  Letter  to  brigadier-generals  relative  to  provisions  of,   695 

7.  Letter  from  Abraham  Livingston,  relative  to  the  forwarding 

of  the  army,   761 

8.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  relative  to,  purchased  for  the 

troops  of  the  State  of  New-York   764 

9.  Appointment  of  Committee  for  providing  blankets  and  stock- 

ings for,   774 

10.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  application  to 
be  made  to  every  householder  in  the  several  counties 
therein  named,  for  furnishing  blankets  and  hose  for,   780 

11.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  rela- 
tive to,  detained  by  order  of  Convention,  for  the  use  of  the 
troops  in  this  State   782,  783 

12.  Appointment  of  John  Henry,  as  commissary,  and  Cornelius 
Cregier,  assistant  commissary  of  clothing  store,   807 

13.  Inventory  of  goods  in  store  for,    820 

14.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for   820,  981 

(See  Privateers.  15.) 

15.  Directions  for  the  disposition  of  a  quantity  of,  purchased  by 
William  Hoskins,   870 

(See  Henry,  John.) 

16.  Directions  to  Philip  Leake,  to  purchase,   921 

COCK,  JOHN.  (See  Westchester  County,  8,  11,  12.) 

COFFIN.  CAPTAIN  GEORGE. 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  respecting  lading  of  provisions  consigned  to 
Messrs.  Lopez  and  Rome,  at  Rhode  Island,  for  the  use  of 
the  army  and  navy  at  Boston,  on  board  ship  of,   38 

2.  Papers  relating  to  vessel  and  cargo  of,  referred  to  general 

committee  of  association  at  New- York,   99 

COLDEN,  CADWALLADER. 
1.  Report,  resolutions  and  proceedings  of  committee  for  detect- 
ing and  defeating  conspiracies,  on  the  case  of,   762,  763 


INDEX. 


1127 


PAGE. 

COLDEN,  CADWALLADER— Contijtued. 

2.  Letter  from,  requesting  a  hearing  before  the  House ;  resolu- 

tion, grantiag  such  request,   768 

3.  Letter  from,  informing  of  his  return  to  his  family,  and  his 

readiness  to  appear  when  required  by  Convention,  to  an- 
swer the  charges  against  him,   784 

4.  Permitted  to  repair  on  parol  to  Fishkill,  for  the  purpose  of 

availing  himself  of  the  benefit  of  the  resolution  of  Con- 
vention for  the  discharge  of  disaffected  persons,  takiag  the 
oath  of  allegiance  and  fidelity,   829 

5.  Interrogations  by  Council  of  Safety  to ;  answer  of ;  and  order 

for  confinement  as  a  prisoner  on  parol,    1071,  1072 

COLLECTORS. 

1.  Resolution  directing  the  election  of,  in  the  several  towns,. . . .  818 

COLLECTORS. 

(See  County  Committees,  4.) 
(See  Town  Committees,  4.) 

COLONELS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  for  several  regiments,  62,  135,528,534,  568 

2.  Circular  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  certain  in- 

formation relative  to  condition  of  their  respective  regi- 
ments,   81 

(See  Blackwell,  Jacob.) 

3.  Return  of  field  officers  of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county,   139 

4.  Directions  to,  by  Provincial  Congress,  to  muster  their  men, 

completely  armed  and  equipped,  at  some  convenient  ren- 
dezvous, in  case  of  any  public  alarm,   177 

(See  Hasbrouck,  Jonathan,) 
(See  Nicoll,  Isaac.) 
(See  Drake,  Samuel  ) 
(See  Livingston,  James.) 
(See  Dubois,  Lewis.) 

5.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  requiring  them  to  be  in 

readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning,   337 

(See  Thomas,  Thomas.) 
(See  Van  Cortlandt,  Pierre.) 
(See  Pawling,  Levi.) 

COLONIAL  DEBT.  (See  Public  Debt.) 

COLONIAL  PAPER  CURRENCY. 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  emission  of,   239,  435 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  a  plan  for  the  emission 

of,  &c   316 

3.  Report  of  committee ;  adopted,  326,  338,  339 

4.  Loan  officers  directed  to  receive  in  payment  of  loans,   350 

5.  Provision  for  suppressing  counterfeits  of,   414 

(See  Counterfeit  Bills.) 
(See  New-York  City  and  County.) 
(See  Bills  of  Credit.) 
COLONIAL  TROOPS. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  arrangement 

of,  55,56,  57,  59,  62,  84,  97,  103,  104,  109,  114,  to  116 

2.  Draft  of  warrant  and  instructions  to  officers  relative  to  enlist- 

ments of,   57 

3.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  officers  of,  ... .  59 

4.  Provision  for  clothing  and  ammunition  for,   59,  75 

5.  Uniforms  of;  drums,   65 

6.  Appointment  of  chaplain  to,   67 

7.  Resolution  fixing  pay  and  uniform  of,  and  allowance  for  use 

of  arms,   101 

8.  Militia  bill,   114  to  116 

(See  Lamb,  John,  7.) 

9.  Report  relative  to  payments  made  to,   210 

10.  Accounts  of  moneys  paid  to,  transmitted  to  General  Schuyler,  211 

11.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegation  in  Continen- 

tal Congress,  respecting  provision  for  reimbursement  of 
billeting  money  to  officers  of  New-York  battalions,. . .  245, 246 

12.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  providing  for  the  rais- 

ing of  four  battalions  for  defence  of  Colony,    265 

13.  Nominations  of  field  officers  for,   328 

(See  New-York  Battalions.) 

COMMANDER.IN-CHIEF.I 

(See  Washington,  George.) 

COMMISSARY  OF  MILITARY  STORES. 
(See  Norwood,  Richard.) 
(See  Curtenius,  Peter.) 

COMMISSARY  OF  PROVISIONS  AND  STORES. 
(See  Curtenius,  Peter.) 
(See  Livingston,  Walter.) 
1.  Ordered  by  Provincial  Congress  to  deliver  articles  purchased 

to  Gen.  Schuyler,  on  taking  his  receipt  therefor,   59 

(See  Hughes,  Hugh.) 
(See  Livingston,  Abraham.) 
(See  Coombe,  George.) 
(See  Paulding,  William.) 
(See  Hay,  Col.  A.  Hawkes.) 
(See  Tswnsend,  Robert.) 
(See  Bartow,  Theodorus.) 
(See  Piatt,  Zephaniah.) 
(See  Wyckoff,  Henry.) 
(See  Schenck,  Pa  il.) 
(See  Currie,  David.) 
(See  Prisoners  of  War,  22.) 


PAGE. 

COMMISSARY  OF  PROVISIONS  AND  STORES—  CoNTiurjED. 
2.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Sasety,  appointing  a  commitle  to  in- 
vestigate abuses  in,   1092 

COMMISSIONERS  OF  LOAN  OFFICE. 

(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry  I.) 
(See  Ten  Broeck,  Dirck.) 

COMMISSIONERS  OF  SEQUESTRATION. 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention,  appointing  in  the  several  counties,  826, 

861,  907 

(See  Petitions,  53,  54.) 

2.  Instructions  to,  and  authority  to  lease  lands  and  tenements  of 

persons  joining  the  enemy,   ....  930,  931 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  82.) 
(See  Westchester  County,  96,  97,  98.) 
(See  Charlotte  County,  19.) 
(See  Ludlow,  William  H.) 
COMMISSIONS. 
1.  Draft  of,  for  officers  in  militia,  independent  companies  and  mi- 
nute men,   141 

COMMISSIONERS  FOR  DETECTING  CONSPIRACIES. 

1.  Appointment  of,   803 

2.  Letter  from,  transmitting  information  of  an  attack,  by  Col. 

Willett's  troops,  upon  the  advanced  post  of  the  enemy, 
and  of  their  disposition  and  force ;  answer  of  Conven- 
tion,   850 

3.  Authorized  to  raise,  pay  and  officer  a  company  for  the  de- 

fence of  the  State,   872 

4.  Directed  to  transmit  the  names,  and  direct  the  delivery  to 

Gen.  George  Clinton,  of  prisoners  confined  in  the  counties 

of  Ulster,  Orange  and  Dutchess,  for  trial  by  court  martial,  889 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   961,  991,  1105 

COMMITTEE  OF  CONFERENCE  AND  ARRANGE- 
MENT FOR  THE  PROTECTION  AND  DEFENCE 
OF  THE  NORTHERN  AND  WESTERN  FRON- 
TIERS. 

1.  Report  of,  699  to  705 

COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 

1.  Appointment  of  members  of,  from  the  several  counties,  to  sit 

during  the  recess  of  Provincial  Congress,  and  power  of,  69, 70, 
135,  136,  222,  223,  232,  363,  364,  577,~614,  629,  639,  643,648, 663, 
677,739. 

2.  Chairman  of,  Henry  Williams,   71 

3.  Report  of  proceedings  of,   90,  92 

4.  Proceedings  approved,  and  vote  of  thanks,   93 

5.  Directed  to  purchase  and  distribute  copies  of  sundry  acts  of 

Parliament,  complained  of  as  grievous  to  the  Colonies,. . .  228 

6.  Authorized  to  apply  £80,000  to  the  defence  and  security  of 

the  Colony,    232 

7.  Circular  by,  to  county  committees,  relative  to  the  election  of 

Delegates  to  General  Assembly   236 

8.  Letter  from,  recommending  the  convening  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress,   410 

9.  Ratification  of  facts  and  proceedings  of,  by  Convention,....  887 

COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY  AND  CORRESPONDENCE. 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention  appointing,  for  that  part  of  the 

State  below  the  Highlands,  612,  613,  627 

2.  Directed  to  take  from  the  doors  of  the  houses  in  the  city  of 

New-York,  the  brass  knockers,  and  forward  the  same  to 
Newark,   613 

COMMITTEE  OF  SECRECY. 
1.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  impressment  of 
conveyances,  horses  and  drivers,  by,  and  the  calling  out 
the  militia  when  necessary  ;  appropriation  of  £5,000  for,.  528 

COMMODORES.    (See  Smith,  James.) 

1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Maj.  Douglass,  respect- 

ing services  on  the  lakes,   371,  372 

2.  Answer  of  Major  Douglass,   332 

3-  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Continental  Congress, 

recommending  Capt.  Wynkoop  to  command  of  vessels  on 

the  lakes,   382 

(See  Wynkoop,  Jacobus.) 

COMMON  PRAYER. 
1.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Continental  Congress,  suggesting 
the  propriety  of  expunging  such  parts  of,  as  interfere  with 
the  interests  of  the  American  cause,   521 

COMPANIES  OF  MILITIA. 
1.  Recommended  to  be  formed  in  the  several  cities,  manors, 

towns,  precincts  and  districts,   104 

CONFISCATED  PROPERTY. 

(See  Clopper,  Cornelius.) 
(See  Forfeited  Estates.) 
(See  Commissioners  of  Sequestration.) 
(See  Ludlow,  William  H.) 
1.  Order  for  payment  into  the  treasury,  of  the  avails  of  seven 
pipes  of  wine,  the  property  of  Hamilton  Young,  of  New- 
York,    902 

CONGRESS. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  Constitution,  relative 

to  the  choice  of  Delegates  in,    877,  878 

(See  Continental  Congress.) 

2.  Election  of  Philip  Schuyler,  Philip  Livingston,  James  Duane, 

William  Duer  and  Governuer  Morris,  as  Delegates  in,. .  931 


1128 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

CONKEY,  CAPT.  JOSHUA. 
I.  Pay  and  subsistence  roll  of  company  of  rangers,  commanded 
by,  in  Charlotte  county,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in 
favour  of,   822 

CONNECTICUT. 

1.  Attendance  of  committee  from  House  of  Representatives  of 
Colony  of,  and  conference  with,  respecting  the  common 
welfare,  10,  11 

.3.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  and  Company 
of,  respecting  removal  of  artillery  and  stores  from  Ticon- 
deroga  to  south  end  of  Lake  George,  and  respecting  Cana- 
dians and  Indians,  10,  11 

3.  Report  of  committee  of  conference,  relative  to  the  fortress  at 

Ticonderoga  and  the  Stockbridge  Indians,  and  proceedings 
thereon,   11,  12 

4.  Letter  from  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Governor  of  the  Colo- 

ny of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  enclosing  letter  from  Col. 
Benedict  Arnold,  respecting  defence  of  Ticonderoga  and 
Crown-Point,  16,  17 

5.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  17,  18 

6.  Letter  from  Hon.  Jona.  Trumbull,  in  behalf  of  Governor  and 

Company  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  defence  of 
Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,   23 

7.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   30 

8.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  requesting  Governor  of, 

to  send  reinforcements  to  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point, 

and  the  appointment  of  commissaries,  27,  29 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of,  relative  to 

supply  of  powder  to  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,    38 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of,  communi- 
cating information  of  the  movements  and  designs  of  the 

British,   45 

Order  of  Provincial  Congress  and  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Woos- 
ter,  commanding  a  body  of  troops  in  the  southern  part  of, 
to  repair  to  within  five  miles  of  the  city  of  New-York  ;  an- 
swer of  Gen.  Wooster,   44,  47 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  removal  of 

troops  of,  to  New-York,  46,  47 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of,  transmitting 
such  resolution,  and  directions  of  Provincial  Congress  re- 
specting powder  sent  for  the  use  of  the  Provincial  army, 

near  Boston,   47 

Answer  of  Gov.  Trumbull,   52 

Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  respecting  tents  and  fuel  for  en- 
campment of  troops  of,  near  New- York,     60 

Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  supply  of  utensils  to  armo- 
rer of  troops  of,  and  that  a  separate  account  be  kept,  ...  66 
Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  recommending  James  Dean,  late- 
ly returned  from  a  mission  among  the  Indian  tribes  in  Ca- 
nada  73,  74 

Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  respecting  tents,  &c.  for 
troops  under  Col.  Hinman,  and  answer  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress,  92,  93,  121 

Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  respecting  pro- 
visions, &c.  for  troops  at  Ticonderoga,     96 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  request- 
ing permission  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer  to  purchase  a 
quantity  of  barrelled  pork,  in,  for  use  of  the  Continental 


9. 
10. 

11. 

12. 
13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 
17. 

18. 

19. 
20. 

21. 

22. 


23. 
24. 


25. 
26. 


27. 

28. 

29. 
30 

31, 

32 
33 


army, 


103 


Letter  from  Thaddeus  Burr,  sheriff  of  Fairfield  county,  re- 
specting imprisonment  of  Angus  McDonald,  by  order  of 

Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,   158 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  covering 
extract  of  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  requesting  supply  of 

powder,  <kc   168 

Answer  of  Gov.  Trumbull    174 

Letter  to  Governor  and  Company  of,  relative  to  the  best 
mode  of  conveying  intelligence  and  receiving  assistance,  in 

case  of  invasion,   177 

Answer  of  Gov.  Trumbull,   201 

Proceedings  of  a  meeting  of  the  Governor  and  Council  of ; 
letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  and  the  chairman  of  New-Ha- 
ven committee,  to  committee  of  city  of  New  York,  request- 
ing a  loan  of  cannon  for  the  defence  of  their  town,   203 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of,  respecting 
the  seizure,  by  a  body  of  troops  from,  of  the  types  belong- 
ing to  a  printer  in  the  city  of  New-York,  and  the  commis- 
sion of  other  outrages,  213,  214 

Resolution  communicating  the  thanks  of  Provincial  Congress, 
to  inhabitants  of,  aiding  in  the  suppression  of  insurgents 

from,  in  Westchester  county,   214 

Letter  from  delegation  from  New-York,  in  Continental  Con- 
gress, respecting  inroad  from,   243 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  comtniltee  of  Stanford, 
in,  accompanying  transmission  of  two  pieces  of  brass  ord- 
nance to  Gen.  Washington   281 

Order  for  supply  of  gunpowder  to  Capt.  Silleck,  for  the  use 
of  armed  tender  belonging  to  Colony  of,  ordered  into  ser- 
vice by  Gen.  Lee   310 

Report  of  Joseph  Hopkins,  to  General  Assembly  of,  respect- 
ing the  discovery  of  lead  mines  at  New-Canaan,   318 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York,  to  Delegates 
in  Continental  Congress,  informing  that  no  answer  has  been 
received  to  application  to  Governor  and  Representatives  of 
the  Colony  of,  relative  to  the  inroads  from,  nor  restitution 


FACE. 

CONNECTICUT— Continued. 
made  for  the  types  and  property  taken  from  James  Ri- 
vington,   346 

34.  Petition  of  Archibald  Campbell,  and  letter  from  Malcom  Mor- 

rison, of  Pauling's  precinct,  in  Dutchess  county,  complain- 
ing of  forcible  and  lawless  outrages  on  the  property  of  said 
Campbell,  by  inhabitants  of  Colony  of,   352,  353 

35.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  to  chairman 

of  committee  of  Fairfield  county,  requesting  the  immediate 
discharge  of  Samuel  Gale,   365 

36.  Letter  from  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Governor  of,  enclosing  Mr. 

Hopkins'  report  on  the  lead  mines  at  New-Canaan,  and  re- 
questing loan  of  cannon,   394 

37.  Letter  from  Jonathan  Sturgis,  of  Fairfield,  to  Gen.  Washing- 

ton, transmitting  list  of  deserted  tories,   453 

28.  Quota  of  militia  directed  by  Continental  Congress  to  be 
raised  by,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  Canada  and 
at  New-York,   482 

39.  Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  relative  to  the  carrying  away 

James  Rivington's  types,  &c  491,  492 

40.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  at  Litchfield,  in,  ac- 

companying the  transmission  of  sundry  prisoners  to  the  jail 

of,   531 

41.  Answer  of  Litchfield  committee,   541 

42.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  relative  to  provi- 

sion for  the  security  of  such  prisoners,   543 

43.  Letter  from  the  Convention  to  Litchfield  commitee,   543 

44.  Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  informing  of  the  detention  of  ves- 

sels exporting  provisions,  in  order  to  prevent  their  capture 

by  the  enemy;  answer  of  Convention,   545 

45.  Permission  to  Commissary-General  to  export  salt  from  New- 

York,  to,   554 

46.  Report  relative  to  disposition  of  the  New-York  prisoners  in,  583 

584 

47.  Letter  from  Erastus  Wolcolt,  of  New-London  to  committee 

of  Saybrook,  transmitting  information  of  the  appearance 

of  British  armed  vessels  at  the  east  end  of  Fisher's  island,  593 

48.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Governor  Trumbull,  respecting 

the  case  of  D.  Mathews,  a  prisoner  in  Litchfield  county 
jail,   597 

49.  Governor  of  requested  to  send  troops  for  the  protection  of 

the  inhabitants  and  security  of  the  stock  on  Nassau  island,  597 

50.  Letter  to  chairman  of  committees  of  several  towns  in,  re- 

questing their  assistance  in  the  removal  of  the  stock  from 
Long  island,   598 

51.  Letter  to  Governor  Trumbull  on  the  same  subject,   598 

52.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  aid  from  the 

militia  of  Fairfield  and  Litchfield  counties,  in,   670 

53.  Letter  to  commanding  officers  of  the  militia  of  those  counties 

respectively,    670 

54.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  authorizing  the  removal 

of  prisoners  of  war  from  Westchester  county,  to  Woodbu- 
ry, in,    683 

55.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  adjustment  of 
accounts  of  inhabitants  of,  for  services  rendered  in  the  re- 
moval of  stock,  &c.  from  Long  island,   718 

56.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  in- 

forming of  the  respective  positions  of  Generals  Howe  and 
AVashington,  and  requesting  the  union  of  troops  of,  with 
those  of  General  Lee,  in  the  Jerseys,   745 

57.  Answer  of  Governor  Trumbull,   794 

58.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  re- 

lative to  the  prohibition  of  importations  of  merchandize 
from,  to  this  State,   772 

59.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of  Christopher  Leffing- 

well,  of,  for  sloop  hire  and  expenses  in  the  removal  of  in- 
habitants and  stock  from  Long  island,   788 

60.  Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  relative  to  the  embargo  on 

importation  of  provisions  from,   789 

61.  Appointment  of  committee  to  obtain  an  account  of  slock  and 

effects  belonging  to  this  Slate,  sold  in,   789> 

62.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  relative  to  permis- 

sion to  prisoners  belonging  to  this  State  to  go  at  large  on 
parol,   887 

63.  Letter  from  Col.  Morris  Graham,  informing  of  the  march  of 

a  party  of  British  troops  to  Danbury,  and  of  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  Continental  stores  there,   903 

64.  Letter   from  Governor  Trumbull,  demanding  a  return  of 

cannon  lent  this  State,   903 

(See  Salt,  16.) 

65.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  re- 

questing permission  to  Dr.  Piatt  Townsend  to  manufacture 
salt  in,  for  exportation  to  this  State,   962 

66.  Letter  from  Lynde  Lord,  respecting  accounts  against  prisoners 

confined  in,  &c   965 

67.  Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  enclosing  accounts  of  Pros- 

per Wetmore,  sheriff  of  the  county  of  New-London,   975 

68.  Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  respecting  prisoners  belong- 

ing to  this  State,  confined  in,   976 

69.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,   978 

(See  Long  Island,  12,  13.) 

70.  Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull,  to  Council  of  Safety,  trans- 

mitting voles  of  the  Council  of,  authorizing  Dr.  Piatt 
Townsend  and  all  others,  inhabitants  of  this  State,  to  manu- 
facture salt  in,  for  the  use  of  this  State,   984 

71.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  re- 


INDEX. 


1129 


PACE. 

CONNECTICUT— Continued. 
specting  the  condition  of  the  northern  army,  and  request- 
ing the  assistance  of;  answer  of  Governor  Trumbull,  1018, 

1019,  1043 

72.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  respecting  claim  of  Comfort 

Sands  and  other  citizens  of  this  State,  relative  to  a  quanti- 
ty of  sugar  detained  in,   1024 

73.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  for  the  transmission  of  pri- 

soners confined  on  board  the  Fleet  prison,  to  Hartford  in, 
and  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull  respecting,   1063 

74.  Letters  from  Ezekiel  Williams  commissary  of  prisoners  in, 

relative  to  supplies  for  prisoners  so  transmitted,         1073,  1100 

75.  Appointment  of  commissioners  to  superintend  the  removal  of 

such  prisoners  to  this  State,   1105,  1106 

CONSPIRACIES. 

(See  Orange  County,  14, 67.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  43,  51.) 
1.  Appointment  of  commissioners  for  inquiring  into,  detecting 

and  defeating,  against  the  liberties  of  America,   803 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  74.) 

CONSTITUTION,  FORT.  (See  Highlands.) 
CONTEMPT. 

1.  Proceedings  in  the  case  of  Christopher  Duychinck,  brought 

before  Provincial  Congress  for,  &c   326 

2  Order  for  apprehension  and  imprisonme.it  of  Morris  Hazard, 
to  answer  charge  of,  for  maltreatment  of  President  of 
Convention,   754 

3.  Examination  of,  and  proceedings  of  Convention,   756 

4.  Proceedings  against  Captain  Gerardus  Hardenberg,  for  impri- 

soning Colonel  Charles  De  Witt,  a  member  of  the  Conven- 
tion, aud  report  of  committee  thereon,. .  911,  912, 942,  943,  944 

5.  Proceedings  against  Lieut.  Col.  Jonathan  Elmendorph,   912 

6.  Proceedings  against  Hugh  Dougherty,   936 

7.  Proceedings  against  Cornelius  Tack,   951 

CONTINENTAL  ARMY. 

1.  Letter  from  James  Duane  in  behalf  of  Delegates  from  New- 

York,  in  Continental  Congress,  transmitting  information 
of  the  raising  of  a  body  of  15,000  men  for  the  defence  of 
the  country,  and  of  the  appointment  of  Col.  George  Wash- 
ington, as  Captain-General  and  Commander-in-Chief,...  46,47 

2.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  the  several 

committees  and  sub-committees  to  purchase  or  hire  arms 

for  use  of,  and  deliver  to  the  several  colonels,   103 

3.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  the  purchase  in  Con- 

necticut of  a  quantity  of  barrelled  pork  for  use  of,   103 

4.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  pas- 

sage of  laws  prohibiting  the  arrest  of  soldiers  of,  for  tri- 
fling debts,   244 

5.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  directing  the  raising  of 

four  additional  requirements  in  New-York,  under  Conti- 
nental pay,  for  defence  of  the  Colony,  &c   265,  266 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  county  committees  re- 

specting the  establishment  of  men,  and  the  appointment  of 
officers,   269 

7.  Instructions  to  officers  for  enlistment  of  new  battalions,   269 

8.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  informing  of 

the  obtaining  of  a  warrant  on  Continental  Treasurer  for 
$12,000  to  aid  in  raising  New- York  battalions  for  Colonial 
defence,   299 

9.  Appointment  of  committee  to  settle  the  quotas  of  men  and 

officers,  &c.  to  be  raised  in  the  different  counties  of  the 

Colony,  for  ;  and  report  of,   303,  306,  309 

(See  New- York  Battalions.) 

10.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  in  the 

Colonies  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  Connecticut,  New-York, 
and  New-Jersey,  of  13,800  militia  to  reinforce  the  army  at 

New- York,   482 

(See  Canada.) 

11.  Resolutions  from  Continental  Congress  for  the  establishment 

of  a  flying  camp  in  the  middle  States,  consisting  of 
10,000  men;  and  quotas  of  the  several  Colonies  of  Penn- 
sylvania, Maryland  and  Delaware,   482 

12-  Quotas  of  militia  to  be  raised  by  the  several  counties  in  the 

Colony  of  New-York,   483 

13.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  an  addi- 

tional regiment  in  the  Colony  of  New-York,   504 

14.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  directing  the  provision  by 

the  several  Colonies  of  clothing  for;  and  its  storage  sub- 
ject to  the  disposition  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,   504 

15.  Leave  Long  Island  for  the  city  of  New-York  by  order  of  the 

Commander-in-Chief,   602 

16.  Evacuation  of  the  city  of  New-York  by,   628 

17.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  of  eighty- 

eight  battalions  to  serve  during  the  war  ;  fixing  the  quo- 
tas of  the  several  States;  and  providing  for  the  payment 
of  bounty  and  bounty  lands  to  such  officers  and  privates 
as  shall  continue  in  service  during  the  war,   653,  654 

18.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee,  for  arrangement,  &c.  of, 

on  the  northern  frontier  relative  to  the  condition  of,  &c.  694, 

695 

(See  New- York  Battalions.) 

19.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  of 

Connecticut,  and  General  Schuyler,  detailing  the  move- 
ments and  position  of,   745,  747 

283 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  ARMY— Continued. 

20.  Letter  from  William  Duer  to  General  Gates,  informing  of 

the  movements  of,   750,  751 

21.  Letter  from  John  S.  Hobart  and  Jonathan  Landon,  informing 

of  the  proceedings,  &c.  of,   756 

22.  Resolutions  of  Congress  investing  General  Washington  with 

more  ample  powers  for  the  regulation  of;  and  increasing 

the  number  of  battalions  to  110,    764 

23.  Letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  containing  information 

of  the  battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton,  and  of  the  pro- 
ceedings of,   765 

24.  Letter  from  Colonel  Alexander  Hamilton,  giving  an  account 

of  the  attack  on,  commanded  by  General  Lincoln,  at 
Bound  Brook,  &c   885 

25.  Letter  from  Delegation  in  Congress  respecting  the  proceed- 

ings and  prospects  of,   980 

26.  Resolutions  of  Congress  for  reinforcement  of,   1008 

27.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  the  reinforcement  of,  in 

the  northern  department,   1023 

28.  Letter  from  Albany  committee,  informing  of  the  arrival  of 

the  enemy  at  Fort  Edward,  and  the  retreat  of  the  Ameri- 
cans to  Saratoga,   1025 

29.  Letters  from  president  of  the  council  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 

and  chairman  of  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-Hampshire, 
informing  of  the  number  of  militia  sent  from  those  States 
respectively,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  northern  army,.  1641 
(See  Washington,  George.) 
(See  Clinton,  George.) 
(See  Schuyler,  Philip.) 
(See  Gates,  Horatio.) 
(See  Putnam,  Israel.) 
(See  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point.) 
(See  Saratoga.) 
(See  Trenton.) 
(See  Princeton.) 
CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

1.  Delegates  elected  to  by  first  Provincial  Convention,  and 

powers  of,   4 

2.  Credentials  of,   5 

3.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  that  implicit  obedience 

ought  to  be  paid  to  every  recommendation  of,  for  the  ge- 
neral regulation  of  the  associated  Colonies,   8 

4.  Recommendation  of,  relative  to  artillery  and  stores  in  Ticon- 

deroga;  adopted  and  committee  appointed  thereon;  re- 
port and  recommendations  of  committee,   9,  10 

5.  Resolution  of,  approval  of  proceedings  of  offered,  and  pro- 

ceedings thereon,   13 

6.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  expediency  of 

an  emission  of  Continental  paper  currency   14 

7.  Resolution  of,  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,  re- 

specting the  measures  necessary  for  the  defence  of  the 
city  and  Province  ;  fortifications  at  or  near  King's 
Bridge ;  batteries  to  obstruct  the  navigation  of  the  Hud- 
son, at  the  Highlands ;  the  arming,  enlistment  and  disci- 
plining of  the  militia,  and  the  pay  thereof,  &c   16 

8.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,"   20,21 

9.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  from  Colony 

of  New-York,  in,    17 

9.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  transmit- 
ting report  of  Committee  on  the  subject  of  Continental 
paper  currency,   20 

10.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  transmitting  communica- 

tion and  documents  from  Albany  committee,   24 

11.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 

paper  currency,  the  appointment  of  officers,  and  the  elec- 
tion of  Delegates  from  all  the  counties,  and  especially  the 
county  of  Tryon,  to  the  Provincial  Congress,   25 

12.  Resolution  of,  transmitted  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting 

Governor  of  Connecticut  to  send  a  reinforcement  to  the 
ganisons  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point ;  and  for  the 
supply  of  provisions  and  necessaries  therefor,  27,  29 

13.  Resolution  of,  transmitted  to  commander  of  the  forces  at 

TiDonderoga,  discountenancing  expeditions  or  incursions 
into  Canada,    30 

14.  Letters  from  Delegates  in,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respect- 

ing general  welfare,  plans  for  raising  money,  Indian  af- 
fairs, ai  ming  and  disciplining  of  the  militia,  provisions  and 
supplies  for  defence  of  Ticonderoga,  and  officers  to  com- 
mand the  army  in  Province  of  New- York,  30,  39 

15.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   32,  33 

16.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  respecting 

the  landing  of  provisions  for  the  use  of  the  army  and 
navy  at  Boston,  consigned  to  Messrs.  Lopez  and  Rome  in 
Rhode  Island,  on  board  of  a  vessel  of  Captain  Coffin; 
answer  of,  38,  48 

17.  Letter  from  President  of,  enclosing  resolutions  requesting 

Provincial  Congress  to  convey  to  Massachusetts  Bay  five 
thousand  barrels  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  Continental 
army  at  Boston,   39 

18.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   42 

19.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  transmit- 

ting report  of  committee  relative  to  fortifications  of  the 
Highlands  on  the  Hudson  river,   40 

20.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  transmit- 

ting information  of  the  movements  and  designs  of  the 
British,  with  sundry  documents,   42,  46 


1130 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS— Contintod. 

20.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  in  behalf  of  Delegates  in,  trans- 

mitting resolutions  of,  for  the  removal  of  Connecticut 
troops  to  New-York,  relative  to  the  emission  of  a  Conti- 
nental paper  currency,  the  raising  of  troops  for  the  pub- 
lic defence,  and  the  appointment  of  Col.  George  Wash- 
ington as  Captain-General  and  Commander-in-Chief,. . .  46, 47 

21.  Resolutions  of,  recommending  to  the  several  Colonies  the 

collection  of  saltpetre  and  brimstone,  and  its  transmission 
to  Provincial  Congress  of  New-York,  to  be  by  them  sent 
to  powder  mills  for  its  manufacture,  and  making  provi- 
sion for  expense,   48 

22.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recognizing  the  election 

of  Delegates  by  Provincial  Convention,   51 

23.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  communi- 

cating report  relative  to  plan  of  accommodation  with 
Great  Britain,   59 

24.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Continental  Congress, 

transmitting  letter  from  committee  of  intelligence  at 
Charleston,  in  South  Carolina,  enclosing  intercepted 
letter  from  General  Gage,  at  Boston,  to  Governor  Martin, 
of  North  Carolina,   gj 

25.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  the  manufac- 

ture of  powder,  &c   61,  62 

26.  Letter  from  President  of  Provincial  Congress,  transmitting 

resolutions  relative  to  the  procurement  of  a  list  of  the 
garrisons  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,  and  the  em- 
ployment of  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  under  their  own 
officers,   63 

27.  Appointment  by,  of  general  officers,   63 

28.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  to  Provincial  Congress,  urging 

the  immediate  levy  of  Provincial  troops,  and  the  adop- 
tion of  defensive  measures,  and  transmitting  information 
of,  supply  of  powder  from  Philadelphia,  by  request  of, 
for  the  use  of  the  forts  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,  64 

29.  Letter  from  Secretary  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  enclosing 

intercepted  letter  from  Joseph  Martin,  Governor  of  North 
Carolina,  to  Henry  White,  Esqr   68 

30.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  enclosing  explanatory  letter 

from  Mr.  White,  and  exculpating  him  from  all  blame,. . .  69 

31.  Recommendation  by,  of  observance  of  a  day  for  fasting  and 

prayer,   69 

32.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  plan  of  accommoda- 

tion with  Great  Britain ;  and  answer  of  Committee  of 
Safety,    73 

33.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  enclosing 

instructions  and  warrants  to  officers  for  raising  troops  ; 
informing  of  the  arrangement  of  troops ;  and  requesting 
information  as  to  their  pay,   76 

34.  Letter  from  same  to  same,  enclosing  copies  of  letters  from 

General  Schuyler,  requesting  money,  arms  and  ammuni- 
tion, and  informing  that  Colonel  Guy  Johnson  and  a  body 
of  Indians  are  at  Oswego,   79 

35.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  respecting 

contemplated  Congress  with  Five  Nations  of  Indians,.. .  82 

36.  Resolutions  of,  recommending  the  nomination  by  Provincial 

Convention  of  a  proper  person  for  deputy  adjutant-general 

or  brigade-major,   84 

37.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respect- 

ing establishment  of  the  army,  and  provisions  for  money, 
arms  and  ammunition,   84 

38.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  recom- 

mending the  procuring  of  muskets  and  bayonets  from 
New-Jersey,  and  the  continuance  of  Peter  T.  Curtenius 
as  commissary,   85 

39.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  a  supply  of 

gunpowder  for  the  use  of  the  army  before  Boston,  and 
answer  of  Committee,   86 

40.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  recommending  appointment  of 

Morgan  Lewis,  as  brigade-major,  or  deputy  adjutant- 
general   90 

41.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  to  Delegates  in,  recom- 

mending appointment  of  Ebenezer  Hazard,  as  postmaster 

at  New-York,   90 

42.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  informing  of  appoint- 

ment of  William  Duer  as  deputy  adjutant-general,   91 

43.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to 

the  sale  of  tea,  &c   92 

44.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to 

the  expediency  of  inhibiting  the  exportation  of  flaxseed,  92 

45.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  procuring  of  arms  and 

ammunition,  &c.  from  New-Jersey,   98 

46.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  informing  of  the  obtaining  an  order 

of  Congress  on  Continental  treasury  for  $175,000  for  the 

use  of  Colony  of  New-York,   100 

47.  Resolution  of,  appropriating  $175,000  to  the  discharge  of 

contracted  by  Provincial  Congress,   102 

48.  Letter  to  Hon.  Benjamin  Franklin  and  other  members  of 

committee  of  secrecy  of,  requesting  a  supply  of  powder, 

&c  ■   pi 

49.  Letters  to  Benjamin  Franklin,  communicating  information 

received  from  General  Washington,  relative  to  the  move- 
ments of  the  British  troops,   109,  110 

50.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Charles  Thomson,  re- 

specting blank  commissions  for  Colonial  officers,    110 

51.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  respectine  the  forwarding 

of  certain  powder  ordered  by,  for  use  of  Colonial  troops,  122 


CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS-Continued. 

51.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  respect- 

ing supply  of  ammunition  to  General  Washington,  and 
requesting  blank  commissions,   143 

52.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safely  to  Delegates  in,  from  Mas- 

sachusetts, respecting  the  examination  and  discharge  of 
George  Bethune,    144  145 

53.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  enclosing  blank  ' 

commissions  ;  and  answer,   151 

54.  Letter  to,  enclosing  copies  of  correspondence  with  General 

Wooster,  relative  to  furnishing  troops  for  defence  of  the 
fortifications  at  the  Highlands   152 

55.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Committee  of 

Safety,  directing  the  sending  of  the  whole  New-York 
troops  to  the  aid  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  answer  of  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,   154(  155 

56.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  blank  commissions, 

and  relative  to  the  sale  of  tea,   155 

57.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  Colonial  troops  and 

their  movement,  number  and  equipments ;  the  progress  of 
the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands  ;  and  the  quantity  of 
powder  furnished  by  the  Colony ;  and  answer  of  Provin- 
cial Congress,   158,  165,  166 

58.  Letter  from  Henry  Wisner  at,  enclosing  articles  of  agree- 

ment for  regulation  and  government  of  associations  in 
Pennsylvania  ;  relative  to  saltpetre,  &c   163 

59.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  enclosing  information 

of  Capt.  John  Hamilton,   J66 

60.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  accompanying  proposals 

of  a  merchant  of  New-York,  to  load  500  barrels  of  flour 

to  Hispaniola,  and  to  bring  in  return  5  tons  gunpowder,.  166 

61.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  accompanying  letter 

from  Gen.  Schuyler,  respecting  military  operations  in  Ca- 
nada,   168 

62.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  condition  of 

brig  Mary,  Captain  Robert  Wallace,  from  Baltimore, ...  168 

63.  Appointment  of  committee  to  examine  resolutions,  and  ad- 

vice of,  relative  to  Colonial  affairs,     176 

64.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  approving  of  the  erection  of  for- 

tifications at  the  Highlands  ;  and  also  respecting  supplies 

of  clothing  and  ammunition,   ]7j 

65.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  respecting  supply 

of  powder,  &c.and  transmitting  resolutions  of,  relative  to 
the  erection  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands  and  other 
places,  and  the  establishment  of  posts  for  the  communi- 
cation of  intelligence  ;  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation 
of  the  Hudson  ;  recommending  the  arrest  and  imprison- 
ment of  suspected  persons ;  also  extracts  of  letters  from 
London,  relative  to  the  movements  and  intention  of  Bri- 
t  sh  troops,   171,  172,  173 

66.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  transmitting  letter  of 

Gov.  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut,  respecting  supply  of  ne- 
cessaries for  army  under  Gen.  Schuyler,   174 

67.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  transmitting  information  of 

Capt.  John  Lawrence,  relative  to  movements  of  British 
fleet  and  army,   174 

68.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  transmitting  petition  of 

French  prisoners  from  Canada,  for  discharge  from  impri- 
sonment,   175 

69.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  requesting  directions  of, 

relative  to  exportation  of  provisions,  &c   175 

70.  Report  of  committee  appointed  by  Provincial  Congress  to 

examine  resolutions  and  advice  of,  relating  to  Colonial  af- 
fairs,   176,  177 

71.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  the  erection 

and  defence  of  fortifications  on  Hudson  river,   177 

72.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President,  respecting  supply  of 

powder  to  Gen.  Schuyler,   178 

73.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   178 

74.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  delegation  of  power 

in  case  of  absence  to  a  less  number  than  a  quorum ;  and 
answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   181 

75.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  additional 

supplies  of  money,   182 

76.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  communicating  in- 

formation of  an  apprehended  attack  on  New-York,  and 
requesting  the  immediate  removal  of  all  the  sulphur  in ; 
order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   183 

77.  Resolution  of,  recommending  the  transmission  of  saltpetre 

from  Turtle  Bay  to  President  of  Provincial  Convention  to 

be  manufactured  into  gunpowder,   184 

78.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  provision  for  expenses 

of  Delegates  in,  and  appointment  of  committee  thereon  ; 
report  of,   184,  185 

79.  Letters  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  the  employ- 

ment of  Bernard  Romans  as  an  engineer  at  the  fortifica- 
tions at  the  Highlands,   186 

80.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  exportation  of 

produce  from  the  city  of  New-York   187 

81.  Resolution  of,  appointing  a  committee  to  ascertain  and  re- 

port the  various  hostilities  committed  by  the  Ministerial 
troops  and  navy  in  America  ;  and  letter  from  Silas  Deane, 
John  Adams  and  George  Wythe,  committee,  to  Provincial 
Congress,  requestins:  detailed  information  of  such  hostili- 
ties in  the  Colony  of  New-York,   187 

82.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress,  requesting  copy  of  a  letter  of  Gov.  Tryon,  to  mayor 


INDEX. 


1131 


PAGE 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS-Continued. 
of  New-York  relative  to  recommendation  of  Continental  to 
Provincial  Congress,  to  seize  the  officers  of  government,  in- 
eluding  himself,   188 

83.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, transmitting  examination  of  officers  of  a  transport 
cast  away  on  the  coast  of  New-Jersey  ;  of  the  raising  of  re- 
cruits by  one  Grant,  in  Dutchess  county ;  and  resolution  re- 
commending Provincial  Congress  to  lake  possession  of 
blankets  and  shins  remaining  in  the  King's  stores  in  New- 
York  .  188,  189 

84.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  in  answer,   190 

85.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  recom- 

mending the  exportation  of  provisions  and  produce  to  the 
West  Indies  in  exchange  for  arms  and  ammunition,   190 

86.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 

lution of,  relative  to  the  raising  and  appointment  of  officers 
for  a  company  of  matrosses  for  the  defence  of  the  fortifica- 
tions at  the  Highlands,   191 

87.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  an  additional 

supply  of  money,   193 

88.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  informing  of  the  trans- 

mission of  orders  to  Col.  McDougall  to  send  Captains  Gren- 
nell  and  Ledyard,  with  their  companies,  for  the  defence  of 
the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   194 

89.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  resolu- 

tions of,  for  the  garrisoning  of  the  fortifications  at  the 
Highlands,   197 

90.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  term  of  election  of,  and 

compensation  for  services  of,   200 

91.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  relative  to  appointment  of  com- 

mander of  the  fortress  at  the  Highlands   200,  202 

92.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  requesting  the  fur- 

nishing the  troops  raised  in  New-Jersey  for  the  defence  of 
the  city  of  New- York  with  firearms,  to  be  sent  to  Lord 
Stirling,   202 

93.  Letter  from  Jas.  Duane,  one  of  Delegates  in,  transmitting  re- 

solutions of,  relative  to  the  manufactory  of  firelocks  and 
saltpetre,  and  the  punishing  of  persons  harbouring  deser- 
ters,   202 

94.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  to  letters  from,  respecting 

the  exportation  of  the  produce  of  the  United  Colonies,  the 
conduct  to  be  observed  by  the  Colonies,  the  defence  of  the 
fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  and  supplies  of  clothing  and 
ammunition  for  the  army,   209 

95.  Letter  to  Delegates  in,  recommending  Gilbert  Livingston, 

William  Bedlow,  Thomas  Grennel  and  Jonathan  Law- 
rence, as  persons  qualified  to  command  the  fortress  at  the 
Highlands   209 

96.  Letter  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to  the  emission  of  a  Continen- 

tal currency,   212 

97.  Letter  from  John  Jay,  relative  to  disturbances  by  inhabi- 

tants of  New-England  in  the  Colony  of  New- York,  and 
transmitting  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  the  expor- 
tation of  American  produce  to  the  island  of  Bermuda,.  218,  219 

98.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  fixing  compensation  of 

Delegates  in,  at  $4  per  day,   220 

99.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  purchase  of  five  hundred 

copies  of  proceedings  of,  in  Low  Dutch  and  German,  for 
distribution,   225 

100.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to 

the  expediency  of  erecting  additional  fortifications  at  the 
Highlands,   227 

101.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  to  Delegation  in,  respect- 

ing proceedings  relative  to  inimical  conduct  of  inhabitants 

of  Queens  and  Richmond  counties,   230 

102.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  arrangement 

of  delegation  in,  so  that  five  only  may  represent  the  Colony 

at  one  time,   231 

103.  Letter  to,  from  Committee  of  Safety,  transmitting  plan  of 

fortifications  at  the  Highlands ;  communicated  by  Bernard 
Romans,  engineer,    236 

104.  Letter  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  expediency  of  ex- 

portation of  flaxseed  for  the  purchase  of  ammunition,  236,  237 

105.  Introduction  to,  copies  of  petition  of,  to  King  of  Great  Bri- 

tain, &c.  intended  for  publication,   241 

106.  Resolutions  of,  respecting  the  fortifications  at  the  High- 

lands, T..  243 

107.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  respecting  the  Connecticut  inva- 

sion, the  refusal  of  loan  to  Colony,  the  fortifications  in  the 
Highlands,  &c   243 

108.  Resolution  of,  respecting  Colonial  loan,   244 

109.  Resolution  of,  recommending  the  passage  of  laws  prohibiting 

the  arrest  of  Continental  soldiers  for  small  debts,. . .    .  244,  252 

110.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

the  necessity  for  provision  for  pay  and  billeting  money  of 
the  troops  employed  at  the  Highlands,  and  of  the  commis- 
sioned officers  in  New- York  battalion  of  Continental 
troops,   245,  246 

111.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

the  power  of  choosing  officers  of  militia  in  certain  cases,.  246 

112.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  respecting  transportation^  flax- 

seed to  Ireland,  and  transmitting  resolutions  of,  relating  to 
the  construction  of  fbatteaux  at  Ticonderoga,  sending  salt 
thither,  and  the  practicability  of  lessening  the  depth  of  wa- 
ter in  the  Narrows,  and  the  subject  of  raising  troops  for 
Canada,   250 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS — Continued. 

113.  Resolution  of,  recommending  the  exchange  of  Lieut.  Ty lee,.  250 

114.  Resolutions  of,  respecting  the  capture  and  forfeiture  of  Bri- 

tish ships  and  vessels,   250,  251 

115.  Resolutions  of,  permitting  select  men  of  Sherbourn  in  Nan- 

tucket, to  apply  for  leave  to  import  fuel  and  provisions 
from  neighbouring  Colonies,   251 

116.  Resolutions  of,  for  a  new  emission  of  three  millions  of  dol- 

lars of  Continental  paper  currency,  and  provision  for  re- 
demption,  251 

117.  Resolutions  of,  relative  to  exportation  of  produce  and  provi- 

sions  ;  and  recommending  the  manufacture  of  salt,   252 

118.  Resolutions  of,  requesting  transmission  to,  of  copies  of  all 

petitions,  memorials  and  remonstrances  presented  by  Co- 
lonies to  the  King  or  Parliament,  and  the  answers,  if  any, 
thereto,   252 

119.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  relative 

to  application  of  John  Foster  of  Suffolk  county,  for  permis- 
sion to  export  live  stock  for  gunpowder,  and  for  sale  of 
vessel  belonging  to ;  relative  to  importation  of  British 
goods,  the  defence  of  the  port  of  New-York,  the  exchange 
of  Lieut.  Tylee,  &.c   258 

120.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  relative  to 

the  expediency  of  providing  sundry  small  armed  vessels  for 
the  protection  of  trade  in  the  Colonies,  and  the  seizure  of 
transports  with  provisions  for  Ministerial  army  and  navy,  261 

121.  Letters  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  sun- 

dry resolutions  of,  directing  Gen.  Schuyler  to  explore  the 
river  St.  Lawrence  above  and  below  Quebec,  and  to  con- 
struct boats,  &c.  for  its  defence  ;  approving  of  the  raising 
of  a  battalion  of  Canadians,  and  appointing  James  Living- 
ston, Esq.  colonel  thereof;  directing  and  providing  for  the 
raising  of  nine  battalions  for  the  defence  of  Canada,  and  of 
four  battalions  for  the  defence  of  the  Colony  of  New- York : 
requesting  Gen.  Washington  to  detach  one  battalion  from 
the  camp  at  Cambridge  to  Canada  ;  and  making  provision 
for  pay,  bounty,  clothing,  arms  and  ammunition  for  Cana- 
dian army,    265,  266 

122.  Instructions  of,  to  recruiting  officers,   266 

123.  Accounts  of  delegation  in,  presented,   267 

124.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  information  of  the 

appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of 
Gen.  Lee's  proposed  expedition  to  New-York,  and  relative 
to  the  protection  of  the  navigation  by  cruisers  ;  answer  of 
Committee  of  Safety,   275,  276 

125.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  money  for  the  rais- 

ing of  regiment  destined  for  Canada,   275 

126.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  respecting  the  application  of  John 

Foster,  of  Suffolk  county,  to  export  live  stock  in  exchange 

for  powder,   278 

127.  Proceedings  of  Committee  of,  relative  to  the  expedition  of 

Gen.  Lee  to  city  of  New-York,   278,  279 

128.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  informing 

of  the  arrival  of  Gen.  Clinton  with  transports  in  the  har- 
bour of  New- York,  &c   283 

129.  Letter  from  Wm.  Floyd,  a  Delegate  in,  to  Committee  of  Safe- 

ty, relative  to  moneys  forwarded  from,  and  their  intended 
application,   287 

130.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  imprisonment  of 

sundry  disaffected  inhabitants  of  Queens  county,   289 

131.  Appointment  of  committee  of  Provincial  Congress,  to  take 

into  consideration  the  several  matters  recommended  by ; 

report  of,   295,  296,  301 

132-  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  rela- 
tive to  the  admission  of  Deputies  to  Provincial  Congress 
from  Richmond  county,  informing  of  the  obtaining  a  war- 
rant on  the  Continental  Treasurer,  for  $12,000,  to  aid  in 
raising  the  four  battalions  for  the  defence  of  Canada,  &c; 
answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   299,  300,  3]6 

133.  Resolutions  of,  relative  to  employment  of  artificers  for  build- 

ing of  batteaux  at  Ticonderoga,  by  Gen.  Schuyler,  direct- 
ing him  to  issue  warrants  for  completing  the  regiment  di- 
rected to  be  raised  in  New-York,  for  the  service  of  Cana- 
da, and  recommending  the  appointment  of  officers  there- 
of, to  be  nominated  by  him,   300 

134.  Resolutions  of,  relative  to  the  erection  of  batteries  in  the 

Highlands ;  directing  a  supply  of  cannon,  &c.  to  General 
Lee,  for  the  seige  or  assault  of  Quebec  ;  recommending  a 
preference,  in  the  new  levies,  to  those  officers  serving  in 
in  the  last  Canadian  campaign ;  for  an  advance  of  money 
for  the  support  of  the  troops  employed  in  the  defence  of 
the  Colony  of  New-York  ;  recommending  the  prosecution 
in  the  discovery  of  lead  mines  at  New-Canaan;  and  trans- 
mitting copy  of  a  report  of  Joseph  Hopkins,  to  the  Gene- 
ral Assembly  of  Connecticut,  thereon,  317,  318 

135.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  request- 

ing information  of  promotions  made  by,  in  the  Canadian 
service,    319 

136.  Resolution  of,  for  payment  of  B.  Romans,   322 

137.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

pay  of  minute  men,   325 

138.  Letter  from  Jas.  Duane,  a  Delegate  in,  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, respecting  the  raising  of  troops  for  Canada,  choice 

of  officers,  &c   325 

139.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  transmitting  a  list  of 

field  officers  recommended  for  the  four  Colonial  bat- 
talions,   328 


1132 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS-Continued. 

140.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  requesting 

permission  to  Patrick  Sinclair,  lieutenant-governor  and 
superintendent  at  Missilimacana,  to  return  to  Great  Bri- 
tain,  345 

141.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  requesting 

the  fitting  out  of  armed  vessel,  to  join  one  from  Colony, 

for  the  protection  of  trade,  &c   354 

142.  Instructions  of  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  relative 

to  commissioning  private  vessels,  and  issuing  letters  of 
marque  and  reprisal,   357 

143.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Committee  of 

Safety,  transmitting  resolution  of,  requesting  the  Governor 
of  Connecticut,  and  the  Convention,  &c.  of  New-York 
and  New-Jersey,  to  hold  the  militia  of  those  States  in 
readiness  to  march  to  the  defence  of  New- York,  when- 
ever the  commander  at  that  place  shall  desire,   370,  375 

144.  Resolutions  of,  ordering  the  raising  of  eight  thousand  men, 

for  the  defence  of  Colony  of  New-York  ;  directing  Cols. 
Irvine,  Dayton,  Shee  and  Magaw  to  march  their  battalions 
thither  ;  and  recommending  the  disarming  of  disaffected 
persons,   375 

145.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  accompanying  request  of  Dele- 

gates from  Maryland,  requesting  loan  of  cannon  for  de- 
fence of  Baltimore,   377 

146.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  respecting  the  imposition  of  test 

oaths  by  Gen.  Lee,  the  appointment  of  officers  for  New- 
York  battalions  ;  and  permission  to  Patrick  Sinclair  to 
return  to  Europe,   379 

147.  Resolution  of,  prohibiting  the  exaction  of  test  oaths  by  mili- 

tary officers,   379 

148.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

correspondence  with  Maj.  Douglass,  relative  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  lakes,  and  recommending  Capt.  Wynkoop 
therefor   382 

149.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  Esq.  one  of  Delegates  in,  trans- 

mitting resolution  of,  respecting  commissary  of  Pennsyl- 
vania battalion,  serving  in  New-York,   383 

150.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   387 

151.  Resolutions  of,  authorizing  the  issuing  of  letters  of  marque 

and  reprisal,  to  the  commanders  of  private  ships  of  war, 
and  instructions  to  such  commanders,   407,  408 

152.  Resolutions  of,  relative  to  supply  of  arms  for  the  troops,...  426 

153.  Letter  from  John  Jay,  a  Delegate  in,  requesting  an  examina- 

tion relative  to  oath  administered  by  Gov.  Tryon,  to  pas- 
sengers in  packet ;  appointment  of  committee  thereon, ...  428 

154.  Resolution  of,  regulating  the  sale  of  tea,   440 

155.  Resolution  of,  requesting  the  transmission  of  muster  rolls 

and  accounts,  by  the  several  governments  from  whence 
militia  were  sent  for  the  defence  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,    440 

156.  Resolution  of,  for  numbering  the  inhabitants  of  the  several 

Colonies,   451 

157.  Resolution  of,  for  the  appointment  of  committee  to  superin- 

tend the  treasury,  and  for  the  production  of  accounts  of 
the  several  Colonies,   451 

158.  Resolution  of,  for  the  formation  of  a  plan  of  government,. .  460 

159.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, on  the  aspect  of  public  affairs  ;  transmitting  resolu- 
tions, for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  Canada  and  at 
New-York,  for  the  establishment  of  a  flying  camp  in  the 
middle  Colonies,  the  appointment  of  brigadier-generals, 
the  protection  of  stock,  and  the  working  of  lead  mines,  481,  482 

160.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   483 

161.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  requesting  instructions  from  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  relative  to  the  question  of  Indepen- 
dence,  488 

162.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress, giving  advice  of  the  approach  of  a  British  fleet  and 
army,  under  command  of  Gen.  Howe,   493 

163.  Resolutions  of,  prohibiting  the  exportation  of  salted  pork 

and  beef,  and  recommending  effectual  provision  for  detect- 
ina,  restraining  and  punishing  disaffected  and  dangerous 
persons,   497 

164.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  re- 

commending the  Provincial  Convention  to  empower  the 
general  at  New-York  to  call  out  the  militia  to  his  assis- 
tance, to  impress  carriages  and  water  craft,  and  remove 
vessels  from  Hudson's  and  East  river:  resolutions  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress  therefor,     501,  502,  503,  504 

165.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  enclosing  resolution  of,  for  rais- 

ing a  new  regiment  of  Continental  troops  in  the  Colony 
of  New-York   504 

166.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  enclosing  resolution  of,  directing 

the  different  Colonies  to  provide  clothing  for  the  Conti- 
nental troops,  and  to  store  the  same,  subject  to  the  dis- 
position of  the  Commander-in-Chief,     504 

167.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  enclosing  resolution  of,  declaring 

all  persons  levying  war  against  the  United  Colonies,  ad- ' 
hering  to  their  enemies,  or  giving  them  aid  or  comfort, 
guilty  of  treason;  and  recommending  the  passage  of  laws 
for  their  punishment,  and  also  for  the  punishment  of  per. 
sons  counterfeiting  the  Continental  bills  of  credit,   506 

168.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  enclosing  resolution  of,  commis- 

sioning Major  Dubois  as  colonel  of  the  regiment  directed 
to  be  raised  in  New-York,  with  instructions  to  raise  a  regi- 


169. 
170. 

171, 

172. 

173. 
174. 

175, 

176. 
177. 

178. 
179. 


180. 
181. 


182. 
183. 

184. 


185. 
186. 


187. 
188. 
189. 

190. 

191. 

192. 
192. 

193. 


PAGE 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS—  Continued. 
ment  to  serve  for  three  years,  or  during  the  war,  and 
also  appointing  other  officers  of  said  regiment,   510 

Letter  from  delegation  in,  enclosing  Declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence, ...    516,  517 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  approving  thereof,  and 
authorizing  delegation  in,  to  concert  and  adopt  all  such 
measures  as  they  may  deem  conducive  to  the  happiness 
and  welfare  of  the  United  States,   518 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  nomination  of  of- 
ficers of  additional  regiment  of  militia  in  New-York;  the 
enlistment  into  the  British  service,  by  Gov.  Tryon,  of  cer- 
tain disaffected  persons  ;  and  the  propriety  of  expunging 
from  the  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  such  parts  as  inter- 
fere with  the  interests  of  the  American  cause  520, 521 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  enclosing  the  De- 
claration of  Independence,   521 

Answer  of  Convention,   521 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  transmitting  resignations  of  sun- 
dry officers,   522 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  respecting  the  disposition  of  the 
stock  on  Nassau  island,   534 

Letter  from  John  Alsop,  a  Delegate  in,  resigning  his  seat,. .  536 

Letter  from  Convention  to  delegation  in,  communicating 
such  resignation,   537 

Letter  from  Convention  to  delegation  in,  relative  to  the  with- 
drawal of  the  troops  from  the  city  of  New-York  ;  the  con- 
dition of  the  levies  ordered  to  be  raised  from  the  militia; 
the  aid  received  from  other  States  ;  and  the  expenses  of 
obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river,.  ...  560,  561 

Letter  from  Convention  to  Delegates  in,  requesting  permis- 
sion to  employ  the  smiths  engaged  in  furnishing  the  Con- 
tinental vessel  at  Poughkeepsie,  on  the  fortifications  of 
the  Hudson  river,  and  in  the  obstructions  to  its  passage 
at  the  Highlands,   506 

Answer  of  Philip  Livingston,   605 

Resolution  of,  authorizing  the  employment  of  the  smiths  en- 
gaged in  the  service  of  the  Continental  army,  in  obstruct- 
ing the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river,   605 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  informing 
of  resolutions  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  forces  at  the 
Highlands,   617 

Letter  from  Convention  to  delegation  in,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions approving  of  the  conduct  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  and 
requesting  the  withdrawal  of  his  resignation,  and  an  in- 
quiry into  his  conduct,   635 

Letter  from  Delegates  in,  transmitting  information  of  the 
forwarding  of  a  quantity  of  powder,  and  resolutions  of, 
ordering  the  German  battalion  to  join  the  army  under 
General  Washingston,  requesting  a  reinforcement  to  the 
garrison  at  the  Highlands,  ordering  two  companies  of 
marines  from  Philadelphia  to  that  station,  directing  ap- 
plication to  the  Council  of  Safety  of  Pennsylvania,  for 
one-half  of  the  artillery  men  in  service  of  that  State  to 
proceed  to  Fort  Montgomery;  and  approving  of  the 
measures  of  Convention  for  the  defence  of  the  High- 
lands,   652 

Resolution  of,  for  advancing  loan  to  the  State  of  New- 
York,   653 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions for  the  raising  of  eighty-eight  battalions,  to  serve 
during  the  war,  and  fixing  the  proportion  of  each  State, 
authorizing  a  bounty  of  $20  to  each  non-commissioned 
officer  and  soldier  ;  making  provision  for  grant  of  lands 
and  fixing  the  proportion  thereof  among  the  several  offi- 
cers and  privates  continuing  in  service  until  the  close  of 
the  war;  and  regulating  the  payment  of  such  bounty; 

answer  of  Convention,    653,  654,  657 

(See  Morris,  Lewis.) 

Letter  from  Philip  Livingston,  a  Delegate  in,  informing  of  the 
obtaining  an  additional  loan  from,  &c.  answer  of  Con- 
vention,  656,658 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  to  Gen.  Schuyler, 
transmitting  resolutions  of  for  the  raising  of  additional 
battalions,  &c   668 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  resolu- 
tions of,  providing  for  the  examination  of  candidates  for 
surgeon  and  surgeons'  mates,  in  the  army;  answer  of 
Committee  of  Safety,   669,  680 

Letter  from  John  Hancock.  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  increasing  the  pay  of  officers  and  soldiers  en- 
listing and  serving  during  the  war,  and  urging  the  neces- 
sity of  filling  up  the  army,   675 

Letter  from  committee  of,  for  the  purchase  of  clothing  for 
the  army,  transmitting  $10,000  to  Convention  to  be  ap- 
plied for  that  purpose   676 

Letter  from  marine  committee  of,  relative  to  the  safety  of 
the  Continental  ships  building  at  Poughkeepsie   684 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  informing  of  the  ar- 
rangement of  officers  of  the  four  New- York  battalions, 
anil  requesting  permission  to  organize  a  fifth  battalion,. .  715 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  obstruc- 
tion of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  the  propriety  of 
prohibiting  the  exportation  of  flaxseed,  and  the  wanton 
destruction  of  public  and  private  property  at  the  AVhite 
Plains  and  elsewhere  by  the  American  troops,   723,  724 


INDEX. 


1133 


194. 


195. 
196. 


197. 
198 


199. 


200. 

201. 

202. 


203. 
204. 
204. 

205. 
206. 


207. 
208. 

209. 

210. 
211. 
212. 

213. 

214. 
215. 


PAGE 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS— Contintjed. 

Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  chairman  of  marine  committee 
of,  respecting  the  destination  of  the  Continental  frigates 
at  Poughkeepsie,   730 

Answer  of  Convention,   737 

Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  resolutions  recom- 
mending the  passage  of  laws  for  preventing  the  counter- 
feiting or  forging  the  tickets  of  the  public  lottery  ;  and 
empowering  the  State  of  New-York  to  raise  an  additional 
battalion  on  the  Continental  establishment ;  and  inform- 
ing of  the  presence  of  Gen.  Washington,  with  the  army 
at  Trenton,  and  of  Gen.  Cornwallis  at  Brunswick,   747 

Resolution  of,  relative  to  transmission  of  receipts  of  offi- 
cers receiving  money  for  the  militia,  reinforcing  the  ar- 
mies of  the  United  States,   763 

Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  chairman  of  marine  committee 
of,  relative  to  Continental  frigates,  and  informing  of  reso- 
lutions of,  investing  Gen.  Washington  with  powers  for  six 
months  to  regulate  the  armies,  and  increasing  the  num- 
ber of  battalions,  and  relative  to  sundry  articles  of  cloth- 
ing purchased  for  the  troops  of  the  State  of  New-York,  763, 

764 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  enclosing  sundry 
resolutions  of,  vesting  additional  powers  in  Gen.  Wash- 
ington, recommending  the  appointment  of  a  day  for 
fasting  and  prayer  in  each  State,  and  a  general  reforma- 
tion of  manners,  and  prohibiting  the  exportation  of  salt- 
ed beef  and  pork,  &c.  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty,  770,787 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  preamble 
and  resolutions  relative  to  the  condition  of  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester  counties,  and  requesting  the  recall  of  com- 
missions granted  by,  to  Col.  Seth  Warner.    778,  779 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  condi- 
tion of  the  levies  raising  in  this  Stale,   783 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  providing  against  the  depreciation  of  Continen- 
tal currency,  declaring  that  the  same  shall  be  deemed 
equal  in  value  to  their  nominal  amount,  recommending 
the  enactment  of  laws  for  punishing  all  attempts  to  de- 
preciate such  currency,  for  making  bills  of  credit  a  legal 
tender  in  payment  of  debts,  for  providing  a  sinking  fund, 
and  for  raising  taxes  for  the  public  service  ;  authorizing 
an  additional  loan  of  two  millions  of  dollars,  and  directing 
the  receipt  of  bills  of  credit  by  commissioners  of  the  loan 
office   789,  790 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  respect- 
ing condemnation  and  sale  of  prizes  taken  by  Captain 
Rodgers,  of  the  armed  sloop  of  war  Montgomery,  &c. .  805 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  disaf- 
fected subjects  of  this  State  in  the  three  northeastern 
counties,   820,  821 

Letters  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  approving  of  the  spirited  exertions  of  this 
State,  &c.  and  appointing  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the 
conduct  of  the  Hessian  officers  and  soldiers,   825 

Circular  letter  from,  enclosing  the  Declaration  of  Indepen- 
dence, with  the  names  of  the  signers,  and  a  resolution 
that  the  same  be  put  on  record,  and  preserved  among  the 
archives  of  the  several  United  States ;  answer  of  Con- 
vention  825,830 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  relative  to  regulating  the  price  of  provisions, 
&.c.  in  the  eastern  States,  recommending  the  adoption  of 
the  most  effectual  means  for  manning  the  Continental 
frigates,  and  for  avoiding  as  much  as  possible  the  farther 
emission  of  paper  currency,  and  sinking  that  already 
emitted  ;  answer  of  Convention,. . .    825,  830 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  desiring  this  State  to  guard  the  passes  at  the 
Highlands  with  militia,   829 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  condition  of  the 
fortresses  at  the  Highlands  ;  and  recommending  the  ap- 
pointment of  General  George  Clinton  to  the  command 
thereof,   840 

Delegates  from  this  State  in,  requested  to  repair  to  Conven- 
tion for  the  purpose  of  explaining  sundry  acts  and  resolu- 
tions of,  affecting  the  State,   855 

Appointment  of  William  Duer,  as  a  Delegate  from  this 
State,  in,   855 

Resolution  of  Convention  fixing  the  compensation  of  the 
Delegates  from  this  State  in,   857 

Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  one  of  the  Delegates  from  this 
State  in,  relative  to  the  disposition  of  the  clothing  and 
other  cargo  of  the  sloop  Montgomery,   858,  859 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 
lutions of,  appointing  General  George  Clinton  to  the  com- 
mand of  the  fortresses  at  the  Highlands,    850,  08g 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  requesting  a  supply  of  salt  from 
the  Continental  stores   861 

Instructions  to  Delegates  from  this  State  in,  relative  to  the 
claims  of  Delegates  pretending  to  represent  the  northeas- 
tern counties  in  ;  the  appointment  of  Col.  Seth  Warner  to 
the  command  of  a  regiment  in  this  State ;  the  communica- 
tion of,  and  opposition  to,  resolutions  of,  infringing  the 
rights  or  jurisdiction  of  this  State,  and  consent  to  any 

plan  of  confederation,   869 

284 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS— Continued: 

216.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President,  of,  transmitting  reso- 

lutions of,  for  the  belter  regulating  the  pay  of  the  army; 
for  the  better  regulation  and  establishment  of  hospitals  ; 
respecting  the  muster-master's  department;  recommend- 
ing an  inquiry  into  the  recruiting  service  ;  for  exempting 
persons  procuring  substitutes  ;  and  for  repealing  sundry 
articles  of  war,  and  substituting  others  in  their  stead,. . . .  899 

217.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  William  Floyd,  for 

compensation  as  a  Delegate  in,   905 

218.  Election  of  Delegates  to  represent  this  State  in,  and  vote  of 

thanks  to  former  delegation,  for  their  long  and  faithful 
services,   931 

219.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  the  investigation  into 

the  several  charges  preferred  against  Gen.  Schuyler,  and 

his  reinstatement  to  his  command,    941 

220.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  one  of  the  Delegates  in,  relative 

to  negotiations  with  France  and  Spain,  &c   943 

221-  Resolutions  of,  respecting  the  adjustment  of  accounts  with 

the  several  States  for  the  recruiting  service,   945 

222.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to  the 

publication,  in  this  country  and  Europe,  of  report  of,  rela- 
tive to  the  treatment,  by  the  British,  of  their  prisoners,. .  947 

223.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  respecting 

factious  proceedings  in  the  northeastern  counties  of  the 
State,   947 

224.  Report  of  committee  of  the  treasury  of,  relative  to  accounts 

of  Genls.  Schuyler,  Montgomery,  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Jr. 
paymaster-general,  and  Walter  Livingston,  deputy  com- 
missary-general  951,  952 

225.  Resolutions  of,  declaring  Albany,  Ticonderoga,  Fort  Stan- 

wix,  and  their  dependencies,  to  form  the  northern  depart- 
ment, and  assigning  the  command  thereof,  to  General 
Schuyler,   952 

226.  Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  of,  respecting  a  com- 

plaint of  the  Indians  relative  to  the  intrusion  of  inhabi- 
tants of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  into  their  lands,   952 

227.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  presenting  their  thanks  to, 

for  Ihe  efficient  defence  of  the  character  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler,  952 

228.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  respecting  the  reinstatement  of 

Gen.  Schuyler  to  the  command  of  the  northern  depart- 
ment ;  the  revolt  in  the  northeastern  counties  ;  the  boun- 
daries of  the  State,  

229.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  transmitting  report  of  marine  com- 

mittee, and  resolutions  of,  respecting  the  manning  and  fit- 
ting of  two  galleys  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river,. .  958,  959 

230.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Presi- 

dent of.  relative  to  the  filling  out  and  command  of  such 
galleys  

231.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  

232.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

the  release  of  certain  prisoners  belonging  to  this  State, 
confined  in  the  jail  at  Philadelphia,   970 

233.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  for  the 

sale  of  a  quantity  of  salt  to  Council  of  Safety,   980,  981 

234.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  respect- 

ing abuses  in  the  commissary's  department,   980 

235.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  transmitting  resolutions  of,  re- 

specting the  proceedings  and  prospects  of  the  Continental 
army   980 

236.  Resolutions  of,  respecting  the  rank  of  officers  of  the  army, 

&c  983,  984 

237.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  on  the  sub- 

ject of  the  revolt  in  the  northeastern  parts  of  the  State,  984, 

985 

238.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Francis  Lewis,  chairman 

of  marine  committee,  requesting  him  to  desist  from  the 
further  purchase  of  salt,  and  to  forward  his  accounts  for 
collection,    985 

239.  Letter  from  marine  committee  of,  to  Council  of  Safety,  re- 

questing their  assistance  in  fitting  out  the  Continental  fri- 
gates, for  the  obstruction  of  the  Hudson  river,   992 

240.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 

lutions of,  for  supplying  the  troops  at  Ticonderoga  with 
blankets,   997 

241.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  respecting  the  manufacture  of 

salt;  the  account  of  State  prisoners  sent  to  Philadelphia  ; 
the  expenses  for  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  Hud- 
son's river  ;  and  proceedings  relative  to  the  organization 
and  establishment  of  a  new  State  from  the  northeastern 
counties,  998,  999,  1000,  1001 

242.  Resolutions  of,  relative  to  the  claims  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 

northeastern  portions  of  the  State  to  an  independent  State, 

to  be  called  the  State  of  Vermont,   998,  999 

233.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety  to  letters  from  delegation  in, 

transmitting  the  foregoing  resolutions   1003,  1004 

244.  Letters  from  John  Hancock,  President  of,  transmitting  reso- 

lutions of,  relative  to  a  reinforcement  of  the  Continental 
army   1008 

245.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to,  informing  of  the  retreat  of  the 

army  under  his  command,  to  Saratoga,  and  of  his  pro- 
ceedings and  prospects,   1028,  1029 

246.  Letter  from  delegation  in,  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting 

the  application  for  the  recall  of  Gen.  Schuyler  from  the 
command  of  the  northern  army,  and  the  reinstatement  of 
Gen.  Gates,   103-3 


953 


966 
966 


1134 


INDEX. 


1. 


2. 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS— Continued. 

247.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  delegation  in,  respecting 

the  condition  of  the  northern  frontiers,  1038,  1039,  1042 

248.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  President  of,  transmitting 

information  of  the  raising  of  the  siege  of  Fort  Schuyler, 
the  battle  of  Bennington,  and  the  retreat  of  Gen.  Bur- 
goyne,   1048 

249.  Answer  of  Delegates,   105o 

250.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  relative  to  the 

loss  of  Fort  Montgomery,  and  the  proceedings  of  the 
enemy,   1072 

251.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  convention 

with  Gen.  Burgoyne,  on  the  surrender  of  his  army,  1075,  1076 

252.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  a  Delegate  in,  to  Council  of 

Safety,   1091 

253.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in,  respecting  con- 

tracts for  the  manufacture  of  hides  and  leather,   1102 

254.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Delegates  in,  transmitting  ac. 

counts  and  vouchers  of  disbursements  paid  by  this  State, 

for  prisoners  of  war,   1114 

255.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  a  Delegate  in,  to  Convention, 

respecting  the  purchase  of  woollens  for  the  use  of  the 
troops,  and  informing  of  the  ratification,  by  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Virginia,  of  the  Articles  of  Confederation,   1H6 

256.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  a  Delegate  in,  to  Convention,  re- 

specting abuses  in  the  commissary's  and  quarter-master's 
departments,    1117 

257.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  and  requesting  dele- 

gation in,  to  appoint  a  person  to  make  up  into  clothing 
such  of  the  woollens  purchased  for  the  troops  of  this 
State,  as  are  proper  for  that  purpose  ;  and  to  deliver  the 
same  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  two  Continental 
battalions  raised  under  the  direction  of  this  State,   1117 

258.  Resolutions  of,  recommending  the  several  eastern  and  mid- 

dle States  to  appoint  commissioners,  to  meet  at  New-Ha- 
ven, for  the  regulation  of  the  prices  of  labor,  manufactures 
and  internal  produce,  and  the  charge  of  innholders,  &c. .  1117 
CONTINENTAL  FRIGATES. 
(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  93,  94,96,  97,  98,  99,  100,  101, 
102,  103,  108.) 
(See  Tudor,  Samuel,  2  ) 
(See  Bicker,  Victor,  Jr.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  206.) 
Resolution  of  Convention  for  embodying  an  armed  force,  to 

guard  at  Esopus  Landing,   904 

(See  Hudson  River,  47  to  53.) 
Appointment  of  Daniel  Shaw  as  1st  lieutenant  of  the  Con- 
gress, under  the  command  of  Capt.  Thomas  Grennel,   1001 

3.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety,  to  marine  committee  of  Con- 

gress, respecting  officers  of,  &c   1015 

4.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safetyto  Capt.  Grennel,   1015 

(See  Clinton,  George,  50.) 
CONTINENTAL  LOAN  OFFICE. 

(See  Commissioners  of  Loan  Office.) 

(See  Ten  Broeck,  Dirck.) 
CONTINENTAL  PAPER  CURRENCY. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  emit- 

ting,   

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  to  Continental  Congress,  relative 

thereto,  

3.  Report  of  committee  on  ;  merchants  of  the  city  desired  to  at- 

tend discussion  thereof,   15,  18,  19 

4.  Report  unanimously  agreed  to,  and  copy,  together  with  letter, 

directed  to  be  sent  to  Continental  Congress,   20 

(See  Continental  Congress.  11.) 

5.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting,  30,  39, 

46,  47,  64,  84 

f>.  Answers  of  Provincial  Congress,  32,  33 

7.  One  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  dollars  of,  delivered 

to  Treasurer,    116 

8.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  emission  of  £45,000, 

to  defray  expenses  incurred  by  Colony,   128 

9.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  emis- 

sion of,   212 

10.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  redemption 

and  sinking  of,   223 

Directions  for  receipt  of  additional  sum  of,  from  Continental 

Congress,   224 

Receipt  of,  and  delivery  to  Treasurer,   244 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  a  further  emission 
of  three  millions  of  dollars  of,  and  provisions  for  its  re- 
demption,   251,  252 

(See  Colonial  Paper  Currency.) 
Loan  officers  directed  to  receive  in  payment  of  loans   350 

15.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  pre- 

venting depreciation  of,     775 

16.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  prevention  of  the 

depreciation  of,  and  recommending  the  passage  of  laws  for 

the  punishment  of  such  offence,  789,  790 

(See  Bills  of  Credit.) 

17.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  recommending  to  avoid 

the  further  emission  of,  and  to  sink  (hat  already  emitted,.  825 

18.  Resolutions  of  House  of  Representatives  and  Council  of  Mas- 

sachusetts Bay,  appointing  a  committee  to  confer  with 
committee  of  this  and  the  eastern  States,  relative  to  the 
depreciation  of,   994 


14 


14 


11. 

12. 
13. 


1-1 


PAGE. 

CONTINENTAL  PAPER  CURRENCY— Continued. 

19.  Appointment  of  committee  by  Council  of  Safety,  and  answer 

of  Council,  1002,1003,  1009 

20.  Letter  from  John  Sloss   Hobart,  respecting  transmitting 

amount  of  bills  of  credit  emitted  and  in  circulation,  in 
New- York  and  the  New-England  Slates,   1029,  1030 

CONVENTION  OF  SENATE  AND  ASSEMBLY. 
1.  Organization,  list  of  members,  and  proceedings  of,          1061,  1062 

CONVENTION  OF  REPRESENTATIVES  OF  THE 
PEOPLE  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW-YORK. 
Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  changing  the  style  of, 

to,   519 

Adjournment  to  Harlem,    548 

do         to  Fishkill,   599  to  600 

Members,  directed  to  furnish  themselves  with  arms  and  am- 
munition, to  prevent  surprise,   672 

5.  Adjournment  to  Kingston,   802,  803 

COOK,  GEORGE. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  employment  in  making  beltsand  pouches,. ...  87 

COOKE,  SAMUEL. 

I.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  of  third  regiment,  62,  121 

(See  Livingston,  Henry  Jr.) 

COOMBE,  GEORGE. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  of  provisions  to  the  militia  of 

Tarrytown,   524 

COOPER,  GILBERT. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  muster-master  of  Capt.  Robert  Johnson's 

company,   96 

2.  Appintment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  regiment  of  militia  in 

Orange  county,   528 

CORNELL,  JOHN. 
1.  Order  for  delivery  of  horse  to,  left  at  Mr.  Waldron's  stable  by 

George  Nicholson  ;  and  provision  for  keeping,   148 

3.  Permission  to,  to  prosecute  therefor,   180 

CORNWALL.    (See  Orange  County.) 
CORNWELL,  ASPINWALL. 
1.  Choice  of  as  ensign,  in  Capt.  John  Sands'  company  of  militia, 

in  Queens  county,   173 

COUNCIL  OF  APPOINTMENT. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention,  in  framing  Constitution  relative 

to,   875,876,877,890 

COUNCIL  OF  REVISION. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention,  in  framing  Constitution,  relative 

to,   860,862,891,892 

COUNCIL  OF  SAFETY. 

1.  Organization  and  choice  of,  910,  911,1062 

2.  Adjournment  of,  to  Poughkeepsie,   1103 

COUNTERFEIT  BILLS. 

(See  Westchester  County,  47, 49,  50.) 
(See  Ulster  County,  44,  67.) 
(See  Suffolk  County,  62.) 
(See  Prisoners,  94.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  167.) 
(See  Bills  of  Credit,  7,  8.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  22.) 

COUNTY  COMMITTEES. 

Recommended  to  be  formed,    15,  18 

Directed  to  purchese  or  hire  arms  for  use  of  Continental  ar- 


my, 


103 


Authorized  to  apprehend,  try  and  imprison  suspected  persons, 

and  to  sequester  estates,  &c  131,  132 

To  appoint  assessors  and  collectors,  for  the  apportionment 
and  collection  of  the  quotas  of  the  several  counties,  for  the 
redemption  of  bills  of  credit,  and  to  act  as  supervisors,..  134 

To  appoint  county  treasurers  ;  duties  and  fees  of,   134 

Chairman  of,  with  aid  of  militia  officers,  to  carry  into  execu- 
tion resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  for  impressment 
and  appraisal  of  arms  in  the  hands  of  persons  not  having 

signed  the  general  association,   150 

Authorized  to  call  in  assistance,  when  necessary,  from  neigh- 
bouring Colonies,   214 

Authorized  to  imprison  persons  refusing  to  appear  and  give 

testimony,  when  required,   215 

Circular  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  election  of 

Delegates  to  General  Assembly,  236,240 

Circular  from  Committee  of  Safety  and  Provincial  Congress, 
respecting  the  enlisting  of  men  in  the  four  Continental  re- 
giments, and  the  choice  of  officers,   269,  308 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  authorizing  loans  to,  for 

the  public  service,    356 

Circular  to,  requesting  a  return  of  the  names  of  recruiting  of- 
ficers, and  the  number  of  men  enlisted,  and  to  cause  such 

troops  to  be  forwarded  to  the  city  of  New- York,   396 

Circular  to,  respecting  the  forwarding  of  arms  taken  from  dis- 
affected persons,   417 

Circular  to,  requesting  an  enumeration  of  inhabitants,  &c   458 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  29.) 
Authorized  and  directed  to  retail  Bohea  tea,  at  fixed  prices 

and  limited  quantities,   682 

Authorized  to  grant  passes  to  travellers,  &c   706 


INDEX. 


1135 


PAG3. 

COUNTY  TREASURERS. 

(See  County  Committee,  5.) 
COURT  OF  ADMIRALTY.  (See  Admiralty.) 

COURTS  OF  JUSTICE. 

(See  Duer,  William,  3.) 
(See  Charlotte  County,  2.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  4.) 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  constitution  relative 

to  the  organization  of,   882 

2.  Draft  of  commission  for  holding  courts  of  oyer  and  terminer 

and  general  jail  delivery  in  this  Slate,   948,  949 

COURTS  MARTIAL. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention.  123.) 

1.  Proceedings  and  testimony  before,  in  the  cases  of  Samuel 

Knap  and  Samuel  Devine,  on  charge  of  treason,   814,815 

2.  Letter  from  Gen.  McDougall,  transmitting  proceedings  of,  on 

the  trial  of  Simon  Maybee,  charged  as  a  spy  ;  confirmation 

of,   883,  884 

3.  Letter  from  Gen.  McDougall,  transmitting  proceedings  and 

sentence  of,  in  the  cases  of  John  Williams,  Job  Babcock, 
Anthony  Hill  and  Thomas  Barker,  charged  with  traitor- 
ous correspondence  with  the  enemy,  ,   902 

4.  Confirmation  of,  in  the  cases  of  John  Williams  and  Anthony 

Hill,  and  pardon  under  the  gallows  to  Job  Babcock  after 

the  executions  of  the  others,   904,  905 

5.  Letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton,  transmitting  the  proceed- 

ings and  sentence  of,  against  sundry  persons  tried  at  Fort 
Montgomery,  and  proceedings  of  Convention  thereon,  908,  909, 

922  to  926,  927,  928 

6.  Pardon  to  William  Tielts  and  Hendrick  Crispell,   909 

7.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Gen.  George  Clinton,  respecting 

prisoners  sent  by  him,   914 

8.  Pardon  to  sundry  persons  condemned  by,   939,  943 

9.  Letter  from  Gen.  McDougall,  transmitting  proceedings  of, 

against  John  Likeley  and  Anthony  Umans;  answer  of 
Council  of  Safety   964,  965 

10.  Proceeding  of  Council,  in  the  case  of  James  Huetson,  and 

confirmation  of  sentence,   968,  969 

11.  Proceedings  of  Council  in  the  case  of  Robert  Coventry,.  . . .  969 

12.  do  do  do      Israel  Osborn,   969 

13.  do               do              do      Benj.  Ingraham,  Asa 
Beebe  and  Moses  Wooster,   969 

14.  Proceedings  of  Council  in  the  case  of  Jesse  Bullis,   969,  970 

15-         do  do  do      Jacob  Miller,   970 

16.  do  do  do      John  Clint,   970 

17.  do  do  do      Arnout  Viele,          970, 971 

18.  do  do  do      William  Frazer,   971 

19.  do  do  do      Thomas  Blewer,   971 

20.  do  do  do      Alexander  Patterson,  .  971 

21.  do  do  do      Thomas  Frazer,   971 

22.  do  do  do      Thos.  Veile  and  others. 

23.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Ten  Broeck,  transmitting  proceedings 

of,  in  case  of  Andries  Huyck,  of  Schodack,  in  the  manor 

of  Rensselaer  wyck  ;  confirmed,   984 

24.  Pardon  granted  to  Jacob  Furler,  Jr.  Cornelius  Furler  and 

Coenrad  Mysener,  condemned  at,   987 

25.  Pardon  granted  to  Walter  Stouter,   991 

26.  do      do         William  Kelder,   906 

27.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putman,  transmitting  proceedings  and  sen- 

tence of,  in  the  case  of  Edward  Palmer,  tried  and  convict- 
ed as  a  spy,   1020 

COVENHOVEN,  NICHOLAS. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  militia  drafted 

from  Kings  and  Queens  counties,   568 

2.  Examination  of,  on  his  escape  from  the  British  troops  as  a 

prisoner   598 

CRANE,  JOSEPH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain-lieutenant  in  Captain  Sebastian 

Bauman's  company  of  artillery,   403 

CRANE,  WILLIAM,  LIEUT. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  £30  to  pay  for 

billeting  money  and  men,   142 

CREGIER,  CORNELIUS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  assistant  commissary  of  clothing  store,. .  807 

CROTON  RIVER. 
1.  Directions  to  Brig.  Gen.  Morris  and  Captain  Townshend,  to 

march  to  the  mouth  of,    541 

CROWN-POINT. 

(See  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point.) 

CUMBERLAND  COUNTY. 

1.  Letter  to  Col.  James  Rogers,  of  Kent,   21 

2.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,  •   49 

3.  Information  respecting  State  of:  and  appointment  of  com- 

mittee thereon,   69 

4.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for   70 

5.  Resolution  of  committee'of,  empowering  Delegates  in  Provin- 

cial Congress  to  act  singly,   105 

6  Samuel  Wells,  of,  requested  to  attend  before  Committee  of 

Safety,   V«V"  145 

7.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  the  attendance  of  Dele- 
gates from,  in  Provincial  Congress,    199 


PAGE . 

CUMBERLAND  COUNTY— Continued. 

8.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  second  Provin- 
cial Congress,   226 

9-  Letter  from  Col.  James  Rogers,  declining  the  office  of  briga- 
dier-general of  militia  for  political  reasons,   228 

10.  Objections  of  inhabitants  of  Putney,  Westminster  and  Ful- 

ham  townships  in,  against  the  gentlemen  recommended  by 
county  committee  as  field  officers  of,   228 

11.  Association  in  Townshend,    228 

12.  Field  officers  for  regiments  of  militia  and  of  minute  men 

in,  appointed.     237 

13.  Recommendation  to  committees  of,  and  of  Charlotte  and 

Gloucester,  to  nominate  a  brigadier-general  of  militia   237 

14.  Committee  of,  directed  to  report  list  of  officers  under  the 

rank  of  field  officers,   237 

15.  Committee  of,  directed  to  nominate  field  officers  for  lower  re- 

giment of  militia  in  said  county,   237 

16.  Letter  from  Samuel  Stevens  of,  relative  to  the  appointment 

of  field  officers  in,   238 

17.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committee  of,  relative  to 

divisions  and  dissentions  in,   242 

18.  Permission  to  Dr.  Paul  Spooner,  a  member  of  Committee  of 

Safely  from,  to  return  home  ;  and  provision  for  expense,. .  243 

19.  Return  of  militia  officers  of  first  regiment  of,   324,331 

20.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  pay  of  Delegates  from, 

to  Provincial  Congress,  and  order  of  Provincial  Congress 
thereon,   331 

21.  Letter  from  Samuel  Gale,  clerk  of,  complaining  of  seizure  of 

and  imprisonment  in  Fairfield  county,  Connecticut ;  resolu- 
tions and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  339,  340, 

365 

22.  Letters  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  Fairfield 

county,  requesting  the  immediate  discharge  of  said  Samuel 
Gale,   365 

23.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  in  third  Provincial 

Congress,   496 

24.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  in  fourth  Provincial 

Congress,   515 

(See  Militia,  25.) 
(See  Bayley,  Jacob.) 

25.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  the  institution  of  a  form 

of  government,    587 

26.  Reservation  by  committee  of,  of  right  of  seceding  from  the 

government  of  this  State  ;  and  acknowledgment  of  juris- 
diction by  Deputies  from,   646 

27.  Interrogatories  propounded  by  Convention  to  Deputies  from, 

and  their  answers  relative  to  such  jurisdiction,   647 

28.  Report  of  Committee,  on  application  of  Joab  Hoisington, 

commander  of  company  of  rangers,  for  the  defence  of, 
and  relative  to  the  claim  of,  jurisdiction  of  this  State,  over,  659, 

660,  661 

29.  Resolutions  of  Convention  thereupon,   661 

30.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  condition  of,   775,  776 

31.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon ; 

and  letter  to  Continental  Congress,  requesting  the  recall  of 
the  commissions  granted  to  Col.  Seth  Warner  and  his  offi- 
cers,  777,  778,  779 

32.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress  re- 

lative todisaffections  in,   820,  821 

33.  Instructions  to  delegation  in  Congress  relative  to  claim  of  re- 

presentation in  Congress  from,  &c   869 

34.  Election  of  Paul  Spooner  as  sheriff  of,   912 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

35.  Recommendation  to  inhabitants  of,  to  form  associations,  &c.  921 

36.  Representation  of  committee  of,  giving  an  account  of  the 

state  of  said  county,  as  to  the  revolted  subjects  who  set  up 

an  independent  government,   995 

37.  Letter  from  Paul  Spooner,  resigning  his  office  as  sheriff  of 

said  county,   995 

(See  Vermont.) 

CURRENCY. 

(See  Continental  Paper  Currency. 
(See  Colonial  Paper  Currency.) 
(See  Bills  of  Credit.) 

CURRIE,  DAVID. 
1.  Appointment  of  as  commissary,  &c.  bond  of;  and  requisition 

on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   953 

CURTENIUS,  PETER  T.   (See  Commissary.) 

1.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  appointment  of 

as  commissary,  for  the  purchase  of  stores  and  provisions, 
and  the  engagement  of  artificers  and  mariners ;  commis- 
sions to  be  allowed  to  ;  and  agreement  to  indemnify,  and 
to  allow  interest  on  advances  of,   27 

2.  Instructions  and  directions  to,  by  Provincial  Congress,   27 

3.  Acceptance  of,   27 

4.  List  of  men  and  articles  directed  to  be  furnished  by  and  for- 

warded to  south  end  of  Lake  George,   28 

5.  Powder  in  custgdy  of,  to  be  sent  to  committee  at  Albany,. .  .  30 

6.  List  of  artificers  and  stores  directed  to  be  provided  by,  and 

forwarded  to  Ticonderoga,   32 

7.  Directed  to  give  a  receipt  for  certain  powder  obtained  from 

Elizabethtown,  for  use  of  Provincial  army  at  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  ■  ■   37 

8.  Directed  to  purchase  sundry  articles  of  provisions  for  use  of 

troops,  and  forwarded  to  Albany,   40,  78 


1136 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

CURTENIUS,  PETER  T.— Continued. 

9.  Directed  to  purchase  sundry  articles  of  military  stores,  45, 

76,  81,  94 

10.  To  purchase  blankets  and  forward  to  Albany  committee,...  55 

11.  To  procure  sundry  articles  of  clothing  and  ammunition  for 

Colonial  troops,   59,  65,  75,  99 

12.  To  procure  sundry  articles  of  clothing  and  ammunition  for 

troops  at  Ticonderoga,  60,  93 

13.  Authorized  to  purchase  certain  articles  of  Messrs.  Robert  and 

John  Murray.    65,  97 

14.  To  procure  drums  for  use  of  troops,   65 

15.  To  provide  provisions  and  tents  for  first  regiment,  65,  85 

16.  To  supply  utensils  for  armourer  of  Connecticut  troops ;  se- 

parate account  to  be  kept,   66 

17.  To  forward  to  Albany  hospital  stores  for  use  of  Connecticut 

troops   76 

18.  To  supply  sundry  articles  for  armourer  of  first  regiment,   76 

19.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  recommending  continuance  of  employment  of,  85,  86 

20.  To  transmit  to  Albany  sundry  military  stores  and  medicines 

for  use  of  second  regiment,   94 

21.  To  prevent  sundry  articles  of  military  stores  to  Cols.  Clinton 

and  Holmes,   99 

22.  Letter  from,  respecting  purchase  of  sundry  articles  from 

Messrs.  Murray,   99 

23.  Directed  to  forward  certain  articles  of  military  stores  to  Al- 

bany,  106,  112,  128 

24.  To  furnish  arms  to  Cols  Holmes  and  McDougall,   1 10,  127 

24.  Treasurer  directed  to  pay  £20,000  to,  for  discharge  of  debts 

contracted  in  the  purchase  of  provisions,  military  stores, 

&c   118 

25.  To  purchase  sail  cloth  &c.  for  tents  to  be  forwarded  to  Gen. 

Schuyler  at  Ticonderoga,   126 

26.  Order  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  £5,000  to  discharge 

debts  coniracted  for  provisions,  military  stores,  and  other 
necessaries,   130 

27.  To  provide  watch  coats  for  sentinels ;  expense  thereof  to  be 

a  Continental  charge,   134 

28.  To  purchase  pistols  and  cutlasses  and  forward  to  Ticonde- 

roga,  151 

29.  Treasurer  to  advance  money  to,  on  account,   167 

30.  To  provide  certain  intrenching  tools,   182 

31.  Examination  of,  respecting  the  purchase  of  blankets,  &c. .  .  193 

32.  To  deliver  to  Capt.  Skidmore,  of  Queens  county,  the  arms 

belonging  to  company  of,  and  pay  appraised  value  of  such 

as  were  appropriated  to  the  public  service,   227 

33.  Employment  by,  of  Jacamiah  Allen,  to  furnish  lead  and  bul- 

lets,   240 

34.  Accounts  of,  and  balance  due  to,   253 

35.  Directed  to  purchase  salt,  and  transmit  to  Albany,   253 

36.  Directed  to  examine  arms  preparing  for  Lord  Stirling's  troops, 

and  to  forbid  the  sale  of  arms  to  persons  residing  out  of 

the  Colony,   253 

37.  Directed  to  purchase  blankets  for  soldiers,   253 

38.  Directed  to  keep  separate  acccounts  of  Continental  and  Pro- 

vincial charges,   253 

39.  Treasurer  directed  to  advance  money  to,   253 

40.  Inventory  of  military  stores  taken  by,  out  of  the  lower 

barracks,  by  order  of  Provincial  Congress  ;  and  directions 

for  safe  keeping  and  preservation  of,   3.3 

41.  List  of  articles  directed  to  be  provided  by,  for  use  of  Colo- 

nial troops,   324 

42.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  respecting  demand  of 

certain  hospital  stores  in  possession  of ;  and  letter  from 
Provincial  Congress  to  General  Lee  thereon,   330 

43.  Directed  to  provide  sundry  artillery  stores  for  defence  of  the 

city  of  New- York,   376 

44.  Requisitions  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   388,  517 

45.  Directed  to  procure  suitable  clothing  for  the  troops   505 

46.  Account  of,  audited  by  committee  of  pay  table,  and  requisi- 

tion on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   506 

46.  Letter  of,  informing  of  the  landing  of  the  British  troops  on 

Staten  Island,  without  opposition,  and  of  the  advancement 

of  detachments  to  Bergen-Point  and  Elizabethtown,   517 

47.  Letter  from,  transmitting  a  list  of  articles  contracted  for,  by 

order  of  the  Convention.   600 

48.  Authorized  to  borrow  the  sum  of  £10,000  on  the  credit  of 

the  State,   600 

49.  Account  of  leads,  ball  and  flints  shipped  and  delivered  by,  in 

pursuance  of  orders  of  Congress,   655 

50.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  for  cloth- 

ing to  be  purchased  for  the  troops,  and  directions  relative 

to  such  purchase,   694 

51.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  balance  due  on  set- 

tlement of  accounts  of,  *   705 

52.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  on  account,   706 

CURTIS,  BENJAMIN. 
2.  Appointment  of,  as  sergeant  to  first  regicient,   380 

P. 

DAN,  DAVID. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col.  Thomas'  regiment  of  mili- 
tia, in  Westchester  county,   576 

DARTMOUTH,  LORD. 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  60,  61.) 
(See  Tryon,  Gov.  4,  5.) 


PAGE. 

DAVIS,  BENJAMIN,  alias  JOHN  JOHNSON. 
(See  Albany  City,  25.) 
(See  Indian  Affairs,  6.) 
DAVIS,  CAPTAIN  JOHN. 
1  Return  of  company  of,  in  Suffolk  County,   398 

DEANE,  GILBERT. 
1  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  a  company  of  militia  in  Col. 

Saral.  Drake's  regiment,  of  Gen.  Scott's  brigade,   654 

DEANE,  SILAS.  (See  Continental  Congress,  81.) 
DEANE,  WILLIAM  Jk. 
1.  Certificate  of  Committee  of  Safety  in  favor  of,  and  James 
Newport,  assistant,  on  his  departure  Irom  New-York,  for 
Williamsburgh,  in  Virginia,   155 

DEBT.    (See  Public  Debt.) 
1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  pas- 
sage of  laws  prohibiting  arrest  of  Continental  soldiers, 

for,   244 

DEBTORS. 

1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  payment  in- 

to the  treasury  of  all  debts  due  from  Gilbert  Drake  to  Wm. 
Lounsbery,   802 

2.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  payment  in- 

to the  treasury  of  a  debt  due  from  Henry  Wisner  to  Oliver 

De  Lancy,   803 

3.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  payment  in- 

to the  treasury  of  all  debts  due  to  the  loan  offices,  and  to 
inhabitants  removed  from  the  State,  or  residents  of  districts 
within  the  power  of  the  enemy,  818,  819 

DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE. 
(See  Independence.) 

DEDIMUS  POTESTATEM. 
1.  Form  of,  to  administer  oaths  to  the  several  officers  of  govern- 
ment,   935 

DE  KAY,  CAPT.  CHARLES. 
1.  Examination  and  commitment  of,  to  the  custody  of  Col.  Mc- 
Dougall, 122,  123 

DELAWARE.  (See  Continental  Army,  11.) 
DELLIVAN,  CAPT.  SAMUEL.  (See  Rangers,  7.) 

DEMOTH,  CAPT.  MARCUS. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  and  subsistence  of  com- 
pany of  rangers  commanded  by,  in  Tryon  county   828 

DENMARK. 

1.  Proclamation  of  King  of,  declaring  a  forfeiture  of  the  estates 
of  all  persons  bearing  arms  against  the  King  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, in  the  present  contest  with  America,    792 

DENNIS,  PATRICK. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  1st  lieutenant  of  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers' 

artillery  company,  in  the  city  of  New.York,   66 

DENNISTON,  GEORGE. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant,  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

DENTON,  CAPT.  DANIEL. 

(See  Jackson,  Geo.  Hamilton,  1.) 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  informing  of  the  comple- 

tion of  company  of,  in  Orange  county,  as  a  part  of  the  Con- 
tinental battalion,   357 

2.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   357 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of,   360 

4.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col  Ritzema's  regiment,   405 

DENTON,  JOSEPH.  (See  Suffolk  County,  14  ) 
DEPUTY  ADJUTANT-GENERAL. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  appoint- 

ment of,   84 

2.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  recommending  Morgan  Lewis  as  a 

proper  person  therefor,   90 

3.  Appointment  of  William  Duer,   91 

4.  Letter  to  Continental  Consress,  informing  of,   91 

5.  Letter  from,  requesting  time  to  consider  of  the  expediency 

and  propriety  of  accepting  such  appointment,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  situation  of  his  private  affairs,  and  certain 
connections  in  Dominica,   107 

6.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  confer  with,  recommending 

that  he  be  permitted  to  decline  said  appointment,   117 

7.  Appointment  of  Robert  G.  Livingston,  Jr   117 

8.  Directed  to  join  the  army  under  command  of  General  Schuy- 

ler,   H7 

9.  Appointment  of  Edward  Flemming,  as   126 

10.  Directed  to  join  Gen.  Schuyler,  at  Ticonderoga,   126 

DEPUTY  PAYMASTER-GENERAL. 

(See  Trumbull,  Jonathan  Jr.) 
DEPUTIES. 

1.  Attending  the  first  Provincial  Convention,  at  New-York, 

April  20,  1775,   1 

2.  Credentials  of,  1,  2,  3 

3.  Attending  the  first  Provincial  Congress,    7  to  16 

4.  do        second  do   285,206 

5.  do        third  do   44S,  449 

DE  LANCEY,  JOHN. 

1.  Reprimanded  for  insult  to  Mr.  Scott,  a  member  of  Provincial 
Congress,  during  the  session  of  the  House,  and  enjoined  to 
stop  all  farther  dispute  between  them,   101 


INDEX. 


1137 


PAGE. 

DE  LANCEY,  OLIVER.  (See  Debtors,  1.) 
DESERTERS. 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  apprehension  and 

punishment  of,   155 

Letter  to  Committee  of  Safety  in  New- Jersey,   157 

Answer  of  Committee   169 


3.  Letter  to  Gen.  Washington,  respecting,   184 

(See  Holmes,  James,  8,  9.) 
(See  Clinton,  James,  7.) 
(See  Orange  County,  16  ) 

5.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  punishment 

of  persons  harbouring,    202 

(See  Suffolk  County,  65.) 
(See  Knap,  Samuel.) 

6.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  recommending  the  passage  of 

laws  for  the  punishment  of,    799 

7.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  apprehen- 

sion of,  and  imposing  penalties  on  persons  harbouring  or 

concealing,   801 

(See  Hasbronck,  Capt.  Elias,  4.) 
DEVINE,  SAMUEL. 
1.  Proceedings  and  testimony  before  court  martial,  on  trial  of, 
on  charge  of  treason ;  letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton, 
and  Jesse  Woodhull,  president  of  said  court;  and  petition 
of  members  thereof,  for  pardon,   814,  815 

DE  WITT,  CAPT.  JACOB  RUTZEN. 

1.  Certificate  relative  to  pay  roll  of,  and  requisition  on  Treasu- 

rer in  favour  of,  for  payment,  subsistence  and  bounty  due 

to  company  of  rangers  of,  in  Ulster  county,   685,  720,  776 

2.  Placed  under  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  George  Clinton,   813 

DE  WITT,  THOMAS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  1st.  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Jacobus  Bruyn's 

company,   99 

DISAFFECTED  PERSONS. 

1.  Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  respect- 

ing, in  Queens  and  Richmond  counties,. .  216, 229,  230,  231,  252, 

289 

2.  Directing  inhabitants  visiting  the  Colony  from  neighbouring 

Colonies  to  furnish  themselves  with  certificates  from  the 
committees  of  their  respective  jurisdiction,   232 

3.  Authorizing  the  purchase  of  pitch,  tar  and  turpentine  for  pu- 

blic use  and  safety,   232 

4.  Order  for  arrest  of  Alexander  Leslie  on  charge  of  traitorous 

correspondence  with  the  enemy,   252 

(See  Prisoners,  22  to  31.) 
(See  Doughty,  Timothy.) 

5.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  imprisonment  of,. . . .  289 

6.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  disarming  of,  &c.  375,  379 

7.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  a  plan  for  disarming, 

pursuant  to  such  resolutions   386 

(See  Tories  ) 

8.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  composition  from,  for 

military  duty,   440 

9.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  appointment  of 

commissioners  to  compel  the  disaffected  portion  of  Colo- 
nel Graham's  regiment  of  militia,  in  Rhinebeck  precinct, 
and  Colonel  Field  and  Wm.  Humphries  in  Paulding's  pre- 
cinct, to  march  as  directed  by  resolutions  of  Convention,.  757 
(See  Dutchess  County,  57,  58.) 
(See  Petitions,  51.) 

10.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  an  act  of  grace  for,  not 

charged  with  treason,  who  have  been  sent  out  of  the  State, 
or  confined  within  it,  by  order  of  the  committee  for  de- 
tecting conspiracies,    823 

11.  Resolutions  of  Convention  therefor,   827 

12.  Order  for  apprehending  and  imprisonment  of  Samuel  Towns- 

hend,  as,    904 

13.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  confinement  of,  on  board 

vessels  in  the  Hudson  river  to  be  prepared  for  that  pur- 
pose,    908 

DOORKEEPER.  (See  Pettit,  Thomas.) 

DOP,  PETER.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels,  15.) 

DOUE,  THOMAS. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  relief;  examination  of;  and  proceedings 

of  Convention  thereon,   949,  950 

DOUGHTY,  TIMOTHY. 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  discharge  of,   182 

2.  Application  of,  for  copy  of  affidavits  against ;  denied;   184 

3.  Arrest  and  re-imprisonment  of,  on  charge  of  disaffection,. . . .  288 

DOUGLASS,  CAPTAIN  ASA. 
1.  Communication  of,  to  Provincial  Congress  respecting  letter  of 
Colonel  Allen  to  Continental  Congress,  services  of,  and 
compensation  to,  troops  who  took  Ticonderoga,  Crown- 
Point,  &c.  and  desiring  the  command  of  forces  raised  in 
King's  district,   14 

DOUW,  VOLCKERT  P. 

(See  Albany,  35.) 
(See  Caughnawaga  Indians.) 
(See  Six  Nations,  1.) 

DRAKE,  COLONEL  GILBERT. 
1.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress, 
for  allowance  to,  as  compensation  for  his  services  and  ex- 
penses in  purchasing  provisions,   495 

285 


PAGE. 

DRAKE,  COLONEL  JOSEPH. 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention  explanatory  of  the  preference 

given  to  Colonel  Thomas,  in  the  appointment  of  militia  of- 
ficers in  Westchester  county,  and  expressing  their  high  re- 
gard for  the  integrity,  talents  and  military  virtue  of,   537 

2.  Resolution  of,  and  appointment  of  committee  to  investigate 

conduct  of,   656 

3.  Letter  from,  setting  forth  his  conduct  relative  to  drafting  men 

out  of  his  regiment,  and  the  reasons  of  his  resignation,  . .  565 

4.  Letter  from,  transmitting  an  account  of  proceedings  of,   597 

5.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  approving  of  proceedings  of, ... .  598 

DRAKE,  SAMUEL. 
Col.  of  regiment  of  minute  men  in  Westchester  county. 

1.  Letter  from,  relative  to  supply  of  arms,  &c   304 

2.  Return  of  officers  of  company  of,  in  Harrison's  precinct ;  and 

requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to,  for  use  of  his  re- 
giment,  314,  328 

3.  Officers  of  regiment  of,   319,320 

4.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  in,    331 

(See  Graham  Lewis,  Lieut.  Col.) 

5.  Appointment  as  colonial  of  militia  regiment  in  Westchester 

county  in  the  Continental  service,   489 

DREWIDZ,  JOHAN  CHRISTIAN. 

(See  Prisoners,  10.) 
DRUMMOND,  LORD. 
1.  Permission  for,  to  repair  to  the  island  of  Bermuda,  for  the  re- 
covery of  his  health ;  and  certificate  in  favor  of,   405 

DRUMS. 

1.  Directions  for  procuring,  for  use  of  Colonial  troops,   65 

2.  Petition  of  Samuel  Faulkenham  and  David  Woolhaupter,  to 

be  employed  in  making,  . . ,   75 

DUANE,  JAMES. 
1.  Re-election  of,  as  a  Delegate  in  Congress,  and  vote  of  thanks 

to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  service  therein,   931 

DUBOIS,  CORNELIUS  J. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  John  L.  De 
Witt's  company  in  Colonel  Humphrey's  regiment  of 
Dutchess  county,   525,552 

DUBOIS,  DAVID. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Nicholson's, 

company,    99 

DUBOIS,  LEWIS. 

1.  Muster  roll  of,  returned  and  filed,   112 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

3.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  New-York  regiment,  with  in- 

structions to  raise  a  regiment  to  serve  for  three  years  or 
during  the  war  ;  and  appointment  of  field  officers  of,  ....  510 

4.  Accounts  of  billeting  company  of  troops  of,  in  Colonel  Clin- 

ton's regiment,   526 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of,  for  recruiting  service 

of  his  regiment,   755 

6.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  bounty,   846,  847 

7-  Letter  from  General  George  Clinton,  respecting  appointment 

of  pay-master  and  other  officers  of  regiment  of;  and  re- 
solutions of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,   977 

DUER,  WILLIAM. 

1.  Communication  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  respecting  cer- 

tain charges  against,  and  requesting  the  appointment  of  a 
committee  of  investigation ;  appointment  of  such  commit- 
tee,  42 

2.  Report  of  committee  in  favour  of,  and  order  thereon,   43, 44 

3.  Letter  from,  respecting  combinations  of  disaffected  persons, 

on  New-Hampshire  Grants,  to  stop  the  courts  of  justice  at 
Fort  Edward;  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  ....  71,  72 

4.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Springfield  committee,  Massachu- 

setts Bay,  in  commendation  of  conduct  of,   76,  77 

4.  Appointment  of,  as  deputy  adjutant-general,   91 

6.  Letter  from,  expressing  his  respect  and  gratitude  for  the  confi- 

dence reposed  in,  and  requesting  an  indulgence  of  three 
days  to  determine  whether  he  can  accept  the  same,  incon- 
sequence of  certain  connections  in  Dominica,   107 

7.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  confer  with,  recommend- 

ing that  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case,  he 

be  permilied  to  decline  such  appointment   117 

8.  Letter  from  General  Schuyler,  respecting  petition  of,  relative 

to  election  of  Deputies  to  Provincial  Congress  from  Char- 
lotte county,   453 

9.  Letter  from  General  Gates,  relative  to  proceedings  of  Gen. 

General  Clinton  and  the  Continental  army,   750,  751 

10.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  relative  to  proceedings 
of  the  army  in  Westchester  county,  and  the  movements  of 
Generals  Heath  and  Wooster   808, 809 

10.  Appointment  of,  as  a  Delegate  from  this  State  to  Continental 

Congress,    855 

11.  Re-election  of ;  vote  of  thanks  to,   931 

DUMOND,  EGBERT. 
1.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  calling  upon,  to  account 

with  the  Treasurer  for  moneys  advanced  by  him,   694 

DURLIN,  JOHN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  the  forces  raised  in  Dutchess 
county  for  the  quieting  and  apprehension  of  disaffected 
persons,   503 


1138 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

DUTCHESS  COUNTY. 

1,  Names  and  credentials  of,  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,  2, 3,  4 

2,  Proceedings  and  statement  of  committees  from  precincts  of 

Rumbout,  Northeast,  Amenia  and  Rynbeck,  relative  to 
choice  of  Deputies   4 

3.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from  Provincial  Congress,  7, 

16 

:t.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety,   70 

4.  General  association  signed  by  inhabitants  of  Amenia  pre- 

cinct  108 

:>.  Appointment  of  field  officers  of  regiment  of  minute  men  in,.  135 
ti.  Letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  committee  of,  in- 
forming that  Mordecai  Lester  and  Messrs.  Doughty  and 
Berghs,  are  said  to  have  enlisted  men  and  purchased  sup- 
plies for  the  enemy,  and  order  to  Col.  Lasher  to  appre- 
hend said  Lester,   138 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  21.) 

7.  Letter  from  chiarman  of  committee,  and  sundry  certificates 

relative  to  arms  procured  for  troops,  in,   150 

8.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  enclosing  sundry  affi- 

davits against  Timothy  Doughty,  Adam  Bergh,  Christian 
Bergh,  Jr.  and  others,   158 

9.  Discharge  of  Timothy  Doughty,  a  prisoner  arrested  in,  for 

certain  disturbances  ;  and  grounds  of  such  discharge,   182 

10.  Letter  from  President  of  Continental  Congress  respecting 

the  raising  of  recruits  in,  for  the  British  army  by  one 
Grant,  and  recommending  the  arrest  of  said  Grant,   188 

11.  Remonstrance  of  associated  company  at  Poughkeepsie ;  and 

order  for  commissions  for,    191 

12.  Letter  to  Poughkeepsie  committee  recommending  the  arrest 

of  Grant,  &c   194 

13.  Return  of  officers  of  second  minute  company  in  Amenia  pre- 

cinct,   195 

14.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  transmit- 

ting resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  relative  to  raising 
of  men  from  militia  of,  for  occupation  and  defence  of  the 
fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   198 

15.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Amenia  precinct  in,  enclosing  asso- 

ciation signed  by  Josiah  Morse  and  Andrew  L.  Harvey,  Jr>  202 
lti,  Letter  from  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  committee  of,  in- 
forming of  the  apprehension  of  Col.  Brant,   202 

17.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from  attending  second 

Provincial  Congress,   205,  293 

18.  Letters  from  Egbert  Benson,  chairman  of  committee  of,  in- 

forming of  appointment  of  corresponding  committee  in 
said  county,  and  respecting  the  raising  of  troops  in  for  de- 
fence of  the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   207,  208 

19.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  confinement  of  Jaco- 

bus Oostrum,  Johannes  Medler  and  Barnt  Lewis,  in  jail  of, 
and  provisions  for  support  of,   208 

20.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  apprehension  of  sundry 

persons  on  a  charge  of  aiding  Peter  Harris  in  enlisting 
men  for  the  ministerial  army,  and  requesting  extension  of 
authority  of,  in  the  citation  of  witnesses  ;  resolution  of 
Provincial  Congress  conferring  such  authority,   215 

21.  Letter  from  Jacobus  Swartwout,  chairman  of  committee  at 

Fishkill,  containing  return  of  officers  of  Captain  Stephen 
Brinckerhoff's  company,   229 

22.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  informing  of  the  ap- 

prehension and  confinement  of  Timothy  Doughty,  on 
charge  of  disaffection,   288 

23.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  transmitting  recom- 

mendation of  officers  for  three  companies  in,  for  Continen- 
tal service,   297 

24.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  Pough- 

keepsie,   311 

35.  Letter  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  chairman  of  committee  of 
Poughkeepsie,  informing  of  the  raising  of  three  compa- 
nies in,  requesting  information  as  to  the  destination  of  the 
several  regiments  to  be  raised  for  the  Continental  service, 
and  recommending  the  appointment  of  a  major  in  Colonel 
Sutherland's  regiment   314 

26.  Return  of  election  of  officers  in  a  minute  company  in  Char- 

lotte precinct,  in   320 

27.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  militia  in  Rum- 

bout  precinct,   ....  323 

28.  Ilelurn  of  election  of  officers  of  several  companies  in  Colonel 

Jacobus  Swartwout's  regiment  of  minute  men,   323 

29.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  minute  men  in 

Beekman  precinct,     331 

30.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  1st  company  of  1st  regiment 

of  militia,  in,   353 

31.  Instructions  to  committee  of,  to  permit  the  exportation  of  pro- 

visions from,  to  New-York,  by  Abraham  Livingston,   376 

3?.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  respecting  difficulty  in 
raising  troops,  and  suggesting  an  augmentation  of  wages; 
answer  of  Committee  of  Safely,  "  . . .  385 

33.  Letter  from  John  Barnes,  of  Charlotte  precinct,  in,  enclosing 

alterations  in  four  companies  of  militia  therein,   385 

34.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  in  Fredericsburgh     390 

35.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Rhinebeck  committee,  respecting  the 

supply  of  provisions  to  Mordecai  Lester  and  Fred.  Klein, 
prisoners  in  the  jail  at  Kingston,  and  order  of  Committee 
of  Safety  thereon   415 

36.  Direc  tions  to  committee  of,  for  the  apprehension  and  confine- 


PACE. 

DUTCHESS  COUNTY— Continued. 
ment  of  Thomas  Gibson  and  Robert  Hamilton,  on  charge 
of  enlisting  men  for  the  ministerial  service,   430 

37.  Direction  to  committee  of,  for  delivery  of  arms,  taken  from 
disaffected  persons,  to  Lieut.  Col.  Livingston,  for  the  use 
of  Col.  Clinton's  regiment,   430 

38.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 
Congress,     449 

39.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  informing  of  the  divi- 
sion of  the  southern  regiment  of  militia  in,  and  transmit- 
ting a  description  of  the  two  regiments  thereby  formed, 
and  list  of  persons  nominated  for  field  officers,   452,  453 

40.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  lead  mines  in   485 

41.  Application  of  chairman  of  committee  of,  for  an  armed  force 
for  the  quieting  and  apprehending  of  disaffected  persons 
in   499 

42.  Report  of  committee  thereon,  and  proceedings  of  Provincial 
Congress,  ordering  499,  500,  503 

43.  Appointment  of  Melancton  Smith  and  John  Durlin  as  cap- 
tains of  said  companies,   503 

44.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  general  commit- 
tee of,  to  investigate  charges  against  certain  captains  in 
Col.  Luddington's  regiment  of  militia,  for  refusing  to  per- 
mit drafts  to  be  made  out  of  their  respective  companies, 
for  completing  the  brigade  of  militia  to  be  raised  in  said 
county,   ,   507 

45.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  to  the  bri- 
gadier.general  and  committee  of,  to  expedite  the  comple- 
tion of  the  quota  of  militia  directed  to  he  raised  in,  and  to 
forward  their  march,  &c   507 

46.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 
Congress,  at  White-Plains,   515 

47.  Resolution  of  Conveution  for  stationing  troops  raised  in,  and 
Westchester  counties,  at  Peekskill,   526 

48.  Appointment  of  field  officers  of  regiments  of  militia  in,  ....  528 

49.  Appointment  of  field  officers  in  Col.  Henry  Ludenton's  regi- 
ment,  532,  533 

50.  General  committee  of,  directed  to  cause  the  powder  mill  of 
John  R.  Livingston,  with  the  stores  and  magazines  attach- 
ed, to  be  guarded,  and  to  order  Capt.  Melancton  Smith  to 
detach  a  guard  for  that  purpose,   551 

(See  Clinton,  George.) 

51.  Militia  of,  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 
warning,     601 

52.  Report  of  committee,  respecting  the  expediency  of  calling  out 
the  militia  of,   606 

53.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  chairman  of  committee 
of  Kingston,  for  the  removal  of  the  prisoners  of  war,  to 
Morristown,  in  New-Jersey,  and  letter  to  committee  respect- 
ing the  sale  of  tea,   609 

54.  Resolution  of  Convention,  directing  committee  of,  to  provide 
for  the  immediate  raising  of  a  detachment  of  militia  of,  for 
the  reinforcement  of  the  garrison  at  the  Highlands,   651 

55.  Organization  and  officers  of  company  in,  for  the  detection  and 
suppression  of  conspiracies,   666 

56.  Order  for  apprehension  and  commitment  of  Phinehas  Ford, 
on  charge  of  felony,   754 

57.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  for  compelling  the  disaffected  por- 
tion of  militia  of,  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  in  Col.  Graham's 
regiment,  and  of  Cols.  Field  and  Wm.  Humphries'  re- 
giments, in  Paulding's  precinct,  to  march  to  the  several 
posts  previously  directed  by  Convention,  757,  776 

58.  Letter  from  Nathan  Pierce,  chairman  of  committee  of  Paul- 
ding's precinct,  informing  of  the  number  of  disaffected  in 
said  precinct,  add  of  the  measures  adopted  for  their  sup- 
pression ;  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,  766,  767 

(See  Quakers,  1.) 

59.  Letter  from  Hugh  Rea,  chairman  of  committee  of  Northeast 
precinct,  in,  informing  of  the  levy  of  fines  from  sundry  per- 
sons refusing  to  march  with  the  militia,   782 

60.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,   785,  786 

61.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  into  the  neglect  of  a 
portion  of  the  militia  of,  to  obey  the  orders  of  General 
Clinton   901 

62.  Receipt  from  Gerard  Bancker,  vice-treasurer,  to  auditor-ge- 
neral, of  pay  rolls  and  other  accounts  of  moneys  paid  to  mi- 
litia of,     902 

63.  Appointment  of  committee  to  quell  an  intended  insurrection 
in  the  manor  of  Livingston,  in,   909 

64.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Col.  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  di- 
recting the  marching  of  a  body  of  troops  to  Harman  Pest's 
at  Roelof  Jansen's  kill,  for  the  suppression  of  such  insur- 
rection,  909 

65.  Association  of  exempts  in   909,  910 

66.  Information  by  Capt.  Delavan,  relative  to  insurrections  and 
disturbances  in,  and  appointment  of  commissioners  to 
quell;  instructions  to  commissioners,  910,  911 

67.  Letter  to  Rhinebeck  committee,   912 

68.  Appointment  of  Melancton  Smith  as  sheriff  of,  and  Henry  Li- 
vingston, clerk  912,  917 

69.  Appointment  of  judges  of.  •  913,  917 

70.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  insurrections  and  disturban- 
ces in   919 

71.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  sequestration  of 
salted  beef  and  pork  in,   936 

72.  Letter  to  commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  in,  re- 


INDEX. 


1139 


PAGE. 

DUTCHESS  COUNTY— Continued. 
specting  the  appointment  of  sub-committee  in,  appointed 
to  superintend  the  removal  of  Thomas  Fisher  and  family 

to  New- York,   987 

73.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  respecting  exempts,  &c. 

in,   1023 

DUTCHER,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 
1.  Authorized  to  raise  a  company  of  volunteers  to  serve  in  Col. 
Thomas's  regiment,  in  Westchester  county;  subordinate 
officers  of,   556,  557 

DYCKMAN,  SAMPSON. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  compensation  for  injury  to  horse  of,  by  mes- 
senger to  Philadelphia,  and  appointment  of  committee  to 
ascertain  damage,  •   96 

E. 

EARLE,  CAPT.  TIMOTHY. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,  as  muster-master  of 

the  troops  to  be  raised  in  Suffolk  county,   70 

EAST  RIVER. 

1.  Plan  for  obstruction  of,  between  the  Battery  and  Nutten 

island,   575 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing,   577 

3.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  respecting,   578 

4.  Directions  to  Capt.  Rutgers  to  assist  in  obstructing  the  navi- 

gation of,   593 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis, 

for  payment  for  vessels  furnished  for  the  obstruction  of, ..  705 
ELECTIONS. 

1.  Directed  to  be  held  for  choosing  supervisors,  assessors,  collec- 

tors, and  other  town  officers,  in  the  several  towns,  manors, 
precincts  and  districts  in  the  State,  818,  829 

2.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  forming  a  Constitution,  relative 

to,  and  mode  of  conducting,  &c  866,  867,  892 

3.  Sheriffs  of  the  different  counties  directed  to  give  notice  of,  for 

choice  of  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Senators  and 
Members  of  Assembly,   937 

4.  Petition  of  field  officers  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Montgomery, 

for  the  appointment  of  commissioners  to  receive  their  votes 
at,  and  proceedings  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,  947,  948,  956, 

957,  958 

5.  Official  canvass  and  certificate  of,  for  Governor,  Lieutenant- 

Governor,  Senators  and  Representatives,    990 

ELIZABETHTOWN. 

1.  Committee  of,  furnish  powder,  on  request  of  President  of 

Provincial  Congress,  for  use  of  army  at  Massachusetts 

Bay,   37 

(See  McCleod,  William.) 
(See  New- Jersey.) 

2.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  delivery  of  certain  articles 

purchased  of  Robert  and  John  Murray,   99 

3.  Letter  to  committee  of,  communicating  information  from  Gen. 

Washington,  respecting  the  movements  of  the  British 
troops,  and  requesting  that  militia  be  kept  in  readiness,  109,  110 

4.  Letter  from  committee  of,  transmitting  a  quantity  of  flour, . .  235 

5.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  requesting 

the  delivery  of  certain  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county, 
confined  at,  to  the  county  committee  of  that  county,   315 

6.  Answer  of  committee  of,  323,  324 

7.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  their  co-operation  in  the 

removal  of  the  stock  from  Nassau  and  Staten  islands,   511 

ELLIS,  ALEXANDER. 
1.  Exculpation  of,  from  censure  for  furnishing  boat  to  Lieut. 
Parks,  for  transporting  him,  with  his  baggage,  to  Nia- 
gara,  83 

ELMENDORF,  JONATHAN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major,  in  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

2.  Return  of  men,  arms  and  ammunition,  in  the  first  regiment  in 

Ulster  county,  signed  by,  as  lieutenant-colonel,   1008 

ELMENDORPH,  PETRUS  J. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant,  in  Ulster  county  militia,    135 

ELPHINSTONE,  WILLIAM.  (See  Petitions,  3.) 

(See  Prisoners,  18.) 
EMBARGO.  (See  Massachusetts  Bay,  24.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  153,  155.) 

ENGROSSING  AND  MONOPOLIES.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  87,  109.) 
(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  74.) 
(See  Provisions  and  Supplies,  22.) 
(See  Albany  City  and  County, '73,  96.) 

ENLISTMENTS. 
1.  Instructions  of  Provincial  Congress  to  officers,  relative  to,. .  57 

ENSIGNS.  (See  Tryon  County,  12.) 

(See  Bussing,  Abraham.) 
(See  Smith,  Richard.) 
(See  Cornwell,  Aspinwall.) 
(See  Vergereau,  Peter.) 
(See  Holmes,  Jonathan.) 

ENUMERATION  OF  INHABITANTS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing,   451 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  county  committees,  re- 

specting, and  form  of  return  of,   458 


PAGE. 

ESCHEATED  ESTATES  AND  PROPERTY. 
(See  Lloyd,  Henry.) 
(See  Barclay,  Thomas.) 
(See  Forfeited  Estates.) 
EVANS,  ISRAEL. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  chaplain  to  first  regiment,   99 

EXCHANGE  OF  PRISONERS. 
1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  rela- 
tive to,   805 

(See  Prisoners,  14,  16, 17,  20.) 
EXEMPTION.  (See  Flaxseed.) 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention  exempting  Charles  Shaw  from  ser- 

vice in  the  militia,  589,  602 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  exempting  Richard  Morris,   654 

3.  do                  do       Nehemiah  Oakley,  a  coo- 
per,  782 

(See  Sterling  Iron  Works.) 

EXEMPTS.  (See  Dutchess  County,  65,  73.) 
1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  authorizing  commutation,  by,  &c.  913, 

914 

(See  Swartwout,  Jacobus.) 
(See  Piatt,  Zephaniah.) 
EXPORTATION  OF  PRODUCE  AND  PROVISIONS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  regulating,  252,770 

2.  Permission  to  Nicholas  Low,  for,   387 

3.  Permission  to  Silas  Deane  and  Barnabas  Deane,  of  Connecti- 

cut, by  committee  of  secrecy  of  Continental  Congress,  sanc- 
tioned by  Committee  of  Safety,   396 

4.  Letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  commissary-general,  to  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  requesting  prohibition  of,   489 

5.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   489 

6.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  prohibiting,   497 

7.  Resolutions  of  Convention  of  New- York,   537 

(See  Washington,  George,  66.) 

8.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  prohibiting  the  exportation  from 

this  State  of  unwrought  hemp  or  hempen  yarn,  900,  901 

9-  Resolution  of  Convention,  prohibiting  the  exportation  from 

this  State  of  flour,  by  water,   975 

10.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  prohibiting  the  exportation  from 

this  State  of  flour,  meal  and  grain,  1077, 1078 

11.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  prescribing  the  terms  on 

which  flour  and  meal  may  be  exported  from  this  State,  to 

the  eastern  States,   1084,  1085,  1089 

12.  Proceedings  of  Council  of  Safety  in  granting  permits  for,  un- 

der such  resolutions,  1086,  1087,  1088,  1089,1094,  1104,  1109, 

1111,  1112,  1116 

F. 

FALMOUTH. 

1.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  transmitting  information  of 

the  burning  of,  by  the  British,  under  the  command  of 

Capt.  Mowatt,  of  ship  Canceux,   191 

FANNING,  COL.  PHINEAS. 
1-  Appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,  as  muster  master  of 

troops  to  be  raised  in  Suffolk  county,   70 

2.  Directed  to  take  command  of  detachment  of  militia  sent  by 

Gen.  Wooster  to  the  assistance  of  inhabitants  of  Long 
Island,  for  the  prevention  of  taking  off  stock  by  the 
Kingston  troops,  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Boston,   103 

3.  Letter  from,  respecting  situation  of  vessels  at  Garner's  Island 

Point,   105 

FASTING  AND  PRAYER. 

1.  Recommendation  of  Provincial  Congress  to  observe  day  of, 

appointed  by  Continental  Congress,'   69 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  appointing  a  day  for,  and  directing 

three  sermons  to  be  preached  before  Convention  thereon,  554 

3.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  recommending  the  ap- 

pointment of  a  day  of,  in  each  State,  and  a  general  refor- 
mation of  manners,    770 

4.  Proclamation  appointing  of,  by  Committee  of  Safety,   817 

FATIGUE  MEN. 
1.  Committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  authorized  to  call 
out  such  portion  of  the  militia  of  the  State  as  they  may 
think  necessary  to  act  as,   679 

FAULKENHAM,  SAMUEL. 
1.  Petition  of,  to  be  employed  in  making  drums  and  fifes,  

FANSHER,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  the  Poundridge  company  of 

militia,   845 

FERRIS,  REUBEN, 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lientenant-colonel  of 'first  regiment  of 

Dutchess  county  militia,   528 

FIELD,  JOSEPH, 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant  of  a  company  in  Dutchess 

county  for  the  detection  and  suppression  of  conspiracies,.  666 

FIELD  OFFICERS. 

1.  Of  the  several  New-York  regiments,   62,  135 

2.  Of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county   139 

3.  Of  the  four  New- York  battalions  in  the  Continental  service,.  328 

4.  Of  regiment  of  militia  in  Kings  county,   351 

5.  do  do     in  Ulster  county,   528 

6.  do  do     in  Dutchess  county   528 


1140 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

FIELD  OFFICERS— Continued. 

Of  regiment  of  militia  in  Westchester  county,   528 

do  do     in  Orange  county,   528 

do  do     of  Kings  and  Queens  county,   568 

FIELD  PIECES.  (See  ArtiUery.) 

FIFES.  (See  Faulkenham  Samuel.) 

(See  Woolhaupter,  David.) 

FINK,  ANDREW,  Jr. 
Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  of  Captain  Christopher  P. 
Yates'  company  of  Tryon  county  militia,  in  place  of  An- 
thony Van  Vechten,  declined,   103 

FIRELOCKS. 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  manufactory 


of,. 


202 


9. 
10. 
11. 


FIREMEN.  (See  New- York  City  and  County,  57.) 
Exemption  of,  from  drafts  for  the  militia  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,    496 

FIRST  REGIMENT— Alexander  McDougall,  Col. 
(See  McDougall,  Alexander.) 

Field  officers  of,  62,80 

Provisions  and  tents  directed  to  be  provided  for,   65 

Col.  authorized  to  fill  vacancies  in,  below  rank  of  captain,. .  65 

Medicine  chest  to  be  furnished  for,   66 

Appointment  of  William  Tapp  as  quarter-master,   66 

Commissary  directed  to  furnish  sundry  articles  for  armourer 

of,  on  requisition  of  colonel,   76 

Appointment  of  Hunloch  Woodruff,  surgeon's  mate,   85 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  to  queries  of  officers  of,  re- 
specting allowance  for  clothing  and  arms,  pay  of  troops, 

warrants  and  commissions  of  officers,   98 

Appointment  of  Israel  Evans  as  chaplain   99 

Appointment  of  Joseph  Marvin,  surgeon's  mate,   128 

Appointment  of  officers  in  second  and  third  companies  of,  . .  214 

FISHER,  JOHN-Saddler. 
Petition  of,   90 

FISHKILL.  (See  Dutchess  County.) 

Appointment  of  Convention  to,  and  meeting  at,   600,  604 

Adjournment  from  Episcopal  to  Dutch  church  in,  on  account 
of  filthy  condition  of  the  former,   609 

Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  directing  the  removal  of 
the  Rev.  Chauncey  Graham,  from  the  building  formerly 
occupied  as  an  academy  in,  and  the  preparation  of  said 
building  for  the  occupation  of  a  body  of  troops,   673 

Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  permitting  said  Graham 
temporarily  to  occuppy  a  portion  of  said  building  and  to 
remove  sashes,  glasses,  &c   681,  694 

Assistant  quarter-master-general  authorized  to  impress  and 
take  possession  of  out-building  in,  for  securing  the  Conti- 
nental stores,   687 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  providing  a  hospital 
in,  for  inoculation  for  the  smallpox,   786 

Directions  for  the  removal  of  all  infected  persons  within  the 
district  to  such  hospital,   794 

FISH,  NICHOLAS. 
Appointment  of,  as  brigade-major,  in  Gen.  Scott's  brigade,  . .  502 
(See  Westchester  County,  84.) 

FIVE  NATIONS  OF  INDIANS. 

Proposal  of  a  Congress  with,   82 

(See  Six  Nations.) 

FLAX. 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  removal  of,  pur- 
chased by  said  Congress,  from  the  city  of  New- York  to 

Poughkeepsie,   510,  511 

(See  Flaxseed.) 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Mr.  Robert  Harper,  for 
carrying  into  effect  resolution  of  Convention,  concerning 

the  manufacture  of,   679 

FLAXSEED. 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress  relative  to  the  expediency  of  inhibiting  the  expor- 
tation of,   92 

2.  Memorial  of  Peter  Clopper  and  others,  merchants  of  the  city 

of  New- York  ;  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  re- 
specting exportation  of,   106 

3.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

specting expediency  of  permitting  exportation  of,  for  the 

purchase  of  gunpowder,  &c   236,  237 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  102,  103.) 

4.  Resolution  of  Convention  exempting  certain  persons  engaged 

in  erecting  and  carrying  on  a  mill  for,  from  military  duty, 

5.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress  re- 

specting the  expediency  of  a  prohibition  of  the  exportion 
of,    


I, 


1. 


1. 


589 


723 


FEMMING,  EDWARD 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  third  regiment,   62 

2.  Letter  from,  declining   ....  63 

3.  Appointment  of,  as  deputy  adjutant-general  with  rank  of  co 
lonel, 


126 

4.  Directed  to  join  General  Schuyler  at  Ticonderoga,   126 

5.  Resignation  of,   500 


Resignation  of, 

FLETCHER,  SAMUEL.  (See  McCune,  Wm.) 


PAGE. 

FLOUR.  (See  Provisions  and  Supplies.) 

(See  New-Jersey,  3.) 
(See  Hallett,  Joseph,  i) 
(See  Massachusetts  Bay,  17.) 
See  Inspectors  of  Flour.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  61,  63,  153,  155.) 
(See  Exportation  of  Provisions  and  Produce. 
FLOYD,  BENJAMIN,  AND  RICHARD. 

(See  Suffolk  County,  14.) 
FLOYD  WILLIAM.  (See  Continental  Congress.) 

1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  compensation  as  a 

Delegate  in  Congress,   905 

2.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  Dele- 

gate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

FONDA,  MAJ.  JELLIS.  (See  Tryon  County,  1.) 

FORD,  CAPT.  THOMAS. 

(See  Oakley,  Phebe.) 
(See  Prisoners,  124,  125,  126.) 

FOREMAN,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  to  Col.  Morris  Graham's  regi- 
ment,   559 

FORFEITED  ESTATES. 

(See  Escheated  Estates  and  Property.) 
(See  Murray,  Sansom,  &  Co.) 
1-  Resolutions  of  Convention  appointing  commissioners  for  tak- 
ing into  possession  and  exposing  to  sale,  the  personal  pro- 
perty of  persons  gone  over  to  the  enemy,   826,  827 

(See  Clopper,  Cornelius.) 
(See  Tryon  County,  28.) 
(See  Robinson,  Beverly,  3.) 
(See  Commissioners  of  Sequestration.) 
(See  Confiscated  Property.) 
(See  Ludlow,  William  H.) 
(See  Kittle,  Andries.) 

FORT  EDWARD. 

1.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  respecting  disturbances  to  courts 

of  justice  at,  by  parties  of  people  from  New-Hampshire 
Grants,    71 

2.  Letter  from  committee  of  Manchester,  in  Charlotte  county, 

on  the  same  subject,   72 

FORT  GEORGE 

1.  Letter  from  Col.  Benjamin  Hinman,  respecting  fortresses  at,  74 

FORTIFCATIONS. 
1.  For  the  defence  of  the  city  of  New-York,  at  or  near  King's 

Bridge ;  resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  respecting,. . .  16 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,. .  20 

3.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  relative  to  erection  of  fortifications  at,    31 

4.  Report  of  committee  on,   31 

(See  Hudson's  River.) 
(See  Highlands.) 

FOSTER,  JOHN. 
1.  Permission  to,  to  ship  cargo  of  live  stock  to  the  West  Indies, 
on  his  engagement  to  procure  military  stores  from  thence, 
on  his  return,   101 

FOURTH  REGIMENT. 

1.  Field  officers  of,  62,  99 

(See  Holmes,  Col.  James.) 
(See  Van  Cortlandt,  Lieut.  Col.  Philip.) 
(See  Sands,  Edward,  Surgeon's  Mate.) 
(See  Wynkoop,  Col.  Cornelius  D.) 
(Graham  George,  Surgeon's  Mate.) 
FRANCE. 

1.  Letter  from  Pliarue,  Penet  &  Co.  merchants,  of  Nantes,  in  the 

Kingdom  of,  offering  to  supply  the  Committee  of  this 
State  with  cannon,  muskets,  powder,  all  kinds  of  military 
stores,  and  dry  goods,   821 

2.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  a  Delegate  in  Congress,  respecting 

the  progress  of  the  negotiation  with  the  court  of,  &c   943 

FRANKLIN,  BENJAMIN. 

(See  Continental  Congress,  48,  49.) 
(See  Philadelphia,  2,  3.) 
FRENCH  INTERPRETER. 
I.  Appointment  of  Rev.  John  Peter  Testard,  as,   67 

FREY,  JOHN.  (See  Tryon  County,  15,  25.) 
FRIENDS.  (See  Quakers.) 
FRONTIERS. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 

priety of  raising  and  embodying  an  armed  force  for  the  pro- 
tection of,    519 

2.  Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  for  raising  sundry  corps 

of  rangers  in  the  northern  and  eastern  counties  of  the 
State,  and  providing  for  the  command,  pay  and  subsistence 
of,   538,  539 

(See  Ulster  County,  64.) 

(See  Orange  County,  57) 

3.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  for  raising  two  companies  of 

of  rangers  for  the  prolectron  of,  in  Albany,  Ulster  and  Try- 

on  counties  ;  appointment  of  officers,  and  instructions  to,. .  1001 

4.  Letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler  thereon,   1002 


INDEX. 


1141 


PAGE. 

FRONTIERS— Cowtincxd. 
5.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  relief  of  the  poor, on,   1033 

FURNACE.  (See  Leonard,  George.) 

G. 

GAGE,  THOMAS. 

1.  Copy  of  intercepted  letter  from,  at  Boston,  to  Governor  of 

North  Carolina,  communicated  by  committee  of  intelligence 

at  Charleston,  South  Carolina,  to  Provincial  Congress,. .  56,  57 

2.  Copy  of  intercepted  letter  from  Francis  Stevens  to,  relative 

to  removal  of  stores,  &c  from  New- York,   122 

3.  Information  of  recall  of.  and  appointment  of  Gen.  Howe  to  the 

command  of  the  British  forces  in  America,   170 

GAINE.  HUGH. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  seize  and  secure  all  the  printing 

types  formerly  belonging  to,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess.  793,  794 
GANSEVOORT,  COL.  PETER,  (3d  Battalion.) 
L  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  for  bounty  money  for  the  use  of  re- 
giment of,  ,   831 

2.  Letter  from,  to  Col.  Van  Schaack,  transmitting  information  of 

the  presence  of  Col.  Butler  and  Sir  John  Johnson  at  Oswe- 
go, and  of  their  proceedings,   1024 

3.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  precipitate  retreat  of  Gen.  St. 

Leger,   1049 

GARDIN1ER,  DAVID. 

1.  Statement,  affidavits,  &c  of  executors  of,  relative  to  loss  of 

estate  of,  by  depredations  of  Gen.  Gage's  fleet  and  army, 
and  sundry  owners  of  estates  in  Massachusetts  Bay.  and 
praying  that  Provincial  Congress  would  request  remunera- 
tion from  House  of  Representatives  in  that  Colony,   112  I 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  thereon,   1  IS 

3.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  House  of  Representatives 

of  Massachusetts,  enclosing  petition,  &c   1  IS 

GARDINER  ISLAND.  (See  Wickham,  Thomas.) 
(See  Suffolk  County,  12,  13,  16,  17,  18,  21.) 
(See  Gardiner,  David.) 
(See  Lawrence,  Melancton.) 
GATES,  HORATIO. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  adjutant-gene- 

ral, with  rank  as  brigadier,   63 

2.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  requesting  a  full  statement  of  the 

military  operations  of,  and  of  the  strength  and  designs  of 
Gen.  Burgoyne;  and  instructions  of  Convention  to  the 
bearers  of  such  letter,  as  to  the  proper  information  desira- 
ble to  be  obtained,   538 

3.  Letter  from  Jacob  Cuyler  and  Leonard  Gansevoort.  commis- 

sioners sent  to  northern  army  under  the  command  of,  com- 
municating a  statement  of  the  condition  and  operations  of 
the  troops  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,   574,  575 

4.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  to,  informing  of  the  movements  of 

Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  and  of  the  Continental  army,          750,  751 

5.  Directed  to  take  command  of  the  northern  army,   1035 

6.  Letters  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  resolutions  au- 

thorizing a  full  pardon  to  all  such  persons  as,  since  the  eva- 
cuation of  Ticonderoga,  have  joined  Gen.  Burgoyne,  and 

who  may  return  to  their  allegiance   1057,  1058 

GENERAL  ASSEMBLY. 
1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  county  committees,  rela- 
tive to  election  of  Delegates  in,   236 

GENERAL  ASSOCLA.TION. 

1.  Agreed  to  and  subscribed  by  the  freeholders,  freemen  and  in- 

habitants of  the  city  and  county  of  New- York,   5 

2.  Recommended  to  the  several  counties,  towns  and  districts  of 

the  Colony,   15,  18 

3.  Signed  by  Members  of  Provincial  Congress,   15 

4.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  declarias  attempts  to  raise 

tumults,  riots,  or  mobs,  under  colour  of  dubious  interpreta- 
tion of  recommendations  or  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
or  Provincial  Congress,  or  otherwise,  an  infraction  of,. ...  33 
(See  Rivington,  James,  2.) 

6.  Signed  by  inhabitants  of  East  Hampton,   50 

(See  South  Carolina.) 

7.  Signed  by  inhabitants  of  Islip,   68 

8.  do         do        of  Amenia  precinct,   108 

9.  Arms  in  the  possession  of  persons  not  signing,  to  be  impressed 

and  appraised,   149,  150 

10.  Of  inhabitants  of  Townshend,  Cumberland  county,   228 

11.  Of  Deputies  and  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,   310 

12.  Form  of,  prescribed  by  Provincial  Congress,  and  recommend- 

ed to  the  several  county  and  town  committees,  &c.  ...  .500,  501 
(See  Prisoners,  96.) 

GENERAL  OFFICERS. 

1.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting  ap- 

pointment of,  for  New-York  Province,   30 

2.  Resolution  recommendins  the  appointment  of  Colonel  Philip 

Schuyler,  as  a  major-general,  and  Richard  Montgomery,  as 

a  brigadier-general,   31 

3.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  respecting  the  qualifications  necessary  for  gene- 
ral officers,  and  recommending  as  above,  32,  33 

4.  List  of,  appointed  by  Continental  Congress,   63 

viz: 

George  Washington.  General  and  Commander-in-Chief. 
236 


8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 


PAGE. 

GENERAL  OFFICERS— Co.sti.vuxd. 
Artemas  Ward  1st  major-general. 
Charles  Lee,      2d  do 
Philip  Schuyler,  3d  do 
Israel  Putnam,  4th  do 
Seth  Pomeroy,         1st  brigadier-general. 
Richard  Montgomerie,  2d  do 
David  Wooster,         3d  do 
William  Heath,         4th  do 
Joseph  Spencer,        5th  do 
John  Thomas,  6th  do 

John  Sullivan,  7th  do 

Nathaniel  Greene,     8th  do 
Horatio  Gates,  adjutant-general,  with  rank  as  brigadier. 
Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  giving  a  public  dinner 

to,   491 

Report  of  council  of,  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress  by 
Gen.  Washington,  on  the  subject  of  the  removal  of  stock 
from  Nassau  and  Staten  islands,  and  the  most  proper  mea- 
sures to  be  pursued  in  relation  to  disaffected  persons,. . .  .  509 
Report  of  council  of,  held  at  Fort  Edward,  relative  to  the  ex- 
pediency of  dismissing  any  portion  of  the  militia,    1012 

GERMAN  FLATTS. 
Speeches  of  Oneida  and  Tuscarora  Indians  and  inhabitants  of 
Albany  and  Tryon  counties,  at,  transmitted  to  Provincial 

Congress,   95 

GIBSON,  JOHN,  (Auditor-GeneraL) 
Letter  from,  transmitting  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to 

accounts  for  the  recruiting  service,   945 

GLOUCESTER  COUNTY. 
Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Jacob  Bayley,  and  John 

Tappen,  Esqs.  Newbury,   21 

Letter  from  Jacob  Bayley  to  Provincial  Congress,  communi- 
cating   intelligence  respecting  the  dispositions  of  the 
French  and  Indians  in  Canada,  and  recommending  the 
raising  of  troops  :  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  .  82,  S3 
Letter  from  John  Taplin,  one  of  the  judges  of  the  court  of 

common  pleas,  in,   95 

Certificate  of  election  of  field  and  staff  officers  for  the  mili- 
tia in,    498 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  to  Convention,  from,. . . .  548 
(See  Militia,  25.) 
(See  Bayley,  Jacob.) 

Report  of  committee  relative  to  condition  of,   775,  776 

Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon  ; 
and  letter  to  Continental  Congress  requesting  the  recall  of 
the  commissions  granted  to  Col.  Seth  Warner  and  his  offi- 
cers,  777,  778,  779 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 
lative to  disaffected  in,   820,  821 

Instruction  to  delegation  in  Congress  relative  to  claim  of,  to 

representation  therein,   869 

Appointment  of  Nathaniel  Merrill  as  sheriff  of,   913 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 
Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Bayley,  respecting  elections  in,  and 
prospects  of  a  separation  from  the  State,   976 

GODDARD,  WILLIAM.  (See  Post-Office.) 
GODWIN,  HENRY. 
Appointment  of  as  quarter-master  in  regiment  of  minute  men 
in  Dutchess  county,   135 

GOSHEN.  (See  Orange  County,  3,  11.) 

GOUVERNEUR,  ISAAC. 
Present  from,  of  a  pair  of  nine  pound  cannon ;  letter  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress  accepting,  and  disposition  of,   ]S6 

GOVERNMENT.  (See  Constitution.) 

Appointment  of  committee  by  Provincial  Congress,  to  take 
into  consideration  the  propriety  of  composing  and  erecting 
a  form  of.   460 

Report  of  committee  and  proceedings  thereon,  .  462,  463,  468,  469 

Appointment  of  committee  by  Convention  for  preparins  and 
reporting  a  plan  for  instituting  and  framing  a  form  of ; 

and  a  bill  of  rights   552 

(See  Cumberland  County,  25.) 

Letter  from  Gilbert  Livingston  and  Christopher  Tappen, 
commissioners  for  building  vessels  at  Poughkeepsie,  re- 
specting  590 

Proceedings  of  Convention,  on  report  of  committee,  for  insti- 
tuting form  of.  834.  "36,  842,  943.  844,  845,  846,  851,  852,  S53. 
857,  860,  861,  862.  866,  S67,  86*.  869,  870.  871,  873,  874,  875, 
876,  877,  878,  879,  880,  581,  8S2,  SS4,  885,  886,  837,  8S9,  890, 
891.  892. 

Constitution  or  plan  of,  as  finally  agTeed  to,   892  to  S98 

Appointment  of  committee  to  prepare  and  report  a  plan  for 

organizing  and  establishing  such  government,   898 

Proceedings  "of  Convention  on  report  of,. .  .  907,  910,  912,  913,  916 

Report  of  plan  of,  as  agreed  to,   916.  917,  918 

GOVERNOR. 

Proceedings  of  Convention  relative  to  powers  assigned  toby 
the  Constitution,   834,  S35 

Official  canvass  and  certificate  of  votes  for  ;  election  of  Gen. 
George  Clinton  ;  letter  to,  announcing  the  result,  and  an- 
swer of  Gov.  Clinion,    990,993 

Oath  of  orfice  administered  to,  and  proclamation  of  Council 
of  Safety  thereof,   1021,  1022 


1142 


INDEX. 


PACE. 

GOVERNOR— Continued. 

4.  Message  from,  relative  to  the  condition  of  affairs  in  the 

northern  department,  transmitting  letter  to,  from  General 
Washington,   1022 

5.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  prorogation  of  the  Legislature ; 

answer  of  Council  of  Safety   1027 

6.  Proclamation  of  proroguing  the  Legislature,   1017,  1028 

7.  Orders  of,  for  a  detachment  of  lighthorse,  for  the  more  spee- 

dy conveyance  of  public  despatches,   1029 

(See  Clinton,  George.) 

GRAHAM,  GEORGE. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  to  fourth  regiment  of 

Continental  troops,   429 

GRAHAM,  LIEUT.  COL.  LEWIS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  pro.  tem.  of  Col.  Drake's  re- 

giment,  302 

2.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  refusal  of  the  quarter-master 

of  Col.  Drake's  regiment  to  serve,  and  recommending  Mr. 
James  Cock  for  that  office  ;  order  of  Provincial  Congress 
thereon,    334 

3.  Appointment  of,  as  judge  of  the  high  court  of  admiralty,  and 

commission  granted  to,   556,566 

GRAHAM,  MORRIS. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  colonel  of  second  regiment  of  Dutchess 

county  militia,   528 

2.  Rank  roll  of  regiment  of,   658 

3.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  compelling  the  disaffected  por- 

tion of  regiment  of,  to  march  in  compliance  with  direc- 
tions    757 

4.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  landing  of  a  party  of  the  ene- 

my's troops  in  the  Sound,  and  of  their  march  to  Danbury, 
and  the  destruction  of  the  Continental  stores  there  ;  direct- 
ed to  march  to  the  Highlands,   903 

GREAT  BRITAIN. 

1.  Resolution  offered  by  Mr.  Kissam,  respecting  terms  of  recon- 

ciliation with,  and  committee  appointed  to  report  plan  of,  20,  26 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress  respecting  policy  of,  in  relation  to  Indians  on  the 
frontiers,   32 

3.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  removal  of 

military  stores  belonging  to,  from  Turtle  Bay ;  and  ap- 
pointing committee  to  direct  disposition,  &c.  of  those  en- 
gaged in  such  removal;  report  of  committee,  and  permis- 
sion to  coopers  to  repair,  &c   35  ,37 

(See  Turtle  Bay.) 

4.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  restoration  of 

arms  and  military  accoutrements  taken  from  troops  of,  on 
their  embarkation  from  New-York,  37, 38 

5.  Information  given  Provincial  Congress  respecting  movements 

and  designs  of,  42,  45 

6.  Letter  to  Gen.  Wooster  communicating,   45,46 

7.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,   46 

8.  Proceedings  on  coming  in  of  report  of  committee  to  devise 

plan  of  accommodation  with,    50, 

52,  53, 54,  58 

9.  Report  as  amended  and  adopted,   58 

10.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  communicating, 

and  answer  of,   59,  73 

11.  Appointment  of  committee  to  send  for  locksmiths  from,  ....  67 

12.  Appointment  and  report  of  committee,  and  letter  to  General 

Wooster,  relative  to  alleged  detention  as  prisoners  of  part 
of  boat's  crew  of  the  ship  Asia,  and  subsequent  destruction 
of  such  boat,  and  the  breaking  open  of  British  store  house, 
and  house  of  Francis  Stevens,  and  order  of  Committee  of 
Safety  thereon,   77,  78 

13.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  approving  of  the  conduct 

of  Doctor  Samuel  Bard,  in  his  attendance  upon  sick  mari- 
ners from  His  Majesty's  ships,    77 

14.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  destruction  of 

barge  belonging  to  ship  Asia,   97,  98,  102 

15.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress  of  em- 

barkation of  Hanoverian  and  troops  from,  for  Boston,  as  a 
reinforcement  to  Gen.  Gage,  &c.  162 

16.  Information  of  movement  of  fleet  of,  from  Boston,  and  of  the 

recall  of  Gen.  Gage,  and  appointment  of  Gen.  Howe,  his 
successor,  &c   170,  172,  173 

17.  Notes  of  examination  of  Capt.  John  Lawrence,  relative  to 

movements  of  fleet  and  armies  of,   171 

18.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  ascertaining  hostili- 

ties committed  by  troops  and  navy  of,  in  America,  and 
proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   187 

19.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  the  origin  and 

progress  of  the  controversy  with,  and  expressing  the  con- 
tinued loyalty  of  the  Colony,  and  the  desire  of  the  inhabi- 
tants for  a  mutual  arrangement  of  subsisting  difficulties  on 
just  principles,   210,  211,  217,  218,  219 

20.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  purchase  and  distri- 

bution of  obnoxious  acts  of  Parliament  of,   225 

21.  Information  communicated  from  Gen.  Washington,  of  report- 

ed embarkation  of  troops  of,  from  Boston,   231,  277 

22.  Introduction  to  copies  of  petition  of  Continental  Congress  to 

King  of,  the  address  of  the  lord  mayor  and  livery  of  Lon- 
don to  the  electors  of,  and  speech  of  Earl  of  Chatham  in- 
tended for  publication,   241 

23.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  relative  to  capture  and 

forfeiture  of  ships  and  vessels  of,   250,  251 


562 
569 


585 
589 


847 


GREAT  BRITAIN— Continued. 

24.  Arrival  of  General  Clinton,  and   transports  with  British 

troops  on  board,  in  the  harbour  of  New-York,  and  pro- 
ceedings of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,   282  283 

25.  Information  of,  proceedings  in,  communicated  to  Provincial  ' 

Congress  by  Niles  Christain,  chief  mate  of  ship  Harriet, 
from  Boston,   329 

26.  Information  of  the  probable  removal  of  troops  of,  from  Bos- 

ton, communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,   335,  336 

27.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of  Continental  Con- 

gress,  to  Provincial  Congress,  giving  advice  of  the  ap- 
proach of  a  British  fleet  and  army  under  command  of 
Gen.  Howe,   493 

28.  Letter  from  Lieut.  Davidson  on  board  the  armed  sloop  Schuy- 

ler, informing  of  the  sailing  of  fleet  of,  with  Gen.  Howe, 
from  Halifax  to  New-York,   509 

29.  Letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  informing  of  the  landing  of 

troops  at  Staten  Island,  without  opposition,  and  of  the  ad- 
vancement of  detachments  towards  Bergen  Point  and  Eli- 
zabethtown,   517 

30.  Information  communicated  to  Convention  of  the  passing  of 

three  ships  of  war  of,  beyond  King's  Bridge,  up  the  Hud- 
son river ;  proceedings  of  Convention  thereon,   522 

31.  Information  communicated  to  Convention  of  their  advance- 

ment towards  the  Highlands,   525 

31.  Arrival  of  troops  of,  under  Gen.  Clinton,  and  of  Hessians 

and  Highlands,  under  Lord  Howe  at  Staten  Island,  

32.  Arrival  of  General  Burgoyne,  at  Crown-Point  and  Ticonde- 

roga  

33.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  William  Livingston,  of  New-Jersey, 

communicating  information  of  an  intended  attack  by 
troops  of,  on  Bergen  Point,  Elizabethtown  and  Amboy,.. . 

34.  Landing  of  troops  at  Nassau  island,  

35.  Examination  of  Colonel  Covenhoven,  a  prisoner  taken  by 

the  troops  of,   589 

36.  Examination  of  Daniel  Redfield,  relative  to  ships  of,  &c   601 

37.  Examination  of  John  Woolley,   609 

38.  Information  of  the  landing  of  troops  of,  at  Verplanck's  Point ; 

their  progress  up  Hudson's  river,  and  landing  at  Peeks- 
kill,  

39.  Information  of  the  landing  of  troops  on  the  Sound  ;  march 

to  Danbury  and  destruction  of  the  Continental  stores 
there,  ,   903 

40.  Arrival  of  troops  of,  at  Horse  Neck,   909 

41.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in  Congress,  re- 

specting the  publication  in  this  country  and  Europe  of  the 
report  of  a  committee  of  Congress  relative  to  the  treat- 
ment of  prisoners  by,   947 

(See  Burgoyne.) 

42.  Letter  from  General  Washington  and  Putnam,  informing  of 

the  sailing  of  the  fleet  from  the  Delaware  Capes,  to  the 
eastward,   1027 

43.  Disposition  of  John  Brown  and  Caleb  Trask,  prisoners  taken 

from,  relative  to  the  proceedings  and  movement  of  troops 

of,   1047 

GREAT  SEAL. 
1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  prepare  a  proper  device  for,. . 
GREENE,  NATHANIEL. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress  as  brigadier-gene- 

ral,   

2.  Letter  from,  transmittiug  as  a  prisoner  John  Livingston,  Jr. 

of  Queens  county,  and  informing  of  the  unfriendly  disposi- 
tion of  the  inhabitants  of  that  county  ;  answer  of  Provin- 
cial Congress,   480 

3.  Letter  from,  requesting  permission  for  the  inoculation  of  his 

brother  Jacob  Greene  ;  and  also  for  permission  to  him  to 
purchase  some  guns  suitable  for  a  privateer ;  answer  of 
Provincial  Congress,   494,  495,  496 

4.  Letter  to,  respecting  disposition  of  a  horse  in  the  possession 

of,  taken  from  Jacob  Wyckoff,  a  tory  on  Long  Island,. . . .  679 

5.  Conference  with  respecting  the  defence  of  the  posts  at  the 

Highlands,  and  the  appointment  of  an  officer  in  command 
thereof,  &c   832 

6.  Letters  from,  respecting  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of 

Hudson's  river,   938 

GREEN  MOUNTAIN  BOYS. 
1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  relative  to  employment 

of,  under  officers  of  their  own  choosing,   63 

3.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon   65 

3.  Proceedings  of  committees  of  the  several  townships  of  the 

New-Hampshire  Grants,  west  of  Green  Mountain  Range, 
choosing  Seth  Warner  lieutenant-colonel,  Samuel  Safford 
major,  and  seven  captains,  and  fourteen  lieutenants;  letter 
from  chairman  to  Gen.  Schuyler  ;  answer  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler, and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   107 

4.  Uniform  of,  and  tents,  &c.  for,   107 

(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  24.) 

5.  Appointment  of  officers  of  regiment  of,   130 

6.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  arguments  used  by,  to  induce 

the  inhabitants  of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  counties  to 
disavow  the  authority  of  this  State,  and  unite  with  them  in 
forming  a  new  and  separate  State   775,  776 

7.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  and  letter 

to  Continental  Congress  thereon,   777,  778,  779 


882 


63 


INDEX. 


1143 


PAGE. 

GRENADIERS. 
|.  For  formation  and  officers  of  company  of  Col.  Levi  Pauling's 

regiment  of,  in  Marbletown,  Ulster  county,   373,  376 

(See  Westchester  County,  53  ) 

GRENNEL,  CAPT.  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from,  recommending  appointment  of  subaltern  of- 

ficers under ;  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  7S,  79 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   174 

3.  Company  of,  ordered  to  repair  to  the  defence  of  the  fortifica- 

tions at  the  Highlands,   194 

4.  Recommended  by  Provincial  Congress  as  captain  of  a  compa- 

ny of  matrosses,   207 

5.  Resolution  for  advance  of  money  to,  on  account,   247,  248 

6.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  an  artillery  company,   262 

7.  Appointment  of  officers  in  company  of,   365 

8.  Resignation  of,   392 

(See  Continental  Frigates.) 

GRIFFIN,  DANIEL,  CAPT. 

1.  Muster  roll  of,   91 

2.  Provision  for  aid  to,  on  his  way  to  Ticonderoga,  155,  156 

GRIFFITH,  ANTHONY. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  of  Captain  Anthony 

Rutgers  artillery  company  in  the  city  of  New-York,   66 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  to  purchase  stores  for  can- 

non, of  artillery  companies,   195 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  for  disbursements  of,  <5cc   440 

GRIFFITHS,  JOHN.  (See  Lead  Mines,  1.) 

GRIGG,  JAMES. 
1.  Appointment  of  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Nicholson's 

company,   99 

GUN  BARRELS. 
1.  Consultation  with  Henry  Watkeys  and  Robert  Boyd,  respect- 
ing forging  and  making  muskets,  and  order  and  resolu- 
tion thereon,  30,  41,  55 

(See  Boyd,  Robert.) 
(See  Watkeys,  Henry.) 
1.  Consultation  with  blacksmiths  of  New- York,  respecting  the 

making  of,  Sec   67 

GUN  LOCKS. 

1 .  Authority  to  contract  for,   67 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  send  to  Great  Britain  for  lock- 

smiths for  making,     67 

3.  Agreement  with  Thomas  Blockley,  for  importation  of,   80 

GUNPOWDER.  (See  Powder.) 


HAINES,  GODFREY.  (See  Westchester  County,  13,  14.) 

HALLETT,  JOSEPH. 

I.  Order  for  payment  of  money  to,   102 

2  do  do         for  discharge  of  debts  accrued 

in  the  purchase  of  flour,  for  use  of  the  army  at  Cam- 
bridge 116,  122 

3.  Contract  with,  for  importation  of  gunpowder,  arms,  and  salt 

petre,   129 

4.  Information  from,  respecting  accounts  of,   191 

5.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   182 

6.  Order  for  payment  of  certain  bills  of  exchange,  drawn  on  Col. 

Robinson,   192 

7.  Letter  from,  transmitting  accounts  of,     237 

8.  Letter  from,  respecting  the  price  of  grape  shot,   307 

9.  Directed  to  contract  for,  with  Mr.  Ogden,   307 

10.  Passport  to,  permitting  to  pass  and  repass  between  New- 
York  and  Newark,  in  New-Jersey,   556 

II.  Directed  to  take  measures  for  the  condemnation  and  sale  of 

vessels  and  goods  brought  in  by  Captain  Rogers   630 

HALSEY,  STEPHEN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon,  in  Col.  Samuel  Drake's  regi- 
ment,   349 

1.  Recommended  by  Col.  McDougall  for  captain  of  a  company 

of  artillery   321 

2.  Company  of.  directed  to  guard  the  Colonial  records,   396 

3-  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  allowance  to  com- 
pany of,  the  same  pay  as  the  Continental  artillery,   462 

4.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  recognizing  company  of,  as 

part  of  the  quota  of  militia  to  be  raised  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  by  order  of  Continental  Congress,  497,  564 

5.  Incorporation  of  company  of,  into  Gen.  Scott's  brigade,   564 

6.  Letter  from,  informing  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office  of  first  lieu- 

tenant in  his  company,  and  recommending  the  promotion  of 

the  inferior  officers  ,   573 

7.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  artillery  company  late- 

ly commanded  by,  to  enlist  in  the  Continental  service,. . . .  838 

8.  Letter  from,  relative  to  exchange  of  Major  Edmondston,. . . .  883 

9.  Letter  from,  living  an  account  of  the  attack  of  the  enemy  on 

the  American  troops,  commanded  by  Gen.  Lincoln,  at 
Bound  Brook,  and  informing  of  the  arrival  of  the  enemy's 
vessel  into  the  Delaware,  and  the  attack  of  a  vessel  from 
France,   885 


PAGE. 

HAMMOND,  LIEUT.  COL.  JAMES. 

(See  Westchester  County,  62,  63.) 
Letter  from,  to  Convention,  informing  that  the  British  ships 
of  war  have  left  the  harbour  at  Tarry  Town,  and  are  sail- 
ing up  the  river  with  a  fair  wind,  towards  the  High- 
lands,   526 

Letter  from,  to  Convention,  relative  to  the  conditon  of  his  re- 
giment, 528,  529 

Investigation  of  complaint  against,  for  neglect  of  duty,  and  ac- 
quittal,  532,  540 

Appointed  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  militia  of  Westchester 
county,  drafted  into  actual  service  under  Colonel  Thomas 

Thomas,   552 

(See  Westchester  County,  84.) 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  of  the  mi- 
litia under  his  command,   913 

HAMPTON,  JONATHAN.  (See  Ustick,  William.)  | 

HANSON,  CAPT.  JOHN- 
Directed  by  Continental  Congress  to  take  temporary  com- 
mand of  the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   197 

HARDENBERGH,  JOHANNES. 

Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  Continental  regiment 

of  militia  in,   489 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  directing  to  secure  the 

arms  belonging  to  battalion  of,   720 

HARDENBURGH,  CORNELIUS. 
Appointment  of  as  captain  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment,   405 

HARLEM. 

Adjournment  of  Convention  to,   548 

Order  for  removal  of  treasury  to,    585 

HARPER,  JOHN.  (See  Onehoghquaga  Indian*.) 
Deposition  of,  respecting  an  interview  between  Joseph  Brandt 

and  his  warriors,  and  Gen.  Herkimer,  at  Unadilla,   996 

Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to,  as  captain  of  corps  of 
rangers  raised  in  Albany,  Ulster,  and  Tryon  counties,  for 

the  protection  of  the  frontiers,   1001 

Letter  from,  relative  to  his  proceedings  at  Harpersfield,   1051 

Answer  of  Council  of  Safety   1053 

Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  of  Convention  relative 
to  accounts  of  for.disbursements  for  lighthorsemen  in  Tryon 
county,   1115 

HARRIS,  DANIEL. 
Resolution  of  Convention  for  payment  to,  for  a  horse  killed  in 

the  public  service,   847 

HASBROUCK,  ABRAHAM. 
Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel,  Ulster  county  militia,. .  135 
Letter  from,  transmitting  returns  of  election  of  officers  of  the 

several  companies  of  militia  in  regiment  of,   170 

(See  Ulster  County,  35.) 

HASBROUCK,  ABRAHAM  A. 
Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master,  Ulster  county  militia,  . . .  135 

HASBROUCK,  COL.  JONATHAN. 
Letter  from,  appointing  place  of  rendezvous  for  regiment 

of,   238 

Letter  from,  containing  statement  of  regiment  of,   393 

HASBROUCK,  CAPT.  ELIAS. 

(See  Jansen,  Cornelius  T.  1.) 
(See  Roggin,  Petrus,  1.) 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Kingston,  and  General 
Schuyler,  recommending  appointment  of.   351 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  of,  for  pay,  billeting  and  subsistence 
of  company  of,   696 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 
of  company  of  rangers,   801 

Resolution  of  Convention,  pardoning  and  discharging  deser- 
ters from  company  of,  on  their  returning  the  bounty  and 
foregoing  the  payment  and  subsistence  due  them,   892 

Directed  to  transport  a  quantity  of  salt  purchased  for  the  use 
of  this  State,  from  Canaan,  in  Connecticut,  and  requisition 
on  Treasurer  for  expenses  of,   1036 

HASBROUCK,  JOSEPH. 

Appointment  of.  as  major,  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

HAVERSTRAW.  (See  Orange  County,  2,  14.) 

HAYILAND,  EBENEZER. 

Appointment  of,  as  surgeon,  62,  101 

Certificate  of  examination  of,   101 

Attached  to  Col.  Wynkoop's  regiment   424 

HAY. 

Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  directing  the  purchase  of  a 
quantity  of,  for  the  use  of  the  Legislature,   1005 

Appointment  of  Moses  Smith  as  commissary  of,  and  directions 
to  for  distribution  of,     1105 

HAY,  COL.  A.  HAWKES. 

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  forwarding  re- 
giment of,  to  New- York,  and  answer  of  Committee,   384 

Appointment  of,  as  commissary  for  the  militia  northward  of 
King's  Bridge,  while  in  service  on  the  west  side  of  Hud- 
son's river,  below  the  Highlands,  under  the  command  of 
Gen.  Clinton,  and  instructions  to,  .   568 

Letter  to,  transmitting  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety, 


1144 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

HAY  COL.  A.  HAWKES — Continued. 
for  a  reinforcement  of  militia  from  the  northern  part  of 

Orange  county,   672 

4.  Letter  from,  giving  an  account  of  the  state  of  his  regiment,  and 
of  the  motions  of  the  enemy's  ships ;  and  directions  to,  to 
drive  the  stock,  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's  river  into  the 
interior,     679 

HAZARD,  EBENEZER. 

1.  Petition  of,  for  establishment  of  post-office,  and  appointment 

as  postmaster,  and  committee  thereon,   44 

2.  Recommendation  of  and  appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Con- 

gress,   90 

3.  Letter  from,  respecting  eastern  post  riders,   156 

4.  Letter  from,  respecting  conduct  of  the  keeper  of  the  ferry 

across  North  river,  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress thereon,   191 

5.  Directed  to  remove  post  office  from  the  city  of  New- York,  to 

some  convenient  place  near  Dobb's  ferry,  in  Westchester 
county,   602 

6.  Requested  to  direct  a  weekly  post  between  Albany  and  New- 

York,  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river,   604 

7.  Letters  from,  respecting  the  establishment  of  such  post,  and 

answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  619,  622 

8.  Directed  to  forward  newspapers  from  Pennsylvania,  New- 

Jersey,  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  for  use  of  Conven- 
tion and  Committee  of  Safety,   689 

HEATH,  WILLIAM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  brigadier-ge- 

neral,     63 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   394 

3.  Letter  from,  respecting  the  propriety  and  expediency  of  a  con- 

tinuation in  service  of  the  several  regiments  of  Gen.  Scott's 
brigade,   719 

4.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   724 

5.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  directing  the  apprehension 

and  detention  of  Capt.  Ford,  of  Col.  Bevier's  regiment, 
on  charge  of  robbery  and  plunder  of  effects  of  Phebe 
Oakley,   732,  733 

6.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  requesting  the  employment  of 

Maj.  Taylor,  of  the  quarter-master-general's  department, 
for  the  purchase  and  collection  of  necessaries  for  the  ob- 
struction of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   737 

7.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,   743 

8.  Requested  to  co-operate  with  Gen.  George  Clinton,  in  defend- 

ing the  passess  at  the  Highlands,   746 

9.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  a  flag,  accompanying 

a  number  of  letters  ;  catalogue  of  such  letters;  disposition 

of,  748,  749 

10.  Letter  from,  informing  of  order  to  go  over  with  his  division  to 

the  west  side  of  Hudson's  river;  resolutions  of  Committee 
of  Safety  thereon,  and  letters  to  Gen.  Washington,  request- 
ing the  countermanding  of  orders  to,   748 

11.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  disposition  of  certain  fieldpieces 

at  Peekskill,   755 

12.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  informing  him  of  the  state 

of  the  forts  at  the  Highlands,   759 

13.  Answer  of  Gen.  Heath,  and  reply  of  Committee  of  Safety. . .  760 

14.  Reply  of  Gen.  Heath,   764 

15.  Letter  from,  informing  of  proceedings,  &c.  of,    766 

16.  Letter  from,  relative  to  permission  for  Lady  Johnson,  Mrs. 

Wilkinson  and  Mrs.  Cuyler,  with  their  families  and  effects, 

to  pass  to  New-York,   769 

17.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  chairman  of  committee  of  Conven- 

tion, relative  to  proceedings  of,  in  Westchester  county,  808,  809 

HEMPSEED. 

1.  Resolution  of  Conventionfor  the  purchase  of  a  quantity  of,and 

encouraging  the  raising  of,  849,  900 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Gouverneur  Morris,  for 

a  quantity  of,  purchased  by  order  of  Convention,   899,  901 

3.  Resolution  of  Convention  prohibiting  the  exportation  from 

this  State  of  unwrought  hemp,  or  hempen  yarn,  900,  901 

4.  Auditing  of  accounts  of  Samuel  Ogden,  for,   961 

5.  Resolution  relative  to  the  publication  of  the  proper  time  for 

sowing,   964 

HENNING,  PHILIP. 

1.  Petition  of,  for  appointment  as  surgeon's  mate;  order  for  exa- 

mination of,   85 

2.  Report  against,   90 

HENRY,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary, &c.  of  clothing  store,   807 

2.  Letter  from,  relative  to  perquisites  of  his  office  ;  and  resolu- 

tions of  Convention  refusing  the  allowance  of,   R57 

3.  Requisitions  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  supply  of  clothi  lg 

to  troops,   873,  1015 

4.  Resolution  of  Convention  and  letter  to,  respecting  the  dispo- 

sition of  blankets,  &c   873 

5.  Letter  to  commissioners  for  detecting,  &c.  conspiracies,  desir- 

ing them  to  permit  the  departure  of,  to  New- York,  until 

the  settlement  of  his  accounts  with  the  State,   880 

6.  Letters  from,  relative  to  clothing  of  the  troops,   934,  964 

7.  Peremptory  order  of  Council  of  Safety  to,  to  account  for  cloth- 

ing received  and  delivered  by  him,   1097 


PAGE. 

HERKIMER,  NICHOLAS. 

(See  Tryon  County,  10.) 

1.  Appointed  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county,  610 

2.  Letter  from,  and  others,  committee  of  Tryon  county,  relative 

to  the  imposition  and  collection  of  a  fine  upon  John  Rei- 
men  Snyder,  son  of  Henry  Reimen  Snyder,  for  refusal  to 
serve  as  a  corporal  in  Captain  John  Kayser's  company  of 
militia,  in  Col.  Jacob  Klock's  battalion,   797,  798 

3.  Interview  of,  at  Unadilla,  with  Joseph  Brant,   996,  997 

4.  Letter  from  Gov.  Clinton,  informing  of  the  death  of,  1048 

HERRICK,  CAPT.  RUFUS. 

1.  Letter  from,  informing  that  his  company  is  ready,  &c,   89 

2.  Muster  roll  of,  returned  and  filed,   112 

HERRING,  NICHOLAS. 
1.  Appointment  and  report  of  committee  to,  as  certain  damage 
done  to  land  of,  by  troops  of  General  Wooster  encamped 
thereon,   93 

HERRING,  PETER. 
1 .  Letter  from  General  Wooster  to  Committee  of  Safety,  re- 
specting, and  order  of  said  committee  thereon,   75 

HATFIELD,  MOSES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Continental  regiment  of  militia 

in  Orange  county,   489 

HEWES,  JOSEPH. 

1.  Letter  from,  and  William  Harper,  respecting  proceedings 
and  designs  of  Gov.  Martin  of  North  Carolina  ;  and  an- 
swer of  Committee  of  Safety,   73 

HIDES  AND  LEATHER. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  56.) 

1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Stephen  Ward,  Esq.  on 

account  of  the  purchase  of,  for  the  use  of  State,   749 

2.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  George  Ewing,  commissary- 

general  of,  respecting  contracts  for  the  manufacture  of,  1 101, 

1102 

3.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in  Congress,  ....  1102 

HIGHLANDERS.  (See  Stewart,  James.) 
HIGHLANDS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  respecting  the  erec- 

tion of  batteries  at,  on  each  side  of  the  Hudson  river,  for 
the  prevention  of  navigation,  and  for  the  appointment  of 
proper  persons  to  designate  the  most  suitable  place  there- 
for,  16 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  thereon,  by  Provincial  Congress,  20 

3.  Report  thereon,   38,  40 

4.  Fortifications  at,  directed,  and  commissioners  appointed  to 

superintend  erection  of,  and  to  procure  cannon  and  other 
stores  for  defence  of,  including  the  cannon  on  the  battery 
at  the  city  of  New-York;  appropriation  for,  110,113, 114, 128, 139 

5.  Col.  Lasher  directed  to  furnish  guard  to  proceed  from  New- 

York  to,  when  requested  by  commissioners,   127 

6.  Appointment  of  John  Berrien  as  commissary  for  agents  for 

building  fortifications  at,   130 

7.  Letter  from  commissioners,  requesting  instructions  as  to  the 

plan  and  expense  of  fortifications,  and  a  conference  recom- 
mended with  engineer  from  Philadelphia,  &c   141 

8.  Gen.  Wooster  requested  to  furnish  a  company  of  troops  for 

defence  of,   146 

9.  Correspondence  with  Gen.  Wooster  thereon,  149,  151 

10.  Estimate  of  B.  Romans  of  expense  of  erecting  fortifications 

at,   152 

11.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  covering  plans  and  estimates 

of  fortifications  at,  and  copies  of  correspondence  with  Gen. 
Wooster,   153 

12.  Letter  to  Beverly  Robinson,  requesting  him  to  put  a  price 

upon  land  of,  taken  for  the  erection  of  fortifications  at,  op- 
posite West-Point ;  answer  of,   152,  169 

13.  Order  for  employment  of  labourers  at,  and  for  mounting  of 

carriage  guns,  &c   158 

14.  Letter  from  Samuel  Bayard,  William  Bedlow  and  John  Han- 

son, respecting  plan  and  erection  of  fortifications;  giving 
information  of  close  examination  of,  by  Gov.  Tryon  and 
others  ;  and  suggesting  the  necessity  of  an  efficient  guard,  158, 

159 

15.  Proposals  of  Bernard  Romans  for  erecting  the  fortifications 

at,  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  159,  160,  161 

16.  Letter  to  agents  for  erecting  fortifications,  respecting  employ- 

ment of,  &c   161 

17.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  erec- 

tion of  fortifiations,  at,    172 

18.  Gen.  Wooster  ordered  to  forward  a  portion  of  his  troops  for 

the  defence  of  fortifications  at,   171 

19.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  commissioners  for  erect- 

ing fortifications  at,   174 

20.  Letter  from  commissary,  respecting  expenditures  on  fortifica- 

tions at,  and  requesting  further  supplies,   174 

21.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  therefor,   174 

22.  Letter  from  B.  Romans,  respecting  his  appointment  as  engi-  174 

neerat   174 

23.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  commissioners 

for  the  erection  of  fortifications  at,  to  inquire  into  the  prac- 
ticability of  a  further  obstruction  of  Hudson's  river,   177 

24.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting  erection  and  de- 

fence of  fortifications  at   177 


INDEX. 


1145 


PAGE. 

HIGHLANDS — Costi^cxd. 

25.  Letter  from  John  Hanson,  one  of  the  commissioners  for 

erecting  fortifications  at,  requesting  the  appointment  of 
some  other  person  in  his  place,   ITS 

26.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  commissioners  for  the 

erection  of  fortifications  at,  discountenancing  the  require- 
ment of  certain  punctilio,  in  vessels  passing  such  fortifica- 
tions,   178 

27.  Letter  from  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  fortifications 

at,  complaining  of  ill  treatment  from  Robert  North,  master 

of  a  sloop  from  Poughkeepsie,   179 

23.  Letter  from  commissioners  enclosing  remarks  of  B.  Romans, 
engineer,  relative  to  plans  for  obstruction  of  the  navigation 
of  the  Hudson,   179,  180 

29.  Letter  from  John  Hanson,  one  of  the  commissioners,  re- 

specting charges  against,  by  Robert  North,  and  declining 
further  service,   ISO 

30.  Instructions  to  superintendents  at  the  fortifications  at,  re- 

specting vessels  passing  tie  said  fortifications   ISO 

31.  Letter  from  John  Berrien,  one  of  the  commissioners  respect- 

ing supplies  of  money  to  workmen ;  and  order  of  Provin- 
cial Congress  thereupon,   131,  182 

32.  Appointment  of  Jonathan  Lawrence  as  one  of  the  commis- 

sioners to  superintend  the  erection  of  fortifications  at,  in 

the  place  of  John  Hanson,  resigned,   183 

33.  Examination  of  Samuel  Patridge,  respecting  information 

communicated  to  him  by  Isaac  Garrison,  of  the  expense, 

&c  of  carting  timber,  &c.  at,   183 

34.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress  respecting  the  employment  of 

Bernard  Romans,  as  engineer  at,   186 

35.  Cannon  presented  by  Isaac  Gouverneur,  of  Curacoa,  directed 

to  be  sent  to,   1S6 

36.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  raising  a  company  of 

matrosses  for  defence  of  fortifications  at,   191 

37.  Letter  from  William  Bedlow  to  Richard  Yates,  requesting 

Provincial  Congress  to  ascertain  the  per  diem  pay  of  com- 
missioners for  erection  of  fortification  at,  and  proceedings 

of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   191 

33.  Order  to  Col.  McDougail  to  send  Captains  Grennel  and  Led- 
yard,  with  their  companies,  for  defence  of  fortifications 
at,..   194 

39.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  of  200 

men  from  the  militia  of  Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster,  for 
defence  and  occupation  of  the  fortifications  at,  under  com- 
mand of  Captain  John  Hanson,   197 

40.  Letter  from  Delegates  in,  to  Continental  Congress,  relative 

to  appointment  of  commander  of  the  fortress  at,   200 

41.  Letter  from  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  fortifications 

at,  explaining  their  progress,  and  requesting  directions,. . .  202 

42.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  the  erec- 

tion of  additional  barracks  at,  and  of  a  magazine  ;  and  di- 
recting commissioners  for  erection  of  fortifications  at,  to 
superintend  the  building  of  the  same,   207 

43.  Appointment  of  committee  for  accommodation  of  differences 

between  commissioners  and  engineers  at ;  and  for  expedit- 
ing the  completion  of  the  works ;  report  of,  and  proceed- 
ing thereon   207,  210,  223,  224,  226 

44.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favor  of  commissary  at,          207,  208 

45.  Prohibition  of  retailing  liquor  at  or  near  fortifications  at,. . . .  207 

46.  Letters  from  Provincial  CongTess  to  President  and  Delegates 

in  Continental  Congress  respecting  defence  of  fortifica- 
tions at ;  and  recommending  Gilbert  Livingston,  William 
Bedlow,  Thomas  Grennel  and  Jonathan  Lawrence,  as  pro- 
per persons  to  take  command  of,   209 

47.  Letter  from  William  Bedlow,  dated  at  Fort  Constitution  re- 

specting pay  of  commissioners ;  and  resolutions  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress  respecting,   226,  227 

43.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 
Congress  respecting  the  expediency  of  the  erection  of  ad- 
ditional fortifications  at,   227 

49.  Plan  of  fortifications  at,  communicated  by  engineer  to  Com- 

mittee of  Safety,  and  letter  to  Continental  Congress, 
transmitting   236 

50.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  fortifications 

at,  and  letter,   243 

51.  Letter  to  Delegation  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting  pay 

and  billeting  money  of  officers  and  privates  employed  for 
defence  of  fortifications  at,   245 

52.  Instructions  to  commissioners  for  fortifications  at,   253 

53.  Nomination  of  CoL  Isaac  Nicoll  to  command  of  fortification 

at,   253 

54  Returns  of  Capt  Samuel  Raymond's  and  Capt.  Burns'  com- 
panies of  minute  men  at ;  and  letter  from  Committee  of 
Safety  to  Captain  Raymond,  relative  to  supplies  of  neces- 
saries for  troops  at,    255 

55.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  commissioners  for  erec- 

tion of  fortifications  at.  directing  the  transportation  of 
powder  to  Gen.  Schuyler  at  Albany   256 

56.  Letters  from  Thomas  Grennel,  one  of  commissioners  at,  rela- 

tive to  building  of  fortifications,  and  accounts  of  the  ex- 
pense thereof ;  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,. .  260,  262,  263 

57.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  thereof.   260,  262 

58.  Information  relative  to  fortifications  at,  communicated  to 

Committee  of  Safety  by  John  Berrien  and  Andrew 
McCormick,   262 

59.  Letter  from  Commissioners  at,  and  Col.  Nicoll,  relative  to 

2S7 


60. 

6L 

62. 
63. 

64. 

65. 
66. 
67. 


68. 
69. 


70. 

71. 

72. 


73. 


74. 


HIGHLANDS— Comtinced. 
compensation  of  minute  men  employed  in  the  erection  of 
battery  at ;  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,. .  293,  299,  303 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  erection 
of  batteries  at,   317 

Appointment  of  Thomas  Palmer  as  an  additional  commis- 
sioner, to  superintend  the  erection  of  fortifications  at,   313 

Report  of  engineer  relative  to  works  at,   330 

Letter  from  commissioners  at,  relative  to  erection  of  fortifica- 
tions, and  recommending  the  appointment  of  Gilbert  Li- 
vingston as  an  additional  commissioner,   331,  332 

Commissioners  authorized  to  employ  vessels  for  quartering 
troops  at,  and  to  call  into  service  minute  men  and  Conti- 
nental troops  for  the  completion  of  the  works  at,   332 

Appointment  of  Gilbert  Livingston  as  additional  commission- 
er at,   332 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  commissioners  for 
the  erection  of  fortifications  at,   335 

Letter  from  John  Berrien,  commissioner,  &c.  containing  an 
account  of  moneys  advanced  by  him,  to  Bernard  Romans, 
engineer,   364 

Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   364 

Letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  complaining  of  the  want  of  a 
a  commissary  of  provisions,  Sec.  at ;  and  enclosing  account 
of  ammunition  supplied  by  commissioners  to  Capt.  Saml. 
Raymond ;  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   372,  397 

Letter  from  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  respecting  command  of  troops 
at;  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety.  331,  386 

Requisitions  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  commissioners  at,  390,  438 

Letter  from  Messrs.  Palmer  and  Livingston,  commissioners, 
&c.  at,  relative  to  provisions,  etc.  and  troops  at ;  answer  of 
Committee  of  Safety,  39 1, 392 

Letter  from  Col.  Nicoll,  respecting  state  of  regiment  at,  &c. 
transmitting  Gen.  Lee's  order  for  the  arrest  of  Ensign 
Goodgean,  and  an  account  of  the  expenses  of  trial  of,  by 
court  martial,   402 

Permission  to  Col.  Nicoll  to  retire  from  service  at,  and  vote 

of  thanks  to,   435 

(See  Washington,  George  68.) 

Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam,  transmitting  a  list  of  tory  prisoners 
confined  at,  and  requesting  the  order  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress relating  to  their  labour  on  the  fortifications  at ;  reso- 
lutions thereon,  471,  472 

Commissioners  at,  directed  to  receive  their  future  orders  and 

directions  from  Gen.  Washington,   484 

Communication  from  Gen.  Gates,  respecting  condition  of  de- 
fences at,  and  of  the  desire  of  Gen.  Washington  that  a  re- 
giment of  militia  be  sent  there,   488 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  dispensing  with  further 
service  of  commissioners  at,   493 

Letter  to  Convention  from  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond,  at  Tarry 
Town,  informing  of  the  sailing  of  the  British  ships  of  war 
towards  ;  orders  to  Col.  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr-  Z.  Piatt  to 
repair  to,  and  to  call  out  the  militia  for  the  defence  and  re- 
inforcement of  the  the  garrisons  of  forts  Montgomery  and 
Constitution,   525 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  stationing  troops  from  Ulster 
and  Orange  counties  at,  to  guard  the  defiles,  under  the  di- 
rection of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,   526 

Appointment  of  committee  to  visit  forts  Constitution  and 
Montgomerie,  at,  and  report  as  to  their  condition,  &c   604 

Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  for  the  reinforcement  of 
garrisons  at,  and  apportionment  of  levies  therefor,  611,  612,  613 

614 

Appointment  of  field  officers  of  snch  levies,   614 

Letter  from  Gen.  James  Clinton,  transmitting  a  return  of  ar- 
ticles wanted  at  the  fortifications  at,   616 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,    616,  617 

Order  for  supplying  the  fortifications  at,  with  articles  for  the 
use  of  the  garrisons,    618 

Letters  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  transmitting  intelligence  of 
the  condition  of  the  forts  at,   640 

Letter  from  Gen.  James  ClintoD,  respecting  the  condition  of 
the  forts  at,   650 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  reinforcement  of 
the  garrisons  at,  and  approving  of  the  measures  of  Con- 
vention for  the  defence  of,   652 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  commissioners  for 
erecting  fortifications  at,   688 

Report  of  Robert  R.  Livingston,  and  resolutions  of  Committee 
of  Safety  respecting  the  defence  of,   725,  726 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  Gen.  George 
Clinton  to  take  measures  for  the  security  of  the  passes  of, 
with  the  troops  under  his  command,  and  requesting  the  co- 
operation of  Gen.  Heath,   746 

Letters  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Heath,  &c.  inform- 
ing of  the  state  of  the  fortifications  at,   759 

Return  of  officers  and  men  in  garrison  at  forts  Montgomery 
and  Constitution,  under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  James 
Clinton,   .......  777 

Appointment  of.  and  instructions  to,  committee  to  inquire  into 
the  state  of  the  forts  and  garrisons  in,  and  to  provide  for 
a  reinforcement  at,  and  to  confer  with  Gen.  Washington 
thereon,  (fee:  report  of  committee,          813,  816,  817,  831,  832 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  the  guarding 
of  the  passes  at,  with  militia,   829 

Letter  from  Convention  to  CongTess  relative  to  condition  of, 


1146 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

HIGHLANDS— Continued. 
and  recommending  the  appointment  of  Gen.  George  Clin- 
ton to  the  command  thereof,   840 

'>8   Letter  from  Convention  to  Gen.  Washington  and  Gen.  Mc- 

Dougall,  840,  841 

!)9.  Resolutions  of  Convention  authorizing  Gen.  George  Clinton 
to  call  out  the  militia  of  Orange,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and 
Westchester  counties,  for  the  protection  of  the  passes  of,. .  848 

100.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  appointing  Brig.  Gen. 

George  Clinton  to  the  command  of  the  fortresses  at,   860 

(See  Elections, 4.) 

101.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  Gen.  Washington, 

relative  to  providing  garrisons  for  the  forts  at,   1019 

102.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  reinforcing  the  garrisons 

at,   1023 

103.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Gov.  Clinton,  requesting  a 

reinforcement  of  the  posts  at,   1027 

(See  Clinton,  George,  50.) 

104.  Attack  upon,  and  demolition  of,  the  fortifications  at,  by  the 

enemy,   1063  to  1070,  1074 

105.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Gen.  Putnam, 

Gen.  James  Clinton  and  other  officers,  relative  to  the  ne- 
cessary works  to  be  constructed  for  the  passess  in,  and  ap- 
pointment of  commissioners  to  determine  upon  the  place 
for  their  erection ;  report  of  committee,  1113,  1114 

HINMAN,  COL.  BENJAMIN. 

(See  Ticonderoga,  37  ;  Fort  George,  1.) 

1.  Letter  from,  respecting  condition  of  fortresses  at  Fort  George 

and  Crown-Point,   74 

2.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   75 

(See  Connecticut,  18.) 

HOBART,  JOHN  SLOSS. 

1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safely  to,  transmitting  information 

concerning  the  shipping  of  provisions  by  George  Youngs 
and  son,  Capt.  Bush,  and  one  Conklin,  for  the  use  of  Gen. 
Gage's  army,  near  Boston,   78 

2.  Letters  from,  informing  of  the  condition  of  the  forts  at  the 

Highlands  ;  of  the  progress  of  the  negotiation  for  an  ex- 
change of  Brig.  Gen.  Woodhull ;  the  conflagration  at  the 
city  of  New- York,  &c   649 

3.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  death  of  Brig.  Gen.  Woodhull; 

of  the  movements  of  the  New-Hampshire  and  Massachu- 
setts militia  to  join  the  grand  army ;  and  of  the  condition 
of  the  inhabitants  on  Long  island,   671 

4.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  expenses  of  jour- 

ney to  York  Town,  to  meet  committees  of  the  middle 
States  on  public  business,    900 

HOISINGTON,  JOAB. 

1.  Appointment  of,  and  commission  to,  as  major  of  four  compa- 

nies of  rangers,  to  be  raised  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland 
and  Gloucester,  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the  fron- 
tiers,  540,  541 

2.  Roll  of  officers  of,   659 

3.  Report  of  committee  and  resolution  of  Convention,  on  appli- 

cation of,  respecting  bounty  for  company  of  rangers  of,  659,  660, 

661 

4.  Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Gates,  transmitting  information  of  the 

movements  of  Sir  John  Johnston,with  the  Indians  and  Ca- 
nadians, to  attack  the  inhabitants  on  the  Mohawk  river, 
and  meet  Gen.  Burgoyne  at  Albany,   699 

5.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  continuing  in  service  the  ran- 

gers raised  in  the  counties  of  Gloucester  and  Cumberland, 
under  command  of,  and  appointment  of  commissioners 

therefor,   837 

HOLMES,  JAMES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  fourth  regiment,   62 

2.  Appointment  of,  and  Col.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt,  as  muster- 

masters  for  said  regiment,      96 

3.  Sundry  articles  of  military  stores  to  be  forwarded  to,  and  pro- 

cured by,   99 

4.  Ordered  to  proceed  to  Albany  with  the  men  under  his  com- 

mand,   105 

5.  Commissary  directed  to  supply  with  arms,   110 

6.  Requisition  on  deputy  paymaster-general  for  advance  to,   127 

7.  Treasurer  authorized  to  pay  j£600  to,   128 

8.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  transmitting  account  of 

expenses  of  apprehension  and  transportation  to  Albany  of 
three  deserters  from  regiment  of,  and  requesting  their  pay 
to  be  stopped,  &c   193 

9.  Letter  from,  informing  of  compliance  with  such  order  ;  order 

for  refunding  amount  of  pay  to  Treasurer,   335 

HOLMES,  JONATHAN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Riker's  company,in 

Col.  Ritzema's  regiment,   507 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  ensign,   535 

HOLT,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  settle  with,  for  his  services  as 

a  printer,   303 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  treat  with,  forthe  establishment 

of  a  printing  office  in  this  State,   793 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  on  account,   1073 

HOOPER,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Letter  from,  and  Joseph  Hewes,  respecting  proceedings  and 
designs  of  Gov.  Martin,  of  North  Carolina,  and  answer  of 
Committee  of  Safety,  \    73 


PACE. 

HOPKINS,  REUBEN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  regiment  of  minute  men  in 

Dutchess  county,   135 

HOPKINS,  ROSWELL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  2d  regiment  of  militia 

in  Dutchess  county   528 

HORNBECK,  JACOB. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel,  Ulster  county  militia,.  135 
HORTON,  CAPT.  AMBROSE. 

1.  Return  from,   91 

2.  Directed  to  continue  in  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,   455 

HORTON,  JONATHAN. 
1,  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment,   405 

HOSPITAL. 

I.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  in  relation  to  establish- 

ment of,  in  the  city  of  New-York,    323,  327,  336 

HOSPITAL  STORES. 

1.  Directed  to  be  forwarded  to  Albany,  for  use  of  Connecticut 

troops,     76 

2.  Letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius  to  Provincial  Congress,  rela- 

tive to  demand  of,  by  Mr.  Hughes,  &c.  and  letter  from  Pro- 
vincial Congress  to  Gen.  Lee,  thereon,   330 

HOUSTON,  CAPT.  JOHN. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  bounty  money  for 

company  of,  in  Col.  Gansevoort's  regiment,   745 

HUDSON  RIVER. 

1.  Resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress  for  the  erection  of 

batteries  on  each  side  of,  at  the  Highlands,  to  prevent  the 
passage  of  vessels ;  and  for  the  appointment  of  experi- 
enced persons  to  discover  the  proper  place  for  such  ob- 
structions,   16 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  thereon,  by  Provincial  Congress,.  20> 

3.  Report  of  committee,   38,  40 

4.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  into  the  depth  of  water 

in,  from  New-York  to  New-Windsor,   45 

5.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  respecting  employment 

of  troops,  in  the  erection  of  batteries  to  secure  navigation 

of,   47 

6.  Fortifications  on,  at  the  Highlands,  directed  to  be  erected,  and 

commissioners  to  be  appointed  to  superintend  erection  of, 
and  to  procure  cannon  and  other  stores  for  defence  of,  in- 
cluding the  cannon  on  the  Battery  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  appropriations  for,   110,  113,  114,  128,  139 

7.  Col.  Lasher  directed  to  furnish  a  guard  to  proceed  from  New- 

York  to  Highlands,  when  requested  by  commissioners,. . . .  127 

8.  Appointment  of  John  Berrien  as  commissary  for  agents  for 

building  fortifications,   130 

(See  Highlands.) 

9.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  obstruction  of  the 

navigation  of,   172 

10.  Gen.  Wooster  directed  to  forward  a  portion  of  his  troops  for 

defence  of  forts  erected  on,   172 

II.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  commissioners 

for  the  erection  of  fortifications  on,  and  to  inquire  into  the 
practicability  of  a  farther  obstruction  to  the  navigation  of,  177 

12.  Organization  of  four  companies  of  matrosses  for  occupation 

of  the  forts  on,  recommended  by  Provincial  Congress,. . . .  177 

13.  Letter  from  Provincial  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

erection  and  defence  of  fortifications  at,   177 

14.  Remarks  of  B.Romans,  engineer,  and  of  commisssioners  for 

the  erection  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  relative  to 
plans  for  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  the  Hudson,  179,  180 

15.  Appointment  of  committee  to  investigate  the  expediency  of 

obstructing  the  navigation  of,  between  Nassau  and  Bedlowe 
islands;  report  of,   462,  472 

16.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  respecting   493 

17.  Passage  of  three  British  ships  of  war  up  the,  beyond  King's 

Bridge,  and  proceedings  of  Convention  thereon,   522 

18.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Convention,  on  the  impor- 

tance of  securing  the  passes  on,  and  answer  of  Conven- 
tion,  523 

19.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  and  carry  into  execution 

a  plan  for  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of,   526 

20'  Letter  from  chairman  of  said  committee,  requesting  gunners 
and  materials  for  the  use  of  cannon  on  board  ships  fitted 

out  by  them  ;  answer  of  Convention,  546,  547 

(See  Washington,  George,  68.) 

21.  Letter  from  committee  of  secrecy,  relative  to  measures  adopt- 

ed for  the  defence  of,   575 

22.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  Capt.  Henry  Ben- 

son, for  the  purchase  of  sundry  articles  required  for  fitting 

out  two  armed  vessels  for  defence  of,   576 

23.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  George  Clinton,  re- 

specting obstructions  to  the  navigation  of,   624 

24.  Survey  of  channel  of,  at  and  about  Fort  Washington,  or- 

dered   •••  628 

25.  Letter  from  Gilbert  Livingston,  respecting  the  construction 

and  fixing  of  the  chain  across,  •  •  •  629 

26.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  purchase  and  im- 

pressment of  vessels  for  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation 

of,   639 

27.  Letters  from  Tench  Tilghman,  relative  to  the  obstruction  of  the 

navigation  of,  646,  662 

28.  Letter  from  Robert  Yates  on  the  same  subject,   650 


INDEX. 


1147 


PAGE. 

HUDSON  RIVER— Continued: 

29.  Letter  from  Robert  Yates  and  Gilbert  Livingston  on  the  same 

subject,   650 

30.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  mounting  of 

cannon,  at  suitable  places  along  the  banks  of,   696 

31.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  the  advice  of 

Gen.  Schuyler  as  to  the  best  plan  for  obstructing  the  navi- 
gation of;  directing  a  nautical  survey  thereof;  and  rela- 
tive to  the  strength  and  sufficiency  of  the  chain  thrown 
across,  714,  715 

32.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  directing  the  obstruction 

of  the  navigation  of,  near  Pollepel"s  island,  at  the  northern 
entrance  of  the  Highlands,   719 

33.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  requesting  Maj.  General 

Schuyler  to  superintend  the  erection  of  the  necessary 
works  for  the  defence  of,   721 

34.  Letter  to  Gen.  Washington,  respecting,   722 

35.  Letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler,   722,  726 

36.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,   723,  726 

37.  Report  of  Robert  R.  Livingston,  and  resolutions  of  Commit- 

tee of  Safety,  respecting  obstructions  of  the  navigation  of,  725, 

726 

33.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress, 
respecting  the  chain  manufactured  under  the  direction  of 
Mr.  Mechin,  the  engineer,  for  the  obstruction  of  the  navi- 
gation of,   726 

39.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Geo.  Clinton,  respecting  proceedings 

of,  in  obstructing  the  navigation  of,   731 

40.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  employment 

of  Maj.  Taylor,  one  of  the  acting  deputy  quarter-master- 
generals  to  collect  and  purchase  the  necessary  materials 
for  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of,   735 

41.  Letter  to  Gen.  Heath  thereon,   737 

42.  Resolutions  for  employment  of  Capt.  Machine,  in  assisting  to 

carry  on  the  obstructions  to  the  navigation  of,   761 

43.  Report  of  committee  of  conference  with  Gen.  George  Clin- 

ton, relative  to  the  progress  of  obstructions  of  the  naviga- 
tion of,   831 

44.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Gen.  George  Clinton  thereupon,.  841 

45.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  of  Albany,   851 

46.  Requisitions  on  Treasurer  for  expenditures  in  obstructing 

the  navigation  of,         576,  688, 705,  766,  798,  810,  810,  844,  902 

47.  Letters  from  Gen.  Greene  to  agents  for  building  Continental 

ships  at  Kingston,  ccc.  directing  said  ships  to  be  used  in 
obstructing  the  navigation  of;  resolutions  of  Convention 
ordering  the  same,   938,  939 

48.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Congress,  transmitting  report  of 

marine  committee  relative  to  manning  and  fitting  out  two 
galleys  for  the  defence  of,   958,  959 

49.  Resolutions  of  Convention  thereon,   959,960 

50.  Letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton,  respecting,   961,962 

51.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,   662 

52.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting,    966 

53.  Letter  from  marine  committee  of  Congress,   992 

54.  Report  of  committee  to  ascertain  the  place  for  fixing  a  chain 

and  erecting  fortifications  for  the  obstruction  of  the  navi- 
gation of,   1117 

HUGHES,  HUGH. 

L  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  for  Continental  stores,   302 

(See  Hospital  Stores,  2.) 
HULBURT,  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from,  informing  of  enlistment  by,  and  muster  of  men,  101 

2.  Muster  roll  of,  certified  by  David  Muliford,  muster-master, 

received  and  filed,    110 

3.  Letter  from,  informing  of  departure  of  his  company  from 

Montauk,  and  requesting  supplies  of  arms,   146 

4.  Provision  for  aid  to,  on  his  way  to  Ticonderoga,   155,  156 

5.  Resolution  for  advance  of  money  to,  on  account   247,  248 

6.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  Continental  regiment 

of  militia  in  Suffolk  county,   489 

HUMPHREY,  CORNELIUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  regiment  of  minute 

men  in  Dutchess  county,   135 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel,   339,  489 

3.  Return  or  rank  roll  of  officers  of,   658 

4.  Appointed  to  the  command  of  a  regiment  of  volunteers  in 

Westchester  county,   772 

(See  Westchester  County,  84.) 

HUNT,  CAPT.  JESSE. 
1.  Certificate  to,  ongoing  to  South  Carolina,   430 

HUNT,  JOSEPH. 

1.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  recommending  protection  and 

provision  for,  as  a  reward  for  his  zea!  and  essential  ser- 
vice to  his  country;  resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety 
thereon,     807 

2.  Commissarv-general  ordered  to  indemnify  for  property  taken 

from,   807 

HUNTER,  JOHN. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  assistance,  and  plan  for  establishment  of  a 

linen  manufactory,   178 

HUTCHINS,  CAPT.  AMOS. 

1.  Return  of  company  of,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay- 

ment of,   378 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment,  ....  405 


HYATT,  EZEKIEL, 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  the  first  regiment  of  the  New- 

York  battalion,   421 

2.  Directed  to  continue  attached  to  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,  455 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  of  his 

men,    502 

I.  J. 

JACKSON,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 

1 .  Return  of  company  of,  in  Ulster  county,   396 

2.  Directed  to  repair  to  Fort  Constitution,   397 

JACKSON,  GEORGE  HAMILTON. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Daniel  Den- 
ton's company,  ,   89 

JANSEN,  CORNELIUS  T. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Elias  Has- 

brouck's  company,   99 

JANSEN,  DIRCK. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  major  in  Colonel  Peter  R.  Living- 

ston's regiment  of  militia,   772 

2.  Letter  from,  respecting  the  prevalence  of  disaffection  in  the 

manor  of  Livingston ;  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  . .  103q 

JANSEN,  JOHANNES,  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

JANSEN,  THOMAS,  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  lieutenant-colonel  Ulster  county  militia,. . . .  528 

JAY,  JOHN. 

(See  Continental  Congress,  97.) 

1.  Election  of,  as  chief  justice,   910 

2.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  De- 

legate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

JENKINS,  RICHARD. 
1.  Late  master  of  a  vessel  of  Thomas  Ludlow;  information  of, 

relative  to  vessel  and  cargo,  and  relating  to  Quebec,   123 

JEWS. 

1.  Exemption  of  Hart  Jacobs  from  the  performance  of  military 

duty  on  Friday  nights,  part  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath,  260,  261 

IMPEACHMENT. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing'the  constitution  rela- 
tive to  power  of,   878 

IMPRESSMENT  OF  ARMS. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  58.) 

IMPRESSMENT  OF  CONVEYANCES. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  5,  61.) 
INDEPENDENCE. 

1.  Address  of  committee  of  mechanics  to  Provincial  Congress, 

requesting  instructions  to  Delegation  in  Continental  Con- 
gress, to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to  cause  these  Unit- 
ted  Colonies  to  become  independent  of  Great  Britain,  and 
pledging  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  support  of  such  decla- 
ration :  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   474 

2.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  General  Convention  of  Virginia, 

instructing  Delegation  from,  in  Continental  Congress,  to 
propose  a  declaration  of,   475 

3.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,     481 

4.  Letter  from  Delegation  from  New-York,  in  Continental  Con- 

gress, requesting  instructions  from  Provincial  Congress  on 

the  question  of   488 

5.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  recommending  to  the  in- 

habitants and  electors  of  the  Colony  to  vest  their  repre- 
sentatives with  full  powers  to  declare  and  recommend,. . .  490 

6.  Declaration  of,  by  Continental  Congress,   516,  517 

7.  Reference  of,  to  committee  of  Provincial  Congress,    517 

8.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  approving  of  such  decla- 

ration, and  pledging  the  support  of  this  Colony  ;  provisions 

for  publication  thereof,   51S 

9.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of  Continental  Con- 

gress, enclosing  declaration  of,   521 

10.  Answer  of  Convention,   521 

11.  Letter  from  Contiicntal  Congress  enclosing  declaration  of, 

with  the  names  of  the  signers,  and  a  resolution  that  the 
same  be  put  on  record  and  preserved  among  the  archives 

of  the  several  United  States,   825 

INDEPENDENT  COMPANIES. 

1.  Draft  of  commissioners  to  officers  of,  &c   141 

INDIAN  AFFAIRS. 

1.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  to  Provincial 

Congress,  respecting,  30,  39 

2.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  suggesting  the  appointment 

of  a  superintendent  of,   32,  33 

3.  Message  of  Provincial  Congress  to  confederated  Indian  Na- 

tions, by  Joseph  Johnson,    50 

4.  Report  of  Committee  on,   82 

5.  Sundry  papers  relating  to,  delivered  to  Provincial  Congress 

by  Robert  Yates  of  Albany,   95 

6.  Examination  of  Gerrit  Roseboom,  of  Albany,  and  of  Benja- 

min Davis,  (alias  John  Johnson.)  relating  to   106 

7.  Journal  of  the  proceedings  and  meeting  of  delegation  from 

the  Six  Nations,  sent  by  commissioners  of,  to  confer  with 

the  Caughnawagas,   169,170 


1148 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

INDIAN  AFFAIRS— Continued. 

8.  Appointment  of  committee  on,   802 

INDIAN  LANDS. 
1  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  constitution  relative 

to,  &c   880,  881 

INDIANS. 

(See  Connecticut,  2,  17.) 
(See  Stockbridge  Indians.) 
(See  Mohawk  Indians.) 
(See  Oneida  Indians.) 
(See  Indian  Affairs.) 
(See  Kirkland,  Rev.  Samuel.) 

(See  Johnson,  Joseph.) 
(See  Massachusetts  Bay,  11.) 
(See  Caughnawaga  Indians.) 
(See  Canada,  7,  8.) 
(See  Mohegan  Indians.) 
(See  Johnson,  Col.  Guy.) 

(See  Five  Nations.) 
(See  Ocoghquaga  Indians.) 
(See  Tuscarora  Indians,) 
(See  Onenaoghkwage  Indians.) 
(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  24.) 
(See  Brant,  Joseph.) 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  employment  of, 

in  Canada,    482 

2.  Order  of  Convention  for  the  free  distribution  of  gunpowder 

to,  in  Ulster  county  near  the  Susquehannah,   539 

(See  Ulster  County,  55,  62,  75.) 
(See  Oswego.) 
(See  Orange  County,  57.) 
(See  Johnson,  Sir  John.) 

3.  Information  of  intended  invasion  of  the  northern  and  western 

frontiers  on  the  Mohawk  river,  under  the  command  of  Sir 

John  Johnson,   699,  700,  701 

(See  Indian  Lands.) 

4.  Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to 

the  intrusion  of  citizens  of  Pennsylvania,  on  lands  of,. . . .  952 
(See  Seneca  Indians.) 
(See  Tryon  County,  32.) 

5.  Letter  from  Adam  Fonda,  to  committee  of  Schenctady  trans- 

mitting an  account  of  an  action  with,  at  Oneida  creek,  and 

a  list  of  the  dead  and  wounded,      1034 

6.  Examination  of  Johannes  Oosterhout,  Jr.  and  Nicholas,  the 

sachem,  relative  to  proceedings  of,   1054 

INHABITANTS,  ENUMERATION  OF. 

(See  Enumeration  of  Inhabitants.) 

INOCULATION.  (See  Smallpox.) 

INSPECTORS  OF  FLOUR. 
1.  Appointment  of,  for  Orange  and  Ulster  counties,   670 

INSTRUCTIONS. 
1.  Of  Provincial  Congress  to  officers  relative  to  enlisting  of 

men,   57,  269 

INTELLIGENCE. 
1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 
conveyance  of,  throughout  the  State,  by  newspapers  and 

otherwise,    674 

INTERCEPTED  LETTERS. 

1.  From  Gen.  Gage  to  Governor  of  North  Carolina,   57 

2.  From  Joseph  Martin,  Governor  of  North  Carolina,  to  Henry 

White,  Esqr   68 

3.  From  Col.  James  Robertson,  to  Capt.  Montague,  command- 

ing His  Majesty's  ship,  King  Fisher,  119,120 

4.  From  Thomas  Ash  at  Boston,  to  John  Shaw,  a  New- York 

merchant,   120 

5.  From  Francis  Stevens  to  Gen.  Gage,  relative  to  removal  of 

stores,  &c.  from  New-York,   122 

6.  From  Joseph  Allicock  to  Henry  Lloyd  and  Lieut.  Butricke,.  122 

7.  From  Theophalact  Bache,  merchant  of  New-York,  to  Major 

Mocrief,  at  Boston,  taken  from  Capt.  Isaac  L.  Winne,. .  .  141 

8.  Examination  of  letters  and  papers  of  George  Bethune,   144 

(See  Prisoners,  22  ) 

9.  From  J.  H.  Dempster,  captain  of  the  ship  Blue  Mountain 

Valley,  to  his  brother  George  Dempster,  Esqr.  Oxford 
street,  London,    259 

10.  From  J.  H.  Dempster,  to  Robert  Hutter,  Esqr.  Coleman 

street,  London,   260 

11.  From  J.  H.  Dempster,  to  Richard  Cardin,  Esq.  Bucklesbury, 

London,     260 

12.  From  J.  H.  Dempster  to  J.  Townshend,   260 

13.  From  Joseph  Woolcombe,  to  his  father,   260 

14.  From  Murray,  Sansom,  &  Co.  to  Rogers  Townshend,  mer- 

chant at  Goshen,   789 

(See  Tryon  County,  28.) 

INTERNAL  COMMUNICATIONS. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  47,  48.) 
(See  Roads.) 

INTERPRETER. 

(See  French  Interpreter.) 
(See  Testard,  Rev.  John  Peter.) 
(See  Prisoners,  54.) 

JOHNSON,  COL.  GUY. 

1.  Letter  from  Albany  committee  relative  to  proceedings  of,. . . .  23 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  28, 29 


PAGE. 

JOHNSON,  COL.  GUY— Continued. 

3.  Letter  from  Samuel  Kirkland  to  Albany  committee,  respect- 

ing proceedings  of,  and  Oneida  Indians,   49 

4.  Letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  President  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress, of  Massachusetts  Bay,  respecting  disposition  and 
proceedings  of,   54 

5.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  informing  of  the  arrival  of,  at  Oswego,  with  a 
body  of  Indians,   79 

6.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,   94 

(See  O'Conner,  John,  2.) 

JOHNSON,  JOHN,  (alias  Benjamin  Davis.) 
(See  Albany  City,  25.) 
(See  Indian  Affairs,  6.) 
JOHNSON,  JOSEPH. 

(See  Oneida  Indians,  4.) 
(See  Mohegan  Indians,  1.) 
1.  Letter  from,  praying  relief,  and  setting  forth  his  exertions 
and  influence  among  the  western  Indians,  in  favour  of  the 
American  cause ;  petition  granted,  together  with  passport 

and  letter  of  safe  conduct,   142 

JOHNSON,  LADY. 

1.  Report  of  committee  for  escorting,  to  some  proper  and  safe 

place  of  residence,   761 

2.  Letter  from  James  Hunter,  informing  of  the  great  resort  of 

people  from  the  Mohawk  river,  at  Williamstown,  suppos- 
ed to  carry  letters  to  and  from,   777,  780 

JOHNSON,  CAPT.  ROBERT. 

1.  Letter  from  David  Pye,  recommending  supplies  for,  &c   95 

2.  Capt.  Peter  Lent  and  Gilbert  Cooper  appointed  muster-mas- 

ters for,   96 

3.  Treasurer  directed  to  pay  £100  for  use  of  company,   124 

4.  Apprehension  of  deserters  from  company  of,   195 

5.  Order  for  payment  to,  of  sums  deducted  for  the  apprehension 

of  deserters  from  company  of,   668 

JOHNSON,  SIR  JOHN. 

1.  Copy  of  letters  from,  to  Alexander  White,   126 

(See  O'Conner,  John,  2.) 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  Tryon  coun- 

ty, respecting  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued  in  relation 

to,  and  respecting  claim  of,  to  the  court  house  and  jail   212 

3.  Letter  from  Major  Joab  Hoisington  to  Gen.  Gates,  transmit- 

ting intelligence  of  the  movement  of,  with  the  Indians  and 
Canadians,  with  the  intention  of  attacking  the  inhabitants 
on  the  Mohawk  river,  and  meeting  Gen.  Burgoyne  at  Al- 
bany,   699 

4.  Report  of  committee  of  arrangement  and  conference  with 

General  Schuyler,  relative  to  proceedings  and  movements 

of,  &c   700,  701 

5.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  retreat  of,  with 

Gen.  Carlton,  to  Canada,   708 

(See  Oneida  Indians,  10.) 

6.  Information  of  proceedings  of,  communicated  by  Francis 

Horsman,  a  prisoner  of  war,   1021 

7.  Information  of  proceedings  of  communicated  by  Gen.  Ganse- 

voort,   1025 

JOURNALS  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  AND 
CONVENTION. 

1.  Resolution  for  transcribing,   651 

IRELAND. 

1.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 

embarkation  of  British  troops  from,   42,  43 

IRON. 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  taking  of  certain 
machines  for  the  manufacture  of,  and  providing  for  com- 
pensation to  the  owner,   565 

(See  Sterling  Iron  Works.) 

ISLIP. 

1.  Letter  from  Isaac  Thompson,  enclosing  copy  of  general  asso- 
ciation signed  by  inhabitants  of,   68 

JUDGES  OF  THE  SUPREME  COURT. 

(See  Chief  Justice;  Jay,  John.) 

1.  Election  of  Robert  Yates  and  John  Morin  Scott,  as,   910 

2.  Declension  of  Gen.  Scotl,   910 

3.  Election  of  John  Sloss  Hobart,   917 

JUDICIAL  OFFICERS. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  Constitution,  relative 

to  appointment  of,    874,  910 

JURY. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  Constitution,  relative 

to  trial  by,   882 

JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE. 

(See  Paulding,  William,  2.) 

IZARD,  RALPH. 
1.  Permission  to,  to  bring  with  him,  from  Great  Britain,  coach, 

furniture,  plate,  books,  and  other  effects,   167 

K. 

KEATER,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  services  rendered 
as  a  detachment  of  Capt.  Salisbury's  company  of  light- 
horse,  in  Ulster  county,   1053 


INDEX. 


1149 


PAGE 

KELLY,  WILLIAM,  (Captain  of  2d  battalion  of  royal 
American  regiment  ) 
1.  Discharged  on  parol  of;  parol  of,  and  certificate,   144 

KETCHAM,  JOSEPH,  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master  in  regiment  of  minute- 
men  in  Dutchess  county,   135 

KETCHUM,  ALEXANDER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  John  Gren- 
nel's  company  in  Huntington,  in  place  of  Philip  Concklin, 
who  declines,   78 

KETELTAS,  REV.  ABRAHAM. 

(See  Queens  County,  35.) 
KEYSER,  JOHN,  Jr. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Christopher 

P.  Yates:  company  of  Tryon  county  militia,  in  place  of 
Matthew  Warmwood,  declined,   103 

2.  Letter  from  Col.  Goose  Van  Schaick,  informing  of  death  of, 

and  recommending  appointment  of  Tobias  Van  Vechten, 

in  place  of,   200 

KIERS,  E.  W. 

1.  Accounts  of  audited,  &c   195 

KING'S  BRIDGE. 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  fortifications 

at,   16 

2.  Committee  appointed  to  examine  and  report  thereon,   20 

3.  Report  of,   27,  28,  31 

4.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  relative  to  erections  of  fortifications  at,   31 

5.  Appropriation  for  defraying  expenses  of  removal  of  cannon 

from  New- York  to,   145 

6.  Lieut.  Col.  Graham  ordered  to  detach  company  of  minute 

men  for  defence  of  cannon  at,   261 

7.  Letter  to  Col.  Joseph  Drake,  requesting  him  to  endeavour  to 

find  out  the  persons  concerned  in  spiking  up  the  cannon 
beyond.   266,  267 

8.  Answers  from  Col.  Drake,  and  the  sub-committee  of  West- 

chester county,  and  order  for  apprehension  of  Isaac  Purdy, 
Wm.  Armstrong,  Wm.  Sutton,  James  Lownsberry  and 
Joshua  Gidney   270,  271 

9.  Examination  and  discharge  of  Joseph  Purdy,  William  Sutton 

and  William  Armstrong,   270 

10.  Examination  and  order  for  imprisonment  of  Joshua  Gidney,  271, 

272 

11.  Order  to^Col.  Drake  for  arrest  of  Josiah  Burrell,  Wm.  Hains, 

Jas.  Hains,  Jr.  Thomas  Hains,  Isaac  Gidney  and  Joseph 
Purdy,   273 

12.  Examination  of  Wm.  Lounsberry,   272,  273 

13.  Order  for  apprehension  of  Isaac  Valentine,   273 

14.  Letter  from  Jonathan  Blake,  requesting  reinforcement  at, .. .  274 

15.  Examination  of  Isaac  Valentine,  Isaac  Valentine,  Jr.  and 

Wm.  Dickin   274 

16.  Agreement  with  Jacamiah  Allen,  for  cleaning  unspiking  and 

removing  the  cannon  at,   275 

17.  Letter  from  Jonathan  Blake,  transmitting  Joseph  Purdy  to 

New- York  as  a  prisoner,   276 

18.  Examination  of  Joseph  Purdy,   276,  277 

19.  Order  for  imprisonment  of,   277 

20.  Letter  from  Jonathan  Blake,  accompanying,  transmitting  of 

Josiah  Burrell,  Thomas  Hains  and  Isaac  Gidney,  as  pri- 
soners, to  Committee  of  Safety,   279 

21.  Examiuation  of  said  prisoners;  and  order  for  imprisonment,  280 

22.  Examination  and  re-commitment  of  William  Lownsberry, 

Isaac  Gidney  and  Cornelius  McCartney,  on  charge  of 
spiking  the  cannon  at   341,342 

23.  Direction  to  Jacamiah  Allen,  to  guard  cannon  at,  &c   373 

24.  Proprietors  of  cannon  at,  authorized  to  dispose  of  the  same,  507 

25.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  withdrawal  of  the 

troops  from  the  city  of  New-York  to  the  north  side  of,  at 

the  discretion  of  the  Commander-in-Chief,   524 

26.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  directing  the  militia  of  Ulster, 

Orange  and  Westchester  counties,  to  repair  under  the 
command  of  Brig.  Gen.  George  Clinton,  to  the  fortifica- 
tions beyond,   563 

KINGS  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,  2,  3 

2.  Proceedings  of  meeting  of  committees  of  townships  of  Flat- 

bush,  Brookland,  Bushwick,  New-Utretcht  and  Gravesend, 

to  chose  such  deputies,   3 

3.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,  7,  11 

4.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

5.  Officers  of  company  of  lighthorse  in  Kings  county,  on  Nas- 

sau island,   152,  185 

6.  Letter  to  Delegates  from,  requesting  their  attendance   198 

7.  Letter  to  Delegates,  in  expectation  of  the  arrival  of  troops 

from  Philadelphia,  to  be  quartered  on  Nassau  island,. ....  307 

8.  Committee  of  Brooklyn  directed  to  provide  quarters  for  said 

troops  :   308,  309 

9.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  relative  to  proper  com- 

pensation to  inhabitants  of  Brooklyn  for  quartering  troops,  327 

10.  Report  of,  and  order  thereon,   332 

11.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Committee  of,  relative  to 

288 


PAGE. 

KINGS  COUNTY-Continced. 
supply  of  wood  and  timber  for  the  erection  of  works  on 
Long  island,   340,  341 

12.  Recommendation  and  appointment  of  field  and  staff  officers 

of  regiment  of  militia  in,   351 

13.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress,   449 

14.  List  of  lories  and  disaffected  persons  in,  and  resolutions  of 

Provincial  Congress  for  proceedings  against,   476,  477 

15.  General  committee  of,  recommended  to  cause  measures  for 

the  removal  of  the  boats  and  craft  on  the  river,  from  the 
control  of  disaffected  persons,   502 

16.  One-half  the  militia  of,  ordered  to  Nassau  island,   566 

17.  Appointment  of  field  officers  of  the  mililia  drafted  from,....  568 

18.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  into  the  authenticity  of 

rumour  that  inhabitants  of,  had  determined  not  to  oppose 
the  enemy;  and  empowering  such  committee  in  case  they 
find  the  rumour  true,  to  disarm  and  secure  the  disaffected, 
remove  or  destroy  the  stock  of  grain,  and  lay  the  whole 
country  waste,     567,568 

19.  Credentials  of  Deputy  from,  in  Convention,   572 

20.  Nomination  of  officers  of  militia  of,   574 

21.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  declaring  the  election  for  repre- 

sentatives of,  in  convention  void;  and  requiring  a  new 

election  to  be  held   582 

(See  Nassau  Island.) 
(See  Long  Island.) 
(See  Rerasen,  Jeromus.) 
(See  Smith,  Josiah.) 

22.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  organization 

and  disposition  of  mililia  of,   603 

23.  Appointment  of  Representatives  in  Assembly  for,.  ,   918 

KINGSTON.  (See  Ulster  County.) 

1.  Report  of  committee  to  confer  with  committee  of,  relative  to 

accommodations  for  Convention  at,   794 

2.  Adjournment  of  Convention  to,   802,803 

3.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  the  relief  of  inhabitants 

of,  in  consequence  of  its  destruction  by  the  enemy,   1070 

KIRKLAND,  REV.  SAMUEL. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Albany  committee  respecting  proceedings  of 

Col.  Guy  Johnson,  and  the  Oneida  Indians,   49 

2.  Letter  from,  recommending  an  Indian  for  assistance  ;  referred 

to  commissioners  of  Indian  affairs,   195 

3.  Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  giving  information  of  an  in- 

tended attack  on  the  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,     795 

(See  Oneida  Indians,  8.) 

KITTLE  ANDRIES. 
1.  Order  of  Council  of  Safety  relative  to  portions  of  estate  of, 

seized  by  commissioners  of  sequestration  of  Albany,   1094 

KNAP,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Order  for  trial  of,  by  court  martial  as  a  deserter  from  Col. 

Hathorne's  regiment,  and  for  reference  of  sentence,  if 
found  guilty,  to  Convention,   790 

2.  Proceedings  and  testimony  before  court  martial ;  sentence  of 

death,  and  letters  from  Brig.  Gen.  George  Clinton  and 
Jesse  Woodhull,  President  of  said  court  praying  for  par- 
don to,   814,  815 

3.  Order  for  pardon,   975 

Ei. 

LAKE  CHAMPLAIN. 

(See  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point.) 

1.  Letter  from  Springfield  committee,  Massachusetts  Bay,  re- 

specting the  importance  of  retaining  command  of,  76,  77 

2.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  requesting  Committee  of  Safety 

to  send  on  a  fit  person  to  take  command  of  sloop  on,   79 

3.  Appointment  of  Capt.  James  Smith  to  such  command   80 

4.  Letter  from  Benedict  Arnold  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  from 

Gen.  Schuyler,  transmitting  a  detailed  account  of  the  ac- 
tion on,  between  the  British  and  American  fleets,  and  the 
destruction  of  the  latter,   680,  681,  684 

LAKE  GEORGE. 
1.  Proceedings  respecting  removal  of  artillery  and  stores  from 
Ticonderoga  to  south  end  of;  and  for  furnishing  supplies 
of  provisions  to  garrison  at. 

(See  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point.) 
2]  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  balteaux  to  be 

provided  on,   27 

LAMB,  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  read  and  order  thereup- 

on,  29 

2.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety  requesting  permission 

to  enlist  a  company  of  artillery  to  be  commanded  by  him, 
and  specifying  uniform  of ;  and  order  of  committee  there- 
for,  81 

3.  Appointment  of  Isaiah  Wool  as  lieutenant  fireworker  in 

company  of,    97 

4.  Directed  to  join  Gen.  Schuyler  at  Ticonderoga,   99 

5.  Pay  of  company  of,   114 

6.  Ordered  to  form  part  of  Col  McDougall's  regiment,   114 

7.  Resolution  recognizing  company  of  as  part  of  colonial  troops ; 

pay  of;  rank  of  officers  ;  and  ordered  to  Ticonderoga,  126,  128 


H50 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

LAMB,  JOHN — Continued. 
8.  Requisition  on  Col.  McDougall,  in  favour  of  wife  of,  for  part 

pay  for  services  in  Canada,   373 

LANCES. 

1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  procuring,  for  the  use 

of  the  militia,   607 

LAWRENCE,  ABRAHAM. 

1.  Arrest  and  order  for  examination  of,   143 

2.  Reprimand  and  discharge  of,   143 

LAWRENCE,  ANDREW  TELLER. 
1.  Appointed  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Lewis  Dubois'  com- 
pany of  troops  in  place  of  Cornelius  Adriance,  who  de- 
clines,  71 

LAWRENCE,  CAPT.  JOHN. 

1.  Warrant  to,  in  place  of  Morris  Hazard,   96 

2.  Notes  of  examination  relative  to  movements  of  British 

troops,   171 

LAWRENCE,  JONATHAN. 
1,  Appointment  of,  as  one  of  the  commissioners  to  superintend 
the  erection  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  in  place  of 
John  Hanson,   183 

LAWRENCE  MELANCTON. 

1.  Examination  of,  relative  to  expedition  to  Long  Island  and 

other  islands  in  Suffolk  county,  to  procure  cattle  and  sheep 
for  the  use  of  the  British  army ;  and  relative  to  the  move- 
ments of  the  British  troops  generally  ,   119 

2.  Order  for  discharge  of,  on  certain  securities  and  engage- 

ments,   120 

(See  Allicock,  Joseph.) 

LEAD.  (See  Lead  Mines.) 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  145.) 
(See  Tryon  County,  24.) 

LEAD  MINES. 

1.  John  Griffiths  authorized  to  examine  in  Goshen  or  elsewhere,  142 

2.  John  McDonald  directed  to  examine  at  Newborough,  on  land 

claimed  by  Thomas  Palmer ;  and  letter  to  said  Palmer,. . .  148 

3.  Letter  from  Thomas  Palmer,  relating  to,   167 

4.  Appropriation  to  John  McDonald,  for  services  of,  in  examin- 

ing,  167 

5.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  recommending  a  prose- 

cution of  the  discovery  of,  in  New-Canaan ;  and  transmit- 
ting copy  of  report  of  Joseph  Hopkins  thereon  to  the 
General  Assembly  of  Connecticut,   318 

6.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon  ;  employment  of 

John  McDonald,  as  a  minor  ;  contract  with,  and  requisi- 
tion on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   322 

7.  Letter  to  committee  of  Kings  district,  Albany  county,  inform- 

ing of  the  said  appointment,    322 

8.  Report  of  John  McDonald  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in 

favour  of,  . . .'   384,  528 

9.  Directions  to  Mr.  McDonald  to  explore  mines  in  Orange  and 

Dutchess  counties,   388,  579, 599 

10.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress   recommending  the 

working  of,  in  the  several  Colonies,   482 

12.  Report  of  committee  relative  to,  in  Dutchess  county,   485 

13.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Governor,  for  working 

of,   1111 

LEARY,  WILLIAM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  town  major  on  recommendation  of  New- 

York  general  committee   209 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  third  regiment  of  militia,  vice 

John  Reade,  resigned,   472 

LEDIEU,  CAPT.  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Authorized  to  raise  a  company  of  volunteers  to  serve  in  Col. 

Thomas'  regiment  of  Westchester  county  militia,   564 

LEDYARD,  BENJAMIN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  first  battalion,  in  place  of 

Samuel  Broome,  declined,   80 

2.  Draft  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of,   188 

3.  Company  of,  ordered  to  repair  to  the  Highlands,  for  the  de- 

fence of  the  fortifications  at,   194 

4.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  company  of,   217 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  sundry  expenses 

incurred  by,  in  taking  charge  of  prisoners   263 

6.  Letter  from,  relative  to  ill  treatment  received  from  Col.  Hen- 

ry B.  Livingston,  and  requesting  to  be  transferred  to  Col. 
Van  Cortlandt's  regiment ;  answer  of  Convention,   915 

LEDYARD,  ISAAC. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate,  to  first  regiment,   380 

LEE,  CHARLES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  major-general,.  63 

2.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  apprehended 

march  of  troops  of,  to  the  city  of  New- York,  and  an- 
swer  259,  266 

3.  Directions  for  reception  of,  on  arrival  at  New- York,   270 

4.  Appointment  of  committee  of  Continental  Congress  to  in- 

quire into  expediency  of  expedition  to  New-York  274,  275 

5.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  relative  to  expedition  of,   277 

6.  Report  of  committee  of  Continental  Congress,  and  proceed- 

ings of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,    277,  278 

7.  Order  for  admission  and  reception  of  troops  of,  under  direc- 

tion of  Committee  of  Safety  and  Provincial  Congress,   277 


PAGE 

LEE,  CHARLES — Continued. 

8.  Note  from  committee  respecting  the  extent  of  their  powers  in 

the  case,  &c   278 

9.  Letter  from  Col.  Waterbury,  respecting  accommodations  for 

troops  of,  in  the  city  of  New-York,   278 

10.  Conference  with  committee  of  Continental  Congress,  request- 

ed by  Committee  of  Safety,   278 

11.  Result  of  such  conference,   279 

12.  Conference  with  Committee  of  Safety  and  Continental  Con- 

gress, relative  to  the  erection  of  fortifications  on  Nassau 
island,  and  near  Hellgate,   284 

13.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   286 

14.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  the  calling  in 

of  minute  men  from  the  Colony,  in  addition  to  the  two 
Connecticut,  and  Lord  Stirling's,  regiments,  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  city,   288 

15.  Provision  for  auditing  accounts  of,   298 

16.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  submitting  the  case  of 

Jean  Baptiste  D'Gas,  and  recommending  the  establishment 
of  a  company  of  artificers  ;  proceedings  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress thereon,    298 

17.  Letter  from,  respecting  a  report  of  a  fleet  at  Sandy-Hook,  and 

proposing  the  despatch  of  a  whale  boat  to  reconnoitre,  . . .  300 

18.  Report  of  committee,  respecting  appointment  of  commissary 

for  Continental  stores,  and  establishment  of  a  commissary 

of  artificers,   302 

19.  Letter  from,  apprising  of  abuse  of  indulgence  shown  to  Gov. 

Tryon,  and  of  interdiction  of  all  communication  with  his 
ship,   304 

20.  Order  for  delivery  to,  by  Theophilus  Hardenbrook,  of  beds, 

quoins,  and  other  implements  for  cannon,  in  his  custody,. .  309 

21.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  seizure,  by  the  Asia  and  Phoe- 

nix, of  provision  vessels  from  the  jerseys,  and  suggesting 
the  withholding  of  further  supplies ;  answer  of  Provincial 
Congress,   312 

22.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  supplying,  with  a 

quantity  of  suitable  cannon  and  other  necessaries,  for  the 
siege  or  assault  of  Quebec,    318 

23.  Appointment  of  committee  to  forward,  and  requisition  on 

Treasurer  for  advance  for,   318 

24.  Letter  from,  requesting  an  advance  of  money  for  his  troops ; 

and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   326 

25.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  demand  of 

commissary  of  Continental  troops  for  certain  hospital  stores 

in  possession  of  Colonial  commissary,   330 

26.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  of,  the  reason  for  in- 

terdicting communication  between  Gov.  Tryon's  and  oth- 
er ships,  contrary  to  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress ; 
and  the  occasion  of  the  firing,  by  the  soldiery,  on  inhabi- 
bitants  coming  to  and  returning  from  New-York;  report 
of  committee,  333,  335 

27.  Letter  from,  informing  Provincial  Congress  of  the  probable 

removal  of  the  British  troops  from  Boston ;  and  remon- 
strating against  the  liberation  of  enemies  to  the  country, 
on  giving  bonds  for  their  good  behaviour,   336 

28.  Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress thereon,   336 

29.  Letter  to,  from  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  arrest  and 

imprisonment  of  Saml-  Gale,  of  Cumberland  county,  and 

to  firing  upon  inhabitants  by  port  guards,   340 

30.  Letter  from,  relative  to  supplies  of  timber  for  completion  of 

works  on  Long  island,  ,   340 

31.  Answer  of,  to  committee  waiting  upon,  with  regulations  for 

supplying  ships  of  war,  and  Governor's  ship,  with  provi- 
sions,   341 

32.  Letter  from,  on  the  same  subject,  and  also  relative  to  the  ar- 

rest of  Mr.  Gale,  and  the  firing  of  sentries  on  the  boats; 
and  apprising  Provincial  Congress  of  his  order  for  the  ar- 
rest of  all  the  professed  tories  on  Long  island,   343 

33.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to,  relative  to  condition  of  the 

troops  in  Canada,  &c   347,  348 

34.  Letter  from  delegation  in  Continental  Congress  to  Committee 

of  Safety,  respecting  the  imposition  of  test  oaths,  &c.  by,.  379 

35.  Taken  prisoner,  and  brought  to  New-York   789 

LEE,  THOMAS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Jacobus  Rosekrans' 

company   100 

2.  Appointment  of  as  1st  lieutenant,  on  declension  of  Samnel 

Van  Veghten,   112 

LEGISLATURE.  (See  Senators  ;  Assembly.) 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  Constitution,  respect- 

ing powers,  &c.  of,   869,  870,  871,  884 

2.  Letter  from  Gov.  Clinton  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting 

the  prorogation  of,  and  answer  of  Council,   1027 

3.  Proclamation  of  Governor  proroguing  1027,  1028 

4.  Circular  to  members  of,  informing  of  the  proclamation  of  the 

Governor,  convening,   1092 

LENT,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Resignation  of  commission  of  as  colonel  of  militia  regiment 

in  Orangetown,  and  letter  of  John  Haring  accompanying,  394 

LENT,  CAPT.  PETER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  muster-master,  of  Capt.  Robert  Johnson's 

company,   96 

LEONARD,  GEORGE. 
1.  Letter  lrom,  offering  the  use  of  the  Orange  furnace  to  the 


INDEX. 


1151 


PAGE. 

LEONARD,  GEORGE— Continued. 
Convention,  during  the  residue  of  the  lease  of  Samuel  Pa- 
trick, deceased,   796 

LEFOY,  THOMAS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  1st  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Ambrose  Horton's 

company,   389 

LESTER,  MORDECAI. 

1.  Order  for  apprehension  and  committal  of,  on  charge  of  enlist- 

ing men  and  purchasing  supplies  for  the  enemy,   138 

2.  Application  of,  for  a  hearing  respecting  certain  charges 

against ;  granted,  with  safe  conduct,   183 

3.  Examination  and  discharge  of,  with  reprimand,   185 

LEWIS,  FRANCIS.  (See  Continental  Congress.) 

1.  Charge  of,  against  John  Thurman  and  Normand  Tolmie,  for 

defamation  of;  order  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  ap- 
pearance of  said  Thurman  and  Tolmie;  examination  re- 
lating to  said  charge,   428 

2.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  Dele- 

gate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

LEWIS,  MORGAN. 
1.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  recommend- 
ing appointment  of,  as  brigade-major,   90 

LIBERTY,  SLOOP.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels,  4.) 
LIEUTENANT-COLONELS. 

1.  Appointment  of  for  several  regiments,. . .  62,  98,  135,  528,  534,  568 

(See  Warner,  Seth,  3.) 

2.  Return  of  field  officers  of  the  militia  of  Tryon  county,   139 

LIEUTENANTS. 

(See  Lawrence,  Andrew  Teller.) 
(See  Meyer,  John.) 
(See  Smith,  Edmund,  Jr.) 
(See  Tillotson,  Daniel.) 

(See  Allen,  Henry.) 
(See  Mitchell,  Thomas.) 
(See  Bleecker,  Leonard.) 
(See  Swartwout,  Cornelius.) 
(See  Reid,  John,  Jr.) 
(See  Taylor,  Andrew.) 
(See  Miller,  Elijah.) 
(See  Dubois,  Cornelius  I.) 

(See  Pelton,  Daniel.) 
(See  Smedes,  Abraham.) 
(See  Thompson,  Thomas.) 
(See  Weed,  Reuben.) 
(See  Thorne,  Samuel.) 
(See  Field,  Joseph.) 
(See  Ten  Broeck,  Samuel  I.) 
(See  Bower,  Jacob.) 
(See  Lockwood,  Joseph.) 
(See  Pell,  Saml.  Tredwell.) 
(See  Bellows,  Jonas.) 
(See  Smith,  Samuel.) 
(See  Ketchum,  Alexander.) 
(See  McCune,  William.) 
(See  Jackson,  Geo.  Hamilton.) 
(See  Palmer,  David.) 
(See  Dubois,  David.) 
(See  Grigg,  James.) 
(See  De  Witt,  Thomas.) 
(See  Pawling,  Albert.) 
(See  Jansen,  Cornelius  T.) 
(See  Roggin,Petrus.) 
(See  Van  Wort,  Isaac.) 
(See  Van  Veghten,  Samuel.) 
(See  Lee,  Thomas.) 
(See  Fink,  Andrew,  Jr.) 
(See  Keyser,  John  Jr.) 
(See  Bevier,  Philip  Dubois.) 
(Martin,  William  ) 
(See  Alger,  William  B.) 
(See  Tryon  County,  12.) 
(See  Crane,  William.) 
(See  Sickler,  John,  Jr.) 
LIGHTFOOT,  RICHARD. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  aid  in  the  establishment  of  a  pin  manufac- 
tory,   178 

LIGHTHORSE. 

1.  Officers  of  company  of,  in  Kings  county,  on  Nassau  island,  152,  185 

2.  Receipt  of  Isaac  Sebring,  an  officer  in,   220 

3.  Officers  of  company  of,  in  Cornwall  precinct,  Orange  county,  472 

4.  Report  of  committee  on  the  application  of  Lieuts.  William 

Boerum  and  Daniel  Rapalje,  officers  of  troop  of,  and  reso- 
lutions of  Convention  thereon,   661 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  Ebenezer  Woodhull, 

for  pay  and  subsistence  of  Orange  county  troop  of,  called 
into  service  by  Brig.  Gen.  George  Clinton,   670 

6.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  Lieut.  Boerum,  for 

pay  and  subsistence  of  Capt.  Adolph  Waldron's  company 

of,  ...    762 

7.  Detachment  of,  ordered  by  Gov.  Clinton,  for  the  more  speedy 

conveyance  of  public  despatches,   1029 

LIGHT  HOUSE.  (See  Sandy-Hook.) 

LINCOLN,  GEN.  BENJAMIN-  (See  Vermont,  6.) 


PAGE. 

LINEN  MANUFACTORY.  (See  Hunter,  John.) 
1.  Exemption  of  Richard  Cantillon  and  John  Parkinson,  and 

their  workmen  in,  for  drafts  for  militia  service,   548 

LIVINGSTON,  ABRAHAM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  temporary  commissary  for  troops  arriving 

in  the  city  of  New- York,   303 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   315 

3.  Acceptance  of  proposals  of,  for  victualling  Colonial  troops,. .  360 

4.  Letter  from,  informing  of  deputation  from  Walter  Livingston, 

to  furnish  provisions,  &c.  to  Continental  troops,   360 

5.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  advance  to,  on  giv- 

ing security  for  the  performance  of  contract  respecting  the 
victualling  the  troops,   362 

6.  Appointment  of  committee  to  contract  with,   365 

7  Contract  with,  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  re- 
specting,   367 

8.  Instructions  to  committees  of  Westchester  and  Dutchess  to 

permit  exportation  of  provisions  to  New-York,  by,   376 

9.  Permission  to,  as  agent  for  Philip  Livingston,  to  export  pro- 

visions and  produce  for  the  service  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies,   380 

10.  Bond  of,  filed,  and  requisitions  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  388,  405 

11.  Permission  to  drovers  employed  by,  to  purchase  cattle,  <Scc. 

for  supply  of  the  army,   390 

12.  Letter  from,  requesting  a  settlement  of  his  contract,  and  offer- 

ing to  relinquish  said  contract,   436 

13.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  forwarding  of  clothing  to  the  ar- 

my,  761 

LIVINGSTON,  HENRY  B. 

1.  Acceptance  of  commission  of  captain  by,   75 

2.  Letter  from,  informing  that  his  company  is  ready,  &c.  and  an- 

swer to,   106 

3.  Letter  from,  informing  of  dissatisfaction  of  soldiers  of,  incon- 

sequence of  the  non-allowance  of  under  clothes,   107 

4  Muster  roll  of,  returned  and  filed,   112 

5.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  the  transmis- 

sion of  an  account  of  the  families,  stock  and  effects  remov- 
ed by,  from  Long  island,  ,   733 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  him  to  repair, 

with  the  troops  under  his  command,  to  this  State,  in  order 
to  oppose  the  ravages  of  the  enemy  in  the  county  of  West- 
chester,   750 

7.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  recruiting  his  regi- 

ment,  770,  771 

LIVINGSTON,  HENRY,  Jr. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  third  regiment,   98 

2.  Letter  from,  respecting  certain  supplies  for  regiment,  and  re- 

questing the  appointment  of  Dr.  Samuel  Cook  as  surgeon,  120, 

121 

3.  Letter  from,  announcing  the  arrival  of  Col.  Clinton  at  Alba- 

ny, with  troops,  requesting  supplies  of  military  stores  and 
informing  of  the  discontent  of  the  men  for  want  of  pay,  .  130 

LIVINGSTON,  JAMES. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  Canadian  battalion,   265 

LIVINGSTON,  JOHN  R. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  informing  of  the  erection 

of  powder  mill,   287 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  information  as 

to  the  quantity  of  gunpowder  on  hand  ;  stock  of  materials 

for,  and  quantity  capable  of  being  manufactured,   337 

3.  Directed  to  erect  powder  mill  in  Dutchess  county,   349 

4.  Bond  of,  and  securities  for  the  erection  of  such  mill,  and  re- 

quisition on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   358,  359 

5.  Committee  of  Dutchess  county,  directed  to  station  a  guard  at 

powder  mill  of,   551 

6.  Certificate  from  Robert  Morris,  chairman  of  secret  commit- 

tee at  Philadelphia,  of  the  delivery  by,  of  a  quantity  of 
powder  for  the  use  of  the  United  States,   797 

7.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  bounty  on  the 

manufacture  of,   793 

8.  Account  of,  for  bounty  on  powder  delivered  to  John  Harper, 

by  order  of  Convention  for  the  use  of  the  Oneoghquagha 
Indians   1028 

9.  Letter  from,  to  Robert  R.  Livingston,  respecting  the  refusal 

of  the  militia  of  the  manor  of  Livingston  to  march  to 

Stillwater,    1039 

LIVINGSTON,  PETER  R. 

1.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  refractory  militia  in  the  manor  of 

Livingston,   768 

2.  Order  for  commissions  to  sundry  officers  in  regiment  of  mili- 

tia of,    772 

(See  Salt,  15.) 

LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH. 

1.  Chosen  President  of  first  Provincial  Congress,   7 

2.  Appointed  Treasurer  for  Colony,   69 

3.  Directed  to  pay  to  Col.  McDougall  certain  sums  received 

from  general  committee  of  New- York,   79 

4.  One  hundred  and  seventy-five  thousand  dollars  of  Continen- 

tal money  ordered  to  be  delivered  to   116 

5.  Directed  to  accept  and  pay  draft  for  jEIOOO  of  Albany  com- 

mittee,   116 

6.  Directed  to  pay  Joseph  Hallett  £8000  on  account,  for  dis- 

charging the  debts  contracted  in  the  purchase  of  flour  for 

use  of  the  army  at  Cambridge,   116,  122 


1152 


INDEX. 


7 

8 

9 
10 

11. 

12 

13. 
14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 
23. 

24. 

25. 
26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 
31. 
31. 

32. 

33. 


34. 
35. 
36. 


37. 

38, 

39. 

40. 

41. 
42. 


43. 
44. 
45. 

46. 

47. 

48. 
49. 

50. 
51. 
52. 

53. 

54. 
55. 
56. 

57. 


130 


130 


PAGE. 

LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH— Continued. 

To  pay  Peter  T.  Curtcnius  £20,000  for  discharging  debts 

contracted  for  provisions,  military  stores,  &c   118 

To  pay  Capt.  Kobcrt  Johnson  one  hundred  pounds  for  use 

of  his  company,   124 

To  pay  Col.  James  Holmes  £600,   128 

To  pay  £'100  to  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifications  at 

the  Highlands     128 

.  To  pay  Peter  T.  Curtenius  £5000  to  be  applied  to  discharge 
of  debts  contracted  for  provisions,  military  stores  and 

other  necessaries,   

.  To  make  advances  to  Major  Barnabas  Tuthill,  and  Adjutant 
Job  Mulford,  of  the  fourth  regiment,  to  enable  them  to 

join  the  army,  at  Ticonderoga  under  Gen.  Schuyler  

To  pay  certain  moneys  to  Col.  McDougall  for  use  of  his  re- 
giment,.  132, 134 

To  pay  Lieut.  William  Crane  of  Capt.  Palmer's  company, 
certain  monies  for  payment  of  billeting  money  and 

troops,   142 

To  pay  Abraham  P.  Lott,  certain  sums  towards  defraying 
expenses  of  removal  of  cannon  from  New-York  to  King's 

Bridge,   145 

To  pay  appropriation  for  the  employment  and  despatch  of 

a  vessel  for  the  purchase  of  gunpowder  and  arms,...  145,  148 
To  pay  Henry  Roome  for  pork  forwarded  to  Ticonderoga,.  146 
To  pay  sub-committee  of  New-York,  certain  sums  borrowed 

by  them  for  public  use    146,  147 

To  pay  Robert  Ray,  for  expenses  in  carting  guns  to  King's 

Bridge,   147 

To  pay  Thomas  Petit,  doorkeeper  of  Provincial  Congress 

£20,   152 

To  advance  money  to  Capt.  John  Hulburt  and  Daniel  Griffin 

on  their  way  to  Ticonderoga   155,  156 

To  pay  £20  to  George  Nicholson,   160 

To  advance  money  to  Andrew  Moodie,  adjutant  of  third  re- 
giment,  1C0 

To  advance  money  to  Bernard  Romans  for  services  of,  as  en- 
gineer in  the  erection  of  the  fortifications  at  the  High- 
lands,  161,  210 

To  advance  money  to  Col.  McDougall  for  use  of  troops,.. .  161 
To  advance  money  to  John  McDonald  for  services  of,  in  ex- 
amining lead  mines  in  Ulster  county,   167 

To  advance  money  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  commissary  on 

account,  ,    167 

To  advance  money  to  Capt.  John  Grennel,  of  Col.  Clinton's 

regiment,   174 

To  advance  money  to  commissioners  for  erection  of  fortifi- 
cations at  the  Highlands   174 

To  advance  money  to  James  Ryers,  for  casting  fieldpieces, 
To  advance  money  for  erection  of  barracks  at  Albany,  .... 
To  advance  money  for  purchase  of  pilot  boat  Bishop  of 

Landaff,   179 

To  advance- money  for  payment  of  workmen  at  the  fortifi- 
cations at  the  Highlands,   182 

To  pay  David  Clarkson  .£200  to  enable  him  to  discharge  his 
note  to  Abraham  Lott,  Treasurer,  for  money  borrowed 

for  public  service.     187 

To  pay  Henry  Glen  £700,  for  like  purposes,   188 

To  pay  Christopher  Tappen  £428,  for  like  purposes,   188 

To  pay  Col.  McDougall  £600,  for  payment  of  Captain  Led- 
yard's  company,  and  the  wives  and  attorneys  of  the  men 

of  his  regiment,   188 

To  pay  John  Berrien,  commissary  for  the  erection  of  forti- 
fications at  the  Highlands,  &c.  £l200,  

To  pay  Francis  James  for  the  pilot  boat  Hamden,  and  ser 

vices  of  crew  

Appointment  of  committees  to  liquidate  accounts  of,...  206,  316 
Authorized  to  pay  accounts  audited  and  certified  by  com- 
mittee,   206 

Re-appointed  Treasurer,   206 

To  pay  certain  sums  to  John  Berrien,  commissary,  and  one 
of  the  commissioners  for  erection  of  fortifications  at  the 

Highlands   207,  208 

Report  of  committee  for  examination  of  accounts  of,. . .  208,210 

Bonds  to  be  given  by,  and  salary  of,   212 

To  pay  compensation  of  Delegates  in  Continental  Con- 
gress,   220 

To  advance  £350  to  Cornelius  Atherton,  on  a  contract  with, 

for  making  muskets  and  bayonets,   222 

To  advance  €5000  for  loading  vessels  sent  to  Europe  for  pur- 
chase of  provisions  and  military  stores,  &c   226 

To  advance  £500  to  chairman  of  New-York  committee,. . . .  227 
To  advance  to  Bernard  Romans,  engineer,  at  the  Highlands,  161, 

210,  236 

Appointment  by,  of  Gerard  Bancker,  as  deputy  treasurer,. .  246 

To  advance  6000/.  to  commissary,   253 

To  advance  500/.  to  Col.  McDougall  for  subsistence  of  his 

regiment,   253 

To  advance  to  account  of  Nicholas  Low,  for  purchase  of 

powder,   254 

To  advance  100/.  to  James  Holt   258 

To  advance  325/.  for  purchase  of  sloop  Sally   260 

To  advance  to  Commodore  James  Smith,  on  Continental  ac- 
count, for  services  on  Lake  Champlain,   261 

To  advance  to  commissioners  for  erection  of  fortifications  at 
the  Highlands  for  expenditures  thereon,   262 


175 
176 


188 
195 


PACE. 

LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH-Continued. 

58.  Directed  to  receive  certain  moneys  sent  from  Continental 

Congress  for  the  raising  of  troops  destined  for  Canada,. .  275 

59.  To  pay  John  Vanderbilt  1800/.  for  advances  in  loading  of 

vessels  to  obtain  articles  necessary  for  the  Colony,  

60.  To  advance  600/.  to  Comfort  Sands,  on  account  of  expedition 

to  the  West  Indies,  for  arms  and  ammunition   279 

61.  To  advance  100/.  to  Jacamiah  Allen,  for  muskets,   279 

62.  To  advance  50/.  to  John  Foster  for  purchase  of  low  cloth,. .  282 

63.  To  advance  1,000/.  to  Maj.  Gen.  Lee,  on  account  of  Conti- 

nental Congress,   286 

64.  To  advance  35/.  to  Jacob  Proby,  for  transporting  sundry 

ordnance  stores  from  Turtle  Bay  to  New-London,   310 

65.  To  advance  100/.  to  Col.  Drake,  for  pay  of  his  regiment  of 

minute  men,   314 

66.  To  advance  2,000/.  on  account  to  Abraham  Livingston,  com- 

missary for  sundry  Continental  troops  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,   315 

67.  To  advance  600/.  for  transportation  of  cannon  for  siege  of 

Quebec,   318 

68.  To  advance  370/.  to  Ezra  L'hommcdieu  for  public  uses,. . . .  321 

69.  To  advance  400/.  to  Col.  Jacobus  Swartwout  for  use  of  his 

regiment,     323 

70.  To  advance  2,500/.  to  Gen.  Lee,  for  subsistence  of  troops,. .  326 

71.  To  advance  300/.  for  pay  of  Col.  Samuel  Drake's  regiment 

of  minute  men,   328 

72.  To  advance  500/.  to  Col.  Abm.  Lott,  for  purchase  of  bread,  328 

73.  To  advance  35/.  to  Geo.  Cook,  for  pouches  and  bayonet 

belts,   329 

74.  To  advance  50/.  on  order  of  Jonathan  Lawrence  for  pay  as 

one  of  the  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  fortifications 

at  the  Highlands,   333 

75.  To  advance  50/.  to  Capt.  James  Smith,  for  wages  of  seamen, 

mariners,  and  marines  belonging  to  sloop  Schuyler,   333 

76.  To  advance  300/.  to  Col.  Humphreys  for  the  pay  of  his  re- 

giment of  minute  men  in  Continental  service,   333 

77.  Order  for  payment  to,  of  $47,000  obtained  from  Continental 

Congress,   335 

78.  To  pay  500/.  to  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  fortifica- 

tions at  the  Highlands,   335 

79.  To  pay  40/.  for  transportation  of  powder  to  Cambridge,. . . .  335 

80.  To  pay  167/.  to  Jacobus  Van  Zandl,  to  complete  the  lading 

of  the  ships  Rosemond,  on  Provincial  account,   343 

81.  To  pay  41/.  for  advances  of  pay  to  wives  of  sundry  soldiers 

in  the  Continental  service  in  Canada,   348,  351 

82.  To  pay  1,330/.  to  John  Ramsey,  for  employment  of  industri- 

ous poor  in  the  city  of  New-York,   348 

83.  To  pay  111/,  to  Col.  McDougall  for  advances  for  public  ser- 

vice,   355 

84.  To  pay  1,000/.  to  John  R.  Livingston,  on  contract  for  the 

erection  of  powder  mill,   359 

85.  To  pay  60/.  to  Captain  Daniel  Denton,  for  wages  due  his 

men,   360 

86.  To  pay  460/.  lo  Suffolk  county  committee,   363 

87.  To  pay  50/.  to  Capt.  Jonathan  Horton,  for  payment  of  com- 

pany of,   365 

88.  To  pay  500/.  to  Col.  McDougall,  for  pay  of  his  regiment,. .  369 

89.  To  pay  300/.  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier,  for  payment  of  accounts 

for  making  gun  carriages,   372 

90.  To  pay  430/.  for  payment  to  Capt.  Anlhony  Rutgers,  for 

armed  vessel  for  defence  of  trade  of  the  Colonies,   372 

91.  To  pay  100/.  to  Moses  Ogden,  on  contract  for  manufacture 

of  grape  shot,     377 

92.  To  pay  150/.  advance  to  Capt  Amos  Hutchins,  for  payment 

of  company  of,   378 

93.  To  pay  40/.  for  payment  of  wagoners  for  transporting  pow- 

der to  Cambridge   379 

94.  To  pay  500/.  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mercier,  for  fitting  out  vessel  for 

protection  of  trade,  &c   380 

95.  To  pay  $18  to  John  McDonald,  for  services  in  exploring  a 

lead  mine  at  New-Canaan,   3S4X 

96.  To  pay  $300  to  Brig.  Gen.  Wm.  Thompson,   386 

97.  To  pay  5,000/.  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  for  commissary  pur- 

poses,  388,405 

98.  To  pay  5,000/.  to  Abraham  Livingston,  on  account  of  con- 

tact? for  victualling  the  troops,  388,  405 

99.  To  pay  500/.  to  John  Berrien,  one  of  the  commissioners  for 

the  erection  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   390 

100.  To  pay  300/.  to  Capt.  Andrew  Billings,  for  payment  of  his 

men,   392 

101.  To  pay  1,000/.  lo  Col.  McDougall,  for  payment  of  his  regi- 

ment,   393 

102.  To  pay  $2025  to  Brig.  Gen.  William  Heath,  for  Continental 

purposes   394 

103.  Authorized  to  advance  money,  from  time  to  time,  to  auditors 

or  committee  of  pay  table,    395 

104.  To  advance  Thomas  Randall  900/.  for  purchase  of  armed 

schooner,   405 

105.  To  advance  money  to  Capt.  William  Mercier,  for  payment 

of  expenses  in  fitting  out  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  ....  408 

106.  To  advance  money  to  Comfort  Sands,  for  indemnity  for  loss 

of  sloops  Polly  and  Sally,  captured  by  the  enemy   409 

107.  To  advance  money  to  Thaddeus  Noble,  on  contract  for  mak- 

ine  muskets,  •   421 

108.  To  advance  money  to  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  for- 

tifications at  the  Highlands,   438 


INDEX. 


1153 


PAGE. 

LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH — Continued. 

109.  To  advance  money  to  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  for  erection  of  pow- 

der mills,   438 

110.  To  advance  money  to  Anthony  Griffiths,  for  disbursements 

as  commissary  for  the  purchase  of  military  stores,   440 

111.  To  advance  money  to  Robert  Benson  and  John  McKesson,  for 

services  and  disbursements  as  secretaries  to  Provincial 
Congress,   441 

112.  To  advance  money  to  Col.  Malcolm,  for  payment  of  batta- 

lion of  minute  men  commanded  by,  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,   441 

113.  To  advance  money  to  Lindley  and  Robert  Murray  for  the 

erection  of  salt  works,   456 

113.  To  advance  money  for  the  purchase  of  saltpetre,   470 

114-  To  advance  money  for  provision  for  the  poor  in  the  city  of 

New- York,  and  Queens  county,   489 

115.  To  advance  money  for  purchase  of  gunpowder  from  Nicho- 

las Low,   502 

116.  To  advance  money  to  Capt.  Ebenezer  Hyatt,  for  payment  of 

his  company,   502 

117.  To  advance  money  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  commissary, 

&c    506,  516 

118.  To  advance  money  to  committee  of  secrecy,  for  the  public 

service,   528 

119.  To  advance  money  to  John  Carpenter,  for  erection  of  pow- 

der mill,   531 

120.  To  advance  money  for  payment  of  bounties  to  corps  of  ran- 

gers,   540 

121.  To  advance  money  to  Col.  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt  and  Capt. 

Zephaniah  Piatt,  for  subsistence  of  the  troops  at  Peeks- 
kill,   541 

122.  To  advance  money  to  Rev.  Mr.  Lewis,  chaplain  to  Conven- 

tion  551 

123.  To  advance  loan  to  Queens  county  committee,   545 

124.  To  advance  money  to  Captain  Henry  Benson,  for  fitting 

out  armed  vessels  for  the  defence  of  the  Hudson  river, . .  576 

125.  To  advance  money  to  Colonel  Van  Cortlandt  and  Mr.  Piatt, 

for  the  support  of  the  militia  on  Hudson's  river,   576 

126.  To  advance  money  for  the  removal  of  women  and  children 

from  the  city  of  New- York,   578,  589 

127.  Directed  to  keep  account  of  expenditures  in  apprehending, 

securing  and  subsisting  disaffected  persons,  and  quelling 
insurrections,   590 

128.  Requisition  on  in  favour  of  Theodoras  Barton,  commissary  of 

the  militia  employed  for  the  defence  of  Westchester  coun- 
ty, on  the  Sound,   598 

129.  Requisition  on,  in  favour  of  Zephaniah  Piatt,  commissary 

for  the  troops  under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  599 

130.  Requisition  on,  in  favour  of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  for  payment 

of  troops,   602 

131.  Requisition  on,  in  favour  of  Col.  Jeromus  Remsen,   604 

132.  Requisition  on,  for  the  supply  of  articles  for  the  defence  of 

the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   614 

133.  Requisition  on,  for  supply  of  clothing  for  the  troops,. . . .  657,  681 

134.  Requisition  on,  for  the  repair  of  post  roads  between  the 

Highlands  and  King's  Bridge   662 

135.  Requisition  on,  for  the  repayment  of  amount  advanced  by 

Major  Henry  Schenck,  for  the  support  of  the  troops  em- 
ployed to  guard  the  shore  at  Haverstraw,  in  Orange 
county,     676 

136.  Requisition  on,  for  carrying  into  execution  resolutions  of 

Convention  for  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of 
flax   679 

137.  Requisition  on,  for  providing  for  the  safety  of  the  public  re- 

cords,   681 

138.  Requisition  on,  for  the  purchase  of  saltpetre,   683 

139.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  for  boun- 

ty on  gunpowder  manufactured  by  him,   683 

140.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Capt.  Jacob  Rutzen  De 

Witt,  for  payment,  subsistence  and  bounty  to  company  of 
rangers,    685,  720,  776 

141.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  committees  of  Tryon,  Alba- 

ny and  Charlotte  counties,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence 
of  corps  of  rangers  in,  for  the  protection  of  the  fron- 
tiers, 686,  687,  693 

142.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  for  loan 

for  payment  of  rafts  of  timber  for  building  Continental 
frigates  at  Poughkeepsie,   687 

143.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  premium 

for  erection  of  powder  mills,   687 

144.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  committee  for  detecting  con- 

spiracies, &c   687,  707 

145.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  commissioners  fur  the  erec- 

tion of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   688 

146.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  secret  committee  for  obstruct- 

ing the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,     688 

147.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Major  Henry  Schenck,  agent 

for  commissary-general  of  the  Continental  army,  for  ex- 
penses of  procuring  and  sending  flour,   692 

148.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  committee  for  carrying  into 

execution  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  raising  of 
troops  and  appointing  officers  in  the  Continental  service,.  692 

149.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  commis- 

sary, &c.  for  the  purchase  of  clothing  for  the  troops,   694 

150.  Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Capts.  Melancton  Smith  and 

Wm.  Clark,  for  payment  of  bounty  and  subsistence  of 

corps  of  rangers,   695 

289 


151. 

152. 
153. 

154. 

155. 

156 
157. 

158. 
159. 
160. 
161. 

162. 

163. 

164. 
165. 

166. 
167. 

168. 
169. 

170. 
171. 

172. 

173. 

174. 
175. 

176. 

177. 

178. 

179. 
180. 
181' 

182. 

183. 

184' 

185. 

186. 
187, 


188 
189 


190 
191 

192 

193. 

194. 

195. 

196 

197 

198. 
199. 


LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH— Continued. 
Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Henry  Wisner,  Esq.  for  re- 
pair of  roads  in  Orange  county,  and  for  making  spears, 


page. 


696, 
697 


Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck  for 

pay,  billeting  and  subsistence  of  company  of,   696  801 

Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Capt.  Patrick  Dennis  for  pay- 
ment of  the  purchase  of  vessels  for  the  obstruction  of  the 

navigation  of  the  East  river,   705 

Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius  for  ba- 
lance due  on  settlement  of  accounts  of,   705 

Requisition  on,  for  payment  to  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  for  ad- 
vance,   706 

Account  current  of,   709 

Directed  to  advance  to  the  respective  colonels  of  the  four 
Continental  battalions,  3,000/.  for  the  payment  of  boun- 

ties,   713 

Directed  to  advance  to  Gen.  Scott,  for  gratuity  to  non-com- 
missioned officers  and  privates  of  brigade  of,   720 

Directed  to  advance  to  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll,  for  bounty  of  regi- 
ment of,   723 

Directed  to  advance  to  secret  committee,  for  defraying  expen- 
ses of  said  committee,   724 

Directed  to  advance  for  payment  and  subsistence  of  Major 
Alexander  Webster  and  Capt.  Isaac  Belknap's  companies 

of  rangers,  in  Charlotte  and  Ulster  counties,   728 

Directed  to  advance  for  payment  of  portions  of  company  of 
Captain  William  Ludlum,  in  Col.  Josiah  Smith's  regi- 
ment,  728 

Directed  to  advance  for  removing  poor  inhabitants  from  the 

city  of  New-York,   729 

Directed  to  advance  for  purchase  for  clothing  for  troops,. . .  730 
For  transportation  of  goods  and  arms  for  the  use  of  troops, 

&c   833 

For  goods  purchased  by  Henry  Quackenboss,  for  the  State,  735 
For  payment  and  subsistence  of  Capt.  Nathaniel  Scribner's 

company,   740,  775 

For  enlistment  money  of  Captain  George  White's  company,  744 
For  pay  and  subsistence  of  Captain  Micah  Townsend's  com- 
pany,  744 

To  Capt.  John  Houston,  for  bounty  money,   745 

To  Brig.  Gen.  Geo.  Clinton,  to  defray  expenses  of,  in  the 

public  service,    746 

To  Stephen  Ward,  Esq.  for  the  purchase  of  hides  for  the  use 

of  the  State,  ,   749 

To  Colonel  Lewis  Duboys,  for  recruiting  service  of  his  re- 
giment,   755 

To  Thomas  Pettit,  for  services  as  doorkeeper,   757 

To  Uriah  Mitchell  and  Sampson  Dyckman,  for  services  as 

expresses,  75^  758 

To  commissioners  for  compelling  the  disaffected  portion  of 
Col.  Graham's  regiment  of  militia,  in  Dutchess  county,  to 

march  according  to  the  orders  of  Convention,   758 

To  Capt.  Samuel  Dellivan,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence 

of  corps  of  rangers  in  the  manor  of  Cortlandt,   759 

To  Capt  Alexander  Baldwin,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsis- 
tence of  company  of  rangers,   759  826 

To  corps  of  rangers  in  Charlotte  county,  759  760 

To  Capt.  Adolph  Waldron's  company  of  lighthorse,  '  761 

To  Capt.  Suydam's  company  of  horse  in  Kings  county,  on 

Nassau  island,   755 

To  Capt.  John  A.  Bradt,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  compa- 
ny of  rangers  in  Albany  county,   766  879 

To  Capt.  William  Bedlow,  for  the  obstruction  of  the  naviga- 
tion of  Hudson's  river,   ~fi6  903 

To  Capt.  Ebenezer  Woodhull,  for  pay  and  subsistence  for 

troop  of  horse  in  Orange  county,  768  888 

To  Captain  Sylvester  Salisbury,  for  pay  and  subsistence  for ' 

troop  of  horse,   7(38 

To  Henry  B.  Livingston. for  recruiting  his  regiment,  . .  .  770  771 
,  To  Capt.  Robert  Castle,  for  pay  and  subsistence  for  crew  of' 
armed  sloop  Camden,  fitted  out  for  the  obstruction  of  the 

navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   771 

,  For  freight  and  demurrage  of  sloop  Nancy,    773 

,  To  Caleb  Brewster  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  himself  and 
others,  belonging  to  Capt.  Selah  Strong's  company  in 
Colonel  Josiah  Smith's  and  Henry  B.  Livingston's  regi- 
ments,   774 

To  Capt.  Hrndrick  Schoonmaker,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

of  company  of,   775 

To  Maj.  Adrien  Wynckoop,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  de- 
tachment of  militia  commanded  by,  in  guarding  the  passes 

of  the  Highlands,  ,   775 

To  Capt.  Petrns  Van  Gaasbeck,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of 

company  of,  in  the  manor  of  Livingston,   777 

To  Lieut.  Jacob  Bower  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  company 

of,  in  the  county  of  Albany,   780 

For  the  purchase  of  arms  and  accoutrements  for  the  use  of 

this  State,   735 

To  Christopher  Leffingwell,  for  sloop  hire  and  expenses  in 

removing  families  and  stock  from  Long  island,   788 

To  John  R.  Livingston  for  bounty  on  the  manufacture  of 

gunpowder,   798 

To  secret  committee  for  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of 

the  Hudson's  river,   799 

To  Albany  committee  for  loan,   800 

To  committee  to  procure  clothing  for  troops,   803 


1154 


INDEX. 


211. 
212. 

213. 
214. 


216. 
217. 

218. 

219. 


LIVINGSTON,  PETER  VAN  BRUGH— Continued. 

200.  To  Nathaniel  Sacket,  Esq.  on  the  order  of  General  Wash- 

ington,   804 

201.  For  the  support  of  sundry  poor  inhabitants  of  the  city  of 

New- York,   805,  903 

202.  To  Captain  Samuel  Tudor,  for  procuring  and  cutting  timber 

for  a  seventy-four  gun  ship,    806 

203.  To  committee  for  establishment  of,  among,   807 

204.  To  Captain  Bedlow,  for  payment  of  wages  of  workmen  em- 

ployed in  obstructing  the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river,  810 

844, 946 

205.  To  Captain  Isaac  Belknap  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  com- 

pany of  rangers,   790, 820 

206.  For  clothing  of  troops,   820,825,  829,  873,  921,  1015 

207.  To  Captain  Joshua  Conkey  and  Isaac  Moss,  for  pay  and 

subsistence  of  companies  of  rangers  in  the  county  of  Char- 
lotte.       822 

208.  To  Captain  James  Magee  for  stockings  and  mittens  pur- 

chased for  troops   823 

209.  To  commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  conspiracies,.  824 

210.  To  Captain  Nathaniel  Plait,  for  collecting  and  transporting 

arms,  accoutrements,  &c.  belonging  to  the  State  from 

Connecticut,  ,   824 

To  Daniel  Dunscombe,  for  provisions,  &c   824 

To  executors  of  Samuel  Patrick  for  iron  stoves  for  the  use 

of  the  troops  in  the  northern  department,   826,  839 

To  Abraham  Wemple,  for  saltpetre,   827 

To  Captain  Nathaniel  Piatt,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence 

of  company  of,   828 

215.  To  Captain  Marcus  Demoth,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  com 

pany  of  rangers  in  Tryon  county,   828 

Eor  loan  to  the  county  of  Ulster,   831 

To  Lieut.  Col.  Willett,  for  bounty  to  Col.  Peter  Gansevoort's 

regiment  of  militia,   831 

To  Col.  Philip  Van  Cortlandt  for  bounty  due  to  regiment 

of,   832 

To  commissary-general  of  the  Continental  army,   835 

220.  To  Gen.  George  Clinton,  for  his  attendance  in  Congress,. . .  840 

221.  To  the  purchase  of  arms,   845 

222.  For  the  purchase  of  saltpetre,   845,  915 

223.  To  Col.  Lewis  Dubois  for  bounty  for  regiment  of,   846,  847 

224.  To  Comfort  Sands,  for  payment  of  the  militia  of  Dutchess, 
Ulster,  Orange  and  Westchester,   864 

To  Maj.  John  Wheelock,  for  raising  troops  in  the  north- 
eastern part  of  the  State,   871 

To  committee  of  Ulster  county  for  stockings  and  blankets 

purchased  for  the  use  of  the  troops,   883 

For  the  purchase  of  hempseed,   899 

To  Robert  Van  Rensselaer  and  John  Sloss  Hobart  for  ex- 
penses of  journey  on  public  business  to  Yorktown,  

To  Comfort  Sands,  auditor-general  for  payment  of  the  mili- 
tia of  Orange  county,  

To  William  Floyd,  for  compensation  as  a  Delegate  from  this 

State  in  Continental  Congress,   

To  Col.  James  Hammond,  for  payment  of  the  militia  under 

his  command,   913 

To  Charles  Giles  for  victualling  disaffected  persons  confined 

in  the  jail  at  Kingston,   913 

To  Maj.  Joseph  Strang,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  militia 

under  command  of,  in  Westchester  county,   915 

For  payment  of  rangers  in  Cumberland  and  Gloucester 

counties,   916 

To  Henry  Wisner,  as  bounty  for  erection  of  powder  mills,.  921 

For  loan  to  committee  of  Albany  county,     930 

To  Abraham  P.  Lott,  for  the  purchase  of  salt,   934 

To  Col.  Robert  Van  Rensselaer,  for  pay  and  subsistence  of 

companies  of,   935 

To  Capt.  Jacobus  Roos,  for  pay,  rations  and  mileage  of  com- 
pany of  Col.  Hasbrouck's  regiment,   943 

241.  To  commissioners  for  suppressing  insurrections,  &c.  in  Li- 

vingston and  Rhinebeck  precincts,   946 

242.  To  David  Currie,  commissary,  &c   953 

243.  To  commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  961,991,  1053, 

1105 

244.  To  Cornelius  C.  Elmendorph,  commissary  of  provisions  for 

Fleet  prison,  •  •  974 

245.  For  the  removal  of  Long  island  refugees,  from  Connecticut 

to  Dutchess  county,. . .    979 

246.  To  Capt.  Benjamin  Yates,  to  defray  expenses  of  commissa- 

ry of,  in  their  march  to  Kingston,   979 

247.  To  Capt.  Elias  Hasbrouck  for  the  expense  of  transportation 

of  salt  from  Canaan,  purchased  for  the  use  of  this  State,  1036 

248.  To  Capt.  Samuel  Payne,  of  Major  Wheelock's  corps,  on  ac- 

count  1041 

249.  To  Abraham  B.  Bancker,  commissary  of  prisoners,  on  ac- 
count  1041,  1089, 1113 

To  Abraham  Keater,  surgeon  of  Capt.  Salisbury's  company 

of  lighthorse  in  Ulster  county   1053 

To  Rev.  John  Rodgers,  for  his  services  as  chaplain,  he. . .  1058 

To  John  Holt,  on  account,  for  printing   1073 

To  Gouverneur  Morris,  for  services  as  a  Delegate  in  Con- 
gress,   1073 

To  Melancton  Smith,  for  the  purchase  of  pay,  for  the  use  of 

the  State,   1105 

255.  To  commissioners  for  superintending  the  removal  of  pri- 
soners from  Hartford  to  this  State,   1 106 


225. 
226. 

227. 

228. 

229. 

230. 

232. 

233. 

234. 

235. 

236. 
237. 
238. 
239. 

240. 


900 
902 


905 


250. 

251. 
252. 
253. 

254. 


9. 


LIVINGSTON,  PHILIP.  PAGE' 

Chosen  President  of  first  Provincial  Convention,   j 

Accounts  of  vouchers  of,   833 

Re-election  of,  as  a  Delegate  in  Congress,  and  vote  of  thanks 

to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  therein,   931 

LIVINGSTON,  ROBERT. 
Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  offering  the  use  of  his 

fnrnace  and  hands,  for  the  casting  of  cannon,   358 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   358 

Letter  from  committee  of  Rhynbeck  precinct,  complaining  of 
the  exorbitant  charges  of,  for  iron  ;  resolutions  of  Council 
of  Safety,  directing  him  to  answer  such  complaint,. .  1088,  1090 
Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety, 

relative  to  answer  of)   1100,1101 

LIVINGSTON,  ROBERT  C. 
Certificate  to,  on  departure  of,  from  New- York  to  Britain,  for 
recovery  of  health,   144 

LIVINGSTON,  ROBERT,  G.  Jr. 
Appointment  of,  as  deputy  adjutant-general,  in  place  of  Wil- 
liam Duer,  declined,  directed  to  join  the  army  under  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Schuyler,   ]]7 

Anonymous  letter  to,   760 

LIVINGSTON,  ROBERT  J. 
Appointment  of,  as  major  in  regiment  of  minute  men,  in 
Dutchess  county,   135 

LIVINGSTON,  ROBERT  R. 
Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  requesting  to  forward  gun- 
powder from  powder  mill  at  Rhinebeck,  to  Gen.  Schuyler 

at  Ticonderoga,  under  the  care  of  Major  Tedwitz,   110 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  supply  of  gun- 
powder to  Albany  committee,   154 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  supply  of 

powder  to  Gen.  Schuyler   169,  181 

Answer  of  Robert  Livingston,  Jr   201 

Letter  to,  respecting  the  erection  of  powder  mills  of,   245 

Letter  to,  respecting  the  casting  of  cannon  and  shot  ;  and 

answer  of,   268, 288,  302 

(See  Livingston,  John  R.) 
Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  to  confer  with 
Major-General  Heath,  and  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  relative  to 
the  condition  and  defences  of  the  Highlands,  and  the  prac- 
ticability of  obstructing  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river  ; 
report  of,  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  719,  725,  726 

Elected  Chancellor,   910 

Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  De- 
legate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

LIVINGSTON,  WALTER. 

1.  Letter  from,  communicating  information  of  appointment  of, 

as  deputy  commissary-general,  requesting  the  consignment 
of  stores,  &c.  to,  at  Albany  ;  and  informing  of  the  ruinous 
situation  of  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,    99 

2.  Directions  to,  to  make  inquiry  relative  to  forwarding  of  pro- 

visions to  Ticonderoga,  and  to  despatch  the  same   113 

3.  Letter  from,  relative  to  forwarding  of  stores,   127 

4.  Letter  from,  respecting  receipt  of  gun  barrels,  &c   153 

5.  Letter  from,  enclosing  letter  to  Provincial  Congress,  from 

Gen.  Schuyler.   162,  163 

6.  Letter  to,  from  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  accounts  of 

ferrymen  of  the  city  of  Albany,   178 

7.  Letter  to,  from  Provincial  Congress,  transmitting  resolutions 

of  Continental  Congress,  for  supplying  provisions  for  gar- 
rison at  the  Highlands,     198 

8.  Answer  of,   201 

LIVINGSTON,  WILLIAM,  BRIG.  GEN. 
1.  Letter  from,  communicating  information  of  an  intended  at- 
tack by  the  British  on  Bergen  Point,  Elizabethtown  and 
Amboy,   585 

LLOYD  HENRY.  (See  Intercepted  Letters,  6.) 

1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  custody  and 

disposition  of  escheated  estate  of,  in  Queens  county, . .  428,  429 

2.  Inventory  and  appraisal  of,   458 

LOAN  COMM  SSIONER.  (See  Loans.) 

(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry  I.) 

LOANS. 

!.  Directed  to  be  obtained  of  Treasurer  by  Mr  David  Clarkson, 
and  members  of  Provincial  Congress  responsible  for  re- 
payment thereof,   26 

2.  From  loan  officers  of  city  and  county  of  Albany,  through 

Treasurer ;  members  of  Provincial  Congress  responsible 

for  repayment  thereof,   27 

3.  From  loan  officers  of  the  county  of  Ulster  ;  how  to  be  ex- 

pended and  accounted  for,   75 

4.  From  sundry  Delegates  in  Provincial  Congress  and  applica- 

tion thereof,   ^02 

5.  Production  before  Provincial  Congress  of  notes  given  by 

Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  Egbert  Dumond  and  David  Clark- 
son,  to  Abraham  Lott,  for  money  borrowed  for  use  of  Co- 
lony, and  for  public  services,  and  disbursements  in  the  re- 
moval of  cannon  and  stores  from  Ticonderoga,   195 

6.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  denying  application  from 

Provincial  Congress  for,   244 


INDEX. 


1155 


PAGE 

LOANS— Continued. 

7.  Continental  and  Colonial  paper  currency  directed  to  be  re- 

ceived in  payment  of;  and  payment  of  portions  of  sus- 
pended for  a  limited  period,    .  350 

8.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  to  several 

county  committees,   356 

9.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  to  Suffolk 

County,   363 

10.  Appointment  of  committee  to  negotiate,   562 

(See  Curtenius  Peter  T.  48.) 

1 1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for,  to  the  State  of  New- 

York,    653 

12.  Letter  from  Philip  Livingston,  a  Delegate  in  Congress,  in- 

forming of  the  obtaining,   656 

(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry  J.) 

13.  Resolutions  for  loans  of  money  to  the  several  counties,   771 

14.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  authorizing  an  addition- 

al loan  of  $2,000,000  for  the  public  service,   790 

15.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  payment 

into  the  treasury  of  debts  due  the  loan  office,   818 

(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry  I.) 
(See  Ten  Broeck,  Dirclc.) 
(See  Ulster  County,  71.) 

16.  Resolution  authorizing  to  commissary-general  of  Continental 

army,   835 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  80.) 
LOCKSMITHS. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  send  to  Great  Britain  for,  ....  67 

LOCKWOOD,  LIEUT.  JOSEPH. 
1.  List  of  men  who  went  in  company  commanded  by,  from 

Manchester  to  Ticonderoga,  and  account  of  expenses  of,.  74 
LOGAN,  SAMUEL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Ulster  county  regiment  of  mili- 
tia,   528 

LOUDON,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Complaint  of,  concerning  the  destruction,  by  a  committee  of 

mechanics  of  impressions  of  pamphlet  of,  refuting  the  ar- 
guments of  the  pamphlet  entitled  "Common  Sense,"   377 

2.  Memorial  of,   405,406 

3.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  payment  of,  for  publication  of 

its  acts  and  proceedings,   750 

4.  Examination  of,  and  reprimand  to,  for  publication  of  certain 

extracts  from  Gaines'  paper,  contrary  to  direction  of  the 
House,   781 

LONG  ISLAND.  (See  Suffolk  County.) 

(See  Nassau  Island.) 

1.  Requisition  on  Gen.  Wooster  for  four  companies  of  troops,  to 

be  placed  under  the  command  of  Col.  Phineas  Fanning, 
for  assistance  of  inhabitants  at,  in  preventing  the  taking 
off  of  stock  by  the  King's  troops,  for  the  use  of  the  army 
at  Boston  ;  and  letter  to  Col.  Fanning,   103 

2.  Letter  to  committee  of  East  Hampton,  respecting,   103 

3.  Gen.  Wooster  directed  to  continue  at,   108 

(See  Lawrence  Melancton.) 

4.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  transmitting  information  of 

reported  embarkation  of  British  troops,  from  Boston,  for,  277 

5.  Inhabitants  of,  inimical  to  the  rights  and  liabilities  of  Ameri- 

ca, 277 

6.  Inhabitants  of.  recommended  to  remove,  together  with  their 

stock  and  grain,  to  the  main  land,   600 

7.  Retreat  of  Continental  troops  from,  to  the  city  of  New- York,  602, 

603 

8.  Information  communicated  to  Committee  of  Safety  by  Wil- 

liam Warne,  relative  to  the  strength  and  disposition  of  the 
British  troops  on,   617 

9.  Letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  to  Convention,  respecting  the 

condition  of  the  inhabitants  of,   671 

10.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  adjustment  of  ac- 

counts due  inhabitants  of  Connecticut,  for  services  in  the 
removal  of  stock  and  indigent  persons  from,   718 

11.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety,  to  Col.  Henry  B.  Livings- 

ton, requesting  the  transmission  of  an  account  of  the  fami- 
lies, stock  and  effects  by  him  removed  from,   733 

12.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  appointing  commissioners 

to  superintend  the  removal  of  refugees  from,  from  Con- 
necticut to  Dutchess  county  ;  and  requisition  on  Trea- 
surer therefor,   979 

13.  Letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull  thereupon,   979 

LOTT,  ABRAHAM.  (Contractor  for  supplying  His 
Majesty's  ships  in  the  port  of  New-York.) 

1.  Letter  from,  covering  an  order  from  the  purser  of  ship  Asia, 

for  provisions,  requesting  liberty  to  supply  said  ship  with 
such  provisions,  for  her  own  use,  during  her  stay  in  the 
Colony,   15 

2.  Leave  accordingly  granted,   15 

3.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  to  become  individually  re- 

sponsible for  certain  money  advanced  by,  to  Treasurer  of 
Colony,   21 

4.  Loan  from,  directed  to  be  obtained,  and  members  of  Provin- 

cial Congress  responsible  for  repayment  thereof,   26 

5.  Order  from,  on  loan  officers' of  city  and  county  of  Albany,  di- 

rected  ;  security  therefor,  and  resolution  to  become  respon- 
sible for  the  repayment  thereof,    27 

6.  Memorandum  from,  of  articles  supplied  and  provisions  want- 


PAGE- 

LOTT,  ABRAHAM— Continued. 
ed  for  His  Majesty's  ship,  the  Kingfisher,  and  order  of 
Provincial  Congress  for  such  supplies,   61 

7.  Letter  from,  respecting  demand  of  provisions  for  His  Majes- 

ty's ship,  Nautilus,  and  order  for  72,  73 

8.  To  give  order  on  loan  officers  of  Ulster  county,  for  money  in 

their  hands,   75 

9.  Authorized  to  supply  provisions  to  His  Majesty's  ships  in  the 

port  of  New-York,   126 

10.  Estimates  of,  of  provisions  for  ship  Asia,  and  arrangements 

with,  for  supplying,   129 

11.  Resolution  prohibiting  payment  of  moneys  advanced  by,  un- 

til further  orders  of  Provincial  Congress  or  Committee 

of  Safety,   134 

12.  Directed  to  receive  Continental  and  Colonial  paper  currency 

in  payment  of  loans,  &c.  and  to  account  for  moneys  in  his 
hands,  as  Treasurer,   350,  627,  628 

13.  Resolution  of  Convention  peremptorily  directing,  to  appear 

before  the  House,  and  account ;  order  for  apprehension  of, 
on  refusal  to  comply,  and  prohibiting  payments  to,  for  the 
future,     628 

14.  Letter  from,  to  Convention,  excusing  his  delay  in  accounting, 

and  fixing  a  time  therefor   647 

15.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with,   900 

LOTT,  ABRAHAM  P.  (See  Salt,  14,  23,  24.) 

LOTTERY  TICKETS. 
1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  pas- 
sage of  laws  for  preventing  the  forging  or  counterfeiting 
of,   747 

LOW,  ISAAC. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention,  in  reference  to  non-attendance 
of,  as  one  of  the  Deputies  from  the  city  and  county  of 
New- York,   3,  4 

LOWNSBURY,  WILLIAM. 

(See  Tories,  36.) 
(See  Forfeited  Estates,  1.) 

LUDENTON,  COL.  HENRY. 
1.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  transmitting  commissions  for  offi- 
cers of  regiment  of,   ....  532,  533 

LUDLOW,  GABRIEL  W. 
1.  Directed  to  pay  certain  moneys  collected  by  him,  to  Peter  Van 

Brugh  Livingston,   62 

(See  New-York  City,  48.) 
LUDLOW,  THOMAS.  (See  Jenkins,  Richard.) 
LUDLOW,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Resolution  and  proceedings  of  Council  of  Safety,  relative 
to  claim  of,  to  certain  property  taken  by  commissioners  of 
sequestration  of  the  county  of  Albany,  belonging  to  Gabriel 

H.  Ludlow  and  Charles  Shaw,  1091,  1092 

LUDLUM,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  lieutenant  of,  for  pay- 
ment and  subsistence  of  part  of  company  of,  in  Col.  Josiah 
Smith's  regiment,   728 

LYON,  DAVID. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain,  in  place  of  Abraham  Van  Wyck, 

declined,   78 

LYON,  HENRY. 
1.  Petition  and  documents  of,  for  return  of  property  sold  by  or- 
der of  commissioners  of  sequestration  of  Dutchess  county ; 
order  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,   1053 

LYON,  PARSON  JAMES.  (See  Suffolk  County,  14.) 


MABEE,  SIMON. 
1.  Letter  from  Gen.  McDougall,  transmitting  proceedings  of 
court  martial  on  trial  of,  as  a  spy ;  confirmation  of,  by 

Convention,  883,  884 

MAILS  AND  MAIL  ROADS-  (See  Canada,  5.) 
MAJOR-GENERALS.  (See  Schuyler,  Philip.) 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,   63 

viz : 

1st.  Artemas  Ward. 
2d.  Charles  Lee. 
3d.  Philip  Schuyler. 
4th.  Israel  Putnam. 

MAJORS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  62,  80,  98,  135,  139,  528,  534,  540,  541,  568,  610, 

690,  772,  775 

(See  Safford,  Samuel.) 
(See  Leary,  William.) 
(See  Hetfield,  Moses.) 
(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry.) 
(See  Purdy,  Ebenezer.) 
(See  Hoisington,  Joab.) 
(See  Wheelock,  John.) 
(See  Pawling,  Albert,  2.) 
(See  Nicholson,  George.) 

MALCOM,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Instructions  to,  and  letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  com- 


1156 


INDEX. 


MALCOM,  WILLIAM— Continued. 
mittee  of  inspection  and  observation  in  New-Jersey,  rela- 
tive to  dismantling  the  light  house  at  Sandy-Hook,   342 

2.  List  of  officers  in  2d  regiment  of  militia,  commanded  by,  rais- 
ed for  the  reinforcement  of  the  Continental  army  at  New- 
York,    506 

3  Appointment  of  William  Adams  as  surgeon  in  regiment 

of,   518 

4.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  gratuity  to 

be  paid  to  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of  regi- 
ment of,  &c     735 

5.  Annexation  of,  to  General  George  Clinton's  brigade,   748 

MANUFACTURES. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  consider  what  may  be  necessa- 

ry for  Colonial  convenience  and  defence,   356 

2.  Report  of,  recommending  encouragement  for  the  erection  of 

powder  mills,  the  establishment  of  manufactories  of  fire- 
arms, saltpetre,  and  salt;  agreed  to  and  adopted  by  Pro- 
vincial Congress,   365,  366 

3.  Recommendation  by  Committee  of  Safety,  for  promoting  the 

growth  of  hemp  and  flax,  the  increase  of  wool,  and  the 
erection  and  establishment  of  manufactories  in  the  Co- 
lony, 414,  515 

4.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  encouragement  of,   573 

MARINE  COMMITTEE. 

1.  Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to,   352 

2.  Report  of  respecting  loan  of  an  armed  vessels  fitted  out  by 

the  Colony,   416 

3.  Authorized  to  cause  the  cargoes  of  prizes  and  prize  vessels, 

taken  on  Long  island,  to  be  disposed  of  in  such  manner  as 

shall  be  advantageous  to  the  public  interest,   508 

MARINE  DEPARTMENT. 
1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  relative 

to  the  command  in,  on  the  lakes,  425,  426 

(See  Mariners.) 
(See  Wynkoop,  Jacobus.) 

MARINERS. 

1.  Directions  to  Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop  to  enlist  for  service  on 

the  lakes,  under  Gen.  Schuyler,   408 

MARINER,  WILLIAM.  (See  Watkeys,  Henry,  3.) 

MARINE  SOCIETY. 

(See  New-York  City,  19.) 

(See  Artillery  Companies.) 
MARQUE  AND  REPRISAL,  LETTERS  OF. 
(See  Privateers.) 

MARTIN,  JOSEPH,  (Governor  of  North  Carolina.) 

1.  Intercepted  letter  from  Gen.  Gage,  to,   57 

2.  Intercepted  letter  from,  to  Henry  White,   68 

3.  Letter  from  William  Hooper  and  Joseph  Hewes,  of  Philadel- 

phia, respecting  designs  and  proceedings  of,  and  answer 

of  Committee  of  Safety,   73 

4.  Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Washington,  requesting  permission  for 

his  wife  and  children,  and  his  father-in-law  and  family,  to 
go  on  board  the  British  fleet  at  Staten  island  ;  answer  of 

Convention,   583 

MARTIN,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Captain  Robert  Johnson's 

company,   1 10 

MARVIN,  EPHRAIM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  Col.  Josiah  Smith's  regiment 

of  minute  men,  in  Suffolk  county,   400 

MARVIN,  JOSEPH. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  first  regiment,   128 

MARVIN,  SETH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  a  company  of  militia,  drafted 

from  the  militia  of  Orange  county,     798 

MARYLAND. 

1.  Letter  from  Delegates  of,  in  Continental  Congress,  requesting 
the  loan  of  cannon  for  the  defence  of  Baltimore  ;  and  re- 
commendation of  New-York  Delegation  in  favour  thereof,  377 
(See  Continental  Army,  11.) 

MASSACHUSETTS  BAY. 

1 .  Letter  to  Committee  of  Safety  for  Colony  of,  respecting  fort- 

ress at  Ticonderoga,   14 

2.  Letter  from  President  of  Provincial  Congress  of,  (Joseph 

Warren,)  respecting  defence  of  Ticonderoga,  <Vc.  and  the 
general  welfare,  enclosing  letter  from  Col.  Benedict  Ar- 
nold,   22 

3.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  33,  34 

4.  Letter  from  Gen.  Artemas  Ward,  Joseph  Warren,  chairman 

of  Committee  of  Safety,  and  Moses  Gill,  chairman  of  com- 
mittee of  supplies  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting  a 
supply  of  powder   34 

5.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   33 

6.  President  of  Provincial  Congress  goes  to  Elizabefhtown,  to 

confer  with  committee  there,  on  the  subject  of  such  supply 

of  powder ;  report  of,  and  proceedings  thereon   35,  37 

7.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of  Connecticut 

thereto   38 

8.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  respecting  the  lading  of  provisions  for  the  army 
and  navy  at  Boston,  consigned  to  Messrs  Lopez  and  Rome, 


MASSACHUSETTS  BAY — Continued:  PA°E' 
in  Rhode  Island,  on  board  a  vessel  commanded  by  Captain 

Coffin,   33 

9.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  requesting  Provincial 
Congress  of  New-York,  to  forward  to  camp  at  Boston,  five 
thousand  barrels  of  flour,   39 

10.  Directions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  transmission  of  powder 

for  use  of  troops  near  Boston,   47 

11.  Letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  President  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress of,  respecting  Canadians,  Indian  tribes  and  Colonel 
Guy  Johnson,   54 

12.  Letter  from  Walter  Spooner,  chairman  of  Springfield  com- 

mittee, respecting  the  importance  of  keeping  the  command 
of  Lake  Champlain ;  and  in  commendation  of  the  conduct 
of  Judge  Duer,  in  certain  disturbances  near  the  fortress 
there,     76,77 

13.  Letters  from  Gen.  Washington,  respecting  the  contemplated 

departure  of  British  troops  to  New-York,  95,  111 

14.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  transmitting  informatian  of 

the  arrival  of  vessel  at,  from  New- York,  bound  for  St. 
Croix,  with  provisions  on  board  for  British  army,   1 1 1 

15.  Information  of  John  Carter,  given  to  Provincial  Congress, 

relative  to  proceedings  at,   m 

(See  Gardiner,  David.) 

16.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  from,  in  Con- 

tinental Congress,  respecting  the  examination  and  dis- 
charge of  George  Bethune,   144,  145 

17.  Resolution  of  House  of  Representatives  of,  empowering 

committee  of  Falmouth  in,  to  license  inhabitants  to  pur- 
chase provisions  and  supplies  for ;  and  permission  by  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  New-York  to  Abner  Briggs  to  ship  180 
barrels  of  flour  from  New-York,  for  Falmouth,  under  such 
resolution,   169 

18.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  transmitting  information  of 

the  burning  of  Falmouth  by  the  British  under  command  of 
Capt.  Mowatt,   191 

19.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  for  assistance  to  Jabez  Fredericks 

and  Jacob  Andrews,  inhabitants  of,  taken  prisoners  by 
Lord  Dunmore,  and  having  escaped,   326 

20.  Information  of  the  probable  removal  of  British  troops  from 

Boston,   335,  336,  356 

21.  Application  of  select  men  of  Boston,  relative  to  safety  of 

men  of;  and  answer  of  Gen.  Howe,   357 

22.  Quotas  of  militia  of,  directed  by  Continental  Congress  to  be 

raised  in,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  Canada, 

and  at  New- York,   482 

23.  Letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  informing  of  the  movements 

of  militia  of,  to  join  the  grand  army,   671 

24.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety,  to  Presidentof  the  Council  of, 

respecting  the  embargo  of  provisions,  &c.  laid  by  general 
court  of,   972,  973 

25.  Answer  of  President,   993 

26.  Resolution  of  House  of  Representatives  and  Council  of,  ap- 

pointing a  committee  of  conference  with  this  and  the 
eastern  States,  relative  to  the  condition  of  the  paper  cur- 
rency,  994 

27.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,  transmitting  resolutions  ap- 

pointing a  committee  to  confer  with  committee  of,  1002,  1003, 

1009 

28.  Letter  from  Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  President  of  Council  of, 

Safety  of  this  State,  informing  of  the  number  of  militia 

sent  from  that  State,  to  reinforce  the  northern  army,   1041 

MATROSSES. 

1.  Recommendation  by  Provincial  Congress  of  the  organization  of 

four  companies  of,  for  the  occupation  of  the  forts  on  the 
Hudson  river,   177 

2.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  raising  a  company  of, 

for  defence  of  the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands ;  and  ap- 
pointment of  committee  by  Provincial  Congress  for  ar- 
rangement of,   191 

(See  Grennel,  Capt.  John  4.) 

McCLAUGHRY,  COL.  JAMES. 
1.  Letter  from,  fixing  the  place  of  rendezvous  of  this  regiment, 

in  case  of  an  alarm,   274 

McLEOD,  WILLIAM,  (Ensign  52d  regiment  of  foot  at 
Boston.) 

1.  Committee  of  city  of  New- York,  directed  by  Provincial 
Congress,  to  take  prisoner,  and  sent  to  Elizabethtown ; 
and  instructions  respecting  treatment  of,   68,  69 

McCUNE,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Elisha  Bene- 
dict's company,  in  place  of  Samuel  Fletcher,  who  was  in 
the  army  at  Cambridge,   84, 95 

Mcdonald,  Alexander. 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  arrest  of,  for  concerting 

measures,  and  employing  agents  to  enlist  men  against  the 
liberties  of  the  country,   43 

2.  Report  of  committee  concerning,   44 

Mcdonald,  angus. 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  arrest  of,  for  offering  boun- 

ties, and  enlisting  men  to  be  employed  against  the  coun- 
try,   41 

2.  Arrest,  examination  and  deposition  of,  42,  43 

3.  Sent  to  Gen.  Wooster's  camp,  for  safe  keeping  ;  letter  accom- 


panying, 


43 


INDEX. 


1157 


PAGE. 

Mcdonald,  angus— continued. 

4.  Copy  thereof  delivered  to  member  of  New-Jersey  Congress,  45 

5  Gen.  Wooster's  letter  in  answer,   45 

6L  Letter  from,  complaining  of  his  confinement ;  and  relaxation 

ordered,    SI 

7.  Letter  from,  complaining  of  ill  treatment  by  one  of  the  rifle- 

men,   107 

8.  Letter  from  Thaddeus  Burr,  sheriff  of  Fairfield  county  re- 

specting imprisonment  of,    153 

McDONALD,  JOHN.  (See  Lead  Mines,  2,  4.) 

McDONALD,  RANNALD,  (Sergeant  of  26th  regiment.) 

1.  Letter  from,  <   Ho 

McDOUGALL,  ALEXANDER. 

(See  First  Regiment.) 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  first  regiment,   62 

2.  Authorized  to  fill  vacancies  in,  below  rank  of  captain,   65 

3.  Order  for  delivery  of  beds,  blankets,  &c,  to,   68 

4.  Order  for  reduction  in  length  of  muskets  provided  for;  and 

for  making  of  ramrods,   75 

5.  Order  on  Treasurer  for  payment  to,  of  certain  moneys  receiv- 

ed from  general  committee  of  N.  Y     79 

6.  Authorized  to  take  wood  from  barrack  yard,   83,84 

7.  Te  take  possession  of  lower  barracks ;  provisions  direct- 

ed to  be  supplied,  &c   85 

8.  Order  for  delivery  of  quantity  of  pouches,  belts  and  slings 

to,   87 

9.  Authorized  to  borrow  money  for  payment  of  troops,   94 

10.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  communi- 

cating information  of  embarkation  for  Albany  of  four 
companies  belonging  to  regiment  of,  under  command  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Ritzema,   103 

11.  Ordered  with  the  men  under  his  command  to  proceed  to  Al- 

bany,   105 

12.  Commissary  directed  to  reserve  arms  for,   110 

13.  Captain  John  Lamb's  company  of  artillery  directed  to  form 

part  of  regiment  of,   114 

14.  To  employ  Thomas  Oakes,  Jr.  a  tinman,  to  proceed  to  Ticon- 

deroga,   128 

15.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  lavour  of,  for  advances  for  use 

of  regiment  of,  &c. .  132,  134,  161, 188,  253,  355,  369,  393,  402 

16.  Directed  to  prepare  cartridges  for  public  defence,   193 

17.  Directed  to  send  Captains  Grennel  and  Ledyard,  with  their 

companies,  for  the  defence  of  the  fortifications  at  the  High- 
lands,   194 

13.  To  apply  to  Capt.  Anthony  Rutgers  for  cannon,  and  to  for- 
ward the  same  to  Gen.  Washington,   240 

19.  To  prepare  cannon  at  King's  Bridge,  for  use,.    256 

20.  Authorized  to  advance  money  to  wife  of  John  Lamb,  in  part 

pay  for  his  services  in  Canada,   373 

21.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  informing  of  the  disposi- 

tion of  troops  from  Orange  and  Ulster  counties,  nnder  the 
command  of  Gen.  George  Clinton,  for  co-operation  with 
Gen.  Lee,  &c.  in  harrassing  the  movements  of  the  enemy  in 
New-Jersey   747 

22.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  relative  to  delivery  of 

the  public  arms ;  and  informing  of  the  movements  of  the 

army  under  Gen.  Heath,     781 

23.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   785 

24.  Reply  of  Gen.  McDougall,     788 

25.  Letter  from,  transmitting  sundry  prisoners  of  war,...   796 

26.  Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to  committee  to  visit  and 

confer  with,  relative  to  the  reinforcement  of  the  garrison 
at  the  Highlands,  and  the  number  and  the  duty  of  the 
forces  in  Westchester  county;  report  of  committee,  813,816, 

831,  832 

27.  Requested  to  detach  a  portion  of  the  forces  under  his  com- 

mand to  the  protection  and  defence  of  Westchester  coun- 

ty,    821 

28.  Report  of,  relative  to  the  strength  and  condition  of  the  posts 

at  the  Highlands,   832 

29.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  thereupon,   840,  841 

30.  Directed  to  provide  for  the  security  and  protection  of  West- 

chester county,   •  •  869 

31.  Letter  from,  transmitting  proceedings  of  court  martial  on  trial 

of  Simon  Mabee,  as  a  spy   883 

32.  Letter  from,  relative  to  calling  out  the  militia  to  reinforce  the 

forts  and  passes  in  the  Highlands,  and  of  the  presence  of 
several  of  the  enemy's  ships  at  or  about  Fort  Washington ; 
also  transmitting  the  proceeding  and  sentence  of  a  general 
court  martial  in  cases  of  John  Williams,  Job  Babcock,  An- 
thony Hill  and  Thomas  Barker,  for  treasonable  corres- 
pondence with  the  enemy,   901,  902 

33.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  reprieving  John  Williams   915 

34.  Letter  from,  recommending  the  granting  of  a  pardon  to  An- 

thony Hill ;  pardon  granted,   916 

35.  Requested  to  negociate  for  a  mutual  exchange  of  personal 

property  in  the  possession  of  either  army,  and  belonging 

to  persons  in  the  other,    939 

36.  Letter  from,  transmitting  the  proceedings  of  court  martial 

against  John  Likely  and  others  ;  and  answer  of  Council  of 

Safety,    965 

McIVERS,  CHARLES,  &  Co. 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  2.) 

McKESSON,  JOHN. 
1.  Elected  Secretary  of  Prov.  Convention  ft  Congress,  1,  205, 44S,  515 

290 


PAGE. 

McKESSON,  JOHN— -Continued. 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  services  and  dis- 

bursements,   441 

3.  Appointed  register  of  the  high  court  of  admiralty,   550 

4.  Appointed  commissary  for  prisoners  of  war,   581 

MEAD,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  in  Col.  Thomas  Thomas's  regi- 
ment of  militia  in  Westchester  county,   548 

MECHANICS.  (See  Loudon  Samuel.) 
1.  Presentation  to  Provincial  Congress  of  address  of  committee 
of,  requesting  instructions  to  Delegates  in  Continental 
Congress  to  use  their  utmost  endeavours  to  cause  the 
United  Colonies  to  become  independent  of  Great  Britain  ; 
and  pledging  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  support  of  such 

declaration;  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   474 

(See  Petition,  45.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  62.) 

MEDICINES. 

1.  Appointment  of  Drs-  John  Jones  and  Treat,  to  examine  and 

select  medicines  for  use  of  troops,   94,  210,  285 

2.  Drs.  Jones  and  Treat  requested  to  make  an  inventory  and 

valuation  of  medicines  obtained  from  the  stores  adjoining 
Bowden's  house  in  New- York,   123 

3.  Report  of  Drs.  Jones  and  Treat,  respecting,   239 

4.  Committee  for  the  despatch  of  vessels  to  procure  ammunition 

directed  to  despatch  orders  for  medicines  to  the  West  In- 
dies and  to  Europe,  under  the  directions  of  Dr.  Jones  and 
Treat,   239 

MELFORD,  DAVID. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Congress  as  muster-master  of 

troops  to  be  raised  in  Suffolk  county,  > .  ...  70 

MENEMA,  DANIEL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regi- 
ment,   424 

MERCEIR,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  to  superintend  the  lading  of  vessels  in  the 

city  of  New-York,  under  the  direction  of  Continental  and 
Provincial  Congress  ;  and  also  to  superintend  the  making 
of  carriages  for  cannon  ;  provision  for  payment,  ...    267 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   380 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  of  ex- 

penses in  fitting  out  armed  schooner  Montgomerie,   408 

MERCHANTS. 

1.  Of  the  city  of  New-York,  desired  to  attend  the  discussion  in 

the  Provincial  Congress,  on  the  expediency  of  the  emission 

of  a  Continental  paper  currency,   15 

2.  Committee  appointed  to  examine  list  of  articles  retained  by, 

at  request  of  city  committee,  and  report  of,   33,  34 

3.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  merchants  of  Canada 

respecting  the  establishment  of  a  mail  route  from  New- 
York  to  Canada,  and  the  views  of  the  confederated 
colonies,   40 

4.  Memorial  of  Peter  Clopper  and  others,  respecting  the  expor- 

tation of  flaxseed,  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress, 

respecting,   106 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  59,  60,  64,  133.) 
(See  France,  1.) 
MESSENGERS.  (See  Shaier,  Jacob.) 
(See  Stephen  Joseph.) 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  payment  of,   46 

2.  Pay  of,  to  Albany,   67 

3.  Oath  of  secrecy  administered  to,   551 

MIFFLIN,  THOMAS,  (Quarter-Master-General.) 

1.  Letter  from,  requesting  supplies  of  lumber,  ccc.  for  the  use  of 

the  array,   651 

2.  Resolutions  of  Convention  therefor,   652 

MILITARY  COMMITTEE. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,   91,  96,  306 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  prepare  instructions  for   306 

3.  Report  of,  respecting  the  expediency  of  obstructing  the  navi- 

gation of  the  East  river,  restricting  communication  with 
British  ships  of  war,  and  regulating  the  supply  of  provi- 
sion, &c.  to   308,309 

4.  Report  of,  respecting  companies  in  Col.  Swartwoul's  regi- 

ment of  minute  men,  &c   314 

5.  Report  of,  respecting  articles  necessary  to  be  provided  by  the 

commissary  for  Colonial  troops,   324 

MILITARY  STORES. 

1.  Proceedings  respecting  removal  of,  from  Ticonderoga  to  the 

south  end  of  Lake  George,  9,  10,  11,  12 

2.  List  of,  forwarded  by  Col.  Arnold,  22,  23 

3.  List  of,  ordered  by  Provincial  Congress  to  be  forwarded  to 

Ticonderoga,   32 

4.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  removal  of  mi- 

litary stores  belonging  to  the  Crown,  from  Turtle  Bay,  and 
appointment  of  committee  to  direct  dispersion  of  those  en- 
gaged in  such  removal ;  report  of  committee,    35 

5.  Coopers  permitted  to  go  and  put  them  in  repair,   37 

(See  Powder.) 
(See  Muskets.) 
(See  Curtenius,  Peter  T.) 

6.  Committee  appointed  to  procure  tents  to  be  made,  and  report 

of,   45 


1158 


INDEX. 


10. 

11. 


12. 


13. 
11. 


PAGE. 

MILITARY  STORES— Continued. 

Provision  for,  second  regiment,   94 

Sundry  articles  of,  to  be  provided,   97 

(See  Foster,  John.) 
(See  Suffolk  County,  9.) 
Commissary  directed  to  forward  sundry  articles  of,  to  Alba- 
ny, for  use  of  Gen.  Montgomery,   106 

Brass  kettles,  directed  to  be  furnished  for  use  of  troops,   109 

Inventory  of,  taken  from  stores  adjoining  Bowden's  house,. .  123 
(See  Hallett,  Joseph,  3.) 
(See  Livingston,  Peter  Van  Brugh,  11.) 
Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  and  despatch  vessels 
for  purchase  of;  appropriation  for,  and  mode  of  expendi- 
ture, 145,  148 

Col.  McDougall  authorized  to  purchase  a  quantity  of  cartouch 

paper  for  use  of  counties,   225 

Agreement  with  Lieut.  Jacob  Wright,  of  the  company  of  mi- 
nute men  in  Jamaica,  for  the  making  of  cartouch  boxes,. 


270, 
271 


15. 
16. 


17. 
18. 
19. 

20. 


21. 


22. 


23. 
24. 

25. 


26. 
27. 


Appointment  of  Richard  Norwood  as  commissary  of,  for  city 

and  county  of  New-York,   290 

Inventory  of,  taken  out  of  lower  barracks  by  order  of  Provin- 
cial Congress ;  order  for  safe  keeping  and  preservation 

of,  :   313 

Order  for  erection  of  a  magazine  or  store  house  for,  in  the 

city  of  New-York,   325 

Order  for  erection  of  a  magazine  or  store  house  for,  in  the 

county  of  Westchester,   336 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  the  pur- 
chase of  blankets,  muskets,  &c   354 

Directions  for  furnishing  sundry  articles  of,  for  artillery  in 

the  city  of  New- York,   376 

Appointment  of  committee  to  ascertain  and  make  an  invento- 
ry of,  belonging  to,  or  taken  from,  the  Colony,  for  Conti- 
nental service,   508 

Order  for  removal  of,  from  the  city  of  New- York,  to  the 

White-Plains,  in  Westchester  county,   512 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  53.) 

Order  for  removal  of,  from  White-Plains  to  Fishkill   606 

Account  of  lead,  ball  and  flints,  delivered  by  commissary  of, 

in  pursuance  of  order  of  Congress   655 

Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  an  inventory  of, 

belonging  to  State,  &c   665 

(See  France.) 

Appointment  of  John  Lasher,  as  commissioner  of,   920 

(See  Sackett,  Nathaniel,  2.) 
Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  security  of,  &c   1065 

MILITIA. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  arming  and 

training  of,  in  the  city  of  New-York,   16 

2.  Provincial  Congress  to  determine  the  number  of  men  proper 

to  be  embodied  for  the  defence  of  the  fortifications  at 
King's  Bridge  ;  the  manning  of  the  batteries  at  the  High- 
lands ;  the  posts  at  or  near  Lake  George,  and  the  defence 
of  the  city  of  New-York ;  the  whole  not  to  exceed  three 
thousand,  to  be  commanded  by  officers  appointed  by  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  and  governed  by  rules  and  regulations 
established  thereby,   16 

3.  Pay  of ;  and  bounties  and  clothing  not  to  be  allowed  to,. . .  16 

4.  Troops,  how  long  to  be  enlisted  for,   16 

5.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  general  or- 

ganization and  training  of,   21 

6.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  arrangement  of  troops 

to  be  embodied  for  defence  of  the  Colony,  and  rules  and 
regulations  for  government  of,  21,  69,  103 

7.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Congress  respecting  arming  and 

disciplining  of,  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  30,  32 

8.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  arrangement  of  Colonial  mi- 

litia,.  104,  114  to  116 

9.  Companies  of,  recommended  to  be  furnished  in  the  several  ci- 

ties, towns,  manors,  precincts  and  districts ;  officers  of,  how 
to  be  chosen  and  vacancies  filled,  and  minute  men  how  to 

be  selected  and  officered,  104,  114  to  116 

Militia  bill,  114  to  116 

Appointment  of  field  officers  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

Draft  of  commission  to  officers  of,  &c   141 

Recommendation  to  colonels  of,  to  muster  their  men  at  conve- 
nient rendezvous,  when  required  by  any  public  alarm,  and 

to  erect  beacons,   177 

Appointment  of  committee  to  revise  militia  law,  and  report 

of,   224,  228,  230,  231 

Determination  of  rank  of  officers  of,  in  the  several  Colo- 
nies,  229,  230,  231 

Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting  expediency  of 
permitting  choice  of  officers  of,  by  Provincial  Congress  in 

certain  cases,    246 

Appointment  of  committee  to  revise  laws  relating  to,   304 

Report  of,  305,  306 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  the  several  colonels  of,  di- 
recting the  holding  of  their  regiments  in  readiness  to  march 

on  a  moment's  warning,   337 

Appointment  of  committee  to  consider  the  state  of,  and  pro- 
per disposition  for,   461 

1.  Report  of  said  committee,  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress thereon,   478,479,  486,  487 

22.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  of  rein- 


10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 


14. 

15. 
16. 


17. 
18. 
19. 


20. 


rAGE. 

MILITIA— Continued. 
forcement  of,  for  the  army  in  Canada,  and  at  New-York  ; 
quotas  of  the  several  eastern  and  middle  States,  and  of  the 
several  counties,   482,  483 

23.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  the  rank  and 

number  of,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  at  New- 
York   487 

24.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  ordering  into  service  at  the  High- 

lands and  at  Peekskill,  one  fourth  of  the  militia  of  West- 
chester, Dutchess,  Orange  and  Ulster  counties,  and  provid- 
ing for  the  arrangement,  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of, 
&c   525,  526,  532 

25.  Resolution  of  Convention,  forming  the  militia  of  the  counties 

of  Charlotte,  Cumberland  and  Gloucester  into  two  separate 
brigades;  appointment  of  brigadier-generals,   551,  552 

26.  Resolution  of  Convention,  exempting  troops  of  horse  from 

drafts  in,   561 

27.  Resolution  of  Convention  relative  to  emoluments  in   566 

28.  Resolution  of  Convention,  for  punishment  of  neglect  of  duty, 
disobedience  to  orders,  or  resignation  of  officers  of,  and  for 
absence  or  desertion  of  men  drafted  in,   567 

29.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  relative  to  emolument  of,  and 
for  the  reinforcement  of  the  northern  army  and  the  garri- 
son at  the  Highlands,   1023 

30.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  more  effectual  obedience  of, 
to  their  commanding  officers,   1071 

MILITIA  LAW.  (See  Militia,  10,  14,  17, 18.) 

MILLER,  CHRISTOPHER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain-lieutenant  of  Capt.  Anthony  Rut- 
gers' artillery  company,  in  the  city  of  New- York,   66 

MILLER,  ELIJAH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  1st  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Thomas's  compa- 
ny, in  Col.  Drake's  regiment  of  militia,  at  New-York,  ....  526 

MILLER,  MATTHIAS  B. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  to  Col.  David  Sutherland's  regi- 
ment of  militia,   755 

MINUTE  MEN. 

1.  Provision  for  selection  and  command  of,  104,  114  to  116 

2.  Appointment  of  field  officers  for  two  regiments  of  minute  men 
in  Dutchess  county,   135 

3.  Draft  of  commission  to,   152 

4.  Recommendation  to  officers  of,  to  fix  upon  some  convenient 
place  for  rendezvous,  and  to  erect  beacons,   177 

(See  Westchester  County,  15,  25,  34,  40.) 
(See  Dutchess  County,  13,29.) 
(See  Orange  County,  20,  24,  25,  33,  40,  41,  42.) 
(See  Ulster  County,  14,  16,21,29,43.) 
(See  Suffolk  County,  33,  35,  38,  42,  57,  58.) 
(See  Cumberland  County,  12.) 
(See  Albany  County,  45.) 

6.  Letter  to  delegation  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting  pay 
of,   325 

7.  Letter  to  the  several  colonels  of  regiments  of,  to  be  in  readi- 
ness to  repair  to  the  defence  of  the  Colony,   337 

(See  Swartwout,  Jacobus.  7,  8.) 

8.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  enlistment  into  the 
Continental  service,  of  men  belonging  to  regiments  of,. . . .  337 

9.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  declaring  regiments  of,  to 
be  under  the  command  of  brigadier-generals  of  militia, .. .  368 

(See  City  and  County  of  New-York,  137,  138.) 

10.  Order  of  Committee  of  Safety  to  commanding  officers  of  the 
respective  corps  of,  to  permit  the  enlistment  of  men  from, 
into  the  several  Colonial  regiments,   386 

(See  Humphrey,  Cornelius.) 

11.  Abolition  of  the  order  of,   479 

MITCHELL,  THOMAS. 
1.  Choice  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  John  Sands'  company  of 

militia,  in  Queens  county,   173 

MOBS  AND  RIOTS. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  16.) 
(See  General  Association,  4.) 
(See  Duer,  William,  3.) 
(See  Charlotte  County,  2.) 
1.  Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  committee  of  Cambridge,  Ho- 

sac  and  Bennington,  discountenancing;   147 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  respecting,   147 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  disapproving  of  certain 

riots  in  New- York  city,   491 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  the  suppres- 
sion of,  by  calling  out  the  militia,    493 

•  (See  Ulster  County,  67.) 

MOFFAT,  THOMAS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  to  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll's  regiment,. . .  690 

MOHAWK  INDIANS. 
1.  Letters  and  documents  from  Albany  committee,  respecting 

disposition  and  proceedings  of,   24,  24 

MOHEGAN  INDIANS. 
1.  Receipt  of  letter  from  Joseph  Johnson,  an  Indian  preacher 

to,   75 

MONOPOLIES.  (See  Engrossing  and  Monopolies.) 

MONTAUCK  POINT. 
1.  Letter  from  committees  of  East  and  South  Hampton  respect- 


2. 
3. 

4. 


INDEX. 


1159 


PAGE. 

MONTAUCK  POINT— Continued. 
ing  exposed  situation  of.  and  adjacent  places,  and  request- 
ing troops  for  defence  of,  &c  74,  75 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committees  of  correspon- 
dence of  East  Hampton  and  Southold,  enclosing  copy  of 
letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Gen.  Wooster,  informing 
of  the  sailing  of  men  of  war  from  Boston,  and  suggesting 

precautionary  measures  for  defence  of,   95 

(See  Suffolk  County,  18,  21,  68.) 
(See  Hulbert,  John,  3.) 

MONTGOMERY,  FORT.  (See  Highlands.) 

MONTGOMERY,  RICHARD. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  appoint- 

ment of,  as  a  brigadier-general,    31 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  defining  the  requisite  qualifications  for  a  gene- 
ral otficer,  and  recommending  as  above,  32,  33 

3.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  a  brigadier-ge- 

neral,   63 

4.  Letter  from,  requesting  the  forwarding  of  military  stores,  and 

concerning  the  proceedings  of  certain  officers  in  His  Majes- 
ty's service,    105,  106 

5.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,    106 

6.  Letter  from,  requesting  each  of  the  troops  forwarded  to  Ticon- 

deroga  may  be  furnished  with  a  certain  quantity  of  pow- 
der,  107 

7.  Letter  from  Col.  Rudolphus  Ritzema,  detailing  the  attack  on 

Quebec,  and  death  of  General  Montgomery,   286,  287 

MONTREAL. 

1.  Letter  from  Albany  committee,  respecting  hostile  proceed- 
ings of  Governor  of,   54 

MONTRESOR,  JOHN.  (See  Ustick,  William.) 

MOODIE,  ANDREW. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  3d  regiment,  in  place  of  Adam 

Scheoter,   158 

2.  Pay  of,  when  to  commence,   158 

3.  Directed  to  join  the  army  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Schuy- 

ler,   158 

4.  Order  for  payment  of,  and  arrangements  respecting,   160 

MORRELL,  JOHN. 

1.  Letter  from  committee  of  safety  of  Newburg  and  New- Wind- 

sor, and  affidavits  respecting  conduct  of,  in  opposition  to 

the  liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,  81,  82 

2.  Sent  by  Committee  of  Safety  as  prisoner,  to  Col.  McDougall's 

camp,   82 

3.  Liberation  of;  letter  of  Provincial  Congress  to  committees  of 

Newburgh  and  New- Windsor,  and  admonition  to,   93 

MORRIS,  GOUVERNEUR. 

1.  Election  of,  as  a  Delegate  to  represent  this  State  in  Con- 

gress,   931 

2.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  condition  of  the  New-Hampshire 

Grants   1011 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   1073 

MORRIS,  LEWIS. 

1.  Appointed  brigadier-general  of  the  militia  of  Westchester 

county,   482 

2.  Directed  to  march  the  men  drafted  from  the  militia  in  his 

brigade  to  the  mouth  of  Croton  river,   541 

3.  Directed  to  take  possession,  with  his  whole  brigade,  of  such 

part  of  the  Sound  and  Hudson's  river  as  he  may  think  most 
exposed  to  the  enemy   566 

4.  Resolution  of  Convention,  requesting  return  of,  from  his 

seat  in  Congress,  and  the  resumption  of  the  command  of 

his  brigade,   672 

5.  Answer  of,   654 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  same  sub- 

ject  666 

7.  Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  Dele- 

gate from  this  State  in  Continental  Congress,   931 

MORRIS,  LEWIS,  Jn. 
1.  Appointed  brigade-major  of  the  militia  of  Westchester  coun- 
ty,  482 

MORRISON,  MALCOM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  in  regiment  of  minute  men  in 

Dutchess  county,   135 

2.  Resignation  of,  and  recommendation  of  Henry  Ludenton  in 

place  of,    351 

3.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  enclosing  petition  of 

Archibald  Campbell,  of  Pauling's  precinct,  in  Dutchess 
county,  complaining  of  forcible  outrages  committed  upon 
his  property,   352 

4.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  of  batta- 

lion of  minute  men,  commanded  by,  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,   441 

MEYER,  JOHN. 

1.  Chosen  1st  lieutenant  in  beat  No.  29,   150 

(See  Petitions,  51.) 

MORRIS,  RICHARD. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  judge  of  the  high  court  of  admiralty,. . . .  550 

2.  Declension  of,  553,  554 

MOSS,  CAPT.  ISAAC. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay  and  subsis- 


PAGE. 

MOSS,  CAPT.  ISAAC— Continued. 
tence  of  company  of  rangers  commanded  by,  in  Charlotte 

county,   822 

MULFORD,  COL.  DAVID. 

1.  Statement  of  regiment  of,  in  Suffolk  county,   339 

MULFORD,  JOB. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  adjutant  of  4th  regiment,   99 

(See  Livingston,  Peter  Van  Brugh,  12.) 

MURRAY,  LINDLEY  AND  ROBERT. 
1.  Bond  of,  for  the  erection  of  salt  works,  and  requisition  on 

Treasurer  in  favour  of,   456 

MURRAY,  ROBERT  AND  JOHN. 

1.  Proceedings  relating  to  case  of,  referred  to  Provincial  Con- 

gress by  Continental  Congress,   34 

2.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  restoring  them  to  their 

commercial  privileges  and  the  forgiveness  of  the  public,. .  38 

3.  Commissary  authorized  to  purchase  certain  articles  of.  65,  97 

4.  Letter  from  commissary,  respecting  negotiations  for,   99 

5.  Letter  to  committee  of  Elizabethtown,  respecting,   99 

MURRAY,  SANSOM,  MURRAY  &  CO. 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  1.) 
MURRAY,  SANSOM  &  CO. 
1.  Intercepted  letter  from,  to  Rodgers  Townsend,  merchant,  of 
Goshen,  and  order  of  Committee  of  Safety,  for  taking 
and  securing  property  of,  within  this  State,  and  returning 
an  inventory  thereof,   789 

MUSKETS. 

1.  Consultation  with  Henry  Watkeys  respecting  making  of,  and 

resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  30,41 

2.  Letter  from  Robert  Boyd  respecting  making  of,   39 

3.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  transmission  of,  from  the 

different  counties,  to  committee  of  city  of  New- York,   57 

4.  Agreement  with  Messrs.  Watkeys  and  Boyd,   62 

5.  Order  for  reduction  in  length  of,  &c   75 

(See  New-York,  26,  31.) 

6.  Proposition  by  Committee  of  Safety,  for  procuring  of,  from 

New-Jersey,   85 

7.  Agreement  with  Cornelius  Afherton  for  the  making  of,  and 

bayonets,   221,  246 

8.  Approval  and  adoption  of  said  contract,  by  Provincial  Con- 

gress, and  order  for  advances  of  money  thereon,. .  .221,  222,  246 

9.  Advertisement  for  proposals  for  manufacture  of,  by  Commit- 

tee of  Safety,   393 

10.  Contract  with  Thaddeus  Noble  for  making  of,  and  requisition 

on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  421,553,  554 

11.  Directions  for  purchase  of,  for  use  of  soldiers,   455,  456 

MUSTER-MASTERS. 
1.  Jacobus  Swartwout,  Col.  Phineas  Fanning,  David  Melford, 

and  Timothy  Earle  appointed  by  Provincial  Congress,  as,  70 
(See  Holmes,  James.) 

(See  Lent,  Peter.) 
(See  Clinton,  James.) 
(See  Van  Cortlandt,  Philip.) 

(See  Cooper,  Gilbert.) 
(See  Wynkoop,  Cornelius  D.) 
MUSTER  ROLLS. 

1.  Of  second  regiment,  returned  and  filed,   108 

2.  Of  Capt.  Rufus  Herrick's  company,   112 

3.  Of  Capt.  Andrew  Billings'  company,   112 

4.  Of  Capt  Lewis  Dubois's  company,   112 

5.  Of  Capt.  Henry  B.  Livingston's  company,   112 

IV. 

NASSAU  ISLAND. 

(See  New- York  City  and  County,  107.) 
(See  Tories,  28.) 
(See  Washington,  George,  56.) 
(See  General  Officers,  6.) 

1.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  relative  to  the  removal  of  the 

stock  from,   533,  534,  588 

2.  Appointment  of  officers  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  for  that 

purpose,   534 

3.  Letters  to  Delegation  in  Congress,  and  to  Gen.  Washington, 

respecting  the  protection  and  disposition  of  the  stock  on,.  534 

4.  Landing  of  British  troops  at,   585 

5.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  Gen.  Washington 

relative  to  the  state  of,   593 

(See  Woodhull,  Nathaniel.) 
(See  Connecticut,  49,  50,  51.) 
(See  Long  Island.) 

6.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  ob- 

taining a  reimbursement  of  the  moneys  paid  by  this  State 

for  the  transportation  of  stock,  and  effects  from,   789 

NATURALIZATION  OF  FOREIGNERS. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention,  in  framing  a  constitution  relative 

to,   851,  852,  853, 

860,  861,862 

NAUTILUS,  SHIP.  (See  Lott,  Abraham,  7.) 

NAVIGATION,  OBSTRUCTION  OF. 

(See  Hudson  River.) 
(See  East  River.) 


1160 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

NEGROES.  (See  Queens  County,  14.) 
NEW-BRUNSWICK. 

1.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  requesting  return  of 

powder  loaned,  &c   203 

2.  Letter  from  John  Dennis,  transmitting  supplies  of  powder,. .  221 

NEWBURGH  AND  NEW  WINDSOR. 

(See  Orange  County,  7,  9.) 
NEWFOUNDLAND  FISHERY. 
1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  prohibiting  vessels  from 
any  British  port,  sending  to,  to  load  certain  articles  of  pro- 
visions, &c   67 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE. 

1 .  Letter  to  committee  of  correspondence  for  Colony  of,  respect- 

ing the  fortress  of  Ticonderoga,   14 

2.  Quotas  of  militia  of,  directed  by  Continental  Congress  to  be 

raised  in,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  Canada, 
and  at  New-York,   482 

3.  Movement  of  militia  of,  to  join  the  grand  array,   671 

4.  Resolution  of  committee  of  Safety,  requesting  general  court 

of,  to  advance  money  to  Egbert  Benson,  an  agent  for  so- 
liciting the  reception  of  prisoners  by,   708 

(See  Wheelock,  John.) 

5.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Committee  of  Safety  of,  informing 

of  the  number  of  militia  sent  from  that  State,  to  reinforce 

the  northern  army,   1041 

NEW-HAMPSHIRE  GRANTS. 
1.  Letter  from  William  Duer  and  committee  of  Manchester,  in 
Charlotte  county,  respecting  combination  of  people  on,  to 

stop  courts  of  justice  at  Fort  Edward,   71,  72 

(See  Green  Mountain  Boys,  3,6.) 
(See  Allen  Ethan,  4.) 
(See  Cumberland  County.) 
(See  Gloucester  County.) 
(See  Vermont.) 

NEW-JERSEY.  (See  Elizabethtown.) 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  desiring  the  establishment 

of  a  correspondence  with  Provincial  Congress  of  New- 
York,    16 

2.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   17 

3.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committee  at  Brunswick, 

in,  respecting  transportation  of  flour  from,  for  use  of  Bri- 
tish Jroops  at  Boston,   85 

4.  Answer  of  Committee,   97 

5.  Letter  to  Committee  of  Safety  of,  requesting  the  adoption  of 

measures  for  apprehending  and  furnishing  deserters ;  an- 
swer of  committee,   157,  169 

6.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Congress  of,  respecting 

the  best  mode  of  communicating  intelligence,  and  receiving 
assistance  in  case  of  invasion,   177 

7.  Answer  of  chairman  of  Trenton  committee,   200 

8.  Letter  from  President  of  Conlinental  Congress  to  Provincial 

Congress,  requesting  the  furnishing  of  arms  to  troops 
raised  in,  for  defence  of  the  city  of  New-York,  to  be  sent 
to  Lord  Stirling  commander  of  the  forces  in,   202 

9.  Examinations  of  sundry  prisoners  transmitted  by  Committee 

of  Safety  of,  to  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-York,  256,  257, 

258 

10.  Receipt  of  letter  from  Samuel  Tucker,  President  of  Provin- 

cial Congress  of,  transmitting  resolutions  relating  to  the 
trade  of  that  Colony,  "   288 

1 1 .  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Provincial  Congress  of 

New-Jersey,  requesting  them  to  send  Col.  Herd's  regiment 
of  minute  men  to  Staten  island,  to  prevent  depredations  on 
the  stock,   290 

12.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committee  of  Elizabeth- 

town,  to  despatch  a  portion  of  militia  of,  to  Staten  island,  291 

13.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  of,   299 

14.  Letter  to  Col.  Herd,  conveying  the  thanks  of  the  Provincial 

Congress  for  his  services  in  the  defence  of  Staten  island; 
and  discharging  him  from  duty,   306 

15.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  of,  repealing  their  embar- 

go on  provisions,   330 

16.  Letter  to  Provincial  Congress  of,  requesting  them  to  order 

their  minute  men  and  militia  to  be  in  readiness  for  service 

on  the  first  notice  of  invasion,   336 

17.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  of  New- York,  for  dis- 

mantling the  lighthouse  at  Sandy  Hook,   336 

18.  Instructions  to  Maj.  Wm.  Malcom  therefor;  and  letter  from 

New-York  Provincial  Congress,  in  committees  of  inspec- 
tion and  observation  in,  relative  to,   342 

19.  Letter  from  committee  of  Essex  county  in,  relative  to  pay 

and  provisions,  &c.  of  their  militia  ordered  into  New-York 

by  Lord  Stirling ;  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  . . .  360 

20.  Letter  to  Provincial  Congress  of,  requesting  them  to  recom- 

mend the  forwarding  of  supplies  to  New-York,   397 

21.  Letter  from  President  of  Committee  of  Safety,  informing  of 

the  arrest  and  examination  of  three  persons  belonging  to 
Westchester  county,   418 

22.  Letter  from  chairman  of  New  Brunswick  committee,  accom- 

panying the  transmission  of  said  prisoners  to  New- York,.  423 

23.  Quotas  of  militia  of,  directed  by  Continental  Congress,  to  be 

raised  in,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  in  Canada 

and  at  New-York,   482 

24.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  President  of  Congress  of, 


PACE. 

NEW-JERSEY — Continued. 
transmitting  examinations,  &c.  relative  to  the  defection  of 
sundry  persons  in  Bergen  county,  in,   485 

25.  Letter  from  President  of  Congress  of,  transmitting  a  resolu- 

tios  of  said  Congress  authorizing  the  apprehension  of  in- 
habitants of  New-York,  residing  in,  and  informing  of  the 
appointment  of  committee  of  secrecy,  &c   521 

26.  Letter  from  Convention  to  chairman  of  committee  of  Mon- 

mouth county,  in,  transmitting  examination  of  Balthazar 
De  Hardt,  relative  to  conduct  of  tories  in  said  county ;  an- 
swer of  committee,   544,  586 

27.  Letter  from  Convention  to  President  of  Convention  of,   544 

28.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  William  Livingston,  of,  communicat- 

ing information  of  an  intended  attack  by  the  British  troops 

on  Bergen  Point,  Elizabethtown  and  Araboy,   586 

29.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gov.  Trumbull  of  Con- 

necticut, and  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  presence  of 
Gen.  Howe,  at  Brunswick,  and  Gen.  Washington  at  Tren- 
ton ;  and  requesting  a  reinforcement  in,  &c   745 

30.  Gen.  George  Clinton  directed  to  co-operate  with  Gens.  Lee 

and  Gates,  in  harrassing  and  distressing  the  enemy  in,. . . .  746 

31.  Letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton,  transmitting  information  of 

the  battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton,   765 

NEWKERK,  JACOB. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

NEW  LEVIES. 

(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  34.) 

(See  Officers,  14.) 
(See  New- York  Battalions.) 

NEWSPAPERS. 

1.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  forwarding  of,  pu- 

blished in  the  States  of  Pennsylvania,  New-Jersey,  Con- 
necticut and  Massachusetts,  for  the  use  of  Convention  or 
Committee  of  Safety,   689 

2.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  for  the  dissemination  of  intelli- 

gence by  means  of,  &c   694 

NEW-YORK  BATTALIONS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  the  raising  of 

four  additional  regiments  in,  for  defence  of  Colony,  under 
Continental  pay,  265,  266 

2.  Circulars  from  Committee  of  Safety  and  Provincial  Congress, 

to  the  various  county  committees,  respecting  the  enlistment 

of  men  and  appointment  of  officers,   269,  308 

3.  Instructions  to  recruiting  officers,   269 

4.  Advance  of  $12,000  by  Continental  Congress,  to  aid  in  pro- 

moting enlistments  and  raising  such  battalions,  

5.  Appointment  of  committee  to  determine  the'quota  of  men  and 

officers  to  be  raised  in  the  several  counties ;  report  of, .  333, 306, 

307 

6.  Nomination  of  field  officers  for,   328 

7.  Acceptance  of  the  proposals  of  Abraham  Livingston,  for  vict- 

ualling,  360 

8.  Letter  from  delegation  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

the  organization,  arrangement,  and  officers  of,  &c   379 

9.  Directions  to  commissary,  respecting  uniforms  of,   385 

10.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  re- 

specting the  number  of  troops  in;  their  condition;  and 
transmitting  list  of  field  officers  of,  and  statement  of  ac- 
counts of  general  officers,  420, 421 

11.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Committee  of  Safety,  re- 

specting command  of,   422 

12.  Albany  and  Tryon  counties  assigned  to  the  command  of  Col. 

Wynkoop,   424 

13.  Companies  assigned  to  Col.  Clinton's  regiment,   424 

14.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  Esq.  chairman  of  the  superinten- 

dents of  the  Continental  treasury,  requesting  information 

as  to  the  allowances  made  to,   452 

15.  Order  ofProv.  Congress  for  raising  two  additional  batta-lions,  467 

16.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  transmitting  resolutions  of  Conti- 

nental Congress  appointing  Major  Duboys  colonel  of  ad- 
ditional regiment  directed  to  be  raised  in,  with  instructions 
to  raise  such  regiment  to  serve  for  three  years,  or  during 
the  war;  and  also  appointing  subordinate  officers  of,   510 

17.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Conlinental  Congress,  relative  to 

such  nomination  of  officers,   520 

18.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions,  &c.  relative  to  arrange- 

ment of  officers  of,  and  the  propriety  of  organizing  an  ad- 
ditional battalion  of;  list  of  officers  of,  &c  712,  713 

19.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  colonels  of,  for  amount 

due  for  bounties  to  the  troops,   713 

20.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

lative to  organization  of,  and  requesting  permission  to  or- 
ganize an  additional  battalion   715 

21.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  authorizing  the  forma- 

tion of  an  additional  battalion,   747 

22.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

lative to  the  state  of,  &c   783 

23.  Resolutions  for  bounty  to  recruiting  officers  in,  for  their  ex- 

pense and  trouble,  •••  829 

24.  Proceedings  of  Convention  on  report  of  committee  for  filling 

up,  &c   863 

25.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  and  providing  for  the 

employment  of  substitutes,  for  three  years,  or  during  the 

war,.   863,  864 

(See  Wheelock,  John.) 


INDEX. 


1161 


PAGE. 

NEW-YORK,  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OF. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,     1 

2.  Proceedings  of  Convention  relative  to  Isaac  Low,  a  non-at- 

tending Deputy  from,   3,4 

3.  Letter  from  committee  of,  to  the  counties,  requesting  the  elec- 

tion of  Delegates  to  a  Provincial  Congress,   5 

4.  General  association  agreed  to,  and  subscribed  by  the  free- 

holders, freemen  and  inhabitants  of,   5 

5.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,     7,  36 

6.  Merchants  and  others,  inhabitants  of,  desired  to  attend  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  on  the  discussion  of  the  report  on  the 
subject  of  the  emission  of  a  Continental  paper  currency,  15 

7.  Resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the  de- 

fence of,  and  the  arming  and  disciplining  of  the  militia 

of,   16 

8.  Fortifications  at  King's  Bridge,   16 

9.  Committee  of  Provincial  Congress  appointed  to  examine  and 

report  thereon,    20 

10.  Petition  of  CapL  Samuel  Tudor,  of  independent  company  of 

artillery  in,  for  ammunition  and  carriages,  received  and 
granted,   24 

11.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  embarkation 

of  British  troops  from,   28 

12.  Committee  appointed  to  examine  list  of  articles  retained 

by  merchants  of,  at  request  of  city  committee ;  report 

of,   33,34 

13.  Proceedings  on  motion  of  Messrs.  Scott  and  Tredwell,  rela- 

tive to  the  dismantling  of  fort  in,  and  securing  certain  im- 
plements and  other  accommodations  for  war  therein,. .  .  35,  37 

14.  Appointment  of  secret  committee  to  ascertain  the  quantity 

of  saltpetre  in  the  hands  of  apothecaries  of,    36 

15.  Appointment  of  committee  to  ascertain  and  report  the  quan- 

tity of  the  several  articles  retained  by  merchants  i  i,  ne- 
cessary for  equipping  three  thousand  effective  men,   36 

16.  Report  of  quantity  of  gunpowder  remaining  unsold  in,   36 

17.  Directions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting,   36 

18.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  application  of  certain  por- 

tions of  money  raised  by  subscription,  by  committee  of,  to 
payment  of  Robert  Boyd  and  Henry  Watkeys,  for  musket 
and  bayonet  making,       41 

19.  Organization  of  Captain  Anthony  Rutgers'  company  of 

artillery  in,  from  marine  society,  and  appointment  of  offi- 
cers of,   41,  66 

20.  George  Campbell  and  his  servant  maid,  Elizabeth  Raudon, 

sent  for  by  Provincial  Congress,  for  information  respect- 
ing certain  ammunition  in  a  store  near  the  Battery,   43 

21.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  to  Alderman  Filkin,  to  search 

a  store  near  Bowden's  house,  for  gunpowder  lodged  there 
contrary  to  law ;  report  of,   44 

22.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  loan  of  money  to  city  com- 

mittee,   45 

23.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  respecting 

the  collection  and  purchase  of  saltpetre,  sulphur  and  brim- 
stone,   50 

24.  Gerard  Bancker  and  others  requested  to  have  barracks  in, 

prepared  for  the  reception  of  troops,  50,  53 

25.  Recommendation  of  Provincial  Congress  to  general  commit- 

tee of  association  of,  to  take  effectual  measures  for  pre- 
venting the  spread  of  smallpox,   50 

26.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  transmission  of  mus- 

kets and  bayonets  from  the  several  counties,  to  commit- 
tees of,   57 

26.  Order  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  and  Committee 

of  Safety,  for  delivery  of  muskets,  bayonets,  &c.  be- 
longing to  corporation  of,  to  committee  appointed  for  that 
purpose,   66,  69 

27.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  declaring  an  intended  ad- 

dress, from  corporation  of,  to  Governor  Tryon,  impro- 
per,  66 

28.  Appointment  of  committee  to  convene  all  the  blacksmiths  in, 

for  the  purpose  of  consulting  relative  to  the  making  of 
gun  barrels,  bayonets,  &c   67 

29.  Communication  from  committee  of,  respecting  arrest  of  Wil- 

liam McCleod,  ensign  of  52d  regiment  of  foot,  at  Boston, 
and  instructions  to,  by  Provincial  Congress,  to  send  as  a 
prisoner  of  war  to  committee  of  Elizabethtown,  and  to 
treat  with  lenity   68,  69 

30.  Appointment  of  members  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   69 

(See  Herring,  Peter.) 

31.  Estimate  of  the  value  of  muskets  and  bayonets  belonging  to 

the  corporation  of,  requested  of  mayor  of,   75 

32.  Treasurer  authorized  to  pay  over  to  Colonel  McDougall 

certain  sums  received  from  general  committee  of  associa- 
tion in,   79 

33.  Order  of  civil  magistrates  of,  with  approbation  of  Commit- 

tee of  Safety,  for  the  building  of  a  boat  to  replace  that  be- 
longing to  the  crew  of  the  ship  Asia,   81 

34.  Recommendation  for  appointment  of  Ebenezer  Hazard,  as 

postmaster  at,   90 

35.  Directions  to  general  committee  of  association  at,  to  take 

into  consideration  the  papers  relating  to  George  Coffin's 
vessel  and  cargo,   99 

36.  Directions  to,  for  examination  and  report  relative  to  destruc- 

tion of  barge  belonging  to  ship  Asia,    102 

37.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  mayor  and  ma- 

291 


PAGE. 

gistrates  of,  to  build  a  barge  to  replace  the  one  belonging 
to  ship  Asia,  and  destroyed,   103,  104 

38.  Memorial  of  Peter  Clopper  and  others,  merchants  of,  rela- 

tive to  exportation  of  flaxseed,  and  resolution  of  Provin- 
cial Congress  thereon,   106 

39.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  destruction  of  the  barge  of 

ship  Asia,   110 

40.  Letter  from  General  Washington,  informing  of  the  appre- 

hended movement  of  British  troops  from  Boston  to  New- 
York,    109 

41.  Gen.  Wooster  ordered  to  return  to  camp  at  Harlem,   110 

42.  General  committee  of,  directed  to  make  inquiry  and  report 

relative  to  the  sailing  of  a  vessel  cleared  for  St.  Croix, 
with  provisions  on  board  for  use  of  British  army  at  Bos- 
ton,  in 

42.  Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  boats  to  sail  eastward, 

for  the  purpose  of  discovering  any  fleet  coming  towards ; 
authorized  to  insure  such  boats  against  seizure,  &c.  110,  111, 

113 

43.  Cannon  on  the  Battery  at,  to  be  employed  for  defence  of  the 

fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  on  the  Hudson  river,. .  113,  114 

44.  Resolution  prohibiting  further  removal  of  cannon  or  stores 

from  Battery,  and  for  strengthening  the  guard  and  pro- 
tecting the  Governor's  house,   122 

45.  Inventory  of  articles  taken  from  the  stores  adjoining  Bow- 

den's house,  in,   123 

46.  General  committee  of,  requested  to  meet  daily,  for  the  trans- 

action of  business   123 

47.  Appointment  of  committee  to  search  house  of  Linten,  the 

innkeeper,  at  the  sign  of  the  Blue  Bell,  for  baggage  and 
papers  of  Alexr.  Bell,  and  disposition  of,   129 

48.  Gabriel  W.  Ludlow  authorized  to  make  disposition  of  pow- 

der in.,   129 

49.  Letter  from  David  Burger,  in  Partition-street,  complaining 

of  sundry  persons  in  Richmond  county,  for  supplying  a 
transport  with  live  stock,.   132 

50.  Firemen  of,  exempted  from  military  night  watch,  or  military 

duty  out  of,   135 

(See  Records,  1.) 

51.  Committee  of,  directed  to  search  for  and  purchase  spare 

arms,   137 

52.  Reference  to  committee  of,  of  application  from  William  Mc- 

Adam,  for  permission  for  sloop  Jean  to  proceed  to  sea, 
and  also  of  examination  of  Alexander  Bell,   138 

53.  Committee  of,  requested  to  account  for  moneys  borrowed 

for  use  of  Colony,   ,  j^q 

54.  Certificate  of  Isaac  Stoutenburgh,  of  the  taking  of  muskets, 

&c.  from  the  City  Hall  and  his  house,  at  the  time  of  re- 
ceiving accounts  of  the  Lexington  battle,   141 

55.  Quakers  residing  in,  ordered  to  deliver  lists  of  the  males,  be- 

tween 16  and  60,  belonging  to  their  society  ;  refusal  of,. .  141 

56.  Mayor  of,  requested  to  demaDd  the  immediate  discharge  of 

William  Becker,  a  citizen  of,  confined  in  irons  on  board 

the  ship  Asia   143 

57.  Memorial  of  officers  or  foremen  of  firemen  in,  praying  for 

exemption  from  military  duty,  and  disposition  of,   142 

58.  Appropriation  to  sub-committee  of,  to  discharge  debts  for 

money  borrowed  for  public  exigencies,  146  147 

59.  Permission  to  Elias  Nixon,  merchant  of,  to  go  to  Boston,  to 

obtain  payment  of  moneys  due  to  him,  and  certificate  in 
favour  of,   147 

60.  Permission  to  William  Remsen  and  John  A.  Remsen,  mer- 

chants and  lieutenants  of  militia  in,  to  proceed  to  Cam- 
bridge,  150 

60.  Information  by  mayor  of,  of  communication  from  Governor 

Tryon,  informing  him  of  the  receipt  of  letter  from  Lord 
Dartmouth,  apprising  him  of  orders  to  the  commanders  of 
His  Majesty's  ships  in  America  to  consider  cities  or  pla- 
ces raising  troops  or  erecting  fortifications,  &c.  as  in  a 
state  of  rebellion,   152 

61.  Appointment  of  committee  to  wait  on  the  Governor,  and  re- 

quest an  extract  of  Lord  Dartmouth's  letter,  or  its  exact 
Purport,   153 

62.  M  onsieur  N.  Perree,  an  elderly  gentleman  and  invalid  in, 

excuses  from  military  duty,  and  from  serving  on  night 
watch,   159 

63.  Petition  of  Col.  Lasher  and  others,  militia  officers  in,  that 

militia  may  be  ordered  to  train  at  least  once  a  week,  for 
three  months,   159^  j60 

64.  Proposal  of  a  merchant  of,  to  load  500  bbls.  of  flour  to  His- 

paniola,  and  bring  gunpowder  in  return,    166 

65.  Directions  to  wardens  of  port  of,  to  value  pilot  boat  Bishop 

of  I.andaff,  owned  by  Francis  James,  employed  in  public 
service;  estimate,  176,  177 

66.  Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of  Continental  Con- 

gress, communicating  information  of  apprehended  attack 
upon,  and  requesting  the  removal  of  all  the  sulphur  there- 
in; and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   183 

67.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for 

safety  of  women  and  children  in,  in  case  of  necessity   185 

68.  Assurances  of  Provincial  Congress  of  provision  for  safety  of 

citizens  of,  in  case  of  invasion,   187 

69.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting  exportation  of 

produce  from,  &c   187 

70.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  ascertainment 

of  hostilities  committed  by  ministerial  troops  and  navy  in 


1162 


INDEX. 


NEW-YORK,  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OF— Continued. 
America,  communicated  to  committee  of)  for  detailed  in- 
formation respecting   187 

71.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  Provin- 

cial Congress  to  take  possession  of  blankets  and  shirts  re- 
maining in  the  King's  stores  in,  and  forward  the  same,  or 
as  many  as  may  be  necessary,  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  for  the 
use  of  his  army  ;  letter  from  Provincial  Congress  relating 
thereto,  188,  190 

72.  Examinations  of  Thomas  Pearsall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius, 

relative  to  the  raising  of  the  price  of  certain  goods  refer- 
red to  committee  of,  for  inquiry,  &c    193,  195 

73.  Anonymous  letter  from  Philadelphia,  informing  of  the  pro- 

bable destruction  of,  and  offering  to  prepare  fire  vessels 

for  defence  of,   200 

74.  Letter  from  Cornelius  Clopper,  one  of  Delegates  from,  to 

Provincial  Congress,  resigning  his  office,   200 

75.  Letter  from  President  of  Continental  Congress  to  Provincial 

Congress,  requesting  supply  of  arms  to  troops  raised  in 
New-Jersey  for  defence  of,  to  be  sent  to  Lord  Stirling,. .  202 

76.  Letter  from  Theodorus  Van  Wyck,  one  of  the  Delegates 

elected  for,  to  Provincial  Congress,  excusing  his  non-atten- 
dance,  203 

77.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  to  second  Provincial  Con- 

gress,   208 

78.  Doorkeeper  ordered  to  wait  upon  Deputies  from,  and  desire 

them  to  take  their  seats  in  Provincial  Congress,  or  assign 
reasons  for  non-attendance,   208 

79.  Recommendation  by  general  committee  of  William  Leary  as 

town-major,  and  appointment  of,   209 

80.  Recommendation  by  general  committee  of  Peter  Pra  Van 

Zandt  as  first  major,  and  Patrick  Welsh,  adjutant,  of  re- 
giment of  militia  in,   209 

81.  Petition  of  general  committee  of,  relative  to  seizure  of  types 

in,  by  a  body  of  troops  from  a  neighbouring  Colony ;  ap- 
pointment of  committee  thereon,   210 

82.  Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  thereon,   213 

83.  Letter  to  Governor  of  Connecticut  respecting,  213,214 

84.  Application  of  committee  of,  for  loan  of  money  from  Provin- 

cial Congress ;  order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,. . . .  227 

85.  Commissions  ordered  to  officers  of  Col.  Heyer's  regiment 

and  battalion,  in,   227 

86.  Proceedings  in  Case  of  John  Blackler,  referred  by  committee 

of,  to  Provincial  Congress,   227,  228,  229 

87.  Appointment  of  committee  to  purchase,  arm  and  fit  out  a 

proper  vessel  to  be  maintained  in  the  East  river  or  Sound, 
to  prevent  persons  inimical  the  liberties  of  the  American 
Colonies  from  supplying  the  ministerial  army  and  navy 
with  provisions,   228 

88.  Committee  of  Safety  authorized  to  apply  £1,000  to  relief  of 

indigent  poor  in,   231 

89.  Information  communicated  by  committee  of,  to  Provincial 

Congress,  relative  to  supposed  importation  of  British 
goods  from  St.  Eustatia,   239 

90.  Return  of  officers  of  beat  No.  13,  in,   242 

91.  Return  of  officers  of  beat  No.  14,in,   243 

92.  Information  of  condition  of  regiments  of  Cols.  Lasher,  Hey- 

er,  and  Lott,  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,  and 
order  for  regular  supplies  of  powder,   244 

92.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  in  the  case  of  Benjamin 

James,  chosen  captain  of  one  of  the  militia  companies  in, 
and  refusing  to  subscribe  declaration,   246 

93.  Order  for  arrest  of  Alexander  Leslie,  on  charge  of  traitor- 

ous correspondence  with  enemy,   252 

94.  Troops  of  Lord  Stirling  directed  to  be  stationed  in,  and  Gar- 

ret Roorback  appointed  barrack-master,  254,  255 

95.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Maj.  Gen.  Lee,  relative 

to  apprehended  march  of  troops  of,  to,  and  answer  of  Ge- 
neral Lee,   258,  266 

95.  Appointment  of  committee  for  employment  of  industrious 

poor  in,  in  spinning  and  manufactures,  and  appropriation 
therefor,     264 

96.  Communication  by  sub-committee  of,  relative  to  the  expedi- 

ency of  organizing  a  regiment  for  defence  and  protection 
of  the  city,  in  lieu  of  the  military  night  watch  ;  and  to  the 
lading  of  vessels  without  certificates,   264 

97.  Appointment  of  Capt.  William  Merceir  to  superintend  lad- 

ing of  such  vessels,  and  provision  for  payment  of,   267 

98.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  supply  of 

provisions  for,  &c   269 

99.  Arrangements  for  reception  of  Maj.  Gen.  Lee,  on  his  arrival 

in,    270 

100.  Proceedings  of  committee  of  Continental  Congress,  appoint- 

ed to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  expedition  of  Gen. 
Lee,  for  defence  of,  and  order  for  admission  with  his 
troops,   277,  278 

101.  Letter  from  Col.  Waterbury,  relative  to  accommodation  of 

Gen.  Lee's  troops,   278 

102.  Application  from  sub-committee  of,  relative  to  the  exporta- 

tion of  flaxseed  in  exchange  for  powder,  and  to  the  exa- 
mination and  inspection  of  such  exports,   280,  281 

103.  Order  for  certificate  for  amount  in  value  of  Isaac  Gover- 

neur's  exports,   281 

104.  Employment  of  John  Ramsey,  in  the  manufacture  of  linen 

and  tow  cloth  in  281,  282 

105.  Direction  for  the  purchase  and  distribution  of  wood,  to  the 

necessitous  poor  in,   282 


PAGE 

NEW-YORK,  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OF-Continued. 

106.  Examination  and  proceedings  of  Committee  of  Safety  on  re- 

ceipt of  information  of  the  arrival  of  transports  in  the 
harbour  of,  with  Gen.  Clinton  and  British  troops;  confe- 
rences  with  Hon.  Hugh  Wallace  and  mayor,  relative  to 
the  apprehended  arrival  of  British  troops;  and  arrange- 
ments  with  committee  of  Continental  Congress  and  Gen. 
Lee,  for  the  protection  and  defence  of  the  city,   282  283 

107.  Conference  between  Committee  of  Safety,  General  Lee,  and  ' 

committee  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  erec- 
tion of  fortifications  on  Nassau  island  and  near  Hellgate 
for  the  protection  of,   284 

108.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  to  Committee  of  Safe- 

ty, respecting  application  for  provisions  for  ship  Asia, 

&c.  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   285 

109.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  Gen.  Lee  to 

call  to  his  aid  the  minute  men  of  the  Colony,  in  addition 
to  Lord  Stirling's  and  the  two  Continental  regiments,  for 
the  defence  of,   288 

110.  Accounts  for  wood  and  necessaries  for  the  poor  in,  audited 

and  allowed,   288 

111.  Appointment  of  Richard  Norwood  as  commissary  of  military 

stores  in,   290 

112.  Appropriation  of  £200  for  the  purchase  and  distribution  of 

provisions,  8tc.  for  the  poor  of,    290 

113.  General  committee  of,  directed  to  cause  the  place  of  seven 

Delegates  in  Provincial  Congress  who  have  not  taken  their 
seats,  to  be  supplied  by  election,   296 

114.  Permission  to  His  Majesty's  council,  the  magistrates  of  the 

city,  and  sundry  other  officers  to  goon  board  His  Excellen- 
cy Gov.  Tryon's  ship,   296 

115.  Preparations  for  the  reception  and  accommodation  of  troops 

expected  from  neighbouring  counties  and  Colonies  for  de- 
fence of,      3d 

116.  Permission  to  David  Mathews,  mayor  elect,  with  other  ma- 

gistrates, to  go  on  board  the  Dutchess  of  Gordon,  on  pub- 
lic business  with  the  Governor   302 

117.  Proposition  of  Gen.  Lee,  to  stop  the  channel  of  the  East 

river,  between  the  city  and  Nutten  island,  so  as  not  to  ad- 
mit line  of  battle  ships ;  referred  to  military  committee,. .  307 

118.  Report  of  committee  thereon;  and  order  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress, respecting  communication  between  inhabitants  of, 
and  British  ships  of  war,  and  the  supply  of  provisions 
therefor,  &c   308,  309 

119.  Appointment  of  Elias  Nexen  as  portmaster  of;  and  salary 

of,    309 

120.  Return  of  election  of  Deputies  in  Provincial  Congress  for.  .  314 

121.  Return  of  officers  elected  in  militia  company  in,    316 

122.  Appointment  of  John  Tarper,  as  overseer  or  wagon  master 

of  cartmen  employed  for  the  service  of  the  Continental 
troops  in,    319 

123.  Letter  from  Wm.  Leary,  town  major,  praying  for  compensa- 

tion, &c.  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,.  321,  361 

124.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  the  establish- 

ment of  a  hospital  in,   323  327 

125.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  the  erection 

of  works  southwest  of  Trinity  church,   323 

126.  Direction  for  establishment  of  a  store  house  or  magazine  for 

military  stores  in    325 

127.  Direction  for  establishment  of  a  store  house  for  bread,   328 

128.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  prohibiting  all  obstruction 

in  the  supply  of  provisions  to  inhabitants  of,  and  to 
Continental  army,   229 

129.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress  by  port- 

master,  of  the  seizure  of  Gov.  Tryon's  servants ;  and  of 
the  inefficiency  of  his  power  to  enforce  the  directions  of 
Congress,   332 

130.  Instructions  to  barrack  master  relative  to  the  proper  accom- 

modation of  troops  and  officers  arriving  in,   339 

131.  Directions  to  Captain  William  Mercier,  to  take  effectual 

measures  to  prohibit  the  exportation  of  salt  from,   343 

(See  Lee,  Charles.) 
(See  Stirling,  Lord.) 

132.  Requisition  on  Treasurer,  in  favour  of  John  Ramsey,  for 

employment  of  industrious  poor  in,   348 

133.  Petition  of  Robert  Uobinson  and  Michael  Price,  merchants 

of,  testifying  their  contrition  for  selling  goods  at  an  ad- 
vanced price,  in  violation  of  the  orders  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  and  requesting  a  resolution  to  favour ;  certificate 
granted  by  Provincial  Congress,    349 

134.  Regulations  agreed  to,  between  Lord  Stirling  and  committee 

of  Provincial  Congress,  for  defence  of,   360,  361 

135.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  requesting  the  Gover- 

nor of  Connecticut,  and  the  Conventions,  &c.  of  New- York 
and  New-Jersey,  to  hold  their  militia  in  readiness  to  march 
to  defence  of,  whenever  desired  by  Continental  com- 
mander,  370,  375 

136.  Return  of  election  of  Elias  Brevoort  as  captain  in  the  third 

regiment  in,   370 

137.  Offer  of  service  of  second  battalion  on  regiment  in,  as  mi- 

nute men,   372 

138.  Acceptance  of,  and  terms  of  engagement,   373 

139.  Return  of  cannon  in,  fit  for  service,  &c   374,  375 

140.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  sundry  bat- 

talions to  repair  to,  &c  ■   375 

141.  Directions  for  furnishing  sundry  artillery  stores  for  defence 

of,    376 


INDEX. 


1163 


142. 


NEW-YORK,  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OF— Continued. 
Appointment  of  Brig.  General  Thompson,  to  take  command 
in  


379 


143.  Permission  to  Jacobus  Van  Zandtand  Isaac  Sears,  to  export 

produce  from,  in  exchange  for  military  stores  imported  by, 
from  Amsterdam   380 

144.  Appointment  of  committee  to  muster  troops  at  the  fortifica- 

tions at  Hell  Gate  and  Horn's  Hook,   383 

145.  Leads  ordered  to  be  taken  from  the  window  cases  of  the 

City  Hall,  and  from  the  Exchange  in,  for  the  public  ser- 
vice,  384,511 

146.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Thompson  to  Committee  of  Safety, 

respecting  protection  of  furniture  belonging  to  persons 
leaving  the  city,   393 

147.  General  committee  of,  authorized  to  permit  the  exportation 

of  bar  iron,   397 

148.  Conference  with  Col  Mifflin,  quarter-master-general,  rela- 

tive to  accommodations  for  troops  in  j  and  order  of  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  thereon,   399,  400 

149.  College  buildings  converted  into  barracks,   400 

150.  Request  of  Gen.  Washington  for  the  suppression  of  taverns 

and  tippling  houses  in,  as  tending  to  debauch  the  soldiery ; 
and  order  of  Committee  of  Safety  therefor,   408 

151.  Directions  to  Alexander  Moncrief,  to  receive  into  his  custo- 

dy prisoners  committed  by  order  of  general  committee  of,  412 

152.  Recommendation  of  Gen.  Washington  for  the  establish- 

ment of  signals  to  give  information  of  the  approach  of  the 
enemy  ;  and  the  appointment  of  corps  of  minute  or  militia 
men,  to  repair  to  such  stations  on  any  alarm,   412 

153.  Instructions  to  Alexander  Moncrief,  relative  to  custody  of 

prisoners  committed  to  charge  of,  and  to  the  police  of  the 
prison,    416, 417 

156.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  ordering  return  of  in- 

habitants of,  to  the  city,  and  prohibiting  all  persons  from 
departing  from,  without  permission  ;  reconsideration  of,  438, 

466 

157.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  the  third  Pro- 

vincial Congress,    448 

158.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam  to  Provincial  Congress,  informing 

of  the  inoculation  of  sundry  persons  in,  for  the  smallpox, 
by  Doctor  Betts  ;  general  committee  of,  directed  to  inves- 
tigate the  matter,  &c   459 

159.  Report  of  committee ;  and  order  of  Provincial  Congress 

thereon,      461 

160.  Report  of  committee  respecting  the  appeal  of  Andrew  Gau- 

tier,  Jr.  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  on  charge  of  refusing 
to  receive  in  payment  the  Continental  paper  money ;  order 
for  appearance  of  said  Gautier,   461 

161.  Report  of  committee  respecting  the  conviction  of  Thomas 

Harriot,  on  a  similar  charge ;  and  order  for  commitment 

of  said  Harriot,   465 

162.  Return  of  election  of  officers  in  the  out  ward,  in,   469 

163.  Resolution  of  committee  of,  prohibiting  the  demand  of  gold 

or  silver  in  preference  to  Continental  bills,   470 

164.  Examination  on  appeal  of  Andrew  Gautier  from  decision  of 

general  committee  of,  on  charge  of  refusing  Continental 
money ;  and  order  of  Provincial  Congress  pardoning  and 
absolving  him  from  said  office,   473,  474,  473 

165.  List  of  tories  in,  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  re- 

specting proceedings  against,   476,  475 

166.  Examination  on  appeal  of  Thomas  Harriot,  from  decision 

of  general  committee  of,  on  charge  of  having  refused  Con- 
tinental money ;  decision  confirmed,  _   488 

166.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  the  justices  and  vestry- 

men in,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  for  the  poor  in,   489 

167.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  disapproving  of  certain 

riotous  and  disorderly  conduct  towards  the  tories  in ;  and 
authorizing  suppression  of,   491,  492 

168.  Letter  from  Lieut.  Davidson,  on  board  the  armed  schooner 

Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  sailing  of  General  Howe, 
with  the  British  fleet  from  Hallifax,  for,   509 

169.  Adjournment  of  Provincial  Congress,  and  order  for  removal 

of  public  treasures,  records  and  military  stores  from  to 
White  Plains,  in  Westchester  county,  in  apprehension  of 
an  attack  on  the  city,   512 

170.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  the  proper  places  for 

the  reception  and  means  of  support  of  the  poor  inhabitants 

of,    518 

171.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  fourth  Provin- 

cial Congress,  at  White  Plains,   519 

172.  Resolution  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  abandonment  of, 

at  the  discretion  of  the  Commander-in-Chief;  and  the  with- 
drawal of  the  troops  from,  to  the  north  side  of  King's 
Bridge,    524 

173.  Resolution  of  Convention  prohibiting  the  exportation  of 

provisions  from  the  port  of,  under  penalty  of  forfeiture  of 
vessel  and  cargo,   537 

174.  Letter  from  committee  of,  complaining  of  the  high  prices  at 

which  Bohea  tea  is  sold  in,   553 

175.  Letter  from  committee  of,  complaining  of  the  inefficiency  of 

the  police  in,   553 

176.  General  committee  of,  directed  to  furnish  Gen.  Washington 

with  the  telescope  belonging  to  the  college  at ;  and  resolu- 
tions of  Convention  for  indemnifying  the  governors  of  the 
college  therefor,   556,  559 

177.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  the  right  of,  to  elect 

Representatives  from,   557 


PAGE. 

NEW-YORK,  CITY  AND  COUNTY  OF — Continued. 

178.  List  of  houses  in,  authorized  to  be  employed  for  the  use  of 

the  general  hospital,   568 

179.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  recommending  the  removal  of 

the  women  and  children  from  ;  and  resolutions  of  Conven- 
tion therefor  ;  and  for  the  relief  of  the  indigent  and  infirm 
inhabitants  of,   578 

180.  Letter  to  General  Washington  respecting  rumour  of  the 

burning  of,   584,  588 

181.  Order  for  removal  of  the  post  office  from,  to  some  convenient 

place  near  Dobb's  Ferry,  in  Westchester  county,   602 

182.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  Gen.  Washington  to 

cause  all  the  bells  in  the  churches  and  other  public  edifices 
in,  to  be  taken  down  and  removed  to  Newark,  in  New-Jer- 
sey, to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  enemy's  hands,   610 

183.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  Committee  of  Safety 

and  correspondence  in,  to  take  from  the  doors  of  the 
houses  in,  the  brass  knockers,  and  forward  the  same  to 
Newark,    613 

184.  Evacuation  of,  by  the  American  army,   629 

185.  Intelligence  of  a  great  fire  at,   641 

186.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  containing  a  particular  ac- 

count of  the  manoeuvres  of  the  enemy  on  their  landing,  at 
and  of  the  behaviour  of  our  troops,  &c   642 

187.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire  relative  to  the  safety 

and  preservation  of  the  records  of,   692 

188.  Loan  office  books  and  seal  of,  directed  to  be  delivered  to 

Treasurer,  in  consequence  of  a  vacancy  in  the  office,  &c.  699 

189.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  moneys  advanced  on  the  re- 

moval of  the  poor  inhabitants  from,     729 

190.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Westchester  committee,  relative  to 

the  disposition  of  poor  sent  from,  &c   767 

191.  Examination  of  Mrs.  Hannah  White,  wife  of  Sergeant 

White,  of  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,  relative  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  British  troops  and  Hessians  in,  &c   788,  789 

192.  Requisitions  on  Treasurer  for  support  of  indigent  inhabitants 

of,   805,  903 

193.  Appointment  of  Representatives  in  Assembly  for,    918 

NICHOLSON,  GEORGE.  (See  Cornell,  John.) 

1.  Letter,  on  request  of,  to  Delegates  in  Congress  from  Mary- 

land, respecting,   148,  149 

2.  Answer  of  Maryland  Delegates,. ,   155 

3.  Petition  of,  setting  forth  his  former  employment  as  a  suJgeon 

and  officer  in  the  East  India  service,  and  praying  for  em- 
ployment or  relief,   156 

4.  Letter  from,  requesting  recommendatory  letters,  as  a  cadet, 

&c   159 

5.  Order  for  payment  of  money  to,   160 

NICHOLSON  JOHN. 
1.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  enlistment  of  a  company  of 
seventy-two  men ;  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  di- 
recting him  to  return  said  company  to  Col.  Clinton,   83 

NICHOLSON,  MAJ.  GEORGE. 
1.  Application  of,  for  aid  in  the  removal  of  the  baggage  of  the 
cadet  company  under  his  command,  and  of  the  French  re- 
fugees,     885 

NICOLL,  COL.  ISAAC. 

1.  Field  officers  of  regiment  of  minute  men  of,  in  Orange  coun- 

ty,   238 

2.  Letter  from,  transmitting  returns  of  officers  in  Captain  Het- 

field's  company  of  minute  men,   238 

(See  Highlands.) 

3.  Permission  to,  to  retire  from  service  at  the  Highlands  ;  and 

vote  of  thanks  to,    435 

4.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  regiment  of  militia  in  Orange 

county,   528 

5.  Certificate  of  balance  due  on  muster  rolls  of,  for  bounty  of 

his  regiment,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of, . .  723 

NIXON,  ELIAS.  (See  New- York  City,  59.) 

NORBERG,  CAPT.  JOHN. 
1.  Memorial  of,  &c.  and  permission  to  repair  to  Great  Britain 

for  the  recovery  of  his  health,   220 

NORTH  CAROLINA. 

1.  Intercepted  letter  from  Gen.  Gage  to  Governor  of,   57 

2.  Intercepted  letter  from  Gov.  Martin  to  Henry  White,   68 

(See  Martin  Joseph.) 

NORTHERN  ARMY. 

(See  Gates  Horatio.) 
(See  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  225.) 

NORWOOD,  RICHARD. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  of  military  stores,  in  and  for 

the  city  and  county  of  New- York ;  and  directions  to,   290 

2.  Directed  to  receive  from  Col.  Waterbury,  the  arms  taken  from 

sundry  disaffected  persons  in  Westchester  county,  to  be 

appraised  and  described,   321 

3.  To  deliver  arms  to  Col.  McDougall,   336 

4.  To  take  charge  of  powder  purchased  of  Nicholas  Low,   348 

o. 

OAKES  THOMAS,  Jr. 
1.  Employed  as  a  tinman  at  Ticonderoga,  under  command  of 
Gen.  Schuyler   1 


1164 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

OAKLEY,  PHEBE. 
1.  Petition  and  affidavits  of,  &c.  complaining  of  robbery  and 
plunder  of  effects  of,  by  Captain  Ford  and  his  company,  of 
Col.  Brewer's  regiment ;  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty thereon;  and  letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Heath,  directing  the 
apprehension  and  detention  of  said  Ford,  ...  731,  732, 733,  754 

OATH  OF  ALLEGIANCE. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention,  in  framing  constitution  respect- 
ing,  851,852,853 

.(SeeTryon  County,28.) 

OATH  OF  SECRECY. 

1.  Form  of,  to  be  administered  to  members  and  officers  of  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  and  to  all  persons  employed  by,  ... .  116,  117 

2.  Resolutions  of  Convention  absolving  from,  and  directing  all 

matters  of  secrecy  to  be  charged  upon  the  honour  of  mem- 
bers respectively,   560 

O'CONNER,  JOHN. 

1.  Directed  to  appear  before  Committee  of  Safety,    153 

2.  Examination  of,  respecting  certain  proceedings  of  Guy  and 

Sir  John  Johnson ;  and  discharged,   154 

OFFICERS.  (See  General  Officers.) 

(See  Battalions.) 
(See  Arrangement,  Major-General,  Captains,  &c.) 
(See  Brigadier-General.) 

1.  Draft  of  warrant  from  Provincial  Congress  to  officers  of 

troops  to  be  raised,  and  instructions  accompanying  for  the 
enlistment  of  men,    57 

2.  Report  of  committee  to  wait  upon,   59 

3.  Arrangement  of  battalions  and  officers  thereof,   62 

4.  Committee  to  determine  rank  of  captains  and  inferior  officers 

of  the  several  regiments,   6  3 

5.  Provision  for  election  and  appointment  of,  in  the  several  com- 

panies of  militia  ;  and  mode  of  such  election,  104,  114  to  116, 

147 

6.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  pay  of,   105 

7.  Draft  of  commissioners  to,   141 

8.  Choice  of,  in  Great  Neck  and  Cow  Neck,  Queens  county,. .  .  173 

9.  Return  of,  in  Captain  Stephen  Brinckerhoff's  company,   229 

(See  Orange  County,  20,  24,  27,  28,  31,  32,  33,  35,  37,  39, 

41,  64,  65,  66,  72.) 
(See  Dutchess  County,  13,23,  24,  25,  26,  27,  28,  29,  30.) 
(See  Ulster  County,  14,  16,  17,  21,  28,  30,  33,  34,  37,  38, 

40,43,  54,81.) 
(See  Westchester  County,  9, 12,  15, 24,  28,  34,  36,  37,  40.) 

Determination  of  rank  of,  in  the  several  counties,   229,  230 

(See  Suffolk  County,  33.) 
(See  Cumberland  County,  12,  13,  14,  15,  19.) 
Letter  to  Delegation  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting  pay- 
ment of  billeting  money  to,  &c   245, 246 

Letter  to  Delegation  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

choice  of,  in  certain  cases,   246 

(See  Suffolk  County,  38,  39,  40, 42,  43,  44,  57,  58.) 
(See  Charlotte  County,  6,  7.) 
(See  Albany  County,  45.) 
(See  City  and  County  of  New-York,  121.) 
(See  New-York  Battalions,  6.) 
(See  Kings  County,  12.) 

OFFICERS. 

13.  Memorial  of  Captain  Daniel  Griffin,  Jno.  Johnson,  and  thir- 

teen others  of  the  northern  army,  in  the  service  of  the 
United  Colonies,  by  appointment  of  this  Colony,  respect- 
ing pay  and  rations  ;  disposition  of,   317 

14.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  prefe- 

rence in  choice  of,  of  new  levies  engaged  in  the  last  Cana- 
dian campaign,    318 

(See  Grennel,  Captain  John,  7.) 
(See  Bellinger  Peter,  1.) 

15.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  the  rank  and 

number  of,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  army  at  New- 
York,    487 

16.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  declaring  military  offi- 

cers ineligible  to  a  seat  in,   495 

17.  List  of,  in  Col.  Malcom's  regiment,    506 

18.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Continental  Congress,  relative  to 

nomination  of,  for  additional  regiment,  for  the  reinforce- 
ment of  the  army  at  New-York,   520 

19.  Memorial  of,  complaining  of  improper  appointments  by  Con- 

gress, &c   522 

20.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Continental  Congress,  transmitting 

sundry  resolutions  of,   522 

21.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  punishment  of  neglect  of  duty 

or  disobedience  of  orders  of ;  and  for  the  resignations  of,.  567 

22.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions,  &c.  relative  to  the  ar- 

rangement of,  for  the  four  Continental  battalions  ordered 

to  be  raised  in  this  State  ;  list  of,   712,  713 

(See  Civil  Officers.) 

23.  Resolutions  of  Congress  respecting  rank  of,  in  the  army  of 

the  United  States,   983,984 

OFFICIAL  CANVASS. 
1.  Of  votes  given  at  an  election  for  Governor,  Lieut.  Governor, 

Ssnators  and  Representatives,   990 

OGDEN,  MOSES. 
1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  contract  with, 

for  furnishing  coal  to  cast  shot,   373 


10. 

11. 

12. 


PAGE. 

OGDEN,  MOSES— Continued. 
Contract  with  ;  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for 
advance,    377 

O'HARA,  CAPT.  HENRY. 
Certificate  of  mustering  of  company  of,  &c.  in  Col.  Wyn- 
koop's  regiment,   437 

ONEIDA  INDIANS. 

Letter  and  documents  from  Albany  committee  respecting  dis- 
position and  proceedings  of,   23,  24 

Letter  from  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland  to  Albany  committee,  re- 
specting, &c   49 

Appointment  of  committee  on,   49 

Passport  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Joseph  Johnson,  an  In- 
dian of  the  Mohegan  tribe,  and  a  licensed  preacher  amongst 
the  New-England  and  Oneida  Indians,  and  to  three  others, 
his  companions,  to  New-London ;  and  message  from  Pro- 
vincial Congress  to,   50 

Speeches  of  four  Oneida  chiefs  to  committee  of  Albany,  trans- 
mitted to  Provincial  Congress  by  Robert  Yates,.    95 

Speech  of  inhabitants  of  Albany  county  to,  at  German  Flatts, 
and  answer  of,  and  of  Tuscaroras,  transmitted  as  afore- 
said,   95 

Speech  of  inhabitants  of  Tryon  county  to  Oneidas  and  Tus- 
caroras, at  German  Flatts,  and  answer  of  Oneidas,  trans- 
mitted as  aforesaid,   95 

Arrival  at  Kingston  of  Kayend-alongwea,  one  of  the  head 
warriors  of,  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland — part  of  a  compa- 
ny returning  from  a  visit  to  the  eastern  States,  General 
Washington  and  the  American  army ;  speech  of  President 
of  Convention  to,  and  answer  of  Kayend-alongwea,   858 

Proposition  to,  by  commissioners,  for  the  erection  of  salt 
works  in  this  State,  for  the  manufacture  and  delivery  of 
salt   982,  983 

Deposition  of  Frederick  Hellmer,  relative  to  an  interview  and 
talk  with  Thomas,  a  sachem  of,  respecting  the  proceedings 
of  Sir  John  Johnson,  at  Oswego,   1007 

Letter  from  Thomas  Spencer  to  General  Schuyler,  relative  to 
the  movements  and  dispositions  of,   1026 

Examination  of  Johannes  Oosterhout,  Jr.  and  Nicholas,  the 
sachem,  respecting  the  affairs  and  proceedings  of,  &c   1054 

Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  declaring  them  allies  of  this 

State,   1054 

ONEOGHQUAGO,  ONENHOGHWAGO,  OR  OCOGH- 
QUAGA  INDIANS. 

Report  of  committee  of  conference  with  John  Harper,  messen- 
ger from  the  chiefs  of,   801,  802 

Resolutions  directing  the  sending  of  a  messenger  to,  with  as- 
surances of  friendship  and  protection,   802 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  chiefs  of,   803 

Resolution  for  presentation  of  one  hundred  weight  of  gun- 
powder to,   803 

Letter  from  John  Harper  relative  to  conference  with,  and  in- 
formation derived  from  ;  report  of  committee  thereon,.  879,  880 
(See  Brant,  Joseph,  2.) 

Examination  of  Johannes  Oosterhout,  Jr.  and  Nicholas,  the 
sachem,  respecting  the  proceedings  and  disposition  of;  and 
resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,   1054 

ONENHOGHKWAGE  INDIANS. 
Letter  from  chiefs  of,  to  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.  of  Ulster  county, 
requesting  a  supply  of  gunpowder,  lead  and  flints;  giving 
assurances  of  their  peaceable  disposition  and  neutrality ; 
and  inviting  the  inhabitants  to  trade  with  them  in  gunpow- 
der and  goods ;  order  of  Convention  thereon,   539 

(See  Ocoghquaga  Indians.) 

ORANGE  COUNTY. 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,     ];  2 

Resolutions  adopted  at  a  town  meeting  held  in  the  precinct  of 
Haverstraw,  in  said  county,   2 

Proceedings  of  town  meeting  in  the  precinct  of  Goshen,,. ...  2 

do  do  do        of  Orange,   2 

do  do  do        of  Cornwall, .. .  2 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 
Congress,  7,  8,  25,  98 

Receipt  of  letter  from  Benjamin  Carpenter,  chairman  of  com- 
mittee of  New-Marlborough,  Samuel  Brewster,  chairman 
of  committee  of  New-Windsor,  and  Isaac  Belknap,  chair- 
man of  committee  of  Newburgh,  pro  tem   49 

Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

Letter  from  chairmen  of  committees  of  Newburgh  and  New- 
Windsor  precincts,  relative  to  conduct  of  John  Morrell, 
Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah  Purdy,  sent  to  Provincial  Con- 
gress as  prisoners  and  disaffected  persons,   81 

Liberation  of,  and  letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  commit- 
tees, &c   93 

John  Griffiths  authorized  to  examine  the  lead  mines  in  Go- 
shen,  142 

Officers  of  company  of  minute  men  in  the  precinct  of  Corn- 
wall, in,   152 

Return  of  militia  officers  on  south  side  of  mountain,  in   170 

Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,  of  a  con- 
spiracy to  join  the  King's  troops,  extending  from  Haver- 
straw to  Hackensack,  and  letter  to  Haverstraw  commit- 
tee,   185 


INDEX. 


1165 


186 


195 


198 
199 


202 


PAGE. 

ORANGE  COUNTY— Continued. 

15.  Letter  to  committees  of  Haverstraw  and  Orange  precincts, 

relative  to  nomination  of  field  officers  for  the  militia  in,. . 

16.  Information  from  Capt.  Hutchinson,  of  Haverstraw  precinct, 

of  the  arrest  of  three  deserters  from  Capt.  Robert  John- 
son ;  directed  to  be  sent  to  the  fortifications  at  the  High- 
lands  

17.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  transmit- 

ting resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  for  the  raising  of 
men  from  militia  of,  for  the  occupation  and  defence  of  the 
fortifications  of  the  Highlands,   198 

18.  Letter  to  Delegates  from,  requesting  their  attendance,  

19.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  such  attendance,  

20.  Letter  from  Charles  Clinton,  chairman  of  Hanover  precinct, 

in,  transmitting  names  of  officers  elected  in  company  of  mi- 
nute men,  in,  

21.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  attending  second 

Provincial  Congress,   206,  213,  214,  225,  293 

22.  Appointment  of  George  Clinton  as  brigadier-general  of  mili- 

tia of,   226 

23.  Resolution  forming  militia  of  Orange  Town  and  precinct,  and 

that  of  Haverstraw,  into  two  separate  regiments,   231 

24.  Field  officers  of  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll's  regiment  of  minute  men 

in,   238 

25.  Letter  from  Colonel  Nicoll,  transmitting  returns  of  officers  of 

Capt.  Hetfield's  company  of  minute  men,   238 

26.  Directions  to  committee  of,  to  secure  the  arms  and  accoutre- 

ments of  discharged  soldiers,   252 

27.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  to  Provincial  Congress 

transmitting  list  of  officers  of  Goshen  and  Cornwall  regi- 
ments,   294 

28.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  on  the  south  side  of  the 

mountains  in,  transmitting  list  of  officers  for  two  compa- 
nies,   297 

29.  Letter  from  Captain  Samuel  Jones  and  others,  of  Goshen,  re- 

commending Israel  Wells  as  a  major  of  the  Colonial 
troops,   301 

30.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  returning  the  names  of 

proper  persons  for  officers  in  that  county,   306,  307 

31.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  at  Cakiate,  in  Haver- 

straw precinct,   310 

32.  Letters  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  &c.  respecting  choice  j 

of  officers  on  south  side  of  mountain,    322 

33.  Return  of  officers  of  company  of  minute  men  in  the  southern 

part  of,   323 

34.  Return  of  officers  of  regiment  and  company  of  militia  in 

Orange  Town,  

(See  Denton,  Capt.  Samuel.) 

35.  Return  of  officers  in  the  Florida  and  Warwick  regiments,. . . . 

36.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Edward  W.  Kiers,  mer- 

chant in  Haverstraw,  requesting  sale  of  powder  to  Colonel 
Hay,   

37.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company,  in  Cornwall  precinct,. 

38.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  the  colonels  of 

regiments  on  the  south  side  of  the  mountains  in,  to  draft 
100  men,  exclusive  of  volunteers,  for  defence  of  the  city  of 
New-York,   361 

39.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  respecting 

dissentions  relative  to  choice  of  officers  in  Captain  Silas 
Pearson's  company  of  militia,  in  Col.  Jesse  Woodhull's 
regiment,   367 

40.  Letter  from  Abraham  Lent,  colonel  of  Orange  Town  regi- 

ment, respecting  the  forwarding  of  minute  men  to  New- 
York,  and  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,    371 

41.  Arrival  of  minute  men  under  command  of  Captain  Johannes 

Jacobus  Blauvelt,  and  appointment  of  officers  of,   383 

42.  Letter  from  A.  Hawkes  Hay  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respect- 

ing forwarding  regiment  of,  to  New- York ;  answer  of  Com- 
mittee, and  order  to  Lieut.  Col.  Cuylerto  send  to  New- York 
a  company  of  minute  men,  in  lieu  of  the  company  from 
Col.  Hay's  regiment,   384 

43.  Directions  to  Col.  Gilbert  Cooper  to  countermand  the  march- 

ing of  the  Haverstraw  minute  company,   400 

44.  Letter  from  Col.  Josiah  Smith,  of  the  regiment  of  minute 

men  in,  recommending  Ephraim  Marvin  as  adjutant  of 
said  regiment ;  appointment  accordingly,   400 

45.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Goshen,  covering  ac- 

counts of  blankets  and  arms  purchased  by  said  committee  ; 
answer  thereto,  413,  414 

46.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  prisoners 

on  parol  to  be  sent  to  Goshen,  in,   436 

47.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress,   449 

48.  Returns  of  election  of  officers  of  two  companies  of  militia  in 

Col.  Hawthorne's  regiment,   468 

49.  Returns  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  lighthorse  in 

Cornwall  precinct,   472 

50.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  the  arrest  of 

sundry  privates  of  Capt.  Avery  Blauvelt's  company,  in 
Haverstraw  precinct,  for  disaffection,   512 

51.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  in  fourth  Provincial 

Congress,  at  White-Plains,   515 

52.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  calling  into  service  one-fourth  part 

of  the  militia  of,  and  directions  for  the  arrangement,  pay, 
bounty  and  subsistence  of,  525,  525 

53.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  Convention,  ....  528 

54.  Appointment  of  field  officers  of  regiment  of  militia  in,   528 

(See  Clinton,  George.) 
292 


327 
329 


341 

344 


PAGE. 

ORANGE  COUNTY— Continued. 

55.  Militia  of,  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 

warning,   601 

56.  Report  of  committee  respecting  the  expediency  of  calling  out 

the  militia  of,  .-S.   606 

57.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  directing  committee  of,  to  provide 

for  the  defence  of  the  frontiers  of,  against  incursion  from 

the  Indians,  by  detachments  of  the  militia,   663 

58.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Goshen  precinct,  relative  to  disposi- 

tion of  certain  Scotch  prisoners,   666,  667 

59.  Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  thereon,   667 

60.  Detachments  of  militia  ef,  ordered  to  guard  that  part  of,  south 

of  the  Highlands,  and  to  march  to  Peekskill,   669,  672 

61.  Sheriff  of,  authorized  to  release  Andrew  Bostwick,  an  impri- 

soned debtor,  from  confinement,   688 

62.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Henry  Wisner,  Esq. 

for  the  repair  of  roads  in,   696 

63.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  all  the  militia  of, 

to  repair  to  Chester,  in,  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Geo. 
Clinton,  and  to  co-operate  with  the  troops  of  Maj.  Genls. 
Lee  and  Gates,  in  harrassing  and  distressing  the  enemy, 

and  in  defending  the  passes  at  the  Highlands,   746 

(See  Clinton,  George,  13.) 

64.  Return  of  election  of  officers  in  Pechunck,  Sterling  and  Flo- 

rida, in  Col.  Hathorn's  regiment,   832,  833 

65.  Letter  to  Col.  Hathorn,  requesting  a  statement  of  the  Sterling 

company  of  militia,  and  of  the  necessity  for  a  new  appoint- 
ment of  officers  therein,   833 

66.  Return  of  election  of  officers  in  Capt.  Thomas  Horton's  (late 

Capt.  Little's)  company,  in  Oxford  district,  Cornwall  pre- 
cinct,  857 

67.  Letter  from  committee  of,  transmitting  examinations  and  de- 

positions relative  to  a  conspiracy  against  the  public  wel- 
fare, under  the  direction  of  Joseph  Barton,  862,  863 

68.  List  of  prisoners  apprehended  by  Maj.  Henry  Wisner,  by  or- 

der of  committee  of,  and  disospition  of,  by  Convention,..  872 

69.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  auditor-general,  for 

payment  of  militia  of,   902 

70.  Appointment  of  Jesse  Woodhull  as  sheriff  of,   912 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

71.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  of,  relative  to  damages 

sustained  by  inhabitants  of  the  south  part  of,  by  the  pas- 
sage of  the  Continental  troops,  919,  920 

72.  Election  of  officers  of  Capt.  Garret  Ekerson's  company,  in 

Col.  Hay's  regiment  of  militia  in  the  precinct  of  Haver- 
straw,  935 

ORANGE,  TOWN  OF. 

(See  Orange  County  4.) 

OSBORNE,  CORNELIUS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  in  Col.  Cornelius  Swartwout's 

regiment  of  militia  in  Dutchess  county,   548 

OSWEGO. 

1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  Col.  Guy  Johnson 

at,  with  a  body  of  Indians,   79 

2.  Intelligence  communicated  by  Lieut.  McMichael,  of  the  ar- 

rival of  three  regiments  of  ministerial  troops,  and  a  num- 
ber of  tories  and  Indians  under  the  command  of  Colonels 
Johnson,  Butler  and  Caldwell ;  and  of  their  plans.  &c. .  .  569 

3.  Intelligence  of  proceedings  of  Indians  at,   1021,  1025 

OUTENBOGERT,  RICHARD. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  relief,     21 

OYER  AND  TERMINER. 
1.  Draft  of  commission  for  holding  courts  of,  in  this  State,. .  948,  949 

P. 

PADDOCK,  ISAAC. 
1.  Warrant  of,  in  place  of  Roswell  Wilcocks,   83 

PALMER,  LIEUT.  DAVID. 

1.  Letter  from,  informing  of  enlistment  of  volunteers,   90 

2.  Ordered  to  traasport  men  to  New- York,   91 

PALMER,  THOMAS.  (See  Lead  Mines.  2,3.) 
(See  Highlands,  61.) 

PAPER  CURRENCY. 

(See  Continental  Paper  Currency.) 
(See  Colonial  Paper  Currency.) 
(See  Bills  of  Credit.) 
PAROL.  (See  Prisoners,  14,  15,  16,  18,  21.) 
PASSPORTS. 

1.  To  Brook  Watson,  for  journey  to  Quebec,   48 

2.  To  Joseph  Johnson,  to  New-London,  &c   49, 142 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  22.) 
(See  Livingston,  Robert  C.) 
(See  New-York  City  and  County,  59,  60.) 

3.  To  Mrs.  Kingston,  of  Hallett's  cove,  on  Nassau  island,  to  de- 

part the  Colony  with  her  wearing  apparel  and  household 

furniture,   155 

(See  Deane,  William,  1.) 

4.  To  Morison  Vanass  and  his  interpreter,   262 

5.  To  Joseph  Hallett,  to  pass  and  repass  between  the  city  of 

New- York  and  Newark,  in  New-Jersey,  .   556 

6.  Resolution  of  Convention  restricting  the  granting  of,  by,  to 
members  of  the  Convention,  and  persons  in  their  employ,  556 


1166 


INDEX. 


PAROL--CoNTiNUED. 

7.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  regulating  the  granting 

of,   706 

PATRICK,  ADAM. 

1.  Letter  and  affidavits  from  Committee  of  Safety,  to  Newburgh 

and  New-Windsor,  respecting  conduct  of,  in  opposition  to 

the  liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,  81,  82 

2.  Sent  by  Committee  of  Safety,  as  prisoner  to  Col.  McDougall's 

camp,    82 

3.  Liberation  of ;  letter  of  Provincial  Congress  to  committees  of 

Newburgh  and  New- Windsor,  and  admonition  to,   93 

PATRICK,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  executors  of,  for  iron 

stoves  manufactured  by,  for  the  use  of  the  troops  in  the 
northern  department,   826,  839 

2.  Resolutions  of  Convention  relative  to  granting  letters  of  ad- 

ministration on  the  estate  of,   830,  831 

PAULDING,  WILLIAM. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  of  the  militia  to  the  north- 

ward of  King's  Bridge,  while  in  service,  on  the  east  side  of 
Hudson  river,  under  the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton  ; 
and  instructions  and  letter  to,   567 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  justice  of  the  peace  in  and  for  the  county 

of  Westchester,    765 

PAWLING,  ALBERT. 

1.  Appointment  of,  asj  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Jacobus 

Bruyn's  company,   99 

2.  Memorial  of,  as  major  of  one  of  the  sixteen  additional  regi- 

ments ordered  to  be  raised  by  Congress;  and  resolution  of 
Convention  thereon,   881,  882 

3.  List  of  officers  of  the  four  companies  of,   881 

PAWLING,  LEVI. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  Ulster  county  militia,   135,  228 

2.  Letter  from,  announcing  place  of  rendezvous  of  regiment  of,  229 

3.  Directed  to  repair  to  Kingston,  for  the  purpose  of  proceed- 

ing to  Schoharie  for  the  relief  of  the  inhabitants,   1040 

PAY  MASTERS. 
1.  Letter  to  Gen.  Schuyler  relative  to  duty  of,  in  auditing  and 

allowing  accounts,   245 

PAYMENT  OF  TROOPS. 

1.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Delegation  in  Continen- 

tal Congress  respecting,   245,  246 

2.  Appointment  of  Delegates  to  procure  the  equalization  by 

Continental  Congress,  of  the  pay  of  the  militia,  and  troops 

of  the  eastern  and  New- York  Colonies,   482 

3.  Letter  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting,   483 

4.  Report  of  committee  respecting,   484 

5.  Resolutions  of  Convention  providing  for,    535,  536 

6.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  return  by 

officers  of  the  militia,  of  accounts  and  vouchers,  for  &c. .  824 

7.  Resolutions  of  Convention  appointing  Comfort  Sands  pay- 

master of  the  troops  employed  in  actual  service  in  the 
counties  of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Westchester  and  Orange ; 
and  making  an  appropriation  therefor,   .  ...  864 

8.  Resolutions  of  Convention  directing  the  auditor-general  to 

adjust  the  accounts  for,  according  to  the  new  regulations 

of  Congress,   866 

9.  Directions  to  auditor-general  relative  to  the  payment  of  offi- 

cers of  the  militia,   870 

10.  Resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to,   899 

(See  Sands,  Comfort,  7.) 
(See  Bancker,  Gerard,  5.) 

PAYNE,  CAPT.  SAMUEL. 

1.  Directed  to  be  continued  in  the  pay  of  this  State,  in  Major 

Wheelock's  corps,  and  to  complete  his  compliment  of  men, 
and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   1041 

2.  Petition  of,  for  relief ;  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety 

in  favour  of,   1059,  1060 

PAY  TABLE,  COMMITTEE  OF. 

(See  Accounts.) 
PEASE,  CAPT.  NATHAN. 
I.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment;  in- 
structions to,   417 

PEGGY,  SHIP. 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  1.) 
PELL,  SAMUEL  TREDWELL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Westchester  county 

in  place  of  Nehemiah  Marshall,  declined,   76 

PELTON,  DANIEL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Riker's  com- 
pany  535 

PENNSYLVANIA.  (See  Philadelphia,) 

1.  Letter  from  Henry  Wisner,  enclosing  articles  of  agreement 

for  the  due  regulation  and  government  of  associations  in,.  163 

2.  Military  articles  of,  anil  reason  of  associations  against  sign- 

ing them  ;  received  and  filed,   163 

3.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  continuing  Carpenter 

Wharton,  as  commissary  of  battalion  of,  in  service  at  New- 
York,   383 

(See  Continental  Army,  11.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  226.) 


FAOS. 

PERQUISITES. 

(See  Henry,  John,  2.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  124.) 
PETITIONS. 

1.  Of  James  Arden,  Richard  Outenbogert,  John  West,  and 

others,  praying  for  relief,   21 

2.  Of  Captain  Samuel  Tudor,  of  independent  company  of  artil- 

lery in  New- York  city,  for  carriages  and  ammunition,  ....  25 

3.  Of  William  Ephinstone,  a  conductor  of  ordnance  stores,  for 

relief ;  and  ordered  thereon,   51,79 

4.  Of  Samuel  Faulkenham  and  David  Woolhaupter,  to  be  em- 

ployed in  making  drums  and  fifes,  '  75 

5.  Of  John  Sparding,  for  payment  for  services  rendered  at  Ti- 

conderoga  Landing,  .■   78 

6.  Of  Geo.  Cook,  to  be  employed  in  making  pouches  and  belts,.  87 

7.  Of  Jacob  Bamper  for  appointment  to  some  office  in  the  Colo- 

nial regiments,   87 

8.  Of  John  Fisher,  saddler,   90 

9.  Of  John  Monell,  Adam  Patrick  and  Isaiah  Purdy  to  be  dis- 

charged from  confinement,   93 

10.  Of  Sampson  Dyckman,  praying  for  compensation  for  injury 

to  horse,  used  by  messenger  to  Philadelphia,  , ,   96 

11.  Of  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  for  leave  to  purchase  in  Connec- 

ticut barrelled  pork  for  use  of  Continental  army,.   103 

12.  Of  Peter  Clopper  and  others,  merchants  of  the  city  of  New- 

York,  respecting  the  exportation  of  flaxseed,   106 

13.  Memorial  of  Capt.  Jacobus  Wynkoop,  respecting  rank  and 

situation  of  in  Colonial  troops,   107 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  1,  2,  3,  4,  5.) 
(See  Norberg,  Capt.  John.) 
(SeeBryson,  Robert.) 
(See  Candell,  John.) 
(See  Westchester  County,  6,  7,  11.) 
(See  New-York  City,  57,  63.) 

14.  Of  David  Purdy  and  John  O'Conner,  and  proceedings  there- 

on,   153 

15.  Of  Christian  Bergh,  Jr.  Adam  Bergh,  David  Dol,  John  Dol 

and  Timothy  Doughty,  for  discharge,   154 

(See  Nicholson  George,  3.) 

16.  Of  Elizabeth  White,  praying  for  discharge  of  her  husband 

on  parol;  disposition  of,   163,  167 

(See  Van  Vleck,  Abraham,  H.) 
(See  Bostwick,  Andrew.) 

(See  Oakley,  Phebe.) 
(See  White,  Alexander.) 
(See  Prisoners,  17,  56,  100,  123.) 
(See  Hunter,  John.) 
(See  Lightfoot,  Richard.) 

17.  Of  George  Coffin,  expressing  contrition  for  his  past  conduct, 

and  praying  to  be  restored;  granted,   236,  346 

18.  Of  Thomas  Place  and  Gabriel  Van  Cott,  expressing  contri- 

tion for  their  past  conduct,  and  praying  to  be  restored,  . . .  237 

19.  Of  Capt.  Jacob  Mott,  Jackson  Mott,  and  Seaman  Weeks,  ex- 

pressing contrition  for  their  past  conduct,  and  praying  to 

be  restored  ;  and  proceedings  thereon,   252 

20.  Of  Frederick  Hartell,  setting  forth  his  former  rank,  and 

services  ;  and  requesting  a  commission,   275 

21.  Of  John  Wylley,  offering  his  services  as  a  captain  in  the 

Continental  service   275 

22.  Of  Arondt  Van  Hook,  offering  his  services  as  a  captain,  &c.  280 

23.  Of  Sundry  prisoners,  inhabitants  of  Queens  county,  for  per- 

mission to  go  at  large  on  parol,   294,  295 

24.  Of  John  W.  Watkins,  offering  his  services  to  his  country, 

and  requesting  a  commission,   297 

25.  Of  Abraham  Godwin,  offering  his  services  as  captain,   298 

26.  Of  John  De  Wint,  of  Orangetown,  for  leave  to  export  provi- 

sions to  the  island  of  St.  Thomas  ;  rejected,   298 

27.  Of  Guert  Spt.  De  Wint,  for  leave  to  export  provisions  and 

lumber  for  the  use  of  his  estate  in  the  island  of  St.  Tho- 
mas ;  also  household  furniture,  horses  and  carriages,  and 
his  family,  and  a  generous  supply  of  all  the  good  things 
of  this  country,  for  the  use  of  himself  and  family  at  sea  ; 
granted,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  removal  of  his  family, 
horses,  carriages,  household  furniture,  and  a  necessary 
supply  of  provisions  at  sea,  and  rejected  as  to  the  residue,  298 

28.  Of  nine  soldiers  of  Capt.  Johnson's  company,  relative  to  de- 

duction of  their  under  cloths  from  their  pay,   302 

29.  Of  Henry  Remsen,  John  Broome  and  others,  for  indemnity 

for  losses  sustained  in   preserving  the  non-importation 
agreement ;  and  reference  of,   303 

30.  Of  Elizabeth  Atherton,  for  discharge  of  her  husband  from 

imprisonment;  and  reference  of,  to  New-York  committee,  303 

31.  Of  Dr.  Wm.  Dusenbury,  for  appointment  as  surgeon  to  a  re- 

giment,  304 

32.  Of  Wm.  and  Thos.  Cock,  of  Oysterbay,  Queens  county,  for  re- 

storation to  favour  ;  granted,   311 

33.  Of  Capts.  Daniel  Griffen,  Jno.  Johnson,  and  thirteen  other 

Colonial  officers,  in  the  service  of  the  United  Colonies,  in 
the  northern  army,  during  the  year  1775,  relative  to 
pay  and  rations  ;  disposition  of,   317 

34.  Of  Joseph  Crane,  setting  forth  his  services  in  the  last  cam- 

paign, and  praying  the  care  of  an  artillery  company,  ....  324 

35.  Of  Azor  Betts,  for  forgiveness  and  protection,  on  returning 

to  his  duty  '   328 

36.  Of  Robert  Robinson  and  Michael  Price,  to  be  restored  to 

their  former  standing,   332 


INDEX. 


1167 


36. 
37. 

33. 

39. 
40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 

45. 
46. 

46. 
47. 
48. 

49. 

50. 
51. 

52. 
53. 

54. 
55. 
56. 

57. 

58. 

1. 

2. 

1. 


PAGE. 

PETITIONS— Continued. 

Of  Joseph  Smith,  offering  his  services  in  the  marine  depart- 
ment,   346 

Of  Robert  Robinson  and  Michael  Price,  merchants  of  the  city 
of  New-York,  testifying  their  contrition  for  having  sold 
goods  at  an  advanced  price,  and  praying  a  restoration  to 
favour;  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   349 

Of  Archibald  Campbell,  of  Paulding's  precinct,  in  Dutchess 
county,  complaining  of  forcible  outrages  upon  his  proper- 
ty by  a  body  of  men  from  Connecticut ;  reference  of,.  352,  353 

Of  Jacob  Bamper,  for  a  captain's  or  lieutenant's  commission,  359 

Of  Samuel  Loudon,  respecting  destruction  of  impressions  of 
pamphlet  of,  in  answer  to  "  Common  Sense,"   405, 496 

Of  Lieut.  Wm.  Scudder,  for  payment  of  men  enlisted  in 
Capt.  Henry  O'Hara's  company,    409 

Of  Dirck  Lefferts,  merchant  of  the  city  of  New-York,  for 
indemnity  for  damage  to  woodlands  of,  and  compensation 
for  provisions,  &c.  furnished  to  troops  under  command  of 
Col.  Drake ;  reference  of,   430 

Of  Joseph  Wood,  on  behalf  of  himself  and  other  merchants 
of  Philadelphia,  for  restitution  for  seizure  of  a  vessel  and 
cargo  belonging  to  them,  by  Josiah  Martin,  late  Governor 
of  North  Carolina  ;  reference  of,  to  committee,   436 

Of  Alexander  Robinson,  Geo.  Lyndsay,  Peter  Sim,  and  Mari- 
nus  Willett,  requesting  encouragement  in  the  manufacture 
of  salt,   499 

Of  William  Eagles,  a  mechanic,  for  employment  in  the  pub- 
lic service  ;  order  thereon,   540 

Of  Daniel  Hauxhurst,  on  behalf  of  Townshend  and  Noble, 
proprietors  of  an  anchor  forage,  praying  compensation  for 
provisions  taken  from,  and  restitution  of  workmen  drafted 

into  service ;  proceedings  thereon,   559,  560 

(See  Tryon  County,  26.) 

Of  committee  and  militia  officers  of  King's  district,  for  the  ap- 
pointment of  field  officers  of  their  own  district,   758 

Of  Ann  Dillingham,  to  go  to  New- York  with  her  family,  to 
her  husband  ;  granted,   768 

Of  Mary  Handly,  wife  of  Edward  Handly,  to  go  into  New- 
York,  to  bring  from  there  her  children  and  husband,  who  is 
deranged  ;  granted,   773 

Of  Bridget  Morgan,  daughter  of  Benjamin  Morgan,  to  visit 
her  parents  in  New-York ;  granted,   773 

Of  John  Moley  and  Stephen  Lyon,  prisoners,   775 

Of  Malcom  Morrison,  William  Eligh,  James  Robinson,  and 
others,  disaffected  persons  in  confinement,  for  relief  and 

discharge,    812 

(See  Pawling,  Albert,  2  ) 

Of  Benjamin  and  John  Gilbert,  for  employment  in  the  milita 
ry  line   883 

Of  Elizabeth  Haight,  praying  for  the  restoration  of  certain 
personal  property  belonging  to  her  mother,  and  seized  by 
commissioners,   8S5 

Of  Elizabeth  Bend,  relative  to  personal  property  taken  by 
commissioners  of  sequestration,  and  claimed  by  her,   900 

Of  Gloriana  Stevenson,  requesting  the  use  of  the  farm  of  one 
Osborn,  who  is  gone  over  to  the  enemy,   900 

Of  Robert  Richardson,  a  discharged  soldier  of  Col.  Henry  B. 
Livingston's  regiment,  for  maintenance,  and  resolution  of 
Convention  thereon,  902,  903 

Of  John  Cook,  confined  as  a  disaffected  person,  for  relief,. . . .  937 
(See  Done,  Thomas  ) 

Of  Jonathan  Terwilliger,  a  wounded  soldier,  for  relief,   950 

(See  Sacket,  Samuel.) 

PETTIT,  THOMAS. 
Order  for  payment  to,  as  doorkeeper  of  Provincial  Congress,  103 

152,  188,  440,  757,  861 
Re-election  of,   205,  448 

PHELPS,  ELISHA. 
Letter  from  Governor  of  Connecticut,  communicating  appoint- 
ment of,  as  commissary,  at  Albany,  for  troops  on  Lake 

Champlain,   5 

Provisions  directed  to  be  forwarded  to,   60 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,    61 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  John  N.  Bleecker,  and 
other  agents  at  Albany,  to  deliver  provisions  and  supplies 


to, 


fti 


Letter  from,  acknowledging  receipt  of,  &c   74 

Letter  from  John  N.  Bleecker,  respecting  delivery  of  provi- 
sions, &c.  to,   74 

Letter  from,  respecting  procurement  of  provisions  and  stores 

for  army,  84,  85 

PHILADELPHIA.  (See  Continental  Congress.) 

Letter  to  committee  of,  enclosing  notes  of  information  receiv- 
ed from  John  Carter,  of  Boston,  relative  to  supply  of  pro- 
visions to  British  army  at  Boston,  by  owners  of  ship  Sally 
and  Mr.  White's  schooner,    Ill 

Letter  from  Benjamin  Franklin,  chairman  of  committee  of 
safety  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  supplies  of 
powder,  117,  128 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  accompany- 
ing the  transmission  of  John  Young,  a  prisoner  taken  from 
sloop  Sally,  to  his  father  at,   371 

Letter  from  committee  of  safety  of,  informing  that  they  have 
sent  Capt  Charles  Alexander  and  Lieut.  John  Hennesee, 
for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  seamen  for  that  Province  ;  or- 
der of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,   383,  386 


PHILADELPHIA — Continued. 
Letter  from  Convention  to  chairman  of  committee  at,  accom- 
panying the  transmission  of  William  Sutton,  as  a  priso- 


FAGl. 


ner, 


547 


(See  Prisoners,  143,  144.) 
6.  Letters  from  Delegation  in  Congress,  respecting  the  release 
of  prisoners  belonging  to  this  State,  confined  in ;  list  of  such 
prisoners,  998,  999,  1000 

PHILLIPS,  MOSES. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major,  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

PHYSICIANS.  (See  Surgeons.) 
1.  Exemption  of,  from  drafts  for  militia  in  the  city  of  New. 

York,       496 

PILOTS  AND  PILOT  BOATS. 
(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  35,  37,  38,  40,  44,  45,  46,  47,  48,  63, 
68,  69,  70.) 

1.  Examination  of  Christopher  Duyckinck,  relative  to  proceed- 

ings of,  and  order  for  arrest  of  pilots  coming  on  shore,  . . .  348 

2.  Affidavits  relative  to  loss  of  pilot  boat  Hamden,  and  order 

for  restitution,   353 

3.  Order  for  sale  of  boat,  goods  and  merchandise,   413 

PIN  MANUFACTORY.  (See  Lightfoot,  Richard.) 

PLAN  OF  ACCOMMODATION  WITH  GREAT 
BRITAIN. 

1 .  Proceedings,  resolutions  and  discussions  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress, respecting,  20, 26,  50,  52  to  54,  58 

2.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  communicating 

report,  as  amended  and  adopted,  and  answer,  69,  73 

PLATT,  CAPT.  NATHANIEL. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay,  subsistence 

and  bounty  of  company  of,  raised  on  Long  island,   828 

PLATT,  CAPTAIN  ZEPHANIAH. 

(See  Van  Cortlandt,  Pierre,  1,  2,  3.) 

1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  as  commissary  to  the 

troops  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Clinton,    599 

2.  Commission  to,  as  second  in  command  of  corps  of  associated 

exempts  in  Dutchess  county,   987 

PLENDERLEATH,  CAPT.  GEORGE. 
1.  Letter  from,  explaining  his  visit  to  New- York,   159 

PLUMB  ISLAND. 

(See  Gardiner  Island.) 
(See  Suffolk  County,  16,  88,  21.) 

POMEROY,  SETH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  brigadier-gene- 
ral,   63 

POOR. 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  93,  105,  110,  112,  179,  189.) 

1.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  maintenance  and 

support  of,   710 

2.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  removal  of,  be- 

longing to  this  State,  from  Connecticut  and  other  States..  710 
(See  Westchester  County,  77.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  138,  148.) 

PORK. 

(See  Provisions  and  Supplies.) 
(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Philip,  1.) 

POST  OFFICE. 

1.  Memorial  of  Ebenezer  Hazard,  praying  for  establishment  of, 

and  appointment  as  postmaster,  and  letter  from  William 
Goddard,  relative  thereto  ;  committee  appointed  thereon,  44 

2.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  on  the  coming  in  of  re- 

port: resolution  recommending  appointment  of  Ebenezer 
Hazard  as  postmaster  at  the  city  of  New-York,  and  letter 
to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  informing  them  of 
such  appointment   90 

3.  Resolution  prohibiting  the  receipt  of  postage  by  any  person 

other  than  the  Postmaster -General,  and  deputy  postmasters 
appointed  by  Continental  Congress,  except  on  letters  re- 
ceived by  packets  from  Great  Britain,   130 

4.  Order  for  removal  of,  from  the  city  of  New-York,  to  some 

convenient  place  near  Dobbs'  Ferry,  in  Westchester  coun- 


ty, 


602 


172 


604 


POST  ROADS.  (See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  49.) 
POSTS. 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  esta- 
blishment of,  for  the  more  speedy  communication  of  intel- 
ligence,   

Postmaster  at  New-York  directed  to  establish,  weekly,  be- 
tween that  city  and  Albany,  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's 
river,  

POUGHKEEPSIE. 

(See  Dutchess  County,  11. 12.) 
(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  93.) 

POWDER. 

Letter  from  Arteraas  Ward,  general  of  the  Massachusetts  ar- 
my, Joseph  Warren,  chairman  of  committee  of  safety,  and 
Moses  Gill,  chairman  of  committee  of  supplies,  to  Provin- 

cial  Congress,  requesting  supply  of,    34 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   35 

President  of  Provincial  Congress  goes  to  Elizabethtown,  to 


1168 


INDEX. 


37 


36 


7. 
8. 
9. 
10. 

11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

18. 


PAGE. 

POWDER— Continued. 
confer  with  committee  there  on  the  subject;  report  of, and 

order  thereon,  35, 

(See  New- York,  14.) 
(See  Saltpetre.) 
Report  of  quantity  of,  remaining  unsold  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,   

Directions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting,  and  also  respect- 
ing the  re-manufactory  of  damaged  powder,  at  Ticondero- 
ga  and  Crown-Point ;  letter  from,  to  Commander-in-Chief, 
and  to  commissioners  for  superintending  removal  of  cannon 

and  stores  at  Albany,   36 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  offering  a  bounty  for  ma- 
nufacture of,   36 

(See  Saltpetre,  8.) 
Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  of  Connecticut, 
respecting  powder  sent  to  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay, 
Appointment  of  committee  to  agree  for  importation  of,  at  a 

certain  per  centage,  

Agreement  with  John  Vanderbilt,   41 

(See  New-York  City,  21,  64.) 
Directions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  purchase  of,  to  be  for- 
warded to  Connecticut,  for  the  use  of  the  Provincial  army 
near  Boston,  and  to  Ticonderoga  ;  and  letter  to  Governor 

Trumbull,   47 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  manufacture 

  48 


38 


41 


of, 


Letter  from  Provincial  to  Continental  Congress,  respecting 
manufacture  of,  &c.  61,  62,  98 

Arrival  of  quantity  of,  from  Philadelphia,  for  use  of  troops  at 
Ticonderoga,   82 

Letter  from  Continental  Congress  to  Committee  of  Safety, 
requesting  transmission  of,  for  use  of  troops  before  Bos- 
ton, and  answer  of  Committee,   86 

Letter  from  Daniel  Lawrence,  informing  Provincial  Congress 

of  receipt  of,   89 

(See  Wooster,  David,  19.) 

Directed  to  be  sent  from  Hon.  Robert  R.  Livingston's  powder 
mill,  at  Rhinebeck,  to  Albany ;  thence  to  be  forwarded  to 
Gen.  Schuyler,  at  Ticonderoga,  107,  110 

Letter  from  Benjamin  Franklin,  chairman  of  committee  of 
safety  at  Philadelphia,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting 
supply  of,     117 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Secretary  of  Continental 
Congress,  respecting  forwarding  of,  for  use  of  Colonial 


troops, 


122 


148 


199 


19.  Appointment  of  committee  to  contract  for,   127 

20.  Contract  with  Joseph  Hallett,  Jr.  for  importation  of,   129 

21.  Committee  appointed  to  collect  damaged  powder,  and  forward 

to  powder  mill  at  Rhynbeck,   135 

22.  Distribution  of,  among  the  several  counties,    135 

23!  Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  and  despatch  a  vessel 

for  the  purchase  of,  &c.  and  appropriation  for,  145 

(See  Powder  Mills.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  60,  76,  77,85.) 
24-  Appointment  of  committee  to  treat  with  Mr.  Fine,  for  benefit 
of  his  contract  for,  

25.  Order  of  Committee  of  Safety  respecting  the  importation  of, 

and  the  exportation  of  produce  in  exchange  for,   241 

26.  Arrival  of  ton  of,  from  Philadelphia,  308,  310 

27.  Purchase  of  quantity  of,  from  Nicholas  Low,   340 

28.  Letter  to  Edward  Kiers,  merchant,  of  Haverstraw,  Orange 

county,  requesting  sale  of,  to  Col.  Hay,   341 

29.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Nicholas  Low,  for  the 

purchase  of,  •  •  •  •  •  •  j02 

30.  Delegation  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Rhode  Island,  for, 

belonging  to  Colony,  and  directions  for  its  distribution 
among  the  several  counties,   511 

POWDER  MILLS. 

(See  Livingston,  Robert  R.) 
(See  Livingston,  John  R.) 
(See  Wisner,  Henry.) 

1.  Circular  from  Provincial  Congress  to  owners  of,  relative  to 

quantity  of  gunpowder  in,  and  ability  to  manufacture,. . . .  337 

2.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  offering  loan  of  money, 

without  interest,  for  the  erection  of,  &c  349,  365 

(See  Wisner,  Henry,  Jr.) 
(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Henry  and  Sons.) 
(See  Carpenter,  John.) 

3.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  raising  of  a  com- 

pany in  each  of  the  precincts  of  Rhinebeck,  Walkill  and 
Cornwall,  for  the  protection  of,   909 

PRAYER.  (See  Common  Prayer.) 
1.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  opening  its  sessions  daily,  with, 

and  appointment  of  chaplain,  519,  810,  818 

(See  Fasting  and  Prayer.) 

PRICES. 

1.  Examination  of  Thomas  Pearsall  and  Peter  T.  Curtenius,  re- 

specting the  raising  of  the  prices  of  goods,   193 

2.  Referred  to  New-York  committee,  for  inquiry,  &c   195 

(See  New- York  City  and  County,  133.) 

3.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  appointing  commissioners  to  meet 

commissioners  of  eastern  and  middle  States,  at  New-Ha- 
ven, to  regulate,  &c   1113,  1114,  1117,  1118 


PAGE. 

PRINCETON. 

1.  Letter  from  Gen.  Geo.  Clinton,  transmitting  account  of  the 

battle  of,   765 

2.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,   769,770 

PRINTERS. 

(See  Loudon,  Samuel.) 
(See  Holt,  John.) 
(See  Gaine,  Hugh.) 

PRINTER  TO  THE  STATE. 

(See  Loudon,  Samuel.) 
(See  Holt,  John.) 

PRISONERS.  (Sec  Prisoners  of  War.) 

1.  Letter  from  Albany  committee  to  Provincial  Congress,  re- 

specting prisoners  taken  from  St.  Johns,  and  requesting 
instructions  relative  to,   29 

2.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   32 

3.  Provision  for  Richard  Sharpless,  one  of  the  soldiers  taken 

at  Ticonderoga,   48 

(See  McCIeod  William.) 

4.  Proceedings  of  Committee  of  Safety  against  Peter  Herring, 

for  assisting  to  convey  on  board  the  Asia,  prisoners  sent  by 

Continental  Congress,   71,75 

(See  Monell,  John.) 

(See  Patrick  Adam.) 

(See  Purdy,  Isaiah.) 

5.  Letter  from  committee  at  Elizabethtown,  accompany  trans- 

mission of  deserters  from  Col.  Waterbury's  regiment ;  and 
order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   89 

6.  Petition  of  John  Monell,  Adam  Patrick,  and  Isaiah  Purdy,  to 

be  liberated  from  confinement ;  letter  from  Provincial 
Congress  to  committees  of  Newburgh  and  New-Windsor 
precincts,  informing  of  liberation  of;  and  admonition  to,  .  93 

7.  Detention  of  Captain  Patrick  Sinclair,  His  Majesty's  Lieut. 

Gov.  and  superintendent  of  Michilimacinac,  on  parol  at 
Nassau  island,  Suffolk  county  ;  and  proceedings  of  Provin- 
cial Congress  thereon,   100 

8.  Letter  from  Albany  committee  respecting  the  furnishing  of 

provisions  for  soldiers  taken  prisoners  at  St.  Johns  ;  and 

answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   112,  113 

(See  Lawrence  Melancton.) 
(See  AUicock,  Joseph.) 
(See  De  Kay,  Capt.  Charles.) 

9.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  several  towns  on  the  route 

to  Cambridge,  for  assistance  in  the  transportation  of  cer- 
tain prisoners  taken  at  Philadelphia,  to  camp  at  Cam- 
bridge,   120 

10.  Johan  Christian  Drewidz,  commander  of  a  vessel  lately  re- 

turned from  sea,  arrested  and  committed  to  the  custody  of 
Col.  McDougall,  on  suspicion  that  his  vessel  had  been  to 

Boston,   122 

(See  Candell  John.) 

11.  Order  for  advance  to  John  Mason,  a  soldier  taken  prisoner 

at  Ticonderoga,  and  permitted  by  committee  of  Hartford  to 
proceed  to  Philadelphia,   132 

12.  Guard  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  at  the  barracks  to  prevent 

escape  of,   13 

13.  Discharge  of  James  Hicks  and  Thomas  Cams,   1408 

(See  Lawrence,  Abraham.) 
(See  Bethune,  George.) 

14.  Discharge  of  Major  Ethrington,  on  parol,   144 

15.  Discharge  of  Captain  William  Kelly,  of  second  battalion  of 

His  Majesty's  Royal  American  regiment ;  parol  of,  and 
certificate,    144 

16.  Petition  of  Christian  Bergh,  Jr.  Adam  Bergh,  David  Dol, 

John  Dol,  and  Timothy  Doughty,  for  discharge  ;  affidavits 
against   155,  158 

16.  Examination  of  Robert  Rodgers,  a  prisoner  on  parol  from 

Philadelphia  ;  parol  and  certificate  of,   157,  167 

17.  Petition  of  Jean  Viellat,  in  behalf  of  himself  and  others, 

Canadian  prisoners,  praying  for  discharge  from  imprison- 
ment ;  letters  from  Provincial  Congress  in  answer  thereto; 
and  letters  to  committee  at  Albany,  and  to  Continental 
Congress  thereon,   175 

18.  Examination  of  Niel  McFall  and  William  Elphinston,  Jr.  pri- 

soners taken  in  CanaiN  ;  and  discharge  of,  on  parol,   182 

19.  Discharge  of  Timothy  Doughty,   182 

20.  Application  of  Captain  John  Norhury,  for  discharge  and  per- 

mission granted  for  exchange  with  an  officer  of  General 
AVooster's  regiment,  onboard  the  ship  Asia,   187 

21.  Application  of  Lieuts.  Brough  and  Richardson,  for  informa- 

tion as  to  route  of  garrison  at  St.  Johns,  and  for  enlarge- 
ment of  parol ;  answer  of  Provincial  Congress   208 

22.  Apprehension  of  S.  Speight,  a  druggist  ;  appointment  of 

committee  to  examine  letters  and  papers  of ;  report  of 
committee,   210,  211 

23.  Resolution  directing  the  confinement  of,  in  the  jail  of  Ulster 

county,   231 

24.  John  Blackler  ordered  imprisoned   231 

25.  Ordered  for  asrest  of  Lawrence  Hartwick,  on  charge  of  be- 

traying a  trust  reposed  in  him  by  Lieut.  Edward  Tyler,  a 

prisoner  on  board  the  ship  Asia,   241 

26.  Examination  and  discharge  of  Thomas  Merritt,   242 

27.  Examination  and  discharge  of  William  Weyman,   248 

28.  Examination  and  discharge  of  Thomas  Service,   248 


INDEX. 


1169 


PRISONERS— Continued. 

29.  Examination  of  Azor  Betts,  and  order  for  confinement  of,  in 

Ulster  county  jail,  248,  249 

30.  Examination  and  re-committment  of  Robert  Simmons,   248 

31.  Examination  of  Lawrence  Hartwick,   -48 

32.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  exchange 


33 


of  Lieut.  Tylee,. 


250 


40. 


41 

42 


43 


44. 


262 
262 

263 


263 


„.  Examination  of  Alexander  Leslie  •  255,  256 

34.  Examination  of  James  Webb  and  other  prisoners  transmitted 

by  Committee  of  Safety  of  New-Jersey,   257,  257,  258 

35.  Negotiations  with  Captain  Vandeput, respecting  the  exchange 

of  Lieut.  Tylee  ;  2o8 

36  Arrest  and  examination  of  Joseph  Woolcombe  and  Captain 

William  Dobbs  ;  and  letters  found  in,   259, 260,  261, 262 

37.  Arrest  and  examination  of  John  Fowler,  on  a  charge  of  aid- 

ing in  the  spiking  of  cannon  in  Westchester  county,  

38.  Order  for  arrest  of  William  Lownsberry  on  a  like  charge,.. . 

39.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Captain  Benjamin 
Ledyard,  for  expenses  incurred  in  charge  of  prisoners,  . .  . 

Order  for  imprisonment  of  Godfrey  Hains,  in  Ulster  county 
jail,  arrested  and  transmitted  by  New-Jersey  Committee  of 

Safely  ;  and  letter  to  Ulster  county  committee,  

Arrest,  examination  and  imprisonment  of  William  Lowns- 

berry,   264,  270,  271,  272,  273 

Discharge  of  Lawrence  Hartwick,  on  entering  into  security 

for  good  behaviour,   267 

Examination  and  discharge  of  Joseph  Purdy,  William  Sutton 
and  Wm.  Armstrong,  on  charge  of  aiding  in  spiking  the 

cannon  beyond  King's  Bridge,   270 

Examination  and  order  for  imprisonment  of  Joshua  Gedney 
on  a  similar  charge,   271, 272 

45.  Examination  and  discharge  of  Geo.  Shannon,   -73 

46.  Arrest  and  examination,  and  order  for  imprisonment  of  J o- 

seph  Purdy,  •  •  276, 277 

47.  Arrest  and  examination,  and  order  for  imprisonment  of  Jo- 
siah  Burrell,  Thomas  Hains  and  Isaac  Gidney,   280 

Arrest  and  examination,  and  order  for  imprisonment  of  Tho- 
mas Vernon,  •          f8 1 

Arrest,  examination  and  discharge  of  Guerney  Ten  Eyck,.. .  /SI 

(See  Queens  County,  21,  22.) 
Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  imprisonment  of 
sundry  disaffected  inhabitants  of  Queens  county ;  and  or- 
der of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,   289 

Discharge  of  Jacob  Mott,   289 


4S. 


49. 
50. 


290 


298 


51. 

52.  Discharge  of  John  Graham,  on  giving  security  for  good  beha- 

viour,   

53.  Petition  of  Queens  county  prisoners,  to  go  at  large  on  parol ; 

denied,   294,295 

54.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  in  the  case  of  Jean  Bap- 

tiste  D'Gas,  employed  by  Gen.  Wooster  as  a  conductor 
of,  and  interpreter  for  prisoners  from  Canada  to  Albany, 
submitted  by  letter  from  Gen.  Lee,    

55.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  inhabitants  of  Queens 

county,  requesting  the  collection  of  evidence  relative  to 
the  conduct  of  the  prisoners  apprehended  in,  on  charge  of 
hostility  to  the  public  liberties,   300 

56.  Petition  of  John  Willett  and  fourteen  other  persons,  praying 

to  be  relieved  from  confinement,   302 

57.  Petition  of  Elizabeth  Atherton  for  discharge  of  her  husband  ; 

and  reference  to  New-York  committee,   303 

58.  Discharge  of  Joseph  French,  on  security  for  his  appearance, 

Ac  

59.  Discharge  of  John  Willett  and  fourteen  others  ;  bond  of,  

60.  Examination  of  Christopher  Duychinck,  on  charge  of  taking 

and  detaining  a  watch  belonging  to  a  member  of  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  

(See  Elizabethtown,  5.) 
(See  Richmond  County,  13.) 

61.  Proceeding  of  Provincial  Congress  in  the  case  of  Christopher 

Duychinck,  

62.  Arrest  of  Rynier  Van  Hoosen,   330 

63.  Examination  and  re-commitment  of  Wm.  Lownsbury,  Isaac 

Gidney,  Joseph  Purdy  and  Cornelius  McCartney,  on 
charge  of  assisting  in  spiking  the  cannon  at  King's 
Bridge,   341,  342 

64.  Examination  of  Captain  John  Johnson,  arrested  on  charge 

of  having  caned  Alexander  Leslie;  and  proceedings  of 
Provincial  Congress  thereon,   344,  345,  342 

65.  Order  for  apprehension  and  imprisonment  of  Thomas  Ver- 

non, on  charge  of  hostility  to  the  liberties  of  America,  . .  344 

66.  Examination  of  Alexander  Leslie,   344,  345 

67.  Examination  of  sundry  prisoners  taken  from  ship  Sally,  &c..  370 

68.  Discharge  of  John  Young,  and  order  for  safe  conveyance  of, 

to  his  parents  at  Philadelphia,   371 

69.  Examination  of  David  Ketch  and  Wm.  Douglass,  on  charge 

of  firing  at  the  port  guard,  in  the  city  of  New- York,   372 

70.  Transfer  of  Isaac  Gidney  to  the  jail  in  Westchester  county  ; 

and  discharge  of  Joseph  Purdy,   388 

71.  Letter  from  Brig.  Gen.  Heath,  requesting  pass  from  Captain 

Vandeput,  for  sloop  with  prisoners  from  St.  Johns,  to  pro- 
ceed to  Brunswick,  and  return   395 

71.  Discharge  of  Azor  Betts  and  John  Blackler,  on  subscribing 
the  general  association,  acknowledging  their  penitence,  and 
entering  into  an  engagement  not  to  bear  arms  against  the 

Colonie   399 

72.  Examination  of  Peter  Dubois,  on  charges  exhibited  against 
293 


305 
305 


311 


326 


PRISONERS — Continued. 
him  by  Rev.  Bernard  Page,  Ethan  Sickles  and  others;  dis- 
charge and  reprimand  of,   403,404 

73.  Return  of  prisoners  in  the  jail,  &c.  of  the  city  of  New- York,  408 

74.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  re- 

questing tho  exchange  of  prisoners  on  board  the  Asia,.. .  409 

75.  Examination  of  Edward  Tylee,  one  of  the  prisoners  on 

board  the  Asia,     410 

76.  Apprehension  of  Derby  Doyle,  on  charge  of  correspondence 

with  and  aid  to  ministerial  army  and  navy,   413 

77.  Order  for  arrest  of  William  Winterton,  an  agent  in  the  em- 

ploy of  the  ministry,    415 

(See  Dutchess  County,  35.) 

78.  Arrest  of  sundry  prisoners,  from  Westchester  county,  by 

committee  of  New-Jersey  ;  and  transmission  of,  to  New- 
York,  418,423 

79.  Examination  of  Harry  Smith,   423 

80.  Discharge  of  Isaac  Gidney  and  Joshua  Gidney,  on  giving 

security  for  appearance  and  conduct,   429 

81.  Arrest  and  examination  of  Joseph  Blanchard  and  Peter 

Puillon,  on  charge  of  traitorous  correspondence  with  the 
enemy  ;  proceedings  thereon,   431,  432,  433 

82.  Affidavit  relative  to  conduct  of  Thomas  Wooley,  a  private  in 

Capt.  John  Sand's  company  ;  and  order  for  arrest  of,. . . .  432 

83.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  recommending  prisoners 

on  parol  to  be  sent  to  Goshen,  Orange  county,   436 

84.  Examination  and  commitment  of  Thomas  Wooley,   438,439 

85.  Arrest,  examination  and  commitment  of  Henry  Dawkins, 

Isaac  Young,  Israel  Young,  Isaac  Ketchum  and  John  An- 
derson, on  charge  of  counterfeiting  the  Provincial  curren- 
cy,   437,  443  to  448,  464 

86.  Appointment  of  committee  to  examine  and  try  all  persons 

confined  by  order  of  Provincial  Congress  and  Committee 

of  Safety,   462 

87.  Arrest,  examination  and  commitment  on  parol  of  John 

Moore,  Jr.  on  charge  of  hoisting  a  flag  on  his  grounds  ill 
Newtown,  in  imitation  of  the  British  flag,   464 

88.  Order  for  imprisonment  of  Thomas  Harriot,  on  conviction 

I  of  refusal  to  receive  in  payment  Continental  bills,  &c... .  465 

89.  Order  for  imprisonment  of  Philip  Youngs,  charged  with 

counterfeiting  Continental  money  ;  discharge  of,  ....  471,  497 

90.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam,  communicating  complaint  against 

Sergeant  McFall,  of  the  26th  regiment,  taken  at  St. 
Johns;  report  of  committee  respecting,   471,  478 

91.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam,  respecting  prisoners  at  the  forti- 

fications at  the  Highlands;  and  resolutions  of  Provincial 
Congress  thereon,   471,  472 

92.  Examination  of  John  Livingston,  Jr.  for  refusal  to  produce 

his  furlough  when  required  by  committee  of  Queens 
county  ;  order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon   480,  481 

93.  Arrest  and  imprisonment  of  Jonathan  Baker  and  Stephen 

Fountain,  charged  with  taking  up  arms  against  the  public 
liberties,  and  holding  traitorous  correspondence  with  the 
enemies  of  the  country,   484 

94.  Arrest  and  imprisonment  of  Micha  Lynch  and  Thomas 

Hickey,  soldiers  of  the  Continental  army,  on  charge  of 
attempting  to  pass  counterfeit  bills  of  credit;  examina- 
tion and  order  respecting,   495,  496,  497 

96.  Augustus  Van  Horn,  Vincent  P.  Ashfield,  and  Thomas  W. 

Moore,  discharged,  on  signing  the  general  association  ; 
and  John  L.  C.  Roome,  on  refusal  to  sign;  recom- 
mended,   508 

97.  Arrest,  examination  and  commitment  of  John  Alner,  on 

suspicion  of  visitins  the  enemy's  ships  at  SandyHook, . .  508 

98.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  the  sheriff  of 

the  State  to  retain  in  their  custody,  until  discharged  by 
due  course  of  law,  or  until  the  further  order  of  Provin- 
cial Congress,    518 

99.  Appointment  of  committee  for  disposition  of,  &c   518 

100.  Petition  of  Samuel  Smith  and  Cadwallader  Colden,  Jr.  con- 

fined in  Ulster  county  jail ;  reference  to  Ulster  county 
committee,   525 

101.  Order  for  apprehension  and  imprisonment  of  James  Horton, 

Jr.  William  Sutton,  and  John  Sutton,  on  charge  of  being 
engaged  in  schemes  and  practices  against  the  public  liber- 
ties  528 

102-  Arrest  and  imprisonment  of  George  Davy,  and  William 

Tucker,  as  suspicious  persons   529 

103.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  imprisonment  of,  &c.  .  530 

104.  Letter  to  committee  of  Litchfield,  Connecticut,  accompany- 

the  transmission  of,  to  the  jail  in  that  place,   531 

105.  Answer  of  Litchfield  committee,   541 

106.  Letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  relative  to  suitable  provision  for 

the  security  of  such  prisoners,   543 

107.  Letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  relative  to  Litchfield  committee,  .  543 

108.  Examination,  recommitment  and  discharge  of  John  Thomas, 

a  deserter  from  the  British  ship  of  war,  the  lively,  544,  545, 

547 

109.  Examination,  recommitment  and  discharge  of  William  Sut- 

ton,  545,  547 

110.  Letter  from  Convention  to  chairman  of  Philadelphia  com- 

mittee, transmitt;ng  William  Sutton,  to  the  jail  at,   547 

(See  Stewart,  Alexander.) 

111.  Admonition  and  discharge  of  John  Sutton,   54«l 

112.  Letter  from  Abraham  C.  Cuyler,  John  Duncan,  Stephen  De 

Lancey,  Benjamin  Hilton,  and  John  Monier,  praying  to  be 


1170 


INDEX. 


PRISONERS— Continued. 


PAGE. 


released  from  confinement ;  proceedings  of  Convention 

thereon,   555 

Arrest,  examination  and  committal  of  Thomas  Willett,  late 
sheriff  of  Queens  county,  on  charge  of  certifying  and  pu- 
blishing declarations  of  Richard,  Viscount  Howe  and  Gen. 

Howe,  by  order  of  Gov.  Try  on,   558,  559 

Arrest,  examination  and  discharge  of  Edward  Willett,  Ed- 
ward Willett,  Jr.  and  Thomas  Hicks,  implicated  in  the 

same  proceeding,  561,  562 

(See  Ulster  County,  57,  67.) 
Petitition  of,  confined  in  the  jail  at  White-Plains,  for  dis- 
charge, and  statement  of  offences  of,   581,  582 

Report  of  Abm.  W.  Depeyster,  relative  to  the  disposition  of, 

in  Connecticut,  583,  584 

Letter  from  D.  Matthews,  complaining  of  his  treatment,  and 
answer  of  Convention  and  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,.  596 

597 

Order  for  the  arrest  and  imprisonment  of  John  Woolley,  for 

correspondence  with  British  vessels,   602 

Examination  of  John  Woolley,   609 

120.  Apprehension  and  examination  of  William  Warne  ;  order 

for  commitment  of,   617,  618,  619,  620,  621 

Order  for  imprisonment  of  Isaac  Ketcham  and  Samuel  Skid- 
more,  on  charge  of  treasonable  practices  against  the 

State,   654 

Letter  from  committee  of  Goshen  precinct,  relative  to  certain 
Scotch  prisoners  ;  report  of  committee,  and  proceedings 

thereon,   667 

Petition  of  John  Bloomer,  confined  at  Springfield,  in  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  for  removal  and  discharge  on  his  parol  of 
honor  ;  report  of  committee,  and  resolution  of  Committee 

of  Safety  thereon,   758 

Order  for  apprehension  of  Capt.  Phineas  Ford,  on  charge  of 

plunder  and  felony,  and  escape  of,   764,  765 

Capt.  Isaac  Belknap's  report,  relative  to  the  escape  of  Capt. 

Ford,   764,  765 

Reward  offered  for  apprehension  of,   765 

Petitions  of  John  Moley  and  Stephen  Lyon  for  relief,  and  re- 
ference of,   775 

128.  Letter  from,  requesting  permission  to  remain  with  his  fami- 
ly until  his  exchange  can  be  effected,    777 

Apprehension  and  discharge  of  John  Bloomer,  777,  785 

Petition  and  documents  of  Peter  Van  Schaick,  assigning  his 
reasons  for  refusal  to  take  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  re- 
questing permission  to  remove  from  this  State,  with  his 

family  and  effects,   794,  795 

List  of,  apprehended  by  order  of  the  committee  of  Orange 

county,  and  disposition  of,  by  Convention,.   872 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  74,  79,  81,  83.) 
(See  Tryon  County,  28.) 
Report  of  committee  for  the  examination  and  disposition  of 
the  persons  apprehended  by  Maj.  Wisner,  transmitting 

the  examination  by  them,  885,  886 

Examination  of  Samuel  Herrin,   886 

Letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut,  respecting  per- 
mission to,  confined  in  that  State,  to  go  at  large,  on  pa- 
rol,   

Resolution  of  Convention,  for  delivery  of,  in  Ulster,  Dutch- 
ess and  Orange,  with  the  proofs  against  them,  to  General 

George  Clinton,  for  trial  by  court  martial,  

Order  for  imprisonment  of  Thomas  Hedding,  

137.  Order  for  imprisonment  of  Abraham  Smith,  on  charge  of 

being  engaged  in  a  conspiracy,  

138.  Order  for  imprisonment  of  Isaac  Low,   

(See  Courts  Martial.) 

139.  Order  for  confinement  of  William  Smith  and  John  Patterson, 

within  the  manor  of  Livingston,  on  parol  

140.  Order  for  confinement  of  Henry  Cuyler,  in  the  town  of  Hur- 

ley,   

141.  Petitions  of  sundry  prisoners  in  confinement  at  various  pla- 

ces, for  pardon  and  relief, .  963, 966, 972,  973, 974,  976,  98 1, 1004 
(See  Connecticut,  66.) 

142.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  for  the  transportation  of, 

confined  in  the  New-England  States,  to  the  Fleet  prison 
at  Esopus,   968 

143.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety,  inquiring  as  to  the  discharge 

of,  sent  to  the  jail  at  Philadelphia,   968 

144.  Letter  to  delegation  in  Congress  respecting,   970 

145.  Regulations  for  the  government  and  management  of  the 

Fleet  prison,  973,  974 

146.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Cornelius  C.  Elmen- 

dorph,  commissary  of  provisions  of,     974 

147.  Discharge  of  John  E.  Van  Men   976 

(See  Philadelphia.  5.) 

148.  Affidavits,  &c.  and  order  for  discharge  of  Benjamin  Dar- 

by,  1008 

149.  Resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  for  transmission  of,  confined 

in  the  Fleet  prison,  to  Hartford,  in  Connecticut;  letter  to 
Gov.  Trumbull  thereupon,   1063 

150.  Letters  from  Ezekiel  Williams,  commissary  of,  for  Connec- 

ticut, respecting;  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety 
respecting,   1073,  1100 

151.  Letter  from  William  Smith,  requesting  permission  to  go  to 

the  city  of  New-York  ;  permission  denied,   1079 

152.  Appointment  of  commissioners  to  superintend  the  return  of, 

from  Hartford  to  this  State,   1105,  110g 


113. 


114 


115. 
116. 


117 


118 
119. 


121 


122. 


123. 


124. 

125. 

126. 
127. 


129 
130 


131. 


132. 


133. 
134. 


135. 


136. 


887 


889 
891 


899 


960 


962 


PAGE. 

PRISONERS — Continued. 

153.  Commissioners  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  authorized  to 
discharge  parols  of,  &c   U16 

154.  Commissioners  for  superintending  removal  of,  from  Hart- 
ford, authorized  to  permit  enlistment  of,  in  any  of  the  five 
Continental  or  Col.  Malcom's  regiments,  with  certain  re- 
giments, with  certain  restrictions,   1116 

PRISONERS  OF  WAR. 
Letter  from  Joseph  Reed,  adjutant-general,  respecting  provi- 
sion for,   517 

Appointment  of  John  McKesson  and  Robert  Benson,  as  com- 
missaries for,   58i 

(See  Martin,  Joseph,  4.) 
Petitions  of  Jonathan  Purdy,  Jr.  Rynier  Van  Housen,  and 

John  Fowler,  praying  to  be  admitted  to  their  parols,   627 

Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  the  removal 
of,  from  Westchester  county,  to  Woodbury,  in  the  State  of 

Connecticut,   683 

(See  Stewart,  Alexander.) 
Report  of  Ebenezer  Lockwood,  relative  to  removal  of,  from 

Westchester  county,   691 

Letter  from  Josa.  Loring,  commissary  of,  at  New- York,  rela- 
tive to  passports  for,  exchanged,   767 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   767 

Resolutions  for  the  disposition  of  the  effects  of  sundry  per- 
sons violating  their  parols,  and  having  rejoined  the  ene- 


my, 


769 


Letter  frem  Brig.  Gen.  McDougall,  transmitting  sundry  per- 
sons therein  named  as,   796 

Letter  from  Edward  Dunscomb,  son  of  Daniel  Dunscomb,  a 
prisoner  at  New-York,  requesting  that  an  exchange  may 

be  effected  for  him,   803 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  rela- 
tive to  exchange  of,   805 

Petition  of  Moses  Knapp,  confined  in  Kingston  jail,  for  re- 
lief,  838 

Order  for  confinement  of  John  Cummings  and  Alexander 

Cruikshanks,  prisoners  on  parol,   838 

Resolution  of  Convention  for  exchange  of  James  Jauncy,  Jr. 

for  Major  West,  of  the  Pennsylvania  battalion,   850 

Order  to  committee  of  Albany,  for  the  apprehension  and  con- 
finement of,   857 

Letter  from  Col.  Alexander  Hamilton,  informing  of  the  ap- 
proval of  Gen.  Washington  of  the  exchange  of  Major  Ed- 

mondston  ;  order  thereon,   883 

Application  of  John  Gamble  to  be  exchanged  ;  resolution  of 

Convention  thereon   888 

Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  delegation  in  Congress,  re- 
specting the  publication  in  this  country  and  Europe,  of  the 
report  of  Committee  of  Congress  relative  to  the  treatment 

of,  by  the  British,   947 

Letter  from  secretary  of  board  of  war,  requesting  an  account 

of  expenses  for,   983 

Letter  from  Col.  Van  Schaick,  accompanying  the  transmission 

of,    1014,  1040 

Examination  of  Francis  Horsman,  a  prisoner  of  the  53d  regi- 
ment, relative  to  the  condition  of  the  British  army,  1021 

Appointment  of  Abraham  B.  Bancker  as  commissary  of,  in 

place  of  Christopher  Bancker,  resigned,   1029 

Permission  to  John  Patterson  to  proceed  to  New-York,  for 

the  purpose  of  effecting  an  exchange ;  bond  for  return,. . .  1082 
Letter  from  Convention  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress, 
transmitting  accounts  and  vouchers  of  disbursements  by 
this  State  for,   1114 

PRIVATEERS. 

1.  Proceedings  and  resolutions  of  Continental  and  Provincial 

Congress,  relative  to  commissioning  of,  and  issuing  letters 
of  marque  and  reprisal,  and  instructions  of  Continental 
Congress  to  the  commanders  of  such  vessels,. . .  .357,  407,  408 

2.  Commission  granted  to  James  Smith,  commander  of  the  arm- 

ed sloop  Gen.  Schuyler,   411 

3.  Commission  granted  to  Thomas  Cregier,  of  the  Gen.  Putnam, 

and  instructions  to,  411,  438 

4.  Commission  granted  to  William  Rogers,  of  the  Montgomerie, 

and  instructions,  411,414 

5.  Letter  from  James  Smith,  commander  of  the  Gen.  Schuyler, 

returning  his  commission,   470 

6.  Commission  to  John  Warner,  as  commander  of  the  barque 

Washington,   503 

7.  Commission  to  Joseph  White,  for  brigantine  Enterprise,. . . .  510 

8.  Commission  to  Stewart  Deane,  for  sloop  Beaver,   510 

9.  Letter  from  officers  and  mariners  of  the  privateer  Putnam, 

relative  to  a  mutiny  on  board  of  said  vessel,   638 

10.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  sale  of  the  armed 

schooner  Putnam,   6fi5,  697 

11.  Resolution  of  Committee  for  defraying  the  expenses  of  fitting 

out  and  paying  off  the  wages  of  the  officers  and  crew  of 
the  sloop  Montgomery,   680 

12.  Appointment  of  Col.  Broome  as  agent  for  sloop  Montgomery, 

with  authority  to  refit,  &c   803 

13.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  delegation  in  Continental 

Congress,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  Capt.  William  Rogers 
of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomery,  at  Baltimore,  with  a  brig 
and  schooner  taken  by  him,  and  requesting  assistance  in  pro- 
curing a  condemnation  of  said  brig,  effecting  sales  of  the 
prizes,  and  refitting  ;  letter  to  Capt.  Rodgers,   805 


INDEX. 


1171 


PAGE. 

PRIVATEERS— Continued. 

14.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Peter  Colt,  agent  for  sloop  Mont- 

gomery,   845 

15.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  one  of  the  Delegates  from  this 

State  in  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  disposition  of 
the  clothing  and  other  cargo  of  the  sloop  Montgomery,  and 
the  proceedings  of  Congress  thereon,  &c   858,  859 

16.  Letter  from  Col.  John  Broome,  relative  to  the  Montgomery 

vessel  of  war,   915 

17.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  payment  of  the  wages  of  the 

crew  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomreie,  for  their  discharge, 
and  for  the  sale  of  said  vessel,   955 

18.  Instructions  to  auditor-general,  relative  to  the  settlement  of 

the  accounts  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,  and  resolu- 
tion for  the  payment  to  Capt.  William  Rodgers,  late  com- 
mander of  said  sloop,  of  four  thousand  pounds,  for  prize 
money,  to  himself  and  crew,   991 

19.  Letter  from  Col.  John  Broome,  informing  of  the  sale  of  the 

sloop  Montgomerie,   992 

20.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  transmitting  accounts  relative  to 

the  prices  of  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie,   1001 

PRIVILEGE,  BREACH  OF. 

(See  Provincial  Congress,  13.) 
(See  De  Lancey,  John.) 
PRIZES  AND  PRIZE  VESSELS. 

(See  Marine  Committee,  3.) 
(See  Hallett,  Joseph,  11.) 

1.  Capture  of  brig  Temple,  and  a  Bermudian  sloop,  by  the  Con- 

tinental sloops  Schuyler  and  Mifflin,  and  the  armed  sloop 

Montgomerie,   642 

(See  Privateers.) 

2.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  one  of  the  Delegates  from  this 

State  in  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  disposition, 
by  Congress,  of  the  clothing  and  other  cargo  captured  by 
the  armed  sloop  Montgomery,  and  resolutions  of  Conven- 
thereon,   858,  859 

PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

1 .  Letter  from  the  New- York  Committee  to  the  counties,  request- 

ing the  election  of  Delegates  to,   5 

2.  Organization  of,  and  names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  at- 

tending, May  23,  1775,   7,  8 

3.  Officers  of,   7 

4.  Votes  in,  how  taken,  8,  101 

5.  Rules  of,   8 

6.  Resolution  offiered  by  Mr.  Low,  respecting  competency  and 

powers  of,  and  votes  on  said  resolution,   8,  9 

7.  Resolution  for  opening  proceedings  of,  each  morning,  with 

prayer,   9 

8.  To  determine  the  number  of  men,  not  exceeding  three  thou- 

sand, necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
the  fortifications  at  or  near  King's  Bridge,  the  batteries  at 
the  Highlands,  and  the  posts  at  or  near  Lake  George  ;  to 
appoint  officers  and  prescribe  rules  and  regulations  for 
government  of,     16 

9.  Directions  to,  by  Continental  Congress,  respecting  bounties, 

clothing  and  pay  of  troops,  and  period  of  enlistment,   16 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress.) 

10.  Letter  from,  to  Continental  Congress,  enclosing  communica- 

tion and  documents  from  Albany  committee,   24 

11.  Recognition  by,  of  election  of  Delegates  to  Continental  Con- 

gress, by  Provincial  Convention,   51 

12.  Resolutions,  proceedings  and  report  of,  respecting  plan  of  ac- 

commodation with  Great  Britain,  and  letter  from  Delegates 
in  Continental  Congress  respecting,. .  20,  26,  50,  52  to  54,  58,  59 
John  De  Lancey  reprimanded  by  President,  for  an  insult  to 
Mr.  Scott,  and  the  dispute  between  them  enjoined  to  be 

stopped,   101 

Appointment  of  committee  of  ways  and  means,  for  discharg- 
ing debts  contracted  by,   101 

Appropriation  of  $  175,000  by  Continental  Congress,  to  dis- 
charge debts  of,  contracted  by,'   102 

Committee  of  observation  appointed  to  employ  boats  to  sail 
eastward,  for  the  discovery  of  any  fleet  sailing  towards 
New-York ;  authorized  to  insure  boats  employed  by,  for 
this  purpose,  against  seizure,   110,  111,  113 

17.  Resolutions  of,  for  administering  oath  of  secrecy  to  members 

and  officers  of,  and  all  persons  employed  by ;  form  of 
oath,   116, 

18.  Proceedings  of,  relative  to  dissolution  of,  and  election  of  new 

Delegates,  180, 

19.  Accounts  of  Secretaries  of,  audited,  

20.  Organization  of,  chosen  on  the  14th  November,  1775, .... 

21.  Votes  in,  how  directed  to  be  taken,  

22.  Rules  of,  for  transaction  of  business,   206 

23.  Hour  of  meeting  and  adjournment,   206 

24.  Sessions  of,  removed  to  Assembly  Chamber  of  General  As- 

sembly,   208 

25.  Letter  to  absent  members  of,  

26.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  a  plan  for  a  third  Pro- 

vincial Congress,  

27.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   352 

28.  Letter  from  Wm.  Paulding,  Chairman  of  Committee  of  Safe- 

ty, recommending  the  meeting  of,   410 

29.  Organization  of  third  Provincial  Congress,   448 

30.  Votes  in,  how  directed  to  be  taken,   450 

31.  Rules  of,   450 


13. 


14. 
15. 
16. 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS — Continued. 
Resolutions  of,  declaring  military  officers  ineligible  to  a  seat 


PAGE. 


495 


117 

185 
188 

205 
206 


240 
332 


34. 
35. 
36. 

37. 
38. 
39. 


10. 


11. 


12. 


13. 


14. 

15. 

16. 
17. 


18. 


21, 


22. 


23. 


Resolutions  for  the  adjournment  of,  to  White-Plains,  in  West- 
chester county,  and  for  the  transfer  thither  of  the  public 

treasures  and  records,  and  the  military  stores,   512 

List  of  members  of,  512,  513 

Organization  of  fourth  Provincial  Congress,   515 

Resolution  of,  changing  the  style  of,  to  that  of "  Convention 

of  the  Representatives  of  the  State  of  New-York,"   519 

Adjournment  of  Provincial  Convention  to  Harlem,   548 

Adjournment  of  Provincial  Convention  to  Fishkill,   599 

Ratification  of  acts  and  proceedings  of,   887 

PROVINCIAL  CONVENTION. 
Deputies  to,  held  at  the  Exchange,  in  the  city  of  New- York, 

April  20,  1775,   1 

Organization  and  proceedings  of,   1 

Votes  in,  how  taken,   1 

Election  by,  of  Delegates  to  Continental  Congress,   4 

Recognition  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,    51 

Recognition  of,  by  Convention  of  Representatives,   887 

PROVINCIAL  CURRENCY. 

(See  Colonial  Paper  Currency.) 

PROVISIONS  AND  SUPPLIES. 
Directed  to  be  furnished  to  garrisons  stationed  at  Ticondero- 
ga  and  the  south  end  of  Lake  George ;  instructions  respect- 
ing, 10,  11,  12,  18,21 

Appointment  of  Peter  T.  Curtenius  as  commissary  of,  and  in- 
structions to,   27 

List  of  men  and  articles  directed  by  Provincial  Congress  to 
be  furnished  by  commissary,  and  forwarded  to  south  end  of 

Lake  George,   28 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 
Congress,  respecting  the  lading  of  provisions  for  the  use  of 
the  army  and  navy  at  Boston,  consigned  to  Messrs.  Lopez 
&  Rome,  at  Rhode  Island,  on  board  of  vessel  of  Captain 

Coffin,     38 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  requesting  Provincial 
Congress  to  forward  to  camp  at  Boston,  five  thousand  bar- 
rels of  flour  for  use  of  the  Continental  army,   39 

Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  39,  40 

Commissary-General  directed  to  purchase  and  forward  to  Al- 
bany 300  barrels  of  pork,   40 

Return  from  John  N.  Bleecker  of,  received  from  New- York, 

and  of  the  quantity  forwarded  to  Fort  George,   44,  45 

(See  Curtenius,  Peter  T.) 
Letter  to  John  Alsop,  of  Philadelphia,  relative  to  purchase  of 

blankets,    60 

(See  Phelps,  Elisha.) 
Receipt  from  Philip  Lansingh  to  Egbert  Dumond,  for  200  bar- 
rels of  flour  for  use  of  troops  at  Ticonderoga,.   65 

(See  Albany,  10,13,  13.) 
(See  Van  Rensselaer,  Philip,  1.) 
(See  Trumbull,  Jonathan,  Jr.) 
(See  Livingston,  Peter  Van  Brugh,  7.) 
Resolution  prohibiting  the  departure  of  vessels  containing, 

without  permission,   123 

(See  Rhode  Island,  3,  7.) 
(See  Ships  and  Vessels.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  49.) 
(See  Livingston.  Peter  Van  Brugh,  11.) 
(See  Drake,  Col.  Gilbert.) 
Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  and  despatch  vessel 
for  purchase  of ;  appropriations  for,  and  mode  of  expendi- 
ture    145,  148,  183,  212 

(See  Massachusetts  Bay,  17.) 
Measures  for  protection  of  stock  against  seizure  by  the  Bri- 
tish troops,   220 

(See  Westchester  County,  29,  30,  41,  43.) 
Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  prohibiting  all  obstruction 

in  the  supply  of,   329 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  of  New-Jersey,  repealing 

embargo  on  exportation  of,     330 

Directions  for  providing  magazines  of,   357 

Letter  from  General  Washington  to  Provincial  Congress,  re- 
specting purchase  of,  from  sundry  disaffected  persons  on 

Long  island   492,  493 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  commissary- 
general  to  take,  on  refusal  to  sell,  on  payment  of  the  mar- 
ket price  thereof,   494 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  prohibiting  the  exporta- 
tion of  salted  beef  and  pork,   497 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  the  sale  of, 
to  commissary,  by  the  inhabitants,  at  a  reasonable  price, 

and  providing  for  valuation  thereof,   503 

(See  Washingion,  George,  66.) 
Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  purchase  of  wheat  for  the 

use  of  the  army,  and  for  the  supply  of  flour,   689 

Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 
better  procuring  of,  and  for  the  prevention  of  monopoly 

and  engrossing  in,   775,  795 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  for  the  sufficient  supply 

of,  for  the  use  of  the  northern  army,   800 

(See  Prices.) 
PROVOST,  REV.  SAMUEL. 
Appointed  chaplain  to  Convention,  and  directed  to  open  its 


1172 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

PROVOST,  REV.  SAMUEL— Continued. 
daily  sessions  with  prayer,  and  perform  divine  service  on 

Sundays   810 

2.  Declension  of,     818 

PUBLIC  DEBT. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  consider  the  ways  and  means 

best  adapted  to  discharge,   101 

2.  Appropriation  of  $175,000  by  Continental  Congress,  to  dis- 

charge of,   102 

3.  Report  of  committee  of  ways  and  means,   105 

4.  Resolutions  respecting  time  for  sinking  of,   223 

5.  Directions  for  receipt  of  additional  sum  of  money  from  Con- 

tinental Congress,    224 

(See  Loans.) 
(See  Bills  of  Credit.) 
(See  Continental  Currency.) 
(See  Colonial  Currency.) 

PULVER  HENDRICK. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  the  ninth  company  in  Colonel 

.Peter  R.  Livingston's  regiment  of  militia,   773 

PURDY,  DAVID. 
1.  Directed  to  be  brought  before  Committee  of  Safety;  repri- 
mand and  discharge,   153,  154 

PURDY,  EBENEZER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  militia  in  Westchester  county,.  526 

PURDY,  ISAIAH. 

1.  Letter  and  affidavits  from  Committee  of  Safety  of  Newburgh 

and  New- Windsor,  respecting  conduct  of,  in  opposition  to 

the  liberties  of  the  American  Colonies,   81, 82 

2.  Sent  by  Committee  of  Safety  as  prisoner  to  Col.  McDougall's 

camp,   82 

3.  Liberation  of;  letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committees 

of  Newburgh  and  New- Windsor ;  and  admonition  to.,. ...  93 

PUTNAM,  ISRAEL. 
1  Appointment  of  as  major-general  by  Continental  Congress,.  68 

2.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  the  comple- 

tion and  forwarding  of  the  four  New-York  regiments,  to  the 
city  of  New-York,  without  delay,   401 

3.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  a  guard  for 

city  records,     402 

4.  Instructions  from  Gen.  Washington,  to,  for  the  regulation  of 

his  conduct,  in  respect  to  the  determination  of  Provincial 
Congress,  relative  to  the  tories,  and  to  concert  measures 
with  Gen.  Greene,  &c.  during  General  Washington's  ab- 
sence,   456 

5.  Letter  from/informing  of  the  inoculation  of  a  number  of  peo- 

ple for  the  smallpox  in  the  city  of  New- York,  and  request- 
ing the  action  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   459 

6.  Communication  of  thanks  of  to  Provincial  Congress  for  their 

exertions,  and  that  of  the  general  committee  for  prevent- 
ing the  spread  of  the  smallpox;  answer  of  Provincial 
Congress,   463 

7.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  informing  of  the  visita- 

tion of  tories  in  jail,  by  ladies,  &c   467 

8.  Letter  from,  informing  of  complaint  against  Sergeant  McFall 
of  the  26th  regiment,  taken  at  St.  Johns,   471 

Letter  from,  requesting  the  order  of  Provincial  Congress,  re- 
specting the  tory  prisoners  at  the  fortifications  at  the  High- 
lands ;  transmitting  a  list  of  such  prisoners  ;  resolutions 

and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   471,  472 

Letter  from,  respecting  proceedings  of  the  enemy,   956 

Answer  of  Convention,   957 

Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  copy  of  a  let- 
ter from  General  Schuyler,  expressing  his  surprise  at  the 
conduct  of  the  general  officers  in  evacuating  Ticonderoga,  992 
Answer  of  Gen.  Putnam,   994 

14.  Letter  from,  transmitting  copy  of  the  trial  and  sentence  of 

Edmund  Palmer,  as  a  spy   1020 

15.  Letter  from,  to  Gov.  Clinton,  respecting  proceedings  of,  and 

requesting  a  temporary  resumption  of  his  command,  in  ex- 
pectation of  an  immediate  attack  from  the  enemy,    1027 

16.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety  relative  to  proceedings  of 

commissioners  of  sequestration  in  Westchester  county  ; 
answer  of  Council,   1030,  1031 

PYE,  DAVID. 

1.  Letters  from,  respecting  "provision  for  apprehension  of  de- 
serters from  Capt.  Johnson's  company,   104,  161 

<i. 

QUAKERS.  (See  New-York  City  and  County,  55.)  1 

1.  Deputation  of,  from  a  monthly  meeting  of  Friends  in  the  Ob- 

long, in  Dutchess  county,  requesting  information  relative 
to  the  imposition  of  certain  test  oaths  ;  appointment  of 
committee  to  confer  with  ;  report  of,  nnd  resolutions 

thereon,   779 

(See  Hunt,  Joseph.) 

2.  Order  for  apprehension  and  confinement  of  a  number  of ; 

proceedings  without  permission  to  Long  island,  to  attend 
their  annual  meeting,   972 

3.  Petition  for  the  discharge  of ;  granted   1027 

QUALIFICATION  OF  VOTERS. 
1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  relative  to,  in  the  formation  of 

the  constitution,   843,  867 


9. 


10. 

II. 

12. 


13 


TAGE. 

QUARTER-MASTER-GENERAL. 

(See  Mifflin,  Thomas.) 

QUARTER-MASTERS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  for  second  regiment,   62 

2.  Appointment  of,  for  first  regiment,   66 

3.  Appointment  of,  for  Ulster  connty  militia,    135 

4.  Appointment  of,  for  regiment  of  minute  men  in  Dutchess 

county,   135 

QUEBEC. 

1.  Resolution  directing  letters  to  be  written  to  the  inhabitants  of 

of  the  northern  counties,  respecting  a  contemplated  incur- 
sion into  the  province  of,   II 

2.  Addresss  of  Provincial  Congress  to  inhabitants  of  the  pro- 

vince of,    26 

3.  Information  relative  to,  communicated  by  Richard  Jenkins, 

master  of  Thomas  Ludlow's  vessel,  ,   123 

4.  Report  of  Continental  troops,   256 

5.  Letter  from  Col.  Rudolphus  Ritzema, detailing  the  attack  on; 

death  of  Gen.  Montgomery ;  and  capture  of  Col.  Arnold's 
detachment,   286,  287 

6.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  the  supply  to 

Gen.  Lee,  of  cannon  and  other  necessaries  for  the  seige  or 
assault  of,   318 

7.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from  to  the  third  Provin- 

cial Congress,   449 

8.  List  of  tories  and  disaffected  persons  in,  and  resolutions  of 

Provincial  Congress  respecting  proceedings  against,. . .  476,  477 

9.  Appointment  of  officers  of  a  troop  of  horse  in  Newtown,. . . .  583 

QUEENS  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,2,3,4 

2.  Proceedings  at  annual  town  meeting  in  Flushing,  for  choice 

of  Deputies,  ...   4 

3.  Proceedings  at  annual  town  meeting  of  Jamaica,  Oysterbay 

and  Newtown,   4 

4.  Resolution  of  Convention  in,  relative  to  Deputies  attending 

from  Jamaica,  Queens  and  Newtown,  not  regularly  cho- 
sen,  4 

5.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,   9 

6.  Non-attending  Deputies  from,  requested  to  attend,    50 

7.  Members  from,  requested  to  report  their  opinion  relative  to 

the  conduct  of  their  constituents,  with  regard  to  the  contro- 
versy with  Great  Britain,   50 

8.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  respecting  dissent  of  a 

portion  of  inhabitants  of,  and  the  rights  of  the  sitting 
members,  58,  59 

9.  Attendance  of  Joseph  French,   66 

10.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

(See  Wooster,  David,  22.) 

11.  Provisions  for  impressment  and  appraisal  of  arms  in  the 

hands  of  persons  not  signing  the  general  association  in, . .  149 

12.  Proceedings  for  carrying  such  provisions  into  effect  in  ;  re- 

port of  Maj.  William  Williams  ;  and  examination  of  wit- 
nesses,   156,  157,  158,  159 

13.  Proceedings  and  resolutions  of  inhabitants  of  Great  Neck, 

Cow  Neck,  and  all  lately  belonging  to  Captain  Stephen 
Thorn's  company  ;  and  choice  of  officers  of;  letter  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress  to,   173 

14.  Information  respecting  disaffeclions  in,  and  suspicions  of  a 

design  to  enlist  negroes,   215 

15.  Resolutions  respecting  inimical  proceedings  of  certain  inhabi- 

tants of ;  and  requiring  attendance  of  committee  from,  be- 
fore Provincial  Congress   216,  229,  230 

16.  Commissary  directed  to  deliver  to  Captain  Skidmore,  the 

arms  received  from  company  of,  and  pay  appraised  value 

of  such  as  were  sent  into  the  public  service,   227 

17.  Letter  to  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting  inimi- 

cal proceedings  in  ;  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress in  relation  thereto,   ...  230 

18.  Petitions  of  Thomas  Place  and  Gabriel  Van  Cott,  of,  express- 

ing contrition  for  having  opposed  the  choice  of  Delegates 
to  Provincial  Congress,  and  praying  for  a  restoration  to 
favour;  order  of  Congress  thereon,   237 

19.  Petitions  of  Captain  Jacob  Mott,  Jackson  Molt,  and  Seaman 

Weeks  ;  and  certificate  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereupon,  252, 

253 

20.  Letter  to  Col.  Herd,  respecting  confinement  of  Jacob  Mott,  273, 

274 

21.  Obligations  of  sundry  disaffected  inhabitants  of,  received  and 

filed    289 

22.  Resolution  of  Continental  Concrcss,  directing  the  imprison- 

ment of  sundry  disaffected  inhabitants  of,   289 

23.  Petition  of  said  prisoners,  for  permission  to  go  at  large  on 

parol  ;  denied   294,  295 

24.  Letter  to  inhabitants  of.  informing  of  llie  apprehension  of 

sundry  persons  in,  considered  inimical  to  the  public  liber- 
ties ;  and  requesting  the  collection  of  evidence  relating  to 
charges  against,   300 

25.  Petition  of  Wm.  and  Thos.  Cock,  of  Oysterbay,  for  restora- 

tion to  favour  ;  granted,   314 

26.  Letter  from  Joseph  Robinson,  of  Jamaica,  relative  to  evi- 

dence against  the  persons  apprehended  in,  by  order  of 
Continental  Congress,   325 


INDEX. 


1173 


PAGE. 

QUEENS  COUNTY— Continued. 

27.  Determination  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  militia  of; 

and  letter  to  Col.  Blackwell  and  others,   339,  345 

28.  Information  of  imposition  of  test  oath  to  sundry  inhabitants 

of,  &c  and  examinations  relating  thereto,   354,  355 

29.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  Jamaica,   388 

30.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  Newtown,   438 

31.  Examination  of  John  Hendrickson,  relative  to  proceedings  of 

tories  and  disaffected  persons  on  Long  island,   454 

32.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  militia  of,  in  Flushing,   485 

33.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  militia  in  the  south  district 

of  Newtown,   499 

34.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  in  fourth  Provincial 

Congress,  at  White  Plains,   515 

35.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  liberty  to  Rev.  Mr.  Ket- 

teltas,  a  Deputy  from,  to  attend  the  House  at  such  times 
only  as  he  may  think  proper,   516 

36.  Certificate  of  election  of  Wm.  Ludlow,  Jr.  as  captain  of 

minute  company  in  Jamaica,  in  the  stead  of  John  J.  Skid- 
more,  promoted  to  a  majority,   550 

37.  Loan  to  committee  of,  for  the  public  service,   551 

38.  Order  for  apprehension  of  Thomas  Willett,  late  sheriff  of,  on 

charge  of  certifying  and  publishing  declaration  of  Richard 
Viscount  Howe,  and  Wm.  Howe,  attested  by  Governor 
Tryon,     552 

39.  Arrest  and  examination  of,   558,  556 

40.  Order  for  apprehension  of  Edward  Willett,  Thomas  Willett, 

Edward  Wiliet,  Jr.  Lawson,  a  schoolmaster  at  Flushing, 

and  Thomas  Hicks,  Esq.  an  attorney  at  law,   559 

41.  Order  for  imprisonment  of  Thomas  Willett,   559 

42.  Arrest,  examination  and  discharge  of  Edward  Willett,  .  561,  562 

43.  Arrest,  examination  and  discharge  of  Edward  Willett,  Jr.  .  562 

44.  Arrest,  examination  and  discharge  of  Thomas  Hicks,   562 

45.  Order  for  examination  of  Nathaniel  Mills,   562 

46.  One-half  of  militia  of  ordered  to  Nassau  island,   566 

47.  Appointment  of  field  officers  of  the  militia  drafted  from,. . . .  568 

48.  Election  of  William  Lawrence,  as  captain  of  a  company  of 

militia  at  Newtown,   572 

49.  Order  for  apprehension  and  examination  of  Elizabeth  Hicks,  572 

50.  Militia  of,  ordered  into  service  for  the  protection  of  the  stock 

and  provisions  of,   586 

51.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  removal  of  stock  from,  to 

Hempstead  Plains ;  and  for  defence  of,  against  the  incur- 
sions of  the  enemy,   588 

(See  Nassau  Island.) 
(See  Long  Island.) 
(See  Remsen,  Jeromus.) 

52.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  organization 

and  disposition  of  militia  of,   603 

(See  Smith,  Josiah.) 

53.  Appointment  of  Representatives  in  Assembly  for,   918 

QUIT  RENTS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  seizing  and  taking  into  custody 

the  books  of  the  late  receiver-general  of  New- York,  rela- 
tive to,   554 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention  declaring  such  rents  formerly  due 

to  the  King  of  Great  Britain  to  be  due  to  the  government 

of  the  State  of  New-York,   554 


R. 

RANDON,  ELIZABETH. 

(See  New- York  City,  20.) 

RANGERS. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  organization,  command, 

pay  and  subsistence  of  sundry  corps  of,  in  the  western  and 
eastern  counties  of  the  State,  for  the  defence  and  protec- 
tion of  the  frontiers,   538,  539 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of  bounties  to,   540 

3.  Commission  to  Joab  Hoisington  as  major  of,  in  the  counties 

of  Cumberland  and  Gloucester,   540,541 

(See  De  Witt,  Jacob  Rutzen.) 

4.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  pay,  bounty 

and  subsistence  of,    685 

5.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  John  Moore,  for  pay- 

ment of  bounty  and  subsistence  of,  in  Tryon,  Albany  and 
Charlotte  counties,   686,  687 

(See  Charlotte  County,  12.) 
(See  Belknap,  Captain  Isaac.) 

7.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Captain  Samuel  Delli- 

van,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  company  of,  in  the 
manor  of  Cortlandt,   759 

8.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Captain  Alexander 

Baldwin,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  company  of, 

in  the  county  of  Albany,   759;  826 

9.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Major  Alexander 

Webster,  for  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  corps  of,  in 

Charlotte  county,   759,  760 

(See  Bradt,  John  A.) 

(See  Scribner,  Nathaniel.) 

(See  Hasbrouck,  Elias,  3.) 

294 


PAGE. 

RANGERS — Continued. 

10.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  and  Convention  autho- 

rizing the  enlistment  of,  into  the  several  Continental  regi- 
giments,  and  prohibiting  farther  recruiting  of,  813,  853 

(See  Demoth,  Marcus.) 
(See  Bayley,  Jacob.) 

11.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  discharging  the  several  compa- 

nies of,    853 

12.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of,  in  Cumberland 

and  Gloucester  counties,   916 

13.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  and  subsistence  of 

Captains  Wiese  and  Kitman's  company  of,  in  Tryon  coun- 
ty,  936 

14.  Gen.  Bayley  directed  to  order  company  of  raised  in  Glouces- 

ter and  Cumberland  county,  to  march  to  Kingston,   947 

(See  Wait,  Capt.  Benjamin.) 

15.  Companies  of,  commanded  by  Captains  John  Strong  and 

Simon  Stevens,  placed  under  the  direction  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler,  979 

16.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  for  raising  two  companies 

of,  in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Tryon  and  Ulster,  for  the 
protection  of  the  frontiers,  appointment  of  officers,  and  in- 
structions to,  relative  to  attacks  upon  the  savages,  1001 

17.  Letter  to  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  thereupon,   1002 

RECORDS. 

1.  Letter  to  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr.  and  Augustus  Van  Cortlandt, 

respecting  provision  for  safety  of,   135 

2.  Letter  from  Augustus  Van  Cortlandt,  respecting,   138 

3.  Letter  from  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr   140 

4.  Directions  to,  and  interview  with  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr.  respect- 

ing safety  of,   285 

5.  Removal  of  town  records  to  Yonkers,  Westchester  county,. .  285 

6.  Order  for  removal  of  Colonial  records  to  the  house  of  Nicho- 

las Bayard,   291 

7.  Permission  to  Samuel  Bayard,  Jr.  to  leave  the  house  afore- 

said, on  leaving  stated  clerks  during  his  absence,   296 

8.  Provision  for  guard  to  protect,      339,  396,  402 

9.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  for  removal  of,  to  King- 

ston, in  Ulster  county,   494 

10.  Appointment  of  commissioners  for  the  removal  to  Kingston,  676 

(See  Westchester  County,  73.) 
(See  New. York  City  and  County,  187.) 

11.  Resolution  of  Convention  for  raising  an  armed  force  for  the 

protection  of,  &c   904 

12.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  preservation 

of,  &c   1066 

13.  Letter  to  committee  of  Albany  respecting  ;  answer  of  com- 

mittee,  1077,  1083 

RECRUITING  OFFICERS. 

1.  Instructions  of  Continental  Congress  to,  on  raising  troops  for 

defence  of  Canada;  and  provision  for  payment  of,   266 

2.  Allowance  to,  for  recruiting  in  the  Continental  service,   508 

(See  Gibson  John,  Auditor-General.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  221.) 

REDUCTION  OF  TROOPS. 

(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  34.) 
(See  Continental  Army.) 

REED,  JAMES. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  minute  men,  in  Dutchess  coun- 
ty,   136 

REED,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Van  Wyck's 

company,  Col.  McDougall's  regiment,   415 

REGIMENTS. 

1.  Arrangement,  numbering,  rank  and  officers  of,   62 

REID,  JOHN,  Jr. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Bowman's 

company,   463 

REID,  JOSEPH,  (Adjutant-General.) 
1.  Letter  from,  relative  to  provision  in  respect  to  prisoners  of 

war,   517 

RELIGIOUS  TOLERATION. 
1.  Proceeding  of  Convention  in  the  formation  of  the  constitution 

relative  to,   844,845,860 

REMSEN,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Appointment  of  as  major  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  by  draft 

from  the  militia  on  Nassau  island,   534 

REMSEN,  JEROMUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  the  militia   drafted  from 

Kings  and  Queens  counties,   568 

2.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  the  organiza- 

tion and  disposition  of  troops  of;  directed  to  join  General 
Clinton,  at  King's  Bridge  ;  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  fa- 
vour of,   603,  604 

3.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  Gen.  Clinton  to 

apprehend  and  detain  levies  and  militia  belonging  to  regi- 
ment of,  disbanded  without  permission,  .....    605 


1174 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

REMSEN,  JEROMUS — Continued. 
4.  Treasurer  directed  to  stop  the  payment  of  accounts  for  regi- 
ment of,   614 

REMSEN,  WILLIAM  AND  JOHN. 

(See  New-York  City  and  County,  60.) 

REPORTS  OF  COMMITTEES. 
1  Relative  to  plan  of  voyage  to  the  West  Indies,  to  obtain  am- 
munition, &c     232,  278, 279 

2.  Relative  to  the  resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  relating 

to  the  defence  of  the  Colony,   302 

3.  On  the  communication  of  Gen.  Lee,  relative  to  the  appoint- 

ment of  a  commissary  for  the  Continental  artillery  stores, 
and  the  appointment  of  a  company  of  artificers,   302 

4.  On  the  revision  of  the  militia  law,     305,  306 

6.  Relative  to  quotas  of  men  to  be  raised  in  the  several  counties 

for  service  of  the  United  Colonies,   307 

6.  Of  military  committee  relative  to  expediency  of  obstructing 

the  navigation  of  the  East  river,  and  restricting  communi- 
cation between  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  New-York  and 
British  ships  of  war,  and  regulaung  the  supply  of  provi- 
sions therefor,  &c   308,  309 

7.  Plan  for  emission  of  a  Colonel  paper  currency,   338,  339 

8.  For  the  encouragement  of  manufactories  of  powder,  fire- 

arms, saltpetre  and  salt,   365,  366 

9.  On  the  danger  to  which  the  Colony  is  exposed  from  intestine 

enemies,  and  the  ways  and  means  necessary  to  be  taken  to 
guard  against,   459 

10.  On  the  resolution  of  Continental  Congress  relating  to  a  new 

form  of  government,   462,  463,  468,  469 

11.  On  the  expediency  and  practicability  of  impeding  the  naviga- 

tion of  the  Hudson  river  between  Nassau  and  Bedlow 
islands,   478 

12.  On  the  regulation  of  the  militia,  . .  „   478,  479 

13.  On  the  arrangement,  appointment  and  arming  of  the  militia 

required  for  the  reinforcement  of  Canada  and  New-York,  483, 

484,  486,487 

14.  Relative  to  the  form  of  the  general  association  required  to  be 

signed  by  all  suspected  persons,  &c   500,  501 

15.  Relative  to  destination  of  prisoners,  &c   530 

16.  Relative  to  the  case  of  Alexander  Stewart,   547 

17.  Relative  to  calling  out  the  Suffolk  and  Queens  county  militia 

for  the  protection  of  the  stock  on  Long  island,    589,  590 

18.  Relative  to  calling  out  the  militia  of  Westchester,  Orange, 

Dutchess  and  Ulster  counties,   606 

19.  Relative  to  the  condition  of  forts  Montgomery  and  Constitu- 

tion at  the  Highlands,     613 

20.  Relative  to  the  proceedings  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  the  dispo- 

sition of  the  militia  of  Dutchess  and  Ulster  counties,  ....  623 

21.  Relative  to  the  condition  of  the  treasury,  the  emission  of 

bills  of  credit,  and  the  means  for  supply  of  the  treasury,  635, 

636 

22.  Relative  to  the  application  of  Joab  Hoisington,  for  bounty  to 

company  of  rangers,  for  the  protection  and  defence  of 
Gloucester  and  Cumberland  counties,   659,  660,  661 

23.  Relative  to  the  conduct  of  certain  Scotch  prisoners  confined 

at  Goshen,   667 

24.  For  co-operating  with  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler,  in  the  defence  of 

the  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  the  State,          699  to  705 

25.  Relative  to  the  arrangement  of  officers  for  the  four  battalions 

directed  to  be  raised  in  this  State,  and  the  propriety  of  or- 
ganizing a  fifth,   712,713 

26.  Relative  to  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  Charlotte  county  ran- 

gers,  728 

27.  Relative  to  accounts  of  A.  Hawkes  Hay,   728 

28.  For  escorting  Lady  Johnson  to  some  proper  and  safe  place 

of  residence,   761 

29.  Relative  to  hire  and  demurrage  of  sloop  Nancy,  John  Harrison 

master,  from  New-York  to  Bordeaux,  in  France  and  back,  773 

30.  On  the  petition  of  the  committee  of  the  manor  of  Rensselaer- 

wyck,  Claverack  and  Kings  district,  in  Albany  county, 
praying  for  the  removal  of  sundry  field  officers  in  Kinder- 
hook  district,   773 

31.  Relative  to  the  condition  of  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and 

Gloucester   775,776 

32.  Of  conference  with  Mr.  John  Harper,  messenger  from  the 

chiefs  of  the  Ocoghquaga  Indians,   801,  802 

33.  Relative  to  the  establishment  of  an  armoury,   807 

34.  Relative  to  the  disposition  of  sundry  articles  taken  by  the  mi- 

litia of  Gen.  Geo.  Clinton's  brigade,   811 

35.  Relative  to  the  claim  of  corps  of  rangers  in  Gloucester  and 

Cumberland  counties,  commanded  by  Gen.  Bayley,   841 

36.  Of  conference  with  Generals  George  and  James  Clinton, 

Greene,  McDougall  and  Washington,  relative  to  the  ob- 
struction of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river;  the  condi- 
tion of  the  fortresses  at  the  Highlands  ;  the  reinforcement 
those  posts  ;  the  appointment  of  a  proper  officer  to  com- 
mand the  same,  &c   831, 832 

36.  On  petition  of  Catharine  Clopper,  respecting  personal  proper- 

ty of  Cornelius  Clopper,   871 

37.  Relative  to  the  letter  from  the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the 

Oneoghquaga  tribe  of  Indians,  relative  to  the  proceedings 

of,   880 

38.  Relative  to  the  examination  and  disposition  of  the  prisoners 

apprehended  by  Major  Wisner,   885 

39.  Relative  to  the  disaffections  and  insurrections  in  the  manor  of 

Livingston,   918,919 


REPORTS  OF  COMMITTEES — Continued. 

40.  Relative  to  furnishings  blankets  for  the  Continental  troops  at 

Ticonderoga   joo3 

41.  Relative  to  the  relief  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  county  of 

Tryon,    1051 

42.  On  the  memorial  of  John  Wheelock,  relative  to  the  disband- 

ment  of  his  corps,   1051,  1052 

43.  Relative  to  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  men  raised  by 

order  of  the  committee  of  Westchester  county,  for  the  de- 
fence thereof,   1055 

44.  Of  conference  with  the  Governor  relative  to  the  expediency 

of  convening  the  Legislature  or  Convention,   1089,  1090 

43.  Of  committee  sent  to  ascertain  the  place  for  fixing  a  chain 
and  erecting  fortifications  for  obstructing  the  navigation  of 
Hudson's  river,   1117 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  AND 
COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 

1.  Relative  to  obedience  due  to  recommendations  of  Continental 

Congress,  and  the  competency  and  powers  of  Provincial 
Congress,   8,  9 

2.  For  opening  proceedings  with  prayer,   9 

3.  For  providing  ways  and  means  for  the  discharge  of  mo- 

neys borrowed  for  the  public  exigences,  and  expenses  in- 
curred in  carrying  out  the  recommendations  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,   10 

4.  Discountenancing  hostilities  against  Canada,   13 

5.  Approving  proceedings  of  Continental  Congress,   13 

6.  Recommending  the  formation  of  county  and  town  committees, 

the  signing  of  the  general  association,  and  directing  the 
names  of  those  refusing  to  sign  such  association,  to  be  re- 
ported,   18 

7.  To  indemnify  sureties  of  Treasurer  for  moneys  advanced  for 

benefit  of  Colony,    21 

8.  Recommending  inhabitants  generally  to  arm,  equip,  form  com- 

panies and  discipline  themselves,   21 

9.  To  indemnify  David  Clarkson  for  moneys  advanced  by  Trea- 

surer, on  loan,   26 

10.  Respecting  plan  of  accommodation  and  reconciliation  with 

Great  Britain,   26 

11.  To  indemnify  Col.  Abraham  Ten  Broeck,  for  security  given 

to  Treasurer,  on  loaD,   27 

12.  Appointing  Peter  T.  Curtenius  commissary  for  the  purchase 

of  provisions  and  stores,  and  engage  artificers  and  mari- 
ners ;  commissions  of,  and  agreement  to  indemnify  and  al- 
low interest  on  advances  of,   27 

13.  Relative  to  embarkation  of  British  troops  from  the  city  of 

New-York,   28 

14.  To  defray  expenses  of  Henry  Watkeys,  a  gunsmith,  for  jour- 

ney to  New-Windsor,  to  consult  with  Robert  Boyd,  about 

the  forging  of  gun  barrels  and  making  muskets,   30 

15.  Recommending  the  appointment  of  Col.  Philip  Schuyler  as 

major-general,  and  Richard  Montgomery,  brigadier-gene- 
ral, .   31 

16.  Declaring  tumults,  riots  or  mobs,  originating  in  dubious  inter- 

pretations of  recommendations  or  resolutions  of  the  Conti- 
nental or  Provincial  Congress,  to  be  an  infraction  of  the 
general  association  ;  and  directing  applications  for  expla- 
nation of  such  recommendations  or  resolutions,  to  be  made 
to  Provincial  Congress,   33 

17.  Preamble  and  resolution  permitting  James  Rivington,  printer, 

to  return  unmolested  to  his  family,  he  having  signed  the 
general  association,  and  asked  pardon  for  his  publica- 
tions,  35 

18.  Respecting  the  removal  of  military  stores  belonging  to  the 

Crown,  from  Turtle  Bay,  and  appointing  a  committee  to 
proceed  there,  and  direct  the  dispersion  of  persons  engag- 
ed in  such  removal,   35 

19.  Offering  a  bounty  for  manufacture  of  powder,   36 

20.  Directing  the  restoration  of  arms  and  accoutrements  taken 

from  the  British  troops,  on  their  embarkation  fom  New- 
York,   37,  38 

21.  Restoring  Robert  and  John  Murray  to  their  commercial  pri- 

vileges, &c   38 

22.  To  indemnify  committee  for  purchase  of  five  thousand  barrels 

of  flour,  for  the  use  of  army  at  Boston,  under  resolution  of 
Continental  Congress,   40 

23.  Relative  to  making  of  muskets,  by  Robert  Boyd  and  Henry 

Watkeys,   41 

24.  Respecting  attendance  of  certain  Deputies  from  Queens  coun- 

ty, and  dissent  of  a  portion  of  the  inhabitants,   50, 58,  59 

25.  Respecting  the  killing  of  sheep  and  lambs,  51,  60 

26.  Recognizing  the  election  of  Delegates  to  Continental  Con- 

gress by  Provincial  Convention   51 

27.  Relative  to  intended  address  from  corporation  of  New- York 

to  Gov.  Tryon,   66 

28.  Prohibiting  the  loading  of  provisions  on  board  British  vessels, 

intended  for  Newfoundland  fishery   67 

29.  Appointing  Rev.  John  Peter  Testard  chaplain  to  Colonial 

troops,  and  French  interpreter  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  fix- 
ing his  pay  as,   67 

30.  Offering  bounty  of  ten  shillings  for  enlistment  in  Colonial 

troops,  •  •  •  67 

31.  Relative  to  the  delivery  of  arms  belonging  to  the  corporation 

of  the  city  of  New-York,  by  a  specified  day,   69 

32.  For  appointment  of  Committee  of  Safety  to  sit  during  recess 

of,  and  powers  of,  69,70 


INDEX. 


1175 


PAGE. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS — Continued. 

33.  Offering  a  bounty  for  enlistment.   96 

34.  Relative  to  amount  of  Colonial  troops,  uniforms  of,  and  allow- 

ance for  use  of  arms,   101 

35.  Relative  to  destruction  of  barge  belonging  to  His  Majesty's 

ship  Asia,   97,  98,  102 

36.  Relative  to  the  procurement  by  the  several  committees  and 

sub-committees,  of  arms  for  use  of  Continental  army,  ....  103 

37.  Relative  to  receipt  and  remission  of  appropriation  made  by 

Continental  Congress,  for  discharge  of  debts  contracted  by 
Provincial  Congress,   103 

38.  Directing  a  barge  to  be  built  by  the  mayor  and  magistrates 

of  the  city  of  New-York,  in  lieu  of  the  one  destroyed,  be- 
longing to  ship  Asia,  104,  105 

39.  Directing  Cols.  McDougall,  Clinton  and  Holmes  to  proceed 

to  Albany,  with  the  men  under  their  respetcive  com- 
mands,   105 

40.  Respecting  pay  of  officers,   105 

41.  Relative  to  exportation  of  flaxseed,   106 

42.  Declaring  those  persons  obstructing  the  building  of  a  barge 

for  the  ship  Asia,  in  lieu  of  the  one  destroyed,  factious  and 
disorderly,  and  ordering  Henry  Sheaf  to  build  the  same, 
under  protection  of  a  detachment  of  Colonel  Lasher's 

troops,    108,  109 

For  the  erection  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  and  fur- 
nishing with  cannon  and  other  stores,  including  the  cannon 

at  the  Battery,  in  New-York,  110,  113  114 

Directing  general  committee  of  New-York  to  inquire  relative 
to  the  sailing  of  a  vessel,  from  that  city,  for  St.  Croix,  with 

provisions  on  board  for  British  army,  at  Boston,   Ill 

Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  cattle,  sheep,  poultry  or  live 

stock,  &c   Ill 

For  administration  of  oath  of  secrecy  to  members  and  officers 

of,  and  all  persons  employed  by  ;  form  of,  116,  117 

Forbidding  removal  of  cannon  or  stores  from  Battery  at  New- 
York,  for  strengthening  the  guards,  and  protection  of  the 

Governor's  house,   122 

Prohibiting  the  departure  of  vessels  from  the  Colony,  con- 
taining provisions,  without  permission,   123 

Requiring  certain  oaths  to  be  taken  by  owners  and  masters 
of  vessels  and  sloops,  with  provisions  on  board,  for  foreign 

parts,  .   124 

Relative  to  Capt.  Lamb's  company  of  artillery,  .'   126 

Relative  to  supplying  provisions  to  His  Majesty's  ships,  in 

the  port  of  New-York,   126 

For  emission  of  £45,000  in  bills  of  credit,  to  defray  expenses 
incurred  by  Colony  ;  provision  for  sinking,  and  quotas  of 

the  several  counties,   128,  133,  134 

Prohibiting  all  persons  other  than  the  Postmaster-General 
and  deputy  postmasters  appointed  by  Continental  Congress, 
from  receiving  postage  on  letters,  except  such  as  may  ar- 
rive by  packets  from  Great  Britain,    130 

For  the  punishment  of  persons  furnishing  provisions  or  other 
necessaries  for  British  troops,  holding  traitorous  corres- 
pondence, or  resisting  or  denying  the  authority  of  the  Con- 
tinental or  Provincial  Congress ;  and  for  the  arrest,  trial, 
imprisonment,  and  sequestration  of  estates  of  all  persons 

found  in  arms  against  the  liberties  of  America,  131,  132 

Of  thanks  to  John  Broome,  for  loan  for  public  service,  -with- 
out interest,   134 

Forbidding  present  payment  of  moneys  borrowed  of  Abraham 

Lott,  Treasurer,   134 

For  the  distribution  of  gunpowder  for  the  several  counties,. .  135 
Disapproving  of  the  impressment  and  appraisal  of  arms  found 
in  the  custody  of  persons  not  having  signed  the  general  as- 
sociation, recommended  by  Committee  of  Safety,   149,  184 

For  the  apprehension  and  punishment  of  deserters,   155 

Relative  to  the  condition  of  public  affairs,  the  causes  of  the 
controversy  with  Great  Britain,  the  desire  for  a  mutual 
accomodation  on  just  principles,  and  the  address  and  con- 
duct of  Gov.  Tryon,  &c  .  210,  211,  217,  218,  219 

Authorizing  county  committees  to  call  in  assistance  from 

neighbouring  Colonies,  when  necessary,   •  •  •  •  ^14 

Authorizing  county  and  town  committees  to  arrest  and  impri- 
son persons  refusing  to  appear  and  give  testimony  before, 

when  required,    215 

Fixing  the  compensation  of  Delegates  in  Continental  Con- 
gress at  $4  per  day,   220 

Relative  to  alteration  of  the  period  for  sinking  the  Colonial 
debt,  by  redemption  of  paper  currency,  and  a  further  loan 

from  Continental  Congress,   223 

For  the  purchase  and  distribution  of  copies  of  the  proceed- 
ings of  Continental  Congress,  and  of  obnoxious  acts  of  Bri- 
tish Parliament,   225 

Relative,  to  inimical  conduct  of  inhabitants  of  Queens  county, 
and  neglect  of  inhabitants  of  Richmond  county,  to  elect  Re- 
presentatives in  Provincial  Congress,   216,  229,  230 

Directing  the  confinement  of  prisoners  in  the  jail  of  Ulster 


43. 

44. 

45. 
46. 
47. 

48. 
49. 

50. 
51. 

52. 
53. 

54. 


55. 

56. 

57. 
58. 


59. 
60. 


61. 
62. 

63. 
64. 

65. 

66. 

67. 

68. 
69. 

69. 
70. 


county, 


231 


For  the  relief  of  indigent  poor  in  the  city  of  New- York,   231 

Recommending-inhabitants  of  the  Colony  to  refrain  from  go- 
ing on  board  the  king's  ships  of  war,    231 

Directing  inhabitants  of  other  Colonies,  coming  into  this,  to 
be  furnished  with  certificates  from  committees  of  the  juris- 
diction to  which  they  respectively  belong,   232 

Authorizing  the  purchase  of  pitch,  tar  and  turpentine,   232 


page. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS— Continued. 

71.  For  organization  of  artillery  companies  for  defence  of  the  Co- 

lony, &c   239 

72.  Relative  to  restrictions,  by  county  and  town  committees,  &c. 

upon  the  supply  of  provisions  for  the  city  of  New-York,. .  268 

73.  Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  salt  from  the  city  of  New- 

York,     343 

74.  Offering  loan  of  money,  without  interest,  for  the  erection  of 

powder  mills   349 

75.  Directing  the  receipt  of  Continental  and  Colonial  paper  cur- 

rency in  payment  of  loans  by  loan  officers  of  the  Colony, 
and  suspending  the  payment  of  portions  of,  for  a  limited 
period,   350 

76.  Recommending  the  purchase  of  blankets  and  muskets,  he... . .  355 

77.  Authorizing  loans  to  the  several  county  committees,  lor  the 

advancement  of  the  public  service,   356 

78.  Subjecting  armed  vessels  for  the  protection  of  the  trade  of 

the  Colonies,  to  the  articles  of  war,  prescribed  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  for  the  government  of  the  navy  of  the 
United  States,   384 

79.  Relative  to  uniform  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  in  the  Colony,  385 

80.  For  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,   409 

81.  Prohibiting  commerce  between  inhabitants  of  the  Colony  and 

Continental  soldiers,  ,   412 

82.  Prohibiting  intercourse  with  British  vessels,   412 

83.  Recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  counties,  the 

election  of  Deputies  to  a  Provincial  Congress,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  establishing  and  organizing  a  form  of  govern- 
ment,   469 

84.  Relative  to  persons  dangerous  and  disaffected  to  the  Ameri- 

can cause,  and  persons  of  equivocal  character,  476,  477,  478, 

512 

85.  Presenting  the  thanks  of  Provincial  Congress  to  Gen.  Wa- 

shington, for  his  services  to  the  United  Colonies,  and  Colo- 
ny of  New- York.   486 

86.  Recommending  to  the  inhabitants  and  electors  of  the  Colony 

to  vest  their  Representatives  with  full  power  to  declare 
Independence  of  Great  Britain,  and  to  determine  upon  all 
questions  of  public  interest,   490 

87.  For  the  removal  of  the  public  records  of  the  Colony  to  King- 

ston, in  Ulster  county,   494 

88.  Declaring  military  officers  ineligible  as  Delegates  in,   495 

89.  For  the  purchase  of  the  arms  belonging  to  such  of  the  pri- 

vates of  the  Continental  brigade,  as  may,  when  discharged, 
choose  to  dispose  thereof,   498 

90.  Recommending  to  the  inhabitants  the  sale  of  their  cattle  to 

the  commissary-general  and  his  agents,  at  a  reasonable 
price,  and  providing  for  a  valuation,  &c   503 

91.  For  calling  the  militia  of  the  Colony  to  the  assistance  of  the 

Commander-in-chief,  when  required  by  him,  and  giving  him 
authority  to  impress  carriages  and  water  craft,  and  to  re- 
move ships  and  vessels  from  the  Hudson  and  East  rivers,  503, 

504,  512 

92.  Providing  for  the  clothing  of  the  troops,   505 

93.  For  the  removal  of  flax  purchased  on  account  of  Provincial 

Congress,  from  the  city  of  New- York  to  Poughkeepsie,  510, 

511 

94.  For  the  adjournment  of  Provincial  Congress  to  the  White- 

Plains,  in  apprehension  of  an  attack  on  the  city  of  New- 
York  ;  and  the  removal  thither  of  the  public  treasures,  re- 
cords and  military  stores,   512 

95.  For  the  support  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  and  for 

publication  thereof  throughout  the  Colony ;  and  authoriz- 
ing the  delegation  from  this  State,  in  Continental  Congress, 
to  concert  and  adopt  all  such  measures  as  they  may  deem 
conducive  to  the  happiness  and  welfare  of  the  United 
States  of  America,   518 

96.  Directing  sheriffs  to  retain  all  prisoners  in  their  custody,  until 

discharged  by  due  course  of  law,  or  the  further  order  of 
Provincial  Congress,   518 

97.  Constituting  a  committee  to  carry  into  execution  resolves  with 

respect  to  disaffected  persons,  and  for  the  disposal  of  pri- 
soners other  than  prisoners  of  war,  and  other  purposes ; 
and  powers  of,   518 

98.  Changing  the  style  of  "Provincial  Congress  to  the  Colony  of 

New-York,"  to  that  of"  Convention  of  the  Representatives 

of  the  State  of  New-York,"   519 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONVENTION. 

1.  For  opening  its  daily  sessions  with  prayer,   519 

2.  Authorizing  the  abandonment  of  the  city  of  New- York,  and 

the  withdrawal  of  the  troops  to  the  north  side  of  King's 
Bridge,   524 

3.  Ordering  into  service  one-fourth  part  of  the  militia  of  the 

counties  of  Westchester,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Orange; 
allowing  to  each  man  a  bounty  of  $20,  with  Continental 
pay  and  subsistence  ;  recommending  assistance  to  their  fa- 
milies ;  providing  for  the  raising  of  levies,  the  appointment 
of  officers,  and  the  furnishing  of  provisions ;  directing  the 
stationing  of  the  troops  from  Orange  and  Ulster  at  the 
Highlands,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Hudson  river,  under 
the  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  and  of  the  troops 
from  Westchester  and  Dutchess,  at  Peekskill,  under  the 
direction  of  Gen.  Washington ;  subjecting  the  troops  so 
raised,  to  the  articles  of  war  established  by  Congress; 
and  appointing  Thomas  Thomas,  colonel,  and  Ebenezer 
Purdy,  major,   525,  258 


1176 


INDEX. 


RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONVENTION — Continued.  PAGE' 

4.  For  the  appointment  of  a  secret  committee,  for  obstructing 

the  channel  of  Hudson's  river,   526 

5.  Directing  all  magistrates  and  other  well  affected  officers  of 

justice  to  continue  in  the  exercise  of  their  respective  offices, 
issuing  process  in  the  name  of  the  State  of  New-York  ;  de- 
fining and  declaring  the  penalties  of  treason  to  the  State  ; 
and  recommending  the  apprehension  and  imprisonment 
of  disaffected  persons,   527 

6.  Instructing  commissioners  superintending  the  building  of  the 

ships  at  Poughkeepsie,   528 

7.  Authorizing  secret  committee  to  impress  conveyances,  hor- 

ses and  drivers,  for  the  public  service,  and  to  call  out  the 
militia  when  necessary,  and  appropriating  £5,000  for  such 
purpose,   528 

8.  For  the  removal  of  the  stock  from  Nassau  island,   533,  534 

9.  Relative  to  the  payment  of  the  troops,   535,  536 

10.  Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  provisions,   537 

11.  For  the  organization  of  sundry  corps  of  rangers,  for  the  pro- 

tection of  the  frontiers,   538,  539 

12.  For  the  issuing  of  an  additional  supply  of  bills  of  credit,  540, 

571 

13.  For  the  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of  salt,   549 

14.  Appointing  a  day  for  fasting,  humiliation  and  prayer,  and 

providing  for  three  sermons  on  such  day,   554 

15.  Directing  the  general  committee  of  the  city  of  New- York  to 

furnish  Gen.  Washington  with  the  telescope  belonging  to 
the  college  of  said  city,  and  providing  indemnity  to  the 
governor  of  said  college  therefor,   556 

16.  Absolving  the  members  of  committee  for  carrying  into  exe- 

cution resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  disaf- 
fected persons,  from  their  oaths,  and  from  all  farther  duty 
required  by  those  resolutions  ;  and  directing  all  matters 
charged  on  members  as  matter  of  secrecy,  be  charged 
upon  their  honor  respectively,   560 

17.  Exempting  troops  of  horse  from  draft  as  a  part  of  the  militia, 

and  ordering  into  service,  under  Gen.  Clinton,  the  several 
troops  of  horse  in  the  counties  of  Ulster,  Orange,  Dutch- 
ess and  Westchester,   564 

18.  For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  negotiate  a  tempora- 

ry loan,   562 

19.  Relative  to  enrolments  in  the  militia,   566 

20.  For  the  drafting,  organizing,  and  marching  of  militia,  from 

the  county  of  Albany  to  the  encampment  north  of  King's 
Bridge ;  of  the  militia  of  Kings  and  Queens  counties  to 
Nassau  island  ;  directing  Gen.  Morris  to  take  possession, 
with  his  brigade,  of  such  parts  of  the  Sound  and  Hudson's 
river  as  he  may  deem  most  exposed  ;  Gen.  Clinton  to  re- 
inforce the  post  northward  of  King's  Bridge ;  that  the  mi- 
litia in  the  counties  of  Orange,  Dutchess  and  Ulster  be 
kept  in  readiness  to  march  on  the  earliest  notice;  that  the 
disarmed  and  disaffected  inhabitants  accompany  the  mili- 
tia as  fatigue  men ;  and  prescribing  penalties  for  neglect 
of  duty  or  resignation  of  officers,  &c   566,  567 

21.  Appointing  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  authenticity  of 

the  rumor  of  disaffection  in  Kings.county,  and  empowering 
such  committee  to  disarm  and  secure  the  disaffected  inha- 
bitants ;  to  remove  or  destroy  the  stock  of  grain ;  and  to 
lay  waste  the  county,  in  case  they  find  the  rumour  true,  567, 

568 

22.  For  the  emission  of  bills  of  credit,  pledging  the  security  of 

the  State  for  their  redemption,  and  imposing  the  penalty 

of  death  for  counterfeiting,   670,  571 

23.  For  the  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,.  572,  573 

24.  For  the  encouragement  of  manufactures  generally,   573 

25.  For  the  promotion  of  officers  and  privates  distinguishing 

themselves  by  their  sobriety,  valour  and  subordination,. .  574 

26.  For  the  obstruction  of  the  channel  of  the  East  river,  between 

Governor's  island  and  the  Battery,   577 

27.  For  the  removal  of  women  and  children  from  the  city  of 

New-York,  and  the  relief  of  the  infirm  and  indigent  inha- 
bitants thereof,   578 

28.  For  the  relief  and  support  of  those  who  may  be  driven  from 

their  place  of  abodes,  in  consequence  of  invasion          588,  589 

29.  Authorizing  the  county  committees  to  dispose  of  tories  and 

disaffected  persons,   589 

30.  Directing  a  search  of  the  house  of  Col.  Josiah  Martin,  at 

Rockaway,  for  correspondence  with  enemy's  army,  and 

for  the  apprehension  of  Dr.  Samuel  Martin,   590 

31.  Directing  Treasurer  to  keep  accounts  of  the  expenditures 

in  apprehending,  securing  and  subsisting  disaffected  per- 
sons,  590 

32.  Directing  inhabitants  of  New- York  and  Westchester  coun- 

ties to  drive  their  stock  into  the  interior  of  the  State,   603 

33.  Relative  to  the  organization  and  disposition  of  the  militia  of 

of  Kings  and  Queens  counties,   603 

34.  Directing  the  establishment  of  a  weekly  post  between  Al- 

bany and  New-York,  on  the  east  side  of  Hudson's  river,  604 

35.  Authorizing  Gen.  Washington  to  cause  the  bells  of  the  diffe- 

rent churches  and  public  edifices  in  New- York,  to  be  taken 
down,  and  removed  to  Newark,  in  New-Jersey,  to  pre- 
vent their  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,   610 

36.  For  the  purchase  of  flour  for  the  use  of  the  commissary-ge- 

neral,   629 

37.  Appointing  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  esta- 

blishing a  fund  for  the  support  of  poor  refugees,   630 


38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 

42. 

43. 

44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 

48. 
49. 


50. 
51. 


52. 
53. 
54. 


55. 
56. 

57. 
58, 

59, 


60. 
61. 
62. 

63. 
64. 

65. 

66. 

67. 
68. 

69. 

70. 

71. 
72. 

73. 
74. 


PAGE. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONVENTION-Continwed. 

Appointing  a  committee  for  preventing  the  dangers  arising 
from  disaffected  persons,   533 

Appointing  a  committee  to  examine  into  the  condition  of  the 
treasury,  and  means  for  supplying  the  same,   633 

Appointing  a  committee  for  the  employment  of  proper  per- 
sons for  assaying  sulphur,  lead  and  flint,   634 

Approving  of  the  conduct  of  Gen.  Schuyler,  and  requesting 
the  withdrawal  of  his  resignation,   635 

Directing  auditor-general  to  complete  the  settlement  of  ac- 
counts with  the  United  States,  and  requesting  of  Congress 
an  advance,  on  the  credit  of  the  State,  and  in  payment  of 
balance  due  the  State  from  the  Continent,   636 

For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  inquire  into,  detect 
and  defeat  conspiracies  against  the  public  liberties,  and 
defining  powers  of,   638,  648 

Authorizing  the  purchase  and  impressment  of  vessels  for  the 
the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,   639 

For  transcribing  journals  of  former  Colonial  Congresses, 
and  of  the  Convention,   651 

Appointing  committee  to  take  into  consideration  abuses  in 
the  sale  of  tea,   652 

Appointing  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  render- 
ing the  commuication  by  land,  between  the  northern  and 
southern  parts  of  the  State,  and  between  this  and  the 
southern  States,  more  easy  and  practicable,   657 

For  supply  of  neccessary  articles  of  clothing  for  the  troops,  657 

667' 

For  the  repair  of  the  post  road  from  the  north  side  of  the 
Highlands  to  King's  Bridge  and  the  manor  of  Philips- 
burgh,   661,  662 

Relative  to  holding  a  treaty  with  the  Indians,   662 

For  the  raising  of  a  company  in  each  of  the  counties  of 
Dutchess  and  Albany,  for  the  detection  and  suppression 

of  conspiracies  ;  appointing  officers  thereof,  &c   666 

Requesting  aid  from  the  militia  of  Fairfield  and  Litchfield 

counties,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,   670 

Directing  members  of,  to  provide  themselves  with  arms  and 

ammunition  to  prevent  surprise,   672 

For  the  purchase  of  cattle  in  the  county  of  Westchester  for 
the  use  of  the  army  within  that  county  ;  for  the  removal 
of  the  remainder  of  the  stock  of  said  county  to  the  interior  ; 
directing  the  farmers  therein  to  thresh  out  their  grain ; 
and  authorizing  Gen.  Washington,  or  the  county  commit- 
tee, to  take  such  grain  and  stock,  for  the  use  of  the  army, 

at  a  reasonable  compensation,  673,  674 

Offering  a  bounty  for  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre ,   676 

Relative  to  the  appointment  of  a  commissary  at  Ticondero- 
ga  and  Fort  George,  to  take  charge  of  hides  and  leather,.  677 

Relative  to  the  importation  and  sale  of  tea,.   682 

Relative  to  the  removal  of  prisoners  of  war  from  Westches- 
ter county,  to  Woodbury,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,. . . .  683 
Appointing  a  committee  to  confer  and  co-operate  with  Ge- 
neral Schuyler,  for  the  defence  of  the  northern  frontier  of 

this  State,   684 

Relative  to  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  corps  of  rangers, 

in  the  counties  of  Albany,  Tryon  and  Charlotte,   685 

For  providing  Continental  army  with  flour,  and  authorizing 

the  impressment  of  conveyances,    686 

Requesting  committees  of  Ulster,  Orange  and  Dutchess 
counties,  to  engage  and  forward  carpenters  and  masons  to 

Fishkill   687 

For  the  purchase  of  wheat  and  the  supply  of  flour  for  the 

use  of  the  army,   689 

Requesting  postmaster  to  forward  to  Convention  or  Commit- 
tee, all  the  public  newspapers  of  the  States  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, New-Jersey,  Connecticut  and  Massachusetts,  &c   689 

Appointing  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  convey- 
ing intelligence  throughout  the  State,   694 

For  the  mounting  of  artillery  on  the  banks  of  Hudson's 

river,   696 

Offering  a  bounty  for  the  manufacture  of  wool  cards,   697 

Regulating  the  granting  of  passes,  and  prohibiting  travel- 
ling without  sufficient  passes  from  the  respective  county 

committees,   706 

Requesting  General  Court  of  New-Hampshire  to  advance 
money  to  Egbert  Benson,  an  agent  appointed  to  solicit  the 

reception  of  a  number  of  prisoners  by  said  State,   708 

For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  take  the  superinten- 
dence of  the  poor,  to  provide  for  their  necessities,  and  to 
remove  such  as  belong  to  this  State  from  others,  with  a 

view  to  their  support  and  maintenance,   710 

Relative  to  obstructions  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's  river,  714, 

715,  719,  725,  726 
For  the  adjustment  of  accounts  due  from  this  State  to  inha- 
bitants of  Connecticut,  in  the  removal  of  stock  and  indi- 
gent persons  from  Long  island,   718 

Directing  Mr.  Robert  Livingston  to  repair  to  Peekskill  and 
North  Castle,  to  confer  with  Genls.  Lee,  Heath,  and  Clin- 
ton, on  the  situation  of  the  enemy  within  this  State,  the 
passes  necessary  to  be  secured  in  the  Highlands,  and  the 

obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  the  Hudson  river,  ...  719 

Requesting  Maj.  Gen.  Schuyler  to  superintend  the  erection 
of  works  for  the  security  of  Hudson's  river,  and  directing 
a  letter  to  be  written  to  Continental  Congress,  relative 
thereto,   721 


INDEX. 


1177 


PAGE. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONTENTION— ComranwD. 

75.  Directing  Capts.  Tudor  and  Lawrence  to  fit  their  respective 

ships,  Congress  and  Montgomery,  for  removal  from  Pough- 
keepsie,  and  lo  proceed  up  the  river  to  K  so  pus  Landieg 
or  Claverack   722 

76.  Directing  the  troops  of  the  Slate,  not  confined  by  the  terms 

of  their  enlistment  to  particular  counties,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  those  in  Charlotte,  Tryon,  Cumberland,  and  Glou- 
cester, to  repair  to  Fort  Constitution,  and  place  themselves 
under  command  of  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,   725 

77.  Relative  to  the  burning  of  the  court  house  and  other  build- 

ings at  White-Plains,  by  the  troops  of  the  Continental 
army,   729 

78.  Relative  to  the  disposal  of  the  stock  removed  from  the  lower 

part  of  Westchester  county,   729 

78.  Providing  for  the  punishment  of  persons  charged  with  alter- 

ing or  counterfeiting  bills  of  credit,   734 

79.  Requiring  a  majority  of  the  votes  of  the  several  counties  to 

constitute  a  Convention,   737 

80.  Directing  the  militia  of  Orange  and  Ulster  counties  to  repair 

to  Chester,  in  Orange  county,  and  place  themselves  under 
the  command  of  Gen.  Geo.  Clinton,  for  co-operation  with 
Maj.  Genls.  Lee  and  Gates,  in  harassing  and  distressing 
the  enemy  in  New-Jersey,  and  directions  for  proceedings 
of,  &c   746 

81.  Providing  compensation  to  Samuel  Loudon,  for  publication 

of  acts  and  proceedings  of  Convention,   750 

82.  For  compelling  the  disaffected  portion  of  CoL  Graham's  re- 

giment of  militia,  in  Rhinebeck  precinct,  and  CoL  Field's 
and  Col.  William  Humphries'  regiments,  in  Pauling's  pre- 
cinct, in  the  county  of  Dutchess,  to  march  in  compliance 
with  resolutions  of  Convention,  and  appointing  commis- 
sioners with  full  powers  therefor,   757,  766 

83.  Requiring  an  account  of  all  fines  levied  by  committees  or 

field  officers,  &c.  ...    761 

84.  For  loans  of  money  to  the  several  counties,   771 

85.  Permitting  inoculation  for  the  smallpox,   773 

86.  Directing  the  building  of  a  ship  of  74  guns,   773 

87.  Appointing  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  pre- 

venting the  depreciation  of  the  Continental  and  paper  cur- 
rency j  the  monopolizing  and  engrossing  commodities  ne- 
cessary for  the  Continental  troops ;  and  for  the  better  sup- 
ply of  provisions  for  the  army,   775,  795 

83.  Directing  application  to  be  made  to  every  householder  in  the 
several  counties,  to  furnish  blankets  and  hose  for  the  use 
of  the  troops,   730 

39.  For  the  purchase  of  arms  and  accoutrements  for  the  use  of 

the  State,    785 

90.  Directing  auditor-general  to  prepare  and  bring  in  accounts  of 

Convention  with  Congress,  and  with  other  States ;  also,  ac- 
counts with  counties  and  individuals,   787 

91.  Appointing  a  committee  to  devise  means  for  reimbursing  the 

State  for  expenditures  in  the  removal  of  stock  and  effects 
from  Nassau  island,  and  to  obtain  an  account  for  such  and 
stock  and  effects,  sold  in  Connecticut,   789 

92.  For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  devise  ways  and 

and  means  for  obtaining  cannon  and  other  implements  of 
war  in  this  State   796 

93.  Authorizing  Gen.  Schuyler  to  despatch  one-fifth  of  the  militia 

of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte,  Gloucester  and  Cumberland, 
for  reinforcement  of  the  garrison  at  Ticonderoga,  and  for 
arming  and  officering  such  militia,   800 

94.  Authorizing  Gen.  Schuyler  to  procure  a  sufficient  supply  of 

provisions  for  the  use  of  the  northern  army,   800 

95.  For  the  apprehension  of  Joseph  Brandt  and  Gilbert  Fice,. .  800 

96.  Imposing  penalties  upon  persons  harbouring  or  concealing 

deserters,  and  directing  their  immediate  apprehension,. .  .  801 

97.  For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  on  Indian  affairs,   892 

98.  Relative  to  the  attendance  of  members,   803 

99.  For  adjournment  to  Kingston,  in  Ulster  county   803 

100.  Dissolving  committee  for  inquiring  into,  detecting,  and  de- 

feating conspiracies,  &c.  and  appointing  commissioners 

for  that  purpose,   803 

101.  Directing  the  sending  of  a  messenger  to  the  Ocoghquaga  In- 

dians, with  assurances  of  amity  and  protection,   802 

102.  Relative  to  inoculation  of  troops  for  the  smallpox   806 

103.  For  the  appointment  of  commissioners  to  superintend  the  re- 

moval of  grain,  forage,  cattle,  &c.  from  the  county  of  West- 
chester ;  for  the  protection,  security  and  removal  of  the 
inhabitants  thereof;  and  for  the  seizure  and  sale  of  the 
property  of  persons  joining  the  enemy   811 

104.  Directing  the  several  towns,  precincts,  manors  and  districts, 

to  proceed  to  the  election  of  supervisors,  assessors  and 
collectors,   813 

105.  Directing  all  persons  indebted  to  the  loan  office  of  this 

State,  to  pay  the  amount  of  such  indebtedness  into  the 
treasury,   818 

106.  Authorizing  the  payment  of  debts  due  to  persons  out  of  the 

State,  or  within  such  parts  thereof  as  are  in  possession  of 
the  enemy,  to  the  Treasurer  and  Vice-Treasurer,....  818,  819 

107.  Declaring  the  value  of  the  dollar  in  sterling  money,   819 

108.  Declaring  bills  of  credit  emitted  by  Continental  Congress, 

Provincial  Congress,  or  Convention,  a  legal  tender  in  pay- 
ment of  debts,  and  providing  for  their  payment,  on  refusal, 
into  the  treasury,   819 

109.  Authorizing  the  seizure  of  grain,  purchased  with  the  design 

295 


17. 

18. 

19. 

20. 
21. 
22. 

23. 

24 
■25. 
26. 

27. 

28. 

29. 

30. 
31. 

32. 
33. 

34. 

35. 
36. 

37. 

38. 
39. 

40. 
41. 


PAGE. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONVENTION— Continted. 
of  engrossing  or  enhancing  the  price,  upon  payment  of 
specified  sums,   819 

For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  acertain  and  state 
the  boundaries  of  the  State  of  New-  York,   819 

For  increasing  the  forces  for  the  protection  and  defence  of 
the  county  of  Westchester,   821 

Appointing  a  committee  to  report  an  act  of  grace  for  disaf- 
fected persons,  sent  out  of  this  State  by  the  committee  for 
detecting  conspiracies,  or  confined  within  it  by  their  order, 
and  not  charged  with  treason,   823 

Directing  officers  of  militia  to  return  accounts  and  vouchers 
relative  to  pay,  bounty  and  subsistence  of  their  troops,. . .  824 

Appointing  commissioners  in  the  several  counties  for  taking 
into  possession  and  exposing  to  sale  the  personal  property 
of  persons  joining  the  enemy,   826,  861 

Appointing  commissioners  on  behalf  of  this  State,  to  meet 
the  commissioners  from  the  middle  States  and  Virginia, 
pursuant  to  resolution  of  Congress,   827,  830 

Authorizing  commissioners  for  detecting  and  defeating  con- 
spiracies, to  send  for  and  tender  oath  of  allegiance  and  fi- 
delity to  all  disaffected  persons,  confined  by  parol  or  other- 
wise, and  not  charged  with  treason;  to  discharge  those 
taking  such  oath,  and  confiscating  the  personal  property 
of  all  such  as  refuse,  within  a  specified  time,  to  take  such 
oath,  827,  872 

Directing  the  several  towns,  &c.  to  proceed  to  the  election 
of  town  officers,   829 

Authorizing  Col.  Jacobus  Swartwout  to  call  out  the  militia 
of  the  county  of  Dutchess,  for  the  protection  of  the  passes 
at  the  Highlands,  and  to  oppose  the  incursions  of  the  ene- 


my, 


847 


Authorizing  General  George  Clinton  to  call  out  the  militia 
of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Orange  and  Westchester  counties  for 

the  same  purpose,  and  providing  for  their  payment,   848 

For  the  purchase  of  a  quantity  of  hempseed,  and  for  encour- 
aging the  raising  of,    849,  900 

For  a  present  to  Col.  Tilghman  for  his  services  in  corres- 
ponding with  committee  of  Convention,   851 

For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  provide  permanent 
means  for  the  protection  and  defence  of  Westchester  coun- 


ty, 


851 


For  the  trial  and  punishment  by  martial  law  of  spies  from 
the  enemy,  or  for  enlisting  men  into  their  service,  or  fur- 
nishing supplies  or  intelligence  to  them,  or  for  treason,  856,  857 

898 

Against  the  allowance  of  perquisites  to  commissaries, 
clerks,  &c.  in  the  clothing  stores,   857 

Fixing  the  compensation  of  the  Delegates  of  this  State  in 
Congress,   857 

Authorizing,  regulating  and  providing  for  the  employment 
of  substitutes  for  the  performance  of  military  duty  for 
three  years,  or  during  the  war,   863,  864 

Appointing  John  Wheelock,  of  New-Hampshire,  a  major  in 
the  service  of  the  State,  with  the  power  to  raise  three 
companies  to  serve  during  the  war,   865,  870 

Directing  auditor-general  to  adjust  the  account  of  the  mili- 
tia of  this  State,  agreeable  to  the  new  regulations  of  Con- 
gress  866 

Authorizing  commissioners  for  the  detection,  &c.  of  conspi- 
racies, to  raise,  pay  and  officer  a  company  for  defence  of 
the  State,   872 

Appointing  a  committee  to  prepare  a  proper  device  for  a 
great  seal  of  this  State,   882 

Ratifying  and  confirming  the  acts  and  proceedings  of  the 
several  committees  from  time  to  time,  appointed  within 
the  Colony  and  State  by  the  several  Provincial  Con- 
gresses or  Conventions,   887 

Prohibiting  the  exportation  from  this  State,  of  unwrought 
hemp  or  hempen  yarn   900,  901 

For  the  appointment  of  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  ne- 
glect of  a  portion  of  the  militia  of  Dutchess  county,  to 
obey  the  orders  of  Gen.  Clinton.   901 

For  the  raising  of  a  body  of  men  to  guard  the  Continental 
ships  at  Esopus  Landing,  the  public  records  and  treasury, 
and  the  different  passes  and  roads,   904,  905 

For  the  confinement  on  board  vessels  in  the  Hudson  river, 
of  disaffected  persons,   908 

For  the  raising  of  a  company  in  the  respective  precincts  of 
Rhinebeck,  Walkill,  and  Cornwall,  for  the  guarding  of 
the  powdermills  therein,   909 

Authorizing  the  committees  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte, 
Cumberland,  Gloucester,  Ulster  and  Orange,  to  take  ef- 
fectual measures  for  suppressing  insurrections  and  disaf- 
fection,    912 

Appointing  commissioners  to  take  the  superintendence  and 
care  of  poor  inhabitants  of  the  several  counties,  who 
have  been  driven  from  their  habitations,   916 

Instructing  commissioners  of  sequestration,  relative  to  es- 
tates claimed  by  persons  not  gone  over  to  the  enemy, 
and  authorizing  them  to  lease  the  lands  and  tenements  of 
persons  joining  the  enemy,   930,  931 

Directing  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties  to  give  notices 
of  the  election  of  Governor,  Lieutenant-Governor,  Sena- 
tors and  members  of  Assembly,   937 

For  the  negotiation  of  mutual  permission  for  the  removal  of 
personal  property  in  possession  of  the  enemy,   939 


1178 


INDEX. 


PACE. 

RESOLUTIONS  OF  CONVENTION— Continued. 

142.  Presenting  the  thanks  of  the  Council  of  Safety  to  Congress, 

for  their  efficient  defence  of  the  character  of  Gen.  Schuy- 
ler,   952 

143.  Respecting  the  times  and  places  of  holding  sessions  of  the 

supreme  court,   957 

144.  Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  flour  from  this  State  by  wa- 

ter,  975 

145.  For  raising  two  corps  of  rangers,  under  the  command  of 

Col.  John  Harper,  for  the  protection  of  the  frontiers  in 
Albany,  Tryon  and  Ulster  counties,   1001 

146.  Appointing  committee  to  confer  with  committees  from  the 

eastern  States  on  the  subject  of  the  paper  currency,  &c,.  1009 

147.  Relative  to  the  enrolment  of  the  militia,  and  provision  for 

reinforcing  the  army  on  the  northern  frontiers,  and  the 
garrisons  of  the  fortresses  at  the  Highlands,   1023 

148.  For  the  relief  of  the  poor  on  the  western  frontiers,  . .  1032,  1033 

149.  Authorizing  the  Commander-in-Chief  of  the  northern  de- 

partment of  the  Continental  army,  to  grant  full  pardons 
to  such  persons  as  sineh  the  evacuation  of  Ticonderoga, 
have  joined  Gen.  Burgoyne,and  who  may  return  to  their 
allegiance,   1057 

150.  For  continuing  the  powers  and  authority  of  the  several  coun- 

ty and  district  committees,  and  commissioners  for  detect- 
ing and  defeating  conspiracies ;  and  directing  the  several 
county  committees  to  remove  cattle,  stock  and  provisions 
into  the  interior,   1061 

151.  Authorizing  the  impressment  of  wheat  and  flour  for  the  im- 

mediate use  of  the  army,   1065 

152.  For  the  more  effectual  obedience  of  the  militia  to  their  com- 

manding officers,    1071 

153.  Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  flour,  meal,  or  grain,  out  of 

this  State,   1077,  1078 

154.  Authorizing  the  several  district  committees  to  transport  the 

families  and  effects  of  traitors  and  rebels  out  of  this 
State,    1078 

155.  Prescribing  the  terms  on  which  flour  and  meal  may  he  ex- 

ported from  this  Slate  to  the  eastern  States,. .  1084, 1085,  1089 

156.  Appointing  a  committee  to  investigate  abuses  in  the  com- 

missary's department,  ,   1092 

157.  Prohibiting  the  exportation  of  shoe  leather,   1093,  1094 

158.  Appointing  commissioners  to  fix  on  the  place  for  the  erection 

of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   1113 

159.  Appointing  commissioners  to  meet  commissioners  from  the 

eastern  and  middle  States,  at  New-Haven,  to  regulate  and 
ascertain  the  price  of  labour,  manufactures,  internal  pro- 
duce, &c.  and  to  regulate  the  charges  of  innholders,  1113,1114, 

1117,1118 

REVISION.  (See  Council  of  Revision.) 
RHODE  ISLAND. 

1.  Receipt  of  letter  from  Jonathan  Otis,  chairman  of  committee 

of  inspection  at  Newport  in,   48 

2.  Certificate  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Safety  at  Provi- 

vidence,  of  the  receipt  and  purchase  of  a  quantity  of  flour 
and  bread,   66 

3.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  inspection  at  Provi- 

dence from  Samuel  Burling,  and  from  Committee  of  Safe- 
ty, requesting  leave  for  Messrs.  Clarke  and  Nightingale,  to 
purchase  and  import  a  quantity  of  flour  and  provisions  for 
the  use  of  the  town  of  Providence  and  American  army,. .  113 

4.  Leave  granted  to  Samuel  Burling  alone,   124 

5.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  inspection  for  Bris- 

tol, recommending  Charles  De  Wolf  and  others,  charter- 
ers of  sloop  Hannah,  bound  for  New- York,  for  the  pur- 
chase of  flour;  permission  to  purchase,   162 

6.  Letter  from  committee  of  Newport,  setting  forth  the  distresses 

of  the  inhabitants  of  said  town;  and  requesting  permission 
for  Captain  John  Andrews  and  Mr.  Nathan  Beebe,  to  pur- 
chase and  lade  flour  therefor ;  permission  granted,   181 

7.  Application  from  Governor  of,  to  Provincial  Congress,  for  ad- 

ditional supply  of  provisions,   212 

8.  Delegation  to  Gov.  Cook  of,  from  Provincial  Congress,  for 

the  powder  in  his  care  belonging  to  Colony  of  New-York; 
and  directions  for  the  distribution  of;  letter  accompany- 
ing,   511 

RICHMOND  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,  •   7,  8 

2.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

3.  Reference  to  members  from,  of  letter  of  David  Burger,  com- 

plaining of  sundry  persons  in,  for  supplying  transport 
with  live  stock,   132 

4.  Letter  to  Delegates  from,  requesting  their  attendance  in  Pro- 

vincial Congress,   199 

5.  Answer  of  Paul  Micheau,  one  of  the  Delegates,   199 

6.  Letter  to  committee  of,  urging  attendance  of  Delegates  from, 

in  Provincial  Congress,   •••  203 

7.  Answer  of  committee,  ••  •  227 

8.  Resolutions  respecting  neglect  of  inhabitants  of,  to  elect  Re- 

presentatives in  Provincial  Congress ;  and  letter  to  Dele- 
gates in  Congress,  respecting,   229,  230 

9.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress,  respect- 

ing; and  resolutions  adopted,  .   247 

10.  Letter  from  committee  of,  informing  of  the  election  of  Dele- 
gates to  Provincial  Congress,    263 


RICHMOND  COUNTY— Continued. 

11.  Resolutions  of  Continetal  Congress,  respecting  the  admission 

of  Deputies  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,    300 

12.  Letter  from  Deputies  elected  in,  informing  that  they  and  the 

inhabitants  of,  had  subscribed  the  general  association,  and 
requesting  the  proceedings  of  the  Jersey  troops  under 
Col.  Herd  to  be  stopped;  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,.  310 

13.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  Elizabeth- 

town,  New- Jersey,  requesting  the  delivery  of  sundry  inha- 
bitants of,  confined  at  Elizabethtown,  to  county  committee ; 
and  letter  to  county  committee  of,  respecting,   315 

14.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  second  Provin- 

cial Congress,  ,   324 

15.  Letter  from  committee  of,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  inhabi- 

tants of,  confined  at  Elizabethtown,   333 

16.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  relative  to 

the  arrangement  of  militia  of,  &c   350 

(See  Stirling,  Lord,  17.) 

17.  Letter  from  Hendrick  Garrison,  complaining  of  ill  treatment 

before  committee  of,  &c.  and  requesting  protection  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress,     351 

18.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  committee  of,  recom- 

mending removal  of  stock  from  Staten  island  to  Jersey ; 
and  provision  therefor,   393 

19.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  in  third  Provincial 

Congress,   449 

20.  List  of  tories  and  disaffected  persons  in,  and  resolutions  of 

Provincial  Congress  for  proceeding  against,   476,  477 

21.  Appointment  of  Representatives  in  the  Assembly  for,   918 

RIFLEMEN. 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  Capt.  Nelson, 

to  repair  to  city  of  New-York,  with  company  of,   375 

RIKER,  CAPT.  ABRAHAM. 

1.  Return  of  company  of,    396 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Col.  Ritzema's  regiment,   405 

RIOTS  AND  MOBS. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  ...    16 

(See  General  Association,  4.) 
(See  Connecticut,  27, 28,  33,  34.) 
(See  New- York  City  and  County,  167.) 

RITCHIE,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  third  lieutenant  in  Captain  Anthony  Rut- 
gers artillery  company,  in  the  city  of  New- York,   66 


RITZEMA,  RUDOLPHUS. 

Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant  colonel  of  first  regiment,   62 

Embarkation  of,  for  Albany,  with  four  companies  of  Colonel 
McDougall's  regiment,   103 

Letter  from,  detailing  the  attack  upon  Quebec,  the  death  of 
Gen.  Montgomery,  the  surrender  of  Col.  Arnold's  detach- 
ment, and  the  weak  and  destitute  condition  of  the  troops 
in  Canada,   286,  287 

Gives  information  to  Committee  of  Safety  of  the  condition  of 
Canada,   291 

Gives  information  to  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  the  Ca- 
nadian regiments,   326 

Appointment  of  captains  in  regiment  of,   405 

Directed  to  procure  arms  taken  from  disaffected  persons  in 
Westchester  county,   456 

RIVINGTON,  JAMES,  (Printer.) 

Letter  from  to  Provincial  Congress,  copy  of  address  of,  to  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  of  letter  of,  to  general  committee 
of  city  of  New-York ;  read  and  considered,   28 

Permitted  to  return  to  his  family  unmolested  in  person  and 
property,  on  signing  general  association,  and  asking  par- 
don for  his  publications,   34 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegation  in  Continental 
Congress,  informing  them  that  no  restitution  has  been 
made  by  Connecticut  for  types  and  property  taken  from,  .  346 

Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  respecting,   491,  492 

ROADS. 

Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  appointment  of  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  ways  and  means  for  facilitating  the  commu- 
nication by  land  between  the  northern  and  southern  parts 
of  the  State,  and  between  this  and  the  southern  States,  . . .  657 

Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  appointment  of  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the  repair  of  the  post 
road  from  the  north  side  of  the  Highlands  to  King's 
Bridge,  and  the  manor  of  Phillipsburgh,   661,  662 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  appointment  of  a  commit- 
tee to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the  repair  of,  in  order  to 
facilitate  the  transportation  of  forage  for  the  troops,   714 

ROBERTSON,  COL.  JAMES. 

(See  Intercepted  Letters.) 

ROBINSON,  BEVERLY.  (See  Highlands,  12.) 
Letter  to,  requesting  to  put  a  price  upon  lands  of,  taken  for 

the  erection  of  a  fortification  at  the  Highlands,  opposite 

West-Point,   152 

Answer  of,   169 

Commissioners  of  sequestration,  in  the  county  of  Dutchess, 

directed  to  lease  the  farm  of,  to  deputy  quarter-master. 

general,  for  the  lodgment  of  military  stores,   899 


INDEX. 


1179 


ROBINSON,  JOSEPH. 

1.  Permitted  to  receive  a  quantity  of  gunpowder  of  Gabriel  W. 

Ludlow,   133 

ROBINSON,  LIEUT.  COL. 

1.  Resignation  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  of  a  regiment  of  militia 
in  Queens  county,  on  account  of  a  proclamation  of  the 
King  of  Denmark,  directing  the  forfeiture  of  estates  of 
all  persons  bearing  arms  against  the  King  of  Great  Britain 
in  the  present  war  with  America ;  acceptance  of  resigna- 
tion,  792 

RODGERS,  CAPT.  WILLIAM. 

(See  Privateers,  4, 13.) 
RODGERS,  REV.  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  chaplain  to  the  Convention  and  Commit- 

tee of  Safety ;  and  requested  to  open  their  daily  sessions 
with  prayers,  and  to  perform  divine  service  every  Sab- 
bath,   ......  818 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   1058 

ROGERS,  JAMES.  (See  Cumberland  County,  1.) 
ROGERS,  ROBERT.  (See  Prisoners,  16.) 
ROGGIN,  PETRUS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant,  in  Captain  Elias  Has- 

brouck's  company,   90 

ROMANS,  BERNARD. 

1.  Proposals  of,  for  erecting  fortifications  at  the  Highlands, ....  159 

2.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,    160,  161 

3.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  respecting  appointment 

of,  as  engineer  at  the  Highlands,    174 

4.  Remarks  of,  relative  to  plans  for  obstruction  of  the  navigation 

of  the  Hudson,   179,  189 

5.  Letter  from  Provincial  to  Continental  Congress,  relative  to 

appointment  of,  as  engineer  at  the  Highlands,   186 

6.  Appointment  of  committee  for  accommodation  of  differences 

with,  and  commissioners  for  erecting  fortifications  at  the 
Highlands  ;  and  report  of,   207,  210,  223,  224 

7.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   161,  210,  236 

8.  Plan  of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  communicated  by,  to 

Committee  of  Safety,   236 

9.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  payment  of,   322 

10.  Letter  from  John  Berrien,  one  of  commissioners  for  erection 

of  fortifications  at  the  Highlands  to  Provincial  Congress, 
containing  an  account  of  moneys  advanced  by  him  to,. . . .  364 

11.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   364 

ROORBACK,  GARRET. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  barrack-master  for  the  city  and  county  of 

New-York,   255 

ROOS,  JACOBUS,  CAPT. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay  roll  rations  and  mileage  for 

company  of,  in  Col.  Hasbrouck's  regiment  of  militia,   943 

ROSEBOOM,  GERRIT.  (See  Albany  City,  25.) 
(See  Indian  Affairs,  6.) 

ROSEBOOM,  MYNDERTH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  second  regiment,   62 

ROSEKRANS,  JACOBUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain,   100 

2.  Jacobus  Swartwout  appointed  muster-master  of  company  of,  112 

RULES  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS,  8,  206,  450. 

RUTGERS,  ANTHONY. 

1.  Appointed  captain  of  artillery  company  formed  from  marine 

society  in  city  of  New- York,   41 

2.  Officers  of  company  of,   66 

3.  Commissions  to,  refused,   148 

4.  Order  for  delivery  to,  of  brass  field  pieces,   170 

5.  Appointment  of  committee  to  inquire,  respecting  rank  of,  &c.  180 

6.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  purchase  of  sloop 

for  defence  of  trade  of  the  Colonies,   372 

s. 

SACKET,  NATHANIEL. 

1 .  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  on  order  of  Gen.  Wa- 

shington, for  payment  of  five  hundred  dollars,  for  services 
rendered  by,   804 

2.  Directed  to  deliver  the  military  stores  in  his  custody,  as  com- 

missary, &c.  to  Col.'Lasher,  and  his  accounts  and  vouchers 

to  auditor-general,  for  settlement,   963 

SACKET,  CAPT.  SAMUEL. 
1.  Petition  of,  for  relief,   982 

SAFETY,  COMMITTEE  OF. 

(See  Committee  of  Safety.) 

S AFFORD,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Chosen  major,  by  Green  Mountain  Boys,.   107 

2.  Appointed  by  Provincial  Congress,   130 

SALISBURY,  CAPT.  SYLVESTER. 

1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay  and  subsis- 

tence of  his  troop  of  horse,   768 

2.  Authorized  to  enlist  volunteers  from  the  militia  of  Ulster 

county,    913 


PAGE. 

SALT. 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  recommending  the  manu- 

facture of,  252,  366 

(See  City  and  County  of  New-York,  131.) 
(See  Murray,  Lindley  and  Robert.) 

2.  Petition  of  Alexander  Robinson,  Geo.  Lindsay,  Peter  Sim, 

and  Marinus  Willett,  for  encouragement  in  the  manufac- 
ture of,   499 

3.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  encouragement  of  the  ma- 

nufacture of;   549 

4.  Appointment  of  committee  to  treat  with  Dr.  Joseph  Ger- 

reau,  relative  to  the  manufacture  of,  &c  ,   549 

5.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  a  loan  of  £500  to  Alex- 

ander Robertson,  Marinus  Willett  and  Peter  Sim,  and  their 
co-partners,  in  the  manufacture  of,   553 

6.  Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  a  loan  of  £500  to  Doct. 

Samuel  Bard,  and  Captain  William  Goforth  and  his  co- 
partners,   557 

7.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Rochester,  in  Ulster 

county,  complaining  of  the  scarcity  of;  answer  of  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  containing  a  recipe  for  the  preservation  of 
beef  with  a  small  quantity  of,   709 

8.  Petition  of  Peter  Sim,  one  of  the  contractors  for  setting  up 

up  works  for  the  manufacture  of,  in  this  State,  for  relief,.  796 

9.  Appointment  of  committee  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  the 

establishment  of  manufactories  of,   796 

10.  Production  of  sample  of,  made  of  the  water  of  certain  springs 

at  Oriske,  and  directions  for  further  experiments  to  ascer- 
tain the  qualities  of  said  water,  with  a  view  to  the  esta- 
blishment, there  or  elsewhere,  of  works  for  the  manufac- 
ture of,   798 

11.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Continental  Congress,  requesting  a 

supply  of,  from  the  Continental  stores,   861 

(See  Tryon  County,  28.) 

12.  Letter  from  Zephaniah  Piatt,  Jr.  Matthew  Cantine,  and  Eg- 

bert Benson,  recommending  the  employment  of  Henry  and 
John  Livingston,  in  the  purchase  of,  in  the  eastern 

States,   933 

13  Resolution  of  Convention  for  the  purchase  of  6,000  bushels  of, 

in  Massachusetts  Bay,   934 

14.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Col.  Abraham  P.  Lott, 

for  purchase  of,   934 

15.  Proposals  of  Peter  R.  Livingston  for  procuring  a  quantity  of, 

and  provision  for,     960 

16.  Petition  of  Dr.  Piatt  Townsend,  a  resident  of  Connecticut,  for 

the  interposition  of  Council  with  the  government  of  Con- 
necticut, for  permission  to  manufacture  for  exportation  to 
this  State,   961 

17.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Governor  Trumbull,  there- 

on  962 

18.  Resolutions  of  Congress  for  the  supply  of,   981 

19.  Agreement  of  commissioners  for  the  erection  of  salt  works, 

with  the  Oneida  Indians,  for  the  manufacture  of,  &c. .  982,  983 

20.  Resolutions  of  the  Council  of  Connecticut,  authorizing  Doct. 

Piatt  Townsend,  and  all  other  inhabitants  of  this  State,  to 
manufacture  salt  therein,  for  the  use  of  this  State,   984 

21.  Letters  from  delegation  in  Congress,  respecting  the  manufac- 

ture of,   998,  999,  1000,  1001 

22.  Captain  Elias  Hasbrouck  directed  to  transport  from  Canaan, 

in  Connecticut,  a  quantity  purchased  for  the  use  of  this 
State,    1036 

23.  Letter  from  Abraham  P.  Lott,  respecting  his  proceedings  in 

the  purchase  of,   1052 

24.  Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,   1063 

25.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  distribution 

of,  to  the  several  county  committees,   1058,  1059 

26.  Letters  from  Peter  R.  Livingston,  respecting  the  distribution 

of;  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,....  1079,  1103 
(See  Westchester  County,  100.) 

SALTPETRE. 

1.  Appointment  of  committee  to  ascertain  the  quantity  of,  in  the 

hands  of  apothecaries  in  the  cily  of  New-York,  and  report 

of,  36,  49 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  Messrs.  Van  Vleck 

and  Kip,  on  the  subject  of  making,   41 

3.  Proposals  of  Messrs.  Van  Vleck  and  Kip,   45 

4.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  collection 

and  transmission  of,  by  several  Colonies,  to  Provincial 
Congress  of  New- York,  to  be  manufactured  into  powder,. .  48 

5.  Motion  for  loan  to  Messrs.  Van  Vleck  and  Kip,  for  manufac- 

ture of,  and  vote  on,   48 

6.  Letter  to  committee  of  New- York  from  Provincial  Congress, 

respecting,    49,  50 

7.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

specting manufacture  of,  &e   253 

8.  Appointment  of  committee  to  report  resolution  for  bounty  for 

making  of ;  report  of,  105,  106 

9.  Letter  from  Benjamin  Bates,  respecting  the  making  of;  ap- 

pointment of  committee  to  confer  with,   167 

10.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  purchase  of 

brimstone  and  sulphur,  &c   176 

(See  Continental  Congress,  77,  93.) 

11.  Letter  from  Henry  Remsen  to  committee  of  the  city  of  New- 

York,  respecting  the  purchase  of,   203 

12.  Introduction  to  publication  of  an  essay  on  the  manufacture 

of,   253 


1180 


INDEX. 


13. 

14 
15 

16. 


PAGE. 

SALTPETRE— Continued. 
Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  encouraging  the  manufac- 
ture of-   366,  409,  410 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  purchase  of,   470 

Appointment  of  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  pro- 
priety of  appointing  inspectors  of,   475 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  encouragement  of  the  ma- 
nufacture of,   572,  573,  676 

(See  Wempel,  Abraham,  1.) 
SANDS,  COMFORT. 
Appointment  of,  as  auditor-general  of  public  accounts,  and  sa- 
lary of,   540 

Letter  from,  respecting  payment,  subsistence  and  bounty  of 
Captain  Belknap's  company  of  rangers  ;  proceedings  there- 
on,   697,  698 

Directed  to  prepare  and  state  accounts  of  this  State  with  Con- 
gress, other  States,  counties  and  individuals,   787 

Appointed  paymaster  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Dutch- 
ess, Ulster,  Westchester  and  Orange,  employed  in  actual 
service,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  there- 


for, 


Directed  to  adjust  the  accounts  of  the  militia  of  this  State, 
for  pay  and  rations,  according  to  the  new  regulations  of  Con- 


gress, 


864 


866 
870 


Directions  to  relative  to  payment  to  officers  of  the  militia, 

(See  Bancker,  Gerard,  5.) 
Advance  to,  for  payment  of  militia  in  Orange  county,   90g 

SANDS,  EDWARD. 
Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  for  fourth  regiment,   109 

SANDS,  JOHN. 
Choice  of,  as  captain  of  militia  in  Queens  county,  , . . . .  173 

SANDS,  JOHN. 
Appointment  of,  as  2d  colonel  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  by 
draft  from  the  militia  on  Nassau  island,   534 

SANDY  HOOK. 
Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  dismantling  light  house 

at,     336 

Instructions  to  Major  William  Malcom,  therefor,  and  letter 
from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  inspection  and 

observation,  in  New-Jersey,    342 

Execution  of  such  instructions,   355 

SARATOGA. 

Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  retreat  of  the 

army  to   1025,  1026 

SCHENCK,  HENRY. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  regiment  of  minute  men,  in 

Dutchess  county,  ,   135 

SCHENCK,  JOHN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  in  regiment  of  minute  men,  in 

Dutchess  county,   415 

SCHENCK,  PAUL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  of  the  troops  at  Fishkill, . . . .  668 

SCHOHARIE. 

(See  Tryon  County,  32.) 
(See  Albany  City  and  County,  85.) 

1.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  Gov.  Clinton,  requesting  the 

despatch  of  a  party  against  Capt.  Man  and  his  forces,  en- 
gaged in  co-operating  with  the  enemy,   1036 

2.  Answer  of  Gov.  Clinton,  and  directions  to  Col.  Levi  Pawling 

to  repair  to  the  relief  of,   1040 

SCHOONMAKER,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

SCHOONMAKER,  CAPT.  HENDRICK. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  company 
of,  in  Major  Adrian  Wynkoop's  detachment  of  militia,  to 
guard  the  passes  in  the  Highlands,   775 

SCHOONMAKER,  FREDERICK. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain,   995 

2.  Directed  to  enlist  a  company,  &c   1005 

SCHOONMAKER,  PETRUS. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  resigning  his  commission 

as  captain  of  a  company  of  militia  in  Col.  Pawling's  regi- 
ment, Ulster  county,   463 

2.  Report  of  committee  respecting  rank  of,  as  captain  in  Colonel 

Pawling's  regiment  in  Ulster  county  466,  467 

3.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  of  Rochester,  relative  to 

the  difficulties  in  the  company  of,   529 

SCHUYLER,  PHILIP. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  appoint- 

ment of,  as  major-general,   31 

2.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  defining  the  qualifications  requisite  for  general 
officers,  and  recommending  as  above,  32,  33 

3.  Commissary  directed  by  Provincial  Congress  to  deliver  arti- 

cles to,   59 

4.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  supply  of 

tents  and  fuel  for  encampment  of  Connecticut  troops   60 

5.  Directed  by  Continental  Congress  to  repair  to  Ticonderoga 

and  Crown-Point,  to  examine  into  the  state  thereof,  &c.  to 
obtain  intelligence  of  Canadians  and  Indians,  and  secure 
command  of  waters,   62 


IS. 

19. 

20. 

21. 

22. 

23. 
24. 


29. 
30. 
31. 

32. 

33. 

34. 

35. 

36. 

37. 


40, 


41. 


SCHUYLER,  PHILIP-Continu*d.  PA°E- 

Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  major-general,  63 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  enclosing  estimate  of 
stores,  &c.  wanted  for  the  troops,  and  requesting  the  for- 
warding of  levies  to  Albany,   64  65 

Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with,   '65 

Report  of  committee,   65 

Letter  from,  requesting  advance  to  Ethan  Allen  and  Seth 
Warner,  for  services  rendered  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown- 
Point,....   65,  66 

Rev.  John  Peter  Testard  employed  as  French  interpreter  for, 
&c   67 

Letter  to,  from  Committee  of  Safety,  covering  copy  of  Col. 
Hinman's  letter,  respecting  defences  on  Lake  Champlain, 
&c-  •   77 

Letter  from,  requesting  the  appointment  of  a  fit  person  to  take 
command  of  the  sloop  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  for  a  rein- 
forcement of  troops,   79 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  .'.  79  SO 

Appointment  of,  and  warrant  to  Capt.  James  Smith,  for  such  ' 
command,   go 

Letter  from,  on  the  necessity  of  strengthening  the  garrisons 
at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,   94 

Letters  from,  enclosing  extracts  of  letters  from  Gov.  Trum- 
bull, requesting  supplies,  reinforcements,  &c.  for  the  troops 
at  Ticonderoga,  and  communicating  information  of  the 
dispositions  of  the  Indians  at  Canada,  and  of  attempts  to  en. 
gage  them  for  the  British,   95,  96,  97 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,  communicating  information 
of  the  embarkation  for  Albany  of  four  companies  of  Col. 
McDougall's  regiment  under  command  of  Lieut.  Colonel 
Ritzema,  &c.  &c   103,  194 

Letter  from,  enclosing  communication  from  Green  Mountain 
Boys,  respecting  the  appointment  of  field  and  other  offi- 
cers ;  and  his  answer  thereto,  and  concerning  other  mat- 
ters,   106,  107 

Suffolk  county  troops  directed  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,  un- 
der command  of,   108 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  to  letter  of,  respecting  ap- 
pointment of  officers  for  Green  Mountain  Boys,   109 

Letter  from,  communicating  information  relative  to  move- 
ments of  Indians  in  Canada,   Ill,  112 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   112,  113 

Letters  from,  relative  to  movements  of  troops  and  supply 
of  artillery,  &c.  the  Green  Mountain  Boys,  the  sentiments 
of  the  Canadians,  and  the  arrival  of  Indians,  &c.  &c.  and 
answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   125,  131 

New-York  troops  ordered  to  support  of,     154 

Letter  from,  respecting  military  operations  against  Canada ; 
and  requesting  supply  of  powder ;  and  answer  of  Provin- 
cial Congress,   167,  168,  185 

Order  of  Continental  and  Provincial  Congress  for  supply  of,  178 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  surrender  of  the  fort  and  garri- 
son at  Chamblee,  and  of  the  probable  reduction  of  St. 
Johns  ;  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   192 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  surrender  of  St.  Johns,   200 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  surrender  of  Montreal,* ......  201 

Letter  from,  requesting  information  of  payments  made  to 
troops  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,   201 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  enclosing  account  of  mo- 
neys paid  to  Continental  troops,    211 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  duty  of  paymas- 
ter of,  in  auditing  and  allowing  accounts,   245 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety,  relative  to  shipwrights,  car- 
penters, scows,  batteaux,  salt  provisions,  reduction  of  old 
troops,  and  raising  of  new  levies,   254 

Order  for  transmission  of  powder  to,  at  Albany,  on  intelli- 
gence of  repulse  of  Continental  troops  at  Quebec,  and  dis- 
orders in  Tryon  county,     256 

Directed  to  explore  the  river  St.  Lawrence  above  and  below 
Quebec ;  and  prepare  boats  for  its  defence,   265 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  relative  to  the  raising  of 
troops  for  defence  of  Canada  ;  and  the  appointment  of  a 
paymaster,   276 

Answer  of,   286 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress  transmitting  a  return  of 
the  names  of  persons  to  whom  recruiting  orders  for  garri- 
soning Crown-Point,  Ticonderoga,  Fort  George,  &c.  were 
given  by,  &c.   293,  294 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to,  issuing  of 
warrants  by,  to  complete  regiment  directed  to  be  raised  in 
New-York,  for  the  service  of  Canada ;  and  appointment  of 
officers  of,   300 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  on  the  subject  of  the 
Canada  regiment ;  and  requesting  the  employment  of  his 
son  Peter  Schuyler,  as  a  field  officers,   315 

Letter  from,  to  committee  of  Albany  on  the  same  subject,. .  316 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  information 
of  promotions  by  Continental  Congress,  in  the  Canadian 
regiments;  answer  of,   319,334 

Letter  from,  requesting  arms,  clothing,  &c.  and  order  for 
purchase  of,   328 

Letters  from,  recommending  Mr.  Paine  and  Captain  Willett, 
and  transmitting  list  of  officers  of  the  four  regiments  rais- 
ed in  New-York,  in  1774,  now  in  Canada;  and  also  of  those 
who  have  accepted  commissions  in  Col.  Van  Schaick's  re- 
giment; answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   334 


INDEX. 


1181 


46. 
47. 
18. 
19. 


BO. 
51. 


52. 

53. 
54. 


56. 
57. 


58. 
59. 
60. 
61. 
62. 

63. 

64. 

65. 

66. 

67. 
68. 

69. 


70. 
71. 


72. 
73. 
74. 

75. 


76. 

77. 

78. 
79. 


80 

81 
82 


83 


84 

85 
86 
87 

88 


PAGE. 

SCHUYLER,  PHILIP— Continued. 

Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Lee,  relative  to  condition  of  the  troops 
in  Canada,   347,  348 

Letter  from,  to  chairman  of  committee  in  Kingston,  relative 
to  appointment  of  captain  of  company  of  militia,    351 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting  the  forward- 
ing of  sundry  naval  stores,   357 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  the  employ- 
ment of  Captain  Wynkoop,  upon  the  lakes  under  Commo- 
dore Douglass  ;  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  there- 
on,   364 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   418 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  petition  of  Mr. 
Duer  relative  to  the  election  of  Deputies  from  Charlotte 
county,    453 

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  proceedings 
of,  and  contemplated  resignation,   621,  634 

Report  of  committee  thereon,   623,  635 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Albany,  respecting  the 
contemplated  resignation  of   635 

Resolutions  of  Convention  approving  conduct  of,  in  the  dis- 
charge of  his  duties,  deprecating  resignation  of,  and  re- 
questing Congress  to  withhold  their  assent  to  the  same ; 
and  appointment  of  committee  to  wait  upon,  &c.  report  of 
committee,   635,  656,  657 

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,   667,  668 

Letter  from  John  Hancock,  President  of  Congress,  to,  trans- 
mitting resolutions  of  Congress  respecting  the  raising  of 
additional  battalions,   668 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  information 
of  the  movements  of  the  British  fleet,   669 

Letter  from,  transmitting  intelligence  of  the  destruction  of 
American  fleet  on  Lake  Champlain,  &c   684 

Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  and  co-operate  with,  for 
the  defence  of  the  northern  frontiers,   684 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  the  committee  of  con- 
ference,   692,  693 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  conference,  to  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,  relative  to  arrangement  of  army  under 
command  of,   694,  695 

Letter  from,  relative  to  movements  of  the  army  under  his 
command,  &c     698,699 

Report  of  committee  for  co-operating  with,  in  the  defence  of 
the  frontiers,  &c   699  to  705 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  means  of 
transporting  troops  across  the  Hudson  river,   708 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  retreat  of  Gen.  Carlton  to  Ca- 
nada, together  with  Sir  John  Johnson,   708 

Letter  from,  respecting  proceedings  of,  &c   711 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  requesting  advice  of,  re- 
lative to  the  obstructions  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river   714,715 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  the  superin- 
tendence of,  in  the  erection  of  works  for  the  defence  of 
the  Hudson  river,   721 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting,  .  722,  726 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  informing  of  the  situa- 
tion and  movements  of  the  British  and  American  forces, 
and  requesting  the  marching  of  recruits  of,  to  Fishkill,. . .  745 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  intelligence 
of  movements  of  the  Continental  army,   747 

Resolution  for  the  advancement  of  twenty  thousand  pounds 
to,  for  the  public  service,  • .  775 

Letter  from,  relative  to  the  monopolies  and  engrossment  in 
the  purchase  of  provisions,  and  suggesting  a  remedy  there- 
for ;  and  requesting  a  reinforcement  at  the  fortress  at  Ti- 
conderoga ;  answer  of  Committee  of  Safety   792,  793 

Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  to  despatch 
one-fifth  of  the  militia  of  Albany,  Tryon,  Charlotte, 
Gloucester  and  Cumberland,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the 
garrison  at  Ticonderoga,  and  to  arm  and  supply  the  same 
with  necessary  provisions,  :   800 

Letter  to,  transmitting  such  resolutions   800 

(See  Ticonderoga,  &c.  47,  48,  49.) 

Authorized  to  cause  the  army  under  his  command  to  be  in- 
oculated with  the  smallpox,    819 

Election  of,  as  Delegate  in  Congress,   931 

Letter  from  Philip  Livingston  and  James  Duane,  Delegates 
in  Congress,  respecting  investigation  of  charges  preferred 
against,  their  satisfactory  refutation,  and  his  reinstatement 

in  command,   941 

Report  of  Committee  of  the  Treasury,  relative  to  accounts 
of,   951,  952 

Directed  to  take  the  command  of  the  northern  department,  .  952 

Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  presenting  their  thanks  to 
Congress  for  their  efficient  defence  of  the  character  of, 

&c?   952 

Capts.  John  Strong  and  Simon  Stevens'  company  of  rangers, 
placed  under  command  of:  letter  from  Council  of  Safety 

to,   979,980 

Letter  from,  detailing  proceedings  of,  at  Ticonderoga,  and 

the  condition  of  the  northern  army,   982 

Answer  of  Council  of  Safety,   988 

Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  •   989 

Letter  from,  expressing  his  astonishment  at  the  evacuation  of 

Ticonderoga  by  the  general  officers,   992 

Answer  of  Council  of  Safety ;  and  letter  to  Gen.  Putnam,. . .  992 

296 


PAGE. 

SCHUYLER,  PHILIP— Continued. 

89.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  resolutions  for 

raising  two  companies  of  rangers,  in  Albany,  Ulster  and 
Tryon  counties,  for  the  protection  of  frontiers   1002 

90.  Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Washington,  enclosing  copies  of  procla- 

mation by,  and  Gen.  Burgoyne,   1005,  1006 

91.  Letter  from,  Council  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  move- 

ment of  Gen.  Glover's  brigade  to  the  northward,  and  the 
complaints  of  the  ship  carpenters,  &e   1015 

92.  Letter  from  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  ;  resolution 

of  Council  thereon,   1016,  1017 

93.  Letter  from,  respecting  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  ar- 

my under  his  command,  and  the  proceedings  of  General 
Burgoyne,   1017 

94.  Letter  from,  at  Saratoga,  transmitting  copy  of  a  letter  from 

Thomas  Spencer,  at  Oneida,  relative  to  proceedings  and 
intentions  of  the  Indians,  1015,  1026 

95.  Letter  from,  at  Saratoga,  enclosing  a  copy  of  a  letter  from,  to 

Congress,  respecting  proceedings  of,  and  condition  of  the 
army  under  his  command   1028,  1029 

96.  Letter  from  delegation  in  Congress  to  Council  of  Safety,  re- 

specting the  application  for  the  recal  of,  from  the  command 
of  the  northern  army,  and  the  reinstatement  of  General 
Gates,   1633 

97.  Transfer  of,  to  the  army  under  Gen.  Washington,  and  rein- 

statement of  General  Gates  to  the  command  of  the  north- 
ern army,   1035 

98.  Letter  from,  to  Gov.  Clinton   1035 

99.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  condition  of 

the  northern  army,   1042 

SCOTCH  HIGHLANDERS. 

(See  Stewart,  James.) 

SCOTT,  JOHN  MORIN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  brigadier-general  for  the  four  battalions  of 

militia  to  reinforce  the  army  at  New-York,  and  commis- 
sion of,  •   •   488 

2.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  handbill  pu- 

blished by,  reflecting  on  the  honour  and  impartiality  of  the 
House     496 

3.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  for  continuance  in  service 

of  brigade  of,  &c  

4.  Letter  from,  respecting  proceedings  and  intentions  of,   719 

5.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  tendering  the  thanks  of 

Convention  to,  for  his  patriotic  offer  to  continue  in  the 
service,  and  to  his  officers  and  men  for  their  conduct;  and 
directing  a  gratuity  of  £1,500  to  be  distributed  among  the 
non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  belonging  to  bri- 
gade of,   720 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting   721 

7.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  co-ope- 

ration of,  in  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  Hudson's 
river,   727 

8.  Letter  from,  informing  that  the  number  of  men  belonging  to 

his  brigade,  willing  to  continue  in  service,  is  too  inconsi- 
derable to  warrant  their  retention   729 

9.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  payment  of 

the  gratuity  for  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates  of 
brigade  of,  to  Col.  Malcom,   734 

10.  Letter  from,  relative  to  proceedings  of,   764 

11.  Letter  from,  suggesting  the  propriety  of  ordering  down  a  bo- 

dy of  militia,  to  take  possession  of  the  city  of  New-York, 
on  its  evacuation  by  the  enemy,  and  offering  his  services 
to  take  the  command  of  such  body  ;  answer  of  Convention,  827, 

829 

12.  Election  of,  as  a  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court ;  declension 

of,   910 

SCRIBNER,  NATHANIEL. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  a  company  in  Dutchess  county, 

for  the  detection  and  suppression  of  conspiracies   666 

2.  Directed  to  form  a  part  of  Captain  Melancton  Smith's  com- 

pany •  666 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay  and  billeting  expenses  of 

company  of,   740,  775 

SCUDDER,  LIEUT.  WILLIAM. 
1.  Memorial  from,  requesting  payment  to  men  enlisted  by,  in 

Capt.  Henry  O'Hara's  company,   409 

2  Appointment  of,  as  2d  lieutenant  in  Capt.  John  Wyley's  com- 

409 

pany,   Hy™ 

SEAL.  (Sec  Great  Seal.) 
SEAMEN. 

(See  Philadelphia,  4.) 
(See  Mariners.) 

SECOND  REGIMENT. 

1.  Field  officers  of,  •   <» 

2.  Provision  for  military  stores  and  provisions  for,   94 

3.  Report  of  condition  of,  •   96 

(See  Roseboora,  Cel.  Myndert.) 
(See  Van  Schaack,  Lieut.  Col.  Goose.) 

4.  Appointment  of  Bedford  Williams  as  surgeon's  mate  of,   108 

SECRECY.  (See  Committee  of  Secrecy.) 
1  Form  of  oath  of,  to  be  administered  to  members  and  officers 
of  Provincial  Congress,  and  to  all  persons  in  the  employ 
of,   H6,  117,  453 


1182 


INDEX. 


FAGS. 

SECRECY,  COMMITTEE  OF. 

1.  Appointment  of,  by  Provincial  Congress,  to  confer  and  advise 

with  the  Commander-in-Chief,  on  all  such  matters  relative 
to  the  execution  of  his  office  as  he  shall  choose  to  commu- 
nicate to  them,    450 

2.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  adoption  of  measures  for  the  de- 

fence of  the  Hudson  river,  &c   575,  576 

SECRETARIES  OF  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 
(See  McKesson,  John.) 
(See  Benson,  Robert.) 
1.  Account  of,  audited  and  allowed,   188 

SENATORS. 

1.  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  forming  Constitution,  relative 

to  the  election  of,   843,  868 

2.  Election  of,  for  the  southern  district,   918 

3.  Election  of,  for  the  eastern,  middle  and  western  district,   990 

SENECA  INDIANS. 
1.  Visit  of  warriors  of,  to  councils  on  their  return  from  General 

Washington's  head-quarters,   975 

SEQUESTRATION. 

(See  Commissioners  of  Sequestration.) 

SEQUESTRATION  OF  ESTATES. 

(See  Escheated  Estates.) 

1.  Authorized  in  certain  cases,   131,132 

(See  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  54.) 
(See  Lloyd,  Henry.) 

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS.  (See  Weeks,  James.) 

SERGEANTS.  (See  McDonald,  Rannold.) 

SERVANTS.  (See  Apprentices  and  Servants.) 

SHAFER,  JACOB. 
1.  Disbursements  and  account  of,  as  messenger  to  Philadelphia  ; 

allowed,    26 

SHARPLESS,  RICHARD. 
1.  Provision  for,  as  one  of  the  prisoners  taken  at  Ticonderoga,.  48 

SHAW,  JOHN.  (See  Intercepted  Letters,  &c.) 

SHEAF,  HENRY. 
1.  Ordered  to  build  barge  for  ship  Asia,   108 

SHELTER  ISLAND.  (See  Suffolk  County,  18,  21.) 
SHERIFFS. 

1.  Election  of,  for  the  several  counties,   912,  913 

SHIP  ASIA. 

1.  Provisions  and  supplies  granted  for  use  of,   15 

(See  Asia,  (Ship.) 

SHIP  SALLY.  (See  Philadelphia,  1.) 

SHIPS  AND  VESSELS. 

(See  Asia,  Ship.) 
(See  Ship  Sally.) 

1.  Application  of  Murray,  Sansom,  Murray  &  Co.  and  of 

Frederick  Rhynlander,  for  permission  for  ship  Peggy,  and 
cargo  of  wheat  to  sail  for  Falmouth,  in  England  ;  granted 
conditionally,   123 

2.  Application  of  Charles  McEvers  &  Co.  to  permit  ship  Alba- 

ny and  cargo  of  wheat  to  sail  for  Lisbon,   J33 

3.  Application  of  Walter  Buchannon  &  Co.  to  permit  vessel 

and  cargo  for  Madeira,  and  another  for  Barcelonia,  to 
sail,   123 

4.  Application  of  Thomas  Arden,  Jr.  and  David  Bemus,  owner 

and  master  of  sloop  Liberty  to  sail;  granted,   123,  127 

5.  Letter  from  William  McAdam,  for  leave  for  sloop  Jean, 

Capt.  Bascombe  master,  to  sail  with  cargo  for  Kingston, 

in  Jamaica  ;  referred  to  New-York  committee,   123,  138 

6.  Committee  appointed  to  report  regulation  respecting  sailing 

of  with  provisions,   123 

7.  Letter  from  James  and  Alexander  Stewart,  for  permission  to 

ship  a  quantity  of  rye,  and  purchase  necessary  articles 
with  proceeds,   124 

8.  Letter  from  Henry  Bewson  and  John  Read,  for  permission 

for  sloop  Charlotte,  Captain  Nathaniel  Harriot  to  sail 
for  Kingston,  with  flourandlamp  oil,  and  to  purchase  ship 
bread  and  lumber;  leave  granted,   124,  127 

9.  Letter  from  V.  Pearse  Ashfield,  for  permission  for  brig  Pat- 

ty, Bedford  Ashfield,  master,  to  sail  for  Madeira  with  In- 
dian corn,   124 

10.  Permission  to  G.  W.  Beekman,  D.  Beekman  and  C.  P.  Low, 

to  ship  on  board  sloop  Pennsylvania  Farmer,  William 
Newton,  master,  for  island  of  St.  Croix,  cargo  of  provi- 
sions and  lumber,   124 

11.  Report  of  committee  respecting  regulations  for  sailing  of 

provisions,  &c.  and  form  of  oaths  to  be  taken  by  owners 
and  masters  of  such  vessels,   124 

12.  Permission  to  William  Malcom.  for  sailing  of  sloop  Thistle, 

Roger  Haddock,  master,  to  St.  Eustatia,  with  cargo  of 
provision,   126,  127 

13.  Permission  to  Abraham  De  Peyster  to  load  sloop  Charity 

with  provisions  for  West  Indies,   127 

14.  Appointment  of  committee  on  future  applications  of  owners 

of,  for  permission  to  sail,   127 

J5.  Examination  of  Jacobus  Stoutenburgh  and  others,  relative 
to  Peter  Dop,  and  his  sloop,  charged  with  having  supplied 
necessaries  for  British  troops;  and  directions  given  for 


16. 
17. 

18. 
19. 
20. 


21. 

22. 

23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 
30. 
31. 

32. 
33. 

34. 
35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 
39. 

40. 
41. 

42. 
43. 

44. 

45. 
46. 

47. 
48, 
49. 


50, 
51. 


52 
53 


SHIPS  AND  VESSELS-Conthtoed. 
seizing  said  sloop  and  people  on  board,  and  for  the  dispo- 
sition thereof,   129,  135,  138,  140,  141,  142,  175 

Permission  to  brig  Polly,  with  cargo  for  West  Indies,  to  sail, 
Bernard  McDavit,  master,   129 

Permission  to  sloop  Greyhound,  Wm.  Montanye,  master,  for 
Curacoa,   129 

Permission  to  sloop  Joseph,  Benj.  Lindsay,  master,  for  Pro- 
vidence with  flour,   129 

Permission  to  ship  Peggy,  John  Murray,  owner,  for  Fal- 
mouth, with  cargo  of  wheat,   129 

Report  exculpating  Capt  Isaac  L.  Winn,  from  suspicion  of 
a  design  to  furnish  the  British  troops  with  necessaries  in 
a  sloop  bound  to  the  eastward  ;  certificate  to  that  effect 
given  to  him ;  letters  of  examined,  and  proceedings  there- 
on, 141,  142 

(See  Intercepted  Letters,  7.) 
(See  Bache,  Theophalact.) 

Accounts  of  expenses  in  taking  sloop  from  Dutchess  county, 
near  Speytden  Duyvel,  ordered  to  be  ascertained,   142 

Passports  granted  to  David  Hawley  and  Aaron  Jennings, 
masters  of  sloop  Sally  and  Lady,  bound  for  West  Indies, 
to  return  to  Connecticut,   143 

Appointment  of  committee  to  employ  and  despatch  for  the 
purchase  of  powder  and  arms ;  and  appropriation  for,  145,148 

Permission  to  William  Ritchie,  to  convey  articles  to  camp 
at  Cambridge,   146 

Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  committee  of  Kingston,  re- 
lative to  taking  of  Christian  Bergen,  Jr.  sloop  Sarah,  ...  150 

Permission  to  sloop  Francis,  Wm.  Ritchie,  master,  belonging 
to  Wm.  Lowther,  to  sail  forEdenton,  in  North  Carolina,.  158 

Permission  to  brigantine  Elliot,  William  Hallock  master,  to 
proceed  on  a  whaling  voyage   154 

Letters  and  papers  on  board  Rhode  Island  packet ;  examin- 
ed and  returned,     157 

Permission  to  snow  Georgia,  Thomas  Bolton,  master,  to  re- 
fit in  the  East  river,  at  New-York,   160 

Examinations  relative  to  suspicious  communications  of,  with 
ship  Asia,   161,  162 

Permission  to  Charles  De  Wolf  and  others,  charterers  of 
sloop  Hannah,  from  Bristol,  to  purchase  flour  in  New- 
York,     162 

Permission  to  snow  Georgia,  to  break  bulk,  withdrawn,  and 
vessel  ordered  to  depart  the  port,   165 

Permission  to  Robert  Wallace,  master  of  brig  Mary,  from 
Baltimore,  bound  to  Great  Britain,  to  refit  said  brig  in 
the  East  river;  and  letter  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 
specting,   168,  173 

Permission  to  Benjamin  Lindsay,  to  lade  provisions  in  sloop 
of,  bound  for  Providence,   170 

Directions  to  wardens  of  port  of  New-York  to  value  pilot 
boat  Bishop  of  Landaff,  owned  by  Francis  James,  and 
employed  in  the  public  service,   176 

Letter  from  Walter  Franklin  &  Co.  requesting  permission  to 
load  sloop  with  provisions  for  Georgia,   176 

Estimate  by  wardens  of  port  of  New-York,  of  the  value  of 
pilot  boat  Bishop  of  Landaff,   177 

Purchase  of  such  boat  and,  draft  on  Treasurer  for  payment,  179 

Permission  to  Captain  John  Andrews  and  Mr.  Nathan  Bee- 
be  of  Newport  to  purchase  and  lade  a  cargo  of  flour  for 
the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  town,   181 

Appointment  of  committee  to  report  a  proper  plan  for  the 
employment  of  the  pilot  boat  Bishop  of  Landaff,   184 

Permission  to  Captain  Benjamin  Lindsay,  on  behalf  of 
Messrs.  Clark  and  Nightingale,  merchants  at  Providence, 
to  lade  provisions  for  the  Continental  army,  on  board  the 
sloop  Fly,     184 

Permission  to  William  Ritchie  to  ship  flour  to  Dartmouth,  185, 

186 

Permission  to  William  McHard,  of  Newburyport  to  pur- 
chase and  transport  flour  to  Connecticut,   186 

Appointment  of  committee  to  purchase  flour  and  load  pilot 
boat  Bishop  of  Landaff,  for  procuring  arms  and  ammuni- 


tion, 


192 


Protest  of  Francis  James,  one  of  the  owners  of  pilot  boat 
Hampden,  relative  to  the  taking  of  said  boat,   192 

Order  for  payment  to  Francis  James,  for  one-half  the  pilot 
boat  the  Hampden,  and  one-half  the  wages  or  hire  of  said 
boat  and  mariners   195 

Direction  to  pilots  not  to  board  vessels  with  troops,  but  to 
give  information  of  their  approach,   195 

Bill  of  sale  of  pilot  boat  Hampden,  made  by  Francis  James 
and  William  Massel  to  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,   203 

Appointment  of  committee  to  plan  a  voyage  or  voyages  for 
two  or  more  additional  vessels,  for  the  procuring  of  arms, 
ammunition  and  provisions  for  the  use  of  the  Colony,  and 
to  procure  proper  vessels  for  that  purpose ;  report  of,  and 
proceedings  thereon,   212,  225,  232,  248 

Certificate  of  Gov.  Cooke,  of  Rhode  Island,  of  the  importa- 
tion of  flour  by  Capt  Benjamin  Lindsay,  and  requesting 
a  further  supply  of  provisions,     213 

Resolution  for  indemnification  against  custom  house  bonds, 
for  ships  and  vessel  sent  to  Europe  to  procure  military 
stores  and  provisions,  &c   226 

Resolution  for  advance  by  Treasurer  for,   226 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  purchase  and  fit- 
ting out  of  a  proper  armed  vessel  to  cruise  in  East  river, 


INDEX. 


1183 


SHIPS  AND  VESSELS — Continued. 


PAGE 


54, 

SB, 

56. 

57. 
58. 
59. 

60. 
61. 

62. 
63. 

64. 
6."). 
66. 


67. 
68. 
69. 


70. 

71. 
72. 
73. 

74. 

75. 

76. 
77. 

78. 

79. 

80. 

81. 

82. 
83. 

85. 


and  Long  island  Sound,  to  prevent  supply  of  provisions 

to  Ministerial  army  and  navy,   228 

Information  communicated  to  Committee  of  Safety  relative 
to  the  arrival  of  vessel  from  Hispaniola  with  gunpow- 
der,   235 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Lord  Stirling,  discoun- 
tenancing the  use  of  vessel  belonging  to  Isaac  Gouver- 
neur,  for  seizures  of  despatches  on  board  British  vessel,.  242 
Proceedings  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  relative 
to  case  of  Captain  Barnabas  Swain,  of  ship  Bellona,  for 

Nantucket,   248 

Directions  for  observation  of  reported  approach  of  British 

flleet  from  Boston,   249 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  capture 

and  forfeiture  of  British  ships  and  vessels,   250,  251 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  James  Livingston,  re- 
questing permission  for  shipwrights  to  occupy  a  portion 

of  his  land,  for  the  construction  of  their  work,   255 

Directions  for  employment  and  loading  of  vessel  for  Curacoa, 

with  flour  to  be  exchanged  for  gunpowder  and  ravens  duck,  256 
Purchase  of  sloop  Sally,  by  Col.  McDougall;  and  requisi- 
tion on  Treasurer  for  purchase  money,   261,  262 

Permission  to  schooner  Success,  Jonathan  Bowers,  master, 

to  sail,   267 

Directions  to  Samuel  Isleton  and  others,  to  proceed  in  pilot 
boat  to  Sandy  Hook,  for  the  purpose  of  observing  the 

enemy's  fleet,  &c   268 

Permission  to  Comfort  Sands  to  load  sloop  Sally,  Wilkie 

Dodge,  master,  for  the  West  Indies,  with  provisions,   270 

Permission  to  brigantine  New-York,  Captain  John  Walker, 

master,  to  lade  with  provisions,   374 

Report  of  committee  appointed  by  Provincial  Congress  to 
freight  a  vessel  to  the  West  Indies,  with  provisions,  &c.  to 
purchase  arms  and  ammunition;  and  resolutions  of  Com- 
mittee of  Safety  agreeing  thereto,  and  to  indemnify 
against  bonds  and  damages  entered  into,  or  accrued  at 

the  custom  house,  &c,   278,  279 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  on  account  of,  to 

Comfort  Sands,   279 

Report  of  Samuel  Isleton,  one  of  the  pilots  employed  for 

observation  of  the  enemy's  fleet  at  Sandy  Hook,   281 

Examinations  of  pilots,  and  proceedings  of  Committee  of 
Safety,  on  receipt  of  information  of  the  arrival  of  trans- 
ports in  the  harbour  of  New- York  ;  conferences  with  the 
Hon.  Hugh  Wallace,  and  the  mayor  of  New-York ;  and 
arrangements  with  committee  of  Continental  Congress, 
and  General  Lee,  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the 

city,   282,283 

Examination  of  Benjamin  Walker  and  John  Carleton,  rela- 
tive to  piloting  the  transport  ship  Caty ;  and  certificate  of 
Committee  of  Safety  exonerating  said  Carlton  from  all 

censure,   288,  289 

Information  of  the  anchoring  of  the  Mercury  sloop  of  war, 
and  two  transports  near  Staten  island ;  and  proceedings 

of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,   291 

Permission  to  Nicholas  Low,  to  lade  schooner  Polly,  Wm. 
Montanye,  master,  with  flaxseed  and  lumber  on  account 

of  Isaac  Governeur,   292 

Permission  to  Jacobus  Van  Zandt,  to  lade  ship  Rosmond 

with  wheat,  &c     308 

(See  Tryon,  Gov.  8  to  13.) 
Permission  to  John  Hastier  to  go  on  board  the  ship  Sally 

with  provisions,   323 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  directing  armed  schooner 
Schuyler,  James  Smith  commander,  and  sloop  British,  to 
cruise  on  the  southern  shore,  between  Egg-Harbour  and 
Sandy-Hook,  for  the  protection  of  vessels  coming  into 


port, 


349 


Permission  to  Wright  Southgate,  master  of  ship  Rosamond, 

to  proceed  to  sea,   349,  350 

(See  Tryon,  Governor,  8  to  15.) 
Proceedings  and  orders  of  Provincial  Congress,  correspon- 
dence with  Gen.  Lee,  and  conferences  with  Lord  Stirling, 
relative  to  intercourse  with,  and  furnishing  provisions  for, 

British  ships  in  the  harbour  of  New- York.          341,  343,  346 

Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  Provincial  Congress,  respect- 
ing the  employment  of  Capt.  Wynkoop  on  the  lakes,  un- 
der Commodore  Douglass,  in  pursuance  of  resolutions  of 
Continental  Congress;  letter  to  Commodore  Douglass, 
and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  364,  371,  372 
Purchase  of  armed  vessel  for  protection  of  trade  of  the  Co- 
lonies, and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Capt. 

Anthony  Rutgers,  for  payment  therefor,   372 

Permission  to  Peter  Vandevoort  to  export  provisions  to  the 

West  Indies,  on  account  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut,. .  .  378 
Permission  to  Nicholas  Low,  in  exchange  for  flaxseed  and 

lumber,   378 

Permission  to  Jonathan  Carpenter,  to  export  provisions,.. .  380 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  Capt.  Wm.  Mer- 
cier,  to  enable  him  to  fit  out  the  vessel  purchased  for  the 

defence  of  Colonial  trade,   380 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  subjecting  armed  vessels 
for  protection  of  trade  of  the  Colonies,  to  the  articles  of 
war  prescribed  by  Continental  Congress  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  navy  of  the  United  States,   384 


PAGE. 

SHIPS  AND  VESSELS— Continued. 

86.  Certificate  of  protection  to  brigantine  Elizabeth,  Capt.  John 

Palmer,  master,   398 

87.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Thomas  Randall,  for 

purchase  and  outfit  of  armed  schooner,   405 

(See  Privateers.) 

88.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Capt.  William  Mer- 

rier, for  payment  of  expenses  in  fitting  out  armed  schoo- 
ner Montgomerie,   408 

89.  Letters  from  Wilkie  Dodge  and  others,  informing  of  the  cap- 

ture of  the  sloops  Sally  and  Polly,  and  requisition  on  Trea- 
surer for  payment  for  said  sloops   409 

90.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Committee  of  Safety,  re- 

commending the  prohibition  of  intercourse  with  British 
vessels ;  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  there- 
for,   412 

91.  Report  of  marine  committee,  respecting  loan  of  armed  ves- 

sels fitted  out  for  Colonial  use,  &c   416 

92.  Sale  of  sloop  Bishop  of  Landaff,  to  Robert  Randall,   421 

(See  Frivaleers.) 

93.  Letter  from  Convention  to  commissioners  for  superintend- 

ing the  building  of  Continental  ships  at  Poughkeepsie,  re- 
lative to  the  defence  and  security  of,  against  attacks  of  the 
enemy,   526 

94.  Instructions  to  commissioners  at,   528 

95.  Appointment  of  committee  to  treat  with  Isacher  Poluck, 

upon  the  sale  of  the  sloop  Nonsuch,  and  her  cargo,  . .  .549,  550 

96.  Letters  from  Samuel  Tudor,  one  of  the  agents  superinteding 

the  building  of  the  Continental  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie, 
requesting  advice,  &c   650,  662 

97.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  delivery  to  Maj. 

Gen  Schuyler,  by  the  superintendents  for  building  the 
Continental  frigates  at  Poughkeepsie,  of  cordage  and  rig- 
ging for  fitting  out  row  galleys  on  Lake  Champlain,. . . .  651 

98.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  sailing  of 

the  Continental  frigates  Congress  and  Montgomerie,  up 

the  river,  to  Esopus  or  Claverack   722 

99.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  chairman  of  marine  committee 

of  Continental  Congress,  respecting  destination  of  such 
frigates,   730 

100.  Letter  from  Capt.  Samuel  Tudor,  respecting,   730 

101.  Victor  Bicker,  Jr.  nominated  lieutenant  of  marines  for  ship 

Congress,  and  directed  to  enlist  thirty  marines  to  guard 
the  ships  Congress  and  Montgomerie,  and  provision  for 
the  security  and  preparation  for  service  of  such  ships,...  734 

102.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Captain  Samuel  Tu- 

dor, respecting  the  fitting  and  disposition  of  the  Continen- 
nental  frigates,   749 

103.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  chairman  of  marine  committee 

of  Congress,  relative  to  such  frigates,   763 

104.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  Capt.  Robert  Castle, 

for  wages  and  subsistence  of  himself  and  the  crew  of  the 
armed  sloop  Camden,  fitted  out  by  order  of  the  secret 
committee  for  the  obstruction  of  Hudson's  river,   771 

105.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  hire  and  demurrage  of  sloop 

Nancy,  John  Harrison  master,  from  New-York  to  Bor- 
deaux, in  France,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  for,   773 

106.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  for  the  building  of  a  74 

gun  ship,   773 

107.  Memorial  of  Stephen  Hogeboom  and  others,  owners  of  the 

sloop  Middlesex,  lost  in  the  Continental  service,   810 

108.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  payment  of  rations  and  pay 

rolls  of  ship  carpenters,  joiners,  &c.  on  board  the  Conti- 
nental frigate  Congress,   837 

109.  Report  of  committee  on  the  petition  of  Leonard  Smith,  Jr. 

relative  to  the  employment  of  his  vessel  in  the  Continen- 
tal service,   861 

110.  Report  of  committee  on  the  account  of  Captain  Charles 

Sprainger,  master  of  the  brigantine  Mary,   888 

111.  Report  of  committee  on  petition  of  William  Albertson,  rela- 

tive to  his  claim  on  the  sloop  Charlotte  Elizabeth,   981 

SICKLES,  JOHN,  Jit. 
1.  Chosen  2d  lieutenant  in  beat  No.  29,   150 

SIGNALS. 

1.  Report  of  Maj.  Genls.  Sullivan,  Greene  and  Stirling,  respect- 
ing the  proper  signals  to  communicate  the  facts  of  the  arri- 
val of  British  fleet,   423 

SINCLAIR,  PATRICK. 

1.  His  Majesty's  Lieutenant-Governor  and  superintendent  ofMi- 

chilimacinac,  detained  on  parol  of  honour,  at  Nassau  island 
in  Suffolk  county,  during  the  continuance  of  hostilities  with 
Great  Britain,   100 

2.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   109 

3.  Parol  extended  to  Lloyd's  Neck,  128,  129 

4.  Letter  from  Proviscial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress,  requesting  permission  for,  to  go  to  Britain,   345 

5.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  for  permission  to  return 

to  Europe,   379 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  communicating  such  per- 

mission, and  letter  to  committee  of  Huntington,  directing 

his  release  on  parol,   380 

SIX  NATIONS  OF  INDIANS. 
1.  Journal  of  conference  between  delegation  from,  and  Caugh- 
nawagas,  at  the  instance  of  commissioners  of  Indian  af- 
fairs, 169,  170 


1184 


INDEX. 


SLAVES  AND  SLAVERY. 
1  Proceedings  of  Convention  in  framing  a  Constitution,  relative 

'      t0)   887,  889 

(See  Clopper,  Cornelius  ) 

SLOOPS.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels.) 

SMALLPOX. 

1.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  inoculation  for,. ...  44 

2.  Letter  to  committees  of  observation  of  East  and  South  Hamp- 

ton, respecting,   48 

3.  Directions  to  general  committee  of  association  of  city  of  New- 

York,  respecting  prevention  of,   50 

4.  Letter  from  William  Powell,  requesting  permission  for  inocu- 

lation of  his  wife  for,  denied,   159 

5.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  prohibiting  inoculation  for,  216, 

217 

6.  Letter  from  General  Putnam,  transmitting  information  of  the 

inoculation  of  a  number  of  persons  in  the  city  of  New- 
York,  and  reference  to  general  committee  of  that  city,  to 
inquire  into  and  punish,   459 

7.  Report  of  committee,  and  order  of  Provincial  Congress  there- 

on,  461 

8.  Communication  from  Gen.  Putnam  to  Provincial  Congress, 

expressing  his  thanks  for  their  exertions,  and  those  of  the 
general  committee  of  the  city  of  New-York,  in  preventing 
the  spread  of;  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   463 

9.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  inoculation 

for,  under  certain  restrictions,    773 

(See  Fishkill,  6,  7.) 
30.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  recommending  inoculation  for, 
in  the  Continental  army,  and  appointment  of  committee  to 

superintend  such  inoculation,   806 

(See  Schuyler,  Philip,  77.) 

SMEDES,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  1st  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Matthew  Janse's 
company,  of  Shawangunk  precinct,  in  Col.  Jonathan  Has- 
brouck's  regiment  of  militia  of  Ulster  county,   552 

SMITH,  CAPT.  JAMES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  and  warrant  of  Committee  of  Safety  to,  as 

captain  of  armed  vessel  on  Lake  Champlain,  to  receive 
pay  as  a  major,  ,   80 

2.  Copy  of  report  of,  filed,  ,   1 12 

SMITH,  DOCTOR  GILBERT. 

(See  Suffolk  County,  14.) 

SMITH,  EDMUND,  Jr. 
1.  Commission  to,  as  first  lieutenant  of  Smithtown  company  of 

militia,   153 

SMITH,  COMMODORE  JAMES. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  services  rendered 

on  Lake  Champlain,   261 

SMITH,  JOSIAH. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  the  troops  to  be  raised  by  draft 

from  the  militia  on  Nassau  island,   534 

2.  To  place  himself  under  the  orders  of  Gen.  Greene,  at  the 

western  end  of  Nassau  island,   563 

3.  To  despatch  his  regiment  to  Horn's  Hook,   601 

4.  Directions  to  Brig.  Gen.  Clinton,  to  apprehend  and  detain  mi- 

litia and  levies  belonging  to  regiment  of,  disbanded  or  suf- 
fered to  disperse  without  permission   605 

5.  Treasurer  directed  to  stop  payment  of  accounts  of  regiment 

of,   614 

SMITH,  MELANCTON. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  forces  raised  in  Dutchess  coun- 

ty, for  the  suppression  of  disaffection,   503 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  of  wages 

and  subsistence  of  companies  under  the  command  of,   695 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  the  purchase  of  hay 

for  use  of  the  State,  •   1105 

SMITH,  PHILLIUS. 
1.  Commission  to,  as  captain  of  Smithtown  company  of  mili- 
tia,   153 

SMITH,  RICHARD. 
1.  Commission  to,  as  ensign  of  Smithtown  company  of  mili- 
tia,   153 

SMITH,  SAMUEL. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  John  Gren- 

nel's  company,  in  place  of  William  Phillipse,  declined, ...  78 
SNYDER,  JOHANNES. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  Ulster  county  militia,   135 

(See  Ulster  County,  35.) 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  the  levies  detached  from  the 

counties  of  Albany,  Ulster,  Dutchess  and  Orange,  for  the 
reinforcement  of  the  forts  at  the  Highlands,   614 

3.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  payment  of 

regiment  of,  pay,  rations  and  muster  rolls  of  officers  and 

soldiers  of,  and  for  the  continuance  of,  in  the  service,   717 

SOUTH  CAROLINA. 
1.  Letter  from  committee  of  intelligence  of  Charleston,  enclos- 
ing copy  of  an  intercepted  letter  from  General  Gage,  at 
Boston,  to  Governor  Martin,  of  North  Carolina,  and  a 
copy  of  the  general  association  entered  into  by  Provincial 
Congress,  56,  57 


PAGE. 

SPARDING,  JOHN. 
1.  Memorial  of,  for  payment  of  account  for  boats  and  teams  sup- 
plied at  Ticonderoga  landing,  and  letter  to,  from  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  referring  him  to  Gen.  Schuyler,   78 

SPENCER,  JOSEPH. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  .Continental  Congress,  as  brigadier-ge- 
neral,   63 

SPIES. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  trial  and  punishment  of,  by 

court  martial,.   856,  857 

(See  Mabee,  Simon.) 
(See  Court  Martial,  27.) 

2.  Apprehension  of  Thomas  Kelly,  as,   1029 

3.  Examination  and  commitment  of,   1030 

STATEN,  ISLAND. 

(See  New-Jersey,  11,  12, 13,  14.) 

(See  Richmond  County,  18.) 
(See  Washington,  George,  56.) 
(See  General  Officers,  6.) 
1.  Letter  from  Peter  T.  Curtenius  informing  of  the  landing  of 

the  British  on,  without  opposition,   516 

STATE  PRINTER.  (See  Printer  to  the  State.) 

STEINROD,  CORNELIUS. 
1.  Permission  to,  to  raise  a  company  for  Continental  service, . .  422 

STEPHENS,  FRANCIS. 

1.  Order  of  Committee  of  Safety  on  information  of  breaking 

open  house  and  stores  of,  and  taking  of  military  stores  be- 
longing to  Great  Britain,  from,   77,  78 

2.  Intercepted  letter  from,  to  Gen.  Gage,  relative  to  removal  of 

stores  from  New-York,  &c   122 

STEPHENS,  JOSEPH. 
1.  Account  of,  as  messenger  to  Continental  Congress  from  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  allowed,    44 

STEPHENSON,  JOHN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  to  third  regiment,   121 

STEPHENS,  SIMON. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  brigade  in  the  counties  of 

Gloucester  and  Cumberland,     552 

STERLING  IRON  WORKS. 
1.  Resolutions  of  Convention  exempting  persons  employed  in, 

on  payment  of  commutation,   900 

STIRLING,  LORD. 

1.  Letter  from  President  of  Continental  Congress  to  Provincial 

Congress,  requesting  supply  of  arms  to  be  sent  to,  for  use 
of  the  troops  in  New-Jersey,  employed  in  the  defence  of 
New-York,   ,   202 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  procure  arms  for,   207 

3.  Report  of  committee,   208 

4.  Letter  trom  Committee  of  Safety  to,  discountenancing  appre- 

hended design  of  using  vessel  of  Isaac  Gouverneur,  at  Eli- 
zabethtown  Point,  to  seize  despatches  on  board  British 
ship,   242 

5.  Order  for  suppression  of,  on  subsequent  information  of  the 

falsity  of  the  rumour,   242 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  appoint- 

ment of  a  barrack  master,  the  inspection  of  firelocks,  and 

the  inhabitants  of  Staten  island ;  and  answer  of,   254,260 

7.  Troops  of,  to  be  stationed  in  the  city  of  New- York,   254 

8.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safely  to,  informing  of  the  de- 

spatch of  a  pilot  boat  to  the  relief  of  transport  vessel  at 
Sandy  Hook,   260 

9.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  a  release  of 

engagement  to  furnish  troops  of,  with  arms ;  and  answer 

to,   268,271 

10.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  a  supply  of 

cartridges;  answer  of  committee,   284 

11.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting  a  loan  of  mo- 

ney for  the  purchase  of  provisions  and  necessaries  for 
troops  of ;  answer  to,   312,313 

12.  Conference  with,  reTatrve-to  uniformity  and  concert  of  action 

between  commanding  officers  and  Provincial  Congress; 
and  appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with,  relative  to 
communication  with  British  ships  and  sundry  other  mat- 
ters ;  report  of  committee,   343,346,347 

13.  Conference  with,  respecting  the  security  and  protection  of 

the  Colony,   358 

(See  New-Jersey,  19.) 

14.  Regulations  agreed  to  between,  and  committee  of  Provincial 

Congress,  for  defence  of  the  city  of  New-York,   360,361 

15.  Letter  from,  relative  to  artillery  necessary  for  immediate  use, 

enclosing  return  of  cannon  in  the  city  of  New- York,. .  373,  374 

16.  Directed  to  order  the  troops  destined  for  Canada  to  proceed 

on  their  march,    375 

17.  Letter  from,  requesting  Committee  of  Safety  to  provide  for 

reception  of  troops  of,  in  Richmond  county,   404 

STEWART,  ALEXANDER. 

1.  Report  of  committee  on  memorial  of,  and  resolutions  of 

Convention,  exempting  from  service,  and  committing  as  a 
prisoner   547,548 

2.  Resolution  for  disposition  of,   688 

3.  Order  for  imprisonment  of,  at  Kingston,   1034 


INDEX. 


1185 


PAGE. 

STEWART,  JAMES. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  authorizing  the  raising  of  a  corps 

of  Scotch  Highlanders  uuder  the  command  of,  as  captain; 
and  providing  for  the  payment  of,  and  bounty  to  company 
of,  ice   542,  734 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  bounty  and  sub- 

sistence for  his  company,    723 

STEWART,  JAMES,  CAPT. 
Directed  to  join  and  form  part  of,  Col.  Malcom's  regiment, . .  577 

ST.  JOHNS. 

Correspondence  between  Albany  committee  and  Provincial 
Congress  respecting  prisoners  taken  from,   29,  32,  112 

STOCKB RIDGE  INDIANS. 
Report  from  committee  from  House  of  Representatives  of 

Colony  of  Connecticut,  respecting,   12 

History  of  embassy  of,  and  conference  with  the  Caughnawa- 
gas  transmitted  to  Provincial  Congress  by  Robert  Yaies  of 
Albany   95 

STORM,  THOMAS. 
Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  a  company  of  militia  detached 
from  Dutchess  county  for  the  reinforcement  of  the  garri- 
sons at  the  Highlands,   655 

STOUTENBURGH,  TOBIAS. 
Letter  from,  declining  the  command  of  a  regiment  in  conse- 
quence of  his  age  and  infirmity,   202 

STRANG,  MAJ.  JOSEPH. 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  and  sub- 
sistence of  militia  called  into  service  in  Westchester  coun- 
ty, under  his  command,   915 

STRONG,  CAPT.  SELAH. 
Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay  and  subsistence  of  Caleb 
Brewster,  and  other  privates  in  company  of,  in  Col.  Josiah 

Smith's  and  Henry  B.  Livingston's  regiment,   774 

SUFFOLK  COUNTY. 
Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,  2,  3 

Proceedings  at  a  meeting  of  committees  from  different  towns 

in   3 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,   7 

(See  Islip.) 

4.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety,   70 

5.  Appointment  of  Col.  Phineas  Fanning,  David  Melford  and 

Timothy  Earle  as  muster-masters  of  troops  to  be  raised 

in,   70 

6.  Letter  from  Burnet  Miller,  chairman  of  committee  of  South 

Hampton,  and  also  in  behalf  of  committee  of  East  Hamp- 
ton, requesting  troops  to  be  stationed  at  Montauck  Point, 
and  other  adjacent  places  in,   74,  75 

7.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   76 

8.  Letter  to  committee  of  correspondence  of  East  Hampton  and 

Soulhold,  enclosing  letter  from  Gen.  Washington  to  Gen. 
Wooster,  informing  of  the  sailing  of  men  of  war  from 
Boston,  and  suggesting  measures  of  defence,  &c   95 

9.  Permission  to  John  Foster  to  ship  cargo  of  live  stock  to  West 

Indies,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  military  stores  in  re- 
turn,   101 

(See  Long  Island.) 

10.  Letter  to  committee  of  East  Hampton,  relative  to  measures 

directed  for  protection  of  stock  of  inhabitants  of  Long 
island,   103 

11.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Southold,  communi- 

cating information  of  the  cruising  of  ships  of  war  between 
Montauk  and  Fisher's  island,  and  asking  for  an  additional 
supply  of  gunpowder,   104 

12.  Leave  of  absence  to  Captain  Thomas  Wickham,  a  Delegate 

from,  to  enable  him  to  assist  in  the  protection  of  his  stock 
on  Gardiner's  island,   105 

13.  Letter  from  Col.  Fanning,  informing  of  situation  of  vessels 

at  Gardiner's  island,   105 

14.  Letter  from  Brookhaven  committee  informing  of  the  unpatri- 

otic conduct  of  Parson  James  Lyon,  Benjamin  Floyd,  Dr. 
Gilbert  Smith,  Joseph  Denton,  Richard  Floyd  and  John 
Baylies,  innkeeper :  and  reference  of  to  committee ;  pro- 
ceedings thereon   105,  129 

15.  Troops  of,  directed  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,   108 

16.  Letter  to  committee  of  East  Hampton  and  Southold  recom- 

mending removal  of  cattle  and  sheep  from  Gardiner's 
and  Plumb  island,     110 

17.  Appointment  of  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state 

of  the  stock  on  Gardiner's  island  :  and  report  of,   113,  120 

18.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  relative  to  exposed 

situation  on  Gardiner's,  Plumb  and  Shelter  islands,  Mon- 
tauk and  Oyster  Pond  Point  in  case  of  the  departure  of 

Gen.  Wooster's  troops,   113 

(See  Lawrence  Melancton.) 

19.  Letter  to  committee  of,  recommending  the  formation  of  mili- 

tia of,  into  companies,  and  the  organization  of  two  compa- 
nies of  minute  men,  for  protection  of  stock,  &c   120 

20.  Letter  to  committee  of  Huntington,  transmitting  intelligence 

received  from  Gen.  Wooster,  &c   126 

21.  Letter  to  Col.  Jacob  Rockwell,  of  Newtown,   126 

22.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  relative  to  protection 

of  stock,  &c.  at  Montauk  Point,  Shelter  island,  Gardiner's 

297 


23 


26. 


28 


29 


30 
31. 

32, 

33. 
34. 
35. 

36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 
41. 

42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 


50. 

51. 

52. 
53. 

54. 

55. 

56. 
57. 

58. 

59. 


PAGE. 

SUFFOLK  COUNTY— Continued. 
island  and  Plumb  island,  and  the  stationing  of  troops  at 

those  points  of  Long  island,   142 

Letter  from  committee  of  South  Hampton  and  East  Hamp- 
ton, respecting  defence  of,  <kc.  and  answer  of  Committee 

of  Safety,   ]4g 

Gunpowder  directed  to  be  provided  for  use  of  inhabitants  of,  146 
Letter  from  committee  at  Brookhaven  relative  to  mode  of 
choosing  non-commissioned  officers  ;  and  answer  of  Com- 
mittee of  Safety,    147 

Return  of  militia  officers  of  the  company  at  Smithtown,   153 

Letter  to  committee  of  East  and  South  Hampton,  giving  in- 
formation of  the  approach  of  a  ship  of  war  to  the  west- 
ward from  Cape  Cod,  supposed  to  be  destined  for,   156 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  ascertainment  of 
hostilities  committed  by  ministerial  troops  in  America, 
transmitted  to  committee  of,  for  detailed  information  con- 
cerning,  187 

Letter  from  William  Smith,  chairman  of  a  meeting  of  sundry 
committees  of  towns  in  which  the  first  regiment  in,  is  com- 
posed, informing  of  the  resignation  of  Nathan  Woodhnll 
and  Edmund  Smith,  Jr.  as  first  and  second  majors  of  said 
regiment ;  and  recommending  appointment  of  Jeffrey 
Smith  and  Jesse  Brush,  in  their  places;  order  of  Provincial 

Congress  for  such  appointments,   191 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  attending  second 

Provincial  Congress,   206 

Appointment  of  officers  in  second  and  third  companies  of  first 

regiment,  in  Huntington ;  letter  from  committee  of,  ...  214,  215 
Affidavits  of  Samuel  Nostran  and  Isaac  Loosie,  respecting 
powder  magazines  of  the  British  at  Rockway,  and  the  de- 
signs of  the  British  troops,   215,  216 

Return  of  officers  of  company  of  minute  men  in  Brookha- 
ven, Smithtown,  &c   232 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  transmit- 
ting a  supply  of  powder  for  use  of  inhabitants  of,   239 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  for  raising  artillery  com- 
pany in,  for  defence  of,  and  for  protection  of  Continental 

cruisers  on  the  Sound,  to  be  regarded  as  minute  men,   239 

Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  on  case 
submitted  by  committee  of  Huntington,  of  Captain  Barna- 
bas Swain,  of  the  sloop  Bellona,&c   248 

Application  of  John  Foster,  of,  for  permission  to  export  live 
stock  in  exchange  for  gunpowder,  and  for  sale  of  vessel ; 
and  letter  to  Delegation  in  Continental  Congress  respect- 
ing ;  answer  of  Delegation,   258,  278 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  transmitting  list  of 
officers  of  minute  men  and  artillery  approved  and  chosen 

by  the  county  committee,     284 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  transmitting  list  of 
officers  in  the  fifth  company  at  Huntington,  and  those 

elected  according  to  the  resolves  of  Congress,   285 

Letter  from  chairman  of  Islip  committee,  transmitting  choice 

of  officers  of  militia  company  in  order  for  commissions  to,  296 
Letter  from  committee  of  South  Hampton,  East  Hampton, 
and  Shelter  island,  informing  of  the  prohibition  of  sale 
and  exportation  of  provisions ;  and  requesting  the  presence 
of  a  body  of  troops  for  defence,  and  the  establishment  of  a 

pest  from  New-York,   310  3jj 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  recommending  field 

officers  for  regiment  of  minute  men  in,   314 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  a  minute  company  in  East 

Hampton   321 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  two  companies  of  minute 

men  in  South  Hampton   321 

Recommendation  to  committee  of,  to  continue  embargo  on  the 

exportation  of  provisions,  &c   322 

Letter  to  committee  of  East  and  South  Hampton,  transmitting 
resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  stationing  of  suita- 
ble persons  on  the  most  proper  places,  for  observing  the 

approach  of  a  fleet,   337 

Statement  of  Col.  David  Mulford's  regiment  in,   339 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  praying  for  a  loan 

from  Provincial  Congress;  order  for   362,  363 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  referring  the  propriety  of 
centinuingthe  embargo  laid  by  committee  of,  on  the  expor- 
tation of  provisions  in,  to  the  discretion  of  committee  of,. .  365 
Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  East  Hampton,  trans- 
mitting sundry  prisoners ;  examination  of,    370 

(See  Sinclair,  Patrick.) 
Letter  from  John  Chatfield,  chairman  of  committee  of  East 
Hampton,  informing  of  the  appearance  of  a  fleet,  and  re- 
questing assistance,   382 

Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   383 

Letter  to  Brig.  Gen.  Woodhull,  conferring  full  power  to  act 

without  directions  from  Provincial  Congress,  &c   383 

Letter  from  committee  of,  requesting  assistance  of  troops  and 

magazine  of  provisions,   390 

Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  General  Heath 

thereon,   397 

Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  thereon,   398,  400 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  a  company  of  minute  men 

in  Brookhaven,   400 

Return  of  election  of  officers  in  Colonel  Josiah  Smith's  regi- 
ment in  Southold,   430 

Directions  to  committee  of,  to  deliver  arms  taken  from  disaf- 


1186 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

SUFFOLK  COUNTY — Continued. 
fected  persons,  to  the  companies  of  the  second  regiment 
in,   430 

60.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress   449 

61.  Letter  from  William  Smith,  respecting  communication  of  in- 

habitants of,  with  British  ships  of  war ;  and  answer  of 
Provincial  Congress,   466 

62.  Order  to  committee  of  Huntington  for  the  arrest  of  Philip 

Youngs  and  Samuel  Brown,  on  charge  of  counterfeiting 
bills  of  credit;  return  of  committee,   470,  471 

63.  Order  for  commitment  of  Philip  Youngs   471 

64.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  the  dis- 

trict of  Musquito  Cove,   495 

65.  Letter  to  committees  of  Huntington  and  Southold  relative  to 

deserters  from,  on  board  the  armed  sloop  Montgomerie, . .  509 

66.  Return  of  officers  in  the  second  company  of  the  third  bat- 

talions of  militia  in,   610 

67.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  in  fourth  Provincial 

Congress,  and  Convention  at  White  Plains,   515,  587 

68.  Letter  to  committees  of  East  and  South  Hampton,  relative 

to  the  preservation  of  the  stock  at  Montauck,   522 

69.  Appointment  of  Representatives  in  Assembly  for,   918 

SULLIVAN,  GEORGE. 

(See  Albany,  City  and  County,  22.) 

SULLIVAN,  JOHN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress  as  brigadier-gene- 
ral,     63 

SUPERVISORS. 

1.  Resolution  directing  the  election  of,  in  the  several  towns,.. .  .  818 

SUPREME  COURT. 

(See  Judges  of  the  Supreme  Court.) 
1.  Resolution  of  Convention,  respecting  the  times  and  place  of 

holding,    957 

SURGEONS. 

1.  Appointment  of,   62,  121,  331 

(See  Cooke,  Samuel.) 
(See  Williams,  John.) 
(See  Adams,  William.) 
(See  Mead,  William.) 
(See  White,  Henry  ) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  189.) 
(See  Miller,  Matthias  B.) 
(See  Haviland,  Ebenezer.) 
(See  Curtis  Benjamin.) 
(See  Osborne,  Cornelius.) 

(See  Halsey,  Stephen.) 
(See  Foreman,  William.) 

SURGEONS'  MATES. 

(See  Hemming  Philip.) 
(See  Woodruff,  Hunlock.) 
(See  Williams,  Bedford.) 

(See  Sands,  Edward.) 
(See  Stephenson,  John.) 
(See  Marvin,  Joseph.) 
(See  Ledyard,  Isaac.) 
(See  Menema,  Daniel.) 
(See  Graham,  George.) 
(See  Continental  Congress,  189.) 

SWARTWOUT,  CORNELIUS 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  third  lieutenant  in  Captain  Bowman's 

company,   463 

SWARTWOUT,  JACOBUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  muster-master  of  certain  troops,  by  Pro- 

vincial Congress,   70 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  regiment  of  minute  men  in 

Dutchess  county,   135 

3.  Letter  from  to  Provincial  Congress  respecting  temporary  ad- 

mission of  Captain  Billings  and  his  men  into  regiment  of; 
answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   308 

4.  Letter  from,  enclosing  returns  of  such  companies  of  his  regi- 

ment as  are  on  duty,   312,  313 

5.  Report  of  military  committee  relative  to,    314 

6.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  use  of  his  regi- 

ment,   323 

7.  Letter  from,  respecting  enlistment  of  certain  minute  men  in 

regiment  of ;  order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon   337 

8.  Return  of  officers  of  company  of  minute  men  in  regiment  of,  371 

9.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  first  regiment  of  Dutchess 

county  militia,   528 

10.  Promotions  in  regiment  of,   627 

11.  Resolutions  of  Convention, authorizing  the  calling  out  the  mili- 

tia of  Dutchess  county  for  the  security  of  the  passes  of 
the  Highlands ;  and  to  oppose  the  incursions  of  the  enemy,  847 

12.  Appointment  to  the  command  of  company  of  associated  ex- 

empts in  Dutchess  county  ,  ...  987 

T. 


TAPLIN,  JOHN.  (See  Gloucester  County,  13.) 

TAPP,  WILLIAM. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master  of  first  regiment,. 


66 


PAGE. 

TARRY  TOWN.  (See  Westchester  County,  62,  63.) 
TAXATION. 

1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  impo- 
sition of,  in  the  several  Mates,  to  defray  the  expenses  of 
the  public  service,    790 

TAYLOR,  ANDREW. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Steinrod's 

company,     498 

TEA. 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Delegates  in  Continental 

Congress  respecting  the  expediency  of  permitting  the  sale 
of  teas  imported  from  Holland,  with  the  addition  of  a  cer- 
tain duty,   92 

2.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting,. .  156 

3.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  transmitting  resolution  of 

Continental  Congress,  regulating  the  price  of,  and  a  letter 
from  Isaac  Sears,  of  New-Haven,  respecting:  the  sale  of,. .  440 
(See  Ulster  County,  48,  67.) 

4.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Kingston  committee,  stating  that  the 

women  surround  the  committee  chamber,  and  say  if  they 
cannot  have  tea,  their  husbands  and  sons  shall  fight  no 
more,    590 

5.  Answer  of  Convention,   609 

6.  Resolution  of  Convention  appointing  a  committee  to  inquire 

into  abuses  in  the  sale  of,   652 

7.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  respecting 

the  sale  of,   682 

(See  Albany  City  and  County,  84.) 

TELESCOPE. 

(See  Washington,  George,  67.) 
(See  New-York  City  and  County.  176.) 
TELLER,  JAMES. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain;  directed  to  join  Gen.  Clinton's 

brigade,   604 

TELLER,  REBECCA. 
1.  Appointment  of  administrator  of  goods  and  chattels,  rights  and 

credits  of,   784 

TEN  BROECK,  DIRCK. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissioner  to  superintend  the  Conti- 

nental loan  office  in  this  State,   838 

2.  Bond  of,   849 

TEN  BROECK,  LEONARD. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  the  1st  company  in  Col.  Peter 

R.  Livingston's  regiment  of  militia,   773 

TEN  BROECK,  BRIG.  GEN.  PETER. 
1.  Letter  from,  recommending  field  and  staff  officers  of  Colonel 

Graham's  regiment;  answer  of  Comittee  of  Safety,   618 

TEN  BROECK,  SAMUEL  I. 

1.  Appointment  of  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  Goosback's 

company,    694 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  1st  major  in  Colonel  Peter  R.  Livingston's 

regiment,   772 

TEN  EYCK,  B  A  RENT  I. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant,  2d  regiment,   62 

TENTS.  (See  Military  Stores,  6.) 
TESTARD,  REV.  JOHN  PETER. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  employment  and  pay 

of,  as  French  interpreter  to  Gen.  Schuyler  and  chaplain  for 
Colonial  troops,   67 

2.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,   86 

TEST  OATHS. 
1.  Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  prohibiting  the  imposition 

of,  by  military  officers,   , . . . .  379 

THIRD  REGIMENT.   (See  Clinton,  Col.  James.) 

1.  Field  officers  of,  62,  98 

2.  Report  of  colonel  as  to  condition  of,   86 

3.  Surgeon  of,  and  surgeon's  mate,  62,  121 

4.  Captains  of,  authorized  to  impress  and  appraise  arms  in 

Queens  county,   149 

5.  Appointment  of  Andrew  Moodie  as  adjutant  of,  in  place  of 

Adam  Schroter,   158 

THOMAS,  JOHN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  brigadier-gene- 
ral,     63 

THOMAS,  THOMAS. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  regiment  of  militia  in  Westches- 
ter county,   626 

THOMPSON,  ISRAEL. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  1st  regiment  of  militia  in  Dutch- 

ess county,   528 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  in  Col.  Swartwout's  re- 

giment,    627 

THOMPSON,  THOMAS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Alexander  Hamilton's 

company  of  artillery,   574 

2.  Recommendation  of,  by  Capt.  Hamilton,  and  resolutions  of 

Convention  thereon,   573,  574 

THOMPSON,  BRIG.  GEN.  WILLIAM. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  io  favour  of,  for  payment  of  wa- 
goners, for  transporting  powder  to  Cambridge,   379 


INDEX. 


1187 


379 
386 


339 


2. 
3. 
4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 
9. 

10. 
11. 

12. 

13. 

14. 


15. 
16. 

17. 

18. 

19. 
20. 

21. 

22. 
23. 

24. 

25. 
26. 

27. 

23. 

29. 

30. 
31. 

32. 


666 


PAGE. 

THOMPSON,  BRIG.  GEN.  WILLIAM— Continued. 
Assigned  to  the  command  in  New- York,  by  Continental  Con- 
gress,   

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  protection 
of  the  furniture  of  individuals  leaving  the  city  of  New- 
York,   

THORN,  CAPTAIN  STEPHEN. 

(See  Queens  County,  13.) 

THORNE,  RICHARD. 
Appointment  of,  as  major  of  the  militia  drafted  ir.  Kings  and 
Queens  counties,   568 

THORNE,  SAMUEL. 
Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant  of  company  in  Albany  county, 
for  the  detection  and  suppression  of  conspiracies,  

TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN-POINT. 

Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  on  recommendation  of 
Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  removal  of  artillery 
and  stores  from  Ticonderoga  to  the  south  end  of  Lake 
George,   9,  10 

Appointment  of  committee  to  superintend  such  removal, ....  10 

Appointment  of  committee  to  provide  for  expense  thereof,.  .  10 

Letter  to  Governor  and  Company  of  English  Colony  of  Con- 
necticut, respecting,   10,  11 

Report  of  committee  of  conference,  relative  to  capture  and 
defence  of  fortress  at,   12 

Letter  and  instructions  to  agents  for  superintending  the  remo- 
val of  the  cannon  and  stores  from,    12 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Committee  of  Safety  for 
Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  to  committee  of  cor- 
respondence for  Colony  of  New-Hampshire,  respecting  de- 
fence of  fortress  at,   14 

Communication  from  Captain  Asa  Douglass,  respecting  ser- 
vices and  compensation  of  troops  engaged  in  the  capture 
of,   14 

Letter  from  Hon.  Jonathan  Trumbull,  Governor  of  the  Colo- 
ny of  Connecticut,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  de- 
fence of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown-Point,  enclosing  letter  from 
Col.  Benedict  Arnold,   16,  17 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   17, 

Provisions  ordered  to  be  forwarded  to  garrisons  at,  without 
delay,  

Report  of  estimate  of  expense  of  removing  cannon  and  stores 
from  Ticonderoga,  

Provisions  ordered  to  be  forwarded  to  agents  for  removal  of 
such  cannon  and  stores,  

Letter  from  Joseph  Warren,  President  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  Massachusetts  Bay,  respecting  defence  of,  enclos- 
ing letter  from  Colonel  Benedict  Arnold  ;  list  of  cannon 
and  stores  taken,  &c;  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress, 

23,  33,  34 

Letter  from  Jonathan  Trumbull,  on  behalf  of  Governor  and 
Company  of  Colony  of  Connecticut,  respecting  defence  of,  23 

Letters  from  Albany  committee,  respecting  fortifications  and 
defences  at,  and  the  reduction  o(,  and  removal  of  cannon, 
&c.  to  Lake  George   23,  24,  29 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  requesting  Governor 
of  Connecticut  to  send  reinforcements  to  garrisons  at; 
and  Provincial  Congress  to  furnish  with  provisions  and 
supplies,  &c   27 

Directions  and  instructions  of  Provincial  Congress,  to  com- 
missary for  the  furnishing  provisions  and  stores  for  the 
garrisons  at,  &c   27 

List  of  men  and  articles  directed  to  be  procured  by  commis- 
sary, and  forwarded  to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George,. . . . 

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress  for  reinforcement  of  gar- 
risons at,  and  the  appointment  of  commissaries  by  Con- 
necticut,  

Resolution  of  Continental  Congress,  transmitted  to  comman- 
der of  forces  at,  discountenancing  expeditions  or  incursions 
into  Canada,    

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Governor  and  Company 
of  Connecticut,  respecting  defence  of,  

Letter  from  Delegates  in  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  de- 
fence of,  and  supplies  of  arms  and  ammunition,  and  answer 
of  Provincial  Congress,   30,  32 

List  of  artificers  and  military  stores  ordered  to  be  forwarded 
to,  by  Provincial  Congress,   32 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Albany  committee,  direct- 
ing troops  raised  by,  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga   32 

Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  the  re-manufac- 
turing of  powder  at  ;  and  letter  respecting,  to  Commander- 
in-Chief  and  commissioners  for  superintending  removal  of 
cannon  and  stores  from,  

Order  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  transmission  of  pow- 
der for  use  of  troops  at,  

Letter  from  Albany  committee  respecting  condition  of  forces 


22, 


28 


29 


30 


30 


36 


■17 


at, 


Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  supplies  to  commissary 


at, 


Gen.  Schuyler  directed  to  repair  to,  for  examination,  &c.,. . . . 
Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  respecting  the  procure- 
ment of  a  list  of  the  garrison  at,  and  for  the  payment 


of, 


Supply  of  powder  sent  to,  from  Philadelphia,  by  Continental 
Congress,  


54 


60 
62 


63 
64 


TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN-POINT-Continued. 

33.  Receipt  of  200  barrels  of  flour,  for  use  of  troops  at,   65 

34.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting 

advance  of  money  to  Messrs.  Allen  &  Warner,  for  ser- 
vices rendered  in  the  reduction  of,   65,  66 

35.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereupon,   66 

36.  List  of  men  who  went  to  Manchester,  in  Charlotte  county,  to, 

under  command  of  Lieut.  Joseph  Lockwood,  and  account 

of  expenses  of,   74 

37.  Letter  from  Col.  Benjamin  Hinman,  respecting  defences  of, 

and  at  Fort  George,  &c,   74 

38.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Springfield,  in  Massa- 

chusetts Bay,  respecting  importance  of  retaining  command 

of  fortresses  at,  &c  ,   76,  77 

39.  Transmission  of  gunpowder  from  Philadelphia  for  use  of 

troops  at,   82 

40.  Letters  from  General  Schuyler,  urging  the  importance  of 

strengthening  the  garrisons  at,  requesting  supplies,  &c. 
and  enclosing  letters  from  Governor  Trumbull,  and  answer 
of  Provincial  Congress,   94,  95,  96,  103,  104 

41.  Capt.  John  Lamb's  company  of  artillery  directed  to  join  Gen. 

Schuyler  at,   99 

42.  Letter  from  Walter  Livingston,  deputy  commissary-general, 

relative  to  ruinous  condition  of  fortress  at,   99 

43.  Suffolk  county  troops  ordered  to  proceed  to,   108 

44.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  construc- 

tion of  batteaux  at,   250 

45.  Information  of  the  marching  of  the  British  troops  under  Gen. 

Burgoyne  to  the  siege  of,   569 

46.  Letter  from  commissioners  appointed  by  Convention,  commu- 

nicating a  statement  of  the  condition,  military  operations, 
and  prospects  of  the  army  under  command  of  Gen.  Yates 
at,   574,  575 

47.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  requesting  a  reinforcement  at  the 

fortress  at,   792 

48.  Letter  from  Rev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  a  missionary  among  the 

Oneida  Indians,  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  an  intended 
attack  upon,  

49.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  authorizing  Gen.  Schuy- 

ler to  despatch  one-fifth  part  of  the  militia  of  Albany, 
Tryon,  Charlotte,  Cumberland,  and  Gloucester,  to  the  re- 
inforcement of,  and  to  furnish  arms,  accoutrements,  and 
provisions  therefor,  

50.  Resolutions  of  Convention  against  abandoning  that  portion  of 

the  works  lying  on  the  west  side  of  Lake  Champlain,. . . . 

51.  Gen.  Schuyler  directed  to  take  the  command  of,  

52.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting 

condition  of  the  army  at,  &c,  

53.  Letter  from  the  Council  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  relative 

to  the  proposed  evacuation  of,  

54.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  expressing  his  astonishment  at 

the  conduct  of  the  general  officers  in  evacuating,   992 

55.  Letter  from  Council  to  Gen.  Putnam,  enclosing  copy  of  Gen. 

Schuyler's  letter,   992 

56.  Letter  from  Council  to  Gen.  Schuyler,     992 

57.  Answer  of  Gen.  Putnam   994 

58.  Letter  from  Gouverneur  Morris  to  Council  of  Safety,  respect- 

ing the  abandonment  of,  &c,   997 

59.  Resolution  of  Congress  for  supplying  troops  at,  with  blan- 

kets,   997,  998 

60.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,   1003 

61.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  commissioners  at,  respecting 

the  retreat  from,   1004 

TILGHMAN  TENCH. 

1.  Letters  from,  relative  to  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of  the 

Hudson,   646,  662 

2.  Letters  from,  relative  to  proceedings  of  British  frigates, ....  669 

3.  Letters  from,  containing  an  account  of  the  attack  upon,  and 

capitulation  of,  Fort  Washington,   712 

4.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  present  to,  for  his  services  in 

corresponding  with  committee  of,   851 

TILLOTSON  DANIEL. 
1.  Commission  to,  as  second  lieutenant  of  Smithtown  company 

of  militia,   153 

TORIES. 

(See  Westchester  county,  33,  78.) 
(See  Queens  county.) 
(See  Richmond  county.) 

(See  Tryon  county.) 
(See  Disaffected  Persons.) 

(See  Lee  Charles,  32.) 
(See  Orange  county,  50  ) 

1.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  and  Committee  of  Safety 

against,  in  Queens  and  Richmond  counties,  216,  229,  230,  231, 

252 

2.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  the  purchase 

of  pilch,  tar,  and  turpentine  for  public  use  and  safety,   232 

3.  Proceedings  against  Alexander  Leslie,   252 

(See  Prisoners,  22  to  31,  101,  102  ) 

5.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  directing  the  arrest,  im- 

prisonment, and  disarming  of,   289,  375,  379 

6.  Appointment  of  committee,  by  Committee  of  Safety,  to  report 

a  plan  for  disarming,  pursuant  to  such  resolutions,   386 

7.  Report  of  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon,. . .  389 

8.  Examination  of  Peter  Du  Bois,  on  charges  preferred  against 


795 


800 

913 
952 

982 

988 


1188 


INDEX. 


TORIES— Continued. 

him  by  Rev.  Barnard  Page  and  others  ;  reprimand  to,  and 

discharge  of,   403,  404 

9.  Letter  from,  in  Kings  county,  requesting  to  be  excused  from 

militia  duty,  in  consequence  of  having  been  disarmed,....  411 

10.  Apprehension  of  Derby  Doyle,   413 

11.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  requiring  the  payment  of 

compensation  for  military  duty  from  persons  disarmed  on 
account  of  their  inimical  principles,   440 

12.  Scheme  of,  in  Connecticut  and  Long  island,  for  a  junction  to 

the  ministerial  army,  etc.,  and  a  letter  to  Gen.  Washington 
from  Jonathan  Sturges,  of  Fairfield,  transmitting  list  of 
deserters,   453 

13.  Examination  of  John  Hendrickson,  relative  to  proceedings 

and  designs  of,  on  Long  island,   454 

14.  Examination  of  Martin  Beebe  and  Asa  Douglass,  relative  to 

proceedings  and  designs  of,  in  Kings  district,  Albany  coun- 
ty,   455,  554 

15.  Report  of  committee,  on  the  dangers  to  which  the  Colony  is 

exposed  from,  and  recommending  the  apprehension  of, 
&c,   456,  459,  450 

16.  Appointment  of  committee  to  frame  law  in  accordance  with 

such  report,   461 

17.  Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  thereon,   464 

18.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam,  informing  of  visitation  of  ladies 

to,  in  jail,  and  improper  conduct  of,   467 

19.  Letter  from  Gen.  Putnam,  transmitting  a  list  of,  in  confine- 

ment at  the  Highlands,  and  requesting  the  direction  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress  thereon ;  resolutions  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress respecting,   471,  472 

20.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  arrest  of,  and 

proceedings  against.   476,  477,  478 

21.  List  of,  in  the  counties  of  New-York,  Queens,  Richmond, 

Kings,  and  Westchester,   476,  477 

22.  Arrest  and  imprisonment  of  Jonathan  Baker  and  Stephen 

Fountain,  charged  with  holding  traitorous  correspondence 
with  the  public  enemy,  and  taking  up  arms  against  the  li- 
berties of  the  country,   484 

22.  Letter  from  committee  of  Salem,  in  Westchester  county,  re- 

questing instructions  from  Provincial  Congress  respecting 

the  treatment  of,   485,  486 

23.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   486 

24.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  disapproving  of  certain 

riotous  and  tumultuary  conduct  towards,  in  the  city  of 

New-York   491 

Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  recommending  the  adop- 
tion of  effectual  measures  for  the  detection,  restraining, 

and  punishing  of,   497 

Application  of  committee  of  Dutchess  county,  for  an  armed 
force  for  quieting  and  apprehending  ;  report  of  committee 
in  favor  of,  and  proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  there- 
on,  499,  500,  503 

Form  of  general  association,  required  to  be  signed  by  all  sus- 
pected persons,   500,  501 

Directions  to  Commander-in-Chief  to  secure  and  disarm  sun- 
dry disaffected  persons  on  Nassau  island   504 

Report  of  council  of  general  officers,  respecting  the  most 
proper  mode  of  securing  the  good  behavior  of,  and  disap- 
proving of  the  discharge  of,  on  giving  bonds,   509 

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress  for  the  apprehension  and 
imprisonment  of  disaffected  persons,  secreting  themselves 

in  woods,  swamps,  and  other  places,   512 

Appointment  of  committee  to  carry  into  execution  the  re- 
solves of  Provincial  Congress  respecting ;  and  powers 


25. 
26. 

27. 
28. 
29. 

30. 

31. 

32. 

33. 
34. 

35. 
36. 

37. 

38. 

39. 

40. 

41. 

42. 
42. 


of, 


518 


542 


544 


(See  Washington,  George,  58,  73.) 
(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  4,  16,  20,  29,  31,  43,  154.) 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  imprisonment  of  William 
and  John  Sutton,  of  Westchester  county,   542 

Arrest  and  imprisonment  of  Henry  Chase,  of  White  Plains,. 

Letters  from  Convention  to  Gen.  Washington,  committee  of 
Monmouth  county,  in  New-Jersey,  and  President  of  Con- 
vention of  New-Jersey,  transmitting  examination  of  Balt- 
hazar De  Hart,  relative  to  conduct  of,  in  Monmouth  county, 

Resolution  of  Convention  in  the  case  of  Willet  Taylor,   570 

Apprehension  of  William  Lownsbery,  and  proceedings  there- 
on  599,  600 

Affidavit  of  W.  De  Peyster,  relative  to  the  conduct  of  Joseph 
Reade  ;  referred  to  committee  of  Westchester  county,. . . .  619 

Arrest,  examination,  and  order  for  commilment  of  William 
Warne,   617  to  621 

Order  for  apprehension  and  detention  of  Rev.  Samuel  Seabu- 
ry,  of  the  borough  of  Westchester,   621 

Order  for  apprehension  and  detention  of  William  Tredwell, 
Samuel  Gale,  and  Isaac  Ludlum,  on  suspicion  of  traitor- 
ous correspondence  with  the  enemy,   623, 

Order  for  apprehension  and  detention  of  sundry  inhabitants 
of  Ulster  county,  

Apprehension  of  Isaac  Ketchum,  

Letters  from  Thnddeus  Crane  to  Major  Joseph  Benedict,  re- 
specting conduct  of,   638 

(See  Albany  county,  56.  61,  66.  75,  76.) 
(See  Dutchess  county,  57,  58.) 

TOWN  COMMITTEES. 
Formation  of  recommended,   15,  18 


630 

623 
636 


PAGE. 

TOWN  COMMITTEES— Continued. 

2.  Directed  to  purchase  or  hire  arms  for  use  of  Continental 

army,     103 

3.  Authorized  to  apprehend,  try,  and  imprison  suspected  per- 

sons, and  to  sequester  estates,   131,  132 

4.  To  appoint  assessors  and  collectors  for  the  apportionment  and 

collection  of  the  quotas  of  the  several  towns  in  the  redemp- 
tion of  bills  of  credit;  and  to  act  as  supervisors,   134 

5.  Authorized  to  imprison  persons  refusing  to  appear  and  give 

testimony  before,  when  required,   215 

TOWN  OFFICERS. 
1.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  directing  the  several  towns,  &c. 

to  proceed  to  the  election  of,  818,  829 

TOWNSEND,  MICAH. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  the  forces  raised  in  West- 

chester county,  for  the  apprehension  of  disaffected  per- 
sons,     503 

2.  Ordered  to  the  mouth  of  Croton  river,   541 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

of  company  of,   744 

TOWNSEND,  ROBERT. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  to  the  troops  under  com- 
mand of  Brig.  Gen.  Woodhull,   590 

TREASON. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  declaring  what  acts 

shall  constitute  j  and  recommending  the  passage  of  laws  for 

the  punishment  of,   506 

2.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  defining  and  declaring  the  punish- 

ment of,   527 

3.  Proceedings  of  court  martial,  in  the  case  of  Samuel  Knap  and 

Samuel  Devine,  on  charge  of,  814,  815 

TREASURER  OF  COLONY  OF  NEW-YORK. 
(See  Lott,  Abraham,  3.) 
(See  Livingston,  Peter  Van  Brugh,  2.) 

TRENTON. 

1.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  respecting  furnishing 

of  posts,  &c,   200 

2.  Letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton,  transmitting  information 

of  the  battle  of,   765 

3.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,   769,  770 

TRIMBLE,  ALEXANDER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master  Ulster  county  militia,. .. .  135 

TRIP,  HENRY  DOUW. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant  in  Captain  John  Wy- 

ley's  company,   416 

TROOPS  OF  HORSE. 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  17.) 
(See  Clinton,  George.) 
TRUMBULL,  JONATHAN,  Governor  of  the  Colony  of 
Connecticut. 

(See  Connecticut.) 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  defence  of 

Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,   16,  17 

2.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress   ....  17,  18 

3.  Letter  from,  to  General  Schuyler,  respecting  provisions  for 

troops  at  Ticonderoga,   96 

TRUMBULL,  JONATHAN,  Jr. 

1.  Letter  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  Jr.  directing  to  purchase  large 

quantities  of  flour,  beef,  and  pork,  for  the  use  of  the  army 

at  Cambridge   123 

2.  Letter  of  credit  from  Joseph  Trumbull,  in  favor  of,  to  mer- 

chants in  New-York  and  Philadelphia,   123 

3.  Letter  from  Nathaniel  Shaw,  Jr.,  directing  as  to  the  safest 

way  of  transporting  flour,   123 

4.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  as  deputy  paymaster- 

general  of  the  Continental  forces,  requesting  an  advance 

to  Col.  Holmes;  answer  from,  declining,   127 

TRUMBULL,  JOSEPH,  Commissary-General. 
(See  Trumbull,  Jonathan,  Jr.) 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  requesting  the  prohibi- 

tion of  exportation  of  provisions,   489 

2.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  evacuation  of  the  city  of  New- 

York  by  the  American  army,   629 

TRYON  COUNTY. 

1.  Letter  to  Christopher  Yates  and  Major  Jellis  Fonda,  in,   21 

2.  Letter  and  documents  of  Albany  committee,  respecting  pro- 

ceedings in,    23,  24 

3.  Letter  from  Delegates  in  Continental  Congress,  respecting 

appointment  of  Deputies  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  .  25 

4.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  inhabitants  of,   28 

5.  Attendance,  admission,  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to 

Provincial  Congress,   46,  175 

6.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

7.  Speech  of  inhabitants  of,  to  Oneidas  and  Tuscaroras,  at  Ger- 

man Flats,  transmitted  to  Provincial  Congress  by  Robert 
Yates,  of  Albany  ;  and  answer  of  Oneidas,   95 

8.  Mr.  Harper,  of  Harpcrsficld,  in,  authorized  to  purchase  a 

quantity  of  gunpowder  of  Robert  R.  Livingston,  for  use  of 
inhabitants  of  that  part  of,  ■   100 

9.  Letter  from  committee  of,  communicating  information  of  the 

raising  of  troops,  and  appointment  of  officers  therein,   103 


INDEX. 


1189 


PAGE. 

TRYON  COUNTY— Continued. 

10.  Letter  from  Nicholas  Herkimer,  chairman  of  committee  of, 

requesting  instructions,  &c,   113 

11.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  Albany  committee,  re- 

specting case  of  White,  late  sheriff  of,  &c  ,   127 

12.  Return  of  field  officers,  captains,  and  subalterns  in,   139 

13.  Resolutions  of  committee  of,  respecting  the  settlement  of  dis- 

putes, trespasses,  &c.  arising  in,   140 

14.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,   140 

15.  Letter  from  committee  of,  requesting  appointment  by  Gov- 

ernor of  John  Frey,  as  sheriff;  and  complaining  of  the  in- 
solence of  Highland  settlers,     153 

16.  Affidavit  of  William  Biddle,  respecting  declaration  of  Alex- 

ander White,  sheriff  of,   153 

17.  Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  the  attendance  of  Dele- 

gates from,  to  Provincial  Congress,   199 

18.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting  the  proper  course  to  be 

pursued  in  relation  to  Sir  John  Johnson  and  his  tenants  ; 
his  claim  to  the  court-house  and  jail ;  and  the  conduct  of 
Mr.  White,   212 

19.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  second  Provin- 

cial Congress,   213,  293 

20.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  requesting  the  loan  of 

JE500  for  county  of,   296 

21.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  for  such  loan,   301 

22.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress,   449 

23.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  in  fourth  Provincial 

Congress,   518,  519 

24.  General  committee  of,  authorized  and  requested  to  employ 

proper  persons  to  take  the  leaden  weights  from  windows 

in,  for  the  public  service,   521 

25.  Militia  of,  formed  into  a  separate  brigade,  and  Nicholas  Her- 

kimer appointed  brigadier-genera!,  and  John  Frey  brigade 
major,   610 

26.  Memorial  of  Isaac  Paris  and  others,  complaining  of  the  re- 

turn of  Hendrick  Frey,  Frederick  Young,  and  other  sus- 
pected persons,   662 

(See  Rangers.) 

27.  Resolution  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,  approviug  of  the  ap- 

prehension and  commitment  of  Captain  John  Winn,  on  a 

charge  of  having  killed  one  of  his  men,   724 

(See  Herkimer,  Nicholas.) 

28.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  of  Convention,  relative 

to  intercepted  letters  to  disaffected  persons  in  Canada,  the 
erection  of  salt  works  in,  the  detention  of  prisoners  taken 
by  committee  of,  the  impolicy  of  administering  oaths  of 
allegiance,  and  the  disposition  of  forfeited  estates  ;  letter 
to  committee  of,   883,  884 

29.  Appointment  of  Anthony  Van  Vechten  as  sheriff  of,   912 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

30.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  relative  to  the  deplo- 

rable situation  of,  and  requesting  seasonable  aid  ;  answer 

of  Council  of  Safety,   1006,  1007,  1009 

31.  Deposition  of  Frederick  Hellmer,  of  an  interview  and  talk 

with  a  sachem  of  the  Oneidas,   1007 

32.  Letter  from  committee  of  Schoharie,  setting  forth  the  appre- 

hensions of  the  people  of  that  quarter  of  an  attack  from 

the  Indians;  answer  of  Council  of  Safety,         1004,  1010,  1011 

33.  Letter  from  Council  to  committee  of,   1015 

34.  Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  re- 

lative to  the  adoption  of  effectual  measures  for  the  relief 

of,   1051 

35.  Letter  from  committee  of,  relative  to  sending  a  party  of 

troops  to  Cnadilla,  and  transmitting  extracts  of  a  letter 
from  Gen.  Gates,  respecting  the  situation  of,   1090,  1091 

36.  Report  of  committee  and  resolutions  of  Convention,  relative 

to  commissioners  of  sequestration  in,  &c,   1115 

TRYON,  GOVERNOR. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  declaring  intended  address  ■ 

of  corporation  of  New- York  to,  improper   66 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  wait  upon,  to  know  whether  he 

has  any  intelligence  from  Boston,  relative  to  removal  of 
British  troops  from,  to  New-York,   112 

3.  Resolution  for  protection  of  house  of,   122 

4.  Orders  from  Lord  Dartmouth  to  the  commanders  of  His  Ma- 

jesty's ships  in  America,  to  consider  the  further  raising  of 
troops  or  erection  of  fortifications,  &c.  in  any  cities  or 

places,  as  an  act  of  rebellion,  communicated  to,   152 

(See  New- York  City  and  County,  60,  61.) 

5.  Appointment  of  committee  to  wait  upon,  to  ascertain  the  ex- 

act purport  of  such  letter,   153 

6.  Letter  from  President  of  Continental  Congress  to  Provincial 

Congress,  requesting  copy  of  letter  of  the  mayor  of  New- 
York,  relative  to  alleged  recommendation  of  Continental 
Congress  to  seize  officers  of  Colonial  government,  includ- 
ing himself,   188 

7.  Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  address  of,  to 

inhabitants  of  the  Colony,  and  respecting  removal  of,  from 
city  of  New- York   210,  211,  217 

8.  Permission  to  members  of  His  Majesty's  Council,  the  magis- 

trates of  the  city  of  New-York,  and  other  officers  to_visit, 

on  board  his  ship  ;  and  order  therefor   296,  297,  302,  351 

9.  Permission  to  Dr.  Middleton,  physician  of,  to  go  on  board 

said  ship,   297,  315 

10.  Permission  for  supply  of  provisions,  &c,   298,  299,  300 

298 


PAGE  . 

TRYON,  GOVERNOR— Continued. 

1 1.  Interdiction  by  Gen.  Lee  of  all  further  communication  with 

ship  of,   304 

12.  Report  of  committee,  relative  to  charge  against,  of  procuring 

gunsmiths,  &c,   305 

13.  Report  of  military  committee,  and  order  of  Provincial  Con- 

gress respecting  communication  with,  and  supply  of  provi- 
sions, &.C.  for  ship  of,   308,  309 

14.  Permission  to  Andrew  Elliott,  collector  of  the  port  of  New- 

York,  to  go  on  board  ship  of,   316 

15.  Proceedings  and  orders  of  Provincial  Congress,  correspond- 

ence with  Gen.  Lee,  and  conferences  with  Lord  Stirling, 
relative  to  supply  of  provisions  for,  and  communication 
with,  ship  of,   341,  343,  346 

16.  Letter  from,  to  inhabitants  of  Colony,   375 

17.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  informing  of  the  burn- 

ing of  pilot  house  by  the  British  vessels,  and  offering  safe 
conduct  to  vessels  sent  out  for  Adam  Dobbs,  keeper  of,  his 
family  and  effects,   421 

18.  Letter  from  John  Jay,  a  Delegate  in  Continental  Congress, 

relative  to  the  imposition  by,  of  oath  to  passengers  in  Lon- 
don packet ;  appointment  of  committee  thereon,   428 

19.  Information  communicated  to  Provincial  Congress  of  corres- 

pondence between  ship  of,  and  one  Mrs.  Hill  and  Mrs. 
Hatch  ;  appointment  of  committee  to  investigate  ;  and  re- 
port of,   472.  474 

20.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Continental  Congress,  relative  to 

enlistments  by,  of  disaffected  persons  in  New- York  and 
New- Jersey,   521 

TUDOR,  SAMUEL,  Captain  Independent  Artillery 
Company  in  New-York  City. 

(See  Petitions,  2.) 
(See  New-York  City,  10.) 

1.  Petition  from,  respecting  rank  of;  and  appointment  of  com- 

mittee to  inquire  respecting,   180 

(See  Ships  and  Vessels,  96,  100,  102.) 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  loan  for  payment 

of  raft  of  timber  for  the  building  of  Continental  frigates  at 
Philadelphia,   687 

3.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  procuring  and  cut- 

ting timber  for  a  74  gun  ship,   806 

TURTLE  BAY. 

1.  Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  removal  from, 

of  military  stores  belonging  to  the  Crown,  and  appoint- 
ment of  committee  to  direct  the  dispersion,  &c  of  persons 
engaged  therein  ;  report  of  such  committee,   35 

2.  Permission  given  to  any  cooper  to  go  to,  and  put  in  order  the 

Crown  stores,   ...  37 

3.  Application  of  Gov.  Tryon  to  Mayor  of  New- York,  for  per- 

mission to  remove  stores  at,  and  order  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress thereon,     60 

TUSCARORA  INDIANS. 

(See  Oneida  Indians,  6,  7.) 
1.  Letter  from  chiefs  of,  to  Henry  Wisner,  Jr.,  of  Ulster  county, 
requesting  a  supply  of  gunpowder  and  flints,  giving  assu- 
rances of  their  peaceable  disposition  and  neutrality,  and 
inviting  the  inhabitants  to  deal  with  them  in  gunpowder 
and  goods  ;  order  of  Convention  thereon,   539 

TUTHILL  BARNABAS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  4th  regiment,   62 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favor  of,  for  money  to  enable  to 

join  the  army  at  Ticonderoga,  under  Gen.  Schuyler,   130 

c. 

ULSTER  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,  2 

2.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,   7 

3.  Letter  from  committee  of  precinct  of  Mamacoting,  relative  to 

militia  officers  and  other  local  matters,   13 

4.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

5.  Loan  from  loan  officers  of,  through  Treasurer,  for  the  public 

exigency,   75 

6.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Kingston  committee  to  Deputies  of, 

relative  to  certain  articles  of  clothing  for  soldiers  of;  and 
answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   108 

7.  List  of  field  officers  for,   135 

8.  Resolutions  and  proceedings  of  commitlee  of  the  town  of 

Kingston,  relative  to  the  taking  of  the  sloop  Sarah,  belong- 
ing to  Christian  Bergen,  Jr. ;  inventory  of  articles  on  board 
of;  and  letter  of  Committee  of  Safety,   150,  151 

9.  Returns  of  officers  of  the  several  companies  of  militia  in  Col. 

Hasbrouck's  regiment   170 

10.  Returns  and  papers  relative  to  sundry  disputes  and  controver- 

sies in,  about  elections  and  commissions  of  militia  officers 

of,   183 

11.  Referred  to  Delegates  from,  and  Queens,   183 

12.  Report  of  committee  thereon,  ^™ 

13.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of,  transmitting 

resolutions  of  Continental  Congress  for  the  raising  of  men 
from  militia  for  the  occupation  and  defence  of  the  fortifica- 
tions at  the  Highlands,   J98 


1190 


INDEX. 


ULSTER  COUNTY— Continued. 


PAGE. 


14. 

15. 

16. 
17. 

18. 

19. 
20. 
21. 

22. 
23. 

24. 


25. 
26. 
27. 


28. 
29. 

30. 
31. 

32. 

33. 
34. 
35. 


36. 
37. 


225 


229 
231 


278 


38. 
39. 

40. 
41. 

42. 

43. 
44. 

45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 


49. 
50. 

51. 


52. 
53. 


Letter  from,  informing  of  the  election  of  officers  of  a  company 
of  minute  men  in  New-Marlborough  precinct,   202,  203 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  attending  second 
Provincial  Congress,   205,  206,  293 

Returns  of  officers  of  three  companies  of  minute  men  in,. . . .  207 

Returns  of  officers  for  the  southeast  district  of  New-Marlbo- 
rough, in,  ,  

Resolution  of  Provincial  Congress,  recommending  Isaac  Bel- 
knap to  fill  the  first  suitable  vacancy  in  the  militia  or  mi- 
nute men  in  the  southern  part  of  that  county,   225 

Appointment  of  George  Clinton,  as  brigadier-general  of  mili- 
tia of,   226 

Letter  from  Col.  Levi  Pauling,  of  Marbletown,  informing  of 
the  place  of  rendezvous  of  regiment  of,   229 

Appointment  of  field  officers  of  the  northern  and  southern 
regiments  of  minute  men  in    

Resolution,  adopting  the  jail  of,  as  the  jail  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress, and  directing  the  confinement  of  prisoners  therein, 

Letter  from  Johannes  Hardenbergh,  requesting  commissions 
for  Abraham  Hasbrouck  as  colonel,  Johannes  Snyder,  lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and  Jonathan  Elmendorph  and  Adrian  Wyn- 
koop,  majors,   232 

Letter  from  committee  of  Kingston,  requesting  that  commit- 
tees of  Kingston  and  Hurley  may  be  permitted  to  nomi- 
nate officers  of  said  regiment,   232 

Order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   232 

Affidavits  relative  to  ill  conduct  of  Samuel  Devine,   247 

Order  for  imprisonment  in  jail  of  Godfrey  Hains,  a  prisoner 
arrested  and  transmitted  by  New-Jersey  Committee  of 
Safety;  and  letter  to  committee  of;  answer  of  Kingston 
committee,   263, 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  a  company  of  militia  in  Ha- 
nover precinct,   275 

Letter  from  Col.  Thomas  Palmer,  relative  to  the  enlistment 
of  minute  men  out  of  the  town  or  county  in  which  they  re- 
side, &c,   277 

Recommendation  by  committee  of  field  officers  for  northern 
regiment  in,   295 

Letter  from  Severyn  T.  Bruyn,  declining  office  of  adjutant  in 
Col.  Thomas  Palmer's  regiment,    295 

Letter  from  chairman  of  Marbletown  committee,  relative  to 
election  of  officers  in  the  southwest  district  of  said  town ; 
petition  of  John  Hasbrouck  and  others ;  report  of  commit- 
tee thereon,  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,.  295,  303,  304 

Letter  from  Thomas  Palmer,  transmitting  recommendation, 
by  New-Marlborough  committee,  of  William  Martin,  as 
captain  in  the  Colonial  troops,    301 

Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  Kingston,  recommend- 
ing appointment  of  sundry  officers  in  regiment  of  militia 
in,  enclosing  letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,   351 

Letters  from  Col.  Abraham  Hasbrouck,  Johannes  Snyder  and 
others,  field  and  staff  officers  of  northern  regiment  in,  re- 
turning their  commissions,   358 

Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  thereto,   359 

Petition  of  sundry  inhabitants  of  Marbletown,  to  be  embo- 
died as  a  company  of  grenadiers  in  Col.  Levi  Pauling's  re- 
giment; and  choice  of  officers,   373, 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  militia  in  Hano- 
ver precinct,  

Directions  to  committee  of,  for  the  delivery  of  arms  taken 
from  disaffected  persons,  to  Lieut.  Col.  Livingston,  for  the 
use  of  Col.  Clinton's  regiment,  

Return  of  election  of  officers  in  the  precinct  of  New-Wind- 


374 
429 


430 


452 


460 


Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 
Congress,  

Letter  to  committee  of,  requesting  the  transmission  of  pro- 
ceedings of,  relative  to  the  election  of  Deputies,  and  expla- 
nation of  contradictory  credentials  to  Provincial  Congress  ; 
answer  of  committee,    460,  467,  499 

Return  of  election  of  officers  of  a  minute  company  at  New- 
burgh,    461 

Letter  from  committee  of,  transmitting  examination  of  James 
and  Lemuel  Monger,  on  charge  of  counterfeiting  bills  of 
credit  of  the  Continental  and  Colonial  emission,   461 

Return  of  election  of  ensign  of  Captain  Jocham  Shoemaker's 
company,  in  Marbletown,   465 

Return  of  election  of  ensign  in  Captain  Bowdewine  Tarepen- 
ning's  company  of  militia,  in  New-Marlborough,   471 

Return  of  election  of  ensign  in  Captain  Jackson's  company 
of  militia,  in  Hanover  precinct   491 

Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  New- Wind- 
sor, relative  to  complaint  of  the  sale  of  tea  by  Mrs.  Jona- 
than Lawrence,  at  a  price  beyond  that  prescribed  by  Pro- 
vincial Congress,   494, 

Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  Convention,. . . . 

Reference  to  committee  of,  of  petitition  of  Samuel  Smith  and 
Cadwallader  Colden,  Jr.,  prisoners  confined  in  jail  of,. . . . 
Resolutions  of  Convention,  for  calling  into  service  one-fourth 
of  the  militia  of,  and  directions  for  arrangement,  pay, 
bounty,  and  subsistence  of,   525, 

Appointment  of  field  officers  of  regiments  of  militia  in,  

Letter  to  committee  of  Rochester,  in,  relative  to  difficulties  in 

Capt.  Petrus  Schoonmaker's  company,   529 

(See  Indians,  2.) 


495 
524 

525 


526 
528 


PAGE. 

ULSTER  COUNTY-Continued. 

54.  Certificate  of  election  of  officers  in  Capt.  Henry  Van  Keuren's 

company  of  militia,  in  Hanover  precinct,   546 

55.  Letters  from  chairman  of  Kingston  committee,  transmitting 

information  of  the  desertion  of  sundry  disaffected  persons, 
and  of  the  movements  of  the  Indians  under  the  command 

of  Butler,  &c.  &c,   549 

(See  Clinton,  George.) 

56.  Certificate  of  the  election  of  officers  in  the  train  band  of  the 

northeast  district  of  the  precinct  of  Mamacotting,  ....  565,  566 

57.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  the  removal  of  prisoners 

from  Kingston  to  Morristown,  in  New- Jersey,  &c,         576,  577 

58.  Militia  of,  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 

warning,   601 

59.  Report  of  committee  respecting  the  expediency  of  calling  out 

the  militia  of,   606 

60.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  completion 

of  the  levies  of  the  militia  of,  for  the  reinforcement  of  the 
garrison  at  the  Highlands,   621 

61.  Certificate  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  militia  in  Ma- 

macotting precinct,   646 

62.  Letters  from  Andries  De  Witt,  Johannes  Sleght,  and  D.Wyn- 

koop,  Jr.,  transmitting  communication  from  sundry  inhabi- 
tants of  Papaconk,  relative  to  an  apprehended  invasion 
from  the  Indians,  and  rumours  of  their  movements ;  pro- 
ceedings of  Convention  thereon ;  and  resolution  for  hold- 
ing a  treaty  with,   656,  662 

63.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  company  of  militia  in  the 

precinct  of  Shawangunk,   658 

64.  Resolution  of  Convention,  directing  committee  of,  to  provide 

for  defence  of  their  frontiers  by  detachment  from  militia,.  663 

65.  Detachment  of  militia  of,  ordered  to  Peekskill,   669 

66.  Letter  to  Johannes  Sleight,  at  Kingston,  relative  to  the  procur- 

ing of  salt,   698 

67.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  transmitting  informa- 

tion of  the  apprehension  of  Henry  Winck  and  James 
Briggs,  for  passing  false  money  ;  resolutions  of  Commit- 
tee of  Safety  for  examination  and  imprisonment  of,   708 

67.  Letter  from  chairman  of  Kingston  committee,  respecting  riots 

and  disturbances  of  mobs,  &c.  owing  to  the  storage  there  of 
tea,   714 

68.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  the  militia  of, 

to  repair  to  Chester,  in  Orange  county,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Gen.  George  Clinton,  to  co-operate  in  harrassing 
the  enemy  in  New-Jersey,  and  in  defending  the  passes  of 
the  Highlands   746 

69.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  directing  Gen.  Clinton 

to  dismiss  the  two  regiments  of  militia  belonging  the  north 
end  of,  and  to  draft  200  men,  to  repair  to  the  Flats  in 

Rhinebeck  precinct,   757 

(See  Clinton,  George,  13.) 

70.  Committee  of  Kingston  directed  to  make  an  inventory  of  per- 

sonal property  belonging  to  persons  joining  the  enemy,. . .  821 

71.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  committee  of,  for  loan 

to   ...  831 

72.  Letter  from  Convention  to  committee  of,  relative  to  charges 

against  the  committee  for  detecting  conspiracies,  &c.  for 
partiality  and  neglect  of  duty,   839 

73.  Return  of  coroner's  inquest  on  the  body  of  Benjamin  J.  Low, 

killed  by  the  casual  discharge  of  a  gun  in  the  hands  of 
Coenradt  Edmondus  Elmendorph  ;  hail  for  appearance  of 
said  Edmendorph,  at  the  next  court  of  oyer  and  terminer 
therein,   862 

74.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  committee  of,  for 

stockings  and  blankets  purchased  for  the  use  of  the  troops,  883 

75.  Letter  from  John  Hornbeck,  chairman  of  committee  of 

Rochester,  enclosing  copies  of  a  speech  from  said  commit- 
tee, to  all  the  Esopus  Indians  and  their  chiefs,  and  Migh- 
tagh.  the  sachem,  and  the  answer  from  the  Indian  there- 
to,..'    900 

76.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  raising  three  companies  in,  for 

the  protection  of  the  Continental  frigates  at  Esopus  Land- 
ing, the  public  records  and  treasury,  and  the  various  passes 
and  roads;  officers  of,  &c   905 

77.  Letter  from  Jacob  Hasbrouck,  chairman  of  committee  of 

Marbletown,  accompanying  the  transmission  of  Cornelius 
Sammons  as  a  prisoner ;  examination  and  discharge  of,  . . .  906 

78.  Appointment  of  Egbert  Dumont  as  Sheriff  of,  912,  917 

(See  Resolutions  of  Convention,  137.) 

79.  Appointment  of  judges  of,   913,  917 

80.  Appointment  of  George  Clinton  clerk,   917 

81.  Election  of  officers  in  three  companies  of  militia,  in  Rum- 

bout's  precinct  in,   938 

(See  Rangers,  16.) 

82.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  for  the  removal  of  the 

records  of,  to  Rochester  in   1066 

83.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  discharging  Cornelius  C. 

Schoonmaker  and  Jno.  Sleght,  Jr.  from  further  superin- 
tendence of  the  poor  in,  and  appointing  Abraham  Bevier 
commissioner  therefor ;  provision  for  settlement  of  ac- 
counts of  said  Schoonmaker,   1095 

84.  Resolutions  of,  committee  of  appointing  commissioners  for 

granting  licenses  in,  for  the  transportation  of  flour,  &c... .  1095 

85.  Letter  from  committee  of,  relative  to  the  appointment  of 

members  of,  by  late  Convention,   1096 


INDEX. 


1191 


PAGE. 

ULSTER  COUNTY— Continued. 
86.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  provision  tor  families  of 

persons  taken  or  slain  in  the  defence  of  Fort  Montgomery,  1096 

UNADILLA.  (See  Tryon  County,  35.) 
UNIFORMS. 

1.  For  Colonial  troops,  ordered,   65,  385 

UNITED  COLONIES. 

1.  Resolutions  of  Continental  Congress,  declaring  what  acts 
shall  constitute  treason  against ;  and  recommending  the 
passage  of  laws  for  the  punishment  of  such  crime,   506 

V. 

VAN  ALEN,  JOHN,  lieutenant  colonel  of  eighth  regi- 
ment of  militia  in  the  county  of  Albany. 

1.  Information  and  proceedings  against  by  committee  of  Alba- 

ny county  on  charge  of  disaffection,   855,  856 

2.  Petition  of  Nancy  Van  Alen,  wife  of,  for  relaxation  of  con- 

finement or  discharge  of,   874 

VAN  BRUYCK,  OR  VER  BRUYCK,  HENDRICK 
VAN  DE  LINDEN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  regiment  of  militia  in  Orange 

county,   528 

2.  Application  of,  for  dismissal  from  service  by  reason  of  ill 

health  ;  granted,   587 

VAN  BUREN,  HARMEN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  the  seventh  regiment  of  militia 

of  Albany  county,   610 

VAN  CORTLANDT,  AUGUSTUS. 

(See  Records,  8.) 

VAN  CORTLANDT,  PHILIP. 
Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel,  and  muster  master  to 

fourth  regiment  62, 96 

Authorized  to  borrow  money  on  credit  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress for  payment  of  two  companies  in  4th  regiment,   100 

(See  Van  Schaack,  Goose,  4.) 
Letter  from,  respecting  supplies  of  clothing,  arms  and  milita- 
ry stores,  for  troops  of,  encamped  at  Albany  on  their  way 

to  Ticonderoga,   137 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  recruiting  and  bil- 
leting Col.  Wynkoop's  regiment;  directions  to,  to  proceed 
to  Albany  therefor  ;  and  to  wait  on  the  Commander-in- 
Chief.   424 


Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  amount  of  bounty 
due  his  regiment,   832 

VAN  CORTLANDT,  COL.  PIERRE. 

1.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  directing  the  detachment  of  a  por- 

tion of  regiment  of,  to  guard  the  provisions,  &c.  stored  at 

or  near  Peekskill,   522 

2.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  relief  of,   526 

3.  Letter  from  and  Z.  Piatt,  informing  Convention  of  the  station 

of  the  enemy  at  Haverstraw  Bay ;  the  number  of  militia 
there,  and  at  Fort  Montgomery,  &c   530 

4.  Letter  from  and  Z.  Piatt,  relative  to  the  subsistence  of  the 

troops  at  Peekskill ;  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  541 

5.  Letter  from  and  Z.  Piatt,  relative  to  the  movements  of  the 

enemy,  &c   555 

6.  Requisition  in  favour  of,  for  advances  for  support  of  troops, 

&c   575 

7.  Chosen  Vice-President  of  Convention,  «   676 

VANDEPUT,  CAPT.  GEORGE. 

(See  Asia  Ship,  3,  7.) 
(See  Weatherhead,  John,  1.) 
VANDERBILT,  JOHN.  (See  Powder,  9.) 

VAN  GAASBECK,  PETRUS. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  of  a  company  in  Albany  county 

for  the  detection  and  suppression  of  conspiracies,   666 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay  and  subsistence 

of  company  of,   777 

VAN  NESS,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  colonel  of  regiment  of  minute  men  in 

Dutchess  county,   135 

2.  Letter  from,  informing  Provincial  Congress  of  the  place  of 

rendezvous  of  his  regiment,  in  case  of  alarm,  and  request- 
ing supply  of  ammunition,   200 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  COL.  ROBERT. 

1.  Letter  from,  to  Convention,  relative  to  the  proceedings  of 

sundry  disaffected  persons,  and  an  insurrection  of  tories 

in  Ballstown  ;  proceedings  of  Convention  thereon,         888,  889 

2.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  expenses  of  jour- 

ney to  Yorktown,  to  meet  committees  of  the  middle  States 

on  public  business,   900 

3.  Amount  due,  on  pay  and  billeting  rolls  of  the  several  compa- 

nies in  regiment  of;  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour 

of,   935 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  HENRY. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  in  the  Continental  regiment  of  mi- 
litia in  Albany  county,  ■   489 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  HENRY,  AND  SONS. 
1.  Certificate  of  recommendation  of,  from  the  committee  of  Al- 
bany, as  proper  persons  for  the  erection  of  powder  mills 


VAN  RENSSELAER,  HENRY,  AND  SONS—  Continued™0*' 
at  Claverack;  and  application  for  loan;  resolution  of 
Committee  of  Safety  therefor,   423 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  HENRY  I. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissioner  to  superintend  the  loan  of- 
fice within  this  State,   707 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  HENRY,  I. 

1.  Bond  of,  for  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties  of  commissioner 

of  the  loan  office  in  this  State,   823  824 

2.  Resignation  of;  accepted,   838 

VAN  RENSSELAER,  PHILIP. 
1.  Memorial  of,  respecting  the  pnrchase  in  Connecticut  of  bar- 
relled pork  for  the  use  of  Continental  army ;  and  letter 
from  Provincial  Congress  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  for  permis- 
sion to  make  such  purchase,   10g 

VAN  SCHAACK,  GOOSE. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel  to  second  regiment,. .. .  62 

2.  Return  of,  state  of  regiment  of,   96 

3.  Muster  roll  of,  received  and  filed,   108 

4.  Letter  from,  at  Albany,  informing  of  the  arrival  of  Colonels 

Clinton  and  Van  Cortlandt  with  troops,  on  their  march  to 
Ticonderoga,  and  requesting  supplies  of  arms  and  military 
stores,  and  of  the  discontent  of  the  men  for  want  of  pay, 
&c.  and  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,    130,  131 

5.  Receipt  of,  for  powder,   177 

6.  Letter  from,  accompanying  transmission  of  prisoners  taken 

in  Canada,   182 

7.  Letter  from  enclosing  returns  of  regiment  of,   851 

8.  Letter  from,  accompanying  transmission  of  sundry  prisoners 

of  war  taken  at  the  northward,  1014,  1040 

VAN  VEGHTEN,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  in  Captain  Jacobus  Rose- 

krans'  company   100 

2.  Declension  of,   112,  140 

VAN  VLECK,  ABRAHAM  H. 
1.  Petition  of,  expressing  his  contrition  for  violation  ot  resolu- 
tion of  Continental  Congress,  and  his  engagement  to  prove 
himself  a  sincere  friend  to  his  country  ;  proceedings  there- 
on,   193 

VAN  VLECK  AND  KIP.  (See  Saltpetre.) 
VAN  WOERT,  ISAAC. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  second  lieutenant,   100 

VAN  ZANDT,  JACOBUS. 

1.  Letter  from,  respecting  measures  for  safety  of  Congress  mo- 

ney, without  Sandy  Hook  ;  and  order  of  Provincial  Con- 
gress thereon,   176 

2.  Purchase  by,  of  pilot  boat  Bishop  of  Landaff,  for  public  ser- 

vice; and  appropriation  for,    179 

VAN  ZANDT,  PETER  P. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  of  regiment  of  militia  in  the  city 

of  New- York,   209 

VERGEREAU,  PETER. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  ensign  in  Captain  Ledger's  company,. . . .  183 

VERMONT.  (See  Green  Mountain  Boys.) 

1.  Certified  extract  of  the  proceedings  of  State  Convention  of,  .  995 

(See  Charlotte  County.) 
(See  Cumberland  County.) 
(See  Gloucester  County.) 

2.  Resolutions  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  claims  of,  &c.  as  an 

independent  State,   998,  999 

3.  Letters  from  Delegates  in  Congress  respecting,. . . .  998,  999,  1000 

4.  Letter  from  Gouverneur  Morris,  respecting  condition  of,  &c.  1011, 

1012 

5.  Letter  from  Jonas  Fay,  Vice-President  of  Council  of  Safety 

of,  transmitting  an  account  of  an  engagement  between 
General  Stark,  and  the  British  troops,  near  Bennington,  1044. 

1045 

6.  Letter  from  Gen.  Benjamin  Lincoln  to  Gen.  Schuyler,  trans- 

mitting an  account  of  the  battle  of  Bennington,   1045 

VERPLANCK,  SAMUEL.  (See  Bryson,  Robert.) 
VESSELS.  (See  Ships  and  Vessels.) 
VIRGINIA. 

1.  Letter  from  Edmond  Pendleton,  President  of  the  Convention 

of,  transmitting  preamble  and  resolutions  of  said  Conven- 
tion, instructing  Delegation  in  General  Congress  from,  to 
propose  a  declaration  of  independence  of  the  United  Colo- 
nies ;  answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   475, 481 

2.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  a  Delegate  from  this  State  in 

Congress,  informing  Convention  of  the  ratification  by  the 
Legislature  of,  of  the  articles  of  confederation,   1116 

VOLUNTEERS. 

(See  Dutcher,  Captain  William.) 
(See  Le  Dieu,  Captain  Abraham.) 
(See  Humphrey,  Cornelius,  4.) 

VOTERS.  (See  Qualification  of  Voters.) 

VOTES. 

1.  How  ordered  to  be  taken  in  first  Provincial  Convention,   1 

2.  How  ordered  to  be  taken  in  first  Provincial  Congress,  8,  101 

3.  How  ordered  to  be  taken  in  second  Provincial  Congress,. . . .  206 

4.  How  ordered  to  be  taken  in  third  Provincial  Congress,  .....  450 


1192 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

w. 

WAITE,  CAPT.  BENJAMIN. 

1.  Company  of  rangers  of,  directed  to  repair  to  Kingston  ;  re- 

quisition on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,    979 

2.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  respecting  the  refusal  of  his 

company  to  march  to  Kingston;  resolutions  of  Council 
thereon,   1016 

WALDRON,  CAPT.  ADOLPH.  (See  Lighthouse,  6.) 
WARD,  GEN.  ARTEMAS. 

(See  Massachusetts  Bay,  4.) 
1.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress  as  major-general,  .  63 
WARNER,  COL.  SETH. 

1.  Admitted  to  audience  by  Provincial  Congress,    65 

2.  Money  advanced  to,  by  order  of  Provincial  Congress,  for 

services  rendered  by,  in  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga,   66 

3.  Chosen  lieutenant-colonel  by  Green  Mountain  Boys,   107 

4.  Appointment  by  Provincial  Congress,   130 

5.  Preamble  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety ;  and  letter 

Continental  Congress,  requesting  the  recall  of  commissions 
granted  to,  and  to  officers  of,   777,  778, 779 

6.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,  re- 

lative to  proceedings  of,  ,   820,821 

7.  Instructions  to  Delegation  from  this  State  in  Congress  rela- 

tive to  the  appointment  of,  to  the  command  of  a  regiment 
in  this  State,   869 

WARREN,  JOSEPH. 

(See  Massachusetts  Bay.) 
WASHINGTON,  GEORGE. 

1.  Letter  from  James  Duane,  in  behalf  of  New-York  Dele- 

gates in  Continental  Congress,  transmitting  information 
of  appointment  of,  as  Captain-General  and  Commander- 
in-Chief  of  the  American  forces,   47 

2.  Arrangement  by  Provincial  Congress  for  reception  of,  ... .  51,  54 

3.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  relative  to,   54 

4.  Address  of  Provincial  Congress  to,  and  appointment  of  com- 

mittee to  wait  upon,   55 

5.  Answer  of  Gen.  Washington,   56 

6.  Letter  from  Joseph  Reade,  Esq.  secretary  of,  giving  advice 

of  the  sailing  of  three  men  of  war,  &c.  from  Boston,. ...  95 

7.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  blank  com- 

missions for  officers  of  New-York  regiments,   99 

8.  Answer  of  Gen.  Washington,   109 

9.  Letter  from,  apprising  of  the  arrival  at  Boston  of  a  vessel 

cleared  for  St.  Croix,  from  New-York,  loaded  with  provi- 
sions for  the  use  of  the  British  troops;  and  also  of  the 
probable  removal  of  said  troops  from  Boston  to  New- 
York  ;  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,..  Ill 

10.  Intelligence  from,  to  General  Wooster  respecting  the  move- 

ments of  the  British  army,   125 

11.  Letter  from,  requesting  ammunition,  &c   143 

12.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   143 

13.  Letter  to,  from  Provincial  Congress,  transmitting  informa- 

tion of  Captain  John  Hamilton   166 

14.  Letter  from,  informing  of  the  departure  of  a  British  fleet 

from  Boston  ;  of  the  recall  of  Gen.  Gage,  and  appoint- 
ment of  Gen.  Howe  to  command  of  British  army,  &c   170 

15.  Letter  from,  relative  to  movements  of  British  fleet  to  the 

northward,   179 

16.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress  ;  and  requesting  instructions 

relative  to  the  deserters  from  camp  of;  apprehended  and 
confined  in  Ulster  county,   184 

17.  Letter  from,  transmitting  information  of  the  burning  of 

Falmouth,  by  the  British  under  command  of  Captain 
Mowatt,  of  the  ship  Canceaux,  and  of  intended  destruc- 
tion of  Portsmouth,   191 

28.  Letter  from,  relative  to  supply  of  military  stores  for  use  of 

Continental  army,  •   201 

29.  Letter  from,  transmitting  information  of  the  reported  em- 

barkation of  the  British  troops  from  Boston,   231 

30.  Requested  to  detach  battalion  from  army  at  Cambridge  to 

the  defence  of  Canada,    265 

31.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  transmitting  informa- 

tion of  embarkation  of  British  troops  from  Boston  ;  and 
their  probable  destination  for  Long  island;  and  of  the 
despatch  of  Gen.  Lee,  to  the  defence  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,   277 

32.  Cannon  forwarded  to,  at  Cambridge,  by  order  of  the  Com- 

mittee of  Safety,   280 

33.  Letter  from,  requesting  a  supply  of  arms ;  and  answer  of 

Provincial  Congress   313 

34.  Letter  from  Stephen  Moylan,  aid-de-camp  of,  to  Lord  Stir- 

ling, informing  of  the  embarkation  of  ministerial  army, 
from  Boston,  and  their  probable  destination  for  New- 
York,    356 

35.  Request  of,  through  Col.  Mifflin,  to  Committee  of  Safety  for 

tfie  suppression  of  taverns  and  tippling  houses  in  the  city 
of  New- York,  as  tending  to  debauch  the  soldiery  ; 
order  thereon,   408 

36.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  exchange  of 

prisoners  on  board  the  Asia,   409 

37.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  recommending  the  pro- 

hibition of  all  further  intercourse  with  British  ships  of 
war  ;  answer  of  committee,    41 1,  412 

38.  Recommendation  to  Committee  of  Safety  by,  through  Adju- 


39. 
40. 

41. 

42. 

43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 

47. 
48. 
49. 

50. 

51. 

52. 
53. 

54. 

55. 
56. 


57. 


58. 


59. 
60. 


61. 


62. 
64. 

65. 


66. 
67. 
68. 

69. 

70. 

71. 

72. 
73. 

74. 


PACE. 

WASHINGTON,  GEORGE— Continued. 
tant-General  Gates,  to  station  proper  persons  for  commu- 
nication of  signals  on  the  approach  of  the  enemy  to  the 
city  of  New-York  ;  and  for  the  appointment  of  corps  of 
minute  men  or  militia  to  repair  immediately  to  such  sta- 
tions on  any  signal  alarm,   412 

Letter  from,  on  the  same  snbject,    318 

Letter  from,  requesting  information  of  the  number  of  troops 
raised  in  the  Province,  and  their  condition,   419 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  transmitting  list  of  field 
officers  of  the  four  regiments,  and  statement  of  their 
condition,  and  of  moneys  advanced  10  general  officers,  420,  421 

Letter  from,  respecting  the  command  of  the  four  New-York 
regiments,  and  transmitting  the  signals  agreed  upon  in 
case  of  appearance  of  Biitish  fleet,   422 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,  and  response  of  General 
Washington   425,  427 

Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  com- 
mand of  the  marine  department  on  the  lakes,    425,  426 

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  transmitting  resolution 
of  Continental  Congress  relative  to  the  supply  of  arms,.  426 

Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  informing  of  the  ar- 
rest of  Joseph  Blanchard  and  Peter  Poillon,  on  charge 
of  traitorous  correspondence  with  the  enemy,   431 

Appointment  of  secret  committee  to  confer  with  on  matters 
relating  to  the  public  defence,  &c   450 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  the  arrange- 
ment of  posts  and  stations  for  the  troops,   452 

Information  communicated  by,  to  Provincial  Congress,  of 
the  proceedings  and  designs  of  disaffected  persons,  and 
tories  in  Connecticut  and  Long  island,   453 

Letter  from,  informing  of  his  departure  for  Philadelphia  ; 
and  transmitting  copy  of  instructions  to  Maj.  Gen.  Put- 
nam, to  act  during  his  absence,   456 

Vote  of  thanks  of  Provincial  Congress  to,  for  his  services 
to  the  United  Colonies,  and  his  attention  to  the  interests 
of  the  Colony  of  New-York,    486 

Complimentary  dinner  to  General  and  staff  officers,  by  Pro- 
vincial Congress,   491 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  the  purchase 
of  provisions  in  the  possession  of  certain  disaffected  per- 
sons on  Long  island ;  and  relative  to  the  obstruction  of 
the  navigation  of  the  Hudson,   492,  493 

Resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress,  tendering  the  use  of 
the  Colonial  militia,  whenever  required ;  and  authorizing 
to  impress  carriages  and  water  craft,  and  to  remove  ships 
and  vessels  from  Hudson's  and  East  river,   503,  504,  512 

Requested  to  disarm  and  secure  sundry  disaffected  persons 

on  Nassau  island,   504 

Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  transmitting  the  report 
of  a  council  of  general  officers  recommending-  the  remo- 
val of  stock  on  Nassau  and  Staten  islands,  and  respect- 
ing the  most  proper  measures  to  bepursued  in  relation  to 
disaffected  persons ;  appointment  of  committee  to  confer 
with  thereon,   509,519 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  informing  of  the  passage  of 
British  ships  of  war  up  the  Hudson  river;  the  anchoring 
of  frigates  at  Tarrytown,  and  the  adoption  of  measures 
for  the  support  of  the  inhabitants  on  shore   523 

Answer  of,  relative  to  the  importance  of  defending  the 
passes  on  the  Hudson  river,  and  watching  the  conduct  of 
the  tories   523 

Answer  of  Convention,   523 

Resolution  of  Convention  authorizing  the  abandonment  of 
the  city  of  New- York,  at  the  discretion  of,  and  the  with- 
drawal of  the  troops  at  the  north  side  of  King's  Bridge,.  524 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  condition  of  the 
troops,  and  the  movements  of  the  British  ships  of  war, 
requesting  a  loan  from,  for  the  public  service,   527 

Answer  of,   533 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  respecting  the  disposition  of  the 
stock  on  Nassau  island,   534 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  respecting  the  conduct  of  the  to- 
ries in  Monmouth  county,  New-Jersey,  transmitting  the 
examination  of  Balthazar  De  Hart,   543,  544 

Letter  from,  to  Convention  respecting  the  propriety  of  lay- 
ing an  embargo  upon  all  exportation  of  provisions,  &c.  .  545 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  the  delivery  to,  of  the  teles- 
cope belonging  to  the  college  at  New-York,   556 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  appointment  of 
Brig.  Gen.  Clinton  to  the  command  on  Hudson's  river, 
and  to  the  succession  of  Major  Schuyler  to  the  command 
of  the  fortifications  at  the  Highlands,  &c,   557,558 

Letter  from,  transmitting  intelligence  received  by,  of  the  ar- 
rival of  Gen.  Clinton  and  his  army  at  Staten  island,  to- 
gether with  part  of  Lord  Howe's  fleet  with  Hessian  and 
Highland  troops  ;  and  requesting  reinforcements,. . . .  662,  563 

Letter  from,  relative  to  the  militia  called  forth  from  the  coun- 
ties of  Dutchess,  Ulster,  Westchester  and  Orange ;  an- 
swer of  Convention,   563,  564,  565 

Letter  to,  enclosing  resolutions  of  Convention  for  calling  the 
militia  to  the  fortifications  beyond  King's  Bridge,  &.C.. .  .  564 

Answer  of  Gen  Washington,   569 

Letter  from,  informing  of  the  apprehension  of  sundry  disaf- 
fected and  dangerous  persons ;  answer  of  Convention,  569,  570 

Letter  from,  recommending  the  removal  of  the  women  and 


INDEX. 


1193 


PAGE. 

WASHINGTON,  GEORGE — Continued. 
children  from  the  city  of  New-York  ;  resolution  and  an- 
swer of  Convention,   578 

75.    Letter  from,  respecting  the  obstruction  of  the  navigation  of 

the  East  river,   578 

76.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  relative  to  the  rumored  burning 

of  the  city  of  New- York,    588 

77.  Report  of  committee  appointed  to  wait  upon,  relative  to  call- 

ing out  the  Suffolk  and  Queens  county  militia  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  stock  on  Nassau  island,   589, 590 

78.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with,  relative  to  the 

protection  of  the  stock  on  Nassau  island,   593 

79.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  transmitting  information  receiv- 

ed from  Col.  Woodhull,  relative  to  the  proceedings  of  the 
enemy,   595 

80.  Answer  of  Gen.  Washington,   599 

81.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  and  answer  of  General 

Washington,   602,  604 

82.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety  relative  to  the  retreat 

of  the  army  from  Long  island  to  New-York,  and  the  inef- 
ficiency of  the  militia,  &c.  answer  of  Committee  of 
Safety,     603 

83.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  readiness 

of  the  militia  of  Orange,  Dutchess,  Ulster  and  Westches- 
ter counties  to  march  at  a  moment's  warning,   606,  607 

84.  Letter  from  Convention  to,  transmitting  resolutions  authoriz- 

ing, to  cause  all  the  bells  in  the  churches  and  public  edi- 
fices in  the  city  of  New-York,  to  be  taken  down  and  re- 
moved to  Newark,  to  prevent  their  falling  into  the  hands 
of  the  enemy,   611 

85.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety  respecting  the  order- 

ing out  of  the  militia  of  the  counties  of  Orange,  Dutch- 
ess, Westchester  and  Ulster,   615 

86.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  approving  of  the  re- 

moval of  the  bells  of  the  city  of  New- York  to  Newark, 
and  recommending  a  reinforcement  at  the  fortifications  at 
the  Highlands,   616 

87.  Letter  from,  to  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  the  furnish- 

ing of  sloops  for  the  removal  of  the  sick  to  Orange  Town,  616 

88.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   616 

89.  Letter  from,  on  the  same  subjects.   626 

90.  Letter  from,  requesting  the  sending  of  fire  ships  down  the 

Hudson;  order  therefor,  and  answer  of  Convention,   637 

91.  Letter  from,  containing  a  particular  account  of  the  manoeu- 

vres of  the  enemy  on  their  landing  at  New- York,  and  of 
their  reception,  and  of  skirmish  at  Harlem  Heights,   642 

92.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  informa- 

tion of  the  movements  of  a  portion  of  the  British  fleet 

up  Hudson's  river,   669,  670 

93.  Letter  from,  relative  to  regulations  of  Congress  for  the  en- 

listment of  the  new  army,  and  informing  of  the  attack 
upon,  and  capitulation  of  Fort  Washington,   712 

94.  Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   716 

95.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  employ- 

ment of  Gen.  Schuyler  in  superintending  the  erection  of 
works  for  the  defence  of  Hudson's  river,   722 

96.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  destruc- 

tion of  the  court  house  and  other  buildings  at  White- 
Plains,  by  the  Continental  troops,   729 

97.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gov.  Trumbull  of  Con- 

necticut, and  Gen.  Schuyler,  informing  of  the  presence 

of,  at  Trenton,  with  the  army,   745 

98.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  requesting  the  counter- 

manding of  order  to  Gen.  Heath,  to  leave  his  post  at  the 
Highlands,  and  go  over  with  his  division  to  the  west  side 
of  Hudson's  river,   748,  753,  754 

99.  Letter  from  Francis  Lewis,  informing  of  resolutions  of  Con- 

gress, investing  with  more  ample  powers  for  the  regula- 
tion, of  the  army,  &c   764 

100.  Letter  from  Gen.  George  Clinton,  transmitting  intelligence 

of  the  battles  of  Trenton  and  Princeton,   765 

101.  Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,   769, 770 

102.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  clothing  the 

troops  detained  at  Fishkill,  by  order  of  the  Convention,  782,  783 

103.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  congratulating  on  the 

success  of  the  American  arms,  &c   787 

104.  Letter  from,  recommending  the  passage  of  laws  for  the  more 

effectual  punishment  of  deserters,   789 

105.  Letter  from,  relative  to  detention  of  clothing  at  Fishkill,  the 

condition  of  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,  and  of  public  af- 
fairs generally,   804,805 

106.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to,  relative  to  the  ex- 

change of  sundry  prisoners  of  war,    806 

107.  Letter  from,  relative  to  inoculating  soldiers  of  the  Continen- 

tal army  for  the  smallpox,   806 

108.  Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to  committee  to  advise  and 

confer  with,  relative  to  the  reinforcement  of  the  garrison 
at  the  Highlands ;  the  appointment  of  a  commander 
there,  &c.&c  813,  816 

109.  Report  of  committee,   831,832 

110.  Letter  to,  from  Convention,  thereupon,   840 

111.  Letter  from,  giving  information  of  the  proceedings  of  the 

enemy,  and  requesting  a  reinforcement,   985 

112.  Letter  from,  relative  to  the  expediency  of  an  extension  of 

the  power  vested  in  Gen.  Clinton  to  call  out  the  militia 
of  Dutchess,  Orange,  Ulster  and  Westchester  counties  ; 

answer  of  Council,   1013,  1014 

299 


PAGE. 

WASHINGTON,  GEORGE — Continued. 

113.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  respecting  the  critical 

condition  of  the  northern  army,   1019 

114.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with  thereon,  and  rela- 

tive to  providing  garrisons  for  the  forts  in  the  Highlands,  1019 

115.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to,  transmitting  the  examina- 

tion of  Francis  Horsman,  a  prisoner  of  war,  relative  to 

the  strength  and  proceedings  of  the  British  army   1021 

116.  Letter  from,  to  Gen.  Clinton,  respecting  proceedings  of,. . . .  1022 

117.  Letter  from,  to  Gov.  Clinton,  respecting  proceedings  of,  and 

requesting  a  reinforcement  at  the  Highlands,   1027 

118.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety  respecting  the  condition  of 

public  affairs,   1032 

WATKEYS,  HENRY,  (Gunsmith.) 
1-  Consultations  with,  respecting  fcrging  of  gun-barrels,  and 
making  of  muskets,  and  resolutions  and  proceedings  of 
Provincial  Congress,   30,  41,  51,  55 

2.  Agreement  with,   62 

3.  Directed  to  provide  William  Mariner  a  musket  in  lieu  of,  and 

equal  in  value  to  the  one  lent  by  him  as  a  pattern,   142 

WATSON,  BROOK. 
1.  Passport  granted  to,  by  Provincial  Congress  for  travelling  to 

Quebec,  and  conference  with,   48 

WAYS  AND  MEANS. 

1 .  Appointment  of  committee  of,   101 

2.  Report  of,   105 

3.  Proceedings  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  and  resolutions 

for  the  emission  of  £45,000  to  defray  the  expenses  incurred 
by  colony  ;  for  the  emission  of  bills  of  credit  in  New-York 
currency  for  that  amount,  the  quotas  of  the  several  coun- 
ties, and  provision  for  sinking,  &c   128,  133, 134 

4.  Report  of  committee  of,  on  the  dangers  to  which  the  Colony 

is  exposed  from  intestine  enemies,  and  the  ways  and  means 
necessary  to  guard  against  those  dangers  ;  and  proceedings 
of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,   456,  459,  460 

5.  Appointment  of  committee  to  frame  a  law  in  accordance 

with  such  report,   461 

6.  Report  of  committee,  and  proceedings  thereon,   464 

WEATHERHEAD,  JOHN. 
1.  Letter  from,  relative  to  certain  reports  circulated  against, 

and  certificate  of  Captain  Vandeput,   154 

WEBSTER,  MAJ.  ALEXANDER. 

(See  Charlotte  County,  12.) 

WEED,  REUBEN. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  first  lieutenant  of  Captain  Davies'  com- 
pany,   577 

WEEKS,  JAMES. 

1.  Appointed  sergeant-at-arms  of  Convention,   754 

2.  Appointed  assistant  commissary  of  arms,  ammunition  and 

military  stores,  at  Fishkill,   774 

WELLS,  SAMUEL. 

1.  Requested  to  attend  Committee  of  Safety,   145 

2.  Examination  of,   145 

WELSH,  PATRICK. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  adjutant  of  militia  regiment  in  the  city  of 

New- York,   209 

WEMPLE,  ABRAHAM. 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  payment  for  a 

quantity  of  saltpetre,    827 

WENDAL,  JOHN  W. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  quarter-master  second  regiment,   62 

WESTCHESTER  COUNTY. 

1.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Convention,   1,  2,  3 

2.  Proceedings  of  a  general  meeting  of  the  freeholders  of,  at 

White-Plains,  called  for  electing  Deputies  to  such  Conven- 
tion,   2, 3 

3.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  first  Provincial 

Congress,   7,  8 

4.  Appointment  of  member  of  Committee  of  Safety  for,   70 

5.  Letter  from  committee  of,  respecting  unfavourable  disposi- 

tions of  officers  of  militia  of,   91 

6.  Petition  of  inhabitants  of  the  manor  of  Fordham  and  West 

Farms,  setting  forth  the  inconvenience  of  being  joined  in 
one  company  with  those  of  the  borough  of  Westchester, 
and  praying  to  be  formed  into  a  separate  company,   138 

7.  Letter  to  committee  of,  thereupon,    138 

8.  Answer  of  committee ;  enclosing  affidavit  of  William  Had- 

ley,  respecting  declarations  of  John  Cock,  chosen  a  captain 

by  the  inhabitants  of  the  Yonkers   145 

9.  List  of  field  officers  in,  received  and  filed,     145 

10.  Provision  for  impressment  and  appraisal  of  arms  in  the 

hands  of  persons  not  signing  the  general  association  in,.  149, 

150 

11.  Petition  of  Daniel  Dean  and  others  of  Yonkers,  for  appoint- 

ment of  John  Cock  a  captain   151 

12.  Affidavits  of  Isaac  Greene  and  George  Hadley  respecting  de- 

clarations of  John  Cock,  disrespectful  to  Provincial  Con- 
gress ;  proceedings  of  Committee  of  Safety  thereon;  and 
letter  to  committee  of  Yonkers,  directing  a  new  election  of 
captain  in  the  place  of  said  John  Cock,   152 

13.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  enclosing  affidavits 


1194 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

WESTCHESTER  COUNTY-Continued. 
respecting  disorderly  conduct  of  Godfrey  Haines  ;  and  an- 
swer to, .....   159 

14.  Order  for  commitment  of  said  Haines,   160 

15.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of,  enclosing  list  of  offi- 

cers of  two  companies  of  minute  men ;  and  commissions 
ordered  for,  and  for  two  companies  of  minute  men  in  the 
manor  of  Cortlandt,   185 

16.  Letter  from  sub-committee  of,  communicating  particulars  of 

a  plot  against  the  public  liberties,  transmitting  examina- 
tion of  Philip  Pinkney  ;  and  requesting  the  action  of  Pro- 
vincial Congress,   192,  193 

17.  Examination  of  Gilbert  Budd  and  G.  B.  Horton,  respecting 

the  details  of  such  plot,   193,  194 

18.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting,     194 

19.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  of  White-Plains,  relative 

to  inimical  conduct  of  Jer.  Francis,  and  Jer.  Francis,  Jr.  202 

20.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  attending  second 

Provincial  Congress,   206 

21.  Letter  to  Governor  of  Connecticut,  respecting  the  conduct  of 

certain  insurgents  from  Colony  of,  and  vote  of  thanks  to 
inhabitants  of  said  Colony,  assisting  in  the  suppression 
of,  213,  214 

22.  Permission  to  William  Sutton,  to  return  to  his  house  in,  on 

engaging  to  deliver  himself  up  to  committee  of,   221 

23.  Examination  and  deposition  of  Benjamin  Hunt,  ordered  to 

be  delivered  to,   222 

24.  Return  of  officers  of  company  of  militia  at  White-Plains, 

manor  of  Scarsdale,  and  north  end  of  Salem,   255 

25.  Lieut.  Col.  Graham  ordered  to  detach  company  of  minute 

men  for  the  protection  of  the  cannon  near  King's  Bridge,.  261 

26.  Letter  from  Col.  Joseph  Drake  and  sub-committee  of,  re- 

specting persons  suspected  of  spiking  the  cannon  beyond 
King's  Bridge,  and  order  for  arrest  of  sundry  persons,  270,271, 

273 

27.  Letter  from  chairman  of  committee  at  White-Plains  relative 

to  powder  sent  by  Committee  of  Safety,   287 

28.  Certificates  of  election  of  officers  in  Harrison's  precinct  and 

North  Castle   288 

29.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  requesting  the  committee 

of  the  county  to  prevent  the  transportation  of  barrelled 
beef  or  pork,    289 

30.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting,   289 

31.  Letter  from  Samuel  Drake,  colonel  of  the  regiment  of  minute 

men  in,  relative  to  the  supply  of  arms,  &c   304 

32.  Application  from  committee  of,  relative  to  pay  of  Captain 

James  Varian  ;  and  order  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  304 

33.  Report  relative  to  arms  taken  by  Col.  Walerbury,  from  the 

tories,   305 

34.  Return  of  officers  of  a  company  of  minute  men  in  Colonel 

Drake's  regiment  in  Harrison's  precinct ;  and  requisition 
on  Treasurer  for  advance  to  Col.  Drake,   314 

35.  Committee  of  directed  to  permit  Wm.  Ritchie  to  transport  a 

certain  quantity  of  pork  and  beef  out  of,   315 

36.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  the  troop  of,   316 

37.  Recommendation  and  appointment  of  officers  in  Col.  Drake's 

regiment,   319,320 

38.  Directions  to  Provincial  commissary  to  receive  from  Colonel 

Waterbury  the  arms  taken  from  sundry  disaffected  persons 

in,  for  appraisal  and  description,   321 

39.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  pay  of  Colonel  Samuel  Drake's 

regiment  of  minute  men,   328 

40.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  Col.  Samuel  Drake's 

regiment  of  minute  men,  .    331 

(See  Drake,  Col.  Samuel.) 
(See  Graham,  Lieut.  Col.  Lewis.) 

41.  Order  for  establishment  of  a  magazine  of  military  stores  and 

provisions  in,   336,  350 

42.  Cols.  Joseph  Drake  and  Thomas  Thomas,  directed  to  draft 

200  men  from  regiments  of,  for  defence  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,    361 

43.  Regulation  of  committee  of  Safety  respecting  the  purchase 

of  barrelled  pork  in,   371 

44.  Committees  of,  directed  to  permit  the  exportation  of  provi- 

sions from,  by  Abraham  Livingston,  to  New-York,   376 

45.  Return  of  officers  of  militia  company  in  Eastchester,    382 

46.  do         do  do       in  Yonkers,   382 

47.  Direction  to  committee  of,  to  take  measures  for  the  arrest  of 

counterfeiters  of  Provincial  currency,   414 

48.  Directions  to  committee  of,  to  take  measures  for  the  appre- 

hension of  Thomas  Gibson  and  Robert  Hamilton,  on 
charge  of  enlisting  men  for  the  ministerial  service,   430 

49.  Examination  of  Charles  Friend,  relative  to  the  persons  in, 

engaged  in  counterfeiting  Provincial  currency  ;  and  order 
for  the  arrest  of  Henry  Dawkins,  Israel  Youngs,  Isaac 
Youngs,  Isaac  Ketchum,  and  John  Anderson,   437 

50.  Examination  of  Jeremiah  Wool  and  Isaac  Ketchum,  Thomas 

Henderson,  Henry  Dawkins  and  Isaac  and  Israel  Youngs,  443, 

444,  445,  446,  447 

51.  Names  and  credentials  of  Deputies  from,  to  third  Provincial 

Congress,   443 

52.  Committee  of,  requested  to  deliver  to  Col.  Ritzema  arms  ta- 

ken from  different  persons,    456 

53.  Return  of  election  of  officers  of  grenadier  company  in  Colo- 

nel Thomas  Thomas'  regiment   405 

54.  List  of  tories  and  disaffected  persons  in,  and  resolution  of 

Provincial  CoDgress  for  proceedings  against,   477 


PAGE, 

WESTCHESTER  COUNTY—  Coktinued. 

55.  Appointment  of  Lewis  Morris,  brigadier-general,  and  Lewis 

Morris,  Jr.  brigade-major  of  the  militia  in,   482 

56.  Letter  from  committee  of  Salem,  in,  requesting  directions  of 

Provincial  Congress  respecting  the  treatment  of  disaffect- 
ed persons  and  tories,   485 

57.  Answer  of  Provincial  Congress,   486 

58.  Report  of  committee  recommending  the  raising  of  a  body  of 

50  men  in,  for  quieting  and  apprehending  disaffected  per- 
sons,    499,  500,  503 

59.  Appointment  of  Micah  Townsend  as  captain  of  said  body,  . .  503 

60.  Adjournment  of  Provincial  Congress,  and  removal  of  public 

treasures,  records  and  military  stores  to  the  White-Plains, 

in,    512 

61.  Names  and  credentials  of  Delegates  from,  to  fourth  Provin- 

cial Congress,   515 

62.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond,  at  Tarry 

Town,  informing  of  the  transmission  of  supplies  and  a  re- 
inforcement to,  and  directing  to  keep  a  strict  watch  on  the 
movements  of  the  tories,   522,  523 

63.  Letter  from  Convention  to  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond,  at  Tarry 

town,  relative  to  relief  to  militia  under  command  of,  at 
Tarry  Town,   524 

64.  Resolutions  of  Convention  for  calling  into  service  one-fourth 

part  of  the  militia  of;  and  directions  for  arrangement,  pay, 
bounty  and  subsistence  of,   525,  526 

65.  Committee  of,  requested  to  cause  William  Sutton  and  John 

Sutton,  to  be  placed  in  custody,   542 

(See  Hammond,  James,  Lieut.  Col.) 
(See  Clinton,  George.) 

66.  Certificate  of  election  of  officers  in  Capt.  Micah  Townsend's 

company,   575 

67.  Militia  of,  ordered  to  be  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  moment's 

warning,   601 

68.  Letter  to  committee  of,  respecting  an  apprehended  correspon- 

dence with  the  enemy,   605 

69.  Report  of  committee  relative  to  expediency  of  calling  out  mi- 

litia of,   606 

70.  Reference  to  committee  of,  of  allegations  against  Joseph 

Reade,  a  reputed  tory,   619 

71.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  requesting  Gen.  Morris,  one  of 

the  Delegates  from  this  State  in  Congress,  to  return  and 
resume  the  command  of  his  brigade  in,   627 

72.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  appointing  Stephen 

Ward  as  commissary  for  the  purchase  of  all  the  cattle  in, 
for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Kingsbridge  ;  appointing  com- 
missioners to  drive  the  remaining  stock  off  of,  lying  upon  the 
sound  or  Hudson's  river,  into  the  interior;  directing  the 
farmers  to  thresh  out  their  grain,  and  authorizing  the  pur- 
chase thereof,  for  the  use  of  the  army,  at  reasonable 
prices,   673,  674 

73.  Committee  appointed  to  inquire  relative  to  the  safety  and  pre- 

servation of  the  public  records  of  the  loan  officers  and  su- 
pervisors of,   692 

(See  White  Plains.) 

74.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  respecting  the  disposi- 

tion of  the  stock  removed  from  the  lower  part  of  the  coun- 
ty of,    729 

75.  Colonels  Malcolm  and  Thomas,with  their  regiments,  together 

with  the  militia,  and  three  companies  of  rangers  of,  direct- 
ed to  remove  the  stock  and  grain  from,   749/ 

76.  Colonel  Henry  B.  Livingston  requested  to  repair  with  the 

troops  under  his  command,  to  this  State,  to  oppose  the  ra- 
vages of  the  enemy  in,   750 

77.  Letter  from  Lewis  McDonald,  chairman  of  committee  of,  re- 

lative to  the  poor  sent  from  New-York  into,  and  the  effects 

of  sundry  prisoners  on  parol,  who  have  escaped,   767 

78.  Letter  from  Lewis  McDonald,  accompanying  James  Miller, 

a  dangerous  and  disaffected  person,  and  transmitting  the 
evidence  against  him,   776 

79.  Resolution  of  Committee  of  Safety,  prohibiting  the  purchase 

or  manufacture  of  wheat,  flour,  pork,  beef,  or  other  pro- 
duce, beyond  an  amount  requisite  for  the  use  of  their  fa- 
milies, by  the  inhabitants  of,  unless  under  certain  restric- 
tions    806 

80.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  chairman  of  committee  of  con- 

vention, relative  to  condition  and  movements  of  the  troops 

in,   808,  809 

81.  Appointment  of  commissioners  for  superintending  the  remo- 

val of  grain,  forage,  cattle,  &c.  from  ;  for  the  security  and 
protection  of  the  inhabitants  of,  and  their  removal,  when 
necessary  ;  and  for  the  seizure  and  sale  of  the  property  of 
inhabitants  joining  the  enemy,   811,  860 

82.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of  committee  of,  and 

others,  for  expenses  incurred  in  supporting  the  poor  from 

the  city  of  New-York   812,  813 

83.  Appointment  of,  and  instructions  to,  committee  to  confer  with 

Gen.  McDougall  and  others,  relative  to  the  number  and 

duty  of  the  forces  in,  &c,   813,  816 

84  Resolutions  directing  companies  of  volunteers  under  com- 
mand of  Col.  Humphreys  and  f'apt.  Gray,  to  march  to  the 
protection  and  defence  of;  authorizing  commissioners  to 
raise  an  additional  number  of  volunteers,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieut.  Col.  Hammond  and  Major  Nicholas  Fish ; 
and  advising  Gen.  McDougall  to  detach  a  portion  of  the 
Continental  troops  from  Fishkill,  for  the  protection  of,...  821 


INDEX. 


1195 


PAGE. 

WESTCHESTER  COUNTY— Continued. 

85.  Letter  to  committee  of,   822 

86.  Appointment  of  committee  to  provide  permanent  means  for 

the  protection  and  defence  of,   851 

87.  Letter  from  Israel  Honeywell,  Jr. respecting  the  proceedings 

of  the  enemy  in,   856 

88.  Resolution  of  Convention,  directing  Brig.  Gen.  McDougall 

and  George  Clinch  to  provide  for  the  security  and  protec- 
tion of,   869 

89.  Receipt  of  Vice  Treasurer  to  auditor-general  for  pay  rolls 

and  other  accounts  of  moneys  paid  to  militia  of,   902 

90.  Appointment  of  John  Thomas,  Jr.,  as  sheriff  of,  912,  917 

91.  Appointment  of  judges  of,   913,  917 

92.  Appointment  of  John  Bartow  as  clerk  :  declension  of,. .  917,  978 

93.  Resolutions  of  Convention,  appointing  commissioners  for  the 

settlement  of  the  accounts  for  the  purchase  and  removal 

of  forage  and  grain  in,   929 

94.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  relative  to  such  accounts,   936 

95.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  transmitting  accounts  and  vouch- 

ers,   954,  954 

96.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety  to  commissioners  of  seques- 

tration in,   968 

97.  Letter  from  Council  of  Safety,  respecting  the  effects  of  Peter 

Corney,  claimed  by  his  son-in-law,  Mr.  Kennedy,   986 

98.  Letter  from  General  Putnam,  respecting  proceedings  of  com- 

missioners of  sequestration  in  ;  and  answer  of  Council  of 
Safety   1030,  1031 

99.  Report  of  committee,  and  resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety, 

relative  to  pay  and  subsistence  rolls  of  the  men  raised  by 
order  of  the  committee  of,  for  the  defence  of,   1055 

100.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  directing  the  delivery  of  a 

quantity  of  salt  to  committee  of,    1081 

101.  Information  given  by  Lieut.  Col.  Hammen,  of  the  wretched 

condition  of,   1107 

102.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety  for  the  defence  of,   1108 

WEST,  JOHN. 

1.  Petition  of,  for  relief   21 

WEST  POINT.  (See  Highlands.) 

WHEELOCK,  JOHN. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  a  major  in  the  service  of  this  State,  with 

power  to  raise  in  the  State  of  New-Hampshire,  and  recom- 
mend officers  for  three  companies  of  militia,  to  serve  dur- 
ing the  war,  under  the  direction  of  this  State,  and  to  ren- 
dezvous at  Fisbkill ;  appropriation  in  favour  of,   865,  870 

2.  Resolution  of  Convention,  for  payment  of  the  companies  to  be 

raised   869,  870 

3.  Commission  to,   871 

4.  Petition  of,  for  an  extension  of  the  time  allowed  for  filling  up 

such  company  ;  resolution  of  Council  of  Safety  thereon,  946, 

947 

5.  Appointment  by,  of  Saml.  Paine  as  captain,and  Eleazer  Whee- 

lock  as  lieutenant,  confirmed ;  and  company  ordered  to  re- 
pair to  Fishkill,   947 

6.  Certificate  of  number  of  men  under  command  of,   981 

7.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,   985 

8.  Resolutions  of  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to  the  disposition  of 

the  companies  raised  by,   1002 

9.  Letter  from,  to  Council   1026 

10.  Report  of  committee  on  memorial  of,    1051,  1052 

11.  Gen.  Scott  appointed  to  confer  with,   1052 

WHITE,  ALEXANDER. 

1.  Statement  of  case  of,   126 

2.  Copy  of  letters  from  Sir  John  Johnson  to,   126 

3.  Affidavit  of  William  Biddle,  respecting  certain  declarations 

of   153 

4.  Petition  of  Elizabeth  While,  for  discharge  of,  on  parol,   163 

5.  Petition  and  papers  relative  to  case  of;  referred  to  Albany 

committee,   167 

6.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to  committee  of  Tryon 

county,  respecting  the  proper  course  to  be  pursued  in  re- 
lation to,   212 

WHITE,  CAPT.  GEORGE.' 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  for  enlistment  money  for  part  of 
the  second  battalion  of  Continental  troops,  raised  in 
1775,   744 

WHITE,  HENRY. 

1.  Intercepted  letter  to,  from  Governor  Martin,  of  North  Caro- 

lina,   68 

2.  Appointment  of  committee  to  confer  with   68 

3.  Report  of,   68 

4.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,   69 

5.  Exculpation  of,  from  all  blame,   69 

WHITE,  HENRY. 
1 .  Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  to  Col.  Isaac  Nicoll's  regiment  of 

militia,   557 

WHITE  PLAINS.  (See  Westchester  County.) 

1.  Adjournment  of  Provincial  Congress,  and  removal  of  public 

treasures,  records,  and  military  stores  to  the  court-house 

in,   512 

2.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress, 

relative  to  the  wanton  destruction  of  the  court-house  at,  by 

the  American  troops,   723,  724 

3.  Resolutions  of  Committee  of  Safety,  relative  to  such  destruc- 

tion of  property  ;  and  letter  to  Gen.  Washington  thereon,.  729 


5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 

1. 

2. 
3. 

1. 
2. 

1. 
2. 


PAGE. 

WICKHAM  THOMAS. 
Desires  advice  of  Provincial  Congress,  as  to  taking  pay  for 
stock  taken  off  Gardiner's  island,  by  armed  vessels,  for  the 

use  of  the  King's  troops,   35 

Leave  of  absence  to,  for  protection  of  stock  against  attempts 

of  King's  troops  to  remove,   105 

WILLETT,  MARINUS. 
Letter  from,  and  others,  soliciting  allowance  of  clothing  for 

the  troops,   89 

Recommended  to  Continental  Congress,  by  Committee  of 
Safety,  for  the  vacant  majority  in  Col.  McDougall's  regi- 
ment,     424 

WILLIAMS,  BEDFORD. 

Appointment  of,  as  surgeon's  mate  of  2d  regiment,   108,  121 

WILLIAMS,  HENRY. 

Election  of,  as  chairman  of  Committee  of  Safety,   71 

WILLIAMS,  JOHN. 
Appointment  of,  as  surgeon,   62 

WILLIAMS,  WILLIAM,  Major. 
Report  from,  respecting  impressments  of  arms  in  Queens 

county,   157 

WISNER,  HENRY. 

(See  Continental  Congress,  58.) 
(See  Pennsylvania,  1,  2.) 
Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  requesting  information  as 
to  quantity  of  powder  on  hand  in  mill  of,  and  as  to  ability 

to  manufacture,   337 

Letter  from,  respecting  progress  of  powder  mill  of,   395 

Answer  of  Committee  of  Safety,   395 

Recommendation  of,  and  John  Carpenter,  as  partners,  by 
committee  of  Dutchess  county,  for  the  erection  of  powder 

mills,    423 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  repairing  road  in 

Orange  county,   696 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  spears  for  the  use 

of  the  militia,   697 

Letter  from,  respecting  the  condition  of  the  militia  in  Orange 

county,   756 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  saltpetre  for  the 

use  of  the  State,   845,  915 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  apprehending  a 

number  of  disaffected  persons,   877 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  premium  for  erec- 
tion of  powder  mills,   921 

Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  long  and  faithful  services  as  a  Dele- 
gate in  Continental  Congress,   931 

Report  of  committee  relative  to  accounts  of,  with  the  State ; 

and  resolutions  of  Convention  thereon,  ,   1112 

WISNER,  HENRY,  Jk. 
Recommendation  of,  and  Major  Philips  as  partners,  by  com- 
mittee of  Ulster  county,  for  the  erection  of  powder  mills, 
and  application  of,  for  loan  of  money  therefor ;  order  of 

Committee  of  Safety  therefor,   423,  438 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  bounty  on  the  ma- 
nufacture of  gunpowder,  ....    683 

Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  premium  for  the 

erection  of  powder  mills  in  Ulster  county,   687 

WOODHULL,  CAPT.  EBENEZER. 
Letter  from,  relative  to  pay  for  his  company  of  troopers  in 

Orange  county,  and  requisition  on  Treasurer  therefor,.  768,  888 
Requisition  on  Vice  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  on  account  of  pay 

and  subsistence  of  his  troop,    1070 

WOODHULL,  COL.  NATHANIEL. 

Elected  President  of  Provincial  Congress,   205,  448,  515 

(See  Suffolk  County,  53.) 
Directed  to  march  one-half  of  the  western  regiment  of  militia 
in  Suffolk  county,  into  the  western  part  of  Queens  county, 

for  the  protection  of  the  stock  and  provisions,   586,  588 

Letter  from  Convention  to,  informing  of  the  appointment  of 
Robert  Townsend  as  commissary  to  troops  under  command 

of,  &c,  ,   590 

Instructions  to,   590,  591 

Letters  from,  respecting  his  proceedings,   593,  594,  596 

Directed  to  cause  the  stock  on  the  sea  coast  of  Long  island  to 

be  driven  into  the  interior,   594 

Authorized  to  destroy  such  stock  as  can  not  be  removed,. . . .  596 

Taken  prisoner  by  the  British  on  Long  island,   605 

Resolutions  of  Convention  for  negotiating  an  exchange  of,  . .  630 
Letter  from  John  Sloss  Hobart,  transmitting  intelligence  of 
the  death  of,    671 

WOODRUFF,  HUNLOCK. 
Certificate  of  examination,  and  appointment  of,  as  surgeon's 
mate  to  1st  regiment,   85 

WOODRUFF,  HUNLOKE. 
Appointment  of,  as  surgeon  of  the  3d  regiment,  commanded 
by  Col.  Rudolphus  Ritzema,     470 

WOODWARD,  PHILIP. 
Vote  of  thanks  to,  for  his  exertions  in  the  public  service,   432 

WOOL  CARDS. 
Resolution  offering  a  bounty  for  the  manufacture  of,   697 

WOOLHAUPTER,  DAVID. 
Petition  of,  to  be  employed  in  making  drums  and  fifes,   75 


1196 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

WOOL,  ISAIAH.  j 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant  fire  worker  in  Captain  John 

Lamb's  company,   97 

WOOSTER,  MA  J.  GEN.  DAVID. 

1.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  respecting  safe  keeping 

and  security  of  Angus  McDonald,   43 

2.  Order  of  Provincial  Congress  and  letter  to,  requesting  him  to 

march  his  troops  to  within  five  miles  of  the  city  of  New- 
York,  t   44 

3.  Answer  of  Gen.  Wooster,   45 

4.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  transmitting  information 

of  the  movements  of  British  ships  of  war,  with  troops 
from  the  coast  near  Sandy  Hook,  eastward  to  Boston,. . .  45,  46 

5.  Answer  of,   47 

6.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,   47 

7.  Report  of  committee  respecting  proper  place  for  encampment 

of  troops  of,   55,  59 

8.  Letter  from  Gen.  Schuyler,  respecting  tents  and  fuel  for,. ...  60 

9.  Appointment  of,  by  Continental  Congress,  as  brigadier-gene- 

ral,   63 

10.  Letter  from,  to  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  apprentices 

and  servants  enlisted  in  the  Connecticut  troops,  and  re- 
claimed by  their  masters  in  New- York,   68 

11.  Proceedings  and  resolutions  of  Provincial  Congress  thereon,  68 

12.  Letter  from,  respecting  case  of  Peter  Herring,   ,.  71 

13.  Order  to,  to  bring  said  Herring  before  the  Committee  of  Safe- 

ty ;  and  answer  of  committee,   71 

14.  Charges  of,  and  proceedings  and  resolutions  of  Committee  of 

Safety  respecting,   75 

15.  Letter  to,  and  appointment  and  report  of  committee  to  confer 

with,  respecting  alleged  detention  of  part  of  boat's  crew  of 
ship  Asia,  &c,   77 

16.  Letter  from,  requesting  permission  for  removal  of  camp  to 

Harlem  ;  appointment  of  commissioners  to  contract  for 
ground  and  superintend  removal ;  letter  to,  from  Commit- 
tee of  Safety,  and  report  of  committee,    79,  80,  82 

17.  Appointment  of  committee  to  ascertain  damage  to  owner  of 

ground  where  troops  of,  had  been  encamped,  near  New- 
York,    83 

18.  Report  of  committee,   93 

(See  Albany  City  and  County.) 

19.  Application  to,  by  Provincial  Congress,  for  loan  of  a  quantity 

of  gunpowder;  and  request  to  send  troops  to  Long  island, 
to  assist  inhabitants  in  preventing  the  taking  off  of  stock 
by  the  King's  troops,  for  the  use  of  the  army  at  Boston  ; 
said  troops  to  be  under  the  command  of  Col.  Phineas  Fan- 
ning,  101,  102 

20.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  directing  to  remain  with 

troops  of,  at  Long  island,   108 

21.  Letter  from  Provincial  Congress  to,  directing  return  of,  to 

camp  at  Harlem,    110 

22.  Letter  from,  transmitting  intelligence  from  Gen.  Washington 

relative  to  the  movements  of  the  British,  and  recommend- 
ing to  guard  Queens  county,   125 

23.  Requested  to  order  a  company  of  troops  for  defence  of  the 

fortifications  at  the  Highlands,   146 


WOOSTER,  DAVID — Continued.  PAGE" 

24.  Answer  of,  and  reply  of  the  Committee  of  Safety,   149 

25.  Reply  of;  and  correspondence  ordered  to  be  transmitted  to 

Continental  Congress,   151 

26.  Letter  of  Committee  of  Safety  to  Continental  Congress,. ...  .  152 

27.  Directed  to  forward  a  portion  of  troops  of,  for  defence  of  forts 

on  the  North  river,   172 

28.  Letter  from  William  Duer,  chairman  of  committee  of  Cc4S 

vcntion,  relative  to  movements  and  proceedings  of  troops 
under  command  of,  in  Westchester  county,   808  809 

29.  Letter  from,  relative  to  proceedings  of,  and  transmitting  a  let- ' 

ter  from  Capt.  Alexander  Grant  to  Gen.  Heath,  enclosing 
one  to  Mrs.  Grant,   gjg 

WYCKOFF,  HENRY. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  commissary  of  the  troops  at  Fishkill, ....  679 

2,  Declension  of,  686 

WYNCKOOP,  MAJOR  ADRIAN.  ^ 
1.  Requisition  on  Treasurer  in  favour  of,  for  pay  and  subsis- 
tence of  detachment  of,  while  guarding  the  passes  of  the 
Highlands   775 

WYNCOOP,  CORNELIUS  D. 

1.  Appointment  of,  as  major  3d  regiment,   62 

2.  Appointment  of,  as  lieutenant-colonel,   98 

3.  To  muster  Capts.  Brown  and  Hasbrouck's  companies,   98 

4.  Ordered  to  command  of  Albany  and  Tryon  county  troops,  4th 

regiment,   424 

WYNKOOP,  JACOBUS,  CAPT. 

1.  Memorial  of,  relative  to  rank  and  situation  of,  in  Colonial 

troops,   107 

2.  Ordered  to  enlist  mariners  for  service  on  the  lakes,  under  di- 

rection of  Gen.  Schuyler,   408 

3.  Letter  from  Committee  of  Safety  to  Gen.  Washington,  re- 

specting command  of,  on  the  lakes,   425,  426 

4.  Letter  from,  to  Council  of  Safety,  relative  to,   1034 

WYTHE,  GEORGE.  (See  Continental  Congress,  81.) 

Y. 

YATES,  CHRISTOPHER.  (See  Tryon  County,  1.) 

YATES,  CHRISTOPHER  P. 
1.  Appointment  of,  as  captain  in  Tryon  county  militia,  in  place 

of  John  Fry,  declined,   103 

YATES,  ROBERT. 

1.  Delivery  by,  to  Provincial  Congress,  of  sundry  speeches  and 

documents  relative  to  Indian  affairs,   95 

2.  Election  of,  as  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court,   910 

z. 


ZEDWITZ,  HERMAN. 
1.  Appointed  major  of  1st  regiment,. 


80 


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